Hong Kong: Qianhai development meeting held Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Wang Shourui held the first meeting of the Task Force on the Development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone in Shenzhen today. At the meeting, the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen jointly learnt of the central government's requirements and objectives in regard to the Overall Development Plan for the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone, and exchanged views on how to further promote the development of Qianhai and deepen the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Mr Tsang remarked: Qianhai is one of the major co-operation platforms in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone is an important initiative for supporting Hong Kong's social and economic development; fostering a higher level of co-operation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau; and establishing a new development paradigm in pursuing opening up. He also said today's meeting will lay a more solid foundation for the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen to jointly formulate the work of implementing the promotion of the development of Qianhai in the new era, and further enhance the high-quality co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Mr Tsang noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to lead all sectors of the community proactively to fully seize the opportunities of developing the bay area together and make new and greater contributions to the high-quality development and high-level opening up of the country. Both sides arrived at a strong consensus to press ahead at full steam with promoting the demonstrative and leading roles Qianhai plays in the development of the bay area, and further deepening the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Going forward, Hong Kong and Shenzhen will jointly enhance collaboration and, in keeping with the requirements of the Qianhai Overall Development Plan, step up efforts in promoting the development of modern service industries in the Qianhai Co-operation Zone, support Qianhai in continuing to pursue more policy breakthroughs on pilot basis, and assist Qianhai in expediting the alignment of rules and harmonisation of mechanisms, in order to contribute to the further reform and opening up, Mr Tsang added. Furthermore, the Qianhai Authority of Shenzhen, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the governments of Shenzhen's Nanshan and Bao'an districts signed a co-operation memorandum of understanding to jointly set up the Qianhai Hong Kong Enterprises Service Centre, which will provide one-stop services for Hong Kong residents and businesses engaging in entrepreneurship, investment and living in Qianhai, Shenzhen. The Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides also witnessed the inauguration ceremony of the Qianhai Hong Kong Enterprises Service Centre and the Qianhai Hong Kong Youth Development Centre jointly set up by the Qianhai Authority and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups at the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation & Entrepreneur Hub. This story has been published on: 2024-02-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. World celebrates the Year of Dragon, gaining better understanding of Chinese culture Global Times) 08:44, February 06, 2024 Parisians interact with a dancing dragon sending Chinese New Year wishes to the public on the Champs-Elysees avenue on February 4, 2024 during a street celebration for the upcoming Year of the Dragon. Photo: cnsphoto As the Chinese Lunar New Year is just around the corner, the strong atmosphere of the Year of the Dragon is already palpable not only throughout China but also across the world, which is also the first Spring Festival since the UN listed the Chinese Lunar New Year as its floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings. With Chinese dragon-themed products selling rapidly overseas, there is also a growing interest among foreigners in discussing the Chinese zodiac signs, which could further promote Chinese culture globally, experts said. And in a complex international political environment, such cultural exchanges help foreigners gain a better understanding of the Chinese culture and China as a whole. Global celebrations Some major sites in Moscow are forming a special pedestrian route to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, which will also be the first year that Moscow celebrates this festival, according to local media. Cultural activities such as a concert of Chinese folk music will also take place, as the Year of the Dragon also coincides with the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture, some Russian media reported recently. In the US, the Asian American population has doubled in the first two decades of the millenniumand this year, cities across the country are preparing some of the most elaborate Chinese Lunar New Year festivities yet, travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler reported on January 29, listing "eight American cities that are going all out for [Chinese] Lunar New Year." From ornate decorations coloring casinos in Las Vegas to lively parades with lion dancers from New York City to San Franciscoand even an iconic celebration at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CaliforniaAmerican cities are celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year by decking themselves out in fortuitous red hues and indulging in auspicious foods, like dumplings, whose gold ingot shapes are said to usher in prosperity, the media report said. In Chinese culture, the upcoming lunar year will be the Year of the Dragon, and the dragon symbolizes bravery, progress, boundless vitality, and auspiciousness, conveying optimistic aspirations for the future, President Xi Jinping said during a recent visit to North China's Tianjin. He encouraged the residents to embrace the new year with confidence and strive toward an even better life. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng also extended Chinese Lunar New Year greetings to overseas Chinese, Chinese students and employees of Chinese institutions in the US on Sunday, saying that the dragon symbolizes auspiciousness, prosperity, and strength. "We hope that China-US relations, in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi, will continue on the right course and prosper steadily," Xie said, who also wished "every 'descendant of the dragon' a smooth and prosperous year." Pope Francis extended his greetings to those celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Vatican News reported on Sunday, expressing "the hope that this feast may be an occasion to experience relationships of affection and gestures of care, which contribute to creating a society of solidarity and fraternity, where each person is recognized and welcomed in his or her inalienable dignity." "The overseas Chinese community has grown significantly in size, contributing to the increasing global influence of Chinese culture. Amid the diversity of cultures worldwide, the Spring Festival holds a prominent position," Zhang Yiwu, a professor of cultural studies at Peking University, told the Global Times on Monday. The Spring Festival also holds universal significance as it represents a celebration of spring and carries symbolic meaning, he said, noting that this is especially true for countries in the northern hemisphere. "The internationalization of the Spring Festival is a reflection of China's growing influence on a global scale," Zhang said. Cultural exchanges A woman surnamed Cai, who is currently studying in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, told the Global Times on Monday that local lion and dragon dance performances have been going on for several days. There are also large-scale shopping exhibitions for buying Chinese Lunar New Year goods, and supermarkets and malls in Kuala Lumpur are filled with decorations featuring the dragon. "When I walk into the shopping malls these days, I feel like I'm not abroad," Cai said. She added that the Chinese Lunar New Year festive atmosphere in Malaysia is very strong, and the local Chinese people have a particularly good inheritance of Chinese traditional culture, as well as a sense of cultural pride. "When the lion dance performance reaches an exciting point, everyone will cheer and applaud loudly, creating a particularly warm and joyful atmosphere," she said. According to data from AliExpress, Chinese Lunar New Year-themed products like Chinese Lunar New Year mystery boxes from Chinese trend brands and items featuring Chinese dragon elements such as red envelopes, paper-cut window decorations, lanterns, Chinese knots, and couplets have been selling in over 100 countries abroad, with the sales volume increasing by 2.6 times compared to the previous year. Among them, sales of Chinese dragon-themed toys have seen a 50-fold increase. Consumers in the US, Spain, and South Korea show a particular liking for Chinese dragon toys, with approximately 40 percent of them being sold in these countries. Moreover, more than half of the red envelopes featuring the Year of the Dragon elements have been purchased by consumers in the US, the UK and France. At the 2024 New Year reception for foreign journalists in China held by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Friday, the Global Times reporters saw the venue filled with mascots symbolizing the Year of the Dragon, along with some dragon-themed hats. In addition, there was a calligraphy performance that attracted the attention of many foreign journalists. During the reception, Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying complimented the foreign journalists wearing dragon hats, saying that such decorations were very cute, and she hoped that they would tell the Chinese stories well. In the past, dragons were often seen as symbols of ferocity and aggression in the eyes of Westerners, and not necessarily associated with auspiciousness. However, as Western understanding of Chinese culture grows, they will also come to appreciate the significance of the dragon as a cultural symbol, Zhang noted. "Especially in China's cultural promotion efforts, the dragon has actually been transformed into a cute and auspicious image. In the realm of popular culture and creative products, it has been given an adorable makeover, retaining a positive and meaningful essence within it," he said. In order to promote cultural exchanges between China and the Western world, especially in boosting understanding of Chinese culture, some experts suggested that emphasis should be placed on symbols of traditional Chinese culture, such as pandas and dragons, which are internationally recognized cultural idols, highlighting the Chinese attributes and global recognition of these symbols. "We should also look toward the future, targeting the younger generation and using emerging media methods such as gaming and short videos [to help cultural exchanges] not only on a global scale but also focusing on regions beyond English-speaking countries, including Southeast Asia," Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times on Monday. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) People visit the Laomendong scenic area in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province, on Jan. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed hopes that Chinese visitors would have a delightful and secure experience in Thailand. This came after China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, which will come into effect from March 1. "As a Thai citizen, I'm so excited about the news," said Chanapan Kaewklachaiyawuth, vice president of the Thai Chinese Tourism Alliance Association, adding that it will facilitate travel and be the best mechanism to boost economic gains. Chanapan said the association expects between 200,000 and 250,000 Chinese tourists to enter Thailand during this year's Spring Festival holiday, running from Feb. 10 to 17. In 2024, the Southeast Asian country aims to attract 8 million tourists from China, more than double the figure from 2023 and constituting 75 percent of the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019. Singapore, which also signed a visa-free agreement with China last month, experienced a recovery in its tourism sector last year, with the Chinese mainland topping its tourist spending chart. The city-state expects its tourism industry to recover further this year, driven by improved global flight connectivity and capacity as well as the implementation of the mutual 30-day visa-free travel with China. Tourism bureaus across China are actively promoting local attractions and employing innovative strategies to entice visitors. Featuring unique local traditions such as distinctive dressing-up, traditional dances and delectable cuisine, these efforts aim to captivate tourists in the lead-up to the Spring Festival holiday. The "ice city" Harbin, capital city of northeast Heilongjiang province, took advantage of its winter landscape to promote ice and snow tourism, attracting more than 3 million visitors during the three-day New Year holiday and raking in a total tourism revenue of 5.91 billion yuan (about $831.6 million), both reaching record highs. On Alibaba's travel platform Fliggy, bookings for domestic and overseas destinations for visits during the Spring Festival holiday have surged, with that for outbound travel increasing more than 15 times compared with 2023, leaving tour guides buzzing with excitement. "Customers are eager to explore overseas destinations, particularly after countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists. It's like a renaissance for both individual and group tours," said Tan Mingyuan, a tour guide with GZL International Travel Service. "I have to work the entire holiday period," said Tan, who just returned from the Philippines and is leaving for Vietnam with a 20-member tour group. Looking ahead, 2024 will be a big year for China's tourism industry, which will enter "a new prosperous cycle," according to the China Tourism Academy. Chinese tourists are expected to make more than 6 billion domestic trips this year, up from nearly 4.9 billion in 2023, while the number of outbound trips by Chinese tourists is expected to reach 130 million, a big jump from more than 87 million last year, according to the academy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said that following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, the unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024. Over 70 conscientious objectors, Virginians from many of the Shenandoah Valleys pacifist congregations were marched down Parkersburg Turnpike from Petersburg, West Virginia towards Staunton where they were temporarily jailed by confederate authorities. AUGUSTA COUNTY Augusta County added a new story to the Civil War Trails program, one which has been largely forgotten for more than 160 years. Titled Civil Disobedience, the Plight of Pacifists, it is the first Civil War Trails site in Virginia to tell the story of conscientious objectors, according to a press release. The project was made possible due to a partnership between the Augusta County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Augusta County Historical Society, Civil War Trails, Inc. and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Stories like this one remind us that people throughout time are unique, with individual passions and convictions, said Drew Gruber, executive director of Civil War Trails, Inc. Gruber detailed that as the audience for Civil War Trails continues to expand, stories like this one should appeal to all audiences. History buffs are excited to stand in the footsteps of this lesser-known story and it has already proved to be a more engaging story for visitors who arent history nerds, he said. The story itself is one which has been sidelined in Virginia history. In the spring of 1862, approximately 70 pacifists, members of multiple congregations in the Shenandoah Valley tried heading west to avoid the Confederate draft. They were caught in present-day Petersburg, West Virginia and were marched to Staunton. The commitment of the pacifists turned prisoners helped promote laws protecting conscientious objectors. Over 70 conscientious objectors, Virginians from many of the Shenandoah Valleys pacifist congregations were marched down Parkersburg Turnpike from Petersburg, West Virginia towards Staunton where they were temporarily jailed by confederate authorities. The new Civil War Trails site is one of three in Augusta County, one of the 550 across Virginia, and one of the 1,500 trails sites across six states, the release said. The Civil War Trails program works with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to help promote the sites and stories in many ways including a new forthcoming brochure. As always, the Augusta County Historical Society appreciates the opportunity to work closely with the county of Augusta and the Civil War Trails group to help bring to light the multi-faceted stories of this tragic and bloody conflict that played out in our own backyards," said Ray Wright, ACHS president. "The poignant story of a group of young men risking their lives because of their faith is particularly touching. We hope that visitors use these Civil War Trails signs to gain a greater appreciation of the very rich and personal history that surrounds us here in the Shenandoah Valley. The Historical Society and Augusta County Tourism work hand-in-hand with the Civil War Trails team and the Virginia Tourism Corporation to promote these sites to travelers, the release said. According to the Civil War Trails team, travelers who are interested in history are increasingly interested in outdoor recreation, music, dining and more. The new Civil War Trails is located at 1529 Parkersburg Turnpike, Swoope, Virginia. Be sure to snap a #signselfie and post it along #visitaugustava. For more information, visit www.visitaugustacounty.com. More: Board of Supervisors and Staunton City Council retreats: THE AGENDA More: Weekend sports roundup: Gap, Grace girls; Wilson boys win. Gap wrestling claims regional crown This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Civil War: Augusta County, Virginia, tells forgotten pacifist story Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at a State Council meeting on clean governance, Feb. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday urged the resolute implementation of the Communist Party of China's strategic policy of full and rigorous self-governance, and called for greater advancements in improving Party conduct, upholding integrity and combating corruption within the government. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance. Addressing the meeting, Li acknowledged the progress that governments at all levels and their departments have made over the past year in improving Party conduct, upholding integrity and combating corruption. Li called for strict adherence to political discipline and rules. He also urged the nation's governments at all levels and their departments to focus on the rectification of corruption in key areas, remove grounds that breed corruption by deepening reform, and ensure that work to prevent and rectify corruption is consistent and sustained. Li said that focusing on the people's benefit is essential when evaluating performance. He emphasized the need to tackle pointless formalities and bureaucratism resolutely, guard against complacent thoughts and behaviors, and make solid efforts to implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and plans. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will appear at a House Armed Services hearing this month to face questions over his decision to hide his recent hospitalization from top national security officials. The Pentagon chief has agreed to testify on Feb. 29, according to Armed Services spokesperson Justine Tripathi. House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) initially pushed for Austin to appear next week, but said earlier Tuesday that the plan would have to wait due to a scheduling conflict. "He had a date conflict, but he's going to give us another date," Rogers said of Austin in a brief interview. The hearing is sure to be contentious. Some Republicans have argued Austin should lose his job over the episode, in which the Pentagon chief was hospitalized on Jan. 1 for complications from an earlier surgery to treat prostate cancer. But the White House was not informed for three days despite authority being transferred to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks. In a letter last month, Rogers argued the public airing is necessary because Austin did not "provide candid and complete answers" to a series of written questions the panel posed about the timeline of his hospitalization and transfer of responsibilities. Armed Services also sent questions to Hicks and Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, about the events. In his first public appearance since returning to work at the Pentagon, Austin last week apologized for his handling of his cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospital stay. We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right," Austin said during a Feb. 1 press conference. Automotive supplier Doowon Climate Control America, Inc. will invest more than $30 million and build a new manufacturing facility in Candler County, according to the office of Gov. Brian Kemp. The governors office said the investment will create the facility in Metter, Ga. and bring 200 new jobs to the county. According to officials, the Doowon investment marks the second automotive supplier to begin operations in Candler County in less than six months. The governors office said Doowon will be a key supplier for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia and Hyundai Motor Group. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Saying the investment is an example of how Georgia has grown into a national auto manufacturing leader, Kemp said the industry investment continues to pay dividends across Georgias communities. In fiscal year 2023, alone, 82 percent of new jobs created and more than $20 billion of investments went to communities outside the metro Atlanta area. The City of Metter and Candler County are key beneficiaries of that success, and we are excited for Doowon Climate Control America, Inc. to join this community, Kemp said in a statement. The company, founded in 1974, specializes in the design and manufacturing of climate control systems for the automotive industry. A company representative for Doowon said the investment in Georgia is to establish a stronger presence in the United States. TRENDING STORIES: The new facility for Doowon will be located at the Metter-Candler County I-16 Industrial Park, which is a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development certified site, according to the governors office. The facility will be used to produce climate control systems for traditional and electric vehicles and should begin operations in 2026. Doowon Climate Control America, Inc. is making significant investments to establish itself as Doowon Groups inaugural automotive air conditioning system production facility in the United States, Ki Chun Sung, CEO of Doowon Climate Control America, Inc, said in a statement. The company is optimistic that its technological expertise and industry experience will play a vital role in the growth of the local community. Our sincere appreciation extends to the State of Georgia and Candler County for their steadfast support throughout the process, and we look forward to ongoing support and collaboration. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Seven years after shooting and killing his brother amid a longtime Douglas County family feud, James Lee Aborn is accused of a gun-related crime and several other felonies. The 72-year-old Ava resident was recently arrested for allegedly harassing his neighbors, killing the couple's dog, and directing them to film Aborn as he urinated outside, the latter act police said was caught on camera. Aborn faces formal charges of felony unlawful possession of a weapon, three felony counts of first-degree harassment, and first-degree sexual misconduct. A week after filing a complaint with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office with the belief that her neighbor Aborn shot and killed her cats, a woman reached out to authorities again after discovering that one of her and her husband's two dogs had been killed by Aborn. The animal's remains were found under the woman's porch, according to a police report, and it appeared to have recently died of a gunshot wound. James Aborn When deputies arrived, they noted in a police report that the trail of blood came from the direction of Aborn's home. The man told investigators, according to a police report, that he often opens a window from inside his home and shoots at a tree stump. He told police he acknowledged an injured dog walked near the stump he usually shoots, but that he didn't harm the dog. Days later, and amid DCSO's investigation of Aborn's alleged offenses, the man's neighbor sent video of what appeared to be Aborn saying "here kitty kitty kitty" at night in an attempt to lure and shoot the animal. Aborn's neighbors reported the man often gets drunk and shoots his gun, which became a growing concern. He was also accused of using foul, sexual language toward the female neighbor, who reached out to authorities. When the husband previously contacted Aborn to ask why he shot their cats, Aborn reportedly said "because I don't like them." DCSO found no evidence of dead cats on the property. In more recorded footage submitted to authorities, police say that a laughing Aborn encourages the neighbors to film him urinating toward them, saying "you probably like this big ol' (expletive) don't ya" and "idiots from California." The neighbors don't appear to provoke Aborn, according to the police report. The video was recorded at night, resulting in poor visibility. After gathering enough evidence while fielding several complaints against Aborn by three neighbors who believed the man's actions would continue to escalate, DCSO arrested Aborn. "I strongly suspect that if no enforcement action is taken, James Lee Aborn is capable of causing injury, or death to the individuals residing near his residence," a deputy wrote in his probable cause statement. Aborn, who was also arrested for harassment in 2013, was charged with second-degree murder in the 2017 killing of his brother, John Aborn. The case went to trial, where James Lee Aborn and his son, David Aborn, who both cited self-defense, were exonerated by a jury. Before the fatal shooting, John Aborn was arrested in 2011 after reportedly shooting and injuring David Aborn in a previous scuffle. Ryan Collingwood covers a wide range of topics for the News-Leader with an emphasis on public safety. He can be reached by phone at 417-258-8174 and email at rcollingwood@news-leader.com. You can also follow Ryan on social media at X.com/rwcollingwood. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ava man with criminal history accused of killing neighbor's dog LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Lee Canyon will remain closed until at least Tuesday following an avalanche Monday afternoon. The avalanche occurred around 1:20 p.m. at Lee Canyon Ski Area above the Sherwood chairlift, affecting the Black Jack, High Roller, and Keno trails. According to Lee Canyon, the Sherwood lift was immediately stopped, the resort suspended all operations, ski patrol was dispatched, and guests were asked to leave the resort. Lee Canyons ski patrol and mountain operations team performed a search and located one person who required assistance and was released after being treated at the scene. No other people were reported missing, Lee Canyon said. As a precaution, Lee Canyon employees and guests performed a probe line over the affected areas. An on-mountain search and a parking lot sweep were conducted and everyone is currently accounted for, Lee Canyon said. Around 5:30 p.m., search command ceased operations and called off all resources. Mountains around Las Vegas could get up to 3 of snow as second atmospheric river moves into valley State Route 156 was closed at U.S. 95. State Route 157 is closed at Kyle Canyon Road and is open only to residents of the mountain. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Metro Police Search and Rescue said four people were initially reported missing. Shortly before 4 p.m., LVMPD posted that everyone was located and safe. The Lee Canyon Ski Area will remain closed Tuesday and potentially Wednesday. Guests with purchased lift tickets will be refunded. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A destroyed window in a lyceum in the north of Ukraine. A delegation from Ukraine, Portugal and Estonia visited the site as part of a reconstruction forum for the region. -/Ukrinform/dpa A two-month-old baby has been killed in a Russian missile attack on a hotel in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, according to official reports. "Three women, aged 21, 28 and 39, were hospitalised with blast and shrapnel injuries, including the mother of the child who was killed," the military governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, said on his Telegram channel on Tuesday. The three-storey building in the settlement of Solochiv collapsed as a result of the strike. Syniehubov spoke of "another terrorist attack against civilians". The village, to the north-west of Kharkiv city, is said to have been hit with converted S-300 air defence missiles, which Russia regularly uses to fire at ground targets in its war of aggression against Ukraine. The Kharkiv region, which borders Russia, is one of the hardest hit by the war in Ukraine. Syniehubov reported artillery and grenade launcher attacks on 20 other villages in the region, and said that there had also been air strikes. The locations mentioned by Syniehubov in this context are in the Kupyansk district, where Russian troops are advancing from the east. The Ukrainian army liberated the strategically important railway junction on the banks of the Oskil River as part of its counteroffensive in the autumn of 2022, and Russian forces are now attempting to recapture it. Rescue workers have retrieved the body of a two-month-old child from under the rubble of a hotel in the town of Zolochiv in Kharkiv Oblast, which was hit by a Russian missile strike at night. Three more people have been hospitalised with injuries. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration; Ukraines State Emergency Service Quote from Syniehubov: "Another terror against civilians. Rescue workers retrieved the body of a two-month-old boy born on 4 December 2023 from under the rubble of a three-storey hotel. Three women aged 21, 28, and 39, including the mother of the killed child, were hospitalised with blast and shrapnel injuries." Aftermath of the attack. Photo: Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram Details: Syniehubov said the Russians attacked the settlement with two S-300 missiles at night. Aftermath of the attack. Photo: Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram The State Emergency Service added that a fire had broken out in a two-storey building located near the hotel as a result of the strike. As of 06:30, the fire, covering an area of 230 square metres, had been extinguished. Aftermath of the attack. Photo: Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram In total, the Russians damaged 7 private homes, 19 civilian infrastructure facilities (shops, cafes, kiosks), 2 administrative buildings and at least 5 civilian vehicles. Rescue workers. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Search and rescue operations are ongoing. The State Emergency Service deployed 40 rescue workers and 7 fire-and-rescue appliances. Rescue workers. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Background: The Russians attacked the village of Zolochiv in the Bohodukhiv district (Kharkiv Oblast) on the night of 5-6 February, destroying a three-storey hotel. Early reports indicated that a civilian had been trapped under the rubble. Support UP or become our patron! Troy Police Department has provided an update in the search for a missing 14-year-old girl. Ellie Carder was last seen Wednesday evening in the area of E. Staunton Rd. and Michigan Ave. heading toward the Great Miami River, according to Troy Police Chief Shawn McKinney. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 14-year-old girl missing; Troy police ask public to be on lookout Carder is 5 feet 7 inches tall and 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes, a spokesperson with the department said. Detectives are now focusing their investigation in the area of the Great Miami River. At 9:08 p.m. on Wednesday, Conagra Foods employees told police that they heard a woman yelling outside near the river, McKinney said. Officers checked the area and did not hear anyone yelling or find anyone at that time. As officers worked to follow up on leads that Carder may have voluntarily run away, they continued to search the river. >> Woman finds man dead inside car near funeral home in Springfield Tuesday morning, Troy police officers and fire personnel were searching the Great Miami River near E Main Street and found her backpack. Crews are continuing their efforts to search the river. If you have any information on Carders whereabouts contact Detective Compton at (937) 339-7525 ext. 1410. If you know her current location, call 911 or (937) 440-9911. The Ministry of Emergency Management and two other government departments have sent 20,000 disaster relief supply items, including cotton-padded quilts, to central China's Hunan Province, the ministry said on Monday. The ministry upgraded the emergency response for disasters induced by low temperatures, rain, snow and freezing conditions in Hunan from level-IV to level-III on Sunday. The ministry also activated a level-IV emergency response for the same reasons in east China's Jiangxi Province on Sunday, while it maintained the level-III emergency responses in Anhui and Hubei, as well as the level-IV emergency responses in Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Shaanxi. The Bahamian and Jamaican tourism boards are insisting the countries are still safe to tourists after the United States issued travel warnings about the Caribbean countries. The U.S. embassy in the Bahamas has released a security warning and travel advisory that the island nation is currently unsafe for tourists amidst 18 murders primarily motivated by gang violence in January alone. The American embassy in Jamaica also issued a Level 3 travel advisory for tourists to reconsider travel, which is just one level short of the most severe warning to Americans against travel altogether. However, the governments of both islands have spoken out to encourage tourists to continue booking travel. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMT) board said that the warnings and advisories do not reflect general safety in the Bahamas, a country of 16 tourism destinations, and many more islands, according to Travel Weekly. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMT) board said that the warnings and advisories do not reflect general safety in the Bahamas. majaiva Last year, the Caribbean country welcomed more than 9 million visitors, which they described as a significant milestone for our nation. However, safety concerns have reached a point of severity. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets, the embassy wrote in a release, recommending the use of extreme caution on the eastern side of the Bahamas capital city of Nassau. In turn, the popular American tourist attraction is working to enforce new safety measures. The government of the Bahamas is implementing a robust and innovative crime reduction and prevention strategy. This comprehensive approach is informed by the latest research and successful international models, focusing on five key pillars: prevention, detection, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation, the BMT noted. The U.S. embassy in the Bahamas has released a security warning and travel advisory that the island nation is currently unsafe for tourists. elvirkin Meanwhile, the government in Jamaica is also attempting to mitigate concerns. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) noted that the crime rate involving visitors to the island remains extremely low at 0.01% but that the recent update reaffirmed the countrys Level 3 designation, which was set in 2022, according to Travel Weekly. The board noted that there are very distinctly defined areas within Jamaica that the advisory cites as having high risk for crime, so the majority of the islands tourism product remains unaffected. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) noted that the crime rate involving visitors to the island remains extremely low. Shutterstock Last year, Jamaica hosted 4.1 million visitors including 2.1 million from the U.S. alone. Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer, the JTB said. However, the State Department has warned that Jamaica has reported one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere for several years. At least 65 people were killed between Jan. 1 and 27 of this year, data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force show. Shockingly, the high murder rate is down from last year 81 people were killed in the first month of 2023. The Bahamas and Jamaica are just two of about 200 destinations about which the State Department has issued warnings. Level 4 cautions were issued for Burma and Afghanistan in recent months. A Baltimore District Court judge repeatedly touched a female lawyer without her consent after a professional event last year, according to a state commission that investigates judicial misconduct. The Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities, which investigates complaints against judges and can recommend discipline to the Supreme Court of Maryland, found District Judge Kevin M. Wilson made unwanted advances on an attorney following a Bar Association of Baltimore City Young Lawyers Division event. Judge Wilson engaged in behavior unbecoming of an officer of the court and in direct contravention of a judges responsibility to promote confidence in the Judiciary and to maintain the dignity of judicial office, the commission wrote in a document outlining its investigation, which was first reported by The Daily Record. Wilson and the female attorney talked at the May 18 event then later sat at a table in a different part of the Baltimore venue with another District Court judge and other attorneys, according to the commission. The woman said she felt Wilsons hand touch her leg in an up and down movement. Two other attorneys witnessed this and one reported telling the judge to stop. Then, the woman felt Judge Wilson place his hand back on her leg and move it under her skirt and touch her buttocks. She then left the table and the venue, the commission wrote. Wilson genuinely believed, according to a response to the allegations from his attorneys, that the two were engaged in reciprocal flirtatious behavior between two consenting adults throughout the evening. The judge admitted he touched the attorneys leg at dinner at the Maryland Clubs Charles Street Grill following the event but denied touching her buttocks. He also denied that other attendees told him to stop touching the woman. Judge Wilson realizes and acknowledges that his honest belief was incorrect, and his touching made her uncomfortable, which he sincerely apologizes for and deeply regrets, his attorneys wrote in their response to the commission. The judge began voluntarily meeting with a counselor in August to improve his interpersonal skills, better recognize power dynamics, and avoid similar situations in the future, according to the response. Wilson began his law career as an Assistant States Attorney in Baltimore City in 2000. In 2013, then-Gov. Martin OMalley appointed him as an Associate Judge for the District Court for Baltimore City. The commission will conduct a public hearing on the allegations against Wilson on May 20 and May 21 at the Appellate Court of Maryland in Annapolis. The Maryland Constitution grants the commission the power to issue a reprimand, enter into a diversion agreement with a judge or recommend to the Supreme Court of Maryland the removal, censure, or other appropriate disciplining of a judge or, in an appropriate case, retirement, according to the commissions website. In response to questions about what specific discipline Wilson could face if he is found to have committed sanctionable conduct, a commission staffer referred a reporter to the website. When 13-year-old Melanie Elkins was found dead in an Akron alleyway last June the victim of an overdose her death came as a shock to those who knew the teen. A Barberton man was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for sexually assaulting Melanie in the spring before her death, providing new insight into what was happening in the young girls life before her death. Melanie Elkins Anthony Mignano, 30, pleaded no contest and was found guilty in January in Summit County Common Pleas Court to three counts of rape, first-degree misdemeanors, and three counts of gross sexual imposition, third-degree felonies. Judge Kathryn Michael sentenced Mignano, a friend of Elkins family, to life in prison for sexually assaulting Elkins, who was then 12. Mignano will be eligible for parole after 10 years. The death of Melanie Elkins has left an enormous impact on our community, Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh said in a news release. Sending Anthony Mignano to prison for the rest of his life is one step in bringing justice to Melanie and her family. Melanies father David Fast, sister Natalie Richter, and grandmother Rhonda Elkins said in a statement that the teens story is far from over. She was a very sweet, caring, loving, and smart girl who loved playing video games and was interested in forensic science, her family members said. Melanies memory will live on forever. Prosecutors say Mignano moved in with Melanie and her father in the spring of 2022. They say Mignano admitted to having sex with Melanie three times. Mignano was represented by attorney Nathan Ray. Michael designated Mignano a Tier 3 sex offender, which means he will be required to report his address to the sheriffs office every 90 days for the rest of his life if he is released from prison. Teen is found dead in Akron alley Melanie was found dead just before 1 p.m. on June 12 in Minordy Place, an alley in the 400 block of South Arlington Street in Akron. Police said she was reported a runaway on June 11. Fentanyl and methamphetamine were found in her system during a toxicology test and are the likely cause of death, according to the Summit County Medical Examiners Office. Melanies death surprised those who knew the teen, who was a seventh grader at East Middle School and was enrolled for eighth grade there. We cant believe it, said Debbie Tobias, who taught Melanie in third grade at Glover Elementary School. She was one of those students that you knew was going to go far and had everything going for her. Akron man is sentenced to jail for dumping Melanies body Keith Earley, 31, of Akron was sentenced to nine months in jail in December after pleading guilty to gross abuse of a corpse, a fifth-degree felony, and failure to report knowledge of a death, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Prosecutors say he dumped Melanies body in the alley. If Akron detectives determine who provided Melanie with the fatal dose of drugs, that person also will be prosecuted, Walsh said. Summit County has been charging those who provide drugs to people who overdose and die with involuntary manslaughter. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton man gets life for raping Melanie Elkins, who later overdosed BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) Battle Creek city commissioners chose between two options regarding the future of I-194. Instead of repaving or routine maintenance, the end goal is a complete reconstruction. The four-mile stretch of I-194 connecting downtown Battle Creek to I-94 is one of the busiest freeways in the county with 24,400 vehicles every day, according to MDOT. The decision before Battle Creek city commissioners Tuesday night did not deal with funding or anything of that nature. Instead, it centered on a resolution supporting one of those two options using findings from a recent Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study. In an 8-1 vote, Battle Creek City Commissioners passed a resolution supporting replacement option one, an in-kind freeway with grade-separated intersections. It is essentially the same configuration as I-194 is now only the pavement, bridges and intersections are built brand-new. However, it is more expensive to build up front and to maintain year-over-year, with an $189 million price tag in 2024 dollars, according to MDOT spokesman Nick Schirripa. Read: Battle Creek City Commission Agenda Feb. 6, 2024 We can rebuild it almost exactly like it is now, not change anything functionally, he explained. Its going to look and feel the same. Replacement option two, which was not chosen, was a boulevard with at-grade intersections, which would have cost less up front and over time at $101 million in 2024 dollars. No bridges were in the layout, which instead featured intersections, Michigan left turns and traffic lights. Schirripa said roundabouts were not part of either plan. He explained that it would be eerily similar to US-131 in the Schoolcraft area. Construction on US-131 south of Schoolcraft will add more Michigan lefts. Something thats a little more neighborhood friendly, he added. It offers a little more access to the neighborhoods that are adjacent to that corridor as opposed to forcing folks to go down a few extra roads then turn around and come back or get off early and then have to travel. Dearing said safety was not the only lens city leaders looked through Tuesday night. Some of this is economics, he said. Then, some of it is aesthetics. Some of it is just practicality and efficiency. Its just a study, Schirripa added. Were still five to ten years away from an actual project happening, but this gives us an idea of where were heading. The idea isnt for us to come in and say Were going to do this. Its to come in and talk to the community and get an idea of what the community wants to see that corridor look like. Local stakeholders from Emmett Charter Township, Calhoun County, MDOT, the state and the Federal Highway Administration will also chime in before MDOT ultimately makes the final call. MDOT says the project, which is currently not funded, is not expected to begin construction for another five to 10 years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Despite imposed sanctions over the war in Ukraine, millions of barrels of fuel derived from Russian oil continue to be imported into the U.K., BBC reports citing findings by Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air as well as Global Witness. A loophole allows Russian crude to be processed in countries like India, and the resulting products are then sold to the U.K. While this practice is not illegal and does not violate the UK's ban on Russian oil, critics argue that it undermines sanctions aimed at limiting Russia's war funds. The U.K. is among many countries to ban the import of all oil and oil products that originate in Russia. The country does not allow any imports of Russian oil since 2022, asserting that internationally recognized "rules of origin" consider refined crude from another country as originating from the refining nation for trade purposes. "The issue with this loophole is that it increases the demand for Russian crude and enables higher sales in terms of volume and pushing up their price as well, which increases the funds sent to the Kremlin's war chest," Isaac Levi, who heads the CREA's Europe-Russia policy and energy analysis, told BBC. In a separate research paper, the advocacy group Global Witness said that in 2023, around 5.2 million barrels of refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil were brought into the U.K. The majority of the imported fuel, totaling 4.6 million barrels, consisted of jet fuel. The researchers suggested it was used in one in 20 U.K. flights. Lela Stanley, campaign lead for the Ukraine team at Global Witness, said while "the UK government falls over itself to decry the war in Ukraine, it remains complicit in the sale of Russian oil by keeping this refining loophole open," according to BBC. Both reports asserted that the described loophole indirectly generated over $135 million in tax revenues for the Kremlin. CREA and Global Witness relied on oil shipment figures from data and analytics firm Kpler, using pricing data from Eurostat and other sources for their estimates. Both organizations acknowledged the reports contained assumptions and admitted facing challenges and limitations in analyzing such trade. Read also: Bloomberg: Russian marine oil exports hit 2 month low after storms, suspected Ukrainian attack on refinery Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Texas has designated an official state stone (petrified palmwood), shell (lightning whelk) and grass (sideoats grama). Among edibles, Texas has conferred the ultimate honor on a dish (chili), bread (pan de campo), fruit (Texas red grapefruit), nut (pecan), native pepper (chiltepin), "other pepper" (jalapeno), vegetable (Texas sweet onion) and snack (tortilla chips and salsa). Two sweet bites, strudel and sopaipillas, share the title for state pastry. (I guess the kolache lobby slept in that day.) What's missing here? Something to wash this feast down. I hereby propose three beverages as official Texas state drinks. In addition, I have added several runners-up to the end of the list. Please nominate your own Texas libations at mbarnes@gannett.com. Texas is just one big margaritaville This choice is a no-brainer. Margaritas frozen, on the rocks or straight-up have been a staple of Texas culture for decades. Margaritas should be near the top of the list of official Texas drinks. This one is the "Presidente," served by Chili's, which, after all, is based in Dallas. Cocktail historians trace the drink's origins back to a dozen different sources during the 1930s. Early versions of margaritas, sometimes with other names, were made with lime or lemon juice, Cointreau and tequila. The earliest claim that I've found credits Dona Bertha of Bertha's Bar in Taxco, Mexico, as the drink's creator. It is easier to pinpoint the inventor of the frozen-margarita machine. The story is pure Texan. In 1974, entrepreneur Mariano Martinez, a Dallas native, adapted a Slurpee machine to make alluring concoctions that could be dispensed without the help of a bartender. The original machine is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. (Side note: Around this same time, Jimmy Buffett started writing the song "Margaritaville" after day drinking at a tequila bar in Austin.) More: Tastemakers: Readers share their favorite dishes from the Lone Star State These days, margaritas come in a dizzying array of flavors, including avocado and sriracha-mango. I am a classic lime man myself. At times, I'll take a walk on the wild side and order the prickly pear or watermelon options. Still, any margarita should be mostly sour and only a tiny bit sweet. Late in life, I have skipped the festive ring of salt, white or otherwise, on the rim of the glass. More: Tastes like Texas? Tell us the dish(es) you think best rep our big giant state Fresh ingredients, blended or stirred in generous amounts, are a must. No gritty mixes. Even a virgin margarita can invigorate the palate. But if you are looking for that zippy pleasure derived from distilled blue agave, avoid portions that come in stemmed glasses the size of goldfish bowls. You will be disappointed. Once at an otherwise pleasant and no longer in business restaurant on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, I was served one of those oversized, disheartening "margaritas." After a couple of sips, I ordered a shot of tequila because, as I politely informed the server, there was none in the drink. He didn't blink an eye. He knew. As for the distinctions among frozen, straight-up and on the rocks, like everything else, it comes down to a matter of taste. A good frozen margarita delivers a creamy texture that enhances the icy blend of ingredients. The constituent parts shine more brightly, however, when the drink is poured straight-up or on the rocks. Lovers of both options can order a frozen margarita with a "floater" of top-shelf tequila on top. The scope of human ingenuity is limitless. The real deal: Spicy sausage sandwich with fries and Shiner Bock at Hard Eight Barbecue in Stephenville. Going to war over sweet or unsweetened iced tea Light and refreshing, a tall, beaded glass of iced tea goes well with a sandwich, salad, hamburger, enchiladas, barbecue or dim sum you name it. I find myself craving the malty black tea taste, although I can switch to herbal alternatives if need be. These days, one can enjoy a plethora of hot-weather tea concoctions from around the world. You can have lunch at almost any Texas restaurant and rest easy. If requested, your meal will be served with iced tea. In fact, it would be startling to be told than none was available. More: Starring Texas: What you can learn about the state through its movies Here comes trouble: The closer you come to our border with Louisiana, Oklahoma or Mexico, "sweet tea" dominates. Definitely preferred in the Deep South, it should never, in my opinion, be the only selection on the menu. Better yet, let people sweeten their own iced tea. Let the brickbats begin! While growing up in Texas, I sometimes bought a can of Lipton's iced tea at a grocery store, but it was almost always overly sweet and the metallic aftertaste never appealed to me. I consider it sign of civilizational advance that Pure Leaf Iced Tea, unsweetened, is now available for purchase in easy-to-grip, recyclable plastic bottles at many Texas convenience stores. The beers that made Texas famous The consumption of beer can be traced back to the earliest days of the Texas Republic. Most of the suds were imported or home-brewed until German and Czech immigrants established small family breweries. Beer was prepared during the cold months and stored in cellars. "William A. Menger's Western Brewery (185578), located on Alamo Square in San Antonio, is usually considered the first commercial Texas brewery," reports the Handbook of Texas Online. "By its last year of business in 1878, it was the largest operating brewery in Texas. In 1859, Menger also opened a very popular hotel next to his brewery. The Menger Hotel still contains the large cellar, constructed of three-foot-thick stone walls, that was used to chill the beer produced by the brewery." The first large manufacturing concern in Fort Worth was a brewery. By the end of the 19th century, Pearl and Lone Star breweries competed for the largest output of the frothy stuff in San Antonio. In fact, most of the early breweries were located in places with large German or Czech populations, with the exceptions of El Paso and Nacogdoches. The state's profitable breweries switched to other products during the Prohibition. During the 1970s, Lone Star made a swipe at becoming the "National Beer of Texas." Its savvy advertising often featured armadillos, and in Austin the brand is still associated with the Armadillo World Headquarters and the concert posters from that era. Founded in 1909 in Shiner, Spoetzl Brewery was among the few surviving makers of Texas-only brands in the late 20th century. When I arrived in Austin in 1984 to attend graduate school, Shiner Bock was all the rage. It was the first party keg to float. You would have thought it was already the official Texas beer, even though its statewide market share was microscopic. St. Arnold's Brewery, which shipped its first keg from Houston in 1994, was among the first craft beer makers and brewpubs to become a media darling. Today, a Texas road tripper expects to find a brewpub in just about any courthouse square in the state, except in dry precincts. Still, the vast majority of beer consumed in the state is made by huge commercial breweries owned by international conglomerates. Several popular Mexican brands, such as Corona and Modelo, belong to the Belgian behemoth Anheuser-Busch AB InBev. Their saturation marketing campaigns recall those once waged primarily by a few legacy American labels. Still, beer remains very much at the heart of the Texas mythos. The list of country songs that mention beer, for instance, is without end. "If you measured distance by the six-pack, then you grew up in Texas," reader Ed Dorn reminded me after reading my column on what makes a typical Texan. "The state outlawed driving while intoxicated (DWI) several decades ago, but it took the legislature a while longer to figure out the cause-effect relationship between drinking while driving and being drunk while driving. "When I was attending UT back in the 60s, the distance from Austin to San Antonio was about half a six-pack. Then came the law against having open containers of alcohol in the passenger compartment. I have long suspected that pickup trucks had those little sliding glass windows between the cab and the truck bed to allow for quick disposal of an open can of beer." Runners-up includes wine, water, liquor, coffee, soft drinks, fruit drinks We didn't forget other Texas potables, potent or not. More: Texas history: On second thought, make that 60 essential books about our state Wine : In just a few decades, Central Texas has become one of the most attractive places in the U.S. for vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms and the travel culture associated with them. The state's viniculture revolution, however, started in West Texas and was originally associated with research at Texas Tech University. Those farmers still send many of their grapes to the Fredericksburg area to be turned into wine that is then tasted by and sold to locals, tourists and day-trippers. Along the way, growers have learned to specialize in hot-weather varietals such as Tempranillo and Viognier. Water : Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. In many places in Texas, plain tap water is delicious, whether derived from surface, underground or cistern sources. One exception taken from extensive personal experience: What comes out of the tap during our winter stays in Surfside Beach, Texas, is to be avoided. That is why nearly an entire aisle is devoted to bottled spring water at the H-E-B in nearby Lake Jackson. Liquor : According to one whiskey historian, distilled spirits in Texas go back to 1680 at the Mision de Corpus Christi de San Antonio de la Ysleta del Sur near El Paso. Whiskey was the most popular hard beverage in Texas during the 19th century. But after being forced underground during Prohibition, the state's distilleries took decades to recover. Starting in the 1990s, modern liquor pioneers such as Austin's Tito's Handmade Vodka, Hye's Garrison Brothers Distillery, Dripping Springs' Treaty Oak Distilling and Waco's Balcones Distilling sparked a revival that continues to expand each year. Coffee : No coffee is grown in Texas. (It requires a tropical, mountainous environment.) Yet coffee shops grew from stripped-down diners to ubiquitous necessities during the past 30 or so years. In Austin, trailblazers included Quackenbush's, Chicago House, Little City and Jo's Hot Coffee. Today there seems to be a coffee shop on every other corner in many Texas cities, and county courthouse squares have not been left out of this cultural phenomenon. If only you can nab a table from one of the studious laptop jockeys. Soft drinks : While Texans, like most Southerners, call all sweet carbonated beverages "Cokes," Dr Pepper is intimately connected with the state's image. Visit the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco for its happy history. I would be remiss if I left out Big Red, also invented in Waco and closely associated with barbecue consumption in parts of the state. Fruit drinks: Especially popular with the state's Mexican American population, these sweet beverages are perhaps best sampled fresh at fruterias Mexican fruit bars with desserts, snacks, fruity beverages and comidas. Michael Barnes writes about the people, places, culture and history of Austin and Texas. He can be reached at mbarnes@gannett.com. Sign up for the free weekly digital newsletter, Think, Texas, at statesman.com/newsletters, or at the newsletter page of your local USA Today Network paper. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Beer, margarita, iced tea could be the official Texas state drink On Feb. 6, Michigan jurors returned a guilty verdict in the case of Jennifer Crumbley, whose son killed four students in a 2021 school shooting. It was the first time the parent of a school shooter had been charged for their childs crime. Ethan Crumbley opened fire at his high school in Oxford, Michigan, on Nov. 30, 2021, when he was 15 years old. He killed four of his classmates and wounded seven other people. He pled guilty to 24 charges, including murder and terrorism, and is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Leading up to the shooting, Jennifer Crumbley purchased a gun for her son and took him to a shooting range to practice using it. She also bought ammunition for him. And she and her husband, James (who is set to stand trial in March on the same charges), declined the schools offer to take their son with them to seek mental health treatment after a meeting with the schools guidance counselor the morning of the shooting. The parents were called in after a teacher found a math worksheet on which Ethan had drawn a gun and a bleeding body and written the words The thoughts wont stop, Help me, and Blood everywhere. In her closing remarks on Feb. 2, before the verdict was handed down, Crumbleys attorney Shannon Smith argued that convicting Crumbley for the murders her son committed would set an ominous precedent. This case is a very dangerous one for parents out there, she said. And it is one of the first of its kind. Smith used examples from her own life to demonstrate that parenting is messy and that no one, including Crumbley, is ever a perfect parent. She implied that if Crumbley was convicted, it might put all parents at risk of being hit with criminal charges for some of their own lowest parenting moments. Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald argued in her closing statement that because just the smallest of things on Crumbleys part might have prevented the shooting, she should be found guilty. She could have stopped at home on the way back from the meeting, McDonald told the jury. She could have stopped on the way back to work. She could have searched the backpack. She could have asked her son where the gun was. She could have blocked the ammunition. She could have blocked the gun. She could have taken him home. She could have taken him to work. The defense argued that Crumbley could not have been aware of how events were going to unfold the day of the shooting. Can every parent really be responsible for everything their children do, especially when its not foreseeable? Smith asked the jurors. Prior to the verdict, HuffPost spoke with two attorneys with extensive experience in family law about the implications of this historic case. The prosecutions characterization of Crumbley as a bad mom was strategic. Prosecutors made an effort to paint Crumbley as a bad mother whose love for her child was insufficient. Over the course of the trial, prosecutors revealed Crumbleys extramarital affair and raised the question of whether she was more committed to her horses than to her son, since she had more pictures of them on her phone than she did of Ethan. We also learned that when Crumbley called her father from jail, she asked about the horses, as well as the number of calories in a bologna sandwich, instead of inquiring about her son. While disturbing, none of these actions are criminal. However, the inclusion of these details wasnt accidental. The prosecutors in this case are deliberately trying to make this mother look to be a bad person, Martin Guggenheim, professor emeritus at the NYU School of Law, told HuffPost. Which makes complete sense, because jurors are people and people like or dislike people. Its easier to find somebody to be a criminal if I dont like you. This community is reeling, Guggenheim continued. As humans, we want to attach blame and assign responsibility, and its easier to do this when weve determined that someone is, in our view, a bad person. However, in this case, Guggenheim actually thinks that painting Crumbley as a neglectful parent went against the prosecutions argument that she had the ability to foresee, and therefore prevent, this crime. In showing how uninvolved she was in Ethans life, unaware of the depth of his mental health struggles, the prosecution illustrated a key point on behalf of the defense: Crumbley did not have knowledge of her sons intentions that day. Her bad mothering, as it were, is part of the defense. I was a bad mother, and I didnt know what he was about to do, Guggenheim said. Poor parenting is not against the law for good reason. The law doesnt require people to be great parents, or even good ones. The bar is much lower. We need only be minimally adequate, Josh Gupta-Kagan, a professor at Columbia Law School, told HuffPost. Keeping the bar this low is protective for families. We should fear the state enforcement of a higher standard, which can lead to all sorts of harmful places, Gupta-Kagan said. We should fear such a standard being enforced in a discriminatory manner based on class and race. We should protect individual parents and different cultural groups ability to pass on whats important to them with limits, of course but even if other groups, perhaps even dominant groups, might see it as dangerous or bad parenting. Protecting parents rights to raise their children as they see fit also preserves families freedom to practice their religions and follow their own cultural traditions. As it is, the families that Child Protective Services get involved with are disproportionally Black, Indigenous and Latinx. If the state had even greater powers to punish parents for what it deemed to be poor parenting, the effects would likely be equally discriminatory. Even parents of privilege have been made uneasy by the spectacle of Crumbleys parenting getting picked apart at trial. It makes us all a little nervous to think that our failures as parents could be used against us in this way, Guggenheim said. Parents should have latitude when it comes to decisions about their childrens mental health. If youve ever tried to get mental health care for a minor, you know the current system can make this process incredibly difficult. Providers may be costly, medications out of stock and insurance policies inscrutable. Clarity can be elusive about the right thing to do when it comes to your childs care. I think we need to we ought to be... very cautious about allowing the state to be second-guessing really hard mental health care decisions for parents, Gupta-Kagan said. For families under the scrutiny of Child Protective Services, not following a providers recommendation can provoke accusations of negligence. The scenario is someone with authority says, Do this service or take this path to deal with this complicated scenario, and if the parent doesnt, then they get labeled neglectful and are at risk of losing [custody of] their kids, Gupta-Kagan explained. We should be wary of where this path leads, because it leads to some state official whether the police or prosecutor or CPS agency or family court judge or criminal court judge or jury substituting their judgment for that of parents, he continued. And the vast, vast, vast majority of times, parents are much better suited to make those hard choices. Gun regulations or the lack of them affect these kind of cases. Had Ethan Crumbleys crime occurred today, his parents could have instead been charged under a Michigan law, passed in 2023, that prevents childrens access to firearms. The law makes a gun owner liable if a minor accesses the firearm and has it in a public place, or possesses or exhibits the firearm in the presence of another person in a careless, reckless, or threatening manner. Guggenheim refers to such laws as upstream solutions. If you broke a particular statute, you committed that crime, he said. You could have strict gun control laws that would make parents liable any time a child came into possession of a firearm in violation of the statute. Crumbley admitted to not knowing whether the weapon was securely stored, saying that using the safety lock was her husbands responsibility. It was more his thing, so I let him handle that. I didnt feel comfortable putting the lock thing on it, she testified. James Crumbley faces the same four charges of involuntary manslaughter. His trial is set to begin March 5. Related... Flash Visitors watch a firework show during the opening ceremony of the 40th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed hopes that Chinese visitors would have a delightful and secure experience in Thailand. This came after China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, which will come into effect from March 1. "As a Thai citizen, I'm so excited about the news," said Chanapan Kaewklachaiyawuth, vice president of the Thai Chinese Tourism Alliance Association, adding that it will facilitate travel and be the best mechanism to boost economic gains. Chanapan said the association expects between 200,000 and 250,000 Chinese tourists to enter Thailand during this year's Spring Festival holiday, running from Feb. 10 to 17. In 2024, the Southeast Asian country aims to attract 8 million tourists from China, more than double the figure from 2023 and constituting 75 percent of the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019. Singapore, which also signed a visa-free agreement with China last month, experienced a recovery in its tourism sector last year, with the Chinese mainland topping its tourist spending chart. The city-state expects its tourism industry to recover further this year, driven by improved global flight connectivity and capacity as well as the implementation of the mutual 30-day visa-free travel with China. Tourism bureaus across China are actively promoting local attractions and employing innovative strategies to entice visitors. Featuring unique local traditions such as distinctive dressing-up, traditional dances and delectable cuisine, these efforts aim to captivate tourists in the lead-up to the Spring Festival holiday. The "ice city" Harbin, capital city of northeast Heilongjiang Province, took advantage of its winter landscape to promote ice and snow tourism, attracting more than 3 million visitors during the three-day New Year holiday and raking in a total tourism revenue of 5.91 billion yuan (about 831.6 million U.S. dollars), both reaching record highs. On Alibaba's travel platform Fliggy, bookings for domestic and overseas destinations for visits during the Spring Festival holiday have surged, with that for outbound travel increasing more than 15 times compared with 2023, leaving tour guides buzzing with excitement. "Customers are eager to explore overseas destinations, particularly after countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists. It's like a renaissance for both individual and group tours," said Tan Mingyuan, a tour guide with GZL International Travel Service. "I have to work the entire holiday period," said Tan, who just returned from the Philippines and is leaving for Vietnam with a 20-member tour group. Looking ahead, 2024 will be a big year for China's tourism industry, which will enter "a new prosperous cycle," according to the China Tourism Academy. Chinese tourists are expected to make more than 6 billion domestic trips this year, up from nearly 4.9 billion in 2023, while the number of outbound trips by Chinese tourists is expected to reach 130 million, a big jump from more than 87 million last year, according to the academy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said that following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, the unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024. NOTE: This event has been delayed. The video stream above will begin when the broadcast is live. President Biden is making a direct appeal for Congress to act on the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act during a midday appearance at the White House. The Senate-approved legislation, unveiled Sunday, would allow for funding both for border security and several international aid measures, including assistance to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has expressed disapproval of the bill, a view shared by other prominent GOP House members. Some Senate Republicans, in turn, have shown frustration at the refusal of their conservative colleagues to accept a compromise. As the crisis on migration policy remains highly visible at the border and across the U.S., Biden is under pressure from state and local leaders of both parties to find a way forward. He is expected to speak at 11:45 a.m. EST. Watch the live video above. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolences to Namibia's newly sworn-in President Nangolo Mbumba over the death of former Namibian President Hage Geingob. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi extended profound condolences and expressed sincere sympathy to the Namibian government and people, as well as Geingob's family. In his message, Xi pointed out that President Geingob, an outstanding leader of Namibia, had promoted the in-depth development of the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation during his lifetime and made important contributions to boosting China's friendship with Namibia and Africa. His death is a great loss to the Namibian people, and the Chinese people also lost a good friend, Xi said. He added that China cherishes the profound traditional friendship between China and Namibia and is ready to work with the Namibian side to push forward the continuous development of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. US President Joe Biden has expressed his intention to veto a bill that would support Israel without allocating aid to Ukraine if it passes the House and the Senate and reaches his desk. Source: a statement by the White House Office of Management and Budget, reported by European Pravda Details: "The Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 7217 If the President were presented with H.R. 7217, he would veto it," the White House noted. The statement said that the administration spent several months working with a bipartisan group of senators to reach a national security agreement that would secure the border and provide support to Ukraine and Israel, as well as provide essential humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflicts around the world. "The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the Presidents desk," they added. In his statement, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called Biden's intention to use his veto an "act of betrayal". "In threatening to veto aid to Israel and to our military forces, President Biden is abandoning our ally in its time of greatest need," he said. Background: Earlier, Johnson said that next week the issue of military aid to Israel would be considered in a separate bill from the decision on the southern border. Instead, on Sunday, the US Senate introduced a bipartisan US$118 billion border security bill, which also provides assistance to Ukraine and Israel. US President Joe Biden called for the bill to be passed as soon as possible. At the same time, Mike Johnson said he would not put the Senate bill to a vote. Support UP or become our patron! President Joe Biden would veto a bill backed by House Republicans that would give aid to Israel, the White House said Monday, as his administration instead supports a broader package that would also provide more help to Ukraine and boost funds for border security. The Administration spent months working with a bipartisan group of Senators to reach a national security agreement that secures the border and provides support for the people of Ukraine and Israel, while also providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflicts around the world, the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. Instead of working in good faith to address the most pressing national security challenges, this bill is another cynical political maneuver. Johnson Announces House Bill on Israel Aid While Taking Shots at Senate The bill would give $17.6 billion in aid to Israel alone, as opposed to the $118 billion bipartisan Senate package unveiled over the weekend which would give $14.1 billion to Israel, around $20 billion for enforcement work on the U.S.-Mexico border, and $60 billion to Ukraine. House Republicans have vehemently opposed the Senate bill, vowing to reject it and instead vote only on legislation offering aid to Israel. The presidents veto threat is an act of betrayal, GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement. In threatening to veto aid to Israel and to our military forces, President Biden is abandoning our ally in its time of greatest need. The security of Israel should be sacred, not a political game, the White House statement continued, encouraging Congress to pass the wider Senate bill. The Administration strongly opposes this ploy which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Putins aggression, fails to support the security of American synagogues, mosques, and vulnerable places of worship, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, the majority of whom are women and children. 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. Ukrainian investigative media outlet Bihus.info reported on Feb. 5 that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) was behind illegal surveillance of the outlet's team, after which a video appeared online showing some staff members allegedly using drugs during a private party. Speaking with Bihus.info, the recently dismissed head of an allegedly involved SBU department didn't deny his involvement in the operation. The SBU issued an official comment later the same day, saying it is continuing its investigation into the surveillance. The video, published by a little-known website that appears to pose as a news outlet on Jan. 16, included footage from a well-placed, hidden camera inside a building where the party took place, as well as video recordings taken from the street and tapped phone calls, where the staff members discuss purchasing drugs. After analyzing the video, Bihus.info said that its employees had been under surveillance for months, appealed to law enforcement, and announced they would do their own investigation on who was spying on its team. Bihus.info is known for its investigations into government and law enforcement officials. The SBU opened a criminal case into illegal surveillance, and the National Police launched proceedings over the violation of privacy of a Bihus.info journalist. According to the Feb. 5 report, Bihus.info obtained footage from security cameras at a suburban hotel complex where the team stayed for the party and identified those who had previously installed hidden cameras in their rooms. The six-day-long operation was conducted by the SBU's Department for Protection of National Statehood, the outlet wrote. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the head of this department, Roman Semenchenko, on Jan. 31. Soon after, the SBU said that this department would be "strengthened and optimized," including in order "to guarantee the unimpeded work and safety of journalists." Read also: Recent campaigns against journalists raise concerns about press freedom in Ukraine Alleged SBU officers went to the suburban complex several times before the Bihus.info's party under the guise of preparing a corporate event for themselves and inspected the rooms, according to the outlet's investigation. Then, a group of people led by one of the identified SBU officers reportedly secretly installed surveillance cameras in the sauna and at least eight rooms. After the Bihus.info team left the hotel, two more groups of people linked to the SBU allegedly came to the hotel to collect the equipment. In a comment to Bihus.Info, the SBU didn't reply whether they had court orders to install hidden equipment in bedrooms and how the obtained footage ended up on the dubious website. Responding to the Bihus.info investigation, the SBU said that some of the outlet's team members had previously bought drugs, and its camerawoman had been involved in a criminal case over such purchase. "We believe that independent media are an integral part of a modern democratic society, and no actions of individuals can cast a shadow on any of the editorial offices and media in general," the SBU added. "All employees of the SBU must act exclusively to ensure the protection of the national interests of the state and society and effectively oppose the enemy." Bihus.info said that the case against the camera operator was opened by the National Police, not the SBU, and she wasn't charged or interrogated. "Some of the previously published telephone conversations, according to the recorded persons, took place more than a year ago. Released records indicate that more than one person was wiretapped," the outlet wrote. The news about the surveillance of Bihus.Info came a day after Yurii Nikolov, a prominent journalist known for investigating defense procurement corruption scandals, said he had received a threatening visit to his home by unknown men. Both cases sparked outrage among Ukraine's journalistic community, which condemned it as pressure against free media. Zelensky said on Jan. 17 that "any pressure on journalists is unacceptable." Zelensky said he had held a meeting with law enforcement officials with the participation of SBU Chief Vasyl Maliuk. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Journalists from the investigative outlet Bihus.Info noticed espionage activities while looking into the case of Ukraines SBU Security Service eavesdropping on their team, said the outlets editor and journalist, Alisa Yurchenko, in an interview with Radio Svoboda on Feb. 6. We continued to notice spies outside our office, Yurchenko said. Typical shadowing individuals who roamed around the office building. When questioned about their activities, they were unable to provide a clear answer regarding their presence and simply circled the office. Journalists also recorded vehicles with fake license plates, said Yurchenko. Although these occurrences diminished somewhat in the past couple of days, they remained active until it became evident that we were indeed pursuing this story. Read also: I personally spoke with the head of the SBU. Zelenskyy demands to investigation of secret filming of journalists Commenting on the surveillance facts discovered during the investigation, Yurchenko emphasized that it violated human rights, invaded privacy, and exerted pressure on the editorial team. The editorial staff currently cannot identify the specific instigators of these actions, she said. Bihus.Info presented evidence on Feb. 5 linking the SBU to the surveillance of the editorial team during their New Years corporate event. The SBUs Department for the Protection of National Statehood managed the operation, according to the journalists investigation. SBU responded to Bihus.Infos investigation, accusing individual employees of the editorial team of illegal acquisition, sale, and use of narcotics. The SBU did not refute the information about its involvement in surveillance. The media outlet Narodna Pravda, which published an illicitly sourced surveillance video the Bihus.Info team, has removed the video and closed its YouTube channel, Bihus.Info reported on Jan. 19. Project leader Denis Bihus clarified they were contractors, not journalists, and were dismissed. He stated everyone associated with Bihus.Info will undergo drug tests. Bihus has alleged that surveillance has gone on for at least a year. Read also: SBUs Semenchenko was fired for surveilling journalists NV sources Fact-checker Olena Romaniuk later noted Narodna Pravdas putative chief editor, Maria Shvetsova, may even be an AI-generated individual. The editorial team has been under surveillance for approximately a year, and snippets of intercepted conversations were edited together from multiple episodes spanning months, Bihus.Info said. Ukraines National Police have launched a criminal investigation into the surveillance of Bihus.Info in response to a statement by investigative journalist Maria Zemlianska, Bihus.Infos deputy chief editor Alisa Yurchenko said on Jan. 18. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the release of the video, identifying any form of pressure on journalists as unacceptable. Roman Semenchenko, former head of the National Security Department at Ukraines SBU security service, has been dismissed over his involvement in surveillance of the editorial team of investigative journalism outlet Bihus.Info, NVs sources in the SBU said on Feb. 5. Semenchenko did not deny SBUs involvement in the surveillance in a conversation with Bihus.Info. The SBU responded to the Bihus.Info investigation by accusing certain staff members of the editorial team of illegal drug use but did not deny conducting the surveillance operation. 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 LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Democratic Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod announced Tuesday she will seek the District C seat on the Clark County Commission. The announcement sets up a battle between Bilbray-Axelrod and Republican April Becker. Commissioner Ross Miller said in December he is not running for re-election in the district that covers the west and northwest valley and extends through downtown to the east Las Vegas valley. Its been the honor of my life serving in the Legislature, but Ive seen first-hand that the old adage is true; all politics is local, Bilbray-Axelrod said. I am energized to bring my work ethic and desire to build consensus to the County Commission. She is the daughter of former U.S. Congressman Jim Bilbray, and she chaired the Assembly Education Committee in the 2023 Nevada Legislature. My familys roots run deep in this city, and no one is more devoted to the people of District C than me, Bilbray-Axelrod said. I will stand up for the residents and I have and a real plan to protect neighborhoods and improve lives. Miller squeaked by Republican Stavros Anthony in the 2020 election, and Becker announced her candidacy in May 2023. Bilbray-Axelrod, 50, is a business consultant with a record of community service that dates back two decades. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Flash This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2024 shows destroyed buildings at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. [Photo/Xinhua] Israel has resumed battles in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday amid growing international calls for a ceasefire. In its latest operational update, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its troops have returned to areas where they previously operated. Over the past few weeks, attacks in the north of the strip have decreased following Israel's assertion of gaining control over the area, fostering hopes that displaced civilians could return to their homes -- a prospect the Israeli army has indicated that it will not permit at this stage. "The forces operating under the division are preventing Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities," Itzik Cohen, the commander of IDF's 162nd Division, said in the update, stressing the forces were "intensifying operations against and pressure on Hamas remaining in the area." Israeli bombardment persisted throughout the enclave, including in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Over the weekend, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Rafah, a city previously designated as a safe zone by the Israeli army. More than half of Gaza's over 2 million population have fled to Rafah, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories. At least 133 Palestinians were killed and 205 injured in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run Health Ministry reported earlier Monday. The ministry said more than 27,478 Palestinians have been killed and 66,835 others injured from the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which were triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that Israel said killed about 1,200 people. On Monday morning, a food aid convoy was struck by Israeli gunfire while waiting to move into northern Gaza, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "Thankfully, no one was injured," Tom White, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, wrote in a post on the social media platform X. Photos circulating on X showed that damage was caused to the shipping. An Israeli security source told Xinhua that the army was checking the report without providing more information. Also on Monday, speaking at a press conference during his first official visit to Israel, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne called on the Israeli government to facilitate an "immediate ceasefire" and a "massive influx" of aid into Gaza. As Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators were waiting for a reply from Hamas to a ceasefire offer, which includes hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his right-wing Likud party that the war is not near ending. "Our goal is a complete victory over Hamas. We will kill the Hamas leadership. Therefore, we must continue to act in all areas of the Gaza Strip," he said. FRANKFORT - A recent study found 97% of students use their cell phones during school hours, with a median use time of 43 minutes. State Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, thinks he has a fix for that. He wants the Kentucky legislature to pass a bill that would ban cell phone use during class. House Bill 383, which was advanced by the House Education Committee on Tuesday morning, would mandate that school boards adopt policies that prohibit cell phone use "during instructional time" except during emergencies, if directed by a teacher for instructional purposes, or if cell phones are part of a student's individual education plan. State law already mandates that school boards develop policies regarding student cell phone use on school property. Bray's bill goes further by stating that the phones cannot be used during classroom times. The point is to give teachers and administrators additional support for cracking down on cell phone use in the classroom, Bray said. The bill does not include specific provisions for how to handle students who disobey the policy. Those decisions should be made at the local level under districts' disciplinary policies, Bray said. Some committee members wondered how the measure would impact teachers on the frontlines of the battle over cell phones in the classroom. "This is not going to be as easy as it sounds," said Rep. Steve Riley, R-Glasgow. "In many ways, this is going to be a bloody bath for teachers." Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, said the bill could help improve student mental health. Committee Chairman James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, said representatives from the Kentucky School Boards Associations and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents told him they did not have "negative pushback or concerns" about the bill. The measure gained unanimous approval from the committee and goes back to the full House, where it needs a favorable vote to move forward. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Cell phones could be banned in class under Kentucky legislation A Bloomfield man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for participating in the 2022 murder of an Irvington gas station employee with two other men, authorities said Tuesday. Lamar Sommers, 36, was sentenced by state Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin in Essex County, the county Prosecutor's Office said in a release. He was found guilty in October of first-degree murder and conspiracy and two second-degree weapons offenses in the shooting death of Jahque Benbow, 23. On May 11, 2022, Sommers drove two unidentified men to Irvington and dropped them off a block from the gas station where Benbow worked, the prosecutor said. He waited in the car while the men shot Benbow five times, and then drove the shooters away from the scene. NJ news Fired head of NJ Transit's Portal Bridge project warns about key design flaws in lawsuit "Mr. Benbow was hunted, then executed in a public place where innocent bystanders ran for their lives when shots rang out," said Assistant Prosecutor Felicia Garnes. "The fact that Mr. Benbows baby, born hours after his death, will never know him further compounds this tragedy," added Assistant Prosecutor Jenna Ventola, who tried the case with Garnes. Sommers fled New Jersey after the killing and was apprehended in North Carolina on June 16, 2022, the Prosecutor's Office said. His October conviction concluded an eight-day trial, with the jury deliberating for less than five hours. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bloomfield NJ man gets 35 years in prison for 2022 murder Bob Beckwith with George W Bush as the President addresses firefighters and volunteers in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks - Paul J Richards/AFP/Getty Images Bob Beckwith, who has died aged 91, had retired from the New York fire service when, on September 11 2001 hijackers crashed aeroplanes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, killing 2,753 people; the next morning, after hearing that the son of a friend was missing, he donned his old uniform and inveigled his way past the security cordons to Ground Zero to help with the rescue operation. A photograph of Beckwith taken on September 14, standing on a heap of rubble with President George W Bush, made headlines around the world, becoming a symbol of American defiance against terrorism. On the morning of the attacks, Beckwiths grandson had had an accident on his bike: I drove to the hospital and everybody was watching television, he told The Daily Telegraph in 2011. I looked up and saw the second tower come down. It felt like I was stuck in a bad dream. I told my wife: Im going down there. I was 69. Id been retired seven years. My kids said, Leave it to the young guys, but I heard on the radio that Michael Boyle, son of my friend Jimmy, was missing. I said: I gotta go find this kid. I went down the next morning, dressed in my old uniform. There was a ring of cops and a ring of National Guard. I had to persuade both to let me through. The sight that greeted him reminded him of the London Blitz. He joined a bucket brigade of workers, carrying buckets from the debris, including everything from paper to body parts. As a fireman Id come across them before, but there were 3,000 people dead here, so thats a lot of body parts. On the morning of September 14 he heard that the president was coming, so he mounted a burnt-out fire truck to get a good view: Then this guy comes over and says, Is this safe? I thought he was a Secret Service guy. I said it was. He said: Show me jump up and down on it. So I did. Then the president comes by... He puts his arm up and I pull him up with me. I said, You OK, Mr President?, and he said he was fine and as I start to get down, he says, Where are you going?, and put his arm around me. Someone thrust a megaphone into Bushs hand, and he embarked the speech he had been making since the attacks occurred: America today is on bended knee in prayer... But when someone in the crowd shouted Cant hear you!, he abandoned his text. Well, I can hear you ! he shouted: The rest of the world hears you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon! The rest of his words were drowned out by chants of USA! USA! Beckwith later met President Bush several times, though he hinted that he was a Democrat voter - Doug Mills/AP It was a terrific moment, Beckwith recalled. A few minutes later, the guy I thought was Secret Service gave me an American flag. It turned out he was Karl Rove, Mr Bushs adviser. After that, I just went back to work. Beckwith did not realise there had been cameras present, but when he arrived home people were coming out of their houses with candles, coming over to my driveway. The kid across the street said: Beck, you were on television! I said: Get out of here! As his image was beamed around the world, the phone started ringing but I didnt want any part of it... Eventually a friend said: If you dont tell your story, somebody else is going to tell your story. And who knows it better than you? That rang a bell in my head. This exposure led to media attention and interviews. Beckwith later met President Bush several times, spoke extensively in public, and acted as a fundraiser for the New York Burns Center. It was the most important moment of my life, he told the Telegraph, But I still like to keep a low profile. Beckwith in 2011 with the former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani - Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Time Warner Robert Beckwith was born on April 16 1932, in Queens, New York, to Thomas Beckwith, an electrician, and Cecilia, nee McHugh, a telephone operator. After serving in the Navy in the 1950s he joined the New York Fire Department, serving for 30 years at fire stations in Queens. After his encounter with President Bush, he and his wife were invited to dinner at the White House. He is really a good guy, Beckwith told the Telegraph. I wont say if I voted for him, all Ill say is in New York, youre raised a Democrat. But in 2011, when Osama Bin Laden was killed by a team of US navy Seals, Beckwith welcomed the news, but added I would have liked it to be on George Bushs watch. He remained haunted by the events of 9/11: Each day I say a little prayer because of the kids that didnt make it: 343 firemen, 227 cops. All gone. Beckwith is survived by his wife Barbara and by three sons and a daughter. Two other sons predeceased him. Bob Beckwith, born September 21 1932, died February 4 2024 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Four bolts meant to hold the Boeing 737 Max 9 door plug in place were missing last month when part of a plane blew out on an Alaska Airlines flight, the National Transportation Safety Board found in a preliminary report released on Tuesday. The door plug, which covers an unused exit door, is typically secured with four bolts to prevent it from moving vertically, according to the report. The door blew off an Alaska Airlines Max 9 at about 16,000 feet over Oregon during a trip to California on Jan. 5, forcing an emergency landing. The incident led the FAA to order a temporary global grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 planes for "immediate inspections." The agency said in the report that "four bolts that prevent upward movement of the MED plug were missing before the MED plug moved upward off the stop pads." What happened on the Alaska Airlines flight? The Jan. 5 flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, was minutes into its journey when the door plug blew off. The plane, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, made an emergency landing back in Portland. Several people suffered minor injuries, but no one was seriously hurt. Passengers from the January flight filed a class-action lawsuit against Boeing. The suit alleges that "the event physically injured some passengers and emotionally traumatized most if not all aboard." Alaska Airlines was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. According to Tuesday's NTSB report, the crew said the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, takeoff and departure climb were all normal. The situation changed minutes later. "The captain said that, while climbing through about 16,000 ft, there was a loud bang," according to the NTSB report. "The flight crew said their ears popped, and the captain said his head was pushed into the heads-up display (HUD) and his headset was pushed up, nearly falling off his head. The [first officer] said her headset was completely removed due to the rapid outflow of air from the flight deck. Both flight crew said they immediately donned their oxygen masks. They added that the flight deck door was blown open and that it was very noisy and difficult to communicate." Investigation into what went wrong Alaska Airlines and United Airlines canceled flights on Boeing 737 Max 9 planes for days as investigators looked over planes. In the days after the door blew out, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines said they found loose hardware on door plugs on several of their grounded Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The FAA is also conducting an investigation into Boeing's 737 Max 9 aircraft. The agency in January said the probe will examine whether Boeing "failed to ensure" whether the jet conformed to its design and whether its aircraft "were in a condition for safe operation in compliance with FAA regulations." "This incident should have never happened and it cannot happen again," the FAA said Tuesday. "The FAA is continuing to support the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the Jan. 5 door plug incident." A Boeing spokesperson said the company is reviewing the NTSB's findings and will cooperate with NTSB and FAA investigations. "Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened," Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said. "An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers. We are implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen quality and the confidence of our stakeholders. It will take significant, demonstrated action and transparency at every turn and that is where we are squarely focused." The company spokesperson said Boeing had implemented a control plan to make sure mid-exit door plugs are installed according to specifications. An Alaska Airlines spokesperson said the company remained in close contact with federal investigators. "Safety is always our top priority. As this investigation moves forward, we have full confidence in the safety of our operation and aircraft," the airline said. Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer of the blown-out door plug, was the focus of a class-action lawsuit filed in December of last year. The company faces allegations that its products had "sustained quality failures" and "frequently contained defects." Spirit AeroSystems had been a manufacturing unit of Boeing until it was spun off in 2005. "As we review the NTSB's preliminary report, we remain focused on working closely with Boeing and our regulators on continuous improvement in our processes and meeting the highest standards of safety, quality and reliability," the company said in a Tuesday statement. Past investigations into Boeing 737 planes Boeing previously had problems with the 737 Max 8, a different version of the plane than the one flown in the January Alaska Airlines incident. In 2018, a Lion Air flight on a Boeing 737 Max 8 plane crashed into the ocean. The following year, an Ethiopian Airlines plane of the same model crashed shortly after takeoff. More than 300 people died in the two crashes. The jets were grounded in March 2019. The Boeing 737 Max was allowed to return to service late in 2020. In April, Boeing paused 737 Max production over an issue with aircraft parts. FAA chief Mike Whitaker on Tuesday told a House panel that his agency would step up inspections of Boeing. "We will have more boots on the ground closely scrutinizing and monitoring production and manufacturing activities," Whitaker told the aviation subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Boeing employees are encouraged to use our hotline to report any safety concerns." Kathryn Krupnik contributed reporting. Country music star Toby Keith dies at 62 Tech industry reporting more layoffs Florida Supreme Court considering abortion rights ballot wording In a complaint detailing humiliation, anguish and racist messages scribed in biscuit flour, a former Bojangles employee has accused the Carolina-born company of unlawful employment practice and widespread racial discrimination in its Charlotte locations. The court documents claim racist remarks and preferential treatment of white men bleed beyond storefronts and into upper management. Roslyn McManus, identified in the complaint as a 54-year-old African American woman hired in December 2019, saw signs of discrimination early on in her two-year stint at the restaurant chain, the documents say. Before filing in Charlottes U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Saturday, she reported it twice while working there. According to the complaint, McManus had just begun training when someone wrote Support Trump 2020 in flour spread over a biscuit table at Bojangles Beavers Farm Restaurant, located off Albemarle Road near Rocky River High School. It was January or February of 2020. She perceived it as racist due to President Trumps polarization, and at times perceived racial insensitivity, particularly regarding issues involving racial protests, according to the complaint. Moreover, some individuals who supported President Trump in 2020 were also associated with extremist or white supremacist groups, it says. According to the complaint, employees were told that it was a joke, and no one should be concerned with it. The Observer reached out to both McManus and her lawyer. Neither returned requests for comment as of Tuesday morning. Bojangles Vice President of Communications, Stacey McCray, declined to comment on the case. As a matter of policy, Bojangles does not comment on pending litigation, she wrote in an email to The Observer. Only address white employees During the same training period, Robert Yonyetye, a senior director of field training, visited the restaurant, the complaint states. He allegedly would only address white employees, according to the complaint. When McManus graduated from training in February 2020 and moved to Bojangles Plaza Restaurant on The Plaza, near its intersection with Eastway Drive, she became stuck in a five-month limbo, the complaint says. Bojangles hired McManus with the promise of a promotion from assistant general manager to general manager as soon as a position became available, according to the complaint. Several general manager positions became vacant, only to be filled with white individuals, according to the complaint. Alleged racially derogatory acts and comments A July 2020 promotion as general manager of the Lawyers Road Bojangles location was a ticket out of limbo, according to court documents, and into a worse situation laden with regular racist remarks. There, Katie Murry, the area director who is white, committed racially derogatory acts and made several racially derogatory comments towards African American employees. According to the complaint, Murry allegedly: Told McManus other employees were a better fit for another management role. When McManus asked what she meant, she said just look at you. Made monkey noises and gestures around an African American employee. Did not enroll several African American employees who requested the training needed to be promoted but hired a white man and immediately enrolled him in the class so he could become an assistant general manager. Blocked McManus ability to see her employees pay rates. During an argument with another employee, the newly hired assistant general manager revealed his pay was higher than McManus general managers pay. Referred to African American managers but never white ones as dumb. Made several derogatory comments about disgusting overweight African American employees but never white ones. She said one employee looked like a big pumpkin, claimed another had ankles that (were) crying, and said one needed to get a gym membership. Fired after filing a complaint with HR? In May 2021, following a five-month stint of working an average of 80 hours a week with no overtime pay beyond 50 hours, McManus tried to resign by sending a letter to Zachary Caines, the new area director, according to the complaint. He promised to get her help if she did not resign, and McManus resignation was never filed, court documents say. In early July 2021, she reported the racist and discriminatory behavior she witnessed over two years to Bojangles Human Resources Department. Later that afternoon, her email was shared with Caines. According to the complaint, Caines and another manager read the copy in the restaurant and laughed. That same day, an email notified her all her upcoming shifts, which extended through the month, had been deleted. She was effectively fired, according to the complaint, and Caines was responsible. McManus has requested a jury trial for Bojangles violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to court documents. In July, the company settled a sexual harassment and retaliation case for $20,000, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Bojangles saying a Greensboro store employee was sexually harassed by her general manager, then transferred and denied promotions in retaliation for complaining about the harassment. An arrest has been made in connection to a bomb threat that was directed at Mardela Middle and High School in January. The suspect, Tre'Quan Worthy, 18, was issued a criminal summons on Jan. 31, and was served on Feb. 1, according to a release from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. Worthy is being charged with false statement-destructive device, arson/threat of arson, threat of mass violence and attempting-school disturb operation. What happened in the bomb threats incident On Wednesday, Jan. 10, Mardela Middle and High School faced a security incident when a series of bomb threats were directed at the school. The administration promptly took action and investigative efforts were initiated to identify and apprehend the subject. After an investigation that included identifying and tracking down VOIP/IP numbers and locations, Worthy was identified as the suspect. Detectives learned that worthy lived in Crisfield, Maryland, and traveled to meet him there, where the Sheriff's Office says he confessed to his involvement with the bomb threats. More: U.S. Capitol riot suspect from Salisbury has court date moved. All to know. More: Citizen legislator: Business owner Del. Adams leads Eastern Shore delegation's efforts According to Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Worthy explained that his intentions were not to cause harm, but to get his friend, who attends Mardela Middle and High School, out of school for the day. Worthys cell phone was seized for further investigation pending a Search and Seizure warrant. While the incident caused concern and disruption, law enforcement concluded that the immediate risk to public safety was low and appropriate measures were taken to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Suspect arrested in bomb threats to Mardela Middle and High School A bipartisan immigration bill hammered out in the U.S. Senate includes a provision that would eliminate a major hurdle faced by Cuban migrants coming through the U.S.-Mexico border, and that so far has caused thousands to remain in limbo while trying to get their green cards in the United States. Cuban migrants may apply for permanent residence after a year of living in the United States, thanks to the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act. But the law requires them to have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S. in order to qualify. For many years, Cuban migrants were released with a so-called parole document, but President Barack Obama ended that policy. And increasingly, border officers have been releasing Cuban migrants with other documents, which immigration judges have said are not valid to apply for a green card. The majority of those Cubans have been released into the U.S. with an I-220A form, which is technically an order to appear before Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An immigration appeals court ruled last year that Cubans released with an I-220A cannot adjust their status meaning they cannot apply for permanent residency. The Senate bill, unveiled Sunday after weeks of negotiation and which may not pass either chamber would fix the problem by including a special rule stating that the Cuban migrants released under new border processing rules do not have to meet the inspected and admitted or paroled requirement to get a green card under the Cuban Adjustment Act. The rule also clarifies that Cuban and Haitian migrants released at the border continue to be eligible to receive aid as refugees, including services such as Medicaid, food stamps and cash. At the same time, the bill would make it more difficult for Cubans and other migrants to stay in the United States by tightening the asylum system and setting a shorter time frame for the adjudication of cases and deportations. The bill also gives the president authority to shut down border processing to a minimum if the number of migrants encountered exceeds 4,000 a day for a week. And decisions by immigration officials at the border could not be appealed in court except in rare cases, the bill says. Around half a million Cubans have come to the United States since October 2021, the largest exodus in several decades, driven by the deterioration of living conditions and increased political repression on the island. Most of them have come through the U.S.-Mexico border, though another 67,000 came through a special humanitarian parole program created by the Biden administration last year. The special rule in the Senate bill benefiting Cubans is not retroactive meaning those already here with I-220As would not benefit. Still, some lawyers consulted by the Miami Herald interpreted the language as offering a potential solution for the thousands of pending cases of Cubans who have not been granted green cards because they were given documents other than parole when they entered the country. Lawyers across the country are arguing that the way that the border is handled by using these alternative documents instead of giving people parole is wrong. By taking away the requirement of admission of parole, the fact that they werent given a parole document is no longer a problem, said Mark Prada, an immigration lawyer who has argued in several cases that the government cannot legally release Cubans with just an I-220A document. He told the Herald that while the rule is not expressly retroactive, it creates a new benefit. READ MORE: This federal ruling will keep many Cubans from getting green cards to stay in the U.S. Read more at: But Senate staff involved in the negotiations surrounding the bill denied that the special rule would benefit those already here. Even so, the inclusion of the special rule suggests that the Department of Homeland Security, which was actively involved in its writing, is aware of the problem caused by what many immigration lawyers view as a lack of clear policies at the border. The Herald has talked to Cubans who have received different entry documents even when they are members of the same family. Sometimes, the documents even lack the most basic data needed to continue their journey through the immigration system. READ MORE: Cuban migrants coming to the United States face legal hurdles Randy McGrorty, director of Miami-based Catholic Legal Services, said that the bill showed that Washington had heard the years-long demands of South Florida immigration advocates and service providers to address the situation of Cubans with I-220A documents. It recognizes that Cubans fleeing Cuba are fleeing political oppression, not just economic turmoil, and that was the reason for the Cuban Adjustment Act 60 years ago. It recognizes that lots of Cubans are coming and that they do offer important skills, talents, and workers for our economy. And it recognizes that they have made a mess of the way they are releasing Cubans, McGrorty said. But Wilfredo Allen, a Miami-based attorney who has been practicing immigration law for over 35 years, said that the special rule raises more questions than answers. He said that the rule could be disastrous and would not fix the immigration limbo of the thousands of Cubans already in the United States with I-220As. Cubans might interpret it as an invitation to run to the border or leave by boat. You are, to some extent, giving a privilege to a particular group, and its a group that is coming in historic droves, Allen said. Influential Cuban Americans, including Miami U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, have urged Homeland Security Security Alejandro Mayorkas, himself a Cuban American, to provide a solution for the thousands of Cubans who were handed I-220A and are in limbo. Ahead of a House Republican effort to impeach Mayorkas, a group of prominent Cuban Americans, including Miami businessman Mike Fernandez, former Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padron, and former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, penned an open letter against the ousting of the Homeland Security chief. Secretary Mayorkas desperately needs assistance from Congress in order to change the outdated immigration laws causing the crisis at the border. Instead of an adversary, Congress should treat him as an ally, said the letter obtained by the Miami Herald. Immigration advocates have criticized the Senate bill, arguing it weakens asylum protections and eliminates almost all judicial oversight on the process. Some Democrats seemed angry the text does not provide a path to regularization for millions of undocumented migrants already in the country, including for so-called Dreamers, immigrants who came to the country as youth and whose protection from deportation is at the heart of fierce federal litigation. Mayorkas has pushed against criticism of the bill, highlighting in a statement that the legislation would reduce deportation times, from years to months. of those who could not establish a legitimate claim to stay in the United States, while at the same expediting work authorizations for those who do. But the bipartisan proposal, which ties border security to aid to Ukraine, faces an uphill battle in Congress. Following opposition to the proposal by former President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill would be dead on arrival in the House. It is unclear whether the bill would pass the Senate, as around a dozen senators have already said they would oppose it. The News Barely a day after it was unveiled, the Senates bipartisan border bill already appeared to be in danger of sinking thanks to a lack of Republican support. I think this proposal is dead, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss. told Semafor as he departed a GOP conference meeting Monday night. The legislation has faced withering criticism from conservatives whove argued it would potentially worsen the dysfunction at the southern border. GOP senators are also complaining they need more time to read the bill, while others are demanding an opportunity to offer amendments. And by the end of Monday, it received little outright backing from upper chamber Republicans, leaving its path to the 60 votes necessary to overcome a filibuster unclear. For now, Republicans look ready to block an initial procedural vote scheduled for Wednesday that would begin to advance the border bill, along with aid to Ukraine and Israel, as part of a broader national security package. During Mondays conference meeting, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has vocally backed the border deal, said members should feel free to vote against moving the legislation forward so that lawmakers would have more time to review it and push changes, according to a person briefed on the discussion. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., told reporters that he expected Wednesdays vote would fail to break a filibuster. We cant rush this right now, Lankford said. If were going to actually move this bill, you gotta have more time to be able to look at it than three days. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., was among those seeking changes and prepared to oppose advancing the bill on Wednesday. We got to give it enough time so people actually can read the bill, understand it, and ask for amendments if theyre necessary, Rounds told Semafor. Thats what the Senate should be doing. And so I just dont want to ram it. Know More Mondays news wasnt all bad for the border package. The measure did pick up a notable endorsement from the main union representing Border Patrol agents, which endorsed Trump in 2020. The National Border Patrol Council said the bill would drop illegal border crossings nationwide and will allow our agents to get back to detecting and apprehending those who want to cross our border illegally and evade apprehension. The broader national security package also received at least one new endorsement from a Senate Republican, courtesy of Maines Susan Collins. The legislation is by no means perfect, but it would address our border humanitarian and national security crisis and is a substantial improvement over the chaos and lawlessness that characterize the border now, she said in a statement. Still, the days developments all but doomed supporters hopes that the border bill could be moved quickly through the Senate, and raised serious questions about its overall viability. Behind the scenes, there was GOP frustration at the swift timetable. Senators dont like watching something get built in secret for four months and then being told they have less than three days to read it, ask questions and vote without any opportunity to offer amendments, a GOP Senate aide said. Its insulting to treat the conference this way. But the bill also faces dug in opposition from Donald Trump and his allies in Congress. Senators are also widely concerned about voting on legislation that is unpopular with the base and may not get a vote in the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has said it would be dead on arrival. Democrats were stunned at Mondays turn of events. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said he was gobsmacked. Ive never seen anything like it, Schatz posted on X. They literally demanded specific policy, got it, and then killed it. Still, key Democrats signaled Wednesdays vote would proceed as planned. Let me be clear, were absolutely having a vote, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., the chief Democratic negotiator, told Semafor. There are certainly some typically Republican aligned groups that are supportive of this bill. But Trump seems to be a bit of a puppeteer these days, Murphy later said. I hope thats not true with respect to this bill. Flash Britain's King Charles III visits the Transylvanian village of Viscri, central Romania, on June 6, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Britain's King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has started receiving treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The diagnosis came shortly after the 75-year-old monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate. "His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement. It was during this intervention that the separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer," a Palace spokesperson said. A statement from Buckingham Palace said the King has "today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties." According to the statement, throughout the period, the King will continue to "undertake State business and paperwork as usual." The monarch "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," it said. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," it added. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a statement, saying he wishes "His Majesty a full and speedy recovery." "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," he said. The King traveled from Sandringham in Norfolk to London on Monday morning to begin treatment as an outpatient. He was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds. The monarch is at home in London this evening, according to Sky News. No further details are shared on the stage of the cancer or a prognosis. Just about everyone agrees that whatever US immigration system is supposed to exist at the southern border and beyond it is badly broken. The number of unauthorized immigrants crossing the border keeps reaching record highs. The backlog of cases in US immigration courts has soared past 3 million. People trying to immigrate legally to the US face a maze of bureaucracy and lengthy delays. A group of bipartisan senators and White House officials say theyve negotiated a deal that would solve some of these problems. If passed, the measures would amount to some of the most significant changes in US immigration policy in decades. Thats certainly a big if. While President Joe Biden has said hell sign the legislation, former President Donald Trump is pushing GOP lawmakers not to pass it. And House Republican leaders have called it dead on arrival even if it clears the Senate. Still, this is a moment when its important to pay attention. At a time when problems at the border often grab headlines, this deal released Sunday evening after months of negotiations offers a rare list of proposed solutions with a bipartisan bent. This is such a polarizing issue that the fact that some Democrats and some Republicans could come together is itself an event, says Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. The proposed changes to the immigration system are tied to foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel. The border bill also comes with a big budget including large amounts of funding for enforcement. The bill is probably the most extensive border funding and security package that weve seen in decades, says Greg Chen, senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. These are massive resources that will be given to DHS and other immigration agencies on the order of essentially $20 billion. So lets take a look at several of the key provisions, how theyre different from the current landscape and some of the criticisms that are already coming up about them. And lets also look at some of the major things this deal doesnt address. New emergency border restrictions Whats proposed: Once illegal border crossings reach a certain threshold, the Department of Homeland Security would be required to exercise a new emergency authority that bars migrants, except unaccompanied minors, from crossing the border between ports of entry. The authority would automatically kick in if crossings rise above 5,000 on average per day on a given week, or 8,500 in a single day. The authority sunsets after three years and there are time limits on how many days it can be used. How thats different from now: If passed, this would be the first time a numerical threshold is put in place to invoke emergency measures at the border, Chishti says. We have never put in numerical triggers. Thats important, he says. In the emergency authority scenario, the only way migrants could seek asylum would be at ports of entry, where they must schedule appointments using a government app. Currently US law allows migrants to seek asylum in the US no matter how they arrived in the country. What critics are saying: Critics who are pushing for greater immigration restrictions argue these measures dont go nearly far enough. The proposal would ratify ongoing illegal immigration at historically high levels, the Federation for American Immigration Reform said. On the flip side, immigrant advocacy organizations argue the measures that purport to stabilize the situation at the border will actually fuel more chaos and put vulnerable migrants in harms way. Asylum seekers rush to be processed by Border Patrol agents at an improvised camp near the US-Mexico border in eastern Jacumba, California, on February 2, 2024. - Guillermo Arias/AFP/Getty Images Major changes to asylum Whats proposed: Asylum officers from US Citizenship and Immigration Services will decide on the asylum cases of migrants at the border. The legal standard of proof for passing an initial screening will be higher. And those applying will also have to prove they could not have moved to another part of their country to avoid persecution. Those who pass initial asylum screenings will immediately be eligible for work permits. Those who dont pass the screenings can appeal to an asylum review board. If they lose their administrative appeal, which must occur within 72 hours, they will be ordered removed from the US without additional review. The process does not apply to unaccompanied minors. How thats different from now: Currently US immigration courts largely decide asylum cases, and the court system is severely backlogged with more than 3 million pending cases. In some locations, it can take years to get an asylum hearing, and many people applying for asylum ultimately dont qualify. Those who pass initial screenings must be in the US for at least 180 days before they can obtain a work permit something local leaders across the US have been criticizing as increasing numbers of migrants are arriving in their cities and struggling to support themselves. Those who lose their asylum cases in immigration court can appeal to judges on the Board of Immigration Appeals. What critics are saying: Immigrant and refugee advocacy groups say the new measures would gut the asylum system and put people in danger. This cruel deal trades the human rights of immigrants and asylum seekers for foreign military funding, and members of Congress should reject it, Amy Fischer, director of refugee and migrant rights for Amnesty International USA, said in a statement, calling the proposed policies draconian and antithetical to human rights. Growing use of alternatives to detention Whats proposed: Expanding the use of Alternatives to Detention (ATD) How thats different from now: The use of Alternatives to Detention, like ankle monitors and special cell phones used for check-ins with authorities, is already on the rise. This proposal would expand the use of these alternatives, as those who are allowed into the US to continue their asylum cases will be placed into the program. What critics are saying: Alternatives to detention have already been drawing criticism from civil liberties organizations as their use by immigration authorities has grown. Critics who favor increased immigration restrictions say using alternatives to detention is another form of catch and release because it allows migrants to move to communities across the US while their cases are decided. Immigrants walk along the U.S.-Mexico border wall after crossing the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas on February 1, 2024. - John Moore/Getty Images Some immigrants would get more protections. But many are left out Several groups that have been lobbying hard for more protections from Congress made notable headway in this deal: If its passed, Afghan evacuees to the US whove been in limbo since the fall of Kabul in 2021 would get a pathway to citizenship. Many so-called documented Dreamers who were brought legally to the US as children of parents with visas would also find themselves on more solid footing, becoming eligible for work permits and being allowed to remain part of their families applications for green cards after they turn 21. The bill would also provide federal dollars to fund legal representation in immigration court for unaccompanied minors under 13. But theres a lot the bill doesnt do: Shut down the border As he touted the deal before its release, Biden said it would allow him to shut down the border when the number of illegal crossings passed a certain threshold. It wouldnt do that, although it is something some Republicans in Congress have said theyd like to see happen. End humanitarian parole The bill preserves the presidents authority to designate humanitarian parole on a case-by-case basis. Biden has used the authority for Ukrainians, Afghans, Cubans, Venezuelans and Haitians, among other populations. Limiting the presidents ability to grant parole had been a key demand of some Republicans during negotiations, but ultimately was not included. Help DACA recipients Immigrant rights advocates have little doubt that the days are numbered for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era program that protects hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States s children. But thats a problem this proposed compromise wouldnt solve. As we look towards 2025 and what will happen to DACA recipients, most likely at the Supreme Court when DACA is most likely ended, that conversation has to start now, and it still has to be as urgent as fixing the asylum system, as fixing the border, said Andrea Flores, vice president for immigration policy at immigrant advocacy organization Fwd.US. Provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants In a telling sign of how far the tides of turned since the beginning of the Biden administration, measures like the pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants he proposed in 2021 are nowhere to be found in this proposed legislation. Immigrant rights advocates say thats a critical failure. Some lawmakers who favor greater immigration restrictions argue thats now a conversation that cant happen until the situation changes at the border. Given the growing chorus of criticism on both sides of the aisle weighing in just a day after its release, this latest border bill may very well be as dead on arrival as some lawmakers have claimed. But the bill has picked up some high-profile support from the National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents Border Patrol agents and has endorsed Trump in the past. The left-leaning Center for American Progress also said it supports the effort, describing the Senate bill as flawed but adding we can and should build on it to enhance protections for those most in need. It would take 41 senators voting against the bill to sink the deal in a key procedural vote expected on Wednesday. Already 23 senators have signaled publicly that they are opposed to it. At this point, the compromises future is murky at best. Still, even some of the bills critics are saying they hope it will serve as a new starting point for deeper conversation and necessary additional reforms. I believe that the people that are willing to get in the room for as long as they did to hammer out differences, to come to some kind of consensus around what needs to be done, its something that we have to commend. Its not easy to do politically or from a policy perspective, and its something that we need to do a lot more of, Ben Johnson, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, told reporters on Monday. Theres a lot of chest-thumping in immigration a lot of outrage. And not enough solutions. CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, Lauren Fox, Morgan Rimmer, Ted Barrett and Clare Foran contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The compromise deal on immigration regulation, which includes funding for Ukraine, is almost on the rocks in the US Senate due to reduced support from Republicans. Source: European Pravda with reference to Bloomberg Details: Sen. James Lankford, the key Republican in the tough border deal negotiations, expects a procedural vote on the deal scheduled for Wednesday to fail as his colleagues say they need more time to review and amend the bill. He called the project a "work in progress". Sen. Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee and a strong supporter of assistance to Ukraine, called the deal proposal "dead". Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who supported the bill, said discussions would continue on Tuesday. The source noted that at a meeting of Republican senators, he told colleagues they should vote against it on Wednesday if they needed more time to consider the bill. Wednesday's blocking of a procedural vote raises the probability that the bill will be delayed for an unspecified period - at least for the duration of the two-week Senate break, which will begin later this week. On the other hand, one of the Senate negotiation participants, Democrat Chris Murphy, expressed optimism that the vote will "absolutely" take place. Background: Former US President and likely 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump urged the Senate not to approve a compromise agreement on migration regulation that includes additional funding for Ukraine. Recently at a US Senate session, a bipartisan border security bill worth US$118 billion was introduced, which also includes assistance for Ukraine and Israel. Meanwhile, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, announced that he will not put to a vote the US$118 billion border security bill presented in the Senate. Support UP or become our patron! LYON COUNTY (KSNT) A person driving in the pre-dawn hours on Sunday in rural Lyon County got a big surprise when a bridge collapsed beneath their tires. John M. Koelsch, undersheriff at the Lyon County Sheriffs Office, told KSNT 27 News his office received a call at 4:40 a.m. on Feb. 4 about a crash at a local bridge. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement found the pavement had buckled over the bridge. The individual driving over the bridge when it started to fall apart sustained minor injuries during the incident but refused medical treatment at the scene. This embedded content is not available in your region. I did everything I was supposed to do: Kansas wildlife officials remove anglers trophy catch from state record list The bridge lies on Road 170 just a few miles north of Neosho Rapids and crosses over a local dry creek. Comments from Warren Chip Woods, Lyon Countys engineer, point to a century-old bridge that was slated for repairs prior to the reported failure. We had programed the bridge to be replaced due to the fact that it was built in the late 1920s or early 1930s on the old state highway known as the Santa Fe Trail road, Woods said. We have previously replaced all of the other bridges on the old state highway. He said the replacement of the old bridge was scheduled with local forces and funds as federal funds were not eligible for the project. Woods estimates the cost to repair the bridge may exceed $100,000, but emphasizes no concrete plans exist for this at the current time. The bridge is beyond repair, Woods said. So why did it collapse? Woods said a mixture of high water from snow runoff and recent rain were the main culprits that led to the bridge collapse. The water damaged the west abutment of the bridge which caused it to collapse. Kansas liquor law changes could let retailers sell wine I have asked BG Consultants, Inc. for a proposal for the survey, plans and permits for a replacement bridge that we will build with our forces and funds, Woods said. Due to the length of time that it will take to get the required permits and replacement material, it is doubtful that we will get the new bridge built this year. KDOT spokeswoman Kim Stich said the department is not investigating what led up to the bridges collapse. It is being handled exclusively by the Lyon County Public Works Department. KDOT will only step in to assist with repairs if Lyon County applies for one of KDOTs bridge programs. Last year, the Kansas Department of Transportation and Governor Laura Kelly announced bridge repairs happening statewide. More than $42 million in funds were earmarked for repairs in numerous counties in 2024 and 2025, including a bridge repair project in Lyon County. A total of $6 million in awarded funds and KDOT match funds were slated for the repair of a bridge over the Cottonwood River about seven miles west and half a mile south of Neosho Rapids. The bridge that collapsed last weekend was not among those listed for repairs. Kansas police step up enforcement on roadways ahead of Super Bowl In 2022, the partial collapse of a bridge on I-70 in Topeka prompted KDOT officials to launch inspections for nearly 300 bridges in the state. This round of inspections focused on bridges that were of similar construction to the one that had collapsed in Topeka. Stich confirmed the Lyon County bridge that collapsed on Feb. 4 was not among those inspected in 2022. 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. To download our Storm Track Weather App, click 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. Flash People gather around a destroyed house after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. During the past 24 hours, at least 113 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks in various places in the Gaza Strip, raising the total number of deaths to 27,478, the ministry said in a press statement. The ministry added that with heavy Israeli bombardment and the lack of civil defense and ambulance crews, some victims are still under the rubble. Meanwhile, the number of wounded people has also risen to 66,835 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the ministry explained. Sacramento area residents can now stock up on luxury fragrances and bath products right from the source. British-based Jo Malone silently opened its first brick-and-mortar in the Sacramento area on Feb. 2, inside Westfield Galleria mall at 1151 Galleria Blvd. in Roseville. Sandwiched between clothing retailers Hugo Boss and Zara, the business is known for its unique fragrances, from candles to body cream. Rewriting the rules of perfumery by mixing unexpected combinations of ingredients and providing elegant yet playful concepts where scent is used with abandon,Jo Malone wrote on its website. Purchases are immaculately wrapped in the brands signature box, Westfield Galleria stated. Customer favorites range from a nine-milliliter trail size bottle of Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne ($25) to a 50-milliliter bottle of Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense ($160). Other best sellers include Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle ($80) and Peony & Blush Suede Scent Surround Diffuser ($110). Jo Malone operates seven days a week, according to Westfield Gallerias website. Business hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays; and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen fired six ballistic missiles at two ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with one ship reporting minor damage. A Greek-owned bulked carrier was struck by three of the projectiles fired by the Houthis on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the militants struck a British-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea. The USS Laboon operating near the Greek ship intercepted and shot down a third anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis, the US Central Command said. The Greek-owned Star Nasia was damaged by an explosion at 11.15am GMT, a Greek shipping ministry official said. The fresh attacks come just two days after the US and the UK conducted joint airstrikes targeting Houthi bases in Yemen. Meanwhile, the US has walked back its previous claims that it informed the Iraqi government it would be conducting airstrikes, saying that information was relayed incorrectly. Vedant Patel, the state department spokesperson, clarified there was not a pre-notification but that they notified the Iraqi government immediately after the strikes occurred. The US conducted retaliatory strikes on more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday, resulting in at least 39 casualties. Following the strikes, the White House refused to rule out US action inside Iran. On Sunday, president Joe Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan told US news networks that further military action was likely, and would not rule out the possibility of strikes inside Irans borders. Im not going to get into whats on the table and off the table when it comes to the American response, he told CBS. Mr Sullivan called the airstrikes the beginning, not the end of our response. However, the US has insisted that it does not want a wider conflict across the Middle East. Key Points Houthis strike British and Greek cargo ships Saudi Arabia says no relations with Israel without Palestinian state Israeli strikes killed civilians in Syria, says military Video: US vessels join strikes on Iran-backed Houthis Tuesday 6 February 2024 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Video of launches from USS GRAVELY, USS CARNEY, and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER supporting strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi targets pic.twitter.com/EMSkDANoeF U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 4, 2024 Blinken returns to Mideast in push for hostage deal and postwar plan for Gaza Tuesday 6 February 2024 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar US secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday on his fifth visit to the region since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, hoping to press ahead with a potential cease-fire deal and postwar planning while tamping down regional tensions. But on all three fronts he faces major challenges: Hamas and Israel are publicly at odds over key elements of a potential truce. Israel has dismissed US calls for a path to a Palestinian state, and Irans militant allies in the region have shown little sign of being deterred by US strikes. In Gaza, meanwhile, Hamas has begun to re-emerge in some of the most devastated areas after Israeli forces pulled back, an indication that Israels central goal of crushing the group remains elusive. Video footage from the same areas shows vast destruction, with nearly every building damaged or destroyed. More here. Blinken returns to Mideast in push for hostage deal and postwar plan for Gaza, but obstacles loom In Pics: Houthis hold military exercise Tuesday 6 February 2024 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Houthis hold military exercise amid escalating attacks on Red Sea shipping (EPA) Houthis hold military exercise amid escalating attacks on Red Sea shipping (EPA) Houthis hold military exercise amid escalating attacks on Red Sea shipping (EPA) Antony Blinken heads to Egypt Tuesday 6 February 2024 09:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar US secretary of state Antony Blinken on Tuesday will meet president Abel Fattah El-Sisi in Egypt to hold talks seeking an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza. This is Mr Blinkens fifth visit to the Middle East since the onset of Israels war in Gaza, which began in October last year. On Monday, Mr Blinken met Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed regional coordination to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza, said state department spokesperson Matthew Miller. Mr Miller said they spoke about the urgent need to reduce regional tensions. Yemens presidential council sacks prime minister Tuesday 6 February 2024 09:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Yemens internationally recognised presidential council sacked the prime minister in an unexpected move that comes at a time when a US-led coalition has been striking targets of the governments rivals, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.A decree from the council appointed foreign minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak the new prime minister. Mr Bin Mubarak, who is close to Saudi Arabia, replaced Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, who was Yemens premier since 2018.The council didnt give a reason behind the reshuffle.Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthis overran the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north. British and American vessels targeted by Houthis in Red Sea Tuesday 6 February 2024 10:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The Iran-backed Houthis said they fired missiles at two vessels in the Red Sea overnight, causing minor damage to one cargo ship that was sailing off the coast of Yemens Hodeidah. The groups military spokesman said it fired naval missiles at the British-owed and Brabados-flagged Morning Tide along with the American Marshall Islands-flagged Star Nasia. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said just after midnight on Tuesday that it had received a report of a projectile fired at the port side of a ship located 57 nautical miles west of Hodeidah and that a small craft was seen nearby. The projectile passed over the deck and caused slight damage to the bridge windows, but the vessel and crew were safe and proceeded on the planned passage, UKMTO added. The owner of the Morning Tide, British firm Furadino Shipping, told Reuters the ship was currently sailing without problems, but gave no further information. Video: Moment RAF jets take off to conduct strikes against Houthis Tuesday 6 February 2024 10:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Moment RAF jets take off to conduct further strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen Pentagon says not aware of any Iranian being killed in Middle East strikes Tuesday 6 February 2024 11:59 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The Pentagon said it was not aware of any Iranian deaths in the recent US strikes against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria. The US launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Friday against more than 85 targets linked to Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and militias it backs in retaliation for a deadly attack on American troops. Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters initial indications were that the strikes did not kill any Iranians. But he said other casualties other were likely, without giving details. Its fair to conclude that there likely were casualties associated with these strikes, he said, adding that the assessment was ongoing. Iraqs Popular Mobilization Forces, a state security force including Iran-backed groups, said 16 of its members were killed including fighters and medics. In Syria, the strikes killed 23 people who had been guarding the targeted locations, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Pics: Houthis flaunt heavy weapons during Gaza solidarity rally Tuesday 6 February 2024 12:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar An elderly Houthi fighter mans a cannon mounted on a vehicle at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip (Getty Images) A Houthi fighter carries a machine gun in front of scout team members carrying Yemeni and Palestinian flags (Getty Images) Houthi fighters man heavy machine guns mounted on vehicles at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza (Getty Images) Stay up to date with The Independent's web notifications Tuesday 6 February 2024 12:45 , Chris Stevenson Want the latest updates on the conflict in the Middle East and other breaking news straight to your phone or laptop? Stay on top of the latest big breaking news with The Independent's web notifications. We'll also share our must-read articles, agenda-setting exclusives and Premium features to keep you expertly informed. To sign up, head here: https://www.independent.co.uk/web-push Meetings in Egypt Tuesday 6 February 2024 13:12 , Chris Stevenson The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, is pressing ahead with a diplomatic tour of the Middle East, meeting Egyptian leaders as part of his efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, in exchange for the release of hostages. Mr Blinken's visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israel's stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border where many displaced Palestinians now live. Israel's defense minister has said Israel's offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people have sought refuge and are now living in increasingly miserable conditions.Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed over four decades ago. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. UK ship still heading to Singapore Tuesday 6 February 2024 13:40 , Chris Stevenson A military spokesman of the Iranian-backed Houthis, Brigadier General. Yahya Saree, claimed in a statement that the group attacked two separate vessels, one American and one British, in the Red Sea on Tuesday. He provided no evidence to support the claim. One of the ships the Houthis claimed attacking, the Morning Tide, is said to be continuing on its journey. The Morning Tide's owner, British firm Furadino Shipping, said no one was hurt in the attack and the ship will keep travelling towards Singapore. US walks back claim it gave Iraq a heads up Tuesday 6 February 2024 14:10 , Ariana Baio On Monday, US officials walked back their previous claim that they gave Iraqi government a heads up before airstrikes were conducted on Friday. As for this specific response on Friday, there was not a pre-notification. We informed the Iraqis immediately after the strikes occurred, Vedant Patel, the State Department deputy spokesperson, said. Iraq, like every country in the region, understood that there would be a response after the deaths of our soldiers, Mr Patel added. Iraq had disputed National Security Council communications coordinator John Kirbys claims that the US did inform the Iraqi government prior to the strikes. Mr Kirby said on Monday he relayed the information that was given to him at the time of the strikes. It was not as specific as it could have been, and I regret any confusion caused, Mr Kirby said Most targets hit in Iraq and Syria Tuesday 6 February 2024 14:45 , Ariana Baio Most of the damage or destruction caused by the USs airstrikes this past weekend were in Iraq and Syria, the Pentagon press secretary said on Monday. On Friday and Saturday, the US conducted retaliatory strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria in response to the death of three American soldiers in Jordan. The US said it conducted more than 85 targeted strikes, though officials did not disclose the exact number. But on Monday, Major General Patrick Ryder said that more than 80 of those strikes destroyed or severely damaged targets like command hubs, intelligence centres, ammunition bunkers and more for Iranian-backed militias. Watch: Houthi site damage before and after US-led airstrikes captured by satellite Tuesday 6 February 2024 15:20 , Ariana Baio Import prices affected by Red Sea disruption Tuesday 6 February 2024 16:00 , Ariana Baio, PA Overall input costs rose last month for the first time since September, the latest S&P Global / CIPS construction purchasing managers index (PMI) said on Monday. Some firms flagged higher costs for imported building materials, mainly from Asia, due to attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked commercial and military ships in what they say is an act of solidarity with the people of Palestine since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Now retailers are warning consumers of stock delays and higher costs as ships are forced to re-route away from the Red Sea. PA contributed to this report Pentagon cools fears over long term airstrike campaign in Iraq and Syria Tuesday 6 February 2024 16:30 , Ariana Baio After emphasizing the US would continue conducting retaliatory responses in Iraq and Syria over the death of three American soldiers, the Pentagon clarified the response would just be mission-based. Our goal is not to OK game on, lets just do this and go full-scale war against Iranian proxy groups in Iraq and Syria, Major General Patrick Ryder said on Monday. Thats not what were there for. Were there to conduct the mission, Mr Ryder said. However, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the US would be carrying out further responses. Blinken seeks progress on Gaza cease-fire-for-hostages deal in meetings with Egyptian mediators Tuesday 6 February 2024 17:00 , AP U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Cairo on Tuesday for a meeting with Egyptian leaders that U.S. officials said would concentrate mainly on the task of negotiating a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages held by the militants. Blinkens visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israels stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Israels defense minister has said Israels offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people have sought refuge and live in increasingly miserable conditions. U.N. humanitarian monitors said Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two-thirds of Gazas territory, driving thousands more people every day toward the border areas. Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed over four decades ago. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. Pressure on Blinken to get Gaza truce breakthrough as Israeli forces close on last refuge for Palestinians Tuesday 6 February 2024 17:30 , Ariana Baio The US secretary of state is set to travel to the Gulf, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the occupied West Bank, in his fifth attempt at furious shuttle diplomacy in the region since October. The 7 October attack by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw another 250 taken hostage, and Israels bombardment of Gaza in response, has sparked clashes across the region. Gazas authorities say Israels air and ground assault has killed more than 27,400 Palestinians. US officials have warned the situation in the Middle East is the most dangerous it has been in decades, as Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have entered the fray, attacking US positions and global shipping routes, in retaliation for support of Israels offensive. Bel Trew reports: Pressure on Blinken to get Gaza truce breakthrough as Rafah fears grow A timeline of the strikes in the Middle East Tuesday 6 February 2024 18:00 , Ariana Baio January 28: Three US soldiers are killed and 25 others are injured in a drone attack in Jordan. President Joe Biden vows to respond to the incident but does not specify what that means. January 29: The identity of the three fallen soldiers is revealed. February 2: US military strikes more than 85 targets in Syria and Iraq in a retaliatory move. The military targeted facilities connected to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force and militias backed by Iran. An estimated 40 people are killed in the attacks. February 3: The US and UK, with support from six other allied countries, launch attacks at dozens of sites in Yemen controlled by Houthi militants. The attack is related to an ongoing conflict in the Red Sea where Houthis have been attacking commercial and military ships. February 4: Houthis vow to respond to the USs attacks and Iran warns the US that carrying out more strikes will lead to more instability in the region. US strikes a Houthi land attack cruise missile. February 5: US conducts a strike against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV). February 6: Houthis attack a British-owned cargo. Blinken discussing potential hostage release and humanitarian aid Tuesday 6 February 2024 18:30 , Ariana Baio Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Qatar today to discuss a potential pause in the fighting in Gaza to release hostages held by Hamas with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Secretary Blinken and the Amir agreed to continue closeacoordinationatoaincrease humanitarianaassistance to civilians in Gazaaand to urge the protection of civilians consistent with humanitarian law, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said. The Secretary reiterated the US rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and underscored the US commitment to establishing durable peace in the Middle East, including the establishment of a Palestinian state that ensures security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Watch: US launches missiles towards Houthi targets in Yemen from warship Tuesday 6 February 2024 19:00 , Ariana Baio US vows more strikes against Iran-backed rebels in Middle East Tuesday 6 February 2024 20:00 , Ariana Baio The US has vowed to take more retaliatory action targeting Iran-backed militants in the Middle East following the death of three US troops in Jordan. The US military launched its offensive in Iraq and Syria over the weekend in retaliation against the attacks on its bases. It separately targeted the Houthis in Yemen amid the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea. Part of the purpose of these strikes is to take away capabilities from the Iranian-backed militants in Iraq and Syria that are attacking our forces, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told ABC News. The strikes had a good effect in degrading the capabilities of the militias and the Houthis, he said. There will be more steps. Some of those actions will be seen, some may not be seen. There will be more action taken to respond to the tragic death of the three brave US service members. Watch: Childrens clothing stretching 5km laid out on beach in Gaza war protest Tuesday 6 February 2024 21:00 , Ariana Baio US struck Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles Tuesday 6 February 2024 21:45 , Ariana Baio The US Central Command said they struck a Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) that presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region on Monday. CENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes On Feb. 5, at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV). U.S. forces identified the explosive USVs in Houthi-controlled areas of pic.twitter.com/WMntzJOnw6 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 6, 2024 Iran continuing to back proxies, report says Tuesday 6 February 2024 22:20 , Ariana Baio Iran is continuing to provide weapons and intelligence to its proxies, a Middle Eastern official, US official and congressional aide with knowledge of the matter told NBC News. According to the new report, Iran is continuing to back militants and rebels across the Middle East, even as the US conducts airstrikes in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. This assistance allegedly includes providing intelligence to Houthi forces in Yemen to continue attacking military and commercial ships in the Red Sea. It also includes sending weapons to other proxy forces. The US launched strikes against Houthi militants in parts of Yemen for the continued attack of vessels in the Red Sea. Additionally, the US conducted airstrikes in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for the killing of three American soldiers in Jordan. 31 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are dead, Israeli military says Tuesday 6 February 2024 22:50 , Ariana Baio Israels military says 31 of the hostages in Gaza are dead a fifth of the 136 people still being held captive by Hamas. It comes after a document compiled by Israeli intelligence officers reported by the New York Times, suggested 32 have died since the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in response. Four military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel was also assessing unconfirmed intelligence indicating that at least 20 other hostages may have also been killed, the paper reported. Matt Mathers reports: 31 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are dead, Israeli military says Watch: Patrick Ryder says We are not there to seek confrontation or war with Iran' Tuesday 6 February 2024 23:35 , Ariana Baio ICYMI: Import prices affected by Red Sea disruption 00:50 , Ariana Baio, PA Overall input costs rose last month for the first time since September, the latest S&P Global / CIPS construction purchasing managers index (PMI) said on Monday. Some firms flagged higher costs for imported building materials, mainly from Asia, due to attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked commercial and military ships in what they say is an act of solidarity with the people of Palestine since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Now retailers are warning consumers of stock delays and higher costs as ships are forced to re-route away from the Red Sea. PA contributed to this report White House refuses to rule out US strikes inside Iran after retaliatory attacks across Middle East 01:20 , John Bowden The White House has refused to rule out US action inside Iran following a wave of retaliatory airstrikes across the Middle East. This weekend saw the US hit dozens of Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq, Syria and Yemen in response to a deadly attack at a military base in Jordan which left three US service members dead last month. On Sunday, President Joe Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan told US news networks that further military action was likely, and would not rule out the possibility of strikes inside Irans borders. Im not going to get into whats on the table and off the table when it comes to the American response, he told CBS. Mr Sullivan called the airstrikes the beginning, not the end of our response. However, the US has insisted that it does not want a wider conflict across the Middle East. Voices: A humanitarian disaster waits if Israeli troops push into Gazas Rafah: Ceasefire is our only hope 02:00 , Ariana Baio Families and medics in Rafah the last refuge for Palestinians within Gaza have warned of catastrophe if Israel fulfils its promise to advance into the border town. Rafah, which lies along the border Egypt, is now sheltering more than a million people, most of them those who fled other parts of Gaza after Israel unleashed its heaviest ever bombardment of the strip in retaliation for the bloody 7 October attack by Hamas. Many are sleeping in makeshift tents in schools, hospital courtyards, on the streets, and abandoned buildings, as families described cooking on campfires and washing in the sea. Bel Trew writes: A humanitarian disaster waits if Israeli troops push into Gazas Rafah Israeli military says 31 hostages in Gaza are dead 02:45 , Matt Mathers Israels military says 31 of the hostages in Gaza are dead a fifth of the 136 people still being held captive by Hamas. It comes after a document compiled by Israeli intelligence officers reported by the New York Times, suggested 32 have died since the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in response. Four military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel was also assessing unconfirmed intelligence indicating that at least 20 other hostages may have also been killed, the paper reported. The circumstances of the hostage deaths remain unclear with the Israeli authorities suggesting that many of those deaths had occurred during Hamass deadly attack, in which 1,200 people were killed and at least another 240 taken hostage. The Israeli military told the New York Times that it was deploying all available resources to locate and retrieve as much information as possible regarding the hostages currently held by Hamas. Blinken seeks progress on Gaza cease-fire-for-hostages deal 03:00 , Associated Press Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Cairo on Tuesday for a meeting with Egyptian leaders that U.S. officials said would concentrate mainly on the task of negotiating a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages held by the militants. Blinkens visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israels stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Israels defense minister has said Israels offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people have sought refuge and live in increasingly miserable conditions. UN humanitarian monitors said Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two-thirds of Gazas territory, driving thousands more people every day toward the border areas. Houthis strike Greek cargo ship 03:16 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen fired six ballistic missiles at two ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with one ship reporting minor damage. A Greek-owned bulked carrier was struck by three of the projectiles fired by the Houthis on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the militants struck a British-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea. The USS Laboon operating near the Greek ship intercepted and shot down a third anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis, the US Central Command said. Iranian-Backed Houthi Terrorists conduct Multiple Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Attacks in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: On Feb. 6, from approximately 1:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Arabian Standard Time) Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired six anti-ship ballistic missiles pic.twitter.com/lrffP3vZb8 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 7, 2024 Saudi Arabia says no relations with Israel without independent Palestinian state 03:32 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Saudi Arabia has told the US that that nation will hold no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem. The Saudi foreign ministry in a statement on Wednesday said the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip needed to stop and all Israeli occupation forces should withdraw from the Gaza Strip.T he statement comes a day after US secretary of state Antony Blinken held talks with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday. It was Mr Blinkens fifth visit to the Middle East since the onset of Israels war in Gaza in October 2023. A Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the discussions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America on the Arab-Israeli peace process. pic.twitter.com/UBWc30iv1V Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) February 7, 2024 ICYMI: Yemens presidential council sacks prime minister 04:00 , Ariana Baio Yemens internationally recognised presidential council sacked the prime minister in an unexpected move that comes at a time when a US-led coalition has been striking targets of the governments rivals, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. A decree from the council appointed foreign minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak the new prime minister. Mr Bin Mubarak, who is close to Saudi Arabia, replaced Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, who was Yemens premier since 2018. The council didnt give a reason behind the reshuffle. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when the Houthis overran the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north. Houthis ability to attack in Red Sea not fully degraded, says Shapps 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The Houthis ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea has been reduced but not fully degraded, Grant Shapps has said. The defence secretary told the Commons the UK will, if necessary, not hesitate to respond again in self-defence. He was updating MPs after the UK and the US took part in joint airstrikes against Houthi rebel sites in Yemen on Saturday. Mr Shapps said the attacks were in line with international law and in self-defence, and had targeted three military facilities hitting 11 separate targets, identified following very careful analysis. He said: We do not believe that there were any civilian casualties on Saturday night. More here. Shapps: Houthis ability to attack in Red Sea reduced but not fully degraded Iran issues a warning about suspected spy ships in the Middle East 05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Iran issued a warning to the US over potentially targeting two cargo ships in the Mideast long suspected of serving as forwarding operating base for Iranian commandos, just after America and the United Kingdom launched a massive airstrike campaign against Yemens Houthi rebels. The statement from Iran on the Behshad and Saviz ships appeared to signal Tehrans growing unease over the U.S. strikes in recent days in Iraq, Syria and Yemen targeting militias backed by the Islamic Republic. Those attacks, themselves a retaliatory campaign for the killing of three US soldiers and wounding of dozens of others in Jordan, all stem back to Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has escalated tensions across the wider Middle East and raised fears about a regional conflict breaking out. More here. After new US strikes hitting Yemen, Iran issues a warning about suspected spy ships in the Mideast Hamas responds to new hostage deal in positive spirit 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Hamas in Gaza on Tuesday said it replied to a framework drawn up more than a week ago by US and Israeli spy chiefs at a meeting in Paris with the Egyptians and Qataris. Hamas said it responded in a positive spirit, ensuring a comprehensive and complete ceasefire, ending the aggression against our people, ensuring relief, shelter, and reconstruction, lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip, and achieving a prisoner swap. American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators prepared a diplomatic push to bridge differences between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire plan for Gaza after the Palestinian group responded to a proposal for an extended pause in fighting and hostage releases. Qatar described the Hamas response as positive overall while Egyptian security sources told Reuters that Hamas showed flexibility. We will discuss all the details of the proposed framework with the concerned parties to reach an agreement on the final formula as soon as possible, Diaa Rashwan, head of Egypts state information service, was quoted as saying. The truce would last at least 40 days, during which the militants would free civilians among the remaining hostages they hold, Reuters reported, citing sources. In Pics: Houthis mark 20th anniversary of Hussein al-Houthis assassination 06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Houthis mark 20th anniversary of Hussein al-Houthis assassination in Yemen (Anadolu via Getty Images) Houthis mark 20th anniversary of Hussein al-Houthis assassination in Yemen (Anadolu via Getty Images) Houthis mark 20th anniversary of Hussein al-Houthis assassination in Yemen (Anadolu via Getty Images) Pressure on Blinken to get Gaza truce breakthrough 06:30 , Bel Trew Antony Blinken has visited Saudi Arabia at the start of a four-day trip to the Middle East, as pressure mounts on Washington to deliver a truce and bring the region back from the brink before Israels threatened assault on the last refuge for civilians in Gaza. The US secretary of state is set to travel to the Gulf, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the occupied West Bank, in his fifth attempt at furious shuttle diplomacy in the region since October. The 7 October attack by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw another 250 taken hostage, and Israels bombardment of Gaza in response, has sparked clashes across the region. Gazas authorities say Israels air and ground assault has killed more than 27,400 Palestinians. US officials have warned the situation in the Middle East is the most dangerous it has been in decades, as Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have entered the fray, attacking US positions and global shipping routes, in retaliation for support of Israels offensive. Read more here UN envoy warns more attacks on Iraq threaten its hard-won stability 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Iraqs government is focused on avoiding a domestic or regional spillover of the Israel-Hamas war but continuing attacks on the country threaten its hard-won stability, the UN envoy for Iraq has warned. With the war raging in Gaza, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the UN Security Council that the Middle East is at a critical juncture and the same is true for Iraq. Attacks originating from inside and outside Iraq will not only undo the countrys stability but other achievements made in the past 18 months, she said, adding that messaging by strikes only serves to recklessly heighten tensions, to kill or injure people and to destroy property. More here. UN envoy warns more attacks on Iraq threaten its hard-won stability 31 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are dead, Israeli military says 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Israels military says 31 of the hostages in Gaza are dead a fifth of the 136 people still being held captive by Hamas. It comes after a document compiled by Israeli intelligence officers reported by the New York Times, suggested 32 have died since the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in response. Four military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel was also assessing unconfirmed intelligence indicating that at least 20 other hostages may have also been killed, the paper reported. Matt Mathers has more. 31 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are dead, Israeli military says Israeli strikes killed civilians in Syria, says military 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The Syrian military on Wednesday said Israeli airstrikes over the central city of Homs and its countryside have killed and wounded civilians. Syrian state news agency SANA quoted an unnamed military official saying Tuesdays strikes damaged both private and public property. The Israeli jets reportedly struck the Syrian city and countryside from near the Lebanese coastal city of Tripoli. State television showed ambulances rushing to the scene of a strike, where wreckage and debris lay from a building that was hit. The strikes come just days after the US launched retaliatory airstrikes in Syria targeting Iran-backed militants amid flaring tensions across the Middle East flare with the Israeli-Hamas war. Diapers and baby formula are hard to find in Gaza, leaving parents desperate 08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The war between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers has sparked a humanitarian catastrophe that has brought shortages of the most basic necessities. Some of the hardest-hit are babies, young children and their parents, with diapers and formula either hard to find or spiking to unaffordable prices, leading parents to look to inadequate or even unsafe alternatives. Their plight is further complicated due to sporadic aid deliveries that have been hobbled by Israeli restrictions and the relentless fighting. More here. Diapers and baby formula are hard to find in Gaza, leaving parents desperate Hundreds of thousands of lives at risk in Gaza after Biden pauses UNRWA funding 09:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are starving as a result of Israels war against Hamas, according to aid agencies on the ground. But an even greater number of Palestinian lives may soon be at risk due to a decision by the US and its allies to freeze funding to the primary aid agency operating in the territory, following reports that a small number of employees were involved in the October 7 attacks. Now, the agency has warned it may run out of money as early as this month, a worst-case scenario that aid groups have warned could cause widespread famine and death. They will die of hunger, they will die because they dont have the insulin that UNRWA brings in, or they will die because a woman had a complicated childbirth and there was no UNRWA midwife to help her, said Juliette Touma, director of communications at the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA. Richard Hall and Andrew Feinberg report. Hundreds of thousands of lives hang in balance in Gaza after Biden pauses UN funding Stay up to date with The Independent's web notifications 10:00 , Ariana Baio Want the latest updates on the conflict in the Middle East and other breaking news straight to your phone or laptop? Stay on top of the latest big breaking news with The Independents web notifications. Well also share our must-read articles, agenda-setting exclusives and Premium features to keep you expertly informed. To sign up, head here: https://www.independent.co.uk/web-push Blinken to meet Israeli leaders 10:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar US secretary of state Antony Blinken is set to meet Israeli leaders as Hamas suggested it was open to a new ceasefire and hostage release deal. But both sides remain dug in on thus far elusive goals as the war enters its fifth month. The deadliest round of fighting in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, levelled entire neighbourhoods, driven the vast majority of Gazas population from their homes, and pushed a quarter of the population to starvation. Iran-backed militant groups across the region have conducted attacks, mostly on US and Israeli targets, in solidarity with the Palestinians, drawing reprisals as the risk of a wider conflict grows. Israel remains deeply shaken by Hamass 7 October attack, in which militants burst through the countrys vaunted defences and rampaged across southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting some 250, around half of whom remain in captivity in Gaza. The US, Israel, Qatar and Egypt have proposed a ceasefire of several weeks in return for a phased release of the hostages. Hamas responded to the offer late on Tuesday in what it said was a positive spirit while reiterating its core demands for an end to the Israeli offensive and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, which president Joe Biden said were a little over the top. Houthi soldiers patrol streets of sanaa in Yemen 11:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Armed Houthi soldiers jump off a pick-up vehicle while on patrol in a street in Sanaa, Yemen (EPA) Shipping attacks rise tensions between Houthis and US-led coalition (EPA) Building costs jump as Red Sea disruption pushes up shipping prices 12:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Construction firms have seen the first jump in building costs since last autumn as Red Sea disruption sent shipping prices higher, according to a report. The latest S&P Global/CIPS construction purchasing managers index (PMI) revealed that overall input costs rose last month for the first time since September and at the fastest pace since May last year. Some firms flagged higher costs for imported building materials due to the Red Sea attacks on ships, according to S&P Global. More here. Building costs jump as Red Sea disruption pushes up shipping prices France pays tribute to victims of Hamas attack 12:51 , Chris Stevenson Frances President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the 42 French and French-Israeli victims of the 7 October attack on Israel during a sombre ceremony in the heart of Paris. Four months to the day after militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza killed 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages in southern Israel, the Paris ceremony opened with 42 French republican guards walking through the centuries-old Invalides building carrying large portraits of the French and Franco-Israeli victims. To the sound of drums and violins, guards stood at the centre of the wide courtyard as families of the victims, ministers and officials looked on in silence, some also carrying pictures of loved ones they lost in the attack. "They were not all born in France, they did not die in France, but they were part of France," Mr Macron said. "It was 6am, and Hamas launched a massive and heinous attack by surprise, the largest antisemitic massacre of our century," he said, vowing to fight antisemitism in all its forms, in France and abroad. Antisemitic violence has increased in many countries, including in France, in the wake of the attack and Israel's devastating invasion of Gaza in response. Gaza's Health Ministry said on Wednesday at least 27,708 Palestinians have been confirmed killed in Israel's bombardment of Gaza, with thousands more feared buried under rubble. Saudi Arabia and Gaza 13:18 , Chris Stevenson Saudi Arabia has told the United States it will not open diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, its foreign ministry has said. Riyadh reiterated its call for permanent members of the UN Security Council that have not recognised a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital to do so, a ministry statement said. It was referring to a state the Palestinians have long sought to establish alongside Israel in territories Israel occupied in a 1967 war: the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Airstrikes on Syria 13:42 , Chris Stevenson Israeli airstrikes over Syria's central city of Homs and nearby areas killed and wounded civilians, the Syrian military has said, without giving details. There was no immediate comment from Israel. The strikes come as tensions across the Middle East grow with the Israel-Hamas war and a drone attack last month that killed three US troops in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border. Syrian state news agency Sana quoted an unidentified military official as saying the strikes late Tuesday damaged private and public property. The pro-government Sham FM radio station said the areas struck included the affluent al-Malaab neighborhood and Hamra Street. At least six civilians were killed including a woman and a child, along with two militants from the Lebanese Hezbollah group and two people who could not immediately be identified, according to the Britain-based pro-opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Humanitarian Rights. Broward teachers would get an average 3.96% annual raise, on top of referendum dollars theyve already gotten, under a tentative agreement. The agreement was reached Monday between the Broward Teachers Union and the school district after months of contentious negotiations. It still must be approved by a vote of teachers and the School Board to take effect. Under the plan, which would be retroactive to July 1: Teachers ranked highly effective under the pay-for-performance plan would get 4.56%. Teachers ranked effective would get 3.42%. Teachers in the grandfathered tenure system, mostly teachers hired before 2011, would get 3.65% if they are rated effective or highly effective. This is in addition to the stipends of between $500 and $12,000 annually they received in August. The stipends were funded by a referendum voters approved in 2022 to boost teacher pay. The net result of that is a 14% increase in compensation this year. That number needs to get out, School Board member Allen Zeman told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Related Articles The latest pay increase follows more than seven months of tense negotiations. In November, the district would only offer the 1.7% pay increase earmarked by the state for teacher raises. The union had asked for 7% and 9% increases in separate sessions. Teachers packed several budget hearings and public meetings last year to plead for more money, saying they couldnt afford to live in South Florida. District officials later offered 3.96% but only 2.7% of that being recurring and 1.26% being a one-time bonus. We got further into the budget year with greater certainty about the funds, Zeman said. We found some places we could save money in other programs. A Washington, D.C., appeals court issued a blistering takedown Tuesday of Donald Trumps arguments that he has presidential immunity against criminal proceedingsincluding a savage citation from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Trump has repeatedly insisted that he cannot be prosecuted for trying to change the 2020 election results because he has presidential immunity. One of his arguments is that the separation of powers prevents state and federal officials from judging official presidential acts. He claims that the 1803 Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison established this precedent. But former President Trump misreads Marbury and its progeny, the three-judge panel said in its ruling. Properly understood, the separation of powers doctrine may immunize lawful discretionary acts but does not bar the federal criminal prosecution of a former President for every official act. The judges then quoted one of those progeny cases, the 1882 ruling in United States v. Lee. The majority opinion in that case stated, No man in this country is so high that he is above the law. No officer of the law may set that law at defiance with impunity. All the officers of the government, from the highest to the lowest, are creatures of the law and are bound to obey it. Whats more, that principle applies, of course, to a president, the judges wrote, citing Kavanaughs concurring opinion in the 2020 case Trump v. Vance, in which the Supreme Court ruled that Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance could access Trumps tax records as part of his investigation into alleged hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels. The judges decision to cite Kavanaugh, even fleetingly, is both clever and devastating. Trump and his legal team have previously hinted that the justice, a Trump appointee, owes the former president some sort of loyalty. But the appeals court ruling shows that Kavanaugh operates independently from Trump. Trump is expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. He has until Monday to do so. If the high court takes up the question of his immunity, it is starting to look increasingly likely that the justices will concur with the lower courts. Flash Warplanes belonging to the United States and Britain launched airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Monday, according to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV. The broadcaster stated that two aerial bombardments struck the Al-Katheeb area overlooking the strategic Red Sea port in the city of Hodeidah. Local media outlets reported that the raids resulted in civilian casualties, with some of the wounded being rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. During the past hours, the Houthi's media outlets, quoted a military source confirming that "American-British aggression aircraft carried out 15 raids on the governorates of Saada and Hodeidah late on Sunday night." This escalation comes after a two-day period during which the U.S. and British forces executed a total of 48 raids on the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa, and other Yemeni provinces. The airstrikes are part of an ongoing military response by Washington and London since January 12, targeting Houthi-controlled areas of Sanaa and other northern provinces. The international actions are reportedly in retaliation for Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who have been engaging in military actions in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since last November, claim to be targeting Israeli ships and vessels sailing to Israel. These actions unfold against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza since October. The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation. To help inform voters, this candidate questionnaire is available without a subscription and may be republished by local publications across North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible. Name: Satana Deberry Political party: Democrat Age as of March 5, 2024: 54 Campaign website: satanadeberryfornc.com Current occupation: Durham County District Attorney Professional experience: U.S. Department of Interior, Honors Program Attorney (1994-96); Attorney Partner, Deberry & Hand (1996-1999); Director, Foreclosure Prevention Project, Self-Help, (1999-2001); General Counsel, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (2001-2006); Senior Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation (2006-2008); Interim Executive Director/President, Durham Habitat for Humanity (2011-12); Executive Director, NC Housing Coalition (2013-18). Education: AB (magna cum laude), Princeton University; JD/MBA, Duke University What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Durham District Attorney (2019 and 2022); Board Chair, Reinvestment Partners; Board Co-Chair, Durham Public Schools Foundation. What would your top priority be as attorney general? The protection of reproductive rights and health care access; the protection of voting rights and prevention of political violence; the consumer protection of North Carolinians against scams, wage and labor theft, and environmental degradation. What do you think is or is not working well under the current attorney general? If not, how would you change it? The current AG has done a very good job in consumer protections actually returning millions of dollars to consumers from predatory behavior by companies (focused) on seniors and other vulnerable populations (for example, the litigation against Juul and its targeting of children). There is more of an opportunity to use civil penalties and litigation to address issues that may seem criminal in nature issues like suing Hyundai/Kia to fix the issues that make their cars more easy to steal. What do you think state and local law enforcement agencies should do to recruit and retain more officers? State and local agencies all have the same problem they do not pay people enough to do jobs that are difficult and require a high level of skill. Many officers can not afford to live in the communities in which they work. This creates a situation where those officers have less investment in the public safety of that community. How would you handle decisions about whether your agency will defend state laws you disagree with, and whether you will recuse yourself? I do not think it is ever proper for the AG to recuse herself. She may individually wall herself off from some decisions in which she might have a personal stake those issues can still be handled by senior staff. However, the AGs role is not to be a rubber stamp to state laws. Her role is to fairly represent the people of North Carolina in accordance with the North Carolina and U.S. constitutions. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? My position on every issue is the position that supports the constitutions of North Carolina and the United States. To help inform voters, this candidate questionnaire is available without a subscription and may be republished by local publications across North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible. Name: Mike Ross Political party: Libertarian Age as of March 5, 2024: 41 Campaign website: Firetheuniparty.com Current occupation: Financial planner Professional experience: Small business owner Education: BA in Business/Finance. Certified Financial Planner. What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? First time running. Activist and organizer. What do you think is the biggest issue in North Carolina that you would be able to shape if elected? Defending liberty and making sure the state government is accountable to North Carolina. What do you think is or is not working well under the current governor? If not, how would you change it? Many things could be working better. My platform covers specific changes with regards to the economy, education, health care, criminal justice reform and government transparency. What should be done to address staff vacancies in state government? It depends where the vacancies are and the functions performed. In what areas, if any, do you believe state government is wasting taxpayer money? Most areas, just like the federal and most municipal governments. What would you do to strengthen public schools? Encourage competition for dollars, so that they will have to improve or be replaced by a superior free market education solution. The governor of North Carolina will be charged with bringing new business and jobs to the state. How would you pitch NC to them? North Carolina is already a very attractive state to new businesses, but truly embracing free market economics will only make it more appealing. Would you sign a bill allowing additional casinos and legalizing video gambling machines, and why or why not? It would depend on the bill and how much unrelated grift was included. To help inform voters, this candidate questionnaire is available without a subscription and may be republished by local publications across North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible. Name: Mark K. Robinson Political party: Republican Age as of March 5, 2024: 55 Campaign website: markrobinsonfornc.com Current occupation: Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina Professional experience: As lieutenant governor, I partnered with lawmakers to end our state tax on military pensions; secured more than $11 million for apprenticeship and career training programs; and created the Fairness and Accountability in the Classroom for Teachers and Students (FACTS) Task Force. Ive worked in factories, managed a restaurant and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Im not a career politician. As governor Ill focus on solutions to the problems North Carolinians face every day. Education: UNC-Greensboro, Bachelor of Arts, History. What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? I am not a career politician. My first campaign for office was my election as North Carolinas first black lieutenant governor in 2020. What do you think is the biggest issue in North Carolina that you would be able to shape if elected? Education; an unaccountable bureaucracy at the state level has our education system struggling and COVID-19 only made it worse. Students are struggling to catch up. We need to bring accountability to bureaucracy at the state level, get politics out of the classroom, refocus our curriculum on academics, and prioritize getting students career ready whether that means preparing them for a college degree or a career in trades through bolstered apprenticeship and vocational programs and more. What do you think is or is not working well under the current governor? If not, how would you change it? If elected I hope to move beyond the current governors adversarial relationship with the legislature. I will partner with lawmakers to enact more policies that make North Carolina a better place to live, work or raise (a) family. Rather than vetoing family-friendly policies like tax relief and education reform, I will work with lawmakers to pass and enact these kinds of policies raising our quality of life for families and making us even more competitive for jobs and investment. What should be done to address staff vacancies in state government? My goal will be to create a culture of excellence in state government (that) will better recruit and retain employees while better supporting those who have already dedicated years of service to North Carolina. Our state agencies exist to serve the citizens of our state, and state employees and taxpayers alike deserve a culture of high professional standards that will serve the people of North Carolina well and allow our agencies to better recruit and retain qualified professionals for years to come. In what areas, if any, do you believe state government is wasting taxpayer money? We need to tackle the bureaucracy thats holding our education system back. Education funding should focus on students, not bureaucracies and politics. I will work with lawmakers to give students and families more options that meet their educational needs so more of our dollars are going directly into the classroom and giving raises for our teachers so they can focus on teaching, not being a parent, social worker or police officer. What would you do to strengthen public schools? Students have been falling behind for years and the COVID-19 school closures only made this worse. Kids are behind in reading, math and more. We need to get politics out of schools, refocus on fundamental academics and better ensure career readiness; be it college or a career in trades through apprenticeship and vocational programs. We also need to ensure teachers are treated as the professionals they are by paying them more and holding them to high standards of excellence. The governor of North Carolina will be charged with bringing new business and jobs to the state. How would you pitch NC to them? For more than a decade, North Carolina has been led by fiscal conservatives who have our state on a firm financial footing. Fiscal responsibility has put us on a firm financial footing with a $5 billion surplus and people are ready to do business in North Carolina. As governor, I want to work with lawmakers to build on this foundation so that our state continues to be a world-class place to do business. Would you sign a bill allowing additional casinos and legalizing video gambling machines, and why or why not? With any future gaming legislation, it needs to be evaluated based on its potential economic and social impacts, and the people will need to have their voices heard by their elected representatives be it by municipal, county or other local leaders or by legislators and other state officials. A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. A plague on both these houses: The Senate seems to lack the political will for a bipartisan border deal. The House lacks an effective majority for a partisan impeachment effort as GOP leaders scramble for votes. And so the knot of US immigration policy seems likely to stay hopelessly tied even though both sides of the aisle now agree theres a disaster at the border. Additional aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan is also locked up. Partisan impeachment effort flailing House Republicans should be taking a victory lap. Their pressure helped create an environment in which a Democratic president was promising to shut the US border with Mexico to new arrivals, confirming their years of warning about the flow of asylum-seekers from Central and South America and other continents. In return, President Joe Biden wanted additional funding for Ukraine and Israel, something many Republicans also support. Rather than respond to acknowledgment of the border crisis by working with Democrats and the White House on a deal, House Republicans planned instead to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as a protest of Bidens immigration approach. Except, as the vote approached, they seemed to realize they might not have the votes to impeach Mayorkas after all. Their majority is so small they can only afford to lose two or three votes, depending on how many lawmakers show up to vote. Two Republicans, Reps. Ken Buck of Colorado and Tom McClintock of California, oppose the impeachment. Maladministration or incompetence does not rise to what our founders considered an impeachable offense, Buck wrote in an op-ed for The Hill in which he eviscerated Mayorkas but rejected impeachment. The impeachment articles stretch and distort the Constitution in order to hold the administration accountable for stretching and distorting the law, McClintock wrote in a memo. The only other time a Cabinet member was impeached, back in 1876, it was with a unanimous House vote. With hours to go before the Mayorkas impeachment vote is set to occur, there is a real possibility it could fail, and it can only pass by the slimmest of margins. Bipartisan border deal imploding Partisanship isnt working. And neither is bipartisanship. Senate Democratic negotiators came nearly all the way to Republicans on what was billed as a bipartisan border deal. Abandoning hope of giving children of undocumented immigrants permanent legal status or creating a pathway to citizenship for migrants who built their lives in the US, Democratic negotiators appeared ready to give the president which could be Donald Trump next year broad new temporary authority to essentially shut down the border when crossings reach certain thresholds, raise the bar for people to seek asylum in the US and cut down on the practice of allowing people to work in the US while their cases are in immigration court. On Inside Politics on Wednesday, as news broke of Republican leaders turning against the deal by opposing procedural votes this week, CNNs Dana Bash interviewed Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, who spearheaded negotiations for Republicans. Are you gobsmacked? she asked, listing off the GOP immigration priorities that opponents are willing to leave on the table rather than work with Democrats. Im legitimately surprised at where we are at this moment because, as Republicans, weve done lots of press conferences at the border, had lots of conversations, saying things have to change, Lankford said. At the end of it, the worst-case scenario is to do nothing, Lankford said. We need to do something. And I think American people, regardless of your political persuasion, want to see actually something change on the border. House Speaker Mike Johnson doesnt think any new law is required for Biden to shut down the border and argued at a press conference that even a bill House Republicans passed last year was unnecessary, other than it would compel the president to do more. We will continue to remind the American people that it is one individual, the commander in chief, the most power political figure in this country, who could end the catastrophe that he, specifically, and we believe intentionally, created, Johnson said. Biden, meanwhile, was trying out campaign-trail material in an appearance at the White House. Every day between now and November, the American people are going to know that the only reason the border is not secure is Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican friends, he said. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tri-Cities police agencies are warning car owners about a double-digit jump in car thefts in January. Kennewick alone saw a 130% increase. Police Commander Aaron Clem told the Tri-City Herald about 90 cars were stolen last month compared to 39 in January a year ago. Pasco saw the biggest jump of 175%. In all, 77 were stolen so far in 2024, compared to 28 the prior year, Pasco Police Lt. Tom Groom said. Richland saw a much smaller increase of 33%, said Claire Venema, the community relations specialist and public information officer. Twenty-four cars were swiped in January compared to 18. Police officials say a combination of issues led to the increase including a manufacturing defect with Hyundais and Kias that owners need to get fixed and drivers leaving their cars to warm up in the cold with the keys inside. Clem said most owners in the Tri-Cities eventually get their cars back but often they are damaged. We are seeing some instances where people are doing some pretty severe damage (to the car,) Clem said. Most often, theyre relatively intact. Hyundais and Kias Nationwide, certain models of Hyundais and Kias have been the targeted by thieves after a series of social media posts showed how to start the cars without a key, according to a CNN Business article. The Highway Loss Data Institute reported that about one of every 1,000 insured Kias and Hyundais were stolen in 2020. By the first half of 2023 that number had grown to 11.2 of every 1,000 while the theft rate for other similar models stayed about the same. The institute provides research for a nonprofit created by three major insurance companies. Several of the models between 2015 and 2019 were equipped with a keyed ignition that lacked anti-theft technology, say officials. While Kia and Hyundai operate separately in the United States, Hyundai owns a large stake in Kia and they share technology, reported CNN Business. An overwhelming majority of these cars being stolen (locally) are the Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the known compromised ignition systems, Groom told the Herald. Groom and Clem said the automakers are offering a fix to owners, but its still affecting a number people who havent taken advantage of the repair. Owners can schedule a fix for their Hyundai at bit.ly/HyundaiRecallTC or for a Kia at bit.ly/KiaRecallTC. Pursuit laws Clem and Groom also noted car thieves also have been emboldened by changes in Washington state laws concerning police pursuits. The changes were sparked by the public outcry after the 2020 murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. One of the changes enacted in Washington state in 2021 involved limiting when police can start chasing a suspect. While the restrictions have been loosened in recent years, police in Washington still need to suspect the occupants of a car were involved in a violent crime or driving intoxicated. As a result, some car thieves believe police cant chase and arrest them, Clem said. Voters will have a chance to change those laws as part of an initiative expected to be on the November 2024 ballot. The Secretary of States Office has certified the signatures for the proposed ballot initiative. Warming up In most cases in Washington state, leaving a car engine on and the vehicle unattended is illegal. The Revised Code of Washington states that a driver, or person in charge of a vehicle, cannot leave a car alone without first: Stopping the engine Locking the ignition Removing the key Setting the brake When parking on a grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway Failure to do the above can result in getting a traffic ticket. Depending on the scenario, that can be a warning or a ticket. You will be held liable for any collision or damage caused by a car you left unattended. Stopping car thefts Other steps people can take include: Use anti-theft devices. That includes using AirTags, which allow people to track a cars if its taken. Park the car in the garage. Lock the car every time. Hide your valuables so thieves arent tempted to break in. Anyone with information about a car theft can call the non-emergency dispatch number at 509-628-0333. Adam Neumann ran WeWork for nearly a decade, but his role came to an abrupt end in late 2019. WeWork filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November after struggling to fill offices. Neumann's company Flow Global is trying to buy WeWork, DealBook and Bloomberg reported. Adam Neumann, 43, was born in Israel in 1979. Lior Mizrahi/Getty Images His parents got divorced when he was 7, and he moved around a lot as a child with his mother he reportedly lived in 13 different homes by the time he was 22. Source: New York Magazine As a child, Neumann lived for some time on an Israeli kibbutz, one of the collective community settlements across the country. Neumann attended school near the Gaza Strip while his mother worked as a doctor at a nearby hospital. Kibbutz Nir Am, where Neumann lived as a child. Reuters/Amir Cohen Source: Haaretz Neumann is severely dyslexic, and couldn't read or write until he was in third grade. Jackal Pan / Getty Source: Forbes Neumann served in the Israel Defense Forces after grade school. Israel Defense Forces via http://www.flickr.com/photos/idfonline/8194555088/ creative commons He served in the navy for five years, although only three years of service is required. "That's where I got to know a lot of my best friends," Neumann told Haaretz in 2017. Source: Haaretz After leaving the IDF, Neumann moved in 2001 to New York City. Katie Warren/Business Insider He where he lived in a Tribeca apartment with his sister Adi, went to clubs and started "hitting on every girl in the city," he said in a commencement speech in 2017. Source: New York Magazine Neumann enrolled at city school Baruch College in January 2002 and majored in business. Reuters/Carlo Allegri He said he thought of the concept of WeLive, WeWork's communal living business, for a school entrepreneurship competition. However, the idea was killed in the competition's second round, because a professor didn't think Neumann would be able to raise enough money "to change the way people live." Sources: New York Magazine, TechCrunch Neumann dropped out from college just four credits shy of graduating. Neumann delivering his Baruch College commencement speech in 2017. WeWork/YouTube He ultimately finished his degree 15 years later, in 2017, after completing a four-month independent study, and delivered the commencement speech for Baruch College's graduating class. Sources: TechCrunch, Business Insider While in college, Neumann met his now-wife, Rebekah Paltrow Neumann, a cousin of actress Gwyneth Paltrow. The pair married in 2009, and have five children. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Source: Observer, Real Deal On their first date, Paltrow Neumann called out the WeWork cofounder for being "full of s---." WeWork husband/wife team Rebekah Paltrow Neumann and Adam Neumann. Fortune Neumann credits his wife for getting him to stop smoking, and for telling him to pursue his passions instead of dreams to be rich. Sources: Business Insider Paltrow Neumann became the founder and CEO of WeGrow. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP WeGrow was under the WeWork company umbrella and operated an elementary school in New York before shutting down in 2019. She was a WeWork founding partner, when she learned there's "no job too big or too small for each person." Sources: Coveteur, WeGrow While Neumann was at college, he worked on two business ventures: a failed idea for collapsible heeled shoe, and baby clothes with built-in knee-pads called Krawlers. Adam Neumann, chief executive officer of U.S. co-working firm WeWork, speaks during a signing ceremony in Shanghai, China April 12, 2018. Jackal Pan/Reuters He dropped out to pursue the second idea, and developed it into a baby-clothing company called Egg Baby in 2006. Egg Baby is still around today as a luxury baby clothing company headed up by clothes designer Suzan Lazar. Neumann is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of Egg Baby, whose children's clothing is sold at department stores. Sources: Forbes, TechCrunch Soon after launching Egg Baby, Neumann met WeWork cofounder Miguel McKelvey through a mutual friend. Miguel McKelvey and Adam Neumann. Scott Legato/Getty The two reportedly bonded over their backgrounds and competitive streaks, and McKelvey convinced Neumann to move Egg Baby offices to the same building he was working out of in Brooklyn. Soon after, the two developed the idea for WeWork after brainstorming an idea for renting out empty office space to other companies. In 2008, they convinced their building's landlord to let them rent out a floor in a nearby Brooklyn building, and an earth-friendly co-working company called Green Desk was born. Source: Forbes, New York Magazine However, McKelvey and Neumann decided to go off on their own. The first WeWork building at the corner of Grand and Lafayette streets in New York City. Original WeWork Building at 154 Grand Street in NYC's SoHo. They sold off their share of Green Desk to their landlord for $3 million, and opened their first WeWork space in 2010 in New York's Little Italy neighborhood. Sources: Forbes, New York Magazine Under Neumann as CEO, WeWork expanded to provide co-working desk space in commercial buildings in more than 120 cities in nearly 40 countries. The company was valued at $47 billion. Adam Neumann, CEO of The We Company. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan Sources: Business Insider, Forbes Paige Leskin contributed earlier reporting to this story. One of WeWork's biggest investors was the Japanese investment firm SoftBank, which invested more than $10 billion in the company. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. Getty Images AsiaPac Neumann has told Business Insider about his close relationship with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, who he calls "Yoda." Source: Business Insider Neumann was worth an estimated $4 billion at his peak. Getty After founding WeWork, Neumann spent over $80 million on five homes, including two properties in New York City and one home in the Hamptons. In 2018, he reportedly purchased a 13,000-square-foot home in the San Francisco area, complete with a guitar-shaped room, worth $21 million. Neumann also invested in a number of startups, both by himself and on behalf of WeWork. His niche-interest investments included a wave-pool maker, a medical marijuana provider, and a superfood startup, which sells things like "performance mushrooms," powdered coconut water infused with beets and turmeric, and highly caffeinated coffee. Neumann was WeWork's largest single shareholder. However, he cashed out some of his stake and took out loans. In total, Neumann's sales and debt transactions reportedly totaled $700 million. Sources: Wall Street Journal, Business Insider The company publicly filed for an IPO on August 14, 2019. Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images The IPO filing gave the public its best view yet at the company's financial health: notably, $1.6 billion in losses on $1.8 billion in revenue in 2018. However, along with WeWork's IPO paperwork came further scrutiny of its business. The We Company The filings showed that WeWork paid Neumann just shy of $6 million for the trademark rights for the "we" family trademarks for the company's name change to the We Company in January 2019. After widespread criticism, Neumann paid the money back. The IPO paperwork also revealed a number of Neumann's potential conflicts of interest regarding WeWork. Neumann was revealed to have personal financial ties to WeWork buildings, and his wife, Rebekah, was listed as one of three people who would decide the next CEO if Neumann could no longer run the company. WeWork limited her power by removing her ability to help choose the next CEO, and also banned her and any of Neumann's family members from serving on the board. Source: Business Insider Shortly after the IPO was filed, a report revealed that WeWork had been bleeding HR managers. Jackal Pan/Getty Images Some pointed fingers at Neumann himself as the reason. Neumann reportedly criticized some employees as "B players" behind their backs. The IPO paperwork also showed that Neumann had special shares in WeWork that gave him a massive 20 votes per share, as well as majority control over the company. His power was limited in WeWork's amended IPO filing in September 2019, in which the company slashed its valuation from $47 billion to below $20 billion. In September 2019, a Wall Street Journal report detailed Neumann's hard-partying ways, and drug and alcohol use. We cofounder and CEO Adam Neumann Getty Two of the most startling revelations in the piece: Once after announcing layoffs, Neumann sent around tequila shots and organized a surprise Run-DMC concert. Also, his private jet was once recalled in Israel after marijuana was found hidden in an onboard cereal box. Amidst the criticism, Neumann's leadership of WeWork was thrown into question. WeWork's board of directors met in September 2019 to discuss the possibility of removing Neumann as CEO something reportedly backed by one of Neumann's best assets, SoftBank head Masayoshi Son. Source: Wall Street Journal On September 24, Neumann said he would be stepping down from his role as WeWork CEO. Neumann said in a statement that he had become a "significant distraction" in recent weeks, and it was in the company's "best interest" to resign. Two WeWork executives Sebastian Gunningham and Artie Minson took his place as co-CEOs. The company then withdrew its S-1 filing, officially postponing its IPO. Artie Minson (left) and Sebastian Gunningham, WeWork temporary CEOs. We Company; Samantha Lee/Business Insider Source: Business Insider Neumann put at least two of his properties up for sale. Both his three-floor New York City penthouse and Hamptons house were put on the market. His Hamptons house sold for $1.25 million in March 2020. Neumann's penthouse at 78 Irving Place. Compass Source: Business Insider, Mansion Global Neumann momentarily kept his role as chairman of WeWork's board of directors, but he stepped down from the board in October 2019. Adam Neumann stepped down as WeWork CEO in 2019. Eduardo Munoz/Reuters; Samantha Lee/Business Insider SoftBank, WeWork's largest investor, was given control of the company as part of a $9.5 billion bailout plan. As part of the buyout deal, SoftBank planned to provide Neumann with a $1.7 billion exit package. SoftBank had planned to purchase $3 billion worth of shares from investors and employees including shares from Neumann worth $970 million but backed out, citing "multiple, new, and significant" civil and criminal investigations into WeWork. Source: Wall Street Journal, Business Insider Neumann said he had regrets about WeWork's drop from a $47 billion valuation to $7 billion after the company's failed IPO. AppleTV+; Michael Kovac/Getty Images for WeWork But he didn't apologize to employees who lost their jobs, and whose stock options lost value while he left the company with $180 million from SoftBank, WeWork's largest investor. After not speaking publicly for two years, Neumann sat down for an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin in November 2021. He was asked about the thousands of employees who lost their jobs, how much money he walked away with after leaving WeWork, and selling the "we" family trademarks. Source: Business Insider Flow was valued at $1 billion in 2022, and Neumann spent over $1 billion last year purchasing 3,000 housing units for the startup. Miami, FL Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images Neumann got back in the startup game in 2022 with a rental-housing company called Flow. Andreessen Horowitz, or A16z, invested $350 million into the startup the firm's largest single investment at the time. A contributing factor in Neumann's downfall from WeWork was leasing office properties he owned back to WeWork. Flow is operating in the properties owned by Neumann. The units are in Atlanta, Nashville, Tennessee, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Source: Business Insider A16z previously invested in FlowCarbon, Neumann's crypto startup for tokenizing carbon credits and allowing renewable-energy developers to trade those tokens. In a round led by A16z, the startup raised $32 million. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Source: Business Insider In October 2023 Neumann condemned Hamas' attack on Israel and the loss of innocent lives in both Palestine and Israel during the ongoing conflict. Europa Press News/Getty Images Source: CNBC Less than a month before WeWork filed for bankruptcy, Neumann looked back fondly on the "unbelievable team" at the company and said it was hard to watch the company struggle from the sidelines. Shahar Azran/Getty Images Source: CNBC WeWork filed for bankruptcy on November 6, 2023. NurPhoto/Getty Images Neumann released a statement expressing his disappointment with the filing and the company's failure to "take advantage of a product that is more relevant today than ever before." "As the co-founder of WeWork who spent a decade building the business with an amazing team of mission-driven people, the company's anticipated bankruptcy filing is disappointing," he said. "It has been challenging for me to watch from the sidelines since 2019 as WeWork has failed to take advantage of a product that is more relevant today than ever before. I believe that, with the right strategy and team, a reorganization will enable WeWork to emerge successfully." Source: Business Insider Neumann's real estate company is reportedly interested in buying WeWork. Shahar Azran/Getty Images Neumann's Flow Global has been trying to buy the now-bankrupt WeWork for months, DealBook and Bloomberg reported. The real estate company has reportedly offered to buy Wework or its assets out of bankruptcy. Flow Global's lawyers accused WeWork of a "lack of engagement" with the potential deal over the past several months. Source: DealBook Correction: November 10, 2023 An earlier version of this story misstated the status of FlowCarbon. A company representative says FlowCarbon is growing in staff and actively conducting transactions. Read the original article on Business Insider On a brisk Tuesday morning, a gathering has formed around a burial plot. The beloved lies in a casket, resting on her favorite blanket, surrounded by photos and some of her toys. The family tells stories about the friendship and loyalty that never wavered. The loved one remembered is Elle, a 60-pound fox hound/beagle mix. Elle is being eulogized at Pet Memorial Park at Kansas Citys Wayside Waifs. The animal shelter claims to have one of the oldest and largest pet cemeteries in the world. Elles headstone will later be placed with the inscription: We will love you forever and we will meet you at the bridge. This is a story about saying goodbye to your best friend, and the growing community of pet owners who want a respectful resting place for their best friend. But its also the adventure of Elle, who was found malnourished in a cornfield in Clinton, Missouri, in July 2012 and rushed to a nearby animal shelter. Unfortunately, it was at capacity. As Elle faced a very uncertain future, Wayside intervened and sent its dog transport van to pick her up. Three days later, Elle was safely adopted by Chris Trainer and her husband, Dan Bromley, who gave her 11 years of love and adventure. So if the notion of a cemetery for a treasured dog or even cat strikes you as unusual, or maybe even odd, then prepare to be enlightened. Fenby Webster founded Wayside Waifs in 1944. Since then, it has grown from 5 to 50 acres. The vision of Fenby Webster Wayside was founded in 1944 by Fenby Webster, a woman who understood the importance of a burial for our furry friends. Webster started Wayside to create a haven for lost and unwanted animals, to educate the public and prevent cruelty to, animals. Women were the early leaders in the animal protection movement and pioneered the modern animal shelter. Webster was at the forefront. Today Waysides 5 acres has grown to 50, and it offers a wide variety of services for every stage of an animals life. Wayside helps pets from the beginning of their journey when theyre rescued, provides medical and behavior care while theyre with us, and gives an endless amount of love until they find their forever homes, says Casey Waugh, manager of communications at Wayside. It also offers low-cost vaccine clinics, dog training and an off-leash Bark Park. Laura Keyworth, Waysides pet memorial services manager, removes leaves before cleaning a headstone for a cockatiel. When its time to say goodbye, our Pet Memorial Services will be there every step of the way to support pet parents during a time of sorrow and help make final arrangements for their pets passing, she said. A walk in the 5-acre memorial area reveals touching and thoughtful remembrances about a life well lived, with headstone inscriptions about lost friends and friendships that speak from the heart. Wayside offers other options. Cremations cost $60 to $200, depending on the animals size, and similar services are offered by several area businesses. Waysides burials can vary between $530 to $1,110, with headstones included. Custom engraved headstones with pet photos can be added for another $65. People want their companion animals treated with kindness and dignity, as they would any human member of their family, and after-life care is no exception, said Laura Kenworth, who operates the memorial services. Wayside Waifs is able to help provide closure to grieving families through burial services and its appealing alternative, cremation. We strive to honor not only our clients pets but their owners personal and religious beliefs. Wayside is one of two pet cemeteries in Kansas City. Rolling Acres opened in October 1973 and now has two locations, in the Northland and in south Kansas City. They are just two of some 700 pet cemeteries in the U.S. Chloe Robbins, an associate at Pet Memorial Services, sets up a display like one that would be used during a pet memorial service at Wayside Waifs. Proceeds from the services helps to support the shelters residents. The intersection of faith and fur Pet burials date back some 4,000 years, historians say. It was not usual to find dogs and cats interred with their masters. And for centuries, religions have embraced a love to all pets. Religious precepts of kindness and mercy to animals have been part of faith traditions around the world since antiquity, said Janet Davis, a distinguished professor of American studies and history at the University of Texas, Austin, and author of The Gospel of Kindness: Animal Welfare and the Making of a Modern America, (Oxford University Press, 2016). To list but a few examples, these spiritual ideals include the dictates of ahimsa (nonviolence) in Hinduism; right livelihood and karma (retribution in a future life for bad behavior in this life) in Buddhism; Tzaar Baalei Chayim (the prohibition of unnecessary suffering of any creature) in Judaism and biblical stewardship in Christianity. Many denominations embrace the notion that our animals have souls and may play a role in an afterlife. Catholics, for instance, recognize Saint Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of animals. Churches often devote a day to the blessing of the animals. It is not just a soul we may share, as humans have genetic similarities to dogs. They also get a lot of the same age-related diseases, such as arthritis and cancer. Turns out, researchers are now studying dogs more carefully to help humans understand the aging process. Naturally, the notion of dogs going to heaven was pure gold for Hollywood. All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989) involved a dog named Charlie who owned a casino and was killed by gambler named Carface. Still with me? The dog returns to earth thanks to a magic watch that can be rewound. The New York Times reviewer Janet Maslin said this film might as well roll over and play dead. No matter. There was a sequel, of course. More recently, W. Bruce Cameron, a Shawnee Mission East alum, has been writing dog-related books and movies, including 2017s A Dogs Purpose, with the comforting notion that dogs get reincarnated. After her buddy Zorro died, Elle knew he had left and immediately grabbed Zorros favorite toy and kept it with her, laying on it for over a year, says Chris Trainer. Elle and Zorro If dogs go to heaven, then there is probably room for Trainer and Bromley, who rescued Elle from deaths door. And maybe the young man from Wayside who drove to Clinton on that humid July day and held Elle tight to calm her. Trainer has been involved in Waysides mission for many years, and at that time she was on the board of directors. The couple were already busy with their red heeler mix named Zorro. Zorro was a rescue as well he was the last of nine puppies to be adopted from an animal rescue facility in Atchison. Zorro was left because he was scrawny and did not look well, Trainer said. But once he arrived at our home, he flourished. Trainer and Bromley live across from Lake Jacomo and its 900 acres-plus of wooded property. That area is home to countless wild animals that inevitably interact with the canine crew in their backyard. But with our property, the dogs had to be big enough to deal with whatever came onto our land deer, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, turtles, snakes, coyotes, blue herons, ducks, geese,and a partridge in a pear tree, Trainer said with a hearty chuckle. At that time, the golden retriever next door had just died. Zorro needed a pal. Wayside called. We might have a good companion for Zorro the caller said. Trainer jumped in her car. But first, she bent down to Zorro and whispered, We might have a new buddy for you soon! Zorros tail wagged furiously. When I first went to see Elle at Wayside, she was in a large viewable coop, Trainer said. I put Elle on a leash and took her on a walk. After that, at Wayside there is an open fence area, and I took her off and let her run. That is when I could see the real love inside of her. That was it, we immediately knew she was our girl. And she was big enough to defend herself in the woods. Trainer then came back with her husband, and that was that. Photos of customers beloved pets hang on the wall at the Pet Memorial Services office building at Wayside Waifs. The facility offers burial and cremation services for pets, as well as caskets, urns, headstones and keepsakes. Zorro and Elle were siblings for 10 glorious years. Every day, they patrolled the yard and surrounding open fields as a team. Zorro was always in the lead and Elle would follow, keeping her nose to the ground as they tried to catch or encircle whatever they were chasing Trainer said. We loved watching them do their work. Naturally the whole neighborhood adopted them both. One neighbor gave each of them a toy. When Zorro turned 15, it was clear he was in the twilight of his days. He had a stroke on Jan. 22, 2022, and I lay beside him to comfort him. We knew it was time to let him cross over to heaven Trainer said. Elle was right beside Zorro watching what was happening and mourning. She knew he had left and immediately grabbed Zorros favorite toy and kept it with her, laying on it for over a year. Elle died a year and half later, on Sept. 10, 2023, and was buried alongside Zorro at Wayside four days later. Cynthia Robinsons husband, Harvey, gave her Snowball, a Maltese. Harvey died in 2008, and Snowball followed in 2021. In January, Robinson was finally ready to visit Snowballs grave at Wayside Waifs, where she added a stem of flowers to the vase. The Rainbow Bridge The Rainbow Bridge is a poem by a Scottish teenager, Edna Clyne-Rekhy, that describes a pets journey into the afterlife and is found on headstones and other signs at Wayside. The poem goes like this: Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together You can contact freelance writer Matt Keenan at mattkeenan51@gmail.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) For more than a decade the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has aggressively used a campaign to inspire smokers to quit. Researchers said its working. The Tips from Former Smokers campaign really saves lives, said scientist Kristy Marynak with CDCs Office on Smoking and Health. Since the campaign was on air beginning in 2012, weve helped at least a million people quit smoking for good and more than 16 million make an attempt to quit smoking, she said. The campaign features personal stories from former smokers like Angie P. Ive been singing since I was three. I sang in gospel choirs in rhythm and blues bands and even had a short stint in Vegas. I adored singing and cigarette smoking took that away from me. This year, the ads will focus on helping smokers quit menthol cigarettes. We know about 35% of all cigarettes sold in this country are menthol cigarettes, said Marynak. Menthol is an ingredient that has cooling and numbing properties. So it makes it easier to start smoking and more difficult to quit. For decades, Angie said she struggled to stop smoking menthol cigarettes. I started smoking menthol cigarettes at the age of 15, as a gay teen trying to figure out who I was. And then when I figured out who I was, then it was hard for me to quit. Advocates argue the tobacco industry specifically targets people like Angie with menthol ads. Black Americans, LGBTQIA-plus community members and others. Those groups disproportionately use menthol cigarettes. Realizing this made me angry enough to quit, said Angie. It was difficult to stop but it was doable. Shes hoping to return to her love of singing and hopes to inspire others with her story. My tip is to love yourself and get the help you need to stop smoking, Angie said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Indianapolis Public Library offers multiple different ways to celebrate Black History Month, from events to educational programming. "Lifting Black voices highlights the richness of our culture - what we contribute and connect to in our community," Kim Ewers, the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Indianapolis Public Library said. "Lifting Black voices also inspires people for the possibilities that lay ahead." Here are three events the Indianapolis Public Library is offering for Black History Month. Meet the Artists Meet the Artists, an annual exhibit celebrating Indianapolis prominent African American artists, will return to celebrate its 36th anniversary at Central Library. Art will be on display throughout Central Library from Jan. 31 to March 23 and can be viewed during its normal business hours. The Gala Opening Reception will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Central Library. The event is free and for all ages. History On Stage: Madam CJ Walker, Ida B. Wells and Harriet Tubman Soulful Journeys of Women will present live performances of historic figures. Experience a live performance from two historic ladies: Madam CJ Walker & a Sales Associate, Madam CJ Walker & Ida B. Wells, or Ida B. Wells & Harriet Tubman. After a 45-minute presentation, they will answer audience questions for 15 minutes. This event is taking place at multiple locations throughout February. It is free to attend and you do not need to register. You can find the full list of events here. Barriers & Breakthroughs: The Long History of Unequal Education in Indianapolis Join a conversation led by historians from the Indiana Remembrance Coalition to learn about the barriers and breakthroughs faced by Black children in Indiana and Marion County. This event takes place at Central Library on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Register here. What other events is the library hosting for Black History Month? You can view the full calendar of events for Black History Month on their website. Visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture The Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) is home to the Indianapolis Public Library's largest collection of materials by Black authors. This collection features Black authors whose work impacts local, national and global culture in literature, sports, business, politics, science and music, making it a great place to start if you are looking to read books by Black authors. The CBLCs also has a website, The Power of Black Voices, which contains artifacts, photographs and articles across many categories. The CBLC is located in Central Library and can be accessed during the library's normal business hours. 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: Indianapolis Public Library events highlight Black History Month The Florida State Guard ought to be outfitted in brown shirts. Ditch the military-style camos and other trappings of a well-supervised, highly trained, federally-authorized professional army that helps keep order in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. The Florida State Guard is more like a cosplay group of Yall Qaeda commandos taking full advantage of the Florida taxpayer-provided hand-to-hand combat lessons. Its a volunteer force of Floridians whose primary qualification is that they arent convicted felons. Theyre a group that owes its ultimate allegiance not to the Constitution but to the one man who dreamed them up. Florida State Guard is nothing more than Gov. Ron DeSantis personal goon squad, a group of 1,500 unpaid toy soldiers that add a little muscle to the Florida governors dictatorial leanings. DeSantis isnt the first power-hungry autocrat who came up with the idea of creating his own militia to further his political career. During the early 1920s, they were called the Sturm Abteilung, also known as the SA storm troopers. They were a paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party founded by the partys up-and-coming political leader, Adolf Hitler. They wore distinctive brown shirts, and their initial stated role was the relatively harmless task of providing security at Nazi Party meetings. Their mission gradually expanded into violently intimidating the Nazi Partys political enemies and potential rivals. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the audience backed by members of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida State Guard. DeSantis held a press conference in a hangar at Cecil Commerce Center on Jacksonville, Florida's westside Thursday, February 1, 2024, to announce plans to deploy members of the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard to the borders of Texas and other areas to help slow down the tide of individuals entering the United States illegally. This eventually turned the scapegoating and rounding up of marginalized groups, especially Jews, which allowed the Nazi Party to consolidate its power through the spread of manufactured fear and misinformation. I knew from the start that there was something fishy about the revival of the Florida State Guard, which, like the Nazi brown shirts, were created to serve a political need more than anything else. There was a brief period during World War II when Florida had a state guard to fill in while the Florida National Guard fought overseas. But it had long been disbanded. Then three years ago, out of the blue, DeSantis and the Republican-led state legislature said a small civilian force of 200 volunteers was needed to supplement the Florida National Guard. The Florida State Guard will act as a civilian volunteer force that will have the ability to assist the National Guard in state-specific emergencies, DeSantis said in announcing the plan. The Florida National Guard, a military force that includes the Florida Army National Guard and the Florida Air National Guard, is made up of 12,000 highly trained soldiers and airmen. They werent clamoring for help from a bunch of civilians. And this had nothing to do with post-hurricane relief. The telltale sign was DeSantis calling for volunteers for the Florida State Guard behind a podium that said Leave Us Alone. Thats not a message that speaks to recruiting first responders to help in natural disasters. Palm Beach Post columnist Frank Cerabino Its more in line with a grasping, over-reaching governor looking to pick a fight with the federal government over something anything and wanting a private militia to dispatch in that political effort. Leave us alone is a political message of insurrection. By the time the Florida State Guard was funded last spring, the initial call for a modest unit of 200 volunteers and a $3.5 million budget had swollen to a militia of 1,500 volunteers working with a budget of $100 million of public money. With a stated purpose to protect and defend the people of Florida from all threats to public safety, this civilian force, which had been granted immunity from liability from whatever mayhem it creates, was given arrest powers and funding plans that included money to buy boats, planes and helicopters. Some early volunteers to the Florida State Guard quit when they realized they were getting combat training, not disaster relief drills. One of the disillusioned volunteers told the New York Times that the training was more like a military fantasy camp than practical instruction on disaster relief. And its getting worse. The state legislature is busy this month changing the law that revived the Florida State Guard. The changes would soften training requirements and eliminate the phrase exclusively within the state when discussing the Guards potential operations. The updated language in the new bill also empowers DeSantis to use the militia during a period of civil unrest, or any other time deemed necessary and appropriate. In other words, whenever DeSantis wants to flex his strongman street cred, he can play the tough guy by deploying his very own storm troopers. DeSantis announced that he will dispatch his civilian militia this month to Texas to help state officials there defy a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on the removal of razor wire along the border. More: Cerabino: DeSantis says telling "the good message" a fix to abortion rights issue More: Cerabino: "Waiting for DeSantis," a presidential campaign tragicomedy Yes, roaming to other states to defy the Constitutional authority of the U.S. Supreme Court is now part of the mission of Floridas civilian militia. Weve come a long way from hurricane response. Do you see whats happening here? If not, maybe it would be easier to comprehend if DeSantis militia of civilian storm troopers were dressed in brown shirts. Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the Gannett Newspapers chain. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: DeSantis' Florida State Guard should wear Nazi brown shirts Property values in Hamilton County jumped 28% based on the latest tax reappraisals. That includes both commercial and residential. Residential values alone jumped 34%. Owners can challenge property values, but not the taxes I appreciate Ohio Auditor Keith Faber highlighting in a guest opinion column published in The Dispatch last week that property owners should check their new property value and file a complaint with their county board of revision by April 1 if they disagree with the value. However, he didnt explain that taxes cannot be directly challenged since they are set based on levies voters have approved and on state law. Auditor Faber also failed to mention that when he was a state senator, he voted to raise property taxes, including limiting eligibility and the benefit amount of the Homestead Exemption. He also voted to strip rollbacks from new levies and slashed state funds for local government, which, in turn, increased reliance on property taxes for critical services. Going forward, I hope Faber will join county auditors and others working to change state law to protect homeowners, which is something that can only be accomplished by working with the state legislature. John Oyster, Columbus Ohio auditor: 'We feel the pain' but can't do anything about property tax strain. Here's why. Is 'Galentine's Day' the next Festivus? Could "Galentine's Day" become the next Festivus? "Feets of strength" for who can buy the most shoes? A "Galentine pole" for pole dancing? Paint and sips are a popular for Galentine's Day, like Made Local Events' gathering, which is entering its fifth year. The event will be held Feb. 11 at The Exchange at Bridge Park in Dublin. It will be a "Galentine's Day miracle" if I do not receive an airing of grievances for this letter. Syd Lifshin, Columbus Galentine's events in Columbus: Snag your sweetie or grab your gal pals for these Valentine's and Galentine's events Ohio GOP supermajority in race to bottom of states Has anyone else noticed that increasingly Ohio is getting front page publicity in leading national newspapers? Any time I see an Ohio headline in one of them, I begin to quiver in embarrassment as it is never good news. We seem to have become the poster child for anything regressive in a race with other states to the bottom, sharing space with such luminaries as Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Our state politics and policies are such that it is no wonder we continue to lose population and why young people do not seek to come here. Something on your mind? Submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch. Since legislators dont wish to wake up (remember that the opposite of woke' is asleep'), then voters need to wake up! I cant decide whether weve become the laughing stock or the pariah state of the nation. Either way, we stand to lose big time when it comes to projecting ourselves as a place people want to live. Why would they? Currently, our politics suggest that people are served best by running from Ohio. With active opposition to improving the health, education and voting rights of its citizens, the current GOP supermajority is nailing the lid on the coffin of Ohio's potential future. Well done! Patrice Rancour, Columbus Library board misusing patron email to discourage union A recent letter to patrons (via email) from Upper Arlington Public Library Board President Peter W. Hahn on staff unionization efforts is alarming. Hahn portrays the boards initiatives as solely beneficial while subtly discouraging any need for unionization. Delivering this message to patrons through the librarys email account is a direct misuse of taxpayer-funded resources to push the boards one-sided narrative and exert undue public pressure on the staff they claim to respect. This action undermines the staffs right to organize and leverages public communication tools to sway opinion under the guise of transparency. It's crucial to respect the staff's autonomy in decision-making without pressure from library leadership. If the staff chooses to unionize, those in opposition, including Hahn, should reassess their positions on this board. Andrew Mackey, Upper Arlington This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Homeowners can't challenge property taxes. Ohio auditors must do more Johannesburg Senegal's parliament voted Monday to delay crucial national elections until Dec. 15 after chaotic scenes in the chamber that included opposition members being dragged out by police in riot gear. Opposition leaders denounced the proceedings as "a constitutional coup" as a motion was debated and then voted on that will, having passed, keep President Macky Sall in office for almost another year. Sall first announced in a nationally televised address on Saturday that he was delaying the election until December, arguing it was necessary due to corruption allegations made against the country's constitutional council. He said the dispute needed to be resolved before the vote could proceed. Fiery protests broke out immediately in front of the National Assembly, as people took to the streets and police resorted to tear gas to try to restore order in the normally peaceful west African nation. Senegalese security forces walk down a street during demonstrations called by the opposition parties in Dakar, Senegal, Feb. 4, 2024, to protest against a postponement of the West African nation's presidential election. / Credit: JOHN WESSELS/AFP/Getty With the Monday night vote, Senegal's lawmakers appear to have cemented the delay, meaning Sall will likely remain in power for months to come well beyond his election mandate and against the stipulations laid out in the country's constitution. Two of the candidates who'd been set to compete in the presidential election originally scheduled for Feb. 25, one of them being former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, were among those arrested during protests on Sunday and later released. "The situation is completely catastrophic, Senegal's image is ruined, and I don't think we'll be recovering from this democratic bankruptcy, this tsunami in the rule of law, any time soon," the AFP news agency quoted opposition deputy Ayib Daffe as saying after Monday's parliamentary vote. Before the lawmakers gathered for the Monday session, the internet had been cut off and a TV station that has been critical of the government was shut down. Sall has said he's trying to avoid a crisis, but that notion hasn't been taken seriously, especially after he hinted at the possibility of vying for a third term despite the presidential two-term limit in Senegal's constitution. Senegalese President Macky Sall, left, arrives for the investiture ceremony of the new president of the Democratic Republic of Congo during a visit to Kinshasa, Jan. 20, 2024. / Credit: ARSENE MPIANA/AFP/Getty Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Senegal has been one of the most stable democracies in a region plagued by upheaval, which has enabled solid economic growth. Over the last three years alone there have been five successful military coups across West African nations, as well as three others that saw constitutional coups. Four attempted coups were averted during the same period. U.S. officials, as well as fellow leaders from the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, and the African Union have all expressed concern over the election delay. Speaking during a daily briefing on Monday, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said the U.S. government had not yet assessed the circumstances as a coup, but that it was closely monitoring developments and was "deeply concerned about the situation in Senegal." "Senegal has a strong tradition of democracy and peaceful transitions of power," Patel said. "While we acknowledge allegations of irregularities, we are concerned about the disruption of the presidential election calendar, and we urge all participants in Senegal's political process to engage in peacefully, to engage peacefully in the important effort to hold free, fair, and timely elections. We also call on Senegalese authorities to restore internet access immediately and to respect freedom of expression, including for members of the press." Asked how the U.S. could support Senegal's democracy, Patel said Washington had "lines of effort through technical and financial support, as well as working directly with election authorities and civil society." Taylor Swift makes history at the 2024 Grammy Awards Killer Mike seen in handcuffs during Grammys after winning 3 awards Fed Chair Jerome Powell: The 2024 60 Minutes Interview Dog owners to shoulder all responsibility if banned large dog injures someone: top court Global Times) 08:46, February 06, 2024 Dog owners will shoulder all the responsibility if a banned large dog attacks or injures someone, with no right to argue for reduced or exempted liability, even if the victim is partly to blame, China's top court said on Monday. The Supreme People's Court made a clear statement in a case that was revealed on Monday. The case showed that an Alaskan dog, which belongs to the category of large dogs prohibited from being raised in the city's built-up areas, scratched the face of a 7-year-old surnamed Xu, causing injuries. Xu and their grandmother Wang were playing with the dog when they encountered it and its owner, surnamed Liu, walking the dog in a residential area. After the injury, Xu was taken to the hospital by the family and hospitalized for treatment. As negotiations between Xu's family and Liu regarding compensation failed, Xu's family filed a lawsuit demanding that Liu pay compensation for medical expenses, food subsidies during hospitalization, transportation expenses, nursing fees, and other costs totaling 33,010 yuan ($4,638). The court decided that according to the Civil Code, if a prohibited aggressive dog or other dangerous animal causes harm to others, the person who raises or manages the animal shall bear tort liability. This provision indicates that the person who raises or manages a prohibited aggressive dog or other dangerous animal shall bear strict no-fault liability and has no right to argue for reduced or exempted liability. In this case, although Xu had some fault in provoking the dog, it does not reduce Liu's responsibility. The final judgment is that Liu should pay compensation of 30,197.65 yuan. Chen Yifang, chief judge of the First Civil Division of the Supreme People's Court, said the case signifies the concept of not allowing the raising of prohibited dog breeds. There has been heated discussion over dog management in China, especially after a 2-year-old girl was reportedly seriously hurt by a rottweiler in Chongzhou, a county-level city in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province in October, 2023. The dog's owner, surnamed Tang, has been placed under criminal detention by the local police, Sichuan Provincial Department of Public Security confirmed with the Xinhua News Agency. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Chapel Hart performs during the Opry NextStage Live concert hosted by Lainey Wilson at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. Chapel Hart wowed judges and the audience of "America's Got Talent: Fantasy League" Monday night in the final round of the semi-finals with a polished performance of "This Girl Likes Fords." "You, in my opinion, are the real deal," judge and mentor Simon Cowell said. "I think they really, really deserve this shot to get into the final." The judges praised the trio for singing an original song and said the group was more polished than in past performances. Detroit: These Mississippi girls like Fords and Ford likes them back. See Chapel Hart's Ford video Judge Mel B said she wasn't fond of the country pop, "but you made me fall in love with this genre of music." "You have everything in there that I love in a song the harmonies, the breakdown, your story, the lyrics brilliant," she told them. "I think you guys are amazing," said judge Howie Mandel. "I think there is no question why you are having the success you are having." Heidi Klum said she loved everything about Chapel Hart's performance from their stage presence to their cohesive look. "You always put a smile on my face," she said. "You get better and better each time I see you. I love you guys." Despite the rave reviews and roaring support from the audience, Chapel Hart was not one of the three acts to make it to the finals. Fans, including Cowell, were disappointed. "What can I say," Cowell said. "You did your best. Chapel Hart, you were amazing." Chapel Hart was chosen by Cowell to be part of his dream team for the show's first season. The group, featuring sisters Danica Hart and Devynn Hart and cousin Trea Swindle, performed their original song "American Pride" for their first performance, which was also performed on their final appearance on Season 17 of "America's Got Talent." The trio's first performance on AGT in 2022 brought them a standing ovation from the audience and a group golden buzzer after they performed "You Can Have Him, Jolene." Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Chapel Hart wows judges on AGT Fantasy League semi-finals STALLINGS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Charlotte woman got lucky with a $5 scratch-off she bought in Union County, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery. Lottery officials say Patricia Jordan bought a Super Loteria ticket from the Stallings Superette near the intersection of Potter Road and Pleasant Plains Road in Stallings. She won a $150,000 prize. Gaston County mother sues school district for kicking her homeless kids out of class On Monday, February 4, Jordan went to lottery headquarters in Raleigh to claim her prize and took home $107,251 after taxes. The Super Loteria game first debuted in May with six $150,000 prizes. Two $150,000 top prizes have not yet been claimed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) The City of Bristol, Tennessee has reached an agreement with developers Tenneva, LLC to demolish a partially collapsed hotel on Shelby Street. A release from the city said that per the agreement, demolition activities on the would-be Holiday Inn will begin within 75 days from Monday and will be completed within six months. Emory & Henry College signs 10-year deal with Sodexo for facilities management The city said that the developer must decide whether to remove all structural materials, aside from the first-floor slab, from the site or begin rebuilding the hotel within six months of the demolitions completion. The structure and its future have been in limbo for nearly four years since the Sept. 2020 collapse, and the city ordered its demolition last year, to which Tenneva initially said it would appeal. By entering into this agreement, the city will withdraw its previously issued demolition order; however, this order may be reinstated should the developer fail to meet their obligations under the agreement. With the order withdrawn, the hearing before the citys Board of Code Appeals, originally scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, has been canceled. City of Bristol, Tenn. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The San Angelo City Council officially called for the commencement of the May 2024 general election for chief of police during its Feb. 6 meeting, putting the head role of the San Angelo Police Department up for grabs. With ballot applications closing on Feb. 16, many San Angelo residents have one question in mind: Who will be running for election? There have been two candidate packets accepted by the City Clerk as of the time of publication, belonging to Lt. Christopher Cimino and Sgt. Travis Griffith. A third candidate is also expected to file their packet, potentially making this years police chief election a three-way race. Christopher Cimino An image of Chris Cimino. Image courtesy of the SAPD. Cimino, referred to as Chris by many, currently serves as a shift patrol lieutenant for the SAPDs Charles and Delta patrol companies as well as the Lake Division and K-9 Unit. Hailing from Big Spring, Texas, he served in the United States Marine Corps infantry with Alpha Co. 1st Battalion 5th Marines from 1994 to 1998 before receiving an honorable discharge. He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, following his discharge, where he earned a bachelors degree in anthropology in 2003. He was hired by the SAPD in 2005, where he served as a patrol officer, narcotics detective, CID detective, member of the Crisis Negotiations Team, patrol sergeant and K-9 sergeant before promoting to lieutenant in 2016. Presently, Cimino is seeking the title of police chief to address the deep-seated internal issues that have not been fixed in the almost 19 years he has served in the SAPD, according to his campaign website. Though Cimino doesnt disparage the successes seen under Police Chief Frank Carters administration, he believes that should the SAPD continue to be successful, it must be led by someone who cannot be affected by undue influence. It needs someone who is not an integral part of the good ol boy system, which is pervasive and ruinous to small departments like ours, Cimino said on his campaign website. It needs a person who doesnt owe anyone a single thing. Cimino has several goals he wishes to accomplish should he be elected police chief, just a few of which are as follows: The enforcement of discipline, policy and the chain of command Revisions to the SAPDs policy manual for simplification and conciseness Changes to patrol division shifts to ensure that more patrol officers are available during periods of the day likely to have increased service calls The implementation of 3-year appointments for Criminal Investigation Division detectives, as opposed to lifelong appointments, to ensure officers are well-rounded For more information about Ciminos campaign, visit his campaign website. Travis Griffith An image of Travis Griffith. Griffith has been in the SAPD for over 15 years and currently serves as a sergeant. According to his campaign website, he has served in law enforcement for over two decades, with his areas of experience including SWAT, patrol, hostage negotiation, special operations and administration. Griffith has served 10 years in supervisory roles throughout several departments, including the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Anti-Crime Unit and Internal Affairs. He also has over 25 years of experience in municipal government. Griffiths faith plays an important role in his life and career, and he acts as a lay elder at PaulAnn Baptist Church. He also considers himself a family man, being married to Vanessa, a fourth-grade teacher in the San Angelo Independent School District, and being the proud father of 19-year-old aspiring nurse Marissa and newborn son Barret. Griffith has set his campaign upon three pillars of trust, which are integral aspects of his personal philosophy and vision for the SAPD: safety, accountability and trust. Below are each of the pillars, as well as a statement made on his website regarding their meaning: Safety Travis is dedicated to real safetynot just policy but a promise. He aims for a proactive, secure community, tackling crimes roots and fostering partnerships for San Angelos well-being. Accountability Travis sees accountability as crucial to trust in San Angelo. He promotes a responsible law enforcement culture that respects both legal and ethical standards, promising leadership that prioritizes justice and responsiveness to the community. Transparency Travis prioritizes transparency as vital for trust between the police and San Angelo. He is committed to open dialogue, clear law enforcement processes, and addressing public concerns, ensuring community confidence in their police. As a candidate for Police Chief, Travis envisions a San Angelo where community and law enforcement work hand in hand, where transparency builds trust, and collective growth is achieved through shared goals and mutual respect, Griffiths campaign website reads. His leadership is aimed not only at maintaining order but at fostering a spirit of unity and communal pride. For more information about Griffiths campaign, visit his campaign website. Mike Hernandez An image of Mike Hernandez. Image courtesy of the SAPD. Lt. Mike Hernandez, affectionately nicknamed Burrito by his fellow officers, is the last known candidate expected to appear on the ballot for the May 2024 election. Though he announced his bid for police chief on the steps of City Hall just moments before 2023s Veterans Day parade, the May 2024 general election webpage does not indicate that he has submitted a candidate packet as of the time of publication. Hernandez joined the SAPD in 1990, where he has served for 33 years. Much like Cimino, Hernandez served in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to his arrival at the police department. Hernandez has accrued over 5,200 hours of training during his career, including a 10-week leadership course at the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia, in 2014. He has worked a variety of positions during his time with the SAPD, including roles in the Patrol Unit, Gang Unit, SWAT Team, Narcotics and the Special Operations Section. My experience gives me insight to identify needed improvements in our department, my supplemental training and education give me effective plans for improvement and my fellow officers experience with me will give them the faith in my intentions, Hernandez said during his Nov. 11, 2023, public address. Hernandez isnt a stranger to the police chief race he ran against Carter during the 2016 election before eventually endorsing his opponent and serving under him for the years that followed. Hes back on the campaign trail, however, looking to take another shot at the police chief position. After much prayer and preparation, and with the encouragement of so many of you, I will seek to serve as your next Police Chief, Hernandez said in a social media post on Oct. 26, 2023. I ran in 2016 because I felt change was needed. I have been proud to support Chief Carter as he has implemented his vision for that change. Now, looking ahead, there are immediate challenges on the horizon for our department. I am confident my experience, discipline and deep pride in the SAPD will equip me to meet those challenges with great success from Day One. Though he has no official campaign website, Hernandez shared some of the matters he wishes to address as police chief during his campaign announcement on Veterans Day 2023. In particular, Hernandez wishes to reinstill a sense of pride in the SAPD and better communication with the community. Pride in the department goes hand in hand with improved discipline. Pride in the department comes from better training. Pride in the department leads to more successful recruitment and retention. And most of all, pride in our department means pride in our community, and our communitys pride in us, Hernandez said during his Nov. 11, 2023, public address. This is the key to a circle of communication that makes us all safer and more secure. Hernandez has thus far favored on-the-ground campaigning this election season, with several posts made on his Facebook campaign platform detailing his work in the SAPD as well the success of multiple Meet & Greet events. For more information about Hernandezs campaign, visit his campaign Facebook page. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. A popular aging mural depicting the history, tradition and people of Eddy County could be restored if the City of Carlsbad receives funding from the State of New Mexico. On Jan. 9 Carlsbad City councilors approved a grant application of $250,000 to the State of New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) Historic Preservation Division (HPD) to restore "Dream of a Sunday Afternoon," the mural spanning the front length of the Carlsbad Public Library building facing Halagueno Park. The mural was painted in 2006, said Angie Barrios-Testa, director of grant programs for the City of Carlsbad. Carlsbad mural a reflection of all lives in Carlsbad, Eddy County Barrios-Testa said the City of Carlsbad spent nearly five years working on a location and funding for the mural painted by the late Noel Marquez, who was an Artesia native. The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center launched the mural project in 2001 after the Carlsbad Public Library Board unanimously agreed that the mural be located between the museum and the library, wrote Virginia Dodier, former director of the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center in an April 6, 2003 article in the Carlsbad Current-Argus. Dodier wrote the mural would be a focal point for Halagueno Arts Park and downtown Carlsbad. "The most important part for me is that it's a community mural," Marquez said in the 2003 article. More: Janell Whitlock, John and Julia Heaton inducted into Carlsbad Hall of Fame He said the mural connected real people in their immediate surroundings and expanded to a larger world by highlighting places like Brantley Dam, the Flume and Black River. The mural also features Jessie Mae Jackson fixing a fellow Carlsbadians hair. According to Dodier, Jackson posed for photographs while working in her beauty shop. Late Carlsbad beautician Jessie Mae Jackson is portrayed in a mural between the Carlsbad Museum and Carlsbad Public Library celebrating life and traditions in Carlsbad and Eddy County. Marquez drew a mock-up of the mural from photographs he took, old photos at the museum and library, and spoke to local residents for input, Dodier wrote. In a memorandum to Carlsbad councilors, Barrios-Testa said the City would restore and preserve the mural. The mural represents the communitys story, so yes, in my opinion, I believe it can be considered an icon, she said in an email to the Current-Argus. Kathleen Davis, director of Carlsbad MainStreet, said restoration of the nearly 20-year-old mural would be great for the Halagueno Arts Park Complex and downtown Carlsbad. She said the mural has suffered some damage due to age and the elements. We have better equipment and knowledge in place to better preserve and protect these murals going forward. The 'Dream of a Sunday Afternoon' mural brings the artist's vision of the history of Eddy County to life through beautiful art while also telling a great story, she said. More: Carlsbad can 'go batty' at new downtown bat wing mural marking Caverns' 100th anniversary She said the City of Carlsbad was hopeful the restored mural would demonstrate a partnership and collaboration between the City and other organizations like Carlsbad MainStreet to work on historic preservation initiatives benefitting the community using grant funds. Who was Noel Marquez? Noel Marquez lived in Lake Arthur, was an artist and community activist and studied art in Mexico City after receiving an art degrees from the University of New Mexico and University of California at San Diego. The sun shines on the "Dreams of a Sunday afternoon at Halagueno Park" mural in Carlsbad on Jan. 22, 2024. The City of Carlsbad is working to restore the nearly 20 year old mural. He also studied at the Skowhegan School of Art in Skowhegan, Maine, according to Alignable.com. In 2008 he won the Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts painting and mural artistry award, noted the organization's website. Dodier said she was impressed by the way Marquez connected with people through arts projects. She wrote a letter of support for Marquez before he received the award. "Noel talked with and listened to folks, gradually overcoming initial resistance to such a big change in this small town. By the time of the dedication (in October 2006) Carlsbad had taken the mural to its heart, read part of her nominating letter. More: Artesia High swimmer Savana Watts draws up future career as artist after college Dodier now lives in Taos and is an active member of the northern New Mexico community's arts scene. She said she was thrilled to hear the City of Carlsbads efforts to restore the mural. Its an important work of art. Noel Marquez was a well-respected muralist, Dodier said. In her letter of support from 2008, Dodier said she met Marquez when she stopped at his former art studio on U.S. Highway 285 in Artesia. On the Governors Award website, Dodier said she saw Marquez working surrounded by neighborhood kids. He is exceptionally good with children and teenagers. He makes it seem like being an artist is absolutely normal, an option open to all, according to the award website. How will the mural be restored? Barrios-Testa said Marquez died in 2020 and the City has not determined how the mural would be restored if the state provides the funds. Time and the elements have taken a toll on a nearly 20 year old mural in downtown Carlsbad celebrating the people and culture of Carlsbad and Eddy County. But the hope is that the Carlsbad Museum Director (Edward Van Scotter) and the consultant will come up with the best plan to move forward, she said. Barrios-Testa said the deadline to apply for the grant is Feb. 2 and no restoration timeframe was established. More: Carlsbad honors football and civil rights icon John Wooten with bronze bust More murals in downtown Carlsbad Carlsbad is home to several murals. Davis said there are five large murals and six electrical boxes with smaller murals all within the downtown area. The murals are part of an overall mission between MainStreet, Keep Carlsbad Beautiful and the City of Carlsbads Fine Art Acquisition and Vetting Community, read the Pearl of the Pecos Arts and Culture District website. An electrical box at the corner of Mermod and Canal Streets in Carlsbad contains a mural depicting the past of Eddy County. The purpose of murals is to beautify our community while also establishing our arts and cultural district. Murals also increase art and mural tourism which enhances the look and cultural vibrancy of a community while also telling the story of that community through art, Davis said. Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: City of Carlsbad plans restoration for Dreams mural at Arts Park Last year, I received a scholarship from the Memphis City Council HBCU Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. As a first-year student at Texas Southern University, that scholarship helped me fully immerse myself in the college experience. Being away from home isnt easy for a first-year student, but along with entering college debt-free, Ive achieved a 3.76 GPA and joined the Thomas F. Freeman Debate Team. I am currently serving as a freshman senator in the Student Government Association and leading a Bible study group. Most recently, I traveled with 11 strangers across Tennessee to discuss solutions to gun violence and presented five solutions to state legislators on the first day of the legislative session with the input of more than 30,000 Tennesseans. That scholarship represented more than just financial aid for me. To me, its an example of what Memphis stands for. The Memphis community is showing it wants to invest in its youth The Memphis City Council HBCU Scholarship serves as a shining example of the transformative power of community uplift and partnerships in propelling youth toward a future they can see and feel. This scholarship -- which went to 84 students, totaling $448,200, to attend 25 different historically Black colleges and universities in 2023 -- not only alleviated financial constraints but symbolizes the collective commitment of our community to invest in the potential of its young members. Graduation mortar board cap on one hundred dollar bills concept for the cost of a college and university education It demonstrates that when local organizations, businesses, and individuals join forces to support educational endeavors, they foster an environment where youth can thrive academically and personally. This scholarship is not just a financial contribution; it is a testament to the belief that every young person deserves a chance to succeed. By expanding such initiatives and forging more partnerships, we can build a robust network of support that ensures our youth are equipped with the resources they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. This scholarship, and others like it, stand as beacons of hope, illuminating the path towards a better future for the youth of Memphis. I wasnt born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was raised by a single mother who did the best she could with what she had. A true superwoman, she taught me the importance of having community and support. From my family members to my church members, to Bridge Builders, Black Girls Code, and a host of educators, I am only who I am today because of the village that raised me. But Im not an anomaly. With the media highlighting the one percent of youth committing crime, there are so many who go overlooked and need help making their dreams of achieving a quality education or a thriving career a reality. Young people need support systems and networks too Turning the timeless adage, "it takes a village to raise a child" on its head, what Memphis youth need is not just a village, but a dynamic and interconnected network of community organizations committed to their holistic development. Beyond financial assistance, they require comprehensive support systems that encompass mentorship, educational programs, and exposure to diverse experiences. By fostering collaboration among community members, local businesses, and educational institutions, we can create a robust ecosystem that addresses the multifaceted needs of our youth. Take me from me: I wouldnt be where I am if it werent for the people and organizations that created a pipeline - not a pathway - that made it almost impossible for me to fail. It is time for Memphis to redefine the village concept, evolving it into a thriving community network that actively engages with, uplifts, and empowers its youth.Through this concerted effort, we can ensure that every young person in Memphis has the guidance, resources, and opportunities necessary for a successful and fulfilling future. Efforts like the Community Foundation's scholarship program are an example of what it looks like when we put our money, time, and resources where our heart is. While some youth have guidance or belief in their potential, more people must take action and support initiatives that uplift the younger generation. After all, we are the future. Its time for Memphis to unite and invest in its youth through increased community programming and support. By doing so, we can ensure a brighter future for all. Jaila Hampton I owe my current position to the village of community assistance that surrounded me throughout my journey. Jaila Hampton is a sophomore at Texas Southern University in Houston. She received a Memphis City Council HBCU scholarship through the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Memphis City Council HBCU scholarship fund transforms lives SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The San Angelo City Council was updated on the latest progress on the splash pad projects planned for two of the towns parks during its Feb. 6 meeting, with funding and maintenance talks taking center stage during the discussion. The splash pads are slated for construction at Kirby Community Park and Unidad Park, where they would provide park-goers with a shower of water to play in through a series of colorful water features. The pad projects have made a splash in the San Angelo community, with several residents voicing their approval of the planned installations and others airing concerns that the pads are ultimately a waste of water and City resources. RELATED: Anonymous donor offers to match money for splash pad project Such an endeavor requires funding, however, which led to the City approving private funding for the projects on Jan. 17, 2023. The business behind the fundraising effort, All-Tex Irrigation Splash Pads, would then set to work gathering the target amount of $850,000 needed to finance the water installations. The update Since the Citys approval of private fundraising for the splash pads, All-Tex has been able to raise enough money to fund the Unidad Park installation. With funding for the first splash pad secured, The Citys Parks & Recreation department sought the City Councils concurrence to formally begin constructing the splash pad. If the City Council agreed to the departments request to begin implementing the pad, construction would commence in April and last until late May or early June. It would be located on the eastern side of the parks playground area. The splash pad doesnt come without maintenance needs, though. As per a resolution approved by the City Council during the Jan. 17, 2023, meeting, if the project is funded and construction is completed, in part or in full, the City of San Angelo agrees to fund the operation and maintenance of the facilities. This statement means that the City would be responsible for providing the facility with the funds needed for its operations and maintenance as well as a full-time technician. The cost for such a technician is estimated to be $63,000 annually, and the person filling the position would be expected to maintain the City pool as well. The Parks & Recreation department also outlined what the expected daily operations of the splash pad would look like. The technician and any other staff assigned to the splash pad would need to carry out the following tasks daily while the pad remains open to the public: Maintain adequate disinfectant level in water. Minimum free available chlorine of 2.0 ppm. Adequate cyanuric acid levels. Minimum total bromine of 3.0 ppm. Maintain pH 7.2 7.8. Conduct daily inspections before opening. Ensure disinfectant, secondary disinfectant (such as UV and ozone) and recirculation system and filters are operating correctly. Inspect for and remove biofilm on splash pad surface (such as tank, spray nozzles, and drains) as required. Test free available chlorine and pH every 2-4 hours while open to public. Ensure drains prevent standing water from collecting in water play area. Inspect tank regularly and clean as needed. Document operation and management activities such as water testing results. Its obviously a big citizens request to have splash pads, and we are thrilled that All-Tex stepped up and dedicated funds and efforts to this project, so we are thrilled with that partnership and the community that has contributed to this project, Mayor Brenda Gunter said. Now we need to do our part the ensure the safety and efficient running of this splash pad. A computer-simulated depiction of what the completed Unidad splash pad would look like. Image courtesy of the City of San Angelo. A computer-simulated depiction of what the completed Unidad splash pad would look like. Image courtesy of the City of San Angelo. A computer-simulated depiction of what the completed Unidad splash pad would look like. Image courtesy of the City of San Angelo. Parks & Recreation revealed that, much like the pools of San Angelo, the splash pads will be closed during the winter. This will be governed by a switch within the installation that will also allow children to turn the splash pads water features on and off during its hours of public operation. Well have a program where its set so that it can only operate if somebody walks up to turn it on, Carlton White, director of the Citys Parks & Recreation department, said. We could extend that to the end of September during the weekends. Concerns were raised about how the rest of the project would be funded, however, with some City Council members questioning whether the use of public funds, such as those provided by tax dollars, would be needed. We need to make sure that we found a way to fund it once its operational and that there will be no hiccups, Gunter said. We dont want to delay making sure we do all the technical maintenance aspects and that we have a person ready to be trained and ready the day we want to flip the switch and operate it. The City Council will now await the City of San Angelo Development Corporations consideration on the matter before moving forward with its own consideration, citing concerns that making a decision would set a precedent that the council controls matters that are strictly allotted to COSADC. Weve done the part we need to do as a City Council, and now COSADC needs to do their part, Gunter said. COSADC is a separate board with the right to ask you [All-Tex] to present and to consider, and we will then react accordingly. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) A central Ohio development company is suing the city of Dublin, alleging its private property rights were violated when the city denied its proposal to overhaul six acres of a shopping district east of Bridge Park. Stavroff Land and Development, a Dublin-based developer, claims the citys Bridge Street District code hinders the companys ability to redevelop Dublin Village Center, a shopping area owned by Stavroff since 2009. The complaint argues the citys illegitimate restrictions violate equal protection and due process law. Apartments, restaurant proposed for north Metro Center complex The City took complete control over the use and development of private property within the [Bridge Street District] by adopting unlawful and overbearing development restrictions, the suit filed in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Ohio states. In doing so, the City unilaterally rezoned hundreds of acres of land and anointed its officials with unfettered and arbitrary discretion over private property. The development company is seeking compensatory damages to recoup the millions of dollars in damages, costs, and expenses it has incurred as a result of the Citys misconduct. The complaint also demands a declaration that the Bridge Street code is unconstitutional, a declaration that Stavroffs proposal is constitutional, and an injunction requiring Dublin to refrain from preventing the sites development. However, the city of Dublin said in a statement to NBC4 that since the 1,100-acre Bridge Street District was created, dozens of projects have been approved and built. The Citys development approval process in the Bridge Street Code provides a fair and collaborative method to achieve high-quality development for the benefit of property owners and the community, a Dublin spokesperson said. The City stands by its process and standards. Best places in central Ohio to see solar eclipse Stavroffs third and most recent plan for Dublin Village Center reviewed by the citys planning and zoning commission in July included two four-story apartment buildings with 284 units, ranging from a 585-square-foot one-bedroom to a 1,350-square-foot two-bedroom. Possibly built in two phases depending on market conditions, the development would demolish 70,000 square feet of existing commercial space. A rendering of Stavroffs most recent Dublin Village Center redevelopment proposal. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission) The application was denied after commission chair Rebecca Call said the site suffers from sitting next to similar multi-family residential developments, leading to a lack of housing variety in the area. Call said the proposal is progressing but requires further tinkering to create a complex that is distinctly Dublin. This application could get there, but I dont think its there yet, Call said during the July meeting. What Im hearing the rest of the commissioners say is, its definitely a positive maybe, but, as far as if we were to move this exact plan forward, I think wed have a lot of details to still have to worry about. Still, Stavroff claims the city only welcomes proposals by select local developers, including two prominent residential projects near the Dublin Village Center site. Because Stavroff is allegedly not one of those select developers, the company said city officials have improperly blocked its development. Korean barbeque restaurant opens in Dublins Bridge Park The complaint also argues that Stavroffs third proposal met the Bridge Street code, but that the commission improperly and retroactively applied interim land use principles that were not in effect when the company filed its proposal. The suit also cites Calls distinctly Dublin comment as one of the amorphous reasons for denial. Virtually no proposed development could ever meet the vague, cumbersome, and overly complex requirements the City now imposes, the complaint argues. The City intentionally flipped its role from being the regulator of the reasonable use of land to the holder of the keys to the lands development. No development can occur in the District unless the City ordains it. The city has yet to file a legal response, and has until Feb. 16 to respond to a summons issued on Jan. 26. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The kindergarteners in Bethany Helms' class at Kennedy Primary Academy have new classroom items because of a fulfilled Teacher Wish List SOUTH BENDThe South Bend Education Foundation received a $15,000 grant from Comcast to support teacher, student and classroom needs throughout the year. The grant money will assist the Teacher Wish List Program, where South Bend Community School Corporation teachers can apply for mini grants of up to $300 for classroom needs, and the Teacher Store, which provides free school supplies to teachers throughout the year. In 2022, the AEP Foundation Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) awarded the foundation a $25,000 grant. In 2023, AEP provided a challenge grant of $25,000, which Comcast's grant helps to match and exceed. South Bend Education Foundation Executive Director Steve Funk thanked Comcast in a press release, emphasizing the vital importance of the Teacher Wish List Program and the Teacher Store to provide more resources for teachers and students. As a son of a teacher, Carl Jones Jr. the regional vice president of government and external affairs for Comcasts Greater Chicago Region, said in a press release that he knows the amount of dedication and passion that goes into education. "Teachers can make an immeasurable impact on your life, he said. Comcast is proud to support the great educators that are helping to shape the futures of South Bends youth. Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Education Foundation receives $15,000 grant for class needs Digital ads could come to Metrorail columns along U.S. 1 under a proposed law designed to generate revenue for the Underline linear park, but the sponsor now says the legislation goes too far. The law change up for a final vote by Miami-Dade commissioners on Tuesday would allow commercial advertising for a portion of the more than 2,000 columns that support the elevated Metrorail tracks. The ads would be authorized under a section of the county code that allows up to 30% of a sign to use digital advertising. According to the proposed legislation by Commissioner Raquel Regalado, the new signs could be up to 950 square feet, larger than the countys 750-square-foot cap on billboards. After the Miami Herald began asking about the proposed legislation on Monday, Regalado said she would ask fellow board members to delay Tuesdays vote so she could tighten the proposed rules. That delay was granted at the meeting without debate, with no date set for when the legislation would return to the commission. Regalado said the law change was designed to boost Underline fundraising from private-sector sponsors to offset the government dollars needed to operate the 10-mile linear park, which is only partially built. This was always about thanking donors, said Regalado, who is running for reelection in the countys District 7 this year. No one is interested in turning the Underline into Las Vegas. READ MORE: Miami moves to designing final stretch of The Underline, a $140M urban park and trail The Underline is a $140 million urban trail and park thats 10 miles long, covering about 120 acres amid the columns under the Metrorail system between the Miami River and the Dadeland South Metrorail station. It has relied on a mix of government and private dollars for its construction and operations, including about $2 million a year needed to maintain and service the half-mile stretch that opened in the Brickell area in 2021. Meg Daly, founder of the project, said the Underlines projected annual budget is forecast to be between $750,000 and $1 million per mile once the project is completed, expenses that would amount to between $7.5 million and $10 million a year. Daly chair of Friends of the Underline, which has a county contract to manage the paths, recreational areas and gathering spots that make up the Underline said the nonprofit seeks messaging on Metrorail columns to recognize sponsors and doesnt want digital signage. Duality, a sculpture by renowned artist Hank Willis Thomas, is part of the art collection thats part of the Underline, a 10-mile linear park that beneath the Metrorail. Underline managers say they want to bring art to columns under the Metrorail as well. This is not about advertising on columns. The intention is not to add clutter to peoples experiences as they drive down U.S. 1, Daly said. Theres no intention to use digital on the columns. Regalados legislation passed through the commissions transportation committee last month without debate. Outdoor advertising can be a sensitive topic. In a memo to commissioners accompanying Regalados legislation, Jimmy Morales, the Mayor Daniella Levine Cava deputy overseeing the Metrorail, noted the ordinance would prohibit the column ads from facing homes along the Underline route. The legislation also requires 1,500 feet between each column sign. While installing the signs requires a change in Miami-Dade law, Floridas Department of Transportation would still need to approve any signage because of the location near U.S. 1, according to a county memo about the proposed ordinance. Peter Ehrlich, a co-founder of the Scenic Miami advocacy group, said he is alarmed by Miami-Dade pursuing signs under the Metrorail that could be larger than most billboards. 950 square feet is massive, he said. Cindy Lerner, the former Pinecrest mayor who is a District 7 candidate challenging Regalado, said she opposes expanding advertising onto Metrorail columns to benefit the Underline. I dont think anyone wants to see commercial advertising anywhere on our open trails and park spaces, including the Underline, she said. It would be visual blight along what would otherwise be a peaceful pathway. Dr Craig Wright arrives at the Rolls Building for a hearing over the identity of the creator of Bitcoin, in London, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. An Australian computer scientist who says he's the mystery creator behind bitcoin has testified in a London court about the cryptocurrency's origins. Craig Wright says he used the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto to protect his privacy not to remain anonymous. (Lucy North/PA via AP) LONDON (AP) One of the enduring mysteries of the cryptocurrency industry took center stage Tuesday in a London court where a trial could finally settle the debate over the identity of bitcoin's founder. Australian computer scientist Craig Wright entered the witness box at the High Court and testified he was the man behind Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym that has masked the identity of the creator of bitcoin. Wright has long asserted that he is Nakamoto. A nonprofit group of technology and crypto companies is trying to prove hes not. The trial started on Monday and is expected to last a month, before a judge rules at a later date. Wrights claim to be Satoshi is a lie, founded on an elaborate false narrative backed by forgery of documents on an industrial scale, attorney Jonathan Hough said on behalf of the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) at the outset of trial. As his false documents and inconsistencies have been exposed, he has resorted to further forgery and ever more implausible excuses. At stake is not just bragging rights to the creation, but control of the intellectual property rights. Wright has used his claim as bitcoin's inventor to file litigation to drive developers away from further developing the open-source technology, the alliance claims in their lawsuit. The ruling will affect three pending lawsuits that Wright has filed based on his claim to having the intellectual property rights to bitcoin. Wright has threatened to bankrupt developers, sent notices of his intent to sue, and has, in fact, engaged in scorched earth litigation against these volunteers, all premised on the baseless assertion that he is the founder of bitcoin, the alliance said Monday in a statement. The murky origins of bitcoin date to the height of the financial crisis in 2008. A paper authored by a person or group using the Nakamoto pen name explained how digital currency could be sent around the world anonymously, without banks or national currencies. Nakamoto seemed to vanish three years later. Speculation on the true identity swirled for years and the names of several candidates had emerged when Wright first surfaced to claim the identity in 2016 only to quickly return to the shadows, saying he didn't have the courage to provide more proof. Wright asserted in court Tuesday that he created the technology and the cryptic identity behind it, which he said was based on his admiration for Japanese culture. He said the name was a combination of the surname of philosopher Tominaga Nakamoto and Satoshi David, a figure in a book about American tycoon J.P. Morgan, and a Pokemon character. He said he didn't want the creator to be anonymous, so he used an alias to protect his privacy. This allowed me to focus on my work and ensured that the spotlight remained on the innovation and potential of bitcoin rather than the individual behind it," he said. Defense lawyer Anthony Grabiner said the alliance hadn't produced positive evidence that Wright wasn't Satoshi, and only sought to undermine the authenticity of documents that he has relied on to prove that he's the creator. It is striking that no one else has credibly claimed the mantle of Satoshi, despite the high-profile nature of Dr. Wrights claim to be Satoshi, Grabiner said. If Dr. Wright were not Satoshi, the real Satoshi would have been expected to come forward to counter the claim. While Wright managed to convince several influential bitcoin enthusiasts that he was the real deal by demonstrating the use of Nakamotos secret bitcoin keys, other crypto experts said that they debunked his claims. Despite widespread skepticism in the cryptocurrency community, he has prevailed in court cases. In 2021, he won a civil case in Florida against the family of a deceased business partner that claimed it was owed half the 1.1 million bitcoin, worth approximately 37.7 billion pounds ($47.5 billion) today, that could only be owned by a person or entity involved with the digital currency from its beginning such as the creator. Wright and other cryptocurrency experts testified at trial that he owned the bitcoin in question. His lawyers claimed that while he had collaborated with his deceased friend, David Kleiman, their partnership had nothing to do with bitcoins creation or early operation. Because all bitcoin transactions are public, members of the bitcoin community have regularly called for Wright to move just a fraction of the coins to prove ownership. Wright appears to have never done so, despite vowing to prove that he's the owner of the fortune. In the London trial, Hough repeatedly sparred with Wright over the authenticity of documents that he said support his claims. Hough said that the original white paper on the creation of bitcoin was written on OpenOffice software and that experts on both sides agreed that Wright submitted a version created on software called LaTeX, which didn't exist when the paper was written. Hough suggested that numbers misaligned on the document behind the origin myth were signs it had been forged. If I forged that document, it would be perfect," said Wright, who is due to testify for another five days. Washington When the blockbuster dispute over whether former President Donald Trump can serve a second term in the White House landed before the U.S. Supreme Court last month, it was Larry Coben's 100-year-old father who encouraged him to put something together for the nation's highest court. Jack Coben, a Navy veteran who lives in Pennsylvania, was bothered by the situation and didn't believe Trump should be president again. His son is a practicing lawyer who has submitted "amicus curiae" briefs Latin for "friend of the court" to the Supreme Court on behalf of an auto safety group in the past. The practice allows outside parties who may have an interest in a specific case to weigh in before the justices hear oral arguments. Larry Coben, 75, began looking into Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, the 155-year-old constitutional provision at the heart of the case, and how it might apply to the former president. He concluded that it's too soon to decide Section 3's application because it prevents a person from holding office, not running for office. For this reason, he wrote in his eventual amicus brief, the justices should reverse a decision from Colorado's highest court, which found that Trump is disqualified from holding the presidency because of his actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. "I felt like it was important to at least share our view that [Section 3] is clearly self-executing, doesn't require anything," Larry Coben said. "The bottom line of my analysis and conclusion is that he will be disqualified if he's ever elected, and the only way he gets around that is if two-thirds of the Congress remove the disqualification. It's just not the time, because he's not holding office." The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the case involving whether Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from the presidency on Thursday. The former president and a group of six Colorado voters who challenged his eligibility have called for the justices to issue a decision swiftly to provide clarity for voters before they cast their ballots. The U.S. Supreme Court is seen in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2024. / Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Larry Coben said he hasn't shared his brief with many people in his life, and believes it's unlikely the justices themselves will ever read his analysis. Their law clerks typically screen amicus briefs before elevating those that might be of interest to their bosses. But every brief is publicly available on the court's website, where they're listed on the relevant docket. While the Trump case has attracted the type of input one might expect from legal scholars, political groups, lawmakers, state officials and the like, it has also prompted more than a dozen filings from voters like Larry Coben, who have felt compelled to express their views on whether Trump is eligible for a second term. Motivated by a desire to protect voting rights and advocate for fair elections, some of the briefs are written by lawyers on behalf of themselves or interested family members, like Larry Coben and his father. Others come from groups of voters who have joined together to express their support for Trump. "This is how we exercise our voice" Submitting a friend-of-the-court brief to the Supreme Court is no easy task. It must be filed by an attorney who is a member of the Supreme Court bar, and hiring one can come with steep legal fees. The court's rules specify that 40 copies must be submitted in booklet form and meet specific formatting requirements. All of the parties involved must also receive three copies of the briefs. In this case, that includes Trump, the Colorado voters, the Colorado Republican Party and Secretary of State Jena Griswold. Devin Watkins, who works for a public policy organization based in Washington, D.C., estimated that he spent nearly $800 on printing and mailing costs to submit his amicus brief. He devoted weekends and nights to crafting and editing his drafts of his argument, which he filed with his father, a Trump supporter. "This has been a passion of mine professionally and personally," Watkins said of his constitutional studies and, specifically, the understanding of the phrase "officer of the United States" as it pertains to Section 3. The clause prohibits any individual who has sworn an oath to support the Constitution and then engages in insurrection against it from holding federal or state office. Section 3 says that it applies to those who have taken a constitutional oath "as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State." Whether presidents are considered "officers of the United States" is one of the key questions the Supreme Court has been asked to decide. The Colorado Supreme Court found that the clause does indeed apply to presidents, but Watkins and lawyers for Trump separately argued that determination was wrong. "We have to look at what those words meant to the people who wrote it," Watkins said. "I thought I had something valuable to help the court in understanding the meaning in this case." The father-and-son warned in their filing to the Supreme Court that the Colorado decision is "not just wrong, but dangerous." Another lawyer, G. Antaeus Edelsohn, is supporting the six Colorado voters who challenged Trump's eligibility for the presidency, and said he felt compelled to get involved because of his passion for the rule of law and constitutional structure. "Because it deals with elections and voting and enfranchisement, this is something which affects me as an individual, as a voter who registered at 18, and is something that everyone has a right in. That is the main way that average citizens communicate with government. This is how we exercise our voice," he said. Edelsohn, who is 33 and lives in Virginia, views the court fight over Trump's ability to remain on the ballot as a "testing moment" for the American experiment. His brief notes that he felt "a personal ethical obligation to take a stand on behalf of the U.S. Constitution and to advocate for accurate and honest elections, where voters are able to make an informed decision among candidates who are actually eligible to serve if they were to receive a winning number of votes." The Supreme Court and 2024 The case involving Trump is politically explosive, since its outcome could decide whether his name can be listed on ballots nationwide for the primary and general elections. The decision to take the case has drawn comparisons to Bush v. Gore in 2000, the last time the justices directly intervened in a presidential election. In that instance, a divided high court effectively decided the presidential contest for George W. Bush, a Republican. The ruling left the Supreme Court mired in political controversy. The political environment has changed dramatically since the 2000 election, with partisan divisions deepening. In a filing last month, lawyers for Trump warned the Supreme Court that if other state courts and officials exclude him from their ballots, it would "unleash chaos and bedlam." Efforts to disqualify Trump under Section 3 also threaten to disenfranchise millions of his supporters, they said. It's an argument that Pearl Madrial also made to the justices in a friend-of-the-court brief filed in support of Trump. Madrial, 39, stressed that keeping Trump off the ballot would dilute her vote and threaten her ability to vote for her candidate of choice. A native of the Philippines who now resides in North Carolina, Madrial became a U.S. citizen in 2012 and said she wanted to make sure she knew her rights upon doing so. "This is a federal election that concerns all 50 states, and for that to dilute my vote, it is not fair," she said. Madrial reached out to her lawyer and raised the concerns she wished to express to the justices after learning about the Colorado Supreme Court decision in December. In July, she separately challenged Attorney General Merrick Garland's appointment of special counsel Jack Smith as unconstitutional, arguing that his activities as special counsel have subverted her right to vote for her preferred candidate, Trump. That case was dismissed late last year. "I want them to be fair to me as a citizen here in the United States of America and my right to vote," Madrial said of the justices. "That's why I raised my concerns." Missing Marines found dead New study looks into whether we need a Category 6 on the hurricane scale Sneak peek: Justice for Amie Harwick Onfido, an early mover in the world of identity verification using computer vision, machine learning and other AI tools, is getting acquired, TechCrunch has learned and confirmed. Entrust -- the privately-held company that provides a range of certification and verification services around payment cards, passwords, network and website access, device access and more -- is buying the London-based startup, sources say for a figure "well above" $400 million. The deal does not yet have a completion date, as it is still going through regulatory approvals. These are being formally described as "early and exclusive" negotiations right now by the two companies. Once that process is complete, the plan will be to integrate Onfido's tools into Entrust's wider technology stack, Entrust CEO and president Todd Wilkinson said in an interview. "As we bring Onfido together with Entrust, we're going to have a leadership position pretty much across that identity lifecycle," he said. Entrust has been around since the 1990s, and Datacard (which acquired Entrust and rebranded the business under the latter name) has been around since 1969, so it's notable one of the key things that it's picking up here is a comprehensive addition of AI-based tools. "[With] tools like Onfido's Atlas AI, it's no surprise that AI is a big draw for us, right?" he added. The price and other financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed, Wilkinson said. He added that Entrust itself is profitable, and it has been for a number of years, and it currently has "just under $1 billion" in revenue annually with about 10,000 customers, including governments, major banks around the world and large enterprises. It has no shareholders as such and is privately owned by a German family, he said, so it's never undergone a formal valuation process itself. Onfido, meanwhile, was founded by Husayn Kassai when he was still a student at Oxford. He was later joined by Eamon Jubbawy and Ruhul Amin as co-founders. Much of its journey has mirrored other big currents in the world of tech. That started with the last boom in AI in the 2010s (it was founded in 2012) that led to it raising money from investors like TPG, Salesforce, Microsoft and nearly 50 other firms and well-known individuals. Then, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, its star rose higher, as all transactions went digital and the need for digital-based identity verification tools became even more of a priority. (Indeed, the last funding it disclosed was $100 million in 2020; PitchBook notes that it had quietly raised more after that, but the value of those raises is not known.) The denouement of the post-pandemic dip in the economy and return from "the new normal" -- changes that have hit many other tech companies -- definitely hit Onfido, too. Kassai stepped away from the business a couple of years ago (he is now working on Quench.ai, another AI startup focused on edtech that's backed by Sequoia and others), and we'd been hearing that it was informally looking for a buyer for the last few years. Now, Entrust's move to acquire Onfido is coming at a key moment in the world of tech. The relentless pace of new data breaches have put security concerns, and how their identities are being used and abused, at the top of mind for many consumers and businesses; and the wave of regulations aimed at better data protection have also spurred a stronger focus on identity management. Added to this, the rush of cloud-based digital services -- now part and parcel of how the world operates -- have expanded the attack surface for enterprising, malicious hackers looking for vulnerabilities to exploit; so identity verification, certification, and security providers are scrambling to catch up. Entrust company already has an extensive array of services and has the tech chops and credibility to work in some of the more sensitive verticals in the market, like government and financial services. However, an AI acquisition gives it another critical step up in providing services that are fit for the complex challenges of today, and probably tomorrow. It also speaks to the bigger trend we've seen in consolidation of point solutions on larger platforms. "I think it's a confusing market for a lot of end users, because there's a lot of players in the space," said Wilkinson. "That's been great from a creativity and competitiveness perspective, but it's also difficult from an end user's perspective. What we've seen in the last year-plus is, frankly, for companies like ours that have stable financial platforms, we've had the opportunity to actually thrive." We've asked Onfido for comment for this story and will update this when we have it. For now, we only have a canned statement from a press release: "Were excited to be entering into early and exclusive discussions with Entrust to potentially expand access to the most advanced and secure digital identity verification solutions worldwide, said Mike Tuchen, Onfidos CEO, in a statement. Digital identities are enabling new levels of simplicity and access for people across the globe. The potential of Onfidos powerful AI and machine learning-driven identity verification and Entrusts proven identity security solutions would make a new world of digital trust possible. Democrats brought the poster with former President Donald Trump proclaiming that he "was able to kill Roe v. Wade" to the contentious Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government hearing in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Simone Garber/Medill News Service WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Lawmakers were divided Tuesday over the threat artificial intelligence poses to First Amendment rights, with Republicans asserting that the federal government is using the technology to censor free speech and Democrats calling attention to misinformation and risks to democracy if Donald Trump is re-elected president. House Republicans on the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government attacked government agencies such as the National Science Foundation, saying they are using grant money to fund AI projects that support disinformation research, and could be used to restrict conservative political opinions. "They're going to put your tax dollars into developing software to censor your speech," said Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. "AI, which can censor in real time and at scale, should scare us all." The hearing stood in contrast to last week's proceedings of the Senate Judiciary Committee, when bipartisan members grilled several big tech CEOs on the threats their companies pose to child sexual exploitation. The select subcommittee was ostensibly created in early 2023 for checks and balances, acting as a watchdog of the executive branch. However, critics say the majority of Republicans who make up the committee ignore the very weaponization against which they seek to safeguard, turning a blind eye to misuse of power under the Trump administration. A House subcommittee led by hardline Republican Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, waded into the federal governments use of AI on Tuesday, with Republicans asserting that federal money being spent to combat misinformation amounts to "censorship." File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI At the subcommittee's sixth hearing, Democratic members repeatedly questioned its very function. Ranking member Stacey Plaskett, D-Virgin Islands, called the proceedings yet "another iteration" of the same lines of questioning. "My Republican colleagues don't really want us to work together," Plaskett said. "This is about speaking to Fox News -- this is not about solving problems for the American people." Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, named immigration as an issue continuously weaponized by the GOP. She criticized Republicans for putting personal politics above finding bipartisan solutions to real issues. "This is straight out of a dictator's playbook," Garcia said of GOP immigration policies. Communication channels between Democratic and Republican committee members are virtually non-existent, Plaskett told the Medill News Service in an interview. In many instances, the ranking member said she isn't even made aware of the names of the witnesses ahead of a hearing, also noting the lack of diversity in discussion topics. "There are so many other issues the American people might be interested in," Plaskett said, adding that the committee could benefit from improved "compromise and engagement." Norman Eisen, senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution and former ambassador to the Czech Republic, was called on by Democrats to testify about the dangers of ignoring what he called the "genuine" weaponization of the federal government in favor of Republican-backed efforts to sow partisan division. "I know everyone in this room agrees on the central importance of the protection of the First Amendment," Eisen told lawmakers. "We do no favors to the First Amendment when we cry wolf." Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., echoed Eisen's frustrations with Republicans' misunderstanding of free speech protections. Balancing the First Amendment and the issues of free and fair elections is a "complicated situation," he said, but it should not be used to promote political antics. "What we should be focusing on is Chairman Jordan abusing the power of his committee to subpoena state prosecutors in an effort to undermine their prosecutions of Donald Trump," Goldman said. "That is a true weaponization of the federal government." Many members expressed concern over how misinformation could affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., warned what a second Trump presidency could mean for women's reproductive health, quoting a statement in which the former president claimed full responsibility for the reversal of Roe vs. Wade in 2022. "The White House should never be turned into a workshop to grind personal and political grievances," Wasserman Schultz warned. "Trump did that during his last term and promises to do it again." WASHINGTON As conservatives in Congress have blasted the new bipartisan border agreement for not going far enough, the legislation earned a key endorsement on Monday: the labor union that represents U.S. Border Patrol agents. The National Border Patrol Council which represents more than 18,000 agents said the bill would drop illegal border crossings nationwide and will allow our agents to get back to detecting and apprehending those who want to cross our border illegally and evade apprehension. It's a significant statement of support from a group that endorsed former President Donald Trump in 2020 and has repeatedly railed against President Joe Bidens handling of the border. While not perfect, the Border Act of 2024 is a step in the right direction and is far better than the current status quo, Brandon Judd, president of the council, said in the statement. This is why the National Border Patrol Council endorses this bill and hopes for its quick passage. Just last week, Judd attended a House Republican roundtable in the Capitol entitled The Impact of the Biden Border Crisis and slammed the Biden administration for having destabilized our Southwest Border. In less than 24 hours since it was released, the Border Act of 2024 has been ripped apart by Republicans, primarily in the House, who railed against the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and his leadership team called the legislation a waste of time," warning that it is dead on arrival in the House if it passes the Senate. On the other side of the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., praised Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, the top GOP negotiator of the bill, and urged his colleagues to carefully consider it. Still, multiple Republican senators have already said they will not support the legislation as-is and it is unclear if it can get the votes to pass. On Monday afternoon Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., set up a procedural vote on a $118 billion national security supplemental bill, which includes the border legislation as well as funding for the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and aid for the Indo-Pacific region. The Senate is expected to take an initial, procedural vote on the package on Wednesday. In the statement released on Monday, Judd said the bill would give U.S. Border Patrol agents authorities codified, in law, that we have not had in the past. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who helped negotiate the border deal, called the Border Patrol unions endorsement great news. These men and women are on the frontlines of the border crisis and they know what it takes to fix our broken system," she wrote on X. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Had it not been for an elected Alabama circuit judge in 1996, Kenneth Eugene Smith might not have been put to death with nitrogen gas last week. Thats because the judge presiding over his trial, N Pride Tompkins, overruled the jurys 11-to-1 recommendation for a life sentence without parole, rather than the death penalty. Until 2017, when the state legislature outlawed the practice, judges in Alabama had this right. Despite the practice being outlawed, past cases were not affected. At the time, Judge Tompkins said he believed Smith deserved the death penalty because of the nature of the crime and because he thought the jury might have been hesitant to sentence him themselves. Some people serving on juries, especially on these cases, have never been in court before and they dont want the responsibility to sentence someone to death, he told The Gadsden Times in 2004. In the end, Smith was sentenced to death by electrocution for his involvement in the 1988 murder of 45-year-old pastors wife Elizabeth Sennett. Prosecutors said Smith was paid $1,000 to commit the crime along with John Forrest Parker, who was put to death in 2010. Its thought that the murder was orchestrated by Elizabeth Sennetts husband, Charles Sennett, who died by suicide a week after Elizabeth died. Sennett recruited one Billy Gray Williams to hire the two men. Williams was sentenced to life in prison and died in a state correctional facility in 2020. It may seem uniquely unfair that Smiths fate came down to the decision of one elected official, but its fairly common. Around 70 Alabama judges have used judicial override to sentence someone to death. There are currently about 30 people on the states death row due to the practice. After Smiths execution, the Alabama attorney generals office said the total number of people waiting to be put to death in the state was 165. Smith wasnt the first person Judge Tompkins sentenced to die. The official previously used judicial override to overturn a jurys 11-to-1 life-in-prison recommendation for Thomas Dale Ferguson. Ferguson was convicted of murdering Harold Pugh and his 11-year-old son Joey Pugh in Colbert County in 1997. He has been fighting the case ever since his sentencing, claiming that his constitutional rights were violated during court proceedings. None of his appeals has been successful, nor have the appeals of any prisoner attempting to challenge judicial override in the state. This is despite attorneys for inmates having argued that the practice is in violation of the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and 14th amendments. Evan Farber, a commercial litigation attorney, has been working on one such case since at least 2019. He helped file a Rule 32 petition for Oscar Roy Doster, who was convicted of three counts of capital murder and sentenced to death. Inmates can file petitions to challenge their conviction in the court where they were sentenced. Under Alabama law, the filing went back to the sentencing judge, who did not approve Dosters new request. Farber has since filed a federal habeas corpus petition stating that Doster did not have effective counsel at trial. A ruling has not been issued in the matter. The jury in Dosters case unanimously recommended a life-in-prison sentence. The attorney first got involved with Dosters case while working at his previous law firm, Reed Smith, in New York City. The firm took on several override cases from the state, he tells The Independent. They believed fundamentally that jury override was just immoral and unfair and I agreed with that, says Farber. When approaching Dosters case, he remains hopeful but is aware of the reality of the situation, saying: You would like to think that you can still convince them that this isnt appropriate, but you know that this is going to be an uphill battle. Alabama is not the only state to have used judicial override in the past. The state modelled its policy after Floridas in the 1970s. It was originally envisioned as a way to bar juries from overusing the death penalty. Floridas statute was struck down by the US Supreme Court in 2016. Due to that ruling, Delaware which also had an override policy but never used it to sentence someone to death chose to vacate, or strike out, the capital sentences of everyone on the states death row. Delaware abolished the death penalty later that year. Democratic state representative Chris England, of Tuscaloosa in Alabama, has tried to pass a bill that would allow for those who were sentenced to death through judicial override to be re-sentenced. The same bill would also require a unanimous jury for people to receive the death penalty. Currently, the state only requires that 10 out of 12 jurors recommend capital punishment. Those provisions were included in the original legislation but were whittled away in negotiations. Chris England intends to reintroduce a bill this upcoming session targeting the statutes, but says hell split the policies up into two separate pieces of legislation. You have an aspirational goal which would be wed get rid of the death penalty, but youve got a realistic goal, which means you take incremental steps toward getting to where youre trying to go, or at the very least make it so it doesnt happen as often, the representative tells The Independent. England describes Alabamas death penalty as being seen as a fundamental part of the states criminal justice system used to get justice for families hurt by violent crime. An eye for an eye, he says, explaining how some of his colleagues view capital punishment. The policy has historically been favoured by state residents, particularly during elections. According to the Equal Justice Initiative, an Alabama organisation that works to end mass incarceration, judicial overrides for the death penalty significantly go up in election years. Some elected judges have even been known to campaign on their death penalty records. One campaign ad that ran before the state suspended the practice in 2017 showed a judge boasting about how he looked into the eyes of murderers and sentenced them to death. The states crime-and-punishment culture could be one reason why the policy continued until the legislature acted. Iaa dont think youll find anything that we do well in criminal justice, especially the Department of Corrections, or parole, England says. But one thing that we do well is execute people. Before Smiths execution, the state had tried to put him to death in 2022 via lethal injection, but officials were unable to find a vein to administer intravenous lines. It was the third consecutive botched lethal injection execution in the state. Following the attempt, Smith told officials hed like to be killed via hypoxia using nitrogen gas. That choice meant that he would become the first person in the world to be executed with the untested method. But before his death, he expressed concerns about the method, including the likelihood that he could suffer a painful death by choking on his own vomit. Alabama officials argued that theyd discovered the most painless and humane method of execution known to man. Still, during Smiths death, media witnesses said he began writhing and thrashing for two to four minutes and pulling against his restraints. In court filings, officials said they believed Smith would become unconscious in seconds, but the death row inmate continued to breathe heavily for several minutes before his breathing was no longer distinguishable. Smiths reaction, Alabama Department of Corrections commissioner John Hamm said, was nothing different from what had been expected. Alabama has not scheduled any additional executions. When we were challenged to figure out a way to kill somebody, because we failed beforehand, we were so willing to go the extra mile there that were going to do something that nobody has ever done before, England says. The representative is optimistic that his proposed legislation will pass at some point in the future. But, he cautions, thinking about the other individuals on death row due to override, the longer it takes, the less likely itll be needed. The Independent and the non-profit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to its Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives such as Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative, and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage. Georgia corrections officers are looking for an inmate man they said did not return after a work program. The Georgia Department of Corrections said Melvin Barkley did not return to the Atlanta Transitional Center in midtown Atlanta after he walked away from a work release program. Barkley is serving a 30-year sentence for a deadly stabbing in Carroll County. Barkley plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said that following an argument, Barkley stabbed his brother-in-law at a Carrollton apartment complex. Channel 2s Tom Regan covered this story back in 2018, when police said Barkley killed 23-year-old Tyler Waters. If you see or know of Barkleys whereabouts call 911. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Craig Shilling, father of Justin Shilling, reacts after Jennifer Crumbley was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, on 6 February 2024, in Pontiac, Michigan. Craig Shilling, father of Justin Shilling, reacts after Jennifer Crumbley was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, on 6 February 2024, in Pontiac, Michigan. Photograph: Mandi Wright/AP The father of one of four victims of Michigans Oxford high school shooting welcomed Tuesdays conviction of the killers mother on involuntary manslaughter charges, and said it meant people could no longer look the other way over their own accountability for loved ones actions. Craig Shilling, who lost his 17-year-old son Justin in the November 2021 shooting, spoke to reporters after a jury handed down guilty verdicts on Jennifer Crumbley, 45. Crumbley faces up to 15 years in prison on each count after she failed to inform authorities her son Ethan had access to firearms before opening fire, killing four students and wounding six people, including a teacher. Related: Michigan school shooters mother found guilty of involuntary manslaughter It was a long time coming, but its definitely a step toward accountability, Shilling said about the verdicts implications for those who would seek to cover for family members who commit mass shootings. Its kind of been our goal the whole time. Its not really about winning or losing, its about making it apparent that this has to stop. I mean theres no way to look the other way, and we have to address things on every level. Asked what he thought the verdict meant for parents and school officials, Shilling said: Do your due diligence with your child, and you cannot choose to not take care of your child, you cannot choose to not nurture your child. You cannot choose to take your own interest over your child, especially when it comes to mental health and addressing concerns and problems. Crumbleys conviction is the first time a school shooters parent has been convicted of homicide in connection with their childs actions. It is been seen by many as a groundbreaking case. Dave Aronberg, state attorney for Floridas Palm Beach county, said the decision to prosecute Crumbley was courageous. Justice in the Jennifer Crumbley case! Congrats to Oakland county prosecutor Karen McDonald for her gutsy and righteous decision to hold the parents accountable for their egregious actions and inactions that culminated in the tragic deaths of four innocent victims, he said in a tweet. Rhonda Hart, Democratic congressional candidate whose 14-year-old daughter Kimberly was among 10 victims of the May 2018 Santa Fe high school shooting in Texas, also welcomed the verdicts potential for future incidents. There is very little justice for victims of a school shooting, but this is a step in the right direction. I hope to see more of this, hold parents accountable when minors gain access to firearms, she wrote in a tweet. Her view was echoed by Fred Guttenberg, a gun control activist whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed with 16 others in the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida. I hope that this is the beginning of holding adults accountable for the murder and American Carnage inflicted by their children, he said. Two women who care for stray cats were violently handcuffed and arrested by police after city officials in Alabama ordered the officers to detain them, according to a federal civil rights lawsuit. Beverly Roberts, now 86, and Mary Alston, now 61, were accused of trespassing and were jailed after they set out to capture a cat they intended to have spayed in June 2022 in Wetumpka, the lawsuit said. The women argue they were on public property and their arrests as well as the criminal prosecutions that followed were in retaliation for taking care of the citys feral cats and advocating for animal rights, according to a complaint filed Jan. 24. Before Roberts and Alston were detained, they safely and responsibly captured stray cats to arrange for them to be spayed, neutered and potentially homed since animal rights organizations lacked the resources to do so, according to a complaint. However, this angered Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, Chief of Police Greg Benton and Assistant Chief of Police Ed Reeves, the complaint said. Willis is also accused of harboring anger toward Roberts and Alston for how they had been vocal about his refusal to enforce animal rights laws, specifically laws and ordinances that prohibit the chaining of dogs, according to the complaint. The mayor, Benton and Reeves are accused of ordering their arrests. Now, the women are suing over their unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution, the complaint shows. The city of Wetumpka, Willis, Benton, Reeves and three city police officers are named as defendants. McClatchy News contacted city attorney Justin Edwards for comment on Feb. 6 and didnt receive an immediate response. The women are arrested, forced into police car On June 25, 2022, Alston, then 60, was sitting in her car on public property, waiting to trap a female cat, when she noticed Willis drive by, according to the complaint. Then, Wetumpka officers Kameron Ricks, Jason Crumpton and Brendan Foster arrived in their police patrol cars, the complaint said. During the encounter, one of the officers asked Alston what she was doing, and in response, she said she was trying to trap some cats, according to Wetumpka Police Department body camera footage published by AL.com. The officer told her they had received a report about someone trying to feed some cats, the footage shows. Ultimately, the officers demanded that she leave before they left, according to the complaint. However, the officers returned after Roberts, then 84, showed up to join Alston, who was still there, the complaint said. Then, they were both arrested. Alright Ms. Roberts apparently theyve had an issue with you out here before with the cats, one officer told Roberts, who was sitting in her car before she was handcuffed, according to the body camera footage. When the officer asked if she had been feeding cats, Roberts said, Well I feed them, weve been trying to trap them and we get them neutered and then get them homes. So were trying to do the city a favor, the footage shows. Well the city has asked you multiple times not to do this now youre trespassing, the officer told her. Were gonna have to take you to jail. After the officers handcuffed Roberts, they ordered Alston to quit talking and get inside her car as she tried to understand why Roberts was under arrest, according to the complaint. Alston returned to her car, but tried to speak to the officers resulting in Foster grabbing (her), jerking her out of her vehicle by force, and then handcuffing her, the complaint said. The officers aggressively forced (Alston and Roberts) into a police car, and then unjustifiably jailed them based on a patently absurd, obviously pretextual assertion that Ms. Roberts and Ms. Alston were trespassing on public property, according to the complaint. They did so while knowing Roberts was a disabled veteran and Alston had a heart condition she was taking prescribed medication for, the complaint said. When Alston told the officers she needed her heart medication in jail, theyre accused of refusing to give it to her, according to the complaint. As Roberts was detained in jail, one of the officers ignored her as she lost consciousness, fell to the floor, and hit her head and didnt get her medical help, the complaint said. Ultimately, Roberts and Alson were convicted of third-degree criminal trespassing and sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation, but their attorneys filed appeals, AL.com reported. Then, an Elmore County Circuit Court granted prosecutors motions to drop the case against both women in April 2023, according to the outlet. The charges were brought maliciously, to harass and embarrass Ms. Roberts and Ms. Alston and to deter them from exercising their right to trap, neuter and release the stray cats and to peaceably assemble on public property, the complaint said. With their lawsuit, the women request compensatory damages, including for mental anguish and emotional distress, punitive damages and further relief, the complaint said. Theyre demanding a trial by jury. Willis, Benton, and Reeves directed the unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution of Ms. Roberts and Ms. Alston to retaliate against them for exercising their First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble on public property, engage in expressive conduct and engage in peaceful political speech, the complaint said. Court records show summons were served to the defendants and their responses are due Feb. 15. Wetumpka is about 85 miles south of Birmingham. Deputies viciously beat hospitalized mom of 2 as she waits for CT scan, lawsuit says Woman forced to remove hijab for mugshot wins $100K and photos destroyed, lawyer says Cops left cancer patient in severe pain day after surgery, suit says. City must pay Federal prosecutors charged 70 current and former employees of the New York City Housing Authority with bribery and extortion in a corruption investigation. "Instead of acting in the interests of NYCHA residents, the City of New York, or taxpayers, the 70 defendants charged today allegedly used their jobs at NYCHA to line their own pockets. This action is the largest single-day bribery takedown in the history of the Justice Department," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. In a press release, the DOJ announced the unsealing of the complaints. Additionally, prosecutors said 66 of the 70 people charged were arrested this morning in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and North Carolina. The employees in the case were charged with accepting cash payments from contractors in exchange for awarding NYCHA contracts. according to the press release. According to the complaint, NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the country receiving about $1.5 billion in federal funding every year and provides housing for a little more than 5% of the city's occupants. Corruption: NJ finds 'widespread fraud and corruption' in addiction treatment industry DOJ says workers received over $2M in corrupt payments The complaint alleged that typically when the agency needed to hire outside contractors they would have to solicit multiple bids for the work, except in instances where the work would cost less than $10,000. According to prosecutors, the employees charged demanded and received cash "in exchange for NYCHA contracts" in these no-bid contracts. They would either require the contractors to "pay upfront" to get the contract or will require "payment after the contractor finished the work and needed an NYCHA employee to sign off on the completed job," so they could get the payment, prosecutors said. Officials demanded between 10 to 20% of the contract value, while some requested even more, the DOJ said. "In total, these defendants demanded over $2 million in corrupt payments from contractors in exchange for awarding over $13 million worth of no-bid contracts," the news release said. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis said the scheme wastes "millions of dollars and risk residents staying in unacceptable living conditions." "The alleged conduct identified during this investigation harms the effectiveness of housing programs that support more than 200,000 residents. It also poses a significant risk to the integrity of the HUD rental assistance programs that support housing assistance in New York City and erodes the trust of NYCHA residents in HUDs programs. We will continue our work with the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners to prevent and detect these and other schemes," Davis said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYCHA corruption: 70 housing authority workers arrested, charged The 15-day Newton teachers strike ended Friday, but many are wondering if this is the beginning of a larger movement, with more contentious contract negotiations and work stoppages ahead. The Massachusetts Teachers Association said seven teachers unions have voted to strike since 2022: Andover, Brookline, Haverhill, Malden, Melrose, Newton, and Woburn. Dedham teachers went on strike for one day in 2019, the MTA said. Its only a new trend if school committees, mayors, and city councils dont come to the table ready to bargain, said MTA President Max Page. Newton educators claimed victory Friday night, celebrating a new contract that not only raised salaries but guaranteed social workers in every school, increased pay for teachers aides, and created a better parental leave policy. Page said other unions could see positive results from Newtons prolonged strike and want the same thing. Other districts [could] look at that and go, we deserve that too, Page said. They see those dramatic gains made in places like Woburn, Andover, and Newton, certainly they say, dont we deserve that too? Teacher strikes in Massachusetts are illegal. The Newton Teachers Association could be forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and other penalties, and Glenn Koocher, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, thinks unions will take note of such a steep cost. I dont think were going to see a trend where more districts will go out on strike, especially after some of the penalties these districts have had to pay, Koocher said. Koocher also said striking teachers run the risk of losing community support. I dont think the strike is a vehicle for endearing oneself to the community. Its never a good idea when kids arent in school, Koocher said. There are around 400 Massachusetts school districts and in any given year, 50 to 100 of those communities could be negotiating a new contract with teachers. Page said very few result in an actual work stoppage. Other districts are inspired by the example of very powerful contract campaigns. Some of those have been great campaigns that have not resulted in a strike, Page said. Page also blamed cities and towns that bring in outside attorneys who, in Pages opinion, create an adversarial environment during negotiations. What unites some of these places are these high-priced union busting lawyers, Page said. They heighten the divisiveness, show great disrespect for [union] members and only makes things worse. That is a component school committees need to look at. 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 Four years ago the Raleigh City Council disbanded its 18 citizen advisory councils, or CACs, in a surprise vote without notice. On Tuesday, after another no-notice vote, which included intentionally keeping the mayor in the dark, the council brought them back. Hear me when I say this: I am so proud to have led the organization through our darkest times, ensuring that we didnt fade out because a few government officials wanted to silence us, said Council member Christina Jones. While our organization is still rebuilding, I want to applaud those volunteers who dedicate their time and attention to teaching others how to have an impact on city government, she said. The discussion sparked a verbal spat between Jones and Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, but the vote was unanimous. Four years ago, there was a change in how we did community engagement, and how we move these things forward, said Council member Corey Branch. I hope today we have a chance and opportunity to do a reboot. One thing I said on that day is that, with the absence of a replacement, theres a void, And for four years there has been a void, he said. And hopefully today we can take the first steps of doing something to move things forward. The motion Jones is a former CAC chair and former chair of the Raleigh Citizen Advisory Council (RCAC), a governing body made up of CAC leaders. In her motion, Jones asked that: CACs get free monthly meeting space in a convenient city facility within their geographic boundaries CACs get paid subscriptions to virtual meeting programs like Zoom or Teams. A plan be created to educate residents about other city programs like Raleigh Neighborhood College and the Citizens Leadership Academy to cultivate future leaders. Council member Jane Harrison noted that some CACs were unable to continue meeting after the city disbanded them and that she helped restart the West CAC. Its my hope is to see that landscape grow across the city, she said. And that we have equity in organizations that are able to get together, make their voices known and be partners with us here at the city. Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Melton acknowledged he was one of three council members on the board when the vote took place to disband the CACs. He voted for disbanding them. My hope at that time was that we would build a robust system, he said. And I had to be talked into that vote a little bit. I did feel like we had to start over to get to where we needed to go. And I think where weve gone over this past four years is weve created the Office of Community Engagement; weve created a separate process for rezoning cases. But we need to provide a menu of options for folks to engage Supporters of CACs attended the Raleigh City Council meeting on Feb. 6, 2024. It sucks, doesnt it? council member asks Before Tuesdays vote, Baldwin said that moving forward, I think it would be considerate to share a motion with the full council before just surprising people (by) making it at the table. From the audience chamber, former CAC leader Donna Bailey shouted You mean like you did, Mary-Ann? Did you do that when you dismantled them? Jones asked. Baldwin turned toward Bailey and asked if she would like to be removed from the council chamber. I would just like to ask, if going forward, that could be the case, Baldwin said to Jones. Because I had no idea what was going to be proposed .... It sucks, doesnt it? Jones asked. It sucks to be blindsided. That little smile Baldwin said Jones was on the committee that worked with Micky Fearn, the consultant the city hired to revamp its community engagement efforts. Those efforts eventually led to the creation of the Community Engagement Office. That committee was nothing, Jones said. I said it here in council that it was a joke. ... The reason that I am OK with how this happened today is because of what you did to us four years ago. It doesnt feel good. I didnt do it, Baldwin said. So you can blame me, but I didnt. And that little smile on your face. I know you are feeling really good. Council members Branch and Megan Patton both jumped in. Really? Branch said. Can we ... Seriously? Lets get a motion and a second, Patton said. I do, thank you, Jones said to Baldwin. After the meeting, Jones told The News & Observer she intentionally did not tell the mayor about the upcoming vote because at least one council member didnt know about the vote to dismantle the CACs back in 2020. I need five votes, she said. In this regard, no, it doesnt matter. If youre going to disrespect residents four years ago and not include them in the conversation, you cant get mad when the opposite happens when they vote someone in who will listen to them. How did Citizen Advisory Councils start in Raleigh Citizen Advisory Councils were founded by Raleigh Mayor Clarence Lightner about 50 years ago (Lightner) issued a challenge to the group to search out and attack the problems facing the city and extended a special challenge to work on three broad problems which are of great concern to the present and future of the city, according to 1974 City Council minutes. One: housing. Two: mobility of people. Three: governmental levels and responsibility. Previous City Councils pushed for reforms, including in 2017, but were met with staunch resistance and little change. Why did the Raleigh City Council disband CACs? In 2020, the City Council voted 6-2 to disband CACs and hire a consultant to create a city office of community engagement. Branch voted against disbanding the CACs, while Baldwin and Melton voted in favor. The remaining five council members on the board today had not yet been elected. We have had two mayors and councils try to make change, then-City Council member Saige Martin said before the 2020 vote. And they were not able to do so. I think it is a moral obligation for us to do what is right. And it is not easy and ... it is not simple. That vote was not on the agenda and former Council member David Cox was intentionally not told a vote would occur. Critics of the CACs argued they had an outsized voice, especially on rezoning cases, and did not represent the entire city. Supporters of the CACs felt the decision got rid of citizen voices, especially around rezoning and development issues. The city previously had eight employees working with the CACs and the RCAC, gave each CAC $1,000 a year ($15,000 to the RCAC) and provided free meeting space where paid staff gave updates on zoning, crime, water, parks and other matters, The N&O previously reported. Last year, the City Council voted to let the CACs that were still meeting use a predetermined community center for free. CACs came up during the City Councils recent retreat, including expanding the list of centers where they could meet. At the end of the discussion, City Manager Marchell Adams-David asked if the council would give city staff a couple of months to bring two or three alternatives and options for the council to consider. Jorge Cruz and his son Luis, 5, gather with street vendors and supporters on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2022 to demonstrate against L.A.'s ban on vending in popular locations. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) With nearly 100 street vendors sitting in the audience, the Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to lift bans on vending in seven high-traffic areas across the city, including the Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium. The no-vending zones were established by a 2018 ordinance that decriminalized street vending elsewhere in the city and created rules and regulations for vendors. The other no-vending zones lifted are the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Crypto.com Arena, Universal Studios, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and Exposition Park. City officials said at the time that street vendors worsen congestion in these crowded areas, but they did not provide any data confirming their claim. A 2018 California law decriminalized street vending throughout the state and restricted local governments from limiting sidewalk sales unless there were objective health, safety or welfare concerns. In 2022, two street vendors and a trio of community organizations sued the city over the no-vending zones, arguing that the zones violated state law. The city did not have sufficient evidence to outlaw street vending in those areas, they said. Read more: L.A. street vendors sue city over right to sell in prohibited zones We pored over thousands of pages of city documents and records and found nothing to support why they identified these areas, said Joshua Busch, communications director for Public Counsel, the pro bono law firm representing the vendors. It needs to be an objective assessment, not just someones gut feeling or concern. The City Council motion that led to the elimination of the no-vending zones acknowledged that the citys street vending ordinance had to be amended to ensure that it is compliant with state law. Other regulations governing where street vendors can sell will remain in place, including a ban on vending booths within five feet of fire hydrants and three feet of street lights and parking meters. Todays vote is about putting the city in line with the state standards, said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who introduced the motion along with council President Paul Krekorian. We were basically taking away some of the most popular areas for street vendors, Soto-Martinez said. Having them be able to be there without the threat of being ticketed or harassed, it's going to be huge. Theyre part of the social fabric of the city." Merlin Alvarado, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, has been selling fruit and hot dogs on Hollywood Boulevard for 17 years. She has received several citations for selling near the Walk of Fame, but still chooses to sell there because of the abundance of potential customers. The elimination of the no-vending zones will allow her to reach customers without the threat of citations and fines, she said in Spanish. A native of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Alvarado uses her profits from street vending to support her three children. Read more: L.A. County backs a legal path for street vendors in unincorporated areas Street vending often provides new immigrants with an opportunity to become entrepreneurs, Krekorian said. Street vendors, sensibly regulated, can play a vital role in the life of a vibrant commercial district. In a separate vote Tuesday, the council lowered the permit fee for street vendors to $27.51 from $291. Both Soto-Martinez and Krekorian had family members who were street vendors in Los Angeles. Although the City Council addressed the major component of Alvarados lawsuit by eliminating the no-vending zones, Busch of Public Counsel said they are still going to go through with the trial, which is scheduled for Feb. 15. While this is a great step forward and certainly a victory for vendors in Los Angeles, it does have important limitations in terms of not addressing citations and fines, he said. Busch wants to see street vendors refunded for the citations they received while vending in the unlawful no-vending zones. He also wants all pending citations expunged. On Tuesday, Busch and the street vendors celebrated their victory in City Hall. Soto-Martinez said the vendors have been fighting for years for this win. The credit should go to the folks that are organizing every single day on the ground," he said. 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. A father accused of killing his 3-year-old son and burning his body will now spend the rest of his life in prison, an Oklahoma court ruled. In September, Chad Jennings, 34, pleaded guilty to child abuse, first-degree murder, conspiracy and desecration of a human corpse following the death of his son, court records show. The remains of his son, identified by KFOR as Caleb Jennings, were discovered set on fire July 27, 2022, in Seminole, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The investigation revealed a family friend contacted police in Seminole July 26 about Calebs death, according to court documents obtained by KXII. The friend said Chad Jennings had confessed to him about an unforgivable act. The father whooped his 3-year-old son until the boys body went limp, KOKH reported, citing court filings. He is accused of wrapping Caleb in a blanket and concealing his body in a bedroom closet for two days. Police said the family friend told authorities Jennings and his girlfriend, Katherine Penner, cremated the body, according to KFOR. It was two weeks later when Calebs body was discovered burned at Penners family property, KXII reported. There was this one evil, evil man that took his life, but surrounding him were 10, 20, 30, 100 people that loved him unconditionally, Bowlegs First Baptist Church Deacon Rodney Troglin told KFOR. We will always remember Caleb as someone who lit up the room when he came in. He was absolutely a beautiful child, always smiling. Court records show Jennings received a life sentence without parole Friday, Feb. 2. Penner, 32, previously pleaded guilty to charges of child abuse, conspiracy and desecration of a human corpse, according to court filings. She received a 37-year prison sentence, KOCO reported. Seminole is about 55 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. 4-year-old duct-taped, beaten to death over potty training, officials say. Mom sentenced I just killed my son, dad told Ohio dispatcher. Now hes going to prison for life Father accused of killing son after body found dumped on highway, Texas officials say DARTMOUTH STAT Ambulance Services, Inc. and Southcoast Emergency Medical Services, Inc. have reached a settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General over allegations that, for years, the companies both owned by a Mattapoisett resident had been overbilling state-subsidized insurance provider MassHealth for services, according to Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell's office. STAT Ambulance Service has been the 911 provider for the town of Dartmouth since 1980, according to the two companies' shared website. According to a press release from the AG's office, the $1.6 million settlement comes after claims that "since at least January 2015, both companies regularly falsified and 'upcoded' their claims to MassHealth by purposefully miscoding their rendered services to file more expensive claims." "For example, the companies billed for emergency services when only nonemergency services were provided and billed for advanced ambulance services when only basic ambulance services were provided," the AG's press release reads. "The Attorney Generals Office further alleges that both companies billed MassHealth for medically unnecessary services, instructing employees to falsify service documentation to support 'upcoded' claims to MassHealth, and to have routinely failed to comply with MassHealths requirements regarding medical necessity forms for nonemergency transportation services." According to the Mass. AG's office, SouthCoast Emergency Medical Services and STAT Ambulance Service, both headquartered in Dartmouth, have agreed to a settlement over alleged overbilling of MassHealth. The release goes on state that Southcoast Emergency Medical Services, Inc. took part in similar practices relative to Medicare, in those cases failing to comply with federal documentation requirements relative to non-emergency services. According to the release, the companies, headquartered in Dartmouth, are owned by Mattapoisett resident Carol Mansfield. The companies' website states that STAT is the only female-owned ambulance service in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In 2012, Mansfield acquired Coastline Ambulance, according to the site. Attempts to get comment from the companies by phone and written message via a website form were not returned as of this publishing. What do the ambulance companies have to do? In addition to "paying back" $1.6 million, the AG's office says the companies have agreed to engage in an "independence compliance monitor and to implement company-wide training and auditing to ensure future compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations." According to a copy of the Feb. 1 settlement agreement, provided by the AG's office, Mansfield and the companies will be obligated to form a "compliance committee, which is chaired by a chief compliance officer and includes representatives from clinical staff and billing," to update compliance policies and procedures, conduct annual training for all personnel on federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and they will need to establish a "process for investigation of non-compliance and taking remedial and corrective actions, where appropriate." The parties are also required to conduct "periodic compliance auditing, testing and monitoring." Be in-the-know: 'Everyone's go-to spot for a meal': Toast N Jam opens on The Ave. Here's what's on the menu Payment schedule According to the settlement document, Mansfield and the two named companies must, within seven days of the effective date, pay a lump sum of $350,000 to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and another lump sum of $100,000 to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Thereafter, the remainder of $1,150,000 is to be paid out of money that would normally go to Southcoast Emergency Medical Services, Inc. Those payments are to go to a "Recoupement Account" from which $5,528.85 a week will be taken every week for 48 months. Background According to information included in the settlement document, the AG's Medicaid Fraud Division was authorized to begin investigating the Dartmouth-based ambulance companies on Nov. 8, 2022. The investigation looked back at claims made as early as Jan. 1, 2015. When providers fail to comply with MassHealth regulations, the program suffers, saidAG Campbell in the press release. Im proud of my teams efforts in securing this settlement, which will protect the integrity of the MassHealth program so it can continue to provide crucial health care support for our most vulnerable residents. According to the release, the settlement is the latest in Campbell's "ongoing efforts to combat fraud committed by ambulance providers." As of 2012, Mansfield acquired another ambulance company, Coastline Ambulance, according to the Southcoast EMS website. That company's name does not appear in the settlement or the AG's press release. Dartmouth Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes confirmed that STAT ambulances are dispatched through the Dartmouth Police Department, and the company "compensates the Town annually to provide the service to the community." MacInnes noted that the town "is not involved in their billing or operations in any way." This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Dartmouth ambulance companies settle with AG over fraud claims Dartmouth College announced it will reinstate its requirement for undergraduate applicants to submit their ACT or SAT scores. The policy will take effect for students of the class of 2029, which means it will affect college applicants beginning in 2025. Why did Dartmouth and other colleges stop requiring SAT and ACT scores? According to CBS, Dartmouth has been test-optional since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic made taking or retaking the ACT and SAT tests difficult. Dartmouth said that the tests and the time it took to prepare for them were not good uses of a students time, money, or emotional energy during an ongoing public health crisis, per CBS. Hundreds of colleges and universities across the country took similar action during the pandemic. Yale, several colleges at Cornell University, the University of California and more, went test-optional or test-blind for undergraduate admissions, per NBC News. Because of the change in requirements, students with lower ACT and SAT scores applied to places they wouldnt have otherwise. Subsequently, many of these universities and colleges, such as Cornell, saw massive bumps in applications, per NBC. Why is Dartmouth bringing back the requirement? In a statement, Dartmouth said they decided to reinstate the testing requirement based on new research conducted on the effects of standardized testing. A study commissioned by the college and conducted by economists and educational sociologists at Dartmouth found that standardized testingwhen assessed using the local norms at a students high schoolis a valuable element of Dartmouths undergraduate application. The study found that standardized test scores, in tandem with an evaluation of high school grades, were the most reliable indicators for success for prospective students, per the statement. Dartmouth also said that in addition to being good indicators for success, evaluating ACT and SAT scores also helped them identify better-suited students across a wider range of applicants, including those from low or middle classes, first generation students, students from rural areas, and students from under-resourced schools. Per the statement, Dartmouth said, contrary to what some have perceived, standardized testing allows us to admit a broader and more diverse range of students. Will other colleges reinstate standardized testing requirements? Dartmouth is not the first college to bring back a requirement to submit standardized test scores. MIT announced in 2022 that it would reinstate the requirement for admissions. Dean of Admissions Stu Schmill said that at MIT student success is significantly improved by considering standardized testing, according to CBS News. Many other top institutions around the country are also evaluating their standardized testing policies. Per Forbes, Princeton University continues to assess the effects the pandemic has had on teaching and learning in secondary schools in the United States and around the world ... (and) the role standardized testing should play in our admission process. Where do Utah colleges and universities stand? In Utah, colleges and universities have varying policies on standardized test scores. The University of Utah suspended their testing requirements only through 2023. Further information for 2024 has yet to be provided. Utah State Universitys admission page says the ACT is temporarily not required for admission, though it is needed for certain scholarships and majors. BYU has suspended its requirement through 2026 for most applicants, though applicants are encouraged to submit their scores if they feel it is a good representation of their academic abilities. The ACT and SAT are optional at Weber State University, with no stated time for when that might end. At Utah Valley University the ACT and SAT are only required for merit based scholarships. In a statement released in 2020, Southern Utah University stated it would be dropping its ACT/SAT requirements permanently starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. Utah Techs admissions page makes no mention of ACT or SAT requirements. Dartmouth College will again require prospective students to submit standardized test scores beginning with the undergraduate class of 2029, resuming a policy halted for years because of the coronavirus pandemic, the university announced Monday. Officials at the Ivy League institution in Hanover, New Hampshire, said in a statement that it became a test-optional school in June 2020 as a response to an unprecedented global pandemic." Nearly four years later, having studied the role of testing in our admissions process as well as its value as a predictor of student success at Dartmouth, we are removing the extended pause and reactivating the standardized testing requirement for undergraduate admission, effective with the Class of 2029, Dartmouth said. The university said it believes reinstating the testing requirement will improve its "ability to bring the most promising and diverse students to our campus." Dartmouths being a test-optional school meant prospective students could still submit their test scores, such as from the SAT or the ACT, if they chose to. A study commissioned by Dartmouth President Sian Beilock and conducted by university economists and an educational sociologist found that standardized test scores, when evaluated alongside high school grades, were the most reliable indicators for success in Dartmouths course of study, the university statement said. The study also found analyzing standardized test stores helped identify high-achieving applicants from low- and middle-income backgrounds, the statement said. Relying on standardized test scores in admission decisions has long been criticized for favoring wealthy, white applicants and putting minority and low-income students at a disadvantage. Contrary to what some have perceived, standardized testing allows us to admit a broader and more diverse range of students, Dartmouth said. In March 2022, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, commonly known as MIT, said it was reinstating test-score requirements in an effort to be "transparent and equitable in our expectations." Columbia University in New York City announced in March that prospective students won't be required to submit ACT or SAT scores. It is believed to be the first Ivy League school to adopt the policy on a long-term basis, according to NBC New York. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Bryon White, one of the plaintiffs on an administrative challenge to a stormwater permit granted to the Florida Department of Transportation, takes in views from the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek preserve. Port Orange environmentalist Derek LaMontagne is a scientist, not a lawyer. But for five days last October, he was forced to play one before a judge in a Tallahassee hearing room, where he argued a state agency should not have granted a stormwater permit for a controversial Interstate 95 interchange because it would damage an already impaired Spruce Creek. And the table across from him was crowded with eight attorneys eight representing the Florida Department of Transportation and St. Johns River Water Management District, which oversees environmental permitting from northeast Florida down the Atlantic coast to Indian River County. LaMontagne found himself in this predicament after the law firm he and his coalition hired, Guilday Law, P.A., resigned from the case citing "fundamental disagreements" with its clients just a few weeks before the hearing was originally scheduled in late August. "I could say we did this whole case with our hands (tied) behind our backs," LaMontagne said. However, he said Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early was "forgiving of our situation." He granted a two-month continuance. Even still, coalition members raised only a few thousand dollars. They couldn't afford to fly in expensive expert witnesses, or even afford a stenographer for depositions. Instead, they turned to locals with a grasp on Spruce Creek, a 20-mile-long stream that begins in wetlands in Samsula and flows east to the Halifax River, dividing Port Orange from New Smyrna Beach. Even kayaking upcreek without a paddle, LaMontagne remained confident. I, for one, knew we were going to win I hope I don't sound too arrogant saying that but I wouldnt have started this case if I didnt know there was a problem," he said. The judge agreed, ruling last month that the stormwater permit for the interchange was "not in the public interest," and that it should be revoked. Some longtime environmental advocates considered it stunning, a rare victory for a small band of conservationists taking on the state on a project that is a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration. It feels like it should be a Netflix movie because of that David and Goliath quality, said Lori Sandman, a patent attorney who is a member of the Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County, one of groups challenging the permit. Except it's a movie without a conclusion. It appears unlikely the judge's ruling will be a fatal blow to the project. This was David knocking Goliath down, not out. What's next for long-debated interchange? The I-95 interchange is proposed for Pioneer Trail, a two-lane road that passes over the interstate. Once the main link between New Smyrna Beach and DeLand, the country road is gaining more and more traffic as residential development has sprouted. It was first identified as a potential project in 1985, while in 1995, the predecessor to the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization put it on a 25-year plan, and has had the support of local governments, including the TPO board, for about 15 years. Proponents of the interchange argue it's needed not just to serve the thousands of new homes that have been built in the last 20 years, but thousands more that are on the way. FDOT, in particular, has identified it as an important next step to take stress off the building traffic on the two nearest interchanges, State Road 421 (Dunlawton Avenue) to the north in Port Orange, and State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach. They say it will help people get to I-95 as a hurricane evacuation route. But opposition has been visible along Pioneer Trail and its offshoot, Turnbull Bay Road, where residents have posted signs with the words Pioneer Interchange in a circle with a line through it. They have expressed concerns that the interchange will only speed up the development that threatens their homes' rural setting. Opponents also include environmentalists who say it will harm the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, a 2,513-acre conservation area with trails and other recreation amenities, as well as the creek and its tributaries. With his order, Judge Early's work on the matter is done. The final decision on revoking the permit rests with the St. Johns Water Management District, which has 15 days from the date of the decision, Jan. 29, to file an exception or written objection. "Once the exceptions and any responses to those exceptions are filed, the statutes require the district to review the record, consider the exceptions and responses, and enter a final order that rules on each exception and makes a final decision to issue or deny the permit," Ashley Evitt, the district's media outreach manager, wrote in an email. "A separate team that was not involved in the litigation work on the review and final order." The Florida Department of Transportation is "disappointed" in the judge's "recommendation," wrote Cindi Lane, public information director for the department's Central Florida district. "This project brings tremendous value to the community, enhances safety, ensures resiliency, increases mobility and has been developed and prioritized by the community, local government and TPO," Lane wrote. Mori Hosseini, chairman and CEO of ICI Homes, which is building Woodhaven, a residential and commercial development near the interchange, said the judge's ruling was surprising, as the interchange would provide thousands of people with better access to the interstate, particularly during a hurricane evacuation. Hosseini has denied accusations of leaning on DeSantis a politician he has supplied with thousands of dollars worth of political contributions for more than a decade to push the interchange forward. If they think we have so much influence, why has it taken 20 to 30 years for this interchange to be built? Thats lousy influence if it takes that long, he said. The Pioneer Trail bridge over I-95 could get access ramps to the interstate if a Florida Department of Transporation plan is enacted. Hosseini insisted the interchange won't make any difference to the success of Woodhaven. No one can stop it. Its on its way. We are building homes. People are moving in. Kids are playing outside, he said. Regardless, many believe the interchange will eventually be built, despite the judge's order. Wendy Anderson, a biologist and Stetson University professor of environmental science and studies who testified during the hearing, is among them. "This year, five years from now, 15 years from now, I dont know," Anderson said, "but I would say every year that wildlife gets to live, these wetlands can cross through this area, thats a year that we win. We take our wins one year at a time. Lane said FDOT will continue "to work diligently through every federal, state, and local requirement to achieve our mission and deliver impactful projects to our communities. "A recommendation such as this only further delays the delivery of this critical infrastructure project," she said. The ruling comes as Florida as do all recipients faces deadlines on the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 funds. At one point, the state committed $92 million of its $462 million allotment of ARPA funds to the Pioneer Trail interchange, moving up its timeline. Under the law, the state has until the end of 2024 to commit the funds to a project, while it has until the end of 2026 to fully expend the money. As of Feb. 3, the $92 million in federal ARPA funds has been reduced to $44 million. However, Lane said the Pioneer Trail interchange remains fully funded. "As FDOTs 5-year work program is funded by multiple funding streams, including state and federal dollars, the department routinely examines and revises the funding sources of each project to ensure all parameters are met," Lane said. "This is part of the departments normal business practice to accommodate for the stringent requirements for federal funding." Spruce Creek High valedictorian urged fellow students to allow 'dreaming time' LaMontagne, a 38-year-old Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at the University of Florida and former candidate for Port Orange mayor is not new to picking fights with much larger, more deep-pocketed institutions. Derek LaMontagne He's filed petitions against Hosseini's Woodhaven project, the city of Port Orange and the water management district. None of those previous challenges led to a successful ruling like the Pioneer Trail case, but LaMontagne says some have produced results, such as delaying the city's Yorktowne Boulevard extension. He has persisted. When he was valedictorian of Spruce Creek High School in 2003, he told fellow students: "As our schedules get more and more packed full of activity, always remember to set aside some dreaming time. This will make the events in life that much more meaningful." Since those days as a high school student, he has dreamed of a clean Spruce Creek, and a Port Orange less intent on development and more concerned with conserving undeveloped land. "Spruce Creek Preserve ... it is near and dear to my heart," he said. When the water management district gave FDOT the stormwater permit on Feb. 28, 2023, LaMontagne looked into the laws and rules governing stormwater management in an Outstanding Florida Waterway, as well as the science and math that went into projections for the system of retention ponds and swales. They didn't buy the state's claims that the project would result in a net reduction of total phosphorous, an element that in overabundance has impaired the creek along with other harmful chemicals. Pioneer Trail interchange project location So LaMontagne, both as an individual and as founder of the Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County, Bear Warriors United Inc., and Bryon White, a New Smyrna Beach resident, formally asked a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings judge to hear their challenge. He assembled a number of witnesses including two local professors, Anderson from Stetson and Hyun Jung Cho, professor of integrated environmental science at Bethune-Cookman University. Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower, an opponent of the interchange, also was among the witnesses. LaMontagne said another crucial witness was John Baker, a Sierra Club member who in the 1980s filed the paperwork that led to Spruce Creek getting the Outstanding Florida Waters designation in 1991. Outstanding Florida Waters, or OFWs, have been so designated for special protections due to their natural attributes. Spruce Creek's designation played a crucial role in the case. Anderson said she challenged FDOT's engineers on a claim that the project would actually reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and other harmful elements being diverted to Spruce Creek. "Intuitively, youre like, 'How could this be possible?' and of course, its not," Anderson said. "I went back and found their worksheets ... checked their math ... theyve made some wild assumptions here about how theyre setting the parameters of this model and maybe there's some standard in how theyre choosing that, but it wasnt based in science. It was based on wishful thinking. The state's argument that the permit should be allowed was that the project won't harm Spruce Creek or the fish and wildlife in the vicinity and that it's needed because growth in the area demands another route to the interstate to evacuate during a hurricane and to manage traffic incidents on the interstate. Judge Early found a precedent that those reasons hurricane evacuation and traffic incident management are not environmental factors to determine whether the interchange is "clearly in the public interest." But he also wrote that the state proved its case on three important points: that the project will reduce the amount of phosphorus and other harmful materials bound for Spruce Creek,; will not, considering mitigation, impact wetlands and adverse impacts on fish and wildlife; and that the mitigation plan, of purchasing credits in two mitigation banks within the Halifax River Drainage Basin is sufficient for taking 49 acres of wetlands, plus secondary impacts on 10 additional acres. The judge also ruled that because Spruce Creek is an Outstanding Florida Water, the standard requires more. "If this case did not involve an OFW, and if the standard for issuance was whether the project is not contrary to the public interest, (I) would have no hesitation in recommending issuance of the permit," Early wrote. "However, this case does involve an OFW, and the standard is whether the project is clearly in the public interest." "... 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." 'Nothing short of amazing' For now, though, the members of Sweetwater, Bear Warriors and other environmentalists who enjoy Spruce Creek and the Leeper preserve are taking a victory lap. Its not over, as environmental fights never are," LaMontagne said. "But this week we got a big win. "The people of Florida have spoken and we have said we are tired of being invaded by costly and damaging special interest developments," he said. This overlook is visible from one of the trails at the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve about a mile east of Interstate 95. LaMontagne maintains the interchange is not needed and will only serve to increase traffic on Pioneer Trail, not reduce it on the two nearest interchanges, State Road 421 (Dunlawton Avenue) in Port Orange and State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach. "Not only did the Spruce Creek environment finally get a victory this week, but so did our community as now we will have cleaner water, less risk of flooding and no highway trucks being dumped on our families streets. It really is a win-win-win. "By not building this overpriced interchange, which would cut through sensitive wetlands, we as taxpayers will save over $120 million which will be a huge benefit for our small business, local economy and especially ecotourism related to Spruce Creek," he said. Sandman, who owns property on Spruce Creek, said she joined Sweetwater because it was a small organization comprised of citizens concerned about water quality. "We were able to stand up to this giant and take on this case from a very grassroots, local perspective and overcome what would have been a very bad decision," she said. "I think you cant underestimate local citizens committed" to doing what's right, and we fought for what was right: protecting our local water quality." She said the key to the success of their case was LaMontagne. "He picked up when we had hired counsel and the law firm did back out on us within three weeks of the actual hearing," she said. "Although he's not a lawyer, he did an outstanding job representing us before the judge. ... It was a full five days, long days, of testimony and the amount of material that Mr. LaMontagne was able to present was nothing short of amazing." Editor's Note: A clarification has been made in this story since its original publication to add context about Derek LaMontagne's previous legal challenges to developments in Port Orange. I-95 and Pioneer Trail: Environmentalists argue interchange will harm Spruce Creek watershed Spruce Creek Conservation: Volusia County Council approves Volusia Forever land purchase This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Citizens get rare win in fight with FDOT over new I-95 interchange A powerful storm system has drenched parts of California, leaving at least nine people dead, knocking out power and prompting dangerous mudslides and rivers of debris stretching across neighborhoods. The rain and in some areas, the heavy snow is slowly wrapping up, but some threats remain. Heres whats happening: More rain and snow: Showers and occasional bouts of steady rain will continue across Southern California Tuesday. An additional inch of rain is possible for valley areas with 1 to 3 inches in the foothills. Since Sunday, some areas in Los Angeles County have seen nearly 1 foot of rain. Rain also expanded east Tuesday into western Arizona, southern Nevada and southwestern Utah, raising the risk of flash flooding. A Level 2 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall is in effect Tuesday for these areas, according to the Weather Prediction Center. At least 475 mudslides in Los Angeles: Authorities in Los Angeles reported at least 475 mudslides during the storm. While the worst of the downpours are over, the continuing rain Tuesday means more floods and mudslides are still possible and roads remain littered with trees and debris. Officials in Southern California have urged anyone who ventures outside to do so with extreme caution. At least nine people killed: Nine weather-related deaths have been recorded in California during the powerful storms, the states Office of Emergency Management said. At least four of the people killed were struck by falling trees in areas experiencing gusty winds, according to local officials. Snow makes travel next to impossible: The storm system also dumped heavy snow, burying parts of the Sierra Nevada and Southern Californias mountain ranges. The snow and strong winds will continue to make for near impossible travel conditions at high elevations from the southern parts of the Sierra Nevada to the central Nevada mountains into Tuesday night, the weather service said. The heavy snow will spread further inland this week, reaching higher elevations in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, the service said. Thousands still without power: Around 70,000 customers across California were without power Wednesday morning, according to poweroutage.us, particularly in the northern and coastal parts of the state, where violent winds knocked down trees and power lines over the weekend. This aerial view Monday shows a home destroyed at the bottom of a landslide in Los Angeles. - David Mcnew/AFP/Getty Images At least 475 mudslides and two dozen buildings damaged in Los Angeles Across Southern California Monday, neighborhood streets turned into muddy, gushing rivers that swallowed cars, washed away debris and left people and animals stranded. Scott Toro, a resident of Studio City in Los Angeles, told CNN a violent mudslide in his neighborhood scattered neighbors cars and left their street completely impassable, littered with large boulders and tree branches. Two of his neighbors homes sustained damage, Toro told CNN. Everybody seems to be OK, I mean, I think were all just mentally shaken, but were physically, were all okay, he told CNN, later adding: Weve been here 21 years and weve never seen anything (like this). In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass declared an emergency Monday after the storm dropped nearly 1 foot of water in some areas, triggering mudslides, evacuations and rescues. The city responded to 475 mudslides, 390 fallen trees, multiple water rescues and increased traffic collisions, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said Tuesday. Officials were also investigating whether 35 structures that were damaged in the storm are safe. At least five have been red tagged, meaning they are not allowing re-entry. Seven were tagged as yellow, meaning occupants could go in to collect belongings. Crews are working to clear and repair roads that were impacted. As the storm continues, there are many water-soaked hillsides that have the potential to slide, Crowley said Monday. We would like to reiterate to use extreme caution if you live or travel in these areas. Two evacuation orders remained in place Tuesday one at the Owen Fire burn scar in Topanga Canyon and one at the Agua Fire burn scar near Acton. Though the damage officials saw was not as significant as what they had prepared for, the storm was like a thousand cuts, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey Horvath said. Sinkholes, downed trees (and) areas of erosion, she said. But we are doing well and our crews remain out. Water rages Monday along the Los Angeles River as the second and more powerful of two atmospheric river storms inundates the city. - Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Nearly half a years worth of rain in two days December through March are the wettest months of the year for Southern California, but the scale of this weeks deluge was highly unusual. Record-breaking rain was recorded across Southern California on Sunday and Monday. Some of the most jaw-dropping totals unfolded across the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Los Angeles had its third-wettest two-day stretch on record Sunday through Monday, receiving 7.03 inches of rain, or 49% of its average yearly rainfall. New daily record rainfall amounts were set on both days when 4.10 inches and 2.93 inches fell, respectively. Downtown Los Angeles has picked up 10.77 inches of rain since January 1 75% of the citys yearly rainfall in just five weeks. A few areas of Los Angeles outside of downtown picked up even more rain. Two-day rainfall totals in the citys Bel Air neighborhood fell just shy of a foot. Los Angeles was not the only city that saw record-breaking rainfall this week. Nearby Long Beach smashed its daily record rainfall amounts both Sunday and Monday while Santa Barbara eclipsed its daily record Sunday. CNNs Taylor Ward, Taylor Romine, Robert Shackelford, and Stephanie Elam contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) The balance of power in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is at stake for the fourth time in a year as voters next week will choose between a Democratic school board member and a Republican political newcomer in a suburban Philadelphia district. Democrats controlled the House by one vote until Rep. John Galloway resigned in December to become a magisterial district judge, leaving the chamber split at 101-101. The race to replace him is slated for Feb. 13 in Bucks County north of Philadelphia. The district has long been reliably Democratic and shares a county with long-time Republican areas where the GOP has been losing power over two decades. Democratic presidential candidates have won the county since the 1990s and President Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by 10 percentage points in 2020 in Galloways district, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans three-to-two. Even though those signs look good for Democrats, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is spending $50,000 to protect the partys majority in the chamber. These races are really, really important and they deserve the attention and resources that meet the impact of the work that theyre doing, said Heather Williams, president of the committee, the national party's group that works to elect Democrats to state legislatures. On the national level, the committee is planning to spend at least $60 million on statehouse races across the country this cycle. Thats its largest ever budget and will feature special emphasis on erasing GOP majorities in Arizona and New Hampshire and in the Pennsylvania Senate, while holding small Democratic majorities claimed in 2022 in Minnesota and Michigan. Leslie Martes, the groups vice president of political and strategic initiatives, said down-ballot legislative races in places like northeast Pennsylvania, and Tucson and Yuma in Arizona, may help actually help Bidens reelection bid in a reverse coattail fashion. Her team is hoping to generate enough Democrat excitement in legislative races that its candidates can push those margins and add to vote totals for the president beyond swing states traditional population centers, where Democrats are already looking to run up the score, like Philadelphia and Phoenix. Our candidates are usually not always in these big cities where theyre focused on turnout for the president, Martes said, adding, that actually will help the top of the ticket cause well be turning out voters on the issues that voters care about this year in the state legislative role, which will also drive them in the presidential race. Democrats have the governor's office. Republicans hold the Senate. A Republican win in next week's special election would give the GOP a majority that could advance school vouchers and constitutional amendments on issues such as abortion, voter identification and curbing the governors regulatory authority. It is the Republicans' fourth chance in a year to flip the majority back to their favor. Elections last year in February, May and September broke in Democrats' favor, in largely Democratic areas. House leaders scheduled no voting days for January and February while the partisan divide of the chamber is split 101-101. That will change after the Feb. 13 election between Democrat Jim Prokopiak, 49, and Republican Candace Cabanas, 45. Its an interesting thing to be thrown into this because Im not a politician, and Im really just running to support working class families in lower Bucks County, said Cabanas. Im not necessarily here to tip a majority, you know, and create like some kind of hoopla in the state House. She said high gas prices and rising cost of living are among her top priorities, along with education. She said there remains concerns after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools. It seems like Pennsylvania schools spend a fairly decent amount of money, like were up there with our spending, she said, but we underperform. Prokopiak, who was first elected in 2021 to the school board in a district north of Philadelphia, wants to see more funding for education not just K-12, but vocational and skills-based learning, he said, to make sure the workforce is competitive. Affordable housing is also essential, he said, and with that comes raising the minimum wage. The Democrats who control the House passed a minimum wage hike last year, but it did not progress out of the Republican-controlled state Senate. No one can afford to live on the federal minimum wage in this area. If were going to be talking about good paying jobs and creating life sustaining jobs, the first thing we have to do is raise the minimum wage because its clear that is not sustaining anybody, he said. Womens reproductive health and the right to an abortion is also a concern of his. The difference between a Republican majority and Democratic one is access, he said. I have two 14 year old girls who dont have the same rights their mother had at their age, which is unconscionable, he said. __ Brooke Schultz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Will Weissert contributed from Washington. House Democrats are lining up in opposition to a Republican bill providing new military funding for Israel but not without a lot of internal agonizing. At an animated closed-door meeting in the Capitol basement Tuesday morning, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and other top leaders told the caucus that theyll oppose the bill when it hits the floor later in the day. We are prepared to support any serious, bipartisan effort in connection with the special relationship between the United States and Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East, Jeffries, along with Reps. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), wrote to Democrats in a letter released shortly after the meeting. Unfortunately, the standalone legislation introduced by House Republicans over the weekend, at the eleventh hour without notice or consultation, is not being offered in good faith. That position aligns them with President Biden, who has vowed to veto the proposal if it reaches his desk. And an overwhelming majority of House Democrats appear ready to get on board in voting against the bill. This is a stunt. Its a gotcha, said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a prominent Jewish lawmaker. Im very proud that the president has seen this for what it is. The Democratic opposition would typically be inconsequential in a House chamber controlled by Republicans. But Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is seeking to pass the Israel aid bill using a procedural tool, known as the suspension calendar, that requires two-thirds of the chamber to pass legislation. Democrats are widely supportive of providing their Middle Eastern ally with a new round of military help for its ongoing response of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. But Johnsons bill excludes other provisions favored by Democrats, including humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and new military funding for Ukraine. Absent the other foreign aid provisions, Democrats say theyll oppose the stand-alone Israel bill when it hits the floor Tuesday evening opposition that threatens to prevent the bill from hitting the two-thirds threshold needed to pass. Speaker Johnson should pull it and focus on comprehensive national security, said Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), another Jewish lawmaker and strong Israel supporter. The Democratic opposition will not be unanimous. Amid the wave of critics, there are a number of Democrats who say theyll support the bill in order to show solidarity with Israel. To vote against it, these voices are warning, would send a message to the world that the U.S. is abandoning its support for Tel Aviv in the wake of the worst attack in the countrys history. Im certainly aware of the presidents position. Im aware of leadership. And ultimately this bill isnt going to hit the presidents desk except in a form that the Senate votes on it, said Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), another veteran Jewish lawmaker. If you have a bill that has nothing in it except Israel, and it fails, what does that say to the rest of the world? That message was delivered by some of Israels staunchest supporters during Tuesdays closed-door meeting. And their emotional pleas had an impact on at least some Democrats who went into the gathering sure theyd vote against the Israel bill, but left the discussion much less certain. Its difficult for me not to go along with the president, and I dont think anybody can accuse him of being anti-Israel, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) said. But youve got some people saying if you dont do this, its saying to our enemies in the Middle East that were no longer connected at the hip with Israel. I walked in there saying I was going to be with the president on this, and Im getting a headache now. This is not fun. Tuesdays debate mirrors that in November when Johnson, in his first act as Speaker, brought an Israel funding bill to the floor combined with cuts to the IRS. Twelve Democrats joined with most Republicans to pass that measure through the House, and it appears the number will be higher this time around, without the IRS provision. Still, most Democrats seem poised to oppose it, not only to show unity with the White House but out of recognition that the Democratic-controlled Senate which is pushing a much broader foreign aid and border security package will never take it up. I think there is a strong consensus among Democrats that we need to stick with the president, said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), another prominent Jewish lawmaker. Aris Folley contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After giving the roof of a small tap with a demolition excavator, a mechanical issue forced the crew to postpone demolition of the historic The Bells building at Brenton State Park until Wednesday. The Bells is all that remains of an 18-acre estate called The Reef, which sat where Brenton Point State Park is today. While the mansion was demolished after it was set on fire in the 1960s, the former carriage house, The Bells, remained. RIDEM decided to demolish the building in May 2023 after a teenager fell through the roof, injuring himself and the three other boys who were inside the building at the time. RIDEM chose Johnston-based AA Wrecking and Asbestos Abatement Co. Inc. for the demolition work back in October 2023, awarding the company a $293,800 contract that expires in March. The date for demolition has shifted multiple times since the contract was signed. Originally planned to start around September 2023, the abatement phase began in December 2023, but constant inclement weather, over the past few months slowed work on the project, RIDEM Chief Public Affairs Officer Michael Healey told The Newport Daily News. A mechanical issue postponed the demolition of The Bells, a dilapidated former carriage house in Newport's Brenton Point State Park, until Wednesday. On Monday morning, workers prepared The Bells for its impending demolition, even driving a large demolition excavator around the back of the property and giving the roof a strong tap. However, the crew soon realized the machine which would have sprayed water on the building to reduce dust from demolition was not working. John Furtado, owner and foreman for AA Wrecking Co, Inc., told The Newport Daily News that they would likely return to start demolition on Wednesday. Once it begins, the process is expected to take multiple days. Funeral for a friend Groups of people walking the trail at Brenton Point State Park casually stopped to check out the demolition site as news crews set up to witness the destruction firsthand. On top of the stone tower, a former windmill for the property, amateur documentary filmmaker Jesse Correa of Somerset, Massachusetts, filmed the excavator with his camcorder. (I feel) like Im losing a best friend, Correa said. Ive spent so many good times here and Ive been so involved with it on the research end. A mechanical issue postponed the demolition of The Bells, a dilapidated former carriage house in Newport's Brenton Point State Park, until Wednesday. Correa had already made a film about the mansion and its stables called Bloody Reef, which premiered in 2018. However, he wanted to make an update to the film and include the demolition of the remains of the property. I wanted to make something where people could have the history of the place in intimate detail and long after Im gone, or even after anyone here is gone, it will be recorded somewhere and the history and the life of the people that lived here and the history of this place will stay, because everyones story is important in life, Correa said. Kimberly Cayton joined Correa on the tower, watching the crew prepare the site while discussing the history of the property. Like Correa, she was also there to get fuel for a creative project: a novel. I love this area, Ive been coming out here for almost 20 years, Cayton said. Between the wildlife and the architecture, its a wonderful placebut with the stable coming down and the unfortunate events that occurred, its just a shame. Its nice that people have shown up to show their concern, but it's a shame to see it come down. This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: The Bells in Newport moves closer to demolition Border police officers conduct an anti-terror drill in Bortala, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, this month. The top legislature passed the country's first anti-terrorism law on Sunday, together with several other laws. ZHANG JIA/XINHUA News that Turkey has arrested two Chinese nationals of Uygur origin in connection with a mass shooting in a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year's Eve underscores the necessity and urgency for Beijing and Ankara to work more closely together to combat cross-border terrorism. Identified as members of an unspecified "terrorist organization", the two have been charged with "purchasing unlicensed firearms" and "being accomplices" to the murder of 39 people in the attack for which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility. It would be no surprise if the two Uygurs proved to have links with the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. The UN-listed terrorist group, dedicated to the separation of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region from China, has long been responsible for a series of deadly terrorist attacks in and outside China. Last August, a suicide bombing of the Chinese embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which killed one person and injured three, was ordered by "Uygur terrorist groups active in Syria" and carried out by a member of ETIM in that country, according to Kyrgyzstan's national security authorities. There are no official statistics on the number of Chinese Uygurs currently living in Turkey, whose stay there has been cited mainly as a result of linguistic and cultural similarities. Not all of them have crossed the border legally, sometimes even aided by smuggling rings related to terrorist activities. Terrorism is the common enemy of mankind, and to win the battle against it requires enhanced international cooperation, and in this case between China and Turkey, in such areas as intelligence sharing, evidence collecting, border controls and cutting the terrorists' access to funding sources. That is partly why China, together with other countries, initiated the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a regional mechanism to target terrorism, separatism and extremism. Sino-Turkish ties, despite being smooth in recent years, have been marred occasionally by anti-China protests staged in Turkey against what some falsely perceive as the "plight of Uygurs". In addition, bias, ignorance and lies have combined to continue to lead some people, especially those in the West, to adopt a double standard when addressing terrorism. The United States, for example, has yet to add ETIM to the Department of State's main list of foreign terrorist organizations. The latest arrests in Turkey may serve as a wake-up call that terrorism is terrorism whatever guise it comes in. A former police officer is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars after promising to make home repairs. Deputies in Catawba and Burke counties said Chris Collins owns a home remodeling company that took money for jobs but never put a hammer to nail. Channel 9s Dave Faherty learned he gained peoples trust by flexing his law enforcement background. ALSO READ: Charlotte business owner indicted in $1.2M COVID loan fraud scheme Several people told Faherty on Tuesday that Collins background was part of why they hired him. Court documents show some of the amounts people claimed to have lost, including one for $46,000. Collins was arrested and has been charged with obtaining by false pretense by the Burke County Sheriffs Office. Kim Bolick said she trusted Collins after he replaced the roof of her home in Long View. But she said when she hired his company, CMC Home Solutions, to do a remodel of a family members home in Newton, he never did the work. We went to the bank to take out a loan because we dont have $33,000 saved up, Bolick said. Were going to have to pay the bank back this. Faherty went to the address for CMC Home Solutions in Valdese but no one came to the door Tuesday. ALSO READ: NC man accused of taking money for home renovations, not completing work Collins neighbor said he hired him last year to redo his floors and kitchen. Like everyone Faherty spoke with, Chuck Montgomery said he paid a portion up front. He comes across and says hes a good Christian man and a good family man and he was an ex-policeman. We called him over and had him do it and told us all the right stuff, Montgomery said. Bolick said Collins has stopped taking her calls after initially making excuses for not doing the work she hired him to do more than a year ago. It was just a never-ending story of good ol boy excuses that has just run amok, she said. Faherty found out from the City of Morganton that Collins worked for the police department from 2008 to 2012. He also worked for the Burke County Narcotics Task Force for a period of time. Catawba County deputies believe there are several case there as well, and theyre asking anyone who hired Collins to call them at 828-465-8340. VIDEO: Charlotte business owner indicted in $1.2M COVID loan fraud scheme Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis threw his political weight behind legislation forcing cities and counties to ban public camping, an approach that runs counter to how most states combat homelessness but that he said will keep streets clean and the public safe. In a news conference in Miami Beach on Monday, DeSantis, speaking at a lectern emblazoned with Dont allow Florida to become San Francisco, endorsed the bills though he hinted they may be incomplete. The legislation also gives local governments the ability to set up permanent encampments with requirements for security, clean restrooms, water and mental health services. And it gives the public the ability to sue cities and counties that dont clear people sleeping on sidewalks and in parks. Were going to work with the legislature. I dont know if they have a product that is final, that is going to pass muster quite yet, he said. Im confident were going to get a really strong product that is going to have really strong protections for the people of the State of Florida. While House Bill 1365 and Senate Bill 1530 have drawn fierce opposition from many advocates for the homeless, the legislation is speeding ahead. On Monday, it cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8-1 vote Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, voted in favor while the House bill has another hearing scheduled for Wednesday. In Orlando alone, homelessness has increased 75% since 2019, while last years federal point-in-time counts found a 12% increase in homelessness nationwide last year. Experts say steep housing costs are to blame for much of the increases, as median rents have increased $459 in Central Florida in the past four years. Central Florida, and much of the country, has a housing first approach to combatting homelessness, which seeks to place people in permanent housing rather than temporary shelter. Advocates of the approach say its a cheaper and more effective approach to ending homelessness, and it is endorsed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. Advocates say proposals like those in the Florida legislature criminalize homelessness. Neither bill has a criminal penalty associated with it. The bills stipulate that any permanent encampments created for the homeless must be in a place that doesnt harm property values of residential or commercial lands. Such encampments also come with a host of requirements ranging from 24-hour security, mental health counselors, clean water and restrooms and a ban on drugs and alcohol. Speaking in opposition to the Senate Bill Monday, Martha Are, CEO of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, said housing costs are to blame for rising homelessness. Sanctioned encampments allowed under the bills would be a heavy expense for local governments if they could even find a location meeting the bills requirements, she said. We know that if you took all the funds that we receive from the state for our continuum of care, it would probably cost more than 10 times that to make any kind of encampment functioning and safe, she said. Ultimately what we know we need is housing and services. In his remarks, DeSantis said hed be open to the state providing financial help for cities to put toward sheltering the unsheltered or providing mental health support. Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, whos carrying the legislation in the Senate, said he wants to talk to local governments and advocates across the state to help get the bill across the finish line. The goal here is to help, he said. This is going to move us in the right direction with a very big step and is going to put less stress on the not-for-profits and continuums of care. _____ Ukrainian forces last week said they used exploding drone boats to sink a Russian warship. It marked the latest blow for Moscow's Black Sea Fleet, which Kyiv has beaten down. But Western intelligence says the fleet can still perform its main duties in the Black Sea. Russia's Black Sea Fleet has taken a beating from Ukraine over the course of the war, but Western intelligence suggests Moscow maintains the ability to conduct naval operations in the region. Last week, Ukraine's military said its forces used uncrewed surface vessels packed with explosives to sink the Ivanovets, a Russian missile corvette that was stationed near the northwest of the occupied Crimean peninsula. It marked the latest Ukrainian naval drone attack on Moscow's assets in the region. The Ivanovets had been tasked with patrolling Crimea's western coast in support of Russia's war efforts and facilitated targeting data with other ships, helicopters, and long-range patrol aircraft, Britain's defense ministry wrote in a Tuesday intelligence update. "This latest Ukrainian success highlights the continuing vulnerability of Russian warships operating in the Black Sea," Britain's defense ministry said. "It will highly likely have an impact on the Black Sea Fleet's command and control elements, probably forcing them to re-evaluate their maneuverability near Western Crimea." The latest attack, during which the ship was likely sunk, adds to Moscow's naval headaches. Past Ukrainian attacks in the region already forced it to relocate some of its Black Sea Fleet activities and assets from the headquarters in Sevastopol, along the southwestern corner of Crimea, to Novorossiysk, on Russia's western coast. Ships have been hit there as well. Stills from footage shared by the defense intelligence of Ukraine purporting to show the sinking of the corvette Ivanovets during an overnight attack at the end of January. Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Britain's defense ministry, however, cautioned that "the Russian Navy is almost certainly still able to conduct its three main tasks in the Black Sea: long-range strike, patrol, and support." The Ukrainian military doesn't really have much of a navy, but over the past few months, it has relied heavily on its arsenal of Western-provided long-range cruise missiles and homemade drone boats to damage Russia's Black Sea Fleet, including several vessels, and hammer Moscow's ground assets and facilities around Crimea. Though there were earlier attacks, an uptick in Ukrainian attacks on the Black Sea Fleet began in the late summer after Moscow announced its intentions to militarize the important waterway and started increasing its strikes on Kyiv's ports and food-storage facilities. In late December, the UK's defense secretary, Grant Shapps, said a fifth of the fleet had already been wiped out. Ukrainian officials said the same. And this situation appears to have gotten worse for the Russians since then. Ukraine's defense ministry said Tuesday that it had destroyed or damaged 24 Russian vessels and one submarine since the full-scale invasion began nearly two years ago, amounting to a third of the warships belonging to Moscow's Black Sea Fleet. "There is no place for the russian fleet in Ukrainian Crimea," it said. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON Despite large-scale U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militants across the Middle East, Iran is continuing to provide weapons and intelligence to its proxies, according to three U.S. officials, a Middle Eastern official and a congressional aide with knowledge of the matter. Irans flow of arms and intelligence to its surrogates across the Middle East, who recently conducted a drone strike in Jordan that killed three American service members and wounded dozens of others, persists even as the Biden administration contends that Tehran does not want a wider war in the region, the sources said. The assistance from Iran has included intelligence for Houthi forces in Yemen that helps them more precisely attack sites where U.S. forces are stationed in the region, as well as target commercial ships in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. officials. They are using intelligence from Iran to give them some targeting information, Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, the commander of the U.S. carrier strike group currently deployed in the Red Sea, said of the Houthis in an interview with NBC News. Administration officials have said that a series of airstrikes approved last week by President Joe Biden in response to the deaths of the American service members are designed to send a clear message to Iran and its proxies that the U.S. will not tolerate attacks on its troops or assaults on cargo ships in the Red Sea. But Irans decision to continue sending weapons and intelligence to its proxy forces, which show few signs of halting attacks, suggests that the airstrikes that began Friday have so far done little to blunt Iran's efforts. Since Friday, Iranian-backed militia have staged at least two attacks on sites where U.S. forces are in Syria. Houthi forces armed by Tehran have also vowed to continue their assaults on commercial vessels off the Yemeni coast. Biden administration officials have said the U.S. strikes that began Friday are just the beginning of a multifront response that could continue for weeks, and defense officials say the campaign will gradually weaken the proxies capabilities over time. Asked about Iran continuing to help its proxy groups conduct attacks on U.S. forces and interests, a spokesperson for the National Security Council pointed to comments on Sunday by national security adviser Jake Sullivan. We do believe that the strikes had good effect in degrading the capabilities of these militia groups to attack us," Sullivan told NBC News Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. "And we do believe that, as we continue, we will be able to continue to send a strong message about the United States firm resolve to respond when our forces are attacked." One administration official said Irans continued funneling of weapons and intelligence to its proxy groups in the Middle East is not a sign of escalation by Tehran. The effort is not indicative of Iran seeking a broader war, the official said, because its the same activity Tehran has long engaged in to try to push U.S. forces out of the region. Last month, U.S. Navy commandos operating off the coast of Somalia seized a shipment of ballistic and cruise missile components including warheads intended for Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to the Pentagon. Two Navy SEALs lost their lives in the operation. The interdiction marked the first seizure of advanced Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missile parts by the U.S. Navy since 2019, according to the Pentagon. An Iranian-flagged ship operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the last several months illustrates how the regime in Tehran supports Houthi forces threatening commercial trade routes in the area, U.S. officials and analysts say. The ship, the Beshad, is equipped with electronic surveillance equipment, providing intelligence to Houthi militants that allows them to strike at commercial cargo vessels traveling through one of the worlds most important maritime trade routes, according to U.S. officials and experts. Iran denies that the Beshad is a spy ship and says it is carrying out an anti-piracy mission. But the regime on Sunday warned against any attempt to potentially target the Beshad or similar vessels, an unusual statement that appeared to be designed to pre-empt any U.S. action against the ship. Pentagon press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said on Monday the U.S. military was aware of the ship and there were no plans to target it. Apart from its warning over the Beshad, Irans public reaction to the U.S. airstrikes has been relatively muted so far, condemning the bombing raids without threatening to retaliate. For decades, Iran has cultivated proxies from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Oman to counter more powerful militaries and to extend its influence, striking at adversaries through partners without leaving clear fingerprints. The United States and its allies have struggled to counter Irans proxy network, which is overseen by the countrys Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. In the 1980s, Iran effectively drove the U.S. military out of Lebanon after a group linked to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia carried out lethal truck bombings at the U.S. embassy and a Marine barracks. In Syrias civil war, Hezbollah troops and Iranian-trained Shiite militia backed by Russian air power shored up the regime of Bashar al-Assad, pushing back fighters backed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other Arab governments. More recently, Houthi rebels supported by Iran have fought Saudi Arabia and its allies to a stalemate in Yemen, despite heavy bombardment from a Saudi-led coalition. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved two trash hauling contracts totaling $210.7 million that will increase garbage pickups but raise residents' fees annually. The $87,761,352 contract with Priority Waste and $122,945,186 with Waste Management of Michigan are set to launch in June to provide weekly pickups. Priority Waste will replace GFL Environmental, whose services frustrated residents, Mayor Mike Duggan said in a December community meeting as he pushed for the new vendor. The contract period runs from June 1 through May 31, 2029. Waste Management services the west side of Detroit while GFL serves the east side, Duggan said. Trash pickups will run weekly for curbside, bulk, recycling, yard waste and debris from vacant lots. Many services have been offered biweekly. Councilmembers Angela Whitfield-Calloway and Coleman Young II opposed the Priority Waste contract. Members Whitfield-Calloway and Scott Benson and President Pro Tem James Tate opposed the Waste Management contract. With the Michigan Central Station in the background, Stephen McGee of Detroit takes the trash can out to the curb outside his home in Corktown in Detroit Feb. 18, 2021. Council members were concerned about the hefty price tags, which will raise the city's cost from $28 million to $40 million annually. Residents currently pay $240 annually and will tack on an additional $10 a year. By July 1, fees will reach $250 then hike to $260 by July 1, 2025, and again to $270 by July 1, 2026. Calloway and Young also opposed the $10 hikes. City spending holds down residents' higher costs Budget Director Steve Watson told council members last week that if residents sustained the costs, their bills would go from $240 to about $350 a year by the end of the contract. Instead, the city opted for a hybrid approach. "The proposal is the general fund is paying for about 72% of the incremental cost and the fee increase paying about 28% of the cost. So the city budget is still bearing the larger share but protecting that general fund budget with a little bit of an additional resource from the increase," Watson said. Ron Brundidge, director of public works, issued a survey to residents of which more than 70% of the 13,3000 respondents supported weekly solid waste pickup. In a second survey of 9,763 respondents as of Monday afternoon, about 73% indicated they would support $10 increases. Respondents were from all ZIP codes in the city, Brundidge added. Resident questions $10 monthly increases Vendors will be responsible for purchasing their own equipment and sourcing their own staff for the contract period. Matt Allen, director of public relations and government affairs for Priority Waste, told the Free Press the company plans to hire "dozens of Detroiters" and provide incentives to pay residents to get their commercial driver's license. Resident Beverly Jones was surprised cleanup from vacant lots was not already part of the general trash pickup services. "Im very surprised that our current tax dollars are not covering such services," Jones said during public comment. "Im a little concerned paying an additional $10 each year without there being some type of performance metrics in place to show the cost of what I would be paying. Is it worth it when we struggle today with the trash thats being dumped in these locations?" Headquartered in Clinton Township, the company operates 2.3 million pickups a month in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Detroit marks its 44th municipality, Allen said. Councilman Coleman Young asked Priority Waste President Todd Stamper to address issues he heard about diversity, equity and inclusion within the company, without providing further details. Stamper at the meeting said his company hires people of various backgrounds. Whitfield-Calloway asked how much of the nearly 700 employees include minorities or African Americans, of which Stamper responded with 57% or more. "No one has brought it to my attention that weve had diversity issues," Stamper said. "This would be the first time anyone has said that to me." Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact Dana: dafana@freepress.com or 313-635-3491. Follow her on Twitter: @DanaAfana. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit City Council approves $210.7 million trash hauling contract QUINCY In a growing city with a long history, the old and the new inevitably clash. That is happening now in the Adams Birthplace Historical District, just to the south of the city's downtown, where a developer has proposed a four-story condominium building directly across from the two 17th-century homes where John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the nation's second and sixth presidents, were born. Property developer Anton Cela, of Quincy, filed an application with the city's planning board to build the structure at 10 Independence Ave., currently the site of an autobody shop. Preliminary designs show retail space on the first floor, nine condominiums on the upper three floors, and 23 parking spaces, mostly to the rear of the building. The total size of the lot is 10,973 square feet. The Adams birthplaces on Franklin Street in Quincy. At a Jan. 18 public hearing before the planning board, Deputy Planning Director Rob Stevens read a letter written by Marianne Peak, superintendent of the Adams National Historical Park, which is part of the National Park Service. Peak outlined a number of concerns, including the neighborhood's decreasingly historical character. "Most visitors arrive at the birthplaces asking, 'Where is the farm?' when they see how the sites have been encroached upon rather than protected by open space development," Peak wrote. This "encroachment" has rendered the historical landmarks "invisible," she wrote, and suggested the proposed condominiums could make that worse without careful planning review. A proposed four-story condo building would replace an autobody shop on Independence Avenue in Quincy next to the Adams birthplaces. The Adams birthplaces, Quincy 400 and the nation's 250th anniversary In her letter, Peak noted that 2025 marks the city's quadricentennial. The following year, the country will celebrate its sestercentennial, or 250th, birthday. Peak wrote that she expects both anniversaries will draw thousands of additional tourists to the city, especially the birthplaces. "We anticipate an increase in visitor use, educational programs and local community involvement," she wrote. The letter stated that construction coinciding with the celebrations could diminish accessibility and make traffic less safe for drivers and pedestrians. A proposed four-story condo building would replace an autobody shop on Independence Avenue in Quincy next to the Adams birthplaces. A rendering of a four-story condominium building proposed for 10 Independence Ave. in Quincy, across the street from the John Adams and John Quincy Adams birthplaces. An autobody shop currently occupies the site. John Adams' birthplace at 133 Franklin St. was built in 1681 and bought by Adams' father, Deacon John Adams, in 1720. The future second president was born in the small rural cottage on Oct. 30, 1735. Next door, 141 Franklin St. was built in 1663 and bought by the elder John Adams in 1744. John Adams inherited it upon his father's death in 1761 and brought his new bride and trusted adviser, Abigail Adams, to the home in 1764. John Quincy Adams, the sixth president, was born there on July 11, 1767. The John Quincy Adams birthplace was also the birthplace of the Massachusetts Constitution, which John Adams drafted in the home's northeast corner room in 1779. The document is the "world's oldest functioning constitution" and served as a model for the U.S. Constitution, written in 1787, according to a state webpage. Developer willing to compromise with the National Park Service, to a point Cela told The Patriot Ledger that he has not yet sat down with Peak to discuss potential accommodations with two of Quincy's most important historical sites, but intends to. "I want the building to blend in with the surroundings," Cela said. "I know it's a few hundred years later. You can't match everything as is, but as close as we can." Cela said he will try to eliminate the commercial space on the first floor, which neighbors, including Peak, criticized for the lack of parking to support it. Asked if he would compromise on the height and dimensions, he said, "We're staying with the four stories." Renderings of a proposed a four-story condominium building at 10 Independence Ave. in Quincy, across the street from the John Adams and John Quincy Adams birthplaces. An autobody shop currently occupies the site. Zoning relief required for the project to move ahead The plans would require variances from certain zoning requirements. For residential buildings with nine units, the city requires a minimum lot size of 45,000 square feet, far more than the property's 10,973 square feet. The lack of any setbacks in the front and sides of the building would violate the 250-foot minimum required under the ordinance, according to the project application. At the public hearing, neighborhood resident Cynthia Brandi criticized the lack of setbacks and described the proposed building as "looming." Mutt Madness: Pooch Playoffs to crown South Shore's cutest canines in March. How to enter and vote Immigration and jobs: New immigrants often have trouble finding a job. This fast-track job training can help Buildings in the district are limited to three stories, while Cela intends to build four. Ward 2 Councilor Richard Ash, in whose ward the property sits, told The Patriot Ledger that because of the building's height, shade studies may be required to determine whether the building would block the sunlight, leaving the historical sites across the street in shadow. Another zoning requirement sets a minimum of 1,000 square feet of open space per unit. The submitted plans would include 161 square feet per unit, the application says. A 'spirited' community meeting and next steps Ash said that on the night after the public hearing, he hosted a "spirited" community meeting at McKay's restaurant attended by about 100 people. He said neighbors and business owners voiced concerns about a lack of street parking, a problem that has grown worse in recent years as the neighborhood has become more densely populated and developed. Ash said a zoning board of appeals hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, will be continued, and a second public hearing before the planning board is scheduled for March 20. Ash said he's hopeful the developer will make another proposal with a smaller footprint and more green space. 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: Developer plans to build condos next to Adams birthplaces in Quincy The New York judge in Donald Trumps civil fraud trial ordered lawyers from the state attorney generals office and Trumps defense team to explain by Wednesday what they know about a witness in the case reportedly negotiating a plea deal for lying under oath. Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron is in the midst of deciding the damages Trump and his namesake real estate company should pay, after already ruling they committed repeated fraud in exaggerating property values when applying for loans. Engoron had said he would rule by Jan. 31, but postponed the decision until mid-February. The New York Times reported Friday that Trumps former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, was negotiating with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office over a potential plea bargain for perjury in this case. Judge Arthur Engoron, sit on the bench inside New York Supreme Court, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in New York. Authorities on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, have responded to a bomb threat at the home of Engoron, who is overseeing Donald Trump's New York civil fraud trial. They found no bomb and and the trial's closing arguments are to proceed normally. On Monday, in a note to lawyers published in the court docket Tuesday, Engoron asked lawyers for both sides in the case to submit letters detailing to me anything you know about this that would not violate any of your professional ethics or obligations. Engoron said in deciding the case he must know whether Weisselberg was credible as a witness. As the presiding magistrate, the trier of fact, and the judge of credibility, I of course want to know whether Mr. Weisselberg is now changing his tune, and whether he is admitting he lied under oath in my courtroom at this trial, Engoron wrote. I do not want to ignore anything in a case of this magnitude. Weisselberg already served 100 days in jail last year for avoiding taxes on $1.7 million in compensation from the Trump Organization and he is still on probation. Weisselberg had testified in this trial about the former president falsely claiming his apartment in Trump Tower was three times larger than it was, resulting in $200 million overstatement of its value. The New York Times didn't specify what perjury was alleged. But after Weisselberg's October testimony, an article in Forbes magazine argued he lied about not being involved in how the value was set, based on previous interviews he had given the magazine. Engoron said if Weisselberg perjured himself, the judge could use that as a reason to discount all of his testimony. Engoron said while the news article focused on Trump's penthouse, Weisselberg's testimony on "other topics could also be called into question." News reports didn't explain what prosecutors might consider lies in Weisselberg's testimony. But if Weisselberg's testimony benefitted Trump, such as when he described disputes about the value of an office and retail complex at 40 Wall St., throwing out that testimony could hurt Trump and potentially lead to higher damages. Lawyers have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to reply to the judge. Allen Weisselberg, right, stands behind then President-elect Donald Trump during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, on Jan. 11, 2017. The judge in Donald Trumps civil fraud trial is demanding more information after Weisselberg, a key witness, was reported to be in negotiations to plead guilty to perjury in connection with his testimony in the lawsuit. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $370 million in damages from Trump, his two eldest sons, his company and two company officials. James also seeks to block Trump from doing business in the state. Engoron already ordered the cancelation of Trump's business certificates, but that decision is on hold while Trump appeals. Trump has also vowed to appeal damages Engoron eventually sets. Trump and his lawyers contend there were no victims in the case because banks were repaid with interest. Trump argued the Democratic attorney general and judge were persecuting him politically. Engoron's ruling will come on the heels of a federal jury ordering Trump to pay $83.3 million to columnist E. Jean Carroll for defamation. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump fraud case: NY judge asks lawyers about witness perjury Young people attend a digital training program provided by Huawei DigiTruck in the Katakwi District of eastern Uganda on Jan. 30, 2024. (Photo by Ronald Ssekandi/Xinhua) KATAKWI, Uganda, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Although internet penetration is relatively low in rural Uganda, young farmers are benefiting from a mobile training hub provided by Chinese technology company Huawei and gaining skills in using the internet to research ways to improve their yields and market their produce. Sandra Apio, 28, a farmer in the Katakwi District of eastern Uganda, was optimistic that she could access the market for her three-acre (about 1.21 hectares) cassava plantation online, or at least know the market prices before selling to potential buyers. Apio is one of more than 1,000 young people who recently graduated after completing a three-month digital training program provided by Huawei DigiTruck. The DigiTruck, a truck transformed into a computer classroom, travels from one region to another, where instructors train people in e-commerce and online research. It is part of Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative to promote digital inclusion and sustainability globally. Youth, women, and small and medium business owners in rural Uganda are now equipped with digital skills to improve their livelihoods. "I am proud to say that the Huawei DigiTruck project plans to benefit over 10,000 people in a span of three years," Yi Junsong, subsidiary board director of Huawei Uganda, said at the graduation ceremony last Tuesday. "We hope that those who have benefited from these skills in this cohort can use them to improve their livelihoods. Just keep in mind that these skills you have obtained are to open up your minds to understand the importance of ICT (information and communications technology) and what it can do to improve yourself and your surroundings." Data from Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development show that more than 2,900 Ugandans have benefited from the DigiTruck project since it was launched in March 2023. Some young people, like Apio, have begun using the skills they have learned to improve their lives. Robert Otuke, 28, is another small business owner who used the skills acquired from the DigiTruck training to improve his bookshop business. "Initially, we never had internet in our bookshop, but when I learned about using the internet and how it can make you money, we had to buy a simple Wi-Fi device. That thing helped us to commercialize internet usage in our bookshop," said Otuke. He said this move has expanded his income generation and has improved his livelihood. Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony, urged the graduates to use the skills they have acquired as an added advantage and engage in income-generating activities. Alupo commended Huawei for empowering her country's youth and entrepreneurs and for boosting employment, among other things. She said the government will involve more telecommunications companies to expand the provision of internet services to remote areas. "Digital skills" has been identified by the Ugandan government in its Digital Uganda Vision 2040 as one of the five pillars that are critical in transforming the country into a modern and prosperous country within 30 years. The other four pillars are digital infrastructure and connectivity, digital services, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as cybersecurity, data protection and privacy. A man walks past a Huawei DigiTruck in the Katakwi District of eastern Uganda on Jan. 30, 2024. (Photo by Ronald Ssekandi/Xinhua) The Lexington council opted Tuesday to get more information before moving forward with a microtransit pilot program. During Tuesdays Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councils Environmental Quality and Public Works meeting, the committee took no action but said it may revisit the issue during budget discussions, which will begin in earnest in late April. Microtransit is on-demand transportation services enabled by technology, said Councilman Chuck Ellinger, who put the issue into committee. It works like a public-subsidized Uber or Lyft service. Those cities that have successfully implemented microtransit include Memphis, Tenn., Columbus, Ohio, Birmingham, Ala. and others, Ellinger said. Riders can use an app or call to make an appointment. The ride-share would operate either from a bus stop or fixed area, or can do door-to-door service. Riders with mobility issues could utilize the door-to-door services, Ellinger said. Lextran did a microtransit study examining where it would be most effective and could replace some fixed bus routes. It looked at four possible areas: Leestown Road and Masterson Station area Joyland, Winburn and Bryan Station neighborhoods Southwest Lexington including parts of Beaumont and Wyndam Downs Southeast Lexington including Kirklevington Park, Southeastern Hills and Park Place neighborhoods. The push for a pilot microtransit program has been backed by BUILD, Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct-Action, a coalition of churches which have pushed for other changes, including the implementation of the citys affordable housing program in 2014. BUILD supporters packed the council chambers Tuesday to show support for a pilot microtransit program. The group started looking into access to mental health and drug addiction treatment and found transportation was the main barrier for people accessing treatment. The group then looked at other areas of the city where transportation was sparse or infrequent. Lack of transportation in some areas of Lexington kept people from maintaining or getting jobs, the group has said. Some parts of the city are miles from Lextran bus stops. Microtransit is expensive. Wheres the money coming from? State and federal grants can be used to pay for microtransit, Ellinger said. But many of the cities that have microtransit funded those programs through local or city tax dollars. In Jersey City, NJ, almost 90% of its microtransit program is funded through local taxes, according to information provided to the council committee. We have $400,000 that we can set aside for a pilot program, Ellinger said. That $400,000 is not budgeted through Lextran, said Emily Elliott, planning coordinator and community development for Lextran. Funding is a major concern for Lextran, she said. What Lextran doesnt want is for microtransit to take away from its fixed-route bus service. Without funding secured, we arent going to apply for grants, Elliott said. Elliott said they are experiencing problems with hiring drivers, which is creating problems for its current services, including Wheels, a paratransit service for the disabled and elderly. Elliott and others have said federal grants for public transportation are very competitive and difficult to get. If the city set aside $400,000 from a capital account, Ellinger argued Lextran could apply for those grants. Ellinger said $400,000 could go to one pilot zone on the north side or south side. Federal grants would pay for 80%. The $400,000 is 20%. Nine out of 10 applications are not successful, said Chris Evilia, executive director of the Lexington area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which helps coordinate state and federal funding and transportation projects in Fayette and Jessamine counties. Evilia said a similar program in Arlington, Texas, cost $30 million over two years. Councilman David Sevigny said he thinks there is a place for microtransit but he, too, wants to hear more before setting aside $400,000. Lextran, which has its own property tax rate, would have to double its tax rate to pay for microtransit, based on Arlington, Texas, numbers. Lextrans budget is $36 million. A similar program to Arlingtons would cost roughly $15 million a year, which is nearly half of Lextrans budget, Sevigny said. Councilwoman Whitney Elliott Baxter questioned if those grant dollars could be spent on improving current transportation systems, including Wheels. Vice Mayor Dan Wu said he would like to see more information, including long-term cost projections, before adding a new service. Wu recommended waiting for more information. Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds also recommended looking at improving Wheels services first. We want those that are most vulnerable to have the transportation that they need, Reynolds said. Maybe we need to re-do Wheels? A Dairy Queen near Waco was slangin more than just burgers, fries and shakes. A group of Texas Dairy Queen employees were arrested after officers accused them of running a methamphetamine ring from a store in the town of Clifton a town outside Waco. Police received a tip last June that alleged several employees were selling meth at their job. 'Operation Blizzard': A cold investigation Clifton police named their investigation Operation Blizzard. This involved an undercover agent making drug buys at the Dairy Queen. On Jan. 16, Clifton Police Department obtained a search warrant for an apartment at the Bosque Village Apartments. Police arrested two people and seized methamphetamines and other drug-related items. Eight more arrests made after search warrants On Jan. 26, the police department was granted two additional search warrants. The McLennan County Sheriffs Office SWAT team collaborated with police and served the search warrants at two addresses on South Avenue E. Eight people were arrested, five of them had outstanding warrants, and two were in possession of meth during the search, police said. USA TODAY reporter Ahjane Forbes contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Dairy Queen workers arrested for selling drugs, police say A Pennsylvania shelter is searching for the owner of a dog found in foothold traps. The shelter in Gettysburg said the traps were legal and set to catch coyotes. A foothold trap is designed to catch and restrain an animal by its foot, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. While administering first aid, rescuers found an old injury caused by a gunshot wound, the shelter said. The dog was taken to a veterinary hospital where X-rays confirmed her right front leg was shattered by a bullet, the shelter said. Since the injury was severe and infected, the injured leg will be amputated, the Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said in a Facebook post. The shelter said the foothold traps did not cut deep into the dogs paws. Gettysburg is about 140 miles southwest of Philadelphia. 120-pound dog treads water for 30 minutes in icy pond. She didnt have much left 30 dogs found dead in freezer, 90 in cruel conditions at animal rescue, cops say Cuddly 17-year-old dog finds a home for his final days after owner dies. Meet Teddy A resilient dog is the longest resident of an Alabama animal shelter after she gave birth to a litter of puppies and watched them get adopted as she was left behind. Khaleesi, who is about 2 years old, has been at the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter for more than 175 days, despite her gentle nature and popularity among staff, the shelter posted on social media Feb. 3. She arrived very pregnant at the shelter in August before giving birth to adorable pups. But her babies were all adopted, and she wasnt. Staff members describe Khaleesi as an absolute doll who gets along with other dogs and greets everyone who walks by her kennel. Shes a gray lab mix and weighs just over 60 pounds. She has been such a perfect girl, we just dont get it, the shelter said. She gets along well with staff members, who describe her as one of their ultimate staff favorites. The shelter has recently seen an influx of dogs coming in but not as many adoptions, so her caretakers stressed the importance of getting Khaleesi out of the shelter to a loving home. Khaleesi needs a freedom ride out of here this Valentines Day, the shelter said. She shares her name with a popular Game of Thrones character. Tuscaloosa is in western Alabama, about 60 miles southwest of Birmingham. Dog boards train after following stranger in NJ station, cops say. Then came a reunion Shivering dog found crammed in frost-covered crate in NC. Then his luck took a turn Familiar face appears while man scrolls Facebook in Florida. It was his missing cat Dog shows up on NC mans doorstep in the cold. Now the big marshmallow needs a home (COLORADO) Colorado State University (CSU) veterinary experts report that cases of canine respiratory disease have dropped from peak numbers in 2023, but the cause is still being investigated. The great news is that the number of cases being reported in Colorado has been dropping since our suspected peaks between August and December, said Dr. Michael Lappin, an internal medicine specialist and director of the Center for Companion Animal Studies at CSU. Why that trend is occurring is unknown but may be related to our pets spending less time in social situations that might include ill dogs during the winter months. CSU said 2023s wave of canine respiratory disease was different from previous years as dogs experienced prolonged coughs for up to several weeks and there were more instances of what appeared to be secondary pneumonia. CSUs Veterinary Teaching Hospital saw more than double the number of cases of canine pneumonia compared to the same three-month period in 2022. According to CSU, experts have been working with partners across the state to investigate the origin of the elevated numbers. One of the efforts is to identify if any of the previous spikes were the result of one of ten known viruses or bacteria and if any of those pathogens have changed, or if there is a new cause. One of our first responses was to work with the state of Colorado to identify areas that seemingly had high numbers of cases to provide free diagnostic testing, Lappin said. CSU partnered with clinics in Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction to test samples, the results are expected to be released when testing is completed. CSU is also reviewing medical records of cases of suspected respiratory disease from the teaching hospital between Sept. 1 and Jan. 18. Lappin advises dog owners to follow released guidelines which include: Keeping dogs up to date on vaccinations Watching them closely if they develop a cough Exercise caution with nose-to-nose contact with unfamiliar dogs When choosing pet care services, inquire about protocols for isolating sick dogs and cleaning practices For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A 21-year-old was sentenced to nine years in prison, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, after two juveniles overdosed on fentanyl pills. Talbert says Diaz-Santos, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, after two juveniles overdosed on fentanyl pills, investigators interviewed witnesses and reviewed phone records, ultimately developing enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for Diaz-Santoss residence. On Nov. 2, 2021, investigators say they searched Diaz-Santoss house and found thousands of fentanyl pills and a firearm. Talbert says this case was the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT), composed of officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno and Clovis Police Departments. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Chinese, Norwegian FMs hold talks Xinhua) 09:15, February 06, 2024 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide in Beijing on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Norway, and the relationship between the two countries has become more mature and resilient. China appreciates the Norwegian government's adherence to the one-China principle and its friendship with China, Wang said, adding that to promote greater development of China-Norway relations in the next stage, both sides need to uphold the right approach to getting along with each other, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen multilateral coordination. Eide said that Norway firmly adheres to the one-China policy, advocates greater development of bilateral relations through constructive dialogue and jointly building a world that is inclusive, peaceful, prosperous and benefits all. The Norwegian side appreciates China's transformation of its growth model and is willing to work with China to tackle climate change and other global challenges. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) PHNOM PENH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and the East African nation of Uganda vowed on Tuesday to boost bilateral ties and cooperation for mutual interest, according to a foreign ministry's press statement. The commitment was made during a meeting in Phnom Penh between Cambodian foreign ministry's secretary of state Chum Sounry and visiting Uganda's minister of state for foreign affairs Henry Okello Oryem, the statement said. Both sides had an exchange of views and discussion on the promotion of relations in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks between the two countries, it said. The two senior officials "shared the commitment to deepen cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and tourism as well as to push for the direct interactions between the two countries' Chamber of Commerce," the statement said. Both sides also took the opportunity to discuss cooperation in international arenas, it said, adding that Sounry expressed deep appreciation for Uganda's successful hosting of the third G77 Summit and the 19th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) recently held in Kampala. He also assured Oryem that Cambodia, as a founding member of NAM, stands ready to offer full support and cooperation so that Uganda can carry out successfully its mission as chair of NAM from 2024 to 2027. During the meeting, Oryem, who is paying a visit to Cambodia from Feb. 4 to 7, also shared the view that both sides should consider working toward signing some bilateral documents, including a memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations, the statement said. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang meets with Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide on Tuesday in Beijing. Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Norway, Ding called on both sides to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Norway relations. China is committed to opening up at a higher level and is willing to share with Norway the opportunities of China's large market, Ding said. In addition, he hoped that Norway will continue to provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. Ding said China is willing to work with Norway to continuously strengthen cooperation in environmental governance, climate change and biodiversity protection and make greater contribution to global green and sustainable development. Eide said Norway speaks highly of China's important role in global governance and looks forward to enhancing bilateral exchanges at all levels and pushing for new achievements in cooperation in various fields. The drone that killed three U.S. troops at a base in Jordan late last month was likely undetected as it approached too low in the sky, with no air defense system on site that could down it, according to a new report. U.S. Central Commands initial assessment of the attack found that the Iranian-made drone was probably missed due to its low flight path, a U.S. defense official told The Washington Post. The Tower 22 base where the attack happened doesnt have large air defense systems, and the official said the installation didnt possess weapons that can kill aerial threats, such as drones and missiles, with only electronic warfare systems meant to disable or disrupt their flight. The new assessment appears to contradict earlier reports that the enemy drone was mistaken for an American one returning to the base about the same time, which let it pass unchallenged through defenses and hit a troop barracks at the small installation. Three service members were killed and more than 40 were injured, including eight who had to be medically evacuated. Asked about the findings later on Tuesday, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said CENTCOM is still in the midst of its review on the deadly attack and could not comment until it was finished. Were still assessing exactly what happened in that attack. And of course, CENTCOM and the [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin] will determine if theres any change or needs to be any change to our defensive posture at Tower 22 or any other base in the region. But I just dont have more for you on that specific attack, she told reporters. She also would not say how many bases in the Middle East that house U.S. troops do not have air defense systems that can shoot down attack drones, citing operational security. Quickly after the attack in Jordan, CENTCOM announced a review to determine how the drone was able to evade air defenses and slip through. [Revealing] our air defenses, where theyre located and how many bases have what, I think that just wouldnt be good for our own operational security and our force protection, Singh said. The attack on Tower 22 marks the first time Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq have killed U.S. service members since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. The fighting, which includes a brutal air campaign in the Gaza Strip that has reportedly killed more than 27,500 Palestinians, has inflamed the region. The Iranian proxies have attacked American positions in the Middle East 168 times as of Tuesday, including 67 times in Iraq, 100 in Syria and one in Jordan, according to Singh. In the Red Sea, meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked or threatened commercial vessels 41 times since Nov. 19. Singh also sought to downplay any suggestion that American forces had a lack of air defenses at smaller installations, stressing that for the most part, our air defenses have been able to catch or been able to destroy any impact or any incoming rockets or drones at bases. Asked whether U.S. troops could be consolidated to bases with adequate air defenses as they endure stepped up attacks in the region, Singh said it would take away from the reason they are there in the first place the mission to keep the Islamic State militant group from re-emerging. Across Iraq and Syria and Jordan, the mission of the service members is the defeat ISIS mission. So moving our troops and our service members into different areas takes away from their mission. Thats what theyre there for, thats what theyre there to do, she said. In response to the Jordan attack, the U.S. on Friday hit more than 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria, strikes that U.S. officials say are just the start of retribution. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A fire broke out on oil depot in Tuapse on the night of 25 January. Stock photo: Russian media The Russian oil refining sector as a whole reported a 4% drop in production in January 2024 compared to January last year. The biggest drop has occurred at Rosneft, a Russian state-owned oil and gas company, whose refinery suffered a Ukrainian drone attack on the night of 24-25 January. Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian newspaper Kommersant Details: The company reduced their refining rate year-on-year to around 170,000 tonnes of oil per day. The main reason for the drop in production was the shutdown of the Tuapse refinery after it was attacked by Ukrainian UAVs. The Tuapse refinery, built in 1929, is one of the oldest in Russia. It has an annual capacity of 12 million tonnes of oil, or 240,000 barrels per day. It produces automotive fuel, heavy fuel oil, vacuum gas oil and high-sulphur diesel. Oil is exported to Turkiye, China, Malaysia and Singapore via the nearby port. Background: On the night of 24-25 January, a fire broke out at Rosneft's oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. Local residents reported several UAVs flying overhead. They were seen before and after the blaze at the oil depot. Ukrainska Pravda's sources indicated that the drones of Ukraine's Security Service attacked the refinery. Support UP or become our patron! NEW YORK A convicted drug dealer who grew up with Jam Master Jay told a Brooklyn jury Monday that the slain rap icon occasionally sold him kilos of cocaine to make ends meet. Ex-con Ralph Mullgravs time on the stand kicked off a day of testimony in Brooklyn court that included Jays business manager, who witnessed the Run-DMC co-founders murder, and a former NYPD detective known as the Hip Hop Cop. Mullgrav, who spent 12 years in prison for running a Baltimore drug-dealing operation with two dozen underlings, initially defied a subpoena to testify at the trial of Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Tinard Washington, both accused of killing the rap star on Oct. 30, 2002. But after seven days behind bars, he took the stand in Brooklyn Federal Court Monday to say how Jay, whose real name is Jason Mizell, sold drugs. Jason wasnt a drug dealer. He just used it to make ends meet here and there, Mullgrav testified. Mizell sold about one or two kilos to Mullgrav, more than once, more than twice, he said. In August 2002, Mizell asked Mullgrav to sell about 10 to 20 kilograms. Mizell wanted to bring Washington along, but Mullgrav had bad blood with the man. I told him no, Mizell said. Yes, he [Washington] was a problem. When Washington showed up for a meeting where Mullgrav was expecting Mizell, that torched the deal. I went to the tire to get my gun, he said, explaining that he had a firearm stashed in a tire on a parked car. When asked what he planned to do next, he said, Shoot Tinard. Prosecutors allege Washington and Jordan killed Mizell because he cut them out of that drug deal. After he got out of prison, Mullgrav authored a book and became a movie producer, working on a film titled Holistic Journey, said his lawyer, Gary Farrell. Hes stayed out of trouble since, Farrell said. The jury also heard from Lydia High, Mizells business manager, who testified that she was sitting across from the DJ in his Merrick Blvd. music studio in Hollis, giving him paperwork to sign, moments before the shooting. High spoke nervously, her voice cracking as she described what she saw. She took off her glasses and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. She didnt like going to the studio, which she described as a clubhouse where people hung out and got high, and not a professional place. That night, she planned to drop by for a few minutes, then meet someone for dinner. High said she was sitting across from Mizell when the shooter entered the room. Jason smiled. He smiled. And he kind of gave the person a pound, she said. And then [Mizell] said, Oh s!' I heard the gun, she said. She didnt see it go off, and in the chaotic seconds that followed, she screamed and ran to the door. But another person blocked the door, pointed a gun to her head, and told her to get down. It was Tinard, she said. She didnt name Jordan as the shooter, but described the killer as a light-skinned Black man with a neck tattoo. Jordans lawyer, Mark DeMarco, grilled High on why she didnt mention the neck tattoo in her descriptions to police over the years, or in her testimony before a grand jury in November 2005. And Washingtons attorney, Susan Kellman, tried to float a different theory about her clients presence. Would it be fair to say when Tinard said to you, Get down, he was trying to protect you? The prosecution promptly objected and the question was stricken from the record. After the shooting, High was given a security detail retired NYPD detective turned investigator Derrick Parker, who worked on the cold case murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Parker said High told him shortly after the killing that Tinard was the man who ordered her to the ground, and months later named Jordan, or Little D, as the shooter. He also described how she responded to a phone call she said was from Jordans father a couple of days after the killing. She was very upset, and she started shaking and she started rambling off, Parker said. DeMarco pressed Parker on why he didnt share what High said with his friends in the police department. Parker shared his file with police and FBI investigators in 2016, but he still didnt say that High named the killers, he said, because she was still a client. Theyre performing a job you did 14 years ago, and its your testimony that you didnt give the information? DeMarco asked. Correct, Parker responded. _______ (KRON) A 16-year-old boy was arrested Monday morning after he trespassed at Montgomery High School while armed with a knife, the Santa Rosa Police Department said. The suspect was believed to be drunk at the time of his arrest, police said. Montgomery High, located at 1250 Hahman Drive, has been involved in a number of violent incidents since last year, most notably when a student was stabbed to death in an art class last March. On Monday, SRPD officers were called to the school at 7:55 a.m. to investigate a trespasser. School staff said the male suspect was wearing a ski mask, checking door handles and asking students for their social media information. 1 killed in Santa Cruz Mountains IDd after tree topples into house He left before police arrived but returned at about 8:40 a.m. Montgomery staff escorted him off campus and later learned he was a 16-year-old who may have been armed with a knife, SRPD said. The teen was found by an SRPD officer near a grocery store on the 900 block of Village Court. He attempted to run away but was caught after a short foot chase, police said. He had a half-empty bottle of alcohol and allegedly showed signs of intoxication. While police were investigating the situation, a parent came to the school and said her 15-year-old son was walking in the area of Patio Court and Hahman Drive when the suspect accosted him and attempted to stab him, per police. The victim ran away and got the attention of a driver in the area, who took the teen to safety. SRPD learned the suspect had a three-inch knife but did not attempt to stab the boy. Police do not believe the suspect and victim knew each other. The reason why he went onto the school campus is also unknown. The suspect was wearing the ski mask around his neck at the time he was arrested. He did not have the knife. He was booked into Juvenile Hall for criminal threats, brandishing a knife, trespassing on a school campus and public intoxication. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. (COLORADO SPRINGS) In celebration of Chili, the only Colorado rescue dog attending Puppy Bowl XX, Dunkin delivered custom donuts to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) for their staff. The donuts, which featured Chilis adorable likeness, were delivered to HSPPR on Friday, Feb. 2. In addition to donuts for the humane societys staff, Dunkin delivered a gift for Chili consisting of a Dunkin-branded leash, bandana, and toys. Courtesy: Dunkin Courtesy: Dunkin Courtesy: Dunkin Chili was adopted from HSPPR after being brought into the shelter as part of an unplanned litter of puppies. A wonderful family found her, and she is now an active and quirky pup who loves to shred cardboard and bark at people from underneath the couch! PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rescue pup from HSPPR to play in Puppy Bowl XX The Puppy Bowl is now in its 20th year of promoting pet adoption with a little ruff and tumble fun. Team Fluff and Team Ruff will be represented by pups of all breeds and sizes, including special needs pups, duking it out for the win, and numerous prestigious titles up for grabsMVP (Most Valuable Puppy) or the SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Underdog Award. Puppy Bowl XX airs Sunday, Feb. 11 at noon Mountain Time and will be simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and Discovery+. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Duo on the run? Local police searching for owner of pygmy horse and donkey **Related Video Above: A bovine was caught on Clevelands east side last summer.** KENT, Ohio (WJW) Police are asking for the publics help in identifying a pair of lost farm animals. Parma resident wins top prize from scratch-off ticket A donkey and a pygmy horse were recently spotted in the area of the 1500 Block of Meloy Road in Kent, according to the Brimfield Police Department. Residents in the area report the animals appearance is a mystery. Those who may have information about where they came from or who they belong to are asked to reach out to police at 330-677-1234. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul last month signed off on a plan to streamline the ability of migrants to get jobs in state government, paving the way for thousands of already work-authorized asylum seekers to be employed and earn some money. Its no accident that the work issue has loomed so large since this wave of migrants first began arriving nearly two years ago. There remains not a single intervention to better help migrants get on their feet and leave city shelters than the ability to get a job and reach financial self-sufficiency. For the first year or so, this was complicated by the fact that theres an 180-day mandatory waiting period before asylum seekers can request work authorization post-applying for asylum which can be months after theyve entered the country. Paired with significant logistical challenges, most migrants were waiting in limbo for this basic ability to work, which contributed to the sharply climbing shelter population. Now, though, weve reached at least one light at the end of the tunnel as greater numbers of these folks finally get that magic piece of plastic in the mail that signals their ability to legally exchange their labor for money. We commend the governor for being at the ready with a plan that can help kill two birds with one stone: filling empty positions across state government while giving these migrants a relatively direct route to the employment they have been clamoring for. No doubt that there will be those who call this some kind of giveaway or state handout, misunderstanding that these are just jobs that need to be filled, with openings that have gone without takers. Is it possible that this will act as a draw for more migrants? Sure, but its not like they havent already been arriving in record numbers, and this proposal is specifically targeted at those whove already been around long enough to have federal work permits in hand. If anything, this will hopefully serve as a template for how the state can move to hire people more fairly and efficiently. Perhaps this will be a precursor to more aggressive efforts, including the states possible hiring of those without work authorizations, a novel proposal that rests on the fact that while the feds prohibit private employment of unauthorized workers, it doesnt explicitly do so for states. Even if the idea seems a little out there, at this stage its worth trying to do as much as possible and then seeing how it shakes out in court. In any case, the Biden administration should work to secure more work permits for more people, via tools ranging from case management to parole to temporary protected status. There really are no reasonable alternative solutions to simply letting migrants work, for as long as their cases are playing out. Employers have already lined up to express interest in hiring migrants, to the tune of some 40,000 jobs. If every needy migrant was matched with a willing employer, we could practically crest this issue overnight. Even for migrants headed to denials and eventual removals at some point down the line, it doesnt make sense to spend that time reliant on assistance to be able to live. Let them work, for their benefit and ours. ___ BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A meeting was held on Feb. 4 to summarize a Party-wide education campaign on the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In his speech which was conveyed at the meeting, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the education campaign has helped solve problems that hinder high-quality development, and address those that the people are concerned about the most, as well as prominent problems in Party building. Since the launch of the campaign in April last year, CPC members across China have taken education as another motivation to further their work. BETTER WORK CONDUCT Liu Hao, a government official in Linhe District of Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia, said local officials are incorporating the requirement with a focus on the grassroots, which is highlighted in the campaign, in their everyday work. The government of the district, in which an industrial park is located, has set up a special working team to help enterprises in addressing their construction and production challenges, allowing relevant projects to begin operation at an early date. "The team staff would respond in a timely manner, working on the spot and seeking a prompt solution," Liu said. As the Spring Festival draws near, Zhao Zijian, Party chief of Zangke Township of Liuzhi Special District in Guizhou, has held a meeting with local villagers to discuss measures to improve local living environment. Since the education campaign was launched, the township's 45 Party officials and members have visited the locality's 11 villages, meeting with the villagers and working to solve their concerns at their homes. "As the officials are working in a more down-to-earth manner, they have more opportunities to communicate with the members of the public face-to-face, thus gaining a better understanding of what the people really want and what they really need," Zhao said. SOLUTIONS MATTER Throughout the education campaign, CPC members nationwide have been working hard to respond to prominent concerns related to the livelihoods of the people. In Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province, Lu Xin, as a community Party member, has organized his colleagues and volunteers to guide orderly vehicle parking within the neighborhood. It is one of the actions taken by the community's CPC members to tackle public concerns since the launch of the education campaign. Others include exploring diverse dispute mediation methods. In Jiangxi Province's Ganzhou City, a county hospital has been prioritizing the needs of the locals through measures that include establishing a shared diagnosis mechanism between county and township hospitals and introducing standardized operation of grassroots health centers. "Our goal is to provide high-quality medical services at people's doorsteps," said Liu Zhengning, Party chief of the hospital. As one of the outcomes yielded through the education campaign, Party members in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, have identified 139,000 locations with road pits and damages, completing repairs for nearly all of them. Speaking on future efforts to consolidate and expand what has been achieved in the campaign, Liu from Inner Mongolia has pledged to further improve the Party conduct to deliver better service to the enterprises. "We are determined to use innovative methods for strengthening Party building to improve community governance capacity and our work in various realms such as elderly care," said Lu Xin from Nanjing. Educators and students have been finding creative ways over the past few years to circumvent book bans in states and schools across the country. Inside and outside the classroom, vested teachers, parents and young readers are forging access to free versions of books that have been taken off the shelves in schools, largely in Republican-led states, after lawmakers found them inappropriate for certain age groups. Here are some of the ways readers are still managing to find challenged materials: Banned book clubs and community events Book clubs that focus on banned titles have been cropping up around the country in schools, community centers and online through activists organizations. The Authors Guild hosts a free virtual book club, each month offering a different work of fiction or nonfiction recently barred in one or more U.S. school districts or states. And students have been working on their own to create banned book clubs as an after school activity, with some seeing pushback from their communities. Christine Emeran, director of the Youth Free Expression Program for the National Coalition Against Censorship, said she has seen libraries, organizations and communities hosting events that give away banned books for free, community discussions on how book bans are happening and people participating in sit-ins at school board meetings and handing out books the board is trying to ban. Emeran says people overlook how many students dont have transportation to be able to go to a public bookstore to purchase a book and how useful these different tactics can be to giving out the books. In terms of access to information thats not always possible based on your economic background, especially those types of books that are being targeted they tend to involve vulnerable communities where they might not have a good spot that they use to get the books that they might need as a lifesaver, or kind of way of being able to have cultural representation or even affirmation for their identities, she said. Little Free Libraries Small take a book, leave a book stations are increasingly popular, particularly in highly populated areas. The boxes are in many cases set up by interested individuals through the Little Free Libraries organization, which has a goal of providing diverse books, especially in high-need areas. The books go in a little box that is set out on the street for anyone to take. The organization has previously encouraged participants to fill their Little Free Libraries with books that are getting banned by states. Fight #bookbans by starting a #LittleFreeLibrary book-sharing box and filling it with #bannedbooks! the group said in a tweet last year. The organization says a majority of those running Little Free Libraries have shared banned books with their communities. I am in Philadelphia, and just today I saw a collaboration with Little Free Library where theyre putting 30 Little Free Libraries across the city that are celebrating banned books, particularly books that have been banned by Black authors or have Black characters, said Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read project. Online access through public libraries The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) in 2022 launched a program entitled Books UnBanned that allows teenagers to apply to get a free online library card no matter where they live so they can access books that may be banned in their schools. The eCard was only supposed to run for one year, but the BPL said it saw so much interest that it kept the program going. We started this program, and we said if youre interested in access to our digital collections, send us an email. And we got an unbelievable response and very poignant notes about what [students] were missing and how they were isolated because they couldnt read the stories that reflected the individuals that they were becoming, and that they were sort of limited in terms of their world perspective. said Linda Johnson, BPL president and CEO. Not only is the program still running, but the BPL has partnered with other libraries from various states to expand the number of individuals who can access free online collections. We started on this alone, and then in the last few months, weve added some partners to the program. So now I think L.A. County, Seattle, theyre joining us, and so hopefully it will take some of the pressure off of our program, Johnson said. We have lent out I think over 300,000 books to over 7,500 users, and it continues to grow, so the more libraries that join us under that books on bans umbrella, the better, she added. Secret bookshelves A Texas teacher told NPR last month she started a secret bookshelf in her classroom in 2021 that allows students to read books after her state banned titles lawmakers deemed sexually explicit, pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable books in public schools. It does make me nervous, the teacher told the outlet. I mean, this is absolutely silly that I am not free to talk about books without giving my name and worrying about repercussions. From July 2021 to June 2023, PEN America, a free speech organization, estimated there were almost 6,000 instances of banned books in the U.S., noting it believes the number could be much higher. The unprecedented number of book bans that weve observed for the last two years continues at the same volume and pace. And we dont anticipate that that will change very much in the coming year, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Associations Office of Intellectual Freedom. However, we are seeing some glimmers of hope. For example, we have noticed that individuals who are committed to preserving everybodys freedom to read and learn are being elected to school boards and library boards in some communities. Theres an increasing effort by some legislators to protect our First Amendment right to read and access libraries, she added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Have you got symptoms that are unusual for you? It's best to get them checked out by a GP - Moment RF It can be difficult to talk about cancer but unfortunately rates of most cancers are on the rise with 1 in 2 of us developing cancer in our lifetime and its important we are clued up. An estimated three million people in the UK are living with cancer and this number is expected to rise to 3.5 million by 2025 thanks to a multitude of factors including a growing and ageing population, lifestyle behaviours, better diagnostics and increasing public awareness. A cancer journey usually begins when you experience symptoms that are unusual for you, such as blood in your stools, a new lump or bump, unexplained weight loss or a cough that wont shift. Your GP will ask you questions about your symptoms, general health, may conduct an examination and do some tests. You may be referred urgently to a specialist. Sometimes a potential cancer is picked up incidentally, during a routine check-up or during investigation for another illness. Each patients cancer journey looks different, but having the knowledge to ask the right questions is key to ensuring you are making informed choices and getting the best care for you and your loved ones. Its really important to be honest with your doctor: sometimes, as medical experts, we may ask personal questions about symptoms or lifestyle habits which may seem intrusive. We are only asking these to help inform the correct diagnosis as quickly as possible and its important to share all relevant information. Remember, your doctor has heard it all before, that what you say is confidential, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers. How long do I have to wait for further investigation? Quite often, that symptom usually turns out to be nothing serious, but if cancer is suspected, you will be put on the Two-Week Wait pathway, an NHS England initiative whereby you will be referred to a specialist and seen within two weeks. Im booked in to see a cancer specialist. What happens now? You should have a bit more time to talk through everything with your specialist. They will introduce themselves and their role in your care and repeat questions about your medical history as well as conducting an examination. You may have had tests during your urgent referral appointment. If the results are available, you may receive a cancer diagnosis on the spot. Otherwise, you could be referred for further tests or a biopsy, where they take a sample of the suspected cancer for testing. What if I think my question is stupid? When it comes to cancer, knowledge is power. Ask all the questions that pop up in your head. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Sometimes having lots of unknowns makes the anxiety worse. I often find that once patients and their families get more familiar with their treatment and routine, they cope much better. What are my treatment options? Your doctor will offer the treatment option that is deemed best for you. Its still important to consider the other options to ensure that you are making the best decision for you. For example, there may be a particular treatment with a high success rate, but it relies on regular visits to hospital, which might not work for you. In that case, another option with less hospital burden might be a better option. There are lots of misconceptions about clinical trials. They often give access to novel treatments which often end up becoming the new standard of care. You could access these treatments earlier as part of a clinical trial programme, so I would encourage you to ask about what clinical trials are open at your centre. What can I do to help my treatment? Advancements in cancer care mean there are lots of treatment options available. But I always encourage patients to also look at their lifestyle too. Its never too late to make some lifestyle changes. Its important to try and maintain a regular eating pattern, particularly when treatments can affect appetite or cause nausea, as maintaining weight is an important factor in tolerating treatments. Theres evidence to support staying active during cancer treatments (even if that means just getting up and dressed and walking around the house). Exercise has been shown to help improve cancer-related fatigue as well as cancer outcomes. If you have unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking a lot of alcohol, it isnt too late to look at reducing those, too. Patients often feel empowered when they take some control and keep themselves as healthy as possible during treatment. How long will the treatment last? Some of the newer treatment options, such as immunotherapy, involve regular hospital visits for a number of years, whereas chemotherapy, for example, is usually given for a few months and then a break. Its important to ask about the duration of treatment because it may mean making changes to your routine for the foreseeable future. What about side effects? Your doctor will run through the most common or life-changing side effects when discussing treatment options, and again upon signing consent to treatment. But you may have concerns unique to your situation. You might be worried about losing your hair, whether you are going to be feeling very tired if you have a demanding job, or a family to look after. Its a common misconception that all cancer treatments cause hair loss, and just asking this question could save you so much worry. Where can I get support? Its normal to struggle with a cancer diagnosis, but there are lots of support services that can help. While your doctor will hopefully discuss the psychological effect your cancer and treatment is having on you, the focus of the appointments often leans towards treatment, side effects or prognosis. There are other healthcare professionals available to talk to you about all the other bits. Whether that be your mental struggles, financial worries, advanced care planning and anything else worrying you. Please inquire about support available. Recommended The little-known breast cancer symptoms and how to reduce your risk Read more Dr Jackson-Spence posts on Instagram as @drfrankiejs Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted a resolution during its meeting on Monday, Feb. 5 to recognize February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in El Paso County. The resolution aims to help advocacy groups like Centers Against Sexual and Family Violence (CASFV) and Jennifer Anns Group to continue working with area school districts to educate adults and youth about dating violence. Training will also be provided for teachers, counselors and school staff to better recognize signs of dating violence within teens. The resolution was added to the agenda by Commissioner Sergio Coronado, Precinct 4, who said: The younger we can get them and try to prevent these horrible things from happening the better for our entire community and country. Marissa Delgado, primary program coordinator with CASFV, said recognition from the County helps their organization spread the message. Everybody can be an active bystander, right? If we see something, say something. Thats what we really emphasize in the community-wide effort with the EmpOURment Project, is really educating the community on knowing what the signs are and how to acknowledge that dating violence is a real thing, she said. According to CASFV, 1 in 10 teenagers will experience some sort of dating violence behavior. From that number, only 33% will report it. In commemoration of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Star on the Mountain will be lit on Feb. 14 to recognize teenagers from all over who have been impacted by unhealthy relationships. For more resources on sexual or family violence you can visit casfv.org You can also call the 24-hour Crisis Hopeline: (915) 593-7300 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso border leaders, advocates and activists will be hosting a press conference on Tuesday morning, Feb. 6, as Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) will be going into effect the same day, according to a press release from the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR). The press conference will be held at 10 a.m. at Tom Lea Upper Park located on 900 Rim Road, El Paso, TX and will address the impact the bill will have on regional communities. BNHR has provided a list of those who will be present at the press conference. Those people are the following: Marisa Limon Garza, Executive Director, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center David Stout, El Paso County Commissioner, Precinct 2 Juan Paul Flores Vasquez, Community Organizer, Undocuchucos Melissa Lopez, Executive Director, Estrella Del Paso Aimee Santillan, Policy Analyst, Hope Border Institute Ivonne Diaz, Senior Regional Program Coordinator, Texas Rising Alan Lizarraga, Communications Manager, Border Network for Human Rights SB 4 is a bill that was passed through the fourth special session of the 88th Texas Legislature which allows Texas police officers to arrest anyone in the state suspected of crossing into the United States between ports of entry. The law is the first of its kind, making illegal immigration a state crime. The bill has the potential to exacerbate the damage that our community has seen since the implementation of Operation Lone Star. It also has the potential to increase racial profiling across Texan communities and criminalize mixed-status families, BNHR said. This is a developing story, and will be updated as soon as we learn more details. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. El Paso woman arrested after allegedly shooting another woman at East El Paso bar EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 21-year-old El Paso woman shot and injured another woman this past Saturday, Feb. 3, in a parking lot of an East El Paso bar and is now facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to El Paso Police. 1 person seriously hurt in shooting at East El Paso bar Police say the victim, a 30-year-old woman was arguing with her spouse in the parking lot of Mi Bar Cantina, located on 1441 N. Zaragoza. Police say Kaory Ramos, 21, began to argue with the couple while in a vehicle. Police say Ramos then pointed a handgun and began to fire multiple shots at the woman. Police then responded to the scene just after 2 a.m. and met with the victim who was then transported a local hospital with serious injuries. Police said in their initial alert to the media that the woman was in stable condition. Ramos allegedly fled before polices arrival. However, officers were led to a residence in far East El Paso and Ramos was taken into custody. She was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon under a $250,000 bond. SWAT assisted in Ramos arrest and the Crimes Against Persons unit investigated the incident. Police said they are not releasing a mug shot of Ramos until their investigation is complete. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Preparation before arriving at the polls is key to being an informed North Carolina voter, but how do you preview the ballot? Before primary voting begins, the North Carolina State Board of Elections releases a sample ballot for registered voters. Look up your specific sample ballot on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. To view your specific sample ballot, you must be a registered North Carolina voter. Not registered to vote yet? Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to register online, mail your registration paperwork in or go in person to the DMV. The deadline to register to vote for the March 5 primary is Friday, Feb. 9. Voters are permitted to bring sample ballots with notes into the polls on Election Day. Voting for the primary election takes place on Tuesday, March 5 and early in-person voting kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 15 and runs through Saturday, March 2. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How do I find sample ballots for 2024 elections in North Carolina Hanover Township unveils new emergency services station Saturday A dedication and ribbon-cutting event was held Saturday for Hanover Townships new emergency services station at 300 S. Route 59 in Bartlett. The station serves as headquarters for the Hanover Township Department of Emergency Services and its volunteers. It features 12 vehicle bays, training and communications rooms, a kitchen, overnight quarters and equipment rooms, according to a news release. The department responds to a wide range of emergencies and nonemergency events in which they either assist primary emergency responders or operate independently during natural and man-made disasters, the release said. Among those it assists are the Elgin police and fire departments and Kane County Office of Emergency Management. For information on volunteering, call 630-837-0301 or email htes@hanover-township.org. U-46 to hold boundary change guidelines meeting Thursday School District U-46 officials are holding a community engagement session Thursday to discuss how boundary changes resulting from the closing of some schools, construction of new schools and renovation of existing schools will be handled. An update on projects will be given and a review of boundary planning criteria and guidelines explained, according to the U-46 website. U-46 Chief of Staff Brian Lindholm told the school board Monday that the first boundary changes will be for the former Hawk Hollow Elementary in Bartlett, which is being converted into a middle school. Maps and scenarios for the new school will be ready in April and presented to the board for approval in May. Changes will not go into effect until the start of the 2025-26 school year, Lindholm said. Boundary changes for other projects wont go to the board until April 2025 and wont be implemented until the 2026-27 school year. The Thursday meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the library at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive, Elgin. Registration is not required but is suggested by going to uniteu46.org. For more information, email erinschmalen@u-46.org. Carpentersville announces holiday lighting contest winners Carpentersville has announced the winners of its 2023 holiday lighting contest. There were four categories judged, with first-, second- and third-place winners selected: Traditional: 7044 Westwood Drive, 310 N. Washington St. and 812 Salem Lane; Griswald (over-the-top displays): 102 Port Cove, 7348 Grandview Court and 534 Wilmette Ave.; Rookie: 841 Navajo Drive, 327 Tulsa Ave. and 1026 Rosewood Drive; Facebook: 2403 Woodside Drive. Elgin High School alum to give virtual presentation for teach-in Elgin High School alum Autumn McGowan, who now works as a conservation fellow at The Nature Conservancy, will give an online presentation about her organizations studies of reefs in the Great Lakes at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9. McGowans talk is one of more than 15 webinars that are part of the annual National Biodiversity Teach-in, according to the Elgin School District U-46 website. The teach-in is organized by Elgin High School environmental science students and their teachers. The webinars are free and open to the public. Webinars will be offered Fridays, Feb. 9 and 16. For more information, go to www.nationalbiodiversityteachin.com. Elgin library to offers virtual Sweet Treats of the Midwest program Author and food enthusiast Amy Gail Hansen will discuss the history of four desserts during Sweet Treats of the Midwest, a virtual program presented through Elgins Gail Borden Public Library District at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Hansen will talk about Chicago socialite and philanthropist Bertha Palmers creation of the chocolate brownie more than 100 years ago at the Palmer House hotel as well as the invention of Twinkies and Rice Krispies treats and the origin story of Bundt cake. To receive access to a Zoom link to view the presentation, go to gailborden.info/register or call 847-429-4597. GABORONE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Botswana is in the process of establishing a center for combating illicit financial flows at the University of Botswana (UB), a senior official said Monday. According to Peggy Serame, minister of Finance and Economic Development who presented the proposed 2024/2025 budget, the center will assist Botswana's compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFT/PF) International Standards. Serame said the center will provide requisite training to all stakeholders and instrumental for building capacity in preparation for the next mutual evaluation expected in January 2027, which is a peer review used to assess countries' level of compliance to the anti-money laundering standard by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental organization tasked with developing standards to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing. According to FATF rules, member countries must identify, assess and comprehend the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing that they face. Meanwhile, to ensure compliance with AML/CFT International Standards, Botswana conducted the National Risk Assessment which was completed in December 2023. Serame said the purpose of the assessment was to understand, identify and mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorism financing. "The assessment revealed that Botswana needs to strengthen its strategies in order to reduce both the money laundering risks and the terrorist financing risks, which were rated medium-high and medium, respectively," said Serame, adding that an action plan is being developed with implementation scheduled during the 2024/2025 financial year. Serame highlighted that Botswana's efforts come on the heels of removal from the list of countries with strategic AML/CFT/PF deficiencies, that is, greylisting. "To avoid another greylisting, Botswana remains steadfast in curbing financial crime including money laundering and financing terrorism and proliferation," said Serame. In October 2018, Botswana was grey-listed by the FATF for shortcomings in its financial regulation. Botswana was removed from the FATF's grey list after improvements to money laundering regulations were made in October 2021. HANOVER She's Irish through and through, and so it seems fitting that her birthday falls on St. Patrick's Day. Most years, however, it was just another day. Ellen Dunne, of Hanover, who will turn 100 on St. Patrick's Day, was born in County Galway, Ireland. This year will be different. On March 17, Ellen Dunne will turn 100. For the first 19 years of her life, nothing special was done on her birthday. "In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day was a holy day and everyone went to church," Dunne said. When she came to America at age 24, married and settled in Dorchester, she was so busy raising nine children that the day just went by. Although she won't be going back to Ireland this year like she did when she turned 90, her large South Shore family will be having a party to celebrate a woman "who is very, very well-loved." In an interview at her apartment at Cushing Residences for seniors, Dunne had a piece of advice for pleasing a 100-year-old woman. "I don't object to people complimenting me," she said. "I like it. I think every woman does." 'I love to walk. I love music. And I love to dance.' She also gave two reasons why she has lived this long. "I'm very social," she said. "I think lack of sociability is a killer." She has seen other seniors become isolated and lonely and decline. And she has learned that "worry is a useless emotion. I try not to worry about what I can't control." When life's cruelest blows have come along the worst being the deaths of two of her eight sons and three grandchildren, one just 8 she said, "I seem to go into neutral and deal with it. I can do what I have to do and weeks later it hits me." Dunne has been a walker most of her life, as much as 5 miles a day in her 70s and early 80s, and she practiced yoga into her 90s. She has seven living children; 21 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and eight step-grandchildren. Ellen Gannon Dunne, of Hanover, who turns 100 on St. Patrick's Day, on her wedding day in Boston. Ellen Gannon was born in 1924 to Patrick and Mary Gannon in Glenamaddy, a rural village in County Galway. They were "very, very poor" but had a small farm and plenty of food. Her mother was always looking out for others, and on Sundays, "she would send us out to bring potatoes and cabbages" to neighbors she knew had nothing to eat. "Being poor didn't bother me because everyone was in the same boat," Dunne said. Her father, who lived to age 91, worked hard on the farm; they all helped out. She was a sturdy child, the fifth of 10 children, and did all the chores her brothers did. Her father also built houses, and her sister, who is 92, still lives in the family home he built. She walked to a one-room schoolhouse, sometimes without shoes because she had none, and at 19, she took the chance to go to Northampton, England, to be trained for work as a nurse's aide in St. Andrews mental hospital. It was 1943, during World War II. She stayed four years. They were 'very poor' (but didn't know it) and happy Ellen and John Dunne at a family wedding. "I liked the work and I profited from it," she said. She was learning skills and being paid. In 1948, when she was 24, her father's sister who lived in Cambridge sponsored her to come to Boston, as her sisters had. She found a job as an aide at Boston State Hospital. There she met John Dunne, five years younger, a handsome Irish lad who worked on the hospital transportation crew. His family lived in Fields Corner in Dorchester. Two years later, in 1950, they were married, when she was 26 and he was 21. Their children eight boys and one girl quickly followed, two of them just 10 months apart. At one point she had four children 3 years old and younger to care for at home. "I enjoyed it. I loved my children," she said. With so much commotion under one roof, she was strict and kept order. When her sons told her, "The other children don't have to do this," she'd reply, "Well, I'm not their mother." Ellen Dunne, of Hanover, with two of her great-grandchildren, Liam, 14, left, and Lily, 17, right, in the summer of 2023. John Dunne became a Boston police officer, stayed for 23 years, and worked extra shifts to support his family. They bought the six-bedroom Victorian house where his parents had lived on Paisley Park in Dorchester. Their children all attended Catholic schools in Boston. In the 1970s, when busing came to Boston, they moved to Hanover. "I always had it in my mind that my children would do a lot better than I did," Ellen Dunne said. She became a Girl Scout leader and taught CCD classes at St. Mary's Church in Hanover. In retirement, they moved to Florida, where after just one year her husband died of a heart attack at age 62 in 1991. She stayed there for 10 years, then returned to Massachusetts to be near her children. She makes her own bed and keeps up with the news Ellen Dunne looks over family photos with her son Jack, of East Bridgewater, one of her nine children. She lives in Hanover and will turn 100 on St. Patrick's Day. With a steady, upright walk and an easy smile, she enjoys having visitors to her one-bedroom apartment, where she lives independently. While she no longer cooks, she fixes her oatmeal breakfast, makes her bed every day, schedules her appointments and keeps up with the news. Her family members supply her other meals. "She's very strong and stoic," her daughter-in-law Janet, who is married to her son Michael, in Hanover, said. "She is very easy to talk to, very knowledgeable, and has a good sense of humor." Her nieces and nephews visit often. Her oldest son, Jack, lives in East Bridgewater; her daughter, Kathleen, is in Hanover. Her son Stephen is in Hull, Gerard is in Rockland, Matthew is in Washington, D.C., and Christopher is in Florida. Her sons Paul and Jimmy are deceased. Ellen "Nell" Dunne, of Hanover, was born in Glenamaddy, County Galway, Ireland, one of 10 children, and grew up on a farm. In the last five years, Dunne has overcome significant medical challenges, including colon cancer at age 95, when, despite her age, she chose to have surgery. Her son Michael recalled that when the operation was over, the surgeon said, "I've never operated on anyone 95 before, but she seemed to breeze through it." In recent months, she has been hospitalized for other medical problems but she has recovered and is looking forward to new adventures in 2024. "I enjoy life," she said, "but it's not all easy street." Reach Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Ellen Dunne, of Hanover, to turn 100 on St. Patrick's Day The European Parliament and the Council of the EU had concluded a preliminary agreement on the Ukraine Facility of 50 billion euros ($54 billion), the Council's press service said on Feb. 6. After months of obstruction by Hungary, European leaders agreed on the four-year financing for Kyiv during a European Council summit on Feb. 1. The sum, which is part of a broader EU budget called the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), is split between 33 billion euros ($35.5 billion) in loans and 17 billion euros ($18.3 billion) in grants. "The EU is prepared to support Ukraine as long as needed. The Ukraine Facility will allow us to channel consistent and predictable support to Ukraine to help its people rebuild their country in the midst of the unprecedented challenges brought by Russia's war of aggression," said Belgian Finance Minister Vincent van Peteghem, whose country is currently presiding the EU. According to the Council's press release, Ukraine may request a pre-financing payment of up to 7% of the Facility. A significant part of the sum will be earmarked for green investments, and another portion will be reserved for small and medium businesses. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us One of the necessary pillars for the implementation of the Ukraine Facility was a Ukraine Plan, a Kyiv-drafted proposal for reform and recovery efforts. The Ukrainian government submitted its plan for approval by the European Commission in late December 2023. The implementation of the plan will be regularly monitored by the EU. "At the same time, the support will help Ukraine take forward the reforms and modernization efforts needed for it to advance on its path towards future EU membership," van Peteghem added. The European Council agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine during an EU summit in December 2023, another major step toward a full-fledged membership since Kyiv applied for joining in February 2022. The next step after the preliminary agreement is further discussions between negotiators on the MMF. Upon reaching the final agreement, the Facility will be formally published and come into force the next day. Read also: BREAKING: European Council agrees to open accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Police in Pakistan slow to prosecute a Muslim who attacked two Christian women with an axe and attempted to rape one of them are weakening the case against him, sources said. Abdul Rauf, a Muslim landowner in Sargodha District, Punjab Province, on Jan. 27 attacked Rukhsana Bibi of Chak 11 village, Janoobi Colony, and her sister-in-law, Asifa Bibi, when the women went to his field to relieve themselves, said Rukhsanas husband, Nasir Masih. When Rukhsana Bibi resisted Raufs attempt to rape her, he struck her repeatedly with the handle of his axe, Masih said. When my sister Asifa heard Rukhsanas screams for help, she rushed into the field and tried to stop Abdul Rauf, but he attacked her too, Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Though injured, the womens efforts to defend themselves forced Rauf to flee, Masih said. Rukhsana Bibi, 36, is a mother to four young children, and the 34-year-old Asifa Bibi has three children. Silanwali Police were reluctant to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the suspect, stalling for three days, Masih said. After a local Christian politician intervened, officers registered an FIR on Tuesday (Jan. 30) but under lesser charges of attempted rape and assault for which bail was available, he said. Tahir Naveed Chaudhry, a local Christian political leader and attorney, said the FIR clearly states that the suspect was armed with an axe and made a rape attempt. This criminal action should have invoked sections 377 [attempt to rape] and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which are non-bailable, Chaudhry told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The accused has also influenced the medico-legal reports, which downplayed the injuries of the two women even though cuts on Rukhsanas face and Asifas hand had to be stitched. After Sargodha Superintendent of Police (SP) Investigation Farhan Aslam met with Chaudhry and a team from Lahore-based rights group Christians True Spirit (CTS), Aslam on Wednesday (Jan. 31) directed Silanwali police to include the more serious charges for attempted rape and assault in the FIR, Chaudhry said. CTS Director Katherine Sapna said they also urged the superintendent of police to direct officers to arrest Rauf. He has so far managed to avoid arrest, but we hope that after the SPs intervention, the local police will now stop aiding the accused and ensure justice and protection to the Christian family, Sapna told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. She said that CTS had also resolved to build toilets at four Christian residences in the village to help reduce risk of more such attacks. Two or three Christian families are living in each of the 10 houses of Christians in the village, yet not one house has a latrine, Sapna said. In view of the problem facing these people, particularly this rape attempt, we have decided to immediately build latrines in at least four houses so that the Christian women and girls would not have to go outside in the fields. Christians and people of other minority religions have long been attacked with impunity in the 96-percent Muslim country. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. Concerns are growing in the EU about Moscow's possible retaliation for the confiscation of its frozen assets. Source: Politico, reported by European Pravda Details: The G7 group of industrialised nations is considering a proposal to use these assets as collateral for bank loans that could finance Ukraine's recovery, according to officials involved in the talks. These funds would be levied against if Russia fails to pay reparations after the war. The proposals come amid growing concerns about Moscow retaliating against a full-scale confiscation of its frozen assets, such as by launching cyberattacks against Western nations. Several European officials who participated in the discussion stated that this could provoke counter-sanctions against European assets in Russia. This is on top of warnings that it could tarnish the reputation of the Eurozone, making it less attractive to investors. "Were entering uncharted waters. Anyone would be worried about the potential consequences of asset confiscation," said the EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. The asset seizure plan could raise more than 200 billion to support Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, according to supporters of the proposal. The G7 countries are seeking to develop a coordinated roadmap amid growing pressure from the United States, which, along with the UK and Canada, has fewer reservations than EU countries such as Germany, France and Italy. Europe fears that Moscow could retaliate by filing a flow of appeals against Euroclear, the Belgian financial depository that holds the vast majority of Russia's reserves in Europe. According to a Belgian official with knowledge of the proceedings, Russian companies have already filed 94 lawsuits in Russia demanding the return of funds to Euroclear, which operates under Belgian law, after their investments and profits in Europe were frozen. Background: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in December that Russia would retaliate against the confiscation of its frozen assets. Without going into details, he suggested that the same could happen to Western assets in Russia. Earlier, at a meeting on 29 January, EU permanent representatives agreed to set up a separate account to which the interest from taxed income of frozen Russian assets would be transferred. Last month, EU foreign ministers reached a political agreement on a plan to use Russian assets to support Ukraine. Read more on the topic: Challenges of confiscation: What will help Ukraine achieve transfer of Russian assets Support UP or become our patron! EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell's fourth visit to Ukraine was intended to showcase the bloc's commitment to support Kyiv, which was struggling to hold ground in the nearly two-year conflict as hundreds of billions of dollars in previous foreign aid dried up in recent weeks. Photo by Iranian FM Press Office / UPI Feb. 6 (UPI) -- European Union Foreign Affairs chief Josep Borrell traveled to Kyiv Tuesday after the 27-nation bloc approved a new $54 billion aid package to help Ukraine continue to fight Russia. Borrell's fourth visit to Ukraine was intended to showcase the EU's commitment to support Kyiv, which was struggling to hold ground in the nearly two-year conflict as billions of dollars in previous foreign aid dried up in recent weeks. "Here to discuss with our Ukrainian friends the EU's unwavering support to Ukraine -- on military side, on the financial side with the new Ukraine facility, as well as on the EU reform path," Borrell said after arriving in Kyiv from Poland. The EU aid package will be distributed over four years after the bloc unanimously approved the funds as part of its 2024 budget. The multi-billion dollar package will flow to Ukraine through 2027, with $35 billion allocated in the form of loan guarantees, and another $18 billion in "non-repayable support," the bloc announced previously. Notably, the aid package from the EU did not deliver on a preliminary plan to send 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine by March, while the bloc considered reforms to its defense funding policies as aid was now substantially diminished. Elsewhere, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave a speech Tuesday before the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where she pledged unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as the war continues. "We must keep up our momentum to support Ukraine and to protect our own future," she said. "That means thinking about reconstruction, about security commitments, about strengthening the international system to avoid any repeats or reruns." Von der Leyen expressed optimism about Ukraine's future and its path toward membership in the EU, highlighted by domestic reforms that align with EU policies. She emphasized: "Ukraine is Europe, because Europe is in the hearts and minds of Ukrainians. And soon enough, Ukraine will also be in our Union." Von der Leyen reiterated the EU's commitment on the platform X, saying "Europe will be at Ukraine's side for every single day of the war. And for every single day thereafter. This is what it means to be European." Previously, U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that withdrawing support for Ukraine would deliver a major victory to Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that Russia would seek to expand its empire into a broader swath of Europe if Ukraine is defeated. An additional $60 billion in funds from the United States is still on hold due to a budget standoff in Congress as Republican lawmakers seek to link funding for Ukraine to contentious measures that seek to address the U.S. border crisis. Von der Leyen, meanwhile, said the war is an example of people fighting for a cause they believed in, noting that Europe shares a common goal with Ukraine's quest for self-determination. She also said Putin severely underestimated the Ukrainian people's desire for freedom and their remarkable resilience that has enabled the country to withstand a formidable invasion for 24 months. The speech also underscored the importance of international support for Ukraine, while praising the unity of the EU and NATO in standing with Ukraine, as well as ongoing support for its defense and reconstruction. The European Commission and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a private investment arm of the World Bank, had signed a guarantee agreement worth up to 90 million euros ($97 million) to support private sector investments in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts, the EU Commission's press service reported on Feb. 5. This is part of the IFC's Better Futures Program that aims to mobilize over 500 million euros ($537 million) across sectors, including infrastructure, goods production, decarbonization, and job preservation. Additional investments for Ukrainian businesses are crucial for maintaining Ukraine's economy and reconstruction. According to the World Bank's estimate, Kyiv will need over $400 billion for full recovery in the coming years. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, the total amount of damage caused by Russia's war to the infrastructure of Ukraine reached $151.2 billion as of September 2023. Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said that "this EFSD+ guarantee will help rebuild the country's infrastructure, support its business sector, and strengthen the resilience of its economy." "With the EFSD+ guarantee, we are moving fast to implement innovative and impactful projects and back private sector companies, fulfilling our commitment to mobilize private capital to support Ukraine's economy and reconstruction," IFC Vice President for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean Alfonso Garcia Mora said. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us EFSD+ (the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus) is an EU investment framework that provides financial guarantees and technical assistance to support public and private investment for sustainable development in partner countries worldwide. In December 2022, the IFC launched the $2 billion Economic Resilience Action (ERA) package for Ukrainian businesses. The IFC gathered almost $1 billion to rebuild Ukraine's private sector in January 2024. So far, the IFC has provided financing of over $650 million and mobilized over $400 million to support the tech sector, agriculture, critical exports and imports, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) finance. Earlier, the Kyiv Independent spoke with IFC Regional Director of Central and Eastern Europe Rana Karadsheh about the challenges of attracting investments to Ukraine at the moment and the work needed to ensure Ukraine can attract the funds for rebuilding. Read also: International Finance Corporation Europe Director optimistic Ukraine can attract private investment to rebuild Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Commission announced one of the worlds most ambitious goals to slash planet-heating pollution on Tuesday, but protesting farmers and upcoming elections could threaten its success, analysts say. The Commission which is part of the European Unions executive government is backing a 90% cut in carbon emissions by 2040, from 1990 levels, taking a stance that is likely to set a benchmark for developed nations around the world. EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra made the announcement in parliament, and a roadmap outlining how to reach the target was published by the Commission shortly after, touching on the future of fossil fuels, transportation and industry. The announcement will kick off months of talks that could take up to a year before the European Parliament rubber stamps the target. The Commission removed a separate target for climate action in the agricultural sector that had appeared in an earlier draft, obtained by CNN. It is a concession to European farmers who have been protesting for weeks, some of whom had explicitly rallied against climate policies they consider a threat to their livelihoods. The earlier draft had called for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, compared to 2015 levels. Questions are now being raised over whether the EU can deliver, and not only because of its farmers. The 27-nation bloc already has a 55% emissions reduction target for 2030, but the Commission warned in December that member states were off track to reach that goal. While there is fairly broad support for the new 90% target which was the minimum recommended by the EUs scientific advisory body deliberations on how to achieve it may take a radical turn in June, when the EU holds elections for the European Parliament, the blocs legislative body. The European Greens a faction of environmentally conscious lawmakers from several countries are expecting big losses in the vote, after making sweeping gains in the 2019 election. An aerial view shows a flooded pig farm and surrounding fields in Lugo, Italy on May 18, 2023, after heavy rains caused flooding. - Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images Conservative and far-right parties are forecast to snap up many of those lost seats, putting the EUs more ambitious climate goals at risk. A new-look parliament might choose to keep the 90% goal, said Manon Dufour, executive director of the climate think tank E3Gs Brussels office, but there will likely be sticking points over issues like agriculture and when to ban the sale of combustion engine cars. This might be a bit of a new world that we are entering, where the parliament might not be the most progressive institution, which has been the status quo until now, Dufour told CNN. Of course, the political makeup of the European Parliament will have an impact on European action across the board, whether its on markets, or foreign policy, or climate. One of the biggest changes that a more conservative EU parliament might see is more resistance to increased regulation, Dufour said, particularly outright bans. Were looking at a European Parliament that is more in favor of regulatory freedom for member states, Dufour said. So that could also impact some of the policies going forward, being more skeptical of environmental policies and climate policies. Already, the EUs center-right alliance, the European Peoples Party (EPP), is seeking to roll back key elements of the EUs broader Green Deal, such as a ban on the sale of combustion engine cars by 2035, aimed at phasing in electric vehicles more widely. The EPP is pitching itself as the champion of farmers ahead of the June election and has been vocal in its opposition to the EUs environmental policies in agriculture. Bas Eickhout, who was elected to co-lead the European Greens alliance in parliament at the weekend, accepts the Greens are likely to lose seats in June, and that may weaken EU climate action. Its clear that we will be challenged this campaign, said Eickhout, who is also a Dutch politician. In 2019, green issues were a priority for many voters, he said. It was a kind of climate election, he told CNN. The Greens had been successful in achieving a strong climate agenda through the EU parliament, he added. And now theres a bit of a pushback on it. Dutch politician Bas Eickhout delivering a speech after being elected to co-lead the European Greens Party for the upcoming European elections, in Lyon, France, on February 3, 2024. - Olivier Chassignole/AFP/Getty Images Eickhout said that the EUs climate program had, at times, failed to be inclusive of everyday Europeans, including farmers. Its clear that there needs to be a more sustainable model for agriculture, but we also understand why farmers feel how they [do] with their backs against the wall, Eickhout said. If you say you have to change your entire agriculture system, of course you get resistance. I would also resist, especially if Im not even sure I can make a living out of it now. The Greens will campaign in the upcoming elections for even more ambitious climate targets, including reaching net zero by 2040, 10 years before the current goal. But it will also seek to include more social policy in the Green Deal, the EUs overarching climate plan. Linda Kalcher, executive director of the Brussel-based climate think tank Strategic Perspectives, is more optimistic. She said new conservative or even far-right lawmakers may also back some ambitious climate policies because so many make sense in terms of economics and security, as well. Kalcher said that recent years had shown that economics and energy security were boosting the green transition, rather than climate policy alone. We clearly saw that the recovery has been green because that was the best opportunity to really make sectors thrive and create additional jobs in response to the pandemic. We also saw that in response to the war in Ukraine, leaders were increasing renewable energy targets and energy efficiency targets. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Farmers make barricades after blocking a highway during a protest near Mollerussa, northeast Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. From early morning, farmers across Spain have staged tractor protests across the country, blocking highways and causing traffic jams to demand of changes in European Union policies and funds and measures to combat production cost hikes. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) BRUSSELS (AP) The European Unions executive arm shelved an anti-pesticide proposal Tuesday in yet another concession to farmers after weeks of protests that blocked many capitals and economic lifelines across the 27-nation bloc. Although the proposal had languished in EU institutions for the past two years, the move by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was the latest indication that the bloc is willing to sacrifice environmental priorities to keep the farming community on its side. Despite concessions, protests continued from the Netherlands to Spain and Bulgaria. Farmers have insisted that measures like the one on pesticides would increase bureaucratic burdens and keep them behind laptops instead of farming, adding to the price gap between their products and cheap imports produced by foreign farmers without similar burdens. The pesticide proposal has become a symbol of polarization, von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. To move forward, more dialogue and a different approach is needed. She acknowledged that the proposals had been made over the heads of farmers. Farmers need a worthwhile business case for nature-enhancing measures. Perhaps we have not made that case convincingly, von der Leyen said. It is unclear when new proposals will be drafted. EU parliamentary elections are set for June, and the plight of farmers has become a focal point of campaigning, even pushing climate issues aside over the past weeks. Under its much-hyped European Green Deal, the EU has targeted a 50% cut in the overall use of pesticides and other hazardous substances by 2030. The proposal was criticized both by environmentalists who claimed it would be insufficient to reach sustainability targets, and by agriculture groups who insisted it would be unworkable and drive farmers out of business. The decision to shelve the proposal on pesticides was the EU's latest act of political self-retribution in reaction to protests that have affected the daily lives of tens of millions of EU citizens and cost businesses tens of millions of euros due to transportation delays. Many politicians, especially on the right and its fringes, applauded the impact of the protests. Long live the farmers, whose tractors are forcing Europe to take back the nonsense imposed by multinationals and the left, said Italy's right-wing transport minister, Matteo Salvini. Last week, von der Leyen announced plans to shield farmers from cheaper products from wartime Ukraine and to allow farmers to use some land they had been required to keep fallow for environmental reasons. In France, where the protests gained critical mass, the government promised more than 400 million euros ($436 million) in additional financial support. Meanwhile, protests continued in many EU nations. Since early Tuesday, farmers across Spain staged tractor protests, blocking highways and causing traffic jams to demand changes in EU policies and funds and measures to combat production cost increases. The protests came as the Agriculture Ministry announced some 270 million euros ($290 million) in aid to 140,000 farmers to address drought conditions and problems caused by Russias war against Ukraine. Bulgarian farmers added fuel to their protests by moving their heavy farming vehicles from the fields to the main motorways and border crossings, paralyzing traffic and adding to the economic woes of the country. The move came after farmers refused to accept proposed government support, arguing that it was not sufficient to compensate them for losses due to the war in Ukraine, higher production costs, climate conditions, and Green Deal requirements. On Monday night, farmers in the Netherlands blocked several roads and highways with their tractors and burned hay bales and tires. Police in the rural province of Gelderland said they took action against farmers blocking roads, but there were no immediate reports of arrests. In recent weeks, farmers have protested in Poland, Greece, Ireland, Germany and Lithuania. ___ Associated Press writers Mike Corder in The Hague, Ciaran Giles in Madrid, Colleen Barry in Milan and Veselin Toshkov in Sofia contributed to this report. Concerns are escalating in the U.K. over the authenticity of asylum seekers claims of converting to Christianity, with a notable case involving migrants on the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset. Reports indicate that a significant number of migrants housed on the barge are attending church services, sparking a debate on the credibility of such conversions for asylum claims. The issue gained attention following the case of Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, a migrant from Afghanistan linked to the Clapham chemical attack in southwest London last Wednesday, who was granted asylum after converting to Christianity despite prior convictions for sexual offenses. Nearly 40 out of 300 migrants on the Bibby Stockholm are participating in Christian practices, guided by local faith leaders, according to The Telegraph, adding that Home Secretary James Cleverly is set to review a report on Ezedis case, amid suggestions of tightening the scrutiny of conversion claims by asylum seekers. Ezedi remains at large after the attack that resulted in severe injuries to a woman and her children. He had claimed his conversion to Christianity placed him at risk in Afghanistan. His claim was supported by a priest at his asylum appeal, despite the Home Offices initial refusal. The case has raised questions about the role of U.K. churches in endorsing migrants conversion stories, with some officials expressing skepticism about the genuineness of these conversions. However, David Rees, a church elder, told the BBC that the conversions on the Bibby Stockholm were sincere, emphasizing the rigorous process involving public testimony and baptism. Concerns still persist about the exploitation of religious conversion claims, with calls for more stringent verification processes. The Home Office asserts that its caseworkers are equipped to assess the credibility of religious conversion claims, with a comprehensive evaluation approach. Despite these measures, the tribunal favored Ezedis appeal, citing the risk of persecution he would face as a convert if returned to Afghanistan. The decision has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of current guidelines and the need for legal adjustments to prevent abuse of the asylum system. In an opinion piece for The Telegraph, Suella Braverman, who was Home Secretary until November 2023, criticizes the exploitation of the U.K.s asylum system, including the manipulation of religious conversion claims. For years, I defended the Home Office in immigration cases as a barrister and saw the reality of our broken asylum system. Then, it was sham marriages and bogus colleges that allowed migrants to game our system, she writes. But, as Home Secretary, I saw how the racketeering has continued, and expanded in myriad ways. She adds, Today, it is adults claiming to be children, Muslims pretending to be Christians, heterosexuals feigning homosexuality, healthy people alleging mental illness, economic migrants impersonating refugees fleeing persecution, those who have chosen to come here arguing that they have been trafficked as slaves, or those masquerading as political dissidents. Braverman argues for a reevaluation of the U.K.s adherence to international human rights laws, suggesting that these frameworks hinder the governments ability to control immigration effectively. Her commentary reflects a frustration with the current state of the U.K.s border control and immigration policies, advocating for more decisive action to address these challenges. Originally published by The Christian Post FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Zelenskiy takes a video, as he visits in the frontline town of Avdiivka FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Zelenskiy takes a video, as he visits in the frontline town of Avdiivka By Dan Peleschuk and Andrew Osborn KYIV/LONDON (Reuters) - Russian forces are intensifying efforts to seize the small eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka as Moscow's war in Ukraine grinds on. The fighting is reminiscent of the battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut, which fell to Russia last May after months of grinding urban combat, 15 months into a full-scale invasion that Moscow calls a "special military operation". Ukraine's Third Assault Brigade, which fought in the battle of Bakhmut, says it has been deployed to Avdiivka and has described the situation there as "threatening and unstable". WHAT IS AVDIIVKA? Avdiivka, which had a pre-war population of around 32,000 and is called Avdeyevka by Russians, was briefly occupied in 2014 by Moscow-backed separatists who seized a swathe of eastern Ukraine but was recaptured by Ukrainian troops who built fortifications. Today, authorities say fewer than 1,000 residents remain, many sheltering in cellars and basements. Officials say not a single building remains intact, and Avdiivka's mayor says it is under attack from all directions. Avdiivka sits in the industrial Donbas region, 15 km (nine miles) north of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. Before the war, its Soviet-era coke plant was one of Europe's top producers. Russian-backed officials describe Avdiivka as a "fortress" with concrete bunkers. They say defenders are holed up in tower blocks that cannot be stormed head-on without huge losses, and are using the coking plant as a base and weapons depot. WHAT LOSSES HAVE RUSSIA AND UKRAINE SUFFERED IN AVDIIVKA? Ukrainian and Western military analysts say Russia's offensive on Avdiivka is taking a huge human toll. Last November, British military intelligence said the fighting had contributed to "some of the highest Russian casualty rates of the war so far". "Every day there are new fresh forces, regardless of the weather, regardless of anything - of losses," one member of Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade told Radio Liberty. "But no matter what, they keep crawling - literally over the bodies of their own." Russian war bloggers, whom the Kremlin has brought under tight control, have acknowledged heavy Russian losses but alleged significant Ukrainian losses too. They say Kyiv's forces could be encircled if Russian forces can cut their last main supply line to the west. President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 31 underlined Avdiivka's significance and said a group of military veterans had recently advanced ahead of the army to seize 19 buildings - an assertion that, like other battlefield reports, Reuters cannot verify. Russia has been carrying out air strikes with targeting assistance from special forces, and using artillery, drones, helicopters and tanks as well as infantry, according to spare but regular Russian defence ministry updates. Ukraine, which replaced its popular army chief and other military leaders on Feb. 8, has not said what its military strategy for the town is, or whether it might eventually withdraw. WHAT'S AT STAKE IN AVDIIVKA? Both sides regard Avdiivka as key to Russia's aim of securing full control of the two eastern "Donbas" provinces - Donetsk and Luhansk. These are among the four Ukrainian regions Russia says it has annexed but does not have full control of. Avdiivka is seen as a gateway to Donetsk city, whose residential areas Russian officials say have been shelled by Ukrainian forces, sometimes from Avdiivka. Seizing it could boost Russian morale and demoralise Ukrainian forces, which have made only incremental gains in a broad counteroffensive since June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy himself visited in December. "If the Russian army takes control of the (supply) road, the Ukrainian armed forces will evidently be forced to withdraw from Avdeyevka. That will be a great victory for the Russian army," Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, said on Feb. 5. Mykola Bielieskov of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, an official think-tank in Kyiv, said taking Avdiivka would not decisively tip the situation in Moscow's favour but "would make the situation more tenable for occupied Donetsk as a major Russian logistics hub". Bielieskov believes the battle is driven by a Kremlin desire to strengthen the hand of Western sceptics calling for a cut in support for Kyiv, citing the limited impact of billions of dollars in military aid. (Editing by Mike Collett-White and Timothy Heritage) Pilots are seen in the cockpit of an airplane as it sits on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport on the July 4th weekend in Queens, New York City By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration told Congress in a letter on Monday that lawmakers should not raise the mandatory retirement age of airline pilots to 67 from 65, saying it should first be allowed to conduct additional research. "It is crucial to provide the agency an opportunity to conduct research and determine mitigations," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a letter first reported by Reuters. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee is eying a potential hearing on Thursday to consider its own version of the aviation bill to extend the authorization of the FAA. "When it comes to raising the pilot retirement age, the FAA has made clear that a scientific and safety analysis must come first. That has not happened," said Senator Maria Cantwell, the committee chair. "Aviation safety is paramount, and now is not the time to take a shortcut." The U.S. House in July voted 351-69 on an aviation reform measure that would hike the mandatory retirement age to 67. "We strongly encourage preceding that type of change with appropriate research so that the FAA can measure any risk," Whitaker added. A separate letter from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Congress on Jan. 26 said the FAA "currently has no data to support such increase to the retirement age." He warned that raising the age to 67 would be "above the international standard and will have consequences for U.S. air carriers." Congress last year failed to pass the FAA bill before the Sept. 30 deadline and has voted twice to temporarily extend the agency. The current extension expires in early March. Airlines for America, a group representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, declined to comment. The Air Line Pilots Association opposes raising the retirement age and said such a move could cause airline scheduling and pilot training issues and require the reopening of pilot contract talks. The group praised Whitaker's letter. Current international rules would still prevent pilots older than 65 from flying in most countries outside the United States. The Regional Airline Association supports the pilot age hike, saying it "allows retention of more experienced captains, who can in turn fly alongside and mentor new first officers, helping to stabilize attrition." The Senate bill was previously held up by a dispute over whether to change pilot training requirements imposed after the February 2009 crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York, that killed 50 people, the last major U.S. passenger airline fatal crash. That issue appears to have been resolved. (Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Lisa Shumaker and Matthew Lewis) A top Hungarian government official is touting his country's quest to "implement the social teachings of the Bible" at home as he visits the United States to discuss the nation's efforts to address religious persecution abroad. Tristan Azbej, the Hungarian Secretary of State for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Hungary Helps Program, appeared at a dinner kicking off the fourth annual International Religious Freedom Summit on Monday. The dinner was co-hosted by the Embassy of Hungary. In an interview with The Christian Post Tuesday, Azbej discussed the significance of religious freedom in Hungary and how helping victims of religious persecution has become part of the country's "national code." "It was a great honor that we were asked to host the opening reception," he said. "I also dare to presume that it is also a sign of recognition of what Hungary is doing for the persecuted Christians and other vulnerable communities all around the world through our aid program, the Hungary Helps Program." The Hungary Helps Program was established in 2017 as the "first-ever governmental department dedicated to serve persecuted Christians." The department that he now leads was first created to address the fact that there are "more than 360 million people in the world who suffer discrimination, persecution, [and] terror attacks because of their faith in Christ." "Ever since we have started the Hungary Helps Program, we have engaged in 330 faith-based humanitarian projects all around the world in more than 50 countries and we have reached approximately 2 million people who are ... members of vulnerable faith communities," Azbej added. "We started to work together with Christians, but only supporting Christians would not be Christian at all." Azbej said the Hungary Helps program has also extended help to persecuted Yezidis in Iraq, Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar and Jews in Yemen. He cited the humanitarian effort as evidence that "a government can directly engage in the persecuted church with faith-based actors," describing "Christian and other faith-based entities" as "the most trustworthy humanitarian partners who are the closest to the most vulnerable communities." "Unfortunately, most of the Western governments are reluctant for such direct engagement," he lamented. "They claim that working together with faith communities is against the principles of impartiality in humanitarian assistance. We think that this is a complete misunderstanding of the humanitarian principles. And on the contrary, we think that working together with these faith-based organizations [is] the only way to reach the most vulnerable and those communities who are left behind." The Hungary Helps Program has established a "scholarship program over the years for Christians from conflict zones in vulnerable faith communities to come to Hungary and to study at Hungarian universities." The scholarship program awards 100 scholarships annually to enable Christian youth living in areas of the world hostile to Christianity to receive "a higher education degree with the objective for them to return to their communities of origin." Azbej sees the scholarship program as a way to "educate the leaders of the new generations of these communities to support their long-term future and their future in their ancestral homelands." While the Hungary Helps Program started as a project run exclusively by the Hungarian government, Azbej told CP that "many private companies joined our efforts" and "made donations to the persecuted Christians." According to Azbej, "Hungarian churches, civil society, [and] even municipalities joined our program." Azbej characterized Hungary Helps' "mission to support persecuted Christians and others" as "not only a governmental program anymore" but also "a national vocation for us Hungarians." The Hungarian official identified the Hungary Helps Program as one of several examples of how the country is "trying to implement and represent the social teachings of the Bible." "As part of that, we support and we protect family and life," he asserted. "This shows in the very unique and very strong family policies of the Hungarian government." Azbej insisted that while the "Hungarian government is pro-life," the country seeks to "implement that idea not through restrictive measures but through [a] very strong family support policy." One policy embraced in Hungary enables women to have their personal income taxes waived for life once they give birth to four children. "Our goal is that no financial burden should keep Hungarian families from having children, and one other pro-life policy that we have is that all the different and wide range of family allowances are distributed and awarded not at the birth of the child but from the conception, during pregnancy," he maintained. Azbej contends that the policies enacted by the Hungarian government have already yielded positive results, specifically by raising the fertility rate from 1.2 children per woman to 1.6 children per woman. While the Hungarian government remains short of its targeted fertility rate of 2.0 children per woman, Azbej sees other promising developments in the country as a direct result of the "very strong family policies of the Hungarian government." Expressing gratitude that "Hungarian families choose to have their babies and keep their babies," Azbej claimed there's been a 30% drop in abortions and a 50% increase in marriages that have materialized following the adoption of the new policies. Additional "Judeo-Christian and Christian-inspired policies" in Hungary include the amendment of the country's constitution to clarify that marriage is a union of one man and one woman as well as defining families as consisting of a husband, wife and children. Acknowledging that Hungary's policies have "infuriated the LGBTQ lobby and therefore they criticize us," Azbej defended them nonetheless: "For us, the results such as the increase in childbirth and the increase in marriage is encouragement for us to face all that criticism" and stand by them. Azbej pointed to history as the reason why Hungary has adopted combatting persecution of Christians and other religious minorities as its "national code." He recalled how "not so long ago, in the 20th century, Hungary and Hungarians experienced anti-religious oppression by two totalitarian regimes: the Nazis who have murdered 600,000 Jews in Hungary tragically with the collaboration of the state at that time and then 40 years of Communist oppression" that "treated religious citizens as second-rate citizens." "So, therefore, for Hungary, there's a national code to stand up for those who are persecuted for their faith," he concluded. "The Hungarian Constitution recognizes Christianity as the key factor that contributed to the preservation of the Hungarian nation for 1,000 years and it recognizes Christianity at many parts. This Hungarian Constitution was adopted in 2011 to replace the illegitimate Communist National Constitution, and it gives clear reference to the importance of Christianity in Hungarian history." Azbej stressed that while Christian influence looms large in Hungary, the country still hopes to serve as a beacon of religious freedom: "The most important Christian biblical value that we represent is human dignity coming from the religious idea that man was created by God in the likeness of God." "Part of this human dignity is human freedom, so therefore even [though] we recognize Christianity at a very high level, it is also enshrined in the Constitution that we value, and we protect religious freedom of all regardless of one's faith or belief." Originally published by The Christian Post The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged lawmakers in a letter Monday not to raise the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 years old, ahead of a committee markup of the FAA reauthorization bill. In a letter to Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker asked that the committee not make changes to the federal regulations that govern pilot qualifications without first conducting appropriate research. We recognize that other countries have not conducted research prior to increasing their upper age limit, but in the United States, we have the largest, most complex system in the world, Whitaker wrote. He added, In the case of possibly implementing an increase in pilot age, we believe it is crucial to provide the agency an opportunity to conduct research and determine mitigations. The letter comes as the Senate is expected to soon mark up the FAA reauthorization bill, after twice voting to temporarily extend the previous authorization bill. The FAA authorization extension will expire next month. The House approved its version of the FAA reauthorization bill, which included a provision to increase the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67. As Congress considers policies that affect the pool of pilots that may serve Part 121 commercial operations, Whitaker wrote, we strongly encourage preceding that type of change with appropriate research so that the FAA can measure any risk associated with that policy and define appropriate mitigations. His letter echoes the sentiment of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who wrote to Congress in late January expressing his views about the potential policy shift. Cantwell acknowledged the concerns about lack of research in a statement responding to the letter. When it comes to raising the pilot retirement age, the FAA has made clear that a scientific and safety analysis must come first. That has not happened. Aviation safety is paramount, and now is not the time to take a shortcut, she said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Claim: Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, was reelected in early February 2024 with more than 87% of the votes. Rating: Rating: False On Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, provisional results from the presidential election of El Salvador showed that Nayib Bukele, the 42-year-old leader who had been in office since 2019, won by a landslide in a historic second term. Until El Salvador's top court ruled in 2021 that presidents could serve two consecutive terms, the Salvadoran constitution prevented presidents from serving more than one term. In the hours leading up to the results being released, rumors surrounding the exact percentage of votes in Bukele's favor were spreading across multiple platforms; many claimed he won by 87% or more. What an electoral *ss whooping looks like! pic.twitter.com/vhtYKnUkfn Salvadoran Pride (@SalvadoranPride) February 5, 2024 (Image via X account @eduardomenoni) While we were uncertain as to where the first image above originated one article by Argentinian outlet Memo claimed it was sourced from Wikipedia two hours before voting ended we found the number was inaccurate. According to official results, he also did not win 85%, as of Feb. 4, as Bukele claimed on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account before the official results were released. De acuerdo a nuestros numeros, hemos ganado la eleccion presidencial con mas del 85% de los votos y un minimo de 58 de 60 diputados de la Asamblea. El record en toda la historia democratica del mundo. Nos vemos a las 9pm frente al Palacio Nacional. Dios bendiga a El Salvador. Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) February 5, 2024 Only 70.25% of votes had been processed as of this writing, according to the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE). They showed that Bukele's party, Nuevas Ideas (New Ideas), had received 1,662,313 votes, or approximately 83% support. (Image via El Salvador's Supreme Electoral Court.) It appears that the 87% figure originated from exit polls; according to Reuters, an opinion poll from August 2023, meanwhile, projected a win of 68.4% of the votes. While clearly wildly popular among the majority of Salvadorans primarily for his "zero tolerance" policy for fighting gang violence as a tactic to decrease El Salvador's crime rates, his harsh approach continued to raise reg flags within the international human rights community. Amnesty International published a report in December 2023 that found a "systemic use of torture and other abuse against prisoners in penal centers." "What we are witnessing in El Salvador is a tragic repetition of history, where state violence is gradually replacing gang violence, leaving the same vulnerable communities trapped in an endless cycle of abuse and despair," Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, wrote in the report. In sum, Bukele had at least 83% of the vote, with just over 70% of votes counted. Because the Nuevas Ideas party had not won more than 87%, as many viral tweets claimed, we have rated this claim as "False." Sources: El Salvadors Bukele Proclaims historic Victory in Re-Election Defying Constitution. Le Monde.Fr, 5 Feb. 2024. Le Monde, https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/02/05/el-salvador-s-bukele-proclaims-historic-victory-in-re-election-defying-constitution_6495179_4.html. El Salvadors Bukele Shows Strong Lead for 2024 Vote -Opinion Poll. Reuters, 28 Aug. 2023. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/el-salvadors-bukele-shows-strong-lead-2024-vote-opinion-poll-2023-08-28/. El Salvador Court Rules Presidents Can Serve Two Consecutive Terms. 4 Sept. 2021. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58451370. El Salvador Election: Nayib Bukele Revels in Landslide Win. 5 Feb. 2024. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68205036. El Salvador Is Gradually Filling Its New Mega Prison with Alleged Gang Members. AP News, 12 Oct. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-prison-gangs-bukele-42315f24691e0a3136d005ab7c0bee6a. El Salvador Declares State of Emergency amid Killings. AP News, 27 Mar. 2022, https://apnews.com/article/crime-caribbean-legislature-nayib-bukele-el-salvador-7e9bad0bfaca93db044b3cbcf921fc29. Goillandeau, David Shortell, Stefano Pozzebon, Martin. El Salvadors Nayib Bukele Set for Landslide Election Victory. CNN, 5 Feb. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/05/americas/el-salvador-election-results-intl/index.html. Https://Twitter.Com/RNacional_News. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/RNacional_News. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024. Jul, Por. EL SALVADOR | BUKELE: Hemos Ganado Con El 87% de Los Votos. VIDEOS. https://www.laventanaindiscretadejulia.com/2024/02/el-salvador-bukele-hemos-ganado-con-el.html. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024. Meakem, Allison. Can Anything Stop El Salvadors Bitcoin-Loving, Backsliding Leader? Foreign Policy, 6 Feb. 2024, https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/01/02/el-salvador-elections-bukele-bitcoin-crime-gang-policy/. Para Wikipedia, Bukele ya se impuso por mas del 87% de los votos. 4 Feb. 2024, https://www.memo.com.ar/runrunes/resultados-bukele-el-salvador-wikipedia/. Renteria, Nelson, and Sarah Kinosian. El Salvadors Bukele Re-Elected as President in Landslide Win. Reuters, 5 Feb. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/el-salvador-president-bukele-poised-another-landslide-voters-head-polls-2024-02-04/. Repression and Regression of Human Rights in El Salvador. Amnesty International, 5 Dec. 2023, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/12/el-salvador-policies-practices-legislation-violate-human-rights/. TSE. https://preliminar.tse.gob.sv/resultados/dashboard-index-1. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024. Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed on Monday that he didnt endorse Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, the primary Republican negotiator of a bipartisan immigration bill that Trump has sharply criticized. In an interview on Monday, right-wing radio host Dan Bongino noted to Trump that some online commentators have pointed out that Trump endorsed Lankford. Bongino defended Trump, saying that people sometimes let you down after you endorse them. But Trump went further claiming that he never endorsed Lankford at all. Just to correct the record, I did not endorse Sen. Lankford. I didnt do it. He ran, and I did not endorse him, Trump said. So Im sure your person will be happy to hear that. More than 10 minutes later, Trump added, I like James. I did not endorse James, but I like James. Facts First: Trumps claim is false. He gave Lankford his Complete and Total Endorsement in September 2022, during the general election in the November 2022 midterms and in his statement endorsing Lankford, he specifically said that Lankford is Strong on the Border. Trump said in the September 27, 2022, endorsement statement: James was strongly committed to America First, and everything it stood for, and likewise strongly committed to me, as President. Sometimes we didnt exactly agree on everything, but we do now. He is a very good man with a fabulous wife and family, loves the great State of Oklahoma, and is working very hard on trying to Save our Country from the disaster that it is in. In that statement, Trump proceeded to praise Lankfords stances on the border, the economy, crime, gun rights and energy. In the interview with Bongino on Monday, more than 10 minutes after his initial denial that he had endorsed Lankford, Trump vaguely hinted that he was talking about how he had withheld his endorsement in Lankfords 2022 Republican primary saying Lankford had run against a good man, and I decided I was not going to endorse James. Lankfords main opponent in the Republican primary was a pro-Trump man, while Lankford ran against a female Democrat in the general election in which Trump did endorse. Nonetheless: Trump categorically and repeatedly declared, with no caveats, that he had not endorsed Lankford at all. Thats not true. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FILE PHOTO: Novo Nordisk logo above the entrance to their offices in Hillerod FILE PHOTO: Novo Nordisk logo above the entrance to their offices in Hillerod (Reuters) -Viking Therapeutics said on Tuesday its experimental drug helped patients with obesity achieve "significant" weight loss in a mid-stage study. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are so far the leaders in the weight-loss drug market, estimated to be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade, with their powerful new drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, respectively. The following is a list of publicly listed companies targeting the next big blockbuster opportunity: NOVO NORDISK Novo Nordisk said a large study had shown its highly effective obesity drug, Wegovy, also had a clear cardiovascular benefit. Wegovy, which uses the same active ingredient as Novo's diabetes drug Ozempic, was approved in 2021. The drugmaker in June reported late-stage trial data from a high-dose oral version of its drug, semaglutide, helping overweight or obese adults lose 15% of their body weight, which was in line with recent results for other experimental obesity pills. The company on Monday said it will buy three of Catalent's fill-finish sites - in Anagni, Italy; Brussels, Belgium; and Bloomington, Indiana - from Novo Holdings for $11 billion to help boost its production of Wegovy. The sites will be acquired after Novo Holdings completes its Catalent acquisition. ELI LILLY Eli Lilly's weight-loss therapy, Zepbound, got the green light from U.S. and UK regulators recently, paving the way for a powerful new rival to Novo's Wegovy. The company reported $175.8 million in sales of Zepbound in the first few weeks of its launch. The drug, chemically known as tirzepatide, has been available as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes since 2022 and was used "off-label" for weight loss. Lilly said a mid-stage trial of its next-generation obesity drug candidate, a once-weekly injection of retatrutide, showed it led to a weight loss of up to 24.2% after 48 weeks. PFIZER Pfizer said in December it was stopping further trials of a twice-daily version of its oral weight-loss drug, danuglipron. The decision comes after most patients in a mid-stage trial dropped out with high rates of side effects such as nausea and vomiting. The company said it will instead focus on a once-daily, modified release version of danuglipron. Data on how this version interacts with the human body is expected next year. Pfizer had earlier scrapped the development of its once-a-day pill in June due to concerns over liver safety. ROCHE AND CARMOT THERAPEUTICS The company acquired CT-388 as part of its $2.7 billion buyout of Carmot Therapeutics. Carmot's once-a-week injection belongs to the same class as Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, or Zepbound. The newly acquired drug candidate has completed early-stage trials and is ready to be tested on humans in the second of three trial stages, Roche said. AMGEN Amgen's experimental obesity drug, AMG133, showed a mean weight loss of 14.5% after 12 weeks of treatment at the highest monthly dose. ALTIMMUNE Altimmune said its drug candidate, pemvidutide, helped reduce weight by 15.6% on average and showed continued weight loss at the end of treatment in a mid-stage trial. However, patients also experienced nausea and vomiting of mild and moderate severity. VIKING THERAPEUTICS Viking's mid-stage study data showed that VK2735 helped obese patients achieve "significant" weight loss. VK2735 helped patients achieve up to 14.7% mean weight loss after 13 weeks of treatment, according to data from the study, which had enrolled 176 overweight adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity. ZEALAND PHARMA Denmark's Zealand Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim's experimental obesity treatment achieved up to 14.9% weight loss in a mid-stage trial on Wednesday. OPKO HEALTHOpko Health has completed a mid-stage trial of its obesity drug, pegapamodutide, which it expects will have fewer side effects. (Reporting by Mariam Sunny, Pratik Jain, Sriparna Roy, Leroy Leo and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Pooja Desai) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Polk County deputies say they are looking for victims of a man who was connected to fraudulent business practices across four states, including Florida. Sunday, deputies in Brevard County arrested Patrick Gorman, 55, of Ruffs Dale, Pennsylvania, on charges out of Polk County after he was accused of exploiting an older man in Auburndale. Category 6 hurricane? How bad would it be for Tampa Bay? The Polk County Sheriffs Office said on Jan. 4, Gorman approached the victim at his home in Auburndale, entering it uninvited and saying the resident owed him $8,750 for repairing a hole in the roof. Gorman allegedly showed the resident a photo of a hole in the victims roof, but investigators said there was no repair work done at all and that all the they found was a patch of white coating on the roof. Authorities also said a roofing expert confirmed the roof was only three years old and had nothing wrong with it. When asked, the victim said he paid the suspect because he didnt know what else to do. One of the victims relatives eventually discovered the crime on Jan. 18 when they found three checks that were written to Gorman all totaling $24,550, according to deputies. One of the checks was said to have roof repair written on it. Investigators said each of the checks had Gormans drivers license number on it. The victims family has done a great job caring for him and had taken precautions to keep him safe, Sheriff Grady Judd said. Unfortunately, bad guys can always find a way to do bad things. Our hope is that this bad guy gets locked-up for a lengthy time, so hes unable to take advantage of anyone else. According to the sheriffs office, Gorman is believed to have committed fraudulent business practices in Florida, Maryland, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. As of Tuesday, he now faces extradition back to Polk County on charges for burglary of an occupied dwelling, exploitation of the elderly, and grand theft. However, deputies believe there may be other local victims who may have been exploited by Gorman. If you know anything, call the Polk County Sheriffs Office Vice Unit at 863-292-3300. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. FALL RIVER Its a punch in the gut. Thats the reaction from Marine Corps League Commandant Bruce Aldrich when he found out vandals had desecrated Fall Rivers replica Iwo Jima Memorial located in Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park with painted graffiti. Aldrich, who has dedicated the last 10 years to looking after the monument, which honors Marine Corps soldiers who fought and died defending the United States since 1775, found out about the vandalism on Saturday. The vandals used yellow spray paint, drawing phallic symbols and signs on the statue depicting Marines raising the American flag. Vandals spray paint graffiti on the Iwo Jima Monument at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park and there is a police investigation with the police department's Major Crimes Unit. The Bicentennial Park memorial is a replica of the original Iwo Jima Memorial located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. It is dedicated to all personnel of the Marine Corps who have died in defense of the United States since 1775. Aldrich said the vandalism likely occurred about a week earlier, and he has since discovered someone spray-painted another memorial in the park, damaging a granite pedestal and a plaque. Meaning of the monument: Fall River's Iwo Jima memorial a testament to bravery Police investigation underway Fall River Police Sgt. Moses Pereira confirmed on Tuesday that the vandalism is being investigated by Major Crimes Detective Nicholas Custadio. Over the past several years, video surveillance cameras have been installed in the park by the Vietnam War Memorial Committee. Its unclear if the vandals were caught on surveillance cameras. Plans to professionally clean damaged monuments Aldrich said hes been in contact with a company that has annually cleaned the monument. He said to tell people not to touch anything, because if you use the wrong materials, you could cause more damage, said Aldrich. 'Very, very fortunate': Dartmouth's Walter Dearing tells his 'a little unique' World War II story If vandals are caught, what punishment could they receive? Aldrich said he and other veterans have been watching over the monument since 2010. Its sickening that someone would do something like that, said Aldrich. People dont have respect for anything, and a lot of that I think goes back to the parents, said Aldrich. Its not just veterans that are upset. Civilians have been sending me all kinds of notes, and on Facebook. They think it's just disgusting, and it is. If the culprits are caught, Aldrich said, it could be a teaching moment for the vandals. Bring them down there and give them a history lesson of how many thousands of guys died that are named on that monument, including 58,000 that died in the Vietnam War, said Aldrich. Hed also like to see the vandals ordered to perform community service like having to clean up Bicentennial Park. I dont want them to have a blemish on their records. They are kids. I know they're kids, said Aldrich. But give them a learning experience. Have the punishment be community service." Previous incidents of vandalism It's not the first time that the Iwo Jima Memorial in Fall River was vandalized. In May 2016, the monument was damaged when vandals smashed a plastic enclosure that stored a Purple Heart medal and a vial with sand from Iwo Jima. Several light fixtures on or near the memorial were also smashed in 2016, and a 48-star flag was stolen in 2014. In 2017, two vandals, a male and a female, sprayed the figures with the contents of a fire extinguisher. They were caught by a surveillance camera. According to reports the two were underaged youths. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Vandalism at Fall River Marine memorial angers veterans and civilians The claim: Putin A Jan. 29 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a TikTok video of a woman who claims Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to assist Texas in its dispute at the southern border with the federal government. Putin has come forward and said that he will supply the U.S. citizens with armory to fight against our own government, the woman says at one point. Shown in the background is the headline of a purported news story from the website of the Hal Turner Radio Show that states, Russia to Supply Weapons to Texas if needed to Fight Biden Border Heist. The post received more than 300 likes in six days. Similar iterations of the claim received hundreds of additional likes and shares. More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False An immigration expert and an intelligence firm that tracks online disinformation said the claim is false. The firm found no evidence of a weapons pledge from Putin or any other official in the Russian government. Claim appeared to originate in Russian X post Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, and the Democratic White House are locked in a bitter fight over control of the southern border. To deter migrants, the state placed large water buoys in the Rio Grande and set up barbed wire which the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled federal agents have the authority to cut and remove. Dozens of Republican governors have said they stand with Texas. But there is no credible evidence that either Putin or the Russian government pledged to provide Texans with weapons to use against federal forces. Fact check: No, Biden is not sending US troops to fight Russian troops in Ukraine This claim is almost certainly a fabrication that originated on X formerly Twitter and spread to right-wing blogs and news sites, according to a report about the claim produced for USA TODAY by the intelligence team at Nisos, a firm that monitors online disinformation. Michael Clemens, a professor at George Mason University and an expert on immigration, also told USA TODAY the claim is a fabrication. Nisos researchers found no evidence that any Russian government officials made such a pledge, the report states. They traced the origin to a Jan. 26 X post by a Russian social media user who made several posts about the border. Translated from Russian, the Jan. 26 post states, It is important to understand that by supplying weapons to Texas, Russia does not become a party to the conflict. That statement also appears in the article published the following day by the Hal Turner Radio Show's website, where the comment is attributed to Vasily Nebenzya, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations. When contacted by USA TODAY, Turner a conservative radio host who previously published false claims about the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 vaccines on his website cited a Jan. 27 post on X from a different Russian social media account that attributes the statement to Nebenzya without evidence or context. USA TODAY reached out to Nebenzya through spokespeople for Russias U.S.-based press office and the U.N. but did not receive responses. Russian officials make 'provocative statements, but no weapons pledges Some Putin allies have stated their positions on the border conflict, but those statements do not include promises of weapons. Former Putin adviser Sergei Markov, for example, told a state-run television broadcast in December 2023 that a U.S. civil war would be good for the world, Newsweek reported. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is also allied with Putin, warned in an X post Jan. 26. that the situation could devolve into a destructive civil confrontation. The Nisos report concludes: While Russian efforts to arm Texas may be implausible, Russian officials often make deliberately provocative statements to highlight internal discord among its adversaries. However, in this case, Nisos did not identify any public statements, on social media or on Russian government websites, that quoted (Nebenzya) or any other Russian official announcing that Russia would provide weapons to Texas. USA TODAY reached out to the Instagram user who shared the claim but did not immediately receive a response. Our fact-check sources: Nisos, Feb. 1, Is Russia Arming Texas? Michael Clemens, Jan. 30, Email exchange with USA TODAY @svinoshashlyk, Jan. 26, X post 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: Putin didn't promise weapons for Texas in border clash | Fact check (DENVER) On Monday, Feb. 5, the Colorado House of Representatives refused to welcome onto the House floor a group of Israeli officials, including members of six families of hostages and victims of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. According to a statement from Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a joint ceremony was held in the Senate where members of both chambers were in attendance, but the delegation was not welcomed onto the House floor. McCluskie said, I did not have assurances that members on both sides of the aisle would rise to the occasion, and I had concerns that continuing to bring this issue into the chamber would have had long-term detrimental impacts on how we are able to work together for the people of Colorado. In a statement from his Facebook page, Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, commented on the decision from the House. It is outrageous the Democrats do not trust their own members not to embarrass family members of victims who have been taken hostage by Hamas terrorists, said Weinberg. This is not a Republican or Democrat issuethis is about saying no to evil; this is about standing up for right and wrong; this is about human decency. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. A Texas-bound family of four has gone missing after being dropped off at a bus station in Louisiana, according to New Orleans police. The family was moving to Houston but disappeared somewhere along the way, and it hasnt been seen or heard from in more than two months, the New Orleans Police Department said in a Feb. 5 news release. The father of 27-year-old Steys Yanira David-Funez took her, her husband, 31-year-old Ramon Ruiz Crisanto, and their two young daughters to a Greyhound bus station on Nov. 30, he told investigators. They were supposed to catch a bus from New Orleans to Houston, and at first, it seemed they had done so, according to police. Hours after dropping them off, the father received a text message saying theyd made it to their destination, police said. But when he tried to contact his daughter later that week, there was no answer from her or the rest of the family, police said. Investigators say he reached out to relatives in Texas who were expecting the familys arrival and learned distressing news. Contrary to what the text message said, relatives say the family never showed up, according to police. The couples daughters are ages 4 and 1, officials said. Investigators are asking for the publics help finding the family and anyone with information on their whereabouts is encouraged to contact New Orleans police at 504-658-6060. Man threatens massacre at church he says destroyed his marriage, Oklahoma cops say Husband charged with murder after missing newlywed wife found dead in SUV, OK cops say Mom dies trying to save baby after rescuing 2 kids from house fire, Texas officials say Man bites womans face after learning she got job at strip club, Texas cops say Muslim gunmen shouting threats against Christians shot a 14-year-old Christian dead on Monday (Feb. 5) in Pakistan, sources said. Sunil Masih and other Christians were standing in a market in the Mandiala Warraich area of Gujranwala District, Punjab Province, on Monday evening when six Muslim men armed with pistols arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on them, said the slain boys uncle, Mehboob Gill. We were talking to each other when suddenly Zaman Butt and his accomplices Anas Yaseen, Adil Abdul Rehman, Ashraf Inayat Ullah and two unidentified men came there on motorcycles, Gill said. Adil shouted that no Christian in the area should be left alive, after which Zaman opened fire on Sunil with his pistol, hitting him in the chest. Yaseen shot at another Christian boy, identified only as Jamshed, with the bullet only grazing him, Gill said. The other assailants also opened fire on us with their weapons, but we managed to save ourselves by taking cover of a wall, Gill stated in the First Information Report (FIR No. 226/24) registered with the Gujranwala Cantt Police Station. The gunmen fled the scene while hurling threats at the Christians and so far have not been arrested. We rushed Sunil to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his bullet wound before doctors could begin their treatment, Gill said, adding that his nephew was an eighth-grade student whose father, George Masih, works at a local car shop. The Rev. Numan Matto of the Gondalanwala Presbyterian Church in Gujranwala said the murder was religiously motivated. In May 2023, some Muslim youths disrupted a marriage ceremony of Christians and also attacked a church, Matto told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. However, police and the district administration did not take any action against the influential accused, despite several protests by the Christian community. Between 400 to 450 Christians have lived in the area peaceably for decades, but recently the environment has turned hostile toward religious minorities, he said. If the police had taken stern action against the accused involved in the attack on the church last year, our young child would not have died at the hands of these criminals, Matto said. Fearing more attacks, he urged senior police and district administration officials to ensure the protection of the areas Christians. Sunils murderers are at large, and the audacity of their attack shows that they will not hesitate to strike again, he said. The police will be responsible for any more loss of life of Christians if they do not take adequate security measures. The killing of Sunil was the second deadly attack in Punjab Province in three months. On Nov. 9, a 20-year-old Christian medical technician student, Farhan Ul Qamar, was shot to death by a Muslim in his house in Talwandi Inayat Khan village, Pasrur tehsil of Sialkot District, Punjab Province, in the presence of family members. The slain Christians father, Noor Ul Qamar, said the killer, Muhammad Zubair, showed hatred for Christians and Jews, mistakenly referring to the family as Jews as he ranted at them. Zubair held the family hostage at gunpoint for nearly 40 minutes, refusing to let them go near their fatally injured son, Ul Qamar said. My son was struggling for his life, bleeding profusely from the bullet wounds, but his murderer, Muhammad Zubair, did not allow us to even give him some water, let alone comfort him, Ul Qamar said at the time. He repeatedly called us Jews as he cursed and waved his weapon at us. We all watched helplessly, pleading with him to leave, but he wouldnt go. Farhan Ul Qamar was the youngest of four children. Zubair was arrested hours later from his house, where he was sleeping peacefully. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. BRUNSWICK, Ohio (WJW) A family of four was rushed to the hospital after an early morning house fire. All four were taken to the hospital with burns. The father remains in critical condition, according to officials. Country singer Toby Keith dead at 62 The fire broke out at a home on Nancy Circle in Brunswick. Crews were called out to the scene around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6. This embedded content is not available in your region. Brunswick Fire Chief Greg Glauner said when crews arrived the porch was fully engulfed but it was a very slow-moving fire. It started on the front porch or in the foyer and nearly put itself out but continues to burn very slowly and building heat, said Chief Glauner. Everything in the house is melted and there is soot from ceiling to floor in every single room of the house. FOX 8 Photo FOX 8 Photo FOX 8 Photo FOX 8 Photo FOX 8 Photo FOX 8 Photo FOX 8 Photo The family was able to escape with the help of the neighbor. The mother, 17-year-old daughter, and 5-year-old daughter made it to the neighbors house. The 35-year-old father only made it to the back porch. The neighbor went and rescued him from the porch and brought him to his house. All four were rushed to the hospital with burns. The father had to be life-flighted and remains in critical condition. Police chase through several Cuyahoga County communities There was a cat who did not make it out. There were no working smoke detectors in the home. The chief said its important that every family has a smoke detector and an escape plan. Make sure you have warm clothes next to your bed and sleep with a flashlight, Chief Glauner said. Sleep with doors closed, working smoke detectors. Make sure youve developed an escape plan and practiced it and know where your pets are. Try and confine the pets in the same room youre in so if youre in a fire youre not searching for them. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A child in a ride-on tractory plays among the real things during a protest near the town of Breznik, Bulgaria - Valentina Petrova The European Union has caved in to angry protests from farmers, cutting its target to scrap specific agricultural emissions which formed part of the blocs net zero drive. A demand to reduce nitrogen, methane and other emissions linked to farming by almost a third has been removed from a wider Brussels plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040. On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, offered a further concession to demonstrating farmers by dropping her controversial proposal to halve pesticide use within six years. A recommendation urging EU citizens to eat less meat was also removed from the plan. The concessions came amid mounting demonstrations by farmers in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Romania ahead of this years EU elections. Spanish farmers on Tuesday joined the movement by blockading major highways with convoys of tractors and burning tyres. Meanwhile, blockades on supermarket distribution centres have left shelves empty in Brussels, while several people have been injured in traffic accidents caused by farmers protests in the Netherlands, as they dumped rubbish and set fires on highways. Organisers have threatened to continue disruption in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections in June. Fruit and vegetables thrown out during protests in Caserta, Italy - Antonio Balasco/Avalon The plight of the disillusioned farmers has become politically symbolic ahead of the vote. To quell their angry protests, which have sometimes become violent and caused destruction to cities, Mrs von der Leyen acknowledged net zero rules targeting farmers would need to be watered down. Our farmers deserve to be listened to, she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday. I know that they are worried about the future of agriculture and their future as farmers. But they also know that agriculture needs to move to a more sustainable model of production so that their farms remain profitable in the years to come. The Commission president admitted the proposal to cut pesticide use had become a symbol of polarisation. Brussels is also rowing back on planned rules on animal welfare and allowing the cultivation of land left fallow to restore nature. The reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions was seen as a key pillar of the EUs climate change strategy, which sparked the initial wave of farming protests in the Netherlands over the summer of 2022. The target means farmers will be required to reduce their livestock in order to meet the binding limit on emissions. Mrs von der Leyen has also tried to get farmers on side by announcing a series of strategic dialogues to allow them to voice their concerns directly to EU bureaucrats. Mounting pressure Her effort to placate the farmers came after mounting pressure from political allies ahead of the European parliamentary elections. Manfred Weber, a German MEP and leader of the centre-Right European Political Party, from which Mrs Von der Leyen is a member, warned farming communities could shift their allegiances to hard-Right parties at the ballot. We always realised that farmers are citizens and dont want Left-wing ideologies that dictate everything to them, he told the European Parliament on Tuesday. Europe has been rocked by continuing protests by farmers who have blocked key roads - Albert Gea/REUTERS In a letter to the Commission, the Parliaments Green group said the farmers protest movement was no surprise to us. The root of the problem is clear: the majority of farmers simply cannot make a living from their work, they wrote. They are trapped in a system that is killing them. The Greens also called for Brussels to halt trade talks with South Americas Mercosur bloc, with competition from cheap non-EU products a chief concern amongst farmers. Maros Sefcovic, a Commission vice-president, said the publication of the blocs landmark plan to cut emissions by 90 per cent by 2040 came at a crucial moment in the debate around the future path of Europes green transition. We do recognise the legitimate concerns of citizens and industry over the cost of transition, he added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The EU fears Eurosceptic parties could be bolstered by the farmers' populist revolt - GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP Brussels climbdown on net zero rules for farmers will not stuff the Eurosceptic genie back into the bottle. Polls predict anti-EU parties will win Junes European Parliament elections in nine member states Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia. Now fully emerged from their defensive crouch after Britains painful Brexit negotiations, they are set to come second or third in another nine EU countries. The EU fears that those results could be boosted by the farmers populist revolt. Tractor protests against climate rules handed a Dutch farmers party a landslide victory in regional elections last year after the vote became a referendum on establishment politics. A farmer's tractor protest in Italy - IVAN ROMANO/GETTY IMAGES After the ruling coalition collapsed, voters turned to Geert Wilders, an anti-migrant, Nexit-backing, farmer-supporting firebrand in Novembers snap general election. Copycat tractor protests have since been held in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Romania, are expected soon in Slovakia and erupted in Spain on Tuesday. Eurosceptic parties have adopted the farmers fight, robbing pro-EU forces of a constituency it has long regarded as its own thanks to the blocs huge agricultural subsidies. A key battleground in the looming campaign is the pushback against the EUs 2050 net zero target, a culture war given impetus by the cost of living crisis. Geert Wilders, the farmer-supporting populist leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom - REMKO DE WAAL/SHUTTERSTOCK Europes farmers are also anxious about competition with cheap agricultural imports from Ukraine after the EU waived trade restrictions and have thrown a spanner into the works of the blocs free trade negotiations with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries. This is a problem for Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president who spearheaded the net zero push as one of her flagship policies. Five years ago, her appointment to the European Parliament was approved by just nine votes after she relied on Green support to secure the job. Now her own centre-Right European Peoples Party, long the parliaments biggest group, is courting the farmers by getting tough on environmental legislation. Farmers are protesting against low pay, strict environmental regulations, and 'unfair' import levels - PIER MARCO TACCA/GETTY IMAGES The Eurosceptic surge, like those before it, could be comfortably contained by an alliance of pro-EU parties, which will still be in the majority after the elections. The European Peoples Party simply has to forgo the temptation to form a conservative coalition with Eurosceptic parties to limit the influence of the likes of Marine Le Pen, Viktor Orban and Mr Wilders. But Mrs von der Leyen has wilted under the pressure of her political family and shelved or weakened new EU green laws. Agriculture is responsible for 11 per cent of all EU greenhouse gas emissions and 54 per cent of its polluting methane emissions. Mrs von der Leyens latest U-turn is unlikely to stop the protests - JEAN-FRANCOIS BADIAS/AP Removing farming from a plan to cut emissions by 90 per cent by 2040 is a massive concession to the sector, which represents just 1.5 per cent of EU GDP. Services represent 64.7 per cent of EU GDP, while manufacturing is 23.8 per cent. Allowing agriculture, which already benefits from a third of the EUs budget 386.7 billion over seven years to force a more protectionist trade policy is equally astounding. Mrs von der Leyens latest about-turn is a major sign of weakness and will not stop the tractor protests. The farmers are holding the EU hostage and they are winning. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A 30-year-old Columbus man has been summoned to appear in court after a trooper clocked him driving 120 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour zone, according to a police report. Country singer Toby Keith dead at 62 Officials posted a picture of the radar speed gun to Facebook and wrote, Please #SlowDown and drive safely so everyone can make it to their destination. According to the report, the incident took place Saturday, Feb. 3 at 8 a.m. on U.S. 33 in Fairfield County. Airbag issue leads to massive Honda recall Troopers report the man was driving a 2018 Dodge car. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed families who say their children were harmed or killed themselves due to social media during a recent U.S. Senate hearing where lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle questioned Big Tech executives about how their platforms are protecting children online. On Wednesday, Zuckerberg joined TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Discord CEO Jason Citron, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and X CEO Linda Yaccarino in testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. During his opening statement, Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., referred to online child sexual exploitation in America as a "crisis," warning that messaging applications and social media have provided predators with "powerful new tools" to harm children. The Democratic senator noted that daily cyber tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding online child sexual abuse material reached 100,000 in 2023. "Today, we'll hear from the CEOs of those companies. They are not only tech companies that have contributed to this crisis; they are responsible for many of the dangers our children face online," Durbin said. "Their design choices, their failures to adequately invest in trust and safety, and their constant pursuit of engagement and profit over basic safety have all put our kids and grandkids at risk," he continued. At one point during the hearing, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., called on Zuckerberg to apologize to the families sitting in the room. As lawmakers questioned the chief executives of the social media companies, the families sat behind them, with some of them holding photos of their loved ones. Zuckerberg's company Meta includes the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The Meta CEO stood up during the hearing and turned to address the families behind him. "I'm sorry for everything you've been through," Zuckerberg, 39, said. "No one should have to go through the things that your families have suffered. And this is why we invest so much and are going to continue doing industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer." In March 2022, Nature Communications journal published a Cambridge University study suggesting a link between social media use and negative life satisfaction in certain adolescents. Another study published in April 2022 by Acta Psychologica reportedly found a "consistent and substantial association between mental health and social media use" among girls. A spokesperson for Meta told The Christian Post in June 2022 that the company was working to create new features to help those who may be struggling with "negative social comparison." The spokesperson argued, however, that the company's research didn't conclude that "Instagram is inherently bad for teens." One of the settings the spokesperson told CP that the company introduced was "Take a Break" to encourage teenagers to spend time away from Instagram. Regarding the issue of online child sex abuse material, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also questioned Zuckerberg about the promotion of these types of images on Instagram. Cruz said Instagram has a warning screen telling users, "These results may contain images of child sexual abuse" before asking if they'd like to proceed and see the images or "get resources." "Senator, the basic science behind that when people are searching for something that is problematic, it's often rather than just blocking it to help direct them toward something that could be helpful for them to get help," Zuckerberg responded after Cruz asked the CEO about the thought process behind this feature. The Republican senator continued to press Zuckerberg, asking why the platform allows users to select the option to see the images. Zuckerberg said it was because the platform could be "wrong," and there is a chance the results don't include child abuse material. Cruz followed up by asking how often the platform displays the wording on the screen. The Meta CEO said that he did not know the answer off the top of his head, and he promised the senator that he would "personally look into it." Originally published by The Christian Post The U.S. Department of Education said Monday it would provide more technical support to help students and colleges deal with problems caused by the new FAFSA form. Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune The U.S. Department of Education said Monday it will roll out more technical support to help students and colleges deal with problems and delays caused by the release of a new version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The new FAFSA form, meant to streamline the financial aid application, was launched three months later than in a typical school year. The Education Department had planned to share data from completed FAFSAs in late January but pushed back that timeline to the first half of March, about two months later than planned. These delays mean colleges have a shorter window to turn around financial aid packages for Texas estimated 1.6 million college students. [Heres what Texans need to know about the new FAFSA to get aid for college] To help with the processing of financial aid packages, federal officials on Monday announced it would deploy financial aid experts to "lower-resourced" colleges and historically Black universities, like Prairie View A&M University or Texas Southern University, that request the help. In addition, about $50 million will be earmarked to help fund the operations of nonprofits specializing in financial aid support. Its unclear how the agency will identify which nonprofits will receive these funds. Federal officials will also release mock versions of student FAFSA data within the next two weeks to help financial aid offices prepare to assemble aid packages. Completing the FAFSA is the single best way to access federal, state and school aid for college. The Texas high school class of 2022 missed out on $390 million in Pell Grant money by not completing the FAFSA. The Texas priority deadline to complete the FAFSA is March 15, though state financial aid experts are encouraging students to complete the form earlier. The Education Department had already been offering assistance through its FAFSA hotline. But Texas students told The Texas Tribune they have struggled to get ahold of an operator even more so if they needed a Spanish-speaking agent. The difficulties with the hotline are in part why federal officials are providing more technical support, said Richard Cordray, the head of the U.S. Education Departments Federal Student Aid, which oversees FAFSA. The agency is also encouraging schools to push their college decision deadlines, Cordray added. For most Texas 4-year universities, applicants must decide where to enroll by May 1. It would help take some of the pressure off of families, Cordray said. To the extent schools are interested in doing that, we would encourage that. The Department of Education is still trying to resolve glitches that have shut some students out of form altogether, like an error that does not allow parents without a Social Security number to add their financial information. Cordray said resolving the glitch is a high priority for the agency and that a fix will come in this month. The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The White House is promising as much help as California needs as the rains continues to fall. President Joe Biden made the promise personally to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a call Monday that came during an emergency briefing. Biden assured Bass that all resources will be at the citys disposal should they be needed. So far, the president has not made any kind of disaster declaration, however FEMA says its mobilized and ready to assist. FEMA continues to coordinate closely with the state. We are in contact, in close coordination with the governor of California and his team. FEMA does have a national team on the ground in the operations center with the state, said Senior FEMA official Marcus Coleman, Jr. Its unclear at this point how extensive the final damage will be once the storm moves on. Theres always the chance the president could approve a disaster declaration should the situation rise to that level. In the meantime, the president assured city and state leaders that the federal government is prepared to offer any help needed. I just got off the phone with Governor Newsom, were working closely together so that the state is mobilized with the resources you need. If theres anything more you need from us, from my FEMA directorwell get any help you need once you guys request it, said Biden. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Is the idea of gentle parenting compatible with biblical doctrines? That is the question at the heart of a debate between a Gospel Coalition author and Christian proponents of the increasingly popular parenting method, highlighting a growing conversation about discipline, love and theological interpretation in the realm of parenting. In an article for The Gospel Coalition, Bernard M. Howard, a pastor at Grace Church in Birmingham, Alabama, critiqued the gentle parenting approach, which seeks to raise confident, independent and happy children through empathy, respect and understanding, and setting healthy boundaries, according to a definition from the Cleveland Clinic. If gentle parenting were just a mood board for solving parenting difficulties in nonconfrontational ways, Id have nothing to say against it, he wrote. But when you dig more deeply into the underlying concepts of gentle parenting, you find at least two that stand opposed to the Bibles teaching about parenting. Howard emphasized two main points of the practice he considers "unbiblical": the belief that children's challenging behavior is caused by external factors and can be mitigated through emotional validation without the need for punishment; and the notion that rewards and punishments are ineffective at addressing the underlying feelings behind behaviors. The author contends that gentle parenting overlooks the inherent sinfulness of human nature, as outlined in Scripture, and fails to acknowledge the necessity of punishment as part of godly discipline. He contends that painful punishment, when administered in a loving context, is vital for conveying the seriousness of sin and guiding children toward righteousness. From the Bibles point of view, its impossible to shape a childs character without demonstrating the seriousness of wrongdoing through retributory punishment. Words arent enough, because theyre so easily ignored (see Prov. 29:19). Painful punishment, administered by loving parents, drives home the message. I distinctly remember thinking, one time when my father was disciplining me, Oh. What I did really must have been wrong, he wrote. "If a childs folly remains, it will produce harmful outcomes, and the Bible assumes folly will remain without disciplines rod. If we want to produce gentle children, well need more than gentle methodswell need biblical ones." In a lengthy response on Instagram, David Erickson, who with his wife, Amanda, founded Flourishing Homes & Families, which seeks to equip and empower Christian parents to lead their families with grace and gentleness through parenting principles that are rooted in the teaching of Jesus and backed by modern neuroscience, offered a counterargument. Erickson, also a former pastor and seminary theology professor, criticized Howard for allegedly misrepresenting gentle parenting as "permissive" and failing to distinguish it from authoritative parenting, which balances guidance with empathy. The central thesis of their recent article is that children must be punished, but the author acknowledges there's a theological problem with that stance because the Bible is very clear that Jesus took all our punishment, he said. Well, how does he evade this? Well, he just argues that the world just doesn't work that way. The world punishes, therefore, Christian parents need to punish if we believe we live in a sin-soaked, sin-infected world, why are we taking our cues from the world around us about how to treat our children rather than looking to God and His desire for how followers should treat their children? Erickson posited that the true measure of gentle parenting's compatibility with Christianity lies in whether it reflects the character of Christ and His teachings on love, forgiveness and redemption. The author also criticized Howard's reliance on specific interpretations of biblical terms related to discipline, arguing that such interpretations can lead to a narrow and potentially misleading understanding of Scripture. [The TGC article] boldly sets up Pilate as a positive example for parents; Pilate beating Jesus, he said. When the villains are your model, not the Savior of the world, something's gone deeply, deeply wrong. And you've lost the plot in the attempt to be biblical. You stop being Christ-like. A Christ-centered approach to parenting, he said, inherently aligns with the principles of gentle parenting, which seeks to nurture and guide children in a manner that is reflective of God's love and grace. When Christ is the center of our parenting, it comes out looking not that different from gentle parenting, he said. In a lengthy response on YouTube, Christian author Kelsey Kramer McGinnis also contended that Bernard misrepresented "gentle parenting" in his article and reflected a "caricature" rather than a nuanced understanding. Christian author Marissa Burt also voiced frustration with Christian parenting teachings that attempt to differentiate between discipline and abuse without clear parameters, insisting that such teachings are unhelpful and potentially dangerous to vulnerable children. "This is so irresponsible, and so dangerous from a pastor, from someone publishing materials because this essentially hands license to anyone," she said. "This is not helpful to families, this is dangerous for vulnerable children." The debate over "gentle parenting" underscores a broader conversation within the Christian community about the nature of discipline, the interpretation of biblical teachings and the application of Christian doctrine to contemporary parenting practices. Recent statistics on spanking reveal a decline in its prevalence among U.S. parents over time. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the prevalence of spanking among parents with children aged 2 to 12 years old declined from 50% in 1993 to 35% in 2017. Danny Huerta of the prominent Colorado-based national Christian ministry Focus on the Family said in a 2019 piece that child spanking could be either appropriate or inappropriate. Used correctly and infrequently as part of a comprehensive parenting toolkit, a spank can be that last resort discipline method you use when you need to create attention and a clear understanding why the behavior should never happen again, he wrote. Used inappropriately, spanking can be dangerous. Ive found some parents who use spanking as their main discipline tool and, many times, use it when theyre frustrated or angry. Ive also noticed some parents spank and move on, skipping the important teaching element. Last year, TGC was forced to issue an apology after posting an excerpt from a book by Joshua Ryan Butler, a pastor in Arizona, in which he offered graphic descriptions of sexual intercourse in spiritual terms, describing sex as a man bestowing a holy gift to a woman and comparing that to the relationship of Jesus and the Church. In the excerpt, which was widely criticized by prominent pastors, including Kevin DeYoung and Rick Warren, Butler, after confessing that he used to look to sex for salvation before realizing that idolizing sex results in slavery, recounted a series of failed romantic adventures and stated that, in fact, sex is an icon of Christ and the church. Amid the fallout from the article, Butler resigned from both the leadership of his Arizona megachurch and as a fellow with the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, a project of TGC. TGC also faced criticism in 2013 when three key members, Don Carson, Kevin DeYoung, and Justin Taylor published a statement on TGC website in defense of C.J. Mahaney, the founder of Sovereign Grace Ministries. Originally published by The Christian Post An interim Los Angeles police chief could be named as early as this week, as city decision-makers are beginning to feel the crunch of picking a temporary successor for outgoing leader Michel Moore, who is set to depart at the end of the month. The Board of Police Commissioners, the LAPD's civilian policymaking body, is set to discuss the hiring of an interim chief at its regular weekly meeting Tuesday at police headquarters. After hearing from members of the public, the commission will go into closed session for "Discussion and possible Board action" on the matter, according to an agenda posted Friday. If a decision isn't announced Tuesday, one almost certainly will be in the coming days as the clock continues to tick on finding a replacement for Moore, who will step down roughly a year into what was set to be his second five-year term. Moore had said he planned to serve for two or three years, and he will remain on as a consultant for the next few months while the city conducts a nationwide search to find a permanent replacement. Read more: As the city searches for a new LAPD chief, lack of women leaders becomes more apparent The unexpected timing of Moore's announcement left the Police Commission scrambling to select a replacement to take over what is considered as one of the most high-profile and challenging jobs in law enforcement, leading the nation's third-largest police department. The appointment will be made by the five-member commission, with input from Mayor Karen Bass, whose office did not provide comment Monday. Inside LAPD headquarters, Moore's retirement has set off a round of jockeying and politicking that is so intense that some department insiders are calling it "Game of Thrones," after the hit HBO series about the palace intrigue behind warring kingdoms. According to multiple department sources who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the selection process, the field of internal and external candidates competing for the job has been winnowed after the Police Commission received cover letters and resumes from some members of the command staff. Rob Saltzman, a former police commissioner, told The Times that the commission will probably look for someone to step in immediately to "stabilize the department." That means someone with the political acumen and managerial skills who can step in on Day One and manage the three major department offices: operations, special operations and support services, he said. "So the kinds of operational questions that come up on a regular basis, difficult operations situations, how much resources to assign," Saltzman said, in addition to decisions related to use of force and officer discipline. "Then there are lots of personnel issues, there'll be discipline issues, potentially promotions that the chief needs to deal with that cannot just sit waiting for a permanent chief." Deputy Chief Michael Rimkunas, one of the two internal candidates said to be on the shortlist, said he was interviewed for an hour by commissioners after applying for the job, which he described as a smooth process. "The Police Commission has done a good job; I think they're doing their due diligence about the other candidates," said Rimkunas, a 29-year department veteran who runs the Professional Standards Bureau. Read more: The LAPD says it needs helicopters. An audit found most flights aren't for 'high priority' crimes "The interim chief is there to provide stability and support in order to get that done," he said. "It's more collaboration with the Board of Police Commissioners, with the mayor, conducting an assessment of how things are going, instilling morale, making sure we're holding folks accountable, being transparent with the community." The other internal candidate, department sources said, is Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, who was recently elevated to the post to replace the outgoing Robert Marino. Choi did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Among the "outside" candidates who have been interviewed, according to LAPD sources, all have worked for the department at one time or another. One of them is Sandy Jo MacArthur, who came up through the department during a period of upheaval in the late 1990s and eventually rose to the rank of assistant chief. MacArthur retired in 2015 but still serves as a reserve officer. She is currently working with the University of Chicago's Crime Lab, which studies crime and policing. She previously interviewed for the police chief job in 2018, which eventually went to Moore. If she were picked for the interim role this time around, she would become the first woman to lead the department. "It's been an interesting process, and I think that the people that I understand are in the group are all really good people," MacArthur said when reached by phone Monday. "So I think that they've got a good pool to choose from." The candidate with the most leadership experience is former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. He has also been away from the department the longest, having left in 2010 to become police chief in Long Beach. Four years later, he was elected sheriff, taking over the largest non-municipal law enforcement agency in the country. He and MacArthur both helped the LAPD implement a consent decree that largely resulted from the Rampart corruption scandal of the late 1990s. Also in the mix, according to multiple sources, is Bob Green, a former LAPD deputy chief. He did not respond to a call seeking comment. In announcing his departure, Moore said he was proud of his career at the department and had made the decision to leave in order to spend more time with his family. Moore has endured a series of department controversies in recent months, including a string of officer misconduct incidents and a whistleblower complaint alleging that two detectives were ordered to investigate Bass shortly after her election. Moore vehemently denied the allegations. Read more: Detectives claim LAPD chief sought investigation of Mayor Bass over USC scholarship Prognosticators say that picking a chief is one of the most consequential decisions a mayor makes, and Bass may decide to appoint a woman or a Latino for the first time in the department's long history. Paula Minor, an organizer with Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles and a regular presence at commission meetings, said she had little faith that a change at the top would be enough to fix some of the LAPD's "systemic issues." As critical as she was of Moore's leadership, she conceded that even he at times appeared helpless in addressing a deeply entrenched culture of impunity and "the heavy, heavy influence" of the police union. "What type of individual you select may not make a significant difference in the outcome or the changes that you need in the department," Minor said. At the same time, she said, a change at the top would be a step toward rooting out "a level of incompetence that's kind of just tolerated." Times editor Cindy Chang contributed to this report. 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 State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio serves nearly 493,000 active, inactive and retired Ohio public educators. STRS Ohio is one of the largest public pension funds in the country. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Doral Chenoweth III) Photo taken Dec. 26, 2018. In a rebuke of Gov. Mike DeWine, an appeals court magistrate said that the governor improperly removed his appointee to the pension board that serves Ohio teachers. 10th District Court of Appeals Magistrate Thomas W. Scholl III said Tuesday that DeWine lacked the constitutional or legal authority to pull Wade Steen off the State Teachers Retirement System Board before his term ends later this year and appoint G. Brent Bishop to the seat. Scholl's decision isn't final or binding. It now goes to a three-judge panel to adopt or reject it. Even then, the panel's decision could be appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court later this year. STRS Ohio is governed by an 11-member board that includes appointees and elected members. The board oversees $90 billion invested for 500,000 teachers and retirees. Republican former Gov. John Kasich initially appointed Steen to the board for a four-year term. DeWine reappointed him in 2020. But in May 2023, DeWine announced he was replacing Steen with Bishop. Steen filed a lawsuit, contending the governor lacked the authority to make the switch. DeWine isn't a party to the lawsuit, but the case raises questions about a governor's powers. Activists have been mounting a board takeover, electing board members who are more sympathetic to their complaints about transparency, senior leadership, staff bonuses, and the suspension of the cost-of-living allowances for retirees. Steen was seen as aligned with the activists. DeWine Press Secretary Dan Tierney said "Our office believes that the courts will ultimately determine the governor acted within the law." The teachers' pension fund is at a crossroads. STRS put its director Bill Neville on leave after an anonymous letter emerged in November purporting to be from pension fund employees who accused him of bizarre, harassing and violent behavior. The Ohio Attorney General's office, which represents state pension funds, hired an outside firm to investigate the allegations. A report is expected this month. The letter came at a time when the 11-member board was divided over Neville's leadership. In February 2023, the board deadlocked 5-5 over a no-confidence vote in Neville. Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Magistrate says Gov. Mike DeWine lacked power to remove STRS member Finally, a fintech startup helping businesses automate accounting and finance functions, secured another $10 million in venture capital. TechCrunch previously reported on the company in 2022 when it raised $95 million in equity and debt to roll out small business lending and bookkeeping capabilities. Felix Rodriguez, his wife, Glennys Rodriguez and Edwin Mejia started the company in 2018. Since then, the Miami-based company has focused more on bringing together business processes, like bookkeeping, expense management, bill payment and payroll, under one automated solution for small businesses, Felix Rodriguez told TechCrunch. That included the addition last year of an artificial intelligence-powered ledger, offering business banking functions and building a new version of its bookkeeping app. The company also provides a corporate card to help small businesses with their cash flow on top of giving them insight into how they are doing. Small businesses responded: The last time we spoke we were at a little bit over 1,000 customers, and now we're dealing with over 1,000 new businesses per month, Rodriguez said. He declined to reveal Finallys valuation or revenue growth over the past year. Meanwhile, the new capital, led by PeakSpan Capital with participation from Active Capital, will be invested in additional hiring, go-to-marketing and expansion of finallys tech stack. That includes mobile versions of its bookkeeping, expense management and business banking apps. The trick for us is really leveraging AI to give more insights and start highlighting what some of these data points mean, Rodriguez said. Not every business owner has that, so we feel like that's the next breakthrough. Now with its three new products, Jack Freeman, partner at PeakSpan Capital, said in a statement that Finally enters 2024 as a fully-fledged fintech with a portfolio of products supporting small businesses. We are psyched to see what the Finally squad can do with more growth capital and resources this coming year. FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS) In February 2024, a fine dining restaurant will be opened at The Gaines Estate. The restaurant will be added on Friday, February 16, 2024, and will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with the lounge opening at 4:00 p.m. Local restaurant to be featured on Americas Best Restaurants Chef Shane Blankenship and Sous-Chef Greg Lilly (both formerly of Dobra Zupas) were hired by Cascade Properties LLC to make classic American dishes for upscale dining. The estate was bought by Major Theophilus Gaines, a soldier in the Union Army and former Judge Advocate for southern West Virginia, after the Civil War. The Neo-Colonial style house that exists today was built in 1920 by L. Ebersole Gaines, who was the grandson of Major Theophilus Gaines. Although the house was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2008, it was bought in 2012 by Cascade Properties LLC who restored the house to the original design as best as they could. Once The Gaines Estate opened for business in 2020, it was used for many things such as a wedding, meeting, and event venue. We are excited to welcome Chefs Blankenship and Lilly to our staff and to offer upscale casual and fine dining cuisine to the public. The historic elegance of The Gaines Estate and the al fresco dining opportunities of the mansions two decks and covered porch with views of the landscaped grounds surrounding the estate will offer a unique and memorable dining experience in southern West Virginia. Bill Wells | One of the owners of The Gaines Estate The fine dining restaurant will allow diners to eat in an area of a restored 1920s era house which includes a lounge that gives off a prohibition era feel, and a southern style patio. WVSOM medical student coaches young swimmers The Gaines Estate will still be a event, wedding, and meeting venue, however the restaurant will be closed on days with other events such as large weddings. Reservations are recommended at the restaurant to make sure that diners will have a table. Call 304-382-7509 to ask questions about weddings, events, and meetings, as well as dinner reservations. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Experts applaud China's opening-up policy for foreign talents Xinhua) 09:16, February 06, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China is a vibrant land full of opportunities, providing broad space for foreign talents to work and achieve, according to experts who had won the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award. An award ceremony was held on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commend 50 foreign experts from 26 countries for their outstanding contributions to China's reform and development. The event that officially began in 1991 has honored nearly 1,900 foreigners from over 80 countries and regions. Saulebek Kabylbekov, a Kazakh ophthalmologist from Daqing Ophthalmology Hospital in Heilongjiang Province, who moved to China in 1998, was among the recipients of the 2023 award. "Over the 25 years, I've cured 200,000 Chinese patients of eye diseases. In the meantime, I've been deeply in love with Heilongjiang and with China," he said at the award ceremony. "It will be especially memorable this time since I am honored with the Chinese Government Friendship Award, which is more than an acknowledgment of my work; it's an affirmation of the friendship between China and Kazakhstan," Kabylbekov said, adding that he is willing to serve Chinese patients and make new contributions to the friendship between the two countries. Erik Solheim, a Norwegian expert and former under-secretary-general of the United Nations, said he has witnessed China's great achievements in ecological civilization construction over these years. He also said that the award highlights the importance of solidarity and cooperation among countries in the face of global challenges. "The foundation for a lasting partnership lies in two fundamental principles: Respect for each other and dialogue between civilizations. As friends of China, we will try to pursue this," Solheim said. China is a vibrant land full of opportunities, providing broad space for foreign experts and other talents for their own development, recipients of the award noted, adding that they will continue to participate deeply in China's development, and continue to serve as a bridge of communication between China and the rest of the world. "China is making a huge effort to introduce foreign talents. It will continue to be attractive to the world's best talent in the future providing it remains of mutual benefit, which is obviously the condition for successful international collaboration," said Yvon Marie Efflam Le Maho, a French expert on biodiversity and a member of the French Academy of Sciences. "I plan to strengthen the collaboration with my Chinese colleagues. They have, in my view, already achieved an excellent scientific level," Maho said. It is a good policy for China to attract talents in various fields from around the world to help and support China's development, said Mikhail Morozov, deputy editor-in-chief of Russia's Trud newspaper. "In the future China will be a very popular destination for experts," said NYU Shanghai Provost Joanna Waley-Cohen. "The more that people come to China, the better they know about China because you can not understand China without coming here in person." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The anti-violence sculpture made by the British Ironwork Centre using illegal weapons seized off the streets of the UK, dubbed the "Manchester Bee," is set to "beeline" its way in a tour around Gloucester this coming Feb. 16 through 20. This sculpture, which was the first in the country to be made out of guns, will visit the city in hopes of promoting conversations about crime and violence prevention. Its main stop is at the Gloucester Cathedral. 'The Bee of Peace' in Gloucester This hosting of the bee sculpture is only one part of a larger tour in various stops across the country, which the British Ironwork Centre dubs "The Bee of Peace" tour. According to the organization's website, the sculpture was made in collaboration and as commissioned by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to establish a physical symbol of Manchester's "stance against all forms of violence." It is made out of thousands of knives and firearms that were sourced from the amnesty banks in Manchester and the sculpture was made in the image of the city's worker bee mascot. The tour's upcoming Gloucester leg is highly anticipated, with Gloucester Cathedral's Canon Chancellor Rebecca Lloyd telling BBC that its presence in the city and the opportunity to host it is a "great privilege." Canon Lloyd, who is also the Director of Learning and Participation at the church, also expressed that they are still "blown away" by the previously successful visit of the bee's predecessor, the Knife Angel, which was similarly made by the British Ironwork Centre. In commemoration of the angel's visit last year, the church has also set up the Knife Angel Legacy Fund. According to Canon Lloyd, this fund made two recently hosted youth action summits which brought together "young people and partners" across the city to discuss ways to make Gloucester safer. The Knife Angel Legacy Fund also helped fund the bee's upcoming visit to the cathedral, with added financial help from Crimestoppers and Gloucester BID. In addition to this, the bee is also being supported by city partners The Hollie Gazzard Trust, The Music Works, Hundred Heroines, Gloucester CitySafe, Nettl, 1st Call Plant Ltd, Gloucestershire College, and Hartpury University and College. The sculpture will first touch down in Kings Square and it will then "buzz" around the Music Works Bus and Hundred Heroines' "Malevolence" exhibition before it arrives at the Gloucester Cathedral. During its stay at the church, would-be viewers will also be able to participate in free bee-themed arts and crafts activities. Its last stop within the city is set at the Docks on Feb. 18. After the Gloucester leg of the tour, the "Manchester Bee" will continue its journey across the county. Read Also: Students Used AI to Decode Ancient Roman Scrolls Buried by Mount Vesuvius Eruption 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Law enforcement across Florida continues to honor a state trooper who died in the line of duty. People were seen lining the road in Port Saint Lucie on Monday, during a procession for Trooper Zachary Fink. Investigators say Fink died on Friday while following a reckless driver on I-95. Watch: Florida man arrested after FHP trooper, truck driver killed during high-speed chase on I-95 Both he and the suspect were on the wrong side of the highway when a semi-truck hit Finks car. Fink and the semi-truck driver died. Read: FHP trooper dies in line-of-duty after crash on I-95 The suspect, Michael Addison, is facing nearly a dozen charges. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Florida abortion rights groups are heading to the state Supreme Court this week as part of their effort to put abortion protections on the ballot in November. The court will hear arguments Wednesday about whether the ballot measure language meets state rules, the final hurdle to clear before the question can be put to voters. It needs to issue a ruling by April 1. Supporters have already gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, and the state division of elections officially designated it as Amendment 4, pending Supreme Court review. If successful, the measure could undo the states abortion bans and would be a significant blow to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and conservative legislators, who have tightened the rules to make it more difficult for groups to launch successful ballot measures. Florida is one of a handful of red and purple states where groups are pushing to get measures on the ballot in 2024 that would protect access to abortion, following a streak of wins for similar measures in Kansas and Ohio. Florida currently bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It also prohibits abortions at six weeks, though that law hasnt yet been enacted. Abortion rights advocates are confident that the measure will make it on the ballot, and legal experts say the topic shouldnt matter. The court is only supposed to consider whether the question is about a single subject and whether the language accurately describes what the amendment will do. But the court is extremely conservative and openly hostile to abortion. Five of the seven Supreme Court justices were appointed by DeSantis, and in a separate case, they appear poised to uphold the 15-week ban. Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) launched an aggressive fight against the measure. Along with anti-abortion groups, she will argue the ballot language is unclear and misleading, and the court should disqualify it. If approved, the language on the ballot would read in part: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. In her initial brief filed at the end of October, Moody said the amendment was an attempt to hoodwink voters into approving a framework that will allow essentially unrestricted abortions. The ballot summary is part of a similar overall design to lay ticking time bombs that will enable abortion proponents later to argue that the amendment has a much broader meaning than voters would ever have thought, Moody wrote. Moody specifically took issue with the words healthcare provider, viability and health. According to Moody, viability can have more than one meaning, and backers will push for even looser abortion rules. Moody wrote the amendments language would give health providers the power to decide both what constitutes viability of a pregnancy and whether the health of the pregnant person justified a late-term abortion. In a later brief, she added that if the court chooses to approve the amendment, it should make clear that the legislature, executive, and judiciary retain their traditional constitutional roles in defining and enforcing viability and health. But in a brief supporting the amendment, a group of former Republican officials led by ex-Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll said the state was asking the court to impose a much higher bar for review than in any other ballot measure to date. The power of the people to decide for themselves what their fundamental law should be is so valued in Florida that courts exercise extreme restraint before blocking citizen initiatives from reaching Floridians, the officials wrote. Whether one supports abortion is irrelevant, the constitutionally protected citizens initiative process should move forward and the initiative should reach the people, as the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs suggested, so that the people themselves can decide the issue, the officials wrote. Supreme Court review of a ballot measure is standard procedure in Florida, and oral arguments are common if the state opposes it. Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, the primary coalition behind the abortion amendment, noted that the attorney generals office filed official challenges against a host of recent ballot measures including recreational marijuana, restoring voting rights of former felons, and increasing the minimum wage. All of them made it past Supreme Court review and were passed by voters. If you look at our language, it was written to be read by an eighth grader, and it was written to use words that are familiar with people that have definitions in Florida statutes, Brenzel said. So these are all political arguments more than they are legal arguments, and I think it shows that [the state] is having to do some mental gymnastics to even talk about the ways in which this language should be thrown out. Because the reality is, this language is ready for voters, Brenzel added. Even with a 15-week ban, Florida has become a haven for women seeking abortions from other states with even stricter laws. Thats why its so essential the measure to protect abortion makes it to the ballot, Brenzel said, because the specter of a six-week ban is looming. If access to care is lost in Florida, the implications of that will be devastating. There will be nowhere feasible for 78,000 patients to go, Brenzel said. Were just hoping that we can see a real respect for the constitution and constituents in the state of Florida coming out of this process. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. For some motorists, a roundabout can be confusing, frightening, even downright maddening as they navigate their way counter-clockwise around an intersection. But for others, the traffic circles are a blessing. They slow vehicles. They make intersections safer. Some say the structures can beautify an interchange. Long unfamiliar to many American drivers, roundabouts have grown in popularity in recent years. Thats driven residents of the rural Seminole County community of Geneva to join officials in Oviedo in a fight that would have once been unthinkable. They want county officials to build a roundabout at the increasingly busy intersection of County Road 426 and Lockwood Boulevard. The county, for its part, is insisting on a traffic signal, saying it would be cheaper and quicker to install. Most of the folks out here do not like traffic lights, said Richard Creedon, of the Geneva Citizens Association. Were saying: Lets not put a traffic light in there now. Lets first do a study. It just makes more senseBut the county is hell-bent for leather to do it, put up a traffic light. Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek agrees, even though she voted last month for a city resolution to pitch in $62,478 toward the countys $650,000 cost of a new traffic light. Sladek said she has now changed her mind. I dont want people coming in from Geneva, getting to the edge of our city, and being greeted by a stop light, she said. What a jerk move that would be. People tend to have strong opinions about the traffic calming circles originally a European method of keeping vehicles flowing safely at a crossroads. The English rock band Yes was inspired to write the hit song, Roundabout, in the early 1970s while on a road trip through Scotland. Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley, sang Jon Anderson, who later explained he was on his way to meet his wife and found himself delighted with the circular travel. In and around the lake.One mile over, well be there and well see you. But in the 1985 comedy National Lampoons European Vacation, actor Chevy Chases character has a far different experience: He drives into a large London roundabout and goes around for the rest of the day because he cant figure it out. Central Florida residents line up on either side of the Jon Anderson/Chevy Chase divide. In Altamonte Springs, many residents opposed roundabouts during a recent community meeting regarding the countys plans to install them along North Street and Raymond Avenue as part of the improvements for Rolling Hills Community Park. Resident Joe Laikos predicted motorists would seek alternate routes through neighborhood streets to avoid the circles. If you are going west bound on North Street, it is easier to cut through (side streets), rather than go around two roundabouts, he said in a comment card at the meeting. But in Orlando, the city plans to build a roundabout on Edgewater Drive at Lakeview Street as part of an effort to make the avenue more pedestrian friendly. This comes more than two decades after Orlando installed five speed-busting concrete roundabouts with palm trees and flowering plants along Concord Street in the downtown historic district. Within months several vehicles slammed into them. In 2019, Seminole installed four roundabouts along West Seminole Boulevard to slow traffic. They are so maddening, resident Genevieve Brainard told a Sentinel reporter at the time. According to a 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, roundabouts are far more expensive than traffic signals, costing up to $2 million to construct. Multi-lane roundabouts can run substantially more. But over time, local governments save money by not paying for the maintenance, electricity, and supplies that traffic lights require. Roundabouts are not affected by power outages, the report notes. There are also environmental benefits to roundabouts because fewer vehicles have to sit at traffic lights, idling and spewing greenhouse gasses into the air, the report continues. Tony Nelson, Seminole Countys engineer, said the Lockwood Boulevard and C.R. 429 intersection has had dozens of crashes in the past five years, including five that could have been prevented with a traffic signal. Right now there is a safety concern at that intersection, Nelson said. Were trying to address safety. So the quickest thing we can do is put in a signal. Nelson said constructing a roundabout would take at least four years and cost about $2 million, three times more the cost of a traffic signal. Still, Nelson said county officials are not opposed to the circular islands. In fact, the county and state have plans to construct roundabouts near Oviedo along State Road 434 between State Road 417 and Mitchell Hammock Road. Roundabouts do slow down traffic, Nelson said. But 426, its a different story. People are flying on that road. One roundabout is not going to solve it. We have to do a study. We have to see a benefit to the cost. All that good stuff before we jump in. But for Creedon and other Geneva residents, a roundabout just inherently makes sense. The main reason for me is that its safer and less chances of a collision than a light, said David McDonald, a resident since 1986. If someone runs a red light, someone could get broadsided. That wouldnt happen with a roundabout. mcomas@orlandosentinel.com Theres not a fascist idea floating in the Republican air space that Gov. Ron DeSantis doesnt embrace. His latest endorsement: bills advancing in the Florida Legislature to enable rounding up the states homeless and forcing them to live in monitored camps. A work in progress, DeSantis on Monday called House Bill 1365 and Senate Bill 1530, which prohibit city and county governments from allowing homeless people to sleep or camp on public property and rights of way. Digging the knife of callousness deeper, the measures allow property owners disturbed by a homeless persons presence to sue the local governments allowing it. DeSantis casts the legislation as ensuring public order, ensuring quality of life for residents, ensuring that peoples property values are maintained. But he essentially seems to want to make homelessness illegal. Touted as cutting edge, the idea is to keep homeless people far from the view of selfish people offended and threatened by reminders of the plight of the less fortunate. Where would we dump the homeless in South Florida? In the bug-ridden Everglades? READ MORE: DeSantis supports push to move homeless people off streets and into monitored camps Another cruel Florida Model Lawmakers and the governor are so proud of themselves that theyve already branded this misguided way to deal with homelessness The Florida Model. But mandating that a class of people exist behind by barbed wire and supervised by authorities in the name of security is called internment. Its incarceration as punishment for being destitute. And, its despicable reminiscent of some of the worlds worst atrocities. No, thats not too far of a reach, given recent Florida history. Legislating against gays, Blacks, women, transgender people and immigrants unthinkable only a few years ago is now commonplace in Florida and other extremist red states. This hyper-focus on reining in people Republicans dont like to suit the partys far-right agenda is a way to social-engineer a homogeneous society. Are we in 1933 Germany? READ MORE: DeSantis is playing a dangerous game by sending his Florida State Guard to Texas | Opinion Putting people in camps, a history How the Holocaust came into being should be seared into our collective consciousness. Genocide didnt happen overnight. It began with the fascist Nazis fostering anti-Jewish sentiment in Germany, then setting up camps and incarceration sites between 1933 and 1945 to hold not only Jews but also gays, political enemies on the left and Roma people. In other words, Aldolf Hitler and his like-minded enablers rounded up all who didnt fit their fantasy of the Aryan race. Six million were murdered. DeSantis endorsement of isolating and keeping the homeless under surveillance also reminds me of warehousing Japanese-Americans in camps under Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The justification: the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor in the Pacific. Considered one of the best American presidents in history, Roosevelt apparently didnt see the parallel between his internment of innocent Japanese in the United States with the Nazi camps he was fighting against. In South Florida, we dont have to go far in history to find another example of people being identified, rounded up and imprisoned. Homophobic Fidel Castro and his comrade Che Guevara arrested gay men in the 1960s and sent them to infamous UMAP (Military Units to Aid Production) concentration camps. These machistas believed that a deviation of that nature clashes with the concept we have of what a militant communist should be, as Castro put it. Castro also shipped to Cubas camps ordinary dissenters waiting for exit visas, forcing them to work without pay in agriculture. Years later, he dealt with the worldwide AIDS epidemic by forcing HIV-positive people into sanitariums. South Floridians who fled such persecution should stand up to DeSantis. The slippery slope to institutionalized human degradation begins with acts of infamy that go unopposed and grows by fostering a culture that demonizes classes of people. In Florida, the formula is clearly in place. In her resignation letter, the now former dean of Florida A&M Universitys law school explained she had to step down because the university's treatment of her was getting "abusive." Deidre' Keller, dean and professor, FAMU College of Law in Orlando In the Jan. 31 letter Deidre Keller wrote to FAMU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Allyson Watson, she expressed how her protestations about the law schools bar exam passage rates fell on deaf ears. Specifically, at this juncture, it is clear that the universitys vision for the College of Law no longer resonates with my vision for sustained success at the college, she wrote in the letter, provided to the Tallahassee Democrat by Keller after an email request. My efforts to strengthen the colleges student body, its relationship with the bar, bench, surrounding community, its alumni and the university have recently been met with behavior on the part of the university that can only be properly characterized as abusive, she added. The university does not comment on personnel matters, a university spokesperson said. Keller remains on the College of Law's faculty, and Associate Provost of Academic Programs Cecil Howard has taken on the dean's role temporarily ahead of an interim appointment. Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando The leadership transition comes during the law schools continuous trend of lower bar exam passage rates. Most law students traditionally take the bar exam in the summer following their graduation, but the exam is generally offered twice a year in Florida, as well as in other states. Last July, 25 of 60 test-takers from FAMUs College of Law passed, making the school the lowest-performing law school in Florida on the bar exam, with a passage rate of 41.7%. That rate was about 10 points lower than the 52.6% rate in July 2022, in which 50 of 95 graduates were successful. 'Impossible to answer and irrelevant' Keller wrote that she was sent a list of questions from Nicole Washington, the FAMU Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee chair, regarding student success at the College of Law. But Keller explained during a Jan. 18 trustees meeting that the requested information was impossible to answer and irrelevant to the project of addressing the colleges bar pass challenges. She also explained in December that frequent interactions with the board hindered her ability to work effectively in Orlando, where the College of Law is located. Despite her objections, she says she was still expected to answer the questions and was also asked to meet individually with trustees. More: FAMU law school dean resigns as bar exam passage rates keep trending downward Related news: FSU bar exam scores rise to second best in state; FAMU falls to lowest rate in state In addition, Kellers resignation letter also notes that on the morning of her resignation Wednesday, an email from Howard mischaracterized statements that she made to trustees. Howards email was sent to Keller along with Interim Director and Instructor of Academic Success and Bar Preparation (ASBP) Eurilynne Williams and Associate Dean for Student Learning and Assessment Jonathan Fineman. Keller wrote that the virtual communication from Howard was clearly an attempt to impugn my integrity and was neither management nor oversight. These two recent examples come in the wake of steadily escalating unreasonable demands which make doing my work managing the college impossible, Keller wrote. The university plans to appoint the colleges interim dean in the coming days ahead of an executive search this spring semester for someone to fill the position permanently. In spite of the issues, Keller expressed her gratitude for the experiences and relationships she gained during her time as dean, adding that she looks forward to staying connected with the law school and witnessing its continued success. This embedded content is not available in your region. Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on X: @tarahjean_. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Letter: FAMU Law dean says trustees, others stymied her success A tanker of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) stands in line to enter the Palestinian territories from the Rafah border crossing. Gehad Hamdy/dpa Former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna will lead a panel charged with investigating allegations levelled by Israel against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations said on Monday. Colonna will work together with experts from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Michelsen Institute in Norway and the Danish Institute for Human Rights to investigate allegations against the agency. Israel has accused several UNRWA employees of being involved in the October 7 terror attacks led by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Several major Western donors to UNRWA, including the United States and Germany, temporarily suspended payments to the Gaza relief agency over the allegations. Colonna's group is due to begin its work on February 14, with an interim report expected sometime before the end of March. The expert panel is expected to consider whether UNRWA has violated measures aimed at maintaining the group's neutrality in the Gaza Strip, which Hamas has been ruling since 2007. Earlier on Monday, the Spanish government announced it would support the embattled UN agency with a special payment of 3.5 million ($3.8 million). The funds are intended to make sure that the UNRWA can maintain its activities in the short term, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told the Committee on International Cooperation in the House of Commons in Madrid on Monday. Albares called UNRWA an "indispensable organization" and said he had already informed the international relief agency's leader, Philippe Lazzarini, of Spain's plans on Friday. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is "desperate," Albares said. The Gaza war was triggered by the unprecedented attacks by militants from the Palestinian Hamas organization and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed, including around 850 civilians. In response, Israel's massive airstrikes and ground offensive in Gaza have killed 27,478 Palestinians since the war began, according to the health authority in the coastal strip. A few days ago, UNRWA warned that it might have to stop all its work in the Gaza Strip in four weeks' time if promised funds were not provided. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, led the October 7 attacks and is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Israel and the European Union. Israel has alleged that several UNRWA employees took part in the October 7 attacks. Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, Spain's Foreign Minister, speaks during a joint a press conference with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock (not picture). The Spanish government will support the embattled United Nations refugee relief agency in the Gaza Strip with a special payment of 3.5 million ($3.8 million). Kay Nietfeld/dpa Model and actress Cara Delevingne, known through her stints in Hollywood films like "Suicide Squad" and "Anna Karenina," is transitioning to a career in her home country's premier theatre industry, London's West End, starting next March. According to Variety, Delevingne will make her stage debut as part of the "Cabaret" stage production playing the iconic role of Sally Bowles. Performing opposite her is the Olivier-winning actor Luke Treadaway, who is taking the role of the Emcee. The two will succeed over the artists Self Esteem and Jake Shears, both of whom have performed as their respective characters starting in September last year. Also of note are the 2021 actors for the same roles, which consist of Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee and Jessie Buckley as Bowles. Cara Delevingne 'Returns Home' Straight to West End's Stage Delevingne said in a statement: "There are no words to explain the excitement I have to return home to make my stage debut in such an iconic role." "I am so inspired by the brilliant actors who have played Sally in past productions around the world and in this one in the West End," she added. "I cannot wait to be a part of this brilliant cast and production." Indeed, the "Cabaret" production's long-standing history justifies such excitement as it is highly regarded as one of the most successful musicals of all time. Its story is set around 1929 to 1930 in Berlin, during the transitionary time that saw the Jazz Age reaching its twilight and Nazis coming into the forefront of Germany's psyche. The narrative, on the other hand, revolves around the indulgent nightlife at the sordid Kit Kat Klub and American writer Clifford Bradshaw's growing "closeness" with Sally Bowles, an English cabaret performer, while the establishment's Emcee scopes the "waters." "Cabaret," which is staged at the Kit Kat Club in Playhouse Theatre, also features music penned by John Kander alongside lyrics from Fred Ebb and a book by Joe Masteroff. The play's direction is by Rebecca Frecknall. Songs from the performance include "Wilkommen," "Don't Tell Mama," "Mein Herr," "Maybe This Time," "Money," and the title number. It was originally based on John Van Druten's 1951 production, "I Am a Camera." This prior stage play was in turn iterated from Christopher Isherwood's 1939 novel "Goodbye to Berlin." Read Also: UK's Anti-Violence 'Manchester Bee' Sculpture Made Out of Guns is Set to Tour Around Gloucester 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. One of the defendants in the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump is asking the judge to move the case out of Fulton County. Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne obtained a motion on behalf of former Georgia Republican Party Chair David Shafer that said the case should be transferred to a less heavily Democrat county in order to safeguard the rights to an impartial jury and fair trial. The motion by Shafers lawyer, Craig Gillen, asks to change the venue for the case to either Burke County or Peach County for summoning a jury pool, jury selection and trial. RELATED STORIES: The filing said voters in those two counties voted almost equally for Trump and current President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, while in Fulton County, Biden got over 70% of the vote. In a second motion filed by Shafer, he said Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her entire office should be disqualified from the case. The motion accuses Willis of a pattern of prejudicial public statements. A spokesperson for Willis office declined to comment on the filings. RELATED NEWS: The sexual assault trial of retired vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson, the military's former head of human resources, began today in an Ottawa courtroom, more than 30 years after the attack is alleged to have occurred. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press - image credit) A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by retired vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson, the military's former head of human resources, testified that she froze and kept quiet during the alleged attack, fearing for her life and the possible consequences. "I kept running scenarios in my head What if you yell? What's going to happen? Is he going to choke you? Is it going to ruin your career? Are they going to throw you overboard?" the woman, who broke down on several occasions, told an Ottawa courtroom Monday morning. "I was so afraid at the same time. I was young he was a high ranking officer. What would have been the consequence of me yelling, me pushing, me saying no, me not following orders." Edmundson's sexual assault trial began today, more than 30 years after the attack is alleged to have occurred. He is being tried in the Ontario Court of Justice by a judge alone. His trial in a civilian court follows recommendations by former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour who, in a damning 2022 report about sexual misconduct in the military, called for civilian police and courts to handle all sexual assault cases involving allegations against military members. Edmundson was one of several high-profile military members to be accused of sexual misconduct in early 2021, kicking off a crisis that led to the external investigation of the Forces. Edmundson, who later resigned as head of military personnel command and retired from Canada's Armed Forces, was charged in December 2021 with one count of sexual assault and one count of committing indecent acts. Seated beside his counsel Monday and wearing a dark suit, Edmundson has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Brian Greenspan, has said his client looks forward to restoring his "distinguished reputation for service to our country." Court heard that the alleged assault took place on a ship as it was docked at a U.S. navy base in November 1991. At the time of the alleged assault, Edmundson was lieutenant commander, the navigator of the ship. Edmundson, seated on the far right beside his lawyers, is being tried in the Ontario Court of Justice by a judge alone Edmundson, seen in this courtroom sketch seated on the far right beside his lawyers, is being tried in the Ontario Court of Justice by a judge alone. (Lauren Foster-MacLeod/CBC) 'Source of frustration' The claimant, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was the first witness to testify. Under questioning by Assistant Crown Attorney Juliana Martel, the woman told the court that she joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the age of 17, and later worked on ships. One of her duties included waking up officers for their night shift. She said on her first mission with Edmundson, where her duties included waking him up for his shift, nothing improper happened. But she said on another mission in 1991, problems with Edmundson began when she would have to go into his quarters to wake him. She told the court that over time, it became more difficult to wake him up. She said she found that odd, that "it was not his usual behaviour." She said that eventually, when she would go to wake him, parts of his body would be exposed. She said his buttocks would be exposed, and "even his private parts," and that he would also make moaning sounds. The woman told court that this was a "source of frustration," that she found his behaviour disrespectful and eventually lost patience with him. She said at one point she decided that the next time that she entered his sleeping quarters, he had better be decent or "I'm going to lose it." She said when she came into his sleeping quarters, Edmundson was on his back completely naked. The woman said she "went loony," lost her composure, yelled and turned the lights on in the quarters so that the other officer who was sleeping in the top bunk could witness the behaviour she had to deal with. The woman said she slammed the door, hoping that would attract attention. But she said that none of the officers on board asked her about the incident. Vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson, centre arrives at court with lawyer Brian Greenspan left, in Ottawa on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. The sexual-assault trial for the military's former head of human resources has been delayed. Edmundson has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent acts and one count of sexual assault in an incident that allegedly happened in 1991. Vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson arrives at court with lawyer Brian Greenspan, left, in Ottawa on Aug. 14, 2023. Edmundson has pleaded not guilty to one count of committing indecent acts and one count of sexual assault in an incident that allegedly took place in 1991. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) 'I knew I was in danger' Days later, when the ship docked, the crew members were allowed to depart the ship. The woman said before she left with her friends from the ship, she went to find her friend's glasses. She said as she passed Edmundson's quarters, his door was ajar and she heard Edmundson shout for her to come speak with him. After she retrieved her friend's glasses, she said she went back to Edmundson's quarters, knocked on the door and entered. She said she was nervous, didn't know what to say and decided to apologize for her previous outburst. She said that when she turned to leave, Edmundson said, "I didn't tell you you could go." "I knew I was in danger," she said. "I was not allowed to do what I wanted to do, which was leave the area." She said he started to walk closer toward her, saying that they needed to discuss her stormy behaviour, but that she apologized again and said she needed to go. The woman said at some point she heard her friend outside his quarters, shouting her name, looking for her. The woman said Edmundson put two of his fingers on her mouth and asked her how it would look if someone knew the two of them were alone in his quarters. She said Edmundson kept complimenting her and saying how beautiful she was. She said he began stroking her hair, then kissed her on the cheek and then on the mouth. She said she froze as Edmundson unbuttoned her shirt and bra, pulled down her shorts and underwear and kissed her vagina. The complainant told the court Edmundson then grabbed her by the hips, turned her around and "proceeded raping me." The woman said during the alleged attack, she heard her friend calling for her again, and that she had been joined by another male crew member who was looking for her. She said Edmundson slowed down and told her "shhh." "I was in distress because they were looking for me and I couldn't say I was in danger." She said she wanted to yell so she "could be rescued." Assault lasted 5 minutes, woman testifies The woman testified that the whole assault lasted about five minutes and that Edmundson used a condom. She told the court that when it was over, Edmundson told her she could get dressed, and he was pleased "they had done this and that it was good and that I could go." She said she went back to her quarters and took a shower, and that another crew member noticed that she was crying but that she didn't tell her why. She testified when she finally met up with the friend who had been looking for her, she told her friend, "I slept with Edmundson but I don't want to talk about it." The woman testified that one of the reasons she did not report the alleged assault was because she had been told by a former recruit that if she disclosed what happened, it would end her career. The trial continues Tuesday with the woman facing cross examination by Greenspan, Edmundson's lawyer. High Council of Justice has suspended former head of Ukraines Supreme Court Vsevolod Knyazev from hearing court cases, according to the councils post Facebook on Feb. 6. Earlier, Knyazev was released from custody on bail of UAH 18.2 million ($486,000). According to the decision, Knyazev was forbidden to leave Kyiv without permission from the detective, prosecutor, and court. He was also required to surrender his passport and other documents allowing him to leave and enter Ukraine, and to wear an electronic monitoring device. Read also: Prosecution seizes half a million dollars in Supreme Court bribery case On May 15, Ukraines Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) confirmed Knyazevs arrest in a case involving accepting a $2.7 million bribe. On May 16, the Supreme Court removed Knyazev from his leadership position in a vote of no confidence. Read also: Ukrainian journalist on price for exposing government corruption interview On Oct. 4, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reportedly completed the investigation of the case. 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 Iowas former Secretary of Agriculture has died. Bill Northey died at age 64. Funeral arrangements are pending and a cause of death has not been released. Bill Northey (USDA) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released a statement following the news of Northeys death. I am in shock at the news of Bills unexpected passing. Jaime and I send our deepest and sincerest condolences to Cindy and the entire Northey family. Bill was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a farmer. He loved Iowa and he loved Iowa agriculture. His curiosity, care for others, and love of learning made him a leader that everyone could admire. Bill brought a farmers work ethic to every aspect of his life, and he was tireless in promoting our state, its people and our agriculture. As Secretary, he had a tremendously positive impact on our state and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, but his influence went well beyond our borders. Whether it was on issues like soil conservation, water quality, renewable energy, foreign animal disease preparedness or trade, Bill was respected nationally and internationally. Bill was smart and people looked toward his leadership on every issue he focused on. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) also released a statement. Today the Iowa farm community lost a giant. Bill Northey was a dear friend and fierce advocate for the family farmer. As Iowas Secretary of Agriculture and Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the United States Department of Agriculture under President Trump, Bills commitment to agriculture, biofuels and conservation were unmatched. The Northey family have been friends of the Grassleys since 1980, for over two generations. Our prayers are with them during this difficult time. Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately and remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Northeys funeral and internment. Bill was a great leader whose work ethic and passion for Iowa agriculture was unmatched. Iowans and farmers around the country were fortunate to have such a rock-solid advocate and friend, said Reynolds. Bill understood well our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and exemplified that calling throughout his career. But his lifes greatest role was as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bill will be missed. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Cindy and their family. Northey earned a bachelors degree in agriculture business from Iowa State University and an MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University. He served as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture for 11 years, from when he was first elected in 2007 until 2018 when he left to join the USDA in Washington, DC. He was confirmed as Under Secretary on February 27, 2018. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. As the U.S. Congress continues negotiations on approving the stalled border security deal and military aid package for key allies, U.S. President Joe Biden can act today with or without Congress to make Russia pay in some measure for its heinous crimes against Ukraine. The U.S. State Department should, without delay, designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism (SST), officially classifying Russia among its closest global allies: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. The case for Russias designation is clear. In the days surrounding New Years alone, Russia fired 500 missiles and drones over primarily civilian targets in Ukraine, killing dozens and injuring hundreds more. The indiscriminate bombardments hit schools, shopping malls, kindergartens, and hospitals (including a maternity ward in the city of Dnipro), as well as critical infrastructure like gas and power lines, which have no military value and are off-limits under the international laws of war. Some of these missiles were delivered from North Korea, in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions that Russia itself supported but now has gravely violated. Read also: Opinion: Tucker Carlson visiting Moscow is like touring Berlin in 1940 The SST label applies to countries that have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and would trigger penalties such as a ban on defense sales and prohibit the sale of dual-use items. Other sanctions could also be enhanced, including designating and blocking Russian officials assets and banning them from entering the United States. Many of these penalties already apply to Russia, especially since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. More importantly, designating Russia as an SST would show that, despite our internal political differences, the United States still cares when a dictator repeatedly and purposefully commits heinous acts and will take all appropriate action to call out and deter such behavior. It would also be a strong statement of support for a democratic ally at perhaps the most difficult period in its modern history. The SST designation could certainly trigger consequences from Russia, such as the Kremlin ending talks on releasing American hostages held in Russia or even suspending diplomatic relations with the United States. But if the Kremlin hasnt done this yet after American-made and -supplied weapons caused the demise of over 300,000 of its troops, Moscow is unlikely to take such a step after an SST designation. The SST is also one issue where Congress and the administration would be closely aligned. During my time in the Senate, I spearheaded bipartisan legislation that would support such a designation. In 2022, a similar resolution by Republican Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut passed the Senate. Moreover, the European Parliament applied the label to Russia in November 2022, setting a notable precedent. Read also: Opinion: Why supporting Ukraine enhances US national security The arguments against applying such a toxic label need to be taken seriously, but the benefits far outweigh those concerns, given Russias continued pattern of terroristic behavior and crimes against humanity going back decades, from heinous abuses in Chechnya in the 1990s to Georgia, Syria, and now Ukraine. Make no mistake: The SST designation isnt a substitute for Congress speedily approving the desperately needed assistance package to Ukraine and other allies as soon as possible. While the Europeans have significantly stepped up their support for Ukraine and should do more they cannot carry this burden alone. A united front for Ukraine is especially vital as China, led by fellow dictator Xi Jinping, has doubled down on his support for the Kremlin. When Russia is launching daily massive, deadly attacks against a major European country, it should be a bipartisan matter for us to take every and all action to help Ukraine and to deter Russia and to do so now. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A former employee at St. Amelia Church in Tonawanda has been accused by diocese officials of fraudulently misusing parish funds. According to a St. Amelia Fraud Case Update included the Jan. 28 bulletin published by the Roman Catholic Community of the Tonawandas, a grand jury hearing was convened to help bring formal charges against the churchs former business manager, Lisa Noble. The bulletin item claimed Noble, who was hired in March, broke protocol following her training which led to her being able to misuse funds at St. Amelias. Mount Mercy employee fired, charged after school bus incident Father Mike LaMarca of St. Amelia told News 4 on Monday that the investigation is in the hands of the Erie County District Attorneys Office, and there is no more information to share than what has already been shared in our church communications. A spokesperson for the District Attorneys office declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation. The Diocese of Buffalo said in a September 2023 statement that a St. Amelia employee was placed on administrative leave from the parish and fired a week after an internal audit department review that found potential financial improprieties. LaMarca said the church community is upset and feels betrayed by the alleged theft. According to LaMarca, the parish is slowly seeing money come back from the bank. Efforts are underway, through fraud claims and insurance, to reclaim as much of the funds as possible, the Jan. 28 bulletin item read. Latest Local News Justin McMullen is a Western New York native who joined the News 4 team in 2023. You can read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Fort Worth Independent School District students and families in the Morningside neighborhood have access to a new source of groceries that offers a variety of foods and goods in an area thats disproportionately impacted by food insecurity. Morningside Middle School on Tuesday opened its Viking Market, which provides food for 75 to 100 families where 92% of the student population qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, according to district officials. The market, named after the schools mascot, offers meat, vegetables, dairy products, dried and frozen goods, and other household items like toiletries and clothes through district partnerships with Tarrant Area Food Bank and Rainwater Charitable Foundation. The markets operating hours are every other Tuesday from 8-10:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., and its reach will expand beyond school families after spring break, said Marcus Cook, a family engagement specialist at the school. Its run by school staff, volunteers and Morningside students who are in student council and the Junior Cadet Corps. Before cutting the ribbon alongside school administration and local officials in front of the portable building where the market is housed, Cook described the program as a stepping stone for the community. The 76104 ZIP code deserves much more than this. We need health care facilities. We need pharmacies, he said. This cant sustain the neighborhood we need a grocery store. With the people here, its all accomplishable. Peanut butter and other nonperishable groceries line shelves at the opening of the Viking Market at Morningside Middle School in Fort Worth on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. This area of Fort Worth has been identified by Texas Health Resources as a priority ZIP code for addressing access to healthcare, access to health foods and chronic disease, according to its 2022 community health needs assessment. The 76104 area had one of the highest food insecurity index values countywide: 94.6 out of 100. Higher values are estimated to have the highest socioeconomic need and are correlated with poor health outcomes. Celia Torres was among the families who were the first to shop at the market on Tuesday and described it as convenient and accessible with a great variety of goods to choose from. As she talked with a reporter through a translator, a DJ played Suavemente by Elvis Crespo and Just Fine by Mary J. Blige. This is perfect because the prices are so high, she said, referring to local grocery stores. Morningside Middle School Principal Rhonda McGuire gives remarks before the opening of the schools Viking Market on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Fort Worth. This is just a wonderful opportunity in a much-needed place, she said. The market is part of the Tarrant Area Food Banks Ready to Learn program that focuses on expanding in-school pantries across 13 North Texas counties to keep students well-fed, which helps avoid behavioral, health and academic issues that impact their education. Food bank President and CEO Julie Butner told attendees that out of the 13 counties it serves, half of a million people go to bed missing a meal, she said. Within that group, one in four are young people ranging from preschool to college ages. Before the pandemic, we only had 13 in-school pantries. We today, with the Viking pantry, have 59, she said. Its a natural fit because our schools are community centers. This is where people come together. Viking Markets opening comes within a week after a similar program opened at O.D Wyatt High School in southeastern Fort Worth. Their on-campus grocery store, also part of Fort Worth ISD, allows students to purchase food when they complete modules on topics such as anger management, bullying and drug awareness. The THRIVE program, which stands for Together Harnessing Resources to Give Individuals Voice and Empowerment, is run by Texas Health Resources and builds resiliency skills while curbing food insecurity. A solid ok tripod lamp, a lamp with woven rattan base and terrazzo-style option from Walmart A solid ok tripod lamp, a lamp with woven rattan base and terrazzo-style option from Walmart In an effort to get better sleep, Im looking to ditch the ceiling fixtures and get lit with lamps. (Turns out artificial overhead lighting is not only decidedly un-vibe-y, its sustained brightness can also disrupt our bodies innate ability to start winding down, throwing off the internal clock we need for quality rest.) Im currently deep in the process of switching up the lighting system in my own home. I refuse to go the purely utilitarian route I want attractive, non-boring lamps that look straight out of a home-design catalog in the vein of West Elm, Restoration Hardware or Design With Reach. And since Im outfitting my entire space, I also want to keep costs low. And Walmart is really coming through in the clutch, with a lineup of both affordable and aesthetically pleasing options that practically scream MoMa Design Store purchase without the premium price tag. Ahead, see some of the best options that the budget retailer has to offer. HuffPost receives compensation from one or more retailers on this page, and HuffPost and its publishing partners may also receive a commission for purchases made via links. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. A resin table lamp with a sculptural design Walmart A resin table lamp with a sculptural design The stepped three-dimensional shape of this petite lamps base reminds us of something we recently spotted at Restoration Hardware. At 16 inches in height, its about half the size, but if youre looking for a sculptural piece that wont completely overwhelm your living room, this all-white resin option feels like a nice compromise. $26.96 at Walmart A touch-activated bedside light with a frosted glass globe Walmart A touch-activated bedside light with a frosted glass globe This sleek and minimal light activates with a mere touch, making it a convenient and streamlined option for a nightstand or a nursery, and it comes with a 6.5-watt LED bulb. (The brand also offers a model with USB ports for a slightly higher price.) $24.99 at Walmart A simple brass lamp with a pleated shade Wamart A simple brass lamp with a pleated shade While a pleated lampshade is hardly new, Danish brand Hay breathed new life into the accordion style thanks with its popular Matin lamp, which paired it with a reflective geometric base. Standing 21 inches in height and compatible with a standard E26 bulb, this under-$40 option from Walmart offers a similar feel. It's such a steal for the high design style, wrote a reviewer named Buffy. I honestly wasn't expecting something so cool from Walmart. $39.98 at Walmart A petite circular lamp available in so many bright shades Walmart.com A petite circular lamp available in so many bright shades This pint-sized lamp balances bold colors with basic shapes, offering pop art vibe without being overly gaudy. The compact dimensions and range of color options also mean theyll work well in pretty much any space. It measures just over eight inches tall, and comes in eight colors: yellow , green , purple , orange , off-white , black , blue , and gray . It has a ceramic base and a matching fabric shade, and requires a 40-watt candelabra bulb. $10+ at Walmart A similar style with an egg-shaped base Walmart.com A similar style with an egg-shaped base Another eye-catching option that measures a little under 10 inches in height, this frippery-free accent lamp feels perfect for any corner where you want to impart a cozy-but-colorful glow. You can get this one in navy, lime green, white, coral, or the saturated lavender pictured here. It also requires a 40-watt candelabra bulb. $11.99+ at Walmart A medium-sized option in trendy terazzo Walmart A medium-sized option in trendy terazzo It's heavy and well made, reviewer LJ wrote of this earthy speckled lamp made from a composite material thats decorated with random flecks of high-contrast color. Walmart has really stepped up their style game. At 17 inches high, this sleek, 80s-inspired piece promises to make a statement on an end table or nightstand. (Even better, it retails for significantly less than its West Elm counterpart.) It requires a 60-watt bulb. $29.98 at Walmart A tripod-style tamp lamp with a solid oak base Walmart A tripod-style tamp lamp with a solid oak base Standing at close to 17 inches in height, this sturdy-looking option is equipped with a solid oak base and feels very similar to a styles that retail for a few hundred dollars at places like Rejuvenation and West Elm. Reviewers call the design unique. The retailer recommends a maximum 60-watt bulb. $24.96 at Walmart A nightstand-ready option that resembles a midcentury-design favorite Walmart A nightstand-ready option that resembles a midcentury-design favorite The Flowerpot lamp has been a design-canon mainstay since Verner Panton created it in 1968, and its popularity shows no sign of abating. However, if you'd like to spend several hundred dollars less on a lookalike, this soothing sage-hued option from Novogratz offers a similar look for significantly less. (We liked it so much that we broke our price threshold for it.) The metal lamp measures nearly two feet in height and requires a pair of medium-base 60-watt bulbs. (If youre looking for something smaller and even more affordable, try this petite blush option that stands at a petite 12 inches.) $44 at Walmart A woven mini lamp with a beachy vibe Walmart A woven mini lamp with a beachy vibe This earthy option stands at almost 13 inches and has an angular woven base that reminds us vaguely of Hays taut and tactile Bonbon shade (designed by sculptor Ana Kras) that retails for several hundred dollars. It promises to bring a natural mood to any space, whether youre decorating a vacation home or just a full-time home where you want to feel like you're on vacation. It requires a standard 40-watt bulb. $10.97 at Walmart A petite mushroom lamp Walmart.com A petite mushroom lamp Thanks to a social media-fueled resurgence, the mushroom lamp is widely available in a variety of sizes and price points. Walmarts offering stands at just seven inches high and offers a soft, nightlight-esque glow for bedside tables and cozy corners. You can get this striated option in green or the parchment color pictured here. If youre looking for a few more color options, this silhouette also comes in a tortoiseshell and a pink ombre. The LED bulb is included. $27.99 at Walmart A slightly bigger mushroom-style options that comes in a multitude of colors Walmart A slightly bigger mushroom-style options that comes in a multitude of colors Another take on the mushroom silhouette comes in the form of these translucent glass options that offer a peek at the lamps innards and, at 12 inches in height, a slightly larger footprint. (The required candelabra bulb is not included.) The brand recommends a 15-watt light source. $29.94 at Walmart A glossy accent lamp that plays with proportion Walmart.com A glossy accent lamp that plays with proportion Another color-forward option with a more sculptural feel, this eye-catching little lamp is also adaptable and affordable enough to work throughout the house. It stands approximately 10 inches tall, with an artfully irregular stone-shaped base and matching fabric shade that come in six different colors: fuchsia , green , red , purple , blue , and white . It requires one 40-watt candelabra bulb, which is not included. $14+ at Walmart Related... Crowds fill the old walls of the St. Buchardi church in Halberstadt, Germany, waiting in anticipation as the first chord change in the world's slowest and longest composition happened last Monday, Feb. 5, BBC reports. The World's Longest Composition, John Cage's 'As Slow as Possible' This avant-garde piece was by famed American composer and music theorist, John Cage, and his "instrumentalist," a custom-made special organ. Dubbed "As Slow as Possible," the composition is as the name implies as it is planned to play until the year 2640. In perspective, that is around 616 years away, or roughly the same amount of time from now when the Renaissance movement was just gearing up in Europe. That said, it has already made 16 chord changes since its inaugural start back in 2001 but the first notes were only played two years in the performance in 2003. Because of this "once-in-a-blue-moon" kind of change, many would-be visitors of the unique musical exhibition booked their tickets months and even years in advance to be able to witness last Monday's chord change. As per the compositional exhibition's official website, the next change is due in another two years and six months from now, on Aug. 5, 2026. Shrunk down back to its original proportions during its 1987 premiere, the piece is only conventionally lengthy with around 30 minutes of run time. However, the succeeding performances were more akin to the St. Buchardi version. One such iteration was arranged by organist Diane Luchese in 2009. Overall, this particular rendition lasted 14 hours and 56 minutes. Not quite as long as 600-plus years, sure, but still pretty lengthy by contemporary standards. Read Also: Students Used AI to Decode Ancient Roman Scrolls Buried by Mount Vesuvius Eruption Why the 'Organ/ASLSP' Started in the First Place The currently running century-spanning rendition of Cage's piece was made after philosophers and musicians thought up the concept during a meeting that took place after the American composer's passing in 1992. Conversely, this version of the piece debuted on what would have been the 89th birthday of the composer, whose high reputation in the experimental and avant-garde musical space led him to be considered one of the movement's 20th-century forerunners. The instrument that played his piece was equally engineered with much thought and deliberation as practicality was the foremost consideration, especially because of the centuries-long playtime. Because of this, the organ is mostly mechanical. The note-playing mechanism was performed by an electronic wind machine that indefinitely pushes air into its pipes. The pushing device, on the other hand, is less sophisticated as plain old sandbags are used to weigh down the keys to produce the droning notes. Read More: Rene Magritte's 'L'ami Intime' Painting is Estimated to Sell for $64 million at a Christie's Auction in London 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rachida Dati has said I will always be here to defend Frances cultural exception - BERTRAND GUAY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Rachida Dati, Frances new culture minister, has vowed to confront wokeism as she hit out at Left-wing bias in state media. Ms Dati, a conservative former justice minister, was the surprise nomination of new prime minister Gabriel Attals cabinet. Her appointment ruffled feathers in Frances largely Left-leaning cultural establishment to such an extent that her first words when taking up the post were: Fear not. I will always be here to defend [Frances] cultural exception. However, on Tuesday she lashed out at the self-styled arbiters of cultural correctness, saying: I am in favour of freedom of art and creation; I am not in favour of censorship. I am very attentive, and it is a battle to the fight against discrimination, she told journalists at CNews-Europe 1, two TV and radio channels owned by Vincent Bollore, a conservative tycoon credited with pushing Frances private media landscape to the Right. However, she added: I find that wokeism has become a politics of censorship. Rachida Dati, right rear, makes a point to Gabriel Attal, the French prime minister - THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Ms Dati also took aim at Frances public broadcasters, often criticised for airing views that are almost exclusively Left-wing. Im very attached to this public service. It has the support of the French people. But if it wants to keep it, at some point it will have to reflect the diversity of French opinion, she warned. I am appealing to everyones code of ethics, she said, adding that she was due to meet the directors [of public broadcasting] very shortly. On Sunday, she also took a pop at luvvies from Frances highly subsidised cinema world, telling Le Journal du Dimanche also owned by Mr Bollore that they represented a little caste that has a problem with everything I represent and says to itself: One day well have your guts for garters. Ms Dati is Frances best-liked female political personality, according to a recent Ifop survey that placed her overall fourth in the rankings. The 58-year-old is notably a hit with working-class French people, who prefer her to Marine Le Pen, the National Rally (RN) figurehead. Emmanuel Macron has reportedly promised to back Rachida Dati to become mayor of Paris in 2026 - DOMINIQUE JACOVIDES/POOL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Emmanuel Macron, the president who last month promised to introduce compulsory drama classes and art history in schools reportedly convinced Ms Dati to take the ministerial post by promising to shake up an elitist cultural system. He also supposedly promised to back her ambitions to become mayor of Paris in 2026. Common touch In a speech last week, Ms Dati pledged to put culture at the heart of our social project so that culture is an experience offered to allso that no one can say: Its not for me. The notion of wokeism (the French use the English term), along with that of cancel culture, were slower to reach France than America and the UK but are a hot-button issue in the run-up to European elections in June, in which Mr Macrons Renaissance group faces defeat against Ms Le Pens party. As well as taking up the defence of farmers, Jordan Bardella, RNs campaign leader, has also criticised creeping wokeism in French society. The daughter of an illiterate Moroccan bricklayer and an Algerian mother, Ms Dati is seen along with Mr Attal himself as a silver-tongued foil to RNs rise due to her common touch and hatred of political correctness. Culture is not about erasure She said she had called a meeting next week of the regional directors of cultural action, adding: I will be asking them to ensure that we support creative freedom, and not to support these new censors. Fighting against discrimination and social determinism is a battle. Culture is not about deconstruction or erasure. I will not be on the side of the censors, she said. Ms Dati is not the first Macron minister to aim at wokeism. Jean-Michel Blanquer, his former education minister, once described it as a threat to Frances democracy. She took over from Rima Abdul Malak, who angered Mr Macron in December, when she joined the outcry against Gerard Depardieu, the actor accused of sexual assault, while the president was defending him against what he called a public lynching. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A 30-year-old Fresno police officer was arrested on Monday for alleged felony domestic violence, according to the Fresno Police Department. Police say on Monday, officers received a 9-1-1 call from a woman requesting a welfare check on a male she had previously dated and with whom she had a child with. Officers say they determined possible domestic violence crimes were committed by Fresno Police Officer Devin Franco, who has been an officer with the department since 2018. 30-year-old Devin Franco photo courtesy Fresno County Sheriffs Office. Officials say domestic violence unit detectives continued with the investigation throughout the day and late yesterday afternoon. Franco was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail for the following charges: Penal Code 273.5(a), Felony Domestic Violence with Visible Injuries Penal Code 236, Felony False Imprisonment Penal Code 273a(b), Misdemeanor Child Endangerment Penal Code 653m(a), Misdemeanor Annoying and Harassing Phone Calls Police say Franco has been put on administrative leave with pay, and all police property and firearms have been secured for safekeeping. The Fresno Police Department is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our community who we are proud to serve. Our transparency and professionalism are both integral parts of this commitment. When our personnel are accused of criminal acts or wrong doings, we will always conduct a thorough and accurate investigation to ensure accountability. Chief Paco Balderrama For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. NEW YORK Long Island serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann was back in court on Tuesday for the first time since being charged in a fourth murder, as prosecutors shared with his lawyers a mountain of evidence they said they are using against him. Murder victim Maureen Brainard-Barnes sister looked on as the 60-year-old suspect stood with his hands cuffed behind his back in a Suffolk County courtroom in Riverhead. Heuermann was charged with Brainard-Barnes murder last month. The accusation added to murders of three other sex workers also blamed on Heuermann. The three womens bodies were found along a stretch of beach in Suffolk County more than a dozen years ago. Heuermann is accused of killing Brainard-Barnes, a Connecticut mom, in 2007 while his wife and children vacationed in Atlantic City. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney said his office was handing over as part of discovery more than three terabytes of data on this case to the defense, including 2,500 pages of reports and nearly 3,000 of the tips from the police departments logs. We still have more material to hand over, Tierney said. But were continuing to provide that discovery on a rolling basis. Heuermanns lawyer, Michael Brown, said he thinks some of the tips will work in his clients favor. Hopefully well see, and I think we will, that there are significant other suspects here that really werent pursued or apprehended in the same way they did with Rex Heuermann, Brown told reporters. I think thats going to be problematic, and I think that will certainly go toward showing that hes not guilty of these charges. Brainard-Barnes was last seen alive on July 9, 2007. Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, had already been accused of killing three young sex workers on Long Island Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello when Brainard-Barnes death was formally added to the list. In 2010 and 2011, the bodies of 11 people were found on and near Gilgo Beach. Heuermann has not been linked to the other seven victims Judge Timothy Mazzei set a return conference for April 17. GOP congressman blames the 'craze-os' and media for Trump being removed from ballots in connection with the January 6 riots Years after the January 6 Capitol riots, grand juries have charged Trump in connection with the event. Now, congressional Republicans are filing a resolution absolving him of criminal insurrection. An hour earlier, an appeals court ruled Trump is not immune from prosecution tied to January 6. A House Republican blamed the media for former President Donald Trump being removed from ballots as members of the GOP plan to file a resolution absolving him of the crimes he's been charged with in connection to January 6. A group of GOP representatives spoke at a press conference midday Tuesday in support of an upcoming resolution led by Rep. Matt Gaetz that says the former president "did not engage in insurrection rebellion against the United States." Gaetz said the resolution has 63 co-sponsors in the House, adding that Sen. JD Vance plans to file a companion resolution in the upper chamber. Speaking fifth in a long series of frustrated Republicans, Rep. Andy Biggs directly accused the news media of leading Colorado and Maine to remove Trump from their presidential ballots. "It was not an insurrection, but the craze-o's on the left supported by their accomplices in the media continue to try to harass and have President Trump removed from ballots using this false narrative," he said. The congressman supported his argument by referencing a secretly recorded tape from the now-defunct Project Veritas of a New York Times reporter downplaying the January 6 Capitol riots in 2022. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who's campaigning for reelection in a new district after narrowly getting reelected in 2022, called the court's decisions an "unprecedented" witch hunt against Trump. "And the woke mob, the fake news, and the leftist government officials who are engaging in this extortion should be downright ashamed of themselves," she said. A few members later, firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene raised her voice at the press gathered in the audience, yelling "shame on you" several times. She also told reporters, "You're hurting your own careers and you're hurting your industry" by labeling the former president an "insurrectionist." The GOP members held the press conference just over an hour after a federal appeals court ruled that Trump could legally be charged with a crime in the election interference case led by special counsel Jack Smith. As congressional resolutions are not binding law, even if the two drafts are passed in the Senate and House, they won't stop the federal cases already filed against the former commander in chief, though Gaetz said he felt it would still hold some weight. Read the original article on Business Insider The proposed border deal package looks like an obvious Republican victory to this old-school Reagan conservative. It funds our allies, Israel (against Hamas) and Ukraine (against Russias invasion), and it tightens border security. Its a win-win. No wonder MAGA Republicans hate it. A rational conservative party would leap at the chance to pass this bill. Even if you were a right-wing border hawk who wont rest until we dig an alligator-filled moat along the southern border, this deal still beats the status quo. And as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) put it a couple weeks ago, To those who think that if President Trump wins, which I hope he does, that we can get a better dealyou wont. Biden and Democrats Are Their Own Worst Enemies on Border Crisis [I]f I go back two months ago, Republican Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)the lead negotiator on the bipartisan billargued on Monday, and say we had a shot under a Democrat president to dramatically increase detention beds, deportation flights, locked down the border, to be able to change the asylum laws, to be able to accelerate the process. No one would have believed it, Lankford said. And now no one actually wants to be able to fix it Among those who do not want to fix it, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson declared the bill dead on arrival. The reason? Donald Trump wants to deprive Joe Biden of the chance to help fix the border crisis. A Border Deal now would be another Gift to the Radical Left Democrats, Trump said on Truth Social, recently. They need it politically. Trump has a point. Democrats do need this politically. This is how concessions and leverage work. People (in this case, Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats) are forced to give away things they would rather hang on to when they feel enough pressure to do so. Democrats, many of us would agree, are too soft on the border. And its starting to hurt them, politically. This has created a fleeting moment when Democrats are willing to restrict border entrywithout negotiating much in return other than a) funding for Ukraine and b) a talking point. Of course, the $64,000 question is whether Republicans would rather do something to stem illegal immigration (even if its not the perfect plan) or help Trump get re-elected in November (even if it means passing no border legislation once hes in office). Trump has selfish reasons to reject this opportunity, but there are other reasons why many Republican voters would likely oppose this legislation (even without Trumps ulterior motives). Biden Needs to Act Like His House Is on Fire, Because It Is What gets people nervous is that we watched this president do more damage to the border than any president in history, Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade said on Monday. ... The vice president ignores it. And theyre all in support of this bill. Chuck Schumers in support of this bill... And a lot of Republicans instinctively said, What am I missing? Why are they in support of this bill? The Catch-22 is obvious: Democratic support for a bill, alone, is evidence its a trap. For conspiratorially minded Republican voters, compromise is a dirty word. It wasnt always this way. If you want to understand how politics have changed, consider this quote from Ronald Reagan in 1983: I have always figured that a half a loaf is better than none, and I know that in the democratic process youre not going to always get everything you want. This is a strategic way to operateif your goal is to use incremental gains to accomplish something significant for the country. But thats not the goal for most modern GOP politicians. Having already decided to kill this bill, MAGA Republicans have now turned to other excuses. For example, Speaker Johnson has pointed out that Biden already has authority to simply shut down the border. In this regard, Johnson is echoing the former president. If Joe Biden truly wanted to secure the border, he doesnt really need a bill, Trump said in a recent Las Vegas speech. I did it without a bill. Putting aside the fact that conservatives used to oppose unilateral power grabs, the fact that Biden was able to easily reverse Trumps border policies only underscores the need for a legislative solution. Why the Right Is Wrong to Celebrate the Gutting of Newsrooms The plain truth is that Republicans are killing this bill because Trump would rather preserve the campaign issue than fix the crisis. If MAGA Republicans truly believe that the border crisis is an existential threat to our safetythat it will result in increased crime and a proliferation of rapists, fentanyl, and terroriststhen playing this game isnt merely about choosing to put politics ahead of policy. Its calculated immorality. Biden came to the table with a good deal that sane Republicans who still want to do the work of the people were willing to accept. But its the other Republicans doing the work for Trump that really run the show these days. This is why we cant have nice things. 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. Well, well, well. Are you shocked that the border deal fell apart? If you are, where have you been these last eight-plus years? It happened for the same reason that everything in the Republican Party happensbecause its what Donald Trump wanted. Last week, momentarily and evidently naively, I was actually impressed that some number of Republican senators, apparently a majority of them, was going to stand up to Trump and defy his wishes by voting for this bill. That was how it looked last Thursday. I almost devoted my newsletter last Friday to the topic, telling readers to take note of this moment, because it may signal a new willingness on the part of some prominent Republicans to stand up to Trump. Some reflex deep inside me counseled that I might live to regret putting the words Republicans and principles in the same sentence. The angel on my shoulder knew better. Monday morning, only a few Senate Republicans opposed the bill. By the end of the day, 22 did, including number three GOP Senator John Barrasso. And so, Monday night behind closed doors, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, whod been pushing for a yes vote, said the hell with itreportedly telling his fellow Republicans to vote against advancing the bill this week if they didnt like it. The GOP killed the border deal. The party that has been caterwauling for monthsyearsabout the porous border dispatched one of its most conservative members, James Lankford of Oklahoma, to negotiate a bill. They had Democrats over a political barrel. President Biden was willing to sign a bill that included plenty of stuff thats hard for many Democrats to swallow, but its an election year, and theres Arizona to think about. They had a bill the likes of which they wont see for another 15 years. And they killed it. Because Trump wants to say open borders. Forget policy, forget human beings, forget all that. Politics is politics, and lots of things happen for, duh, political reasons. But this was on a whole nother level. When we think their behavior cant get more shocking, it always, always does. So how can the Democrats be sure that voters get the message that the Republicans now own this chaos? Obviously, for starters, just say it and say it and say it. The Republicans blocked a bill because they and Trump want to run on the issue. Theyd rather have the issue than fix the problem. Whatever Democrats settle on as the best way to say it, just say it over and over and over. Theyll never persuade MAGA voters, but that isnt the point. The point is persuading the voters wholl decide the election: the 20,000 in Wisconsin, the 15,000 in Michigan, and so on. Besides which, they may even persuade some Republicans voters of the merit of their message. Theyre not all MAGA. A significant minority dont love Trump. They wont vote Biden, but they may stay homeand some of them may lose their ardor for Senate and House candidates who so cravenly kowtowed to Trump on this. Second, they need to dredge up every quote from Republican senators and House members from a couple weeks back when they were in the highest possible dudgeon that anyone would accuse them of playing politics with this issue. On January 30, CNNs Manu Raju asked Speaker Mike Johnson if he was trying to kill the bill to help Trump. No, Manu, thats absurd, he said. Yes, he insists today that he opposes the bill on the merits, but if you believe that, you believe E. Jean Carroll and Marla Maples are lookalikes. There were so many quotes like Johnsons. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis may have taken the gold. On January 25, he told NBC: I didnt come here to have the president as a boss or a candidate as a boss. I came here to pass good, solid policy. It is immoral for me to think you looked the other way because you think this is the linchpin for President Trump to win. Immoral! It may not be possible to use that word directly against Tillis, but it can certainly be used against his party. Third, Biden needs to rise up here. The State of the Union address will take place March 7. Thats the biggest audience hell have until his convention speech this summer, and he needs to use the occasion to drive home the Republicans naked hypocrisy. He should spell out all the strict provisions of the bill that made it a very tough sell to many members of his own party. He was willing to take some political heat to accept a compromiseone that included a number of Republican prioritiesjust to do something about the problem. And the Republicans killed it. Theyll boo him. Let them. Itll be great theater, and to those few thousand Great Lakes voters, the Republicans will look ridiculous. Biden might also remind his SOTU viewers that three times now in recent American history, the federal government has tried to do something big to address the immigration crisis. In 2007, Ted Kennedy and John McCain co-sponsored a major bill. George W. Bush, trying to burnish his partys appeal to Latino voters, was ready to sign. The hard right killed it. In 2013, during that oh-so-brief period when the GOP was doing a little soul-searching, 32 Republican senators joined Democrats in passing bipartisan immigration reform. The hard right killed it. And now this. And guess who killed it? The hard right again, this time serving the man who has become their collective and absolute master. How many times do swing voters need to see this movie before they understand the moral? Apparently a lot of times. Democrats: Remind them. House Republicans announced a resolution Monday to authoritatively express that Donald Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion. The stunt comes days before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments Thursday in an appeal of the Colorado Supreme Courts ruling that the former president engaged in an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and is constitutionally ineligible to be president. Introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and conference chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the bill has 63 cosponsors and will be matched with a Senate bill by Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). The legislation is meant to counter efforts to remove Trump from 2024 ballots over his bid to overturn the 2020 election or as Gaetz put it, remove a candidate from the ballot because they are afraid that he is too popular, he said at a press conference while flanked by some of Trumps most loyal acolytes in Congress. We believe Congress has a unique role in declaring whether Trumps encouragement of the January 6 riots, intended to disrupt the certification of Trumps 2020 Electoral College defeat, count as insurrection, Gaetz said. Its not the job of the states, and especially not the job of some bureaucrats in Colorado. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) urges Congress members to support his resolution that states Donald Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States: Its time for members of the House and Senate to show where they stand on this question. pic.twitter.com/2TcRGMkYoG The Recount (@therecount) February 6, 2024 Trump has also been removed from the ballot in Maine, a decision which is under appeal. Challenges to his eligibility are ongoing in more than a dozen other states. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) seemed to claim that the press was dishonest in labeling Jan. 6 an insurrection because they didnt also label Bidens lawful inauguration later that month one. When Joe Biden was inaugurated, and this entire Capitol complex was surrounded with 30,000 National Guard troops, none of you stood there and called that an insurrection, she told reporters at the press conference, referring to the security measures put in place after Jan. 6. Oh no. You all stayed silent. Greene: When they came to Washington to protest, you called that an insurrection but when Biden was inaugurated and this Capitol was surrounded with National Guard troops, none of you stood there and called that an insurrection pic.twitter.com/1gI2vnmEqf Acyn (@Acyn) February 6, 2024 Anyone that puts the word insurrectionist, calls President Trump an insurrectionist, and calls any of us an insurrectionist is a liar, and you do not deserve the power that you possess, Greene added. Stefanik, who is reportedly being considered by Trump as a potential running mate and has publicly said she would be honored to serve as his vice president, also spoke. As President Donald Trump continues to dominate in the polls, extreme Democrats will stop at nothing in an attempt to prevent President Donald Trump from returning to the White House, and the Democrats are shredding the Constitution in the process, she said. Other members of Congress used the press conference to offer false conspiracy theories. They tried to rig the 2020 election, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) claimed. She called the case against Trump a witch hunt. The woke mob, the fake news, and the leftist government officials who are engaging in this extortion should be downright ashamed of themselves, she added before pivoting to Bidens son to claim Trump would have won in 2020 if voters were more aware of Hunters private life. We know that Democrats would have changed their votes had they been informed about Hunter Bidens laptop, she said. Were not so sure about that. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Government hackers last year exploited three unknown vulnerabilities in Apple's iPhone operating system to target victims with spyware developed by a European startup, according to Google. On Tuesday, Googles Threat Analysis Group, the companys team that investigates nation-backed hacking, published a report analyzing several government campaigns conducted with hacking tools developed by several spyware and exploit sellers, including Barcelona-based startup Variston. In one of the campaigns, according to Google, government hackers took advantage of three iPhone "zero-days," which are vulnerabilities not known to Apple at the time they were exploited. In this case, the hacking tools were developed by Variston, a surveillance and hacking technology startup whose malware has already been analyzed twice by Google (in 2022 and 2023). Contact Us Do you have more information about Variston or Protect Electronic Systems? Wed love to hear from you. From a non-work device, you can contact Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely on Signal at +1 917 257 1382, or via Telegram, Keybase and Wire @lorenzofb, or email lorenzo@techcrunch.com. You also can contact TechCrunch via SecureDrop. Google said it discovered the unknown Variston customer using these zero-days in March 2023 to target iPhones in Indonesia. The hackers delivered an SMS text message containing a malicious link that infected the target's phone with spyware, and then redirected the victim to a news article by the Indonesian newspaper Pikiran Rakyat. Google did not say who was Varistons government customer in this case. An Apple spokesperson did not comment to TechCrunch, asking whether the company is aware of this hacking campaign found by Google. While Variston keeps getting attention from Google, the company has lost multiple employees over the past year, according to former staff who spoke to TechCrunch on the condition of anonymity because they were under a non-disclosure agreement. It is not yet known who Variston sold its spyware to. According to Google, Variston collaborates with several other organizations to develop and deliver spyware. Google says one of the organizations was Protected AE, which is based in the United Arab Emirates. Local business records identify the company as Protect Electronic Systems, and say it was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi. On its official website, Protect bills itself as a cutting edge cyber security and forensic company. According to Google, Protect "combines spyware it develops with the Heliconia framework and infrastructure, into a full package which is then offered for sale to either a local broker or directly to a government customer, referring to Varistons software Heliconia, which Google previously detailed in 2022. Variston was founded in 2018 in Barcelona by Ralf Wegener and Ramanan Jayaraman, and shortly after acquired Italian zero-day research company Truel IT, according to Spanish and Italian business records seen by TechCrunch. Wegener and Jayaraman did not respond to a request for comment by email. Representatives from Protect also did not respond. While there has been a lot of attention in the last few years on Israeli companies like NSO Group, Candiru and Quadream, Googles report shows that European spyware makers are expanding their reach and capabilities. Google wrote in its report that its researchers track around 40 spyware makers, which sell exploits and surveillance software to government customers around the world. In the report Google mentions not only Variston, but also the Italian companies Cy4Gate, RCS Lab and Negg as examples of relatively newer companies that have entered the market. RCS Lab was founded in 1993 and used to be a partner of the now-defunct spyware maker Hacking Team, but didnt develop spyware on its own until recent years, focusing instead on selling products to conduct traditional phone wiretapping at the telecom providers level. In its report, Google said it is committed to disrupting hacking campaigns conducted with these companies tools because they have been linked to targeted surveillance of journalists, dissidents and politicians. Commercial surveillance vendors (CSVs) are enabling the proliferation of dangerous hacking tools, Google wrote in its report. The harm is not hypothetical. Spyware vendors point to their tools legitimate use in law enforcement and counterterrorism. However, spyware deployed against journalists, human rights defenders, dissidents, and opposition party politicians what Google refers to as high risk users has been well documented. While the number of users targeted by spyware is small compared to other types of cyber threat activity, the follow-on effects are much broader, the company wrote. This type of focused targeting threatens freedom of speech, a free press, and the integrity of elections worldwide. Getting a call out of the blue from a governmental agency in Texas inquiring about the welfare of your child or children must be a terrifying experience for any parent. But it happens, and it usually begins with a tip. On March 20, 2023, an investigation into the whereabouts of 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez started when the Texas Child Protective Services received an anonymous tip that Noel hadnt been seen since November 2022. A Tarrant County grand jury later indicted Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, Noels mother, on charges including his murder while the search for the childs body continues a year after he was last seen, the Star-Telegram previously reported. More trending stories: Want to make $275,000 a year and work from home? Is COVID variant JN.1 too smart for home test kits? What science says. Here's why your 2024 tax refund may be delayed. As tips come in about a childs alleged neglect or abuse, the CPS, a division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, assesses the reports and begins an investigation. But can this inquiry include monitoring the electronic devices of the parents and children? Can Texas CPS tap your phone during an investigation? Not without parental consent. No, CPS generally cannot tap your phone without a court order or your consent, according to the Bryan Fagan law firm website. Phone tapping is a serious invasion of privacy, and courts require a strong justification before granting such permission. Texas recognizes the parents right to privacy. intrusions from the CPS is governed by the right of informed consent. Without a parents consent or a court order, CPS cannot tap phones or intercept any or part of your electronic conversations. In Texas, what is considered invasion of privacy? In Texas, the law recognizes the individuals right to privacy. (Texas) law generally respects an individuals expectation of privacy, which can include communications made via a cell phone,. the Bryan Fagan law firm states. The state recognizes three types of invasion of privacy claims: Misappropriation An individuals is free to not have his personality used and exploited. Unlawful publicity Your personal affairs that the public has no legitimate concern cannot be publicized. Intrusion on seclusion No one can intrude on your private activities when that intrusion can be seen as shameful or humiliating to any normal person. Kara King tried. She bought how-to crochet kits and hooked her way through a tiny narwhal, a dinosaur and a fox. But even before she gave up on the last one ("The unicorn broke me"), King realized she'd been unrealistic. Despite her best efforts, hope and drive, her budding crochet skills were just not going to improve enough to finish the intricate tablecloth her grandma had been working on when she died. That's where a stranger stepped in. Brandon Buchanan's hobby is crocheting lace doilies the kind that use the most delicate, tiny thread and include fanciful patterns. He especially likes a combination called the pineapple stitch. He and King live near each other in Minneapolis, but had never met until they were connected through a nonprofit called Loose Ends. One pineapple stitch at a time, Buchanan is now working on the final, complicated rounds of the project that King's Grandma Jen began years ago. Started by two longtime friends (one in Maine, the other in Washington), Loose Ends matches unfinished projects with volunteer "finishers" who are skilled in many textile crafts, from knitting to quilting. Family members and friends submit handiwork that a loved one started before they died or became disabled. Volunteer finishers donate their time to complete and return the projects so they can be cherished as originally intended. Loose Ends, which began in 2022, has grown quickly. It now has volunteer finishers signed up in more than 60 countries, with thousands of projects completed or in the works. They are currently getting a boost from Joann Fabrics and Crafts stores across the country. During the month of February, the donated change from shoppers who decide to "round up" will go to Loose Ends. In Minnesota, more than 500 people have signed up to be finishers, setting up an account online (looseendsproject.org) and filling out a profile, including a mailing address and skills assessment. When someone submits a project, they also fill out a form online with details so that the group can match it to finishers who live nearby and have the required skills. Once there's a match, the project owner ships the handiwork and any patterns and materials to the finisher, who then returns it once it's done. Founders Jennifer Simonic and Masey Kaplan, both avid knitters, hit on the idea after visiting a friend whose mom had recently died. Among her things were two crochet blankets that she had been working on for her sons during chemotherapy treatments, Simonic said. Their friend asked if they could help her finish the blankets, explaining that her mom had fretted about leaving the blankets incomplete. Instead, Simonic and Kaplan told her about their idea to find volunteers to help. "We joke that we started a nonprofit because we didn't want to finish a crochet blanket," said Simonic. Of course, Loose Ends is about much more than finishing uncompleted projects it's about connection, legacy and, ultimately, love. In all of these projects, the initial intention was to take care of someone, Simonic said. The maker likely thought, " 'Someone's going to look at it every day and think of me,' " she said. "Or, 'Their feet won't get cold.' Or, 'They'll have a blanket for the baby.' So that's why we do this kind of stuff. So that, you know, people can feel loved." Stitching it together Before she saw a Facebook post about Loose Ends, King had been wondering if anyone could figure out how to pick up where her grandmother had left off. King, who grew up in Sioux Falls, went to her grandparents' house every day after school. Her grandma was a school bookkeeper by day and a ballroom dancer by night, teaching lessons with King's grandpa. She has so many memories of Grandma Jen sitting in her TV room, watching movies or chatting and working away on her lace crochet like it was the easiest thing to do. King quickly discovered it was not. After reading about Loose Ends, King, who works as a customer service manager, decided to submit her grandma's project. "This seems like a really rare thing," she remembered thinking. "Maybe there won't even be anybody to do anything with it." Two days later, she got an email from Loose Ends notifying her that it had found a match in Buchanan. For his part, Buchanan jumped at the chance to do some lace crochet. He'd been waiting months for a Loose Ends assignment. To save on shipping costs, the nonprofit tries to pair projects and finishers in the same area. That can sometimes mean a wait of many months, although some volunteers land a project right away. Buchanan, who works at a restaurant, especially loves crocheting as a pastime because it gives him something lasting to show for his time, he said, unlike his other hobbies of playing video games or cooking. "Blankets, sweaters, toys, rugs, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, I've done most of the typical stuff," he said. "But I really enjoy doilies." The two met at a coffee shop so King could pass along the project. She told him a little about her family and he told her that he was looking forward to helping out. (He's made so many lace doilies that even his mom has more than enough, he said.) Buchanan was able to start crocheting where King's grandma left off, but he ran into a problem: A page was missing in the photocopy of the pattern King had given him. He tracked down the original pattern book online and has been working on the tablecloth ever since. "I got the impression that her mother would just be thrilled to see this thing finished," he said of King. King is already planning to host a family dinner that would feature Grandma Jen's tablecloth. She measured her table and, once completed, it will fit perfectly. "It'll be pretty cool to have something that she spent so much time on as part of our meals," she said. "We're big on pulling people from the past forward in my family." On special occasions, they get out the bone China dishes that were King's great-grandma's, even though they have to be washed by hand. "The things that you carry with you have meaning and kind of keep those people with you," she said. "And so that's kind of a piece that will allow us to have Grandma with us." PATERSON Construction on the expansion of the Great Falls National Historical Park has paused during the winter as government officials hold private meetings about the dangers posed by asbestos in nearby industrial ruins. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has said the park expansion will create an unacceptable risk because the ruins could collapse and result in a catastrophic release of asbestos. Federal officials are pushing to delay the opening of the new park area. But Mayor Andre Sayegh, who sees the national park as crucial to Patersons revitalization, has been pushing for the $7.9 milllion expansion to open in the spring. What does the NJDEP say? New Jerseys Department of Environmental Protection has been slow to take a position on whether the expansion would put park visitors in danger. The state agency took more than two weeks to respond when Paterson Press asked about the risks cited by federal environmental officials. The DEP eventually issued a statement in the last week of January, saying it is aware of concerns regarding the structural integrity of buildings and soil contamination at the Allied Textile Printing site, which is where the ruins containing asbestos are. Specifically, the Department is aware that the potential release and migration of airborne asbestos may increase as structurally compromised buildings at the ATP property continue to deteriorate over time, or a building collapse occurs, said the DEP statement. The state environmental agency said it does not regulate asbestos but relies on the EPAs expertise regarding the toxic substance. The Department supports EPA efforts to address contamination issues, in accordance with all state and federal regulations, including those that are protective of both public health and historic preservation, the state agency said. Earlier from Paterson Press: Feds warn of unacceptable risk from contaminated buildings at Great Falls park What does the EPA say? EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and Sayegh spoke last month about the situation. Federal officials called the conversation productive, and the mayors staff said it was a constructive dialogue. EPA looks forward to continuing to partner with the city to make progress, said the federal agencys press office. Sayeghs staff said the mayor expects to have another meeting with the EPAs Garcia next week. Meanwhile, the National Park Service said it values the safety of residents, visitors and employees above all else. NPS will work cooperatively and fully with both EPA and the city of Paterson towards a safe, positive resolution, said parks spokesperson John Harlan Warren. Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ Great Falls expansion paused amid asbestos worries A group of men accused of a 2021 shooting that left a 16-year-old dead and another teen injured have been charged, New Mexico police said. In August 2021, a group of six shot at least 200 rounds into a house party with the intent of killing someone inside, according to a Feb. 5 news release by Albuquerque officers. One of the men told police they had a beef with someone inside the house, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Albuquerque Journal. McClatchy News reached out to police for the criminal complaint on Feb. 5 and was awaiting a response. The group didnt kill the intended target but instead fatally shot Gabriel Garcia, 16, and injured another teen whom police didnt identify, officials said. We just got out of work at Bobs Burgers. We were just hanging out with all the Bobs family, and we decided to go to a party, and we went to the party and not even 10 minutes it got shot up, Garcias brother, Nathan Garcia, told KOB4 in 2021. After the shooting, the suspects joked in a group chat as they tried to figure out who would take credit for the murder, police said. One group member called the fatal shooting a team kill, officers said. He filled our lives with so much joy. I will forever miss his great big smile and his contagious laugh, I can hear it every time I close my eyes, Gabriel Garcias family told officers at the time of the shooting. During that time, the group members were between the ages of 17 and 19, police told KRQE. Five of the six suspects have been arrested, officers said. Santos Veronica, Francisco Ramirez, Dominic Baca, Elton Gastelum and Johnny Lopez are in custody on charges of murder, shooting at a dwelling or occupied building and conspiracy, police said. As of Feb. 6, Lawrence Ramirez-Casiquito, the sixth suspect, is not in custody, but a warrant is out for his arrest, police said. Gabe was everybodys friend. He didnt care where you came from, what you wore he just loved you. He was the kind of heart that people just fell in love with, Garcias family said in the statement to police. 8-year-old boy shot in chest by high-powered air rifle dies, Arizona officials say Man pulls gun on mom trying to sell car on OfferUp in lot with 7-year-old, AZ cops say You want to die? Air Force sergeant aims gun at 19-year-old in road rage, AZ cops say Jogger wakes up sleeping man on sidewalk and shoots him dead, California officials say CPS Energys Braunig Power Station is seen from the air in July. The city-owned utility is moving ahead with plans to shut down the natural gas-fired plant as it continues to move away from fossil fuel generation under its latest budget. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A boat cruises on Victor Braunig Lake on a Saturday in 2014. The lake provides water for the Braunig Power Station, seen in the background. Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Green lights show a freeze protection circuit is working at one of the power generation units at CPS Energys Braunig Power Station in early 2022. William Luther, Staff CPS Energy this year will start to shutter the aging gas-fired generators at its Braunig Power Station, build new natural gas plants to provide supply during peak-demand periods and secure more solar, wind and battery capacity after its board Monday approved its budget for the coming year. The lone no vote on the $1.8 billion spending plan was cast by trustee John Steen, often the harshest voice of criticism regarding the city-owned utilitys operations and financial health. The budget, which represents a 15% increase in operating costs, was approved on a 3-1 vote with one trustee absent. The way CPS grades itself became the focus of debate, with Steen taking direct jabs at board Chairperson Janie Gonzalez. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The board leadership is not merely enabling this process of redefining success, Steen said of the boards shifting metrics for the utility. Its driving it. The utility was discussing the latest iteration of its scorecard to track its enterprise and business targets through the fiscal year, which began Thursday and continues to the end of January 2025. Gonzalez said she wasnt lowering the bar but being responsive to what the community wants to know. Steen offered similar criticisms last year, when he said the utility was moving the goalposts with revisions to metrics already set in place. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fewer measurements CPS met 10 of the 16 targets it set last year. The latest scorecard reduces to eight the number of metrics CPS uses for its public-facing grades. They cover factors like average duration of power outages, power plant availability, fiscal resiliency and customer perception. To Steen, that means less public accountability. CEO Rudy Garza said the other metrics are still being charted, but the utility picked out the ones that would be easiest for the public to understand and care about, such as the average customer power outage being under an hour. Anything over 10 is too much, Garza said after the meeting. He said the scaled-back measurements will make it easier for the public to engage and discuss the utilitys performance. Steen also voiced concerns over the utilitys debt, the bulk of which stems from unpaid bills through the pandemic that are still outstanding. The utilitys debt ratio for the last fiscal year was 62.6% and is forecast to drop another percentage point by the end of the current fiscal year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Director of Budgeting Analysis Geronimo Gonzalez said a lot of that total is dependent upon how much money in capital loans were taken out to cover new generation spending. We cant just look at these numbers as the all-magic thing, said trustee Francine Romero, making clear she didnt agree with Steen. Theres a whole story behind them and that story is how were expanding to meet the needs of our customers. Trustee Willis Mackey said he wanted to see CPS take a stronger approach to collecting unpaid bills, but mostly agreed CPS was successfully navigating the challenges of creating new power sources as demand soars. Garza said after the meeting that the utilitys old plants will continue operating in overlap with new plants being built to eventually replace them, which is also contributing to the debt. He said the rating agencies are well aware of that. CPS has the second-highest rating out of 30 comparable co-op or municipal utilities in the state, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That agency rating indicates CPS financial health and its ability to pay a bonds principal with interest. Rates increasing One revenue source was approved last year by City Council: a 4.25% rate increase. Customers will begin seeing that increases impact in this months bills. It's helping to fund the 15% increase in operating costs, which is the highest one-time annual increase in CPS operations and maintenance budget in the utilitys history. Steen took issue that deeper budgetary breakdowns were not included in the information package provided ahead of Mondays vote. Garza said that the information hadnt changed since trustees approved the rate hike that supported those budgetary needs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Steen approved the rate hike with reservations in December. Everything we have been doing has been in full view of the board, Garza said after the meeting. Director of Planning and Performance John Soltau said the utility would soon notify the statewide grid operators of its plans to retire the aging Braunig plants, which produce up to 859 megawatts of power, while also working to establish its increasing portfolio of solar and wind generation and battery storage. The utility also plans on creating new gas peaker plants, which can power up quickly during grid emergencies, with efforts ramping up in the spring. By the fall, CPS says it will begin to execute its plans to turn coal-burning Spruce 2 unit of its Spruce Power Plant into a natural gas plant. The power generation overhauls will be ongoing projects, lasting at least to 2028. Garza said he hoped to have the Braunig plants offline sooner rather than later. CPS says its goal is to shutter the plants by March 2025. This photograph, shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the social media platform X on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, shows Ukrainian prisoners of war reacting after a prisoner exchange at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the social media platform X via AP - image credit) As the grim two-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, a new poll suggests Canadians' engagement with the conflict is waning and support for Ukraine is weakening especially among Conservatives. A survey released Tuesday morning by the Angus Reid Institute says a quarter of Canadians believe Canada is offering "too much support" to Ukraine in its fight, up from 13 per cent who said the same thing in May 2022. Conservative supporters are a driving force behind that result, according to the poll. The percentage of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the last election, and who now say Canada is doing too much to assist Ukraine, has more than doubled from 19 per cent in May 2022 to 43 per cent now according to the public opinion research group's findings. "It's ... a massive jump," said Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid Institute. "This has the potential to be something of a political Gordian knot for Pierre Poilievre." Sorting out the reasons behind the shift is largely an exercise in speculation at this point, said Kurl. On the one hand, she said, there's a longstanding tradition of support for the military among Conservative voters. That position may be in tension with Conservative support for small governments and lower taxes, she added. "I don't want to overemphasize it but what is burgeoning, what is starting to sort of grow from out of the weeds into a fairly healthy seedling here, is this almost the Trump-esque, 'Canada First' mentality," she said. "That mindset of conservative is not representative of the majority of the Conservative Party base in the country, or the entirety of the base. It is a minority, but it is a passionate, vocal and growing minority." The poll suggests the belief that Canada is giving Ukraine too much is also growing among NDP and Liberal voters. The percentage of voters who think Canada is doing too much for Ukraine jumped from 5 to 10 per cent among 2021 Liberal supporters, and from 5 to 12 per cent among 2021 NDP supporters. Since early 2022, the federal government has committed more than $2.4 billion in military assistance and more than $352 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. An emotional debate about trade with Ukraine The poll landed a day after another emotional debate in the House of Commons over a bill to implement an update to the Canada-Ukraine free trade deal. The Liberals accused Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party of abandoning Ukraine when Conservative MPs voted against the bill in November. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has attributed the opposition to "American MAGA-influenced thinking." Poilievre, whose party has maintained a large polling lead over Trudeau's Liberals for months, has said his party still supports Ukraine and its objection is to the mention of "carbon pricing" in the legislation. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre address the national Conservative caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addresses the national Conservative caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) "I really think it speaks to how pathologically obsessed Trudeau is with the carbon tax that, while the knife is at the throat of Ukrainians, he would use that to impose his carbon tax ideology on those poor people," Poilievre said in November. The trade agreement imposes no obligation on the Ukrainian government to introduce a carbon tax. Last week, Poilievre called on the Liberal government to donate to Ukraine tens of thousands of surplus air-to-ground rockets that are slated for disposal. The Angus Reid poll suggests Canadians, by a three-to-one ratio, believe the Conservatives' vote against the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement will undermine Canada's reputation on the world stage. Half of likely Conservative voters believe there will be no effect at all, the poll says. Kurl said elections based on foreign policy issues are rare in Canada, but for the first time in months Poilievre's opponents have something to talk about. "He's spent little to no time on the defence and it has enabled him to stay very disciplined in terms of message and stay very focused in terms of a relentless attack on the government. And I'm not saying that those attacks in some cases haven't been cogent, or that they haven't been the result of really a litany ... of own-goals on the part of this government," said Kurl. "But, you know, for the first time we we may be seeing something that puts Poilievre on the defence ..." Canadians' interest dwindling The Angus Reid Institute's survey suggests the number of Canadians closely following news of the conflict has dropped from 66 per cent in May 2022 to 45 per cent now. "Overall, Canadians are checking out of this conflict," said Kurl. "And you can see that those who are less engaged are much more likely to also say, you know, we're helping too much, we've fulfilled our commitments." The poll suggests Canadians remain divided on the role Canada should play in the war going forward. One third of respondents agreed Canada should support Ukraine "as long as it takes," while one-in-ten believe that support should continue for only another year. Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly speaks to the media during a press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly speaks to the media during a press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, Ukraine on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletk) Another 30 per cent are uncertain, while 20 per cent say they believe the war should end now with negotiations for peace initiated by Ukraine. Just five per cent of respondents want Canada to end its support entirely. The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31, 2024 using a randomized sample of 1,617 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Early results for monitoring air quality levels around the St. Clair County landfill are in, and they appear to confirm the concerns nearby residents in Kimball Township have been voicing for months. Theres a detectible smell of hydrogen sulfide in the air often. But state and local officials said the levels found shouldn't mean any major health impacts for the area long-term. On Friday, the county stated in a news release that it was made aware of the results from monitoring conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy late the previous day. An outcry among community members emerged last fall, pointing out broader health and environmental concerns surrounding an at-times nauseating smell within a wide radius of the landfill. County officials have attributed the smell to excess gas produced by the breakdown of waste at the Smiths Creek facility. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy set up two areas to monitor air quality off-site of the St. Clair County landfill late last year. Early results were reported on Feb. 1, and monitoring will continue with updates every two weeks. EGLE reportedly began sampling separately from two air sensors on Nov. 30 and Dec. 20 off site but near the landfill. One-minute readings were used to calculate one-hour and 24-hour averages of concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, which were frequently recorded at around or above 10 parts per billion. And according to the state, the levels raised do not raise any concerns of increased risk of negative health impacts from short-term exposure, though residents may have experienced short-term effects in one area amid heavier air and snowpack from recent colder weather in late January. As part of an ongoing air-quality monitoring effort since November and December, the state collected one-minute readings to calculate one-hour and 24-hour averages of concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, which were frequently recorded at around or above 10 parts per billion, as of Feb.1. We will continue to evaluate the data as it is collected and share information with the county and state health departments, EGLE said in its February update. Readings on some days showed concentrations where odors were likely to be present. People have differing sensitivity to odors, so some residents may have been impacted by odors related to hydrogen sulfide. Residents who are experiencing issues were still encouraged to submit complaints through EGLE. The state agency noted sampling and updates would continue every two weeks. What else is the county doing? The county ultimately echoed the states statement on hydrogen sulfide readings so far, as it continues a separate air-quality monitoring effort. According to county officials, the results from the state revealed brief elevations of hydrogen sulfide associated with recent periods of calm, foggy weather amounts that were still below acceptable levels set by regulatory agencies with no associated long-term health effects. H2S (hydrogen sulfide) at these concentrations may cause transient headaches, nausea, and nose, throat, and eye irritation, among other symptoms, in those who are most susceptible, Dr. Remington Nevin, medical director for the countys health department, said in a statement. "We sympathize with the residents who have been experiencing these issues. We encourage residents with their concerns to contact their health care provider and follow their medical advice. In December, Landfill Director Matt Williams told officials he was exploring a proposal from Tetra Tech for air quality monitoring, leading to a contract for 24-hour continuous monitoring for five days. Once completed, officials moved to add a week of monitoring as a due diligence measure after additional complaints of odors were received. St. Clair County contracted separately with Tetra Tech, which continues its own air monitoring at multiple stations and reading areas around the Smiths Creek landfill. Like the state's results, levels of hydrogen sulfide have varied but were reportedly no cause for long-term health concerns. According to a report out Feb. 1, Tetra Tech deployed smart sensor equipment at four stations on the perimeter of the affected landfill area to assess real-time contaminants of hydrogen sulfide in ambient air from 100 parts per billion to 100 parts per million, or ppb and ppm. In that initial testing, H2S was detected at 100 ppb or greater on four days on Jan. 5, 6, 7, and 11 from at least one of two stations. One station had a total of 279 detections with a maximum reading of 594 ppb, while another had a total of 46 detections with a maximum of 180 ppb. Tetra Tech also used a hydrogen sulfide analyzer for mobile monitoring daily, according to the report, at 10 locations off-site of the landfill. That equipment, which can measure from 3 ppb to 10 ppm, measured readings of 2.53, 10.29, and 6.7 ppb in two different areas on Jan. 5, 6, and 12. Last month, the county board of commissioners signed off on a professional services agreement and an addendum with Tetra Tech for $25,100. According to a Jan. 8 letter to Williams from Tetra Tech, the company would continue monitoring for hydrogen sulfide for another week, getting real-time data, including a meteorological station to record daily weather at four fixed locations, as well as the daily monitoring throughout the adjacent neighborhood at 10 locations. In a last weeks release, the county stated monitoring would resume with Tetra Tech once the vendor secured equipment with the wider range of capabilities. Results once received would be shared online. Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Early testing shows varied levels of hydrogen sulfides around county landfill A student brought a stolen, loaded gun to school. Body scanners didnt catch it police did. North Mecklenburg High School confirmed Huntersville Police Department officers found the gun in a backpack after a fight broke out on campus Tuesday. Huntersville Police found a loaded, stolen gun in a North Mecklenburg High students backpack following a fight between two students on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is investigating why body scanners didnt detect it. Courtesy of Huntersville Police Department The School Resource Officers quickly broke up the fight, Maj. Brain Vaughan wrote in an email to The Charlotte Observer. Inside a backpack, police found a stolen 9 mm handgun. It was never used or displayed during the fight, Vaughan said. The discovery follows CMS recent drop in guns found on campus a trend opposite to state data. New NC crime stats show progress inside CMS schools. But what about drug use? All Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools high schools and middle schools were equipped with body scanners following a spike in guns on campus during the 2021-22 school year. It is unclear how the student passed through the schools door with a gun, said Susan Vernon-Delvin, CMS executive director of communications. All scanners were functioning on Tuesday, Vernon-Delvin said. According to CMS Code of Conduct, the student will face a range of consequences from long-term suspension to expulsion. Principal Stephanie Hood asked that parents help by reinforcing with (their) children that weapons are not permitted in our schools. Deepfake Scam A multinational company was scammed out of $25.6 million by hackers who fooled employees at the company's Hong Kong branch into believing their digital recreation of its chief financial officer as well as several other video conference participants were real. The hack, believed to be the first of its kind, highlights just how far deepfake technology has progressed. As the South China Morning Post reports, scammers are believed to have used publicly available footage to create deepfake representations of the staff. Some of the fake video calls apparently only had a single human on the line, with the rest being deepfakes created by the hackers. "This time, in a multi-person video conference, it turns out that everyone you see is fake," senior superintendent Baron Chan Shun-ching told the SCMP. Money Men A finance department employee was tricked into believing that a secret transaction had to be made, beginning with a phishing message in mid-January. Despite at first being doubtful, the employee attended a group video call that featured the deepfake versions of the company's CFO, as well as other staff who reportedly looked and sounded like their real-life counterparts. "They used deepfake technology to imitate the voice of their targets reading from a script," Chan told the SCMP. Unsurprisingly, the employee didn't really interact with the deepfake avatars and was only asked to introduce themselves. According to Chan, two to three employees were targeted by the scammers. At least one other employee also attended an orchestrated video conference call. Deepfakes seem poised to finally start wreaking some real havoc. The news comes after pornographic deepfakes of Taylor Swift started flooding social media feeds last month, triggering a heated debate over the responsibility of companies to stop people from creating and sharing these images online. Deepfakes have also been used by kidnappers to get a ransom. In May, a scammer in northern China managed to cheat a man out of $622,000 by masquerading as his friend using AI-powered face-swapping and voice-cloning software. Fortunately, as far as fake corporate conference calls are concerned, Hong Kong's police department offered some helpful tips on how to identify deepfake participants. For one, individuals could ask them to move their heads or simply ask them other questions to see if they're real before authorizing a $25 million transfer. More on deepfakes: New Law Would Illegalize AI Taylor Swift Porn Flooding Internet Hackers from the Prana Network group have compromised the mail servers of the Iranian company IRGC Sahara Thunder, which contained an array of data on the production of Shahed-136 attack drones for Russia. Source: a statement by Prana Network, reported by Militarnyi Details: As noted, the IRGC Sahara Thunder company is a fictitious company run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that facilitates the sale of weapons to Russia. In particular, the hackers published information about negotiations between the Iranian and Russian sides on the location of production in the Russian free economic zone Alabuga. It is noted that the Iranian side announced the starting price of the Shahed attack drone at 23 million roubles per unit (about US$375,000). However, during the negotiations, an agreement was reached at the level of 12 million roubles per unit, when ordering 6,000 units (about US$193,000) or 18 million roubles (about US$290,000) when ordering 2,000 units. According to other published documents, at least part of the Russian Federation's financial transactions and payments with Iran are made in gold. For example, in February 2023, Alabuga Machinery transferred 2 million grams of gold to the Iranian shell company Sahara Thunder, presumably as payment for services and goods. Background: In August 2023, The Washington Post obtained internal documents on the operation of the Iranian drone manufacturing plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia, which is scheduled to produce 6,000 Shahed kamikaze drones by 2025. Support UP or become our patron! A student browses her cell phone as she leaves the James Madison High School campus Monday, Jan. 5, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer A student browses his cell phone as she leaves the James Madison High School campus Monday, Jan. 5, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer A person stands out front of James Madison High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Dozens of students at HISD's Madison High School walked out of the south Houston high school Monday morning, disrupting classes for the second straight school day over a cellphone ban that is now in effect at the campus. Students arrived to school Monday morning to find tables lined with plastic bins, where they were expected to leave their phones for the entirety of the school day, and have them returned during their last class period. Madison High School implemented the ban to try to curb fighting on campus, according to a message Principal Edgar Contreras sent to parents Friday. Announcement of the policy prompted student protests and a temporary lockdown on Friday and then a student walkout around 10:30 a.m. Monday. HISD spokesman Jose Irizarry said the ban was necessary because "cellphone video has been at the center of multiple recent fights on campus." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "This, obviously, endangers the safety of Madison students and staff and disrupts the learning environment. Neither is acceptable. HISD will continue working to ensure our students and staff have the safe and productive learning environment they deserve at school, every day," Irizarry said. Students at Madison, however, said the cellphone policy was only the final straw on a heap of larger, systemic issues at the campus. The principal said the cellphones were the root cause of all fights but in reality its more than that, said freshman Natalie Lopez. Diana Cuadra, also a freshman, said the policy was simply adding to other stressors students were already dealing with. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its not even really about the phones, its how theyre wasting the environment with the materials theyre trying to provide us, Cuadra said, citing the repurposing of the schools library into a restrictive area as a particularly frustrating example. Under Miles New Education System, schools like Madison, which are NES-aligned, use libraries as Team Centers used partially for independent work, and partially to house students who have been removed from their classrooms for disciplinary purposes. Prince Harry has met his father in London. The prince landed in Britain after a dramatic dash from California to be at the kings side, after his father told him in a personal phone call that he had cancer. Harry, 39, was photographed being driven into the gates of his fathers London residence, Clarence House, at around 2:45 p.m. Shortly before 4 p.m., the king was photographed being driven out of Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, from where he was expected to fly by helicopter to his country house in Norfolk, Sandringham. Harry had flown from Los Angeles to Londons Heathrow overnight, landing at around 12:30 p.m. It is not known where he is staying. The royals race to be with his father has fueled hopes Harrys relationship with his father may be on the mend. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Tuesday that King Charles cancer has been caught early, suggesting his prognosis is good. That suggestion was echoed in a report in the Daily Mail, in which a friend was quoted as saying: From what I know he is up and about as usual and he is so positive that you wouldnt know he even had a condition. Luckily it has, as far as anyone can tell, been caught very early. Nonetheless, Harry rushed home to be with his father. The relationship was damaged by Harrys brutal attacks on Charles and Queen Camilla in his memoir, Spare. He alleged he was sacrificed by Camilla to enhance her own image and fulfil her ambition to be queen. The king retaliated by kicking Harry out of his house on the royal estate, Frogmore Cottage. Some of the kings aides and friends have sought not to inflame the issue by keeping quiet, but others have made no secret of the kings sadness and disappointment at his sons behavior. One of the most revealing assessments of the true state of the relationship between father and son was made by Sir Nicholas Soames, a British aristocrat descended from Winston Churchill, said by some to be the kings best friend. He gave an interview on the eve of the kings coronation excoriating Prince Harry for hurtful behavior of the cruelest kind toward his father. Soames told Times Radio, In respect of Prince Harry, I just think its the most tragic. I mean, I cant put myself in the position where my own son, if he did something like that to me, it would just be the cruelest and one would mind. He added, Of course, the king was very, very sad, and said the situation was tragic, adding, But, we all have families. Weve all lived through it. But it was a terrible blow. Soames was asked later in the interview how Queen Camilla felt about Harry but dodged the question saying he hadnt discussed it with her, returning instead to how Harrys public attacks on the family had affected Charles, saying, Of course it was hurtful, you could see it, written all over his face. Put oneself in his position. It was just painful beyond words. Harrys brief in and out attendance at the coronation was seen as a sign that he did not feel welcomed by his family. In November, however, Harrys team briefed that he had called his father to wish him a happy 75th birthday, and that his children had sung Happy Birthday to their grandfather in a video message. Harry is reported by the Daily Mail to have touched down on a British Airways flight to London Heathrow shortly after noon local time, but Meghan, Archie and Lilibet have stayed at their home in California. He was thought to be hoping to meet with his father today, but the palace would not confirm that. In Spare, Harry wrote that Charles begged his sons to make peace, saying: Please boys, dont make my final years a misery. Harrys arrival comes as the palace seems set on trying to dial down any sense of urgency or panic following Mondays shock announcement. 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. Harvard professor and notorious UFO hunter Avi Loeb claims he has new evidence that meteor fragments recovered from the ocean floor are alien technology, Boston Public Radio reports, pushing back against detractors who argue their origins are more mundane. "It raises the possibility that it may have been a Voyager-like meteor, artificially made by another civilization," Loeb told the station on Monday, referencing an actual pair of probes sent screaming out of the solar system by NASA back in the 1970s. Though perhaps best known for his provocative theories on the interstellar object 'Oumuamua that passed through our solar system back in 2017, Loeb's latest findings concern another interstellar oddity which, unlike Oumuamua, found its way to Earth albeit not in one piece. Dubbed IM1, the meteor plunged into the Pacific Ocean near Papua New Guinea nearly a decade ago, but was overlooked until Loeb spearheaded efforts that confirmed in 2022 that it was the first interstellar object known to fall to Earth. In hot pursuit, the astrophysicist launched an expedition to comb the ocean floor for the object last year and found, he claims, its remnants in the form of spherical metal fragments, or "spherules," that he thinks could suggest IM1 might be some form of alien technology. Those findings, documented in a paper published in October, were met with skepticism. Some scientists rebutted that the spherules were the result of fallout from human nuclear testing, or even just coal ash. Not so easily deterred, Loeb told Boston Public Radio he's released new findings to silence the skeptics, concluding in his preprint paper that some of the spherule's "chemical composition differs from any known solar system material." "What we did is compare 55 elements from the periodic table in coal ash to those special spherules that we found," he told the station. "And it's clearly very different." Loeb also appeared to have a message for the haters. "It's not based on opinions," he added. "And, of course, if you're not part of this scientific process and you are jealous of the attention that it gets, then you can raise a lot of criticism." His near indefatigable search for evidence of alien life won't end there. Off the back of a fruitful, Netflix-documented expedition and a year in which public hysteria over UFOs reached a fever pitch, Loeb is gearing up for another trip back to the Pacific, hoping to find bigger fragments. Still, for all the headlines he's made for scouring the ocean floor, Loeb believes our best bet of finding extraterrestrials remains in the sky. In particular, he cautions that his scientific peers, often fixated on the farthest reaches of the cosmos, shouldn't overlook what's in our solar system. "The best approach to figure it out is actually to do the scientific work of building observatories that look out and check what these objects are," he told Boston Public Radio. "And if they happen to be birds, or airplanes, or Chinese balloons, so be it." "But we need to figure it out, it's our civil duty as scientists," he added. More on aliens: Experts Push Back Against Rumors of James Webb Life Detection Masked men delighting in jihad, thugs punching and kicking poppy sellers, and gruesome terror attacks celebrated by thousands. For months our streets have become festivals of extremism, vitriol and, in the worst cases, violence. I know I am far from alone in wanting to live in a Britain where we are proud of our nation, united in our shared values, and respectful of our differences. Where hatred and division are confined to isolated incidents and where those who share our values feel welcome. A country, generally speaking, at peace with herself. Instead, our country has become unrecognisable. Weve become accustomed to hundreds of thousands of people regularly taking to our streets to glory in the murder of innocent men, women and children one of the most barbaric terror attacks the world has seen. Demonising Israel and Jews with racist slogans and bile. They defile our monuments and despise our country. Flares and fireworks are used as weapons. In some cases, its organised by those with links to Hamas. Tolerated by the police, enabled by the authorities and, simply put, a disgrace. As home secretary, I made no secret of my disgust at these hateful marches and urged the police to do more. In my opinion, the Metropolitan Police made the wrong decision when they refused to ban the march on Armistice Day and yet I was powerless in law to do anything about it. I, and others, made clear to police chiefs that from the river to sea a call for the elimination of Israel and her seven million Jews is an anti-Semitic chant, but no arrests were made. I probed as to why they justified the chanting of jihad as an exercise in theological struggle rather than a call to arms. I was alarmed when the Met had to apologise for taking advice during the protests from an extremist at the highest levels in the force. Why are you standing by and just watching, I would ask them? There is a way out of this mess. Im pleased that the Government is finally acting and introducing some of the changes I set in train in October, such as proscribing Hizb ut-Tahrir. I also read reports face coverings will be banned during protests and a specific offence to stop the desecration of war memorials will be introduced. But we must go further if we are serious. Firstly, we need new laws to address the phenomenon of mass extremism on our streets. The bar is set too high, so prosecutions are typically not sought. In order to charge, the police and CPS need to prove incitement or encouragement of terrorism, specifically. Not so easy when youre dealing with lawyered-up groups who know how to operate just beneath the threshold, but in a threatening and odious way nonetheless. So we need to change the Terrorism Act 2000 to better capture those cheerleaders of terrorism. Surely any expression of support of terrorism, whether it galvanises emulation or not, should have no place in our society? Secondly, the Government should legislate to introduce an amendable list of conduct that constitutes threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour as required under the Public Order Acts. This would help the police and prosecutors understand what Parliament deems unacceptable conduct. This would include examples such as Nazi/Holocaust imagery, from the river, with soul, with blood, we will return to Al Aqsa, and Khaybar Khaybar chanting, jihad and intifada rhetoric, and the one fingered salute of Isis. Next, the law is very clear about proscribing terrorist groups. But less so on groups of extremist concern, which may not be involved in terrorism but which cause significant damage to our communities and disrupt public order. There needs to be a new category that can catch groups such as Palestine Action, Friends of Al Aqsa or the Palestinian Forum in Britain. And lastly, we need a law that enables the home secretary to prevent a protest from going ahead. Ministers, answerable to the public, are powerless while the police are the ones who technically possess the legal power to initiate a ban of a march. This doesnt strike the right balance and so a power should be taken, as in France, to enable ministers to make the decision when it is believed violence may occur or a protest is causing ongoing distress to a community. I will fiercely defend the right to peaceful protest in a democratic society. But these marches are not about peace. Rather they are outpourings of vicious bigotry. This cannot become our new norm. We need leadership to unequivocally condemn Islamism and anti-Semitism on our streets. To reassert what Britain means to the world: civility, tolerance, and order. Above all, we need to find our backbone. Hatred must fail. We need to stand up and take on the mob. We need to win this fight and reclaim our streets. If we dont, we could find ourselves living in a very different country. Suella Braverman is the former Home Secretary Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Metropolitan Yevgeniy of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate will be leaving Estonia on Feb. 7 after the Estonian government did not extend his residence permit in January 2023, the ERR public broadcaster reported on Feb. 6, citing comments the Metropolitan made to Estonian authorities. Estonian authorities have accused Metropolitan Yevgeniy of public statements and actions in support of Russian aggression. Tensions between Tallinn and Moscow surged following the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "The Estonian state will not extend the residence permit of the head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Yevgeniy, whose civil name is Valeri Reshetnikov, because his activities are a security threat to Estonia," the Estonian police and border guard said in a press release. Representatives of the Interior Ministry have repeatedly appealed to Metropolitan Yevgeniy, insisting he must cease publicly defending the Russian regime and Russia's military activities, the press release read. "Despite previous warnings, Reshetnikov (Yevgeniy) has not changed his inappropriate behavior... Therefore, Reshetnikov's (Yevgeniy) actions are a security threat to the country." Estonian authorities said that Yevgeniy has cooperated so far and plans to leave the country on time. The Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate represents only one branch of the country's Orthodoxy, the other being the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Read also: Estonian PM: Our taxpayers shouldnt pay for damages caused by Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Guests walk through the exhibition of works by German photographer Helga Paris during a preview. The photographer Helga Paris, who grew up in the former East Berlin and became known for vividly capturing everyday life in the Soviet zone, has died at the age of 85.Paris died on 05 February at her flat in the German capital, her daughter told dpa on 06 February. Carsten Koall/dpa The photographer Helga Paris, who grew up in the former East Berlin and became known for vividly capturing everyday life in the Soviet zone, has died at the age of 85. Paris died on Monday at her flat in the German capital, her daughter told dpa on Tuesday. Paris, who was born in 1938 in what is now the Polish town of Goleniow, grew up in Zossen near Berlin. She studied fashion design and initially worked as a graphic designer before teaching herself photography in the 1960s. She found inspiration in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood, where she moved in 1966 with her then husband, the painter Ronald Paris, and where their two children grew up. The moody, sometimes melancholy, works she created in Berlin were strongly influenced by Paris' surroundings. At the time, the Prenzlauer Berg district was still characterized by working-class families. Photographs of women employed at a clothing factory, men drinking at their local pub, and lonely figures walking along empty Berlin streets typified her work. Train stations were also a frequent subject for her lens. Paris also travelled outside of Berlin, including to Transylvania, Georgia and the German city of Halle. Paris said no matter where she was, she tried to photograph everything "like a foreign city in a foreign country." Paris was a member of the Berlin's Akademie der Kunste arts academy since 1996. She left her archive of almost 230,000 negatives and around 6,300 films to the art institution. Myrta Romanos was arrested Jan. 10, 2024, and charged with helping her stepson hide the bodies of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News Ramon Preciado, 53, was arrested Jan. 3, 2024, and charged with helping his son, Christopher, 19, hide the bodies of Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra. The younger Preciado was charged with capital murder in the deaths of Soto, Guerra and their unborn son, Fabian. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Christopher Preciado, 19, center, was arrested Jan. 3, 2024, and charged with capital murder in the deaths of Savanah Soto, 18, her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, and their unborn son, Fabian. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News The words "Baby Killer" were spray-painted on a car in the driveway outside the home of Ramon Preciado, his son Christopher and his common-law wife, Myrta Romanos. Christopher is charged with capital murder in the deaths of Savanah Soto, 18, her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, and their unborn son, Fabian. The elder Preciado and Romanos are charged with helping Christopher hide the bodies. Jacob Beltra The couple charged with helping their son, Christopher Preciado, hide the bodies of pregnant teenager Savanah Soto and her boyfriend are asking a court to reduce their bail. Attorneys representing Ramon Preciado, 53, and Myrta Romanos, 47, filed motions asserting that the bond amounts set for them are oppressive. Preciados bail totals $600,000. Romanos' is $1.1 million. Both have been held in the Bexar County Jail since they were arrested in early January. Their lawyers' motions cite the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ramon Preciado, Christophers father, is charged with abuse of a corpse and with altering, destroying or concealing a corpse. His court-appointed attorney, John Kuntz, said in his motion that the elder Preciado cant afford his own lawyer, that his family ties are in San Antonio and that he would not pose a flight risk if freed on bail. Romanos, who is Christophers stepmother, is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence with intent to impair an investigation and altering, destroying or concealing a corpse. Her attorney, J. Charles Bunk, has petitioned a judge to lower her bail to $250,000. Both attorneys said in court papers that the defendants' family and friends have been unable to raise the money needed to post bond. A judge is expected to hear arguments on the motions on Friday in Romanos' case and on Monday in Ramon Preciados case. The two are accused of helping Christopher, 19, hide the bodies of Soto, 18, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22. Police say Christopher killed the couple after they met with him to sell him marijuana. He is charged with capital murder of multiple persons and is being held without bail. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Soto and Guerra disappeared shortly before Christmas. She was due to give birth to a baby boy, Fabian. Her family grew frantic after she failed to show up for an appointment at a hospital where doctors planned to induce labor. On Dec. 26, the couples bodies were discovered in Guerras car, a 2013 Kia Optima, which had been abandoned outside the Colinas at Medical Apartments on the Northwest Side. Both had been shot in the head. Guerras death was listed as a contact gunshot wound, meaning the barrel of the gun was pressed directly against his head, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner. Two days after the bodies were found, police asked for the publics help in identifying two persons of interest seen on security video from the apartment complex. In the video, two vehicles were seen pulling up side-by-side in the parking lot. One was a Chevy Silverado pickup. The other was Guerras Kia. A man emerged from each vehicle, and they spoke briefly before driving off in different directions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police say the two men were Christopher and Ramon Preciado and that they discussed how to dispose of the bodies of Soto and Guerra, which were in the Kia. The father and son were arrested on Jan. 3. Romanos was arrested a week later. The three lived together in a house in the 5000 block of Charlie Chan Drive, near the Colinas at Medical Apartments. Their home, at the intersection of Charlie Chan and Cary Grant Drive, became a hotbed of activity after their arrests. People left makeshift, curbside memorials to Soto and Guerra, and someone spray-painted Baby Killer on the side of a car parked in the driveway. Recently, the activity seems to have calmed down. The car that was once in the driveway is gone. A few Christmas decorations in the shape of candy canes stand on the front porch. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A neighbor, Carlos Gallegos, posted on TikTok video footage of a scene that unfolded recently outside the home. On the video, a group of people can be seen cleaning out the garage and loading belongings into the rear of a U-Haul truck. Joe Carrizales fishes with his family as construction of the SpaceX launch facility continues in the background in June 2021 in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Roger Jestes feeds seagulls as he socializes near Starship as SpaceX prepares for an upcoming scheduled launch on April 18, 2023, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Olive Applegate, 9, and her father, Doug Applegate from Houston, view the SpaceX Starship from the nearby sand dunes at Boca Chica on Nov. 17, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer The Mondell family and others watch as preparations continue for a planned SpaceX launch on April 18, 2023, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer David Garza spent months last year lining up funding and pitching his vision for Cameron County to buy and preserve nearly 500 acres of coastal habitat in South Texas. But around Thanksgiving, the owners of that land unexpectedly went quiet. More than a month later, Garza, a commissioner for the county, learned his plans were being scuttled for a land swap between the state and Texas most prominent rocket company, SpaceX. BOCA CHICA PILGRIMAGE: SpaceX rocket launches dazzle and divide spectators Advertisement Article continues below this ad SpaceX land swap: The 477 acres near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Bahia Grande Unit, shown in purple could be given to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In return, department would give 43 acres in Boca Chica, shown in red, to SpaceX so it could expand its footprint. Ken Ellis/Staff The state is now proposing giving SpaceX 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park in exchange for 477 acres near a national wildlife refuge in South Texas the same land that Cameron County had been eyeing. Both deals would protect the larger parcel from encroaching development. But with the swap, orchestrated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, SpaceX gets public land for its fast-growing empire in a delicate part of South Texas. It makes the optics look even worse, Kathryn Tancig, a conservation lawyer with Tancig Law, said of the overlapping plans. If this particular land already had funding available, and was on a path to conservation, then perhaps TPWD should have been looking at other unprotected land to acquire in exchange for the 43 acres. The land swap has not been approved, but at a public meeting, Texas Parks and Wildlife Chairman Jeffery Hildebrand said he was committed to completing it. On Friday, the department said it wants to convert the land to a state park. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Parks and Wildlife swap is likely a speedier and more lucrative transaction for the landowner, Dallas and Nacogdoches-based Conservation Equity Management, which is not directly listed as the owner in public documents and has remained quiet about the deal. The firm, created in 2021, says it buys land for conservation and environmental mitigation. Its business model includes selling environmental credits to companies and other entities that satisfy regulatory requirements to offset their destruction or impact on wetlands, streams or endangered species habitats. While the specifics of the swap are not public, its likely that SpaceX would buy the 477 acres from the firm and then transfer it to Parks and Wildlife in exchange for the 43 acres near its Boca Chica launch pad. Julie Shackelford, director of The Conservation Funds Texas office, which was working with Cameron County to buy the land, knew the owners were talking to other interested buyers. The countys offer was also dependent on grants that werent all lined up yet. Nevertheless, Shackelford and Garza were surprised by the Parks and Wildlife deal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We could likely never offer whatever SpaceX will offer, Shackelford said, noting they could only pay the appraised value. Still, she is happy that conservation is the outcome. Garza said he went into a panic mode. They didnt have the courtesy to let us know what they were trying to do, he said. Neither SpaceX, who is our corporate responsible partner in Cameron County, nor Texas Parks and Wildlife. The land swap was on the agenda for the Parks and Wildlife Commissions Jan. 25 meeting, but it was delayed until March after more than 1,300 public comments flooded in the vast majority of them opposing the deal. Hildebrand said the extra time will allow for transparency. A special commission meeting has been arranged to review the deal on March 4. Environmental groups worry the deal could set a precedent for giving away more state parkland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our concerns are chipping away more of our existing state park, our public land, for a private billionaire and a private entity, said Mary Angela Branch, a board member for the nonprofit Save RGV. Where does it stop? And with voters in November approving a $1 billion fund for creating and improving state parks, Branch questioned why the state is exchanging land with SpaceX when it could buy the land itself. Theres no need for a swap, she said. Leave Boca Chica alone. Tad Mondell, from left, talks with his sons Lucas, 8, and Ryan, 5, and wife Ashley as they stand on Boca Chica Beach on April 18, 2023, near a SpaceX launch facility. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A lightning rod Parks and Wildlife land deals dont often receive a lot of public comment, said Jim D. Bradbury, a lawyer who has represented corporations and individuals in land and conservation work. But SpaceX and its billionaire founder, Elon Musk, tend to be a lightning rod. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SpaceX is building and launching the worlds most powerful rocket in Boca Chica, an unincorporated part of Cameron County near Brownsville. The 43 acres, spread among several parcels, would add to its private holdings in the area. SpaceX did not answer written questions about the deal. In a statement, Conservation Equity Management said it was drawn to the 477 acres, which is near an offshoot of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, for its ecological attributes. It said it hadnt listed the property for sale but has received multiple inquiries. The land is split among two tracts, with about 47 acres north of Texas 100. Cameron County wanted the area to have a walking trail, kayak launch and overlooks for bird watching. There would be signs identifying native plants and an area for wade fishing in the Laguna Madre, Garza said. The other 430 acres south of Texas 100 would have been left undeveloped, per one of the grants stipulations, Garza said. This land directly abuts the countys South Texas Ecotourism Center. In a statement Friday, Parks and Wildlife said it learned the county had submitted a grant application for funding a few days ahead of its January meeting to discuss the land swap. It said it now plans to work with the county to help realize their vision for public use of the property. The new park it envisions will include overnight camping, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Tancig, the conservation lawyer, said Parks and Wildlife should have better coordinated with the county before adding the deal to its agenda. With these types of land swaps, the state should assess the value of what its losing versus what its gaining. And that analysis should change if the land its looking to acquire is already slated for conservation. She acknowledged, though, that a deal can also be dependent on the sellers financial situation. If a landowner feels development pressure or is unable to wait for funding, then it makes sense to conserve the land as fast as possible. SpaceXs Starship spacecraft stacked atop the Super Heavy rocket is prepared for its launch from Boca Chica on Nov. 17, 2023. Eric Gay/Associated Press Other swaps Parks and Wildlife has approved land swaps with companies, governmental entities and private owners at least 16 times since 2001, according to a Houston Chronicle review of commission meetings. These swaps can vary, with some small and seemingly procedural and others resulting in large property gains. A deal in 2001 provided Corpus Christi with land to build a fire station. In 2013, Parks and Wildlife approved a swap because it had private land behind a fence and the private landowner had state land behind a fence. An exchange approved in 2016 provided a straighter boundary line for a ranch owners fence and netted the state 578 acres at Big Bend Ranch State Park. One 2019 deal appears similar to the SpaceX transaction. Parks and Wildlife owned a lake south of Port Arthur, and the company Port Arthur LNG owned land surrounding the lake. The lake was rarely accessed, and Port Arthur LNG was concerned that the states ownership of the lake would hamper its operations, according to transcripts of the public meetings. So Port Arthur LNG approached Parks and Wildlife about an exchange. The state identified a nearby 1,280-acre tract of land that it had been eyeing, prompting the LNG company to buy the land and swap it for the lake. The 43 acres at Boca Chica State Park are split among multiple parcels that arent connected, and most of them are surrounded by private property, said John Shepperd, executive director of the Texas Foundation for Conservation, a fish and wildlife advocacy nonprofit. Garza, the Cameron County commissioner, acknowledged that economic development deals often happen in sensitive ecological areas. He said these require give and take, a balance between creating jobs and mitigating or minimizing environmental impacts. However it shakes out, Garza wants to be involved in protecting the 477 acres, which he said includes an area along Texas 100 where drivers can see Laguna Madre on their way to South Padre Island. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The House of Representatives seems ready to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Republicans say Mayorkas isnt enforcing immigration laws and blame him for a surge of migrants at the southern border. House speaker Mike Johnson says its time. There is no other measure for Congress to take but this one, said Johnson. House Republicans, like Pennsylvania Congressman Dan Meuser, claim the secretarys actions caused the surge of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The man is deliberately not enforcing laws passed by Congress. So, what are we supposed to do? Just sit back and say, ah, its ok? said Meuser. Texas Republican Congressman Chip Roy says the secretary is ignoring current immigration laws. Its literally his job to secure the homeland, and hes refusing to do it, Roy stated. Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern argued Republicans havent made their case and says this impeachment process has kept the House from working on actual immigration reform. I would say its a clown show, but that would be a disservice to actual working clowns, said McGovern. Even if the impeachment vote made its way out of the House, it is unlikely to make any progress in the Senate. A cabinet secretary hasnt faced impeachment charges since 1876, and its the first time a sitting secretary is being impeached. 148 years ago, Secretary of War William Belknap resigned just before the vote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Amendments to Georgias current state budget moved ahead Tuesday, including $315 million to cover bonuses that were already paid to state employees and public school teachers and $1.5 billion in extra money for road building and maintenance. The House Appropriations Committee voted to advance House Bill 915, which would boost spending in the current budget running through June 30 by a massive $5 billion. The full House is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday. I know weve got some really good stuff in this budget, said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett, a Dublin Republican. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp proposed the boost, which would push spending of state money to $37.5 billion. Total spending, including federal aid, college tuition, fines and fees, would rise to $67.5 billion Kemp actually plans to spend less in the next full budget year beginning July 1, because he plans to spend $2 billion of reserves this year. Georgia has $5.4 billion set aside in its rainy day fund, which is filled to its legal limit of 15% of state revenue. Beyond that, it has $10.7 billion in surplus cash collected over three years. There would be $8.7 billion left after Kemps proposed spending. Because the governor sets the revenue estimate, above which lawmakers cant spend, lawmakers mostly re-arrange the governors proposed spending, and must cut something any time they want to add something else. In some cases Tuesday, House committee members voted to add back projects that Kemp originally struck from this years budget, a move that provoked anger among lawmakers. Kemp has since softened his stance on some of that spending. RELATED STORIES: We are working very closely together, Hatchett said of the effort to reinsert spending. They hear us. I hear them. Nobodys perfect. The governor before Christmas ordered $1,000 bonuses paid to state and university employees and public school teachers. The House plan includes that $315 million in spending. That doesnt include larger pay raises planned for employees beginning July 1, which lawmakers will finalize in March when they vote on next years budget. Kemp wants state and university employees to get a 4% cost-of-living increase across the board, while teachers would get a roughly equivalent $2,500-a-year increase. The committee agreed to allot $1.5 billion in cash to the Georgia Department of Transportation before June 30 to speed planned roadwork and establish a freight infrastructure program. But the panel shifted the money around, proposing to spend $100 million more on road repaving to cover higher costs for asphalt and concrete. The House also boosted spending for airport aid in part to provide state matching funds for a new airport near Griffin. To pay for those changes, the panel cut Kemps proposed spending on freight infrastructure by $131 million to $510 million. The House would allocate Kemps proposed $200 million increase in road and bridge aid to cities and counties in such a way that local governments wouldnt have to match the money. The panel approved Kemps plans to spend $451 million to finish a new prison in Washington County and $135 million to repair other prisons. The panel also added $4.2 million to already proposed money to install technology to prevent inmates from using contraband cell phones, and added $5.2 million to rotate prisoners to private prisons while the technology is installed. Also approved were $500 million to pay down debt in one of the states employee pension funds, $250 million to finance water and sewer work and $200 million for grants and sites to attract industry. The House would add $10.4 million to open a child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit in Savannah, and would spend $2 million on a pilot program to relieve sheriffs from transporting mental patients. RELATED NEWS: WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The U.S. House of Representatives could vote Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. House Republicans say Mayorkas is responsible for the high border crossings and should be removed from office, but House Democrats call the impeachment efforts a waste of time. Mayorkas has refused to comply with federal immigration laws and acted in a manner subversive to the rule of law, said Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.). The House rules committee met Monday to advance the measure. Tennessee Republican Congressman Mark Green and Oklahoma Republican Congressman Tom Cole blame Mayorkas for high border crossings and drug trafficking across the southern border. We will take action against one of the principal architects of this crisis, said Cole. Mississippi Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson says Mayorkass record does not meet the threshold for impeachment. Republicans have failed to make a constitutional viable case for impeachment, said Thompson. Pennsylvania Democratic Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern say House Republicans are playing politics. The clowns are running the circus around here and were wasting hours and hours of time, said McGovern. If the measure passes it could make Mayorkas the first cabinet secretary to be impeached in nearly 150 years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (AP) In a dramatic setback, House Republicans failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, forced to shelve a high-profile priority for now after a few GOP lawmakers refused to go along with the partys plan. The stunning roll call Tuesday fell just a single vote short of impeaching Mayorkas, stalling the Republicans drive to punish the Biden administration over its handling of the U.S-Mexico border. With Democrats united against the charges, the Republicans needed almost every vote from their slim majority to approve the articles of impeachment. A noisy, rowdy scene erupted on the House floor as the vote was tied for several tense minutes, 215-215. Several Republican lawmakers led by the impeachment's chief sponsor, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia surrounded one of the holdouts, Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher, who refused to change his vote. With the tally stuck, Democrats shouted for the gavel to close out the vote. Frustrated, said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, "but well see it back again. House Speaker Mike Johnson's spokesman Raj Shah said they fully intend to reconsider the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas when we have the votes for passage. But next steps are uncertain. In the end, three Republicans opposed the impeachment, and a fourth Republican switched his vote so the measure could be revisited. The final tally was 214-216. The outcome was another dismal result for the House Republicans who have repeatedly been unable to use their majority power to accomplish political goals, or even to keep up with the basics of governing. Johnson, who could afford only a few defections from his ranks, had said earlier he had personally spoken to Gallagher and another GOP holdout, acknowledging the heavy, heavy vote as he sought their support. Its an extreme measure, said Johnson, R-La. But extreme times call for extreme measures. Not since 1876 has a Cabinet secretary faced impeachment charges and its the first time a sitting secretary is being impeached 148 years ago, Secretary of War William Belknap resigned just before the vote. The impeachment charges against Mayorkas come as border security is fast becoming a top political issue in the 2024 election, a particularly potent line of attack being leveled at President Joe Biden by Republicans, led by the party's front-runner for the presidential nomination, Donald Trump. Record numbers of people have been arriving at the southern border, many fleeing countries around the world, in what Mayorkas calls an era of global migration. Many migrants are claiming asylum and being conditionally released into the U.S., arriving in cities that are underequipped to provide housing and other aid while they await judicial proceedings which can take years to determine whether they may remain. The House Democrats united against the two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, calling the proceedings a sham designed to please Trump, charges that do not rise to the Constitution's bar of treason, bribery or high crimes and misdemeanors. A bunch of garbage, said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. He called Mayorkas a good man, a decent man, who is simply trying to do his job. Even if Republicans are able to impeach Mayorkas, he is not expected to be convicted in a Senate trial since Republican senators have been cool to the effort. The Senate could simply refer the matter to a committee for its own investigation, delaying immediate action. This baseless impeachment should never have moved forward," said Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. If House Republicans are serious about border security, they should abandon these political games, she said. The impeachment of Mayorkas landed quickly onto the House agenda after Republican efforts to impeach Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, hit a lull, and the investigation into the Biden family dragged. The Committee on Homeland Security under Chairman Green had been investigating the secretary for much of the past year, including probing the flow of deadly fentanyl into the U.S. But a resolution from Georgia Rep. Greene pushed it to the fore. The panel swiftly held a pair of hearings in January before announcing the two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas. Unlike other moments in impeachment history, the afternoon's debate played out to an almost empty chamber, without the fervor or solemnity of past proceedings. Greene, who was named to be one of the impeachment managers if there is a Senate trial, rose to blame Mayorkas for the invasion of migrants coming to the U.S. Republican Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona said Mayorkas had committed a dereliction of duty. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Mayorkas impeachment vote was a stunt designed by Republicans to sow chaos and confusion" and appease Trump rather than to govern. No reasonable American can conclude that you're making life better for them by this sham impeachment, Jeffries said. It was only as the roll call came to a standstill that the chamber burst into an angry, boisterous scene as tempers flared and the vote failed. The three Republicans opposing impeachment were Gallagher, Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado and Tom McClintock of California. Republican Rep. Blake Moore of Utah was the Republican who switched his vote on procedural grounds. At one point, Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas, who had missed votes earlier in the day, arrived from the hospital to cast his vote against the impeachment. Green told NBC News that he had gone to the emergency room and had surgery. McClintock, in a memo, said the charges fail to identify an impeachable crime that Mayorkas has committed. He said the articles of impeachment from the committee explain the problems at the border under Bidens watch. But, he said, they stretch and distort the Constitution. Tuesday's vote arrived at a politically odd juncture for Mayorkas, who has been negotiating a bipartisan border security package in the Senate, earning high marks from a group of senators involved. But that legislation, which emerged Sunday as one of the most ambitious immigration overhauls in years, collapsed Tuesday as Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged that the deal was dead.. Trump had sharply criticized the bipartisan effort and Speaker Johnson said it was dead on arrival. Impeachment, once rare in the U.S., has been used as both a constitutional check on the executive and increasingly as a political weapon. Experts have argued that Mayorkas has simply been snared in a policy dispute with Republicans who disapprove of the Biden administration's approach to the border situation. Three former secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, Janet Napolitano and Jeh Johnson, said in a letter Tuesday that impeaching the Cabinet official over policy disputes would jeopardize our national security. Trump as president was twice impeached first in 2019 on abuse of power over his phone call with the Ukrainian president seeking a favor to dig up dirt on then-rival Biden, and later on the charge of inciting the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol. He was acquitted on both impeachments in the Senate. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Farnoush Amiri, Mary Clare Jalonick and Rebecca Santana contributed to this story. Washington Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas narrowly survived an impeachment vote on Tuesday in the House after a small group of Republicans helped sink the GOP-led effort. The vote to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border was 214 in favor to 216 opposed, with four Republicans voting with all Democrats to oppose the resolution. One Republican member did not vote. Republicans who defected said Mayorkas' conduct did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense and warned about the precedent the vote would set. Rep. Blake Moore of Utah, the GOP conference vice chair, flipped his vote to "no" at the last minute in a procedural maneuver that allows Republican leaders to bring up the measure again. Rep. Tom McClintock, a California Republican, said Tuesday morning that the impeachment articles "fail to identify an impeachable crime that Mayorkas has committed" and "stretch and distort the Constitution in order to hold the administration accountable for stretching and distorting the law." U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas seen January 8, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. / Credit: / Getty Images Democrats accused Republicans of using the impeachment push to score political points ahead of the 2024 election, with immigration being a top voter concern. They also argued that it failed to meet the bar of a high crime or misdemeanor, a criticism shared by legal experts on both sides of the aisle. Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that the "baseless impeachment should never have moved forward." "If House Republicans are serious about border security, they should abandon these political games, and instead support the bipartisan national security agreement in the Senate to get DHS the enforcement resources we need," she said after the vote. "Secretary Mayorkas remains focused on working across the aisle to promote real solutions at the border and keep our country safe." Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, one of the Republicans who voted against impeachment, indicated another vote could take place once House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, returns to work. Scalise has been working remotely as he undergoes cancer treatment. GOP Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, teased another vote. "This is not the end of our efforts to hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable," Green said in a social media post. "I look forward to Leader Scalise's return." White House spokesperson Ian Sams said the vote's failure should send the message that "extreme political stunts like this are a waste of time," and called on House Republicans to work with President Biden on delivering "real solutions that actually strengthen border security." Why did Republicans attempt to impeach Mayorkas? Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee sped through impeachment proceedings, holding just two hearings within eight days in January. Republicans unveiled two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas without hearing testimony from him amid a disagreement about when he could appear. The charges accuse Mr. Biden's top immigration official of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and "breach of public trust" over the administration's handling of the migrant crisis at the southern border. The first impeachment article accuses Mayorkas of failing to enforce immigration laws and releasing migrants into the U.S. who should have been detained. The second article alleges he lied to lawmakers about whether the southern border was secure when he previously testified that his department had "operational control" of the border. It also accuses Mayorkas of obstructing congressional oversight of his department. The Department of Homeland Security has said Congress has never given the executive branch the resources and personnel needed to detain every migrant as required by federal immigration law. The department also denied Mayorkas lied to lawmakers, pointing to how DHS uses "operational control" internally. Green said in a statement that impeachment was necessary because Mayorkas' "actions created this unprecedented crisis, turning every state into a border state." In a statement on Monday, the Biden administration said it was "an unprecedented and unconstitutional act of political retribution that would do nothing to solve the challenges our nation faces in securing the border." The road to the Mayorkas impeachment vote Mayorkas has been under threat of impeachment over his handling of the border since Republicans took control of the House in 2023. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia introduced an impeachment resolution against Mayorkas in early November, saying he had "violated his oath to uphold this constitutional duty" by allowing an "invasion" of undocumented immigrants. The House voted to refer the resolution to the Homeland Security Committee, which was already investigating Mayorkas. Greene, outraged by the move, tried to force a vote on a second resolution targeting Mayorkas, but backed off after receiving assurances from House leaders the earlier effort would proceed at the committee level. At the time, several House Republicans expressed concerns about impeaching Mayorkas, saying that his conduct did not amount to impeachable offenses. Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security committee, said on Jan. 29 that the referral should have gone to the House Judiciary Committee. Thompson said it's "the first-ever impeachment consideration by a committee other than the Judiciary Committee." "It's unusual," Thompson said. "It speaks of a deal being made." Green, the committee chairman, countered that Democrats voted to send it to the Homeland Security panel. The committee announced its first impeachment hearing in early January, with its second and final hearing coming eight days later. Lawmakers heard from the grieving mothers of victims of violent crime and fentanyl overdoses, as well as three state attorneys general who are suing Mayorkas. Two law professors also testified that there was not a constitutional basis for Mayorkas' impeachment. On Jan. 30, the committee advanced the impeachment articles on a party-line vote after a lengthy markup in which Republicans faulted Mayorkas for not keeping migrants in detention and blamed him for deaths caused by fentanyl, while Democrats called the charges baseless. "We've heard a lot from my Republican colleagues today about how this is our only option," Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat, said during the markup. He said Congress could address the problem by passing legislation, but noted that House Republicans want to sink an immigration deal between a bipartisan group of senators and the Biden administration that is designed to reduce the unprecedented levels of illegal crossings in recent years. House Republicans counter that they passed a border security bill known as H.R. 2 last year, though it had no Democratic support and was dead on arrival in the Senate. Mayorkas defended himself against Republican attacks in a letter sent to the committee ahead of last week's vote to advance the bill to the House floor. "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, also highlighting the department's efforts to increase migrant deportations and combat trafficking networks. "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," he added. In a statement condemning Republicans after the vote, Thompson praised the "few honorable Republicans" who "stood up for the Constitution and against the extremists running their party." "If Republicans continue down this path history will judge them, and it won't be favorably. This nonsense must stop," he said. Which Republicans voted against impeachment? Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin Rep. Tom McClintock of California Rep. Blake Moore of Utah Ellis Kim contributed to this report. Eye Opener: 5 Marines found dead after helicopter crash in California Missing Marines found dead Swifties urge Congress to protect fans as some say "bots run wild" on ticketing platforms House Republicans failed to get the votes Tuesday in their effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over immigration at the U.S. border with Mexico, as four Republicans defected and voted against impeachment articles. File photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The Republican-led House failed Tuesday to get the votes to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over immigration at the U.S. border with Mexico. The GOP, which has a three-vote majority in the House, voted 214 to 216 against articles of impeachment against Mayorkas. Four Republicans sided with Democrats to oppose removing the Homeland Security secretary from office. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who voted against impeachment, argued that while he is no fan of Mayorkas and his handling of the border, his actions do not reach the bar of "high crimes and misdemeanors" as set forth by the Constitution. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., also voted against impeachment, calling the border crisis a "policy disagreement." "The failure of the Biden administration to rein in an open border is a national disgrace and will be a stain on his presidential legacy," McClintock wrote in a 10-page memo. "However, the truth is that this is a policy disagreement masked as impeachment." Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., speaks to reporters after voting on the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The House failed to impeach Secretary Mayorkas with a vote of 214-216, with four Republicans including Buck, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., and Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, voting with all of the Democrats to block the resolution. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin also voted "no," as did Rep. Blake Moore of Utah in a last-minute procedural move, allowing the legislation to be brought back to the floor at a later date. "We'll bring it back. The guy deserves to be impeached," Homeland Security Chair Mark Green, R-Tenn., told reporters. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., voted Tuesday to block the resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, calling the border crisis a "policy disagreement masked as impeachment." File photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Some Republican lawmakers vowed to revisit impeachment as soon as Wednesday when Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who is undergoing blood cancer treatment, could return to work. Despite any future House votes, Mayorkas still faces little chance of being removed with the Democrats controlling the Senate, where a two-thirds vote would be needed to remove him from the Cabinet post. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., walks to the House Chambers to vote Tuesday on the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The House failed to impeach Secretary Mayorkas with a vote of 214-216, with four Republicans including Gallagher, Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., and Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah voting with all of the Democrats to block the resolution. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Democrats in the House and Senate have stood firmly behind him. The House Homeland Security Committee laid out the GOP's case against Mayorkas by approving two articles of impeachment -- one that accuses him of a "willful and systematic refusal" to comply with immigration laws and a breach of public trust. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas looks on during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing titled "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland" at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in November. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI The Democrats countered that the Republicans are arguing over policy differences and have not provided evidence that would meet the high crimes and misdemeanor standard. "Instead of pursuing a bipartisan compromise, instead of strengthening the security of our border, advancing humane solutions and doing their jobs, they're now impeaching the secretary of Homeland Security without a single allegation of any impeachable crime. Not one," House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., said in a speech from the House floor, before Tuesday's vote. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas testifies during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee hearing on homeland threats at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in October. The Republican-led House failed Tuesday to get the votes to impeach Homeland Mayorkas over immigration at the U.S. border with Mexico. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI The move to impeach comes as a group of Democrats and Republicans have hammered out a bipartisan immigration proposal. That plan, which is tied to aid for Ukraine, has been opposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson and criticized by former President Donald Trump as not going far enough. On Monday, President Joe Biden blasted opposition to the border bill and blamed former President Donald Trump for "weaponizing the issue." Diana Almaraz and her mother, Guillermina, outside of their home in Fort Worth. The 17-year-old struggled to file her application for financial student aid because of a technical error that prevents parents without a Social Security number to verify their identity. She found a workaround, but it hasnt worked for others struggling with the same glitch. Azul Sordo/For the Texas Tribune Cassy Rodriguez, 17, has always been a planner. Well before high school, she knew she would be the first in her family to graduate from college. She would then get a degree in social work to become a counselor for teens in group homes. The Garland high school senior already has been accepted into Texas Womans University and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. But all that momentum came to a halt last month because of a glitch in the recently revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid that is hurting immigrant families like hers. It prevents parents without a Social Security number from completing the form online. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Financial aid at some Texas schools eventually will run out, so students are advised to fill out the federal financial aid form as soon as possible. Many of Rodriguezs classmates breezed through the process, but students like her are stuck waiting for a fix from the federal government. Everybodys over here no longer worried about their FAFSA, no longer worried about any more applications. Well, Im over here worried, Rodriguez said. What if they dont send me a confirmation? What am I going to do? We really need the money for college. Financial aid experts worry the hurdles could discourage students from immigrant families from applying for financial aid at all, or put them off college altogether. Rodriguezs dad, who works as a server, cant afford to pay the cost of college tuition without aid. Already this year, the Rodriguezes have had to pay off two funerals and a car accident. She thinks about this when she dials the FAFSA hotline, between classes and after she gets home from work. No fix in sight Congress mandated changes in 2020 to make FAFSA easier to complete. But the rollout has been mired with problems. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new form launched at the end of December, three months later than usual, and families trying to complete it online have been running into glitches like the one keeping Rodriguez from completing the form. FAFSA documents lie on the table of Diana Almarazs Fort Worth home on Jan. 28, 2024. Azul Sordo/For the Texas Tribune Students from immigrant families have been getting stuck trying to add their parents as contributors, a new step that requires parents to verify their identity. Theres no option on the form right now that allows families to get verified without a Social Security number. Students are advised to fill out the form by March, when colleges are expected to start putting together financial aid packages. Students can mail in a paper application, but counselors are advising them to keep trying to fill it out online, too. It is unclear if all colleges will process or accept paper copies of the form. Since many schools offer aid on a first-come, first-served basis, financial aid experts fear the problem might keep students like Rodriguez from accessing money. Students in these circumstances definitely feel targeted and forgotten about in this process, said Larisa Kliman, the dean of college advising at the Texas-based Academic Success Program. This is a big deal for them. This sets the stage for the rest of their lives and they have this major obstacle preventing them from moving forward. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.S. Education Department did not respond to a request for comment about how soon it plans to fix the issue. The FAFSA issue alerts center indicates the department has been aware of this issue for at least a month. Most times Rodriguez has dialed the Education Departments FAFSA hotline, she has not gotten any help at all. When an agent has picked up, they have routinely put her on hold and hung up on her. She got so desperate 10 days into calling that she collected her friends cellphones one school day and rang the hotline from four phones at the same time. That was the only time she was able to speak to an agent about her case. The FAFSA process has stirred up apprehension among students undocumented relatives over whether the information theyre sharing could be used against them. Under the revamped FAFSA system, federal tax information from the IRS is automatically transferred into the form. But families have to consent to the information-sharing. Parents from other countries also are expected to upload copies of passports. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If you are one of those parents that has been living in the shadows, the idea that you put in identifying information like Did you live on this street? is very scary, said Sara Urquidez, the executive director of Academic Success Program. Theyre obviously very much concerned about how this information is being tracked and used so I definitely could see and feel the nervousness. A deterrent to college College access experts worry immigrant families struggling with the new FAFSA may give up on filling it out or feel less inclined to enroll in college altogether. Completing the FAFSA is one of the best predictors of whether a high school senior will go on to college, according to the National College Attainment Network. Seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to immediately enroll in postsecondary education. Im concerned about the messaging, how (students) might receive the information that they cant fill out the form, said Shareea Woods, the director of the Texas College Access Network. I just worry that students who are already feeling like they might not fit in or they might not be welcomed on a campus might see this as a sign that is not a fit for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Woods provides FAFSA support to counselors at school districts and college access centers around the state. She stresses they need to be in constant communication with families affected by the glitch to prevent any students from falling through the cracks. When families want to give up on the FAFSA, the college counselors at the Academic Success Program remind families they likely will not be able to afford to pay for college if they dont submit the form. The program works out of more than 25 high schools across Texas. Diana Almaraz and her mother, Guillermina. The 17-year-old has struggled to file her application for financial student aid because of a technical error that prevents parents without a Social Security number to verify their identity. Azul Sordo/For the Texas Tribune Diana Almaraz, a 17-year-old senior in Fort Worth whose mom does not have a Social Security number, also was having trouble submitting her application for federal aid. She had been stopping by her college advisers office every day in January to discuss her options before she got lucky and found a workaround. Deleting the form online and restarting it allowed her to add her mothers information. But she has been an exception; her solution, born out of sheer grit, hasnt worked for most families in her situation. Almaraz worries about her peers from immigrant families who are still in limbo. Federal officials need to be resolving this issue with more urgency, she said. Donald Trump has made the crisis at the border a focus of his presidential campaign and celebrated Republicans for impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas on very shaky grounds. Donald Trump has made the crisis at the border a focus of his presidential campaign and celebrated Republicans for impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas on very shaky grounds. Photograph: Kevin Wolf/AP House Republicans on Tuesday narrowly failed to impeach the homeland security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, a stinging but possibly only temporary setback for the majoritys deeply partisan effort to punish a cabinet official in a presidential election year. In a vote of 216-214, four Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the two articles of impeachment against the secretary. When the gavel came down, Democrats burst into applause, having assailed the impeachment case against Mayorkas as a bunch of garbage designed to boost Donald Trumps electoral prospects in the November election. In a sign that Tuesdays defeat may only be temporary, the Republican congressman Blake Moore of Utah, who supports the impeachment effort, switched his yes vote to a no in a procedural move that would allow the motion to be brought up to the floor again at a later date. Related: Show a little courage: Biden attacks Republicans for caving to Trump on US-Mexico border security bill Republicans sought to impeach Mayorkas on charges that he willfully refused to enforce immigration law, resulting in record levels of migration at the USs southern border, and breached the public trust by his actions. The historic vote would have marked the first time since 1876 that the House had impeached a cabinet official, but with hours to go before a scheduled evening vote its prospects dimmed. With Republicans in control of the House by a whisker-thin margin, and Democrats uniformly opposed, they could only afford a handful of defections. Two Republicans had already announced their opposition in advance of the vote, then on the floor, the Republican congressman Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, cast the decisive vote. The roll call vote unfolded in dramatic fashion, with voting suspended in a 215-215 tie for several minutes and Democrats shouting for the chair to close the vote. Republicans say they will attempt to vote again on impeachment, possibly as soon as next week, but next steps are uncertain. Steve Scalise, the House majority leader, who has been receiving cancer treatment, was absent for Tuesdays vote but is expected to return to work soon. His support would probably be enough to impeach Mayorkas, without any further defections. Even so, the secretary is highly unlikely to be convicted in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats. Even some Republican senators have opposed the charges against Mayorkas. Earlier on Tuesday, Tom McClintock, a California Republican congressman, outlined his opposition in a lengthy memo in which he argues that the articles of impeachment fail to identify an impeachable crime that Mayorkas has committed. In effect, they stretch and distort the Constitution in order to hold the administration accountable for stretching and distorting the law, he wrote. Congressman Ken Buck, the retiring Colorado Republican who declared himself solidly opposed to the impeachment effort, said the accusations leveled against Mayorkas amounted to a policy difference, not an impeachable offense. If we start going down this path of impeachment with a cabinet official, we are opening a door as Republicans that we dont want to open, Buck said on MSNBC shortly before the afternoon vote. In their rush to impeach Mayorkas, Republicans overrode the objections of Democrats and legal experts, including some prominent conservatives, who say they have failed to produce compelling evidence that the cabinet secretary had committed high crimes and misdemeanors, the constitutions bar for impeachment. I respect everybodys view on it, the House speaker, Mike Johnson, told reporters before the vote on Tuesday. I understand the heavy weight that impeachment is. He described impeachment as an extreme measure, but said that extreme times call for extreme measures. During the floor debate on Tuesday, Republicans leveled broad accusations that Mayorkas had mismanaged oversight of the US-Mexico border, where arrests for illegal crossings have reached record highs. The constituents I represent do not understand why Texas has had to endure basically an invasion during the tenure of the secretary of homeland security, Congressman Michael Burgess, Republican of Texas, said in floor remarks ahead of the procedural vote. What are we left to do? Democrats, meanwhile, accused Republicans of abusing the impeachment process to attack Joe Bidens handling of the border ahead of an election in which immigration could play a key role. A Harvard-Harris survey conducted this month showed that immigration is now an important concern for voters, with 35% of respondents citing the issue as their top priority. But Democrats say that the Republican impeachment effort is a political stunt rather than meaningful reform. Do we have a problem at the border? Absolutely, said the Democratic congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts. But, he said: Its clear that this is not about Secretary Mayorkas or a high crime and misdemeanor. It is about a policy disagreement with President Biden. Trump has made the crisis at the border a focus of his presidential campaign and celebrated Republicans for impeaching Mayorkas on shaky grounds. Mayorkas, a former federal prosecutor, never testified but mounted a forceful defense in a letter to Congressman Mark Green, a Tennessee Republican and chair of the committee on homeland security, where the impeachment articles originated. In it, the secretary declared: 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. Across the Capitol, a border security deal recently brokered by the Biden administration and a bipartisan group of senators teetered on the brink of collapse, with nearly all of the Republican conference aligned against it. After months of painstaking negotiations, the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, told reporters on Tuesday that he saw no real chance here to make a law despite his support for the proposal. Even if the bill had a chance in the Senate, its fate was sealed in the House, where Johnson had already pronounced the proposal dead on arrival. Earlier on Tuesday, Biden implored congressional Republicans to show a little spine and advance the legislation, which pairs a border clampdown with billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and Israel. In pointed remarks, Biden accused Trump, his predecessor and likely Republican rival in November, of tanking the deal and risking US national security for political gain. All indications are this bill wont even move forward to the Senate floor, Biden said in a speech televised from the White House. Why? A simple reason. Donald Trump. Because Donald Trump thinks this is bad for him politically. Constitutional scholars and legal experts have argued that Republicans case against Mayorkas amounts to a policy dispute over a Democratic presidents handling of US border policy. Jonathan Turley, a conservative commentator and legal scholar, said Republicans had uncovered no current evidence that he is corrupt or committed an impeachable offense, while Alan Dershowitz, Trumps defense attorney during his first impeachment trial, wrote that Republicans were attempting to impeach Mayorkas on vague and unconstitutional grounds. Whatever else Mayorkas may or may not have done, he has not committed bribery, treason, or high crimes and misdemeanors, Dershowitz wrote in an op-ed for the Hill newspaper. The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board took a similar view, questioning whether Republicans intended to use their majority to accomplish anything other than impeaching Democrats. Three former secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security, including Michael Chertoff, who served under George W Bush and Janet Napolitano and Jeh Johnson, who served under Barack Obama, said in a letter released before Tuesdays vote that impeaching a cabinet official over political disagreements would jeopardize our national security. Impeaching Secretary Mayorkas solves nothing and leaves our outdated immigration system exactly where it is now broken, they wrote. Houthi rebels fired on a British cargo ship sailing in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen in the early hours of Tuesday, causing minor damage but without injuring any crew members. File Photo by Houthi Group press Service/UPI Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Houthi rebels fired on British and U.S. cargo ships sailing in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday, causing minor damage to one but without injuring any crew members. U.S. Central Command confirmed the attacks in a statement, saying the Iran proxy militia fired six anti-ship ballistic missiles from areas of Yemen under its control between 3:20 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time Tuesday. Three of the missiles were targeting the M/V Star Nasia, a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier that was transiting the Gulf of Aden. The ship's crew reported an explosion that caused minor damage to the vessel at 3:20 a.m., CENTCOM said. According to an attack alert from the Royal Navy's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the ship's master noticed a small craft alongside seconds before a "projectile" was fired at the Port side of the vessel which passed over the deck "slightly damaging" the windows of the bridge. A second missile then impacted the water near the ship at 2 p.m. followed by the third volley at 4:30 p.m., which the USS Laboon intercepted, CENTCOM said. "The vessel and crew are all safe. Vessel proceeding on planned passage," read the UKMTO alert, which urged vessels in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. Three additional anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired by Houthis during that time frame at M/V Morning Tide, a Barbados-flagged and British-owned cargo ship operating in the southern Red Sea. "The tree missiles impacted the water near the ship without effect," CENTCOM said. "M/V Morning Tide is continuing its journey and is reporting no injuries of damage." Houthi spokesman Brig. Yahya Saree confirmed the attacks in a statement but said its missiles hit both targets "directly and accurately." The attacks came hours after the United States conducted defensive strikes in response to the targeting of ships against Houthi explosive sea drones in Yemen and two days after a series of U.S.-British airstrikes against Houthi-controlled military targets in the country. The first wave on Saturday, hitting 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations, was followed Sunday by an attack to take out anti-ship cruise missiles. Unlike the weekend strikes, which were conducted in tandem with Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark and other allies, Monday's strikes were carried out by the United States alone. The United States has been launching attacks into Yemen since Jan. 11 to try to deter the Iran-backed group from attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis say they are acting out of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting Monday on U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria, after U.N. Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned the ramping up of attacks against Iran proxies -- 85 on Friday alone -- risked a miscalculation, despite U.S. claims it was not seeking a conflict in the region. "I reiterate the secretary-general's call on all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict," she said. Hackers use ransomware to go after every industry, charging as much money as they can to return access to a victim's files. Its a lucrative business to be in. In the first six months of 2023, ransomware gangs bilked $449 million from their targets , even though most governments advise against paying ransoms . Increasingly, security professionals are coming together with law enforcement to provide free decryption tools freeing locked files and eliminating the temptation for victims to pony up. There are a couple main ways that ransomware decryptors go about coming up with tools: reverse engineering for mistakes, working with law enforcement and gathering publicly available encryption keys. The length of the process varies depending on how complex the code is, but it usually requires information on the encrypted files, unencrypted versions of the files and server information from the hacking group. Just having the output encrypted file is usually useless. You need the sample itself, the executable file, said Jakub Kroustek, malware research director at antivirus business Avast. Its not easy, but does pay dividends to the impacted victims when it works. First, we have to understand how encryption works. For a very basic example, let's say a piece of data might have started as a cognizable sentence, but appears like "J qsfgfs dbut up epht" once it's been encrypted. If we know that one of the unencrypted words in "J qsfgfs dbut up epht" is supposed to be "cats," we can start to determine what pattern was applied to the original text to get the encrypted result. In this case, it's just the standard English alphabet with each letter moved forward one place: A becomes B, B becomes C, and "I prefer cats to dogs" becomes the string of nonsense above. Its much more complex for the sorts of encryption used by ransomware gangs, but the principle remains the same. The pattern of encryption is also known as the 'key', and by deducing the key, researchers can create a tool that can decrypt the files. Some forms of encryption, like the Advanced Encryption Standard of 128, 192 or 256 bit keys, are virtually unbreakable. At its most advanced level, bits of unencrypted "plaintext" data, divided into chunks called "blocks," are put through 14 rounds of transformation, and then output in their encrypted or "ciphertext" form. We dont have the quantum computing technology yet that can break encryption technology, said Jon Clay, vice president of threat intelligence at security software company Trend Micro. But luckily for victims, hackers dont always use strong methods like AES to encrypt files. While some cryptographic schemes are virtually uncrackable its a difficult science to perfect , and inexperienced hackers will likely make mistakes. If the hackers dont apply a standard scheme, like AES, and instead opt to build their own, the researchers can then dig around for errors. Why would they do this? Mostly ego. They want to do something themselves because they like it or they think it's better for speed purposes, Jornt van der Wiel, a cybersecurity researcher at Kaspersky, said. For example, heres how Kaspersky decrypted the Yanluowang ransomware strain. It was a targeted strain aimed at specific companies, with an unknown list of victims. Yanluowang used the Sosemanuk stream cipher to encrypt data: a free-for-use process that encrypts the plaintext file one digit at a time. Then, it encrypted the key using an RSA algorithm, another type of encryption standard. But there was a flaw in the pattern. The researchers were able to compare the plaintext to the encrypted version, as explained above, and reverse engineer a decryption tool now made available for free . In fact, there are tons that have already been cracked by the No More Ransom project . Ransomware decryptors will use their knowledge of software engineering and cryptography to get the ransomware key and, from there, create a decryption tool, according to Kroustek. More advanced cryptographic processes may require either brute forcing, or making educated guesses based on the information available. Sometimes hackers use a pseudo-random number generator to create the key. A true RNG will be random, duh, but that means it wont be easily predicted. A pseudo-RNG, as explained by van der Wiel, may rely on an existing pattern in order to appear random when it's actually not the pattern might be based on the time it was created, for example. If researchers know a portion of that, they can try different time values until they deduce the key. But getting that key often relies on working with law enforcement to get more information about how the hacking groups work. If researchers are able to get the hackers IP address, they can request the local police to seize servers and get a memory dump of their contents. Or, if hackers have used a proxy server to obscure their location, police might use traffic analyzers like NetFlow to determine where the traffic goes and get the information from there, according to van der Wiel. The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime makes this possible across international borders because it lets police request an image of a server in another country urgently while they wait for the official request to go through. The server provides information on the hackers activities, like who they might be targeting or their process for extorting a ransom. This can tell ransomware decryptors the process the hackers went through in order to encrypt the data, details about the encryption key or access to files that can help them reverse engineer the process. The researchers comb through the server logs for details in the same way you may help your friend dig up details on their Tinder date to make sure theyre legit, looking for clues or details about malicious patterns that can help suss out true intentions. Researchers may, for example, discover part of the plaintext file to compare to the encrypted file to begin the process of reverse engineering the key, or maybe theyll find parts of the pseudo-RNG that can begin to explain the encryption pattern. Working with law enforcement helped Cisco Talos create a decryption tool for the Babuk Tortilla ransomware. This version of ransomware targeted healthcare, manufacturing and national infrastructure, encrypting victims' devices and deleting valuable backups. Avast had already created a generic Babuk decryptor, but the Tortilla strain proved difficult to crack. The Dutch Police and Cisco Talos worked together to apprehend the person behind the strain, and gained access to the Tortilla decryptor in the process. But often the easiest way to come up with these decryption tools stems from the ransomware gangs themselves. Maybe theyre retiring, or just feeling generous, but attackers will sometimes publicly release their encryption key . Security experts can then use the key to make a decryption tool and release that for victims to use going forward. Generally, experts cant share a lot about the process without giving ransomware gangs a leg up. If they divulge common mistakes, hackers can use that to easily improve their next ransomware attempts. If researchers tell us what encrypted files theyre working on now, gangs will know theyre on to them. But the best way to avoid paying is to be proactive. If youve done a good job of backing up your data, you have a much higher opportunity to not have to pay, said Clay. The Caribbean has long been a desirable destination for Americans looking for a change of scenery. But the State Department recently warned U.S. citizens who plan on traveling to Jamaica and the Bahamas to exercise caution because of recent crime surges in those locations. For those who just cant shake the travel bug, heres the latest on whats happening and how to stay safe. What's happening in Jamaica? The State Department on Jan. 23 issued an updated travel advisory for Jamaica, positioning its concern at Level 3, indicating that Americans should reconsider travel. 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. U.S. officials warned that local authorities "do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents" and said cases "are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence." Jamaica's national police force reported 65 murders in January down from 81 during the same time last year. Sexual assault has also decreased by 44% over the same period in 2023. But the rates of shootings and people injured have increased since this time in 2023. Jamaicas tourism ministry has pushed back at the State Departments advisory, saying sometimes these alerts can do more harm than good for their country. Not withstanding the advisory, Jamaica remains not only a desirable destination but a safe and secure destination for international visitors, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told the Miami Herald. According to the Herald, the Jamaica Tourist Board said the crime rate against tourists is at 0.01%, and that over 40% of its visitors have been there before. Whats happening in the Bahamas? Meanwhile, the Bahamas is under a Level 2 advisory, which means travelers should exercise increased caution, especially on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. The advisory says gang violence has led to a high homicide rate, which mainly involves locals. 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 U.S. Embassy in Nassau recently issued a security alert citing 18 murders in January alone. The alert points to gang violence as a cause of the murders, which happen during all hours of the day. In a statement to CNN, the State Department said It was not aware of any U.S. citizens who have been affected. But Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis has pushed back against the advisory as well, saying in a statement: The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of sixteen (16) tourism destinations, and many more islands. Daviss office also told Yahoo News in an email that he, along with the tourism ministry, collaborates with local law enforcement and international agencies to provide a safe and inviting destination. While the State Department updated its advisory on Jan. 26 for the Bahamas, it was to add water safety information. The advisory level has not changed. The Arts and Straw Market is a tourist attraction in Freeport, Grand Bahama. (Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images) What to know if youre planning to travel The State Department has stressed the importance of getting travelers insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before venturing to the islands to protect against high fees. In Jamaica, some private ambulance companies require an upfront payment before transporting a patient to the hospital. Government officials also encourage U.S. citizens traveling overseas to sign up for STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program allows travelers to get important information from local embassies about safety conditions at their desired destinations and set emergency contacts who can be notified if necessary. Travelers can also view security reports that detail areas of concern, general crime threats and law enforcement concerns for Jamaica and the Bahamas. What to know when you get to Jamaica Lets kick off the safety tips with a major rule: Leave the firearms and ammunition at home. Jamaica has a zero-tolerance policy regarding tourists traveling with guns. The State Department also cautions travelers that it will not be able to help U.S. citizens in many high-risk areas due to the ineffectiveness or policies of local authorities, armed conflict, or poor governance. For Jamaica, the State Department suggests travelers avoid: St. Ann Parish St. Catherine Parish Clarendon Parish except if passing through using the T1 and A2 highways St. Elizabeth Parish Hanover Parish St. James Parish All of Montego Bay on the inland side of the A1 highway and the Queens Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Manchester Parish St. Thomas Parish Trelawny Parish Westmoreland Parish Tips to stay safe The State Department and World Nomads a group of global travelers who offer travel insurance and safety advice have shared suggestions for traveling safely while on the islands, especially when away from a tourist area, such as a resort. Always have a contingency plan in place for emergencies. Dont walk or drive at night. Dont ride on public buses. Dont travel alone, especially to secluded places. If you are being robbed, do not physically resist. Stay vigilant of your surroundings and try to maintain a low profile. Avoid answering the door of your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. Dont carry your passport around. Dont keep all your cash together. Dont advertise valuables in a crowd. Avoid free rides. Avoid buying or using any illegal substances. Keep an eye on your drink at all times. On Thursday, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the Colorado case in which voters are challenging former President Donald Trumps eligibility to appear on that states ballot as a candidate for president. The Colorado Supreme Court agreed with those Colorado voters, concluding that Trumps actions in connection with Jan. 6, 2021, disqualify him from being president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. If the U.S. Supreme Courts justices adhere to the text and history of the Constitution, theyll agree. Added to the Constitution in the wake of the Civil War, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment bars from public office anyone who took an oath to support the Constitution and subsequently engaged in an insurrection. It was most immediately aimed at purging from office the class of Southern political elites, sometimes called the Slave Power, who were believed to bear primary responsibility for the Confederate rebellion, but the amendments Framers used broad language to sweep beyond the Civil War context and, as one senator put it in 1866, address any rebellion hereafter to come. Section 3 provides that anyone who engaged in an insurrection after having previously taken an oath as an officer of the United States is disqualified from holding any state or federal office again. In a brief filed last month, Trump argues that the phrase officer of the United States does not include the president, which means he cant be disqualified. In support of this argument, he looks at the original Constitution, written and ratified in the 1780s. No matter what officer of the United States meant in the 1860s, he says, the Framers of the 14th Amendment must have been looking back to the original Constitution, referring to the meaning of the words used at that time. But thats not how constitutional interpretation works. The theory that judges should resolve constitutional disputes by looking at what the Constitutions words meant at the time they were written doesnt mean that the oldest evidence is the best. Instead, as Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the court two years ago, judges must give words in the Constitution the meaning they were understood to have when the people adopted them. So in this case, the court should look to the 1860s, when the 14th Amendment was written and ratified, to understand the meaning of the term officer of the United States in Section 3. And there is abundant evidence that Americans in the 1860s understood the president to be an officer of the United States. Historians and constitutional lawyers (including in my organization, the Constitutional Accountability Center, which submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in this case) have combed through public documents to understand what the phrase meant at the time. We found many examples in which members of Congressincluding members of the 39th Congress, who wrote the 14th Amendment and sent it to the states for ratificationused the word officer to refer to the president. We found that lawyers and judges, including justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, did the same. And so did President Andrew Johnson. Often, people used the phrase officer of the United Statesthe exact phrase used in Section 3to describe the president. In an 1868 article on the impeachment of President Johnson, the editors of a Kentucky newspaper said that it was accepted doctrine that the President of the United States is an officer of the United States. When the editors took what they called a raking shot at this doctrinepositing that the president was not an officer of the United States because the president is elected, rather than appointed, to officeother news outlets promptly rejected their conclusion as absurd. Trump doesnt get into this evidence. Rather, he says that the Constitutions textmeaning, the text written in 1787and structure make clear that the president is not an officer of the United States. For example, he argues that the impeachment clause, which states that the President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States are subject to impeachment, implies that the president and vice president are not officers themselves. Trump portrays this as common sense: If the president were an officer, he argues, why would the Framers list the president and vice president separately? Of course, Trump might be wrong as a matter of text. As some scholars suggest, the Framers may have listed the president and vice president separately because they were the most important officers subject to impeachment, not because presidents were categorically different from officers of the United States. Consider the verbiage of a 1776 letter to George Washington sending love to Mrs. Washington and all the Ladies, or a 2024 American Legislative Exchange Council proposal for protecting Taylor Swift and all Americans from illegal deepfakes. Was Martha Washington not a lady? And is Taylorahem, Miss Americananot an American? And even if Trump were right about the impeachment clause, he doesnt present any evidence that the 14th Amendments drafters and ratifiers incorporated the impeachment clauses meaning when they used the phrase officer of the United States. The Framers of Section 3 never said that they wanted to use the impeachment clause, or any other clause in the original Constitution, to define the words in Section 3. If they wanted the term to have a technical meaning drawn from another part of the Constitution, wouldnt they have said so? They didnt. And as our brief shows, Section 3s Framers used a variety of different phrases, rather than simply officers of the United States, to describe the people who would be disqualified by the provision. Some lawmakers abandoned the term officer entirely, instead stating that Section 3 would apply to those men who have ever taken an oath to support the Constitution. And there is a lot of evidence that the generation of Americans who framed and ratified Section 3 intended to define officers broadly. As one federal judge said when charging a jury in a Section 3 case in Tennessee, I charge you that [Section 3] includes all officers. A North Carolina judge was similarly expansive in an 1869 decision, which emphasized that the amendment addressed anyone who took an oath to support the Constitution, from the Governor to the Coroner, to the Inspectors of Flour. Without evidence that anyone wanted to give officers of the United States a narrow meaning derived from a century before, the Supreme Court has made clear that the phrases meaning should be as Justice Antonin Scalia said in a 2008 guns casethe normal and ordinary one that it had at the time. Trumps efforts to do otherwise are surely self-serving. (Prominent conservative lawyer and retired Judge J. Michael Luttig, who filed a brief against Trump in this case, called Trumps argument the most simplistic and superficial argument of constitutional interpretation.) But they are also a test for the Supreme Courts justices, including the ones that former President Trump appointed, who claim to adhere to the ordinary public meaning of the Constitution. If original meaning matters, it should always matter, even when it leads to a result that some might find inconvenient. For those justices who profess to care about the text and history of the Constitution, this case should be an easy one. WASHINGTON Senate Republicans on Monday signaled their plan to filibuster bipartisan legislation that paired tougher border policy with more U.S. aid to Ukraine, a stunning reversal less than 24 hours after the legislation had been unveiled. With ex-president Donald Trump urging them to kill it, and many on the right up in arms about the proposal, top Senate Republicans emerged from a heated closed-door meeting and said they needed more time to review the agreement, suggesting that a scheduled Wednesday vote to advance the bill is all but doomed to fail. I think theres a very real concern that there hasnt been adequate time, and I think the Wednesday vote is going to be, for most of our members, too early, Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters on Monday. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also recommended to his members in the meeting that they should vote to block the package from moving forward, according to Punchbowl News. The recommendation is particularly stunning given that McConnell had cheered the negotiations over border policy for months. Just hours earlier on the Senate floor, McConnell touted the legislation, saying its billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan are needed to counter aggression from dictators and terrorists around the globe. The national security legislation were preparing to take up will invest heavily in the capabilities and capacity America and our allies need to regain the upper hand over this emerging axis of authoritarians, McConnell said. Make no mistake: The gauntlet has been thrown. And America needs to pick it up. But the biggest Republican reversal on the bill may be Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who put in months of work to try to come up with a compromise on the border security bill and who, as late as Monday afternoon, had been urging his GOP colleagues to read the bill before offering negative, knee-jerk reactions, to little avail. After the closed-door meeting Monday evening, when Republicans held a heated discussion, Lankford said he anticipated that Wednesdays vote to advance the bill would fail. Moreover, he repeatedly declined to say whether he would vote in support of his own bill. Why would we force a vote on something that would kill it... versus give it more time and give it the opportunity to be able to be able to go through it? Lankford told reporters. He then tried to argue that even if he votes against advancing his own bill this week, that it wouldnt necessarily mean that he opposes it since it could still come up at a later date. Voting against cloture is not, for me, voting against the bill... cloture is, do we get on this and start debating now or do we get on it and debate it later? So its not voting against the bill, even though I vote against cloture on Wednesday, Lankford said. Ive never seen anything like it. They literally demanded specific policy, got it, and then killed it.Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) Its clear, though, that most Republicans have no interest in drawing out a debate which has sharply divided their party even further and that they badly want to move on even though they were the ones who initially demanded linking border policy changes with the passage of aid to Ukraine. More time isnt going to change anything, and many in the GOP would like to keep the border issue alive so they can hammer Democrats over immigration policy in the November presidential election. Just gobsmacked, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) posted on the X social media platform on Monday. Ive never seen anything like it. They literally demanded specific policy, got it, and then killed it. Its not hard to see why the GOP changed its tune. Trump, the front-runner in the Republican presidential contest, blasted the border agreement on Monday, saying that border policy and foreign aid should not be tied together in any way, shape, or form. Only a fool, or a radical left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous border bill, the former president said on his social media website, Truth Social. The border deal includes several big conservative wins, allowing the government to more easily expel migrants at the border, restrict claims for parole and make it significantly harder for migrants to claim asylum. It would also automatically shutter the border if illegal crossings reach or climb past a certain average daily threshold. Progressive lawmakers and Latino Democrats lined up against the bill, calling it inhumane and arguing that it would make the situation on the border worse. The U.S. Border Patrols union, an influential voice on the right, meanwhile, endorsed the border bill on Monday, but that did little to sway key Republican senators. The GOPs about-face leaves the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, as well as for Israel, is serious jeopardy. The House is expected to vote on a stand-alone aid package for Israel this week, but the White House threatened to veto it on Monday. The Administration strongly opposes this ploy which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against [Russian President Vladimir] Putins aggression, fails to support the security of American synagogues, mosques and vulnerable places of worship, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, the majority of whom are women and children, the White House said in a statement. Related... Editor's note: Due to inclement weather, the Hyundai anti-theft clinic will close at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7. It will resume from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8. Hyundai will have a large-scale mobile clinic in El Paso to upgrade anti-theft software to fix a security vulnerability making some of its vehicles easy targets in a nationwide plague of auto thefts. The mobile anti-theft upgrade clinic will be open to El Paso-Las Cruces area residents from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 8, in the parking lot facing U.S. 54 at Camp Cohen Water Park, 9700 Gateway North Blvd. in Northeast El Paso. Auto thefts: Teens arrested for allegedly stealing vehicle, crashing into El Paso police car Specially trained Hyundai service technicians will be on-site to install and complete the software upgrade, which should take less than 30 minutes. Drivers will also receive complimentary steering wheel locks. The upgrade is free. No appointment, registration, or sign-up is necessary. There have been 420 thefts and attempted thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in El Paso in the last year and the start of 2024, El Paso police officials said at a Tuesday news conference announcing the Hyundai event. David VandeLinde, a vice president at Hyundai Motor America, speaks about a Hyundai event in El Paso to upgrade anti-theft software in vehicles during a Tuesday news conference with El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas at El Paso Police Headquarters. The thefts are linked to viral videos, known as the "Kia challenge," that emerged in 2021 and taught viewers how to steal cars with security flaws. "It became an epidemic across the United States with kids being involved in auto thefts," El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas said at the news conference. The mobile clinic is part of efforts by Hyundai's network of dealerships nationwide to install free anti-theft software upgrades for customers. More: Burglar arrested after allegedly stealing El Paso police car, laughing about it Thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars skyrocketed in El Paso and other cities nationwide since the security flaw was publicized in videos on TikTok and other social media. A large tent will be set up at Camp Cohen with heaters, coffee and snacks for car owners as part of a 30-person team by Hyundai traveling across the country, said David VandeLinde, a vice president of campaigns at Hyundai Motor America. A security camera filmed a suspected car burglar who stole $2,200 in cash along with credit cards from parked vehicles on Joe Castillo Street in far East El Paso early in the morning of Aug. 23, 2022. El Paso is the 11th city that the Hyundai technicians and support staff team visited as part of the company's security upgrade program, which has already upgraded more than a million vehicles, VandeLinde said. The epidemic of Hyundai and Kia thefts from New York to California was spurred by a security flaw publicized in videos on TikTok and other social media sites showing how to start the vehicles without a key. Hyundai and Kia are part of the same South Korean corporate family. Crime: Teens arrested in 'car hopping' burglaries after Northeast El Paso crash The cars are often stolen as a challenge for boasting and joy rides, often by teenagers, so-called "Kia boys." Last summer, New York City filed a lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai, claiming the companies' vehicles are too easy to steal, creating potential risks to the public. Last year, steering wheel locks were handed out to Hyundai owners in El Paso to stem the car theft outbreak. The anti-theft devices were provided by Hyundai Motor America in collaboration with the El Paso Police Department and the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Hyundai security upgrades to help curb car theft 'epidemic' Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has arrived in Kyiv on a visit and has already met with the heads of the Ministry of Energy, State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and Energoatom. Source: Rafael Grossi on Twitter (X) "Ahead of my visit to ZNPP [Zapirizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant], I am glad to meet Energy Minister Galushchenko, regulator [head of State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate ed.] Korikov, and Energoatom's Kotin and exchange on Ukraine's NPPs." Grossi wrote. Ahead of my visit to ZNPP, glad to meet Energy Minister Galushchenko, regulator Korikov, and Energoatom's Kotin and exchange on Ukraine's NPPs. @IAEAorg, actively present at each site, remains steadfast in supporting the safety and security of these facilities. pic.twitter.com/APfUvgBSiC Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) February 6, 2024 He added that the IAEA, which is present at each site, "remains steadfast in supporting the safety and security of these facilities." Background: It was reported that Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will soon visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for the next rotation of the agency's experts, as well as Kyiv and Moscow to discuss the security issue. Support UP or become our patron! An immigrant makes a call from his 'segregation cell' at the Adelanto Detention Facility in 2013. (John Moore / Getty Images) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement used solitary confinement at its detention facilities more than 14,000 times between 2018 and 2023, including one California immigrant detainee who was held for 759 days, according to a report published Tuesday. The report found that solitary placements at ICE facilities lasted on average about a month. Nearly half exceeded 15 days. Solitary confinement is used in ICE detention facilities as a form of punishment as well as to protect certain at-risk immigrants. Human rights groups say the practice is harmful and should be scaled back dramatically at all U.S. prisons and detention facilities. The United Nations has called solitary confinement longer than 15 consecutive days a form of torture. ICE in recent years has come under fire from state officials and human rights groups for its reliance on the practice, and a lack of proper oversight and monitoring. The 71-page report one of the most expansive looks to date into ICE's use of solitary confinement was conducted by researchers at Physicians for Human Rights, Harvard Law School and Harvard Medical School. It was based on internal ICE records at 125 detention facilities obtained through litigation under the Freedom of Information Act. Researchers said ICE's use of solitary confinement and the time periods involved were both on track to grow in 2023, though its data was only collected through Sept. 13. "The harms are just so well established they're incontrovertible," said Sabrineh Ardalan, director of the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic. "That's why the failure to make any significant change is shocking." ICE spokesperson Mike Alvarez said the agency places detainees in isolation only after careful consideration of alternatives. "Administrative segregation placements for a special vulnerability should be used only as a last resort," Alvarez said. "Segregation is never used as a method of retaliation." About 700 solitary placements lasted at least 90 days, and 42 lasted more than a year, according to the report. The longest completed instance of solitary confinement was that of a Mexican woman held at Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego for 759 consecutive days until Dec. 2, 2019. Her placement was coded as "detainee requested" and the reasoning was listed as "other," though the record also showed a disciplinary infraction for fighting, said Arevik Avedian, director of empirical research services at Harvard Law School. Two other cases were longer, but they were not included in the report because they were still ongoing at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Wash., as of Sept. 13 for 817 and 811 days, respectively. ICE standards generally limit disciplinary isolation to 30 days per violation. But administrative segregation, regarded as non-punitive and intended for the detainee's safety, can be indefinite. ICE didn't list the isolated immigrants' mental health status in every record. But in the nearly 8,800 records that did include mental health information, about 40% documented mental health conditions. For people identified as transgender, the average length of solitary confinement was two months, researchers said. Alvarez said ICE doesn't place detainees in solitary confinement solely because of mental illness unless directed or recommended to do so by medical staff. Detainees are often placed there because they request protective custody, as a result of a disciplinary hearing or to quarantine if no medical housing is available. Detainees with mental health issues are under the care of medical professionals, he said, and are removed from solitary confinement if they determine it has resulted in a deterioration of their health and an appropriate alternative is available. About 38,500 immigrants were being held by ICE as of Jan. 28, according to TRAC, a nonpartisan research organization at Syracuse University. Two-thirds of those detained have no criminal record and many others have only minor offenses, such as traffic violations. ICE has said it is moving to reduce its use of solitary confinement over the past decade. The agency issued a 2013 directive limiting its use, particularly for people with vulnerabilities, such as disabilities or mental illness. A 2015 memo emphasized protections for transgender people, specifying that solitary confinement "should be used only as a last resort." A 2022 directive strengthened protections and reporting requirements for people with mental health conditions in solitary confinement. Detainees held in solitary confinement are isolated in small cells away from the general population for up to 24 hours a day and have minimal contact with other people. Prolonged solitary confinement is known to cause adverse health effects, including risk of suicide and brain damage. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a 2022 bill that would have regulated and significantly reduced solitary confinement in jails, prisons and ICE facilities. Watchdog reports have repeatedly identified failures in ICE's approach to and oversight of solitary confinement. In 2021, the California Department of Justice issued a review of ICE detention in the state, with comprehensive looks at three privately operated facilities. Cal DOJ found little distinction between the conditions for detainees in administrative isolation as for those held for disciplinary reasons. The agency also found that detainees with mental illnesses were held in solitary confinement despite the isolation worsening their conditions. "Most detainees in segregation are in their cells for 22 hours a day and when they are allowed outside they are generally recreating in individual cages," the California report stated. The same year, a report by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General found that ICE failed to consistently comply with reporting requirements for solitary confinement. Investigators analyzed records from fiscal years 2015 to 2019 and found ICE hadn't maintained evidence showing it considered alternatives to isolation in 72% of solitary confinement placements. Citing that report, Democratic senators, including the late Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Alex Padilla of California, pressed ICE leaders about the agency's "excessive and seemingly indiscriminate use of solitary confinement," calling it a long-standing problem. A 2022 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that information about detainee vulnerabilities and explanations of what led to their placement in solitary confinement were inconsistent. The GAO analyzed solitary confinement placements from 2017 through 2021 and found that about 40% were for disciplinary reasons and 60% were for administrative reasons, such as protective custody. ICE says facility staff are required to offer people in administrative segregation the same privileges as those in general housing, including recreation, visitation, access to the law library and phones. They could also spend additional time out of isolation socializing or doing voluntary work assignments such as cleaning. Privileges for those in disciplinary segregation vary based on the amount of supervision required. But two dozen formerly detained people interviewed by the report authors described having limited or no access to phone calls, recreation, medical care and medications. Karim Golding, 39, of Jamaica was detained by ICE from 2016 to 2021. At the Etowah County Detention Center in Alabama, which ICE stopped using in 2022 because of its "long history of serious deficiencies," Golding said he spent nearly two months in solitary confinement after testing positive for COVID-19. He now lives in New York. Golding said that during the height of the pandemic, as the facility allowed busloads of new detainees in without following proper distancing or isolation guidelines, he urged the staff to provide tests. He and other detainees submitted dozens of sick calls requesting tests. When the staff finally complied, he and several others were placed in solitary after testing positive for the coronavirus. He said he believes the move was retaliatory. Golding remembers sometimes spending 40 hours at a time in his dingy 8x10-foot cell with holes in the concrete walls and no access to a shower. The isolation was lonely, he recalled. "I went to sleep one night and woke up suffocating in the cell," he said. "I started to cry because there was no panic button inside these cells. There was no officer, anything for help." Two other detainees reached by The Times said they were held in solitary confinement at facilities in Texas and Louisiana for several days while on a hunger strike. As a candidate, President Biden pledged to end the use of solitary confinement in federal prisons. He signed an executive order in 2022 promising to ensure incarcerated people are "free from prolonged segregation." Authors of Tuesday's report called on Biden to phase out the use of solitary confinement in immigration detention. "There is still time," Ardalan said. "This is one legacy he could leave from his administration." 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. Death toll of Palestinians in Gaza rises to 27,478: ministry Xinhua) 09:50, February 06, 2024 People gather around a destroyed house after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) GAZA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. During the past 24 hours, at least 113 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks in various places in the Gaza Strip, raising the total number of deaths to 27,478, the ministry said in a press statement. The ministry added that with heavy Israeli bombardment and the lack of civil defense and ambulance crews, some victims are still under the rubble. Meanwhile, the number of wounded people has also risen to 66,835 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the ministry explained. People mourn victims at a hospital after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather in front of a destroyed house after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People inspect a destroyed house after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) An injured man is seen at a hospital after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) An injured girl is seen at a hospital after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather around a destroyed house after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 5, 2024. The death toll of Palestinians killed from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 27,478, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Most school districts in the Hill Country, expecting high traffic, will close for the April 8 eclipse, while others in the San Antonio area plan to take advantage of the rare teaching opportunity. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News In just a few weeks, a much-anticipated eclipse will throw darkness across parts of Texas, including San Antonio and the Hill Country. Some area school systems are giving students the day off but most are using the rare celestial event as a teaching opportunity. And rare is the word. Visible at around 1:30 p.m. on April 8, it will mark the first time in more than six centuries that the area has seen a total solar eclipse. SAISD Its shaping up to be an eventful day at the San Antonio Independent School District, which plans a wide range of space-oriented activities for all grade levels, including STEM rotation stations and guest speakers from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Southwest Research Institute. Some classes will even take a field trip into the path of totality, a reward for winning a poster contest held during the partial solar eclipse in October. Advertisement Article continues below this ad TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: Heres what makes them so rare The goal is to get help boost student interest in science, technology, engineering and math subjects, said Brooke Vasquez, the districts director of science. Eclipses happen everywhere but for it to be here in San Antonio people are going to be flocking here to be able to see this, she said. Im hoping to gauge interest in the sciences for students who really want to go down this pathway and become interested in STEM careers. All students and staff will be provided with solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Northside, North East ISDs Proper eyewear has been a hot commodity for school districts. North East ISD has procured about 12,000 pairs of eclipse viewers, while Hays Consolidated ISD has purchased 30,000. Both districts will be open and will offer unique class lessons and special events. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Classes also will be in session for the 100,000 students at Northside ISD, the citys largest. Spokesperson Barry Perez said the district plans extensive activities across its more than 130 campuses and pointed to a new website thats been created in anticipation of the astronomical show. Most area schools will operate as normal. Southwest ISDs CAST STEM High School will have a campuswide watch party. Students in Somerset ISDs Savannah Heights Intermediate School STEM classes will race solar cars the sun will shine for most of the day, after all. Alamo Heights ISD campuses are planning age-appropriate events. Other districts that will be open include East Central, Judson, Harlandale, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City, East Central, Fort Sam Houston and New Braunfels ISDs and IDEA Public Schools. Boerne and the Hill Country South San Antonio ISD had designated April 8 as a professional training day for faculty and staff. The student holiday on the day of the eclipse was coincidental, a spokesperson said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But districts in the Hill Country, which expect a massive visitor influx because of the regions closeness to the path of totality, have long planned to close on the big day. Boerne ISD decided to make the day of the eclipse a staff and student holiday back in 2022, wrote Bryan Benway, the districts director of communications, in an email. We were proactive and placed this on our district calendar last year prior to the school year so families could plan ahead, he wrote. Benway said the goal is to put less school-related traffic on roads that will be packed with vehicles. The city of Boerne is preparing for upwards of 50,000 visitors, according to its website. It will also be a great at-home learning experience for our students, Benway added, noting that the district has prepared lesson plans and activities focusing on the eclipse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kerrville ISD students will also have the day off. Located almost exactly in the middle of the path of totality, Kerrville has been touted as one of the best places in the world to view it, and the school board approved the closure a year ago due to the anticipated crowds, district spokesperson Lauren Jette said. Other school districts that have canceled classes for April 8 include Medina Valley ISD and San Marcos CISD. Comal ISD has yet to decide whether classes will be in session, said public information officer Steve Stanford. (KRON) In 1998, Larry Hashbarger and Skip Young founded a restaurant and cabaret in San Francisco, hoping to celebrate diversity and multiculturism. Twenty-six years later, that club AsiaSF is closing. The ladies of the popular drag club will put on their last show this spring after it was announced it would be closing. Its been an extraordinary run and an incredible privilege to work with our transgender Ladies of AsiaSF, said Larry Hashbarger, Founder and CEO of AsiaSF, in a news release. Hashbarger said the closure stemmed from the changed nightlife patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial hardships that came with it. The clubs last dinner show will be March 31, on International Transgender Day of Visibility. One of our missions of AsiaSF has always been to create a trans-positive environment that educates and raises awareness about living your truth and being your authentic self, Hashbarger said, while at the same time providing our guests with a time of your life experience. While the brick-and-mortar restaurant will be shutting down, Hashbarger said there is a chance there will be pop-up events in the future. This is very much a transition, and the end of an era. However, hopefully, it is the beginning of new opportunities for our vision and the Ladies of AsiaSF, Hashbarger said. AsiaSF offered a dinner-and-a-show experience featuring a Vegas-style drag show on a runway stage and award-winning Asian cuisine. It was voted One of the Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America and Best Ambiance by OpenTable. It has hosted over 1 million patrons since its opening. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Crispy Dogs are hot dogs stuffed with cheese, wrapped in corn tortillas and deep-fried at Rays Drive Inn. Mike Sutter / Staff Editor's note: This story originally was published Feb. 7, 2023. From the bean and cheese breakfast taco to the raspa, the San Antonio culinary scene is known for a number of signature items. That includes the crispy dog, the 1950s-era diner favorite made by restaurants and grandmothers alike, according to Texas Monthly. Unfortunately, the crispy dog, a hot dog wrapped in a tortilla with cheese and then deep-fried, is now disappearing from menus, Jose Ralat, a journalist with the magazine, wrote on Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The West Side institution Malt House is widely credited with being the first to add the crispy dog to its menu, though the item was most likely not invented by the restaurant.The Malt House has since been torn down and replaced with a 7-Eleven, despite the San Antonio Historic Design and Review Commission deeming the building "culturally significant." The crispy dog remains a popular item on the M.K. Davis menu, Ralat wrote, located at the intersection of North Flores and West Poplar near Cattleman Square. There, it is served as a trio with a side of yellow mustard. Other locations currently serving the crispy dog include Ray's Drive Inn, in Avenida Guadalupe, Burgerteca, in Blue Star, and the food truck Tacos Cucuy. "The crispy dog is a taste of a disappearing San Antonio cuisine little known outside its hometown," Ralat wrote. Ralat also noted that the fried dog appeared outside of San Antonio in the 1950s, including as part of cafeteria menus and carnivals. As to why the item is disappearing from menus, Ralat did not hazard a guess. However, chef Johnny Hernandez of Burgerteca, as well as La Gloria and La Fruteria, wrote that the crispy dog began to disappear well before now. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "They disappeared 30 years ago, you don't see them very often," Hernandez told the Express-News. "I don't know who's had them in 20 years. Hot dogs haven't always been a high-quality or high-culinary food item. I think that's one of the reasons why crispy dogs are not appreciated by folks today." Hernandez also noted that the crispy dog may be due for a reinvention, and that for him, it all starts with a great sausage or hot dog. When Burgerteca offers the crispy dog, it features a fresh-made sausage in a stone-ground corn tortilla. Hernandez credits the resourcefulness of parents and grandparents with the invention of the crispy dog because families needed to use the last of their corn tortillas. You might also like: San Antonios Last Place Burgers is the best burger YouTuber Mike Majlak has ever had "I remember my friend's grandmother using leftover tortillas to pan fry them for us," Hernandez said. "That's the first place I had them, in a home at my buddy's grandma's house, who lived next to us." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hernandez also credits tacos polacos, an older dish featuring a sausage wrapped in a flour tortilla, for leading to the crispy dog. "I have to believe the idea of wrapping a hotdog in a corn tortilla came from that," he said. Hernandez said that resourcefulness may be disappearing as fewer people cook at home, leading to less necessity for resourceful food items like crispy dogs and chilaquiles made at home. Hernandez added that he believes the crispy dog is uniquely San Antonian, thanks to the region's heritage and culture. "I think our strong German heritage and that old-world European heritage shaped some of these traditions," Hernandez said. "That's the culture that brought some of the grilling and curing of meat, which I think are our food traditions, and obviously we're a big protein city. It's uniquely San Antonio, definitely." shepard.price@express-news.net MUNCIE, Ind. An Indianapolis man accused of causing a fatal crash on Interstate 69 in November has been arrested on six related charges. On Wednesday, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman's office formally charged Walter Saucedo-Mendoza, 31, with two counts of driving while intoxicated causing death, along with two counts each of reckless homicide and criminal recklessness. Saucedo-Mendoza arrested Saturday in Indianapolis and was returned to Muncie. He was later released from the Delaware County Jail after posting a $40,000. According to Indiana State Police, a Kia Forte driven by Saucedo-Mendoza,was traveling northbound in the interstate's southbound lanes when it collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Malibu driven by Victoria Elaine Cox, 32, of Fort Wayne. Cox and a passenger in the Malibu, Evan Daniel Cox, 26, also of Fort Wayne, were pronounced dead at the scene near the 234 mile-marker and the Ind. 32/67 interchange in Daleville by Delaware County Coroner Gavin Greene. Saucedo-Mendoza was flown by medical helicopter to an Indianapolis medical facility after he was taken by ambulance to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Two other vehicles were also involved in the crash. Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: I-69 crash that killed two in Delaware County leads to man's arrest Emergency workers prepare for a rescue mission. Two injured mountaineers from the Czech Republic were rescued on Tuesday after spending two days in an emergency shelter on Austria's highest mountain. Unbekannt/POLIZEI KARNTEN/dpa Two injured mountaineers from the Czech Republic were rescued on Tuesday after spending two days in an emergency shelter on Austria's highest mountain. The two climbers had made an emergency call on Sunday evening after they were hurt by falling rock on the north face of the Groglockner. Storm conditions meant they couldn't be rescued on Sunday or Monday, so they sheltered in the Glockner bivouac, a tubular steel structure set on solid rock at 3,205 metres above sea level which is designed to provide a place of refuge for climbers in distress. They stayed in contact with the area's mountain rescue team by mobile telephone. The two men, aged 25 and 39, were eventually flown off the mountain by a police helicopter. With teen suicides nearly quadrupling in Utah from 2007 to 2015, the state launched a youth suicide task force in 2018 with Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, and then Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox as chairs. A few weeks before the task force was announced, Cox traveled to Tremonton for what he thought would be a simple speaking assignment at a community suicide prevention meeting. He led with his prepared talking points but then, he felt compelled to divulge his deeply personal experience with suicide. Something that he hadnt really talked about for nearly three decades. Growing up in a conservative, agrarian town, Cox reflected on being a kid with divorced parents and thick glasses, especially in middle school. The first week, these strapping young boys grabbed me in the hall and stuffed me in a garbage can, he said. At the time, Cox said, he began thinking what it would be like if I wasnt here anymore, and how much better off everyone would be if I wasnt here. He then pleaded with the crowd to inspire hope in each other. In the midst of looking at the teen mental health crisis, the connection between many of things that are precursors to suicide depression, bullying and unhealthy comparisons are linked to social media use. This gave Cox, and others, a reason to focus on what is now seen as one of the primary reasons for a rise in the number of teens struggling with anxiety and depression social media. And if it can be said that Utah is waging a war on social media, Cox is the general leading the charge. Since Cox became governor, hes continued to prioritize finding ways to address the teen mental health crisis, which researchers say is unprecedented in its size and scope. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report from last spring found that the crisis is still ongoing, with increases in poor mental health and suicide-related behaviors. When researchers ask what ails teens, they consistently point toward a specific cause. When we look at surveys of what kids themselves are saying is causing their distress, the No. 1 cause is usually social media, Zach Rausch, lead researcher for Jonathan Haidts upcoming book and associate research scientist at New York University, said. And so that is really the reason for this alarm. Its a problem lawmakers have identified, too and havent been bashful about addressing. Before last years legislative session, Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, came across research showing the unique harms social media has on young women. That was coupled with a number of constituents that had called me and said they were doing everything they could to try to help their kids navigate through social media space, Teuscher said in a phone interview. And in their words, the algorithms were just more than they could overcome. Teuscher teamed up with Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, and Aimee Winder Newton, senior adviser to Cox and director of the Office of Families, to find a solution. Cox held a summit on the issue and soon Utahs unique social media laws were born. Gov. Spencer Cox announces the launch of a new public awareness campaign urging parents to learn about the harms social media has on youth at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News The genesis of Utahs unique social media laws In 2023, the Utah Legislature passed the Social Media Regulation Act, sponsored by Teuscher and McKell. The legislation required social media companies to verify the age of their users if a user is under 18, they would need parental consent. It also created a default curfew setting that blocks overnight access to minors accounts, which parents can choose to override. It forbids social media companies from collecting childrens data or targeting their accounts with addictive designs or features. During this years legislative session, the state pushed the implementation date back from March 1 to Oct. 1. On Monday morning, lawmakers proposed amendments to the act, such as requiring social media companies to have supervisory tools available for minors accounts. If these bills pass, the law would no longer require a default curfew or that children would need parental consent to get on social media. The law would still make it so social media companies cannot sell childrens data without parental consent. It would also provide children and their parents or legal guardians with the ability to hold social media companies liable for harms caused by their algorithms. Related The initial passage of the laws was something of a litmus test. Lawmakers promised to work with social media companies in the interim and they also watched what happened across the national landscape. Certainly there were a number of states that copied Utahs approach and we learned from it, Teuscher said. Some of those states didnt take the approach to push out that implementation date and so we saw what happened when they modeled some of our legislation and then they were sued. We saw the arguments that were brought up and the way the courts were signaling around the nation that certain First Amendment issues hadnt been tested before. In other words, Utah became the default that states are looking at, he said. New York was one of the states that followed Utahs example. New York state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic announced a pair of bills in fall 2024 known as The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and The New York Child Data Protection Act. The SAFE for Kids Act would allow parents to impose a curfew between midnight and 6 a.m. for children on social media platforms. While the other act would prohibit online sites from selling personal data of any user below the age of 18 unless they consent to it (parents would have to consent for kids under 13) or it is absolutely necessary. Our kids are in crisis, and the adults in the room need to step up, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a release about the bills. The statistics are extraordinarily disturbing: teen suicide rates are spiking, and diagnoses of anxiety and depression are surging. Like other laws across the country, the Beehive States bills havent gone unchallenged. The tech industry group NetChoice and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression have taken to the courts to challenge Utahs law in suits filed this winter. Both NetChoice and FIRE cited alleged violations of the First Amendment and the 14th Amendment as their causes of concern. With NetChoice v. Reyes, we are fighting to ensure that all Utahns can embrace digital tools without the forceful clutch of government control, Chris Marchese, director of the NetChoice Litigation Center, said. Now that these tools are prominent in our lives and important for our economy, young people should learn how to harness their power while developing healthy and safe habits. On the back of NetChoice filing its suit, Cox indicated that the state was prepared to defend its laws among legal challenges. We will vigorously defend these laws, we are prepared for it, he said during a press conference in late December. The amendments lawmakers added this year would make the laws more constitutionally sound, Teuscher explained and added, I think we are expecting these companies to continue to challenge it because it is such a new area of the law. A lot of the federal laws that are based off of this were written back in the 90s when social media wasnt even a dream and even the internet wasnt really at the top of peoples minds. At their core, the legislation attempts to provide more protections for children on social media than parents are currently able to give them. Teuscher related that they did a focus group with parents, youth and representation from some social media companies. We heard from the youth how it made them feel when they started to get addicted and the algorithms seemed to be influencing them in certain ways, that it changed their perception and their self-worth. Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, and Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, speak about their new social media bills, SB194 and HB464, on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. The bills aim to protect minors from the harms of social media and arm parents with tools to oversee childrens accounts. | Marielle Scott, Deseret News Opponents to the kinds of measures Utah lawmakers have proposed will often ask if its fair to point toward social media as the cause for the mental health crisis currently affecting teens. But Rausch said its absolutely a social media issue. Smartphones were introduced to the public in 2007 and social media companies like Facebook and Twitter and later, Instagram began growing in popularity and accessibility, Rausch said. By 2010, smartphones had acquired front-facing cameras. It is the tie between smartphones and social media that happened right in this period that really set off a chain reaction where adolescent social life moved entirely onto these phones and into this new hyperviral universe. At the same time, teen mental health deteriorated. In all of my research, theres been a very sharp rise that begins around this time period, between 2010 and 2015, where rates of low self-esteem, rates of anxiety and depression and more behavioral measures are going up, Rausch said. In Rauschs estimation, youth cutting back on social media would not suffice to solve the issue. Part of the reason that we advocate for larger-scale bans on these devices is that we need to address this collectively, because if every other 13-year old girl is no longer using social media platforms, the pressures to be on those platforms go down, the cost of not being on it goes away and the benefits go up, Rausch said. Critics of Utahs attempts to regulate social media have also emerged, like Caden Rosenbaum, senior policy analyst at Libertas Institute. While Rosenbaum said he could see why lawmakers would take this path, he disagrees with the approach. Speaking about the original set of bills, Rosenbaum said his biggest concern is around age verification. The biggest issue was the age verification mechanism created a cybersecurity problem, not just for people, but for kids, he said, explaining that if age was verified using an ID, then he had concerns about what would happen if that data was compromised. This parlayed into a First Amendment concern as well. The issue is that you would basically prevent people from speaking because they would have to give their ID, and so they might decide not to its prohibitive, Rosenbaum said. Rosenbaum said he thought there was a different path forward: one that focuses more on education than on prohibition. Since the internet isnt going anywhere, he thinks lawmakers should concentrate on helping educate parents and children. We should lean into education, we should lean into parents rights, we should encourage parents to teach their kids how to use social media or teach their kids how to avoid it if thats what they want to do, he said. We shouldnt just be passing unconstitutional laws trying to hamstring social media. Related Utahs suits against Meta and TikTok The legislative efforts in Utah are just one piece of the puzzle. The state has also filed two separate lawsuits: one against TikTok and another against Meta. Both were filed in the fall of last year by the Utah Attorney Generals Office on behalf of the states Division of Consumer Protection. When the suits were first filed, passages were obscured from view. Earlier this year, many of these passages were unredacted, so Utahns can have a clearer picture of why the state is suing these social media companies. The states suit against TikTok alleged that the company knew it was causing harm to teenagers and did not act. The suit claimed that TikTok acknowledges it utilizes many coercive design tactics that detract from user agency such as infinite scroll, constant notifications, and the slot machine effect. The suit also claimed that in an internal digital well-being product safety report, TikTok has also admitted that the design of its application can trigger habit-forming behaviors that harm mental health. Some of these harms to mental health included loss of analytical skills, memory formation, contextual thinking, conversational depth, empathy and increased anxiety. As for how Utah got its hands on internal documents, the Utah Department of Commerces Division of Consumer Protection asked for them. The documents were turned over by TikTok in response to a subpoena issued by the Division of Consumer Protection as part of an ongoing investigation. The Division has the authority to subpoena documents, and companies are required under Utah law to comply, Katie Hass, director of the Division of Consumer Protection said. The state alleged that TikTok purposefully sends children push notifications when their attention should be elsewhere. TikTok sends these notifications directly to users mobile phones, nudging younger users to engage with the app during both school and sleeping hours: (We) send notifications to users during the school day and in some cases, up until midnight, which could interfere with sleep. A TikTok spokesperson issued the following statement in response to a request for comment, TikTok has industry-leading safeguards for young people, including an automatic 60-minute time limit for users under 18 and parental controls for teen accounts. We will continue to work to keep our community safe by tackling industry-wide challenges. In the case of the states suit against Meta, the state alleges that Meta makes addictive features, markets them to children and misrepresents its platforms as safe for children. Meta makes these misrepresentations knowing that its Platforms are designed to ensnare children, that users are likely to be exposed to harmful content, and that its design features, like the availability of plastic-surgery camera filters to displaying likes, are harmful to users in multiple and intense ways. The states complaint also claims that Meta is aware of the ways its apps cause harm. Meta knows that the compulsive and excessive social media use it actively promotes and profits from is detrimental to children. Meta also knows that children are facing a mental health crisis. According to Metas own studies, 82% of teens have felt at least one emotional issue in the past month. One in five has thought about suicide or self-injury, the suit alleges. In Metas own words: Teens blame Instagram for increases in the rates of anxiety and depression among teens. The suit also claims Meta has not responded accordingly. On multiple occasions, Meta has explicitly considered and explicitly rejected design changes after finding that those changes would decrease the danger of harms, but also decrease engagement and therefore Metas profits. A spokesperson for Meta said the company does not have a statement to share at this time but pointed toward the legislative framework submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by Kevin Martin, the vice president of public policy at Meta, and Antigone Davis, the global head of safety at Meta. The framework includes requiring app stores to obtain parental control for children under 16 when they try to download apps other than general online services like email and search, and requiring the industry to limit the personalization of advertisements for those 16 and under to age and location only. It also states that social media apps should offer tools parents can use on their childrens accounts if they are under 16. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has historically prevented social media companies from being liable for posts on their platforms. Theres an emerging legal argument that algorithms, targeted advertisements and design features should be treated differently than posts on social media platforms when it comes to liability. In the Twitter v. Taamneh decision, Justice Clarence Thomas rejected the argument that algorithms should tip the scales into creating liability. Still, the argument is novel and other judges may decide differently in the future. But an October 2023 ruling by a California court said that while social media platforms are not considered products for product liability claims, they are not immune from being sued over alleged negligence. This could be an important precedent moving forward. One of our arguments focuses on the fact that TikToks algorithm itself is harmful because it figures out how to keep a user hooked. TikToks algorithm learns a users behavior and exploits that information, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said. Section 230 may provide immunity for third-party content, but it does not provide immunity for TikToks own conduct in using its exploitive algorithm. It could be as early as this spring when arguments begin in either one or both of these civil cases. Our office is currently defending the social media bills in litigation, Reyes said. If these laws are amended, we will continue to defend against any legal challenges in this important fight for the physical and mental well-being of Utahs children. We dont have 40 years to study whether or not social media companies are causing 70% or 95% of the teen mental health crisis, we know there is a teen mental health crisis. Their own documents show that they know their social media apps, particularly their algorithms and other product features, can cause mental health problems or exacerbate existing problems, or both, Margaret Busse, Utah Commerce executive director, said. The ways in which these mental health issues have skyrocketed in the past decade are so alarming and are hardly coincidental. Gov. Spencer Cox poses for a photo after signing SB152, Social Media Regulation Amendments, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 23, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The national conversation Though Utah is the pioneer in addressing social media harms, the rest of the nation has also started engaging in similar efforts. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health which states we cannot conclude social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents. The Social Media Victims Law Center has also emerged as a force trying to combat the harms caused by social media through civil litigation. Laura Marquez-Garrett, an attorney with the center, said that as these social media harm cases play out in court, discovery will pull back the curtain on how these companies operate. While the center has not yet seen legal recourse for victims yet, she stressed that these cases are still in their infancy. As more cases play out, she said she hopes the legal system will be able to address harms caused by social media. Its not necessarily that the entire internet is dangerous. But we are talking about for-profit companies that have made more money than any industry in the history of the world in a shorter amount of time, Marquez-Garrett said, adding these companies are doing it with no transparency and no regulation. No matter the twist or turns that happen on a national scale, Utah lawmakers have expressed their commitment to addressing social media harms through the avenues available to them. We wont stand by while social media companies continue to exploit kids, McKell said. Social media companies know the harm they are inflicting on our youths mental health and were not going to look away. Floridas Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues. The reports are public information. During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, restaurants were cited for issues including unsafe food temperatures and foods not marked with the date they were prepared. One Bradenton restaurant had signs of rodent activity. Heres what inspectors found: Armandos Brasserie & More, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton (inside Oneco Farmers Market) Inspected Jan. 31 High priority: Raw shell eggs were stored over cheese in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. High priority: Raw animal foods (beef and pork) were not properly separated from each other in a reach-in cooler based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Corrective action was taken. High priority: Wiping cloth sanitizing solution exceeded the maximum concentration allowed. Corrective action was taken. High priority: The establishment was operating with an expired license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees. Basic: Ovens were soiled with dried food particles. A follow-up inspection was required. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, 2203 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Inspected Feb. 1 High priority: A dishmachine was not sanitizing properly. Corrective action was taken. A person in charge placed a service call for the machine and set up manual warewashing at a three-compartment sink. Intermediate: No currently certified food service manager was on duty while four or more employees were preparing and/or handling food. Basic: Ceiling vents were soiled with mold-like substance throughout the kitchen and in a dry storage area. Basic: Three other basic violations, including hood filters soiled with grease. A follow-up inspection was required. Grand Buffet, 4848 14th St. W., Bradenton Inspected Jan. 30 High priority: Dishmachine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength. An inspector took a sanitizer reading of zero. Corrective action was taken. A person in charge placed a service call for the machine and set up manual warewashing at a three-compartment sink. High priority: Raw seafood was stored over soy sauce and cooked rice in a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: A raw meat mixer was soiled with dried food particles. Corrective action was taken. Basic: Four violations, including hood filters soiled with grease and areas of standing water throughout the kitchen. A follow-up inspection was required. Juicys Famous Fair Food, 2319 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Inspected Jan. 31 High priority: Raw animal foods (beef and bacon) were not properly separated from each other on a grill line based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Corrective action was taken. High priority: Funnel cake mix was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken. High priority: The establishment was operating with an expired license from the Division of Restaurants and Hotels. Intermediate: A box of gloves and a beverage cup were stored in an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: No currently certified food service manager was on duty while four or more employees were preparing and/or handling food. Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for an employee hired more than 60 days prior. Basic: Four violations, including hood filters soiled with grease and single-service items stored unprotected from contamination. A follow-up inspection was required. R Burger N Wings, 4266 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton Inspected Feb. 1 High priority: An inspector observed an employee wash their hands without soap. High priority: Raw chicken was stored over cut vegetables and sauces in a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. High priority: An employee handled raw shrimp with gloved hands and then failed to change gloves/wash hands before handling a single-service food container. High priority: Cooked chicken was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees in a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. High priority: The business was operating with an expired license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: Employee training documents did not contain all required info. Basic: Three violations, including hood filters soiled with grease and raw chicken stored on the floor in a walk-in cooler. A follow-up inspection was required. Scuderia Italian Cuisine, 4805 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Inspected Feb. 2 High priority: Dishmachine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength. Corrective action was taken. A person in charge placed a service call for the machine and set up manual warewashing. High priority: Raw chicken was stored over cream and cheese in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken. High priority: Raw animal foods (chicken and shrimp) were not properly separated from one another in a reach-in cooler based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Corrective action was taken. Basic: Three violations, including hood filters soiled with grease. A follow-up inspection was required. Subway, 3517 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton Inspected Jan. 25 High priority: Sanitizer used to clean knives was not at the proper minimum strength. An inspector took a sanitizer reading of zero. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: A food managers certification was expired. Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for an employee hired more than 60 days prior. Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Basic: Six violations, including an accumulation of pink slime in an ice chute and employee drinks stored on a food prep table. A follow-up inspection was required. Subway, 5016 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Inspected Jan. 26 High priority: Tuna salad, roast beef, ham, chicken, bologna, sliced cheese and fresh mozzarella were cold-held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in the front counter. A stop sale was issued for all of the items due to temperature abuse. Basic: Five violations, including black substance around a bathroom faucet and old food stuck to pans. A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Jan. 29. Sweet Krunch, 5605 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Inspected Jan. 29 High priority: An inspector observed signs of rodent activity on site. The inspector observed five rodent droppings in a dry storage area and two droppings under a shelf by an office in a prep area. Corrective action was taken. A restaurant operator cleaned and sanitized the areas. High priority: Pork, chicken and egg rolls that were being held for future use had not been cooled from 135 degrees to 41 degrees within six hours. A stop sale was issued and the items were discarded. High priority: A sanitizer dispenser at a three-compartment sink was not working properly. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: There were remnants of food in an employee handwash sink. Intermediate: No proof was provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Corrective action was taken. Intermediate: Prepared foods in reach-in and walk-in coolers had no date markings. Basic: Eight violations, including a soiled hood filter and no ambient air temperature thermometer in a reach-in cooler. A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Feb. 1. Taqueria Zafritas, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton (inside Oneco Farmers Market) Inspected Jan. 25 High priority: Raw chicken was stored over cheese in an upright cooler. Corrective action was taken. High priority: Beef, chicken and pork were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse, and the items were discarded. Intermediate: No soap was provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken. A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day. Editors Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a snapshot of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and high-risk establishments tend to be inspected more frequently. When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed at www.myfloridalicense.com. The Bradenton Heralds weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner such as unsafe food temperatures, employee hand-washing issues or moldy drink machines regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection. AUSTIN (Nexstar) Ahead of the March 5 primary elections in Texas, leaders in the state GOP are seeking to close off primary contests to registered Republicans only. Among the 2024 propositions on the primary ballot for Texas Republican voters includes a proposal that would prohibit Democrats and Independents from voting on a GOP ticket. The yes or no question will ask voters if the Texas GOP should restrict voting in the Republican Primary to only registered Republicans. Leaders like Matt Rinaldi chair of the Republican Party of Texas have been advocating for closed primaries for years, but there is increased attention on the issue due to the ongoing presidential primary. Most recently, GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has voiced her desire to win more votes in states with open primaries like Texas, which allow voters to cast their ballot for either party, regardless of their affiliation. Its important for Republican voters to know that the candidates they choose and that their party chooses to represent them in a general election is chosen by Republican voters and not Democrats crossing over, Rinaldi told Nexstar. The opposing party messing around in your primaries defeats that purpose. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 16 states including Texas allow voters to choose which partisan ballot they will vote on in primaries, regardless of their registered party affiliation. Only eight states have fully closed primaries, in which voters can only participate in the party ballots that correspond with their partisan registration. Brian Smith a politics professor at St. Edwards University said the open primary system is beneficial to more moderate or independent voters who can swing left or right depending on the candidates and issues. If you have a fully closed primary and youre registered Independent, youre not going to be able to vote in that primary so you have no say of who the nominee is going to be, Smith said. And in states like Texas, that are gerrymandered beyond belief, the primary is often the general election. So if youre excluded from the primary, it doesnt really matter if you vote in the general election. This is a developing story, check back for updates. Capitol Correspondent Monica Madden will have a full report on KXAN News at 6 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 6 ahead of a visit to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. IAEA teams have been based at the facility on rotation since September 2022. Throughout its occupation by Russian forces, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. Grossi said on X that he met with officials in Kyiv including Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and Petro Kotin, the head of state-owned company Energoatom, and discussed Ukraine's nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency, "actively present at each site, remains steadfast in supporting the safety and security of these facilities," Grossi said. Grossi said on Jan. 26 that he plans to talk to the Russian management at the plant. "I will be seeing how the issue of the water is being dealt with," Gross told reporters. Supplying water to cool the plant's reactors has become a critical concern since Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant on June 6, 2023. The plant relied on water from the nearby Kakhovka Reservoir, which was depleted by the attack. Plant personnel are now drilling for water in ground wells around the perimeter of the plant. "I also need to ascertain the longer-term plans for the plant. Are they going to attempt to restart one or more reactors, and why, and how? These are issues that have profound nuclear safety implications," Grossi said. After his inspection of the Zaporizhzhia plant, Grossi said he would go to Russia, to engage in a political and technical dialogue with officials there. Read also: Minister: Ukraine to start building 4 nuclear reactors in 2024 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Texas Supreme Court hears oral arguments for Zurawski v. State of Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Mikala Compton/AP This image provided by Kate Cox shows Kate Cox. A Texas judge has given the pregnant woman whose fetus had a fatal diagnosis permission to get an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to the state?s ban that took effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. It was unclear Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 how quickly or whether Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas area, will be able to obtain an abortion. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble says she will grant a temporary restraining order that will allow Cox to have an abortion. (Kate Cox via AP) Associated Press Lauren Miller, center, and other plaintiffs of the The Center for Reproductive Rights landmark abortion lawsuit, walk to the podium to share their stories during a press conference held outside of the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Miller was pregnant with twins when she found out at 12-weeks that one would likely not survive due to a severe genetic condition called Trisomy 18. She traveled to Colorado to have a procedure called selective fetal reduction to abort the baby and her other baby is expected to be born in the coming weeks. Sam Owens/Staff photographer Dr. Austin Dennard and her patient Lauren Miller, both of Dallas, share their experiences with pregnancy complications after the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Zurawski v Texas case, a major challenge to the Texas abortion ban led by Dennard, Miller and 20 other women suing for clarified medical exemptions, at the state capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones. Courtesy U.S. Air Force, Eric R. Dietrich The Texas Supreme Courts recent decision to deny a Dallas woman access to an emergency abortion is motivating a new political group to try to oust three of the courts Republican justices. The Find Out PAC, led by former Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones, is targeting Justices Jimmy Blacklock, Jane Bland and John Devine, who are all up for reelection this year. The group released its first ad online last week highlighting the origins of the PACs name: Theyre about to see what happens when you f- - around, a narrator voices over pictures of women. You find out. Reproductive freedom is on the ballot in Texas this November, Jones said in an interview last week. We have an opportunity to move in the right direction, and that starts with holding these justices accountable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The courts nine justices dont typically attract much attention during election years, but they have come under fire from abortion rights advocates for their unwillingness to intervene in the Kate Cox case in December. Cox had sought to legally obtain an abortion after her fetus was diagnosed with a typically fatal disorder. Her lawyers argued her pregnancy risked her life and fertility, but her doctors feared steep penalties for performing the procedure. The states highest civil court ruled doctors must use their reasonable medical judgment to determine when a patient qualifies for an abortion and called on the states medical board to issue more guidance. Cox ultimately fled the state to obtain an abortion, which is banned in Texas except in cases to save the pregnant persons life or prevent substantial impairment of a major bodily function. The justices are elected statewide and serve six-year, staggered terms; three of them are on the ballot this fall. Blacklock, Bland and Devine did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Only Devine is facing a competitive GOP primary March 5. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2024 TEXAS PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE: A comprehensive guide to the local and national races Texas Right to Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group, said the state Supreme Court justices deserve praise for supporting children with disabilities. Children with severe illnesses deserve more protection from our state, not less, said the groups spokeswoman Kimberlyn Schwartz. The Texas Supreme Court justices affirmed this principle in the Cox case, but Gina Ortiz Jones PAC would fill the court with activist judges who do not believe that all people are inherently valuable and worthy of legal protection from the very beginning of our lives. The states civil court-of-last-resort gets the final say on issues of major import, ranging from abortion access to the state takeover of the Houston ISD board to restrictions on transgender children and their parents. The Cox opinion was unsigned, though two of the justices, Blacklock and Devine, noted that they concurred. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theyre elected, Jones said. They can be unelected, and thats what well do. The group will face an uphill battle a Democrat hasnt been elected to a statewide office in Texas since 1994, and it is notoriously difficult to excite voters for judicial races. But Jones said she believes abortion care can be a nonpartisan issue. There is nothing partisan about being able to listen to your doctor and follow their advice, she said. Theres nothing partisan about seeking health care that can save your life, and theres nothing partisan about seeking health care that can save your fertility. Jones declined to say how much money the PAC has raised so far. The PACs work is something of a political homecoming for Jones, who ran twice for a San Antonio-area congressional district in 2018 and 2020. She came up just shy both times and later joined the Biden administration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Her name has also been floated as a potential candidate for mayor of San Antonio. Jones is launching the PAC with the support of women who have been directly impacted by the ban, including Lauren Miller, a Dallas native who is one of several plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the states abortion laws. In 2022, Miller was pregnant with twins. Twelve weeks in, she learned that one of her twins had trisomy 18, the same life-threatening disorder that Coxs fetus had been diagnosed with. Miller recalled visiting doctor after doctor, and they seemed afraid to discuss the possibility of abortion with her. One genetic counselor let it slip that, in cases like Millers, shed typically abort one twin, the Dallas woman said. But after that, she just clammed up, Miller said. The fear was just there. You could tell she was petrified that she had said so much to me. Miller ultimately spent about $3,000 to head to Colorado and get an abortion. Shed grown severely ill while waiting for the procedure, landing in the hospital twice and throwing up constantly. We reach this place where it is somehow controversial to make decisions with your doctor, Miller said. And it is this dystopian hellscape where judges are determining if we can access medically necessary care. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The journey to get the abortion was difficult, expensive and physically and emotionally traumatic, Miller said. And yet, her outcome was the best-case scenario. After her abortion, Miller delivered the second twin, a boy. The Kremlin is intensifying efforts to normalize Western discussions of a hypothetical partition of Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported in their daily assessment. ISW assessed that Russian propagandists are reigniting narratives that portray Ukraine as an artificially constructed state. Officials are proposing that Russia and European powers partition Ukraine and leave it as a "sovereign" rump state, comments which were reportedly picked up by right-wing politicians in Central Europe. By reducing Ukraine's political legitimacy, Russia hopes to reduce Western military support and normalize Western discussions of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia as a legitimate way to end the war. Kyiv said categorically that a full Russian withdrawal is a condition for any talks. Ceding territory to Russia also violates both President Volodymyr Zelensky's 1o-point peace formula and the wishes of the vast majority of Ukrainians. During a press conference in Washington last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the question of whether Ukraine would be ready to cede territory for the sake of peace by calling the idea "absolute madness." Read also: Ukraine war latest: Netherlands to send 6 more F-16s to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer National Guard stand for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer National Guard stands behind Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer EAGLE PASS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 4: U.S. Border Patrol agents guard migrants that crossed into Shelby Park as they wait to be picked up for processing on February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. The Eagle Pass Police Department has barricaded all immediate streets leading to Shelby Park since Friday and only allows media or law enforcement to enter. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas National Guard to defy a Supreme Court ruling allowing federal Border Patrol agents complete access into the area which has seen high numbers of illegal crossings. (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, seated center, is joined by fellow governors during a press conference along the Rio Grande to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Abbott was joined by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Gov. Greg Abbotts political future within the Republican Party was in question just over two years ago largely because of immigration. The most watched Fox News host at the time was constantly criticizing him for not doing enough to secure the border. Two conservative Republicans built primary campaigns against him based on the issue. And even classic rock guitarist Ted Nugent, a Waco resident, turned on Abbott, telling voters the governor was not getting the job done. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But that all seemed like ancient history on Sunday as Republican governors from around the nation some with latent presidential ambitions of their own huddled around Abbott in Eagle Pass and took turns praising him for becoming the leading voice in the Republican Party on border security issues, and by extension, a key foil to President Joe Biden and his administration. Hes been outstanding, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said. Hes been absolutely outstanding and we are proud to stand by him. While a lot of Republicans have complained about Bidens policies, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she was proud of how Abbott has taken forceful action at the border. She has made four trips to Texas' border with Mexico over the last few years and has seen firsthand the actions hes taken. I appreciate what hes done here on this issue, said Reynolds, one of 13 governors in Eagle Pass on Sunday who took turns commending Abbott for how hes fighting the Biden administration. The praise underscores how more than any other Republican, Abbott has used the immigration issue to build a national profile, said Alex Conant, a Washington, D.C.-based Republican strategist who has been an adviser to GOP presidential candidates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Days before the Eagle Pass press conference, #StandwithAbbott was trending on social media after Abbott said he wouldnt let a U.S. Supreme Court ruling get in the way of lining the border with more razor wire. And as if to come full circle, Abbott was back on Fox News, but this time with Sean Hannity who told millions of national viewers that Abbott has done everything humanly possible to secure the border. The transformation coincides with when Abbott began ramping up his Operation Lone Star border mission in April 2021 as his GOP primary challengers were not-so-subtly preparing to take him on. Abbott started surging National Guard troops to the border, busing migrants to Northern cities run by Democratic mayors and at one point shutting down commercial truck traffic into Texas, snarling billions of dollars of American cargo. More recently, hes deployed razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande and positioned a floating buoy barrier in the river near Eagle Pass to block migrants from getting across. Subsequent fights with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Chicagos Mayor Brandon Johnson have only garnered more national publicity as those cities have tried to stop Abbotts busing program. While its gotten Abbott into the good graces of the far right who once questioned his bona fides, Democrats like U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, described Abbotts tactics as a repulsive kind of politics that have stirred what has been the most virulent anti-immigrant sentiment in a generation and are playing games with the lives of human beings legally seeking asylum protections in the United States. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republicans have used this issue as their No. 1 bogeyman, using immigrants and migrants as political scarecrows to create fear and resentment, Castro said on Sunday criticizing Abbott. READ MORE: Illinois governor asks Abbott to pause migrant busing to Chicago during winter storm U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, said shes convinced Abbott is getting more and more extreme for one reason. Hes trying to be vice president or trying to get into Trumps Cabinet, she said. To that end, Trump has made clear he likes what he sees. In November he flew to the Rio Grande Valley to praise Abbott for his border enforcement efforts and has been talking up Abbott at rallies in other states. In Las Vegas last week, Trump praised Abbott by name for standing up to the Biden administration on immigration policies. When Im president, instead of trying to send Texas a restraining order, I will send them reinforcements, Trump said at a rally, later repeating a version of those comments on his social media accounts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Recognition is even coming in from Republicans who might see Abbott as a potential GOP rival for national office someday, including Floridas Ron DeSantis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Both were among those last week praising Abbott for his actions, though DeSantis didnt talk about him by name and neither governor showed up to Eagle Pass. States have every right to defend their sovereignty and we are pleased to increase our support to Texas as the Lone Star State works to stop the invasion across the border, DeSantis said in a statement. Abbott is soaking up the moment. In Eagle Pass, with Republican governors from around the nation behind, he noted that 25 governors have now signed letters of support for his immigration policies. Half of the governors of the United States have joined Texas in our cause, Abbott said. The approval seemingly coming from nearly every corner of the Republican Party is frustrating some GOP rivals who have insisted Abbott has been weaker on the border than hes projected to the public. Among those critics is Ken Cuccinelli, the former Virginia attorney general and former Trump administration deputy Homeland Security director, who has been on television and social media insisting Abbott was late to declare an emergency at the border and is not physically sending migrants back to Mexico. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He gives the impression that Texas is doing everything it can to protect against the current invasion of our southern border, Cuccinelli said on his X social media account. Its confounding to Abbotts former 2022 GOP rival Don Huffines too. While hes cheering him on, Huffines is convinced Abbott shifted rightward on the border because of his primary challenge two years ago. During the campaign, Huffines spent millions on TV ads and billboards pushing Abbott to send more troops to the border, shut down commercial truck traffic from Mexico and declare an invasion under the U.S. Constitution. Abbott has done all three since. I've been to all 50 states. I didn't think I'd love some of them visiting changed my mind. Alabama contains a wealth of information when it comes to civil-rights history. Wisconsin and Nebraska have incredible sites and views. When you're trying to visit all 50 states in the US, some are easy to check off. You can hit a half dozen in the Northeast or mid-Atlantic just by driving a few hundred miles on I-95. Other states pull you in with bucket-list destinations, such as New Orleans or the Grand Canyon in Arizona. And some, including California and New York, are must-sees even if you're not trying to visit all 50. But a few states require more planning, especially if they're hard to reach or their attractions aren't well known. These five states were among the last I saw on my quest to visit all 50 states. I didn't expect to love them, but they're now some of my favorites and here's what I recommend doing there. Alabama's capital is a must for anyone interested in civil-rights history. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, honors lynching victims. Beth Harpaz Alabama's capital, Montgomery, is an essential place to visit if you're interested in US civil-rights history. It's where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. That act of resistance launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott, helping make her and Martin Luther King Jr. household names. Visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where King and his family lived ( open Friday and Saturday ), and the Rosa Parks Museum ( closed Sundays ) . Other important sites are the National Memorial for Peace and Justice , which focuses on the lynchings that have occurred across the US and honors thousands of victims, and the Legacy Museum , which chronicles the terrible history of enslavement, segregation, and mass incarceration in America. North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park is excellent. Bison grazing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota. Beth Harpaz North Dakota is home to one of the most incredible national parks: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Enter the park through the South Unit via the tiny town of Medora. From there, drive the 48-mile scenic stretch to the park, smell the sage, and look for prairie dogs, bison, and wild horses. Enjoy roadside hikes, overlooks, and earthy colors grays, greens, russets, and yellows amid the grasslands, buttes, and badlands. Visit the cabin where former President Theodore Roosevelt lived and learn how his experiences as a rancher there inspired him to conserve about 230 million acres of land. A visit to Mississippi is essential if you're interested in the blues. The Crossroads is a legendary spot for blues fans. Nina Alizada/Shutterstock Mississippi is said to be the birthplace of the musical genre known as the blues. One of the big blues landmarks is the two big guitars mounted on a pedestal at the crossroads of Highway 49 and 61 in Clarksdale. Legend has it that's where famous blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil so he could master playing the guitar. Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail to Clarksdale's Delta Blues Museum; the Stovall Plantation, where the legendary musician Muddy Waters grew up; and the B.B. King Museum in nearby Indianola. Head to Clarksdale's Ground Zero Blues Club or Red's Blues Club for live music. The sandhill-crane migration in Nebraska is breathtaking. Each year, sandhill cranes migrate north. Kent Weakley/Shutterstock Every March, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes migrate north through Nebraska. It's magical to behold the massive flocks as they land at sunset on the Platte River, about a two-hour drive west of Omaha. From there, they take off at sunrise to feed in nearby fields. Those watching can see them circle the skies in billowing waves while listening to their bugles, cries, and trills. Look for them at dusk and dawn from the platform at the Richard Plautz Crane Viewing Site in Gibbon, the Alda Crane Viewing Site, or the bridge in the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area . Be sure to bundle up Nebraska is quite cold in March. Wisconsin is an excellent place to take in history, enjoy nature, and consume cheese. Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail changes with the seasons. Chinthaka Mayadunne/Shutterstock Wisconsin is famous for its cheese for a reason. Sample cheese curds at Madison's Dane County Farmers' Market, try Prairie Sunset cheese at the Alp and Dell Cheese Store in Monroe, and order raclette or fondue at the Glarner Stube restaurant in New Glarus. But be sure to experience other parts of the state. From April to November, book a tour to see famous designer and architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin estate in Spring Green. It's an epic expression of the Prairie style of architecture. Hike through the woods, wetlands, and meadows of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. And visit the Ice Age Trail to look for the ridges and flat-sided hills created by glaciers thousands of years ago. Read the original article on Business Insider MADISON - Wisconsin voters were bombarded with ads last year in the most expensive state court race in U.S. history, but they probably didn't notice commercials paid for by Janet Protasiewicz's campaign featured a number of horses. That unusual detail was never explained to voters until now, when a campaign official claimed a crude reason. Protasiewiczs campaign for Wisconsin Supreme Court used a portion of its massive fundraising haul to hide horse figurines and feature neighing in ads as an apparent subliminal reference to baseless inside jokes about her opponent fornicating with horses, Protasiewicz's campaign manager said in a recent interview. Protasiewicz's campaign manager Alejandro Verdin said in a Jan. 25 appearance with a liberal podcaster that the campaign hid images of horses in negative campaign ads against former Justice Daniel Kelly, and used audio of a horse neighing in one radio spot, to convey the message he alleged came from focus groups: that Kelly looked like a "horse (expletive)." Alerted to Verdin's comments, Kelly told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This goes a long way towards explaining why Janet Protasiewicz's campaign was so dishonest, undignified and lacking in respect for the office of Supreme Court justice." "This is just sick," Kelly said. "Wisconsinites ought to be appalled by this kind of vulgarity and vileness." More: Dan Kelly calls Wisconsin Supreme Court winner Janet Protasiewicz a 'serial liar' as he lashes out in scathing concession speech Verdin boasted about the activities on "The Downballot," a podcast produced by the liberal Daily Kos, and promoted the episode on social media. He did not provide evidence to back up his claim. According to a source with Protasiewicz's campaign, the new justice was not aware of the horse imagery in the ads. Verdin, Protasiewicz, and other members of the campaign declined or did not respond to interview requests. A quick review of the campaigns TV and radio ads found that there were, indeed, hidden horses on more than one occasion, such as positioned in front of a plant pot in one ad's background. A horse figurine can be seen in the background of at least three television spots (a fourth was too blurry to confirm). The campaign also ran a radio ad poking at Kellys family history the candidate described his dad, who worked on ranches in Wyoming, Colorado and California, as an honest-to-god cowboy. Kelly sometimes shared an anecdote on the campaign trail about his father promising that, while he could not leave him many material possessions, he would leave his son "a good name." There goes dirty Dan Kelly, riding off into the sunset of his pathetic, dishonest campaign, said a narrator after the sound of a horse neighing. Verdin told podcast co-host David Beard the initial accusation came from a participant in a focus group for Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsky's 2020 campaign against Kelly. A former campaign aide for Karofsky declined to confirm the story. "This was sort of like an internal joke that we all kind of laughed about, because it was just such like a weird thing. But then, like, weirdly, we started hearing it on the campaign trail from other people," Verdin said in the interview. Verdin said the internal joke was taken "to another level" by media consultant Ben Nuckels, who also worked on Gov. Tony Evers' campaigns. "He literally hid visuals of horses in nearly every negative ad produced against Dan Kelly," Verdin said. "You don't see it and we didn't catch on. And like, he did it really well." Nuckels declined to be interviewed. Verdin said he found the chatter "funny." "The thing that was so funny about it was that one, it's an uncommon insult; two, it's just like a very weird thing. And three, the funniest thing about this is that Dan Kelly, his father was a cowboy from the West ... and Dan Kelly himself was a horseman." Protasiewicz defeated Kelly by 11 points in April 2023, securing a liberal majority on the court for the first time in years. It was the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, with spending tallies from the nationally spotlighted election surpassing $50 million. The Protasiewicz campaign spent nearly $13 million on TV advertising. It's unclear how much of that was allocated to ads featuring horses. Molly Beck and Jessie Opoien can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com and jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Janet Protasiewicz campaign embedded horse images in anti-Kelly ads [Source] A recent study conducted by LTL Language School has revealed that Japanese is the most desired Asian language to learn among Americans. The results: Analyzing 42 East and South Asian languages using 24 keywords through Google Keyword Planner, the study found that Japanese topped the list with an average monthly search volume of 170,927.5 over the past 12 months in the U.S. Why Japanese?: In 49 out of 50 states, Japanese emerges as the most sought-after language to learn, except in Nebraska, where it holds the second position. The influence of Japanese media, such as anime and manga, is considered a significant factor in its popularity. Some of the most popular anime in the U.S. include Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan. Next most popular: Korean, driven by the popularity of K-dramas and K-pop, ranks second, followed by Mandarin, reflecting ongoing interest in China's global influence. Hindi and Thai complete the top five, respectively. What follows next are Vietnamese, Persian, Filipino, Khmer and Telugu. Trending on NextShark: Scientists describe new jellyfish species with red 'cross', 240 tentacles Growing trend: The study indicates a growing trend in the U.S. of individuals seeking to learn Asian languages for cultural enrichment and economic opportunities. From business endeavors to personal enrichment, Americans are investing time and resources to broaden their linguistic horizons, said Max Hobbs, the marketing director of LTL Language School. As cultural exchange and global connectivity continue to thrive, its inspiring to see Americans embrace the beauty and diversity of Asian languages. This data not only reflects a keen interest in language learning but also highlights the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding in our interconnected world. Trending on NextShark: S. Korean YouTuber Tzuyang apologizes for imitation of Filipina in 'racist' mukbang video Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Semafor Signals Insights from Bloomberg, Reuters, The Times of Israel, A24, and La Nacion The News Argentinas new President Javier Milei has promised to move his countrys embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Milei, who staunchly backs Israel amid the war in Gaza, arrived in Jerusalem Tuesday and is set to meet rabbis and hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Milei might be one of the most pro-Israel presidents in his countrys history, and has a well-documented fascination with Judaism, often suggesting that he may convert. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Israelis fascinated with Milei Sources: La Nacion, Bloomberg Milei has taken a different approach to Israel than his counterparts in Latin America: His government plans to label Hamas a terrorist organization, while others in the region have criticized Israels military campaign in Gaza. In Israel, his interest in Judaism has been watched closely. People here are fascinated with Milei, Alan Kronik, an Argentine who lives in Israel, told La Nacion, adding that he is as well known as Maradona and Messi. Milei may have one of the most pro-Israel governments in his countrys history Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, The Times of Israel Shortly after winning Argentinas presidential election in November, Milei traveled to New York, where he visited the grave of Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a famous rabbi. Milei, a Catholic, has said he intends to convert to Judaism, and has taken part in several Jewish ceremonies. The trip signaled Mileis early priorities in his government, Carlos Ruckauf, a former Argentine vice president, told Bloomberg. To go so early to the US or signal he would go to Israel sends a very clear message about Mileis foreign policy, he said. Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America, and 11 Argentines were among the hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. Milei reportedly studies Judaism, but some in community question his politics Source: A24 The presidents interest in Judaism came about before he entered politics, and people familiar with Mileis thinking told Argentine outlet A24 that he has been studying [the religion] for years, and has a genuine interest in its teachings. But his embrace of Judaism has detractors, A24 noted. Dozens of left-wing Jewish intellectuals penned a letter criticizing Mileis Libertarian views and often discriminatory politics during his presidential campaign. I know that many Jews like it and see it as something positive, it worries me, Rabbi Uriel Romano said last year. I would not very much like the elected president of all Argentines to use his religion in the media. The St. Georges Cross medusa is about four inches wide, three inches long, and has about 240 tentacles. A Japanese and Brazilian team of scientists found a funky new jellyfish with a distinguishing mark. The St. Georges cross medusa (Santjordia pagesi or S. pagesi) is a new medusa jellyfish species that was found about 2,664 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean. It lives in a deep-sea volcanic structure called the Sumisu Caldera . This hot, hydrothermally active caldera is about six miles across and is located off the coast of Japans Ogasawara Islands, about 285 miles south of the capital city of Tokyo. The findings are described in a study published in November the journal Zootaxa . [Related: Even without brains, jellyfish learn from their mistakes .] Protecting its snackswith a shield and 240 tentacles The St. Georges Cross medusa is considered fairly large for a jellyfish, at about four inches wide and three inches long. It also boasts roughly 240 tentacles . It gets its name from a cross shape on its body when viewed from above that resembles the red Cross of St. George on the English flag. It is a type of jellyfish called a medusa (or the plural form, medusae), which are free-swimming jellyfish that are shaped like an umbrella and have a reduced stalk. "The species is very different from all the deep-sea medusae discovered to date. It's relatively small, whereas others in this kind of environment are much larger. The bright red coloring of its stomach probably has to do with capturing food," Andre Morandini, a study co-author and biologist at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, said in a statement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ij1tiXez9E\u0026t=62s Like all jellyfish, S. pagesi is transparent. It also eats other bioluminescent organisms in the deep sea that give off light. The team believes that its bright red stomach acts like a shield to hide its prey. This way, other organisms cant see its meal after it has swallowed it. A rare find While new species are discovered and described all the time, this one was particularly rare. It was so difficult for the team to collect, that the findings are based on one single specimen. However, the team reportedly saw another S. pagesi nearby and expect future surveys to show more members of the group. A Santjordia pagesi, or St. Georges cross medusa jellyfish, swimming in its natural habitat. CREDIT: Lindsay et. al. 2023. The specimen in the study was captured back in 2002 by the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Hyperdolphin. The Sumisu Caldera can only be accessed through an ROV since it is so deep . Scientists didnt see any other specimens until 2020. An ROV filmed, but didnt collect, another jellyfish of the same species. [Related: These fingernail-sized jellyfish can regenerate tentaclesbut how? ] "We opted to publish the description and call attention to the species that are present at the site, which has a substrate rich in minerals and the potential to be commercially developed . Unfortunately, research can't be conducted in such places without partners who have interests of this kind," Morandini said. Arsenal of venoms S. pagesi belongs to a new subfamily named Santjordiinae. It has small sensory structures called rhopalia on underneath and on the edges of its umbrella, which makes it unique among jellyfish in the order Semaeostomeae . This is the order that more common species like moon jellyfish belong to. The team believes it could eventually fit within Semaeostomeae when they can collect more species. For now, it remains in Ulmaridae, the broader jellyfish family. Since it is so different among jellyfish, the authors believe that it potentially has an arsenal of venoms that are unlike those previously discovered in jellyfish . The Indo-Pacific box jellyfish releases a venom that makes the heart contract and Australian box jellyfish can release this venom from thick tentacles that grow up to 10 feet long . "Who knows? Maybe it holds secrets more valuable than all the mineral wealth that could be extracted from that place. All this with the advantage of keeping the species and the site intact," said Morandini. Jennifer Crumbley was convicted by a Michigan jury on Feb. 6, 2024, for not doing enough to deter her son, Ethan Crumbley, from shooting up his school on Nov. 23, 2021, killing four and injuring numerous others. According to reputable news outlets like the Associated Press, the Washington Post and the Detroit Free Press, the jury found her guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter. The Detroit Free Press reported: Jennifer Crumbley is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, a jury found Tuesday. The case is the first time in America that prosecutors have sought to hold a parent criminally responsible for a school shooting carried out by their child. Oakland County prosecutors charged Crumbley and her husband, James, who is scheduled for trial in March, each with four counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from their sons rampage at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. Oxford High School is located in Oxford, Michigan, about 45 miles north of Detroit. The prosecutor's case was based around three facts: 1. Crumbley and her husband purchased the gun used in the shooting and gifted it to their son, 2. They did this despite knowledge of his poor mental health, 3. On the day of the shooting, the mother and father were called to the school by school administrators and asked to take their son home over concerns about his mental well-being. However, they declined to do so. She could receive up to 15 years in prison for the charges, the first time a parent reportedly has faced criminal charges for a school shooting committed by their child. Sources: Baldas, Tresa et al. Jennifer Crumbley Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in Oxford School Shooting. Detroit Free Press, https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/oakland/2024/02/06/jennifer-crumbley-guilty-verdict-jury-oxford-high-shooting/72473790007/. Accessed 6 Feb. 2024. Baldas, Tresa & Kaufman, Gina. Jury Reaches Verdict in Jennifer Crumbleys Oxford School Shooting Case. Detroit Free Press, https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/oakland/2024/02/06/jennifer-crumbley-jury-deliberations-oxford-school-shooting/72491164007/. Accessed 6 Feb. 2024. Bellware, Kim. Mother of Oxford School Shooter Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter. Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/02/06/jennifer-crumbley-verdict-oxford-school-shooting-trial/. El-Bawab, Nadine. Jury Finds Jennifer Crumbley Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in Sons School Shooting. ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/jury-reaches-verdict-jennifer-crumbley-manslaughter-trial/story?id=106924349. Accessed 6 Feb. 2024. Levenson, Eric & del Velle, Lauren. Jennifer Crumbley, Mother of School Shooter, Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter. CNN, 6 Feb. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/us/jennifer-crumbley-oxford-shooting-trial/index.html. Vera, Amir & Romine, Taylor. 3 Dead, 8 Injured in Shooting at Michigan High School, Undersheriff Says. CNN, 30 Nov. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/30/us/michigan-oxford-high-school-incident/index.html. White, Ed & Williams, Corey. Jury Finds Michigan School Shooters Mother Jennifer Crumbley Guilty of Manslaughter. Yahoo News, 6 Feb. 2024, https://news.yahoo.com/jury-deliberations-entering-2nd-day-051401101.html. After 11 hours of deliberations in a landmark school shooting case, an Oakland County jury found Jennifer Crumbley guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter, concluding she is responsible for the deaths of four students murdered by her son in the 2021 massacre at Oxford High School. The case is the first time in America that prosecutors have sought to hold a parent criminally responsible for a school shooting carried out by their child. As the jury forewoman, a hair stylist who had vowed to be fair and impartial, read the guilty verdicts one by one, Crumbley showed no emotion, but kept her head lowered, eyes closed and lips pursed. Craig Shilling, whose son, Justin, died in the school shooting, also appeared stoic when the verdict was announced as he bowed his head with clasped hands as he listened to the word "guilty" echoed four times in the otherwise silent courtroom. I feel most of all that the cries have been heard and I feel that this verdict is going to echo throughout every household in the country, Craig Shilling said after the courtroom was cleared, adding that accountability is something Oxford parents have been asking for, but the verdict is just one step in that process. We all have work now. We all know that we are to be held responsible for anything that we do, he said. How the jury reached its verdict Jurors reached their verdict after seven days of testimony and a day and a half of deliberation. Jennifer Crumbley looks on after she was found guilty on four counts involuntary manslaughter in the Oakland County courtroom of Cheryl Matthews on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. "We know this is one of the hardest things you have ever done," Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews told jurors after thanking them for their service. Jennifer Crumbley had no family support in the courtroom when the verdicts were delivered, or during the trial. Her parents were on the witness list for both the prosecution and defense, though they were never called. No friends were there, either, except for two pastoral workers who left the courtroom visibly shaken Tuesday, with a deputy asking one of them if she needed a tissue. Crumbley has not spoken to her son or husband since her arrest more than two years ago; a court order prohibits that. Assistant Prosecutor Marc Keast shook Craig Shillings hand and leaned over the bench for a hug. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald also hugged relatives of the victims, including Shilling. Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty to murdering four classmates and injuring seven other people, and is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. Those killed were Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17. Six other students and a teacher were injured. Oxford High School students Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Tate Myre, 16, at top, and Justin Shilling, 17, and Hana St. Juliana, 14, were killed in a school shooting on Nov. 30. His father bought him the 9mm handgun used in the massacre on Black Friday 2021 as an early Christmas present. Four days later, the teen used it to open fire at his school. Prosecutors argued that the Crumbleys son needed mental health help he didnt get, and that the parents should have told school administrators he had access to a gun. Involuntary manslaughter maximum sentence is 15 years The defense argued that Jennifer Crumbley was an attentive parent who could not have foreseen her sons rampage. School officials, who summoned the parents for a meeting just hours before the shooting because of a violent drawing, testified that they did not consider the teen a threat to the school. While they had hoped the parents would take him home that day, they did not insist. The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is 15 years in prison. The Crumbleys have been in jail for more than two years, unable to post $500,000 bond while awaiting trial. As the courtroom quickly cleared, Crumbley's lawyer, Shannon Smith, sat at the defense table alone, texting while a handful of deputies remained in the courtroom. Due to a gag order that remains in effect, Smith is prohibited from commenting publicly on the case. Soon after the verdicts were announced, a gun-safety advocacy group hailed the verdict as a step forward in making parents more accountable. Todays verdict underscores the important responsibility of parents and gun owners in preventing children from having unsupervised access to deadly weapons," said Nick Suplina, senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. "Plain and simple, the deadly shooting at Oxford High School in 2021 should have and could have been prevented had the Crumbleys not acquired a gun for their 15-year-old son. This decision is an important step forward in ensuring accountability and, hopefully, preventing future tragedies." Craig Shilling, father of Justin Shilling, reacts after Jennifer Crumbley was found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. 'I am satisfied justice has been served' For Suzanne Jinerson, a former neighbor of the Crumbleys who knew the shooter as a young child, the verdict provided a sigh of relief. "I am satisfied justice has been served," Jinerson said. "Her behavior caused pain and suffering for many, including her own child, and cost the lives of four young people. This could have and should have been prevented." Jinerson added: "He didn't have to turn out this way. He did not have a prayer as a child." Defense experts, meanwhile, expressed concern about the verdict, arguing it sends a dangerous precedent for parents everywhere whose children may commit bad acts. "This was a guilty verdict in a case that I, along with several national pundits, have viewed as a major overreach in applying the law of involuntary manslaughter," Detroit criminal defense attorney Michael Bullotta, a former federal prosecutor, said following the verdicts. 'Quite frightening to imagine where this precedent will lead' Bullotta said involuntary manslaughter charges are, by their very nature, "incredibly fact-dependent and demand level-headed and thoughtful charging decisions by prosecutors." "Those decisions should not be based on emotion or made to appease the voting public," Bullotta said, adding he believes this case will subject more parents to unwarranted legal scrutiny. "Now that we have an example in the books of what facts are enough to subject parents to 15 years or more in prison, I expect that prosecutors in Michigan and nationwide will consider charging parents, not only in school shootings but in many other crimes their children commit," Bullotta said. "It is quite frightening to imagine where this precedent will lead." Moreover, Bullotta said, this verdict "helped the Oakland County prosecutor construct a slippery slope down which other prosecutors will attempt to slide any number of prosecutions of parents for the conduct of their kids, even where their childs conduct was unforeseeable, as it was here." He added: "There is a reason why this is the only case of its kind ever brought. And it should be the last, at least on the facts in the Crumbley case." Veteran criminal defense attorney Art Weiss agrees, calling the verdict "very scary." "The verdict has the potential to create a horrible precedent for parents. Virtually anything in 20/20 hindsight can be questioned and criticized," Weiss said. "Now the specter of criminal prosecution and incarceration is not just theoretical, but reality." He added: "The prosecution had over two years to nitpick everything she did or did not do. Who can realistically stand up to that kind of scrutiny? Parental discretion will now be usurped by prosecutorial oversight and second-guessing." Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jennifer Crumbley verdict: Guilty of involuntary manslaughter A lottery player in Union County hit the Jersey Cash 5 jackpot on Monday. One ticket sold at Shoprite of Linden on West Edgar Road matched all five numbers to win the $407,461 prize, according to the New Jersey Lottery. The Jersey Cash 5 numbers drawn on Monday, Feb. 5 were: 13, 22, 29, 34 and 39 and the Xtra number was: 02 Shoprite of Linden gets a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Jersey Cash 5 is a daily lottery draw game from the New Jersey Lottery. Players pick five numbers between one and 45 and can add the Xtra for a chance to increase non-jackpot prizes by up to five times. Drawings are held seven days a week at 10:57 p.m. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Jersey Cash 5 $407,461 jackpot won in Union County President Joe Biden scored a landslide victory in South Carolinas Democratic primary Saturday, with the incumbent collecting 96 percent of the vote, although turnout was low among Black voters. The decisive win in the first state to vote in the new Democratic primary calendar comes as the incumbent seeks to reestablish himself with Black voters who have seemingly grown apathetic since helping put Biden over the top during the 2020 election. Since then, Biden has faced increasing criticism from progressives who claimed the incumbent was losing considerable support among Black voters because he had not taken any meaningful action on reparations since taking office more than three years ago. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a Reproductive Freedom Campaign Rally at George Mason University on January 23, 2024, in Manassas, Virginia. During the first joint rally held by the President and Vice President, Biden and Kamala Harris spoke on what they perceived as a threat to reproductive rights. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) In Saturdays vote, the 81-year-old Biden faced two Democratic rivals, including author and candidate Marianne Williamson who previously expressed support for up to $500 billion in reparations and Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who in January floated the idea of putting Republican billionaires Elon Musk and Bill Ackman in his cabinet if he won the presidency. However, both Williamson and Phillips posed little if any threat to Biden as they combined for less than 4 percent of the vote, while the race was called for the incumbent only 23 minutes after polls closed. Seemingly, Bidens dominant victory put to rest any doubts about who the Democratic nominee would be despite recent scrutiny surrounding Bidens ability to unite the party and as many Democrats called for a younger candidate in 2024. The primary was the first since the Democratic National Committee changed the primary calendar, removing Iowa and New Hampshire as the initial states to vote and placing South Carolina in the starting position. While South Carolina may not be decisive in the general election, its substantial Black population represents a key constituency that has now set the mold in influencing the Democratic nomination. The vote was closely watched for any signs that Bidens stance with Black voters had weakened, which would have spelled major trouble for his reelection. Black voters in South Carolina mirror trends among black voters nationally. So, what happens here could be an indicator of whats to come, Todd Shaw, a University of South Carolina political science professor, told the BBC last week. Despite the overwhelming victory, low turnout was a concern for Biden as only 4 percent of Democratic voters, or a total of 131,870 people, showed up to the polls statewide. The number amounted to only about 24 percent of the turnout in 2020, as Saturdays vote marked the lowest turnout in the last three Democratic presidential primaries. By comparison, voter turnout in the state was roughly 16 percent in 2020 and 12.6 percent in 2016. The lowest voter numbers were tallied in Greenville County, with 2.91 percent; Spartanburg County, with just 2.4 percent and Anderson County, with 1.99 percent. Belle Meade in Gantt was the only precinct in Greenville County to exceed 10 percent turnout for registered voters. During the 2020 election, Black voters in the state played a vital role in boosting Biden. However, Saturdays repeat victory is not a clear indicator of broader enthusiasm for Bidens potential reelection. South Carolina voters have traditionally shown a weak appetite for the presidential primary, especially in majority Black districts throughout the state, as demonstrated by a flurry of rural counties that reported turnout of about 2-to-3 percent on Saturday. Democratic officials said Black voters were still standing with Biden as Saturdays early voting results showed 76 percent of primary voters were Black, which amounted to a 13 percent increase from 2020, according to Jay Parmley, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party. Thats compared to 56 percent in 2020. I think the narrative nationally is ambivalence among Black voters. We have not seen that here. There no evidence of it, Parmley said. Ahead of the vote, some polls showed voters turning sour on Bidens policies, with the presidents lead slipping with people under the age of 30 and among Hispanic voters, while 22 percent of Black voters said they planned to support the Republican nominee in the next election. Previously, the 2022 midterm election highlighted trouble on the horizon for Democrats as turnout among Black voters was identified as one of the partys most notable weaknesses going into 2024. Black voters have, in recent years, witnessed a shift, particularly among Black men, who are increasingly placing trust in the GOP to address concerns related to the ability to build generational wealth, while a growing number of Black Americans harbor a growing sense of disappointment with Democrats, which had fallen short of addressing persistent issues affecting the Black community. In recent weeks, Biden has worked to call attention to policies that have benefited the nations Black citizens. While the administration has worked to advance racial equity by investing in disadvantaged communities across the country, including major federal investments in Black-owned businesses, Biden has taken no tangible action that would move the needle on reparations. South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn said the low voter turnout was not a major concern, although he acknowledged previously that Biden needed to re-engage with Black voters, leading to the presidents January speech at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., where nine Black parishioners were gunned down by a white supremacist in 2015. Youre the reason Im president, Biden told a mostly Black crowd. Youre the reason Donald Trump is a loser, and youre the reason were gonna win and beat him again. In the speech, Biden sought to draw a contrast between his message on racial justice and those of Republican presidential candidates, including Nikki Haley, who refused to cite slavery as a cause of the Civil War at a December town hall in New Hampshire. He also warned against Trumps flirtation with white supremacy as a grave threat to democracy, a message he reiterated in his victory speech on Saturday. The stakes in this election could not be higher, Biden said while warning of extreme and dangerous voices at work in the country led by Donald Trump. On Saturday, Clyburn sought to highlight Bidens strong support in Orangeburg County, which is 60 percent Black and has two historically Black universities, where turnout was 11.3 percent the second-highest in the state. In the precincts of Orangeburg, where the majority of residents are Black, both the voter turnout and Bidens winning percentage were even higher. That demonstrates to me what I have been saying all the time, that Joe Biden has not lost any support among African Americans, Clyburn said on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. Now, you can go out and talk to 10 people, publish the comments of one, and maybe give off a different thought. But he has not lost support among African-Americans. The next Democratic primary is set for Tuesday in Nevada, where Biden will test his message with Latino voters. Joe Bidens Easy Victory In South Carolina Signals Reconnection with Black Voters Amid Apathy, Low Turnout National Guardsmen gaurd the entrance to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. Jessica Phelps Texas Department of Public Safety officers guard an entrance to Shelby Park on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott signed an emergency declaration allowing state troopers to take over the park, located on the banks of the Rio Grande, without permission from the city of Eagle Pass, according to its Mayor Rolando Salinas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News WASHINGTON Texas Republicans who oppose the Senates new bipartisan border bill are promoting reporting that incorrectly says the measure will strip the state of immigration-related powers. This is unacceptable, Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on social media with a link to a Newsweek article titled Texas stripped of powers in border security bill. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz shared the same piece in a post on social media and wrote, Why would any sane Republican side with Biden over Texas? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The article focuses on a provision of the bill that would restrict lawsuits challenging a key element of the legislation to D.C. courts, where similar legal challenges already are required to be filed. The bill would change nothing about how Texas can sue over other border issues or what the state can challenge in court, said Leon Fresco, an immigration attorney based in D.C. Texas has sued the Biden administration repeatedly over immigration enforcement, most recently seeking to stop Border Patrol agents from cutting or moving razor wire the state has strewn for miles along the Rio Grande. The $118 billion package, the product of months of negotiation in the Senate, pairs an overhaul of the countrys asylum system and new presidential powers to turn away migrants at the border with aid to Ukraine, Israel and other allies. It was originally expected to get a vote Wednesday in the Senate, but has faced growing pushback from Republicans. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said all indications are this bill wont even move forward to the Senate floor. The provision in question applies to a new emergency authority allowing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately turn away migrants arriving between ports of entry if border crossings reach certain thresholds. The bill says the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia shall have sole and original jurisdiction to hear challenges, whether constitutional or otherwise, to the validity of this section or any written policy directive, written policy guideline, written procedure, or the implementation thereof. Fresco said that is in line with current law on challenges to the process known as expedited removal, which allows the government to rapidly remove some noncitizens. Lawsuits related to expedited removal are currently restricted to the same D.C. court that would hear challenges to the new emergency authority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its not new or old. Its just a consistent continuation of what the current law is, Fresco said. The only difference is, this new thing that didnt exist yesterday, if it existed today, they would have to sue in D.C. Nothing is taken away from what they can sue about today. Cruz pointed to similar language restricting challenges to D.C. courts in sections of the bill concerning removal proceedings for migrants that do not meet the bar for asylum. He said that would also prevent Texas from challenging how the Biden administration was implementing those sections of the bill, if it were ever to become law. "This means that the state of Texas wouldnt be able to sue the Biden administration in Texas for violating the provisions of the proposed law something the state has done effectively for over three years now," Cruz said in a statement to Hearst Newspapers. "Instead, these cases would have to be heard in Washington, where Texas will almost certainly lose thanks to a superabundance of liberal judges. This, of course, is by design because the Biden Administration is tired of losing Texas district courts and the Fifth Circuit." Abbott's office did not respond to a request for comment. Texas repeatedly has challenged the Biden administration over its immigration policy, often filing suit in federal courts where Trump-appointed judges are all but guaranteed to hear the cases. Appeals are then heard by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, one of the most conservative appellate benches in the nation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Legal challenges to other parts of the sweeping immigration bill, which appears unlikely to clear Congress, still could be filed in Texas courts. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The John Ball Zoo has housed red pandas for years now, but now the zoo is officially a founding member of a national program to save the endangered animal. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has launched its 41st SAFE species program, this time targeting the red panda. The Saving Animals From Extinction species program brings institutions from across the world together to partner on breeding programs and share best practices. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Jaime Racalla, the animal care supervisor at John Ball Zoo, called it an honor to be included in this latest program. John Ball Zoo has supported the conservation of red pandas for years, and participating in the SAFE species program will allow us to have even more of a direct impact, Racalla said in a statement. John Ball Zoo welcomes two new red panda cubs In addition to its breeding program, featuring Wyatt and Wasabi, John Ball Zoo also provides support to the Red Panda Network, which plants thousands of trees to create more red panda habitat and provide fuel-efficient wood stoves for nearby homes to limit deforestation. These initiatives support the creation and protection of habitats that are critical to red pandas, John Ball Zoo conservation manager Bill Flanagan stated. Additionally, they also support the health and well-being of local communities and carry our mission of preserving wildlife and wild places across the world. Red panda triplets Rose, Ruby and Willow. (courtesy John Ball Zoo) An undated photo of a red panda at John Ball Zoo. (Courtesy John Ball Zoo) red pandas wyatt wasabi john ball zoo 050919_1557412607734.png.jpg Wyatt red panda john ball zoo 1_364902 John Ball Zoo red panda Wasabi gets an ultrasound. (June 12, 2020) A courtesy photo of John Ball Zoos triplet red panda cubs. The female (left) and male (right) red panda cubs born at John Ball Zoo in July 2023. (Courtesy of John Ball Zoo) Red pandas are considered endangered. There are believed to be fewer than 2,500 adults in the wild, with the population decline blamed on the destruction of the bamboo forests where they live in the Himalayan Mountains. John Ball Zoo welcomed Wyatt, its first red panda, in 2017. He was born at the Bronx Zoo in 2012 before being moved to Grand Rapids. His mate, Wasabi, was born in 2017 at Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska. She was transferred to John Ball Zoo for a breeding program in 2019. The two had their first litter in 2020, giving birth to three cubs. Those babies Rose, Ruby and Willow were moved to a zoo in Tennessee as part of the red pandas Species Survival Plan. The two had a second litter of two cubs last July. Wyatt also fathered two cubs with a different mate before coming to John Ball Zoo in 2017. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. John Bruton, who has died aged 76, was Fine Gael prime minister of the Irish Republic from 1994 to 1997, as peace in the North remained frustratingly out of reach. Apparently in sight when Bruton took office, it would only be achieved on Good Friday 1998 under his Fianna Fail successor, Bertie Ahern. A farmer from Co Meath, Bruton was conservative on social issues, urging colleagues to consult the Catholic Church before reforming anything. As finance minister, his tough budgetary proposals twice brought down governments headed by his party. Yet while he was Taoiseach, Irelands annual growth rate was 8.7 per cent. Bruton was not a strident nationalist or anti-British; his hero was the pre-partition Irish leader John Redmond. He was the first Taoiseach to recognise the 150,000 Irishmen, North and South, who fought for Britain in the Second World War. And in 1995 he gave a dinner at Dublin Castle for Prince Charles, the first member of the Royal Family to visit since partition. Bruton compared the IRA to Nazis, and accused them of betraying the Irish people. They had to acknowledge, he said, that the British presence in Northern Ireland is not the British army or state but a million Unionists. He told the Dail: We in the Republic have no agenda for a progressive takeover of Northern Ireland against the wishes of the people there. Yet relations with London frayed as he and John Major, their patience sorely tried, differed over how to start all-party talks while the IRA held on to its weapons. The frustration told: in 1995 Bruton told a reporter he was sick and tired of questions about the f***ing peace process. Republicans saw profit in waiting for Ahern and Tony Blair to conclude a settlement, as they did after their near-simultaneous elections in 1997. Bruton in 1995 with the Irish Labour leader Dick Spring and Gerry Adams: Bruton struck a working relationship with Adams that deteriorated after the London Docklands bombing the following year - John Cogill Bruton struck up a working relationship with Sinn Feins president Gerry Adams, vital to bringing the IRA in from the cold. But it deteriorated with the 1996 London Docklands bombing which ended the IRA ceasefire, the shooting of a policeman in Co Limerick and the Arndale Centre bombing in Manchester. John Gerard Bruton was born at Dunboyne, Co Meath, on May 18 1947, the son of a prosperous farmer. He was educated at St Dominics College, Dublin; Clongowes Wood College, Co Kildare; and University College Dublin, where he read law. He was called to the Bar at Kings Inns in 1972, but never practised. Youth secretary of Fine Gael at 19, he was elected TD for Meath in 1969 at 22. Appointed party agriculture spokesman in 1972, he became Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education next year as Fine Gael took power under Liam Cosgrave, and from 1975 also to the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Back in opposition from 1977, he was again agriculture spokesman, then in 1981 he found his niche as spokesman on finance, dissecting Fianna Fails budget. He had a prominent role in that springs election and when Fine Gael took power under Garret FitzGerald he became Finance Minister at 34. Elected on a promise to cut taxes, Bruton brought in 336 million of spending cuts and a 5 per cent increase in VAT; FitzGerald made them a matter of confidence. At the turn of the year he came back for more with a budget including steep tax increases on beer, petrol and cigarettes and a further rise in VAT; it was defeated by one vote and the government collapsed. Bruton, together with his wife Finola, welcomes Prince Charles to a state banquet at Dublin Castle in 1995: it was the first official Royal visit since Irish independence - Terry Fincher/The Fincher Files/Popperfoto via Getty Images Fine Gael lost the subsequent election, but returned to power in December 1982 with Bruton Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism. He warned against over-optimism about oil beneath the Celtic Sea, and cautioned that Irelands per capita debt was twice that of Argentina, Brazil or Mexico; every man, woman and child owed foreign bankers 2,200. Bruton doubled as Leader of the House, chaired EC industry ministers and in 1985 joined in the first ministerial meeting in Belfast under the Anglo-Irish Agreement. He also took over the Insurance Corporation of Ireland, which had been torpedoed by 120 million of reinsurance deals done in its London office. In February 1986 he was reappointed Finance Minister. Though he served until that December he never produced a budget, Labour quitting the coalition over his draconian plans to cut Irelands foreign debt. After Fine Gael lost the ensuing election, Bruton was defeated for the leadership by the less experienced Alan Dukes. He became deputy leader, and spokesman in turn on commerce and education. Fine Gaels humiliating third place in the 1990 presidential election, won by the outsider Mary Robinson, brought Dukess resignation. Bruton was unanimously elected leader; he would serve for 11 years. His first action was to call for a referendum on the nature of the Republics claim to the North. Bruton went into the November 1992 election with Fianna Fail tarnished by the legacy of Charlie Haughey, forced out that February; he told the voters it was time to take the country back from the golden circle and give it to the Irish people. The polls pointed to a Fine Gael victory, but Brutons conservatism told against him and voters switched to Labour. Snubbing Bruton, Labour went into coalition with Fianna Fails Albert Reynolds. With BIll Clinton in 1995: Bruton had credited the US President with helping to bring about Ireland's first peaceful St Patrick's Day for a quarter of a century - Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Colleagues rated Brutons performance in opposition lacklustre, and early in 1994 he narrowly survived a no-confidence motion. That May the Dail was suspended as Bruton, following a paramilitary display at an IRA funeral in Dublin, told Reynolds: We cannot have two armies or two police forces in this state. He became the first senior politician in the Republic to call for independently verified decommissioning of the IRAs arsenal. Bruton was handed the position of Taoiseach on a plate. Reynolds insisted on pushing the arch-conservative Harry Whelehan as president of the High Court despite Labour objections, and the coalition collapsed. Bruton was sworn in on December 15 1994, forming a rainbow coalition with Labour and the Democratic Left. He met Adams on his second day in office; five days later, he met Major. His government prospered despite his supposedly bad relations with the Labour leader Dick Spring; Bruton, Spring and the Democratic Lefts Proinsias de Rossa proved an effective team. Domestically, its high point was the November 1995 referendum on removing the constitutional ban on divorce. To the surprise of many, Bruton clashed with the Church over its claim that ending the ban would weaken marriage, urging a Yes vote for tolerance, understanding and generosity. The ban was lifted by just 9,200 votes, his intervention proving decisive. Another success was Irelands presidency of the EU in 1996. Bruton helped finalise the Stability and Growth Pact which paved the way for the euro, and unveiled with Jacques Santer, president of the Commission, a draft treaty for European union largely approved at Amsterdam the following year. Bruton and John Major address the media outside No 10 in 1996 - Lynne Sladky/AP Harder to handle were allegations of graft that forced out two ministers. When the broadcaster Frank Dunlop told Bruton that two Fine Gael councillors had asked for a bribe, he replied: There are no angels in the world, or in Fine Gael. In February 1995 Bruton and Major launched the Anglo-Irish framework document embodying their countries shared understanding. Given a standing ovation in the Dail, Bruton termed it a landmark in the affairs of this island. But his readiness to abandon the claim to the North led Reynolds to nickname him John Unionist. Weeks later, President Clinton used a White House meeting with Bruton to praise Major and put pressure on Adams. Bruton in turn lauded Clinton for helping bring about Irelands first peaceful St Patricks Day for a quarter of a century. Back home he criticised Major for being slow to engage with Sinn Fein despite the ceasefire, but warned Sinn Fein that it could not be treated equally with other parties until IRA weapons were surrendered. In July 1995 Bruton and Major called for all-party talks as soon as possible. That November, they launched an international panel to oversee decommissioning, headed by Clintons emissary George Mitchell. Bruton reckoned the Docklands bombing the following February to be a setback that would be overcome. He said he would not meet Sinn Fein until the ceasefire resumed, but privately kept in touch. Major proposed elections in the North for a Convention to negotiate a settlement; Bruton saw this as pouring petrol on the flames. With Major, he offered Sinn Fein a seat at the talks provided the IRA delivered another ceasefire; Adams accused him of permitting the British government to promote a Unionist agenda. The talks opened in June 1996, Bruton voicing grave disappointment that Sinn Fein were not at the table. Relations were soured by the Royal Ulster Constabularys climbdown to allow Orange marchers to parade through a Catholic enclave at Drumcree. Bruton asked Major to explain a decision which I cannot comprehend and I think was very mistaken; London termed his comments offensive. With Tony Blair in May 1997: the following month Bruton resigned as Taoiseach - Roy Letkey Bruton was expected to win Irelands 1997 election, and bested Ahern in a televised debate. But while Fine Gael gained nine seats Labour lost 16, and Fianna Fail returned to power. On June 26, Bruton resigned as Taoiseach. Leader of the Opposition again, he campaigned for a Yes vote in the referendum following the Good Friday Agreement, rebuking the IRA for claiming that referenda north and south did not amount to national self-determination. This apart, he made little impact, resigning the Fine Gael leadership early in 2001 after a vote of no confidence. Its finance spokesman Michael Noonan took his place. A keen supporter of European integration, Bruton served on the Convention, under the former French president Valery Giscard dEstaing, which drafted a constitution for the EU. Rejected in France and the Netherlands, it was replaced by the less sweeping Lisbon Treaty. Leaving the Dail in 2004, Bruton became the EUs ambassador in Washington, the first political heavyweight to hold the post. His priority was rebuilding relations with the Bush administration after the Iraq war. Stepping down in 2009, he applied for the new post of EU President; it went to the Belgian Herman van Rompuy. Bruton was at various times vice-president of the Christian Democrat International and the European Peoples Party, and a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body. He was awarded the Schumann Medal in 1998. John Bruton married Finola Gill in 1981; she survives him with their three daughters and a son. John Bruton, born May 18 1947, died February 6 2024 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Actor Jonathan Majors sentencing on charges he attacked his former girlfriend in the back of a New York chauffeured car has been delayed. Majors, 34, was set to be sentenced in Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday on misdemeanor third-degree assault and second-degree harassment charges in connection with the March 25, 2023 incident with his ex, Grace Jabbari. Instead, Majors legal team asked for a delay on Tuesday afternoon, citing a Monday motion they filed to set aside the verdict. Judge Michael Gaffey accepted the delay and set a new sentencing date for April 8. In the motion reviewed by The Daily Beast, defense lawyers argued Majors guilty verdict should be vacated, in part, because the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence. It also claims that the court presented inconsistent assault counts for the jury before deliberations. Prosecutors have until next month to respond to the defense motion. Majors appeared in court via video link, waved at his attorney before the hearing began, and nodded as Gaffey discussed the delay. He faces up to a year in prison for the misdemeanor and violation. In December, Majors was found guilty after a nine-day trial, where prosecutors alleged Majors attacked Jabbari as the two were headed home from a night out in Brooklyn. While on the stand, Jabbari said that she took Majors phone after viewing a concerning text conversation between the actor and someone named Cleopatra. In response, she said, Majors threw himself on top of Jabbari to take back the phone and placed her arm behind her back. He was trying to hurt me, Jabbari said on the stand. Defense attorneys for Majors insisted during the trial that Jabbari was the aggressor in the altercation. The driver in the case also testified at trial that Majors was not doing anything in the car and Jabbari was doing everything. After his conviction, Marvel Studios parted ways with Majors, who played Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an ABC interview last month, Majors plans to appeal the verdict that he admits left him shocked. He has maintained his innocence but admitted he was reckless with Jabbaris heart. I shouldnt have been in the car, Majors said after he was asked if he felt responsible for any of Jabbaris injuries. I shouldnt have stepped out of the relationship. I shouldnt have been in the relationship. 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. Jonathan Majors sentencing hearing has been postponed after the actor had been scheduled to appear in court to hear his penalties following a jury conviction in December in his domestic assault case. Attorneys for Majors filed a motion to set aside the verdict, which can be filed under New York law after a conviction but before sentencing, on Monday night. Prosecutors now have until next month to respond to the motion. Judge Michael Gaffey has scheduled a new sentencing hearing for 8 April. The former Marvel star, 34, was found guilty on counts of third-degree assault and harassment in December. The jury acquitted him of one count of assault and one count of aggravated harassment. He is facing a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Officials arrested Majors in March 2023 when Ms Jabbari accused him of slapping her and throwing her into a car. Following his conviction, Majors attorney Priya Chaudry said, It is clear that the jury did not believe Grace Jabbaris story of what happened in the SUV because they found that Mr Majors did not intentionally cause any injuries to her. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that evidence presented in the trial showed a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion. We thank the jury for its service and the survivor for bravely telling her story despite having to relive the trauma on the stand, Mr Bragg said. Majors past credits include Creed III, Marvels Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the HBO drama Lovecraft Country, and the 2021 western The Harder They Fall. Both Marvel and the Walt Disney Corporation have terminated their association with Majors. Key Points Former Marvel star will be appearing in court on Tuesday for motion filed by attorneys Jonathan Majors speaks out ahead of sentencing What did officials say after Jonathan Majors verdict? Jonathan Majors facing up to a year In pictures: Jonathan Majors high-profile assault trial Tuesday 6 February 2024 06:42 , Michelle Del Rey Jonathan Majors Assault (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) (AP) Jonathan Majors, accompanied by girlfriend Meagan Good, enters a courtroom at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York on 14 December (AP) Jonathan Majors Assault Case (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Jonathan Majors facing up to a year in jail Tuesday 6 February 2024 13:00 , Michelle Del Rey On Tuesday, the former Marvel actor will be sentenced after a jury convicted him of one count of third-degree assault and one count of harassment. The actor is facing up to a year in prison. Mr Majors trial lasted three-weeks. During most of it, the actor attended court with his actress girlfriend Meagan Good. He frequently was seen with a bible on his desk. What did officials say after Jonathan Majors verdict? Tuesday 6 February 2024 14:15 , Mike Bedigan At the Manhattan DAs Office, we are committed to centering survivors in all our work, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office said in a written statement following the verdict. The evidence presented throughout this trial illustrated a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion far too common across the many intimate partner violence cases we see each and every day. NEW: Jonathan Majors was just found guilty by a Manhattan Criminal Court jury of Assault in the 3rd Degree and Harassment in the 2nd Degree. Read the statement from D.A. Bragg below pic.twitter.com/572r2qBzD8 Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) December 18, 2023 Jonathan Majors sentencing postponed Tuesday 6 February 2024 14:56 , Michelle Del Rey The former Marvel actors sentencing has reportedly been postponed after he was scheduled to appear in court at 9am Tuesday to hear his penalties following a December criminal conviction in his domestic assault case. His ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari previously accused him of twisting her arm and striking her. He was arrested in connection with the altercation in March. UPDATE: The actor's sentencing was postponed, prosecutors said. PIX11 News (@PIX11News) February 6, 2024 Jonathan Majors said he hasnt seen his 9-year-old daughter because of criminal proceedings Tuesday 6 February 2024 15:56 , Michelle Del Rey In an ABC News interview last month, Majors said he hasnt seen his daughter in a long time because of the only criminal proceedings against him. A lot of it has to do with this situation, he told Linsey Davis, a network anchor. Its been hard. Former Marvel star will be appearing in court on Tuesday for motion filed by attorneys Tuesday 6 February 2024 15:22 , Michelle Del Rey The former Marvel actor is appearing in court this afternoon for a motion filed by his attorneys instead of his sentencing, according to PIX11 News. Its unclear what the motion is in regards to and why the sentencing was postponed. The Independent has reached out to the Manhattan DAs Office for comment. A *LOT* of changes in the #JonathanMajors sentencing, originally scheduled for this morning. Hell be appearing virtually for a hearing on a motion that his attorneys have filed *instead* of sentencing. It will be at 2:15 p.m. @PIX11 News is here, and will keep you posted. pic.twitter.com/x2xIWuOXQN James Ford (@jamesfordtv) February 6, 2024 Majors new sentencing hearing date could be as postponed to later this month Tuesday 6 February 2024 15:38 , Michelle Del Rey Though its still not clear when the former Marvel actor will be sentenced, media outlets are reporting that his new date could be as early as this month. Majors is facing a punishment from probation to up to a year in prison for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend, British dancer Grace Jabbari. Majors is a first-time defender and the case is a misdemeanor. Deadline reported that the sentencing could still potentially happen in Febuary. Experts say Jonathan Majors wont end up behind bars Tuesday 6 February 2024 15:58 , Michelle Del Rey Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, PR experts say that Majors made one mistake after the other in how he handled damage to his career. According to the outlet, critics cited Majors ABC News interview in which he maintains his innocence and tells the interviewer that he is the true victim. When asked about Grace Jabbaris injuries, the former actor said, I wish to God I knew. Experts predict that once Majors is sentenced, he will not end up behind bars, particularly because he has no prior criminal convictions Majors hearing postponed due to slew of post-conviction motions' Tuesday 6 February 2024 16:02 , Michelle Del Rey Jonathan Majors sentencing has been postponed due to a slew of post-conviction motions filed by his attorneys, according to People. The Independent has reached out to attorneys for Majors and the Manhattan DAs Office for comment. Its still not clear what type of motions were filed. Majors says he hasnt seen his daughter in a long time since criminal proceedings Tuesday 6 February 2024 16:22 , Michelle Del Rey The former Marvel said his domestic assault trial has created distance in his relationship with his 9-year-old daughter. A lot of it has to do with this situation. It all has to do with this situation, Majors said in an ABC News interview. Its been hard. Watch: Jonathan Majors expresses shock at verdict in first interview since assault conviction Tuesday 6 February 2024 16:42 , Michelle Del Rey Everything ex-Marvel actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped from Tuesday 6 February 2024 17:02 , Michelle Del Rey Jonathan Majors was on the verge of stratospheric Hollywood success before he was convicted of assault late last year. The actor had been teed up to play the villainous Kang the Conqueror in the latest spate of Marvel Cinematic Universe films. After being found guilty of the charges Majors was dropped from multiple projects. The Independents Tom Murray lists those losses: Everything ex-Marvel actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped from What comes next for Jonathan Majors after assault conviction? Tuesday 6 February 2024 17:22 , Michelle Del Rey On Tuesday Jonathan Majors will learn his sentence, after being convicted of assaulting his ex-girfriend Grace Jabbari in December. But what comes net for the disgraced actor, who was on the verge of Hollywood greatness? What comes next for Jonathan Majors after assault conviction? The Jonathan Majors assault trial is hauntingly similar to Depp v Heard Tuesday 6 February 2024 17:42 , Michelle Del Rey On 18 December, former-Marvel star Jonathan Majors was convicted on two counts one count of assault in the third degree and one count of harassment in the second degree. Throughout the trial, social media users repeatedly insisted that Majors was innocent; there was even a hashtag called #FreeJonathanMajors under which users posted their support for the actor. The Independents Kelly Rissman looks at the similarities between the trial and that of fellow A-lister Johnny Depp, which played out in 2022. Jonathan Majors assault trial is hauntingly similar to Depp v Heard Recap: Jonathan Majors found guilty of assaulting ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari Tuesday 6 February 2024 18:02 , Michelle Del Rey In December last year, Marvel star Jonathan Majors was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. Ahead of his sentencing on Tuesday, heres a look back at the conviction and the details of the case: Jonathan Majors found guilty of assaulting ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari Jonathan Majors speaks out ahead of sentencing Tuesday 6 February 2024 18:22 , Michelle Del Rey When stopped on the street by a TMZ cameraperson last month, Majors was asked how hes been holding up since his conviction. God is good. God is great. Majors responded, while smiling and holding a dog. The cameraperson continued: How do you keep positive and stuff during all this? He responded, Prayer, faith. When asked if the actor plans to continue acting, he responded, I think thats enough for now and walked away. Watch the exchange below: Recap: Marvel to rework film after Majors conviction Tuesday 6 February 2024 19:00 , Michelle Del Rey After a jury convicted the actor, Marvel decided it would rework the title of its upcoming film Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. The actor previously played the character of Kang in the TV series Loki as well as 2023 film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The new project will now be called Avengers 5 . Read more from The Independents Jacob Stolworthy below: Marvel to change Avengers 5 title after Jonathan Majors verdict Why was Jonathan Mayers sentencing delayed? Tuesday 6 February 2024 19:04 , Andrea Blanco Mayers was expected to be handed down a sentence in New York at 11am on Tuesday, but as the proceeding kicked off, prosecutors said motions by Mayers attorneys had delayed the sentencing. Mayers is facing up to a year in prison over his conviction on counts of third-degree assault and harassment in December. Majors will be sentenced in two months Tuesday 6 February 2024 19:47 , Andrea Blanco Jonathan Majors sentencing is scheduled for 8 April. The sentencing of Jonathan Majors, who was convicted of assault in late 2023, was delayed after his defense team filed a new motion. Judge Michael Gaffey set a new sentencing date of April 8. Majors faces up to a year in jail but also could be sentenced to probation. pic.twitter.com/yUOWZtDHqc Variety (@Variety) February 6, 2024 Jonathan Majors attorneys filed motion to set aside judgement Tuesday 6 February 2024 20:05 , Andrea Blanco Attorneys for Majors filed a motion to set aside the verdict, which can be filed under New York law after a conviction but before sentencing, on Monday night. Prosecutors have until next month to respond to the motion and Judge Michael Gaffey has scheduled a new sentencing hearing for 8 April, the Daily Beast reports. Jonathan Majors files dramatic last-ditch motion to postpone assault sentencing: Tuesday 6 February 2024 21:33 , Andrea Blanco Majors is facing up to a year in jail following his conviction last year over a dispute between him and his former girlfriend Grace Jabbari. New York City law enforcement arrested Majors in March 2023 after Ms Jabbari accused him of slapping her and throwing her into a car. Jonathan Majors files dramatic last-ditch motion to postpone assault sentencing Majors says he was shocked when assault case verdict handed down Tuesday 6 February 2024 23:00 , Andrea Blanco In his first interview since his assault and harassment conviction in December, actor Jonathan Majors said he was shocked by the New York jurys verdict. I was absolutely shocked and afraid, Majors said in the interview that aired Monday on ABCs Good Morning America last month. Im standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecutions evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible? The dispute between Majors and Jabbari began in the backseat of a chauffeured car and spilled into the streets of Manhattan. Jabbari, a 30-year-old British dancer, accused Majors of hitting her in the head with his open hand, twisting her arm behind her back and squeezing her middle finger until it fractured. That did not happen, Majors said in the GMA interview. Asked how Jabbari was injured, Majors responded, I wish to God I knew. That would give clarity. That would give me some type of peace about it. Majors lawyers alleged at trial that Jabbari flew into a jealous rage after reading a text message from another woman on his phone. They said Jabbari had spread a fantasy to take down the actor, who was only trying to regain his phone and get away safely. In the interview, Majors described his injuries as a scratch on his hand and one on his cheek that bled overnight. Surveillance video shows Majors running off with Jabbari chasing him. If you watch those videos and you reverse that and you saw a Black man chasing a young white girl down the street screaming and crying, that man is going to be shot and killed in the streets of New York City, Majors said. Separate surveillance video shows Majors lifting Jabbari into an SUV. Majors said he was speaking because he felt like it was time. A lot has happened in my personal life, in my career, and the culture, he said. Its about responsibility and coming forward and being brave and giving my part of the story. Everything ex-Marvel actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped from 00:00 , Andrea Blanco Jonathan Majors was on a stratospheric trajectory before being charged with assault and harassment in March of this year. The 34-year-old actor had, weeks earlier, co-presented an award at the 95th Oscars with his Creed III co-star Michael B Jordan. He was receiving rave reviews for his turn as Marvels major new villain Kang following his debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The Independents Tom Murray reports: Everything ex-Marvel actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped from WATCH: Jonathan Majors expresses 'shock' at verdict in first interview since assault conviction 01:00 , Andrea Blanco Marvel to change Avengers title after guilty Jonathan Majors verdict 02:00 , Andrea Blanco Majors previously played the role of Kang the Conqueror in the TV series Loki as well as 2023 film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Both projects set him up as the next big Avengers villain designed to follow in the footsteps of Josh Brolins Thanos. The fifth Avengers film was called Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this title has been scrapped, and the project will be officially known as Avengers 5 until a new title is decided on. The decision to change the title suggests that Kang will be written out of the franchise as opposed to being recast. In September, it was reported that Marvel executives, including studio boss Kevin Feige, gathered to discuss backup plans, including pivoting to another comic book adversary, like Fantastic Four character Dr Doom. After news of the allegations broke, Majors was dropped by his management team, while the US Army pulled a number of advertisements featuring the actor from circulation. He was also reportedly dropped from a forthcoming adaptation of the Walter Mosley novel The Man in My Basement. WATCH: CCTV shows Jonathan Majors shoving girlfriend before she chases him 03:00 , Andrea Blanco Grace Jabbaris birthday wish following Jonathan Majors verdict 04:00 , Andrea Blanco Grace Jabbari announced her birthday wish one day after a Manhattan jury found actor Jonathan Majors guilty of two counts of assault and harassment towards her. For my birthday, if you want.. a donation to @sffny, a charity that helped me so much this year, would be the best gift you could give, Ms Jabbari wrote in an Instagram Story. Thank you so much @sffny, and everyone else...for everything. The New York charity, Sanctuary for Families, is dedicated to the safety, healing and self-determination of victims of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence, its website states. Ms Jabbari has not directly commented on the trials result but her attorney, Ross Kramer, issued the following statement after the Monday verdict: We are gratified to see justice served by todays guilty verdict. Ms Jabbari testified publicly and truthfully, even though reliving these traumatic events on the witness stand was obviously painful, he said. Prosecutors said Majors and Jabbaris relationship was based on control, domination, manipulation, and abuse' 05:00 , Andrea Blanco Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that evidence presented in the trial showed a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion. We thank the jury for its service and the survivor for bravely telling her story despite having to relive the trauma on the stand, Mr Bragg said. During closing arguments, prosecutors said that the case had hinged on four words: control, domination, manipulation, and abuse. Assistant district attorney Kelli Galloway also criticised the defences portrayal of Jabbari as trying to seek revenge after the alleged assault: This is not consistent with the testimony that you heard, she said. This is not a revenge plot to ruin the defendants life, his career, to take everything away from him, Ms Galloway continued. What transpired in March 2023 was not consistent with a premeditated plan of revenge. WATCH: Marvel actor Jonathan Majors could face prison after being found guilty of assault 06:00 , Andrea Blanco Jonathan Majors' Marvel ouster after assault conviction throws years of Disney's plans into disarray 07:00 , Andrea Blanco Marvel Studios and the Walt Disney Co. dropped Majors from all future projects following the actors conviction for assault and harassment on Monday, according to a person close to the studio who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak publicly on the matter. The swift move by Disney marked a stunning about-face for an actor who had been one of Hollywoods fastest-rising stars. Jonathan Majors' Marvel ouster after assault conviction throws years of Disney's plans into disarray Jonathan Majors trial: Who are Grace Jabbari and Meagan Good? 08:00 , Andrea Blanco Jonathan Majors former and current girlfriends are in sharp contrast to one another during the trial, with one accusing him of assault and the other holding hands with him while entering the courtroom. The Independents Kelly Rissman reports: Who are Grace Jabbari and Meagan Good? WATCH: Actor Jonathan Majors found guilty 09:00 , Andrea Blanco The Jonathan Majors assault trial is hauntingly similar to Depp v Heard 10:00 , Andrea Blanco The #FreeJonathanMajors comes years after the #JohnnyDeppisInnocent and both came long before either one of their verdicts were in. The Independents Kelly Rissman writes: Jonathan Majors assault trial is hauntingly similar to Depp v Heard Audio released of Jonathan Majors calling himself a great man 11:00 , Andrea Blanco In December, Judge Gaffey released audio of Jonathan Majors referring to himself as a great man and telling Ms Jabbari that he needs a great woman similar to Coretta Scott King or Michelle Obama. In the audio, which is part of a separate incident, Mr Majors sounds angry and is accusing Ms Jabbari of coming home drunk. How dare you come home drunk and disturb the peace of our house when we have a plan, the actor is heard saying. I would like to get to the point where your friends know what job Im on and go, I think Grace is gonna be out of commission. Ms Jabbari responds: I know I shouldnt have gone out. To which Mr Majors replies, Let me just lay it out for you, right? If I am Im just gonna say this My temper, my s*** all that said, I am a great man. A great man. I am doing great things, not just for me, but for my culture and for the world. Damning text messages revealed during Majors trial 12:00 , Andrea Blanco Text messages between Grace Jabbari and the actor were presented to the jury during the trial which appeared to show Mr Majors admitting to injuring his ex-girlfriend in a separate incident that allegedly occurred in September of 2022. In the messages, the actor appeared to be dissuading her from seeking medical attention following the alleged altercation. I fear you have no perspective of what could happen if you go to the hospital, Mr Majors writes to Ms Jabbari. They will ask you questions and I dont think you actually protect us it could lead to an investigation even if you do lie and they suspect something. Ms Jabbari responds: I will tell the doctor I bumped my head, if I go, Im going to give it one more day, but I cant sleep and I need some stronger painkillers. Thats all. Why would I tell them what really happened when its clear I want to be with you. During the trial, the dancer said that she was nervous about contacting the authorities in regards to the actors alleged behaviour because of his concerns relating to police treatment of Black men. WATCH: Jonathan Majors arrest for assault 13:00 , Andrea Blanco Jonathan Majors files dramatic last-ditch motion to postpone assault sentencing 14:00 , Andrea Blanco Majors is facing up to a year in jail following his conviction last year over a dispute between him and his former girlfriend Grace Jabbari. New York City law enforcement arrested Majors in March 2023 after Ms Jabbari accused him of slapping her and throwing her into a car. Read more: Jonathan Majors files dramatic last-ditch motion to postpone assault sentencing There are no plans to move troops out of Jordan, a Pentagon spokeswoman told reporters Monday, and U.S. Central Command continues to investigate how an Iran-backed militias drone was able to evade detection and detonate above a housing building at Tower 22, killing three U.S. soldiers and wounding dozens more on Jan. 28. While troops are more than likely to stay put at the remote outpost on the Syrian border, officials are mulling options for upgrading air defenses at Tower 22 and other small outposts across the Middle East. Im not going to go into those conversations, or what changing our posture looks like, but thats absolutely something that is being discussed, spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told Military Times. Singh did not say whether some of those changes could take place before CENTCOM has finished its review, as attacks continue. In the weeks following Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and amid the bombing campaign Israel launched in retaliation on Gaza, the U.S. moved thousands of troops, some ground and some on ship, to the region, in hopes of preventing other groups from stirring up more conflict. Those mobilizations included a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and multiple Patriot missile air defense battalions to shoot down drones and missiles. For much of the past six months, those air defenses have been successful, preventing a majority of the 168 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and now Jordan, Singh said. That includes 67 in Iraq, 100 in Syria and one in Jordan, with more than 80 U.S. injuries among them. Not that we dont take those seriously, she added. We absolutely do. But the impact of those [attacks] on our bases have not been significant until what happened at Tower 22. Early unconfirmed reports have suggested that the drone was confused for a friendly aerial vehicle that had been due to return around the same time, in the early morning hours of Jan. 28. Drone that killed US troops may have been mistaken for friendly Or it may have been an issue of Tower 22s air defenses. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the base only had electronic-jamming equipment that missed the drone because it was flying too low. Pentagon officials have declined to comment on either theory, citing CENTCOMs ongoing investigation into the attack. Increasing security measures could be the most feasible option for protecting troops in the Middle East for now, as thousands remain deployed and teamed with local forces as part of a mission to prevent the resurgence of the Islamist terrorist group ISIS. Across Iraq and Syria and Jordan, the mission of these service members is the defeat-ISIS mission, Singh said. So moving our troops and our service members into different areas takes away from the mission. On the first day of the 11th session of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraines Parliament), journalists and representatives from a number of civil society organisations urged the parliament to be more open to the media and society, as well as to strengthen security measures, such as shelter preparations. Source: Institute of Mass Information; Radio Liberty Details: In a joint statement, a number of civil society and media organisations called on the Verkhovna Rada to "return to ensuring the principles of openness in its activities". The statements authors made the following requests: to ensure that journalists can attend Verkhovna Rada meetings and communicate with MPs on the sidelines of Parliament; to see to it that agendas for Verkhovna Rada meetings are published ahead of time; to ensure that the participation of civil society organisations in Verkhovna Rada committee meetings is promoted and supported. According to the statement's authors, the admission of journalists to the Verkhovna Rada building, as well as the advance publication of a list of the draft laws scheduled for consideration, would provide Ukrainians with information of public importance. Quote from the statement: "It is also important that representatives of civil society should have the opportunity to participate in meetings of parliamentary committees and express their positions on registered bills and initiatives that are to be developed." Provided that security measures are implemented, the statements authors believe that such transparency in Parliament will boost public trust in its activities and encourage active collaboration between civil society organisations and MPs. The statement's authors explained that while the introduction of restrictions in 2022 could be justified by national security concerns as a result of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion, the fact that Parliament is still sitting behind closed doors in 2024 raises many questions. Quote from the statement: "Journalists' lack of access to the Verkhovna Rada is undermining democracy. What is the point of talking about the dangers of a media presence in the parliamentary chamber when society learns about the progress and outcomes of the consideration of bills through live broadcasts by MPs on social media? Furthermore, Parliament has too many members for its sittings to go unnoticed. As a result, rather than continuing the current policy of not allowing journalists to enter the Parliament building, we should be discussing security measures such as getting shelters ready." The statements authors say restoring the public's ability to communicate with MPs in an understandable and transparent manner "will be a sign of the preservation of democracy". They believe that "the media must have the ability to inform the public about what issues are being considered by the country's single legislative body, and what arguments are being heard during debates". "The openness of Parliament implies the availability of information about its procedures to the public, as well as the creation of conditions for full communication between Ukrainian MPs and Ukrainian society," the statement said. Among its signatories are journalists from Bihus.info, Hromadske.ua, Radio NV, Vikna-Novyny, Teksty, Ukrainske Radio, ICTV, The Ukrainer, The Kyiv Independent, Suspilne, Slidstvo.info, as well as the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, the Commission on Journalistic Ethics, the ZMINA Human Rights Centre, IMI, Mediarukh, KRYMSOS, Donbas SOS, SKHID-SOS, Media Initiative for Human Rights, OPORA, Automaidan, DEJURE, and others. Support UP or become our patron! The agent of the last living "Dad's Army" main cast actor Ian Lavender has announced his death on Feb. 2 at the age of 77. Hilary Gagan, the actor's agent, said that Lavender had been ill for some time and died with his wife Michelle Hardy and their two sons at his side. He was famously known as Private Frank Pike in the legendary BBC sitcom, which he held for 10 years since 1969. Pike was characterized as a bank clerk and the youngest and most gullible member of his local Home Guard unit during the Second World War. His cause of death has yet to be disclosed, according to British media. Lavender became the lone survivor of the "Dad's Army" cast following the death of Frank Williams, who played Reverend Timothy Farthing, in 2022. "We are deeply saddened to hear [of] the passing of the wonderful Ian Lavender," the Dad's Army Radio Show said in its social media statement. "In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad's Army main cast. His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come." Read Also: Beloved Broadway Legend Chita Rivera Dies at 91; Cause of Death Revealed Other Prominent Roles, Accolades After "Dad's Army," Birmingham-born Lavender performed on stage numerous times throughout his career, appearing alongside Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman in a production of "The Merchant of Venice" in the early 1970s, The Independent reported. He also joined the BBC One series "EastEnders" from 2001 to 2005. His last major appearance was from 2016 to 2017 when he briefly returned to the series but was cut short due to becoming ill with sepsis. The following year marked the 50th anniversary of Dad's Army, which was commemorated by Royal Mail with a collection of stamps featuring the main characters. Related Article: Carl Weathers: Dead at 76 In a new report from AI News, the UK armed forces and the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory(Dstl) have collaborated with the United States and Australian militaries as a part of the AUKUS partnership in a landmark trial that focuses on AI and autonomous systems. The trial was held in Australia and was called Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in Contested Environments or TORVICE for short. AUKUS partnership was developed last year between the three territories. The landmark trial tested vehicles and sensors in a myriad of scenarios. These scenarios involved electronic attacks, and GPS disruptions to name a few, and were focused on determining the resilience of the autonomous systems. These trails are meant to help developers better understand how these new AI systems can ensure that these new assets can remain reliable in the wake of electronic warfare as well as cyber threats before being more widely implemented. The TROVICE trail featured United States and British autonomous vehicles whose objective was to simply carry out reconnaissance missions while Australian vehicles were put through simulated battlefield electronic attacks on the vehicle's systems. Dstl technical authority, Guy Powell, has stated "The TORVICE trial aims to understand the capabilities of robotic and autonomous systems to operate in contested environments.We need to understand how robust these systems are when subject to attack." Powell went on toreveal that "Robotic and autonomous systems are a transformational capability that we are introducing to armies across all three nations." The first trial was conducted last year in April 2023 in the UK and this recent trial builds on that. The trial also shows progress following the AUKUS defense minister's announcement in December where it was stated that Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies(RAAIT) are to be integrated into the individual countries' military forces in 2024. The Dstl's military advisor, Lt Col. Russ Atherton has described and praised these new developments stating that they will "be an absolute game-changer" while also reducing the risks to soldiers. Atherton also stated "The ability to deploy different payloads such as sensors and logistics across a larger battlespace will give commanders greater options than currently exist" By working together the three countries will continue to make various new strides that will improve their forces individually, better improve the teamwork between their forces while also increasing their expertise and improve deterrence in the Indo-pacific region. This continues to show AI will not only improve the live of those at home, as LG and Volkswagen have also integrated AI into their products, but it will also serve militaries around the globe as partnerships such as this one continue to flourish. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) had CNNs Kaitlan Collins laughing on Monday with his reason for not endorsing Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Collins asked Roy who hed now back to become the GOP nominee in the 2024 election after his preferred candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, bailed on the race amid sagging poll numbers. Roy initially swerved Collins question on preferring Haley or former President Donald Trump to take on President Joe Biden in November and said hed just support the Republican nominee. He continued, Well let this play out. But I dont think that Governor Haley, with all due respect, is representing the conservatives that I represent when shes going on SNL and shes out, you know, kind of playing the establishment game and taking money from a bunch of establishment dollars. Wait, what? interrupted Collins. Youre not gonna endorse her because she went on Saturday Night Live? Rep. Chip Roy said Trump failed on immigration. Asked why he thinks it will be different if he's reelected, Roy says, First of all, its all relative. I mean, Trump was working hard to move the numbers downWe just didn't get the permanent legislative fixes that I wanted. pic.twitter.com/vxUHt3EXlz Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) February 6, 2024 Chip then appeared to partially roll back his claim, replying: No. No, because she was saddling up with establishment money out of New York that she was using to go target Ron DeSantis to the tune of $26 million in Iowa. So she made her bed. Lets go see if she can make it. Collins reminded Roy how Trump had also spent a lot of money against DeSantis too. Haley made a surprise appearance on SNL last weekend as a concerned South Carolina voter who asked fake Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, why he wouldnt debate Haley. I see dead people. Thats exactly what voters will think if this race is between Trump and Biden in the fall. Had a blast tonight on SNL! Know it was past Donalds bedtime so looking forward to the stream of unhinged tweets in the a.m. pic.twitter.com/W43LlPOoi2 Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 4, 2024 Related... Kansas legislators are again considering a bill designed to prohibit cities and counties from banning or placing taxes on single-use containers or charging fees for their use. The bill includes such items as plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, takeout containers or single-use plastic utensils. The bill passed the Kansas House last year on a 72-51 vote, but the Senate referred it to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs and never took a vote on it. Similar bills have been proposed for years, but House Bill 2446 is the first time its being considered as a city enacts a ban on single-use plastics. Lawrences ban on disposable plastic bags goes into effect on March 1, and the city is asking residents to use more reusable bags when shopping. Retailers would have to use paper bags that contain at least 40% recycled paper. A plastic Walgreens bag tangled in a tree in west Topeka. If the Kansas Legislature passes the bill into law, Lawrence would have to remove its prohibition on plastics and no other city or county could adopt a similar regulation. Though Lawrences ban only applies to plastics, HB 2446 would also prohibit bans on paper, cloth, foam, cardboard, metal or recycled material designed to transport foods or beverages. Those supporting a ban on ordinance like what Lawrence did argued that limiting single-use plastics puts businesses in a municipality at a disadvantage compared to those who dont have to adhere to a ban, that it complicates stores supply chains and that the bans can be counterproductive pointing to a recent study on New Jerseys ban of plastic bags. While they had a 60% reduction in the use of plastic bags in New Jersey, the use of plastics has actually increased by three times because the multiple use that youre buying from the store contain plastic, but it contains more plastics which actually has a higher carbon footprint to produce than single-use bags, said Eric Stafford, vice president of governmental affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Opponents of the bill spoke about how long it takes for plastics to degrade and its impact on the environment, the health impacts of microplastics in food and how the bill would limit the home rule of local communities. Some also highlighted how only one city has enacted such a ban and no others are considering it. Jay Hall, deputy director for the Kansas Association of Counties, said it binds the hands of counties, which are required to regulate solid waste. This bill takes away a tool that counties would otherwise be able to use in their solid waste plan, Hall said. The Kansas League of Municipalities said House Bill 2446 would have a negligible fiscal impact on cities but would eliminate local governments ability to tax plastic containers. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas House bill would block local governments from banning plastics Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed his chief of staff, Olzhas Bektenov, to be Kazakhstan's new prime minister following the resignation of Tokayev's former cabinet. President Tokayev accepted the resignation of his previous government, including former Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, just a day earlier. The Kazakh leader then named Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar as acting prime minister before appointing Bektenov to be his replacement. The reason for the government's resignation was not immediately clear. According to the regional news outlet Eurasianet, Bektenov has worked in several spheres of the Kazakh government over the years, including in the prime minister's office and, most recently, as President Tokayev's chief of staff, a job he has performed since April. Bektenov also directed Kazakhstan's Anti-Corruption Agency, or Antikor, between Feb. 2022 and April 2023. He reportedly criticized the efforts of the agency's work upon taking the position Despite Astana's historically close ties to Moscow, President Tokayev has taken a cautious approach to the full-scale war, refusing to recognize the legitimacy of Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories in 2022. At the same time, Tokayev has not completely abandoned his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who visited Kazakhstan in November 2023. "Our strategic partnership is truly forward-looking," Putin commented ahead of the trip and meeting with Tokayev. Tokayev has said that the country will comply with the sanctions regime against Russia, and Kazakh officials have said the export of military goods to Russia ceased shortly after the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Astana has also received criticism for allowing Moscow to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine. Read also: Russia, West fight for Kazakhstan as Astana plays both sides Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Reality Check is a Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@kcstar.com. As Kansas City looks to solve its problem of long 911 hold times, a question has been raised. Is the Kansas City Police Department paying enough to solve the staffing problem it says is behind the long wait times? The Police Department is the only public safety agency in the metro area that fails to meet national standards when it comes to answering 911 calls. The department has long explained that by pointing to a lack of workers. Its communication unit has had dozens of unfilled positions for months and has been talking about the problem for years. To understand how the staffing problem might be influenced by the starting pay offered to the employees answering the 911 calls, The Star reached out to several public safety agencies in the regional 911 system to compare with the Kansas City Police Department. Kansas City, at $20.48 an hour, fell on the lower end of starting salaries among the public safety agencies The Star asked for information. The Clay County Sheriffs Office last year increased the starting annual salary for its dispatchers, who both take and dispatch calls, to $55,000, said Sarah Boyd, a spokeswoman for the Clay County Sheriffs Office. That translates to about $26.44 an hour almost $6 an hour more than Kansas City. Shawnee pays dispatchers a minimum starting salary of $49,617, said Emily Rittman, public safety information officer for the city. Thats about $25.79 an hour. Other agencies that pay more than Kansas City include the Overland Park Police Department, at $24.81 an hour, the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center at $22.73 an hour, the Lenexa Police Department at $22.19 an hour, and the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department at $21.27 an hour for call takers and $22.50 an hour for dispatchers, according to spokespersons for the agencies. The Kansas City Police Department Headquarters in downtown Kansas City. Other agencies have lower starting salaries, including Independence Police Department at $20.18 an hour, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office at $19.08 an hour, Lees Summit at $18.46 an hour for call takers and at $21.30 an hour for dispatchers, and Blue Springs at $17.59 an hour, according to their spokespersons. Some agencies offer bonuses. The Overland Park Police Department offers $500 to start training, $500 to finish training and $500 for completing the probationary period, said Officer John Lacy, a police spokesman. The Johnson County Emergency Communications Center offers emergency communications specialists a sign-on bonus up to $4,000 $2,000 after six months with the employees completion of either the call taking or dispatching positions and $2,000 after 12 months with the employees completion of communications training program for both call taking and dispatching, said Kate Dorsey, operations manager. The Independence Police Department offers dispatchers a $10,000 signing bonus for qualified applicants, said Officer Jake Taylor, a police spokesman. Although Blue Springs does not have a signing bonus, the police chief is allowed to give credit up to five years of previous experience to bring in employees at appropriate pay levels, said Jennifer Brady, a spokesperson for the department. Kansas Citys worsening 911 problem Kansas Citys 911 problem isnt new. For several years, Kansas City police have failed to meet the National Emergency Number Association call answering standards, according to data from the Mid-America Regional Council. Its a problem public officials have sounded alarms about before, including in late May when Mayor Quinton Lucas said his sister was on hold with 911 dispatchers for five minutes before getting help for their mother. In June, a victim of a brutal assault outside Kansas Citys Arrowhead Stadium waited over four minutes in the 911 queue before being transferred to a call taker. A man who recently reached out The Star relaying his own experience waiting on hold for 911 did not want to be named in this story but asked whether higher pay would help fill the Kansas City Police Departments staffing needs. Having to be on hold for a 911 call is just ridiculous, the reader said. Meanwhile, Kansas Citys problem is just getting worse. Targets set by the national group encourage 90% of calls to be answered within 15 seconds and 95% answered within 20 seconds. In May, just under 41% of Kansas Citys 911 calls, or two out of five, were answered in 15 seconds, according to the Mid-America Regional Council. The numbers rebounded some by the end of the year, but still remained far below the national standards. In December, the latest month available, fewer than 63% of 911 calls handled by the Police Department were answered within 15 seconds. In contrast, every other agency in the regional 911 system met the national standards in December, including the Kansas City Fire Department at just under 92%, Overland Park Police Department at 98.5% and the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department at nearly 95%, according to data collected by the Mid-America Regional Council. Staffing shortage, growing call volume For several years, police have blamed the extended 911 hold times on staffing shortages and increased 911 call volumes. That was the case in May 2017, when James Dale Cavanaugh was killed during a comic book theft at Kansas Citys historic Clints Comics. James Cavanaugh, the longtime owner of Clints Comics in Kansas City, died after being injured in a robbery at his store in 2017. Then, the first person to call 911 waited six minutes and 25 seconds before a call taker answered, according Police Department records. At the time, police said a lack of staff caused the delay. That continues to be the case today. The Kansas City Police Departments communication unit is authorized to have 109 positions, but had 28 vacancies as of last month, the same number of vacancies reported in June. It has 25 call takers along with six trainees, and 35 dispatchers with one trainee, according to Capt. Jake Becchina of the Kansas City Police Department. Under Kansas Citys system, call takers and dispatchers have two distinct roles, according to information provided by the Police Department. Call takers answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and ask callers questions to determine the reason for the call. Dispatchers, on the other hand, handle self-initiated officer activity, vehicle and foot pursuits, and the dispatch of officers on calls based on the priority of the call. Possible 911 solutions The Police Department didnt specifically address call taker and dispatcher pay in its budget request submitted in October. But it asked for a 4% increase for all professional staff with a 5% increase for those on the highest-step pay scale, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the department. If approved, any increase would be reflected in the new budget year effective May 1. The department is also conducting a study to help address a variety of difficulties it is facing, including staffing, Gonzalez said. I can say with confidence, competitive salaries will assist with employment interest and assist with employee retention, which is why we are conducting this staffing study to help come up with a solution that will make the Kansas City Police Department stand out as a great place to start a career, Gonzalez said. While compensation plays a large role, other things like scheduling and vacation time also contribute to the departments ability to attract and retain workers, Gonzalez said. To help mitigate staffing shortages, the Police Department is offering overtime to officers to train with call takers and take 911 calls to help cut down on hold times, Gonzalez said. New hires waiting to begin training are being offered to start immediately by shadowing call takers and dispatchers, as well as riding along with patrol officers before their class starts. The department continues to explore several different options for solving problems with 911 hold times, including a system that automatically calls back numbers after people hang up. The Police Department is also looking at an an auto-attendant system that asks 911 callers if they were trying to reach police, the Fire Department, emergency medical services or non-emergency assistance and route the call to the appropriate agency. Misuse of 911 Kansas City police say growing call volumes, including the misuse of 911, also lead to an increase in hold times. The Police Department is the primary agency handling 911 calls in Kansas City. Its call takers ask callers if they have a police, fire, or medical emergency and then route the call to the proper agency. Kansas City police handle the largest call volume among all primary agencies in the metro. In December, around 44,000 911 and around 36,000 non-emergency calls were made to the citys system. The next busiest was the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department with slightly more than 11,000 911 and around 14,000 non-emergency calls, according to data from the Mid-America Regional Council. One of the biggest things we are struggling with is the misuse of 911 leading to an increase in hold times and an overwhelming number of calls coming through to our dispatchers, Gonzalez said. When asked whether that would be true for other agencies in the metro that are still able to meet national standards, Gonzalez referred that question to the Mid-America Regional Council, saying Kansas City police would not be able to speak on some of the challenges the other agencies may be facing. The Mid-America Regional Council doesnt have data on how many calls to 911 are non-emergency, according to Catherine Couch, public affairs coordinator with the Mid-America Regional Council. As the coordinating agency for the regional system, MARCs primary role is making sure calls get to the public safety answering points, Couch said. The agency doesnt have insight into the calls once they are delivered. What does make Kansas City different is that it handles a large volume of calls, Couch said. To avoid misuse of 911 for non-emergencies, callers are asked to dial 311, the city services hotline, for issues that are not related to law enforcement, 988 for the suicide and mental health assistance hotline, and 211 for United Ways hotline for housing and financial assistance. If more Kansas Citians were aware of what numbers to call for a non-emergency situation, our 911 hold times would drop significantly, Gonzalez said. [Source] Keanu Reeves is recognizing Lance Reddick for drawing people's love to "John Wick." What he said: Reeves credited the late actor in an interview with People at the 2024 Saturn Awards in Burbank, California, on Sunday, where he won the inaugural Lance Reddick Legacy Award. He shared that he once wrote a letter to his "John Wick" co-star explaining why he thought so. I once told him... Well, actually I wrote him a letter and I said, 'People love John Wick because Charon loves John Wick, Reeves said, referring to Reddicks character Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotels New York branch. Reeves also honored Reddick in his acceptance speech, saying the late actor made an imprint and raised the bar in every work of art and genre he was in for over 25 years. Trending on NextShark: Scientists describe new jellyfish species with red 'cross', 240 tentacles Catch up: Reddick, also known for his roles in "The Wire," "Fringe" and "Bosch," died on March 17, 2023, at the age of 60. A death certificate obtained by TMZ states that he died from ischemic heart disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, but his family has argued that such causes of death were inconsistent with his lifestyle. The information appearing on the death certificate is wholly inconsistent with his lifestyle, said James Hornstein, the family's attorney, as per Deadline. On behalf of [Lances wife] Stephanie Reddick, the death certificate information is not corroborated and is inconsistent with the facts known to the family. Trending on NextShark: S. Korean YouTuber Tzuyang apologizes for imitation of Filipina in 'racist' mukbang video About the award: The Lance Reddick Legacy Award "symbolizes and celebrates not only a performers talent, but their character," according to a press release. Organizers said Reeves is the perfect actor to receive the first of the award as he has "done it all," citing some of his works in science fiction, fantasy, horror and action/thriller. Trending on NextShark: Video: Woman returns Costco couch after 2.5 years Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! There is a familiar ring to the recent polling commissioned by the Labour Muslim Network, which shows a 26 per cent drop in support for Keir Starmers party among Muslim voters since 2019. todays After the Labour government of Tony Blair supported western military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, in 2001 and 2003 respectively, similar polls predicted that the party was losing Muslim support. Nevertheless, Blair went on to win the next general election, albeit with a vastly reduced majority. And few attribute that reversal predominantly to Muslim voters losing faith in the party. As an MP at the time, and representing a constituency with the second largest Muslim electorate in Scotland, I found myself in the awkward position of being the only Glasgow MP who supported the government at every vote in the run-up to that conflict. (Facing a looming, difficult reselection contest, I explained my difficulties to Blair, who responded with a less-than-helpful, Gosh, I wouldnt want to be in your shoes! and an accompanying grimace.) I won reselection as a candidate in a bigger, redrawn constituency including a huge majority of a largely Muslim party branch and was re-elected at the 2005 general election with a five-figure majority. UK Muslim voters have traditionally lent Labour their support and, in some key constituencies, that support can mean the difference between the election of a Labour or a Conservative MP. Yet the timing of this poll suggests that there is an attempt underway to use the threat of abstention by those angry at Starmers position on Israel and Gaza to seek to reverse the partys official position. As Coventry South Labour MP, Zarah Sultana tweeted in response to the poll: This should be a wake up call, reminding us of the risk of taking voters for granted. In other words, irrespective of whether the party and its leader believe Labours settled position of support for Israel in the face of the attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7 is correct, it should be changed to accommodate a minority of British voters. To take an entirely cynical view, Starmer does not need the Muslim vote in order to win the next general election. All the polling suggests he enjoys a 15 to20 point lead over the incumbent Conservatives, and that lead has been almost entirely unaffected by the recent high-profile agitation during pro-Palestinian demonstrations by those who oppose Israel. A less cynical approach would lead to the same conclusion: for a leader and putative prime minister to reverse a policy of principle simply in order to regain the votes of any minority group would be disastrous for that politician. A short term and probably transient increase in support would have come at the cost of Labour turning its back on Britains most important Middle East ally and would be seen by the rest of the world and a great many in the UK as tolerance of Hamas barbarism. Foreign policy cannot be forged by demonstrations and opinion polls. That would represent the very worst aspect of the populism against which so many commentators fulminate. Even to consider adjusting policy in light of this poll would be not only disastrous but patronising. Are Muslims not individuals like every other citizen? Are they uniquely incapable of making a judgment themselves about the rights and wrongs of a conflict and the response of UK politicians to it? Is it acceptable to assume that Muslims represent a homogenous voting bloc that is uniformly tolerant of the murder, rape, torture and kidnapping of Israelis and supportive of the criminals who carried out such deeds? Starmer has gained much credibility by taking a stance that is known to be unpopular among a traditionally Labour-supporting section of Britain, in the face of much criticism from within his own party. Rather than decreasing support for him, this has served only to raise his esteem among the wider population. If political leadership were only about sticking a wet finger in the air to find out which way the wind is blowing, then many more would find it an easier job than it is. But very frequently and now is a good case in point leadership means having to tell your followers what they dont want to hear. Starmer must continue to do just that, or else he will waste this opportunity to prove he is fit to lead a nation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has boycotted a session of parliament called by the opposition to ratify Sweden's NATO membership, even as a group of Western ambassadors arrived in the building to urge a vote. For months, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban assured NATO counterparts that Hungary would not be the last to sign off on Sweden's membership. However, Orban went back on his word when Turkey ratified the Swedish bid last month, leaving Hungary as the main obstacle. Orban publicly promised NATO's secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, that he would urge parliament to "conclude the ratification at the first possible opportunity" - only to abandon his word when he did not show up to a session initiated by the country's opposition, reported The Guardian. In a symbolic move, a group of 16 diplomatic representatives, including the American ambassador in Budapest, David Pressman, arrived at Hungary's parliament on Monday. Pressman, who in an interview with the Guardian last month described Washington as "disappointed" by Budapest's failure to act, told reporters after the session: "Sweden's NATO accession is an issue that directly affects the United States national security, and it affects the security of our alliance as a whole." "The prime minister pledged to convene parliament and urge parliament to act at its earliest opportunity. Today was an opportunity to do that - and we look forward to watching this closely and to Hungary acting expeditiously," the American diplomat added. The Associated Press revealed a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers last week called on Orban to immediately ratify Sweden's bid, saying patience with Hungary is "wearing thin" as it continues to delay its approval. In a separate statement, U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat and chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, raised the prospect of imposing sanctions on Hungary for its conduct, and called Orban "the least reliable member of NATO." Following the session on Monday, Agnes Vadai, a lawmaker with the liberal Democratic Coalition party, said that Orban's conduct has "put Hungary into a very humiliating position," and that there was "no reason" for his government to have blocked Sweden's NATO membership. "I think that it's very personal for Orban, and it's also very irrational what is he doing despite all the pressure that's coming," she told The Associated Press. "He himself should understand that (Sweden's membership) is going to serve the interests and the security of the Hungarian society." Hungary's parliament is scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 26. But Vadai, the lawmaker, said there was no guarantee that Orban's party would commit to a swift approval. "I'm not sure whether the opening session will start with the Swedish ratification, unfortunately," she said. Three-time Grammy winner Killer Mike refuses to say he will vote for President Joe Biden over Donald Trump. The Atlanta resident said it is important for people to vote according to policy and not personality while appearing on Bill Mahers HBO Show, Real Time with Bill Maher. Now, people have created a conspiracy that asserts the artist is being demonized for his political stance. US rapper Killer Mike poses in the press room with the Grammy for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) Maher basically begged Killer Mike to reconsider his position on the Friday, Feb. 2 show. The Run emcee and activist, whose real name is Michael Render, replied, My feeling is: Pick your policy, not your person. This is not the Dallas Cowboys versus your favorite team. This is the policies that will affect our generations for the next 20, 30, 40 years to come. So close your eyes and listen to the policies that are being pushed, he continued. Make it policy-based. Maher asked Killer Mike who he was for in 2024, and his answer did not surprise any of his followers. Im for Black people. And Happy Black History Month, the 48-year-old said. He also talked about his support for Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders when he ran for president. You cant get yourself to say vote for Biden over Trump? Maher prodded. But the quick-thinking rapper jumped in with a litany of things he wants Biden to get himself to do. Can he get himself to apologize for the [1994] crime bill? Killer Mike asked. Biden sponsored the 1994 crime law, passed by Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton. He touted it as legislation that would reverse decades of rising crime, but critics of the policy say it led to mass incarceration. Can he get himself to get his head out of his ass and say Black people, you are Black regardless? I need you to tell me what I need to do. Can he pick a coalition of former people who were affected by drug law, street gangs, recidivism and crime and say I need you as a board to advise me how to fix federal prisons? If he can do that, absolutely I can. So my challenge is out, the Atlanta native bulleted. Back in May 2020, while campaigning for his first term in the White House, Biden told Breakfast Club hosts that anyone who doesnt vote for him aint Black. Days after the Real Time with Bill Maher interview aired, Killer Mike was at the Grammy Awards excited to see what his peers thought of his 2023 offering, particularly his song Scientists and Engineers and his rap album Michael. The Run the Jewels rapper won three awards for his solo contribution, Best Rap Album for Michael, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance for his song Scientists and Engineers. While the artist should have been celebrating, he was arrested for allegedly confronting a security guard at the gala. On Sunday, February 4, just after 4 p.m., a male adult was detained and handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court. The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a comment to Newsweek. Police charged the celebrity with misdemeanor battery, and he has since been released. Many Trump supporters on social media have floated the idea that his arrest had less to do with the altercation and more to do with his political views. 2 days ago on Bill Maher, Killer Mike refused to endorse Biden Tonight, he was arrested at the Grammys What is going on? pic.twitter.com/ZsRVqWgGyk Zaire (@Z_zaire) February 5, 2024 Killer Mike was on Bill Maher two nights ago and refused to endorse Biden. Last night, he was hauled out of the Grammys in handcuffs. I aint saying nothing Lavern Spicer (@lavern_spicer) February 5, 2024 Some people believe it has more to do with his political activism. Killer Mike gets arrested for an earlier battery charge after winning three Grammys. Is it still a socioeconomic issue? Will Smith committed battery at the Academy Awards. Socioeconomic issue? one person tweeted. Killer Mike gets arrested for an earlier battery charge after winning three Grammys. Is it still a socioeconomic issue? Will Smith committed battery at the Academy Awards. Socioeconomic issue? pic.twitter.com/qeYdpASXXh 9mmSMG (@9mm_smg) February 5, 2024 Still, a connection between the arrest, his activism, and his refusal to endorse Biden has not been established. Killer Mike Has a Busy Weekend: Refuses to Endorse President Biden, Wins Three Grammys and Gets Arrested Is There a Connection? The Prince of Wales and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who became monarch unexpectedly aged 25 While his estranged brother flew from LA for a 30-minute meeting with the King, and the monarch in turn flew with the Queen to Sandringham, the Prince of Wales was at home. After the school run for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, he was on hand to help the Princess of Wales in her third week of recovery following major abdominal surgery and quietly get on with work from Windsor. On Wednesday he will re-enter the world of public duty for an investiture at Windsor Castle and a speech at a gala to raise money for first responders at Londons Air Ambulance. Then he will be back home for half term with his family. As the King ploughs on with his state duties despite a diagnosis of cancer, his eldest son and heir is on hand to help but, perhaps unexpectedly, is not needed to deputise for the top job quite yet. He may undertake some duties on behalf of the King, a palace source said, but it will be a few select engagements rather than a whole tranche. Instead, he has the blessing of the King to take the time to see his wife settled and comfortable at home. From Adelaide Cottage the Prince is said to have been in constant communication with his father but is not known to have seen him since his cancer diagnosis. A source said Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace were liaising work wise over practicalities while the Prince was kept informed of the latest news about Charles health. In common with the rest of his immediate family, the King personally told him the results of medical investigations that revealed cancer. Prince William in turn, alongside the Princess, had to break the news of their grandfathers health to his young children before they heard it from elsewhere. Williams support for his father is given privately, it is said, with nothing he needs to pick up for the King in the immediate future. That the Prince of Wales is free to look after his wife and children is both unremarkable the straightforward action of any good father and remarkable: he is the first future king fully able to do so. It is a real change from the policies of the past. No stiff upper lip, no Firm before family. Next generation can do better When asked whether the Prince would need to pick up the Kings public duties, a palace source said it was anticipated that he will only return to public duty once the Princess of Wales had settled in for recuperation at home. Although they would not use the same phrase as Prince Harrys generational pain, this is a King and Prince mindful that the next generation can do better. When Charles was just three, his mother became Queen and theirs was a life devoted to duty. Long absences from overseas tours, a life based around a nursery with beloved nannies and being sent away to school were his formative experiences. Prince William, who had a homelier start, went on to live between divorced parents before the untimely death of his mother. The King, like the late Queen, has been keen that William has as much time [with his family] as he can, while he can, a source said. In time, there is no doubt the Prince will need to step up further. The King can do much of his state business from home, keeping him away from the risk of infection that meeting hundreds of members of the public would bring, but there will still be a gaping hole in the Royal familys usual schedule. The King did more than 500 engagements in 2023, travelling the length and breadth of the country in a model set by his parents. Those will fall by the wayside for now. If he suffers any health setbacks during treatment, which can be gruelling, Prince William will be the one to get the call-up to step in as a Counsellor of State or the endless important meet-and-greets which make up the life of a sovereign. While he had 52 years to make his mark as Prince of Wales and few would argue that the legacy of The Princes Trust is not enough for any man to be proud of his son has been in the job for 17 months so far. William committed to his causes His major causes, an environmental prize and a homelessness project, are underway but have not yet had time to reach their full potential. His focus wont be taken away from Earthshot and Homewards, that wont change, said a source close to the Prince. He is totally committed to those causes. The job of the Prince of Wales is to support the monarch and he is already doing that alongside his own programme. William has already picked up some of the monarchys overseas administrative duties, flying to Kuwait in December 2023 to pay his condolences following the death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. But there is a sense that he can and should have time to stretch his legs and build his own legacy before the crown beckons. Regardless of the Kings prognosis, time marches in one direction and Williams future is inescapably on the throne. He is in no rush to get there. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. With just over a year under his belt as Britains monarch, King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer. The news was announced by Buckingham Palace on Monday and led to an outpour of national and global solidarity as the 75-year-old began treatment at a London clinic. The palace said that the King will postpone public-facing duties while he undergoes cancer treatment. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual, the statement said. The news of the Kings illnessso soon into his tenure and the recent loss of Queen Elizabeth, the U.K.'s longest serving monarchhas caused some uncertainty about the road ahead. The King ascended the throne on Sept. 8, 2022, following her death. His and Queen Camillas subsequent coronation took place on May 6. If he is incapacitated, there are four Counsellors of State who are available to carry out his duties, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told TIME. The counsellors are adults over the age of 21 from the line of succession. Heres what to know about how the royal family will be affected by the Kings diagnosis. Which royal duties will King Charles still carry out? King Charles chose to make his diagnosis public information once he began treatment in a bid to honor cancer-related charities that he was a patron for when he was Prince of Wales. In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Monday. The spokesperson also noted that while no further details are being made public at this stage, the King is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to his full duties. For now, the monarch will rearrange or postpone all public facing duties, but continue with state duties such as regular meetings with the U.K. Prime Minister, currently Rishi Sunak. His Majesty would like to apologize to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence, the spokesperson added. What does King Charles diagnosis mean for the senior royals? As with any monarch, King Charles can call upon Counsellors of State to take his place when he cannot undertake royal duties as a result of illness or other absences. Typically there are four counsellors from the line of succession who are over the age of 21. The counsellors are Queen Camilla, the Sovereigns spouse; William, Prince of Wales; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Princess Beatrice. But last year, the King requested an increase in the number of counsellors that can act on his behalf. He requested that his sister, Anne, the Princess Royal, and his brother, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, also be allowed to act as counsellors and carry out duties on his behalf. Harry resides outside of the U.K. in Montecito, California, and Prince Andrew no longer carries out royal duties as a result of scandals that connected him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; as such the men are unlikely to carry out duties as councellors. Its likely that Anne and Edward will pick up additional duties. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson also confirmed that Queen Camilla will continue with a full programme of public duties. What is expected of heir apparent Prince William? As the next in line to the throne, William will likely play the most prominent role in the Kings absence. William will return to duties after a week off; he postponed some responsibilities while Kate, Princess of Wales, was undergoing planned abdominal surgery for a non-cancerous condition. But the recent news has catapulted William back into accelerated responsibilities. The Prince will have a full schedule as early as Wednesday, when he is set to host an investiture honoring citizens who have served their nation and communities. In the evening, he will attend an annual fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance where he is expected to deliver a speech. The monarchy typically hosts a service at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day on March 11. It is currently unclear whether William will guide the event should it continue. What is expected of Prince Harry amid Kings diagnosis? Within minutes of King Charles diagnosis being publicly announced, Prince Harry, and all of Charles U.K. based family, had been alerted of his health condition. Harry arrived in London on Tuesday, having previously been spotted at Los Angeles International Airport. It is only natural that Harry will be visiting him which is bound to lead to reports of a reconciliation, as the rift in the royal family is serious, Fitzwilliams says. Their relationship has been increasingly tense since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Harry discussed his relationship with his family at length in his 2023 bombshell memoir Spare, which was Amazons best selling book by the end of the year. In May, Harry attended his fathers coronation but did not join the family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace; this was his last public appearance with his father. Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com. LONDON Britains King George VI died 72 years ago Tuesday after cancer treatment so secret that it was hidden from the media, the public and perhaps even the king himself. On the eve of that anniversary, his grandson King Charles III broke with that tradition of royal mystery by announcing that he, too, has been diagnosed with cancer. The king has been lauded for his openness, saying he chose to make the announcement to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. His candor shows us both that Charles wants to be more open but also how society has moved on, NBC News royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said, and that sharing your cancer, sharing your own emotions and feelings about what youre going through, can be very helpful, not just to yourself, but to everybody else. However, there are several key questions left unanswered by the palace, specifically what type of cancer it is, what treatment he is receiving and what exactly is the prognosis for the septuagenarian king, who assumed the throne only 18 months ago. The palace has said it is not prostate cancer, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added new detail Tuesday morning, saying in an interview with the BBC that the disease had been caught early. The remaining unknowns are already fueling rampant speculation in traditional and social media the very thing the king says he was seeking to avoid. Some doctors have suggested that his vagueness might be undermining his own message of public health awareness. Thats what I find a bit puzzling its great that hes said hes got cancer, but why not be honest? asked Dr. Karol Sikora, a leading British oncologist and former chief of the cancer program at the World Health Organization. If I was advising him, I would say be totally honest, because people will speculate. Though they are fundamentally political figures, the British royals have tended to play by different rules to elected and appointed officials when it comes to disclosing health issues. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for example, has apologized to the American public and President Joe Biden for not disclosing his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment sooner. That default expectation has not always been there for the royals, however. Little was said during what proved to be the final weeks of the late Queen Elizabeth IIs reign, with official statements saying only that doctors had advised her to rest before the eventual announcement of her death Sept. 8, 2022. And it was revealed in a posthumous biography by the historian William Shawcross that the Queen Mother had been treated for two different types of cancer. Its against this backdrop that some observers found it notable that Charles made such a swift disclosure at all. He had already won praise for going public with the news that he had received treatment last month for an enlarged prostate sparking a 1,000% surge in traffic for the National Health Services webpage for the condition. King Charles London Clinic (Daniel Leal / AFP via Getty Images file) It was during that procedure that doctors found a separate issue of concern, and later tests revealed that it was a form of cancer, a statement from Buckingham Palace said. The palace issued a separate briefing to the media, with both on-the-record and background details to inform its coverage. The striking thing is that theyve actually announced it, royal biographer and historian Sarah Gristwood said. The royal tradition was always to keep any sign of ordinary human fallibility behind closed doors. Buckingham Palace announced Monday evening that the king has begun outpatient treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. (Rafiq Maqbool / AP) In 1951, George VI, a heavy smoker, had his left lung removed because of what was described only as structural abnormalities. He was thought to have recovered but died suddenly in his sleep six months later. Gristwood and other historians say that even the king wasnt told that it was, in fact, carcinoma lung cancer which, doctors have said since then, appeared to have spread to his right lung. That scenario would be unimaginable today. Dr. Clive Peedell, a British oncologist and political activist, said that he was wishing King Charles all the very best but that the palaces statement will not prevent speculation, it will fuel it, in a post on X. Another person who identified as an oncologist replied that the palace wants to avoid speculation but havent named the cancer Sikora, who is a professor of medicine at Englands University of Buckingham, said it was very good that the king has been honest about the fact he has cancer, because many people are very shy about it, and it breaks the taboo. But he said that not revealing the whole truth would lead to more questions. What people want to know is: How serious is it? This article was originally published on NBCNews.com King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has started treatment in London. The shock diagnosis comes a week after the 75-year-old British monarch left hospital following a separate procedure for an enlarged prostate. Heres what we know. How was the cancer identified? Charles recent health problems started last month when Buckingham Palace announced on January 17 that the King would attend hospital to undergo a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate. He had been diagnosed after experiencing symptoms and receiving a check-up while at his Birkhall residence in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was discharged from the London Clinic on January 29 and was previously said to have been doing well after spending three nights at the private hospital near Regents Park. He was released hours after Catherine, Princess of Wales, left the same facility where she had been resting following a successful abdominal operation. However, while the King was undergoing that treatment, a separate issue of concern was noted, according to the palace on Monday, and subsequent tests identified a form of cancer. Health experts suggest it is not uncommon for many cancer patients to be diagnosed when seeking imaging or medical care for other reasons. Youre going in for one thing, but then you do additional testing either as part of a general evaluation or influenced by certain symptoms or signs or blood tests that trigger a procedure or imaging which then leads to the diagnosis of cancer in a different organ system, said Dr. Anil Rustgi, director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, who was not involved in Charles medical care. What dont we know? The palace has also not said how serious the cancer is or how early it was detected, nor did it specify what type of treatments the monarch might be receiving. A royal source told CNN that it was not prostate cancer but did not specify further. Specific medical conditions of members of the royal family are rarely divulged publicly. The palaces perspective is that they are entitled to some level of medical privacy despite their positions as public servants. That was the case with the initial diagnosis of an enlarged prostate. But Charles opted to share his diagnosis as he wanted to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked. The situation is different when a condition could affect public duties. At that point, the palace has a duty to reveal what is going on, which is why a statement was issued on Monday evening. How is King Charles doing? King Charles was seen for the first time since leaving hospital on Sunday. With Queen Camilla by his side, he appeared to be in good spirits, waving to the public as the pair made their way to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, for a Sunday morning church service. He later returned to London and began outpatient treatment, before leaving the capital on Tuesday. On the advice of his doctors, the King is postponing his public-facing engagements as he receives treatment but will continue with state business and official paperwork, the palace said. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible, it added. King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House, the monarch's London residence, on February 6, a day after his cancer diagnosis was announced. - Toby Melville/Reuters That means hes likely to carry on getting his daily red boxes with government papers so he can continue working through state documents at home. The King is expected to resume his in-person weekly audience with the prime minister on February 21, according to the UKs PA news agency. On Wednesday, Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held the audience by telephone, the PA reported. CNN understands the King will continue to be available for state duties like Privy Council meetings. However, details of how that will occur are still being worked out. The King traveled to Sandringham House, the royal familys private country retreat in Norfolk, eastern England, on Tuesday after visits from his son, Prince Harry, and niece, Princess Beatrice. On Wednesday, the King congratulated Grenada on its 50th year of independence. Who fronts the family now? Prince William returned to public duties on Wednesday for the first time since his wife, Catherine, had surgery last month. 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. The announcement that William would be resuming some royal engagements came just hours before the Kings cancer diagnosis. William is in regular contact with his father, according to a source close to the Prince of Wales. Williams first public appearance was to host an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Later on Wednesday, he attended a charity gala for the London Air Ambulance Charity, of which he is a patron, and met crew members, supporters of the charity, and former patients. Id like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days, the Prince of Wales said in a speech at the Gala dinner. It means a great deal to us all. Footage from the event showed William meeting and shaking hands with air ambulance staff and the Hollywood actor Tom Cruise. Tom, if you wouldnt mind not borrowing either of the new helicopters for the next Mission Impossible, it would be appreciated, William quipped in his speech. The Prince of Wales had previously taken time off to support his family as his wife continued her recovery at their home in Windsor. 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. A royal source told CNN last week that the princess return to her official duties will depend on medical advice closer to the time. Prince William will resume royal duties this week, Kensington Palace announced Monday. - Andrew Parsons/Kensington Palace Queen Camilla has been undertaking a full program of public duties in recent weeks, with that expected to continue. Meanwhile, other working members of the family are continuing their public engagements and CNN understands they could also pick up some additional duties on Charles behalf if needed. The number of public-facing working royals has dwindled in recent years as the Firm sought to rebrand in step with the times. Only working royals carry out engagements on behalf of the King, splitting the 2,710 visits and events of last year between them. That group was supposed to consist of 14 family members: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Waleses, the Sussexes, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke and Duchess of Kent. That is, until Prince Harry and Meghan chose to step down and Andrew was forced to, in the light of his relationship with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Now, 11 members of the clan conduct royal duties - more than half of whom are over the age of 70. Harry returned to the United Kingdom on Tuesday to see his father following his diagnosis. The duke who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 made a transatlantic dash from California to see the King, who it is thought he hasnt seen since the coronation in May. What could happen if the King becomes too ill to work? While all the signals coming from the palace are positive, there are constitutional provisions in place if the King is unable to temporarily carry out his official duties. In that instance, counsellors of state can be called upon to step in for him. Two counselors can be appointed to act on the monarchs behalf through whats known as a letters patent and help keep the state ticking over. They would be authorized to sign documents, attend Privy Council meetings, and receive new ambassadors, but not perform some of the most important constitutional roles, such as appointing a Prime Minister. CNN understands there are no current plans to appoint any counselors. The list of royals who can step in include Queen Camilla, Princes William, Harry and Andrew, and Princess Beatrice. In 2022, the King expanded this pool of family members to include his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward. If this option was enacted over the coming weeks or months, it is unlikely the Dukes of Sussex or York would be directed to step up as they are no longer working royals. If the King becomes completely unable to carry out his constitutional duties and the state can no longer function properly, his powers can be withdrawn and assumed by a regent. Under the Regency Act 1937, that would be the next in line to the throne, which is Prince William. For that to happen, there has to be medical evidence that the Sovereign is by reason of infirmity of mind or body incapable for the time being of performing the royal functions or is for some definite cause not available for the performance of those functions. A panel of four needs to be satisfied with the evidence by a majority vote. That panel consists of the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Chief Justice of England, the Master of the Rolls, and The Queen. They would need to declare their decision in writing and would also declare if or when the King is ready to resume his duties. In the meantime, Prince William would act in his name. What is the current line of succession? The changes to the number of working royals in recent years has not changed the line of succession. The Kings elder son, Prince William, is the first-in-line to the British throne. He is followed by his three children: 10-year-old Prince George, then Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. CNNs David Wilkinson contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The children of King Charles III and Princess Diana have made a number of splashy headlines, just like their parents. Prince William and Prince Harry are now both married and have children, but the two (sometimes called "the heir and the spare") have chosen different paths on their royal journey. Charles William Harry Balmoral (Tim Graham / Getty Images) Prince William Prince William, first in the line of succession to the throne, was born on June 21, 1982. He made a number of unprecedented trips with his parents as a child (previously, royals left children at home when they traveled), and he stayed in the public eye throughout much of his life. Prince William, Prince of Wales and King Charles III (Max Mumby / Getty Images) He attended Eton College, a prestigious boarding school, and continued on to the University of St. Andrews, where he met his now-wife, Kate Middleton. The pair married on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey, becoming the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge. Then, when Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022, they became the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Dutchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Currently, they are raising three children: Prince George (born July 22, 2013), Princess Charlotte (born May 2, 2015) and Prince Louis (born April 23, 2018). Prince Harry Prince Harry, the second child of King Charles and Princess Diana, was born on Sept. 15, 1984. Harry was 12 years old when his mother died in a fatal car crash in 1997, and the event had a devastating effect on him. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry (Samir Hussein / WireImage) Following in his brother's footsteps, Harry attended Eton College; unlike his brother, he gained a reputation as a "bad boy." But shortly after Eton, he turned over a new leaf in the public perception of him. Harry served a 10-week tour of duty in Afghanistan and began supporting causes similar to those that his mother championed. He met his now-wife, Meghan Markle, in 2016 and proposed to her the following year. They married on May 19, 2018, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their first child, Archie, was born on May 6, 2019, just days before their first wedding anniversary. Lilibet followed two years later on June 4, 2021. Harry and Meghan decided to "step back" from their royal duties in January 2020, which caused some ripples in the monarchy. The pair remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they no longer work on behalf of the royal family. King Charles' stepchildren Tom Parker Bowles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Laura Lopes (David M. Benett / Getty Images) King Charles also has two stepchildren, the children of Queen Consort Camilla Parker-Bowles. When Charles and Camilla married in 2005, their blended family became part of royal history. Camilla has two children with ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles. Camilla's children are not in the line of succession and do not have any royal titles. Were commoners, Tom Parker Bowles said to an interviewer for A Current Affair in 2015. Boisdale Lunch & Awards 2022 (MelMedia / Getty Images) Tom Parker Bowles In 1974, Camilla and her then-husband, Andrew, welcomed their first child, Tom Parker Bowles. Charles is both Toms godfather and stepfather, per Tina Browns The Palace Papers. Tom Parker Bowles is an award-winning food writer who has written several cookbooks, including 2012s Lets Eat: Recipes from My Kitchen Notebook and 2021s Fortnum & Mason: Time for Tea. The New York Times once described Parker Bowles food writing: His sense of humor is intact throughout and never sharper than when hes writing about himself, whom he portrays as a callow Englishman with a crush on America and a tourists eagerness to fit in by speaking the lingo. He has a son, Freddy, and a daughter, Lola, according to the media outlet Tatler. Ahead of King Charles' coronation, Tom Parker Bowles defended his mother on the News Agents podcast. I dont care what anyone says, this wasnt any sort of endgame. She married the person she loved and this is what happened, he said. Laura Lopes Laura Lopes (Max Mumby / Getty Images) Laura Lopes is Camilla and Andrews second child, born in 1978. In 2006, Lopes married her husband, Harry Lopes, a former Calvin Klein model and accountant. Wedding guests included King Charles III and the former Kate Middleton. Lopes has three children, a daughter named Eliza and twin sons Gus and Louis, according to the media outlet Tatler. This article was originally published on TODAY.com The King has cancer and will be postponing his public duties while he receives treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The diagnosis came after a hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement revealed a second, more serious medical problem. The King has begun regular treatment at a London hospital, but has not revealed what type of cancer he has, other than confirming it is not prostate cancer. He is taking time away from public engagements to minimise the risk to his health. He was able to tell members of his family personally, with his younger son, the Duke of Sussex, now flying back to Britain to see him. The Prince of Wales, who is already supporting his wife after her serious abdominal surgery, will this week resume public engagements, including conducting an investiture. He is in regular contact with his father. Prince William, pictured leaving the London Clinic, has been supporting his wife following her surgery there - Jonathan Buckmaster The Queen is to continue her full programme of engagements as she maintains her support after visiting her husband every day in hospital during his prostate treatment. The King is said to be wholly positive about his treatment, and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. A source added that the King was as optimistic as can be, having caught the cancer early and with specialist treatment available. He will continue to undertake state duties, including his audiences with the Prime Minister, Privy Council meetings and the completion of paperwork in his red boxes. Some meetings may be held virtually to minimise the risk of infection to the King during his treatment. There are no plans yet to appoint counsellors of state to deputise for him. The news was announced by Buckingham Palace at 6pm on Monday, after the family including the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh the Government, and leaders of the nations where the King is head of state were informed. An official statement was then made: Asked about the form of cancer, a spokesman said: No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer. The King started his treatment as an outpatient on Monday and remained at home in London in the evening, a spokesman confirmed. He added that, as patron of a number of cancer-related charities, the King had chosen to make his diagnosis public once treatment had begun. In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them, he added. The King has now received well wishes from around the world. Joe Biden, the US president, said he was concerned about the diagnosis as foreign leaders wished him a swift recovery. Mr Biden, who is six years older than the 75-year-old King, told reporters: Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. Ill be talking to him, God willing. In a formal statement, Mr Biden said: Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery. The King was most recently seen attending a church service on Sunday. He looked weary, but smiled and waved to the public as he and the Queen walked to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. The King was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago, after three nights in hospital following treatment for an enlarged prostate. He underwent a corrective procedure for the benign condition and had already been planning to take up to a month off public duty as he recuperates. Since then, the Queen has been the most senior member of the Royal family carrying out public engagements while both the King and Princess recover. Asked about his well-being last week, she said her husband was doing his best as she opened a cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. The King seemed in good spirits during his visit to St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham on Sunday - Paul Marriott Photography Asked about Kings public schedule following the cancer diagnosis, a spokesman said: Regrettably, a number of the Kings forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence. The Prince of Wales will return to public duty on Wednesday for an investiture and an evening fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance. The Duke of Sussex is flying back from California to see his father, while the Duchess and their two children will remain at home in Montecito. A source close to the Sussexes said: The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be travelling to the UK to see His Majesty in the coming days. Prince Harry was last seen with the Royal family at the Kings Coronation in May, but left without spending time with relatives. The King has been a patron of the cancer charity Macmillan since 1997. A spokesman for the charity said: Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family. We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time. Dame Laura Lee, the Maggies cancer support chief executive who met the Queen last week during the official opening of a new centre at the Royal Free, said: We are incredibly sorry to hear the Kings news and our thoughts are with him. We also know how challenging and worrying a time a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family, and our thoughts are very much with our president, Her Majesty the Queen. The Archbishop of York said the King was someone whom we know and care for, so my response today is one of prayerful concern and hopefulness that this cancer will be treatable and that it has been diagnosed early enough for that treatment to be speedy and effective. I am praying for him and for the Royal family and with them for the many other people who are receiving similar treatment both for cancer and for other illnesses. The news of the Kings diagnosis follows a health scare for the Princess of Wales, who had serious abdominal surgery three weeks ago and will be out of the public eye recovering until at least Easter. Sarah, Duchess of York, has also endured ill health, being diagnosed with breast cancer followed by a malignant melanoma. The Kings diagnosis means it is unlikely that he will attend the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11. He and the Queen were expected, though not officially confirmed, to be visiting Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October. Overseas travel is currently postponed, but they will resume tours where possible. The King has already received praise for raising awareness of prostate enlargement, having wanted to share news of his original diagnosis 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 of the first announcement, with a 1,000 per cent rise in people searching for symptoms in the days that followed. Dr Jay Verma, the president of the GP section at the Royal Society of Medicine, thanked the King for raising awareness about cancer. He said: We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and success in his treatment for cancer. We have made leaps and bounds in our cancer treatment and survival rates, and the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more options there are for treatment. We would also like to thank His Majesty for using his unique position in highlighting how cancer is indiscriminate in who it affects and that there should be no shame or embarrassment in coming forward to seek help and advice. 12:23 AM GMT King has cancer - the headlines Thats it for our live coverage today. Here is the best of the reaction and analysis: 11:26 PM GMT France and Ireland send best wishes French President Emmanuel Macron has responded to news of the Kings diagnosis, tweeting: Wishing His Majesty King Charles III a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the British people. Amities. Michael D Higgins, the President of Ireland, said in a statement that he was very sorry and concerned to hear todays statement regarding King Charles medical diagnosis. The president has sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Ireland to King Charles for his medical treatment and for his full recovery, as well as to Queen Camilla and his family. 10:59 PM GMT Australian PM wishes King well Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wished the King a swift recovery. He tweeted: Australians know that His Majesty King Charles has always reached out to us in our countrys toughest moments, showing kindness and care for those doing it tough. All of us are thinking of him and his family in this very hard time. We wish him well for a speedy recovery. The King is Australias head of state. The King with Anthony Albanese a few days before his Coronation last year - GETTY IMAGES 10:37 PM GMT The King will know he has the support of his people When he acceded the throne 17 months ago, the King pledged to dedicate his life to the service of his people. At his Coronation less than a year ago, the man once known as the longest-serving heir to the throne felt the weight of the St Edwards Crown on his head as a new era began. After 52 years as a campaigning Prince of Wales, and 64 as Queen Elizabeth IIs heir, King Charles III would finally come to realise the reign he could have long imagined. As King, there would be less campaigning and more convening but nevertheless, he had plans to help. Now he is left to contemplate not what he can do but what he can manage. Read more: Simon Heffer: The tsunami of goodwill for the King in his battle will be enormous Well-wishers gather outside Buckingham Palace on Monday night - REUTERS 09:43 PM GMT The King was able to tell his family personally The King has begun regular treatment at a London hospital, but has not revealed what type of cancer he has, and is taking time away from public engagements to minimise the risk to his health. He was able to tell members of his family personally, with his younger son the Duke of Sussex now flying back to Britain to see him. The Prince of Wales, who is already supporting his wife after serious abdominal surgery, will this week resume public engagements, including conducting an investiture. He is in regular contact with his father. The Royal standard flying above Clarence House on Monday night - ANDREW BAKER 09:20 PM GMT After my diagnosis, I tried to be philosophical about it Its unavoidable that when you hear, its cancer, as I did in autumn 2022, it comes as a terrible shock. However, I am 90 years old, and while the King is younger, he is 75, so thoughts of mortality arent strange to either of us. Our parents have died and people of our own generation are beginning to; I open the obituary pages and find that friends names are there. The King will be able to marshal the very best treatments, which I was fortunate enough to be able to. But cancer is a great leveller; it can affect us all, whether you are a sovereign or just the average person. Read more: Whether youre King or commoner, cancer makes you confront your mortality 08:51 PM GMT Watch: Biden concerned for King In a formal statement, President Biden said: Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery. Earlier today, the US president told reporters he hoped to be able to speak with the King soon: 08:50 PM GMT Archbishop of York: Its a bit of a shock for all of us The Archbishop of York has said the Kings cancer diagnosis has been a bit of a shock for all of us as he wished His Majesty well. Stephen Cottrell told the BBC: First of all, this is a private matter for him and his family. We dont have all the details, nor should we. But he is our King, someone whom we know and care for, so my response today is one of prayerful concern and hopefulness that this cancer will be treatable and that it has been diagnosed early enough for that treatment to be speedy and effective. The Archbishop added that he was praying for the King and for others suffering with cancer. I am praying for him and for the Royal Family and with them for the many other people who are receiving similar treatment both for cancer and for other illnesses. Please join me, he said. Moreover, it will be necessary that he has time for rest and recuperation. I hope the King will be hugely comforted by the prayers of Christian people and of other faith communities. Our message is clear: Get well soon, Your Majesty. 08:43 PM GMT Why William now needs Harrys support It is the news no one wants to hear about one of their loved ones. When the dreaded c-word rears its ugly head in any family it naturally prompts fears for the future. But when that family is also a Firm it not only raises concerns for the King as an individual, but also the institution to which His Majesty belongs. In being so honest with the public about Charles IIIs cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace is breaking with royal protocol. Royal insiders will no doubt be hoping that news of their fathers cancer diagnosis acts as a catalyst to bring William and Harry back on speaking terms. Read more: The King needs William and now the Prince of Wales needs Harry Prince Harry and William are not thought to have had much contact over the last year - GETTY IMAGES 08:19 PM GMT Trump hails 'wonderful' Charles Donald Trump, the former US President now campaigning for re-election, has said he is praying for the Kings full recovery. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: King Charles has cancer. He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery! 08:17 PM GMT Pictured: Buckingham Palace tonight following the news Buckingham Palace tonight with the flag flying the Royal Standard - pixel8000 08:15 PM GMT Wes Streeting wishes King well after personal experience Many MPs over the years have received treatment for cancer. Among them is the shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, who said: One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout. 07:56 PM GMT King among nearly 400,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year According to Macmillan Cancer Support around 393,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Globally in 2020, there were 18 million new cases of cancer according to Cancer Research UK. Medical experts have expressed hope that this cancer diagnosis raises awareness. For example, when the King shared his separate diagnosis of an enlarged prostate last month, there were 16,410 visits to the NHS websites prostate enlargement page compared with 1,414 visits the previous day. When he was formerly Prince of Wales, Charles was patron of a number of cancer-related charities and often spoke in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and health professionals. Buckingham Palace said that the King chose to share his cancer diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. 07:49 PM GMT What do we know so far? Many political leaders, medical experts and well-wishers are continuing to wish the King a speedy recovery, but lets look at what we know about the Kings diagnosis. What type of cancer has the King been diagnosed with? Buckingham Palace said diagnostic tests had identified a form of cancer, but the precise type has not been specified. These tests followed the monarchs recent procedure for a benign prostate enlargement, when a separate issue of concern was noted. All that has been confirmed so far is that it is not prostate cancer. What kind of diagnostic tests were performed? Details of the type of test have not been divulged. Generally, diagnostic tests for cancer can involve blood tests, scans and biopsies. A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample so it can be examined under a microscope to identify whether there are abnormal cells present. What is happening now? The Palace has confirmed that Charles has started a schedule of regular treatments. The King started his treatment on Monday and remains at home in London this evening. Under medical advice, the King is stepping back from public-facing engagements but it undertaking State business and official paperwork as usual and remains wholly positive about his treatment. 07:36 PM GMT GP leaders urge those with cancer symptoms to come forward As many across the country and the world learn of the news, many medical leaders have been sending their sympathies but using this moment of public awareness around cancer as a force for good. Among them was NHS Englands chief executive Amanda Pritchard, who said: Finding out you have cancer can be very daunting - we hope King Charles treatment goes well. As ever, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, please do come forward for checks. Meanwhile Dr Jay Verma, the President of the GP Section at the Royal Society of Medicine, said this evening: We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and success in his treatment for cancer. We have made leaps and bounds in our cancer treatment and survival rates and the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more options there are for treatment. We would also like to thank His Majesty for using his unique position in highlighting how cancer is indiscriminate in who it affects and that there should be no shame or embarrassment in coming forward to seek help and advice. He urged the public to make use of the NHSs cancer screening programme and make an appointment if due one, stressing that it could save your life. Anyone who thinks they may have cancer symptoms should contact their GP and dont be shy as the more information doctors have, the better, he said. 07:30 PM GMT Joe Biden calling King Charles tonight The US President Joe Biden has said he is concerned about King Charless diagnosis and will call him later. Mr Biden told reporters at the Vdara Hotel in Las Vegas: Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis He said he hoped to speak soon with the King god willing. 07:18 PM GMT King praised for helping public by sharing diagnosis The Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins has praised the King for sharing his diagnosis, saying it would help with public awareness of cancer. My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties. https://t.co/3dRZQVeWet Victoria Atkins (@VictoriaAtkins) February 5, 2024 07:15 PM GMT Maggies charity offers support for anyone impacted Maggies cancer support chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: We are incredibly sorry to hear the Kings news and our thoughts are with him. We also know how challenging and worrying a time a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family and our thoughts are very much with our president, Her Majesty The Queen. We have centres across the country for anyone living with cancer or impacted by this announcement. 07:13 PM GMT Macmillan Cancer Support sends best at 'challenging time' A statement from Macmillan Cancer Support said everyone at the charity was sending their best wishes to the King. The statement on X said: Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family. We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time. It comes as the Royal Household is currently conducting a review of royal patronages. The King has been a long-standing supporter of Macmillan, becoming patron of the charity in 1997. 07:05 PM GMT 'God Save The King': Boris Johnson and Liz Truss respond to the news Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have sent their best wishes to the King. Mr Johnson wrote on X, formerly Twitter: The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery. Ms Truss said: Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King! 07:00 PM GMT Telegraph readers react We have compiled some of your comments wishing the King all the best. 06:55 PM GMT Latest pictures of King Charles King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive to attend a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk on February 4 - Joe Giddens/PA Wire King Charles III leaves the London Clinic on January 29 with Queen Camilla - DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images 06:43 PM GMT Scottish and Welsh leaders react In Wales, First Minister Mark Drakeford said he was saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening, he said. I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan [Get well soon]. In Scotland, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: My thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King and I hope for a speedy recovery and return to public life. My thoughts are also with Her Majesty The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family at what I know will be a worrying time. 06:39 PM GMT Michelle ONeill wishes King well Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill, who became the first republican in the role two days ago, said she was very sorry to learn of the Kings cancer diagnosis. I am very sorry to hear of King Charles illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a full and speedy recovery, she said. 06:27 PM GMT Prince Harry likely to fly from California today By Victoria Ward, Deputy Royal Editor The Duke of Sussex will fly from California to London to see the King in the coming days, the Telegraph understands. Prince Harry, 39, spoke to his father about his diagnosis personally and is making plans to see him imminently, sources confirmed. The Duke, who is currently at home in Montecito, is likely to fly today. The Duchess of Sussex will stay at home with their two children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two. 06:23 PM GMT Prince Harry visiting King in coming days The Duke of Sussex has spoken with the King about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to Prince Harry said. 06:21 PM GMT King personally informed Prince Harry and Prince William The King contacted both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis. All of the Kings siblings, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and Duke of Edinburgh, were also notified personally by Charles, 75, royal aides confirmed. The Prime Minister was also informed of his condition. Prince William, who returns to public duties this week after helping to settle his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery. He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment. Palace aides said His Majesty was looking forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. Counsellors of State, those appointed to stand in for the monarch if he is incapacitated, are not expected to be called upon. A Buckingham Palace spokesman confirmed that the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties. Similarly, all working members of the Royal family will continue with a full programme of public engagements and may undertake some additional duties on behalf of the monarch as required. 06:11 PM GMT Prime Minister: 'He'll be back to full strength in no time' Rishi Sunak has wished the King a full and speedy recovery. The Prime Minister tweeted: Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024 06:09 PM GMT Buckingham Palace statement in full Here is Buckingham Palaces full statement on the news that the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has started a schedule of treatment. 06:08 PM GMT Commons speaker wishes for 'speedy recovery' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and wed all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonights news. 06:07 PM GMT Keir Starmer sends best wishes to the King Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has wished the King all the very best for his recovery after he was diagnosed with a form of cancer. Sir Keir tweeted: On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health. 06:06 PM GMT Queen said he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best' As the King has only just received his diagnosis, details of his diary commitments are still being worked through. It is not known when a full programme of engagements will recommence. It has been reported that the King and Queen were due to travel to Canada on an official tour this Spring, although this had not been confirmed by the Palace. Royal sources said planning for future visits would continue where possible, making allowance for the changed circumstances. The King was seen walking to church on the Sandringham estate on Sunday, when he waved to onlookers. Last week, during a visit to Maggies cancer centre at the Royal Free hospital in north London, the Queen said he was getting on and doing his best. 06:04 PM GMT King hopes to return to duties as soon as possible The King will continue to receive his daily red boxes of Government papers throughout his treatment for cancer, Victoria Ward writes. However, he has cancelled several public engagements. Although there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State, the senior royals appointed to stand in for the monarch if he is incapacitated, royal aides said it was too early to say when His Majesty would return to full public duty. However, he is said to be looking forward to doing so as soon as possible. 06:02 PM GMT Number of engagements to be postponed The King has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment as an outpatient. The palace had previously indicated that the King would be taking a month off his public duties to recover from his prostate treatment. At that point, the secondary diagnosis and necessary treatment had not been confirmed. The Queen, who accompanied the King to his original procedure at the London Clinic and was seen visiting him daily, will support him through his treatment and undertake her full programme of public duties. Asked about his public schedule, a spokesman said: Regrettably, a number of The Kings forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence. 06:01 PM GMT Queen has led engagements The Queen has been the most senior member of the royal family carrying out public engagements while both the King and Princess recover, with Prince William due back for one investiture and one evening engagement on Wednesday. Asked about his wellbeing last week, Queen Camilla said her husband was doing his best following his release from hospital as she opened a cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. The King is understood to have wanted to share the news about his prostate procedure 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. 06:00 PM GMT No details about type of cancer No details about the type of cancer the King has been diagnosed with have been released. Asked about the form of cancer, a spokesman said: No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer. The King was last seen attending a church service on Sunday. Charles looked weary, but smiled and waved to the public as he and the Queen walked to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday morning, accompanied by a member of the clergy. He was discharged from the London Clinic last Monday after three nights receiving medical care at the hospital where the Princess of Wales had also been recovering from abdominal surgery, before being allowed home the same day. The King underwent a corrective procedure for the benign condition last week and had already been planning to take up to a month off public duty as he recuperates. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In a report published by Aljazeera, the UN has announced the creation of a new independent panel to assess the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees. The Aid agency has come under fire from Israel which has accused 12 of the panel's staff members were involved in the Oct.7 attack that killed 1,139 people mostly civilians and was the triggering point for the ongoing conflict. Funding Suspended Many countries have already suspended funding to the agency including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The panel itself is to be spearheaded by former French Minister Catherine Colonna who will be working with three European organizations. Those organizations are the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Chr Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute For Human Rights. The investigation's overall goal is to "assess whether the agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they are made" The panel is set to submit an interim report to Guterres in late March along with a final one to follow in April. The report is to consist of potential recommendations for "improving and strengthening" the agency's actions. The report also states that the assessment is different from the internal probe that the United Nations launched last month following the accusations made against the 12 staff members. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone on record saying that the UN has been "totally infiltrated" by Hamas and has been this way since 2007. However, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has stated that he looks forward to the findings of the review group and also stated "I welcome the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of an independent review group to assess how UNRWA ensures neutrality and responds to allegations of serious breaches. I look forward to the conclusion & recommendations of the report which will be made public" Lazzarini made this statement on the social media platform X formerly known as Twitter. However, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz has said that his government has proof that ties the agency to terrorism. Katz also made the following statement on X as well "We will submit all evidence highlighting UNRWA's ties to terrorism and its harmful effects on regional stability. It is imperative that this committee brings the truth to light" Palestinian officials have fired back at the allegations and have accused Israel of presenting false information to ruin UNRWA's reputation. In light of the suspended funding, Lazzarini has chosen to visit three Gulf states to rev up funding and has warned that it might have to stop its operations by February if the funding does not resume. The report also cites an article from Reuter where spokesperson Juliette Touma made the following statement "We are hoping that paused funding will reconsider and others will step forward as well. In response, Spain's foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares has gone on record saying that his country will be providing 3.5m euros to help the agency maintain its operations in the short term 3.5m is equivalent to $3.8 million. In light of the ongoing conflict, a myriad of Gaza civilians have been displaced or stranded in hospitals as a result and it would seem that it will be quiet some time before the civilians or even the wider territory will receive any form of aid. The King on a 2020 Covid conference call with the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra - Kensington Palace/GETTY As the King faces a new way of working, royal aides will draw heavily on the blueprint created during lockdown, when public engagements were abandoned and business was conducted at arms length. The pandemic experience may prove something of a godsend for the Buckingham Palace team tasked with ensuring that, to the watching world at least, the monarchs hand remains firmly on the tiller. Crucially, as the King, 75, embarks on a routine of outpatient hospital appointments and potentially gruelling cancer treatment, he is determined to maintain his constitutional role. He has vowed to continue his weekly audiences with Rishi Sunak and to make himself available for Privy Council meetings and select private meetings, even though in the longer term, they may take a different form. If the King is advised by his medical team to significantly reduce public contact in order to minimise infection risk, he will revert to video conferencing and remote calls. New regime Royal aides admit that the monarchs new regime is still being worked through, the focus thus far having been on managing his health and care, followed by planning how the delicate news of his diagnosis was to be shared with the world. Only now, with the Kings treatment plan in place and messages of support flooding in from world leaders, has the focus shifted to the day-to-day. Charles plans to balance his time by hopping between various residences, spending short periods of the week in London, where he is being treated, followed by longer periods at either Highgrove, his Gloucestershire home, or Sandringham in Norfolk. Wherever he is, sources insist, the King will be working throughout and is hoping that meetings will continue to be held in person. Although he has been advised to minimise public-facing duties, this is not because he has been physically impacted by his diagnosis or his treatment but to lower the threshold of risk, one source said. A meeting involving five people is very different to walking down a street through a crowd of hundreds. Aides are aware of the need to be flexible. If the Kings doctors advise him to stop flitting between residences and to reduce his travel, he will do so. His weekly audience with the Prime Minister, which traditionally takes place on a Wednesday, would be the last commitment he would forgo, The Telegraph understands. Exhausting Such a busy weekly travel schedule may sound exhausting to most people in their mid-70s but for the King, it is entirely normal. We have become used to a peripatetic court, one aide wryly noted, reflecting on his bosss tendency to bounce around. Indeed, it is rare for the monarch to spend more than two nights in any one place. In recent months, the King had tended to spend Thursdays and Fridays at Windsor Castle, before returning on a Sunday afternoon, ensuring that he was perfectly placed to see his three elder grandchildren, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five. With Windsor no longer featuring in his weekly schedule, such visits may now be curtailed, although the King is likely to maintain contact with the children remotely. The most dramatic shift, however, will be the enforced, sudden abandonment of the public engagements upon which he thrives. The King is known for encouraging aides to cram in as many official visits into any one day as humanly possible, enjoying nothing better than being out and about. Instead, he will busy himself reading up on matters of state and the latest developments concerning his various charities and environmental interests. As royal author Robert Hardman revealed in his recent book, Charles III, the King loves to read, often asking for more information from state papers. He reads a lot of stuff he doesnt need to read, Mr Hardman quoted one aide as saying. He might complain about some things, but work isnt one of them. Having a lot on his plate is what he likes. Having too much on his plate is never going to worry him. For the King, correspondence is a form of relaxation, much preferred over watching television, for example. As such, he will likely revel in the influx of letters he is now likely to receive as people near and far respond to his cancer diagnosis. Aides acknowledged that he would certainly rise to the challenge with gusto. Digital-first strategy Meanwhile, the necessary postponement of public engagements coupled with the desire for the King to be seen, will almost certainly result in images being released of the monarch at work, or videos of selected meetings. The new routine will see the palace plunged once again into its digital-first strategy, embracing the prospect of video conferencing and dialling into meetings remotely. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the then Prince Charles was said to have embraced the changes presented by lockdown from the onset. Clive Alderton, who remains his principal private secretary, said at the time: Their Royal Highnesses adapted literally overnight to a new digital-first way of working. He revealed that Charles and Camilla used everything from Zoom to Microsoft Teams, and even House Party. Images showed that, much like the rest of the nation, the King used laptops and devices propped up on piles of books and papers as he spoke to charity chiefs and business leaders. Simon Lewis, communication secretary to Elizabeth II from 1998 until 2000, acknowledged that much of the back and forth between No 10 and Buckingham Palace went on behind the scenes. The King will be absolutely focused on that and I know, from the people around him, that he will be absolutely itching to get on with that and continuing doing that, he told Radio 4s Today programme. Its getting the balance right between being treated for cancer but wanting to get on with the day job. Mr Hardman agreed that aides would be hoping to maintain their upbeat approach, reaffirming their message of stability. At the time of Covid, we ended up seeing and hearing a lot more of the Queen than we were used to I think we can look to more of that, he said. Certainly, theres no sense of constitutional worries. The machinery is there if its needed but right now its not needed. The author said the first notable absence might come on March 11, Commonwealth Day, when the King as head of the Commonwealth would normally lead senior members of the Royal family at a service at Westminster Abbey. Im sure there will be a statement, a message, as he will want to engage with that, Hardman said. Its moments like that when absence is noted but the day-to-day running of the monarchy wont change. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. When sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions. As an ardent Shakespearean, the King could be forgiven for dwelling on that rueful line from Hamlet. After getting a bit scratchy over a malfunctioning pen in the days after his mothers death, the reign of Charles III has gone swimmingly until now. Concerns that an opinionated Prince of Wales would find it hard to adjust to being a constitutional monarch have proved mostly unfounded. The new monarch has made hugely successful visits to France and Germany and carried out his duties at home with warmth and good humour. While he can never replace his late mother in the publics affections (and is wise enough not to try), the King and his Queen, both well into their 70s, have projected a cheerful and wonderfully British image of soldiering on regardless. How well they fulfil that fundamental function of reassuring us; everything will be alright. And, now, alas, an army of troubles crowds in. Only nine months after that magnificent Coronation, and the Royal family suddenly feels fragile and threadbare. What Charles would call beastly bad luck. The Queen was never ill, or never let on that she was, so we believed that she was immortal. Now that shes gone, the whole clan seems to be dropping like flies. The Kings prostate problem received sympathetic coverage, but a timely and shocking diagnosis of cancer has had the effect of drawing attention to his instant private treatment compared with the months of agonised waiting his subjects can expect on the NHS. (Health service CEO Amanda Pritchard had a cheek tweeting, Finding out you have cancer can be very daunting we hope King Charless treatment goes well. As ever, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, please do come forward for checks. As ever? Really, Amanda, with the worst delay between cancer diagnosis and starting treatment in the developed world?) Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Queen Camilla wave as they leave by car from Clarence House in London on Feb 6, 2024 - AFP The Princess of Wales is at home recuperating from major surgery and unlikely to be in action for many weeks yet. Prince William, who intended to take time out to support his wife and three children, will now return to work tomorrow as his father undergoes treatment, either chemo or radiotherapy; both draining. The Palace has been unusually frank about the monarchs medical condition, but openness can end up stoking the hunger for more disclosure. Its not enough to be told the King has cancer; now, the media demands to know what kind of cancer? Although Charles is said to be wholly positive and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible inevitably there is a worry. Would they have told us all this were it not potentially serious? We may find ourselves thinking back to the reigns we learned in history lessons (1837-1901, July 10 July 19 1553) and wondering whether this one will be shorter than a mediaeval interregnum, shorter even than expected because the King waited so long to ascend to the throne. Poor Charles, poor Camilla. Poor things. Just to add to the drama, and sense of turbulence, Prince Harry flew in on Tuesday and had a brief meeting with his papa at Clarence House. Naturally, there is fresh speculation about a royal reconciliation. Might Harrys transatlantic dash be used to heal wounds with King Charles and provide a chance to reach out to Prince William? Is Harrys trip to Britain the sign of a truce that could heal the rift in the Royal family or is it yet more opportunistic material-gathering to fulfil the Sussexes Netflix contract? True, family health crises have a way of thawing estranged relatives who cant quite remember the cause of their icy feud. Or, at least, the reasons for no longer speaking look petty compared to the sudden prospect of eternal loss. This feud is different, I think. Its hard to imagine William and Harry letting bygones be bygones at their fathers bedside. Too much blood under the bridge. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex showed a merciless (and mercenary) disregard for the health of Prince Philip who was very unwell in the same private London hospital his eldest son now attends, when they gave their notorious interview to Oprah in March 2021. A month later, the Windsor patriarch was dead at the age of 99. I do hope the rumour is true that the marvellously acerbic Prince Philip referred to Meghan as DoW the Duchess of Windsor after her malevolent American predecessor who also had an unfortunate power over the loins of a British prince. What we do know is that our late Queen was incredibly upset about Harry and Meghans exploits before and during her widowhood. Prince William is said to be particularly bitter about the strain his brother imposed on their grandmother in her final years. Not to mention the frequent disgraceful digs the Montecito pair have made at his wife, Catherine. And there is no love lost between the present Queen and her younger stepson since Harry accused her in his autobiography, Spare, of being a dangerous woman, a potentially wicked stepmother who sacrificed me on her own personal PR altar. Cant imagine many cosy fireside chats at the Palace between that pair. After this mortal shock, the tender-hearted King must long for family unity. Please boys, dont make my final years a misery he begged his warring sons after their grandfathers funeral. But my guess is the deep wounds inflicted by the poisonous pair only have a chance of being healed if or when Harry and Meghan are divorced. Where does this leave the Royal family at a time of crisis? All hands on deck are needed, but there arent a lot of hands. The idea that the Queen will step up her number of engagements is wishful thinking, Im afraid. Camilla is, as friends say, a bloody brick with a lovely, mischievous charm, but she will be 77 in July and is slowing down as people her age do. Sitting in the carriage at the Coronation, she was clearly in discomfort, following a recent back injury, it was claimed. Occasionally, she looks a bit shaky on her pins. A great deal has been asked of her, and Lord knows she has done it with aplomb, but asking for her to take on more is too much and could endanger her own health. The King needs her to be well. So, Prince William must, perforce, be on standby to fill his fathers shoes. He has always protectively guarded his time with his young family, wishing normality for George, Charlotte and Louis, not hankering after the Crown, even though poll after poll has shown a public strongly in favour of William and Kate on the throne. It would be good for him to remember that his beloved grandmother was 25-years-old with two children under four when she became Queen. We pray it wont be necessary, and that King Charles will make an excellent recovery and go on for many years, but if William is called there is no doubt he will prove worthy. The secret weapon here is surely Princess Anne. Privately, many of us think that the country would do rather well if we had only female monarchs. Were very good at Queens, you know. The Princess Royal succeeded by the knockout Princess Charlotte, a natural star like her Granny Diana, would be perfect, I think. King Charles III and Princess Anne attend the St. Mary Magdalene Church Sunday morning service, in Sandringham, Jan 29 2023 - Paul Marriott Photography The hereditary principle says otherwise drat! but there is no reason why Anne cannot play a hugely prominent role while the King is having treatment. At the Coronation, the Princess Royal was magnificent in swishing green velvet robes and a black bicorn hat with a red plume. She looked like a wizard who could put the whole place under her spell. Also, either by luck or cunning design, the red plume on Annes hat almost entirely obscured the ginger traitor in the pew behind. What a service she did to the nation! Since her mothers death, Princess Anne hasnt put a foot wrong. In her looks, in her voice, and especially on horseback, she is the best living reminder we have of Elizabeth II. Undoubtedly, she has everything it takes to take the strain of the Crown awhile till the man who regards her so highly is well enough to pick it up again. He aint heavy, hes my brother. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Kremlin has intensified rhetoric about a hypothetical division of Ukraine and is latching onto unrelated topics. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: ISW believes the Russians are doing this to normalise the narrative of a division in Western discussions about Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Head of Russias Security Council, claimed on 5 February that alleged European plans to build a railway line from Spain to Lviv are evidence of the West's recognition that Lviv will become the "the new capital of Ukraine within the borders of [Lviv Oblast]" after Russia's war in Ukraine ends. ISW emphasised that this plan, in particular, has nothing to do with Ukrainian borders or the end of the war in Ukraine and is an independent European infrastructure project. Notably, Medvedev posted his statements on his English-language account X (Twitter) rather than his Russian-language Telegram account, indicating that his statement was intended for an international audience rather than an internal Russian one. ISW noted that Medvedev's statement contributes to a Russian information operation that falsely shows Ukraine as an artificially constructed state. They are doing this to reduce Western military support for Ukraine and to bring normalisation to Western discussions that are pushing Ukraine toward ceding significant parts of its territory and population to Russia as a way to legitimately end the war. ISW also pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials have once more recently started using a narrative that sees the invasion of Ukraine as a historically justified imperial conquest. In December 2023, they proposed to mainly Russian-speaking audiences that Russia and European states could divide Ukraine and leave it as a "sovereign" state within Lviv Oblast borders. This later attracted some attention from several right-wing nationalist Central European politicians. ISW assessed that Putin is continuing to adhere to his maximalist goals in Ukraine, which amount to the complete capitulation of Ukraine and the West. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 5 February: US Senate negotiators unveiled their proposed supplemental appropriations bill on 4 February that if passed would provide roughly US$60 billion of security assistance for Ukraine, the overwhelming majority of which would go to American companies and US and allied militaries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on 4 February that Ukraine needs to replace a "series of state leaders" across the Ukrainian government who are "not just in a single sector" such as the Ukrainian military. The Kremlin is intensifying rhetoric pushing for the hypothetical partition of Ukraine by seizing on innocuous and unrelated topics, likely in an attempt to normalise the partition narrative in Western discussions about Ukraine. Delays in Western security assistance continue to exacerbate Ukraines shell shortage and undermine Ukraines ability to use high-value Western counterbattery systems. The Kremlin may not allow Boris Nadezhdin, the only anti-war Russian presidential candidate, to run in the March 2024 presidential election due to Nadezhdins larger-than-anticipated popularity. The Kremlin is reportedly nationalising private enterprises in Russia quietly. Russian forces made confirmed gains near Kupiansk, Kreminna, Avdiivka, and northeast of Bakhmut amid continued positional fighting along the entire frontline. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) may expand the list of courses available to women at the FSB Academy. Russian occupation administrations continue efforts to indoctrinate Ukrainian children into Russian culture and nationalism through patronage networks with Russian federal subjects (regions). Support UP or become our patron! South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem personally killed a 2022 state contract with a transgender advocacy group the minute she heard about it. South Dakota does not support this organizations efforts, and state government should not be participating in them, she told the press of The Transformation Project. But Noem left it to a minion to write an apology required by Thursdays finalized settlement of a federal discrimination lawsuit the group brought in response to the governors words and actions. On behalf of the State of South Dakota, I apologize that the Transformation Projects contract was terminated and for treating the Transformation Project differently than other organizations awarded Community Health Worker contracts, South Dakota Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt wrote. All South Dakotans are entitled to equal treatment under the law regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, or sex. The letter was addressed to The Transformation Project director Susan Williams and to Jack Fonder, a community health worker who facilitates health care and social services for members in the LGBTQ+ community. The wording was negotiated between the group and the state as part of the settlement. South Dakota pledges in not to discriminate against the Transformation Project in violation of state or federal law with respect to any service, program, or activity that the State provides. Veteran attorney Brendan Johnson, who represented the Transformation Project, told The Daily Beast on Monday that apology letters as a part of litigation are very unusual. But we demanded that as part of the settlement, Johnson said Utah's Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill Rattles Sundance South Dakota was further required to pay the group $300,000, more than double what the state had originally agreed to pay towards Fonders work. The Transformation Project had originally requested a grant of only $45,907. The state advised the group to put in for $136,000. But that was before a query from right-wing publication The Daily Caller made Noem aware of the program. The allocation immediately dropped to nothing at all. The contract was signed without Gov. Noems prior knowledge or approval, her spokesman, Ian Fury, subsequently told the publication. By killing the grant Noem moved to make it clear that she did not allow LGBTQ+ advocacy in her state. It was getting her some political points for sure, Williams, the program director, told The Daily Beast. But Noems words and actions were so nakedly unconstitutional that the Transmission Project was able to cite them as evidence of discrimination. The result was a lawsuit so strong that The Transformation Project was able to secure the written apology. Noem ducked making it in her name, but the fact remains that an apology was made on behalf of the state she runs. And that is not going to boost her chances of becoming Trumps pick for vice president. Neom does cut a fine figure in her cowgirl finest galloping on a horse while flying the Star and Stripes. And when Trump visited Mount Rushmore she presented him with a four-foot replica of the monument with his face amongst those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. "I knew that that was something that he would find special," Noem said afterwards. She sought another MAGA boost last week, when she spoke of personally driving a carload of barbed wire and adding a South Dakota contingent to Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts armed effort to stop the invasion of migrants. The Oglala Sioux Tribe responded on Friday by banning her from the Pine Ridge Reservation, in part to show solidarity with the indigenous people crossing the border. Trans Veterans Sue VA Over Gender Confirmation Surgery But there remains the matter of the apology to the kind of woke people who think they can choose either gender and pronouns. Williams, the program director, told The Daily Beast that her organization had pushed for the apology to make clear it had done nothing to warrant being canceled. Basically clearing our name, William told The Daily Beast. Williams recalled that the program had been going remarkably well when the contract was suddenly nixed. So when I got the email that the grant had been canceled, I was really flustered and didn't really understand what was happening and wrote back an email to the people running the grant like, Oh, what happened? I don't understand. It didn't make any sense to me, she said. But the group managed to keep it going by raising whatever funds they could, however they could. We've been scraping by, she said. Now they can put the settlement to good use. And not be as worried every day about where every penny is coming from, she said. As Johnson sees it, the settlement signals something beyond the money and even the unusual written apology. I think the biggest victory here is that the LGBTQ community in South Dakota feels like somebody stood up for them and they won, he said. And victories like that for the LGBTQ community in South Dakota are few and far between. Noems loss is their gain. 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. President Joe Biden allegedly called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "bad f*****g guy" in private conversations, a column on the Politico news site claimed on Sunday. In an article published by The Jerusalem Post, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates denied that Biden had referred to Netanyahu in such a way, saying "The president did not say that, nor would he," and stressing that the two leaders have "a decades-long relationship that is respectful in public and in private." Biden and Netanyahu have had a difficult relationship this past year due to disagreements about the government's judicial reform, actions of far-right members, and plans for Gaza. Biden urged Netanyahu to "walk away" from the judicial reform plan in 2023 due to the massive protests, however, Netanyahu responded that he would not make decisions based on "pressures from abroad." Politico Columnist Jonathan Martin attributed the president's latest four-letter outburst to people who've spoken to the president. Why Is This? In a column describing Biden's support for Israel in the Gaza war and the cost of losing younger voters, Politico reported the president is "deeply suspicious" of Netanyahu and fears the Israeli leader wants to coax the U.S. into a larger Middle East war that drags more American weapons into the fray - and even American troops. Politico stated that very few in the Biden administration sense the danger more than Vice President Kamala Harris. From holiday parties to dinner at her residence last month for a group of prominent Black men, Harris has been telling sympathetic Democrats outside the White House that she recognizes the political challenge posed by Biden's unwavering public support for Israel, I'm told by officials familiar with her comments at the events. Harris told people she's making the case privately for the administration to show more empathy for the plight of innocent Gazans. Biden's backing of Israel's prolonged counter-offensive after Hamas militants' Oct. 7 attack on the country is also diminishing his support among Arab and Muslim Americans. Speaking with Politico, one house democrat told the publication of a dinner last month with about eight other colleagues, a cross-section of the caucus ideologically and generationally. "It was unanimous that this Israel-Gaza war needed to end now and that Biden needed to stand up to Bibi," this lawmaker told me, before offering his own view. "This is a disaster politically," said this House Democrat, who rarely criticizes Israel. "The base is really pissed - and it's not just the leftists. I have never seen such a depth of anguish as I've seen over this Gaza issue. Bibi is toxic among many Democratic voters and Biden must distance himself from him - yesterday." Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Cravinho in Kyiv on Feb. 6 during Cravinho's two-day visit to Ukraine. The Portuguese delegation arrived in Ukraine on Feb. 5, headed by Cravinho and Education Minister Joao Costa. It was not Cravinho's first visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, having visited on several occasions since 2022, including on Ukraine's Independence Day in August 2022. His most recent visit was with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in August 2023. Portugal's Foreign Ministry said the delegation had planned a two-day visit "with the war and the recovery of Ukraine on the agenda." Kuleba thanked Cravinho for his "personal firm position in support of Ukraine" and said the two discussed Ukraine's peace formula, Ukraine's accession into NATO and the EU, and further Portuguese military assistance. "Ukraine counts on the EU to speed up and increase the delivery of artillery shells in sufficient numbers. Ukrainian soldiers deserve and anticipate relevant decisions," Kuleba added. Ukraine is increasingly facing a "critical" shortage of artillery shells, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reportedly said in January. The EU had promised to deliver Ukraine 1 million shells by March 2024 but is far behind the target and unlikely to reach it within the next month. Read also: Portuguese delegation arrives in Kyiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The number of flu and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) cases among children in the Ukrainian capital is on the rise, the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) said on Telegram on Feb 6. If the surge in cases among school children persists, the KCSA may advise educational institutions to transition to remote learning. Doctors are advising parents against sending symptomatic children to school or kindergarten and stress the importance of adhering to epidemiological safety measures to curb the rapid spread of infections. There were 11,305 cases of flu and ARVI among children in the capital last week, marking a significant increase of 2,244 compared to the previous week. Read also: Infectious disease threatens Russian-occupied Mariupol 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 A fast-food Troy franchisee has been fined more than $48,000 as part of a larger investigation by the federal labor department into allegations of violations of child-work rules. The department announced Tuesday it found the owner of a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at 4897 Rochester Road had employed 63 teens ages 14 and 15 and scheduled them to work more than 18 hours a week and into the evening, beyond what the law allows. "Child labor laws were enacted nearly a century ago to protect children," Timolin Mitchell, the wage and hour district director in Detroit, said. "Employers that hire teen labor must ensure they follow the law while allowing teens to earn valuable work experience." The labor department also had concluded last year that teens in a Culvers franchise in Wixom were working more hours than the law allowed, and had fined that eatery $13,212. The Popeyes franchise, owned by Michigan Multi-King, was assessed $48,251 in civil penalties, as part of a task force investigation into child labor exploitation that, in 2023, identified 955 cases, and fined employers a total of more than $8 million. The Free Press left a message seeking comment with Michigan Multi-King. Some of the labor department's cases went beyond technical rule violations and sloppy bookkeeping and put vulnerable, young children in dangerous situations. Last February, the New York Times published "Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S.," a report that uncovered widespread child labor exploitation, mostly of migrant child workers. The reporter traveled to Michigan, and other places, and interviewed more than 100 child workers, some of whom were as young as 13, in 20 states. The report found various child labor violations, in western Michigan factories and others nationwide that made, among other things, well-known brands, such as Cheetos and Fruit of the Loom. The report found that "in many parts of the country, middle and high school teachers in English-language learner programs" said it is now common for nearly all their students to "rush off to long shifts after their classes end." In Grand Rapids, a 15-year-old who had come to America on her own to live with a relative, was employed in a factory where bags of Cheerios were being filled with equipment that had "torn off fingers and ripped open a womans scalp." The report prompted U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, to demand officials take steps to address "this appalling state of affairs," making the case that the children in the report "are my constituents, my kids, and I will protect them." In July, the Free Press reported, Scholten was joined by U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, who also called for the creation of a child labor protection task force in Congress to urge stronger penalties and better labor law enforcement. By law, teens 14 and 15 are restricted to working three hours on a school day, eight hours on a non-school day, no more than 18 hours a week, and no later than 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day, and 7 p.m. the rest of the year. They also cannot operate motor vehicles, forklifts, and other equipment. The labor department also urged Tuesday that anyone with a wage complaint or violation concern to report it online at dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints or on the agencys toll-free helpline 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Feds: Eatery owner in Troy employing teens violated labor laws Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said that any abuse of the asylum system needs to be looked at - Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour will look at closing loopholes used by asylum seekers claiming to have converted to Christianity, Sir Keir Starmer has said. He said the party would not have any truck with abuses of the asylum system that allowed fake converts to secure the right to remain. The Labour leader made the comments on Times Radio in the wake of the Clapham chemical attack, suspected to have been carried out by Abdul Ezedi, a 35-year-old Afghan migrant who entered the UK in a lorry and secured asylum after claiming to have converted from Islam to Christianity. Friends of Ezedi told The Telegraph last week that he remained a good Muslim who would buy half a halal sheep every fortnight, despite his apparent conversion. Abdul Ezedi, who is suspected of Clapham chemical attack, seen on CCTV in a convenience store in Newcastle Upon Tyne He was rejected twice at appeal for asylum including a second time when he claimed to have converted, but secured it on the third attempt after a priest vouched that he was wholly committed to the Christian faith despite having two sex convictions in the UK. Police have offered a 20,000 reward for information leading to Ezedis arrest after the chemical attack on a mother who has been left with life-changing injuries and her two daughters, three and eight, who are less seriously injured than previously thought. Asked if Labour would look at the use of conversion by asylum seekers who go on to commit crimes, Sir Keir said: Of course, we have got to look at it. He added: Any abuse of the system needs to be looked at. I dont think we should have any truck with this. Ezedi arrived illegally in the UK in the back of a lorry in 2016, claiming his life would be in danger if he was returned to Afghanistan. Despite being convicted of a sex offence two years later, he went on to claim asylum successfully in either 2021 or 2022. Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, claimed migrants had been directed to churches as a one-stop shop to bolster their asylum case - Jordan Pettitt/PA In an article for The Telegraph, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, said that during her time in office she became aware of churches around the country facilitating industrial-scale bogus asylum claims, with migrants directed to these churches as a one-stop shop to bolster their asylum case. The Telegraph revealed on Sunday that 40 asylum seekers on the Bibby barge in Dorset have converted or are converting to Christianity, nearly a seventh of the 300 migrants on board. Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, said political debate can be bruising for the Church - Rob Welham/CAMERA PRESS The Church of England has rejected Mrs Bravermans criticism, with the Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, writing in the Telegraph: We are not politicians, and we know that to be involved in political debate can be bruising. But those who have claimed a link between the abuse of our asylum system and the action of bishops in Parliament are simply wrong. It is saddening to see this being implied by former holders of senior ministerial office, who have had opportunity but not sought to raise these concerns with senior clergy before. A Church of England spokesman has said: It is the role of the Home Office, and not the Church, to vet asylum seekers and judge the merits of their individual cases. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Chinese researchers release AI governance index, with China ranking in first echelon 10:08, February 06, 2024 By Liu Caiyu and Chen Zishuai ( Global Times Illustration: Liu Xiangya/Global Times Chinese researchers released an artificial intelligence (AI) governance index on Monday, which shows that the US and China are leading in terms of overall quantity in AI development and China ranks in the first echelon, second only to the US in terms of AI governance. The AI Governance International Evaluation Index was jointly initiated by the Center for Long-term AI Research (CLAI) and the Center on AI Ethics and Governance of the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Zeng Yi, the leading author and a professor at the Institute of Automation, told the Global Times any attempt to seek dominance and hegemony in the issues of AI ethics, safety, and governance would be a result of insufficient understanding of the risks brought by the development of AI, which humanity should face collectively. Solving the problems of AI development and governance requires global collaboration, Zeng stressed. The AGILE index is reportedly the world's first comprehensive quantitative assessment index specifically for AI governance. The index evaluates the level of governance of AI in 14 countries, including G7 member countries, BRICS member countries before the 2023 expansion (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), as well as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The AGILE index highlighted that countries with high risks in AI also have relatively high levels of governance, indicating that governance is a necessary driving force for development. High-income countries are significantly ahead of BRICS countries in terms of AI development level and governance tools, and slightly ahead in terms of governance environment. However, BRICS countries have a slightly higher governance effectiveness than the high-income country group. The better performance of BRICS countries in governance effectiveness is mainly due to their advantages in dimensions such as public trust, awareness, and inclusiveness in the development of AI, it showed. The index also showed the per capita GDP level is strongly correlated with the AI governance level, Zeng noted. Development is a premise for AI governance. The scores of China and India are significantly higher than their corresponding levels of per capita GDP, mainly due to the fact that the development level of AI in these two countries is higher than their per capita GDP levels, as well as their better performance in public awareness and trust in AI. The index also shows that China, the US, and the UK are more advanced in terms of AI development and have achieved relatively good governance results. However, compared to other countries, they also face higher pressure and challenges in AI governance. For China, Zeng believed that the country still needs to make up for shortcomings in computing power and data infrastructure, and to promote differentiated development in this field, especially by supporting innovative research and development institutions and start-up companies, in order to strengthen the original innovation of AI. But at the same time, China also needs to be cautious about the risks posed by other countries internationally. It should learn from the experiences of other countries in development and regulation, and explore and implement governance practices that are in line with China's development philosophy and stage, according to Zeng. International cooperation in the governance of AI is important. The AGILE Index shows that countries closely collaborate in research on AI governance, and all countries actively participate in it. Among them, China, the US, and the UK are one of the most closely cooperating country combinations in global AI governance research. No country can solve the development and governance issues of AI alone; global collaboration is needed, Zeng told the Global Times. However, at the recent Davos Forum, there were divergent opinions on the topic of global AI governance. According to US media reports, US White House officials stated that the US cautions against rival countries accessing US technology in matters of national security and military applications. Vera Jourova, European Commission vice-president for values and transparency, once said at a Davos panel that China and Europe do not have a "common language" on AI governance issues, the FT reported. Such a statement that China and the EU "lack common language" in AI governance clearly lacks common sense, Zeng noted. The AGILE Index indicates that with the explosive growth of the application of large-scale AI models in 2023, the number of global AI risk events has increased 12 times compared to the previous year. Most of these risks are not only a crisis for one country; it is also difficult for one country to solve these problems alone. Zeng stated that in the face of possible conflicts in values and differences in regulatory and governance models, it is possible to address these issues by establishing interfaces between policies of different countries and by respecting the development and governance sovereignty of each country. In terms of ethical safety and governance of AI, it is necessary to support global governance of AI with the United Nations at its core, Zeng stressed. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) France summoned Russia's ambassador for talks on Monday in response to the deaths of two French nationals working for nongovernmental organizations in Ukraine. The French government has pledged to continue supporting the Ukrainian military's efforts to push back Russian forces. France Summons Russian Ambassador On Thursday, Russian attacks killed the humanitarian workers near a front line of the conflict in Ukraine, north of the Dnipro River, in the town of Beryslav in the southern Kherson region. Three more French nationals were injured. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Kyiv in the coming weeks. He condemned the attack as "cowardly and outrageous." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Monday, "People being killed is always a tragedy," adding, however, that "specific details of this incident ... are unknown to us." She also accused France of arming and training Kyiv's military to fuel the conflict in Ukraine. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal vowed to amplify arms shipments to Ukraine and noted that they are talking of the simple right for Ukrainians to defend themselves. He spoke at a meeting in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who demanded last week that other European nations should increase their arms transfers to Ukraine. He stated that "it can't be down to Germany alone." Last month, Macron announced that France would be sending more long-range cruise missiles and bombs to Ukraine. However, France's military assistance has lagged behind some other allies. According to Scholz, Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping that they would not want to carry on at some point. He pointed out that the message directed to him from the US and Europe would not work out as they would support Ukraine. Furthermore, the French Foreign Ministry would use the summoning of Russian ambassador Alexey Meshkov to denounce the resurgence of disinformation targeting France. The French government has accused Russia of orchestrating a long-running online manipulation campaign to spread misinformation about the conflict in Ukraine. The campaign allegedly included impersonating the websites of prominent French media outlets and the French Foreign Ministry. Read Also: Taylor Swift Announces New Album After 13th Grammy Win for Pop Vocal Album 'Midnights' Russia Strikes Ukraine's Critical Infrastructure Kyiv's air force reported on Sunday that Russian drone and missile attacks targeted civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The air force posted on Telegram that preliminary data did not indicate any casualties from the attacks. Russia and Ukraine have increased their airstrikes on each other's territory in recent months, targeting critical military, energy, and transportation facilities. Furthermore, Russia launched three surface-to-air missiles over the Donetsk region in the east and two ballistic missiles from the Iskander ballistic missile system in the central Poltava region. Filip Pronin, governor of the Poltava region, wrote on Telegram that the attack caused a fire at an industrial site in Kremenchuk. Images shared on social media showed emergency crews battling a blaze. Governor Yuri Malashko reported that a drone strike had damaged an infrastructure facility located further southeast in the Zaporizhzhia region. Malashko added that emergency personnel were on the scene, but he could not provide information regarding injuries or damage. The air force said that the Ukraine air defense systems damaged four of eight Russia-launched drones overnight. Related Article: Ukraine President Publicly Admits Considering Major Leadership Shakeup for First Time Republicans plan to take a historic vote Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and have focused their central argument on claims he has broken immigration law. But a review of the statutes the GOP points to in its articles of impeachment as well as how the secretary has carried out those laws suggests a difference in policy approaches as opposed to illegal activity. Immigration law experts say Mayorkas is being targeted for using immigration statutes in ways that differ little from his predecessors. Still, that has become fodder for what would be the second-ever impeachment of a Cabinet secretary as figures on the left and right argue the GOP case falls short of the standard for impeachment. This really is about policy differences and politics. These arguments that hes violated the law and violated court orders are a smokescreen, said Doris Meissner, a former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, a precursor to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are significant policy differences here. Republicans dedicate 15 of their 20-page articles of impeachment to Mayorkass willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law, going through numerous provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He 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, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, said as the panel was marking up a resolution to impeach him. But while Republicans have spent ample time arguing that violation of immigration laws alone is grounds for impeachment, they havent devoted as much time to breaking down how Mayorkas has done so. The bulk of the GOP argument fixates on language in the law that says migrants shall be detained while they await removal from the country. Its a standard that has never been met the U.S. didnt have enough beds to do so even in 1996, when the statute was updated. It would be a logistical impossibility to hold in detention every migrant who crosses the border, and no administration has done so. Republicans taking the word shall as an absolute command from which the secretary of Homeland Security cannot deviate is a radical departure from the way that every presidential administration, including Republican presidential administrations, have interpreted that exact language, Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez, a law professor at Ohio State University, told The Hill. The inevitable conflict is that there is a law that Congress does not equip the department to enforce and so the leadership of the department has to decide who to prioritize Politicians disagree over exactly who to prioritize, but fundamentally, one administration after another is simply choosing who to go after given the reality that they cannot target everyone. Congress funds about 40,000 detention beds, well short of Southwest border encounters that have hovered between 150,000 and 200,000 each of the last several months. Those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country have been removed. If theyre partially funded, its only possible to partially implement them, Meissner said, adding that the law has always been subject to certain kinds of discretion. The Biden administration has tried to limit the use of detention, using electronic monitoring and requiring people to appear in court at a later date. This is not simply flagging people into the country. These people are in legal proceedings, Meissner said. While the GOP has been critical of such notices to appear, they were also previously used by other administrations. Thats a very common way of managing the immigration court docket. The alternative is to detain every single person who is in immigration court proceedings. And so far, Congress has been willing to spend billions of dollars a year paying for detention beds, but thats far short of what it would take in order to hold in custody 100 percent of people who are issued notices to appear in immigration court, Garcia Hernandez said. And so Secretary Mayorkas is overseeing a department that is doing more or less what every prior administration has done, including Trumps administration. In making their case, the GOP rattles off a series of statistics, citing encounters at the border, including unaccompanied children, money spent by cities to address migrant surges and the low rates of asylum cases being approved by immigration judges the last a well-established dynamic before Mayorkas took office. It similarly relies on DHS data about fentanyl it has seized and those on the terror watch list the agency has prevented from entering the country. The articles of impeachment also take Mayorkas to task for paroling migrants into the country, using such programs to admit those who might not otherwise qualify under immigration law. To Republicans, the use of parole is a way to subvert immigration laws. The Biden administration has used parole programs for those fleeing war, including Ukrainian and Afghan citizens a dynamic well in line with how its been used previously. But its also allowed parole for those from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela all countries with political strife and controversial leaders. DHS has argued they are meeting parole requirements under law, admitting migrants only on a case-by-case basis. It is true that parole is being used now at a scale that is unprecedented. At the same time, its being used as a way of attempting to redirect flows so that there are other avenues for people to come to the country than crossing illegally, Meissner said. I dont think that the use of parole is breaking the law. The use of parole is trying to leverage one of the few policy tools thats available to the administration in an effort to try to redirect flows People who are criticizing that they dont want flows to be redirected. They want flows to be stopped. Garcia Hernandez agreed, noting that while Republicans may not like the policy, the Biden administrations use of parole is not unlawful. Parole is a law that was enacted by Congress, and its flexible. Thats the way Congress wanted it, he said. Mayorkas, he said, is doing exactly what Republican and Democratic presidential administrations have done in the past, which is to decide that theres some group of people that merits this special exercise of welcoming into the United States and having what is rather flexible parole power to help them. While its not listed as an argument in their impeachment articles, Republicans have also repeatedly accused Mayorkas of violating court orders. That claim largely rests on complaints that Mayorkas did not enroll enough migrants in the Remain in Mexico program after a court ordered the Biden administration to resume the policy amid a broader lawsuit to rescind the program. Republicans argue the Biden administration didnt act in good faith to restore the Trump-era program even though they forced more than 5,500 migrants to wait out their asylum cases in Mexico. DHS ultimately won the court battle. Garcia Hernandez noted that no court has reprimanded Mayorkas or DHS for any failure to comply with a court order. I also dont know of any instance in which Secretary Mayorkas has been held in contempt of court or sanctioned for violating a court order, which is what would happen if a court decided that he was violating a court order himself or directing his staff that he supervises to violate a court order, he said. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) faulted the GOP for pointing to preliminary wins in court usually blocking new policies and preserving the status quo as the case continued or lower court orders that were later overturned as evidence of Biden administration losses in court. Secretary Mayorkas has not disregarded any court order. Not one. Not one, Goldman said during the markup of the articles last week. He has not defied any court order. You have gone to the court to try to prevent him from doing his job, thats true, and there have been judges who entered preliminary orders. He has adhered to the law in every way hes been required to do. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Supreme Courts role is to enforce the Constitution, and it should do so in Trump v. Anderson to disqualify Donald Trump from running for president. In a 4-3 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was disqualified from being on the ballot for president in the Republican primary because of Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. The United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on February 8 and should come to the same conclusion. Section Three provides: No person shall be a senator or representative in Congress, or elector of president and vice president or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress or as an officer of the United States ... to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. Opinion There is a surface appeal to the argument that it should be for the democratic process not the Supreme Court to decide who should be president. But there are constitutional provisions that limit who can be president. Article II of the Constitution says that the president must be 35 years old, a natural born citizen and 14 years a resident of the United States. Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment is another limitation, stating that it must be the role of the courts to enforce these constitutional provisions; otherwise, they are rendered meaningless. The Constitution is inherently anti-democratic in that it limits what the democratic process can do. Every time a federal court enforces the Constitution to strike down a law or an executive action, that is anti-democratic in the sense of unelected judges overturning the product of the democratic process. But long ago, in 1803, the Supreme Court declared in Marbury v. Madison that it is the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. That is as true for Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment as for all other constitutional provisions. The Supreme Court should focus entirely on the constitutional issues before it and decide as a matter of law whether Section Three applies to Trump. It should not here or ever consider whether people will applaud or decry its ruling. There are two major legal issues before the court. First: Does Section Three apply to the president? Section Three imposes a disqualification for being a senator or representative in Congress, or elector of president and vice president, but it does not specifically mention the office of president. However, the section then says, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States. Under the Constitution, there is no doubt that the presidency is an office of the United States. Why are other positions listed in Section Three, but not that of the president? The Colorado Supreme Court explained: True, senators, representatives and presidential electors are listed, but none of these positions is considered an office in the Constitution. Instead, senators and representatives are referred to as members of their respective bodies. In fact, this issue was explicitly discussed and answered in Congress when it was considering proposing the Fourteenth Amendment. Sen. Reverdy Johnson expressed concern that Section Three does not go far enough because past rebels may be elected president or vice president. Sen. Lot Morrill responded to this objection, saying, Let me call the senators attention to the words or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States. This answer satisfied Johnson, just as it should satisfy the Supreme Court today. The other legal issue is whether Trump engaged in insurrection or rebellion. Nothing in Section Three requires that there be a criminal conviction for a court to conclude that Trump did this. (Many were disqualified after the Civil War even where there had not been convictions.) The dictionary defines an insurrection as a violent uprising against an authority or government. It is impossible to deny that this occurred on January 6, nor can Trumps role in this or his effort to do everything he could to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election be disputed. To be sure, elemental due process requires that Trump have notice and a hearing before Section Three be applied to keep him off the ballot. But that occurred in the Colorado trial court, which held a five-day hearing before concluding that Trump had, indeed, participated in the insurrection. Lest this be dismissed as partisan, prominent conservatives such as Law Professors and Federalist Society members William Baude and Michael Paulsen and former Federal Court of Appeals Judge Michael Luttig have come to the same conclusion. The stakes in Trump v. Anderson are obviously enormous. Upholding the Colorado Supreme Court decision would end Trumps run for the presidency. The most important question is whether the Supreme Court will perform its paramount role of enforcing the United States Constitution. Even gloomy skies and a biting 40-degree breeze wont stop fans from staking out in downtown Sacramento, in the hope of seeing Hollywood stars. Warner Bros. resumed shooting for filmmaker Paul Thomas Andersons latest project early Tuesday morning from the corner of I and Sixth streets across the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. The movie is tentatively called BC Project, confirmed by a sign on the sidewalk near the film set, and has an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn and Regina Hall. Warner Bros. film crews placed a sign on the sidewalk at Sixth and J streets, as shooting for filmmaker Paul Thomas Andersons new movie, BC Project, continues in downtown Sacramento. It advises people that anyone near the premise of the movie set is giving consent to the production to include their photos and likeness. Spectators corralled in on the sidewalk some hoping to catch a glimpse of DiCaprio and others wondering what the fuss was all about. Whats happening? a driver yelled out, as traffic on J Street built up to a stop. The Sixth Street block was closed off with police cars and orange cones, allowing vehicles to funnel through only one way. But even from the corner, the large professional cinema cameras, trailers, crowd of onlookers and man gliding on a camera dolly are hard to miss. DiCaprio fans Corinne Almberg and her son were leaving the nearby Kaiser Permanente when they stumbled by the set. (Were) hoping to see Leo, but were pretty excited that Teyana Taylor is out here, Almberg said. I love her in Coming to America. Her son, 17-year-old Max Almberg, said hes a fan of DiCaprios western movies, including The Quick and the Dead and Django Unchained. I think its just cool to see Sacramento getting a little bit more time on the big screen, he said. Movie crews simulated gunfire in downtown Sacramento shoot raises concerns at courthouse DiCaprio wasnt spotted at the downtown set by The Sacramento Bee, as of Tuesday afternoon. But one onlooker was said to have seen the actor near J Street. Crews were filming a scene with the actors, including Taylor, racing to a blue getaway SUV. Between sets, Taylor was seen in an all-black outfit, walking to and from a Mercedes Maybach. Each time, Taylor waved to the spectators, blowing kisses and saying hi. Actor Teyana Taylor walks to a vehicle as she takes part in the production of a Warner Bros. movie on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 in downtown Sacramento. Actress Regina Hall was also spotted at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. Gabe Agsalon said he lives nearby and headed over to the set after seeing all the commotion. I heard Leo and Teyana were shooting a movie so might as well just check it out, he said. Agsalon was scoping the scene for more than 20 minutes. He said the most exciting thing hed seen so far was witnessing the set unfold. Seeing Teyana up close is pretty cool, he added. Throughout the morning, new strings of people continued to watch and take pictures of the action. Drisha Leggitt, her husband Mark and golden retriever, Watson, came out to the site. Watson is a huge Leonardo DiCaprio fan, Leggitt said, so we were hoping that we could catch a glimpse. Aside from spotting a star, Leggitt said they are thrilled to see Hollywood notice the city. Were just big fans of anything that supports Sacramento and its community and its brilliant city, she said. ... We couldnt be more lucky to have Hollywood recognize that this is the place for them to be filming. Were here to support that and were here to welcome them and hopefully, theyll come back as were building up the downtown. Extras are filmed leaving the Sacramento County Courthouse in downtown Sacramento in a scene for a new Paul Thomas Anderson movie on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Warner Bros. has been filming the project across Northern California. Crews previously shot scenes in Eureka in Humboldt County and were in Sacramento on Saturday, too, filming near the County Courthouse and the countys Administration Building in downtown. The film is reportedly based on the Thomas Pynchon novel Vineland. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. President Joe Biden expressed his congratulations to hospitality workers for successfully reaching a tentative agreement with multiple Las Vegas hotel-casinos. He also acknowledged the cancellation of a strike deadline for another establishment. In a message to members of the local culinary union, the President emphasized the positive impact of their success, stating, "When you do well, everybody does better." Biden Meets With Union Workers in Las Vegas The president has been in Las Vegas since Sunday for campaign appearances ahead of the state's Democratic primary on Tuesday. He met with the union members on Monday and then stopped by a boba tea shop before returning to Washington, according to AP News. The Culinary Workers Union has announced a tentative agreement with six additional downtown hotel-casinos, effectively averting a strike deadline for another establishment.The Culinary Union boasts an impressive membership of approximately 60,000 individuals across the state of Nevada. It engages in negotiations on behalf of its members, securing five-year contracts. Biden has received the endorsement of the United Auto Workers union. He consistently emphasizes his unwavering backing for the workers in organized labor.Tentative agreements reached by the culinary union have prevented a potential walkout at various properties near the Strip and downtown, just as the city gears up for Super Bowl week. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are set to go head-to-head at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this Sunday. Last week, the union declared that it would go on strike if tentative contracts were not in place by early Monday for downtown casino workers at properties that had not reached agreements, after negotiations with some of the remaining casinos encountered difficulties. Read Also: Trump Suggests Imposing Tariffs on China AGAIN in Re-Elected in November Biden Leads Campaign Rally According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the upcoming 58th Super Bowl is anticipated to draw a staggering 330,000 individuals to Las Vegas this week. Biden's recent meeting with members of the culinary union resonated with his previous visit to Michigan, where he engaged with members of the United Auto Workers. Both serve as a recognition of the significance of unions for Biden in constructing a coalition to secure swing states such as Nevada and Michigan in the general election. In the 2020 election, President Biden secured a significant lead among union members, winning by a margin of 14 percentage points over former President Trump. Biden has consistently emphasized his strong support for unions throughout his presidency. Biden made a visit to Nevada on Sunday and Monday, just before the state's Democratic primary on Tuesday. Marianne Williamson emerged as the sole primary challenger to be listed on the ballot alongside Biden, as Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) failed to meet the filing deadline. Per The Hill via Yahoo, the president is anticipated to secure a comfortable victory, similar to his overwhelming success in South Carolina where he garnered an impressive 96 percent of the vote. Related Article: [BREAKING] US Senate Releases $118 Billion Package To Overhaul Border Issue, Aid for Ukraine, Israel Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has declared the Senate's border agreement "dead on arrival" in the House. (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) To the editor: Its GOP Groundhog Day, with the situation as it was in 2014. Then, the border was "in crisis." ("The border crisis is real. Thats why Trump is blocking solutions," Opinion, Jan. 31) Then-President Obama had done everything within his authority, absent congressional legislation, to deal with it. Republicans railed against him for not doing enough. They declared their top priority was to secure the border. Obama told Congress to send him a bill. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill to improve border security and address other immigration issues. Obama indicated he would sign it. All indications were that there were enough votes in the House to pass the bill. But then-Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) refused to put the bill up for a vote. His excuse was that Obama could not be trusted to enforce the legislation properly if it passed. In reality, Boehner saw the risk of success as a threat to GOP victory in November. The "tea party" was threatening his speakership. GOP stands for "Grand Old Party." Let's have a contest to truthfully describe this acronym. Carla St. Romain, Pasadena .. To the editor: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared the sovereignty of his state over the central government of the United States. The executive and judicial branches of the United States government have spoken with one voice about the laws that hold us together as a nation. But Abbott, in defying the Supreme Court and the Biden administration on border security, is flirting with secession and nullification of the Constitution. He accepted the ruling of the same court when it overturned Roe vs. Wade in a decision to his liking. It has become evident that the Republican Party wants to respect only the laws it agrees with. How does that work? They lose an election and refuse to accept the results. They don't like it when the court reads the law and does its job, so they are using the threat of force to effectively overrule the court. Sounds and smells like insurrection. Rene Childress, View Park-Windsor Hills This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Lexington County Coroners Office has determined what killed the 22-year-old Columbia woman whose body was recently found on the shoulder of Interstate 20. An autopsy at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston showed Stephanie Chanel Quintana died of blunt force trauma resulting from being hit by a vehicle, Coroner Margaret Fisher said Monday night in a news release. Fisher said the vehicle that hit Quintana has not been identified, and a search for the driver is being led by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. On Feb. 2, a passerby discovered Quintanas body on a grassy shoulder of the westbound side I-20 at the 62 mile marker, according to Fisher. Thats in the Columbia area of Lexington County, not far from the Bush River Road exit. The autopsy showed that Quintana was hit by the vehicle sometime after approximately 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 2, Fisher said. Traffic was temporarily backed up during the morning commute as the Lexington County Sheriffs Department investigated the scene. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run crash is asked to call Highway Patrol at 803-737-8340 or 800-768-1501, the coroners office at 803-359-8439, or report it to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. Through Jan. 15, 26 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 999 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least five people have died in Lexington County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 43 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS reported. MSNBCs Joe Scarborough on Tuesday tore into House Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) outright dismissal of the bipartisan border bill as dead on arrival. Scarborough repeated accusations that Johnson is doing the bidding of Donald Trump with his condemnation of the proposed Senate package, with Trump fearing a boost in President Joe Bidens polling on immigration if it passes. God, Ive heard about the Jefferson Bible, but the Johnson Bible? asked Scarborough, in reference to Johnsons past remarks about how he is guided by the Bible. Holy schnikeys, that must be some Bible that tells you to lie, tells you to lie about elections, tells you to lie to get into power, tells you to lie and you admit that youre a liar to get into power, to get close to Donald Trump. And now youre lying about a bill you havent even read. Scarborough referenced a new opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal in which its conservative editorial board hailed the bill as by any honest reckoning the most restrictive migrant legislation in decades which includes longtime GOP priorities that the partys restrictionists could never have passed only a few months ago. Are you listening, Mikey? Scarborough mocked Johnson. Just because Donald tells you to jump doesnt mean that you have to put Americas security at risk. If Republicans reject this bill, the Wall Street Journal editorial page goes on to say, they will hand Democrats an argument that the GOP wants border chaos that they can exploit as a campaign issue, Scarborough added. Scarborough then reworked The New York Daily News famous 1975 headline Ford to City: Drop Dead over then-President Gerald Fords planned veto of New York City being financially bailed out. Mike Johnson to America: Go to hell! Scarborough said, adding, Mike Johnson to America: Drop dead! Watch the video here: Related... INDIANAPOLIS Donald Trump has spent much of the past week fixated, of all places, on Indiana, accusing elections officials here of conspiring against him to help his rival, Nikki Haley, in a Republican presidential primary that wont take place until May. The complaints are baseless, elections officials say. Worse, they and Trumps opponents warn, with the former president raising alarms even in a state like deep-red Indiana, they look like a test run by Trump and his allies to undermine confidence in the election in November. Trump is reinforcing a narrative where the only acceptable outcome is his victory, thus preemptively delegitimizing any electoral defeat, said Joshua Claybourn, a Republican attorney from Evansville and former GOP delegate from the state. It sets the stage for yet another crisis of legitimacy in the November general election. But Trumps Indiana intel seems to be coming from one of his most loyal congressional allies: Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana, who is running for Senate, and who initially shared Trumps Truth Social post about Indiana last week on X, formerly known as Twitter. The actual crux of the issue is pretty straightforward. For days, Trump has been suggesting that Haley failed to qualify for the Indiana primary ballot, saying she was scrambling in Indiana with democrat county clerk offices to verify signatures after the fact, or even that she had forgot to apply. He has gone so far as to have his campaigns attorney threaten litigation to challenge Haleys ballot status. But Trumps allegation is based on a distortion of Indiana law. While signatures to get ballot access were due by Jan. 30, the filing deadline isnt until this Friday, meaning that Haley is still on track to qualify for the states ballot. Even the longtime Republican voter registration board member at the center of the dispute told POLITICO in an interview that Trump appeared to have false information and that the process is designed to prevent the kind of conspiracy the former president is alleging. I think somebody gave him incorrect information based on lack of knowledge, and he went with what he was told, said Cindy Mowery, the Republican board member on the Marion County Board of Voters Registration. Haley has been less forgiving, with her campaign accusing Trump of being confused at best and lying at worst. This is more nonsense and confusion from Trump, Betsy Ankney, Haleys campaign manager, told POLITICO. We have more than enough verified signatures in each congressional district, and we will be filing this week before the Feb. 9 deadline. You should be asking whether they are simply confused or whether they were lying and misleading people. But the episode isnt just some bizarre subplot of the 2024 GOP presidential primary. It gets at one of the fundamental concerns election officials have had in watching Trumps post Jan. 6 revival. Four years after he conditioned the GOP base to the false idea that the 2020 election was stolen, Democrats and some Republicans fear he is using Indiana to stoke distrust in the election processes in 2024. Making assertions that have no basis in fact even if they undermine your public faith in our institutions, including our elections, is of no consequence to him, said David Axelrod, former President Barack Obamas top political adviser. So this is just one little signpost along the way. Its not unusual for campaigns to wrangle over ballot access, particularly in Indiana, one of the nations most difficult states in which to qualify. What is unusual is casting doubt on a candidates efforts to do so more than a full week before the deadline to file and as county officials continue to count and verify signatures. But Trumps calculus to wage war on Haley in a state he won by double-digit margins in 2016 and 2020 perplexed some Indiana Republicans, especially coming days before the deadline when it would become clearer whether she had actually qualified. Why put out the effort to challenge the Haley effort ahead of time when Trump knows hes going to win Indiana no matter what? said Mike Murphy, a former Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives. The bottom line is hes completely unhinged. He is literally off his rocker. Trump isnt just talking about Indiana. Over the weekend, an attorney for Trump sent a letter, obtained by POLITICO, to Marion Countys Democratic clerk, Kate Sweeney Bell, accusing her of improperly accepting petition signatures for Haley and demanding she preserve all evidence during the certification process. The letter cited an X post from an Indiana reporter named Niki Kelly, who said she emailed Mowery asking whether Haley had qualified for the ballot only to have someone from the office respond to her as if she was Nikki Haley, telling her she was short on signatures. That led Kelly, the reporter, to conclude that Haley [was] likely not on the ballot. But by Monday, Haley had in fact secured 500 verified signatures in Marion County, according to Mowery. That was all the ammunition the Trump campaign needed. In the letter directed at Bell, one of the only Democratic elected officials in a state where Republicans control more than 90 percent of all county-level elected offices across the state, Gary Lawkowski of the Alexandria, Virginia-based Dhillon Law Group said Bells office may be improperly accepting petition signatures for Nikki Haley to appear on the ballot for the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary. Mowery admitted that she briefly confused Kelly with Haley. To review these signatures, it takes a tremendous amount of time, Mowery said. We dig in and do some research. All I told her was the numbers arent here yet. Those familiar with the intricacies and nuances of Indianas election system called the accusation by Trumps lawyer absurd, said Kip Tew, the former Indiana Democratic Party chair. For starters, even though Marion County has a Democratic clerk, a Republican and Democratic appointee sit on the Marion County Voter Registration Board as a check against each other. Further complicating matters, Trumps lawyer contacted the wrong official. Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell is one of six county clerks out of 92 in Indiana who dont oversee the ballot certification process. Instead, its the voter board of registration, where Sweeney Bell told POLITICO she directed the Trump campaign attorney. Making accusations that the Marion County clerk is attempting to assist Nikki Haley thats completely absurd and possibly libelous, Tew said. Tom John, a Republican attorney in Indianapolis who gathered signatures for the Bush-Cheney campaign in 2004 and is a former Marion County Republican chair, cast doubt on such a conspiracy too. I've been involved in the ballot petition process for 20 years, he said. And in that time, I've never seen a county clerk or election board that didn't just try and do what they were supposed to do under the statute and help all the campaigns get the appropriate signatures registered. By Sunday, Trumps complaint had transformed into an even more dubious one, saying in an interview that aired on Fox News that Haley forgot to apply for the ballot in Indiana. You dont run and not apply for Indiana, he said. Great state. Asked to clarify Trumps remarks, a Trump campaign spokesperson skirted the issue. No amount of crying from Nikki Haley supporters hoping that Democrats interfere in Republican elections can erase the fact that President Trump will beat the brakes off Joe Biden and take back the White House, Steven Cheung told POLITICO. Banks continues to make hay of the issue. On Feb. 1, Banks repeated his claims as he filed for Senate at the Indiana statehouse, flanked by TRUMP 2024 signs. We've been in touch with county election boards all over the state that Nikki Haley does not have the signatures that she needs in the 7th district and maybe in other districts, as well, Banks said. The deadline to submit petitions was noon on Tuesday, and we are told that, in Marion County and the 7th district, they've gone through all of the petitions that they have, and there are no more, and Nikki Haley is short to get on the ballot in Indiana. So that's important to know because Indiana is Trump Country. Later, Banks was still keeping the idea of a conspiracy to undermine Trump alive. He said that his sources told him election officials moved 40 signatures from the neighboring 6th district to get Haley over the finish line. Mowery confirmed that indeed happened but noted it was because they were tied to voters addresses who lived in that district, not the 7th. I dont think Nikki will be a candidate long enough for it to matter but stand by my assertion shes not likely to be on the ballot in Indiana on May 7, Banks told POLITICO. One destination is always on trend: the beach. People ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life are looking to discover tranquility along a picturesque beach. After visiting family and friends, a beach vacation is the second-most popular type of leisure trip Americans want to take in 2024. For multigenerational travel, its the top choice. There are a slew of health benefits to spending uninterrupted time by the ocean. Research indicates that being in such a stunning natural environment can reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and enhance mood. While watching crashing waves is thrilling, there's something particularly relaxing about being near gentle waters everyone can enjoy. Because of natural geography like reefs and bays, some beaches are calmer than others. Beachgoers beware: These are America's 10 most crowded beaches Cancun without the crowds: Meet Isla Mujeres, a quieter Mexican getaway The good news is Americans dont have to travel too far to enjoy a beach with gentle, swimmable waters. There are plenty across Hawaii and the Caribbean and even on the continental U.S. coasts, like Lewes Beach in Delaware and Cape Charles Beach in Virginia. In October, Hawaii vacation resource HawaiianIslands.com analyzed more than 1.5 million English-written TripAdvisor reviews on the most popular beaches mentioning calm waters to come up with a list of the beaches with the calmest waters in North America. While its notable that Hawaiian beaches dominate the U.S. rankings for having the calmest waters, we can also see that beaches scattered throughout the Americas dominate on a global level, Brittany Betts, Marketing Manager at HawaiianIslands.com, told USA TODAY. This may be surprising to anyone who isnt familiar with the many beaches on offer in the Americas. Check out the list below to discover beaches with the most serene waters accessible to all and start planning your next beach vacation. Baby Beach in Maui, Hawaii Baby Beach near Lahaina on West Maui in Hawaii with the island of Lanai in the background Scoring the top spot for the calmest beach in the world is the aptly named Baby Beach in Maui, with 27.82% of its reviews mentioning calm waters. An offshore reef protects this lagoon along the western shore of the Hawaiian island. Baby Beach is an ideal beach for families with toddlers, Betts said. Since the waters are so calm and shallow, it provides the perfect opportunity for children to splash around in the ocean. What to do in Hawaii? Locals weigh in on if these popular spots are worth the hype Ten Bay Beach in Eleuthera, Bahamas Beautiful beach in Ten Bay, Eleuthera island, Bahamas. With turquoise waters and a shallow sandy bottom, Ten Bay Beach in the Bahamas earned the spot for second-calmest beach in North America. The wide stretch of beach is beloved by families with little ones who want to frolic in the gentle waters. At low tide, people at the beach can walk far into the ocean and wander along exposed sandbars. Brownes Beach in Bridgetown, Barbados Brownes Beach This renowned half-mile expanse of white sand stands as one of Barbados' top beaches, drawing crowds with its tranquil, crystal-clear waters. In more than 20% of the beachs TripAdvisor reviews, beachgoers highlighted its calm waters. Browne's Beach is celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance, boasting landmarks like the Barbados Yacht Club and the Barbados Cruising Club in its vicinity. Bloody Bay in Negril, Jamaica Beachgoers beware: These are America's 10 most crowded beaches Bloody Bay in Negril, Jamaica Jamaicas Bloody Bay was where whalers would butcher their catch in the 19th century. The beach is quite different now: Its a popular place for tourists to relax and a quieter beach than the nearby iconic Seven Mile Beach. The bay is protected by a reef, which makes it a calm yet vibrant place for snorkeling. Morne Rouge in Grenada Morne Rouge Beach on the Caribbean Island of Grenada A local favorite, Morne Rouge is a popular spot for beach enthusiasts to spend the day. Visitors can rent loungers and umbrellas and patronize the numerous beach bars along the sand or just post up under the fringe of trees that offer a shady respite. According to almost 19% of TripAdvisor reviews, the waters are notably calm and shallow. Thats because of the geography of the natural bay and the nearby hills blocking wind. Playa Las Ballenas in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic Playa Las Ballenas in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic Sitting on the western tip of the Dominican Republic, Playa Las Ballenas is a picturesque beach named after three rocky islets that resemble humpback whales. Renowned for its wide stretch of sand, the beach has ample room for visitors to spread out and enjoy the sun, and its tranquil waters invite swimmers of all abilities. Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, Barbados Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, Barbados A natural harbor, Carlisle Bay is a 10-minute walk from the center of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Children and families can splash in the beachs gentle waters, and the more adventurous can snorkel or dive out to the bays six shipwrecks or catch a glimpse of a passing turtle. Mauna Kea Beach on Hawaii Island, Hawaii Mauna Kea Beach Hawaii (Kaunaoa Bay) Fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island, Mauna Kea Beach is ideal for visitors to peacefully enjoy the Pacific Ocean. With its calm and clear conditions, according to 14% of its TripAdvisor reviews, it's an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Also known as Kaunaoa Beach, the bay is protected from strong currents and waves by an offshore reef. The sloping sand also causes waves to dissipate before they reach the shore. Playa Biesanz in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Aerial View of Tropical Biesanz beach and Coastline near the Manuel Antonio national park, Costa Rica After a short hike through the jungle, visitors will reach the hidden Playa Biesanz. Though the beach itself is small, its soft golden sands and clear waters provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding cliffs and trees transform the cove into a peaceful oasis. Playa La Entrega in Oaxaca, Mexico BahAa de Huatulco La Entrega, Oaxaca Mexico, aerial photography with drone. blue colored beach Situated along the Oaxacan coastline in a protected bay, Playa La Entrega offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. Translating to the delivery in English, the beach was once a delivery point for goods during colonial times. Its a popular place to snorkel along coral reefs teeming with marine life, reefs that also help reduce any rough wave energy. Visitors can rent snorkel gear or buy fresh fruit from local vendors. Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The 10 calmest beaches in North America, the Caribbean and Hawaii LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Little Rock Police Department is investigating a robbery-turned-shooting that occurred at a gas station on Sunday evening. LRPD officials said a worker at a Shell gas station at 2620 65th Street was shot multiple times during a robbery just before 6:30 p.m. US Marshals arrest man accused in Little Rock shooting in Ohio According to an incident report from the LRPD, officers found the victim lying behind the register with multiple gunshot wounds after responding to a shooting at the gas station. The officers said they then talked to the person who called in the shooting, who said he pulled up to the gas station to see a car quickly pulling out. He said he went into the gas station and found the victim lying on the floor and crying for help. According to police, security footage showed the suspects pull a gun on the victim after he opened the register, shoot him four times and then take an unknown amount of money out of the register before leaving. Arkansas State Police take 11,000 pounds of illegal drugs, $1.4 million off Arkansas highways in 2023 Authorities have not released any suspect information at this time. Police said the victim is currently in an intensive care unit at a local hospital. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Livingston County Clerk Kristy Masching and her department are looking for a few good people to help with the upcoming General Primary Election. The primary election in Illinois is scheduled for March 19. Masching said that her office is wanting to add 30-40 new judges to go with the approximately 130 judges who are expected to return. Masching said that it is hoped to have at least three judges in each precinct. New judges will need to attend a mandatory class that will include training. What they need to do is call us and tell us which date they would like to be here for so we make sure they have plenty of information, Masching said. They need to also stop by ahead of time because there is a manual and there's an open-book test. I assure them that no one has ever failed. Masching said that it is important to fill out what all can be completed. The class will then go through the test and use it as a learning tool and explain any incorrect answers. She said that scores are not posted but having a test score on file is required. The class includes going through the information on the machines, etc. New judges are put in precincts with experienced judges. The classes will be held on Feb. 10, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19. Each class starts at 9:30 a.m. and will last approximately two hours. Classes for new judges will cover more things, the classes for returning judges is more of a review, Masching said. Masching asks for those interested in becoming a judge to call her office (815)-844-2006 for more information on becoming an election judge. The stipend for being a judge is $205. Early voting starts Feb. 8 and registration continues through Feb. 20. Masching said that those registering to vote after Feb. 20 must vote at the time of registering. Also, voting by mail is available from Feb. 8 through March 14. To do this, one must go to www.livingstoncountyil.gov and look under Recent News on the home page. There will be a Vote by Mail Request box that is the portal. Requests for mail ballots may be made no later than March 14. The dates for early voting, voting by mail and grace registration include Monday through Saturday from the county clerk's office. Election Day is March 19 and voting at the clerk's office is available for grace registration and voting only from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information on becoming an election judge, or any other matter regarding the election, contact Kristy Masching or Gail Smythe at the county clerk's office at kmasching@livingstoncountyil.gov or gsmythe@livingstoncountyil.gov. This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Livingston County in need of new election judges ahead of March primary AUSTIN (KXAN) If you are stuck on romantic ideas for you and your special mate to spend this Valentines Day weekend, a local non-profit has a suggestion. Austin Diaper Bank said it is hosting Volunteer with your Valentine. The event lets you and yours enjoy champagne, hors doeuvres, and chocolates while helping babies and families in the area. Austin Diaper Bank welcomes end of sales tax Anyone 21 and older can register to volunteer. The cost is $25 per person. You and your date will be working at the ADB headquarters on Denton Drive in north Austin. ADB is offering several time slots for couples to take part: Saturday, Feb. 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone can donate online to help ADB purchase diapers at a reduced cost. ADB said families in need of diapers can also contact one of its 40 partner agencies in six area counties or the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting 211 Texas.. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has recently requested Secret Service protection due to a rise in threats she has encountered while on the campaign trail. The former two-term South Carolina governor, who later served as UN ambassador in former President Donald Trump's administration, is considered a significant contender for the 2024 GOP nomination, alongside Trump. Nikki Haley Seeks Secret Service Protection Haley discussed the request for protection in an interview on Monday afternoon with The Wall Street Journal. Haley was questioned at a news conference in Columbia, SC towards the end of last week regarding the heightened security measures at her events. Haley acknowledged the importance of having more support around her, but assured that it had not impacted her campaign efforts. Shortly after Haley addressed the media, a disruptive individual was escorted out of her campaign event in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Once considered a highly unlikely contender for the nomination, Haley gained significant traction in the polls during the late summer and autumn. This was largely due to her impressive performances in the first three GOP presidential primary debates. Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew from the race just two days before the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary. This has now turned the nomination race into a two-candidate showdown between Haley and Trump. Trump, who is running for the White House for the third time, is currently the commanding frontrunner. Haley received 43% of the vote in New Hampshire, falling behind Trump by a margin of 11 points. The upcoming significant event in the Republican calendar is the primary in Haley's home state, scheduled for Feb. 24. According to the most recent public opinion survey, the former president is significantly ahead of Haley by a wide margin. Haley, 52, an Indian American, continues to launch political criticisms against Trump, targeting his age and mental capacity. She remains determined to persist in her efforts, undeterred by any setbacks she may have encountered. Despite trailing behind Trump, she has been actively organizing events in her home state. In a subtle jab at her rival, she pointed out that he was avoiding public appearances, suggesting that he needed to save money for legal fees. Recent reports revealed that pro-Trump entities had already spent a staggering $50 million on lawyers to defend him. Haley's private security detail swiftly apprehended a protester who attempted to access the stage during her event in Columbia last week. Protesters who oppose her stance on US support for Israel have attended some of her events. A spokesperson from the Secret Service did not provide an immediate response to a comment request. Read Also: Hunter Biden Associate Eric Schwerin Questioned Over Then-VP Joe Biden's Use of Pseudonyms to Discuss Ukraine Business Haley Reveals Receiving Rising Threats, Swatting Incidents In late January, she faced another swatting incident where a caller disclosed the address of her residence on Kiawah Island. The caller falsely claimed that a woman had murdered her daughter and was making threats to end her own life. Per Daily Mail, the request is a strong indication that Haley is fully committed to the campaign, or at the very least, she is making it clear that she is. The campaign announced that it had raised an impressive $16 million in January, marking its most successful fundraising month to date. She is closely examining the primary map leading up to Super Tuesday next month, and has scheduled a trip to California on Wednesday. Despite facing a significant deficit in pre-election polls in her home state, Haley is determined to outwork Trump on the campaign trail. She is determined to connect with everyone and address any inquiries as she continues her series of events. Related Article: President Joe Biden Meets With Union Workers in Las Vegas, Thanks Hospitality Workers Ahead of Nevada's Primary DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) Smoothie King locations in Dothan are reopening under new management after the former owner was booked in the Houston County Jail facing sex crimes. According to a release from PR firm ABC Communications, the Smoothie Kings at 103 Apple Avenue and 1368 Westgate Parkway are reopening on Monday, February 5, under the ownership of the Brenan family, who own a Smoothie King location in Crestview, Florida. The former owner, 48-year-old Jerald Reginal Clark, was arrested in late October and charged with rape and sodomy, both in the first degree. After his arrest, both shop locations were closed, and Dothan Police told WDHN that investigators received allegations of Clarks alleged crimes from several people. Clark is facing a bond of $120,000, and court records show he has not been released from the Houston County Jail. WDHN has reached out to Clarks attorney, Derek Yarborough, for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) A Central Texas nonprofit is spearheading a campaign to decriminalize marijuana in Lockhart. Mano Amiga, a nonprofit working in Hays and Caldwell counties, has already collected around half the signatures required to get a marijuana decriminalization measure on the ballot this November. PREVIOUS: San Marcos votes to decriminalize low-level marijuana possession Through our time in Lockhart over the last month, weve seen a huge amount of support for [weed decriminlization] from both ends of the political spectrum. It doesnt make sense to use city funds and scarce resources to punish people for something when we could invest in public resources to actually help address any issues at the root, said Elle Cross, who is leading Mano Amigas Lockhart initiative. We dont believe in criminalization, we believe in care and communities, she continued. Mano Amiga was also at the forefront of getting marijuana decriminalized in San Marcos in 2022. There, more than 80% of voters decided to decriminalize low-level marijuana possession within the city limits. On Wednesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced lawsuits against the five Texas cities Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin and Denton that have passed decriminalization measures in recent years. This unconstitutional action by municipalities demonstrates why Texas must have a law to follow the law. Its quite simple: the legislature passes every law after a full debate on the issues, and we dont allow cities the ability to create anarchy by picking and choosing the laws they enforce, Paxton said in a release. Cross said Paxons announcement will not deter Mano Amigas campaign in Lockhart. Were definitely dismayed to see the Attorney General fighting against democracy, Cross said. We have the intention to continue collecting signatures and continue pushing forward with what we believe is the right of the people of Lockhart to decide where their scarce resources are allocated. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Nildo's meat sauce is available in stores throughout central Illinois. Monas Italian Restaurant is a longtime establishment in central Illinois. In fact, the Toluca business founded by Nildo Mona Arthur Bernardi opened just over 90 years ago in 1933. The family business has since grown to include multiple restaurants, including Capponis in Toluca and Bernardis in Washington. Over the years, co-owner Tony Bernardi said Monas products also made their way into stores. "The retail product has been out since the early '70s," he said. "So, we're a name that has been around central Illinois a long time." More recently, customers may have noticed a new name appearing on grocery shelves. The Nildos brand began in 2020 and offers the longtime restaurants meat sauce, as well as other products. Everythings the same, Bernardi said of Nildos. Its just the name change. 'The story here is legacy': 90-year-old Illinois Italian restaurant shares its history We need to get this back out there Around 2019, Bernardi said the company that manufactured and sold Monas retail products stopped producing the meat sauce. Soon enough, he said Monas Italian Restaurant began hearing from the community. "The calls were just coming in. 'Where's the sauce? We can't find the sauce,' just all the time," Bernardi said. "So, we're like, we need to get this back out there." Bernardi said the business began working with a manufacturer in Chicago and found distributors for the product. The company that manufactured Monas retail products still owned the name, however, so Bernardi said the name had to change. Customers will now find the meat sauce as well as various other products under the Nildos brand. It's going well. People are buying it up especially this time of year, he said. When you get September through March, you know your colder months thats when people tend to eat the heartier foods. 'We need something new': Peoria Heights restaurant has reopened with refreshed name, menu What products does Nildo's offer? Currently, Bernardi said the Nildo's offers three retail products: Meat sauce Alfredo sauce Egg noodles While pricing varies by location, Bernardi said customers can generally find the meat sauce for around $6.95 and the alfredo sauce for around $8.95. The Nildos brand previously offered frozen entrees, such as lasagna and chicken bruschetta. Moving forward, Bernardi said the goal is to expand Nildos distribution and eventually bring the entrees back as a product. "Until we pick up more distribution, you know, we're not able to sell those entrees," he said. More: New Peoria restaurant serves Indian cuisine Where can I purchase Nildo's products? Alwan & Sons Meat Company at 703 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria Heights B&R Grocery East at 1123 N. Otter Creek St., Streator B&R Grocery South 1212 S. Bloomington St., Streator College Hills Meat Shop at 1522 E. College Ave., Normal County Market at 406 W. Madison St., Pontiac D & S Foods at 120 E. Bluff St., Marseilles Dave's Supermarket at 120 S 3rd St., Fairbury Handy Foods at 604 W. Main St., Ottawa Henry Foods at 615 3rd St., Henry Save A Lot at 802 Joliet St., La Salle Seneca Food Mart at 271 S. Main St., Seneca Singh Market at 124 W. Santa Fe Ave., Toluca Supreme House of Cheese at 222 E. Santa Fe Ave., Toluca ValuCheck at 2111 Court St., Pekin Village Green House, Inc. Liquor Shop at 611 S. Clark St., North Utica More: The best and worst Peoria food inspections for December 2023 Nildo's products can also be found in multiple storefronts for the following businesses: Hy-Vee 1403 N. Veterans Parkway, Bloomington 4125 N. Sheridan Road, Suite 20, Peoria 7610 N. Orange Prairie Road, Peoria 1651 Midtown Road #200, Peru 2700 Dekalb Ave., Sycamore IGA Jim's IGA at 202 N. Washington St., Lacon Kirby Foods at 45 N. Fayette St., El Paso Kirby Foods at 514 W. Center St., Eureka Kirby Foods at 200 S. Chestnut St., Le Roy Kirby Foods at 610 W. Mt. Vernon St., Metamora Roanoke IGA at 106 W. Davison St., Roanoke Kroger 1502 N. Main St., Bloomington 2507 E. Oakland Ave., Bloomington 603 S. 4th St., Chillicothe 201 S. Main St., East Peoria 1001 W. Jackson St., Morton 1607 Broadway St., Pekin 9219 N. Lindbergh Drive, Peoria 20 Cherry Tree Shopping Center, Washington Schnucks Nildo's can be found in Peoria, Pekin, Dunlap, Bloomington and Normal Schnucks locations. View the store locator here. Want the scoop on Peoria restaurants? Sign up for PJStar Dining This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Beloved Illinois restaurant offers meat sauce in stores EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Longtime Dona Ana County public official and attorney Fernando Macias is running for district attorney in the Third Judicial District, he announced Monday, Feb. 5. The Third Judicial District covers Dona Ana County. Macias, who is running as a Democrat, has had a long career in the public eye in Southern New Mexico. Most recently, Macias has served as Dona Ana County manager since January 2018. In that job he has directly reported to the County Commissioners and has overseen a workforce of 850 county employees. He had also served as county manager from 1997 to 2000. In December, the County Commissioners voted to end Macias contract. His last day in office is reported to be April 30. Gerald Byers is the incumbent district attorney and he hasnt officially announced that he is running for re-election. During his career, Macias has served as a district judge, public defender, executive director of New Mexico Legal Aid, assistant district attorney and private practice attorney. In addition, Macias has served 16 years as a New Mexico state senator, during which time he served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also held the position of chairman of the Dona Ana County Commission. He has also served as the general manager of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission and as the executive director of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance. My extensive experience demonstrates my qualifications to effectively protect the safety of our community, Macias said in his announcement. I will build a formidable prosecution team that will be the finest in New Mexico. I have the energy, optimism, perseverance, and skills to make improvements to successfully operate the office. Together with a fully staffed office, we will effectively prosecute cases in Dona Ana County to reduce crime and build a safer community. I will drastically reduce the rate of dismissals and operate the office with full transparency, Macias stated. Here is a summary of what he plans to do if elected, according to his announcement. Macias said he will undertake a multi-faceted approach to combating crime and improving public safety. This includes vigorous prosecution of both adults and juveniles involved in crimes of violence. Where appropriate, holding parents accountable for the crimes committed by their minor children and identify and keep repeat offenders and dangerous individuals incarcerated pending trial. He will fast track cases so that both victims and defendants are not waiting an excessive amount of time for justice and accountability. Macias also said he will promote early intervention programs for juveniles by building partnerships with the schools, law enforcement agencies, and youth organizations to divert children from the criminal justice system as well as promoting aggressive anti-truancy programs. He will develop domestic and child abuse prevention programs, as well as address the mostly ignored problems of animal cruelty, shoplifting, and illegal dumping. Macias added: Dona Ana County needs new and resourceful leadership in the District Attorneys office. I plan to develop and lead an unmatched team of highly talented prosecutors to achieve a District Attorneys office that effectively serves the citizens of Dona Ana County. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with more than 35 nations, has spearheaded an international initiative to counter the rising menace of "hackers-for-hire" and the burgeoning market for tools utilized in targeted cyber attacks. In alignment with the initiative, participating nations have signed a new international agreement known as the Pall Mall Process to address cyber threats. The accord seeks to promote collaboration in countering the malicious use of cyber tools that pose threats to international security, human rights, and the stability of cyberspace. Collaborative Strategies Against Cyber Threats UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden is set to lead a two-day conference alongside France, where nations and industry leaders will convene to strategize on addressing the commercial market for malicious cyber tools and the inherent threats they pose. Dowden stressed the need for collaborative efforts in the face of the escalating threat from malicious cyber tools. "As the threat from malicious use of cyber tools grows, working with like-minded partners is essential to tackle an issue which does not respect borders," he remarked. "I am proud that the UK is building on its existing capabilities and taking action as a world leader on cyber threats and innovation." The conference will also include industry giants such as Apple, BAE Systems, Google, and Microsoft. Within the framework of the Pall Mall Process agreement, steps to deter irresponsible behavior and strategies for enhancing accountability, transparency, and oversight within the sector will be explored. Read Also: U.S. Concerned About Threat of Chinese BotNet To Internet-Connected Military Assets Rapid Growth of Cyber Threats The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported that the commercial market for cyber tools is expanding at an alarming rate, doubling every 10 years. According to the NCSC, these tools, when used maliciously, can gain unauthorized access to victims' devices, eavesdrop on calls, obtain sensitive information, and even remotely operate cameras and microphones through 'zero-click' spyware. The evolving threat landscape includes the risk of "hackers-for-hire" engaging in corporate espionage and the potential use of these tools by hostile states, posing a significant risk to national security. The UK emphasizes the urgency of international cooperation to counteract these threats effectively. NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester highlighted the increasing demand for capabilities to conduct malicious cyber operations, stressing the importance of a thriving global cybersecurity sector to maintain the integrity of digital societies. "The proliferation of commercially available cyber intrusion tools is an enduring issue, with demand for capability to conduct malicious cyber operations growing all the time," Chichester said. "It's powerful to see such a broad community come together to discuss how we can make the commercial intrusion sector work better for security and society." Industry leaders, including Apple, BAE Systems, Google, and Microsoft, will play a crucial role in the discussions. The NCSC underscores the necessity of a robust global cybersecurity sector to mitigate the impact of cyber threats. The sector must continually adapt and collaborate to enhance oversight, transparency, and accountability in the development, sale, and usage of cyber intrusion tools. In his statement, Dowden emphasized the necessity for a robust global cybersecurity sector to safeguard the integrity of our digital society. He expressed the belief that by working together, the impact of cyber threats on the global community can be mitigated. Related Article: Albania's Institute of Statistics Hit by Cyberattack, Launches Probe To Identify Suspects KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 40-year-old Independence man is facing charges in a shooting last Friday at University Health Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. Jackson County prosecutors have charged Shawn Caskey with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action. Teen charged in deadly shooting of 15-year-old Lawrence girl in Olathe According to court documents, around 8:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, Kansas City police officers responded to University Health for a reported assist the officer call. Officers later learned that a security guard was shot and there was an active shooter in the hospital emergency room. When KCPD arrived on scene, they were led to an ER room where security officers Caskey had been taken into custody. The victim said he was walking through the emergency room when a nurse told him Caskey was becoming a problem and they were going to discharge him. The victim said he called for an additional security officer to help escort Caskey out of the hospital. Squatting squirrel: Liberty police spooked during an intrusion call As the two security guards waited for Caskey to gather his belongings, court documents say Caskey reached for one of their holstered firearms, shot one and then pointed the gun at the other who was then able to get control of the firearm from Caskey and place him in handcuffs. Court documents say while Caskey was handcuffed he made the statement I could have killed you but I didnt. Caskey is being held in the Jackson County jail on a $100,000 bond. Hes scheduled to appear in court for a bond review hearing on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A man is dead after a car crash and shooting Monday in Phoenix that also knocked out power to a neighborhood. Just after 2 p.m., Phoenix police responded to a report of shots fired near 23rd and Filmore streets, according to a news release from Phoenix police. Officers also received numerous calls about a car that had crashed into an electrical pole, causing the power lines to go down in the area. When officers arrived they could not reach the driver of the vehicle due to the live power lines. After Arizona Public Service arrived to handle the power lines, police found the driver of the crashed vehicle, later identified as 44-year-old Erik Lagunas, dead at the scene, police said. It was unclear when and where the shooting occurred in relation to the crash. A man who police said was suspected to be involved in the shooting was detained, but he was later released, according to police. Police said the investigation was ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to call Silent Witness and provide an anonymous tip. Information leading to an arrest will be compensated for with a reward. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Erik Lagunas dies after crashing into power pole near shooting in Phoenix KENOSHA, Wis. (WFRV) A man in southern Wisconsin was taken into custody after allegedly robbing a bank for an undisclosed amount of money. The Kenosha Police Department posted on its Facebook page about a recent bank robbery incident. On February 2 around 12:15 p.m., authorities were sent to a reported bank robbery. Officials say that the bank reported a suspect came in and handed a note to the clerk demanding money. After the suspect got an undisclosed amount of money, they reportedly fled the scene. Wisconsin man turns off taillights & drives through cornfield to evade police, eventually arrested for 6th OWI and other charges The suspect was arrested the following day after authorities looked through surveillance cameras. Authorities identified the suspect only as a 65-year-old man from Racine. The man reportedly had an extensive history of bank robberies. Charges have been referred to the Kenosha County District Attorneys Office, according to the Kenosha Police Department. Person in custody after shooting deaths of a bartender and her husband at Wisconsin sports bar Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 626-605-5203. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) A Memphis man faces a mandatory minimum of 200 years in federal prison after he was found guilty in a string of armed robberies, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Tuesday. Marchello Moore, 43, was convicted on Monday of eight counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and eight counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The U.S. Attorneys Office says Moore faces a lengthy sentence given his prior conviction in a similar case. According to information presented in court, on March 7, 2022, Moore escaped from Dismas Charities Halfway House, where he had been serving the remainder of a 10-year federal sentence. In 2016, Moore was sentenced for robbing a First Tennessee Bank and a Family Dollar store. The U.S. Attorneys Office says after his escape, Moore conducted armed robberies at the following businesses: July 26, 2022: Circle K, 4010 Austin Peay Highway August 27, 2022: Subway Restaurant, 3647 South Mendenhall Road August 31, 2022: Half Off Shoes, 3625 Hickory Hill Road September 4, 2022: Circle K, 4010 Austin Peay Highway September 4, 2022: Dollar Tree, 3685 Lamar Avenue September 10, 2022: Mapco, 1505 East Brooks Road September 12, 2022: Circle K, 2678 Getwell Road September 12, 2022: Mapco, 5325 Summer Avenue September 16, 2022: Circle K, 2678 Getwell Road Man tries to rob gas station, runs out of gas: Police During the September 16 incident, Moore tried to rob the gas station but fled before getting any money. He then led Memphis Police on a 40-minute high-speed chase before his arrest. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Over 100 members of Burma's Border Guard Police have sought refuge in Bangladesh as they flee from the ongoing conflict between Burmese security forces and an ethnic minority army, according to an official from Bangladesh's border agency on Monday. For the first time, Burmese forces have sought refuge in Bangladesh following an offensive by ethnic minority armies against the military government in Burma. Myanmar Forces Seek Refuge in Bangladesh According to Shariful Islam, a representative from Border Guard Bangladesh, the Burmese forces crossed the border in the last 48 hours while engaging in conflict with the Arakan Army in Burma's Rakhine state, which shares a border with Bangladesh. According to the source, a group of 103 troops crossed into the Bandarban district via the Tombru border. Tragic news emerged on Monday as it was revealed that a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya refugee lost their lives due to shelling from Burma. The devastating incident occurred when a house in Bandarban was struck, as per Fox News. In a recent statement to Parliament, Bangladesh's law minister, Anisul Huq, revealed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has advised the military and paramilitary border guards to exercise patience when addressing the tensions along the border. On Monday, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud revealed that Burma's ambassador to Bangladesh, U. Aung Kyaw Moe, and Deputy Foreign Minister, U. Lwin Oo, informed Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs of their intention to repatriate their troops currently seeking refuge in Bangladesh. The ministry has expressed its concerns to the Burmese envoy in Dhaka regarding the bullets and mortar shells from Burma that have been landing in Bangladesh. The Arakan Army represents the military faction of the Rakhine ethnic minority, which aims to achieve autonomy from the central government of Burma. Since November, there have been ongoing attacks on army outposts in the western state. As part of an alliance of ethnic minority armies, an offensive was launched in October, resulting in the acquisition of strategic territory in Burma's northeast, which borders China. The success of the event was seen as a significant blow to the military government, which took control in February 2021 after overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The country is currently caught in a complex civil war. In a statement released on Monday, the Three Brotherhood Alliance reported that two border outposts in Maungdaw township, Rakhine state, were attacked by the Arakan Army. The attackers managed to capture one of the outposts on Sunday. Khaing Thukha, a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, reported that the fighting at the second outpost persisted on Monday. Read Also: UN Warns Europe of Developing Sudanese Migrant Crisis Tensions Rage on Myanmar Border In October, a coalition of AA insurgents and fighters from various ethnic minority groups launched a coordinated attack in northern Myanmar, capturing strategic trade centers along the Chinese border. In a recent development, the alliance made an announcement regarding a ceasefire mediated by China. However, it is important to note that this ceasefire does not extend to the regions near the Bangladeshi and Indian border, where hostilities persist. A coalition of AA insurgents and fighters from various ethnic minority groups initiated a coordinated attack in northern Myanmar in October, capturing strategically important trade centers along the border with China. Last month, a ceasefire was announced by the alliance, mediated by China. However, it is important to note that this ceasefire does not extend to the areas near the Bangladeshi and Indian borders, as fighting in those regions persists. Villagers residing near the border in Bangladesh expressed their concerns about the potential spillover of the ongoing conflict, SCMP reported. Related Article: EU Warns of Humanitarian Crisis: Funding Cuts to UNRWA Endanger Palestinian Lives Police are investigating after a man was found shot dead in a southwest Atlanta neighborhood. On Monday at around 8:50 p.m., officers responded to a call about a person shot on the 800 block of Mitchell Street SW. The man was pronounced dead on the scene by medical personnel, according to police. An Atlanta police spokesperson told Channel 2 Action News that a SWAT situation was prompted while a warrant was being served on a nearby home early Tuesday morning. As of around 7 a.m., the SWAT standoff had ended. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A Channel 2 Action News camera on the scene captured several police cars along with yellow caution tape in the area. This address is a short distance from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW. The victim was not identified and it is unclear whether there are any suspects. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: David Emil Jacobsen is seen in this undated photo. Jacobsen was identified more than 12 years after being found dead in August 2011 in Yavapai County. A body recovered more than a dozen years ago in Yavapai County has been identified. David Emil Jacobsen, 46, of Largo, Florida, was found without identification in August 2011 in the Beaver Creek area, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. An autopsy performed on Jacobsen determined he died of natural causes due to heart complications, according to county spokeswoman Kristin Greene. Jacobsen's remains were identified through forensic genealogy done free of charge for the agency by Ramapo College of New Jersey through an investigative genetic genealogy program, according to the sheriff's office. A combination of family tree research and circumstantial evidence led students to Jacobsen, according to a press release from the college. The Yavapai County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his identity through mitochondrial DNA comparison, the sheriff's office said. Investigators for years tried to find a match through NamUs, which is the federal missing persons database. "The Jacobsen family is very grateful to everyone for their efforts to bring closure to this 13-year painful experience. YCSO appreciates the efforts of Ramapo College and their students diligent work in this endeavor. We hope to partner with them on other cases in the future," read a statement from the sheriff's office. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Florida man who died in 2011 in Yavapai County ID'd The Syrian Democratic Forces announced on Monday that the US-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria have released a Yazidi woman who had been held for a decade by Islamic State (IS), where she was raped and forced to marry extremists. The SDF reported that the Yazidi woman, her son, and her daughter were rescued during an ongoing security operation by Kurdish fighters in Syria's expansive northeastern al-Hol camp that houses tens of thousands of people. Yazidi Woman Freed by US-backed Syrian Fighters The SDF initiated Operation Humanity and Security 3 at al-Hol on Friday. They arrested three dozen people on suspicion of having ties to the terrorist group that used to control large parts of Syria and Iraq. According to the SDF, the Yazidi woman was released by the Women's Protection Units, or YPJ, on Sunday, saying that she is originally from Hardan village in Iraq's Yazidi heartland of Sinjar. IS forces kidnapped the woman during the 2014 terrorist massacres, in which thousands of men were killed, and several women were held as sex slaves. The group said 21 IS operatives were captured, and terrorist materials were seized on the first day of operations. It added that explosives, booby traps, and tunnels were discovered. The woman said in a video that the YPJ released that she was staying with a family and was told not to reveal her identity or say that she is Yazidi before being taken to the camp. She also claimed that she used a fake name during her stay at al-Hol until her release. "They destroyed my life. I was sold and bought like a sheep," the woman said about her time before being brought to al-Hol in 2019. She continued and said that she had previously lived with six other women in the home of an elderly guy named Abu Jaafar, who would physically abuse her if she refused him. "The women who resisted rape used to be killed," she said. Read Also: France's Foreign Ministry Summons Russian Ambassador After French Humanitarian Workers Killed in Ukraine IS Displaces Thousands of People The heavily guarded al-Hol camp, run by Syrian Kurdish-led forces allied with the US, was once home to 73,000 people. The population in the area decreased over the years when many women and children were repatriated from al-Hol. Most of the residents of Al-Hol are Syrians and Iraqis, but there are also over 60 other nationalities. Non-Syrian and Iraqi nationals reside in a part of the camp known as the Annex, home to the most die-hard IS supporters. After IS swept over the area in 2014, many of them had traveled thousands of miles to join the extremist group. The IS extremists used sleeper cells in the camp. In previous years, there have been several security operations that have resulted in the liberation of women who were taken as slaves and the detention of extremists. Related Article: German ISIS Bride Gets 10-Year Sentence for Crimes Against Humanity After Proven Guilty in the Death of Yazidi Slave Girl The first witness in William Mark Crump's trial told a jury he peeked through a curtain hanging in a bedroom doorway to see his father sexually abusing his 12-year-old sister in their rural North Carolina home in the 1990s. Crump's adult son testified Tuesday morning against his 63-year-old father, who is accused of aggravated sexual assault of a 5-year-old girl in 2020 in Wichita Falls. The son told jurors he heard his sister say, "Stop, please," during the incident in October 1996 when Crump was alone in the house with children. William Mark Crump, right, sits in 89th District Court Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, during his trial for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Wichita County Assistant Public Defender Marty Cannedy, second from right, talks to 89th District Judge Charles Barnard. Wichita County Assistant District Attorney Matt Shelton is to the far left, and Assistant DA Chelsea Carlton is standing second from left. Testimony: Son reconciled with Crump The son made sure his stepmother, who was not home at the time, knew about the incident by putting a note on the backdoor. Law enforcement officers were called. Later, the son gave his father a second chance, he testified. "At one point, he was my best friend," the son told the jury. Crump's past and possible punishment if convicted Crump has prior convictions for sexual offenses in North Carolina, court documents show. He faces up to life in prison if convicted in Wichita County, but prosecutors are seeking an enhanced punishment based on out-of-state convictions. Just after the son's testimony, 89th District Judge Charles Barnard sent the jury out for a break. A juror was called into the courtroom where Barnard interviewed him about recognizing the first witness. Juror's concerns in Crump trial The juror told Barnard he didn't feel he could be impartial because he would be swayed by the prior contact with the son, who was very nice. Barnard ordered the juror to be replaced with an alternate and denied Wichita County Assistant Public Defender Mary Cannedy's request for a mistrial. Wichita County Assistant District Attorney Matt Shelton had objected to a mistrial being declared, noting an alternate juror was available. Victim's mother takes the stand in Crump trial The victim's mother testified about finding out about the allegations against Crump after another daughter told her to talk to the victim. Since the victim's parents were not together anymore, the victim would leave her home in Oklahoma to spend some weekends with her father in Wichita Falls, the mother testified. Under cross examination by Cannedy, the mother testified she knew about Crump's history when she was married to her ex-husband. She also knew her children were around Crump during visitation with their father, but she didn't know they were alone with him, the mother testified. On Tuesday, prosecutors abandoned one of the counts in the indictment against Crump. So he is charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. A jury was selected Monday for the trial of Crump, who is already required to register as a sex offender for life because of the North Carolina convictions. Testimony began Tuesday after opening arguments. Court gavel Anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Crump was being held Tuesday in the Wichita County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond, according to online court records. More: Prosecutors push back against James Staley's appeal of his murder conviction Allegations against Crump On Jan. 25, 2022, Wichita Falls police responded to a home the day after the girl made an outcry to her mother about sexual assault, according to allegations in an affidavit for an arrest warrant. Crump babysat the child in his home when the incident is alleged to have occurred in August 2020, according to allegations in court records. The child told a forensic interviewer at Patsy's House Children's Advocacy Center that Crump said he would spank her if she told anyone what he had done, according to allegations in court documents. More: Anthony Patterson's child sex crimes trial delayed Charges against Crump that didn't stick and those that did A Wichita County grand jury declined to indict Crump for a charge of indecency with a child by exposure, and a judge dismissed the charge May 4, 2022. The charge was in connection with an alleged Oct. 1, 2020, incident. In addition, Crump was charged with sexual assault in connection with a March 8, 2008, alleged incident in Wichita Falls, court records show. He was acquitted of the charge March 24, 2010. Crump was convicted March 13, 1997, in North Carolina for attempted statutory rape, incest and indecent liberties with a minor, according to court documents filed by prosecutors. They are all felonies. Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Man testifies Crump sexually abused another girl An Oklahoma man is accused of threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a church he blames for causing his marital problems, according to Tulsa police. On Saturday, Feb. 3, police received a call from a member of the church saying a man, identified as Ruben Marquez, told him some disturbing things when they saw each other at a gas station, the Tulsa Police Department said in a Feb. 5 news release. Marquez told the man he was going to massacre the churchs congregation, and wanted to kill everyone there, including women and children, police said. Its a threat Marquez had made before, investigators later learned, as the same church member who called police about Marquez on Saturday also alerted the department about him in January. Police say Marquez has a vendetta against the church because he believes its responsible for breaking up his marriage. Marquez was arrested at his home, which police say is not far from the church. Records show he was booked into the Tulsa County Jail at 8:22 p.m. Feb. 3, on a charge of threatening a violent act, but was released Feb. 6 after posting a $10,000 bond. Woman shot by deputies investigating burglary call was not an intruder, Texas cops say Mom dies trying to save baby after rescuing 2 kids from house fire, Texas officials say Man bites womans face after learning she got job at strip club, Texas cops say Grandpa killed in dog attack outside home, family says. Never forget those cries LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas Metro police arrested a Washington state man wanted on a murder charge in the death of a 3-year-old child, records said. On Jan. 31, police in Spokane, Washington, responded to a call for a child who was not breathing, police said. The child was later pronounced deceased. On Feb. 1, police issued a warrant for the arrest of John Jones, 38, on a second-degree murder charge, police said. Later that day, Metro police arrested Jones in the east valley near Boulder Highway and Nellis Boulevard, documents said. Officers were called to a report of a suspicious vehicle with a Washington license plate, documents said. Officers removed Jones from the car and took him into custody. Jones remained at the Clark County Detention Center as of Monday. Police in Spokane said he would be transported to Washington to face the second-degree murder charge in the coming weeks. CBS affiliate KREM-TV identified Jones as the childs mothers boyfriend. The TV station said the boy was found with multiple bruises all over his body. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A man who's been having breakfast at McDonald's almost every day for 36 years went to the chain for his 100th birthday A centenarian has been having breakfast at McDonald's almost every day for 36 years. The West Virginia resident and WWII veteran went to the chain with friends to celebrate his 100th birthday. "I can't stop now," Zan White told local station WDTV. A man from West Virginia who served in World War II celebrated his 100th birthday at McDonald's on Friday. Zan White has been having breakfast at a McDonald's in Elkins almost every day for 36 years as part of a group he set up that's been dubbed the ROMEO Club, an abbreviation for Retired Old Men Eating Out, he told local TV station WDTV. He often dines there with a group of about a dozen friends. White told the station he wasn't sure why he'd lived so long but that he didn't plan on changing his habits as he got older. "I've been coming here for 36 years I can't stop now," he said. White served as a radar repairman during World War II. Apart from this, he's spent his whole life living in Elkins. "I've seen Zan every morning pretty much for the 24 years I've been working. It's a joy to see him every morning, it's one of the highlights of my day," Mark Godwin, a McDonald's area supervisor, told WDTV. Read the original article on Business Insider The Iowa Department of Education announced Jan. 29 that more than 16,000 students paid for nonpublic school tuition this year by using education savings accounts created under a law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds last year. The law, which supporters often referred to as "school choice" legislation, awards about $7,600 per student to Iowa families who are approved for a state-funded education savings account to pay for nonpublic school tuition and fees. Supporters of the new law said it would allow parents more opportunity to send their children to a school of their choice by removing financial barriers. The new data released last week indicates some parents are taking advantage of that option by shifting their children from public to private schools. Nonpublic school enrollment increased slightly more than 7%, or just over 2,000 students. But the data also shows most of the education savings accounts, or ESAs, went to students who were already attending private schools. About two-thirds of students who used their ESAs this year had previously attended a nonpublic school, according to the Department of Education data. Another 21% were kindergartners just entering the school system. Only about 13% of ESA participants moved from a public school to a nonpublic school this year. A map of the rate of ESA participation by resident school district shows nearly a fifth of districts with no ESA participants per 100 students enrolled in the public schools, many districts with a handful and a few pockets with heavier usage. More: Which Iowa kids could 'school choice' help most? These 3 maps tell the story. Few, if any, seismic shifts in either public school enrollment or enrollment at individual nonpublic schools materialized, according to the data. Instead, enrollment dipped slightly at public school districts across Iowa and increased slightly among the state's private schools. Just under two-thirds of Iowa's public school districts reported a decrease in certified enrollment from 2022-23 to 2023-24; just over two-thirds of the state's nonpublic schools reported an increase in enrollment over the same period. In private school-heavy northwest Iowa, negligible changes to enrollment Nonpublic schools educate a disproportionately high number of students in far northwest Iowa compared with other parts of the state. In one example, more students attend nonpublic schools within the boundaries of the Boyden-Hull school district than attend the district's public schools. In a subset of five school districts where more than 20% of students attend nonpublic schools Boyden-Hull, MOC-Floyd Valley, Remsen-Union, Rock Valley and Sioux Center about 17% of all students used ESAs to pay for nonpublic school tuition. That's nearly half of the area's nonpublic school students. But despite 1,264 ESA participants within those five districts, public school enrollment declined by just 58 students across all five districts this year. Enrollment at the 12 nonpublic schools in the same area has increased by 71 students since 2021-22. (Data for 2022-23 was incomplete.) Enrollment numbers in other private school hotspots across Iowa tell similar stories. In Carroll, where Kuemper Catholic Grade School and high school account for more than 40% of the students enrolled within the district's boundaries, about a third of nonpublic school students utilized ESAs this year. The 367 ESAs in the district factored into an increased enrollment of 58 between the two Kuemper Catholic schools. The public school district in Carroll, meanwhile, reported enrollment slightly under the projections calculated in May 2022. But those projections had already predicted a small decline year over year. And missing enrollment projections wasn't uncommon: A majority of school districts had enrollments below what was previously forecast. The Dubuque area, with its large Catholic presence, had more than 1,100 ESA participants from the three area districts where more than 15% of students were enrolled in nonpublic schools last year. But like northwest Iowa and Carroll, shifts in overall enrollments at public and nonpublic schools were slight. Certified enrollment dropped by 89 students in all three public school districts less than 1%, collectively. The nonpublic schools within those districts reported a total enrollment increase of 113. Eight new private schools spring up in Iowa The Department of Education data shows eight new nonpublic schools in Iowa not counting name changes or schools that broke into separate grade levels resulting in the largest net increase in nonpublic schools in the state since the COVID-19 pandemic. None of these schools has much of a footprint yet. Just one, Strong Roots Christian in Indianola, has more than 100 enrolled students. The rest have fewer than 50. Parents of students in parts of the state with no nearby private schools will have to wait to take advantage of the new ESA law. Of those eight new schools, five are within school districts that already had at least one nonpublic school. The remaining three are in the Indianola and Johnston school districts in the greater Des Moines metro area. Large portions of Iowa, including much of the state south and west of Des Moines, have few or no nonpublic school options, effectively shutting out those regions from benefits of the ESA law. That's demonstrated prominently on the map showing the distribution of ESAs by public school district in Iowa. No students used ESAs in a swath of more than a dozen school districts in southern Iowa, spanning from Red Oak past Centerville. Nearly 20% of Iowa's school districts reported zero students participating in the ESA program. How has the law affected Des Moines-area school districts? In three metro school districts Saydel, Urbandale and West Des Moines more than 15% of students who were enrolled within district boundaries attended nonpublic schools last year. (In Des Moines, that number was about 8%.) Like other areas with a higher concentration of nonpublic schools, public school enrollment decreased gradually and nonpublic school enrollment increased gradually in those three districts. But a relatively low number of families took advantage of ESAs to pay nonpublic school tuition. For every 100 students enrolled in Saydel, Urbandale or West Des Moines public schools, fewer than five additional students participated in the ESA program. That's lower than most school districts with similar ratios of public to private school students. It's lower than even some districts where there are no nonpublic schools (meaning students must travel outside of the school district to attend one). One possible explanation: This year, current private school students in families with a total household income above 300% of the federal poverty guidelines were not eligible for ESAs. (Any student enrolling at a private school for the first time is eligible for an ESA, regardless of household income.) Dallas County, which holds much of the Urbandale and West Des Moines school districts, is the wealthiest in the state, with a median household income above $90,000 roughly the 300% cutoff for a family of four. Other counties in the Des Moines metro area also have relatively high median incomes. For these school districts, then, the next two years of ESA data may be more revealing than this year's. The income restriction is raised to 400% of federal poverty guidelines for the 2024-25 school year, and lifted entirely starting with the 2025-26 school year. Tim Webber is a data visualization specialist for the Register. Reach him at twebber@registermedia.com, and on Twitter at @HelloTimWebber. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa 'school choice' law: Who received state-funded ESAs in first year Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is the one presiding over former United States President Donald Trump's Washington, DC, criminal case, acknowledged on Monday that the defendant's trial could be delayed deep into 2024. She told attorneys in another criminal case that she is planning to be out of the country in early August unless Trump's case is already underway. The judge made the announcement in front of a sparsely attended conference for the other criminal case. Donald Trump's Criminal Case The case is one of more than 1,200 that stem from the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot. The judge said that if she is stateside, it would be because "I'm in trial in another matter that has not yet returned to my calendar." The judge's remark was a clear reference to the former president's case, which has been put on hold since December last year. This was as a federal appeals court considers whether or not Trump should be considered "immune" from charges related to his conduct as president of the United States, as per Politico. The announcement marked Chutkan's first public acknowledgment that the former president's trial, which is on charges related to his effort to subvert the 2020 election, could extend past the GOP nominating contest as well as the Republican National Convention (RNC). The latter is scheduled to be held from Jul. 15 to Jul. 18. However, for the second time in a week, the Obama-appointed judge emphasized that the schedule of the trial is largely out of her control. The judge on Friday called off the Republican businessman's original Mar. 4 trial date and indicated that she would reset it "if and when" higher courts resolve the immunity issue and allow her to proceed with a trial. The development has prompted concerns among legal observers as they are worried that the former president's criminal case could be delayed past November this year. This would bolster his efforts to return to the Oval Office, according to The Hill. Read Also: Nathan Wade Reaches Divorce Settlement, Avoids Testimony in Fani Willis Affair Case Former President's Delay Tactics Trump's delay tactics are a well-worn strategy by the Republican businessman and his legal teams to bend circumstances in his favor. US Solicitor General Neal Katyal said that he is officially now at the "freakout stage." The stalling tactics have thrown anti-Trump legal pundits into a full spiral, warning that it could only help the GOP frontrunner. The counsel for the Democrats in Trump's first impeachment, Norm Eisen, called the lack of a ruling a "temporary win" for the Republican businessman. If Trump manages to win the presidency in the general election, he could order his attorney general to simply dismiss the criminal charges against him. And in the event that the indictment was left in place, the proceedings against him could be frozen as long as he is the sitting president. Prosecutors have never explicitly said that they want to hold the trial before the general election in an effort to avoid such potential consequences. They instead opted to frame their efforts to move the case quickly toward trial as a nod toward the enormous public interest in seeing the case resolved quickly, said the New York Times. Related Article: 'Rust' Actor Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty to Fatal Shooting of Halyna Hutchins Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuhla was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People political party, she announced via Facebook on Feb. 6. Read also: Parliament moves to remove MP Bezuhla from the deputy head position of National Security Committee Party leader Olena Shuliak approved Bezuhla's resignation request, the lawmaker said. In her post, Bezuhla criticized her former party for resistance to policy changes, while saying that said policies "aren't all terrible." Many competent managers and hundreds of interesting individuals remain in the party, she said. There was potential for significant development. Even Shuliak has potential, but currently, the party is coasting on inertia without the leadership's willingness to progress. Read also: Umerov and Zaluzhnyi to present new mobilization bill in parliament Bezuhla expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who, in her view, has grown significantly during his challenging term in office. Read also: European Parliament investigating Latvian MEP for working for Russias FSB spy service Earlier on Feb. 6, the Ukrainian parliament failed a vote to remove Bezuhla from her position as Deputy Chair of the Defense Committee. Read also: Ukraines MP Bezuhla wants to be released from ruling party On Jan. 11, Bezuhla had announced her intention to leave Servant of the People party, and her resignation request was processed on Jan. 12. Late last year, Bezuhla began publicly criticizing Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi. 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 In the fetid swamp of far-right politics, two names are infamous for having unleashed a torrent of particularly ludicrous stunts, lies, and scams. Among other things, Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman have lobbed phony sexual misconduct claims at former FBI Director and Trump-era Special Counsel Robert Mueller, recruited a young Trump supporter to smear then-presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg as a rapist, and floated a preposterous tale that Sen. Elizabeth Warren was carrying on a kinky, BDSM-imbued extramarital affair with a 24-year-old soldier later found to have exaggerated his service record. In 2022, the hapless Wohl and Burkman pleaded guilty to felony charges that they targeted African-American voters with illegal robocalls to deter them from voting, and were fined more than $5 million. Now, one of the pairs targets is fighting back. A Marine veteran and attorney claims his life fell apart after Wohl and Burkman falsely tarred him in a 2021 video as a child sex predator, according to an $11 million racketeering lawsuit obtained by The Daily Beast. In the aftermath, the unidentified Maryland man was let go from his law firm, lost a paid internship at Johns Hopkins University, was thrown out by his landlord, and forced him into bankruptcy, the lawsuit states. John Doe contends in the suit that Wohl and his co-defendant, soon-to-be-disbarred lawyer Jack Burkman, caused irreparable harm by laying waste to his reputation, wrecking his ability to earn a living, and turning him into a critical casualty of their ongoing, illegal scheme. Emails and voicemails left for Wohl on Monday seeking comment went unanswered. Burkman responded to The Daily Beasts request for comment with a phone call, but it soon became apparent that he had meant to dial someone else. Once he realized his mistake, the line abruptly disconnected. Burkman followed up with an email, saying, Sorry, phone died, call you back thanks! (He never called back.) Does attorney, John Flood, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A Johns Hopkins spokesperson did not return a message sent late Monday afternoon. We won our lawsuit against Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, two conspiracy theorists who engaged in a disgraceful campaign to stop Black people from voting in the 2020 election. Any attempt to silence the voices or votes of New Yorkers will be met with the full force of my office. https://t.co/1ONfBSynad NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) March 8, 2023 The complaint in Does case centers around Predator D.C., a low-rent web series aping NBCs venerable true crime show, To Catch a Predator. We are doing hard hitting investigative journalism to expose predators in the heart of our nation's capital, Predator D.C.s show page told prospective viewers, who were charged a minimum of $10 a month to tune in. Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman conduct hidden-camera sting operations to expose predators who work within the highest levels of the U.S. Government. Doe, who had previously been married but was single at the time, matched on Tinder with a 36-year-old mother in Gaithersburg who called herself Sarah, according to the lawsuit. The two spoke a few times by phone before making a date to meet in real life, but Doe did not use sexual language in these communications, nor were any pictures exchanged or solicited, the suit states. But, it goes on, Sarah was in fact one of numerous false profiles of women Wohl and Burkman created and placed on the dating site for their show. When Doe showed up at Sarahs tidy, two-story home on Aug. 29, 2021, he was greeted at the door by a woman he believed was the woman he was expecting to meet (i.e., Sarah, age 36), the lawsuit continues. The woman, whose real name is Anastasia, according to the lawsuit, invited Doe inside, which is when he immediately realized that there were hidden cameras in the apartment, it says, noting that as Sarah went upstairs, Wohl, Berkman, and some five other men surrounded him: one wore a tactical vest, another ballistic gloves, a third, armed with a handgun, blocked the front door. Thereafter, Defendants Wohl and Burkmanwith cameras rolling and in a very aggressive manneraccused [Doe] of coming to the residence, intending to have sex with an underage teen, claiming that Sarah was just 16, the lawsuit states. In response, [Doe] explained repeatedly that he was coming to meet Sarah, age 36. After several minutes of heated discussion, [Doe] stated that he would call the police, because what they had done to him was wrong and illegal. Suddenly, Wohl and Berkman changed their tune, according to the suit. In response, realizing that [Doe] was telling them the truth and that they had engaged in wrongful and even potentially criminal conduct by entrapping him Burkman reassured [Doe], stating as follows: Were listening to your side of the story We havent done anything We are just investigating We stand persuaded this is just an innocent mixup Were not using anything Dont worry This is overyoull not hear anything about it again We stand persuaded Its innocent mixup, thank you Look at me, [Name Redacted], this is over, its over The man blocking the door stepped aside when Burkman said they wouldnt use the footage if Doe promised not to report them to the cops, the lawsuit says. Doe did contact the police, but quickly declined to pursue charges because of Defendant Burkmans statement that they would not do anything with the footage if he did not go to the police, and also because he was not completely sure of their actual identity, which they refused to provide, the suit states. Doe also contacted the FBI, which told him he had done nothing wrong, according to the suit. However, Wohl and Burkman fully reneged on their end of the deal, according to Does suit. On Feb. 16, 2022, a Predator DC episode titled, Across the Border and Into a Teen, featuring Doe, appeared on the pairs YouTube channel, it says, adding that Wohl posted a press release to his website, announcing the video. In the footage, which has since been taken offline, Wohl said, Our nations capital is infested with deviants, perverts, and pedophiles of all stripes, while showing Does face, first name, occupation, and location, according to the lawsuit. It says the video referred to Doe as a lawyer and member of the D.C. bar, as well as being affiliated with Johns Hopkins, and that the audience was told that Doe [came] to our sting house to have sex with an underage teen who hes just met on Tinder. The video also improperly described Doe as a married man, which the suit says Wohl believed after seeing a photo of [Doe] online, in which [Doe] was wearing his Marine Corps dress blues with his wife at that time, who was African American, the suit says. However, [Doe] was no longer married at the time of the incident in question, on August 29, 2021, or subsequent thereto on February 16, 2022, when the video was publicized. At the end, Wohl and Burkman discussed the video in a studio-type background, and rattled off a laundry list of false, defamatory statements about Doe, the lawsuit says. The two addressed Doe directly, allegedly saying, among other things, You disgust me, you disgust America, You will not stop us from exposing predators just like you, and, We will never stop in pursuit of the truth, and the truth is, that you are a pedophile, and you are a danger to society. Washington lawyer and Republican operative Jack Burkman is poised, opens new tab to lose his law license after pleading guilty to telecommunications fraud in Ohio @DaveThomas5150 https://t.co/ewYqPBSYYK pic.twitter.com/bJC12WXfDr Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) January 31, 2024 Doe subsequently deleted his Tinder account, according to the suit. At no time did [Doe] ever communicate with a female associated with the incident of August 29, 2021, who was a minor, it argues. [Doe] is not a predator. He is not a pedophile. He is not a danger to society. He did not intend to prey upon an underage teen. He did not engage in any form of criminal conduct. In the fall of 2021, Doe was contacted by another of-age woman acting at the behest of Wohl and Burkman, the lawsuit claims. And thats when things, surreally, took a turn for the worse. Hiding behind their falsely created identity, they requested personal information about [Does] work, and [Doe] advised them that he had contacted the FBI, the lawsuit states. Thereafter, [Doe] suddenly lost his job at Johns Hopkins University, for no justifiable reason. Upon information and belief, this occurred because Defendants Wohl and Burkman contacted Johns Hopkins University and falsely told them that they had documentation of their employee engaging in illegal conduct. On May 23, 2022, Does landlord told him he had to immediately leave the apartment unit he had moved into just the day before, according to the suit. [Doe] later learned that this was due to the landlord seeing the video after the posting had become the third result on Google when [Does] name was searched. Three weeks later, Doe was notified he was being dismissed from his job at a New York immigration law firm due to an online post, now second in Google results when searching his name, the lawsuit states. They said they found the site from [Does] prior landlord. It was not safe to return [to work] due to threats relating to the post. U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia Doe says in the suit that Wohl and/or Burkman also attempted to contact [his] former spouse (whom they knew was African American) in order to try and further damage [Doe], and also because she was a person of color. Further, the suit states, under Maryland law, it is not a crime for an adult to have consensual sexual relations with a female who is 16 years of age or older Defendants did not communicate this information when they defamed [Doe] through the YouTube video at issue, because they wanted viewers of the video to think that [Doe] was in fact a pedophile and a predatorwhich is not true. Doe finally went to court to get a protective order and force Wohl and Burkman to remove the video from the internet, spending about $30,000 in legal fees to do so, the lawsuit says. The operation was funded by Burkman and his lobbying firm, paying to rent Sarahs house on Aug. 29 and underwriting equipment and crew expenses, according to the lawsuit. In addition to damage to his reputation, occupation, and status as a former military officer, Does suit says he has also suffered severe emotional trauma because of the Defendants wrongful conduct. Along the way, it states, the bankruptcy demolished his credit, as well, which will continue to damage his future professional opportunities as a lawyer. Doe is requesting a jury trial, an order for Wohl and Burkman not to further distribute the video in question, as well as compensatory and punitive damages of $10,794,000, plus attorneys fees. 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. Democratic lawmaker Jim McGovern got into a bizarre exchange with Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene on X, where the two sparred over bathroom habits and the Ku Klux Klan. The online squabble unfolded after Mr McGovern, a ranking member of the House Comittee on Rules, criticised Ms Greene during a committee hearing on Monday for her attempts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and censure Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar over baseless accusations that she is a foreign agent. Mr McGovern slammed Ms Greene as the leader of this charade before listing off several of the MAGA congresswomans wild past comments, including her claim that a House Covid-19 mask mandate matched the Nazis persecution of Jews. The clowns are running the circus around here, Mr McGovern said. Were wasting hours and hours of time this week on Marjorie Taylor Greene because what? She wants to impeach somebody. And dont even get me started on her absurd censure resolution of congresswoman Omar that she introduced because she doesnt know how to use Google Translate, he said. Following the hearing, Ms Greene took to X to respond to a clip of Mr McGoverns comments by hitting out at his apparent bathroom habits. Wow, this is coming from the same guy who is well known to lay his suit jacket on the actual bathroom floor while spending a lot of time in the stall of the first-floor bathroom of the Capitol, she said. Eww. Thats probably when he comes up with all this-, she added, alongside a poop emoji. In another post, she continued: This jacket could be the one that McGovern laid on the mens bathroom floor in the Capitol. So nasty. However, Mr McGovern fired back at Ms Greene, replying to her post: No idea what youre talking about... what are you doing in the mens bathroom arent you late for a klan meeting? No idea what youre talking about... what are you doing in the mens bathroom arent you late for a klan meeting? https://t.co/G9SkNa2GQa Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) February 6, 2024 Their back and forth came about after Ms Greene brought forward a resolution to censure Ms Omar on Thursday. Ms Omar faced backlash over a speech she made last week in Minneapolis, where she spoke Somali. A translation of the speech went viral, claiming that Ms Omar had said that the the US government will only do what Somalians in the US tell them to do... Sleep in comfort knowing I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the US system. Ms Greene then brought forward a resolution to censure Ms Omar, citing the speech. Representative Omar has revealed herself to be a foreign agent, acting on behalf of a foreign government, she claimed. However, it later transpired that the speech had been mistranslated and that was in fact not what Ms Omar said. Ms Omar also responded to the controversy on X, saying that the interpretation in the clip is not only slanted but completely off. MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) The man police say confronted a person and officers two weeks ago has been arrested and charged on seven counts related to the incident. A spokesperson for the Marquette Police Department said Tuesday that 66-year-old Leon Arnold was taken into custody Feb. 5 after a nearly two-week stay at the hospital. Police: Man waiting for officer started standoff at Marquette City Hall While Arnold was taken to UPHS-Marquette for evaluation after the standoff, police say his extended medical care was for non-injury related treatment. The specific crimes Arnold is charged with are as follows: Weapons-Carrying Concealed, (2) Counts of Felonious Assault, Resisting and Obstructing, (2) Counts of Felony Firearm and Brandishing a Firearm in Public. He remains in the Marquette County Jail on a $110,000 bond. His arraignment date has not yet been set. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com. Hamas is believed to be demanding the release of Marwan Barghouti classed by Israel as a terrorist but viewed by many Palestinians as their Nelson Mandela as the price of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Negotiations to try to end the war could lead to freedom for the "best-known and most controversial" Palestinian political prisoner, said The Times. Barghouti, who was jailed for murder in 2002, is "the man a recent opinion poll suggested should be the territory's next president". The demand "brings new attention" to the 64-year-old, "who plays a central role in Palestinian politics even after spending more than two decades behind bars", said The Associated Press. His release could "lay the groundwork" for his eventual election to political office. 'Unifying pragmatist or terrorist mastermind' Barghouti was a student leader at Birzeit University in the West Bank and was involved in popular protests at the time of the first Palestinian Intifada, or uprising, in 1987. In the 1990s, he emerged as a prominent figure in Fatah the movement led by Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas that runs the West Bank rising to the position of general secretary. Described by The Times of Israel as Fatah's "terror chief", Barghouti is accused by Israel of having established the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (AMB), and is currently serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison for his alleged role in deadly attacks during the second Intifada, in the early 2000s. He is viewed by many Israelis as "the man who abandoned the peace process to lead the second intifada", said The Times, but his political role "was then and remains ambiguous". Often described by Palestinians as the "Palestinian Mandela", he is seen as a "unifying pragmatist or a terrorist mastermind", depending on your political affiliation, said Israeli daily paper Haaretz. Barghouti has maintained his high profile and influence during his 20 years behind bars, smuggling out letters, writing articles and being active in the prisoner movement. After a statement calling for support for Hamas in the current war was released in his name, his family claimed he was brutalised in prison, transferred to solitary confinement and held in the dark with loud music playing for days. A future Palestinian president? In demanding the release of Barghouti, Hamas's aims appear to be "twofold", said Business Insider "increase public support for their party and recognise Barghouti's rare position as a unifier among Palestinians". He still enjoys "widespread respect" and, crucially, "support among all Palestinian factions". An opinion poll released in December showed that Barghouti remains the most popular politician among Palestinians. The survey also found a rise in support for Hamas, and an overwhelming rejection of the Western-backed Abbas, with nearly 90% saying he must resign. Barghouti's appeal to the Palestinian population was explained by his son Arab. Speaking to The Times at his father's campaign office in Ramallah, capital of the West Bank, he said: "My father never made big promises, to build roads or schools or the best buildings. He is just someone from the Palestinian street who made the choice to dedicate his life to the struggle for the Palestinian cause." Barghouti's advocates in the West tout his support for a two-state solution in contrast to Hamas and acceptance of the Oslo peace accords. And as a leader of Fatah, he represents the more moderate and secular wing of the Palestinian cause, in contrast to radical Islam of groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Freeing Barghouti is the "break glass in case of emergency" option for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said Seth Mandel in Commentary. He is believed to be "both popular enough and moderate enough" to lead the Palestinian Authority after Abbas. But what freeing Barghouti would actually accomplish, said Mandel, "is the further destabilisation of the Palestinian Authority-ruled West Bank". "Hamas thinks this is a great idea. The Israelis are unconvinced." CCTV shows civilians cowering for protection amid a hail of bullets at the Caglayan courthouse - YASIN AKGUL/AFP Members of a Marxist terror group attacked Turkeys largest courthouse before being shot dead by security in a hail of bullets that killed a civilian and injured others, authorities said. Footage showed two assailants a man and a woman aiming their weapons and firing before they were shot down. Three police officers were injured in the exchange of fire. CCTV from inside the court foyer also showed civilians cowering for protection as the shootings happened at a security checkpoint on the forecourt. Police armed with batons, air rifles and riot shields were dispatched to neighbourhoods in Istanbul following the attack on the Caglayan courthouse in Istanbul. It is not clear what the motive for the attack was but Turkish news agency DHA reported that the female attackers sister appeared as a defendant at the courthouse shortly after the incident, on charges of membership in a terrorist organisation and for possession of dangerous materials. Police armed with air rifles, batons and riot shields were dispatched to secure the area - BERK OZKAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Ali Yerlikaya, Turkeys interior minister, said the two attackers were members of a group known as DHKP-C, or the Revolutionary Peoples Liberation Party-Front, a far-Left group listed as a terrorism organisation by Turkey, the UK, US and EU. Yilmaz Tunc, the justice minister, said the city prosecutors office was investigating, and that the two attackers had before served jail sentences for terrorism-related offences. The DHKP-C, largely inactive in recent years, has not commented on the attacks and its unclear why the organisation chose to act now. The group which aims to establish a Marxist-Leninist regime in Turkey by means of armed revolutionary struggle was formed in 1993 after a split in its predecessor group Dev Sol, or Revolutionary Left. DHKP-C also espouses an anti-imperialist stance, focused against the US and the military bloc, Nato, according to an annual report by the House of Commons library, most recently released in January. Police forensic team wait with the bodies of the attackers after they were shot dead outside the building - Sercan Ozkurnazli/DIA Images Since its founding, DHKP-C has launched sporadic attacks with less frequency and success than its predecessor. However, it has killed high-profile targets, including Turkeys then-minister of justice in 1994 and a prominent businessman in 1996. About a decade ago, a string of attacks in Turkey at key locations police stations, an Ottoman Empire-era palace, the US embassy in Ankara were either claimed by DHKP-C or alleged by authorities to be perpetrated by the group. Then, in 1999, two members of DHKP-C were killed by Turkish security forces as they tried to launch a rocket attack against the US consulate in Istanbul. Its predecessor, Dev Sol, also attacked a number of US and UK targets in Turkey in the early 1990s, in response to the Gulf war. In 1991, one of those attacks killed Andrew Blake, a British citizen working for a company in Istanbul. The House of Commons report also notes that the organisation has an office in London engaged in overt political activity. Authorities say it is unclear why the group decided to attack now - Getty/DIA Images Thursdays shooting marked another tragedy on a day that is already particularly dark for many in Turkey, as tens of thousands died in an earthquake that shook the country, and neighbouring Syria, on 6 Feb 2023. A witness to Tuesdays attack, Emre Ozyurt, said his blood froze as bystanders fled in fright. DHKP-C has not commented on Thursdays attacks, though it maintains close links to THKP-C, another Turkish left wing organisation that grew out of the Dev Sol split. Mihrac Ural, the leader of THKP-C, holds Syrian citizenship and was born in Hatay, one of the worst-hit parts of Turkey in the earthquake. The Caglayan courthouse, also known as the Istanbul Justice Palace, is a huge and heavily guarded court complex in the Kagithane district. It was Europes largest courthouse when it opened in 2011. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A newspaper clipping from the Evening Independent in 1942 notes that the Veterans of Foreign Wars honored Walter Schleiter who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The remains of a U.S. service member from Massillon killed during World War II will be buried this spring as part of a formal ceremony. U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Walter F. Schleiter was officially identified and accounted for in May 2018. But the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency a U.S. Department of Defense office tasked with recovering prisoners of war or personnel missing in action from past conflicts announced this week that Schleiter is scheduled to be buried with military honors on April 11 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Gene Hughes, U.S. Navy POW/MIA Office communications manager, said Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic and additional time necessary to identify sailors who were at or approaching 100 years old were main factors in five years passing before announcing Schleiter's identification. Remembering Robert Raymond Scott: Massillon man's bravery at Pearl Harbor memorialized Remains of U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Walter F. Schleiter, of Massillon, are to be buried on April 11 in Pennsylvania. Schleiter was killed during World War II while serving aboard the USS Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor. "The pandemic slowed down our processes and notifications to a crawl," said Hughes, noting a significant backlog in cases. More personal data and a photograph of Schleiter are being sought prior to the April burial, said Hughes, adding that new details will be released ahead of the ceremony. Special tribute: Banners posted along Lincoln Way honor western Stark County veterans A newspaper clipping from the Evening Independent notes the Veterans of Foreign Wars unveiled a service flag to honor Walter F. Schleiter and Leonard Kozelck, who were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Schleiter, 22, served aboard USS Oklahoma during Pearl Harbor attack Schleiter, who died at 22 years old, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma battleship on Dec. 7, 1941, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the vessel was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, causing it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in 429 crewmen deaths. Schleiter was among the deceased. From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu'uanu Cemeteries. In October 1949, the U.S. military classified those, including Schleiter, who could not be identified as non-recoverable. Between June and November 2015, the defense accounting agency exhumed unknown seamen from the USS Oklahoma for analysis. To identify the remains of Schleiter and others, scientists from the agency and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used dental, mitochondrial and anthropological analysis to make positive identifications. Massillon Independent reporter Steven M. Grazier contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Independent: Walter Schleiter, died in World War II at Pearl Harbor, to be buried WASHINGTON Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) want Congress to declare former President Donald Trump innocent of engaging in insurrection. Gaetz and 62 House Republicans introduced a symbolic resolution simply stating that Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States. Its the latest effort by Republicans to whitewash Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which included sending a mob of his supporters to the U.S. Capitol while Congress certified the vote result. More than 1,200 people have been charged with crimes for attacking police and ransacking the building. The House impeached Trump shortly after the attack for incitement of insurrection. He was acquitted by the Senate. The House resolution comes as the Supreme Court weighs whether state officials can keep Trump off the ballot for having engaged in insurrection. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution, adopted after the Civil War, forbids anyone from serving in the federal government if they took an oath of office and then engaged in insurrection. The insurrection case is separate from Trumps various criminal cases, which include charges related to the riot, such as obstructing an official proceeding. Republicans on Tuesday said that since Trump has not actually been charged with insurrection, he cant be disallowed from appearing on state ballots. Experts think the court will likely side with the Trump campaign. Republicans also downplayed the riot, saying Trump had urged his supporters to be peaceful while ignoring Trumps statements that people should fight like hell. President Trump and his supporters were vilified for doing nothing more than exercising their First Amendment rights, Rep Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) said. We would call what happened that day a Wednesday in the Missouri Capitol, Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) said. Gaetz and many other lawmakers have insinuated that FBI informants or agents manipulated the crowd. Gaetz on Tuesday again pointed to the possibility that the FBI influenced events, but didnt quite say so outright. There were people who were violent at that riot, he said, and they should not have been, but that is a very different thing than declaring that President Trump engaged in insurrection. Related... The Maui Police Department on Monday released a preliminary report into its response to wildfires that devastated the Hawaiian island in August. File Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster/U.S. Army National Guard/UPI Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The Maui Police Department has released a preliminary report examining its response to devastating wildfires that erupted on the island in August, killing 100 people and devastating the historic Hawaiian town of Lahaina. The 98-page so-called after-action report was released Monday, putting forward 32 recommendations for the island's police force, many of which it said have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. Chief John Pelletier wrote in a letter that they have worked without compromise to detail their response to the worst wildfires to hit the United States in a century, stating the report is "crucial to assessing and reflecting upon our actions." "We cannot control the incidents we respond to; we can, however, control our responses in the aftermath. To enhance our preparedness and response capabilities for future incidents, MPD chose to evaluate this incident so others within the profession can learn from our response," he wrote. "An extensive review of our work can save lives, which is without a doubt the ultimate goal of law enforcement." The report released Monday by the Muai Police Department made 32 recommendations for the force, many of which were either in the process of being implemented or have been implemented. File Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster/U.S. Army National Guard/UPI During a press conference Monday announcing the report, Pelletier said the audience of the document was law enforcement with the intent of receiving feedback to ensure "there was nothing we missed" before the publication of the final report in six months to a year. Many of the recommendations in the report center on technology and equipment, from updating systems already in place to hiring a social media manager and issuing earpieces to all officers to improve communications in high winds. A search continues for three people listed as missing in the wildfires that erupted on Maui in August. Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Jackson/USAF/U.S. National Guard/UPI Other recommendations include increased and diversified training, as well as a breaching kit to be put in every supervisory police vehicle to remove debris from roadways and better communications within the force, among others. Amid severe weather that hit the island of Maui on Aug. 8, multiple fast-moving wildfires erupted and spread across the island. In total, 100 lives and thousands of homes were lost. The fires burned 1,283 acres upcountry, 3,240 acres in south Maui and 2,170 acres in Lahaina, which experienced the worst devastation and where most of the deaths occurred. Officials said 100 people were killed in the wildfires the erupted on Maui in August. The first burned thousands of acres of land and razed thousands of homes. FIle photo by Carter Barto/EPA-EFE Pelletier told reporters Monday that search efforts are still underway for three people listed as missing in the wildfires. "The work that was done by the Maui Police Department, by the other first responders and by the members of this community is the tip of the spear. It is unprecedented and it is best practice," he said. "This community deserves the very best, and this agency is the very finest. We put service about self, we put honor above all. Make no mistake, these were our worst hours, these were our finest moments. We are Maui strong." The sunset reflects on the Maury County courthouse at Public Square in downtown Columbia on July 27, 2023. Maury County's ongoing growth has continued to make top rankings not only statewide, but in the nation based on a recent study by aggregate data generator SmartAsset. SmartAsset's recent findings ranked Maury County as the top county in Tennessee under four major investment categories, which include business growth, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, new building permits and incoming investment. In addition, the county also ranked No. 3 for incoming investment and No. 7 for incoming investment nationally, ranking in the Top 10 in more than 3,000 counties. More: Growth in Columbia: What does city data show about unprecedented growth in Columbia? More: Growth & Development: Top 5 residential development projects show record growth in Columbia The SmartAsset study breaks down investment figures over a three-year period, which demonstrates sustained performance. The rankings come on the heels of the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance Annual Dinner last week, celebrating a "record-breaking" year in many aspects of local growth, which has been building momentum for over 10 years in Maury County. The SmartAsset report findings serve as a capstone to ten years of sustained growth for Maury County," Maury Alliance Vice President Travis Groth said. "It is important to note that results like this would not be possible without teamwork and the strong local, regional, state, and TVA economic development partnerships that have been developed. "We are proud of Maury Countys economic performance and the positive benefits it has delivered broadly across the local economy. That said, we are even more excited for whats still to come for Maury County as we transition the focus of our local economic development efforts from community growth to community enhancement. Maury County is a great place to live and do business and that is getting truer every day." Groth added that much of the continued success, which dates back nearly a decade, has been the combination of having a good team, a good location and the reputation for Maury County as a place worth investing in for jobs. "This is an accumulation of all our efforts along the way, a measurement over time as far as sustainment and investment within the community over time," Groth said. "There is a wealth of opportunities that we at the Maury Alliance are here and happy to help assist on." More: What's the cost of growth? Maury County grows as town grapples with preserving rural character And while the latest data has focused on the last three years of investment and job growth, much of Maury County's success can be traced back to almost 10 years, with many factory jobs, growth at the General Motors plant in Spring Hill, as well as opportunities for small business entrepreneurs. "I think over the next few years you'll see our focus will now be from growth to enhancement, and so we are happy and excited to see the next chapter for Maury County," Groth said. "It's a combination of partnerships that we've not only seen locally, but statewide as well, and Maury County is just a perfect strategic location that's led to some really positive things. This is more of an affirmation than anything else, a real capstone." Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com. This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury County tops four categories for investment, Top 10 nationwide US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh on Monday. The two officials are expected to discuss a variety of topics, including the war in Gaza and how to put an end to the conflict in the region. The Middle East visit was announced by State Department spokesperson Matthew Millar in a statement. Saudi Arabia Visit The visit comes as United States President Joe Biden's administration is hoping to use a potentially historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia as leverage to get the Israeli government on board with its goals, including the creation of a political horizon for the Palestinian people. The administration is linking normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia to the creation of a pathway for the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be the one to ultimately decide on whether or not he would accept the potential compromise, as per Axios. During the meeting on Monday, Blinken underscored the importance of addressing the humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza and preventing further spread of the fighting. Miller's statement did not directly refer to the potential normalization deal but noted that the secretary of state discussed with the crown prince the "importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region." Blinken is also expected to visit Israel later this week and hold discussions regarding the normalization issue with the prime minister and the members of his war cabinet. During the secretary of state's last visit to the Middle Eastern nation last month, he told Israeli leaders that Saudi Arabia wanted to normalize relations after the Gaza war ended. However, Saudi Arabia will not agree to any deal if the Israeli government does not commit to the principle of a two-state solution. Blinken also made it clear that Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries will not get involved in day-after solutions for Gaza without a path to a future Palestinian state. Read Also: Yemen's New Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak Appointed in Sudden Reshuffle Violence in the Middle East The meeting between Blinken and MBS lasted roughly two hours and the former did not respond to shouted questions from reporters on how it went. He will also travel to Egypt, Qatar, and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to Reuters. Blinken's Middle East trip is his fifth since the deadly Oct. 7 attack of the Hamas terrorist group on Israel that left thousands of people dead. It takes place during a time that senior US officials describe as one of the most dangerous for the region in decades. The visit comes as the United States is also struggling to address continued Houthi rebel attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Blinken's team also said that the launching of dozens of strikes on militia targets on Friday was a proportional response to the Jan. 28 killing of US service members in Jordan. The American government has so far declined to strike targets inside Iran despite calls to do so by several Republican lawmakers in Congress. Such a move could potentially prompt even bolder attacks on US personnel in the region, said the Washington Post. Related Article: Myanmar Forces Flee to Bangladesh for First Time Amid Clash With Ethnic Armed Group ALBANY, N.Y. Mayor Eric Adams visited Albany on Tuesday to urge New York state lawmakers who hold sway over city resources to increase aid for the migrant crisis, asking for the state to cover 50% of the citys migrant costs. The trip, an annual affair known as Tin Cup Day when city mayors make their demands of the powerful state Legislature, is Adams third as mayor and comes as the city struggles to shelter an estimated 66,200 asylum seekers in some 216 shelters. We are not out of the woods, Adams, a former state senator, testified at a joint hearing of the state Senate and Assembly in the Legislative Office Building. The city has projected it will spend at least $10.6 billion to support the migrants by summer 2025, and the state has already pledged about $2 billion in the current budget cycle. Adams expressed appreciation for those investments, but added that the city needs more than the state pledge so far, which he said covers about one-third of the citys migrant costs. Gov. Hochul, a Buffalo Democrat and close political ally of the Democratic mayor, has proposed that the state invest $2.4 billion to assist with the migrant crisis in the next budget cycle, but the states finances have not been fully hammered out with the left-leaning Legislature. The investment Adams requested would appear likely to represent an increase in city investments from the ledger that Hochul has proposed, based on city projections. The mayors office said Hochuls budget proposal was $600 million short of what the city needs in its next budget cycle. The citys shelter population has almost tripled since Adams took office, Adams testified. The mayor, who has by turns warned the migrant crisis could destroy New York City and emphasized the citys historic role as a global place of refuge, said Tuesday that he was mindful of the citys reputation as a city of migrants. But he added that the city has found itself in an unsustainable position. Since spring 2022, the city has welcomed more than 170,000 migrants, according to government tallies, a figure that surpasses the number of residents that live in the city of Syracuse. Many of asylum seekers have streamed to the five boroughs after fleeing political and economic upheaval in Central and South America, apparently aware that shelter awaits them in New York under the citys unique right-to-shelter rule. The city has sought to reduce costs related to the migrant crisis by instituting limits on how long asylum seekers can stay in city shelters before they have to reapply to spend more time in the shelter system. The city has also instituted painful budget cuts that have affected New Yorkers access to services including libraries. Adams has also relentlessly criticized the federal government for not offering more support with what he has characterized as a national issue hoisted upon the city. He has not spared President Biden, a Democrat, from his critiques, driving a wedge in their relationship going into a presidential election year. Last year, Adams asserted that Biden had failed the city. On Tuesday, Adams said the city cannot assume the federal government will increase its limited financial assistance to the city. While we appreciate the commitment the governor made last year to cover one-third of the citys asylum seeker costs, this was based on the premise that the city, the state and the federal government would split the cost three ways, Adams said. The federal government has only committed $156 million, he added. The vast majority we have yet to receive. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines strongly denied the cyberattack accusations made against it. Beijing said that the Philippines is irresponsible for making such claims. On Monday, Feb. 5, the Philippine government said that hackers from China tried breaching government websites and email systems, even those of President Bongbong Marcos. DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) said that they were able to prevent these hacking attempts, which allegedly came from China. Although DICT didn't specify if these hacking attempts were linked to Beijing, it said that these cyberattacks were conducted using Chinese-state-owned company Unicorn's services. Chinese Embassy Denies Philippines' Cyberattack Allegations According to Yahoo News, the Chinese embassy shared assurance statements, saying that the Chinese government doesn't support or tolerate any form of cyberattacks. The embassy added that Beijing will not allow other countries to use its infrastructure for hacking attempts and other malicious activities. A Chinese embassy spokesperson explained that Beijing opposes all forms of cyberattack. Aside from this, the government also cracks down on these malicious activities in accordance with the law. The official further stated that the Chinese government "allows no country or individual to engage in cyber attack and other illegal activities on Chinese soil or using Chinese infrastructure." Read Also: U.S. Concerned About Threat of Chinese BotNet To Internet-Connected Military Assets Philippines Called Irresponsible for Making Such Claims The Embassy of China in the Philippines said that making cyberattack accusations against Beijing is very highly irresponsible for the Philippines, as reported by The Manila Times. The embassy said this after knowing that many Filipino government officials, as well as the media, maliciously speculated about cyberattacks and "groundlessly" accused China of participating in these hacking attempts. It added that the Philippines even went "as far as connecting these cyber attacks with the South China Sea disputes. "Cybersecurity is a global challenge that requires a collective response from the international community. China calls on all countries to jointly safeguard cybersecurity through dialogue and cooperation," further stated the Chinese embassy. As of writing, Philippine government officials, including Sen. Mary Grace Peo, are urging other Filipino leaders to make efforts to fortify their websites' systems and firewalls to prevent future attempts of cyber attackers that are from other countries. These are just some of the latest details you need to know about the alleged cyberattacks from China. To learn more about this topic, you can click this link. Related Article: Philippines Fends Off Cyber Attacks From Suspected Chinese Proxies Death Note Executives over at Meta-formerly-Facebook are freaked out enough by CEO Mark Zuckerberg's extracurriculars that they're straight up warning investors that he might midlife crisis himself right off this mortal plane. In the company's annual financial report, Meta warned that Zuckerberg and other unnamed "members of management" have taken to engaging in "various high-risk activities, such as combat sports, extreme sports, and recreational aviation, which carry the risk of serious injury and death." "If Mr. Zuckerberg were to become unavailable for any reason, there could be a material adverse impact on our operations," the filing said, in what may be the biggest understatement of the year thus far. "The loss of other key personnel, including members of management as well as key engineering, product development, marketing, and sales personnel, could also disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our business." There's obviously a lot left unsaid between the lines of that statement, not least of which that the increasingly zany CEO and, apparently, other people in ranking positions at the social giant is putting not only himself at risk, but also his business and the livelihoods of the 67,000-odd people still employed there after its several rounds of layoffs over the past few years. Fight Club Last summer, Zuckerberg and his rival apparent, fellow social network owner and mass-firer Elon Musk, agreed to meet each other in the ring for some good old-fashioned hand-to-hand combat. So far, various factors including objections from Musk's supermodel mother have kept them from facing off just yet. While it doesn't seem like company executives are suggesting that Musk is going to be Zuckerberg's cause of death he has Zuckerberg battled other foes in a martial arts setting it also proposed that any number of his other high-risk activities could bring about the elder millennial's untimely demise, including his interest in surfing on a raised platform (known as hydrofoiling) and his more recent desire to attain his pilot's license. Despite the warnings, Meta's stock skyrocketed after the financial disclosure dropped, suggesting that thoughts of the CEO's potentially imminent death weren't a total downer. Could the segment about Zuckerberg's dangerous hobbies have been a ploy to raise Meta's stock price? Nobody at our pay grade knows the answer to that question but it seems that his macho man antics are gaining a lot of interest all the same. More on Meta-Zuck: Mark Zuckerberg Still Bleeding Money on Metaverse NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Metro police are asking for help identifying a man who fatally struck a pedestrian on Bell Road in Antioch. According to the police department, 42-year-old Isaac Dodd was crossing Bell Road at around 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 when he was struck by two vehicles. He was initially struck by a Chevrolet Equinox before being struck a second time by a Honda. The driver of the Equinox stopped, but the Honda kept going to a nearby store, police said. 1 killed in crash on Bell Road in Antioch (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) On Monday, Metro police released a photo of the man and his vehicle, hoping someone knows who he is. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. DEARBORN, Mich. Local activists gathered Tuesday morning to launch a campaign calling for Democrats to vote uncommitted in the states Feb. 27 primary to pressure President Joe Biden to support a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Some organizers of the campaign, dubbed Listen to Michigan, said that although they voted for Biden in 2020, they cannot support his re-election campaign because of his support for Israel and that they do not view uncommitted votes as de facto support for former President Donald Trump. If thats the case, come November, its between Biden and Trump I mean, its essentially the Biden administration that is handing the White House over, because weve been abandoned by Biden, said Listen to Michigan campaign manager Layla Elabed, a Palestinian American activist who is the sister of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. Elabed added that backing a cease-fire is a prerequisite for many progressive voters to even begin considering another vote for Biden this year. The bare minimum to even start talking to to really resonate with pro-cease-fire, anti-war voters, the bare minimum just to have those discussions is to have a policy around a permanent cease-fire and a re-evaluation of military funding to Israel, Elabed told NBC News before the event. So its not that ... if those two things happen automatically, that Biden will have our support, because weve been burned." Elabed and others at the event repeatedly called Israel's actions in Gaza a "genocide." The International Court of Justice is hearing a case about the accusation, which the Israeli and U.S. governments have dismissed. "This is beyond an election," Elabed said. "This is humanitarian politics that I feel largely the Democratic Party has abandoned. Speaking outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library, organizer Lexis Zeidan said she believes that the Biden administration has funded the killings of thousands of Palestinians and that Biden must be held accountable. I want to remind everybody that in 2020, the Arab and Muslim community, myself included, sat at the same table with Joe Biden, and we campaigned hard to get him elected," Zeidan said. "In 2023, that same man that we thought represented humanity, the same man that we thought valued human life, both aided and abetted in a genocidal onslaught of the Palestinian people." So far, the Biden campaign has declined to comment on the Listen to Michigan campaign. Lavora Barnes, the Michigan Democratic Party chair, praised Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in a statement and said the party needs to be "clear-eyed about the threat Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pose to working people and the choice Michiganders will face at the ballot box this November: our reproductive freedoms, our economic opportunity, and our democracy are all on the line. Abbas Alawieh speaks. (Jillian Frankel / NBC News) Adam Abusalah, a former Biden campaign field organizer focused on Arab American outreach in Michigan, said he no longer feels comfortable asking his own relatives to vote for Biden in 2024, as he did in 2020. We thought that he would lead with humanity and compassion. We thought that he would be a better president for us than Donald Trump. But instead he has led with hypocrisy and hatred and now funding genocide," Abusalah said. More than half of Dearborns residents are of Middle Eastern or North African descent, according to a Detroit Free Press analysis of 2020 census data. But Elabed said the movements coalition of voters includes more than just the Arab American community. The latest NBC News national poll found that just 29% of voters of all backgrounds approve of Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Among voters under age 35, the approval rating drops to 15%. Were uncommitted to whats going on," Abusalah said. "Were no longer just going to support him just because he has a 'D' next to his name. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Of all the physical harms that lurk these days from car wrecks to virus strains to micro-bits of plastic in food heres one thats not a biggie. That is, its not a biggie unless You have a home office or business in your basement where you spend hours a day You have a basement rec room, movie room, or man cave in frequent use You homeschool children in your basement, day after day Someone sleeps in your basement, night after night. If any of these is true, then this hazard just might be a biggie. You should check your basement for an invisible threat that causes lung cancer, even in nonsmokers. In those who do smoke, this threat sends lung cancer risk up by 10 to 20 times, according to Manhattan-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, named after two Michigan giants of GM history. What used to be an obscure eco-hazard, discovered in uranium miners in the 1950s, should get more attention these days, as Americans spend more time in their basements for work, relaxation, homeschooling, or sleeping. If that's you, you may be inhaling radon. About 25% of U.S. basements have a risky level of odorless radon gas, which seeps in from surrounding soil. Radon is found in all 50 states and all 83 counties of Michigan. It gets into tidy new mansions as well as ramshackle old homes. Its found in traditional basements but also in lower level living spaces, where sliding doors open to face luxurious patios and private lakes. It has even been detected on the first floor of houses built on slabs. Radon mitigation specialist David Scott of Peak Environment LLC checks for ice blockage in a system he previously installed for Dr. Laura Eckles to pumps out basement air and bring in fresh on Jan. 30, 2024. Theres an easy way to learn if your home is hiding this threat. Give your basement a do-it-yourself radon test. Odds are three out of four that your basement is below the dangerous level. But why not check? With so many health concerns vexing the new year, this ones quick, easy, and cheap to cross off your worry list. And winter is the ideal time for radon testing because windows and doors are shut most of the time, causing radon to accumulate. That makes it easier to detect. To test a basement, obtain the simplest type of test kit. Theyre available free or may cost $5 to $10 at county health departments all over Michigan. Theyre also available online for $10 to $20. The Free Press bought several kits from the Oakland County Health office in Southfield. The same kits, called Short-Term Radon Air Test, sell online for $17.95 each at www.radon.com, where you can see a video showing how to use one. The simple radon test kits offered by Michigan's county health programs, either free or at below cost, are also available online for $17.99 via www.radon.com. To use, hang the envelope of activated charcoal from a basement ceiling for three to seven days. Theres not much to it. According to the video, just hang the test kit's small envelope of activated charcoal from your basement ceiling, "at breathing level" and away from drafts. Leave it for three to seven days, picking a spot where you or your family members spend the most time, such as a work-at-home desk or a sleeping area. Next, seal the envelope, mail it to a North Carolina testing lab already listed on the envelope with postage paid, and then await results. To improve the accuracy, once you decide to test, try not to dawdle. Seal up that kit right away and send it. Dont just toss it on a counter and let it sit because the radon atoms will escape, throwing off the results, said Leslie Smith III, a radon specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. To understand Smiths advice about escaping atoms, know that radon gas is radioactive. It flows from the natural decay of uranium, found in all rocks and soils, said the World Health Organization. But the distribution of uranium is uneven. That means radon may be barely detected in basements at one end of a street yet reach hazardous levels at the other end. State health officials are trying to dispel the myth people have that theres no radon in my ZIP code. Its all over Michigan, Smith said, adding: Oakland County is a prolific area for testing. When contractors paint foundation walls and seal basement floors, they may keep out some radon, but that still doesnt assure that radon wont enter you have to test to be sure, Smith said. Mailing in the envelope from your home test will bring back a lab report saying whether that basement is below the hazard level true in about 75% of Michigan basements, Smith said or that it needs a long-term test. That can be done with a long-term tester, sold online starting at $30. Those tests are done over three months to a year, he said. If repeated, long-term testing shows high levels, wed advise taking steps to overcome the problem, Smith said. That means adding a special ventilation system designed to pump basement air to the outside and bring in fresh air, known to health experts as a radon mitigation system, and typically costing $800 to $1,500, Smith said. Michigan doesnt regulate the installation of these systems. The state currently does not license, certify, or regulate radon professionals, or the mitigation systems they install, warns the radon advice at Michigan.gov. For the next best thing, Smith and his colleagues encourage Michiganders to hire installers who have been certified by professional groups with any of the following acronyms: NRSB, NRPP, or AARST. Those stand for the National Radon Safety Board, the National Radon Proficiency Program, and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists. One metro Detroit firm that lists all three on its website is Troy-based Peak Environment. Americans are spending far more time in their basements, Peak Environment owner David Scott said. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, people started investing a lot of money into their basements, and that is causing a lot of people to call us when homeowners grow worried about radon, Scott said. The January-February issue of AARP Bulletin, from what used to be called the American Association of Retired Persons, suggests converting "a corner of the basement into an exercise space you'll actually use." Another factor is the improved windows that homeowners buy to replace drafty, old windows, Scott said, because "the new ones are tight, so that keeps the radon trapped in the basement." One of his customers is Dr. Laura Eckles, of Bloomfield Township. Eckles is a retired dentist who says she is health-conscious about indoor air quality. Her homes radon system was installed more than 20 years ago, but she calls on Scotts company for regular checkups. Scott stopped by last week to view the system in Eckles basement, where a white plastic pipe sucks radon gas from beside the sump pump, goes through the ceiling, and, ultimately, out the roof. Viewing a glass tube on the side of the pipe, called a manometer and filled with red liquid, gave Scott an instant confirmation that the system was providing proper airflow. Another pipe brought in fresh air from outside. Not far away was a basement bedroom. Without this system, the radon level would be pretty elevated for anyone sleeping there, Scott said. Occasional exposure would be harmless. But anyone using the basement bedroom year after year would begin to invite a health risk. Radon is considered responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, with about 2,900 of these deaths occurring among people who have never smoked, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Scott said he likes to check the operation of residential systems at least every other year. Even in houses where a short-term test finds no risk, and thus no need for a mitigation system, it's smart to test again. Do it every two years, says the state of Michigan's radon advisory because a home's foundation can shift to allow more radon to enter or an initial test may be inaccurate. People shouldnt be afraid of radon, but you should manage it, Scott said. Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DIY radon test kit can be free, easy: How to test your Michigan home In a decision expected to have far-reaching implications for the criminal responsibility of parents of mass shooters, a Michigan jury on Feb. 6, 2024, convicted Jennifer Crumbley on charges of involuntary manslaughter for her role in her sons deadly rampage nearly three years ago. Both Crumbley parents have pleaded not guilty to four counts each of involuntary manslaughter. Jennifer Crumbley faces a maximum prison sentence of 60 years and maximum fines of US$30,000. Jennifers husband, James Crumbley, goes on trial for the same charges in March, and, if convicted, faces the same sentencing guidelines as his wife did. In December 2023, their son, Ethan Crumbley, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the Nov. 30, 2021, shooting in which he killed four people and wounded seven others. During the sentencing hearing for Ethan, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwame Rowe said one of the victims was shot at point-blank range after being told by the defendant to get on his knees. Another victim was shot a second time after she was down, Rowe said, to finish the job by shooting her again. Were the parents responsible? Many were surprised when the Crumbleys, were charged for their alleged role in the tragedy. Criminal law, unlike civil law, is less likely to hold defendants liable for the actions of a third party, even if that third party is the defendants child. This is because in criminal law defendants face incarceration and the associated stigma that comes with a conviction. Ethan Crumbley was convicted of fatally shooting four students at Oxford High School. Photo by Oakland County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images In the rare instances that parents of school shooters are prosecuted, they were normally charged with crimes such as child abuse, child neglect and the failure to properly secure a firearm. The charge lodged against the Crumbleys, involuntary manslaughter, also known as gross negligent homicide, was even more uncommon. But its not without precedent. In 2000, Jamelle James, a Michigan resident, pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter for leaving his handgun in a shoebox in his bedroom. At the time, James lived in an apartment prosecutors described as a flophouse that was shared with a number of people, including two young children. A 6-year-old boy James nephew was temporarily living in the apartment and discovered the gun, brought it to school and fatally shot his first grade classmate Kayla Rolland. James spent more than two years in prison before he was released on probation. Prosecutors claimed that James conduct was grossly negligent and so reckless as to demonstrate a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury resulted. Arguably, leaving an unsecured gun around very young children demonstrated James gross negligence. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has taken direct aim at Crumbleys parents. Their behavior, McDonald explained, was egregious. I want to be really clear that these charges are meant to hold the individuals who contributed to this tragedy accountable and also send a message that gun owners have a responsibility, McDonald said during a news conference on Dec. 4, 2021, less than a week after the shootings at Oxford. When they fail to uphold that responsibility, there are serious and criminal consequences. Egregious behavior One of the key questions for jurors was whether the parents knew that a school shooting would occur or had reckless disregard of this fact. To prove the parents gross negligence, the prosecution relied on a series of alleged facts. Among the most central facts was that the Crumbleys bought their son the handgun as a Christmas present and later took him to target practice. Neither parent informed the school that they had bought the gun and that their son had access to it. After being told that her son was searching for ammo on his phone at school, Jennifer Crumbley told her son via text message not to get caught: LOL Im not mad. You have to learn not to get caught. Neither of the parents opted to remove their son from school after being told that a teacher found a disturbing drawing of a bloody figure in his desk. Finally, the gun was unsecured. During closing arguments on Feb. 2, 2024, in Jennifer Crumbleys trial, McDonald urged the jury to consider the really egregious facts before deciding to convict Crumbley. Oakland County prosecuting attorney Karen McDonald announces on Dec. 3, 2021, that charges have been filed against the parents of Oxford High School gunman Ethan Crumbley. Scott Olson/Getty Images It takes the unthinkable, and she has done the unthinkable, and because of that, four kids have died, McDonald said. Though the prosecutions case appeared compelling, Shannon Smith, Crumbleys defense attorney, had some very strong counterarguments. For starters, the weapon was legal to own, and Michigan had no law at the time requiring the gun to be properly stored away from juveniles. Smith argued that the blame lay not with Jennifer but elsewhere: on her husband for improperly securing the firearm and on the school for failing to notify her about her sons behavioral issues. Jennifer, in her testimony, appeared to absolve herself of any missteps or negligent acts, stating, Ive asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldnt have. Ultimately, Smith argued, the blame lay on Ethan, who planned and carried out the attack on his own. As Smith asked in her closing defense argument, Can every parent really be responsible for everything their children do, especially when its not foreseeable? Changing the laws In the James case, the 6-year-old who shot his classmate was never charged with a crime because most jurisdictions hold that children under the age of 7 are unable to formulate criminal intent. The same cannot be said for Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 years old at the time of the shootings. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of terrorism causing death, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Many people on both sides of the gun safety debate have applauded McDonalds efforts to hold people responsible for allowing guns to fall into the hands of children. According to a 2019 assessment by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 76% of the guns used in school shootings came from a parent or close relative, and approximately half the weapons were easily accessible. Prosecuting the Crumbleys may reverse this trend, as may recently proposed state and federal legislation. Two weeks after the Oxford shootings, for example, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, proposed a new federal law holding parents or other responsible adults liable for failing to secure their firearms. That federal proposal became part of a state legislative package signed into law April 13, 2023, by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The new laws took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. They established universal background checks for all firearm purchases and safe storage requirements designed to keep guns out of the hands of children. Editors note: Some material used in this story was originally published on Dec. 20, 2021. 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: Thaddeus Hoffmeister, University of Dayton Read more: Thaddeus Hoffmeister 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. In a groundbreaking verdict, Michigan jurors found Jennifer Crumbley responsible for her teenage sons actions when he opened fire at his high school in 2021, killing four students. Jennifer Crumbley was found guilty on all four counts of involuntary manslaughter, one for each student who was killed by her son, Ethan Crumbley, at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. She is the first parent in the U.S. to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection to a mass shooting committed by their child. Prosecutors accused Jennifer and her husband, James Crumbley, of making the gun accessible to their son, ignoring his mental health needs and declining to take him home from school after his violent drawings were discovered on the day of the attack. Gun control advocates praised the jurys decision. Todays verdict underscores the important responsibility of parents and gun owners in preventing children from having unsupervised access to deadly weapons," Nick Suplina, senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, said in a statement. This decision is an important step forward in ensuring accountability and, hopefully, preventing future tragedies." Ethan, who was 15 years old at the time of the shooting, was charged as an adult and pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism and other crimes in the killing of students Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling. From left, Oxford High School shooting victims Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Madisyn Baldwin and Justin Shilling (via X, Facebook, courtesy of the family(2)) Ethan was sentenced to life in prison without parole last December. He did not testify in his mothers trial. Jennifers husband, James Crumbley, is also charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and will be tried separately. He has pleaded not guilty to the four charges. Why are these trials so significant? The separate trials of Jennifer and James Crumbley test the limits of who is responsible for a mass shooting. In this case, a jury found that Jennifer Crumbley was responsible. While parents have previously faced criminal penalties following shootings carried out by their children, charges in those cases usually relate to child neglect or as a failure to keep a firearm locked up. For example, a Virginia mother was sentenced to two years in prison on a state charge of felony child neglect after her 6-year-old son shot his teacher. But the Crumbleys cases are different because the prosecution is holding both parents responsible for the killings of the four victims, claiming gross negligence for the actions they did not take to prevent their son from carrying out the mass shooting. Thats why this is a tricky case because a lot of it is based on omission, not action, trial attorney Misty Marris told CNN. A lot of criminal culpability is because you did something, not because you failed to do something. Thats why this legal argument is so novel and new and actually pretty groundbreaking. What were some of the key questions raised in Jennifer Crumbleys trial? Jennifer Crumbley arrives in court on Monday. (Carlos Osorio/AP) How did her son have access to the firearm? The prosecution accused Jennifer of gifting her son a gun and failing to properly store it. Just days before the school shooting on Nov. 27, 2021, surveillance video shows Jennifer and Ethan taking turns shooting at a gun range. Jennifer also documented the day on social media writing, Mom & son day testing out his new Xmas present. In Jennifers testimony last week, she said that making sure the gun was stored safely was her husbands responsibility and it was more his thing. Was she aware of her sons mental health issues? The prosecution alleged Jennifer should have known about Ethans mental health issues. In the spring of 2021, Ethan pleaded for his mother to respond to a series of text messages in which he said there was a ghost or devil in the house. In Jennifers testimony last week, she said the texts about the ghosts were just part of an ongoing joke that their house was haunted and Ethan was just messing around. Ethan also texted a friend that said he asked his parents for help after experiencing hallucinations, but his mother just laughed at him. Jennifer testified that the text was wrong and that Ethan never actually asked them for help. How did she respond to a school counselors concerns the day of the shooting? On the day of the shooting, a teacher found a violent drawing by Ethan showing a gun and a person bleeding. Phrases like the thoughts wont stop help me, blood everywhere and my life is useless were written on the drawing. The Crumbleys were called into the school for a meeting that day. A school counselor testified he recommended they take Ethan home to get immediate mental health treatment. But Jennifer and James declined to take him home because they didnt want to miss work. Shortly after the meeting, their son opened fire in the school. Jennifer testified that while she could have taken Ethan home that day, she didnt think her son was capable of that type of violence. Two years later, she told the jury that she wouldnt have done anything differently. Whats next? Jennifer Crumbleys sentencing is scheduled for April 9 and she remains held on bond. Each count of involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 15 years, which would run concurrently. James Crumbley, who has a different attorney, will face his own trial on four charges of involuntary manslaughter, set to begin on March 5. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference on Monday where he announced his support for a potential law that would ban people from camping in public places. The proposed bill seeks to address the state's ongoing homelessness crisis by prohibiting anyone from sleeping or camping in public. The governor joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner, Mark Glass, at the Rum Room venue located in Miami Beach. Florida Ban on Sleeping in Public Places Roughly 30 minutes from the start of the event, DeSantis took the podium where he started by touting the state's economy and education. He also praised the administration's efforts to increase the salaries of teachers. This is considering that the state is ranked one of the lowest states in median teacher salaries in the nation based on a report by the National Education Association in 2023. The Republican governor then criticized the condition of San Francisco, particularly the city's crime rates. He said that they are not going to let any city turn into something like San Francisco, specifically alluding to Miami Beach, whose mayor was in attendance at the event. DeSantis also acknowledged that some of the sources of crime stemmed from poverty and mental illness, as per CBS12. The Florida governor then said that he would be open to providing financial support to municipalities in the creation of shelters and mental health resources. When Glass rose to speak, he praised the DeSantis administration for its stance on crime. The commissioner also applauded the Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping bill, grouping the issues of homelessness and crime together. The bill, also known as HB 1365, will allow municipalities to permit public sleeping on the condition that they provide basic sanitation amenities and substance abuse and mental health treatment resources. The bill would also allow residents or businesses to file suit against the local government if they do not meet these conditions. DeSantis said that they do not want homelessness to become an issue in everyday life. Read Also: EU Warns of Humanitarian Crisis: Funding Cuts to UNRWA Endanger Palestinian Lives Addressing the Homelessness Crisis In the last week, legislators have advanced bills that would require counties to ban homeless people from sleeping in public places and instead allow them to stay in designated camps with security, sanitation, and access to behavioral health services, according to the Tampa Bay Times. While the Florida governor said that the legislation is still a "work in progress," he already endorsed its goal of moving homeless people off the streets. DeSantis said that if the Legislature was willing to lean in on the bill, they would be able to offer support. However, he noted that it has to be done in ways that are focused primarily on ensuring public order, ensuring quality of life for residents, and ensuring that people's property values are maintained. The Republican said that they do not want to see any incentive to create homeless camps, particularly in areas that would interfere with the public conducting normal business. The bill was proposed by Fort Myers Sen. Jonathan Martin. The Senate proposal would limit to one year the continuous use of areas designated for homeless people. It would also require that the locations have access to such things as restrooms and running water, said NBC Miami. Related Article: New Studies Highlight Black Angst About Police Involved Killings Militant rebels in Indonesias restive West Papua are urging their most feared comrade to release a New Zealand pilot held hostage for a year. A group of armed fighters led by tribal warlord Eganius Koyega kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens on February 7, 2023, after his light plane landed on a delivery run in the rugged highlands of Nduga Regency in the heart of the province. Mehrtens captors initially threatened to kill him unless New Zealand agreed to pressure Indonesia into allowing West Papua to secede from Indonesia, a seemingly impossible demand. But a year on, that demand seems more distant than ever, and little is known about where Mehrtens is being held or how hes surviving life in captivity surrounded by armed fighters, led by Koyega. Rarely pictured without a machine gun, Koyega is a member of the West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB) the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, which seeks independence. The TPNPB is designated by the Indonesian government as a terrorist organization, and in the past, the group has taken hostages to further their cause. But Mehrtens has been held for far longer than most captives, and now a rift has emerged between Mehrtens captors as to what to do with the 37-year-old husband and father. In the lead up to the one-year anniversary of Mehrtenss capture, the TPNPB leadership publicly pressured Koyega to release him for the sake of humanity. Koyega has not yet agreed. If the pilot dies at the hands of the TPNPB, it will be detrimental to the Papuan people who have been fighting for more than 60 years, TPNPB Major General Terryanus Satto wrote in a statement on February 3. West Papua separatist fighters release images of their hostage soon after his capture in February 2023. - West Papua National Liberation Army Failed rescue efforts Grainy proof of life videos sent by the rebels between February and November 2023 show Mehrtens growing thinner and more unkempt. Most often he appears surrounded by fighters armed with guns and bows and arrows. One video shows at least a dozen guns held to Mehrtens head, and Koyega sporting both military fatigues and traditional dress, reflective shades and a necklace made of boars tusks. The son of a West Papuan independence fighter killed by the Indonesian military, Koyega has a reputation as a brutal paramilitary hardened by bloody clashes with Jakartas special forces troops. For months, he has led a game of cat and mouse with Indonesian soldiers through West Papuas thick jungles as pressure builds on the Indonesian Army to free the foreign hostage. In March 2023 Indonesian soldiers caught up to Koyegas group, but they were pushed back after a fatal gunbattle. Koyega has set several deadlines, threatening to shoot Mehrtens if his demands arent met, but hasnt followed through. Damien Kingsbury, an academic and conflict resolution expert who was involved in the initial negotiations to free Mehrtens, says New Zealand appears unwilling to negotiate directly with Koyega. There was an offer put to the New Zealand government last week to meet to discuss the process by which Mehrtens could be released, and the New Zealand government has not responded to that offer, he said. However, the New Zealand government this week acknowledged a new hostage video was filmed on December 22 that shows Mehrtens addressing his family from the Papuan highlands, telling them he is in good health. New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said in a statement that officials are still concerned about his condition. We know that just before Christmas Phillip was able to contact some friends and family to assure them that he is alive and well, however we are still concerned at the length of time he has been held. For the last year, a wide range of New Zealand Government agencies has been working extensively with Indonesian authorities and others towards securing Phillips release, Peters wrote. Meanwhile, Indonesian efforts to free Mehrtens have been spectacularly unsuccessful, Kingsbury told CNN. The Indonesian response is dictated by the Indonesian military and their view is that they will hunt down this group, kill the leaders and release Mehrtens, Kingsbury said. They have had contact on a couple of occasions and Indonesian soldiers have been killed. That indicates how nimble Koyegas group is in the field and how unable Indonesia is to resolve it militarily, which is their preference. CNN has approached the Indonesian military for comment on the rescue efforts. Stalled negotiations With New Zealand seemingly unwilling to negotiate and Indonesia unable to rescue Mehrtens, the pilots fate rests entirely with Koyega, who will decide whether to oblige his superiors by freeing him. Mehrtens fate has been in the hands of Koyega since the day he was kidnapped and it has been primarily a matter of good fortune that he has been kept alive, Kingsbury said. While the TPNPB leadership wants Mehrtens released as an act of magnanimity, the saga is unlikely to have an immediate impact on geopolitics. Both regional powers New Zealand and Australia have maintained a willful non-intervention in Indonesias affairs in order to keep a strong relationship with Jakarta, says Cammi Webb-Gannon, the Coordinator of the West Papua Project at Australias University of Wollongong. They are entirely committed to recognizing Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua. West Papua, a resource-rich former Dutch colony, was formally absorbed into Indonesia following a controversial referendum in 1969. Advocates of Papuan independence say that vote was neither free nor fair. Almost all indigenous Papuans will say, We want independence, we are part of the independence movement, says Webb-Gannon. Many people see armed resistance as a last resort but a justified one, Webb-Gannon said. Nduga, where Koyega operates, has been turned into a warzone, Webb-Gannon says, as Indonesian troops have militarized the region in response to a massacre carried out by Koyega himself in 2018. On December 2 that year TPNB fighters led by Koyega ambushed a construction site, killing 19 Indonesians workers there to build the Trans-Papua highway, a state-backed project intended to open up the largely inaccessible region. The TPNB claimed the 19 killed were members of the military engineers corps, not civilian contractors. The military is just sending in more and more troops, people are fleeing their homes, their schools, their communities. There are ghost towns as people hide in the bush. There is mass starvation and a generation of kids out of school. There is very little access to healthcare. This is the context in which the pilot was taken hostage, Webb-Gannon said. As Phillip Mehrtens marks one year in captivity, Indonesians, including Papuans, are preparing to go to the polls for an election which has made West Papua a talking point, according to Human Rights Watch Indonesia Researcher Andreas Harsono. The frontrunner is Prabowo Subianto, who in the late 1990s was a commander of an Indonesian elite special forces group that Human Rights Watch accuses of arbitrary arrests and beatings in Papua. Prabowo says [Indonesia] needs to increase security, as long as the West Papuan militants are fighting, creating so-called security disturbances, [and insists] we need to be firm against them, Harsono says. One year after his kidnapping, the window to negotiate Mehrtenss safe release could be shrinking. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Milwaukees Oldest Black-Owned Bank Celebrates 100 Years Of Success: They Understood We Didnt Have Access To Funds At Regular Banks | Photo: Riska via Getty Images A Black-owned bank in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is still going strong after 100 years in business. Columbia Savings and Loan Association, founded by Ardie and Wilbur Halyard in 1924, has persevered through the decades despite the tremendous challenges it faced due to discrimination. You can imagine that a Black-owned business, in the U.S., was not a welcomed thing, not alone a Black-owned bank, Wesley McKenzie, who is the new vice president of the bank, said in an interview with WBAL-TV. The reason the Halyards started it was because they understood we didnt have access to funds at regular banks and financial institutions at the time. McKenzies grandfather received a loan from Columbia Savings and Loan Association decades ago when the bank was still in its early days. For me, personally, to be able to work at a financial institution where my great-grandfather got a loan at a time when he couldnt walk into most banks and get a loan that to me is the priceless part, McKenzie said. Due to the discrimination they faced at that time, Black people found it difficult to trust banks. We always hear about grandma has this mattress money or just keeping money in a coffee can somewhere; its because one day they went to the bank and they were told no you cant have your money, McKenzie said. These things actually happened. So when your grandmother and your grandfather and your uncles and your aunts are telling you dont put money in the bank because one day it wont be there for you, because that was their experience, it leads down through generational mistrust. McKenzie is now striving to lead a trustworthy institution. Its day by day, one by one, he said. We understand we have to get the customers in here and show them the importance of financial literacy. The Columbia Savings and Loan Association vice president looks at the historic Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma as the standard he wants to meet. The way we study Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I hope that one day people will study Columbia Savings and Loan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and what it did to not only change the city, but change the nation and the way finances are handled and looked at in our community, McKenzie said. Columbia Savings and Loan Association is now one of 41 Black-owned banks in the U.S. McKenzie hopes that the Halyards would be proud if they could see where the bank stands after 100 years. The thing that I hope he would say most is just keep going that motivation to say good job and keep going, youre doing the right thing,' McKenzie said. NEW YORK A mini school bus crash on Long Island late Tuesday morning landed four preschool children and two adults in the hospital, police said. The incident unfolded in Brentwood just after 10:30 a.m., when the bus slammed into a guardrail on Express Drive South, just west of Wicks Road. The impact was enough to flip the bus onto its side, and it was ultimately hauled away by a tow truck, WABC reported. It also forced the closure of the Long Island Expressway Service Road at Exit 52 and Exit 53 / Wicks Road and the Sagtikos Parkway. All lanes were reopened about an hour later, after authorities completed their investigative efforts, according to Newsday. All four children onboard, each of them students at Building Blocks Preschool in Commack, were taken to a local hospital for evaluation, police said. The scope of their injuries were unclear and their conditions were not provided. Their parents have also since been notified, according to authorities. Two adults, the bus driver and a woman identified as only an aide, were also taken to the hospital, where they received treatment for minor injuries, according to CBS New York. None of the names of those involved have been released. Senior Chinese official meets Germany's Friedrich Ebert Foundation delegation Xinhua) 10:15, February 06, 2024 Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a delegation from Germany's Friedrich Ebert Foundation led by its president Martin Schulz, also former president of the European Parliament, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on Monday met with a delegation from Germany's Friedrich Ebert Foundation led by its president Martin Schulz in Beijing. Hailing the positive contributions by Schulz over the years to the promotion of China-Germany relations and ties between China and Europe, Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is willing to work with Germany to strengthen exchanges between political parties and legislatures and promote steady and lasting ties. While speaking highly of China's modernization achievements, Schulz, also former president of the European Parliament, said Germany adheres to the one-China principle, adding that the country is willing to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation in economy, trade, culture and other fields with China and jointly safeguard peace, development and prosperity of mankind. Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a delegation from Germany's Friedrich Ebert Foundation led by its president Martin Schulz, also former president of the European Parliament, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The White House warned on Monday that President Biden would veto a standalone bill backed by House of Representatives Republicans that would provide aid to Israel. House lawmakers will vote on the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act that would provide $17.6 billion to Israel this week. Biden to Veto Israel Funding Bill The announcement comes after House Republicans declared on Sunday that they would not support the $118 billion Senate border deal, which includes $14 billion in funding for Israel and $60 million for Ukraine. On Sunday night, the Republican House leaders said that they would vote against the bipartisan Senate bill and instead vote on a bill providing aid only to Israel. The bill represented a rightward turn in Senate debates over border measures, but conservatives fiercely opposed it. They denounced the border policy proposal as inadequate, with Donald Trump leading the charge. "This is a gift to the Democrats. And this sort of is a shifting of the worst border in history onto the shoulders of Republicans," the former president and likely Republican presidential nominee said on Monday. "That's really what they want. They want this for the presidential election so they can now blame the Republicans for the worst border in history." Some Senate Republicans who have backed funding to Ukraine and the contours of the border policy changes even expressed doubts about their support for the package on Monday. A private Republican meeting was set in the evening to debate it. However, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer moved toward a critical test vote on Wednesday. Schumer and McConnell have stressed for months the urgency of approving tens of billions of dollars for Ukraine's fight. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Monday that Biden's vow to veto the measure is a betrayal of their great ally and friend Israel in their time of desperate need. He said that Israel was at war and they were fighting for their existence, and the idea that Biden would suggest that he would not send a clean funding measure to assist them is just outrageous. Read Also: Senegalese Police Crack Down on Protests Over Election Delay EU Approves $50B Ukraine Funding Deal On Thursday, the European Union reached a funding agreement for Ukraine worth over $50 billion in a crucial summit at a turning point in the conflict. The funds had been stalled since December following a veto of the agreement at a prior summit by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Failure to reach a deal would have been a severe blow to the country, and outgunned forces are struggling on the battlefield amid a renewed Russian assault. The US has stopped providing military assistance to Ukraine due to an ongoing dispute in Washington over future funding for Kyiv. According to an official document released by the European Union Council, the 27 member states have agreed to transfer $54 billion to Ukraine between 2024 and 2027. Related Article: [BREAKING] US Senate Releases $118 Billion Package To Overhaul Border Issue, Aid for Ukraine, Israel A new law allowing ministers to ban protests should be introduced, Suella Braverman said as she criticised police for failing to take sufficient action over hateful pro-Palestinian marches. In an article for The Telegraph, the former home secretary set out her four-point plan to tackle mass extremism on UK streets ahead of James Cleverly, her successor, announcing the Governments new protest laws on Thursday. Mrs Braverman called for powers to allow the home secretary to intervene and ban a protest, to outlaw any expression of support of terrorism, to make it easier to prosecute anti-Semitic chants and to proscribe groups of extremist concern. Her proposals go further than the Government, which is expected to unveil plans to jail protesters who climb on war memorials, to give police powers to ban masks and fireworks on demonstrations and to reduce the scope for activists to claim they were unaware of restrictions on protests. Mrs Braverman was sacked last November after she defied Number 10 over an article in which she accused the Metropolitan Police of bias in policing of pro-Palestinian protests. She said she had made no secret of her disgust at the hateful marches in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and had urged the police to do more, adding that the Mets decision not to ban a pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day was wrong but she had been powerless in law to overturn it. We need a law that enables the home secretary to prevent a protest from going ahead. Ministers, answerable to the public, are powerless, while the police are the ones who technically possess the legal power to initiate a ban of a march, she said. This doesnt strike the right balance, and so a power should be taken, as in France, to enable ministers to make the decision. Mrs Braverman said new laws were needed to address the phenomenon of mass extremism on our streets because the current legislation requiring police and prosecutors to prove incitement or encouragement of terrorism made it too difficult to take action against lawyered up groups that could exploit loopholes. Surely any expression of support of terrorism, whether it galvanises emulation or not, should have no place in our society? she said. The Government should also legislate to draw up an amendable list of the conduct that could be prosecuted as threatening, abusive or insulting under the Public Order Acts. This would include chants such as From the river to the sea, which the former home secretary has described as a staple of anti-Semitic discourse. Police refused to prosecute protesters for using such chants unless it could be shown that they were designed to incite violence or intimidate Jewish people. The Government has proscribed Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamist group, as a terrorist organisation after members described Hamas as heroes on its website and praised the Oct 7 attack on Israel. Mrs Braverman welcomed the Governments moves, but said it must go further if we are serious. This included her final proposal for ministers to get powers to proscribe groups of extremist concern. These might not be involved in terrorism, but caused significant damage and disruption to communities. I will fiercely defend the right to peaceful protest in a democratic society. But these marches are not about peace. Rather they are outpourings of vicious bigotry. This cannot become our new norm, she said. Sources said the Government measures were designed to cover all protests and questioned whether it could be justified to allow politicians to ban marches. They also pointed to practical problems such as protesters changing a word in a chant to circumvent the law. How are you going to round up 100 people and identify who was chanting what? There are difficulties to it, said a source. That doesnt mean we wont do it subsequently. We know it is offensive to people. You make things illegal, but are they enforceable? A Home Office spokesman said: Serious disruption and support for terrorism of any kind has no place on our streets. Since October last year, the police have made over 600 arrests for public order and hate crime offences at protests linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Inviting support for any proscribed organization such as Hizb ut-Tahrir is illegal, and we continue to work closely with the police to ensure they have the powers they need to clamp down on those who cross the line and protect our communities. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A 26-year-old Karolina Shiino from the Ukrainian city of Ternopil, who had recently won the Miss Japan pageant, renounced the title. According to local media outlets, Karolina reported about the renouncement shortly after the information about her affair with a married Japanese man emerged in the media. 26-year-old Karolina renounced the Miss Japan title Photo: Instagram of Karolina Shiino Interestingly, Karolina never hid the relationship yet allegedly did not know about his marital status. Shiino herself said that she cut all ties with her boyfriend after finding out he was married. The model agency Karolina works for claims that she continued seeing him even after discovering he has a wife. Karolina claimed she had broken up with a married man while her model agency states she had not Photo: Instagram of Karolina Shiino Organisers of the contest stated that Karolina voluntarily renounced her win. She also "thinks deeply about her own role in the recent scandal". They noted that the Miss Japan title will remain vacant. Its next owner will be chosen in a year. On her Instagram Karolina commented on the situation soon after the statement was made by the organisational committee. She confirmed that she had renounced her win and revealed that she had left the model agency she worked for. "We would like to apologise for the inconveniences caused to the wife of Mr. Maeda and everyone involved. There were some discrepancies in what I explained to my agency a few days ago. Confusion and fear did not allow us to tell the truth. I am sincerely saddened that they are talking about me (online ed.) and telling everyone who supports me something untruthful. I take this situation seriously and renounce my Miss Japan win. I have also turned to my agency with a request to withdraw me from the affiliate, and this decision was made. We sincerely apologise for the inconveniences this has caused and for betraying everyone supporting us," she wrote. The Miss Japan title will remain vacant until next year Photo: Instagram of Karolina Shiino Background: Karolina was born in Ternopil Oblast but moved to Japan with her mother when she was 5 years old. After her win in the contest a discussion sparked online concerning whether it was right that a woman with a European appearance won the title. Support UP or become our patron! A father of five missing for nearly a week was found dead in a sewer, his Michigan family says. Jermaine Fairley went missing Jan. 27 while leaving a friends funeral and repast in Detroit, his mother, Tamika Fairley, said in a GoFundMe. Family members learned his disappearance coincided with a shooting. I need help finding my brother he was shot on Wildemere St and Puritan, his sister, Asjanae Fairley, said in a Facebook post the same day. Instead of contacting police, someone pulled off with him in his car from the scene and no hospitals (have) him, no morgues have him. Later that day, the 28-year-old mans vehicle was found on fire, but Fairley was not inside the car, WXYZ reported. Its believed Fairley was shot in the head Jan. 27 and then taken away in the car, which was found about 5 miles away, police told WDIV. Fairleys body was reportedly discovered Friday, Feb. 2, in a sewer. Jermaine was so loving and genuine, he truly did not deserve this, the GoFundMe said. He leaves behind 5 young children who loved him dearly. Police told WXYZ that an anonymous tip ultimately led to the discovery of Fairleys body. Two persons of interest are being sought, but police have not identified them. You took a father, a brother, an uncle, you took my son, Tamika Fairley told WDIV. For what? For nothing. 19-year-old dad who went missing after police chase found dead in river, NC cops say Dad found dead in creek days after crash, Texas family says. Our hearts are broken 22-year-old vanishes for weeks from New York home, cops say. Then his mom got a call Sheriff Brian Hill posted on social media that the three missing girls have been located and are now safe. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Shawnee County Sheriffs Office is asking for help from the public in finding three missing teen girls. The girls were last seen walking away from their home in northern Shawnee County in the morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 6. They include: 16-year-old Kiera Hutton, 13-year-old Jaelyn Spearman and 13-year-old Jaeda Spearman. The sheriffs office made the announcement via social media on Tuesday afternoon. The post said the girls were last seen on the early morning of Tuesday, Feb. 6. Kiera was last seen wearing tan pants with a black hoodie. Jaelyn was last seen wearing red and black pajama pants with a red hoodie. Jaeda was wearing gray jeans with a black hoodie. Hit-and-run, shooting prompt Topeka police to arrest 3 If you see any of the missing girls or know where they are, you are encouraged to contact the Shawnee County Sheriffs Office at 785-251-2200. 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. To download our Storm Track Weather App, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Linda Hill, 72, was found safe Tuesday after she had been missing since late January, according to the Gastonia Police Department. ________________________ 2/6/204 Gastonia Police are asking for the publics assistance in locating a woman who they said may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers responded to calls regarding automotive assistance from Linda Hill, 72, at around 1 a.m. on January 26, 2024. Ten minutes later Hill canceled the request, officers said. Hill was last seen driving a 2014 maroon-colored Chrysler 200 with South Carolina tags 105-940W. Officers said they believed Hill might be experiencing some sort of mental health crisis. Anyone with information should contact Det. Whitlock-Almond at 980-396-5892. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson touted his accomplishments in his recent State of the State address. Huh? Of what is he so proud? Well, for one, its been six years since he took over after Eric Greitens resigned. OK, that is a good thing. That guy Greitens is bad news wherever he goes. However, the rest is not so great. For example, Parson suggested that he prevented 8,000 abortions in the state. Ha! Jokes on him, as most of those desperate women, if they could afford it, went to neighboring states of Kansas and Illinois to get the health care they needed. Because abortion is health care. Those desperate women who couldnt afford travel to other more progressive states are forced to give birth, even if they were raped. (Missouris draconian new abortion ban does not include exemptions for incest or rape. Some girls are raped by family members.) What kind of future do those moms and babies have? Of those unfortunate and unwilling mothers-to-be, how much did our governor offer them? State-paid prenatal care? Nope. Monthly support payments for both mother and unwanted or unplanned child? Paid hospital fees for the uninsured? Negative. It seems Parson couldnt care less about them but is concerned only about their fetus, which nowadays has more rights than the mother. Yes, folks, the fetus, an undeveloped mass of cells, has more rights than a living human. Just recently in Warren, Ohio, a single 33-year-old was charged with felony abuse of a corpse after suffering a miscarriage. (She wanted her baby, by the way.) But when her water broke and she began bleeding heavily, she went to the hospital three times, only to be turned away. Doctors determined her 22-week fetus was not viable, but could not remove it because of Ohios own abortion ban. She was sent home, where she had a miscarriage in her toilet. After that stressful experience, the womans mother drove her exhausted daughter back to the Catholic hospital. According to the nurses there, she didnt display enough grief, so they called police. Her harrowing ordeal was criminalized, and she was charged (though thankfully, a grand jury voted not to indict her). The Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade (and Missouris backward gag rule, now rescinded) literally robs women of their personhood. The male supremacist zealots in our country and state are treating women like livestock these days. Keeping track of menstrual cycles, interfering with birth control dont they have a country to ruin? Before Roe v. Wade, desperate pregnant girls and women resorted to backstreet doctors, or used coat hangers to remove the masses of cells from their uteruses. Many bled to death. Some were maimed for life or unable to have future pregnancies. After Roe v Wade, American women had a choice in their reproductive health. Progress continued for 50 years, as they pursued educations, succeeded in their careers, took care of children and loved ones. With safe, legal abortion, theres no need for dangerous, drastic measures. According to a recent front-page story in The Star, the abortion rights group Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is gathering signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this year. The proposal would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, but still give lawmakers the authority to regulate the procedure after the point of fetal viability. Back to the good ol guv, who says his administration is all about putting people first. That sounds nice, but girls and women are people, too. Parson obviously wants more infants to be born, but does he know the number of unwanted children trapped in Missouris foster system? According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, there were more than 12,000 kids in foster care in December 2023. Why does he want to increase that? Has he budgeted support for those kids, too? What about the raped pregnant 10-year-old girls? Regrettably, my home state of Missouri has been taken over by male chauvinists who treat women like nothing but breeding livestock. Pollsters claim the majority of Americans favor a womans right to govern her own bodily functions in other words, legal abortion. Lets get it on the ballot the democratic way. Sue Holmberg of Lees Summit retired after 40 years in the advertising industry. She is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Its almost an understatement to refer to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a savvy political actor, who long ago cemented his position as one of the most consequential lawmakers this century. But as the nearly 82-year-old Kentucky lawmaker grapples with his legacy after two decades leading the GOP conference, he suddenly finds himself facing dueling and potentially incompatible priorities: a deep desire to provide continued assistance to Ukraine in its war against Russia and a commitment to electing more Republicans to the Senate. While the Senate mulls what may be one of only a few bipartisan pieces of legislation considered this year, McConnell must balance his talent for politicking along Trumpian fault lines within the party. On Sunday evening, Senate appropriators released the text of a $118 billion national security supplemental funding measure, including a long-awaited border security bill crafted by a bipartisan trio of senators. The border measure, the result of months of negotiations by Republican Senator James Lankford, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, and independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema, received criticism from hard-right Republicans even before it was releasedthe charge led by former President Donald Trump. The legislation is expected to receive a procedural vote in the Senate on Wednesday, but its all but certain that this will fail. As Punchbowl News first reported, McConnell recommended that Republican senators vote against the motion to proceed in a closed-door meeting with his conferenceessentially, filibuster the legislation that a GOP lawmaker was instrumental in negotiating. This reflects one of McConnells most canny traits: Even as he leads his conference, he will follow their will. Even Lankford was coy on whether he would vote to advance his own legislation. Me voting against cloture is not, to me, voting against the bill, Lankford told reporters on Monday evening. Why would we force a vote on something that would kill it to be able to force the vote now, versus giving more time and giving the opportunity for people to be able to go through it? Indeed, multiple Republican senators said that they hoped there would be additional time to consider and perhaps change the legislation. (Of course, this plan would run into several walls: the possibility that the House may not accept any bill from the Senate, the likelihood that more stringent legislation would turn off more Democratic senators, and the fact that the House has to fund the government by early March in order to avert a shutdown.) Still, Lankford said that the bill was a work in progress and that he was not willing to do a funeral on it. McConnell is tracing a delicate path with the border legislation, but it is not his first time handling an unwieldy conference. He has led the upper chamber through some of its greatest victories for Republicans, perhaps most notably with the confirmation of three conservative justices nominated to the Supreme Court by Trump. But he has long needed to juggle his own policy preferences with the wants of his conference, and with his overarching desire to recapture the upper chamber for Republicans. His primary goal is always the same, and that is to do as much as possible with the circumstances that hes been given. Thats sort of the short-term goal, said Scott Jennings, a Kentucky-based Republican strategist and former McConnell staffer. The long-term goal for McConnell is, he wants there to be a Senate Republican majority. McConnells short-term desire to see passage of the supplementaland perhaps most specifically aid to Ukrainewas still on display on Monday. The national security legislation that were preparing to take up will invest heavily in the capabilities and capacity America and our allies need to gain the upper hand over this emerging axis of authoritarians, McConnell said. But with the text of the legislation now available for perusing, some GOP senators blamed McConnell for what they see as a flawed billunderscoring the challenge the Republican leader has in keeping his conference together. After Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Sunday that he had never worked more closely with Leader McConnell on any piece of legislation as we did on this, McConnells detractors pounced. Senator Mike Lee, a frequent thorn in the side of Republican leadership said in a social media post on Sunday night that WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIPNOW. When I asked on Monday what the next steps would be for instating a new leader, Lee responded: Well see. The context has changed somewhat here, at the start of this new decadelikely the last of his career. Although McConnell handily defeated an effort to install Senator Rick Scott as leader of the Senate GOP conference early last year, the challenge was interpreted by McConnell skeptics as a sign of discontent with his leadership. Scott told me on Monday that he still believed the party needed new leadership. Many of us want to have something that would force Biden to stop being lawless and actually secure the border, and McConnell made the decision not to include that in there, Scott said. There is also already a very quiet, yet undeniably real, shadow campaign to eventually replace McConnell as the top Republican in the Senate. The octogenarian is next up for reelection in 2026 and would likely enjoy another pass as the majority leader before making a decision to run again. As one of the most prominent supporters of Ukraine in the Senate, McConnell has been urging his fellow lawmakers for months to approve additional military aid to the country. In typical fashion, he has often framed his support for Ukraine in pragmatic terms, casting American aid as the best way to counter Russian aggression. Ive never been under any delusion about why America was backing Ukraines fight. This has never been about charity. Its not about virtue signaling or abstract principles of international relations. This is about cold, hard, American interests, McConnell said in a speech on the Senate floor in late January. We cannot pretend that America is inoculated against the consequences of war in Europe. We cant afford to harbor the notion that leaving Russian aggression unchecked would somehow enhance Americas posture in strategic competition with China. That pragmatism is on display with his approach to leadership as well. McConnell has an unsentimental read on where the conference is at all times, a Republican strategist said. His job is safe precisely because he anticipated how this is playing out, and will proceed accordingly, the strategist continued. While support for Ukraine among Republicans has been waning in the House at a much faster rate than in the Senate, McConnells charges in the upper chamber have become increasingly vocal in their concerns about sending the country more aid. To make the deal more palatable to Ukraine skeptics, the supplemental funding package became entwined with bipartisan negotiations to overhaul the nations policies at the southern border. But the plan to sweeten the deal only turned sour, thanks to a figure well known for his yen for disruption: Trump. The former president, along with House Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson, has become increasingly outspoken in his opposition to the bipartisan border legislation. McConnell is hardly a fan of Trump, but he recognizes the former presidents influence among the partys voters and key lawmakersparticularly given his status as likely 2024 Republican presidential nominee. For most Republican voters, Donald Trump would probably be the most credible person on immigration that they could think of. So you cannot downplay the significance of his attitude on this, said Jennings. House Republican leadership has already uniformly expressed its opposition to the legislation crafted by Lankford, Sinema, and Murphy, as well as the larger supplemental. Johnson said that the bill was dead on arrival, and Majority Whip Steve Scalisewho sets the House floor schedulesaid that the measure would not receive a vote in the lower chamber. Any consideration of this Senate bill in its current form is a waste of time. It is DEAD on arrival in the House. We encourage the U.S. Senate to reject it, House Republican leadership said in a joint statement on Monday. Meanwhile, Trump said in a post on Truth Social Monday, Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill. Whatever his own personal priorities, McConnell must also wrangle the individual wants of his Republican members. GOP Senator Kevin Cramer described McConnells joband his talentas reading the room. He understands where his conference is, Cramer said, and balances persuading where you can, and listening where you cant. His voice isnt as loud as it used to be. I think thats by his choice, but I think its also reflective of the situation right now, that there are some people that feel just a little bit more strongly about this issue, Cramer told me last week. As Senator Bill Cassidy, another Republican, described McConnells current role: I think hes allowing the conference to work his will, and thats what leaders should do. Senator J.D. Vance, a McConnell skeptic, told me on Monday that he believed McConnell should now withdraw support for the legislation. I think the proper role of leadership, now that weve seen the text and seen how bad it is, is just to actually pull the plug on this thing and get us out of the situation, Vance said. Its unclear whether the border legislation can even pass the Senate, much less the more conservative Houseparticularly if the procedural vote fails on Wednesday. This could result in a decoupling of that bill with aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, despite the months of talks that brought lawmakers to this point. Although McConnell has maintained his support of the potential package tying border policy to supplemental funding, it may not be politically feasible. McConnell recently acknowledged in a closed-door meeting with Republican senators that passing such a bill would be politically difficult, particularly given Trumps vocal disapproval. I still favor trying to make a law when you can. And I do think that what Senator Lankford and his team are going to produce is an improvement over current law, McConnell told reporters last week. The Republican strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk candidly, argued that calling an audible and figuring out another way is prudent. Even if we think the odds of the Ukraine funding passing are lower than they ever were, at least they have a chance, said the strategist. Its much easier to resolve it if you isolate the problem to just Ukraine and take away the toxic politics of immigration, and what a weapon it is to the people who want to kill it. McConnell and Senate Republicans have thus far largely allowed their GOP counterparts in the House, who hold a narrow majority, to set the partys congressional agenda. But this strategy is complicated by a largely dysfunctional Republican conference in the House, riddled with divisions and apparently content to float from funding crisis to leadership crisis, over and over again for the foreseeable future. The deference to House Republicans is certainly reflective of the fact that the GOP is in the majority in the lower chamber and not in the upper house of Congress, but it is also part and parcel with a growing ideological shift within the Senate. The House tends to be more attuned to the party base, but GOP senators, rather than embracing their recent role as temperers of lower-chamber right-wing excess, are lately much more inclined to follow suit. Moreover, it has become politically toxic among a portion of the Republican electorate to cut any kind of compromise with Democratsno matter what concessions might get extracted from doing sofurther complicating the passage of border legislation and, by extension, aid to Ukraine. That sentiment is only exacerbated by Trumps barrage of social media posts opposing the deal. To the extent that the votes in the Senate are increasingly contingent on where the votes are in the House, that makes this job especially tricky, said the Republican strategist. Some of that is a reflection of where the party is, and the conference is looking more like the party than it perhaps has in recent Congressesmore populist, less international, certainly more nationalist. In theory, it might be better for Republicans politically to keep the border as a campaign issue; this appears to be the route preferred by Trump, who has vociferously opposed the as-yet-unreleased proposal. This could help Republican candidates facing off against vulnerable Democratic incumbents in red and purple states such as Montana, Ohio, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. (For his part, Senator Steve Dainesthe chair of the campaign committee dedicated to electing more Republicans to the Senatesaid on Sunday that he cant support a bill that doesnt secure the border, provides taxpayer funded lawyers to illegal immigrants and gives billions to radical open borders groups.) However, disavowing border legislation tied to Ukraine funding could also be politically dangerous for McConnell and Senate Republican candidates. The other way to look at it is, what if you had the chance to do something and you turn your back on it? I mean, do you think voters might punish you for failure to govern? said Jennings. It sort of cuts the knees out of what weve said, which is its an invasion, and its a humanitarian crisis, and its Joe Bidens fault. But dont worry, we can put it off for a year, depending on the outcome of a presidential election we may or may not win. When I asked Cramer whether McConnell would choose electing more Republicans over passing a bill addressing the border and Ukraine, the North Dakotan highlighted McConnells famed pragmatism. Mitch is a political animal. He understands the long game, and the long game is that we can do more with a majority than we can with the minority, Cramer said, citing the name of McConnells 2016 memoir, The Long Game. I dont think he would take a momentary victory over a longer-term governing majority, especially considering that this may be certainly the easiest time in recent history and going forward for us to regain the majority. In a major crackdown, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) arrested seven migrants, with more at large, in connection with a citywide robbery pattern targeting unsuspecting pedestrians for their cellphones. The arrest, part of an ongoing investigation, occurred during an early morning raid on Monday in the Allerton section of the Bronx, resulting in the recovery of stolen goods. Arrested Migrants Part of Larger Criminal Enterprise Police believe the arrested individuals are part of a larger criminal enterprise responsible for more than 60 cellphone robberies across the city. The criminal enterprise, known for using scooters and mopeds for snatch-and-grab robberies, focused on stealing iPhones and wallets from pedestrians on the sidewalk. The stolen phones were allegedly sold to a ringleader, who employed a tech expert to hack into the devices and access victims' financial information. Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the stolen phones were sometimes shipped to Colombia for reprogramming, resulting in fraudulent purchases in the United States (US) and Central America. The thefts amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The alleged ringleader, 30-year-old Victor Parra, a recent migrant from Venezuela who arrived in November, remains at large. The NYPD has identified him as the mastermind behind the criminal network. The NYPD named eight suspects in connection with the criminal ring, with warrants issued for three individuals still on the run. The investigation, which culminated in Monday's raid, revealed that the suspects predominantly lived in city-run migrant shelters. Authorities are also investigating possible human trafficking at the said shelters. Police Commissioner Edward Caban highlighted the challenges posed by the lack of a paper trail for the suspects, making it difficult for law enforcement to verify their identities. The arrested individuals reportedly had no criminal records in the US and no social media presence. Despite the challenges posed by the suspects' elusive nature, the NYPD is determined to apprehend those at large, with the department's warrant squad actively pursuing further arrests and building cases against remaining suspects. Read Also: New York's Finest Going Old School: NYPD Brings Back Facial Hair Ban, Traditional Uniforms Mayor Adams Opposes Stigmatization of Migrants for Actions of Few NYC Mayor Eric Adams, accompanying police officers during the arrests, emphasized that the criminal actions of a few individuals should not tarnish the image of the broader migrant community seeking a better life in the US. "Over 175,000 migrants and asylum seekers that have arrived here, this is 12 people," he said. "So any New Yorker that looks at those who are trying to fulfill their next step on the American dream as criminals, that is wrong." Adams underscored the administration's commitment to welcoming asylum seekers but stressed that criminal behavior would be dealt with severely. "This is not about migrants and asylum seekers. It's about criminals who committed a crime," the mayor said. "And we would treat criminals the same if they're longstanding New Yorkers, or if they just arrived here last year. These are criminals that we brought to justice," Mayor Adams emphasized the broader issue of illegal scooter use in the city, revealing that the NYPD seized over 2,500 illegal mopeds and scooters in 2023 alone, a 74% increase from the previous year. The mayor also emphasized the need for a national solution to combat similar challenges faced by major cities across the US, pointing out that the majority of migrants want to contribute to society. "The overwhelming number of migrants and asylum seekers want to work. They want to contribute to our society," Adams said. "They believe we have put a pause on their progression on contributing to our society. We should not in any way take these criminals and state that they are the indicators of the people who are here." While the arrests aim to curb the criminal activities of the identified individuals, city officials underscored the importance of differentiating between law-abiding migrants and those engaging in criminal behavior. The investigation remains ongoing, with the NYPD committed to bringing all involved individuals to justice. Related Article: Tribe Bans South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem From Reservation Over Controversial Remarks on US-Mexico Border Security For those of us who live here, York can be a strange place. We have our own customs and quirks and touchstones of our culture, from a barbell guy to a house shaped like a work boot. Here are some of the things that make York, well, York at least in my opinion as a person who has lived here for more than six decades. The Christmas steam whistle concert Since 1925, nearly every Christmas in York County has been rung in with eerie, high-pitch sounds reverberating through the December chill. Sometimes it sounds like something familiar. Sometimes not. Sometimes, its kind of amusing to play Name That Tune as the moaning, Theremin-like tones resound through the hills. Of course, were talking about the steam whistle concert that kicks off at midnight nearly every Christmas. It is a unique York tradition, but not the only one that involves Christmas music. Since 1848, the Glen Rock Carolers have been sharing good musical tidings in the hilly southern York County town. They are very different Christmas traditions one that grew out of Yorks blue-collar factory history and another that seems to be from the time of Dickens. Another difference is that the Glen Rock Carolers, more often than not, sing in tune. The York Barbell guy He looms over Interstate 83, just north of the Emigsville exit, the muscular man in a blue singlet pressing what appears to be barbell laden with huge plates. You cant miss him. Now and then, when interviewing people from outside the area and mentioning that Im from York, a number of them say: Thats where that barbell guy is, right? The Barbell Guy is modeled after Norbert Schemansky, described by The New York Times as one of the worlds greatest weightlifters and the first to win medals in four Olympic games. The Barbell Guy is based on Schemanskys body, but his face is not. Schemansky was a mild-mannered looking person except for his powerful frame and wore plastic-framed, Clark Kent-like glasses, even when he competed. The Times described him as a bear of a man with a mild countenance who had competed over four decades. The Times reported that when Schemansky died in September 2016 at age 92, he lived in his hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, where, despite his fame and Olympic glory, he struggled to make a living. So, next time you drive by The Barbell Man, amaze your friends with your knowledge of Norbert Schemansky. The historic Haines Shoe House in Hellam Township. The Shoe House The Shoe House was the brainchild of the Shoe Wizard, Mahlon Haines, who made his fortune in shoes and real estate. Haines, a master of promotion, built the Shoe House in 1948 to advertise his shoe stores. The house was originally used as a honeymoon spot for newlyweds who entered a contest at Haines shoe shops for the privilege of beginning their days of wedded bliss in a house shaped like a boot. The week-long stay came all-expenses paid, with a maid and a butler to see to the couples needs, and they all went home with a new pair of shoes. Subsequently, it housed an ice cream shop and is now an Airbnb rental. It is said that Haines commissioned the design of the house by handing an architect a work boot and instructing him, Build me a house like this. The living room was in the boots toe. The Shoe House is an icon, featured in many reference materials about roadside attractions. Haines himself never lived in the house. Rehmeyers Hollow Rehmeyers Hollow is in southern York County, home to rolling farmland and an old farmhouse, something thats not very unusual in that part of the county, a least that part of the county that has not been paved over with suburban-style developments to provide cheaper housing for Maryland commuters. (More on that later.) Yet, the house and hollow occupy a special place in York County lore. It was the site of the gruesome "Hex Murder," one that has been memorialized in books and on the silver screen. In November 1928, a man named John Blymire came to believe that Nelson Rehmeyer had placed a curse on him using Powwow, a kind of Pennsylvania German voodoo. Blymire and two other men who believed they had also been cursed John Curry and Wilbert Hess went to Rehmeyers house to convince him to remove the curse. Rehmeyer refused and they killed him, mutilated his body and set his corpse on fire in the belief that the flames would destroy the house and along with it any evidence of their crime. It didnt work. The house did not burn down and Rehmeyers body was discovered two days after the murder, on Thanksgiving Day, when neighbors grew concerned that his livestock had gone unfed. The three murderers were convicted and sentenced to life in prison, later earning parole. The crimes legacy is the belief that Rehmeyers ghost haunts the house and the hollow, looking for revenge against those who took his life. The Seven Gates of Hell Speaking of the paranormal, we come to the Seven Gates of Hell. The origin of the myth that the gates to the netherworld are amongst the farmland and forests in Hellam Township is murky. The legend has it that an asylum for the criminally deranged had been on the property and that it burned down years, or decades, or whatever, ago and that the souls of the deceased remained behind and haunted and cursed the property. The reality is that the gate to hell is a cattle gate across a path into the woods and that the spot had been, some years before, a popular spot for local teenagers to congregate and partake in illicit activities. The property owner, after years of cleaning up beer cans and worse, let the world know that the gates to hell were not on his property and that he was tired of cleaning up after people who believed that, by drinking beer within the gates, would grant them special insight into the afterlife. It didnt. All it did was grant insight into the misspent youth of drinking and carrying on in the woods. Fastnachts mark the start of Lent in York County. Our cuisine, such as it is This could be considered defining the word cuisine rather loosely. Hardly a large gathering in York County we're talking fire company carnivals and fundraisers, estate sales and other attractions occurs without the sale of chicken corn soup. Now, nothing against chicken corn soup it can be pretty good but it is ubiquitous at local gatherings, a delicacy of the cuisine heritage of the Germans who settled this slice of the commonwealth centuries ago. Yes, it's pretty bland and, frankly, to my Italian palate, not very tasty. But people love it. The Pennsylvania German influence over food in these parts is kind of dismaying to those among us who like their food to have some flavor. Take chicken pot pie. I kind of like it especially if you douse it with a fair amount of Crystal hot sauce but it is not pie. Still, the gooey mass of boiled noodles or whatever they are, potatoes, carrots, celery and chicken isnt that bad. Which brings us to fastnachts. This delicacy in the loosest use of the word is kind of like a doughnut that is available only on Fat Tuesday at the beginning of Lent. The idea was for people to get rid of the lard and other forbidden substances before the deprivations of Lent. Now, people in New Orleans party naked in the streets at the onset of Lent on Mardi Gras. Here, we eat doughnuts that could pass as boat anchors. York County is often called the snack food capital of the world. Snack food capital of the world While were on the subject of food, York County could lay claim to being the snack food capital of the world. This country probably produces more potato chips, pretzels and assorted snacks than any other county in the world. (I guess I could look it up, but it has the ring of truthiness.) There are two kinds of people in York County Utz people and Martins people when it comes to potato chips. They can debate the qualities of their preferred snacks until the last dog is dead and it would never change anyones mind. (Of course, people who prefer Utz over Martins, in my opinion, deserve our pity and thoughts and prayers.) There is more to snack foods than chips, of course. York County is also a huge manufacturer of pretzels. And it used to be the home of a confection that was known around the world the York Peppermint Pattie. York Peppermint Patties haven't been made in York the factory used to be on South Pine Streets, just a few blocks from my grandmothers house since the late 1980s. Manufacturing moved to Reading after a series of corporate takeovers, and now they are made in Mexico. Juarez Peppermint Patties just doesnt have the same ring. And just one other thing: Brickers French Fries. Wherever more than a dozen York County residents gather, you can bet there will be a Brickers wagon there. (Salt and vinegar or go home, OK? You dont put ketchup on Brickers.) No matter how you snack, one thing you can say about York - it is a patient/target-rich environment for cardiologists. Central Market House There are other cities with downtown market houses, but amongst them, Yorks Central Market is a gem. That may be an understatement. As an example of architectural craft, it stands alone, the L-shaped Romanesque Revival structure with its spires, arched windows and doorways and gabled ceilings a work of art. There is nothing else like it. Designed in 1888 by architect John A. Dempwolf whose style created Yorks cityscape the market is a monument to times past that has evolved over the decades into a central hub of the citys life. In the old days, as even some of us of a certain age can attest, it used to be the citys biggest grocery store. A lot of us recall going to market on Saturday mornings with their families to stock up on farm-fresh produce, locally produced meat and deli items and other staples. Now, the market has evolved into more of a food court. Some purveyors of produce and meat remain, but much of the market today is a collection of eclectic and eccentric food stands, from the standard fare of JRs to Korean barbecue to Caribbean food. More than the food, it is a gathering place. On any given Saturday morning, you can run into everybody from the movers and shakers of this town to people you went to high school with. In that vein, the market has also served as an event venue, hosting a series of concerts by up-and-coming artists. The place is uniquely York. More by Argento York WW II veteran and POW, 100, shares harrowing tale of being shot down over Germany A blues prodigy: 'Light years ahead': York County guitar phenom, 15, heads to Memphis for major competition The Colonial Courthouse and the Plough Tavern York has dubbed itself the First Capital of the United States because back in the day, the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia to escape the British and found sanctuary here, believing that the Susquehanna River afforded proper defense from the Brits. While in York, the Continental Congress hung out at the Plough House and drank and then convened in the Colonial Courthouse to adopt the Articles of Confederation, the inferior precursor of the Constitution. (The Articles of Confederation granted sovereignty to the states while the Constitution created a federal system of government. Under the Articles, for instance, slavery would still be legal in states that so deemed it necessary, which are a lot of the states that comprised the Confederacy during the Civil War.) Still, the two structures illustrate Yorks role in forming this imperfect union, serving as a place for the founding fathers to figure out how this country would work once it threw off the yoke of the Brits. It wasnt perfect. But it was a start. Awhile Now, we come to the crux of the biscuit. People who have lived here all their lives and whose parents and grandparents lived here before that believe York is a friendly town. The waitresses at the family restaurant down the street call you Hon and the pace of life leaves time for people to get to know one another. The town can be extremely generous in its charity and the notion of helping ones neighbor, giving the impression that were all in this together. But those who move here from outside which can be anywhere from, say, California to Lancaster often believe differently. People who have lived here for 20 years, whose kids have graduated from our schools and who work in our local industries, often express how chilly York can seem to outsiders. People who have lived here for decades, if they were born elsewhere, are seen as interlopers. In southern York County, its even more pronounced. People who moved to that corner of the county from Maryland are called white taggers, after the white Maryland license plates, and worse. The irony is that, culturally, southern York countians and Marylanders have a lot in common, from a love of steamed crabs to fandom of the Orioles. There are probably a lot of reasons for the distance. For one thing, there is the language barrier. In York, we use the word awhile for no apparent reason, such as in Would you like a drink awhile? We leave the to be construction our of sentences. For instance, that car needs washed, not that car needs to be washed. We have our quirks. Turn signals, for instance, are a new thing to us and we dont feel the need to use them because we know where were going and everybody else should, too. But hey, get to know us and after 30, 40 years or a couple of generations, well be cool. But be warned: If your grandparents hadn't lived here, you can't criticize our town. Only those of us with generational roots can, OK? Columnist/reporter Mike Argento, whose grandparents settled in York County from Sicily more than a century ago, has been a York Daily Record staffer since 1982. Reach him at mike@ydr.com. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: An irreverent look at the things that make York County PA unique Jury ruled that even though Crumbley had no involvement in the actual attack, she was guilty of involuntary manslaughter because she failed to warn teachers about the gun she knew her son Ethan had - Bill Pugliano/Getty Images A mother whose teenage son opened fire at a Michigan school and killed four students has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the first case of its kind. A jury ruled that even though Jennifer Crumbley had no involvement in the attack, she was guilty of involuntary manslaughter because she failed to warn teachers about the gun she knew her son Ethan had. She should have secured the weapon in a safe place at home and obtained help for her 15-year-olds mental health problems, the jury decided. Four guilty verdicts, one for each of the students shot dead at Oxford High School near Detroit in 2021, were delivered after 11 hours of deliberations. Crumbley, 45, who had pleaded not guilty, looked down and shook her head slightly after the verdicts were read. Oakland County Judge Cheryl Matthews thanked the jurors and said: We all know that this was one of the hardest things youve ever done. The four students killed were Tate Myre, 16, Hanna St Julian, 14, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17 - Ryan Garza/Detroit Free Press/ZUMA Press/Shutterstock Ethan Crumbley was 15 when he shot 10 students and a teacher with a handgun, leading to the deaths of four students - Carlos Osorio/AP On her way out of the courtroom, prosecutor Karen McDonald hugged Craig Shilling, the father of victim Justin Shilling, and the family of Madisyn Baldwin. In December, Crumbleys son was sentenced to life without parole after another court heard hours of testimony from wounded survivors and parents who lost children. Ethan Crumbley, now aged 17, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of murder and terrorism. Crumbleys father, James, is being tried separately and is also charged with involuntary manslaughter and is said to have bought the weapon - a SIG Sauer 9mm - for his son. His trial is due to begin in March. A gagging order by the judge prevented Ms McDonald and Shannon Smith, the defence attorney, from speaking to reporters. Prosecutor Karen McDonald, right, shakes hands with victims' parents after Jennifer Crumbley was found guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter - Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press via ZUMA/Shutterstock The court heard that on the morning of November 30 2021, school staff members were concerned about a violent drawing of a gun, bullet and wounded man on Ethans maths assignment. His parents were called to the school for a meeting with school staff but they did not take the boy home. A few hours later, Ethan pulled a handgun from his backpack and shot 10 students and a teacher. No one had checked his bag. The gun had allegedly been bought for the teenager by his father just four days earlier. Crumbley had taken her son to a shooting range that same weekend. While cross-examining Crumbley last week, Marc Keast, the assistant prosecutor, said: Youre the last adult to have possession of that gun. You saw your son shoot the last practice round before the [school] shooting on November 30. You saw how he stood He knew how to use the gun. The teenagers mother replied: Yes, he did. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A mother and her 16-year-old daughter are dead following a crash in Elbert County. The wreck happened near the intersection of Jones Ferry Rd and Athens Hwy in Elberton around 5:30 p.m. Monday. The Elbert County coroner said Breanna Parham, 33, and daughter Rhiana Ramey, 16, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The Georgia State Patrol says a 6-year-old and a 2-week-old that were in the truck with the mother and daughter had to be airlifted to a hospital in Greenville. A 4-year-old and two others received non-life-threatening injuries, the coroners office said. The crash remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol. TRENDING STORIES: IN OTHER NEWS: The News A jury has found Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Michigan school shooter, guilty of manslaughter on Tuesday. The verdict in the case that examined whether the parents of school shooters should be held responsible for their childs actions is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. She had pleaded not guilty to four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Her husband, James, is expected to go on trial for the same charges next month. Prosecutors portrayed Crumbley as an absent mother who did not make time for her son. The Crumbleys also didnt properly store a gun gifted to their son for Christmas, and did not inform school staff that he had access to a gun after a disturbing drawing he created was reported to them, prosecutors said. In December, a court found Ethan Crumbley guilty of 24 charges, including first-degree murder and terrorism causing death. He was 15 at the time of the deadly 2021 shooting at Oxford High School, and was sentenced to life in prison. Four students were killed in the shooting, and seven people were injured, including a teacher. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has habitually allowed her ignorance to shine in venues such as the Capitol floor, social media platforms, and the stages of various pro-Donald Trump rallies. Her streak continued on Tuesday at a House GOP press conference, where she compared the normal incorporation of the National Guard in security measures during Joe Bidens 2021 inauguration to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Greene, speaking as part of a group of House Republicans introducing a resolution declaring that Donald Trump is not an insurrectionist, blasted the press for describing the Jan. 6 insurrection as such. She labeled the thousands of people charged with federal crimes as simple Americans who just cared about election integrity. The American people who pay for elections with their tax dollars, actually own the elections and have the right to care about their elections, election integrity and the results of their elections when they came to Washington and protested, Greene said. All of you call it an insurrection, and then when Joe Biden was inaugurated and this entire Capitol Complex was surrounded with 30,000 National Guard troops, none of you stood there and call that an insurrection. Oh, no. You all stayed silent. Greene: When they came to Washington to protest, you called that an insurrection but when Biden was inaugurated and this Capitol was surrounded with National Guard troops, none of you stood there and called that an insurrection pic.twitter.com/1gI2vnmEqf Acyn (@Acyn) February 6, 2024 Greenes rose-colored characterization of the violent attack on the Capitol and the subsequent security measures dont acknowledge the past incorporation of the National Guard during presidential inaugurations. Biden did indeed have an authorized 25,000 National Guard troops stationed in D.C. for his inauguration, a number 5,000 troops short of Greenes lofty number and a figure that was authorized a week after the Jan. 6 attack. It was an increase from the 7,500 troops initially authorized for the inauguration, a number roughly on par with troops sanctioned for the most recent presidential inaugurations, according to numbers released by the National Guard. Donald Trumps 2017 inauguration had 7,500 Guard members, while Barack Obamas first inauguration in 2009 featured 9,300 Guard members. 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. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) Alexandria police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that happened early Sunday morning. Just after midnight, Alexandria Police Department officers responded to the 2200 block of Main Line Blvd after someone made a report of an assault that just occurred. Man dies from injuries sustained in January crash in Clifton Officers found the woman who made the report. She said she was walking down an alleyway when a man tried to sexually assault her. Officers created a perimeter and started to look for the man. One of the officers at the scene started a chase with a man that they believe was the suspect but he got away. The Fairfax County Police Department and the Metro Transit Police Department also got involved to help search for the suspect. Police were still investigating the incident. Anyone with information or footage is asked to call (703) 746-6721. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. China and Russia recently convened a meeting to address the crucial matter of "outer space security" and the utilization of AI in their respective military forces. Last Thursday, officials from Beijing and Moscow engaged in talks and reached an agreement to consult and coordinate on the utilization of AI in their respective armed forces. China, Russia to Tackle Outer Space Security Concern The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that there was a thorough discussion regarding the utilization of AI technology. The statement mentioned that discussions focused on the "doctrinal guidelines and initiatives of Russia and China." China and Russia have announced their commitment to enhance their collaboration within the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) of the States Parties to the Convention on Inhumane Weapons on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), a UN-supported initiative focused on the development of weapons. The statement from China mentioned that the discussions encompassed topics such as outer space security, biosecurity, and artificial intelligence, according to Daily Express US. Experts are highlighting the use of AI in military weaponry as a potential catalyst for a new arms race between the US and its geopolitical rivals in the east. In November, the South China Morning Post reported that an agreement had been reached between the US and China to prohibit the use of AI in autonomous weaponry, despite the tensions between the two countries in recent years. In February, the US presented its Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, a framework designed to encourage global consensus on regulations for the utilization of AI in military operations. Read Also: Iran Issues Chilling Threat at US Not To Target 'Spy Ships' in Middle East Following Yemen Blitz China Expresses Support For Russia Amid War With Ukraine Meanwhile, during a video call, China's defense minister, Dong Jun, expressed his strong support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu. The newly appointed defense chief of China and Shoigu held discussions on enhancing military cooperation and coordination amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The China-Russia partnership has been put to the test due to the tensions surrounding the Ukraine crisis. Beijing has chosen to support the Kremlin's plans economically, rather than openly, in the face of international pressure. A video has been released by the Russian government showcasing Dong Jun's message to Shoigu. In the message, he expressed China's unwavering support for Russia on the Ukraine issue, even in the face of pressure from the US and Europe. Despite ongoing pressure from the US and Europe, we have consistently stood by you on the Ukrainian issue. The impact on defense cooperation between China and the European Union has been acknowledged, but there is a firm commitment to maintaining the established policy. It is emphasized that this should not impede the normal and long-term cooperation with Russia. These remarks were made by the individual, as seen in a video released by Russia's defense ministry. The meeting's readout provided by China's ministry of defense omitted any mention of the statements regarding China's backing of Russia's actions in Ukraine. In a statement issued by China's ministry, it was highlighted that the two parties had a discussion on international and regional matters of mutual concern. They stressed the importance of implementing the agreements made by their leaders. Dong Jun expressed a vision for the two militaries to strengthen strategic trust, increase practical cooperation, and improve their military-to-military relationship, which would greatly contribute to the strengthening of China-Russia comprehensive strategic coordination and the promotion of global security and stability. In 2024, it will be the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. This milestone presents a chance for both countries to strengthen their partnership amidst the various global challenges they face. According to a report from China Daily, Dong highlighted the importance of building and maintaining strong trust and cooperation between the armed forces. Nevertheless, Shoigu emphasized that while China and Russia are increasingly working together, their relationship does not amount to a formal military alliance. He emphasized the distinctiveness of their partnership, highlighting that unlike certain Western countries, their two nations do not constitute a military alliance. The dynamic development of military relations was discussed by Shoigu, who emphasized the importance of regular joint naval, air, and land combat training activities and complex combat exercises. This highlights the strong commitment to a robust strategic partnership in defense. In addition, he conveyed his excitement for the upcoming collaboration with China, confident that their talks would enhance the already strong defense partnership between Russia and China. Sputnik News highlighted Shoigu's optimistic view on future collaborations with his Chinese counterpart. Amidst growing concerns, it has been noted that China has been providing military and logistical support to Russia. The Atlantic Council's analysis on November 15, 2023, shed light on this matter. Chinese-made vehicles and equipment have been instrumental in supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine, especially during crucial stages of the conflict, according to the analysis. The current state of their relationship has been praised by both nations as the strongest in history, thanks to the leadership of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. When questioned by a journalist on February 1, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin downplayed the comments made by Dong. "China maintains a consistent and clear stance on the Ukraine crisis. It is important for all parties involved to work towards reducing tensions and establishing a conducive environment for the political resolution of the crisis. This position remains unchanged," Wang stated during the daily press briefing. Related Article: Armenia Joins International Criminal Court, Russia Calls It 'Unfriendly Step' The United Kingdom's government is planning to invest $125 million into artificial intelligence research and regulation. The plans, which were announced on Tuesday, would have the government launch nine new AI research hubs across the region, support research projects examining the responsible use of AI in education, policing, and creative industries, and train regulators on how to manage the risks and benefits of the technology. Investment in Artificial Intelligence In a statement, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Michelle Donelan said that AI has the potential to "transform our public services and the economy for the better." She added that the technology can help scientists produce treatments for diseases such as cancer and dementia. Donelan said that the technology is moving fast but it has been shown that humans can move just as quickly. The official noted that they have begun to grasp the risks of the technology, which she argued paves the way for the UK to become one of the first countries in the world to reap the benefits of AI relatively safely, as per Aljazeera. The announcement of the planned investment comes after the region in November launched the world's first institute dedicated to AI safety. Authorities also hosted a global summit on the topic, at which more than 25 nations signed the so-called Bletchley Declaration. Read Also: AUKUS Experiment Propels Advancements in AI for Military Strategies The declaration acknowledges the technology's risks of "serious, even catastrophic, harm." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunal has been trying to position his country as a leader in AI regulation. He argued that only governments can properly assess the risks of the technology and possess the "power and legitimacy to keep their people safe." Following the UK government's announcement, executives at leading players in AI, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, welcomed the planned investment. Google DeepMind's Chief Operating Officer Lila Ibrahim said that the hub and spoke model will help the UK benefit from the domain expertise of regulators. Reducing Potential Risks of the Technology Roughly $113 million of the investment will go towards the hubs, which will focus on using AI technology in areas such as healthcare, chemistry, and mathematics. It would also be used for a partnership with the United States on responsible AI, according to Reuters. The remaining $12 million will be used to help regulators address the risks and harness the opportunities of the controversial technology. This would include developing practical tools to monitor risks in various sectors, including telecoms, healthcare, finance, and education. The 90:10 percent funding split highlights where the UK government wants most of the action to happen. The $113 million funding for AI hubs covers five years starting from Feb. 1, 2024. A spokesperson said that the funding has already been awarded with investments in the nine hubs that range from $9 million to $12 million. Another key note is that the British government is not planning to introduce any new legislation regarding artificial intelligence. The Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) said that the government is not rushing to legislate or risk implementing "quick-fix" rules that would just quickly become outdated or ineffective, said TechCrunch. Related Article: UNRWA Leader Tours Gulf Nations to Address Funding Shortfall The Navy removed the commanding officer of the Japan-based destroyer Howard on Tuesday less than six months after relieving the previous skipper of the ship. In a brief statement, the Navy said it ousted Cmdr. Cameron Dennis, who became the commanding officer of the warship in September, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties. As with all other relief announcements, the Navy provided no further details on the reasons for the sacking. Dennis is being reassigned to the 7th Fleet staff, while the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 15, Capt Dave Huljack, will serve as commanding officer until a permanent relief is found. There is no impact to the ships mission or schedule, the Navy said in a statement Tuesday. USS Howard sustained soft grounding near Bali ahead of port visit No additional details were immediately provided. Dennis previously served as the executive officer of the destroyer Higgins, and also completed tours as the materiel and combat systems officer of Destroyer Squadron 7, chief engineer aboard the mine countermeasures ship Gladiator, and as the navigator and damage control assistant with destroyer Pinckney, according to the Navy. In August, the Navy removed then-commanding officer of the Howard, Cmdr. Kenji Igawa, due to a loss of confidence. The ship suffered a soft grounding as it pulled into Bali for a scheduled port visit a few days prior to his relief. The Howard is based in Yokosuka, Japan. Another Charlotte-area lithium mining company is cutting jobs, as part of a $10 million cost-cutting plan amid falling prices for the mineral used for electric vehicle batteries and other devices. Piedmont Lithium laid off 27% of its workforce, the Belmont-based company said Tuesday. The cost-savings plan includes reducing capital and operations spending. The majority of the cost savings are expected to be completed in the first quarter. Piedmont had 60 employees before the layoffs, company spokeswoman Erin Sanders told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday. That would leave the company with about 44 workers. These cost reduction actions, while difficult, are necessary to position the company for the long-term, Piedmont Lithium CEO Keith Phillips said Tuesday in a statement. Piedmonts cuts the latest in the industry come as lithium prices plummet and demand for electric vehicles slows. Lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles, or EVs, as well as cell phones and medical devices. Piedmont has joint mining operations with Sayona Mining in Quebec and Atlantic Lithium in Ghana, as well as two projects in the U.S., in Tennessee and in North Carolina in Gaston County. Phillips said deferring new projects industrywide has become common with more likely to come. Piedmont Lithium, based in Belmont, laid off 27% of its workforce as part of a cost-cutting measure as lithium prices plummet and electric vehicle sales cool. More about Piedmont Lithium Piedmont Lithium is planning to build a new lithium mine in the Hephzibah Church Road area on over 1,500 acres east of Cherryville in Gaston County. Thats about 25 miles west of Charlotte. Piedmont did not specify how the cost-cutting measures will impact its Carolina plans. However, Piedmont said it is managing the pace of development and capital spending at its Carolina and Tennessee sites by deferring property purchases, engineering expenses and other development costs. Our workforce reduction does not negatively impact our plans for Carolina Lithium, Phillips said Tuesday in a statement to The Charlotte Observer. We reduced our headcount as part of our efforts to position the company for the long term and the lithium market recovery that we anticipate. Piedmonts open-pit lithium mine, similar to a quarry, will be up to 500 feet deep, with blasting once a day, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Piedmont expects to hire over 400 employees with an average salary of $82,000, company spokeswoman Meredith Dugas told The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday. Construction is targeted to begin in 2025, with first production in 2027, according to Piedmont Lithiums August project report. The mines lifespan is over 11 years, or longer, according to the report. The lithium hydroxide conversion facility has been designed for a 30-year lifespan. Last year, Piedmont twice requested more time to provide additional information needed by North Carolina regulators. The company shifted from a proposed clay liner system to a more aggressive solution which requires our engineering team more time to develop the appropriate design, Monique Parker, Piedmont Lithium senior vice president of safety, environmental and health said in a Nov. 16 letter to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The process to open the lithium mines includes key permit applications submitted to federal, state and local agencies. Piedmonts plan has drawn protests over environmental and health concerns since it was first proposed in 2021. Piedmont Lithium is proposing an open-pit lithium mine east of Cherryville in Gaston County. On Jan. 18, Piedmont submitted its response to a third request for additional information to the North Carolina Division of Energy, Minerals and Land Resources. A decision is possible in the coming weeks, according to Piedmont. If approved, Piedmont would seek local rezoning and permits and state air and industrial discharge permits. State regulators can deny the operating permit for reasons including if the mine poses hazards to nearby properties or the environment. Carolina Lithium is one Piedmont Lithiums four projects, according to the companys website. Production began in Quebec in March. Production in Ghana and Tennessee are pending permits and approval but targeted to begin in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Layoffs, postponed projects at Albemarle Last month, Charlotte-based Albemarle Corp. the largest lithium miner in the world also cut jobs and is postponing projects as part of a $750 million cost-savings plan. Albemarle has about 1,100 employees in Charlotte and Kings Mountain, and over 8,000 workers globally. Tech-industry publication The Information last week said the layoffs impacted 4% of Albemarles workforce, or more than 300 employees. Albemarle refused requests from The Charlotte Observer to say how many employees were laid off. Albemarle also has plans to reopen a dormant lithium mine in Kings Mountain. Both Albemarle and Piedmonts Gaston County mines would be in the Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt, which supplied most of the worlds lithium from the 1950s to 1980s. Spodumene is extracted from the rock pegmatite. A professor at North Carolina Central Universitys School of Law is digitizing original archival documents that date back to the 1940s. Professor Nichelle Perry took up the activity as a passion project but hopes it will help preserve the institutions history. They need to be preserved, but they also need to be shared. We need to show our history, she told ABC 11. The name of the school then was the North Carolina College for Negroes. I think we forget that, but thats where we came from. Her initiative comes as NCCUs School of Law is celebrating its 85th anniversary in March. The whole reason why we are in existence, and this is a painful truth, is we werent allowed to attend UNC Chapel Hill, she added. There was a strict no-admissions policy for African Americans. NC Central School of Law one of 6 at HBCUs in the country; a legacy that started in 1939 https://t.co/N8arcHtbM0 ABC11 EyewitnessNews (@ABC11_WTVD) February 3, 2024 In 1939, Robert Bond became the first student to enroll in the law program. He was also among the first to graduate. The program eventually expanded, and more students enrolled throughout the decades. There are currently 418 students enrolled at the law school. The School of Law is among six HBCU law schools in the country. For some students, it is a legacy carried through generations. My father was a graduate of NCCU School of Law in 1989. He passed away when I was younger, Amber Craft, a third-year law student, told the news outlet. I was four years old. I didnt know him. This was a good way to see what his life was like. I want to understand the community Id be advocating for. I like being the hands and feet more so, but also being able to one day write the law. Some notable alumni have walked through the hallways of NCCU Law School. Honorable Judge Josephine Kerr Davis graduated from the School of Law in 2003. She now works at Durham County Courthouse. I get to drive home each day and look to my left and see NCCU. It keeps me humble, she told ABC 11. It lets me know those years of studying were for a time as this. I think one of the misconceptions is HBCUs produce second-tier attorneys or second-tier students, she added. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) Nearly 1,200 people were left without power after a pole fire that was first reported to Rocky Mountain Power just after 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5. The outage was estimated to be addressed and power was expected to be restored before 4 a.m., according to Rocky Mountain Powers online outage map. Police arrest mail truck carjacking suspect in chaotic and dangerous scene On its outage map, Rocky Mountain Power reported the outage affected approximately 1,194 of its customers. Officials with the company told ABC4 that number comes from looking at how the infrastructure is built out. In this instance, the pole that caught fire had two circuits connected to it. From there, the company looked to see how many customers were connected to those circuits. In some cases, customers can be switched to another circuit for a few hours, but the company told ABC4 that was not a possibility in this situation. Around 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, the company told ABC4 that crews were still out assessing the pole and were not sure what caused the fire. Rocky Mountain Power told ABC4 that crews do not start working on repairs until given the all-clear by fire crews. Officials say crime in Salt Lake City dropped to a 15-year low in 2023 Customers can report outages in a variety of ways, the quickest of which may be to text OUT to 759677. Customers are also urged to report downed lines or any dangerous conditions to 1-877-508-5088. Rocky Mountain Power told ABC4 that customers can sign up for text alerts and report outages on the app. When people sign up for alerts, they can get notified of power outages and also receive status updates on the repairs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Semafor Signals Insights from The New York Times, Haaretz, Foreign Affairs, and Atlantic Council The News At least 31 of the remaining 136 hostages being held by Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza are dead, an Israeli military spokesman confirmed Tuesday. The IDF said that most of the victims were killed on Oct. 7 and that families of the deceased have been informed. Officials believe that at least 20 other hostages may have also been killed, The New York Times reported. News of the deaths came as Qatar said it had received a positive response from Hamas regarding a new hostage deal brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The reply includes some comments, but in general it is positive, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told reporters Tuesday, according to Al-Monitor. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Hostage deaths could further weaken support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sources: The New York Times, Haaretz News of the deaths will likely worsen a furor in the country, The New York Times reported, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet face intense backlash for prolonging their military campaign in Gaza, which opponents of the strategy say puts hostages lives at risk. Netanyahu appears to be in no hurry to push the new hostage release deal forward, argued Israeli journalist Amos Harel in a column in Haaretz, highlighting a tentative plan that would see Israel pause fighting and release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for an unspecified number of Israeli hostages to be freed in phases. Carrying out the deals later stages will create a political difficulty for [Netanyahu] in the hard-right part of his government and among some of his voters, Harel wrote, adding that: His survival method is based on scattering contradictory promises and always keeping his intentions obscure. Arab countries have banded together on a peace deal that would include hostages release Sources: Foreign Affairs, Atlantic Council With Washington appearing to have little influence over Israels military campaign, Middle Eastern powers including several that were previously at odds are responding to the ongoing conflict with impressive unity, coordination, and planning, wrote two Middle East experts in Foreign Affairs saying this could translate into stronger regional security arrangements, with or without U.S. leadership. While policies towards Israel and the Palestinians diverged before the Oct. 7 attacks, regional governments are now mostly aligned on their demands, which include an immediate ceasefire, aid and humanitarian access to Gaza, opposition to the transfer of Palestinians out of the enclave, and supporting talks to free Israeli hostages in return for an end to hostilities, Dalia Dassa Kaye and Sanam Vakil wrote. Even if Israel can eradicate Hamas, the country wont ever be secure without a regional security agreement and expanded normalization with their Arab neighbors, argued Frederick Kempe, the Atlantic Council president. The Maryland primaries are scheduled for May 14, and if you'd like to help out at the polls and make a little extra money now is the time to sign up. The Washington County Board of Elections hopes to have 670 election judges available to run the primaries here, Elections Director Barry Jackson told The Herald-Mail. But right now, the elections board is more than 200 below that goal. Election judges are the people you see working at polling places everyone from those who greet and direct you when you first arrive to those who help you process your ballot once you've made your choices. "They are the face of the election board," Jacksons said. "They're the ones who really run the election on Election Day and during early voting." Political notebook: Filing deadline this week for Maryland primaries: Has your candidate filed? The different types of election judges Election judges train to fill all the roles at a polling place, he said, but there are distinctions. "We have chief judges, we have check-in judges, we have voting judges, we have provisional judges and we also have technical judges," he said. Here's what they all do: "Greeter judges" are the first voters will see, whether they're coming to vote in person or dropping off a mail-in ballot, or, now that Maryland has same-day voter registration, to determine whether a potential voter needs to register. "Check-in judges" meet voters who are there to cast ballots. They get verify voters' identity and eligibility to vote at that voting place. They give voters an authorization card to take to the next check-in point, where they'll be given the appropriate ballot. "Provisional judges" provides provisional ballots for voters who are not eligible for a regular ballot. "Voting judges" are there to help voters mark their ballots. "They either get them to the voting booth so they can mark the paper ballot or they'll send them over to a ballot-marking device," Jackson said. Once a ballot is marked, a voting judge will help voters make sure their ballots are counted and cast through the scanning unit. "Technical judges" answer questions for voters on all voting equipment. "Chief judges" one Democrat and on Republican per polling place or early voting center manage the polling station. All election judge positions other than the chief judges are strictly nonpartisan, Jackson said. "We do not tolerate (partisanship) at all," he said. "We pride ourselves on helping every voter vote in the county. And so that's something that I want to stress to our folks who are interested in becoming election judges, to leave their politics at home." Vote for Student of the Week: Herald-Mail Student of the Week: See this week's poll Training for election judges coming in March Election judges undergo three to four hours of training, depending on the category. Election judges are now paid $50 for training, Jackson said; they were formerly paid $25 for that. Training this year will begin March 14, although Jackson said training will be provided for potential judges who apply later. All election judges will be paid a minimum of $250 per day worked, including early voting days, Jackson said; chief judges will get $300 per day. Returning judges will be paid an additional $100 per day, he said. While the goal is 670 election judges to run the election most efficiently, Jackson said a minimum of 540 election judges are needed to run the elections. If you'd like to help, you can find more information and an application on the election board's website at washco-mdelections.org. The application cannot be filed online, however, Jackson said. Applications may be mailed or dropped off at the board office at 17718 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: County election board seeks 200 more election judges A senior official from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis issued a stark warning to Italy on Monday in an interview with the daily La Repubblica, stating that the country would become a target if it joined in attacks against Yemen. Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, the former head of the Houthi's supreme revolutionary committee, emphasized the importance of Italy maintaining neutrality in the ongoing conflict and urged the country to pressure Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza as a means to achieve peace in the region. Naval Mission to Intercept Houthi Attacks The threat from the Iran-backed Houthis, which the United States (US) State Department officially designated as a foreign terrorist group last month, comes in response to Italy's announcement of its involvement in a European Union (EU) Red Sea naval mission aimed at protecting ships from Houthi militia attacks. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto revealed on Friday that Italy was tasked with providing the leader of the naval mission and that an Italian admiral would be leading it, which is scheduled to be launched in mid-February. However, it has been clarified by EU's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell that the mission's mandate does not include participating in strikes against the Houthis but rather focuses on protecting commercial ships and intercepting attacks. The naval mission, named Aspides, meaning "protector" in ancient Greek, has been met with anticipation by European Union officials, with Borrell expressing hopes for its launch on February 17th. However, the specifics regarding overall command of the mission, particularly whether Greece will assume leadership, have yet to be officially confirmed. Read Also: Houthi Rebels Strike U.S. Navy Ship Italy's Role in Countering 'Terrorist Destabilizing Activities' The threat against Italy by the Iran-backed Houthis comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions and military actions in the region. Recent joint operations conducted by the US and Britain resulted in dozens of strikes against the Houthis, following their attacks on international commercial vessels and navy ships in the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks escalated after Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, called on Muslims to blockade Israel, contributing to regional instability. The group's actions have been attributed to their solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Italy's decision to participate in the naval coalition signals its commitment to ensuring stability in the region and protecting vital trade routes. During discussions with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Crosetto affirmed Italy's dedication to countering terrorist activities and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the area. "Italy will play its part, together with the International Community, to counter the terrorist destabilizing activities of the Houthis that we have already publicly condemned, and to protect the prosperity of trade and ensure freedom of navigation and compliance with international law," he said. Related Article: Red Sea: Houthi Rebels Fire Missile at US Warship Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis NEENAH City engineers have recommended using a large portion of Douglas Park to construct a $400,000 stormwater pond to prevent flooding along South Commercial Street and to handle runoff from nearby Galloway Co. In return for the loss of parkland, $170,000 would be set aside for park improvements or parkland acquisition, though not necessarily at Douglas Park. The $170,000 would consist of $150,000 from Galloway and $20,000 from the city stormwater utility. The Common Council will vote on the proposed agreement Wednesday. Parks and Recreation Director Mike Kading said he never likes to lose parkland. However, as a city official, he said he has to see the big picture, and he recognizes the need to eliminate flooding on South Commercial after rainstorms. "It hurts to lose the land," Kading told The Post-Crescent, "but I also have to look at what the entire community need is. When we have to shut down the street because it's flooded or we have to delay access into Galloway, that hurts the community as well." Douglas Park, at 4.3 acres, is largely hidden behind a row of houses on South Commercial and row of houses on Douglas Street. It serves as a neighborhood park and has a picnic shelter, restrooms, picnic tables, playground equipment and open space. "Because of its location and inaccessibility, the larger community as a whole, when you talk to people, they don't even know where Douglas Park is," Kading said. Related: Mark Ellis seeks return to Neenah council, faces Brian Roeh, Kristen Sandvick Douglas Park once was considered for the public library Douglas Park has been eyed for city facilities previously. In November 1995, Neenah held an advisory referendum asking voters whether the city should build a $7.8 million public library at Douglas Park. The referendum was defeated by more than a 2-1 margin. Then in April 1998, voters approved an advisory referendum to build a $5 million library in place of the existing one at 240 E. Wisconsin Ave. Kading said that before the library proposal, Douglas Park was considered as a site for a municipal garage. Plans call for a stormwater pond to be built in the open area of Douglas Park. Stormwater pond would hold runoff, remove sediment Public Works Director Gerry Kaiser said Neenah has had long-standing issues with flooding on South Commercial. Staff initially had envisioned a dry pond a grassy, low area to handle the rush of runoff following a storm, and the location of Douglas Park was suitable. The project later development into a wet pond, which has a pool of water throughout the year. Wet ponds, like dry ponds, control peak flows of runoff but typically are able to remove more sediment and pollutants because the water stays in the pond longer. Kaiser said the 1.5-acre pond, if approved by the council, would be built this year and be in place ahead of the 2025 reconstruction of South Commercial. It would serve the South Commercial corridor between Orange and Cecil streets and the area to the east to Higgins Avenue. A conceptual plan outlines the proposed stormwater pond at Douglas Park. Galloway would pay as much as $200,000 for the project The proposed partnership with Galloway calls for the company to pay $150,000 to the stormwater utility to offset the cost of property acquisition. The stormwater utility, in turn, would place the $150,000, plus another $20,000, into a fund for park improvements or parkland acquisition. In addition, Galloway would provide easements at no cost to the city and pay up to $50,000 as its share of the cost to design and construct the pond. Galloway's drainage area represents about 10% of the pond's total drainage area. According to plan, the stormwater utility would maintain the pond, which wouldn't be fenced but would be surrounded with tall grasses to deter people from entering the pond. The stormwater utility also would install a stone trail around the pond, replace a two-bay swing set and erect a park sign along Douglas Street. Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Neenah plans to build stormwater pond at Douglas Park to fix flooding LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Two men were shot over the weekend at a location in the 2800 block of S. Cedar, and neighbors say theyve had it with the noise and violence radiating out from the location. The last time Lansing Police Department was called to that address for a noise complaint, a spokeswoman for the agency tells 6 News, was back in August, and LPD responded. The citys crime mapping tool shows the 2800 block has had only two criminal cases logged. On Jan. 9, 2024 there was a complaint of a stolen car, and Sundays shooting. Screenshot of crime reports from the Lansing Crime mapping website for the area near Sundays shooting. (WLNS) Neighbors say its been a magnet for chaos for years. The chaos includes people using the bathroom in the yards of residences to bullet holes in cars. Donald Cox has lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. He says in the last five years, however, the neighborhood has been subjected to an onslaught of concerning and sometimes criminal behavior. Ive witnessed, personally, two shootings right where were standing, he says of the parking lot shared by at least four businesses, including a motorcycle club. Any kind of noise you want to think about the yelling, the screaming, the honking, the horns, the motorcycles and everything, Cox says. It shakes your house. He says the businesses are attractive nuisances with patrons shooting guns off, littering, trespassing and more. I caught not just one time. Not twice. But three times people going in my bushes and defecating, he says. Because the next morning, I go in there and look in the bushes to see what they were doing. What did I see? Take a guess. The concerns are being raised after two men were shot early Sunday morning. Lansing Police say they responded to a shots fired call in the area. Police found one wounded man in the area. A second man showed up in a local hospital. Both had non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Police say one man was 45-years-old and the other was 31-years-old. One woman who wanted to keep her identity secret out of concern for her safety lives nearby. She says her house, car and gate had bullet holes in them. More than 10 such holes. Neighbors of businesses in the 2800 block of S. Cedar St. say their property like this car window has been damaged by stray gunfire. (WLNS) This has been a problem over here since Ive been here, almost two years, she says. Its noise. Its drunks. Its drugs. Conner Logan decided to move into the neighborhood a year ago. He says he hasnt felt safe since. Youll get cars going 70 to 80 miles an hour down our road, he says. With people just body boarding on top of em, ya know? Logans Partner Kaitlyn agrees with him. Its also not uncommon for people to try and enter our house, she says. Patrons, she says, park up and down the street, blocking off driveways and leaving their cars on the street overnight. The property is owned by JJV Properties. A representative of the company tells 6 News the noise complaints have been an ongoing issue. The representative says conversations have been had with the tenant who leases a building that serves as a motorcycle club. LPD says the shooting early Sunday morning was an isolated incident. For neighbor Cox, something has to change. Were furious, not upset, he says. Because we cant believe this is happening to our neighborhood. The representative of the property owner identified an individual representing the business that serves as a motorcycle club. That person denied the shooting was related to their business, noting it was closed for business at the time of the shooting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. PARIS The Netherlands is considering recreating its own tank battalion amid Russias war in Ukraine, though theres currently no funding for the imitative, according to parliamentary documents. The current defense budget doesnt cover the costs of setting up a tank battalion, and such a decision would require additional money and would be up to the next government, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren and State Secretary of Defence Christophe van der Maat wrote in a Feb. 5 response to parliamentary questions. The Netherlands, which had close to 1,000 tanks at the height of the Cold War, got rid of its last two tank battalions in 2011 after budget cuts. Since 2015, the country has leased 18 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from Germany that form one of five companies within the German-Dutch 414 Tank Battalion. Given the deteriorating security situation since 2022, its essential that our armed forces be strengthened further, Ollongren and Van der Maat wrote. If there is additional budget for the Armed Forces, we will look at capabilities across the board. A decision on a tank battalion is therefore up to a next Cabinet. NATOs defense-planning capability review released in 2022 noted shortcomings for the Dutch military in land-based power and combat support. Adding a new tank battalion would strengthen the alliance and support the Netherlands priority objective to create a heavy infantry brigade, the defense officials added. The government of Prime Minister Mark Rutte took on a caretaker role after elections in November while a new Cabinet is negotiated. A caretaker government in the Netherlands traditionally limits itself to business at hand, while avoiding controversial decisions, such as allocating the billions of euros required to set up and operate a tank battalion. A tank battalion costs between 260 million and 315 million (U.S. $280 millions and U.S. $339 million) a year, based on a 15-year planning period that includes buying the tanks as well as maintenance, spare parts, operating and personnel costs, the officials said. The battalions structure might mirror that of the 414 Tank Battalion, with the tanks owned by the Dutch and 20% of personnel being German. The Dutch 2024 defense budget increased to 21.4 billion from about 15 billion in defense spending last year. The amount doesnt include funding for tanks. Amid Russias ongoing war against Ukraine, NATO members in July last year pledged to spend at least 2% of their respective gross domestic product annually on defense, with 20% of defense funding allocated for major equipment. The Dutch 2024 budget amounts to 1.95% of GDP, according to the Dutch government. The German government last summer invited the Dutch to a joint purchasing initiative for the Leopard 2 A8 main battle tank, according to the letter to parliament. The Netherlands asked to defer a decision given the governments caretaker status. The Czech Republic said in December it was in advanced negotiations with Germany for the A8 variant, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, a member of the KNDS joint venture. The tank would come with a 120mm canon by Rheinmetall. KNDS and Leonardo have also signed an agreement to provide Italy with a main battle tank based on the Leopard 2 A8. The Netherlands is seeking to join the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System project. Paris and Berlin plan to invite other interested European Union members to join the project once their governments have defined the future tanks specifications, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in September. The Netherlands and Denmark last year agreed to buy 14 Leopard 2 A4 tanks for Ukraine for about 165 million, after previously joining with Denmark and Germany to supply at least 100 Leopard 1 A5 tanks to the embattled country. LAS VEGAS (AP) Nikki Haley was swamped in Nevada's symbolic Republican presidential primary as GOP voters resoundingly picked the none of these candidates option on the ballot in a repudiation of the former U.N. ambassador who is the last remaining major rival to front-runner Donald Trump. Trump didnt compete in Tuesday's primary, which doesnt award any delegates needed to win the GOP nomination. The former president is instead focused on caucuses that will be held Thursday and will help him move closer to becoming the Republican standard-bearer. That leaves the results Tuesday as technically meaningless in the Republican race. But they still amount to an embarrassment for Haley, who has sought to position herself as a candidate who can genuinely compete against Trump. Instead, she became the first presidential candidate from either party to lose a race to none of these candidates since that option was introduced in Nevada in 1975. Haley had said beforehand she was going to focus on the states that are fair and did not campaign in the western state in the weeks leading up to the caucuses, spending time instead in her home state, South Carolina, before its Feb. 24 primary. Her campaign wrote off the results with a reference to Nevadas famous casino industry. Even Donald Trump knows that when you play penny slots the house wins, spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said. We didnt bother to play a game rigged for Trump. Were full steam ahead in South Carolina and beyond. Trump joked on his social media network, Watch, she'll soon claim Victory! Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, had announced beforehand that he would vote for none of these candidates on Tuesday. Several Republicans interviewed heading to the polls said they intended to do the same. Washoe County Republican Party Chair Bruce Parks, who pushed for the GOP to hold caucuses, said that he told voters who called his office and Trump supporters to participate in the primary by voting for none of these candidates over Haley. They basically told us they dont care about us, Parks said in an interview after the race was called. By marking none of these candidates, we respond in kind we dont care about you either. Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald, a Trump ally who faces state charges for serving as a so-called fake elector on the former presidents behalf, said he left it to each county GOP chairman to decide if they wanted to promote none of these candidates. He said Haley's seeming disrespect of Nevada voters was reciprocated with the results. The Associated Press declared none of these candidates the winner at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday based on initial vote results that showed it with a significant lead over Haley in seven counties across the state, including in the two most populous counties. There was also a Democratic primary on Tuesday that President Joe Biden easily won against author Marianne Williamson and a handful of less-known challengers. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota was not on the ballot. Biden issued a statement thanking Nevada voters for their support and, with an eye toward an expected matchup in November, warned that Trump is trying to divide America. I want to thank the voters of Nevada for sending me and Kamala Harris to the White House four years ago, and for setting us one step further on that same path again tonight. We must organize, mobilize, and vote. Because one day, when we look back, well be able to say, when American democracy was a risk, we saved it together," Biden said. Nevada lawmakers added none of these candidates as an option in all statewide races as a way post-Watergate for voters to participate but express dissatisfaction with their choices. None cant win an elected office but it came in first in primary congressional contests in 1976 and 1978. It also finished ahead of both George Bush and Edward Kennedy in Nevadas 1980 presidential primaries. The caucuses on Thursday are the only Nevada contest that count toward the GOPs presidential nomination. But they were seen as especially skewed in favor of Trump because of the intense grassroots support they require from candidates and new state party rules that benefitted him further. Trump is expected to handily win the caucuses, which should deliver him all 26 of the states delegates. Delegates are party members, activists and elected officials who vote at the national party conventions to formally select the partys nominee. If your goal is to win the Republican nomination for president, you go where the delegates are. And it baffles me that Nikki Haley chose not to participate, Trumps senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita said in an interview before the primary. Nevada, the third state in the field after Iowa and New Hampshire, was set to hold a state-run primary election instead of party-run caucuses after Democrats controlling the Legislature changed the law to try to boost participation. Caucuses typically require voters to show up for an in-person meeting at a certain day or time, while elections can offer more flexibility to participate, with polls open for most of the day on Election Day, along with absentee or early voting. But Nevada Republicans chose to hold party-run caucuses instead, saying they wanted certain rules in place, like a requirement that participants show a government-issued ID. The caucuses require a candidate to intensely organize supporters around the state in order to be competitive, a feat that Trump, the former president and prohibitive front-runner, was easily positioned to do. The Nevada GOP also restricted the involvement of super PACs like the one Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was relying on to boost his now-suspended campaign. And the party barred candidates from appearing both on the primary ballot and in the caucuses. Former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott also signed up to compete in Nevadas primary instead of the caucuses before ending their presidential campaigns. Jeff Turner, 65, came to the Reno Town Mall with a ballot checked off for none of these candidates" while also lamenting the increasingly likely November rematch between Biden and Trump. I think its my duty, Turner said. I think we all have the right to vote, we ought to vote. And even if its none of these candidates, its at least stating where Im at. And Im hoping others will see that. ___ Price reported from Washington and Stern from Reno, Nevada. The mother of a 16-year-old who was killed while working at a Mississippi poultry processing plant is suing the facility over his gruesome death, her attorneys announced. Duvan Robert Tomas Perez, a migrant from Guatemala, was cleaning a deboning machine at the Mar-Jac Poultry MS LLC plant in Hattiesburg when he died on July 14, the lawsuit filed Feb. 1 said. Perez was fatally pulled into the still-energized machine after he got caught in a rotating shaft and sprockets, according to the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A recent OSHA investigation found he died because Mar-Jac Poultry ignored safety standards, according to a Jan. 16 news release. OSHA has cited the poultry plant for 14 serious violations, and three other-than-serious violations in connection with his death. Mar-Jac Poultry is also being investigated for potential child labor violations in relation to the deadly incident, according to officials. No teens under 18, including Perez, should be allowed to work at a poultry plant where power-driven meat slicing machines are used, according to federal child labor rules. This type of work is considered too dangerous for minors. Attorneys representing Perezs mother, Edilma Perez Ramirez, have echoed federal officials in calling his death preventable in a news release. Ramirez, of Forrest County, is suing Mar-Jac Poultry and staffing company Onin Staffing, LLC, accusing them of negligence. According to federal officials, Onin Staffing employed Perez at the poultry plant as a contract worker. McClatchy News contacted Mar-Jac Poultry and Onin Staffing for comment on Feb. 5 and didnt receive immediate responses. What makes this case so outrageous is that another worker had been killed in an eerily similar fashion barely two years before, yet Mar-Jac did nothing to improve workers safety, attorney Jim Reeves said in a statement. Mar-Jacs overall safety record is abysmal. In May 2021, an employee died after the sleeve of their shirt became stuck in a machine and pulled them into it at the Mar-Jac Poultry plant, according to OSHA. These working conditions have to change, said attorney Seth Hunter, who is also representing Ramirez. Chick-fil-A is one of Mar-Jacs largest customers. He said Chick-fil-A and other companies should insist on better working conditions or stop doing business with them. McClatchy News contacted Chick-fil-A for comment on Feb. 5 and didnt receive an immediate response. It is a tragedy that this young life was taken Duvan Perez In September, the Department of Labor called on Mar-Jac Poultry employees to help the federal agency in the investigation into Perezs death, McClatchy News previously reported. A few days after he died, Mar-Jac Poultry said he should not have been hired because he was under 18, according to a July 19 news release published online by WDAM-TV. The company said the employees age and identity were misrepresented on his hiring paperwork, according to the release. Ramirezs lawsuit faults both Mar-Jac Poultry and Onin Staffing for allowing her son to work at the poultry plant without being legally old enough. In the U.S., child labor violations have been on the rise, with 955 cases uncovered in 2023, according to the Department of Labor. This is 14% more cases compared to 2022, and 88% more compared to 2019. OSHA proposed that Mar-Jac Poultry pay $212,646 in penaltiesafter finding the workplace violations resulted in Perezs death. According to OSHA, Mar-Jac Poultry failed to take several safety measures, including how it didnt make sure energy control procedures were used to prevent the unexpected start-up of machines during cleaning. Its unclear if Mar-Jac Poultry has paid the penalties proposed by OSHA. After receiving the citations, the company had 15 days to pay, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings of OSHAs investigation. Mar-Jac Poultry is aware of how dangerous the machinery they use can be when safety standards are not in place to prevent serious injury and death, OSHA regional administrator Kurt Petermeyer, who is based in Atlanta, said in a statement. The companys inaction has directly led to this terrible tragedy, which has left so many to mourn this childs preventable death, Petermeyer said. With her lawsuit, Ramirez seeks to recover damages for medical related expenses, Perezs funeral and burial costs, the value of what Perez may have earned in the future if he hadnt died and for pain and suffering due to the loss of him. She demands a trial by jury. In the news release, Ramirezs attorneys said immigrant workers are commonly employed in chicken processing plants, and are often exposed to unsafe, inhumane working conditions, at poverty wages. Perez was hardworking and loved his family, Hunter said. One of the things he was most proud of was paying for his first car himself. It is a tragedy that this young life was taken when his death was easily preventable, he added. Duvan Perez 16-year-old caught in machine dies at poultry plant, feds say. Investigation underway 15-year-olds were allowed to work fryer at Bojangles, feds say. Company will now pay Dairy Queen child labor violations involve 23 minors in NJ, feds say. Franchisee fined Unpaid 15-year-old Subway workers were threatened when they asked for wages, feds say State representative, from left, Ryan Hatfield, moderator Joshua Claybourn, and State Senators Vaneta Becker and Jim Tomes field questions from the public during the Meet Your Legislators event at Central Library in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Saturday morning, Jan. 14, 2023. EVANSVILLE The second Meet Your Legislators session has been rescheduled to later this month. Originally set for Saturday, the next session will now be from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Evansville Public Library Red Bank Branch in its Howard Room. The March session is still set for March 10 at Central Library's Browning Room. The sessions provide an opportunity to voice questions or concerns to their local Indiana state legislators in face-to-face meetings. The events are sponsored by AARP Indiana, the Evansville Teachers Association, the Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library, the League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana, NAACP Evansville Chapter, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 136, Teamsters Local 215, United Neighborhoods of Evansville and Valley Watch. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: When is the next Meet Your Legislators event in Evansville? JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) Chris Furches took to a snowboard several years ago like a fish to water, and now the 24-year-olds skill at the sport has garnered him an invite to next years Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy. Its a true honor for me I think and Im just counting the days at this point, Furches told News Channel 11 several days after capturing two gold medals at the Tennessee Special Olympics Winter Games at Ober Gatlinburg. Chris Furches at the podium with one of his two Tennessee Special Olympics snowboarding golds. (Stephanie Furches) Im really looking forward to and seeing everybody, seeing how real snows like. So I mean its gonna be a big deal. Furches has competed in motocross racing for more than a decade, and said the transition to snowboarding roughly four years ago was fairly natural. It definitely helps the balance, he said. It definitely in my opinion makes me kind of a better motocross racer and a snowboarder because of like, you know, leaning with the thing. Furches took home gold in the Giant Slalom and Slalom events at Ober Gatlinburg. He already knew by the time he entered that competition that he had qualified to represent Tennessee at the World Games that will run March 8-16, 2025 in Turin. Hell head to Salt Lake City for a training stint next month, which will mark his final preparation other than lots of practice over the next year for the big trip to Europe. Furches said he loves the feeling of descending a mountain on the board, which differs greatly from motocross despite the emphasis on coordination. Theres no loud motor, no throttle, just gravity and speed. I just love the freedom of it, he said. I love going down the hill and its actually more relaxed than motocross. It takes your mind somewhere else and its even better when youre on top of the mountain and you see everything from above. It just makes you feel free up there. What isnt free is the trip to Italy. Furches and his family have begun the process of trying to raise $10,000 for that journey. More about his fundraising effort is at this webpage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Monday, Utah! Were kicking off the workweek with some active weather as moisture filters in from the southwest in association with the atmospheric river moisture that is bringing nonstop wet weather to southern California. Given our southwesterly flow, showers will favor areas along and west of I-15 through the southern half of the state with showers being more widespread up north. Winds will also be strong out of the southwest, and weve already seen some gusts over 50 mph in our valleys with gusts over 70 mph on some ridgelines in the mountains. Days of rain and an earthquake: Cause for concern in Zion National Park? Given our southerly flow, temperatures will run above average meaning for those that find wet weather, well see mainly valley rain and mountain snow with snow levels staying above 6,000 feet. Daytime highs will range in the 30s and 40s up north for the most part with a chance some like Salt Lake City hit 50. In southern Utah, well mainly see a mix of 40s and 50s. Outside of any wet weather, skies will be partly to mostly cloudy. As we move into Monday night, the chance of wet weather will gradually diminish across the board only leaving a slight chance for a few passing showers with the best chance being lingering snow in the high country. Outside of a few showers down south first thing Tuesday morning, Tuesday starts quiet for most, but quiet skies wont be sticking around. Our next surge of moisture will arrive from the second half of Tuesday into Wednesday as the meat of the storm slowly moving into California now moves in. This will result in widespread showers across the state with more valley rain and mountain snow. Temperatures will likely come up a few degrees compared to Monday so instead of seeing snow levels above 6,000 feet, levels will likely climb above 7,000 feet in northern Utah by Tuesday afternoon. This means places like Park City could see a wintry mix or even straight rain for a period of time. The statewide wet weather potential will remain high through Wednesday, but winds will begin to switch more westerly, then northwesterly. Cooler air will begin to filter in allowing snow levels to drop down below 6,000 feet by Wednesday. Another storm looks set to move in from the northwest to round out the workweek and with the cooler air continuing to filter in, theres a chance we could see valley rain and snow on Thursday while straight snow cant be ruled out on Friday. Temperatures may even drop enough on Friday to see snowflakes in Lower Washington County. Stay tuned! Moisture will try to linger into our Saturday, but the overall trend looks to be drying out on what will be a chilly weekend with temperatures running slightly below average before we go on a steady warm up next week. Given our moisture potential, the National Weather Service already has alerts posted for the mountains. Through the rest of today until 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, theres a winter weather advisory for the Wasatch Mountains north of I-80 as 5-10 inches of snow total looks possible. By Tuesday, winter storm watches, likely to be upgraded to advisories or warnings, will go into effect for just about all Utah mountain ranges and will run through Wednesday night. Northern and central mountains could receive 10-20 inches of snow with locally higher amounts, maybe in excess of 2 feet while southern mountains could see 1-2 feet, with locally close to 3 feet during that duration. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps appellate court loss on whether hes immune from prosecution moves him closer to standing trial for trying to overturn the 2020 election even as he campaigns for the presidency again. Most Read from Bloomberg The ruling on Tuesday affirms a central point made by prosecutors the former president is no different legally than any other citizen. But the three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit may not have the last word. The ruling against Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, is on hold until Feb. 12 for him to appeal to the US Supreme Court. He might also ask the full DC Circuit to rehear the case. Neither court is required to take up his appeal. Special Counsel Jack Smith is pushing to put Trump on trial about his actions to overturn President Joe Bidens victory, culminating in the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, at the US Capitol. Trumps campaign immediately started fundraising off the ruling and his spokesman Steven Cheung issued a warning. If immunity is not granted to a president, every future president who leaves office will be immediately indicted by the opposing party, Cheung said. Without complete immunity, a president of the United States would not be able to properly function! Here are some key takeaways of the ruling: Citizen Trump In its unanimous ruling, the panel found that Trump cant claim that the office of the presidency protects him from prosecution. Former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution. Unprecedented Assault The panel ruled that Trumps alleged actions to stay in power, if proven, were an unprecedented assault on the structure of our government. He allegedly injected himself into a process in which the president has no role the counting and certifying of the Electoral College votes thereby undermining constitutionally established procedures and the will of the Congress. To immunize him further would aggrandize the presidential office, already so potent and so relatively immune from judicial review, at the expense of Congress. Carte Blanche As the head of state, the president stands far above anyone else in public life, with unrivaled power that can cancel out those who are supposed to check his power, according to the panel. Still, that power is limited over elections, they wrote. We cannot accept former President Trumps claim that a president has unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralize the most fundamental check on executive power the recognition and implementation of election results. Nor can we sanction his apparent contention that the executive has carte blanche to violate the rights of individual citizens to vote and to have their votes count. Separation of Powers Trumps stance, the panel ruled, would undermine the separation of powers between the three branches of government - executive, legislative and judicial. At bottom, former President Trumps stance would collapse our system of separated powers by placing the president beyond the reach of all three branches, the court ruled. Presidential immunity against federal indictment would mean that, as to the president, the Congress could not legislate, the executive could not prosecute and the judiciary could not review. We cannot accept that the office of the presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter. No Double Jeopardy The panel ruled that Trumps second impeachment by the US House of Representatives doesnt make him immune from prosecution. His lawyers argued that his Senate trial over Jan. 6 means hes now subject to double jeopardy if hes tried in criminal court. But the judges ruled that impeachment isnt the same as criminal punishment, and the indictment against Trump doesnt charge the same offense as the House did in impeaching him. The weight of historical authority indicates that the Framers intended for public officials to face ordinary criminal prosecution as well as impeachment, according to the opinion. Ability to Govern Trump has argued that a ruling against him would chill a presidents ability to govern without fear of criminal charges or retaliatory prosecutions. The panel said its more important to have the sort of fair and accurate judicial proceedings that criminal trials provide. Recent history shows that former presidents, including Trump himself, understood they were not wholly immune from criminal liability for official acts during their presidency. For instance, Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, which both former presidents evidently believed was necessary to avoid Nixons post-resignation indictment. Bill Clinton accepted a five-year suspension of his law license and a $25,000 fine in exchange for Independent Counsel Robert Ray agreeing not to charge him. And during Trumps second impeachment, his lawyer said the more appropriate avenue was prosecution, to which no former officeholder is immune. Whats Next for Trump? The appellate panel gave Trump until Feb. 12 to ask the US Supreme Court to hear the case. If the high court accepts his petition, the nine justices would likely hold new arguments, possibly on an expedited basis, before issuing a decision. If the Supreme Court declines to take up the case, the appeals court decision will stand and Trump must go to trial. Trump could also request a rehearing before a full panel of the DC Circuit. Such an en banc review is rarely granted, and Tuesdays decision would take effect while the court decided what to do. That means the case would proceed in the trial court. If the rehearing were granted, it could be put on hold again. Any of these steps would further delay a trial of Trump, who faces three other criminal cases. --With assistance from Erik Larson. (Updates with limits on presidents power in elections.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A Michigan jury reached no verdict regarding Jennifer Crumbley's criminal case after the 1st day of deliberations and will return on Tuesday for a second day of discussions. The trial is to determine whether or not Jennifer, the mother of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, will go to prison over charges of involuntary manslaughter. It is related to the deaths of four students who were shot by her son in 2021. Jennifer Crumbley Trial Prosecutors have argued that the defendant had a duty under Michigan law to prevent her son from harming other people. She is facing accusations of making a gun and ammunition accessible at home and failing to get help for her son's mental health despite warnings. Jennifer did not disclose to Oxford High School that the family had a new 9mm handgun that her son had used with her at a shooting range just a few days before the brutal attack. Roughly four hours into the Monday deliberations, the jury sent a note to the judge asking if it could "infer anything" from prosecutors not presenting Crumbley or others to explain specifically how he got the gun from home, as per the Associated Press. School staff on Nov. 30, 2021, were concerned about a violent drawing of a gun, bullet, and wounded man, accompanied by desperate phrases that Crumbley drew on his math assignment. However, he was allowed to stay in school following a roughly 12-minute meeting with his parents, who decided not to take him home. Read Also: New Studies Highlight Black Angst About Police-Involved Killings The teenager later pulled out the gun from inside his backpack and shot 10 students as well as a teacher, killing four of his peers. During closing arguments on Friday in suburban Detroit, prosecutor Karen McDonald said that the shooter literally drew a picture of what he was going to do and wrote the words, "Help me." She added that Jennifer knew that the gun in the drawing was identical to the new one that she and her husband recently bought. The prosecutor argued that they did not store it properly and had knowledge that her son was proficient with the firearm. A Parent's Responsibility Assistant prosecutor Marc Keast said during cross-examination that Jennifer was the last adult to have had possession of the gun used in the shooting. He added that she saw her son shoot the last practice round before the incident, according to the Independent. The now-17-year-old shooter pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism and is serving a life sentence. Prosecutors were not required to call him as a witness to try and prove their case against his mother, Jennifer. If convicted, Jennifer faces up to 15 years of imprisonment and her historic trial marks the first time that a parent has been tried for manslaughter in relation to a mass shooting. Experts argue that it could set a precedent for parents being held criminally responsible for their children's actions. The defendant's attorney, Shannon Smith, made it clear earlier in the trial that she wanted to put the shooter on the witness stand. She argued that the teen's Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination no longer applied because he has already pleaded guilty and has been sentenced said the Detroit News. Related Article: 7 Migrants Arrested in NYC for Alleged Involvement in Robbery Spree; Ringleader Remains at Large The Pentagon said that American jets hit several Iranian and militia sites with considerable damage on Friday during a series of precise attacks in Syria and Iraq. According to President Biden and his administration, this is the first part in a long-term effort. The Pentagon's press secretary, Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, said that over 80 of the roughly 85 targets in Syria and Iraq had been destroyed or made unusable. Command centers, information hubs, armament depots with missiles, rockets, and drones, as well as locations for logistics and ammo storage, were among the objectives, as per New York Times. Over 80 Targets Decimated in Syria, Iraq Addressing concerns about potential casualties resulting from the airstrikes, Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder stated, "I think it is fair to conclude that there likely were casualties associated with these strikes." However, he emphasized the need for Central Command to conduct a thorough assessment to provide accurate information. Ryder reiterated that the United States' primary focus was on targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran and its affiliated militias, which have been implicated in attacks against US forces. The airstrikes aimed to dismantle facilities utilized by these groups for orchestrating and executing such attacks. The US military launched the airstrikes in response to a drone attack on January 28 in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. In addition to the fatalities, 41 National Guard soldiers sustained injuries in the assault on the US base known as Tower 22 in Jordan. Twenty-seven of the injured soldiers have since returned to duty, while the remaining 14 are undergoing evaluation and treatment, including one who required medical evacuation, according to AA News. Read Also: UN Warns Europe of Developing Sudanese Migrant Crisis US Retaliatory Strikes Hit Iraq, Syria Targets The retaliatory strikes targeted three sites in Iraq and four in Syria, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed the continuation of such actions, with Biden asserting, "Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing." US and British troops also launched attacks on 36 militia targets in Yemen in an attempt to oppose the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, with the goal of safeguarding the Red Sea's commerce arteries. Despite the retaliatory measures, Pentagon officials reported two separate attacks on US troops in Syria following Friday's strikes, with no reported injuries or damages to US forces. However, six members of the Syrian Democratic Forces were reportedly killed in a drone attack near Mission Support Site Green Village, a compound housing US and allied forces in northeastern Syria. Looking ahead, Ryder affirmed that the US responses to the Jordan attack are ongoing, stating, "Our responses are not complete." However, he refrained from disclosing specific details, emphasizing that further actions would be undertaken at a time deemed appropriate by US authorities, Star and Stripes reported. Related Article: France's Foreign Ministry Summons Russian Ambassador After French Humanitarian Workers Killed in Ukraine Jack Greiner, partner of Faruki PLL A California federal court recently dealt a blow to Yelp's efforts to stop Ken Paxton, the Attorney General for the state of Texas, from continuing to sue Yelp for its alleged deceptive trade practices. Judge Trina Thompson, a Biden appointee, determined that the federal court should stay out of the Texas proceeding. The case arose from Yelp's efforts to clarify the role of "Crisis Pregnancy Centers." According to Yelp, CPCs are "businesses that offer pregnancy-related counseling but not abortion services or referrals to abortion providers." Starting in 2018, Yelp learned that some CPCs were attempting to mislead consumers about their services. Yelp investigated the issue and found that a large percentage of CPC websites provided what the company considered to be false or misleading information. Some studies found that CPCs operated in "bad faith" by employing strategies to draw in women seeking abortion services, even though CPCs do not provide abortions or referrals to abortion providers. In August 2022, Yelp published a notice that informed consumers that CPCs "typically provide limited medical services and may not have licensed medical professionals onsite." According to Yelp, this was a true statement based on evidence of the types of services CPCs provide and the qualifications of CPC staff. Yelp also noted that some pro-life medical organizations have described CPCs as offering "limited medical services" and that some CPC websites post disclaimers stating they are a "limited medical clinic" or "limited medical facility." This notice apparently got under the skin of at least 24 Attorneys General, including Paxton, who sent a letter to Yelp claiming that Yelp's First Notice was misleading and demanding that Yelp remove it. Although Yelp asserted the First Notice was not misleading, Yelp updated its notice to state that "Crisis Pregnancy Centers do not offer abortions or referrals to abortion providers." On February 14, 2023, Paxton's office issued a press release that stated the Second Notice provided an "accurate description." The lead author of the February 7 letter, the Attorney General of Kentucky, publicly praised Yelp's response and stated, "I appreciate Yelp's timely response in addressing our concerns." This Kumbaya moment was short-lived. On September 22, 2023, Paxton sent a letter to Yelp, notifying the company that his office intended to sue because it concluded Yelp had violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The letter called out Yelp's First Notice, that stated CPCs "typically provide limited medical services and may not have licensed medical professionals onsite." The letter stated that Paxton was authorized to file suit within seven days and that he could seek "civil penalties of up to $10,000.00 per violation," as well as attorneys' fees and other penalties. The letter did not limit its reach to "violations" in Texas. In response, Yelp filed suit against Paxton, in his official capacity as Attorney General of the State of Texas, on September 27, 2023. The next dayand within seven days of Texas's letter to YelpPaxton filed a petition against Yelp in Texas state court, claiming the First Notice was misleading. The petition sought to permanently enjoin Yelp from "posting any [ ] false and/or misleading disclaimers or representations" about CPCs. The injunction Paxton sought was not limited to Yelp's conduct in Texas. On October 2, 2023, Yelp moved for a preliminary injunction to enjoin Paxton from taking any further action to penalize Yelp's publication of its CPC notices. On February 2, the federal court denied YELP's motion and dismissed the case. In its ruling, the court relied on the "Younger" abstention doctrine. That doctrine holds that federal courts should abstain from intervening in ongoing state proceedings. Here, Yelp conceded that it was asking the federal court to do just that. But Yelp argued that two exceptions to the Younger doctrine applied. First, Yelp argued that abstention is inappropriate when the "state proceeding is motivated by a desire to harass or is conducted in bad faith." Yelp contended there was bad faith in two respects first, Paxton had no reasonable expectation of prevailing on his state action; and second, Paxton brought the Texas action to retaliate against YELP for exercising its constitutional rights. The federal court concluded that on the first point, a weak case doesn't equal bad faith. And to decide on the bad faith issue, the federal court would need to investigate the merits of the Texas suit precisely what Younger abstention seeks to avoid. On the second point, while the court conceded that Yelp made a compelling case for retaliation, it failed to make its case. The Texas AG had investigated the case to a degree that satisfied its duties. YELP can appeal this case to the Ninth Circuit, but because it did not obtain the injunction, it will likely have to defend itself on the merits in the Texas proceeding. I suspect the terms "government overreach" and "prior restraint" will figure prominently there. Jack Greiner is a partner at Faruki PLL law firm in Cincinnati. He represents Enquirer Media in First Amendment and media issues This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: No luck for Yelp in suit against Texas AG | Strictly Legal An Urbandale motorist suing Des Moines police over a contentious 2018 traffic stop can proceed to trial, according to a federal judge who denied the officers' motions for summary judgment. Domeco Fugenschuh sued the police department and officers Ryan Steinkamp and Brian Minnehan in 2020. The city argued in court the officers were entitled to immunity under federal law. In an order filed Saturday, Chief Magistrate Judge Helen Adams found there are legitimate disputes about whether the officers had legal cause to pull Fugenschuh over, and whether they acted appropriately during the ensuing stop, that must be decided by a jury. Fugenschuh, who is Black, initially accused the officers of racial bias in his 13-count complaint. After years of litigation, the lawsuit has been whittled down to four claims: unreasonable search and seizure, excessive force, assault and battery, and First Amendment retaliation. Adams denied the officers immunity on all four counts, clearing the way for trial. Video shows how police officers carried out arrest As laid out in court filings, Minnehan and Steinkamp were on patrol July 6, 2018, when then-22-year-old Fugenschuh drove past them; the officers saw him sit up and stare at them as he passed. They said that as they followed him for several blocks, he made an obscene gesture at them, and they pulled him over after he allegedly cut off another driver while turning right at a stoplight. According to the suit, the officers' patrol car and body cam video shows that on the roadside, the officers handcuffed Fugenschuh and pushed him over the hood of their car, at which point he began cursing at them and they told him he was going to jail. Steinkamp shoved Fugenschuh into the back seat of the car, striking his head, the suit says. In a subsequent search of his car, the officers found marijuana fragments and what they believed to be a digital scale, later found to be a wireless phone charger. The suit says Steinkamp afterward told Fugenschuh that "we dont care about this petty crap. We dont deal with that crap, but when you act the way you acted from the get-go. When we were sitting there and you looked us, like, real hard and start flipping us off ... Fugenschuh was charged with a turning violation, but prosecutors did not provide him the officers' video from the stop or enter it as evidence. He was convicted, but later obtained the video and challenged his conviction. A judge found that, while an oncoming car did apply its brakes after Fugenschuh turned, "there was no actual danger or near collision or immediate hazard" and found him not guilty. Domeco Fugenschuh poses for a photo at his family's home in Urbandale on Friday, July 10, 2020. Jury to decide whether officers' behavior was appropriate In his subsequent lawsuit, Fugenschuh accused the two officers of manufacturing a false pretext to stop him in retaliation for him flipping them off, and of using unlawful force during the subsequent interaction. Adams, in her ruling, found that a reasonable jury could find for either side on whether the officers had probable cause for the stop. On the excessive force and battery claims, Adams said a jury will need to decide whether Fugenschuh was in fact resisting the officers and whether the officers' use of force was reasonable under the circumstances. More: Des Moines settles lawsuit from George Floyd protestor for $150K after jury verdict The judge likewise denied the officers immunity on the retaliation claim. While the actual arrest was legally justified based on the finding of marijuana debris in Fugenschuh's car, the jury will be allowed to decide whether the traffic stop and officers' behavior were motivated by Fugenschuh's rude but constitutionally protected speech. Defendant's attorney: Video shows 'he didn't break the law' Fugenschuh's attorney, Gina Messemer, connected his case to recent legislative proposals that would restrict criminal defendants' ability to subpoena evidence. "This case illustrates how important it is for defendants to be able to obtain evidence," she said in an email. "Mr. Fugenschuh was convicted based on two officers testimony that he committed a crime but once he got the body camera it became clear he didnt break the law." Fugenschuh's lawsuit isn't the only recent case accusing Minnehan and Steinkamp of misconduct. They were named in a lawsuit by Jared Clinton of Des Moines, which eventually resulted in a $95,000 settlement. In another lawsuit, DeJuan Haynes of West Des Moines accused the two of wrongfully handcuffing him and searching inside his clothing. That case was settled for $45,000. Both plaintiffs, like Fugenschuh, are black. The city also paid $90,000 to the family of a man struck and killed by a driver fleeing from Minnehan in a 2016 chase. February 2023: Des Moines pays $875,000 to family police detained while their relative died At the time of Fugenschuh's arrest, the two officers were assigned to a "special enforcement team" focused on locating illegal firearms, drugs, fugitives and gang members. Similar specialized units in other jurisdictions have drawn criticism, such as in Memphis, Tennessee, where members of the since-disbanded "Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods" team, or SCORPIONS, have been charged in the brutal death of Tyre Nichols. In the wake of Nichols' death, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new guidance to ensure "appropriateness, effectiveness and accountability" for such units. Sgt. Paul Parizek, a Des Moines police spokesperson, said the department no longer operates its special enforcement team. Steinkamp and Minnehan currently are assigned to the investigations division. In a statement, City Manager Scott Sanders said Des Moines will continue to "vigorously defend" the case. "While the City and (Police Chief Dana Wingert) have been dismissed out of the case and the court has not found any discriminatory ramifications, this ruling also acknowledged that there are too many factual issues that remain that must be considered by a fact finder so that summary judgment is unavailable," Sanders said. This embedded content is not available in your region. William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines police denied qualified immunity for 2018 traffic stop Non-profit helping everyone feel beautiful for prom in NE Ohio; accepting dresses now **Related Video Above: Prom dress or tux made of Duck Tape could win crafty teen $10,000 college scholarship.** AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A local service organization is once again helping Northeast Ohio high schoolers in their quest for a prom dress, all free of charge. Its not me, its you: Insomnia Cookies offers break-up box ahead of Valentines Day The annual Princess Night Project event, put on by Altrusa International of Akron, helps put all who want to attend prom on equal footing. High school females from all over the area, not just Akron, are invited to participate no pre-approval or registration necessary. Photo courtesy Altrusa International of Akron Photo courtesy Altrusa International of Akron Photo courtesy Altrusa International of Akron The event is being held at Kohl Family YMCA (477 East Market Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is set to include nearly 2,000 dress options. Teens can also peruse through a selection of purses, shoes and jewelry. Local high school implements electronic hall passes Since 2001, local organizers say theyve provided more than 2,400 girls with free prom dresses. Those who would like to donate gently used or brand new prom attire to the cause are more than welcome to do so through March 2. For more information on the event and donation opportunities head here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby, one of Calocane's three victims, says the news adds 'yet more layers of grief and a sense of injustice' - Mark Passmore Triple killer Valdo Calocane is entitled to claim thousands of pounds in state benefits a year despite being detained in a secure hospital for his violent crimes, The Telegraph can reveal. Calocane, 32, is eligible for Universal Credit payments of up to 360 a month after being sent to the high-security Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside rather than being jailed. Prisoners are banned from claiming state benefits, but most convicted criminals ordered by the courts to receive treatment as patients in secure psychiatric hospitals remain eligible for welfare payments. Paranoid schizophrenic Calocane was originally charged with the murders of 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, but these were downgraded by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to manslaughter as a result of his diminished responsibility. Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby, speaking on behalf of the families of the three victims, told The Telegraph: This is truly devastating to hear and it adds yet more layers of grief and a sense of injustice to those of us left behind. Whilst we are desperately trying to process our enormous grief, battle to try and find a way forwards to return to work and support our families, this vicious monster not only has tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers money spent to keep him inside, he can also amass a small fortune of state benefits. How can this possibly be fair? This may be the law, but we strongly suggest the law is wrong, and urgently needs to be reviewed. Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were killed by Valdo Calocane on 13 June 2023 - Nottinghamshire Police MPs and campaigners expressed shock at the revelation and called for an immediate review of the policy under which hundreds of other killers, kidnappers and violent offenders are getting benefits because they are held in secure hospitals rather than prisons. Justice is not being done Sir Mike Penning, a former justice and home office minister, said: How can it be right that someone who is a killer and guilty of such a horrendous crime can still get benefits at the taxpayers expense? Justice is not being done, and not being seen to be done. We desperately need to put the victims first. This needs to be reviewed immediately as part of the new victims law. Julian Hendy, founder of the Hundred Families charity, which supports families in mental health-related killings, said: The Nottingham families have struggled to get proper support and counselling from the state, yet the man who killed their loved ones so violently will be entitled to receive many thousands of pounds in state benefits. This cannot be right. It is unjust and completely unacceptable. If victims are really to be at the heart of the criminal justice system, this needs to change, and change quickly. It is understood that Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, is urgently considering the case and government sources indicated the right of criminals to claim benefits would be reviewed as part of the multiple inquiries into the Nottingham killings. Rishi Sunak has not ruled out a public inquiry into the case. Calocane is entitled to claim state benefits because the judge ordered that he should be detained in a high-security hospital under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act. He can only be released if he recovers his sanity and is deemed by the Justice Secretary to no longer be a risk to the public. The benefits are designed to ensure that his dignity is maintained while in care, with funds for items such as clothes, food, books and electronic equipment. Calocane would not have been entitled to benefits if the judge had issued a section 45 or 47 order, requiring his transfer to prison on release from hospital. This would, in effect, have categorised him as a prisoner. Nearly 3,000 offenders eligible for benefits A Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: All our patients within Ashworth High Secure Hospital are entitled to state benefits depending on their personal circumstances, which are paid by the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) according to their rules and regulations. The latest Ministry of Justice figures from 2022 suggest there are nearly 3,000 potentially dangerous offenders deemed eligible for benefits in secure hospitals, including Ashworth, Rampton and Broadmoor. Some are said to have savings of tens of thousands of pounds as they receive benefits but have no outgoings. One woman, Nicola Edgington, who killed her mother in 2005, secured 8,000 in benefits back payments on release from a secure psychiatric unit, documents seen by The Telegraph show. Mrs Webber said it contrasted with the experience of victims. Victim support in this country is utterly inadequate. The scarce resources made available do not begin to scratch the surface of how to process the tragedy that we have been thrown into, she said. For example, immediate family members are entitled to a maximum of 12 therapy sessions. Other close family and friends are entitled to nothing. Once these are used up, we are left to fend for ourselves. So grieving families trying to manage their unfathomable pain may also be forced to try and find thousands of their own money in keeping essential therapy support going. The system needs an overhaul. Its no wonder that victims families of serious crimes often lose their relationships, their livelihoods and sometimes even themselves. A government spokesman said: We have been clear that questions need answering in all aspects of this case. Entitlement to benefit is, by law, dependent on sentences handed out, and the Work and Pensions Secretary is looking at the specifics of this case. Victoria Prentis, the Attorney General, has already received a complaint that Calocanes sentence was unduly lenient and is considering referring the case to the Court of Appeal to determine if it should be increased. One option would be to upgrade it to a section 45 order. She has also ordered an independent review of the CPSs decision to downgrade the charges to manslaughter. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Tuesday that four bolts meant to help secure the door plug of a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet were missing before an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a midair blowout last month. NTSB investigators have been looking into what may have led to lasts month incident when a fuselage panel on the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft blew off minutes after taking off from Portland, Ore. The federal investigators released their preliminary report Tuesday, about a month after the midair accident. The report detailed the NTSBs findings into the fuselage panel, which is called a door plug, after investigators dissembled it in their laboratory. The fuselage panel was recovered in Oregon after falling 16,000 feet from the Alaska Airlines flight. The report included a photo from Boeing, taken in September 2023, that investigators say shows that three of the four bolts on the door were missing. The location of the fourth bolt is covered by insulation in the photo. Investigators noted that the bolts were meant to prevent the door plug from moving upward. The report notes that the bolts were likely missing before the midair blowout due to the lack of damage surrounding the holes where the bolts should have been. Overall, the observed damage patterns and absence of contact damage or deformation around holes associated with the vertical movement arrestor bolts and upper guide track bolts in the upper guide fittings, hinge fittings, and recovered aft lower hinge guide fitting indicate that the four bolts that prevent upward movement of the MED [mid exit door] plug were missing before the MED plug moved upward off the stop pads, the report states. Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said the company takes responsibility for the accident in a statement released after the preliminary report was published. Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers, Calhoun said. We are implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen quality and the confidence of our stakeholders. It will take significant, demonstrated action and transparency at every turn and that is where we are squarely focused, he continued. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the only other airline to fly the 737 Max 9 jets, said last month that they found loose parts in door panels in some of those 737 Max 9 jets. The NTSB said last month it was looking into whether key four bolts were missing before the midair incident, The Associated Press reported. The incident resulted in the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 jets for weeks, but the aircraft have since started returning to the skies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting its own, separate investigation into the incident to determine whether Boeing and its suppliers failed to met quality control measures. The NTSBs investigation into the Alaska Airlines flight remains ongoing. Alaska Airlines deferred any questions on the investigation to the NTSB in an update posted after the release of the preliminary report. Safety is always our top priority. As this investigation moves forward, we have full confidence in the safety of our operation and aircraft, the statement read. Updated at 5:11 p.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. State Sen. Scott Wiener in the Castro district of San Francisco in March. (Josh Edelson/For The Times) After a failed attempt to decriminalize a short list of psychedelics last year, state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation to make California the third state to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapy for adults. Gov. Gavin Newsom in October vetoed a similar bill, urging state lawmakers to first take steps toward creating regulated treatment guidelines before attempting to decriminalize possession of these drugs. It was a very thoughtful veto message, said Wiener, who on Tuesday morning will introduce a new bill with a more clinical approach to expanded access to psychedelic uses. If passed, California will join successful legalization in Oregon and Colorado, which already passed ballot measures to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapy. The legislation is unique in that it would be the first to create a grant process through the governors Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications to support public health education on psychedelics. The bill would legalize supervised therapeutic access for adults older than 21 for certain substances, including psilocybin and psilocin, also known as "magic mushrooms"; dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, the active ingredient in ayahuasca; MDMA; and mescaline, not including peyote. Under the legislation, called the Regulated Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Act, the state regulatory program would be in place in as soon as two years and allow adults to use psychedelics under the supervision and guidance of licensed psychedelic therapists. Read more: California bill paves way for psychedelic therapy after failure to legalize 'magic mushrooms' I want California to be on the leading edge of access for psychedelic access for people seeking therapy and ... public education and safety," Wiener told reporters Monday. The bill would establish an expert oversight committee appointed by the governor, and a professional licensing board for psychedelic therapy facilitators, and develop regulatory oversight and laboratory testing. Those who seek psychedelic therapy will be required to undergo safety screenings, health assessments and follow-ups. The bills sponsor, Heroic Hearts Project, a Florida-based nonprofit, is a support group that helps veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder through the use of psychedelics. The organization also facilitates trips for veterans to seek psychedelic therapy in countries such as Mexico where the practice is legal. Veteran groups and researchers say the use of psilocybin can spur breakthroughs in therapy, especially for those who suffer from PTSD and have not seen improvements through traditional medications. According to a report published by the Department of Veteran Affairs, there are an estimated 17 suicides a day among veterans. In 2020, even when suicides were on the decline, a startling 6,146 veterans took their own lives higher than 20 years ago. Still, Anna Lembke, a researcher at Stanford University, is concerned about legalizing the use of psychedelics and putting psychedelic therapy in the hands of nonmedical professionals. "Theres a good reason that medical professionals who prescribe and administer [medications] have to go through years of medical training, residency, board certification, etc., to have that privilege," she told The Times. Lembke is the co-author of a recent study that found hallucinogen-associated emergency department visits increased in California by 54%, and hospitalizations by 55%, between 2016 and 2022. She stressed that "increased access" could result in "increased individuals and population harm." Some concerned parents, like Laurie Dubin, who is a public health advocate based in Northern California, said that "even talking about [legalization] decreases the perception of harm." Dubin is worried about the gray market in which teenagers are known to buy unauthorized hallucinogenic-infused chocolate bars, gummies and vapes, and is inclined to oppose the bill unless the legislation also includes prevention education for youths. Read more: Newsom vetoes bill to decriminalize 'magic mushrooms' and other psychedelics in California In Oregon, in the first six months of implementation, nearly 700 people sought psychedelic treatment, said Dr. Brian Anderson, a psychiatrist and researcher at UC San Francisco. The wait lists are in the thousands, with a large number of those people coming from out of state, he said. Wiener said he still supports a future in which psychedelics are decriminalized in California and even noted the governor's veto message implied that too. But the priority for now, he said, is to get a supervised therapeutic model. If signed into law, and once logistics such as licensing, medications and locations are approved, Californians would be able to begin therapy by 2027. 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. Authorities reported that a Texas woman managed to save her other two children before she and her one-year-old boy perished in a fire that consumed their Houston house.The north Houston residence was the site of the incident on Saturday morning, shortly before five in the morning, the city's fire department said. Before trying to save her youngest kid, Gabriel, Giovanna Cabrera, 31, bravely saved her two older children, ages 6 and 9, from the consuming flames in the event, which took place shortly before five in the morning. Authorities then found the deaths of Cabrera and her son, who died inside their house despite her valiant attempts, as per The Independent. Houston House Fire Tragedy The Houston Fire Department swiftly responded to the emergency call, arriving at the scene to confront the raging inferno that consumed the Cabrera residence. Fire Chief Samuel Pena lamented the tragic outcome, confirming the loss of two lives in the blaze. The mother's selfless act of reentering the burning home to rescue her child from the impending danger exemplifies the depths of maternal love and sacrifice. The names of the dead, identified as Giovanna Cabrera and her baby son Gabriel, were revealed by media reports, notably those from WHOU-TV, even though authorities had first hidden the identity of the victims. Sincere condolences were expressed by the public, and a fundraising campaign was started to help the family pay for the burial costs and provide for Cabrera's parents and surviving children, who were left penniless after the accident. Pena, in a somber acknowledgment of the harrowing event, underscored the need for solidarity and compassion, urging prayers for the grieving family. Mayor John Whitmire echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Cabrera's valiant efforts to safeguard her children amid the chaos of the blaze. The Mayor's social media posts served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity, according to The Palm Beach Post. Read Also: Roughly Eight Million Displaced by Sudan War Community Mourns Loss in Tragic House Fire As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, questions loom over the circumstances that led to the deadly conflagration. Eyewitness accounts recount the desperate cries for help emanating from the burning home, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the community's rallying together in solidarity. Neighbors, shaken by the tragedy unfolding in their midst, expressed disbelief and sorrow over the loss of lives, particularly that of a devoted mother and her innocent child. Following the fire, the black remains of the Cabrera home stand as a somber reminder of the devastating force and universality of fire's fury. The depth of the destruction is shown in images released by local news organizations and authorities, which encourages people to consider how important community preparation and fire safety are. After the fire, the dark remains of the Cabrera residence serve as a melancholic reminder of the destructive power and pervasiveness of fire's wrath. Images provided by authorities and local news outlets demonstrate the extent of the damage, prompting people to reflect on the significance of fire prevention and community preparedness, People reported. Related Article: US Readies New Sanctions on Companies Owned by Sudanese Warring Parties Protests erupted in several major cities across Haiti on Monday, resulting in widespread disruptions as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement and called for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Reports from local media indicated a significant shutdown of essential services, including banks, schools, and government agencies, particularly in the northern and southern regions of the country, as per Fox News. Haiti Protests Halt Transit Through placing burning tires in the way of traffic, protesters successfully stopped public transit on major thoroughfares. Protesters in Hinche, in the center of Haiti, welcomed the presence of heavily armed state environmental agents under Commander Joseph Jean Baptiste. With calls for Henry's resignation becoming stronger by the day, Baptiste took a risk and said he thought the PM should take the fallout on his own. "I want Ariel to stand in front of my bullets, so they go through him," he said, inspiring applause from the people. "We're the ones who have the support of the population," Baptiste underlined, claiming that the public was behind their cause. These agents, who are members of the Security Brigade for Protected Areas, were involved in a situation that attracted notice, especially after they had battled with the police in northern Haiti. At the same time, smaller-scale protests took place in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, where a large number of demonstrators gathered outside Henry's office. Police had to use tear gas to scatter the throng, which made tensions worse, according to Independent. Read Also: Yazidi Woman Released by US-backed Syrian Fighters After 10 Years of Captivity by IS Ex-PM Claude Joseph Joins Haiti Protests Prominent among the protestors was former prime minister and presidential candidate Claude Joseph, who was seen on video wiping his face amid the mayhem as supporters reinforced their resolve with cries of "We are not stopping!" It is expected that the disturbances will intensify for the following three days, reaching a peak on Wednesday. The seventh of February is a critical day. This importance is rooted in historical context: on February 7, 1986, former tyrant Jean-Claude Duvalier escaped into exile in France, and on February 7, 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti's first democratically elected president, took office. Massive protests are a reflection of the public's deep dissatisfaction with Henry's leadership as well as the general political upheaval in Haiti, where calls for responsibility and change are generally acknowledged. The massive demonstrations reflect the populace's strong discontent with Henry's leadership as well as the country's overall political unrest in Haiti, where demands for accountability and reform are widely accepted, Aol reported. Related Article: Rapper Killer Mike Taken in Handcuffs After Winning 3 Grammy Awards One of Floridas endangered panthers was discovered dead on Feb. 1 after a freight train ran it over in a highly unusual incident, state wildlife officials say. The 2.5-year-old male panther was walking a railroad trestle over Fisheating Creek in Glades County when it was apparently caught off guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports. A witness on the train saw the panther take off running and the train attempted to slow down, but it was too late, according the FWC Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The panther could have jumped into the creek below, but chose not to for some reason, officials said. Its only the second time a train has been documented as the cause of death for a Florida panther, which can run up to 35 mph. Its believed no more than 230 adult panthers remain in Florida, and the most common cause of death is vehicle collision, data shows. The species is listed as endangered and it is illegal to harm or harass them in any way, FWC says. Five have been killed so far this year in Florida, including one known to be 10 years old, records show. There were 13 documented panther deaths in 2023 and 27 in 2022. Florida hosts the only panther population east of the Mississippi, the state reports. The core population is south of Lake Okeechobee, which borders eastern Glades County. Males weigh up to 160 pounds and can reach 7.2 feet from nose to tip of the tail, FWC reports. Floridas panthers are considered a conservation success story after declining to approximately 30 cats by the early 1980s, the FWC says. Florida panthers remain resilient in the face of adversity. Reports of injured or dead panthers can be made through the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Two bears unique to Alaska found wandering Florida Panhandle. How did they get there? Live alligator discovered in back of SUV during Florida traffic stop, officials say 200-pound python proves Florida wilderness is an all-you-can-eat buffet, experts say We want Israel to be our synagogue. OK, well, Israels a state. Its not a synagogue, and its going to make a whole set of calculations, said Tal Becker, an Israeli lawyer and diplomatic adviser, in 2022. He was speaking at an event on Russias war in Ukraine and was discussing Israels response. Becker explained that many people want Israel to behave like a beloved rabbi, but it cant. Its a state. Ive thought of Beckers remarks often over the past few months, and in particular as he argued on Israels behalf at the International Court of Justice in a genocide case brought forth by South Africa. Ive thought of it listening to discussions and debates over antisemitism and criticism of Israels war; following the aforementioned ICJ proceedings; hearing of family and friends arguing over what the appropriate Jewish response to the war is; having these arguments myself. And as competing news emerges over how close Israel and Hamas are to a cease-fire and hostage deal, it is perhaps worth putting forth that there is a tendency in some corners to see Israels war in the context of Jewish history. And it belongs there. But it also needs to be understood in the context and history of nation-states. To be very clear: This does not mean that the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and Israels subsequent war should not also be understood in the context of Jewish history. Nothing in this world is inevitable, but the fact that images of people dragged from their homes reminded Jews of pogroms, or that the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust recalled the Holocaust, comes close to inevitability. And this war, too, is impossible to separate from a Jewish context, in that it is being carried out by the Jewish state. But state remains a key part of understanding this conflict as well. Many Jews around the world may feel a unique connection to Israel, the only Jewish state, and process what is happening now as another tragic, fraught event in the history of the Jewish people. But Israel also needs to be understood as a nation-state, one that has power, political and military, as other nation-states do, if one is to understand the reality of the war and the global debates that continue to rage over it. Consider, for example, the conversation around Israel being charged with genocide at the ICJ, or accused of genocide more generally. The controversy has been shaped not only by the state of Israels actions but also by Jews historic experience as the victims and targets of genocide. There have been debates among scholars of genocide over whether the word appropriately describes how Israel is carrying out its war. Raz Segal, an associate professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Stockton University, argued back in October that Israel was carrying out a textbook case of genocide, while Omer Bartov, a historian of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, wrote in November that there is no proof that genocide is currently taking place in Gaza, although it is very likely that war crimes, and even crimes against humanity, are happening, and that this meant the time to warn of a genocide was now, before one occurred. But there were also those who objected, on the grounds of Jewish history, to the very idea of using the term genocide. Howard Jacobson, the British novelist and journalist, wrote in December, There is a sadistic triumphalism in charging Jews with genocide, as though those making it feel they have their man at last. The sadism resides, specifically, in attacking Jews where their memories of pain are keenest. By making them now the torturer and not the tortured, their assailants wrest their anguish from them, not only stealing their past but trampling on it. Implied here is that Jews cannot be carrying out genocide, and that such a thing is at odds with Jewish history. Leaving aside that history has no shortage of examples in which the victim becomes the perpetrator: The trouble with Jacobsons argument is that it is not only Jews who are being accused of genocide, but the Jewish state specifically. And the history of states is a different story from the history of the Jewish people, and it is certainly different from the history of the Jewish people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. States, with their governments and armies, have long carried out violence against other people, internally and externally. States wage war; states draw borders and defend them; and states, yes, have been known to kill, and even to carry out atrocities. Of course a state could carry out violence, even against a group of people. That is what states do. Similarly, there was the issue of how to understand remarks made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his fellow ministers that were used in the trial at the ICJ as evidence of their genocidal intent. Israeli historian and writer Fania Oz-Salzberger expressed one view of the proceedings: What stands on trial today is the ancient Jewish habit of speaking to each other as if no one else is listening. The Jewish habit of making extreme statements irresponsibly, unthoughtfully, without expecting any payback, she wrote on X. Our disputative, wordy culture deserves to be celebrated, but it must denounce its dangerous outcrop of inciters to blind violence because the speech had become too doable. I would put a finer point on it: When, in October, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that he would allow no food or fuel into Gaza, he was doing so not only as a Jew, but as the minister of defense. When Netanyahu invokes Amalek, biblical enemy of the Israelites, he is doing so not as a rabbi or a scholar, but as prime minister of a country with an army that is waging war. And when Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich imagines the depopulation of Gaza, he is not only entering that statement into the annals of Jewish history but making a policy prescription, one that would be carried out by a state. A state, and not a synagogue. There is an argument that Israel is held to a different standard than other states. And there may well be cases when that is true. But to effectively deny that Israel is capable of doing what other states are doingor that those in power within that nation-state are capable of acting as though they have state poweris to implement another double standard. The reaction by much of the world to, for example, Gallants proclamation that Gaza would be denied food was broadly consistent with the modern norms of international law, to say nothing of international conscience. Further, in the community of nations, such as it is, states respond to violence committed by other states. It can be difficult to hold these two truths at once: that Jewish history is full of pain and victimhood and being the target of ethnic and religious violence, and also that Israel is a nation-state with a government and an army that is currently waging a war that has killed, per Gazas Hamas-run Ministry of Health, more than 27,000 people. It can be intellectually confusing. And there may be a sort of painful cognitive dissonance. But the alternative is to see only half the pictureor, worse, a warped view of the whole. Saleor a Poland- and U.S.-based startup that develops an open source headless e-commerce platform used to build online shops has pulled in an $8 million seed-extension round led by Target Global (the investors that have previously backed the likes of Revolut and Auto1) and e-commerce giant Zalando. Also participating were SNR VC Kevin Mahaffey, Cherry Ventures, and TQ Ventures. Saleors API for e-commerce does the back-end heavy lifting for online shopping while developers produce a bespoke front end. We last covered Saleor when it had raised $2.5 million in seed funding from Berlins Cherry Ventures, with participation from various angels. The seed-extension round is noteworthy, as its clear open source is gaining traction in e-commerce where normally proprietary solutions abound. Saleor competes against other more traditional e-commerce tools such as CommerceTools and legacy vendors such as Salesforce. In a statement, Lina Chong, partner at Target Global, said the firm was attracted to Saleor's thriving open source community and robust SaaS offering. Founded in 2020 but existing as a project since 2013, Saleor is an open source, headless, composable e-commerce platform. It was originally started by the web agency of founders Mirek Mencel and Patryk Zawadzki, who then spun it out as its own startup. Today, the platform is used by such brands as Lush and Breitling. Zalando, a leading European e-commerce destination for fashion and lifestyle, said that it invested based on Saleors traction with global brands. Jan Bartels, SVP B2B at Zalando, said in a statement: We see a great fit with Saleor's vision, offering, and expertise, which can also help us to further expand our capabilities. I spoke to co-founder Mirek Mencel, who said: Everybody has to optimize for the experience they provide to their customers. And this is nontrivial in today's world where expectations are growing, so Saleor is enabling that. He described how open source had gained traction in the e-commerce world: When Patrick and I met as open source developers, we told ourselves we are not going to work with e-commerce because we hated this as developers. We saw this as inefficient and programmatic and brands were asking for things the software was unable to do in 2009. After doing a couple of big projects together we realized this is a big niche. We released the platform as open source and decided to see if there was a possible business afterward. In 2020 we realized this was going to be an amazing business as well, because brands also want communities around the products, in the same way the open source community functions, he added. Editors note: W. James Antle III is the politics editor of the Washington Examiner and author of Devouring Freedom: Can Big Government Ever Be Stopped? The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN. The situation at the southern border has been one of the biggest problems facing President Joe Bidens administration throughout almost the entirety of his term. Migrants have been coming in record numbers, stretching already strained resources. In fiscal year 2023, there were 2.4 million encounters the federal governments term for the total number of people apprehended and processed for removal at the southwest border and some 3.2 million nationwide. There were more than 300,000 at the southwest border in December alone. W. James Antle III - Courtesy W. James Antle III Voters would like to see something done about it since the ramifications are felt far beyond the Rio Grande. Elected officials, including Democrats, have been calling for action. Among the answers House Republicans have proposed: the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Mayorkas is the Cabinet official with jurisdiction over the border. He oversees the federal agencies responsible for its security. House Republicans last week unveiled articles of impeachment against Mayorkas that the House planned a vote for on Tuesday. Some point to the bipartisan border crisis legislation proposed in the Senate which House Republicans oppose as a better solution than impeachment. But Mayorkas lack of credibility on border security is part of the reason many view the bill as a nonstarter. Many GOP lawmakers also reject the contention that the Biden administration lacks the authority or resources to secure the border without passing a new law. And House Republicans have opposed this basic approach to handling the issue since George W. Bush, a member of their own party, was president. The Constitution gives the House the sole power of impeachment and the Senate the sole power to try all impeachments. Under Article II, Section 4, the possibility of impeachment for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors applies to all civil officers of the United States in addition to the president and the vice president. The Constitution does not define high crimes and misdemeanors. Those are ultimately political, rather than purely legal, judgments. Congress could determine that a border failure of this magnitude is a dereliction of duty, an unacceptable abdication of a core constitutional responsibility. Mayorkas defenders argue that his conduct doesnt approach the high crimes and misdemeanors outlined in the Constitution. These are policy differences, they claim, rather than something approaching bribery or treason. But in Federalist No. 65, Alexander Hamilton wrote that impeachment could stem from the abuse or violation of some public trust. The mismanagement at the border could certainly be so described. In fact, the loose language of high crimes and misdemeanors had a history in the British legal tradition that specifically went beyond indictable offenses. And while there is continuing legal argument about what constitutes impeachable offenses, in practice then-Rep. Gerald Ford had it right when he said in 1970, An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history. A migrant family talks to members of the US National Guard after crossing the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, on January 18. - Go Nakamura/Reuters/File The situation at the border is unsustainable. If the current team managing border security cannot get it under control, it needs to be replaced with people who can. If the president refuses to appoint a team that will do the job better, the voters need to see this clearly ahead of the election in November. Indeed, what Mayorkas and his subordinates are doing is not working. A vote against Mayorkas in the House of Representatives, which would culminate in his removal from office if the Senate agrees, is one way to attempt to force a course correction. Some lawmakers also feel Mayorkas past testimony that the border is operationally secure is not only laughable based on what is taking place there but also incompatible with speaking truthfully under oath. Whether such a potential transgression amounts to an impeachable offense is, again, a political judgment that the Constitution empowers members of Congress to make. The Department of Homeland Security has said, for its part, that Republicans 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. One valid concern is that impeaching executive branch officials for being bad at their jobs, or simply pursuing what the opposite party believes is bad policy, will set a dangerous precedent. Indeed, until fairly recently, impeachment of federal officials has been rare. Only one previous Cabinet officer has been impeached, over alleged corruption, and he was acquitted. Now, every time the House and the presidency are controlled by different parties, a polarizing or unpopular Cabinet official could be targeted with impeachment. The partisan tit for tat could spiral out of control. It is undeniable that the parties often behave this way. I share this concern about impeaching presidents. But impeaching the president raises issues that impeaching a Cabinet officer does not. The president is an elected official, whereas Cabinet members are appointed. An impeached appointee will be replaced by that same president, subject to the same Senate approval. Impeaching Mayorkas does not contradict the will of the voters; the voters elected Biden, not him. While the Constitution allows the impeachment of elected officials as well, the bar should be higher under those circumstances. That doesnt apply to Mayorkas, however. Agency heads and Cabinet members are already subject to congressional oversight. They testify regularly before congressional committees in both chambers. They may become targets of congressional committee subpoenas. The president and vice president typically do not answer to such inquiries, underscoring that they should receive a different standard of scrutiny. Many scholars believe that Congress has seen its role in the federal government lessened, often by its own actions, relative to the executive and judicial branches. Impeachment of lesser unelected federal officials might be one way to restore some checks and balances, or at least some real teeth to congressional oversight. It is a constitutionally authorized congressional power, and it ought to be used against the administrative state in which unelected bureaucrats end up behaving quasi-legislatively. And unlike the subject matter in Bidens impeachment inquiry, which focuses on alleged business dealings with his son (the president denies any wrongdoing in regard to his sons business, and even some Republicans have been critical of the impeachment effort), the issue at the heart of the Mayorkas inquiry is at least to some extent a bipartisan concern. Impeachment can only be successful in our era of closely divided Congresses with the support of both parties. While some of the policy disputes underlying the border dysfunction can only be adjudicated by the voters in this years election, Congress can and should hold federal officials accountable for gross mismanagement. If the porous border does not constitute that, it would be difficult to surmise what would. It is time for Congress, on behalf of its constituents, to take a stand against an ill-regulated and porous border. Impeachment hearings against Mayorkas would be a good place to start. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Never complain, never explain has been the British royal familys mantra for over a century a useful motto that has endured through all manner of crises. And this week again it has shown its durability, following news that King Charles III has begun treatment for cancer. The statement from Buckingham Palace on Monday did not identify which type, or what treatment the 75-year-old king was having, saying only that he had gone public to prevent speculation about his health, and that he remains wholly positive about his prognosis. Read more: King Charles III has cancer and is receiving treatment, Buckingham Palace says That statement would have seemed ordinary at any other time. But the cancer was found during treatment for the king's enlarged prostate a couple of weeks ago an issue on which he was unusually open and duly received great praise. Having vowed to modernize the monarchy, this openness seemed proof of his commitment: the kind of transparency on a sensitive matter that no previous royal figurehead had come close to. With this diagnosis, the king may learn the limits of the future he envisioned. No public figure should be expected to flaunt their ills, but he has already received some positive feedback on social media and elsewhere about sharing his cancer diagnosis. Still, Buckingham Palaces statement was opaque, lacking in specifics about his illness that are likely to become more important in the coming months. It appeared to signal his era of openness rapidly contracting, highlighting the awkward public relations space in which the monarchy resides. In spite of 1,200 years of monarchy rule , on health transparency there is little for the king to crib from. A biography released in 2022 alleged that Queen Elizabeth II had been battling myeloma , a form of bone marrow cancer, in the months leading up to her death a diagnosis that, if true, was not made public. An earlier biography, published in 2009 , revealed that she had been treated for cancer twice: having a tumor removed from her colon when she was 66 (officially described as abdominal surgery to remove a partial obstruction), and in 1984 having breast cancer surgery (when she was said to be in hospital for tests). Read more: Opinion: God save King Charles if the coronation was his idea of modernizing the monarchy The queens silence was learned behavior. Her father, King George VI, had his lung removed in 1951 in a procedure designed to correct structural abnormalities, according to officials, which was in fact a carcinoma. He died suddenly five months later from coronary thrombosis, though speculation has since followed that the cause was complications from his cancer spreading. King Charles seemed, at least a fortnight back, to be doing things differently. Around the time of his coronation in May last year, there was much talk of bringing the monarchy in line with current mores, of slimming down the number of Windsors afforded vast privileges of birth and demonstrating soft power in less grand a manner than before. State visits have taken the most senior royals to the U.S. and France, Kenya, Kuwait, Sri Lanka and beyond in recent months, helping to maintain a continuous global presence. The recent health scares for the king and for Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who underwent abdominal surgery last month (around the same time as the kings prostate treatment), have been cause for concern yet have helped their popularity, per new polling , seeing them rise three percentage points apiece since May. Publicizing common health issues, it would appear, makes the royals seem more of the people, or at least better liked. Read more: Commentary: Queen Elizabeth lived nearly a century. The most striking image of her for me is from this year Yet the kings latest update introduces more uncertainty. A sustained pause on royal duties, as the king is understandably taking through treatment, will certainly not be what he wanted his first full year of rule to look like. An absent figurehead, even through no fault of his own, is not what the crown in the middle of an identity crisis needs. The more Britain goes on turning without its state head which it of course will the harder it will be to prove the palace's importance within it. Other royals, such as Queen Camilla, will be taking on more duties in the interim, but a new fragility has been exposed. Slimming down the monarchy was an idea presumably designed when there were royals to expend but for now, without the king or the Princess of Wales (or Prince Harry), retaining their place in public life will become harder. British monarchs have shown amazing resilience to scandal and bad fortune over the centuries. But if transparency is to be part of their future, whether that can hold in the face of poor health is, for once, beyond their control. Charlotte Lytton is a journalist based in London. 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. State Rep. Alabas Farhat, right, D-Dearborn, speaks with House Speaker Joe Tate on the Michigan House floor, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Lansing, Mich. Farhat would later introduce a resolution to condemn an op-ed piece in The Wall Street Journal that called Dearborn Americas jihad capital". (AP Photo/Joey Cappelletti) LANSING, Mich. (AP) An op-ed piece that dubbed a Detroit suburb Americas jihad capital" is being condemned by two Democratic state lawmakers, who described it as racist and Islamophobic" in a resolution presented Tuesday. Introduced by state Rep. Alabas Farhat and House Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash, the measure calls on The Wall Street Journal to retract the piece, which was published Friday, and issue a public apology to the City of Dearborn. Officials said they increased police presence in the city after the op-ed appeared. It was a pathetic excuse for an editorial piece," said Farhat, who represents Dearborn. It fanned the flames of hatred and division in our country during a time when hate crimes are on the rise. It makes it so that its normal to question how patriotic your neighbor is. The resolution was referred to committee in the state House, which is split evenly between Democratic and Republican representatives, with 54 members each. Farhat blamed Republicans for the resolution not being voted on, and said that only two Democrats signed on because of the rush to turn it in on time. He added that theres broad support in our caucus" for the resolution. The Israel-Hamas war has heightened tensions in Dearborn, which has a large Arab American population, some of which has called for a cease-fire and protested the Biden administration's response to the war. President Joe Biden's visit to the state last week was met with protests and chants of, Hey Biden, what do you say? We wont vote on Election Day." More than 27,000 Palestinians, mostly women and minors, have been killed in Gaza since the war began following Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250 more, mostly civilians, in the October attack. State and city governments across the nation have approved pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian resolutions that have no legal authority but reflect the pressure on local officials to speak up on the conflict. The opinion piece exacerbated anger and concerns within the community. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud tweeted that city police increased security at places of worship after the op-ed column led to an alarming increase in bigoted and Islamophobic rhetoric online" targeting the city. Dearborn High School was put on a temporary soft lockdown on Tuesday after a shell casing was found inside the building, according to police. The lockdown was lifted Tuesday afternoon and police said on social media that there were no threats to the school or community. The op-ed's author is Steven Stalinsky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute, a Washington-based think tank founded by Israeli analysts. Stalinsky pushed back on the criticism Tuesday in a phone call with The Associated Press, and stood by his piece. Its a political stunt, he said of the resolution. I dont think any of the leaders read the full article. They used a couple sentences from the beginning but dont get into the facts that I cite lower down. Everyone is attacking the headline and no one is reading the full article, Stalinsky said. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told reporters Monday that the article was cruel and ignorant." Biden said on the social media platform X that blaming a group of people based on the words of a small few is wrong, while also referencing Dearborn. The Wall Street Journal did not respond Tuesday to an email seeking comment. Michigan lawmakers have struggled to come to a consensus on how to react to the Israel-Hamas war and its effects in Dearborn, which also has a large Jewish population. In October, a pro-Israel resolution in the state House that was introduced with bipartisan support was never passed because of objections from several Democrats. Aiyash, the Democratic floor leader in the chamber, strongly opposed the resolution at the time, saying, "If were going to condemn terror, we must condemn the terror and the violence that the Palestinian people have endured for decades. Editors Note: David A. Andelman, a contributor to CNN, twice winner of the Deadline Club Award, is a chevalier of the French Legion of Honor, author of A Red Line in the Sand: Diplomacy, Strategy, and the History of Wars That Might Still Happen and blogs at SubStacks Andelman Unleashed. He formerly was a foreign correspondent and bureau chief for The New York Times in Europe and Asia and for CBS News in Paris. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN. Imagine this: no new gas-powered cars for sale 11 years from now. Zero carbon emissions 15 years after that. Thats not news from another planet. Thats what Europeans are facing as of this moment, chiseled into law by European Union countries. David A. Andelman - CNN On Sunday, Parisians voted underwhelmingly (barely 78,000 out of 1 million eligible residents cast their ballots) to triple parking fees on gas guzzling SUVs on Sundays in their beloved city. Its one small step on a continent thats poised to turn a very different kind of corner compared to that of the US. The fact is that gas cars arent being weaponized on most of the continent the way they are in America. They are quite simply disappearing, or about to do so. Those cars that are left in Europe are being confined to ever narrower corridors. By the middle of this year, private cars will be gone entirely from the center of Milan, Italys second largest city and its financial capital. Well start with the center, but then we will expand, Mayor Giuseppe Sala said late last year. Likewise, in the Swedish capital Stockholm, gas and diesel cars will be banned from 20 blocks of its most desirable inner city shopping and office area from next year. And already in Austrias capital in October, our taxi couldnt get closer than a block from our hotel on the Stephansplatz square in central Vienna. Other European cities have been banning cars for decades. In Pontevedra, northwestern Spain, there hasnt been a single private car in most of the city since 1999. The last road fatality came 13 years ago when a delivery van ran over an 81-year-old pedestrian. In Paris, all heck is likely to break loose this summer. Thats when the Olympics descend on the French capital, and much of the center city will become inaccessible to most motorized traffic. We are not saying that people should leave Paris, the citys police chief Laurent Nunez told a press conference in November, adding that there would be exemptions for emergency vehicles and residents. Pedestrians are allowed everywhere, he said. But then, theres the aftermath. Oh dear. Take the Place de la Concorde. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were guillotined there during the French Revolution. Now, after the Olympics, The place given to the car in this emblematic place will have been only a parenthesis in history, said Mayor Anne Hidalgo earlier this year. In other words: half of the surface area of the Place will not be returned to motorists after the Olympic Games, she said. For years, Hidalgo has made it her mission to tackle Pariss traffic pollution banning cars from the banks of the River Seine and expanding pedestrian and bike lanes on a host of other thoroughfares. But doing so has also scrunched cars into ever narrower stretches, compacting the citys already congested streets. None of this is to suggest, of course, that reducing auto emissions worldwide is not a central element of controlling the global warming that is causing havoc to our planet. Im all in favor of the commendable end to gas cars that Europe has now embraced a decade or more hence. But in reality, doing this in dribs and drabs seems to be making it longer, more difficult, or more expensive, to get around than it used to be in a whole lot of cities where infrastructure has failed to keep pace with innovation. Try getting to one of my favorite restaurants, Bofinger, off the Bastille from my apartment around the corner from the Musee dOrsay at lunch time. Forever. And watching that taxi meter tick up and up and up. Or sit in the bus, rarely with air conditioning, in 90 degree heat. (Hidalgo doesnt even want the Olympic village for athletes to have AC, in an effort to be environmentally friendly). Of course, thats only one corner of whats happened to Paris traffic under the Hidalgo regime. I still remember the good old days in Paris, when it was possible to take the fast routes along the quays by the Seine limited entry, limited exits to race across the city at 60 miles an hour from the Maison de Radio far out in the 16th arrondissement past the islands of the Seine and on virtually to the Bastille in the 4th in minutes even at the height of rush hour. Ditto along the left bank of the Seine. No longer. Now, all cars are crammed into nearby city streets. Taxis, buses, delivery vans and the remaining private cars jostle for space. Many of them are about to go up in a puff of smoke as well. Hidalgo plans on new restrictions on much of central Paris from Notre Dame to the islands of the Seine, by some estimates taking 100,000 cars off the road daily. Its going, it would seem, a lot slower across the pond. In the same year that the EU plans to end sales of all new gas-powered cars 2035 the US government alone, under an order from President Joe Biden, plans to stop buying them. (The US government owns more than 650,000 vehicles and purchases around 50,000 each year). And thats three years earlier than some US cities. Last October, New York Mayor Eric Adams signed into law a requirement that beginning in 2038, all city-owned vehicles would have to be electric. No end in sight for gas-powered cars in America, at least not in the near future. The nations love affair with the automobile is ineluctable. Are my seriously asthmatic lungs likely to be breathing any better during the months I spend these days in Paris? Not on your life, or mine. The same toxic, planet-warming emissions are being generated, especially with all that idling in place in endless traffic jams. A Sunday parking fee for gas guzzlers is an ephemera. Perhaps a couple of decades from now when all those gas guzzling cars will be gone entirely? Of course, by then Ill be pushing 100. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Fox News anchor and far-right commentator Tucker Carlson recently completed his speaking tour of Canada. Apparently, he wants to liberate us from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carlson is now visiting Moscow to convene with the paragon of freedom and democracy himself: Russian President Vladimir Putin. The last few weeks have somehow gone from terrible to worse for Russias dictator. A Mediazona investigation confirmed the identities of over 43,460 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The wives of mobilized Russian troops have begun protesting against Putin. CIA director Bill Burns also stated that the invasion of Ukraine has crippled the Russian economy, left Russia beholden to China, and helped the U.S. recruit spies deep behind enemy lines. It has only gotten worse for Russia in the first month of 2024 alone. Turkey finally ratified Swedens NATO membership on Jan. 25 after nearly two years of delays. In an interview with CNN Turk, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said that Ankara can be welcomed back into the F-35 family if it transfers its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to Kyiv. She also insinuated that the U.S. and Turkey are working together to provide Turkish-built 155 mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, widely regarded as Russias Trojan horse in NATO, dropped his veto and voted in favor on Feb. 1 of the European Unions 50 billion-euro ($53.8 billion) Ukraine Facility to fund Kyiv through to 2027. Germany also passed its annual budget, which includes over $8 billion in military assistance to Ukraine for 2024. Read also: Opinion: Protecting Ukraine aid from Western political dysfunction Armenia, a member of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and one of the handful of countries that supported Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, became the 124th party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Feb. 1. Given the ICCs arrest warrant against Putin and Yerevans recent criticism of Moscow, the Russian dictator is unlikely to visit Moscows longtime ally any time in the near future. The White House will skirt congressional opposition to Ukraine aid by donating weapons to Greece with the expectation that Greece will then donate its own surplus equipment to Kyiv. Even worse, the West is considering using Moscows estimated $300 billion in frozen assets as collateral to guarantee loans to Kyiv. Instead of building on the momentum, helping Ukraine win the war, and aligning with the White House, the Senate, and Americas allies, pro-Russia Republicans repeatedly throw the Kremlin lifelines. Just last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Congress would vote on assistance to Israel in a bill separate from the U.S.-Mexico border deal and military aid to Ukraine. Read also: Opinion: Why supporting Ukraine enhances US national security Carlsons pro-Russia Republican associates advance Putins interests in Congress. The self-proclaimed free speech absolutist himself normalizes the Russian dictator who spent a quarter century invading his neighbors, jailing his critics, and exterminating his opponents. Business as usual. From denying Syrian President Bashar al-Assads chemical weapon attacks against civilians to suggesting that the U.S. blew up the Nord Stream pipeline, Carlson has parroted the Kremlins talking points, disinformation, and propaganda for years. He has also whitewashed, justified, and supported Russias invasion of Ukraine under the pretext of NATO expansion since the beginning of the war he even had the audacity to blame the U.S. for it. Putins propagandists themselves, the same regime mouthpieces who call for genocide in Ukraine, nuking London, Warsaw, and Berlin, and destroying America, have championed Carlson for standing firmly with Russia against the West. Anyone who watches Russian television is aware of how they adore Carlson, refer to Trump as our president, and celebrate every time the Republican party sabotages military aid to Kyiv. Read also: Opinion: Protecting Ukraine aid from Western political dysfunction Despite supporting Russias war against Ukraine, the U.S., and the West, and visiting Moscow in 2024, Carlson still portrays himself as an American patriot. Meanwhile, international journalists and Russian expats who criticize Putin, oppose the war, or campaign for a democratic Russia are spied on by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and banned from entering the country for life. Some are even murdered abroad. Today, two American journalists are imprisoned in Russia without due process for simply practicing journalism. Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys (RFE/RL) Alsu Kurmasheva is liable to imprisonment for five years for allegedly failing to register as a foreign agent and spreading false information about the Russian military. The Wall Street Journals Evan Gershkovich, who has spent nearly a year in pre-trial detention, also faces up to 20 years in prison on bogus charges. Traveling to Moscow to "interview" a dictator like Putin in the year 2024 is similar to visiting Berlin in 1940 to speak with Adolf Hitler. America wasnt officially at war with Nazi Germany, but it was possible some might even say inevitable given Washingtons diplomatic and military support for Great Britain. To pro-Russia Republicans, thats just journalism because its important to hear both sides of the story. Americas most infamous news anchor is no stranger to controversy. He has stirred it for years, increasing viewership and driving ratings at Fox News. Carlsons lies eventually cost his employer $787 million in a settlement deal with Dominion Voting Systems. Naturally, he also lost his job. Whatever his reasons for visiting Moscow, this episode will likely cost America, Ukraine, and the West a lot more than that. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. For the record: 11:21 a.m. Feb. 7, 2024: An earlier version of this piece identified former U.S. Sen. Kent Conrads home state as South Dakota. He is from North Dakota. There is an irony about our southern border. Its a flashpoint for the country right now strung with razor wire, overwhelmed by migrants, feeding feverish emotion and better border management is urgently needed. But while the border is where immigration challenges confront us, it is not the place where solutions will be found. If we want to reduce the stress on the border and bring down our shared political temperature, we need to take a more expansive look at our immigration policies. Building more worker visa programs is a good place to start. Read more: Calmes: Mayorkas isn't to blame for border mess. House Republicans should impeach themselves Its no secret that our countrys gobsmacking backlog of more than 2 million asylum cases is driven, in large part, by migrants fleeing poverty. Yes, some are fleeing poverty and violence, but many are directly fleeing poverty. Their asylum applications, by and large, will be denied because economic desperation, no matter how severe, is not one of the few legally recognized criteria for asylum . Still, these migrants enter the years-long adjudication process because there are no other options for them. Many Americans think economic migrants should get in line and wait their turn, but this admonition fails to recognize that, other than the asylum morass, there is generally no line for those fleeing poverty to wait in. The U.S. offers approximately 140,000 employment-based visas each year , in a labor market that is short somewhere around 3 million workers and many of the workers are needed for types of labor that have few or no visas available. By creating more guest worker programs we would not only thin the crowds at the border, but also help the country meet some glaring economic needs. There are already bipartisan road maps for such programs. Read more: California Sen. Padilla splits with Biden on proposed immigration, foreign aid package Take, for instance, the proposed Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, which included the creation of a W visa to allow entry for low-skilled temporary workers seeking jobs that do not require a college degree. This would have met so many of our countrys needs when it comes to critical industries like construction, landscaping and food services pieces of the economy for which we already rely so heavily on unauthorized workers, as much as we hate to admit it. The 2013 legislation did not become law despite support from 68 senators but there are similar bipartisan proposals on the table now, even in our explosive political environment. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) introduced a bill called the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act last spring, which would establish a new visa category, H-2V, for filling jobs that have remained open for a required amount of time and are located in regions where the unemployment rate is below 8%. Read more: Kamala Harris was tapped to fix the immigration crisis. Then the problem shifted The essential worker approach would work to the benefit of migrants and a range of American industries, as laid out in Immigration Reform: A Path Forward, a recent white paper from Cornell Law Schools Immigration Law and Policy Program . One of several suggestions made there is to start with healthcare. The government already allows some non-U.S. resident healthcare professionals who have been trained in the U.S. to stay in the country to work, if there is a facility seeking to hire them. The Conrad-30 Waiver Program 30 refers to a cap for each state on how many individuals can receive the waiver each year used to be called the Conrad-20 program, but demand required a jump to 30, and still its not providing enough healthcare workers in states such as North Dakota, the home of former Republican Sen. Kent Conrad, who originally proposed the program. Our need for more healthcare professionals particularly in rural, Republican-leaning regions is so vast that it becomes difficult to understand why we insist that foreign healthcare professionals who are trained in the U.S. leave the country after graduation. Read more: Granderson: The border crisis is real. That's why Trump is blocking solutions The Conrad-30 success surely points the way forward. Why not let states decide how many foreign workers they need and give each participating state an allocation of work visas or waivers to issue in industries with labor shortages? In 2019, Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis introduced a bill that would create a pilot program for states to customize their worker visa allocations based on local economic needs. States that choose to participate could determine, within limits, the duration of the visas and the skill sets of the recipients. Visa holders would be required to apply regularly for renewal. Such a state-based visa program would be an opportunity for the laboratories of democracy to flex their muscles, address specific labor shortages and reduce stress on the nations southern border. As Curtis said in one interview, a state-tailored program is smart small government. Its a million times easier to hold the governor accountable than your congressman, right?, he said. It gives people on the ground more control over their destiny. Perhaps most importantly, implementation of these and other viable visa proposals do not require any legislative confrontation with the question of permanent residency. They put forward temporary visas only, and each program comes with caps on how many visas can be administered and requirements for regular renewal. Permanent residency, if pursued by anyone holding such a visa, would have to be gained through other immigration channels. Read more: Opinion: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is defying a U.S. Supreme Court order. That's frightening Of course, strict oversight would be necessary to ensure employers carry out the due diligence required by any of these programs, first offering available positions to American workers and being held accountable for any exploitation of foreign workers. When we build dynamic worker visa programs, a swath of individuals who would otherwise show up at our southern border asking for asylum are instead welcomed into a state or industry that needs and wants them. Migrants get the opportunity they sought, our country makes progress on labor shortages, the southern border gets much needed relief, and our fractious immigration debate has a chance to cool a bit. DW Gibson is the author of " 14 Miles: Building the Border Wall " and research director for Ideaspace , which is collaborating with Cornell Law School to support its recent white paper on immigration. 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. Heavy snowfall in eastern Japan caused several individuals to slip and fall, resulting in over 130 people being brought to hospitals in Tokyo as of Tuesday, February 6, according to the Tokyo Fire Department. Injured Individuals In a report by Kyodo News, the wounded ranged in age from 4 to 92, but none of them were in critical condition. More than 30 people were injured in nearby Kanagawa Prefecture, while over 50 were slightly harmed in Saitama Prefecture. Although the Japan Meteorological Agency canceled severe snowstorm watches for nine prefectures on Tuesday, snow and rain fell in other parts of the country all morning. The meteorological bureau said that downtown Tokyo and the city of Saitama each received 8cm of snowfall, with the largest quantity of 11 centimeters recorded in Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture as of Monday evening, February 5. See Also: Kyoto Anime Fire: Japanese Court Sentences Arsonist to Death Over Killing of 36 Victims Travel Disruptions After a temporary travel disruption, the majority of the closed portions of the Chuo Line and Ome Line of the East Japan Railway were operational again by the afternoon. The JR East reports that more than 1,600 people had to spend the night on board six express trains that were delayed for more than 10 hours. Someone was transported to the hospital after experiencing sickness. Several customers at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo were requesting refunds and transferring to other train lines. A 32-year-old lady, whose intended destination was Kofu Station in Yamanashi Prefecture for business purposes, told Kyodo News, "The train was already canceled when I arrived at the station. Business negotiations will have to be postponed to another day." Meanwhile, nearly 30 domestic flights--mostly to and from Haneda Airport in Tokyo--were canceled by All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. See Also: China's International Travel Projected to Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Levels for Lunar New Year I wonder whether my friend Maksym Butkevych knows the name of House Speaker Mike Johnson. Maksym is a defender of Ukraine and prisoner of war who has been held by Russian forces since 2022. There has been no word from Max since August, months before Johnson became speaker. I do not know how much news penetrates his jail cell. Do his captors taunt him with stories about Johnson of Louisiana and his fellow House Republicans abandoning Maksym and Ukraine to the brutality of Russian invaders? Read more: Opinion: Ukrainians will fight Russia no matter what. But this is what they need to win Polls show a solid majority of Americans still support financial and military aid for Ukraine in defending itself against Russias illegal aggression. Providing such support accords with our values, boosts our economy and contributes to our security without risking American lives. But Johnsons Republicans have let the aid run out , obstructing a $60-billion request from the White House just as Russian forces have stepped up their criminal attacks on Ukrainian civilians . If only Mike Johnson knew Maksym Butkevych . As an avowed man of faith and patriotism, Johnson might even be inspired by him. Max has long exhibited uncommon courage in standing up for the unalienable rights we Americans purport to uphold. Read more: Editorial: Release aid to Ukraine. Helping our allies should not be contingent on U.S. border policies Max started taking on the Soviet regime at 13. In 1990, he joined university students who went on a mass hunger strike for rights and autonomy in the Soviet Union. It was Ukraines Revolution on Granite, an overlooked precursor to the Orange Revolution of 2004-05 and the Revolution of Dignity (or Maidan Revolution) of 2013-14. Addressing thousands gathered on Kyivs central square, young Max took up a microphone and called for Ukrainian independence, shouting a phrase now known around the world: Slava Ukraini!": Glory to Ukraine! After Ukraine won its independence, Max embarked on a career as a journalist committed to exposing post-Soviet corruption and covering the poor and marginalized. He went on to work as an advocate for those he had reported on: refugees, displaced people, members of Ukraines LGBTQ+ community. His indiscriminate, inexhaustible compassion was recently honored with the 2023 Anne Frank Special Recognition Award , which his father, Oleksandr, accepted in his stead. When Russia invaded Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014, forcing thousands of Ukrainians from their homes, Max helped unite citizens from different regions of the country, calling for a transparent, non-corrupt system of government for the benefit of all, without regard to their origin and political opinion. When Russia tortured and jailed Ukrainian activists in occupied territory, Max tirelessly petitioned for their release around the world. Then came Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. Max was widely known as a pacifist, but he wasted no time joining Ukraines armed forces . Many of us who knew him thought he would rather assist the millions of Ukrainians who had suddenly become refugees because of Russian brutality. But his swift decision to take up arms was a warning to us all. Max understood something that many of us fail to grasp even after two years of Russias full-scale war. He knew that this kind of wanton, unprovoked aggression cant be managed, negotiated or wished away from a distance. It must be fought head-on before it spreads. I have to put my humanitarian work and human rights activism on hold, Max said after enlisting. There are times when you have to be ready to defend what is important. Everything else comes after victory. Max is sacrificing everything for the ideals of freedom and equality that America cherishes. Johnson and his Republicans should be calling for his release and doing everything in their power to aid his people and enable their victory. Instead, theyre stonewalling bipartisan legislation that most Americans support and enabling an aggressor state that openly fantasizes about our division and destruction. I wonder whether my friend Maksym Butkevych knows the name of House Speaker Mike Johnson. And I wonder whether Max sees us, in the land of the free and the home of the brave, hanging our heads in shame. Rory Finnin is a professor of Ukrainian studies at the University of Cambridge and the author of Blood of Others: Stalins Crimean Atrocity and the Poetics of Solidarity. 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. Campers utilize Oak Flat Campground in the Tonto National Forest on June 9, 2023, in Miami, Ariz. Oak Flat in central Arizona is the subject of a tug of war between people in the historic mining town of Superior who want a huge copper mine developed there for its economic benefits and Native American groups that say the land is sacred and should be protected. | Matt York, Associated Press A federal court is poised to decide whether a Native American sacred site will be destroyed by a massive copper mine. Mining proponents claim that destroying the sacred site is necessary for the development of green energy. That claim is both factually wrong and morally repugnant. And recent polling shows that the vast majority of Americans agree with what the constitution requires: Native sacred sites deserve the same protection as all other houses of worship. Since before European contact, Western Apache and other Native tribes have lived and honored their Creator at Oak Flat, or Chichil Bildagoteel. The site is the birthplace of Western Apache religion and the site of ancient religious ceremonies that cannot take place anywhere else. Because of its religious and cultural significance, Oak Flat is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been protected from mining and other destructive practices for decades. That changed in 2014, when several members of Congress, supported by corporate mining lobbyists, slipped an amendment into a must-pass defense bill authorizing the transfer of Oak Flat to a foreign-owned mining giant. That company, Resolution Copper, announced plans to obliterate the sacred ground by swallowing it in a mining crater nearly two miles wide and 1,100-feet deep, ending Apache religious practices forever. That was no surprise given the companys sordid history dealing with Indigenous peoples. The majority owner of Resolution Copper is Rio Tinto (the worlds second largest mining company), which sparked international outrage in 2020 when it destroyed a 46,000-year-old rock shelter with some of the most significant aboriginal artifacts in all of Australia. Related The Apache and their allies, represented by my firm, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, have been fighting in court to ensure that such an atrocity wont repeat itself at Oak Flat. After initial court rulings against the Apache, a full panel of 11 judges at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reheard their appeal last spring. A decision on whether the government can execute the land transfer is expected any day. Resolution Copper and its backers want the public to believe that building the mine is essential for developing renewable energy. Extracting the copper beneath Oak Flat, they say, will help to build batteries necessary for powering electric vehicles and thus fight climate change. In other words, we have to destroy Oak Flat in order to save the planet. These claims, however, are false and they are specifically designed to obscure the physical and cultural destruction the project would wreak on the land. The mine will destroy the environment, not save it. It is undisputed that the mine will swallow the ecologically diverse landscape of Oak Flat in a massive crater, decimating the local ecosystem. It will also leave behind approximately 1.37 billion tons of tailings, or mining waste, which, according to the governments own environmental assessment, will pollute the groundwater and scar the landscape permanently. And the mine will consume vast quantities of water at the time it is most needed by drought-stricken towns and farmers. Supporters of the mine are also at odds with the majority of Americans. According to this years Religious Freedom Index, an annual survey conducted by Becket, 74% of Americans believe that Native sacred sites on federal land should be protected from mining projects, even when the projects are purportedly pro-jobs and pro-environment. That conclusion is both sensible and humane. America can transition to renewable energy without blasting the cradle of Western Apache religion into oblivion. And it should. For too long, our nation has made excuses for taking advantage of Indigenous people and their land. Indeed, our nation drove the Western Apache off Oak Flat and surrounding lands in the 1800s precisely to make way for mining interests. It shouldnt repeat that injustice again. It is past time to protect Indigenous sacred sites from further destruction. Basic fairness and our constitutional commitment to religious freedom require no less. And, happily, most Americans agree. Luke Goodrich is vice president and senior counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Editors Note: Dorothy Cochrane is curator for General Aviation in the Aeronautics Department of the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, and is responsible for the collections of general aviation aircraft and flight materiel, aerial cameras and the history of women in aviation. The views expressed here are hers. Read more opinion on CNN. The sonar image is intriguing, to say the least. A marine robotics company recently captured an object on the ocean floor, about 15,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Dorothy Cochrane - Carolyn Russo, NASM The object which faintly resembles the shape of a plane lies roughly 100 miles from Howland Island, the uninhabited strip of land just north of the equator where pilot Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan were due to land on the morning of July 2, 1937. Their failure to arrive at Howland in their Lockheed 10-E Electra following more than 19 hours of flight from Lae, New Guinea, made headline news more than 87 years ago and has remained one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of our time. Earhart, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and consistently graced most admired and best dressed lists in her day, was the first woman to fly nonstop and solo across the Atlantic Ocean and across the United States in 1932; she set several speed and altitude records. When she vanished in 1937, while trying to fly around the world, the world mourned and still does. She continues to captivate us because she flew when very few people did and even fewer women. She was an aviation pioneer and a bona fide celebrity. As I wrote in 2017, while she had achieved economic and personal independence, she empathized with the average woman and challenged her to be more autonomous. She used her celebrity status to appeal for individual, legal and societal change. Her fate remains one of the greatest unsolved American mysteries. Tony Romeo, chief executive of Deep Sea Vision (DSV), is convinced the image captured by a submersible vehicle shows Earharts plane. While some experts arent so sure, its safe to say that Romeo and his team have at the very least found something worthy of further investigation. Another expedition will hopefully result in photographic images with more clarifying details as to its identity. While we wait for those details, the good news for me and many other historians, aviation aficionados and Earhart fans is that DSV is following the facts of her flight. Given just how many theories there are surrounding Earharts fate, it is critical that DSV is taking a fact-based approach and searching in the right area of the Pacific Ocean. Mobilizing the necessary resources and funding is difficult and deep-water searches are daunting and tedious. Therefore, it makes sense to stick with the premise that Earhart and Noonan were following their intended flight path they were indeed flying to Howland Island. Not everyone follows the logic of this plan. Many other theories about their disappearance and final resting place have been brought forth. To date, no one has found definitive evidence of Earhart, Noonan or the Lockheed Electra. However, people following the facts of the flight should have the edge. Earharts flight plan was well known. According to Earhart biographer Doris Rich, the US government had obtained permits for the countries she would stop in along the way. As the Roosevelt administration was establishing a US presence in the western Pacific Ocean in the face of Japans expanding presence, Earharts husband George Putnam suggested the stop at Howland Island, wrote Rich. And it fit her need of a refueling stop in the western Pacific Ocean. The US government built the landing strip and the US Coast Guard cutter Itasca was drifting off the coast of Howland to provide fuel for the next leg of her flight from Howland to Honolulu, Hawaii. The stage was set. Earharts sporadic radio transmissions to the Itasca grew ever stronger as the time for her arrival neared suggesting she was approaching the island. In some of her last transmissions, she stated she had only a half hour of fuel left. The transcripts were recorded by the Itasca and have been quoted in nearly every article, newsreel, and book about her: We must be on you but cannot see you, but gas is running low. The captain and crew stated in official records, cited by Rich, that they were sure Earhart was not far away. Searching in the vicinity of Howland was and still is the logical thing to do. The US government mounted immediate sea and air searches around this and other islands, noted by Rich as encompassing 250,000 square miles, all of which came up empty. The official search was called off on July 19, 1937. However, private underwater expeditions, like the one conducted by DSV, continue. In the 21st century, how do you select a worthy search area? Its a tough call given the sheer size of a reasonable position around Howland at the time of her fuel exhaustion. In 1997, pilot Elgen Long and his wife Marie Long published the book, Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved. The Longs laid out facts and solid suppositions for others to follow. The Longs extensive research over 25 years, including interviews with Earharts contemporaries, US Coast Guard personnel, and industry and government professionals combined with Elgens own professional aviation knowledge and calculations (and others), shrank the outer perimeter of possibility, and offered more practical search options. In the early 2000s, the ocean exploration company Nauticos Inc. brought together an experienced oceanographic team that refined and reengineered the Longs data and selected sonar search areas. The team made three expeditions to the vicinity of Howland Island but was unsuccessful in locating relevant information or imagery. They are refining their next search area. DSV utilizes the Longs research and its team members own diverse backgrounds, including in the ever-evolving tech industry, to calculate its own search area and now has a sonar image worthy of more research. Once again, the publics attention has been piqued. When the Lockheed Electra NR16020 is finally found, the next challenge will be to assess its condition and determine if is it feasible, or in the best interest, to attempt to raise it (or parts of it) from the ocean floor. Recovery will be very difficult and costly and preservation plans will need to be in place prior to a recovery. The National Air and Space Museum will certainly be interested in its final disposition. It is natural to want to know what happened to one of the most famous people of the 20th century. How could she, her navigator and her Electra, just vanish? Ultimately a variety of issues, especially communication problems with the Itasca, doomed their safe arrival at Howland. But if we can lay this question to rest, we can then integrate it into the broader picture of Earharts life and legacy. Earhart the aviator made great contributions as a record-breaking pilot and as a woman. Earhart the lecturer earned her own living and supported the well-being and advancement of women. Earhart the celebrity drew people to aviation. She is still doing all of those today. We all hope for a resolution to this enduring mystery. This article was modified to more accurately characterize where the US Coast Guard cutter Itasca was positioned. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Already struggling to control growing gang violence and kidnappings, Haiti became even more tense Monday as protesters around the country forced the closure of schools, banks and public offices in what opponents of Prime Minister Ariel Henry say is the first of three days of demonstrations aimed at removing him from office. The protests were preceded with a rush on banks and grocery stores over the weekend. Fearing escalating violence and chaos, Haitians formed long lines at local banks to withdraw money and then crowded grocery stores to stock up. In Port-au-Prince, where tensions were moderate compared to other cities, gunfire was reported in neighborhoods such as La Saline and Cite Soleil. In Delmas, billows of black smoke from burning tires blanketed the sky while a major road was blocked by an oversize truck. After removing barricades from parts of Petionville, police were called to the prime ministers office where an attempt to stage a sit-in by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, led to police firing tear gas into the crowd. Joseph was among those doused with gas. He and his political party Les Engages pour le developpement, EDE, are among those who have called for for three-days of protesting alongside to force Henry to leave by Wednesday, Feb. 7. Joseph has accused Henry of failing to deliver during his 30 months in office following the July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Joseph was prime minister at the time of the still unsolved assassination. Protests were also reported in Les Cayes, where burning barricades and overturned vehicles blocked a national road; and in the cities of Jeremie in the GranAnse, Miragoane in the Nippes, and Ouanaminthe and Fort-Liberte in the Northeast. In the northern city of Cap-Haitien and the cities of Lascahobas and Hinche in the Central Plateau, the demonstrations were carried out by heavily armed agents of a state environmental brigade, the National Agency for Protected Areas. The groups head Jeantel Joseph was recently fired by Henry, following a government crackdown. Joseph and members of his rogue brigade have grown powerful in recent months, exchanging gunfire with police, organizing protests against Henry and joining forces with former rebel leader Guy Philippe following his November repatriation to Haiti by the United States where he was jailed on drug trafficking related charges. Philippe has called for a revolution against Henry. After failing to cross a gang-controlled territory to reach Port-au-Prince on Monday, brigade members circulated through Hinche where they were accompanied by members of the public, who later broke into and looted the customs office in the nearby town of Papaye. The rising tensions come amid a breakdown in talks between Henry and signatories of a Dec. 21, 2022, political accord that consolidated his power and opposition and civil society groups seeking to replace him. The talks broke down in December when a so-called Eminent Persons Group from the 15-member Caribbean Community, CARICOM, visited Port-au-Prince and failed to get the parties to agree on a power-sharing agreement. Members of the international community have insisted such an agreement is necessary for Haiti, which currently doesnt have a single elected official, to return to democratic order with elections. READ MORE: White House battles Republicans in Congress over funding for police force to help Haiti Elections last took place in Haiti in 2016, and since then the country has been embroiled in a deepening political crisis. As part of the signing of the December 21, 2022, agreement, Henry announced general elections for 2023 and for a new government to take office on Feb. 7, 2024. But since the vote has yet to occur, U.S. officials and others in the international community say they consider the deadline to be an artificial one. It was premised, a senior Biden official said, on elections taking place. He continues to say hes not going to run for office again and hes going to leave when theres a newly elected government, the official said. The U.S. has repeatedly called on Haitis warring political class and members of civil society organizations to find a way to reach a political consensus so the countrys myriad of problems can start to be tackle. We need to have security on the ground so we can have an election, so that we can have a new government and then [Henry] can retire from office. He is serving his country under very difficult circumstances but we need an elected president and an elected Congress and all the other elected officials in Haiti, the official said. As Haitis security and political crises worsens, the effort to field a Multinational Security Support mission recently hit a roadblock when a court in Kenya barred 1,000 police officers from deploying to Haiti. Kenyan President William Ruto has said both countries are currently working on the legal paperwork to address the courts concerns. The senior Biden administration official said while Kenya works on its internal legal issues, the international community has to show greater urgency toward making the security mission, which still lacks money and equipment, a reality. The bigger issue, the official said, is not the Feb. 7 date but the day-to-day lives of the Haitian people. This file photos shows a machinist working on an eight-foot clock in Medfield, Mass. An Oregon state senator has introduced legislation she said is a better option than the daylight saving bill that continues to stall in Congress. This story was updated on Tuesday, Feb. 13 More than 150 people submitted testimony on a proposal for Oregon to adopt Pacific Standard Time permanently, mostly in support. Jay Pea, president of the nonprofit Save Standard Time, said permanent standard time would have the most lasting popularity based on history. Pea lives in Arizona, which observes Mountain Standard Time year-round. "We love standard time here. Friends and family visit and tell us how much they love it. I'm sure that your state will love it too and other states will follow you," Pea said. Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, wrote in support of the legislation, saying switching clocks back and forth is detrimental to people's health. "I am happy to support this final switch," Steiner wrote. Steiner voted against a 2019 bill that was eventually passed to make daylight saving time permanent in Oregon. Two people spoke Tuesday in opposition during a public hearing: a Turner resident who said she loves daylight saving time and a University of Washington professor who said people prefer having more hours of light during the evening. "Critics are right [about the switch] but we are much better off having eight months of the evening sun than having zero," law school professor Steve Calandrillo said. The bill sponsored by Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer is scheduled to be discussed and voted on Thursday in the Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs. Original story: An Oregon state senator has introduced legislation she said is a better option than the daylight saving bill that continues to stall in Congress. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, said Senate Bill 1548 would adopt Pacific Standard Time for 12 months of the year, putting an end to switching from standard time to daylight saving time in the spring and then back to standard time in the fall. The proposal is part of a multi-state effort shifting away from daylight saving time to instead make Pacific Standard Time permanent. Washington, Idaho and California have introduced similar concepts this year. Thatcher said in the five years since Oregon passed the daylight saving time bill that has been languishing in Congress, momentum has built to move to standard time. "People are done with the switch," she said Tuesday. And moving to Pacific Standard Time does not need the approval of Congress, said Thatcher who has bipartisan support including co-sponsors Sens. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland; Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego; Deb Patterson, D-Salem; and David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford; and Rep. Jami Cate, R-Lebanon. The area in eastern Oregon that is in the Mountain Time Zone would continue to switch from daylight savings to standard time. Lawmakers in the Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs committee held an informational meeting for the bill on Tuesday. Portland State University students and professors who volunteer with the nonprofit organization Northwest Noggin testified in support of the bill. Graduate student Marc Chenard said his honor thesis compiling neuroscience research led to the implementation of a later start time at Vancouver Public Schools. "Permanent standard time in Oregon, and the sleep benefits that will accompany it, will have positive impacts on the health, well-being and success of Oregonian students," Chenard said. Bill Griesar, a teaching assistant professor of interdisciplinary neuroscience at PSU, said exposure to light profoundly impacts people's ability to sleep well. "Permanent standard time is best aligned with the natural circadian rhythms of our own brains and bodies, allowing us to wake up more days of the year in sunlight," Griesar said. Kindra Crick, a molecular biologist, also urged lawmakers to "learn from our own history." In 1974, President Richard Nixon enacted permanent daylight saving time across the country in response to the 1973 oil crisis. It was cut short after 10 months. "It was wildly unpopular ... with school officials in Florida blaming the deaths of six children in the first month on their having to go to school in darkness," Crick said. Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon may end daylight saving time without Congress's approval PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon is set to receive a lifeline $7 million in federal funding to address the states fishery disaster impacting Chinook salmon, lawmakers announced last week. Commercial fishermen can apply for reimbursements from the disaster funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to recover from economic losses between 2018 and 2020, which saw declining salmon populations in Oregon, officials said. From 2013-2017, the commercial value of Chinook salmon was around $6.3 million annually for Oregon fisheries; however, the impact of climate change on salmon populations led their value to drop to $2.3 million in 2018, $2 million in 2019, and $1.4 million in 2020, state lawmakers report. Mother, 3 kids found stranded off Burnt Mountain Road while geocaching Oregons fishing industry is essential to our states economy and creates good-paying jobs our communities rely on, Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a statement. The Oregon delegation pushed for this federal disaster declaration to help our fishermen who are recovering from the significant economic toll of declining salmon populations. This $7 million in federal funding now available for our fishermen further cements our commitment to investing in the long-term recovery of Oregons coastal communities. Additionally, the funds will help the coast financially recover from years of drought, changing ocean conditions, and loss of critical habitat that has harmed local salmon populations, lawmakers said in Fridays press release. In my open-to-all town halls, I hear from Oregonians living and working on the coast who are directly impacted by the ebbs and flows of the fishing industry, Sen. Ron Wyden added in a press release. Communities all along the Oregon Coast know firsthand how crucial the fishing industry is to their job growth and economic vitality. Im gratified the federal Commerce Department agreed to the Governors and the delegations request to support this iconic and productive Oregon industry and look forward to celebrating this news with fisherfolk at my town halls in Lincoln, Tillamook and Clatsop Counties next week. MultCo DA: Truly prolific offenders nabbed by task force Officials note the importance of salmon to Oregons commercial fishing industry, and to the cultural heritage of tribes in the Pacific Northwest. It is impossible to overstate the value of salmon to Oregon. This federal disaster declaration will be a lifeline for Oregons fishing communities. As we continue to push to restore healthy and abundant salmon populations, it is also an important step forward for the federal government to honor its treaty obligations with Pacific Northwest tribes, said Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer furthered, This critical industry has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, and Ill continue working with the Oregon delegation to ensure fishermen are able to recover and succeed. McMinnville local among Super Bowl LVIII players with Oregon, Washington ties The funding comes after the federal fishing disaster was declared in 2023 following a request from former Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in 2021. Additional efforts for the U.S. Department of Commerce to determine a fishery disaster in the state in the years after 2020 are ongoing, state lawmakers said noting this includes Oregon Gov. Tina Koteks request for a federal fishery resource disaster declaration. Salmon are critically important to our culture, identity, and economy here in the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, climate change, drought, and a whole host of other factors are causing the salmon population to decrease every year, Rep. Andrea Salinas said in a statement. I am proud to announce that Oregons salmon fisheries will be receiving $7 million in federal assistance to help make up for lost revenue, which will be beneficial as we work to find long-term solutions that will address the dwindling salmon population. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. California governor declares state of emergency as heavy rain, winds batter Southern California Xinhua) 10:23, February 06, 2024 LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for several counties in Southern California on Sunday as a series of winter storms began impacting much of the state with high winds, damaging rain and heavy snowfall. The proclamation covers eight counties -- Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The emergency proclamation includes provisions authorizing a California National Guard response if tasked, facilitating unemployment benefits for impacted residents, and making it easier for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage, according to Newsom's office. "California is ready with a record number of emergency assets on the ground to respond to the impacts of this storm," Newsom said in a release. More than 790,000 customers in California are experiencing power outages as of Sunday night, according to PowerOutages.us. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued a rare hurricane-force wind warning for the Central Coast. "Additional areas of heavy rainfall are expected in the Central and Northern CA Coastal Ranges and the Central Valley going through the evening and into the overnight hours," said NWS. A flash flood warning is in effect for parts of the Southern and Central coast, including areas in Los Angeles, where officials warned of one of the "most dramatic weather days in recent memory." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker is expected to face a barrage of questions on Capitol Hill on Tuesday (Feb. 6) about the agency's oversight of Boeing since the incident where a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 over Oregon last month. Whitaker earlier said that the FAA would use more people to monitor aircraft manufacturing and hold Boeing accountable for any violations of safety regulations. No Boeing representatives were scheduled to testify, the Associated Press reported. Separately, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators were expected to release a preliminary report on the Jan. 5 incident as early as Tuesday. Read Also: Boeing Faces Scrutiny Over Safety Concerns After Release of Financial Results FAA, Boeing in Hot Water for String of Accidents Both Boeing and the FAA have been under renewed scrutiny since last month's incident on an Alaska Airlines Max 9, with criticism going back to the deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019 involving Max 8 jets in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The FAA provided excerpts of Whitaker's written testimony ahead of Tuesday's hearing, where he vowed to "take appropriate and necessary action" to keep flying safe. Without giving specifics, Whitaker said that the FAA would increase staffing to monitor aircraft manufacturing and that they would "consider the full extent of [its] enforcement authority to ensure Boeing is held accountable for any non-compliance" with regulations. On the other hand, Boeing revealed over the weekend that the improperly drilled holes in the window frames would require them to rework about 50 planes before they could be delivered to airline customers. Related Article: Boeing Cancels Safety Exemption Request for New 737 Max 7 While Florida school book challenges reached all-time highs over the past year, the Pasco County school district heard some complaints but received no formal objections. Until now. Parent Rebecca Yuengling, who has fought the school district on issues such as pronouns and safe space stickers, has asked for the removal of The Letter Q, a book of essays aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth as they seek to find their identity. She objected to mentions of sexual conduct within the book, in addition to references to the Trevor Project, which aims to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. Children should not be given a resource to contact a 3rd party, TrevorSpace, where they can talk to unknown adults about their sexuality, Yuengling wrote in her challenge form. The book has been removed from Gulf Middle School while it is under review. State law requires schools to pull books that have been challenged over sex content during the process. Gulf Middle was the only Pasco school with a copy, according to the district, and it had never been checked out. A committee met Monday to discuss procedures for determining the books fate at a public hearing, which is set for Feb. 26. The school board on Tuesday went over revisions to its book challenge policy, clarifying the differences between objecting to textbooks and raising complaints about library books. The district faced a challenge in 2023 to its recommended textbook adoption for high school financial literacy. But although some parents, residents and past school board candidates have spoken about library books they found objectionable, none previously followed through. Superintendent Kurt Browning repeatedly has said he had no intent to follow other districts lead in taking hundreds of books off the shelves preemptively. Were not removing any dictionaries from our schools, Browning said, referring to a recent Escambia County action. Thats just not what we do. However, district media specialists continue to regularly look at books to determine whether they meet any criteria that could lead them to be relocated or removed, said Lea Mitchell, district director of Leading and Learning. Titles in other county challenges get attention, Mitchell said, though many of those have not been on Pasco shelves. The Letter Q has not appeared in other challenge lists in Florida, and was not included on the website that Moms for Liberty members have used to find objections. It was on a widely shared list of about 850 books a Republican Texas lawmaker questioned, according to Education Week. Mitchell said Pasco media specialists thoroughly examine all books requested for new purchase. The districts goal, she said, is to follow state law on book content while also respecting parent rights regarding the materials available in the schools. In addition to challenging books, parents may notify their childrens schools about any restrictions to book access they wish to have. Because of the formal challenge, a committee will consider whether the book meets academic and social criteria, and has literary merit. It will make a recommendation to the Gulf Middle principal, who will make the final decision. Options include leaving the book in place, restricting it to certain grade levels, removing it completely, or any other proposal a committee member might come up with. If Yuengling disagrees with the action, she can appeal to the superintendent for another hearing. The process is unlike that in Pinellas County, which has done away with school-level reviews. Its decision on books applies districtwide, as was the case when a committee decided against pulling The Lovely Bones out of all middle and high schools. School districts across the state have grappled with how to handle library books, as the Legislature and State Board of Education have changed requirements, often with language that has been left open to interpretation. Pasco has been among the more restrained districts when it comes to its consideration of books. Two ships traveling in Middle East waters were attacked by suspected Yemen Houthi rebel drones early on Tuesday, reported The Associated Press. The update is the latest assault of the Iranian-backed fighters' campaign to target vessels over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The first attack happened in the southern part of the Red Sea, west of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, causing "slight damage" to the vessel's windows on the bridge, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. A small vessel had been near the ship before the attack. The private security firm Ambrey identified the vessel as a Barbados-flagged, United Kingdom-owned cargo ship. No one was hurt onboard the vessel, which suffered "minor damage," the firm told the AP. Aubrey identified the second ship to come under attack later Tuesday off Yemen's southern port city of Aden as a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned vessel coming from the U.S. heading to India. "The vessel reported an explosion 50 meters off its starboard side," Ambrey said. "No injuries or damage were reported." A military spokesman for the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed in a statement that the rebel forces attacked two separate vessels, one American and one British, in the Red Sea. However, Saree provided no evidence to support the claim. What Do The Houthis Have To Say? The Houthis made no mention of the attack off the coast of Aden. One of the ships the Houthis claimed, known as the Morning Tide, matched the details given by Ambrey. The tracking data showed it was in the Red Sea near the reported attack. The Morning Tide's owner, British firm Furadino Shipping, told The Associated Press no one was hurt in the attack and the ship was continuing to Singapore as planned. Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, claiming they were avenging Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. But they have frequently targeted vessels with no definitive links to Israel, jeopardizing shipping in a crucial route for global trade and energy shipments. During the past few weeks, the U.S. and the U.K., backed by several allies, have launched numerous airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launching sites for its attacks. According to the AP, the U.S. and U.K. struck 36 Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday and initiated an air assault Friday in Iraq and Syria. The operation targeted other Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan recently. U.S. military Central Command acknowledged the attack on the Houthis Monday and described the incident against two Houthi drone boats loaded with explosives. American forces "determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region," the military said. "These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels." A 40-year-old patient who disarmed and shot a security guard inside University Health in Kansas City on Friday told detectives he was recovering from a meth bender and had been hallucinating, according to a police affidavit filed in Jackson County Circuit Court. Prosecutors have charged the patient, Shawn R. Caskey, of Independence, with first-degree assault, a Class A felony, unlawful weapon use and two counts of armed criminal action. Caskey is being held in the county jail on a $100,000 bond, according to online court records. Kansas City police officers were called to University Health, 2301 Holmes St., formerly known as Truman Medical Center, around 8:40 a.m. Friday on a report of an active shooter in the emergency room. Private security officers had Caskey in custody when police arrived, the affidavit says, and Caskey was taken to KCPD headquarters for questioning. Witnesses reported that Caskey became erratic as he was about to be discharged from the hospital. He emptied a nurses water bottle in the hallway and ripped a computer from a wall, the affidavit says, before two security officers pinned him to a bed. But Caskey got up and removed the firearm from one officers holster, according to the affidavit, and shot the guard once in the arm. A nurse called for help and put a tourniquet on the security officers arm as he crawled out of the hospital room. Caskey pointed the gun at the other security guards head, the affidavit says. That security guard disarmed Caskey. Once Caskey was in handcuffs, a witness heard Caskey say: I could have killed you but I didnt. Detectives interviewed hospital employees who reported Caskey had been jerking around the room and talking to himself out loud before the shooting. A doctor had determined Caskey could be discharged and told security to make him leave based on his behavior in the hospital, the affidavit says. During an interview with police, Caskey allegedly said he shot the guy because he was grabbing me. He also described being told the war was over and learning the war wasnt over so he thought he needed to escape. He also stated he killed the devil. The interview was ended at the time, a Kansas City detective wrote in the affidavit supporting criminal charges for Caskey. Online records show Caskey made his initial appearance before a Jackson County judge on Monday. He was referred for screening to be represented by a public defender, though court records did not list an attorney assigned to the case as of Monday evening. The Stars Kendrick Calfee contributed to this report. This week the presidential primary campaign heads to Nevada with a great deal of confusion in the air among voters. That confusion is connected to the caucuses and primaries occurring in the same week. Most states have either a primary or caucuses. Nevada has both. The Republican primary, which takes place on Tuesday, will feature former UN ambassador and governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley. However, the primary won't count towards the GOP nomination. Meanwhile, Donald J Trump is the only major GOP candidate that will appear on Thursday's Republican caucuses-which do count toward the nomination. To some observers, the split races have effectively relegated the state to national irrelevance. According to the Associated Press, Nikki Haley rejected the caucuses as unfair, and a scam set up by the Nevada GOP in order to secure a win for former president Trump. Her campaign looked at the $55,000 fee being charged to candidates by the Nevada GOP and was like "Nope!" "We have not spent a dime nor an ounce of energy on Nevada. We made the decision early on that we were not going to pay $55,000 to a Trump entity to participate in a process that is rigged for Trump," Haley campaign manager Betsy Ankney told reporters on Monday. "Nevada is not and has not been our focus." The campaign manager dismissed concerns about how Haley would potential fare in the primary, which is largely symbolic at this point. Instead, they're focused on South Carolina at its primary, which is slated to take place on Feb. 24. For his part, Trump is expected to win all of Nevada's 26 Republican delegates. He needs to accrue a 1,215 votes to win the party's nomination and has until March to reach that number. "If your goal is to win the Republican nomination for president, you go where the delegates are. And it baffles me that Nikki Haley chose not to participate," Trump's senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita said in an interview. What About Joe Biden? The Democratic primary will take place on Tuesday and President Joe Biden is expected to walk away with the win largely unchallenged by author Marianne Williamson and a handful of lesser candidates. Biden faces little resistance in his bid to win the primary, but he campaigned there on Sunday and Monday, anyway. Nevada is expected to be a swing state come November. Because Trump already has a large grassroots following, he already has an advantage when caucuses are held rather than primaries. However, the Nevada GOP made changes that barred any super PAC from helping candidates. Additionally, the GOP in the state barred Republicans from running in the primary election if they wanted to compete in party-run caucuses. PETERSBURG A unique needlepoint piece entitled Childrens Classic Books was presented to the Petersburg Public Library on January 18 by the Southside Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. Needlepoint, a surface embroidery technique which covers the top of canvas or fabric, is an old-fashioned art that is remerging with the younger generation. According to mymodernmet.com, the roots of needlepoint dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians. Most of the work on the fiber art piece donated to the Library was done by Chapter members who reside in Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Williamsburg, Blackstone, Richmond and North Carolina. The Chapter consists of over 40 members. Some members live in California. 'Children's Classic Books' needlepoint piece stitched, framed and donated in January 2024 to Petersburg Public Library by Southside Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. Members started their work on this piece in January 2021. After their meetings, one member of the Chapter would take the piece home and work on it until he or she passed it on to another member or returned it at the next meeting. This went on for over a year until it was finished. During that time frame, two members, aged 89 and 94, passed away. This was the last piece they worked on. They each enjoyed working on needlepoint projects for over 60 years. There is no monetary value that we could really put on this piece. Over $500 had been spent on materials and framing, and it took members thousands of hours to complete," Jeri Cohen, a member of the Southside Virginia Chapter, said. The piece starts with a painting, and we stitch according to the painting design." The Chapter discovered the design in a magazine and agreed to make it their next labor of love. They all decided to donate it to the Petersburg Public Library once it was completed. A portion of a needlepoint piece created by members of Southside Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. Cohen of Palmyra grew up in Petersburg and attended Petersburg Public Schools. Her late father, Dr. Alvin Cohen, practiced medicine in Petersburg for over 40 years. Cohen's mom, Sarah Ann Cohen, was one of the members who died while the Chapter worked as a team to create the piece which features the following books: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," "Matilda," "Curious George," "Mother Goose in Prose," "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," "Where the Wild Things Are," "Winnie the Pooh," "Charlotte's Web" and "The Cat in The Hat." She taught her daughter how to needlepoint when she was in elementary school. "Since the piece highlights books for children, we will hang it in our Childrens Section," Wayne M. Crocker, director of library services, said. This unique work of art will be a permanent part of the Librarys art collection, and it will be enjoyed by children and adults for years to come." For more information about the American Needlepoint Guild and to find a chapter near you, visit needlepoint.org. All levels of stitchers are welcome to learn, exhibit and have fun through the nonprofit's programs and activities. Friday for the Arts! Petersburg Area Art League: Samuel Richardson's 'Serenade to the Supernatural' exhibit $355,000 check presented also Petersburg: Mayor presents 'Key to the City' to Ann C. Taylor at her 89th birthday party Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please subscribe. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg library receives 'Children's Classic Books' needlepoint art No doubt Churchill Downs wanted the lead-up to this years Kentucky Derby to be all about the milestone 150th running of the nations most famous race. Looks like thats going to be a scratch. As soon as the brilliant 3-year-old Nysos hit the wire 7 1/2 lengths in front of his competition last Saturday in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, an early Kentucky Derby prep, the folks at CDI had to know their petty feud with the games top trainer will dominate the spring. Nysos is trained by Bob Baffert. And Baffert is banned from the Kentucky Derby for a third consecutive year. And unlike the last two years, the owners of horses trained by Baffert have chosen not to transfer their contenders to another trainer in order to be eligible for this years running on May 4. Churchill had moved the transfer deadline to Jan. 29. The owners ignored the date. Faced with choosing the trainer or the now $5 million race, the owners chose Baffert. Bob Baffert is our trainer and we stand with him and the decisions he makes regarding our horses, Ed Nevins, director of Baoma Corp., which owns Nysos, told Ron Flatter of Horse Racing Nation. No move, Amr Zedan, owner of the highly-regarded Muth, told Bill Finley of Thoroughbred Daily News. Baffert (is) our man. Zedan owned the late Medina Spirit, disqualified after winning the 2021 when the horse tested positive for betamethasone, banned on race day. Churchill banned Baffert for two years, then extended the ban for what it said was the trainer continuing to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit. On Jan. 22, Baffert announced he was dropping all legal appeals against CDI. The track responded by issuing a statement saying nothing had changed. The ban stands. Nysos trainer, Bob Baffert, congratulates jockey Flavien Prat after winning the Grade 3, $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. So as of now, the front-runner in this years 3-year-old crop wont be in Louisville. The son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, Nysos has won his three career starts by a combined 26 3/4 lengths. The Beyer Speed Figure for his Bob Lewis romp was a sizzling 105. Muth is second to Nysos in TDNs Kentucky Derby rankings. Hes also trained by Baffert. The son of Good Magic won the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes on Jan. 6, his third win in five lifetime starts. Baffert also trains Maymun, a 3-year-old who won his career debut by 7 1/2 lengths on Jan. 20 at Santa Anita. He was ridiculously fast, Baffert said afterward. Surely, secretly, Churchill has to be rooting for Hades, winner of last Saturdays Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream. And Uncle Heavy, winner of the Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct. And Mystik Dan, winner of the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes on a muddy track at Oaklawn and trained by Lexingtons Kenny McPeek, who as of Tuesday was five wins shy of his 2,000th career victory. Then theres Fierceness, trained by two-time Derby winner Todd Pletcher. Pletcher trained Forte, the presumptive Derby favorite who was scratched by the track veterinarian the morning of the race. Fierceness won the Breeders Cup Juvenile and finished third in the Holy Bull, his sophomore debut. Still, the shadow Churchill cant shake is Baffert, the 71-year-old trainer who has won a record six Kentucky Derbys. Considering the trainers troubled history and the Medina Spirit DQ in its most prominent race and largest money-maker CDI was within its rights to issue the original two-year ban. Moving the goal posts by extending the ban to a third year makes the action more personal than professional. Bafferts owners apparently agree. After all, Baffert is free to run his horses at any other track in America except for the ones owned by CDI. The Stronach Group owns Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, home of the May 18 Preakness Stakes. Banned from last years Derby, Baffert won the Preakness with National Treasure. Its an almost sure bet that Baffert will be back in 2024 to prove that the best horses did not run in the 150th Kentucky Derby. Bob Baffert says he is not transferring horses for this years Kentucky Derby From Brad Cox to ZaKiyah Johnson, what Ky. Sports Figure voters said about finishers 11-25 16-1 shot Fierceness goes from 20-length defeat to Breeders Cup Juvenile victory Former Blue Grass Stakes winner Art Collector euthanized at Saratoga As Chicago Public Schools plans to sunset its school resource officer program by the start of the 2024-25 school year, the districts prior commitment to minimize the larger presence of police in schools serving as security guards remains up in the air. Service Employees International Union Local 73, the union representing CPS support personnel, has offered to waive a contract stipulation that currently requires CPS to hire police in part-time security roles, union spokesperson Eric Bailey told the Tribune. In December, SEIU sent CPS a proposed memorandum of understanding that would immediately allow the district to hire civilians in part-time security roles, and the union has been awaiting a response since, Bailey said. CPS confirmed it received the memorandum and a spokesperson said the district is assessing the financial terms it contains. According to Bailey, the proposal doesnt alter the current wage rate, but simply eliminates a requirement in place since at least 2018 that part-time security candidates must have the legal authority to effectuate an arrest. The districts overarching five-year contract with SEIU, which also represents CPS crossing guards, special education classroom assistants, bus aides and parent workers, expired in June. At that time, CPS said it employs 62 part-time security officers and maintains a substitute pool of vetted and trained part-time security officers assigned to support schools as needed. Public records show a cumulative 120 part-time security officers were assigned 59 separate CPS departments, primarily schools, as of June when current Board of Education Vice President Elizabeth Todd-Breland asked CPS Security Chief Jadine Chou about off-duty police in security guard roles. Although all full-time security officers are civilians, part-time security officers are sworn CPD officers as it stands, Chou said at the boards June meeting, adding that the district was working very closely with SEIU to remove the mandate to hire only police in those roles. My guess is by the time we enter back into fall, that eligibility requirement will be removed thats something thats happening very quickly, she said. As of Monday, being an active, sworn Chicago Police Officer remained a requirement of a job listing for a part-time security officer (off-duty police) thats been posted on the CPS website since January 2023. The position is described as the first line of defense to defuse and de-escalate student misconduct and/or serious incidents. While the district and SEIU continue to negotiate a renewal, terms of the current contract remain in place amid a 38% vacancy rate with 55 unfilled part-time security positions, according to Bailey, the union rep. Both he and CPS said that if approved, the memorandum would allow the sworn officer requirement to be removed before a larger contract renewal is finalized. SEIU Local 73 is committed to having security officers who are focused on providing care and safety for students, Bailey said. The union is prepared to waive all sworn officer requirements in terms of job description as well as the requirement to be able to effectuate arrests. By lifting this requirement, we believe CPS will be better able to fill part-time security roles and improve safety in our schools. Recent years have seen a spate of lawsuits involving the use of force by cops working as CPS security guards. Meanwhile, a district agreement allowing CPD officers, known as school resource officers or SROs, to patrol and conduct investigations at assigned high schools has long been under scrutiny. Following racial justice protests prompted by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020, groups of CPS students demanded the district nullify its then-$33 million SRO contract with the Chicago Police Department. CPS instead reduced the contract by half and granted Local School Councils the ability to vote to keep or remove resource officers during then-Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration. Data on school-based arrests released by the district in 2020 showed the overwhelming majority 73% involved Black students, who were only 36% of students. The number of SROs has dwindled to 57 this school year, down from 176 in 2019. Schools with LSCs that opted to remove SROs have received trade-in funds to support alternative strategies, such as hiring social work and restorative justice coordinators as well as security guards. Working with the Board of Education, Mayor Brandon Johnsons office and CPD, CPS said it will sunset the SRO program altogether by the start of the 2024-25 school year and provide trade-in funds to the remaining 39 participating schools. Each police district will retain a school sergeant in an ongoing partnership with CPS, and schools will continue to employ school security officers, crossing guards and Safe Passage workers, according to CPS. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ on Tuesday, Johnson said he has no qualms with ending the SRO program. But as for SEIUs proposal to allow civilians in part-time security roles, a spokesperson for Johnson said the mayors office does not comment on contract negotiations. Mayor Johnson believes that all students deserve to feel safe and secure in their school communities, a Johnson spokesperson said. A resolution including guidelines for CPS to revise its Whole School Safety policy is expected to be introduced at the Board of Education meeting Feb. 14, with CPS then engaging community members in creating a new policy to be voted on in late spring, the district said. A pod of at least 10 killer whales appears to be trapped by sea ice off Japans northern island of Hokkaido, public broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday. Officials from the coastal town of Rausu said they have no way to rescue the orcas, which were first spotted by a local fisherman, NHK reported. We have no choice but to wait for the ice to break up and for them to escape that way, a Rausu official told NHK. A local fisherman contacted the Rausu Coast Guard Station on Tuesday morning to report seeing a killer whale stuck by the ice drift not far from the shore, NHK reported citing the local coast guard. Drone footage shared Tuesday by a local wildlife organization, Wildlife Pro LLC, shows the whales struggling in a small gap between ice flows. The organization said it encountered the whales while doing marine research, according to a statement on Facebook. I saw about 13 killer whales with their heads sticking out of a hole in the ice, a Wildlife Pro LLC employee, who filmed the video, told NHK. They seemed to be struggling to breathe, and it looked like they included three or four calves. A lack of wind in the area has meant the ice trapping the orcas has remained stagnant. Sea ice hugs the coast of Hokkaido every winter, and is the lowest latitude sea ice in the world, but over recent years levels have been declining as global warming accelerates. In 2005, a group of killer whales were also trapped in drift ice off the coast of the town and later died, according to NHK, citing Rausu town officials. CNNs Laura Paddison contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukraine must fully regain its territorial integrity, including temporarily occupied Crimea, Polish President Andrzej Duda stated on PolishRadio on Feb. 5. Duda misspoke about Ukraines prospects for liberating Crimea and is now clarifying his belief that Ukraine must reassert control over all its internationally recognized territories. Read also: Duda warns of Putin forming coalition of evil as Russian invasion marks return of imperialism In a clarification of his earlier remarks made during a Polish Radio interview, Duda stressed that his comments were part of a broader, more relaxed discussion and were not intended to downplay the seriousness of Ukraine's situation. "It was not a tense conversation with a politician, Duda explained. It was an interview that could be partly perceived as a calm, relaxed conversation on various topics, not necessarily very serious." Read also: If not defeated, Russia will attack again Duda The resolution of Russia's war against Ukraine hinges on the reestablishment of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. Ukraine is to return to its internationally recognized borders, to full control over territories that are internationally recognized territories of Ukraine, including Crimea," said Duda. The aggression initiated by Russia in 2014, with the occupation of Crimea, must cease with Russia vacating all seized Ukrainian territories. "Russia must leave all captured Ukrainian territories, and this should be the end of this war," Duda concluded, framing the conflict's resolution within the context of international law and sovereignty. 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 Police officers are asking for the publics help in identifying a person and a vehicle related to a Miami County theft. >>Judge denies motion to dismiss charges for driver accused in deadly school bus crash The theft happened on Jan. 27 at 4:45 p.m. The Piqua Police Department posted a photo on social media of the person and a red SUV. They are asking for assistance from the public in identifying both the vehicle and the person about that theft. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Monnin at (937) 778-2027, ext. 3018 with information. Citizens can also remain anonymous by calling 937-615-TIPS (8477). A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity from criminal charges related to efforts to overturn a 2020 election loss for a second term. The legal battle over this immunity claim comes from the criminal interference case being prosecuted by special counsel Jack Smith in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. The court's decision was unanimous. "We have balanced former President Trump's asserted interests in executive immunity against the vital public interests that favor allowing this prosecution to proceed," the three-judge panel wrote in the 57-page opinion. "We conclude that '[concerns] of public policy, especially as illuminated by our history and the structure of our government' compel the rejection of his claim of immunity in this case," the panel wrote as it upheld a trial judge's ruling on the issue. Analysts believe Trump will pivot to the Supreme Court and request they overturn the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Panel rejected three different immunity arguments floated by Trump's layers that were made "both as a categorical defense to federal criminal prosecutions of former Presidents and as applied to this case in particular." "For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant," the panel wrote. "But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution." Trump is charged with four counts of crimes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. He has plead not guilty. Trump is charged in the case with four counts of crimes including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty. Lawyers for the defense seeking to dismiss the cause argued that Trump has "absolute immunity" from prosecution because the charges relate to official acts performed while he was president. After Judge Tanya Chutkan declined to dismiss the charges, Trump's attorneys brought the immunity argument to the appeals court. That move put the case on hold in Chutkan's court. Special counsel Jack Smith is looking to avoid a drawn-out legal dispute that could delay Trump's trial and has urged the Supreme Court to quickly take up the dispute. The high court declined to do so, putting the matter back into the appeals court's hands. Phoenix police responded to a call reporting gunshots near 23rd and Fillmore streets Monday afternoon and found the driver of a crashed car with gunshot wounds. Officers found the man in the vehicle that collided with a pole and fire crews responded to treat him. However, the man died on scene, Phoenix police said. According to APS, around 178 customers were affected by a power outage in the area. Power was estimated to return by 3 a.m. on Tuesday. APS confirmed the outage was in connection to a car crashing into APS electrical equipment near Roosevelt and 24th streets, knocking out power to more than 1,500 customers. "We were able to reroute electricity, restoring power to all but 180 customers. Due to the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to access our equipment for repair," a spokesperson for APS told The Arizona Republic. "Once police have deemed the area clear for our crews to enter, we will assess the damage, make necessary repairs, and restore power to those remaining customers as quickly and safely as possible." The area of the crash, which was near single-family homes, apartments, duplexes, and a small trailer park community, appeared to have their power back on as of 8 p.m. One man was detained in connection to the man's death, police said. The investigation was ongoing as of Monday evening. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Driver with gunshot wounds crashes in downtown Phoenix, dies on scene WELLSTON, Ohio (WCMH) Two law enforcement agencies in southern Ohio teamed up after 27 bags of ice were reported stolen Sunday from a Family Dollar. According to the Vinton County Sheriffs Office, deputies were contacted by Wellston police to assist on a report that multiple bags of ice had been stolen from the Family Dollar in Wilkesville. Best places in central Ohio to see solar eclipse This embedded content is not available in your region. A pickup truck with the ice was spotted at a gas station in Wellston, 13 miles from the store. Police and deputies went to the gas station, where two people were detained and later arrested. Justin Hopkins, 33, of The Plains, and Vicki Bauer, 44, of Athens, were charged with theft and taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. The store was in Vinton County, where Wilkesville is, but the arrest took place in neighboring Jackson County, where Wellston is. The 27 bags of ice were returned to the Family Dollar. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. MISSOURI (KSNF/KODE) Its been two months since Breanna Lee was last seen, and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is urgently asking for the publics assistance in finding her. According to the Callaway County Sheriffs Office law enforcement has reason to suspect that Breanna Lee, 17, who was last seen in the Williamsburg area of Callaway County on December 4, 2023, may be in the area of Bolivar, Missouri, located in Polk County. She has not been seen or heard from since she vanished, raising serious concerns for her safety. Breanna Lee, 17, was last seen on December 4, 2023, in Callaway County, Missouri. (Photo courtesy: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) Breanna is described as 50 and weighed 110 lbs. when she was last seen. She has brown eyes with brown hair. If you have any information about Breanna or her disappearance, please contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). You can also contact the Callaway County Missouri Sheriffs Office at 573-642-7291. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Ryan Kedzierski will join the Houston Chronicle as senior vice president of advertising on Feb. 26. Courtesy of Hearst Newspapers The Houston Chronicle announced Tuesday that it has hired a senior vice president for advertising. Ryan Kedzierski, 41, will join Hearst Newspapers' Houston property Feb. 26, the company said. Ryans experience in connecting local and national brands to our valued audiences will prove invaluable as we advance our diversified marketing strategy," Chronicle Publisher Nancy Meyer said in a statement. "He is a proven digital revenue leader with a strong commitment to driving customer engagement and strategy. Ryans leadership, his alignment to client success and his strategic vision will have an immediate positive impact on our culture and business operations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kedzierski, who has more than 20 years of digital experience, has spent the past 10 years with media giant Gannett, where he is vice president of advertising for Tennessee and Alabama and general manager for the Nashville Tennessean and the Knoxville News Sentinel. He oversaw product development, including advertising and strategic partnerships. At Gannett, he was also responsible for all product development, including the launch of native brand advertising, streaming video, podcasts and strategic partnerships. Previously, he held senior leadership positions at Gannett, including president of the Pacific Northwest Group. He was also responsible for digital and acquisition strategy at 10/13 Communications. Ryans exemplary experience leading multimedia business operations and delivering strong revenue performance makes him a perfect fit to lead the Houston Chronicles advertising team, said Hearst Newspapers President Jeff Johnson. I have great confidence in Ryans ability to advance our business development and continue to strengthen our longstanding relationships with our advertisers and help the Chronicle serve the greater Houston area. "Hearst is a phenomenal company in regards to the community, the employees, and everything it stands for," Kedzierski said. Kedzierski said his first goal is to meet with area business leaders. "The long-term goal is to continue to build upon what the Houston Chronicle has done in the community and for the businesses, and continue to put the customers first," he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is the Chronicle's second major move since October, when Kelly Ann Scott took over as executive editor. Parts of the glass would be replaced and elements of the concrete would be stained to give the 1980s-era office tower a more modern and residential look as part of DeBartolo Development's conversion of 550 Westlake Park into an apartment community. ARC3 Architecture Work has started on converting a 19-story office tower in the Energy Corridor into an upscale apartment community. ARC3 Architecture A rooftop pool and club house is planned at future apartment community at 550 Westlake Park. ARC3 Architecture Work has started on converting a 19-story office tower in the Energy Corridor into an upscale apartment community. ARC3 Architecture The fitness center and yoga room would overlook a detention pond outside. ARC3 Architecture Developers have started to transform a former ConocoPhillips and BP office tower in Houstons Energy Corridor into a 311-unit apartment building, adding to a growing trend of office to residential conversions taking place across the country. Florida firm DeBartolo Development is teaming up with local investor John Quinlan to convert Three Westlake, a 19-story office tower known as 550 Westlake Park Boulevard. Quinlan bought the vacant tower in 2022 at an online auction for $21 million and in 2023 sold the tower to a joint venture he struck between his firm and DeBartolo. Work on the project began late last year, and crews were demolishing parts of the interior this month, a spokesperson for DeBartolo said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When complete, the apartments are expected to have finishes and amenities similar to those in a residential high-rise in downtown Houston. There will be coworking spaces, a gameroom, a yoga and fitness center, a bike storage room, plus a rooftop pool with grills and cabanas, said Edward Kobel, president of DeBartolo. It will feel like a combination of a luxury hotel and a luxury condominium, Kobel said. There will be cool amenities like youd have in a high-rise downtown, but for the rent prices of a low-rise building. Its an incredible value proposition. Proposed rents would be a few cents per square foot above the average for Class A apartments in the Energy Corridor, Kobel said. Construction would likely take about 18 months, wrapping up likely by late 2025, said Eddie A. Mastalerz, principal at ARC3 Architecture, the architect on the project. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The design extends elevators and stairs up to the rooftop to add the pool and club amenity. The developer can salvage much of the existing glass in the tower, but will replace about 20-25% to ensure that there are operable windows in each apartment, to enhance ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens and to improve lighting to living rooms, Mastalerz said. Because office building floorplates tend to be wider than those in residential buildings, the extra space without access to windows would be used for large utility room in almost every unit, a secondary bedroom in some of the units and additional storage units. A few of the units on the ground floor would have private patios, said Mastalerz. The tower has new mechanical and electrical systems that were replaced after Hurricane Harvey, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The project would add apartments to a part of West Houston that continues to see growth with more companies signing leases near the Energy Corridor. Although Houstons office market remains challenged, the Katy Freeway office market continues to attract tenants, accounting for 29% of all leasing activity across Houston in 2023, according to real estate firm Colliers. Office space is getting gobbled up out there. They're high-paying jobs and that will mean more housing is needed. And what's great about what we have is we're right in the middle of it, Kobel said. Turkey Leg Hut owners Nakia Holmes and Lynn Price have filed for divorce. Gary Fountain/Contributor The Turkey Leg Hut,which started at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, has attracted a celebrity following. Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Nakia Holmes made accusations against her husband in an Instagram post. Steve Gonzales/Staff photographer The founders of the Turkey Leg Hut, Lynn Price and Nakia Holmes, are separating. Holmes, who recently changed her name from Price, took to her private Instagram account this week to share that she is leaving her husband. "The world thinks he's a man who stands on business but y'all are sadly mistaken..." Holmes wrote in the post. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The post did not address how the owners' business relationship might change, but the ownership has emerged as a sticking point in the divorce proceeding. Holmes, who married Price in 2015, filed for divorce in May and alleged that Price was guilty of cruelty toward her in their marriage, according to court records reviewed by the Chronicle. The couple have two children together. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Attempts by Holmes to have Price served with the divorce papers appear to have failed, records show. Holmes made an array of allegations in an affidavit seeking a temporary restraining order in June. She alleged that Price had recently "committed family violence," and taken her car keys and cash from the Turkey Leg Hut, according to court records. Her divorce attorney, Alice Bonner, filed an unsworn declaration of her own alleging that Price sent her son, a Turkey Leg Hut consultant, a profanity-laced text message on June 16 that threatened to hurt him and his mother, documents show. Bonner then filed a temporary restraining order on Holmes behalf that a judge in the 309th District Court granted days later. The order expired nearly three weeks later, according to the filings. Judge Linda Dunson, when signing the order, removed a provision that would have given Holmes temporary, but exclusive rights over the Turkey Leg Hut and prevent Price from going within 1,000 feet of the business. A hearing was scheduled in July to determine where Holmes should be awarded control over the restaurant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its not clear if the hearing happened or if a decision was made. No public activity has been entered on the case since July. The court has since made notice of an intent to dismiss in December. Bonner could not be reached for comment. Attempts to reach Price were not successful. Diane St. Yves, a family law attorney who is not connected the proceedings, reviewed the divorce records and noted the delay in resolving the case is typical in separations. It may indicate attempts at reconciliation or other mitigation, she said. Price and Holmes opened the Turkey Leg Hut in 2015 in a parking lot at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. They eventually opened a brick-and-mortar business in Third Ward, where it has become a popular establishment serving a variety of turkey legs. A number of celebrities have also visited it, including rapper 50 Cent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But its success drew controversy. Former business partner Steve Rogers sued Holmes, alleging she used money and supplies from the flagship restaurant for her other food trucks and catering gigs without compensating shareholders. Holmes responded by filing her own lawsuit, accusing Rogers of embezzling thousands of dollars in valet parking fees over more than a year. The restaurant has also been in the spotlight after residents in Third Ward first filed and then dropped a lawsuit over health risks from the nonstop smoke produced. Additionally, it implemented a controversial dress code in 2021. A manager at Turkey Leg Hut told the Houston Chronicle that they would not be providing any comment on the future of the business or the allegations. No owner was available to speak on Wednesday. The Prosecutor General's Office has instructed the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) to investigate the illegal wiretapping and surveillance of representatives of the Bihus.Info media. Source: Office of the Prosecutor General Quote: "The Prosecutor General's Office has instructed the investigators of the Main Investigation Department of the SBI to conduct a pre-trial investigation in the criminal case initiated upon the statement of a representative of the journalistic editorial office Bihus.Info regarding the illegal installation and use of special technical means for covert information gathering on the premises of a suburban complex within the territory of Kyiv Oblast. Considering the likelihood of involvement of law enforcement officers in committing the specified criminal offence, the pre-trial investigation in the criminal case falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the SBI." Quote from Andrii Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine: "Freedom of speech is an integral component of a democratic society and a fundamental principle of the rule of law. Violations of journalists' rights are unacceptable and warrant careful consideration and appropriate response. Prosecutorial authorities are obligated to protect journalists from any form of pressure and persecution, and journalists have the right to receive information about these efforts. To this end, the Prosecutor General's Office operates under the 'Platform for the Protection of Journalists' Rights'." Details: The Prosecutor General's Office stated that following the signed memorandum of understanding and cooperation, they are conducting working meetings with media representatives. The last meeting between prosecutors and journalists took place in January 2024, and the next one is promised to be held shortly, according to the Prosecutor General's Office. Background: On 5 February, investigative journalists from the Bihus.Info project claimed to have identified those who had installed hidden cameras in hotel rooms to conduct surveillance of its editorial board. They were members of the SSU. The SSU stated on 5 February that the leadership had made some "decisions" concerning the personnel of the Department for the Protection of National Statehood after the release of the investigation by the Bihus.Info project about illegal surveillance of its journalists. Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), officially commented on the surveillance of journalists from Bihus.Info by the employees of the Department for the Protection of National Statehood of the SSU. He said that the head of the department within the Security Service of Ukraine was dismissed. The Members of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) voted to summon Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), to the Parliament to hear his report about wiretapping the Bihus.Info group. Support UP or become our patron! Police removed a group of pro-Palestinian protesters from the Missouri House chamber on Tuesday after they interrupted a speech by an Israeli diplomat with calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The chaotic scene unfolded as Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the consul general of Israel in Miami, addressed a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly. The speech and protest underscored the deep tensions in the United States over the ongoing war in the Middle East following an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. Shortly after Elbaz-Starinsky began his speech, protesters seated in the upper gallery of the House chamber began shouting for a ceasefire and saying shame on you. Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe banged his gavel to maintain decorum and at least two uniformed police officers ushered the protesters out of the gallery. Most House Republican lawmakers stood and cheered for Elbaz-Starinsky after the protesters were led out. Elbaz-Starinsky then continued his speech. Despite the difficult circumstances, Israel is committed to citizens who are actively pursuing peace, he said. Our soldiers are fighting for the entire free world. Capitol police arrested one of the protesters, Sarah Bannoura, 28, for trespassing after failing to leave the gallery, according to a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Bannoura has since been released from custody. Were not just a bunch of people here to make noise just because we want to be destructive. A lot of us have family members that were killed, said Neveen Ayesh, the government relations coordinator for the Missouri chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, who was at the protest. Hamas militants killed roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during the Oct. 7 attack and took about 250 hostages. Israel launched an intense military campaign in Gaza in retaliation, and the Palestinian Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory says more than 27,500 people have died in the four-month war. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead have been women and children. Ayesh criticized Missouri lawmakers for considering a slate of resolutions that would express support for Israel. One of those resolutions, filed by House Speaker Dean Plocher, a St. Louis-area Republican, was scheduled for a hearing later on Tuesday. Were angry because for them, its just a piece of legislation, Ayesh said. But for us, its our lives. The Associated Press contributed reporting Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to outline his election programme in a state of the nation address ahead of the presidential election in March, according to a Russian newspaper report. The speech is expected to take place sometime between February 23 and March 8, the usually well-informed daily paper Kommersant reported on Tuesday, citing four of its own sources. The election is due to be held over three days from March 15 to 17. The newspaper speculated that Putin will address Russia's war aims in Ukraine, the country's sovereignty, the economic and social situation as well as family values. Putin regularly comments on all of these topics. The speeches are usually used to attack the West or to showcase Russia's strength and its own successes. According to Kommersant, this year's speech is also likely to have an election campaign character. The Russian leader avoids debates with other candidates. The state of the nation address is an annual duty of the president as stipulated by the constitution. He delivers it to the representatives of the Federal Assembly, which is made up of the State Duma and the Federation Council, the lower and upper houses of the Russian parliament. However, Putin cancelled it in 2022, the first year of the war, citing what he called the very high "momentum of events." Last year, he used the speech to suspend the New START nuclear non-proliferation treaty. DOHA, Qatar Hamas response to the latest plan for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages was generally positive, key mediator Qatar said Tuesday, as the militant group reiterated its demand for an end to the war, something Israel has thus far ruled out. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al Thani announced the response during a news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said he would brief Israeli leaders on it Wednesday when he meets with them. Blinken, who met with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the day before, said the Saudis still have a strong interest in normalizing relations with Israel but require an end to the war and a clear, credible, time-bound path to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Qatar, which has long mediated with Hamas, has been working with the U.S. and Egypt to broker a cease-fire that would involve a halt in fighting for several weeks and the release of the over 100 hostages still held by Hamas after its Oct. 7 cross-border raid that ignited the war. Hamas said in a statement that it responded in a positive spirit to the latest proposal. But the militant group said it still seeks a comprehensive and complete cease-fire to end the aggression against our people. Hamas is also expected to demand the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants, in exchange for the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out both demands, saying Israel is committed to continuing its offensive until total victory over Hamas and to returning all the hostages. He has also dismissed U.S. calls for the creation of a Palestinian state. When asked by reporters, President Joe Biden said Hamas response seems to be a little over the top but that negotiations would go on. Blinken acknowledged theres still a lot of work to be done. But he said he still believed an agreement on the hostages was possible and that a pathway to more lasting peace and security in the region was coming ever more sharply into focus. We know the immense benefits that would come for everyone concerned with Israels further integration into the region, starting with the benefits for Israel, Blinken said. Thats something that Israelis will have to decide for themselves. All of this requires difficult, hard decisions, made all the more challenging given the focus on the conflict in Gaza, Blinken said. The Palestinian death toll from nearly four months of war has reached 27,585, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead have been women and children. The war has leveled vast swaths of the tiny enclave and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted around 250. More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The Israeli military said Tuesday it was battling militants in areas across the Gaza Strip, including the southern city of Khan Younis. It said troops killed dozens of militants over the past day, without providing evidence. An Israeli airstrike in the city hit an apartment building, killing two parents and four of their five children, according to the childrens grandfather. Mahmoud al-Khatib said his 41-year-old son, Tariq, was sleeping along with his family when an Israeli warplane bombed their apartment in the middle of the night. The Israeli military rarely comments on individual strikes but blames Hamas for civilians deaths because it fights in residential areas. U.N. humanitarian monitors said Tuesday that Israels evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip now cover two-thirds of the territory, or 246 square kilometers (95 square miles). The affected area was home to 1.78 million Palestinians, or 77% of Gazas population, before the war. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said in its daily report that the newly displaced have only about 1.5 to 2 liters (50 to 67 ounces) of water per day to drink, cook and wash. It also reported a significant increase in chronic diarrhea among children. Parents of babies face a particularly difficult challenge because of the high cost or lack of diapers, baby formula and milk. Zainab Al-Zein, who is sheltering in the central town of Deir al-Balah, said she had to feed her 2.5-month-old daughter solid food, such as biscuits and ground rice, well ahead of the typical 6-month mark because milk and formula were not available. This is known, of course, as unhealthy eating, and we know that it causes her intestinal distress, bloating and colic, al-Zein said. As you can see, 24 hours like this, she cries and cries continuously. Qatars prime minister said Tuesday he was optimistic a deal would be reached soon to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, pause fighting between Israel and Hamas and scale up humanitarian aid deliveries. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars prime minister and foreign minister, said he had received a response from Hamas only a few hours earlier on Tuesday. He said it included some comments to the general framework of a proposed agreement, but he characterized it overall as a positive response. We are optimistic and we have delivered the response to the Israeli party, he said at a press conference alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in the region to focus on securing the hostage release and efforts to resolve Israels war against Hamas. Sheikh Mohammed said receiving a response from Hamas was promising, and they are hoping to see a final deal yielding very soon. Blinken, standing alongside the Qatari leader, said the U.S. is studying Hamass proposal intensely, and he will discuss the details with the Israelis when he is in Jerusalem on Wednesday. There are about more than 100 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza who were kidnapped during the groups attack against Israel on Oct. 7. Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, has called for a cease-fire to Israels assault on the Gaza Strip and the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected ending a military campaign until Israel achieves total victory over Hamas, and President Biden has withheld pressuring Israel into a cease-fire that much of the international community and some Democratic lawmakers have said is necessary to protect Gazan civilians suffering in a humanitarian catastrophe. The Biden administration has instead focused on trying to achieve pauses in military operations, with a priority on releasing hostages to allow for delivery of humanitarian assistance, a reprieve for Gazan civilians and space to negotiate Israels security needs. The most effective path forward right now to get an extended period of calm and to work toward an end to the conflict is through an agreement on the hostages and that is what were intensely focused on with our partners Qatar, Egypt and working with Israel, Blinken said at the press conference. Now that we have the response from Hamas to the proposal that was put on the table about a week or so ago, were going to be intensely focused on that, he continued. That offers the prospect of extensive calm, hostages out, more assistance in, that would clearly be beneficial to everyone, and I think that offers the best path forward. But theres a lot of work to be done to achieve it. Were very focused on that work. Biden, speaking from the White House, characterized Hamass response as a little over the top, but said there is some movement and that negotiations are continuing. This story was updated at 2:02 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Bao Ong is a restaurant columnist for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at bao@houstonchronicle.com He previously worked on staff at Eater New York, Bon Appetit and Time Out New York. In addition to Bao's background in journalism, he also graduated from the French Culinary Institute. He moved to Houston in summer 2022 and in his first year, he won the top award in the Comment and Criticism category awarded by the Texas Managing Editors organization. Follow where he's eating and drinking on Instagram: @baohaus Longtime Fresno-area politician Sal Quintero is seeking re-election to a third four-year term as a county supervisor representing District 3, which includes central and southern portions of the city of Fresno. But the incumbent is facing some stiff competition in the March 5 primary, including a pair of current Fresno City Council members and a local teacher. Those challengers are, alphabetically by last name, Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, Fresno City Councilmember Luis Chavez, and teacher Edward EJ Hinojosa. If a candidate receives an outright majority (50% plus one vote) in the primary, they will be the winner. Otherwise, the top two vote-getters will meet in a runoff in the November general election. The Fresno Bee submitted questions to each of the candidates and asked each to respond with answers of in the neighborhood of 200 words if possible. Their responses are offered here, and presented in the order in which they were received. Miguel Angel Arias Age: 45 Occupation: City Council member, business owner Education: Bachelor of science degree, criminology, California State University, Fresno Other offices held: State Center Community College District Trustee, 2014-2018 Campaign website: www.ariasforfresno.com Q: About one out of every five residents in Fresno County has income that falls below the poverty level. However, the average market-rate apartment rent rose by almost 43% in the Fresno metro area since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you promote greater housing affordability? A: Fresno County has a long history of attracting minimum wage manual labor jobs that support the existing agricultural industry, failing to diversify our local economy. Leaving too many residents vulnerable to foreign investors, corporate interest and slum lords that raising rent beyond the state cap. As a councilmember, I initiated and approved 3,000 new housing units in my district alone, transformed historic buildings like Hotel Fresno into housing, secured and renovated a dozen motels to house 3,000 homeless residents, and established the Eviction Protection Program to defend renters from illegal evictions. I intend to proceed with similar strategies as a County Supervisor. Q: The average condition of roads in Fresno County is considered at higher risk, and in many cases is deemed poor. What steps would you take to work toward improving the countys roads? A: As a councilmember, we have repaved hundreds of existing neighborhoods with existing local and federal funds. However, the County has failed to prioritize existing roads. As a result, in 2022, I joined community efforts to oppose and defeat passage of Measure C because it would further build new roads and freeway interchanges in the fridges of our city while failing to improve existing roads within our City neighborhoods. As a County Supervisor and member of the Fresno County Transportation Authority I will seek to rewrite Measure C to focus on improving existing roads instead of adding thousands of new road miles. Q: How would you work toward bringing higher-paying job opportunities that are accessible to a wide array of Fresno County residents? A: The passage of the Federal Infrastructure bill provides us an opportunity to build a modern broadband internet infrastructure that would allow us to attract more tech jobs. Additionally, the passage of the CHIPS Act recently allowed the City of Fresno approve financial and planning incentives for companies looking to locate computer chip companies into our region. As supervisor I would pursue diversification of our local economy by attracting computer chip manufactures, tech and alternative housing model jobs. Edward EJ Hinojosa Age: 34 Occupation: Music teacher at Gaston Middle School (Fresno Unified) Education: Bachelor of arts degree, music education, Fresno Pacific University Other offices held: None Campaign website: ejforsupervisor.com Q: About one out of every five residents in Fresno County has income that falls below the poverty level. However, the average market-rate apartment rent rose by almost 43% in the Fresno metro area since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you promote greater housing affordability? A: I favor infill, density, mixed-use zoning, and walkability for Fresno Countys urban core. Housing affordability boils down to supply and demand. If we make changes to Fresnos zoning policy at the County and City levels to allow the construction of new dense housing in existing communities, especially communities that have seen historic disinvestment, supply will rise to meet demand and housing prices will stabilize, becoming more affordable. Q: The average condition of roads in Fresno County is considered at higher risk, and in many cases is deemed poor. What steps would you take to work toward improving the countys roads? A: Teaching in Southwest Fresno, I drive on higher risk roads every day. The communities that use these roads feel that the city hasnt taken care of them the way they take care of roads in affluent neighborhoods in Fresno. In the Countys schedule for future public works, I would prioritize roads in Calwa, Mayfair, and the neighborhoods near the Fairgrounds and Edison High School, especially Jensen Avenue, for immediate repair and improvement. These communities want to see investment and theyve waited long enough for it. Lets get it to them. Q: How would you work toward bringing higher-paying job opportunities that are accessible to a wide array of Fresno County residents? A: I would work to bring new businesses into Fresno from a wider diversity of industries including finance, construction, and manufacturing. I will also support lots of new workforce training in those industries, especially recruiting trainees from less affluent neighborhoods in Fresno. I would work closely with the Fresno County Economic Development Corps to accomplish those goals because theyre already the tip of the spear in those efforts. Also, I propose a series of public works that will create lots of new jobs in the construction, engineering, and cultural arts sectors public works like the construction of a new public library in the Tower District, a public market near the Fairgrounds similar to Pike Place in Seattle or the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles (Hanoians is crying out for investment), and lots of parks and trails. Lastly, High Speed Rail will bring lots of jobs to this region, and I will support its construction wholeheartedly. The majority of jobs created in Fresno County in recent years have been low-wage jobs and Fresno cannot climb out of its economic malaise without turning that around. Lets use whatever incentives or active measures we can to spur an economic revival in this region. Luis Chavez Age: 44 Occupation: City Council member, foster parent Education: Associate of arts degree, business administration, Fresno City College; bachelor of arts degree, bilingual education, California State University, Fresno; masters of public administration, California State University, Fresno. Other offices held: Fresno Unified School District board member Campaign website: luischavezfresno.com Q: About one out of every five residents in Fresno County has income that falls below the poverty level. However, the average market-rate apartment rent rose by almost 43% in the Fresno metro area since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you promote greater housing affordability? A: This housing crisis is a problem we can literally build our way out of. We need to fast-track all housing projects: market rate, affordable, single home residences, condominium, tiny homes, apartments and pre-fab homes. These project need to be located across the county, Fresno, Clovis, and every city across our region. Tenant protection programs, like the ones we have at the city for county residents as well, expand the section 8 housing voucher programs and prioritize seniors and foster children families. Q: The average condition of roads in Fresno County is considered at higher risk, and in many cases is deemed poor. What steps would you take to work toward improving the countys roads? A: Prioritize repaving projects, especially in older neighborhoods that have been neglected for decades, in the city and county islands, implement a county pothole elimination team like we have at the city. Ensure the federal and state government gives us our fair share of road dollars. California currently only receives 80 cents for every dollar we pay in federal taxes back. Apply for all federal and state road repaving and reconstruction dollars! Q: How would you work toward bringing higher-paying job opportunities that are accessible to a wide array of Fresno County residents? A: By expanding vocational training programs for welders, plumbers electricians, carpenters, ironworkers and all trades. Also, construction a technological hub in the county and incentivizing tech companies to relocate to Fresno. Expand the apprentice programs for all trades and help our existing small businesses expand and add employees, by providing tax breaks for them in exchange for hiring local employees. Sal Quintero Age: 76 Occupation: Full-time member, Fresno County Board of Supervisors Education: Attended local Fresno schools and Fresno City College Other offices held: Fresno City Council member, District 5 Campaign website: quintero4supervisor.com Q: About one out of every five residents in Fresno County has income that falls below the poverty level. However, the average market-rate apartment rent rose by almost 43% in the Fresno metro area since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you promote greater housing affordability? A: Fresno County currently works with local non-profit organizations like the Fresno Housing Authority, RH Community Builders, Habitat for Humanities and Self-Help Enterprises to build affordable housing in our community. For example: we are currently under remodel construction to provide housing for clients with behavioral health needs. Q: The average condition of roads in Fresno County is considered at higher risk, and in many cases is deemed poor. What steps would you take to work toward improving the countys roads? A: We are continuing to provide additional funding in each budget year and expanding our road repair and development by applying for state and federal grant funding. Q: How would you work toward bringing higher-paying job opportunities that are accessible to a wide array of Fresno County residents? A: By working with existing businesses to help them expand and employ additional residents. As businesses and industry consider Fresno County we are working to provide shovel ready business parks for their companies. Additionally, by working with local non-profit job training programs like the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, we are preparing the youth for future job opportunities. The requirements to live on the San Fernando Valley lots were clear in 1915. Any building, including the roof, must have two coats of paint. The fences "shall be" stained, painted or whitewashed. Wedged just after a prohibition on liquor sales, the land record for the subdivision of the Los Angeles Farming and Milling Co. Rancho demanded that "no part of said premises shall ever at any time be sold, conveyed, leased or rented to any person of African, Chinese or Japanese descent." Racially restrictive covenants like this were commonplace in Los Angeles County in the early 1900s, ending only after the U.S. Supreme Court and federal law barred their enforcement. But if you buy a house in L.A. County today built before 1968, you'd probably still see the language in your land records. But that's soon to change. In response to a new state law, L.A. County has hired a company for about $8 million to redact racially restrictive covenant language from millions of county records. The process is expected to take at least seven years and begins this year. "It's part of a stain on our history, of discrimination and racism," said Dean C. Logan, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for L.A. County. "I think for me and for the county, this represents a form of recognition." Logan said the company, Wisconsin-based Extract Systems, and the county will work together to search and review the entire archive, dating back to 1850. An estimated 130 million documents about 460 million pages will be examined, Logan said. Read more: Gov. Brown signs measure striking 'lynching' charge from California law About 90 million of those documents are in a digital format, which will allow its contractor to use automation to look for the racist language. But the other 40 million records dating from 1850 to 1976 are recorded only on paper, books or microfilm rolls. It will require a "human operator and use of technology" to redact the racist language from those documents, Logan said. Workers will start with the most recent documents, those in digital format, and work backward. The original documents will still be available for inspection, but the version seen by property owners will have a black bar over the language, Logan said. The seven-year timeline is based not only on workload but also on how much money the county brings in from a new $2 document recording fee, which the state law allows to be charged until 2027, unless extended. For years, homeowners could request that the county remove a racially restrictive covenant from their records at no fee. That process remains available. Read more: Behind the new show 'Them' is the ugly and true history of L.A.s racist housing covenants "Carrying forward that language in the legal description into future recorded documents almost is a passive acceptance of that, and those restrictive covenants were outlawed, and they have no useful purpose in documents going forward in the chain of title," Logan said. "I think the impact of doing this, it removes that language, but it doesn't remove it from history." L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who introduced a bill removing "lynching" from California law during her time in the state Senate, said regardless of its enforceability, language in laws matters. After her grandmother died, Mitchell was sorting through her family's paperwork, hounding her great aunt to write a will to protect the home in Exposition Park she bought decades ago. Mitchell pulled out the deed and was floored when she saw language barring Black people from living in the home that her family had lived in for years. "Reading through it, I thought, 'Oh my God, this is what I read about,'" Mitchell said. Historian Laura Redford, who completed her doctoral work at UCLA on racially restrictive covenants in L.A. County, said the earliest she found real estate agents or developers using restrictive covenants in the county was 1908 such as developer Lawrence B. Burck, who advertised iron clad race restrictions in two tracts about 20 blocks south of Exposition Park. Redford, a visiting assistant professor at Brigham Young University, found in her research that by 1939, 47% of L.A. County residential neighborhoods "had restrictive covenants that forbade certain racial groups from those communities," according to her thesis. Conceptually, restrictive covenants exist to outline what owners are allowed to do with their property, like stable their horses or other typical restrictions, Redford said. But real estate agents and developers used them to not only exclude people of color but also to dictate the class of residents by specifying the minimum amount residents must spend to build, and even the size of the home. As a historian, Redford said she fears that removing the restrictive covenant language from land records won't likely cause history to repeat itself in terms of such blatant racial restrictions, but it does raise concerns about whether people will grasp how those policies also separated people by class. Redford said the Supreme Court, in its 1948 Shelley vs. Kraemer decision, ruled that states upholding racially restrictive covenants violated the 14th Amendment, and the 1968 Fair Housing Act outlawed the racist policy but that the issues around class in housing law remain. "We continue to segregate by class we do it by selling at price points ... saying, 'This is a community of single-family homes valued from this much to this much,' and we can't put an apartment building in it because it will destroy the value of single-family homes," Redford said. "We have done less good of a job as a society at addressing the class segregation that we continue to perpetuate." 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. Relatively strong job growth, wage growth and a robust density of high-tech industries pushed Raleigh up a spot to second in the annual best-performing cities rankings from the Milken Institute, an economic think tank. Raleigh finished 16th among large U.S. metros in 2022 before surging up to No. 3 last year. In the new list released Tuesday, only Austin came in above the City of Oaks. The area has managed to attract high-tech firms and high-quality talent, driven by its proximity to three major universities located in Raleigh and the neighboring Durham-Chapel Hill metro areas, the report read. Milken used 13 indicators to judge 200 cities, and Raleigh landed in the top quartile on each of them. These included households with broadband (No. 36), affordable housing costs (No. 38) and short-term job growth (No. 28). The Milken report complimented the citys post-pandemic tourism rebound and pointed out Raleigh is among the leaders for new apartment construction though it still needs roughly 17,000 more housing units to meet demand. Between 2017 and 2022, Raleighs job and wage growth ranked in the top 10 among large cities. One area of vulnerability, the report found, was that this growth has recently slowed amid high commercial vacancy rates. This was the 12th consecutive year Raleigh ranked in the top 20. Milken divides its list between large and small U.S. cities. Charlotte came in at No. 10, while Wilmington was No. 21, Durham-Chapel Hill was No. 36, and Asheville was No. 61. Significant employment growth during the second half of 2021 and early 2022 has rocketed the Queen City to its first-ever top 10 ranking, the report said of Charlotte, though it noted North Carolinas biggest city had the highest income inequality among metros. Another North Carolina city experienced one of the largest drops in this years list. The combined market of Greensboro and High Point ranked at No. 166, down 56 spots from 2023. Two North Carolina restaurants are on Yelps list of the top 100 romantic restaurants for Valentines Day dining this year. Ones an Asian fusion restaurant in Raleigh, and the others a locally sourced gastropub in Charlotte. They both take reservations (and as of Feb. 5, one still has tables available on the 14th). You can read the full list for yourself at yelp.com/collection. Heres what to know about the two spots. Bida Manda, photographed on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 in Raleigh. Best Valentines Day restaurant in Raleigh, says Yelp Raleighs Bida Manda was ranked #90 out of the 100 best restaurants on Yelps list. The Laotian restaurant celebrated its 11th anniversary in September. Bida Manda is Sanskrit ceremonial terms for father and mother, the restaurants website says. Yelp says some of its most popular dishes are: Pork belly soup Crispy rice lettuce wraps Spring rolls Green papaya salad Pad thai Shrimp chips Chicken curry Summer rolls Chicken wings Luang prabang lemongrass sausage The pork belly soup named the restaurant North Carolinas must-slurp soup spot last month. Heres how to get in touch: Address : 222 S. Blount St. in Raleigh Website : bidamanda.com Phone number : 919-829-9999 Reservations: Available through OpenTable. There are reservations available for the 14th, as of Feb. 5. Best Valentines Day restaurant in Charlotte, says Yelp Charlottes The Cellar at Duckworths was ranked #83 out of the 100 best restaurants on Yelps list. The restaurant is categorized as a gastropub and cocktail bar serving a seasonally changing menu with ingredients from local farms. Yelp says some of its most popular dishes are: Tuna tartare Ground duck flatbread Filet mignon Black grouper Caramelized brussels Cellar burger Sea bass puttanesca Lamb gyoza dumpling Heres how to get in touch: Address : 330 N Tryon St. in Charlotte Website : thecellaratduckworths.com Phone number : 980-349-4078 Reservations: Available through OpenTable. (Note: There are no available reservations on the 14th, as of Feb. 5.) A Charlotte spot makes Yelps list of the most romantic restaurants in the US Work from home with a big paycheck: A list of $100K+ NC job openings This story was updated at 5:15 p.m. EST on Feb. 6, 2024, with a statement from Showmans attorney. The commander of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion at Camp Merrill, Georgia has been suspended from pending the outcome of an investigation, officials confirmed Tuesday. Lt. Col. Nathan Showman was suspended on Jan. 26, according to a statement from the Maneuver Center of Excellence public affairs office following an Army Times query. Lt. Col. Bob J. Stone, U.S. Army Infantry School executive officer, is serving as interim commander, reads the statement. The mission at Camp Merrill remains to conduct the mountain phase of the U.S. Army Ranger Course, which trains Ranger students on mountaineering techniques and prepares them for leadership. Showman has been assigned to duties at Fort Moore, Ga., as directed by his chain of command. Officials did not disclose the nature of the investigation. Showmans attorney, Robert Capovilla, confirmed the investigation and his clients suspension when reached by Army Times. We fully anticipate that [Lt. Col.] Showman will be exonerated and that he will be placed back into command in relatively short order, Capovilla said. We look forward to a fair and complete investigation. Lt. Col Nathan Showman and other Army Rangers, assigned to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, walks up to board a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., July 14, 2023. (Sgt. 1st Class Austin Berner/Army) Showman took command of the battalion in April 2023. The Dahlonega, Georgia installation conducts the mountain phase of Ranger School, including small unit operations in mountainous terrain. Students are evaluated while conducting combat patrols. Showman, from Cincinnati, Ohio, commissioned as an infantry officer through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Xavier University in 2005, according to his official biography. As a junior officer, he served two tours in Iraq leading infantry units from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2009 to 2010, as a platoon and then company commander. Prior to taking command of 5th Ranger Training Battalion, he served as the chief of both the Combined Arms Detachment and the Command Planning Group in the Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Turkey Leg Hut is located at 4830 Almeda Steve Gonzales/Staff photographer Nakia Holmes, right, and Lynn priced filed for divorce last year Steve Gonzales/Staff photographer Turkey leg topped with jumbo grilled shrimp and Alfredo sauce at Turkey Leg Hut Visual Influence / Visual Influence The controversy swirling around Turkey Leg Hut continues to play out on social media as the latest accusations include the firing of its co-owner and employees. Lynn Price, who started Turkey Leg Hut with his wife Nakia Holmes in a parking lot across the street from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2015, was fired on Monday night. He posted a screenshot of an email to his personal Instagram account announcing his termination. This decision has been reached in the context of an extensive restructuring effort necessitated by the companys imperative needs to align operational costs with our financial realities and strategic objectives, read the email apparently sent by a Senior Change Management Consultant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prices comment under the post, which was later delated, read: I cant make this s*** up Other social media posts, including screenshots allegedly from an employee chat group, accused Turkey Leg Hut of firing half of its employees. Price and Holmes founded the Turkey Leg Hut, located at 4830 Almeda, but the future of the popular Third Ward business has been murky since the couples separation and pending divorce made headlines last year. The Chronicle has reached out to Holmes and Price for comment. HOUSTON EATS: 5 things to know about popular Third Ward restaurant Turkey Leg Hut Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a message to employees, Holmes sent a note about the decision to reduce our workforce. Holmes said her personal journey has undergone considerable changes, including a divorce that, in more ways than one, has impacted not just my life but the operational stability of our business. The leaked email on social media comes after allegations that some staffers hadnt been paid in over a month. Turkey Leg Hut is not closing, Holmes said in her note, but she added that there are plans for new management and the restaurant is aiming for a revival by late summer or early fall. There is no indication online that Turkey Leg Hut is closed today. A call went unanswered this morning, but there are reservations available on OpenTable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad MORE FROM BAO ONG: Brazos Bagel near the Heights is ready to shake up Houstons bagel scene A string of controversies have followed Turkey Leg Hut in the past few years. Steven Rogers, the owner of Third Wards Bar 5015, was a part owner of Turkey Leg Hut as well, but its not clear if he still remains a partner following lawsuits he filed in 2020 against Price and Holmes. The Rogers lawsuit over ownership follows other cases such as the community filing noise complaints and allegations that the restaurant owed a food supplier money. Rumors about the relationship struggles between Holmes and Prices surfaced in 2022 when the couple enforced a dress code that fielded much criticism. The comments on Turkey Leg Huts social media posts have been turned off since yesterday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Back in November, Holmes posted on Instagram that she was separated from Price and hinted at forthcoming changes. A Conroe homeowner's association has filed a lawsuit against a nearby gun range after residents claimed their homes and vehicles had been damaged by stray bullets coming from the range for more than a year. Catherine Dominguez A Conroe homeowner's association has filed a lawsuit against a nearby gun range after residents claimed their homes and vehicles had been damaged by stray bullets coming from the range for more than a year. Catherine Dominguez A Conroe homeowner's association has filed a lawsuit against a nearby gun range after residents claimed their homes and vehicles had been damaged by stray bullets coming from the range for more than a year. Judge Vince Santini of the 457th state District Court signed a temporary injunction Jan. 5 prohibiting employees and customers at the Thunder Gun Range, located at 17234 FM 1314, from discharging firearms in the direction of the Artavia neighborhood, which has homes located northeast of the gun range. The lawsuit filed Dec. 18 by the Artavia Master Maintenance Association alleges at least eight homes and several vehicles have been hit by stray bullets and that the gun range has violated state law by allowing bullets to leave the premises, putting residents of Artavia at immediate risk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Robert Griffin with Griffin & Cain Attorneys at Law, representing the gun range, filed a one-line response to the suit Jan. 9 denying each and every allegation by the association. Griffin and the gun range owners could not be reached for comment. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, Nancy H. Hamren and Steven G. Hamren with the Houston office of Coasts Rose P.C. and Chris Archambault with Porter Law Firm, also could not be reached for comment. The residents of the neighborhood, which was built after the gun range, have made similar claims in prior news reports. In a January 2023 Facebook post, the range pointed to guns fired outside its property as the possible source of stray bullets, stating "we have taken great care to prevent rounds from leaving the range, we keep and maintain multiple berms to contain all rounds. Further, all shooters are supervised, and their firing is controlled through narrow shooting windows. We are not aware of any rounds having left the range at any time." Spotter map showing proximity of Thunder Gun Range to Artavia community southeast of Conroe Map: Ken Ellis/Staff A bench trial in the case is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 16. A bench trial is a case heard by a judge with no jury involved. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Artavia, a 2,200-acre master-planned community, opened in October 2019. Thunder Gun Range on FM 1314 is owned by Jesse Gonzalez and opened in 1995, according to the lawsuit. The range is open to the public but also contracts with the U.S. Customs Border Patrol for use of the range. The lack of safety measures at the gun range and defendants failure to make sure projectiles stay within its borders has led to projectiles hitting homes and other property in the Artavia community, not only damaging homes but posing a severe risk to the safety and the lives of residents in the Artavia community, the suit claims. In a Feb. 23, 2023 letter to the gun range, Archambault asked the range to immediately take additional safety precautions to ensure the safety of our residents, their property and the public at large. The letter did not receive a favorable response, the lawsuit states. In April, the association hired Richard N. Ernest, a forensics ballistics expert, to issue an opinion as to whether the bullets hitting the homes and cars were coming from the range. Bullets found were from handguns, both 9 mm and .380 Auto caliber, and high-powered rifles including the AK-47 rifle as well as the AR-15 rifle, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ON YOURCONROENEWS.COM: Woodlands cardiologist accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with multiple patients In his Aug. 3 report to the association, Ernest states he found high likelihood that the bullets hitting the residents homes came from the Thunder Gun Range and that he believes his research shows the range did not meet the standard of care expected for shooting ranges in Texas. At that time, Ernest recommended the range be converted to a no blue sky range. According to The Gun Zone website, the no blue sky concept for a shooting range refers to ensuring that there are no opportunities for bullets to leave the designated range area and pose a danger to individuals or property outside of the range by using backstops, berms and other forms of barriers to contain bullets. The association is not anti-gun range but wants additional safety measures put in place, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Gov. vows to expand border barriers amid standoff with White House Xinhua) 10:45, February 06, 2024 HOUSTON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, flanked by 13 other fellow GOP governors in the border town of Eagle Pass, vowed on Sunday that he will expand barriers along Rio Grande bordering the United States and Mexico amid his standoff with the federal government. "As we speak right now, the Texas National Guard is undertaking operations to expand this," Abbott said at a news conference at Shelby Park, a municipal park in Eagle Pass which has recently become a focal point in the national drama over immigration as partisan fights are unfolding in the U.S. election year. "We're not going to contain ourselves just to this park," the governor said. He didn't reveal further details. Instead, the governor repeatedly slammed the Biden administration over recorded illegal border crossings, which he described as an "invasion," claiming the state has the right to self-defense because President Joe Biden has failed to fulfill his duty to secure the U.S. border. "As opposed to detaining illegal immigrants, Biden has let them all loose, with no ability to accurately determine their whereabouts," Abbott said. "We've seen the catastrophic consequences of Joe Biden's open border policy." "A state can defend itself and its citizens to protect their safety from the imminent danger that we are facing -- and from an invasion from millions of people coming from across the globe into our country, who are unaccounted for whatsoever," he said. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at the news conference that they would continue to deploy National Guard troops to the border to support Abbott, local media reported. But from the viewpoint of Texan Democrats, the Republican governors' gathering is another political show. "This is a campaign prop. This is a photo op," state lawmaker Trey Martinez Fischer, a Democrat from San Antonio, said in a video posted on social media. "We know you're there for gamesmanship. We know you're not there to solve the problem. We know you don't want to solve the problem," the lawmaker said. "Quit wasting our tax dollars on political propaganda," said Eagle Pass resident Juanita V. Martinez, chief of Maverick County Democratic Party. "Abbott doesn't care about anything but boosting his Republican political agenda." The Sunday event came one day after a convoy of protesters from the East Coast, a modest crowd waving "Trump 2024" flags according to The New York Times, held a rally in a neighborhood about 20 miles (32 km) north of Eagle Pass, vowing to "take our border back." The Texas National Guard seized Shelby Park in January and restricted federal access under Abbott's order. In response to the Supreme Court order that Texas cannot block Border Patrol agents from cutting wire to reach the river and rescue migrants in distress, Abbott asked state troops to install more razor wires and barriers along the border river. The Texan governor thus successfully made national headlines, and his feud with the Biden administration is heating up over the state's right to border control. Former President Donald Trump, a leading Republican presidential candidate in 2024, has voiced his support for Abbott. "It's primarily a political stunt by Republicans aimed at keeping immigration and border enforcement in the news," said Professor Jon Taylor, chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography with the University of Texas at San Antonio. "They clearly have decided that immigration is their number one issue for the 2024 elections," the professor said in an interview with Xinhua. "These immigrants ...have the right to come because they're looking for a better life," Jesus Casas, who has lived in Eagle Pass for almost 40 years, told Xinhua. "The problem here is that somehow these immigrants, by coming in a very unorganized way, cause problems at the business level here, and also with the residents." "We need to find some common ground where everybody can help each other," Casas said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Breaking news Houston Chronicle The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is seeking help after arresting a cardiologist accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with patients while working at a clinic in The Woodlands. Cardiologist Kozhaya Sokhon is accused of inappropriate sexual contact with multiple patients during his tenure at Adva Cardio Clinic in The Woodlands, according to a release from the sheriff's office. Sokhon was arrested on Feb. 2 and is charged with indecent assault by a health care provider. Advertisement Article continues below this ad TEEN DIES IN LAKE CONROE: Teen drowns in Lake Conroe after falling from kayak, prompting call to wear life jackets According to the clinic's website, Sokhon has served residents in the Houston metropolitan area from his offices in the city and The Woodlands. The sheriff's office conducted a lengthy investigation after patients made similar complaints about Sokhon's behavior, the release states. The agency is asking any former patients of Sokhon, who experienced similar sexual contact while under his care, to call the sheriff's office at 936-760-5800 and dial option three and refer to case No. 23A298916. No other information was provided. The Russian agriculture watchdog says authorisations for five Ecuadorian exporters were suspended from Tuesday - AFP Russia is suspending imports of bananas and flowers from Ecuador, weeks after Quito agreed to a US weapons deal that will result in Ukraine receiving Soviet-era military equipment from the South American country. The Russian agriculture watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said in a statement that authorisations for five Ecuadorian exporters were suspended from Tuesday due to the detection of pests. Nine out of 10 bananas imported by Russia come from Ecuador, according to Russian media. The restrictions on certain flower imports will come into force on Friday. Ecuador is one of the worlds top exporters of flowers, mainly roses. The decisions come in the wake of an announcement by Daniel Noboa, Ecuadors president, on Jan 10 that he had accepted a US offer to exchange the Soviet-era equipment for modern US weapons in a $200 million deal. Nine out of 10 bananas imported by Russia come from Ecuador, according to Russian media - MARCOS PIN/AFP The US has said that the Ecuadorian equipment would be shipped to Ukraine to help Kyiv in its conflict with Russia. The deal has angered Moscow, with Maria Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokesman, saying last week that Ecuador had made a reckless decision under serious pressure from external interested parties. Ms Zakharova added that Ecuador had a contractual obligation to not transfer such equipment to a third party without Russias consent. Mr Noboa has said that Quito had every right to conduct the deal because it involved scrap. The Ecuadorian leader spoke with Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart, during the swearing-in of Javier Milei, Argentinas new president, in Buenos Aires. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian air defense allegedly intercepted a drone in the Russian city of Gubkin in Belgorod Oblast during the early hours of Feb. 6, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced via Telegram. No casualties were reported. According to the official, at least 4 private homes were impacted by the alleged attack, including damaged windows, roofs, facades, and fences. Ukrainian authorities did not comment on Gladkov's claims. Russia's Belgorod Oblast borders the Ukrainian oblasts of Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk, and is frequently used to launch attacks against Ukraine. Late last year, a drone strike on Belgorod reportedly killed 25 people and injured over 100. Ukraine did not claim responsibility for the strike, which came one day after Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Kyiv. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Netherlands to send 6 more F-16s to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Suspects being detained by Ukrainian security service after network of Russian spies is exposed - SSU/AVALON Russia is forcing Ukrainians to become spies by threatening to kill their families, Kyivs SBU security service claimed, after dismantling a spy ring working for Moscow. The SBU said it had detained five former and serving Ukrainian intelligence officers suspected of sharing information on military sites, defensive fortifications and energy facilities with their enemy. It was not clear whether the alleged collaborators had pro-Russian sympathies but the SBU said its investigations had found theyd been recruited by the FSB, Russias domestic security service, using, among other things, threats to kill their families. The security service of Ukraine neutralised a powerful agent network run by the FSBs military counter-intelligence which was operating in Ukraine, it said in a statement on Tuesday. Ukraines general prosecutor said one of the alleged double agents was a serving SBU regional agent, while the others were former employees of the defence intelligence and foreign intelligence agencies. In addition, for each completed task, the perpetrators received funds from the Russian Federation, Kyivs security service added. Five former and serving Ukrainian intelligence officers are suspected of working for Moscow - SSU/AVALON Similar tactics have been used by Ukraines HUR military intelligence to recruit Russians for attacks behind enemy lines. There are reports of pensioners blackmailed into attacking draft offices in Russia and youths pressured into firebombing railway infrastructure. The arrest of one of the spies who were said to have passed on details of Ukrainian troop movements - SSU/AVALON Local news outlets reported that their network had been operating in the southern Zaporizhzhia and Odesa regions, and Donetsk, one half of the Donbas. The criminals were conducting reconnaissance on locations with the highest concentration of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in front-line areas, the SBU said. The group were said to have shared information about defences near the port of Odesa, the location of rocket launchers in the north-eastern Kharkiv region and passed on details of Ukrainian troop movements, Kyivs general prosecutor said. One of the spies was said to have shared information on USB flash drives smuggled through border checkpoints. Another of the alleged double agents had once worked for Russias GRU military intelligence agency. Ukraines security service has cracked a number of alleged Russian networks helping Moscows forces co-ordinate long-range attacks. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Citizens will be a coffee and wine cafe located within a former bank, with dining space within the vault. Citizens Coffee and Wine Cafe Citizens Coffee and Wine Cafe is planned for downtown Hempstead in a 1900s bank building Citizens Coffee and Wine Cafe Kenneth Pilcher and his family have lived in the Hempstead area for 20 years, admiring the beauty, remote location, agriculture and proximity to the Houston area. Now, after years of being a part of the town and participating in community politics, Pilcher is ready to make his mark on the city and breathe new life into the city with Citizens Coffee and Wine Cafe. We love it out in the country and we love this community, Pilcher said. When the pandemic hit and we went into lockdown mode, it just coincided with our timing of where we were looking at making some investments in this area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO SEE: Harris County invites residents to weigh in on Katy East development Pilcher purchased the Citizens State Bank building in downtown Hempstead in 2020, a bank built in the early 1900s that has been inactive since the 1990s. A new restaurant option for Hempstead Pilcher and his wife were not sure what they were going to do with the space until they looked around at what there was to eat in Hempstead. We would be struggling with where to eat because there are only four Mexican restaurants in Hempstead, Pilcher said. Theres a Dairy Queen, a McDonalds and a Sonic and Taco Bell. Thats pretty much it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The former home of the bank is now set to fill that need as a wine and coffee cafe by July. Citizens Cafe is planned to have a bakery with sandwiches and soups, rotating pop-up chefs, cocktails, live music and a wine grotto within the building's repurposed bank vault. Citizens focus on coffee came from Pilchers daughters love of coffee and a course in crafting coffee drinks from Texas Coffee School. After learning how to roast and grind beans and pull espresso shots, Pilcher embraced the concept for the future business. We decided to keep the name Citizens because it's inclusive and it means it's for everyone, he said. Planning for a July opening Planned to open in July, Citizens is still developing the interior. A library-style dining hall is planned for the interior alongside artwork from international photographers and artists. The exterior stonework will be replaced with stucco, the sidewalks will receive awnings and new windows will be installed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With local residents calling in to ask if Citizens is open already, boosting Pilchers potential for explaining the value of the project to Hempsteads City council, Pilcher is ready to move forward with many of the architectural plans and building permits in place. This is how we want to bring the community together, he said. That is an ode to what Hempstead used to be. Maybe it will be that first domino to fall where people see, Oh, wow, there we should do something too. The Russian military has amassed 40,000 troops near Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraines Operational Command East spokesman Illia Yevlash told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on Feb. 6. In the broader Lyman-Kupyansk sector, Moscow has kept about 110,000 soldiers since late 2023, he added. Read also: Escalation near Tabaivka is part of Russian strategy to bypass Kupyansk from south, says military expert "And if we divide the front line into sectors, then the number [of enemy troops] in the Kupyansk [sector] remains more or less constant, said Yevlash. Read also: Zelenskyy visits frontline positions near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhya Oblast I want to reiterate that in terms of personnel, it does not mean that all these 40,000 people are simultaneously deployed to frontline combat duty. Read also: Russian troops attack civilian infrastructure in Kupyansk, likely with FAB-500 aerial bombs This figure includes rear support units, repair battalions, signalmen, medics, and various auxiliary staff, according to the Ukrainian official. "This number should not be underestimated, as these units pose a real threat, he said. However, we have been dealing with it for quite a long time, and there has been no [enemy] progress in this sector as such." 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 Ukrainian defenders. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Russia continues to suffer losses in its war of aggression against Ukraine, as Ukraines Defence Forces killed 1,020 Russian soldiers and destroyed 35 armoured combat vehicles and 18 artillery systems over the past day alone. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 6 February 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 390,580 (+1,020) military personnel; 6,365 (+17) tanks; 11,857 (+35) armoured combat vehicles; 9,367 (+18) artillery systems; 979 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems; 665 (+1) air defence systems; 332 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft; 324 (+0) helicopters; 7,173 (+0) strategic and tactical UAVs; 1,848 (+0) cruise missiles; 24 (+0) ships and boats; 1 (+0) submarines; 12,453 (+41) vehicles and tankers; 1,496 (+10) special vehicles and other equipment. The information is being confirmed. Support UP or become our patron! A Moscow court ordered the arrest on Feb. 6 of Boris Akunin, a popular Russian writer who has lived in exile since 2014, over his criticisms of the full-scale war on Ukraine, which the government deemed to be in violation of laws regulating speech about the war. Akunin, one of the most popular living Russian writers, was born in Soviet Georgia as Grigori Chkhartishvili. He is mostly known under his pen name, Boris Akunin, and has gained a significant following for his historical fiction and detective novels. Akunin has lived in London since 2014, but his open disagreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin predate the illegal annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas. Putin referenced Akunin's Georgian heritage in 2012 after the writer helped form a civil society organization seeking to ensure a fairer presidential election, insinuating that his ethnic background had influenced his decision. "Actually, he was hinting that since I'm an ethnic Georgian, it means I'm an enemy of Russia. That is what he meant..." Akunin said at the time. While in exile, Akunin has continued to criticize Putin, the regime, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "Russia is ruled by a psychologically deranged dictator and worst of all, it obediently follows his paranoia," Akunin said on the day the invasion began. Russian authorities added Akunin to the so-called "terrorist list" and announced in December 2023 that he was charged with supporting terrorism and spreading "fake news" about the army. Such charges are commonly used to try and silence perceived opponents of the regime and its military aggression against Ukraine. "This has not happened since the (Soviet leader Joseph) Stalin era and the time of the Great Terror," Akunin said after the charges were announced. If Russia manages to extradite him, which is unlikely, the court's Feb. 6 ruling means that Akunin will be sentenced to two months in prison as a preemptive measure ahead of a possible trial on the above-mentioned charges. If convicted, Akunin could face up to seven years on the terrorism charges and up to ten years on the "fake news" charges. Read also: Russian dissident Kara-Murza transferred to punishment cell in new prison, his lawyer says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is keeping its cards close to its chest over the swirling speculation that former Fox News host Tucker Carlson could interview Russian President Vladimir Putin while on his trip to Moscow. The possibility was raised over the weekend when Carlson was spotted at multiple spots in Russias capital city, including at the Bolshoi Theatre and dining at a hotel, according to a Reuters report. Pressed on the prospect, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stopped short of denying a possible interview and instead pointed to the many foreign journalists who visit Russia. Many foreign journalists come to Russia every day, many continue to work here, and we welcome this, Peskov said, according to the news wire. We have nothing to announce in terms of the presidents interviews to foreign media. In a separate interview released by the Izvestia newspaper, Carlson described Moscow as beautiful, per Reuters. I just wanted to see it because, you know, I have read so much about it but I have never seen it before, he said. Asked if he was in Russia to interview Putin, Carlson responded, Well see, and reportedly smiled. Carlson would become the first Western journalist to interview Putin during the nations war with Ukraine, Reuters noted. Carlson launched a new subscription site in December for fans who want to pay for additional content. It came months after he was ousted from Fox News because of his criticism of company management. He now hosts a periodical news and political commentary show for free on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He has interviewed several high-profile U.S. politicians since launching the show, including former President Trump, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Carlson, a skeptic of U.S. support for Ukraine, has described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator and sweaty-like rat, and in 2022 he said he was rooting for Moscow, The Guardian reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- Russias seaborne crude shipments rebounded strongly from two weeks of disruptions, with record-equaling flows from the countrys main export terminals. Eleven tankers completed loading of the countrys ESPO crude at the Pacific port of Kozmino, recovering after a storm halved exports the week before and matching previous highs. Volumes from the Baltic port of Ust-Luga also gained in the week to Feb. 4, after maintenance work cut flows late last month, while shipments from Primorsk equaled the previous week's record. Most Read from Bloomberg The bounce back saw weekly average shipments surge by about 880,000 barrels a day to the highest this year. That put flows 400,000 barrels a day above the level Moscow has pledged to its OPEC+ partners for the first quarter on a weekly basis, though 100,000 barrels a day below that target on a four-week measure, which helps to smooth out short-term factors. Russian exporters are having to rely more heavily on the countrys own tankers and the shadow fleet of aging vessels, with Greek owners disengaging from the Russian crude trade after a ramp-up in US sanctions. The number of Greek-owned tankers hauling Moscows crude fell in January to just a fifth of the levels seen last May, vessel tracking-data compiled by Bloomberg show. Russia has said it will cut oil exports by 500,000 barrels a day below the May-June average during the first quarter, after several other members of the OPEC+ group agreed to make further output curbs. The Russian cut will be shared between crude shipments, which will be reduced by 300,000 barrels a day, and refined products. Russian crude cargoes continue to run the gauntlet of the southern Red Sea, despite attacks on merchant vessels from Yemen-based Houthi rebels. The Houthis assured Russia and China that the group is ready to ensure the safe passage of their ships in the Red Sea. However, the only two tankers reported to have been struck off Yemen were both carrying Russian cargoes. The Sai Baba, hauling Urals crude, was hit by a drone off Yemen on Dec. 23, while the Marlin Luanda, struck by a missile and set on fire last month, was carrying Russian naphtha. Russia is still struggling to sell its Sokol crude. Sixteen cargoes, totaling about 11 million barrels, are sitting on tankers that appear to be going nowhere. Another three 700,000 barrel cargoes are awaiting transfer from the shuttle tankers that haul them from Sakhalin Island. Two ships have headed back to India, while four have gone to China. Russia has now lost all its European markets for seaborne crude since its invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago. Bulgaria Moscows last customer in the region has taken nothing since the end of 2023. The gross value of Russias crude exports jumped to $1.79 billion in the seven days to Feb. 4 from $1.32 billion the previous week. Thats the highest in more than three months. Meanwhile four-week average income rose by $86 million to $1.49 billion a week. Flows by Destination Russias seaborne crude flows in the four weeks to Feb. 4 rose to 3.19 million barrels a day. That was up from 3.09 million barrels a day in the period to Jan. 28. Shipments were about 400,000 barrels a day below the average seen in May and June, or about 100,000 barrels a day below Russias first quarter target. Weekly shipments reached a five-week high of 3.68 million barrels a day. The four-week average continues to be affected by the storm that closed Kozmino for five days in the week to Jan. 28 and disruptions to shipments from Ust-Luga caused by a drone strike on a neighboring condensate refinery, followed by several days of maintenance. About 1.8 million barrels of Russian crude is heading to the Caribbean on a VLCC and is due to arrive at its unspecified destination in the region on Feb. 18, according to navigation signals from the ship. A fourth cargo is heading to Tema in Ghana, where a new refinery built by Chinese investors has begun refining crude. The plant will initially process 40,000 barrels a day, rising to 100,000 barrels with completion of a second phase, due by the end of 2025. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and the Baltic port of Ust-Luga and are not subject to European Union sanctions or a price cap. The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export grade. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies. Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, rose to 2.86 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Feb. 4, up from 2.76 million in the previous four-week period. About 1.1 million barrels a day of crude was loaded onto tankers heading to China. The Asian nations seaborne imports are boosted by about 800,000 barrels a day of crude delivered from Russia by pipeline, either directly, or via Kazakhstan. Flows on ships signaling destinations in India averaged about 840,000 barrels a day. Both the Chinese and Indian figures will rise as the discharge ports become clear for vessels that are not currently showing final destinations. The equivalent of about 615,000 barrels a day was on vessels signaling Port Said or Suez in Egypt, or are expected to be transferred from one ship to another off the South Korean port of Yeosu. Those voyages typically end at ports in India or China and show up in the chart below as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent. This figure includes more than 12.5 million barrels of Sokol crude originally destined for India that has been stuck on ships since late November. Several subsequent cargoes of Sokol have been delivered to ports in China. The country typically takes one or two cargoes a month, out of the nine usually loaded. So far, it has taken four of the cargoes loaded in January, while two more await transfer from the shuttle tankers used to haul shipments from the export terminal at De Kastri. The Other Unknown volumes, running at about 270,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Feb. 4, are those on tankers showing no clear destination. Most of those cargoes originate from Russias western ports and go on to transit the Suez Canal, but some could end up in Turkey. Others could be moved from one vessel to another, with most such transfers now taking place in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Greece. Ship-to-ship transfers of crude in the Laconian Gulf off Greece have picked up after several months of inactivity. The VLCC Ligera, holding about 1.8 million barrels, is heading for the Caribbean after taking on cargoes from two smaller tankers. A second supertanker, Achelous, is taking on cargoes at the time of writing. Europe and Turkey Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries have collapsed since Moscows troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022. A market that consumed about 1.5 million barrels a day of short-haul seaborne crude, coming from export terminals in the Baltic, Black Sea and Arctic has been lost almost completely, to be replaced by long-haul destinations in Asia that are much more costly and time-consuming to serve. Flows to Bulgaria appear to have halted at the end of last year, even sooner than the March deadline to end imports approved by Bulgarias parliament. That leaves Turkey as the only short-haul market for shipments from Russias western ports. Exports to Turkey were steady at about 260,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Feb. 4. The recent surge in flows, which took them to more than 440,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Dec. 12, appears to have waned. Flows to Bulgaria remained at zero in the most recent four-week period. No cargoes of Russian crude have been delivered to the port of Burgas since the end of 2023. No Russian crude was shipped to northern European countries, or those in the Mediterranean in the four weeks to Feb. 4. Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd. Export Value Following the abolition of export duty on Russian crude, we have begun to track the gross value of seaborne crude exports, using Argus Media price data and our own tanker tracking. The gross value of Russias crude exports jumped to $1.79 billion in the seven days to Feb. 4 from $1.32 billion the previous week. Thats the highest in more than three months. Meanwhile four-week average income rose by $86 million to $1.49 billion a week. The four-week average peaked at $2.17 billion a week in the period to June 19, 2022. The highest it reached last year was $2 billion a week in the period to Oct. 22. During the first four weeks after the Group of Seven nations price cap on Russian crude exports came into effect in early December 2022, the value of seaborne flows fell to a low of $930 million a week, but soon recovered. The chart above shows a gross value of Russias seaborne oil exports on a weekly and four-week average basis. The value is calculated by multiplying the average weekly crude price from Argus Media Group by the weekly export flow from each port. For shipments from the Baltic and Arctic ports we use the Urals FOB Primorsk dated, London close, midpoint price. For shipments from the Black Sea we use the Urals Med Aframax FOB Novorossiysk dated, London close, midpoint price. For Pacific shipments we use the ESPO blend FOB Kozmino prompt, Singapore close, midpoint price. Export duty was abolished at the end of 2023 as part of Russias long-running tax reform plans. Ships Leaving Russian Ports The following table shows the number of ships leaving each export terminal. A total of 34 tankers loaded 25.8 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Feb. 4, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. That was up by about 6.2 million barrels from the previous week. A record-equaling 11 tankers completed loading ESPO crude at the Pacific port of Kozmino, rebounding after a storm halved exports the previous week. Exports from the Baltic port of Ust-Luga also rebounded in the week to Feb. 4, after maintenance work cut flows the previous week. A record-equaling 11 tankers also loaded at Primorsk during the week. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Three cargoes of KEBCO were loaded at Ust-Luga during the week. NOTES Note: This story forms part of a weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the gross value of those flows. Weeks run from Monday to Sunday. The next update will be on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Note: All figures exclude cargoes owned by Kazakhstans KazTransOil JSC, which transit Russia and are shipped from Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga as KEBCO grade crude. If you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click here for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations. --With assistance from Sherry Su. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Consequences of the Russian attack on Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast, on the night of February 6 A two-month-old baby boy was killed and three other people were injured in a Russian overnight attack on a three-story hotel in Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast, with two S-300 missiles, regional governor Oleh Synehubov reported on Telegram on Feb. 6. The body of the infant, born on Dec. 4, was recovered from the rubble, while three women aged 21, 28 and 39, including the mother of the dead boy, were hospitalized with explosive injuries and shrapnel wounds. State Emergency Service State Emergency Service Read also: Russia masses over 40,000 soldiers, heavy armor near Kupyansk, hinting at plans for further advances Seven houses, 19 civilian infrastructure facilities (shops, cafes, kiosks), two administrative buildings and at least five vehicles were damaged in the attack. The Russians also carried out artillery and mortar strikes on more than 20 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, as well as airstrikes on Synkivka, Ivanivka, Stepova Novoselivka, and Berestove villages. Read also: Four injured after Russia hits a hospital in Kharkiv Oblast with a guided aerial bomb The Russian army intensified its offensive in late summer 2023 in the Kupyansk sector, which the Ukrainian Forces are holding back. The Ukrainian army repelled five Russian attacks near Synkivka and Ivanivka, Kharkiv Oblast, on Feb. 2, reported the General Staff. The Russian military has concentrated about 40,000 troops, more than 500 tanks, and 650 armored combat vehicles near Kupyansk, Illya Yershash, the head of the press service of the Khortytsia operational and strategic troop grouping, said on national television on Feb. 2. 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 Russian forces shelled the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast, injuring a 71-year-old woman, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported on Telegram. The village of Pishchane in the Kupiansk district was reportedly attacked by Russian shelling at around 9 a.m. local time on Feb. 6. The shelling injured a 71-year-old woman and damaged several residential buildings. Earlier this week, Russian forces destroyed a three-story hotel in the Bohodukhiv region of Kharkiv Oblast during the early hours of Feb. 6. Local officials report that one civilian was trapped under the rubble. Several hours later, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced over Telegram that the attack on the hotel killed a two-month-old boy. Three women were also reportedly wounded and subsequently hospitalized. Additionally, seven private homes, 19 private businesses, 2 administrative buildings, and at least 5 civilian cars were also reportedly damaged. The Russian military has regularly targeted Kharkiv and settlements in the oblast since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Over the past few weeks, the number of attacks on the city has increased. Read also: UPDATED: Russian attacks in Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk oblasts injure 4 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Lamar Consolidated ISD is expecting to open more than 20 new campuses, including four new campuses this fall, driving numerous job opportunities for all campuses. Juhi Varma Lamar Consolidated ISD is expecting to open more than 20 new campuses, including four new campuses this fall, driving numerous job opportunities for all campuses. Juhi Varma Roosevelt Nivens, Superintendent of Lamar CISD, participated in a panel discussion during a luncheon at Houston Marriott Sugar Land on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 in Sugar Land. Lamar Consolidated ISD is expecting to open more than 20 new campuses, including four new campuses this fall, driving numerous job opportunities for all campuses. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Lamar Consolidated ISD expects to open more than 20 new campuses, including four new campuses this fall, driving numerous job opportunities for all campuses to meet the hypergrowth the nearby suburban communities are experiencing. According to a presentation by Zonda Education representative Bob Templeton, Lamar CISD saw its total school-age population increase by more than 10,000 within district boundaries from 2020 to 2024. The district also saw its total enrollment increase by more than 8,000 within the same period, with a consistent capture rate of 81%. I've seen this (for) about ten of our clients right now, and I can tell you out of the 10 that I've seen, this is the highest capture rate, Templeton said. For most of them have seen a drop from that 2020 capture rate to the 2023 capture rate. It's dropping because of the increase in home school enrollment. It's also dropping because of what's happening with charter school enrollments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zonda Education offers enrollment projections, attendance zone planning and other services to school districts. Templeton referred to parts of Lamar CISD as hypergrowth areas when discussing homes being built within elementary school zones. Lamar CISD is considered a hypergrowth district due to 400 to 700 homes being built within several elementary school boundaries in the third quarter of 2023 Zonda Education considers 100 to 300 homes being built within a school boundary within a year to be fast growth for a district. For example, Tamarron Elementary had 768 home starts in the third quarter of 2023. Lamar CISD had the most annual new home starts at 3,818 and closings at 4,110 in the third quarter. (Lamar CISD) feels like (it is) four districts in terms of size and where the growth is happening, Templeton said. A lot of our fast growth districts might be 40 to 50 square miles and they're building 1500 homes a year. (Lamar CISD) is the equivalent of three to four of those. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To meet the demands of four campuses opening this fall and future growth predicted by Zonda Education, Lamar CISD is now hosting a job fair March 2. The district has positions available for more than 50 campuses and departments from teaching to counseling. The more we grow, the more we need good people to fill teaching positions across the district, Lamar CISD Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said. We are proud to develop leaders that inspire innovation and foster growth to support and celebrate every students success. Jose Sanchez-Garcia, human resources recruiter for Lamar CISD, said the district is looking forward to meeting applicants face to face. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It will also give us the opportunity to provide guidance, recommendations, and insight to educators interested in joining our team as it continues to grow. Space Craft BBQ was founded by Ben Muths, Alvin ISD band director, and Aaron Timmons out of their dedication to BBQ's ability to bring people together. Space Craft BBQ Space Craft BBQ was founded by Alvin ISD Band Director Ben Muths, left, and Aaron Timmons. right, out of their dedication to BBQ's ability to bring people together. Space Craft BBQ Space Craft BBQ was founded by Ben Muths, Alvin ISD band director, and Aaron Timmons out of their dedication to BBQ's ability to bring people together. Space Craft BBQ Space Craft BBQ was founded by Ben Muths, Alvin ISD band director, and Aaron Timmons out of their dedication to BBQ's ability to bring people together. Space Craft BBQ Space Craft BBQ was founded by Ben Muths, Alvin ISD band director, and Aaron Timmons out of their dedication to BBQ's ability to bring people together. Space Craft BBQ Space Craft BBQ was founded by Ben Muths, Alvin ISD band director, and Aaron Timmons out of their dedication to BBQ's ability to bring people together. Space Craft BBQ Space Craft BBQ & Taps has found a new home for its smoked meats and appreciation for craft brewing in the Clear Lake area giving fans of the pop-up business a chance to enjoy their food consistently. After holding a soft opening at the tail end of 2023, Space Craft BBQ & Taps will hold a grand opening for their new food trailer, located next to the new Motu and Valero truck stop and gas station Feb. 16. Owners Aaron Timmons and Ben Muths said they got in contact with the owners of the Texas-based Motu franchise, eventually agreeing to put their food trailer in the same location and open alongside the new gas station. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They gave us an opportunity to be at their very new gas station thats located across from Ellington (Airport), Muths said. On Feb. 16th we have our grand opening in conjunction with their grand opening. Starting then, we plan on being open at least two or three times a week. ALSO SEE: Citizens Coffee and Wine Cafe planned for downtown Hempstead in 1900s bank building The two businesses coincidentally fit together with the new Motu location sporting a NASA and space-theme on the inside, nicknaming itself the space port, and Space Crafts matching rocket ship blasting off in its logo and theming. When we started this journey and getting our brand created, we knew we wanted something to do with space, Muths said. Were in Clear Lake area where NASA is a building block of history here. Originally founded in 2022, Space Craft BBQ has been a labor of love from both Timmons and Muths, shaping their brand over time, catering for events, hosting pop-up showings and building a consistent menu. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The two eventually want the business to become a place for the community to socialize, with Texas barbecue, like smoked brisket and whole racks of ribs, as the center of attention. Although Space Craft does not currently serve their own brews, the & Tap portion of the name is meant to notate future endeavors in craft brewing. We value our community and wanted to create a space where people can gather, Timmons said. Both of us have young families and friends that kind of feel that theres not really a place to gather and just commune together. Thats our goal. Timmons, an attorney, and Muths, the head band director for Alvin ISD, hope this spring can begin to open opportunities for them to focus on Space Craft BBQ full-time, with a brick and mortar location as the eventual end goal. We think that this is an opportunity that will allow us to step into a brick and mortar eventually, Muths said. That grand opening is going to be a really cool experience for people who go. Were just trying to get people to try our food and enjoy our stuff. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The grand opening of Motu and Space Craft BBQ is set for Feb. 16 at 12210 Galveston Road in Houston. Giveaways, like discounted gas, will be awarded and the first 50 customers for Space Craft BBQ will receive a free sandwich. The United States Postal Service North Houston Processing and Distribution Center, 4600 Aldine Bender Rd., is shown Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul are demanding answers from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy about the mail delays sweeping the Houston area. The two congressmen sent a joint letter Monday outlining six main questions of DeJoy, including what steps and resources are being allocated towards fixing the delays and how USPS will make sure it doesn't happen again. "We gotta get to the bottom of this and fix it," McCaul told the Houston Chronicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WHAT WE KNOW: Everything you need to know about the USPS mail delays in Houston In the letter, they noted "processing technology" for a parcel sorter that was unable to be installed correctly, leading to the delays. McCaul said technology failure led to staffing shortages as well. Cornyn and McCaul asked for confirmation that parcel sorter issues were the main causes of the delays and for details on the type of planning that goes into setting up those sorters. "They started to use this new technology to displace humans, which, if it works, that's great, but it didn't work," McCaul said. "They had a glitch in the technology, and so all of a sudden, the mail just got like months and months behind schedule." USPS has blamed the delays on the implementation of the Delivering for America plan, a 10-year plan meant to modernize the postal system. However, the service has not publicly commented on what part of the plan has led to the delays. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Peter R. Pastre, USPS vice president for government relations and public policy, sent a letter to Texas congressional members Friday in which he said "equipment and transition failures" were causing the backlog. Pastre's letter also blamed "employee attendance issues" and winter storms for the delays. McCaul appeared skeptical. "I don't think they want to acknowledge it," he said. "They would prefer not to acknowledge they have a problem." Rep. Al Green and the National Association of Postal Supervisors said last week a major reason for the delays was that a new parcel sorter didn't fit inside the North Houston facility. With the old sorters cleared out to make space for the new one that is still not running, they said a major backlog was created that still has not been fixed. NEW REPORT COMING: USPS Office of Inspector General auditing Missouri City location The letter from Cornyn and McCaul was the latest attempt from Congress members to get answers from USPS. In the last few weeks alone, at least three other letters have been sent to USPS regarding issues in Houston and around the country. U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls sent a letter Jan. 24 to the Postmaster General, asking for answers to the mail delays. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nehls has not received an answer as of Monday, his office told the Chronicle. McCaul's district stretches from the Austin area to the west Houston suburbs. But despite the fact he isn't fully located in the Houston area, his office has received around 100 calls and over 70 caseworker requests about the delays. McCaul said that is more than he normally receives for any issue. Allison Mathis, a defense attorney, is running in the Democratic primary for Harris County's 338th Criminal District Court. Houston Chronicle Editorial Board/Allison Mathis Allison Mathis had no plans to run for district court judge in Harris County. One hearing she observed last spring as a spectator in Judge Ramona Franklins courtroom changed everything. Mathis watched as Franklin rejected Eric Canos request to die at home with his family. Cano, who was charged with murder in 2020 after being accused of shooting a man after a drunken fight, was terminally ill from cirrhosis in his liver. He could not walk or bathe himself and was in a declining mental state with weeks left to live at a county jail ill-equipped to provide hospice care. Unmoved, Franklin denied Canos request to release him on a lower bond. Cano died in custody weeks later. The defendant was dying on a gurney in a hallway in a dirty diaper, and then she refused to reduce his bond, Mathis said. And so I decided if no one else was going to primary (Franklin), that I would. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were glad someone did. Franklin, first elected to the 338th District Court in 2016, has had a tumultuous second term that raises serious questions about her fitness for the bench. She has barred defense attorneys and journalists from her courtroom and didnt allow the public to view her court proceedings in person or online, even after the courthouse reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic. She didnt preside over a single trial for more than a year from March 2020 through June 2021, according to an ABC13 investigation. She has the sixth-highest number among 26 district courts of active cases that are more than a year old. She frequently appeared at the top of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalitions monthly pre-trial detention reports for jailing more defendants than any other judge based simply on their inability to afford bail. Yet whats most troubling about Franklin is that shes been accused at times of not even following the law. She has been the subject of judicial complaints from defense attorneys who argue she revokes defendant bonds without notice or cause, sometimes without a lawyer present. She was also rebuked by an appellate court that found she abused her discretion for revoking bond and raising bail on a defendant for no apparent reason. If Franklin has a reasonable explanation for any of these red flags, we'll never know. She didn't respond to multiple requests to meet with the editorial board. Mathis, 40, is a native Houstonian yet her first job as an attorney sent her across the Pacific Ocean as a public defender in the Republic of Palau, a small island nation, where she says she litigated a case that ended their practice of solitary confinement. She returned to the U.S. and began a somewhat nomadic career as a public defender, first in Fort Bend County, then in Aztec, N.M., then for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Reservation in Washington state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mathis returned to Harris County in 2019 and joined the public defenders office, first as a felony trial attorney and then as the lead attorney in the offices post-conviction writs division. After leaving to start her own defense practice, she represented migrant defendants who were ensnared for trespassing under Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star program. Mathis experience is exclusively as a defense attorney, which isn't ideal. But Mathis pushed back on the idea that she'd be lenient toward criminal defendants. She told us she would make better use of pretrial services and diversion courts to keep low-level offenders from being locked up in the county jail but would not hesitate to revoke bail for repeat offenders who violate their bond conditions. She maintains that Texas cash bail system has merit, particularly for felony defendants, because the financial stakes force them to return to court. There's this misconception about Democrats or about liberal judges that that we want child molesters on the streets, but we have families, we have no interest in making the community less safe, Mathis said. Crucially, for a court where the sitting judge seems inclined to keep proceedings opaque, Mathis is steadfastly committed to transparency and public access, reasoning that "the law doesn't need to be this obscure thing that only people who go to law school understand." We are confident that just about any qualified candidate would be a better choice than Franklin. Mathis life experience and fascinating professional journey persuade us that she could restore competence, transparency and fairness to the 338th. We urge Democratic voters to pick her in the primary. Texas General Land Office Commissioner-elect Dawn Buckingham, during an interview in. Austin, Texas, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham accused Houstons Housing and Community Development Department of greed and incompetence following a recent news report documenting improper sales of city property. Housing Director Keith Bynam allegedly violated city rules when he gave some employees exclusive deals on 174 laptops, iPads and monitors that the department no longer needed, according to an investigation by KHOU 11. The department bought the equipment in 2019 as part of a Hurricane Harvey outreach program that has since come to an end. Per city policy, surplus items must be turned into a city-owned warehouse and then auctioned online. The department, however, sold the equipment directly to employees last spring, with iPads priced at $10, laptops at $75 and computer monitors at $25, according to records obtained by KHOU 11. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bynam told the Chronicle that his staff assessed the items as having low market value due to years of wear. He said he was unaware at the time that the sales violated city policy and made efforts to rectify the mistake. I was wrong! Bynam said in an email to staffers last April after former Mayor Sylvester Turner sent all department directors a policy reminder regarding the correct way to dispose of surplus items. In order to correct that error, ALL ITEMS MUST BE RETURNED IMMEDIATELY! The city, however, was only able to retrieve a fifth of the equipment, according to the news report. Bynam said by the time he attempted to reclaim the items, most employees who had purchased them no longer possessed them. The director did not dispute any specific finding in the KHOU 11 report but emphasized he did not have malicious intention. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The intent was to help some employees who were trying to get computers or those kinds of items for children or grandchildren, Bynam said. Many of those employees were also working remotely and working at home, so they had an opportunity to purchase appropriate work furniture that would allow them to work comfortably at home. Buckingham said Monday that her office will immediately begin investigating whether the equipment was purchased with federal disaster recovery funds and will undertake all necessary steps to address the situation. Bynam said the items in question were all purchased with city funds, and the matter should therefore not fall under the land offices jurisdiction. Mayor John Whitmire on Monday criticized the Turner administration for not taking further action to hold department officials accountable. He said he will collaborate with the land office to ensure the department is compliant. "It is unfortunate that the General Land Office has to take steps to see that the Housing Department followed federal laws governing disaster recovery funds," Whitmire said in a statement. "I promised Houstonians that I would operate an ethical and transparent City Hall. I have asked my team to investigate what happened in the Housing and Community Development Department and ensure there will be accountability. The alleged violation reflects a deeper issue within the housing department, according to Buckingham. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As story after story breaks regarding corruption and cover-ups within the Housing and Community Development Department under Mayor Turners leadership, it has become apparent how entrenched this issue has become in Houston in the past, she said in a statement. The Texas General Land Office had a turbulent relationship with the Turner administration over the distribution of Harvey relief dollars. The land office sparked outrage among local officials when it excluded Houston and Harris County from the initial distribution of $1.3 billion in Harvey mitigation funds. Despite later allocating $750 million to Harris County, Houston did not receive any additional funding, and officials maintained that the amount fell short of their needs. The land office and the city also sparred over the progress of Harvey relief programs, including those overseen by the housing department. Bynam previously told the Chronicle that he would regularly receive emails from the land office demanding faster progress and gesturing to take away the funding. Bynam said the relationship between his department and the land office has improved since Buckingham assumed office in January 2023. He said he was surprised by Buckingham's latest accusations, pointing out that no corruption allegations against the housing department have been substantiated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2021, Tom McCasland, then-housing director, accused Turner of directing affordable housing funds toward a company in which the former mayors longtime law partner, Barry Barnes, had a stake. Turner denied wrongdoing, saying he did not know Barnes was involved, and fired McCasland. The Harris County District Attorneys Office investigated, but no charges were filed. Yes, we had some issues that we needed to correct, some policy kinds of things, but nothing to indicate that there was any form of corruption or any kind of covering up or any collusion, Bynam said Monday. There was never any indication that this department or any individual in this department was doing that. Meanwhile, Buckingham, a former state senator who worked alongside Whitmire in the Legislature, expressed optimism about the shift in city leadership. My former colleague, Mayor John Whitmire, and I share the same goal to serve those we are supposed to serve and do it well, Buckingham said in the Monday statement. No shortcuts, no grift, no self-service. We will continue together to push through bureaucracy, complacency, and incompetence to prevent problems like these from happening in the future. Whitmire, with five decades of experience in the Legislature, pledged during his campaign to foster stronger ties with state officials. In his inaugural address, he cited Buckingham as an example of the positive relationships he aimed to build. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A federal judge confirmed that the U.S. government is going after Google's advertising business in a September trial. The trial is scheduled for September 9 based on the court documents filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Read Also: Google Search Retires Cached Links on Results Page Google Faces Antitrust Lawsuit for Ad Business According to the documents, Google will be on trial for its advertising business which accumulated for the majority of Alphabet's overall revenue. The latest quarterly financial results showed that around $66 billion of the $86 billion revenue came from advertising. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and multiple states have accused Google of limiting rivalry through anticompetitive mergers and has bullied publishers and advertisers to use the big tech's ad technology. In defense, Google previously stated that the lawsuit from the DOJ is merely a copycat attempt of the unfounded and dismissed lawsuit by the Texas Attorney General. "DOJ is doubling down on a flawed argument that would slow innovation, raise advertising fees, and make it harder for thousands of small businesses and publishers to grow," VP for Google's global ads, Dan Taylor, stated. Google Argues Advertising Competition is Increasing Every Year In a blog post, Google elaborated that the company is one of hundreds of companies that are making revenue from ads on the internet. Moreover, the competition has not been stifled as it continues to increase. The company also cited various companies that have undergone acquisitions and investments in advertising. This includes Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, TikTok, Comcast, Disney, Walmart, Target, and more. This antitrust lawsuit against Google's ad business marked the company's second major lawsuit, primarily highlighting the company's economic dominance for the past years. Last year, Google faced the court for its alleged monopolistic behavior in its search engine. Related Article: Google Spends $700 Million for Layoffs in January 2024 Alone Microsoft is currently in discussion with media start-up Semafor to help develop news stories with its AI chatbot. According to people familiar with the deal, Microsoft is paying an undisclosed sum to the media group to sponsor a breaking news feed called "Signals." Semafor clarified that the chatbot will only be used as a research tool to inform posts with human journalists still writing the actual article. The "Signals" initiative is expected to publish at least a dozen posts of breaking news and analysis each day. The Financial Times first reported the deal. Reports of the deal came as Microsoft is facing a copyright trial from the New York Times for supposedly using its licensed contents to train its AI models without permission. Also Read: Microsoft, OpenAI Face Class Action Copyright Infringement From Nonfiction Book Authors Copyright Lawsuits Loom Over Microsoft Media Deals Despite gaining a foothold in the media industry, Microsoft's AI venture remains under fire following wide scrutiny of the development and testing of its chatbot models. Microsoft and OpenAI, a company which the tech giant has invested a lot of money into, are facing several lawsuits from publishers and authors for copyright breaches. According to the New York Times case, the companies' biggest complainant to date, the AI firms took a "free ride" on millions of its articles to build its chatbots, including the Copilot AI. The New York Times is seeking billions of dollars for damages. News publications have been the frequent target for AI firms' web crawlers. OpenAI Opens Deals Towards Licensed AI Training This was also not the first instance an AI firm took steps to guarantee news articles into their AI training. For the past months, OpenAI has been making deals with several media companies and institutions to legally allow the firm to use its licensed content for AI training. Microsoft has also started negotiations with media groups, including a collaboration with the Craig Newmark School of Journalism, the Online News Association and the GroundTruth Project. Both Microsoft and OpenAI have also increased lobbying efforts to lessen regulators' power over their AI ventures as the companies seek to improve their products. Related Article: OpenAI in Talks with Publishers to License Contents for Over $1 Million Per Year A new US Visa restriction policy on foreigners found abusing commercial spyware to target Americans. US Secretary Anthony Blinken announced on Monday that the new visa restriction will apply to individuals caught spying on journalists, activists, minorities, oppositions, or even family members of target individuals. According to Blinken, the new policy is only the latest development in the US government's effort to curb down espionage activities from foreign governments and individual companies. The Secretary highlighted how the misuse of the technology "threatens privacy and freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association." The US government has long been alarming the bell of supposed increased surveillance on its citizens from foreign nations and state-backed criminal groups. US President Joe Biden has already issued an executive order to prevent state agencies from dealing businesses with spyware distributors to limit their market reach. Also Read: The FBI Almost Released a Spyware to Investigate Criminals US Gov't Records Increased Surveillance on Officials The US government's recent actions follow several attempted cyberattacks on its facilities and authorities. According to recent reports, at least 50 state officials have already been targeted by private hacking tools to collect critical information from them. Just recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported intercepting a supposed data breach attempt from a suspected Chinese-sponsored cybercriminal group. It did not help that insider reports suggest that China and Russia, both of which currently have tense relationships with the US, have been increasing their AI arsenal for espionage and intelligence gathering. However, no further proofs were detailed outside of US state officials' claims. Both the Chinese and Russian governments have long since denied accusations of spying on Americans. Related Article: China Spy Agency Employs AI System to Monitor US Officials - Reports Known Spywares in the US While the US government has barred state officials from accessing spyware, the companies distributing them still operate in America. Among the most prominent was the Pegasus spyware from Israel's NSO group. According to PBS, the technology was even used to illegally gain access to over 1,000 devices across 50 countries. This is also the same software used to spy and hack into the personal devices of human rights activists and advocates supporting Palestinians in 2020 and 2021. It can be remembered that Israel conducted several air raids on the Gaza Strip in May 2021 that killed 260 Palestinians. Feature: Knowledge-sharing event helps Myanmar students fulfil dream of studying in China Xinhua) 10:51, February 06, 2024 YANGON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- University students in Myanmar who wants to fulfil their study dreams in China gathered at knowledge-sharing event to pursue their goals. "Knowledge-sharing provides students with a lot of support to achieve their goals," Margaret Wong, the Myanmar student who got doctor degree from China's Wuhan University, told Xinhua during a recent knowledge-sharing event held at Yangon China Cultural Center. In the event, eight Myanmar students shared their experiences and knowledge on how to prepare to study in China. 32-year-old Aung Pyae Phyo Win, who got doctor degree from China's Xiamen University and master degree from Yunnan Normal University, said that students who want to study in China need to be well-prepared and active in school activities such as cultural exchange programs. To boost bilateral ties effectively, knowledge on history and culture is required, he added. "This event helps students who are preparing to study in China. It's easier to find a job when coming back and if you can speak Chinese well, there will be many opportunities," Chuu Eindayae, 31, who studied in Jinan University for three years, told Xinhua. "I am interested in Chinese culture and really want to study in China and the information shared at the event is really helpful," said Myint Myat Thu, 20, a Sophomore student majoring in Chinese language from the Yangon University of Foreign Languages (YUFL). "I came here to fulfill my dream of studying in China," YUFL first year student Nang Htwe Kham said. "The information about the scholarship helped me to kick off my scholarship journey." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) As impressive as cars are that can still drive on rough terrain, they will still have limitations when it comes to certain elevations or gaps. Hyundai aims to create a vehicle that can not only, drive, but also walk using its robotic legs. Hyundai Elevate The walking vehicle is developed by Hyundai's startup, venture capital, and technical and conceptual innovation and development called CRADLE, which is meant to push the boundaries and surpass vehicle barriers that standard cars cannot overcome. Elevate is equipped with wheels that are attached to complex multi-joint legs inspired by the structure of a grasshopper. With the robotic legs, Hyundai claims that the EV would be able to climb steps, lift itself to avoid flowing water, and even jump over gaps. The concept of the vehicle was first introduced at the CES 2019 event with a small-scale prototype. The real-scale prototype was then presented at the CES 2024 event. Hyundai expressed that the innovative EV could be used for several applications. Company Vice President John Suh stated that people living with disabilities around the world could "hail Hyundai Elevate that could walk up to their front door and allow their wheelchair to roll right in," along with a photo demonstration of a yellow cab appearance on the Elevate. Other than the convenience for people with disabilities, Hyunadi listed a couple of other uses that can be applied to the vehicle, such as rural exploration, construction, and disaster relief. With the robotic legs, rescue teams would be able to access areas that might've been compromised. Read Also: Uber Not Required to Provide Wheelchair Accessibility in US Cities, California Judge Rules Why It Could Be Significant in Accessibility Accessibility to vehicles, especially for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs is still not as developed as we'd hoped. If the Hyundai Elevate is used for ride-hailing service, it could be a step in the right direction that other companies have failed to enter. Hyundai is not the first to provide EVs that are meant to drive people in wheelchairs. General Motors's Cruise unit also released vehicles that come with a platform to make it easier for wheelchairs to enter called Cruise WAV, as reported by Reuters. The vehicle was based on the Cruise Origin, which, unlike the standard robotaxis from the company, no longer has a steering wheel and pedals. It's just one big space inside the vehicle where the passengers are faced with each other. While it is the right idea and concept, the problem lies with Cruise's driverless method of getting to its destinations. Back in September 2023, Cruise was only waiting for regulatory approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for deployment. Of course, we already know how that turned out. Cruise was forced to suspend its operations due to several accidents involving its driverless taxis, with some being harmless and others causing major injuries. The last straw for the driverless taxi operation was when a woman, after being hit by a human-driven car, was thrown into the path of a Cruise robotaxi and dragged the civilian before she was pinned under its wheels. Related: Microsoft, Be My Eyes Work Together for AI-Powered Customer Service for the Blind TikTok is the place for all sorts of content, but you won't be able to spend hours on the platform without coming across at least one fancam edit or thirst trap of famous actors. That part of TikTok will never be the same, or at least until the Universal Music Group song library is back. TikTok Edits Turning Silent Music plays a huge part in video edits as they set the mood, and it definitely feels like it lacks something now that some of our favorite viral tracks on the platform. This is due to TikTok failing to renew its licensing rights with Universal Music Group (UMG). In case you don't know, TikTok doesn't just use music freely. They have to reach deals with distributors and labels to be able to use the music that they have the rights to. This way, the artists and the labels will receive royalties for having their content used. Since the short-form video platform did not sort things out with UMG, countless songs were removed from the platform, which includes music from artists like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Rihanna, and more. Video edits with background music are popular in TikTok. After all, dance trends to these songs are part of the reason why the platform skyrocketed in popularity. As mentioned in The Verge, UMG expects TikTok to come to the music company with a better deal. For TikTok, this could be a concerning change, especially since Universal Music Group's library provided almost four million songs to be used on the platform. In addition to that, it also held many pop songs that are easily recognizable and would rack up views from fans of the artists. Some of the removed songs you might recognize on TikTok trends include "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift, "Never Forget You" by Noisettes, "Bloody Mary" by Lady Gaga, "Come Get Her" by Rae Sremmurd, and many more. Read Also: The Death of TikTok Fan Edits: How the Universal-TikTok Fallout Killed a Whole Online Community TikTok's Influence on the Music Industry You could say that TikTok has had a huge impact on how people discover and consume music nowadays, which is true. A lot of top music charts are full of songs that were released years ago and were only revived because of TikTok trends. However, that's not to say that music label giants like Universal Music Group need platforms like TikTok. After all, it already had several successful artists under its belt even before TikTok was even released, so it's safe to say that the video platform needs the label more. It's still undeniable that the app is instrumental to some artists' rise to fame. For instance, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, and Dove Cameron started their music careers on TikTok, as per the University of Colorado Boulder. Through memes, fancams, and just random trends, people found that they could discover good music on the app. A study even showed that 75% of TikTok users discover new artists on the app after one of their songs became viral. Related: Songs From Taylor Swift, Other Artists of Universal Music are Out of TikTok (Photo : Unsplash/LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR ) According to local supermarket owners, the Bronx NYPD is now closely collaborating with small businesses to address a shoplifting epidemic, and early signs are promising. In a throwback strategy, police officers from the Bronx's 46th Precinct started giving their phone numbers to local business owners last month, marking a change from the past few years when shopkeepers have given up contacting 911 for assistance. Detectives at the same precinct have created a new WhatsApp chat group where store retailers can upload photos and videos of shoplifters in real-time. A Promising Initiative in Combating Citywide Robberies Despite being just a few weeks old, Bronx business owners claim that having direct access to officers through the pilot program has already led to arrests. Grocer Eddie Vargas, who runs a Pioneer supermarket in the Bronx, mentioned his colleagues caught a guy shoplifting, and instead of calling 911, called the crime prevention team, and NYPD was there in five minutes. Carlos Collado, owner of two Fine Fare stores in the Bronx and Harlem, mentioned that the WhatsApp chats are particularly useful for keeping track of repeat offenders for the NYPD's crime prevention team, citing the idea to compile these crimes to know when someone has exceeded the misdemeanor threshold. Collado added, "We saw the fastest response ever." READ ALSO: Labor's $255 Million Pledge: Boosting Security Measures for Released Detainees City Council Rejection of the How Many Stops Act According to NYPD data, the month-old Bronx initiative coincides with a 5% increase in citywide robberies in the first three weeks of 2024. Meanwhile, the City Council recently rejected Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the How Many Stops Act, a controversial measure requiring NYPD officers to document everyone they question, making their job more challenging, according to critics. The 46th precinct, responsible for Fordham and Morris Heights neighborhoods, did not respond to calls for comment, and an NYPD spokesperson advised the public to call 911 to report a crime. Officers, including those in Crime Prevention, routinely provide business cards to enhance community relations, says an NYPD spokesperson. While the business cards offer direct contact, the public is reminded to dial 911 in the event of emergencies, especially a crime in progress. The NYPD did not provide specific responses to questions about the WhatsApp initiative when questioned by The Post. A Topsy-Turvy Incident that Inspired Retailers to Reach Out to 46th Precinct The new Bronx program began after an incident on December 30, where a supermarket employee was arrested for assaulting an alleged shoplifter. Feeling victimized and criminalized, shopkeepers were inspired by this incident to approach the 46th Precinct leadership. Local retailers visited the 46th Precinct offices on January 5 and shared their complaints with NYPD Inspector Jeremy Scheublin and his staff for over an hour. Carlos Collado, a supermarket owner present at the meeting, stated that Scheublin, the commanding officer of the 46th Precinct, understood their frustration regarding the lack of results after calling 911, where retail crime has not been prioritized. Collective Action to Protect Our Stores (CAPS) Coalition Encouraged by positive outcomes, some local retailers advocate expanding these new strategies citywide to tackle rampant shoplifting. Eddie Vargas, a member of the Collective Action to Protect our Stores (CAPS), a one-year-old political coalition, mentioned they are trying to visit every precinct in the city to make them aware of this program. CAPS has urged lawmakers to address the issue of thieves often not facing prosecution or arrest for stealing less than $1,000 worth of goods. The group is pushing for a change where serial shoplifters who collectively steal more than that amount will be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor. Many retailers report refraining from calling the police, except for violent incidents, and opting to invest in security guards and anti-theft technology, including controversial facial recognition software. The NYPD has recently started urging retailers to report crimes, leading to a 40% increase in store-reported crimes last year. Michael Lipetri, Chief of the Office of Crime Control Strategies, highlighted NYPD's efforts to identify and saturate areas with dense shoplifting through foot patrols. He noted improved response rates but emphasized the ongoing work needed to suppress shoplifting in New York City. RELATED ARTICLE: Inappropriate Remarks and Misconduct of Police Seminar Trainers Exposed, Marked as "Deeply Troubling" and Unacceptable by State Comptroller 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/ Proxyclick Visitor Management System) Employee satisfaction is vital for a company's success. It's important to create a positive company culture and provide enticing job perks to motivate and help attract top talents. Grace Martillano, a talent-acquisition leader at Meta who hired software engineers from various locations across Canada and the United States, believes that Meta boasts one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in the tech industry, positioning itself as a competitive employer. Martillano believes that Meta has carefully considered various aspects of employees' lives and designed benefits to ensure they feel supported. Here are the top 10 benefits that have assisted her in recruiting tech workers: 10. In-Office Amenities Meta's Menlo Park headquarters provides numerous in-office perks, including free meals, laundry service, valet parking, an arcade, a barbershop, and other amenities. However, many employees opt for remote work or a hybrid model, prompting the company to implement a generous remote work policy. 9. Four Weeks of Paid Vacations One of the most thrilling aspects of Meta's vacation package is the "recharge" perk, where employees receive four weeks of paid time off (PTO) annually. After five years with the company, they can take an extra 30 days of paid leave alongside their regular PTO. 8. Remote Workers Wellness Stipend Meta provides a wellness stipend of $2,000, allowing employees to buy gym equipment, get a gym membership, and access other wellness resources from their remote locations. 7. Home Office Funds This benefit gained popularity during the pandemic as more employees worked from home. Meta provided $1,000 to remote workers to assist them in setting up a home office. 6. Four Months of Maternity and Paternity Leave Meta provides four months of maternity and paternity leave for new parents and has also partnered with a company to offer fertility coverage, granting employees access to fertility clinics, counselors, and doctors nationwide, with a patient-care advocate to assist families with their needs. 5. Housing and Transportation Assistance for Interns Meta operates a 12-week internship program, and numerous interns opt to reside near headquarters to get full corporate experience. Meta offers housing assistance and transportation options to and from work to facilitate this. 4. Relocation Assistance The tech company partnered with another firm to aid its employees and their families relocate under specific circumstances. This relocation service arranges flights and moving trucks and assists new employees in finding suitable places to live and locating resources that matter to them, such as preschools, grocery stores, or transportation options. The company also offers a contact person who can assist families in understanding state laws and the community they're relocating to. Martillano believes that the relocation compensation provided by Meta is sufficient for employees and their families to move. 3. Bonuses Meta's bonus structure remains competitive. Though bonus amounts may have changed following the layoffs, attracting recruits is still a perk. READ ALSO: Three Things Great Bosses Can Show "Consideration" and Boost Employee Success at Work 2. Liberty to Pick Own Job Roles The company enrolls software engineers in an eight-week boot camp where they can fully engage with the company's code and products. Previously, they would also have the opportunity to meet various teams and choose their preferred area. Meta didn't hire for specific roles unlike many other large tech firms. After completing the boot camp, software engineers could select their preferred roles, whether it involved working on Insta Reels, WhatsApp Payments, Facebook Stories, or another Meta platform. 1. Equity Packages Meta provides very competitive equity packages to its employees, aligning with those offered by other major tech firms. While this is crucial for recruitment, candidates typically anticipate a strong equity offering. Though not always the standout benefit for new hires, it remains one of the most significant. RELATED ARTICLE: Five Companies Known for Best and Strong Work Culture 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A rare and culturally significant "sarira," the remains of Buddhist monks from Korea's 14th-century Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), will return home after more than eight decades in the United States. Korea's Cultural Heritage Administration said Tuesday that the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, one of the three biggest art museums in the U.S. has agreed to donate the remains in its collection to the Jogye Order, the largest sect of Korean Buddhism. The two sides separately agreed to push for returning the sarira reliquary on a loan basis for an unspecified period for public displays and preservation treatment, the agency said. Under the agreement reached in Boston on Monday (U.S. time), the museum decided to make the donation before the Buddha's birthday, which falls on May 15 this year. "Keeping the Korean word 'Hanjiboncheo,' meaning 'returning to its rightful place,' in mind, we will enshrine the sarira with the utmost respect," said Ven. Hyegong of the Jogye Order, who took part in the latest negotiations. Officials said details of the loan, including the period and method, would be decided in future negotiations. The agreement came after 15 years of negotiations between the two sides over the return of the Korean relic. However, it remains an unresolved issue following the accord whether the country will be able to able to permanently retrieve the sarira container in the future. Sarira is a Buddhist term for bead-shaped bodily relics of spiritual masters. While sarira holds great religious significance, sarira reliquaries carry additional meaning in art history as they represent Buddhist crafts created by the finest artisans of the time, reflecting contemporary styles. However, the Boston museum reportedly took a negative stance on returning the sarira container, citing lack of evidence that it was acquired illegally, despite continuous discussions. The "silver-gilt Lamaist pagoda-shaped sarira reliquary," presumed to date back to the 14th century, is considered a masterpiece of Goryeo Buddhist art. It enshrines the remains of the Buddha himself, alongside those of two revered Korean monks, Jigong and Naong. The two are celebrated for their contributions to the history of Korean Buddhism. The CHA believes the sarira container was crafted after the latter monk passed away in the late years of the Goryeo Dynasty. The sarira's journey out of Korea began when it was illegally taken out of the country during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945). The Boston museum reportedly purchased it from a dealer in 1939. The institution believes it originated from Hoeam Temple in Yangju, just north of Seoul. (Yonhap) By Yi Whan-woo Korea will introduce a series of measures this month to ensure that foreign exchange regulations remain in line with global standards, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said on Tuesday. The announcement comes as Asia's fourth-largest economy prepares to open its doors to international financial institutions to participate in the domestic foreign exchange market starting in July. However, Korea's regulations are perceived to be lacking in meeting international standards, particularly in addressing foreign exchange settlement risks. The term refers to the risk of loss when one party in a foreign exchange transaction pays for the currency it sold but does not receive the currency it bought. The risk can significantly undermine the financial stability of the affected party. Therefore, adequately addressing this risk is crucial for safeguarding firms. Those concerns were raised during a meeting between First Vice Finance Minister Kim Byoung-hwan and the representatives of 10 multinational firms operating in London, Monday (local time). Kim is on a visit to the United Kingdom to promote Koreas regulatory reforms and to invite more investors from abroad to take a part in Seouls foreign exchange market. The 10 companies included Fidelity Investments, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, PIMCO, UBS, and Wellington Management Company. The vice minister, after listening to their concerns, said Korea will come up with measures to successfully tackle foreign exchange settlement risks, the ministry said. It added that the Bank of Korea, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), and other pertinent entities will also be included in discussions to refine the specifics of foreign exchange market policy reforms. During Mondays meeting, the vice minister also promoted an initiative called the Corporate Value-up Program led by the FSC to boost undervalued stocks. Details of the program will be announced within February with the aim of making the Korean securities market more accessible to foreign investors. On Tuesday, Korea kicked off a test run to extend its foreign exchange trading hours to 2 a.m. The market is currently open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The government aims to extend the closing hour to 2 a.m. initially, with the ultimate goal of allowing trading 24 hours a day. By Yoon Ja-young Kyobo Life Insurance, which has operated under the same name and ownership for the past 66 years since its foundation, has continued its growth independently without external support like public funds. This rare achievement in the countrys financial industry is attributed to management that stresses environmental social and corporate governance (ESG) as well as principles and ethics, building customer trust based on the founding philosophy of "promoting education." Shin Chang-jae, the insurers CEO and chairman of the board has a unique career, having transformed from a medical school professor to the CEO of a life insurance company. He has guided the insurer through the Asian financial crisis as well as the global financial crisis, growing it into a leading insurer. Behind the continuous growth is a management philosophy, which is customer-oriented, transparent and ethical. It seeks mutual growth with others instead of only seeking profit, said Rhee Dong-kee, an honorary professor of business administration at Seoul National University. Kyobo has shown examples of ethical management. The chairmans family paid 183.1 billion won in inheritance tax after his father Kyobos founder Shin Yong-ho passed away in 2003. The payment made headlines as it was rare back then for a conglomerate owner family to honestly pay the huge tax instead of taking all means possible to avoid it. He has never caused any controversy by abusing power during his past 24 years serving in top management as a major shareholder, which is notable in an industry often plagued by frequent financial scandals. Shin was invited to present Kyobos management philosophy at the Best ESG Forum, which marked its 20th anniversary last year. Shin said, Ethical management should be more than simply abiding by the law. We need to be more active, fulfilling all our ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen while making excellent achievements and seeking a balance between parties of interest. Only then can we win trust and grow together. Kyobos management, which focuses on the virtuous circle sustained by customers, insurance salespeople, employees, investors, government and the local community led Shin to be named Insurance Hall of Fame Laureate last year, awarded by the International Insurance Society (IIS). His father also won the award in 1996. IIS noted that the leadership with love, affection and respect for all human life based on stakeholder relationship management has established Kyobo as one of Koreas most successful insurers and a pioneer in ESG and sustainability initiatives. Kyobos management philosophy extends beyond the financial sector. Kyobo Book Centre, with 43 nationwide branches, is based on such a legacy. It continues to invest in the bookstores, despite their lack of profitability. Woori Financial Group said Tuesday its net profit dropped 19.9 percent on year to 2.51 trillion won ($1.89 billion) in 2023. Operating profit also fell 20.72 percent on year to 3.51 trillion won last year, while revenue declined 0.92 percent to 42.03 trillion won over the cited period. The group attributed the sharp drop in profit to what it called one-time expenses, which included 1.88 trillion won set aside in reserves to absorb potential losses amid growing concerns over real estate project financing (PF) loans. PF loans have become a risk factor for the financial sector after the country's 16th-largest builder, Taeyoung Engineering & Construction, filed for a debt-restructuring program late last year. Woori Financial Group said its nonperforming loan (NPL) coverage ratio stood at a record high of 229.2 percent, with that of flagship Woori Bank also reaching an all-time high of 318.4 percent as of end-2023. (Yonhap) Startups, Hyundai Marine team up to offer fourth internet-only bank By Anna J. Park Four startups Lendit, Lunit, Jobis & Villains and Travel Wallet as well as Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance jointly formed the U-Bank Consortium earlier this week, aiming to become the country's fourth internet-only bank. So far, there are three internet-only banks in Korea: Kbank, KakaoBank and Toss Bank. What is peculiar about the consortium is that its members come from various industries, ranging from fintech, travel and medicine to insurance. Lendit is a peer-to-peer (P2P) online lending business, focusing on medium-interest-rate loans, while Lunit is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based cancer detection and treatment company. Jobis & Villains provides a tax refund service for small business owners and freelancers, and Travel Wallet is the country's leading company in the area of fee-free foreign currency payment service. Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance has 69 years of robust experience in the insurance industry, providing financial stability to the consortium. Blending the variety of specialties, the consortium plans to develop innovative financial products and services through their vast pool of AI-driven big data. While Lendit, which has provided medium-interest-rate loans to over 15 million individuals, will develop a specialized credit evaluation model, Lunit, possessing cancer medical data, will develop customized insurance products and provide information through the digital banking app. Their key target market, once they succeed in winning a digital banking license from the financial authorities, will be consumers belonging to marginalized communities, such as senior citizens, small business owners and foreign nationals, who are largely ignored by existing online banking services, or who have at least not been the main focus of traditional banking. "The consortium paid attention to the fact that even though the population aged over 65 continues increasing, and small and medium-sized businesses are accounting for 99.9 percent of the total number of companies, services specifically designed for these groups are lacking. Additionally, the number of foreign workers, which reached an all-time high of 920,000 last year, continues to rise," the consortium stated. With these target groups in mind, the consortium plans to develop well-tailored financial services for them, such as larger font sizes for people with vision difficulty and specialized credit evaluation models. Also, they intend to offer digital financial services in various languages, including Vietnamese, Thai and Uzbek. "Unlike the first-generation internet-only banks, the second generation of internet-only banks will usher in the era of hyper-personalized finance based on AI technology and big data," said Kim Sung-joon, CEO of Lendit, adding that the bank consortium will also be thoroughly prepared to ensure financial soundness, compliance and consumer protection. Last July, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Korea's top financial regulator, announced that it shifted the banking license issuance system, under which any new players can submit applications at any time of the year to be granted internet-only banking licenses. The move was aimed at promoting an influx of new players into the market and shaking up the existing oligopoly structure of the banking industry by inviting further competition. Currently, Korea Credit Data is targeting to apply for a digital banking license by the end of the third quarter of this year. An association of small enterprises from 12 regions is also planning to seek a license as well, with plans to apply to the financial authorities next month. The U-Bank Consortium has not yet decided on the timing of the preliminary application for the issuance of a banking license, adding that it hopes to pursue perfection in its preparation. The financial regulator said Tuesday it will require companies to publicly disclose details of key decisions when they push for merger deals, in an effort to better protect investors. The move was announced one day after a Seoul court cleared Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong of any wrongdoing in a controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates that was widely seen as an attempt to solidify Lee's control of the largest conglomerate in Korea. Currently, "details of board meetings related to a merger are not disclosed, making it hard for shareholders to raise issues even when the board makes a decision that only benefits the major shareholder," the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said in a press release. The financial regulator said it will seek to require firms to disclose the purpose of an envisioned merger and acquisition, the amount of cost involved and whether such a cost is appropriate, along with detailed views of the board. Businesses seeking to merge or acquire firms are also currently required to have an external agency determine the appropriate price of the proposed merger and acquisition and have the proposed price evaluated, but they often have the same agency propose and evaluate the price of the merger and acquisition, according to the FSC. Under new rules, businesses will be prohibited from having the same external agency propose and evaluate the price of a merger. The financial regulator will also stipulate that the "appropriateness (of price) refers to the actual value of a firm," so that the evaluation of price will not simply check to see if the price does not violate regulations, it added. Also, in the case of a merger involving affiliated firms, the businesses will be required to appoint external agencies that are "independent" from the firms' major shareholders to study and evaluate the cost of their merger. Currently, they are allowed to "freely appoint any evaluation agency, raising concerns that their evaluations may be biased toward the interest of the major shareholder," the FSC said. The financial regulator plans to issue a legislative notice of the proposed changes before the end of this month and start enforcing the new regulations next month. (Yonhap) 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 High-tech devices make holiday travel more comfortable 11:01, February 06, 2024 By Wang Danning and Chen Ziyan ( Chinadaily.com.cn Editor's note: New technology has been deployed at roads, train stations and airports to enhance travel efficiency and bring a convenient and comfortable experience to passengers during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, which began on Jan 26 and will last until Mar 5. Let's have a look! 1. Smart robots This photo shows an intelligent service robot following a passenger. [Photo/Official WeChat account of CHINA RAILWAY] Some stations along the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway have introduced intelligent service robots, which have taken the job of guiding passengers, answering inquiries, and carrying heavy luggage. The intelligent service robot has a closed storage box with a maximum carrying capacity of 100 kilograms. After placing bulky items in the storage box, passengers scan the code or undergo facial recognition to make the robot follow. In addition, the robot can also lead passengers to check-in points. This photo shows a robot patrolling at a substation serving the railway linking Chengdu with the cities of Zigong and Yibin in Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua] Patrol robots, suitable for substations and other key areas, can remotely monitor noise, gas, and temperature by laser sensors, high-definition cameras, and infrared thermal imagers. The arm of the robot can rotate 360 degrees, achieving multi-angle inspections. With a high-resolution image processing system, it can quickly complete panoramic scanning and intelligent analysis of the components at the bottom of a bullet train, shortening the maintenance time for 8 carriages from 2.5 hours to 45 minutes. This photo shows a mobile charging robot. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Zhejiang Commercial Group] At Jiaxing Service Area of Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, mobile charging robots have introduced unmanned driving technology, which can continuously charge 4 to 5 vehicles. The robot can locate vehicles and charge them. 2. Luggage check-in information platform A passenger scans the code to track the real-time status of luggage. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Shandong Airport] Jinan International Airport in Shandong province has launched an information platform for luggage, which enables passengers to track the real-time status of their luggage via the phone after handing it over at the check-in counter. 3. Gaotiexia intelligent restaurant This photo shows the Gaotiexia intelligent restaurant at Jinan Railway Station in Shandong province. [Photo/Official WeChat account of CHINA RAILWAY] The Gaotiexia intelligent restaurant at Jinan Railway Station in Shandong province can provide meals to passengers in the shortest time with robotic equipment. The restaurant has 6 automatic cooking machines. The cooking machine can make a bowl of delicious beef noodles in 48 seconds. Each dish takes 5 minutes from being ordered to being delivered to the table. This photo shows a smart coffee machine at the Gaotiexia intelligent restaurant. [Photo/ Official WeChat account of CHINA RAILWAY] The restaurant also has a smart coffee machine, soymilk and beverage machine and ice cream machine. After customers scan the code and pay, everything is ready in a few minutes. 4. Unmanned boat Workers carry out preparation work in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, on Jan 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Unmanned boats have been used for bridge inspection along the Chengdu-Chongqing intercity railway. Workers can measure the cross-section of riverbed in upstream and downstream areas with a remote control, and collect accurate and comprehensive data, thus offering a scientific basis for bridge maintenance. A worker operates an unmanned boat in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, on Jan 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] 5. Snow-melting device This photo shows snow-melting devices at turnouts. [Photo/Chengdu-Lanzhou railway project department of China Railway Electrification Bureau Group] Snow-melting devices have been installed at turnouts from Maoxian railway station to Zhenjiangguan railway station, a section of the Sichuan-Qinghai railway, formerly known as Chengdu-Lanzhou railway. The device can switch functions in light of snow accumulation and temperature, to ensure the safety of train operation. When the temperature drops below 0 C, its heating units start working. 6. Smart skylights This photo shows smart skylights at Xiamen North Railway Station in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/Xinhua] Smart skylights at Xiamen North Railway Station in Xiamen, Fujian province, can be easily controlled by monitoring light intensity, wind force, precipitation, and indoor-outdoor differences in real time, in a bid to improve the indoor environment and save energy. "With smart skylights, the ventilation system stops operation for 40 days per year, equivalent to a reduction of 14.13 tons of carbon dioxide," said Sun Yufeng, deputy head of Xiamen North Railway Station. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) North Korea on Tuesday denounced a Japanese local government for tearing down a memorial stone for Korean victims of Japan's wartime forced labor and called on it to immediately restore it. Gunma Prefecture pulled down the memorial stone at a public park in Takasaki last week despite opposition from activist groups. The monument was erected in 2004 by a civic group to promote public understanding of the shared history from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea condemned Gunma Prefecture authorities' removal of the memorial stone as a "violent act of fascism" and called for the immediate restoration of the stone. "This is an intolerable and inhumane act that once again hurts the wounds of victims of (Japan's) forced labor and their descendants," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a commentary. North Korea said the removal of the monument pointed to Japan's denial of its wartime history and its move to glorify the colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. "Gunma Prefecture authorities should understand the consequences of the current situation that has sparked an unbearable anger and immediately restore the memorial stone," the KCNA said. Gunma Prefecture refused to extend the state approval for the establishment of the stone, claiming that an activist made inappropriate remarks about Japan's forced labor during a 2012 memorial event. Japan's top court ruled in favor of the Gunma authorities in 2022. The forced labor issue has been a major thorn in bilateral relation between South Korea and Japan. Many Koreans were forced to work in Japanese factories under harsh conditions during Japan's colonial rule. (Yonhap) A growing number of North Koreans have negatively assessed Kim Jong-un as a political leader and harbored doubts about whether the Kim family's hereditary power succession is legitimate, a report showed Tuesday. Seoul's unification ministry released the 280-page report on North Korea's economic and social situation for the first time Tuesday. The report is based on in-depth interviews with 6,351 North Korean defectors conducted between 2013 and 2022. It showed 43.8 percent of the North's defectors said they thought Kim Jong-un taking power was inappropriate when they lived in North Korea. For those who fled North Korea between 2016 and 2020, some 56.3 percent gave a negative assessment of Kim as a leader. "Negative public sentiments toward the 'Paektu bloodline'-based leadership system have been increasing and this perception appears to be gaining traction since Kim Jong-un assumed power (in late 2011)," the report showed. North Korean propaganda has idolized the ruling family as the "Paektu bloodline," claiming that Kim's late father, former leader Kim Jong-il, was born on Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, despite the fact that he was born in the far eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk. Nearly 55 percent of the North's defectors who fled the North between 2016 and 2020 said they had a negative opinion of the Kim family's power succession. Some 42.6 percent held such a view among those who escaped the country between 2011 and 2015. Kim Jong-un has brought his teen daughter, Ju-ae, to public events since late 2022 in an apparent bid to demonstrate his commitment to the third hereditary power succession. The National Intelligence Service, Seoul's spy agency, said it sees Ju-ae as the "most likely successor." Amid a sluggish economy, more North Koreans have been doing various activities in the "private" economy, including selling goods at markets, cultivating unauthorized lands, smuggling and engaging in housing construction projects. Markets are playing a critical role in the livelihoods of North Koreans, as the food rationing system has collapsed. Around 91 percent of the North's defectors said life was not sustainable without markets, and for those who fled the North after 2012, some 68.1 percent of their income came from "non-official" income sources. "The influence of markets has been expanding to healthcare, education, transportation and information infrastructure from the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as energy, water and sewage," it said. North Korea has been suffering from a chronic food shortage amid prolonged U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. The North Korean economy probably contracted 0.2 percent on-year in 2022, marking the third straight year of falls, according to data from the Bank of Korea. Amid market-based economic activities, "non-socialist" acts banned under North Korean law have also risen, including hiring contracts between individuals and sales of houses and land, the report showed. The status of women in North Korea, a male-dominant society, has changed as more North Korean women have engaged in economic activities in marketplaces. The proportion of women who delay marriage or get divorced has increased and North Korea's fertility rate has declined. Touching on inflows of outside information, 36.4 percent of the defectors said they possessed mobile phones in North Korea, but access to the internet was almost impossible. Despite North Korea's stepped-up surveillance, North Koreans have been watching movies or dramas produced by South Korea and other countries via USBs and other devices. Some 83.3 percent of the North's defectors who fled the country between 2016 and 2020 said they watched videos originating from other countries, compared with 8.4 percent of those who escaped the North before 2000. North Korea has tightened its grip on inflows of outside information as it views them as a source of major threats to the regime. In 2020, North Korea adopted a new law that bans people from distributing or watching videos originating from South Korea, the United States and other countries. "Under the Kim Jong-un regime, North Korea has been strengthening its control of society and discipline," the report said. Of the surveyed defectors, 81.8 percent were women and 82.1 percent hailed from four northern provinces bordering China. People in their 20s and 30s accounted for 54.8 percent of the North's defectors. The report did not include North Korea's situation in the wake of Pyongyang's border closure over COVID-19 as it was written based on information collected from the North's defectors who fled their home country in the period up until 2020. (Yonhap) Fear mongering could be real motive behind N. Korean leader's war rhetoric By Kang Hyun-kyung There's a saying that goes, "A barking dog never bites." Some North Korea analysts argue that this proverb better elucidates North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's motives behind his recent increase in hostile remarks against South Korea, including threats of nuclear destruction. Just as dogs may bite out of fear, some argue that Kim's increasingly provocative rhetoric reflects his own anxieties rather than signaling a genuine willingness to go to war with South Korea, as some U.S. analysts have claimed in a recent article. The group of people who believe fear-driven barking is more convincing than the war scenario highlights North Korea's internal factors as a source of Kim's belligerent behavior. They argue that such behavior serves to deflect attention from domestic issues and challenges. Inside this school of thought, views are divided. Some argue that economic frustration is a key driver of North Korea's escalating saber-rattling. Others argue that the primary driver behind North Korea's increasing saber-rattling is not just a food shortage but a more fundamental concern. According to this perspective, Kim Jong-un is deeply troubled by South Korea's cultural influence, which has become widespread, especially among teenagers and millennials in their 20s and 30s. This group, often referred to as the "Jangmadang Generation," grew up experiencing elements of capitalism through their parents' involvement in markets to make ends meet. They believe that if not adequately controlled, this cultural influence could pose a serious threat to the regime. If the North prepares for war, there should be signs, and the South would be able to detect some of those signs, either through signal or human intelligence, Retired Navy Capt. Park Bum-jin told The Korea Times. But currently, there have been no such signs. Park, also an adjunct professor at Kyung Hee University's Graduate School of Business, said fear-driven barking explains Kims highly provocative statements. Kim became outrageous because South Koreas pop culture has been gaining traction among the North Korean youth, he said, adding that video footage recently released by a Seoul-based non-profit group called South and North Korea Democracy (SAND) illustrates the hysteria of the North Korean regime. The footage depicts North Korean authorities publicly sentencing two North Korean teenagers to 12 years of hard labor for watching South Korean TV dramas and movies. The 16-year-olds are shown handcuffed and dressed in prison uniforms during the public trial. North Korea has been vigilant against what it perceives as South Korea's cultural invasion. In an effort to curb its influence on residents, North Korea has implemented a series of measures prohibiting North Koreans from watching or distributing South Korean dramas, movies, and pop music. Since 2020, North Korea has imposed fines or imprisonment on individuals caught owning or distributing foreign cultural products or speaking in a manner resembling South Koreans. Park said Kims paranoia reached a peak as South Korean pop culture greatly impacted the younger generation. Kim appears to feel a sense of crisis because the influence of South Korean pop culture in the North could make him lose control over the residents, he said. Whenever he feels pressure, he ratcheted up provocations like the ones weve seen recently. Park noted that the North Korean leader is attempting to convey the message that the North is capable of defending itself, citing its possession of nuclear weapons and missiles. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik echoed a similar sentiment regarding the North Korean leader's recent provocative statements. He suggested that Kim's primary audience is North Korean residents, particularly due to the North's internal challenges. Shin argued that Kim aims to consolidate support from residents by instilling fear and creating a sense of urgency about the possibility of war, thereby urging them to be prepared. During his speech at the 9th Enlarged Plenum of the 8th Workers Party of Korea Central Committee meeting held from Dec. 26-30, Kim declared an end to "eight decades" of inter-Korean relations, labeling South Korea as the North's primary enemy. Subsequently, he acted on his words. In January, the North removed the arc of reunification, Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification in Pyongyang, which had symbolized reunification since its establishment in 2001. This action came shortly after Kim referred to it as an "eyesore" during a speech to the Supreme People's Assembly on Jan. 15. Additionally, North Korea announced the complete destruction of the North Korean segment of the inter-Korean railway, which connected Seoul to Sinuiju via Pyongyang, rendering it inoperable for future service. Through this course of action, Kim abruptly disregarded the legacies of his father and grandfather. This indicates a sense of urgency on his part to push for fundamental changes. There has been significant interest in understanding what prompted the North Korean leader to become so agitated about inter-Korean relations, to the extent of rejecting the Kim dynasty's decades-old legacy of pursuing a unified Korea. It is worth noting that North Korea's vision of unification, with two distinct systems coexisting within a single country, differs significantly from South Korea's pursuit of a free and democratic Korea. Analysts rushed to interpret the intention behind his provocative behavior. Some analysts interpreted Kim's increasingly provocative remarks and North Korea's subsequent actions as indicative of an impending war. They emphasize external factors such as the protracted war in Ukraine and the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, suggesting that these circumstances could lead to North Korea's miscalculation, especially as the U.S. may struggle to simultaneously sustain multiple war fronts. Others suggest that Kim's confidence and outspokenness may have been bolstered after North Korea signed a military pact to send artillery and munitions to Russia, leading Kim to believe that Russia is providing backing and support. However, some analysts interpret the situation differently, asserting that there have been no indications of war thus far. Soo Kim, a former analyst for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), cautioned against making definitive statements about whether Kim is or is not preparing for war. She warned that either assertion creates a simplistic view of the North Korean leader's intentions. What we do know is that North Korea has stepped up its provocative behavior the increased frequency and variations of weapons testing, hostile statements toward the U.S. and South Korea, and the recent decision to make it clear that Seoul was Pyongyangs Number 1 enemy, she said. Kims most recent decision to remove unification as the goal gives him greater justification and wriggle room to intensify his belligerent activities that could help him better prepare for pitched tensions with the South. Park Jae-wan, a retired major and adjunct professor at Kookmin University Graduate School of Politics and Leadership, suggested that Kim's greatest fear at present could be the instability of his regime due to the repercussions of cultural invasion. North Korea is a country where collective action or any form of protest against the regime is nearly impossible because its system was built like that, he said. Thus, what can happen in case younger North Koreans are exposed to South Korean culture will be that they can refuse to accept the system and choose to defect to a free country like South Korea. This is the fear Kim is dealing with. He said he agrees that fear-driven barking could be an accurate description of Kims provocative remarks. Park said the North Korean leader's remarks about war do not align with the other actions he has taken since December. There are discrepancies between his words and deeds, he said. If he is seriously considering war as an option, Park said, Kim is not supposed to export artillery shells, rockets and munitions to Russia. If a country is preparing for war, its supposed to gather weapons, not sell them, he said. Park added that it is possible the North Korean leader may have been quoted out of context in his speeches during the two recent events, first in December and then in early January. In those speeches, Kim himself made it clear that he had no intention of waging war against the South, but he also said that he would not back down in the event of the outbreak of a war and that he would destroy South Korea with nuclear bombs. Park pointed to North Korea's recently announced development plan to build 200 manufacturing factories in provincial cities and counties as another indicator showing that Kim has no plans to wage war against the South. Kim announced that North Korea would construct 20 factories in cities outside of Pyongyang every year for 10 years, and those factories will produce necessary goods for the residents. The plan was proposed to address the significant development disparity between North Korea's capital and its other cities and counties. "Kim said North Korean soldiers would be mobilized to build those factories, said Park. I took this seriously because if North Korea is preparing for war, it would not allow its soldiers to work on construction sites. North Koreas plan to build factories also signals that it has no intention of waging war, simply because if a war breaks out, these factories would be destroyed. Thailand's education minister has praised North Korea's school system for its "discipline and patriotism," and asked the international pariah for help in creating a similar environment for the kingdom's students. The remarks made last month came to light after a statement from a meeting between Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and the North Korean ambassador was circulated among Thai media. Permpoon praised North Korea's schooling system, saying Bangkok sought "educational support to discipline children with patriotism and respect for country leaders." Amnesty International report this year criticized North Korea's schooling, noting it was "superficial and does not provide adequate education for students." It said children, some still in primary education, were forced into various kinds of manual labour by the state while at school. Permpoon's comments were not the first time Thailand has praised North Korea's education system. In 2014 shortly after the kingdom had its most recent coup the then-education minister expressed to Pyongyang the similarities between the two nations' schooling and suggested they develop ties through educational exchanges. Critics in Thailand have voiced concerns over the kingdom's education system, which they regard as a reflection of the deep-seated patriarchal and authoritarian values of society. A leaked video surfaced on social media last year in which a teacher beat a student in the classroom. A group calling itself the "Bad Students" marched during 2020 pro-democracy protests to call for an overhaul of the education system. (AFP) Doctors poised to go on general strike after Lunar New Year holiday By Jun Ji-hye The government will raise the annual enrollment quota at medical schools by 2,000 starting in 2025 from the current 3,058, Health Minister Cho Kyu-hong announced, Tuesday. The ultimate goal is to ensure improved public access to medical services, particularly in rural areas, and to alleviate chronic shortages of physicians in critical fields such as pediatrics and emergency care. Despite strong opposition from doctors, the Ministry of Health and Welfare made the decision during a health care policy meeting presided over by Cho. The meeting was attended by government officials, healthcare experts, as well as representatives of patients and consumers. In response to the government's decision, the Korea Medical Association (KMA), a doctors' organization, issued a warning of a general strike following the conclusion of the Lunar New Year holiday on Feb. 12. Todays decision will serve as a momentum for the countrys medical reforms, the health minister said during the meeting. Now is the golden time to revive essential treatment fields and prepare for an aging society. The total admissions quota of the 40 medical schools in Korea has remained unchanged at 3,058 since 2006. The ministry has not yet determined the distribution of the additional 2,000 students among medical schools. The specifics will be disclosed later following consultations with the Ministry of Education. The health minister said the government will prioritize efforts to increase the quota at medical schools situated outside the Seoul metropolitan area. This aligns with the primary goal of the policy, which is to address regional disparities and improve access to medical services in underserved areas. The government has been seeking to increase the number of doctors in the country by raising the medical school enrollment quota, amid continued shortages of physicians in crucial areas such as pediatrics, emergency care and obstetrics, which are less popular among doctors due to a heavy workload and low pay compared to other popular fields such as plastic surgery. The move also aims to revive regional medical services and prepare for the nation's transition to an aged society. Expanding the number of doctors is an imperative task that cannot be continuously postponed, President Yoon Suk Yeol said during a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day, noting that the country is expected to need 15,000 more doctors by 2035 due to growing demand for health care spurred by an aging population. During a media briefing held later in the day, Cho said, By raising the medical school enrollment quota by 2,000 annually, the country will have 10,000 more doctors in 2035. The governments push to increase the number of medical school students has been largely supported by the public and even opposition parties, following a number of instances where patients died in ambulances while looking for emergency rooms after being rejected by hospitals suffering from a shortage of doctors or beds. A shortage of pediatricians has also forced many parents to wait for hours to see a doctor when their children are sick. According to the health ministry, the number of doctors per 1,000 people in the country stood at 2.6, which is below the OECD average of 3.7. In addition, the number of medical school graduates stood at 7.2 per 100,000 people as of 2020, lower than the OECD average of 13.6. A health ministry official emphasized that the government took into account the opinions of doctors' groups when formulating its medical reform policies. The official cited the policy packages announced on Feb. 1, aimed at reducing the legal risks stemming from medical accidents and establishing a more equitable compensation scheme for doctors for their services. We respect the medical circle and have communicated sufficiently with doctors to listen to their demands, the official said. Despite the introduction of those policy packages, doctors' groups, including the KMA, remain unconvinced and continue to oppose the hike in medical school quotas. They have voiced concerns that increasing the number of medical school students might compromise the quality of education and training. Instead, they urge the government to concentrate on enhancing the working conditions of physicians and implementing better allocation strategies. The KMA warned that it will go on a general strike if the government pushes ahead with its decision on the quota hike. We express regret over the government making a unilateral announcement without sufficient discussions and consultations with the medical circle, KMA President Lee Pil-soo said during a media conference. On Monday, the Korean Intern Resident Association also announced that a survey conducted on around 10,000 intern and resident doctors showed that 88.2 percent of the respondents agreed with collective actions, including strikes, if the government proceeds with raising the medical school quota. In 2020, the previous Moon Jae-in government eventually retracted its proposal to raise the medical school admissions quota by 4,000 over 10 years, after facing fierce protests by physicians and trainee doctors as well as medical school students. The health ministry affirmed its commitment to responding firmly to any potential strikes by doctors in accordance with laws and principles. The ministry warned the leadership of the KMA not to engage in collective actions or incite such steps. It warned that the government would utilize all available means, including administrative measures and legal actions, to respond to any unlawful behaviors that pose a threat to public health. Those who violate such orders can have their licenses suspended under medical laws, or they can face imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 15 million won ($11,300) under criminal laws, according to the ministry. The United States highlighted its focus on close trilateral security coordination with South Korea and Japan on Monday, criticizing North Korea's recent cruise missile launches as "deeply destabilizing." Pyongyang has conducted four rounds of cruise missile launches this year, including the test-fire of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, amid questions over how to rein in such cruise missile launches that are not subject to U.N. Security Council resolutions. "These kinds of actions by the DPRK are deeply destabilizing and they are unhelpful and they contribute to greater risk in the region," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press briefing. "We will continue to coordinate closely trilaterally with the ROK and Japan when it comes to pushing back on some of these malign and destabilizing actions," he added. ROK and DPRK stand for the official names of South Korea and North Korea, the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, respectively. Patel also responded to a question about Russia's denial of arms trade with Pyongyang, vowing to keep close international coordination against weapons transfers between the two countries. "What we do know is that there is a deepening relationship between the DPRK and Russia. We've seen that over the past many months, including that transfer of munitions from the DPRK to Russia," he said. "We believe that these kinds of actions and activities are deeply concerning and destabilizing and we will continue to work in close coordination to fend off against those (actions)." In a separate press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Major Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasized what he termed the "excellent" relationship between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan, as the three countries jointly confront evolving North Korean threats. "We will continue to share information as it relates to regional security and stability," he said. In response to a question over whether the countries have "completely" tracked North Korean missile launches, he said, "We keep a very close eye on the region." (Yonhap) The following article was contributed by the ambassadors to the Republic of Korea of the European Union and EU member states. ED. This month we mark a grim anniversary; two years since Russias invasion of Ukraine. This period has seen Russia breach international law, commit war crimes and engage in unlawful military cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The ambassadors of the European Union reiterate their condemnation of these actions, and their appreciation for the solid support of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Ukraine. We are confident that the Republic of Korea's support will remain firm, including in full implementation of sanctions against Russia. Global security and the survival of the international rules-based order depends on it. Feb. 24 marks the second anniversary of Russias brutal war of aggression on Ukraine. This is an appropriate juncture to put the record straight amid recent media interventions by Russias ambassador-designate to the Republic of Korea. Russias illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes a blatant and shocking violation of international law and in particular, the U.N. Charter. This war is being waged by a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, which falsely portrays itself as a responsible member of the international community. We, members of the European Union, have been consistent in our condemnation of Russias actions, and will continue to do so, in the strongest possible terms. Two years on, our resolve remains unwavering. The Republic of Korea is a strong ally and friend in defending the international rules-based order. In May last year, at the EU-ROK Summit, President Yoon Suk Yeol joined the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula Van der Leyen, to resolutely condemn Russia's war of aggression. The leaders recalled their unwavering support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Asserting Ukraines inherent right of self-defense against Russia, they jointly demanded an immediate cessation of Russias aggression and unconditional withdrawal from Ukraine. Today, this statement from the leaders of the European Union and the Republic of Korea remains relevant and entirely valid. All U.N. member states must uphold the U.N. Charter principles, the cornerstone of the international order. Russia is no exception. Let us not forget that the international community adopted no fewer than seven U.N. General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia and supporting Ukraine. It is indicative of Russias weak international standing that it is reliant on the DPRKs endorsement of its actions. The DPRK is also transferring ballistic missiles, along with other arms and ammunition to Russia. This constitutes a flagrant violation of multiple U.N. Security Council Resolutions, namely Resolution 1718 in 2006, Resolution 1874 in 2009 and Resolution 2270 in 2016. Russia supported these Resolutions. Nevertheless, Russia has recently used these missiles against Ukraine on Dec. 30, 2023 and Jan. 2, 2024, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people, and undermining the global non-proliferation regime. These weapons transfers also provide funds and valuable technical and military insights to the DPRK that could be used to support its unlawful nuclear and missile programs. On Jan. 9, the Republic of Korea joined European countries and other partners in condemning in the strongest possible terms these actions by Russia and the DPRK, actions which they both continue to deny. We urge the DPRK to stop giving any support, political or otherwise, to Russias illegal war efforts and call on Russia and the DPRK to cease violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions and the U.N. Charter. Today, Russias brutal war and perpetration of war crimes against ordinary Ukrainian men, women and children, continue unabated. We cannot allow Putin to prevail; we cannot give implicit permission to Russia and other autocracies to pursue their imperialist agendas. Our security is at stake in Europe, on the Korean Peninsula, and beyond. Ukraine prevailing against Russian aggression is the best security guarantee not only for Europe, but for the world. At all costs, we must defend the international rules-based order. Otherwise, powerful countries can change borders at will, and the weak fall prey to the strong. Since the start of Russias war of aggression, the EU stands united in our unwavering support for Ukraine. Last week, the 27 EU leaders agreed to a new 50 billion euro (72 trillion won) financial aid package for Ukraine. We will continue to provide strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. The EU is very grateful for the Republic of Koreas unprecedented support for Ukraine. Among other actions, sanctions and their implementation are a very important part of what we do for Ukraine. The Republic of Korea has put in place many welcome measures to align with the EU and the U.S. export controls and financial sanctions against Russia. In December 2023, the Republic of Korea announced a significant expansion of its export controls against Russia and Belarus, from 741 to 1159 items. These restrictions are not symbolic. They prevent the transfer of many advanced technology items, helping to weaken Russias military capabilities. As we approach the second anniversary of this war and in light of recent military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, Ukraine is counting on continued support from all its partners, including the Republic of Korea. A full alignment by the Republic of Korea with our sanctions against Russia, including on advanced technological products, would be very welcome. No one wants peace more than Ukraine. That is why we are actively working with more than 80 countries, including the Republic of Korea, to achieve just peace. Europe and our allies must continue to defend the principles at stake in Ukraine, even though we are all experiencing the consequences of this war in our daily lives in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. This is a critical time, and the Indo-Pacific stands at a crossroads in global affairs. Last week, European and Indo-Pacific foreign ministers met in Brussels, and emphasized how our cooperation is more important than ever. We must continue to work together for a shared resilience in this troubled world. The Republic of Korea is key to this partnership, a valued friend and a strategic ally. We and the people of Ukraine need its support now and tomorrow, as much as we did on Feb. 24, 2022. Indonesia said its engineers under probe over allegedly stealing technologies related to the KF-21 fighter jet under development will provide their "full cooperation" in the investigation, a foreign ministry official said Tuesday. The engineers dispatched to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) are under suspicion of storing data on KF-21 development on a USB, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. "We are engaging in active communication as requested by the Indonesian Embassy in Korea and providing the necessary cooperation," the official said told reporters. "The Indonesian side has said the engineers will cooperate fully in the investigation," he added. On Friday, Seoul's defense officials disclosed the ongoing probe by intelligence and defense authorities into the allegation discovered last month at KAI, the aircraft's manufacturer. The probe is focused on whether the stored data contains strategic technologies related to the KF-21 development program, according to sources familiar with the issue. The Indonesians are currently known to be banned from leaving Korea. The KF-21 project is aimed at developing a supersonic fighter to replace Korea's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets, with plans to deploy the first model in the country's Air Force in 2026. (Yonhap) 'Awful' restaurant is always filled with customers enjoying great food By Jon Dunbar Early reviews weren't so good. "Awful pizza," reads one. Another reads, "This Tom guy swore at me when I said the pizza was cold!!" OK, the early reviews were bad. "Terrible pizzas. Cold and tasteless. The owner was rude, arrogant and pretty sure he was drunk as well. Never going back..." reads another. The more you read, the worse they get. "Hey Tom didn't you say you hated all Koreans and Italians? That's why you opened up a shit pizza restaurant," another reads. Some of them even try to get a little more personal. "Is this the Tom that got my sister pregnant? You better call her!!!!" goes another. Not that long after opening in 2018, Tom's Pizza in western Seoul was flooded with such over-the-top negative reviews online, in what food blogger Joe McPherson called a "Clumsy Instagram Attack." I won't lie, this is how I first heard about Tom's and I'm glad I didn't take these reviews seriously, because the pizza is fantastic, and the namesake owner of the place is a great guy, always welcoming to customers. I guess I should even be grateful for all these harsh messages? "They're quite entertaining, aren't they?" Tom remarked one cold mid-January evening to the customers crowded around the bar. "Haters keep this place alive," laughed one of the customers. "Thank you, haters," Tom added. He never figured out who was behind it or why, but he suspects that "someone around the neighborhood" paid for a flood of fake reviews and negative comments on Instagram. "Whoever did it, they bought me 10,000 followers," Tom said. This unknown saboteur certainly didn't put a dent into Tom's business. Every time I've gone by or stopped in that little pizzeria, located in a quiet corner of Donggyo-dong near Hongik University Station's AREX, or Incheon Airport Express, stop, all the tables and the bar are usually filled with customers, both Koreans and foreigners. They also get a lot of visiting tourists, since the place is reviewed highly on Google, where it has over 330 reviews with scores above 4.7. There are a lot of great pizza places in Seoul these days, cooking up various different styles, but this one deserves to be at least on everybody's top five list. You can watch Tom roll the dough himself at the bar, and the pizzas always taste fresh and tangy. The wings are also a hit. I haven't been able to find anywhere else in Seoul that serves lemon pepper wings this good. The one weakness on the menu is the beer selection, as Tom's only offers Budweiser currently on tap and a few others in canned form. There used to be more of a selection, but it was reduced during the pandemic. "I feel like the craft beer revolution might be over the hype's dying," Tom said. "[During the pandemic,] I just had Budweiser. I just wanted to sell simple stuff. I don't even drink anymore as well. I do want to give customers options, but craft beers, I'd probably have to taste it first." This contrasts with some of those negative reviews including one or two recent ones that accuse Tom of being drunk on the job, even though he's been sober for about three years now. Tom's history Tom explained his background back in New Zealand as a "school leaver," which he said is a "modern way to say high school dropout." After leaving school, he worked as a chef, working in a hotel and getting his qualifications in London, before moving to Korea. He first came to Korea in 2014. Before starting his own business, he worked at Linus Bama Style BBQ. He's never been an English teacher, not even when he arrived in Korea. "I've got nothing against English teaching, but I've never tried it in my life, not even private lessons," he said. He and his wife opened Tom's Pizza in a quiet corner of Donggyo-dong, in an alley that doesn't get much foot traffic, on May 12, 2018, a day that was decided by a shaman they consulted. "We did it like a traditional blessing with the makgeolli and everything," he said. They even borrowed from the custom of hanging a dried pollock [or bugeo in Korean] over the door to welcome good fortune. Although, at Tom's, they use a plush toy from "Finding Nemo" (2003) instead. "We had no money, so we had to make a famous restaurant," Tom said. The restaurant was a success, but they resisted the urge to expand. "The thought did cross our minds," he admitted, "but thank our lucky stars we didn't do it due to COVID-19." Tom's even appeared last year in a music video for the song "Gate Keeper" by the punk band 18Fevers. You can even see Tom grab the bass and play in part of the video, although he admitted he wasn't really performing music. He explained why he agreed to let a punk band film a music video in his shop. "Because I'm leaving Korea, I took on this outlook that I just wanna say yes to everything life's short," he said. "I wanna do the most I can in Korea before I leave. It was a great music video, a great experience I think the result speaks for itself." Time for a change Tom announced recently that he would move away and give up the reins to Tom's Pizza. "We're a young family with a young daughter, and we feel like we want a change of scenery," his wife said. "It's time for a change." "You gotta leave at some point," Tom said. "I don't wanna be 50 doing this in Seoul." He and his family will move to New Zealand, his home country. "Everyone's telling me New Zealand is too hard to live, so hard to survive bring it on, I'm ready," he said. "I'll continue being a restaurateur. I'm thinking of opening a restaurant with my brother." He said he's "very satisfied" with what he's built at Tom's Pizza, "but now I need a new challenge." As for those online haters who tried to take down his business, he figures they'll find something else to do with him gone. "I have a few haters, and then I say I'm closing and then the people don't stop coming," he said. His last day is Feb. 9. After that, Tom's Pizza will continue under new ownership. It's not known yet if Tom's will retain its menu or even its name but anyone thinking of taking over after Tom would probably be advised to keep things as consistent as possible. Visit linktr.ee/TOMSPIZZASEOUL for more information. By Bereket Alemayehu The fourth group exhibition of The Hechyeomoyeo, an art collective of Korean and foreign residents, as well as artists located around the world, kicked off last Friday evening at East Atelier Gallery in downtown Seoul, with over 190 artists participating. The exhibition features paintings, photography, digital art, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and films, and will feature events, including live painting, drawing parties, artist talks, art markets, live music, workshops and other activities at the gallery over three weeks, from Feb. 2 to 25. The Hechyeomoyeo art collective started last year with 10 Korean and foreign artists and grew quickly from there as it attracted more participants, from professionals to beginners. Its initiator and coordinator, Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith, an American artist who came to Korea as a teacher a couple of years ago, told The Korea Times that he and one of his artist friends came up with the idea to create a space that could bridge the gap between Korean and foreign artists in Seoul. "The idea that I observed was like there are foreigner spaces, and there are Korean spaces. I thought that, well, we should make one that kind of bridges the two together," he said. They approached artist James Beckwith about hosting an artist meetup, and he agreed to let them host it at his cafe, DRIPDROP, located near western Seoul's Hongik University. The name for the collective comes from one of the Korean artists, Soo-hae, who also organizes the "Mayfly" exhibition series. "She was the first person in Korea who let me show my work publicly. That's where I got the idea that this was even possible," Smith said. "The name Hechyeomoyeo comes from the army. They say 'Hechyeomoyeo' when everybody is disorganized and scattered. And then when they say that, it's like a command, its like a verb. Everybody comes together, lines up, gets in order. We have all these scatters of artists on the individual level but also on the community level. The Korean artists are over here, the photographers are over here. The idea for Hechyeomoyeo was you get all of them together. This time, their exhibition has attracted over 190 Korea-based visual and digital artists, including foreign residents from countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Italy, India, Indonesia, France, Japan, the United States, Malaysia and the Netherlands. About 20 Thai artists sent their artworks for this exhibition alone. "We started to have more international artists. We use social media to find people all over the world. I tell them what we're doing here in Seoul, and they just send me their artwork. Recently I went to Bangkok, and while I was down there, I was telling them about The Hechyeomoyeo, and I said, 'If you give me your work, I'll bring it to Seoul.' People want to show their artwork in Seoul," Smith said. "It seems like people are taking more interest in it. It's only because there's a need for it. I'm responding to the need more than imposing some sort of vision. We don't make a lot of money. We're like a self-supporting community. Anyone can buy the art, and 100 percent of the money goes to the artist we don't take any commission." Bona Kim, owner of East Atelier Gallery, which is hosting the exhibition, has a background as a visual artist working with ceramic sculptures. "This place is a newborn gallery, only two years in operation. I'm supporting The Hechyeomoyeo collective of artists group in Seoul because I have had experience with galleries. The relationship with them is quite a hard part for artists. I decided to open my gallery for young and emerging artists. I think we need more international artists to engage with young Korean artists because we need to mingle and grow up together," she said. East Atelier Gallery also hosted the collective's third exhibition last year. Peter Leon, an American painter and photographer who has lived for 15 years in Korea, is taking part in the group exhibition for the third time. "It's great coming here and having the chance to work with different people, learn from everybody and have different kinds of interactions with people," he said. "And then, of course, when we have the events and people come in and you get to see people come in and look at your work and get the chance for them to ask you questions and talk about it, and you get to ask other artists questions about their work. I think that it's great." Moroccan artist Soukaina El Hayany has been part of a multicultural family in Korea after moving here five years ago. "I felt like this place was amazing. This place gave me hope that it's OK to be who I want to be and show whatever art I want. It's OK to do whatever on the canvas, what explains my own emotions, and show it to people," she said. "I discovered five years ago that I love drawing and painting. I am an artist, and I want to be an artist. I'm studying art at Milan Art Institute, a U.S.-based online fine art school. I have already sold some of my art." She explained her art, highlighting the importance of protecting the natural environment and preserving the world's natural heritage. "The message that I want to deliver from my painting is a message to myself. At the same time, if there is a person who feels related to this painting, that would be nice," she said. "We need four important natural elements: earth, water, fire and air. And each one explains different things. As an example, air is communication. We have to communicate with ourselves and with people so we can achieve what we want, and then water is like transformation. As water always keeps transforming, we also need to have that transformation. We can't stay in the same place all the time. We have always to change and change. So, the message is you have to understand nature and conserve and preserve the natural environment." The gallery is open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday or by appointment. The closing party will be on Feb. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Follow @thehechyeomoyeo or @eastatelier_gallery on Instagram for more information. Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency. Commentary: U.S. attempt to stonewall China-PNG security cooperation completely unwarranted 11:27, February 06, 2024 By Liu Bowei ( Xinhua BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma has recently urged the Pacific island country Papua New Guinea (PNG) to reject its policing and security cooperation with Beijing, warning of potential consequences and costs. Such rejections are totally unwarranted, and reflect Washington's hegemonic mindset. Any sovereign country has the full right to decide who and in which area it wants to cooperate with. Yet it seems that the United States views other countries as its subordinates, always trying to tell them what to do. PNG is China's good friend and partner in the Pacific Islands region. Over the years, China's cooperation with PNG in various fields including policing has been based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, just like its cooperation with any other sovereign nation in the world. In contrast, the United States always puts its own interests front and center, and ignores the legitimate development and security needs of other countries. America, the world's sole superpower, feels free to flex its muscles, and always imposes its own will on other countries. Due to the reckless actions of the United States, countries in the Middle East, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific have borne significant security and developmental costs. But what worries Washington is not whether PNG could face some kind of risks by engaging in a partnership with China. What it is truly concerned about is that its own influence in the South Pacific could be weakened because of a stronger China-PNG relationship. The people in the PNG know this. "China is willing to share what it has ... and sees us as equals," said Joseph Yopyyopy, a member of the National Parliament of PNG. Washington should reflect on those words, and reconsider its Cold-War thinking. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Korea will mass-produce a 155-millimeter extended-range artillery shell this year after successfully completing its development in a yearslong project, the state arms procurement agency said Tuesday. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a meeting with ammunition maker Poongsan at the company's research center in Daejeon, 139 kilometers south of Seoul, to officially conclude the development project launched in 2014 after the shell was assessed as combat suitable last August. The newly developed shell can fly up to about 60 kilometers, marking an increase in range of more than 30 percent compared with existing projectiles. To ensure the extended range, the shell employs base bleed technology, which reduces the shell's drag, and a rocket motor. DAPA said it plans to sign a contract with Poongsan this year for the shell's mass production. In a release, DAPA Minister Eom Dong-hwan said the shell's development will pave the way for Korea to push for its exports along with the homegrown K9 155-milimeter self-propelled howitzer. (Yonhap) The military plans to establish a new strategic command overseeing key assets to deter North Korean threats within the compound of the Capital Defense Command in southern Seoul, informed sources said Tuesday. South Korea has been pushing to establish the strategic command to serve as an overarching organ to implement the military's "three-axis" defense system. It will be created by upgrading the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Directorate of Countering Nuclear and Weapons of Mass Destruction. The three-pronged system refers to the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Last November, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said the command is expected to be launched in the second half of this year and led by an Air Force lieutenant general. The push for the envisioned unit comes as Seoul seeks to step up deterrence against North Korea's evolving military threats. Meanwhile, the government is pushing to relocate the Joint Chiefs of Staff's headquarters to the Capital Defense Command's compound by 2027 from its current location inside the defense ministry's complex in central Seoul. (Yonhap) Korean defense firm LIG Nex1 has clinched a $3.2 billion deal to export mid-range surface-air-to missiles (M-SAM II) to Saudi Arabia, Seoul's defense ministry said Tuesday. LIG Nex1 inked the contract with the Saudi defense ministry to sell Cheongung M-SAM II in November, the ministry said. It marks LIG Nex1's second overseas sales of Cheongung-II following a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January 2022. The hit-to-kill missile system is capable of intercepting incoming missiles at an altitude of about 40 kilometers to protect vital facilities from artillery and aircraft threats. The details of the contract were disclosed after the defense ministers of the two nations held talks in Riyadh on Sunday (local time) to boost arms industry ties on the sidelines of the World Defense Show. On the margins the defense exhibition, Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Saudi defense ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pave the way for cooperation in the defense industry and joint weapons development. Under the MOU, the two sides will launch a bilateral committee to jointly conduct research and development of weapons systems for continued cooperation in the defense industry, DAPA said. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik has made a three-nation trip to the Middle East since Thursday, which has taken him to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He wraps up the weeklong trip Tuesday. (Yonhap) A professor is facing a prosecution probe on charges of defaming Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery by calling them prostitutes during a lecture, police said Tuesday. The Seoul Dongdaemun Police Station said it referred Choi Jung-shik, a philosophy professor at Kyunghee University, to the prosecution without detention on the day on charges of defaming the Korean sexual slavery victims, euphemistically called "comfort women," during his lecture on March 9 last year. Choi is accused of claiming that the comfort women voluntarily followed the Japanese military to engage in prostitution. Police began an investigation into Choi after a civic group filed a complaint and a sexual slavery victim submitted a handwritten statement calling for strong punishment of the professor. Separately, the university has been moving to discipline Choi over his controversial remarks. (Yonhap) A court on Tuesday recognized the state's liability to compensate humidifier disinfectant victims or their bereaved families for the first time in Korea. The Seoul High Court overturned a lower court's verdict that the state is not responsible for compensation to the victims of toxic humidifier sterilizer products, ruling in favor of five victims and other plaintiffs in their litigation against the state. The appellate court ordered the state to pay 3 million won ($2,260) to 5 million won in compensation to three of the plaintiffs. The court said it found some lapses after examining whether there was any negligence by public officials in the process of screening and publicizing the toxicity of the chemical materials. The litigation began in 2014, when a group of people, who received hospital treatment due to unexplained lung damage after using humidifier disinfectants between 2008 and 2011, and their bereaved families filed a lawsuit for damages against the state and manufacturers. The number of plaintiffs was ten. A district court acknowledged the manufacturers' liability for compensation in 2016 but dismissed their claim against the state, citing a lack of evidence. Then five of the ten plaintiffs appealed against the district court's dismissal of their claim against the state. The Ministry of Environment serving as the defendant in the litigation said it will review the appellate court's ruling and consult with relevant government agencies before deciding whether to appeal to the Supreme Court. The humidifier disinfectant scandal is one of the country's worst consumer goods disasters. In 2011, consumers started to report deaths and illnesses allegedly tied to humidifier disinfectants, widely used in households in dry winters. A government-led investigation confirmed the link between the two the following year. (Yonhap) Muriel Mickles said ever since she was young, she knew education and helping others was her calling. Mickles, who went on to spend 52 years at Central Virginia Community College filling various leadership roles and working her way up the ladder, said educating others goes back to her childhood and teaching her younger siblings how to read and write. I always knew this is where I belong, my thing is to be an educator and encourage somebody, uplift, push ... get people to realize the light that I can see in them, she said. After five decades of service to CVCC, Mickles decided it was time to retire thinking to herself, youve done 52 years ... youve done enough. It was a very hard decision to make because I'm a doer ... I love what I do, she said. I know, this is what I was meant to do, this is why God made me. CVCC President John Capps said if theres a better community college success story, Id like to know what it is. He said no one has given or contributed more to what CVCC is today than Mickles. She never lost her focus on students, and thats because she never lost her love for students, Capps said. The college announced Mickles retirement in a news release Dec. 21, describing her as a cornerstone of the CVCC community since 1968. Dr. Mickles leaves a lasting mark, not only for her professional accomplishments but for her unwavering commitment to empowering students to achieve their fullest potential, CVCC said in its release. Born and raised in Lynchburg, Mickles attended Campbell County High School, known today as Rustburg High School. She said for the most part while in grade school, her classes were segregated with integration just starting as she became a senior in high school. There was no integration or anything at the time that I was there; and even though integration happened earlier in the '60s, my school did not realize any integration until, I think, my last year of high school, she said. One of five children, Mickles said her mother finished high school but her father did not; he worked for the Lynchburg Foundry and as a carpenter. She said her mother required her and her siblings to finish high school but college wasnt the norm. Mickles said her older sister had attended college before returning home. As we were growing up ... getting through high school was the norm. My mother wanted all of her children to have a high school diploma ... Then, if we could go to college or if college was something that we could do, that would be nice, she said. After finishing high school, Mickles said she wanted to pursue education and become a teacher but the concept of community college and college in general was brand new to her. We just didn't have a lot of money at all," she said. The community college opened like a year before I graduated, and some of my friends had gone and I thought, well, this is a way to get started. When Mickles started at CVCC, right out of high school, her counselor signed her up for 18 credits while she also worked full-time at a pre-teacher program. Working 40 hours a week and just trying my best to figure it out; and without asking anything, without asking any questions, without speaking up, without advocating for myself because I didn't even know that I could, she said. She ultimately decided to stop taking those classes and transitioned to a computer course on auxiliary equipment operations or key punch, leading to her first job at CVCC. That's how I got my foot in the door as an employee right out of the classroom, she added. Mickles said she thoroughly enjoyed the job, but she kept looking around at different opportunities at CVCC, thinking to herself, I can do that job over there. She saw a job opportunity for an education advisor at CVCC but the candidate needed a two-year degree. She applied anyway, but did not get the job because she lacked one class. In her early 20s now, she decided to go back to school to receive her associates degree after taking a couple of semesters off. She finished her degree, while still working at the records office. The job became available again, she applied and was selected. I remember that somebody, one of my supervisors or one of my colleagues told me ... you're gonna be competing against people with four-year degrees and master's degrees and you just got a two-year degree ... don't set yourself up, but I thought, I know what I know, and I know that I can make a difference, Mickles said. Fast forward, while working in advising, she noticed some professional counselor positions opening but needed a masters degree to be competitive for it. She attended Lynchburg College part-time to receive her bachelors degree in psychology and would return to receive her masters. She later received her doctorate at the University of Virginia. However, Mickles said this did not happen overnight. That was to me the pinnacle of my education, going all the way through from not knowing a blessed thing, literally, to earning a doctorate degree, she said. As time passed, Mickles continued to move up at CVCC taking the job as interim dean of humanities and social science, before ultimately becoming the vice president of academics, students and workforce development. Mickles also spent a little over a year at Danville Community College as interim president, before returning to CVCC. All in all, Mickles said CVCC changed her life and the direction of her children's lives. From Mama's children, it was, should you go to college? Now ... when my children came along, which colleges should you go to? You know, it changes, she said. Now with their children, it won't even be a question but had it not been for CVCC, we would not be on this trajectory at all. Mickles said she thanks God for the journey and is grateful for it all, always telling young people her story to inspire them. The thing is, don't stop, don't be discouraged because you fail. Failure is just part of the journey to just kind of push you on, you don't stop there, she said, speaking to the younger generation. Bedford memorial to host events of lecture series through May 16 The National D-Day Memorials 2024 Lunchbox Lecture Series kicked off in late January and will feature lectures open to the public. The Bedford memorial will host the following events: Feb. 21 at noon: Black Americans Who Worked on the Manhattan Project with David Snead, professor of history, Liberty University. March 7 at noon: More than Just Hemingways Wife: The Wartime Journalism of Martha Gellhorn with Maggie Hartley, director of public engagement, The National WWII Museum. April 25 at noon: 4,415 Souls and Counting: The National D-Day Memorial Necrology Project with John D. Long, director of education, National D-Day Memorial Foundation. May 16 at noon: Fighting for Peace with Peace: Conscientious Objectors in World War II with Mitchell Gehman, education and public outreach coordinator, National D-Day Memorial Foundation. Visit dday.org for more information. Justin Faulconer Ishikawa, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - The popular wild dolphin-watching tours on the Noto Peninsula were suspended due to the impact of an earthquake, but tour guides are tirelessly working towards their resumption. Satomi Sakashita started the dolphin-watching tours in 2005, attracting nearly 4,000 participants annually before the pandemic. However, the earthquake has left the future of these tours uncertain. In Nanao Bay, a pod of 17 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins has made its home. Satomi Sakashita, Noto Island Marine Resort (62): "Please don't give up, we will definitely come. Encouraged by such messages, I feel like we have no choice but to keep going." Although it has not been possible to confirm the safety of all dolphins following the earthquake, Sakashita and her team are determined to continue monitoring the dolphins and aim for the tours' revival. Source: ANNnewsCH TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - As demand for power semiconductors used in electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications continues to rise, major Japanese semiconductor companies are accelerating their efforts to enhance development and production. Power semiconductors have been a strong suit for Japanese manufacturers, and strengthening this sector is becoming a crucial phase in enhancing their competitiveness globally. In January, Mitsubishi Electric announced a new power semiconductor product that uses a durable and energy-efficient material known as SiC (silicon carbide). The new product is notable for its reduced size, shrinking to 40% of its conventional dimensions, which allows for the miniaturization of components installed in vehicles and is expected to extend the driving range per charge. Shinichi Kusunoki, the head of the Semiconductor & Device First Business Division at Mitsubishi Electric, stated, "To concentrate on the growing market, we are firmly launching products for automobiles." Alternatively, Renesas Electronics has acquired an American company in January to move towards mass production of power semiconductors that use gallium nitride, a material with high energy efficiency. Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric, Fuji Electric, Toshiba, Rohm, and Renesas are planning to increase their production capacity from this year onwards. Japan has traditionally excelled in power semiconductors, but as global demand increases, competition with international players, such as the leading German company Infineon, is intensifying. It is a critical moment to see if Japanese companies can enhance their competitiveness in the global market. Source: NHK By Jung Min-ho Former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon both of whom served under former President Park Geun-hye before her impeachment have been included on a special pardon list, the Ministry of Justice said on Tuesday. The two were among the 450,000 people expected to be granted pardons and regain rights, including the right to run for public office, by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. Kim Kwan-jin, 74, who served as defense minister and national security adviser under Park, was convicted in 2019 of meddling in politics by ordering the military cyber command to post online comments to sway public opinion in favor of conservative politicians. He is currently serving as vice chairman of the presidential defense innovation committee. Kim Ki-choon, 84, who served as chief of staff to Park between August 2013 and February 2015, was found guilty in 2017 of playing his role in creating a blacklist of artists critical of the administration. Other high-profile figures include former ranking officials at the militarys security command Kim Dae-yeol and Ji Young-kwan. They were convicted of collecting personal information about the families of the victims of the 2014 Sewol ferry accident when protests were being held intensely over the governments handling of the disaster. Other individuals who have been pardoned include SK Group Executive Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won and LIG Group Chairman Koo Bon-sang. Chey was convicted of embezzling corporate funds, while Koo was found guilty of accounting fraud. These pardons are anticipated to lift legal or other restrictions imposed on their activities as corporate executives. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Yoon said the list was drawn up with a focus on boosting the economy as the move will alleviate penalties imposed on numerous individuals, including drivers, restaurant staff, and fishermen. The government will continue to take measures helpful to everyday economic activities, Yoon said at the meeting held earlier that day. I hope these pardons that are being granted ahead of the holiday will add vitality to the peoples economies. In Korea, the president often grants special pardons to convicted politicians, businesspeople and others at the start of a New Year or around Liberation Day, on Aug. 15, with the stated purpose of fostering unity. TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - Shiina, a member of the musical group Wednesday Campanella, will release her first book, "POEM," on March 15. This photo essay captures heavy and vivid memories that Shiina has never spoken of before. She writes candidly about why she cherishes "love" and the reason behind the piercing in her mouth, sharing fragments of her life that connect to her present self. The text is accompanied by a collection of photos taken in Taiwan and various places in Japan, with photography handled by Masato Yokoyama, Shinpei Nakagawa, and Karin Noguchi, whom Shiina trusts. Shiina commented on her book, saying, "I have written candidly with all my heart about the life I have led up to my activities with Wednesday Campanella. I hope it reaches many people." Following the book's release, Wednesday Campanella will hold their first performance at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan with Shiina as a member on March 16. Shiina expressed her joy at publishing "POEM" in conjunction with the significant event at Nippon Budokan. The photos, themed around the "discomfort" she values in her activities, showcase Shiina's charm through the perspectives of three photographersMasato Yokoyama, Shinpei Nakagawa, Karin Noguchiand three stylistsMeisa Ishibashi, hao, and Himetsuki Kubotawith hair styling by Misaki Ishiwata and her own makeup. Shiina has poured her life's story into the book, revealing why she values "love" and the story behind her lip piercing. The book is filled with heavy and painful stories, not just happy ones. It is a part of her life that leads to the present. She meticulously crafted the book with the help of everyone involved, from the photos and words to the layout and design. Shiina hopes this precious volume, filled with great love, will reach many people. Source: Natalie Childrens Square U.S.A. recently completed a yearlong training of staff members to provide trauma-informed care for children. A $50,000 grant from the Iowa West Foundation allowed Childrens Square to initiate this programming in an ongoing effort to provide direct care staff with the appropriate education and skills to help children who have an increasing number of trauma symptoms, according to a news release. We are grateful for the Iowa West Foundation grant and their support for our work, Viv Ewing, president and CEO of Childrens Square, said in the release. "As childrens emotional and mental health needs increase, our care must continually adapt to meet these needs so that our children can enjoy healthy, productive lives." Iowa West President and CEO Brenda Mainwaring said the foundation was pleased to support the training at the 141-year-old organization that serves children with mental health needs. Child welfare agencies are facing a multitude of challenges that make the implementation of trauma-informed care critical," Mainwaring said. Offering assistance to organizations in our community that support all facets of childrens health and education is a long-standing commitment of the Iowa West Foundation." Trauma-informed practices are based on the understanding that healing depends on healthy relationships and fostering a culture of trauma-informed care within an organization increases safety, trust, and support for the healing process. Childrens Square collaborated with Omaha-based Project Harmony, an organization that helps children who have suffered abuse, on the staff training. Through training and supporting our staff in trauma-informed approaches, Childrens Square is committed to establishing environments that foster healing and resilience for children who have endured experiences no child should face, said Jonathan Holland, Chief Program Officer for Childrens Square. "In this ongoing effort, trauma-informed principles have now become the foundation of our practice and treatment methods, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care to those we serve." Thank you for help on a snowy day On Jan. 23, I went to the courthouse to renew my handicap parking placard. I was trying to get to the meter to feed it when I fell in the snow. I wasn't aware they had opened the parking lot at the front of the building. Two wonderful people came to my rescue and helped me up and escorted me around to get my placard. They also didn't know the parking lot was open to the public. I wanted to thank them for their kindness, they will never know how appreciative I am of their help. Pat Anderson Council Bluffs AEAs save create opportunities, save money Fifty years ago, we put students before politics, and the AEAs were created with the help of Sen. Chuck Grassley to create equal opportunities for all students, so that regardless of whether you lived in a rural area or an urban area, all children and educators had equal access and support to ensure Iowa students could achieve at the fullest. As a special education teacher, I greatly benefitted from the AEA, I was able to increasingly improve my teaching, as we collaborated to see my students to their next steps beyond school and prepare them for independent living. After teaching, I served as a curriculum director, principal and superintendent in several rural Iowa schools. I frequently reached out to AEA staff for assistance with math, literacy and science materials and professional learning opportunities for our teachers. Our schools incorporated AEA personnel as a part of our school improvement planning teams to study student data and determine ways to create increased positive outcomes for students. In 2015, I moved from being a superintendent in rural Iowa to a superintendency in rural Connecticut. I shared seven districts for 1,600 students and encompassed 275 square miles. I quickly learned two things about the regional service centers in Connecticut: they did not have special education staff to assist schools and professional learning, curriculum materials and other supports to schools were on a pay-for-use basis. This required that we hire our own speech and language pathologists, school psychologists, contract out for occupational and physical therapists, vision and hearing specialists as well as pay for any specialized educational materials and equipment that some students required. The annual cost for salary, benefits, travel between the schools, contracted service, and specialized materials and equipment for students was over $3.4 million annually. In Iowa, these services would be provided by the districts AEA. A school district in Iowa with 1,600 students would receive approximately $600,000 in special education flow-through money that then gives the district all these services. This should make us all take pause. Without the AEAs, schools will pay more, and it likely will result in increased property taxes. It was extremely difficult to find quality staff for these positions. When an educator called to request professional materials from the educational service center, it was the schools responsibility to acquire them. Not like the AEAs in Iowa who locate and deliver materials to schools every week at no additional cost. If Iowa loses this system, these strong supports will be gone. We will lose many of the current professionals employed by the AEAs. Schools who are already having difficulty with budgets will be forced to reallocate their purchasing power. We will have inconsistencies in services throughout the state. This will result in some children who will be served and others who will not. The governors proposals are wrong for Iowa. The AEA is a critical resource that our children desperately need. Lets support our children and give them the best chance to succeed by preserving the AEA. Pam Vogel Des Moines Samaritan's Purse appreciates local generosity Generosity throughout Council Bluffs contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritans Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Although local dropoff locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 18 to Nov. 25, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Dolores Brown Boone, North Carolina Severe storms with probable tornadoes tore through several central U.S. states, damaging homes and businesses and killing at least three people, with more bodies likely to be discovered, authorities said. As the sun rose Friday, officials scrambled to assess the extent of the destruction wit 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 The latest attempt by South Africa to gain international prominence by trying to transform itself into a stakeholder in the Sahara conflict was described as strange and untimely. This came in comments by the International Committee for Dialogue and Peace on South Africas invitation to the UN Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. The Committee deemed the invitation as impertinent, inappropriate, and destabilizing, and noted that South Africas aspiration to deal with the Sahara issue violates the principle of impartiality of States, given that Pretoria is known for its unconditional support for the separatist claims of the Polisario Front and its self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The Committee also slammed the statements made by the South African Foreign Minister as worrying, particularly when she claims that Staffan de Mistura has entrusted her with certain suggestions relating to the Sahara problem and that these suggestions are confidential and must be seriously examined by her government. The International Committee for Dialogue and Peace deems it necessary to stress that it is a fundamental rule of all nations to fully and impeccably respect the course of controversies, disputes, or disputes that are handled within the framework of the United Nations, as is the case with the Western Sahara dispute in the UNs Fourth Special Committee. It is therefore necessary to respect the process for settling conflicts and disputes, dealt with within the framework of the United Nations, as is the case for the Western Sahara conflict. The Committee made it clear that the United Nations has clearly defined the stakeholders directly involved in the conflict resolution process: Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and Spain. Neither the African Union nor South Africa are actors in this conflict. Neither are they part of the observer countries nor of the group made up of the United States and the other member countries of the Security Council + Spain, which have the prerogative of drafting resolutions on the renewal of MINURSOs mandates. Mistura will never succeed in relaunching the political process relating to the Sahara conflict by involving third states which are not party to the conflict and which have no interest other than shamelessly supporting the theses of Algeria and the Polisario, the Committee argued, adding that this kind of action constitutes diplomatic immaturity and a lack of initiative to put an end to the status quo. The Committee which described Staffan De Misturas attitude as inappropriate expressed deep concern and rejection of South Africas unilateral involvement in the Sahara issue and urged Staffan de Mistura to review his position on this incident as a matter of urgency. Forbes Africa magazine highlighted, in its February-March edition, Moroccos economic model and its commitment to co-development and shared prosperity on the continent. In a special report entitled Morocco: Unlocking Opportunities at The Crossroads of Continents, the magazine sheds light on the Kingdoms achievements in key sectors with high added value for Morocco as well as for the continent and beyond. The media underlines that Morocco, land of numerous treasures, is now positioned as an ideal destination for investments thanks to its tourism potential, its capacity for renewable energy, its skilled and multilingual workforce and its strategic position between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Referring to Moroccos stature in the world, Forbes Africa recalls that the Kingdom hosted the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund last October in Marrakech. This major event testifies to Moroccos high capacity to host large-scale conferences and the growing importance the Kingdom is enjoying among nations of the world. The magazine states further that over the years, Morocco has been transforming itself into an industrial powerhouse in Africa, serving as a reference mainly in the automobile and aeronautics sectors. In another article entitled Moroccan model: Economic growth, stability and inclusiveness, Forbes Africa indicates that Moroccos economic miracle is the result of visionary leadership. As one of the most prominent investors in Africa, Morocco champions the continents potential for success, channeling investments into free trade agreements, infrastructure development, and financial services, notes the magazine. Morocco will always have the unconditional and continued support of Gabon regarding the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, Gabons Foreign Minister Regis Onanga Ndiaye, said Monday in Rabat. I would like to reaffirm that Morocco has always been a privileged partner of Gabon, and in this context the Kingdom of Morocco will always have the unconditional and continued support of my country regarding the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, Onanga Ndiaye told the media following talks with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the High-Level Ministerial Conference on Middle-Income Countries held in Rabat. The head of Gabonese diplomacy underlined that his country has always affirmed, on bilateral and multilateral levels, its support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara, and that this position is crystal clear, as evidenced by the opening of a Consulate General in Laayoune which is operating perfectly with the support of the highest Moroccan authorities. He also welcomed the excellent political and diplomatic relations between the two countries, calling for further promoting bilateral cooperation, particularly around innovative issues. The Gabonese official reiterated the importance of the upcoming joint commission meeting between Morocco and Gabon, and welcomed the presence of numerous Moroccan companies which contribute to the development of Gabons industry and commerce. As to his talks with Bourita, Onanga Ndiaye pointed out that they covered the political situation in Gabon, and that the two parties examined the transition timeline and evolution which is taking place under the best conditions. I would like to thank the Kingdom of Morocco for the support it offers to Gabon, both bilaterally and multilaterally, given that Morocco is the chair of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, where Gabon issue is being discussed, he noted. North Plattes Community Redevelopment Authority Wednesday will take its first official look at a TIF plan to turn a proposed multiuse development project into reality between East Philip Avenue and the South Platte River. The five-member panel will decide at its 9 a.m. meeting in the City Hall council chamber, 211 W. Third St., whether to refer a redevelopment plan for the project to the citys Planning Commission. CRA members also will finalize a $1.04 million tax increment financing contract with Murfin Inc., which won city approval Oct. 3 for TIF infrastructure help as it builds a new, larger home for North Plattes Murphy Tractor & Equipment dealership. Wednesdays meeting will be livestreamed on the citys YouTube channel. To watch online, visit ci.north-platte.ne.us/government/city-council/agendas-minutes. KOW Council LLC has proposed building 631 housing units of various types within a 128-acre, cowboy-boot-shaped area, along with retail, commercial, light industrial and public recreation areas. Council members gave 6-2 final approval Dec. 5 to annex the site, then included it Jan. 3 within a 743.55-acre area made eligible for TIF aid and given North Plattes first extremely blighted label under a 2019 state law. The latter unlocks state tax credits for first-time homebuyers there, among other benefits for developers. Midwest Land Development LLC of Lincoln will carry forward the formal TIF redevelopment proposal, said Planning Administrator Judy Clark. It was organized May 1, 2023, according to the Nebraska Secretary of States Office. The original neoconservatives were a clique of mostly Jewish intellectuals who reacted, to one degree or another, against the Great Society and the radicalism of the New Left. The epithet neoconservative was coined by democratic socialist Michael Harrington to accuse the dissidents who styled themselves as moderate, empirically oriented New Dealers of joining the right. This accusation soon became prophecy. Irving Kristol embraced the term, quipping that a neoconservative was a liberal who had been mugged by reality. Most neoconservatives did join the conservative movement, melding into its network of think tanks, foundations, and magazines so seamlessly it eventually became difficult to determine what the neo even meant. By the late 1990s, their sole remaining distinction from the rest of the movement was a fanatical belief in the transformative power of the American military. After the Iraq War, their influence faded. (In a final, redemptive act, many second-generation neocons left the Republican party over Donald Trump.) One can see the same trajectory, or perhaps the early stages of it, in the career of Bari Weiss. Weiss resigned from her editing position on the New York Times op-ed page in 2020 when the paper was convulsed by a radical upheaval that claimed the careers of several of her colleagues. Like the original neoconservatives, she is a Jewish intellectual singed by radicalism and protective of Israel. Also like the original neocons, she does not describe herself as one. (Weiss identifies as a classical liberal, a creed she believes is being left behind.) Unlike the neoconservatives, however, Weiss has not joined the conservative network. Instead, she has created her own institution: The Free Press, an online newspaper that has published for just over a year and already has 540,000 email subscribers, of whom 77,000 pay for its content. Weisss site is interesting as well as frequently infuriating, though not in proportion to the rage Weiss herself frequently inspires. (Most recently, six TED fellows resigned to protest the insult of Weiss and activist hedge funder Bill Ackman merely being invited to address a TED conference.) The Free Press is both a journalistic project and a political one, prodding moderates and liberals to abandon the Democratic Party over a similar suite of issues (radical campus activism and elite acquiescence) that sent the neocons hurtling rightward in the late 60s and 70s. The journalistic premise of The Free Press is that, because the mainstream media has abandoned traditional norms of objectivity on subjects related to identity issues, a coverage gap is available to be filled. Also, progressive activists employ pressure, both externally (through social media) and internally (through the tactics of left-wing staff) to force coverage to comply with the progressive line. This critique is not without truth. It was most clear in 2020 when a wave of social-justice activism raised the evidentiary bar to report clearly on events like a spike in the murder rate, the plausibility of a lab leak as an origin of COVID-19, or other narratives that progressive activists considered politically inconvenient. At the same time, that spirit of activism lowered the bar for reporting claims favored by progressive activism, allowing truly strange reporting to appear. Media organs have corrected some of these lurches to the left but not entirely. That bias has allowed The Free Press to break a number of stories that were either missed, ignored, or misreported by the mainstream media. It debunked widely circulated claims that a Canadian Catholic school for Indigenous children contained mass graves, a conclusion the mainstream media eventually confirmed. It broke stories about a Brooklyn public school using a Qatari-funded map of the Middle East that eliminated Israel, political drama at the Audubon Society over demands to change its name to de-honor its slave-owning founder, and Harvard biologist Carole Hoovens account of her cancellation for stating that sex (but not gender) is binary. The most explosive Free Press story, and the one that exemplifies its necessary role, was an account by Jamie Reed, a whistleblower at a childrens hospital in St. Louis. Reed alleged that the hospitals Transgender Center at which she worked was giving children sex-change hormones with little diagnosis and often ignoring their serious mental-health problems. Reeds account came at a precarious moment when doctors were trying to sort out the correct protocols for treating gender dysphoria and left-wing activists were applying intense pressure on the mainstream media to ignore or downplay the concerns of experts in the field. Reeds claims tracked the fears of many of those providers, adding extensive, disturbing details. The response by transgender-rights activists and their allies was volcanic. Influential progressive critics dismissed Reeds claims as wild and implausible and a pile of garbage. They described her as a front-desk staffer and someone performing a functional role at a clinic treating transgender youth who had started absorbing right-wing memes. In short order, they settled on the shorthand helicopter lady and described her as lying, insane, or both. The term helicopter lady refers to one case cited by Reed in which a mentally ill child who told the clinic they identified as an attack helicopter, which is an internet meme, was treated for gender dysphoria without the exploration of any confounding mental-health conditions. Articles began appearing with headlines like Journalist Thinks Trans Kids Are Getting Hormones to Turn Into Helicopters. A deep investigation by the New York Times could not confirm (or refute) all of Reeds charges, but it was able to corroborate many of her most important claims. Far from being some deranged secretary, Reed was deeply involved in the clinics work, and her concerns were shared by medical practitioners there. The Reed story is a perfect encapsulation of how progressive activists managed to override truth-seeking norms for the sake of what they believed to be social justice and why The Free Press, or something like it, needs to exist. Mainstream media institutions face, to varying degrees, intense pressure to make their reporting conform to progressive narratives. Reporters in traditional political journalism the ones covering Congress, state legislatures, and political campaigns still resist that pressure and follow norms of objectivity. But coverage of culture and social issues, which has expanded dramatically as dedicated beats on race, gender, climate, etc., increasingly tend to echo the messages of progressive activists with little scrutiny. Holding progressive activists accountable like other political actors, rather than treating them as authorities, is an essential journalistic practice that mainstream media organs have ignored with growing frequency. The echo chamber of misinformation that surrounded the Reed story is a symptom of that deeper sickness. The traditional alternative conservative media is hardly an antidote to the problem. The right-wing press barely bothers to pretend to uphold traditional journalistic norms at all, functioning openly as an organ of the conservative movement. The niche discovered by The Free Press is deep skepticism about progressive social values from people like Weiss who come out of journalism, not the conservative movement. The trouble with The Free Press surfaces when you stop judging it as a corrective to blind spots in the progressive worldview and begin judging it as a worldview in and of itself. While it bills itself as merely a throwback to the abandoned creed of objective reporting built on the ideals that were once the bedrock of American journalism The Free Press does have a worldview. It reflects the frustrations of college-educated moderates, disproportionately Jewish, in big cities and other enclaves of progressive America. But those frustrations, while often grounded in reality, ignore the vast swaths of reality outside blue America. Weiss does not require every story she runs to conform to her beliefs; she criticized Elon Musk, an erstwhile ally, and published a critique of Israel by Andrew Sullivan. But both the sites choice of topics for news coverage and the tenor of its opinion journalism naturally revolve around her own worldview. The Free Press has flooded the zone with laudatory coverage of former liberals alienated by left-wing identity politics in their progressive networks and communities. Peter Savodnik profiled The Hollywood Power Brokers Mugged by Reality. (Note the old neocon slogan reappearing.) Suzy Weiss and Francesca Block wrote about how the lefts reaction to the massacre in Israel has many progressive Jews in the West rethinking their past activism, political affiliations, and friendships. Bari Weiss and Oliver Wiseman reported on the same phenomenon (Liberal friends were suddenly talking about buying guns. Progressive friends were texting about topics like border security and immigration. In a whisper, one even admitted to watching Fox News.) The all-but-explicit message of these stories is that other moderate liberals put off by the radical left should follow Weisss own journey. Weiss has defined her beliefs in simple, unobjectionable terms. I hate bullies, period, she told one interviewer. Sometimes bullies are professors, sometimes bullies are students. And sometimes, bullies may be neither a professor nor a student but, say, a billionaire presidential candidate. But Trump, even though he embodies the traits of a bully so completely that people suspect he was the model for the scenery-chewing heavy in Back to the Future Part II, does not seem to activate Weisss anti-bullying instinct. Weisss 2020 resignation letter from the Times mocked the papers Opinion page for publishing too many anti-Trump columns. Why edit something challenging to our readers, or write something bold only to go through the numbing process of making it ideologically kosher, when we can assure ourselves of job security (and clicks) by publishing our 4000th op-ed arguing that Donald Trump is a unique danger to the country and the world? she asked rhetorically. There might have been a point in believing Trump-bashing had gotten too easy. But The Free Press has increasingly adopted a defensive posture toward the former president, in which Trump has come to represent the antithesis of blue Americas insularity. Whether they realize it or not, this is why Democrats truly hate Trump. Without him, the left would soon have had a pretty permanent monopoly on power, argues one typical recent column. Another column laments that rather than trying to understand Trumps voting base, many in the media have villainized them as fascists. The posture of openness and curiosity is highly selective. The Free Press makes little effort to sympathetically understand the perspective of Americans who despise Israel and is more than happy to tar them as fanatics and bigots. It is also perfectly willing to use fascism comparisons for modern American phenomena when the target is, say, Harvard University. The Trump depicted in The Free Press is less an independent actor than the passive object of left-wing zeal. One especially telling recent column casts Trump as the funhouse mirror of the left, an epiphenomenon, a club in the hands of an alienated public, a man whose behavior should not be seen as personal attributes that is to say, a political actor whose choices do not reflect badly on his supporters, or even himself, but on his opponents: Trump appears to act as a sort of funhouse mirror on which the progressive elites who run most institutions, including the federal government, see themselves reflected in the most monstrous and frightening light Trump is once again an epiphenomenon: a club in the hands of an alienated public, with which to bash the elites and their unresponsive institutions We should never think of Trumps vulgarity and weirdness as personal attributes. They are political signals. Its his way of saying, I am not them, of standing apart while making rude noises from the petrified dignity of elite politicians The melee that surrounds him on all sides, we should remember, is an asymmetrical fight: Those seeking Trumps annihilation own most of the levers of power. Trump now roars down the express lane to the Republican nomination. To win in November, however, he will need a strategic brilliance he has never before demonstrated, or else a whole lot of luck. More likely, our democracy will intervene and he will be broken on the wheel of elite hatred before Election Day. While The Free Press does not have a formal editorial line, this arresting image of Trump being broken, Christ-like, on the wheel of elite hatred is the culmination of a belief system that cannot imagine any system of power that is not left-wing. And it is certainly true that if you live inside Hollywood or the New York Times or an Ivy League university, Trump and his supporters are mere hate objects. Weiss has built a publication speaking on behalf of a faction that cannot see the parts of the country where the right commands very real power. In a speech to the conservative Federalist Society in November, Weiss told the assembled crowd that while they had differences over subjects like abortion, I know who my allies are, and urged the audience to accept that you are the last line of defense and fight, fight, fight. It is not that Weiss has abandoned all of her liberal or moderate beliefs; it is just that she has decided they dont matter very much and that her allies are on the political right. To build a worldview entirely in reaction to the excesses of one side is eventually to cooperate in the excesses of the other. The boomer neocons who began with revulsion at campus radicals wound up linking arms with the radical right. At some point, Weiss will stop denying that she is engaged in a political project and recognize that she has become a conservative, newly. By Lee Hae-rin Local governments in Korea have expanded benefits for foreign nationals as part of efforts to attract them to live in their areas amid a population decline. To help female teenagers aged between 11 and 18 of foreign nationality in 21 cities and counties purchase feminine hygiene products, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government began providing a voucher worth 13,000 won ($9.76) for them. Last October, the provincial assembly made an amendment to the ordinance regarding the welfare policy to include foreign nationals. As a result, around 4,500 foreign residents are estimated to benefit from the policy. Ansan in southwestern Gyeonggi Province, which boasts the largest number of foreign residents in the country, started to provide child care vouchers for multicultural families last year. Children of foreign nationality aged up to 5 who have stayed in the city for more than 90 days and go to day care facilities there are subject to receive 1,000 won to 3,000 won per hour. This year, some 1,300 children are expected to benefit from the policy every month, up from last years 1,200. Notably, the North Chungcheong Province Office of Education decided to support kindergarten expenses for foreign children aged between 3 and 5. The office expects around 290 people to benefit from the policy and receive 150,000 won or 350,000 won in support money, depending on whether they go to public or private institutes, respectively. Meanwhile, Yeongam County in South Jeolla Province provided 600,000 won in local vouchers as support money for the first three months of settlement to 116 foreign nationals last month. Also, several municipalities are offering help to support the settlement of foreign nationals. The South Gyeongsang Provincial Government decided to hire interpreters for Vietnamese, Chinese, Mongolian, Cambodian, Nepalese and Filipino nationals at its foreign resident centers to help newcomers with labor issues, social integration, Korean language lessons and medical services. The province plans to introduce 22,000 additional foreign workers this year, which will increase their number to 67,000 from 45,000 last year. The North Gyeongsang Provincial Government also plans to operate a K-dream foreign resident center in Gumi and a special task force in every city and county to offer support from entry to settlement, especially regarding housing and cultural issues and their childrens education. Incheon started running a global center last year to provide Korean language and culture classes and administrative counseling for foreign residents in the citys free economic zone. Over 3,500 visitors received help from the center last year, according to the city. Auburn University will be making history in March as it converts the Gogue Performing Arts Center into a working courtroom of the Alabama Supreme Court for the first time. AU will welcome members of the court to the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on March 14 to hear oral arguments in a medical malpractice case, SC-2023-0601Ex parte Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. Faculty members, students, staff and all residents from the Auburn-Opelika region have the rare opportunity to see the Court in action. As an academic community, we aim to foster learning opportunities that translate classroom knowledge into life experience for the most challenging issues facing society, Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan said. Hosting the Supreme Courts oral arguments not only demonstrates democratic governance in action, but it enhances our understanding of our societys most pressing issues, especially those that continue to have a profound impact on our lives. During the session, the justices will be hearing arguments in Ex parte Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. (JHC), a medical malpractice case stemming from the death of Nathaniel Johnson in 2020. According to a petition filed by JHC, Theresa Johnson filed a compliant with the JHC in 2021 for the care provided to Nathaniel Johnson in 2020. JHC in turn sought a summary judgment in accordance with Alabama COVID-19 Immunity Acts broad immunity. The summary judgement was originally granted, but trial court reversed that decision in 2023. The JHC is now asking the Court to issue a writ of mandamus directing the trial court to vacate its July 12, 2023 ruling and to issue an order granting summary judgment for JHC based on immunity under the ACIA. As part of the proceedings in March, opposing counsel will present arguments interpreting the Alabama COVID-19 Immunity Act and Gov. Kay Iveys emergency COVID-19 proclamations. The parties will have equal time to present their arguments to the Court. Amicus curiae (friend of the Court) briefs have been filed by Gov. Ivey, the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee and the Alabama Hospital Association. Chief Justice Tom Parker is looking forward to the event and said that the court enjoys bringing the proceedings to colleges and communities in the state. It is a chance to expose our judicial process to folks outside Montgomery who may not otherwise get a chance to see, in person, the business of the highest court in Alabama, Park said. We are very grateful to Auburn University for inviting us to their beautiful campus so that Auburn students and local high school students may see the Court in session, be better informed about their state government and maybe find inspiration to pursue a fulfilling career in law or public service. The doors at the GPAC will open at 9 a.m. for security screening and attendees are asked to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to be seated before the Court is officially called to order. The event is open to the public, but advance registration is requested. Any cell phone use while the Court is in session is prohibited. We are honored that our Court justices are willing to travel across the state to provide our campus community with such a unique learning opportunity, Nathan said. Additional information for the March 14 oral argument, including briefs filed in the case, can be found on the Alabama Judicial System website. For more information on the event, visit Auburn Universitys oral argument website or email provost@auburn.edu Even on a budget, you cant downsize Molly Novaks dreams. Maya Rudolph returns for season 2 of Loot on April 3. pic.twitter.com/fpNlR8in1I One of the best comedy debuts in years - TV Guide Catch up on Season 1 of The Big Door Prize before it returns on April 24. Season 2 proves that there are endless possibilities to your dreams. pic.twitter.com/JKJw4gGmzC Nikki and Jason built the family of their dreams, but theyre about to take on the biggest obstacle teenagers. Trying season 4 premieres May 22. pic.twitter.com/iNVLYrs3C1 Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 Welcome back to Las Colinas, where a whole new chapter is about to unfold. Season 3 of everyone's feel-good favorite Acapulco, premieres May 1. pic.twitter.com/kmt0NbV7vk Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 Youre formally invited to step inside Palm Beachs most exclusive club. Palm Royale premieres March 20. Starring Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, and Kaia Gerber with Laura Dern and Allison Janney. Plus, special guest stars Carol pic.twitter.com/gHtv48XJvh Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 "To understand fashion today youve got to understand The New Look. Go inside The New Look, a historical drama series set in 1940s Paris, premiering February 14. Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, Maisie Williams and John Malkovich talk about their roles as fashion icons. pic.twitter.com/5KJJnkUOgz Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 Noel Fielding is Dick Turpin, the most dangerous highway robber of the 18th century. Sort of. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin premieres March 1. pic.twitter.com/DqV9AKtPFp Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 Colin Farrell is private detective John Sugar, but like a lot of people in LA, hes not who he seems. Sugar premieres April 5. pic.twitter.com/lNO23rboxw Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 Based on the bestselling book by Blake Crouch, Dark Matter follows a physicist, professor and family man who embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself. Starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer pic.twitter.com/B03UDCG7iI Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 Michael Douglas is Benjamin Franklin. Inspired by true events, Franklin tells the thrilling story of how Benjamin Franklin went on a mission to France to underwrite America's democracy. The limited series premieres April 12. pic.twitter.com/u2NCDZtxxn Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 When three generations of women are forced to flee New York to a charming village in Spain, they face an unexpected threat: small-town gossip. Eva Longoria stars in Land of Women, inspired by the best-selling novel, premiering this summer. pic.twitter.com/Se4UiQ7PDX Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 5, 2024 I bet the runner up is so mad omg lol like literally the first runner up exists SPECIFICALLY for this case and the pageant people were like NAH Reply Thread Link I think they may not have replaced her because they want to make it clear they're only taking away the title for the affair - I'm assuming the runner up is ethnically Japanese and they don't want it to appear they were caving to criticism. It's a mess all around. Reply Parent Thread Link This makes sense and doesn't at the same time, because pretty sure if she wasn't mixed race and had this affair come out, they'd have crowned the runner up the way they're supposed to. So in the end they're making this even more about her ethnicity. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Knowing a man is married and willing to cheat anyway is certainly a choice.... a terrible ass one... regarding whether or not she's Japanese, I have no opinion. Reply Thread Link Not defending her actions, because she choose him, but men have a way of convincing affair partners that the wife is awful, hes in a loveless marriage, hes planning on leaving her, etc. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I mean youre a person with a brain, use it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I know you're not defending her but when you use but then give a myriad reasons as to how she could be fooled into having an affair with him makes it seem like the very least being lenient on her and not as if she's a grown woman so Imma just go based on her words which is that she knew he was married and had a wife and children so that makes her terrible in my eyes. If a man ever tells me he hates his wife, in the middle of separation, etc. I'd be like cool, let me speak to her and see her ass hating you to believe it cuz no way in hell am I continuing to see a man who's married with children. Edited at 2024-02-06 10:33 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Giving me flashbacks to my friend who was involved with a married guy and was always letting me know his wife is so mean to him he deserves to be treated better Then suggested I was anti-feminist because I said women who knowingly get involved with attached men are also in the wrong. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link at some point women are not helpless children Reply Parent Thread Link She's 26, though. Maybe she needs J.J. Bittenbinder to teach her street smarts. Edited at 2024-02-06 12:39 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Beauty standards are wild because nobody would elect her anything in a western beauty pageant. Shes unremarkable Reply Thread Link Shes pretty enough, and the rest of the contestants more unremarkable than she was. Reply Parent Thread Link These pictures are much better than the ones I've seen with articles. Reply Parent Thread Link As I'm sure those selfies are completely unedited and unfiltered Reply Parent Thread Link why would you admit that when they were trying to help you. the hate shes gonna get... Reply Thread Link shes clearly a woman of high integrity and conviction! she couldnt stand on a lie. i commend her!!!! Reply Parent Thread Link its japan tho, she could... end real bad off :/ Reply Parent Thread Link Cheaters are the worrrrrrrrrrrst. My ex-partner had another girlfriend and life for a whole year and it really screwed me up for a long time. Fuck these people. Reply Thread Link This happened to my best friend and it fucked me up as well. The fact that he was taking vacations with the other girl and my bestie had no idea Reply Parent Thread Link I don't know how they find the time tbh. He was abroad in Barcelona with me, telling her he was on holiday with his dad, going out for 'morning runs' and calling her, then coming back to me with coffee. It was bizarre. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link OMG, am I your friend? My ex couldnt even take time off and when he did he was always on the phone with work but he was able to find time, money, and airplane mode for another woman. And for a trip to Mexico! I could barely get him to leave the borough. Edited at 2024-02-06 06:30 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link ugh, I am sorry I had a best friend who was dealing with potential homelessness and I was like WAIT NO MOVE IN WITH ME WE HAVE A SPARE ROOM and invited her to move in with me and then she and my boyfriend got together and tbh it has given me major trust issues forever. not because of my ex tbh I expect romantic shit to fall apart but not from my best friends!! literally they were under my roof hooking up when i was asleep. just the GALL. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Same, sis. I hope you're doing better now and managed to gain back your confidence and at least a certain level of trust in people. It's been over a decade for me, but I still feel some kind of invisible hurdle in relationships that keeps me ever so slightly emotionally distant. What's even more fucked up is that his BIL was in a long-term affair with his secretary while my ex's sister was stuck at home with their baby, and my ex was so furious about it... while two-timing (+ randomly hooking up) himself. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link What's wild is how common weaponized incompetence is and how common this is. Like you aren't unobservant, you're just careful with things you want. Reply Parent Thread Link what does that have to do with winning a beauty pageant though Reply Thread Link morals clause I suppose, like when they kicked out Vanessa Williams from being Miss America for doing nude modeling Reply Parent Thread Link moral clause Reply Parent Thread Link A lot of beauty pageants have you sign a code of conduct. It's how they were able to snatch Vanessa William's crown after her old modeling pictures were released. It was art photography and the asshole who took them sold them to Penthouse magazine. Reply Parent Thread Link Girl! You didn't think people would dig up shit? Reply Thread Link Man if you have skeletons like this in the closet, why would you put yourself on a national (and even international) stage?? There is zero way all that dirt isn't gonna come out - people dig up 12 year old TWEETS to bury people and she's out here having a whole entire affair with someone (who is famous online on top of that). Reply Thread Link Even if it didn't impact the pageant, why even risk it being dissected in the press. Very stupid behavior. Reply Parent Thread Link The Miss Japan title will remain vacant for the rest of the year - despite there being eligible runner-ups. ...why? Reply Thread Link What a weird saga, why is the organization going so hard for her? Reply Thread Link Ummmm this is sus. Very sus timing on this revelation about her personal life. Did the organizers turn a blind eye on this information at first and only decide to reveal it now because of the controversy around her ethnicity? Actually I wonder if it's even true; they needed some reason to take the crown from her other than "we shouldn't have let her compete". I don't trust them. Reply Thread Link Whoever leaked it is... Brooklyn 99 Captain Holt Vendicated! gif Next/this year the ladies should boycott the night of the pageant and all walk off. Reply Thread Link But isnt this the exact point of a runner up???? Reply Thread Link seriously all I know from watching pageants is that every single time the emcee has to make this qualifying speech about the First Runner Up like she's the Designated Survivor during the State of the Union, and now they're not even using her! Reply Parent Thread Link So dumb. My bff has been chatting to a man who has a whole girlfriend in his house for over 2 years and they keep talking about how good they would be as a couple and Im just ????? And I keep telling her that shes a dumb bitch, that he will never leave his gf (According to him shes just boring and no good sex :((((( so sad omg) and that hes just using her for his ego. Every single time she swoons over him I make sure to tell her shes fucking dumb and that he has 30 other chicks lined up that hes talking too. You aint special!!! Well shes special to me lmao but I hate this part of her. Reply Thread Link According to him shes just boring and no good sex :((((( so sad omg) and that hes just using her for his ego. Ummmmm, I don't know what to say Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I told her if you seriously think his gf is like that just because he (A man who obviously doesnt have his morals in order) says so I cannot save her brain. Reply Parent Thread Link Right like, thats worse. You do see how thats worse?! Reply Parent Thread Link Why would she want to be in a relationship with someone who would say that about their partner? Is she colorblind and cant see red flags? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Oh god... if he even admits to having that gf only for his ego / convenience, whatever... it can hardly go lower than that. And even if your bff was special to him & he left his gf, she'd just be an upgraded accessory until he gets bored again. Ask her if she wants to have her sex life talked about and ridiculed in the future. You sound like an amazing friend, though! <3 Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Some people are truly the cause of their own misery. Reply Parent Thread Link Good on you. Too many people are afraid to call their friends out when they're stupid because it's so hard to make friends as an adult. Reply Parent Thread Link Ive had multiple friends here in Japan joke that this is very Japanese of her Reply Thread Link Lol but I did think 'aren't affairs super common in japan? (I know people in every culture/country cheat but Japan seems like even moreso) Reply Parent Thread Link I like to think attitudes are changing but who knows. I try to remember for every cheating story I hear, all of the Japanese couples I know here in happy relationships, like my old coworker who was my age (mid 30s) and so in love with his wife and their (at the time) newborn twins. Three years after their birth and hes still breaking office norms and leaving at a reasonable time so he can go home to be with his family. Reply Parent Thread Link I've watched several of those "talk to people on the streets of Japan" YT videos about cheating and they really do make it seem like Japan has a very strong cheating culture, so I kinda thought "Well, that helps support her Nihon-Jin case, doesn't it?" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie (KIT) researchers and of two Helmholtz platforms Helmholtz Imaging at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Helmholtz AI -have succeeded in finding a way to predict the quality of the perovskite layers and consequently that of the resulting solar cells when assisted by machine learning. The new methods in artificial intelligence (AI), make it possible to assess their quality from variations in light emission during the manufacturing process. The report discussing the work has been published in Advanced Materials. Tandem solar cells based on perovskite semiconductors convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently than conventional silicon solar cells. In order to make this technology ready for the market, further improvements with regard to stability and manufacturing processes are required. For example perovskite tandem solar cells combine a perovskite solar cell with a conventional solar cell based on silicon. These cells are considered a next-generation technology: They boast an efficiency currently to more than 33 percent, which is much higher than that of conventional silicon solar cells. Moreover, they use inexpensive raw materials and are easily manufactured. To achieve this level of efficiency, an extremely thin high-grade perovskite layer, whose thickness is only a fraction of that of human hair, has to be produced. Tenure-track professor Ulrich W. Paetzold who conducts research at the Institute of Microstructure Technology and the Light Technology Institute of KIT said, Manufacturing these high-grade, multi-crystalline thin layers without any deficiencies or holes using low-cost and scalable methods is one of the biggest challenges. Even under apparently perfect lab conditions, there may be unknown factors that cause variations in semiconductor layer quality: This drawback eventually prevents a quick start of industrial-scale production of these highly efficient solar cells, which are needed so badly for the energy turnaround, explained Paetzold. AI Finds Hidden Signs of Effective Coating To find the factors that influence coating, an interdisciplinary team consisting of the perovskite solar cell experts of KIT has joined forces with specialists for Machine Learning and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) of Helmholtz Imaging and Helmholtz AI at the DKFZ in Heidelberg. The researchers developed AI methods that train and analyze neural networks using a huge dataset. This dataset includes video recordings that show the photoluminescence of the thin perovskite layers during the manufacturing process. Photoluminescence refers to the radiant emission of the semiconductor layers that have been excited by an external light source. Lukas Klein and Sebastian Ziegler from Helmholtz Imaging at the DKFZ explained, Since even experts could not see anything particular on the thin layers, the idea was born to train an AI system for Machine Learning (Deep Learning) to detect hidden signs of good or poor coating from the millions of data items on the videos. To filter and analyze the widely scattered indications output by the Deep Learning AI system, the researchers subsequently relied on methods of Explainable Artificial Intelligence. A Blueprint for Follow-Up Research The researchers found out experimentally that the photoluminescence varies during production and that this phenomenon has an influence on the coating quality. Key to our work was the targeted use of XAI methods to see which factors have to be changed to obtain a high-grade solar cell, Klein and Ziegler said. This is not the usual approach. In most cases, XAI is only used as a kind of guardrail to avoid mistakes when building AI models. This is a change of paradigm: Gaining highly relevant insights in materials science in such a systematic way is a totally new experience. It was indeed the conclusion drawn from the photoluminescence variation that enabled the researchers to take the next step. After the neural networks had been trained accordingly, the AI was able to predict whether each solar cell would achieve a low or a high level of efficiency based on which variation of light emission occurred at what point in the manufacturing process. These are extremely exciting results, emphasized Ulrich W. Paetzold. Thanks to the combined use of AI, we have a solid clue and know which parameters need to be changed in the first place to improve production. Now we are able to conduct our experiments in a more targeted way and are no longer forced to look blindfolded for the needle in a haystack. This is a blueprint for follow-up research that also applies to many other aspects of energy research and materials science. *** ADVERTISEMENT While this research was in the solar energy field one can be sure that other manufacturing fields will be looking into how AI can be used to improve production, processes, quality, competitiveness, and profitability. Its the social engineering fields that has thoughtful folks intensely suspicious about where AI is going to go. There are already calls for regulation by bureaucrats some think to be experts in a field where there are not any real experienced experts just yet. There are sure to be some good things come from AI. There is also a very real possibility there will be things more terrible possible than anyone has imagined and maybe even engaged by people with evil thoughts in their minds. Time will tell Thats a certainty. By Brian Westenhaus via New Energy and Fuel More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Tajikistan may not recognize the Taliban government of neighboring Afghanistan, but the two countries are starting to cooperate better on trading electricity. On February 1, Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma informed reporters that Afghanistan had fully paid off its debts for power delivered to date. Kabul has since 2021 proven an unreliable customer. While regularly paying off part of its dues to Tajikistan, it has struggled to clear its debts outright. In 2023, Tajikistan exported 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, worth $110.4 million, Juma said. That was 5 percent more than in 2022, said Juma, without specifying how much of the total was reserved for Afghanistan. Tajikistan at present exports power to Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Juma says most of this power is delivered in spring and summer, when hydropower facilities produce excess capacity. The exception is Afghanistan, which continues to receive electricity in small quantities to keep key infrastructure up and running. The precise tariff structure for that electricity is not made public. Ever since the Taliban seized power and installed a self-styled Islamic Emirate, Tajikistan has adopted a cool stance toward Afghanistan. President Emomali Rahmon has been downright hostile. In August 2021, he stated his government would not recognize the Talibans rule over Afghanistan unless the countrys ethnic Tajik minority, which he claimed accounted for 46 percent of the total population, was accorded a worthy role in the running of the country. That notwithstanding, the countries are in economic dialogue. Trade turnover in 2023 amounted to $98 million, which was 12 percent below the year before. Tajikistan and Afghanistan entered into an agreement in 2008 on the supply of Tajik electricity through to 2028. At the end of each year, the parties sign a renewal protocol, which determines the cost and volume of electricity supplies for the next year. The chair of Tajik state power company Mahmadumar Asozoda met in December in Turkey with his Afghan opposite party, Alhaj Mullah Muhammad Hanif Hamza, head of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, or DABS, to sign an electricity purchase agreement for 2024. The pair used the meeting to also discuss the possibility of extending a new 500 [kilovolt] transmission line from Tajikistan to Afghanistan, DABS said in a statement. Kabul has further registered interest in continuing to work on implementing CASA-1000, a Western-backed project to link hydropower rich nations Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. ADVERTISEMENT By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil markets are once again focused on looming demand weakness, capping oil prices despite rising tensions in the Middle East. Chart of the Week - As India holds its second-ever India Energy Week in Goa, the worlds leading oil exporters have flocked to discuss new fields with a country that is poised to overcome China next year as the worlds fastest-growing source of oil demand. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged that India would see an investment of $67 billion in its energy sector over the next 5 years, seeking to almost double its refining capacity from 254 mtpa to 450 mtpa by 2030. - Indias 2070 net zero target provides Delhi with more time to prepare for a renewables-based future, with PM Modi expecting clean energy (including nuclear) to account for 50% of generation by 2030. - The energy week has been marked by the huge participation of Russian companies as Russia remains the largest oil supplier to India accounting for one-third of imports, although Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been increasingly visible, too. Market Movers - Canadas offshore regulator NLOPB confirmed that Norways Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) Cambriol G-92 discovery in offshore Newfoundland contains some 340 million barrels of oil, one of the top finds of 2023. - French energy major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) is exploring the sale of a 50% stake in a portfolio of wind and solar projects in Europe and the United States, seeking to share the brunt of higher capital costs. - US LNG developer Tellurian (NYSEAMERICAN:TELL) is reportedly exploring the sale of its Haynesville upstream business to boost the financing of its embattled 27.6 mtpa capacity Driftwood LNG project. Tuesday, February 06, 2024 Oil prices have been trending sideways over the past couple of days, dropping lower last week upon rumors that a Gaza ceasefire is imminent, and failing to bounce back significantly despite tensions running high in the Middle East. Saudi Aramcos timid OSPs for March might cap the upside for price recovery as the markets are focused on looming demand weakness again. That said, should Blinkens Middle East trip fail to yield any discernible results, the geopolitical premium might kick in again. BP Caps Spending, Boosts Buybacks to Win Over Investors. UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) posted higher-than-expected Q4 earnings, with profits declining slightly to $3 billion as the firms new management capped capex this year to $16 billion and promised $14 billion in share buybacks in 2024-2025. Shell Signs Term Deal with Dangote. UK energy major Shell (LON:SHEL) agreed to build a gas supply facility in Nigeria to feed a fertilizer plant owned by Aliko Dangote, Africas richest man who is also building the continents largest refinery, signing a 10-year deal to be sourced from the Iseni field. China Tightens Rules for Carbon Emitters. The Chinese government tightened rules for the countrys industrial polluters as it seeks to extend carbon allowances to the aluminum and cement industry this year, cutting future carbon allocations in case companies withhold or misreport emissions. Germany to Spend $17 Billion on Hydrogen Subsidies. The German government announced its plans to subsidize gas power plants to be reconfigured for hydrogen, allocating $17 billion for that purpose and aiming for at least 10 GW of capacity that could be fully switched to hydrogen in 2035-2040. TotalEnergies Namibia Portfolio Shines Brighter. Frances oil major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) has made another commercial discovery in Namibias ultra-deepwater offshore zone, with the Mangetti-1X exploration well expanding the drillable territory of the multi-billion-barrel Venus giant find. Billionaires Favourite Miner Finds Copper. KoBold Metals, a metal mining startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, has reportedly found a huge copper deposit in the African country of Zambia, the largest deposit in a century, with a potential to produce 400,000 tonnes per year at its peak. Rare Earths See Promise in H2 2024. Market analysts are turning increasingly bullish on rare earth prices into the second half of this year, with China poised to lower production quotas and EV demand for permanent magnets flipping rare earth elements such as praseodymium oxide into deficit. ADVERTISEMENT Polands Refinery Sale to Saudi Could Be Below Value. The Polish Audit office found that as the previous Morawiecki government merged two national oil companies PKN Orlen and Lotos, the sales of Lotos assets to Saudi Aramco and others might have been some $1.25 billion below market value. China Boosts LNG Imports Ahead of Lunar New Year. Chinese buyers bought 7.77 million tonnes of LNG in January, the fifth highest monthly reading on record and up 28% year-on-year, stocking up on liquefied gas before the Lunar New Year holidays amidst JKM prices still below $10 per mmBtu. As World Cools to ESG, EU Set to Tighten Emission Targets. The European Commission is set to recommend tighter greenhouse gas emission targets for the EU, cutting emissions by 90% by 2040 from 1990 levels, and testing the political appetite for even more drastic climate change measures. Venezuela Agrees to Dragon Terms. Shell has settled production terms with Venezuelas PDVSA on the 350 MMCf per day Dragon gas field that straddles the border of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, pledging 45% of the projects gross income to Venezuela in return for the guarantee that Trinidad takes all gas volumes. Petrobras Seeks Downstream Expansion Under Lula. Currently operating 11 refineries in Brazil with a total distillation capacity of 1.85 million b/d, Brazils national oil company Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) pledged to increase refining capacity by another 25% over the next four years. Qatar Clinches Bangladesh LNG Supply Deal. QatarEnergy and the US-based LNG developer Excelerate Energy (NYSE:EE) signed a 15-year term supply deal to deliver 1 million tonnes of LNG to Bangladesh starting from January 2026, another supply agreement from the North Field expansion. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Ecuador, a tiny South American country of around 18 million, stands on the precipice of disaster. The Andean country, once considered an island of peace in a violent region, has emerged as a hotbed of cocaine trafficking, crime and violence. During last years 2023 national election, a presidential candidate, for the first time in Ecuadors history, was assassinated. Cocaine-fueled violence, murders, and kidnappings are surging across Ecuador, with President Daniel Noboa seemingly incapable of stemming the tide. In response to the latest wave of violence, President Noboa announced a state of emergency, declared martial law and deployed the military to confront criminal bands on the streets. This is not only impacting a fragile economy and crisis-bound oil industry but sparked fears Ecuador could become a failed state. Despite vowing to crack down on crime, President Noboa, along with Ecuadors military and police, appear incapable of reining in the violence engulfing the tiny Andean country. During 2022, Ecuadors homicide rate surged to 25.9 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, a startling near fivefold increase over 2018 when there were 5.7 murders per 100,000 head of population. While 2022 was Ecuadors most violent year on record, that years murder rate will be eclipsed by 2023. Data from official sources shows there were at least 7,592 murders during 2023 compared to 4,426 a year earlier, a nearly twofold increase, indicating Ecuadors 2023 homicide rate hit an all-time high of 41.9 murders per 100,000 people. Latest estimates put the 2023 homicide rate even higher at 46 murders per 100,000 head of population. Those startling numbers not only make Ecuadors homicide rate the worst in South America, even surpassing a lawless Venezuela but among the highest globally. Even after President Noboas pledge to restore order, 2024 has started as Ecuadors most violent year yet. Not only have armed gang members stormed onto the streets to confront the military and police in pitched battles, but they are also kidnapping civilians and extorting businesses. Nearly a month ago, Ecuadors most powerful gang kingpin Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, known as Fito, leader of Los Choneros escaped from prison allegedly with assistance from guards. That was followed by another gang leader Fabricio Colon Pico of the Los Lobos, escaping days later. It is those two gangs that are the key protagonists responsible for most of the cocaine trafficking-related bloodshed and violent organized crime occurring in Ecuador. Los Choneros pioneered the movement of large volumes of cocaine along the coast from Colombias southern port of Tumaco, situated in a cocaine-producing hotspot, to Guayaquil, Ecuadors largest city and port. The gang, whose power base is situated within Ecuadors prisons, built close ties with Mexicos powerful Sinaloa cartel and Eastern European organized crime groups. Los Choneros used the vast income cocaine trafficking generates to rapidly expand as well as corrupt Ecuadors law enforcement, judiciary and National Assembly. The criminal bands strength declined after a brutal 2020 gang war saw archrivals Los Lobos emerge victorious to become Ecuadors leading criminal group. Los Lobos, which built an alliance with Mexicos Jalisco New Generation Cartel, is further strengthening its position by diversifying into other illicit sources of income, including illegal gold mining, kidnapping and extortion, as a means of insulating them from offensives against cocaine trafficking. Los Choneros and Los Lobos are among the nearly two dozen gangs President Noboa declared terrorist organizations that are to be neutralized by the military. Ecuadors president declared a 60-day state of emergency (Spanish) on January 9, 2024, when he deployed over 22,000 soldiers onto the streets and implemented a nighttime curfew. Those events sparked a surge in violence as gang members clashed with police and detonated bombs in the streets of major cities, notably Guayaquil and Quito. They went as far as storming a television studio in Guayaquil and seizing control of several prisons where officials were taken hostage, and some guards were reportedly executed. While that spasm of violence has ended, tensions are still bubbling away with the complex issues behind Ecuadors surging crime difficult to tackle successfully despite President Noboas promises. It is in Ecuadors sprawling complex of overpopulated prisons where the roots of the current security crisis can be found. Former President Rafael Correa, who received eight years in prison for corruption, launched a law-and-order crackdown which caused inmate numbers to swell. To house the rising prison population, which was placing considerable pressure on aging, overcrowded and dilapidated facilities, Correa ordered the construction of mega-prisons with the institutions designed to house thousands of inmates. Swelling inmate numbers saw prisons filled to overcapacity, housing 6,000 prisoners or more, creating a fertile breeding ground for gangs. Those developments, along with a lack of state resources, leading to the warehousing of inmates, forced prison officials to cede authority to gangs. Those bands took advantage of the situation to increase their numbers, in many cases through forced recruitment, and boost income from extortion, drugs, kidnapping and murder. Those conditions were exacerbated by Correas successors, President Lenin Moreno and Guillermo Lasso, who slashed prison resources even further. The fallout from those policies was magnified by the pandemic, where a sharp uptick in poverty triggered a spike in crime, causing inmate numbers to swell filling Ecuadors already heavily strained corrections system to beyond capacity. Heightened poverty, declining opportunities and increasingly harsh sentences for minor crimes bolstered the popularity of Ecuadors gangs, particularly for impoverished youths with no clear future. By early 2023, after years of increasingly deadly riots had swept through Ecuadors prisons, it was widely acknowledged the corrections system was in a state of crisis, with Quito having lost control of its penal facilities. A fragile state, weak institutions, dysfunctional law enforcement, poor governance and endemic corruption allowed powerful gangs to readily build a strong presence outside of the prisons. Into that already volatile mix, add vast quantities of cocaine and the considerable profits generated by trafficking the narcotic. Ecuador is wedged between Colombia and Peru, which are the world's largest manufacturers of cocaine. It is by virtue of this geography that Ecuador, despite not growing the coca plant that produces the essential precursor alkaloid required to manufacture cocaine, emerged as a shipping hub for the narcotic during the mid to late 1990s. As the volume of cocaine produced in those neighboring countries expanded, greater amounts of the narcotic were being shipped through Ecuador and its Pacific ports, notably Guayaquil. Booming cocaine production in Colombia and Peru, with all-time highs reported yearly since 2018, has seen Ecuador flooded with the narcotic, especially as interdictions in Colombia rose to record levels. As the seizure of cocaine shipments from Peru and especially Colombia grew along with production ramping up to record levels, hitting an all-time high in both countries for 2022, Ecuador found itself awash in cocaine. The countrys large Pacific ports, Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, coupled with an export-focused economy, make Ecuador an attractive transshipment hub, particularly for cocaine being shipped to Europe. Indeed, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) identified Europe as one of the fastest-growing primary consumer markets for cocaine. Europes importance for cocaine traffickers has expanded considerably over the last decade, with consumption soaring compared to the U.S., where it declined as other drugs, notably opioids, gained ground. Soaring large-scale cocaine interdictions in one of Europes busiest ports, Antwerp, attests to this development with some of the continents largest seizures in recent years being found in banana shipments from Ecuador. On paper, President Noboa is making significant headway (Spanish) with his crackdown resulting in over 5,600 arrests and a notable decline in violence. The question, however, is whether such a resource-intensive reactionary strategy is sustainable. Latest indicators show Quitos measures are already failing, with a fiscally strained government unable to continue financing such a costly operation. That extreme fiscal weakness is underscored by a push to substantially decrease the government payroll (Spanish), increase the VAT by three percentage points to 15% and delay the payment of January 2024 government salaries until February. Clearly, intelligence sharing and cooperation with the U.S. (Spanish) as well as neighboring countries is insufficient to support the current measures and tamp down violence over the long term. President Noboa has a limited window of opportunity to deal with Ecuadors security crisis, with his term ending in May 2025. ADVERTISEMENT By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: An appeals court is considering whether to let President Bidens decision to greenlight the Willow oil project stand or strike it down as opponents want. The case was heard by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco yesterday but the court has yet to make a decision. The focus of the hearing was on the plaintiffs claim that the Bureau of Land Management did not include a reasonable range of alternatives to its assessment of the project, limiting itself only to those that would allow Willow to proceed, the AP reported. The approval was granted, per the plaintiffs, on the flawed premise that it must allow ConocoPhillips to extract all economically viable oil from its leases and assessed only a narrow range of action alternatives that each allowed nearly identical oil production. President Biden gave the go-ahead to the Willow oil project last March. The massive project covers three drill sites in the National Petroleum Reserve in an area that is estimated to hold up to 600 million barrels of oil. Willow incited much controversy from climate activists and some of Bidens supporters from the left, many of whom argue that the project is a major setback in fighting climate change, with the Interior Departments estimate that the project could see 278 million metric tons in emissions over its 30-year lifespan. The $8-billion project could see peak production of 160,000 barrels of oil daily, according to 2020 estimates but since then, this has been revised up to a maximum of 180,000 barrels daily. Immediately after the federal governments decision to give the go-ahead to the project, opponents took them to court, arguing it would exacerbate climate change. The judge who heard the case ruled against the plaintiffs, basing her decision on internal inconsistencies in their declarations arguing that the project will cause irreparable harm. Opponents have been quick to challenge that judges decision in what is the second lawsuit against the Willow project. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: China was single-handedly responsible for 96% of global coal power capacity construction last year, cementing its position as the biggest coal builder in the world. Per data, released by Global Energy Monitor and reported by Bloomberg, China last year also accounted for 68% of new coal generation capacity that came online last year and 81% of newly planned coal generation projects. Chinas attitude to coal has been hard to swallow for Europe and other transition advocates but Beijing has made a point of explaining that on its list of priorities, energy security comes before energy transition. Besides, officials have said that most of the new coal capacity will operate as backup for wind and solar, which cannot generate electricity round the clock, unlike coal power plants. Meanwhile, coal production in China hit a record last year, at 4.66 billion metric tons, which was 2.9% higher than output in 2022, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed last month. Higher demand after the COVID restrictions were lifted and higher domestic coal prices also led to record-high coal imports into China, which soared by 61.8% year-on-year to 474.42 million metric tons in 2023, data from the General Administration of Customs showed in January. In the latter part of 2023, China ramped up coal and natural gas production, imports, and consumption as its electricity demand jumped in the second half and looks to hit a record-high winter peak demand. Chinas coal demand is expected to drop this year and plateau through 2026, and global demand is set to decline to 2026, but China will have the last word, the International Energy Agency said in a recent report on coal trends. The report noted that Chinas coal future will be affected by the rate of its wind and solar buildout over the next few years, as well as structural economic factors. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Germanys energy policies of boosting renewables while phasing out nuclear and coal have brought uncertainty about energy supply in the medium to long term, creating an absolutely toxic environment for industry investments, the president of the biggest German industry association told the Financial Times. Nobody can say with any certainty today what our energy supply will look like in seven years time, and thats why no one can say how high energy prices will be in Germany then, Siegfried Russwurm, president of Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI), the main industry body in Germany, told FT. For companies that have to make investment decisions, that is absolutely toxic, Russwurm added. Germanys energy policy of the past two years has deviated from that of many developed economies. Europes top economy has a goal to be carbon neutral by 2045 and boost the share of renewable energy in its power generation to 80% by 2030, up from around 50% now. While other developed economies even Japan are betting big on nuclear power again to boost zero-emission electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, Germany last year closed all its remaining nuclear power plants. We still have no clarity on how and by when we can create reliable reserve capacity, Russwurm told FT, commenting on the governments failure to reassure industries of energy supply in the medium to long term. On Monday, the German government said that it would tender 10 gigawatts (GW) of new natural gas-fired capacity from power plants that could be converted to hydrogen in the 2030s, as part of plans to ensure stable electricity supply as wind and solar power generation and installations grow. The Economy Ministry said that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Economy Minister Robert Habeck, and Finance Minister Christian Lindner had agreed on a program with which the federal government would fund the new gas plants with money from the Climate and Transition Fund. ADVERTISEMENT Germany installed a record-high power capacity from solar and wind in 2023, but only solar additions met government targets, while wind power installations fell short of goals. By Tsvetana Paraskova More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: By Jung Da-hyun During the Lunar New Year holiday, Seoul Childrens Grand Park in eastern Seoul is set to host a festival from Saturday to Monday, featuring various events themed around the Blue Dragon. Marking the Year of the Blue Dragon, special free roller coaster rides are scheduled for Saturday at the amusement park. This event is being offered exclusively to 2,024 people born in the Year of the Dragon, including those born in 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Participation in the free roller coaster rides is on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals can enjoy the free ride by presenting their ID card as proof of being born in a previous Year of the Dragon. Over the three days, traditional recreational events will take place, featuring popular Korean Lunar New Year games such as yunnori, a Korean traditional board game, pitch-pot, in which players throw arrows or sticks from a set distance into a canister, and neolttwigi, which is similar to a seesaw. These activities will be held near the back gate of the park, and everyone is welcome to participate. Additionally, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 500 servings of rice cake soup will be provided as a free lunch at the amusement park entrance. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis for 500 older adults and foreign workers. Furthermore, there will be a ticket giveaway event for the amusement park conducted through a lottery for a week starting Saturday. Participants can join by taking photos at four designated spots, including the historic Blue Dragon Train and a blue dragon photo zone at Palgagdang Square in the park. After taking photos, individuals should upload them to Instagram with hashtags. These events have been organized to enhance the enjoyment of the public during the Lunar New Year, according to the Seoul Facilities Corporation. We are committed to transforming Seoul Children's Grand Park into a dynamic and appealing destination that captures the frequent attention of both children and adults, said Han Kook-young, chairman of the Seoul Facilities Corporation. Detailed information about the events can be found on the Children's Grand Park website and its official Instagram account. Diesel supply on the Russian market jumped by 17% in January while gasoline supply increased by 7%, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday, a few months after the government restricted in the autumn fuel exports to ensure stable domestic supplies. Measures have been taken to increase the volume of gasoline production and to reduce the export of oil products by the volumes that allowed us to increase the volume of supplies to the domestic market in January for gasoline - by 7%, for diesel - by 17%, Russian news agency TASS quoted Novak as saying in a presentation. At the end of last year, Russias gasoline production rose by 3.1% and diesel production increased by 3.5%, according to official data. Last year, Russia restricted diesel and gasoline exports on September 21 in an effort to stabilize domestic fuel prices in the face of soaring prices and shortages as crude oil prices rallied and the Russian ruble weakened. Prior to implementing the ban, Russia had raised mandatory supply volumes for motor gasoline and diesel fuel to deal with a supply crunch. The ban on diesel was lifted three weeks later, in early October, on the condition that at least 50% of producer supplies went to the domestic market. Since the EU embargo on imports of Russian fuel came into force in early February 2023, Russia had 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. The ban affected those exports and analysts said at the time they didnt expect a prolonged ban on diesel shipments, because of Russias limited storage capacity which, once full, could force refiners to cut processing rates. The gasoline export ban was lifted in the middle of November, after the country built a supply surplus. So far into 2024, diesel and gasoline supply on the domestic market has been stable, Novak said on Tuesday. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Japans shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines is unable to deliver ice-breaker class ships to Russias new LNG export project in the Arctic because of the U.S. sanctions levied on the projects operator at the end of last year, the president of the Japanese firm told Bloomberg in an interview on Tuesday. The U.S. sanctions on Russias latest LNG project, Arctic LNG 2 of the largest Russian LNG exporter, Novatek, have upended the companys plans for production start-up and export timelines. In November, the U.S. Department of State designated limited liability company ARCTIC LNG 2, the operator of the Arctic LNG 2 Project, as part of additional sanctions against Russia to further target individuals and entities associated with Russias war effort and other malign activities. This has led some minority shareholders in the project, including Frances TotalEnergies, to declare force majeure on future deliveries. Novatek holds a 60% stake in Arctic LNG 2. The other shareholders include CNOOC of China and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), TotalEnergies, and Japanese firms Mitsui Group and Jogmec. Japans Mitsui OSK Lines was supposed to deliver three ice-class breakers to carry LNG from the Arctic plant. The first of the three ice-breaker LNG vessels is expected to finish construction later this year. Our contractual obligation is that if we cannot provide the service to Arctic 2, we have to sell our vessel to Arctic 2, Mitsui OSK Lines president Takeshi Hashimoto told Bloomberg. But there is a sanction that says we should not do that deal with Arctic. So its a bit complicated, the Japanese executive added. The company is working with the U.S. and Japanese governments to find a solution to the ship delivery issue, he added. Potential contract cancellations for the construction of ice-class LNG carriers and U.S. sanctions on the latest Russian LNG export project could hamper Russias plans to boost LNG sales now that its pipeline route to Europe is largely cut off. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Amid U.S. sanctions stalling progress on natural gas exports from a new Arctic LNG plant, Russian gas producer Novatek is opening an office in China and creating a team based there to sell gas, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing sources with knowledge of the plans. Novatek, which is the biggest LNG producer and exporter in Russia, has been working to set up a marketing and business development team based in China for months, according to multiple undisclosed sources who spoke to Reuters. Novateks new Arctic LNG 2 project has been basically on ice since the U.S. imposed in November fresh sanctions on Russian project. The Arctic LNG 2 project is being developed by Russias largest independent natural gas producer, Novatek, and was on track to begin first production in late 2023. Novatek holds a 60% stake in Arctic LNG 2. The other shareholders include CNOOC of China and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), French supermajor TotalEnergies, and Japanese firms Mitsui Group and Jogmec. In September, the U.S. levied some sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project, designating Russian services companies connected with its development. Two months later, the U.S. Department of State designated limited liability company ARCTIC LNG 2, the operator of the Arctic LNG 2 Project, as part of additional sanctions against Russia to further target individuals and entities associated with Russias war effort and other malign activities. At the end of December, reports emerged that Chinese state energy giants plan to ask the United States for exemptions from the sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project in a rare request to the U.S. as LNG deliveries could be threatened. ADVERTISEMENT CNOOC and CNPC are preparing to apply for sanctions exemptions to buy cargoes from Arctic LNG 2, to make sure that they dont run afoul of the U.S., from which the Chinese firms also buy LNG, Bloomberg reported at the time, citing sources familiar with the issue. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A helicopter that will serve as a focal point of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial arrived Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 at the memorials construction site at 11691 S. 108th St. in Papillion. The UH-1 Huey, with tail No. 68-15532, flew 3,180 hours in Vietnam over a four-year period, according to a press release from the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. After sitting in a field in Vermont for decades, it was restored by Iowa Western aviation students, volunteers from Offutt Air Force Base and retired veterans at Iowa Western Community Colleges hangar at the Council Bluffs Municipal Airport, where it has been stored ever since. The whirlybird was transported to the site on a flatbed trailer and lifted by a Hawkins Construction Co. crane onto two stacks of boards, where it will perch for about six weeks while its pedestal is prepared and statues of soldiers are positioned in its cabin, according to Doug Huggins, a City of Papillion employee. This is a big milestone, said Tom Brown, president of the foundations board of directors. The chopper will be positioned about 12 feet off the ground, with two soldiers on the ground carrying an injured comrade to the aircraft for transport to get medical care, Brown said. The sculptures are being crafted by artist Troy Mueller at his studio at Hot Shops in Omaha. Brown served in Vietnam with the Marine Corps in 1968 and helped deliver food, bandages, ammunition and other supplies to the troops, he said. He also helped carry wounded soldiers to medical helicopters. George Abbott, secretary-treasurer of the foundation board, who was a gunnery officer on a destroyer off the Vietnam coast during the war, was also glad to see the Huey arrive. Were making progress, and were hoping to get the helo down where its going to be we think well have it up on the pole by the middle of March, he said. Its been a long road since 2017. That was when Brown, Abbott and the late Howard Ball began discussing Nebraskas need for a Vietnam veterans memorial. They formed the nonprofit foundation in 2019. They always felt a chopper should be part of the memorial. The group tracked down the Huey by placing an ad in the Vietnam Veterans of America magazine. VVA Chapter 116 in Bennington, Vermont responded and offered to donate the chopper, if the Nebraska group would take care of transporting it. It took almost two years for the group to raise enough money to move it. Once it got to Nebraska, J.R. Richardson at Bellevue University contacted Dylan Driscoll, chair of Iowa Westerns Aviation Maintenance Technology program, who offered to give the bird a temporary home. It arrived at Iowa Western on May 15, 2021. The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial will honor the 396 Nebraska military personnel who were killed in action during the Vietnam War and an additional four sailors from the USS Evans. The memorial will include an honor wall bearing their names, the chopper with the rescue scene, 11 stone obelisks creating a historical journey through the events of the Vietnam War, flagpoles for the flags of the United States, POW/MIA and five branches of the U.S. Military, benches and green space for reflection and rest and technological enhancements to sustain the experience and viability of the memorial long term in connection with the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation website at nvvmf.org. Soon, a crane will begin lifting the stone obelisks onto their bases, which are already in place, Abbott said. They weigh about 20,000 pounds, he said. The memorial is scheduled to open on June 6. For more information and illustrations, visit the foundations website at nvvmf.org. Days after two off-duty Omaha police officers shot and killed two men in a South Omaha alleyway, details about what led to the fatal interaction remain scarce. Shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, according to the Omaha Police Department, two officers working off-duty at an unspecified business were involved in a disturbance that ended with two men Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez, 26, and Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales, 28 shot and killed inside an SUV in an alleyway near 32nd and L Streets. The two officers have not been publicly identified. Their names will be released after they are interviewed, which is set to take place early this week. They are currently on paid administrative leave. Initial information from police, which was shared in a Saturday morning press release, said that two off-duty officers were involved in a disturbance involving a firearm in an alleyway near 32nd and L Streets before they shot into the SUV, striking and killing the two men. Though the release noted that a handgun was found inside the SUV, it did not specify if the gun had been fired. A police report viewed by The World-Herald provides few additional details. According to the report, the officers were in a parking lot at 3110 L St. when a disturbance occurred. The report says that a shot was fired from (the SUV) and officers returned fire. A police spokesperson did not respond in time for publication to various questions about the shooting, including to clarify if shots were fired prior to officers shooting into the SUV. Neither Rodriguez-Juarez nor Hernandez-Rosales has any criminal history in Nebraska aside from minor traffic infractions. A captain with 25 years of experience and another veteran officer have been identified as the off-duty members of the Omaha Police Department involved in a shooting Saturday that took the lives of two men. The officers involved were Capt. Jay Leavitt, who commands the northeast precinct, and Officer Robert Soldo, police said in press release Monday night. Soldo has been with the department for 8 years. Shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, according to the Omaha Police Department, Leavitt and Soldo were working off-duty at a business near 32nd and L Streets when they investigated a disturbance involving a firearm. The incident ended with two men Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez, 26, and Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales, 28 being shot and killed inside an SUV in an alleyway. Police are asking any witnesses who were at Extasis Night Club at 3050 L St., and have not already spoken with police, to contact investigators at 402-444-5656. We believe many witnesses who could provide valuable information left the scene without speaking with officers, police said in the press release. Police have scheduled a press conference at Central Headquarters on Thursday at 1 p.m. for credentialed members of the news media. Leavitt and Soldo are on paid administrative leave and were expected to be interviewed Tuesday. A police report viewed by The World-Herald provides few additional details. According to the report, the officers were in a parking lot at 3110 L St., which is the location of a Sols Jewelry & Loan store, when a disturbance occurred. The report says that a shot was fired from (the SUV) and officers returned fire. John Dineen, general manager of Sols Jewelry & Loan, said police roped off the parking lot to the store that sits immediately west of the nightclub in the shootings aftermath. He said none of the stores security cameras picked up anything that pertained to the incident. Dineen said police have declined to share details with store management, citing the active investigation. He added that police reopened the stores parking lot around 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Others who spoke with The World-Herald said theyre unaware of the circumstances around Rodriguez-Juarezs and Hernandez-Rosales deaths beyond what has already been reported by media outlets. Neither Rodriguez-Juarez nor Hernandez-Rosales has any criminal history in Nebraska aside from minor traffic infractions. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office and the Nebraska State Patrol will assist OPDs Officer Involved Investigations Team in investigating the shooting. Since the killings are considered in-custody deaths, a grand jury also will be empaneled to review the case. A 58-year-old man was taken to an Omaha hospital Tuesday morning in critical condition after a shooting near 46th Street and Redman Avenue. Police and Omaha Fire Department medical personnel were called to the area about 10:20 a.m. for reports of multiple gunshots, a police spokesman said. Officers located Arthur Brown Jr. of Omaha suffering from a gunshot wound. Brown was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with an gunshot wound to his leg that is not thought to be life threatening, police said. Police have not announced any arrests. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the OPD Homicide Unit at 402-444-5656 or anonymously contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP, at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Tipsters are eligible for a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to a shooting arrest. Twenty-six people from large and small school districts all across the country applied to be the next superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools. Spencer Head, the OPS board president, said the candidates range in experience from current superintendents to district financial officers. On Thursday evening, the 26 candidates will be whittled down to at least four when the school board meets and names the finalists. Standing inside a newly renovated boardroom at the Teacher Administrative Center on Tuesday, Head and Ricky Smith, the board vice president, talked about the next steps in a superintendent search that has lasted roughly nine months. Smith said finding the next superintendent is not a process that should be rushed. Its not a rush, Smith said. We want to have that quality candidate. Smith said the focus has been on finding those candidates and collecting feedback from the community. OPS held forums and surveyed students, parents, staff and members of the public about their ideal superintendent. We did listen to you, Smith said. We took feedback. We listened to the other board members. And so it was a good process for us to kind of go through and grow through to build a better team. From that process, Head said board members learned that members of the community want the next superintendent to be committed to the district for the long term, and to be passionate about students and the success of the district, the districts families and the community. School board members discussed their definition of long term, Head said. Former Superintendent Cheryl Logan led the district for five years. Longer would be ideal, Head said. Personally, I would say over five years. Head said OPS is ready for someone who is going to commit to the district. Logan left OPS in June. Since her departure, Matt Ray has served as interim superintendent. Ray was formerly the districts chief of staff and secretary for the school board. He is expected to lead the district for the entire current school year, with the next superintendent starting in the 2024-25 school year. The district hired GR Recruiting, an Arizona-based company, to lead its superintendent search. The job application window opened on Oct. 17 and closed on Jan. 16. Following Thursdays announcement, the public is invited to meet each of the finalists on Monday, Feb. 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Buena Vista High School, 5616 L St. Smith said the intention of the meet-and-greet is to allow members of the OPS community to get to know the finalists and give the school board their feedback. Its also an opportunity for the finalists to get to know Omaha and the school district. Smith said it will be a chance to, welcome them to Omaha and then show Omaha who were looking at to be our next leader. Then on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the school board will publicly interview each finalist. That meeting will take place at TAC, the district headquarters at 3215 Cuming St., starting at 5 p.m. After the interviews, the school board will publicly discuss the various candidates because Head said state statute does not allow those conversations to happen behind closed doors. Hopefully, well be able to coalesce behind a candidate afterwards, Head said. The school board meetings can be live-streamed at ops.org/page/326. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 LINCOLN Dallas Asher wasnt all that interested in religion as a high school student in Minnesota. But he was happy enough to get away from his regular public school classes on Wednesday afternoons for an hours worth of religious education. And lessons from that class sustained him when he was shipped off to fight in Vietnam and again after he returned home, he told members of the Education Committee Monday. At age 76, Asher said he still reflects on what he learned from those released time classes. Thats why the Omaha man testified in favor of a bill that would allow Nebraska public school students to participate in similar religious instruction during the school day. Legislative Bill 1066, introduced by State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, would allow school boards to adopt released time policies under which K-12 students could take voluntary religious classes during the school day. He said the proposal would offer schools and parents another tool to help build character, improve academic performance, reduce behavior issues and strengthen morality. He also said the classes could make parents more inclined to keep their children in public schools, rather than send them to faith-based schools or home school them. Under the bill, the religious instruction classes would have to be provided by a sponsoring entity away from school property. The sponsoring entity or a childs parent or guardian would have to provide transportation. The bill would allow the religious classes to be taken for credit and would bar classes that undeniably promote licentiousness or practices that are inconsistent with school policy. A parent or guardian would have to approve the students participation in the class. Lippincott compared the idea to students taking time during the school day to work at a local John Deere dealer to learn work habits and mechanical skills. He said it would be a win-win for the business of education and the students and parents who are their customers. Six states currently have similar laws, including South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, according to School Ministries Inc., a South Carolina-based organization that has been working to promote Released Time Bible Education programs since 1991. On a website dedicated to released time religious education, the organization said that such classes are legal as long as they are voluntary, have parental permission, held off school grounds and no taxpayer money is spent on them. But opponents questioned whether the bill would pass legal muster. Isabella Manhart, a teacher education student, objected to the fact that the bill would not require school boards to make the release time option available to all faiths, particularly non-Christian religions. She also raised concerns about whether the religious instructors would be required to have any teaching certification and whether they would have to undergo background checks. John Bender, representing the Academic Freedom Coalition of Nebraska, questioned whether it would be legal to allow release time for religious instruction and not other types of classes, while Grant Friedman, representing the ACLU of Nebraska, said it was problematic to include a ban on classes that are deemed inconsistent with school policy. He said that prohibition would mean that school boards would be involved with approving religious curriculum. The committee took no immediate action on the measure. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024 LINCOLN Nebraska lawmakers gave first-round approval to a bill that would halt an insurance practice that deters some colonoscopy patients from having potentially cancerous tissue removed. Legislative Bill 829 would prevent patients from having to pay extra for services associated with colorectal cancer screenings, such as the removal of polyps clumps of cells that line the colon and rectum that could develop into cancer. The bill passed the first of three rounds of floor debate Tuesday in a 36-6 vote. State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue introduced and prioritized the bill for this session. She got the idea after she received a colonoscopy last spring, and was asked if she would like physicians to remove polyps that they find, even if her insurance may not cover it. They want you to decide if you should keep something scary in your body, with unknown costs, which is the exact reason they do that procedure in the first place, Blood said. Blood said the problem stems from how a colonoscopy is defined by insurers. A colonoscopy is considered a screening, Blood said, until it involves other services like removing tissue. At that point, its treated as a diagnostic and isnt covered by some insurance plans. However, she said removing polyps and other tissue is a fairly common practice with colonoscopies. This gap in coverage is something that directly endangers Nebraskans, Blood said, since it may lead some to avoid getting screenings entirely for fear of added costs. According to physicians who testified in support of LB 829 at its public hearing, Nebraska has a higher rate of colon cancer compared to the rest of the U.S. Blood said the disease is estimated to kill 53,000 Americans annually. Federal law has already closed this loophole for Medicare and Medicaid patients, Blood said, but Nebraska would be one of the first states to follow suit. While most lawmakers supported the bill as a commonsense measure, some expressed concern that the legislation could be viewed as a government mandate. Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, who ultimately voted yes on the bill, said she feared LB 829 could drive up the costs of insurance and exams for everyone. Blood and other lawmakers disagreed. Blood noted that insurance lobbyists were neutral on the bill. And Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said LB 829 could actually reduce costs, because physicians would be able to deal with medical concerns within a single procedure. I dont see it as a mandate, Jacobson said. I see it as something that makes sense. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 The health ministry said Tuesday it plans to increase the number of medical students by 2,000 next year, in a bid to address the chronic shortages of doctors in rural areas and the essential health care field. The Ministry of Health and Welfare made the announcement following a policy meeting earlier in the day in a bid to raise the medical school quota that has been capped at 3,058 since 2006. The plan, however, is expected to draw fierce protests from doctors, who claim that establishing public hospitals and offering better salaries would be more effective to encourage doctors to work in rural areas and the essential health care field. Earlier in the day, the Korean Medical Association, a lobby group of doctors, warned that it would launch a nationwide strike if the government "unilaterally" pushes for raising the medical school enrollment quota. The country has been grappling with a shortage of doctors in crucial areas, as medical professionals tend to prefer practicing in nonessential areas with lower risks. In contrast, the demand for emergency care has surged in the wake of the aging population. Enrollment in medical schools, initially at 3,507 in the early 2000s, had experienced a gradual decline through 2006. This reduction was attributed to government efforts to address the concerns of doctors protesting the policy of separating the prescribing and dispensing of drugs. The government's efforts to increase the number of doctors later gained momentum in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the previous day, the Korean Intern Resident Association said that its poll of around 10,000 doctors showed that 88.2 percent of the respondents will carry out collective actions, including strikes, should the government proceed with raising the medical school quota. Amid the strong protest from the medical circle, Korea vowed to provide a set of incentives for the medical community last week, including allocating 10 trillion won ($7.53 billion) by 2028 to enhance compensation for medical services in crucial areas. The government said it will also institute a "safety net" to limit doctors' criminal liability in cases of malpractice, aiming to allow health care professionals to prioritize emergency treatments while ensuring swift compensation for patients. According to the data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the number of doctors for every 1,000 people came to 2.6 in Korea, far below the member countries' average of 3.7. Separate research conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs showed that on average, Koreans spent 4.3 minutes during their primary meeting with doctors, compared with the OECD members' average of 16.4 minutes. The health ministry anticipates the country to experience a shortage of 15,000 doctors in 2035. (Yonhap) LINCOLN While a petition drive is underway in Nebraska to require paid sick leave for all workers, some state senators are pushing other ways to allow time off for employees. The Legislatures Business and Labor Committee held a public hearing Monday on two bills dealing with expanded leave opportunities. Legislative Bill 1213 would require employers offer at least 20 hours of paid leave each year to parents and guardians to attend school events, and LB 1139 would establish a family and medical leave insurance program that employers and employees can opt into. Meanwhile, the initiative campaign, Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, would require employers with fewer than 20 workers to offer at least five days of paid sick leave per year, and employers with 20 or more workers to offer at least seven days. State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, who introduced LB 1213, said her bill is just as much about supporting students as it is about paid leave. She and other bill supporters said that parental involvement is vital for students success. They said most working parents want to be more involved in their childs education, but often cant find time due to their jobs. By supporting our students today, we are supporting our workforce of tomorrow, Walz said. Walz said that the paid leave mandated in the bill could be covered within the paid time off systems many businesses already provide for workers. However, Justin Hubly, who supported the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said LB 1213 could benefit newer employees that havent accrued enough paid time off to attend school events. LB 1213s fiscal note estimates the bill could cost the state up to $9.7 million per year, based on the number of existing state employees and their salaries. However, that estimate assumes that every employee would take the full 20 hours of paid leave each year for school events, which the note acknowledges is unlikely. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who introduced LB 1139, acknowledged the bill may seem like a rerun. She introduced a bill last year by the same title, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, which has not been acted on. The big difference between LB 1139 and last years bill, Cavanaugh said, is that LB 1139s insurance program would be voluntary for both employers and employees. She said the bill would essentially establish a pilot program, and she hopes that over time more businesses will adopt the program. This change was enough to shift opinions of long-time opponents to paid leave proposals to be neutral on her bill, including the state Department of Labor, Cavanaugh said. During the hearing, Bruce Bohrer, representing chambers of commerce in Omaha, Lincoln and Nebraska, said those organizations also are neutral on LB 1139 after past opposition. LB 1139 would establish an insurance program that would fund partial wage replacement for participating employees who need to take time off work to care for themselves or a loved one experiencing a serious illness, to care for new child, or for military reasons. This is so much more than maternity leave, Cavanaugh said. This is military family leave. This is caretaker leave. This is parental leave. According to LB 1139s fiscal note, the bill is estimated to cost roughly $5.5 million starting in fiscal year 2025-2026. Cavanaugh said she intends to limit the burden on taxpayers by funding the bill through the states various cash funds, and proposed two different funding sources at Mondays hearing. Federal law provides for unpaid leave under similar circumstances through the Family and Medical Leave Act. However, Hubly, who also testified in support of LB 1139, said many employees arent aware that such leave is unpaid. He also said employees generally arent taking this type of leave unless they are facing a dire situation. Nebraska college student Isabella Manhart, a supporter of LB 1139, said Cavanaughs bill would send a good message to young professionals about living in Nebraska. I want to know that when I have situations come up with my family, when I have situations come up with my health, that I will be able to take time off, Manhart said. While most testimony at Mondays hearing was in support of the two bills, opponents said they could be damaging to small businesses. Ryan McIntosh, who represented a range of advocacy organizations including the Nebraska Bankers Association, said LB 1213 would put a burden on workers who dont have children and cant take time off, and could force small businesses to hire temporary replacements in addition to paying for workers time off. The sole opponent to LB 1139, Marilyn Asher for Nebraskans for Founders Values, said the bill would be challenging for small businesses to manage, and would potentially make it harder for young women to be hired. There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution or Nebraska Constitution that says that employers or taxpayers should be responsible to provide the safety net that this bill is demanding, Asher said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 LINCOLN A Lancaster County judge ruled Monday that Nebraskas executive branch did not willfully violate a prior court order to pause return-to-office directives for the branchs remote workers, siding with the state in its ongoing labor dispute with Nebraskas largest public employees union. The Nebraska Association of Public Employees had asked District Court Judge Andrew Jacobsen to hold the state in contempt for allegedly violating a December order from the state tribunal responsible for settling public labor disputes. That tribunal, known as the Commission of Industrial Relations, in December granted temporary relief to NAPE members from Gov. Jim Pillens return-to-office mandate, allowing them to continue working from home while the CIR mulls a broader petition from the union seeking to force the executive branch to bargain over the issue. Soon after the CIR issued the December order granting NAPE members temporary relief, NAPE alleged that some state departments had ignored the commissions ruling and instead broadly terminated previously agreed-upon hybrid or work remote arrangements with individual employees. NAPE then filed the petition in District Court, asking Jacobsen to enforce the CIRs order and to hold the state in contempt for violating it, prompting an hourslong court hearing last month in which the states attorney argued that any alleged violation of the CIRs ambiguous order was unintentional. Jason Jackson, the states chief human resources officer, testified that the CIRs December order which called for the state to leave the status quo in place as it existed prior to Pillens return-to-office mandate did not inherently undermine the states ability to end remote work agreements with individual employees, since state departments could have done so prior to the Pillens mandate. After the CIR issued its December order, the state filed a motion with the tribunal seeking clarity, prompting the CIR to issue a followup order making clear that the states termination of individual work-from-home agreements amounted to a violation of the commissions initial order. And Justin Hubly, NAPEs executive director, maintained last month that employees for at least two state agencies have been recalled, are recalled and have not been allowed to go back to remote work. But in his order issued Monday, Jacobsen, the district court judge responsible for determining whether any violation on behalf of the state was willful, ultimately sided with the executive branch. In his six-page ruling, Jacobsen seemed to acknowledge that the states actions may have amounted to a violation of the spirit of the CIRs order, but they did not directly conflict with the exact words of the order. Jacobsen said the CIRs December order did not expressly bar the state from terminating remote work agreements with individual NAPE members leaving the judge without grounds to hold the state in contempt. The judge, too, pointed to the states near-immediate attempt to seek clarity on the CIRs order as evidence for his ruling. The states actions are not those of a party thumbing its nose at a tribunal, Jacobsen wrote, noting that the executive branchs actions were, instead, those of a party laboring to understand how the order should be applied. Jacobsen said the union provided no admissible evidence that the state was still actively violating the CIRs order when the two sides met in District Court in January. Hubly, the unions director, had testified that the Nebraska State Patrol and Department of Health and Human Services were still in violation of the order but much of his testimony wasnt considered by Jacobsen because it amounted to hearsay, the judge ruled. NAPEs attorney, Joy Shiffermiller, did not call any witnesses who had been personally recalled to work in violation of the December order. Jacobsens ruling which marks a win for the state in the ongoing labor dispute, though one with few ramifications came with good news for the union, too, Hubly said Monday. In an interview at the Capitol, the union head maintained that the state had been violating the order when the two sides met in court last month, but after the hearing, the state fell in line. So from our perspective, this is a win, Hubly said. Theyre following the order and thats what we were seeking to do, is just, make sure the order was followed. Jacobsens ruling ends the district court chapter of the feud between the union and the state. But the heart of the labor dispute whether the state will have to bargain with the union over the end to remote work, rather than being able to broadly recall employees to physical office spaces remains unsettled. The two sides are expected to litigate that issue at a trial before the CIR this spring. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024 A 59-year-old man died in a two-vehicle crash Monday just southwest of Atlantic, Iowa, on U.S. Highway 6. Gregg Cohrs of Griswold, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to an Iowa State Patrol report. The collision occurred about 5:50 a.m. near 582nd Street. Investigators determined that a 2007 GMC Sierra pickup truck driven by Vincent Tribona, 43, of Amite, Louisiana, was westbound on Highway 6. The Sierra, for an unknown reason, crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Cohrs. Tribona was not seriously injured. The Cass County Sheriffs Office and several other southwest Iowa first responders assisted the State Patrol at the scene. President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has broken the fertilizer jinx that has bedeviled the countrys agricultural sector for decades, saying the commodity is now available in all local governments across the country at affordable rates. The president said this on Sunday when he received representatives of community and development associations from Daura Emirate at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State. The association representatives were at the presidents place to congratulate him on his election for a second term. The President told his guests Nigerians were already benefiting from the good agricultural policies of his government, as lifestyles are changing and standards of living among the poor on the rise. Nigerians are already benefiting from the good agricultural policies of this administration. I can say that lifestyles of an average Nigerian involved in agriculture are changing and standards of living among the poor are rising. Investments in agriculture will be sustained. In the last three and a half years, the contributions of agriculture to gross domestic product (GDP) have been impressive, in addition to earnings from food exports. I can boast we have broken the fertilizer jinx. The product is today available in all local governments at low prices. More measures are in the offing to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country, he said. The president pledged to introduce new programmes and projects that would make agriculture more attractive to Nigerians and increase jobs in the sector. Under the Presidential Fetiliser initiative (PFI), the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has revamped and restored production in about 20 fertiliser-blending plants in 2018. The revamped fertilizer-blending plants have the capacity to deliver about million bags of fertilizer at about N5,500 per bag, about 30 percent below market prices. The PFI was President Buharis initiative to boost farming output and reduce the economys dependence on oil. A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Sani Daura, who was also at the event, said the presidents honesty and integrity in public governance would remain a thing of pride to the community. Mr Daura said the presidents those attributes, among others, guaranteed his re-election. Also, a youth representative, Mohammed Sale, commended the Federal Government for establishing an irrigation scheme, skills acquisition centre and completing a sub-station to boost electricity in the community. He appealed for a new Federal Medical Centre and a university in Daura. The youths are ready to participate actively in the next level of your government, Mr Sale told the president. Later at a separate event in Daura, a victory party to celebrate the presidents re-election was organized by Porridge Dealers (Fura da Nunu) Association in the ancient town. The president, who was represented at the fete by his senior aides and family members, joined the local community to some traditional singing, dancing and exchange of gifts. (NAN) Kogi House of Assembly on Tuesday recommended the removal of the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah over alleged gross misconduct including financial breaches. This followed the adoption of the report and recommendations of the House committee on Public Accounts. The House said that the recommendation was based on the State Auditor Generals Report on 2016 Financial Statements. Presenting the report, Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed (APC-Ankpa I) said that the Chief Judge should step aside to defend himself over the alleged indictment by the Auditor-General of the state. Mohammed said the Public Accounts Committee was set up in line with Section 103 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) at the plenary on Monday. The committee, according to him, was mandated to investigate reported cases of financial breaches, noncompliance with financial regulations and poor handling of financial records by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government. He said that Kogi State Judiciary was said to have expended its budget in December 2016 above the approved limits provided. Mohammed said the expansion came under some sub heading as contained in the 2016 Appropriation Law to the tune of N7, 574, 850 without the approval of its application. It was also reported by the State Auditor-General that Kogi State High Court made huge cash withdrawal to the tune of N137.607,334 million. The cash was withdrawn from High Court Bank account in the year under review, he said. This transaction breached the provisions of chapter 6, regulation 632 which stipulates that `the use of cash for payment is prohibited. The committee, therefore, recommenced the removal of the Chief Judge for gross misconduct or in the alternative, he should step aside pending his appearance before the House committee on Public Accounts to defend himself. It also recommended that the Chief Registrar on the other hand, should be referred to the state Judicial Service Commission for disciplinary action. The committee said that the state government should commence immediate payment of judicial staff salaries. The Majority Leader of the House, Abdullahi Hassan-Balogun (APC-Ajaokuta) moved for the adoption of the report and was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Oluwatoyin Lawal (PDP-Yagba-West). Haruna Musa (APC-Idah), in his contribution urged the House to take cognisance of a subsisting court order on the impasse between the House and the Judiciary and be guided adequately. In his contribution, the Chief Whip, Mr Victor Adewale Omofaiye (APC-Ijumu) urged that efforts should be made to pay staff of the judiciary the nine months salary arrears while the investigation went on. Speaker of the House, Prince Matthew Kolawole adopted the report adding that the recommendations followed majority votes by members present at plenary. Post Views: 65 Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The clergyman was accused of defrauding unsuspecting church members and other Nigerians to the tune of N1, 319,040,274.31(One Billion Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Forty Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Naira, Thirty One Kobo) by using fake grants from the Ford Foundation. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Monday, February 5, 2024, said Ebonyi was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs and individuals by advertising an intervention project through his NGO (Theobarth Global Foundation) claiming that the Ford Foundation was offering a grant of $20,000, 000 (Twenty Billion United State Dollars) to assist the less-privileged in the society. He allegedly beguiled his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phoney grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters. Each subscriber was made to pay N1,800,000 (One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only. Through this arrangement, Ebonyi allegedly raked in N1,391,040, 274.31. His subscribers are innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians and NGOs across the country. Investigations by the EFCC showed that Ford Foundation had no arrangement, grant, relationship or business with Ebonyi. The Foundation pointedly disclaimed him and his NGO stressing that it had no link whatsoever with them. The Commission has also traced five properties he acquired as proceeds of his criminal dealings. Ebonyi is still reportedly reaching his subscribers on some social media platforms to market his spurious grant from Ford Foundation. He would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The First Lady of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on wives of governors to remain steadfast and supportive of one another. She was speaking during the meeting she had with them at the State House Abuja under the umbrella of the Renewed Hope Initiative. The First Lady while commending them for their efforts in their various states especially to ameliorate the hardships as occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy appealed to them to intensify their efforts. As we all know, the Mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative which is driven by my office, to complement the efforts of the administration of our President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is Towards a Better Life for Families She disclosed that there would be the launch of the We Are Equal? We Are the Same Campaign, an initiative of the Organization of African First ladies for Development, OAFLAD geared towards women empowerment, promoting economic growth and advance gender equity. A raffle was conducted where Osun State was picked as the place where the campaign would be flagged off. I will be re-introducing the Alternative High School for Girls. It will interest you to know that some States already have similar programmes named second chance schools. We are going to reach out to the Federal Ministry of education to help us harmonise and restructure these special intervention schools. The school, Senator Oluremi Tinubu explained will give girls who had dropped out of school due to pregnancy, domestic violence, child trafficking, drug addiction and other reasons the opportunity to return to the classroom and eke a living for themselves. At the meeting, it was also disclosed that the Renewed Hope Initiative RHI, will be distributing One Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand (1,950,000) Exercise Books to Public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the Nation. The exercise books which are already being produced will be given to each State through the RHI Coordinator/First Lady of the state to the SUBEB Chairmen for distribution to the students through the Local Government Education Authority. Lagos and Kano will be getting 100,000 exercise books each, while 50,000 exercise books will be given to other States and FCT. Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated that the RHI will flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programmes (WASP) in Imo State on the 28th of February, 2024. The First Lady explained that women farmers would get N500,000.00 each and a total draft of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) will be given to five (5) RHI State Coordinators/First Ladies as the case may be. In addition, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, (NALDA) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) will support additional eighty (80) women farmers from each State with the provision of training and capacity building, agricultural inputs and buy off all produce from the farms after harvest. The highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the proposed Young farmers Club for Public Schools in each state of the Federation with the proposed uniforms for members. She pointed out that this will encourage food production among the youth tagged #Food on Every table. She appealed to each of the Governors wives to take ownership of this scheme and encourage it as much as possible. This is the first meeting of the First Lady of the federal republic of Nigeria with the wives of State Governors in 2024. There were over 25 of them in attendance. Veteran Nollywood actor, Jimi Solanke, is dead. He died on Monday, February 5, at the age of 81, National Daily report. It was gathered that the legendary actor, whos also known as Uncle Jimi, passed on while he was being taken to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital from his country home at Ipara Remo. According to reports, Solanke has been in and out of hospital since December until his death on Monday morning. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of the actor, describing him as, one of the finest of Nigerias creative artists and bastion of our cherished mores and cultural heritage. Four persons have been killed and others sustained gunshot injuries in various cult clashes in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Police authorities in the wake of the development arrested eleven suspects in connection with the violent clashes. They were killed at different locations in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the weekend when members of rival cult groups engaged one another. The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command Omolola Odutola confirmed the development to Channels Television. Those who died included: members of Aye, Eiye, and Buccaneer confraternities. READ ALSO: Police arrest armed robber, cultist, kidnapper in Ogun The clash started on Thursday when a suspected leader of the Eiye confraternity, simply identified as Dare was shot dead in front of his house in the Ijeja area of the Abeokuta metropolis in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state An eyewitness said that Dare, who was popularly known as Oloba, was shot dead on Thursday evening by suspected members of Buccaneer Confraternity. The police spokesman said one Seun Elewode, a member of the Aye cult group, was killed during a shootout between rival cult groups in the Adeun area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta By Israel Bulus, Kaduna The Honorable Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Hon Patience Fakai has said that her Ministry is committed to making Kaduna a hub of technology innovation for economic development. Fakai disclosed this during the grand-breaking ceremony of the construction of the Vocational and Technology Skills Hub at Samaru Kataf in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Fakai explained that the time has come for the state to leverage the advantages of the tech sector to address myriads of challenges in society and create opportunities for youths in the state to thrive for economic growth and development. According to her, the opportunity is coming at a time when she was charged with the mandate of developing relevant, quality, and demand-driven skills; aimed at enhancing the employability of youths as well as promoting self-employment among them. With these initiatives (developments) in the State, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Sen Uba Sani, things can only get better in the State. A similar one had taken place at Rigachikun and indeed, the third Centre will be cited at Soba in the coming days. According to her, the Kaduna State Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City (KAD-VTSAC) Project is an initiative of Governor Uba Sani which is aimed at ensuring that people from all walks of life are empowered with critical skills to function in the technology-driven, globally competitive environment of today and the future. It is the culmination of the Governors commitment, as captured in his Sustain Agenda, to prepare all youths in the State to enter the job market with the right skills, quality education, knowledge, and competencies to participate in the global labour market of the 21st century. She commended Governor Uba Sani, for his people-oriented initiatives and indeed barrier-breaking leadership style of citing projects equally across all the Senatorial Zones of the State while calling on the people in the areas to reciprocate the same gesture of the Governor by providing his administration with the necessary support and exhibiting the real ownership mindset that the laudable projects deserve. I wish to commend all those who have provided the impetus for making the KAD-VTSAC concept a reality. Let me especially commend the members of the Kaduna State Vocational and Technology Skills Development Council and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), who have collaborated with the Ministry to produce this strategy document, and also thank all those from public and private actors who continue to advocate for the rightful recognition of the contribution of technical education for national development. She assured the Kaduna State Governor and the people of the State that the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology will do all in its capacity to fulfill its mandate regarding the successful implementation of the KAD-VTSAC / TVET Strategy of the government. She further urged all stakeholders in the State to support their efforts to increase learning outcomes for skills development, stressing that together, they can achieve a vision of creating a generation of youths who are ready to enter the global market with the right skills to compete and become productive citizens who embody the values, character, and morals of a good and sustainable Kaduna State. Related The ruling People Power Party (PPP) said Tuesday it will expand free lunch programs for old people at senior citizen centers and medical treatment services at their homes. The PPP unveiled the campaign pledge ahead of the April 10 parliamentary election that focuses on increasing welfare of the elder population that is growing dramatically. The first phase of the PPP's plan involves providing free lunches for the older population at senior welfare centers nationwide and increasing the number of such facilities in phase. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea proposed a similar election pledge earlier. In addition, the PPP aims to expand care services for seniors, irrespective of their income, allowing them the flexibility to choose and use these services according to their preferences. To alleviate the financial burden on children responsible for nursing fees, the party proposed offering tax credits. Furthermore, the PPP intends to extend medical services for seniors at their residence, enabling those living in remote areas and facing mobility challenges to receive basic treatment. "The party will establish legal frameworks at both central and local government levels for ensuring a healthy and dignified retirement in each person's own place," the PPP said in a press release. Additionally, the PPP pledges to provide location detectors for every senior suffering from dementia as part of its comprehensive plan to support the increasing number of such patients. (Yonhap) The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has blamed the opposition, insisting that the protests in Kano and Minna were the manifestation of the plot to undermine the Tinubu government. The cities of Kano and Minna were, on Monday, rocked with protests by angry Nigerians who trooped into the streets to register their anger over the high cost of living and attendant hardship the citizens were going through. But while reacting to the protests, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, accused desperate opposition parties of instigating unsuspecting youths to engage in mass protests across the country in a bid to portray the government of President Bola Tinubu as not working. In a statement he issued on Tuesday, Morka said the protests were part of desperation to portray the ruling party as underperforming. In its arrant desperation to portray the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration as under-performing, opposition parties have resorted to instigating unsuspecting young people to protests in the streets of some major cities, Morka said in the statement. READ ALSO: Campaign for Yahaya Bello to be APC chairman, crude joke taken too far- ex-Senator The protests in Minna and Kano on Monday were the manifestation of this devious and unpatriotic plot. That the protests happened simultaneously in both cities is not coincidental. It bears a bold stamp of an orchestrated and coordinated effort to instigate unrest and undermine the government. This mercenary opposition tactic is a clear and present threat to public peace and national security. While we recognize the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protest, we urge our good people to be vigilant and not lend themselves to the treacherous attempt by the opposition to promote social strife by its incendiary rhetoric and manipulative plots. The APC spokesman emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was solidly committed to doing everything in its power to mitigate the transient pains of critically important reforms that are crucial to economic recovery and sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians. He further noted that Nigerians owe it a patriotic duty to support the government as policy reforms will yield an enduring beneficial transformation of the material conditions of life in the country. Spokesperson of the command, DSP Wsiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, said the suspects are notorious in the area for breaking into peoples homes, religious houses and carting away valuable items. Three suspected burglars, Mohammed Auwal Abdulsamiu 24yrs, Abdulraheem Abdulsamiu 16yrs, and Abdullahi Usman 17yrs, have been arrested by the Niger State Police Command, over the theft of seven wall fans from a mosque in Minna. Spokesperson of the command, DSP Wsiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, said the suspects are notorious in the area for breaking into peoples homes, religious houses and carting away valuable items. In continuation of the effort of the Niger State Police Command to reduce crime and criminality in the State to the barest minimum, on 23/1/2024 at about 2200hrs, the Police patrol team of Anti-kidnapping unit, while on routine patrol along Dutsen-Kura/Shanu village area of Minna arrested the following suspects; Mohammed Auwal Abdulsamiu 24yrs, Abdulraheem Abdulsamiu 16yrs, and Abdullahi Usman 17yrs, all of Dutsen-Kura Gwari area of Minna The suspects were sighted along the road with two sacks suspected to be concealing some stolen items late at night, they were immediately intercepted and arrested on the spot. An immediate search was conducted on the suspects by the patrol team and seven wall fans were found in the sacks carefully concealed for movement to a hidden place During interrogation, the suspects confessed that on 22/1/2024 at about 2300hrs, they conspired and trespassed into one Jumaat Mosque in Dutsen-Kura/Kwasau area, where the said items were stolen. They also said they were planning to sell the items at Kasuwa-Gwari Further investigation revealed that the suspects were known in the area by the residents as notorious housebreaking/burglary suspects, as they were fond of breaking into peoples homes and religious houses, as well as carting away valuable items. Meanwhile, the suspects have been charged to court for prosecution. A Nigerian businessman, Basil Okpara, has opined that any man that leaves his partner because he was given food by another woman is irresponsible. According to him, most men need to do better and stop disrespecting their relationships. Any man they used food to collect is an irresponsible man and not fit to be with any woman. We cant excuse some mens lack of self control and disrespect to their relationships or marriages. Any man that leaves his woman because another woman gave him food is just a useless dog, and never loved his woman, he wrote. Mr. Okpara stated this on Monday in response to a post by Mummy Zee (the lady who got popular after stating that she cooks for her husband by 4.30am) in which she asked if people can now agree with her that a man can be collected with food. Mummy Zee had tweeted that after one Akwa Igbo called out her friend, Cynthia, for snatching her man, Obinna, and getting pregnant for him. In her reaction, Cynthia claimed that her friend doesnt know how to cook a proper meal, adding that she was the one cooking for herself, the friend and Obinna. Oladipupo Adebutu Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate of Ogun State governorship elections was arraigned on Tuesday, by the Federal Government before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the State capital, on seven count charges, bordering on money laundering and other offences, with case number AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors. Adebutu was accused of criminal inducement during the polls by security agents alongside other members of his party. He was alleged to have ordered through his bank the issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM Verve cards with N10,000 and distributed the same on the day of the election across the state with the criminal intention of inducing voters in the state. Adebutu and six other people were later charged in court by the police, during which he sneaked out of the country for months and returned in December 2023. The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, earlier in his submission orally withdrew the prior information supplied and substituted the same with amended information, without any objection from the lead counsel to the defendants, Chief Gordy Uche. While all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charges preferred against them, their lead counsel, Chief Gordy Uche, pleaded with the court to allow the 2nd, 5th, and 10th defendants to continue to enjoy bail on earlier terms. He then prayed the court to grant the first defendant, Oladipupo Adebutu, bail on self-recognizance, saying he came to the court on his volition. However, his prayer that Adebutu should be granted bail on self-recognizance was opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, who noted that while he had no objection to the prayer for bail, he disagreed with the self-recognizance clause. The presiding judge, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, therefore, granted the 1st defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with a surety in the same sum who may be a family member or bondsman, as the case was adjourned till February 7, 2024, for hearing. Former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has fired back at presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga who knocked him for criticising the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said Onanuga not only demonstrated ignorance of the happenings around him, but had also decided to continue with the APCs game of blaming others. The Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, failed to provide a credible defence of Bola Tinubus failures in tackling the economic challenges facing the country, the statement reads. In his characteristic manner, he resorts to insults and name-calling. He demonstrates ignorance of the happenings around him as he denies, for example, that Bola Tinubus policies are creating excruciating pain and causing despair. We wish to respond to him as follows. READ ALSO: Your economic policies killing small businesses, Atiku slams Tinubu Point 1: Did Atiku Abubakar offer any better policy options in his run for the presidency? Yes, he did. His living prescriptions contrast sharply with Bola Tinubus morbid policies. Atikus policy document, My Covenant With Nigerians, offers a clearly defined and robust roadmap for the socio-political and economic transformation of Nigeria. On the economy, the policy document outlines the challenges we face and our vision to get the economy on its feet and create prosperity. If Bayo desires, he can have a copy for free! Point 2: That all the major presidential candidates supported the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS. But so, what? Even if all the major candidates agreed that the fuel subsidy regime must end and that the multiple exchange rates must be fixed, this would not translate into endorsing Bola Tinubus failures in implementation. READ ALSO: Ibadan Explosion: How Atiku commiserated with victims, people, Government of Oyo The truth is that unlike Atiku, Bola Tinubu did not understand the reforms he embarked upon and had no idea what steps to take to mitigate their negative impact. As a leader with foresight, Atiku anticipated that the withdrawal of subsidy and the unification of exchange rates could, in the absence of fundamental interventions, impact negatively on micro and small enterprises in the informal sector. He anticipated that such policies could elevate the levels of vulnerability and deprivation of poor families. including the youth and adults with no income. The former Vice President, therefore, pledged to support Nigerias businesses by creating an Economic Stimulus Fund with an initial investment capacity of approximately US$10 billion to prioritize support to MSMEs across all the economic sectors, as they offer the greatest opportunities for achieving inclusive growth. The Fund was designed to make it easier for Nigerias 60 million micro and small enterprises to navigate the stormy seas in the aftermath of the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS. In contrast, Bola Tinubu offered a paltry N125 billion to help the MSMEs, which at todays exchange rate is no more than $100 million. Of course, Bayo Onanuga is aware that the pledge is yet to be redeemed by the president. Atiku also pledged to implement a robust social investment programme to support the poor and vulnerable with CCTs. Atikus support to the poor and vulnerable would include prioritized actions to address the challenges of displacement and the sufferings of IDPs across the country. In contrast, the funds for Tinubus CCT were cornered by his officials in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Alongside the Economic Stimulus Fund, Atiku pledged to launch a uniquely designed skills-to-job programme that would target all categories of youth, including graduates, early school leavers as well as the massive numbers of uneducated youth who are currently not in education, employment, or training. As a leader of vision, Atiku was ready for the potential fallout of his policies. Bola Tinubu was clearly not ready. It was only after he unleashed his morbid reforms that he started groping in the dark, looking for solutions. Would Bayo Onanuga deny that Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Sanofi-Aventi Nigeria, Bolt Food, Equinor etc, had exited Nigeria citing reasons including foreign exchange complexities, security concerns, and high operational costs? Bayo Onanuga must be living in a dream world outside the shores of Nigeria. The failure of leadership by the APC-led government is staring every Nigerian in the face as the countrys economic, social, political, and security challenges persist and assume frightening dimensions. An unprepared leadership such as Bola Tinubus fails to anticipate impending crisis and is always slow to react. From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Tuesday, commissioned T129 ATAK helicopter and Beechcraft King Air 360 fighter jet into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Performing the ceremony at the Air Force Base, Makurdi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, directed all heads of security agencies in the country to unite in order to combat insecurity in the country. While he appreciated the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria for facilitating the procurement of the two fighter platforms, Tinubu assured of his administrations commitment to continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to train and retrain its personnel to protect Nigerians. In his remarks, Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the induction of another set of aircraft was a fulfillment of president Tinubus promise to equip security agencies for maximum performance, assuring of judicious use of the platforms to achieve intended objectives. Earlier in a welcome address, Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar, said the commissioning of the platforms was a resolve of the federal government to equip and energize the Nigeria Air Force and indeed the entire armed forces of the country towards combatting terrorism, armed banditry, oil theft and other threats to Nigerias territorial integrity and security of the people. Barely six months since the assumption of office by Mr president, the Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of seven brand new aircrafts into its inventory comprising Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T129 ATAK helicopters as well as the King Air light transport aircraft. The ATAK helicopters are part of the six earlier ordered for the Nigerian Air Force with the remaining four expected to be delivered by June this year while the King Air 360 is one of the two procured for the service with the second expected to be delivered by the end of this month, the COAS said. He added that pilots have been trained and more were undergoing various trainings within and outside the country in order to specialize in how best to use the new equipment. Speaking on the sidelines, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, expressed optimism that the unveiling and induction of the additional aircrafts into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force would help to fight insecurity bedeviling Nigeria and Benue State in particular. Related African Investment Forum (AIF) the continents biggest investment marketplace for accelerated economic transformation is slated for 11-13 November 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The African Development Bank Group and the Africa Finance Corporation, will meet industry and business leaders in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday, July 8, 2019 as part of a roadshow to woo investors ahead of its second Africa Investment Forum (AIF) in November. Africas biggest investment marketplace for accelerated economic transformation, AIF is slated for November 11-13, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is dedicated to advancing projects throughout Africa to bankable stages, raising capital, and accelerating the financial closure of deals. The Abuja roadshow targets chief executive officers, captains of industry, State governments and other key players that will re-affirm Nigerias investment-ready status. The event will build on the quantity and quality of deals brokered in 2018, as well as explore investment opportunities across the continent. By convening Nigerias premium project sponsors, borrowers, lenders and investors, the roadshow will showcase bankable projects, attract financing, and provide platforms for investing across multiple countries, the bank said in a statement. The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered an Immediate nationwide arrest of all identified Shiite leaders of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) IG Adamu also directed a team of special police to dismantle the structures of the IMN in the country immediately. The directive was contained in a signal from the Force Headquarters to all State Police Commands and Zonal Headquarters dated August 30, 2019, which directed immediate strict compliance. According to Punch, Adamu blamed the violent protest by the group on July 22 for the killing of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Umar Usman, and a youth corps member, Precious Owolabi. The IG added that a special investigation team which was constituted to probe the murder has gone far in its investigation. He vowed not to allow Shiite members violate its proscription by a court. The signal ordering the arrest of Shiite leaders in the country read in part: File photo According to a report by Daily Trust, a police sergeant attached to state armoury of Ogun State Police Command Eleworon who serves as a clerk armourer is at large after he was exposed to have been involved in illegal arms dealing. The sergeant, popularly known as Sani Maijamaa, who live in Sabo Abeokuta with his wives and children before the incident, went on the lam on September 4, after he got the information that one of his clients, Cindo Bello, a known leader of vigilante group, was arrested by teams of IRT policemen working under the assistant of Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari. The IRT team was on special duty in the state to arrest some kidnappers and armed bandits where they noticed the leader of the vigilantes was in possession of AK47 rifles, a source said. He was arrested and he disclosed that he purchased the weapon from a local barber who normally got the arms from the police sergeant and sold to whoever needed. The source also disclosed that the family of the police sergeant, including his wives, were invited to the police head office in Elewero Abeokuta before they were moved to zone 2 of the Command in Lagos and they were later released before they travelled to their home town in Kebbi State. The sources also disclosed that the local barber, who used to collect the arms from the police sergeant, is in police custody while the vigilante leader Cindo Bello has been granted bail by the zone 2 Police Command. Correspondents have reached Ogun State Police Public Relation Officer DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, who says he is not aware of the matter but promised to make findings. As the election day draws closer, allegations are flying all over between the ruling party and the leading opposition party. The Federal Government yesterday accused the opposition of planning to discredit the general elections. The opposition parties, government claims, have targeted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police for attack to prejudge the polls, which will begin in 11 days. The government said the opposition, led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had raised a 10-man propaganda delegation to visit some Western capitals, including London, Brussels and Washington, DC. The PDP launched its allegations, claiming that the APC government and the INEC planned to rig the elections. The mandate of the opposition team, said the government, is to push the concocted line that the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration planned to rig the polls. It alleged that the opposition had become desperate to seek victory by subterfuge. Besides, the government accused a presidential candidate of having suspicious meetings with some envoys. Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed revealed the latest intelligence at the disposal of the government at a briefing attended by many local and international media. Mohammed said the opposition was doing everything possible, including instigating widespread violence as well as relentless attacks on key institutions, to discredit the forthcoming elections. He said the opposition was already predicting carnage in the event of the Presidents victory. His words: With just 12 days to the 2019 election, we have called this press conference to alert Nigerians to the evil machinations of the opposition, which is not campaigning to win the election because they know they cant win a free, fair and peaceful election but are busy planning how to scuttle or discredit it Recall that on Monday, January 21, 2019, we alerted the nation, also via a press conference, to the plot by some opposition elements to scuttle the 2019 general elections by instigating widespread violence across the country. Of course, we didnt just make this up. It was based on credible intelligence. We revealed that the plan to scuttle the polls is part of moves to push the nation into a constitutional crisis, with the plotters hoping they can leverage on that to push for an interim government. When we raised the alarm, the opposition dismissed it. Of course, they were shocked to have been found out, so we understand their panic reaction. To underscore the seriousness of our alert, a week after our press conference, the National Security Adviser (NSA) met with state governors to also inform them of this same plan to scuttle the polls via widespread violence. As I said at my last press conference, the alarm we raised is based on credible intelligence. Today, still based on credible intelligence, we can reveal that the opposition is moving a step further. They are working hard to discredit the forthcoming election before, during and after the polls. Specifically, they are sending a delegation to some Western capitals, including London, Brussels and Washington, DC, to push the concocted line that the Buhari administration has perfected the plan to rig the polls. They are therefore pushing for a rejection of the results if the President wins re-election. They are also predicting carnage in the event of the Presidents victory. Responding to a question, Mohammed said: There is nowhere there is any insinuation that the Federal Government has lost confidence in the international community. I think, less we are misunderstood, we never say the opposition is hobnobbing with the international community. The opposition parties have decided to, instead of facing their campaigns, resort to international blackmail. We have seen a particular presidential candidate having some suspicious meetings with some envoys. When we have credible intelligence that the opposition is going to carry out some sinister actions, the best and most effective way is to go public. Asked which of the 73 political parties contesting the presidential race is behind this plot, the minister said: There is PDP, CUPP and their allies. Mohammed alleged that the opposition had been using a nebulous group, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), to push its agenda. He described CUPP as nothing more than a reincarnated Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), which was employed to scuttle Nigerias widely-acclaimed freest presidential election in 1993. Said Mohammed: Already, they have started flying the rigging kite domestically. They have been engaging in incendiary rhetoric and in making outlandish claims, using several fronts, including the nebulous Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) which, by the way, is nothing more than a reincarnated Association for Better Nigeria (ABN). Of course, you all know the role that the ABN played in the failed 1993 political transition process. They have targeted, for attack, the two key institutions that are most critical to the success of the election: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police. They have used every malleable and malicious personality to make wild allegations against INEC. Their strategy is simple: discredit the election even before it is held, and continue during and after the polls with a view to convincing the West which they believe they have won to their side, using lobbyist-propelled propaganda that the election is not credible. Mohammed attributed the desperation of the opposition to the emerging electoral reality that they might lose the presidential poll. He added: Some may ask: why would the opposition go to this length? The answer is simple: They know, and are convinced, that they cannot win free, fair, credible and peaceful polls. The handwriting is on the wall for all discerning people to see. While President Buhari has received warm and genuine reception and adulation from huge crowds everywhere he has gone to campaign, their candidate has been exposed to apathetic and thinning crowds! Their numbers just dont add up! But he restated the commitment of the President to a free and fair poll. On our part, we as an Administration, we are undaunted by their antics, even though we believe it is necessary to expose their evil plans as we have been doing to the world. President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly stated his commitment to ensuring a free, fair and violence-free election. He has no doubt based on testimonies of change from Nigerians that the achievements of his Administration, in the three cardinal areas of fighting corruption, revamping the economy and fighting insecurity, will speak for him at the polls. He did not rig his way into office and has no need to rig now that he is in office. The Minister urged Nigerians and the international community to beware of the antics of the opposition. We are, therefore, compelled to alert Nigerians and the global community to the following: The desperate opposition is doing everything possible, including instigating widespread violence as well as relentless attacks on key institutions, to discredit the forthcoming election. They know they will lose the election, but they want victory by subterfuge. To further their plan, the opposition is dispatching a 10-member delegation to some Western capitals, including London, Brussels and Washington, DC, to sell the idea that the Buhari Administration has perfected the plan to rig the election. They have no empirical basis for the idea they are pushing, beyond relying on exploiting the nations fault lines of religion, ethnicity and regionalism. The opposition is approaching the election with an incredible level of desperation. In this regard, they have activated their own version of the infamous Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), under the guise of CUPP, to engage in unrestrained rabble-rousing and frivolous court cases. Of course, the activities of CUPP in recent times are there for all to see, even though the coalition seems to be a very poor imitation of the original ABN. The Buhari Administration is committed to free, fair, credible and peaceful polls. We are glad that local and international observers are already fully mobilized to monitor the election. We call on all Nigerians to be vigilant as we begin the final countdown to the election. Eternal vigilance, as the saying goes, is the price of liberty. We must not allow desperate politicians to crash our democracy on the altar of their personal and sometimes inordinate ambition! In a swift reaction, the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan said: Each time the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, comes out to make allegations, he does so in a composite way that leaves no one in doubt about the plan they have already made. We can demonstrate this with his recent alarm, wherein he claimed that members of the opposition were bringing in people from Niger Republic to cause mayhem in the country. And behold, who brought in people from Niger Republic for election campaign in Kano? Its President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress. As far as the PDP is concerned, all we are asking for is a free, fair, credible, clean, clear and transparent election that will be acceptable to majority of Nigerians. Thats all we seek and thats all we ask for. If Alhaji Lai Mohammed and his co-travelers in the APC and the Buhari Presidency have other plans, the PDP is unaware. . . like President Buhari. To Invest & Make More Money To Buy Delicious Noodles Pizza China calls for restraint after U.S. military striking targets in Syria, Iraq Xinhua) 13:30, February 06, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday urged relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint after U.S. military launching air strikes on targets within the territories of Syria and Iraq on Feb. 3. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a regular press briefing in responses to a query concerning the strikes. It was reported that the air strikes were launched to retaliate after a previous drone attack which killed U.S. troops based in Jordan. Both the Syrian and Iraqi governments expressed condemnation on the U.S. infringement on their sovereign security. Wang said Syria and Iraq are sovereign countries. China opposes any act that violates the UN Charter and infringes upon other countries' territorial sovereignty and security. Noting that the current situation in the Middle East is highly complex and sensitive, Wang said China urges relevant parties to earnestly observe the international law, remain calm, exercise restraint, and prevent the tensions in the region from escalating or even spiraling out of control. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The doctors' association vowed Tuesday to launch a nationwide strike if the government "unilaterally" pushes for raising the medical school enrollment quota. The health ministry is widely expected to announce a plan later in the day to increase the number of medical students by up to around 2,000 starting 2025 as part effort to address the chronic shortages of doctors in rural areas and the essential health care field. It will be the first hike in nearly 20 years, as the current limit of 3,058 medical school students was set in 2006. "Despite repeated suggestions from the medical circle, the government has been pushing for its own policy measures without ample discussions and consultations," Lee Pil-soo, head of the Korean Medical Association, said in an emergency press conference on Tuesday. "If the government unilaterally goes ahead with the plan, we will release the result of our survey conducted in December on a strike and begin a process to stage a general walkout," he added. Doctors have claimed that the quota hike will compromise the quality of medical education and services and that the government should find other ways to better allocate physicians and boost compensation. The health ministry has said that the increase is a must as the country is suffering from a shortage of medical staff in essential medical fields and who serve in non-metropolitan and other remote regions, and it has been in close consultations with the medical circle. The number of doctors per 1,000 people in Korea came to 2.6, far below the average of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member nations, according to government data. (Yonhap) File photo According to a report by Daily Trust, one of the persons displaced by armed bandits in one of the 16 villages in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been delivered of twins after trekking for three days to arrive at the Internally Displaced Persons camp located along Kaduna- Zaria Highway. The woman, Hadiza Suleiman, from Dallatu one of the villages displaced was nine months pregnant when the bandits ordered them to leave. Some of the villagers arrived LEA Primary School, Birnin Yero, on Sunday last week but Hadiza, according to her husband Suleiman Bala, went into labour immediately they arrived the camp and was rushed to a traditional birth attendant home at Birnin Yero village where she gave birth. She started labour before we arrived this camp but there was no way we could stop since we were all afraid the bandits maybe after us. But immediately we arrived after trekking for 3 days, she went into labour and we took her to a traditional birth attendance, he said. When Daily Trust met the nursing mother, she was still looking very weak due to fatigue and lost of much blood during delivery. I thank God I delivered the twins, a boy and a girl, safely but Im still very weak because the woman said I needed blood and my husband doesnt have money and we cant return to our village in this condition, she said. The middle-aged traditional birth attendant, who identified herself as Ladi, said when they brought her (Dije) in labour, she couldnt reject her because they were displaced from their villages. I helped her to deliver the twins but the truth is she is still very weak and needs blood. The husband doesnt have money which is why they are still here with me, she said. Emirates The PUNCH reports that the Dubai carrier Emirates Airline announced on Sunday it will suspend all passenger flights from March 25 amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Today we made the decision to temporarily suspend all passenger flights by 25 March 2020, the airline said on Twitter. The United Arab Emirates announced on Friday the first two deaths from the COVID-19 disease in the country. Details soon Justice Okon Abang, the Federal High Court Judge who handed over a 7 year jail sentence to Olisa Metuh in the N400m fraud case against him, was his course mate at the Nigerian Law School. Though the former PDP National Secretary accused his former course mate at the Nigerian Law School of being antagonistic to him and also lost a bid to get the case reassigned to another judge, Justice Okon Abang insisted that he did what was best for Metuh and also needed to act with fear or favour. Before ruling on the case, the Federal High Court Judge recounted how Metuhs lawyers humiliated the court and even took the matter to international press. Abang also disclosed that God did not answer his prayer for the case to be reassigned to another judge. He said on Tuesday February 25; I cannot in this forum state all the negative things I passed through in this matter. God has been so faithful to me in this matter. May His name be praised. The convict and his counsel, especially Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and Ikpeazu (SAN), used every opportunity open to them to humiliate the court, writing hopeless, reckless and frivolous petitions against the court. They even took the matter to the international press. The day the first convict fell down, it was aired on CNN just to have unmerited sympathy, portraying the court in bad light. It was only God that used my immediate family to sustain me throughout the four years of hostility coming from the team of lawyers. It was only a few weeks to the end of the proceedings that the convict and his team of lawyers began to defend him in court. Before then, they had thoroughly humiliated me just because I discharged my function without fear or favour. I had nobody to speak for me except God that sustained me throughout this period of hostility meted to me by the first convict. Even during this period, I prayed that my employer should withdraw the file from me but God did not answer my prayers. I did not assign this case to this court, I did not in any way, direct the first convict to dissipate public funds. When the EFCC applied to court to revoke the bail of the convict because he wasnt in court, I had sympathy for him and did not revoke his bail. I gave him an opportunity to be in court and adjourned the matter to a later date. The next appearance, the convict was in a stretcher motionless, just to portray the court as being heartless and inhuman because I did not release his international passport for him to travel out of the country a decision that has been affirmed on appeal. He came in a stretcher without any medical personnel except the people that accompanied him to court. He asked for four weeks adjournment and I gave him six weeks. Thereafter, he appealed. The court of appeal dismissed the appeal and held that the judge that gave him six weeks adjournment when he asked for four weeks, cannot be biased against him. On February 23, 2017, one of the senior counsels that appeared for the convict, openly accused the court of bias and applied that the court should recuse itself from the matter. And if one may ask the reason for the application, it was because I delivered a ruling against the first convict. The law is settled that a party or counsel cannot in the open court accuse the court of bias. That is contempt in the face of the court. I would have summarily dealt with the learned senior counsel, Ikpeazu, but having been trained to have the patience of the biblical Job, I developed thick skin over the contemptuous conduct of Dr. Ikpeazu and allowed him to go home, not out of fear or cowardice. The court had to show maturity and restraint at that trying period. I have forgiven the first convict and if there is anything within my powers to do, I will do. I have also forgiven Emeka Etiaba (SAN) that took this matter so personal against my person for doing nothing. I have forgiven Ikpeazu (SAN) too that maltreated me during this period of hostility. BLOOMINGTON A 59-year-old Bloomington woman is facing methamphetamine charges, accused of selling drugs to Illinois Police Task Force Six. Cheryl J. Campbell appeared in court Monday charged with unlawful delivery of meth, a Class X felony, and unlawful delivery of a look-alike substance, a Class 3 felony. Campbell was arrested Friday along with codefendant Pedro A. Flores, who is charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of meth, a Class 2 felony, and one count of unlawful delivery of a look-alike substance, a Class 3 felony. Flores was released from custody after a judge said his charges were not eligible for pretrial detention. On Friday, Assistant State's Attorney Jeffrey Horve said Campbell conducted two controlled buys with task force officers, selling approximately 56.6 grams of meth for $1,000 on Jan. 24 and selling approximately 130.5 grams of a look-alike substance for $1,200 on Thursday. Campbell was on probation in two other cases involving unlawful possession of up to 15 grams of a controlled substance and less than five grams of meth, Horve said. Horve filed a petition to deny Campbell's pretrial release on Friday, but Judge Scott Kording continued the detention hearing until Monday, when it was heard by Judge William Yoder. On Monday, Assistant State's Attorney David Fitt argued the quantity of meth involved in this case and Campbell's unwillingness to abide by the requirements of her probation make her a danger to the community and a willful flight risk if she were released. Public Defender Ron Lewis argued against categorizing Campbell under the dangerousness standard of the Pretrial Fairness Act and proposed home confinement with GPS monitoring. Yoder approved the state's request for detainment stating less restrictive pretrial conditions would have been ineffective. Campbell's arraignment hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 16. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones Brittany N. Greiner Maylon Tate III Maylon Tate IV BLOOMINGTON The McLean County sheriff's and coroner's offices are working with forensic investigators to help uncover the identity of woman who died in 1982. "We're just trying to put a name on a headstone and put her back with her family," said McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder. "We don't know who this person is or what her story was." The case opened Feb. 2, 1982 when the woman's body was found hanging from a utility pole on U.S. Route 136 between LeRoy and Bellflower. She was described as white, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, approximately 140 pounds and believed to have been between 25 and 50 years of age. It was determined she had committed suicide hours earlier. The subsequent investigation revealed she had been seen by several individuals in the hours leading up to her death. The sheriff's office and the Illinois State Police investigated, attempting to identify her, until all leads were exhausted and the case went cold, said Bryan Hanner, a detective with the McLean County Sheriff's Office. In partnership with Moxxy Forensic Investigations and the Illinois Coroner's Office, this Jane Doe case will undergo investigative genetic genealogy, which combines genetic testing with traditional genealogical research to generate investigative leads in unsolved crimes. Bryan Worters, a contract investigative genetic genealogist and social media managing consultant with Moxxy, said through investigative genetic genealogy, they will upload the DNA profile of the individual into a database called GEDmatch, which has more than a million genetic profiles from around the world that can be compared with one and another. The field of investigative genetic genealogy is relatively new, having only been around since 2017, but it is being used as a tool to provide identities and answers for previously unidentified individuals, Worters said. "There are so many people who still know about this case and are alive to remember who this woman is," Worters said. "I find it incredible that this community can remember her nearly 42 years later." Kaycee Connelly, also an investigative genetic genealogist and marketing and social media manager with Moxxy, said it is an emerging practice used in cases where all other avenues and databases like the Combined DNA Index System and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System have been exhausted. Moxxy works with agencies across the country and has solved more than 10 cases since its inception in June 2022, Connelly said. The agency currently has 20 active cases, including 10 John Doe cases, eight Jane Doe cases and two unidentified perpetrator cases. "We don't turn cases away if there's a probability that we can help," Connelly said. "We tend to pick cases up that are more challenging then the next case just because we feel that everybody deserves their name no matter what their background is." Hanner said he was contacted by Moxxy after they had seen the Jane Doe's profile in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. According to the sheriff's office, two packs of cigarettes were found on her person and traced to southwest Illinois and southeast Indiana. One of seven keys on her keychain was traced to New York City, but investigators found the address for it did not exist. Hanner said the case was reopened in 2016 based on information from the Websleuth community, which is an internet community focused on crime and missing persons, and specimens were sent to the Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth for DNA profiling. The DNA profile was added to the Combined DNA Index System and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, but no matches were found, Hanner said in a statement. In 2021, the McLean County Coroner's Office received information that indicated Jane Doe could be a missing person from Ottawa, Canada, but subsequent investigations by the sheriff's office and Canadian authorities determined they were not the same person. Yoder said she has been working on the case since she became coroner. Every time new information or a lead comes up, it usually does not result in anything, but that does not mean they have not tried everything, the coroner said. "We have been putting work into this case, but it's a slow and tedious process," Yoder said. "I just think this technology is fascinating, and I hope we find her name and family." Moxxy is currently crowdfunding the investigative genetic genealogy to raise $5,250 for the costs associated with the case, which includes DNA extraction, sequencing and biometric identification. Visit moxxyforensics.com/casework to learn more about the case. 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 The Illinois Supreme Court has again denied a request from a Republican lawmaker seeking to repeal the states assault weapons ban. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the ban on the sale, possession and manufacture of a long list of firearms, high-capacity magazines and certain accessories in January 2023. State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, quickly challenged it on state constitutional grounds along with local gun owners and a gun shop owner. In August, the state Supreme Court ruled against Caulkins in a 4-3 decision. Caulkins had argued that because certain individuals can still own banned weapons legally if they get a special endorsement on their firearm owners identification card while others cannot, the law constitutes special legislation. Democratic Justice Mary K. OBrien joined the courts two Republicans in dissenting. She wrote that she believed the majority should have viewed it as special legislation because a law written more generally would have accomplished the same goal without treating different classes differently. Last month, Caulkins appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. He argued that because OBrien and Democratic Justice Elizabeth Rochford, who wrote the majority opinion, had received donations from campaign funds tied to the Democratic leaders named as defendants in the case, he was not given a fair hearing. The court declined to hear his appeal. On Jan. 22, Caulkins petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to vacate its August judgment based on the same argument. The state Supreme Court denied that request Monday. It does not mark the end of the legal challenges for the assault weapons ban. While the federal 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court both declined to block enforcement of the law temporarily, a gun rights group has said it will appeal to the full U.S. high court to challenge the laws legality on federal constitutional grounds. A guide to the US military guns most often lost or stolen M4 CARBINE M240 MACHINE GUN M16 RIFLE M9 SERVICE PISTOL M203 GRENADE LAUNCHER MOSSBERG SHOTGUN BROWNING M2 Comparing the weapons The Electricity Company of Ghana has implored its customers to be patient with their staff members sent to check their meters. The company, according to its Managing Director, Samuel Dubik Mahama, is currently embarking on a nationwide meter audit to ensure the right meter readings, accurate bills, and resolve illegal meter connection-related issues, among other operations. Speaking in an interview on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Mr. Dubik Mahama revealed to host Kwami Sefa Kayi that their staff have been charged with the responsibility to go into every home and conduct routine checks. This duty, he noted, can be executed effectively only when the customers don't interfere with the operations of the staff. He urged all electricity users to be accommodating and allow their workers to do their job without confrontations. "We must be able to interact with you as our customer. We should be able to converse with you. It is electricity that we have sold to you, not human life; this shouldn't provoke anybody to insult our staff...This doesn't call for fighting," he advised. Admitting that the ECG, on its part, hasn't been able to rectify all the meter problems, Mr. Dubik Mahama, however, asked the customers to dial *226# to check and pay their bills, stressing that the company has now gone digital, hence customers can access ECG services from the comfort of their homes. He further noted that this short code also "allows you to report a staff member who is being rude. It allows you to even verify who the staff is." The ECG boss urged the electricity users to be law-abiding citizens, refraining from illegal activities regarding their use of electricity. 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 The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has cautioned customers not to purchase prepaid or post-meters from anyone, whether they are staff or not. Mr. Dubik Mahama, in an interview on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", responded to a texter who messaged the host Kwami Sefa Kayi about an ECG staff member charging him GHC 7,000 to fix a meter for him. In reply, the ECG boss stated unequivocally that their meters are not for sale. "ECG doesn't sell meters. It is a service connection; we recoup the cost of the meter over a period of time. It's not an instant sale. So, when you hear people say they bought the meter, it is not true because the meter is not for sale. That is why we have written on the meter 'property of the Electricity Company of Ghana'", he emphasized. The ECG MD also admonished electricity users not to fall into the trap of fraudsters, saying, "Do not pay anybody any money or any form of something that has appeared on your phone". 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 The Founder and CEO of the Atta-Mills Institute (AMI), Mr. Samuel Koku Sitsofe Anyidoho , as he ended 2023 bagging academic credentials, has began 2024 on a similar note. Samuel Koku Anyidoho has just been awarded a Diploma in National Security and International Diplomacy by the prestigious Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI), based in Galilee, Israel. With more than 30 years of a rich history, GIMI has become a world class Institution for the upgrading of the knowledge base of senior leaders across the globe and has an Alumni Association that includes several senior professionals globally. In this time of Israel declaring total war on Gaza, Samuel Anyidoho chose to brave it out and travel to Israel for his training and the receipt of his Diploma. Joining fellow Africans from, Ghana, Nigeria. Chad, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mr. Anyidoho and his colleagues, after a detailed study, were awarded their Diplomas on, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at a ceremony held by GIMI in the Golden Crown Hotel in the city of Nazareth. Aspects of the course included, Israels National Security Challenges: Opportunities and Adaptations, Diplomacy In Times Of Emergency, Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terror Regulation and Prevention, History of the Middle East, Economic Development Based On The Israeli Experience,, Communication and Media Management in Emergency Situations. It would be recalled that in 2023, Mr. Samuel Koku Anyidoho, became an Accredited Member of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, he graduated with a Masters from the Trinity Theological Seminary , and became an Accredited Member of the Ghana Psychological Council (GPA). As he continues to expand his knowledge base via non-stop acquisition of valuable training both home and abroad, the Founder and CEO of AMI is certainly blazing a solid trail that positions him as a motivated person who has not allowed his high heights in politics to make him feel he has accomplished everything in life. According to Mr. Anyidoho, it is my greatest desire to use my story to impart knowledge and most importantly impact positively on the upcoming generation of future leaders by giving them the transformative power they need to develop the appropriate mindset for building the Better Ghana we all yearn for. It is expected that before the end of March, 2024, Samuel Anyidoho will launch his first personally authored book titled, Uncompromising Thoughts. Source: Peacefmonline 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 government's first medical school enrollment quota increase in decades came out of a dire necessity to secure more doctors for ensuring basic medical services amid rapid aging and growing regional disparities, though Korea has a long way to go before achieving the goals facing fierce opposition from doctors and other hurdles, experts said Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the health ministry announced a decision to raise the number of new medical students by 2,000, or 65.4 percent, for next year in an effort to address the chronic shortage of doctors in rural areas and essential healthcare fields. The government last raised the medical school enrollment quota in 1997 to over around 3,500, and the figure had then been on a constant decrease to 3,058 in 2006 before remaining unchanged. "In order to protect the people's health and lives, expanding the workforce of doctors is a task of the times that cannot be delayed any longer," President Yoon Suk Yeol said. The move came as the chronic shortage of doctors, particularly in such essential medical fields as emergency treatments and pediatrics, as well as in non-metropolitan and remote areas, has caused public inconvenience and threatened the health of the people. According to the health ministry, an additional 15,000 doctors will be needed by 2035 to meet growing demand from a rapidly aging population and other factors. The number of doctors per 1,000 people in Korea came to 2.6, far below the average of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member nations of 3.7, according to government data. A doctor was in charge of 6,133 patients in the country in 2021, compared with the OECD average of 1,788, the data showed. The current quota also came to around one third of that of major nations. Britain, whose population size is similar to that of Korea, set its medical school quota at 8,639 in 2020. Germany and Japan had 9,458 and 9,330 medical school students, respectively, and they are working to raise the number further. Particularly worrisome is that the country has seen a marked fall in the number of doctors serving such essential fields as surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics departments, while more have opted for dermatology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and other "lucrative" and "less grueling" divisions. Hospitals in non-metropolitan and remote areas have long experienced difficulties in finding doctors, and many patients have been forced to travel long distances to see a doctor. A survey by the Korea Health and Medical Workers' Union in December 2023 showed that 89.3 percent of the respondents approved of the medical school enrollment quota. "The government has taken cases caused by the shortage of doctors seriously, such as long lines to see pediatric doctors and patients scrambling to find emergency rooms," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong has said. "If the current trend continues, we will not be able to appropriately manage growing demand for medical services in the super-aged society and in the case of new infections diseases. The situation in rural areas will worsen further," Cho warned. Korea has experienced rapid aging and it is expected to become a super-aged society in 2025, where the proportion of those aged 65 and older hits 20 percent of the population, amid a constant fall in the ultra-low birthrate. Doctors have strongly opposed the plan to increase the quota and vowed to stage a nationwide strike. The Korean Medical Association (KMA) held an emergency press conference Tuesday and threatened to take collective action against the government's "unilateral" decision, claiming that the quota hike will compromise the quality of medical education and services and that the government should find other ways to better allocate physicians and boost compensation. The government has vowed to issue an executive order to immediately return to work in case of a strike and make stern responses against any illegal moves by doctors. "We've had talks with the medical circle and experts and collected opinions from the public for more than a year. The ministry and the KMA had held 27 rounds of meetings and the government has accepted quite a lot of their demands," a ministry official said. Last week, the government announced a package of incentives for the medical community that will allocate 10 trillion won ($7.54 billion) by 2028 to enhance compensation for medical staff providing services in vulnerable areas. It also vowed to lay a legal foundation to limit doctors' criminal liability in cases of malpractice. Experts, however, said the government's plan would not address the challenges in the medical system in the near future. It will take around ten years for a growing number of medical school students to begin their duties, so the current "vacuum" will remain for the time being. How to secure a budget of over 10 trillion won by 2028 for the incentives is also yet to be devised. More fundamentally, some have been skeptical about the effects of those reform measures in encouraging doctors to major in "unpopular" medical fields and to work in rural areas. "The plan does not have details about how to allocate doctors to such vulnerable areas," an official of the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, a Seoul-based civic group, said, calling for more legally binding and comprehensive measures. Kim Yoon, professor of the medical school of Seoul National University, said, "It is imperative for the government to have the medical schools with a larger number of students take responsibility for beefing up services in vulnerable fields." (Yonhap) Stakeholders from various West African countries and regional blocs are participating in a two-week training programme on migration management at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra. Migration has been a positive activity. Migrants have contributed significantly to the development of societies. However, the continuous flow of migrants in an irregular fashion, their vulnerability to exploitation, and the association of irregular migration with smuggling and trafficking networks are persistent issues of concern. In view of this, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration has partnered with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) to develop the Migration Management Course as a platform for migration practitioners to discuss migration, its challenges, and the way forward in developing action plans and policies to manage the migration process effectively. Participants are drawn from the migration units of the Interior Ministries, Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Service, gender protection units, and civil society organisations, among others from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameron, Liberia, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The programme, which was launched at the centre, is the second fully fledged academic activity on migration in the West Africa region. Among the topics to be discussed are international cooperation on migration, regional policymaking, migration and gender, migration and development, and human rights legal framework of people on the move. It was developed with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The deputy commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, said that with the world getting increasingly interconnected, the challenge of managing migration had grown dramatically as more people were compelled to move out of their homes by diverse economic, political, social, and environmental factors. He said such challenges had raised concerns of stemming irregular migration, facilitating regular movements, strengthening migration and development links, and ensuring state security while protecting the human rights of migrants. In line with that, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong said the course had been developed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills to contribute to and improve migration policies and management in Africa, especially West and Central Africa. The Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, said migration could not be tackled in isolation by a country and, therefore, called for a cross-country approach based on partnerships and cooperation. Switzerland is committed to supporting this course in the future and hopes it will constitute a real added value for each participating country and the region. The course director, Auguster Ahorsey further said, would offer opportunities to practitioners to learn and critically examine issues at hand and the way forward on how to effectively manage migration, adding that this way, we can all work together to maximise the development impact for all concerned. 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 Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Blue Skies Foundation (BSF) to transfer the governance and implementation of the School Farm Competition to KIC. The ceremony took place at KIC Innovation Hub in the presence of Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director for KIC, Mrs. Jane Lutterodt, General Manager, Blues Skies Company Ltd., Mr. Alistair Djimatey, Head of Blue Skies Foundation and Corporate Affairs Manager for Blue Skies Ltd, as well as other representatives of Blue Skies Company Ltd . The MOU outlines the agreement for the transition of the governance and management of the Blue Skies School Farm Competition to KIC. Under the agreement, KIC will regularly share top-line impact data of the School Farm project with Blue Skies to facilitate ongoing evaluation of the project's performance. The School Farm Competition introduces students in junior and senior high schools to agriculture innovation by focusing on horticulture. The students learn from concepts such as nursing seedlings, transplanting, cultivation beds and the right application use of approved chemicals and fertilizer, as well as the use of PPEs. Through the practical experience, the program seeks to create a change in mindset about seeing agriculture as a form of punishment to seeing it as an economic viable activity. In 2022, KIC partnered with Blue Skies Foundation with funding support from the Mastercard Foundation to help achieve the objectives of the School Farm Competition. The KIC-BSF partnership helped reach a total of 198 junior high and senior high schools in 2022 with over 5,500 students being exposed to opportunities in the agricultural value chain and changing their mindset to agriculture entrepreneurship. As of December 2023, more than 18,000 students had been trained under the program, under the partnership arrangements. Speaking about the new governance structure, Benjamin Gyan-Kesse said: With the governance and management of the school farm competition program moving to KIC, we are confident that we will be able to continue with the growth trajectory of the program, as we look forward to encouraging more schools to participate in the competition. On his part, Alistair Djimatey, Head of Blue Skies Foundation and Corporate Affairs Manager for Blue Skies Company Ltd., affirmed that Blue Skies will maintain an advisory role in the competition's governance, assisting and advising on its development and growth. Through the program, participating schools have supported their students to see the benefits of farming. It has also enabled schools to support their canteen. Some of the yields have also been sold externally and the proceeds used to support development in the schools. Some past winners of the School Farm Awards include Adoe D/A Junior High School (Best School Farm, JHS Category, 2023), Ghana Senior High School, Tamale (Best School Farm, SHS Category, 2023), Kwahu Tafo Senior High School (Best School Farm, SHS Category 2022), Peki Senior High Technical School (Most Committed School, 2023) and Ecole Ronsard (Most Innovative School) among others. About Kosmos Innovation Center: KIC invests in young entrepreneurs and small businesses who have big ideas and want to see their country grow. The KIC was established in Ghana in 2016 with programs focused on inspiring and empowering young entrepreneurs to drive change in their own country. Since its inception, the KIC has focused on innovation in agriculture the countrys most important sector and largest employer. More than 1300 aspiring entrepreneurs have participated in KIC Ghana programs, resulting in the creation of promising startups that have gone on to secure seed funding, additional business training, and capital investment. About Blue Skies Foundation: To date, the Blue Skies Foundation has invested in more than 120 health and educations projects, including erecting school buildings. We also helped to complete rural sanitation projects, built fire stations and outfitted health clinics. The projects we invest in are chosen by farmers living within the local communities and are overseen by a council of community representatives. About School Farm Competition: The School Farm Competition, which was initiated by Blue Skies Foundation, is an agricultural school challenge project that aims to increase the desire of young people (students) in both Junior and Senior High Schools through learning experiences, by providing the schools with inputs (seed and basic farm tools) to cultivate their own crops on designated school farms and consider agriculture as an income generating venture in their life journey whiles improving Ghanas food security. 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 NIGERIA; Some women in Rivers state today February 6 marched to the office of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) over what they described as their inability to have conjugal relationships with their husbands due to heat. The women carried placards with inscriptions such as No Light, No Payment, The Heat is too much, etc. The protesting women said their husbands no longer touch them at night due to heat, lamenting their inability to preserve cooked foods for weeks as a result of power outage. They also said their businesses had been grounded due to poor power supply. The leader of the protesting women, Maria Ike, said; We have decided to let the world know what we are passing through in the hands of PHED. The poor supply in our area is at zero level despite the fact that we pay monthly bills to PHED. We no longer have romance and conjugal relationship with our husbands because of so much heat due to power failure. Our businesses have collapsed because of power outage. This is really affecting our families'. When contacted PHED Public Relations Officer, Livingstone Koko said that the issue of poor power supply is a general problem in the country. He said that PHED was doing its best to improve the power supply in the state. 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 Mr. Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of Imani Africa, has reposed confidence in the vice President Dr. Mahmud Bawumia, when he is elected as the President of Ghana come December, 2024. According to Mr. Kofi Bentil, he has no doubt that Dr Bawumia will be a better president, hence needs to be given the opportunity. Taking to his facebook wall, Lawyer Kofi Bentil, said Every man deserves a fair hearing. We gave Prez Mahama a chance to be President, the least we can do is give Dr Bawumia a fair and objective hearing. He is not President, and has never been President! I have no doubt he will be better! The VP position in Ghana, apart from standing in when the president is away (and he cant make any serious decisions), it is totally powerless! he is like an advisor! Theres a good reason Kwame Nkrumah refused to have a Vice President! Indeed the Minister of finance has more constitutional power than the VP in managing our finances and the EMT has zero power to effect its decisions. They advise the President who acts through his ministers! Every man deserves a fair hearing. We gave Prez Mahama a chance to be President, the least we can do is give Dr Bawumia a fair and objective hearing. He is not President, and has never been President! I have no doubt he will be better! The VP position in Ghana, apart from standing in when the president is away (and he cant make any serious decisions), it is totally powerless! He is like an advisor! Theres a good reason Kwame Nkrumah refused to have a Vice President! Indeed the Minister of finance has more constitutional power than the VP in managing our finances and the EMT has zero power to effect its decisions. They advise the President who acts through his ministers!!! I trust VP Bawumia. Because he has been the best VP ever. Even under trying circumstances he has shown himself not corrupt and indeed has been effective in delivering some crucial transformations. I am entitled like everyone to my belief and choice and I believe he is a better choice. All the rest of us need to do, is give the man a fair hearing. Of course youre entitled to your choice but you cheat yourself if you close your ears. My earlier post elicited a lot of responses many say that they tried this government and it failed them And so they wont do another trial. The same people are advocating for someone who earlier failed and was rejected. Its amazing they cant see the huge contradiction. That position is illogical when they advocate for JM. You tried JM and Nana Addo and you claim They failed! DMB has not been tried and he has not failed as President!! So that logic falls flat. By the trial logic. The person left is DMB. If you are Not to return to the certified proven failure then Only DMB is qualified. I am simply saying. Give the man a fair hearing. He is not Nana Addo.And he has been the best VP in Ghanas history. In life we move forward, dont go back!! especially to what you tried and failed when you have a fresh choice. For me, Even if I will make a mistake I will Make it going forward not backward. Asalaam Aleikum. Shalom. Peace'' 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 Palgrave Boakye Danquah, Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has described the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the person with the right brain and best character to be elected as the next president of Ghana. According to Palgrave, Ghana has never had an astute economist like Dr. Bawumia, who is the 2024 Presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party. The Governments spokesperson made these revelations while speaking on TV3s "Big Issues" on Monday, February 5. 2024. Mr. Boakye Danquah said Dr. Bawumia is the best economist that Ghana would have, that Ghana has had, and the future of Ghana. I see the media houses and even the NDC have a lot of admiration for the flag bearer of the NPP and I am glad because if we need to put proper economic knowledge and proper economic value systems in place, John Mahama comes nowhere near close, he comes nowhere. It is clear that Dr. Bawuma is the right person to lead this country, he has the right brain, the right mindset, the right position, and the right character. On Wednesday, 7th February, Dr. Bawumia is going to state a clearer position of the policy directives of the campaign of the future that Ghana so deserves, no amount of words from the NDC, no amount of tagging him with statements that hes made in the past is going to change what the Ghanaian people think of such a noble gentleman of repute, he added. Mr. Boakye Danquah further noted that, Dr. Bawumias address is expected to focus more on his digitalization agenda for the country. The theme for the upcoming address is Ghanas Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future. The address is scheduled to take place at the Kofi-Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). He again noted that the Vice Presidents speech is expected to also emphasize leveraging technology, data, and systems to foster inclusive economic growth. Dr. Bawumia aims to position Ghana as a digital hub for Africa, narrowing the digital divide and applying digital technology and artificial intelligence to transform sectors such as healthcare, education, and public service delivery, Palgrave said. Speaking on the digitalization agenda, Mr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah said, since assuming office in 2017, Mr Bawumia has championed a plethora of digital transformation initiatives, especially within the public sector. This drive won him accolades like digitalization man or digital Bawumia. Some of his digital initiatives include Ghana.gov payment options, mobile money interoperability, and GhanaPost GPS, amongst others. The Vice Presidents long awaited comes off on Wednesday, 7th February, 2024. This event will host the rank and file of the governing New Patriotic Party. 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 Founder and Leader of Heaven's Gate Ministries, Prophet Nicholas Osei (aka Kumchacha), is visibly worried about Ghanaian actress and socialite Moesha Buduong's present health condition. He has therefore announced his intention to contribute by making a donation to her GoFundMe account, and he urges all Ghanaians to join him in providing both financial assistance and prayers for Moesha Buduong. Speaking in an interview on Okay FM, he said, "what has happened to Moesha is unfortunate, and we as Ghanaians should support her with whatever we can. I am also going to extend my support by donating to the GoFundMe account. We should also remember her in our prayers," he added. This comes as a result of the recent revelation that Moesha is currently battling a debilitating health issue. The cause of the sickness remains unclear; Moesha's brother, Ebito Boduong, has, however, confirmed the news and is appealing for funds to support her treatment. A GoFundMe account, established in his name, highlights the urgent need for medical attention due to the impairment of Moesha's mobility and speech. Ebito is seeking public support, emphasizing that the funds will cover expenses such as therapy sessions and assistive devices. The account's target is $10,000 (Ghc123,202.49), and it has received about $5,938 (73,157.64) in donations so far. Source: Benjamin Koomson/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: CC0 Public Domain A multi-disciplinary research team specializing in canine behavior and artificial intelligence has developed an AI algorithm that automates the high-stakes process of evaluating potential working dogs' personalities. They hope to help dog training agencies more quickly and accurately assess which animals are likely to succeed long term in careers such as aiding law enforcement and assisting persons with disabilities. The personality test could also be used for dog-human matchmaking, helping shelters with proper placement, thus reducing the number of animals returned for not being a good fit with their adoptive families. The scientists, from the University of East London and University of Pennsylvania, conducted the research on behalf of Dogvatar, a Miami, Fla.-based canine technology startup. They announced the dog personality testing algorithm results in their paper, "An Artificial Intelligence Approach To Predicting Personality Types In Dogs," published in Scientific Reports. The AI algorithm draws on data from nearly 8,000 responses to the widely used Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) to train itself. For over 20 years, the 100-question C-BARQ survey has been the gold standard for evaluating potential working dogs. "C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective," said co-Principal Investigator James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the UPenn School of Veterinary Medicine. "By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-directed fear." The research team's experimental AI algorithm works in part by clustering the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that ultimately shape the digital personality thumbprint a given dog receives. These personality types have been identified and described based on analysis of the most influential attributes in each one of the five categories and they include: "excitable/attached," "anxious/fearful," "aloof/predatory," "reactive/assertive," and "calm/agreeable." The data points that feed into those ultimate clusters include behavioral attributes such as "excitable when the doorbell rings," "aggression toward unfamiliar dogs visiting your home," and "chases or would chase birds given the opportunity." Each attribute is given a "feature importance" value, which is essentially how much weight the attribute receives as the AI algorithm calculates a dog's personality score."It's rather remarkablethese clusters are very meaningful, very coherent," Serpell said. Dogvatar and its collaborating researchers intend to conduct further research into potential applications for their dog personality testing algorithm. "This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us," said Dogvatar CEO "Alpha Pack Leader" Piya Pettigrew. "This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in the working dog training and placement process, and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It's a win for both dogs and the people they serve." More information: Mohammad Hossein Amirhosseini et al, An artificial intelligence approach to predicting personality types in dogs, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52920-9 Provided by Dogvatar 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: Life reconstruction of Harajicadectes zhumini, a 40 cm long lobe-finned fish that is not too distantly related to the fishes that gave rise to the earliest limbed tetrapods. Credit: Brian Choo, Flinders University Alice Spring's Finke River (Larapinta), often cited as one of the oldest rivers in the world, once hosted waters teeming with bizarre animalsincluding a sleek predatory lobe-finned fish with large fangs and bony scales. The newly described fossil fish has been named Harajicadectes zhumini by an international team of researchers led by Flinders University paleontologist Dr. Brian Choo. The fossil was named for the Harajica Sandstone Member where the fossils were found in Australia's "Red Center" and the ancient Greek dektes ("biter"). It also pays homage to Professor Min Zhu, currently at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, who has made some major contributions to the research of early vertebrates. One of the ancient Tetrapodomorph lineage, some of which became ancestors of limbed tetrapodsand later humansHarajicadectes is particularly distinctive for its large openings on the top of their skull. "These spiracular structures are thought to facilitate surface air-breathing, with modern-day African bichir fish having similar structures for taking in air at the water's surface," says Flinders Paleontology researcher Dr. Brian Choo, who studied the most complete specimen of the newly described Harajicadectes, which grew to about 40 cm. "This feature appears in multiple Tetrapomodorph lineages at about the same time during the Middle-Late Devonian. "In addition to Harajicadectes from central Australia, large spiracles also appeared in Gogonasus from Western Australia and elpistostegalians like Tiktaalik (the closest relatives to limbed tetrapods). Plus it also appears in the unrelated Pickeringius a ray-finned fish from Western Australia, first described in 2018." Harajicadectes zhumini from the Harajica Sandstone Member (GivetianFrasnian), Northern Territory, Australia, Holotype NTM P6410. A, photographed as a natural mold in situ as it was discovered in 2016; B, as a whitened latex peel; and C, interpretative drawing. Credit: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2285000 Flinders Professor John Long, a leading Australian expert of fossil fish and co-author of the new discovery published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, says the synchronized appearance of this air-breathing adaptation may have coincided with a time of decreased atmospheric oxygen during the mid-Devonian. "The ability to supplement gill respiration with aerial oxygen likely afforded an adaptive advantage," says Professor Long. "We found this new form of lobe-finned fish in one of the most remote fossil sites in all of Australia, the Harajica Sandstone Member in the Northern Territory, almost 200 km west of Alice Springs, dating from the Middle-Late Devonian roughly 380 million years old. "It is difficult to pinpoint where Harajicadectes sits in this group of fish as it appears to have convergently acquired a mosaic of specialized features characteristic of widely separate branches of the tetrapodomorph radiation." The publication is the culmination of 50 years of exploration and research. ANU Professor Gavin Young first discovered fragmentary specimens in 1973 and many more fossils recovered in 1991 have been studied by the Melbourne Museum and Geosciences Australia in Canberra. Attempts to study these fossils proved troublesome until the Flinders University's 2016 expedition found an almost complete specimen. "This fossil demonstrated that all the isolated bits and pieces collected over the years belonged to a single new type of ancient fish," says Dr. Choo, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders. The 2016 specimen has been transferred to the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory in Darwin. More information: Brian Choo et al, A new stem-tetrapod fish from the MiddleLate Devonian of central Australia, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2285000 Journal information: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 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: Professor Dr Vitor Azevedo is researching how artificial intelligence methods can help to better predict share returns. Credit: RPTU/Voss In the complex world of financial markets, accurately forecasting stock prices is a significant challenge. One approach relies on enhancing the information from stock market anomalies, factors influencing a stock's return. Traditional methods that combine information from these anomalies often reach their limits, especially in global stock investments. However, Machine Learning (ML) methods, a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI), offer a promising solution. These methods can aggregate various factors to improve stock return predictions, as shown in a study titled "Stock market anomalies and machine learning across the globe" by researchers from Kaiserslautern and Munich, published in the Journal of Asset Management. Predicting stock returns is similar to forecasting the weather, requiring a multitude of data points. These include, for instance, high-altitude temperatures and humidity, as well as air currents, cloud cover, and sunlight duration. Just as detailed meteorological data is crucial for accurate weather predictions, extensive financial data, and intelligent methods to combine this information are essential to determine if an investment is likely to be profitable. Such data includes so-called capital market anomalies. "Over 400 of these, identified in recent years by leading financial journals, are considered predictive for stock returns," explains Professor Dr. Vitor Azevedo from the University Kaiserslautern-Landau, a co-author of the study. One example is the well-known "Price-Earnings Ratio" (PER) of a stock. So-called Value Strategies can use this metric to invest in (seemingly) affordable stocks with low PERs. Another example is the "Short-Term Reversal" effect, where stocks with the lowest returns in the previous month tend to outperform those with the highest returns in the following month. However, which of these anomalies are relevant? How do they interrelate, and what is their impact when combined? In the study, Azevedo, Professor Dr. Sebastian Muller from the Technical University of Munich, and Sebastian Kaiser from Roland Berger aimed to determine if Artificial Intelligence could answer these questions. "Traditional methods like regression analyses have their limits in this context," notes Azevedo. "That is why we used Machine Learning methods capable of uncovering complex relationships within large datasets." This approach is often referred to as a nonlinear combination in expert circles. For their analysis, the economists examined various ML approaches. They analyzed nearly 1.9 billion stock-month-anomaly observations from 1980 to 2019 across 68 countries. "We found that these AI models significantly outperform traditional methods. The machine learning models can predict stock returns with remarkable accuracy, achieving an average monthly return of up to 2.71% compared to about 1% for traditional methods," adds Professor Azevedo. The study's findings highlight the potential of such technology for the financial market. Financial managers could use it in the future to develop new stock price models. The researchers from Kaiserslautern and Munich advise, among other things, careful data preparation to correctly incorporate outliers and missing values, especially when working with international data, as they write in their study. Additionally, they recommend reviewing ethical and regulatory concerns before deploying these AI techniques. More information: Vitor Azevedo et al, Stock market anomalies and machine learning across the globe, Journal of Asset Management (2023). DOI: 10.1057/s41260-023-00318-z Provided by Rheinland-Pfalzische Technische Universitat Kaiserslautern-Landau 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: 3D rendering of 4 poalritonic cavities of different sizes. Credit: Matteo Ceccanti In a significant leap forward for quantum nanophotonics, a team of European and Israeli physicists has introduced a new type of polaritonic cavities and redefined the limits of light confinement. This pioneering work, detailed in a study published in Nature Materials, demonstrates an unconventional method to confine photons, overcoming the traditional limitations in nanophotonics. Physicists have long been seeking ways to force photons into increasingly small volumes. The natural length scale of the photon is the wavelength and when a photon is forced into a cavity much smaller than the wavelength, it effectively becomes more "concentrated." This concentration enhances interactions with electrons, amplifying quantum processes within the cavity. However, despite significant success in confining light into deep subwavelength volumes, the effect of dissipation (optical absorption) remains a major obstacle. Photons in nanocavities are absorbed very quickly, much faster than the wavelength, and this dissipation limits the applicability of nanocavities to some of the most exciting quantum applications. The research group of Prof. Frank Koppens from ICFO in Barcelona, Spain, addressed this challenge by creating nanocavities with an unparalleled combination of subwavelength volume and extended lifetime. These nanocavities, measuring smaller than 100x100nm in area and only 3nm thin, confine light for significantly longer durations. The key lies in the use of hyperbolic-phonon-polaritons, unique electromagnetic excitations occurring in the 2D material forming the cavity. Sketch of a nanocavity (cross section view) and the nearfield tip, superimposed with the simulated ray-like field distribution of the cavity modes. Credit: Matteo Ceccanti Unlike previous studies on phonon polariton-based cavities, this work utilizes a new and indirect confinement mechanism. The nanocavities are crafted by drilling nanoscale holes in a gold substrate with the extreme (2-3 nanometer) precision of an He-focused ion beam microscope. After making the holes, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a 2D material, is transferred on top of it. The hBN supports electromagnetic excitations called hyperbolic-photon polaritons which are similar to ordinary light except that they can be confined to extremely small volumes. When the polaritons pass above the edge of the metal, they experience a strong reflection from it, which allows them to be confined. This method thus avoids shaping the hBN directly and preserves its pristine quality, enabling highly-confined AND long-lived photons in the cavity. This discovery began with a chance observation made during a different project while using a nearfield optical microscope to scan 2D material structures. The nearfield microscope allows exciting and measuring polaritons in the mid-infrared range of the spectrum and the researchers noticed an unusually strong reflection of these polaritons from the metallic edge. This unexpected observation sparked a deeper investigation, leading to the realization of the unique confinement mechanism and its relation to nanoray formation. Artist's impression of a nanocavity and the field inside it. Credit: Matteo Ceccanti However, upon making and measuring the cavities, the team was in for a huge surprise. "Experimental measurements are usually worse than theory would suggest, but in this case, we found the experiments outperformed the optimistic simplified theoretical predictions," said first author, Dr. Hanan Herzig Sheinfux, from Bar-Ilan University's Department of Physics. "This unexpected success opens doors to novel applications and advancements in quantum photonics, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible." Dr. Herzig Sheinfux conducted the research with Prof. Koppens during his postdoctoral term at ICFO. He intends to use these cavities to see quantum effects that were previously thought impossible, as well as to further study the intriguing and counterintuitive physics of hyperbolic phonon polariton behavior. More information: Hanan Herzig Sheinfux et al, High-quality nanocavities through multimodal confinement of hyperbolic polaritons in hexagonal boron nitride, Nature Materials (2024). doi: 10.1038/s41563-023-01785-w , www.nature.com/articles/s41563-023-01785-w Journal information: Nature Materials One worker died and six others were hospitalized after they collapsed while cleaning a wastewater treatment tank at a Hyundai Steel factory in Incheon, police said Tuesday. The workers were removing hydrofluoric and nitric acid sludge from the tank without wearing gas masks at the plant in Incheon, 27 kilometers west of Seoul, when they suddenly collapsed at 11:02 a.m., according to firefighting and police officials. One of them, aged 34, was taken to a hospital in a state of cardiac arrest but died later. The six others were also receiving treatment for breathing difficulties and decreased consciousness, officials said. Police suspect the workers suffered suffocation from unidentified gases in the tank. "We're considering whether to ask the National Forensic Service to conduct an autopsy to figure out the cause of the death," a police official said. "We're trying to determine the cause of suffocation by analyzing the substances in the tank." The workers belong to an outside cleaning firm. (Yonhap) 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: Aerial view of an unmodified boulder-bed stream showing the density of boulders and the diverse habitats these create. Credit: Richard Mason and Jens Andersson Human intervention has destroyed critical habitats for salmon and trout in Swedish streams. Researchers at Umea University have discovered crucial clues to help restore the streams to their natural state. "To understand the processes that shape them, we need to think more about how glaciers function, rather than streams," says Lina Polvi Sjoberg. Swedish streams are home to a wide range of animals, including salmon, trout and the threatened freshwater pearl mussel. For over a century, Swedish streams also provided a convenient way to transport logs from inland forests to coastal sawmills. To facilitate transport, streams were straightened and boulders dynamited, which destroyed critical habitat for salmon and trout. Restoring these streams has been difficult because we know little about how they looked and functioned before human modification. Researchers at Umea University have now found that glacial processes during the ice age and deglaciation 10,000 years ago control how these streams look and function today. The study is published in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. "These results change how we think about stream restoration in large parts of the Nordic region, since now we need to think more how about glaciers function rather than streams," says Lina Polvi Sjoberg, Associate Professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. For months the researchers toured northern Sweden searching for natural so-called boulder-bed streams. The study indicates that they function very differently to most rivers worldwide. Most streams can change their width, depth, slope and roughness in response to water flow. This happens in predictable patterns, which underpin the science of stream restoration. However, the researchers found that Sweden's boulder-bed streams don't show most of these patterns. In fact, they have remained relatively unchanged since the end of glaciation. "The Swedish landscape is different due to the relatively recent influence of glaciers. This means that the ways in which streams are managed in other parts of the world, don't always apply here," says Lina Polvi Sjoberg. The findings demonstrate that we need to change how we restore these streams, to mimic glacial legacies. This involves adding high densities of large boulders, scattered across the stream and removing bank stabilization to allow streams to widen. Richard Mason, the postdoctoral researcher who led the field research explains: "Since every stream is different, we need to become detectives to determine what each one would have looked like before human modification. For example, we found that by measuring boulders on land next to these streams, we could estimate the number of boulders that would have existed in the streams." Restoring streams back to their natural condition will help fish populations directly, by providing better habitat and food sources and helping fish to adapt to climate change. "In places where we can restore natural processes, the streams themselves can often take over management for us and will be better able to look after themselves in an uncertain future," says Richard Mason. More information: Richard J. Mason et al, Unravelling fluvial versus glacial legacy controls on boulderbed river geomorphology for semialluvial rivers in Fennoscandia, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (2023). DOI: 10.1002/esp.5666 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The history of the universe is outlined in this infographic. Credit: NASA Some 13.8 billion years ago, the universe began with a rapid expansion we call the Big Bang. After this initial expansion, which lasted a fraction of a second, gravity started to slow the universe down. But the cosmos wouldn't stay this way. Nine billion years after the universe began, its expansion started to speed up, driven by an unknown force that scientists have named dark energy. But what exactly is dark energy? The short answer is: We don't know. But we do know that it exists, it's making the universe expand at an accelerating rate, and approximately 68.3% to 70% of the universe is dark energy. It all started with Cepheids Dark energy wasn't discovered until the late 1990s. But its origin in scientific study stretches all the way back to 1912 when American astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt made an important discovery using Cepheid variables, a class of stars whose brightness fluctuates with a regularity that depends on the star's brightness. All Cepheid stars with a certain period (a Cepheid's period is the time it takes to go from bright, to dim, and bright again) have the same absolute magnitude, or luminositythe amount of light they put out. Leavitt measured these stars and proved that there is a relationship between their regular period of brightness and luminosity. Leavitt's findings made it possible for astronomers to use a star's period and luminosity to measure the distances between us and Cepheid stars in far-off galaxies (and our own Milky Way). Around this same time in history, astronomer Vesto Slipher observed spiral galaxies using his telescope's spectrograph, a device that splits light into the colors that make it up, much like the way a prism splits light into a rainbow. He used the spectrograph, a relatively recent invention at the time, to see the different wavelengths of light coming from the galaxies in different spectral lines. With his observations, Silpher was the first astronomer to observe how quickly the galaxy was moving away from us, called redshift, in distant galaxies. These observations would prove to be critical for many future scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of dark energy. Redshift is a term used when astronomical objects are moving away from us and the light coming from those objects stretches out. Light behaves like a wave, and red light has the longest wavelength. So, the light coming from objects moving away from us has a longer wavelength, stretching to the "red end" of the electromagnetic. Discovering an expanding universe The discovery of galactic redshift, the period-luminosity relation of Cepheid variables, and a newfound ability to gauge a star or galaxy's distance eventually played a role in astronomers observing that galaxies were getting farther away from us over time, which showed how the universe was expanding. In the years that followed, different scientists around the world started to put the pieces of an expanding universe together. In 1922, Russian scientist and mathematician Alexander Friedmann published a paper detailing multiple possibilities for the history of the universe. The paper, which was based on Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity published in 1917, included the possibility that the universe is expanding. In 1927, Belgian astronomer Georges Lemaitre, who is said to have been unaware of Friedmann's work, published a paper also factoring in Einstein's theory of general relativity. And, while Einstein stated in his theory that the universe was static, Lemaitre showed how the equations in Einstein's theory actually support the idea that the universe is not static but, in fact, is actually expanding. Astronomer Edwin Hubble confirmed that the universe was expanding in 1929 using observations made by his associate, astronomer Milton Humason. Humason measured the redshift of spiral galaxies. Hubble and Humason then studied Cepheid stars in those galaxies, using the stars to determine the distance of their galaxies (or nebulae, as they called them). They compared the distances of these galaxies to their redshift and tracked how the farther away an object is, the bigger its redshift and the faster it is moving away from us. The pair found that objects like galaxies are moving away from Earth faster the farther away they are, at upwards of hundreds of thousands of miles per secondan observation now known as Hubble's Law, or the Hubble-Lemaitre law. The universe, they confirmed, is really expanding. This composite image features one of the most complicated and dramatic collisions between galaxy clusters ever seen. Known officially as Abell 2744, this system has been dubbed Pandora's Cluster because of the wide variety of different structures found. Data from Chandra (red) show gas with temperatures of millions of degrees. In blue is a map showing the total mass concentration (mostly dark matter) based on data from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and the Subaru telescope. Optical data from HST and VLT also show the constituent galaxies of the clusters. Astronomers think at least four galaxy clusters coming from a variety of directions are involved with this collision. Credit: NASA Expansion is speeding up, supernovae show Scientists previously thought that the universe's expansion would likely be slowed down by gravity over time, an expectation backed by Einstein's theory of general relativity. But in 1998, everything changed when two different teams of astronomers observing far-off supernovae noticed that (at a certain redshift) the stellar explosions were dimmer than expected. These groups were led by astronomers Adam Riess, Saul Perlmutter, and Brian Schmidt. This trio won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for this work. While dim supernovae might not seem like a major find, these astronomers were looking at Type 1a supernovae, which are known to have a certain level of luminosity. So they knew that there must be another factor making these objects appear dimmer. Scientists can determine distance (and speed) using an objects' brightness, and dimmer objects are typically farther away (though surrounding dust and other factors can cause an object to dim). This led the scientists to conclude that these supernovae were just much farther away than they expected by looking at their redshifts. Using the objects' brightness, the researchers determined the distance of these supernovae. And using the spectrum, they were able to figure out the objects' redshift and, therefore, how fast they were moving away from us. They found that the supernovae were not as close as expected, meaning they had traveled farther away from us faster than anticipated. These observations led scientists to ultimately conclude that the universe itself must be expanding faster over time. While other possible explanations for these observations have been explored, astronomers studying even more distant supernovae or other cosmic phenomena in more recent years continued to gather evidence and build support for the idea that the universe is expanding faster over time, a phenomenon now called cosmic acceleration. But, as scientists built up a case for cosmic acceleration, they also asked: Why? What could be driving the universe to stretch out faster over time? Enter dark energy. What exactly is dark energy? Right now, dark energy is just the name that astronomers gave to the mysterious "something" that is causing the universe to expand at an accelerated rate. Dark energy has been described by some as having the effect of a negative pressure that is pushing space outward. However, we don't know if dark energy has the effect of any type of force at all. There are many ideas floating around about what dark energy could possibly be. Here are four leading explanations for dark energy. Keep in mind that it's possible it's something else entirely. Vacuum energy Some scientists think that dark energy is a fundamental, ever-present background energy in space known as vacuum energy, which could be equal to the cosmological constant, a mathematical term in the equations of Einstein's theory of general relativity. Originally, the constant existed to counterbalance gravity, resulting in a static universe. But when Hubble confirmed that the universe was actually expanding, Einstein removed the constant, calling it "my biggest blunder," according to physicist George Gamow. But when it was later discovered that the universe's expansion was actually accelerating, some scientists suggested that there might actually be a non-zero value to the previously-discredited cosmological constant. They suggested that this additional force would be necessary to accelerate the expansion of the universe. This theorized that this mystery component could be attributed to something called "vacuum energy," which is a theoretical background energy permeating all of space. Space is never exactly empty. According to quantum field theory, there are virtual particles, or pairs of particles and antiparticles. It's thought that these virtual particles cancel each other out almost as soon as they crop up in the universe, and that this act of popping in and out of existence could be made possible by "vacuum energy" that fills the cosmos and pushes space outward. While this theory has been a popular topic of discussion, scientists investigating this option have calculated how much vacuum energy there should theoretically be in space. They showed that there should either be so much vacuum energy that, at the very beginning, the universe would have expanded outwards so quickly and with so much force that no stars or galaxies could have formed, or there should be absolutely none. This means that the amount of vacuum energy in the cosmos must be much smaller than it is in these predictions. However, this discrepancy has yet to be solved and has even earned the moniker "the cosmological constant problem." Quintessence Some scientists think that dark energy could be a type of energy fluid or field that fills space, behaves in an opposite way to normal matter, and can vary in its amount and distribution throughout both time and space. This hypothesized version of dark energy has been nicknamed quintessence after the theoretical fifth element discussed by ancient Greek philosophers. It's even been suggested by some scientists that quintessence could be some combination of dark energy and dark matter, though the two are currently considered completely separate from one another. While the two are both major mysteries to scientists, dark matter is thought to make up about 85% of all matter in the universe. Space wrinkles Some scientists think that dark energy could be a sort of defect in the fabric of the universe itself; defects like cosmic strings, which are hypothetical one-dimensional "wrinkles" thought to have formed in the early universe. A flaw in general relativity Some scientists think that dark energy isn't something physical that we can discover. Rather, they think there could be an issue with general relativity and Einstein's theory of gravity and how it works on the scale of the observable universe. Within this explanation, scientists think that it's possible to modify our understanding of gravity in a way that explains observations of the universe made without the need for dark energy. Einstein actually proposed such an idea in 1919 called unimodular gravity, a modified version of general relativity that scientists today think wouldn't require dark energy to make sense of the universe. The future Dark energy is one of the great mysteries of the universe. For decades, scientists have theorized about our expanding universe. Now, for the first time ever, we have tools powerful enough to put these theories to the test and really investigate the big question: "What is dark energy?" NASA plays a critical role in the ESA (European Space Agency) mission Euclid (launched in 2023), which will make a 3D map of the universe to see how matter has been pulled apart by dark energy over time. This map will include observations of billions of galaxies found up to 10 billion light-years from Earth. NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch by May 2027, is designed to investigate dark energy, among many other science topics, and will also create a 3D dark matter map. Roman's resolution will be as sharp as NASA's Hubble Space Telescope's, but with a field of view 100 times larger, allowing it to capture more expansive images of the universe. This will allow scientists to map how matter is structured and spread across the universe and explore how dark energy behaves and has changed over time. Roman will also conduct an additional survey to detect Type Ia supernovae In addition to NASA's missions and efforts, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, supported by a large collaboration that includes the U.S. National Science Foundation, which is currently under construction in Chile, is also poised to support our growing understanding of dark energy. The ground-based observatory is expected to be operational in 2025. The combined efforts of Euclid, Roman, and Rubin will usher in a new "golden age" of cosmology, in which scientists will collect more detailed information than ever about the great mysteries of dark energy. Additionally, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (launched in 2021), the world's most powerful and largest space telescope, aims to make contributions to several areas of research, and will contribute to studies of dark energy. NASA's SPHEREx (the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) mission, scheduled to launch no later than April 2025, aims to investigate the origins of the universe. Scientists expect that the data collected with SPHEREx, which will survey the entire sky in near-infrared light, including over 450 million galaxies, could help to further our understanding of dark energy. NASA also supports a citizen science project called Dark Energy Explorers, which enables anyone in the world, even those who have no scientific training, to help in the search for dark energy answers. Lastly, to clarify, dark energy is not the same as dark matter. Their main similarity is that we don't yet know what they are. 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 A new paper in the Quarterly Journal of Economics finds that a new form of digital technologyessentially preventing people from using an asset for which they have a loan if they don't make payments, rather than repossessing the asset itselfmay be a better way for lenders to secure loans, particularly for loan recipients in developing countries. Using collateral to secure debt helps overcome economic frictions, lowering the cost of providing credit. More than 80% of total household debt in the United States is secured by a physical asset. Yet, secured debt is much less common in low- and middle-income countries. This is because property rights are difficult to establish and enforce in economies with weak legal institutions. This translates to a high cost of repossessing collateral for creditors. This is especially true for lenders servicing households in remote areas, where the costs associated with locating and repossessing collateral can be very high. Poor households, which often lack savings, often have a hard time borrowing money. Recent technological innovations have facilitated new financial contracts that use digital collateral. An emerging example is pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) financing. The typical PAYGO contract requires a small down payment for the borrower to take possession of an asset, followed by frequent, small payments made via a mobile payment system. To screen borrowers and encourage repayment, PAYGO lenders rely on lockout technology. This enables the lender to disable the flow of services from the asset remotely. Disabling the flow of services from digital collateral is cheap and easily reversible. If a farmer uses a loan to purchase a tractor and fails to make on-time payments, the lender won't come take back the tractor; the lender will just stop the tractor from working until the borrower starts paying his loans again. In this study, researchers partnered with a large solar-home system provider in Uganda. The company's small-scale solar home system provides a household with access to a modest amount of electricity without being connected to the grid. Fenix offers PAYGO financing for its services. It also offers follow-up loans for good payers. The study examined the effects of digital collateral with Fenix's most popular follow-up product: a cash loan offered to customers near the beginning of each school term, when children's school fees are due. The researchers found that securing loans with digital collateral leads to positive selection, the take-up rate was about 7 percentage points lower for customers offered a (digitally) secured loan than those offered an unsecured loan (44% vs. 51%). They also found that securing a loan with digital collateral increased loan repayment and profitability significantly. Securing the loan with digital collateral increased average repayment after 200 days by 11 percentage points over the unsecured repayment rate of 62%. Furthermore, the fraction of households that fully repaid the secured loan was 19 percentage points higher than for unsecured loans. The study also found that the school-fee loan increased school enrollment and attendance. Children in households that were offered a school-fee loan were significantly more likely to be enrolled at school compared to children in the control group. The loan offer increased the likelihood that each child would be enrolled by 3 percentage points (from 88% to 91%). The researchers note that digitally secured collateral programs are becoming more common. A company called Pay Joy, which offers this type of loan for consumers in developing countries, has large scale operations in Mexico, and a growing customer base around the world. In India, digitally secured lending for smartphones is common, especially among two of the largest consumer lenders, Bajaj Finserv and TVS Credit. The practice is even growing in developed countries. Creditors have deployed digitally secured loans in the United States for subprime auto loans. Manufacturers have installed starter interrupt devices, which allow the lender to remotely disable the car if the borrower is not in good standing on the loan, in more than two million vehicles. Recently, Ford Motor Company filed for a patent on a technology that can disable features when borrowers are delinquent on auto loan payments. "With the proliferation of smart devices, secured lending via digital collateral could easily be extended to a wide range of devices such as laptops, refrigerators, and televisions," said the paper's lead author, Paul Gertler. 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: Illustration of the gene construct used in this study and the process of scaffold and DNA nanoparticle generation via aPCR and DNA origami, respectively, along with schematic diagram of different DNA nanoparticles used in the study. Primary variations include the number/position of crossovers in the origami architecture and relative accessibility of the T7 RNA polymerase promoter region; the T7 promoter being located either on a linear duplex extending from the body of the nanoparticle, embedded within the nanoparticle, or absent altogether. Credit: Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39777-0 Scientists have been making nanoparticles out of DNA strands for two decades, manipulating the bonds that maintain DNA's double-helical shape to sculpt self-assembling structures that could someday have jaw-dropping medical applications. The study of DNA nanoparticles, however, has focused mostly on their architecture, turning the genetic code of life into components for fabricating minuscule robots. A pair of Iowa State University researchers in the genetics, development, and cell biology departmentprofessor Eric Henderson and recent doctoral graduate Chang-Yong Ohhope to change that by showing nanoscale materials made of DNA can convey their built-in genetic instructions. "So far, most people have been exploring DNA nanoparticles from an engineering perspective. Little attention has been paid to the information held in those DNA strands," Oh said. In a recent paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, Henderson and Oh described how they constructed DNA nanoparticles capable of expressing genetic code. Having gene-bearing capacity increases the potential of DNA nanotechnology. "These structures could be both the carrier and the medicine," Henderson said. Henderson and Oh said they are among the first research teams in the world to create a DNA nanoparticle that expresses its genetic code. The Iowa State University Research Foundation filed a patent application connected to the research in 2023. Successful structures Henderson came to Iowa State in 1987 but, for 14 years, split his time as he built a startup called BioForce Nanosciences. After returning to Iowa State full-time in 2008, he began working on DNA origamia newly developed method of creating self-assembling complex nanostructures from long single strands of DNA. Henderson and a former graduate studentDivita Mathur, now an assistant professor at Case Western Universitydesigned a nanomachine biosensor that could detect pathogens. That work left a lingering thought: What about the genes these structures carry? Could DNA origami express the genetic information integrated within itself? The first step was figuring out how to create DNA origami with single strands that have specific genetic sequences, as opposed to the strands traditionally used to create nanoparticles. That took a couple of years. Next up was determining if RNA polymerase, an enzyme for making RNA molecules from DNA codes, could navigate the extensive folds of DNA origami, Henderson said. A particular concern was whether polymerase would be blocked by crossovers, the junctions where long strands of DNA are connected by short bits of DNA called staples. "It turns out they're not, which is counterintuitive," Henderson said. While crossovers and complex architecture don't stop the RNA-making transcription process, the design of a DNA nanostructure does affect transcription efficiency. Dense structures produce less RNA, which implies nanoparticle design could be fine-tuned to inhibit or promote intended functions, Oh said. "We could make an efficient, targeted delivery system that has potential in many fields, including cancer therapy," he said. Affordable and durable The potential for precision is part of what makes DNA nanoparticles an exciting possibility, Henderson said. "Gene editing is incredibly powerful, but one of the hardest parts of editing genes is only editing the genes you want to edit. So that's the dream, to finesse these nanoparticles to target certain cells and tissues," he said. However, DNA nanoparticles have other major advantages. They are easy to make, inexpensive, and durable. Making nanoparticles self-assemble is as simple as heating a mixture and letting it cool, with no special equipment needed, Oh said. Thanks in part to the ubiquity of DNA research, strands and staples are inexpensive to produce. Despite using them daily, Henderson and Oh are still working their way through a package of staples purchased from a Coralville manufacturer several years ago for a few hundred dollars. And the components, which can be stored as a powder, have a long shelf life, even in the most challenging conditions, Henderson said. It's a technology that could easily spread. "DNA is very stable. It's been recovered from samples more than 1 million years old," he said. More information: Chang Yong Oh et al, In vitro transcription of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39777-0 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 least 1.3 million people in Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, suffer from malnutrition, the UN says. In a small village in southern Madagascar, dozens of women shelter from the scorching sun under a tree as they wait to weigh their children. The Indian Ocean island nation has suffered poor rainfall since October and fears of worsening hunger loom as the El Nino climate pattern takes hold. The country is particularly exposed to extreme weather events such as storms and droughts which experts say are expected to worsen with climate change. "Madagascar is facing the climate crisis now," said Reena Ghelani, the United Nations Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Nino response. At least 1.3 million people in Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, already suffer from malnutrition, according to the UN. In recent years, a vast area in the south has been hit by the worst drought in four decades. Weather forecasts predict an even drier 2024, with potentially dire consequences for the harvest season starting in May. "There is nothing growing on our land. Everything we plant ends up falling. It's because of all this we suffer," Nasolo, a mother of 10, said. 'Not enough food' She has come with other mothers to a community center in the village of Manindra to have her children checked. The UN's food agency is helping farmers via a phone app it developed that compiles agro-meteorological data. A dry wind blows over the red earth and temperatures hover around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). "I come every two weeks to weigh and check on his health," said Arisoa, 37, who has walked seven kilometers (more than four miles) to put her one-year-old son on the scales. Three months ago, she realized the little boy was acutely malnourished. A bracelet now monitors his muscle mass. "I should give him fish, bananas and pineapple. But we don't have the means and not enough food. The rain isn't falling," she said in despair. Globally, 2023 was the warmest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Last month, it warned that this year could be even hotter because the naturally occurring El Nino climate pattern, which emerged mid-2023, usually increases global temperatures for one year after. Ghelani, who toured Madagascar last week, said early-warning systems to detect climate risks are key to promptly deliver aid, such as seeds, food and money. Fears of worsening hunger loom in the Indian Ocean nation as the El Nino climate pattern takes hold. The UN's food agency (FAO) is trying to help farmers face the climate challenges. Some use a phone app it developed compiling agro-meteorological data. "It helps us to better predict precipitation, winds and decide whether to plant or not," Bienvenue Manasoa, who grows corn, sorghum and peanuts, said. "It has changed our life." Others have started planting more drought-resistant seeds. "I chose to grow millet because it is nutritious and above all it does not need a lot of water to grow," said Ialy Tsivonanomby, who sells his seeds to the FAO. 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: Annual average concentrations (A) and premature mortality (B) of PM2.5 and O3 in the key regions from 2005 to 2017. BTH: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei; FWP: Fen-Wei Plain; O3: Ozone; PRD: Pearl River Delta; PM2.5: Fine particulate matter; SC: Sichuan-Chongqing; YRD: Yangtze River Delta. Credit: Chinese Medical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000002974 Air pollution, a primary environmental risk factor, poses a significant health and financial burden to countries. In China, rapid economic growth has resulted in severely deteriorated air quality and a significant financial burden on its citizen's health. Measures such as the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013 to 2017) and the Blue Sky Defense Battle (2018 to 2020) have been implemented to curb air pollutants and achieve sustained economic growth without air pollution. This has led to the reduction of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) pollution, but over time, ozone (O 3 ) pollution has unexpectedly emerged as a new challenge. Furthermore, since 2020, the air pollution disease burden has increased due to an aging population. Several studies have examined the link between air pollution and health, while only a few investigated the financial costs associated with it. However, these studies have profiled the economic burden of PM 2.5 and O 3 only in select cities and regions of China, and no study has examined the spatial trends of health and monetary burden due to the combined effects of both pollutants in China. Against this backdrop, scientists from the Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, China, explored the spatiotemporal features of disease burden from air pollution in China. Their detailed analyses were published in the Chinese Medical Journal. Huaiyue Xu, the lead author of the study, explained, "We used the five parts data- Air pollution exposure, population, cause-specific mortality rates, the concentration-response (C-R) function from epidemiological studies, and socioeconomic parameters, to assess the economic loss of health effects from ambient PM 2.5 and O 3 ." The team utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease study and Willingness to Pay methodology to quantify premature mortality due to PM 2.5 and O 3 , and associated financial burdens across China between 2005 and 2017. The GBD is a repository with disease burden data across age groups, sex, countries, regions, and time and facilitates comparing the magnitude of diseases, their risk factors, and injuries. Their findings revealed that owing to the air quality improvements, the sum of premature mortality from the two pollutants exhibited a downward trend between 2005 and 2017 (from 1.01 million in 2005 to 0.94 million in 2017). However, due to the economic growth, the trend observed for financial burden was different from the one observed for premature mortality. In 2017, the total economic loss was RMB 1170.31 billion yuan, about two times the number in 2005. Elaborating on the methodology, Dr. Qing Wang, the corresponding author of the study, said, "To assess the data, we aggregated the health and economic burden caused by the two pollutants and created a coarse scale description and discussion to aid macro decision-making, especially after the implementation of clean air policies." They also found that O 3 -contribution was highest in the Yangtze River Delta, Fen-Wei Plain, and some western regions. The recent national and regional policies to improve air quality in China have yielded a pronounced decrease in PM 2.5 concentrations, and sustained management is essential for the improvements to occur in the long term. Unfortunately, an increase in O 3 pollution is cause for concern. It emphasizes the need for coordinated management plans incorporating the pollutants' spatiotemporal trends, associated disease burden, population assessments, and socioeconomic data. Dr.Wang concludes, "In an era to achieve the target of carbon peaking and neutrality, China has been taking a synergistic pathway and continuous efforts to curb pollution and mitigate climate change, which could hopefully bring great health benefits." More information: Huaiyue Xu et al, Related health burden with the improvement of air quality across China, Chinese Medical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000002974 Provided by Cactus Communications 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 Life isn't easy for the approximately 1 million women working as takeaway delivery riders in China. Though their numbers appear to be rising as delivering food is convenient for fitting around childcare or retraining for new careers, these women have to live with gender pay gaps and various other inequities. These include juggling the workload with their families, sexual harassment and even violence, which might explain why they tend not to stay in the industry as long as men. A group of social media influencers greatly increased the pressure on female riders last November by posting a series of memes that falsely eroticized them. Various videos and photos, which you can see below, showed fake riders wearing the distinctive black and yellow uniforms used by leading delivery app Meituan, but modified with stockings, short skirts and high heels. They were also shown with food menus containing much higher prices than usual, implying that women who deliver food to people's houses are also available as sex workers. Post examples This content spread rapidly on Chinese social media, attracting widespread attention. It's all a world away from the realities of being a female takeaway rider, and has caused a major row that has highlighted wider challenges for women working in China and elsewhere. Female riders and sexual connotations China is easily the biggest market for food delivery apps worldwide. Female riders make up around 10% of the workforce, and have always had to endure linguistic anomalies that have inadvertently differentiated and sexualized them. In Chinese, the term "delivery brothers" is commonly used to describe riders across the takeaway industry. This indicates respectability and diligence, while also implying that this is a job for men. At the same time, a colloquialism used in an online transaction with a sex worker would be to order a "miss delivery", that is, someone who works door-to-door. This has resulted in a tacit link between female riders and sex work in the popular consciousness. It helps to explain how the Meituan influencer posts gained traction so quickly. The incident has added another layer of understanding to my own research into female riders in China (which is yet to be published). In interviews with around 20 of these women, they said that most people appreciate how hard they work, but they endure daily discrimination. For example, they are more likely to be asked to help throw out rubbish after delivering food to a customer than their male counterparts. Some of the women had also experienced people staring at them in ways that felt unsettling, or asking questions with a pointed gender connotation. Rumor, stereotypes and misunderstandings seem to have combined to stigmatize food delivery as an occupation for women. This is complicated by cultural factors in parts of Asia, where it is regarded as unsuitable or even shameful for women to take up jobs regarded as "men's". Some of my interviewees even told me that they would not tell their parents about their work. Equally, many of the issues raised by this case go far beyond China. Women working in male-dominated occupations have long faced difficulties around stereotypes and harassment. This ranges from female employees being assigned to serve tea and welcome guests, to loaded comments about their appearance, to extreme cases in which the working environment is downright hostile to them. Women's work identities are also regularly connected to sex all over the world. Nurse or policewoman costumes are popular requests for strippergrams, for instance. Or in the porn industry, one favorite trope is the sexy secretary. Certainly there are some male equivalents, but these examples all reduce women's professional identities to tools for sexual gratification. Rider protection In the case of the Chinese female riders, Meituan can take credit for responding by initiating legal action against four "fake riders". The company accused them of spreading misleading content and of falsely claiming that food delivery was being used by their riders as cover for sex work. As public criticism began mounting, the influencers apologized on the social media platform Weibo, one of the biggest in China, which then deleted their accounts. It remains to be seen whether Meituan will continue pursuing the influencers or whether it will feel that they have been punished enough. Either way, its intervention represents an important line in the sand to those denigrating takeaway riders, as well as hopefully making the public aware of the misrepresentation and the reality for women in this profession. Also, however, it draws attention to the fact that delivery riders are not Meituan employees, but sign outsourced labor contracts with third-party firms. Chinese law requires companies to protect employees from harm, but this may not extend to those in the gig economy. Had this not been an issue of potential reputational damage for Meituan, it's possible the female riders would have lacked employer protection, making them even more vulnerable. It should be said that China's regulators have been trying to crack down on malicious content. In January 2023 the Cyberspace Administration of China launched a one-month nationwide campaign aimed at clearing the internet of vulgarity, focusing on seven categories that included stigmatizing specific groups. Chinese regulators have also issued directives to control the creation of online characters and content, urging social media and short-video platforms to intensify their efforts to remove misleading memes. Yet the row over female riders indicates there is still a long way to go. Being a female rider in a largely male occupation with crude stereotypes comes with a risk of violence and daily abuse. We just have to hope that the fake Meituan memes have not made this worse. These riders need better protection in their work and the regulators clearly need to further clamp down on online misrepresentation and abuse. Female delivery riders should be in exactly the same position as their male counterparts, and there's a long way to go before that has been achieved. 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: A baby sloth is seen with its mother at the Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Zookeepers have been monitoring the baby sloth and its mother, Wilbur, since witnessing the birth early in the morning of Jan. 23. Credit: Palm Beach Zoo via AP An adorable, furry baby Hoffman's two-toed sloth has made its debut at zoo in Florida. Zookeepers at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society have been monitoring the baby sloth and its mother, Wilbur, since witnessing the birth early in the morning of Jan. 23. "This happened right in front of my eyes as we were on a 24-hour watch," said Kelly Fad, the zoo's general curator who also witnessed the birth. "The hanging mom literally scoops down and helps baby come up onto her body. She starts cleaning and the nursing started within just a couple of hours." Wilbur, who was the last sloth born at the Palm Beach Zoo 21 years ago, and her mate Dustin are part of a professional scientific breeding program called the Species Survival Plan. It manages the population of sloths in human care since their genetics may contribute to wild populations in the future, zoo officials said. Fad says Wilbur and Dustin were matched in a way she compared to dating apps for humans. Turns out, they were a perfect match. "We work with other zoos. There's a keeper, species survival plan coordinator so that we can find the best genetic matches," she said. A baby sloth is seen with its mother at the Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Zookeepers have been monitoring the baby sloth and its mother, Wilbur, since witnessing the birth early in the morning of Jan. 23. Credit: Palm Beach Zoo via AP The goal is to "coordinate and work together so that we can help the conservation of these guys and have the best genetics and diversity possible in managed care." Male sloths do not play any part in the raising of babies, so Dustin remains in his original habitat at the zoo. Zoo officials are waiting to identify the baby sloth's gender before deciding on a name. A baby sloth is seen with its mother at the Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Zookeepers have been monitoring the baby sloth and its mother, Wilbur, since witnessing the birth early in the morning of Jan. 23. Credit: Palm Beach Zoo via AP "Gender is often a little bit hard to determine," Fad said. "The mother's name is Wilbur, which is typically more of a male name. And that's because it's not always easy to tell. So we like to give it a few weeks, and really be able to know for certain what the gender is before we start with the naming process." But the public is now welcome to visit the baby sloth. "We're excited for guests to witness the development of this unique little baby," said Renee Bumpus, Chief Animal Conservation Officer. "In the meantime, Wilbur is very attentive, and the baby will stay closely attached to mom for a while." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Acrogenospora alangii (KUN-HKAS 130312, holotype) a hostplant growing near water body b, c colonies on host substrate dh conidiophores, conidiogenous cells and conidia i germinating conidium j, k colony on PDA (up-front, down-reverse) l, n conidia with apical appendages lp conidia. Scale bars: 100 m (d, e), 40 m (fi), 20 m (lp). Credit: MycoKeys (2024). DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.101.115209 Researchers have discovered two new freshwater hyphomycete (mold) species, Acrogenospora alangii and Conioscypha yunnanensis, in southwestern China. This discovery, detailed in a study published in MycoKeys, marks the addition of these species to the Acrogenospora and Conioscypha genera, further enriching the diversity of freshwater fungi known in the region. A research team, consisting of Lu Li, Hong-Zhi Du and Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon from Chiang Mai University, Thailand, as well as Vinodhini Thiyagaraja and Rungtiwa Phookamsak from Kunming Institute of Botany, China, and Darbhe Jayarama Bhat from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, employed comprehensive morphological analysis and multi-gene phylogenetic assessments in their study. Notably, Acrogenospora alangii was identified on submerged branches of the medicinal plant Alangium chinense, highlighting a unique ecological association. Freshwater fungi are highly diverse in China and frequently reported from submerged wood, freshwater insects, herbaceous substrates, sediments, leaves, foams, and living plants. Most species are well-known as saprobes (organisms that live on decaying organisms) and they play an important role in ecological functioning as decomposers, but also can be pathogens as well as symbionts on humans and plants. This research underscores the ecological and taxonomic richness of freshwater fungi in China, a country already recognized for its diverse fungal habitats. The findings contribute valuable insights into the roles these organisms play in freshwater ecosystems and emphasize the importance of ongoing biodiversity. Conioscypha yunnanensis (KUN-HKAS 129616, holotype) a host specimen b colonies on submerged wood c conidiogenous cells bearing conidia (note: arrow points = cupulate conidionenous cells) d, e conidiogenous cell attached with conidia fm conidia n germinated conidium o, p colony on PDA (o = up-front, p = down-reverse). Scale bars: 20 m (cn). Credit: MycoKeys (2024). DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.101.115209 More information: Lu Li et al, Two novel freshwater hyphomycetes, in Acrogenospora (Minutisphaerales, Dothideomycetes) and Conioscypha (Conioscyphales, Sordariomycetes) from Southwestern China, MycoKeys (2024). DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.101.115209 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 couple of Spalding's rocket frogs. Credit: Elliot Leach The world's largest frog project has thrived because of citizen scientists using the FrogID app, the brainchild of a UNSW biologist. FrogID, an app citizen scientists use to help record and count Australia's frog population, has reached a new milestone by logging one million validated frog records. The 1,000,000th frog record was of a Spalding's rocket frog recorded about 50 kms from Cloncurry, north-west Queensland by volunteer citizen scientist, Dr. Elliot Leach. Lead scientist behind FrogID, Dr. Jodi Rowley who is with UNSW Sydney's School of Biologial Earth and Environmental Sciences and is curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum, said she was thrilled and grateful to the tens of thousands of FrogID users across Australia who helped achieve this milestone. "This is testament to the incredible contribution of citizen scientists right across the country. FrogID has changed attitudes towards frogs and created opportunities for communities, schools and families to learn, participate and contribute towards the research and conservation of Australia's unique amphibians. It is inspiring and encouraging to see such interest in our precious frogs," Dr. Rowley said. Dr. Rowley, who verified the millionth call, said Spalding's rocket frog sounds a little like a chicken combined with a lawnmower. "It's an unmistakable sound," she said. "However, there are few recordings of this species in Queensland. It only calls during the wet season from Litchfield National Park in the northwest of the NT to far northwest Queensland near the Gulf of Carpentaria. Elliot Leach's submission is also the first FrogID submission from the area, effectively increasing FrogID's spatial coverage to 36.5% of continental Australia." Volunteer citizen scientist Dr. Elliot Leach was a newcomer to the FrogID app and recorded the Spalding's rocket frog while working near Cloncurry, Queensland. "I heard the frog calling from over 100 meters away. It is such a distinctive soundI knew immediately it was a new species for me," Dr. Leach said. NSW Minister for Arts, Music, Night-time Economy, Jobs and Tourism, the Hon John Graham described FrogID as a truly inclusive and innovative environmental program, allowing the general public, the Australian Museum and UNSW to actively work together to ensure frogs have the best chance of surviving in the wild. "The FrogID app, and the data collected from one million frog records, are an inspiring example of how technology and science can empower Australians to tackle important environmental issues," Minister Graham said. Created and devised by Australian Museum (AM) Director & CEO, Kim McKay AO and Dr. Rowley, the AM launched FrogID in 2017 with the purpose of creating a database of frog records and associated audio files to assist in the conservation of Australia's distinctive amphibians. McKay said this milestone was made possible by more than 45,000 interested and concerned volunteer citizen scientists. "Emphasizing science and technology, the free FrogID app is at the heart of our nation-wide program. Initially developed with the assistance of IBM and the Federal Government, the GPS technology used in the free FrogID app has allowed thousands of Australians of all ages to contribute to this vital national citizen science project," she said. Canary in the coalmine Director and Chief Scientist of the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Kris Helgen, said frogs are not only charismatic and colorful animals, but important for healthy ecosystems. "Because frogs are highly sensitive to environmental change, including pollution, land and water use, and climate change, they are key indicators of the health of our environment," he said. "With 249 native frog species in Australia including many in serious decline, there is a critical need to better understand our frogs and their habitats. They are the 'canary in the coalmine' for Australian ecosystems." Helping people identify frogs in the wild is just part of the FrogID project. FrogID submissions have helped identify five new species, produced more than 20 research papers and even inspired an ARIA nominated album. "Next steps in the FrogID project will be carefully drawing on artificial intelligence to further help our researchers identify species calling. We're using this enormous library of frog calls that everybody's helped create, to use machine learning so that we'll be able to identify Australian frogs more quickly and effectively," Dr. Rowley said. "Anyone in Australia can contribute to the FrogID project by downloading the free phone app, pressing record using the app whenever they hear a frog, and submitting to the AM's team of researchers. The power to save frogs is in the palm of your hand." Family ministry to consider actions for initiatives amid increasing multicultural households By Jung Da-hyun Winners of the Korea Multicultural Youth Awards proposed expanding bilingual education and intensifying mentoring programs for students with multicultural backgrounds during a meeting with Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hyun-sook, Tuesday. The meeting was hosted by the ministry, aiming to gather insights and improve the social integration of individuals from multicultural households. We organized this meeting to listen to the success stories of students who, despite facing more challenges than Korean families in different environments, have become exemplary figures, Kim said. The awards were established by The Korea Times in 2012, in order to encourage students from multicultural households, who sometimes experience and have to overcome hardships due to cultural differences and language barriers. Winners from the fourth to 12th awards emphasized the necessity of expanding bilingual education, pointing out the lack of fluency in bilingualism among students from multicultural backgrounds. I think it is a privilege afforded to teenagers from multicultural families, but the students dont have enough opportunities to utilize their language skills fully or learn more, said Kim Hae-young, a grand prize winner of the ninth awards. Born to a Korean father and a Vietnamese mother, she observed the limited opportunities to acquire languages like Vietnamese, Thai and Laotian compared to English, Chinese and Japanese. She recommended the ministry broaden the reach of bilingual education facilitated by multicultural family centers, which will empower students from multicultural households to leverage their strengths. Kam Hyo-been, a special award winner at the 11th awards, also stressed the importance of diverse and easily accessible bilingual education. Born to a Korean father and a Chinese mother, Kam has experience teaching Chinese to friends and teaching Korean to multicultural children. She noted that multicultural families face difficulties adapting to Korean culture due to societal prejudices and institutional distinctions as perceived cultural boundaries. It would be beneficial if such education was conducted through more diverse channels, facilitating easier accessibility for students so that they can adapt to Korean society more easily by learning languages, she said. The winners also recommended intensifying mentoring programs for students with multicultural backgrounds. Jeong Hun-do, an awardee of the sixth Korea Multicultural Youth Awards in the high school category, shared his personal experience of overcoming cultural differences, family circumstances and societal discrimination. Despite successfully adapting and leading a fulfilling life now, I always thought that having guidance from a mentor with a multicultural background who navigated similar challenges before, would have been immensely beneficial during times of difficulty, he said. Furthermore, the winners highlighted the importance of educating society, especially targeting Korean parents who have young children, about multicultural households. Ban Jun-hwi, a grand prize winner of the fifth awards, shared his childhood experience of facing discomfort from friends due to his mothers nationality. He was born to a Korean father and a Chinese mother. The role of parental influence is significant to children, so I hope for an expansion of educational programs focusing on multiculturalism, especially tailored for Korean parents, as the number of multicultural households continues to rise, he said. After hearing the suggestions, Kim expressed her commitment to incorporating their insights. We will consider immediate actions in areas where convergence is feasible and persist in addressing long-term initiatives based on the feedback, she said. Korea Times President-Publisher Oh Young-jin conveyed his appreciation for the meeting, which provided an opportunity for the multicultural award winners to share their perspectives. I believe Korea should evolve into an open society, welcoming individuals from around the world to coexist and thereby elevate its standing on the global stage, he said, highlighting the contributions of the winners. 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: Two views of a portion of the WLM galaxy, one taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (left), the second by its James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/IPAC/Kristen McQuinn-Rutgers University Employing massive data sets collected through NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, a research team led by a Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick astronomer is unearthing clues to conditions existing in the early universe. The team has catalogued the ages of stars in the WolfLundmarkMelotte (WLM) galaxy, constructing the most detailed picture of it yet, according to the researchers. WLM, a neighbor of the Milky Way, is an active center of star formation that includes ancient stars formed 13 billion years ago. "In looking so deeply and seeing so clearly, we've been able toeffectivelygo back in time," said Kristen McQuinn, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Arts and Sciences, who led the research, described in The Astrophysical Journal. "You're basically going on a kind of archaeological dig, to find the very low mass stars that were formed early in the history of the universe." McQuinn credited the Amarel high-performance computing cluster managed by the Rutgers Office of Advanced Research Computing for enabling the team to calculate the galaxy's history of stellar development. One aspect of the research involved taking one massive calculation and repeating it 600 times, McQuinn said. The major computation effort also helped confirm telescope calibrations and data processing procedures that will benefit the wider scientific community, she added. So-called "low mass" galaxies are of special interest to McQuinn. Because they are believed to have dominated the early universe, they allow researchers to study the formation of stars, the evolution of chemical elements and the impact of star formation on the gas and structure of a galaxy. Faint and spread across the sky, they constitute the majority of galaxies in the local universe. Advanced telescopes such as the Webb are allowing scientists a closer look. WLMan "irregular" galaxy, meaning it doesn't possess a distinct shape, such as a spiral or ellipsewas discovered by the German astronomer Max Wolf in 1909 and characterized in greater detail in 1926 by Swedish astronomer Knut Lundmark and British astronomer Philibert Jacques Melotte. It is positioned at the outskirts of the Local Group, a dumbbell-shaped group of galaxies that includes the Milky Way. Being at the edge of the Local Group has protected WLM from the ravages of intermingling with other galaxies, leaving its star population in a pristine state and useful for study, McQuinn noted. WLM also is interesting to astronomers because it is a dynamic, complex system with lots of gas, enabling it to actively form stars. To formulate the galaxy's star formation historythe rate at which stars have been born across different epochs of time in the universeMcQuinn and her team employed the telescope to painstakingly zero in on swaths of sky containing hundreds of thousands of individual stars. To determine the age of a star, they measured its colora proxy for temperatureand its brightness. "We can use what we know about stellar evolution and what these colors and brightnesses indicate to basically age the galaxy's stars," said McQuinn, adding the researchers then counted the stars of different ages and mapped out the birth rate of stars over the history of the universe. "What you end up with is a sense of how old this structure is that you're looking at." Cataloging the stars in this way showed the researchers that WLM's star-producing abilities ebbed and flowed over time. The team's observations, which confirm earlier assessments by scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope, show that the galaxy produced stars early in the history of the universe over a period of 3 billion years. It paused for a while, then reignited. McQuinn said she believes that the pause was caused by conditions specific to the early universe. "The universe back then was really hot," she said. "We think the temperature of the universe ended up heating the gas in this galaxy, and kind of turned off star formation for a while. The cool down period lasted a few billion years and then star formation proceeded again." The research is part of NASA's Early Release Program, where designated scientists work with the Space Telescope Science Institute and conduct research designed to highlight Webb's capabilities and help astronomers prepare for future observations. NASA launched the Webb telescope in December 2021. The large-mirrored instrument orbits the sun a million miles away from Earth. Scientists compete for time on the telescope to study a host of topics including the conditions of the early universe, the history of the solar system, and the search for exoplanets. "There's a lot of science that's going to come out of this program that hasn't been done yet," McQuinn said. Other Rutgers researchers on the study included Max Newman, a doctoral student, and Roger Cohen, a postdoctoral associate, both in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences. More information: Kristen. B. W. McQuinn et al, The JWST Resolved Stellar Populations Early Release Science Program. IV. The Star Formation History of the Local Group Galaxy WLM, The Astrophysical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad1105 Journal information: Astrophysical 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: Science of The Total Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168675 The rise in sea temperature and salinity in the Mediterranean and the immigration of invasive species could endanger the structure and biodiversity of its seagrass meadows, which play an essential role in the marine environment. This is the conclusion reached by an international team of researchers led by the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in a study recently published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. Global warming is increasingly leading to worrying changes in the ecosystems of the oceans. Even the Mediterranean is not spared. There, seagrass meadows are regarded as extremely important "ecosystem engineers": They create habitats, provide ecological niches for a large number of marine animal species and thus contribute to the general health and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems. They also have an important function as a CO 2 sink. The international team of researchers led by the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen has now investigated how the continuous rise in sea surface temperature and salinity as well as the unusually warm summer events will affect the seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean. They focused on one event in particular: An invasive seagrass species, Halophila stipulacea, which has migrated from the Red Sea, is spreading in the underwater meadows. Together with the invasive species, the Mediterranean is home to five species of seagrasses, each of which has different ecological characteristics and environmental tolerances. The invasive Halophila is native to the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. It migrated through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean. "The immigration of exotic tropical species through the Suez Canal has contributed to the Mediterranean being considered a hotspot for marine bioinvasions," says Pedro Beca-Carretero, biologist at the ZMT and first author of the study. In their project, the researchers used a modeling approach that is suitable for simulating complex spatial biological and ecological processes. They developed different climate scenarios in which either only the native Mediterranean species, or the native together with the invasive species were either able to develop undisturbed or exposed to human influences. The results indicate that the effects of climate change, in particular the increase in sea temperature and salinity, as well as the immigration of invasive species, could lead to a significant change in the Mediterranean seagrass community. Impact on the biodiversity of the Mediterranean "We expect a shift from long-lived, large species, such as the native Posidonia oceanica, to small and fast-growing species such as Cymodocea nodosa and the invasive Halophila," explains Beca-Carretero. "Posidonia is still the most common and iconic seagrass species in the Mediterraneanit forms extensive underwater meadows along the coast, especially in areas with shallow and sheltered marine conditionsbut it has little dispersal ability, grows slowly and is very susceptible to stress. "Halophila, on the other hand, is adapted to conditions in the Red Sea, which has high salinity and is one of the warmest seas in the world due to its enclosed nature and distribution in tropical and subtropical regions." The changes could have an impact on the structure and function of the habitat of all those animal species that depend on seagrass meadows, and thus on the biodiversity of the Mediterranean. Seagrass meadows are home to a wide variety of creatures, such as different species of fish, crabs, shrimps, mollusks and other organisms. These meadows are of crucial importance for the life cycle of many species, as they provide shelter, feeding and breeding grounds as well as nurseries. "It is quite possible that this will affect the health and resilience of the entire coastal environment in the Mediterranean," says Pedro Beca-Carretero. "This also affects people such as fishermen, restaurateurs and others who depend on this coastal habitat." The researcher plans to use the models developed for the study for other marine regions and marine ecosystems in order to assess the consequences of global environmental changes. More information: Pedro Beca-Carretero et al, Climate change and the presence of invasive species will threaten the persistence of the Mediterranean seagrass community, Science of The Total Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168675 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment Provided by Leibniz-Zentrum fur Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT) 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: Paashi in April 2023. Credit: Vivian Underhill The San Joaquin Valley of California, despite supplying a significant percentage of the country's food, is nevertheless a dry, arid place. Fresno, at the heart of the valley, receives just over 10 inches of rain a year on average, according to the National Weather Service, and sometimes as little as 3. And yet, until the late 19th century, the San Joaquin Valley held a lake more than 100 miles long and over 30 miles wide. Tulare Lake "was the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River. It's really difficult to imagine that now," says Vivian Underhill, formerly a postdoctoral research fellow at Northeastern University with the Social Science and Environmental Health Research Institute. In research conducted while at Northeastern, Underhill describes the lake's recent, surprising return as a result of 2023's atmospheric rivers over California, and the effects the lake's return has had on indigenous communities, wildlife and agricultural workers in the San Joaquin Valley. Once, Underhill says, there was so much water that a steamship could carry "agricultural supplies from the Bakersfield area up to Fresno and then up to San Francisco"a distance of nearly 300 miles. The "ancestral lakes" and connecting waterways that made such a route possible have all but disappeared thanks to manmade irrigation, Underhill says. Called "Pa'ashi" by the indigenous Tachi Yokut tribe, Tulare Lake was fed primarily by snowmelt out of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Underhill says, as opposed to rainfall. And because "there's no natural outlet within the valley," the water collects to form a lake. To many traveling through the San Joaquin Valley today, it's hard to imagine such a large body of water co-existing alongside such an arid landscape, Underhill says. But in the 1800s, "Fresno was a lakeside town." One unnamed prospector, she continues, reported that "there was driftwood piled in the trees of downtown Fresno" because of recent flooding. Where did the water go? The lake first began disappearing in the late 1850s and early 1860s, Underhill says, propelled by "the state of California's desire to take public land and put it into private ownership." However, Underhill continues, "when we say 'public land,' that is historically indigenous land that the state of California blanket-proclaimed as 'public.'" "They really wanted to get [land] into private hands so that indigenous land claimsthat were ongoing at that timewould be rendered moot by the time they went through the courts." This process was called "reclamation" and often entailed "either draining inundated land or irrigating desert land to create arable farmland. Reclamation really was a process across the entire U.S. west," Underhill says. If "people could drain that land," she says, they would "be granted ownership of parts of that land. So there was a big incentive for white settlers to start doing that work." "It was a deeply settler colonial project" that "proceeded in fits and starts." The first time the lake fully disappeared was around 1890, when its "water essentially was [used to] irrigate all of the arid lands around that area." "Now the valley is crisscrossed by hundreds of irrigation canals, all of which were originally built to take that lake water and put it onto irrigated fields," she says. But in 2023, Tulare LakePa'ashicame back. "California just got inundated with snow in the winter and then rain in the spring," Underhill says. "If you have a rain and snow event, the snow melts really fast." And all that snow and rain in the Sierra still runs into the depression where Tulare Lake once sat. A complicated homecoming Underhill's quick to note that this isn't the lake's only return since the 1800s, however. "It happened in the '80s, it happened once in the '60s, a couple of times in the '30s." The repercussions for the lake's return are complex and layered, Underhill says, with sometimes oppositional effects between wildlife and the humans who live in the valley. Before the lake's disappearance into irrigation canals and watering spigots, "People talk about there being so many wetland birds," Underhill says, "that if you startled them, when they lifted off it was like a giant clap that resounded across the landscape." Now, after less than a year back, "birds of all kindspelicans, hawks, waterbirds" are returning. And Underhill notes that "the Tachi also say that they've seen burrowing owls nesting around the shore," a species described as "vulnerable or imperiled" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tulare Lake was once part of the Pacific Flyway, Underhill saysit was an important stopover area for migratory birds. "The loss of that habitat has been a major issue in bird conservation and bird diversity." "Something that continues to amaze me is[the birds] know how to find the lake again. It's like they're always looking for it." In addition to species returningincluding fish and amphibians likely brought down from the Sierras by rainfall and floodingwinds off the lake can cool temperatures by as much as 10 or 20 degrees, Underhill says. A real benefit when San Joaquin Valley summers often spike well above 100F. Differential effects When it comes to human occupancy in the Central Valley, Underhill says that there are three distinct groups that have been affected by the lake's return. The first is the Tachi Yokuts, for whom "the return of the lake has been just an incredibly powerful and spiritual experience. They've been holding ceremonies on the side of the lake," Underhill says. "They've been able to practice their traditional hunting and fishing practices again." The other two groups that Underhill says have been most affected are those involved in agricultural production: the farmworkers on the one hand and the growers on the otherthose who own the land and employ the workers. The growers, "over the last five decades or so, have built a complicated system of flood prevention," Underhill says. In the latest flooding, these measures "protected some of their farmland, which was essentially the lowest elevation part of the historic lake." But by cordoning off this low-lying farmland with canals and weirs, it was the surrounding communities of workers that have now been flooded by Tulare Lake. Many of these farmworkers "don't speak English or are procedurally very distant from the state," Underhill says. Unfortunately, they are also the ones who "experience the most personal, place-based impact in terms of having their housing flooded [or] losing their homes entirely." Looking out for the lake "Most of the news coverage about this time talked about it as catastrophic flooding," Underhill says. "And I don't want to disregard the personal and property losses that people experienced, but what was not talked about so much is that it wasn't only an experience of loss, it was also an experience of resurgence." She points to the return of native wildlife as one example, and to the Tachi's ability to practice their traditions on the water. Efforts are already underway to drain the lake once more, and Underhill expects it to remain in some form for about two more yearsalthough new atmospheric river events over California this year could complicate that prediction. "Under climate change," Underhill says, "floods of this magnitude or higher will happen with increasing frequency." "At a certain point, I think it would behoove the state of California to realize that Tulare Lake wants to remain. And in fact, there's a lot of economic benefit that could be gained from letting it remain." Of what happens next, Underhill says that "this landscape has always been one of lakes and wetlands, and our current irrigated agriculture is just a century-long blip in this larger geologic history." "This was not actually a flood. This is a lake returning." More information: Vivian Underhill, "The Return of Pa'ashi: Colonial Unknowing and California's Tulare Lake." Open Rivers: Rethinking Water, Place & Community (2023). doi.org/10.24926/2471190X.10562. This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.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: Moths were dropped out of a drone in the first attempt to test whether the ceilometer could detect flying insects. Credit: North Carolina State University The year is 1941. The British military is installing new-age radar systems to detect German aircraft bound for Great Britain, intent on destruction. Fast forward to 2024. Researchers at North Carolina State University are installing advanced laser-based systems to detect another flying foe: Moths. Dominic Reisig, a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, is stationed at the Vernon G. James Center at the NCDA Tidewater Research Station in the northeast corner of the state. As an entomologist, he works with major field crops like corn, cotton, soybeans and wheat in the region of North Carolina where most of those crops are grown. The northeastern region also experiences high pest pressure. "If you look at a map of North Carolina, it kind of sticks out in the ocean like a sore thumb. It catches lots of weather, like hurricanes, but it also catches a lot of interesting migratory species," Reisig says. Much like migratory birds, moths also have migratory patterns. These moths, and many other flying insects, eventually become major crop pests for North Carolina farmers. "One of the things I've always been interested in is to figure out who's migrating, when they're migrating and where they're coming from," Reisig says. "People started using World War II-era radar detection systems to see if they could detect bugs, and it turns out you can." The piece of radar-like equipment that Reisig uses at the Vernon G. James Center is called a ceilometer, a device often used in the airline industry to measure cloud height with lasers. Reisig is collaborating with Sandra Yuter and Matthew Miller in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Sciences, to figure out how to program the ceilometer to detect insects. They are also using the equipment to gather meteorological data for their own research. Miller explains that the ceilometer works by sending a laser beam into the sky, which gets reflected back by the base of a cloud and everything else it encounters along the way, from dust and rain to bugs and airplanes. "With sophisticated high-speed signal processing, you can work out what amount of the laser's energy is being backscattered [or reflected] at a given height," Miller says. To test whether the ceilometer can detect insects, Reisig and Miller first tried dropping live moths from a drone. However, the moths failed to hit their targetthe ceilometer only works if the objects in question pass through its narrow beam. The ceilometers installed at the Tidewater Research Station are being used to detect moths and measure weather patterns. Credit: North Carolina State University "It's like trying to fly through a rope you can't see," Miller says. In the second attempt, researchers dropped confetti from a drone instead. The ceilometer successfully detected the confetti, which proved that it can detect something as small as a migrating mothif it passes through a beam roughly four inches wide. When the insects start emerging again this spring, Reisig and Miller hope there will be something about the character of the signal itself that distinguishes a bug from other particles in the air the laser beam might encounter. If migrating bugs do give off a unique signal, the researchers may be able to leverage machine learning to train the ceilometer to automatically identify those signals and perhaps discern one insect species from another. According to Reisig, getting high-speed internet connected at the Tidewater Research Station made this project possible in the first place. The CALS Information Technology Research Computing Team has been actively working to connect all NC State research stations and field laboratories to high-speed Internet that can process the vast amounts of data generated by faculty. "We were excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Reisig and Dr. Miller on this project because it illustrates the incredible leverage that technology and digital assets add to a research program," says Jevon Smith, the research operations manager for CALS. "While my team architected the installation of both the Internet and the ceilometer integration, it wouldn't have been possible without our partnership with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to continue efforts to digitally enable our entire research station network." Reisig hopes his efforts to detect insect migrations will one day lead to a detection system that he and other experts can use to alert farmers and provide highly targeted management recommendations. This type of targeted production system is known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which aims to control pest pressure through the most economical and least hazardous means possible. "The basic tenet of IPM is you have to know what you're working with. Identification is the first step. If we can figure out who's flying and how many are flying, then we will be better-equipped to tell farmers when to scout, when to spray, and what to spray in a really effective way that promotes IPM," Reisig says. Miller says that in addition to detecting bugs, the equipment at Tidewater can be used to improve weather and climate models. "If there are other people at NC State who could use this equipment for meteorology or migratory birds or whatever else they're studying, we can all share that information," Reisig says. "The more people who want to use it, the better it's going to be for everybody." 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: Fresh Crater on Oceanus Procellarum. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University Earth's moon achieved its Swiss cheese appearance from celestial objects crashing into its surface, forming impact craters. But craters weren't all that was left behind; the intense pressure and temperature of such a collision also impacted the rocks and dust covering the lunar surface, known as regolith, altering its mineral composition and structure. Analyzing the resulting minerals provides modern researchers clues to the moon's past. China's Chang'e-5, the first lunar sample return mission since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 in 1976, delivered 1.73 kilograms of regolith from the Oceanus Procellarum, a plane named for its vast size. The sample landed with Chang'e-5 (CE-5) in late 2020 and included a new mineral, Changesite-(Y), as well as a perplexing combination of silica minerals. In Matter and Radiation at Extremes, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences compared CE-5's material composition to other lunar and Martian regolith samples. They examined potential causes and origins for the lunar sample's unique makeup. Asteroids and comets collide with the moon at extreme velocities, causing impact (shock) metamorphism in the lunar rocks. This temperature and pressure change occurs rapidly and has distinctive features, including the formation of silica polymorphs like stishovite and seifertite, which are chemically identical to quartz but have different crystalline structures. "Although the lunar surface is covered by tens of thousands of impact craters, high-pressure minerals are uncommon in lunar samples," said author Wei Du. "One of the possible explanations for this is that most high-pressure minerals are unstable at high temperatures. Therefore, those formed during impact could have experienced a retrograde process." However, a silica fragment in the CE-5 sample contains both stishovite and seifertite, minerals that theoretically only coexist at much higher pressures than the sample seemingly experienced. The authors determined that seifertite exists as the phase between stishovite and a third silica polymorph, -cristobalite, also present in the sample. "In other words, seifertite could form from -cristobalite during the compressing process, and some of the sample transformed to stishovite during the subsequent temperature-increasing process," said Du. This mission also returned a new lunar mineral, Changesite-(Y), a phosphate mineral characterized by colorless, transparent columnar crystals. The researchers estimated the peak pressure (1140 GPa) and impact duration (0.11.0 second) of the collision that shaped the sample. Combining that information with shock wave models, they estimated the resulting crater to be anywhere from 3 to 32 kilometers wide, depending on the impact angle. Remote observations show that distant ejecta in CE-5 regolith mainly come from four impact craters, and the Aristarchus crater is the youngest among the four distant craters. Because seifertite and stishovite are easily disturbed by thermal metamorphism, they inferred the silica fragment likely originated from the collision that formed the Aristarchus crater. This sample return mission demonstrated the power of modern analysis and how it can help uncover the history of celestial bodies. More information: High-pressure minerals and new lunar mineral Changesite-(Y) in Chang'e-5 regolith, Matter and Radiation at Extremes (2024). DOI: 10.1063/5.0148784 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: Navigation Doppler Lidar is a guidance system that uses laser pulses to precisely measure velocity and distance. NASA will demonstrate NDLs capabilities in the lunar environment during the IM-1 mission. Credit: NASA/David C. Bowman Later this month, NASA's commercial lunar delivery services provider Intuitive Machines will launch its Nova-C lunar lander carrying several NASA science and technology payloads, including the Navigation Doppler Lidar (NDL). This innovative guidance system, developed by NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, under the agency's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), can potentially revolutionize landing spacecraft on extraterrestrial worlds. The NDL technology is a NASA payload for this Intuitive Machines Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) delivery, meaning NASA will demonstrate NDL's capabilities in the lunar environment during the mission but the data is not considered mission-critical for the successful landing of Nova-C, as Intuitive Machines has its own navigation and landing systems. The NDL story started almost 20 years ago when Dr. Farzin Amzajerdian, NDL project manager at NASA Langley, made a breakthrough and successfully found a precise way to land rovers on Mars. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several attempts at landing rovers on the surface of Mars were met with several significant challenges. Radar was inherently imprecise for this application. Radio waves cover a large area on the ground, meaning smaller craters and boulders that are commonly found on the Martian surface could 'hide' from detection and cause unexpected hazards for landers. "The landers needed the radar sensor to tell them how far they were off the ground and how fast they were moving so they could time their parachute deployment," said Amzajerdian. "Too early or too late, the lander would miss its target or crash into the surface." Radio waves also couldn't measure velocity and range independently of one another, which is important, according to Aram Gragossian, electro-optics lead for NDL at NASA Langley, who joined the team about six years ago. "If you go over a steep slope, the range changes very quickly, but that doesn't mean your velocity has changed," he said. "So if you just feed that information back to your system, it may cause catastrophic reactions." Amzajerdian knew about this problem, and he knew how to fix it. "Why not use a lidar instead of a radar?" he asked. The Artemis mission will take humans back to the moon and Navigation Doppler Lidar will ensure a safe landing for everyone onboard. NDL Chief Engineer Glenn Hines explains how lasers will relieve astronauts of some of the burdens of making safe, precise landings on the moon. Credit: NASA LiDAR, which stands for light detection and ranging, is a technology that uses visible or infrared light the same way radar uses radio waves. Lidar sends laser pulses to a target, which reflects some of that light back onto a detector. As the instrument moves in relation to its target, the change in frequency of the returning signalalso known as the Doppler effectallows the lidar to measure velocity directly and precisely. Distance is measured based on the travel time of the light to the target and back. Lidar offered several advantages over radar, notably the fact that a laser transmits a pencil beam of light that can give a more precise and accurate measurement. In 2004, Amzajerdian proposed NDL as a concept to the Mars Science Laboratory team. In 2005, he and his team received funding from Langley to put together a proof of concept. Then, in 2007, they received funding for building and testing a prototype of a helicopter. This is when Langley's Dr. Glenn Hines joined NDLfirst as electronic lead and now as chief engineer. Since then, Amzajerdian, Hines, and numerous other team members have worked tirelessly to ensure NDL's success. Hines credits the various NASA personnel who have continued to advocate for NDL. "In almost everything in life, you've got to have a champion," Hines said, "somebody in your corner saying, 'Look, what you're doing is good. This has credibility.'" The Intuitive Machines delivery is just the beginning of the NDL story; a next-generation system is already in the works. The team has developed a companion sensor to NDL, a multi-functional Flash Lidar camera. Flash Lidar is a 3D camera technology that surveys the surrounding terraineven in complete darkness. When combined with NDL, Flash Lidar will allow you to go "anywhere, anytime." Other future versions of NDL could have uses outside the tricky business of landing on extraterrestrial surfaces. In fact, they may have uses in a very terrestrial setting, like helping self-driving cars navigate local streets and highways. Looking at the history and trajectory of NDL, one thing is certain: The initial journey to the moon will be the culmination of decades of hard work, perseverance, determination, and a steadfast belief in the project across the team, but held most fervently by NDL's champions, Amzajerdian and Hines. 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: CC0 Public Domain The alarm bells are loud and clear. Federal and international climate officials recently confirmed that 2023 was the planet's hottest year on recordand that 2024 may be even hotter. With a global average temperature of 58.96 degrees, Earth in 2023 was within striking distance of a dangerous limit: 2.7 degrees of warming over the preindustrial period, or 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The benchmark is significant. In 2015, the United States was among 195 nations that signed the landmark Paris agreement, an international treaty drafted in response to the worsening threat of climate change. The parties agreed to hold the increase in the global temperature to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levelsand preferably below 1.5 degrees Celsiusin order to reduce the worst effects of climate change. The preindustrial period refers to an era before humans began to meaningfully alter the planet's climate through fossil fuel and other heat-trapping emissions. Most agencies measure this using temperature data from between 1850 and 1900. But last year's simmering temperatures make it clear the 1.5-degree Celsius benchmark is slipping away. "At this point, it is really difficult to see a path to keeping warming below 1.5 degrees," said Kristina Dahl, a principal climate scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists. To do so, she said, would necessitate a more than 40% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. "That requires a pace of emissions reductions that's really inconsistent with what we see on the planet to date," Dahl said. "At the same time, it's really important that we continue to strive for that goal, even if we know we're not going to make it." Critically, the limit set under the Paris agreement is not about a single day, month or even year of warming, Dahl said. Rather, it refers to sustained warming over two or three decades. (The agreement does not specify a time frame, and has been interpreted differently by different scientists.) "Remember, passing this threshold as defined in the Paris Agreement is supposed to reflect when human-caused global warming consistently exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial times," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wrote in a recent report. NOAA noted that global surface temperatures can be influenced not only by human-caused climate change, but also by natural climate factors such as El Nino and random weather, which can briefly push monthly or even yearly temperatures above the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. "To know when Earth has passed that threshold, we have to look at longer timescales," the agency said. What is clear, however, is that each additional degreeor even tenth of a degreeof warming will have impacts beyond those already occurring, including increased tree mortality, biodiversity loss, worsening wildfires, longer heat waves, extreme rainfall and heavy floods. In 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a special report on the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold that outlined a number of potential futures based on different levels of emissions reductions and subsequent warming. In one middle-of-the-road scenario, delayed action around emissions leads the planet to experience a warmer decade in the 2020s before peaking at 2 degrees Celsius of warming around the middle of the century. The warming then begins to decrease due to improved global efforts and technology. In that world, deadly heat waves would strike major cities such as Chicago, while droughts would plague southern Europe, southern Africa and the Amazon, the IPCC report says. The destruction of key ecosystems including coral reefs, tropical forests, mangroves and sea grass beds would lead to reduced levels of coastal defense from storms, winds and waves, and Asia and other places would experience major flooding. That scenario also predicts that steadily rising sea levels, increased water stress and declining crop yields would put pressure on global food prices and lead to prolonged famines in some African countries. The world would also see increasing levels of public unrest and political destabilization, the report says. Such possibilities illuminate the need for urgent action, as well as the consequences of a half-degree Celsius increase from 1.5 to 2 degrees of warming. For example, about 75% of the world's coral reefs are expected to be lost at 1.5 degrees of warming, versus 99% at 2 degrees, Dahl said. Antarctic ice sheets are also sensitive to that half degree, and would see exponential melting at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond. Their melting would be "a tipping point in Earth's climate system that would be really difficult to recover from," Dahl said. Other differences include millions of additional people exposed to sea level rise, heat waves and water stress, according to a separate report from the U.K.-based group Carbon Brief, which compiled data from dozens of studies. At 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, the planet would soon see about 19 inches of sea level rise, a 16% increase in hot days and an 8% decline in Northern Hemisphere snowpack, the report says. But at 2 degrees Celsius, those numbers would increase to 22 inches of sea level rise, a 25% increase in hot days and an 11% decline in snowpack, among other effects. The current best estimate for when Earth will surpass the 1.5-degree benchmark is between now and 2040, according to the IPCC's 6th climate change assessment, released last year. Yet the planet is not only nearing that limit, it surpassed 2 degrees Celsius for the first time on record on two days in 2023Nov. 17 and 18, according to Copernicus. Humanity has never before "had to cope with a climate this warm," the agency's director, Carlo Buontempo, said recently. "There were simply no cities, no books, agriculture, or domesticated animals on this planet last time the temperature was so high," Buontempo said. "This calls for a fundamental rethink of the way in which we assess our environmental risk, as our history is no longer a good proxy for the unprecedented climate we are already experiencing." In November, world leaders gathered in Dubai for COP28the same annual climate conference where the Paris agreement was established in 2015. At Dubai, nearly 200 nations agreed for the first time to move away from planet-warming fossil fuels. Dahl, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said it's a step forward. What's more, she said, it doesn't necessarily matter where emissions reductions come from. While every country should do its part, places that are lagging can be bolstered by places that are making deeper cuts, such as California. "If we, as a country, can recognize our culpability as being the world's historically largest emitter, and really take the lead on aggressively reducing emissions, that will have a significant impact," Dahl said. Limiting sustained warming to below 2 degrees Celsius is still within reach, she addedso long as countries continue to strengthen and implement their pledges to reduce emissions. "Every tenth of a degree really matters," she said. And while the 1.5-degree threshold is likely to be surpassed, it's important to keep working toward it. Dahl likened it to getting her kids to school in the morning when they're already running latenoting that it's better to be late by one minute than one hour. "That's how I think of the 1.5 C goal," she said. "At this point, it would be incredibly difficult to achieve that, and we have to keep trying." 2024 Los Angeles Times. 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: Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.015 Our DNA undergoes constant damage and repair. The most severe damage happens when the DNA breaks into two pieces, known as a double-strand DNA break. It creates two loose DNA ends that, if left unfixed, can lead to cell death. Researchers from the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) of the Dresden University of Technology have now answered the long-standing question of what keeps the broken DNA ends from being separated. The team discovered that the protein PARP1 becomes an underwater superglue and creates a special healing zone that holds the loose DNA ends together and lets the DNA repair begin. The discovery unveils a key step in DNA damage repair, offering valuable insight for cancer treatment. The results are published in Cell. "How cells prevent separation of broken DNA ends has been somewhat of a mystery. My team has found that it is thanks to a protein called PARP1 that has long been known to be a sensor of DNA damage," explains Prof. Simon Alberti, research group leader at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) of TUD Dresden University of Technology. "Individual PARP1 molecules detect the double-strand DNA break and connect with one another to form something that can be regarded as a drop of an underwater superglue that prevents the separation of the two ends. We call this glue a condensate, which is a cluster of tightly interconnected protein and DNA molecules that are isolated from the rest of the cell. This glue forms a special healing zone. It not only keeps the DNA ends together but also lets DNA repair proteins do their job," adds Prof. Alberti. First responders and a protein cordon PARP1 is like a first responder at the site of an accident. Its job is to travel along the DNA and patrol it, constantly looking for damaged DNA. Once it locates a double-strand break, it sounds the alarm to call DNA repair proteins that take care of the damage. "We could pinpoint the exact molecular events that underlie the formation of DNA damage repair sites, but PARP1 condensation is just the beginning. After it glues together with DNA, PARP1 becomes active as an enzyme and recruits an array of downstream DNA damage proteins," explains Dr. Nagaraja Chappidi, a scientist in the Alberti group who conducted many of the experiments. PARP1 shields off the DNA damage break from the rest of the environment of the cell nucleus. One can think of it as the first responders identifying the accident site and cordoning off the area. This lets the molecular repairmen do their job in a safe space and fix the broken DNA quickly. "One of these repair proteins is the protein FUS, which has long been known to be recruited to DNA damage sites, but its function there has remained elusive. We could show that FUS acts like a lubricant and softens the glue so that repair enzymes can come in and do their work," adds Dr. Chappidi. "It's an example of collective protein behavior that results in higher-order functionality. Every protein does its own job, but they all must collaborate to accomplish the goal of detecting and reversing the DNA damage," says Dr. Titus Franzmann, senior scientist in the Alberti group. Creating DNA breaks from scratch To identify the mechanism, the group used a variety of high-end biochemical and biophysical methods. They teamed up with scientists from the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life at TU Dresden, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Dresden, the Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf, and the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. "We used many different techniques, including single-molecule imaging, optical tweezers, and quantitative biochemistry," explains Dr. Chappidi. "However, the crucial step was recreating the DNA damage scenario in a controllable cell-free system." Recreating DNA damage sites from the bottom-up in a test tube was central for the study and allowed the team to get unique mechanistic insights into the regulation of DNA repair. "Since it's the first time ever that such a specific DNA damage and repair scenario was recreated outside the cells, our publication provides a detailed protocol so that other groups can take advantage of this new system. We believe it is going to be a great asset for the scientific community that studies DNA damage," adds Dr. Chappidi. New understanding for cancer treatments The new study not only shows a step-by-step timeline of what happens after a double-strand DNA break but also provides valuable insights for the cancer research community. "Because of its role in DNA damage repair, PARP1 is already a target of approved cancer treatments. Inhibiting PARP1 selectively kills off cancer cells. Our work reveals the molecular and physical basis of why these cancer therapies are so successful. Our data suggests a model in which the cancer treatment would impair the PARP1 superglue so that it remains stuck on DNA. "In this way, it would generate roadblocks for the replication machinery of cancer cells, triggering them to commit suicide. We need more research to confirm the mechanism in more detail," concludes Prof. Alberti. More information: Nagaraja Chappidi et al, PARP1-DNA co-condensation drives DNA repair site assembly to prevent disjunction of broken DNA ends, Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.015 Journal information: Cell 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: California National Guard Soldiers support local first responders in rescue operations due to flooding in Monterey County, California, March 11, 2023. Credit: 1-184 Infantry Regiment, California National Guard In December 1861, intense rainfall began pounding central California, thrashing the state for the next 43 days. The rain, which scientists now think was caused by atmospheric rivers, killed thousands of people and destroyed the state's economy, transforming the Central Valley into a sea nearly the size of Lake Ontario. Once again, atmospheric rivers are drenching the state of California. While atmospheric rivers are endemic to the region and play a critical role in replenishing water supplies, their frequency and ferocity is on an upswing, says Mingfang Ting, professor of climate at the Columbia Climate School and climate scientist at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Ting's current research focuses on understanding monsoon variability, the impacts of heat waves and the effects of extreme heat on agriculture and human health. She is an expert on ocean-atmosphere interactions and long-term climate phenomena. "We are definitely seeing an overall increase in atmospheric-river frequency and intensity in recent years," she says. Below, Ting explains what causes atmospheric rivers, how they are connected to climate change and what communities can do about them. What are atmospheric rivers and how do they contribute to weather patterns and climate events globally? Atmospheric rivers are narrow bands of concentrated water vapor in the atmosphere, typically extending from the tropics to mid- and high latitudes. These intense atmospheric moisture bands are invisible to the naked eye, but satellite instruments can help us see these "rivers in the sky" by using infrared sensors, which is how scientists visualize them. Atmospheric rivers are responsible for transporting large amounts of water vapor across the globe, particularly from the tropics to the poles. Atmospheric rivers are often associated with strong low-level wind ahead of the cold front of an extratropical cyclone, particularly during the winter. When they make landfall in a region, atmospheric rivers frequently lead to heavy precipitation, which can be vital to a region's water resource needs, but they can also pose serious risks for flooding and mudslides. For example, in California, up to 50% of total annual precipitation and streamflow can come from a few intense atmospheric rivers during fall and winter. Although they provide essential water resources and relieve regional drought, strong atmospheric rivers often pose serious risks including floods, landslides and levee breaks in California, as we've seen this winter. It seems California is experiencing an increase in atmospheric rivers. Can you explain why and how these events are occurring and what potential impacts they may have on the region's climate and ecosystems? California is ideally located for atmospheric rivers, as extratropical cyclones formed over the North Pacific Ocean can tap into warm tropical air and, when positioned right, transport a large amount of water vapor from the tropics to the California coast. The term Pineapple Express is often used to refer to a strong atmospheric river that can bring moisture from the tropics near Hawaii over to the US West Coast. While atmospheric rivers frequently make landfall in California during winter, 2024 has the added effect of being an El Nino year, which tends to alter the atmospheric circulation patterns over the Pacific Ocean and lead to changes in the position and intensity of the jet stream. These changes can enhance the formation and persistence of atmospheric rivers in the subtropical Pacific region. The warmer sea surface temperatures associated with El Nino provide additional moisture to the atmosphere, contributing to the development of more intense atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation. The science behind atmospheric rivers. Credit: NOAA Atmospheric rivers have recently gained significant attention in the news. What factors or events have led to the increased focus on these phenomena, and how do they relate to broader discussions about climate change and extreme weather events? Climate change due to increased anthropogenic greenhouse gases contributed to substantial warming of the atmosphere, which subsequently has the capacity to hold more moisture according to the well-known Clausius-Clapeyron relationship. So even if the extratropical cyclones do not change their intensity or pattern significantly due to climate change, the increased moisture in the atmosphere will lead to more intense atmospheric rivers and more extreme precipitation. We are definitely seeing an overall increase in frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers in recent years, as well as an increase in extreme precipitation events. Given your expertise in climate science, do you think the rise of atmospheric rivers is a cause for concern in terms of long-term climate trends? What steps can individuals and communities take to mitigate potential risks associated with these weather patterns? While precipitation in a region, particularly in the western United States, is extremely beneficial for agriculture and general water resources needs, extreme precipitation events often lead to floods, severe mudslides and a large amount of runoff, which poses serious risks to the safety of people's lives and property. So it is definitely a cause for concern as the climate continues to warm due to human activities. To better prepare for these extreme weather events, it is essential to invest in and maintain robust early warning systems to provide timely information about potential weather-related hazards, allowing communities to prepare and evacuate if necessary. Another step communities and local government can take is to enhance infrastructure resilience by investing in flood control measures, such as levees, dams and stormwater management systems, and upgrade critical infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. Community education and outreach programs can also help raise awareness about the risks associated with atmospheric rivers and other extreme weather events. Ultimately, the solution is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by reducing fossil fuel burning and reach net-zero emission goals sooner than later. Provided by State of the Planet This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.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: Developing countries like the Philippines are the most vulnerable to climate change. Credit: Intl Federation of Red Cross Andrew Kruczkiewicz has spent much of his career trying to get ahead of the weather. As a meteorologist and senior staff researcher at the Columbia Climate School, Kruczkiewicz's current research focuses on extreme weather events and the application of climate and weather data and forecasting to reduce disaster risk and facilitate humanitarian action. Kruczkiewicz, who also has over 10 years of experience working with humanitarian agencies like the Red Cross, says it's essential for such agencies to start using the forecast data that institutions like the Climate School provide. "Why can't we get ahead of disasters?" he asks. How can the humanitarian sector "anticipate and prepare" for disaster, as opposed to merely responding to it? In the following Q&A, Kruczkiewicz discusses his work with the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, why we need a new generation of climate science translators, and what humanitarian action might look like in a post 1.5C world. In January, the United States experienced extreme weatherblizzards, torrential rain, snow and high winds from coast to coast. Is there a connection here to climate change? With these extreme weather events, other climate experts and I ask questions such as, to what extent can we detect these types of extremes in the historical record? And to what extent are we detecting the frequency of these events, at this level of extremeness more in recent years? But the real question we need to be asking is, what's the connection to increasing impacts on people? What are the socioeconomic impacts? [The question of how much of this extreme weather is related to climate change] is challenging, and to some extent, it's not appropriate to make deterministic findings right when the event is happening. If we really want to get the answer, it takes a few weeks to really unpack the extent to which an event is linked to climate change. How much can people, especially vulnerable populations, prepare for these extreme weather events? In many places, there are standard operating procedures. And often, actions written in the standard operating procedures are designed to support a certain band of the population. Like sending out an alert [regarding extreme weather] to everybody on their phones. But people who don't have smartphones won't get the alert. But let's say most people have smartphones, and the alert tells you to go to the store and stock up on some food. What if you don't have a car? Or it might say to pump the heat up a little bit more. But what about people who can't afford to do that because they haven't paid their bills? Many times, the problem is not whether the standard operating procedures or the recommendations exist; the issue is, can the most vulnerable populations take the recommended actions in a sufficient amount of time? We need to think about this more than we do. For almost 10 years, you've worked with the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, whose mission is to reduce the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on vulnerable people. What does this work actually look like on the ground? I have a variety of roles. One of them is translating complex climate science into useful formats for humanitarian applications. There's accountability and trust that comes along with that. The second role is integration. For example, integrating the appropriate types of climate and weather information at the right time for operational activities and for humanitarian action. Sometimes it's quasi-real time, where there'll be a tropical cyclone approaching Madagascar and the Red Cross needs a second opinion. Sometimes it's more about developing a flood risk management strategy or early warning systems. I also provide technical backstoppingoffering technical support and expertise. If the hazard of interest to the humanitarian sector is heat wave, for example, they might bring in a few scientists just to make sure they're using the right data sets or make sure they're interpreting them appropriately, or make sure that the uncertainty is captured by the policymakers. And sometimes there's a need to work in country with the Red Cross Red Crescent national societies, or national societies like the American Red Cross or the Kenya Red Cross. Sometimes they need someone to support the design of a flood risk management program, or a new resilience program, or an early warning system. Sometimes I broker the relationship with the national weather service of a country and the Red Cross. I facilitate dialogue and while I'm going to have influence in the decision no matter what I do, I try to remove myself as much as possible from the final decisions so the decision maker is empowered to make them. Can you give me an example of your work in a specific country and what impacts it had? I was in Mongolia twice. And my role was on the technical backstopping side, but also to help with data integration within standard operating procedures for a dzud early warning system. A dzud is a severe cold snap preceded by a hot and dry summer, which affects pasture and which in turn can jeopardize livestock. While Mongolia is always cold, every few years, they have a severe cold snap in the winter and the livestock die. My job in the Mongolia case was not to tell them when to take action or to make decisions about which actions to take. It was to help design the triggers so that when a threshold [of risk] is reached down the road, the standard operating procedures will already be in place. Are you involved in creating the standard operating procedures? Yes, that's one of my tasks at the Red Cross. What goes into the standard operating procedures? What forecasts should we use? What does extreme cold mean in a place that's already pretty cold? In Mongolia, the question you had to ask the herdsmen was, if we told you that in three months, we're going to have one of these extreme winters, what could you actually do to protect your livestock? The result was that a dzud risk map created by the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring triggered a forecast-based financing program, which provided the herds people with cash grants and animal care kits. My job was basically to determine, if they want cash transfers, how long does it take to get the cash transfer through? Sometimes a small change can make a big difference. For example, when we were working in Ecuador, we realized that three-day lead time forecasts for floods were not going to be useful. We were thinking we should clean out the drainage system, but then we realized that takes five days. What's the value of a three-day forecast when you need five days to do something? The value is zero. These examples [Mongolia and Ecuador] represent a big shift in the humanitarian sector's thinking about preparing and anticipating disasters. It is changing, but more work needs to be done. Former NASA scientist James Hansen has said, 'The 1.5C global warming ceiling has been passed for all practical purposes.' How does humanitarian action need to change as we enter a 1.5C and post-1.5C world? Humanitarian action is a broad term, and essentially refers to anything we're doing to protect and save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and protect the basic needs of the community. But there hasn't been enough focus on what a post-1.5C world looks like in terms of humanitarian impacts. There are certain levels of warming where we will see new types of impacts. And those new types of impacts will be disproportionately felt by the most underserved communities, the most deprioritized communities. In the next few months, we'll be planning a workshop to both better identify what the priorities are and understand the socioeconomic risks from a science perspective. It's going to essentially be about what needs to be done in the next couple of years so we have a better sense of what humanitarian action will evolve into. Would you say that humanitarian action todayversus what it needs to be in the post-1.5C worldis still very reactive and not predictive enough? I think that's fair to say, but I think things are changing. In the past 10 years, there's been a big push for getting ahead [of disasters] and using forecasts, but we need to do more. And we need to focus on the most underserved. We need more scientists engaged in these translation and integration processes when it comes to global climate policy and humanitarian decision-making, because the more complex the situations get, the more you need someone who's a translator versus just a communicator. Why is the role of climate science translator increasingly important? Many users of climate data tasked to make decisions on behalf of humanitarian or development organizations don't have the necessary skills to understand the opportunities and constraints provided by the climate data. This is why we need thousands of climate science translators (CSTs)a new generation of CSTs that specialize in the brokering, translating, and tailoring of climate science data for decision-makers. For example, one of the key skills is being able to identify misinformation and disinformation. We need translators that are trusted enough to vet the data. If there are five flood maps emailed to the Red Cross from different sources, how do you know which ones are valid? Some of the other skills needed to be a climate translator include knowledge of early warning systems and climate data and their limitations; an understanding of the standard operating procedures of humanitarian end users; the ability to describe the links between climate impacts, livelihood implications, political conflict and socioeconomic effects; an understanding of both the uncertainty and accuracy of climate and weather forecasts; and an ability to create trust between the relevant entities. Is the Columbia Climate School well positioned to deal with the growing challenges to the humanitarian sector? At Columbia, we have a lot of the elements we need when we're talking about making these shifts in the humanitarian sector. For example, the Climate and Society Program at Columbia has been designed to provide space for a multidisciplinary graduate-level experience for facilitating connections between climate science and decision-making. We should be acting more as leaders in this area [training climate science translators]. It's so important. Also, our network within Columbia, within New York, and within the region allows us to look at the different layers of these complex questions. If we want to ensure that the impacts on people are decreasing over timethat is the future of climate science. There are few if any other academic institutions that really allow and facilitate that, so we need to do more. We need to enhance that type of work, figure out ways to acknowledge it and ways for it to grow. And then hopefully other universities will pick up on it as well. Provided by State of the Planet This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. President Yoon Suk Yeol granted special pardons to more than 450,000 people Tuesday on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, including former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon, officials said. The special presidential pardons, the fourth of their kind since Yoon's inauguration in 2022, will legally take effect at the beginning of Wednesday in the run-up to the Lunar New Year on Saturday. Among the most high-profile beneficiaries are Kim Kwan-jin, who served as defense minister from 2010 to 2014, and Kim Ki-choon, a former chief of staff for ousted former President Park Geun-hye. The former defense chief was given a two-year prison term by the Seoul High Court last year on charges of ordering the military cyber command to post online comments in favor of the then government ahead of major elections in 2012. He is currently serving as vice chairman of the presidential defense innovation committee. In a retrial last month, the Seoul High Court sentenced Kim Ki-choon to two years in prison in connection with charges that the Park government ordered the creation of a list of dissenting cultural bodies and artists and excluded them from government subsidies. Other beneficiaries included SK Executive Vice Chairman and SK On CEO Chey Jae-won and LIG Group Chairman Koo Bon-sang. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting where the government deliberated on the pardons, Yoon said the list was drawn up with a focus on reviving the economy of the people and included exemptions from various administrative penalties levied on drivers, restaurant industry workers, fishermen, and passenger and cargo transport operators. "The government will continue to take measures helpful to everyday economic activities," he said during the meeting at the presidential office. "I hope these pardons that are being granted ahead of the holiday will add vitality to the people's economies." In Korea, the government has often granted special pardons to convicted politicians, business executives and other offenders at the start of a new year or around Liberation Day on Aug. 15 to reward good behavior and foster national harmony. The pardons are reviewed by a panel at the justice ministry before being sent to a Cabinet meeting for deliberation and then finalized by the president. (Yonhap) 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: Reconstruction of Ceoptera evansae. Credit: NHM & Witton 2021 A new species of pterosaur from specimens found on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, has been announced by scientists from the Natural History Museum, University of Bristol, University of Leicester, and University of Liverpool. The new pterosaur is part of the Darwinoptera clade of pterosaurs. Its discovery shows that the clade was considerably more diverse than previously thought, and persisted for more than 25 million years, from the late Early Jurassic to the latest Jurassic. During this period species within the clade spread worldwide. The discovery underpins a new and more complex model for the early evolution of pterosaurs. The study "A new pterosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Skye, Scotland and the early diversification of flying reptiles" is published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The rarity of Middle Jurassic pterosaur fossils and their incompleteness have previously hampered attempts to understand early pterosaur evolution. This discovery shows that all principal Jurassic pterosaur clades evolved well before the end of the Early Jurassic, earlier than previously realized. The discovery also shows that pterosaurs persisted into the latest Jurassic, alongside avialans, the dinosaurs which eventually evolved into modern birds. Close up on part of the skeleton of Ceoptera evansae showing the shoulder region, parts of the wing and verterbae. Credit: Trustees of Natural History Museum The remains consist of a partial skeleton of a single individual, including parts of the shoulders, wings, legs and backbone. Many of the bones remain completely embedded in rock and can only be studied using CT-scanning. Professor Paul Barrett, Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum and senior author on the paper, said, "Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. Its appearance in the Middle Jurassic of the U.K. was a complete surprise, as most of its close relatives are from China. It shows that the advanced group of flying reptiles to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution." 3D models of skeleton. Credit: Natural History Museum Prof. Barrett and his colleagues described the new species, naming it Ceoptera evansae: Ceoptera from the Scottish Gaelic word Cheo, meaning mist (a reference to the common Gaelic name for the Isle of Skye Eilean a' Cheo, or Isle of Mist), and the Latin -ptera, meaning wing. Evansae honors Professor Susan E. Evans, for her years of anatomical and palaeontological research, in particular on the Isle of Skye. Lead author Dr. Liz Martin-Silverstone, a palaeobiologist from the University of Bristol, said, "The time period that Ceoptera is from is one of the most important periods of pterosaur evolution, and is also one in which we have some of the fewest specimens, indicating its significance. To find that there were more bones embedded within the rock, some of which were integral in identifying what kind of pterosaur Ceoptera is, made this an even better find than initially thought. It brings us one step closer to understanding where and when the more advanced pterosaurs evolved." More information: A new pterosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Skye, Scotland and the early diversification of flying reptiles, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2024). dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2023.2298741 Journal information: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The modern Seattle fault zone cuts directly through the densely populated Puget lowlands, including Seattle and its metro area. Fifty million years ago, the continent tore in two here, setting the geologic stage for the modern faults, according to a new Tectonics study. Credit: Washington Geological Survey. The Seattle fault zone is a network of shallow faults slicing through the lowlands of Puget Sound, threatening to create damaging earthquakes for the more than four million people who live there. A new origin story, proposed in a new study, could explain the fault system's earliest history and help scientists improve hazard modeling for the densely populated region. The study is published in the journal Tectonics. The Seattle fault is active today because of forces exerted on the region from ongoing tectonic deformation both to the west and south, but that was not always the case. Washington in the Eocene looked different from today, with a coastline well east of where Seattle sits today and a chain of volcanic islands dotting the horizon offshore. The study suggests that around 55 million years ago, that island chain was pulled toward the continent. As it ran into the North American plate, part of it went up and over the crust while the rest was sucked under it. The crust would have been under great strain and torn between these two parts. That ancient tear zone set the geologic stage for the modern Seattle fault, the study authors posit. "It was a total surprise," said Megan Anderson, a geophysicist with the Washington Geological Survey and lead author of the study. "It wasn't something we were going for originally, but our results predict a major ancient fault where the Seattle fault is today." A massive mystery The Pacific Northwest lies just inland from the Cascadia subduction zone, where dense oceanic crust gets pulled under the continent. In 1700, a roughly 1000-kilometer (620-mile) rupture of the subduction zone created a massive quake between magnitude 8.7 and 9.2; smaller quakes shook the region throughout the 1900s and, most recently, during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The Seattle fault ruptured notably in 923-924 AD, based on local Indigenous oral traditions and geologic evidence along the Puget Sound shoreline. Despite the region's seismic activity, scientists didn't begin to study the Seattle fault zone in earnest until the 1990s. "There's a lot more uncertainty about the Seattle fault than, for example, the San Andreas fault," Anderson said. "The Seattle fault could generate something like a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, and we want to be prepared for it. There's still a lot to learn so that engineering geologists can do better earthquake simulations and understand the potential risks to our communities." Previous work to determine the geometry of the Seattle fault at depth relied primarily on seismic data, which are sound waves traveling through and being reflected by underground rock layers. The data revealed faults and geologic structures that seismologists and geologists interpreted differently. They knew the region hosted a major fault zone, but scientists had proposed different ways parts of the fault are connected, how deep it extends, and how steeply it cuts through the bedrock. Anderson and her co-authors set out to test the existing hypotheses of the fault zone's geometry by mapping kilometers-deep bedrock across western Washington and building a more complete picture of the region's geologic structure. Gravity and magnetic fields vary across the Earth's surface based on rocks' density and composition, so Anderson compiled those data for western Washington and paired them with seismic data. The researchers also collected rock samples from geologic formations corresponding to different parts of the ancient fault and mountain system. Aerially collected magnetic data (background colors) of western Washington reveal that faults (black lines) on either side of the modern Seattle fault are oriented in different directions, suggesting a significant disconnect between the north and south. A massive tear between subducting and obducting (sinking and accumulating) material could have formed from the strain, authors of a new Tectonics study posit. Credit: Tectonics (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2022TC007720 The researchers used computer models to see which, if any, of the hypotheses matched up with the gravity, magnetic, and seismic data. The gravity data did not show a complex pattern, but the magnetic data revealed a key secret seismic data missed: deep in the crust, the bedrock consistently alternates between being more and less magnetic, suggesting slanted layers of changing rock type. In the map view, features on either side of the Seattle fault zone angle away from each other; north of the Seattle fault zone, structures are angled north-northwest, while in the south, they're oriented north-northeast. Those wonky orientations gave Anderson pause; they hinted at an ancient mountain range, but to check that, Anderson needed to match up the map-view data with deeper rocks. To connect the map view with known, deeper bedrock geology, Anderson modeled a vertical profile of rocks underground and found some of those structures dip at different orientations underground, too. "These are all very different orientations," Anderson said. "It's very hard to do that unless there's a place where the structures get disconnected from each other and then restart." Anderson had stumbled upon a new possible explanation for the Seattle fault zone's early history and why it's reactivated today. A tear in the crustal continuum The data suggested that about 55 million years ago, as the subduction zone pulled in a string of oceanic islands, the northern half of the island chain was subducted, but the southern half was added to the top of the crust, or obducted. Over a couple million years, as the islands were obducted, they crumpled into a fold-and-thrust mountain belt with topography similar to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia today. The zone where the islands switched from being subducted to being accreted would have been under incredible strain and been ripped apart. "It would have been this slow, ongoing tear, almost like the crust unzipping itself," Anderson said. "As this progressed, the tear fault got longer and longer." And that "torn" region overlaps perfectly with the modern Seattle fault zone. The intense tearing would have stopped after the islands were crunched into the continent, but the damage was done. The zone of intense tearing created a fragmented, weakened crust, setting the geologic stage for the modern Seattle fault zone. Beyond explaining why the fault zone exists, the study's results about the geometry of Washington's more ancient faults and geologic structures provide valuable details about the bedrock under and within the Seattle basin. This basin is filled with kilometers of looser sedimentary rock, which makes seismic ground shaking stronger, and the new data can help scientists make more accurate models of future ground shaking in the area. Anderson is excited to use her findings to study western Washington's active faults next. "This buried tectonic story was so much fun to discover, and now it will provide a great basis for getting back to answering our original questions about active fault geometry for the Seattle fault and other faults in western Washington," Anderson said. More information: Anderson et al, Deep structure of Siletzia in the Puget Lowland: Imaging an obducted plateau and accretionary thrust belt with potential fields, Tectonics (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2022TC007720 agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.co 10.1029/2022TC007720 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The salmon river Ekso, which clearly has gas-supersaturated water. Credit: Eirik S. Normann, Norce LFI The phenomenon of gas supersaturation occurs when air enters water-filled hydropower inlets and is then exposed to high pressure. When this water is subsequently released into the river below the hydropower plant, it's almost like opening a bottle of champagne, filling the river with bubbles. There is so much air in the water that it can harm fish and other species. In the worst case, fish can die from gas bubble diseasea disease similar to decompression sickness in humans. Gas bubble disease in the tail fin of a salmon. Credit: Sondre Kvalsvik Stenberg, Norce LFI There are currently no requirements in place to monitor and limit gas supersaturation in rivers that are downstream of hydropower plants in Norway, but studies have shown that this may be a problem in many more power plants than previously thought. If requirements are introduced to avert the problem of gas supersaturation, this solution could help power companies avoid costly shutdowns of their plants when the problem occursas well as improve the environment. An ultrasound 'speaker' The scientists have conducted ultrasound trials in a specially built water channel in NTNU's Waterpower Laboratory. The technical solution is a type of speaker that creates ultrasound. It creates pressure waves in the water that cause dissolved gas molecules to accumulate and form bubbles (acoustic cavitation). The bubbles join up, become larger and rise to the surface. The method has been tested in the small and medium-sized laboratory, and W. Ludwig Kuhn shows in his doctoral thesis that the method immediately reduces gas saturation. His work is also published in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. This video shows how researchers created microbubbles in a specially built water channel at NTNUs Waterpower Laboratory. It shows how sound creates pressure waves in the water that cause the bubbles to accumulate, grow larger and rise to the surface. Credit: Juliet Landr/HydroCen Collaboration has led to useful results Collaboration with the energy industry and biologists has been important in implementing the project. "Natural scientists have contributed to important knowledge about the consequences and extent of gas supersaturation, and being able to discuss various solutions along the way with experts from the industry has been essential. At first we thought we could place the ultrasound technology inside the suction pipe at the hydropower plant," says Kuhn. This was not well received by the industry, because it was too great a risk to install the equipment so close to the turbine. They feared it might affect the flow of water and thus affect other parts of the hydropower plant. "Therefore, the conclusion is that the equipment should be placed in the river at the hydropower plant outlet," says Kuhn. Large-scale testing in hydropower rivers The scientists are now planning to conduct field trials to investigate the extent to which this technology can be used in the hydropower industry. Hydropower inlets are enormously large, transporting as much as one million liters of water per second. The laboratory trials show that it is not a good idea to make a giant version of the "ultrasound speaker" (actually called a transducer), but that it would be more beneficial to use several smaller installations that collectively can do the job. When this is tested downstream of the hydropower plant, it will still be a major technical installation. "A lot of equipment from different suppliers needs to be tested to ensure optimal functionality," says Kuhn. Great potential "So far, the results in the DeGas project have exceeded all expectations. The benefits to the hydropower industry have much greater potential than we thought at the outset," says supervisor and project manager Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug. He is a professor at NTNU's Department of Energy and Process Engineering. "The method is efficient and is likely to have a relatively low cost in terms of installation, operation and maintenance." Collaborators have flocked to look at the trials conducted by doctoral research fellow W. Ludwig Kuhn in the DeGas project, which is linked to the HydroCen research center. "It has been fun to show the trials to our research and industry partners. Even the Minister of Energy Terje Aasland has stopped by. It is very useful to get input from many different sides," says Kuhn. More information: W. Ludwig Kuhn et al, Evaluating natural degassing in a river to create a baseline for comparison to technical degassing methods, Journal of Physics: Conference Series (2023). DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/2629/1/012032 Dear Gerard Kassar, Chairman New York State Conservative Party: The Warren County Conservative Committee has proudly and unanimously endorsed President Donald J. Trump for president of the United States. As president, Donald J. Trumps policies included implementing sizeable income tax cuts with incomes increasing, more jobs and the lowest unemployment rate in one half century. Equally important was deregulation, increased military spending, immigration reform, thus, cutting immigration, travel ban and 2nd Amendment protection. Most significant is the appointment of Conservative judges consistent with Conservative policies. The Conservative movement is essential to the success of our country and particularly beneficial to Warren County and the North Country. We look forward to continuing to fight the good fight and victory in November. God Bless and guide the Conservative Party! Respectfully, Carol Birkholz, Chairwoman NYSCP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEWOMAN Editors Note: The presidential primary in New York State is set for April 2, 2024. In Governor Kathy Hochuls 2025 Executive Budget, it was announced the $115 million is devoted to supporting New Yorks agriculture industry. The funds will include the continuation of $50 million to support kitchen facilities that prepare meals for K-12 schools from New York State farm products, a $55 million capital grant for on-farm milk storage technology and infrastructure, $5 million to the Blue Food Transformation, and $5 million to grow New Yorks bioeconomy. The Northeast Dairy Producers Association responded to Governor Hochuls announcement with gratitude. The Executive Budget includes critical investments for New Yorks dairy industry These are welcome and worthwhile investments that support New Yorks largest agricultural sector, Keith Kimball, chair of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, wrote in a press release. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistic Service, in 2020, COVID negatively impacted the dairy industry, with 240 of New York States licensed dairy farms closing. Following years of industry challenges, resulting in the consolidation and closure of many farms, more must be done to protect the future of family dairy farms. A final budget with these critical investments will be a step in the right direction, Kimball said. Hochul has also announced $943,293 awarded to the 514 acres of Horton Farm in Washington county as a part of New York States Farmland Protection program. The announcement was made on Jan. 15 with the program awarding more than $5.5 million to not-for-profit conservation organizations in an effort to protect over 2,000 acres of farmland. CAPE MAY Lynda Anderson-Towns remembers the family names the Hunts, the Knights, the Crewes, the Wises, the Majors and more who once made up the citys Black neighborhoods. Cape Mays Black population has dwindled for years, pushed away from the seaside resort by economics and other factors. Some would love to return, Towns said in a recent interview, but could not hope to afford to live in a city where most single-family homes on the market cost in the millions of dollars. Once, African Americans accounted for a significant percentage of Cape Mays year-round population. For years, groups like Cape May MAC and the Center for Community Arts worked to preserve and present stories of the Black experience in Cape May, through programs, displays and workshops. Once threatened buildings within what was the citys Black community have been preserved and restored, and a new effort could help preserve Cape Mays Black history. The city wants to include Black history in Cape Mays designation as a National Historic Landmark. It should better protect any properties that have an African American significance, said Mayor Zack Mullock. Whats left of that history, which unfortunately isnt much, should be protected. The New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites is set to hear Cape Mays application at 10 a.m. March 14. We believe it should be accepted and will be accepted, Mullock said. Towns said she and others welcome the effort, but she added she is a little wistful. The properties may be preserved, but there is little left of a once-significant community. Local organizations have sought to preserve the history of Cape May as a stop on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people reach freedom before the Civil War. And in 2022, the Center for Community Arts published a book preserving the memories of local residents called Black Voices of Cape May: A Feeling of Community. Both Mullock and Towns said at one point, somewhere between 30% and 40% of Cape Mays year-round population was Black. Now, its less than 3%, even as the citys overall population declines. Posted census data show 76 African Americans living in Cape May, out of a total population of 2,768. The 1960 census showed a population of 4,477, almost a quarter of which was Black. Cape Mays Black residents once worked in hotels and restaurants, but also had their own businesses, as outlined in the citys application to amend its historic landmark designation. Those businesses included a high-end hotel that catered to Black visitors. Towns said she wants to preserve the memories of segregation and Black history, but also the more recent stories, such as the changes that took place in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. She mentioned a time when school segregation had ended, but unofficial barriers remained for years. You could be a chambermaid, but you couldnt be a waitress, she said. Cape May was one of the nations first seaside resorts, with visitors flocking by ferry and later by railroad before the turn of the century. This is the image of Victorian elegance and ease that Cape May businesses most often strive to invoke. But the flush times did not last forever. By the 1960s, many of those palatial Victorian homes were in disrepair, and some seemed destined for demolition, including the Emlen Physick Estate on Washington Street, the renovation of which helped launch Cape Mays historic preservation efforts. Once, Cape May looked longingly at nearby Wildwood, in the midst of a post-war boom and packed with modern hotels loaded with amenities. In 1970, Cape Mays historic district was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and the city was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It was huge, Mullock said. It may not have increased real estate values right away, but it preserved these structures. That preservation helped drive a revitalization in Cape May. They had a vision. The vision included capitalizing on the image of Victorian Cape May. Locations where the African American homes were would not fit into that image, Towns said. Target pulls Black History Month item that misidentified civil rights leaders Target is pulling a Black history item off shelves after a viral TikTok video pointed out inaccuracies. Towns grew up in Cape May. She spent her career in education. She recalled a Black neighborhood that included a wide stretch of Lafayette Street, which serves as the primary route into town for most visitors. She blamed urban renewal efforts for eroding the Black community. There were fewer job opportunities, she said, and families could not keep up on the property taxes as values skyrocketed, or afford the maintenance on historic homes. Often, she said, the families sold at a bargain, only to see the investor then sell their former homes at a far higher price. The application to amend the citys National Historic Landmark status states that no mention was made of the citys African American history in the nominations made in the 1970s. Mullock said it was a remarkable history. Until recently, it was almost forgotten that Harriet Tubman worked in Cape May. Not that long ago, it was almost forgotten that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in Cape May, he said. On June 27, 1958, King addressed a conference of Quakers in Cape May on nonviolence and racial justice, with some 3,200 people attending the event at the former convention center. The event took place three years after the Montgomery bus boycott, and five years before the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. For decades, Kings presence in Cape May was all but forgotten. Cape May was a summer refuge for a number of significant abolitionists, including Stephen Smith, whose house still stands on Lafayette Street, and Jarena Lee, the first female preacher in an AME church, was born in Cape May. Bob Brown might be the most influential American of the Civil Rights Movement you don't know The North Carolinian's list of accomplishments spans 60 years and have done much to lift up neighborhoods and a nation while looking to the future but not forgetting the past. While Cape May drew abolitionists from Philadelphia, it also attracted Confederate sympathizers from the South. Robert E. Lee vacationed in Cape May before the Civil War, Mullock said, as did Ulysses S. Grant. Mullock also highlighted the personal histories of Cape May, citing the Black communities in Cape May and West Cape May that were integral to the communities as a whole. Joining Cape May in the application are MAC, the Center for Community Arts and the Harriet Tubman Museum, which Mullock helped reconstruct, and with which his sister, Cindy Mullock, remains involved. The site of the museum had been the parsonage for the Macedonia Baptist Church next door and was in poor shape when reconstruction began. Towns is part of that church and said it is one of the few historically Black institutions remaining active in Cape May. In the same neighborhood, former Black churches are now homes, and the Allen AME Church on Franklin Street is now owned by the city and slated to become the home of the East Lynne Theater Company, another structure where the history has been preserved but not the use. Across the street, work continues on the former Franklin Street School, a long-vacant building that was where Black children learned while segregation remained legal. A new Cape May branch of the county library system will open in the renovated building, possibly by April. Towns wants to ensure that Black voices continued to be heard, even as she welcomes new interest in the Black experience. As she put it, history cannot be for sale. It should be told by those who lived it. It should never be told by those whove just heard it or read about it, she said. She welcomes the interest but wants it to help the community that remains, albeit a tiny percentage of what was once there. Whats being returned to our community? she said. GALLERY: Atlantic City raises flag for Black History Month ATLANTIC CITY A couple from New York were arrested after they refused to pay a city cabdriver who gave them a ride Monday, police said. Eric Blanco-Reid, 26, of Brooklyn, was charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and theft of services. Brianne Cox, 24, of Brooklyn, was charged with theft of services and conspiracy. Blanco-Reid is being held in the Atlantic County jail. Cox was released on a summons pending court. Officers responded to an apparent physical altercation in the beach block of Arkansas Avenue about 7:15 p.m., police said Tuesday in a news release. The victim, a cabdriver, told officers he gave Blanco-Reid and Cox a ride and they refused to pay once reaching their destination. The victim followed the couple and got into an argument with Blanco-Reid, police said. During the altercation, Blanco-Reid brandished a pocket knife and threatened the victim. While struggling with the victim, the knife fell to the ground and Cox picked it up, police said. The couple then fled. The victim was not injured, police said. Investigators identified the couple through surveillance photos and determined they were eating at a restaurant in Bally's Atlantic City. The two were taken into custody, and the weapon used in the incident was discovered on Cox, police said. An Atlantic City man accused of supplying drugs that resulted in the 2020 deaths of two United Kingdom tourists pleaded guilty Monday, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said. Tyrell Gist, 27, faced two counts of strict liability for the drug-induced deaths of Scott Jordan, 42, and Simon Gamble, 39. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gist faces 13 years in prison, the Prosecutors Office said Tuesday in a news release. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 3. Gist is being held in the Atlantic County jail. He will be required to serve at least 85% of his prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole and will be subject to five years of supervised release, the Prosecutors Office said. A Ballys Atlantic City employee found the bodies of Jordan and Gamble in a hotel room March 8, 2020, and notified police. When officers arrived, they found 10 white, wax baggies containing a mix of heroin, fentanyl and 4-ANNP, and a line of a white, powdery substance on a table, the Prosecutors Office said. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, and the medical examiner concluded their deaths were caused by the effects of fentanyl and ethanol. Atlantic City man indicted in drug-related deaths of two men from UK An Atlantic County grand jury on Tuesday indicted an Atlantic City man in the drug-related d Investigators found that Jordan and Gamble worked in New York City and spent the night in Atlantic City. Surveillance video in the hotel helped identify Gist as the person who sold the drugs to the victims. As part of his plea agreement, Gist also pleaded guilty to charges in two unrelated incidents from August 2020, the Prosecutors Office said. Gist pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine after he was observed conducting drug transactions Aug. 15, 2020, in the 1700 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Police arrested Gist and found 12 grams of cocaine on him, along with a large amount of U.S. currency, the Prosecutors Office said. He also pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and eluding based on a motor vehicle stop that occurred Aug. 2, 2020. Atlantic City police had observed a Hyundai Tucson speeding and failing to stop at a stop sign. Officers activated their lights and sirens, but Gist, the driver, failed to stop initially. Gist was subsequently arrested and found to have methamphetamine and a large amount of U.S. currency on him, the Prosecutors Office said. Sentences in those cases would run concurrent to his 13-year term. Pleasantville Mayor Judy Ward has begun her reelection campaign for a second term in office, she said Thursday in an event at LOuverture Book Store on Old Turnpike Road. In her first term, Ward said she has gotten approval for 180 housing units and commercial space for the Lakes Bay area, started construction on a $3.3 million park to be finished this summer, dredged the marina area, and completed streetscape improvements and repaving of Ansley Boulevard. The city also won a $500,000 grant for streetscape improvements on Old Turnpike, she said. "I am excited about my first term as mayor of this great city, however, I have not fulfilled my vision," Ward said in a news release. "With the success of my election in June, I can continue with my efforts to move the city forward." Ward was elected to her first four-year term as mayor in 2020 after serving 15 years on City Council. She made history as the citys first woman mayor and Atlantic Countys first Black woman elected mayor. Pleasantville receives $733,000 in state grants for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects Pleasantville has received more than $730,000 in state grant funding for three projects designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout the community. Kim leads Murphy in poll U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd, leads New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy 32% to 20% among likely Democratic primary voters, with 31% saying they are still undecided, according to the latest Fairleigh Dickinson University poll. Kim has represented New Jerseys 3rd Congressional District since 2019. Generally, institutional support is enough to win a primary in New Jersey, said Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at FDU and the director of the poll. With Murphy down, this election is a test of whether county organizations still have the power to choose a candidate. U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., the incumbent who was charged last year with corruption, accepting bribes from a foreign government and conspiring to act as a foreign agent, got the support of just 9% of Democratic primary voters, and labor activist Patricia Campos-Medina has 8% support, according to the poll. Murphy is supported by a large number of Democratic party leaders. Neither Murphy nor Kim are hard-left candidates, and theres not a whole lot of room between their issue positions, said Cassino. But the perceived link between Murphy and the states Democratic power brokers is leading Democrats to see her as more conservative than Kim. The poll found that Kims lead is strongest among self-identified liberals and progressives, while Murphy holds a lead among smaller groups of Democrats, including those who identify as conservatives. MIDDLE TOWNSHIP Police Chief Jennifer Pooler is set to retire July 1, a little more than a year after accepting the job. On Monday, the Township Committee approved a resolution acknowledging Poolers retirement. Members praised her work in the department and as chief. It will be a relatively brief run. The former chief, Christopher Leusner, spent 13 years in the job before retiring last year, after which he ran successfully for Township Committee. Now the mayor, part of his role is to oversee the Police Department. On Monday, Leusner said Pooler was eligible to retire at the same time he did. He said hes grateful to Pooler for accepting the position, citing the considerable turnover in the departments command staff in recent years. He said she offered an experienced hand to guide the department through the past year. On Thursday morning, Pooler said she had put in her paperwork to retire last year but decided to stay on when Leusner retired. She also said other senior officers had recently retired, which meant there was not enough experience at the top. "If I had left then, it would have really put a strain on administration," she said. Currently, she said, there are five officers in the police academy, with a plan to bring the department's staff up to the full complement of 55 sworn officers. Committee members said they would like to have a new chief chosen this spring, so there would be some overlap while Pooler is still in the job. Thats haw the township handled the transfer last year, Leusner said, with Pooler chosen while he remained as chief, which he said allowed for a smoother transition. Middle Township police captain graduates from FBI National Academy Middle Township police Capt. Tracey Super graduated last week as a member of the 288th session of the FBI National Academy, the department said Thursday. Senior staff at the department includes two captains, and two lieutenants. Pooler began her career in law enforcement in 1998, working as a dispatcher in Wildwood. She was later hired as a dispatcher for Middle Township and then became a full-time police officer, graduating from the Cape May County Police Academy in 2000, according to her biography on the Middle Township Police Department webpage. She was promoted to sergeant in 2016 and graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program. She became administrative lieutenant in 2020 and was promoted to administrative captain in 2022, where she oversaw the internal affairs division. Pooler was raised in Middle Township. At the Monday meeting, the Township Committee unanimously adopted an ordinance setting salary ranges for employees, which puts the maximum salary for the chief at $190,000. The ordinance puts the police captains range as between $60,000 and $160,000, and for a lieutenant, the range is $50,000 to $145,000. Also at the Monday committee meeting, Leusner swore in the townships newest officer, Cole Pettit. GALLERY: Middle Township swears in new police chief Four government agencies, including the gender ministry and the broadcasting watchdog, received the lowest scores in their annual performance evaluation for 2023, officials said Tuesday. The Office for Government Policy Coordination disclosed the outcomes of its comprehensive assessment of the performance of 45 government agencies under the central government across four categories last year. According to the results, the four minister-level agencies the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the Ministry of Unification and the Personal Information Protection Commission received the lowest possible rating of "C." Notably, three of them, excluding the Ministry of Unification, have received the lowest rating for two consecutive years, with the Ministry of Gender Equality and the KCC receiving the lowest rating across all four categories in 2023. During his presidential campaign, President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality. Meanwhile, the KCC faced internal turmoil after its former Chairman Lee Dong-kwan resigned last year ahead of a National Assembly vote on his impeachment. "The relative low evaluations were attributed to poor public perception of policy effectiveness or inadequate management of each specific sector," the office said in a press release. Meanwhile, 12 agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the highest evaluation level in 2023, it said. The performance report involved evaluations by 222 civil experts and included a survey of 30,000 members of the public. (Yonhap) MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The Township Committee on Monday gave its unanimous support to a proposed cannabis retail location at 1580 Route 9, at the intersection of Avalon Boulevard. Insa Middle Township LLC has received a conditional state license for a Class 5 cannabis business, meaning it could sell flower, edibles, vaping material and other cannabis products to those over 21. The vote from the committee is a needed step toward approval of an annual license from the state, which would be needed before the business could open. Several residents had questions before the vote, including about security at the site, the potential for increased traffic and how police could enforce laws against intoxicated driving. There is no test for whether a driver is high on cannabis analogous to roadside tests for alcohol, which measure breath or blood alcohol content. Someone could have THC in a blood test long after the intoxicating effects wear off. Mayor Chris Leusner said the New Jersey Supreme Court has upheld the use of police drug recognition experts, along with blood or urine samples, in enforcing DWI laws. Matt Rooney, the township attorney who also serves as Middle Townships municipal prosecutor, said the township takes driving while intoxicated very seriously, regardless of whether it involves cannabis, alcohol or any other intoxicants. Leusner, who previously served as Middle Townships police chief, was a critic of legalizing cannabis and advocated for a no vote when the matter came up in a statewide referendum in 2020. That passed with a wide margin locally and statewide, paving the way for legalization. Middle Township on a pause for weed approvals With a new ordinance amendment planned for a February vote, Middle Townships mayor says the government is pausing offering support for new cannabis businesses, saying the municipality wants to move carefully. To me, the voters have spoken, Leusner said at the meeting. Like former Mayor Tim Donohue, whom Leusner replaced after he decided not to seek another term last year, Leusner said cannabis will be available in nearby communities whether Middle has a shop or not, but having a shop comes with a local tax benefit. He said it would not be fair to local taxpayers to pass up the potential revenue, taking in 2% of sales. In a lengthy presentation at the Monday meeting, attorney Joseph Kelley III said Insa Middle Township LLC is a merger between multistate cannabis business Insa, headquartered in Massachusetts, and Restore, based in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Together, the two companies operate about 20 facilities in six states, Kelley said, telling committee members they are known for high-end facilities with an Apple Store feel. He said the partnership plans to invest more than $1.2 million in the building and spend about $2.3 million in total in preparation for opening, which could take place in May or June. This facility is going to be a fantastic facility, he said. This isnt some fly-by-night operation. He said the signs on the building will not include images of marijuana leaves, describing it as tasteful marketing aimed at adults. The business will employ about 25 people, with what Kelley described as good-paying jobs with benefits. He said township approval will speed the process of gaining approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Once renovations are completed, the final step will be a local and state inspection before the business can open. 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. Were looking at the May/June timeframe, he said, although they would have preferred to be open earlier in the year before the arrival of summer crowds. You cant always get what you want. The building had once served as a Wawa and is currently a dermatology office. Company representatives said there would be surveillance cameras inside and out, and a security guard onsite at all times. They added that recent changes will allow the use of credit cards for cannabis purchases, which will reduce the cash-intensive transactions that presented security headaches in the states that first legalized local weed sales. Cannabis remains listed as a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level, a classification reserved for the most dangerous drugs with no medical benefit. That classification is under review, and last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended it instead be listed as the less-restrictive Schedule III. That would not mean federal legalization, which would require an act of Congress. Middle Townships most recent ordinance relating to cannabis allows for two dispensaries in the community. So far, the township has not lent its support to a second business, although Leusner said there are several companies interested in opening in the township. He has said the township has paused new approvals and will look at any additional proposals very carefully. On Monday, Leusner said he researched cannabis businesses very carefully as the township weighed whether to allow one. An earlier proposal for a cannabis growing facility at the site of a former seafood processing plant on Indian Trail Road does not appear to be going forward. Kelley said that proposal was by Insa, without Restore. He said the asking price for the property was too high, and the amount of cultivation businesses opening in New Jersey made the deal less attractive. Cannabis facilities are becoming increasingly common. While there were extensive waits and lengthy lines when legal sales began at limited locations in 2022, there are now close to 100 dispensaries throughout New Jersey, and this is expected to be the third to open in Cape May County. Leusner said he has spoken to officials in communities where there are dispensaries already and was told there had not been increases in crime or other problems connected to the new businesses. Middle Township approves new cannabis ordinance Middle Township has discussed the potential economic benefit to the community as part of the motivation for a new ordinance allowing two cannabis retailers and other businesses, which will pay the township a 2% tax on sales. The vote repeals a previous ordinance allowing a single retailer. Officials and advocates said licensed cannabis is currently one of the most regulated industries in New Jersey. EGG HARBOR CITY An iconic local landmark has fallen victim to vandalism. The Peace Pilgrim statue, which honors the life and legacy of a local woman who walked across the country for peace, was defaced on multiple occasions recently and is in the progress of being repaired, Mayor Lisa Jiampetti said. "We're aware of the situation regarding the statue; it has been the source of two vandalisms now," Jiampetti said of the terra cotta statue. "It's very sad, but we're working hard to repair it and have it ready ahead of the Peace Pilgrim celebration in July." The statue is located at Peace Pilgrim Park in the 500 block of London Avenue, near City Hall. Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Lisette Norman in 1908, was the first woman to walk the entire Appalachian trail. She found her career in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to be spiritually unfulfilling, even as the peace lobbyist for the Womens International League for Peace and Freedom. So she began walking the country for peace in 1953. She chose to be called Peace Pilgrim and told friends and family members not to use her birth name. Peace Pilgrim walked the country for 28 years. She stopped counting the miles in 1964 after hitting 25,000. She never carried food or money but ate what was freely offered to her as she walked and slept on the side of the road if a bed was not offered to her. She completed seven cross-country trips, spreading her message and touching thousands of lives before dying on her seventh journey in 1981 as the result of a car accident. Close Lilly Jaeger-Ramp, 4, from Egg Harbor City, and Joey Vodopija, 11, from Mullica, stand with a statue of Peace Pilgrim during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin Helene Young and Eugene Young looks over her sister scrapbook who called herself Peace Pilgrim when she walked 25,000 miles, plus, between 1953 and 1981 preaching peace Thursday, Feb 24, 2000. She really was Mildred Norman Ryder (1908-1981), born and raised in Egg Harbor City, then lived in Cologne before starting her peace trek. From right, John Francis, a guest from Cape May who currently teaches environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Helene Young, of Cologne, who is Peace Pilgrim's sister, Mayte Picco-Kline, a Friends of Peace Pilgrim board member from Lititz, Pa., and Jessie Nikolaev, 12, of Egg Harbor City, participate in the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, which took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17. Similar to Peace Pilgrim, Francis is known as "Planet Walker," and he spent 22 years walking and biking from California to Cape May, while earning his Ph.D. and spending 17 of those years not speaking. Photo by Stefanie Campolo A statue of Peace Pilgrim stands in the center of the park. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Frank Cerreto, of Galloway, who teaches math at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, sang and played guitar with the Stockton Faculty Band on Saturday, July 17, during the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. Photo by Stefanie Campolo People participate in the second annual Peace Pilgrim walk in Egg Harbor City. Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Norman, walked more than 25,000 miles to promote peace over the course of 30 years. She was killed in a head-on collision in Knox., Ind. in 1981. Saturday July 18, 2009 (The Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile ) Towards the end of the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, a drum circle took place, of which the premise was for everyone participating to make harmonious drum sounds while realizing that they are all connected. Drummers also dedicated their drumming to various parts of the world that needed help; one audience member suggested dedicating it to people in hospitals. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Helene Young, left, then 99, the sister of Mildred Lisette Norman, better known as Peace Pilgrim, and Barbara Reynolds, of Manahawkin, look over the shoes and tunic worn by Youngs late sister at the June 2014 potluck dinner hosted annually by Young at her Galloway Township home. Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, at home is surrounded by fond memories of her sister and the message of peace for all humanity. Photo/Dave Griffin At the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, Scott Senn, of Egg Harbor City, holds his two-year-old daughter, Sonia, on his shoulders as they listen to the Stockton College Band perform in the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo During the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration in Egg Harbor City on Saturday, July 17, Mayte Picco-Kline, of Lancaster, Pa., speaks with Colby Tippins and Doug Dickinson, both of Egg Harbor City, a couple who held a ceremony for having become partners in life, just shortly before the birthday celebration began. Photo by Stefanie Campolo With flowers in her hair, Mercina Stefanski, 16, of Mullica Township, chats with Greg Ferree, of the Cologne section of Galloway Township, before the start of the walk. The Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. She was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo From left, Barbara Reynolds, Theresa McReynolds, and Meed Barnett, all of Galloway Township, talk and sing along to one of musician Pat Lamana's live songs on Saturday, July 17, at the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration, which was held in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. July 7 would have been Peace Pilgrim's 102nd birthday. Photo by Stefanie Campolo On display were a few items once belonging to Peace Pilgrim were on display at the Galloway Public Library. Photo/Dave Griffin Helene Young, of Galloway Township but originally from Egg Harbor City, drums in the drum circle at the end of the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration at Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park on Saturday, July 17. Young is the younger sister of Peace Pilgrim, whose name was Mildred Lisette Norman-Ryder. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, and committee members Barbara Reynolds, from Manahawkin, Merry Brennan, from Belmar, and Nanette Galloway, from Galloway, are pictured with Peace Pilgrim's memorabilia after a planning meeting for the Peace Pilgrim Celebration to be held in Egg Harbor City September 20-21. Photo/Dave Griffin Pat Lamanna, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., wrote a song about Peace Pilgrim and was invited to play at the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. July 7 would have been Peace Pilgrim's 102nd birthday. Photo by Stefanie Campolo The Ford men Austin, 4, dad Keith, and Ryder, 2, from Egg Harbor City, show there T-Shirt Shopping bags made from old t-shirts made by Barbara Reynolds, (right) from Manahawkin, for the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin People participate in the second annual Peace Pilgrim walk in Egg Harbor City. Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Norman, walked more than 25,000 miles to promote peace over the course of 30 years. She was killed in a head-on collision in Knox., Ind. in 1981. Saturday July 18, 2009 (The Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile ) The Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. Shown from right are Barbara and Katie Malachefski, of Toms River, Joanne Imperatore, of Egg Harbor City, John Francis, a Cape May resident currently teaching at the University of Winsconsin-Madison, Peace Pilgrim's sister, Helene Young, of Cologne, and Jessie Nikolaev, 12, of Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrims sister Helene Young, 95, from the Cologne section of Galloway, shares a few stories with Barbara Reynolds of Smithville at the Galloway Public Library. Photo/Dave Griffin Barbara Reynolds, who recently discovered the teachings of the late Peace Pilgrim, Mildred Norman Ryder, sits at her gravestone in Galloway Twp, Thursday March 30, 2000.The Cologne woman who called herself Peace Pilgrim walked 25,000 miles plus between 1953 and 1981 carrying the message of peace. Walkers wear their "Got Peace?" T-shirts in honor of Peace Pilgrim, during the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, which took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17. In the foreground are Jeff Elkner, of Arlington, Va., who was Peace Pilgrim's grandnephew, left, and Dale Young, of Cherry Hill, who was her nephew. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Helene Young 94-years-old stands with a statue of her sister Mildred Norman, at Peace Pilgrim park in Egg Harbor City. Mildred Norman walked more than 25,000 miles to promote peace over the course of 30 years., Today people walked the second annual Peace Pilgrim walk in Egg Harbor City. Saturday July 18, 2009 (The Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile ) Multi-language sign post decorates the park. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Peace Pilgrim Centennial Birthday Committee of Egg Harbor City, NJ sponsored a two-day event, July 18-19, to celebrate Peace Pilgrim's 100th birthday, by creating a human peace sign with candles at the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City Saturday night. Sunday June 8 2014 Helene Young, 99, of Galloway Township (left), sister of Mildred Norman Ryder, better known as Peace Pilgrim, and Barbara Reynolds of Manahawkin, look over the shoes and tunic worn by Young's late sister, at the annual potluck dinner hosted by Young at her Galloway home. Helene Young and supporters are attempting to get Peace Pilgrim inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto) A statue of Peace Pilgrim stands in the center of the park. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Evelynn LaRocca, 4, and Anthony Farrell, 8, from Mays Landing, enjoy a hot dog together during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, and committee members Merry Brennan, from Belmar, Barbara Reynolds, from Manahawkin, and Nanette Galloway, from Galloway, are pictured with Peace Pilgrim's memorabilia that will be on display during the Peace Pilgrim Celebration held in Egg Harbor City September 20-21. Photo/Dave Griffin Participants begin the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, which took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. She was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Shown from right are Barbara and Katie Malachefski, of Toms River, John Francis, a Cape May resident currently teaching at the University of Winsconsin-Madison, Peace Pilgrim's sister, Helene Young, of Cologne, Georgie Sawyer, 12, of Egg Harbor City, and Mayte Picco-Kline, of Lititz, Pa. Photo by Stefanie Campolo A statue of Peace Pilgrim is situated in Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City, and flowers were placed in front of her on the day of the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace on Saturday morning, Sept. 17. Originally an Egg Harbor City resident, Peace Pilgrim walked more than 25,000 miles for peace and was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrim Centennial Birthday Committee of Egg Harbor City, NJ sponsored a two-day event, July 18-19, to celebrate Peace Pilgrim's 100th birthday, by creating a human peace sign with candles at the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City Saturday night. Peace Pilgrims sister Helene Young, 95, from the Cologne section of Galloway, shares a few stories of their teenage years during the late 1900s at the Galloway Public Library. Photo/Dave Griffin The Stockton Faculty Band was one of three musical guests who performed at the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Friends of Peace Pilgrim held hands in a 'Peace Prayer' during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin A buzzard flys over the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City, MKonday, Feb. 27, 2006. EHC installed spikes on the water tower to combat a longstanding problem of buzzards roosting on it. It worked -- problem is, the birds are now perching on the roof of the firehouse, on fences at the Key Rec ballfields, and on various roofs in town Michael Fitzgibbons, of English Creek, wore his multi colored triathlon sneakers with socks adorned with peace and love symbols at the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace. The walk took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. She was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, stands with Author Merry Brennan, from Belmar, who wrote a book about the life and times of her sister recently and will be on display during the Peace Pilgrim Celebration held in Egg Harbor City September 20-21. Photo/Dave Griffin Photo of the gravestone of Peace Pilgrim, Mildred Norman Ryder, in Galloway Twp, Thursday March 30, 2000. The Cologne woman who called herself Peace Pilgrim walked 25,000 miles plus between 1953 and 1981 carrying the message of peace. People sit and listen from the gazebo to speakers. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Friends of Peace Pilgrim held hands in a 'Peace Prayer' during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin When Peace Pilgrim walked more than 25,000 miles for peace, she traveled minimally. Shown is the majority of what she brought with her: sneakers, a tunic, tooth brush, and comb. Peace Pilgrim was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Saturday, Sept. 17--Before the start of the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, Georgie Sawyer, right, and Jessie Nikolaev, both 12 of Egg Harbor City, prepare paper bags with tooth brushes, combs, crackers, and a nut loaf recipe, which were the things that Peace Pilgrim carried when she walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Look Back at Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Lilly Jaeger-Ramp, 4, from Egg Harbor City, and Joey Vodopija, 11, from Mullica, stand with a statue of Peace Pilgrim during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin Helene Young and Eugene Young looks over her sister scrapbook who called herself Peace Pilgrim when she walked 25,000 miles, plus, between 1953 and 1981 preaching peace Thursday, Feb 24, 2000. She really was Mildred Norman Ryder (1908-1981), born and raised in Egg Harbor City, then lived in Cologne before starting her peace trek. From right, John Francis, a guest from Cape May who currently teaches environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Helene Young, of Cologne, who is Peace Pilgrim's sister, Mayte Picco-Kline, a Friends of Peace Pilgrim board member from Lititz, Pa., and Jessie Nikolaev, 12, of Egg Harbor City, participate in the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, which took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17. Similar to Peace Pilgrim, Francis is known as "Planet Walker," and he spent 22 years walking and biking from California to Cape May, while earning his Ph.D. and spending 17 of those years not speaking. Photo by Stefanie Campolo A statue of Peace Pilgrim stands in the center of the park. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Frank Cerreto, of Galloway, who teaches math at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, sang and played guitar with the Stockton Faculty Band on Saturday, July 17, during the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. Photo by Stefanie Campolo People participate in the second annual Peace Pilgrim walk in Egg Harbor City. Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Norman, walked more than 25,000 miles to promote peace over the course of 30 years. She was killed in a head-on collision in Knox., Ind. in 1981. Saturday July 18, 2009 (The Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile ) Towards the end of the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, a drum circle took place, of which the premise was for everyone participating to make harmonious drum sounds while realizing that they are all connected. Drummers also dedicated their drumming to various parts of the world that needed help; one audience member suggested dedicating it to people in hospitals. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Helene Young, left, then 99, the sister of Mildred Lisette Norman, better known as Peace Pilgrim, and Barbara Reynolds, of Manahawkin, look over the shoes and tunic worn by Youngs late sister at the June 2014 potluck dinner hosted annually by Young at her Galloway Township home. Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, at home is surrounded by fond memories of her sister and the message of peace for all humanity. Photo/Dave Griffin At the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, Scott Senn, of Egg Harbor City, holds his two-year-old daughter, Sonia, on his shoulders as they listen to the Stockton College Band perform in the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo During the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration in Egg Harbor City on Saturday, July 17, Mayte Picco-Kline, of Lancaster, Pa., speaks with Colby Tippins and Doug Dickinson, both of Egg Harbor City, a couple who held a ceremony for having become partners in life, just shortly before the birthday celebration began. Photo by Stefanie Campolo With flowers in her hair, Mercina Stefanski, 16, of Mullica Township, chats with Greg Ferree, of the Cologne section of Galloway Township, before the start of the walk. The Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. She was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo From left, Barbara Reynolds, Theresa McReynolds, and Meed Barnett, all of Galloway Township, talk and sing along to one of musician Pat Lamana's live songs on Saturday, July 17, at the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration, which was held in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. July 7 would have been Peace Pilgrim's 102nd birthday. Photo by Stefanie Campolo On display were a few items once belonging to Peace Pilgrim were on display at the Galloway Public Library. Photo/Dave Griffin Helene Young, of Galloway Township but originally from Egg Harbor City, drums in the drum circle at the end of the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration at Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park on Saturday, July 17. Young is the younger sister of Peace Pilgrim, whose name was Mildred Lisette Norman-Ryder. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, and committee members Barbara Reynolds, from Manahawkin, Merry Brennan, from Belmar, and Nanette Galloway, from Galloway, are pictured with Peace Pilgrim's memorabilia after a planning meeting for the Peace Pilgrim Celebration to be held in Egg Harbor City September 20-21. Photo/Dave Griffin Pat Lamanna, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., wrote a song about Peace Pilgrim and was invited to play at the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. July 7 would have been Peace Pilgrim's 102nd birthday. Photo by Stefanie Campolo The Ford men Austin, 4, dad Keith, and Ryder, 2, from Egg Harbor City, show there T-Shirt Shopping bags made from old t-shirts made by Barbara Reynolds, (right) from Manahawkin, for the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin People participate in the second annual Peace Pilgrim walk in Egg Harbor City. Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Norman, walked more than 25,000 miles to promote peace over the course of 30 years. She was killed in a head-on collision in Knox., Ind. in 1981. Saturday July 18, 2009 (The Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile ) The Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. Shown from right are Barbara and Katie Malachefski, of Toms River, Joanne Imperatore, of Egg Harbor City, John Francis, a Cape May resident currently teaching at the University of Winsconsin-Madison, Peace Pilgrim's sister, Helene Young, of Cologne, and Jessie Nikolaev, 12, of Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrims sister Helene Young, 95, from the Cologne section of Galloway, shares a few stories with Barbara Reynolds of Smithville at the Galloway Public Library. Photo/Dave Griffin Barbara Reynolds, who recently discovered the teachings of the late Peace Pilgrim, Mildred Norman Ryder, sits at her gravestone in Galloway Twp, Thursday March 30, 2000.The Cologne woman who called herself Peace Pilgrim walked 25,000 miles plus between 1953 and 1981 carrying the message of peace. Walkers wear their "Got Peace?" T-shirts in honor of Peace Pilgrim, during the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, which took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17. In the foreground are Jeff Elkner, of Arlington, Va., who was Peace Pilgrim's grandnephew, left, and Dale Young, of Cherry Hill, who was her nephew. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Helene Young 94-years-old stands with a statue of her sister Mildred Norman, at Peace Pilgrim park in Egg Harbor City. Mildred Norman walked more than 25,000 miles to promote peace over the course of 30 years., Today people walked the second annual Peace Pilgrim walk in Egg Harbor City. Saturday July 18, 2009 (The Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile ) Multi-language sign post decorates the park. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Peace Pilgrim Centennial Birthday Committee of Egg Harbor City, NJ sponsored a two-day event, July 18-19, to celebrate Peace Pilgrim's 100th birthday, by creating a human peace sign with candles at the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City Saturday night. Sunday June 8 2014 Helene Young, 99, of Galloway Township (left), sister of Mildred Norman Ryder, better known as Peace Pilgrim, and Barbara Reynolds of Manahawkin, look over the shoes and tunic worn by Young's late sister, at the annual potluck dinner hosted by Young at her Galloway home. Helene Young and supporters are attempting to get Peace Pilgrim inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto) A statue of Peace Pilgrim stands in the center of the park. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Evelynn LaRocca, 4, and Anthony Farrell, 8, from Mays Landing, enjoy a hot dog together during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, and committee members Merry Brennan, from Belmar, Barbara Reynolds, from Manahawkin, and Nanette Galloway, from Galloway, are pictured with Peace Pilgrim's memorabilia that will be on display during the Peace Pilgrim Celebration held in Egg Harbor City September 20-21. Photo/Dave Griffin Participants begin the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, which took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. She was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Shown from right are Barbara and Katie Malachefski, of Toms River, John Francis, a Cape May resident currently teaching at the University of Winsconsin-Madison, Peace Pilgrim's sister, Helene Young, of Cologne, Georgie Sawyer, 12, of Egg Harbor City, and Mayte Picco-Kline, of Lititz, Pa. Photo by Stefanie Campolo A statue of Peace Pilgrim is situated in Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City, and flowers were placed in front of her on the day of the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace on Saturday morning, Sept. 17. Originally an Egg Harbor City resident, Peace Pilgrim walked more than 25,000 miles for peace and was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrim Centennial Birthday Committee of Egg Harbor City, NJ sponsored a two-day event, July 18-19, to celebrate Peace Pilgrim's 100th birthday, by creating a human peace sign with candles at the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City Saturday night. Peace Pilgrims sister Helene Young, 95, from the Cologne section of Galloway, shares a few stories of their teenage years during the late 1900s at the Galloway Public Library. Photo/Dave Griffin The Stockton Faculty Band was one of three musical guests who performed at the Peace Pilgrim Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 17, in Egg Harbor City's Peace Pilgrim Park. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Friends of Peace Pilgrim held hands in a 'Peace Prayer' during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin A buzzard flys over the Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City, MKonday, Feb. 27, 2006. EHC installed spikes on the water tower to combat a longstanding problem of buzzards roosting on it. It worked -- problem is, the birds are now perching on the roof of the firehouse, on fences at the Key Rec ballfields, and on various roofs in town Michael Fitzgibbons, of English Creek, wore his multi colored triathlon sneakers with socks adorned with peace and love symbols at the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace. The walk took off from Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Peace Pilgrim, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. She was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Peace Pilgrim's sister Helene Young, 98, from Galloway, stands with Author Merry Brennan, from Belmar, who wrote a book about the life and times of her sister recently and will be on display during the Peace Pilgrim Celebration held in Egg Harbor City September 20-21. Photo/Dave Griffin Photo of the gravestone of Peace Pilgrim, Mildred Norman Ryder, in Galloway Twp, Thursday March 30, 2000. The Cologne woman who called herself Peace Pilgrim walked 25,000 miles plus between 1953 and 1981 carrying the message of peace. People sit and listen from the gazebo to speakers. Tues. 7/12/05 Egg Harbor City dedicates Peace Pilgrim Park. Peace Pilgrim is an EHC native who walked thousands of miles to promote peace. This is part of the 150th anniversary celebration. (Press of Atlantic City/Ben Fogletto) Friends of Peace Pilgrim held hands in a 'Peace Prayer' during the 6th annual Peace Pilgrim Celebration held at the Peace Pilgrim Park on London Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Photo/Dave Griffin When Peace Pilgrim walked more than 25,000 miles for peace, she traveled minimally. Shown is the majority of what she brought with her: sneakers, a tunic, tooth brush, and comb. Peace Pilgrim was formerly known as Mildred Lisette Norman and lived in Egg Harbor City. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Saturday, Sept. 17--Before the start of the Two-Mile Intergenerational Walk for Peace, Georgie Sawyer, right, and Jessie Nikolaev, both 12 of Egg Harbor City, prepare paper bags with tooth brushes, combs, crackers, and a nut loaf recipe, which were the things that Peace Pilgrim carried when she walked more than 25,000 miles for peace. Photo by Stefanie Campolo Milan and Wonkaland probably aren't the same place, but customers would never know it after stepping into the newest candy store in town, FINNS Sweet Treats. FINNS may be a familiar name for locals who may know FINN'S Grill at 580 1st St. in Milan. The restaurant is currently closed as the team prepares to move into a larger space, right behind the old one. Set in the parking lot behind that is a long black building owner Joe Ende calls the "FINN'S outlet." Located at 527 2nd Street, the building will house the new FINN'S Grill this March, which will neighbor FINNS Fun Finds, a store for vintage and unique items. Next door to that is FINN AV & IT Solutions. Around the back of the building is where the fun begins with a robot mascot, named Finn, pointing out the door to FINNS Sweet Treats. The store will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. A grand opening is set for held next Monday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. The whole goal of the candy store is to inspire nostalgia and imagination, Ende said, making the origin story for Finn the robot completely on brand. "The mascot has been my imaginary friend my whole life. I used to draw him when I was a kid and I turned it into a more realistic drawing about 15 years ago," Ende said. Inside the new store the smell of sweet treats instantly invades. The walls are lined with hundreds of candies, from freeze dried goodies to cotton candy to popcorn. Modern candy options like Sour Patch Kids and lollipops share shelf space with vintage favorites like Teaberry Gum and Zagnut candy bars. Wrapping around the store are clear bins filled with chocolates and gummy candies customers can buy for $3.99 a quarter pound. A slushy machine sits in the corner with a variety of options for flavors, and they're all customizable, Ende said. Customers will be able to purchase a slushy, add in a candy of their choice like Pop Rocks or boba and finish it off with a candy straw. In the back of the store FINNS will have shakes, sundaes, coffee, cappuccino and one of the more unique options: flavored ice cream floats. One entire wall of of FINNS is lined with 72 different kinds of flavored and exotic sodas. They range from ranch to buffalo sauce to Bazooka bubble gum, with toned down flavors like orange and root beer available for those not as adventurous. The sodas are available individually, in a six pack or to be topped with ice cream. Customers who want to top their slushy with ice cream can do that too, Ende said. He calls it a dreamy. Dreaming up ideas and something new for the Quad-Cities is what landed him on the idea, he said. "Every time we travel my kids are drawn into a place like this," he said. "People always rave about nostalgic offerings." After speaking with a few people, Ende decided he would give it a go. Before opening he asked customers what they wanted to see and feels confident he has about 80% of those offering in his store. Making sure there was a mix of old and new in the store was important to him, he said. Whether customers want a custom FINNS candy bar or a custom sugar-coated option, all they need is a little imagination and from there the possibilities are endless. "That's exactly what a candy store should be about," he said. "I want people to have that 'kid in the candy store' feeling." This year, Canadian Pacific Kansas City will celebrate the anniversary of its recent merger by giving residents and train fans from all across the country the chance to see a historic locomotive up close, including in Davenport. Starting April 24 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, CPKC will be kicking off its historic Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour. In addition to celebrating the history of both railroads, the event will also celebrate the Empress 2816, a 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive built in 1930. Our combination on April 14, 2023, brought together two railroads with long and proud histories that together created the first and only railroad network connecting North America. This special cross-continental journey of the 2816 steam locomotive serves as a reminder of our past and a celebration of our future," CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel said in an announcement. Creel went on to say the Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour will be the first ever steam-powered passenger train in North America to traverse Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in a single trip. During this tour, public events will be held at 11 scheduled stops on its way to Mexico City, giving residents and visitors a chance to see the 2816 up close, learn more about both it and CPKCs history, and enjoy the Puffer Belly Express mini-train model. The 11 scheduled stops include a stop in Davenport on May 10. Other scheduled 2816 tour stops include Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Minot, North Dakota; St. Paul, Minnesota; Franklin Park, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Laredo, Texas. For more information about the tour, residents can visit the railroads website at https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/final-spike-steam-train/. Rockslide in French Alps halts traffic between France and Italy, and more of today's top videos A landslide in the French valley of Maurienne brought traffic and train services to a standstill, the brutal practice of 'witch hunting' still continues in India, and more of today's top videos. Rock Island police officers arrested a 19-year-old man on Monday after a fight between two groups included gunfire. Officers responded about 1:46 p.m. to the 1500 block of 5th Street to investigate a gunfire complaint, according to a news release. Police found evidence of gunfire, but received no reports of injuries or property damage. During the investigation, police identified a black Hyundai that might have been involved, according to the news release. Officers stopped it and arrested Anthony Hereford-Warren, 19, address unavailable, on suspicion of armed violence. Warren had a loaded handgun and about one pound of marijuana packaged for sale, police allege in the news release. Investigators recovered video footage that showed a fight between two groups of people that included gunfire, according to the release. After the fight, the people involved ran away, including to an address in the 400 block of 4th 1/2 Street. The release did not include how many people comprised each group, or how many of them were shooting. The release also states there were other people in the Hyundai, who were detained but did not provide further detail about them. The Rock Island County Jail had Warren in custody Tuesday morning, according to the jail website. Details of his court case were not yet available. The House Judiciary Committee on Monday placed its stamp of approval on a bill set to increase the maximum penalty for people who act as an accessory to first- or second-degree murder. The bill was met with support from prosecutors and a murder victims father. Opposition testimony came from the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Currently, South Dakotas accessory to a felony statute makes no distinctions regarding the primary felony. For example, if someone renders assistance to someone who commits a drug felony, they would face the same maximum penalty as a person who rendered assistance to a murderer up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. House Bill 1104 proposes an addition to the statute that would enhance the penalty in cases involving first- and second-degree murders from a class 5 to a class 4 felony, which carries a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A person can render assistance and act as an accessory in a number of ways: harboring the person who committed the felony; warning them of impending discovery; providing them with money, transportation, a weapon, or a disguise; stopping a third party from helping the person be discovered; or hiding, destroying, or altering evidence. Rep. Mary Fitzgerald (R-Dist. 31) briefly presented the bill to the committee before giving the floor to other proponents of the bill. Grace Beck, a lobbyist for the South Dakota States Attorneys Association, said the association believes accessory to murder rises to the level of an enhanced penalty. Pennington County States Attorney Lara Roetzel spoke in her capacity as states attorney and as vice president of the South Dakota State's Attorneys Association. She highlighted two Pennington County murder cases that describe the current penalty for accessory to murder as a travesty of justice. On Oct. 31, 2021, Dhani Aronson, a 24-year-old from Rapid City, was shot twice in the back of the head inside a truck where he sat with two friends. The next day, he was found in a ditch along Wilderness Canyon Road off Highway 16 Southeast of Rapid City. The man who sat behind Aronson and shot him 31-year-old Andrew Thorson was charged with second-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. In May, Circuit Court Judge Stacy Wickre sentenced him to 70 years in prison. The driver 27-year-old Jacob Staton hid the victims wallet, hid the murder weapon, cleaned blood out of the truck and helped dump the body. He was charged with accessory to a crime, which he pleaded guilty to. Wickre sentenced Staton to the maximum of five years in prison. There is no justice to be found in that sentence, Roetzel said. The states attorney also pointed to the May 2015 murder of 22-year-old Jessica Rehfeld, who laid in an unmarked grave for a year before her body was found in May 2016. Several people were involved in Rehfelds murder and the subsequent coverup. Rehfeld broke up with a man named Jonathan Klinetobe in April 2015 after an on-again, off-again relationship. After she obtained a protection order against Klinetobe in May 2015, he convinced his friend allegedly Richard Hirth to kill her by telling him the Hells Angels would pay an $80,000 bounty for her death. Roetzel said Hirth enlisted his roommate, David Schneider, then 23, to help with the killing. Schneider said he and Hirth picked up Rehfeld on May 18, 2015 to give her a ride to work. Instead, they drove her to an industrial area of Rapid City, and Schneider held Rehfeld down while Hirth allegedly stabbed her. After the stabbing, the two men picked up Klinetobe and the men took her body south of Rockerville and buried her in what Roetzel described as a clandestine grave. The grave was so poorly dug that Klinetobe worried constantly that it would be discovered, Roetzel said. After the murder, Klinetobe enlisted two other men 23-year-old Michael Frye and 28-year-old Garland Brown to help him rebury the body nearby. After a year, a woman who said she gave Klinetobe rides to visit the body under the threat that he would do the same to her told a Wyoming Police Department where Rehfeld was. Schneider pleaded guilty to aiding first-degree manslaughter in Sept. 2018. He was sentenced to 75 years in prison. Klinetobe pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree manslaughter in Sept. 2019. He received a life sentence without parole in Dec. 2019. Hirths case is pending. Brown pleaded guilty in July 2016 to accessory to a felony and was sentenced to five years in prison with one suspended. According to the South Dakota Department of Corrections, he was released in June 2018. Frye pleaded guilty to accessory to a felony in Dec. 2016. He received a five-year suspended sentence and five years of probation, which is set to be complete in 2025. Five years for digging up and re-burying a body in a clandestine grave cannot be justice, Roetzel said. This is simply a situation where the time does not fit the crime. Roetzel said prosecutors are put in a situation where the lesser crime is called to trial before the murder case, which means we have to present the murder evidence prior to the murder trial, putting the government at a severe strategical disadvantage in the subsequent murder trial. This penalty enhancement is necessary and just, she said. Rehfelds father, Michael Rehfeld, also spoke in support of the bill. He said he knew a friend in his 20s who was sentenced for five years for accessory to a felony because she accepted a stolen hotel lamp. Garland Brown went out into the hills with Jonathan Klinetobe, dug my daughter up, took her body hundreds of yards farther into the forest and received a four-year sentence, Rehfeld said. I think that felony accessory that is linked to violent and sexual crimes needs to be elevated. Rehfeld said the only person who got justice between the lamp situation and his daughters murder was the hotel owner who had their lamp stolen. This isn't justice for our families. This isn't justice for anybody's family, he said. Stephen Gemar, assistant attorney general, spoke on behalf of the South Dakota Attorney Generals Office and expressed support for the bill. Obviously murder is a very grave and serious offense and those offenders who commit these types of crimes are dangerous to the community as long as they are out of law enforcement custody, Gemar said. And anybody who is an accessory to those types of crimes who assists those types of individuals in staying out of custody should be subject to greater penalties than accessories for other crimes. Cash Anderson, a Rapid City attorney and lobbyist for the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, spoke as the lone opponent to the bill. He said he empathized with the prior speakers and his testimony was not meant to diminish them. First, kind of an interesting note about this accessory statute. It might be the only statute we have where you can be guilty of being an accessory to the principal offense when it can be found that the principal offense never occurred, he said. Anderson also said people who are put into a situation where they act as an accessory can be trying to keep themselves from being further victimized. It is a scary situation, and I think people do odd things to avoid becoming next or becoming further a victim than what they already are, Anderson said. He also noted that there is a difference between someone who helps before a murder versus after. You have someone ... who thinks they might be doing something simply to help themselves, and we think the penalty as it is law probably provides for that, probably provides a deterrent and adequate punishment, Anderson said. In rebuttal, Roetzel said the law already allows for a person charged with accessory to a felony to use duress as a defense. In any situation where a murderer has caused someone to act under duress, that would be a defense that would be available to them at trial, she said. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed into law the first of five bills proposed by Attorney General Marty Jackley. Senate Bill 24 would increase the maximum user fee for a participant voluntarily agreeing to wear a drug patch under the 24/7 sobriety program. The new patches cost more than the current fee of $50 due to the increased cost of fentanyl testing. This proposal would raise the fee to no more than $70 for each drug patch that is attached, to be paid for by the participant. "In 2023, more than 10 pounds of fentanyl was seized in South Dakota resulting in 284 arrests. Testing of fentanyl will better protect the public, and the increased fee will be paid by the participants, not the taxpayers," Jackley said in a release. The other four bills from the AG's office have also passed both chambers and are awaiting possible signature by the governor. House Bill 1028 would classify Xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. Senate Bill 26 would clarify the membership of the five-member Open Meeting Commission to include Deputy States Attorneys. SB 27 would fix a statutory conflict concerning removal from the sex offender registry. SB 79 would revise various levels of child pornography crimes and includes the Attorney Generals Offices Senate Bill 25, which would make Artificial Intelligence-generated child pornography a crime. We thank the governor for signing our first bill into law, and we would ask for her continued support on the rest of our bills, said Jackley. We also want to thank the legislators for their bi-partisan support for our legislative package. A decade ago, Jon Swallow didnt know what to do or where to go. Kicked out of his housing arrangement with little income and a growing son, there were few options left in the place he called home. Swallow would end up sending his son away to live with his mother. In a desperate search for housing, he found stability and more than a decade of sobriety in what is currently the only homeless shelter in Ravalli County: Big Sky Christian Center. People need a way to pull themselves out of the pit, Swallow said. And for me, because this place was here, I was able to do that. Over the next seven years, he would get an associate's degree in computer support, a bachelors degree in media arts, finally graduating with a masters degree in computer science. At 53, his son is back living with him in a fourplex he moved into six months ago at Big Sky Christian Center. Next to a bookshelf of textbooks for classes he has taught at the University of Montana Bitterroot College is a picture of him and his son in Mississippi. Theyre in front of a camper they lived in for years on a farm there. It was a difficult journey to get where he is today, he said, and he now wants to help and teach others. This is really the first time weve had our own decent place together, Swallow said. Big Sky Christian Center has served as a private homeless shelter since 2011, in the process giving more than a thousand individuals a place to stay. Fifty-seven men, women, and children were staying at the centers property north of Hamilton as of Monday. The shelter has been at the center of rising homeless numbers across Montana and the Bitterroot Valley. From 2022 to 2023, the state has had the third-largest spike in homelessness in the nation with the homeless population increasing by 45% from 2022 to 2023, according to surveys conducted by social service providers. Surveyors counted 2,178 homeless people in Montana last year, the number not including those in campers with hookups. Big Sky Christian Center Operator Harris Himes started operating the center after previously lending his property to community organizations serving the homeless like Lighthouse of the Bitterroot. The property consists of four buildings, including former dormitories where missionaries were trained decades ago and the fourplex that Swallow resides in. People like Swallow contribute a monthly donation to Himes to stay at the center. Swallow said its significantly more affordable than rent would be for him elsewhere. A former marine and lawyer turned pastor, Himes, 82, said part of his religious calling is helping people in need. That includes the homeless population, he said. Homelessness is basically when all other avenues seem to be closed to you, whether it's earnings, whether it's family, whether it's drugs, whatever else there is, Himes said. And so, all of a sudden, you have no more resources available. Himes expects homelessness to grow exponentially in Ravalli County. He said places are being rented out at much more than current residents can afford. A 2022 survey of homelessness in Ravalli County found roughly a third of the 107 survey participants attributed their homelessness to their rental home being sold or rent raises becoming untenable for them. Additionally, most adult participants had full-time jobs. That indicates a lack of affordable housing relative to wages and salaries in Ravalli County, according to the Bitterroot Affordable Housing Coalition. Theres little in terms of homeless shelters available outside of the Big Sky Christian Center, with only one warming shelter available this winter. The City of Hamilton has also allocated $5,000 to the Human Resource Council to provide vouchers to some motels. Another organization, SAFE in the Bitterroot, is currently working on doubling the emergency shelter they offer by next fall to better meet community needs. Organized more than 35 years ago, their initial focus has expanded from emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic and sexual violence to people broadly in need of housing. Executive Director Stacey Umhey said in the past two years shes noticed a dramatic increase in the need for safe housing. Theres been an increase in population coupled with fewer available housing units, Umhey said, referring to Envision Hamilton, a growth document created by the city and other organizations. The document anticipates a need for 420 homes in the next decade to keep up with growth, with less than half that currently under construction or planned in the future. The plans note a growing number of community members living in campers and recreational vehicles year-round. In the past year, Himes has been approached by people about parking their campers at Big Sky Christian Center with no other place to go. He began accommodating them too, with roughly a dozen campers located in a corner of the property. The new arrivals have drawn the attention of both the Ravalli County Health Board and the Department of Environmental Quality. The DEQ sent Himes a notice last month about him potentially overwhelming the septic system on the property, which could taint nearby water supplies. Himes, yet to formally respond to the DEQs notice as of last week, said the state and the county havent accounted for unmapped septic systems on the property. Furthermore, he has already worked to address some of their concerns. He doesnt intend for the concerns to stop him from providing a place for them to park. I pray that we find a peaceful, amicable resolution to those concerns, Himes said. But for my part, I have to serve the Lord first, period. I will do the best I can to understand and honor their request, but I have my priorities. Himes said it's part of his duty as a Christian to offer these services and hopes he can be an example for other churches and Christians. Earlier that week, he visited someone who stayed at the shelter several years ago who told him the place had completely altered the direction of his life. People like Swallow and others make it well worth his time to continue the services, Hines said. "Every person that we've been able to help, regardless of how long that person stayed in the situation, is a success as far as what we're here to do and what I'm here to do, and that's to help people who need help," Himes said. Trapper Creek Job Corps has undergone some transitions and is need of employees, counselors and educators. TCJC Liaison Specialist Gary Mitchell said the teaching and training center has nearly 130 students and needs teachers, an office automation assistant, counselors, dorm staff, recreational staff and cooks. Weve had people retire, move on and were triaging but that is Forest Service, everybody moves up, Mitchell said. Out of 101 Job Corps in the United States, Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is one of 24 centers to offer free career training and on-the-job experiences for ages 16-24. The workforce ready options include nine trades in culinary arts, electrical, facilities maintenance, union carpentry, union masonry, union painting, welding, forestry conservation, firefighting and advanced firefighting. They can only do eight, Mitchell said. To take the advanced fire management and wildland firefighting they have to graduate from another Job Corps program. We want them to go to another Job Corps program so they experience a different forest. We often work hand in hand with another Job Corps in Colburn, Colorado. Well swap graduates. The Job Corps program allows students to start work in the field before they graduate from high school, and can help them take steps toward receiving their diploma. We help them get their high school equivalency [HiSet], Mitchell said. If they are a Montana resident with close to enough credits to graduate, we can get them the credits they need to get a high school diploma from their old high school. Some of those schools will allow them to walk in the graduation, which is really neat. Only two Job Corps programs remain in Montana, in Darby and in Anaconda. The Kicking Horse Job Corps near Ronan, a longtime Mission Valley tribal job-training program, closed in 2019. TCJC's goal is to teach students to be job-ready in the various two-year programs. Students can begin at age 16 or can continue after age 24 if enrolled before their 24th birthday. There are exceptions, Mitchell said. If there is an IEP or mental health issue, we can skip over that age limit too. TCJC students learn more than a trade. They build confidence, hone their abilities and skills and do community work including helping the Council on Aging, the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Downtown Association, the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, Ravalli County Museum, Habitat for Humanity and the Bitterroot Celtic Festival. Mitchell said Job Corps invests in the future by giving youth a path to success, preparing them to meet life head on. We teach them to do community work because the more you do for your community, the more they do for you, he said. We do so much. Later this month we will have a Community Relation Council meeting. Trapper Creek Camp was established in the 1930s as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and it became Job Corps in January of 1966. For further information or to apply for a job at Trapper Creek Job Corps visit online at trappercreek.jobcorps.gov or call 406-821-2103. President Yoon Suk Yeol's interview with KBS will air at 10 p.m. Wednesday in the form of a 100-minute mini documentary featuring close-up views of the inside of the presidential office, officials said. The interview, which is intended to mark the New Year, was filmed at the presidential office Sunday amid keen attention on what Yoon will say regarding allegations his wife, Kim Keon Hee, accepted a luxury handbag as a gift in 2022, after he took office. The piece will air on KBS 1TV under the title "KBS Special Interview: Inside the Presidential Office," the public broadcaster said on its website Tuesday. The interview was hosted by KBS news anchor Park Jang-beom. Pressure has mounted on Yoon to address the allegations surrounding the first lady, even as his office has maintained the gift was given by a Korean American pastor as part of a premeditated hidden camera trap. The issue has threatened to hurt the chances of the ruling party ahead of the April 10 parliamentary elections, while Kim has stayed out of the public eye since returning with her husband from a visit to the Netherlands in December 2023. Presidential officials said Yoon spoke candidly during the interview without the use of notes or a teleprompter. In addition to the first lady issue, Yoon also spoke about his plans for his third year in office, including in the political, economic and foreign policy spheres, and addressed his recent reported clash with ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon over candidate nominations for the upcoming elections. The program will feature Yoon giving a tour of the presidential office building, including his office, the Cabinet meeting room and a hall displaying the portraits of former presidents, to help the public better understand the functions and work of the presidential office, which Yoon relocated to its current location in Yongsan under a campaign pledge to draw closer to the people. (Yonhap) A Hamilton woman is being held on a $200,000 bond after being accused of attempted deliberate homicide. Montana Jane Wisniewski Getz, 34, of Hamilton, was charged in Ravalli County Justice Court on Monday, Feb. 5 with attempted deliberate homicide and criminal endangerment, both felonies. According to court documents, the Ravalli County 911 center received a phone call a little after midnight on Feb. 4 from Getz, stating that she had been attacked by her husband, that she had shot him three times, and that he jumped out of the second floor window of their home. Deputies from the Ravalli County Sherriffs Office responded and found Getz located in an upstairs bedroom of the couples home. The door to the bedroom was padlocked closed from the inside. Getz told deputies she had lost the key. Deputies forced the door open and found Getz sitting on the bed holding her 2-year-old child. Deputies noted that both had a significant amount of blood on their clothing. There was reportedly a trail of blood across the room and around the window the man jumped from. Getz identified a revolver with blood on its barrel as the firearm she used to shoot her husband, according to court documents. Getz told officers that she and her husband had been arguing, and she had taken his phone. She reportedly told police that her husband was holding the child and that she pointed the gun at him and told him to put the 2 year old down. Getz reportedly told officers that when the man put the child on the floor, she shot him in the neck. She then said that he charged her and knocked her to the ground and he then crawled out of the window. She reportedly told officers that during the altercation she shot him two additional times. A Ravalli County sheriff's deputy located the injured man at a neighbors house where he administered first aid. The man initially asked the deputy for help to get away, as he was scared his wife was going to come kill him. The man reported that he had been estranged from his wife for more than a month, but she had contacted him the day before to try to make things work. He said he came home, but that an argument eventually began in the upstairs bedroom. The man said that Getz locked the door with a padlock so they couldnt get out. He said he was holding the couples 2-year-old child when Getz pointed the hand gun at him and told him to put the baby down, at which time she allegedly shot him in the neck, court documents say. He said that he fell to the floor and placed his finger in the wound to stop the bleeding. He reported that he jumped out of the window when Getz continued to fire at him. He then ran to a neighbors house for help. Officers obtained still images from a nearby game camera outside. One picture allegedly shows the man leaping from the second-floor window. A second image reportedly shows the man on the ground with Getz leaning out the window pointing a gun at the man. During an interview with detectives after her arrest, Getz reportedly told officers that she freaked out and panicked and that she had misrepresented herself to deputies. She reportedly told deputies that she didnt want to call 911, because, I was hoping, maybe he would just, like, die. The man was examined at Bitterroot Health Emergency Department where his identified injuries included gunshots to the neck, chest and groin area. Bond was set at $200,000. Nava Thakuria Guwahati: Ancient wisdom views human beings as an integral part of the natural ecosystem, rather than its masters and this it advocates for equitable human progress achieved in harmony with ecology, said Dibrugarh Declaration 2024, adopted on the concluding day of 8th International Conference and Gathering of the Elders of Ancient Traditions. Organised by the International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS) at Dibrugarh in northeast India, the conference (28 January to 1 February) witnessed the participation of 125 foreign delegates from 33 countries representing their ancient traditional wisdom, where they highlighted three major agendas namely reviving traditions, ecological knowledge and collaborative governance. "Humanity has experienced remarkable advancements in the past century, thanks to modern science & technology. The fulfillment of material needs and creation of comforts for a significant portion of the population are undeniable achievements. However, growing economic disparity, escalating mental health issues, and the alarmingly increasing levels of environmental degradation pose significant challenges," said the important declaration, adding that recognizing the positive aspects of achieved material progress, the gathering pointed out that a predominantly human-centric development leads to the imbalance. The declaration emphasized on promoting an ecofriendly lifestyle, prioritizing the well-being of both humanity and the environment by the children of Mother Earth. It also recognized an urgent need for the practitioners of all ancient traditions to be more effectively organized. With the blessings of the ancestors and guidance from the elders, it's believed that a selfless, transparent, and accountable social leadership can emerge. To achieve this, a robust mechanism for consensus-based decision making and conflict resolution should be established, stated the declaration insisting on an urgent need to revive and promote the ancient traditions in all corners of the world. Moreover, the idea of shared sustainable prosperity should be promoted for the well-being of humanity and ecology, said the declaration, adding that initiatives should be taken to conduct community programs promoting compassion, patience, and ethical conduct. Moreover, documenting oral traditions and recognising the ancient knowledge systems, the human race should be encouraged to engage in responsible production and consumption with equitable distribution of resources. It also advocated the individuals pursuing ancient traditions to interact more and understand each other in a better way as well network, cooperate, and collaborate on common larger issues. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, while addressing the valedictory function, also commented that sustainable development can be ensured only through sustainable consumption. While the prosperity should be shared equitably, the earning and distribution remain the core philosophy in every society, governed by the ancient wisdom, asserted Hosabale, adding that the ancient traditions are the only ones on the planet to have recognized feminine divinity and these traditions emphasise family values and sustainable living in a common way of life. Highlighting on the sustainable prosperity, he also asserted that it must not happen at the cost of Mother Earth's exploitation. Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, who was also present on the occasion, revealed that his State has 26 tribes who are lived in harmony for centuries. The saffron leader declared that preservation and promotion of indigenous culture remains the policy of his government and it inspired the authority to establish three Gurukuls to preserve the indigenous tribal traditions. His deputy Chowna Mein informed that the government has already increased the budget for development and preservation of cultural traditions. Admiring the indigenous peoples for preserving the environment and ecology, he highlighted the initiative to revive the system of tribal priests in the State. Earlier addressing the inaugural session, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat insisted on conserving the environment, culture and ancient faiths for the benefit of the human race. Bhagwat noted that many theories and isms came up from individualism which didn't consider society important to communism that considered society as supreme, but with no space for individual bliss and social peace. All theories necessarily focused on material prosperity, he stated, adding that religions evolved to find out solutions also failed. He also pointed out that the United Nations in 1951 talked about scrapping of ancient philosophies and disintegration of ancient social institutions for economic progress but in 2013, the same UN admitted that integration of culture into development policies was necessary for a sustainable global development. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in his speech informed that his government had formed a separate department for preserving, promoting and nurturing indigenous faiths. In presence of Shashi Bala, president of ICCS-Bharat, a new academic and research journal focusing on history, anthropology and governance was also launched. A souvenir with insightful articles and highlights of earlier conferences was also released. On the inaugural day, a splendid procession with the delegates from various countries with traditional attires along with devotional dances by the tribes of north-eastern region passed through the streets of eastern Assam town to mesmerise the onlookers. The main program began with lighting of auspicious lamps, followed by religious prayers of eight representatives of ancient faiths from seven continents. By Declan Magee and Agnes Surry COP28 finished with new initiatives for promoting climate adaptation, some hope, and many questions. Similarly, the climate emergency continues to present many uncertainties. One certainty is that adaptation to climate change is and will continue to be necessary. UNEPs Emissions Gap Report 2023 projects the increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to be 3%, based on current policies, while it was 16% at the time of the Paris Agreements adoption in 2015 (UNEP 2023a). While this is good news, the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions still need to decrease by 28% and 42% to achieve 2C and 1.5C global average temperature increases, respectively. Current plans reflected in the nationally determined contributions are putting us on a path toward 2.4C2.6C by the end of the century. Therefore, even if mitigation actions intensify, the global climate is very likely to continue to change. Climate adaptation refers to economic and social adjustments to the current and future effects of climate change. It is meant to minimize the losses and maximize the opportunities from climate change. Evidence shows that economic development reduces climate vulnerability, and reducing climate vulnerability facilitates economic development. Indeed, emerging and low-income countries are, in general, more exposed to climate risks than advanced ones, suggesting that while adaptation to climate change is important for all countries, it is particularly needed in emerging and developing ones. Additionally, higher incomes are associated with higher adaptive capacity. Despite this relationship showing a positive correlation between reduced climate vulnerability and economic development, the Adaptation Gap Report 2023 (UNEP 2023b) highlights that progress on adaptation is slowing across finance, planning, and implementation. Instead, it should be accelerating rapidly on those three fronts. The report also states that adaptation finance needs in developing countries are 1018 times greater than current international public adaptation finance flowsat least 50% higher than previously estimated. From 2015 to 2022, in Asia and the Pacific, losses from climate-related natural disasters rose to reach $400 billion, with 800 million people affected. In such a context, domestic resources mobilization and fiscal policies to bridge the adaptation finance gap and build economies and societies that are climate resilient are critical. Against this background, fiscal policies include a broad range of tools and actions, from government spending to directly prioritize adaptation programs, to taxes, which incentivize key stakeholders in supporting adaptation strategies. However, fiscal space in Asia and the Pacific is constrained as many countries are facing more challenging borrowing conditions. Climate change has to be mainstreamed into the core of fiscal policymaking The size of the investments needed is such that adaptation to climate change cannot be a simple add-on to fiscal policy. To create fiscal space, climate change has to be mainstreamed through three main actions (Asian Development Bank 2023): Improving fiscal risk assessment involves identifying, assessing, and disclosing the impact of climate and disaster risks on fiscal sustainability through four main impact channels: (i) macroeconomic shocks (sectoral shocks, commodity shocks, infrastructure disruption, and financial sector risks), (ii) implicit/explicit liabilities (reconstruction costs, state-owned enterprises, and publicprivate partnership liabilities), (iii) adaptation needs (infrastructure resilience and sectoral resilience), and (iv) public services (poverty, public health, and education). For instance, the Philippines publishes an annual fiscal risk statement that includes a section on the impact of climate disasters and refers to ongoing funding and management initiatives to address these impacts. Policy makers should conduct multi-hazard climate and disaster risk assessments to analyze the average annual losses from disasters, including those magnified by climate change. These will provide inputs for estimating the costs and benefits of investing in resilience and adaptation, inform investment decisions, and provide guidance on how to mitigate risk (through engineering design) or transfer risk (through insurance). Strengthening fiscal risk management can be used to improve risk assignment, which is key to identifying who is responsible for the risk and management, and ensure targeted investment is implemented to better manage climate and disaster-related fiscal risks through better preparedness, risk reduction, and risk transfer. For instance, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal have developed climate budgeting systems to help tag climate-related investments. Policy makers should integrate climate risk management into their public investment management systems to identify, align, and prioritize investment in climate action. Optimizing resource allocation, finance, and investment allows fiscal policies to mobilize more domestic resources and leverage private finance for investment in climate action. This includes well-known tools, such as carbon taxes to generate revenue to support investment in low-carbon and climate-resilient activities, the phasing out of subsidies that support fossil fuels, and the redesign of sovereign funds. For instance, Mongolia is considering allocating a portion of its fund to invest in green bonds. These actions can be complemented by innovative ways to create fiscal space, such as resilient bonds to mobilize finance for investment in climate actions; special purpose vehicles to pool funds from multiple sources to support private investment in adaptation, including de-risking private investment in climate action and providing concessional capital; and debt-for-climate or debt-for-nature instruments to enable investment in climate actions. For example, in Ecuador, a debt-for-nature conversion (a $656 million sustainability-linked loan) helped support the effective management of 60,000 square kilometers of marine reserve in the Galapagos, generating $459 million in conservation savings and $1.1 billion in fiscal savings to invest in adaptation. Another example is in the Philippines, which mobilized resources and promoted smart actions leading to the development of a targeted financing mechanism, the Peoples Survival Fund, to provide grants in order to mainstream adaptation from the national government to local government units and build resilience at all levels of the economy and society. How should policy makers prioritize their actions? Overall, policy makers should consider this broad range of instruments to build more climate-adapted economies, but how can they select the best options tailored for their countries? All countries need to adapt, and their benefits will be the highest if adaptation is holistically integrated into countries development plans. In order to implement a structured approach, policy makers should consider three main areas of intervention (International Monetary Fund 2022). Investing in or subsidizing adaptations that have positive externalities. Being selective is important, and such a prioritization is justified by the fact that private actors under-invest in these adaptation solutions because the benefits generated take time to materialize and affect a broad range of stakeholders. Infrastructure investment, early warning systems, and research and development supporting new adaptation technologies are relevant examples. Removing barriers to private investment. This type of action includes removing financial and nonfinancial barriers to private investment, such as counterproductive subsidies, creating carbon pricing frameworks, and supporting knowledge production and dissemination, as well as capacity development for climate risk and adaptation solutions. Designing redistribution policies. This action is critical to deal with equity issues arising from climate change or from adaptation policy itself. For instance, a sound and fair compensation plan should be implemented to offset a population leaving an area vulnerable to sea level rise following the development of a new local urban plan. While economies the world over suffered, slowed, and effectively stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fraud economy flourished. Experts estimated that the annual global cost of fraud in 2020 would total just over $5 trillion USDthat's more than the gross domestic product of most countries. But those were pre-pandemic estimates, derived under pre-pandemic conditions and an old normal. Experts believe the actual total in our new COVID-concurrent reality is much higher. In some areas around the world, rates of fraud rose by nearly 20%. The fraud economy, like any other, is vast, complex, and full of skilled operators who drive it. Cybercrime is a major contributor to the fraud economy, with e-commerce fraud as an offshoot. In the first year of the pandemic, e-commerce sales in the U.S. rose by more than 32%, totaling $791.7 billion as businesses and consumers turned to online shopping amid lockdowns, social distancing restrictions, brick-and-mortar closures, and illness anxiety. But where there is prosperity earned honestly, there is also opportunity for bad actors to cash in. Wicked Reports broke down state-by-state 2020 data (including Washington D.C.) from the FBIs Internet Crime Complaints Center to determine the states most harmed by non-payment and non-delivery scams in e-commerce, ranked by losses per victim. Population data as of July 1, 2021 was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau to estimate victims per 100,000 citizens for each state. Interestingly, the top five states most impacted by these scams were neither the states that shop online the mostwhich could have made them statistically more likely to be affectednor were they the states that online shop the least, which could have indicated a lack of familiarity with e-commerce best practices. Vigilance and a healthy bit of skepticism can be your greatest asset in protecting your information online, particularly in e-commerce settings. If a website looks suspicious or a deal looks too good to be true, walk away. Or at least take time to vet it thoroughly. E-commerce fraud is projected to grow by 105% by 2025. Read on to see how your state has fared in the midst of rampant e-commerce scams or check out the national story here. Virginia by the numbers - Losses per victim: $1,369 (38% lower than the national average) - Victims per 100,000 citizens: 34 (#4 highest among all states) - Total monetary loss: $4,080,951 (#12 highest among all states) More than 60% of internet users in the U.S. have experienced cybercrime. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaints Center (IC3), the five most reported cybercrimes are phishing, non-payment/non-delivery, extortion, personal data breach, and identity theft. People over the age of 60 are most likely to be targets of and fall victim to cybercrime. In 2020 alone, this segment of the population lost more than $966 million to online fraud. Non-payment and non-delivery fraud was the second most widely reported type of cybercrime in 2020. According to the FBI, in non-delivery situations, where the victim is the buyer, payment is sent but goods and services are never received. In non-payment scams where the victim is the seller, items or services are sent, but payment is never received. These types of scams rose by 76% from 2019 to 2020. Just under 100,000 Americans were impacted by this type of e-commerce crime and collectively lost $217 million. Keep reading to see which states were most and least affected by e-commerce scams. States most affected by e-commerce scams #1. Iowa: $4,858 losses per victim (121% higher than the national average) #2. Georgia: $4,431 losses per victim (101% higher than the national average) #3. Utah: $3,713 losses per victim (69% higher than the national average) States least affected by e-commerce scams #1. Washington D.C.: $691 losses per victim (69% lower than the national average) #2. Kansas: $980 losses per victim (56% lower than the national average) #3. Kentucky: $1,085 losses per victim (51% lower than the national average) A Martinsville doctor who was sentenced to 40 years in prison after prescribing more than half a million doses of highly addictive opioids in two years has been granted a new trial by a federal appeals court that found the instructions given to jurors at his trial misstated the law. Prosecutors said during his trial that patients from five states drove hundreds of miles to see him to get prescriptions for oxycodone, fentanyl and other powerful painkillers. Authorities said Smithers headed a drug distribution ring that contributed to the opioid abuse crisis in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. In a ruling issued Friday, a three-judge panel of the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated Smithers convictions and ordered a new trial. Jurors at Smithers trial were instructed that in order to find Smithers guilty of illegally prescribing drugs, they must find that he did so without a legitimate medical purpose or beyond the bounds of medical practice. But the appeals court found that that jury instruction was improper, citing a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said a defendant must knowingly or intentionally act in an unauthorized manner to be guilty of that charge. Even though the jury convicted Smithers in 2019, his case was subject to the 2022 Supreme Court decision because his appeal was still pending when that ruling was issued. Justice Roger Gregory, who wrote the 3-0 opinion for the 4th Circuit panel, cited Smithers testimony at his trial, when he said almost all of his patients had had significant car or workplace accidents and that he believed there was a legitimate medical purpose for each of the prescriptions he wrote. Gregory wrote that even though a jury might very well not have believed Smithers testimony that he acted with a legitimate medical purpose, the defense provided evidence that could have led to a finding of not guilty on each of the unlawful distribution charges against Smithers. In sum, because there was evidence upon which a jury could have reached a contrary finding, the instructional errors were not harmless, Gregory wrote. Virginia Office of EMS has not paid bills on time for five years An office that has misspent $33 million stopped making on-time payments to VCU Health five years ago. But no one in charge seemed to notice. During Smithers trial, a receptionist testified that patients would wait up to 12 hours to see Smithers, who sometimes kept his office open past midnight. Smithers did not accept insurance and took in close to $700,000 in cash and credit card payments over two years, prosecutors said. We understand the 4th circuit decision following a recent change in the law and look forward to retrying the defendant, U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh said in a statement Monday. Beau Brindley, an attorney for Smithers, did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment on the ruling. Sixteen Republican U.S. senators are seeking further answers from the FBI about a since-withdrawn memo from its Richmond office on potential investigation of radical traditional Catholics. In a Jan. 31 letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, the senators assert that the bureau improperly deleted records related to the memo, impeded an internal review of the document, and misrepresented its origin in testimony to Congress. We are writing about the FBIs failure to provide information requested by members relating to the now infamous Richmond memo while misleading this body with what little information it did provide, the senators write. We recently also learned that the FBI permanently deleted critical records related to the memo, and one of the authors of the Richmond memo prepared a second, external report in coordination with headquarters that was intended to be circulated outside the Richmond office to the full FBI. This information further calls into question your sworn testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on July 12, 2023, and the integrity of the FBIs internal review. The FBI must immediately provide a coherent and complete response to the Senate. In a statement on Monday, the FBI said: Any characterization that the FBI is targeting Catholics is false. As the FBI has stated many times, the intelligence product did not meet our exacting standards and was quickly removed from FBI systems. The Director, Wray, was accurate when he testified that the intelligence product was produced by one field office and that the authors included a couple of sentences referring to cases from other offices. An internal review conducted by the FBI found no malicious intent to target Catholics or members of any other religious faith, and did not identify any investigative steps taken as a result of the product. Republicans have been looking into the FBI memos origins for the last year. The leaked January 2023 memo from the Richmond field office said in part that FBI Richmond assesses the increasingly observed interest of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists in radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology almost certainly presents opportunities for threat mitigation through the exploration of new avenues for tripwire and source development. In a footnote, the FBI analyst asserted that Radical-traditionalist Catholics compose a small minority of overall Roman Catholic adherents and are separate and distinct from traditionalist Catholics who prefer the Traditional Latin Mass and pre-Vatican II teachings and traditions, but without the more extremist ideological beliefs and violent rhetoric. In a February 2023 statement after news of the document became public, Bishop Barry Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond said in a statement: The leaked document should be troubling and offensive to all communities of faith, as well as all Americans. Last August, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, head of the House Judiciary Committee, and then-Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., chair of the subcommittee on the constitution and limited government, wrote to Wray that they had learned the FBI relied on information from field offices in additional cities in preparing the memo. Johnson is now speaker of the House. Recognize this? 114 photos of Richmond's restaurant past Should incarcerated people who have served a substantial portion of their sentences and maintained good behavior in prison be allowed to have their sentences modified? Some Virginia lawmakers, criminal justice reform advocates, former prisoners and some victims of crime say yes. Theyre hoping the governor will, too. But first, legislation would have to clear Virginias House of Delegates and Senate. So far, House Bill 834 and Senate Bill 427 are advancing through committees. While current state law allows people to have their sentences reduced through a good conduct allowance, the bills would allow people the possibility to have unserved time suspended. A judge would determine whether the sentence should be modified. Dubbed second look bills, the proposals would allow petitioners to seek reconsideration of their sentences after they have served 15, 20 or 25 years of their terms, depending on their crimes. Petitioners would also be limited to filing only twice, with three years in between their attempts. If a judge determines a petition lacks merit, the inmates bid could be dismissed in chambers rather than continuing the process. In those instances, no hearing is held and notifications are not made to the commonwealth or to the victim, said Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, who has the Senate version of the bill. (Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, is carrying the House version.) Deeds said this would spare victims from being contacted if they do not need to be as victims would otherwise be contacted and involved in hearings for cases. Its a notion that interests Del. Wren Williams, R-Patrick. Though he abstained from voting in favor of advancing Cousins bill in a subcommittee last week, hes not going to stop listening as the bills potentially come before the full House. Williams said he would like to find a balance between the individuals who are getting a second look and protecting the sort of mental and emotional state of the victims. This is the third time the legislature has considered the idea. It passed the Senate last year with bipartisan support before being voted down in a then-GOP-controlled House committee. Williams was among those to vote it down last year. Democrats now control the House and Senate. The matter of being contacted at all in relevant cases has garnered pushback from some victims and family members, who said it would be re-traumatizing. A handful of people gave tearful or steadfast testimony against the Deeds and Cousins bills over the past week. Michael Grey shared how his son Joshua was murdered when trying to sell a cellphone through an app. Joshua Grey was 23 when he was fatally shot in 2018 while trying to sell an iPhone at a convenience store in Richmonds East End. Kirsten Hubbard (who was carjacked and raped in Maryland 30 years ago) said she likens coping with the trauma to serving her own life sentence. Paige OShaugnnessy, whose husband was murdered over 20 years ago, does not believe people who committed violent crimes should be released. Her husband, Tim OShaughnessy, was killed in 2000 by an ex-employee he had terminated, according to WAVY-TV in Norfolk. Why have a justice system if were gonna circumvent these decisions and let (convicted criminals) get out of jail, Grey said Monday. Former prisoners who spoke in favor of the proposal said they are examples of how people can reform themselves. Taylor Paul and Troy Ketchmore have each established organizations aimed at helping reduce crime or recidivism after they have served time themselves. I am living proof that if you qualify yourself, you can come home and be productive, Ketchmore said. If you dont qualify yourself, we wont even be worrying about this. Sheba Williams has experience on both sides of the issue. She said she and members of her family have been victims of crime. As the director of the nonprofit organization Nolef Turns, she helps formerly incarcerated people and their families navigate their lives after release. She supports the bill. Emotions have run high during the testimony from those in favor and opposition of the bills. During the Jan. 31 meeting where Cousins bill was reviewed, the first few speakers ran over the collective time limit. The committee went at ease for a few minutes as some delegates chatted individually with attendees. By the Feb. 5 meeting where Deeds bill was up for a vote, some of the same people came to continue to have their say. Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, has continued to support the bill each year along with conservative group Americans For Prosperity. Im a believer that people can be redeemed and rehabilitated, Coyner said at a news conference for the bills last month. While Williams keeps his eye on the bill, he said we should incentivize hope and rehabilitation. Del. A.C. Cordoza, R-Hampton, also expressed interest in the bill. But he voted against the Cousins bill in subcommittee, saying he does not think it adequately addresses victims of violent crimes just yet. With both proposals before the finance committees for each chamber, they will continue to be under review. I am open-minded about the process, Deeds said. We will just have to see what is proposed. Today in history: Feb. 5 1937: Franklin D. Roosevelt 1971: Apollo 14 1983: Klaus Barbie 1993: Family and Medical Leave Act 2008: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi 2012: New York Giants 2014: CVS 2017: The New England Patriots 2018: Jerome Powell 2020: Impeachment 2023: Beyonce 2012: New York Giants 2017: The New England Patriots 2020: Impeachment The General Assembly has effectively killed legislation to enact Gov. Glenn Youngkins proposed tax plan this year, leaving the governors last hope with the budget he introduced in December. The Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee on Tuesday carried over the tax plan until next year to allow study by a joint subcommittee on tax policy. That panel faces a growing agenda as the General Assembly defers action on major changes proposed to the state tax code in the face of slowing revenue growth and an uncertain economy. The committee voted 14-1 to carry over Senate Bill 632, with only its sponsor, Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George, voting no. A subcommittee had made the same recommendation unanimously last week. Separately, the committee approved legislation to add Petersburg to the list of localities that can host a casino, while removing Richmond, where voters have rejected a proposed $560 million casino twice. The panel also carried over a hotly debated bill that would have allowed a casino in the Tysons Corner area of Fairfax County until next year, as well as legislation to allow betting on Virginia collegiate sports. A House Finance subcommittee carried over the governors tax proposal on Monday for study over the next year, along with a proposed state child tax credit sought by progressive advocacy groups and proposals to add a tax bracket for high earners to make Virginias outdated tax code fairer to people with lower incomes. In the House of Delegates, subcommittees have power to dispose of legislation, unlike in the Senate, where they make recommendations to their full committees. Youngkin is not giving up. Virginia must compete and that means we need to continue to reduce the overall tax burden of hardworking Virginians and put the Commonwealth in a stronger position to compete for jobs and residents, spokesman Christian Martinez said Tuesday. Governor Youngkin looks forward to continuing this work with members of the General Assembly on commonsense tax reform to lower the cost of living across the Commonwealth. Tax plan could face same fate in budget Youngkins tax package is likely to face the same fate in the budget, as the Democratic-controlled money committees prepare to release their revised versions of the spending plan on Feb. 18. The governor proposed on Dec. 20 to cut income tax rates, raise the sales tax and broaden its application to digital services. The plan would reduce state revenues by $1 billion in the next two-year budget, which Democrats say would prevent necessary investments in public education and other vital priorities. The assembly is still considering legislation carried by Senate Finance Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, to apply the sales tax to a range of digital services. The House Finance subcommittee on Monday carry over legislation until next year legislation that Finance Chair Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax, had introduced to apply the sales tax more broadly to a range of services to begin reducing Virginias reliance on income taxes for 70% of its revenues. The Senate and House actions set the stage for a vigorous debate over the next year on whether and how to make the states tax code more progressive, basing tax rates more on ability to pay, or whether to go in the other direction, as Youngkin advocates, to make Virginia more attractive to the higher income earners, who he said are leaving the state for North Carolina and other states that have been reducing their individual and corporate tax rates to attract business. Virginia needs more taxpayers, not more taxes, said Del. Buddy Fowler, R-Hanover, who introduced House Bill 1281 to put Youngkins tax plan into law. Proponents: Tax plan would help Virginia compete Secretary of Finance Steve Cummings said Virginia has been losing residents, their income and tax revenues to lower-tax states for more a decade. We have a leaky bucket, Cummings said. Youngkins proposal received support from a group of taxpayer advocates and economists. They agreed with Youngkin that Virginia needs to lower taxes to become more competitive with southeastern states that either have no income tax or have flattened it so that most taxpayers pay the same rate, regardless of income. Virginia last changed its four income tax brackets in 1990. Chris Braunlich, senior adviser and past president of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, illustrated the need for change by displaying a cellphone that was in use when Virginia last adjusted the tax brackets more than three decades ago. Without reform, Virginia faces declining revenues in the future, Braunlich told the House Finance subcommittee on Monday. Robert McNab, an economist who serves as director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at Old Dominion University, said, This is not a regressive change to the tax system it is mildly progressive. Opponents: Rich would benefit, poorest would pay more Progressive advocacy groups disagreed, saying that the proposed 12% cut in income tax rates would disproportionately benefit the wealthiest taxpayers, while the proposed 0.9% increase in the sales tax would consume a larger proportion of income for the poorest households, which would pay more overall. Watts, one of the assemblys strongest advocates for a more progressive tax code, said a 12% cut in the top rate of 5.75% would save more than twice as much as the same cut in the lowest rate of 2%. Youngkins proposal to raise the sales tax from 5.3% to 6.2% before additional regional or local sales taxes is not modest, she said. A 2022 study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found that failure to update Virginias income tax brackets has steadily reduced progressivity over time. The resulting bracket creep meant families earning a median income of $30,000 constituted 47% of taxpayers in the highest bracket in 2021, the study found. The study recommended 10 options, from increasing the refundable portion of the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income working families to creating a new bracket for people earning more than $1 million to be taxed at 10%. The House subcommittee carried over bills that would have implemented both of those options, as well as a proposal by Watts to create a new bracket for people earning more than $600,000 a year to be taxed at a 7% rate. The House subcommittee also carried over proposals to create a state child tax credit, reinstate the estate tax, remove the expiration date on increases in the standard deduction that the assembly has approved in the last two years, create a state tax credit for family caregivers and increase the housing opportunity tax credit. A separate House Finance subcommittee also killed a bill to fully eliminate the local car tax, as Youngkin had advocated in his budget speech in December without proposing a plan to do it. 7 bills to watch in the upcoming Virginia legislative session Raising minimum wage Mental health support Attempts to reverse Clean Car Act Gun laws Rights restoration Reproductive rights Until recently, issues that dominated state legislatures such as Virginias were largely provincial in nature. In Richmond, for instance, marquee bills that dominated public debate were about statewide matters: a poor mental health care system; how to expand and improve the commonwealths outmoded and gridlocked roads (and pay for them); cutting the car tax; and invariably what to include and exclude from the ever-growing state budget. Look at whats making waves now around Capitol Square. They are issues that headline the 2024 campaigns for control of Congress and the White House, contests that already project a sense of desperation. Abortion has been an unrelenting flashpoint since June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 49-year-old Roe v. Wade ruling that protected womens right to have abortions. The Dobbs decision pushed the question of reproductive rights back to the statehouses. Virginia, thanks to its divided government, is the only Southern state that has not banned or severely restricted abortion access in the 19 months since. This year, narrow Democratic majorities in Virginias House of Delegates and Senate are advancing abortion-rights bills including a prohibition against extraditing women who travel to Virginia for abortions back to states that outlaw abortion where they would face prosecution. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who disastrously shackled GOP legislative candidates to proposed abortion restrictions last fall, could veto the bill and make it hold because Democrats are well short of the two-thirds majorities necessary to override it. Conversely, Republican-backed abortion restrictions wont survive Democratic-controlled legislative committees. Abortion is a viscerally potent motivator in both parties, but it has paid big dividends for Democrats. Where abortion access appears on statewide ballots, it has prevailed, including GOP strongholds of Kansas and Ohio. In November, it helped Virginia Democrats retain control of the Senate and take the House from the GOP. Democrats are expected to reverse Youngkins actions to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a coalition of states trying to cut carbon emissions into the atmosphere. That invites a veto. There are bills that make it harder to buy and modify firearms and bills that make that easier. Gun rights bills are dying in Democratic-run House and Senate committees. Republican-sponsored election integrity bills, including those that tighten voting requirements to require government-issued photo identification and truncate the states 45-day early voting period, wont reach floor votes. Americans will hear echoes of all those intractable, emotionally charged issues from their statehouses and from candidates all year. Politics have become so tribal in the past decade that regional, local and national differentiators within both major parties have all but vanished. At every level, parties have aligned behind these polarized national agendas and party-line voters are falling in line behind candidates who advance them. Numerous factors contribute to todays us-versus-them dynamic. Societal striations have sharpened, economically between the haves and have-nots and educationally between those with college degrees and those who lack them. Those perceptions are particularly keen among white voters who feel increasingly marginalized by burgeoning nonwhite populations. Throughout history, populists with authoritarian aims have leveraged such conditions to lock in militant followers, raise vast sums of money and take power. Other factors exacerbate the divides and harden entrenched attitudes. In most states, political parties dominate the process of drawing lines for legislative and congressional districts. That means the legislative majority party can maximize its number of favorable districts and minimize the number of districts that favor the opposing party. In districts where winning a primary is tantamount to being elected, candidates appeal to their partys most ideologically strident members who dominate nomination contests. After generations of politically driven redistricting, Virginia turned to a new bipartisan commission to redraw its lines in 2021. When the commission failed to reach an agreement, the state Supreme Court drew new district maps without regard to party or incumbency. A radically dispersed media landscape is also partly to blame. As legacy media have withered, the digital age has given rise to countless micro-channels of information that allow people to silo themselves into ideological echo chambers that magnify their fears, biases and paranoias and rarely expose them to alternative viewpoints. Even local news organizations nationalize much of their coverage. Many of them have also learned how to monetize hyper-partisan news and commentary, amplifying the stakes of the zero-sum game politics has become. You may wonder if there are other important issues. There are. But they dont drive turnout in pivotal elections the way divisive national issues do. From the Archives: The Capitol Hotel By Arthur I. Cyr On Jan. 25, Turkey at last approved membership for Sweden in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). This is an historic step, in several important respects. Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the resulting bloody war, have provided incentive for previously neutral Finland and Sweden to join this alliance. Ankaras strong objections to Sweden, related to providing a haven for Turkish extremists, were finally overcome. Last July, President Joe Biden attended the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The last stop on the itinerary was new NATO member Finland. In World War II, Finlands military fought much larger Soviet forces to a draw. NATO is a remarkably durable alliance. Nations led by the United States and Britain signed the NATO treaty in Washington D.C. in April 1949. By contrast, alliances lasted on average only five years during the long Napoleonic wars of two centuries ago. Our present alliance began in direct response to Soviet expansionism during and after World War II. By 1949, the Cold War was on. Today, the organization pursues various diverse missions, including humanitarian relief. The collapse of Eastern Europe's communist regimes, followed by the Soviet Union, ended the Cold War, but not conflict in Europe. In 2008, Russian troops invaded a portion of Georgia, following an attack by Georgian troops on South Ossetia. Russia encouraged and fostered these breakaway efforts. In 2014, Russia intervened in eastern Ukraine and annexed the territory of Crimea. The conclusion of the Cold War was a great victory for the policy of restrained deterrence, termed containment. Every United States president from Harry Truman, when the Cold War commenced, to George H.W. Bush when that conflict ended, supported this foundational security policy. NATO has endured for various reasons. Bureaucracies seek self-perpetuation, and modern militaries represent potent political lobbies. However, the strategic realities of a now dangerously aggressive, expansionist Russia under President Vladimir Putin is the most important incentive and has reenergized the alliance. Putin continually probes for ways to separate allies from the U.S. Also present is the danger of renewed violence among ethnic groups in Southeastern Europe. NATO today has a range of missions including but going beyond self-defense narrowly defined. Forces have operated well beyond the North Atlantic region, including notably in Afghanistan. Humanitarian work has included transport and other support missions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This in turn opens the door to a range of positive and productive activities beyond traditional military defense and security. With further expansion of economic development in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and more widely, demand for better education, health care and related humanitarian activities also will grow. This could lead to further development of the alliances capacities and involvement beyond purely military dimensions. Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member nation is an attack on all. The 9/11 terrorist strikes on New York and Washington D.C., and in the sky over Pennsylvania, triggered this clause, for the first time. After the final defeat of Napoleon, Britain spearheaded cooperation among Europes nations to keep the peace. This encouraged stability on the continent for a century. Today, NATO performs roughly the same strategic role. Britains sustained support for NATO, and special rapport with the United States, provide interesting leadership opportunities. This could counterbalance the political acrimony resulting from the nations departure from the European Union. Britains intelligence and military experience and capabilities are durable and effective. Arthur I. Cyr (acyr@carthage.edu) is author of After the Cold War (Palgrave/Macmillan and NYU Press). PDC tourist paddleboarding in strong winds found 10 kilometers from starting point Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Navy personnel rescued a 37 year old woman Monday after being dragged out to sea. Despite the near hurricane strength winds, the area tourist from Guadalajara entered the water with the intention of paddleboarding. The woman entered the water at Playa Gaviotas in central Playa del Carmen and was quickly pushed out to sea. She was fortunate in that she had her cell phone with her and was able to call for help. A search involving the Navy, Civil Protection and the Security Secretariat of Solidaridad began for the woman around 1:15 p.m. tracking her phones GPS as she was pushed by the winds and dragged by currents. A state helicopter was used to track her while a Navy vessel was sent out for the rescue. The woman was finally pulled aboard the vessel near Punta Marama in north Playa del Carmen, more than 10 kilometers from her original starting point. A state helicopter was used to track the woman while a Navy vessel set out for her rescue. Photo: SSC February 5, 2024. Jorge Vazquez Oropeza, the Municipal Secretary of Civil Protection, confirmed the woman was rescued by Navy personnel Monday. According to the Secretaria de Proteccion Civil (SPC), the woman was finally rescued late Monday afternoon, being located four kilometers off the coast of Playa del Carmen. We carried out the rescue of a person who was swept away by strong sea currents while she was on the beach of the CTM federal zone since 1:15 p.m. yesterday. She was rescued at approximately 5:20 p.m., about 4 kilometers from the coast, near Punta Maroma, the SPC reported. In a statement, the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) of Quintana Roo reported thanks to the coordinated search and location work, the rescue was achieved of a tourist from Guadalajara who remained for several minutes in the open sea in the municipality of Solidaridad after entering said area and being dragged by the current caused by the north winds that were registered in Quintana Roo. Due to the strong winds, a large Navy vessel was sent in the search and rescue of the lost tourist. Photo: SSC February 5, 2024. Elements from the Navy Secretariat (SEMAR), Civil Protection and the Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat participated in the rescue, who took the woman to the mainland to receive medical attention, where it was reported that she is healthy and safe. State steps up security due to ongoing turmoil in Tulum Tulum, Q.R. The state has stepped up security efforts in Tulum yet again after a string of negative events since the start of the new year. In another attempt at law and order, the state has implemented the use of drones in their battle against Tulum crime. Last week, police participated in more than 100 fly overs along the coastal area, specifically in Aldea Zama. In a Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) statement, authorities reported 108 drone flights covering 708 kilometers of Tulum coast in search of vehicles known used in crimes. Police belonging to the Itzamna Drone Group averaged 13 flights per day over Tulums coastal areas last week alone. The government of Quintana Roo says around 55 hours of drone time was spent in search of vehicles and motorcycles owned by known criminals. In the vicinity of Aldea Zama, operational support was provided to the investigation unit where flights were carried out with the objective of locating vehicles and motorcycles of alleged lawbreakers dedicated to the theft of luxury items. Drones are being used to help locate known criminals in coastal areas of Tulum. Photo: SSC / CGC In addition, surveillance and coverage was provided in current and international events that took place in the town, the SSC reported. We constantly work in conjunction with the Jaguar Investigation and Intelligence Group in the identification, monitoring and arrest of suspects involved in various types of crimes, they added. Aerial surveillance is being maintained to reinforce the prevention and deterrence of crime in places with the greatest number of tourists and crime incidences. In January, an additional 30 military personnel were added to the 90 already stationed in Tulum. The additional men and women were brought in to help reinforced security. In January, another 30 military personnel were sent to Tulum to reinforce security. Since the start of the new year, the popular tourist town has been victim to several broad daylight robberies as well as shootings and highly publicized drug overdoses. Large outdoor events that include raves have been the subject of ongoing debate due to the known drug use by Tulum partygoers. In mid January after an outdoor event, Tulum residents captured a naked man in a runners starting position one morning in the middle of traffic. Tulum motorists drove around the drugged man who was found naked and positioned in a runners start on a roadway tope in the center of town. Photo: January 15, 2024. He was eventually picked up by police, however, his naked appearance was attributed to drug use during one of the towns many outdoor events which is believed by area residents related to the increase in local drug crimes. At the end of December, two young Americans were found dead inside their Tulum hotel room that, according to attending medical personnel, were attributed to accidental drug overdoses. The bete noir of DEI and CRT promoters everywhere has a new book describing the radical lefts march through our institutions and popular culture. While many will no doubt agree with the diagnosis, is the cure on offer the right one? Christopher Rufo is the American rights man on fire. Perhaps no person has done more than Rufo to expose the true aim of identity politics and its enforcement arm, the diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) project: the abolition of American life. In Rufos telling, DEI wants to replace bourgeois America with a socialist, racialist, gender-potato-head regime backed by the federal and state governments, enforced through corporations and media, and extending its tentacles into every benighted cave of society. Totalitarian visions demand nothing less than a complete repudiation of the structures and substructures of society per Marxist analysis, and in Americas case, those structures that manipulate people into serving a racist, sexist, white, heterosexual, male power system. A filmmaker and journalist, Rufos reporting and writing have always connected readers to the emotional resonance of DEI and critical race theorys (CRT) consequences, and the ruined cities, institutions, careers, and lives left in its wake. Rufos new book, Americas Cultural Revolution: How the Radical Left Conquered Everything, gives an account of how we got CRT, DEI, Black Lives Matter (BLM), and all manner of related pathologies. He aims to understand the ideology that drives the politics of the modern Left, from the streets of Seattle to the highest levels of American government. This is ambitious intellectual history, an outline of the progression of left-wing ideology from the student radical movement of the 1960s to the so-called anti-racism movement, which set fire to the country in 2020. Who can gainsay the thought that pulling down statues of American statesmen and warriors, denigrating our framers and the Constitution, and casting aspersions on the bourgeois work ethic and the nuclear family, among other attacks launched by identity politics, amounts to a revolution? As Rufo observes, The countrys foundations are starting to shake loose. A new nihilism is beginning to surround the common citizen in all of the institutions that matter: his government, his workplace, his church, his childrens school, even his home. The American republic is a gift, but there is no guarantee that it will last. The everyman can feel it in his bones. What the everyman senses is the replacement of individual rights with group-identity-based rights, a scheme of race-based wealth redistribution, and suppressing speech, based on a new racial and political calculus. According to Rufo, we were invaded by Marxist-inspired thought in the form of Herbert Marcuse, a German and member of the Frankfurt School, who arrived to teach in American universities in the 1960s. He had become the leading light of the New Left, stating at a 1967 Dialectics of Liberation conference in London that sexual, moral and political rebellion must be completed, along with the abolition of labor, the termination of the struggle for existence, and the transition from capitalism to socialism. Members of the Baader-Meinhof gang, among other delightful terrorist types, read him thoroughly, Rufo notes. His ideas infected the radical students of the period. His principle was the Great Refusal, or the complete disintegration of the existing society, beginning with a revolt in the universities and the ghettos. Marcuses critical theory would then undermine the foundations of liberal society. Rufo argues that Marcuses writings were meant to foment revolution in four ways: revolt of the affluent white intelligentsia, the radicalization of the black ghetto population, the capture of public institutions, and the cultural repression of the opposition. Much of this has been realized. Marcuse, among other leftist thinkers, began tailoring the politics of revolution in the 20th century, identifying the working class as a well-adjusted member of the capitalist structure of society and so unlikely to be a part of any revolution. In its place, the era of late-capitalism presented new candidates for socialist revolution, Marcuse observed. One group was the black urban class, which could be teamed with the rising white intellectual class, which was heavily disposed against the current structure of American life. The possibilities for overturning things ranged beyond class, and included race, sexuality, and ultimately, per Marcuses appropriation of Nietzsche, the transvaluation of all prevailing values. Marcuse justified revolutionary violence and anti-democratic tactics to advance leftist objectives. He also encouraged radicals to get inside universities, schools, media, and various government arms, working against the established institutions while working in them. In this way they could control the great chains of information and indoctrination and initiate the vast task of political education. In this patient work, the establishment would be broken and the transition to large-scale political action would become possible. As an example: Marcuse trained Angela Davis in graduate school. Her career and life personified the revolutionary terror that Marcuse had invoked. Davis academic writings and her lectures and speeches preview the anti-American, anti-racist, and intersectionality core that now forms identity politics in America. She justified violence as a means of seizing power from the oppressor. Moreover, We cannot begin to effectively destroy racism until weve destroyed the whole system, and the system that needed to be destroyed was the American one. Davis narrowly escaped conviction for being an accomplice to murder for a notorious incident in 1970 at the Marin County Hall of Justice, where three San Quentin inmates revolted during a hearing, along with Jonathan Jackson in the gallery, who produced a pistol and a M1 carbine. They managed to take a judge, district attorney, and three jurors hostage. Davis had purchased the firearms for the event and been involved in the planning. The judge would die in an ensuing gun battle, along with three of the four hostage takers, with the jurors and district attorney surviving. Davis had been waiting for the militants at San Francisco International Airport, but quickly flew to Los Angeles and went into hiding after things had turned violent. She entered that new status in American life, the leftist celebrity, persecuted for wanting a better America. Davis would be tried for her crimes but found not guilty as prosecutors failed to tie her directly to the murders. In time, Davis public appeal dimmed dramatically. She ran as vice president on the Communist Party ticket in 1979 but received only 45,000 votes. Her real work, however, was in the academy, holding positions at UCLA, Rutgers, Claremont, Syracuse, Vassar, San Francisco State University, San Francisco Art Institute, and at University of California, Santa Cruz. Rufo notes the obvious: the platform she sought as a graduate student of racial quotas, critical theory, Marxist ideology, white studies, and studies on colonialism, imperialism, slavery, and genocide has become university boilerplate. Was Davis the cause of all these ideological pathologies finding their way into the course catalog? What can be said is that her career and biography embodied the revolutionary framework. And its that framework that is now orthodoxy in most universities, filling curricula and providing a need for legions of administrators to agitate for mandated compliance with DEI edicts and attendant brainwashing sessions. The sheer fact that the academy embraced a violent Marxist criminal who hated her country and Western civilization surely indicates that the rot had already set into these institutions and that the consequences for the country would be realized in time. This is what we are living through now. Rufo writes about two other leftist academic power players: Paulo Freire, a Marxist-Stalinist and Maoist-praising Brazilian intellectual, and Derrick Bell, professor at Harvard Law School. Both men exerted an astonishing measure of influence in their respective ways, emanating from Cambridge to the rest of the country. Freire would come to Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1969 and introduce a pedagogy of critical Marxism into American education. The former leader of education enforcement in the African communist state of Guinea-Bissau, Freire viewed education as the attempt to raise the consciousness of the people and liberate them. He was expelled from Brazil because of his communist revolutionary views, and he left Guinea-Bissau students as he found them, illiterate. It was America, in its colleges of education, and later in the primary and secondary education system, that would come to breathe in Freires pedagogy. What can be said of Derrick Bell and the critical race theory his students and disciples would spawn that isnt already evident in an endless array of DEI indoctrination sessions? Bell, the professor that student Barack Obama praised as a man of truth at a rally in Bells honor, declaimed American constitutionalism and its framers, which gave us a slave history of the Constitution. There is nothing good about America, according to Bellracism is an integral, permanent, and indestructible component of this society. Moreover, The racism that made slavery feasible is far from dead in the last decade of twentieth-century America. Those promoting colorblind equality, Bell taught, only advance a new form of racism more oppressive than ever. Bells view of America is rooted in a fixed, morbid pessimism that the Constitution was the tool of white elite interests, always and forever. And its chief victims were blacks. In two collections of short stories, And We Are Not Saved and Faces at the Bottom of the Well, Bell depicted whites as agents of depravity who rejoiced in black suffering. In one story, whites gladly paid a discrimination tax to gain a license to exclude blacks from their associations. In another, The Space Traders, they send the black population to outer space with alien invaders in return for the national debt to be extinguished. Beyond Bells vision of critical race theory stands something else, a dark and miserable hatred of America and whites. Such utter contempt is incapable of love, forgiveness, magnanimity, or the ability even to entertain the possibility that human beings and the institutions they shape can change for the better. We might challenge aspects of Rufos intellectual history and note what is also working here: straightforward graft and short-term interest-seeking as profitable careers in academia, government, and university administration are created with these ideas. But the proximate causality of these ideas to the events impacting American life make rejecting Rufos account outright extremely difficult. We should question whether Rufo overstates the strength of his enemy, not quite grasping its fundamental weakness. While the New Left has taken many institutions in American lifemedia, government, large corporations, and educational institutionsits revolution remains woefully incomplete. He says as much, observing that the New Left in 1968 was able to initiate the process of disintegrating the old values, but it could not build a new set of values to replace them. Those 60s leftists underwrote violence in the form of the Black Liberation Army, the Weather Underground, and the Black Panthers, and so was rejected by American society. Many of these same leftist thinkers and activists, however, responded by turning their fire inward, rejecting outright violence and training their efforts to capture the commanding institutions of opinion and education in American society. Their nearly 50-year effort has been incredibly successful, yet remains broken. Virtually all the institutions captured and reformed by revolutionary ideology have become unlovely and bereft of the devotion we once had for them. Higher education is surely one of the biggest examples of left-progressive power and its ultimate rage-filled impotence. Rufo nods in this direction, stating, The universities have lost the ancient telos of knowledge, replacing it with an inferior set of values oriented toward personal identities and pathologies. In analogous fashion, The public schools have absorbed the principles of revolution but have failed to teach the rudimentary skills of reading and mathematics. This is not to deny or avoid the deep-seated pathologies of identity politics and their manifestations in various institutions and the fealty they demand. But the enemys romantic appeal dissipates quickly upon contact. What is of grave concern is how leading institutions approve or wink in the direction of the revolutionaries, unlike in the late 1960s, when most of our major institutions disapproved of their methods and objectives. Unlike much of conservative writing on these dismal subjects, Rufo weaves in and out of formal theory, striving to connect readers to the substance of these ideologies while driving home that DEIs boots on the ground destroys and divides people within government, schools, and companies, replacing that which it denigrates with nothing but grievances and a nihilist individualism. Such negation places all meaning in race or gender, to the absolute detriment of reason, freedom, virtue, and the belief in a shared human nature that can, for example, make voluntary society not only possible but desirable for flourishing. There can be no limits on government power if you decide that racial and gender outcomes must be equal across society. And yet America remains an open and dynamic society, one also built on a tradition of constitutionalism that should provide ample resources to meet this challenge and rebuff it. Recovering this tradition must be foundational to the counterrevolution that Rufo calls for in the books conclusion. However, if counterrevolution, which Rufo leaves underspecified, means merely to replicate the lefts fascination with power and domination with his own American-right version of a march through the institutions, then he will fail this tradition, and he will likely fail in practical result. Students at Roanokes Forest Park Academy have been creating watercolor art of adoptable pets from Angels of Assisi. The artwork will be provided to the organization to help advertise the animals available for adoption. The project also incudes Planned Pethood in Franklin County. The paintings will be displayed in hopes of increasing pet adoptions, as well as raise funds to support these organizations. A media event was held Monday to draw awareness to the student project as well as the importance of the project. Potential outcomes for Evans Spring are creating tension with Roanoke City Council, as citizens continue emphasizing the importance of preserving natural land, and council members speak out against what they say is misinformation. At more than 100 acres south of Interstate 581 in the citys northwest, Evans Spring is considered the largest continuous, undeveloped tract of land left in Roanoke. Several of the lands private owners are interested in developing that acreage, but residents from surrounding neighborhoods are outspokenly opposed. Detractors to development have convened a citizen group called Friends of Evans Spring. Tentative plans for Evans Spring include creation of a mixed-use development for housing, shopping and other amenities. The city has yet to approve any measures, but it paid $215,000 to commission a master plan document that will undergo public hearing during a planning commission meeting on Feb. 12. During city councils meeting Monday afternoon, Mayor Sherman Lea cut off a presentation brought forth by the friends group, sponsored by council members Luke Priddy and Stephanie Moon Reynolds. Theo Lim, assistant professor with the Virginia Tech Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, was allotted 10 minutes to share information about one of his graduate student classes. He said his students used Evans Spring as a case study to learn community engagement principles. Lim said the class found that many residents of Northwest Roanoke were dissatisfied with community engagement processes surrounding Evans Spring planning efforts. He suggested a list of 10 community engagement principles to promote trust between the city and residents, and help people feel more heard. At the end of my students final presentation to the Friends of Evans Spring, many of us were in tears, Lim said. This is the kind of relationship that the residents we worked with would like to cultivate with their elected officials, government staff, and As a 10-minute timer sounded, Lea banged his mayoral gavel. Its time, Lea said, as people seated in the audience grumbled. Its time alright, somebody shouted. Let him finish. Lea said he was disappointed with Priddy and Moon Reynolds for bringing forth the presentation. Lea said he thought the presentation was going to be about trees, not community engagement. I havent heard nothing about trees, and I thought thats what was on our agenda to discuss, Lea said. If this is a backdoor way of getting things done, I dont appreciate it. Moon Reynolds said she was never told anything about trees. The meeting agenda packet for Monday includes a copy of Lims slideshow, titled community engagement principles for Roanoke, but does not mention trees. I just wanted to be the supporter, allowing them the opportunity to come before council, Moon Reynolds said. They want an opportunity to be heard. Now they have been heard. Priddy said the presentation was initially going to be longer and include information about the importance of tree canopies, but he requested Lim to shorten remarks to the typical 10-minute allotment for guest speakers sponsored by council members. I didnt feel like this started from a place of trust, he said of Evans Spring. How do we make sure that we hear each other? Priddy also requested members of the public to wait until the commission hearing on Feb. 12, or the ensuing city council hearing now scheduled for Feb. 20, to voice their comments to officials. Nonetheless, some Friends of Evans Spring approached city council during its usual public comment session on Monday afternoon. Any development on Evans Spring should be designed to make it a green space, a citizen said. Thats the stance of the friends group, to preserve the land by acquiring it for public park access. Some people have called the proposed development plans for Evans Spring a new form of urban renewal, the name for policies that razed Black neighborhoods nationwide and in Roanoke decades ago. But council member Peter Volosin refuted that idea. I do feel there is a lot of misinformation about what is going on here, Volosin said. This is not the definition of urban renewal. This is the adoption of a neighborhood plan. He said nobody is taking anybodys land away, like what happened under urban renewal policies. He said private landowners want to develop their property. They own it. They have the rights to it, Volosin said. What were trying to do is mitigate what impacts it will have on the community. Volosin said there are other places in Roanoke that could be redeveloped, such as Valley View Mall, and he is working on that. Volosin said he is also requesting more green space be included in the Evans Spring plan, but the city cant force its way with private property owners who want to develop. We dont own it, and we dont have as much control as I wish we did over it, Volosin said. I understand. Council member Trish White-Boyd said the discussions around Evans Spring have unearthed in people feelings of guilt and trauma. Theres all kinds of things that were dealing with, White-Boyd said. We are also dealing with a lot of misinformation. Vice Mayor Joe Cobb said there is healing that has not happened and trauma that has not been addressed. That land has roots dating back longer than anyone alive, he said. This is probably one of the hardest decisions that any of us will make, Cobb said. And we make a lot of hard decisions. The planning commission will hear public comments on the draft Evans Spring master plan during the Feb. 12 meeting at 1:30 p.m. Go online to www.roanokeva.gov/1088/Planning-Commission for more information, including a digital copy of the draft plan. The commission will recommend whether city council should adopt that draft plan, and city council would independently consider the matter on Feb. 20 unless there is some delay, before any further action can be taken. WASHINGTON While sentencing a North Carolina man to prison for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot, a Republican-appointed judge issued a stark warning: Efforts to portray the mob of Donald Trump's supporters as heroes and play down the violence that unfolded on Jan. 6, 2021, pose a serious threat to the nation. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth condemned the depiction by Trump and Republican allies of Jan. 6 defendants as political prisoners and hostages. Lamberth also denounced attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the justice system for punishing rioters who broke the law when they invaded the Capitol. In my 37 years on the bench, I cannot recall a time when such meritless justifications of criminal activity have gone mainstream, Lamberth, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, wrote in a recent ruling. The judge added he fears that such destructive, misguided rhetoric could presage further danger to our country." As Trump floats potential pardons for rioters if he returns to the White House, judges overseeing the more than 1,200 Jan. 6 criminal cases in Washington's federal court are using their platform to try to set the record straight concerning distortions about an attack that was broadcast live on television. A growing number of defendants appear to be embracing rhetoric spread by Trump, giving defiant speeches in court, repeating his false election claims and portraying themselves as patriots. During a recent court hearing, Proud Boys member Marc Bru repeatedly insulted and interrupted the judge, who ultimately sentenced him to six years in prison. You can give me 100 years and Id do it all over again, Bru said. At least two other rioters shouted Trump won! in court after receiving their punishment. Some people charged in the riot are pinning their hopes on a Trump victory in November. Rachel Marie Powell, a Pennsylvania woman who was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for smashing a Capitol window, told a CNN reporter that the 2024 presidential election is like life or death for her. She said she believes she will get out of prison if Trump is elected. The rhetoric resonates with the strangers who donate money to Jan. 6 defendant's online campaigns, but it isnt earning them any sympathy from the judges. Judges appointed by presidents from both political parties have described the riot as an affront to democracy and they repeatedly have admonished defendants for not showing true remorse or casting themselves as victims. Over more than three years, judges have watched hours of video showing members of the mob violently shoving past overwhelmed officers, shattering windows, attacking police with things such as flagpoles and pepper spray and threatening violence against lawmakers. In court hearings, officers have described being beaten, threatened and scared for their lives as they tried to defend the Capitol. Before sentencing a Kentucky man, who already had a long criminal record, to 14 years in prison for attacking police with pepper spray and a chair, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta admonished the man for propagating the lie that what's happening here in Washington, D.C., is unfair and unjust. You are not a political prisoner," Mehta, who was nominated by President Barack Obama told Peter Schwartz. "Youre not Alexei Navalny, the judge said referring to the imprisoned Russian opposition leader. You're not somebody who is standing up against injustice, who's fighting against an autocratic regime. You're somebody who decided to take the day into his own hands, much in the same way that you have used your hands against others for much of your life. Lamberths scathing remarks came in the case of James Little, a North Carolina man who was not accused of any violence or destruction during the riot and pleaded guilty only to a misdemeanor offense. Lamberth didnt name the people responsible for what the judge called shameless attempts to rewrite history. But Trump has closely aligned himself with rioters during his presidential campaign. He has described them as hostages, called for their release from jail and pledged to pardon a large portion of them if he wins the White House in November. Roughly 750 people charged with federal crimes in the riot have pleaded guilty and more than 100 others have been convicted at trial. Many rioters were charged only with misdemeanor offenses akin to trespassing while others face serious felonies such as assault or seditious conspiracy. Of those who have been sentenced, roughly two-thirds have received some time behind bars, with terms ranging from a few days of intermittent confinement to 22 years in prison, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. Images of chaos: AP photographers capture US Capitol riot CHRISTIANSBURG A Floyd-based energy conservation groups lawsuit that seeks to reverse Virginias withdrawal from a regional clean air initiative was allowed to move forward Monday. Circuit Judge Mike Fleenor denied a motion to dismiss the case filed by Virginias Attorney Generals office, which argued that the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals lacked standing to challenge a decision to pull the state out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a carbon trading market among about a dozen East Coast states that requires the operators of power plants to purchase an allowance for every ton of carbon dioxide they emit. The number of allowances is reduced over time, with the goal of pushing utilities to cut their carbon emissions and rely more on renewable energy. Based in Floyd, the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals contended that the withdrawal deprived it of funds from the initiative that supported its work weatherizing low-income homes to make them more energy efficient. The associations entire mission is to advance energy conservation in Virginia, its attorney, Nate Benforado of the Southern Environmental Law Center, said during a hearing Monday. More than $650 million has been generated from the sale of allowances, money that is used for flood control projects and energy efficiency programs for the poor throughout the state. The General Assembly voted to join RGGI in 2020. In arguing that the association lacked standing to sue, the state said it is a trade group representing about 15 nonprofit organizations, which actually receive the funding. Its an injury to its members, if its an injury at all, Solicitor General Andrew Ferguson said. The issue of standing was a roadblock to three other organizations Appalachian Voices, the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light who joined the association last year in a lawsuit filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court. While dismissing the three organizations from the lawsuit, Fairfax Judge David Oblon transferred what remained of the case to Floyd County Circuit Court for a decision on whether the group there has standing. Now that Fleenor has decided it does, the case will proceed on its merits. Fleenor did not rule Monday on a request by the association to stay Virginias withdrawal from RGGI, which took effect Jan. 1, while the case is pending. The judge gave the parties 10 days to file briefs on that issue. Since Virginia joined RGGI in 2020, carbon emissions from power plants have declined by nearly 17%, the lawsuit states. That progress was undercut when the State Air Pollution Control Board voted last year, at Gov. Glenn Youngkins behest, to withdraw from the initiative, environmental groups say in their lawsuit against the board, the Department of Environmental Quality and its director, Michael Rolband. Youngkin has called RGGI an ineffective way to combat climate change and a bad deal for utility ratepayers. The problem, he and other critics say, is that utilities are allowed to pass the costs of carbon allowances on to their customers. The result has been higher rates for consumers costing Virginians hundreds of millions of dollars with no corresponding incentive to reduce emissions, Assistant Attorney General Thomas Sanford wrote in court papers. Simply put, RGGI does not work in Virginia. If Fleenor agrees to put Virginias withdrawal on hold, it could allow the associations members to receive funds from the next regional auction of carbon allowances, scheduled for March. Allowances are sold as part of a market-based effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. We are pleased with todays decision, which allows this case to move forward and will ensure the administrations decision to leave RGGI which we have repeatedly alleged is unlawful will be reviewed by a court, Benforado said in a statement after the hearing. We look forward to the next steps in this action and will work as expeditiously as possible to get Virginia back in RGGI. Democrats have presented a budget amendment in the current General Assembly session that would put the state back in the initiative, but that risks a veto by Youngkin. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. South Carolina has started modernizing the Interstate 95 and Interstate 26 interchange at the Orangeburg County and Dorchester County line. State and local officials gathered Tuesday on the Whetsell Pond Road overpass to kick off the $240 million project. This interchange, when we finish it in three-and-a-half years, will be a fully modernized interchange ready to take us into the next century, said S.C. Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, who recently announced her retirement. The I-95/I-26 interchange has a cloverleaf design, used since the interstates were built in the late 1950s and 1960s, Hall said. It will be upgraded to have additional flyovers two separate flyovers to handle some of the high-volume movements through the interchange to make it safer, Hall said. The loop coming from I-95 northbound to I-26 eastbound coming from Georgia to head toward Columbia is notoriously tight. We always have issues with it with collisions in just a very short area for the traffic to maneuver through. So that area is one those areas that we will upgrade with its own designated flyover bridge to separate all of those movements as well as the opposing direction coming from I-95 southbound to Charleston. Its the same concept, Hall said. Hall said roughly 100,000 cars travel the area daily, noting that approximately 36 million vehicles come through the area annually. Hall said the modernization of the interchange will benefit the Port of Charleston and the states businesses. She also noted that the complete modernization of the interchange will set the stage for the widening of the rest of I-26 to tie into it as well as the widening of I-95, as we continue to advance these areas as well. Sen. Vernon Stephens, a Democrat from Bowman, said, If you look back behind me, you see traffic. This is one of the greatest economic boons that I can think of for a long time, doing something with the interchange. Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, a Democrat from Orangeburg, thanked state officials who made the project possible, but also expressed appreciation to President Joe Biden and his administration for the Infrastructure Act and all that has been done at the federal level to make this possible. As cars and trucks whizzed by on I-26 below, Cobb-Hunter said, Im thrilled with all of this traffic coming. We hope as a result of the improvements at the intersection that well have even more. SCDOT The Interstate 95 and Interstate 26 interchange will soon be modernized. Construction is expected to be complete in 2027. S.C. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Larry Grooms, a Republican from Bonneau, said, This is a long-time coming. Were entering year seven of our 10-year plan to fix our roads. Im glad we came together and we passed a bill which allowed for increased funding which allowed for projects like this, Grooms said. This is a critical interchange. Its critical to the quality of life, to the people who live in South Carolina and were doing the right thing. I wish we couldve done it 10 years ago, but were getting it done today and were going to get it done, he said. Funding for the interchange modernization comes from the National Highway Performance Program and the state of South Carolina. The construction contract was executed on Jan. 19 with Archer Western Construction LLC. Hall said motorists can expect to see work at the interchange in the coming months. Officials estimate the project will be complete in the summer of 2027. According to SCDOT, traffic is expected to continue while construction is underway. The agency aims to avoid having substantial road closures or detours, however, some temporary lane closings may be required. Construction on the interchange symbolically started when Gov. Henry McMaster used a handheld radio to tell an SCDOT trackhoe operator in the median, Hit it, brother. The trackhoe operator then used the digging bucket to turn the soil in the median. Buckle up, because its coming our way, McMaster said. What were doing today is going to allow this area to blossom and coming forth, its going to help all of our people from generation to generation, he 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. 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"The long-protracted judiciary risk involving Chairman Lee has begun to mitigate," Kim Dong-won, a researcher at KB Securities, said in a report released on Tuesday. Kim said Samsung will be able to make quick decisions on major projects, such as mergers and acquisitions, shareholder policies and new investments. "Thus far, Samsung has faced a decline in group brand value, primarily due to the legal risks associated with Chairman Lee. Lee is anticipated to play a more active role in company management, thereby aiding Samsung in its efforts to boost its brand value," Kim said. As Kim put it, we hope the recent court ruling will help Lee to engage more actively in the management of the nation's tech giant by mitigating judiciary risks and fostering the development of future business initiatives. This is because the sustainability of Samsung, the nation's No. 1 conglomerate, has a far-reaching impact on the nation's economy. A Seoul court ruled on Monday that Lee and 13 other former Samsung executives, charged with stock price rigging and accounting fraud, are not guilty. The prosecution has claimed that the Samsung executives rigged the valuations of Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries to enable Lee to strengthen his grip on the business group. While raising the share prices of Cheil, they also lowered the value of Samsung C&T for the benefit of the Samsung scion, the prosecution alleged. In the process, the prosecution said, Samsung even faked a financial statement of Samsung Biologics. Yet the court ruled that the entire merger took place in due process, rebuffing the allegation that the merger inflicted losses on shareholders. It also rejected the prosecution's claim over the alleged cooking of Samsung Biologics' accounting books. Given the court's acquittal of all 19 charges Lee faced, the prosecution cannot deflect criticism for having pursued the cases based on wrong premises. The prosecution pushed to indict Lee, although its earlier request for an arrest warrant had been rejected. Furthermore, an advisory committee under the Supreme Prosecutors' Office recommended the suspension of the investigation into the case and advised against indicting Lee. But the prosecution took flak for pushing ahead with the indictment. Despite three years and five months of investigations, the prosecution has been unable to substantiate the charges. President Yoon Suk Yeol, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) interim leader Han Dong-hoon and Financial Supervisory Service Governor Lee Bok-hyun cannot shun responsibility as they were in charge of the investigations at that time. Nonetheless, the court's acquittal does not guarantee complete immunity for Samsung from legal risks. It means Samsung did not commit any apparent irregularities in the process of managerial succession. However, this does not imply complete exoneration for Samsung. For starters, Samsung should acknowledge that it had engaged in collusive deals with former President Park Geun-hye. Samsung was found to have bribed Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of Choi Soon-sil, a close confidant of Park, with a horse. Lee had been engrossed in judiciary disputes since 2016. The recent court decision is expected to help resolve such "judiciary risks" involving Lee. Lee's attorney welcomed the verdict, saying, "The court ruling clearly confirmed the merger proceeded in due process." Business lobby groups expressed hope Samsung will be able to embark on active investments and job creation, thus contributing to economic revitalization boosted by the recent ruling. Despite such expectations, however, Samsung should double down on efforts to secure more transparency and fairness in management. It needs to apply stricter standards in corporate management to prevent the recurrence of disputes regarding possible irregularities and ethical problems. In addition to the court ruling, efforts should continue to be made to address and improve managerial issues within the entire business sphere. Ancestry and Family Search help is available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Family Search Center, 1201 W. Clifton, Sioux City. For more information, email ldstreesearch@gmail.com. Lions Club meetings are first and third Mondays of each month, excluding holidays, at 12 p.m. at Active Generations located at 313 Cook St Sioux City. If interested in a strong service club helping sight and hearing impaired individuals we are the people to join with. Dakota County Historical Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Thursday of the month, Dakota City Library. Contact Dennis Reinert at 712-253-1609 for more information. Top O Morning Toastmasters Club, Mondays, noon to 1 p.m. Contact LeAnn Blankenburg, 712-870-1120, for meeting information. The Siouxland Ostomy Support Group, find us on Facebook. For more information and meeting times contact Dick Lindblom at 712-251-2453. Southside South Bottoms former residents, 6 p.m. potluck, second Wednesday of the month at Goodwill Industries cafeteria, 3100 Fourth St. Gert, 258-2227. Siouxland Metal Detecting and Archeology Club, 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of the month in the Gleeson Room at 4510 Buckwalter Drive. Visitors welcome. Ray Turner, 712-899-2114. American Legion Post 64, 7 p.m. last Thursday of the month at 4021 Floyd Blvd. 712-258-3986. Marine Corps League, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Elks Club on TriView Ave. All marines welcome. For more information, call Cathy Moreno, 712-899-8441. Sioux City Chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. 712-203-2052. Sioux City Duplicate Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m. Mondays (open); at the Senior Center. Mary 605-670-9613. Siouxland Fly-Fishing Club, 10 a.m. last Saturday of the month at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center on Hwy 12. All interested in fly fishing; beginners welcome. Monthly programs provided. For more information, call Bob Gillespie, 712-251-9463, or Diana, 402-987-3945. Siouxland Coin Club, 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1915 Nebraska St. Bob, 255-4829. The Siouxland Pride Alliance, peer support group, 5:30 p.m. Fridays; Youth Pride group, 1:30 p.m. second Sunday of the month; potluck, 5:30 p.m. third Sunday of the month. First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson. Call 712-223-0931 Siouxland Samplers Quilt Guild, 7 p.m. second Monday of the month at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St, door #2. Visitors and new members welcome. Siouxland Sewing Guild, 6:30-8 p.m. first Thursday of the month at South Sioux Public Library, 2121 Dakota Ave., South Sioux City. For anyone interested in sewing. Denise, 402-922-1822. Sooland RC Modelers, 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Morningside Lutheran Church. Non-profit club that flies remote control aircraft. Anyone interested in RC is welcome. Retired Educators, 10:30 a.m. third Tuesday of the month, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St., door #6. Mid-Step Services for Handicapped, meal at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St., door #6. Confirmation Instruction and Midweek Lessons, 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St., door #6. Open to all kids 5 years old through 8th grade. Primetime (Potluck), 12 p.m., second Thursday of each month, at Whitfield United Methodist Church, 1319 W 5th. For more information call 252-3261 Tuesday-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Abundant Life Fellowship, 809 S. Alice St., in Sioux City will distribute food boxes after their 11 a.m. Sunday services. For additional information contact Pastor Bob at 605-205-0718 or Donna at 605-205-0719. Jared McNett Online editor/Politics reporter/Podcaster Follow Jared McNett 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 SIOUX CITY Omaha artist Therman Statom isn't one to say any piece is ever truly finished. "The creative process never ends, even on a fixed work," the 71-year-old artist said. That way of thinking and creating is something that appealed to Sioux City Art Center Curator Christopher Atkins as he was considering exhibiting Statom's work for a new show. "When you spend time with Therman's work, you realize that he does go back to older pieces and make slight changes to them," Atkins said. "I really appreciate that, it's like nothing's ever finished, you know?" Atkins said the new exhibit of Statom's work, "Novella," came together in part because Statom already had a piece in the Art Center's permanent collection, "Rio de Invierno," which blends plate glass, hot hand-formed glass, aluminum plate, acrylic and oil paint and silicone adhesive. "We like to promote and kind of share what the artists in our permanent collection are doing when they're still around," he said. "Usually you have to kick the bucket to be in a museum or involved with something like this. Im kind of humbled," Statom said. Atkins also emphasized how much the Art Center tries to focus on some of the broader area's original artists. "Even though Therman lives in Omaha, people who live here in Sioux City don't really know his work very well. They might know his piece downstairs. So I felt like we had a really good opportunity to show a lot of things that nobody was really familiar with." Statom was born in Winter Haven, Florida in 1953 but grew up in Washington D.C and studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington and the Pratt Institute of Art & Design in New York City. He said he hung out at the Smithsonian a lot as a kid and that developed his way of thinking about art centers as community tools. The idea of community comes up a lot in speaking with Statom as does the notion of advocacy which he considers at least half of his practice. In the past, that advocacy has included workshops with a focus on social change and working with people of all ages to instill in them the idea that art can allow a person to better explore their environment. The other half of Statom's practice, the making of the work, features an array of material. Two of the most common mediums are glasswork and painting. Some of the structures Statom's created are massive and can fill entire rooms. One for the Tampa Museum of Art is big enough to walk through. According to him, a towering three-dimensional structure in the "Novella" exhibit took at least a month, with three people, to actually put together. "The work is heavy. The big painting wears 400 some pounds. Its a pain in the neck to move so I get grumpy at it," Statom said. Statom's show at the Sioux City Art Center debuted with a reception on Thursday, Feb. 1 and will continue through July 14. Statom chatted with The Journal for our latest installment of "Five Questions." Comments have been edited for length and clarity. Therman Statom - Fruta Verde Omaha artist Therman Statom's piece "Fruta Verde" is a part of a new exhibit of his at the Sioux City Art Center. Statom said with titles to h What are your thoughts about this new exhibit of yours? "I'm excited. I'm excited to be here. Just coming and having the show. Working with the staff at the museum. Revisiting Sioux City. All of it. It's just pretty exciting ... The show is a good show and Christopher Atkins did a really good job curating it. And from the process I've gotten insights and ways of thinking about the work ... From doing the show and just from being here and learning, I've got ideas I'd like to implement at a later date." Why is glass as a medium so intriguing to you? "It's almost like painting with light. Painting in the air. I wanted the paintings to have a temporal lifetime of sorts. And I think glass kind of becomes that. It's translucent. It can be opaque. It can be filled out three-dimensionally. It can be blown. It can break, so there's issues of structure and fragility. That structure, that three-dimensional glass wall structure weighs tons. It's amazing it can have that level of integrity." How do you arrive at the titles for your works? "The titles, theyre very much about poetry. In our language theyre kind of mundane names. What they mean is not as important as what they feel like. And thats a way to introduce a visual through verbal. It creates associations. I dont want the work to be explained. I want the people that come to see the work to bring their sensibilities and to be comfortable with that." What have been the biggest changes in your work over time? "I couldn't answer that one in the next hour. Probably the biggest change has been, within each piece, you look for something more and there have been uphills and downhills. And I think that learning to deal with the fact that people could buy your work has been a challenge, making a living from it or not. When I worked and had jobs, when I went to the studio there was an unrestricted freedom that I valued ... I think that becoming an advocate has been a big change. I've always thought of the work from the point of view of advocacy, early on, simply because there weren't many people of color in my fields of glass and ceramics. And it became kind of an instinct ... I think I'm much more diverse in materials and investigative in terms of the whole process ... I started off as a craftsperson and I do carry those values into being a paid sculpture person. How things are done is as important as what they are." Where would you like to see your work go? "Right now I'm very interested in making things about culture ... I love the idea of working with corn as a creative material and working with glass as a creative material. I kind of think that working with corn will help me grow in a different way. The Corn Palace thing has me going. It's kind of like the beginning of an unexpected journey that probably won't materialize for awhile but, you know, one of the best things about working with corn is there's a lot of here so it wouldn't be too expensive to get." SIOUX CITY -- A Chicago man found guilty of two armed robberies and an attempted bank robbery in Woodbury County was sentenced Monday to 36 years in federal prison. A federal jury in August found Kevon Spratt, 30, guilty of three counts of use of a firearm during a violent crime, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and single counts of attempted bank robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon. Spratt must serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. "Due to the fine work of local, state and federal law enforcement, a dangerous individual who preyed upon the businesses of our community was brought to justice. Spratt traumatized his victims by placing them in fear for their lives. For the next three decades, those victims can sleep more soundly knowing he can't hurt them," U.S. Attorney Tim Duax said in a news release. Spratt threatened employees with a handgun during an Oct. 22, 2022, robbery of Bluff's Stop in Sergeant Bluff in which $482 was stolen. Two days later, he threatened two employees of Check Into Cash in Sioux City at gunpoint before they handed over approximately $4,855. On Nov. 14, 2022, Spratt assaulted a bank employee outside Pioneer Bank in Salix, Iowa, before entering the bank and searching through teller drawers before fleeing without taking any cash. Spratt was arrested later that day after he was spotted driving on Interstate 29. A handgun matching the appearance of a gun used in the robberies was found in the car, which closely resembled a car captured on surveillance videos at the scene of the other robberies. FBI agents reviewing Spratt's social media accounts found photos of him dressed in clothing matching clothes the robber was seen wearing in surveillance videos, holding a handgun consistent with the one seized from his car and holding an 8-inch-thick stack of cash. Tattoos in the photos also matched those seen on the suspect in the surveillance videos. Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand concluded Spratt committed two other armed robberies during the same time period at convenience stores in Dakota City, Nebraska, and Jefferson, South Dakota. Strand ordered Spratt to pay $5,304 in restitution to two of his victims. Spratt also had been charged with robbing an Onawa, Iowa, bank, but he was acquitted at trial. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City School's new construction trades program has progressed faster than expected, with two houses estimated to be completed this semester. This summer, the school district's Career Academy finished construction on a 12,000-square-foot addition to the Harry Hopkins Center, located along Business Highway 75. Classes started in the fall with building a house for Habitat for Humanity as well as a district-owned house. The district-owned house is more than 1,500 square feet and was originally expected to be completed over two years. Both houses have been progressing quickly, despite a slight delay in construction material arrival. On Feb. 1, the students were working on the siding of the district-owned house with the next steps being insulation and drywalling. Rick Niles said they expect to be able to complete both houses this semester. Brothers Rick and Gary Niles teach the program. Rick is a retired federal probation officer and was teaching in the police science program at Western Iowa Tech Community College, and Gary was a chief juvenile court officer. They have built more than 200 houses together, including their own homes. Construction Trades Sioux City students Francisco Dieguez and Aiden Joaquin cutting siding at the school's construction trades facility on Feb. 1. The program has There are 37 students in the program. The group is made up of a mixture of juniors and seniors, spending half of their day at the trade facility. Rick Niles said during the day, the students are broken up into groups to tackle different aspects of the project. They are graded on the day based on a variety of factors including timeliness, cleanliness, tool care, attention and so on. "We've really learned to put kids in positions that fit their skill sets," Niles said. With the help of community businesses and local trade unions, the pair have been teaching the students the ins and outs of construction and the different opportunities available to them. With every product or material the students are going to work with, Niles said a YouTube video exists of someone explaining how the material works and how to install it. Often, the instructors will show the students videos so they understand why and how they are doing the installation. This is paired with the in-class instruction and the hands-on instruction to give a full view of what the project is. Construction Trades Sioux City Schools students installing siding on a district-owned house at the schools construction trades facility on Feb. 1. The program has So far, Niles said many of the students loved doing the roofing. Both Jamie Garcia and Jesus Ruiz said they enjoyed the roofing aspect of the project. Garcia, a junior at North High said she enjoys the program because it's completely hands-on. So far, her favorite part was framing the houses. "It's where you're really learning 'this is real' and because it's where you start to learn, 'I can actually do this, this is an option," she said. Garcia hopes to join the electrical union after graduation. Before joining this course, she wanted to go into the welding career. Ruiz, a junior at North High said he was taking a welding class when he heard about the construction program and decided to join. He also said his favorite part was framing and roofing the house. He is considering going into the electrical trade after high school. Ruiz said students should join the course and learn skills that may help them in the future or give them a different career opportunity. Construction Trades Sioux City Schools students painting siding at the school's construction trades facility on Feb. 1. Omar Orozco-Perez said he took the course because his dream job is buying and flipping houses. Niles said one of the more difficult parts of creating a program like this is figuring out how long things are going to take compared to a traditional construction setting. He said they will be working to restructure the program for next year and implement other projects throughout the year to keep kids engaged, such as sheds and possibly other projects for the community. "It makes us have to kind of change gears and figure out in years to come how are we going to configure that," Niles said. What other types of sheds or similar projects [can we do] to fill time but also to get exposure to other types of things." Later this semester, the students will build a storage facility for the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Construction Trades A house Sioux City Schools students are building for Habitat for Humanity at the schools construction trades facility on Feb. 1. The house is Niles said the juniors currently in the course will be able to pick up a house project right away next year without learning safety, equipment and how-to's. "Just imagine by Christmas we could be this far or even farther" on the house, he said. District administration visited other schools with similar programs, including Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, South Dakota and Cherry Creek, Colorado, to model the program. Niles said in Sioux Falls, the students were building an elaborate playhouse out of scrap lumber to give students another opportunity to practice. At the end of the two-year program, the students will have received four different certificates, OSHA certification and a construction management diploma. SIOUX CITY A cold storage facility, which opened last summer in Sioux City's Southbridge Business Park, is creating 39 additional jobs through an expansion. The Sioux City Council, by voting in favor of its consent agenda Monday, approved a second amendment to the city's development agreement with Cold-Link Logistics, a Florida-based cold storage company, to assist with the expansion. There was no discussion on the matter before the council voted. In July, Cold-Link Logistics cut the ribbon the 180,000-square-foot cold storage facility, a capital investment of more than $30 million. The facility employs 60 people and provides services to the regional food processing industry. According to city documents, Cold-Link Logistics is adding approximately 154,000 square feet of cold storage capacity to provide additional capacity to customers such as Purdue Premium Meats and Wells Dairy. Under the second amendment to the development agreement, the company will add the extra cold storage capacity, hire 39 new employees and commit to an additional minimum assessment of $15 million on the expansion ($40 million on the entire project). The city, in turn, will provide tax rebates equal to 75% of the new taxes created by the expansion project for a 10-year period. The rebate schedule is the same one the council approved in the original development agreement, according to the documents. Cold-Link Logistics was founded by brothers Michael, Mark and Nick Mandich in 2020. According to the company's website, the Mandich Group owns and manages eight properties throughout the United States, with over two million square feet of cold/dry storage assets under management. WASHINGTON A federal appeals panel ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump can face trial on charges that he plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, sharply rejecting the former president's claims that he is immune from prosecution while setting the stage for additional challenges that could further delay the case. The ruling is significant not only for its stark repudiation of Trump's novel immunity claims but also because it breathes life back into a landmark prosecution that was effectively frozen for weeks as the court considered the appeal. The one-month gap between when the court heard arguments and issued its ruling created uncertainty about the timing of a trial in a packed election year, with the judge overseeing the case last week canceling the initial March 4 date. Trump's team vowed to appeal, which could postpone the case by weeks or months particularly if the Supreme Court agrees to take it up. The appeals panel, which included two appointees by President Joe Biden and one Republican-appointed judge, gave Trump a week to ask the Supreme Court to get involved. The eventual trial date carries enormous political ramifications, with special counsel Jack Smith's team hoping to prosecute Trump this year and the Republican front-runner seeking to delay it until after the November election. If Trump were to defeat Biden, he could presumably try to use his position as head of the executive branch to order a new attorney general to dismiss the federal cases he faces or potentially could seek a pardon for himself. Tuesday's unanimous ruling is the second time since December that judges ruled Trump can be prosecuted for actions undertaken while in the White House and in the run-up to Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. The opinion, which was expected given the skepticism with which the panel greeted the Trump team's arguments, was unsparing in its repudiation of Trump's novel claim that former presidents enjoy absolute immunity for actions that fall within their official job duties. "For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant," the court wrote. "But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution." The judges said the public interest in criminal accountability "outweighs the potential risks of chilling Presidential action," turning aside the claim that a president has "unbounded authority to commit crimes" that would prevent the recognition of election results or violate the rights of citizens to vote. "We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter," the judges wrote. A Trump spokesman said Tuesday that the former president would appeal the ruling "to safeguard the Presidency and the Constitution." In a post on Truth Social after the ruling was issued, Trump insisted that a president "must have Full Immunity in order to properly function and do what has to be done for the good of our Country." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit took center stage in the immunity dispute after the Supreme Court in December said it was at least temporarily staying out, rejecting a request from Smith's team to take up the matter quickly and issue a speedy ruling. But the high court could yet decide to act on a Trump appeal. There is no timetable for the Supreme Court to act, but the justices are likely to seek Smith's input before deciding whether to keep the legal rulings against the former president in place. If the court declines to consider the appeal, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan would be able to restart the trial proceedings. If, on the other hand, the Supreme Court accedes to Trump's request, any timetable it establishes would determine how much longer the trial might be delayed. If the court grants Trump's request without speeding up the appeals process, Trump would likely have until early May before he would need to file his full appeal. But the justices could set much quicker deadlines for reaching a final decision. The Supreme Court has previously held that presidents are immune from civil liability for official acts, and Trump's lawyers for months argued that that protection should be extended to criminal prosecution as well. They said the actions Trump was accused of in his failed bid to cling to power after he lost the 2020 election, including badgering his vice president to refuse to certify the results of the election, all fell within the "outer perimeters" of a president's official acts. But Smith's team has said that no such immunity exists in the U.S. Constitution or in prior cases and that, in any event, Trump's actions weren't part of his official duties. The case in Washington is one of four prosecutions Trump faces as he seeks to reclaim the White House. He faces federal charges in Florida that he illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, a case that was also brought by Smith and is set for trial in May. He's also charged in state court in Georgia with scheming to subvert that state's 2020 election and in New York in connection with hush money payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels. He has denied any wrongdoing. Images of chaos: AP photographers capture US Capitol riot DES MOINES After a weekend trip to Texas, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday she plans to for a third time send Iowa law enforcement officials to assist Texas authorities with security efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border. During a news conference Monday at the Iowa Capitol, Reynolds repeated her criticism of how Democratic President Joe Bidens administration has enforced federal immigration laws, and cast doubt that Congress would be able to pass border security legislation. She traveled to Eagle Pass, Texas, on Sunday to join Texas Gov. Greg Abbott along with 12 other Republican governors at a news conference, where she did not speak. Back Monday in Iowa, Reynolds said she is working with Texas authorities to once again send Iowa State Patrol officers and Iowa National Guard troops to aid Texas authorities with border security efforts. For three years, Texas has been on the front line of the most serious national security and humanitarian crisis of our time, and Gov. Abbott has led the response, Reynolds told reporters Monday. Having no option but to protect itself, Texas is enforcing the law by denying illegal entry and detaining those who attempt it. If the federal government wont do the job protecting Americans, the states will step in. Other states assistance to Texas is needed because, she said, the federal government has not sufficiently addressed historical spikes in illegal migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. She attributed increases in fentanyl seizures, drug overdose deaths and human trafficking to illegal immigration issues. The details of the pending deployment are still being worked out with Texas authorities, Reynolds said. It will be the third time Reynolds has deployed Iowans to assist Texas authorities with border security. In 2021, she dispatched 30 Iowa State Patrol officers. Last year, Reynolds sent 31 Iowa State Patrol officers and 109 Iowa National Guard troops for separate one-month deployments. The pending mission will again be funded by federal pandemic relief funding, from the American Rescue Plan that Biden signed into law in 2021 and Reynolds opposed. Last years deployment cost $2 million, according to the governors office. The Gazette has asked the governors office for information on the funding source for her travel to Texas this past weekend. The governors office said Reynolds trip to Texas over the weekend was paid for by the Republican Governors Association. Iowa National Guard has deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border on three other occasions since 2020 in response to a separate federal request, the governors office said. According to the Associated Press reporting on federal figures, arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico reached an all-time high in December since monthly numbers have been released. The 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, the AP reported. Reynolds, as she has on multiple occasions in the past, excoriated the Biden administrations enforcement of border security policies, for which she blamed the influx of illegal border crossings. Biden has said there are limitations on what the president can accomplish without Congressional action. Asked Monday to comment after the news conferences, the White House pointed to remarks Biden made Jan. 30 to reporters. Ive done all I can do. Just give me the power. Ive asked from the very day I got into office. Give me the Border Patrol. Give me the people give me the people, the judges. Give me the people who can stop this and make it work right, Biden said. Border security legislation is being considered in the U.S. Senate, but Reynolds declined when asked Monday to call for its passage, instead reiterating that she believes the Biden administration should be stronger in its enforcement of immigration policy. She also expressed doubt that the Republican-led U.S. House and Democrat-led U.S. Senate would reach an agreement. Both (political) parties are guilty and not coming to the table, sitting down and having an adult conversation about what we do moving forward, Reynolds said. I dont have a lot of confidence in no disrespect to the people that serve out in Washington, DC., Im grateful for them but listen, in this environment, I dont have a lot of confidence in really too much getting done. LINCOLN Most Nebraska state agencies would no longer be allowed to give preference to job applicants based on their level of college education under a new bill making its way through the Legislature. Legislative Bill 1018, introduced by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, would prohibit most public employers from requiring that job applicants have a college degree. If the measure passes, those employers must give equal consideration to applicants, regardless of whether they have obtained any form of postsecondary education. Exceptions to this rule would include positions within the University of Nebraska or state colleges, the states judicial branch, and positions to which a college degree is required under state and federal law or is needed to obtain federal funding. An amendment that Holdcroft filed would add community colleges to the list of exceptions. The bill was heard at a public hearing before the Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Friday. In all, four people testified in support of the bill, no one opposed it, and two people testified in a neutral capacity. Holdcroft said the intent of LB 1018 is to eliminate workforce barriers in a way that would lower existing vacancies within state agencies. Currently, he said, there are roughly 840 open government jobs, according to State Department of Labor research. What Im trying to do here is to give more flexibility to the employment managers who are hiring these people, Holdcroft said. Ally Perkins with the nonprofit Cicero Action said LB 1018 could add tens of thousands of people to the states hiring pool, saying that two-thirds of adults dont have a bachelors degree. Other states and major companies are adopting similar changes to hiring rules, Holdcroft said. Google, IBM and Delta Airlines have removed degree requirements from their job applications, and at least 16 states dont require a four-year degree for most public jobs, Holdcroft said. Supporters of LB 1018 largely agreed that a college education should not be the primary indicator that an applicant is the best fit for a position. Multiple testifiers argued that life experience and learned skills should be more valued by employers. Degrees dont make a person, prove the skill, or show the value of an employee, said Laura Ebke, senior fellow with the Platte Institute think tank. Ability and action do. Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, who testified neutral on LB 1018, said he supported the effort to make filling vacancies easier, but he expressed concerns about the carte blanche application of the bill. He said state officials who work in agencies involved in public health, environmental science, and developmental disabilities told him that the training involved with their jobs necessitated a college education. However, Hubly also said the bill could benefit employees who are stuck in lower positions because getting a promotion would require a degree. There are some state workers who have worked at an agency for years and are unable to climb the ladder, Hubly said, yet their experience is more valuable than a degree. Throughout the hearing, committee members questioned whether Holdcrofts proposal needed to be a state law. Both Hubly and Jason Jackson, the director of the State Department of Administrative Services, who was also neutral on LB 1018, said state agencies could enact this change immediately, without a statute. Holdcroft said he was open to going through a different route to implement his proposal, and even suggested requesting that Gov. Jim Pillen sign an executive order to the same effect. Best public colleges in Nebraska Best public colleges in Nebraska #3. University of Nebraska at Kearney #2. University of Nebraska at Omaha #1. University of Nebraska - Lincoln By Chyung Eun-ju and Joel Cho Samsung Electronics has introduced the first globally launched AI-powered smartphone, marking a significant shift in the AI landscape. This launch is being considered a game changer, particularly as AI has gained immense prominence worldwide. While the United States and China were previously seen as leading the race to become the world's top AI economy, South Korea was seen as lagging behind. The Galaxy S24 smartphone positions Samsung as a frontrunner in the AI market. This development is believed to be crucial in rejuvenating the South Korean economy. The Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra smartphones are primarily focused on artificial intelligence functionalities that surpass a simple voice assistant capable of performing basic tasks. The new devices have typical upgrades like improved cameras, brighter displays and new color options with a novel titanium material. This will place Samsung ahead by at least eight months compared to the upcoming iPhone series, though it remains uncertain if Apple intends to incorporate on-device AI in its upcoming batch this year. CES in January highlighted AI integration into various gadgets, from cat doors to beds. However, for Samsung, the stakes are particularly high. The company had a significant sales decline in 2023, falling behind Apple for the first time in terms of volume. Samsung experienced a nearly 14 percent drop in global smartphone shipments to 226.6 million units in 2023, marking its second consecutive year of decline, as reported by market research firm IDC in January. The smartphone market overall has faced sluggishness, with unit sales declining in six of the last seven years, based on IDC's data. In a UBS report this year, analysts predicted that AI smartphones could capture 16 percent of the global market, selling around 190 million units in their first year. The report also highlights an anticipated increase in personal computer sales in 2024, attributing it in part to AI-enabled devices. The general public is still getting friendly with ChatGPT or Bard, and it may take a while for people to get used to the AI device, but YouTube reviews and social media responses are quite upbeat. Technology-focused YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who recommended the phone to his subscribers, said in a review, "This phone now has a ton of helpful AI features built-in that are actually good. They make a meaningful difference to everyday use." He then goes on to demonstrate some features of the new photo editor built into the device, Samsung's new Magic Editor. "You can move the subject around a photo and have a generative AI fill in the background. [...] Or you can have it remove things entirely from the foreground or the background of a photo." He also demonstrates the new smartphone's live phone call translation feature and other AI functions. Although South Korea trails behind the U.S. in the AI race, according to developers, Korea is in a favorable position to advance AI technology. The country boasts one of the most connected populations globally, facilitating the generation of extensive data for training AI systems. Additionally, its prominent tech companies have substantial resources for significant research investments. The government's supportive stance is evident through financial backing and data provision to companies, particularly for training large language models, which form the basis of AI chatbots. Companies like Naver, LG and Samsung are actively shaping AI systems tailored to local needs. Naver's Clova X does what ChatGPT lacks. As it was designed for Korean speakers, it recognizes idioms and slang, integrating with the search engine for shopping and travel. LG's EXAONE, a generative AI model, targets businesses and researchers, aiding in various fields like chemistry research. Samsung's Gauss, an internal generative AI model, is set to be integrated into phones and smart home appliances. Other South Korean firms, including KT and Kakao, are also developing large language models for specific languages and domains, making South Korea a hub for diverse AI systems. In summary, Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S24 series with advanced AI features represents a pivotal moment for the company and South Korea in the global technology landscape. This strategic move places Samsung as one of the frontrunners in the AI race, presenting an opportunity for economic revitalization, in a market constantly looking for innovation. The Galaxy S24 series exemplifies the transformation of smartphones into truly intelligent devices. However, the maintenance of sustained success in the dynamic AI market will require continuous innovation and adaptability as we move forward into the future. Chyung Eun-ju (ejchyung@snu.ac.kr) is a marketing analyst at Career Step. She received a bachelor's degree in business from Seoul National University and a master's in marketing from Seoul National University. Joel Cho (joelywcho@gmail.com) is a practicing lawyer specializing in IP and digital law. A new bill in the Nebraska Legislature seeks to ban civil asset forfeiture, a controversial practice that allows the government to seize a person's property without criminal charges. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Brewer, a Republican from Gordon, the bill comes months after a Flatwater Free Press investigation found the Seward County Sheriff's Office uses civil asset forfeiture more than any other county in the state, hauling in millions after seizing cash from motorists on a 24-mile stretch of Interstate 80. If passed, the bill would force the legal change that legislators thought they accomplished in 2016. "We wanted to make sure that things were being done correctly when it comes to the issue of stops and seizures," Brewer said. "We don't want to make it harder for law enforcement. What we want to do is make sure that what they do is perceived in a positive light." Many in law enforcement point to civil forfeiture as an important tool to take money, drugs and weapons out of the hands of drug dealers. The proceeds then go to law enforcement and school funds, helping save taxpayer dollars, they say. Current Seward County Sheriff Mike Vance and his predecessor Joe Yocum, have both spoken of the benefits of forfeiture, and initial attempts at changing the law drew pushback from the Nebraska Attorney Generals office and law enforcement agencies. The best way to hurt these organizations is to take their money, said Chief Deputy Ben Houchin of the Lancaster County Sheriffs Department. That slows them down even more than just getting their drugs. Defense attorneys and civil liberties advocates criticize it as a money grab. It's a practice, they say, that takes away individual rights and presumes guilt the opposite of the presumed innocence in criminal court. Both the Platte Institute, a free market advocacy group, and the Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union helped craft the new bill. Sen. Danielle Conrad, a Lincoln Democrat, also signed on as a co-sponsor. A June Flatwater Free Press investigation found that in the past decade, one out of every three civil forfeiture cases in Nebraska's state courts happened in Seward County. That's 90 cases in one decade on a small sliver of I-80 just west of Lincoln. The Seward County Sheriffs Office seized $2.3 million in 2021 alone, when state and federal civil forfeiture cases are factored in, according to a report to the state auditor. Many of those cases fall under Sewards federal task force with Homeland Security, overseen by Blake Swicord, a fired Georgia state trooper barred from becoming a Nebraska police officer. Brewers bill would eliminate civil asset forfeiture in state court and replace it with criminal forfeiture. Law enforcement and prosecutors could still seize money, but only after a criminal conviction. "Criminal forfeiture is still there, but you have to prove it," said former Sen. Laura Ebke, now a senior fellow at the Platte Institute. "And that's as it should be. You're innocent until proven guilty. That's up to the state and county to prove." Moving forfeitures into criminal court would ensure due process, Ebke said. Unlike in civil court, an individual would have the right to legal counsel. "If you've got enough to grab that money, you should have enough to convict somebody of a criminal charge with the drugs," said Joe Jeanette, a former Bellevue narcotics officer who now teaches at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. "You're not arbitrarily having somebody walk away from the money You're telling the mule, 'Hey, it's not as easy to walk away from this stuff now. We're going to hit you with a criminal charge.'" The bill would allow a person to give up their rights to seized money, but that waiver could only come from a prosecuting attorney, not a law enforcement officer. From 2013 to 2023, 75% of Seward County's state civil forfeiture cases happened after a driver signed a form abandoning money on the side of the interstate, according to a Flatwater Free Press analysis of court records. These forms, sometimes called disclaimers or on-the-spot waivers, have become controversial. Critics of the practice say they're constitutionally questionable. In the Omaha metro area, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office no longer uses them. Five states, including Wyoming, have banned them. The bill would also require a law enforcement officer to give a person an itemized receipt of whatever was seized. In July, three drivers who had been stopped in Seward County alleged that some of their cash disappeared during those traffic stops. Seward County Sheriff Mike Vance said missing money was impossible, citing the body cams and dash cams that run throughout a traffic stop. He denied a Flatwater Free Press records request to release the camera footage from the traffic stops in question. One of the drivers was denied footage from his own traffic stop. Civil forfeitures would still be possible through federal court, but only for cases involving more than $25,000. That limitation already exists in state law. Forfeiting money through federal court is common practice nationally. Agencies often form task forces with the Drug Enforcement Agency or Department of Homeland Security, and can receive a bigger slice of the forfeited cash. From 2018 to 2022, Seward County brought in $7.1 million in criminal and civil forfeitures through its federal partnerships. Lancaster County brought in $9.2 million. Statewide, Nebraska law enforcement agencies raked in $31.7 million in federal adoption over those five years. Brewers bill mirrors what legislators thought they had passed in 2016, Ebke said. In 2016, former Sen. Tommy Garrett sponsored legislation intending to get rid of civil asset forfeiture in Nebraska. The end result, though, still allows law enforcement to seize assets in civil court if they can connect the cash to drugs, even if there are no drugs in the vehicle. The new bills text is "the gold standard of forfeiture reform," said Lee McGrath, senior legislative counsel for the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, which helped write the bill. Three states Maine, New Mexico and North Carolina have passed similar laws eliminating civil asset forfeiture, McGrath said. In New Mexico, an Institute for Justice analysis found that getting rid of civil forfeiture did not lead to an increase in crime or a drop in arrest rates. In June, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance a bill with bipartisan support that would limit civil asset forfeiture at the federal level. Brewer and his bipartisan allies will now attempt to pass the bill banning the practice at the state level, though Ebke, the former lawmaker, said she also expects stiff opposition. There will be some who will think that its taking away from rightful authority. Some will see it as a monetary loss for the counties, Ebke said. "It's designed to protect folks, it's not designed to be so-called soft on crime. But the bill as written fails to capture the complicated nature of forfeiture and seizures, said Houchin with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. The bill allows agencies to partner with the Department of Justice, but does not mention the Department of the Treasury, which oversees Homeland Security, he said. Both Lancaster and Seward do the bulk of their federal drug interdiction work with Homeland Security. And while the bill outlines a criminal forfeiture process for drug crimes and sex trafficking, it doesn't state a clear way for the state to seize proceeds tied to crimes like credit card theft or stolen catalytic converters. For small amounts of cash, Lancaster County already handles most forfeitures through criminal court, Houchin said. "Is this bill going to affect us horribly? No," Houchin said. "But I think it needs to be looked at, needs to be expanded and needs to be thought about a little better before it gets voted on." Brewer said he's open to the discussion, and thinks a Judiciary Committee hearing will help the Legislature understand the ways in which law enforcement seize money during I-80 traffic stops. "We want to make sure that we help law enforcement, not hurt law enforcement, Brewer said. But we also have to hold law enforcement to a very high standard." The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Seniors in these Nebraska counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates Alzheimer's rates by state #50. Platte County #48. Thayer County (tie) #48. Webster County (tie) #45. Antelope County (tie) #45. Colfax County (tie) #45. Jefferson County (tie) #44. Madison County #43. Wheeler County #39. Boyd County (tie) #39. Franklin County (tie) #39. Johnson County (tie) #39. Morrill County (tie) #35. Garden County (tie) #35. Nance County (tie) #35. Perkins County (tie) #35. Sherman County (tie) #34. Pierce County #33. Custer County #32. Gage County #30. Dodge County (tie) #30. Scotts Bluff County (tie) #29. McPherson County #28. Gosper County #26. Cherry County (tie) #26. Fillmore County (tie) #25. York County #24. Otoe County #22. Frontier County (tie) #22. Kimball County (tie) #21. Sheridan County #20. Hayes County #19. Nuckolls County #18. Red Willow County #17. Brown County #14. Burt County (tie) #14. Dawes County (tie) #14. Richardson County (tie) #13. Garfield County #12. Wayne County #11. Knox County #10. Sioux County #9. Cedar County #8. Keya Paha County #7. Pawnee County #6. Chase County #4. Boone County (tie) #4. Phelps County (tie) #3. Cuming County #2. Greeley County #1. Hooker County Four months into the war between Israel and Hamas, the combatants, their allies, and their neighbors are closer than ever to reaching a cease-fire or even a settlement of their disputesand are also equally close to seeing it spin out of control into a widening regional conflict. They are tracing this thin line between negotiated peace and escalating mayhem along every front of the Middle Easts hot spots, which are intensifying, enlarging, and mingling with one anothera fact that makes it harder but also potentially more manageable to douse the flames. On Friday, U.S. combat planes fired 125 precision-guided missiles and drones at 85 targets into seven facilitiescommand-control and intelligence centers, supply lines and storage sites for rockets, missiles, and drones, as well as other military targetsall run by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. (Officials now say that 84 of the 85 targets were destroyed or significantly damaged; 18 people were reported killed, most of them militiamen; a few civilians, and no Iranians, died, though Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers were in the areas attacked.) The attack was in retaliation to a Jan. 28 drone strike launched by one of those militias in Iraq that killed three U.S. soldiers at a base in northeastern Jordan, near the Iraqi and Syrian borders. Militias had fired 165 drones or missiles at U.S. forces in the region since Hamas Oct. 7 attack, but this was the first strike that killed Americans. President Biden had a delicate task. He had to fire back with great force, showing Iranians and their proxies that they would pay a huge price for any lethal attack on Americansbut he had to do so without escalating the conflict. Part of that meant inflicting damage on assets that Iran values without attacking Iranian territory, or even, at least at this stage, killing Iranian officerssomething that Biden knew would have crossed Tehrans red lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian leaders have made clear, privately and publicly, that they do not want to wage war directly against the U.S. or Israel. Biden wants to keep it that way; the two aircraft carriers he sent to the Mediterranean soon after Oct. 7 were intended as deterrents to Iran getting involved in the warand they probably had that effect. Iran has been playing a dangerous game, though: arming, training, and encouraging its allies, known as the axis of resistance, to wreak havoc in the region. Bidens attacks on Fridayand some follow-on strikes over the weekendwere a way of telling Tehrans leaders to rein in their proxies and certainly to keep their own powder dry. Advertisement The balancing act seems to have worked, to some extent. Militias have fired rockets just three times at a U.S. base in Syria since Bidens attack, and while no Americans were killed, six allied Kurdish troops were. What happens next? Will Tehrans leaders stay contained? Or will they feel compelled to strike back harder still at American bases, to save face and to show they dont cower amid danger? And how much do they control their proxies? Might one of the militias launch another deadly attackand might it kill more Americans, whether deliberately or not? After Biden strikes back harder, which would inevitably happen, could the Iranians afford to stay out of the fight? Advertisement U.S. officials say that Fridays attack was the first but not the last response to the killing of the Americans. Though they didnt say so, the size, scope, and targets of subsequent attacks might be shaped by what Iran and its proxies do or dont do in the coming days. Advertisement Biden did not mean Fridays attack to escalate tensions with Iran. Quite the contrary. If Iran takes the message as intended and is able to respond accordingly, the conflicts along the regions edgesHezbollahs threats from southern Lebanon, the Houthis attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, and the militias shellings from Iraq and Syriamight even calm down a bit. But escalation is a tricky thing. With the aid of accidents, miscalculations, or misperceptions, it can easily slip the reins of even the most careful commanders. Advertisement Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun his fifth round of shuttle diplomacy in the region since Oct. 7, this time hoping to firm up two big projects. First is an IsraelHamas cease-fire, combined with an exchange of hostages and prisoners, negotiated by U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari diplomats. Second is a broader, possibly transformative arrangement by which Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel in exchange for formal security guarantees, more arms sales, and even the supply of (supposedly peaceful) nuclear technology from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres only one problem with these diplomatic breakthroughs: Israel and Hamasthe parties that have to stop fightinghavent signed on. Hamas leaders say that any cease-fire arrangement has to be permanent and that they will free the remaining 100 or so Israeli hostages only if Israel withdraws all of its troops from Gaza and frees thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting until all his objectives are met, including the elimination of Hamas as political ruler of Gaza and as a military force that can threaten Israel. There is also disagreement over the ratio of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be freed. Finally, the negotiating parties havent yet settled the question of who governs, rebuilds, and provides security in and around Gaza. Advertisement In the end, Israel and Hamas may have to be budged off their most stubborn points of resistance by their biggest alliesHamas by Qatar, Israel by the United States. Qatar holds a uniquely bizarre position, as a friend to both the U.S. and Hamas. President Biden has declared Qatar to be a major non-NATO ally, and it is host to the largest U.S. air base in the region. At the same time, Qatar is the major supplier of economic aid to Hamas-run enterprises in Gaza, and some Hamas leaders have lavish houses on Qatari real estate. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S., of course, is Israels largest military supplier. Biden has compelled Netanyahu to take certain moderating steps in the waropening a humanitarian corridor, allowing a weeklong trade of hostages for prisoners. But he has had limited influence in getting Israel to scale back its attacks in Gaza or reduce civilian casualtiesand no sway whatever in getting Netanyahu to take steps toward a two-state solution to the long-festering IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Biden could do more. He and his aides are reportedly mulling the option of simply declaring the existence of a Palestinian state, perhaps through a U.N. resolution. Many other world leaders have discussed this possibility, but U.S. presidents have rejected the notion, saying recognition must be the final step in such a process. For the U.S. to threaten passage of such a measureperhaps on condition that the states territory (whatever its delineations) be demilitarized and that its leaders (whoever they are) recognize Israels right to existcould exert tremendous leverage on Israel to get negotiations rolling. Advertisement Along these lines, in recent days, there has been a very intriguing twist in possible moves toward SaudiIsraeli relations. The Saudi royal family and the other Sunni Arab leaders have never materially cared much about the Palestinians fate, choosing to support them only rhetorically. And in recent years, the Sunnis have come to see Israel as a possible ally, both for trade and to shore up the alliance against their common foe, the Shiite mullahs and proxies of Iran. In pursuit of relations with Israel, the Sunnis were pushing the Palestinians steadily aside; a Saudi deal would have pushed their cause off the table entirely. The Oct. 7 attack put the cause back front and center. The Saudi and Egyptian populations are more radical than their leaders. The leaders had to voice sympathy for Hamas and suspend open dealings with Israel, especially after Israels bombing began. A few weeks ago, Saudi leaders said they were still interested in normalizing relations with Israel, but only if Israel took concrete and irreversible steps toward facilitating a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, last week, according to reports in two leading Israeli newspapers, Haaretz and the Times of Israel, the Saudis changed their line. No longer were irreversible steps a prerequisite to normalization. A mere verbal commitment from Israel supporting the principle of a Palestinian state would be sufficient. Netanyahu has never done even that; and in the wake of Oct. 7, a still-traumatized Israeli population is not yet in the mood to discuss the idea of a two-state solution or any other peace proposals. Still, if paying lip service to the idea would bring about peaceful relations with Saudi Arabiawhich could open the door to friendly ties with Muslim states around the worldeven Netanyahu might agree to that. Advertisement The trick is that all of these elements must be achieved almost simultaneouslya cease-fire, an exchange of hostages for prisoners, a toning-down (at very least) of rocket fire from Iranian proxies, and at least baby steps toward a two-state solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. This last bitthe one that so many often well-meaning diplomats have tried to achieve over the decadeswould also have to involve an agreement on how to repair the damage in Gaza, how to secure the Gazan borders (with Israel to the north and with Egypt to the south), and how to replace the aging, ailing leadership of the Palestinian Authority. If Biden and the others can pull this off, it will be a triumph for the ages. If they cant, it will be, at best, a return to normalcywhich, for the Middle East, means occasional eruptions of horrendous violenceand, at worst, a widening, deepening, and prolonged version of the savage war and constant danger flashing on all fronts today. The sun may be shining outside, but today is a gloomy day here in the United States Senate, the chambers majority leader, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, said from the floor on Tuesday. Schumer was, in the immediate sense, referring to the status of the so-called national security supplementary package that members of both parties had written togethera bill that would provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, fund the hiring of new border security personnel, and give the executive branch more discretion to turn away migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. The bill looks unlikely to pass, as Schumer noted. But he was also referring more broadly to what its impending failure says about the existential condition of the Senate. As Schumer observed, the most noteworthy pieces of the supplemental bill are its immigration-related provisions, which had been fervently demanded by the GOP in November and were added to the legislation, over the course of two-plus months, by Republican Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, who had been deputized by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Republican senators like Nebraskas Deb Fischer, Schumer noted, had argued that it would be absurd to consider Israel or Ukraines security without also addressing border security. Now, however, the Republican caucus is determined to vote against the measures it insisted on, which have been endorsed by the Wall Street Journals conservative editorial board and a union that represents border patrol agents. The reason for this is that Donald Trump wrote on social media on Jan. 25 that Republicans shouldnt give Democrats a political gift by helping pass a bill intended to address an issue of such significant public concern. (At that time, Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said that neglecting border security for political reasons would be immoral. He now opposes the bill.) Advertisement This has left Democrats flat-footed. In years past, attempts to pass immigration legislation have died due to grassroots Republican backlash against the progressive measures included to secure Democratic support. But this bill didnt have progressive measures in it. Democrats had agreed to restrictions on immigration in order to secure funding for national defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party was prepared to rally public opinion behind the bill; President Joe Biden was scheduled to speak about it from the White House on Tuesday at 11:45 a.m., and Schumer said he was prepared to set aside Senate floor time to consider potential changes to the legislation. But he had realized by Tuesday morning that this was pointless. It is my hope, but not my expectation, that my friends across the aisle will resist the former presidents exhortation, he said. Advertisement Related From Slate Wait, Republicans Are Impeaching Whom With the What Now? Read More Such is the challenge of playing a game in which the two sides dont agree on what constitutes winning, or even whether a game is being played. (The Republican senators and staffers who put months of work into this bill might have appreciated an earlier heads-up about what was eventually going to happen to it.) Trump may be under the impression that hes committing an act of strategic sabotage for which Biden will be blamed by votersbut Republicans and Democrats dont live in a shared reality about the will of the electorate, either. We got a reminder of that elsewhere in Washington on Tuesday, as an appeals court ruled against Trump in his effort to avoid being prosecuted over his refusal to accept voting results in 2020. Biden didnt come out at 11:45. The C-SPAN page prepared to broadcast his remarks changed its timestamp to noon, then to 12:30 p.m. At 1 p.m., the camera was on, but the room was empty, a lone lectern placed in front of a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. What was there to say? On Thursday, the Supreme Court will consider whether former President Donald Trump may lawfully be disqualified from states ballots for his conduct leading up to the assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The justices will pose probing questions to attorneys for both sides. Weeks later, journalists will begin eagerly refreshing the courts webpagethe opinion will be released, and headlines will light up smartphones nationwide: President Trump Allowed on the Ballot, Says Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will not allow states to disqualify the presumptive Republican presidential nominee from their ballots under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars insurrectionists from holding high office. The justicesin the midst of internal scandal and public scornwould risk too much by endorsing states controversial decisions to remove the former president from ballots, particularly given how difficult it would be to enforce any ruling knocking Trump out of ballot counts nationwide. The outcome of the case is a near certaintythe U.S. Supreme Court will overrule the Colorado Supreme Court, which in December determined that Trump is disqualified from the states ballot. The route the U.S. Supreme Court will take to reach that conclusion is not, and the courts reasoning will make all the difference. There are multiple grounds on which the court may rely when it authors an opinion keeping Trump on the ballot. Some options are impractical. Others are dangerous. The wrong path will have consequences that last beyond the coming election. The court should not proclaim that Trump was a nonparticipant in the violent attack on Jan. 6. A decision rejecting the lower courts holding that Trump engaged in insurrection will serve as a public defense of the former presidents actions as he defends himself from federal criminal charges for the same conduct. As a matter of law, the questions of whether Trump engaged in insurrection for the purposes of a Section 3 disqualification and whether he conspire[d] to defraud the United States for the purposes of special counsel Jack Smiths prosecution are distinct. In the court of public opinion, they may not be. A Supreme Court opinion that washes Trumps hands of his involvement in insurrection wades too far into his other ongoing legal issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court might hold that the disqualification clause doesnt apply to the presidency. That would also be a mistake. Although the clauses language (No person shall hold any office under the United States [who] engaged in insurrection) does not expressly include a former U.S. president, its plain meaning would have to be stretched thin to provide cover for insurrectionary presidents looking to return to office. Reading the disqualification clause as stopping at the doorstep of the nations highest office undercuts the intent of the drafters of the Reconstruction-era 14th Amendment. Worse, the holding would render the disqualification clause useless when it is most essential: protecting the republic from would-be despots clinging to the most powerful position in our nation. Advertisement The court will further consider whether the disqualification clause cannot be applied by the states without prior authorization from Congress. Deciding along those lines would be wrong, as a legal matter, and would erode public trust in the Supreme Court as a faithful agent of the Constitution. The disqualification clause does not require legislative action to breathe life into its words. Although Congress may pass laws enforcing the guarantees of the 13th and 14th amendments, legislation is not a requirement for the provisions to have power. The Supreme Court would short-circuit the constitutional question by wiring the problem of disqualification back into an elected body. Advertisement Other options will only prolong the debate about Trumps eligibility for the ballot. The court might decide that disqualification requires a full, adversarial hearing that allows an affected candidate to make their own full-throated defense. That decision would fracture the issue into more state court cases as the clock ticks down through primary election dates and into the general election. Alternatively, the court could declare that the topic of presidential eligibility is simply too political to be decided by a judicial system filled with judges serving unelected lifetime appointments. That choice would create two sets of outcomes that turn on whether a states court system or a state official, like its secretary of state, is authorized by that states constitution to carry out disqualification: Trump would remain on the ballot in states like Colorado but would be excluded in states like Maine. These solutions are half measures that might keep the question of disqualification in the court system for months. For the highest court, that is no solution at all. Advertisement Advertisement How can the Supreme Court evade falling into the traps of so many bad options? The court should write that states disqualification of Trump is an unconstitutional burden on the associational rights of voters and the Republican Party that would soon select him as their candidate. Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment protects the rights of individuals, including political parties, to associate for the advancement of their beliefs. When considering burdens placed by states on political parties ability to nominate their preferred candidate, courts embark on a balancing test that pits the asserted state interest against the correlated burden on associational freedom. The state interest in applying the disqualification clause is strong: Their decision goes to the heart of democratic legitimacy and avoiding authoritarian rule in the country. The burden posed by disqualifying Trump, however, may weigh even more heavily. A states decision to disqualify the presumptive nominee of a major political party deprives a significant portion of citizens of their ability to cast a vote for their preferred candidate. Especially in a nationwide election, the determination of a few key states to disqualify a candidate could tip the outcome of an election. The burden reaches into states that did not disqualify Trump and could render meaningless the Republican Partys nationwide nomination. The Supreme Court should issue an opinion in favor of Trump that weighs the burden of disqualification on his would-be voters more heavily than Colorados interest in keeping an insurrectionist off its ballot. Advertisement Related From Slate The Supreme Court Cant Let Fear of Trump Supporters Force Its Hand Read More An opinion based on associational rights will not be easy for the justices to write. The decision would strain the boundaries of the courts prior holdings about how states may exercise their presumptive control over ballots. Previous litigants have failed to leverage associational freedoms to invalidate state laws that reject write-in candidates and impose limits on which candidates may receive a partys nomination. Why should the disqualification clausean unambiguous command, a more recent invocation of the nations will than the First Amendment, and a fortification against authoritarianismfall to associational freedoms when other qualifications for office have not? Advertisement The Supreme Court may answer that Trumps disqualification creates a burden of unprecedented scale. Similar cases in the courts history that invoke voters associational freedoms have lived in the margins of elections: procedures that concern early filing deadlines or nomination rules designed to constrain third-party and independent candidates. Trumps disqualification is central. The volume of voters support and the Republican Partys investment into Donald Trump have created a ballooning burden that sets this case apart from others in which associational freedoms have failed to carry the day. Advertisement Any of the courts possible dissenting voices would have a strong retort. The disqualification clause rises above the question of balancing voters rights and states interest. That inquiry should be reserved for state laws in tension with the First Amendment. The disqualification clause was passed by Congress, ratified by the states, and sewn into the fabric of the Constitution nearly a full century after the First Amendments guarantees were enshrined in the same document. The amendment changes the Constitution. It pushes aside earlier language that might be read to conflict with it and makes a straightforward rule that insurrectionists cannot hold office, regardless of their supporters. Advertisement Advertisement The courts majority may respond that all parts of the Constitution should be read in harmony. The Constitutions earlier language gives shape to its amendments; here, the First Amendment defines the outer limits of states powers of disqualification. An unconstitutionally severe burden on voters rights cannot support Colorados disqualification of Trump. Relying on associational freedom avoids turning the disqualification clause into a powerless provision. It avoids making a sweeping statement about Trumps culpability for inciting violence on Jan. 6. It might even maintain the legitimacy of a Supreme Court that is fighting its own battle in the public eye. For a court whose decision is a foregone conclusion, this route represents the only palatable choice. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sharply denied former President Donald Trumps claim to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, in a Tuesday decision that tees up whats likely to be an imminent showdown at the Supreme Court. The justices must now decide whether to halt the new rulingan act that seems likely to push Trumps criminal trial past the 2024 electionor allow proceedings at the trial court to move forward at a pace that might affect the elections outcome. In theory, this call is purely procedural; in reality, due to the compressed timeline here, it may well determine Trumps fate. If the former president persuades the justices to freeze the case before Judge Tanya Chutkan for months, then wins the election, he will undoubtedly exploit his office to scrap the prosecution. Once again, SCOTUS holds his fate in its hands. It does so on the very same week it will hear a different case about his removal from the ballot. While its impossible to predict how the justices will handle what would otherwise be a straightforward case of Presidents Not Being Kings, there is reason to think a majority of the justices might kick the can down the road far enough to help Trump evade accountability before November. Such a move would be indefensible. The former presidents arguments are not just weak but trivial, and even this hard-right court should not debase itself by pretending to take them seriously. The question is not whether a majority will ultimately agree with Trump (it wont) but whether a majority will abet Trumps efforts to run out the clock (it might). The bench slap he received on Tuesday, however, makes that craven move harder to pull off with a straight face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the complaints about the slow pace of its drafting, Tuesdays 57-page decision by a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit was a showing of forceful unanimity. The panel consisted of Judge Karen Henderson, a conservative George H.W. Bush appointee, alongside Judges Florence Pan and Michelle Childs, both Joe Biden appointees. During Trumps presidency, Henderson was sometimes sympathetic toward his efforts to stonewall investigations into his alleged misconduct; just last month, she indicated her ongoing support for affording broad executive privilege to Trump. But the breadth and implications of this case pushed the notion of executive power too far even for her: Henderson joined Pan and Childs in an unsigned per curiam opinion speaking for all three judges in one voice. And that voice rejected all of the former presidents claims in the strongest possible terms. Advertisement Trumps central argument in this case is that the Constitution prohibits special counsel Jack Smith from prosecuting him for his alleged participation in the conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Trump claims that the separation of powers grants him absolute immunity from criminal charges pertaining to any official acts he undertook in office. Specifically, he says his efforts to alter various states vote counts to undermine Bidens victory marked a mere effort to safeguard the integrity of the contested election. Smiths indictment cited these gambits as the basis for charging Trump with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, defraud the United States, and undermine voting rights. According to the former president, the indictment is illegitimate because its based on the executives protected discretionary acts as opposed to ministerial acts. Advertisement Advertisement The D.C. Circuit panel wasnt buying any of it. The court rebuked Trumps efforts to downplay the severity of his alleged crimes. Former President Trumps alleged efforts to remain in power despite losing the 2020 election, the court wrote, were, if proven, an unprecedented assault on the structure of our government. The court also rejected the notion that attempting to subvert the election and void its certification amounted to a series of discretionary acts inherent to the presidents power, that are insulated from judicial review. Trump, in short, lacked any lawful discretionary authority to defy federal criminal law and he is answerable in court for his conduct. And it would be a striking paradox if the President, who alone is vested with the constitutional duty to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, were the sole officer capable of defying those laws with impunity. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Stakes Were Too High for Fani Willis to Do This Read More The courts reasoning boiled down to a simple proposition: At bottom, former President Trumps stance would collapse our system of separated powers by placing the President beyond the reach of all three Branches. This position was, you may recall, taken by Trumps attorney, John Sauer, who was asked at oral argument in this appeal whether presidential immunity would prevent the prosecution of a president who ordered SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political opponent. Sauer was unable to explain why it would not. Advertisement Advertisement As is the case with the other lawsuits racing to hold the former president to account before the November election, the legal niceties matter almost less than the temporal ones. The D.C. Circuit gave Trump just six days to appeal the ruling before it allows Judge Chutkan to continue preparing for trial. He can seek review from the entire D.C. Circuit sitting en banc, but the full court can reject that request quickly. Trump can also ask the Supreme Court to weigh in, and halt the lower courts order in the meantimeeffectively freezing his trial until SCOTUS renders a decision. Advertisement When called upon to weigh in by Trump, the Supreme Court will have three likely options. First, it can deny the stay and refuse to take up the case. And it should. To grant a stay at this juncture, the court must decide that Trump has a significant shot at success on the merits. But he doesnt, and its not even close, as the D.C. Circuit has shown. So granting a stay would require distortion of the usual rules to make a special accommodation for Trump only, a terrible look for a court already thrust into the vortex of politics. Advertisement And yet, there are good reasons to believe that many justices will feel that a lower court should not have the last word on this matter, and that the highest court in the land should step in with definitive resolution. This case is, after all, both a neutron bomb launched into a presidential election and a consequential assault on settled principles around the limits of the separation of powers. So the courts second option is to grant a stay; take up the case on an expedited basis, as it did with the ballot disqualification dispute; hear arguments soon; and hand down a decision by June. Even this quick timeline, though, could make it very difficult for Chutkan to hold a trial before November. After all, the Justice Department has an unwritten rule not to take any action within 60 days of an election that could affect the election outcome. This trial could take at least two to three months, bringing the proceedings perilously close to Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Third, the court could summarily affirm, issuing a one-line decision that simply says the D.C. Circuit got it right, without holding oral arguments. If the court does want to issue the last word here, though, it seems unlikely to do so without lengthier consideration and explanation. It seems, as professor Steve Vladeck has noted, that the justices must either go all the way in or stay all the way out in this instance. Advertisement Advertisement We are thus reduced to counting votes, as we did in the run-up to arguments in Bush v. Gore, and also to counting minutes, as we did after arguments in Bush v. Gore. Taking up a case requires four votes. Granting a stay requires five votes. Summary affirmance requires six votes (though in rare circumstances, the court will issue one with only five votes). If we assume the liberal justices want to deny a stay and rid themselves of this case fast, the case likely comes down to Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and perhaps Neil Gorsuch. Justice Clarence Thomas wife attended the rally that preceded and egged on the insurrection, and he, along with Justice Samuel Alito, has frequently voted to shield Trump from scrutiny. Thus, the less extreme conservatives hold the former presidents fate in their hands. Advertisement Its a footrace, then, between the law and the clock. And while the former stands squarely against the former president, running out the clock isnt just his only playits pretty much been his superpower. The nine justices are aware of all this, just as they are aware that deciding the outcome of the 2024 election in advance of the nominees being named was not really the thing most of them hoped to do with their judicial careers. Advertisement Advertisement There are turtles built into the architecture of the Supreme Court building, and throughout history the justices have prided themselves on the slow and deliberative nature of the judicial project. Like fine wines, the law cannot be rushed. They are now presented squarely with a case asking whether the executive branch is beyond the reach of any check or balance, including the court itself. The implications of allowing that challenge to drag on through the summer will almost certainly result in the wrong legal outcome: The court will have decided, perhaps without ever deciding, to bless both the monarchic vision of Trumpism in 2020, and the future monarchic vision he now seeks. On Thursday, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the Colorado case in which voters are challenging former President Donald Trumps eligibility to appear on that states ballot as a candidate for president. The Colorado Supreme Court agreed with those Colorado voters, concluding that Trumps actions in connection with Jan. 6, 2021, disqualify him from being president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. If the U.S. Supreme Courts justices adhere to the text and history of the Constitution, theyll agree. Added to the Constitution in the wake of the Civil War, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment bars from public office anyone who took an oath to support the Constitution and subsequently engaged in an insurrection. It was most immediately aimed at purging from office the class of Southern political elites, sometimes called the Slave Power, who were believed to bear primary responsibility for the Confederate rebellion, but the amendments Framers used broad language to sweep beyond the Civil War context and, as one senator put it in 1866, address any rebellion hereafter to come. Section 3 provides that anyone who engaged in an insurrection after having previously taken an oath as an officer of the United States is disqualified from holding any state or federal office again. In a brief filed last month, Trump argues that the phrase officer of the United States does not include the president, which means he cant be disqualified. In support of this argument, he looks at the original Constitution, written and ratified in the 1780s. No matter what officer of the United States meant in the 1860s, he says, the Framers of the 14th Amendment must have been looking back to the original Constitution, referring to the meaning of the words used at that time. Advertisement But thats not how constitutional interpretation works. The theory that judges should resolve constitutional disputes by looking at what the Constitutions words meant at the time they were written doesnt mean that the oldest evidence is the best. Instead, as Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the court two years ago, judges must give words in the Constitution the meaning they were understood to have when the people adopted them. So in this case, the court should look to the 1860s, when the 14th Amendment was written and ratified, to understand the meaning of the term officer of the United States in Section 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there is abundant evidence that Americans in the 1860s understood the president to be an officer of the United States. Historians and constitutional lawyers (including in my organization, the Constitutional Accountability Center, which submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in this case) have combed through public documents to understand what the phrase meant at the time. We found many examples in which members of Congressincluding members of the 39th Congress, who wrote the 14th Amendment and sent it to the states for ratificationused the word officer to refer to the president. We found that lawyers and judges, including justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, did the same. And so did President Andrew Johnson. Advertisement Related From Slate The One Way the Supreme Court Can Keep Trump on the Ballot and Still Maintain Its Credibility Read More Often, people used the phrase officer of the United Statesthe exact phrase used in Section 3to describe the president. In an 1868 article on the impeachment of President Johnson, the editors of a Kentucky newspaper said that it was accepted doctrine that the President of the United States is an officer of the United States. When the editors took what they called a raking shot at this doctrinepositing that the president was not an officer of the United States because the president is elected, rather than appointed, to officeother news outlets promptly rejected their conclusion as absurd. Advertisement Trump doesnt get into this evidence. Rather, he says that the Constitutions textmeaning, the text written in 1787and structure make clear that the president is not an officer of the United States. For example, he argues that the impeachment clause, which states that the President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States are subject to impeachment, implies that the president and vice president are not officers themselves. Trump portrays this as common sense: If the president were an officer, he argues, why would the Framers list the president and vice president separately? Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Trump might be wrong as a matter of text. As some scholars suggest, the Framers may have listed the president and vice president separately because they were the most important officers subject to impeachment, not because presidents were categorically different from officers of the United States. Consider the verbiage of a 1776 letter to George Washington sending love to Mrs. Washington and all the Ladies, or a 2024 American Legislative Exchange Council proposal for protecting Taylor Swift and all Americans from illegal deepfakes. Was Martha Washington not a lady? And is Taylorahem, Miss Americananot an American? And even if Trump were right about the impeachment clause, he doesnt present any evidence that the 14th Amendments drafters and ratifiers incorporated the impeachment clauses meaning when they used the phrase officer of the United States. The Framers of Section 3 never said that they wanted to use the impeachment clause, or any other clause in the original Constitution, to define the words in Section 3. If they wanted the term to have a technical meaning drawn from another part of the Constitution, wouldnt they have said so? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didnt. And as our brief shows, Section 3s Framers used a variety of different phrases, rather than simply officers of the United States, to describe the people who would be disqualified by the provision. Some lawmakers abandoned the term officer entirely, instead stating that Section 3 would apply to those men who have ever taken an oath to support the Constitution. And there is a lot of evidence that the generation of Americans who framed and ratified Section 3 intended to define officers broadly. As one federal judge said when charging a jury in a Section 3 case in Tennessee, I charge you that [Section 3] includes all officers. A North Carolina judge was similarly expansive in an 1869 decision, which emphasized that the amendment addressed anyone who took an oath to support the Constitution, from the Governor to the Coroner, to the Inspectors of Flour. Without evidence that anyone wanted to give officers of the United States a narrow meaning derived from a century before, the Supreme Court has made clear that the phrases meaning should be as Justice Antonin Scalia said in a 2008 guns casethe normal and ordinary one that it had at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps efforts to do otherwise are surely self-serving. (Prominent conservative lawyer and retired Judge J. Michael Luttig, who filed a brief against Trump in this case, called Trumps argument the most simplistic and superficial argument of constitutional interpretation.) But they are also a test for the Supreme Courts justices, including the ones that former President Trump appointed, who claim to adhere to the ordinary public meaning of the Constitution. If original meaning matters, it should always matter, even when it leads to a result that some might find inconvenient. For those justices who profess to care about the text and history of the Constitution, this case should be an easy one. Are you looking to start or grow your business but need financing? SBA loans might be a great option for you. An SBA loan is government-backed and can help any qualified business owner get the funding they need. This article about how to get an SBA loan discusses what you need to know about getting this ever-important loan for your organization. Lets first get started with a comprehensive guide that walks you through the SBA loan journey from application to approval. Navigating the SBA Loan Journey: From Application to Approval SBA loans offer small business owners a government-backed avenue for securing financing. To embark on this journey successfully, follow these steps: Understanding SBA Loans SBA loans are designed to support small businesses, aiding in their establishment, growth, and expansion. The SBA doesnt directly lend money; instead, it guarantees loans to reduce lender risk. SBA loans cover diverse purposes, from start-up costs to real estate investments. Eligibility for Starting a Business SBA loans cater to startups, working capital needs, and other business requirements. SBA provides various financing programs catering to different business needs. Qualification requires a strong credit history, a viable business plan, and adherence to program-specific criteria. Deciphering SBA Loan Qualification Factors The SBA evaluates seven factors when considering small business owners for loans: Character of the applicant, including integrity and business experience. Collateral value offered as loan security. Capacity of the applicant to repay, considering resources and management experience. Management teams ability to run the business successfully. Businesss financial history and repayment ability. Market conditions impacting businesss repayment potential. Viability of the business plan and revenue generation potential. And these. Essential SBA Loan Requirements Credit History: A strong credit history enhances approval chances. Business Plan: A robust business plan should encompass key aspects. Financial Statements: Balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements are mandatory. Personal Guarantee: Personal liability for repayment is required. Experience: Demonstrated management experience and resources are crucial. Choosing the Right SBA Loan Program Different SBA loan programs cater to distinct business needs. Community Advantage Loans target underserved areas. Express Loans provide swift funding for smaller businesses. Disaster Loans aid businesses affected by natural calamities. SBA 7(a) Loans serve businesses with strong financials. Identifying the Ideal SBA Lender Locate SBA-approved lenders, which might not include all banks. Research lender qualifications and application procedures. Begin with local banks or credit unions for SBA expertise. The SBA Loan Application Process Ensure eligibility and understand prerequisites. Identify participating lenders, focusing on local institutions. Prepare necessary financial documents in advance. Submit the application to the lender for assessment. Patience is essential as approval timelines can vary. Waiting for Loan Approval SBA Express loans promise a 36-hour turnaround time. Standard SBA loans can take up to 90 days or more. Express loan approval doesnt imply immediate funding. How Do You Apply for Getting an SBA Loan? If youre looking to get small business financing through the SBA, here are the basic steps to applying: Check your eligibility: Before you begin the application process, make sure you understand the requirements and qualifications for an SBA loan. Find the right lender: Not all banks offer SBA-backed loans, so youll need to find a participating lender. The best place to start is with local banks or credit unions. Gather your documents: The SBA loan application process is paperwork-intensive, so youll need to get your financial documents in order before you begin. Submit your application: Once youve gathered all the required information, you can submit your application to the lender for approval. Wait for approval: The SBA loan approval process can take a couple of months at least, so be patient while you wait to hear back from the lender. Steps to Apply for an SBA Loan Description Check Eligibility Understand loan requirements and qualifications before proceeding. Find the Right Lender Locate SBA-approved lenders, with local banks and credit unions being recommended starting points. Gather Documents Organize essential financial documents before initiating the application process. Submit Application Provide all necessary information to the lender for assessment and approval. Wait for Approval Exercise patience as the SBA loan approval process may span several months. What Are SBA Loans? To get an SBA loan, its best to know what they are. SBA loans are an important resource for small businesses. Small Business Administration loans are provided to help small businesses get started, grow, and expand. However, the SBA doesnt lend money to small businesses directly. Instead, the SBA guarantees loans, which reduces the risks for lenders. SBA loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including start-up costs, working capital, equipment purchases, and real estate investments. Can You Get an SBA Loan to Start a Business? Yes, you can get SBA loans to start a business, for working capital, and for other business purposes. The SBA offers a number of different business financing programs tailored to fit the needs of small businesses. To be eligible for SBA loans, you must be a small business owner with a strong credit history and a viable business plan. How Do Small Business Owners Qualify for SBA Business Loans? According to the SBA, there are seven factors that they take into account when considering small business owners for SBA loans. They include: The character of the applicant. This is based on their personal and business history. While strong credit history is important, the SBA will also consider factors such as the applicants integrity and business experience. Collateral. The SBA will consider the value of the collateral being offered as security for the loan. This can include real estate, equipment, inventory, or other business assets. The capacity of the applicant. The SBA will consider the applicants financial resources, management experience, and ability to repay the loan. Managements ability to run the business. The SBA will consider the management teams experience, skills, and ability to make the business successful. The financial history of the business. The SBA will review the financial statements of the business to determine its ability to repay the loan. Conditions of the market. The SBA will consider the current economic conditions and how they may impact the ability of the business to repay the loan. The business plan. The SBA will consider the viability of the business plan and its ability to generate enough revenue to repay the loan. All of these factors are important considerations for anyone looking to secure an SBA loan. For California finance lender loans specifically, the SBA will also look at the businesss ability to create jobs and support the local economy. However, meeting all of these requirements does not guarantee that business owners will be approved for a loan. Ultimately, it is up to the discretion of the SBA lending institution to decide whether or not to approve a loan. What Are the SBA Loan Requirements? Lets take a look at some of the SBA requirements for small business loans: Credit History You must have a strong credit history. Not everyone will qualify for SBA loans, but those with a strong credit history will have a better chance of getting approved. Additionally, the SBA often requires that applicants have no recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, or tax liens, as these can be indicative of financial irresponsibility. Business Plan A solid business plan is essential for any small business owner who wants to get an SBA loan. Your business plan should include an executive summary, business description, market analysis, financial projections, and management team. Its important that your business plan also outlines your competitive advantage and marketing strategies, demonstrating how your business will succeed in its market. Financial Statements You will need to provide financial statements for your business in order to get an SBA loan. This includes balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. These documents should not only reflect your businesss current financial health but also its financial history and projected future performance. Having a strong financial history will increase your chances of getting approved for a loan. Youll also need to provide a personal financial statement for most loans offered by the SBA. Lenders use this to assess your personal financial responsibility and to gauge your commitment to the businesss success. Personal Guarantee You will be required to personally guarantee the loan, which means that you will be responsible for repaying the loan even if your business is unable to do so. Putting up collateral like your home or another asset can help reduce the risk to the lender and increase your chances of getting approved for a loan. This requirement emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to your business venture and confident in its success. Experience You must have the financial resources and management experience to make the business successful. The SBA will consider your experience, skills, and ability to repay the loan when deciding whether or not to approve your loan. Having a track record of success in the industry or in managing a business can significantly bolster your application. How Do You Choose the Best SBA Loan Program? When looking at SBA loan programs, it is important to understand the different programs that are available. Each loan program offered by the SBA varies. The SBA community advantage loans are designed for businesses located in underserved areas, while the SBA express loans are for smaller businesses that need fast funding. There are SBA disaster loans for businesses that have been impacted by a natural disaster and SBA 7(a) loans for businesses with strong credit history and financials. For the SBA 7(a) loan program, your average net income must be under $5 million to qualify. Finding the Right SBA Lender When looking for an SBA-approved lender, its important to know that not all banks offer these services. You can find a list of participating lenders on the SBA website, and each will have its own set of qualifications and application process. Its best to start your search by looking at local banks or credit unions, as they are likely to have the most experience with the SBA program. How Long Does It Take to Get an SBA Loan? The SBA promises a 36-hour turnaround time for their express small business loan, but their other loans can take up to 90 days or longer. However, even with their express loan, it can take the lender another few weeks to actually approve the loan. Conclusion The path to securing an SBA loan is laden with vital steps and considerations. Small business owners seeking financial support must meticulously navigate eligibility, document preparation, and application submission. Understanding different SBA loan programs, selecting the right lender, and embracing patience during the approval process is pivotal. Ultimately, the journey culminates in acquiring funds that can catalyze business growth and expansion. Preparing your business for extreme weather and colder temperatures ensures the well-being and safety of employees and customers. Challenging weather events and freezing temperatures can lead to problems like health hazards and business disruptions. This blog will cover ten steps to help any small business prepare for extreme winter weather. How to Prepare for Extreme Cold Weather To prepare your business for extreme winter weather, you first need to conduct a risk assessment. This is all about uncovering potential vulnerabilities like the reliability of your HVAC system and the structural integrity of the buildings. Step 1: Conduct a Risk Assessment for Cold Weather Taking a tailored approach works best. Although every business is different, some general steps include evaluating the reliability of your supply chain during a winter storm. Categorize whats essential for day-to-day operations. Consider your employees commuting challenges and look for patterns from past winter storms. Step 2: Develop an Emergency Plan for Winter Storms You can follow some general steps to develop an emergency plan for winter storms. Designate a team that includes people from every department. Highlight specific risks like the areas where the power can go out, and communications can break down. Communication plans are next. They must include suppliers, customers, and employees, so contact lists must be updated. Check your backup procedures to ensure data doesnt get compromised. IT systems need to be accessed remotely or protected against outages. A business continuity plan must have recovery procedures, backup sites, and alternative suppliers listed. Step 3: Insulate and Protect Your Business Premises Use insulation to seal gaps around walls, doors, and windows. Storm windows and doors are excellent additions, especially when caulking and weather stripping are used to seal them up. Pipes exposed to external walls can freeze. Small businesses should either insulate them or keep a trickle of water flowing at all times during the winter. Step 4: Ensure Reliable Heating and Power Supply A professional energy audit of your HVAC system before the cold sets in can ensure reliability. A thorough testing and inspection can identify issues that need to be repaired. A commercial-grade generator is an excellent backup power solution. Step 5: Safeguard Your Technology and Data Ice storms and heavy snowfall can cause power outages. Off-site backups and cloud storage are excellent data backup and recovery solutions. Step 6: Prepare Your Employees for Extreme Cold Employees need to be educated to protect themselves in this kind of weather. Outdoor work should include the buddy system so workers can monitor each other. Winter emergency procedures should include evacuating during a power outage in icy conditions. Employees should be aware of a winter car survival kit that includes a first aid kit, non-perishable snacks, blankets and a flashlight. Remind your staff that winter clothing should be layered and loose-fitting. Waterproof boots can help maintain body heat. Step 7: Ensure Safety from Carbon Monoxide During the Winter Season Carbon monoxide safety becomes a more significant issue in colder weather because of the increased use of heating appliances. Water heaters, boilers and furnaces need to be inspected regularly. Enclosed spaces should all have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Step 8: Establish Clear Communication Channels Keeping the communication lines open during a winter storm allows for timely updates and responding quickly to changing conditions. Have a plan that includes different channels like text messages, emails and social media updates so everyone can reach each other promptly and efficiently. Step 9: Review Insurance and Legal Considerations You must be covered during a winter storm for damages to your business and other potential risks. Check your insurance policies to ensure they cover terms like frozen pipes, slips and falls on icy surfaces, and the damage caused by snow on roofs. Legal considerations include ensuring the premises are safe for visitors, customers, and employees. A business can be held liable for slip and fall accidents. Proactive actions include removing ice buildup along the eaves troughs and the edge of a roofline during a winter storm Step 10: Plan for Business Continuity Making sure that your employees stay safe and your business stays up and running during a weather event is essential. A clear remote work policy, data recovery and backup systems, a backup power solution, and alternative communication channels all need to be worked out. Understanding the Risks of Extreme Cold Blocked roads can cause supply chain disruptions during winter storms. Snowfall thats heavy enough and ice that accumulates can even collapse a roof. Winter storms can lead to power outages that can lead to data loss. Increased operating costs for snow removal services and emergency repairs are other impacts. Understanding the cold weather risks for small businesses is crucial in these situations. What Constitutes Extreme Cold? This cold is defined as temperatures that drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit in northern parts of America. Temperatures near the freezing mark are considered extreme in the South. A winter storm involves several different conditions, including low temperatures, strong winds, freezing rain, sleet, ice and heavy snowfall. The Impact of Extreme Cold on Businesses This cold has several wide-ranging effects on a business, including fluctuations in customer demand. Small companies can face higher heating costs and interruptions to phone and internet services. Even after the storms are over, insurance disputes over liability and damages can occur. Its vital to understand how weather affects businesses to be adequately prepared. Step Action Item Description Key Considerations Conduct a Risk Assessment Evaluate Vulnerabilities Identify potential risks like HVAC reliability and building structural integrity. Include supply chain evaluation during winter storms. Develop an Emergency Plan Designate Response Team Create a plan involving all departments focusing on specific risks and communication breakdowns. Ensure the plan includes updated contact lists for suppliers, customers, and employees. Insulate and Protect Premises Seal and Insulate Use insulation for walls, doors, and windows. Consider storm windows and doors. Pay special attention to pipes exposed to external walls to prevent freezing. Ensure Reliable Heating and Power Audit HVAC System Perform a professional energy audit and inspection before winter. Consider a commercial-grade generator for backup power. Safeguard Technology and Data Implement Backup Solutions Utilize off-site backups and cloud storage for data safety. Prepare for potential power outages due to ice storms and heavy snowfall. Prepare Employees for Cold Educate and Equip Train employees for cold weather safety, including evacuation procedures. Emphasize the importance of winter clothing, buddy systems, and winter car survival kits. Carbon Monoxide Safety Inspect Heating Appliances Regularly check water heaters, boilers, and furnaces. Install carbon monoxide detectors in enclosed spaces. Establish Communication Channels Maintain Open Lines Keep channels like texts, emails, and social media updated for quick communication. Plan for diverse communication methods during storms. Review Insurance and Legalities Check Policies Ensure coverage for damages and risks specific to winter storms. Be proactive in preventing accidents, such as slips and falls on icy surfaces. Plan for Business Continuity Develop Remote Work Policies Have clear policies for data recovery, backup power, and alternative communication channels. Ensure the business can operate remotely and efficiently during extreme weather events. FAQ: How to Prepare for Extreme Cold Weather Here are the answers to some common questions. How can businesses assess their risk for extreme cold weather? They should look at the historical weather patterns for their location. And factor in employee availability and any disruptions to their supply chain. What are the essential supplies businesses should have for winter storms? The top essential supplies include emergency lighting that should be installed around exit routes. Different portable chargers, battery banks, and at least one backup generator should be included. Generators should be left outside to avoid carbon monoxide. How do you prepare your businesss tank and fuel lines for winter weather? Make sure both are adequately insulated and check them regularly for leaks. Small businesses can look into foam pipe insulation sleeves for fuel lines to combat cold temperatures. Pipes freeze when they are exposed. What are the best practices to predict extreme cold? Look at the forecasts from credible meteorological services for winter storm warnings. Look for historical winter weather pattern analysis and advanced data modeling. Youll be ready when a winter storm hits. How can businesses ensure employees have appropriate warm clothes for extremely cold weather? Supplying jackets, hats and gloves that are branded is one way. A small business can offer to reimburse employees who make their purchases of winter clothing to stay warm. Guochao products increasingly popular among Chinese consumers People's Daily Online) 13:33, February 06, 2024 Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2024 shows children's Hanfu displayed at the exhibition hall of a livestream base in Daji township, Caoxian county, Heze city, east China's Shandong Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Linjia) In 2023, China saw a surge in the consumption of guochao, also known as Chinese trends or "China Chic." The term describes products that combine modern designs and traditional Chinese cultural elements, and include clothing, cuisine, cultural and creative products for daily usage, and experience-oriented consumption such as accommodation and tourism. Multiple products integrating elements like the Palace Museum, Dunhuang, Sanxingdui, The Classic of Mountains and Seas, and the 12 Chinese zodiac animals have gained great popularity among young people. Leisure activities such as wearing Hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese garment, and enjoying "stove-boiled tea" have become trending lifestyles among young Chinese. "Stove-boiled tea", known as Weiluzhucha, embodies the essence of people gathering around a stove to boil tea and having fruits and snacks. Data from Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com showed that in December 2023, the search volume for "stove-boiled tea" increased 200 percent year on year, while the transaction volume of relevant products registered a year-on-year growth of 100 percent. Moutai-flavored lattes are prepared for takeaway orders at a Luckin Coffee outlet in Yichang, Hubei province, on Monday. (LIU JUNFENG/FOR CHINA DAILY) A baijiu-flavored latte jointly released by China's top liquor maker Kweichow Moutai and domestic coffee chain Luckin Coffee has become highly sought after. On the first day of its launch, 5.42 million cups of the drink were sold, with sales of the single product exceeding 100 million yuan ($14 million). According to data from the research institute of China International Electronic Commerce Center, domestic brands accounted for 11 spots among the top 20 brands in terms of online retail sales during China's "Double 11" shopping spree in 2023. On Alibaba's online marketplace Tmall, a total of 402 brands saw their total transaction volume surpass 100 million yuan during the shopping spree, of which 243 are Chinese brands. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Hongyu) Company partners with local AI firm Upstage By Baek Byung-yeul LG Electronics partnered with domestic AI company Upstage to build on-device AI technology that allows devices to use AI functions internally without an external network connection, the company said Tuesday. LG said it will develop an on-device AI language model with Upstage, which will apply its world-class small language model (SLM) technology to LG's laptop brand, LG Gram. On-device AI is a technology that enables AI functions to be performed within a device even without an internet connection. Since on-device AI processes information within devices, it has faster operation speed and lower power consumption than cloud-based AI services connected to a network. In addition, it can solve security issues as private data is not leaked externally, and it can operate when an internet connection is unstable or disconnected, allowing AI services to be used anytime and anywhere. On-device AI is gaining more attention as AI-related services are becoming increasingly important. Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S24 series smartphone equipped with on-device AI in January, and Apple is also expected to equip its iPhone series, which is set to be released in the second half of the year with on-device AI. "The two companies will develop AI functions and additional services to apply to LG Gram, providing a new experience that helps the daily lives of customers with personalized, customized AI services," LG said. "For example, it is possible to recognize the user's commands and search, and recommend or summarize the content that the customer wants based on the data stored in the laptop." Through this partnership, Upstage plans to use its know-how from building its SLM Solar to develop on-device AI for PCs and appliances. Upstages Solar has been regarded as optimal for on-device AI as it can provide various AI functions without affecting the inference speed and power consumption of the device. Solar ranked top with a performance evaluation score of 74.2 points in the global AI platform Hugging Faces large language model (LLM) ranking last month. "For the past 10 years, LG Gram has been leading the ultralight premium laptop market with relentless innovation," said Henry Kong, head of the IT customer experience division of LG. "We will actively target the next-generation AI notebook market based on advanced technology. Upstage Vice President Choi Hong-joon added, "We expect to be able to provide faster, more convenient and safer AI services by developing and applying on-device AI technology with LG Electronics." Students propose changes to the way Slovak language is taught. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share "Deficiencies in Slovak language classes manifest themselves in everyday life, from shopping for groceries to filling out official forms," warns Frantisek Brezo, president of the Hungarian High School Students Alliance in Slovakia, in response to the results of a survey among Hungarian secondary school students in the country. The survey concerned the teaching and knowledge of Slovak. Students rated the quality of Slovak education with 5.3 points out of 10. "Insufficient vocabulary and a lack of practice often discourages students from representative functions or public appearances conducted in Slovak. Like this, they lose many opportunities to express themselves," adds Brezo. In total, 557 students from 36 schools from all Slovak regions took part in the survey, with girls comprising two thirds of them. Two-thirds were students of Hungarian high schools, one-third attend vocational schools, 43 percent live in towns, the rest in the countryside. The results also show that there are no big differences at the regional level. "However, we can say that the results were at least better in the Bratislava and Kosice Regions," says Brezo. Strong wind warnings will be in place on Wednesday, Hungarian students are unhappy about Slovak language classes, and the PM will earn more. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, February 6 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Danko invents another story about Caputova Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Novak) On Tuesday, the Slovak National Party has asked President Zuzana Caputova to publish the list of passengers onboard the state plane in connection with her last weeks visit to Canada and the USA, and to show the bills for accommodation, the party announced on Facebook. SNS added that if the president has nothing to hide, she will publish the list and bills as soon as possible. "SNS has a serious suspicion that there were family members aboard the plane who had nothing to do there. At the same time, it is clear from the information available to us that these were sponsors and close people who directly or indirectly participated in the financing of Caputova's presidential campaign," said the party. In response to the party's post, the Presidential Palace said that SNS party leader Andrej Danko is just trying to divert attention from his January road accident. "We understand that Andrej Danko, with his senseless attacks on the president, is trying to avert the public's attention from his traffic accident, the circumstances of which he still hasn't credibly explained. Contrary to him, neither the president, nor the Presidential Palace have anything to hide or fabricate," said the president's spokesperson Martin Strizinec. Only employees of the Presidential Palace who had working duties overseas and the president's bodyguards took part in the official visit to Canada and subsequent working trip to the USA and had the trip covered by the Palace. Strizinec added that president's partner Juraj Rizman, whose accommodation was covered by the Canadian side, participated in the official visit to Canada at the invitation of the Canadian side. Related: The president announced last week she had to call off some meetings in the US because she tested positive for Covid-19. On Monday, Danko claimed the president hadn't tested positive for the coronavirus. "Strizinec invented that. No one received them there. They ended up like losers," he said in a video. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website Politics: Members of the government increased their salaries on Tuesday. But the way they did it is dubious, says the opposition. Members of the government increased their salaries on Tuesday. But the way they did it is dubious, says the opposition. Business: Slovakia breaks its record in electricity generated from nuclear power. Slovakia breaks its record in electricity generated from nuclear power. Education: An alarmingly high number of Hungarian students in Slovakia want to continue their studies abroad just because they don't know Slovak properly, shows a poll. An alarmingly high number of Hungarian students in Slovakia want to continue their studies abroad just because they don't know Slovak properly, shows a poll. Travel: The international krnacky (wooden sledge) race is coming to Mt. Chopok later this month. 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 Trainer who wants children to love sports Following in his fathers footsteps, Vertii also teaches his nine-year-old son, Mark, to love sports. (Source: Archive of O. V.) At first, he drove a cab in Bratislava. Then, Odessan Oleksandr Vertii found some courage and became a fitness trainer for children again. EVENT FOR THURSDAY French music in Kosice German-Swiss cellist Emanuel Graf. (Source: Archive of E. G.) Supported by the French Institute in Bratislava, the concert entitled "THE EVENING OF FRENCH MUSIC" will take place on Thursday, February 8, at 19:00 in Kosice's House of Arts. In other news The government dismissed Renata Blahova from the post of the Healthcare Supervision Office based on the health minister's proposal on Tuesday. According to Minister Zuzana Dolinkova, Blahova failed to address fundamental issues in the healthcare sector, repeatedly overstepped the powers given to the office by law and didn't meet the qualification requirements for the post as set by law. The cabinet appointed former health minister Michal Palkovic to the post. (TASR) based on the health minister's proposal on Tuesday. According to Minister Zuzana Dolinkova, Blahova failed to address fundamental issues in the healthcare sector, repeatedly overstepped the powers given to the office by law and didn't meet the qualification requirements for the post as set by law. The cabinet appointed former health minister Michal Palkovic to the post. (TASR) Similarly, the government decided on the new management of the Statistics Office . It dismissed Peter Petko as its chair and appointed MP Martin Nemky (Smer) to the post. The government had no reason to sack Petko. But based on the new amendment to the Competence Act, it had the right to dismiss Petko. President Caputova has turned to the Constitutional Court in regard to the amendment. (TASR) . It dismissed Peter Petko as its chair and appointed MP Martin Nemky (Smer) to the post. The government had no reason to sack Petko. But based on the new amendment to the Competence Act, it had the right to dismiss Petko. President Caputova has turned to the Constitutional Court in regard to the amendment. (TASR) Former agriculture minister Gabriela Matecna (SNS) has become the third state secretary at the Environment Ministry. She led the Agriculture Ministry at the time of the biggest corruption cases involving agricultural subsidies. (SNS) has become the third state secretary at the Environment Ministry. She led the Agriculture Ministry at the time of the biggest corruption cases involving agricultural subsidies. The Bratislava Regional Court reaffirmed the decision to turn down the proposal to issue an injunction aimed at restoring suspended police officer Robert Magula to service, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry added the verdict is final. Attorney Peter Kubina respects the decision of the court, although he doesn't agree with it. "We'll file an appeal," he said. Upon assuming his office, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Hlas) suspended six police officers centred around Jan Curilla, who had been investigating high-profile corruption cases, on the grounds of charges pressed against them. According to the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers, the police officers had the status of protected whistleblowers and the minister has failed to consult the matter with this authority. (TASR) Shooter Danka Bartekova is named the Athlete of the Year on February 5, 2024. (Source: TASR) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: There'll be some scattered showers on Wednesday. Heavy clouds will return in the afternoon. Wednesday will be warm. Temperatures during the day will range from 6C to 16C. Strong wind warnings will be in place in a number of districts of western and central Slovakia. Walking to work will be easy or tough. (SHMU) FEBRUARY 7 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Vanda. 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). https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/we-defeat-ourselves-us-backed-orgy-of-violence-in-iraq-syria-further-delegitimizes-country-1116610978.html We Defeat Ourselves: US-Backed Orgy of Violence in Iraq, Syria Further Delegitimizes Country We Defeat Ourselves: US-Backed Orgy of Violence in Iraq, Syria Further Delegitimizes Country Sputnik International Former US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter appeared on Sputniks Fault Lines program Monday to respond to the United States violent retaliatory blitz in Iraq and Syria over the weekend, which has killed some 40 people. 2024-02-05T23:54+0000 2024-02-05T23:54+0000 2024-02-06T00:39+0000 world us us hegemony iraq bashar al-assad islamic state syria us interventions air strikes houthis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/05/1116611263_0:20:2001:1145_1920x0_80_0_0_eff32c713f9306656c832373b3508ac5.jpg Former US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter appeared on Sputniks Fault Lines program Monday to respond to the United States violent retaliatory blitz in Iraq and Syria over the weekend, which has killed some 40 people.The former United Nations weapons inspector, who was shunned in Washington for disputing US intelligence narratives about alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, said the US vengeful attacks would not deter strikes on US troops in the region provoked by outrage over American backing of Israel.You know, this is just the insanity of the cycle of violence that the United States has engaged in, Ritter concluded. It's mindless. It's automatic. We don't know any other process. We never once paused and said, 'what are we genuinely trying to accomplish here?'Ritter claimed the retaliatory strikes would only further worsen the reputation of the United States in the Middle East and across the world, which is already in freefall as a multipolar world order emerges led by countries like China and Russia.We've just alienated the Iraqi government, he added. We've undermined our own legitimacy We took a bad situation and we made it worse, and it's only going to continue to get worse. We defeat ourselves.The United States has repeatedly claimed that the illegal, covert presence of US troops in Syria is justified by efforts to defeat the ISIS* terrorist group. But the United States has empowered ISIS-linked fighters through its efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Whats more, the United States close ally Israel has admitted to supplying weapons to ISIS-linked Syrian militants to aid their fight against al-Assad, who is considered an enemy of Israel in the region.We are a terrorist organization, and we are sponsoring attacks against the legitimate government of Syria, Ritter lamented. That's the mission. And I wish every American would recognize this and understand that there's no legitimacy here. It's actually the most illegitimate mission one can imagine. And it should disgust every American that we are literally state sponsors of terrorism.*ISIS (also known as Daesh/ISIL/IS/Islamic State) is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/us-airstrikes-in-iraq-syria-deliberately-stoke-conflict--russian-envoy-to-un-1116609757.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240203/strikes-against-anti-isis-militias-in-syria-and-iraq-prove-us-war-on-terror-is-a-sham-1116574680.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230316/assad-to-sputnik-world-war-iii-already-unleashed-by-west-in-form-of-proxy-war-1108458380.html iraq syria 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-iraq war, us-syria war, us-iraq war, us-syria war, us occupation, american occupation, us strikes, american strikes, us hegemony, us airstrikes, air strikes, us interference, us intervention, us-yemen war, strikes against houthis, us strikes on yemen, us strikes on houthis, red sea, red sea crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/beaten-by-the-deep-state-after-2020-defeat-trump-learns-how-to-play-politics-1116615577.html Beaten by the Deep State: After 2020 Defeat, Trump Learns How to Play Politics Beaten by the Deep State: After 2020 Defeat, Trump Learns How to Play Politics Sputnik International Trump has learned how to more effectively influence US politics since his chaotic first term in the White House, according to analyst Dan Lazare who appeared on Sputniks The Final Countdown program Monday to discuss current legislation moving through US Congress. 2024-02-06T06:06+0000 2024-02-06T06:06+0000 2024-02-06T06:06+0000 americas donald trump presidential elections 2024 us presidential election presidential campaign presidential candidate presidential hopeful dan lazare mueller probe finds no trump-russia collusion russian collusion https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/09/1114829809_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6b07e44390a42f32a5ff48e357fb7abb.jpg Trump has learned how to more effectively influence US politics since his chaotic first term in the White House, according to analyst Dan Lazare who appeared on Sputniks The Final Countdown program Monday to discuss current legislation moving through US Congress.He's really learned how to campaign and run and manipulate the system in a way that he just, you know, he was a babe in the woods in 2016, noted host Ted Rall. What do you think?I agree, said Lazare. It's been a real learning curve. I think a second Trump administration, which I [place at] better than 50, 50 odds, will be a very different kettle of fish than the first one.Trump was essentially beaten by the deep state, added Lazare, perhaps referencing the contrived Russiagate narrative of US intelligence agencies which falsely suggested the former president colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election. I expect the second Trump administration to be very different.Lazare noted that Trumps improved political acumen is demonstrated by his influence on compromise border legislation currently making its way through Congress.The Republicans are, as you know, of the very mixed mind with regard to the Ukraine, said Lazare. And when it comes to Mexico, they are really under instructions from [former US President] Donald Trump. He's made it quite clear that he doesn't want any bill passed at all before the election.He wants to hold the administration's feet to the fire to watch as the situation on the border gets worse and worse, more chaotic, so that public frustration grows, he added. Most of it will be directed at the White House, and the Republicans feel theyll benefit Trump feels he'll benefit as a result.So therefore, he wants no action on the border, he's cold to aid to the Ukraine, but Republicans and Democrats agree on aid to Israel. So that's the line up basically, Lazare concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230129/trump-says-will-bring-back-peace-through-strength-if-elected-1106793619.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20210326/trump-criticizes-biden-for-border-crisis-policy-toward-china-1082454351.html americas 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 security, trump, president donald trump, investigation, 2020 us presidential election, donald trump's indictment, donald trump's indictments, trump's indictment, donald trump, trump supporters, russia collusion https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/brains-for-drones-russia-unveils-first-domestically-made-onboard-uav-computer-1116620021.html Brains for Drones: Russia Unveils First Domestically-Made Onboard UAV Computer Brains for Drones: Russia Unveils First Domestically-Made Onboard UAV Computer Sputnik International The module, which can be installed in various types of the unmanned aerial vehicles, is designed to control these drones, according to developers. 2024-02-06T10:04+0000 2024-02-06T10:04+0000 2024-02-06T10:04+0000 russia module drones unmanned aerial vehicle special operation military https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/13/1116263258_0:130:3180:1919_1920x0_80_0_0_0f5d30e021e484bd78a5a720146f399f.jpg Russias first on-board digital computer module for drones will be showcased at the NAIS 2024 National Civil Aviation Infrastructure Exhibition and Forum, the Almaz Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation Deputy General Director Dmitry Savitsky told Sputnik. The two-day event kicks off in Moscow on Tuesday.He also said that Almaz Antey would present an automated system to monitor the use of airspace and ensure the safety of objects within the Safe Sky project at the NAIS 2024 exhibition.In addition, the corporation will showcase digital services helping a drone operator provide an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with access to the use of airspace through a convenient web interface.Radar Field ExpansionSeparately, Savitsky told Sputnik that the radar field to monitor drones flying at low altitudes is being expanded over Russia.He explained that Almaz-Antey had created a multi-position drone monitoring system, which combines radio equipment for airspace surveillance and control as well as a common server to analyze detected UAVs.The new system creates a unified information field for low altitudes in the airspace, where drones, helicopters and small aircraft conduct flights. The system helps ensure control over the aircraft, namely, to monitor whether they stick to the prescribed routes, per Savitsky. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230830/shoigu-demands-almaz-antey-produce-modern-radar-systems-247--1112989513.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.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 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg russian special military operation, russia's domestically made on-board computer module for drones, nais 2024 national civil aviation infrastructure exhibition and forum https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/does-zelensky-need-to-audit-ukrainian-army-to-justify-ousting-zaluzhny-1116625749.html Does Zelensky Need to Audit Ukrainian Army to Justify Ousting Zaluzhny? Does Zelensky Need to Audit Ukrainian Army to Justify Ousting Zaluzhny? Sputnik International The Office of the President of Ukraine is reportedly conducting an audit of the armed forces over the past two years and is considering an overhaul in the Defense Ministry. 2024-02-06T17:15+0000 2024-02-06T17:15+0000 2024-02-06T17:15+0000 valery zaluzhny world volodymyr zelensky ukraine kiev cia ukrainian armed forces ukrainian counteroffensive attempt audit https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/0c/1114897745_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_ab75f58cc4a0ac2928cccbec61f3aa35.jpg The Kiev regime may force personnel changes in the armed forces in the aftermath of an audit kicked off by the government, advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky Mikhail Podolyak told the Rada TV channel.Speaking to Ukrainian journalists last week, Podolyak admitted that the Ukrainian military made "tactical mistakes" during the summer counteroffensive which led to the operation's failure.Zelensky officially confirmed that he was considering dismissing the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Gen. Valery Zaluzhny on February 4 in an interview with the Italian news outlet Rai TV.Will Zaluzhny be Fired?The rumors of Zaluzhny's dismissal have been simmering for quite some time. In late January, prominent Ukrainian lawmakers and journalists claimed that the Ukrainian top commander had been sacked. The Ukrainian President's Office later trashed the claims. However, on February 2, the Washington Post and Reuters reported that Zaluzhny's fate had been sealed.Two days later, Zelensky told Italian media that "a reset and a new beginning are necessary". "I'm thinking about this replacement [of Zaluzhny], its true," the Ukrainian president confirmed.Oleksiy Goncharenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament from European Solidarity, wrote on his Telegram account on Tuesday that Zaluzhny would be dismissed together with his close aides Yevhen Moysyuk, Mykola Balan, and Mykhailo Zabrodsky.Remarkably, some Ukrainian media speculated on February 1 that Lieutenant General Moysyuk was seen as a candidate to replace Zaluzhny. Citing sources in the army, the press reported that it was Moysyuk who maintained communications between the General Staff and the Office of the President at meetings.On February 5, Goncharenko forecast that Zaluzhny's dismissal would be accompanied by a smear campaign against the top general. "Pushing negative sentiment, playing political games and screwing up society during war is bad," Goncharenko warned.West Reportedly Nervous About Zaluzhny's OustingCiting sources from the G7 countries, the Financial Times has recently warned that the Ukrainian presidents plans to replace Zaluzhny has made the Kiev regime's Western partners "nervous."The reported concerns are largely caused by Zaluzhnys popularity among ordinary soldiers and the Ukrainian public. The dismissal of the top general could cause a negative reaction in Ukrainian society, according to them. Western politicians also feel uneasy about the possible appointment of the head of Ukrainian intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, as Zaluzhny's replacement.A spat between Zaluzhny and Zelensky first occurred in the summer of 2022, as per The Economist. In November 2023, Sputnik's interlocutors warned about a possible new military coup in Kiev, stressing that the Ukrainian elites had got mired in blame games over the nation's botched counteroffensive. While the Ukrainian government and Zelensky's Servant of the People party laid the blame at the door of the military, generals pointed the finger at Zelensky.Zaluzhny gave an interview to The Economist on November 1, acknowledging that the Kiev regime's counteroffensive push had stalled. The interview triggered a wave of criticism from the Ukrainian President's Office. Very soon after, the Western press started circulating rumors of a widening rift and potential political fight between the Ukrainian president and Zaluzhny, hinting at the top general's growing popularity among Ukrainians.The Army AuditThe Ukrainian Army's internal audit to assess its actions and shortcomings over the past two years could lay the groundwork for the shakeup in the nation's government, judging from Podolyak's recent interview.A number of probes related to the Ukrainian military actions have already been underway. Thus, for example, in November 2023, The Economist drew attention to a reported criminal investigation into the defense of southern Ukraine in February-March 2022. At that time, Zaluzhny was named as a witness to the probe with the newspaper alleging that "that may change into something more serious."An audit was also conducted at Ukraine's Defense Ministry in early January allegedly exposing violations costing "more than a quarter of a billion dollars", as per Newsweek.Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that an internal audit of the ministry discovered financial violations over the last four months worth 10 billion hryvnia ($260 million).In September 2023, Umerov replaced his predecessor, Oleksiy Reznikov in the wake of scandals concerning inflated prices for food supplies and low-quality military jackets. Earlier, in August 2023, the Ukrainian president fired the heads of regional military recruitment centers for taking bribes.Last year, CIA Director William Burns secretly traveled to Kiev to inform Zelensky that Washington was aware of his and his entourage's theft, per Hersh. The journalist revealed that Burns reportedly also told Joe Biden that Zelensky's subordinates were outraged by their leader personally taking too large a cut of the US aid. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240204/zelenskyy-confirms-thinking-about-replacing-armed-forces-commander-in-chief-zaluzhny-1116589858.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240203/scott-ritter-is-zaluzhny-getting-ready-to-take-down-zelensky-1116566603.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/eu-gets-ukraine-involved-in-preparing-european-defense-industry-plan-1116625599.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/long-knives-are-out-zelensky-and-ukrainian-political-establishment-battle-for-supremacy-1116613277.html ukraine kiev 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 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, valery zaluzhny, zelensky is going to fire valery zaluzhny, ukrainian counteroffensive, blame game in ukraine, audit of ukrainian army actions over two years, corruption in ukrainian ministry of defense https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/egypt-receives-hamas-response-to-gaza-truce-proposal-1116631666.html Egypt Receives Hamas Response to Gaza Truce Proposal Egypt Receives Hamas Response to Gaza Truce Proposal Sputnik International Egypt has received a response from the Palestinian movement Hamas to a truce proposal in the Gaza Strip and will discuss its details with all interested parties, the Egyptian State Information Service said on Tuesday. 2024-02-06T23:14+0000 2024-02-06T23:14+0000 2024-02-06T23:14+0000 world palestine-israel conflict egypt mediation hamas palestine israeli-palestinian conflict mossad genocide humanitarian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1a/1116419545_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_49fb4069f0537af70cdc4e7455f35bcb.jpg "Today, on February 6, Cairo received Hamas response to the proposed framework [of the deal]," the head of the Egyptian State Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, said in a statement, adding that Egypt will discuss all the details with interested parties.Earlier in the day, the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad said it received a response from the Palestinian movement Hamas regarding a potential hostage deal via Qatar, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday. egypt palestine 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 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/20240206/eu-gets-ukraine-involved-in-preparing-european-defense-industry-plan-1116625599.html EU Gets Ukraine Involved in Preparing European Defense Industry Plan EU Gets Ukraine Involved in Preparing European Defense Industry Plan Sputnik International The European Union is working together with Ukraine to draw up a European defense industry strategy, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday. 2024-02-06T16:17+0000 2024-02-06T16:17+0000 2024-02-06T16:17+0000 military ursula von der leyen josep borrell ukraine russia european union (eu) european commission https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/0f/1107454899_0:0:3055:1719_1920x0_80_0_0_592a7f74a829f32b0127241b399b1c7c.jpg "As we look to the future, we must think of Ukraine's defense capabilities as part of our own defense capabilities. We must think of Ukraine's defense industry as part of our own defense industry. This is why we have involved Ukraine in the preparations for our own Defense Industrial Strategy," she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The EU commissioner stressed that, as a prospective EU member, Ukraine needed to get much closer to the 27-nation bloc in the field of defense. Russia argues that the West's military aid to Ukraine is only delaying peace in the country. Von der Leyen also echoed the estimates of the European defense industry capacity for ammunition production shared in January by top EU diplomat Josep Borrell, who said the EU was on track to deliver over half a million artillery shells to Ukraine by March and a million by the end of the year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/why-zelenskys-fantasy-of-building-military-industrial-hub-in-ukraine-is-doomed-1115539804.html ukraine 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 eu defense industry, eu defense plan, how eu plans to use ukraine, ukraine par of eu defense https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/european-council-chief-calls-on-us-to-unlock-60bln-for-ukraine-1116622309.html European Council Chief Calls on US to Unlock $60Bln for Ukraine European Council Chief Calls on US to Unlock $60Bln for Ukraine Sputnik International European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday called on the US House of Representatives to unblock $60 billion in financing for Ukraine, following the council's February 1 agreement on long-term financing for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros ($53.7 billion) 2024-02-06T10:59+0000 2024-02-06T10:59+0000 2024-02-06T11:13+0000 world charles michel joe biden ukraine israel kiev european council european parliament foreign aid https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116622792_0:159:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_3c0b649c2d33115ae5d1f7e87609bab5.jpg "This European Council decision [to set up the Ukraine Facility worth 50 billion euros] is a message to all of those who have faith in democratic values and freedom. Partners, this is a way of supporting Ukraine, supporting Ukrainians. I want to appeal to the United States House of Representatives to release the $60 billion necessary to guarantee the financial stability of Ukraine," Michel said at the European Parliament plenary session. On Monday, the US Senate introduced a bill combining the allocation of money for US border security, aid to Ukraine and Israel. The bill proposes to allocate a total of $118.28 billion, of which $60.06 will be sent to support Kiev. US President Joe Biden expressed his support for the bill and urged Congress to pass it as soon as possible. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/burden-of-ukraine-funding-may-be-passed-onto-europe-1116606550.html ukraine israel kiev 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 https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/eus-michel-admits-getting-hands-on-frozen-russian-assets-not-going-to-be-easy-1116624253.html EUs Michel Admits Getting Hands on Frozen Russian Assets Not Going to Be Easy EUs Michel Admits Getting Hands on Frozen Russian Assets Not Going to Be Easy Sputnik International European Council President Charles Michel conceded on Tuesday that drawing up a legal framework that would allow the European Union to seize frozen Russian state assets would not be an easy task. 2024-02-06T13:20+0000 2024-02-06T13:20+0000 2024-02-06T13:20+0000 economy russia ukraine charles michel g7 european union (eu) frozen assets https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/15/1115733621_0:135:3094:1875_1920x0_80_0_0_f9f87c0a8ce77bbf71f38277e1805ddc.jpg "Its not going to be easy because there are international and legal constraints. We need to work, but we will do so working with our G7 partners," he told a European Parliament plenary session. The EU is estimated to hold some $300 billion of Russian central bank assets together with its G7 partners the United States, Japan and Canada. The seven have been holding talks on how to unlock the money allegedly to fund Ukraines reconstruction, but Russia argues this is illegal and will ruin the Wests image as a safe haven for global money. Michel said the European Commission should focus on a plan that would allow it to unlock profits generated by frozen Russian state assets. "The Council has to move forward giving the Commission the task of focusing on profits so that we can make sure that this money is used for supporting Ukraine," he said in parliament. The Financial Times daily reported over the weekend that Western countries were working on a plan that would allow them to issue debt obligations to help finance Ukraine using Russian assets as support for debt repayment. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said last week that the EU plan to seize Russian central bank assets was an "escalation of economic aggression" and a trade war, and warned that Russia would respond in a correspondingly harsh manner. She said that any attempt to confiscate Russian assets would be a gross violation of the Wests own law, international rules and bilateral obligations. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240125/west-could-face-300bln-boomerang-in-gamble-to-seize-russian-assets-sputnik-estimates-1116380567.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 russian frozen assets, russian frozen assets in europe, european council charles michel Cases of IP leaks to China on rise By Ko Dong-hwan The government will strengthen punishment against individuals who steal semiconductor and other industrial technology secrets from local companies. This decision comes as more people are being apprehended for engaging in such activities on behalf of Chinese and other foreign firms, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Tuesday. The ministry sent the revised Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology to the National Assembly for approval last November. After it is approved by the Assembly, there will be a six-month grace period during which the act's ordinances will be revised. The act will then go into full effect. Under the revised law, the penalties for leaking the country's intellectual property to foreign companies will be significantly increased. The current maximum penalty of 1.5 billion won ($1.1 million) will be raised to a maximum of 6.5 billion won for the country's key technologies, and a maximum of 3 billion won for lower-level technologies. For those ordered to make financial restitutions to victims of IP crimes, the size of compensations will increase by three to five times. The scope of the punitive measures has also expanded, with those acting as brokers in a theft now being liable to face charges. Authorities will also consider intent rather than purpose in criminal investigations. Under the revised law, the ministry has included additional evaluation categories for approving mergers and acquisitions of Korean companies by foreign firms. These categories will assess the potential impact of the merger on the nation's security and economy. The need to revise the law was previously raised in forums, seminars and press conferences in 2022-23, which were hosted by lawmakers and companies or agencies regarding technologies purely developed inside Korea. After the ministry's proposal for legal updates was passed by the Ministry of Government Legislation, the proposal went to the National Assembly last September. "The revised law aims to prevent technology theft either by intention or mistake," a ministry official said. "It's a shield against cases in which foreign entities establish companies here to steal our technologies. It also prevents those unfamiliar with the law from unintentionally leaking the technologies overseas." The number of cases of theft of key technologies peaked last year at 23, the highest since 2019. These incidents occurred across various industries, including semiconductors, displays, rechargeable batteries, and automobiles. One of the more recent cases involved employees at Samsung Electronics. An official of Semes, a semiconductor and display equipment manufacturer under Samsung Electronics, and three other employees, were arrested last month for sharing the company's latest semiconductor surface cleaning equipment technology with PNC Process System of China. The theft, according to prosecutors, caused irreparable damage to the country's semiconductor industry including financial damages of 210 billion won to Semes. Both the arrested official and his younger brother, who previously headed Semes, face the same charge. One of them was sentenced by an appellate court early last month to a prison term of 10 years. In another case, police last month requested an arrest warrant for a former Samsung Electronics researcher who leaked data related to the company's exclusive 20 nanometer DRAM technologies in 2014 to CHJS in China. Among the leaked data were 700 blueprints showing how the Korean firm made its semiconductors. A professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said that the revised law has strengthened punitive measures as the original law sometimes ended up acquitting suspects due to insufficient legal grounds. "By drastically increasing the penalty of fines, the new law appears to be aimed at charging financial restitutions at a value greater than how much suspects can possibly gain through their crimes," KAIST assistant professor Jon Woo-jung said. "It appears that the authorities have chosen to strengthen the level of financial restitution instead of prison terms to realize stricter economic punishments. I also think that the inclusion of brokers to the future tech theft suspect list is a significant step forward." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/ex-us-border-official-says-senate-supplemental-bill-does-little-to-end-border-crisis-1116627638.html Ex-US Border Official Says Senate Supplemental Bill Does Little to End Border Crisis Ex-US Border Official Says Senate Supplemental Bill Does Little to End Border Crisis Sputnik International The US Senate's bipartisan deal on the Ukraine aid-border security bill does little to address the crisis on the United States' border with Mexico, former US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Deputy Commissioner Ronald Vitiello told Sputnik. 2024-02-06T18:11+0000 2024-02-06T18:11+0000 2024-02-06T18:11+0000 americas us ron vitiello texas us customs and border protection (cbp) border crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/04/1115979442_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_53a80340323138baae6f8ec3f512820a.jpg On Sunday, the Senate released a $118 billion national security supplemental bill that includes some $60 billion in additional aid for Ukraine, $14 billion in aid for Israel and some $20 billion for border security, among other priorities. US House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected the measure, saying it would be "dead on arrival" if it reaches the House of Representatives. Vitiello, who is running for the US Senate from the state of Virginia, said it looks doubtful that the bill will pass Congress. The proposed legislation has received much backlash from Republicans and even from several Democrats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives over disagreements on the border policy measures, which makes the future of the legislation uncertain. According to Senator James Lankford, who is one of the key Republican negotiators on the supplemental bill, the changes to US border policy proposed in the bill include limits on the use of parole catch-and-release at the border that is expected to stop more than half-a-million border crossings each year. The proposed legislation would also include enhanced measures to deport migrants who enter the United States illegally, tighter restrictions on US asylum eligibility for migrants, $650 million to build more border wall and a mandated shutdown of the border to illegal migrants when the daily average number of illegal crossings exceeds 5,000. Vitiello pointed out that no laws were changed under former President Donald Trump and he was able to get illegal immigration down to 50 year lows on the US border with Mexico. The White House has rejected the idea that the US president should take unilateral executive action to secure the border. The CBP documented more than 302,000 migrant encounters in December, marking the highest single-month figure ever recorded. The Biden administration has also experienced three consecutive years of record numbers of illegal migration on the southern border.'Unfortunate' Texas Needs to Secure Southern Border After Biden RefusesThe unfortunate thing about the migrant crisis in the United States is that Texas has to step up efforts to secure the US border with Mexico as a result of the Biden administration's refusal to do so, according to Vitiello."I think it's unfortunate that Texas has to do what the administration refuses to do to secure the border," Vitiello said.Texas Governor Greg Abbott has spent more than $4 billion to boost border security and combat illegal immigration in the region over the last three years.President Joe Biden's decision to rescind former President Donald Trump's border security policies, such as the so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy, is what created the current crisis, Vitiello said.The state of Texas is currently in court battles with the Biden administration over differences on border policy.The US Supreme Court recently ruled that federal agents can cut razor wire fencing the Texas National Guard placed on miles of the state's border with Mexico to stop migrants from entering the United States illegally between ports of entry. Border Patrol agents cut the razor wire to let migrants into the United States so they can be processed.Moreover, the Biden administration is asking the Supreme Court to intervene in the Texas National Guard's efforts to block federal agents from patrolling a section of the US-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, which has long been a hot spot for illegal migration until recently. Texas' enforcement actions have stopped the heavy surge of illegal immigration in that area.Texas' efforts in Eagle Pass have "obviously made a difference," Vitiello said.Biden Campaign Becoming Aware Border Top Issue Among US VotersVitielo also suggested that the latest votes in the US primary elections have revealed to the Biden campaign that voters consider border security the top issue of concern. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/us-senate-releases-118bln-bipartisan-deal-on-border-security-ukraine-israel-aid-1116591563.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240131/fears-about-fbi-infiltration-of-take-our-border-back-convoy-indicate-erosion-of-democracy-in-us--1116520706.html americas texas 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 security https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/heres-why-lvov-may-become-new-capital-of-ukraine-1116616936.html Here's Why Lvov May Become Ukraine's New Capital Here's Why Lvov May Become Ukraine's New Capital Sputnik International In December 2023, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and a major Ukrainian railway company signed an agreement for the construction of a 75-kilometer section of the European-gauge railway. The railroad will be part of a larger trans-European project (Mediterranean Corridor) starting in southern Spain and finishing in Lvov 2024-02-06T11:30+0000 2024-02-06T11:30+0000 2024-02-06T12:09+0000 world dmitry medvedev ukraine kiev russia european union (eu) russian security council lvov region spain us agency for international development (usaid) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116620657_0:153:3100:1897_1920x0_80_0_0_7e88d7f1c72e4aa80ef948d9b6d6c2e9.jpg Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev believes that Lvov is set to become Ukraine's new capital city. His conclusion is based on the fact that a new USAID-Ukraine project for the construction of a railway connecting the EU and Ukraine has Lvov and not Kiev as its endpoint. According to Medvedev, business sometimes reacts to unraveling geopolitical developments more quickly and pragmatically than politicians, and much can be understood from the project details and their reasons."It looks like the first confirmation that Lvov-Lemberg will be the new capital of Ukraine within the borders of the Lvov region... It's just that business is much more prescient than politicians," Medvedev wrote on X (former Twitter).Allegations hinting at the capital city being moved away from Kiev are old news for history enthusiasts. After all, national borders and political affiliations have altered dramatically across the continent even throughout the 20th century. Ever since Russia launched its special military op, EU officials have frequently voiced opinions pertaining to the fact that some of today's Ukrainian lands historically belong to other EU nations. Such is the case with Eastern Galitsia, Transcarpathia (Zakarpattia), Bessarabia, or North Bukovina. ukraine kiev russia lvov region spain 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 lvov in ukraine, is lvov the capital of ukraine, what is the capital of ukraine, lvov history, lvov in poland, is lvov polish, why isn't lvov polish https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/houthis-in-yemen-attack-us-uk-merchant-ships-in-red-sea---military-spokesman-1116620269.html Houthis in Yemen Attack US, UK Merchant Ships in Red Sea - Military Spokesman Houthis in Yemen Attack US, UK Merchant Ships in Red Sea - Military Spokesman Sputnik International Yemen's Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, attacked US and UK merchant ships in the Red Sea, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Tuesday 2024-02-06T09:35+0000 2024-02-06T09:35+0000 2024-02-06T09:35+0000 military red sea crisis middle east yemen united kingdom (uk) red sea houthi houthis us us central command (centcom) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/18/1116350323_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6cd6ca434f5975d5880c0f63f4a0fd25.jpg On Monday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that US forces struck "in self-defense" two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) in Yemen's territory controlled by the Houthis. Yemens Houthi rebels said in November that they would attack any Israeli-linked or Israeli-bound ships passing through the Red Sea in retaliation for the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, leading the US to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the area. The US and the UK have launched multiple strikes against Houthi positions in a bid to degrade their ability to target commercial vessels. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240202/houthis-target-uk-merchant-ship-in-red-sea-as-us-led-op-to-contain-militia-leaks-like-a-sieve-1116553606.html yemen united kingdom (uk) red sea 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 houthi attacks in the red sea, terrorist attacks in the red sea, why are houthis attacks ships in the red sea, commercial ships under attack in the red sea, who do houthis target, who do houthis attack, who are houtis, red sea attacks, whats happening in the red sea, why are there attacks in the red sea, us ships in the red sea, us coalition in the red sea, us-led coalition in the red sea, international coalition in the red sea, military hostilities in the red sea, tensions in the red sea https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/israel-to-submit-evidence-of-unrwas-alleged-links-to-terrorism-to-un-1116611814.html Israel to Submit Evidence of UNRWA's Alleged Links to 'Terrorism' to UN Israel to Submit Evidence of UNRWA's Alleged Links to 'Terrorism' to UN Sputnik International Israel will provide evidence linking the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to "terrorism" to a UN panel looking into the organization, following accusations that its staff were involved in the October 7 attack on Israel, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Monday. 2024-02-06T00:34+0000 2024-02-06T00:34+0000 2024-02-06T00:34+0000 world humanitarian crisis humanitarian disaster humanitarian catastrophe palestine-israel conflict israel-gaza conflict hamas the united nations (un) gaza strip israel https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116611953_0:170:3072:1898_1920x0_80_0_0_861763b9fd62669baae3a6daba56a950.jpg On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed an independent review panel to examine UNRWA activities, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. "Congratulations to the [UN] on forming the investigative committee. We will submit all evidence highlighting [UNRWA's] ties to terrorism and its harmful effects on regional stability. It is imperative that this committee brings the truth to light, necessitating the immediate resignation of the UNRWA chairman [Philippe Lazzarini]," Katz wrote on X (formerly Twitter). In January, Lazzarini said Israel had shared with the agency data on the alleged involvement of some of its staff members in the October 7 Hamas attack and vowed to hold accountable anyone involved in "acts of terror." The United States, Finland, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and some other countries have since suspended funding for UNRWA. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. 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 27,300 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 israel palestine 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 unrwa, un aid, humanitarian aid, 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/20240206/japan-denies-labeling-china-hypothetical-enemy-during-drills---chinese-embassy-1116622070.html Japan Denies Labeling China 'Hypothetical Enemy' During Drills - Chinese Embassy Japan Denies Labeling China 'Hypothetical Enemy' During Drills - Chinese Embassy Sputnik International Japan has informed the Chinese side that media reports about China being labeled as a hypothetical enemy for the first time during the US-Japan military drills is not true, the Chinese Embassy in Japan said Tuesday. 2024-02-06T10:41+0000 2024-02-06T10:41+0000 2024-02-06T10:41+0000 asia japan china taiwan us military drills https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/11/1116220428_0:62:2001:1187_1920x0_80_0_0_4edfef8a7c0064022d9f884ea0029b8f.jpg On Sunday, the Kyodo news agency reported that the scenario of the military drills held from February 1-8, dubbed Exercise Keen Edge and conducted by the Japanese armed forces and the US military, included a clear reference to China as a hypothetical enemy. The statement said, however, that some forces in Japan were constantly creating artificial incidents over the Taiwan issue, exaggerating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and provoking a standoff. Such actions violate the one-China principle and several China-Japan political agreements, the embassy added. The drills, in which Australia is also participating for the first time this year, are a computerized simulation of an emergency in Taiwan, which is aimed at improving interoperability among participating countries' units, practicing the command and control system operations in a dynamic scenario and testing communications systems in different geographic areas of the region. Taiwan has been governed independently of mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan a territory with its own elected government maintains that it is an autonomous country but stops short of declaring independence. The 1992 Consensus refers to a meeting between Beijing and Taipei delegations during which they agreed to the one-China principle. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240201/us-navy-deploys-3-of-11-aircraft-carriers-in-western-pacific---reports-1116530347.html japan china taiwan 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-japan military drills, us-japan military drills near china, japan-china tensions, tensions over taiwan, taiwan strait, one china principle https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/long-knives-are-out-zelensky-and-ukrainian-political-establishment-battle-for-supremacy-1116613277.html Long Knives Are Out: Zelensky, Ukrainian Political Establishment Battle for Supremacy Long Knives Are Out: Zelensky, Ukrainian Political Establishment Battle for Supremacy Sputnik International Security analyst Mark Sleboda joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Monday to discuss political intrigue in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskys position grows more tenuous by the day. 2024-02-06T03:33+0000 2024-02-06T03:33+0000 2024-02-06T07:29+0000 analysis ukraine crisis volodymyr zelensky ukraine mark sleboda valery zaluzhny kiev central intelligence agency (cia) national endowment for democracy (ned) usaid https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116613951_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_45fdede607cf0a3ee24f5f28219cac8c.jpg Security analyst Mark Sleboda joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Monday to discuss political intrigue in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskys position grows more tenuous by the day.In recent weeks the embattled Ukrainian leader has made attempts to sideline potential political opponents, most notably the head of Ukraines armed forces Valery Zaluzhny. But Zelensky has been met with opposition as the controversial leader struggles to maintain the countrys standing on the battlefield.Last week, everyone in the Western media told us that Zelensky tried to fire Zaluzhny but failed, recalled Sleboda. And there's different reasons why he couldn't get his replacements. [Kyrylo] Budanov and [Oleksandr] Syrsky both turned down [the position], then Zaluzhny declined to resign and said, 'You'll have to fire me,' then the West put pressure on him not to do it.President Zelensky then appeared on Ukrainian television and announced he was planning a purge of the entirety of the countrys leadership.The analyst noted that Zelensky has also been criticized by business leaders as well as Petro Poroshenko, the extremist figure who was the first president of the Russophobic government that took hold in Ukraine after the US-backed Euromaidan coup.But Sleboda noted that Zelensky has been widely ridiculed within the Ukrainian government, recalling Ukrainian officials characterization of him in Time magazine as delusional and an emperor with no clothes, in Slebodas words. The analyst called him an isolated figure that is growing increasingly unhinged from reality. And now he's apparently lashing out at the entire Kiev regime leadership.Sleboda noted that the United States often supports outright dictators internationally if they serve the countrys geopolitical interests; in fact, one study revealed that the US supports 73% of governments deemed dictatorships throughout the world.The United States has utilized military power and undercover operations through entities like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), USAID, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) to undermine and overthrow governments in Haiti, El Salvador, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bulgaria, Panama, Nicaragua, Libya, Morocco, Grenada, Angola, Australia, Guatemala, Bolivia, Greece, Chile, Uruguay, Ghana, Indonesia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Brazil, the Congo, Ecuador, France, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Italy, Syria, Costa Rica, Iran, Albania, Korea, the Philippines, and China, among other countries, according to author William Blum who extensively documented such efforts in his acclaimed and eye-opening book Killing Hope. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231130/zelensky-zaluzhny-spat-tempest-in-a-teapot-concealing-ukraines-true-masters-1115308061.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231107/ukrainian-intel-could-be-behind-death-of-top-general-zaluzhnys-aide--military-expert-1114799117.html ukraine kiev 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 zaluzhny vs zelensky, zaluzhny and zelensky, what's happening with zaluzhny, who is zaluzhny, why is zaluzhny out of control, what did zaluzhny do, zaluzhny to be fired, zaluzhny to retire, zelensky fires zaluzhny, us hegemony, us interventions, us interference https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/moscow-slams-israeli-ambassadors-remarks-over-holocaust-remembrance-day-in-russia-1116621854.html Moscow Slams Israeli Ambassador's Remarks Over Holocaust Remembrance Day in Russia Moscow Slams Israeli Ambassador's Remarks Over Holocaust Remembrance Day in Russia Sputnik International Israeli Ambassador to Moscow Simona Halperin made a number of unacceptable and provocative statements about Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, referring to the Israeli diplomat's remarks about the alleged Russian side's attitude to the International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024-02-06T10:33+0000 2024-02-06T10:33+0000 2024-02-06T10:33+0000 world mark halperin sergey lavrov russia moscow israel russian foreign ministry auschwitz holocaust wwii https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/15/1116301411_0:142:3135:1905_1920x0_80_0_0_6efb18214e79fb1bdbcefd71b059a6e7.jpg In her interview with Russian newspaper Kommersant, published on Monday, Halperin said that she regretted that the International Holocaust Remembrance Day was not an official day in the state calendar of Russia, adding Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was allegedly downplaying the Holocaust that the Jewish people endured. The Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik that the Israeli ambassador would be summoned to the ministry over the statements. The Russian Foreign Ministry also pointed to the UN General Assembly resolution initiated by Moscow in 2005, which contributed to the establishment of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27. Every year Russia holds the Holocaust Remembrance Week, with cultural, educational and memorial events throughout the country, the ministry added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240127/german-party-congress-opens-with-gratitude-to-soviet-army-for-liberating-auschwitz-1116435370.html russia moscow 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 israeli ambassador to moscow, simona halperin, russian foreign ministry, israeli diplomats, international holocaust remembrance day, holocaust in russia, holocaust in ussr https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/nevadas-gop-caucus-creates-confusion-among-us-voters-1116612591.html Nevadas GOP Caucus Creates Confusion Among US Voters Nevadas GOP Caucus Creates Confusion Among US Voters Sputnik International In 2021, legislators in the US state of Nevada passed a law requiring primary elections whenever more than one candidate appeared on the ballot. 2024-02-06T05:27+0000 2024-02-06T05:27+0000 2024-02-06T05:27+0000 americas donald trump us politics 2024 us presidential election presidential hopeful nevada us gop presidential campaign presidential candidate https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/1b/1116442454_0:0:3192:1796_1920x0_80_0_0_f1005608dc0fa7fa30ebfc288163c349.jpg This week, the US state of Nevada has been dealing with an interesting---and confusing---scenario for their primary voting process.In 2021, legislators in the US state of Nevada passed a law requiring primary elections whenever more than one candidate appeared on the ballot. While there does have to be a primary election in the state, the law doesn't say how to assign their delegates.And in August of last year, the states Republican Party announced that they would be holding their caucus for February 8, 2024, the rules of which appeared to favor Trump. At least three caucus overseers reportedly face felony charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election in an attempt to keep Trump in power, and Trump is also said to have wooed the three at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last year.Former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley will be on the primary ballot, while former President Donald Trump will be competing in the caucuses. The Nevada GOP said it will award its 26 delegates to whomever wins the caucus vote. Trump is essentially guaranteed to win the caucuses, and won the states caucuses in 2016 with nearly 46% of the vote.During a January 27 campaign visit to Las Vegas, Trump told his Nevada supporters to skip the primary and described it as a con job and a meaningless event.Meanwhile, the Nevada presidential primaries offer voters the option to select none of these candidates which means even though Haley has little competition in the primaries, she may not actually win them. Voters are also able to participate in both the primary ballots and caucusing.One Nevada voter was angered and confused that her mail-in ballot didnt include the candidate she wanted, and that her only option was Haley.Many voters who saw that their primary ballots did not show Trumps name were also angered, and believed he had been kicked off the ballot by a court for his role in the January 6, 2021 riot on Capitol Hillenigmatic of Colorado case that is pending before the US Supreme Court. But a judge in Nevada rejected a similar challenge to Trumps legitimacy in Nevadas primary voting process.Its clear from January 6 that when that kind of misinformation spreads, it has a negative impact on peoples trust in elections and willingness to abide by the results, she added. Its had a negative effect on democracy over the years. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231209/trump-blasts-birdbrain-haley-bobblehead-desantis-reveals-why-ramaswamy-won-debate-1115502732.html americas nevada 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 trump, voting, us voting, nevada primaries, 2024 us presidential election, gop, republican party, us politics https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/pentagon-says-direct-conflict-with-russia-possible-if-ukraine-aid-not-renewed-1116629902.html Pentagon Says Direct Conflict With Russia Possible if Ukraine Aid Not Renewed Pentagon Says Direct Conflict With Russia Possible if Ukraine Aid Not Renewed Sputnik International The United States has not ruled out the possibility of direct conflict with Russia if the supplemental funding package that includes Ukraine aid is not approved, Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said on Tuesday. 2024-02-06T20:33+0000 2024-02-06T20:33+0000 2024-02-06T22:24+0000 nato russia ukraine crisis vladimir putin ukraine john kirby pentagon military aid us military aid foreign military aid https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116630035_0:0:2732:1537_1920x0_80_0_0_65ca9bbf926108b1d449427c783458f8.jpg "If the US stopped support to Ukraine, we should be clear-eyed about the repercussions. Putin is not going to stop and his quest for power and control beyond Ukraine's borders. Toward NATO. If Putin attacks a NATO ally, we will find ourselves in direct conflict as we are committed to defending every NATO member," Singh said during a press briefing. The remarks come after NSC Coordinator John Kirby said earlier on Tuesday that without the supplemental bill the United States will no longer be able to provide security assistance to Ukraine. Singh added that the absence of more US aid will not only be felt by Ukrainian soldiers, but that it could be utilized by Russian President Vladimir Putin to push past Ukraine's borders and into NATO ally territory. On Sunday, the Senate released a $118 billion national security supplemental bill that includes some $60 billion in additional aid for Ukraine, $14 billion in aid for Israel and about $20 billion for border security, among other priorities. US House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have already labeled the Senate bill as "dead on arrival" and threatened that they will not move it for a vote in the lower chamber of Congress. Western countries have provided hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. Aid shipments began in 2022 with artillery munitions and training and have escalated to include tanks, advanced air-defense systems, missiles and cluster munitions. The Kremlin has consistently warned against the West's continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, saying that they only prolong the conflict, adding that Western military equipment will be eventually destroyed. Moscow also cautioned that NATO countries are playing with fire by providing Kiev with arms.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that any cargo that contains weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia. According to him, the US and NATO are directly involved in the Ukraine conflict by supplying weapons and training soldiers in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240115/fact-check-is-russia-really-getting-ready-to-invade-nato-1116182337.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 us-russia war, russia-us war, nato-russia war, us arms for ukraine, us assistance to ukraine, aid allocations for ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine, us for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/poland-to-host-nato-led-dragon-24-drills-involving-20000-troops---general-staff-1116624637.html Poland to Host NATO-Led Dragon-24 Drills Involving 20,000 Troops - General Staff Poland to Host NATO-Led Dragon-24 Drills Involving 20,000 Troops - General Staff Sputnik International Poland will host the NATO-led Dragon-24 drills on February 25, involving some 20,000 troops and 3,500 units of equipment, the Polish General Staff announced on Tuesday 2024-02-06T14:36+0000 2024-02-06T14:36+0000 2024-02-06T14:36+0000 military poland russia nato general staff nato expansion nato enlargement military drills https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116624476_0:161:3068:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_789f7e2c41d48826d2f1170bcdffc37b.jpg "The Dragon-24 exercise will begin on February 25. Around 20,000 soldiers from Poland and allied states, 3,500 units of equipment [will participate]," the general staff said on X (former Twitter). Dragon-24 is aimed at testing Polish armed forces ability to respond to a potential multifaceted military crisis, it added. During the exercise, the allies are planning to test out a conflict scenario against a "near-peer adversary" in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an attack on one ally is considered an attack against the entire NATO and allows for the provision of appropriate assistance. In January, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Sputnik that the scale of Steadfast Defender-2024 marks the final and irrevocable return of the alliance to the Cold War schemes to counter Russia. These exercises are another element of the hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia, he added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240201/steadfast-defender-2024-key-facts-about-natos-largest-drills-since-1988-1116539134.html poland 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 nato enlargement, nato expansion, whos joining nato, finland and sweden in nato, new nato members, why is hungary against nato expansion, why is nato expanding, nato expanding eastward By Baek Byung-yeul Hyundai Rotem was selected as the final bidder for a $663.69 million-worth LA Metro train supply deal in Los Angeles, the train-making subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group said Tuesday. The company said its U.S. branch won the project ordered by the LA County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA). This project was initiated to replace the local old trains in operation since 1993 and respond to the surge in mobility demand as the U.S. city is set to host the Summer Olympics and the Paralympics in 2028. When choosing the final bidder, LACMTA stressed evaluation factors such as previous records, quality and technology to prevent fraudulent practices that would result in delivery of low-quality vehicles or failure to meet deadlines, Hyundai Rotem said. "Hyundai Rotem was able to win the project by beating competitors, recognized for its vehicle manufacturing technology, track record and its ability to meet deadlines. The company was recognized for its merits by delivering vehicles early in the unmanned electric car supply project in Vancouver, which it delivered earlier than the product delivery date in 2005 and 2018," the company said. Hyundai Rotem also revealed that support from domestic railway institutions played a decisive role in winning the project. LACMTA had visited railway test tracks in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, established by the Korea National Railway and operated by the Korea Railroad Research Institute, and confirmed Korea's rail infrastructure and vehicle performance verification capabilities. The company added that the trains to be supplied to LACMTA will also be quality verified on these tracks. "We will do our best to deliver products that can satisfy both local citizens and tourists, based on the experience and capabilities accumulated by carrying out multiple local projects in the U.S.," the company said. Hyundai Rotem has been increasing its presence in the U.S. by winning train supply projects in California and Philadelphia in 2006, Boston in 2008 and 2019 and Denver in 2010. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/russia-looking-forward-to-sweden-announcing-verdicts-on-nord-stream-explosions---kremlin-1116623029.html Russia Looking Forward to Sweden Announcing Verdicts on Nord Stream Explosions - Kremlin Russia Looking Forward to Sweden Announcing Verdicts on Nord Stream Explosions - Kremlin Sputnik International Russia is looking forward to Sweden announcing the verdicts and decisions on the Nord Stream pipelines explosions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. 2024-02-06T11:19+0000 2024-02-06T11:19+0000 2024-02-06T11:19+0000 nord stream sabotage dmitry peskov russia sweden germany seymour hersh nord stream ag nord stream nord stream nord stream 1 https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101346542_0:44:839:516_1920x0_80_0_0_e291252f9a9c4c28bc6fce9ff4486ffc.jpg "Of course, we are waiting with interest for any verdicts and decisions that will be made," Peskov said, answering the question whether Russia had received any data on the investigation.The Swedish prosecutor's office said on Monday that by the end of this week it will decide whether to close the investigation or bring charges in the case of the Nord Stream sabotage. Earlier, the Russian Embassy in Stockholm said that Sweden has failed to identify the perpetrators of the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines over the past year, which has demonstrated the incompetence of the Swedish authorities. The Nord Stream pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, were hit by explosions in September 2022. Nord Stream AG said that the damage was unprecedented and it was impossible to estimate the timeframe for repairs. Sweden, as well as Denmark, Germany and Norway, launched investigations into the explosions but left Russia out of their probes, prompting Moscow to launch its own investigation. Russian officials have characterized the attacks as international terrorism. So far, no official results of the investigations have been announced, but Pulitzer Prize-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published a report in February 2023 saying the explosions were organized by the US government with the assistance of authorities in Norway. Washington has denied any involvement in the attack. During his joint "Direct Line" Q&A session and annual press conference on December 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Nord Stream pipelines were likely blown up by the United States. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231214/you-look-for-the-person-who-will-benefit-obvious-us-blew-up-nord-stream-1115588809.html russia sweden germany 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 nord stream explosion, nord stream sabotage, nord stream 2, russian gas pipeline, nord stream blast investigation https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/russia-not-ruling-out-withdrawal-from-arctic-council-if-necessary-1116614836.html Russia Not Ruling Out Withdrawal From Arctic Council if Necessary Russia Not Ruling Out Withdrawal From Arctic Council if Necessary Sputnik International Russia is not ruling out withdrawing from the Arctic Council if its activities do not meet Moscow's interests, the Russian Foreign Ministry's ambassador-at-large, Nikolay Korchunov, told Sputnik. 2024-02-06T06:04+0000 2024-02-06T06:04+0000 2024-02-06T10:12+0000 russia arctic council moscow norway russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/04/0c/1109398526_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_9af581348c87cf3388ecd72c873c7052.jpg "We assume that we should have all options for foreign policy maneuvering, including withdrawal from the Arctic Council if its activities do not meet Russian interests," Korchunov said. The council is functioning "at its lowest capacity," the diplomat said. Norway, which currently chairs the organization, is trying to restart its work in a full format, but is not finding support among the other council members, he added.The rotation of the Chair countries takes place every two years. The chairmanship passed to Russia in May 2021. In March 2022, the Western member countries of the council announced the suspension of participation in any events of the association in protest against Russian special military operation in Ukraine. In May 2023, Norway assumed the presidency of the Council.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in turn said on Tuesday, commenting on the participation in the Arctic Council that decisions on Russias withdrawal from any organizations can be made if the participation in them ceases to meet the interests of the country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221031/russia-will-carry-out-arctic-council-projects-without-partners-envoy-says-1102884090.html moscow norway 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 arctic council, russia in arctic council, arctic council members https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/russian-fm-lavrov-chairs-business-council-meeting-in-moscow-1116616548.html Russian FM Lavrov Chairs Business Council Meeting in Moscow Russian FM Lavrov Chairs Business Council Meeting in Moscow Sputnik International Sergey Lavrov holds a Business Council meeting at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow, Russia. 2024-02-06T09:09+0000 2024-02-06T09:09+0000 2024-02-06T09:09+0000 russia sergey lavrov russia moscow russian federation foreign ministry russian foreign ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116616377_0:0:3058:1720_1920x0_80_0_0_a7c3f9f1935d14b6b390052b1ab6812a.jpg Sputnik comes to you live as FM Sergey Lavrov presides over a regular meeting of the Business Council within Russias Foreign Ministry.The Business Council was founded in May 2006 under the leadership of the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. Its main objective is to strengthen ties with Russian businesses, ensuring the protection of Russia's political and economic interests both at home and abroad.The Council also seeks to harness the potential of the Russian Foreign Ministry and foreign offices to foster the international economic activities of domestic businesses, facilitating optimal conditions for their investments worldwide, while also addressing any unfair or discriminatory treatment of Russian businesses in foreign markets.Follow Sputniks live feed to learn more! russia moscow russian federation 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 A meeting of the Business Council under the Russian Foreign Ministry chaired by Sergey Lavrov. Sputnik International A meeting of the Business Council under the Russian Foreign Ministry chaired by Sergey Lavrov. 2024-02-06T09:09+0000 true PT16M05S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian foreign ministry, russian foreign minister, sergey lavrov, business council, moscow, russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/solving-ukraines-munition-needs-wont-bring-us-any-closer-to-winning-proxy-war-1116628209.html Solving Ukraine's Munition Needs Won't Bring US Any Closer to Winning Proxy War Solving Ukraine's Munition Needs Won't Bring US Any Closer to Winning Proxy War Sputnik International The US is seeking to double its output of 155 mm munitions by October, as per Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition Douglas R. Bush. 2024-02-06T18:55+0000 2024-02-06T18:55+0000 2024-02-06T18:55+0000 us pentagon ukraine military russia military & intelligence mike johnson kiev center of strategic and international studies (csis) military https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113673241_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a7733d0fd785e3db1b60558eb008742c.jpg The Pentagon is seeking to dramatically ramp up the production of artillery shells for the Kiev regime, Army acquisition chief Doug Bush announced at a CSIS think tank event hosted by the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group (DIIG) on February 5.Per Bush, the US output of 155 mm ammo could rise from 28,000 last October to about 60,000 in October this year, and reach a whopping 100,000 in October 2025. The hike in production could be achieved at least partially due to a new factory in Texas, which will "have an entirely new way of making the shell, using entirely new tech we've never used before," Bush explained. The US official noted, however, that reaching next year's goal of 100,000 shells per month would require American lawmakers to pass a Ukraine aid bill."It seems obvious that the USM is estimating that the immediate conflict map for the United States is becoming more complicated, not less. Not only has the Ukraine war dragged on beyond any prediction, new events in the Middle East and specifically with Iran cause great concern in Washington DC. And, of course, hanging over all of that immediate conflict and potential immediate conflict is the likely future conflict involving China and Taiwan. To step up its production capacity, the army is pouring half a billion dollars into its Texas artillery plant with alleged new technology involved.Nonetheless, Crosston doesn't believe that "there is some magical new technology that suddenly makes production 100% better." He suggested that the Pentagon should diversify and get more strategic corporate entities involved in its processes and projects to improve efficiency and reduce wasteful processes. "If that alone is taken seriously, then the increased production goals can be achieved. It is not so much about 'new technology' as much as 'new processes'," he explained.The security expert went on to say that the planned increase in artillery shell output is quite realistic and won't require high-scale modernization. In any event, it won't be that daunting or intimidating for the US military, according to him.Still, the Pentagon would need extra money from the US Congress to reach the goal of 100,000 shells per month, the professor admitted. Meanwhile, the House Republicans have recently made it clear that the Senate's border security and foreign aid bill, which contains $60 billion for the Kiev regime and $14 billion for Israel, is a non-starter. Promising to nix the bill in the bud, House Speaker Mike Johnson, nonetheless announced an extended standalone package for Israel, while nothing of that kind was proposed for Ukraine. Earlier, some House members of the US conservative Freedom Caucus warned that they would oust Johnson should he try to ram a Ukraine aid package through the lower chamber.In case the US military manages to overcome these difficulties, they would be able to supply Ukraine with extra shells. However, one shouldn't delude oneself into believing that it would anyhow change the balance of forces on the battlefield, the security expert underscored. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/eu-gets-ukraine-involved-in-preparing-european-defense-industry-plan-1116625599.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240129/nato-secretary-general-believes-weapons-for-ukraine-are-the-way-to-peace--1116476997.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/non-starter-why-senates-border-security-and-foreign-aid-bill-wont-even-receive-a-vote-in-house-1116603774.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/long-knives-are-out-zelensky-and-ukrainian-political-establishment-battle-for-supremacy-1116613277.html ukraine russia kiev 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 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova ukraine munitions shortage, 155 mm shells for ukraine, us is increasing production of 155 mm shells, ukraine aid bill, us aid for ukraine, us plans to double the output of 155 mm shells, us military aid for ukraine, house republicans, us border security and foreign aid bill https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/uae-committed-to-supporting-efforts-to-alleviate-impact-of-ukraine-crisis--reports-1116612503.html UAE Committed to Supporting Efforts to Alleviate Impact of Ukraine Crisis Reports UAE Committed to Supporting Efforts to Alleviate Impact of Ukraine Crisis Reports Sputnik International UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that the country was committed to supporting all efforts that would mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the Ukrainian crisis, the United Arab Emirates state media WAM reported on Monday. 2024-02-06T01:21+0000 2024-02-06T01:21+0000 2024-02-06T01:25+0000 world ukraine crisis uae vladimir putin sheikh mohamed bin zayed al nahyan humanitarian assistance russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/06/1115433023_0:141:3139:1906_1920x0_80_0_0_9bfe39eaedba11b9d3a1df0091bf8a9c.jpg The two leaders also discussed the development of strategic relations between the two states and a number of regional and international problems of mutual interest, the report read.In December 2023, Vladimir Putin visited the UAE, held talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussed bilateral, regional, and international affairs. According to the Kremlin, the meeting's agenda included the Palestine-Israel conflict, as well as situations in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan. The progress of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine was also discussed. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/putins-mideast-meetings-signal-russias-confidence-and-shift-in-world-opinion---experts-1115457030.html uae 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 russia-uae talks, russia-uae relations, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, humanitarian assistance, mediation https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/ukraine-coordinates-himars-targets-with-us-who-is-complicit-in-lisichansk-strike---russian-un-envoy-1116630645.html Ukraine Coordinates HIMARS Targets With US Who Is Complicit in Lisichansk Strike - Russian UN Envoy Ukraine Coordinates HIMARS Targets With US Who Is Complicit in Lisichansk Strike - Russian UN Envoy Sputnik International Kiev authorities coordinate strike targets via HIMARS systems with the US: it is obvious who is complicit in the strike on Lisichansk, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said at a UN Security Council meeting. 2024-02-06T23:08+0000 2024-02-06T23:08+0000 2024-02-06T23:42+0000 vassily nebenzya world high mobility artillery rocket system (himars) the united nations (un) russia ukraine un security council (unsc) us hegemony us us arms for ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116630485_0:69:2774:1629_1920x0_80_0_0_ce4984a4884e7a12bd2a71c435fe7c55.jpg "If someone accepts the claim that Western countries have nothing to do with it, as Kiev chooses targets for strikes on its own, he should be reminded of the confession from Skibitsky, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine. In August 2022, he let slip that in order to use the HIMARS systems, Kiev needs to agree on a target with Washington beforehand," Nebenzya said. Ukrainian militants have become so angry that they carry out terrorist attacks on the territory of the Russian Federation almost every week, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at a UN Security Council meeting. Russia does not doubt that the timing of the deadly Ukrainian attack on a bakery in Lisichansk was deliberately chosen in advance, the diplomat stressed.The Ukrainian armed forces deliberately waited until people and families were out for a walk on their day off, Nebenzya added. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who prevented Kiev from signing a treaty with Russia, is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said at a UN Security Council meeting."Thus, your former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is an accomplice to the crimes of the Kiev regime and responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of young Ukrainians on the battlefield, whose lives could have been saved if the treaty had been signed and if your British and American colleagues had not forbidden it from happening," he stressed.Ukraine struck the crowded bakery on Saturday, collapsing the building and trapping some 40 civilians under the rubble, the LPR military commander's office told Sputnik. At least 28 people, including a pregnant woman and one child, were killed and 10 others were injured.The diplomat also stressed that Russia is prepared to share the results of its investigation into the downing of an Il-76 plane that was transporting Ukrainian prisoners of war. 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 ukraine crisis, il-76, vasily nebenzya, lisichansk strike https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/us--germany-continue-to-spiral-under-pressure-as-voters-protest-foreign-spending-1116614167.html US & Germany Continue to Spiral Under Pressure as Voters Protest Foreign Spending US & Germany Continue to Spiral Under Pressure as Voters Protest Foreign Spending Sputnik International Berlin is doubling down on their support for Ukraine, agreeing in November to increase their military aid to $8.6 billion for the year 2024. 2024-02-06T05:41+0000 2024-02-06T05:41+0000 2024-02-06T05:41+0000 analysis germany us economic crisis economic recession ukraine dan lazare olaf scholz donald trump nato https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/03/1107997817_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cc23afe317621eab91f4c90d28f901a1.jpg Berlin is doubling down on their support for Ukraine, agreeing in November to increase their military aid to $8.6 billion for the year 2024. But the German public, including farmers and train workers, have been labeled as far right members when they question their governments decision making, an article published on Sunday warns.While dissenters in Germany are labeled as members of the far-right, those in the US are left with the same option and that is: no options, as a presidential election between two extremely unpopular candidates appears inevitable this year. On Monday, Dan Lazare, the independent investigative journalist and author, said the chemistry between the two countries is basically the same.That leaves NATO feeling adrift and puts Germany in an especially tight spot because it worries that it'll have a war, a civil war on its doorstep if Ukraine collapses under Russian pressure. So, everyone's getting more nervous. The right wing is getting more active. The center is more at a loss over what to do, and that seems sort of like the situation in both countries. said Lazare.On Thursday, angry farmers outside the EU Parliament building in Brussels protested environmental regulations, cheap foreign imports, and rising costs imposed by their governments. The streets of the Belgian capital were blockaded by about 1,300 vehicles, according to a police estimate. The protesting farmers burned pallets and piles of manure and threw eggs, stone, fireworks, and other flaming objects at the legislature.Thursdays picketing is a culmination of protests which have occurred across Europe over the past few months. Berlin is trying to find ways to save or reallocate about $66 billion over the next several years, and one thing they decided to cut were diesel fuel subsidies purchased by those growing their food. In December, farmers in Germany took to the streets and demanded that Scholz abandon his plans to scrap diesel subsidies.Germanys economic woes are a result of their economic war against Russia. They have found themselves in a position where they are forced to replace affordable Russian energy with expensive Russian energy that has been laundered through middle countries, Sundays article notes.Lazare added that the developments on both sides of the Atlantic are moving in perfect synchronization, and pointed out that Trump seems to be Americans top choice for representing their anger towards the Democratic party. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240109/german-farmers-protest-economic-policy-forced-by-failed-sanctions-on-russia-1116069365.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240115/afd-mp-explains-why-german-farmers-are-up-in-arms-against-scholz-government-1116183896.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230817/russia-grows-richer-while-west-bleeds-trillions-amid-failed-sanctions--funding-ukraine-1112666650.html germany ukraine 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 russian economy under sanctions, russia thrives under sanctions, russia thrives, ukraine crisis, german economy, us economy, mass protests, sanctions failed, sanctions backfired, farmer protests, european union, funding for ukraine, ukrainian troops, ukrainian losses, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian counteroffensive, eu money, weapons for ukraine, financial aid, financial support, european aid, european support, europe for ukraine, eu aid to ukraine, eu funding of ukraine, no money for ukraine, us arms for ukraine, us assistance to ukraine, aid allocations for ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine, us for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/us-afraid-tucker-carlson-will-practice-journalism-in-russia-undermine-us-regime-propaganda-1116614609.html US Propaganda Machine Panicking Tucker Carlson Will Continue Objective Reporting in Russia US Propaganda Machine Panicking Tucker Carlson Will Continue Objective Reporting in Russia Sputnik International Maverick US journalist Tucker Carlson has raised eyebrows after being spotted in Moscow this week, with observers speculating Carlson has arrived to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin. 2024-02-06T04:16+0000 2024-02-06T04:16+0000 2024-02-08T07:41+0000 analysis vladimir putin us tucker carlson americans russia moscow journalist freedom of speech freedom of the press https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116614452_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_54ea83bc7db3f2f2105691eca6dc1c48.jpg Maverick US journalist Tucker Carlson has raised eyebrows after being spotted in Moscow this week, with observers speculating Carlson has arrived to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin.The popular American commentator has so far remained coy about the reasons for his visit, but he has expressed his willingness to speak with Putin in the past, allegedly making him the target of surveillance from US intelligence agencies. As Russiagaters melt down over the prospect Carlson will undermine US regime propaganda by practicing real journalism, geopolitical analyst and journalist Fiorella Isabel joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Monday to discuss the situation.The United States is involved in every single one of these conflicts, noted the journalist. And I think that the aim is to really show what Moscow is like, what the Russian people are like, and give a different perspective.Isabel speculated Carlson was indeed likely to speak with Putin while in Moscow, adding I don't think he would come for anything less. She also noted that Carlson has previously spoken with other leaders sometimes considered controversial in the United States, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.But based on Putin's speeches and the things he says that many Western audiences don't get to hear, that will drastically change, I think, a lot of people, or at least impact them in a way, in a time where we're on the brink of a catastrophic nuclear event I think, she added. I don't think that's an exaggeration. So I think that's why at this pivotal moment, the powers that be are extremely afraid of this interview, to the point where they're saying that they're going to go after Tucker Carlson in a legal way for simply being here and trying to attempt to do journalism.Host Garland Nixon noted that demonization of foreign leaders is a traditional tactic of US propaganda as Americans are conditioned to revile figures like President Bashar al-Assad in Syria or President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. The danger of Carlsons interview, he noted, is that Putin would be humanized before an American audience.Co-host Wilmer Leon agreed, arguing that Americans would see that Putin is not crazy, unhinged, or evil.Isabel noted that Putin has made highly subversive arguments for American audiences, questioning the fairness of US elections and noting that US foreign policy generally remains unchanged as new presidents enter the White House.And I think that fear is what the West would fear, because they will now see Putin as not only a human being, but also a very intelligent leader that is actually doing what's best for his people. And that is everything that the American public wants. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/watch-russians-tell-sputnik-what-they-think-about-tucker-carlson-1116605595.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/tucker-carlsons-popularity-on-the-increase-in-russia-heres-why-1116602291.html russia moscow 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 surveillance, tucker carlson, carlson-putin meeting, carlson interviews putin, putin interview, carlson in russia, carlson and putin, putin and carlson, carlson loves putin, carlson meets putin, freedom of press, free speech, us censorship, iron curtain https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/us-apologizes-for-incorrect-claim-of-advance-notice-of-strikes-to-iraq-1116627093.html US Apologizes for 'Incorrect Claim' of Advance Notice of Strikes to Iraq US Apologizes for 'Incorrect Claim' of Advance Notice of Strikes to Iraq Sputnik International US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby apologized on Tuesday for incorrectly telling the press on Friday that the US had notified Iraq in advance of the retaliatory strikes it had launched in the country earlier that day. 2024-02-06T17:59+0000 2024-02-06T17:59+0000 2024-02-06T18:09+0000 americas john kirby us iraq syria national security council https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116626934_0:260:3072:1988_1920x0_80_0_0_cf917494d9432d56345b4387119fb67c.jpg I deeply apologize for the error and I regret any confusion that it caused. It was based on information we had or that was provided to me in those early hours after the strikes. Turns out that information was incorrect and I certainly regret the error and I hope that you'll understand there was no ill intent behind it, no deliberate intent to deceive or to be wrong, Kirby said at a press briefing. A State Department spokesperson had clarified on Monday that Iraqi officials were only informed after the strikes were launched. The US launched airstrikes against 85 targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday believed to be linked to Iran, in retaliation for a drone attack in Jordan that killed three US service personnel. Kirby also acknowledged his error on Monday.Earlier, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said that the US decided not to give Baghdad advance warning of its recent strikes on Iraqi territory in order to protect American forces in the country.On February 2, he US Central Command said that the United States conducted its first retaliatory strikes against 85 targets allegedly linked to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups in Iraq and Syria by using B1 strategic bombers and 125 precision munitions within about 30 minutes. Joint Chiefs of Staff Director of Operations Douglas Sims said that the US struck three adversary facilities in Iraq and four in Syria.In late January, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) three US soldiers were killed in a drone attack at a US military base in Jordan's northeast near the border with Syria. 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 and insisted that resistance groups in the Middle East do not receive any instructions from Tehran.Both Iraq and Syria condemned the US strikes on their territory, and the Iraqi parliament's Security and Defense Committee called for the quick signing of an agreement on the withdrawal of the international coalition troops from the country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/us-lied-about-warning-iraq-in-advance-of-strikes---state-department-admits-1116608727.html https://sputnikglobe.com americas iraq 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 us strikes on iraq, john kirby, us apoligizes for not informing iraq, us lied to iraq about strikes https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/us-forces-struck-2-houthi-explosive-uncrewed-surface-vehicles-in-yemen---centcom-1116613139.html US Forces Struck 2 Houthi Explosive Uncrewed Surface Vehicles in Yemen - CENTCOM US Forces Struck 2 Houthi Explosive Uncrewed Surface Vehicles in Yemen - CENTCOM Sputnik International US forces on Monday struck "in self-defense" two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) in Yemen's territory controlled by the Houthis, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said. 2024-02-06T02:28+0000 2024-02-06T02:28+0000 2024-02-06T02:28+0000 world houthis yemen us us central command (centcom) israel us navy us forces us troops https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/17/1115770410_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_64fa533178feddd863993781d75d52f5.jpg "On Feb. 5, at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time) [12:30 GMT], U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV)," CENTCOM said on X (formerly Twitter). The USVs "presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region," the command said, adding that its actions would ensure the safety of international waters. The Houthis vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. The United States and the United Kingdom later started launching strikes against Houthi positions in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240205/us-forces-struck-in-self-defense-four-houthi-cruise-missiles-in-yemen---centcom-1116593415.html yemen 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 us strikes, us-yemen war, strikes against houthis, us strikes on yemen, us strikes on houthis, red sea, red sea crisis, us-houthi war, red sea Rebellions seeks to become first Korean startup to mass-produce AI chips for language models Scottsbluffs sole remaining TV news station closed quietly last week. NBC Nebraska, also known as KGWN Scottsbluff and KNEP in Sidney, was closed after Gray Television announced its plans to sell its TV stations in Scottsbluff, Sidney, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Casper, Wyoming, to Marquee Broadcasting Group in exchange for an FCC permit authorizing the construction of a new TV station in Salt Lake City, according to a Gray Television press release on Thursday, Feb. 1. The deal is not expected to be finalized until the second quarter of this year. While the deal is pending approval from the FCC, changes are already underway. The news station here in Scottsbluff has been closed, Jim Beck, general manager for KGWN Wyoming News Now, confirmed to the Star-Herald Monday. Beck said Gray Television opted to close the Scottsbluff news station as it was no longer able to maintain a separate news bureau from its Cheyenne station. Given the many challenges facing news media, particularly in small communities, it is no longer possible to continue to underwrite the investments necessary to keep that news bureau open, Beck said in an email. Beck said Marquee is not currently making any personnel or operations decisions for Gray and that they are trying to find other positions for the Scottsbluff news staff in Cheyenne or other stations. He said there are four news professionals in the Scottsbluff bureau that are being offered other employment opportunities. As viewers may have noticed, since the Scottsbluff station was shuttered, the channel has been airing news broadcasts from Wyoming News Now. Beck said in an email the plan is to air those newscasts produced in the Cheyenne newsroom in the eastern part of its market, including Scottsbluff. In terms of Scottsbluff, we are proud of the very good work that our Scottsbluff news bureau has provided over the past several years, he said. Beck indicated that other employees would be staying and working out of Scottsbluff, though he did not go into specifics. Per the sale agreement, Marquee is required to offer employment to the employees of the stations at the time of closing and maintain similar pay and benefit packages for those employees. In the agreement, both parties also agreed not to make any public statements or announcements without the consent of the other. Marquee Broadcasting was founded in 2013 and will own 17 broadcasting stations when the deal with Gray TV is finalized. In the press release, Marquee Broadcasting CEO Patricia Lane said, Marquee is excited to acquire Grays leading stations in Wyoming and western Nebraska. We are looking forward to building on the legacy there. The press release made no mentions of the future plans for the Scottsbluff (KSTF), Sidney (KNEP), Casper (KCWY) or Cheyenne (KGWN) stations that will be acquired once the agreement is finalized. A Scottsbluff home sustained an estimated $100,000 in damages in an early morning fire. Scottsbluff Fire Chief Tom Schingle released that firefighters with the Scottsbluff Fire Department responded to a structure fire at about 1 a.m. Tuesday in the 2100 block of Avenue F. The first unit arrived in about three minutes, thirty seconds after being dispatched, he said, and arriving firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from the roof of the single-story home. All occupants had exited the home after being alerted by neighbors. Fifteen firefighters battled the fire for about two hours, experiencing some difficulties in extinguishing the fire due to void spaces in the attic. Full-extinguishment was declared about three and a half hours later. The cause of the fire was determined to be an overloaded electrical circuit with improper circuit protection, Schingle said. Assistance was received from Scottsbluff Police, Gering Fire Department, Nebraska Public Power, and Black Hills Energy. The occupants were assisted by a family member. There were no injuries reported. Carissa Schank-Grubbs, of Firefighter Ministry, reports that the couple are being assisted by the organization. For information on assisting Firefighter Ministry, contact Schank-Grubbs at 308-631-9674 or via its Facebook page. KEARNEY A woman is accused of shooting a Kearney police officer with a police service weapon at a hospital emergency department. The officer is recovering. Police said officers were called to Richard Young Hospital at 1755 Prairie View Place in Kearney around 5:50 p.m. Friday to assist with a 32 year-old woman possibly suffering from a mental health crisis. Officers located the woman walking around 43rd Street and 17th Avenue a few minutes later. Officers requested an ambulance, which took the woman to the CHI Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department, police said. Police said that while in the emergency department with two officers, the woman allegedly became combative. As they tried gain control of the woman, she was able to access an officer's gun and fired a single gunshot into the officers right leg, police said. The woman, who suffered minor injuries in the incident, was placed into custody. The injured officer was treated for injuries at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital and remained hospitalized Saturday. The Kearney Police Department has asked the Buffalo County Sheriffs Office to investigate the incident as part of the South-Central Area Law Enforcement Services agreement. The Buffalo County Attorneys Office also is assisting. The police department said an investigation continues and "additional details will be released as available and appropriate." Photos: Nebraska wrestling hosts Illinois, Feb. 4 Nebraskans will keep changing their clocks twice a year for the foreseeable future after Mondays defeat of a legislative bill seeking to set the stage for year-round daylight saving time. State senators voted 25-14 against first-round approval of Legislative Bill 143 after first refusing, 25-19, Bayard Sen. Steve Erdmans amendment to instead impose year-round standard time as early as this summer. Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, Brian Hardin of Gering and Tom Brewer of Gordon supported Erdmans alternative, but Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner voted no. After Erdmans effort failed, all five western senators voted against the year-round DST bill, killing the measure. Americans in 48 states will move their clocks ahead an hour this year on March 10, then back an hour again on Nov. 3. The DST bill is unrelated to Legislative Resolution 276, a nonbinding resolution sponsored by Ibach asking Congress to move Nebraskas Mountain-Central time-zone line west to the Colorado and eastern Panhandle borders. LB 143, introduced in 2023 by former Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, would have committed Nebraska to impose year-round DST if at least three bordering states pass similar laws and either Congress or the U.S. Department of Transportation makes that move possible. Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad, a cosponsor of the bill, took over as LB 143s champion after Briese resigned last October to become state treasurer. First-round debate on the bill resumed late Monday morning with Erdman telling colleagues that Nebraskans only chance to stop changing their clocks in March and November was to vote for year-round standard time. If you believe that if LB 143 passes without my amendment that its going to mean something, youre totally wrong, he said. Its the same as doing absolutely nothing because Congress tried this in 73 and it didnt last. Congress approved year-round DST in December 1973, during an Arab oil boycott. It took effect Jan. 6, 1974, but was rescinded that October after multiple nationwide reports that children were being hurt or killed in traffic wrecks as they went to school in the darkness of early winter. The federal Uniform Time Act of 1966, which started the nations annual spring forward and fall back routine, left states the option to choose year-round standard time instead. Only Arizona and Hawaii currently do. Keeping DST in the warm months would be better for Nebraskans health and safety than going to year-round DST, Erdman said. Permanent daylight saving time is the worst option from that perspective. Wyoming voted for a similar conditional year-round DST bill in 2020, as did Colorado in 2022. But Erdman said Wyoming lawmakers now are looking at repealing their move and imposing year-round standard time. Had Nebraska done likewise with Colorado and Wyoming still on part-year DST, the states Mountain Time counties would have fallen an hour behind both states and the rest of Nebraska from mid-March to early November. Interstate 80 and 76 motorists between North Platte and Julesburg, Colorado, would have had to change their clocks twice in a 50-mile stretch between the Lincoln-Keith county line and the state line. I-80 motorists between North Platte and Cheyenne would have two clock changes within about 150 miles. Erdman acknowledged the fact, but he said, I dont think it makes any difference when youre going 150, 200 miles across the state. People understand that. Theyll get used to it. Jacobson said he decided to back Erdmans year-round standard-time move after receiving many emails and communications from his District 42 constituents. Moving clocks forward and backward, people are sick of (it), he said. People are telling us loud and clear, We dont want to do this anymore. But lawmakers from other parts of Nebraska balked at Erdmans alternative. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, whose northeast Nebraska district lies near both South Dakota and Iowa, said year-round standard time would disrupt her areas trade with those states and wreak havoc on Nebraska broadcasters programming schedules. Well, were all going to find out we all live in different parts of the state, and all have different needs, she said. Sen. Julie Slama of Sterling said year-round daylight time is a federal issue, but moving to year-round standard time without nearby states following suit would hurt Nebraska. We will be on an island, she said. We will have a different time zone than all of our surrounding states. There will be no continuity. We will be on our own. Albion Sen. Frederic Meyer, who replaced Briese Nov. 15, spoke against making any changes in Nebraskas clock-changing routine. If only things in our lives were as simple as changing our clocks twice a year, Meyer said. I know my life is much more complicated than that. Theres much bigger issues than changing clocks. I think this issue is a much-to-do about nothing. Fidan highlighted the divergent strategic priorities among Russia, Iran, and Syria, despite their collaborative efforts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made critical remarks about the Syrian regime following the breakdown of normalization talks between Damascus and Ankara. Fidan asserted that the Syrian regime lacks independent decision-making, relying on external support from partners such as Russia and Iran. He identified this dependence as a hindrance to successful negotiations with Turkey. During a televised interview on the Turkish channel Al-Khabar, Fidan highlighted the divergent strategic priorities among Russia, Iran, and Syria, despite their collaborative efforts to support the Syrian regime. He emphasized Turkeys awareness of these differences, stating that Ankara closely monitors and analyzes the regional dynamics, incorporating this understanding into its decision-making processes. Fidan expressed optimism about reaching a consensus with Syria on broader issues such as counterterrorism and the liberation of territories from the P.K.K. during diplomatic meetings. However, he criticized the Syrian regime for imposing preconditions on talks, deeming it an ineffective diplomatic approach. Fidan conveyed Turkeys commitment to keeping the door open for dialogue, emphasizing the importance of understanding each others priorities. Addressing the Syrian regime directly, Fidan cautioned against setting conditions for dialogue, suggesting that it hinders genuine interest in finding solutions. He urged a diplomatic commitment to developing a strategy that comprehends the opposing sides priorities, positions, and steps. Fidan underscored Turkeys desire to prevent terrorism and refugee influx from Syria, expressing support for the Syrian people in achieving stability and peace autonomously. He noted that, so far, the Syrian regime has shown reluctance to negotiate, and when it does, it seems constrained by external factors. These statements from the Turkish Foreign Minister followed Russias announcement of the collapse of Turkish-Syrian normalization, attributing it to the Syrian regimes insistence on obtaining guarantees for the long-term withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria. 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. Initially, the SDF accused regime forces of killing several of its members, before shifting blame to Iranian militias, according to Syria TV. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) altered their account of the killing of several members on Monday. Initially, they accused regime forces of orchestrating the attack, but later, under alleged pressure from the US, shifted blame to Iranian militias, according to private sources cited by Syria TV. On Monday morning, the SDF reported the death of six members in a terrorist attack by the regimes mercenaries. They stated that a suicide plane targeted an academy for training commando forces in the al-Omar field, east of Deir-ez-Zor. Within two hours, a second statement was issued, revealing the results of an investigation. The SDF now asserted that Iran-backed militias were responsible for the attack, utilizing areas controlled by Syrian regime mercenaries in Deir-ez-Zor as a launching point. In a separate development, the so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility late Sunday night for the attack on the US occupation base in the Omar oil field deep inside Syria. US pressure on the SDF An insider from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) disclosed to Syria TV that U.S. forces expressed displeasure with the SDFs initial statement, which refrained from implicating Iran and its militias in the attack, despite the latter claiming responsibility. According to the source, the SDF, following directives from the P.K.K., avoided escalating tensions with Iran or making direct accusationsan approach inconsistent with Washingtons military strategy in Syria. Under US pressure, the SDF was compelled to release a second statement, directly blaming Iranian militias for the attack on its training center in the al-Omar field. Contrary to official claims, the source refuted any SDF-led investigation into the attack, asserting that the leadership was aware of Irans involvement from the outset. Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces, conveyed to Al-Monitor his reluctance to turn his controlled areas into a battleground between the United States and Iran. Abdi disclosed that an Iranian suicide mission targeted an SDF ammunition depot, causing injuries and significant material damage. He also noted that the U.S. response to Iranian militia attacks lacked the desired deterrent effect. 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. Damascus strongly condemned the United States for using baseless justifications for its recent military actions in Syrian territories, according to al-Baath. Ambassador Qussai al-Dahhak, Syrias Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, strongly condemned the United States for using baseless justifications for its recent military actions in Syrian territories, stating that these actions are designed to shield US-backed forces, including terrorist and separatist groups. In a special Security Council session called by Russia to discuss threats to global peace and security, al-Dahhak emphasized that such US aggression will not hinder Syrias resolve to reclaim its territory from unauthorized foreign military presence, combat terrorism, and reinstate state sovereignty. Al-Dahhak criticized the US for committing acts that not only endanger regional and international peace but also contravene international and humanitarian laws, along with United Nations principles. He reported that the US military strikes in Syria resulted in the death of 37 individuals, both military and civilians, injured 34, and led to widespread destruction, including residential areas, a school, vehicles, and historical landmarks like al-Rahba Castle. The ambassador accused the US administration of using deceptive pretexts and distorted interpretations of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 51, to justify its assaults, thereby violating the principle that occupiers do not have the right to self-defence. He attributed the ongoing conflict and instability in the region to the USs misguided policies and unconditional support for Israel, highlighting the grave impact on the Palestinian people. Dahhak expressed regret over the USs history of undermining the Security Councils effectiveness in fulfilling its primary role of maintaining global peace and security. He reaffirmed Syrias commitment to liberating its territory, eradicating terrorism, restoring state authority and the rule of law, and ensuring the safety and welfare of its people. In conclusion, al-Dahhak called on the United States to abandon its harmful regional policies, withdraw its military forces from Syria, and cease its support for terrorism and separatism. He urged the US to end its coercive measures and exploitation of Syrias resources, which have significantly harmed the Syrian population. 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. Louqa's recurrent visits to Nasrallah since the start of the Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, 2023, have addressed various issues, as reported by the source. In Beirut, Major General Hussam Louqa, head of the Syrian regimes General Intelligence Directorate, arrived at the Lebanese capital Beirut at the end of last weekend for a meeting with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. According to Lebanese political sources confirmed by the Syria TV website, Louqa, who had previously conducted visits to Gulf and Arab countries, presented Nasrallah with insights into the political and security situation in Syria, stressing the importance of de-escalation and avoiding further conflict. Louqas recurrent visits to Nasrallah since the start of the Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, 2023, have addressed various issues, as reported by the source. Discussions included the resumption of Arab diplomatic communications, particularly with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which briefly paused before the Gaza conflict. These communications were reactivated by the Syrian regime to prevent involvement in the conflict and to discourage the use of Syrian territory for actions against Israel. There was an in-depth conversation regarding the aftermath of the military operation targeting the American base in the al-Tanf Triangle, resulting in casualties among American soldiers and prompting a response targeting Iranian-affiliated sites in Syria and Iraq. This discussion also involved Iranian efforts to prevent escalation with the United States in the Middle East, including communications through regional and international intermediaries. The conversation between Nasrallah and Louqa also addressed ongoing repositioning and withdrawal operations of Iranian personnel from Hezbollah in Syria, amid continued Israeli targeting of Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials, and security breaches in Syria and Lebanon. Louqa briefed Nasrallah on ongoing communications between the Syrian regime and officials in Iraq and Jordan, amidst heightened border tensions, particularly with Jordan, and military operations by the Jordanian Air Force targeting specific sites in Syria, related to preventing weapons smuggling to the West Bank via Jordan. In a related context, Louqa informed Nasrallah about the visits of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to Damascus, aimed at reviving the regimes official presence in the Arab world. He also confirmed ongoing communications with Saudi Arabia through various channels, facilitating travel, pilgrimage, and Umrah for citizens in regime-held areas. Following the meeting, Louqa departed from Lebanon without engaging in further political meetings with allies of the Syrian regime in Lebanon, indicating that the visit was solely focused on the situation in Syria and its surroundings. 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. General Motors CEO Mary Barra will visit Seoul this week to meet with leaders of major Korean battery makers, industry sources said Tuesday. Barra plans to fly into Seoul on Wednesday to meet with Kim Dong-myung, president of LG Energy Solution (LGES), and Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of Samsung SDI, individually to discuss their joint projects and further cooperation, according to the sources. GM and LGES have built or been building joint battery plants in the United States. GM and Samsung SDI are also constructing a joint battery plant in Indiana to open by 2026. Last week, GM announced its plan to release plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market once again to tackle the sluggish demand for electric vehicles. (Yonhap) A source close to Saudi advisers informed Al-Modon that Saudi Arabia is currently in the process of evaluating its relationship with the Syrian regime. It was evident that the Syrian regime was actively pushing for the normalization process with Saudi Arabia, whereas Riyadh exhibited notable hesitation in response to Damascus initiatives. This hesitation was evident in the delayed actions regarding the reopening of the Saudi embassy, the appointment of a new ambassador, and the handling of the Hajj issue, all without an official statement from Saudi Arabia. Fake appointments The Syrian regimes keenness to advance the normalization process is evident from the leaks originating from newspapers loyal to it, often sourced from the regimes own intelligence. These leaks have disclosed purported dates for the arrival of the charge daffaires of the Saudi embassy in Damascus to resume consular activities and reopen the embassy doors, shut since 2012. Since Riyadhs official announcement in May 2023 regarding the resumption of diplomatic ties with the Syrian regime, the loyal newspaper Al-Watan has leaked more than three potential dates for the imminent opening of the Saudi embassy in Damascus and the arrival of the charge daffaires. According to the latest scheduled appointment, the Saudi official was expected to arrive on Saturday but failed to do so. The Syrian regime has undertaken several measures to advance the normalization process following the official Saudi announcement. The first step was the appointment of its ambassador to Saudi Arabia, followed by the announcement of the opening of the Syrian embassy in Riyadh. Despite this eagerness from Damascus, Riyadh has not reciprocated with any significant political gestures within Damascus and has not progressed toward normalization as initially anticipated. Instead, Riyadhs actions have been limited to accepting the appointment of the regimes ambassador and receiving the Syrian Minister of Awqaf. The latters ministry announced the receipt of the Hajj issue after 12 years, albeit amidst the denial of the oppositions Supreme Committee for Hajj and in the absence of an official Saudi announcement. Relationship assessment A source close to Saudi advisers informed Al-Modon that Saudi Arabia is currently in the process of evaluating its relationship with the Syrian regime. Meanwhile, the Syrian regime is exerting pressure on Riyadh through its allies to expedite the relationship with the Kingdom. The source further states that Assad is eager for the arrival of the charge daffaires of the Saudi embassy in Damascus and the reopening of the embassy promptly. Assad believes that Riyadh will provide substantial financial assistance to rescue his faltering economy. However, the source, quoting Saudi advisers, emphasizes that Riyadhs openness is directed towards Syria as an Arab country, not specifically towards the Syrian regime. Financial support may be considered for opposition-held areas and areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), rather than being conditional on areas under Assads control. Regarding recent developments, the source highlights the signing of an executive program by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center at the end of January to build 500 housing units in the city of Maraa in the northern countryside of Aleppo. This action is interpreted as a Saudi message indicating openness to Syria as a whole, not just to the Assad regime and its controlled areasa message that Assad did not grasp. Saudi advisers assert that their future presence in Damascus will provide a clearer understanding of the situation in Syria. They also affirm that Riyadh will not abandon the Syrian opposition nor expel individuals from its territory, according to the source. The statement made by the Syrian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ayman Sousan, on Monday, indicates Riyadhs continued evaluation of its relationship with Assad and his regime. Sousan mentioned that the charge daffaires of the Saudi embassy will soon be in Damascus, although he did not provide a specific date, contrasting with previous dates announced by the newspaper Al-Watan which have failed to materialize. 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. Max Sow has come a long way both figuratively and literally on his path to fulfilling his vision of opening a restaurant. Sow, the owner of the soon-to-open Columbia Eats Bar & Grill in Longview, came to the U.S. from China in 1988 with the directive from his mom to go to college in America. Columbia Eats Bar & Grill is located in the former location of Los Pepes at 933 15th Ave. and Sow said he is shooting to open the business in the upcoming weeks. No matter what people spend, theyll get the same top-notch treatment, Sow said. It doesnt matter if you just come in to spend $5 or $10, youre my guest. From New York to Vegas to Longview With an interest in restaurants and the hospitality industry overall, Sow embarked on a decades-long mission to learn all he could about the industry by working his way up. I began as a bus person, clearing tables, Sow said, recalling his time living in New York City. NYC is great but you need a good amount of money to live because the rent is expensive. Tracing his background, Sow said he moved to the south for its lower cost of living, ending up in states including Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Along the way, Sow attended the prestigious Johnson & Wales culinary school in Rhode Island where he earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management. I wanted to be a pastry chef because I loved sweets ... but I didnt know the difference between baking powder and baking soda, he said, adding that most of his culinary school classmates had more kitchen experience than he did, aside from being a dishwasher. Over time, Sow would learn nearly every restaurant position from line cook and salad prep to serving. Sow then decided to try the city of Las Vegas, where he found work at iconic hotels including the Bellagio and the MGM Grand. I wanted to experience different cuisines, including Italian. My favorite food is Italian ... I love pasta so much, he said, noting that he also worked in a steak house inside the Bellagio which helped him learn and experience various cuisines and food preparation styles. But after spending 15 years in Las Vegas, Sow decided to move to a more natural environment in 2017, which led him to see family in Washington state and ultimately decide to stay. It was tough to find a job after moving and I was also looking for a restaurant to start my own business, said Sow, who added that his cousin Sean Xia, who also has a background in culinary arts, decided to join him as partner. Sow will oversee business and Xia will handle kitchen ops. The dream Sow and his cousin found an available location on 15th Avenue in Longview a few months back and are putting the finishing touches on the restaurant that will include about 50 seats along with a bar and several booths. The menu, said Sow, will not be a typical bar and grill menu but will include specialty cocktails and one menu throughout the day consisting of various dishes, domestic and imported beers, local wines and a daily happy hour. Sow said the pair designed the menu, which features salads, pastas, dumplings, and options including Asian skewers of chicken, shish kabobs, and even beef burgundy. Were going to have a reasonably priced menu to make you happy, he said, adding that there will also be a drive-thru window as well as available take-out and delivery. Sow estimates that most prices will be around $13-14 per dish and good-sized portions. Desserts to be served at Columbia include fried Snickers bars and fried Butterfingers, owing to Sows self-professed love of sweets. In addition, there will also be pecan pie, house-made made pastries and ice cream. Sow said he saved his money his whole life, and used all his savings to open the business. For now, the building will be leased, and he said he is very blessed to have a good landlord. This restaurant was started from scratch, he said. We want to serve and hope that people will like our food ... any input is always welcome. Developers are arguing against the city pausing their plans to build eight multistory apartment buildings with commercial space between Belmont Loop and Old Pacific Highway in Woodland. Developers of Logans Landing aim to house 972 square feet of commercial space and about 10,000 square feet of parking on the ground floor of each of the buildings, with apartments above. If built, the site would be the first large-scale housing and commercial complex in the city, Woodland Community Development Director Travis Goddard previously told The Daily News. One of the key disputes between Woodland staff and the applicant, Logan Partners, LLC, revolves around the parking underneath the apartments, and the city is requesting developers clarify their plans. Is parking commercial space? Goddard said at a recent hearing there is disparity between what the applicants seem to be asking for in their application and the actual description of the parking structure. Goddard said if Logan Partners interpretation of the city code was accepted, city staff would have to reassess all commercial parking in the city. LeAnne M. Bremer, a partner at Vancouver-based law office Miller Nash LLP who is representing Logan Partners, said in last weeks hearing commercial parking lots are permitted where this project is being planned, near the Popeyes off Interstate 5s exit 22. Bremer said both public and private off-street parking options are permitted in the projects zone, and a commercial use parking designation could meet city code while helping the builders meet a development standard. Logan Partners revised its previous plans from three-stories of residential use to two-stories of residential use. Goddard said he assumed this change was because there was not enough parking on the site to accommodate parking for both the residential and commercial spaces in the building. Woodland is also requesting Logan Partners provide more detail in the final site plan that there will be adequate pedestrian and ADA access from the parking lots to the businesses, as well as adequate fire access meeting county fire marshal requirements. Bremer said Logan Partners is open to adopting language from the citys report to help resolve these disputes. Joe Turner, the hearing examiner, said Logan Partners final argument is due Feb. 29, and Turner aims to have his decision on whether the developer can continue by March 14. Is Woodland ready for mixed-use sites? Logan Landings application was received during a brief time when the citys original moratorium on mixed-use developments expired and a new one was placed in 2022, Goddard said. Two months after Logan Partners pre-application conference in 2021, Woodland City Council issued a six-month moratorium on accepting applications for projects that involved residential uses in commercial zones, to keep City Council from having to procedurally accept proposals without sound mixed-use planning code to back them up. The moratorium was created when two development proposals to the city an RV park on commercially zoned land and a mixed-use senior living center received negative reactions from local businesses and residents, and concern from the citys planning staff during their respective approval processes. Goddard said at the time the lack of zoning standards for mixed-use developments led City Council to ultimately approve the RV parks application. Without zoning rules to cite in opposition to such a project, the city lacked any enforcement mechanism to stop the development from happening. At the pre-application conference between the city and Logan Partners in June 2021, staff reported they had concerns city code was not prepared for large-scale mixed-use projects. On the morning of Jan. 28, about two dozen members of the Portland Lees Association lion dance team gathered in Old Town/Chinatown to awaken a dragon. They filed into the dragons lair in this case, the basement storage area of an apartment building at Northwest Third and Burnside. And they carried the dragon 150 feet of fabric, sequins and papier mache on poles along city streets to his temporary home at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association building. The dragons name is PoChiMu, a shortened form of Portland Chinatown Museum. Once a year, it makes an appearance at the citys Lunar New Year parade. In the 12-year lunar cycle, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Its also the year PoChiMu turns 35 years old, making it the perfect time for a dragon restoration. PoChiMu (then unnamed) arrived in Portland in 1989 and made its public debut at that years Starlight Parade during the Portland Rose Festival. The dragon was a gift from Taiwan to the state of Oregon and the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. (The Sister City Association would bring more dragons to Portland that year as well, with the inaugural dragon boat races that were part of the 1989 Rose Festival.) In the early 1990s, the parade dragon was brought out for Lunar New Year celebrations in Portlands Chinatown. At some point, those annual dragon parades stopped. Over the decades, the once-thriving Chinese community had slowly left the Old Town/Chinatown area, said Terry Chung, one of the dragons stewards. The neighborhood was losing its cultural traditions. The Portland Chinatown History Foundation was started in 2014 with 10 elders from the Chinese community coming together, said Chung, who was among those founders. We basically said, How are we going to preserve the history of the Chinese in this area? Because if you dont have a place, then you become invisible. We decided to see what we can do to create a museum in Chinatown to preserve the history. It took four years, but the Portland Chinatown Museum opened in 2018. Before it did, in 2016, the Portland Chinatown History Foundation resurrected the Lunar New Year parade and the dragon. Thats when Evelyn Sun first heard about the dragon, through her friend Mike Choi, who heads Portlands International Lion Dance team. He said, Theres this dragon that has been sleeping in a basement in Chinatown for the last 25 years, Sun said, and it was time to wake him up. I was born in Malaysia, and I grew up with a lot of festivities with Chinese New Year, Sun said. Raising two children here in Portland, I felt that, as a mom that had such a rich tradition and culture, I needed to be involved. Sun and her husband took the lead on recruiting volunteers to carry the dragon. It takes 22 people to move PoChiMu, but parade organizers need about 100 volunteers, in part so dragon holders can swap out as they tire along the parade route. (Volunteers for this years parade on Feb. 17 are still needed. You can sign up online.) PoChiMus head and tail are made of papier mache. The body is constructed of fabric, seemingly nylon, printed with a scale pattern in yellow, red and green. Its adorned with hand-sewn sequins and wrapped around bamboo hoops. Suns role is carrying the pearl just ahead of the dragon, which the dragon chases through the city streets. During the annual Lunar New Year parade, the dragon brings up the rear of the procession, as it symbolically chases away the bad spirits and ushers in the new year. Its a very auspicious animal, said Sarah Chung, who is married to Terry Chung and currently serves on the board for the Portland Chinatown Museum. The western dragon is always portrayed as something evil-ish, not a friendly entity, whereas the Chinese dragon or the Asian dragon is a benevolent creature and always associated with royalty. People who are born in the year of the dragon are considered to be very powerful. Over the past 35 years, PoChiMu has become a bit worn. His head and tail have weathered from decades of Oregon winters. One of his tail spikes is held on with packing tape. The color has faded from his fabric. His eyes no longer light up. Over the years of usage, it has grown a little tired looking, so we were hoping to refurbish it with new paint, whatever was needed, Sarah Chung said. Its going to be a much more major undertaking than we had realized. This year, the Portland Chinatown History Foundation received a $14,850 grant from Oregon Parks & Recreation toward its Lunar New Year parade and celebration. Those funds have gone toward hosting lion dance workshops, putting on the parade, and later this year will be used to restore the dragon. About $7,000 of the grant is earmarked for the restoration effort, though the total cost of the work is still to be determined. The museum will put together a request for proposals from local artisans and seamstresses to determine the scope of needed repairs. The goal is to have the newly refurbished dragon unveiled during Asian American Heritage Month events this May. For the next two weeks, PoChiMu will reside inside the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association building. Its so massive, it lines the entire length of the buildings hall. On Sunday, the dragon was on display as lion dancers gathered to rehearse for the parade. Tourists stopped to pose for photos with the dragons towering head. Its still a beautiful dragon, no doubt, Sun said. I miss it. Every year, after Im done, its like, Ill see you next year. Im a dragon myself, so its a very meaningful parade this year. OLYMPIA Victims of false confessions that lead to wrongful convictions, like Ted Bradford, want to prohibit police from using deceptive tactics during interrogations, and they have the backing of some lawmakers. It was the worst experience of my life, said Bradford, Washingtons first DNA exoneree, when recalling his 1996 interrogation when he was accused of sexual assault. I knew I was innocent ... no matter how many times I told them over and over, I didnt do this. House Bill 1062, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, aims to make defendants statements inadmissible in court if police use deceptive tactics during interrogations to get those statements. Nine states have passed similar laws, but they only apply to juveniles. The bill has received two hearings in the House this legislative session. Advocates say this legislation, aside from keeping innocent people out of prison, is also about building trust between the public and law enforcement. Some in law enforcement argue that deception is not coercion and taking away this tactic decreases their effectiveness in convicting people and solving cases. I think theres this space in the middle that often gets looked over, post-arrest, pre-conviction, Peterson said. There are a lot of things that happen there that I dont think weve paid enough attention to. The majority of interrogations happen in the back of a patrol car or on the side of the road, according to Derick Sanders, Thurston County sheriff. He argues police tactics are always under the microscope. James McMahan, policy director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, argued in public testimony on Jan 8 that deception is required to get to the truth. An example, he said, would be not telling a suspect in cases involving the exploitation of children the true age and identity of an undercover trooper who was posing as a minor. Sometimes, its an unfortunate reality, we have to lie to people to get them to tell the truth, McMahan said. If we could somehow get people to actually be required to tell the truth, we wouldnt have to lie. Thats just an unfortunate reality of law enforcement. However, current police interrogations encourage bias and leave people vulnerable to the power imbalances between law enforcement and citizens, said Dave Thompson, president of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, a firm that provides interrogation training to law enforcement. Generating false confessions In 1996, Bradford, 22 at the time, was asked to come to the Yakima Police Department to help with a case. He said he was asked to waive his rights and when he asked police whether he needed an attorney they said no because they were only asking a few questions. He signed the waiver thinking he was going to help, but a few questions turned into a nearly nine-hour interrogation, with no food and a small cup of water, he said. Identifying the wrong person begins with faulty evidence, and often police make people fit the evidence rather than the other way around, says James Trainum, a former detective with the Washington, D.C., Police Department who now does law enforcement consulting. Rather than develop your case, develop your suspect, develop your evidence, youre taught that you can use this to bypass all of that, and just quickly identify a suspect, and then move on, Trainum said. In Washington state, 23% of exonerations involve false confessions, according to data from the Washington Innocence Project. However, this number could be higher because theres not enough data to know the actual number of wrongful convictions in the state according to Lara Zarowsky, executive director of the Washington Innocence Project. In the 1969 case Frazier v. Cupp, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of police using deception tactics during interrogations. The Reid technique, the most common technique used by police, includes using guilt-presumptive questions during interrogations. By lying to people about false evidence, Trainum says police hope to persuade a confession. Just because the courts find it permissible doesnt mean that theyre not problematic, said Trainum, who said he garnered a false confession in a 1994 high-profile kidnapping and murder case using the Reid technique. Bradfords battle to prove his innocence to police left him feeling threatened and intimidated after aggressive questioning and accusations. At the end of the day, he couldnt handle it anymore and signed a confession. Interrogations can differ depending on the situation, according to Sanders, the Thurston County sheriff. The type of crime, the temperament of the officer, the temperament of the suspect, those are all things that play a pretty big factor into how people are interrogated, he said. Sanders says not every case requires a ruse, but when they do, theyre used when police need people to think they know more than they do to close an investigation. According to Sanders, there are already procedures in place that can dispute false confessions in what are called criminal rule 3.5 hearings, where defendants can have evidence dismissed if they assert police lied inappropriately or violated case law. He believes fewer wrongful convictions will exist as technology improves. However, because of Frazier v. Cupp, decisions from criminal rule 3.5 hearings make their way to court anyway, said John Marlow, litigation director of the Washington Innocence Project. The court decides whether the confession is allowed as evidence and the jury ultimately decides whether its believable, Marlow said. The criminal legal system in practice does not operate in the way that we think it does when you just read the rules on paper, Zarowsky said. Why confess? In 2007, Amanda Knox was a 20-year-old college student at the University of Washington. She garnered worldwide attention after being wrongfully convicted of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher in Italy during a study abroad trip. During her interrogation, Knox, who testified in support of HB 1062, recalls police making her feel like she was going insane. The extent to which I was unprepared for people who I trusted to lie to me was what led me as an innocent person to be particularly vulnerable and which is what led to my eventual wrongful conviction, Knox said in an interview. The more successful a strategy is in eliciting confessions from guilty suspects, the more likely it is that this strategy will also produce false confessions from innocent suspects, according to a 2004 research paper published by the Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology. Juveniles and people with intellectual disabilities are more susceptible to deception, the research showed. But under the right circumstances, this can happen to anyone, Zarowsky said. Bradford recalls police making threats and lying to him about DNA evidence they said proved he committed the crime. After hours of interrogation, he confessed, hoping the evidence would acquit him. I started thinking to myself, the only way out of this is if I just give them a statement, Bradford said. Then they can test their evidence and theyll find out that Im innocent. Ill be done. Ill be free of all of this. Experts call this a coerced-complaint confession. For Knox, during her 53-hour interrogation in Italy, she rarely had a translator and became tired and confused. Police accused her of having amnesia and she recalls an officer hitting her in the head and telling her to remember. By attempting to make sense of the situation, she ended up creating a false memory and signed whats called a coerced-internalized confession. I was put in a position where I was made to feel insane because the police lied to me, Knox said. They told me that I had amnesia and that I didnt remember what the truth was. What alternatives exist? Prosecutors sometimes are reluctant to believe someones innocence even after DNA acquits someone, Saul Kassin, a professor of psychology at The City University of New York, wrote in his 2005 research paper, On the Psychology of Confessions: Does Innocence Put Innocents at Risk? In Bradfords case, he was charged again for the same crime, after serving his 10-year sentence, when he challenged his conviction with new DNA evidence. In Knoxs case, she went through the appeals process twice in Italy, but was ultimately not convicted. For jurors, a confession is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence regardless of how unreliable it is, according to Matt Jones, president of Evocavi, a firm that trains law enforcement in interrogation techniques. Advocates of HB 1062 say accountability measures like these raise law enforcements professionalism. I have absolutely not gone to the police for help as a result of my experience, because I didnt feel like I could trust them and I dont want to live in a world like that, Knox said. Petersons bill, which would also provide law enforcement with interrogation training, is currently in the House Appropriations Committee. A bill like this would just focus more on not just getting a conviction, but getting the right conviction, Bradford said. For every person thats wrongly convicted, the real perpetrators out there, possibly committing more crimes. Flipkart has announced the launch of a 3-hour fresh flower delivery service which allows customers to access high-quality flower arrangements at great deals, delivered via the trusted Flipkart network across 450+ pin codes. With special occasions like Rose Day and Valentines Day around the corner, Flipkart will ensure 3 hour fresh flowers delivery for orders placed between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily. In the run up to February this year, there has been a surge in demand for fresh flowers on Flipkart. Powered by Flipkarts robust logistics network and cutting-edge technology, this service guarantees swift and reliable doorstep delivery of flowers across a growing number of cities including Bangalore, Chandigarh, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida and Patna. For centuries, flowers have played a positive cultural role in life so its no surprise that most of us believe in saying it with flowers. Whether gifting someone special or placing an order for yourself, flowers never go out of style. ~ Flipkart will ensure 3 hour delivery for orders placed between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily and customers can choose from a range of high-quality exotic varieties (roses, orchids, carnations) and arrangements (bouquets, boxes) starting at INR249/- ~ Remaining customer-first and understanding the need for preferred timings, Flipkart has curated four delivery slots for fresh flower deliveries: 9AM to 12 PM, 12PM to 3PM, 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM ~ Soon after an order is placed, customers have the option to choose their preferred timing via a simple call that they will receive Unique customer trends observed on Flipkart, leading up to Rose Day and Valentines Day: ~ The most popular search terms include Fresh flowers, Rose flowers, Bouquets and Red Roses ~ The top 5 cities leading the search for fresh flowers are Bengaluru, Patna, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata Flipkart has been the chosen gifting platform for millions of customers across India over the years and now, they have the option to choose from a wide array of fresh flowers to celebrate Rose Day and make their Valentines Day extra special. Flipkart is also launching its Your Wingman, This Valentines campaign for GenZ across media platforms. The campaign highlights Flipkarts role as the perfect fuss-free gifting solution with over 10 lakh plus gift options, accessibility to premium gifting through easy EMIs and express delivery. As Flipkart continues to innovate and expand its Valentines Day offerings, customers can look forward to more delightful experiences and greater convenience in their online shopping journey, in the days to come. Schneider Electric has appointed Ms. Preeti Gupta Mohanty as the new CFO for Greater India Zone. Preeti brings over 20 years of extensive finance experience across FMCG, consulting, and industrial segments. In her previous role as Region Vice President at Ingersoll Rand, she oversaw the EMEIA regions finance function with a business size of $1.8 billion and managed 30+ manufacturing sites and a Finance shared service center based in Bengaluru. Speaking on her new role, Preeti Gupta said, I am excited to be a part of the company that is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. India is one the four global hubs for Schneider Electric and I am committed to formulating a robust financial strategy that helps our business scale newer heights in the country. Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Zone President Greater India, MD &CEO, Schneider Electric India said, As we welcome Preeti as our new Chief Financial Officer at Schneider Electric India, I am confident that her strong leadership and finance domain expertise will be a valuable asset to our organization. Her appointment marks a significant addition to the Greater India Leadership, and I extend my heartfelt wishes for her great success in this new role. We look forward to her unwavering support and collaboration as we embark on this exciting journey together. Prior to Ingersoll Rand, Preeti held key positions at Glaxosmithkline Consumer, demonstrating her diverse expertise in finance and strategic leadership. Her previous experience includes, being Internal Audit Head for GSK India Listed entity, leading the integration of Novartis consumer business into GSK, Region Finance Manager Coca-Cola India and Deloitte. Her key accomplishments include being recognized among the Top 100 CFOs of India in 2023 and receiving the Best Woman CFO award from Dalal Street Journal in 2022, Best CFO 2020 M&A category, CFO Power List 2020. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The use of ammonia as a ship fuel could contribute to eutrophication and acidification, due to ammonia leakage and emissions of nitrogen oxides. One of the possible emissions is laughing gas, which is also a greenhouse gas with a much higher warming impact than carbon dioxide. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology/Petra Persson Switching to ammonia as a marine fuel, with the goal of decarbonization, can instead create entirely new problems. This is shown in a study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where researchers carried out life cycle analyses for batteries and for three electrofuels including ammonia. Eutrophication and acidification are some of the environmental problems that can be traced to the use of ammoniaas well as emissions of laughing gas, which is a very potent greenhouse gas. The research is published in the journal Applied Energy. In the search for viable fossil-free marine fuels, ammonia has been on the agenda for several years as one of the strongest alternatives. Ammonia (NH 3 ) is a carbon-free fuel and has the advantage of a higher energy density thanfor examplehydrogen. It can also be liquefied fairly easily, although it is a gas at standard conditions. However, a significant disadvantage is that the production of electro-ammoniawhich requires electricityis very energy-intensive. Moreover, the new study shows that an eagerness to rid the shipping sector of carbon emissions by using ammonia could create entirely new problems instead. "Although ammonia is carbon-free, its combustion in engines is not free from greenhouse gas emissions," says Selma Brynolf, Chalmers researcher and co-author of the paper. "Engine tests have shown varying degrees of emissions of laughing gas, which is a very potent greenhouse gas with more than 200 times the global warming impact than carbon dioxide." "There is simply a lack of deeper risk analyses of what a switch to ammonia could mean," says Fayas Malik Kanchiralla, Ph.D. student at the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences at Chalmers and lead author of the paper. The alternative with the lowest cost is environmentally problematic The researchers used life cycle assessment and life cycle cost to evaluate technical viability, environmental impacts, and economic feasibility for four types of renewable energy carriers, for three different types of ships. The energy carriers examined included electricity via batteries, and three electrofuels: hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia. The energy carriers in turn were used in combination with both engines and fuel cells. The study shows that ammonia and methanol have the lowest cost of the alternatives studied. "The market is usually drawn by costs, and since electro-ammonia has the lowest cost, the market is aiming towards it. There is a hype around this fuel in shipping today. But if and when we make a shift to ammonia, it is to solve the problem of using fossil fuels, and at the moment it seems like we might end up creating more problems instead," says Kanchiralla. This is because ammonia comes with a set of environmental disadvantages. Its use as a fuel can affect air and water quality due to ammonia leakage and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x ), such as laughing gas (N 2 O). Kanchiralla and his colleagues stress the importance of controlling this for ships operating in areas with emission controls, for example a sensitive marine area such as the Baltic Sea. Electrofuels are synthetic fuels that are produced with electricity, in a process where energy-rich molecules are made from other molecules. These fuels are defined as "green" when they are produced with renewable electricity. But the study shows that all three green electrofuels have a higher environmental impact than traditional fuels in terms of human toxicity, use of resources such as minerals and metals, and water use. Eutrophication and acidification are some of the risks The use of ammonia is associated with substantial toxicity challenges and risks, which are manageable but would increase the complexity of the safety systems required. This would potentially limit the use of the fuel to only deep-sea cargo ships. "Among the environmental problems that can be traced to use of ammonia are eutrophication and acidification," says Kanchiralla. "To sum up; even though green ammonia is a fossil-free and relatively clean fuel, it is probably not green enough for the environment as a whole. More risk assessments on the emissions of ammonia, and the related nitrogen compounds, need to be done before adopting this fuel for shipping." The study also shows that it is very difficult to find a simple non-fossil fuel solution that both works for all types of ships and can meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping. Assessing the environmental and economic aspects of different fuel options for the shipping sector is complex, and several factors must be considered when developing climate strategies for various types of ships and modes of operation. "From a life cycle perspective, one needs to find different types of solutions for decarbonization for different kinds of ships," says Kanchiralla. "There is no silver bullet. More research and more life cycle analyses need to be done." More information: Fayas Malik Kanchiralla et al, How do variations in ship operation impact the techno-economic feasibility and environmental performance of fossil-free fuels? A life cycle study, Applied Energy (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121773 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The diagram of the deep reinforcement learning method for robot grasping and assembly operation skills. Credit: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00170-024-13004-0 Semi-autonomous and autonomous robots are being introduced in a growing number of real-world environments, including industrial settings. Industrial robots could speed up the manufacturing of various products by assisting human workers with basic tasks and lightening their workload. Two of the most crucial tasks in manufacturing are object grasping and product assembly, yet reliably tackling these tasks using robotic systems can be challenging. One of the primary limitations of industrial robots for automated assembly chains is that they need to be extensively programmed to tackle specific tasks (e.g., grasping and assembling specific items), and their product-specific programming can take time. Researchers at Qingdao University of Technology recently set out to tackle this crucial limitation of industrial robots using deep reinforcement learning. Their paper, published in The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, introduces new deep learning algorithms that could speed up the time required to train industrial robots on new grasping and assembly tasks. "This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning-based framework for robot autonomous grasping and assembly skill learning," Chengjun Chen, Hao Zhang and their colleagues wrote in their paper. "Meanwhile, a deep Q-learning-based robot grasping skill learning algorithm and a PPO-based robot assembly skill learning algorithm are presented, where a priori knowledge information is introduced to optimize the grasping action and reduce the training time and interaction data needed by the assembly strategy learning algorithm." The new techniques for robot training introduced in this recent paper build on computer vision and machine learning tools introduced in recent years. First, the researchers developed a deep learning algorithm designed to rapidly teach robots new object grasping skills, as well as a separate algorithm to train robots to assemble specific objects. Concurrently, they also designed reward functions that can be used to effectively assess the grasping and assembly skills of industrial robotic systems. These include both grasping and assembly constraint reward functions. To assess the potential of their proposed robot training toolbox, Chen, Zhang and their colleagues tested it in both simulations and on physical industrial robots. In their real-world experiments, the team specifically used UR5, a lightweight robotic arm often applied to industrial tasks, along with a RealSense D435i camera to collect RGB images of objects, which their algorithms could then analyze. "The effectiveness of the proposed framework and algorithms was verified in both simulated and real environments, and the average success rate of grasping in both environments was up to 90%. Under a peg-in-hole assembly tolerance of 3 mm, the assembly success rate was 86.7% and 73.3% in the simulated environment and the physical environment, respectively," the researchers wrote in their paper. The initial results collected by Chen, Zhang and their collaborators are very promising, suggesting that their training algorithm toolkit could speed up the programming of industrial robots, rapidly teaching them to reliably grasp and assemble objects. In their next studies, the researchers plan to further improve their approach and continue testing it on common grasping and assembly tasks. "In future work, we will improve the hole detection accuracy and domain randomization of the shape and image of the holes in the virtual environment, optimize the strategy from the simulation environment to the physical environment, and reduce errors in both stages to improve the assembly success rate of in the physical environment," the researchers concluded. More information: Chengjun Chen et al, Robot autonomous grasping and assembly skill learning based on deep reinforcement learning, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00170-024-13004-0 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: Michael Whitaker testifies during his nomination to be administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Oct. 4, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. FAA Administrator Whitaker says the agency will use more people to monitor aircraft manufacturing and hold Boeing accountable for any violations of safety regulations. Whitaker is expected to face a barrage of questions Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2024, about FAA oversight of the company since a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner over Oregon last month. Credit: AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File The new chief of the Federal Aviation Administration says the agency will use more people to monitor aircraft manufacturing and hold Boeing accountable for any violations of safety regulations. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker is expected to face a barrage of questions Tuesday about FAA oversight of the company since a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner over Oregon last month. Separately, investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to release a preliminary report on the Jan. 5 incident as early as Tuesday. Whitaker is scheduled to testify before the House Transportation Committee. Leaders of the committee spelled out questions they want answered, including whether FAA found "persistent quality control lapses" at Boeing before the accident, and any since then. No Boeing representatives are scheduled to testify. Boeing and the FAA have been under renewed scrutiny since last month's incident on an Alaska Airlines Max 9. Criticism of both the company and its regulator go back to deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019 of Max 8 jets in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people. The FAA provided excerpts of Whitaker's written testimony ahead of Tuesday's hearing. He vowed that FAA will "take appropriate and necessary action" to keep the flying public safe. Without giving specifics, Whitaker said the FAA will increase staffing to monitor aircraft manufacturing, "and we will consider the full extent of our enforcement authority to ensure Boeing is held accountable for any non-compliance" with regulations. After the incident on the Alaska jet, the FAA grounded most Max 9s for three weeks until panels called door plugs could be inspected. FAA also said it won't let Boeing increase the production rate of new Max jets until it is satisfied with the company's safety procedures. On Sunday, Boeing, which is based in Arlington, Virginia, disclosed that improperly drilled holes in the window frames will require the company to rework about 50 planes before they can be delivered to airline customers. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday at the start of a Middle East tour, a U.S. official said, as Washington sought to forge a Saudi normalization deal with Israel. In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians huddling under bombardment said they hoped Blinken's visit to the region would finally deliver a truce, in time to head off a threatened new Israeli assault on the last refuge at the enclave's edge. Blinken's meeting with the Saudi leader lasted about two hours. Blinken did not respond to shouted questions from reporters on how it went as he returned to his hotel, but waved as he walked by. Blinken is also set to visit Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank this week and push to advance the Egyptian- and Qatari-mediated conversations with Palestinian Hamas militants on a deal to free Israeli hostages held in Gaza. His Middle East trip, his fifth since a deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza, takes place during a period that senior U.S. officials describe as one of the most dangerous for the region in decades. The conflict has escalated as Iranian-backed groups have entered the fray and fired on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, while Yemen's Houthis attacked shipping routes in the Red Sea. The U.S. has been carrying out retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed militias across Syria, Iraq and Yemen in response to a drone strike last week in Jordan that killed three American troops and wounded dozens. Blinken will nevertheless try to reinforce the message that the Biden administration neither seeks war with Iran nor wants the conflict to spread further despite calls by some opposition Republicans in Congress advocating for attacks inside Iran. The Pentagon also said it does not believe Tehran wants war either. Iran has so far avoided any direct role in the conflict, even as it backs those militia groups. A key priority is for Blinken to "deliver a message directly to countries in the region that the United States does not want to see the conflict escalated and will not escalate the conflict," a senior U.S. official told reporters en route to Riyadh. "Its important to show up and say it on one-on-one." White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday refused to be drawn on whether the United States might attack sites inside Iran. He said Washington did not see a wider war, but would continue to respond if attacked. There is no reason for the U.S. campaign of retaliation, unfolding since Friday, to derail Washingtons conversations with Arab states and Israel on normalization and post-war Gaza, the senior U.S. official said. Pieces interlocked More than 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza, and their possible release by Hamas is among issues under discussion in the conversations that are mediated by Qatar and Egypt with the backing of the United States, in return for a humanitarian pause. While officials have noted some progress, they cautioned that gaps remain. "Its not a coincidence that we are going to the three countries that are involved in those talks: Egypt, Qatar, and Israel," the U.S. official said but managed the expectations: "Impossible to say if well get a breakthrough, when well get a breakthrough." The hostage deal and the humanitarian pause are now seen as instrumental in helping advance conversations on a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which had been frozen in the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7 but resumed in recent weeks. Speaking in Davos last month, Blinken said there was a new equation in the Middle East in which Israels Arab and Muslim neighbors were prepared to integrate Israel into the region but they needed to see a pathway to creation of a Palestinian state. Conversations on who would govern Gaza after the war, how the Palestinian Authority needs to be reformed to potentially rule the enclave and obtaining security guarantees for Israel are now moving parts of the same equation, the U.S. official said, adding that achieving results would require compromises from Israelis and Palestinians. "If we get a humanitarian pause, we want to be in a position to move as quickly as possible on the various pieces of day after reconstruction of Gaza, PA (Palestinian Authority) reform, governance of Gaza, two states, normalization. Some of which are obviously quite difficult and quite complex," the official said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been at odds with the Biden administration over the creation of an independent Palestinian state, saying he would not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River. The talks are at a sensitive phase and any progress wont come easy, the U.S. official added. (Reuters) 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: Idaho State University To the untrained eye it may not look like much, but you can see a piece of groundbreaking concrete on Interstate 15 at Exit 80 in Fort Hall thanks to the work of researchers at Idaho State University. The new interchange features a precast concrete pier supporting the 222-foot long and 88-foot wide bridge spanning the Interstate. Unlike their cast-in-place counterparts, precast concrete components are cast off-site in controlled environments and transported to the construction site for final assembly. The pier is one of only a handful like it in the Gem State. "A precast pier system incorporates structural elements such as columns and girders in a Lego-like construction," said Mustafa Mashal, associate professor of civil engineering at Idaho State and principal investigator on the project. "The connections between the elements are crucial for seismic resiliency. They must be strong enough to resist forces and deformations during an earthquake." The initial concept for the piers was the brainchild of Leonard Ruminski, a former bridge designer with ITD who now works as a senior bridge engineer for Burgess & Niple. Collaborating with the researchers at Idaho State, he hypothesized that a concrete-filled steel pipe strategically placed in a critical location of the bridge inside the support would better dissipate the enormous stresses put on the piers during an earthquake. "At that time, the only method being used in Idaho for connecting a precast column with the pier foundation and pier caps required very precisely placed and proprietary couplers," said Ruminski. "The precision needed to install the couplers was challenging and often resulted in construction delays. This new system uses only conventional materials and is much more straightforward to install, reducing amount of delays on a project." Large-scale testing of the piers started in 2019 at ISU's Structural Laboratory (SLAB). In the SLAB, Mashal and his students tested the idea, building 11-foot tall and 15-foot wide models of the piers as well as models of the more common cast-in-place bridges. "The large-scale lab tests we carried out for this project were, and may still be, the largest ever conducted in Idaho," said Mashal. Using a hydraulic actuator, the team set out to see how much force each model could take and how the models deformed before breaking, and in the end, the precast pier came out on top. After a promising batch of tests, the precast pier was incorporated into the design for the I-15 Fort Hall Interchange project. "Constructing a bridge is a lengthy process, and it can have significant impacts on traffic and the Fort Hall Interchange is a stretch of the I-15 corridor that can have significant traffic delays due to construction," said Michael Johnson, State Bridge Engineer with the Idaho Transportation Department. "Typically, bridge piers take several months to construct and by using precast columns and bent cap beams, we were able to reduce this time to several weeks. In addition, most of the construction of the precast piers can be completed during lighter traffic hours, further reducing impacts on the traveling public and increasing safety for commuters and construction workers." The research program at ISU was led by graduate students Corey Marshall, Ali Shokrgozar, Kathryn Hogarth, and Jared Cantrell, former graduate student and current research engineer at Idaho State. Results were recently published in a paper authored by Mahesh Acharya, doctoral candidate, Jose Duran, masters student, Arya Ebrahimpour, professor of civil engineering and co-principal investigator, Cantrell, and Mashal in the American Society of Civil Engineers' Journal of Bridge Engineering. "Thanks to the research performed by ISU, the new pier system promises to be adequate and quite superior in seismic performance compared to the conventional, currently used as a benchmark, cast-in-place piers," Ruminski said. "The research results gave us enough confidence to incorporate this new system for the first time in the Fort Hall Interchange bridge replacement project, and I hope it will eventually gain in popularity in the upcoming projects in Idaho and other states." "It's brought me tremendous joy seeing the research I contributed to in the real world," said Acharya. "It's motivated me even more, to work hard and continue my research into building effective concrete systems for structures in seismically active regions." In 2022, ITD funded a second research project at Idaho State investigating retrofitting precast and cast-in-place bridges with ultra-high performance concrete following an earthquake. Testing was carried out in the SLAB and completed in 2023. The researchers plan to publish their results soon. The research team on the second project consists of Mashal, principal investigator, Ebrahimpour, co-principal investigator, Cantrell, Hogarth, and Manish Acharya. "ISU has been a leader in precast concrete research and education in the country," said Mashal. "We have several ongoing collaborations with industry partners and look forward to helping implement more novel precast concrete technologies that are both seismically resilient and durable." More information: Mahesh Acharya et al, A Fully Precast Pier System for Accelerated Bridge Construction in Seismic Regions, Journal of Bridge Engineering (2023). DOI: 10.1061/JBENF2.BEENG-6154 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: Yarn-shaped supercapacitors created by NC State researchers in the Wilson College of Textiles. Credit: Nanfei He/NC State University As interest in wearable technology has surged, research into creating energy-storage devices that can be woven into textiles has also increased. Researchers at North Carolina State University have now identified a "sweet spot" at which the length of a threadlike energy storage technology called a "yarn-shaped supercapacitor" (YSC) yields the highest and most efficient flow of energy per unit length. "When it comes to the length of the YSC, it's a tradeoff between power and energy," said Wei Gao, corresponding author of a paper on the work published in the Journal of Power Sources and an associate professor of textile engineering, chemistry and science at NC State. "It's not only about how much energy you can store, but also the internal resistance we care about." Specifically, the researchers found that YSCs in the 4060 centimeter range provided the best overall energy output. Previous research on YSCs has delivered varied and sometimes conflicting results when it comes to length-dependent energy output. The aim of the new study, Gao said, was to provide a consistent, comprehensive model to explain changes in YSC performance across a wide range of lengths. To do this, researchers first fabricated several YSCs using pairs of activated carbon-incorporated electrode yarns and a gel electrolyte. Nylon threads were wrapped around each yarn to prevent shorting, and then the two electrodes were plied together and coated further with the same gel electrolyte. Researchers created these YSCs in segments ranging from 10 to 300 cm long, and then ran electrical currents of varying frequencies through them. This allowed them to measure two characteristics; internal resistance, which measures how much electrical current is impeded while trying to move through a battery, and capacitance, which is the ability to store electrical energy. The researchers found that capacitance generally increased linearly with length between 10 and 60 cm, after which gains in capacitance slowed significantly as length increased. The results were also influenced by the frequency of the electricityor the rate at which the electrical current oscillates. Depending on the electrical frequency of the current, the YSCs would see diminishing gains in capacitance up to the 300 cm in length, though some plateaued at around 150 cm. Mathematical models also showed that YSCs between 4080 cm exhibited the lowest internal resistance, which led researchers to determine that 4060 cm was the most efficient length overall. Lead author Nanfei He, a postdoctoral research scholar at NC State, said the study is part of a larger effort aimed at creating YSCs that can be integrated into clothing. "Identifying the optimal length of YSCs is critical for their effective utilization, guiding the development of strategies for seamless integration into fabrics," He said. "Imagine you can make a yarn, just a regular textile yarn, that you also make into a battery," Gao said. "You can basically hide it in your clothing. If you can do that, you can add so many more functions to your clothing." More work needs to be done before YSCs become viable for practical applications. "The technology is not mature yet, and that's why there is so much funding and so much interest in developing it," Gao said. "We can make yarn batteries, but can we make them durable, reliable, and safe? Can we make them washable? If you're going to put it on your body, there are so many other challenges besides its energy-storage functions. "Right now we're focused on the reliability aspect, making sure that if you twist and move the yarn around it will still work. That plus safety are the main issues, and I think once we achieve those two it will broaden the scope of their applications by a lot." More information: Nanfei He et al, Modeling of yarn-shaped supercapacitorsUnraveling its length dependent output, Journal of Power Sources (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234067 The Brazos County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an $11,01,952 engineering design service contract for a portion of the Inner Loop East project during its regular meeting Tuesday morning. According to the contract, the design will be made by Quiddity Engineering LLC of College Station. The section of the loop included in the design will stretch from Texas 6 North in Bryan to William D. Fitch Parkway in College Station. The $11 million-plus in funds was approved as part of a $100 million bond passed in the November 2022 election. County Judge Duane Peters said during the meeting this contract only covers some of the preliminary steps in the project. This is to get that project really handed off eventually to TxDOT, he said. Theyll be the ones that really do the project. Precinct 1 Commissioner Steve Aldrich said during the meeting that transportation plans like this often take years to be fully developed. Transportation [and] infrastructure people dont have days on the calendar, they dont have weeks on their calendar, they have maybe months and then more than likely its years, he said. I think its important that we understand that up front there is a huge amount of work that has to take place. The money comes from four different grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care Program. The goal of the grants is to assist people experiencing homelessness, according to Cornyns office. Homelessness in Texas is on the rise, and higher costs on everything from rent to utilities to groceries have made it even harder for these individuals to get back on their feet, Cornyn said in the statement. This funding will give those on the front lines of this crisis in Bryan-College Station the tools to help Texans secure permanent housing and achieve their long-term goals. Good news for West Coast denizens. The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear an appeal challenging a judicial ruling that established a de facto constitutional right to vagrancy. Wouldnt it be rich if conservative justices rescue progressive cities from themselves? (City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.) A panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 blocked the Oregon town of Grants Pass from enforcing anti-camping laws on public property. The judges said the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment prohibits cities from arresting or imposing penalties on homeless people for squatting on public property if there arent enough shelter beds for every vagrant. Progressives have used the ruling to sue to stop cities across the West from enforcing similar laws. Under the appellate courts precedent, a police officer in, say, San Francisco cant cite a homeless person who has set up a tent inside a public playground even if he has been offered temporary housing. Many homeless reject temporary shelter because theyd rather live on the streets where they can freely use drugs. The Ninth Circuit decision has made it harder for local officials to use the threat of penalties to force vagrants to accept treatment for mental illness and drug addiction, which has contributed to the increasing disorder in West Coast cities. San Francisco Mayor London Breed last summer held a rally in front of the Ninth Circuit courthouse to protest a lower-court injunction blocking the city from clearing homeless camps. The judges werent moved. A 2-1 majority of a three-judge panel upheld the lower-court ruling. In a fiery dissent, Judge Patrick Bumatay explained that nothing in the text, history and tradition of the Eighth Amendment comes close to prohibiting enforcement of commonplace anti-vagrancy laws. The courts sweeping injunction has no basis in the Constitution or our precedent, he added. San Francisco should not be treated as an experiment for judicial tinkering. Our decision is cruel because it leaves the citizens of San Francisco powerless to enforce their own health and safety laws without the permission of a federal judge, Judge Bumatay wrote. And its unusual because no other court in the country has interpreted the Constitution in this way. This may be one reason the high court agreed to hear the Grants Pass appeal. Local governments in the Ninth Circuits jurisdiction, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix, also urged justices to hear the case. That includes California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who argued in a friend-of-court brief that courts are not well-suited to micromanage such nuanced policy issues based on ill-defined rules. We look forward to Newsoms constitutional communion with Justice Clarence Thomas. Tatas decision to close its Port Talbot steelworks will devastate the town. With no lead coming from the trade union tops, the Communists have launched a campaign for workers to get organised, occupy the plant, and demand its full nationalisation. [Originally published at communist.red] Tata bosses recently confirmed they are closing both the blast furnaces at Port Talbot, with the loss of almost 3,000 jobs. Since then, communists from across South Wales have come out to campaign for what we see as the only real way to end Tatas misrule and save the town: occupying the plant, and demanding it be nationalised wholesale. Starting this initiative was a no brainer. The lack of action from the union leaders has left a lot of people demoralised. Where theres inaction from the top, then the ranks must step into the breach. Anger on the street The communists came out in droves to organise stalls, to try and reach local people and get their opinions. We discussed with them the idea of occupying the plant in order to fight this closure, and demanding its full nationalisation. To get this campaign off the ground we are organising an open meeting on Sunday 11 February, where we can discuss the way forward. On the whole we had a positive reception, showing that under the despair theres a lot of anger. Even some who were unsure how they felt about the word communist still wholeheartedly agreed with the plans and ideas we proposed. Hearing about peoples anger towards the government and the lack of action of MPs, and how Tata will destroy the whole towns future, has hammered home what is at stake here. Meeting and talking with local workers and explaining our ideas was very fruitful, since so many are at their wits end with Tata. To them, nationalisation is the only thing left to do. It just makes sense! On the doorstep Door knocking, while something that comrades were either completely new to or rusty at, went smoothly on both days too. It became very easy to have conversations with people, and get their thoughts and opinions. One person we talked to when door knocking told us what we need is a revolution we couldnt agree more! Another person we met on the street told us that they [Tata and the politicians] are all corrupt, and are just in this for the money. A lot talked about how its good to see people get out there and try and do something. A little encouragement goes a long way and again, it demonstrates that the workers have largely not been asked their views! We even got some local shops to take flyers to show to customers and to help spread the word. By the end of the first day we had easily gone to around 100 houses and either had a response and a conversation, or spread the word with our flyers. Time to fight This Sunday saw us back out on the campaign trail. We also hoisted our banner across a local bridge, which was made by an amazing comrade in one night. In fact, as soon as it was up we immediately got cars beeping in support, which just shows the mood in the town! Port Talbot isnt dead yet there is still a fight to be had. There are plenty of examples of what can be done, from the Harland and Wolff shipyard occupation in the North of Ireland to the GKN workers in Italy. Both of these fights have prevented robber-baron bosses from having it all their own way. If we want to save steel in Port Talbot, then we need to think big like they did. If you want to help, or hear what we have to say for yourself, then come to our meeting on Sunday 11 February. Its now or never for our town, but if we fight back now we can still save it. Palestine calls on U.S. to force Israel to stop attacks in Gaza Xinhua) 13:43, February 06, 2024 RAMALLAH, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian presidency on Monday called on the United States to force Israel to stop its "aggression and war" against the besieged coastal enclave of the Gaza Strip. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, said in a press statement that the United States must "pressure Israel to stop its war in Gaza" to prevent the conflict from further affecting regional security. Countries around the world should adopt practical and quick steps to save the region from the mire of the Gaza conflict, he noted. The steps must be taken under resolutions affirming the international legitimacy to end Israel's occupation and establish the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders, Aby Rudeineh added. He urged the United States to establish a clear mechanism and commit to specific steps and international guarantees within a specific time frame to recognize the Palestinian state. "The positive statements alone are no longer enough, and this is the appropriate and decisive moment to spare the region from the scourge of endless wars," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Last Saturday, police officers in Britain arrested an IMT member for raising the slogan of 'Intifada 'til victory!'. But the communists won't back down. We need your help to fight back against state repression, and to see an end to this brutal capitalist system. [Originally published at communist.red] Last Saturday, as the national Palestine solidarity demonstration began its march through central London, City of London and Metropolitan police officers detained three members of the International Marxist Tendency (IMT), leading to the arrest of one IMT member for several hours. Their crime? Carrying a placard reading Intifada til Victory and selling The Communist newspaper, which carries the slogan Fight imperialism with intifada! According to Jack one of the comrades dragged behind a line of officers just outside of Oxford Circus the comrades were accused of breaching section 12 of the Terrorism Act, i.e. expressing support for a proscribed terrorist organisation. This is a serious attack by the British state. The law states that such a crime, if prosecuted, can carry up to 14 years of jail time. Click here to find out what you can do to help us fight back. Intifada The communists have steadfastly raised the slogan of intifada til victory a call for a revolutionary mass struggle against imperialism and the Israeli state / Image: The Communist We have explained elsewhere what the slogan of intifada really means. While Tory politicians, university bosses, Zionist activists, and right-wing rags like the Telegraph have outrageously accused us of whipping up antisemitism and violence, we have steadfastly defended this slogan. The offending back cover of The Communist explains in no uncertain terms the real meaning of intifada the Arabic word for mass uprising: [The Palestinian masses] only true friends are the workers of the world. And it is time that the unstoppable power of the working class was brought to bear, through class-struggle methods such as strikes, blockades, walkouts, and other militant mass action by organised workers internationally. (emphasis added) This is what the British state now deems as supporting terrorism: calling for masses of ordinary people to mobilise and put an end to the terror and bloodshed of imperialist war. That the British establishment those bloodsuckers who provide military, financial, and political support to Netanyahus genocidal regime can accuse peaceful demonstrators of supporting terrorism is rank hypocrisy of the highest order. We expect nothing less from our class enemies. But let us be clear: the imperialists in Tel Aviv, Washington, and London they are the real terrorists. They have the blood of 27,000 innocent Gazans on their hands. Emergency protest While two of the comrades were soon released after being forced to provide their details, one comrade, R, was carted into a police van by a large group of officers and taken to a police station miles away in south London. The fact that the cops chose to arrest only the comrade with brown skin speaks volumes. Such racist policing should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the names Stephen Lawrence, Chris Kaba, Mark Duggan, or Child Q. Comrades from across Greater London mobilised at lightning-speed to defend R. Within a couple of hours, a crowd of more than fifty comrades gathered outside Walworth police station, near Elephant and Castle. For three hours, comrades gave speeches denouncing this flagrant attack on our organisation, the Palestine movement, and the democratic rights of the working class. As one of the comrades detained pointed out: This will not be the last time that the British state uses heavy-handed tactics the ruling class is preparing for a period of intense class struggle in the coming years. Thats why theyre beefing up the powers of the police theyre breaking the police in and getting them used to their role as a weapon in the class struggle. Comrades chanted slogans that could be heard from where R was being held: Free our comrade!, Met Police, shame on you!, No justice, no peace!, and Intifada til victory! Notably, this loud protest attracted the attention of local workers and youth, who joined our chants, bought copies of The Communist, donated to our fighting fund, and discussed various political questions with us. A number of delivery riders stopped to beep their horns in solidarity. One driver who spoke to The Communist told us that police harassment is a daily experience for couriers, especially those who, like him, have been involved in grassroots efforts to organise for better pay and conditions. Only the beginning After several hours, comrade R was released, with all charges dropped. The police could no doubt see that they hadnt a leg to stand on. The accusations were bogus from start to finish. Clearly, this was nothing but the latest in a series of attempts to intimidate and cow the Palestine movement; of making an example of the most militant section of activists. This is not the first time this has happened. In November last year, three of our comrades had their faces plastered on the Met Polices social media page, accusing them of a hate crime for raising the slogan of intifada until victory! Members of other left-wing groups like FRFI and the CPGB-ML have also been arrested, for supporting Palestine and denouncing Zionism in their speeches and literature. What is emerging is a clear pattern of the British state targeting those who speak out in defence of Palestine and who oppose imperialism. And they are singling out the communists as the most uncompromising layer in this struggle. This is an international phenomenon too. Communists from other sections of the IMT have faced similar repressive methods at the hands of the state, the media, and the bosses. This should be a wake-up call for the Palestine solidarity movement, and the wider workers movement. As Niemollers famous poem warns, first they came for the communists. But next, the mailed fist of state repression will be brought down upon strikers, trade unionists, and other activists. The movement must mobilise to defend political rights and freedoms. An injury to one is an injury to all! What you can do We, the communists, will not back down. We will continue to proudly call for intifada, come hell or high water. We wont renounce this clarion call for mass struggle, revolution, and internationalist support for the Palestinian masses. As the response to our comrades arrest shows, these attacks will only galvanise our ranks, and toughen our resolve. We understand, however, that these methods will only continue to be employed against us by our class enemies, especially as we continue to grow. We therefore need to get prepared. And if you agree, you need to prepare as well. Heres what you can do: Share this article widely online. Tell your trade union branch, Palestine solidarity group, friends, family, and workmates what is happening. Send in letters to The Communist using our submissions page, and tell us what you think about this repression and how to fight it. Get quotes from those around you to fill our paper with the thoughts and opinions of ordinary workers about Palestine, the attacks on democratic rights, and the repression we face. Organise meetings in your community, workplace or trade union, campus or school, to raise awareness about the repression of the Palestine solidarity movement and communists at the hands of the British state. Use these speakers notes to explain why this is happening, and the need to organise a fightback. Pass motions in your student unions and trade union branches. Most importantly, call on people to help build the Revolutionary Communist Party. Donate to our Fighting Fund. We are under attack, and we need funds to cover potential legal costs, to keep The Communist on the streets, and to continue campaigning to end capitalism. Share this link widely with friends and family, colleagues and classmates, and fellow activists. Subscribe to our paper. Our comrades have been targeted for selling The Communist the paper the British state clearly doesnt want you to read. Support our paper financially by setting up a subscription, and by selling it in your workplace, college, or community. And finally, join the IMT, and help us build the Revolutionary Communist Party the only vehicle capable of advancing the interests of our class; the only force that can provide an alternative to the dead-end of imperialism and capitalism. We appeal to all of our readers and supporters: join and help us become the political voice the working class needs! BROKEN BOW The Mission Avenue thrift store in Broken Bow will have its ribbon-cutting celebration at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. The store represents Crossroads Missions Avenues expansion into Broken Bow. The store is located at 440 S. Eighth Ave. Mission Avenue Thrift is thrilled to join the retail shops in Broken Bow to supply a local option for low-cost clothing and household goods, a news release says. The thrift store also offers a Community Voucher Program, aimed at meeting immediate needs within the community at no charge, as individuals and families are referred to the store through local churches and community agencies. In addition, this location offers an opportunity for Custer County residents to recycle their unneeded items by donating to the Thrift Store, as Mission Avenue Thrift accepts all donations, the release says. All proceeds support the efforts of Crossroads Mission Avenue as they provide meals and care for the homeless and needy in central Nebraska. Crossroads Mission Avenue has been serving the homeless in central Nebraska for more than 40 years, with locations in Kearney, Grand Island and Hastings. Plans for a Lexington campus are currently underway. Each campus provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, offering comprehensive care in a nurturing environment, the news release says. This includes services such as safe shelter, hot meals, life skills classes and one-on-one case management that helps their guests gain employment, financial independence and stable housing. This equips Crossroads guests for successful living after their time at the shelter and leads to homelessness prevention. The Broken Bow Mission Avenue Thrift store offers job training experience and jobs for Crossroads guests, as well as providing employment and volunteer opportunities for the local community. Daniel Buller, Executive Director for Crossroads Mission Avenue, is excited to expand services into Custer County. Crossroads Mission Avenue continues to establish a presence throughout central Nebraska, not only with homeless shelters currently in Hastings, Kearney and Grand Island but other facilities in new cities the most recent being Broken Bow Mission Avenue Thrift. Crossroads expansion in the region is an effort toward homelessness prevention, Buller says in a statement. These expansion efforts are meeting the needs of food insecurities, creating local career opportunities, supporting low-income families, and providing sustainable recycle opportunities, while continuing to support our efforts of sustaining such a great Christian organization. Two men shot and killed by off-duty Omaha police officers early Saturday in South Omaha have been identified. The men have been identified as Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez, 26, and Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales, 28, both of Omaha. The names of the off-duty officers were not released.. Due to the off-duty capacity the officers were working in when this incident occurred, body-worn camera footage is limited, according to a statement Saturday from the Omaha Police Department. Detectives are finding and using area business surveillance footage to assist with the investigation to ensure a full picture of what took place before, during, and after this incident occurred, a police spokesman said. The involved officers will interview early this upcoming week as part of this investigation. A preliminary investigation found that the officers were working an off-duty job at an area business when they responded shortly after 2 a.m. to a disturbance involving a firearm in an alleyway near 32nd and L Streets. Rodriguez-Juarez and Hernandez-Rosales were said to be in an SUV when they were hit by the officers gunfire, according to the press release. They were taken to Nebraska Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and later died. A handgun was found inside the SUV, according to the release. The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. The Nebraska State Patrol and Douglas County Sheriffs Office are assisting Omaha police in the investigation. The Omaha Police Department is committed to transparency and our detectives, with the assistance of two outside agencies, are working diligently to collect all available evidence related to the officer involved incident from early this morning, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaddrer said Saturday in a statement. We will continue to update as more information is available. I ask for the publics patience as this investigation unfolds. There's Lyft. There's Uber. There are taxis. Late on a Thursday night in January, Lisa Broer found a new kind of rideshare in western Illinois. Broer was at Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, Illinois, amid a week of heavy fog across the Quad Cities of eastern Iowa and western Illinois. She was waiting on a standby list for a potential flight to Hawaii and had been there for almost eight hours when she threw in the towel, because flights out of the airport were grounded by fog in the area. She was retrieving her bags from the ticket counter when she saw a group of 22 senior citizens waiting around the checking area. One of them, a man with a cane, walked up to Broer and asked how to find an Uber. After a short conversation, Broer learned a few things. The group of seniors had been planning for more than a year for a trip to Hawaii, but their flight on United Airlines had been canceled, and if they didn't make it to Chicago by 9:30 the next morning, they'd be out over $6,000 each. "It broke my heart," she said. "Another lady came up to me with her husband and told me they'd be out $12,000. They'd saved a lifetime for this trip." Broer began problem-solving, thinking of ways to get them to Chicago. She turned to Facebook, posting in the group "What's Going on Quad Cities" to crowd-source help. "I'll put a couple bucks down on a party bus for them!" one commenter said. "I know a shuttle!" another said. By 8:30 p.m., word made its way to Michael Tumbleson, owner of the Kewanee-based Tumbleson Transportation company. The post piqued his interest. Before he could finish reading the hundreds of comments, he got a call from the group asking for help. "I called my driver immediately and said, 'Hey, I've got some people who've gotta go now,'" he said. "He immediately (threw) on his clothes and (was) ready to go." With some help from friends, Tumbleson shoveled the company's neon pink bus out of the snow in their lot. The driver, Charles Graves, made the trip to Quad Cities International Airport in the converted pink church bus to pick up all 22 passengers. When he got there, he realized they couldn't fit all 50 pieces of luggage. So once again, they adapted, and Graves recruited his uncle to drive, too. An hour later, he arrived in a second passenger van, and the two made the overnight trek to Chicago together, making it back at 7 the next morning. "(The drivers) did most of the heavy lifting," Tumbleson said. "But I got to pop on the bus and meet everybody, and it was kind of cool. They were smiling like they were 21-year-old kids." Tumbleson said his company often offers rides to those in a pinch he started the business with some friends 25 years ago as a way to keep drunk drivers off the street but he gave the crew of seniors a discounted price. Neither Broer nor Tumbleson has heard about how the trip to the tropics has gone, but they did hear that the group made it onto their flight, at least. The two good Samaritans have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback. Tumbleson said he'd had to stop accepting message and tag requests on Facebook, because his page had been flooded with commenters. Broer, who fittingly is involved with the Moline Optimist Club, said everyone deserved credit for making the trip happen. She was inspired by the number of messages she got that night with offers to help. "I'm just happy that they got to go that means the world to me more than anything," she said. A 44-year-old Leesville man is serving time in prison after he pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs in both Bamberg and Orangeburg counties. William C. Crosby, 44, of 352 Quinton Ricard Road, pleaded guilty to third or subsequent offense distribution of methamphetamine, although he was originally charged with first-offense trafficking in more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base. Circuit Judge Courtney Clyburn Pope sentenced him to 10 years in prison. He was given credit for having already served 516 days in jail. Crosby also pleaded guilty to the same charge in a Bamberg County case that same day. Pope sentenced Crosby to 10 years in prison for that charge too. Crosby is serving the two terms at the same time, not one after the next. In other recent pleas at the Orangeburg County Courthouse: A 24-year-old Cordova man pleaded guilty to two counts of first-offense possession with intent to distribute a controlled drug and one count of first-offense trafficking in more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base. Andrew Corey Easterlin, of 2028 Legrand Smoak Street, entered his guilty pleas before Circuit Judge Deb R. McCaslin. McCaslin sentenced him to eight years in prison. After he serves three years, the remainder of his term will be suspended to probation for three years. McCaslin gave Easterlin credit for having already served 164 days in jail. She also ordered him to complete substance abuse counseling, undergo random drug/alcohol testing and enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps. Easterlin faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: 10 counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent felony; six counts of possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug and one count each of assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest, first-offense possession of narcotics, first-offense possession of some other type of controlled substance and unlawful turning. Dequan Shamar Anderson, 44, of 1404 Farrington Way, Columbia, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of cocaine. McCaslin sentenced him to three years in prison. Because Anderson already served one day in jail, his term was suspended to probation for 18 months. Anderson must also undergo random drug/alcohol testing. David J. Brown, 42, of 273 Clarendon Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to attempted murder. McCaslin sentenced him to three years in prison, giving him credit for having already served 712 days in jail. Once Brown is released from prison, he has 120 days to pay court costs. Jonthan Raynard Busby, 36, of 140 Pinyon Drive, Cope, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence. McCaslin sentenced him to jail for one day, giving him credit for time served. Jonthan Leroy Caldwell, 33, of 606 Malibu Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to violent second-degree burglary, although he was originally charged with first-degree burglary. McCaslin sentenced him to 15 years in prison. Because Caldwell already served 191 days in jail, his term was suspended to probation for five years. Caldwell faced one count each of the following, but the charges were dismissed: pointing and presenting a firearm at a person and malicious injury to personal property valued $2,000 or less. Louis Clark Jr., 52, of 129 Chipstone Road, Springfield, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence. McCaslin sentenced him to two days in jail and gave him credit for time served. Willie Lee Collier, 23, of 1394 Antioch Road, Santee, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol. McCaslin ordered Collier to pay a $100 fine within 120 days. Zachary Eric-Xavier DAvanzo, 18, of 570 Platt Road, Naples, Florida, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, or attempt. McCaslin sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act. Because DAvanzo already served two days in jail, his term was suspended to probation for 18 months. Otijawan Lemarquese Davis, 22, of 1273 Douglas MacArthur Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree domestic violence and two counts of unlawful carrying of a pistol. McCaslin sentenced him to 52 days in jail and gave him credit for time served. Davis faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: one count of unlawful carrying of a pistol and two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent felony. Kayla R. Boneparte, 41, of 1048 Doyle Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug. Circuit Judge Jennifer B. McCoy sentenced her to jail for 14 days and gave Boneparte credit for time served. An Orangeburg-based nonprofit organization is helping thousands of low-income families meet their financial, educational, medical, and social needs. Its the OCAB Community Action Agency Inc. OCAB is an acronym for Orangeburg, Calhoun, Allendale, and Bamberg counties. Executive Director Calvin Wright gave his annual State of the Agency overview during the board of directors annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. I believe our best days are ahead of us as we continue to do the things we are called to do, fulfilling our mission, Wright said. The financial position of the agency has improved. Boosting OCABs income in 2023 were U.S. Department of Agriculture loans and grants totaling more than $1 million, a Department of Social Services health and safety grant for $550,000, and an ABC Quality Improvement Grant for $221,000. Among the agencys activities is distributing federal money from the Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program to help pay for electricity, propane, fuel oil, and wood. We served 9,160 families last year and we spent $1,873,137.74, Wright said. Both of those numbers were higher than in the previous year. We spent all of the client assistance money by the second week in November, he said. About 1,000 people have applied for assistance with energy (bills) already this year, Wright said. Applications are accepted online at www.ocabcaa.org and via drop boxes in Orangeburg, Bowman, Denmark, St. Matthews, and other sites throughout the agencys four-county service area. OCABs Head Start and Early Head Start programs for preschoolers served 432 children and their families in the first half of the 2023-2024 school year. Applications are still being accepted. Wright announced that Head Start now has a bilingual staff person, a native of Mexico who speaks both Spanish and English. He added that Head Start still has job vacancies and invites inquiries from competent and committed potential employees. OCAB also has a program for teenagers. Our Youth Development Leadership Prevention Program maintained 20 peer educators for the 2023 program year, Wright said. Through monthly online conference calls, they have engaged in activities centered on character and leadership development as well as risky behavior avoidance ... and other life skills, Wright said. We also assisted them in applying for college, jobs, and economic management. OCAB also served 81 older adults through its Senior Companion program in 2023. We brought on seven new senior companions last year, Wright said. Two of our companions have been with the program for 20 years. They received special recognition at the annual Senior Companions program banquet. OCAB is partnering with Edisto Fork United Methodist Church and a local pharmacy in a project to administer COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccines to 221 people. They reached 135 as of Dec. 31, 2023, and more clinics are scheduled. OCAB also offers a limited amount of rent or mortgage payment assistance to people who are facing imminent eviction. The preferred ways to make initial contact with OCAB and learn more about its programs and services are to visit www.ocabcaa.org or to call 803-536-1027. OCAB, like all recipients of state and federal money, must meet financial accountability standards. The Office of Economic Opportunity conducted a monitoring report of fiscal services and we were compliant in all areas, Wright said. Likewise, no findings i.e. problems were reported in an immunization audit or a separate USDA audit. The results of the Head Start audit are pending but all indications are that things went well, Wright said. In addition, the agency as a whole underwent an annual audit and received an unmodified audit opinion a clean audit again, Wright said. Wright reported that the agency accepted the Orangeburg County Councils offer to purchase a building and 10 acres of land at 908 Willington Drive near Orangeburg. That will help with our bottom line, he said. It should free up some funds to do some things weve been wanting to do. The board also re-elected its officers: Anthony Jarvis, chair; Linton Davis, vice chair; Vertelle Pondexter-Jamison, secretary; and Lee Harley-Fitts, treasurer. The board usually meets quarterly, but Wright anticipates that a special meeting will be called in February. Meetings are held in the agencys central office at 1822 Joe S. Jeffords Hwy. Contact Karen Clinton, executive secretary, at kclinton@ocabcaa.org or 803-536-1027 for more information. The annual memorial service must continue to be a foundation for better relations among the races, not the root of increased tension in the Orangeburg community. In 1999, 250 Orangeburg citizens, Black and white, used a full-page advertisement in The Times and Democrat to urge this community to cease the divisiveness over the tragic events of 1968, to use Feb. 8 every year as a day of memoriam and respect. Orangeburg, let us heal ourselves remains necessary today after the deaths of Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond and Delano Middleton on Feb. 8, 1968. The three students were shot to death and 28 others were hurt by state troopers during a prolonged confrontation centered around the desegregation of an Orangeburg bowling alley. It is known as the Orangeburg Massacre after the title of a book by journalists Jack Bass and Jack Nelson. LIBRARY: Smith Hammond Middleton COMBO From left are Henry R. Smith, Samuel Hammond Jr. and Delano B. Middleton. They died after S.C. Highway Patrol troopers fired into a crowd of p The milestone statement of 1999 sought to put an end to the seemingly endless cycle of rewriting the accounts of that night -- a cycle that annually produced new wounds in Orangeburg and elsewhere. The statement acknowledged the importance of remembering Smith, Hammond and Middleton, and asked that the remembrance be kept to the dignity for which it is intended -- a solemn observance of that tragic night in 1968. It should not be marred by creating a day of racial hatred in Orangeburg by those of either race who try to rewrite the chronicle of events of that unforgettable incident, the statement said. Thursday is that day of memoriam. The years since 1999 have produced significant events. Two years after the Orangeburg declaration, then-Gov. Jim Hodges spoke at the memorial service, expressing official regret for what happened here in 1968. For the first time, Highway Patrol troopers were in attendance. Then in 2003, Gov. Mark Sanford surprised many by issuing a formal apology. I think its appropriate to tell the African American community in South Carolina that we dont just regret what happened in Orangeburg 35 years ago -- we apologize for it. It is important that people never forget what happened in Orangeburg on Feb. 8, 1968. Our community is forever linked with a historic tragedy. In the spirit of the 1999 declaration, Orangeburg remains a place that can be a model for cooperation among races. When Mercer University Press in 2002 released a revised edition of the Orangeburg Massacre, a new postscript by the authors noted the story has taken on new life and a path toward healing and reconciliation. It is a path upon which our community must pledge to remain as we remember and foster unity where there has been division. The Orangeburg Massacre: A peaceful protest met with violence, who was held responsible and how the victims are remembered Your browser does not support the audio element. South Carolina State University will commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre on Thursday, Feb. 8, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium. S.C. State alumnus Dr. Clifford L. Stanley, a retired Marine Corps major general and former Department of Defense official, will be the keynote speaker. On Jan. 28 the hunting and Christian community in our region of the country lost a generational piece of our collective souls. The Rev. Zach Farmer passed away and with his death went not only the pastor of 30 United Methodist churches over the last decades but one of about a half dozen most important master turkey call makers of the past century. This little man was a giant in the hunting industry, though he was so unassuming and humble one would never know. I counted him not only as a hunting partner and friend but a kindred spirit and mentor. My wedding was, to my knowledge, the last one he ever performed. Below are some excerpts from a story I wrote on Zach some years ago: John Rheney and Zach Farmer Dr. John Rheney and the Rev. Zach Farmer with "Little Windy." "Zach was raised in Rowesville. Fifty odd years ago a young boy sat in W. Syfretts store in Rowesville and listened to the turkey-hunting stories that Mr. Syfrett and Mr. Watt Smith brought back from their Lowcountry jaunts near Jacksonboro. He was fascinated and though there were no turkeys in the area to hunt, he decided then and there he was going to be a turkey hunter. "While he was a student at Wofford in 1956, one of Zach Farmers teachers disclosed that she knew Archibald Rutledge, who was also a resident of Spartanburg at the time, and Zach asked if she could arrange an opportunity to meet him. He later called Dr. Rutledge and was invited over to start a friendship that would last until Archibald died in the 1970s. "After Zach graduated and received his calling as a Methodist minister in 1962, he decided to ask his love Lee to be his wife. They went to Charleston to pick out some things for the wedding and Zach slipped off while she wasnt watching and purchased a Lynch box call (which he still carried a field for good luck). Soon Lee and Zach were appointed to three churches in the Jamestown, SC area. This is in the middle of the Francis Marion and you might as well have thrown the rabbit in the briar patch. "Zach fell in with a Mr. Benny Ackerman. Mr. Benny was a great turkey hunter but didnt have a car. Zach wanted to learn to hunt turkeys and had a vehicle. It was a marriage made in turkey heaven. Zach still says to this day that Mr. Benny made him 'fall into the fire.' Mr. Benny didnt dress in camouflage and used two joints of bamboo cane to make his turkey calls. He also used a double barrel Fox shotgun (which is another of Zachs passions). "Several other villains that were involved in the conversion of Rev. Zachs turkey-hunting soul were Henry Davis (the author of 'The American Wild Turkey'); Howard Harlin, and Parker Weden, the inventor of the Spirit call. As a matter of fact, Zach's acquaintances are a whos who of legendary turkey hunters. NWTF video remembering Zach Farmer The Orangeburg Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation was renamed the Zach Farmer Chapter. He was honored at the national convention y "Probably the single theme that kept coming up as Zach was recounting rubbing elbows with these giants was that most all believed that spring turkey hunting was an abomination. They thought it unfair to hunt turkeys when they are most vulnerable during mating season and much preferred the practice of 'busting them up' in the fall and then by call and woods craft bringing gobblers to the gun. "The memories of turkeys being nearly wiped out of the state by baiting fishhooks with corn and trapping were fresh in the minds of many. These men were the first to insist on hunting the bird on fair chase terms. "By 1980 Rev. Farmer was charged with a congregation in Laurens County. He had made up his mind that he was going to make his own wind instrument call or yelper. He knew he was doing it wrong because the sound wasnt right but he really did not know how to improve his design. He read Tom Turpins book on call making and then drilled a hole through a piece of mountain laurel and connected a piece of turkey wing-bone. He just 'couldnt make it work' trying to blow it the way Turpin described. COMMENTARY: Zach Farmer: Much more than a minister The Rev. Zach Farmer died on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. You might expect a ministers life to be remembered by the souls he saved and the churches he served. Zach Farmer, however, was much more than a minister. "By trial and error, he developed his own way of manipulating the air and the way his hands held the call. He bought a small lathe and a parishioner gave him a motor to run it. He wanted to find a piece of coco bola wood to fashion his first call but settled for some rosewood that he salvaged from a hand musical instrument he was able to buy cheaply. "After he turned the trumpet down by hand he had to make a mouthpiece. It was difficult to find turkey wing bones so he carved the mouthpieces out of deer horn. Later on Zach would settle on Mammoth Ivory (when he could find it because unlike elephant irovy it was legal to import). I got him some dental Ivorine to experiment with but it proved too hard to turn down. "He then set out for the ultimate test. He took his call to the woods and sat among wild turkeys picking fights with hens, and slowly tuned his call with a pocketknife until the sound was near perfect. He called in two gobblers with that call that season and he knew he was on to something. "He hunted with this call and named her 'Little Windy.' A lot of people who have purchased his calls thought theirs the same model and quite often they call theirs the same. Actually the newer model is The Woodwind caller, but I get ahead of the story. "Zach took his call into a general store in Laurens and showed it to his friend the store owner. The guy said, 'Id like to have one of those. As a matter of fact, Id like to have five of them to give to friends.' "This was the beginning. Zach turned five calls out of some coco bola wood he purchased and carved five mouthpieces out of antler and presented them to the store owner. "The man asked him how much he wanted for them and Zach responded that he just made them because his friends asked him too. He had no intention of charging him for them. "The storeowner gave him $100 for all five. Zach was stunned. He said $100 was a lot of money back then for him. "Not long after that, Zach was visiting his friend and famous call maker Neil Cost and showed him his yelper. Neil asked him to play it for him and as Zach sucked on the call Neil 'danced a little jig' in his yard and exclaimed, 'Will you make one of those for me?' "Zach did make a call for Cost and it showed up on the internet after Costs death fetching almost $3,000 on Ebay. Anytime someone would ask Cost to make him a yelper (his specialty was friction and box calls) he would refer him to Zach. His notoriety soon spread and over the last 25 years, Zach has made about 100 calls, one at a time. This includes the seven-year period when Rev. Zach was transferring from Providence to Pacolet to Knightville when he didnt have his equipment and made no calls. "Zach had a five-year backlog. He was very quick to point out that he was not in the call-making business and 'never has been.' He makes calls and sells them for about what he has in them as far as materials and time. "Recent editions of Zachs calls sell for about $300 but often pop up on Ebay for up to $4,800. After Jim Casada did a feature on Zach in a 2003 Turkey Call magazine, the demand skyrocketed. Ever humble, Zach said he just doesnt understand it. Even his instructional field guides that he gives away with his calls fetch up to $400 in collector circles. "Zach has been asked to give seminars on his calls at the National Wild Turkey Convention in Nashville. He was asked and delivered a caller that was presented to the President of the United States George W. Bush at the G-8 summit years ago. It was crafted from a piece of the walnut desk that the summit papers were signed on by the heads of state. "Above all things Reverend Farmer was a turkey hunter. He preferred his calls be used and not purchased for collector value. He told people the reason they might want one of his callers is to be able to hunt turkeys in the purist form much like carrying a Fox double shotgun vs. a new turkey magnum pump. He said his call is not for everybody. Indeed let me close this story by quoting from Zachs flyer: "He said, I do not make Callers for sale. I offer to craft my Woodwind only by request at a fair bargain compared to many expendable products utilized for sporting purposes or comfort and pleasure. Consideration must be given to the fact that my instruments are crafted from the finest materials, and many hours of careful work are required for the results I demand: namely, a high-quality and deadly turkey caller unlike any other, which will provide a lifetime of service and may be passed down to future generations.' "He went on to say, 'Due to a long waiting list, all I can promise is to place your name there. I will then notify you prior to crafting your instrument.'" That list was never fulfilled. When his wife Lee became sick with Alzheimers disease he ceased all other pursuits to care for her. That was in 2020. This past year Zach fell and broke his back. During examination he was found to have multiple myeloma. It was so painful for him to move that he couldnt make it to Columbia to the oncologist to seek treatment to prolong his life. Just before Christmas I tried to call Zach. After multiple messages I became very concerned. He usually returned my calls within hours. After several days I got a return call. I could hear car noise in the background. I assumed Zach was on the way to a medical appointment. I was wrong. He told me that a friend had driven him down to Davis Love IIIs place near Savannah and with the help of several men, they had managed to get him in a deer stand. He didnt get a deer that weekend and always refused to hunt on Sundays, so he was on his way home. He grunted in pain with every jolt of the truck but he was happy. It was his last hunt. He became home-bound and died soon after. He mentioned to a friend while talking about his impending death that he thought there would be a millisecond, the twinkling of an eye when he would be between the worlds of living and death and then he would see The Lord and soon afterwards his dear wife Lee. He was ready. Im sure that Zach has many jewels in his crown. If you would like to know him a little better, I would encourage you to view the Youtube video, "The Reverend: In Memory of Zach Farmer." It is attached to this column at TheTandD.com. (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). The House Natural Resources Committee last month advanced a bill from Rep. Harriet Hageman that would create new procedures to study energy poverty amongst at-risk communities including the low income, elderly, and minorities with the aim to specifically quantify how some federal policies impact energy costs for consumers. Couched as an effort toward transparency, the measure would require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to estimate the specific price impacts of policies related to mineral leases, pipeline and transmission projects, amongst other policies. It would also direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an analysis of state energy portfolio standards and calculate their price repercussions on at-risk communities. The purpose of this legislation is to show the American people how our decisions in Congress, and regulations from the executive branch, impact the lives of everyday Americans, Hageman told the committee. Even as the bill cleared the committee with party-line support, the measures enactment is uphill from here; without bipartisan support its prospects are narrowed in the full House, to say nothing of its chances in the Democrat controlled Senate. Moreover, the markup session, the committees first of 2024, set a contentious tone for the year ahead, and laid bare the deepening ideological battle lines not just around natural resource policy, but other issues like border security, over which members exchanged barbs despite the topics absence from the hearings official agenda. Hagemans bill took fire from democrats who bemoaned the approach as myopic, arguing it addressed only a sliver of the broader energy security dynamics while sidelining climate concerns. Democrats accused the bill of strategically omitting key economic factors, like energy-efficiency and weatherization, in an attempt to tilt favor toward the fossil industry. They also argued that as the U.S. produces historically high amounts of oil & gas and energy majors draw record profits, a comprehensive energy poverty solution would need to examine export policy, as economists have shown that the growing amounts of American energy exports correspond to higher domestic prices. (The Biden Administration last week place a pause on liquified natural gas exports to non-free trade agreement countries, and directed the Department of Energy to update export permit protocol to those countries in order to include considerations like energy cost increases for American consumers and manufacturers. House leadership decried the move and said it will compel Europe to buy more energy from Russia.) If we really care about transparency and energy costs and energy poverty, and youre going to do a study like this, at least ask the right questions, and dont rig it in favor of the fossil fuel industry, said Rep. Huffman, D-Ca. Republicans resoundingly dismissed Democratic amendments attempting to expand the scope of study, saying they were not germane and would take the bill out of focus. Hageman emphasized instead a focus on the hidden cost of renewable energy subsidies, which have grown immensely from federal legislation in previous years. Green energy is not cost effective, and the only way it is cost effective is with continuing massive amounts of subsidies from the American taxpayer, said Hageman. The point of my bill is to expose the actual cost of the green energy dream so the American people know what it cost. Yet the bills directives are given in broad-strokes, delegating criteria and methods to federal bureaucracies. In this way it could yet meet bipartisan prerogatives, and some Republicans pointed out it would not preclude CBO and GAO from revealing positive benefits from renewable sources. The markup session was continually sidetracked by an issue not on the agenda border security over which reps exchanged barbs throughout the hearing, highlighting the wider atmosphere of divide amongst the chamber and the challenges for moving legislation in the near future. Democrats scolded the committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., for scheduling a field hearing at the U.S-Mexico border in Arizona on the same day as the Democratic Partys Issues Caucus and declining overtures for accommodationwhich led minority leaders to ascribe the field hearing as political theater rather than an earnest effort for solutions. The House Republican conference is where immigration solutions come to die, said Rep. Huffman. And if you want to prove me wrongget serious about a bipartisan compromise. Republicans fired back to point out that HR 2, a border security bill, passed out of the house last year but has yet to get traction in the Senate. Rep. Tiffany, R-Wi., laid blame on the Democratic standard bearer. [Biden] cant take action today to secure the border, he said. Its up to him. He can shut it down anytime. 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. 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. Bank of America: Bank of America invested more than $670,000 across Tucson in 2023 through philanthropic grants, sponsorships and other financial and volunteer support. The commitments focused on jobs, housing and health. One such commitment was Bank of America Tucsons partnership with Pima Community College to help create guided career paths for Black and Latino students through the PimaFastTrack program. Bank of America Tucson also supported low-income housing initiatives locally by working with several nonprofits, including Family Housing Resources, Habitat for Humanity and Primavera Foundation. Local employees volunteered more than 6,700 hours in 2023. Tucsons Erica Robles, lending client associate for consumer and small business, was recognized with the Global Volunteer award in the category for arts and culture. Tucson Electric Power: Tucson Electric Power contributed nearly $1.5 million and thousands of volunteer hours in 2023 to help more than 216 nonprofit groups support community vitality, education, environmental stewardship, and racial and social equity. TEP funded a range of organizations, projects and events last year, including efforts to address housing stability and provide food for low-income residents. TEPs support helped Family Housing Resources address housing insecurity issues by renovating an affordable housing complex, Talavera Apartments. Education investments centered on science, technology, engineering and math lessons, financial literacy, career readiness and teacher support. TEP also donated about $150,000 to initiatives that advance racial and social equity through legal support, training and community events. One such contribution was to the State of Black Arizona to build on the work of the African American Leadership Institute in Southern Arizona. Top donations included: Wildfire, $300,000; Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, $50,000; Family Housing Resources, $50,000; Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF), $50,000; Junior Achievement of Arizona, $30,000; Tucson Values Teachers, $30,000; and Womens Foundation for the State of Arizona, $30,000. In 2023, about 295 TEP employee volunteers donated nearly 8,500 hours of service. PHOENIX Saying university students should not have to fund antisemitism, the Arizona House gave preliminary approval Monday to allowing them to keep their mandated fees from going to certain organizations. The voice vote came after Rep. Alexander Kolodin said Jewish students at the states three universities have been encountering some really virulent groups that call for the destruction of the Jewish people. Now, they (these groups) have every right to do this under the First Amendment, said the Scottsdale Republican, who is Jewish. But what they dont have the right to do is force Jewish students to subsidize those calls for their own destruction, and the destruction of their friends and family. Kolodin specifically mentioned Students for Justice for Palestine, which has chapters at all three universities. He said such groups are entitled to have their views but there is a constitutional right of other students not to have to help finance those views. The vote for Senate Bill 2178 came over the objections of some lawmakers who said the Arizona Board of Regents has expressed concern about how it would administer such a system. There were also questions about whether such a measure is necessary, as any overtly antisemitic activities already violate each schools policies. Rep. Judy Schwiebert, D-Phoenix, said these issues should be addressed at the university level. That did not impress Rep. David Marshall, R-Snowflake. Those bylaws were being violated left and right due to the protests, he said. Marshall also said officials from the universities were asked to testify at a hearing before the House Education Committee. They would not respond, he said. Thats a lack of care. Finn Howe, president of the Arizona State University chapter of Students for Justice for Palestine, denied during committee testimony that his organization is antisemitic. He said its membership includes Jews who take the position that Palestinians are being denied their rights. Howe also said that denying the groups funds would undermine other programs it conducts, such as bringing labor union officials to campus. But Kolodin said that, whatever the official position, that doesnt override the words being spoken at demonstrations he said are supported by such groups. From the river to the sea, he said, quoting some of the protesters who seek a state of Palestine where Israel now exists. And we all know what that means. Kolodin, in promoting the measure on the House floor on Monday, lashed out at those who were not supporting the measure. When any other group needs something to protect themselves, we as a body, we view it as this is our duty to protect our fellow Arizonans, he said. And, certainly, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are even more vocal about that kind of thing, sometimes in a way that I think they take to an extreme. Kolodin did not cite specifics. But Democrats have taken positions against Republican-sponsored measures they say discriminate against people based on gender, sexual orientation or race. But when Jewish students come with a simple request do not make us fund calls for our own genocide suddenly theres a workability problem, he said. Kolodin said at least part of the fault for this lies with the schools. In fact, the university knows very well how to change its bylaws or ignore them or its rules when it suits anybody but Jewish students, he said. He cited policies that, he said, on paper, already prohibit this kind of conduct. But they are not heeded, Kolodin said. So do not let workability, do not let the concerns of a specious nature, do not let these be used to blind your eyes to your duty to defend religious liberty and the freedom of Arizona students to practice their religion without having to fund calls for its destruction. ASU did cancel a planned on-campus event last year with U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat who had been censured by the U.S. House for defending Hamas and calling for the destruction of Israel. But school officials said that was not about the content but the fact the speech was being sponsored by the Arizona Palestine Network, which is not an on-campus organization. Also, UAs chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine abruptly canceled a pro-Palestine rally in October after UA President Robert C. Robbins released a statement calling it antithetical to the schools beliefs. The UA group had said it planned to demand that the US government and University of Arizona disinvest from Israeli apartheid and violence against the Palestinian people. Before Mondays vote, Kolodin said he did recognize there could be logistical issues in letting each student decide which clubs or organizations should receive their share of student fees. So he amended the measure to turn it around. Now students could list one or more groups that would be denied any part of their fees, with the difference divided up among all the other clubs. There would be no change in the distribution of fees paid by students who made no special request. A final roll-call vote is needed before the measure goes to the Senate. Camp Cooper is getting its first renovation since the 1960s as the environmental learning center celebrates its 60th year. Construction has begun on the Cooper Center for Environmental Learnings $2.7 million new restroom facilities. The months-long renovation will include a new building featuring composting toilets and waterless urinals. The existing building will be renovated into a shower house. The project will also include other sustainable features, such as new solar panels, outdoor classroom space, greywater systems for shower wastewater and 23,213 gallons of rainwater harvesting to grow shade trees and other nearby natural vegetation. Eighty percent of the centers programs serve Tucson Unified School District students, but the outdoor learning space at 5403 W. Trails End Road is open to all Southern Arizona schools. More than 140,000 students have learned at the Cooper Center since 1964. Among other services, Camp Cooper is a popular location for field trips, giving students a safe, accessible place to experience nature while enhancing classroom learning. TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo and University of Arizona College of Education Dean Robert Berry, camp staff, donors, and partners including CHASSE Building Team and Natural Building Works were on hand Friday for the renovation works groundbreaking. The UA College of Education partners with TUSD for Camp Coopers 10-acre living classroom, nestled in the Tucson Mountains foothills. TUSD is responsible for facility maintenance and utilities at the center. The College of Education takes care of operations and programs, including fundraising. The Cooper Center uses research-based teaching and programming to teach students about science and Earth education. Programming will be adjusted to accommodate the construction project. There will be different path entrances, scheduling around the noisier periods of renovation and a full-service, portable bathroom trailer with handwashing stations. Money for the renovation comes from philanthropy through Cooper Centers charitable foundations and local businesses, corporations and individuals. With phase one underway, future phases are expected to be completed within three to five years. These will include upgraded sleeping cabins, an expanded indoor classroom, office space and a commercial kitchen for sustainable food service. Funding will be provided, in part, by the TUSD bond issue approved by voters in November. Were excited to share the wonders of our Sonoran Desert classroom with a larger audience, thanks to these much-needed renovations, said Camp Cooper program coordinator Mariah Kuehl in a news release. Hey Tucson, hop on over. Funbox, a Southern California company, opened its 25,000-square-foot bounce park on the northwest parking lot of Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road, on Friday, Feb. 9. The bounce park has 10 play zones, including the Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain and Gumballs Gallop. There is also a large obstacle course. Visit funbox.com/Tucson and click Book Now for times, prices and to buy tickets. The bounce house is suitable for all ages, including grandparents who want to hop alongside their grandchildren. There are also special areas for the little tikes. The Tucson Funbox location will be in town for nine weeks. Other local commercial activity includes: Marana Main Street, on Marana Road near Interstate 10, has two new tenants. Dunkin Donuts bought 32,250 square feet of land for $515,000, represented by Joey Castillo, with Volk Co. KFC bought 32,760 square feet of land for $573,247, represented by Greg Saltz, with GPS Commercial Advisors. Ben Craney and Scott Soelter, with NAI Horizon, represented the seller in both transactions. Smart Choice Heating and Cooling LLC bought the property at 1925 W. Gardner Lane from Dorothy K. Watson and Robert T. Watson Jr. for $412,500. Gary Emerson, of GRE Partners LLC, represented the seller. Ed Henne and Kristy Kelley, of Long Realty Co., represented the buyer. Dean and Donna Koening, doing business as Starizona, leased 3,884 square feet at Rancho Vistoso, 12995-13005 N. Oracle Road, to display and for retail sales of astronomy equipment. Ben Craney and Dave Dutson, with NAI Horizon, handled the transaction. Dainty Acupuncture and Catalina Acupuncture PLLC leased 1,406 square feet of office space at 3208 E. Fort Lowell Road from AEH Investors III LLC, PMH Investors III LLC, and Hazen Enterprises Inc. Jason Shaltiel, with Picor, represented the tenant and Bruce Suppes, with CBRE, represented the landlord. Atelier de LaFleur leased 1,200 square feet at Northwest Design Center, on the northwest corner of Orange Grove and Thornydale roads to open a flower shop. The landlord, Larsen Baker, was represented by its broker Isaac Figueroa. Cameron Casey, with Oxford Realty, represented the tenant. PHOENIX A last-minute effort to fix state election deadlines fell apart late Monday as Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a plan. And if there isnt a fix, Arizonas 2024 electoral votes for president could go uncounted. Republicans are pushing ahead with their plan to move up the 2024 primary election to late July from August, but Gov. Katie Hobbs and her fellow Democrats say thats unnecessary. Republicans also want to enshrine more vigorous signature verification requirement for early ballots into state law, but Hobbs says that could disenfranchise legitimate voters. The clock is ticking. To get the big change the Republicans say is necessary, there must be legislative action by the end of this week. Thats because that simple change has a domino effect, altering everything else from printing ballots to when candidates have to submit their signatures. That, in turn, requires bipartisan approval as it takes a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate, plus the signature of the governor, to take effect immediately. Democrats are balking, saying they want a clean fix to the problem, one the said need not alter election dates or other voting laws. And that, they said, means not tinkering with other ideas on the GOP wish list. But despite being in the minority they are not without power. Republicans control only a bare majority, allowing Democrats to effectively veto any plan they dont like. How the time crunch happened At the root of the problem is a change pushed through the Legislature after the 2020 presidential race in which Joe Biden outpolled Donald Trump in Arizona by 10,457 votes out of more than 3.4 million cast. The margin of difference wasnt small enough to force a mandatory recount under the then-existing laws, which said it had to be less than 0.1%. Republican lawmakers pushed through a measure in 2022 changing the margin to 0.5% which would have triggered a 2020 recount, and is likely to require more recounts in the future. Only thing is, recounts cannot take place until after the statewide results are certified. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said that could leave counties without the results they need after the primary to print general election ballots to be sent to overseas voters to get them back by Election Day. Hence the GOP plan for an earlier primary. The potentially bigger problem is that federal law now requires states to get their presidential choices to Washington, D.C. by Dec. 11. And if Arizona is still recounting the vote, the choice of its voters for president wont be in the final Electoral Vote tally. Sen. Priya Sundareshan, D-Tucson, said the simplest thing for the Republicans in charge of the Legislature would be fixing a problem they created, meaning the 0.5% recount margin. That, however, ignores the fact that the 2022 measure gained bipartisan support. In fact, the legislation was approved by the House on a 50-1 margin, with only Democratic Rep. Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton opposed. And the political reality is that Republicans will not support repeal. The partisan fight So Democrats late Monday offered an alternative: Lower the recount threshold but only to two-tenths of a percent, a margin that still would not have forced a recount in Trumps loss. Republicans want more. A provision in their House Bill 2785 would move up the primary by a week, to July 30. That would help resolve the problem with preparing general election ballots. That is a non-starter with the Democrats, whose HB 2816, also introduced Monday, does not include such a provision. Fixing the deadline for approving final general election results to get them to Washington on time requires something else. One quick fix would be to change the amount of time voters whose signatures on early ballots dont match have to cure the problem. That is currently five business days. The GOP plan calls for changing it to five calendar days, buying two extra days. That also is not in the Democrats proposal. Rep. Laura Terech, D-Phoenix, said that would require voters whose ballots are questioned to go to county election offices to verify that the signature on the ballot envelope is theirs. Some of the concerns that Ive heard expressed about the lack of public transportation on the weekends that might make it a little bit harder for some voters to get that cure, she said. Signature verification Theres another big sticking point. The GOP measure includes an entirely new provision in the Election Code spelling out the kind of signature verification that would have to be done on early ballots. It is quite detailed. It would start with an evaluation of the broad characteristics of a signature, including the type and speed of writing, overall spacing, position of the signature, and spelling and punctuation. If those seem to match, the ballot would be counted. But if they dont, there would be a second check looking at the local characteristics of the signature, such as internal spacing, the presence or absence of pen lifts, beginning and ending strokes, and the curves, loops and cross points. At that point if there are still doubts, a second person would be asked to review. All that ultimately could result in a declaration of a mismatch and a need to cure. That is unacceptable to Hobbs, said her press aide Christian Slater. Its unrelated to the issue that were facing, he said. Moreover, Slater said, It could lead to a massive increase in the number of early ballots rejected and increased litigation over those ballots, further delaying getting a final count to Washington. The governor vetoed identical language last year, he noted. No date yet has been set for a hearing on the Republican plan. And it remains unclear whether GOP leadership will even schedule a hearing on the Democratic plan. Court cases Republicans have been complaining about the signature review process for years. In 2020 Kelli Ward, who at the time chaired the Arizona Republican Party, filed suit claiming it lacked sufficient safeguards to ensure early ballots came from the registered voters whose envelopes were submitted. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall Warner dismissed the claim, pointing out that a forensic document examiner hired by Wards attorney reviewed 100 of those envelopes. At best, the judge said, the examiner found six signatures to be inclusive, meaning she could not testify they were a match to the signature on file. But the judge also noted the witness found no signs of forgery. A reporter who interviewed Oklahoma war correspondent Earnest Hoberecht more than 10 years after he returned to his home town of Watonga in 1966 didn't know how to begin writing about the interview. "It's like a gourmet diner contemplating a plate of savory spaghetti," the reporter wrote. "He doesn't know where to begin." It hadn't become any easier after 30 years. Hoberecht (pronounced Ho-bright) had a reputation of not taking most things seriously. Talking about a physical exam, he said his doctor had "given up on his weight problem -- he's now going to teach me how to be jolly." But he was serious when writing and talking about events during the wars and in the Far East. He helped United Press (and later United Press International) develop the reputation of providing the top news coverage of Asia. In his serious vein, he described Gen. Douglas MacArthur as "the right man in the right place at the right time" when discussing reconstruction of Japan. He also wrote that MacArthur was what the Japanese needed because the general knew how to behave as powerful, aloof, worthy of respect, all-knowing. "He was a white emperor," Hoberecht wrote. Hoberecht, who went to Asia shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, became one of the best known and most trusted correspondents covering the war and in 1953 became a vice president and general manager for Asia of United Press International. After his retirement, he wrote that one of his "great memories" was a survey conducted by the International Press Institute when he was in charge of the Asia operation that concluded UPI "had the best news coverage of Asia." He received many honors, including induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. Hoberecht spent nearly a quarter of a century in Asia rubbing elbows with world leaders such as Chiang Kai-shek, the Chinese leader during World War II who later became leader of the Chinese government in exile on Taiwan, MacArthur, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and South Korea's President Syngman Rhee while covering World War II, the Korean War and part of the Vietnamese War. As a war correspondent, Hoberecht accompanied MacArthur to many Pacific battlefields during World War II. He was aboard the battleship USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered and was one of two correspondents present in a battlefield tent when the Korean armistice was signed. While in the Far East, he also became a best-selling novelist with a book called "Tokyo Romance." The Japanese were eager for any information about Americans, but the MacArthur administration had banned the importation of foreign books. Hoberecht argued successfully that the ruling did not ban books written by Americans in Japan. He hired an expert translator and dictated his soap opera-type book that immediately became a best-seller. When it was translated into English, a reviewer wrote "it is the worst novel of modern times." "I immediately cabled the reviewer 'your statement that my book is probably the worst novel of modern times is near libelous in view of the fact that I have written worse myself,' " Hoberecht related. Hoberecht told another reviewer the book was "no more than the Japanese deserved. They lost the war, didn't they?" In a 1977 interview, Hoberecht recalled that he was tight-fisted when he was in charge of UPI in the Far East. He recalled that one of his reporters in New Delhi had a story from Benares about a holy man who had predicted the end of the world on a certain weekend. A multitude of people had gathered and the reporter thought he should cover the event. Hoberecht told the reporter to cover the event but advised "just get a one-way ticket in case he's right." Hoberecht retired in 1966 and returned to Watonga where he lived until his death in 1999 at the age of 81. He was president of Blaine County Abstract Co. and Earnest Hoberecht Insurance Agency and chairman of Watonga Abstract Co. He also wrote a weekly humor column called Laugh With Ernie. Hoberecht returned to Korea in 1977 with 80 former war correspondents to dedicate a memorial to the 18 newsmen killed in that war. He was the principal speaker at that event. "Through the grace of a higher power, we are gathered here today to honor the courage, the work and the memory of brother correspondents who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties," he said. "Each of us knows in his heart 'It could have been me.' " Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive. Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Kevin Canfield 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 community meeting will be held Thursday night to review and discuss the results of the Beyond Apology report on possible avenues for providing reparations and repair to individuals harmed by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The meeting is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the 36th Street North Event Center, 1125 E. 36th St. North. Individuals interested in participating in Thursdays meeting are asked to RSVP online. At the community meeting we will delve into the reports findings and foster dialogue on potential next steps, said Greg Robinson, project manager for Beyond Apology. Its a space for collaboration and understanding, as Tulsa moves forward towards a future characterized by justice and equity. The report, issued last month, lays out the findings of a series of community discussions held last year to educate the public on the Race Massacre and on possible forms of reparations and repair. Participants were invited to offer suggestions regarding how Tulsa could provide redress for the harm caused during the deadly conflagration. The report offers no specific actions other than to recommend the creation of a government-sanctioned commission or task force to establish and implement the terms of a reparations program for descendants and survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The recommendation was put forth by the team that created and implemented the Beyond Apology program. It comprises the community development firm Standpipe Hill Strategies, whose team includes descendants of the Race Massacre, and World Won Development, according to the report. Thursday nights meeting comes nearly three years after city councilors and Mayor G.T. Bynum in the midst of the centennial commemoration of the Race Massacre approved a nonbinding resolution pledging to make tangible amends for the harms caused by the Race Massacre. In 2022, Bynum signed a separate nonbinding City Council resolution establishing a framework for holding community-led discussions on what those amends might look like. At least 37 people were killed and thousands more were displaced in the Greenwood District during the events of May 31-June 1, 1921. The actual number of deaths is widely believed to be much higher, but comprehensive records were not kept. The Beyond Apology public-engagement process consisted of four public meetings that drew 256 unique participants, 83 of whom offered their perspectives and priorities on how the city should address the issue. Of the 83, about one-fifth were descendants of the race massacre. Their priorities, in descending order, were education, financial compensation, community and economic development, housing and home ownership, land, health and wellness, systems change/policy, and cultural identity. The report also provides comparative data showing what reparations and repair recommendations were made in the race massacre reports issued by the Oklahoma Legislature and Human Rights Watch. Robinson has said previously that the Beyond Apology report intentionally avoids proposing specific action items. It is instead intended to offer the communitys perspectives and priorities to help inform the work of the commission that the report recommends the city create. Councilors will receive that recommendation directly at a committee meeting on Wednesday, when they are presented with the findings of the report. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton 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 Drawing cheers and a standing ovation from green-clad supporters, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education voted 5-0 Monday night to authorize a new charter elementary school that is slated to begin classes in August 2025. Led by a nonprofit organization that has been offering after-school nature education programs in TPS since 2016, the Under the Canopy School will start with prekindergarten through third grade in 2025-26, then add fourth grade in 2026-27 and fifth grade in 2027-28. The school will incorporate a nature-focused curriculum incorporating the Waldorf philosophy of education, which puts an emphasis on hands-on, arts-infused, experience-based learning and individualized instruction with minimal use of technology. It is slated to open with a maximum enrollment of 116 and eventually grow to serve up to 280 students. We want to attract more children and families to TPS by collaborating with you, Under the Canopy founder Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek said. We have families whove been in our nature education program for years. However, along with a desire to have it be on the same enrollment timetable as TPS other charter partners, the school will not open until the 2025-26 school year in part because it does not have a campus yet. While presenting the authorization recommendation, TPS Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Kathy Dodd said her committee recommends that the charter school lease the former Park Elementary School. Such a lease would be subject to a separate board vote, and Under the Canopy would be responsible for the costs associated with any renovations or repairs needed in order to move in. Located at 3205 W. 39th St., Park was one of three westside schools shuttered in 2017 as part of an effort to offset a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall. Minim Productions leased the building in 2022 and 2023 for offices, storage space and to house production equipment while filming the FX/Hulu series Reservation Dogs, but it is currently vacant. The building was last renovated in 2015 and added to the districts surplus list in 2019. Citing its proximity to Turkey Mountain, several letters in support of the proposal called for the charter school to be placed at the former Remington Elementary School, 2524 W. 53rd St. Closed in 2017 along with Park and Porter Early Childhood Development Center, that campus now houses programs under the districts Language and Cultural Services Department. After the meeting, Dodd confirmed that Remington was not considered as a potential site for Under the Canopy School. After the vote, Arthrell-Knezek said the nonprofit would be applying for additional grants to support the school that were contingent upon the authorization agreement. She also said the organizations existing after-school enrichment programs would continue but would be spun off to a separate entity. Its incredible, she said. We worked so long and so hard on this. Ive had this dream for Tulsa and the kids Ive worked with. Now we get to do this. Recovering from a recent surgery, board member Jennettie Marshall left the meeting with assistance during the public comment period and was not present for the action agenda, including the charter authorization vote. In other business, the board voted 4-0 with an abstention from member ELena Ashley to accept the findings of the districts 2023 independent audit. Conducted by RSM, the audit indicated that the district has addressed the two findings from its 2022 audit, both of which were connected to former Talent Management Director Devin Fletcher. Fletcher pleaded guilty in October to a $604,000 wire fraud conspiracy involving a combination of taxpayer dollars and donated grant funds amid allegations that he schemed to benefit himself and two of his family members through the use of a phony human resources consulting company owned by his sister S. Monee Kemp, called Talented 10th. The 2023 audit had one non-material finding connected to a data entry technical error. The audit did not include any findings regarding how the district spent its federal COVID-19 relief funds, Title I funds or Special Education funds. School districts are required to be audited annually. The one presented to the board Monday night is separate from the one ordered in 2022 by Gov. Kevin Stitt after receiving requests from two board members. That audit has not been released. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The State Board of Education held a special meeting Monday to approve state accreditation for previously unaccredited private schools in Tulsa and Shawnee just in time for parents to receive priority consideration to receive a new tax credit. At a 4 p.m. meeting that lasted 20 minutes, the board voted 4-0 to accredit Miss Helens Private School in Tulsa and Prosper Academy in Shawnee. Board members Sarah Lepak and Katie Quebedeaux were absent. Both schools were already listed online as registered schools in the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program before the state boards vote. But neither previously had any accreditation, and the tax credit program requires some form of accreditation. Jayme Wingo Baker, director at Miss Helens, told the Tulsa World that Mondays state board vote was crucial because Monday was a crucial deadline for families applying for the new tax credit. When the tax credit voucher came out and said you have to be accredited, we said, OK. Tell us what we need to do to prove we have all of the qualifications, Wingo Baker said. Asked to clarify, Dan Isett, a spokesman at the State Education Department, said Monday was the states deadline for parents to receive priority consideration in applying for tax credits. State Superintendent Ryan Walters commended the school leaders for seeking state accreditation, noting that it isnt required, in general, for private schools to operate. Private school doesnt have to be accredited but that theyre coming on here to make themselves more available to kids, Walters said. This is what we want to see much more of and what weve reached out across the state to try to get more of. This was the vision when we say school choice, when we say education freedom for kids. I think youre seeing what the future could look like in Oklahoma. I think its really exciting. The controversial tax credit program was created as an alternative to vouchers previously proposed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, were the authors of the measure, House Bill 1934, which passed last legislative session and was signed by Stitt on May 25. The program provides up to $150 million in tax credits in tax year 2024, some $200 million in 2025 and $250 million in 2026. Tax Commission officials said in December that applications may exceed the first-year program limit. At Mondays meeting, Walters lamented the funding limits the Legislature placed on the program. I dont want there to be a cap I think every family that signs up should receive funding. Its my biggest concern moving forward, Walters said. Paige Dan, assistant director at Prosper Academy, told the board: Our families have all done this (applied for the tax credits) and have been so engaged, knowing our families may not receive a dime in 2024. Mondays special meeting was originally set for Feb. 2, but that meeting was canceled. Unlike the original meeting date, no media advisory went out ahead of Mondays meeting. The income tax cut sought by Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma House of Representatives leaders would absorb a big share of state revenue growth in the coming year, according to the governors budget proposal submitted Monday. The 0.25 percentage point income tax rate cut touted by Stitt and passed by the House last week in special session would cut revenue by $96.4 million in fiscal year 2025, which begins June 1, and more than $250 million when fully implemented the following year. The budget proposal projects revenue growth of $286.3 million for FY 2025, an increase of 2.2% from the current year. Two years ago, we cut a quarter point from the individual income tax and we lowered business taxes by two full percentage points, Stitt said Monday in his State of the State address. Since then, revenue collections have increased by $1.5 billion dollars. Skeptics say that was driven by pent-up demand and federal COVID relief dollars, not tax cuts, and note that tax revenue is running 8% to 9% behind last years record receipts. Senate leaders say thats why they want to see final revenue projections, due out on Feb. 15, before proceeding on tax cuts. But that only holds up if President Pro Tem Greg Treat holds onto his leadership job. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, the real force behind the tax cut initiative, issued a statement Monday saying it has pledges from 12 of the Senates 40 Republicans, which could mean an attempt to oust Treat (and possibly Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Thompson, R-Okemah). Stitts proposed budget is otherwise pro forma. It simply takes department appropriations from the current fiscal year, subtracts one-time expenditures, and submits the results for FY 2025. In that respect, it might be argued that Stitts proposal is not exactly flat, which is how he described it, since it would reduce total appropriations by about $2.2 billion, or nearly 17%. The administration, and many others, argue that including one-time expenditures is an unfair comparison. It is not at all clear that Stitt will get his flat budget. The private school tax credit program enacted last year will cost $50 million more next year, and another $50 million on top of that. State agencies have outlined capital and staffing needs in their budget requests, and Stitt himself seems to have some ideas about where money should be spent. To be clear: Im not advocating for cutting core services. What I am advocating for is a sustainable amount of growth where we are funding needs, not wants, Stitt said. Speaker McCall, asked whether a flat budget is feasible, gave a lengthy non-answer that he concluded by saying his caucus had budget discussions Monday morning. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Responses to the State of the State address House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka: "I thought his message set a good positive tone for the session." "The tribes in Oklahoma make us a special state. Their presence here in the state gives us some opportunities that other states dont have. I think the Legislature will continue to be focused on working with the tribal nations here in Oklahoma and finding ways to move forward," McCall said of Gov. Kevin Stitt's comments about tribal leaders. President Pro-Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City: "I'm heartened to hear that," said Treat of the governor's promise to sign any tax cut that comes to his desk. "We're going to hold our powder dry until we see the numbers," he said of the possibility of a tax bill early in the session. The House Democratic Caucus: "I think I would say all the things that the governor spoke about starting. We already have. We already have partnerships with law enforcement and cross deputization. These things are already in play, and we just need to continue to support them," said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, on the governor's comments on tribal sovereignty. "I don't think consolidation is necessarily the path that we should be taking. Right now, like I said, there are serious concerted efforts to figure out how to make more investments in just deferred maintenance. We have one and a half billion dollars worth of deferred maintenance across our universities," said Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, on the governor's comments about higher education. LONDON -- King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, but added he remained "wholly positive" about the scare less than 18 months into his reign. Charles, 75, who became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has begun a series of treatments, the palace said, adding he was looking forward to returning to fulltime duties as soon as possible. The cancer revelation comes after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month where he underwent a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate. The palace said a separate issue of concern had been spotted during that hospital stay, but did not given any further details beyond saying tests had revealed the king had a "form of cancer". "No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that his majesty does not have prostate cancer," the palace said. "Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual." As such, Charles will continue to have meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while his wife Queen Camilla will continue with her engagements. Britain's King Charles leaves the London Clinic with Britain's Queen Camilla after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate, in London, Britain January 29, 2024. Photo: Reuters Smiling On Sunday, the king gave no indication of the diagnosis when he was pictured smiling and waving to onlookers as he attended a church service with Camilla. It was his first public outing since he and his daughter-in-law Kate left the same London hospital a week ago where they had both undergone planned treatments. Kate, the Princess of Wales and wife to heir to the British throne Prince William, spent two weeks at the London clinic following abdominal surgery for an unspecified but non-cancerous condition. She will not be returning to royal duties until after Easter. William, who has been looking after their three children as she recovers, will carry out his first public engagement since her operation on Wednesday. While the royals usually closely guard details of their health, regarding it as a private matter, Charles has been open about his recent treatment. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," Buckingham Palace said. Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X. "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," he said. Biden concern The leaders of Australia and Canada, where Charles is also head of state, expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery, while U.S. President Joe Biden said he was concerned by the news and planned to call Charles later. "Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage," Biden said. "Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery." The monarch told his immediate family personally about his cancer diagnosis, and Prince Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to the Duke of Sussex said. Harry now lives in California with his American wife Meghan and their two children after the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020. After waiting longer than any heir in British history to become king, Charles' first year on the throne was dominated by his coronation - Britain's biggest ceremonial event for generations, full of pomp and pageantry. While before he became sovereign there were suggestions that the long-time environmental campaigner would bring a radical overhaul of the monarchy, Charles has generally followed in the style of his mother, while trying to add some of his own touches. Polls suggest most Britons have a favourable view of his reign so far, although younger generations appear much less enthusiastic about the royal family in general. Prior to his recent health issues, the biggest shadow over the royals was the ongoing fallout between his son Harry and the rest of his family, most notably Harry's elder brother Prince William. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said that for Charles, a workaholic who often worked until midnight on his papers, his recent health issues would mean he would have to take it more slowly now. "His body will tell him he has to, and Camilla certainly will," she said. "I think he's mentally exhausted since the death of the queen. It's been non-stop for him since then." While Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated last month in favour of her son King Frederik X after 52 years on the throne, Seward said there was no chance Charles would follow suit. "Absolutely not, 100% no," she said. NAGOYA, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - In an unexpected twist to the glittering pageant world, Karolina Shiino, aged 26 and born in Ukraine, has stepped down from her prestigious title as Miss Japan following rumors of an affair with a married doctor. The Miss Japan Association, on February 5th, acknowledged Shiino's resignation, stating, "We solemnly accept the responsibility for the turmoil caused and deeply apologize to our sponsors, judges, and all stakeholders involved." Shiino, who gained Japanese nationality in 2023, found herself at the center of controversy when allegations surfaced about her intimate relationship with a married influencer and physician, causing a stir in the media. Initially, her management and the Miss Japan Association defended her, asserting that she ended the relationship upon discovering his marital status. However, subsequent revelations admitted by her agency suggested the interactions continued even after the discovery. Addressing her followers on Instagram, Shiino expressed remorse over the situation, stating she was overwhelmed by confusion and fear, leading to her silence. "I am truly sorry for betraying the trust of those who supported me," she wrote. The man in question clarified on February 1st that he had misrepresented his marital status to Shiino, insisting their relationship ceased when she learned the truth. Known as the "Muscle Doctor" for his achievements in the "Best Body Japan" contest, he has since claimed to be divorced. This scandal leaves this year's Miss Japan title vacant, marking a rare occurrence in the pageant's history. Shiino, who moved to Nagoya at the age of five with her Ukrainian parents, had previously sparked debate over her identity upon winning the title. In a heartfelt acknowledgment, she had thanked the competition for recognizing her as Japanese, despite facing racial barriers in the past. Source: Big Tech and media companies in the United States continue to announce fresh job cuts, a sign that the spate of layoffs seen in 2023 could persist as firms grapple with economic uncertainty. Here are some of the job cuts announced by tech and media companies. Amazon Jan. 18 - The Buy with Prime unit laying off less than 5% of its employees. Jan. 11 - Audiobook and podcast division Audible laying off 5% of its workforce, according to a memo from the head of the division. Jan. 10 - Amazon set to lay off several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations, extending job cuts into 2024. Jan. 9 - Streaming unit Twitch to cut 35% of its staff, or about 500 workers, as reported by Bloomberg News. Alphabet Jan. 22 - X Lab, Alphabet's division for developing new technology, laying off dozens of workers and turning to outside investors for funding. Jan. 16 - Google, part of Alphabet, laying off hundreds of employees in its advertising sales team. Jan. 11 - Google laying off hundreds of people across teams, including the hardware team responsible for Pixel, Nest and Fitbit, and the majority of those in the augmented reality team. Sky Group Jan. 30 - Comcast-owned British media group Sky plans to cut about 1,000 jobs across its businesses this year, a source familiar with the development told Reuters, as it transitions to internet-based services from traditional satellite ones. Snap Feb. 5 - Snap plans to cut around 528 jobs, or 10% of its global workforce. Salesforce Jan. 26 - Salesforce laying off about 700 employees, roughly 1% of its global workforce, according to the Wall Street Journal. Microsoft Jan. 25 - Microsoft set to lay off 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox. Paramount Global Jan. 25 - Paramount Global plans an unspecified number of layoffs, aims to become a leaner organization. Business Insider Jan. 25 - Business Insider plans to lay off around 8% of its staff, according to CEO Barbara Peng. IBM Jan. 24 - IBM plans to lay off some employees in 2024, but will hire more for AI-centered roles, making it likely it will end the year with its headcount unchanged. Aurora Innovation Jan. 24 - Autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation said it had cut 3% of its workforce as part of a reorganization exercise. Ebay Jan. 23 - eBay plans to cut about 1,000 roles, or around 9% of its current workforce. Los Angeles Times Jan. 23 - The Los Angeles Times plans to lay off 94 journalists who are members of the newspaper's union. Walt Disney Jan. 11 - Pixar Animation Studios, part of Walt Disney, set to cut jobs after completing production on some shows and having more staff than needed. Unity Software Jan. 8 - Videogame software provider Unity Software plans to lay off approximately 25% of its workforce, to cut around 1,800 jobs. Check out the latest news in Vietnam today: Society -- At a teleconference on Monday, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang required authorities in Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Ben Tre, and Binh Dinh Provinces to prevent fishing vessels from encroaching on foreign waters and take stringent measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in a bid to have the European Commissions 'yellow card' on Vietnamese seafood removed soon. -- Vietnamese Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang has issued a decision to establish a council to appraise the prefeasibility report of a high-speed railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. The council, led by Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy, includes 16 members. -- Fishermen in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam caught some 100 metric tons of anchovy and dozens of metric tons of other kinds of fish, earning huge incomes on the first four days of this month. Business -- Bach Hoa Xanh, a Vietnamese grocery store chain, will open an additional 100 outlets this year, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, raising the number of these outlets nationwide to over 1,800, a Bach Hoa Xanh representative said at a meeting on Monday. Lifestyle -- Visitors to the UNESCO-recognized Complex of Hue Monuments in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam will be exempted from entrance fees on the first three days of the next lunar year, or from February 10 to 12, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center announced on Monday. Education -- A Vietnamese student won a gold and another bagged a bronze medal at the 2024 Project Chemistry Olympiad held in Russia from Friday last week to Monday this week, the Ministry of Education and Training announced on Monday. World News -- King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment but he remained wholly positive about the scare less than 18 months into his reign, Reuters reported, citing Buckingham Palace. -- The death toll from wildfires raging across central Chile hit 122 on Monday as helicopters dumped tons of water on blazes and emergency crews were still finding bodies buried in the wreckage three days after the fires took hold," according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Traffic police in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam fined a 41-seater sleeper bus driver VND20 million (US$821) for carrying 81 people on Sunday night, nearly double the vehicles capacity, police officers said on Tuesday. Traffic police officers in Hai Phong stopped the sleeper bus on a National Highway 10 section in An Duong District for a check on Sunday night. The vehicle plies a fixed route between Nam Dinh Province and Quang Ninh Province, both in northern Vietnam. The driver and owner of the vehicle is Vu Van Tiep. The bus, originally designed with 41 seats, was found to be carrying a total of 81 passengers. In response, police mandated the bus owner to arrange for an additional vehicle to transport the excess passengers to their respective destinations. The owner committed to not repeating similar violations in the future. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Although Tet (Lunar New Year) is the largest and lengthiest public holiday in Vietnam, signifying a time for local people to reunite with their families and loved ones, many expats argue that it is perhaps the least favorable time to visit or stay in the country. The festive Tet celebration, occurring in February this year, manifests in various forms like family reunions, visits to pagodas, the donning of new outfits, engaging in lion dances, participating in parties, exploring fairs, and embarking on tours. Leading up to Tet, locals engage in shopping for foodstuffs and festive decorations, undertake house cleaning, and individuals working or residing far from home make the journey back to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with their families. As Tet approaches, the influx of people returning home results in a significant decrease in the usual hustle and bustle of major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. During this period, most businesses and shops shut down for approximately one week, creating a somewhat inconvenient situation for certain expats living in these areas. Besides, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc were not considered among the top five must-visit Vietnamese cities during Tet according to many foreign readers, who responded to Tuoi Tre News recent stories 5 cities in Vietnam listed among top Asian destinations for Tet holiday and Hate it or love it: Is Tet the best or worst time in Vietnam?' A reader called Micheal Bullion expressed his disagreement with the suggested five cities and said he did not recommend these destinations to foreigners. The best thing to do is to leave Vietnam during Tet. It's overpriced and boring for a foreigner, Bullion commented. He suggested foreign tourists should visit the country after Tet when daily activities return to normal and prices are not exorbitant. Likewise, a Facebook user named Travis T Costa expressed reservations about considering Vietnam an ideal destination to visit or reside during Tet, citing it as the least favorable time to experience the Southeast Asian country. Everything is more expensive, hotels are crammed and all the tourist spots are even more overcrowded than usual, Costa commented. He further mentioned that during Tet, local residents predominantly return to their hometowns, and many service providers temporarily suspend their operations. Thus he advised international visitors to consider visiting Vietnam at other times of the year for a more vibrant and accessible experience. Rohan Barks, hailing from Australia, agreed that Tet was the worst time of the year to visit Vietnam. For long dwellers like Christophe Van Kriekingen, another reader who claimed to come from Belgium, Tet is the perfect time to get out of the country. These five Vietnamese cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, were also dubbed ghost towns during Tet by several other readers. The most prevalent reasons cited were the scarcity of services in major cities, overcrowding, and exorbitant prices in popular tourist destinations. In contrast, a few foreigners praised the upsides of Tet in the comment section under the stories. To a reader named Daniel Sternberg, Ho Chi Minh City during Tet is perfect for riding a motorbike, for there is little traffic in this southern city. John Fawcett, an expat in Ho Chi Minh City, commented that the city becomes quiet with little traffic and less pollution during the holiday. I would say the best overall, Walter Yousseph expressed his opinion about Tet in Vietnam. Frank Nadler, coming from Germany and currently staying in Hanoi, revealed in his comment that he had prepared envelopes with lucky money to give to those in need during this Lunar New Year festival. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has directed relevant agencies and authorities in coastal regions to implement more rigorous measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The target is to address and lift the IUU fishing 'yellow card' warning imposed on Vietnamese seafood by the European Committee (EC) since 2017. Deputy PM Quang gave the order while presiding over a teleconference held in Kien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region on Monday. The conference centered on essential measures to eliminate the 'yellow card' associated with IUU fishing. Authorities of 28 coastal provinces and cities and leaders of several ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), took part in the virtual meeting, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The event preceded the anticipated fifth inspection by the EC on IUU fishing, scheduled for April. This evaluation follows four prior assessments since the issuance of the warning in October 2017. As the head of the National Steering Committee for IUU Fishing Prevention and Control, Deputy PM Quang urged the MARD, along with all relevant agencies and authorities, to take proactive measures. These include preventing fishing vessels from trespassing into foreign waters and ensuring the rigorous handling of IUU fishing cases. He recommended taking serious violation cases to court for trial as a deterrent measure, citing the recent example of a hearing involving four fishers in Kien Giang. The official urged the four provinces of Binh Dinh, Ben Tre, Kien Giang, and Ca Mau, identified as hot spots for IUU fishing violations, to promptly address offenders and enhance oversight of fishing boat operations at sea. All violations must be strictly punished, without any exceptions, he stressed. In order to expedite the removal of the 'yellow card, Quang emphasized that all relevant ministries and local authorities must swiftly address the deficiencies highlighted by the EC's IUU fishing inspectors during the fourth inspection conducted in October 2023. He stressed the importance of implementing all recommendations provided by the inspectors. The official also urged comprehensive preparations for the EC's fifth inspection team, slated for April this year. During the inspection in October last year, EC inspectors acknowledged the Vietnamese government's commitment, directives, and guidance in combating IUU fishing. The MARD reported that the transition from spontaneous fishing to responsible fishing in Vietnam has shown significant improvement, earning positive recognition from the inspectors. Nevertheless, the ministry highlighted that the enforcement outcomes of these policies in certain localities have been limited due to poor compliance with laws among fishers and relatively lenient punishments for violations, as noted by EU inspectors. Following the fourth inspection by the EC, the MARD reported that 17 fishing boats, carrying a total of 190 fishermen, have been seized by authorities in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia for trespassing into their waters. Out of these vessels, 11 originated from three Mekong Delta provinces Kien Giang, Ca Mau, and Tien Giang and the central province of Quang Ngai. The identification of the remaining boats has proven challenging as their vessel registration numbers had been erased, or fishers used fake numbers. As of now, nearly 15,200 unregistered, unlicensed, and technically-unchecked fishing boats have been identified nationwide, with the south-central province of Binh Thuan having the highest number at 1,868 vessels, the Vietnam News Agency cited the MARD. Since the beginning of 2023, there have been nearly 5,000 cases where vessels from various localities failed to maintain the necessary connection with vessel monitoring systems for more than 10 days, the ministry said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A dragon sculpture crafted from coconut shells is captivating locals and tourists alike in Ben Tre Province, southern Vietnam, where it is on display in anticipation of the upcoming Lunar New Year festival, or Tet. The artwork is drawing attention for its exotic appearance and creative use of coconut shells as the primary material. Dubbed the sole 'black dragon' of the Year of the Dragon, just days away, this unique dragon sculpture stands prominently in front of the BIDV branch headquarters on Dong Khoi Avenue in Ben Tre City. The dragon mascot in Ben Tre Province, southern Vietnam features a head crafted from a combination of coconut coir, wood, and shells. Photo: Tuoi Tre The dragon mascot measures 3.8 meters in length and 2.3 meters in height. Its scales are intricately fashioned from coconut shells, and its teeth and nails are crafted from coconut wood, showcasing the creativity and attention to detail in its construction. Coconut coir was utilized to create the beard of the dragon mascot. Truong Minh Tan, director of BIDV Dong Khoi, said that the dragon sculpture was a gift from a bank client, who is a resident of Ben Tre Province -- a prominent coconut-growing region in the southern part of Vietnam. The meticulous craftsmanship of each part of the dragon sculpture adds to its overall appeal. The area surrounding the dragon mascot, positioned in front of the BIDV branch headquarters on Dong Khoi Avenue in Ben Tre Province, southern Vietnam, is adorned with rice plants, chrysanthemums, and coconut flowers, enhancing the overall decorative ambiance of the location. Photo: Tuoi Tre "BIDV Dong Khoi embellished the area where the dragon sculpture is situated with rice plants, coconut flowers, and chrysanthemums to create an eye-catching space," said Tan. He added that festival-goers are welcome to visit the location, admire the mascot, and take photos with it during the festivities. A resident of Ben Tre Province, a prominent coconut-growing region in southern Vietnam, crafted a dragon sculpture entirely from coconut shells. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! France is home to a slew of high-quality museums which not only store antiquities but also preserve the countrys cultural values. The International Perfume Museum, located in Grasse Subprefecture considered the worlds capital of perfume is no exception to Frances tradition of developing museums that represent its culture. As such, the museum houses a wide range of perfume collections and posts information relating to modern and traditional perfume-making techniques. Art museums play an important role in keeping culture alive, Olivier Quiquempois, director and curator of the Museums of Grasse, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. I know that Vietnam has age-old history and art museums, he said. However, I think that it is not necessary to open many art museums in a city. What is most important is exhibiting artifacts as effectively as possible. According to Quiquempois, there are two types of art museums in France classic and contemporary. Classic museums house exhibits and works of art owned by deceased artists dating back to the 20th century while contemporary museums display objects created after the 20th century. Olivier Quiquempois, director and curator of the Museums of Grasse, speaks at a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 14, 2023. Photo: French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City Sharing his experience in preserving France's museum-visiting culture, Quiquempois explained that French students, starting from the age of six, are mandated to visit cultural and art-related sites, including museums, annually with their schools. This practice is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of French culture among students. Aside from these museum trips, French students are also asked to participate in culture-related projects, often supported by artisans and museum employees, so that they can create their own works of art which align with those featured in the museums they visit. This is intended to kindle their enthusiasm for art and motivate them to revisit museums for more profound exploration. These field trips and projects play a crucial role in the preservation of culture, ensuring its continuity between generations. Over the past five years, the French government has launched the 100% Education Artistique et culturelle (EAC) (100% Arts and Cultural Education Program) to revise the number of museum-goers up by 100 percent, Quiquempois said. He said that a component of these efforts includes digital campaigns focused on enticing students through creatively designed museum websites. These websites feature eye-catching introduction videos and extend offers of free entrance tickets for students. French museums frequently organize art performances and dances linked to their collections of artworks in order to lure youth. We often arrange tours to museums for students of all ages in cooperation with schools and universities, Quiquempois explained. Museums in France also offer customized tours to families and young adults to bring them a gripping experience and exploration. I think that Vietnam can adopt these measures to tempt students and young people to visit its museums, he recommended, underscoring that these measures should be synchronously employed in localities across the country in order to heighten their efficiency. In France, Vietnam or any nation, museum-goers are introduced to artworks and exhibits by docents. The way of providing information about museums resembles that of giving a lesson or a lecture. However, many museums in France now offer tech-based audio experiences to visitors. The Confluences Museum in France is famous for using such methods, Quiquempois said, explaining that the museum uses story cabins, which are available to all visitors. Each box-shaped audio device allows users to choose three-minute presentations regarding the artifacts on display in the museum. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! ABC has issued a statement after being forced to pause plans for a Drag Queen Story Time event for its Mardi Gras coverage. The ABC condemns the hateful and offensive response we have received from some individuals in response to the callout for this event. The event will no longer be held at the Rockdale Library and the ABC is considering how we can safely host it, it said in a statement. The ABC invited families from within the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in a Drag Queen Story Time event which would be filmed as part of our Mardi Gras coverage. These events are designed for families and are regularly held in public spaces. The ABC is the official host broadcaster for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. As part of this partnership the ABC showcases the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, aligning with its Charter obligation to reflect all Australians. Casting has opened for a new factual series in which autistic people will be mentored in interview skills. The series by Helium Pictures (Last King of the Cross, Paper Dolls, Six Festivals) is for an undisclosed broadcaster. We are giving autistic people with an interest in journalism the opportunity to take part in a new introductory journalism program facilitated by a major university which will be filmed for a new factual series for nationwide broadcast TV, a casting notice announces. Successful applicants will be mentored by one of Australias most renowned interviewers and will take part in interviews with high profile Australians. It doesnt matter how old you are or what experience you have. Filming will be supported by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). Applicants must be over the age of 18 years and be based in Sydney at the time of filming between 22 April and 14 June 2024. This is a part time, unpaid opportunity. You can apply here. The Federal Government has released its Draft legislation which will require TV manufacturers to give Free to Air networks a visible presence on new television set interfaces. The prominence fight between Free to Air networks and Subscription TV parties has been well documented, with networks arguing Free to Air services should be easily locatable on home screens of television sets amid claims big tech taking away your Free TV. Parties such as Foxtel have argued such moves are anti-competitive and suggesting Federal Government is taking control of what and how Australians watch their TVs. The release of draft regulations now follows the introduction of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2023 in November. If passed, the prominence framework will introduce must carry obligations on device manufacturers to reduce the risk of free-to-air broadcasting services being crowded out by the larger, international services such as Google, Apple, and Amazon. Following a transition period, manufacturers of connected television devices will have to meet minimum prominence requirements for new devices. specifying they must: provide access to regulated television services; pre- or auto-install free-to-air video on demand services; and present separate tiles, tabs or links to provide easy access to each free-to-air video-on-demand television service. The requirements will not apply retrospectively to existing television sets, and will not affect hardware or other ancillary equipment, such as remote controls. The proposed framework and draft regulations will also not constrain device manufacturers from promoting or recommending other content or services, or affect search results or device customisation by consumers. This means viewers are still free to rearrange apps such as 7plus, 9Now, 10play, iview and SBS on Demand. Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said, Local, free-to-air television informs and entertains all Australians, contributing to our shared sense of identity and cultural life. Thats why our prominence reforms help ensure free local services remain easily accessible to Australian audiences on their connected television devices, even as technology changes. The draft regulations set out how the Government would achieve that in practice, and have been released to provide greater detail on the proposed prominence requirements. The Albanese Governments new prominence framework delivers on our election commitment to modernise media laws and level the playing field, recognising the important role that free-to-air broadcasters continue to play for Australians matter where they live or what they earn. TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - The Kanto-Koshin region is on alert for potential accidents due to snowy conditions extending into Wednesday morning, February 7th. Following a night of intensifying cold, forecasts indicate a broader area could experience road ice than on Tuesday morning. Although the 6th saw mainly light rain across Kanto, rather than snowfall, remnants of snow persist. Snow depth measurements as of 11 a.m. include 5 centimeters in Tokyo and Maebashi, and a significant 22 centimeters in Chichibu, Saitama. Daytime temperatures on the 6th remained low, with Tokyo and Saitama reaching a high of only 5C, suggesting snow will likely continue to cover the ground through the afternoon. The cold is expected to deepen overnight, with the morning of the 7th predicted to see even lower temperatures than the previous day, including -4C in Saitama and -1C in Maebashi. With a wide area of the Kanto-Koshin region at risk of slushy snow freezing over, caution is advised against slipping and falling accidents the following morning. Residents are urged to prepare for the icy conditions, which could significantly impact mobility and safety. Source: ANN The story of Alex Kurzem is the stuff of a Hollywood movie. During the Second World War, the five-year-old Jewish boy escaped his village to avoid certain execution by German Nazis. He claimed to have fled into a Belorussian forest until being found by a Latvian SS battalion. Instead of death, he was passed off as a Russin orphan, quickly becaming a child soldier, given a false name, fake birth date, uniform and even a rifle. I became a mascot for the Nazi army Alex Kurzem. By 1949 he was living in Australia with his dark secret behind him. Indeed the story was once drafted into a Hollywood script, it has been told on 60 Minutes, published in books and shared via newspaper articles. But is the story actually true or was it a holocaust hoax? Filmmaker Dan Goldberg, who once covered the story in 2012, forensically digs into a complex genealogy tale in Hitlers Jewish Soldier? as part of the Australia Uncovered series. This is a story spanning three continents, family relatives, holocaust experts and DNA detectives. Kurzem arrived in Melbourne in 1949 when a Latvian family, who had subsequently fostered the boy, emigrated to Australia. There he grew up, once working in a circus and as a television repairman, and raising his own family. His own sons were not privy to his past until fragments of his story emerged in 1997. I still feel like Im two persons in one body, and theyre not getting along very well -Kurzem. After his son wrote a book in 2002, and a documentary was produced, doubts were raised in the media and Jewish community about elements of his story. Reluctance to take DNA tests did not help, some rebuffed with demands for large sums of money. After so much scrutiny can the new SBS documentary possibly offer resolution? If you thought Who Do You Think You Are? was full of ancestral twists and turns, then Goldbergs narrative will surely keep you guessing. It is part detective tale, part Mythbusters, and part WWII time capsule. There are also relatives at odds over the truth, in what feels like a bid to distance their family name from possible shame. Goldberg has certainly travelled far and wide to meet with experts in pursuit of the truth. Sometimes it moves so fast as to require serious concentration. To dramatise the war chapter there are also re-enactments. Yet the heart of the story is so incredible that you cant help but see it through to the end. If three other documentaries, Last Chance to Save a Life, The Carnival and Psychedelics: Stepping Into the Unknown, are as good as this, then Australia Uncovered will be appointment viewing. Australia Uncovered: Hitlers Jewish Soldier? screens 8:30pm Thursday on SBS. (Bloomberg) -- Top Biden administration officials urged Colombian President Gustavo Petro to engage with Venezuelas opposition on Tuesday as the nations political standoff intensifies, putting at risk a deal to remove sanctions in exchange for a free and fair vote. Most Read from Bloomberg Colombia can play an important role in making the case for competitive and inclusive Venezuelan elections, US National Security Councils senior director for the Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez told reporters in a briefing Monday in Bogota after meeting with Petro. Colombia can serve as an important bridge, not just at building dialogue between the opposition and Chavismo but also frankly between us and Venezuela, he added. Gonzalez and US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer met with Petro in Bogota to discuss the situation in Venezuela and migration among other topics. The Biden administration is urging Venezuelas neighbors to build bridges between Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the countrys opposition after candidate Maria Corina Machado was banned from running in this years elections. Read more: US Seeks Support from Venezuela Neighbors to Influence Maduro In late January, the US restored sanctions on Venezuelas gold sector and said it would allow a six-month suspension on sanctions on the oil and gas sector to expire in April if opposition candidates remained barred from running in this years presidential elections. Petro, who has emerged as an important ally to Maduro since taking office in 2022, has helped reestablish diplomatic ties between his country and Venezuela and made efforts to mediate the political crisis there. Story continues Gonzalez reiterated that the US is going to continue advocate for the eligibility of all candidates in upcoming elections, including opposition front-runner Machado, and that they follow the Venezuelan oppositions position on the matter. Were all about the process, not the candidate, he said. Hes hopeful that theres time for dialogue before US licenses expire in April. He clarified that, at the moment, the decision to renew sanctions will affect the general license issued in October, while specific licenses, such as the one granted to Chevron, will be considered separately. Regarding sanctions on secondary trading of Venezuelan debt, he said the decision to lift them was in the interest of the US. Support to Guyana Gonzalez said the US continues to support a diplomatic solution to the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana. Both countries have held talks in two separate occasions, sponsored by the Brazilian government. Gonzalez and Finer traveled to Guyana on Sunday as the US works to prevent the countrys dispute with Venezuela over oil and mineral riches from sliding into armed conflict. We certainly dont want to escalate tensions, but we have our own strategic relationship with Guyana, Gonzalez said. Even if there wasnt tension with Venezuela, supporting Guyana strengthen its defensive capabilities is something that we have a direct interest in. --With assistance from Patricia Laya. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Growing up, Vietnamese writer and director Pham Thien An didnt envision becoming a filmmaker. Eventually, the prospect of capturing moving images as a career path did reveal itself to him, but in unexpected fashion: as a trade. Only later did his professional dream evolve into a transcendent, creed-affirming artistic endeavor. Thats already started to pay off for the budding star. Ans transfixing, three-hour film Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell won the Camera DOr, an award honoring the best first feature, at last years Cannes Film Festival. For An, who was raised Catholic, the creation of this imposing debut intertwined with the strengthening of his religious beliefs. More from IndieWire It was faith that guided me through the process of taking filmmaking seriously, An told IndieWire during a recent video interview speaking via an interpreter. It was a blessing to get the chance to direct a film like this. An explained that the titular yellow cocoon shell serves as metaphor for our desire for material wealth and recognition, a desire hes still trying to fully escape. Before coming to cinema, I was very preoccupied with the pursuit of money and fame. I was indulging, he said. The question of the meaning of my life became more emphasized when I started making films. Composed of technically breathtaking sequences, several of them uninterrupted long takes with skillfully choreographed camera movements, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell tracks Thien (Le Phong Vu), a young man questioning his faith in God and the afterlife, as he travels from Saigon to his rural hometown to deliver the body of his late sister-in-law. Throughout each of these gorgeously composed segments, Thien encounters people who assert or further challenge his already embattled conviction. Theres his friend whos renouncing his worldly life to follow a more spiritual pathway, an elderly man still haunted by his memories of war, his former girlfriend turned nun, a woman who imparts mystifying wisdom, or his 5-year-old nephew harboring his own inquiries after his mothers passing. Story continues That Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell isnt the work of a veteran director, or even someone with traditional filmmaking training renders its existence all the more fascinating. While in college, An studied information technology. Near the end of his education, however, he found himself on the verge of migrating to the U.S., where his family was already residing. In preparation for the move, his loved ones suggested he learned a useful trade to guarantee employment in their new adoptive country. An chose hairdressing. Given his IT background, he soon longed for a more high-tech occupation and gravitated toward film production. Yet, in order to make such a pursuit financially viable, An had to learn filmmaking as an applicable skill that could earn him a living. He got a job with a wedding videography business. Thats how I got interested in filmmaking, because I wanted to make wedding videos more cinematic, An recalled. But I soon realized wedding videography had a lot of limitations. Pham Thien An Courtesy of Kino Lorber In 2014, An decided to make a short film in which he could explore his artistic impulses, and joined a 48-hour short film competition. My first short film looked more like a music video, but that has developed into my filmmaking process today, he said. An followed those early exercises with The Mute, his first internationally recognized work, where his interest in the contours of faith was already present. Although he knew the general concept for his first feature for a long time, he needed to have at least to completed short films under his belt in order to apply for several funds to finance the longer project. Making a feature film is hard work, because you need money and experience, and I didnt have either at that time, An said. To gain confidence and fulfill those prerequisites, An took the single-take opening sequence of his feature, in which three friends discuss their thoughts on spirituality, and turned it into the short film Stay Awake, Be Ready, which premiered at Cannes. The film illustrates both thematically and aesthetically what An intended to flesh out on a bigger canvas. Still, halfway through the process of finally shooting Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, An realized that his predilection for long, uninterrupted shots would result in a rather extensive final cut. I was already bracing myself for it, An confessed. The most ambitious of those intricate long take runs for about 20 minutes and appears early in the film, when we see Thien travel down the road on motorbike to visit the home of an elderly man who performs shrouding services for all local funerals. I wanted to have a sequence that felt quite spontaneous, An said. I didnt want to always conform to an ordinary structure. I wanted to create a moment for the audience when they could playfully depart from the main plot of the story. Inspired by his love of Bela Tarrs works, this cinematic language consisting of very long slow takes presented plenty of obstacles, particularly for this sequence. Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Courtesy of Kino Lorber I had vividly imagined how the camera was to move and all the starting and ending points to execute that shot. I decided to shoot this without my DP, An said. It was quite risky, but I wanted to shoot it at that point in time. I rehearsed it for 3 weeks, but there factors out of my control: the weather, animals, kids in the village, and even the old man himself who couldnt act. To switch the viewpoint of the audience and to change the geometry of the scene, An often relies on dolly shots, moving in and out. It creates, he thinks, a sense of mystery and makes the audience more curious about what is to happen next. In most cases the viewer cant predict when the camera is going to push in or out. Its as if the camera becomes the viewpoint of a ghost floating around the scene, discovering the event with the audience. I didnt want to use still scenes because stiller scenes require cutting so you can get closer to the character, said An. Thats why I preferred longer takes. And I figured that the dolly allows for the most natural transformation for the camera. Later, during the editing stage, Ans first cut was around 3 hours and 45 minutes. He pushed himself to kill plenty of darlings and brought it down to just under three hours. To his surprise, it wasnt the length that was cause for concern for his producers, but the ambiguity of the films ending. An recalls writing a strongly worded letter to his French producer Marie Dubas asking her to stop interfering with his narrative choices. He also refused a request form the World Cinema Fund to adjust the ending to qualify for funding. If the ending had stayed the way they wanted it, the film would have been 5 hours long, because it required more explanations about Thiens missing brother, An said. After the success at Cannes, An wanted Vietnam to be the first country to see Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell. Reviews were mixed when the film was released in his homeland last August, but the subject matter sparked conversations among both audiences and critics. (Reviews have proven easier to classify: the film is roundly hailed, with many already calling it one of the masterpieces of the year.) Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Courtesy of Kino Lorber Catholicism in Vietnam is not a major religion, so most people who watched the film were atheist or Buddhists, An noted. But those not familiar with Catholicism found a new perspective in the film. I really enjoyed hearing the perspectives of Vietnamese people watching the film before it got shown around the world. An was also pleased that the film didnt undergo any cuts by Vietnamese authorities, who often censor homegrown productions they deem portray the country in a negative light. Local audiences were able to experience his uncompromised vision for themselves. A lot of people in Vietnam had never seen a film a three-hour film and there are a lot of elements in the film that just were not within their expectation of what films should be, like the naturalistic acting or the way its shot, An explained. Each time a hurdle emerged over the course of the entire affair, An would have doubts about his faith. He believes certain scenes or elements were sent to him from above. Thus, he couldnt comprehend why he faced difficulty executing Gods plan for the film. I would wonder what God wanted me to do, since there were obstacles within what was delivered to me, he said. I thought, How would I get through this? Those were moments of a lot of questions. I had to spend a lot of alone quiet time, even a couple days, to think. Eventually, An began to interpret every setback on set or in post-production as further affirmation of his faith, because even if he thought he wouldnt, he overcame all of them. Cinema is a calling for me, said An. I still believe that in order to express my faith I need something to mediate between me and the divine. Cinema is that tool that allows me the chance to express my faith. A Kino Lorber release, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell is playing in theaters now. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Views & Analysis Politics of Majoritarianism and India's Vanishing Minorities Ram Mandi Pran Pratistha may not be providing a respite to the Hindutva gang. More mosques would be identified, linked with Hindu religion, made controversial and rationalized by a Judiciary which seems to be going on the lines set by majoritarian agenda. Read More Tuesday February 6, 2024 12:38 PM , T Navin Saeed Naqvi in his dystopian play The Muslim vanishes tries to present a scenario where 20 crore Muslims in India are suddenly vanished. It is a tragic comedy and satire which reveals the mindset of the time to finish off everything that is Muslim. The period following Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta has also seen the court order on Gyanvapi mosque which allows prayer to be performed by Hindus at the basement of the Mosque and also demolition of centuries old Akhunji Mosque in Delhi by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Apart from earlier attempts to finish off spaces of public worship by the Muslims in Haryana, renaming of cities considered of Muslim names to Hindu names, calling for boycott of Muslim artists in the film industry, campaign against Urdu language, only makes the fears expressed by the play more of a reality. Add to it, the slogan of the Hindutva gang, Kaashi Mathura, Baaki hai. Ram Mandi Pran Pratistha may not be providing a respite to the Hindutva gang. More mosques would be identified, linked with Hindu religion, made controversial and rationalized by a Judiciary which seems to be going on the lines set by majoritarian agenda. The hunger to establish a Hindu Rashtra has taken over everything else where Muslims and Christians only have a secondary space in the republic. A concept of Ram Rajya is propagated, which for the Hindutva gang is nothing but establishment of rule of Lord Ram - the god of Hindus, over everyone else. Gandhi too had advocated but for him Ram Rajya meant concerns and welfare of the people are taken care of. The madness to establish majoritarianism and finishing off the other by reducing the other to secondary status, ghar whaapsi, physical threats, boycotts would only dehumanize and desensitize society further. It is only a movement backwards from the forward movement that was made from anti-colonial struggles and gaining of a constitution. It runs in an opposite direction to the human values of the constitution. The dehumanized nature of the state is seen when lynchings against the minorities, majority mobs gathering near mosques to raise slogans against minorities, minorities being forced to utter Jai Shriram or vandemataram, destruction of churches as seen in Manipur is not seen as a problem. Moreover, the state directly encourages such acts and sides with the majority. The victims themselves are turned into instigators and acts of demolition are undertaken in the name of illegal settlement. The dehumanized nature of the state stance is also seen in international affairs. From a state which supported and stood for Palestinian freedom , it has moved to a stage where the supporters of Hindutva gang pronounce that they stand with Israel. Palestinians thus no longer represent an oppressed people but an identity of a Muslim who need to be shown a place in other countries too. Comradery of oppression is seen where the Hindutva supporters see in Zionists a natural ally who too intend to finish off Muslims. Religious reductionism and an enmity based on the same is what matters. The desire to finish off Muslims does not stop with taking away sections on Mughal rule in school syllabus but also goes further. It also includes chapters related to Democracy and Diversity, Social Inequality and exclusion, Human development, Popular struggles and movements, Challenges to Democracy, Gender, religion and Caste. What is also sought to be vanished are the lenses to look at social and economic realities. Instead of a lens which provides an objective way to look at social realities, what is sought to be introduced is a parochial way of looking at things from a reductionist Hindu-Muslim angle where Hindus despite the majority were always under threat. In the agenda to finish off Muslims, what is also being eliminated are the focus on core problems of the country unemployment, price rise, inequality, human rights, human development, social justice etc. A look at the godi media debates seems to indicate they are no longer problems to be discussed and what matters is the need to finish off Muslims, which seems to be the biggest and most important historical necessity. Those who seem to raise core issues concerning the public and criticize the government are branded as anti-national and are also the ones who need to be finished off. A grand parliamentary structure is built but where opposition in reality is finished off as it is expected to become a rubber stamp to everything that is pushed but without debating on bills of public importance. Social justice in the Hindu Rashtra is reduced to a tokenism where a section from marginal communities is accommodated into higher positions such as President but without any direct actions to bring substantial improvement of social and economic conditions. Instead of actions to bring substantial changes, what is sought to be undertaken is data fudging where it is attempted to be shown that huge numbers came out of poverty during the ten year period, which in reality does not seem to align with actual conditions. The focus on eliminating Muslims has taken over so much that it is not surprising, India seems to be going down on all important parameters such as Hunger index, Human development Index, Press freedom Index, Environmental Index, Human rights index etc. Hence it can be said that apart from Muslims, many things integral to the country are being eliminated. The devotees filled with Hindu sukh or rather experiencing Hindutva arent able to see what else is being eliminated which would only affect the lives of common people including themselves. [The writer, T Navin, is an independent writer.] Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Views & Analysis Israel's War on Culture and Heritage Sites in Gaza The Israeli blitzkrieg against the Palestinians in Gaza has exceeded 125 days. During this period more than 100 Gaza heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli shelling and bombardment. Read More Tuesday February 6, 2024 10:24 AM , Asad Mirza, ummid.com The Israeli blitzkrieg against the Palestinians in Gaza has exceeded 125 days. During this period more than 100 Gaza heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli shelling and bombardment. The war in Palestine, which was seen once as a human tragedy, has also exposed another side of the Zionist program, that of a cultural genocide - the continuous shelling and firing has destroyed more than 100 Gaza heritages belonging to both the Muslims and Christians, in the Gaza City and West Bank and around Palestine. This could be described as only an attempt to get rid of the civilisational treasures of the Palestinian land, so that no one could lay claim to it in the future and the Zionist lobby could proclaim it as the Promised Land to its followers and sympathisers. Besides killing more than 15,000 Palestinians and destroying thousands of homes in the territory, according to Gaza's health ministry, there have also been tremendous losses to the region's ancient and globally significant cultural heritage. The region was a hub for commerce and culture under Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine rule. It remained influential for centuries thereafter. Gaza is home to some of the oldest churches and mosques in the world, but many have not escaped the widespread destruction of Israel's military offensive. Of 117 religious sites, which were reportedly damaged or destroyed by 31 December, the BBC has verified 74 cases. Seventy-two are mosques and two are churches. A Ukranian-Israeli soldier shared this video of the military bombing the Tamim Al-Dari mosque in Beit-Lahia, Northern Gaza. This mosque was knowingly empty and destroyed, and was blown up by the IOF for pleasure. pic.twitter.com/8qcDTZcUew TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) February 3, 2024 In his report for Al Jazeera, Indlieb Farazi Saber reported that an ancient harbour dating back to 800 BC, a mosque that was home to rare manuscripts and one of the worlds oldest Christian monasteries are just a few of at least 195 heritage sites that have been destroyed or damaged since Israels war on Gaza began, according to an NGO documenting war damage on cultural sites. Wiping out the cultural heritage of a people is one of the many war crimes South Africa alleges against Israel in a lawsuit that was heard the past week at the International Court of Justice. It states: Israel has damaged and destroyed numerous centres of Palestinian learning and culture, including libraries, religious sites and places of ancient historical importance. This land of the Canaanites ancestors of Palestinians has seen many Empires ruling over this region from the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians and Romans each leaving relics of their own cultural heritage behind. For centuries Greeks, Jews, Persians and Nabateans have also lived along this stretch of coast. Gaza is strategically located on the Mediterraneans eastern shores, and was always at the centre of the trade routes from Eurasia to Africa. Historically, from 1300 BC onwards, the Via Maris a route running from Heliopolis in ancient Egypt, cutting across Gazas western coastline and then crossing into Syrian lands was the main route that travellers would take on their journeys to Damascus. Damage Done Heritage for Peace, a group surveying the damage done in Gaza, documents damage done to so far more than 100 of these landmarks in Gaza since the start of the present conflict. Both the BBC and Al Jazeera report that the casualties include the Great Omari Mosque, one of the most important and ancient mosques in historical Palestine; the Church of Saint Porphyrius, thought to be the third oldest church in the entire world; a 2,000-year-old Roman cemetery in northern Gaza excavated only last year; and the Rafah Museum, a space in southern Gaza which was dedicated to teaching about the territory's long and multi-layered heritage - until it was hammered by airstrikes early on in the conflict. Rafah Museums director Suhaila Shaheen, in a video interview posted on the museum's Facebook page, standing amidst the rubble of the destroyed space said, There were priceless items from coins, precious stones, copper plates, clothes, all of which is under rubble now. The Museum of Rafah is in God's care now. Isber Sabrine, president of Heritage for Peace, in an interview with US-based NPR said: If this heritage be no more in Gaza, it will be a big loss of the identity of the people in Gaza. Sabrine said his organisation plans to continue the work of surveying and monitoring the status of cultural landmarks in Gaza over the coming months, both on the ground in collaboration with locals, as well as using satellite imagery. Gaza's Casualties Of War Include Its Historic Mosques The 1954 Hague Convention, agreed to by Palestinians and Israelis, is supposed to safeguard landmarks from the ravages of war. But landmarks in Gaza have been destroyed by Israeli strikes in earlier rounds of fighting. Dozens of sites, including the now-obliterated Great Omari Mosque, suffered damage in 2014. A report by UNESCO, the United Nations body that designates and protects World Heritage sites, cites further destruction to cultural and historic sites in Gaza in 2021. "UNESCO is deeply concerned about the adverse impact of the on-going fighting on cultural heritage in Palestine and Israel," said a UNESCO spokesperson in a statement sent to the NPR. "Our organisation calls on all parties involved to strictly adhere to international law. Cultural property should not be targeted or used for military purposes, as it is considered to be civilian infrastructure." In its investigation carried out by Reha Kansara and Ahmed Nour, the BBC used satellite imagery and users generated content to examine evidence from both before and after buildings were hit. Hamas, in a statement, has said 378 mosques and three churches had been hit up to 9 January, though this figure has not been independently verified. On its part, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says Hamas fighters are using places of worship for cover and as places from which to launch attacks something that Hamas denies. According to international humanitarian law, intentionally targeting religious buildings during conflict is a war crime. There is an exception, however, if such sites are being used for military purposes. In its defence Israel claims that they were allegedly being used for military purposes. It would not be wrong to say that this destruction seems to be a planned offensive, because if everything is wiped out completely, then Israel could claim that the land belongs to Jews only, thus negating the claims of both the Islamic and Christian leaders to proclaim this as a Holy Land of all the Abrahamic Religions, and Palestine as a state existed before the birth of Israel deceitfully. Further, no proof would be left for the future generations to assert this reality. Indeed, Israel has gone too far a sentiment shared by a majority of Americans, is endorsed by other nations too. (The writer, Asad Mirza, is a Delhi-based senior political and international affairs commentator.) Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home India Nitesh Rane plays 'Nasir Khan Zindabad clip to justify Malegaon Mini Pakistan rant Nitesh Rane was responding to the legal notice sent to him by Advocate Azeem Khan yesterday over derogatory remarks he made against Malegaon and its people. Read More Tuesday February 6, 2024 7:52 PM , ummid.com Staff Reporter Mumbai/Malegaon: BJP MLA Nitesh Rane Tuesday played a clip showing a slogan shouting mob to justify calling Malegaon Mini Pakistan, but his clarification landed him in another trouble. Playing the video clip in front of the media, Nitesh Rane claimed a group of people in Malegaon are shouting Pakistan Zindabad slogan. Malegaon is part of Maharashtra. Even then if people living there will hail Pakistan then I will keep calling the City Mini Pakistan. Come what way, Nitesh Rane said. Nitesh Rane was responding to the legal notice sent to him by Advocate Azeem Khan yesterday. Advocate Khan in the notice has asked Nitesh Rane to apologize unconditionally for making derogatory remarks against the Malegaonians and calling the City Mini Pakistan. If Nitesh Rane does not apologise within seven days, a criminal case will be filed against him and he will be dragged to the local court, Khan said. Nitesh Rane mocked the legal notice sent to him and said his statement acted like green hot chilly to people of Malegaon. Rane also said there was no question of apologising. His 'Pakistan Zindabad video clip' however received a quick rebuttal from Malegaon. Nasir Khan Zindabad Responding to the video clip played by Nitesh Rane, Malegaon Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mustaqeem Dignity accused the BJP MLA of misleading the people of India to justify his derogatory remarks against Malegaon and its people. People seen in the video clip which Nitesh Rane showed are shouting Nasir Khan Zindabad and not Pakistan Zindabad as claimed by him, Mustaqueem Dignity told reporters. Mustaqeem Dignity further said that he was part of the procession where Nasir Khan Zindabad slogan was raised. The procession is of the time when some activists of Malegaon , who were wrongly arrested in Nov 12 case, were released from jail, he said. The original video is available with us and a copy must also be available with the local police, Mustaqeem Dignity said. Now Nitesh Rane will also be asked to prove in court that the people seen in the video clip are shouting Pakistan Zindabad slogan, he said. 'Gimmick, politically motivated' In a related development, Malegaon Hindu Muslim Ekta Sanghtan Tuesday held a protest against Nitish Rane in front of the Gandhi Putla near Mosum Pul. Addressing the media, the Hindu and Muslim members of the forum urged the police to take cognizance of Nitesh Ranes repeated provocations and divisive statements. Nitesh Rane is trying to vitiate the peaceful situation in the City. The police department should take stern action against him before it is too late, Nitin Pawar, a member of the Sanghtna, said. He also alleged that Nitish Ranes new found love and his repeated visit to the city and make provocative statements are politically motivated. Nitish Rane is doing all this because he is interested to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election from here, Nitin Pawar said. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home India UCC protecting Live-in couples, banning Polygamy tabled in Uttarakhand assembly Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Tuesday February 06, 2024 introduced a Bill to impellent a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the State Assembly. Read More Tuesday February 6, 2024 9:40 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Tuesday February 06, 2024 introduced a Bill to impellent a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the State Assembly. The introduction of the UCC Bill in the Uttarakhand Assembly was greeted by thumping of the desk and slogan shouting by the MLAs sitting on the treasury benches. The Bill if passed and converted into an Act will make Uttarakhand the first state in post-Independent India to adopt what is being promoted as a uniform law for all citizens. The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was part of the BJP manifesto. Jo Kaha who Kiya (We delivered what we promised), Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhumi posted on social media site X a banner written with this slogan after introducing the Bill in the State Assembly. With the aim of giving equal rights to all citizens of the state and shape to the concept of 'one state-one law', Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2024 was tabled in the State Assembly Tuesday, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The BJP government in Uttarakhand convened a Special Session of the State Assembly from February 05 to 08, 2024 to discuss a draft of what it calls a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). A five-member committee , headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to Pushkar Singh Dhami on February 02, 2024. The committee formed in May 2022 was given four extensions to submit its report. The 300-page draft of the proposed UCC is titled Fostering Equality Through Uniformity and at a first glance appeared to be focusing mostly around the Muslim centric issues like Halala, Iddat, Polygamy, Triple Talaq etc. The Bill proposes to make Halala, Iddat and Triple Talaq punishable acts but it does not directly mentioned polygamy. It however says marriage will be only accepted legal if neither husband nor wife has a living partnter. On the other hand, the draft UCC which Uttarakhand intends to implement allows live in relationship subject to mandatory registration in the state. Interestingly, the draft though dubbed uniform law for every citizen has exempted the tribals from the purviews of the proposed law. The Uniform Civil Code is a contentious issue in India for decades. Though the BJP and RSS have intention to implement it in the whole country, critics say it is a difficult task considering the diverse nature of India. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Panama City, Panama (PANA) - Delegates from around the world gathered in Panama City Tuesday for the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a press release here said BA RIA-VUNG TAU The PetroVietNam Technical Service Corporation has proposed building a renewable energy centre in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province to bolster Viet Nam's position and reputation in the field of renewable energy. Director-general of PTSC Le Manh Cuong said that since 2021, PTSC has added offshore renewable energy as one of its core business lines and has so far achieved and maintained most of the necessary certifications for the oil, gas and renewable energy services industry. PTSC now has enough experience, facilities, equipment and is completely proactive in offshore surveys. It also provides most services to the offshore renewable energy industry, excluding blades and turbines. In 2023, PTSC completed the fabrication of two offshore wind power transformer station projects for customers in Taiwan (China) and is expected to hand them over to customers in the first quarter of this year. At the same time, the unit signed new contracts and was awarded about US$1.5 billion for offshore wind power projects in Taiwan and Europe. Cuong said that PTSC's leadership team proposed that the Government create a legal corridor and policy mechanism for PTSC to build a Renewable Energy centre in Ba Ria - Vung Tau so that Viet Nam can be proactive in the service supply chain for the offshore renewable energy industry in the near future. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said that PTSC was mastering a very difficult and complex step in designing and manufacturing offshore wind power equipment that not many businesses in the world are capable of doing. PTSC had found a historic direction in offshore wind power development affirming Viet Nam's role in scientific and technological transformation. The Deputy Prime Minister said that PTSC's idea of proposing to build a renewable energy centre will be supported by the Government, ministries, branches, corporations and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. PTSC will build a project plan and a clear roadmap to submit to the Government for research and consideration. VNS HA NOI Commercial banks are offering promotional programmes to encourage cashless payments during the busy Tet shopping season. Users of the VPBank NEO app can play games to win cash prizes from a VN20 billion pool when they transfer money or pay bills in the app, reported Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper. Sacombank has launched a programme offering small amounts of gold as a refund to some customers making QR code payments via the Sacombak Pay app. Other commercial banks like the Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB), VPBank and TPBank now also let users send li xi (lucky money) through their apps. Users of this service will qualify for a chance to receive prizes worth up to hundreds of millions of ong. Nguyen uc Lenh, deputy director of a State Bank of Vietnam branch in Ho Chi Minh City, said cashless payment services are convenient and cost-effective for both sellers and buyers, and that they help boost sales for businesses during busy shopping seasons like Tet. Commercial banks are also running promotional programmes to facilitate cashless transactions for household businesses and traders at traditional street markets. An official at Nam A Bank said the promotion of QR code payments for small businesses has contributed to a safe and modern payment environment and helped improve business competitiveness and service quality. Cahsless payment services have also helped reduce demand for cash withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs) ahead of Tet, cutting down on wait times at the machines. According to the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), cash withdrawals from ATMs have been declining over the past year. In 2023, ATM withdrawals made up only 3.6 per cent of all transactions across the country. Meanwhile, the NAPAS system averaged over 20 million transactions each day in 2023. This was a 52 per cent increase in transaction volume and a 12 per cent increase in transaction value over 2022. VNS Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) Delegates at the 30th African Mining Indaba, which is underway in Cape Town, are confident that the mineral-rich continent is well placed to capitalise on green metals required globally In the ongoing negotiations to enhance the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), Viet Nam has assumed the pivotal role of chairing discussions on the Agreement pertaining to the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement) between ASEAN and China. Director of Notification Office and National Inquiry Point on Sanitation, Epidemiology and Phytosanitary (SPS Viet Nam Office), Le Thanh Hoa, sheds light on Viet Nams position and the opportunities it presents for the export of Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products to China. As the Chairman of the negotiation sessions on the SPS Agreement between ASEAN and China in ACFTA, how do you evaluate the development of Viet Nams SPS in the region as well as with China? In recent times, Viet Nams SPS field has become a focal point, garnering considerable attention from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and related ministries. Actively participating in SPS negotiations within free trade agreements has bolstered Viet Nams position, particularly with major trading partners like China, Korea, Japan and Australia/New Zealand. The system upgrade and the role of SPS Viet Nam have earned commendation from ASEAN, reflected in Viet Nam chairing the ACFTA negotiations on SPS. This not only strengthens collaboration with China's General Department of Customs but also enhances ties with units overseeing animal and plant quarantine, food safety, and import-export activities into China. This is anticipated to create more favourable conditions for Viet Nam and ASEAN to export goods to China in the future. With this upgrade, the SPS content that Viet Nam previously had with ASEAN and China will be elevated to align with the standards of existing free trade agreements signed with other countries. With this upgrade negotiation, what do you expect from further improving the quality of Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products to this market of more than one billion people? Within the framework of the excellent cooperation between ASEAN and China, particularly with the Guangxi Customs Department as the focal point for Chinese collaboration with ASEAN countries, we anticipate significant advancements. Numerous working groups addressing food safety, animal quarantine and plant quarantine have been established. These groups actively participate in exchanging information and certificates on food safety, as well as the quarantine of animals, plants, and aquatic products exported to China. This collaborative effort plays a vital role in facilitating trade, particularly between Viet Nam and China. It serves to minimise the risk of counterfeiting animal and plant products quarantine certificates, addressing challenges encountered in the past. In the ongoing negotiations, the parties aim to reach agreements on technical content to streamline trade processes. Notably, in the face of changes related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, each party's responsibilities will be clearly communicated. The negotiation also includes the establishment of a mechanism to coordinate and address technical issues or inadequacies in technical barriers, fostering joint efforts to further promote trade. Through the SPS mechanism, China reiterates its commitment to supporting ASEAN countries, including capacity strengthening in nations like Laos and Cambodia. Viet Nam, too, benefits from this commitment, receiving technical training from China. This training is designed to upgrade and strengthen the capacity of technical staff in stages, focusing on areas related to animal and plant disease diagnosis and food safety. The number of warnings from markets regarding Viet Nams agricultural and aquatic products is decreasing. Through this, how do you evaluate the quality of Vietnamese agricultural products? In 17 years since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), Viet Nam has undergone comprehensive changes, from the legal system related to food safety, plant quarantine and even management agencies. Monitoring processes have also embraced advanced requirements. Particularly in the realm of food processing, businesses are now required to adhere to international standards such as HACCP, ISO, and implement good production processes to ensure food safety. This involves monitoring potential hazards throughout the entire production chain, from growing and harvesting to pre-processing and final processing, aligning with market regulations. The SPS Viet Nam Office actively collaborates with specialised units to provide comprehensive and timely information in accordance with market requirements. However, it is essential for businesses and manufacturers to ensure compliance, minimising risks during border control and customs clearance processes. This approach not only ensures adherence to regulations but also reduces overall costs for businesses. The increasing adherence to SPS regulations is playing a crucial role in promoting the export of Vietnamese agricultural, aquatic products, and food. Moreover, it serves to solidify the reputation of Vietnamese products in the global market, affirming their position for quality and safety. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam said there must be a "conductor" in negotiations on market opening. How do you evaluate the role and importance of this "conductor"? The directives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in alignment with the Government's mandates, underscore the importance of reconciling interests in the process of market opening. This entails achieving a delicate equilibrium that considers the varied benefits for each category of animal, plant and food products. The pursuit of harmonisation extends beyond the mere reciprocal opening of products; it also involves fostering collaboration among specialised agencies within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This collaborative effort addresses issues, raises concerns, and ensures a nuanced balance throughout the negotiation process. The SPS Viet Nam Office, acting as the focal point, is committed to performing this role effectively by regulating and coordinating between specialised agencies within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This includes facilitating collaboration with technical support points in Viet Nams SPS network, comprising units from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Health, among others. Additionally, the office is tasked with enhancing coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other key ministries and branches, such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and industry associations. This comprehensive coordination is instrumental in navigating the complexities of market opening negotiations and ensuring a harmonised approach to the diverse interests involved. VNS HA NOI Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son received Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nong Rong, who is also Secretary General of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, in Ha Noi on Monday. The host expressed his delight at the sound development and historic achievements of the two countries relations since the visit to China by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in late October 2022 and the trip to Viet Nam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in December 2023. He emphasised the importance and practicality of bilateral coordination in implementing the high-level joint statements in a strong, effective, and substantive manner for the sake of businesses, localities, and people. Welcoming Nongs opinions and proposals on some orientations and measures for promoting bilateral ties, the Vietnamese minister recommended the two foreign ministries continue bringing into play their role as the standing bodies of the two countries steering committees for bilateral cooperation, and properly carry out the two foreign ministries agreement on further intensifying cooperation in the new period. He asked them to focus on properly organising exchanges and meetings at all levels in 2024, boosting the connection of development strategies, and stepping up result-oriented partnerships. Son called on China to increase importing goods and farm produce from Viet Nam, coordinate to tackle problems of some joint projects, foster sustainable tourism cooperation, facilitate people-to-people exchanges and locality-to-locality ties, and maintain opinion sharing and coordination at multilateral mechanisms and forums. For his part, Assistant Minister Nong said his working visit to Viet Nam aims for in-depth and comprehensive discussion between the two foreign ministries about measures, orientations, and tasks for enhancing bilateral relations in accordance with the common perceptions reached between the countries leaders. Informing his host of the outcomes of his meeting with the Vietnamese Secretary General of the Viet Nam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation Nguyen Minh Vu on February 4, Nong affirmed that China wishes and is ready to join Vietnamese agencies in maintaining opinion sharing, coordinating closely, and promoting high-level strategic discussion by properly arranging bilateral visits and meetings between the countries Party and State leaders. China is also ready to enhance collaboration in such fields as diplomacy, defence, and security; and continue to reinforce result-oriented cooperation in different spheres, particularly the connection of development strategies, transport infrastructure, trade facilitation, people-to-people friendship exchanges, and locality-to-locality links, he added. With regard to sea-related issues, both sides underscored the importance of seriously implementing the agreements and common perceptions on the better control and settlement of sea-related differences reached by senior leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) (DOC), and promoting substantive progress in the negotiations on a code of conduct (COC) in the waters. Minister Son asked the two sides to respect each others legitimate interests, in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to help maintain regional peace, stability, and development. VNS HA NOI Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Monday for Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the first Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam, according to the announcement from the ministry on Tuesday. Highlighting the growing ties between Viet Nam and the Holy See, Hang noted the positive developments fueled by high-level visits and exchanges. She specifically pointed to the approval of operating regulations for the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam during President Vo Van Thuong's 2023 visit to the Holy See as a crucial milestone. Underlining Viet Nam's commitment to this progress, the Vietnamese diplomat assured Zalewski of full support from Vietnamese agencies, toward the shared goals of strengthening ties between Viet Nam and the Holy See, and the Holy See and the Vietnamese Catholic Church, and fostering national development as well. Zalewski, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese agencies for their support during his tenure as Non-Resident Special Envoy to Viet Nam, and wished that Viet Nam will continue facilitating his activities in his new role to fulfill the mission entrusted by Pope Francis. He also vowed to contribute to further increasing high-level contacts and dialogues in the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, thus solidifying relations between the Holy See and Viet Nam as well as the Viet Nam Catholic Church. VNS HA NOI The permanent representatives of Laos and Cambodia to the United Nations (UN) have extended greetings to their Vietnamese counterpart Ambassador ang Hoang Giang at the UN headquarters in New York on the approaching Lunar New Year (Tet) a significant traditional event in Vietnamese culture. Hailing the Viet Nam - Laos special cooperation and friendship, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo of Laos pledged to boost the close and reliable coordination between the delegations of Laos and Viet Nam at the UN. Meanwhile, Ambassador Sophea Eat of Cambodia expressed his delight at the comprehensive development of the good neighbourliness and traditional friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam, and wished the Government and people of Viet Nam a successful and prosperous year of the dragon ahead. For his part, Giang took note of the continuous development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. He affirmed that the Vietnamese delegation will continue to support Laos in successfully performing the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in New York this year. Praising the friendly neighbourly relations between Viet Nam and Cambodia and the good cooperation between the two countries' delegations to the UN, the diplomat said he is confident in the sides extensive potential for the enhancement of their cooperation in all aspects. The Vietnamese and Cambodian ambassadors agreed to step up exchanges and coordination between their delegations in the future. *At the UN Headquarters in Geneva, a delegation from Laos mission in Geneva, led by its head Ambassador Latsamy Keomany, also extended Tet greetings to the Vietnamese mission on February 5. The Lao diplomat lauded the close and effective collaboration between the two missions and hoped that the sides will continue to engage in cooperative programmes and further consolidate the Vietnam-Laos solidarity in 2024. On behalf of the Vietnamese side, Charge d'Affaires a.i Cung Duc Han wished the two missions will continue to strengthen joint work in the coming time and expressed his readiness to support and coordinate with Laos on multilateral issues in Geneva, especially during the term of Laos chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Geneva. VNS HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong inh Hue offered incense in memory of President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 in the Presidential Palace complex in Ha Noi on February 6, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival. He was also joined by NA Vice Chairmen Tran Thanh Man, Nguyen Khac inh, and Tran Quang Phuong, along with NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong. The delegation expressed their gratitude to the beloved President for devoting his entire life to the national independence and freedom as well as the peoples happiness. House 67, located in the Presidential Palace complex, was the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in the final years of his life. He breathed his last here on September 2, 1969. The house also served as a venue for the Political Bureaus meetings during the fiercest years of the USs sabotage war in North Vietnam. Many remembrances linked with the President's life and career are still preserved at this place nowadays. On the occasion of Tet the biggest traditional festival of Viet Nam, Chairman Hue wished the staff of the relic site good health, happiness, and fulfillment of their duties. He also asked them to keep making efforts in preserving the remembrances and documents about President Ho and properly introducing the leaders life and career to people from nationwide and international visitors. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has set a target to produce some 500,000 tonnes of seaweed by 2030 as part of the nations seafood development strategy. With a view to spurring seaweed cultivation, the ministry will submit a proposal to the Prime Minister to develop seaweed as a major product in the seafood industry. According to General Director of the MARD's Directorate of Fisheries Tran inh Luan, Vietnam had some 16,500 hectares of seaweed that yielded 150,000 tonnes in 2023. Green caviar and Kappaphycus alvarezii plantation respectively gained farmers some VN150-200 million (over US$6,1008,100), and VN60-80 million per hectare. The country has more than 887 kinds of natural seaweed with 88 varieties holding economic value that can be grown on a potential area of 900,000 hectares. With the global market growing 10 per cent per year and a green consumption boom, the seaweed sector holds huge potential for further development. Kelp is an amazing carbon dioxide absorber. It is able to take in five times more carbon than most land-based plants, creating an opportunity to sell carbon credits through its cultivation. However, Luan pointed out several challenges of the sector, with a shortage of cultivation standards, environmental pollution and climate change to name as a few. In the coming time, the sector will focus on the nearshore plantation of green caviar and gracilaria verucosa from the north central province of Thanh Hoa to the south central province of Binh Thuan. It will also develop offshore cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii and imported varieties in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong City, the central provinces of Quang Ngai, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan, and the southern provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ca Mau, and Kien Giang. VNS KIEN GIANG Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang called for cooperation of the Government, localities and enterprises in implementing a project to sustainably develop one million hectares of high-quality rice associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta until 2030. Chairing a conference drawing up plans for the project, which was held on Monday by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ((MARD) in Kien Giang southern province, the Deputy PM said that the project could be considered a big challenge, because it faced four difficulties. It would be difficult because for the first time it sets the target of one million hectares of high-quality rice while reducing emissions; because of the need to change farmers habits; because of the instant effect of rice price fluctuations on the market; and because of difficulty in reaching agreement related to the interests of organisations and individuals. To help the project achieve its goals, Deputy PM Quang emphasised the principles of wholeheartedness, compliance, flexibility, cooperation and control. Experience shows that no matter what the difficulty, if the people have the right approach, method and determination, they can do it. For example, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Viet Nam ranked ninth in the world in prevention results. The Deputy PM confirmed that if people do not comply with plans, principles and standards, they would fail, but they must also be flexible and creative in making the work suitable for each region and location. Especially, the work must adapt to the increasingly serious and unpredictable impacts of climate change. He said that there must be good cooperation, first of all in negotiating loans, and coordinating between central agencies and localities, and between businesses. He emphasised, "We will fail if each business participates in this project in its own, unique way, without strong compliance and coordination." Besides, programmes must be well integrated to create synergy to win together. The Deputy PM mentioned the need for good control and prompt adjustment to suit the actual situation on the basis of regular reviews, especially spreading good models and methods. Affirming that the Government will accompany the project, he assigned the MARD to soon submit the projects plans and policies to the Government. He assigned the Ministry of Finance to set up a scheme to call for capital for the project. Regarding official development assistance (ODA) capital, the Deputy PM noted that it was necessary to pay close attention to the negotiation to harmonise procedures between Viet Nam and donors, facilitating disbursement after receiving the loans. Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam emphasised that the Mekong Delta was the main rice production region of Viet Nam. Project Rice output in the region has recently been stable at 24-25 million tonnes per year, accounting for over 55 per cent of the countrys total amount and 90 per cent of the country's rice exports. The yield contributes to creating jobs and stable income for millions of households in the region. Many advanced and environmentally friendly rice production models, programmes and projects have been implemented promoting solid rice production, increasing income for farmers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese rice. A typical example is the Viet Nam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Project (VnSAT) implemented in 2015-22, funded by the World Bank. Under the project, sustainable farming techniques were applied on about 180,000ha of rice. Farmers participating in about 400 cooperatives implemented firm farming processes. They increased profits by 30 per cent, reduced production costs by 30-40 per cent and reduced carbon emissions by about 1.5 million tonnes per year. However, according to Nam, the Mekong Delta rice industry still has limitations. The region does not have many concentrated, large-scale rice areas with linkages between rice growers and cooperatives or businesses. Rice cultivation is not sustainable because farmers still use a lot of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which affect the environment and increase greenhouse gas emissions. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan confirmed that the project was particularly significant in transforming rice farming methods in the Mekong Delta. It would form and develop large-scale, long-term stable concentrated raw material areas, ensuring quality and efficient crops. Promoting effectiveness The project will be deployed in 12 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, including An Giang, Kien Giang, ong Thap, Long An, Soc Trang, Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Ca Mau, Tien Giang and Vinh Long. The project covers an area of one million hectares. It is expected to reorganise the production system, apply sustainable farming processes to increase value, sustainably enhancing the rice industry, and improving the production efficiency and income of rice growers. It will protect the environment, adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to implementing Viet Nam's national commitments. The goal is that by 2030, the high-quality rice areas will reach one million hectares. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides of chemical origin will be reduced by 30 per cent. Irrigation water will be down by 20 per cent compared to traditional farming. Sustainable rice production standards will be certified. All of the high-quality area has links between businesses and cooperatives or farmer organisations in production and consumption. The synchronous mechanisation will reach over 70 per cent of the area. Over 1,000,000 households will apply durable farming processes. All straw will be collected and processed for reuse. Greenhouse gas emissions will down by over 10 per cent compared to traditional rice farming. The amount of high-quality rice exported will account for over 20 per cent of the total rice export volume of the region. VNS A NANG As the semiconductor industry becomes a focus of development, higher education institutions in a Nang have accelerated their investments in training programmes and infrastructure to meet the sectors human resources needs. The Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU - under the University of a Nang) has put investments into a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) lab and a lab for experiments and research of new technologies, said the universitys dean Huynh Cong Phap. "Human resources development is a focus for the school, in addition to infrastructure investment," he said. VKU counts more than 30 lecturers in microelectronics, microcircuits, semiconductors and computer engineering among its official staff. The school also signed a training agreement for students majoring in semiconductor design with South Korean experts in the field, as well as the Information Technology Institute (under the Vietnam National University-Hanoi) and various businesses. Meanwhile, the University of Technology and Education (under the University of a Nang) plans to accept its first cohort of semiconductor engineering students this year, with around 50 enrolments expected. According to Principal Dr Phan Cao Tho the school is also developing a Masters programme in Internet of Things (IoT) and semiconductor circuits. As part of the preparation process, the University of Technology and Education is working on an official development assistance (ODA) investment project that will establish an IoT and semiconductor lab equipped with server and hardware systems and software for semiconductor design training, as well as IC testers. The schools teaching staff for electronic and computer engineering include two associate professors and eight PhD graduates, alongside other lecturers from the University of a Nang. Cooperation partnerships are also underway to invite experts from local and international corporations and businesses for student training and internships. Tho expects IC design to witness high demand for human resources in the near future. Students pursuing this major will also have scholarship opportunities from companies, in addition to the schools support and preferential policies that aim to motivate them in their studies, and to respond to social and business demands. Keeping pace with technology advancements, the University of Science and Technology in a Nang recently inaugurated its IC design practice room, which is fully equipped with a computer system and an industrial-grade IC design toolkit from Cadence, a multinational company specialising in electronic systems design. The room is used for short courses on very large-scale integration (VLSI) technology and for students in majors related to IC design. Devices and software for the practice room were sponsored by Fujikin a Nang, FPT Software, Renesas, Cadence and Unitec. These businesses also confirmed their commitment to accompany the university in human resources education for microelectronics and IC design, as well as supporting short-term training courses. At the end of January this year, a Nang announced it would establish the a Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Centre for Research and Training (DSAC). According to a Nang Peoples Committee chairman Le Trung Chinh, the centre will serve as the advisor to the citys leadership in building and executing the semiconductor and microchip development projects in the locality. The centre is also expected to be the focal point for cooperation opportunities between a Nang and local and international partners in the field of integrated circuits and artificial intelligence. VNS TRA VINH Tra Vinh Province plans to develop 10 new co-operatives in various sectors this year, giving priority to agriculture, according to its Co-operative Alliance. The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province established 11 new co-operatives last year, taking its total number to 165, 122 of them agricultural. However, most of them face difficulties, especially the agricultural ones, according to the alliance. Last year 15 co-operatives were dissolved because of inefficient operations, capital shortage or lack of efficiencies of scale or linkages with companies. Many do not have diversified trading and services models and cannot meet their members demands to develop production. Many do not have brand names or geographical indication for their products, and do not produce to Vietnamese or global good agricultural practices standards. Some do not operate as new-style co-operatives that require their members to use same materials for production, make same products and use uniform production processes. Many products have high value but the co-operatives do not invest in packaging or labelling to participate in the national One Commune-One Product programme. Thai Phuoc Loc, chairman of the alliance, said the province administration has ordered his agency to help co-operatives access support policies, soft loans and advanced technologies. That would help them develop, link up with companies and expand, he said. The alliance plans to apprise co-operatives about trade promotion and advertising and using advanced techniques and organise visits for them to efficient co-operatives in other provinces and cities to learn from them. It will help agricultural co-operatives develop farming models with value chains and produce high-quality products. Local authorities will help agricultural co-operatives participate in the provinces socio-economic development projects and national programmes on building new-style rural areas, providing vocational skills and creating jobs and a quality workforce. Improving members incomes Effective co-operatives in the province have helped improve members incomes and create jobs in rural areas, and played a significant role in implementing national target programmes. The Ngoc Thach Agricultural Co-operative in Cau Ngang Districts Nhi Truong Commune sells fertilisers, plant protection chemicals and rice seeds, helps farmers grow crops and guarantees outlets for them. Four years after its establishment it has 40 members, 90 per cent of them ethnic Khmer, who grow 100ha of rice, corn for seeds and vegetables. According to Thach Duone, its director, the co-operative sells quality materials for growing crops to its members and this helps them reduce costs. It also instructs them in farming techniques and secures outlets that fetch prices that are 20-30 per cent higher than in the market. Members earn average profits of VN20 million (US$820) per hectare per crop from rice and VN30-35 million ($1,200-1,400) from vegetables. These are VN5-10 million ($200-400) higher than before they joined the co-operative. The co-operative is in the process of registering a production code for its rice growing area for exports, he said. Le Van Phi, head of the Cau Ngang Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, said co-operatives made a major contribution to the districts socio-economic development and effort to build new-style rural areas. Agricultural co-operatives have linked up with companies in various provinces to secure stable prices and outlets for their members. The Ngu Lac Organic Agricultural Co-operative in Duyen Hai Districts Ngu Lac Commune has 56 members and has linked with companies in Tra Vinh and other provinces and cities. Lam Thanh Canh, its director, said the co-operative had signed contracts with three companies to supply corn and okra seeds since 2022. [With the farm contracts], farmers feel secure and focus on tending their crops to improve yields and quality. VNS HCM CITY In the week leading up to the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday in the Year of the Dragon 2024, the transmissive diseases situation in Ho Chi Minh City showed a decreasing trend. However, the city's Department of Health continues to advise residents to proactively take preventive measures to protect their health and that of their families. The city's health sector closely monitors the epidemic situation, tracks the emergence of new variants, and promptly devises response plans for any abnormal situations. During the pre-Tet week from January 29 to February 4, the epidemic situation in HCM City remained stable, with all types of diseases showing a decreasing trend. Specifically, the number of COVID-19 cases during the week was 25, a decrease of 28 per cent from the previous week and 40 per cent from the four-week average. The cases of dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease have continuously decreased each week, since the beginning of 2024. In the past week, the city recorded 207 cases of dengue fever and 139 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, decreasing by 24 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, compared to the four-week average. Starting from February 8, the COVID-19 vaccination and immunization activities in 22 districts and Thu uc City will be suspended until February 14 following the Tet 2024 holiday schedule for civil servants, officials and workers. After the holidays, vaccination activities will resume. The specific schedule and locations for each area will be updated on the dealth department's portal. The types of vaccines currently available at the expanded vaccination sites in the city include the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and various vaccines for children in the expanded immunisation programme, such as Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, Japanese encephalitis B, rubella, and the polio vaccine for pregnant women. The emergence of the Omicron JN.1. subvariant in HCMC since December 2023, with new antigenic characteristics allowing the virus to easily evade immune system attacks, raises concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 during the Tet holiday. However, there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe disease than other subvariants of Omicron. All existing SARS-CoV-2 strains currently cause similar COVID-19 symptoms, and the severity of the disease depends on the immune system status and health condition of each individual (whether they have underlying diseases or not). In the face of the constant mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, protecting people in high-risk groups remains a crucial and primary solution. The HCMC Department of Health advises that during the Tet holiday, people in high-risk groups still need protection through measures such as controlling stable chronic diseases, receiving the full course of COVID-19 vaccines according to the Ministry of Health's recommendations, ensuring proper nutrition, staying hydrated, increasing physical activity, washing hands regularly, and wearing masks when in crowded places. VNS The move is part of the annual effort of the company to reach out and support different local communities across Vietnam. Despite a challenging year, HEINEKEN Vietnam was able to support 5,300 people in 42 communities across Vietnam through the programme with free medical check-ups, packages with Lunar New Year essentials. Local communities receive free medical check-ups from professional doctors Reaching out to needy communities and sharing Tet with them has long become a tradition at HEINEKEN Vietnam. This year with the strengthened collaboration with the Vietnam Red Cross Society, the company had been able to expand the activities to cover both the An and the Vui aspects of Tet, with the aim to bring to people a Happy and Healthy New Year. The programme was also joined by hundreds of HEINEKEN Vietnam employees nationwide. Throughout our history of 32 years, people and local communities make one of the most important priorities in our sustainable development strategy, said Alexander Koch, managing director of HEINEKEN Vietnam. 2023 was a challenging year for us, yet we remain committed to sharing Lunar New Year with the underprivileged communities. We hope that through the 'HEINEKEN Cares' initiative in collaboration with the Vietnam Red Cross Society, we will be 'Joining Hands towards a happy and healthy Tet' and sharing a refreshed hope for a better year ahead with Vietnamese people. Sustainability has been central to HEINEKEN Vietnam for decades. With persistent actions and collaborative efforts, in 2023, HEINEKEN Vietnam was again recognised among the top 3 most sustainable businesses in Vietnam at the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) Ranking 2023 programme. The company was also honoured as one of the five pioneering businesses in decarbonisation in Vietnam in 2023. Over 32 years, people and local communities make one of the most important priorities in HEINEKEN Vietnam's sustainable development strategy HEINEKEN Vietnam - Growing together with the country From humble beginnings in Ho Chi Minh City 30 years ago, HEINEKEN Vietnam has grown into one of the nations leading companies, contributing to the economic, social, and environmental development of the whole country. The Heineken brand creates good times from renewable energy For the past 150 years, the Heineken brand has been delighting consumers in over 190 countries around the world with its superior quality products and memorable experiences had while drinking its cold beer. Committed to another century and a half of good times and beyond, the brand has added one more ingredient to its brewing practices. The lead detective investigating the hit-and-run death of a Baylor University student in 2016 said during trial Monday he determined Tammy Blankenship hit David Grotberg during his first interview with her. You hit the bicyclist, Waco police Detective John Clark said to Blankenship, 56, in an interview video played for the jury Monday in Wacos 54th State District Court. A stop sign did not cause that damage. A person did. You hit the cyclist and kept going and hid the car because you had too much to drink and you didnt want to admit to it. Several times in the video, Blankenship says, sometimes calmly others with great emphasis, I promise you, I did not hit the bicyclist. I hit a stop sign. I have pictures. She said in the video she had pictures of the stop sign and how paint marks and damage on the stop sign matched the paint marks and damage on her car. Testimony resumed Monday in Blankenships trial on second-degree felony charges of manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid in the Oct. 6, 2016, hit-and-run death of Grotberg. A vehicle struck and killed Grotberg while he and his girlfriend were riding bicycles in the 3200 block of Franklin Avenue at about 10 p.m. that night. Blankenship could face up to 20 years in prison if the six men and six women of her McLennan County jury convict her. The trial recessed before testimony started Friday because a juror tested positive for COVID-19. Judge Susan Kelly declared the sick juror disabled from jury duty Monday and seated an alternate juror who had been observing proceedings along with the rest of the jury. Clark told jurors Monday that Blankenship changed her story during the interview, over the objections of defense attorney Shane Phelps of Bryan. The video speaks for itself, Phelps told Kelly, who overruled the objection. McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Will Hix asked whether Clark decided during the interview that Blankenship had hit Grotberg and whether he arrested her after the interview on the video concluded. Clark said he did decide while talking with Blankenship that she had struck Grotberg but did not arrest her after the first interview because he was not sure that he had enough evidence to get a warrant. In the early part of the video Blankenship can be heard saying she hit something on the night Oct. 14 or Oct. 15, 2016, and was not sure what it was at first. She said she waited until the end of the month to take the vehicle, a sliver or gray Hyundai Accent, to Service King in Waco because she and her husband both had to get paid. Blankenship says on the video that she hit something along University Parks Drive, where there was no curb and pavement went to grass, near an old fire station that has since been torn down. I wasnt sure what it was that night, she says on the video. I got out and looked around and I couldnt see what it might have been. It was dark. A second detective can be heard off screen saying it was well-lit near the old fire station, but Blankenship insists it was dark where she was. Blankenship says in the video she sat up most of the night worried about what she may have hit and thought at one point that it might have been a homeless person. She said she drove on Interstate 35 to University Parks on her route home that night, not on Franklin where Grotberg had been hit. She said that after driving around with her co-worker, Hannah Ashley, the following day she left the Hyundai in Marlin to keep her daughter, who had driven the car earlier that morning, out of it. She also said she and Ashley found the stop sign. They concluded that markings and damage matched between the temporary sign and the Hyundai, which Blankenship said in the video actually belonged to one of her daughters. After Clark asked her why she had called an assistant superintendent of Midway Independent School District, where Blankenship and her husband both worked at the time, Blankenship said she had been at the officials home for a co-workers birthday and had two or three glasses of wine. At several points in the middle and toward the end of the video, Blankenship says through tears, I promise you, I did not hit the bicyclist, and I have pictures of the stop sign and the car and the colors of the paint streaks match. In earlier testimony Monday, Waco police cellphone and cell tower forensics expert Bret Page, who previously did the same kind of work for the U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security, said that in his expert opinion Blankenship had driven down Franklin Avenue toward downtown, and not along I-35, at the time Grotberg was struck. The cell tower data included the approximate maximum connection range and approximate direction of the towers connection to the phone, he said. Page showed the jury maps he created with a cellphone data analysis tool that put Blankenship at the assistant superintendents home around 9:45 p.m. the night Grotberg died, near the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Valley Mills Boulevard at 9:50 pm., just before he was hit, and near her own home just before 10 p.m. The connections at 9:45 and just before 10 were voice calls. The one just before Grotberg was struck was a data connection. Phelps asked Page if it was impossible for the phone tower Blankenship connected with at 9:50 p.m. to have reached her phone 2.2 miles away from I-35 where she said she had driven, rather than from Franklin about 1.5 miles away. Without knowing the ambient weather conditions, how many other devices had also connected through that tower, and several other factors, Page said he could not say for sure. If she had driven down I-35, theres a whole different set of towers over there along the interstate that her phone would have pinged to, Page said. Phelps asked again if conditions were just so, could Page rule the 2.2-mile connection out. Page said it was possible, just not very likely. He said phones will almost always connect to the tower with the strongest signal, which is usually the closest. Phelps asked Page if Waco police had analyzed a complete record of all connections through the cell towers in the area around the time of the crash. He also asked whether police analyzed maintenance records of all the towers in the relevant areas, whether they treated all cellphone users who connected to the tower near the wreck as suspects and whether they could prove all the towers closer to I-35 had actually been working that night. Page said no to all. Phelps did not produce any such records either. Did Waco P.D. conduct a drive test to verify the actual range of any of the phone towers we have talked about here today? Phelps asked Page. Page said no. In response to later questions from Hix, Page said a drive test conducted in 2018, after Blankenship had been interviewed, would have involved different cell tower equipment than what was in place at the time of the wreck in 2016. McLennan Community College leaders are assuring local school districts that a new state outcome-based funding formula will not set back the 1,950 local high school students who take dual-enrollment courses at MCC. In fact, they say the new system may actually lower some high school students costs for studying at MCC. Some school districts, on the other hand, are being asked to defray the cost of books for lower-income students who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. In the past, between 35% and 40% of MCCs dual credit students fell into that category. House Bill 8, approved last spring, ties community college funding to outcomes such as how many students complete degrees and certifications. In recent weeks, Fred Hills, MCC vice president for instruction and student engagement, has joined director of educational partnerships Londa Carriveau in visiting 18 McLennan County school districts and several private and charter schools to discuss the new laws impact on dual credit. Dual credit students are an important part of MCC, accounting for 24% of its enrolled students, Carriveau said. The pandemic set back dual enrollment as it disrupted secondary school and college instruction, concerning MCC administrators and trustees. Carriveau said dual enrollment numbers have rebounded this year, approaching the pre-pandemic norm of about 2,200 dual enrollment students. Provisions in House Bill 8 and action by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board lowered the tuition rate that community colleges charge for dual credit classes to $71 per credit hour, about $6 less than before. Students now paying dual credit tuition may see their cost reduced as a result. The shift to outcome- or performance based funding, however, means state reimbursement hinges on a students completion of at least 15 hours of dual credit classes. That could mean a delay in reimbursement for MCC as it often takes two or more semesters for high school students to complete 15 hours of college classes. And some students take fewer than 15 hours before graduation, Hills said. We are figuring that out right now, he said. In a presentation to MCC trustees on Jan. 30, Hills and Carriveau calculated that under the new system, MCC would get $772,364 in performance funding for dual enrollment students, down about $40,000 from the old contact hour funding model. However, that loss would be more than offset under a state program called Financial Aid for Swift Transfer. FAST will bring MCC an additional $373,288 in state revenues to pay for tuition, fees and books for dual credit students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals at public schools. While MCC has covered the tuition of economically disadvantaged dual enrollment students in the past, FAST would pick up much of that cost and expand eligibility by including any student who has qualified for free or reduced-price lunches at any time over the last four years. Weve been subsidizing the rate, but under FAST we wouldnt be subsidizing it as much, Hills said. A chart provided by MCC staff showed that under the new system, dual enrollment tuition and fees would bring in $984,614, down from $1.2 million before HB 8. MCCs subsidies and discounts to the program would be $1.25 million, MCC officials estimate. Community colleges must choose whether to opt in to the FAST program, and MCC will do so beginning next fall. But MCC is asking some local districts to consider shouldering some of the cost of providing books and other instructional materials for FAST-eligible students, as Waco and La Vega ISDs already do. It would cost MCC an estimated $56,762 to provide books to FAST-eligible students from the other districts. MCC also is asking districts to make at least 15 hours of dual credit classes available to their students. The discussions are taking place as many school districts prepare their budgets for the 2024-25 school year. Both Hills and Carriveau said MCC remains firmly committed to supporting its dual credit offerings and making higher education affordable to the community. We want to grow (the dual credit program), but in a thoughtful and purposeful way, Carriveau said. McLennan County officials on Monday urged that flags be flown at half-staff through Friday in honor of County Commissioner Patricia Chisolm Miller. Miller died Jan. 27 at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, where she was a surgical patient. Commissioner Miller was the first woman and first African American woman elected to the McLennan County Commissioners Court, County Judge Scott Felton said in a statement Monday. Commissioner Millers footprint has forever been forged in the heart of McLennan County. Miller was elected Precinct 2 commissioner Nov. 6, 2018, and reelected on Nov. 8, 2022. Previously, she served as Commissioner Lester Gibsons administrative assistant 24 years. A press release from McLennan County cites the Texas Government Code in urging that U.S. and Texas flags be flown at half-staff. It also said individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions in the surrounding area may fly flags at half-staff as a sign of honor and respect. Funeral services for Miller are scheduled 11 a.m. Saturday at the Base multipurpose center at the Extraco Event Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd. Viewing is scheduled 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at McDowell Funeral Home, 1725 Gholson Road. A viewing and public remarks are scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. that same day at Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on Elm Avenue. An academic report released this week examining Nebraska's overcrowded prison system came to some of the same conclusions offered by previous assessments of the state's Department of Correctional Services. The root cause of overcrowding within Nebraska's prison system is "legislative changes" brought by state lawmakers in the last 15-20 years that have extended the average sentence duration of inmates in state custody, according to the state-commissioned report from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. And researchers made clear that expansions of prison capacity will "only provide a short-term fix," according to the report drafted by researchers at UNO's Nebraska Center for Justice Research who warned that without sentencing reform and other legislative solutions, "additional, expensive prison expansions will be required routinely." The 139-page report which the Legislature set aside money for in 2021, two years before lawmakers approved the construction of a new $350 million, 1,500-bed prison last year only reinforced the beliefs of Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, who has been the Legislature's leading opponent of the prison's construction and an advocate for substantive criminal justice reform. "I think it highlighted what many of us have been saying for the past three years that we cant build our way out of the situation," McKinney said last week. "We have to make some policy changes. The average daily population within Nebraska's prisons climbed from around 5,300 inmates in early 2017 to a peak of around 5,700 inmates by March 2020, when the pandemic momentarily slowed the state's justice system to a crawl, according to data laid out in the report. The decrease in arrivals at state prisons coupled with the normal churn of departures saw the department's average daily inmate population drop to around 5,300 again by March 2021. But in the years since, the population has rebounded nearing the same pre-pandemic peak and leaving the Department of Correctional Services with roughly 1,500 more inmates in its custody than the state's prisons are designed to house. Meanwhile, admissions into Nebraska's prisons have remained relatively stable, according to the report, indicating the culprit for the state's mounting prison overcrowding crisis is not over-policing. Instead, researchers attributed much of the crowding to a slow growth of incarcerated individuals "average days to release" the product of increased sentence lengths for those entering state custody. The average time remaining on Nebraska inmates' prison sentences increased by nearly 400 days between September 2017 and March 2022, according to the report. In 2017, the average inmate in Nebraska's prisons was three years and four months away from release. By March 2022, that average had ballooned by a full year. The report makes clear who is at fault for such a sharp increase in such a short time frame: Nebraska lawmakers, who, both broadly and incrementally, have increased minimum sentence lengths for a host of crimes over the last two decades, manufacturing the overcrowding crisis the state faces now. Part of the prison population's increase can be traced to tougher penalties for gun crimes passed by the Legislature in 2009 in response to an epidemic of gang violence in Omahas inner city. In the decade after lawmakers increased penalties for gun and assault convictions, the number of inmates whose most serious offense was a gun crime leapt from 85 to 777 an increase of more than 800%, an Omaha World-Herald investigation revealed in 2022. Researchers, too, pointed to a handful of incremental sentencing enhancements that lawmakers have passed over the last decade that, the report suggests, have undermined the efficacy of LB605, a criminal justice reform bill the Legislature passed in 2015 in an effort to reduce overcrowding. Researchers highlighted seven laws passed between 2015 and 2018 that brought increased penalties for pandering, prostitution, human or labor trafficking, assaulting police officers and sexually assaulting or sexually contacting students, in some cases making felonies out of former misdemeanors. And Legislators created new offenses for threatening someone via text or email, distributing a private image of another person and grooming while defining health care officials as peace officers, making it a felony to strike them, too. The demonstrable increase in inmates' average sentences attributed in part also to judges ordering defendants convicted of multiple crimes to serve their sentences consecutively has created a "cascading effect" within the state's prison system, according to the report. That effect has ensured fewer individuals are eligible for parole, which has in turn reduced departures from state prisons, which causes crowding and system "bottlenecks" that have left some inmates incarcerated in housing units with a higher security level than necessary, where there is "greater potential for serious and violent infraction behavior," researchers said. I think the problem was a generation of lawmakers running on the premise that they were going to be tough on crime," said former Sen. Steve Lathrop, who chaired the Legislature's Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2022 after a prior stint as a senator from 2007 to 2014. Lathrop, who was in the Legislature when lawmakers passed 2009's consequential gun bill, largely blamed conservative politics and fear-mongering prosecutors for the state of the state's prisons. He pointed to the testimony of law enforcement officials who have routinely opposed substantive sentencing reform as an underlying cause of the Legislature's unwillingness to address the root of the overcrowding problem. Prosecutors in 2015 held multiple news conferences to lodge opposition to a provision of LB605 that would have lowered minimum sentences in certain felony convictions to one-third of the maximum sentence, incentivizing inmates to participate in programming to seek parole. Thats the problem. That's the difficulty," Lathrop said. "The people that oppose any kind of reform efforts are the prosecutors and law enforcement. And they come from Omaha and ... and they come from the county attorneys (offices) and they come down to Lincoln and tell people that this is gonna be the end of the world. "But none of the counties where these prosecutors work or the law enforcement agencies have to pay for the incarceration for these individuals. They don't have a stake in this problem." One suggestion offered by UNO's researchers would change that. Their report notes that "short timers," or inmates who enter state custody with less than a year before their release date, account for 10% of Nebraska's prison population and are more likely to have been convicted of drug crimes or other nonviolent offenses than other inmates. While their time in state custody is relatively brief often because they are in custody on a parole violation or were sent to prison with a short initial sentence combined with credit for time they served while incarcerated in a county jail prior to their conviction short timers now represent more than half of new admissions to Nebraska prisons, according to the report. And a "substantial portion" of short timers often spend their entire sentence at the prison system's reception facility in Lincoln, where they aren't able to engage in work release and have limited access to programming. Short timers also disrupt the designed flow of transfers and promotions to lower custody units for inmates with longer terms, preventing effective transitions back into society, according to the report. Researchers recommended lawmakers consider allowing short timers to serve at least a portion of their sentence in their local county jail or in other alternative housing solutions, reducing the bottleneck and crowding problems they bring to state prisons while allowing inmates greater access to services. The report suggests that such a policy change which was recommended to lawmakers nearly a decade ago would reduce the state's prison population to around 5,000 and allow the state to avoid building a second new prison that the corrections officials have suggested might be necessary. It's unclear if lawmakers will heed the researchers' advice. UNO's report, which the state paid $200,000 to commission, marks the fifth time in the last decade that the state has sought reports on Nebraska's prison system from external agencies. "And they have ignored all of them," quipped McKinney, who passed out copies of UNO's research brief to his colleagues in the Legislature last week with hopes that they read it and take it seriously, he said. But McKinney who along with his colleagues on the Judiciary Committee will consider a handful of bills this legislative session that would add new substances to the list of prohibited drugs in Nebraska and one that would enhance penalties for fatal car crashes is clear-eyed about the route to reform. "Any effort to do anything gets pushback," he said. "And it doesnt matter, in my opinion, who comes in and studies the system. Until we get politics out of the conversation, were never gonna do anything because you have those individuals who, because of politics, dont want to do much. "And you could have conversations with these people off the record and theyll tell you its a problem and we need to do something about it, but when it comes to taking those votes, it doesnt happen. Photos: 2015 Tecumseh State Prison riot 010922-owh-new-prisons5 (copy) 010922-owh-new-prisons14.JPG (web) (copy) 20191113_new_prisonriot 20181127_new_prisonriot 010922-owh-new-prisons6 Tecumseh tour (copy) 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) WATERLOO Police are investigating an accidental shooting that injured one woman at an apartment complex near Hawkeye Community College on Tuesday morning. Paramedics and police were called to the address at the Hawkeye Towers Apartments on Donegal Circle around 10:30 a.m. and found a woman with a single gunshot wound to her ankle. Paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue took her to MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center for treatment. Authorities said her injuries dont appear to be life-threatening. Police said the womans boyfriend had another persons handgun in his pants pocket, and the weapon accidently fired, striking her. CEDAR FALLS City Council members said nothing in response Monday to 11 people who emotionally argued that they should take up a resolution supporting a cease-fire in Palestine and Israel because it is a local issue. Mayor Danny Laudick, however, spoke and declared that hatred is not welcome but government criticism is a right he'll fight to protect. I wanted to make a very clear statement that we will stand for the commitment to combat anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab bigotry, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia," said Laudick. He affirmed "that right for you to be able to come here to present without feeling like theres going to be retaliation, without feeling that theres going to be pushback. Part of that process is to have a chance to be able to voice those concerns. The citizenry addressed the issue during the public comment portion of the meeting because the resolution was not on the agenda. A few councilmembers, reached after the meeting, reaffirmed no immediate plans to consider taking up the resolution previously endorsed by the Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission in a 6-1 vote. The proposed two-page resolution is in support of a permanent cease-fire in the Middle East conflict along with the return of all hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid. It also affirms, as the mayor stated, that the city is opposed to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab actions. Xandra Escalada, one of the speakers, previously talked to the council about developing the resolution at its Dec. 18 meeting. Escalada noted that, when first speaking up, there was no text for such a resolution and no local Iowa government had advocated for one. Thats changed and now there are several that have worked on and passed a resolution. A cease-fire resolution is not merely a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people, Escalada said. It puts real pressure on our government leaders to bring about legislation and political actions that could eventually lead to an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza and in the West Bank. "And if you believe that our efforts would be better directed toward Joni Ernst, Chuck Grassley, and Ashley Hinson and other representatives in Congress, I can assure you that folks have been calling them, emailing them, been at their door step and pressuring them for a cease-fire since Oct. 7 and have never stopped. Meanwhile, the Waterloo City Council discussed potentially adopting the same resolution during a work session earlier Monday evening. During its regular meeting, six residents spoke about the proposed action. Only one of them was against passage. Another session is expected, though there was little sign of support from the council. Those of us who are here to speak publicly are merely asking our local government to do what our national government has not to say clearly that we, like the world court, see the violation of human rights being committed with this U.S. fortified assault on Gaza, resident Shirley Whiteside told the Cedar Falls council. Many, including Whiteside, referenced state legislation that is in the works to criminalize speaking out against Israels slaughter in Gaza." If you are born Palestinian or Muslim, you are supporting terror. If you attend a Jewish Voices for Peace meeting, you are supporting terror. If you are a non-violent activist, you are supporting terror, she said. Among the Cedar Falls speakers was Human Rights Commission Chairperson Sonja Bock. All spoke at length in favor of the resolution, including Aliyah Rahman of Waterloo. The ability to sleep at night and not wake up each morning wondering if my friends in Palestine have been killed by bombs that my tax money paid for is a basic quality of life issue for me," Rahman said. "Your constituents are not asking you to set or comment on international policy, we are simply asking you to pass along a message to our own government. Councilmember Aaron Hawbaker told The Courier that he is still educating himself" as he entered into a closed session related to other business. We all learned a lot tonight. Asked if he would consider taking the initiative to introduce discussion on the matter, he added, Im still thinking about it. Ill never shut the door. I can be convinced. The Cedar Falls crowd overflowed from the chambers into the outside foyer. The meeting marked the most amount of people to speak on a single subject since former Mayor Rob Green, who happened to be in attendance early on for a different matter, initially declined to sign a resolution last May in support of Pride Month. The document's language mirrors the Iowa City and Coralville cease-fire resolutions, which passed 4-3 and 3-1 respectively, as well as those of other communities across the country. That text is similar to the resolution introduced by Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) in the U.S. House of Representatives. I think its clear from tonight that the community supports this cease-fire response, said Escalada afterwards. Others vowed not to give up and ensure their voices are heard at future meetings. Reached by telephone, Councilmember Chris Latta noted that he and his colleagues have done a lot of listening, understanding and empathizing with the speakers and emphasized that none of them were invalidating their feelings. Nonetheless, he said, I think the consensus of the group is that the resolution is not one for the city to make. He added that the councils lack of public response was pretty telling. Its important to listen and validate their concerns, but I think our job is to be the legislative body of Cedar Falls and were not legislating anything by issuing this resolution. Councilmember Kelly Dunn said in a telephone interview that she wants a cease-fire in the Middle East. Ill say that all day long. I dont want to take away from the importance of whats happening in Gaza, she said. Everybody should be paying attention to whats going on there. While open to learning and never saying never on the possible resolution, Dunn is not interested at this time in initiating further discussion. She feels her energy and concentration is better put toward the citys own challenges. I dont think theres anything additional I could have added tonight to what the mayor said, Dunn noted. Other language in the resolution condemns the killings of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank by the state of Israel. It affirms a commitment to combat anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab language, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. It also affirms support for people in Palestine and Israel to live in peace and for local residents to live without intimidation, coercion, or the threat of violence. The resolution asks Iowas congressional delegation to support cease-fire resolutions, affirm First Amendment rights for people to criticize the government and support the delivery of immediate and sufficient humanitarian aid to noncombatant people of Gaza. A copy of the signed resolution would be provided to the Legislature, Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowas congressional delegation and President Joe Biden. Waterloo cease-fire talk The Waterloo City Council dedicated part of its work session to discussing a potential cease-fire resolution. Abraham Funchess, the citys human rights director, was allotted 25 minutes to discuss with the council about why he and the human rights commission believe such a resolution should come before a vote. The amount of time was not enough for councilmembers and Funchess to finish a conversation and another work session will be held. Funchess said the resolution is pertinent for the city because it is in line with the international human rights declaration the city makes annually last read in December. Although the local government may not physically be able to do anything regarding the war, he said it would be symbolic for the people who live here who have connections to Palestine and Israel. Ward 1 Councilmember John Chiles said if this resolution passed, it would not achieve the goal of a cease-fire. I am not wanting symbolic gestures, I want gestures that are solid and do something, he said. We cant do anything about this. We dont have the ability to. Ward 2 Councilmember Dave Boesen and At-large Councilmember Steve Simon both believe the resolution is not within the councils purview. Simon said he commends Funchess and the commission for wanting peace but Israel and Palestine have a long history of being at war. Waterloo is not going to be able to make a difference in (the war), Simon said. During public comment at the council meeting, six residents spoke about the resolution. Ted Lederman, the only resident against the agreement, said that asking for a cease-fire wouldnt result in anything, suggesting that Hamas broke previous cease-fire agreements. He also commented on others calling the international conflict a genocide in previous council meetings. As an American Jew, I know that Israel and Jews never want to commit genocide against anyone, he said. I know that Israel does not commit genocide. Rahman, who was among a number to attend both the Waterloo and Cedar Falls council meetings, said that although Waterloos resolution wouldnt stop a war it would send a message to the state of Iowa and the U.S. about the countrys involvement. She argued that, without U.S. involvement in the conflict, the war would not be happening. She estimated that Iowas taxpayers contributed more than $26 million for military aid in Israel. Amelia Gotera suggested those saying a cease-fire resolution is not the citys business are sending a negative message to Waterloo's Muslims and Arabs. (Passing it) says to your people that we recognize your humanity, we recognize youre here and it is safe to grieve here, she said. Photos: Girls State Wrestling Finals at Xtream Arena, Feb. 2 Bolts that helped secure a panel to the frame of a Boeing 737 Max 9 were missing before the panel blew off the Alaska Airlines plane last month, according to accident investigators. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report on the Jan. 5 incident Tuesday. The report included a photo from Boeing, which worked on the panel, which is called a door plug. In the photo, three of the four bolts that prevent the panel from moving upward are missing. The location of the fourth bolt is obscured. The investigators said that the lack of certain damage around the panel indicates that all four bolts were missing before the plane took off from Portland, Oregon. Pilots were forced to make a harrowing emergency landing. Get the updates here: Boeing to halt production of jet involved in two deadly crashes YE Top Photos 2019 (CNN) An intense, long-lasting atmospheric river is moving across California bringing widespread power outages, mudslides and life-threatening flooding as it dumps heavy rain and snow. Follow our live coverage here. This is whats happening: Rare high flood risk persists: A firehose of rain has parked over Southern California, including Los Angeles, worsening flooding on Monday with rain set to linger into Tuesday. The forecast predicts an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain, with up to 6 inches possible in parts of Southern California, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. Serious flash and urban flooding are likely to be seen across Los Angeles. Power outage numbers remain high: Strong winds and rain have knocked out power for more than 300,000 customers in California, particularly along the coast, according to the tracking website PowerOutage.us. The majority of outages are across the northern half of the state where winds gusted as high as 100 mph over the past day. At least 1 fatality reported: A man in Yuba City, about 40 miles north of Sacramento, was killed Sunday by a large redwood tree that fell as winds of nearly 50 mph hit the area. Through the investigation, it appeared he was possibly using a ladder to try and clear the tree away from his residence when it fell on him, the Yuba City Police Department said in a statement. The mans identity has not been released. A historic downpour in Los Angeles: The torrential downpour brought an astonishing 6.65 inches of rain since Sunday to downtown Los Angeles, marking the third-wettest two-day stretch the city has seen since January 26, 1956. February is typically the wettest month of the year in Los Angeles, with an average of 3.64 inches of rain in total downtown. Rare rain risk: The Weather Prediction Center issued a rare high risk of excessive rainfall - or a Level 4 of 4 - for more than 16 million people across Southern California on Monday. This includes downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim and Long Beach. In Central and Southern California, widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected more than a months worth of rain for most areas in several days. Life-threatening landslides and flash flooding expected: An extremely dangerous situation is unfolding Monday morning in the Hollywood Hills area where homes have been evacuated and around the Santa Monica Mountains, the weather service said. A flash flood warning was issued for the Santa Monica Mountains and the Hollywood Hills, with more rain creating the risk of flooding and mudslides. Numerous damaging landslides, flooded roadways, submerged vehicles, and flooded creeks and streams are ongoing, in an area that includes Malibu, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood and Burbank, the service said. Storm causes avalanche in Nevada: The same storm system helped cause an avalanche in the Lee Canyon and Mount Charleston areas, northwest of Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Lee Canyon has received about a foot of snow in the last 24 hours. Several people were reported missing after the incident but have been found. Multiple mudslides and roads closed in Bel-Air: Heavy rain doused the ritzy Los Angeles community of Bel-Air with more than 11 inches of rain since Sunday afternoon, according to the weather service. Due to the hilly nature of our canyons, there are multiple mudslides and landslides, and tons of debris in our roads. Many of the roads are closed, Bel-Air Association spokesperson Hattie Rogovin told CNN. Storm hinders travel in the mountains: Significant snowfall is burying parts of the Sierra Nevada and Southern Californias mountain ranges, with heavy snow expected through Tuesday afternoon. Heavy, wet snow will reach pass level for some travelers and pose very difficult-to-impossible conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of the Sierras have already recorded more than 2 feet of snow this week, with several more inches coming Tuesday. Some schools closed: All Malibu schools are closed Monday, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced on X, citing road closures and the inability of some staff to get to schools. Several school districts in Santa Barbara County canceled classes due to the severe weather, and Pepperdine University in Malibu canceled in-person classes. Others schools, including California State University Fullerton, switched to remote learning. Two bigger factors are making this worse: Scientists say the broader climate crisis and El Nino are increasing the rainfall and destructive power of this storm. When El Nino has a strong presence in the Pacific Ocean, it can intensify atmospheric river events on the West Coast. Atmospheric river still slamming California This strong type of atmospheric river a long, narrow moisture band that carries saturated air thousands of miles then discharges it like a fire hose is called a Pineapple Express. Its carrying moisture buildup from the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii and walloping the US and Canadian West coasts with heavy rain and snow, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The strongest winds associated with the system have subsided, but there are still gusts up to 50 mph across the higher elevations of Central and Southern California. Wind advisories are in place across Central California and in Orange and San Diego counties Monday morning. The atmospheric river impacting California this week follows another recent storm that drenched most of the state, including Los Angeles, with record rainfall. As the state braced for flooded roadways and swollen rivers, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Southern California continued to prep for the prolonged impacts of the storm, which parked as it moved onshore, bringing a much longer duration of rain compared to the last storm. Californians can expect to see the worst of the storms impacts through Tuesday, according to the weather service. In Los Angeles, officials urged residents to stay off the roads and stay home, if possible even sending a flash flood emergency alert to phones Sunday evening telling people not to travel due to the dangerous and life-threatening situation. All lanes of Interstate 5 were flooded in San Fernando in Los Angeles County as of late Sunday evening. A flash flood warning in place for western and central Los Angeles County covers more than 2.5 million people. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed a declaration of a local emergency Monday, saying it will help the city respond to the storm now and during the recovery. Bass asked residents to follow evacuation orders to help out first responders. We have had to rescue individuals in certain neighborhoods because they did not follow the evacuation orders, Bass said at a news conference Monday. We ask that when notified that you need to evacuate, please do that so you do not end up needing to be rescued. Officials rescued a man Monday who had jumped into the Los Angeles River to save his dog in the fast-moving water, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. A helicopter crew lowered a rescuer into the rain-swollen river, who was able to grab the man and hoist him to safety, officials said. The dog managed to swim safely to the edge of the river and escape the rapids, the department said. The man was taken to a hospital and his dog was taken to a shelter for minor injuries and temporary care. The worst of the storms rainfall is set to slowly expand south throughout Monday, with the threat moving to include more of the San Diego area by the evening. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria told CNN Monday the city was preparing but the downpour followed another recent storm that sent several feet of water rushing through some streets and prompted hundreds of rescues. Weve seen areas that have not traditionally flooded flood because of the volume of rain in a very short amount of time, he said. These atmospheric rivers are something that probably many of us never even grew up with knowing about, but now theyre sort of ever-present in our lives. Low-lying and flood-prone areas of San Diego were issued an evacuation warning, according to Gloria. The city will likely see somewhere between 2 and 2.5 inches of rain through Tuesday, with some areas potentially getting half an inch of rain per hour, he said. As the rain moved in over San Diego, salvage workers dressed in hazmat suits were traipsing in and out of Louis Edwards San Diego home Monday, cataloging his every possession after nearly everything he owns was destroyed by rain-induced floodwaters that besieged his neighborhood nearly two weeks ago. He said he barely escaped the last storm, having to swim through his front door as water rushed into his home. He climbed onto the roof of his minivan, which he says was only about an inch above water. He doesnt have much to lose this time. I just take one day at a time, he told CNN. Thats all, I cant do no more otherwise than that. Across Los Angeles, damage and evacuations were reported. Two homes in the Studio City area were damaged and nine others were evacuated after debris flow in the area, according to the fire department. In the Encino area, three homes were impacted by debris flow and several people were evacuated, the department said. Debris flows are fast-moving landslides that destroy objects, and can occur during periods of intense rainfall, according to the US Geological Survey. North in Ventura County, the storms dangers began taking shape on Sunday after law enforcement reported several flooded roads, submerged vehicles, rock and mudslides and quickly rising river levels, according to the weather service. In San Bernardino County, three people were rescued after becoming stranded in a tree while trying to cross a flooded road in their vehicle, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said on X Monday morning. Two factors making this storm worse Scientists point to two factors that are increasing the rainfall and destructive power of this weeks storm: the broader climate crisis and El Nino. On top of the global warming trend and ocean temperatures at record highs, a strong El Nino is present in the Pacific a phenomenon that can enhance atmospheric river events on the West Coast. California, which is recovering from a historic megadrought that triggered water restrictions, has seen a deluge of heavy rain and snowstorms since last winter. These dramatic swings between the two extremes extreme drought and high precipitation also known as weather whiplash, is another phenomenon that scientists warn will happen more often on a warming planet in coming decades. CNNs Cindy Von Quednow, Amy Simonson, Christal Hayes, Joe Sutton, Jeffrey Kopp, Tina Burnside, Nouran Salahieh, Allison Chinchar, Caitlin Kaiser, Sara Tonks, Elisa Raffa and meteorologists Mary Gilbert and Brandon Miller contributed to this report. The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. A Plymouth woman has been found guilty in the death of her baby and of seriously neglecting his twin in Cerro Gordo County District Court on Monday. Allyssa Marie Joyce, 30, also known as Allyssa Luke, was convicted of one count of child endangerment resulting in death and another of child endangerment resulting in injury after her 2.5-month old twins were found malnourished in 2021. A tearful Joyce was seen mouthing the words, Im sorry, to her family after the verdict was read. Joyce was found by the jury to have deprived nutrition to two 2.5-month-old children to the point that caused one infants death and left the other near death. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on both counts after deliberating for a little over an hour: the count of child endangerment resulting in the death of Abel Luke, and the count of child endangerment resulting in the serious injury of Brendan Luke. Joyce blames the state for the childs death. She has filed a civil suit against the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and its contracted counseling agencies Families First Counseling, Mid-Iowa Family Therapy and Lutheran Social Services alleging negligence in caring for the infant. The father, Scott Luke, has also filed pro-se suits in the matter. According to court records, the father assaulted the mother Dec. 8, 2020, while she was pregnant. This caused her to go into labor, and she gave birth to the twins. Human Services staff sought temporary removal of the children, and they were adjudicated to be children in need of assistance under Iowa law. They were placed with the mother and subject to Department of Human Services supervision under a plan the mother agreed to, according to the mothers lawsuit. Family members were ordered to participate in services. In February 2021, one of the twins, a son identified as Abel Luke, died of malnutrition. The other twin, previously only identified as B.L was treated for severe malnutrition, and the other children in the home were found to be underweight and also hospitalized, according to court records. The remaining four children were removed from the mothers custody and placed with the Department of Human Services. The mother participated in DHS services and got back together with the father. Visitation with the children was described as semi-supervised. But in April 2022, the father was arrested for again assaulting the mother, according to court records. The fathers rights were terminated in October 2022, according to court records. In February 2023, authorities charged the mother with child endangerment in connection with the 2021 death of Abel Luke. She was released on bond in June pending trial. A Department of Human Services worker had concerns about the man the mother was living with at that time, records state. Later that month, the man allegedly set fire to the house, court records state. The termination trial for the mother was set for July 2023, and a DHS case manager testified that the home was neither safe nor appropriate as it did not have floors in some places, and there were items piled up around the home. A juvenile court judge terminated her parental rights. The parents divorce was finalized in September 2023 and, as part of the decree, the two were to split Abels cremated remains. The mothers lawsuit alleges the Department of Human Services and its contract providers negligently cared for Abel, failed to timely transfer him to a higher level of care, and failed to notify his doctor and family about changes in his condition. The suit alleges the defendants failed to properly train staff and failed to properly monitor the child. The mother is also seeking damages for loss of consortium. The fathers pro-se suit which requests $61 million in damages alleges the DHS reports from home visits found an odor of animal urine and feces on the floor. Once, a 5 year old was seen playing with toy cars on a lit stove top, the suit alleges. Notably, nothing was done to ensure any of my childrens safety until my child Abel Luke was found unresponsive in a car seat, the fathers suit states. The father stated Abel was 5 pounds 3 ounces when he was born in December 2020. He was 5 pounds 7 ounces almost three months later when he was found unresponsive, according to the fathers lawsuit. The fathers suit alleges the autopsy found marks on the childs skin from the car seat buckle, and police didnt located a single baby bottle in the home. Attorneys for Families First and Lutheran Services responded in court records that the damages, in part, were caused by Joyces conduct, neglect and reckless behavior. It was an illegal act committed by plaintiff which caused or contributed to the basis for plaintiffs claim, and plaintiff is thus barred from receiving any financial benefit from such and illegal act, attorneys for the agencies wrote in court records. Joyce is scheduled to be sentenced in Cerro Gordo County District Court at 11:30 a.m. April 8. Joyces civil trial is set for June 2025. Jeff Reinitz of The Courier contributed to this story. In pics: Production of Spring Festival couplets paper in full swing in E China's Anhui People's Daily Online) 13:52, February 06, 2024 A worker makes Spring Festival couplets paper at a factory in Dingjiaqiao township, Jingxian county, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Miao Zijian) Spring Festival couplets paper production is in full swing as companies work overtime to meet demand in Dingjiaqiao township, Jingxian county, east China's Anhui Province. Dingjiaqiao township, known as the birthplace of Xuan paper in China, employs both modern machinery and traditional handmade techniques to produce Spring Festival couplets paper. The traditional wax-dyeing process is meticulously applied to the Xuan paper, while silk screens are used to print auspicious patterns. The result is a smooth surface that allows for flowing ink and glossy handwriting. "Different patterns, such as dragons, phoenixes, and auspicious clouds, are designed on various printing plates and printed on the paper through silk screen printing," said a worker from a local factory. Spring Festival couplets usually incorporate gold or silver elements, and other colors can be customized with additional printing processes. Companies in Dingjiaqiao township have developed and produced 70 to 80 kinds of products using this Spring Festival couplets paper. In 2023, the production of Spring Festival couplets paper and its related products was worth over 300 million yuan ($41.7 million). (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu) Western politicians who have shit their pants and their mediocre generals in NATO have once again decided to scare us. They launched the largest military exercises since the Cold War. These involve 90,000 soldiers from 31 countries of the Alliance and almost block Sweden, about 50 warships, 80 aircraft, 1,100 ground combat vehicles, including 133 tanks. Some stages are expected to take place in the most blatantly Russophobic and most disgusting countries to us, such as Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, that is, in close proximity to Russias borders. The NATO blabbers were afraid to directly say who these exercises are aimed against, and limited themselves to empty chatter about practicing defense plans and deterring potential aggression from the nearest opponents. But it is quite obvious that this convulsion of flabby Western muscles is a warning to our country. Its like theyre saying, shouldnt we properly threaten Russia and show the Russian hedgehog a fat transgender European ass. It turned out not scary, but very significant. After all, if the Alliance itself decided to conduct exercises of this level, it means they are really afraid of something. And even more so, they do not believe not only in victory but in any military successes of the rotten neo-Nazi regime in Kiev. Plus, of course, they are working out the anti-Russian agenda for domestic political purposes, consolidating their dissatisfied electorate. Overall this is a very dangerous game with fire. Significant forces have been assembled. And exercises of this scale have not been conducted since the last century. So they are a well-forgotten old thing. We are not going to attack any country in this bloc. All reasonable people in the West understand this. But if they play too hard and encroach on the integrity of our country, they will instantly receive an adequate response. This will mean only one thing a big war, from which NATO will no longer turn away. The same thing will happen if any NATO country begins to provide its airfields to Banderas supporters or quarters its troops with neo-Nazis. They will certainly become a legitimate target for our Armed Forces and will be mercilessly destroyed as enemies. All those wearing helmets with NATO symbols, who today swaggeringly rattle their weapons not far from our borders should remember this. Medvedev A few weeks ago, the world watched almost live a brilliant operation by intelligence services in the United States. The operation began in the Pentagon itself, then continued in the hospital. The US Secretary of Defense, unexpectedly for everyone, including his elderly boss, disappeared from the horizon. It is unlikely that he would have noticed at all if the public had not perked up. Like, where is our commander? And the gossip began. The main suitcase with codes from the Minutemen and Tomahawks where was it? In the operating room with the minister or on his own somewhere traveling The US Secretary of Defense seems to be fun to be. If you wanted it, it disappeared from the radar; if you wanted it, it came back. Ive recovered its already good! And the nuclear codes seem (or not?) to be in good hands again. Everything is under control, everything is according to the rules and doctrines. All they said in the White House was that this was a problem. Why didnt they call us And so a shitty question. The world is just a little scared: what did they do with the suitcase during the period of its owners illness? In whose hands was he? Who learned the codes for launching American missiles? What if the Iranians? Or someone else worse the Russians. Look, they re-flashed everything there and prepared the US nuclear potential for self-destruction. There seemed to be no answer. But today the answer suddenly appeared. And what a one! So thats what its all about! Biden received an ominous signal from the afterlife. The main owner of the codes, it turns out, communicates directly with the late French President Mitterrand (who, by the way, was also the holder of the suitcase). The US President himself spoke about this conversation, moreover, confusing the country of paddling pools with the country of liverwurst. The world is truly in danger Medvedev WtR Dear Tucker, It was not so dangerous after all to come to the dark-side was it? Yet it may be dangerous to return to the USA? WtR MINNEAPOLIS A group of local civic leaders is seeking $2 million from the Metropolitan Council to study the possibility of a "hyperloop" vacuum tunnel that will whisk people between the Twin Cities and Rochester in just 15 minutes a largely theoretical technology hyped a decade ago by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Linking the Twin Cities and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester has long been a goal for public transit advocates, and some leaders in Minnesota think a hyperloop that travels faster than an airplane at 700 mph is worth exploring. Hyperloops are not in use as a mode of passenger transportation anywhere in the world, and naysayers contend the technology is unrealistic. A train between the two cities would make more sense, they say. Global Wellness Connections, a nonprofit that counts the mayors of Edina and Plymouth and former Secretary of State Mark Ritchie as board members, is asking the Met Council for most of the $2.5 million needed for a feasibility study of a hyperloop between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Rochester International Airport, largely along Hwy. 52. Executives from California-based HyperloopTT, which is working with Global Wellness Connections on the Minnesota grant, said they have yet to transport people on their test track in France. "I don't think that we should let things go unstudied just because nobody has done it," said Bloomington City Manager Jamie Verbrugge, who submitted a letter of support for the study. Another proponent of the study is Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, who chairs the Met Council committee that will vote on the grant application. He also serves on the Global Wellness Connections board as a volunteer member. Hovland said he will recuse himself from the hyperloop discussion when it comes before the Met Council and notes that he does not have a financial interest in the effort. "Let's try to get some money to see if it makes any sense," Hovland said. "If it were somehow to come to fruition, it'd be quite a pilot for the rest of the country." But in places where hyperloops have been studied, the reaction is a bit more skeptical. "No one has made this technology work. It's a fantasy," said Harvey Miller, a professor of geography at the Ohio State University, who has reviewed feasibility studies of hyperloops in Ohio. Local leaders who support studying the project say they want to be forward-thinking. "It does seem futuristic," said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton,who wrote a letter in favor of the grant application. Norton and others are convinced that a high-speed connection could strengthen the medical, health care and bioscience corridor between the two urban areas and offer a convenient and climate-friendly way for employees to commute. "When I travel around the world, people whether they're outside the United States or on the coasts think Rochester and the Twin Cities are just one dot on the map," said Patrick Seeb, executive director of Rochester's economic development initiative. "We need to improve the connection." Trying to narrow the gap between Rochester and the Twin Cities was one of the byproducts of discussion on the 2027 Expo, the international trade show that Minnesota competed for, but failed to win, Verbrugge said. "The letter of support I sent on behalf of the council and port authority is based on our long history of supporting these kinds of studies," Verbrugge said. But is it responsible to commit public resources to study a technology that is not in use anywhere in the world? "That's a decision for policymakers," Verbrugge said. The hyperloop application will be vetted by the Met Council's Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), comprising 34 members who make recommendations about federal funding for projects that improve mobility and safety, manage congestion and improve air quality. This year, the TAB received 127 applications requesting some $445 million in funding, but only $250 million is available for distribution. A final decision on the applications is expected this summer. For HyperloopTT, a feasibility study in Minnesota is a chance to build relationships with local government agencies even though the technology is still experimental, said Chuck Michael, the company's regulatory advisor and U.S. feasibility studies lead. "If it proves out, let's see what the next step is," Michael said. HyperloopTT's chief operating officer, Andrea La Mendola, said the company is developing the technology first and will work on ensuring it is safe for transporting people later. The company is pursuing feasibility studies now so that by the time hyperloops are ready to use, they can be built sooner, he said. The firm completed a $1.3 million study in 2019 assessing the feasibility of a hyperloop connection between Chicago, Cleveland and Pittsburgh in 27 minutes, a trip that would take more than seven hours to drive. The study found there is a "strong case" for the region to pursue a Great Lakes Hyperloop project, which could be "transformative" for the northeast Ohio economy. And, it concluded, the line could be funded largely through private sources. But since then, not much has happened. Danielle Willis-Render, a spokesperson for the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, the planning body that commissioned the study, said the region is waiting for the federal government to issue guidelines for hyperloop projects. In 2022, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told reporters he found the hyperloop idea "super interesting," but he doesn't believe government money should fund it. "Sure, try it," he said, "but we'll probably not try it on our dime." Last week, HyperloopTT won another contract to provide technology for a short hyperloop near Venice, Italy just in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics. If built, the Italian tube could be the first commercial hyperloop in the world. After the Ohio study, some transit advocates and observers there still have questions about the technology. A distance like the Twin Cities to Rochester could take less than half an hour on true high-speed rail at 200 mph, said Miller, the Ohio State professor, and even conventional rail could make the trip in under an hour. "I would wonder what problem we're really trying to solve for," Miller said. HyperloopTT's Michael said he thought a 15-minute commute between Rochester and the Twin Cities could help people move between the cities on a daily basis, living in one place and working in the other. Stu Nicholson,the former director of transit advocacy group All Aboard Ohio, wondered what the passenger experience would be like in a hyperloop. "Would I get into a capsule and ride through a pipe? No," Nicholson said. But Tom Fisher, a University of Minnesota professor of architecture who wrote a letter supporting the study, says there's great promise in using a hyperloop connection to move not only people but freight between MSP and the Rochester airport. Other companies' fates raise questions about the financial viability of hyperloop technology. Last year, Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One shut down and laid off 200 employees, according to Bloomberg News. The decade-old firm was formerly associated with Virgin Airlines entrepreneur Richard Branson. There hasn't been a rail connection between the Twin Cities and Rochester since 1963. A study of high-speed passenger rail known as Zip Rail between the two was abandoned in 2016 by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Olmsted County due to lack of funding. The notion of a quicker trip between the two cities by Zip Rail met with considerable pushback from landowners and some lawmakers along the Hwy. 52 corridor. There are no plans to revive the discussion, according to MnDOT spokesperson Julie Bartkey,who added that the agency isn't currently studying hyperloop technology. Brian Nelson, president of All Aboard Minnesota, said the passenger rail advocacy group is more interested in expanding rail service to Rochester by using existing freight rail infrastructure and operating trains at conventional speeds, which is about 79 mph. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Rochester from the Twin Cities. Whether it's a hyperloop or train, Hovland said he's in favor of making it easier to choose not to drive. "None of us think twice about using public transportation in Europe," Hovland said. "That's what we could do here, and what we should do here." Wisconsin legislative Republicans are again seeking to clearly define what witness address information must be included on an absentee ballot envelope in order for the vote to be counted. The latest effort to define what constitutes a valid witness address, typically contained on the back of the envelopes that hold the ballots, comes amid ongoing legal fights over the matter. The topic has garnered considerable interest on both sides of the aisle, as allowing clerks to accept ballots with partial witness addresses could allow more votes to be counted in a state where the upcoming elections for president and one of the states two U.S. Senate seats could be decided by narrow margins. The latest proposal, Assembly Bill 1037, is similar to a measure Gov. Tony Evers vetoed almost two years ago. The Democratic governor has struck down several GOP-authored proposals over the last five years aimed at changing election administration in Wisconsin. Under the bill, a returned absentee ballot would not be counted unless, in addition to a witness signature, it includes all of the following: the witnesss printed first and last name, house or apartment number, street name, municipality, state and ZIP code. The bill co-authored by Sens. Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee, and Julian Bradley, R-Franklin, and Rep. Donna Rozar, R-Marshfield would prohibit anyone other than the voter or witness from correcting any defects on the ballot certificate. Violation of the statute would result in a fine of up to $500 and a 30-day jail sentence, according to a Legislative Reference Bureau analysis of the proposal. The Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections has scheduled a public hearing on the bill for Wednesday. Evers vetoed a similar proposal in April 2022, writing in a veto message there is a clear difference between a ballot where the witness simply missed the zip code portion of the address, though the rest was complete, and a ballot that has no witness at all. This bill would treat all errors the same, requiring all ballots with even the most inconsequential mistake to either be discarded or sent back to the voter if the clerk has time, Evers continued. For example, a witness could fill out their entire name, street name, signature, and municipality, but forget to include their house number. This inadvertent omission by the witness would invalidate the voters ballot. Legal fights Dane County Judge Ryan Nilsestuen ruled last month that clerks can accept absentee ballots whose envelopes contain partial witness addresses as long as the witnesses addresses are discernable. In that ruling, Nilsestuen rejected the Wisconsin Elections Commissions proposed definition of an address as including a street number, street name and the name of the municipality. Instead, he ruled, a witness address can omit municipalities and ZIP codes, or simply say same or ditto if the witness lives with the voter as long as clerks can figure out where the witness lives. In his ruling, Nilsestuen said the issue could be resolved by legislation clearly defining an address. He noted that, in the absence of such a law, the court has to make sense of an undefined word used in a variety of different contexts in a convoluted and poorly written statute. We are more than happy to take the advice of Judge Nilsestuen and pass such a bill to define exactly what an address is so that there are no longer any questions regarding what must be present in the witness address portion of an absentee ballot envelope, the bills co-authors wrote in a memo seeking co-sponsors. A Waukesha County judge in September 2022 ruled that clerks cannot correct address errors on absentee ballot certificates, leaving some clerks to reject ballots missing witnesses ZIP codes or municipality. That led Rise Inc., a liberal group that mobilizes young voters, and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin to file separate lawsuits arguing voters shouldnt be disenfranchised because of immaterial errors on ballot envelopes that clerks can no longer fix. The two lawsuits were later combined into a single case. Nilsestuen last month agreed with the plaintiffs, saying tossing ballots over those errors would violate the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibition on disenfranchising voters over mistakes on forms that arent key to determining a voters eligibility. All voters deserve to have their votes counted regardless of whether they vote in person or absentee, League of Women Voters executive director Debra Cronmiller said last month. Small errors or omissions on the absentee certificate envelope should not prevent voters from exercising their constitutional rights. Nilsestuen last week ordered the elections commission to implement new rules allowing local election officials to accept absentee ballots with partial witness address information. The agency is scheduled to meet Thursday. Attorneys for the Legislature have appealed the ruling. On Friday, Nilsestuen denied their request that he stay his order pending the outcome of the appeal. The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau in 2021 reviewed 14,710 absentee ballot certificates received during the 2020 election in 29 counties and municipalities, some of which were won by Democrat Joe Biden and others by Republican Donald Trump. It found that 1,022 certificates, or 6.9%, were missing parts of witness addresses; 15, or 0.1%, did not have any witness address at all; eight, or less than 0.1%, did not have a witness signature; and three, or less than 0.1%, did not have a voter signature. Clerks corrected 66, or about 0.4%, of those certificates. Today in history: Feb. 5 1937: Franklin D. Roosevelt 1971: Apollo 14 1983: Klaus Barbie 1993: Family and Medical Leave Act 2008: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi 2012: New York Giants 2014: CVS 2017: The New England Patriots 2018: Jerome Powell 2020: Impeachment We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Listen up, die-hard romantics and nature lovers. The Bay Area is full of sweet spots for amour, but to our minds, nothing is more romantic than a long, hand-in-hand walk down a winding trail to a secluded beach (especially when someone's packin' some bubbly). Here are our most beloved Bay Area treks for lovebirds. Sunset Hike to Mile Rock Beach (Courtesy of @andrewbroz) This mysterious little beach is tucked in along the Land's End Coastal Trail, making it the perfect destination for a secluded picnic or a mid-hike break. Located 100 or so steps down from the main trail, this rugged beach will make you feel like you've traveled back in time. There are a lot of logs and different places to sit down, so unpack your favorite drinks and snacks and take in the views. Learn more. Insider's tip: There's a narrow trail that takes you up to a lookout above the beach. If you decide to explore up there, you'll be rewarded with the area's famous labyrinth and amazing views of Baker Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge. Above the Clouds on Mt. Tamalpais (Photo by Slav Romanov on Unsplash) If your idea of a perfect evening includes a blanket, some wine, amazing company, and being surrounded by golden coastline views, then put this hike at the top of your list. Located less than an hour from San Francisco, this easy 1.2-mile loop is a great way to enjoy a sunset on a clear fall evening. Be sure to pack your camera, because the views will not disappoint. Learn more. Insider's tip: Check the weather forecast and be sure to pack some warm clothes. If you're hungry afterwards, plan on grabbing a bite at the Mountain Home Inn. Explore the Presidio's Hidden Treasures (Courtesy of @stuinsf) Grab your loved one and take a stroll through this beautiful oasis of light-filled forests, art installations, beaches, and sweeping views. An especially popular spot for engagements and wedding photos, this easy 2-mile hike will take you past some of the Presidio's most amazing little gems including Lover's Lane, Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line. and the Inspiration Point Overlook. Learn more. A Beautiful Hike to Abbotts Lagoon (Courtesy of @arnjmllr) This romantic day trip offers you the best of Point Reyes, all packed into an easy 2.3-mile hike. Pick up your picnic supplies in Point Reyes Station, and then head for Abbott's Lagoon Trail. You'll meander through wildflowers, headlands, scenic landscapes, tons of wildlife, and eventually find yourself on a seemingly endless beach. It's a perfect spot for a secluded picnic and a nice walk along the water. Learn more. Insider's tip: Be sure to check the weather forecast. Sunny days here are glorious, but cloudy days (although still beautiful) can be very cold and windy. Pack accordingly. The images of swaying palm trees, inviting turquoise waters and deserted white sandy beaches have long lured travelers to the islands of Hawaii. Nearly 8.8 million people from around the world visited within the first 11 months of 2023. Though the entirety of Hawaii encompasses a string of 137 islands in the Pacific Ocean, there are eight major islands, six of which are open to the public and welcome visitors. Just as the islands have their own vibes or personalities, so do their beaches, from iconic spots such as Waikiki to the quietest stretch of sand in the most remote part of an island. Here, we take a look at a handful of Hawaiian beach gems, following the chain from the island of Hawaii north to Kauai. Because these beaches are lesser-known, lifeguards may not be present. Pay attention to the weather, which can affect waves and tides. Visitors are encouraged to review Ocean Safety and/or Safe Beach Day to check conditions before setting out. Note: If you encounter wildlife on any of the beaches in Hawaii, please be mindful give them their space and do not approach. Not only is it the considerate thing to do, but Hawaii imposes heavy fines on those who disturb native wildlife, including sea turtles and monk seals. Pohoiki Black Sand Beach on the island of Hawaii was created after the 2018 volcanic activity of Kilauea. Peter Unger / Getty Images Hawaii There is a fairly new black sand beach in the Puna district on the eastern side of the island, south of Hilo. Pohoiki Black Sand Beach, also known as Isaac Kepookalani Hale Beach Park, was created as a result of the 2018 activity of Kilauea, one of the volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. A popular surfing spot for experienced boarders, Pohoiki Black Sand Beach is terrific for swimming, too, though visitors will want to heed lifeguards warnings if issued. The beach is flanked by verdant palm trees and a bright blue sky overhead, a clash of colors that makes for incredible photos. Stay: Reserve a room at Volcano House within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Do: After walking through the 500-year-old Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), go deep into the park to see the Puuloa Petroglyphs. About 23,000 petroglyphs have been found in the more than 500-year-old lava field. The uneven terrain at both of these sites could make walking or hiking moderately difficult; use caution. Investor presentation - Euroz Hartleys Healthcare Forum Perth, Feb 6, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd ( ASX:PIQ ) is pleased to release a copy of the presentation to be provided by Dr Richard Lipscombe to delegates at Euroz Hartleys Healthcare Forum being held on 6 February 2024. *To view the presentation, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/354473MX About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) is a wholly owned subsidiary and trading name of PILL, a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. The Company specialises in the area of proteomics - the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins. Proteomics International's mission is to improve the quality of lives by the creation and application of innovative tools that enable the improved treatment of disease. Related Companies Investor Presentation - Indaba 2024 Mining Conference Sydney, Feb 6, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Theta Gold Mines Limited ( ASX:TGM ) ( 3LM:FRA ) ( TGMGF:OTCMKTS ) provides a Presentation which was provided by Theta Gold's Chairman, Bill Guy at the 121 Mining Investment Conference on 5 and 6 February 2024 as part of the 2024 Indaba Mining Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. *To view the presentation, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/70Y0PX4O About Theta Gold Mines Limited Theta Gold Mines Limited (ASX:TGM) (OTCMKTS:TGMGF) is a gold development company that holds a range of prospective gold assets in a world-renowned South African gold mining region. These assets include several surface and near-surface high-grade gold projects which provide cost advantages relative to other gold producers in the region. Theta Gold Mines core project is located next to the historical gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, in Mpumalanga Province, some 370km northeast of Johannesburg by road or 95km north of Nelspruit (Capital City of Mpumalanga Province). Following small scale production from 2011-2015, the Company is currently focussing on the construction of a new gold processing plant within its approved footprint at the TGME plant, and for the processing of the Theta Open Pit oxide gold ore. Nearby surface and underground mines and prospects are expected to be further evaluated in the future. The Company aims to build a solid production platform to over 100Kozpa based primarily around shallow, open-cut or adit-entry hard rock mining sources. Theta Gold Mines has access to over 43 historical mines and prospect areas that can be accessed and explored, with over 6.7Moz of historical production recorded. Related Companies A mysterious red light appeared to flash SOS in Morse code from a room in a San Francisco hotel in Union Square. Police said there was no one in distress. Provided to the Chronicle It was close to midnight when a Reddit user posted a mysterious video of what appeared to be someone flashing a red light from the top-floor window of a hotel in San Franciscos Union Square. The post, titled, Is it just me or is this a distress signal? quickly garnered thousands of comments, with Redditors expressing concern, speculating that whoever was inside the hotel room could be a human-trafficking victim or a person in need of help using the light to spell out SOS in Morse code. A blinking red light from the top floor of the Hotel Stratford in San Francisco. Distressed Reddit users were concerned someone was flashing an S.O.S. message in Morse Code. Provided to The Chronicle The Reddit user who posted the original video told the Chronicle via direct message that they were waiting for the 38-Geary bus when they saw the blinking red light and called police to the Hotel Stratford. The person, who declined to provide their name, said they believed they were witnessing a possible distress signal from a sex worker. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The explanation turned out to be more mundane. We have an eccentric tenant in that unit, Jordan Buckley, Hotel Stratfords manager, said when reached by phone Tuesday. Buckley said the tenant is the sole residential occupant of the hotel whose unit was grandfathered into the building when it was sold to hotel management company Paramount Hotels in 2017. The tenant was seen walking around Tuesday morning, hours after the apparent distress call, Buckley said. He is fine, the hotel manager said. San Francisco Police spokesperson Allison Maxie said the department had investigated the matter and found no cause for concern. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officers responded to the location, made contact with the occupant and determined there was no merit to any emergency, Maxie said Tuesday. The historic and grand 10th IIHM Young Chef Olympiad drew to a close at a glamorous Closing Ceremony organised in Kolkata. Azerbaijans Leyla Valiyeva won the coveted gold trophy. The silver was shared between Philippines Clifford Jeff Cadunggo Unabia and Kamal Thapa of Nepal. Italys Francesco Orsi lifted the bronze trophy. At the end of seven eventful days across six cities in India, an epic edition of the worlds Biggest Culinary Battle came to a glamorous close. Connecting over 60 countries of the world, YCO24 was one of the biggest in size and scale. The Closing Ceremony was equally grand and exciting as it took place at Kolkatas popular amusement park, Wet o Wild. Besides the top three, YCO 2024 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round that was held between the next best teams ranked between 11 to 20 in the competition, went to Indias Lenin Bopanna. The Kitchen Cut Management Award went to New Zealand. The Best Vegetarian Dish went to Nepal while the Best Creme Souffle a lOrange went to Italy. Six Best Mentor Nominee Awards were given away based on each of the mentors recommendations about their respective participants. The awards went to Greece, Jordan, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea. The six Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards went to Australia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Scotland, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Participants were also marked on Best Hygiene and Kitchen Practice maintained during competition and this award went to six countries, namely, Namibia, Portugal, England, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan. The Best Knife Skills Award went to Thailand, Portugal, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Lord Bilimoria Rising Stars Award went to Namibia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Ireland and Oman. The Gold Global Sustainability Award went to Kenya. The Spirit of Young Chef Olympiad International Award went to Lesotho. The Dr Bose Challenge Trophy that was introduced this year for participants who did not come in the top 20 teams, went to Kenya and Switzerland. Organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2024 was a true celebration of the spirit of One World One YCO. YCO 2024 had a brilliant panel of esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of the Jury, Chef John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut was Chief Judge of the event. Deputy Chief Judge was Chef Rahul Akerkar, renowned Chef and Restaurateur. The panel of Jury included some famous globally famous culinary faces such as Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, Sicilian Chef Enzo Oliveri, pastry chef and chocolatier Sarah Hartnett, Dato Chef Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Celebrity Chef from Malaysia, Chef Neil Rippington, International Director, IIHM and Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef Dorchester Collection. YCO 2024 continued to embrace the important and significant theme of Sustainability promoting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special award, the Zenobia Nadirshaw Diamond Research Award went to students who had done research on the SDGs and how to achieve them to make the world a better place to live. Four awards in this category went to Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Italy. Preparing and organising an event of this stature needs the might of an organisation and leadership that runs a network of connected institutes across the country, manages people from different places, with an alumni base of tens of thousands and is loved by the entire world, said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor, YCO. There are years when nothing happens and there are weeks where decades happen. Thats what happened in the pandemic. It taught us the importance of health and sustainability and brought us close to food. I am so glad that YCO has embodied both food and sustainability in this competition, said Nakul Anand, eminent hotel an travel industry personality who is now Chairman of the YCO Global Advisory Committee. YCO 2024 was special because it was the 10 year. It had been a wonderful decade in which we have received incredible support from the countries, mentors, judges and everyone who was involved. We are absolutely committed to the UN SDGs and we are also proud and grateful to the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili for his support, specially because he launched the 10th YCO by inaugurating the chef jacket that the participants are wearing this year. The Young Chef Olympiad is the greatest platform to promote Youth Culinary Diplomacy, a platform to bring the world together through the power of youth. YCO will continue to celebrate and carry forward the spirit of One World One YCO in the years to come, said Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder, YC Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur stressed on media conveying the positive developments in the country within India and the world, while desisting from indulging in manufacturing news. The Minister was addressing the DNPA Conclave and Awards 2024 today. Speaking at the Conclave, Thakur said, Whatever that the media does, nothing should be detrimental to the country. Medias work is to convey the news, and not manufacture news. He further said that he believed that Indian media understands the realities very well and reports news with great responsibility. However, today the responsibilities of media are not limited to reporting with the boundary of India. Today, through digital platforms media needs to highlight Indias forward march, the countrys culture, literature, arts and heritage, and whatever good that is happening in India or whatever is associated with India. This can be taken forward by the media to not just throughout the country, but across the world as well, because there is nothing terrestrial in this. Media can take the message anywhere. At the same time, the Minister affirmed that while there might be difference of opinion, however, there needs to be fair reporting in this regard. There should not be any manufacturing of fake news that some people currently indulge in, he maintained. In a noteworthy development within India's financial sector, the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) unveils its redesigned, user-friendly website crafted by Bombay Design Centre. Adhering to the regulatory compliance standards set by the RBI and run by NPCI, BBPS's refreshed website interface guarantees a distinctive experience for stakeholders, encompassing customers, billers, operating units, and developers. Did you know that BBPS processes 34 lakh payments and settles over 700 Crores daily? It has been a game-changer in the Digital India ecosystem for easy and secure bill payments and settlements in India's daily digital bill payments landscape. With the recent overhaul, this website serves as an intuitive interface for all stakeholders to access all information about BBPS, its products, services, partnership opportunities, and career prospects, all through a single window. Catering to bill payments across 20+ categories, spanning electricity, telecom, DTH, gas, water bills, insurance premiums, mutual funds, school fees, credit cards, fastag recharge, local taxes, housing society payments, and more, the website will be making notable additions. This includes a robust Bharat BillPay Citizen Service, that offers customer support for bill-related issues. A standout feature of the new interface will be the accessibility of data for billers and transaction history for all settlements. Looking ahead, Indian citizens will be able to conveniently check transaction history, moreover the website will offer a sandbox for fintech enthusiasts to test their products, making it a comprehensive platform for digital aspirations within the industry. Noopur Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) Quote "The redesigned website encompasses an extensive bill payment category, accessible through a unified interface. Embracing technology and staying abreast of the modern age is crucial. Acknowledging the significance of our platform, we sought someone who understands the intricate nuances of digital products, design, and communication, ensuring a seamless experience for our partners and customers. Bombay Design Centre perfectly aligns with these requirements. In the future, with additional features like language options, sandbox, dashboard, ticketing and resolution and knowledge hub, we are committed to making this website the go to interface for all information and interactions with Bharat BillPay." The dual nature of news and social media presents a double-edged sword. While these platforms serve as valuable tools for communication and information, they are equally vulnerable to manipulation and misuse. The widespread availability of data and the ubiquity of mobile devices have democratized access to information, enabling individuals to share their opinions and perspectives more freely than ever before. However, this ease of communication also amplifies the dissemination of misinformation. With the click of a button, false narratives can reach millions of users within seconds, spreading like wildfire across social media platforms. This unrestricted flow of information, coupled with the lack of stringent fact-checking mechanisms, exacerbates the problem of misinformation. As a result, distinguishing between fact and fiction has become increasingly challenging in the digital age. According to the recent Global State of the Media survey, approximately 58% of journalists cited ensuring content accuracy as their number one priority, ranking above exclusivity. Where there is content, there is a possibility of misinformation and disinformation existing, noted Jaideep Shergill, Co-Founder of Pitchfork Partners, adding, However, this concern is particularly critical in India, given that we ranked highest in a survey among experts during the recent World Economic Forum. In this complex landscape, the public relations industry can be a key player in combating or at least minimising the spread of misinformation, and technology-driven tools can serve as powerful allies in this journey. PR practitioners are utilising various tools and strategies to tackle this challenge. One approach involves the use of advanced technology tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to detect and flag false information. There are some arsenals available to fight misinformation. Listing some of these, Pooja Chaudhri, Executive Director, Concept PR, said, With newer versions of generative AI tools, verifying the accuracy of information dispensed on social media will become even more challenging. As PR professionals, we are responsible for fact-checking all information before sharing it. I believe AI, if properly used, is a great technology to help weed out misinformation. It can be programmed to check for facts faster than humans can. At the same time, we must implement a system that authenticates all information that reaches us independently from multiple sources. Jaideep Shergill cited some key tactics, saying, Establishing the veracity of information sources serves as the foundational step in this endeavour. Trust, but verify. Equipped with the correct knowledge, we can act as vigilant monitors, tracking and addressing misinformation across social media platforms. Collaboration with the right stakeholders, including journalists, media houses, and relevant councils can further strengthen our ability to disseminate factual data and counter false information. He further said that more often than not, misinformation thrives on dramatic narratives to appeal to a higher number of readers, which fuels its rapid spread. But while technology is the very facilitator through which misinformation spreads, it can also serve as a tool for PR professionals. Today, we have at our disposal a plethora of AI options, which can be effectively utilised to course correct and counter emotional appeals with robust, accurate data, he added. Shergill cited an example to explain this, A notable example here is the World Health Organizations EARS (Early AI-supported Response with Social Listening), an AI-powered tool used to monitor online conversations about COVID-19. This helped the health agency obtain a comprehensive analysis of public sentiment around the pandemic. Using this approach, it was able to identify prevalent misinformation and respond swiftly in real time to assist people with the correct information. Such large-scale social listening would have been impossible without the strategic application of technology and tools. Valerie Pinto, CEO, Weber Shandwick India, highlighted some strategies as well, stating, Technology-driven tools offer promising solutions to combat this issue. Leveraging monitoring and detection through social listening tools, fact-checking APIs, chatbots, and virtual assistants, as well as implementing targeted social media campaigns and engaging fact-checkers, can prove invaluable in countering misinformation. Yet, as the use of the internet continues to rise, the prevalence of misinformation is poised to grow. In such a landscape, it becomes increasingly crucial to foster media literacy. By embarking on educational campaigns that empower users to critically evaluate information online, we lay the groundwork for a more informed and resilient digital community. Tarunjeet Rattan, Managing Partner, Nucleus PR, noted, A Google search will throw up several tools that will be adept at giving you data that throws up chatter, sentiment analysis, and more. A task easily done by any tech/ AI expert. The difference a PR professional makes to the mix is understanding what this data means, how it impacts the brand, when and where should the brand speak to address a misinformation crisis. This, along with understanding how the information is being escalated and how to put a stop to it. The PR team needs to spend their time understanding how to use this opportunity (yes, it is one) of being in the news to demonstrate the brands values and strengthen its reputation. Indias premier film production house, Yash Raj Films, has been honoured with the revered Swiss Excellence Award! This prestigious occasion was graced by Martin Maier, Consul General of Switzerland in Mumbai, and Christophe Xavier Clivaz, Founder & Director of Swiss Learning. The Swiss Excellence Award was presented to Yash Raj Films, for the companys long-standing creative association with Switzerland and promotion of Swiss excellence. The award was received by Akshaye Widhani, CEO, Yash Raj Films. Akshaye told the esteemed gathering, With great honour and gratitude we extend our heartfelt thanks to the esteemed Government of Switzerland for this recognition the Swiss Excellence Award to YRF. The legendary Yash Chopra, a visionary film-maker whose creative prowess transcended boundaries, became synonymous to Switzerland through the cinematic masterpieces that he created in his lifetime. YRF has shot about 14 movies in Switzerland from DDLJ, Dhoom 3, Veer Zara, Dil To Pagal Hai, Chandni, Darr (to name a few). Akshaye adds, These films not only captivated audiences worldwide but also served as an instrumental force in fostering a deep bond between India and Switzerland. We are happy that our films could become postcards of Switzerland to Indians and South Asians living across the world. I know this partnership will strengthen every year, fostering a legacy of cultural exchange for generations to come! Nilo, a Transgender Student Wellness Initiative student coordinator and Multicultural Community Center administrative intern, stands in front of a rainbow Pride flag, Intersex-Inclusive Pride Progress flag and transgender flag at the Gender Equity Resource Center at UC Berkeley on Friday, Feb. 2. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle Nilo, Trans Student Wellness Initiative student coordinator and multicultural Community Center administrative intern, walks to the Gender Equity Resource Center at UC Berkeley on Friday, February 2, 2024 in Berkeley, Calif. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle In his first year at UC Berkeley, Nilo landed a campus job at the multicultural center, which would help cover costs and give him a chance to meet people. He was anxious on his first day, though Nilo is transgender and wasnt sure whether he should use his chosen pronouns, what name he should ask others to use or, he said, if they would keep me. His worries were alleviated almost at once: His boss was queer and nonbinary, as were others on staff. It was the first time Id interacted with other trans people, said Nilo, who asked that only his first name be used for privacy and safety reasons. I was just like, Whoa, its going to be fine. In fact, over the past four years, the number of undergraduate students identifying as transgender or nonbinary has climbed dramatically, though they remain a small percentage of the campus population. Those shifts are reflected across much of the University of California system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The number of undergraduate students identifying as nonbinary on all UC campuses rose by more than 2,000 from 2019 to 2023, according to demographic data released last month. UC changed how it collects gender data last year, consolidating nonbinary, genderqueer and gender non-conforming into one nonbinary category. Even taking into account that shift, the number and percentage of students identifying as trans or nonbinary increased significantly. The percentage of students identifying as gender nonconforming, nonbinary or transgender more than tripled over four years, from 0.6% in 2019 to 1.9% in 2023. Of that group, most students identified as nonbinary. About 0.2% of UC undergrads identified as trans men in 2023, and 0.1% identified as trans women. At UC Berkeley specifically, 0.2% of students identified as trans or gender nonconforming in 2019. That shot up to 1.8% of students identifying as nonbinary or trans in 2023. Among the nine undergraduate UC campuses, UC Santa Cruz reported the largest nonbinary (4%) and trans (1.1%) undergraduate population in 2023. The UC system has taken deliberate steps to create safer and more accommodating spaces for gender nonconforming students and staff, said Em Huang, director of LGBTQ advancement and equity at UC Berkeley. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Huang, who identifies as transgender and nonbinary, said in their eight years at the campus theres been a notable shift in both the student population and how theyre accepted by the broader community. Huang said when they started, coworkers sometimes struggled using the correct pronouns, and Huang didnt know many other trans or nonbinary people on staff. Over time Ive definitely felt that shift, and I think thats more representation of nonbinary staff members on campus and more awareness, Huang said. Were in a stage of folks recognizing that nonbinary folks exist, and were getting from there to understanding. Huang identified several policy changes across UC that have helped make the university more welcoming to trans and nonbinary students, such as a systemwide rule that allows students to use their chosen name and gender identity on almost all official documents, including campus IDs, transcripts and employment records. Another policy thats taken longer to roll out, Huang said, is the conversion of multi-stalled gendered restrooms to gender-neutral restrooms. UC Berkeley is a bit further along than other campuses, Huang said, but plans to convert more. The campus also distributes a map of gender-neutral restrooms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Every year UC Berkeley holds a panel for new trans and nonbinary students to discuss the resources available for them, including health care, help with housing and social support, Huang said. A housing program allows trans and nonbinary students to request a roommate who is also trans or nonbinary. Huang said among the most important resources for undergraduates is the network of clubs supporting specific communities within the broader LGBTQ population. Any given semester there are 10-30 such clubs, Huang said. Megan Lam found their space in Cal Queer & Asian, a club for students who identify as queer and Asian. Lam, who is nonbinary, said finding a community on campus was a priority when deciding where to go to school. Being able to find people who have those shared experiences in a way that maybe other queer friends dont understand, that was really important to me, Lam said. I came into Berkeley thinking it was going to be incredibly overwhelming because its a massive school. And its pretty big here, but there are so many small communities within. Nilo, now a senior at UC Berkeley, is one of six leaders of the Transgender Student Wellness Initiative, which runs programs and offers financial and other support. He came to Berkeley from Compton (Los Angeles County), and though hed been out as transgender for years, he hadnt been allowed to transition while living at home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nilo said his UC Berkeley community was supportive in surprising and life-changing ways from coworkers helping him get his first haircut after he arrived, to a friend offering a place to stay over the holidays when he didnt feel welcome at home. Last year, when he was raising money to offset costs of gender-affirming surgery, he asked a professor if he could distribute a crowdfunding link in class. The professor said yes and then promptly paid off the remainder of what Nilo was trying to raise. There is room for improvement, Nilo said, especially around building financial and social support for trans and nonbinary students, plus spaces to celebrate and experience joy in their identity. Food Network has set a date for Guy Fieris next bite of the Mobile-area food scene, leading off a new season with the last of sixth southwest Alabama restaurants the celebrity chef visited last summer. We already knew that the last place on Fieris list was Meat Boss, a west Mobile eatery that, as the name suggests, specializes in barbecue. At one point, Food Network announced it would premiere on Feb. 29, but it appears a decision was made for the segment to be used in the kickoff of the shows next season. Now the network says thats going to happen on March 1. Meat Boss might get a little more love than the average DDD segment. Most half-hour episodes cover three restaurants, but Smokin Southern Decadence will feature just two, according to the promo at FoodNetwork.com. The mouth-watering teaser: First in Mobile, Ala., a family-run barbecue joint is putting out a bomb Boss Burger with a side of rib candy and a stellar smoked brisket sandwich. Then in Atlanta, Chef G. Garvins Southern-American steakhouse is serving up a next-level lobster mac and cheese and a decadent donut bread pudding. Note to the DIY foodies: The site features Meat Boss recipes for the Boss Burger, Rib Candy and Spicy Carolina Sauce. It also tells how to make the lobster mac and cheese and the war, doughnut bread pudding with crispy bacon served at LowCountry Steak in Atlanta. The segment completes a story arc that began last June, when DDD film crews hit six area restaurants. While in the region, Fieri joined longtime collaborator Panini Pete Blohme for the opening of his newest restaurant, The Waterfront in Daphne. Five area restaurants were showcased on the show in October, November and December: Southwood Kitchen, The Noble South, Roosters, The Hummingbird Way and Front Yard Tacos. According to FoodNetwork.com, the new episode will air at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Central time on Friday, March 1. Repeats include airings at 10 p.m. Central time on Saturday, March 9, and 1 a.m. Central on Sunday, March 10. Deepfake images created by artificial intelligence would be banned under Alabamas child pornography law under a bill sponsored by state Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield. Weaver announced Monday she was introducing the bill after an incident in Demopolis. Photographs of six girls at Demopolis Middle School were uploaded to an artificial intelligence site to make pornographic images by superimposing their faces over other images. A parent told the Demopolis Board of Education in December that two male students were responsible and the girls had no involvement, the Demopolis Times reported. With the expansion and easy accessibility of artificial intelligence, some individuals are using it for immoral purposes, and we must take every step necessary to ensure that innocent and vulnerable children remain protected, Weaver said in a press release. As digital technology continues to advance, our laws that protect Alabamians of all ages from harm must keep pace and adapt to it. Producers of deepfake technology use artificial intelligence to place images of people in photos and videos without their knowledge or consent. Related: Deepfake explicit images of Taylor Swift spread on social media. Her fans are fighting back Alabamas current child pornography law makes it a felony to knowingly disseminate or display publicly any obscene matter containing a visual depiction of a person under the age of 17. A violation is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years. The current law defines visual depiction as a portrayal, representation, illustration, image, likeness, or other thing that creates a sensory impression, whether an original, duplicate, or reproduction. But that definition does not specifically cover digitally-produced or manipulated media, according to the news release about Weavers bill. Weavers bill adds material created through digitization or any other electronic process to the list of banned child pornography media. Weaver said she pre-filed the bill in advance of the legislative session, which starts Tuesday. Alabamas state sales tax on food, reduced last year by the Legislature, is not expected to drop another percentage point this year. Lawmakers approved a bill to cut the state sales tax on food after decades of talk that a reduction was needed because the tax on necessities was disproportionately hard on low-income families. The bill dropped the tax from 4% to 3% on Sept. 1, 2023. The bill carried a provision to reduce the tax by another percentage point in September of this year, but only if revenues to support the Education Trust Fund (ETF) grew by 3.5%. That was included as a safeguard to protect school funding because the sales tax is one of the largest sources for the ETF. Each percentage point drop in the food tax is estimated to reduce revenues by about $150 million. Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the Legislative Services Agency, included the information about the food tax in a presentation he gave to lawmakers Tuesday morning. Fulford explained that revenues have flattened out after extraordinary growth the last couple of years, growth that was fueled partly by an influx of billions in federal dollars because of the COVID pandemic. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, chair of the education budget committee in the Senate, said the slowdown in tax revenues and postponement of the further decrease in the food tax was expected. The growth is modest. So its not rising up to the level of 3.5%, which was necessary, Orr said. And we projected that. And we didnt need to, in a downturn in revenues, we did not want to have a 140, 150 million dollar hit to the revenues with another percentage in grocery tax. If the reduction does not happen this year, the new law allows for it to take place in a subsequent year when the revenue growth rate meets the threshold. Orr said said that should happen when revenues return to what has historically been the average growth rate, 4.7% over the last two decades. Fulford and state Finance Director Bill Poole made presentations on the states economy, tax revenue, and outlook for the education and General Fund budgets. The presentations are given annually on the first day of the legislative session. Lawmakers begin the session at noon Tuesday. Gov. Kay Ivey will deliver her State of the State address Tuesday night at 6. This is an opinion column. Drugs put people in prison. They keep people in prison. They kill people in prison. More than 2,000 people are in Alabama prisons directly because of drug charges. That doesnt seem like much in a system that houses more than 20,000 people. But thats only a tiny bit of the story. According to the Alabama Sentencing Commission 80% to 90% of felony cases are linked in some way to drugs. Thats thousands more cases. Either the defendant was under some influence of a drug or alcohol, or they were committing the crime to acquire funds to obtain a drug, the commission said in a recent report. Drugs return people to prison. I feel comfortable saying 70% to 80% of (parole) revocations involve some sort of substance abuse that led them to commit a new crime, said Cam Ward, director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. And of course they kill. Alabamas rate of death in prison is far higher than the national average. The U.S. Justice Department has lambasted the Alabama Department of Corrections as a place that cant stop a tidal wave of drugs. Those drugs lead to sexual abuse, violence over drug debts, and death. Alabama is doing it terribly wrong. Alabama suffers crime because of drugs, it punishes people because of drugs, it builds billion dollar prisons and signs billion dollar prison healthcare deals because its justice system is overrun by the consequences of drugs. It forces people to spend lifetimes in prison because of drugs, it uses the presence of drugs as an excuse to put addicts back inside, and if it put a fraction of the effort into rehabilitation it would save more people, more money and more families. The Prison Policy Initiative last week issued a national report about this very topic, saying cops, lawmakers, even family members worried about the addictions of their loved ones, often believe a stint in jail might be the thing that saves their sons or daughters or fathers or mothers. But its a myth, that group says. Prisons and jails across America, and certainly in Alabama, rarely use the best methods for treating addiction, and more often leave addicts to struggle on their own behind bars. In Alabama that means surviving in places where drugs are not only abundant, but deadly in unthinkable ways. As the DOJ put it in a lawsuit against Alabama prisons, the use of illicit substances, including methamphetamines or Fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids, is prevalent in Alabamas Prisons for Men. Prisoners using illicit substances often harm others or become indebted to other prisoners. The inability to pay drug debts leads to beatings, kidnappings, stabbings, sexual abuse, and homicides. So people die, rather than be released with a chance of redemption. Like Daniel Williams last year. People are attacked, like a Bibb Correctional Facility prisoner cited by the feds, who was stabbed as he was sleeping, over and over again, by a man who said the victim owed him money for drugs, so he got it in blood. Like a man at Draper prison, also cited by DOJ, who blacked out on meth, and realized only after he woke up that he had been raped. The DOJ cites multiple cases where inmates were given drugs so they would be incapacitated and sexually assaulted. Its suit contends drugs found during an autopsy are used to cloud the facts of how prisoners are killed. Alabama prisons are no place to get away from drugs, much less get help. Few prisons are. As the Prison Policy Initiative puts it, half the people in state prisons in America had a substance abuse disorder, and only 10 percent got any sort of medical treatment at all. And therein lies the rub. Addiction affects people across demographic lines, across income levels, across everything. But those who can pay for effective medical treatment outside of prisons are far more likely to avoid the horrors of the inside. On average, a person seeking residential drug rehab in Alabama can expect to pay $58,607, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. Thats in a state where the median family income per family, not per person is $59,609. It is simply impossible for many people in Alabama to afford that. Alabama is among the poorest states in America with a poverty rate above 16%. And in Alabama, just four facilities offer free drug rehab treatment for all clients. Getting clean is a full time job, and it costs full time pay. Nationally, the average cost of drug detoxification can run you about the same as a house in Montgomery. One series of Methadone treatments one as a per episode cost can reach as much as a brand new Nissan Versa. A three-month stint at inpatient rehab will cost about $36,000, the NCDAS says. Alabama, the group says, is one of the more expensive states to get drug treatment. And thats if you can get it at all. Alabama is a state with fewer active substance abuse centers than its peers, the NCDAS says. But few things come at a cost as substantial as a stint in Alabama prisons, where paroles have been nearly stopped, where violence is a constant, where lives are destroyed and redemption denied. And Alabama knows it. The states own $824,114 grant proposal for treatment of prisoners in 2022 acknowledged that drug-connected crime, which leads to initial incarceration and subsequent recidivism, is a major factor in prison overcrowding, and the overcrowding aspect then affects the economic factors involved in housing a growing prison population. The states prisons are at 168% capacity, contributing to the violence and the lack of help. We know addiction is a major cause of crime. We pay billions of dollars to house addicts in horrific prisons where addictions only get worse, and more dangerous. We hand them draconian sentences, deny almost all of them parole, even though we know treatment is more effective than punishment. Alabamas strategy is inhumane, expensive and stubborn. Most importantly, its a terrible way to keep law-abiding Alabamians from becoming future victims. They call it being tough on crime. What they should call it is ineffective. John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner at AL.com. This project was completed with the support of a grant from Columbia Universitys Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures. In Decatur, a north Alabama city still reeling from a deadly police shooting last fall, a longtime councilman has called for the mayor to resign. I would ask, and I join with people, if theres an ounce of integrity, I would ask that your love for the city will allow you to step down and let someone else take that seat, Councilman Billy Jackson said during the city council meeting tonight. Mayor Tab Bowling was walking out of the meeting when Jackson began speaking. The mayor returned to his seat to hear what Jackson had to say but then walked out without commenting. The mayor emailed a statement to AL.com on Tuesday morning. Councilman Jackson and I dont always see eye to eye, but I know he and I both care deeply about Decatur and our citizens, the mayor wrote. Hes welcome to have his own opinions and to share them as he sees fit, and Im going to keep working for the people of our city. The mayor announced last week that he would no longer stay for the public comments portion of council meetings, saying that he and his family have faced threats and accusations in the wake of the police shooting of Stephen Perkins. Ever since a Decatur police officer shot and killed Perkins last September, many members of the public have spoken during the meetings, blasting the citys response to the shooting. Bowling last year announced he will not be running for re-election when his term ends in 2025. Jackson said he is calling for Bowlings resignation because there is no way to remove a mayor from office. In the past, when the Steve Perkins situation happened, people had talked to me and their question was very simple, How do we get rid of a mayor? he said. And my answer has always been that there is no recourse. We cant get rid of a mayor. We cant. There is no recourse in the state of Alabama for us to do that. After Perkins death, the city fired three officers and suspended a fourth, the family filed a federal lawsuit and a grand jury indicted one officer on a murder charge. Jackson said that if the mayor steps down, Jacob Ladner, the city council president could fill the position. Hes elected. Hes our mayor. And my position also has been that if we get rid of Tab then Jacob becomes mayor. And while I think that Jacob has listened to our public and thats so vital, I do think that Jacob is more educated. He is more qualified to serve as mayor. And because of the things that happen in our city. Jackson also complained about a recent interaction in which he said the mayor told him not to speak directly with city department heads. Jackson said that the mayor told him that after he said he would contact the head of the sanitation department about a citizen complaint lodged during the public comment portion of the last council meeting after the mayor left the meeting. He read text messages that he said the mayor sent him last week: ...You are nothing more than a citizen when you are not in a quorum. If you have needs in your district, please contact me and I will work with the directors to determine a possible solution. Before Jackson called for Mayor Bowling to resign, the city council unanimously passed a new ordinance that allows for people to protest without obtaining permits from the police. Bowling in December announced a crackdown on protests, saying that anyone who wanted to demonstrate in the city would have to get a permit. The mayor announced the change following months of protests that started in Decatur after the police shot Perkins in his front yard on Sept. 29. Police arrested some protesters. The mayor noted that protesters demonstrated in his neighborhood and throughout downtown. I think its a good change, said Ladner, the council president. It just kind of clarifies when you need a permit and when you dont. Its just further clarification for that. Basically in the ordinance, it specifically says that this does not apply to protest, pickets as long as theres no blocking of the street or public sidewalks blocking, they can do what they need to do, he said. In a letter to Mayor Tab Bowling last month, the ACLU of Alabama called for the city to reverse the crackdown. The City of Decatur may not regulate speech and protest because of disagreement with the message or finding the activities inconvenient, the group wrote. Therefore, those who have protested and continue to protest the police murder of Mr. Perkins do not lose their constitutional protection because their topic is potentially controversial or the City of Decatur is concerned about the publics reactions, the letter stated. The citys new ordinance does not apply to demonstrations limited to public sidewalks, parks, and other public places and do not interfere with the movement of people into and out of buildings and the normal flow of pedestrians. Decatur modeled the new ordinance after one adopted by another northern Alabama city. In 2023, Florence enacted new noise and parade ordinances. Before then, a social justice group had sued, saying the city unlawfully restricted demonstrations after months of protests against a Confederate monument in downtown. No parade permit is required where marchers remain on sidewalks and obey all traffic signals and laws at intersections so long as marchers do not interfere with the normal flow of pedestrians and/or the ingress and egress from buildings, parking areas, or rights of way, according to the newly approved parade ordinance. Editors note: This story was updated on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 8:15 a.m. to add a statement from Mayor Tab Bowling. A former Decatur doctor at one point faced five separate criminal charges alleging inappropriate physical contact with his patients. After a jury found him not guilty of the only remaining charge last week, he now faces none. Michael Dick, 71, a former Decatur doctor who lost his license over similar allegations to those that were prosecuted in Morgan County Circuit Court, owned Alabama Medicine and Rheumatology. He still faces a civil suit in which three dozen former patients allege he sexually assaulted them at his medical office, and his path to reinstatement of his license, if he requests it, is complicated by the length of time since he last practiced medicine. Dicks defense lawyer in all three criminal trials that have gone to the jury and in two cases that prosecutors dismissed before trial at the request of the victims was Britt Cauthen of Decatur. Finally hes vindicated, Cauthen said after last weeks verdict. The judicial process worked. I would say this will help clear his good name. Cauthen said the jury deliberations on the trials, two of them misdemeanors and one a felony, were quick. He estimated the three juries combined deliberated for less than an hour before acquitting Dick. In each case, Cauthen said, it was an accusation and a complete rebuttal. Every criminal trial you either believed the accuser or not. Cauthen said it has been a difficult time for his client. Everybody knew when he got arrested and everybody knew he was accused of being inappropriate with his patients, Cauthen said. Of the five criminal charges filed against Dick, four were for misdemeanor harassment. Two harassment charges were dismissed at the prosecutors request in September 2023 because, according to the city prosecutors motions, the victim no longer desires to proceed. He was found not guilty of one of the harassment charges on Oct. 20, 2022, and of the other one Wednesday. The most serious charge, and the only felony, was for first-degree sexual abuse. The lawyer for the alleged victim said at the time the charge was filed that she was a quadriplegic who had suffered a traumatic brain injury in an automobile crash. A jury found Dick not guilty in that case on Feb. 7, 2022. Civil case Dicks acquittals in the criminal trials will not prevent the civil case from going forward, according to Eric Artrip, the Huntsville lawyer who represents the plaintiffs. Obviously, the women who were sexually harassed by Michael Dick are disappointed by the verdict in the criminal case, Artrip said. However, due to the limitations on the evidence the criminal jury was able to hear, we were not terribly surprised. The civil proceedings against Michael Dick will go forward, and the civil jury will have the opportunity to hear all of the evidence against him at that trial. As a result, we believe that a Morgan County jury will return a substantial verdict against him, which will, in part, compensate them for what they have had to endure as a result of his actions. No trial date has been set in the civil case. The court this week scheduled a status conference to be held April 10. Medical license The Alabama Medical Licensure Commission initially suspended Dicks license in October 2018 because of evidence that Dick may constitute an immediate danger to his patients and the public. A summary suspension of his medical license remains in effect, although when imposed in 2019 the ruling indicated that Dick should contact the commission every 90 days to advise of the ultimate resolution of the criminal cases. In its administrative complaint, the board based its recommendation of a license suspension on complaints it received from three of Dicks former patients, along with a misdemeanor guilty verdict in District Court that later was overturned by the jury in Circuit Court. The boards investigation concluded Dick kissed two of the three patients on the lips. He placed his hand under one patients garments, touched her breasts and pelvic area for no medical purpose, and touched his genital area against her leg, according to the boards administrative complaint. Wilson Hunter, general counsel for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, on Monday said it is up to Dick to contact the Licensure Commission if he wishes to go forward on a final hearing seeking reinstatement of his license. Dick had made no such request as of Monday. Dick could not be reached for comment Monday. Hunter said Dicks acquittals are no guarantee that his license would be reinstated, in part due to the length of time he has been out of the practice of medicine. In addition to the original charges, the fact that hes been out of practice for more than two years is an issue, Hunter said, noting that Dick hasnt practiced for more than four years. We have rules that state that physicians that have been out of practice for more than two years are presumed to be clinically incompetent, meaning medicine is one of those things youve got to keep doing. If you dont practice, you can fall out of competency. He said there also is a different burden of proof in determining whether a license should be revoked and in determining whether he committed a crime. The Licensure Commission can revoke a license if there is substantial evidence of misconduct, whereas the burden in the criminal cases was beyond a reasonable doubt. Finally, Hunter said some defenses that are applicable in the criminal context are not in the medical licensure context. For example, a jury finding that an alleged victim consented to inappropriate contact could negate a criminal charge, but not a licensure decision. Consent is not a defense to sexual misconduct in the medical sector. I dont know what the juries grounds were for their decision making, but you cant claim consent for violating the patient-physician boundary. eric@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2435. Twitter @DD_Fleischauer. ___ (c)2024 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A former Huntsville City Schools employee was arrested Sunday after an indictment for sex acts with a student. According to jail records, Duane Edward Yarbrough, 58, was arrested Sunday and later released on $15,000 bond. According to court documents, Yarbrough was indicted Jan. 30 on charges of being a school employee engaging in deviant sexual intercourse with a student under the age of 19 years, and having sexual contact with a student. According to a Huntsville City Schools spokesperson, Yarbrough was employed by the school system from July 2016 to October 2022 as a JROTC instructor for Lee/New Century High School. He is not currently employed by the system. The flurry of text messages came late one afternoon in 2021. An aide at Discovery Middle School told Kristi Krueger that her daughter was in trouble. They just put her in the quiet room, one text read, then yelled at her that if she cant stop making noises shes going back in there. Im on my way to get her, Krueger texted back and headed to the school. Krueger learned from the aide that staff had put her 14-year-old daughter into a shower. Her daughter, who has autism and limited ability to communicate with words, hates showers. Fifteen minutes later, Krueger took her daughter whose wet hair was pulled into a ponytail from the school and began to piece together what had happened. Since her daughters clothes were not wet, Krueger wondered if the staff had made her daughter strip before showering. I was outraged, Krueger told AL.com. I couldnt believe the school could do this to my child. Now, more than two years later, after investigations from police and school officials, Krueger believes children with disabilities at Alabama schools do not have enough protection. Her familys case illustrates how hard it is to get police, education and state officials on the same page about allegations of mistreatment of students with disabilities and how the system to track educators with flags on their records still has cracks in it. It seems to me that conduct like this is somehow more tolerated if the kid has a disability, Dan Stewart, the lead attorney at the National Disability Rights Network, told AL.com. Misconduct At Discovery Middle School in Madison, a student and an adult in the room told police that Maya Ries, a special education teacher, and Alisi Outly, an aide, mistreated students in a special education classroom during the 2021-22 school year. A school district investigation later confirmed those accounts. Read more: When are schools allowed to put students in time out, seclusion, restraints? Tell the Ed Lab: Do you have questions about seclusion, restraint, discipline at your school? The school district found that Ries and Outly put Kruegers daughter in the shower as a consequence for noncompliance with commands and also sprayed her with a water bottle. A report by the school district also said that Outly spoke to Kruegers daughter in a demeaning and inappropriate manner. The shower area in the special education classroom at Discovery Middle School in Madison, Alabama, in October 2021. (Contributed)Contributed Ed Nichols, the superintendent in Madison, told the state in March 2022 that most of the misconduct was attributed to Ms. Outly. However, Ms. Ries was the teacher responsible for the classroom and the investigation supported a finding that she was aware of the mistreatment of students by Ms. Outly, did not intervene to stop it and failed to report any of the misconduct. For example, Ms. Ries witnessed Ms. Outly antagonize students, speak to students in a demeaning manner, spray students with a spray water bottle, take scrunchies or hairbows from students as a behavioral consequence, eat students snacks and throw markers at students. Parent complaints The Kruegers filed a police report on Sept. 22, 2021, believing the educators actions were criminal. The next day, the Madison City Police Department opened an investigation. And a week after that, Madison City School officials started their own investigation. Other parents heard about Kruegers daughter and the police investigation. They, too, had concerns about what was happening in that special education classroom. Krueger removed her daughter from Discovery Middle School. On Sept. 29, 2021, Madison City Schools placed Ries and Outly on paid administrative leave. After a three-month investigation, Superintendent Nichols gave the two an ultimatum: Resign or be fired. In interviews with a police investigator, Ries and Outly denied mistreating Kruegers daughter. They said she was put in the shower because she was menstruating and messed up her clothes. (Krueger said her daughter was not having a period at that time.) Outly said she only sprayed students with water on hot days when asked. Both resigned in December 2021. In her four-page resignation letter, Ries did not directly address the allegations, instead pointing to her hard work during the COVID pandemic. I simply cant do this anymore, Ries wrote. I will not allow the struggles from this school year at Madison City Schools to deter me from what I know I am meant to do. I am meant to be a teacher and I will provide love and care to another group of students elsewhere. The detective came up with no abuse. The school system came up with no abuse, Ries wrote. Ries and Outly then found work in a neighboring school system. Ries did not respond to requests for comment from AL.com. Outly declined to talk to an AL.com reporter. Serious allegations In Madison City, people said they witnessed Outly restrain a student multiple times and put a student in a quiet room in the dark. People also claimed Outly and Ries allowed students to strip down and play in the shower but kept the door open to monitor in view of the whole room, according to the police file reviewed by AL.com. The school district also found that Ries engaged in the inappropriate use of physical restraint and inappropriately used the quiet room as a behavioral consequence. The quiet room in the special education classroom at Discovery Middle School in Madison, Alabama, in October 2021. (Contributed)Contributed And while some schools offer showers to students who need to clean up, Madison City board attorney William Sanderson told AL.com that staff should contact parents if a student needs a shower, and that showering should only happen in rare circumstances. A parent should be given the option to pick up their student instead of having staff give their child a shower, Sanderson said. A new job in the district next door Once the pair of educators were no longer working in Madison City schools, they were free to seek jobs in other school districts. And they did. Ries was hired as a collaborative special education teacher at Meridianville Middle School in Madison County on Jan. 4, 2022, before Madison City had notified the state about her resignation. A review of Ries personnel records in October of 2023 showed no disciplinary issues at Meridianville. In January 2024, Ries was placed on a two-year probation by the state department of education. She can continue to teach. In Outlys case, Madison City was not required to notify the state about her resignation because she was an aide. Alabama has no system for tracking allegations against school aides. They are not certified or licensed by the state. Outly was hired as a special education aide at Sparkman High School in Madison County in August 2022. She worked as a long-term substitute in a special education classroom from January 2023 through the end of the school year. Outlys personnel file in Madison County now has a handwritten do not hire notation. What the district said happened at Discovery Middle School Superintendent Nichols told the state about Ries resignation in January 2022, four months after Kruegers daughter was showered at school. When asked why Nichols did not report the shower, a district spokesperson told AL.com that initial information provided to the department generally serves as a basis for further investigation by the Department, as deemed necessary. Discovery Middle School in Madison, Alabama. (Kayode Crown/AL.com)Kayode Crown/AL.com In March, Nichols, in response to the states request for more information, wrote the districts investigation found that most of the misconduct was attributed to Ms. Outly. But the district did find that Ries participated in some of the alleged mistreatment, including threatening students that they would be sprayed with a spray water bottle if they did not comply with directions. The districts response to the Kruegers stated, Following the investigation, the District concluded that the behavior of [Ries and Outly] was inappropriate and inconsistent with the expectations of Madison City Schools. Madison City Schools asked that we share a formal apology for the misconduct of its two former employees, the school districts letter said. Nancy Anderson is an attorney with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, an agency that advocates for people with disabilities and investigates complaints of abuse and mistreatment of children in special education. It would never be appropriate to use aversive punishment, Anderson said. You spray water in the face of a cat climbing up and pulling on your sofa. You dont spray water on a childs face. Police and state investigations Meanwhile, the Madison City police department reopened the case in January 2022 after receiving results of the school districts investigation. The Madison County District Attorney took the case to a grand jury in September of 2022, seeking a felony charge of child abuse against Outly. The grand jury chose not to indict the aide. A city magistrate in Madison also declined to issue a misdemeanor warrant for harassment. The Kruegers contacted the state department of education in September 2022 to ask whether Ries teaching certificate was still valid. They did not know that state superintendent Eric Mackey told Ries in late June that he had decided to take no action against her teaching certificate. We are concerned that Maya Ries still has a teaching license and that she is currently teaching in a nearby district, the Kruegers wrote. In November 2022, the state department notified Ries that it would open a new investigation into her certification based on allegations of misconduct. Krueger said she was relieved to get that news. More than a year later, that investigation is still underway. Limits in law, policy State laws and school policies, advocates say, are not always equipped to deal with children with disabilities, especially if they cannot communicate verbally or in writing. Tim Douthit, a prosecutor in Madison County who worked on the case, told AL.com that he didnt think the educators actions met the bar for abuse under Alabama criminal laws. There was kind of this gap between harassment, said Douthit. And then it was a really big jump up to the felony. It almost had to be torture, cruelly beat, starving them, things like that. Kristi Krueger's daughter transferred away from Discovery Middle School after alleged mistreatment by educators. The daughter loves riding her bike around their neighborhood in Madison, Alabama. (Trisha Powell Crain/AL.com)Trisha Powell Crain / AL.com State law also gives a lot of leeway to teachers, Douthit said, who, like parents, may do things that are seen as harmful to a child but are not necessarily illegal. In 2023, state lawmakers expanded the definition of child abuse beyond actions that leave a mark on a childs body such as bruises or burns to include mistreatment. That could mean any intentional behavior that inflicts unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering on a child without causing physical injury to the child, according to the new law. When contacted by AL.com, Madison police Capt. Lamar Anderson said the department would not comment on the case. Since concluding their investigation, Madison City Schools installed more than 150 cameras in self-contained special education classrooms across the district including at Discovery Middle School. Krueger moved her daughter to a different school in the district. The teacher doesnt put students in the shower there, using it instead as a storage area, Krueger said. And there is a camera in her classroom. The cameras will help, she said, while noting cameras probably wouldnt have caught educators putting her daughter and other children into the shower, she added. For now, Krueger is awaiting Ries administrative hearing, where she plans to testify. The hearing has been postponed since October. No new date has been set. She wants to testify so that she can be sure everyone understands the severity of what happened to her daughter. I want them to know that was not okay. This story was updated Feb. 7, 2024 to reflect that Maya Ries teaching certificate was put on probation in January 2024. A Mobile man admitted in court Monday he killed another man by beating him to death, entering the guilty plea just as jury selection got underway for his trial. The Mobile County District Attorneys Office said 29-year-old Morgan Daniel Barnhill pleaded guilty to intentional murder in the death of 25-year-old Etienne Murray at Barnhills Tillmans Corner home. We are pleased that Mr. Barnhill admitted to the brutal crime for which he was indicted by a Mobile County Grand Jury, said district attorney Keith Blackwood. This has been extremely hard on the victims family, and we hope this justice provides some closure to them. Barnhill had befriended Murray a couple of weeks prior to the murder, hiring him to do odd jobs around Barnhills home. But when Barnhill became suspicious Murray had stolen items from the home, Barnhill used his girlfriends phone to lure Murray to a BBQ. When Murray arrived, Barnhill first confronted him, then struck him in the head with a shovel and continued to beat Murray with a pipe, then a 2x4. Murray was left -- still alive, but unconscious -- on Barnhills property until police were notified several hours later. Murray was taken to University Hospital, where he died three days later. Barnhill initially claimed he didnt know Murray and had struck him with a shovel because he caught him breaking into Barnhills shed, but inconsistencies in his story, prompted police to investigate further. Barnhill was initially indicted for intentional murder, with a charge of reckless murder later added. A reckless murder charge requires the prosecution to show the defendant acted with extreme indifference to human life and followed a course of action which he/she should have known would likely lead to the death of another. An intentional murder charge requires prosecutors to the defendants intent to was to kill. Barnhill pleaded guilty Monday to intentional murder. He is scheduled for sentencing March 4. He is facing a sentence of 20 years to life. A half sheet pan of Pesto Veggie and Cheese pizza from Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach. The pizzeria, which opened in 1978, is expanding to the citys Parkside neighborhood. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle The neon sign above Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach. The new location on Taraval Street will have one to match, said owner Peter Sodini. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle One of the most beloved pizza spots in San Francisco has plans to launch a second location in the city 46 years after it first opened in North Beach. Golden Boy Pizza will open a new Parkside location at 1447 Taraval St. Owner Peter Sodini told the Chronicle the plan is to serve customers by mid-to-late March. Expect to find the same walk-up service and light yet crunchy Sicilian-style square pies with toppings like sausage, pesto with vegetables, and the special garlic with clams served whole by the pan or in square slices. The pizzeria takes over the former location of Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream, known for its gelato flavored with Asian ingredients. Marco Polo closed in October and is relocating to 3886 Noriega St. with a spring opening in the works. The space, said Sodini, was almost made to be a Golden Boy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The expansion was first reported by Eater SF. Customers wait in line at Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach. Business during the pandemic was strong, said owner Peter Sodini. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle Sodini said business has been good at the original location on Green Street, but Parkside looked like a good neighborhood to get into since there are not a lot of delivery options, and deliveries from North Beach were too distant. The move into the 800-square-foot location is somewhat turnkey, as it just needs some cosmetic work inside. Sodini hopes to add an outdoor parklet. Sodini opened Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach in 1978, followed by a second location in San Mateo. Day-to-day business is now handled by Sodinis sons Julian, Alex and Luca. Im too damn old, said Sodini, 64. In the intervening years, Golden Boy has become a favorite of tourists and bar hoppers after dark, gathering under the slice shops instantly recognizable pointing finger sign. When the new location opens, it will also feature a neon sign with the same design, built by highly respected Oakland signmaker Jim Rizzo of Neon Works. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Old Man Winter may not be through with Alabama just yet. There are hints that more bitter cold could be coming back to the South in the next few weeks. But theres no word yet on whether the S word will come into play. Forecasters from the National Weather Service to the Farmers Almanac are suggesting the phrase unseasonably cold will be added to Alabamas weather forecasts in the next few weeks. The Almanacs February forecast for the Southeast which involves several southern states including Alabama and points farther north predicts that the cold will arrive between Feb. 12 and 15, and unseasonably cold temperatures will persist through Feb. 19. But that may not be all. The Almanacs forecast for Feb. 20-23 calls for much colder temperatures for the Southeast. More below-average temperatures are also in the forecast for Feb. 24 through the end of the month. But what do other forecasters have to say about that? NOAAs Climate Prediction Center is also suggesting that the middle of the month could bring more below-average temperatures back to Alabama. Forecasters are watching extremely cold air far to the north which has made even Alaskans shiver and that air could make its way southward over the next few weeks. The next few days will feature near-average weather, according to the National Weather Service, and the Climate Prediction Centers six- to 10-day temperature outlook shows near-normal temperatures for Alabama into mid-February: Near-average temperatures are expected for Alabama for the period from Feb. 11-15.CPC But a change is forecast in the eight- to 14-day outlook, which shows a 50-60 percent chance of below-average temperatures for the entire state through Feb. 19 (that forecast is at the top of this post). The precipitation forecast isnt as promising for snow lovers and shows that drier-than-average weather is expected for most of the state through the same period, with north Alabama having higher probabilities of drier weather. The exception is extreme south Alabama, which has a 33-40 percent probability of above-average precipitation: The outlook for precipitation shows that below-average precipitation is expected for north Alabama, but south Alabama has a chance of seeing above-average rainfall.CPC The CPCs experimental Week 3-4 forecast, which covers the period from Feb. 17 until March 1, also shows a higher probability for below-average temperatures in Alabama: More below-average temperatures will be possible in all of Alabama through the end of February.CPC Hang in there, warm-weather lovers, spring will come: Meteorological spring begins on March 1 and astronomical spring arrives on March 19. An American porn actor who has advocated for Palestinians online during Israels war on Hamas traveled to Iran and visited the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, which was abandoned after the 1979 hostage crisis. The visit by Whitney Wright as Iran imprisons Nobel Peace Prize laureate and womens rights activist Narges Mohammadi sparked heated criticism of the countrys crackdown on women since the 2022 death in police custody of Mahsa Amini and the nationwide protests it sparked. Wright filmed herself throughout Tehran despite her work in pornography exposing her in theory to criminal charges that carry the death penalty. Wright did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. But in remarks on social media, she described the U.S. Embassy as a place she HAD to visit. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard now runs it as a museum. Iranian students backing Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini overran the compound after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Embassy staff members taken hostage were held for 444 days. A direct line can be drawn between that crisis and the tensions between Iran and the U.S. today. Im sharing exhibits from a museum that are never seen, Wright wrote on Instagram. Its not an endorsement of the government. Wright has previously shared pro-Palestinian information online, including material supporting armed militancy against Israel. As a U.S. citizen born in Oklahoma City, she would need a visa to visit Iran. Irans mission to the United Nations did not respond to questions about the actors trip. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani was asked about Wright during a Monday briefing and said he had no information about her. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guard, quoted an anonymous official claiming the government issued Wright a visa while not being aware about the nature of her immoral job. The presence of a performer from the U.S. adult film industry immediately drew attention. Iranian actor Setareh Pesiani cited Wrights visit to criticize Irans hard-line government for its mandatory headscarf policy, which led to the 22-year-old Aminis arrest and death. You punish people of this country in various methods for removal of hijab but you allow a porn actress to come here for tourism!? Pesiani wrote on Instagram. Masih Alinejad, a U.S.-based activist who has faced assassination and kidnapping attempts by Iran, also denounced Wrights visit. We the women of Iran want be like Rosa Parks and not Whitney Wright, Alinejad wrote, referencing the U.S. civil rights icon. The true warmongers are the agents of the Islamic Republic who will execute you if you be true to yourself. In 2016, a British porn actor known as Candy Charms traveled to Iran, prompting immediate criticism. But theres been no media coverage of Wrights visit inside Iran, likely a sign of how tightly controlled journalists are after the 2022 demonstrations. Then theres Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iranian state media have seized on the U.S. support of Israel to criticize the U.S. and opponents of its theocracy. Abdolreza Davari, a media adviser to former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has as well. Israel is absolute evil and filth, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in October. We will stand by anyone who fights against Israel, even if that person is Mia Khalifa, a former porn star who has cleared her record of cruelty and corruption by openly supporting the oppressed Palestinian nation and fighting Zionist crimes. Asked about Wrights visit, the U.S. State Department told the AP in a statement that it has warned Americans to avoid travel to Iran and exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention. Americans and those with Western ties can find themselves detained and convicted in secret trials to later be used as bargaining chips in negotiations with Washington. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a primary driver of instability across the Middle East region, and it has been since 1979, the State Department said. If Iran actually cared about peace and stability in the Middle East region or the welfare of the people there, it would cease its support for terrorist organizations. Every day, advocates say, children are placed in time out in Alabama schools and in schools across the country. Sometimes, they say, time out can be both inappropriate and possibly even against the law. But figuring out when time out practices cross the line can be difficult for parents to parse out. The Alabama Education Lab is exploring practices of seclusion, restraint and discipline in Alabama schools. Have an experience or question to share? Reach out to us by filling out this form. Can my childs teacher place my child in time out? Yes, sending a child to time out - temporarily removing your child from a learning activity - as a behavioral intervention is an option in Alabamas public schools. A child may choose to visit a specially-built quiet room or calm down room for a break during the school day, but that is not considered a time out according to Alabama rules. If your child is being repeatedly placed in time out, you will want to find out why and where your child is being placed. The school may need to do a functional behavior assessment to get to the root of the behavior that is landing your child in time out. Check your schools student handbook or code of conduct for more information on how your school uses time out and what types of time out they use. Does the school have to notify me when they put my child in time out? No, unless the local board of education requires the school to notify you. Are there different kinds of time out? Yes. Academics and experts use specific terms to parse out differences in practice. Academics generally agree that the types of time out run along a spectrum from least restrictive to most restrictive: Inclusionary: The child is placed elsewhere inside the classroom but is not allowed to interact with other students or the teacher, Exclusionary: The child is placed somewhere other than in their own classroom, such as in a hallway, the principals office or in another teachers classroom, Isolated or seclusionary: The child is placed alone in a confined area and is prohibited from leaving the area for an allotted amount of time. The isolated or seclusionary time out is where the line between allowable and illegal exists. Wherever the child is placed for a time out, Alabama rules state the setting cannot be locked and must be well-lit, ventilated and appropriately heated or cooled. An adult must be monitored by an adult during the entire time out. The time out should not last more than 45 minutes. Is isolated time out allowed? Alabama rules do not prohibit an isolated time out but they do prohibit seclusion. Experts say an isolated or seclusionary time out should be rare and only used as a last resort. The decision point [for a teacher] is is this child a threat of harm to themselves or anyone else, University of Alabama Professor Sara McDaniel said. Isolated time out should never be used as punishment, she added. McDaniel teaches teachers at the University of Alabama, with a research focus on what works in disciplining all types of students in all types of school situations. A student is acting aggressively. Shouldnt they be separated and put in time out? Yes, sometimes students who are a danger to themselves or others need to be separated from other students. And sometimes educators need to put them into a safe place. Its important, though, that teachers still follow safety guidelines. McDaniel said isolation should not be used if a child is in a total meltdown. Staff and teachers who work with children with challenging behaviors should be well-trained in de-escalation techniques and in what to do if those techniques dont work. Even though the practice is allowed, she said an isolated time out for a child with a disability is not effective in improving the childs behavior. McDaniel said, which is why it shouldnt be used as punishment. It teaches them nothing, she said. It separates them. It doesnt teach them any new skills and it creates an environment of unsafety and potential harm. Teachers and adults can and should be trained in safe intervention and de-escalation techniques, McDaniel said. Ideally this would prevent dangerous incidents from developing. My school calls it time out. I think its seclusion. What can I do? Alabama prohibits the use of seclusion in public schools. Practices are considered seclusion when a child is isolated in a designated space where the child is physically prevented from leaving. If you suspect your child was secluded, call the school and obtain as many details as possible. Call the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program for next steps. Can my child with an IEP be placed in time out? Yes, if your childs IEP hasnt banned using time out, it can be used. If it is included as part of a childs IEP, McDaniel said, schools should be specific about when and how time out would be used and for how long. If your child is repeatedly placed in time out, you will want to ask the school to perform a full behavioral evaluation to determine if there are preventive and de-escalation strategies that can be used to minimize the behavior that is getting your child placed in time out. What else do I need to know? The DOJ has been investigating reports of improper seclusion of children with disabilities and has reached settlements with half a dozen school districts in recent years who have agreed to stop secluding children. If you believe your child with a disability has been improperly secluded, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Dozens of child advocacy and education groups including the Council for Exceptional Children, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Autism Society of America, National Association of School Psychologists, The Arc and others have called for a federal ban on seclusion and improper restraint in schools. Federal legislation to ban seclusion and improper restraint has been filed every year since 2009, but Congress has yet to pass it. Click here for more information on the federal Keeping All Students Safe Act, or KASSA, from the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint. A fight among leaders in a small town just outside Birmingham reached another boiling point as council members and citizens clashed with the mayor over his suspension of the popular police chief. In Tarrant, Mayor Wayman Newtons decision last week to suspend police chief Wendell Major for a third time in nine months fueled a firestorm of insults, accusations and raised voices during a four-hour council meeting and work session on Monday evening. In the end, the council voted unanimously to reverse Newtons decision and bring Major back to work. The crowd applauded. See you in the morning, Councilwoman Tracie Threadford, the citys mayor pro-tem, told Chief Major. Mayor Newton accused Chief Major of professional misconduct, alleging that he downgraded serious offenses, including homicides, and solicited work as an attorney while on the job as police chief in the town of 6,000 people. Major shot back with allegations that the mayor is mentally unstable. In a statement to AL.com, Major said he categorically denies any wrongdoing and expresses concern over the accuracy and mental stability of the mayor. These reckless statements made by Mayor Newton not only demonstrate a lack of understanding of the criminal justice system but also an apparent disconnect from reality, Major said. As the chief and his supporters celebrated his reinstatement, the mayor warned that he will use the vote in an ongoing lawsuit against the council. He said the council improperly voted in an attempt to take over the police department. The courts are going to have to decide that. He can try to come back but he is still on administrative leave, thats my position, Newton told AL.com. His comments sparked the ire of Councilwoman Threadford. Thats all you do, file, file, file, file, she said. No one is afraid of you filing anything. Council members noted during the meeting that Newton has sued them multiple times. The council on Monday evening agreed to begin an investigation into Newtons allegations against Major. But the council made it clear that they do not trust anyone associated with Newton to conduct it. No, no. Nobody you recommend, Threadford said after Newton suggested a firm to handle the investigation. Instead, city attorney Michael Brymer will find a third party. Theyre going to do what they want to do, Newton told AL.com. If you make it into a circus, then people lose sight of what the issues are. But I feel confident that once we get an independent party involved, theyre going to see the same issues that I saw. Mayor Newton and the chiefs brother, former state Rep. Eric Major, stood face to face, trading barbs inside the council chambers. You dont think before you talk. Thats your issue, Eric Major said. Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton and Eric Major, brother of embattled police chief Wendell Major spar during a council meeting break Feb. 5, 2024. The council unanimously revoked Major's suspension.joseph D. Bryant Chief Major said his suspension is the result of a grudge by the mayor. In 2022, the chief witnessed a city councilman, Tommy Bryant, punch the mayor outside city hall. The chief testified in court where a judge found the councilman not guilty, saying that the mayor used fighting words when he made sexually insulting remarks about Bryants wife. Since I testified truthfully in court about the inappropriate statements made by Mayor Newton about Councilman Tommy Bryants wife, I have been the target of several unsubstantiated false allegations by Mayor Newton, Major said. Bryant chimed in to underscore Majors allegation of retribution. ...the mayor has been on a warpath to terminate the chief of police, Bryant said Monday evening. Newton denied the accusations of retribution. First of all, Ive identified these problems prior to that whole incident even happening, he told AL.com. This whole bit about him not testifying in my favor, its totally false. Newton said he has 225 pages of evidence that he has turned over to state officials. Councilwoman Veronica Freeman noted the irony in the ongoing feud regarding the mayor and police chief. Were the laughingstock because for some reason you have a problem with the chief, but you brought him on, she said. Mondays rhetoric between Newton and Major lasted much of the day, beginning early when both men brought their cases to the airwaves, calling in to the Gary Richardson Morning Show on WJLD. Speaking on the radio, Major said Newton, who is a lawyer, distorted the process of police investigations. The chief said police investigate as cases develop, but the charges are handled by courts. Major noted there is a digital trail of the investigation in the computer system. Newton alleged that the chief, who is also a lawyer, attempted to get Tarrant police officers to solicit personal injury clients on behalf of a local law firm by giving the business cards to officers to pass out to the public. I dont do personal injury law, Major told Richardson. A business volunteered to pay for case cards. Those are cards where the officers write the numbers down of the case that the person was involved with. This was an expense that a business volunteered to donate. I had no connection to who the business was. Major said he does not take any legal business within the city of Tarrant. I dont care who gets the case. I have no interest in that, he said. Radio callers bemoaned the public fight between the public officials. Can these educated people get along? said one caller. Sit down and do for the good of the community. Its not about yall. Its about the people of Tarrant and progressing the city. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama was among a trio of ex-lawmakers warning the centrist group No Labels that its effort to mount a presidential campaign could cause a constitutional crisis. A No Labels presidential ticket could produce a constitutional crisis by triggering a contingent election, the Alabama Democrat wrote to No Labels along with former Republican Sen. John Danforth and Democratic ex-House Speaker Richard Gephardt, both of Missouri, according to Axios, which obtained the letter. A contingent election is when no presidential candidate amasses 270 electoral votes, sending the decision to the House, which can decide the next president from among the top three electoral college vote getters. But because the [contingent election] procedures are not set in the Constitution, the party with a narrow majority in the House at the start of the 119th Congress could, no doubt, adopt biased rules that advantage their favored candidate even if the voters clearly preferred someone else, wrote Jones, Danforth and Gephardt. A contingent election would be calamitous, they added. Jones expounded on the scenario in a CNN editorial published in October. This opens the door to gamesmanship and abuse, he wrote of the unclear rules on how a contingent election would be held. Regardless of which party is in control of the House, congressional leaders will face overwhelming pressure to manipulate the process in hopes of influencing the outcome. As we recently saw in the House [speaker vote], a small handful of members could have veto power over the entire process. In this context, they might be able to obstruct a presidential vote altogether and prevent the other party from taking office. Alabamas former senator also said No Labels, which was created in 2010 and plans to form a unity ticket in 2024, sees a contingent election as a potential path to power while ignoring the possible disastrous results to democracy. If we have learned anything from the last presidential election and the events that followed, it is that we cannot take the stability of our democracy for granted, Jones wrote. And if we are learning anything from the ongoing dysfunction in the House, it is that its members are often incapable of performing even the basics of governing. All the warning lights are flashing red: We cannot afford to sleepwalk into this crisis. Everyone recognizes there are many ways that our next president could come into power, he wrote. But everyone, and especially No Labels, needs to recognize that not all of them leave our democracy intact. The government heavily regulates aviation. We used to understand that every piece of knowledge gained was written in blood after something went wrong. We are losing that understanding. See if you agree with me as you read along. On January 5, 2024, an Alaskan Airlines Boeing 737-9 had an explosive decompression when a door plug panel blew out shortly after takeoff. On January 2, 2024, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 collided with another plane in a runway incursion accident. In 2019, there were two Boeing Max crashes; the first was Lion Air in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the second, within weeks, downed an Ethiopian Airplane. Both suffered the same software glitch/feature. In 2013, an Asiana flight crashed just short of the runway while landing in San Francisco. In April of 2021, United Airlines announced that Racial Quotas will be prioritized over Qualifications in Pilot Hiring. Today, the FAA says we lack nearly 3,000 air traffic controllers. And 30% of each class of controllers washes out. Image: X screen grab. Yes, it is still safe to fly, but our remarkable run of safety may be coming to an end. Why? Some familiar reasons exist, the same we see in too many companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia. The usual suspects are Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity initiatives, Critical Race Theory, and Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives currently running rampant nationwide. Aviation accidents and problems touch on every other aspect of our society, which is being reinvented to correct perceived wrongs at the expense of competency, reliability, affordability, and, at times, lives. Aviation has been an early adopter of most current woke society imperatives, including zero-emission flying mandates, social promotion, and accepting government regulations, regardless of whether they are intelligent or even doable. The death of meritocracy within the aviation sector is pernicious and expanding to meet Social Justice goals. Worse, it is nearly impossible to hold anyone accountable today. A fuselage plug fell out of a Boeing jet because someone forgot to put in the bolts that held the plug in place. People missed multiple installation and inspection protocols. Boeings Prime, Spirit Aerospace, who built the fuselage barrel, was the immediate culprit, but the fault flowed to Boeing because it was ultimately responsible. Boeing continues to hemorrhage money. As a result of internal culture changes, Boeing has already lost its dominant position against Europes Airbus, a position Boeing had held for nearly 100 years. But theres more going on than one company, and somebodys got to say it: Across the aviation industry, from the companies that build the planes to those that maintain and fly them, too many experienced, old white guys in the airline industry are retiring and being replaced by unqualified individuals. The proof for that evaluation is the sheer volume of screw-ups that keep coming like water leaking from a pail. Most failures can be traced to human error. Competency is a dirty word today, with some calling it a dog whistle. It used to be challenging to get hired by an airline. For example, pilot competency used to be a given, but no longer. The Asiana crash that killed three people was eventually tied to pilots who lacked hand-flying skills and depended too much on automation. The cockpit voice recorder revealed their request for an electronic ILS approach. Sadly, the visual approach they received was more than they could handle. The Lion Air and Ethiopian crashes were attributed to software problems, which were Boeings responsibility. However, other pilots (both in simulators and actual flights) successfully dealt with the same issues that amounted to nothing as serious as a common runaway trim fault and did not crash their airplanes. We are now dealing with the FAAs desire to make airplanes idiot-proof. Thats impossible and will only create new failure modes, resulting in more accidents and loss of lives and aircraft. Speaking of the FAA, why cant it fill those hundreds of air traffic controller positions? After all, controllers make great money. Is it that theyre turning away the traditional applicants (namely, white men)? Are DEI demands allowing unqualified non-whites and women into controller and pilot roles, where they quickly wash out? Insiders have told me that is the case. Do you doubt the government would graduate incompetent individuals to meet diversity goals? I dont. Its true that 30% of graduates never get to control anything, instead being shunted to non-controller positions or low-traffic situations so they wont kill anybody. Some still get through the system, or there are just empty chairs. I left the best (worst) for last. The President of United Airlines has mandated that at least 50% of its pilots will be non-white males. I find it incredible that this statement is openly shared with the flying public. The message here is staggering in its intent and hubris. United President Scott Kirby came right out and effectively stated that pilot competency is secondary to skin color and bathroom preferences. Some lawyers will dig up this quote one day when the pilot in some future accident is revealed to be a box-checking hire. Besides the apparent craziness of ditching competence, ability, and dedication to further the aims of a society on the downhill slope, you have got to ask yourself, cant everyone see the direction we are going? Especially with something as difficult and unforgiving as flying a plane. I began piloting planes in 1972. My last plane had better avionics than most jets of that time. Ive flown many different aircraft, from military to agricultural, as well as general aviation. I learned quickly that the more sophisticated the electronics in the plane, the more likely you could get into a bad situation requiring lots of actual skill to get out again. Often, the skill of a pilot, mechanic, air traffic controller, or even a regulator deciding whats safe and whats not depends on things you dont learn from a book or on a computer screen. Real-life experience, judgment, and that puckering feeling you get in the seat of your pants from time to time are frequently the only things that will keep you and your passengers alive. But is such an understanding widely shared any longer? The elites in their private jets or multi-million-dollar yachts find experienced greybeards to fill the cockpits or man the helms. Theyre not about to risk their lives with a socially promoted captain! As in other facets of life, the government, business, and social butterflies that are todays influencers and thought leaders do what is in their best interest, not yours. More and more of us recognize the blatant double standards prevalent today. That these same people are willing to risk our lives when it comes to aviation safety leads me to believe that some of these people might be crazy enough to think they can actually suspend the laws of physics and gravity, at least when other peoples lives are at stake. Every once in a while, though, we all see how tragically that fantasy works out. God Bless America. Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com Since the American Godzilla came down the escalator in 2015 our liberal friends have been obsessed with disinformation coming from the Far Right. Did you know that disinformation was originally dezinformatsiya as practiced by the Soviet era KGB? But then other governments got in on the action. Wikipedia nobly asserts that, After the Soviet term became widely known in the 1980s, native speakers of English broadened the term as "any government communication (either overt or covert) containing intentionally false and misleading material, often combined selectively with true information, which seeks to mislead and manipulate either elites or a mass audience." So, in the 1980s, experts agreed that disinformation was a government thing. But now all the best people at the Atlantic are worried about Substack , which is unwilling to remove avowed Nazis from its platform. But are the avowed Nazis committing misinformation or disinformation or malinformation? How would we know? How could we tell? Fortunately, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency has the whole thing covered and defined with comprehensive and mandatory definitions of misinformation and disinformation and malinformation. And naturally, our liberal friends and their miasma of NGOs -- led by the noble ADL and the SPLC -- are doing their bit to winkle out the bad guys. The SPLC recently helped the FBI horn in on dangerous radical Catholics practicing the Tridentine Mass. Back in the day, of course, our liberal friends were all worried about government propaganda, what with Joe McCarthys lies about Communists in the State Department and the U.S. governments lies about Vietnam. Now they are worried about nongovernmental liars. I call that a tell. Back in the day our liberal friends knew that the United States was the great implacable force in the world that was the main obstacle to the Lefts fight for justice and peace. Back then the left saw itself fighting against government power. Today the tables are turned. Now it is avowed Nazis on Substack that are standing in the way of the progressive governments multicultural movement for justice. In other words, back then the Left experienced itself gazing up helplessly at the battlements of imperialist America. Today it is standing on the battlements of Working Class America looking out at the threatening swarm of annoying deplorables down below. How dare those peasants appropriate the means of communication that, all good people know, should be reserved for the use of educated and evolved people! The idea of avowed Nazis polluting the means of communication with their racist-sexist-homophobia is simply unsafe. In other words, the world has changed, and our liberal friends cant stand it. But what exactly has gotten our liberal friends into such a panic? I have an idea. Back in the day only the best and brightest got to publish ideas -- in books, and newspapers, and magazines -- and there were gatekeepers all along the line to keep things under control. But now its a complete free-for-all. Any local yokel can start up a Substack site. As the Substack About page says, Substack is something new: a subscription network A few hundred paid subscribers can support a livelihood. A few thousand makes it lucrative. And there are no gatekeepers. You can be up and running on Substack in minutes. Its a complete free-for-all. For the first time in history. Just ask Bari Weiss. So let us tell the three ages of the History of Communication. Age of Parchment: Writers write, monks in monasteries create illuminated manuscripts by hand in their monastic cells. Gatekeeper: The Abbot. Age of Gutenberg: Writers write, printers devils convert the written word into print. Gatekeeper: The Editor. Age of Free-for-all: Writers write, and press Publish. Gatekeeper: The (oh no!) Informed by my History of Communication, we now know what our liberal friends are feverishly working on today. We need new gatekeepers! To keep the Narrative pure! To stop Disinformation before it destroys Our Democracy! To head off avowed Nazis at the pass! To prevent harm to traditionally marginalized peoples! To stop the Latin Mass before it destroys America! To call out climate deniers! To banish TERFs from the university! I get it. How are we going to send the doughboys to Europe unless President Wilson can control the Narrative about German attacks on passenger and merchant ships in 1917? How can the U.S. prevail in Vietnam if left-wing and anti-war protesters get to disrupt the 1968 Democratic convention ? How are we going to fight World War COVID if anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers spread distrust of government medical experts? And how are we going to save the world from runaway climate change unless climate deniers are well and truly deplatformed for their denial of The Science? There is nothing more urgent, as the nation goes to the polls this year, than to stop the out-of-control Disinformation produced by far-right extremists and influencers on the free-for-all internet with licensed and bonded and DEI-approved Gatekeepers. Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class. Image: Pixabay Inside the Bar at Osito, the newest iteration of Michelin-starred Ositos side bar. Provided by Kaity Cash/Mollie DeCoudreaux The new year started on a strong note with several exciting San Francisco restaurant openings, including a Midwestern-inspired bar and restaurant in the Excelsior and a splashy Mediterranean restaurant on the Embarcadero. January was also a great month for pizza enthusiasts in San Francisco, with the arrival of Il Parco and a new, compact pizza shop from top Italian restaurant A16. And coffee lovers downtown also got a couple of new spots to get their buzz. Click here for a list of noteworthy San Francisco restaurants that opened in December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Michelin-starred restaurant reveals new bar Michelin-starred Osito in the Mission has a new bar under its roof. Taking over for Liliana, its previous bar, which shut down in December, is a new venue called the Bar at Osito. It features cocktails made with high-end spirits, while the food menu includes fondues, oysters and charcuterie made in-house. 2875 18th St., San Francisco. ositosf.co New bar offers Riesling and poetry New wine bar Golden Sardine is now pouring wines and serving tinned fish in North Beach. The opening wine list includes a selection of 10 Rieslings by the glass, as well as Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Nebbiolo and Syrah. The two-level bar is also a bookstore and a poetry reading venue; it took over the former home of popular Japanese restaurant Family Cafe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 362 Columbus Ave., San Francisco. golden-sardine.square.site Halfway Club in the Excelsior is now serving cocktails and dishes like chicory salad, house-made potato chips, burgers and more. Provided by Gren Quinn/The Halfway Club Excelsior tavern captures Midwestern charm Incoming restaurant and bar the Halfway Club invites customers to stay a while with its retro-cool take on Midwestern supper clubs dark wood paneling, warm lighting and old jukebox included. The restaurant is the latest from Greg Quinn, formerly at the Alembic and Trou Normand, and Ethan Terry, also formerly at the Alembic and Comstock Saloon. The menu offers burgers with pimento cheese, half roasted chicken and a Dungeness crab with Little Gem lettuce, apple and green goddess dressing. The new restaurant takes over the previous home of Broken Record, an old favorite of the new restaurants owners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1166 Geneva Ave., San Francisco. halfwayclub.com New cafe offers Tatarstan goods AyDea in SoMa opened mid-January and is the only San Francisco cafe specializing in pastries and dishes from Tatarstan, a Russian republic located east of Moscow with its own language and culture. Find egg sandwiches made from zang, a thick laminated dough; blinchiki, rolled crepes filled with yogurt and fruit; and uchpuchmak, a samosa-like pastry triangle stuffed with beef and potato or chicken. Spiced teas and coffee with house-churned butter or citrus rind are also available. 799 Bryant St., San Francisco. Aydeasf.com Classic S.F. bistro makes a comeback The restaurant once described as the Frenchiest French bistro in San Francisco is back at its longtime Union Square home. After shutting down during the pandemic, Jeanne dArc returned with an a la carte menu that includes braised rabbit thats been marinated in wine, flambeed duck with peppercorns and a rack of lamb in herbs de Provence. The restaurants new owners took care in preserving the old-school interiors with stained glass, faux arches and artwork depicting Joan of Arc. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 715 Bush St., San Francisco. restaurantjeannedarc.com Outset Coffee has opened a second San Francisco outpost in the corner space at Mission and New Montgomery streets. Laura Waxmann/The Chronicle Innovative coffee shop expands Outset Coffee, among a crop of Bay Area standout multicultural coffee shops, began 2024 by opening its second location in San Franciscos Financial District. Similar to the original Valencia Street location, find citrusy takes on the Americano with orange and Korean citron juice serving as a base for cacao-forward espresso. Traditional drip and espresso drinks as well as pastries are also available. 90 New Montgomery St., San Francisco. outset.coffee Advertisement Article continues below this ad Focaccia restaurant with a view opens in the Presidio With clear views (weather allowing) of the Golden Gate Bridge, Il Parco is now offering one of the citys most scenic outdoor dining experiences. The restaurant offers standout focaccia for breakfast sandwiches in the morning and with pizza toppings after noon. Sandwiches include a muffuletta on sourdough focaccia and a spicy meatball sandwich, while pizzas include a four-cheese pizza and a mortadella-topped pie. 215 Lincoln Blvd., San Francisco. ilparcosf.com This dish of hand-rolled thick noodles called pici, burrata, tomato butter sauce, new harvest olive oil and basil is featured at new Mediterranean restaurant Alora located on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Mediterranean dishes dock at the Embarcadero The owners of acclaimed Indian restaurant Rooh have launched their latest restaurant in San Francisco, with a major change in direction from their past restaurants. Alora is now open on the Embarcadero with a menu that includes dishes from several corners of the Mediterranean. Find crispy confit octopus, glazed steak kebab with a bone marrow salsa and a lasagna thats stacked with layers of nduja and Bolognese sauce. The interior is decorated with black tile that contrasts the light hued walls, while the patio offers views of the Bay Bridge. The Embarcadero Pier 3, Suite 108, San Francisco. visitalora.com Crispy falafel in a pita at Sams East in San Francisco. Mario Cortez/The Chronicle Popular burger spot expands into shawarma and more After decades of flipping burgers, the long-running Sams Burgers on the border of Chinatown and North Beach just opened a new restaurant next door serving Middle Eastern food. Sams East offers a small menu of shawarma, pita and salad bowls with your choice of beef, chicken or falafel. Sams and Sams East owner Emad El Shawa said the new restaurant is a tribute to his father, Mike, who cooked falafel and shawarma at a neighborhood jazz club before taking over Sams Burgers in 1970. Like the original, Sams East offers late-night service and features cooks preparing orders in a big front window. Sams East. 620 Broadway, San Francisco. instagram.com/samsmiddleeast Panini and pizza are on the menu at A16 La Pala, the newest from popular Italian Restaurant A16. The restaurant recently opened at the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace. Provided by Kelly Tunstall/Nick Klein Top Italian restaurant launches pizza spinoff S.F. pasta and pizza restaurant A16 is making its presence permanent at the Ferry Building. The pop-up space hosting A16s sandwich and pantry goods shop is now A16 La Pala, which offers whole and by-the-slice Roman-style pizza with toppings that include a blend of mushrooms, sausage and a tomato crudo pie. Focaccia sandwiches filled with speck and arugula or nduja and eggplant are also available. 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco. a16pizza.com/location/ferry-bldg/ Popular roaster launches second coffee bar After 10 years of roasting some of the best coffee in San Francisco, Saint Frank Coffee has opened its second location in the Financial District. The menu sticks to third-wave coffee offerings like single-origin pour-over and espresso drinks. A flight of single-origin coffees is also available. Eater SF reported the opening. There is a growing consensus among conservatives and the vast majority of Republican voters that the 2024 election is a watershed moment for the United States. The dire reality of another four years of a Marxist-dominated Democrat Party in total control is beginning to increasingly come into focus. However, the Republican Party hierarchy appears unconcerned, as exemplified by their near total lack of urgency regarding the need to offset voting manipulation by the Democrats and a lack of understanding of 2024 political demographics. Is the Republican Party hierarchy serious about winning the White House and both Houses of Congress? In 2024 there will be approximately 237 million eligible voters, or 72% of the overall population, who are U.S. citizens, meet state residency requirements, and turn 18 before election day. Of that number it is estimated that 170 million will be registered to vote. The average turnout among eligible voters in the 25 presidential elections from 1920 to 2016 is 58.8%. In the 2016 election, 137 million or 59% of eligible voters voted. By comparison, in 2020 156 million or 67% of eligible voters supposedly cast ballots. This was the highest percentage since the presidential election of 1900, when the overall population was one-fifth of the current level and less than 30% of the population were eligible voters, as women could not vote. Which turnout will it be in 2024? If the 2016 turnout is repeated, approximately 146 million votes will be cast. If the 2020 results are recorded again, approximately 158 million votes will be cast. A difference of 12 million votes, which will determine the outcome of the election. The Republican National Committee (RNC), beyond issuing the usual fatuous press releases and reports about what they are going to do, has done nothing of substance on the ground to offset the Democrats determination to repeat their success of 2020. In an effort to do what they can, individuals such as Scott Presler and his PAC have been on the ground in the various battleground states not only registering voters but instructing and recruiting volunteers to promote early voting, mail-in voting and to ballot harvest where legal. However, instead of supporting and coordinating with Presler and various other get-out-the-vote organizations such as Turning Point USA, the RNC has deliberately ignored them and criticized their emphasis on direct contact with potential voters in their efforts to get-out-the-vote. R.C. Maxwell writing at Red State: John Seaton, an RNC-aligned consultant with ties to former Senator John McCain, perplexingly said he cannot fathom that much money being spent on get-out-the-vote efforts. Theres not even enough doors to knock on, said Seaton in an Associated Press article that labeled him as an expert. Maxwell further points out that Ronna McDaniel and the RNC proudly announced to the world that the RNC has begun a Bank Your Vote initiative, which they touted as an all-out effort to offset the partys mail-in ballot deficit. However, this inane initiative simply calls for voters to visit BankYourVote.com to confirm that they have mailed their ballot. It does nothing to recruit volunteers, work with independent groups, or encourage low frequency voters to vote. Meanwhile, the Democrats are spending massive amounts of money, time and organization on ballot chasing in order to repeat their success of 2020. In fact, the DNC has a website and PAC with overwhelming monetary resources to finance and train any left-wing organization that wants to participate in the effort. B ecause of this lack of commitment, the rank-and-file Republican voter is neither enthusiastic nor financially contributing to the party. Additionally, there has been an absurd and foolish level of spending on non-get-out-the-vote efforts as pointed out by Jennifer Van Laar at Red State. The RNC is broke, and its finances are in shambles. Thus, the party is grossly uncompetitive with the Democrats. Donald Trump, as its three-time presidential nominee, is the de facto leader of the Republican Party. Despite being forced to wallow in numerous legal quagmires, he must request Ronna McDaniels resignation and immediately initiate a housecleaning at the RNC. Trump understands that rampant Democrat voting manipulation will not be defeated in the gilded offices in Washington, D.C. but in the precincts throughout all the battleground states. He must get involved and act quickly as the hour is growing exceedingly late. Per a recent Gallup poll, the current breakdown of party identification is: 27% Democrat, 27% Republican, and 43% Independent, as more Americans are increasingly fed up with both parties. When Independents are asked whether they lean Republican or Democrat, the result is 45% of all poll respondents identified as or lean toward being a Republican and 43% identified as or lean toward being Democrats. Analyzing exit polls, which eliminate the impact of voting manipulation, in 2016, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump each won 88% of the vote of their respective parties, the deciding factor -- Trump won independents by a 46-42% margin. In 2020 Biden and Trump each won 94% of the vote of their respective parties, the deciding factor -- Biden won independents by a 54-41% margin. Polls nine months out from the election are essentially meaningless, but they do underscore the potential impact of the independent vote. For example, a Quinnipiac poll published on February 1, 2024, revealed that the independents polled were backing Biden by a margin of 52-40%, and Biden beats Trump 50-44% in the overall poll. However, in an NBC News poll published on February 4, 2024, Trump leads Biden 48-29% among the Independents they polled, and Trump beats Biden 47-42% in the overall poll. The bottom line, independent voters, a majority of whom dislike both Biden and Trump, are a volatile but exceedingly important segment of the electorate. This volatility is further exemplified by various polls published over the past six months which revealed that a majority of Independents believe Trump should be prosecuted for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election. A January 31, 2024 Bloomberg poll indicated that over half of voters in the key battleground states would not vote for him if he is convicted of a felony. Trumps "insurrection" trial in Washinton, D.C. has been postponed indefinitely. If the decision of the appeals courts or the Supreme Court regarding presidential immunity goes against Trump, the odds are that the trial could take place in July or August. Any conviction so close to the election would leave Trump and the Republican Party in an untenable position going into November. What is the strategy of the Trump campaign to deal with any potential conviction, or the very real possibility of Biden dropping out of the race? What is the blueprint for the RNC to turn out independent voters? At present, there appears to be none by either the Trump campaign or the RNC. A portrait of the American electorate reveals that 73% are either conservative or moderate while just twenty-five percent claim to be liberal or very liberal. Seventy-one percent of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track. And 92%of Republicans and 75% of independents deem themselves to be conservative or moderate on social issues. Thus, the vast majority of the current American electorate is not in the thrall of the Marxist-controlled Democrat Party and can be swayed to vote for Republicans in 2024. Whether that outcome can be achieved lies primarily in the hands of Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee, and secondarily in the hands of the individual candidates for federal and state offices. They must convincingly spell out why voters should 1) financially support the Party, 2) trust them to do everything possible to defeat the Democrats, and 3) turn out in massive numbers in November. Image: RNC The bipartisan Senate border bill is, in the words of House Speaker Mike Johnson, "dead on arrival." And that's a good thing, given that it largely institutionalizes Joe Biden's open-borders status quo, supposedly with a few more deportations of military-aged single young men coming en masse from more than 100 countries. It's not tough on migrants, just American citizens, who get more of what we are already getting, even if the migrant quotas are followed, meaning, the border never closes, as some have said. But even if it were as tough as they say it is, we already know that Biden won't enforce its provisions, and can restore order at the border any time he likes without Congress, just by ending his executive orders destroying President Trump's effective measures to control illegal crossings. He won't. He basically just wants more money for "processing" illegal invaders who say the password "asylum," handing himself a 4,999 illegal crossings quota amounting to more than a million illegals a year, and taking the asylum process away from immigration judges and placing it likely in the hands of NGOs in what will now be called "asylum officers." Money for NGOs who enable cartels and encourage illegal border crossers of course, will flow. Yet it's garbage. And congressmember after congressmember has said he or she won't support it -- Rand Paul, Marjorie Taylor Greene, John Barrasso, Steve Daines, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Steve Salise, Bob Menendez, Marsha Blackburn, Tom Cotton, Rick Scott, Tim Scott, J.D. Vance, even far-left Alex Padilla, the box-checking appointed Senator from California. That left Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in some kind of bind as the bill, set for a vote on Wednesday required 60 votes to pass just the Senate and 22 senators had already come out against it. So, McConnell went from loudly praising the measure yesterday, to suddenly saying he was against it, too: According to the Associated Press: In a dramatic turnaround, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell recommended to GOP senators in a closed-door meeting that they vote against the first procedural vote Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the meeting who were not authorized to talk publicly about it and spoke anonymously. It came just hours after the Kentucky Republican had urged colleagues on the Senate floor that its now time for Congress to take action. But McConnell has struggled to marshal his conference to support the package of $118 billion package of border enforcement policy and funding for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. Axios blamed President Trump for the turnaround, claiming that Trump had "activated" his MAGA caucus in both houses like he was some magician, and the facts of the bill didn't mean a thing. That ascribes a lot of magical powers to Trump. More likely, calls were going out to replace McConnell as of Sunday, which seems to have concentrated the old turtle's mind on the matter. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) called for Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) to be replaced as Senate Republican leader Sunday, denouncing the new border security deal McConnell supports as an unmitigated disaster. This feels like an elaborate practical joke. But its not funny. Not one bit, Lee wrote on social media when the details of the bill were made public. I cannot understand how any Republican would think this was a good idea or anything other than an unmitigated disaster. WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP NOW, he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Lees harsh criticism of McConnells leadership of the Senate GOP conference is nothing new; he supported Sen. Rick Scotts (R-Fla.) unsuccessful bid to topple the long-serving Senate Republican leader after the 2022 midterm election. So many Senators and congress members were opposed to the Give-Joe-Biden-More-Power on the border bill that it was sure to go down in defeat, and he was about to be one of the last left holding the bag. As for his catspaw on this, Sen. Jim Lankford of Oklahoma, who crafted the overly compromised bill and sought its passage, well, Mitch didn't have a problem leaving him hung out to dry all by his lonesome. Which is kind of sad for Lankford, who arguably was inexperienced as a bargainer up against a practiced shark like Sen. Chuck Schumer who knows every dirty arm-twisting trick and sleight of hand in the books. But Mitch thinks about Mitch, so with calls going out for his head about this, he came around and said it was a bad bill, too. That settles it, but as for McConnell, the facts remain out there like a beached shark starting to stink: It's time for new leadership in the Senate. Image: Pexels / Pexels License We have to have accountability in our party. For that matter, Ronna, if you want to come on stage tonight, you want to look the GOP voters in the eye and tell them you resign, I will yield my time to you. Vivek Ramaswamy, GOP debate 11/8/2023 Vivek Ramaswamy was spot-on when he criticized Ronna McDaniels disastrous tenure as Republican National Committee chair and called for McDaniel to resign. Now, its been revealed that the cash-strapped RNC will seek a credit line, even as the DNC is flush with funds. During McDaniels reign, the RNC has foolishly wasted money on excessive limousine transportation and floral arrangements, as well as consulting contracts with her K Street cronies. In January 2023, several conservative commentators, myself included, urged the RNC to ditch McDaniel in favor of Harmeet Dhillon, an accomplished attorney who specializes in election law. Unfortunately, Trump endorsed McDaniel, and she won the election by a 2-to-1 margin. Its not too late to draft Dhillon, though, who has a proven track record in counteracting Dems election lawfare and ballot shenanigans. The DNC has an army of attorneys who are proficient in doing an end run around current election laws mostly by accusing the Republicans of voter suppression, which is defined as any election law or rule that the Dems dislike. Image: Ronna McDaniel (edited). YouTube screen grab. However, it appears that former President Donald Trump is finally experiencing buyers remorse. There are strong indications that hes listening to Ramaswamy, and is reevaluating McDaniels job performance. Indeed, she may soon hear Trump say, Youre fired, if he impresses upon the RNC the overwhelming need to remove her. Thus, in a recent interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Trump said, I think she did great when she ran Michigan for me. I think she did OK, initially, in the RNC. I would say right now, therell probably be some changes made. That is a step in the right direction, and the sooner McDaniel is removed and replaced, the better. There is no time to waste. Since he dropped out of the presidential race, Ramaswamy has been campaigning for Trump and still rails against McDaniels incompetence and mismanagement. Conservatives need to sustain the pressure on McDaniel to resign or to have Trump and the RNC remove her. She clearly has no desire to pursue election security or devote the funding necessary to defeat Democrats in court as they seek to further erode election integrity with a wide array of lawfare and other shenanigans. The longer shes allowed to control the RNC budget in this crucial election year, the chances of a Trump and GOP victory in the fall are steadily diminished. Trump needs to act decisively to replace her with someone who has delivered results: Harmeet Dhillon. 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, N.Y. His eBook, The War on Equality: How Equity is Destroying Our Society, is available on Amazon. To be a contestant for the annual Miss Nippon (Japan) Grand Prix, there are exactly two requirements: participants have Japanese nationality and are unmarried. A few weeks ago, Karolina Shiino, an unmarried 26-year-old naturalized Ukrainian, took the title of Miss Nippon 2024. She and her mother emigrated to Japan (of all places) when Shiino was five years old. One cannot possibly miss her, a tall, thin, Central European with long brown hair, among the other contestants who have (as far as we know) Japanese parents. As a winner, she is acknowledged by the Miss Nippon Grand Prix organization as the Foremost Beauty of All Japanese Women. Shiinos face launched a thousand ships. Debate on social media arose: Japanese males acknowledged that Shiino is a beauty but not foremost of all Japanese women. Also, if she can win in this low threshold contest, then what is in store for next year? Others debated what it means to be Japanese. Having mastered the language and being naturalized in 2022, Shiino stated that she is absolutely Japanese and more Japanese than we are. Certainly, she absolutely fulfills the nationality requirement. Hopping a border, being born somewhere, paying taxes, are any of these sufficient requirements to be a national? What are nations, anyway? Are they not defined by the collection of peoples who just happen to be within an arbitrarily drawn border? Cant just one freely pick a nationality as one would a shirt, to change it later? Sensible people grasp its meaning, but nationality is one of those slippery nouns that is hard to explain in concrete terms, one of those I know it when I see it words. For its part during this episode, the Western media has nodded approvingly, as progressive Japanese, like their Western counterparts, gradually but steadily dismember the essence of nation and nationality. The media did not lose an opportunity to chastise Japan for not being diverse and for not opening its borders. Rather than explain why Shiino is the foremost beauty of all Japanese women, Miss Nippon organizer Ai Wada gave a non-answer, stating that Shiino is a hard working, yet humble, Japanese woman, with a very strong sense of consideration for others. She could have been describing the other contestants, perhaps Japanese women in general. At any rate, the judges picked Shiino with full confidence and Wada has her back. Now, the young woman who was chosen with full confidence and is more Japanese than the Japanese themselves is giving up her crown because she was allegedly romantically involved with a married man with children, a plastic surgeon, and social media influencer who just so happened to have sat as a judge for a previous Miss Nippon contest. Lest Westerners think that Wada is a fraud, most Japanese women are not adulterers and do indeed have a very strong sense of consideration for others. Perhaps the Miss Nippon Grand Prix organization would like to add to their short list of requirements moral candor, something that is sorely lacking in Japanese progressives. And give thought to the nationality requirement as nationality is more than a word written in a passport. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. The Great Unwashed should neither be seen nor heard, only taxed at least according to our electeds, who largely (if not entirely) view themselves as political royalty instead of civil servants and representatives. Case in point: We American citizens are $34 trillion in debt and have no border, but we didnt get that way because of constitutional conservatism. Rather, an amorphous Uniparty political structure, ostensibly operating as two separate parties with different values and ideologues, has undermined the founding principles and betrayed the tax-paying public. Heres just the latest example: Ted Cruz, after making the abolition of unconstitutional agencies a core pillar of his political runs, has quietly reneged on his campaign promises and done an about-face; as Politico reported on Saturday, Cruz recently crafted a legislative amendment, one hes attempting to affix to a major aviation policy bill that would provide to lawmakers a dedicated security escort at airports, along with expedited screening outside of public view. Oh, and if approved, the amendment would also extend the same special treatment to federal judges and Cabinet members, as well as a limited number of their family and staff. As an item at the New York Post noted, TSA already gives members of Congress Get out of grope free cards to avoid checkpoint hassles. If youre wondering how that happened, heres the rest of the story: In 2010, TSA turned airport checkpoints into constitutional twilight zones with enhanced patdowns and whole-body scanners that irradiated travelers while taking birthday-suit photos. The following year, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), the House of Representatives second-most powerful Democrat, bitterly complained: Weve had some incidents where TSA authorities think that congresspeople should be treated like everybody else. Clyburn warned: I think we need to take a hard look at exactly how the TSA interact with members of Congress. TSA hustled to placate the political elite. TSA compiled vast whitelists of individuals who are automatically eligible for expedited screening at airports, including members of Congress and federal judges, the ACLU noted. Politicians also benefit from PreCheck and CLEAR programs that most travelers have chosen not to purchase. TSA spends $800 million a year for air marshals, but almost half of them are designated for standby for flights by members of Congress despite zero aviation threats on most such flights. One veteran air marshal groused in 2021 that the DC field office was almost exclusively dedicated to VIP services for Congress. The Air Marshal National Council formally complained that TSA had turned its program into a concierge service and baby-sitting for members of Congress, who exploited the program even for personal flights with no tie to official business. (No doubt, we the tax slaves paid for those PreCheck and CLEAR programs cited above too.) Also see below, as noted in the Politico piece: But the head of a nonprofit representing airport police said Cruzs proposal would be a burden to airport police agencies, especially because federal budgets already do not adequately fund airport police units. It would also divert police from crime suppression and security functions at airports, which is our fundamental duty, said Kevin Murphy, executive director of the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network. Not only is there no money to add additional costs (see the National Debt Clock here), but it would divert already budgeted debt-spending for law enforcement agents from focusing on things that are far more important to the American public: Federal statistics reflect that 70% of victims are trafficked through airports (although I suspect that number is much higher), and with no southern border, we know there are terrorists here. Shouldnt airport security personnel focus their efforts on doing everything they constitutionally can to make sure the millions of flights coming and going are terrorist-free? Cruzs amendment is one of the most ridiculous excuses to point a gun at my head Ive ever heardafter all, when you levy a tax, or add expenses to a ballooning national debt, youre extorting money by force, and with the threat of violence. If I were to figuratively die on the hill of not paying my federal income taxes (which are completely unconstitutional), whats going to happen? Well, Im going to literally die, when the armed IRS agents kick my door with the lead consequences. While some taxes might be necessary, they should at least pass a sniff test of Is this reason enough to point a gun at someones head? So as Mr. Cruz points the gun at our heads so he, the rest of the D.C. caste, and their families can have red carpet treatment when forced to share public amenities with the peasants, we have to ask ourselves: Does it pass the sniff test? Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. The text of this new border bill starts out like so many others, with a title. And, like so many others, incorporates the terms and for other purposes in that titleand that is where the devil lies in the details. HR-815 started life as a sweet little two-liner bill called the RELIEVE Act, introduced last year by Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). On March 7, 2023, it passed the House on a simple voice vote. The bill amended current legislation to make it easier for veterans to be reimbursed for emergency medical care. Then, Krysten Sinema (I-AZ) introduced S-1172, nearly identical legislation, in the Senate in July 2023. No further action has been taken on either bill. About 10% of bills that became law in recent Congresses have been little one-page bills dealing with some aspect of veterans benefits. Now, here comes Patty Murray (D-WA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to amend not S-1172 but HR-815. The first action outlined in the bill is to delete the entire text of the bill that the House passed. That alone should get it absolutely no consideration by either Senate Republicans or any House members. I am always concerned about and for other purposes and think that only appropriations bills should cover more than one topic. The rest should be able to stand or fall on their own merits. So, I took a look at one of the other purposes incorporated by the nefarious Democrats. Image by AI. As background, Congress.gov is the website that provides information on all legislative activity. One bit of information that youll find on the TEXT tab associated with a bill is a link to the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) Cost Estimate. This provides a breakdown of the anticipated cost of the bill on the budget, along with explanations about the bill and how the CBO calculated the cost estimate. This information is required by the Pay-As-You-Go statute, abbreviated S-PAYGO. The effect is to provide transparency regarding a bills cost to legislators and the President. One side effect is that the rest of us get to see it, too. Here is the CBOs information sheet on the policy. The new amendment to sweet little HR-815 is being described as a $118 billion piece of legislation. However, we dont know if that is the new bills entire budgetary impact., and if this amendment passes, no one will ever know until the costs have long been passed to the taxpayers of this country. Why? Because TITLE VIII (BUDGETARY EFFECTS), SEC. 3801. (BUDGETARY EFFECTS) of this bill states (a) STATUTORY PAYGO SCORECARDS.The budgetary effects of this division shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. It goes on to state (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.The budgetary effects of this division shall not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for purposes of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress). (c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budget Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the joint explanatory statement of the committee of conference accompanying Conference Report 105217 and section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of this division shall not be estimated (1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act; (2) for purposes of an allocation to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to section 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974; and (3) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of section 3 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 as being included in an appropriation Act. These Democrats want the truth hidden from their colleagues who are expected to thoughtfully consider this bill. They want the truth hidden from the President, who is expected to take such things as budgetary impact and cost into consideration when signing legislation into law. They want the truth hidden from We the People, who will bear the entire burden for their actions. This must not stand. Conservatives and others who value the well-being of their constituents must vote NO on this amendment to HR-815. Anony Mee is the nom de blog of a retired public servant who X-tweets at @oh_yeahMee. Most Americans dont know how much police officers rely on the Constitution, and particularly the Bill of Rights, in their daily work. This is particularly true of the Fourth Amendment, which regulates search and seizure: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. There are necessary exceptions to the warrant requirement. Without them our police couldnt function. However, probable cause (PC) matters. Simply put, it is facts or evidence that would cause a reasonable police officer to believe a crime had been committed, and a specific person committed it. Thats largely what keeps show me the man and Ill show you the crime politicized fishing expeditions from happening. For example, if I have legitimate probable cause to believe a set of car tires was stolen, Bob the Crook stole them, and theyre currently in Bobs house, I can apply for a warrant. If a judge grants it, it will particularly describe the tires and the places I can search. Because of their size, I can search anywhere in Bobs house a tire could be found, but not in his medicine cabinet. Graphic: Wikimedia Commons.org. Public Domain. Tragically, for America and the rule of law, the FBI apparently doesnt worry about trifles like probable cause or the Fourth Amendment: A squad of FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents in March 2021 raided the Beverly Hills location of a company, U.S. Private Vaults, suspected of criminal activity. Over several days, agents wearing masks photographed evidence, seized jewels, gold bullion, and coins, and confiscated some contraband (mostly drugs) from 1,400 safe-deposit boxes rented by an array of people, including a retired doctor, a saxophone player, a retired floor contractor, and at least two attorneys. The grand total seized by the FBI was $86 million in cold cash, as well as Rolex and Cartier watches, rare coins, and more silver and gold than even Yukon Cornelius could imagine. U.S. Private Vaults eventually pled guilty to conspiracy and money laundering. Last month, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the bureau violated the constitutional rights of safe-deposit box holders whose property was seized without probable cause, something the warrant explicitly prohibited. Its a classic case. In order to open any safe-deposit box and seize its contents, the FBI would need to have PC regarding each and every box they opened. They didnt. Not even close. That the FBI had the chutzpah to ignore the judges warrant, which explicitly d[id] not authorize a criminal search or seizure of box contents, did not sit well with the court. Judges called the seizures egregious and outrageous during oral arguments, comparing them to the Revolutionary War practices of the British, who would search and seize the property of colonials without probable cause. [skip] Indeed, depositions from FBI agents suggest that forfeiting the property of safe-deposit box holders some would call it stealing was the FBIs plan from the very beginning. Excerpts of those depositions, which can be read at the Los Angeles Times and Reason, make it clear that the FBI had been planning a massive asset forfeiture operation months prior to filing its affidavit with U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve Kim. They also reveal that the FBI had been planning all along to seize the contents of all safe-deposit boxes, so long as they contained at least $5,000 (the minimum established by the Justice Departments Asset Forfeiture Policy Manual). Testimony makes it clear the FBI was not particularly concerned whether these people were actually criminals, or that the agent who submitted the affidavit had assured Kim that the property rights of customers would be respected. We only know all of this because a judge denied a request from the U.S. attorneys office surprise, surprise to block disclosure of those depositions, laying bare the governments deception, in the words of the Los Angeles Times reporter Michael Finnegan. Another FBI/DOJ coverup. Im shocked, shocked! Finnegans reporting shows FBI agents and U.S. attorneys behaving in almost mafialike fashion, demanding bank records, tax returns, and sworn statements from safe-deposit box holders and their family members just to get their own money back! [skip] The question now is: Who will be held accountable for the FBIs lawless, shameless raid? Under the Mummified Meat Puppet Administrations Department of Justice, the answer is simple: no one. An increasing number of Normal Americans and pundits alike believe the FBI hopelessly corrupt and are calling for its elimination. With the FBI committing such willful, egregious and arrogant violations of the Constitution, its hard to suggest theyre wrong. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. For years, the Wall Street Journal has been mocking its readership with its political good cop/bad cop routine the front-page headlines are usually blatantly anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, and pro-globalism, whereas, its editorials, on any identical day, tend to soften the progressive message a message more reflective of the actual political interests of the paper. Not so this morning. The paper came out hard and obvious for Sen. Chuck Schumers proposed border bill, both in its front-page reportage and even more so, in its lead editorial. Also, this morning, it is reported that even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reversed his support for the bill, with a bipartisan host of senators now joining him: Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the shocking decision to recommend Republicans block the advancement of the Senate pro-migration border bill. That first procedural vote was set for Wednesday. It is unknown if Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will forge ahead, although that is likely. McConnell cited the overwhelming number of Senate Republicans planning to vote against the measure either on substance or because they wanted more time, according to Punchbowl News. The WSJ is out of step today with its own strategies and showing its true colors -- after years of journalistic dissimulation. From the Journals lead editorial this morning (with the obligatory dig at Trump), we get this A Border Security Bill Worth Passing The Senate bill has reforms Trump never came close to getting. By The Editorial Board Feb. 5, 2024, 6:40 pm ET Do Republicans want to better secure the U.S. border, or do they want to keep what has become an open sore festering for another year as an election issue? Thats the choice presented to Congress this week with the rollout of the Senates bipartisan border security bill, and well soon learn what the GOP really wants. By any honest reckoning, this is the most restrictive migrant legislation in decades. Previous immigration talks have involved trading security measures for legalizing more immigration. There is little of the latter in this billnothing for nearly all of the Dreamers who were brought here illegally as children, no general pathway to citizenship or green cards for most illegal immigrants already in the U.S. Well, thats that, then. An honest reckoning from the WSJ. Not a word about Sen. Schumers timely threat to start a war with Russia if he doesnt get his/Bidens way on this bill: Chuck Schumer warns that if Congress does not pass the new $118 billion bill to Israel and Ukraine, that US troops will soon be fighting in the Middle East and against Russia Here is the WSJs headline, also this morning: Border Bill Looks Doomed as GOP Senators Criticize Deal I think the proposal is dead, says one Republican lawmaker WASHINGTONThree senators spent four months shaping a bipartisan deal designed to sharply cut down on illegal crossings at the U.S. border, demanded by Republican lawmakers as a condition for funding Ukraine in its war against Russia. It could take just days to fall apart. Are we to regret the return of Republican sanity on this outrageous bill? Are we to ignore the warning of Republican leadership in both houses about the bills atrocious deceptions and administrative state power-grabs? Of course we are. The WSJ is desperate today. The Journals leaderships dream of global hegemony, by the elite, via continuing and completing, in one fell swoop, the destruction of our borders and the invasion of our country, is so close to fulfillment: why stop now? (And dear me, what will Ukraine do without billions more in U.S. funding, with no accountability?) The Murdoch familys media empire includes Fox (see Paul Ryan) and the WSJ. The paper has troubles of its own right now. Maybe the Journals political craftsmanship is catching up with it, or its readers are: The Wall Street Journal took a hatchet to its Washington bureau on Thursday, laying off roughly 20 staffers in a restructuring that adds to a brutal start to 2024 for the journalism industry. However, Lachlan Murdoch, family heir to the Murdock media empire, is feeling no pain: Lachlan Murdochs Net Worth Projection for 2024: Lachlan Murdochs net worth is projected to continue its upward trajectory in 2024, given his influential position in the media industry. As of 2023, his estimated net worth stands at approximately $3.5 billion. However, with his continued efforts and business ventures, it is anticipated that his net worth could reach an impressive $5 billion by 2024. Image: Screen shot from CBS Sunday Morning video, via YouTube The current policy of allowing illegal migrants from across the globe without even screening for infectious diseases is disastrous. The epidemiological situation in the world has worsened since the 1990s. This is likely caused by rapid urbanization and an increase in long-distance travel. These developments cause the spread of infectious diseases that used to be confined to small areas or randomly rise in zoonotic episodes around the world. In the past, illegal immigration came mainly from Mexico, with Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras providing most of the rest. The current wave, invited by the Biden administration, comprises migrants from far-flung areas of South America, Africa, China, and the rest of Asia. Some locations in those areas harbor endemic and sporadically breaking from animal reservoirs infectious diseases, some of which are not known to science, and others known as extremely dangerous. Take, for example, viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, diseases caused by the Marburg virus, Nipah virus, Lassa virus, etc. They have fatality rates above 10%. Even single cases are used to cause strong reactions and even panic. Yet, hundreds of thousands of people from the endemic areas are marching over the border without screening, then dispersed all over the country. Americans might be more vulnerable to those diseases than the populations of developing countries. Some of our social conditions contribute to the spread of such diseases. We have a large percentage of the immunocompromised population. Unlike countries where outbreaks periodically happen, we are not prepared for those diseases. The illegal migrants also bring in diseases that used to be eradicated in the U.S., such as tuberculosis and polio, frequently their drug-resistant varieties. Bubonic plague is one of the least dangerous diseases carried in by illegal migration. An extensive search reveals no published research on infectious diseases of migrants coming to the U.S. after 2019, excluding COVID-19. The serious research ended around 2009. This is despite the well-established epidemiological fact that migration is how infectious diseases spread. The latest relevant paper I could find analyzed the data from the CDC's own Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System over the period ending in 2019. The EDN is incomplete and is closed to the public. A 2022 systematic review of top scientific papers on infectious diseases among purported refugees, covering 1999 through 2020, found only one U.S. paper dated 2009. Recent U.S. publications on this subject are worthless DEI. That indicates political suppression of such research or, at least, publication. The agency charged with epidemic monitoring and control is the CDC. Of course, the CDC became the most compromised and politicized agency through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Biden administration dragged it lower. It is actively complicit in covering up and bringing infections into the U.S. The CDC fails even to monitor such diseases. The universities are afflicted with DEI and are not helpful. Are we going to DIE from DEI? The law requires that asylum seekers are screened before entrance and are not admitted if they have any of the specified communicable diseases, from infectious tuberculosis to leprosy or viral hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola, Marburg, Nipah etc.) Of course, the Biden administration cannot care less about the law. It might be worse than not caring. In the past, we could not think of anybody causing an epidemic to advance their purposes. Democrat electoral apparatus has proven otherwise with COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed Democrats to commit mail ballot fraud in the 2020 elections. There is no reason to believe they would give up this weapon in 2024. There is more specific evidence. Democrat politicians and their globalist accomplices blame so-called climate change for both migrations and the spread of infectious diseases. Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is on the record. When they blamed climate change for forest fires, their supporters set forests on fire. They might be doing the same with infectious diseases. The intentional spreading of infectious diseases can be motivated to induce the U.S. into joining the UN pandemic treaty. Apart from Democrats, some NGOs guiding the flow of illegal migrants are very hostile to the U.S. They can easily select infected individuals and small groups and induce them to move into the U.S. I hope Congress will do something about this problem. Image: National Archives Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, pictured in 2020, paid restitution to workers for violating the citys Health Care Security Ordinance. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Limon Rotisserie in San Francisco in 2012. The restaurant agreed to a $1 million settlement agreement for violating the citys health care ordinance. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle A well-known San Francisco restaurant drew scrutiny last month for owing its workers more than $200,000 after violating a city law that requires businesses to provide employee health care. But Foreign Cinema is not the only restaurant to run afoul of San Franciscos health care ordinance. At least 10 other food businesses have violated the mandate since 2020, according to the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement. All agreed to settlements and payouts to hundreds of workers including one as large as $1 million. They include chains, a delivery-focused ghost kitchen and popular independent San Francisco businesses such as Tartine Bakery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Franciscos Health Care Security Ordinance requires businesses with 20 or more employees to set aside money to provide health care benefits for workers. Many restaurants offset the cost by adding a surcharge to diners bills. Under the ordinance, restaurants must pay an hourly rate, which increases annually, based on the size of their business (currently, $2.34 an hour for those with 20 to 99 employees or $3.51 an hour for larger employers). Employers can use the money to cover employees health, dental and/or vision insurance. Or they can contribute the funds to San Franciscos City Option, which reimburses workers for health care costs (and, controversially, has about $104 million sitting unclaimed in accounts). In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the city collected $14 million from health care violations more than for any other city labor law. I think its important as an office that we establish a strong atmosphere of labor compliance in the city, said Office of Labor Standards Enforcement Director Patrick Mulligan. San Franciscos health care law, which took effect in 2008, is an anomaly in the region and statewide, Mulligan said. Enforcement is largely driven by complaints, which he said typically come from workers, advocacy and labor groups and even competing businesses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reports from Tartine employees in 2019, for example, sparked an investigation, according to city records. The Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) conducts a comprehensive audit and issues fines and restitution if violations are found. Most businesses agree to settlements, with payment plans overseen by the city. Tartine settled in 2022, paying $80,000 to 183 former and current workers from all three of its San Francisco locations. We worked diligently with the OLSE in a collaborative manner to ensure that we were and are in full compliance, Tartine CEO Dar Vasseghi wrote in an email to the Chronicle. Restaurants represent a small subset of the hundreds of health care audits the OLSE conducts every year, Mulligan said. The recent Foreign Cinema case, though more public than most, was fairly routine, Mulligan said. Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, said that 11 cases of violations in three years out of the nearly 4,000 permitted restaurants in San Francisco signals that overwhelmingly, most people are complying. People order lunch at Limon Rotisserie in San Francisco in 2012. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle The largest restaurant settlement in the last three years came from Limon, a Peruvian restaurant with two locations in San Francisco and four outside the city. Limon agreed last June to pay 130 current and former employees $920,766, and a $95,000 city fine, by 2031. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The amount is not an outlier, Mulligan said, but rather a reflection of the size of the business and its number of employees. The long-term payment plan, however, is unusual, Mulligan said. As a result, the city requested as part of the settlement that it be recorded in San Francisco County Superior Court, in addition to the citys usual process. Neither representatives for Limon nor its attorneys responded to requests for comment. The city found the restaurant failed to meet health care requirements between April 2019 and March 2022. The owners contend this was due to incorrect advice about employee benefits from a third party, Limon wrote in a notice to employees included in the court records. After we were contacted by OLSE about this error, we took steps to come into compliance, the notice reads. Foreign Cinema co-owner John Clark previously told the Chronicle that his business does provide health care for workers who need it, and called the citys findings a difference in opinion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Besides Limon, one other food business is still paying out its settlement: a Burger King franchisee, Golden Gate Restaurant Group, which agreed to pay $800,000 to 235 affected workers by 2026. (This franchisee, which once had six locations, was also cited by the state last year for $2.2 million in wage theft violations.) The Chronicle could not reach the company for comment. Roka Akor, pictured in 2016, is among the San Francisco restaurants found to have violated the citys health care law. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle Fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen paid $504,000 in a settlement for 154 workers from all its San Francisco locations in October, according to the city. (Sweetgreen did not respond to requests for comment.) Roka Akor, an upscale Japanese restaurant in the Financial District, paid out $86,000 to 101 employees for health care violations in October. Chief Financial Officer Valerie Sanchez said the city found a minor error in the business calculation for full-time employees. This led to a shortfall of an average of $150 per employee per year between 2020 and 2023, Sanchez wrote in an email to the Chronicle, plus a $20,000 city fine. The restaurant updated its calculation method and continue(s) to maintain compliance with all city mandates, she wrote. Family Style, Inc., a ghost kitchen company started by a Los Angeles music executive, paid $40,000 in December 2020 for violations at its now closed San Francisco outpost. It was once the location of Pizzaoki, a pizza business from celebrity DJ Steve Aoki. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Family Style Inc., Moroccan spot Berber and Thai restaurant Farmhouse Kitchen did not respond to requests for comment. Harveys, a bar and restaurant in the Castro, closed in January 2023. The Golden Gate Restaurant Association has been internally discussing possible health care reform since learning about the millions of dollars that businesses had paid into San Franciscos City Option sitting largely untouched. Last March, the city said it would start tracking 182,530 inactive reimbursement accounts and if the money isnt claimed in three years, it will go to the citys general fund. That sparked conversations among frustrated restaurateurs, Thomas said, about potential changes to the law. At Thomas restaurants, Roses Cafe and Terzo, the mandated health care expenditures represent about 5% of revenue. Both restaurants use a 5% surcharge to cover the cost. The Health Care Security Ordinance was created during a different era, Thomas said, before the existence of Covered California, the state health insurance market established under the federal Affordable Care Act. Google is reportedly asking a judge to overturn the jury verdict in its antitrust case with Epic. Google spent the better part of the last few months of 2023 battling it out in court with Epic in an antitrust case over Googles market dominance with the Play Store. US District Judge James Donato ruled in Epics favor, stating that Google operates the Play Store as an illegal monopoly. This marked a pretty major win that could very well have ramifications for how Google does business going forward. Thats if Google isnt successful in getting Judge Donato to overturn the verdict in the case against Epic. A court filing from February 1 (spotted by Reuters) details Googles request for the verdict to be thrown out. Such a decision would likely not sit well with Epic or Sweeney. Especially after Sweeneys energetic response to X users last year about taking the fight to Cupertino in an attempt to push through their own appeal in the case Epic had against Apple. Advertisement Advertisement The court filing is requesting one of two things. Asking that Judge Donato either grant a new trial or overturn the verdict and rule in Googles favor. Its not clear what Donatos response will be. He has yet to either reject the new trial idea or overturn the verdict. Even if Googles requests are rejected, however, it isnt left without recourse. If Judge Donato wont overturn the Epic case verdict, Google can still appeal It seems like Google would much rather have Judge Donato go with one of its two requests. But even should those two requests be rejected, Google can still move forward with an appeal in 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. If the company decides to go this route, theres no guarantee itll receive a positive response there either. Worth noting is that Google could also be waiting a while for a response. When and if Google appeals the ruling in the 9th Circuit Court, it could end up waiting months before a decision is made. To which the court may simply uphold the initial court ruling. In its request for a new trial, Google says that Epic has not presented adequate evidence to support the jurys December verdict. In this case, Epic insisted that Google was stifling alternative app stores. Doing so by paying billions to developers to abandon efforts for those stores. Those exclusive deals locked in Googles dominance, Epic said. Huawei has scaled back the production of the Mate 60 series flagship smartphones. No, the demand hasnt dwindled. The phones are selling well, crossing 30 million shipments within five months of launch. This is a healthy sales pace for a company beleaguered by various US sanctions. However, the sanctions mean it has limited resources and has to slow down smartphone production to prioritize AI chips. Huawei is focusing on AI chips at the expense of Mate 60 smartphones Huawei reportedly uses the same production facility to manufacture its Ascend AI chips and Kirin processors that power the Mate 60 smartphones. According to a Reuters report, which cites three people familiar with the matter, the company is struggling with low yield rates at this semiconductor facility. Yield rate is the percentage of the usable chips produced to the total number of chips that can be made from one wafer. Advertisement Advertisement The sources didnt provide a precise number but it appears the Chinese firms yield rate is poor. Effectively, its chip production capacity is low. As the tech industry rushes to incorporate AI into just about every product, Huawei has decided to scale back the production of Kirin chips for the Mate 60 series, prioritizing AI chips. It will allocate the bulk of its resources to produce the Ascend 910B and other AI chips. This is a massive decision from Huawei. As said earlier, the Mate 60 series has been selling well in China. The phones helped the firm outsell Apple iPhones in the domestic market last year. They have set the tone for Huawei to achieve its target of doubling its smartphone sales in 2024. It aims to ship 60-70 million smartphones this year. However, unless it improves its chip yield rates soon, the firm might struggle to hit the target. Advertisement As far as the decision to prioritize AI chips is concerned, Huawei knows that the US trade restrictions have limited Chinese companies access to advanced AI chips like Nvidias H100. As the AI trend grows, the demand for domestic solutions will rise. It is looking to tap into the opportunity with early inroads. As Reuters states, The Ascend 910B is widely considered the most competitive non-Nvidia AI chip available in China. This might be a short-term production arrangement Huawei hopes this production arrangement to be a short-term one. It is reportedly working on improving its yield rates, so it could simultaneously produce the desired amount of Kirin processors and Ascend AI chips at its semiconductor facility. Whether it manages to make that happen anytime soon, time will tell. The firm declined Reuters request for a comment on the matter. Nokia may be circling the drain right now, but that does not mean that you cant enjoy one of its fine devices in 2024. Hmd, the company formerly building Nokia phones, announced the re-release of the Nokia G22 with a new peach coat of paint. So, in case you dont know, HMD is the Finnish company that held the rights to manufacture Nokia phones. It recently announced that it was going to break away from Nokia in order to establish its own brand identity. Unfortunately for Nokia, this means that it may not have a company to make its products. A smartphone company without the means to develop smartphones doesnt quite have a chance to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Weve already been seeing leaks of the new phones that it is working on. In fact, we expect to see nine phones being unveiled during MWC this year. Thats a heck of an unveiling, but it leads us to wonder if the company is not biting up more than they can chew. Nokia re-released the Nokia G22 in a peach color This phone doesnt really have too much to offer in the specs department. Its a mid-ranger unveiled back during MWC 2023. There wasnt really much special about it, however. The Nokia G22 was your classic mid-range handset with a 6.5-in 720p+ display. The Nokia G22 has 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB of storage. So, nothing on the spec sheet really stood out with this phone. However, what made it special was the fact that it was very repairable. It even won an award for its repairability. Nokia is releasing the same exact phone this year, so you shouldnt expect any changes. The only difference is the peach color. This is an orangish pink color that looks absolutely stunning. Its a lovely-looking device. As for the price, this phone starts at 149.99. Unfortunately, it does not look like its coming to the States. So, if you are in the UK, and you are looking for a new phone that looks marvelous, then you should put in your order. OnePlus recently announced the OnePlus 12 and 12R smartphones in the global markets. Now, the companys President Kinder Liu in an interview with Toms Guide has revealed why the company does not offer an extended seven years of software update policy for the OnePlus 12. This is considering, OnePluss rivals Samsung and Google who announced seven years of software policy for their respective latest-generation Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 series phones. OnePlus President explains why it doesnt offer longer software support The OnePlus 12 offers four years of software updates whereas the 12R scales back to three years. With an additional year of security patches, the software support stretches by one year to five and four years on the number series flagship and the mid-range offering respectively. Advertisement Advertisement In the interview, Liu says Simply offering longer software update policies completely misses the point. Its not just software update policies that are important to the user, its the fluency of your phones user experience too. The executive means to say that a longer software update policy isnt necessarily a good thing if the phones hardware cannot keep up. The OnePlus executive goes on to explain further by metamorphically comparing the phone to a sandwich. The filling inside the sandwich is the phones software which manufacturers claim that it will be good to eat in seven years. However, they miss out on mentioning about the bread the user experience which could turn moldy after four years. Hence, a seven-year software update policy wont matter because the rest of the experience with the phone is terrible due to the hardware issues arising over time. Advertisement More reasons why OnePluss 5 years software policy makes sense Liu reveals that OnePlus conducted stress tests with TUV SUD for the latest OnePlus 12 and 12R to simulate years of use and guarantee four years of fast and smooth performance. One of the parameters of the stress test included the phones battery health which is commonly degradable. It will be the first piece of hardware on any device to wear out. Hence, unless OEMs switch to user-replaceable batteries, longer seven-year software support does not make sense at the moment. Additionally, Liu also came across a Counterpoint Research report that says Android users seem to upgrade their smartphones within four years of purchasing them. This also lines up with OnePluss current software support policy. Samsung will launch a new premium mid-range smartphone in a month or two. The company is readying the Galaxy A55 as the successor to last years Galaxy A54. The handset has been subject to several leaks lately, including an exclusive leak from us showing its official renders in three colors. The device has also picked up a handful of regulatory certifications in recent weeks. It has just been certified by the FCC. FCC certifies Galaxy A55 with Wi-Fi 6 and NFC The FCC certified the Galaxy A55 with the model number SM-A556E, including its dual-SIM (DS) variant. It is the global version of the phone. Other model numbers for the phone include SM-A556B and SM-A556U. The documents uploaded to the agencys website confirm that the device has slots for two physical SIM cards. We also expect a micro SD card slot for expandable storage. Advertisement Advertisement This certification also confirms the presence of Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and NFC connectivity options on the Galaxy A55. Additionally, we can see that the FCC tested the device with a Samsung-made charging adapter bearing the model number EP-TA800. It has a maximum output power of 25W (9V/2.77A). That might be the charging speed of the phone, though the charger wont come bundled in the box. While we dont have a confirmation yet, the Galaxy A55 could come in 128GB and 256GB storage variants, paired with 6GB/8GB RAM. Samsungs in-house Exynos 1480 4nm chipset is expected to power the phone. It features four high-performance CPU cores clocked at 2.75GHz and four efficiency cores at 2.05GHz. The chipset incorporates a 5G modem and an Xclipse 530 custom GPU developed in collaboration with AMD. The Galaxy A55 features a metallic frame and will ship with Android 14 out of the box. Unfortunately, not much else is known about it at the moment. It remains to be seen if Samsung keeps the display specs and the camera setup unchanged. The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, HDR10+ support, and 1000 nits of peak brightness. It has a 50MP primary rear camera with 4K video recording. The Galaxy A35 may arrive alongside this phone Rumors say Samsung will unveil the Galaxy A55 in April. The phone may be accompanied by the Galaxy A35, a slightly less premium device with a plastic frame. The latter has already picked up the FCC certification, as well as numerous other regulatory approvals around the world. As we revealed in an exclusive leak last month, the Galaxy A35 will look identical to its more powerful sibling. Following Apples decision to use titanium in its iPhones, Samsung has also adopted titanium for its latest flagship lineup, the Galaxy S24 series. On the surface level, the Galaxy S24 Ultra incorporates the same element, titanium, as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max do. However, an XRF scan by YouTube creator Zack Nelson reveals that theres a variation in quality or strength between the two. To be more specific, the Pro iPhones use grade 5 titanium while the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses grade 2 titanium. Grade 5 vs. grade 2 titanium Grade 5 titanium of the Pro iPhones is stronger and has a higher tensile strength than Grade 2 titanium that Samsung is using. The one used on last years iPhones is also more scratch-resistant and has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than Grade 2. So technically, the Pro iPhones are more resistant to scratches or physical impact. However, Grade 5 titanium is harder to machine, and it adds more cost. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of the cost, Zack Nelson notes in his Galaxy S24 Ultra teardown video that the grade 2 titanium that Samsung is using, costs around four times less than the grade 5 titanium in the 2023 Pro iPhones. He also makes an educated guess that Apple is likely using $10 $15 worth of titanium whereas Samsung is only $3 -$5 on it, because of the different grade material. Samsung has also chosen an easier way to fuse the titanium and aluminum together for the Galaxy S24 Ultra Its important to note that neither Apple nor Samsung make the entire chassis out of titanium. Titanium is expensive and using more of it would drastically increase cost. What they are doing instead, is using the same aluminum body and wrapping the sides with titanium metal which will be exposed to the exterior and will face most of the impacts in day-to-day use. Apple uses solid-state diffusion to fuse the aluminum directly with the titanium whereas Samsung uses plastic to join titanium and aluminum together. So, is the Galaxy S24 Ultra less durable than the 2023 iPhones? Well, maybe technically, but the phone has so far survived all major durability tests quite flawlessly. The bottom line is that Samsung has taken steps that save them a bit of cash but still do the job really well. The Princess Royal has carried out an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle a day after news of the Kings cancer diagnosis. Anne handed out orders and medals at the royal residence on Tuesday, sharing smiles and long conversations with recipients. Charles faces regular treatment for cancer after his shock diagnosis during his recent hospital stay for a procedure on an enlarged prostate. The King has postponed all of his public duties and returned to London from Sandringham on Monday. Anne is expected to undertake some duties on her brothers behalf in his absence, along with the Prince of Wales. Following the investiture ceremony, Anne visited family-run GH Hurt & Son in Nottingham which has provided shawls for royal newborns for more than 70 years. She was seen leaving the business and getting into a waiting car at around 4.45pm. Among those receiving honours from the princess was Sara Cox, the worlds first professional female rugby referee, who was made an MBE for her services to rugby union. She earned her first contract with the Rugby Football Union in 2016 and has since gone on to achieve a number of firsts in the sport, including officiating a match between two mens Premiership Rugby teams. Speaking to the PA news agency, Ms Cox said greater exposure was needed to produce more female referees at the highest level. She said: When I first started I had two other ladies in front of me that were my idols, but at the time when I got to their level and then overtook them, that was where it ran out really. So hopefully now Ive paved the way for other referees to come through, and that doesnt just have to be females, that can be male as well. Sara Cox has been a professional rugby union referee for eight years (Andrew Matthews/PA) Ms Cox, from Exeter, said picking up her MBE from Anne at Windsor Castle was a bit bonkers after being recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours list in June. She said she spoke with Anne a patron of the Scottish Rugby Union about technology in the sport and rugby in general, as she knew the princess was a big rugby fan. Ms Cox said she did encounter some difficulties in reaching the highest level of refereeing in a typically male-dominated role, but overcame them with a bit of determination and grit. She singled out the army versus navy rugby game at Twickenham Stadium after the Covid-19 pandemic as her most memorable. The event, which dates back as far as the 19th century, sees mens and womens teams from the British Army and Royal Navy compete for the Babcock Trophy. She said: It was the first one back after Covid, everyone was getting back on their feet, it was a beautiful summers day and there were 60,000 people in the stadium. I think for any referee in England, Twickenham, where rugby began, is definitely up there on the priority list, but then to be able to stand there in front of that crowd (and) sing your own national anthem, its not something we get to do, so that was fantastic. Madeleine Davidson-Houston received the Queens Gallantry Medal from the Princess Royal on behalf of her late grandfather, John Rees, who intervened in an armed attack at a supermarket in 2020 (Yui Mok/PA) Another recipient at the ceremony was church bell ringer John Rees, 88, who attempted to stop a mentally ill woman from carrying out a frenzied knife attack in South Wales on May 5 2020. Mr Rees was at a supermarket counter in the village of Penygraig, Rhondda when he saw Zara Radcliffe enter and begin stabbing at passing customers with a kitchen knife. He tried to diffuse the situation before being stabbed and bludgeoned to death, despite the efforts of two other members of the public. Mr Rees granddaughter, Madeleine Davidson-Houston, 26, collected the Queens Gallantry Medal on his behalf in recognition of his bravery. The award was one of the last to be approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Ms Davidson-Houston told the PA news agency: The fact that the Queen would even acknowledge anything he did would be more than he would ever have expected. She described her grandfather as humble and a true gentleman and said his death was a huge loss for the local community, where he was a keystone figure. The BBC has released a first-look image from its forthcoming drama based on the true story of the kidnapping of Chloe Ayling. The six-part series stars actress Nadia Parkes as Ayling and follows her abduction and time in captivity, as well as the subsequent court case that put her kidnappers in jail. The British glamour model was abducted in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan, Italy, for a modelling job but was later released. Chloe Ayling was kidnapped in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan, Italy, for a modelling job (Ian West/PA) A six-part series called Kidnapped, written by Georgia Lester, who worked on Killing Eve, is based on research, interviews, the legal proceedings and Aylings autobiography Kidnapped The Untold Story Of My Abduction. It will tell Chloes personal story in full for the first time, going behind the headlines to shine a light on the emotional truth, according to the BBC. Ayling was held in a farmhouse near Turin while a 300,000 euro (265,000) ransom was demanded. She was released six days later, on July 17, at the British Consulate in Milan. Polish national Lukasz Herba and his brother, Michal Herba, were subsequently jailed after an Italian court convicted them of kidnapping Ayling. However, the model faced headlines claiming she had faked her ordeal, and was accused in court of being involved in a publicity stunt. Chloe Ayling later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Ian West/PA) Ayling subsequently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Parkes will star in the series, made with the co-operation of Ayling, alongside A Spy Among Friends actor Adrian Edmondson and The Captures Nigel Lindsay. Filming took place in Italy and the UK last year. Kidnapped will launch on BBC Three and iPlayer later this year. How the Clapham alkali attack and manhunt for suspect Abdul Ezedi has unfolded The suspect in the south London alkali attack is on the run and the police manhunt for him is in its sixth day. Abdul Ezedi, 35, who has significant injuries to the right side of his face, was last seen passing the Unilever building near Blackfriars Station and heading towards Victoria Embankment on Wednesday, more than two hours after the attack in Clapham, south London. Heres a timeline of how events have unfolded so far: Wednesday 00.15am Ezedis vehicle is seen in Newcastle, where he had been living. 6.30am His vehicle is seen travelling into Tooting, south London. 4.30pm A further sighing of his car is confirmed in Croydon. 7pm He is then seen driving in Streatham. 7.25pm The attack takes place in Lessar Avenue on a 31-year-old woman, believed to be known to Ezedi, who was with her daughters, aged three and eight. Ezedi is not the father of the children. Ezedi allegedly throws the younger child to the ground and makes off in his car, which crashes into a stationary vehicle nearby. He then runs off. Police Commander Jon Savell giving an update to the media (PA Video) The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene, with 12 people, including five officers, injured. 7.33pm Ezedi boards a train at Clapham South Tube station. 7.59pm He leaves that train at Kings Cross Tube station. 8.42pm He is seen on CCTV leaving Tesco at 21 Caledonian Road. He exits and turns right. He has significant injuries and is believed to have bought a bottle of water. Ezedi was seen in a Tesco Express shop (Metropolitan Police/PA) 9pm Ezedi enters Kings Cross Tube station and boards a Victoria Line Tube southbound. -9.10pm Ezedi arrives at Victoria Station and then boards a District Line Tube eastbound at 9.16pm. 9.33pm He is seen leaving Tower Hill Underground Station. 9.47pm Ezedi is seen on Allhallows Lane in the City of London. He travels through a passage to Cousin Lane and then turns right, walking towards Upper Thames Street. 9.51pm He turns left onto Upper Thames Street and travels along the street at 9.54pm. A still from CCTV footage of Abdul Ezedi on Allhallows Lane (Metropolitan Police/PA) 9.59pm Ezedi passes the City of London School on Pauls Walk, heading towards Blackfriars Bridge, passing the riverboat pier. 10.04pm He passes the Unilever building and heads towards Victoria Embankment in the last recorded sighting of him. Thursday About 9.30am Scotland Yard says the 31-year-old woman and three-year-old girl have potentially life-changing injuries. 1.35pm Ezedis identity is disclosed and people are warned to stay away from him. The Met said they are working with Northumbria Police as the wanted man may be trying to return to the North East. The public have been warned to stay away from Ezedi (Metropolitan Police/PA) 4pm There was a heightened police presence on Caledonian Road, as unmarked cars with blue sirens could be seen and police vehicles drove around the area. 6pm The image of Ezedi buying a bottle of water is released. Overnight Thursday to Friday Police carry out five search warrants, at two addresses in east London and three in Newcastle. Friday 3.36pm Police hold a press conference, giving a timeline of Ezedis movements, an update on the condition of the mother and her daughters and issuing new images of Ezedi at Kings Cross underground station. Commander Jon Savell makes a direct appeal to Ezedi to hand himself into police, so he can get the urgent medical treatment he needs. An empty container with corrosive warnings on the label (Met Police) Saturday 4.55pm Police release footage of empty containers with corrosive warnings being found in a raid on an address in Newcastle. Tests are continuing to find out if the substance is the one used in the Clapham attack. They also say they have received dozens of calls about the manhunt, including possible sightings, as they renewed their appeal for the publics help catching him. Sunday 12.20pm Police say a reward of up to 20,000 is on offer to anyone who can provide information leading to Ezedis arrest. Detectives also confirm analysis of the substance shows it is a very strong concentrated corrosive substance, either liquid sodium hydroxide or liquid sodium carbonate. The Met also releases CCTV video footage of Ezedi in the Tesco on Caledonian Road, where he is seen buying what appears to be water in the self-service checkout before leaving the shop. Monday Officers arrest a 22-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. He is later released on bail. Police say the mother may lose sight in her right eye. The most recent sighting of Ezedi was at about 9.50pm on Wednesday near Southwark Bridge, although there is no suggestion he jumped into the Thames. They tracked his movements around the Tube network using his bank card, but it has not been used since Wednesday. A computer expert has denied forging documents to falsely suggest he is the creator of Bitcoin at the start of his evidence at the High Court. Dr Craig Wright claims he is Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym of the person widely credited with founding the cryptocurrency in 2008. The computer scientist is being sued by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, which has accused him of lying and forging documents to suggest he is the pseudonymous figure. Dr Craig Wright, centre, denies the allegations (Lucy North/PA) Dr Wright is denying the claims in a trial in London, and in the first of several days of his giving evidence, said he had not forged any documents. On Tuesday, he was asked by Jonathan Hough KC, representing Copa: Have you ever forged or falsified a document to support your claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto? Dr Wright replied: No. Mr Hough asked: Have you ever knowingly presented a forged or falsified document to support your claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto? Dr Wright replied: I have not. The trial was taking place at the Rolls Building in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Copa has accused Dr Wright of telling a brazen lie and creating an elaborate false narrative about being Satoshi and using forgery on an industrial scale to substantiate his claims. Dr Wright denies the allegations, and when asked by Mr Hough about whether he forged one document on Tuesday, he replied: If I forged that document, it would be perfect. Barristers representing the Australian, who moved to the UK in 2015, have said that he had the relevant skills and knowledge needed to create Bitcoin and write the document which led to its founding, which he began drafting in 2007. The document, known as the Bitcoin white paper, was released under Satoshis name, with the pseudonym last heard from in 2011. After he was first linked with being Satoshi in late 2015, Dr Wright publicly claimed to be behind the figure in May 2016. Dr Wright first claimed to be Satoshi in 2016 (Alamy/PA) He said in written documents that he did not want to be revealed and wished to remain in the background, with his public naming leaving him feeling violated and deeply pained. The court heard on Tuesday that the Satoshi pseudonym was inspired by the Japanese philosopher, Tominaga Nakamoto, with written submissions from his barristers stating that he had a deep interest in Japanese culture and had adopted various Japanese pseudonyms throughout his life. Dr Wright, wearing a pale blue suit, also claims he had access to the email accounts used by the pseudonym but now no longer had it. On Tuesday afternoon, Dr Wrights barrister, Lord Grabiner KC, criticised the extremely oppressive conditions during the trial in the Rolls Building, which has been affected by high temperatures inside the packed courtroom. Large fans have been used during breaks in the trial to try and regulate temperatures. Barristers representing Dr Wright said he had the relevant skills and knowledge needed to create Bitcoin (Alamy/PA) He said: The working atmosphere in this room is extremely oppressive and is not a great advert for the system we are trying to run here. There is no air in here, it is intolerable. I am not sure what, if anything, can be done about it. In response, judge Mr Justice Mellor said he hoped to move the trial to a cooler courtroom by Friday, saying he would transfer to a different room at the drop of a hat if one became available sooner. The issues are thought to be connected to a power outage at the building last month, with the judge joking that those inside the courtroom will have lost quite a bit of weight by the end of the trial, which is expected to conclude next month. The judge will issue his decision in writing at a later date. Construction of affordable housing at 1515 South Van Ness Ave. could restart with Prop. A funding. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2022 Of all the San Francisco ballot initiatives in recent years, Proposition A in the March 5 primary might be one of the least controversial. The $300 million general obligation bond would enable San Francisco to build more affordable housing for its workforce, in addition to moderate-income and low-income housing and units for people exiting homelessness. Part of the bond $30 million would go to supporting women and victims of domestic violence, and another $30 million would go to the citys Small Sites program to acquire and rehab properties with tenants who, if displaced, could end up homeless. Mayor London Breed and all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors support Prop. A, and it has the backing of market rate and affordable housing advocates and developers. Its no surprise as to why. San Francisco continues to face a severe affordable housing shortage. Thousands of people sleep on our streets each night, and many of our essential workers, such as nurses, bus drivers and emergency responders, are forced to live far outside the city and commute in. Voters approved a $310 million housing bond in 2015 and a $600 million bond in 2019. Those bonds didnt solve our affordability crisis and Prop. A wont, either. Building enough affordable housing to meet demand will cost far more than $300 million; that amount was simply what the city determined it could allocate right now without violating a 2006 agreement to issue no more debt than it retires. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But San Franciscos affordable housing program cant be fixed overnight or even in nine years. We have a backlog of projects ready to break ground, and Prop. A funds will shake some of them loose from the development pipeline. For instance, an old sheet metal workers union building on upper Market Street is slated to be turned into up to 100 affordable homes. Additionally, 150 affordable homes are planned for 1515 South Van Ness Ave. Both projects stalled while they waited for state grant funds and tax credits. Both are shovel-ready, and if Prop. A is approved, construction could start as soon as early as 2025. In the past, NIMBYism and San Franciscos often impenetrable land use bureaucracy have stalled affordable projects, killing some and needlessly driving up costs in others. Recent state laws to override local control and streamline development, however, should offer voters some assurance that their tax dollars for housing will no longer be wasted in such a fashion. (Affordable) projects now get approved quickly, state Sen. Scott Wiener, who supports Prop. A, assured the editorial board. The biggest challenge is funding. The computer scientist accused of lying about being the founder of Bitcoin has said he never wanted to be publicly revealed as its creator, the High Court has been told. Dr Craig Wright is facing legal action over whether he is Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym credited with creating the cryptocurrency, and began giving evidence in London on Tuesday. He is being sued by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, who have accused him of lying and forging documents, something Dr Wright denies. In witness statements released on Tuesday, the Australian said he chose the name Satoshi after being inspired by Pokemon but that he never wanted his identity to be revealed. In one of 11 statements in the trial, he said: Despite adopting the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, my intention was not to shroud this identity in secrecy. The goal was not total anonymity but a certain level of privacy. This allowed me to focus on my work and ensured that the spotlight remained on the innovation and potential of Bitcoin rather than the individual behind it. In my real life, I first shared my identity with a small circle of people. He added: When I initially chose the pseudonym Satoshi, I was drawn to its connection with the Pokemon trainer and the symbolic significance it held in other contexts. The unexpected disclosure of my identity as Satoshi Nakamoto had unintended consequences, drawing public attention and speculation. The pseudonymous figure was the author of the document which led to the creation of Bitcoin, known as the Bitcoin white paper, which was published in 2008. Dr Wrights barristers have told the court he has the skills and knowledge needed to both create the cryptocurrency and write the white paper, which he began drafting the previous year. He said in one statement that he was proud to have played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of financial technology. Dr Wright publicly claimed he was Satoshi in May 2016 after news articles were published by the Wired and Gizmodo news outlets about his identity in December 2015. Despite being publicly named as Satoshi, Dr Wright said he resisted requests to publicly prove it, which he said was him underscoring a decision to maintain a particular stance or principle rather than to seek validation or acceptance through demonstration. He told the court the stories shattered his privacy and that he never intended to be the subject of media attention as he preferred to work quietly in the background. He said: The intrusion into my private life and the subsequent public revelation of my identity as Satoshi Nakamoto left me feeling violated and deeply pained. It was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our privacy and how easily it can be stripped away, subjecting our personal lives to global scrutiny. The experience had a lasting impact on me. I never intended to reveal myself as Satoshi in such a manner. Copa alleges Dr Wright told a brazen lie about being Satoshi and used forgery on an industrial scale to substantiate his claims. One piece of evidence advanced by Copa is that the original Bitcoin white paper was written using OpenOffice software while the document provided by Dr Wright was found to have been made using software that did not exist at the time. Dr Wright said in one of his witness statements that he used a multi-software approach to creating the document, which naturally led to multiple versions, some of which may contain errors or inconsistencies, and that he kept no record of when different versions were created and when other people accessed them. Dr Wright is expected to give evidence over several days in the trial in the Rolls Building, which is expected to conclude next month. The judge, Mr Justice Mellor, will issue his decision in writing at a later date. A crew member working on Marvel Studios series Wonder Man has died in an accident on set. It is understood that officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to reports of a death at Radford Studios in Los Angeles, where a 41-year-old man had fallen from a catwalk onto a stage. The LA County Department of Medical Examiner later confirmed the identity of the man as Juan Carlos Osorio, of Temple City, California. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident, a Marvel spokesperson told the PA news agency. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will star in the series (Ana Maria Wiggins/Alamy) In the Wonder Man series, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will star as Simon Williams, who is thrust into the world of superheroes getting a power of his own and becoming Wonder Man. Production of Wonder Man was delayed during the Hollywood strikes and does not appear to have a premiere date, but the series is expected to debut on Disney+. The accident comes after the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust in October 2021. US actor Alec Baldwin was pointing a gun at Ms Hutchins during a rehearsal when the weapon went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza he has since pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. A representative for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted for comment. The Duke of Sussexs decision to rush to the Kings side following his cancer diagnosis is testament to the bonds that remain between the two men. Their relationship was severely strained following Harrys decision to step down as a working royal in 2020 and air a catalogue of grievances against the institution of the monarchy and members of his family in a series of interviews. He was left barely on speaking terms with his two closest relatives Charles and the Prince of Wales. Harrys controversial memoir Spare further damaged his ties with his father and brother, making claims William physically attacked him, the King put his own interests above Harrys and was jealous of the Duchess of Sussex. Harry has been estranged from his closest relatives since moving to the US (Dave J Hogan/PA) In a television interview to promote the book when published last January, the duke revealed the state of his relationship with Charles and William, saying he was currently not texting his brother and at the time had not spoken to his father for quite a while. Harry was last seen with members of the monarchy when he visited the UK to attend the Kings coronation in May last year without Meghan, and reportedly flew home to California within hours of the ceremony ending. Charless health scare has brought his son back to the UK, and where there is contact there is the possibility of a reconciliation between father and son but Harry and William remain estranged. It is understood the Prince of Wales has no plans to meet his brother during his brief visit. The obstacles to surmount remain significant for father and son in his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry said Charles stopped taking his calls when he was trying to discuss stepping down as a working royal in 2019. Harry and William are said to have a strained relationship (Dominic Lipinski/PA) He added: My father and my brother, they are trapped. They dont get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that. Harrys most damning comment was that a senior member of the royal family not Queen Elizabeth or the late Duke of Edinburgh allegedly voiced concerns about the skin colour of the Sussexes son Prince Archie before he was born. In a series of interviews to promote his book, Harry attacked the reputation of Charles wife Queen Camilla, saying her willingness to forge relationships with the British press made her dangerous and criticised her attempts to rehabilitate her image at his cost. Just weeks after Spare was released, Harry and Meghan were asked to vacate their UK home, Frogmore cottage close to Windsor Castle, with reports claiming the move was sanctioned by the King. But later that year Harry reportedly phoned his father on his 75th birthday last November to wish him well. The warring royal brothers may yet take to heart the words of Charles who, according to Harrys memoir Spare, told them after their grandfather the Duke of Edinburghs funeral Please, boys dont make my final years a misery. The Prime Minister said he is thankful the Kings cancer has been caught early as he wished him a full recovery. Charles, 75, is facing regular treatment for cancer after his shock diagnosis was uncovered during his recent hospital stay for a procedure on an enlarged prostate. The King, who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham on Monday and has already begun his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of his specialist team of doctors. Rishi Sunak said he was left shocked and sad when he was told about the Kings cancer diagnosis. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: All our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early. The King and Queen attended church in Sandringham on Sunday (Joe Giddens/PA) He said that everyone will be hoping the King gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery. Thats what were all hoping and praying for, and Im of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal. Asked what it meant for the day-to-day running of the country, Mr Sunak said well crack on with everything. Hell just be in our thoughts and our prayers, many families around the country listening to this will have been touched by the same thing and they know what it means to everyone, he said. So well just be willing him on and hopefully we get through this as quickly as possible. Mr Sunak said everyone will be hoping the King gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery (PA) Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer. Further details of his condition have not been disclosed, and the Palace, which announced the news in a statement at 6pm on Monday, asked for privacy and only confirmed it is a form of cancer. Charles was diagnosed after a separate issue of concern was noted and investigated while he was being treated for his benign prostate condition. The Duke of Sussex has cleared his diary to fly to the UK to be with his father despite their troubled relationship, raising concerns about the seriousness of the Kings health. The dukes black Range Rover was pictured arriving at a private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport before he boarded a flight due to land around midday, according to the Sun. Meanwhile, the Prince of Waless return to official duties this week, in the aftermath of the Princess of Waless abdominal surgery, was announced just hours before news of the Kings diagnosis, suggesting William is stepping up while his father is unwell. William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his fathers behalf, it is understood, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. Charles called his sons to deliver news of his health (Yui Mok/PA) The Palace has called for the Kings privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the Kings hospital stay, Kates major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of Yorks skin cancer diagnosis. The Kings openness about his cancer diagnosis contrasts significantly from how the news of his grandfathers ill health was handled. On February 6 1952, this day 72 years ago, King George VI died in the middle of the night. He had survived a major operation to remove his left lung in September 1951, but succumbed to a blood clot just a few months later. It caused a coronary thrombosis, the blockage of the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart, leading to a sudden collapse and fatal heart failure. King George VIs death came as a shock to the public and the royal family, as even the King was not informed of the full extent of his illness (PA) His death came as a shock to the public and the royal family, as even the King was not informed of the full extent of his illness. He had waved goodbye to his 25-year-old daughter and heiress, Elizabeth, just a few weeks before as she left to visit Kenya. News of her fathers death, and her immediate accession to the throne, reached the Queen while she was on safari. Since then, the medical profession and the royal family have changed. The late Queen Elizabeth II was on a safari in Kenya when she learned of the death of her father, King George VI (PA) Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Tuesday, former royal press secretary Simon Lewis said that Charles openness about his cancer diagnosis has been his style as a monarch. I think its actually been the style of the Kings first year, he said. This is obviously one element of it. But if you think of the book and the access that was given to Robert Hardman, if you think of the documentary, if you think of his whole style as King, I think this is very much in keeping with that. And I do think his advisors, with this statement Im sure well talk about it, have actually got it spot on. I think 20 years ago we would have got a very abrupt, short, statement, and thats about it. And I think theyve gone as far as they possibly can given that the King has had a diagnosis of cancer and, as a lot of people know, processing that is a pretty tough process. Daily Mail royal correspondent Robert Hardman told the Today programme there was a great significance to the King being so transparent about his health (Victoria Jones/PA) Mr Lewis said it was not so much the crisis itself, its how you handle the crisis that defines it. In this case, what could have been a crisis, has now been put firmly in context. I think he can go about his working life in the knowledge that people have an understanding that hes having this treatment as well. As I say, so many people around the country are having this kind of treatment. There are so many people who want to continue their working lives whilst being treated for cancer. I think its a very, very positive message. Daily Mail royal correspondent Robert Hardman told the Today programme there was a great significance to the King being so transparent about his health. I think where we are now is, well say so much, but its all about precedent, he said. If you set a precedent of giving away all the details, all of the time, immediately, for any patient that can be troubling. I think they are going to want to let information out as and when it feels appropriate. Theres a sense that weve been open enough thus far, if you need to know more you will. Thats where were standing for now. We want to hold something back, because everybody does. A man has appeared in court accused of setting a Luas tram on fire and breaching a Garda cordon around a crime scene on the night of the Dublin riots last November. John Tate, 61, with an address at Iveagh Trust, Kevin Street in Dublin 8, appeared before the Dublin District Court on Tuesday charged with six offences relating to riots in the Irish capital on November 23. The disorder broke out after three children and a care worker were injured in an attack outside a primary school and creche on Parnell Square East, for which a man has been charged and appeared before the courts. Detective Sergeant Eoghan Byrne told the court on Tuesday that the Dublin riots were an unprecedented act of public disorder and a series of criminal acts that quickly escalated into a mass riot. He said that the accused made no reply to the charges of violent disorder, of arson and of obstructing a Luas tram and bus. It was alleged in court that Tate was the first person to break through the garda cordon at Parnell Square East, and that he encouraged, led and directed other persons to approach the crime scene outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire. It was also alleged that Tate set fire to a number of bags of rubbish and placed them on the Luas tram on OConnell Street. It is also alleged that Tate entered the Luas a second time and added material to the fire. Tate is also charged with violent disorder on OConnell Street, and it is alleged he threw missiles at gardai and tried to open the rear door of a garda van. Tate is also facing two charges of obstructing traffic, which allegedly caused a travelling Luas to come to a stop, and allegedly caused a travelling bus to come to a stop, causing the driver to disembark. Detective Sergeant Byrne told the court that Tate was wearing very distinguishable clothing on November 23, and that gardai have footage relating to the offences he is charged with. The sergeant said that Tates mobile phone had been seized and searched. Judge Stephanie Coggins granted Tate bail on certain conditions, which included a cash payment of 5,000 euro. The conditions also include Tate signing on daily at his local Garda station, surrendering his passport, not taking part in any online activity, providing a phone number to Gardai within 48 hours, not to attending or participating in any demonstrations or protests, and abiding by a curfew of 9pm to 6am. The judge described the alleged offences as very serious charges arising from a very serious incident. Defence solicitor Cian McCann said he is not in a position to take up bail yet, and also made an application for legal aid. Tate appeared in court on Tuesday wearing a black top and a black jacket. He is next due to appear at the Criminal Courts of Justice on February 13. Fresh details have emerged about the sex crimes which led to Abdul Ezedis conviction as the manhunt for the suspect in a chemical attack continued for a sixth day. Police have offered a 20,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the 35-year-olds arrest as they released more CCTV of him as they piece together his movements. Officers from the Metropolitan Police have been searching for Ezedi since Wednesday after a woman and her two daughters, aged eight and three, were injured in the attack in Clapham, south London. The 31-year-old mother may lose the sight in her right eye after being doused with corrosive liquid, police said. Ezedi, believed to be from Afghanistan, is understood to have arrived in the UK in 2016, reportedly in the back of a lorry. He avoided jail after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault and exposure, instead being placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work when he was handed a suspended sentence at Newcastle Crown Court on January 9, 2018. Ezedi was accused of grabbing the bottom of a woman without her consent in 2017, as well as committing a sex act that same year, according to documents detailing the indictment which were disclosed by the court to the PA news agency on Tuesday. Under sexual offences laws, victims are granted lifelong anonymity unless they waive this right and choose to be identified. The details emerged as a bishop said she would make no apologies for religious leaders supporting asylum seekers. Questions continue to swirl around how Ezedi came to be granted asylum in the UK despite his conviction, amid suggestions a tribunal judge ruled in favour of his claim after a priest confirmed he had converted to Christianity and was reportedly wholly committed to his new religion. It is understood the priest in question was not Roman Catholic or from the Church of England. On Tuesday, the diocese of Newcastle, in the Church of England, confirmed it had found no evidence of Ezedi attending any of our churches, or being supported by our clergy in any asylum application. It added that its clergy will continue to support asylum seekers as they engage with the Home Office application process, and the scrutiny this involves. Bishop of Chelmsford Guli Francis-Dehqani, who came to the UK as a refugee, said it was saddening for politicians to claim a link between abuse in the asylum system and the actions of clergy in the wake of the case. Writing in The Telegraph, she said she makes no apology for our involvement in supporting people who are often deeply vulnerable and traumatised. Police at the scene in Lessar Avenue near Clapham Common, south London (James Weech/PA) She said religious ministers from all denominations occasionally provide statements of support to people seeking asylum, but it is wrong to think of this as some sort of magic ticket. The notion that a person may be fast-tracked through the asylum system, aided and abetted by the Church is simply inaccurate, she added. The debate over the clergys involvement in the asylum system comes after religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, vocalised their opposition to the Governments plan to send migrants seeking sanctuary in the UK to Rwanda. On Tuesday, police said painstaking work by the counter terrorism officers who are highly experienced in manhunts and tracking offenders and have been drafted in to help scour hundreds of hours of CCTV meant Ezedi had now been traced from his last-known position at 9.47pm on Allhallows Lane in the City of London. At 9.54pm he travelled along Upper Thames Street and then into Pauls Walk, passing the City of London School and then towards Blackfriars Bridge. The most recent sighting is at 10.04pm when he passed the Unilever building and headed towards Victoria Embankment, the Met said. Commander Jon Savell said it remains our belief that he is being helped by others and the police probe will continue to target more of Ezedis associates. On Monday, he said investigators are keeping an open mind as to where he may be or what may have happened to him. They tracked his movements around the Tube network using his bank card, but it has not been used since that day. Ezedi, who is from Newcastle, is not the father of the children in the attack and was in the capital visiting the victim, police believe. (PA Graphics) Detectives are working on the premise that he is either being hidden by someone or has come to harm. Officers arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender on Monday and later released him on bail. But they said there is no evidence to suggest Ezedi had made advance preparations to go on the run. More than 100 officers are now dedicated to the investigation, including experienced detectives through to local neighbourhood officers, with the Met being supported by dozens of officers from forces across the UK, including in Northumbria and British Transport Police. The Met is also in touch with the National Crime Agency, the Home Office, UK Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration, with details of Ezedi circulated to all UK police forces and ports. More than 200 calls have been received from members of the public with potential sightings, but they have since been discounted. Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground during the attack at 7.25pm before attempting to drive away from the scene, crashing into a stationary vehicle and fleeing on foot. Three members of the public who came to the aid of the family during Wednesdays attack, two aged in their 30s and one in her 50s, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns. Policing minister Chris Philp told BBC News officers were using all the resources at their disposal to find Ezedi, warning nobody should be harbouring this man or offering him any kind of protection. He urged anyone with information to contact police immediately, adding: Obviously he himself has disfigured his face. Hes very recognisable. With the King being treated for cancer, the sovereigns ill health has raised questions about whether there could be the need for a regency in the future. If Charles was incapacitated, the Prince of Wales could be appointed Prince Regent through the Regency Act 1937, taking over the Kings duties. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the Kings cancer has been caught early, suggesting any prospect of a regency is unlikely at this stage. The King has started treatment for cancer (Lucy North/PA) If needed, it would be the first time in more than 200 years that the British monarchy has required a regency, with the last Prince Regent being the future George IV. Here is an explanation of what a regency means, and how and why it would take place: What is a regency? A period of regency allows the King to transfer his powers as monarch to the Prince of Wales without having to abdicate. Does this mean William would be king? No. The King would still be the monarch and head of state. William at the State Opening of Parliament in 2022 (Alastair Grant/PA) But William would be able to perform royal functions in the name of and on behalf of Charles. What would prompt a regency? The Regency Act 1937 states that the monarchs duties will be performed by a regent if the monarch is declared to be by reason of infirmity of mind or body incapable of performing royal functions, or if there is evidence that the Sovereign is for some definite cause not available for the performance of those functions. The Queen is among those who can approve a regency (Ben Birchall/PA) This must be declared in writing by three or more out of the following: the sovereigns wife the Queen, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lady Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls. Charles has no say and does not need to agree with their decision. Why wouldnt the King abdicate instead? The abdication of the late Queens uncle Edward VIII in 1936 sparked a major constitutional crisis and the royal family has never forgotten its devastating impact. The Duke of Windsor the abdicated Edward VIII and Duchess of Windsor (PA) The King made a promise of lifelong service in his first address to the nation when he became the monarch. Why couldnt the King just step aside? The British monarchy is also a sacerdotal monarchy as part of his coronation, the King went through a consecration ritual which is similar to the consecration ritual a priest goes through. You can retire from being an active priest but you are still a priest until you die. Edward VIII abdicated before he was crowned. Why couldnt William just act as a Counsellor of State? A regency is a longer term solution than temporary Counsellors of State. But Counsellors of State cannot perform certain core constitutional functions, such as Commonwealth matters, the dissolving of parliament, except on the Kings instruction, creating peers and appointing a prime minister. The then-Prince of Wales delivering the Queens Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in 2022 (Alastair Grant/PA) Charles and William jointly performed the state opening of parliament in place of the late Queen as Counsellors of State in 2022. Is a regency a permanent arrangement? No. It is reversible. If a monarchs health recovers or they become available to carry out their royal functions, the sovereign can resume their duties. Who was the last Prince Regent? The last regent was the future George IV who became Prince Regent through an ad hoc Regency Act in 1811 when his father George III was declared mentally unfit to be king. George IV (Alamy/PA) The vain Prince Regent, famously characterised by Hugh Laurie in the sitcom Blackadder III, was known for his heady extravagance, which was a constant source of gossip. He was an important artistic patron, acquiring an impressive collection of art and patronising architects and designers, and later commissioned the Royal Pavilion in Brighton to be built as his seaside pleasure palace. He was regent for nine years before becoming king when his father died in 1820. Are there laws already in place for a modern regency? Yes. Permanent provisions were put in place through the Regency Act passed in 1937 in case a monarch became incapacitated or a sovereign was under the age of 18. Princess Elizabeth was heir to the throne and only 11 years old in 1937. Further Regency Acts were also passed in 1943, and later in 1953 to allow the Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, to be regent if one was required and the Queens children were under the age of 18. George with the King and William (Yui Mok/PA) But future amendments to the legislation may be required because second in line to the throne Prince George is under the age of 18. Options could include adding the Princess of Wales to the Regency Act as a potential regent in case anything happened to Charles and William before George became an adult. How is a regency put in place? A declaration has to be made to the Privy Council and communicated to the Government. The Prince and Princess of Wales (Chris Jackson/PA) William would have to take an oath before the Privy Council in which he pledged to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the King, faithfully execute the office of Regent and govern according to law, and preserve the Church of Scotland. Are there any limits to what William could do as a Prince Regent? Yes. He would not be allowed to give assent to any Bill which changes the order of the succession to the throne. He would also not be allowed to repeal or alter an Act made in Scotland entitled An Act for Securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government. The 1707 Act ensured in pre-Union Parliament of Scotland that the status of the Church of Scotland is not be affected by the Union with England. Would the prince be Prince Regent of the 14 other nations where the King is head of state? No. Constitutional expert Professor Vernon Bognador has said previously it would be up to these countries to make their own arrangements. A police watchdog senior investigator had received no training in unconscious bias when he began investigating the death of Sheku Bayoh, an inquiry has heard. Keith Harrower, a senior investigator for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc), told the Sheku Bayoh inquiry he now has a better understanding of unconscious bias since receiving training on the issue. Mr Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained on the ground by six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3 2015. The inquiry is examining the circumstances leading to his death, how police dealt with the aftermath, the investigation into his death, and whether or not race was a factor. Sheku Bayoh died after he was restrained by police officers in May 2015 (Handout/PA) Senior counsel Angela Grahame KC asked Mr Harrower if he was able to protect himself from unconscious bias in his line of duty. Mr Harrower, who has worked for Pirc since 2013, told the KC: Ive had training on unconscious bias, but that was after this incident. Ive had other training but Im aware of what it is and how it can work with people, and a lot of the time because the nature of what it is, and the social stereotyping of people, that they may not even be aware that theyre thinking along these lines, and thats the danger. I always like to progress and really think about your decisions, and take that momentary bit of time to consider when youre getting out of it, to try and alleviate or negate the fact that that may occur. Supporters of Sheku Bayoh held a vigil outside the inquiry on Tuesday (Jane Barlow/PA) But it is by the nature of it, it is unconscious and potentially, youre not aware personally that its there. You have to think these things through all the time and balance everything up and the decisions that you intend to make. The lawyer then asked Mr Harrower if he felt he had been put into the best position to guard against unconscious bias, despite not having had training on the matter at the time. He said: I think you can lets face it you can always be better equipped with additional training in certain areas. I feel, on a personal basis, that, I think these things through and guard against these outside influences but youre never going to be able to say, its a perfect world and everybodys going to be 100% trained to cover every aspect of every type of investigation we come across. The counsel then asked if he feels he is in a better position to mitigate unconscious bias now that he has received training. He said: Yeah, I would think so. I definitely have a better understanding of what it actually is, how to guard against it. How other individuals, when theyre conveying information to you, or versions of events that, things that they may be going through, and how they articulate that. So, theres a lot of component parts. Sheku Bayohs partner, Collette Bell, spoke to the inquiry last February (Andrew Milligan/PA) The inquiry moved on to discuss concerns cited by Mr Bayohs partner, Colette Bell. Ms Bell previously told the inquiry, last February, that Pirc is made up of ex-police officers, stating she had lost all trust in the police and Pirc, as she thought they were formed mostly of former police staff. Ms Bell said it is not really transparent if its the police investigating the police and that it is unfair. Ms Grahame asked Mr Harrower if he could comment on this, to which he said Pirc is not made up of 100% police officers, and that the workforce consists of a wide range of investigators from a number of professional backgrounds. Sheku Bayohs sisters, Kadi Johnson, centre, and Kosna Bayoh outside the site of the inquiry in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) Later, the inquiry heard that officers from Pirc arrived at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, at 7pm 12 hours after police arrived at Hayfield Road, where Mr Bayoh was restrained. Mr Harrower told the inquiry that, in 2015, Pirc had 25 staff, and it now has 60 to cope with an increased workload. Ms Grahame asked if he was concerned about recovery of evidence at the scene but Mr Harrower said he was not. The lawyer said: Do you have any concerns about the delay in getting Pirc there? Mr Harrower said: For the same reasons, No. These areas had been sealed. The inquiry heard that all the communications with police officers were done through their senior managers, and Mr Harrower admitted he did not speak to officers involved who were in the canteen at Kirkcaldy police station and refused to give statements. Mr Harrower said: That was the way it was done at the time. Even in relation to requests for witness statements was done through senior managers. Lord Bracadale said: Was there anything to prevent you from going into canteen? Mr Harrower said: Maybe I should have done. Lord Bracadale said: Do you think going to Police Scotland looks slightly deferential when you are supposed to be in charge? Mr Harrower said: Potentially. A statement issued on behalf of the Sheku Bayoh family outside of the hearing by their solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said the inquiry is beginning a critical chapter in the evidence and that the family hope Pirc are held to account. Mr Anwar said: They are not fit for purpose and the family hope they are finally held to account. A Pirc spokesperson said: As the Pirc is a core participant in the proceedings which are live, it would be inappropriate to comment upon the matter at this time. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: It is vital that the role and independence of the public inquiry is respected to ensure the application of the rule of law, due process, and justice being served. Police Scotland will continue to participate fully in an open and transparent manner. The inquiry, before Lord Bracadale, continues at Capital House in Edinburgh. British actor turned Classic FM radio presenter Stephen Mangan has said his career is quite confusing. The 55-year-old London-born TV star, known for his roles in sitcoms Green Wing and Episodes, became the new host of Sunday afternoons on the radio station on January 7. Speaking to the Radio Times about his new role and love for classical music, he said: My gateway drug was being in the school choir and singing Mozarts Requiem and lots of nice anthems on a Sunday. Stephen Mangan during the filming for the Graham Norton Show (Isabel Infantes/PA) At the boarding school I went to there were only girls in the sixth form so, if you were 15, the only way to interact with girls was to get into the choir I associate choral music with latent sexual tension. He went on: Opera has never been at the forefront of my listening tastes. Partly because its supposed to be an amalgamation of the best music, the best singing, the best acting, the best stagecraft, and as an actor, Ive always felt slightly sniffy about some of the acting you see in operas. The comedian and actor is also a childrens author, stage actor, TV presenter and producer. Asked if he feels he is viewed differently for trying his hand at many different professions, Mangan responded: Yeah, its definitely stay in your lane. I think being a jack-of-all-trades isnt regarded as a positive thing. Radio Times cover featuring Dior V Chanel The New Look, AppleTV+ (Radio Times) When I first started out as an actor, I wanted to do nothing but stage work and I did for five years. I turned down all auditions for television, for films, but I couldnt quite make ends meet, so I would do foreign commercials. One was filmed in Cape Town I was in a Jacuzzi, with four women either side, and I was wearing a thong with a tigers face on. I had to look into the camera and growl So I can understand the confusion about me; my career is quite confusing. Mangan is also known for starring in comedy shows Im Alan Partridge, Free Agents and Hang Ups and has presented on Skys competition series Portrait Artist Of The Year. Emerging trends in tourism reflect differentiated choices of Chinese consumers People's Daily Online) 14:10, February 06, 2024 This photo shows a young woman taking a selfie in Beijing's Qianmen area with a local tanghulu snack in hand. Made with sugared red hawthorn berries, the stick candy is a signature street snack of Beijing. (Photo/CGTN) New travel trends that frequently emerged in China in 2023 have indicated differentiated needs, personalized choices, and different consumer attitudes of Chinese tourists. As some packed their itineraries to challenge their stamina and check off multiple destinations at a lightning pace, others enjoyed leisurely strolls in urban areas to unwind and soak in the surroundings or explored off-the-beaten-path locales to unlock hidden gems. These varied approaches have mirrored Chinese people's continuous pursuit of travel experiences that best suit their preferences. Many netizens, college students in particular, preferred quick getaways to cram in famous tourist attractions at multiple cities, which is being referred to as "special forces-style travel" in China. During last year's Tomb-sweeping Day holiday, 62 percent of travelers born after 2000 chose flights and trains departing between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. on April 4 and 5, and nearly 30 percent of post-2000s travelers visited over four attractions in one day, according to statistics from Chinese travel service platform LY.com. In contrast, city walk, a new travel trend that ranked among the most popular trending lifestyle topics on Chinese social media platforms in 2023, emphasizes a slower pace and immersive experiences. Tourists have fun at a square in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan 12, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua) Urban areas with profound historical and cultural sites and rich street views hold strong appeal to young travelers. Many of them have taken pleasure in wandering amid historical sites, natural landscapes, busy business districts, and lively streets and markets, where they can learn, enjoy the scenery, and relax their minds. Micro-vacations, a trend referring to short 2-3 day trips close to home within a 2-3 hour radius, have also gained popularity among urban residents. A survey of tourism experiences showed that 44.2 percent of the respondents preferred 1-3 day getaways in 2023, according to a report released by Ocean Engine, a digital marketing service platform. Sensing this rising trend, many cities have promoted relevant destinations for micro-vacations to stimulate local tourism and consumption. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Hongyu) A man holds the hand of his friend, who was revived with Narcan after overdosing on Willow Street in San Francisco on Aug. 31. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023 Regarding In San Francisco, record drug overdose deaths arent accidental. Theyre a policy choice (Editorial, SFChronicle.com, Feb. 3): The Chronicle's editorial says that it is within San Franciscos power to address substance abuse and treatment, but it has not. Instead, evidence-based policy pursuits have become mired in debate over crime and punishment. That is the truth. Proposition F, on the March ballot, which if passed will screen those seeking public assistance for substance use disorder, will certainly create more drug use and homelessness. Look at the humanity of these people and their reasons for being where they are, such as isolation, economics and mental health issues. Then develop an overall rehabilitation plan that has worked elsewhere, with coordinated services and directed funding that can enable success. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ask yourself this: When in pain, how often has punishment relieved that pain? Leslie Trook, San Francisco Just say no Regarding In San Francisco, record drug overdose deaths arent accidental. Theyre a policy choice (Editorial, SFChronicle.com, Feb. 3): Facilitating illegal drug use is not a comprehensive plan as the Chronicle editorial opines. Little is done now to discourage illegal drug use in San Francisco, and overdose prevention sites may encourage drug use in a clean, safe environment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The example of Scotlands move toward decriminalization of drug use led to a 22% decrease in overdoses. Only 1 out of 5 fewer deaths. Thats the solution? Desistance is the answer mandatory drug rehab, education and even incarceration may be needed to save more lives. Jim Dudley, San Francisco We need Porter Regarding Katie Porter is hammering generational differences as California Senate race heats up (Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 31): Its time for a change in our political leadership and Rep. Katie Porter reflects the change we need. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For too long, California has neglected its housing problem such that it is now incredibly difficult for even young professionals to afford living here, not to mention regular working people. At the Jan. 22 California Senate candidates debate, Porter said the only solutions my colleagues have on this stage for housing are ones from decades and decades ago. That is not the reality for the people of California. We cannot have a growing economy if we do not attract and retain people to the state. Porter argues for federal funding for states to build affordable housing quickly. She points out that the federal government hasnt made a significant investment in housing since the G.I. Bill, 80 years ago. We can do better, but its going to take leadership from people who bring an invigorating, knowledgeable and powerful perspective to the work. People like Katie Porter. Peter Fenczik, San Francisco Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hold hearing on guns Regarding Bay Area social media executives face heated Senate panel on child safety (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 31): It would be nice to see the same grilling of gun manufacturer executives as these tech bosses. Every lost life is a tragedy for all involved. It has been reported that more the 40,000 people were killed in gun violence in 2023. I would love to see the same bipartisan Senate panel tackle gun violence. Stormont has sent a clear, unified call to the Government for fair funding for Northern Ireland, First Minister Michelle ONeill said. The Stormont parties united on Tuesday to call on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to give Northern Ireland the resources that it needs to deliver effective public services. The motion was passed unanimously following a debate in the chamber. An amendment by the Opposition SDLP calling on Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald to work with ministers to produce costed plans for immediate priorities was also passed. Meanwhile, the Alliance Party has called for an independent commission to set out recommendations around a fiscal framework for Northern Ireland. It came the day after Mr Sunak and Irish premier Leo Varadkar visited Parliament Buildings in Belfast to mark the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland after a two-year effective collapse. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Parliament Buildings in Belfast on Monday (Handout/PA) Mr Sunak said Stormont leaders should focus on the day-to-day concerns of people in Northern Ireland rather than the prospect of a ballot on reunification. Earlier, Ms Archibald said she has written to the Treasury requesting a meeting to discuss significant financial pressures facing public services. The Government has pledged a 3.3 billion package for a re-established Stormont administration. However, Northern Ireland politicians have said the sum is insufficient to address public sector pay awards, public services and infrastructure. In the Assembly chamber on Tuesday, Sinn Fein MLA Sinead Ennis brought a motion, backed by all the parties, calling for the Executive to receive the resources it needs to deliver effective public services. During the debate, First Minister Michelle ONeill said she and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly felt it was important that a very clear sign of a shared view of the importance of the matter was sent out. Today the Sinn Fein Ministerial team met to discuss our priorities in a new Executive. We are determined to work together with all parties to better the lives of workers, families and communities.@moneillsf @conormurphysf @CArchibald_SF @JohnODowdSF @aislingreillysf pic.twitter.com/Z4nZZH3zfi Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) February 5, 2024 She told MLAs they are sending a very clear message to the British Government. Were not asking for special treatment. Were asking for fairness and equality. We are asking for funding that reflects the needs of the people that we serve and we are asking for a funding model that is taken for granted in Scotland, Wales, but its being denied to us here, she said. Just yesterday, we had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister and we put that to him directly and we presented him with a letter setting all of the facts and clear evidence from the independent fiscal council that our funding is below made clear evidence, that this is the only devolved administration that is being treated in this unfair way, but the Government still seeks to ignore that evidence. She added: The Government had hoped that we would be bowled over by the headline figure (3.3 billion) and rush to accept it without due diligence thats not how we roll. Were determined here to work together. We are determined here to try and find a better case for public services and I look forward to that battle that we have ahead. Ms ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were united in their call for increased funding (Oliver McVeigh/PA) Ms Little-Pengelly said in her 17 years as a special adviser at Stormont, and junior minister before becoming deputy First Minister, she had never seen the Executive collectively signing a letter on the first day. That sends a very strong and positive message and I hope it sends a very, very clear indication to the Government that we are serious about this this is something that we have to get right, she said. We absolutely welcome that theres some short term support but what we really need is long term stability that we can get from some fiscal guarantees, and the concept of charging hard-pressed families here more for poorer services is not something that we will accept. Meanwhile, the chairs and vice chairs of Stormont committees were appointed during Tuesdays sitting. Those appointed included Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney as chairman of a new committee to scrutinise the workings of the Windsor Framework. DUP MLA David Brooks will serve as vice chair. Meanwhile Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin was elected as the Principal Deputy Speaker. A 46-year-old man has been arrested after MP Mike Freer received a threatening phone call last week. The Conservative minister announced at the start of this month that he will stand down at the next general election after a series of death threats and an arson attack on his constituency office. He said that by the skin of my teeth I avoided being murdered by Ali Harbi Ali, who went on to kill Southend West MP Sir David Amess. The Metropolitan Police said they received a report from Mr Freers office on February 1 that he had received an abusive and threatening phone call the previous day. Sir David Amess was stabbed during a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in October 2021 (Chris McAndrew/PA) The suspect was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of malicious communication and has been taken to a north London police station for questioning. Mr Freer said: Im grateful that the police acted swiftly to the latest threat. Its just another example of what is becoming, sadly, the norm for many MPs and their staff. A separate investigation into an arson attack at the MPs office in Finchley, north London, on Christmas Eve is ongoing, with a man and a woman charged with arson with intent to endanger life. The two incidents are not being linked, police said. Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones, from the local policing team in north-west London, said: It is vitally important for elected officials and their staff they can be confident in their safety and security, and we are committed to ensuring this. Todays arrest sends a clear message we will not tolerate threats or aggression of any kind towards elected officials. We will deal quickly and robustly with such offences. We are in regular contact with MPs and other elected officials and fully recognise the growing concerns they are telling us about their safety, and, as you would expect, we have kept Mr Freer MP updated throughout this investigation, including todays arrest. A CCTV image of killer Ali Harbi Ali in Finchley, in the area of a constituency surgery held by Tory MP Mike Freer (Metropolitan Police/PA) Mr Freer, who has served as the MP for Londons Finchley and Golders Green seat since 2010, told the Daily Mail last week that he could no longer put his family through the anxiety over his safety. There comes a point when the threats to your personal safety become too much, he told the newspaper. He and his staff now wear stab vests when attending scheduled public events in his constituency after they learned that Ali had watched his Finchley office before going on to knife Sir David to death during a constituency surgery in 2021. Mr Freer told the newspaper: I was very lucky that, actually, on the day I was due to be in Finchley, I happened to change my plans and came into Whitehall. Otherwise who knows whether I would have been attacked or survived an attack. He said he came to Finchley to attack me. The MP said he had also received threats from the group Muslims Against Crusades about coming to stab me and found mock Molotov cocktails on the office steps. Mr Freer, who has pro-Israel views and represents a heavily Jewish constituency, said antisemitism could not be divorced from the intimidation. However police have said the arson attack is not being treated as a hate crime. A drill rapper who committed two murders within a year has been locked up for at least 31 years. Nyron Jean-Baptiste was found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Michael Jonas, who was fatally stabbed in Betts Park, Bromley, south London, on November 2 2017. Almost exactly a year later, he murdered 15-year-old Jay Hughes outside a chicken shop in Bellingham, south-east London, on November 1 2018. In 2019, Jean-Baptiste, 22, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years for his part in Jays killing. On Tuesday, Judge Peter Rook jailed him for life at the Old Bailey with a minimum term of 31 years for Michaels murder. Five co-defendants also received life sentences having been found guilty of murder after CCTV and forensics linked them to the crime. Ryan Brown, 21, from Croydon, was handed a minimum term of 12 years. Divon Henry-Campbell, 23, from Gravesend in Kent, received a term of 18 years; Jamie Marshall, 22, from Bromley, got 13 years; Jason Smith, 20, was handed 12 years and six months; and Sarraviho Smith, 24, was told he would spend at least 17 years in prison before being eligible for parole. On Monday, Michaels mother Petrona Anderson said her son would be missed forever and that his death gives her nightmares every night. In a victim impact statement read to the court, she said: I could not believe this was the same park I had been taking Michael to since he was very young and now he was lying on the ground, stabbed to death. The passing of my son makes me feel broken inside, as if a part of me has gone with him. Not a day goes by where I dont think about him. I miss him so much. Ms Anderson added: Michael was loved by everyone. He was a talented young man with goals and morals. Michaels father, Michael Jonas Sr, said losing his son was the most devastating part of his life. Mr Jonas worked as a bus driver for more than 22 years but had to give up his job as it was difficult living my life knowing what happened to my son. He said: Listening to the detail in court about how my son was brutally killed will stay with me for the rest of my days. No-one should ever have to bury their child first, its my death sentence. There is a hole in my heart that will stay there forever. These young men have shown no remorse for what they have done to my son. They had their chance to change and have not. He added that Michael was a lovely person who had just enrolled in college before he was killed. Four people were rescued after an avalanche was reported Monday at Lee Canyon, about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, officials said. The avalanche took place around 1:20 p.m. local time, according to the Lee Canyon Ski Resort. The resort suspended operations and dispatched ski patrol. Clark County officials urged the public to avoid travel on Lee Canyon Road and Kyle Canyon Road following the avalanche. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the area to help find "several people who are reported missing," the department said on X. In an update, police said they rescued four people who were initially reported missing. Rescue efforts continued Monday even after the four missing people were found "to ensure no one remains missing," Clark County officials said on X. Rescue efforts were put on hold Monday night "due to unsafe conditions with additional snowfall" but would resume Tuesday following avalanche mitigation efforts, according to Clark County officials. "Heavy snowfall remains in the forecast for tomorrow, and residents on the mountain are urged to exercise extreme caution," Clark County officials warned. Lee Canyon Ski Resort is closed Tuesday due to "extreme weather conditions." The resort recorded a total of 11.5 inches of snow in the area in the past 24 hours, according to their website. The National Weather Service reported 18 inches of snow in Lee Canyon and 16 inches of snow in nearby Kyle Canyon early Tuesday morning. Lee Canyon Road and nearby Deer Creek Road remain closed Tuesday to everyone except residents, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation. Kyle Canyon Road is closed past the junction with Deer Creek Road. "Use extreme caution on mountain roadways today," the Nevada Department of Transportation warned. WASHINGTON A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected Donald Trumps broad claim that he is immune from prosecution for alleged criminal acts he committed as president in trying to overturn the 2020 election in a chain of events that led to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Trump will almost certainly immediately appeal to the Supreme Court in a bid to prevent the trial from going ahead as scheduled. The Supreme Court could make a quick decision on whether to hear the case and could fast-track any ruling. The court gave Trump until Feb. 12 to appeal before the lower court can act again. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called the ruling, So bad, and so dangerous. A Nation-destroying ruling like this cannot be allowed to stand, he wrote. His campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said the former president "respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuits decision and will appeal it in order to safeguard the Presidency and the Constitution. Donald Trump Washington Hotel (Susan Walsh / AP) The three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that there was no basis for Trump to assert that former presidents have blanket immunity from prosecution for any acts committed as president. "For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution," the 57-page ruling said. Trump had argued in part that "criminal liability for former Presidents risks chilling Presidential action while in office and opening the floodgates to meritless and harassing prosecution," but the appeals court found that risk "appears to be low." "Instead of inhibiting the Presidents lawful discretionary action, the prospect of federal criminal liability might serve as a structural benefit to deter possible abuses of power and criminal behavior," the judges added. "It would be a striking paradox if the President, who alone is vested with the constitutional duty to 'take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,' were the sole officer capable of defying those laws with impunity," their decision said. The case is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump faces even as he remains the presumptive front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. A key issue is whether the trial can take place ahead of the election. Special counsel Jack Smith had asked the court to move quickly in a bid to keep the trial on schedule. The March trial date was already delayed indefinitely pending the resolution of the appeal. If Trump were to win the election he would be in a position to either have the charges dismissed or potentially pardon himself. Trumps appeal arose from the four-count indictment in Washington, including charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in December rejected Trumps plea to dismiss the indictment on presidential immunity and other constitutional grounds. The case is on hold while the appeals process plays out. Trumps lawyers had pointed to a 1982 Supreme Court ruling that endorsed presidential immunity from civil lawsuits when the underlying conduct concerns actions within the outer perimeter of the presidents official responsibilities. They have conceded that a former president can be prosecuted for conduct unrelated to official acts. Trump had also argued that any prosecution is prohibited because he had not first been convicted in impeachment proceedings over the same underlying conduct. Smiths team argued that there is no broad immunity that prevents former presidents from being prosecuted for criminal acts committed in office. An attempt to use fraudulent means to thwart the transfer of power should not be considered an official act, Smith said in court papers. There is nothing in the Constitution to suggest that an unsuccessfully impeached president cannot be charged, he added. The appeals court sided with Smith on those issues, and said Trump's stance "would collapse our system of separated powers by placing the President beyond the reach of all three Branches." "We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter," the ruling said. Ty Cobb, a former attorney for Trump who dealt with Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and who's been a critic of his false stolen election claims, called the ruling one of the most profound constitutional opinions in our history. It will dominate, along with a half dozen other core constitutional cases, in law schools for the next 100 years. Its that significant and its that well done, he said. Actor and former professional MMA fighter Gina Carano has sued The Walt Disney Co. and Lucasfilm over claims she was wrongfully fired from the series The Mandalorian in 2021. In the suit, which was filed Tuesday in federal court in California, Carano alleges she was fired from her role as rebel warrior Cara Dune for voicing right-wing opinions on social media. She is seeking a court order that would require Lucasfilm to reinstate her or compensate her at least $75,000. Carano claims in the suit that she suffered emotional damage and lost millions of dollars in income. A short time ago in a galaxy not so far away, Defendants made it clear that only one orthodoxy in thought, speech, or action was acceptable in their empire, and that those who dared to question or failed to fully comply would not be tolerated, the lawsuit says. And so it was with Carano. X is helping cover the costs of the lawsuit, Carano confirmed Tuesday in a post to the social media platform. I would like to express my deepest gratitude & thank you to @ElonMusk & @X for giving me an opportunity to bring my case to light, she wrote. In the post, Carano denied that her past posts should be seen as controversial and said she her former employers targeted her as part of a bullying smear campaign that was intended to make an example out of me. The truth is I was being hunted down from everything I posted to every post I liked because I was not in line with the acceptable narrative of the time, Carano wrote. My words were consistently twisted to demonize & dehumanize me as an alt right wing extremist. Following a short but successful career in mixed martial arts, Carano had been a rising star in television and movies when controversy began to swirl. In February 2021, she posted on Instagram likening modern political divides to the Holocaust. She then published a post that appeared to mock people who wore masks during the pandemic. The Instagram post was to the apps story function, which disappears after 24 hours. Caranos social media postings had previously sparked some scrutiny. In 2020, she appeared to suggest there was voter fraud during the presidential election in a post to X (then Twitter). In another post around that time, she appeared to mock transgender people by putting beep/bop/boop in her X profile after fans asked her to display her pronouns in her accounts bio. Gene Schaerr, Caranos attorney, said in a statement that Disney bullied Ms. Carano, trying to force her to conform to their views about cultural and political issues, and when that bullying failed, they fired her. Representatives for Musk, Disney and Lucasfilm did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Carano and her manager did not immediately respond to requests for comment. At the time of her firing, Lucasfilm released a statement denouncing her comments. Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future, a spokesperson said in a statement. Nevertheless, her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable. Carano also claims that Disney and Lucasfilm discriminated against her. The lawsuit cites social media posts from the late actor Carl Weathers, saying male colleagues were not held to similar standards. Even though the Force is female, Defendants chose to target a woman while looking the other way when it came to men. While Carano was fired, Defendants took no action against male actors who took equally or more vigorous and controversial positions on social media, the suit claims. Xs head of business operations, Joe Benarroch, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, which was first to report the news, As a sign of X Corps commitment to free speech, were proud to provide financial support for Gina Caranos lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination. The suit comes less than a year after Musk pledged on X that he would pay for any legal case in which a person had been terminated for posting or liking something on his platform. If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill. No limit. Please let us know, he wrote. He added later, And we wont just sue, it will be extremely loud and we will go after the boards of directors of the companies too. On Tuesday, Musk shared Carano's post to X announcing the suit and appeared to seek other plaintiffs to join the case. "Please let us know if you would like to join the lawsuit against Disney," he wrote. The Mandalorian, which stars Pedro Pascal in the title role, is available on Disney+. The show debuted its third season last year. Three-quarters of voters, including half of Democrats, say they have concerns about President Joe Bidens mental and physical health, according to the latest national NBC News poll. That compares with 61% of voters who have concerns about former President Donald Trumps multiple felony charges and less than half of voters who have concerns about his mental and physical health. I think that [Bidens] health and age kind of get in the way of his ability to be a good president of the United States, said a female Democratic poll respondent from Wisconsin, who said she voted for Biden in 2020. She declined to share her name. The findings are essentially unchanged from September, when the NBC News poll first asked about those concerns and when more voters said they had concerns about Bidens age (now 81) than those with concerns about Trumps legal challenges. Trump is 77 years old. On the question of whether Trump had the necessary mental and physical health to be president for a second term, 48% said they had concerns. Four more months of attention to Trumps legal issues have not budged these numbers, with more focus on President Bidens mental and physical health, said Republican pollster Bill McInturff, who conducted the survey with Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt. In the new poll, a combined 76% of voters say they have major concerns (62%) or moderate concerns (14%) about Bidens not having the necessary mental and physical health to be president for a second term, compared with 24% who have either minor concerns (13%) or no concerns at all (11%). By party, 95% of Republican voters, 81% of independents and 54% of Democrats say they have major or moderate concerns about Bidens fitness for a second term. By comparison, a combined 61% of all voters say they have major concerns (51%) or moderate concerns (10%) about Trumps facing multiple criminal and civil trials over allegations of wrongdoing, including felony charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. Thirty-nine percent say they have either minor concerns (11%) or no concerns at all (28%). On that question, 95% of Democrats, 65% of independents and 27% of Republicans say they have major or moderate concerns about Trumps felony charges and legal challenges. Horwitt, the Democratic pollster, said that because more Democrats have concerns about Bidens age than Republicans have concerns about Trumps legal challenges, the worries about Biden dont appear to be driving vote choice to the same degree as worries about Trump. Yes, voters are more concerned about Bidens age than Trumps trials, Horwitt said. But Biden is still getting 17% among voters who have major concerns about his age, while just 10% of voters who have major concerns about Trumps trials are voting for him. In addition, the NBC News poll found a combined 59% of voters who have concerns about Bidens possible awareness of or involvement in the business dealings of his son Hunter Biden. The NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters 867 contacted via cellphone was conducted Jan. 26-30 and has an overall margin of error of plus-minus 3.1 percentage points. DETROIT Suburban women were a critical voting bloc for Joe Biden in the 2020 election and they may play an outsize role in key swing states again. Marcie Paul is an organizer of Fems for Dems, a group that formed in early 2016 when the founder sent an e-mail to friends that said she planned to help elect the first female president. After Hillary Clinton lost that election, the group turned its attention to booting then-President Donald Trump from the White House in 2020. Trump is revolting, Paul said, adding that she thought Biden was doing a better job than she had ever expected. With Biden struggling in recent polls among several demographics, his pitch to suburban women about how hes best positioned to fight against threats to democracy and preserve abortion rights may be a crucial outreach effort to help ensure his re-election. In the latest national NBC News poll, Biden is winning women by 10 percentage points (50% to 40%) over Trump. When it comes to suburban women, his lead drops to 6 percentage points (49% to 43%). And the two are essentially tied among white suburban women (Trump 47%, Biden 46%). He doesnt excite people the way Obama did, Paul said of Biden. But fear is a huge motivator. The fear shes referring to is a dread that Trump will retake the White House. The NBC News poll found Trump leading Biden by 5 percentage points in a hypothetical matchup, within the margin of error. Biden is trying to home in on that fear. An ad his campaign is airing in Michigan is focused on reproductive rights, featuring a woman from Texas who describes having to carry her fetus to term even though it was diagnosed with a fatal condition. Its every womans worst nightmare, the woman says, blaming Trump for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. A Biden campaign official said the campaign has spent seven figures in Michigan so far on paid advertising. Still, the campaign faces multiple hurdles in the state. The coalition that supported Biden in 2020 is threatening to disband this time around. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll out last week found Biden trailing Trump among registered voters in Michigan 47% to 42%, which was within the polls margin of error. While the poll is on a general election contest that wont take place for months and a lot could change it raises red flags for Democrats. Waning Arab American support for Biden in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war has been well documented. So has the all-out push to secure the coveted endorsement of the United Auto Workers union. Still, a growing number of rank-and-file blue-collar workers are supporting Trump. I truly believe he (Trump) does want whats best for the American worker, said UAW member Scott Malemfant, citing Bidens support for electric vehicles that Malemfant believes could threaten auto jobs. Trump also met with Teamsters leadership in Washington this week as he tries to peel off union votes nationwide. Still, Biden appears to be the preferred choice for suburban women in Michigan so far. According to the same Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll, 47% of them prefer Biden, while 40% choose Trump. But in Michigan, the Biden administrations stance on the Israel-Hamas war is also threatening his support among some Arab American women. Mother of four Lori-Kamleh Ajlouny lives in Birmingham, a Detroit suburb, and said the U.S. is complicit in genocide due to its strong support for Israel even as casualties mount in Gaza. I will not cast my vote for President Biden, she insisted, even though she supported him in 2020. Instead, she plans to write in Cease-fire. Free Palestine. I am heartbroken, she said. I am so hurt that its a feeling of betrayal. By Patricia Zengerle (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said on Monday he would veto a standalone bill backed by House of Representatives Republicans that would provide aid to Israel, as the White House pushes for a broader measure providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel and providing new funds for border security. "The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the Presidents desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. Officials from the Democratic president's administration have been working for months with Senate Democrats and Republicans on legislation unveiled on Sunday combining an overhaul of U.S. immigration policy and new funding for border security with billions of dollars in emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The $118 billion spending measure also would provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by global conflicts. "The Administration strongly opposes this ploy which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Putin's aggression, fails to support the security of American synagogues, mosques, and vulnerable places of worship, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, the majority of whom are women and children," the statement said. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Saturday that the House would reject the bipartisan Senate bill, and instead vote this week on a measure providing aid only to Israel. "The presidents veto threat is an act of betrayal," Johnon said in a statement on Monday evening. "In threatening to veto aid to Israel and to our military forces, President Biden is abandoning our ally in its time of greatest need." Republicans are bitterly divided over the legislation, with Donald Trump - the frontrunner for his party's presidential nomination - and his closest allies loudly voicing opposition, calling the Senate plan insufficiently tough. Trump has made security at the border with Mexico a major talking point in his campaigning against Biden ahead of the November election. The Republican-majority House passed an Israel-only bill in November, but it was never taken up in the Democratic-led Senate, as negotiators worked on Biden's request for Congress to approve a broader emergency security package. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Eric Beech, Costas Pitas and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Stephen Coates) The American Bar Association is instructing law students and faculty to find ways to have respectful civil discourse following incidents at Stanford University and UC College of the Law San Francisco. Paul Sakuma/Associated Press After incidents at San Francisco and Stanford law schools where conservative speakers were shouted down, the American Bar Association is instructing the nations law students and teachers to find ways to conduct candid and civil discourse in respectful disagreement with others. Students, faculty and staff at law schools have the right to communicate ideas that may be controversial or unpopular, including through robust debate, demonstrations or protests, the associations House of Delegates said Monday in revising its standards for ABA accreditation of law schools. At the same time, the ABA said, the schools must prohibit disruptive conduct that hinders free expression by preventing or substantially interfering with the carrying out of law school functions or approved activities, such as classes, meetings, library services, interviews, ceremonies, and public events. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In March 2022, conservative legal commentator Ilya Shapiro appeared at an event sponsored by the Federalist Society at UC College of the Law San Francisco to discuss, among other things, the Supreme Court vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer. President Joe Biden had nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to fill the vacancy, keeping his promise to name the first Black woman to the high court. Before the nomination was announced, Shapiro had tweeted that because the male candidate he preferred would not be selected, the president was prepared to nominate a lesser black woman. He later deleted the post. But he had barely started speaking at the San Francisco event before protesters interrupted, banging on tables and chanting, Black lawyers matter, and largely prevented him from speaking. The students were reprimanded the next day by the law schools chancellor, David Faigman, who told them that silencing a speaker is fundamentally contrary to the values of this school. Shapiro who described the incident as a damning indictment of the state of academia at a time when a toxic cloud has enveloped all of our public discourse was suspended from his teaching position at Georgetown Law School, then reinstated, and now is director of constitutional studies at the conservative Manhattan Institute. At Stanford Law School last March, the Federalist Society hosted a talk by Kyle Duncan, a federal appeals court judge appointed by President Donald Trump who had spoken against same-sex marriage and refused to address transgender people in court by their chosen pronouns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He was interrupted by shouts from a campus LGBT group and commented that the inmates have gotten control of the asylum. Tirien Steinbach, the law schools associate dean for diversity issues, took the podium and told Duncan some of his rulings had harmed the protesters, although they should not be shouting him down. Steinbach was suspended by the school and later resigned. The American Bar Association, whose accreditation helps law schools attract students and donors, had previously required those schools only to establish an announced policy with respect to academic freedom and tenure, without specifying standards for handling controversial issues or speakers. The new standards say law schools can restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, or that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests. Becoming an effective advocate or counselor requires learning how to conduct candid and civil discourse in respectful disagreement with others while advancing reasoned and evidence-based arguments, the ABA declared. Concerns about civility and mutual respect, however, do not justify barring discussion of ideas because they are controversial or even offensive or disagreeable to some. Keith Hand, a professor at UC College of the Law SF, welcomed the ABAs action and said law schools must now change the institutional signals that show only certain viewpoints are welcome. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WASHINGTON President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged Congress to pass a bipartisan package of border security measures and asylum restrictions and blamed former President Donald Trump for being behind the effort to tank it on the Senate floor. In remarks from the White House, Biden called the bill "the most fair, humane reforms in our immigration system in a long time and the toughest set of reforms to secure the border ever." He continued, "Now, all indications are this bill won't even move forward to the Senate floor. Why? A simple reason: Donald Trump. Because Donald Trump thinks it's bad for him politically." Biden said that Trump would "rather weaponize this issue than actually solve it." He said that he's been told that for the last 24 hours, Trump has done nothing but reach out to Republicans in the House and Senate "and threaten them and try to intimidate them to vote against this proposal." "Looks like they're caving," Biden said. "Frankly, they owe it to the American people to show some spine, and do what they know to be right." Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and others acknowledged hours after Biden's remarks that the bill they helped negotiate was dead, even after McConnell and the top GOP negotiator, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., signed off on it. During his remarks, Biden highlighted the provisions within the legislation, negotiated by Lankford and Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., and argued that it would make the country safer and the border more secure. Biden said that, just months ago, Republicans requested the exact bill that was negotiated and "now they're saying nevermind." He warned that if Congress fails to pass the package, he will make it absolutely clear to the American people "why it failed." "Every day, between now and November, the American people are gonna know that the only reason the border is not secure is Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican friends," Biden said, adding that Republicans need to show a little "courage" and ignore Trump's pleas to block the bill. The president also emphasized the bill's importance in that it would provide aid that Israel, the Palestinians in Gaza and Ukraine desperately need. He even said that it "indirectly" has to do with a potential deal to secure the release of hostages still being held in Gaza. The Senate is expected to take a procedural vote Wednesday that will require 60 votes to advance the measure, which also includes aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. But after a closed-door meeting Monday night, Republican senators predicted that they would not have the votes to move forward with the bill. "I would anticipate Wednesday the cloture vote does not pass," Lankford told reporters after the meeting. "People are saying, 'Hey, I need a lot more time to be able to go through this.'" By Tuesday, McConnell said that the bill "will not become law," though he praised Lankford's efforts. We had a very robust discussion about whether or not this product could ever become law and its been made pretty clear to us by the speaker, that it will not become law. McConnell said. So, I wanted to congratulate Senator Lankford on a remarkable job of negotiating with the other side, getting the support of the Border Council. But it looks to me, and to most of our members, is that we have no real chance here to make a law. House Republican leaders had said that the legislation is "dead on arrival" in the lower chamber and Trump has been publicly urging lawmakers from his party to tank it, saying that it would be a "gift" to Biden and Democrats in an election year. "I cannot vote for this bill," said Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, the third highest-ranking member of his caucus, said Tuesday. Barrasso, who is also the highest-ranking Senate Republican to endorse Trump for re-election, added, "Americans will turn to the upcoming election to end the border crisis." Since the beginning of his administration, Biden has called on Congress to pass legislation to address the nation's broken immigration system. The deal that Lankford negotiated came after Republicans said they would only agree to pass funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, as requested by the administration, if Biden agreed to tougher border security measures. Murphy, the lead Democratic negotiator in border talks, told reporters Tuesday that there was no hope left for the bill because "Republicans have definitively sided with Donald Trump." "They have decided they want to keep chaos at the border because it is a political winner for them," Murphy said. "They have decided against a bipartisan breakthrough bill that could have, would have, fixed the border, that would have fixed a broken asylum." "Republicans didnt even give it two days before they ran for the hills," he added. "Why? Because Donald Trump told them that they need to preserve chaos at the border. I think thats so unfortunate for this entire country. Meanwhile, House Republican leaders are planning to hold a vote Tuesday on a standalone Israel aid bill, which will require a two-thirds majority to pass. It faces an uphill climb due to opposition from House conservatives as well as fierce criticism from Democratic leadership and a veto threat from Biden who have accused Johnson of playing politics on the issue after rejecting the broader immigration, Ukraine and Israel package. Johnson told reporters that Israel and Ukraine funding should be dealt with independently and separately while giving no indication that Ukraine aid has a path through the House. He said Republicans want more details from the administration on the endgame for Ukraine but insisted: Thats not been abandoned. President Biden on Monday urged Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to pay attention to what the Senate is doing when it comes to a border security bill unveiled by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the upper chamber. My message to Speaker Johnson is pay attention to what the Senate is doing. We got a bipartisan deal, so youre gonna see the details of it this week, its going to be introduced on Wednesday, Biden told reporters during a stop at a small business in Las Vegas. Johnson has declared the bill dead on arrival in the House, even if it clears the Senate, instead wanting to separate elements of the bill that also includes military aid for Israel. We dont have enough agents. We dont have enough folks. We dont have enough judges We need help. Why wont they give me the help? Biden added. Asked how he expected the legislation to get through the Senate, Biden said, With 60 votes, and youre gonna watch, but opposition to the bill from both Democrats and Republicans makes a path to passage difficult to predict. Senators from both parties Sunday night unveiled a national security bill that included $20 billion for border security. It would give the federal government temporary authority to expel migrants when the average number of daily crossings exceeds a set threshold, end catch and release, raise standards for asylum screenings and seek to process claims quicker, among other provisions. The bill also includes $60 billion in funding for Ukraine in its war against Russia, $14.1 billion for Israel in its fight against Hamas and aid for Indo-Pacific allies, mirroring a proposal the White House made to Congress late last year shortly after the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Biden praised the border legislation as a strong compromise and urged Congress to send it to his desk. But within hours of the bills release, Johnson said the legislation was even worse than we expected and declared it dead on arrival in the House. Democrats have for weeks argued Republicans in Congress were rejecting any compromise on the border because it could be a political win for Biden in an election year. Former President Trump has repeatedly hammered Biden on the flow of migrants at the southern border, and polling has shown voters trust Trump more on immigration and the border. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A major bipartisan border deal and foreign aid package appears on track to fail in the Senate later this week one day after its release amid relentless attacks from former President Donald Trump and top House Republicans. Republicans opposed to the deal, including Trump, have attacked it as too weak even though it would mark a tough change to immigration law and would give the president far-reaching powers to restrict illegal migrant crossings at the southern border. The grim odds facing the bill have also put aid to Ukraine and Israel, two key US allies, in jeopardy and it is unclear if Congress would be able to pass the foreign aid separately. Speaker Mike Johnson has already said the border deal would be dead on arrival in the House. It would take only 41 senators voting against the bill to sink the deal in an upcoming procedural vote on Wednesday, and there are already 23 senators who have signaled publicly they are opposed to it. I think the proposal is dead, Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said when asked about his position on the border bill after departing a meeting in Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells office on Monday. McConnell, who helped negotiate the package, told GOP senators that they should vote however they want when the Senate casts a key procedural vote Wednesday to take up the bill, according to a Republican source. Many GOP senators said that Wednesday is too early and they need more time to review the complex package that was unveiled Sunday night. So McConnell suggested that senators should feel free to vote against proceeding to the measure, effectively blocking floor debate. Sen. James Lankford, the top GOP negotiator for the deal, told reporters Monday night that he doesnt believe the package has enough support to advance on Wednesday. The Oklahoma Republican would not say whether he would vote to advance the bill on Wednesday, noting that if he voted no, it would only be to give members more time to read the bill and raise any issues they have with it, so it could ultimately pass. Im not undecided on my own bill. I think its a good thing to be able to do, he said. The biggest issue that I have is obviously Ive got a lot of members that have questions on it. Its not going to move and become law if we try to be able to force this right now on it. In addition to the border security provisions, the sweeping $118.2 billion legislative package would provide aid to key US allies abroad, including billions of dollars to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia and security assistance for Israel, as well as humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine. Johnson announced Saturday that the House will vote this week on a standalone bill providing aid for Israel, ratcheting up pressure on senators to abandon their efforts to keep Israel aid linked with other issues. But President Joe Biden would veto a standalone aid package for Israel, the White House said Monday. The Administration spent months working with a bipartisan group of Senators to reach a national security agreement that secures the border and provides support for the people of Ukraine and Israel, while also providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflicts around the world, the White House wrote in a statement. Instead of working in good faith to address the most pressing national security challenges, this bill is another cynical political maneuver. The border deal is the product of months of bipartisan negotiations with a trio of senators - Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Lankford, one of the chambers most conservative Republicans. So far, 20 Republican senators have publicly criticized the bill, including Montana Sen. Steve Daines, a member of Senate GOP leadership. Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a prominent senior Republican, has also said he has serious concerns with the package. A majority of Senate Republicans are now leaning against the bill or actively planning to vote no during the first procedural vote on the package. People are still reviewing and digesting the text. And we will figure out from there, based on the input we get from our members, what the path forward is, Senate Republican Whip John Thune said on Monday. As for his personal position on the bill, Thune said he said he hasnt decided. Im like everyone else. Im reviewing the text. I think James Lankford worked as hard as he could, got the best deal he could under the circumstances. This is something our conference wanted to do, he said. Well see where it goes. He acknowledged that House GOP leaders who have said the bill is dead on arrival had complicated matters in the Senate. Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota said he will vote to filibuster the border deal Wednesday. But he also argued that bipartisan Senate leaders should come to an agreement so senators have more time to fully study and assess the border deal. They should then set up a floor debate that will allow for amendments to be voted on to make changes to the bill. He said this approach might allow them to pass the funding for Ukraine and Israel something he supports and deal with the border deal with more than the three days notice that Schumer is allowing. I think it would only be fair to be able to have time to debate the bill, to amend the bill, he said. Theres more work to be done. Two Democratic senators have publicly attacked the bill New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and California Sen. Alex Padilla. Menendez called the deal unacceptable in a statement Sunday evening and said, Accepting this deal as written would be an outright betrayal to the communities we have sworn an oath to protect and represent. If these changes were being considered under Trump, Democrats would be in outrage, but because we want to win an election Latinos and immigrants now find themselves on the altar of sacrifice. Padilla said in a statement that it misses the mark, adding it will cause more chaos at the border, not less, and it fails to provide relief for Dreamers, farm workers, and the other undocumented long-term residents of our country who contribute billions to our economy, work in essential jobs, and make America stronger. Padilla indicated on Monday that there are more Democrats than people know of who will oppose the bill, making it even harder for the bill to get 60 votes to advance on Wednesday. And independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont indicated in a statement on Sunday that he will oppose funding for Israel, saying, The United States cannot continue to fund Netanyahus horrific war against the Palestinian people, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Supporters of the deal have pushed back on the criticism, including what they have argued are misrepresentations of what the bill would do. Lankford, a top GOP negotiator, said on Sunday that he is confused by criticism from Johnson, who declared that the deal Lankford cut with Democrats is worse than we expected. Im a little confused that its worse than expected since it builds a border wall, expands deportation flights, expands ICE officers, Border Patrol officers, detention beds. How it creates a faster process for deportation. How it clears up a lot of the long-term issues and loopholes that have existed in the asylum process that stops the chaos on the border. So Im a little confused. I will have to get with the speakers team on that to find out what would be worse than expected based on the actual text. Hopefully, theyve an opportunity to actually read the text, Lankford told reporters in a conference call. He said he will have frank conversations with GOP senators this week about their concerns with the bill ahead of a key test vote Wednesday and said he thinks there are misconceptions about how the bill works. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Manu Raju, Kristin Wilson and Nikki Carvajal contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEW DELHI (Reuters) - At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday after a blast ripped through a firecracker factory in central India's Madhya Pradesh state at midday, media reports said. Television footage showed a towering blaze and smoke billowing from the factory in the Harda district after the explosion, as fire engines rushed in and rescue officials tried to extricate people who were trapped inside. At least 174 people were rescued and rushed to hospitals, divisional commissioner Pawan Kumar Sharma told the ANI news agency, adding there were 11 deaths. "We will check the debris to see if there are any bodies there ... 40-50% of the debris has been removed," he said. Police and district officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, saying rescue efforts were ongoing. The windows of houses nearby were shattered upon impact from the blast and residents described the experience as being similar to an earthquake, media reports said. "When the blast happened, my bike started trembling, the ground was shaking ... I fell a few times and rocks flew from the ground and hit me," Mohammed Javed Ansari told ANI from a hospital bed. An inquiry has been launched into the blast, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in a social media post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,408) and the state government announced compensation of 400,000 rupees ($4,817) each for the families of the deceased. ($1 = 83.0380 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Bernadette Baum) After having spent 25 years in prison for murder, Jose Tinajero is now a free man. His conviction and that of Thomas Kelly, another man who was accused of the same crime, were overturned last week by a Chicago judge. Being free is a real challenge for me. My mom took me to a TJ Maxx store to shop, and I felt like everyone was looking at me. It was very uncomfortable. I felt like I was out of place. Its hard to deal with this, Tinajero, 45, said in an exclusive interview with Noticias Telemundo on Friday. I just want to spend time with my family, you know? They were always there for me. My mom, my daughter and now I have a granddaughter, he said. I have to make up for lost time with my daughter, because I was out of her life for 25 whole years and I have to make peace with her. My future is to focus on my family, and work, of course, to help support them. Jose Tinajero, 45, during an interview with Noticias Telemundo from his home in Chicago on Friday. (Albinson Linares) Although Tinajeros conviction was overturned Wednesday, he remained incarcerated at the Kewanee Correctional Facility, about 150 miles southwest of Chicago, until Thursday afternoon, when he was able to return home and reunite with his loved ones. I was born here in Chicago, in the United States, and I was raised by a great mother who did everything she could for me. My father left us when I was very young, but my mother did a great job, and she has suffered a lot from all of this, he said. In 1999, Tinajero and Kelly were arrested in the murder of Daniel Garcia, who was beaten on Oct. 12, 1998, in an alley near Whipple and Armitage streets. Kelly and Tinajero, along with John Martinez, whose case was dismissed nearly a year ago, allege they were coerced into making false confessions by Reynaldo Guevara, who at the time was a Chicago police detective. Guevara is accused of falsely incriminating dozens of men and women from the 1980s to the early 2000s. So far, 40 people have been exonerated in cases related to Guevara, who, in his court appearances, has repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment in relation to any allegations against him. He has never been charged. According to an investigation WGN-TV published in October, Guevara, who retired in 2005, has been living in Texas. Last year, an investigation by NBC Chicago concluded that the settlements for all the wrongful convictions the city of Chicago has paid since 2010 total more than $288 million, including cases related to Guevara. In August 2022, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx announced an investigation into Guevaras convictions from the 1980s and the 1990s, saying: We can no longer uphold these convictions. We cannot retry these cases based on the evidence we have today. There are still about 32 lawsuits pending in court that have been filed by exonerated people who have accused Guevara of having fixed their murder cases through witness tampering, coerced confessions and more. Joel Flaxman, Tinajeros lawyer, said this was a very important case, because it is one more step in correcting what I believe is one of the greatest injustices that has happened in Chicago; more than 40 people were wrongfully convicted in cases related to the same detective lets give these people justice and correct those mistakes. Noticias Telemundo requested comments on the Tinajero case and other convictions associated with Guevara that have been overturned. NBC News contacted attorneys for Guevara, the Cook County Prosecutors Office, the Chicago Police Department and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, but it has not received any responses. Guevara arrested Tinajero in 1999 during the investigations into the murder of Daniel Garcia. In September 2001, a jury convicted Tinajero, who was sentenced to 40 years in prison. John Martinez and Thomas Kelly were also convicted in the Garcia case. They have all been released. The main evidence against Tinajero was his own statement and an eyewitness identification. Although Tinajero said in court that Guevara coerced him into making a false statement and although he requested the suppression of that statement, the court denied the motion, according to court papers reviewed by Noticias Telemundo. When they killed Garcia, at that moment I was in my house. And I always said it, but they didnt believe me, Tinajero said. According to court documents, Tinajeros defense attorney challenged the eyewitness identification as unreliable and a product of Detective Guevaras undue influence, but that did not prevent Tinajeros conviction. What I can say is that adapting to prison, knowing that I was innocent, was the most difficult thing for me, Tinajero said, who added that because of corruption in the justice system, I had to serve 25 years in prison. ... Im not happy with that. Maurice Possley, a senior investigator for the National Registry of Exonerations, said Guevaras case is one of the worst he has analyzed in recent years. When he became a homicide investigator, he began to incriminate people who he knew were bad actors or who he had a grudge against because perhaps they did not cooperate in his investigations, Possley said. He cited an example of a woman who confessed to a crime she did not commit after Guevara told her he was going to take away her children. In my opinion, it shows the anarchy that a bad detective can unleash, Possley said. 'Time for a change' In case after case we see Chicago spend millions of dollars on outside lawyers to defend indefensible cases. And its time for a change. Its time for the city to stop wasting its money on lawyers and spend money on compensating victims of truly egregious misconduct, said Flaxman, Tinajeros attorney. As has happened with other people exonerated in cases related to Guevara, Tinajero and his legal team are evaluating options to sue the city of Chicago for the damages he has suffered over the last 25 years. I would like to see the justice system improve, Tinajero said, and I would also like to see the corrupt officers not only receive a pension and retire, but I would like to see them experience everything that I went through in prison. The National Registry of Exoneration databases show that in the cases of the nearly 3,500 people who have been exonerated of serious crimes in the U.S. since 1989, more than half are related to alleged police or prosecutorial misconduct. Experts say coerced confessions, withheld evidence, false testimony and other bad practices that contribute to wrongful convictions are often not punished. Sixty percent of the cases on the registry are people of color, Possley said. While in some studies Hispanics are a small number of those who are wrongly convicted, he thinks that does not correspond to the reality he has seen. In many cases they are underrepresented because, at the national level, there are states that classify people incorrectly. So they include them in categories like white or Black, but they dont specify that they are Latino. Thats why you get the impression that the problem of wrongful convictions in the Hispanic community is low, but that is not the reality, Possley said. Tinajero is one of 395 Latino people who have been wrongfully convicted and exonerated since 1989, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Residents evacuate Saturday on a motorcycle amid wildfires into Vina del Mar, Chile. At least 123 have been killed in wildfires that have devastated Chile in the last several days and hundreds more remain missing as officials only now begin to fully comprehend the extent of the damage. As the fires began to diminish in intensity Monday, volunteers in central Chile worked to remove charred metal, broken glass and other debris littering neighborhoods. Officials also began to take account of the damage and casualties left in the wake of the wildfires, which ignited and spread amid an unprecedented heat wave in the South American county. Another 10 victims were added Monday to a staggering death toll, while 370 people have been reported missing in the city of Vina del Mar alone, the Associated Press reported. At least 3,000 homes have burned down in the Valparaiso region, which also includes the towns of Quilpe and Villa Alemana, President Gabriel Boric said Sunday. Photos of devastating impact from wildfires in Chile Locals look at burnt-out houses and other debris after a forest fire reached their neighborhood Saturday in Vina del Mar, Chile. The fires ravaged several neighborhoods in the region that had been precariously built on the mountains that loom to the east of Vina del Mar, which is also a popular beach resort. Vacationers play paddle ball Friday on a beach backdropped by a darkening sky caused by smoke from nearby forest fires, in Vina del Mar, Chile. Amid record heat, dry weather, strong winds and low humidity helped the fires spread fast, officials have said. Neighbors watch Friday as a forest fire engulfs buildings in Vina del Mar, Chile. Since then, officials now estimate that the death toll stands at least 123 people, while hundreds remain missing. Residents on Friday push a car away from a burning forest fire engulfing homes in Villa Alemana, Valparaiso, Chile. Volunteer efforts continued into Monday in central Chile to remove charred metal, broken glass and other debris from neighborhoods devastated by the wildfires. A couple sit in a park as smoke rises Friday caused by nearby forest fires over Vina Del Mar, Chile. The fires appeared to have diminished by Monday morning after burning intensely since Friday on the eastern edge of the city. Firefighters take a break Saturday after fighting the flames of a forest fire reaching Vina del Mar, Chile. At least 3,000 homes have burned down in Chile in the last several days as wildfires raged. A resident flees an encroaching forest fire Saturday in Vina del Mar, Chile. Officials say intense forest fires burning around a densely populated area of central Chile have left at least 123 people dead and destroyed hundreds of homes. Live updates: US destroys Houthi drone boats amid more attacks on ships in the Red Sea A resident evacuates horses as a forest fire spreads Saturday into in Vina del Mar, Chile. Smoke raises from burnt-out houses Saturday after a wildfire reached Villa Independencia neighborhood in Vina del Mar, Chile. Scientists say climate change creates conditions that make the drought and wildfires now hitting South America more likely. A man helps a fellow resident cool down Saturday with bottled water as wildfires burn nearby in Vina del Mar, Chile. Officials have suggested that some of the wildfires around the city could have been intentionally provoked. Locals clean the rubble of burnt-out houses after forest fires reached their neighborhood Sunday in Vina del Mar, Chile. Vina del Mars Mayor Macarena Ripamonti said that at least 370 people have been reported missing in the city of about 300,000 residents. Camila Lange, who is 7-months-pregnant, and her husband Felipe Corvalan sit Monday with their dog Florencia inside their home that was burned by a deadly wildfire in Vina del Mar, Chile. Hundreds of people affected by the fires returned to their homes on Monday to search through the debris and prevent looters from taking what is left of their possessions. Members of the Chilean Navy help clean burnt houses Monday in Villa Independencia, Valparaiso region, Chile. The death toll from central Chile's blazing wildfires climbed to at least 123 people this week, and President Gabriel Boric warned the number would rise "significantly" as teams search gutted neighborhoods. Residents remove debris Monday from burned houses after the forest fires in Villa Independencia, Vina del Mar, Chile. Schools and other public buildings in Vina del Mar and in the capital city of Santiago are serving as depots, where people are taking donations of water, food, candles and shovels for the victims of the fires. A Chilean flag waves Monday as neighbors clean their lands and burnt homes in Villa Independencia, Valparaiso region, Chile. U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement Monday, Jill and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires in Chile. Delivery app workers distribute lunches and water Monday they donated themselves to firefighters in Villa Independencia, Valparaiso region, Chile. Contributing: The Associated Press Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chile wildfires: See photos of devastation as death toll rises Former President Donald Trump on Monday urged the Supreme Court to keep his name on Colorados ballot, accusing his challengers of pursuing an anti-democratic legal case against him, in the final written argument hes expected to make before the justices hear oral arguments in the case this week. He is the presumptive Republican nominee and the leading candidate for President of the United States, Trumps attorneys told the Supreme Court in the brief. The American people not courts or election officials should choose the next President of the United States. Trumps attorneys compared the litigation seeking to remove him from the ballot to anti-democratic efforts in Venezuela. Yet at a time when the United States is threatening sanctions against the socialist dictatorship in Venezuela for excluding the leading opposition candidate for president from the ballot, they claimed, the voters who brought the case are asking the Supreme Court to impose that same anti-democratic measure at home. The Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday in the blockbuster challenge to Trumps ballot eligibility because of his role in the events that led to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. A group of Colorado voters claim those actions amounted to an insurrection and that the Constitution bars him from holding office. Trumps appeal to the Supreme Court over Colorados ballot is one of many legal entanglements the former president faces as he campaigns for another term. A trial in the election subversion case brought by special counsel Jack Smith had been set for March 4, but it was postponed last week because an appeals court is still weighing Trumps claim that he is entitled to immunity. The groups challenging Trumps eligibility for the ballot want to keep the high court focused on the big picture, specifically by arguing Trumps words at a campaign-style rally outside the White House incited the mob that attacked the Capitol. Trumps lawyers, on the other hand, are eager to highlight off-ramps the court may use to decide the case in his favor on narrow grounds. At center in Trump v. Anderson is how the court will interpret Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits certain elected officials, including an officer of the United States, from holding any office in the future if they have engaged in insurrection. Trump argues the term officer doesnt apply to presidents and that Congress must pass a law before the Section 3 can be enforced. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A polling place in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) President Biden and former President Donald Trump each secured enough delegates during the March 12 primary contests to clinch their party nominations at this summer's conventions, setting them up for a rematch in the 2024 presidential election. The last time a presidential rematch happened was in 1956, when Republican President Dwight Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson, the same Democrat he had beaten in 1952. Nikki Haley, Trumps last remaining challenger, announced on March 6 that she suspended her campaign and conceded that the former president would likely be the GOP nominee when Republicans hold their convention in July. Democrats will hold theirs in August. And after the presidential debates which are officially on the schedule, though it's unclear if they'll happen it will be Election Day. Here are some of the key dates and outcomes on this years political calendar. 2024 election calendar Former President Donald Trump in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 15. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images) Jan. 15: Iowa GOP caucuses Trump scored a decisive victory, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis edged out former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley for second place. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy finished a distant fourth, suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. Jan. 23: New Hampshire primary Trump defeated Haley, his lone remaining challenger in the GOP race after DeSantis dropped out two days before the primary. Biden won in New Hampshire despite not being on the ballot due to a rift between the Granite State and the Democratic National Committee, which decided to make the South Carolina Democratic primary on Feb. 3 its first formal contest. Feb. 3: South Carolina Democratic primary Facing nominal opposition in a state where he has long been a favorite among Democrats, Biden won easily, capturing more than 96% of the vote, with self-help author Marianne Williamson and Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips splitting the rest. Feb. 6: Nevada primary Nikki Haley pauses during a speech at a campaign stop in Aiken, S.C., on Feb. 5. (Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images) (ALLISON JOYCE via Getty Images) Haley suffered an embarrassing loss in the Republican presidential primary in Nevada on Feb. 6, receiving fewer votes than the none of these candidates option. It was a contest in which Trump did not compete and the state party tried to have it canceled. Nonetheless, a combination of intense support for Trump and distaste for Haley among Republican voters in the state combined to deal her an unusual humiliation. Biden won Nevadas Democratic primary handily. Feb. 8: Nevada and U.S. Virgin Islands caucuses Trump easily won the Nevada caucuses, as expected. Haley was not on the ballot, but Nevada Republicans made clear that they want Trump to be their nominee against Biden in Novembers general election. The former president also won the Virgin Islands Republican caucuses, picking up all four delegates available from the U.S. territory in a contest that Haley had actually campaigned in. Feb. 13: Long Island special election Democrat Tom Suozzi won the special election in New Yorks Third Congressional District, defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in the race to replace George Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December following a scathing House Ethics Committee report that concluded that Santos blatantly stole from his campaign. Feb. 24: South Carolina Republican primary Despite Haley serving as the states governor for six years, Trump was declared the winner in South Carolina at 7 p.m. ET, just as polls in the state closed. Feb. 27: Michigan primary Trump and Biden easily won their respective primaries in a state crucial to each of their presidential election victories. But Biden faced a sizable "uncommitted" protest vote led by Muslim and Arab Americans who have been disillusioned by his response to Israels bombardment of Gaza. With about 98% of the votes counted, more than 100,000 Michigan Democrats (or 13%) had cast ballots for uncommitted. President Biden delivers remarks in Goffstown, N.H., on March 11. (Evan Vucci/AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) March 5: Super Tuesday Trump and Biden swept nearly all of this years Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses. Haley won the Vermont Republican primary, denying Trump a clean sweep; Biden lost to political unknown Jason Palmer in the sparsely attended Democratic caucuses in American Samoa. March 12: Trump and Biden clinch nominations Both Trump and Biden clinched the nomination for president inside their respective parties in the latest round of state primary contests. The former president has won 1,241 of the 1,215 needed to claim the majority. Biden has 2,107 pledged delegates of the 1,968 needed for the nomination. Conventions The United Center in Chicago, the site of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) (Chicago Tribune via Getty Images) July 15-18: Republican National Convention The event will be held in Milwaukee, which hosted the 2020 Democratic National Convention during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aug. 19-22: Democratic National Convention The event will be held in Chicago, which has hosted 11 previous Democratic conventions most recently in 1996, when Bill Clinton and Al Gore were nominated for reelection. It was also the site of the disastrous 1968 Democratic convention, which was held in the wake of the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy and marred by massive antiwar protests that turned violent. Debates Trump and Biden during a presidential debate in Nashville in 2020. (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (SOPA Images via Getty Images) Sept. 16: 1st presidential debate The Commission on Presidential Debates has scheduled three presidential debates, the first on Sept. 16 at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, as well as a vice presidential debate in late September. Sept. 25: Vice presidential debate The lone sanctioned vice presidential debate will take place at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., on Sept. 25. Oct. 1: 2nd presidential debate The second presidential debate will take place at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va., on Oct. 1. Oct. 9: 3rd presidential debate The third and final presidential debate will take place at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Oct. 9, less than a month from Election Day. Nov. 5: Election Day A federal appeals court says California can resume requiring background checks for purchasers of ammunition while the state appeals a ruling that the law is unconstitutional. Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press A federal appeals court says California can resume requiring background checks for purchasers of ammunition while the state appeals a federal judges ruling that the law violates the right to keep and bear arms. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 Monday to grant state Attorney General Rob Bontas request for a stay of the Jan. 30 ruling by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego halting enforcement of the 2019 law. The law requires firearms dealers to conduct the same background checks for ammunition buyers that they do for purchasers of firearms, to see whether they have criminal or mental health records that would make the purchases illegal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Benitez said the law treats all citizens as if they do not enjoy a right to buy ammunition. It forces Americans to entreat and supplicate the state for permission. In an emergency motion with the appeals court a day after the judges ruling, Bonta said ammunition sellers had already started to advertise that their products were available online without background checks. Californias life-saving ammunition laws will remain in effect as we continue to defend them in court, the attorney general said in a statement Tuesday. With the proliferation of self-assembled, fully functional, and unserialized ghost guns, these ammunition laws serve as a backstop to the use of firearms by prohibited persons. The appeals courts brief order was issued by Judges Richard Clifton, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, and Holly Thomas, an appointee of President Joe Biden. They did not explain their reasoning. In dissent, Judge Consuelo Callahan, a Bush appointee, said she did not believe Bonta was likely to win his appeal of Benitezs order, or that allowing the order to remain in effect would cause irreparable injury. Chuck Michel, president and general counsel of the California Rifle & Pistol Association, which challenged the law in court, said he would seek an early hearing on the merits of the case from a different three-judge panel, which the court will not identify until shortly before the hearing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Overturning the background-check requirement would restore the peoples right to buy the ammunition they need for sport or to defend their families, Michel said. Benitez was appointed by Bush in 2004. His first significant gun ruling was in 2017, when he blocked enforcement of the states ban on possessing guns with high-capacity magazines, a law that was reinstated by the 9th Circuit but is being reconsidered under standards set by the Supreme Court in 2022 when it limited the governments authority to regulate firearms. Since 2017, the National Rifle Association and its allies have filed challenges to California gun laws in the San Diego federal court, and Benitez has agreed to hear them as cases related to his 2017 ruling. In the 2022 Supreme Court ruling, which overturned a New York law requiring individuals to show a need for self-defense in order to carry concealed weapons in public, Justice Clarence Thomas said restrictions on firearms were unconstitutional unless they were consistent with this nations historical tradition of firearms regulation, from colonial times to the post-Civil War years. Applying that standard, Benitez said in his Jan. 30 decision that between 1791 and 1868, citizens were free in every state to buy ammunition at any time and without qualification. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Brittney Griner is gearing up to tell her story in the upcoming memoir Coming Home. COMING HOME is a story of hope and survival, of before and after. Before, on my way to Russia, a place Ive called my second home, I was excited to win another title, Griner, 33, captioned her Instagram post on Tuesday, February 6, announcing the book. For eight seasons I played there, won there, and lived there for long stretches. A short time later and a world away, I woke up in an after Id wish on no one. Griner called the book a diary of my heartaches and regrets, explaining that it begins in a land where my roots developed. The WNBA star concluded: But, ultimately, the book is also a story of how my family, my faith, and the support of millions who rallied for my rescue helped me endure a nightmare. Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 while playing for the UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. Russian authorities claimed that Griner had hashish oil in her bag, leading to the arrest. News of the incident did not go public until weeks later. (Griner has been playing for the Phoenix Mercury since 2013.) The United States State Department stated in May 2022 that Griner had been wrongfully detained after officials were initially hesitant to engage because of Russias ongoing war with Ukraine. After changing course, the U.S. started negotiating for her release, however, Griners detention was extended until June 2022. It was later extended a second time to July of that year. 'There She Is'! Brittney Griner Returns to WNBA 1 Year After Russia Arrest Griner appeared in a Russian court on July 7, 2022 and entered a guilty plea. Id like to plead guilty, your honor, the WNBA player told the judge. But there was no intent. I didnt want to break the law. A Russian court eventually found Griner guilty of drug smuggling with criminal intent August 2022. She was sentenced to nine years in prison and was fined 1 million rubles ($16,400). Negotiations for a prison swap between the United States and Russian government were held until after Griners sentencing. Griners lawyer filed an appeal in August 2022, and it was denied in October of that same year. By November 2022, Griner was moved to a Russian penal colony. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images Who Is Brittney Griner? What to Know About the WNBA Star Detained in Russia President Joe Biden announced in December 2022 that Griners release was negotiated in exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. These past few months have been hell for Brittney and Cherelle, Biden said at the time. People all across the country have learned about Brittneys story and advocated for her release and stood with her throughout this terrible ordeal, and I know that support meant a lot to her family. Im glad to be able to say that Brittney is in good spirits and relieved to finally be heading home. Griners Coming Home is set to be released on May 7, 2024. An 85-year-old former doctor from Arizona has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, accused of aiding a person to die by suicide in a New York motel in November, officials said. Stephen P. Miller, of Tucson, Arizona, was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter and first- and second-degree assault, court records show. The investigation started shortly before noon on Nov. 9, when police responded to a report about an unconscious and unresponsive person at a Super 8 on Washington Avenue in the city of Kingston, about 100 miles north of New York City, Kingston police said in a statement Friday. Exterior of the motel (Google Maps) First responders found a person who initially appeared to have died by suicide alone in the motel room, police said. But further investigation led to evidence that a second person had been present who contributed to or assisted in the suicide, the statement said. An investigation by police and the Ulster County district attorneys office led to an arrest warrants being issued for Miller citing second-degree manslaughter under the state penal code regarding a person who "intentionally causes or aids another person" to die by suicide. Authorities did not identify the dead person, but they said Miller was not related. Millers attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lichtman told The New York Times that it was a woman who died in the motel room that night and that she had contacted Miller through a national organization that advocates for the legalization of medical aid in dying. Lichtman said Miller traveled to New York from Arizona to witness the death of the woman, who had severe, chronic pain. He said his client had provided similar services before. This was done carefully, compassionately and with a lot of research and reflection," Lichtman told the Times. Speaking to The Times Herald-Record of Middletown, New York, Lichtman said, Providing advice on ending ones life does not necessarily run afoul of the law. Miller serves on the advisory board of Choice and Dignity an end-of-life nonprofit group based in Arizona that believes everyone has the right to have their individual end-of-life plans respected and honored, according to its website. Medical aid in dying has long been controversial. It is legal in 10 states including California and New Jersey and Washington, D.C., according to Death with Dignity, an end-of-life advocacy and policy reform organization. It is not legal in New York state, though it has been proposed and has stalled in the Legislature. New Yorks Medical Aid in Dying Act, Senate Bill S2445A, follows an outline used in other states. It says a terminally ill patient who is mentally competent may request medication to be self-administered to hasten death, provided certain requirements are met. The bill was introduced in January 2023 and is in a Senate committee. Miller was remanded to the Ulster County Jail on $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond, or $3 million partially secured bond. Inmate records show he was bonded out the same day. Miller is a former family practice doctor who graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences in Chicago in 1964. He was issued a license to practice in Arizona in 1994, which expired in 2005, according to Arizona Medical Board records. He was also issued a medical license in California in 1969, which was revoked in 2009, board records show, citing that Miller had been convicted of tax evasion in Texas in 2006. In that case, he was sentenced to a little less than four years in prison and three years of supervised release. Miller is due back in court March 14. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Google is calling on the government to provide more action when it comes to combatting spyware sales and the misuse of surveillance software, according to a new report. The harm is not hypothetical, Googles Threat Analysis Group (TAG) said Tuesday in its report, which is titled Buying Spying, adding that spyware vendors point to their tools legitimate use in law enforcement and counterterrorism. However, spyware deployed against journalists, human rights defenders, dissidents, and opposition pay politicians what Google refers to as high risk users has been well documented, both by analysis from Google, and by researchers from organizations like the University of Torontos Citizen Lab and Amnesty International, the report reads. The company specifically called out certain commercial surveillance vendors (CSVs), including NSO Group an Israeli company that developed the notorious Pegasus spyware that grew to be a notable threat to human rights and human rights defenders. Others named in the report were Italian firms Cy4Gate and RCS Labs, Greek company Intellexa, and the lesser-known Italian company Negg Group and Spains Variston. We hope this report will serve as a call to action, the TAG report continues. As long as there is a demand from governments to buy commercial surveillance technology, CSVs will continue to develop and sell spyware. We believe it is time for government, industry and civil society to come together to change the incentive structure which has allowed these technologies to spread so widely, the group added. The news comes as the U.S. unveiled a new program Monday to impose visa restrictions on foreign individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware, per The Associated Press. Findings in 2021 concluded that a United Arab Emirates (UAE) agency downloaded Pegasus software on the phone of Hanan Elatr, the widow of the late Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, months before he was murdered. Elatr later sued NSO Group in 2023, accusing it of violating federal and Virginia hacking laws and negligence in selling the Pegasus spyware to hostile foreign actors. Demand from government customers remains strong and our findings underscore the extent to which CSVs have proliferated hacking and spyware capabilities that weaken the safety of the Internet for all, the TAG report reads. To meet the demand from government customers CSVs find and develop exploits, and have emerged as well-paying customers of exploit developers and brokers, incentivizing exploit sales at the expense of security, the company wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. With two days to go until Nevada's presidential primary, President Joe Biden appears to have his sights set on November: At a get-out-the-vote rally on Sunday night in North Las Vegas, Biden sharpened his attacks on former President Donald Trump, the only Republican he called out by name in roughly half-hour remarks. "Trump and his MAGA friends are dividing us, not uniting us. Dragging us back to the past, not leading us in the future. Refusing to accept the results of a general election and seeking, as Trump says, to terminate -- his words -- 'terminate' elements to the U.S. Constitution. You tell me that democracy is not at risk?" Biden said to a "raucous" crowd, according to pool reports. Biden has focused on criticizing Trump over democracy and rights like abortion access while seeking to paint his likely November rival as too extreme to retake the White House. At the same time, Trump and other Republicans have hammered Biden over inflation, immigration and foreign policy and the president continues to grapple with months of poor polling and low approval ratings, including a new survey from NBC News -- weaknesses seized on by his long shot primary challenger Dean Phillips. On Sunday night, Biden repeated his anti-MAGA message. "We have to make sure that we stand for the truth and defeat the lies. You must make it clear that in America, just like all of you do in Nevada, we still believe in honesty, decency, dignity and respect," he said to cheers. MORE: Voters said they didn't want a Biden-Trump rematch. Now they're facing longest general election ever. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally ahead of the Republican caucus in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 27, 2024. (Ronda Churchill/Reuters) One woman then shouted from the crowd, "You gotta win, Joe!" prompting Biden to respond, "That's the reason why I'm running ... We have to ... It's not much of a choice." The president touted some of his usual campaign stump lines, including what he called his achievements in health care access, infrastructure funding and representation in office while seeking to draw a contrast with Trump's term in office. "To call my son, and your sons and daughters, who gave their lives to this country, 'suckers' and 'losers,' that's how this guy thinks," Biden said, recalling reporting that Trump had refused to visit the graves of American service members in France during a rainstorm. "Who the hell does he think he is?" Trump has adamantly denied that reporting, from 2020, and praised service members as "absolute heroes." "It's a fake story and it's a disgrace that they're allowed to do it," he said at the time. Sunday marked Biden's fifth visit to Nevada as president -- a state where he narrowly beat Trump in 2020. He entered the second of two events to chants of "four more years!" and said, "Hello Nevada!" He did not face any protesters, who have interrupted some of his other appearances over his support for Israel in its war against Hamas. He's also said Israel should be "careful" and seek to protect civilians. PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign rally at Pearson Community Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 4, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Biden tailored his message in Nevada to include $3 billion in federal funding, from the 2021 infrastructure bill, for Brightline West, a high-speed rail to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which he said will bring 35,000 jobs. Earlier Sunday, at a high-dollar fundraiser in Henderson, inside the home of prominent Nevada Democrats, Biden jabbed at Trump over his economic record, according to pool reports. "It sounds unbelievable, un-American, that a sitting -- that a former president seeking the office is hoping for a recession," Biden said. He sought to project confidence about his prospects on Election Day: "Youre the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president. And youre the reason [well] make Donald Trump a loser again," he said. Criticizing Trump's character, he cited Trump's comments about how people in Perry, Iowa, needed to "get over" a recent school shooting there, saying that's not how a president is supposed to talk. Trump, reacting to Perry, had expressed his sympathy as well. "We're really with you as much as anybody can be," he said in January. "It's a very terrible thing that happened. It's just terrible." 'Who the hell does he think he is?': Biden goes after Trump's rhetoric in Nevada originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The House on Tuesday failed to pass a standalone package for $17.6 billion in Israel aid amid opposition from both Republicans and Democratic leaders. Because of resistance among members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, House Speaker Mike Johnson had been forced to bring up the bill under a procedure that requires two-thirds majority of the House to approve it. That means he needed the support of a sizable number of Democrats to get behind it, and failed to cross that threshold. Inside a closed caucus meeting Tuesday morning, House Democratic leadership made a forceful case against supporting the standalone Israel aid package to members. Dozens of Democrats exiting the meeting said they will be voting against the bill. The House Homeland Security Committees top Democrat, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, called the effort a trap. President Joe Biden had also issued a veto threat against the standalone Israel aid bill, citing a desire to include it as part of a larger national security package. Aid to Israel has been a component of that bipartisan Senate legislation, which also includes aid to Ukraine and Taiwan as well as money and policy changes aimed at addressing immigration and the border. But that bill also appears on the brink of defeat amid GOP opposition, and Johnson has said House Republicans have been excluded from those talks prompting the standalone bill. In a Dear Colleague letter to lawmakers over the weekend, Johnson attacked senators for excluding him and the House from bipartisan negotiations over a border security deal, which is expected to be paired with aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. While the Senate appears poised to finally release text of their supplemental package after months of behind closed doors negotiations, their leadership is aware that by failing to include the House in their negotiations, they have eliminated the ability for swift consideration of any legislation, Johnson wrote Saturday. As I have said consistently for the past three months, the House will have to work its will on these issues and our priorities will need to be addressed. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BEIJING (Reuters) -Freezing rain, snow and ice have snarled traffic in central and eastern China as billions of people travel home ahead of the Spring Festival holiday in the blistering cold weather that has swept through parts of the country over the past week. Hunan and Hubei provinces have borne the brunt of the severe weather, which worsened over the weekend, slowing highway traffic to a crawl and cancelling hundreds of trains. The travel disruptions coincide with the biggest mass travel migration in the world as millions flock home to see their families for the Chinese New Year. Over the past few days, videos across Chinese social media showed images of people stranded on trains and trapped in cars on snowy highways in several cities, including Jingzhou. One driver was trapped in a car for three days, media outlet Yicai reported, and a passenger going to Wuhan was stuck on a train after it lost power amid freezing temperatures, social media videos showed. Hundreds of trains have been delayed or suspended, and throngs of passengers were stranded at railway stations in Wuhan, local media said. Runways at the Tianhe Airport in Wuhan were temporarily closed Tuesday, state media CCTV reported. Photos from the China Meteorological Administration showed broken trees scattered across roads in Hunan, felled by freezing rain. In 10 provinces, about 129 sections of highways were closed, according to Beijing News. At least two people have died in snow-related accidents. One person in Hubei and another from the southern province of Hunan were killed as awnings in farmers markets collapsed under heavy snow, according to state media reports. China's Ministry of Emergency Management and two other government departments sent 20,000 disaster relief supply items to Hunan, including thick quilts, according to state media outlet China Daily. The severe weather is expected for another few days, according to China National Emergency Broadcasting. Several cities upgraded weather advisories and emergency response plans. Authorities in Hubei said they aimed to clear out tunnels and bridges, where thick ice has caused choke points. The province has instructed hundreds of highway toll stations to enforce traffic control measures, including letting vehicles through for free. China's ministry of finance and ministry of transport issued 141 million yuan ($19.61 million) to support 11 provinces and municipalities for highway snow and ice removal. China's Central Meteorological Observatory predicted more rain, snow and freezing weather in the south for the first half of this week, but said conditions would improve starting Thursday. ($1 = 7.1895 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Liz Lee, Albee Zhang, Qiaoyi Li and Judy Hua; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Miral Fahmy) A 73-year-old man was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday after he tried to prevent the construction of an abortion clinic in Illinois by crashing his car into a building and attempting to set it on fire, authorities said. O After his prison sentence Philip Buyno, of Prophetstown, must pay $327,547 in restitution and will be under supervised released for three years, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Springfield. He pleaded guilty in September to attempting to a federal charge of using fire to damage a building a building used in interstate commerce. Last May, officers responding to an alarm found Buyno "stuck inside a maroon Volkswagen Passat" that he had backed into the entrance of a building in Danville, a city about 120 miles east of Springfield, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. FBI agents searched the car and discovered gasoline, a hatchet, road flares, a pack of matches and that Buyno fortified the trunk of his car with wooden beams. Investigators soon determined Buyno crashed into the building "for the purpose of burning it down before it could be used as a reproductive health clinic." Our office strongly condemns the defendants attempt to prevent women in our community from accessing important reproductive health services, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory K. Harris said in a statement. We are committed to prosecuting such crimes and thank our federal and local law enforcement officers for their critical work in pursuing this case. Last year, the National Abortion Federation, a national association for abortion providers, released a report that found violence against providers and clinics rose sharply after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Instances of arson and burglaries doubled from 2021 to 2022, the report found. "As clinics closed in states with bans, extremists have simply shifted their focus to the states where abortion remains legal and protected, where our members have reported major increases in assaults, stalking, and burglaries, Melissa Fowler, the chief program officer at the National Abortion Federation, said in a statement on the report. Last year, federal prosecutors charged over 10 people after they allegedly targeted abortion clinics, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Four people were accused of vandalizing the facilities with spray painted threats, including If abortions arent safe than neither are you, and Were coming for U. In Detroit, eight people were charged after they participated in a blockade outside an abortion clinic. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Illinois man receives sentence for trying to burn down abortion clinic ERBIL, Iraq After a weekend of U.S. strikes against its proxies in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Iran has issued a strongly worded warning not to target a ship that U.S. officials and analysts suspect of providing real-time intelligence for attacks on other vessels in the Red Sea and serving as a forward operating base for its commandos. In a slickly produced video published on the Iranian armys Telegram channel Sunday, a narrator says in English that those engaging in terrorist activities against the MV Behshad or similar vessels, jeopardize international maritime routes, security and assume global responsibility for potential future international risks. Describing the Behshad as a floating armory, the narrator says it is involved in missions to counteract piracy in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, although Iran is not publicly known to have taken part in any recent anti-piracy campaigns in the region. The video ends with footage of what appears to be ships in an American carrier group flashing red as though they are being targeted. A man then lowers the U.S. flag. Houthis at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on Feb. 4, 2024 on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen. (Mohammed Hamoud / Getty Images) Asked by NBC News about the ship Monday, Defense Department press secretary Maj Gen. Patrick Ryder said, I am not aware of the U.S. targeting the Behshad. We are very well aware of the ship. The Behshad is registered as a commercial cargo ship with a Tehran-based company that the U.S. Treasury has sanctioned as allegedly being a front for the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. The Iranian ship provides electronic intelligence to the Houthis, enabling them to spot and target vessels in the Red Sea region, according to a U.S. official, a U.S. congressional aide with knowledge of the matter and a Middle Eastern official. Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, the commander of the Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group currently assigned the task of safeguarding commercial shipping in the Red Sea, told NBC News that Houthi forces are receiving help from Iran to strike at cargo vessels, although he did not directly mention the Behshad. They are using intelligence from Iran to give them some targeting information, he said. Several military analysts have drawn the same conclusion, including Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a Washington-based pro-Israel think tank, whose research focuses on Iranian proxies. The ships pretend to be anti-piracy garrison ships that Iranian and Syrian shipping can visit, but actually they are transshipment points for Iranian weapons," he said, adding that military trainers for the Tehran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon also use them. The Behshad and its sister vessel Safiz are also loaded with Iranian electronic intelligence equipment used to locate target vessels for the Houthis to strike, Knights said. NBC News has been monitoring the vessel using shipping tracking data and found that it has lingered in exactly the same spot in the south of the Red Sea between Yemen and Eritrea, from at least January 2023. An organized tour by Yemen's Huthi rebels (on board) on Nov. 22, 2023 shows the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by Huthi fighters two days earlier, docked in a port on the Red Sea in the Yemeni province of Hodeida. (AFP via Getty Images) After raising anchor Jan. 4 this year, it sailed south toward the Gulf of Aden. And since Jan. 11, it has moved around the Bab al-Mandeb strait or the Gate of Grief a 16-mile stretch of water that is the entrance to the Red Sea and a choke point where it would be easy to monitor traffic passing into and out of the waterway. Analysis by NBC News and several other experts has shown that the Behshad was several miles away as Houthi rebels carried out a number of attacks on commercial vessels. The rebel group has said it will continue the strikes until Israel stops its war against Hamas in Gaza. These attacks have created a huge wave of ship diversions since December and delays in the global supply chain. Shipping giants such as Maersk and MSC have instead chosen to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, adding one to two weeks to their journeys and substantially increasing their cost. Its a sort of open secret within government circles that this ship is causing us quite significant problems, said Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based think tank. Wherever the Behshad goes happens to be more or less where the Houthis happen to be targeting their anti-ship ballistic missiles, suicide drones and suicide boats, he added. Without mentioning the Behshad, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also accused Iran in December of being deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Iranian support included advanced weapons systems, intelligence support, and financial aid and training, she said. Just before the U.S. airstrikes began Friday, the Behshad traveled south into the Gulf of Aden and docked off the coast from a Chinese military base in the east African nation of Djibouti. Releasing a video about the ship was a first for the Iranians, according to Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, a Belgian think tank focused on preventing wars. I dont recall seeing anything like this before, he said, adding that he thought Iran has seen the writing on the wall, that this could be a potential target for future U.S. military action. While such warnings would normally be delivered via back channels, Vaez said Tehran had realized that its not working and so theyve gone public with it. The video came after national security adviser Jake Sullivan refused to rule out strikes inside Iran after the retaliatory attacks on the countrys proxies in Iraq, Syria and Yemen over the killing of three American service members in Jordan last month. USS Mason Conducts a Vertical Replenishment with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian (U.S. Navy via DVIDS) During an interview on NBCs Meet the Press, Sullivan told moderator Kristen Welker that he was not going to get into what weve ruled in and ruled out from the point of view of military action. What I will say is that the president is determined to respond forcefully to attacks on our people. The president also is not looking for a wider war in the Middle East, he said. The U.S. military has never launched a direct attack on Iranian soil, but in April 1988, then-President Ronald Reagans administration attacked Iranian ships and offshore oil platforms in the Persian Gulf in retaliation for Tehrans mining of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, a Navy frigate. Reagans predecessor, Jimmy Carter, has told NBC News that he was pressed to attack Iran after 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage in 1979 in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held for 444 days. Although he sanctioned Operation Eagle Claw, a covert mission to secure their release, Carter refused to launch a full military strike because he feared it would cost too many lives a decision political analysts have cited as a major factor in his defeat to Reagan in 1980. Like Carter, Biden is also in an election year, and after the Jan. 28 attack on the Tower 22 base in Jordan that killed Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Spc. Breonna Moffet and Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, he faced pressure from his Republican rivals to respond. Six days later he ordered the attacks on Iraq and Syria, which the Pentagon said hit more than 85 targets at seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities connected to the militias or the Quds Force, the expeditionary unit of Irans Revolutionary Guard that handles Tehrans relationship with regional militias. On Sunday, further strikes were carried out on targets in Yemen. Although the Biden administration has vowed to damage the Houthis ability to carry out drone and missile attacks against commercial cargo vessels and U.S. ships in the Red Sea, it has so far chosen not to target the Behshad, possibly out of concern it could trigger a direct conflict with Iran. Attacking any Iranian vessel would nonetheless be extremely dangerous in terms of escalation, according to Basil Germond, a seapower and maritime expert at Britains Lancaster University. A ship is an extension of a states sovereign territory, so an attack on an Iranian ship would technically be a direct attack on Iran, he said. Keir Simmons and Mo Abbas reported from Erbil. Dan De Luce reported from Washington and Matthew Mulligan from London. NAIROBI (Reuters) -Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 29 associates were charged on Tuesday with the murder of 191 children whose bodies were found among more than double that number buried in a forest. The defendants all denied the charges brought before a court in the coastal town of Malindi. One suspect was found mentally unfit to stand trial. Prosecutors say Mackenzie ordered his followers to starve themselves and their children to death so that they could go to heaven before the world ended, in one of the world's worst cult-related disasters in recent history. The followers of his Good News International Church lived in several secluded settlements in an 800-acre area within the Shakahola forest. More than 400 bodies were eventually exhumed. Mackenzie was arrested last April. He has already been charged with terrorism-related crimes, manslaughter and torture. He was also convicted in December of producing and distributing films without a licence and sentenced to 12 months in jail. A former taxi driver, Mackenzie forbade cult members from sending their children to school and from going to hospital when they were ill, branding such institutions as Satanic, some of his followers said. Mackenzie's lawyer has said he is cooperating with the investigation into the deaths. The 30 defendants are due back in court on March 7 for a bond hearing, the judge said. (Reporting by Aaron Ross, Writing by Bhargav Acharya, Editing by Alex Richardson and Nick Macfie) State Sen. Scott Wiener make a third attempt to legalize the use of magic mushrooms, in California but this time only in therapeutic settings. Eric Risberg/Associated Press State Sen. Scott Wiener will make a third attempt to legalize the use of psilocybin, colloquially known as magic mushrooms, in California but this time with a much narrower proposal. Unlike his effort to decriminalize mushrooms last year, he thinks his new plan will survive Gov. Gavin Newsoms veto. Thats because the new measure unveiled Tuesday, SB1012, co-written by Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Republican Assembly Member Marie Waldron, of Valley Center (San Diego County), is focused on using psychedelics under supervised treatment instead of trying to decriminalize them. It would enable Californians over 21 to use certain psychedelics in a therapeutic context, in a safe and controlled environment, as Wiener put it, under the supervision of a licensed and trained facilitator. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The measure would not allow the sale, personal possession or use of psychedelics outside of this kind of regulated therapeutic setting. It would also create a Board of Psychedelic Facilitators under the Department of Consumer Affairs, which would create training programs, ethical standards and regulatory oversight for the use of the drugs. Wiener said that there is a massive network in California of psychedelic therapists that are underground. Were going to bring them above ground. If the bill becomes law, supporters expect it will take another 18 to 24 months before Californians could access the treatment through the program. Psychedelics remain illegal under federal law, but leaders elsewhere have seen the value that psychedelics may have in treating anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and other mental health issues. The Federal Drug Administration has designated psilocybin as a breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression, a sign that even the federal government recognizes its potential therapeutic value. In June, the agency issued its first guidelines to researchers interested in exploring how they could be used for medical treatments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are not waiting for the federal government to bless this. We are addressing Californias legal obstacles to those therapies, Wiener said. The goal of the legislation is to help the 1 in 3 Californians who reported suffering from anxiety and depression, according to a February 2023 KFF study, and who havent been helped by traditional approaches. Our current approach to mental health has been criminalization and lack of access, Waldron said Monday. She emphasized that the legislation does not legalize psychedelics. Wiener recast his approach shortly after what he described Monday as Newsoms thoughtful veto last year of his legislation that would have decriminalized psychedelics. Newsom said he was supportive of new opportunities to address mental health through psychedelic medicines like those addressed in this bill, and thought this was an exciting frontier and California will be on the front-end of leading it before asking for legislation this year that would include therapeutic guidelines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wiener said that he has kept the Newsom administration updated on the new legislation. Wiener said he doesnt think election year politics will derail the bill, with conservatives potentially spinning the measure as another example of Californians wanting to legalize recreational drug use as the state battles a fentanyl overdose crisis. For starters, this legislation wouldnt do that. The drugs would only be permitted in supervised, therapeutic situations. Plus, as Wiener said, polling shows most Americans are supportive of some form of legalization. A national survey of 1,500 registered voters last year by the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics found that 61% would support creating a regulated legal framework for the therapeutic use of psychedelics. People have heard about this. They have read about it. Many people know folks who have benefited from it, Wiener said. I dont think most people associate it with fentanyl or meth. They know its different. To that end, the legislation will also create a first in the nation private-public partnership to fund education about the benefits and dangers involved with psychedelics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Workers at French cosmetics giant LOreal have been back in the office three days per week for over a year now. But, company brass has decided, thats no longer enough. As of last week, Fridays are now mandatory office days, twice a month. The companys 87,000 employees were told of the new rule last month, and it took effect on Thursday, The Sunday Times reported. Leaders hope the new rule boosts employee collaboration, per the Times. Things werent always like this. Back in November 2022, LOreals USA CEO David Greenberg, like many of his peers, announced that workers had to return to the office three days per week. And Greenberg sweetened the deal: workers at the cosmetic giants West Coast headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., would be welcomed back with a personal butler. In-person workers at LOreal, whose subsidiaries include Kiehls, Maybelline, and La Roche-Posay, wouldfor $5 an hourbe able to hire a concierge for personal chores, the Los Angeles Times reported at the time. This included taking their cars to the gas station, picking up their laundry, or bringing their pets to and from doggy daycare. LOreal has offered the concierge perk in some capacity since 2009, but after everyone went remote during the pandemic, it took on renewed significance as a bargaining chip in luring workers back to their desks. Ultimately, the company was better positioned than most: Its offices have gyms, restaurants, tons of free products, and even coffee bars that occasionally double as bars, Fortune reported in 2022. The nearly-free concierge perk is nonetheless the crown jewel. LOreal subsidized the cost of those concierges, which CEO Greenberg felt was worth it. Were in an industry thats very much people-driven, Greenberg told the L.A. Times. [There is] necessary engagement, creativity, sharing, and learning from each other. Among the large companies that similarly enacted return-to-office mandates, like Meta, Salesforce, and Google, only LOreal made a genuine effort to sweeten the deal. The others actually worked backwards, taking away the pandemic-era perks workers enjoyed. (Meta in 2022 ended its free laundry and dry cleaning benefit and it also curtailed the cutoff time for its free-meal rule, 6:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Passion, attachment and creativity At the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, its global CEO, Nicolas Hieronimus, said that even at three in-office days per week, workers were lacking passion, attachment and creativity. Its an unusual move, if you ask other business leaders. Over the summer, Steven Roth, the billionaire chairman of Vornado, one of New York Citys biggest commercial landlords, officially deemed Fridays as dead forever, and even Mondays are on the chopping block. I thought this would be more stable, but I guessFriday [is] increasingly winning out in the WFH stakes, Stanford economist and WFH expert Nick Bloom told Fortune by email in August. I think its part of the bigger push towards coordinated hybrid, whereby we have firms pushing for folks to come in on the same days. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Fridays are consistently the emptiest days in the office. The average worker jumps at the chance to start their weekend a bit early, and even pre-pandemic, the allure of Summer Fridays spoke to the general populations desire for a bit more of a soft entry into Saturday. Add the growing push for four-day workweekswhich generally shave off Fridays firstits no wonder that LOreal is one of the very few firms to mandate Fridays in particular. Not as far as LOreal is concerned. One of the reasons LOreal hit the ground running on returning to the office after the pandemic, Hieronimus went on at Davos, is that we did not do like many tech companies and say everybody works from home all the time, and now they say: 'Oh my God, that was a mistake, please come back.'" I think its vital to be in the office. Its about serendipity. Its about meeting people, Hieronimus said, adding that remote work is very bad for workers mental health to boot. In-person work, on the other hand, is vital for the company, and its vital for the employees. Its also fair to the blue-collar workers that work every day in the factory. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com It was a perfect storm that confronted first responders when wildfires broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui in August, investigators have determined. "Severe weather" fed the flames, investigators say, and many of the already limited roads became impassable. An already understaffed police force was left to grapple with communications and equipment problems that hadn't previously been anticipated, a preliminary after-action investigation has found. Those are some of the findings of the probe, released Monday by the Maui Police Department. It's the first analysis performed by any of the island's emergency response agencies since wildfires destroyed the historic Lahaina district of the island on Aug. 8, 2023, ultimately, according to the report, killing 100 people, burning more than 6,600 acres, and leaving thousands of homes and other structures in ruins. The wind-fed blaze stands as what state officials said was the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history and America's deadliest wildfire in over a century, the fifth deadliest in U.S. history. "In policing, we respond to dynamic and evolving situations," Maui Police Chief John Pelletier wrote in the report released Monday. "We cannot control the incidents we respond to; we can, however, control our responses in the aftermath." PHOTO: Aftermath of the wildfires in the Maui neighborhood of Lahaina last August. (Nicco Quinones for ABC News) MORE: Maui's Resilience At a press briefing Monday evening, Pelletier led the room in 100 seconds of silence "to honor those we lost." "If it seems like that was long, realize this: for the families, the pain never ends, and the silence is deafening," Pelletier said. The 98-page document paints a picture of chaos on Maui as winds from a Pacific hurricane fueled a series of fires that started throughout Aug. 8 in four different locations on the 727-square-mile island. As one blaze was contained, another seemed to start. Then finally, with the ferocity of the gales of Hawaiian legend, the winds fueled a fire in Lahaina that made it impossible to see, collapsed communications systems, downed power lines and rendered evacuation routes nearly useless, according to the report. It wasn't just the thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames, investigators found, that made Maui officers' jobs -- and citizens' survival -- harder: A toxic haze of false information lingered in the chaos, and, the report said, fed confusion. The police after-action review was led by Sgt. Chase Bell, who was assigned to the investigation by the chief and who interviewed every single officer and police department staffer connected to the department's response. He said the report was to determine what was done wrong, what was done right and what needed to be done in the future for the island's police force to be better prepared for the next natural disaster. PHOTO: Aftermath of the wildfires in the Maui neighborhood of Lahaina last August. (Nicco Quinones for ABC News) Among the report's findings are: As police juggled citizens' frantic evacuations, redirecting traffic away from hazards -- even as their own families were forced to flee, some officers were unable to contact their families and, at first, some went without proper protective gear. Emergency dispatch for the island, which is run by the police department, was quickly overwhelmed by a call volume that staffers could not handle. Wind and flames quickly tore through utility poles and cables, leaving Lahaina without cellular or Wi-Fi capacity. Fractured and fallen utility poles blocked the roads as gusts barreled across the island. Suspended cables and downed high-voltage electrical wires were "spiderwebbed" and strewn across roadways -- cutting off what could have been the few critical routes for escape. In hardest-hit Lahaina, that was particularly perilous: A single highway offers the "only major road" through the area, the "primary route for transportation and logistics." MORE: Native Hawaiians fighting to take control of Maui's water rights amid wildfire cleanup Despite the red flag warnings of dangerously high winds days ahead of Aug. 8, Hawaiian Electric did not preemptively shut off the power, the utility's CEO, Shelee Kimura, testified in September, with the company telling ABC News that they, "like many utilities, do not have a power shut-off program;" that "preemptive, short-notice power shutoffs have to be coordinated with first responders," and "in Lahaina, electricity powers the pumps that provide the water needed for firefighting." According to Kimura, a fire at 6:30 a.m. was likely caused by power lines that fell in high winds. The police investigation didn't address the utility's potential culpability for the fires, the origin of the blazes or the response by fire crews. The examination dealt exclusively with the actions of the Maui Police Department, which, in the case of fire, plays a secondary role, assisting with evacuations, communications and rescue efforts. "Life safety is always our primary priority when responding to any incident, and especially in the incident, in an incident of this magnitude. Our officers' efforts remain focused on this, whether it was by conducting evacuations, the facilitation of emergency traffic getting out, as well as the transport of individuals," Bell said at Mondays briefing. "As we all have come to know, this is an unprecedented, prolonged, constantly evolving and wildly dynamic event." A fire broke out in Lahaina during the early morning hours of Aug. 8 but was 90% contained by 8:19 a.m., according to the police timeline. Just over five hours later, the winds were kicking up in that same area, and power lines were coming down. By 2:55 pm, a caller reported smoke and fire spreading fast in the area of Kuialua Street and Hookahua Street, according to police. Sixteen more calls would come in within three minutes, police said. As the fire's rampage worsened, officers tried to manage "gridlocked" traffic on "key streets" to alleviate congestion so people could escape the famous enclave in the northwestern part of Maui, according to the report. Police used their loudspeakers to try and direct residents even as the "rapid spread of the fire and reduced visibility" made evacuation "challenging," the report said. PHOTO: Aftermath of the wildfires in the Maui neighborhood of Lahaina last August. (Nicco Quinones for ABC News) The fire's spread toward the Lahaina Civic Center prompted more than a thousand people to evacuate, "many without vehicles," the report said -- and from the onset of Lahaina's fire and "into the morning" of Aug. 9, police and fire personnel "transported hundreds of citizens" within their own emergency vehicles out of harm's way, according to the report. Finding other ways meant improvising for police, the report said: One officer worked with a civilian and county employee "to unlock a series of gates and lead evacuees down a dirt road, creating a vital escape path for vehicles." Another officer "utilized his own straps to tie to a fence and his police vehicle to pull a fence down," according to the report. As the fires began and police worked to get people out of their path, "not all officers had proper [personal protective equipment], especially relative to a fire of this magnitude," the report said. The MPD report determined officers must have the training and tools to respond even in a crisis that might be unimaginable. The report recommends equipping every police supervisor's vehicle with a "breaching kit" to clear blocked escape routes, "to ensure lives are preserved," and to "create go-bags of PPE for each motorized beat" for emergency events. The MPD's report also recommends more "real-time crime center cameras" that "would not only reduce crime and response times to crimes, but also to be able to detect smoke" from a centralized command location. MORE: Maui residents' post-fire rebuilding plans caught in insurance payout limbo As the fire raged on Aug. 8, emergency dispatch saw an increase in calls for service that taxed a system that was already struggling to keep up with fires that came atop the normal types of police and medical calls, according to the MPD report. The report said that, in August 2023, the police department's staffing was 25% shy of the number of police officers it should have, and the civilian dispatch ranks were even more depleted, with fewer than half the spots filled. As the Maui wildfires tore through paradise, fire calls were ultimately "coupled in" to the calls for service and "communications personnel were challenged to field three days' worth of calls within a single day," the police report said. "Never in any current emergency services dispatcher's career have they experienced the volume of calls received on Aug. 8, 2023." In a crisis when fast, accurate communication is vital, it was stymied by the very elements that had conspired to cause the natural disaster, according to the report. In the high winds, "drones and aircraft were unable to assist" with the crisis and "unable to be deployed," according to the report. The Lahaina area was "hit with a complete failure of commercial electrical service," leaving police to rely on two-way radios, the report said. But as wind made it impossible to hear what was being said on the radios, it "led to some misunderstandings of radio transmissions," and with officers "actively engaged in evacuations" and the "sheer number" of circumstances before them, it was "apparent that officers may have missed certain transmissions," according to the MPD report. As emergency efforts in Lahaina continued, the lack of staffing at police headquarters meant that urgent radio traffic from that community was being fielded by "a single dispatcher," the report found. Emergency service dispatch stations "should be equipped with radio capabilities," which would allow them to "receive and dispatch additional support and calls," the MPD report recommends. The county's two communication centers typically receive roughly 360 emergency 911 calls per day, according to the report -- but in the 24 hours of Aug. 8, it was 13 times that much: an "unprecedented" combined total of 4,523 calls, investigators found. The report recommends a "dedicated phone line" for disasters to streamline emergency messaging. PHOTO: Aftermath of the wildfires in the Maui neighborhood of Lahaina last August. (Nicco Quinones for ABC News) By the morning of Aug. 9, the first fatality was found and confirmed. It would be the first of many, the report said, and victim recovery "would take weeks." "An anthropologist would work oftentimes on their hands and knees in a very detailed effort to recover everything that was recoverable," forensic pathologist Dr. Jeremy Stuelpnagel said at Mondays press briefing. "Sometimes the fragments were as small as a quarter, or smaller." As "radio traffic overflowed, personnel were plentiful, however, there were not enough MPD vehicles for all personnel on duty," the police report said. The morgue's facilities and storage had to expand, increasing its autopsy capacity by nearly 400% to accommodate the complex and sensitive process of identifying the many sets of charred remains, according to the report. The report recommends retrofitting the facility and preparing for possible future mass-casualty events. In the aftermath, as families were desperate for answers, the community stood in shock and the nation watched in horror, misinformation and disinformation spread, the police report found. Amid what was already a chaotic and terrifying situation, artificial intelligence was "used to spread disinformation and undermine trust in the government," feeding confusion, the report said. "In the days and weeks that followed the fires, there was voluminous information being disseminated that was both factual and fictitious," the report said. "There was evidence of a concentrated effort, including some by foreign governments, as well as lone wolf actors, to disrupt the integrity of first responders, the community and government." MORE: Maui wildfire survivors face mental health crisis months after tragedy A memorandum later found to be bogus and purportedly from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was "sent to public and private entities hidden under a @proton.me email account," the report said, and claimed to highlight "grave concerns" about the "handling" of the wildfire disaster, and "reveals serious lapses by local authorities, potential assumption of federal control and ongoing criminal investigations." The fact that the memo was completely false didn't mitigate the damage it did, the MPD report said. During the process of notifying families of the dead or injured, the report said, undermined trust posed a "challenge." "Some of the families were uneasy with trusting government agencies as they were seeing and hearing conspiracies online, by word of mouth and in the media," the report said, and some were "hesitant to give DNA samples to help identify family members if remains were recovered." "Allowing family members to participate and having the speakers, peer support and chaplains walk around and introduce themselves at the beginning of the briefing helped lower tensions and emotions," the report said, and teams made sure families knew the DNA samples would "only be used for identification purposes and nothing more, leading more people to provide a sample after the briefing and more remains were identified." The final after-action report is expected in the next six to 12 months, Pelletier said. "These were our worst hours. These were our finest moments," Pelletier said at Mondays briefing. "We are Maui strong." ABC News' Stephanie Wash, Nicco Quinones, Derick Yanehiro, Kate Holland, Charlotte Greer and Victor Ordonez contributed to this report. Maui police release 1st report after investigation into response to deadly blazes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Sen. Bernie Sanders is once again taking the pharmaceutical industry to task, issuing a report Tuesday that highlights the cost of three blockbuster drugs that are far pricier in the US than in other countries. The differences are striking. The annual list price of Bristol Myers Squibbs Eliquis, a blood thinner that reduces the risk of stroke, is $7,100 in the US. But in Japan, its $940; in Canada, its $900; in Germany, its $770; in the United Kingdom, its $760; and in France, its $650. Johnson & Johnsons arthritis drug Stelara carries an annual list price of $79,000 in the US. In Germany, its $30,000; in Canada, its $20,000; in the UK, its $16,000; in Japan, its $14,000; and in France, its $12,000. And the annual list price of Mercks cancer drug Keytruda is $191,000 in the US, while in the UK, its $115,000; in Canada, its $112,000; in France, its $91,000; in Germany, its $89,000; and in Japan, its $44,000. Sanders, an independent from Vermont, issued the report ahead of a hearing Thursday with the CEOs of the three drugmakers before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which he chairs. The hearing has already proved fiery, with Sanders threatening to issue the committees first subpoenas in more than 40 years to compel the heads of Johnson & Johnson and Merck to testify. They agreed late last month to appear voluntarily. Johnson & Johnson declined to comment on Sanders report. Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb did not return requests for comment. Medicare launches drug price negotiations Other nations typically pay far less for medications, in large part because their governments often determine the cost. However, that gap could begin to shrink for certain drugs in coming years. Medicare has started its first-ever negotiations with drugmakers over the cost of 10 expensive medications, including Eliquis and Stelara. The prices charged in other countries are not a factor in the negotiation process, but the Biden administration, Sanders and others have repeatedly pointed to the differential as a major problem with the drug pricing system in the US. While in office, former President Donald Trump pushed a measure that would have had Medicare pay the same price for certain expensive prescription drugs as other developed nations, known as a most-favored-nation price. It would have allowed the US to piggyback on discounts negotiated by other countries. While the price patients pay for drugs typically depends on their insurance coverage, list prices factor into both their premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Those who have yet to meet their deductible and the uninsured may have to pay the full list price. Big profits Sanders report also cited the billions of dollars the three companies make in profits and the tens of millions their CEOs are paid. The drugmakers have made more money on their sales of the three drugs in the US than in the rest of the world combined. The report also noted that Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb spent $17.8 billion and $12.7 billion on stock buybacks, dividends and executive compensation, compared with $14.6 billion and $9.5 billion on research and development in 2022, respectively. However, Merck spent almost twice as much on research and development as it did on dividends and executive compensation. Drug companies have argued that Medicares price negotiations could chill their research and development, leading to fewer new medications coming to market. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Most Americans say they dont have much confidence in the Supreme Court to make the right decisions on legal cases related to the 2024 election, according to a CNN poll released Monday. Asked how much they trust the Supreme Court on the matter, 58 percent of respondents said either not at all or just some, at 23 percent and 35 percent, respectively. Only 11 percent said they trusted the Supreme Court a great deal, while 31 percent said a moderate amount. The poll, which was conducted Jan. 25-30, showed a slight partisan split in trust in the Supreme Court to deal with 2024 election cases. Among Democrats, 63 percent of respondents had either no trust at all, at 27 percent, or just some trust, 36 percent. The poll found higher opinions of the court amongst Republicans, 48 percent of whom said they had either no trust, 17 percent, or just some trust, 31 percent. Independents held similar views to Democrats. The Supreme Court could play an important role in the 2024 presidential campaign cycle, as former President Trump solidifies his spot as the GOP front-runner despite facing four criminal indictments, two of which are related to his efforts to stay in power in 2020 after losing the presidential election. In a federal case related to the 2020 election, Trumps legal team has argued presidential immunity should preclude him from prosecution for actions he took while in the White House. If a federal appeals court does not side in his favor, Trump is expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is also expected to hear arguments this month in a challenge to the Colorado Supreme Court decision that Trump is ineligible to hold public office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, known as the insurrection clause, over his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, and in the days leading up to it. The CNN poll surveyed 1,212 respondents and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Reuters) -AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it will invest $300 million in a facility in Rockville, Maryland, for discovery and development of cell therapies. More than 150 jobs will be created at the site in the United States to initially focus on manufacturing the cell therapies to enable clinical trials to be conducted, the company said, adding that the site may expand its focus to support other disease areas. The Rockville facility marks the latest investment for AstraZeneca in cell therapies after its acquisition of Neogene Therapeutics and other agreements with cell therapy developers. AstraZeneca is advancing early stage trials of several cell therapies in different types of cancer including liver and prostate cancer. (Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) Days after the incident, police chief said cops violated their training in the case SENATOBIA, Miss. (AP) A 10-year-old Black child who urinated near his mothers car outside a Mississippi office building will no longer be required to serve probation and write a book report about Kobe Bryant, an attorney for the childs family said Monday. Tate County Youth Court Judge Rusty Harlow set the three-month probation and the book report about the late NBA star as punishment in December. But the childs mother said she would not agree to the terms because of concerns that the probation would treat her child like a criminal. A Mississippi judge ruled that a 10-year-old Black child who urinated near his mothers car will no longer be required to serve probation and write a book report about Kobe Bryant. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for UNITAS) Harlow held another hearing Monday and dismissed a Youth Court petition that sought to designate the child as one in need of supervision a decision that pleased his mother, according to Carlos Moore, an attorney for the family. Moore had said the probation agreement had terms similar to what prosecutors set for an adult, including a requirement to submit to drug tests at a probation officers discretion. The childs mother has said her son urinated behind her vehicle while she was visiting a lawyers office in Senatobia, Mississippi, on Aug. 10. Police officers in the town of about 8,100 residents, 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Memphis, Tennessee, saw the child urinating and arrested him. Officers put him in a squad car and took him to the police station. Senatobia Police Chief Richard Chandler said the child was not handcuffed, but his mother has said he was put in a jail cell. Days after the episode, Chandler said the officers violated their training on how to deal with children. He said one of the officers who took part in the arrest was no longer employed by the department, and other officers would be disciplined. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Black child, 10, arrested for urinating in public freed from probation, book report requirement appeared first on TheGrio. Holding pattern: the incoming aircraft from Gatwick had to wait before landing at Keflavik International Airport (Flightradar24) An easyJet passenger who was among a planeload of people delayed for a full day by an Icelandic snowstorm has described the experience as a fiasco. Robert Stephens, 79, was one of the passengers booked on easyJet flight 8846 from Keflavik International Airport, near Reykjavik, to London Gatwick. It was due to depart at 7.30pm on Friday evening, 2 February. The incoming plane flew a holding pattern over the Reykjanes peninsula location of Icelands latest major volcanic action before landing safely around 40 minutes behind schedule. But foul weather and delays with de-icing led to the homebound flight eventually being delayed overnight. Mr Stephens was returning from Iceland with his wife after a Northern Lights trip. He said: Due to serious wind and snow conditions the incoming flight was prevented from offloading the passengers for a couple of hours. The UK-bound passengers were ready to go, but could not board the plane until the arriving travellers had disembarked. The outgoing passengers were shunted from gate to gate with a minimum of information, Mr Stephens said. Eventually we were put on buses to the aircraft. We boarded in appalling conditions of wind and snow at around midnight. The plane was still unable to depart due initially to the weather forecast. When the storm had passed the plane had received a coating of snow and the pilot had to call for de-icing. Unfortunately the weather conditions exceeded those in which the de-icing crew could operate so further delay ensued. When the weather abated sufficiently for the pre-flight procedure to clear snow and ice from the wings and other surfaces, the first de-icing vehicle to attend the aircraft broke down. Finally the plane was de-iced. But as the pilots prepared to depart, easyJets operations HQ cancelled the flight because the crew would be out of hours due to the long delays. The delay was not of easyJets making, Mr Stephens said. The pilot was exemplary in keeping the passengers informed including the risk of reaching the limit of working hours. After it was cancelled, we were taken off the aircraft at 2.30am. At this point, the incompetence started. Mr Stephens said he and the other passengers spent 12 hours between checking in at Keflavik international airport on Friday night and being taken to a hotel at 6am on Saturday for what turned out to be a stay of just a couple of hours. The passengers were told on arrival at the hotel that the replacement flight would depart at 6pm on Saturday. Flight-time limitations meant that the crew would not be able to operate the trip to the UK until early evening, after a suitable period of rest. As breakfast was imminent my wife and I decided to shower and breakfast first, then get some sleep, thinking that we would return to the airport around 2 or 4pm, said Mr Stephens. Instead, he said: It really went from bad to worse. The passengers were awoken to be told to join buses at 9.30am to return to the airport. We were deprived of six hours sleep. When they reached the airport at around 10.45am, the passengers learnt they would not be leaving any earlier than 6pm. Passengers with hold baggage were informed that it could only be deposited at 4pm, Mr Stephens said. They had to wait landside before the security checkpoint for a further five hours. Mr Stephens said: The airport departures hall was noisy [and] has very limited capacity for waiting and getting a little sleep. The only choice for eating was a snack shop and a general store dispensing hot dogs and pizza slices. The rescheduled departure was delayed for a further hour to 7pm due to bad weather. The passengers arrived at Gatwick almost 24 hours late. A spokesperson for the airline said: easyJet can confirm that flight EZY8846 from Keflavik to London Gatwick on Friday 2 February was delayed overnight due to delays caused by adverse weather conditions in Keflavik leading to the crew reaching their safety regulated operating hours. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJets highest priority and we did all possible to minimise the impact of the weather disruption for customers providing hotel rooms and meals for all passengers. The flight to London Gatwick was scheduled to depart the following day. Our transport provider arranged for the transfers to the airport to be earlier due to concerns over the impact of the storm and so to avoid delays and road closures. We are sorry for the inconvenience this caused for customers who were at the airport for longer than usual. We work hard to try and ensure our customers are supported in times of disruption. We would like to thank passengers for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of the weather. Mr Stephens disputed the easyJet assertion that concerns over road conditions led to the early departure from the hotel, saying: The afternoon weather was positively balmy by Icelandic standards. He added: I had always regarded easyJet as being a step above Ryanair but that opinion has been severely dented. A British Airways departure from Keflavik to London Heathrow shortly before the easyJet flight was cancelled quickly, with passengers and crew flying out on Saturday afternoon after the crew had rested. Travellers are not entitled to claim cash compensation because extreme weather is counted as an extraordinary circumstance beyond airlines control. By Zeba Siddiqui (Reuters) - Internet giant Google on Tuesday named what it said are some of the worst offenders in the surveillance software industry and called on the United States and its allies to do more to rein in the sale and misuse of spy tools. Spyware firms often say their products are meant for the use of governments for national security, but the technology has been repeatedly found to have been used to hack into the phones of civil society, political opposition and journalists in the last decade. The industry has faced increasing scrutiny since the Israeli firm NSO's Pegasus spyware was found on the phones of various people globally, including human rights defenders. In a report on Tuesday, Google researchers said that while NSO is better known, there are dozens of smaller firms contributing to the dangerous proliferation of spy technology. The findings by Alphabet Inc's Google are significant because the company has some of the best visibility into hacking campaigns globally, given the vast breadth of its online offerings. "Demand from government customers remains strong and our findings underscore the extent to which commercial spyware vendors have proliferated hacking and spyware capabilities that weaken the safety of the Internet for all," researchers from Google's TAG threat-hunting team said in the report. "The private sector is now responsible for a significant portion of the most sophisticated tools we detect." The United States and several of its allies committed last year to work toward curbing the surveillance software industry, after at least 50 U.S. government employees in 10 countries were found to have been targeted by spyware. The Google researchers named a roster of firms that offer a range of services to break into phones, and have been evolving to bypass the latest security measures by Apple and Google for their phone operating systems iOS and Android. They include the Italian firms Cy4Gate and RCS Labs, Greek company Intellexa, and the lesser-known Italian company Negg Group and Spain's Variston. Negg Groups website says the company is focused on cybersecurity, but Google said its software was found to have been used to spy on people in Italy, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. Variston made software that infected users devices via the browsers Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or iOS apps, Google said, adding that another company, Protected AE -- also known as Protect Electronic Systems -- used a similar targeting technique. The five companies either did not respond to requests for comment, or were not reachable. The Google report comes a day after the United States announced a new visa restriction policy for those it said were misusing commercial spyware, allowing the placing of restrictions on individuals believed to have been involved in the abuse of commercial spyware, as well as for those who facilitate such actions and benefit from it. (Additional reeporting by Christopher Bing in Washington; Editing by) By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - Google agreed to pay $350 million to settle a lawsuit by shareholders related to a security bug at its now-defunct Google+ social media website. A preliminary settlement was filed late on Monday in San Francisco federal court after more than a year of mediation and requires approval by U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson. It resolves claims that Google learned by March 2018 about a three-year software glitch that exposed Google+ users' personal data, yet concealed the problem for months while publicly stressing its commitment to data security. Shareholders said Google feared disclosure would subject it to regulatory and public scrutiny similar to what Facebook received after London-based Cambridge Analytica harvested its users' data for the 2016 U.S. elections. According to the complaint, shares of Google's parent Alphabet fell several times as news about the bug surfaced, wiping out tens of billions of dollars of market value. The lawsuit led by Rhode Island Treasurer James Diossa, on behalf of a state pension fund that owned Alphabet stock, covers Alphabet shareholders from April 23, 2018 to April 30, 2019. Google denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle and found no evidence that data were misused. A spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, said: "We regularly identify and fix software issues, disclose information about them, and take these issues seriously. This matter concerns a product that no longer exists and we are pleased to have it resolved." The Mountain View, California-based company reached a related $7.5 million settlement with Google+ users in 2020. In 2020, a different judge had dismissed the shareholder case, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revived it in 2021. "Most people thought no one would recover a penny in this case, and when the first judge granted Google a dismissal the 'I told you so's' were deafening," said Jason Forge, a partner at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd representing the shareholders. "That just made Rhode Island and us more determined." Lawyers for the shareholders may seek up to $66.5 million from the settlement for fees, court papers show. Monday's settlement was disclosed 5-1/2 weeks after Google settled a lawsuit claiming it secretly tracked the internet use of millions of people who thought they were browsing privately. Terms of that settlement have not yet been disclosed. The case is In re Alphabet Inc Securities Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 18-06245. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Lisa Shumaker) Gov. Gavin Newsom is sending 120 additional CHP officers to Oakland and the East Bay to crack down on crime, including carjacking, retail theft and violence. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2014 The added officers will represent a ninefold increase in the number of state police patrolling the region, including those already assigned before the surge in crime, according to Newsoms office. The officers will be concentrated in Oakland, where violent crime has surged. Last year, reports of violent incidents in Oakland rose 21% compared with 2022. Robberies increased 38% and burglaries rose 23%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As crime rates across California decrease including right across the Bay in San Francisco Oakland is seeing the opposite trend, Newsom said in a statement. Whats happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. The increase builds on Newsoms decision in August to deploy six more officers and a sergeant at Mayor Sheng Thaos request to help the city crack down on sideshows, reckless driving, freeway shootings and car thefts. Newsoms office has since credited CHP officers in Oakland for arresting 100 people and recovering nearly 200 stolen cars. In a statement, Thao called the increased number of state police a game-changer in helping us hold more criminals accountable and make Oakland safer. Representatives from the Oakland Police Department declined to comment. Newsom also increased the number of CHP officers in San Francisco last year in an effort to arrest more people for trafficking the highly lethal drug fentanyl. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Amid criticism from moderates and conservatives over crime in California, Newsom has begun to stake out tougher positions on crime. Last month, he called for lawmakers to send him legislation to increase punishments for people who steal, including by making it easier for police to arrest suspects even if they did not witness them stealing and imposing harsher penalties for car thieves and people who resell stolen goods. Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers' Association, thanked Newsom for what he called much-needed support to curb crime, which affects residents, workers and visitors, Nguyen said. Were grateful for the CHP to come here and to help us with the challenges we face every day, Nguyen said. Police officers constantly triage calls, he said, a reactive response that leaves little room for them to patrol and proactively curb crime in other ways. Nguyen said he believes the beefed-up CHP presence will deter crime, resulting in fewer calls for service and allowing police officers to spend more time on other efforts to curb crime. James Burch, deputy director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, criticized the CHP support as a poor investment in crime response, not prevention. Its disappointing to me to see another large investment in policing in a manner thats unlikely to move the needle when it comes to violence in the city of Oakland, Burch said. Juan Carlos Castano Lopez, a tour guide and vanilla artisan, walks through a vanilla plantation at the Ancestral Knowledge of Vanilla museum in Papantla, in Mexico's Veracruz state. The spice is deeply woven into the identity of Papantla, known as the "city that perfumed the world." (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Long gone are the days when heaps of green vanilla pods were drawn into town by mules and laid out on woven mats to dry in the sun, perfuming the streets before being packed up and sold abroad. In this corner of eastern Mexico, known as "the city that perfumed the world," the aromatic spice once dominated daily life and contributed to Mexico becoming the world's leading supplier of vanilla more than a century ago. Markets have long since shifted and artificial vanilla is now the global norm. But in Papantla, a city in Veracruz state where the spice is still strongly tied to peoples identity, scientists, chefs and farmers are actively pushing to reassert its profile. Could a vanilla renaissance finally bloom in Mexico? Eduardo Coyote Tepoxteco smells different vanilla strains inside an in-vitro fertilization laboratory at the Gaya vanilla plantation in Gutierrez Zamora, a city near Papantla, in Mexico. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The sun sets over Papantla, the center of a campaign to boost production and consumption of vanilla. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) In this city of 160,000, artisans make figurines with vanilla's shiny dark brown stems. Restaurants serve vanilla-infused dishes. And a prominent plaque by the town square tells the "Legend of Vanilla," the tale of how vanilla originally grew from the blood of a beautiful Indigenous princess who was decapitated by priests for having a romantic affair. If you have bad thoughts, they disappear, if youre angry, it disappears, because the aroma has an effect of high relaxation, said Lucio Olmos Morales, a local artisan who often works at a table on his porch weaving vanilla pods into crowns, rosary beads and flowers. Read more:Shrimp in Vanilla Sauce From Papantla The indigenous Totonac discovered the vanilla vines that once grew wild in this rainy region, naming the orchids Xanat. They used it for fragrance women perfumed their hair with the pods but there's no record of the Totonac using vanilla in cooking, according to Tim Ecott, author of the book "Vanilla: Travels in Search of the Ice Cream Orchid." Later, the Aztecs are said to have used it to flavor a chocolate beverage, served in golden goblets to Emperor Moctezuma. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Top, Lucio Olmos Morales holds a rosary made out of vanilla beans at his home in Papantla. Above, Olmos' own vanilla extract, which he occasionally adds to his coffee or even meat. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The Spanish colonizers eventually took Mexicos vanilla to Europe, where it was consumed by the aristocracy and fed a growing craving for hot chocolate. Vanilla was naturally pollinated by bees in Mexico, and when Europeans attempted to grow the plant back home they rarely got it to produce pods. But in the mid 19th century, a slave on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion discovered how to efficiently hand-pollinate vanilla. With French plantations there and elsewhere in the Indian Ocean adopting the technique, by the second half of the 19th century, Mexico lost its spot as the leading producer. Vanilla production in Papantla still boomed, however, in the late 1800s, fueled by the popularity of ice cream in the United States. Read more:This 'Top 100' best chef wants Guatemala to get back to its Indigenous roots In the following decades, the growth of artificial vanilla and competition with Madagascar, the current market leader, contributed to the decline of Mexicos vanilla production. "The market turned to a massified cheap product and Mexico competed for a while but couldn't really keep up with that," said Emilio Kouri, a historian and director of the Katz Center for Mexican Studies at the University of Chicago. "People would say, 'I dont care, for my Twinkies I'll just use artificial vanilla.'" Cycles of boom and bust in the market today swing the cured spice from about $300 to $7 a pound, said Josephine Lochhead, the chief executive of the California-based Cook Flavoring Co., which buys most of its vanilla from Madagascar. Vanilla products produced from the farm run by Juan Salazar Garcia, whose family has cultivated vanilla in Papantla for generations. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Mexico is the world's third-largest natural vanilla producer, behind No. 2 Indonesia, according to 2022 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization. Most of the green vanilla Mexico produced in 2022 515 tons, according to the Mexican government was sold locally. Although California consumers could be interested in Mexican vanilla, the product is too expensive compared with the spice that comes from impoverished Madagascar, where farmers earn less than $2 a day, Lochhead said. Craig Nielsen, co-owner of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, based in Illinois, said that he sells Mexico's vanilla to buyers who prefer its "spicy note," which he compared to clove or nutmeg. Read more:The vanilla queens of Mexico These days, those tied to Mexico's natural vanilla industry are working to increase the spice's local consumption and production, saying that Mexicans should be encouraged to help small-scale farmers and uphold their vanilla heritage. Jose Merced Mejia Munoz, an agriculture ministry official responsible for coordinating with Mexico's vanilla producers, said that the country hopes to reach 8,000 acres of vanilla in 2030 with more efficient production. In 2022, farmers mostly in Veracruz state grew about 800 acres. One hurdle is that producing vanilla, an orchid that grows on a vine, requires intense labor. Only hours to pollinate by hand Workers clean the vanilla greenhouse at Gaya's plantation in Gutierrez Zamora, Mexico. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) A newly planted orchid can take three years to bear fruit, and when the flowers blossom in the spring, growers have only a few hours to pollinate each one by hand. The fruit that ultimately emerges is a pod that looks like a long, thick string bean and contains black seeds. In Mexico, it's picked around November while still green and fragrance-less, and then must be cured. Farmers lay the vanilla pods out on mats to dry in the sun for several months in order to transform the fruit into aroma-producing thin dark stems. Most of Veracruz's 3,200 vanilla growers, who usually plant it as a side hustle alongside other crops such as citrus, sell the green pods to companies that turn the fruit into products such as cooking extract, liqueur and perfume, according to Crispin Perez Garcia, head of the states vanilla producers council. Juan Salazar Garcia, 44, works nonstop to maintain his vanilla plantation near his home in Papantla. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Farmers have faced disastrous periods where hurricanes and storms have destroyed a season's crop. They also face theft and low market prices caused by companies willing to buy vanilla that's been picked before the fruit matures fully. The lower quality hurts Mexican vanilla's reputation overseas, said Perez. Much of Mexico's vanilla fails to meet the quality standards to be sold abroad because the fruit suffers from fungus, poor weather or early harvest to avoid theft, said Angelica Hernandez Avila, the Papantla-based director of the center that supports agricultural innovation at the National Polytechnic Institute. But the biggest challenge is artificial vanilla. Gaya, the leading producer of vanilla in Veracruz, sells a 4-ounce bottle of real vanilla extract for about $5 several times the cost of artificial vanilla. "In Mexico, people dont consume natural vanilla, its that simple, said its director, Norma Gaya. Baby vanilla plants grow in an in vitro fertilization process done in large batches inside a laboratory at the Gaya vanilla plantation. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Eduardo Coyote Tepoxteco holds up a processed vanilla bean at the Gaya laboratory. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Her family-run company, which grows vanilla pods and also buys the fruit from farmers across Mexico, works with university scientists to produce healthier plants, improve cultivation techniques and offer classes to local growers. A lab on its property in Gutierrez Zamora, a city near Papantla, contains jars of vanilla plants that have been cloned to match varieties that are disease-resistant and have attractive smells. Gaya said that the government needs to better enforce the proper labeling of vanilla products, so that artificial vanilla is not passed off as natural. In the meantime, she and others have tried to ramp up interest in the orchid, holding a local vanilla festival and conferences to bring together vanilla experts. Hernandez's center offers growers lessons in customer service for English-speaking tourists who visit their plantations. But even Gaya, which exports most of its vanilla to the United States, several years ago supplemented its natural vanilla products with an artificial vanilla line. Some producers, such as Juan Salazar Garcia, come from families that have grown vanilla for generations. Salazar runs Vainilla El Ojital, a company in Papantla with an acre of 30,000 vanilla plants. Juan Salazar Garcia, 44, works on his family's vanilla plantation in Papantla. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Vanilla farmers have long grappled with theft. Sitting on a chair outside his house by the family's vanilla orchards, Salazar's father described how farmers in the 1940s made traps for thieves by placing stakes in a pit hidden with leaves. Salazar gradually made his way into the business, learning at age 10 how to pollinate flowers with a finger. Every spring, Salazar and his employees have only a few hours a day to move as quickly as possible among the orchids to pollinate the flowers after they bloom. It takes about 10 seconds to pollinate each one, he said. "Some days we do feel stressed," he said. "But we don't despair." Salazar has worked with a chemist to help sell natural vanilla liqueur, extract and perfume, as well as an artificial vanilla air freshener after requests from customers. Clients ask him why his vanilla extract is expensive, pointing to cheaper products they find online that are falsely advertised as natural. But Salazar hesitates to expand his artificial line. "As a producer, where would be the value in what I do?" he said. "I need to defend my work." The farming brings him an annual income of about $47,000 a year, which he uses to maintain his plantation, and he hopes to grow the business with his three sons. He admits he barely consumed natural vanilla growing up only in horchata water but believes he can expand locals' interest "at least a little bit." (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Top, Lorenzo Collado, owner of the Naku restaurant, which offers vanilla-infused dishes, holds up a vanilla bean vine in his private orchard in Papantla. Above, a Naku staffer fills glasses with vanilla-flavored horchata. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Chefs have tried to do that through vanilla-infused dishes. In the 1990s, Mexican chefs began creating recipes with vanilla that went beyond its traditional use in desserts, said Ricardo Munoz Zurita, a renowned chef in Mexico City. Vanilla, Munoz said, goes well with subtle flavors and must be used carefully with strong spices such as chile that could overtake the vanilla. More than two dozen chefs contributed recipes to his 2008 cookbook, "La Vainilla Mexicana," many combining the ingredient with seafood. Among the dishes: avocado soup with vanilla, apple salad with a vanilla vinaigrette, and duck with a chocolate and vanilla sauce. Of course wed have vanilla ice cream and custard, but most of the plates were gourmet and all were made not just with the excuse of using vanilla but with vanilla as a protagonist, he said. In Papantla, tourists who want to try vanilla dishes visit the restaurant Naku, which translates to "heart" in the Totonac language. Squash soup with vanilla is served at Naku restaurant, which serves regional dishes focused on vanilla. The kitchen staff of Naku restaurant. Nak u owner Lorenzo Collado in front of a mural depicting a historical scene in downtown Papantla. Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times The open-air restaurant, which displays and sells vanilla products, spends about $900 a month on four gallons of vanilla extract and about 125 vanilla pods. Patrons can order shrimp served with a creamy sauce made with vanilla extract, a chayote squash soup with vanilla seeds, a vanilla liqueur drink called Papenteco Kiss and plantains flambeed with vanilla ice cream. The identity of our town is vanilla, like tequila in Jalisco, like the tulips in the Netherlands," said Naku owner Lorenzo Collado. Papantla's vanilla history also lives on through art. The local Ancestral Knowledge of Vanilla restaurant and museum displays a 2.4-foot vanilla-woven Virgin Mary made with 13 pounds of vanilla which is paraded through the streets every December and a photograph of a 7-foot pyramid made with 33,000 vanilla pods and weighing 264 pounds. Juanita Olarte, 24, wears a headdress woven from vanilla by Lucio Olmos Morales. In August 2023, she wore the crown in a ceremony at a Papantla church, where she was named a protector of the indigenous Totonac culture. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) In the summer last year, Lucio Olmos Morales, the artisan who weaves vanilla on his porch, received a special order. The local church, along with Totonac authorities, had selected Juanita Olarte, a 24-year-old preschool teacher, to be ceremoniously named a protector of Totonac culture at a Mass commemorating the 100th anniversary of the diocese. Olmos was commissioned to make a vanilla headdress to distinguish Olarte in her new role. He used 130 vanilla pods, high-quality stems carrying enough oil so they could be bent into shapes without breaking. The headdress' elements included a sun with a gem at its center to represent Christ, corn leaves and flowers. As it was placed on Olarte's head in August at the front of the church, she smelled its strong sweet scent. The vanilla reminds Olarte of her grandfather, who taught her as a small child to pollinate the vanilla plants he grew. "It's feeling closer to my loved ones," she said of wearing the vanilla headdress. "I feel their embrace. Although they're not with me, they feel present." Sign up for our Tasting Notes newsletter for restaurant reviews, Los Angeles food-related news and more. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Europe may have to deal with a new flow of Sudanese migrants if a cease-fire agreement isn't signed soon between Sudan's warring sides and relief efforts aren't strengthened, the head of the United Nations refugee agency said Monday. The Europeans are always so worried about people coming across the Mediterranean. Well, I have a warning for them that if they don't support more refugees coming out of Sudan, even displaced people inside Sudan, we will see onward movements of people towards Libya, Tunisia and across the Mediterranean, Filippo Grandi said. There is no doubt." More than 9 million people are thought to be internally displaced in Sudan, and 1.5 million refugees have fled into neighboring countries in 10 months of clashes between the Sudanese military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, a powerful paramilitary group commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict erupted last April in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread to other areas of the country. Grandi said several countries neighboring Sudan Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Ethiopia have their own fragilities and will be unable to give refugees enough assistance. He said refugees will move further toward northern counties like Tunisia, where some have been documented planning to cross to Europe. When refugees go out and they dont receive enough assistance, they go further, Grandi said. He said the war in Sudan is becoming fragmented, with a number of militias controlling areas. Militias have even less hesitation to perpetrate abuse on civilians, he said, suggesting that it would create even more displacement. Grandi also said conflicts in places like Sudan, Congo, Afghanistan and Myanmar should not be overlooked during the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Gaza is a tragedy, it needs a lot of attention and resources, but it cannot be at the expense of another big crisis like Sudan, he said. Grandi spoke a day after visiting Sudan and Ethiopia, which is recovering from a two-year conflict in its northern Tigray region. The United Nations says at least 12,000 people have been killed in Sudan's conflict, although local doctors groups say the true toll is far higher. Dagalos paramilitary forces appear to have had the upper hand over the past three months, with their fighters advancing to the east and north across Sudans central belt. Both sides have been accused of war crimes by rights groups. Regional partners in Africa have been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, along with Saudi Arabia and the United States, which facilitated several rounds of unsuccessful, indirect talks between the warring parties. Burhan and Dagalo are yet to meet in person since the conflict began. ___ Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration Texas is taking an increasingly aggressive stance about using state law enforcement and the National Guard to police its border with Mexico, and may soon expand the territory it has wrested from federal control. But so far the Biden administration has not followed through on its veiled threat to sue. A month ago, Texas took control of a 2.5-mile stretch of a city park on the Rio Grande where large groups of migrants crossed in December. The Texas National Guard now patrols Shelby Park and has erected a barrier that combines tall anti-climb fencing and razor wire to keep migrants from coming through and to keep federal Border Patrol agents from gaining access. Those agents responded to the takeover by removing their equipment and leaving. The Biden administration sent a cease-and-desist letter and threatened to refer the matter to the Justice Department, an implicit threat to sue the state and Gov. Greg Abbott. Texas then began arresting migrants who had crossed the river into Shelby Park. When a National Guard soldier comes across a migrant, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety explained, the soldier detains the migrant until a state trooper can come make an arrest for trespassing. From there, the migrant is taken to prison an hour and a half away in Dilley, Texas, to await a hearing before a magistrate judge. Only after the case is adjudicated is the migrant turned over to federal officials, who can determine whether to deport the migrant. Greg Abbott holds a press conference at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas (Sergio Flores / AFP - Getty Images) Texas began arresting and prosecuting migrants for trespassing in border areas in 2021 and to date has arrested more than 10,000, according to the DPS, and the number has increased with the states takeover of Shelby Park. The procedure diverges from previous practices involving National Guard at the border, where migrants were held, but not arrested, until a Border Patrol agent could apprehend and process them. As an assist to Border Patrol, many Republican-led states have sent National Guard to help with surveillance and the construction of border barriers, but with strict instructions not to make arrests or violate a 1878 federal law known as the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits the military from enforcing the law within U.S. territory. The Biden administration has not sued. It did win a Supreme Court ruling that it could take down the razor wire that Texas has deployed in Shelby Park and elsewhere, which the administration said has led to drowning deaths among migrants. It has now cut razor wire in some sections of the border, but not in Shelby Park, which it cant access. Three Biden administration officials said the Supreme Courts recent razor wire ruling was a win in federal governments fight with Texas over Shelby Park, but they concede it does not explicitly give control of the area back to Border Patrol. Police officers at a barricade leading to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas (Michael Gonzalez / Getty Images) Now Texas is looking to expand its control of the border. A spokesman for the DPS said the National Guard is eyeing areas outside of Eagle Pass that have seen an uptick in migrants since Shelby Park was taken over by the state. A spokesman for the Texas Military Department, which runs the states National Guard, did not respond to a request for comment. Speaking at a news conference Sunday to announce the expansion, Abbott said, A state can defend itself and its citizens to protect their safety from the imminent danger that we are facing and from an invasion from millions of people coming from across the globe into our country, who are unaccounted for whatsoever. Abbott was joined by Republican governors from 13 other states. More governors are now responding to political pressure to send their own National Guard to the border, including states that are not on the southern border, such as Tennessee and North Dakota. The federal response So why hasnt the Biden administration stepped in to assert its authority to enforce immigration law along an international border? The three Biden administration officials told NBC News they do not want a confrontation between Border Patrol and Texas National Guard, but they still consider legal action a tool they might deploy. Shortly after Texas started blocking the Border Patrol from accessing Shelby Park, a mother and two children drowned while crossing the Rio Grande. The officials say they might have been saved if Border Patrol had been able to operate its equipment to surveil the river and respond to migrants in distress. U.S. Border Patrol agents guard migrants that crossed into Shelby Park as they wait to be picked up for processing in Eagle Pass, Texas (Michael Gonzalez / Getty Images) For now, however, optics mean the administration is holding fire, said a former Department of Homeland Security official. The official said that between the fight to pass a border bill, defend Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in an impeachment fight, and other lawsuits challenging Texas, taking on the Republican-led state would ignite another fire at a time when the administration wants to appear tougher on border security. Tom Warrick, director of the Future of DHS project at the Atlantic Council, put it another way. I think that the federal government is watching this closely to see what Texas does to expand its authority, but at this point its a tactical decision, Warrick said. If Texas expands its authority, that would probably provoke a (legal) response. They want to wait until they have a rock-solid case. The Justice Department declined to comment about its decision not to take Texas to court on the matter. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), whose name has circulated as a possible running mate for former President Trump, is coming out with a new book. The description of her book online says she explains how the country is not going back to the Republican party of the 2000s. And thats a good thing. This book is packed with surprising stories and practical lessons from the front lines of the battle. And she names names. So many times, almost on a daily basis, I hear people talking about wanting to go back to the old days of Mitt Romney, Cheney, the Bushes, you know, when Republicans could reset themselves back to these people that were steady and spoke perfectly. Yet theyre the ones who created the swamp that we have to deal with now, Noem told Fox News. She added, Theres no going back. They need to adjust their perspective and realize that Trump broke politics he just did and that thats a good thing. Fox News reported the book is due for release in May. Her team didnt immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. Trump has already endorsed the book. A great new book by Governor Kristi Noem, is a hard hitting story of a very interesting life, Trump posted on his TruthSocial platform with a link to the book. Trump mentioned Noem on Sunday when asked about possible picks for vice president. She has previously said she absolutely would jump at the chance. Its not Noems first tome. She also penned No Going Back: The Truth on Whats Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller, in 2022. Noem, 52, is the first female governor of South Dakota and has maintained close ties with Trump since he endorsed her gubernatorial campaign in 2018. The conservative firebrand, who notably joined Trump to celebrate the July 4 holiday at Mount Rushmore in 2020, won a second gubernatorial bid in 2022. She joined him again in September for a rally at the historical site. She later said she would agree to be Trumps No. 2 absolutely in a heartbeat. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Reuters) -Drugmaker Novartis AG said it will acquire MorphoSys AG, a developer of cancer treatments, for 2.7 billion euros ($2.9 billion), adding a promising rare bone-marrow cancer treatment candidate to its portfolio. Reuters first reported on Monday that Switzerland-based Novartis was in advanced talks to acquire MorphoSys, leading to the German biotech firm's shares surging more than 40%. The Swiss group will offer shareholders 68.00 euros per share in cash and take MorphoSys private after the deal, which is contingent on certain conditions, including a minimum acceptance threshold of 65% of MorphoSys' share capital and regulatory clearances, the companies said. Novartis has been cutting jobs and costs, and spun off its generic drugs business Sandoz last year, part of a focus on fewer therapeutic areas and geographic markets. It has said its overall mergers and acquisitions strategy was focused on deals worth less than $5 billion. Morphsys shares jumped 15% to 66.10 euros after the open, while Novartis shares gained 0.5%. The Planegg, Germany, headquartered MorphoSys will continue to operate as a separate, independent company until the completion of the deal, expected in the first half of 2024. Novartis will own pelabresib, one of MorphoSys' most promising drugs, which is used to fight deadly forms of cancers such as myelofibrosis, a rare type of bone marrow cancer, and certain types of knotty lymphomas. MorphoSys said in a separate statement that its management board and supervisory board intend to recommend its shareholders to accept Novartis' offer. MorphoSys secured pelabresib, with a $1.7 billion takeover from U.S. cancer specialist Constellation Pharma, in the hopes of setting a new treatment standard. In December, pelabresib met its late-stage primary study goal and all four hallmarks of disease in myelofibrosis, when used in combination with ruxolitinib, a class of drugs called JAK inhibitors. The company now intends to file U.S. approval application for the combination treatment in the second-half of 2024. For years, Novartis' Jakavi was the only approved drug for the indication but around half of myelofibrosis patients who benefit from the drug lose their treatment response after two to five years. ($1 = 0.9311 euros) (Reporting by Urvi Dugar and Pratik Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Rashmi Aich and Louise Heavens) The rich can use dynasty trusts to preserve wealth for as much as 40 generations. Robert Daly The rich can use trusts to provide for heirs, save on taxes, and shield assets from creditors. Dynasty trusts can last up to 1,000 years about 40 generations in Florida and other states. Users of the tax-saving tactic include Jeff Bezos' family and would-be senator Dave McCormick. The average American inherits about $1,500 from their grandparents, per analysis by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The uber-rich, on the other hand, can pass on millions to grandchildren. And thanks to loosening limits on generation skipping-trusts and tax cuts made during the Trump administration, the wealthy are also skipping out on paying hefty wealth transfer taxes by leaving their riches to their distant heirs. Some of America's wealthiest families, such as the Pritzkers, who own Hyatt Hotels, the Wrigleys of the titular chewing gum fortune, and the Bezos family, use generation-skipping trusts to preserve their wealth. Former Bridgewater CEO Dave McCormick, who is running for Senate, has as much as $2.25 million stashed in this type of trust, according to his financial disclosure of at least $123 million in assets. So-called dynasty trusts allow affluent taxpayers to provide for as many as forty generations and only be subject to tax once. Dynasty trusts have grown in popularity as the generation-skipping transfer tax exemption has skyrocketed, according to Sandy Christopher, partner at Withers Bergman. Better known as GST, the tax is intended to keep families from avoiding estate tax by gifting to grandchildren or another relative at least two generations younger rather than their children. In 1986, the exemption was $1 million. Thanks to tax cuts made in 2017, it is now equivalent to the federal estate and gift tax exemption of $12.92 million per individual and $25.84 million per married couple. "As you have a higher exemptions, it becomes much more meaningful to create an estate that can last as long as possible," Christopher told Insider. "The generation-skipping tax exemption is very, very powerful for people making significant gifts and creating trusts and putting together wealth structures." The tax exemption will be cut in half at the end of 2025. Some rich families are holding off on establishing dynasty trusts in the hopes that further legislation will extend the tax cut, which depends on the makeup of Congress, BNY Mellon Wealth Management tax strategist Jere Doyle told Insider. Clients may rush to set up dynasty trusts before the exemption sunsets if it seems unlikely. This is how dynasty trusts work Dynasty trust refers to the longevity of the trust rather than a specific type of trust, but here is how they generally work. Historically, trusts could only last 21 years after the death of a beneficiary who was alive when the trust was created. This rule against perpetuities dated back to 17th-century England. But in the past four decades, more than half the states in the United States have either repealed this common law or significantly extended trust limits, allowing dynasty trusts to last as long as 1,000 years in states like Florida and Wyoming. In Delaware, trusts can last indefinitely, though certain restrictions include a time limit on real estate held in trusts. The length of the trust is predetermined when it is established. Since dynasty trusts last a long time, a corporate trustee is typically appointed, such as a bank or another financial institution like JPMorgan or Northern Trust. The value of the trust at formation is subject to GST, which is a 40% flat tax above the exemption. There are few limitations on funding a dynasty trust, but it is best to use income-producing assets expected to increase in value, such as a family business. The heirs do not own the assets outright but have a right to receive income from the trust, which is subject to income tax but not GST. In the case of real estate, the heirs hold a life estate, meaning they have no ownership, but they do have the right to live on the property and receive its profits until they die. Even if the trust lasts centuries and its assets appreciate exponentially, the generation-skipping tax is only paid once. Whatever remaining assets go to the final heirs and count towards their taxable estate. It is hard to predict the tax savings of a trust designed to last decades or centuries as tax law will likely change. But Northern Trust estimated that if you bequeathed $12.92 million and the family paid a transfer tax with each successive generation over 75 years, the fortune would compound to $108.4 million, assuming a 5% after-tax rate of return. Using a Delaware dynasty trust to avoid transfer tax, on the other hand, the assets would compound to $501.7 million, nearly $400 million more. Tax savings aren't the only advantage Most clients of Christopher's aren't interested in preserving their wealth for perpetuity. "When you really talk with people, they're not really thinking of this in terms of that time period," said Christopher. "They have short or shorter-term concerns about their family." They are usually drawn to dynasty trusts to keep businesses within their families and protect assets from creditors. Thanks to an 1875 Supreme Court case, life estates are protected from creditors if the trust has a spendthrift provision. Dynasty trust assets are also shielded in the event of a divorce. Even for long-time lawyers like Doyle, the idea of a trust lasting 40 generations is mind-boggling. "I just can't fathom having something last a thousand years," he told Insider. Doyle thinks 90 to 100 years is plenty long for a trust and has advised clients against forming trusts that would last virtually forever. "Maybe it sounds good from a tax planning point of view, but you have to think about it in practical terms too. Who are your grandchildren going to be? Who are your great-grandchildren going to be," he said. "It could build up to tons and tons of money, and these people will never have an incentive to work or make anything of themselves, give back to society." Editor's note: This article was originally published in May 2023 and was updated in February 2024 to add details about Dave McCormick's dynasty trust. Read the original article on Business Insider Fallen trees and power lines block a road in Pebble Beach, Calif., on Feb. 4, 2024 The National Weather Service issued rare tornado warning Tuesday for inland parts of San Diego County. El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee, three cities northeast of central San Diego, are included in the warning until 12:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday. This comes as a historic and deadly storm caused hundreds of mudslides in Southern California, which remains under multiple flood warnings. The record-setting storm system was expected to drop up to 3 inches of rain in San Diego as well as Los Angeles throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. Concerns of flooding and mudslides have escalated because the ground is heavily saturated in many areas. The San Diego region will remain under flood watch through the evening as "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the National Weather Service said. California weather map This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tornado warning issued in San Diego County during California storms Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said he was shocked at the rising GOP opposition to the bipartisan Senate border security bill unveiled Sunday, following years of Republican pressure for border security legislation. Just gobsmacked. Ive never seen anything like it, Schatz said Monday in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. They literally demanded specific policy, got it, and then killed it. The bipartisan deal overhauls the asylum program, provides funds for thousands of new immigration officers, allows the president to shut down the border on an emergency basis and funds foreign aid priorities abroad. It comes after months of negotiations, led by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), balancing border security priorities with funding for Biden administration foreign policy goals, including aid for Ukraine and Israel. The agreement was endorsed by President Biden and the Senate leaders of both parties but quickly shut down by House Republicans. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) dubbed it dead on arrival, and an increasing number of Republicans in both chambers have called for significant amendments or to throw away the deal entirely. Former President Trump has also loudly condemned the agreement, claiming that its passage would hand Democrats a political win before the November general election. Johnson has proposed pursuing Israel funding in a stand-alone bill instead of in a package with border security measures. President Biden said he would veto any stand-alone bill, however, calling the idea a political game. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Attorney General Rob Bonta has brought in more money in the last seven months than the four major candidates who have opened campaign accounts for the 2026 governors race. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Among the contenders to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026 when he terms out of office, the one raising the most money in recent months hasnt even officially launched his campaign. Attorney General Rob Bonta has said hes seriously considering a run for governor but hasnt officially declared his candidacy. But in the last seven months, the Democrat has brought in more money than the four major candidates who have opened campaign accounts for the 2026 governors race. Bonta has reported more than $2 million in campaign contributions in the last seven months. That total includes all donations from the last six months of last year the most recent reporting period and donations over $5,000 from January of this year, which candidates must disclose on a rolling basis. At the end of last year, he had $5.2 million in cash on hand, according to campaign finance reports filed last week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a Democrat who launched her campaign in April, raised just under $1.5 million during the same time period. But shes still beating Bonta in cash on hand at the end of last year, she reported nearly $3.4 million in her governor account, but also $4.4 million left over in her 2022 reelection campaign account. California schools chief Tony Thurmond raised more than $800,000 over the same period and reported about $700,000 in cash at the end of last year. He announced his campaign in September. Sen. Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, collected more than $700,000 in contributions in the past seven months, including nearly $125,000 in the two weeks since she announced her campaign. Atkins, who previously served as leader of both the state Senate and Assembly, reported about $2.4 million in cash on hand at the end of last year. Meanwhile, former state Controller Betty Yee has raised $14,000. The Democrat told the Chronicle last year that she intends to run, but she has not announced an official campaign launch. She had $333,000 in cash at the end of 2023. Because Bonta hasnt declared his candidacy, he is subject to stricter contribution limits than those who have opened gubernatorial campaign accounts. He is raising money in an account registered as a 2026 attorney general reelection campaign, which can accept a maximum of $18,200 from each individual donor ($9,100 each for the 2026 primary and general election) and $36,400 from political groups. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In contrast, gubernatorial accounts can accept up to $72,800 per donor, $36,400 each for the primary and the general election. If Bonta does declare his candidacy, that means he could tap his top donors for even more money. His two top contributors are unions: SEIU United Healthcare Workers West and United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council. Both groups contributed more than $30,000 to his campaign. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) announced Tuesday that he would vote against a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, becoming the second Republican to buck the party and putting GOP plans in jeopardy. In a 10-page memo, McClintock offered criticism of Mayorkas but said his party had failed to identify an impeachable crime. Clearly the founders worried that the power of impeachment could be used to settle political disputes and so searched for limiting language to avoid such abuse, McClintock wrote, writing his colleagues had failed to demonstrate any high crime or misdemeanor. Assuming full attendance, Republicans can only lose three votes to pass its impeachment resolution. But with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) absent due to treatment for blood cancer, that number dwindles to just two if all other members are present, leaving no more room for GOP defections. The House is slated to vote on impeachment Tuesday evening. The articles of impeachment accuse Mayorkas of violating immigration laws, mainly by failing to detain a sufficient number of migrants, as well as breach of public trust a novel approach that has garnered criticism. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) has already said he plans to vote against the Mayorkas resolution, similarly arguing his colleagues failed to meet the standards laid out in the constitution. McClintock echoed earlier Republican arguments in saying President Biden was ultimately to blame for the chaos at the border. The logic should be obvious. A cabinet secretarys job is to carry out the will of the president. How can he be impeached for not doing his job because he is doing it? McClintock wrote. As long as the acts are within the constitutional power of the executive, those acts are not impeachable, no matter how foolish, corrupt, damaging, or egregious. McClintock also pointed to numerous op-eds from conservative legal scholars including Trump impeachment lawyer Alan Dershowitz who have condemned the move, accusing the House GOP of misusing impeachment authority. The California lawmaker also spends ample time reviewing constitutional history and the uses of impeachment, calling for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to weigh the might of a power before improperly expanding it. He also muses on the future of the resolution, which would be passed along to the Democratic-led Senate, calling it delusional to think Mayorkas would ever be removed. At best it will be a party-line vote, he wrote. More likely, it will be a bipartisan repudiation of a misuse of power. Emily Brooks contributed. Updated at 9:59 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. "I love you, it's ruining my life." Taylor Swift shared on Monday the song titles and information about two collaborations for her 11th era, "The Tortured Poets Department," an album she announced after winning her 13th career Grammy on Sunday. There are four sides to the album, according to a post on Swift's Instagram account. Based on the names of the songs, fans may be in for a break-up album about her ex-boyfriend and actor Joe Alwyn, who Swift dated for six years. Side A: "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)" "The Tortured Poets Department" "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys" "Down Bad" Side B: "So Long, London" "But Daddy I Love Him" "Fresh Out the Slammer" "Florida!!!" (feat. Florence + The Machine) Side C: "Guilty as Sin?" "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)" "loml" Side D: "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" "The Alchemy" "Clara Bow" Bonus Track: "The Manuscript" Keeping a secret for two years "I want to say thank you to the fans," Swift said on Sunday while holding her Grammy for pop vocal album, "by telling you a secret that I've been keeping from you for the past two years, which is that my brand-new album comes out April 19." By that timeline, the relationship with Alwyn may have been in trouble for a while before Swift announced its end in the spring of 2023. As a poetic hat tip to the end of the relationship, Swift changed her opening "Folklore" song during the Eras Tour from "Invisible String" to "The 1." Swift also said she wrote "You're Losing Me," a bonus track on her "Midnights" album, two years ago. The track is about a relationship on life support, with Swift pleading with a lover to "do something, babe, say something" and bring the romance back to life. At first glance, there are many nods in the "Tortured Poets Department" track list to London and England, where Alwyn is from. It seems the flirtatious nature of the pop bop "London Boy" has turned dark with this album's titles "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys," "So Long, London," "But Daddy I Love Him," "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)" and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived." "Fortnite" may be a popular video game, but Swift's track "Fortnight" is in reference to a unit of time equal to two weeks or 14 days. "loml" is an acronym for "love of my life." "Clara Bow" was an American actress, most famous for silent films. The black-and-white motif of "The Tortured Poets Department" matches a movie Bow would have starred in during the Roaring '20s. She appeared in 46 silent films, and her appearance in movies was a guarantee to investors that fans would fill the seats. Swift is heading to Tokyo this week for the start of her 2024 Eras Tour leg. Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Taylor Swift drops track list for new album, including collaborations A McDonald's franchisee has agreed to pay a Pennsylvania girl $4.4 million to settle her lawsuit after being sexually assaulted by her manager who was a registered sex offender, ABC News reported. The victim started her job at the Bethel Park restaurant in October 2020 and sometime after that, Walter Garner, 41, made sexual comments and touched the victim inappropriately, according to the lawsuit . obtained by ABC News. Garner raped the victim in the restaurant's bathroom in mid-February, 2021, the records show. How is it that a convicted, registered sex offender is permitted to be hired to manage 14- to 17-year-old girls at a McDonalds? Alan Perer, the victims lawyer, said during a news conference Monday morning at his offices in downtown Pittsburgh. The facts of our case are horrific. Texas Dairy Queen workers: Were selling meth with soft serves, police say The victim and her parents sued McDonalds and Rice Enterprises in September 2021, alleging that she was harassed and raped by Garner. In the lawsuit the victim claims that the defendants knew about it and that they did nothing to stop it. Perer said Monday that it was in the best interests of the victim to settle the case because he did not want to put her through a trial. There is no amount of compensation to account for lost innocence and trauma, Perer said. Garner pleaded guilty in 2021 to statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and other charges for the McDonald's assault and received a 10-year prison sentence. In a statement to USA TODAY Rice Enterprises says that all of their employees undergo safe and respectful workplace training upon hire, and expanded their required training to be bi-annual, In addition, the company plans to to add enhanced security measures at its restaurants. As soon as we were made aware of the complaint against Garner in 2021, we terminated his employment and offered our full support to the impacted employees and law enforcement investigating this case," Rice Enterprises said in the statement. "Since then, weve redoubled our efforts to ensure a positive and respectful experience for all employees in our restaurants, and our organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. McDonald's USA commented on the incident. The events that took place in this case are deeply troubling. Everyone working under the Arches deserves to feel safe and respected when they come to work, and sexual harassment or violence of any kind is completely unacceptable. We're committed to providing franchisees with the resources they need to create a safe working environment in their restaurants including training around harassment prevention as part of McDonald's Global Brand Standards. McDonald's USA said in a statement to USA TODAY. Victim not the only one that reported abuse According to a report by WPXI, Perer said multiple underage girls working at the restaurant made complaints to a manager about Garners inappropriate touching and advances, but no disciplinary action was taken. They were looking at surveillance," Perer told WPXI. "They saw he was trying to grab and fondle her in the [restaurant], Perer said Garner wasnt disciplined even after that and the abuse ramped up. According to the court documents, Garner followed the victim into the bathroom and raped her. He later allegedly tried to have sex with her inside the kids play area. Another teen said Garner was trying to make advances toward her. When she told her mother, the school was contacted. The police department was then called and the investigation started. He remained there and continued his abuse and harassment until he was arrested. Then they fired him, Perer said. The owner of the franchise told WPIX they are fully cooperating with police. The allegations made in the lawsuit are deeply disturbing my organization has no tolerance for sexual harassment, and we terminated the employee in question as soon as we learned about a complaint against him. While all of our employees undergo safe and respectful workplace training upon hire, weve recently expanded our training to be bi-annual, in addition to adding enhanced security measures at our restaurants. We have offered our full support to the impacted employee and are fully cooperating with the police investigation into these allegations," the statement read. Garner, 44, had served prison time and was listed on the Megan's Law website for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: McDonald's employee settles for $4.4 million after manager raped her BEIJING (AP) Icy conditions trapped thousands of motorists on highways in central China as snow and freezing rain snarled travel by air, train and road during the annual Lunar New Year holiday rush. A Chinese travel blogger said she and her boyfriend were waiting with others Tuesday for de-icing work to be completed after covering only 30 to 40 kilometers (20 to 25 miles) in 13 hours the previous day. Traveling in the relative comfort of a motorhome, Chen Wei appeared unperturbed by the delay in the trip to her hometown. She quoted an old Chinese saying, telling the AP she accepts what comes and faces it with calmness. The heavy snow, unusual for central China, was forecast to continue into Wednesday. Millions of people are heading home for the Lunar New Year, which falls on Saturday. Families traditionally gather for dinner the night before. The central government in Beijing said it would disburse 141 million yuan ($20 million) in urgent assistance for highway snow removal and related work in 11 provinces to ensure safe travel for the holiday, state broadcaster CCTV reported. In Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, tree branches snapped under the weight of the snow and the airport closed runways because of icy conditions. Some flights and trains were canceled or delayed, stranding travelers for hours. A provincial emergency management official told CCTV that 4,000 vehicles were stuck on Monday because of icy conditions. There was no immediate update to that figure on Tuesday. Chen and her boyfriend got stuck in Hubei while driving from Hangzhou in eastern China to inland Sichuan province. She described in one widely shared post how they let others stuck in the snow use their toilet and shared water and sausages with them. One person was killed and 13 others injured in neighboring Hunan province on Monday after a roof collapsed at an agricultural produce fair following a heavy snowfall, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Cotton-padded quilts and other relief items were being sent to Hunan, Xinhua said. In Japan, heavy snow in the Tokyo area on Monday disrupted trains, knocked out power and grounded more than 100 flights. LAS VEGAS Nevadas first presidential primary in decades was drawing light voter interest Tuesday, with Democrats having banked ballots through early and mail-in voting while Republicans looked ahead to competing caucuses on Thursday. The Nevada secretary of state reported that just 3,800 Nevadans showed up at the polls in the first three hours of voting Tuesday, as President Joe Biden faces only nominal opposition in the Democratic race and Republican front-runner Donald Trump isnt even on his partys ballot. Oh, this is a disappointing voter turnout, a voter said as he arrived at an empty polling site at the Silver Springs Recreation Center in Henderson. Ultimately, only about 125,000 Nevadans voted in the Democratic primary and 80,000 in the Republican primary, NBC News estimates. Nevada Republicans are holding separate caucuses Thursday to determine delegates to the national convention. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley does appear on Tuesdays primary election ballot, though some Republicans voting Tuesday opted to vote for None of These Candidates to indicate their support for Trump. Both parties had opted for caucuses to determine delegates in previous elections. But state lawmakers moved to a primary for 2024 after the Democratic National Committee adopted new rules discouraging caucuses and issued a revised calendar that unseated Iowa and New Hampshire from their traditional leadoff contests. Voters and local officials also attributed low turnout to bad weather and competing interest from Las Vegas first Super Bowl on Sunday. Local media has been providing blanket coverage of the build-up to the NFLs signature event rather than the noncompetitive nominating contests. A lot of people are confused on the Republican side, because you have two options here, Tom Sobol, a registered Republican, said after he cast his vote in Las Vegas. Sobol said he also planned to caucus for Trump on Thursday. Its kind of sad, you know, they changed the rules, he said. I think everybody believes its going to be Donald Trump anyway." By midday, only 30 people had voted at Martha King Elementary School in Boulder City. Alison Inglett, who said she was unable to attend a caucus Thursday, said she also opted for None of These Candidates in Tuesdays primary. I think it adds too much confusion, she said of the separate contests. I think its just another way to manipulate the political system. And it doesnt actually really give everyone a chance to speak and give their opinion for candidates. Despite low turnout Tuesday, Democrats highlighted what they considered a strong showing in early and mail-in balloting ahead of primary day in what the Biden campaign sees as a critical organizing test in the general election battleground. A memo from the Nevada Democratic Party noted that before Tuesday, turnout among Democrats had already nearly matched the total turnout in the highly competitive 2020 Democratic caucuses. According to the secretary of states office, 62% of the 127,716 mail-in ballots that had been accepted for counting were in the Democratic primary, as were nearly 61% of the 14,400 early in-person votes. I believe Biden is doing an excellent job, said Wanda Maria Pacheco Newton, who voted Tuesday in Las Vegas. Im sorry that he doesnt get recognized for it. Biden held a rally here Sunday night and met with union workers Monday, a week after campaign stops by Vice President Kamala Harris. Both held multiple stops in South Carolina ahead of the states first official Democratic primary, in what the campaign said was a test drive of its engagement nationally with Black voters. But as a Biden adviser put it, Nevada is about November. Nevada Democrats Executive Director Hilary Barrett said, Nevada Dems and the Biden for Nevada team are working together to leverage the presidential preference primary to begin early engagement with the communities we know will make up our margin of victory. The combined early, mail and in-person voting turnout in Nevada lags behind the more than 450,000 votes cast in the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary. There, even with Biden left off the ballot, the turnout of 125,811 in the Democratic primary was only slightly behind the 131,286 votes cast in South Carolinas Democratic primary. Speaking Saturday after polls closed, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., suggested that the Democratic National Committee should reverse its decision not to seat New Hampshires delegates. They worked hard. And they won a victory, and I would like to see [it] as a sign of us all coming together, marching to victory in November, he said of New Hampshire Democrats who ran a grassroots write-in campaign. Two men have been arrested in the theft of LGBTQ Pride flags from outside a queer couples home in Arlington, Virginia, over several months. Matthew Henshaw, 20, was arrested and charged in three of the five thefts that occurred from September to January; he was charged with three counts of bias-motivated unlawful entry and three counts of petit larceny, the Arlington County Police Department said in a statement Friday. Joseph Digregorio, 23, was charged with one count of petit larceny in connection with one of the thefts. Michelle Logan moved into the Arlington home of her girlfriend, Jenna Burnett, in July, and the couple decided to display a Pride flag outside the house. Two months later, on Sept. 16, the couple woke up to find the rainbow flag had been ripped from its pole. Footage from their Ring security camera showed a man approaching the home around 2:30 a.m. and stealing the flag, the women said. lgbtq pride flag issue (Courtesy Michelle Logan) The flagpole was completely destroyed, Logan told NBC News. We reviewed the footage, and it looked like someone in a cowboy hat and like a flannel just kind of running up and ripping it down, and then sort of running away with his friends. Logan and Burnett filed a police report and immediately purchased a new flag to hang outside the home. Logan said replacing the flag was important to the couple as a way to signal their own pride to the broader community. Society is so set up for heteronormativity, Logan said. As well intentioned as people can be, theres always going to be an element of not feeling like you fit in when youre queer. So were doing this for us, putting it up again, but were also doing it for the community who may not feel as safe. The couples flag would go on to be stolen four more times. They notified the police each time and bought new flags. Logan said the incidents have been a reminder that this can happen really anywhere. People who are in the LGBT community, any queer person, theyre just sort of going to be walking around feeling nervous, and thats very valid, she said. Anywhere you go, there are going to be people who arent accepting. Last month, after the couple spoke out about the thefts to local news outlets and shared Ring video of the incidents on social media, strangers began offering donations to help them pay for new flags. The couple decided to use the attention to pledge money to LGBTQ organizations each time their flag was stolen and encouraged others to do the same. The cowboy doesnt know it, but he has single handedly raised $1,000+ for The Trevor Project, Logan said, referring to a national nonprofit that advocates on behalf of LGBTQ youth in crisis. The Arlington County Police Department said the investigation remains active. Henshaw was released on a secured bond, and Digregorio was released on a summons. Henshaw is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. Information about the mens attorneys was not immediately available. Over the past year, there have been a number of incidents nationwide involving the theft or vandalism of LGBTQ Pride flags. In June, a flag was burned outside a City Hall building in Tempe, Arizona. Later that month, a group of men damaged a display of flags outside the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. And in a particularly tragic incident, a California store owner and mother of nine was fatally shot in August over a Pride flag displayed at her shop. There have also been multiple instances of lawmakers and school officials seeking to ban the display of Pride flags on public property. On Monday, an Oklahoma Republican introduced a bill that would prohibit state agencies from displaying LGBTQ Pride flags or from celebrating Pride Month. For more from NBC Out, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Tuesday, Feb. 6. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our live updates file for Wednesday, Feb. 7. Hamas responded to the latest Gaza cease-fire plan Tuesday, drawing reactions that termed its reply anywhere from "generally positive'' to "a little over the top,'' reflecting the complicated nature of the negotiations. The militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007 said in a statement it approached the proposal "in a positive spirit'' but stuck to its demand of a "comprehensive and complete cease-fire'' in the war, which Israel has repeatedly rejected, insisting instead on a temporary truce that would free the remaining hostages. Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose country has served as a key mediator, announced the response at a news briefing in Doha with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Al Thani, Qatar's prime minister, did not provide details about the Hamas response but besides seeing it in a positive light, said: "We are optimistic." Blinken said he would consult with Israeli leaders when he meets them Wednesday and pointed out the current proposal aims to expand on the November deal that resulted in a weeklong truce and more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners being released. "Theres still a lot of work to be done, but we continue to believe that an agreement is possible and, indeed, essential," Blinken said, adding: "Were also determined to use any pause to continue to pave a diplomatic path forward to a just and lasting peace and security for the region." In the U.S., the Hamas reply seemed to draw a lukewarm reaction from President Joe Biden, who told reporters at the White House, "It seems a little over the top. Were not sure where it is." The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying it has received Hamas' reply and "its details are being thoroughly evaluated by the officials involved in the negotiations." During the current five-day Middle East tour, Blinken has been working with Qatar and Egypt to breathe life into stalled negotiations aimed at pausing and ultimately ending the war. Part of the plan calls for a path toward a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu opposes. Contributing: Michael Collins US targets Iran-backed groups: Strikes continue into second day Developments: The U.S. and allies are working on diplomatic efforts to encourage Houthi rebels to halt their disruptive attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, U.S. Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking said in recorded remarks. Iran will conduct joint naval exercises with Russia and China within the next six weeks, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said. Iran-backed militants have been attacking U.S. bases and disrupting commercial shipping in the Middle East for months. More than 100 people were briefly taken into custody in Pennsylvania after protesting state investments in Israel on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. The U.N.'s Palestinian relief agency expects its preliminary report into Israeli claims that a dozen of its employees took part in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack to be ready by early March. The U.S. and Britain are among several nations that have suspended desperately needed funding pending the probe. In this handout image provided by the UK Ministry of Defense, Royal Air Force weapon technicians prepare a RAF Typhoon FRG4 aircraft for strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen on Feb. 3, 2024. 31 of the 136 hostages still held by Hamas have died, family group says Thirty-one of the 136 hostages not released by Hamas-led militants have died since more than 240 people were seized in a deadly rampage across Israeli border communities Oct. 7, an advocacy group for the families said Tuesday. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said family members of those who died have been notified as the Israeli military obtains confirmation. The forum issued the statement after the New York Times, citing a confidential military assessment, put the number of deceased hostages at 32. An Israeli military spokesperson told JewishPress.com that families are kept updated with new information, adding that the "vast majority" of the deceased hostages were killed the day they were taken. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on the reports. More than 100 hostages were freed as part of a weeklong cease-fire deal in November. Israel says 136 others remain in Gaza, including the bodies of those who died. Family members of hostages and their supporters have repeatedly protested in Israel, urging the government to step up efforts to negotiate for the captives' freedom. The relatives fear more will die as the war drags on. But Netanyahu said again Monday a deal is not imminent. "Hamas has demands that we will not agree to," Netanyahu said. Low-flying drone may have eluded defenses at Jordan base, report says The exploding drone that killed three American soldiers in Jordan last week may have gotten through defenses because it was flying low and the U.S. base it attacked could not shoot it down, the Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing an early military assessment. The Jan. 28 assault at the base known as Tower 22 also injured approximately 40 service members and led to a series of retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria that began Friday. The drone's low flight path allowed it to elude air defenses for Tower 22, which rely on disabling aerial threats or disrupting their trajectory instead of destroying them, the Post report said. U.S. officials initially indicated the hostile drone may have been confused for a surveillance drone returning to the base in a remote part of northeast Jordan near the border with Syria and Iraq. Houthis continue attacks on commercial ships; US sinks 2 Houthi boats A British-owned cargo ship sustained minor damage in an attack Tuesday as Houthi militants continued to disrupt shipping in the Middle East despite a U.S.-British aerial assault on their targets just days ago. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said no injuries were reported and the ship continued on its journey after the assault in the Red Sea, about 60 miles off Yemen. The Houthis also acknowledged targeting another ship in the Red Sea on Tuesday, the Greek-owned Star Nasia, which sustained damage from an explosion but no injuries to its crew, Reuters reported. On Monday, U.S. Central Command said it had destroyed two Houthi drone boats packed with explosives after determining they presented an "imminent threat" to the U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the region. The attacks came after U.S. and British missiles struck 36 Houthi targets Saturday, sending what Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called a "clear message to the Houthis" that they will face military repercussions if they don't stop targeting ships in the region. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war updates: Mixed reaction to Hamas cease-fire response Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new policy Monday that will allow the U.S. to impose visa restrictions on individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware. The visa restrictions can be levied against those involved in the use of commercial spyware to target, arbitrarily or unlawfully surveil, harass, suppress, or intimidate journalists, activists, dissidents and members of marginalized or vulnerable communities. People who facilitate or financially benefit from the misuse of commercial spyware also can face restrictions. The United States remains concerned with the growing misuse of commercial spyware around the world to facilitate repression, restrict the free flow of information, and enable human rights abuses, Blinken said in a statement. The misuse of commercial spyware threatens privacy and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. The United States stands on the side of human rights and fundamental freedoms and will continue to promote accountability for individuals involved in commercial spyware misuse, he added. The policy comes as part of a larger effort by the Biden administration to crack down on the misuse of commercial spyware. Last March, President Biden issued an executive order barring the U.S. government from using commercial spyware that poses risks to national security or has been misused by foreign actors to enable human rights abuses around the world. The Commerce Department has also placed several major spyware companies on a trade blacklist, including Cyrtox, Intellexa, NSO Group and Candiru. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Tucker Carlson has confirmed he is in Moscow to interview Vladimir Putin, following days of speculation. The former Fox News broadcaster, who is understood to have arrived in Russia last week, on Tuesday posted a four-minute monologue on his website and his profile on X, formerly known as Twitter. Tonight were here to interview the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, he said. Well be doing that soon. Carlsons interview will mark the first time a Western journalist has interviewed the Russian leader since the country invaded Ukraine two years ago and the Kremlin intensified its crackdown on press freedom. At least 19 journalists are thought to be detained in Russia at the moment, including Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter, who has been held on espionage charges since March 2023. Carlson said he was interviewing Putin because its our job. Were in journalism. Our duty is to inform people. Carlson said the interview would be unedited and would be shown on his website Tucker Carlson Network and later broadcast on Twitter. Putin has a notoriously hostile attitude towards the independent media. Journalists who refer to his invasion of Ukraine as a war and not a special operation face a prison sentence. Carlson thanked Elon Musk, whom he said had promised not to suppress or block this interview and claimed other outlets would attempt to censor the footage. There are risks to conducting an interview like this, obviously, Carlson said in the video. Since he was fired by Fox News last year the broadcaster has been interviewing controversial figures including Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist, and Russell Brand, the disgraced comedian. There was fervent speculation that Carlson, who has often made sympathetic comments about Putin, was planning to interview the Russian leader after local media posted several images of the broadcaster around Moscow. He was pictured in a box for a performance of Spartacus at the Bolshoi Theatre and eating at a hotel. Tucker Carlson was pictured in a box for a performance of Spartacus at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow - Twitter He claimed the interview with Putin had been planned carefully over many months and said he was conducting it to inform Americans. Carlson claimed Western citizens were mostly unaware of what was happening in Ukraine and think nothing has changed. He also accused American media outlets of being corrupt for publishing interviews with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, which he described as fawning pep sessions specifically designed to amplify Zelenskys demand that the US enter more deeply into war in Eastern Europe and pay for it. That is not journalism, he said. It is government propaganda, propaganda of the ugliest kind, the kind that kills people. He also accused media outlets of promoting Mr Zelensky like hes a new consumer brand while not interviewing Putin, despite the latter operating a watertight PR machine. Youve never heard his voice Most Americans have no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine or what his goals are now, youve never heard his voice, thats wrong, he said. Responding to Carlsons social media monologue, Christiane Amanpour, CNNs chief international anchor, said it was absurd to suggest American journalists hadnt been trying to interview Putin. Does Tucker really think we journalists havent been trying to interview President Putin every day since his full scale invasion of Ukraine?, she wrote on Twitter. Its absurd well continue to ask for an interview, just as we have for years now. Carlson also made unsubstantiated claims that the Biden administration had illegally spied on and leaked text messages three years ago to stop a Putin interview that we were planning. He claimed the US president had tried to do exactly the same thing last month but he had decided to travel to Moscow. We are not here because we love Vladimir Putin, we are here because we love the United States and we want to remain prosperous and free, he said. Carlson, who said he had also put in for an interview with Mr Zelensky, said his team had paid for the trip themselves and had not taken money from any government or group. You can decide for yourself We are not encouraging you to agree with what Putin may say in this interview, but we are urging you to watch it, he said. You should know as much as you can, and then, like a free citizen and not a slave, you can decide for yourself. Carlson previously claimed that the US should take Russias side in its war with Ukraine, and denounced Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator and a dangerous authoritarian. After Carlson was sacked from Fox News last year in light of its $787 million (625 million) defamation settlement, Russian media claimed he had been ousted because of his fearless reporting on Ukraine. The last time Putin sat down with an American journalist was in June 2021 with NBCs Keir Simmons. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The All Butter Loaf Cake is a culinary cornerstone for my family. Dotdash Meredith/Janet Maples The slogan for Entenmanns Bakery is Everyones Got a Favorite!and theyre not wrong. My best friend is obsessed with the odd-looking Crumb Donuts that combine crumb cake topping with glazed cake doughnuts. My partner will eat an entire box of the chocolate-covered Rich Frosted Donuts. My dad loves the Louisiana Crunch Cake, whose simultaneous softness and crunchiness offers textural delight. My mother and I shared a favoritethe pillowy Cheese Topped Buns, which I now sprinkle raisins onto (to the horror of my sisters) to emulate the dried-fruit-studded version of my childhood. And thats only a smattering of the variety of baked goods that this enormous factoryjust 20 minutes south of where I grew up, on Long Island, New Yorkcranked out to the great world beyond. All over the country, you can find everything from moist cinnamon rolls and single-layer dessert or coffee cakes to soft-baked chocolate chip cookies, Danish strips, and, more recently, mini muffin packs and fancies that reflect its New York roots (like rainbow cookies!) in simple white boxes emblazoned with that iconic navy script. As fancy as some may sound, what brings Entenmanns products back down to earth is that all of these look exactly as machine-made as youd expect from a factory whose smokestacks loomed large from local roads. And that was largely the charm. Nearly perfectly uniform with their hyper-regular crumb toppings, streaky confectioners sugar glaze, and toasted mini peaks of dropped-in filling, they were treats for the everyman. Accessible, blue-collar pleasure. And perhaps none more so than the All Butter Loaf Cake. One Entenmanns To Rule Them All: All Butter Loaf Cake Since 1898, when William Entenmann opened his first bakery in Brooklyn, New York, this yellowy pound cake has been a bestseller (more than 700 million sold to date), proving that while everyone does have their favorite, this was the one everyone could agree onincluding my entire family. When I was really young, the All Butter Loaf Cake was a staple of Sundays at my grandparents house in suburban Lake Ronkonkoma, where my parents would bring us before rushing off to open up their restaurant up the road. It was one of the rare times all three generations got to gather around the table. Despite being from a near dairy-free culture, my family loved butter, and this loaf cake always tasted like it had plenty of it. It was my grandpas favoritedeemed not too sweet, the ultimate compliment a Chinese elder could bestow upon a Western dessert. He and my dad would savor a slice at the kitchen table with a hot cup of makeshift lai cha, or milk tea, a drink that has now hit the mainstream in bubble form. Back in the 90s, the closest they could get was Liptons English Breakfast with plenty of whole milk stirred in. Together, it was a perfect fusion of makeshift culture. On the plate, a pillowy texture just familiar enough to liken it to a richer version of sponge cake used in Chinese bakeries, but unmistakably all-American in its buttery glory, despite being stripped of the thick, saccharine American frosting my Chinese family found so off-putting. In the cup, Chinese black tea is given a Western name and Western treatment to simulate a drink popular in Hong Konga full circle if Ive ever heard one. My grandma has a sweet tooth; back then, she didnt need the earthiness of tea to bring it back down to earth, preferring to float on that sugar high. Shed cut us generous slices of what she pronounced bah-dur dahn-gobutter cakeand my mom allowed it. We were usually my grandparents for the day on these mornings, so any excess energy the loaf gave us wasnt her problem. Entenmanns Enduring Place at My Familys Table When we grew older and my grandparents moved away, Entenmanns remained a semi-regular treat and an evolved family tradition. Now, one of us (usually designated by my mom) would get to pick out a weekend Entenmanns treatanything from a yellow cake thickly slathered with chocolate icing to a pecan strip Danishbut without fail, we would always, also, pick up an All Butter Loaf Cake. And everyone, I came to learn, had a favorite part of the loaf, too. The first slicethe butt, the heel, the end of the cakealways went to my dad. To this day, I dont know if hes grown to prefer it because we kids didnt want it or if hes just always liked its texture best. (He doesnt know, either.) This part has a drier crumble and wavy pattern from the paper liner it was baked in. He always cut his end piece thick enough to make sure he got some bright yellow, soft, sticky texture from the split top that ran down the center. I always wanted the widest part of the cake. Being one of those kids who wanted the bottom (and only the bottom) crust cut off their sandwiches, my priority was maximizing that golden center, where the rich, buttery flavor was the most concentrated. I used to pick out the loaf cake Id bring home based on this dark-to-light ratio, favoring cakes that were a little more golden brown. My mom, on the other hand, who always worried about carcinogens, liked to buy the overall lightest cake on the shelf (there was no scientific basis for this but I was not going to argue with her). Both of us would peer closely through the clear plastic film of the windowed boxes Entenmanns invented in 1959 to make sure that this one tiny variable in otherwise perfectly machinated, uniform batches made it the best of the bunch. For a brief while, between 2021 and 2023, those iconic boxes lost their peekaboo feature, putting me at a loss on how to select the right cake. Simply grabbing a box blindly off the shelf seemed like a mad gamble. Would it have a gloriously wide, buttery split that touched all the sides of the cake, or would it be a miserly line down the center? Would it be a tinged overbaked, the darker part bubbling up and coming loose? Or underbaked, the crust almost dejected in its lack of commitment to browning? During those years, Id cross my fingers and knock on wood the way my mom taught me, and hope that she and my grandpa were guiding my hands to the perfect All Butter Loaf Cake from the heavens above, able to see through the cake box material in their now immortal wisdom. Now that the windows are back, I dont quite have to say a silly little prayer for their guidance. But I do think of them up there and my father and grandmother down here every time I cut myself a slice and find that the memories, much like the loaf cake, are beautifully simple, wonderfully accessible, and not too sweet. How To Go Beyond All Butter You may find, like me, that the simple greatness of an Entenmanns All Butter Loaf Cake is all you need. But why not go the extra mile with such a classic? Here are three ways to elevate the cake even more. Strawberry Shortcut: Pound cake has always been a great foundation for a strawberry cake shortcut. Use a fresh loaf of this cake and its a winner every time. I love to layer whipped cream and fresh or macerated strawberries on top of a thick slice, and repeat with another and a dollop of strawberry preserves for a no-effort layer cake of my favorite summer flavors. Ice Cream (Meets) Cake : Ice cream is sweet and rich enoughbut is it buttery enough? Crumbling a slice of this dense loaf into thick chunks adds texture and flavor to any ice cream. Top a bowl of butter pecan ice cream with some Entenmanns All Butter Loaf Cake, or use it to soak up some chocolate syrup on classic vanilla. Put it on berry-flavored ice creams for an icebox crumble or balance refreshing mint chocolate chip with the warmth of this cake. Pound Cake French Toast: If this sounds too rich for you, remember, there are people out there living their best lives making French toast with cinnamon rolls. Dip thick slices of this loaf cake into French toast batter, but do it quicklytheyre sturdy and somewhat dense, but absorb moisture fast. Searing it on a skillet will only bring out more toasty buttery elements of the cake, further fudging the sweet line between breakfast and dessert. Read the original article on All Recipes. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, says it will start labeling images as AI-generated, but acknowledged the technical problems inherent in the challenge. Thibault Camus/Associated Press As generating images with artificial intelligence gets easier and better, determining which are real and which are digital composites is getting harder. Menlo Park-based Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said Tuesday it will begin labeling AI-generated images when possible in the coming months. The company said in a blog post from Nick Clegg, Metas head of global affairs, that it is working with industry partners on common technical standards for identifying AI content, including for video and audio. Metas technology can then look for those digital markers, placed by themselves and other AI companies, and inform users that AI was involved in making the images. Videos, audio and, especially, text present more of a challenge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Clegg said the company already labels images created with Metas AI image generator. He said while some other companies are starting to mark images as AI-generated, they havent started including them in AI tools that generate audio and video at the same scale, so we cant yet detect those signals and label this content from other companies. With elections in the U.S. and across the world slated for this year, concerns are mounting about how easily AI programs can generate false images and other content that would allow bad actors to promote disinformation about candidates and their positions. Were building this capability now, and in the coming months well start applying labels in all languages supported by each app, Clegg wrote. Were taking this approach through the next year, during which a number of important elections are taking place around the world. The company said in January that all political advertisements would have to disclose when they use digitally altered images or video. Google, which makes chatbots of its own, such as Bard, has taken a similar step when it comes to disclosing when AI is used in political advertising. The company also said in December it is working on tools that directly embed digital watermarks in AI-generated images and audio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Clegg told Reuters that he is confident AI-generated images can be picked out using embedded digital markers, but admitted that detecting AI-based audio and video would be more difficult. He said identifying AI-generated text likely would not be possible. Kevin Guo, the CEO of Hive, a San Francisco company that makes technology able to identify when content is AI-generated, said he doubts Metas solution can be foolproof. I guess technically it could work if you got 100% buy-in from every developer that made such a model that was released, Guo said. But he compared Metas approach to right-clicking on an image and adding text identifying a piece of content as AI-generated which could then be removed. It requires everyone to leave it in. It requires everyone to include it and everyone who uses it to be a Good Samaritan, Guo said. His company which he said works with large social media sites uses a different approach, training its own AI models on content that is and is not AI-generated so that it can tell the difference when given a questionable piece of content. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Think of it like an AI model fighting an AI model, Guo said. Krishna Gade, a former Facebook engineer and now the CEO of AI trust and safety startup Fiddler AI, said the announcement was definitely a good step forward. The lines are getting blurred between what is generated by humans and whats generated by the machine, Gade said, and companies need to be open with users about how their labeling works and how certain they are of its accuracy. OpenAI, which makes the popular ChatGPT chatbot and whose technology can generate images and more, also announced in a blog post that it is taking steps to identify AI-generated imagery, but admitted those markers could be stripped out by users. Images generated with ChatGPT and the DALLE 3 image generator will be tagged with metadata identifying them as having been made with AI tools. But, the company said on X, Since the metadata can be removed, its absence doesnt mean an image is not from ChatGPT or our API. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes the hand of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny during the official celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit - Alexey FurmanGetty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is weighing a decision to fire his top military commander as part of a wider government shakeup. A reset, a new beginning is necessary, Zelensky told the Italian media outlet Rai News on Sunday night. I have something serious in mind, which is not about a single person but about the direction of the countrys leadership. The comments came after Zelensky informed the White House that he intends to fire General Valery Zaluzhny, Reuters reported on Friday. Ukraines top military commander is an extremely popular figure in Ukraine but has butted heads with Zelensky over military strategy including his request to draft an additional 500,000 soldiers to join the fighting. Read More: Inside Volodymyr Zelenskys Struggle to Keep Ukraine in the Fight Prior to Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, Zelensky had frequently hired and fired top government officials. But if the cabinet reshuffle goes forward, it could be the first major personnel shake up in Ukraines government since the war started. More From TIME When we talk about this, I mean a replacement of a series of state leaders, not just in a single sector like the military, Zelensky said during the broadcast on Sunday. If we want to win, we must all push in the same direction, convinced of victory. The war has not been going well for Ukraine in recent months. The countrys armed forces are struggling to hold back multiple Russian offensives amid concerns about supplies including ammunition. In December, Zelensky said that the long-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive did not achieve desired results. Read More: Inside Ukraines Plan to Arm Itself The expected shakeup comes as Republican lawmakers have shown more reluctance to fund U.S. assistance to Ukraine. The White House approved $250 million in a new round of aid for Ukraine in December. A new Senate bill unveiled on Sunday could provide an additional $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, but House speaker Mike Johnson declared it dead on arrival if it reaches his chamber. Contact us at letters@time.com. 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, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Parliament convened Tuesday morning for a plenary session with 17 items on the agenda. Lawmakers will also discuss the nominations for the position of member in the Supreme Judicial Council and judge at the Court of Cassation Civil Chambers. Tom Gonser, the founder and chief strategy officer for DocuSign, demonstrates how to capture a signature in San Francisco in 2012. Gonser is known as the father of the electronic signature. The company is planning to lay off 6% of its workforce as part of a restructuring. Sarah Rice/Special to the Chronicle DocuSign is cutting approximately 6% of its workforce as part of a restructuring plan, the San Francisco e-signature provider announced Tuesday. The layoffs, part of a restructuring plan to improve the companys financial and operational efficiency, will impact about 440 jobs. The company employs 7,336 workers, according to its most recent regulatory filing. Tech layoffs: Here are the job cuts impacting Bay Area workers Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company expects the restructuring will cost between $28 million and $32 million, primarily to cover severance expenses. DocuSign anticipates that most of these restructuring changes will be complete by the end of the second quarter of 2025. The company added that it will release financial details as part of its fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. UKs King Charles has been diagnosed with a 'form of cancer' and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, but added he remained 'wholly positive' about the scare less than 18 months into his reign. Several world leaders expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery. Charles, 75, who became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has begun a series of treatments, the palace said, adding he was looking forward to returning to fulltime duties as soon as possible. The cancer revelation comes after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month where he underwent a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, Reuters reports. The palace said a separate issue of concern had been spotted during that hospital stay, but did not given any further details beyond saying tests had revealed the king had a "form of cancer". "No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that his majesty does not have prostate cancer," the palace said. UK PM Rishi Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X. "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," he said. The leaders of Australia and Canada, where Charles is also head of state, expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery, while U.S. President Joe Biden said he was concerned by the news and planned to call Charles later. "Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage," Biden said. "Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery." French President Emmanuel Macron also sent best wishes to the King on X. The monarch told his immediate family personally about his cancer diagnosis, and Prince Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, Reuters cited a source close to the Duke of Sussex as saying. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Members of Parliament representing the ruling Civil Contract Party will file a motion to court asking to co-sign bail for Synergy International Systems owner Ashot Hovanesian and two of his employees who were arrested last week and placed into pre-trial detention. The Synergy representatives were arrested along with several economy ministry officials in a corruption investigation concerning a government procurement tender. Civil Contract faction leader Hayk Konjoryan told reporters the motion will be filed to court on behalf of the entire faction. We have some public signals for this, and we also took into account the mitigating circumstances, especially in case of the women, in terms of their children. Weve discussed this yesterday at the factions meeting. We are basically in favor of presenting a motion requesting bail, Konjoryan said, adding that they havent yet collected the signatures. He said that Speaker Alen Simonyan did not attend the faction meeting where the matter was discussed. One of the arrested suspects is Simonyans sister-in-law. YEREVAN, 6 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 6 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.21 drams to 404.24 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.58 drams to 433.71 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 4.45 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.04 drams to 506.80 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 196.16 drams to 26227.17 drams. Silver price down by 9.26 drams to 292.49 drams. BUDAPEST, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Hungarian President Katalin Novak expressed hope Tuesday at a joint press conference with her Armenian counterpart Vahagn Khachaturyan in Budapest that the two countries will be able to intensify their relations and achieve a tangible result of cooperation. The last time an Armenian president visited [Hungary] was in 2009, while this is the first presidential visit after the change of the political system, the Hungarian president said. I hope that we will be able to change this trend and intensify our relations and have more official visits between our countries. There is readiness on our side and I hope that on your side as well. Novak described the restoration of Armenia-Hungary relations as historic. We need to understand the content of our diplomatic relations in order to be able to resolve all misunderstandings of the past, the Hungarian president said, citing two recently signed memoranda as a testament to the willingness of the two countries to cooperate. Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Hungary were severed in 2012 by then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan after Hungary extradited Ramil Safarov, the convicted murderer of an Armenian officer, to Azerbaijan. Armenian military officer Lt. Gurgen Margaryan was murdered by Azerbaijani military officer Ramil Safarov during a February 2004 training course organized by NATO in Hungary. Gurgen Margaryan was asleep in his room when Safarov attacked him with an axe. During the trial in Hungary, Safarov admitted in court to having killed Margaryan because of his hatred towards Armenia and Armenians. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hungarian court. However, in 2012 Hungary extradited him to Azerbaijan upon Bakus request. He was released upon arrival, glorified on the state-level and pardoned by President Aliyev. On the same day, then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan severed diplomatic relations with Hungary. 10 years later, in 2022, Armenia and Hungary agreed to restore diplomatic relations. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. The common border between Armenia and Iran has been the safest and has served as a guarantee for expanding ties and contacts between the two sides, as well as ensuring the well-being of both peoples. Tehran has demonstrated through its actions that it will not tolerate any geopolitical changes in this region, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Mehdi Sobhani stated during a meeting with experts and journalists. Today, Iran pursues the most independent domestic and foreign policy, and without Tehran, not a single equation in the region can be resolved. Our country is part of the solution to the crises and problems of the region. Despite the pressure and conspiracies against Iran over the past 45 years, our country has made significant progress and, despite the sanctions imposed on us, has achieved remarkable advancements in all areas," Sobhani emphasized. According to the Ambassador, Iran conducts a balanced policy with the countries of the region, with particular emphasis on its neighboring states. In particular, relations between Armenia and Iran have consistently developed since their establishment. Following Armenia's independence, the achievements in cooperation between the two countries have shown reliable trends of development. The will and desire of officials from both countries to expand historical and cultural foundations, to promote neighborly coexistence and enhance human contacts and relations have been a strong foundation, promoting further progress. The volume of trade, economic relations, and trade turnover between the two states are recording steady growth, strengthening cooperation, especially in the fields of economics and infrastructure. The peoples of Iran and Armenia have always stood side by side amidst moments of joy and sorrow. Today, Iran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and, as before, is ready to leverage all its resources to develop cooperation," the Ambassador said. Sobhani stressed that official Tehran supports the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative put forward by the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the content of which is the establishment of peace and stability in the region and is based on the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries. According to the ambassador, the official position of Yerevan is more than logical and in line with international norms. Speaking about the "3+3" format, Sobhani reminded that it is primarily designed to solve the existing problems between the countries of the region with their own capabilities. He noted that if the format registers tangible achievements, then all countries will be interested in involvement and participation in the meetings. "If there are escalations and conflicts in our region, they have a negative impact on all the countries of the region; therefore, they should become guarantors of solving the problems with joint efforts. It is necessary to be guided by sincere motives and be consistent in establishing real peace and stable security," explained the diplomat. Touching upon the issue of the Zangezur Corridor proposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey, the Ambassador emphasized that there is a generally accepted approach in the world, according to which the corridor is perceived as an opportunity for communication. However, in our region, this is perceived completely differently. Therefore, Iran has very clearly demonstrated with its steps that it will not tolerate any geopolitical changes in this region. "We welcome the unblocking of all roads and communications, if it happens based on the interests of countries and under their sovereignty. We support the strengthening of Armenia and the establishment of peace and stability. Therefore, only the balance of forces in our region will contribute to all of this. We are ready to provide any assistance that Armenia will need for further development," Sobhani assured. For Iran, Armenia is the best direction for access to the north and the Black Sea. And for Armenia, Iran is also the best direction for access to the south, to the same Chabahar Port of Iran. The key issue in the economy is ensuring transportation and the reliable operation of infrastructure. The construction of the Kajaran-Agarak road section is an important factor in facilitating transportation and increasing trade volumes. In order for the route passing through Armenia to be more profitable and attractive, it is necessary to simplify laws, reduce road tariffs, and improve the existing infrastructure, added the Ambassador of Iran to Armenia. Manvel Margaryan BUDAPEST, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is ready to develop relations with Hungary and will do everything to ensure dynamic development, the Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan said at a joint press conference with Hungarian President Katalin Novak. ''This visit is historic after a long break. In fact, we are initiating a new process. And personally, I and our delegation greatly appreciate it. I would like to express the readiness of the Republic of Armenia to actively restart a new phase of Armenian-Hungarian relations and to do everything to ensure that our relations undergo dynamic development and follow a logical course. This signifies the friendly, fraternal relations that we have had for a long time, since time immemorial," President Khachaturyan noted. Camplin-Warner will lead the Enterprise business from 1 March, with Telstra CEO Vicki Brady claiming he is "well-credentialed" to take over. "Oliver has been an integral part of the Telstra Enterprise leadership team over the last six years and has a deep understanding of its strengths and challenges," she said. "He recently returned to Australia to take up the role of head of Telstra Purple, and before that he led Telstra International for five years where the business grew to represent 10 per cent of Telstra's EBITDA [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation]." Camplin-Warner has spent over 12 years with the telco in various departments so far, with the last eight months as Telstra Purple's head. Patralekha Chatterjee focuses on development issues in India and emerging economies. She can be reached at patralekha.chatterjee@gmail.com Last May, Israel and India officially signed an agreement that allows 42,000 Indians to work in Israel in construction and nursing. Smoke billows during Israeli bombardment in Rafah on the southern Gaza Strip on February 6, 2024 amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Mahmud Hams / AFP) Wars do not faze the poor. In every country, the desperate vote with their feet. So, it comes as no surprise that thousands of Indian workers are now queuing up for jobs in Israel, even as the war's devastation rages on, and there are serious concerns over ethics and safety. This rush for construction jobs in war-torn Israel from a country where Italian luxury carmaker Lamborghini met its 2023 target in just one month is an Indian paradox, a telling marker of the grim employment prospects facing millions. If it is in our destiny to die, then we can die either here or there" said Lekharam, a mason. He was among the many who gathered at a recent recruitment camp in Rohtak, Haryana, hoping to be selected for a job in Israel. We have been down this road before. Indians have risked life and limb for a better deal for themselves and their families. In March 2018, for example, the Iraqi authorities found a mass grave with the bodies of 38 Indian construction workers who had been kidnapped when Islamic State (ISIS) militants overran Mosul in northern Iraq in 2014. Successive governments have evacuated Indian citizens stranded in war-torn areas, including from Israel last year. The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 in southern Israel killed Israelis as well as several migrant workers. Some migrant workers were among the hostages. Since then, Israels fierce air, sea and ground offensive in Gaza has killed over 26,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 65,000. Deaths and devastation continue, even after a damning ruling by the International Court of Justice, further polarising a terrifyingly fractured world. Indians lining up for work in Israel in 2024 remain undeterred. Last May, Israel and India officially signed an agreement that allows 42,000 Indians to work in Israel in construction and nursing. Over 3,000 people have already been selected from Uttar Pradesh for jobs in Israels construction sector. Workers in Haryana are also gearing up for work in Israel. Five more states are reportedly keen to leverage war-torn Israels labour crunch. Clearly, the main attraction is the money. The promised monthly salary in Israel (more than Rs 1 lakh, plus medical insurance) is many times the amount that construction workers can ever hope to earn in India. However, there are legitimate concerns about the safety and security of migrant workers in a conflict zone. Most Indian migrant workers who go to conflict-prone regions or places without sufficient labour protections need to register with Indias e-migrate portal run by the external affairs ministry. This is for their safety and security. Israel is not currently part of this system, point out trade unions and labour rights advocates who have serious reservations about the officially facilitated plan to send Indian workers to Israel. While previous government-to-government agreements facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Israel have been commended, the current proposal's timing given the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict raises many concerns, noted a policy brief by the Britain-based Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB). The implicit indication that Israel may be considering the replacement of Palestinian workers with Indian labour is particularly troubling, it added. The IHRB raises some key questions: is it ethically acceptable to authorise the recruitment of Indian workers currently? How do the Israeli and Indian governments intend to ensure their safety and well-being? How can they ensure that the workers will not be involved in the building of military barracks or internment camps for prisoners? Another critical question: how aware are the Israel-bound migrant workers about the extent of the risk they are taking, and what can be done to ensure awareness? Government agencies must ensure that migrant workers are fully aware of the fine print in their contract. This encompasses not only wages and the modality of their disbursement but also specifics about rest, which include overtime, vacation, medical leave, living conditions and safety. Government agencies and labourers from India signing up for work in war-torn Israel must pay attention to ongoing conversations about pitfalls and discrepancies between expectations and reality in countries that have already sent workers to Israel, like Sri Lanka, Malawi, Kenya, Moldova, Thailand, and China. They also need to pay attention to what Israeli civil society is saying. In Malawi, for example, the local media has spotlighted complaints that agents have grabbed a large chunk of workers money. We do not agree with this arrangement because we are the ones working here, not the agents. We want our money to be sent directly to our accounts, according to Malawi24, a news portal. Recently, the local media in Moldova reported that the Moldova-Israel agreement for recruitment of construction workers has been temporarily postponed. The specific reason for the postponement remains undisclosed. While government to government labour mobility pacts offer stronger protection to migrant workers, the key issue is implementation. Bilateral agreements between governments on labour mobility have partly improved the situation. Recruitment fees have dipped significantly, notes a 2019 report The Effectiveness of the Bilateral Agreements, brought out by the Centre for International Migration and Integration, Israel. However, implementation has been patchy across sectors. In the care-giving sector, there was an improvement in the wages after the implementation of the pilot agreement. However, part of this may be explained by the increase in overall minimum wage in Israel, and not by the agreement alone. It is important to note that there was no significant improvement in most of the other employment conditions of the migrant workers in caregiving. In the construction sector, there was a deterioration in employment conditions, especially in safety at work also in the wages of the workers from China, even though the wages were still in compliance with the requirements of the collective agreements in the sector. In the agriculture sector, it is hard to identify a clear trend: some of the employment conditions improved, while others deteriorated and some remained unchanged, says the report. The safety requirements for the construction workers in Israel, including the migrant workers in this sector, need to significantly improve, it adds. Bilateral agreements mandate that employers in Israel provide every migrant worker with an employment contract in a language the migrant understands, as well as health insurance and adequate housing. They also mandate pre-departure orientation, booklets about workers rights, helplines for workers questions in their mother tongue so that migrant workers know their entitlements in Israel. These must be followed. Protection mechanisms for migrant workers are paramount. While balancing risks with remittances, their welfare and safety must remain supreme. by Sumon Corraya At least 106 Burmese paramilitary border guards fled to Bangladesh in one day due to clashes caused by the 1027 offensive in Myanmar. Shots fired on the border by the army resulted in the death of two civilians, including a Rohingya refugee. Dhaka protest with the Myanmar ambassador. Dhaka (AsiaNews) - At least 106 paramilitary border guards from Myanmar, some of them injured, fled to Bangladesh yesterday due to the intensification of fighting between rebel forces and the junta regime. This was reported by Bangladeshi officials. Since carrying out the military coup against an elected government in 2021, the junta is facing its biggest crisis, trying to contain the rebellion called 1027 - since it started on October 27 last year - which saw allied groups anti -junta supported by a parallel pro-democracy government take control of several military posts and cities. The sound of gunfire was heard across the border with Myanmar in the Cox's Bazar district of southeastern Bangladesh, where nearly a million members of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority live in camps of bamboo and plastic huts after being they fled military repression in 2017. Furthermore, at least two people lost their lives when mortars fired from Myanmar towards the fleeing soldiers hit a village across the border in Bangladesh. For this reason, Bangladesh protested by summoning the Myanmar ambassador to Dhaka, Aung Kyaw Moe, calling out the military junta for its actions and attacks on the border. Deputy Commissioner Shah Mujahid Uddin announced that one of the victims is a Bangladeshi woman, Hosne Ara, while the other is a 58-year-old Rohingya man, whose name is not yet known. They were killed in the Japaitali area, near the border, when a grenade fell while Ara was serving food to seasonal Rohingya workers. Yesterday morning, Nay Pyi Taw's Minister of Foreign Affairs summoned Manowar Hossain, Bangladesh's ambassador to Yangon, to discuss the situation. During the conversation, the Myanmar minister expressed his intention to locate fugitives who sought refuge in Bangladesh and bring them back. In the last three days, dozens and dozens of Myanmar army personnel and government officials have fled to Bangladesh to escape attacks by the Arakan Liberation Army. So far, at least 229 people have sought refuge in Bangladesh, where they have been disarmed and sheltered in a safe place. Meanwhile, the government of Bangladesh is engaged in negotiations with Myanmar for the repatriation of displaced people, being already burdened by hosting over a million Rohingya refugees, it is not willing to accept further refugee influxes from Myanmar. Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors. He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors. He is the author of Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports," a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography. He can be reached at roland.li@sfchronicle.com. The new law cracks down on money-laundering, as well as dealing in precious stones and metals, money lending, pawnbroking, etc., to evade sanctions against funding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The definition of precious products now includes luxury brands as well. Last August, 10 people were arrested in a major money-laundering case. Singapore (AsiaNews/Agencies) Singapore has approved a series of amendments to existing legislation to boost controls on activities that directly or indirectly finance the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and help evade international sanctions. The changes are aimed at enabling Singapore to meet the latest standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global anti-money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog. Since 1992, Singapore has been a member of the FATF, an intergovernmental organisation created in 1989 within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to promote anti-money laundering strategies at the national and international levels. Under new standards set in 2020, countries and the private sector must assess and mitigate arms proliferation financing risks related to potential breaches, non-implementation or evasion of targeted financial sanctions. Apart from the financial sector, the FATF also recognised the important role played by other non-financial sectors in combatting flows of dirty money, said Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at Singapores Law Ministry. Certain activities can directly or indirectly support the proliferation of weapons, such as dealing in precious stones and metals, money lending, pawnbroking, and providing legal services. The definition of a precious product has also been updated, linking it not only to certain metals or stones, but also to other elements that influence its value such as brand names and workmanship. Henceforth, Singaporean law will consider valuable any product with a price above S$ 20,000 (US$ 14,900). Lastly, the new legislation prohibits the licensing or assignment of management roles in money lending and pawnbroking activities to any individual already convicted of offences related to the prevention of financial crimes. Singapore adopted these new measures in the wake of a major case that broke open on 15 August 2023 with the arrest of 10 foreigners suspected of involvement in a huge money laundering scheme. Since the case first came to the public's attention, the value of seized or frozen assets has soared, triple the original S$ 1 billion (US$ 745 million) initially estimated. Asked about the developments in the case, Secretary Rahayu Mahzam replied that the new law was in the works before this case with an inter-ministerial committee set up to review the country's anti-money laundering system as a whole. by Steve Suwannarat On Thursday, Hun Manet will visit Thailand to talk with his Thai counterpart, Srettha Thavisin, focusing on bilateral relations and regional issues, including cross-border trade and the exodus of Cambodians persecuted by Hun Sen, father of the current PM. Bangkok (AsiaNews) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will start a state visit to Thailand next Thursday with the focus on bilateral relations and regional issues. Both heads of government and their governments are new to the job and need to consult each other to assess the regional situation, which has seen strong border tensions in places claimed by both countries. The visit will also focus on cross-border trade, regional issues, and probably the exodus of many Cambodians persecuted at home under the autocratic rule of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who was in power for nearly 40 years. Since August 2023, Cambodia has been ruled by Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet. Unlike his father, the 46-year-old is more open and outward looking, but remains as intransigent as his father towards the countrys political opposition, de facto forced out of the Cambodian parliament, as well as dissidents, unable to organise because of mass arrests, expulsions, and targeted assassinations. Anticipating the arrival of the foreign guest, Thai authorities took into custody two activists and a former political prisoner, who are among the many Cambodians who fled Hun Sen's repressive regime for the relative security of Thailand. Twice jailed, Kung Raiya was taken into custody by police at the Bangkok flat where he had found refuge. Former political leader Loem Sokha and activist Phan Phana were arrested separately. All three had had their refugee status in Thailand recognised by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is present in the kingdom even though it has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention. Phan Phana now fears repatriation. The arrests were apparently prompted by the dissidents plan to stage a public protest during Hun Manets visit, an action that would have embarrassed Thai authorities, starting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who plans to hold wide-ranging talks with his Cambodian guest. For Phan Phana, who spoke to Radio Free Asia's (RFA) Khmer-language service before his phone was seized, Hun Manet's Cambodian People's Party made the request for his arrest. The last arrests of Cambodian pro-democracy activists in Thailand date back to 29 December, when ten activists attending a course on the Paris Peace Agreement in Bangkok were taken into custody, formally arrested for entering the country illegally even though the UNHCR had issued them identity cards. Since then, three have been released, according to CamboJA News, a news platform run by the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association, while the other seven are still held at the Suan Phlu immigration detention centre in the capital. by Dario Salvi The situation is still critical and Antioch a "ghost town". Caritas' contribution in guaranteeing food, accommodation, psychological support, education and schooling. Bishop Bizzeti: "It will take at least 10 years to understand whether the region will be able to recover, but I am optimistic". Milan (AsiaNews) - A community of "living stones" ready to rebuild from the rubble of the recent past as described by Msgr. Paolo Bizzeti, recently reconfirmed apostolic vicar of Anatolia and president of Caritas Turkey, that shares a strong feeling of "unity within the community," as witnessed by Giulia Longo, Program Manager of Caritas Turkey, whogoes on to descrie this reality as "the truest and most concrete symbol" in a context of profound devastation. These are the foundations for the reconstruction of "a Church that is different from before" born from the choice to "remain despite everything" in this dramatic phase in the history of the region. It is also the picture painted by the vicar of Anatolia and the head of the Christian charitable body, one year after that dramatic 6 February 2023, in an area profoundly marked by the earthquake, by the difficulties and uncertainties of reconstruction, in a context of perpetual precariousness. Continuous emergency The 7.7 magnitude earthquake remains an open wound for Turkey (and neighboring Syria) with a serious emergency in dozens of centers in the south and south-east, for what is considered the worst natural disaster in modern history . Following the main shock, at least 30 thousand aftershocks occurred in the following three months and the earth continues to shake: on 27 January a 5.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Malatya which reawakened fears and traumas that had never subsided. Official estimates report a damaged area the size of Germany (around 350 thousand km2) and which involved up to 14 million people, around 16% of the population. The official victims are 59,259 (and 8,476 in Syria) but, as Msgr. Bizzeti points out "the real figure is perhaps around 150 thousand" and "the proportions of the disaster are much greater". According to UN experts, there are 1.5 million people without homes and an estimate of the damage amounts to 148.8 billion dollars (equal to 9% of GDP), while yesterday tens of thousands of people demonstrated in the province of Hatay, the largest affected, to protest against the government's "negligence" in aid and reconstruction. In the first phase, the vicariate of Anatolia and Caritas Turkey distributed water, food, blankets, clothes, medicines, detergents and cleaning materials both at the episcopal headquarters in Iskenderun and at homes, in the streets and in the first camps. Then school tents were added to guarantee education and contribute to the development of children in a context of serious need. Subsequently, the interventions involved tents, field kitchens, shower rooms, containers and canteen utensils, fans and refrigerators. Tens of thousands of families assisted with goods, psychological help and medical care. Nonetheless, today "we are still experiencing a serious emergency situation" and "it will take at least 10 years - explains Msgr. Bizzeti - to understand if the region will be able to recover, but I am optimistic". Caritas on the front line In a highly critical situation in Turkey, as in neighboring Syria, the network of local Caritas and Caritas Internationalis continues its work to support a population in need, and often abandoned to itself. An impressive effort implemented in recent months and demonstrated by the numbers: as of December 2023 Caritas Turkey had distributed over 6,280 meals, 4,422 food parcels and 5,201 hygiene items. At least 121 families received school supplies and 221 subsidies to cover rent payments. The Christian organization also provided the affected populations with 1798 fans (to soothe the summer heat), 9,444 packages of wood and coal and 336 heating devices to cope with the harsh winter temperatures. The precarious humanitarian situation has also been exacerbated by the floods that have hit the country in recent months, worsening the condition of displaced people. So far we have helped more than 20 thousand people, around 6 thousand families, concentrated in the province of Hatay says Giulia Longo. A year ago, in the first phase, we focused on food and raw materials, access to electricity and water. Now we are still distributing meals, we are still talking about container tents and basic necessities, because everything is missing. In the reception centers there are fires caused by electrical short circuits due to heavy rains, floods, landslides and mud" and with the earth continuing to shake "we also receive calls from those whose houses are accessible" but fear new collapses. The commitment is not only aimed at housing and sustenance but also intends to encourage the resumption of productive activities: "For this reason - continues the Caritas manager - we finance micro projects that lead to autonomy such as a stable, a knitting workshop, etc". Finally, there is the educational aspect so that an entire generation is not lost: At first - he explains - we have opened classes in some tents made available by the diocese" alongside distance learning, a practice already used during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Still - he underlines - we have scholarships and school support plans", in addition to "psychological help projects, also resorting to the use of mobile clinics". Rebuilding from living stones For the Christian community, "the symbol of destruction" is the cathedral of Iskenderun, the Church of the Annunciation, a 19th century building "completely razed to the ground". After a year the first concern is to start again from the 'living stones': today a new building is growing, a cathedral made up of people" also made up "of many people who want to become Christians, catechumens who have undertaken the journey and lay people who are committed to building a living Church". An example is the enthusiastic participation of dozens of boys and girls, also coming from the earthquake area, at the World Youth Days (WYD) in Lisbon. A group accompanied by the Jesuit Fr. Antuan Ilgit who, just last year after the Portuguese experience and the meeting with Pope Francis, was appointed auxiliary of the vicariate of Anatolia. His vocation was "born from the earthquake", but which is at the same time a symbol of reconstruction and of a Church that "is becoming more and more Turkish" as Msgr. Bizzeti himself has hoped several times in the past. Returning to post-earthquake management, it "presents critical issues both due to its enormous dimensions and because we are often unprepared to face tragedies of this nature" and the still current example remains Antioch, the "heart of the devastation: a ghostly city, of where we don't yet know what will be done." If some buildings are saved, if everything is leveled by rebuilding from scratch or if we want to take advantage - he continues - to carry out in-depth excavations and discover the heritage underground. In a long-term perspective, if we were to decide to build a modern metropolis of skyscrapers "we will still need regulatory plans - warns the bishop - ideas and projects, management that is not clientelistic. In this respect the government needs a long time and perhaps is struggling." On the other hand, the (few) remaining inhabitants "show an incredible capacity for resilience": among many examples, the vicar concludes by telling of "a family who had a sweet shop and who now only owns a shack, in which they have reopened the 'business and went back to selling sweets." GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO MIDDLE EAST. TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE EVERY TUESDAY, CLICK HERE. They are both produced on the same FoMoCo CD6 architecture, but the Lincoln Aviator is significantly more expensive as it kicks off at $58,495, more than $5k higher than an equivalent 2024MY. Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford Explorer starts from $39,625 (all prices are without destination and other fees) in Active trim and can only go as high as $55,205 for the performance ST model. As a counterpart, the Aviator Black Label is no less than $87k!Both the 2025 Ford Explorer ST and 2025 Lincoln Aviator use a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 mill with 400 horsepower, a sizeable setup for the mid-size crossover SUVs. While the elegant Aviator doesn't need too much differentiation between the trims, Ford decided that its Active, STs, and Platinum deserve a bit more recognition, and just like with the refreshed 2024 F-150, they all share a slightly different front fascia treatment.On the CUVs, though, it's only the grille and subtle apron details that make the difference, so perhaps folks would have liked the mighty Explorer ST to feature a more recognizable appearance. No worries, if that doesn't happen in the real world, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators will gladly fix the situation. For example, Nikita Chuicko, the virtual artist better known as kelsonik on social media, thinks now is the right time to make the new Explorer ST even sportier.Initially, the pixel master gave it his usual treatment a new set of larger aftermarket wheels and a two-tone appearance with a black roof since the Explorer ST already features dark details and the CGI expert's signature ' Shadow Line ' treatment was superfluous. Now, though, he's back with a more thorough reinterpretation, which bodes well for the sporty version a Ford Performance treatment with slightly different headlights and the big 'FORD' grille styling.So, do you think Ford should have asked the Ford Performance specialists for a sporty design reinterpretation, or is the real world's Explorer ST already more than enough? Also, could this Ford Performance Explorer be a subtle way for the author to ask for a little more oomph under the hood of the ST version maybe a 3.5-liter EcoBoost from F-150 Raptor with 450 horsepower since we don't even dare dream of the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 tucked under the hood of the 720-hp 2024 Raptor R. Photo: Janie's Fund But here's the real star of the 2024 edition of the Grammys, and it's not even in the music industry unless you count the Steven Tyler association. This gorgeous, blacked-out '65 Corvette goes by the name of Janie's Black Knight, and it went under the hammer at Steven Tyler's fifth annual Grammy viewing party.Like Sir Elton John, for the past few years, Tyler has been hosting a viewing party of the awards show, and it doubles as a charity event. The party is called Jam for Janie, and all benefits go to the rocker's Janie's Fund organization, which he set up with non-profit Youth Villages in 2015 to raise awareness on issues of abuse and neglect and, more importantly, to offer services and counseling to girls and young women who have suffered from both.The name Janie's Fund is a direct nod to Aerosmith's Grammy-winning single Janie's Got a Gun. It was only a matter of time before Janie also got a sweet new ride , which is where Black Knight comes in, as a fully custom one-off build by specialist shop FantomWorks.Black Knight started out as a '65 Corvette C2 Roadster that had been left exposed to the elements for the past 10 years. The previous owner had it done at FantomWorks years prior and now wanted to have it restored. He couldn't afford it, though, so he ended up selling the car to the shop, which then covered the expensive build for Janie's Fund over 4 very challenging months.The name of the car is inspired by Batman , in that it's meant to evoke a vehicle that seems ordinary but can do extraordinary things like getting millionaire A-listers to throw cash at it and help a very worthwhile cause in the process. Its all-black, stealthy silhouette with dark, menacing vibes also ties in perfectly with Batman's aesthetic.Powered by a new LS3 fuel-injected engine developing 435 hp and mated to an automatic transmission, Janie's Black Knight rides on custom wheels with red caliper brakes. More impressively, it's no longer a Roadster because Dan Short of FantomWorks disliked the open top, so it features a FantomWorks patented 1963 Corvette split-window convertible top.The interior is as black as night in all leather and deerskin, with custom bolstered seats, matching door panels, accent red stitching, and custom carbon fiber accents. Speaking of custom , special touches include one-off Dakota digital gauges with Janie's Fund and FantomWorks logos and the same logos on the carbon fiber engine cover.Ahead of the viewing party, Janie's Fund called this very special 'Vette the ultimate rock'n'roll car, and they might have actually undersold it. They also called it "sublime," which was right on the mark.Auction house Barrett-Jackson handled the sale of Black Knight at The Palladium, where Jam for Janie was held. As of the time of press, we're getting reports that it's already with a new owner, but there's no mention of how much money it fetched. We do know, though, that the entire lot, which also included art, Steven Tyler memorabilia, and a pair of Taylor Swift earrings, raised more than $2.8 million for Janie's Fund. TruScreen receives Approval in Mexico to enter public health sector Highlights TruScreen received Cofepris approval in Mexico, a major milestone and endorsement of the TruScreen technology Cofepris is Mexicos national regulator and the approval grants TruScreen access to the countrys public health sector. Truscreen Group Limited (NZX/ASX:TRU) is pleased to announce that the national regulator of Mexico, Cofepris has approved TruScreen access to the public health sector. The approval allows TruScreen to expand its cervical cancer screening, currently, in the private health clinics to the wider public health sector. A 2020 census identified that only 2.3% of the population have private healthcare while 70.9% of the population accessed the public health system. Mexico has an addressable market of 65 million women. HPVcentre.net estimated that 9,400 women are diagnosed annually with cervical cancer with a mortality rate of 46% - 4,300 deaths. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer amongst women in Mexico. The CEO, Dr Beata Edling commented: The Cofepris approval highlights the accelerating acceptance of the TruScreen technology globally. I am delighted that women in Mexico will have access to faster, more efficient, and reliable cervical cancer screening with TruScreen. We congratulate our partner, Sunbird on achieving this significant milestone and look forward to advancing cervical cancer screening in Mexico. This announcement has been approved by the Board. Ends Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. 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Related News: SKC - APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER NWF - Chief Executive Officer Warren Koia Resignation March 18th Morning Report Pacific Edge Directors Give Notice of Retirement Meridian Energy monthly operating report for February 2024 Another unworkable farming rule bites the dust March 14th Morning Report TRU - Truscreen Additional Placement Government's employment relations priorities a welcome step in the right direction says EMA New Synlait & Nestle co-investment partnership Last year, Tesla convinced almost all carmakers to adopt the NACS charging connector while granting EV drivers access to the Supercharger network. Many wondered how that differed from charging at Superchargers equipped with Magic Dock adapters. Now we know the new deals could enable charging without a Tesla account. EV Tesla began opening up the Supercharger network to third-party electric vehicles in Europe sometime in 2021 as part of a pilot program. The pilot was gradually expanded to new countries throughout Europe before reaching the US shores in March 2023. It started in Europe because Tesla Superchargers use the same CCS-2 connector as other charging stations on the Old Continent. In the US, Tesla had to design an NACS to CCS adapter called Magic Dock.The Magic Dock deploys with the cable when a non-Teslainitiates charging but remains docked in normal operation with Tesla cars. To access the Supercharger network, owners of other EV brands still need to open a Tesla account and use the Tesla app. This is not much different for them than using any third-party charging network. For people not owning a Tesla, every charging network has its app for which you need an account, so the Tesla app was just another one in their portfolio.Things are different for Ford EV owners since the carmaker was clever enough to aggregate other networks into its "BlueOval Charging Network." This virtual network allows single-account access to stations from Electrify America, EVgo, Blink, and other providers. The approach also allows Ford more flexibility in offering access to the Tesla Supercharger network for its owners. Ford added Tesla's network to the BlueOval Charging Network, allowing customers to charge without entering new credentials in the Tesla app.This way, Ford owners can use their FordPass payment account or the in-vehicle touchscreen to pay for charging. This means you should be able to locate and activate Tesla Superchargers from your Ford EV's infotainment system. That's a significant difference between the NACS deals and using the Magic Dock at a Supercharger station.So far, only Ford confirmed Supercharger access without a Tesla app or account. Ford was also the first to strike a deal with Tesla and the first to start shipping a free NACS adapter to owners of its EVs. Hopefully, other EV makers will be able to offer a similar experience to their customers. This depends on every carmaker's implementation of Tesla API, so your mileage may vary. Rivian owners are already looking at Ford's approach and hope for a similar treatment, although there's no guarantee. Rivian could opt for using the Plug&Charge feature, although it's unclear whether this works with Tesla Superchargers. The EV startup hasn't communicated much on this besides the original deal in June 2023 and the promise of a complimentary NACS adapter to its customers. It was November 2019 when Elon Musk got the Cybertruck up on stage and wanted to prove it was unbreakable. But the windows instantly cracked when they were hit with a metal ball. Four years later, someone runs the experiment again. Will they crack this time or has Tesla fixed the issue? Photo: TechRax | YouTube Photo: TechRax | YouTube Many thought that the windows cracking on the stage on the night of the official unveiling of the Cybertruck was just a publicity stunt to get more attention to an already hyped-up model. The people at Tesla supposedly knew right from the start that, the moment Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen would slam that metal ball into the windows, they would shatter into pieces and get everyone talking about the electric truck with a futuristic design and stainless steel body.The Tesla team seemed surprised, as if what happened on stage that night simply did not go according to plan. If they faked it or not , we will probably never know. But the thing worked, and reservations for the model poured in. For a $100 deposit, potential customers could reserve a Cybertruck that was supposed to enter production in 2020, could change their minds anytime, and get their money back right away. But you know Tesla when it comes to deadlines. Low-volume production eventually started in July 2023, with plans to ramp it up in 2024.Three years later, following extensive and unconventional testing, when the Cybertruck entered production, Tesla announced that the issue was fixed. Furthermore, Elon Musk says that the Cybertruck had bulletproof windows and doors, and several tests have proven it over the past few months.While other carmakers run the usual safety tests, Tesla ran shooting tests. Cybertrucks sporting traces of gunshots while up on flatbed trucks surfaced online. But we all know that Tesla is not your usual carmaker, and the Cybertruck is far from being your usual truck.The news on the shooting test prompted the host of the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast to ask Elon Musk if the Cybertruck would be able to withstand an attack from a hunting bow. There was no way in the world Musk would have missed the opportunity to get the Cybertruck in the headlines again. So, Rogan showed up with his 90-pound compound bow that shoots 525-grain arrows at 300 feet per second (205 mph) for the test.The podcast host and the Tesla CEO made a symbolic bet on $1, as Musk let Rogan shoot the arrow at the Cybertruck he arrived in at the studio. Musk has been spotted driving the vehicle with VIN 001, which is the first Cybertruck to roll off the production line. Rogan fired the arrow from close range, sure that it would easily pierce the body of the vehicle. But all the arrow did was leave a small dent in the rear door. The tip of the arrow, though, got pretty deformed.You can shoot bullets and arrows at it, and still, the stainless steel won't give in. The Tesla team even fired at it with a Tommy gun before it kicked off deliveries, just to make sure they weren't wrong. The truck looked every inch indestructible. But is it really?You can kick the stainless steel Cybertruck, and not a single dent shows up. During a test drive that Thomas and James of Throttle House ran in California just last week, the two of them kicked the doors of the pickup truck, catapulted a shopping cart in it, and even jumped on the tonneau cover, both at the same time, and it held up without breaking a sweat.Fast forward four years from the evening of the official unveiling, and someone runs the 2019 metal ball test again. Will the glass hold up this time? The metal ball used in 2024 is almost identical to the one from 2019. The owner of the TechRax YouTube channel, with over 7.6 million subscribers, throws the ball straight into the front window on the passenger's side but does it without putting much force into it the first time. So, nothing happens.On a second attempt, there is a bit more power in the throw, and the third time, things go pretty much the same. However, the 2024 thrower didn't seem to put half the power that the Chief Designer used back in 2019 to smash those windows.Even though the channel specializes in destroying expensive smartphones, you could tell the two of them setting up this test were afraid not to actually break the window. And that is totally understandable, even though the windows of the vehicle are not terribly expensive to replace . How do you tell your insurance agent that you cracked the windows on your car, throwing metal balls at it? So, the window was intact, but a small scratch showed up on the ball. The first Volvo EM90 MPVs have just rolled off the production line of Geely's Hangzhou Bay plant in China. The model is basically a rebadged Zeekr 009 with Volvo features, available for way more money than its Chinese sibling. MPV Photo: Volvo | Weibo kWh The EM90 was unveiled in China on November 12, 2023, as Volvo's first. It sits on Geely's SEA platform, which underpins the Zeekr 009, but also the Polestar 4, the Lotus Eletre and Emeya, and the new Smart models. Volvo kicked off mass production and shared photos from the factory on its Weibo account.The Volvo has the exact same dimensions as the Zeekr-badged model, being 205 inches (5,206 millimeters) long, 79.6 inches (2,024 millimeters) wide, and 73.1 inches (1,859 millimeters) tall, sporting a wheelbase of 126 inches (3,205 millimeters).It comes with six seats in a 2+2+2 layout, with the second row featuring captain-style seats with power reclining, heating, and ventilation, but also folding trays. Volvo claims it is a vehicle for both family trips and business transportation. For the former purpose, the vehicle is equipped with a rear 15.6-inch screen with a video camera, which drops from the roof when the rear occupants need to attend an online meeting.The display supports mobile screen projection and a variety of third-party apps. There is also a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 21 speakers on board.The model is available with a single powertrain option. There is a single electric motor, mounted on the rear axle, which generates 268 horsepower (272 metric horsepower) in a rear-wheel drive layout making the MPV accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 8.3 seconds. That motor pulls a vehicle that tips the scale at 6,091 pounds (2,763 kilograms). Unlike the Zeekr 009 , the Volvo EM90 is not availbale with an all-wheel drive.A CATL-sourced ternary NMC battery pack, with a capacity of 116, stores energy for a drive of up to 459 miles (738 kilometers), according to the very generous CLTC (China Light-Duty Testing Cycle). The battery can charge between 10 and 80 percent in 30 minutes.For starters, the MPV will only be available in China, with pricing starting at 818,000 yuan, which translates to $115,090 at the current exchange rates, with the European premium factor included. Meanwhile, its pure-Chinese counterpart, the Zeekr 009, starts at 500,000 yuan ($70,348). It remains to be seen if the local market will put the Volvo model first, despite the over 300,000 yuan ($42,209) price gap.Deliveries will start this upcoming March. Volvo is considering other markets, but the decision will likely depend on the success of the multi-purpose vehicle in China. However, the carmaker is most likely reserved about such a move since MPVs have been losing ground in Europe and the United States, where crossovers and SUVs have been all the rage for years. The COPO Camaro was born in 1969 as a way around the corporate edict that restricted Chevrolet from installing engines larger than 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters) in midsize vehicles and pony cars.A request from Don Yenko , who was offering dealer-installed swaps, prompted Chevrolet to give in and install 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8s in the Camaro via the Central Office Production Order program. The mill in question was the solid-lifter L72 big-block available in the Corvette and Impala and rated 425 horsepower.Yenko ordered 201 vehicles, but other dealers became aware of the option, and Chevrolet made around 1,000 units. These went to dealers like Baldwin-Motion, Nickey, and Dana.The second COPO Camaro was conceived by drag racer Dick Harrell and ordered through Ford Gibb Chevrolet. Unlike COPO 9561, COPO 9560 was fitted with the all-aluminum 427 ZL1. Officially rated at 430 horsepower, the engine was initially intended for Can-Am road racing. Harrell and Gibb wanted it in a drag-ready Camaro because the aluminum construction made the ZL1 some 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the standard iron big-block.Gibb Chevrolet ordered 50 examples, the minimum number for NHRA homologation. But the ZL1 turned out to be too expensive for most enthusiasts, so Gibb sent 37 unsold units back to Chevrolet. The company redistributed the cars to other dealers and built an additional 19 units. With a total production run of 69 vehicles, the ZL1 is the rarest of the COPO twins. It's also the most expensive, with many examples valued at $500,000 to $1 million.Not surprisingly, there are more clones than true-blue COPO ZL1s out there as of 2024. The Hugger Orange unit you see here is one of those cars. But unlike most replicas you'll see at classic car shows, this one rocks an authentic 427 ZL1.The Camaro recently surfaced in Goldsboro, North Carolina, looking for a new home after spending nearly 20 years in a private museum. The seller claims the Chevy packs a "correct date coded" ZL1 engine, and the "snowflake" logo on the block confirms it's indeed a Winters Foundry mill.If you're not familiar with this company, it's the one that handled the casting of every ZL1 engine for Chevrolet back in the day. Winters Foundry reportedly made about 300 blocks from mid-1968 through 1974. Many were sold over the counter at various Chevrolet dealers and installed in dragsters and Can-Am race cars.But this Camaro is more than just a 1969 coupe with a ZL1. The pony looks flawless inside and out, and the paint is "show quality" aside from bubbling on one of the rear outer wheel housings. The engine has a few upgraded internals and cranks out more than 600 horsepower. It's definitely a sleeper.While these rigs usually go under the hammer, the seller wants to move it via a "buy it now" ad. He's asking $185,000 or best offer . That's a lot of dough for a tribute car, but not exactly steep, given what's under the hood. Is this pony car worth the sticker? I want to make clear that we do not have a final conclusion, Hayk Konjorian, the parliamentary leader of Pashinians Civil Contract party, told reporters. Its still too early to make a final conclusion and raise questions from that standpoint. Konjorian at the same time stressed: We must not regard any text as sacrosanct. The declaration in turn refers to a 1989 unification act adopted by the legislative bodies of Soviet Armenia and the then Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and calls for international recognition of the 1915 Armenian genocide. It is cited in a preamble to the current Armenian constitution adopted in 1995. Pashinian again criticized the declaration last week, claiming that Armenia will never have peace with Azerbaijan as long as it is mentioned by the constitution. Accordingly, he defended his plans to try to enact a new constitution that would presumably make no such reference. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on February 1 that Armenia should remove that reference and amend other documents infringing on Azerbaijans territorial integrity if it wants to make peace with his country. Armenian opposition leaders portrayed Aliyevs statement as further proof that Pashinian wants to effectively declare the 1990 declaration null and void under pressure from Azerbaijan as well as Turkey. Aliyev and Pashinian almost simultaneously presented the same demands to the people of Armenia, one of them, Artur Khachatrian, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. It is obvious that Aliyev is thus forcing Pashinian to make concessions. Konjorian denied that Pashinian wants to change the constitution at the behest of Aliyev. Pashinian sounded less categorical on this score in a reportedly pre-recorded radio interview broadcast on February 1. Khachatrian is one of several lawmakers from the main opposition Hayastan alliance who have been allowed by the Armenian Foreign Ministry to see in recent weeks written proposals regarding an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty exchanged by Yerevan and Baku. In a joint statement issued on February 2, the lawmakers insisted that the Azerbaijani terms of the treaty are extremely unfavorable for the Armenian side. I stand by our assertion that the country which presented such proposals to us has no desire or intention to sign a peace treaty with us, Khachatrian insisted on Tuesday. Edmon Marukian, an Armenian ambassador-at-large and political ally of Pashinian, likewise charged on February 2 that Baku is not serious about signing the peace deal. He said Aliyevs demands for the constitutional change in Armenia amount to a new precondition. 6 February 2024 17:12 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Turkiye and Russia are planning to establish a joint bank to overcome the problems they face in trade and payment transactions between the two countries. This issue has also been brought up before, but no concrete progress has been made. A Turkish banking industry source stated that this issue is still being discussed, but no clear decision has been made yet. It is known that Turkish banks have recently started to close the accounts of Russian companies. This situation negatively affects economic relations between the two countries. The Russian-Turkish Dialogue Association, on the other hand, stated that they had no information that Turkish banks were following a policy of collectively closing the accounts of Russian companies. Establishing a joint bank between Turkiye and Russia could be an important step to increase the trade volume between the two countries and provide ease of payment. The correspondent of Azernews learned the opinion of the MUSIAD board member and former banker, Unsal Sozbir, on the issue. The expert noted that the practice of countries with strong trade establishing joint banks to increase trade further and enhance their cooperation is a structure that has many examples in the world. The most important previous example of Russia and Turkiye establishing a joint bank is the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (https://www.bstdb.org/index.htm). Not only two countries, but 11 countries, including Azerbaijan, came together here to set up a joint bank. "These countries are Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkiye and Ukraine This bank, which was established with the intention of creating a regional power, has made significant contributions to its member countries so far," Unsal Sozbir pointed out. He said that according to the report prepared by the Turkish Embassy in Moscow, the trade volume between the two countries has increased. The former banker noted that Russia's exports to Turkiye amounted to 16.2% of total imports (according to 2022 data), and the share of exports from Turkiye to Russia is around 3.7%. "The commencement of the Russia-Ukrainian war significantly impacted this trade, and Turkiye was the country most affected by the restrictions imposed on Russia by Western countries. Reasons such as removing Russia from the SWIFT system, closing local credit cards to international payments, and removing it from the money transfer system apparently targeted Russia, but they affected Turkiye the most negatively. It is based on extremely reasonable justifications for Turkiye to take steps to minimise this impact," he said. Unsal Sozbir also noted that it is a fact that one of the efforts to increase trade and prevent existing commercial relations from being negatively affected will be solving the problems experienced in payment systems. The development of trade with local currencies and the creation of a banking infrastructure to mediate this will ensure it. He added that, despite the fact that there has not been enough official explanation about what stage the negotiations are at, it would be in the favour of both countries if such a thing were considered and designed. As for the benefit of this bank to the economies of neighbouring countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, and so on, Sozbir pointed out that Turkiye and Russia are the two major countries and economies of the region. "Strategists predict that local economic cooperation will increase as a trend within the developments that are likely to take place in the next 10 years. Within the framework of this assessment, the economies of Turkey and Russia have a total size approaching 4 trillion US dollars. Both countries have an active and decisive role in their environment. These two large economies have very important effects not only on themselves but also on countries such as Azerbaijan and Georgia, which are in their natural hinterland, and they will continue to do so. It is also very clear that financial cooperation, which will improve trade and economic cooperation, will also accelerate this effect, and this will also benefit the surrounding countries," Unsal Sozbir concluded. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 14:04 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more New businesses have started operating in the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park in Lachin. As a result of the opening of production facilities, 60 more local people were employed. Thus, the number of Lachin residents working in the park has reached 500, Azernews reports, citing Azertag. According to Nasimi Asadov, Director of the "Lachin Improvement Service," OJSC, the production of high-quality roofing materials started in Lachin in January. Unlike iron roofing, which is subject to corrosion for 15-20 years, Lachin produces coatings on modern Italian equipment, which also have a service life of more than 100 years. "In Lachin, reconstructed by Baku Improvement Service LLC, all construction materials, including roofing materials, meet the highest standards. Transportation and delivery costs will also be significantly reduced as a result of the launch of the local enterprise. The roofing enterprise in Lachin is also able to partially satisfy the needs of construction companies involved in construction works in Garabagh liberated from occupation," Nasimi Asadov said. In general, all enterprises operating in the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park in Lachin are equipped with the latest global technologies. Lachin residents get jobs and acquire professional skills by learning from specialists invited from abroad. In this sense, each enterprise operating in the Agro-Industrial Park can also be considered a training centre. At the courses organised in the agro-industrial park, specialists invited from abroad spend several months teaching the correct handling of innovative technologies and methods of increasing production capacity. According to Baku Improvement Service LLC engineer Fuad Mammadov, another innovation will be the launch of Schuco School in Lachin, which is considered a world brand in the production of plastic doors and windows. First, experience will be gained in this direction, and then the products of the famous brand will be manufactured in Lachin. The latest technological equipment from Germany has already been purchased for the establishment of the production site. At the first stage, workers will be trained with the involvement of German specialists, and the primary production will be carried out under the control of specialists. It should be noted that Zerti agro-industrial park, in which many enterprises, including breeding centres for the development of animal breeding, organic greenhouses, Aydnoglu furniture factory, meat cutting shop, are functioning in a short period of time, is rapidly developing due to new production areas - shoe factory, large workshops for the production of bras with Philips lamps (wall light) and ekood, which is expanding. Currently, the park, which employs Lachin residents, has the potential to create 1,200 jobs in the future with all the businesses up and running. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 14:11 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more "Bulgaria is interested in cooperating on the Black Sea Energy submarine electric cable project, which envisages the transmission of "green energy" from the Caspian Sea to Europe, Bulgarian Ambassador to Georgia Vesselin Valkanov said, Azernews reports. "We have expressed our interest in participating in the project and are satisfied with the positive response we have received from the four parties [Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary]. Bulgaria can significantly add value to the project due to its power grid, high capacity connections with neighbouring countries, a well-developed electricity market, the opportunity to invest in renewable projects, and the growing demand for green energy," he said. The ambassador noted that an important factor contributing to these endeavours is the friendly relations that Bulgaria has with all the countries of the South Caucasus, especially Azerbaijan. "Bulgaria is interested in further development of infrastructural links between Europe and Asia, between the eastern and western shores of the Black Sea. Especially through projects of common interest in the fields of energy, transportation, and communications," Valkanov added. According to the diplomat, the undersea cable is just one of many opportunities to influence efforts to achieve climate goals and make development truly sustainable. "Everyone should be more involved in projects like this and be more cooperative. The potential is there, and I am sure that a proactive and positive approach will pay off in the not-so-distan future in terms of improving the environment, increasing energy security, and improving the lives of our citizens," he emphasised. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 15:42 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more In January this year, 10 container trains were sent from Chinese province Xi'an to Azerbaijan, including 3 transit and 7 import cargo trains, Azernews reports, citing "Azerbaijan Railways" CJSC. According to the information, one of the route trains sent in transit mode was delivered to the ports of Georgia 10 days after leaving the Chinese-Kazakh border. The transit cargo consisted mainly of technical equipment and was unloaded directly from the vessels onto ADY trains and shipped to the Black Sea port city of Poti, Georgia. In January 2024, 615 k of transit cargo was transported. This is the highest figure for the last 10 years. The time for multimodal transportation of imported goods after the start of their movement from the China-Kazakhstan border was 8 days. Cargoes were loaded directly from ships onto ADY route trains and delivered to their respective destinations. At present, there are 6 more container trains from China to Azerbaijan, including 4 import and 2 transit trains. Import cargoes are planned to be delivered to their destinations within 8 days; transit cargoes are delivered within 10 days in the same order. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 16:27 (UTC+04:00) Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov met with Bilal Haye, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Welcoming the guests, the minister gave detailed information to the meeting participants about the state support for the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan. It was stated that the cooperation between the two countries in all fields is developing dynamically. The parties emphasised that they are interested in expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector. During the meeting, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the field of agriculture and strengthening of the legal-contract base, an increase in the trade turnover of agricultural products, the transfer of the most modern technologies in the field of agriculture, the strengthening of cooperation in the fields of cotton growing, rice farming, animal husbandry, and the implementation of experimental programs in the fields of scientific research and education in the agricultural sector were discussed. During the meeting, the main topic of discussion was the export of agricultural products from Azerbaijan to Pakistan and various support mechanisms for this. Minister Majnun Mammadov touched on the importance of the "Caspian Agro" exhibition organised annually in our country and called on Pakistani businessmen to actively participate in this exhibition, as well as to explore the possibilities of investing in the agricultural sector of Azerbaijan, taking into account the reliable and favourable business environment. During the meeting, the activities of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Working Group in the field of agriculture and food security were discussed, and a wide range of opinions were exchanged on issues of mutual interest. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Israel resumes attacks in northern Gaza despite growing calls for ceasefire Xinhua) 14:25, February 06, 2024 JERUSALEM, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel has resumed battles in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday amid growing international calls for a ceasefire. In its latest operational update, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its troops have returned to areas where they previously operated. Over the past few weeks, attacks in the north of the strip have decreased following Israel's assertion of gaining control over the area, fostering hopes that displaced civilians could return to their homes -- a prospect the Israeli army has indicated that it will not permit at this stage. "The forces operating under the division are preventing Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities," Itzik Cohen, the commander of IDF's 162nd Division, said in the update, stressing the forces were "intensifying operations against and pressure on Hamas remaining in the area." Israeli bombardment persisted throughout the enclave, including in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Over the weekend, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Rafah, a city previously designated as a safe zone by the Israeli army. More than half of Gaza's over 2 million population have fled to Rafah, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories. At least 133 Palestinians were killed and 205 injured in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run Health Ministry reported earlier Monday. The ministry said more than 27,478 Palestinians have been killed and 66,835 others injured from the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which were triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that Israel said killed about 1,200 people. On Monday morning, a food aid convoy was struck by Israeli gunfire while waiting to move into northern Gaza, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "Thankfully, no one was injured," Tom White, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, wrote in a post on the social media platform X. Photos circulating on X showed that damage was caused to the shipping. An Israeli security source told Xinhua that the army was checking the report without providing more information. Also on Monday, speaking at a press conference during his first official visit to Israel, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne called on the Israeli government to facilitate an "immediate ceasefire" and a "massive influx" of aid into Gaza. As Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators were waiting for a reply from Hamas to a ceasefire offer, which includes hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his right-wing Likud party that the war is not near ending. "Our goal is a complete victory over Hamas. We will kill the Hamas leadership. Therefore, we must continue to act in all areas of the Gaza Strip," he said. 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Speaking at the ceremony of handing over 685 new cars to the railway administration, the minister pointed out that, in addition to the state, private companies will also invest in the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway. The minister said that the Rasht-Khazar road is planned to be put into operation by the end of this year. "The Rasht-Caspian railway, which will connect the Caspian Sea and the Gulf, is important for import-export operations. The construction of the Chabahar-Zahidan railway is also nearing completion. In the future, this road will be connected to the Rasht-Khazar and Qazvin-Rasht-Astara (Iran)-Astara (Azerbaijan) railways and will stimulate the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor," the Iranian minister stressed. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 18:18 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more A delegation headed by First Deputy of Azerbaijan Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev visited China. Within the framework of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation held a meeting with the leadership of Chinese enterprises engaged in the production of vehicles and got acquainted with the production activity of the plants, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Economy. At the meetings, detailed information was provided about the favourable business environment in our country and the opportunities created for investors. Besides, the possibilities of establishing joint production enterprises in Azerbaijan were discussed. Representatives of Chinese companies were informed about measures implemented in the sphere of the application of "green" technologies and the use of environmentally friendly transport in Azerbaijan. Issues of promotion of Azerbaijani products on Alibaba's electronic trading platform were discussed at a meeting with the management of Alibaba's globalisation office. The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the Azerbaijan Trade House in Beijing, where "Made in Azerbaijan" brand products were presented. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 13:43 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has hosted a literary evening for the People's Writer, playwright, statesman, and public figure of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Imanaliev. The main goal of the event was to familiarise the Azerbaijani intelligentsia and youth with the creativity of the modern Kyrgyz writer, as well as strengthen friendly bridges in the Turkic world, Azernews reports. Addressing the event, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, noted the further expansion of the organization's cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic in recent years. Aktoty Raimkulova stressed the importance of the participation of Azerbaijani literary and cultural figures, as well as youth, in the event dedicated to the representative of modern Kyrgyz literature, Kairat Imanaliev. The president of the foundation emphasised that holding such events serves to bring the intelligence of the Turkic states together as well as to preserve and transfer from generation to generation the values inherited from the ancestors. Renown writer, statesman, and public figure of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Imanaliev, noted the historical and spiritual closeness of the Turkic peoples. He underlined the words of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, on the 1000th anniversary of the epic "Manas," the spiritual pride of the Kyrgyz people. Stressing that the memory of Heydar Aliyev is always honoured with great respect by the Kyrgyz people, K. Imanaliyev spoke about the solemn celebration last year of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader in Kyrgyzstan. Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov outlined the significance of preserving the common historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples in the modern era. He emphasised that holding such events contributes to the further strengthening of literary and cultural exchange in the Turkic world. The Chairman of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union, Anar Rzayev, said that the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz peoples have a common culture, ancient history, traditions, language and folklore. He noted that the field of literature plays an important role in increasing the integration process of the Turkic peoples. In their remarks, Expert of the Committee on Culture of the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis), acclaimed writer and publicist Akbar Goshali, Secretary of the Department of International Relations of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union Salim Babullaoglu, and famous scientist, poet, and manaschi Adil Jamil stressed the importance of the active participation of intelligentsia and youth of the Turkic peoples in the realisation of the material and spiritual values of the Turkic world. The event was followed by a video presentation about Kairat Imanaliev and the artistic part. Actors of the Baku Municipal Theatre, including Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan Husniyya Murvatova, well-known actor Tural Ahmad, as well as the representative of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, young writer Vafa Murshudlu, performed excerpts from the works of the national writer of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Imanaliev. The event was also attended by figures in literature, culture, and science, turkologists, students of Baku State University, as well as representatives of the media. Initiated in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations. The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs. The organisation carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Seoul and Riyadh signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of the military-industrial complex and joint development of weapons, Azernews reports, citing the official representative of the Office of Defense Procurement Programs (DAPA) Choi Kyung Ho telling at a briefing of the Korean Defense Ministry. "The current memorandum of understanding is aimed at strengthening cooperation in the defense industry, and a joint committee has been formed in this regard," he said. South Korean media, citing the department, noted that the memorandum should lay the foundations for joint development of weapons. The document was signed on February 4 in Riyadh by the head of the Department of Defense Procurement Programs, Om Dong Hwan, and the Assistant Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia during the visit of the head of the South Korean Defense Ministry, Shin Won-sik, to the kingdom. The Korean Defense Minister is traveling to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. During his visit to the UAE, Shin Won-sik met with his colleague and visited a South Korean unit whose military personnel are engaged in training local soldiers. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 12:39 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more A serious behind-the-scenes struggle has unfolded between Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan and Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, according to the Zhoghovurd newspaper, Azernews reports. The clash of personalities and ambitions, reinforced by the upcoming elections in 2026, has led to a fierce confrontation between the two iconic figures of the Velvet Revolution, as well as other contenders for the role of Nikol Pashinyan's successor. According to the newspaper, the struggle took the form of open attacks and accusations of corruption. Simonyan tried to belittle Grigoryan's role before Pashinyan, while the latter drew attention to the involvement of Simonyan's family members in the tender purchases of the Synergy company, which drew the attention of law enforcement agencies. Simonyan found himself at the centre of a corruption scandal due to the arrest of his brother's wife. The newspaper quoted sources as saying that some members of the ruling party directly or indirectly demand Simonyan's resignation and have put the issue to Pashinyan. All this raises serious doubts about the speaker's political future. It should be noted that several scandalous events took place on the political level regarding Alen Simonyan. For example, one of them was between the Armenian speaker and the spokeswoman of the Russian MFA, Maria Zakharova. She had sharply reacted to statements made about her by the Chairman of the National Assembly. Simonyan, in a verbal altercation with the Russian Foreign Ministry, disparagingly called the speaker of the Russian Foreign Ministry some secretary. Thus, the Russian spox tried to react to the Armenian parliament speaker's statement with irony: "It's hard to argue that there are obvious problems with the level [of Simonyan's statements]. And I want to say words of support to all 'secretaries' of the planet. Friends! Your work is the key to the success of even the most high-ranking boss. Without your daily hard work, including scheduling, organizing meetings, working with documents, receiving calls, and a million different worries, everything will go to waste. Don't take offense, this person, I'm sure, blurted it out without thinking. Do not extend your attitude towards what he said to the Armenian people. The Armenian people are wise, long-suffering, and loving," she emphasised. In addition, Simonyan had a serious conflict with the opposition parties in Parliament. So the parliament speaker has caused another scandal after allegedly spitting at an opposition activist who branded him a "traitor." Garen Megerdichian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) party, shouted the insult at Simonian as the latter visited a popular pedestrian area in downtown Yerevan. Megerdichian claimed that Simonian responded by ordering his bodyguards to grab his hands before swearing at him and spitting in his face. He said he was then briefly detained by the police. Simonian did not deny spitting at the Canadian-born activist, who was highly critical of Armenia's government, when he commented on the incident later on Sunday. In a Facebook post, he said that Megerdichian had already publicly insulted him back in 2023. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 15:21 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more In an armed attack on a courthouse in Istanbul, there are victims. Five people, including three police officers, were injured in a shooting attack outside the Palace of Justice in Caglayan district, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in X, Azernews reports. "Today at 11:46 (12:46 Baku time), there was an attempted attack on a checkpoint outside the Istanbul courthouse in Caglayan. Two attackers, a woman and a man, have been eliminated. Five people were injured, including three policemen," he wrote. Currently, the courthouse is cordoned off by the police, entrances and exits are closed, and increased security measures have been taken. A large number of law enforcers have been pulled there. It is reported that after the shots were fired, panic broke out among the people near the building. Many began to run away, some lay on the ground. The Istanbul Prosecutor General arrived at the scene of the incident. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 22:50 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The State Department has authorized the possible sale of high-precision AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles to the Netherlands with a total value of $908 million, Azernews reports, citing the Pentagon's Security Cooperation Agency. The Foreign Ministry approved the transfer of 120 AGM-158/B-2 JASSM missiles and related equipment to the Netherlands. The agreements also provide for training of personnel, maintenance of weapons and related equipment, logistical and logistical support. The possible sale "will enhance the Netherlands' ability to withstand current and future threats by expanding air capabilities, increasing range and precision strikes," the agency said. According to the American side, the deal "will contribute to achieving the goals of the foreign policy and national security of the United States by strengthening the security of a NATO ally." Last week, the State Department also agreed to sell 386 AGM-114R2 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and related equipment to the Netherlands for $150 million. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 21:20 (UTC+04:00) King Charles III of Great Britain will continue to host Prime Minister Rishi Sunak weekly during cancer treatment, Azernews reports, citing foreign mass media. Buckingham Palace previously reported that the monarch would continue to deal with public affairs and work with papers, although doctors recommended that he refrain from performing public duties during outpatient treatment. The official duties of the monarch include signing laws passed by parliament. Charles III receives documents requiring a royal signature, as well as reports from cabinet members, in the so-called red briefcase every morning. The King also receives the Prime Minister weekly at Buckingham Palace to discuss the most important events in the country and the world. Despite the fact that the British monarch is publicly obliged to remain neutral with all issues of public policy, he has the right to give advice to the Prime Minister and warn him of his disagreement with certain decisions of the Cabinet. These meetings are held in strict confidentiality, and the content of conversations behind closed doors is never recorded. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 20:40 (UTC+04:00) The first tests of unmanned aerial vehicles designed specifically for the needs of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan by representatives of local enterprises took place at the base of the military unit of the Air Defense Forces of the Republic, Azernews reports, citing the Kazakhstan Defense Ministry "All aircraft are equipped with modern video surveillance equipment, sensors, rangefinders and thermal imagers. Various aircraft were presented to the experts. The drones took off into the sky from a catapult using the tension of a special rubber bandage, from a place, rising vertically like a helicopter and continuing to fly like an airplane," the message says. The ministry noted that drones were developed by local enterprises, and in a short time. "Domestic manufacturing companies have tried to take into account all the requirements and requests of the military. The adoption of domestically produced drones will significantly save budget funds, and promptly resolve issues of their subsequent maintenance and modernization," the press service stressed. After the tests were completed, the commission members gave the drone developers recommendations on how to refine the presented models. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 6 February 2024 20:15 (UTC+04:00) Turkiye early Tuesday mourned the victims of the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes that hit the southern part of the country, killing a total of 53,537 people and injuring more than 107,000 others, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. Magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 quakes struck 11 Turkish provinces Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Hatay, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa. More than 14 million people in Turkiye were affected by the quakes, as well as many others in northern Syria. People across the country, including the earthquake-hit provinces, assembled for commemoration ceremonies, honoring the memory of those who perished in the disaster. A moment of silence and homage was held to remember the victims of the 'Disaster of the Century' at 4.17 a.m. local time (0117GMT), the moment the tremor struck. In Antakya, people threw flowers in the Orontes River, known as the Asi River in Turkiye, which flows through the city. Turkiye banded together against 'Disaster of the Century' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised Tuesday to heal the wounds of the victims of the earthquakes. "The pain of the lives we lost in the Kahramanmaras-centered earthquakes that we experienced a year ago continues to burn our hearts as fresh as the first day," Erdogan said on X. Stressing that Turkiye banded together against the 'Disaster of the Century, he said: "Such great disasters and great sufferings are also turning points where the strength of the unity, solidarity and brotherhood of nations is tested." Erdogan also said that the government is working hard to keep its promises to the nation, adding: "We will continue these efforts until we build and revitalize our cities." Later Tuesday, he will be in Kahramanmaras to attend a key handover ceremony to rehouse thousands of survivors. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz February 5, 2024: Rumors that Russia had sent their new T-14 Armata tank to Ukraine proved partially true. T-14s were seen in portions of Ukraine long occupied by the Russians but not anywhere there was combat or contact with Ukrainian troops. Apparently because of the heavy tank losses Russia suffered in the first few months of the war, they were unsure if the untested T-14 would do any better. The T-14 was the result of efforts by Russian tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod to create another breakthrough tank design and, after several false starts, they believed they finally had a winner in their new T-24 tank. The first prototypes of this vehicle began testing in 2013 and rapidly evolved into the T-14 tank, called Armata. This vehicle uses the engine and tracks of earlier tank models, but the heavily armored crew capsule was new. There was also an automated 125mm gun, along with 32 shells or missiles in a turret. There was a coaxial, with the 125mm gun, 7.62mm machine-gun as well as two RWS remote weapon stations on top of the turret for a 30mm autocannon and a 12.7mm machine-gun. In addition to the weapons the three man crew operated several sensor systems including thermal imaging scopes, video cameras and AESA radar. There was also an automatic defense system for protection against missiles and weapons like RPG shaped charge rockets used by the infantry. All this was in a 55-ton vehicle that would require the services of additional maintenance personnel nearby outside the combat zone who would help fix problems and assist the crew in maintaining all this complex equipment. Prototypes of the T-14 were available for field testing in 2014 and first displayed to the public in 2015. It was soon discovered that there were reliability problems with the engine as well as several electronic systems. Uralvagonzavod, like many defense manufacturers of high-tech vehicles, aircraft, ships, missiles, and electronics, had a difficult time staying in business and retaining its skilled workforce after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. That meant orders for armored vehicles disappeared. That slowly improved until 2014 when the Russian economy and defense budget took major hits from lower oil prices plus Western sanctions resulting from the Ukraine invasion. The situation got desperate for Uralvagonzavod as it was surviving on loans and whatever commercial work it could get. The company gambled on developing and marketing the revolutionary T-14 tank and T-15 IFV or Infantry Fighting vehicles. Russian leaders were impressed but there was no money to place large orders and there were no export customers either. The government encouraged work on the T-14 because it was a prestige item that proved Russia was still a major defense developer and manufacturer. That was not true, but the government was willing to scrape up the cash to make it appear so. Rostec stepped in to buy UVZ and keep it going so work on the T-14 and T-15 IFV version could continue. That approach was used by Russia because of much reduced post-Cold War procurement budgets. For example, in early 2021 Russia announced that the army would receive over 400 upgraded tanks and IFVs in the coming year, but none would be the new T-14 tank or T-15 IFV. The T-15 was soon dropped. Upgraded tanks like the T-80BVM filled the gap for the missing T-14s. The Armata was a radical new design for tanks but cost twice as much as an upgraded T-80 or T-72. Since then, the Russian replacement program for elderly Cold War era gear has had to settle for more rebuilds than brand new systems. Russia did announce plans to start building more T-14s in 2022. As of 2023, Armata production was still stalled, but permanently this time because numerous unresolved problems with the T-14 were discovered. The T-14 did not work and never came close to working as an effective combat vehicle. The Ukraine War and production problems have led to a much smaller Russian tank force. By 2021 Russian forces consisted of about 3,000 tanks, with most of the T-72B3. This model was preferred by Russian tank crews because it was more reliable and effective in combat than more recent T-80s and T-90s. For the invasion of Ukraine Russia sent in 2,987 tanks, but only a thousand were the T-72B3. The rest were unimproved T-80s and T-90s as well as some older T-55s and T-62s. Nearly 60 percent of these tanks were destroyed or captured by the Ukrainian forces during the first few months of fighting. After 23 months of fighting Russia had lost 87 percent of the original tank force and were down to 368 tanks, far fewer than Ukraine had. One reason for that was because 40 percent of Russian tank losses were abandoned and then captured intact by the Ukrainians. A new paint job and a Ukrainian crew and suddenly Ukraine had more tanks than Russia. There was another important difference. The Russian tactics were reckless and costly. These used tanks for mass frontal assaults. These were destroyed, or damaged and abandoned, by entrenched or partially hidden Ukrainian tanks, many effective portable anti-tank weapons for the infantry, and armed UAVs that were very effective at destroying or disabling Russian tanks with attacks on the less well armored top of the tanks. The Ukrainians also used more conservative tactics that emphasized keeping Ukrainian losses low. Russia has a population more than three times larger and has openly declared that it will keep fighting until Ukraine runs out of troops and equipment. Then the Russians will be able to declare what is left of Ukraine as Russian, if only because there are so few Ukrainians left. This is a traditional Russian strategy employed against stubborn foes. The T-14 revelations were a minor footnote to the sad state of Russian tank production and usefulness in combat. In late 2023 Russia ordered mass production of its T-80VM tank to replace the many T-72B3M and T-90M tanks lost in Ukraine. While the T-80 was designed to be a successor to the T-72 the similar T-90, that did not happen because the T-80 was more expensive to build and operate. The latest version, the T-80VM, purportedly solves most of those problems, especially if it is mass produced. That is why Uralvagonzavod/UVZ, the largest Russian tank manufacturing plant, has been ordered to retool and start mass production of the T-80VM. This will not be easy because it is expensive and the Uralvagonzavod plant has its own problems. Russia had previously supplied production contracts as well as more loans, to keep Uralvagonzavod from going out of business. Uralvagonzavod, the firm that developed the T-14, has been bankrupt since 2016 and survived because of state-owned Rostec, a holding company that takes over failing, but essential defense firms, to keep them operating. Uralvagonzavod has produced tanks and other armored combat vehicles since World War II and continued after the war. After 1991, most of those military orders stopped but Russia has learned the hard way that, once a lot of these skilled workers are out of work, they use their skills to find new careers or even emigrate and are virtually impossible to get back later. UVZ obtained enough orders for new armored vehicles or upgrading existing ones to sort-of maintain a workforce that, once lost, is extremely difficult and time-consuming to rebuild. The current solution is to have UVZ produce up to 250 T-80VMs a year while also continuing to repair all models of damaged tanks. This is something a different facility of Omsktransmash specializes in but has been overwhelmed by the number of destroyed or damaged tanks resulting from the fighting in Ukraine. 6 February 2024 19:10 (UTC+04:00) The number of crimes reported across Georgia is decreasing, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in its latest update of the figures, adding 64.87 percent of registered crimes had been solved by investigative agencies in 2023, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. The Ministry said 54,177 crimes had been recorded in the country over the past year, of which 35,147 were solved. It added 178 cases of premeditated murder and attempted murder had been registered over the year, a decrease of 8.71 percent from 2022. It is also notable that cases of purposeful severe damage to health have been reduced. The trend of decreasing crimes against property also continues. Cases of theft, including flat burglary, have decreased, the body added. Drug-related crime The Ministry said drug crime detection by law enforcement officers increased by 20.53 percent in 2023, while cybercrime detection improved by 7.3 percent thanks to the effective legal policy by the Ministry. Last year the Ministry identified 6,594 drug crimes and solved 6,172 of them. The numbers were 5,471 and 5,170 respectively in 2022. Road accidents, fires A total of 5,594 road accidents were reported across Georgia in 2023, with 442 people killed and 7,310 injured, the National Statistics Office of Georgia said in its latest update. Last year, 10,564 fires in the country killed 48 people and injured 205 others, while 380 buildings and structures were damaged, the Office said. Trafficking, domestic violence Fifteen crimes of human trafficking were committed in 2023, of which eight were solved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The number of victims of domestic violence stood at 7,773, including 6,534 women and 1,239 men. In 2023, the number of crimes committed against sexual freedom and inviolability increased in proportion to the increase of trust and rate of police reporting from the side of victims, the body said, also claiming the number of reported forced marriage cases had also risen due to public information campaigns raising awareness of the crime in the public. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz "China Mitch" McConnell's support of a much worse than expected Senate border bill has led Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) to issue a call for new GOP Senate leadership to replace McConnell. Senator Lee called McConnell's backing of the bill "a disqualifying betrayal." McConnell chose a supporter of illegal immigratioin, Sen. James Lankford to do a deal with the Democrats on the subject. The Oklahoma Republican Party has already voted to censure and withdraw all support to Lankford over his border sellout to Biden. The border bill legalizes an illegal procedure, Biden's "parole pipeline" that brought 1.1 million illegal aliens into the US last year, and it further grants amnesty and automatic work permits to many of the lawbreaking illegal aliens now in the country. Some are now dubbing it the "Invasion Authorization Act." House Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise have declared it "dead on arrivael" in the House, and redoubled their refusal to even give it a vote in the House. The bill also contains no meaningful controls on the border, and allows 5,000 illegal aliens a day, or over one and a half million a year, to enter. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/2838124/mcconnell-border-bill-foes-smell-blood/ https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/feb/5/mike-lee-accuses-republican-leadership-of-disquali/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13047987/Knives-Mitch-McConnell-border-bill-Republicans-start-calls-kick-leadership-accuse-bromance-Democrats-package-thats-betrayal-American-people.html https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/02/05/mike-lee-senate-gop-needs-new-leadership-now-border-bill-disqualifying-betrayal/ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/02/05/don-jr-calls-mcconnell-a-mentally-declining-pro-amnesty-turtle-after-border-bill-unveiled/ https://redstate.com/mike_miller/2024/02/04/wouldnt-it-be-more-orderly-mayorkas-says-america-needs-more-illegal-aliens-in-softball-interview-n2169633 https://redstate.com/beccalower/2024/02/04/senate-finally-releases-already-draft-of-already-doa-package-for-border-israel-and-ukraine-n2169650 UPDATE: Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina is one of twenty Republicans who have announced their opposition to this excrement sandwich of a bill. Most of the rest of the Republicans are officially, at least, unannounced, although it is known that McConnell, Lankford, Tillis, and Rounds support it. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/02/update-opposition-grows-20-senate-republicans-pledge-reject/ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/2839410/john-barrasso-opposes-ukraine-border-bill/ With all the furor of betrayal from the Republican base, even Mitch McConnell has now backtracked and told Republican senators they should vote against the Lankford / Schumer bill, at least for now. https://redstate.com/streiff/2024/02/06/mitch-mcconnell-urges-gop-senators-to-vote-against-the-border-security-bill-n2169708 February 5, 2024: As has been recently demonstrated in Ukraine, you cant teach experience. Its something that requires actually doing the deed or using training methods that accurately portray what you need experience in handling. This was evident during the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive in southern Ukraine. The nine new Ukrainian armored brigades involved were equipped with 230 tanks and 1,550 other armored vehicles. Some of the new tanks and IFVs were Western models but most were the Russian type tanks and IFVs (Infantry fighting vehicles) Ukraine had many of and had long used. There was also additional artillery ammunition, HIMARS missiles and long range Scalp guided bombs as well as short range anti-aircraft missiles. There were also specialized armored engineer vehicles for clearing paths through minefields. There were UAVs (Unmanned Aerial vehicles) for reconnaissance, surveillance and spotting targets for artillery, missiles or longer range weapons. But those nine new brigades werent very effective. Back in 1982 the U.S. Army came up with a solution to the problem the Ukrainians encountered. The Americans created a large National Training Center (NTC) where army combat brigades could confront a realistic Russian opponent. The NTC is a 147,000-hectare facility in the Mojave Desert at Ft Irwin, California. There the United States Army revolutionized the training of ground combat troops during the 1980s with the development of MILES laser-tag equipment for infantry and armored vehicles and the use of MILES in a large, wired to record all activities, combat training area. Other countries soon realized the importance of these innovations, and a few built their own NTC clones. NTC-type training centers are usually built to enable a combat brigade to go through several weeks of very realistic combat exercises. NTC training was not only very close to the experience troops encountered in combat, but it also stressed commanders the same way actual combat does. This enables commanders to test themselves and their subordinate commanders before they get into a real fight. You can also use NTC facilities to experiment with new tactics in addition to keeping troops well trained in whatever the current tactics are. This includes counter-terror operations as well as the kind of novel combat tactics that might be encountered in the future. Ukrainian troops had received several weeks of additional training before joining in their 2023 offensive. What was missing was enough additional training for the new brigades, as brigades, to learn how to operate effectively in a combined arms operation involving so many different types of equipment and capabilities. A few weeks of combined arms training for the brigades would have made a big difference by developing skills needed to integrate and operate all the new equipment effectively. That lack of training was evident after the offensive began and was slowed down by Russian defenders who were outnumbered and not as lavishly equipped. Defending does not require as much training or additional weapons to succeed. While the NTC is primarily for peacetime training, it can be used in wartime if there is time to send the brigades to an NTC for three weeks of additional training. During the 2003-2011 Iraq War, several national guard brigades, which were composed of reservists, were sent to the NTC before going to Iraq. NTC training was modified for Iraq War conditions and the troops who trained there found the training useful because many things later encountered in Iraq, they had already experienced at the NTC. Ukrainian military leaders have long been aware of the NTC concept, which has been adapted by many nations since the 1980s. Ukraine does not have one and none of its brigades have actually used one. Nevertheless, Ukraine supplies the United States and other NATO nations with advice on how to modify their current NTC training to represent the current state of the Russian forces. The NATO countries report back to Ukraine any NTC revelations that might help the Ukrainian forces. Ukraine has long been aware of how important NTC-type training is. For example, in 2014 Ukraine persuaded a German firm to cancel a signed $134 million contract to build a NTC-like military training facility for Russia. This cancellation was the result of the growing list of economic sanctions on Russia as a result of the 2014 Ukraine crisis. Many Russians feared the Ukrainian land-grab would cause major economic damage, but in the case of this German contract, the loss was meant to hinder Russian efforts to modernize and upgrade their armed forces. This training center contract was to enable Russia to join the United States, Germany, China, Israel, and many other major military powers who are benefitting from the use of instrumented combat training centers. Russia had hired Rheinmetall, a German firm that built such a training range in 2008 for Germany, to build a very similar training center in Russia. Since 2003 Israel has been using and expanding its own NTC. This is a 39,000 hectare TTC Tactical Training Center at Ze'elim in the Negev desert. In addition to wide-open areas for the training of armor, infantry, and artillery units, there are several villages and urban areas wired for training troops to fight in close quarters. Israel has now developed a portable version of this technology and many other innovations as well. China opened its own version of an NTC in 2010. The Chinese NTC was a big deal. It meant the Chinese were really serious about training their ground combat troops to the highest standards. This kind of training is serious business, in part because it's expensive to use an NTC. Not just the fuel and ammo the troops will use, but the expense of a staff to run the NTC and perform as the OPFOR opposing force. American intelligence officers identify and track which units go through the Chinese NTC and mark them as likely to be much more effective in combat. Ft Irwin itself has been expanded and since the 1980s the United States has established many similar training centers, all using lots of electronics to assist the trainees in having a realistic experience while also enabling them to see their mistakes and learn from them. Israeli and American manufacturers have individually, or through collaboration, developed new features for NTC-type facilities. These include portable equipment that can allow any area to be wired to provide the same effect by constant monitoring and recording of everything everyone does. There are also Vehicle Player Units (VPUs) that make Hummers appear as armored vehicles, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, or artillery as needed for the monitoring system. This saves a lot of money by not using the real thing. There is also a system that releases different colored smoke when a vehicle is hit, indicating if it is damaged or destroyed. Helicopters and warplanes, for example, were eventually modified so they could operate as part of NTC exercises. One of the critical aspects of this type of training is the playback. Instructors can edit the electronic record of who did what when and show commanders and troops where they made mistakes. This feedback made the troops and their commanders more effective in future combat operations. There will be fewer surprises. Blocked from buying an NTC from Germany, Russia considered turning to China, which has built modern military training centers. These were not as effective as the one Germany was offering Russia but were probably good enough. Russia never did get a training center able to train brigade-size units in a realistic and effective fashion. Russia subsequently built smaller, more tactical training centers using some of the concepts found effective in NTCs. This did not make up for the absence of a proper NTC and that proved to be the case when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. 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? Dallas-based Steward Health Care's financial woes have come to a head in recent weeks and forced the physician-led system to take action. Steward is the largest private, tax-paying hospital system in the country with 33 hospitals, more than 25 urgent care centers and 107 preferred skilled nursing facilities. The system reports caring for around 2.2 million patients annually and providing 12 million patient encounters per year alongside the Steward Medical Group, which handles more than 6 million patient encounters annually. The system has shrunk in the last year and more changes are on the horizon. Last year, Steward sold its sites in Utah to Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, which included five hospitals and 35 medical group clinics. Steward also closed Texas Vista Medical Center in San Antonio last spring. In January, Steward closed Port Arthur-based Medical Center of Southeast Texas after realizing the campus was underutilized, according to a spokesperson. Medical Center of Southeast Texas was a physician-owned hospital with two locations, and it consolidated into one. News circulated in late January that Steward was looking to sell four Massachusetts hospitals after falling $50 million behind on rent to Medical Properties Trust. Steward points to low pay rates from government payers as contributing to its financial challenges, as a large percentage of its patients are on Medicare or Medicaid. Lawmakers worried Steward may close some of its Massachusetts locations, but Michael Callum, MD, executive vice president of Steward, told Becker's the system is working on a "significant financial transaction" that would stabilize operations and avoid hospital closures in the state. Steward is a for-profit health system that had private equity backing from Cerberus Capital Management until 2020. Lawmakers in Massachusetts are scrutinizing the for-profit model of healthcare amid Steward's financial challenges. "I think the underlying message is that the for-profit model does not work," U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., told WBUR, a nonprofit local news organization. "[Steward] is a for-profit healthcare network, and I firmly believe that it's very difficult to pursue two missions: to generate profits and still provide high quality healthcare." Other health systems have also made moves to distance themselves from Steward after raising questions about the quality of care. Mass General Brigham removed physicians from two Steward hospital campuses on Jan. 26 after certain surgical equipment wasn't guaranteed. The physicians may return to the hospitals if Mass General deems they have the tools needed to safely perform surgery. Kozhaya Sokhon, MD, a cardiologist at AdvaCardio in The Woodlands, Texas, has been arrested and accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with multiple patients. Multiple patients have made similar complaints about Dr. Sokhon, according to a Feb. 2 press release from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Dr. Sokhon has been charged with indecent assault by a healthcare provider. Dr. Sokhon faced legal trouble in 2022 as well, when he and 14 other physicians had to pay $2.83 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations. A new ASC in Orlando, Fla., has secured $22.5 million in funding from Raleigh, N.C.-based First Citizens Bank. The ASC will have six operating rooms, 23 beds and will house services for bariatrics, cardiology, endoscopy, general surgery, neurology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology and plastic and vascular surgery, according to a Feb. 6 press release. Wahiawa (Hawaii) General Hospital shut down inpatient operations for multiple days due to a broken air conditioning system, KITV News reported Feb. 5. The 66-bed acute care facility discharged more than half a dozen patients and transferred eight others the week of Feb. 2, to different locations after assessing the equipment and thinking initially it would be a multiple week-long issue. After that assessment, the hospital "made the decision out of an abundance of care for our patients and our staff that we needed to call an internal disaster," Brian Cunningham, CEO of Wahiawa General Hospital told KITV. However, the issue has since been resolved. The hospital is housed in a facility that is more than 80 years old, and its aging infrastructure is partially to blame. "At times there may not be sufficient cash or money coming in to invest in infrastructure. And that's a real challenge because hospitals are such a critical component of the healthcare delivery system," said Hilton Raethel, head of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, told KITV regarding the incident. The hospital is slated to be acquired April 2 by Queen's Health System. Becker's reached out to Wahiawa General Hospital and will update the story if additional information is provided. U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin has expressed concerns to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers over the planned closure of two Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals and regional health centers the system operates with Green Bay, Wis.-based Prevea Health. "Rural communities, like those in the Third Congressional District, are continuously left on the sidelines when it comes to accessible healthcare, and these hospital closures will only make it more difficult for Wisconsinites to get the medical care they need," Mr. Van Orden said in a Feb. 5 letter addressed to Mr. Evers. HSHS' Eau Claire, Wis.-based Sacred Heart Hospital is expected to close on or before April 21. The health system's Chippewa Falls, Wis.-based St. Joseph's Hospital will be closing on or before March 22, with the Prevea Health clinics closing on or before June 30. "I have been in constant contact with all relevant stakeholders to develop solutions for the 1,400 western Wisconsinites that are out of a job and rural Wisconsin families that will shortly be without medical care," Mr. Van Orden said in the letter. The letter also noted that the hospital and clinic closures will result in the loss of two of four emergency rooms; rural and urban EMS services; a cancer center with more than 400 patients, 100 of whom are actively undergoing treatment; more than 100 medical beds, including 15 critical care beds; a wound care clinic with hyperbaric capabilities and more than 175 existing patients; the only inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit in Western Wisconsin; a dialysis treatment center with 50 patients; and a birthing center that is anticipated to serve anywhere from 900 to 1,200 pregnant mothers. Calling the closures "a dire situation," Mr. Van Orden urged Mr. Evers to join him in requesting all available state and federal resources to bolster care access in Wisconsin. Mr. Van Orden's letter comes as Mr. Evers connected with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development leaders and other local leaders to provide the community with updates regarding the closures. "Our administration is working diligently to help connect affected workers with jobs, ensure patients have uninterrupted access to care, and coordinate with insurers to make sure that people retain continuous, affordable insurance coverage," Mr. Evers said in a Feb. 5 press release shared with Becker's. "We're going to keep working to find immediate and long-term solutions to help address these challenges with every tool and resource that we have at the state level." The state DWD and the West Central Works Workforce Development Board are planning to host multiple community job fairs with healthcare and other regional employers in an effort to aid the approximately 1,400 employees being affected by the closures. "Through the coordinated rapid response efforts, this support includes assistance with job search and placement, unemployment insurance application assistance, interview preparation, career counseling, and navigation of child care and health insurance information, among other resources," Amy Pechacek, secretary of the Wisconsin DWD, said in the release. The Department of Health Services is also working to help provide transitional healthcare access to HSHS and Prevea patients affected by the closures. "We are especially concerned about patients with ongoing care needs, pregnant women, and those with mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorders," Den Strandridge, deputy secretary of the Wisconsin DHS, said in the release. "These issues are not going away, and to address the urgent needs of patients in the Chippewa Valley, we are working with other regional providers, including the Marshfield and Mayo Clinic systems, to open up access to the greatest extent possible." Becker's has reached out to Springfield, Ill.-based HSHS for comment regarding the letter and will update this story as more information becomes available. Danbury, Connecticut-based Nuvance Health's certificate of need to terminate labor and delivery services at its Sharon (Conn.) Hospital has been denied by the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy. In a final decision document, obtained by Becker's, the state's OHS reviewed and determined that Nuvance's certificate of need application had failed to meet the specific requirements to shutter the 78-bed hospital's labor and delivery services. "Based on careful evaluation of those criteria, OHS determined that denying Sharon Hospital's application to terminate its inpatient labor and delivery services was most consistent with our statutory responsibilities in promoting equal access to high quality health care, controlling costs and ensuring better health for the people of Connecticut," a spokesperson for the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy said in a statement shared with Becker's. Nuvance initially submitted the certificate of need on Jan. 12, 2022, which was deemed complete on May 11, 2022, according to the document. Calling it a "tenuous situation," Nuvance Health pointed to years of low volume and ongoing difficulties to find adequate physician and nursing staff for its reason behind wanting to close the unit. "As a small community hospital within a non-profit health system, Sharon Hospital faces substantial financial and operational challenges to its continued operation of a Labor & Delivery unit," Andrea Rynn, a Nuvance Health spokesperson, said in a statement shared with Becker's. Following the application denial, Nuvance will be considering all available options as it reassesses the path forward, Ms. Rynn said . Hong Kong police said a finance worker at an unnamed multinational corporation was duped into paying out $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake technology to pose as the company's CFO, CNN reported Feb. 4. The worker attended a video meeting with what he thought were several other members of the company's staff, but were actually deepfake recreations, in which AI is used to replace one person's likeness with another, according to the report. The worker was initially suspicious after receiving a message purportedly from the company's U.K.-based CFO asking about the need for a secret transaction to be carried out, according to the report. Those concerns were put aside after the video call because the other people in attendance looked and sounded like colleagues he recognized. The worker agreed to remit the equivalent of about $25.6 million. The scam was discovered after the employee later checked with the company's head office, according to the report. When it comes to money, Gen Zers and millennials are insecure. But many of them don't need to be and that "money dysmorphia" is hurting their financial decisions, according to a recent survey from Credit Karma. In December, the personal finance company surveyed 1,006 U.S. adults over the age of 19 regarding their attitudes toward money. Their findings: Approximately 45% of millennials and Gen Zers are "obsessed with the idea of being rich." As such, 48% of Gen Zers feel "behind" financially, along with 59% of millennials. Forty-three percent of Gen Zers say they experience "money dysmorphia," alongside 41% of millennials. However, 37% of those who self-report the condition have more than $10,000 in savings, and 23% have more than $30,000 in savings. By comparison, the median savings balance for Americans is $5,300. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans with money dysmorphia do not believe they will ever be rich, despite a preoccupation with becoming wealthy. This money dysmorphia has legitimate consequences, according to the survey: 95% of those with the condition say it negatively affects their finances. The pessimistic outlook toward their own wealth capacity has held young people back from building savings, and promoted overspending and debt accumulation. Social media has contributed to the issue, according to Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma. Young people are no longer comparing their successes to those in their immediate circles they're comparing themselves to the polished, curated grandeur of celebrities and influencers all around the world. "A lot of people are examining their finances and comparing themselves to their peers, people on social media, and even celebrities, which is bringing up feelings of inadequacy," Ms. Alev said. "This distortion between perception and reality can prevent people from taking steps towards achieving their financial goals." Financial fear is nothing new, Bloomberg opinion columnist Erin Lowry reported Feb. 6, citing the scarcity mentality that dominated after the Great Depression. Both the Greatest Generation and Generation Z experienced "once in a lifetime," generation-defining events in formative years. COVID-19 has left a lingering sense of insecurity, compounded by frequent talk of impossible housing and child care prices, and the impending doom of large-scale layoffs. "These headlines can easily overshadow the reality that the US economy is pretty healthy," Ms. Lowry wrote, "at least for now." The Becker's Hospital Review website uses cookies to display relevant ads and to enhance your browsing experience. By continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you have read, that you understand, and that you accept our Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy February 5, 2024: As Chinas merchant and submarine fleets increase, the government decided to protect their surface and underwater ships by mapping ocean bottoms of military interest. Special survey ships are used and the first area to be mapped is the Western Pacific, especially the South China Sea, which is relatively shallow and full of underwear obstacles that are close enough to the surface to be a danger to large ships. China is well aware of the experience Americans SSN crews have encountered with poorly prepared undersea charts and is seeking to avoid those problems with its new survey ships and their findings. American SSNs (nuclear powered submarines) have already encountered such problems in the Pacific Ocean twice times in the past 20 years. The first such collision occurred in 2006 and the reason was a lack of updated charts, the nautical maps showing underwater obstacles on all SSNs. The SSN San Francisco hit the top of an underwater mountain at a depth of over 500 feet and speed over 50 kilometers an hour, smashing the sonar equipment that fills the bow (front) of the sub as the boat careened off to one side. The sub's sudden change of speed and direction was unexpected by the crew. 90 percent of the 138-man crew were injured and one later died. Most of the injuries were minor, but a third of the crew had serious problems like broken bones, dislocated shoulders, concussions, and cuts. Fortunately, the two sailors with medical training were not injured, and were able to prevent all but one of the injuries, a bad concussion, from getting worse. The navy used its study of the San Francisco medical situation to make changes in how subs are equipped, and sailors trained, to deal with large scale injuries. The navy also noted that 15 percent of the crew still had psychological problems months after the accident. This is not unusual for sailors involved in a large-scale accident. But there were other reasons for poor morale among the San Francisco sailors. The sea mount the sub hit had been spotted by survey satellites in 1999 and 2004, but the intelligence agency responsible, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, said it didn't have the money to update naval charts. Neither did the navy, or anyone else. Because of this American submarines were allowed to continue moving around amidst all manner of uncharted hazards. Despite this problem, the sailors on duty when the San Francisco hit the seamount were punished for not having taken more frequent depth soundings, which would have indicated they might be approaching an obstacle, or consulting another map than the one originally used that showed a possible seamount five kilometers from where they actually collided with one. The navy held the crew responsible for the collision. Six members of the crew were given non-judicial, no court martial, punishment for their actions, or inactions, that caused the accident. The six sailors punished included officers, senior Petty Officers (NCOs) and lower ranking sailors. Punishment ranged from letters of reprimand to reduction in rank. The charges were hazarding a vessel and dereliction of duty. The investigators concluded that these six crewmen could have detected the approaching sea mount and taken evasive action if they had followed proper procedures. The captain of the sub was relieved earlier of command. At the same time, the navy also gave awards, for helping save the submarine after the collision, to eighteen NCOs and two officers. These included two Meritorious Service Medals, nine Commendation Medals, four Achievement Medals and five Letters Of Commendation. The lack of courts martial indicates that the navy didn't feel it had strong enough evidence for that approach, which is more like a jury trial, and demands more compelling evidence. The non-judicial punishment hurts, but does not destroy, the career of a submariner. This is because the navy has a hard time recruiting qualified people for this kind of work. The navy could have held one or more courts martial, but apparently were convinced that just using the non-judicial punishment would get the matter behind them with a minimum of fuss and penalty. The charges in the non-judicial hearings were of the you should have seen this coming and been a more cautious variety. Anyone who knows anything about nuclear submarines, and their crews, knows that these are the most cautious and deliberate sailors in the fleet. Eventually, more details of these proceedings, and the collision itself, came out and confirmed the facts of the case. The real reason for the San Francisco incident was the Navys failure to update its charts showing potential underwater hazards to submarines. That was thought to have been remedied after the 2005 incident and all ships were supposed to have the electronic charts that are part of the new VMS Voyage Management System that not only uses electronic copies of charts, but quickly updates charts when new underwater obstacles are detected. This is done via space satellites or various seagoing data collection systems. In 2016 the navy installed a new VMS system version 9.3 in American SSNs. Crews are given initial training on these new systems before they depart on a cruise, where the two senior officers, and especially the COB, are responsible for ensuring that all sailors involved with navigation are properly trained to handle the VMS and the new charts. The second American SSN underwater seamount collision occurred in October 2021 to the very advanced and expensive Seawolf class SSN Connecticut. The damage was so severe that the sub had to surface immediately, and some ballast tanks were damaged so the sub could not remain underwater. It was also feared that there might have been a radiation leak but none of the radiation monitoring sensors on the sub detected any. The navy relieved the captain of the Connecticut along with the second in command executive officer, and the COB, or Chief of the Boat, the senior NCO on the sub. These key personnel were relieved for poor navigation procedures and failure to train the crew to do it right. Now the submarine command wants to find out the extent of the problem by similarly scrutinizing the status of navigation training and capabilities on all SSNs. The navy also realized that its training of such key submarine officers might have been at fault. Soon the commander of all American subs and the commander of subs based in the Pacific agreed that an emergency halt in regular operations to assess the state of navigation training among SSN crews. The subsequent investigation found that one major problem was poor training and supervision of the officers and sailors who handle underwater navigation. HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Ill., has promoted Ashish Tokhi, MD, from interim to permanent chief physician executive. Dr. Tokhi has held the role in an interim capacity since September, according to a Feb. 6 news release shared with Becker's. He has served Hospital Sisters Health System since 2008, beginning his career there as an internal medicine primary care physician at Decatur, Ill.-based St. Mary's Hospital. For the past decade, he has served as the medical director for inpatient services at HSHS Medical Group in the Illinois region. He succeeds Gurpreet Mander, MD, who now serves as chief medical officer at Phoenix-based Banner University Medicine. Hospital Sisters Health System is also based in Springfield. University Medical Center New Orleans, part of LCMC Health, also based in New Orleans, has appointed several leaders to new roles on its executive team. John Nickens IV has been appointed as the CEO, according to a Feb. 1 hospital news release shared with Becker's. Mr. Nickens will serve in this role while continuing as president of the LCMC Health hospital services, according to the release. UMC also announced Allison Guste, BSN, RN, as chief nursing officer. Ms. Guste will serve in this role and also as the LCMC Health vice president of nursing and clinical services, according to the release. Tom Patrias was named COO of UMC. Mr. Patrias previously served as CEO of New Orleans-based Tulane Medical Center and Metairie, La.-based Lakeside Hospital. C.J. Marbley, COO and chief nursing officer at New Orleans East Hospital, will expand his role to serve as UMC vice president of nursing services, according to the release. Paula Baker is leaving from the helm of Joplin, Mo.-based Freeman Health System. "Today, Paula Baker, Freeman President and CEO for over 13 years, formally announced her retirement giving a one-year notice," the health system wrote in a Jan. 25 Facebook post. "Her many accomplishments will remain forever, and she will be greatly missed." Local news stations, including KZRG and KSN16, reported that she plans to spend more time with family. "My son is a 16-year-old sophomore in high school, those days are passing by so quickly and I need to spend some priority time with him while he is at home," Ms. Baker told KZRG. "I'm sure any parent could understand." The health system has not announced a successor. If artificial intelligence goes all Terminator on us and destroys humanity, don't say health system leaders didn't try. While digital execs told Becker's that such "bad science fiction" fears about AI are overblown, they still feel a responsibility to promote safe AI given that healthcare is expected to be one of the top users of the technology. "AI is the single biggest technological advancement, maybe ever, at least in my 30 years in technology. Its ability to impact positive outcomes for our patients or caregivers is unprecedented," said B.J. Moore, CIO of Renton, Wash.-based Providence. "So it's got to be safe. We obviously don't want patients to get hurt. We don't want our credibility to get hurt. We don't want the technology's credibility to get hurt." To that end, his health system built its own internal generative AI platform, ProvidenceChat, that tracks the questions employees are posing. "If they use ChatGPT, we have no way to know if they're asking it to build nuclear bombs or using it responsibly," Mr. Moore said. Karandeep Singh, MD, chief health AI officer of UC San Diego Health, said the potential dangers of AI fall into four buckets: increasing inequities and biases; opening us up to more cyberattacks and data breaches; replacing human workers (such as medical scribes); and automating "mission critical" tasks such as military operations and nuclear infrastructure. Healthcare's conservative nature could help restrain AI as a whole, he said. Medical associations, for instance, have been coming out with statements effectively opposing AI automation in healthcare. "The really big fears largely rely on us automating some key aspect of human judgment to AI technology. In healthcare, that goes against the Hippocratic Oath," Dr. Singh said. "So I think you're going to really see an avoidance of delegating judgments to AI, except maybe in situations where the harms are really minimal or not really there at all, like smart scheduling or making sure our ORs are used to their maximum capacity." John Halamka, MD, president of Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Platform, recently returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he said AI was the biggest topic of conversation, over even climate change and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. However, no one brought up any apocalyptic warnings about AI, what he called "bad science fiction where you start with the AI and, before you know it, the robots are taking over the humans." Rather, the biggest fear less cinematic though still important is that algorithms will cause harm because of bias and being developed with incomplete datasets. Dr. Halamka contends that healthcare's use of AI is making everyone more careful about the technology. "Ask your favorite tech CEO: 'Would you use generative AI today to diagnose your family's medical conditions and treat them?' And they will say, 'That's just not an appropriate use case right now,'" he said. "The notion of what the risks could be of using generative AI in healthcare is causing every industry leader to be reflective." Nigam Shah, PhD, chief data scientist at Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford Health Care, said AI is unlikely to be given enough autonomy that it wrests control of a hospital and starts operating on patients. He also believes health system leaders' responsibility is to ensure AI is used safely within healthcare. "We do not build these systems, and it is a bit out of scope to claim to ensure safety for society writ large," Dr. Shah said. "We healthcare systems can certainly be thoughtful buyers and only work with technology vendors that commit to building safe AI systems." Crystal Broj, chief digital transformation officer of Charleston, S.C.-based MUSC Health, said AI should be looked at as another member of the care team one that will always need its work reviewed by a senior (human) staffer. "By distinguishing between realistic and speculative concerns about AI, we can focus on practical risk mitigation and contribute to the responsible advancement of AI in society," she said. AI also brings an opportunity for healthcare to finally prove its technological worth, and influence the direction of a potentially world-altering tool, according to Mr. Moore. "Healthcare has missed every wave of technology," he said. "We're always the laggards. We're always 15 or 20 years behind. I would love, in five years from now, not only do we see the positive impacts of AI I would love other industries to look to healthcare for the first time ever and say, 'Wow, healthcare really transformed with AI. How can we learn from them?'" Health systems have been quick to try out the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset that went on sale Feb. 2. A California health system just bought 30 of them. San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare purchased the devices which run $3,500 apiece to test for a variety of uses, including working with EHR vendor Epic to investigate healthcare applications for the Vision Pro, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Feb. 5. The device employs so-called "spatial computing," which displays 3-D graphics and videos over real-life settings. Some of the potential deployments include nurse managers visualizing vital signs for their nurses' patients; staffers watching video feeds of patients at risk of falling; and physicians checking medical records virtually on the way in to see patients, according to the story. "Now I'm armed, before I go into the exam room, with all of the knowledge organized visually and conveniently," Tommy Korn, MD, an ophthalmologist and chief physician evangelist of mobile-first for Sharp HealthCare, told the newspaper. "Now I can share that information with the patient and not be focused on the computer." A judge recently ruled in favor of Steward Carney Hospital and its former president, Bill Walczak, declaring that neither engaged in defamation or retaliation when firing 31 employees more than a decade ago. The verdict reported by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly on Feb. 2 was delivered in Suffolk (Mass.) Superior Court on Dec. 18. The case was brought by nine former nurses at the Dorchester, Mass.-based hospital; they were among 31 employees on the adolescent psychiatry unit whom Mr. Walczak fired early in his tenure. In April 2011, it was discovered that four patients on the unit had suffered sexual or physical abuse over a three-week span. Although the plaintiffs were not directly involved in the abuse, Mr. Walczack believed they were part of a "broken" culture and sought to start anew. The nurses alleged the hospital and Mr. Walczak had retaliated against them for whistleblowing, as they had raised concerns about the unit's operations, including understaffing. Although there were proven staffing issues on the unit as there are across the health system they could not be directly tied to the firings, the court ruled. The nurses also alleged the defendants defamed them in hospitalwide emails and conversations with The Boston Globe; however, the jury did not agree. The verdict "clarified that the desire to create a new culture in a workplace is a legitimate reason to take action," according to Robert Young, the defendants' attorney. The judge did not initially grant the defendants statutory costs though they have argued the award of certain taxable costs is "required as a matter of course." The plaintiffs' attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial, writing: "The overwhelming evidence at trial was that Mr. Walczak made statements in writing about the Nurses, that those statements falsely implicated them in patient abuse and were as a matter of law defamatory, that the statements were so understood by dozens of people, and that the Nurses each suffered significant emotional distress and reputational damage as a result." The hospital and its parent company, Dallas-based Steward Health Care, have not returned Becker's requests for comment. From a medical biller ordered to pay more than $336 million in restitution to a serial fraudster sentenced to 10 years in prison for his latest scheme, here are 12 healthcare billing fraud cases Becker's has reported on since Jan. 19: 1. The operator of a medical billing company was sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay over $336 million in restitution for an elaborate healthcare billing fraud, wire fraud and identity theft scheme. 2. The owner of a Livonia, Mich.-based home health care company was sentenced to nine years in prison for orchestrating a nearly $2.8 million fraud scheme. 3. A California man convicted multiple times for healthcare fraud was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his latest scheme. 4. A Spokane, Wash.-based physician agreed to pay $95,000 to resolve allegations he ordered medically unnecessary durable medical equipment as part of a kickback scheme. 5. A Florida man was arrested on charges of submitting false Medicare claims exceeding $17 million through his two medical supply companies. 6. Two former leaders at an Arkansas medical supply business took a plea deal amid allegations of a kickback scheme, and they were ordered to pay more than $5 million in restitution. 7. The U.S. and State of Washington filed a suit against Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare Health for allegedly fraudulently billing federal healthcare programs for spine surgeries performed by Jason Dreyer, DO, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane between 2019 and 2021. 8. New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital agreed to pay $801,000 to resolve allegations that two radiology practices improperly billed federal healthcare programs for images used in image-guided radiation therapy treatments. 9. The former and current owners of a Philadelphia pharmacy agreed to pay more than $4.6 million to settle allegations of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for nonexistent prescriptions. 10. The former president and CEO of Whittier, Calif-based Santa Maria's Children and Family Center was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for submitting fraudulent claims to the state's Medicaid program. 11. The former president of New Jersey pharmacies was sentenced to three years of prison after pleading guilty to a three-year healthcare fraud scheme amounting to $32 million. 12. An Idaho-based clinic chain and its owners agreed to pay $2 million to settle allegations they used vulnerable or inexperienced medical staff to fraudulently bill federal healthcare programs. A man who pleaded guilty to conspiring with five former employees of Memphis, Tenn.-based Methodist Hospital to unlawfully disclose patient information has been sentenced to five years of probation. Roderick Harvey, 42, was sentenced to five years of probation for his role in a conspiracy to violate HIPAA, according to a Jan. 31 Justice Department news release. He was also ordered to serve one year of the probationary period in home detention and was fined $50,000. The sentencing came after Mr. Harvey pleaded guilty to his involvement in April 2023. Prosecutors say that between November 2017 and December 2020, Mr. Harvey paid Kirby Dandridge, Sylvia Taylor, Kara Thompson, Melanie Russell and Adrianna Taber to provide him with names and phone numbers of patients who had been involved in motor vehicle accidents. They say he then sold the information to third parties including personal injury attorneys and chiropractors. The five former hospital employees were sentenced after pleading guilty last year to disclosing patient information to Mr. Harvey, according to the Justice Department. The sentences were as follows: Kirby Dandridge: One year of probation and a $2,500 fine Kara Thompson: One year of probation and a $3,000 fine Sylvia Taylor: Two years of probation Adrianna Taber: One year of probation and a $1,000 fine Melanie Russell: Time served and supervised release for six months Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, the hospital's parent organization, shared the following statement with Becker's last April: "We expect our associates to uphold the highest integrity and moral compass, and require all employees to complete HIPAA privacy training. There are serious consequences for individuals who violate privacy policies." Becker's has reached out to the hospital and will update the story if more information becomes available. Violence against nurses in the workplace is rising, and healthcare employers are failing to address it. The combination of the two is hurting recruitment and retention, according to a report published Feb. 5 from National Nurses United. A vast majority of nurses 81.6% reported to NNU for the report that they have experienced workplace violence, with half stating they have seen instances of violence increase in the last year. "As a result, nurses are subjected to multiple impacts of workplace violence, including physical and mental injury," the report summary states. "Injuries, including both physical and non-physical, can result in long-term physical and mental harm, resulting in RNs requiring medical care, taking time off work, and/or considering leaving their jobs or profession altogether." In total, 60% of nurses say workplace violence has led them to change jobs, leave jobs or at least consider leaving the job or even the profession entirely, according to the report. And more than a quarter, 26.3%, feel violence has increased significantly in the last year alone. Specifically, nurses reported the following experience to NNU: Verbally threatened 67.8% Physically threatened 38.7% Pinched or scratched 37.3% Slapped, punched, or kicked 36.2% Objects thrown at you 34.6% Verbally harassed based on your sex or appearance 33.3% Spat on or exposed to other bodily fluids 29.9% Groped or touched inappropriate 19.8% Around 18% noted they have not experienced workplace violence at all. But as the number of these instances rise, some hospitals and health systems are struggling to implement solutions. Proactive measures including, unit-specific workplace violence prevention plans created with employee input and appropriate staffing levels are recommendations that have been proven to help mitigate these instances when they rise, but the NNU's report, which included an analysis of these measures found that "many health care employers continue to fail to implement these essential protections." The NNU report was compiled using data collected between January 2023 and Dec. 31, 2023, from a survey given by the organization to nurses in hospitals, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, medical settings and a small percentage of retired nurses and those who have left healthcare. Focus groups were also conducted to further drill into specific trends. CMS has sent a letter to HCA's Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., to notify leadership that the hospital is in immediate jeopardy and must take action to avert the loss of federal funding, according to letters obtained by the Asheville Watchdog. In a Feb. 1 letter addressed to Chad Patrick, CEO of Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Center, CMS set a Feb. 6 deadline for the hospital to submit a plan of correction to address deficiencies and avoid losing Medicare and Medicaid funding. "You may avert the termination by removing the immediate jeopardy conditions or coming into compliance with the hospital Conditions of Participation within 23 days from the date of this notice (February 24, 2024)," CMS said in its letter. Late last year, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services conducted inspections at the hospital on behalf of CMS and, in its initial findings, recommended the hospital be placed in immediate jeopardy. Inspectors with the NCDHHS noted nine deficiencies related to incidents that happened at the hospital between April 2022 and November 2023, which resulted in immediate jeopardy identifications on Dec. 1 and Dec. 9. Details on what led to the immediate jeopardy identifications are limited, but in its Feb. 1 letter to hospital leaders, CMS said Mission failed to meet standards for the following conditions of participation: governing body, emergency services, nursing services, patients' rights, quality assurance and laboratory services. Hospital officials have indicated they intend on submitting the plan of correction by the Feb. 6 deadline and that they had started taking steps to address issues when they received the initial findings from the health department. "There are no excuses for our patients receiving anything other than exceptional care, and Mission Health has already taken action based on the preliminary findings shared last month," Nancy Lindell, a spokesperson for the hospital, said in a statement sent to Becker's Feb. 6. "We are pleased to hear from our EMS partners and patients that those actions are yielding positive results, including decreased wait times for care. We respect the process of these surveys and will submit our corrective action plan to CMS by their deadline. Again, these findings are not the standard of care we expect, nor that our patients deserve, and we are working diligently to improve." The Ashville Watchdog also obtained an internal email HCA Healthcare North Carolina Division President Greg Lowe sent to staff notifying them of the immediate jeopardy status. In that email, Mr. Lowe wrote that "significant HCA Healthcare resources were deployed to assist with our response" and that additional staff had been brought in to work in the emergency department after the hospital received the initial findings. On Dec. 14, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein announced his office had filed a lawsuit against HCA, alleging the Nashville, Tenn.-based for-profit hospital operator violated the asset purchase agreement for Mission Health by cutting certain emergency and cancer services. HCA bought Mission Health for $1.5 billion in 2019. February 6, 2024: Britain has developed a laser-based weapon called DragonFire that can destroy or disable a UAV several kilometers distant. Each shot costs about $13 for the necessary electricity generated in the vehicle or ship carrying the DragonFire system. Britain is installing DragonFire in a 6x6 twelve-ton Wolfhound armored truck. DragonFire is also going to be installed on warships and replace conventional anti-aircraft or anti-missile systems. Back in 2010 the U.S. Navy successfully tested a laser weapon, using it to destroy a UAV and then repeat that several times. The laser cannon was mounted on a KINETO Tracking Mount, which is similar, but larger and more accurate than the mount used by the Phalanx Close In Weapons System (CIWS). The navy laser weapon test used the radar and tracking system of the CIWS. In 2009 CIWS was upgraded so that its sensors could detect speedboats, small aircraft, and naval mines. Knocking down UAVs is not something that the navy currently needs help with, and the current laser gun technology has to be improved quite a bit before it's worth mounting on a ship. This is a similar situation with laser weapons in the other services. In 2010 the U.S. Air Force fired its Airborne Laser Testbed (ALT) laser while in flight and hit a ballistic missile that had just been launched and was moving at 1,800 meters a second. The laser beam took several seconds to weaken the missile structure and cause it to come apart. This test came only eight months after an ATL was fired in flight for the first time. The target was some lumber on the ground, which was hit. The ATL weapon was carried in a C-130H four engine transport. In 2005 manufacturers of combat lasers believed these weapons were only a few years away from battlefield use. To that end, Northrop-Grumman set up a new division to develop and build battle lasers. This optimism was caused by two successful tests in 2004. In one, a solid state laser shot down a mortar round. In another, a much more powerful chemical laser hit a missile type target. Neither of these tests led to any useable weapons, and the combat laser remained a weapon of the future. The basic problems are reliability and sufficient electrical power to generate the laser. Solid state lasers have been around since the 1950s, and chemical lasers first appeared in the 1970s. The chemical laser has the advantage of using a chemical reaction to create the megawatt level of energy for a laser that can penetrate the body of a ballistic missile that is still rising in the air hundreds of kilometers away. The chemical reaction uses atomized liquid hydrogen peroxide and potassium hydroxide and chlorine gas to form an ionized form of oxygen known as singlet delta oxygen or SDO. This, in turn, is rapidly mixed with molecular iodine gas to form ionized iodine gas. At that point, the ionized iodine gas rapidly returns to its resting state, and while doing so releases photons pulsing at the right frequency to create the laser light. These photons are channeled by mirrors and sent on their way to the target which was being tracked and pinpointed by other lasers. The airborne laser weighed about six tons. It can be carried in a C-130H, producing a laser powerful enough to hit airborne or ground targets fifteen kilometers away. The laser exits via a targeting turret under the nose of the aircraft, and its beam is invisible to the human eye. The chemicals are mixed at high speeds, and the byproducts are harmless heat, potassium salt, water, and oxygen. A similar laser, flying in a larger aircraft like a B-747 freighter, would have enough range to knock down ballistic missiles as they take off. This is what was used in the recent test. Nearly half a century of engineering work has produced thousands of improvements, and a few breakthroughs, in making lasers more powerful, accurate and lethal. More efficient energy storage has made it possible to use lighter, shorter range ground based lasers effective against smaller targets like mortar shells and short-range rockets. Northrop's move was an indication that the company felt confident enough to gamble its own money, instead of what they get for government research contracts, to produce useful laser weapons. A larger high energy airborne laser would not only be useful against ballistic missiles. Enemy aircraft and space satellites would also be at risk. But companies like Northrop and Boeing are still trying to produce ground and airborne lasers that can successfully operate under combat conditions. The big problem with anti-missile airborne lasers is the power supply. Lots of chemicals are needed to generate sufficient power for a laser that can reach out for hundreds of kilometers and do sufficient damage to a ballistic missile. To be effective, the airborne laser needs sufficient power to get off several shots. So far, no one has been able to produce such a weapon. That's why these lasers remain the weapon of the future until these fundamental problems are solved. DragonFire is a partial solution and now there will be more. Rather than taking job cuts personally, employees are sharing them publicly, Bloomberg reported Feb. 5. In the wake of the highly visible, large-scale tech layoffs that marked 2023, more employees are speaking out on how such cuts are handled. Company memos are screenshotted and shared to X; layoff conversations are recorded, then published to TikTok. In one notable example, Brittany Pietsch, former account executive at cybersecurity firm Cloudflare, pressed "record" as she joined a virtual meeting with two of the company's human resources representatives. She repeatedly questioned the reps, asking for specific examples of lackluster performance, which HR could not provide. The impersonal nine-minute interaction went viral on social media, gaining more than 2 million views on TikTok alone and attracting a number of critics. Matthew Prince, Cloudflare's CEO, responded on X: "The video is painful for me to watch. Managers should always be involved. HR should be involved, but it shouldn't be outsourced to them, No employee should ever actually be surprised they weren't performing. We don't always get it right." He continued, "Any healthy org needs to get the people who aren't performing off. That wasn't the mistake here. The mistake was not being more kind and humane as we did." Conversations that once occurred behind closed doors could now spread like wildfire, leading companies to zero in on layoff etiquette. The "layoffs logistics" startup Onwards HR told Bloomberg its customer base has grown 300% in the last year. "They're like, can you tell us how to do it so that doesn't happen to us?" said Sarah Rodehorst, co-founder and chief executive of Onwards HR. "With social media, everybodys watching." Some tips to handle job cuts gracefully, according to the publication: Use a "natural, warm and empathetic" tone of voice when delivering the news; Offer a healthy runway from conversation to termination, allowing ample pay, benefits and time while employees ask questions and navigate next steps; Handle the topic with genuine sensitivity, no matter the scale. As one executive put it on a tape shown at Hewlett-Packard in the '90s, "If you don't stay up all night sick to your stomach, then you're not doing it right." At least nine hospitals and health systems have laid off workers since Jan. 1. View the evolving list here. A bill introduced last month in Missouri aims to protect healthcare workers from violent attacks by patients, according to NBC affiliate KSDK. Under the bill, healthcare facilities may not require employees to physically engage with a person exhibiting violent tendencies "if there is a reasonable fear that such engagement may result in bodily harm" to the worker. The bill also prevents healthcare facilities from requiring an employee to become certified, or otherwise to participate, in training that limits physical control or restraint of violent patients to specific holds or positions. Legislation protecting healthcare workers is gaining steam at the federal level and in states. Most recently, a bill introduced Jan. 10 in Colorado would require healthcare facilities to develop and regularly review a workplace violence prevention plan, among other provisions. At the federal level, members of Congress and hospital and physician leaders in late January highlighted the bipartisan Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act at a Capitol Hill briefing, according to the American Hospital Association. Additionally, several members of Congress recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, a law that provides federal funding to prevent suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions among healthcare workers. Jon Doolittle, president and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association, expressed reservations about the bill, which he shared in the following statement with KDSK: "Any violence against a healthcare worker is unacceptable. Hospitals take these incidents very seriously and have systems in place to prevent and respond to them. "Violence is a threat to our caregivers, patients and the healing environments of our organizations. Despite a myriad of approaches and dedicated resources, there is no easy solution to the scourge of physical and verbal assaults that occur in hospitals and other health care spaces. "Our responses are threat based, and hospitals need all the tools available to identify and manage risks to reduce the threat of violence in our facilities. Elements of this legislation could harm hospitals' ability to balance their responsibilities to provide care to patients and mitigate the risk to staff. However, as a community of hospitals, we are always open to ideas and conversations about how to move toward a safer environment for staff, patients and the public." New economy minister Conor Murphy has said its time to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the Windsor Framework and boost the all-Ireland economy in his first statement since taking the role. The Newry and Armagh MLA had been widely tipped to become economy minister in a new Executive now that Sinn Fein is the biggest party in the NI Assembly. The role has previously been held by DUP MLAs. DUP economy ministers refrained from highlighting the benefits of dual market access under the NI Protocol, later replaced by the Windsor Framework, due to political opposition to the protocol. Mr Murphy spoke following his first meeting as economy minister, which was held with new Invest NI chief executive Kieran Donoghue. An independent review published last year called for profound change at the economic development body, including a move away from focusing on job creation to improving productivity. Mr Donoghue, a former chief at IDA, the Republics inward investment body, is the first permanent CEO to be appointed at Invest NI since Kevin Holland in late 2019. The Department for the Economy said the pair had discussed how reform at Invest NI would be taken forward. Mr Murphy said: Now that businesses have certainty on our trading relationships it is time to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the Windsor Framework for both north-south and east-west trade. "Dual market access can be used to grow local exports and serves as a unique selling point for attracting high-quality inward investment. The Windsor Framework also protects the thriving all-Ireland economy and it is important to build on this for the benefit of all our people. And he said that in future, Invest NI must be fully committed to regional balance. "Everyone should share in the benefits of prosperity. "The agencys primary focus must be on supporting small local businesses and start-ups which are the backbone of our economy. And Invest NI must play its part to tackle low productivity which is a fundamental driver of overall economic performance. He said he looked forward to working with Mr Donoghue, adding that the new CEO had brought tremendous experience from the IDA. With good leadership, a clear strategic focus, and a new structure, Invest NI can start to turn the dial on key economic indicators. Mr Donoghue said: It was a pleasure to meet with Minister Murphy today and to discuss his economic policy priorities. I have joined Invest NI at a time of substantial change and significant opportunity. I look forward to working with the minister and the global team at Invest NI to help deliver what is needed to support the ministers priorities of improved regional balance, high quality employment, reduced carbon emissions and superior innovation and productivity performance. In October, Invest NI has promised an overhaul of it leadership and culture in an action plan following the independent review, led by Sir Michael Lyons. And it said budget constraints meant there would be difficult decisions ahead. Navan Centre and Fort in Armagh is among ABC Council tourist attractions which could be feted by influencers after it issued a tender for influencer marketing Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC Council) has issued a tender for the delivery of consumer PR and influencer marketing for tourism body Visit Armagh. The tender published last month is seeking to appoint an agency to devise and deliver PR services and influencer marketing working with the councils tourism team. Influencer marketing involves collaborations between social media personalities and brands to promote goods or services and has seen a surge in popularity. In December the Belfast Telegraph revealed that NIs councils have spent a combined 78,494 collaborating with influencers to market a number of events and experiences, mostly within the tourism and hospitality sectors, since 2019. According to information obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, ABC Council has spent 5,908.50 on influencer marketing since 2019. The first influencer was engaged by the council in 2020 and since then a total of 14 influencers have been used. The tender, which closes to bids on Tuesday, said: The overall objectives of the commission is to further heighten awareness of the Borough as a compelling visitor destination, drive traffic and engagement across the Visit Armagh social channels and to the destination website in order to support industry bookings from Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland consumer markets. The tender has not been allocated a value, but often services are exchanged for gifts or experiences. Among the gifts provided by ABC Council previously is a Game of Thrones studio tour and a stay at the five-star Newforge House in Armagh. The gifted experiences are then showcased by the content creators on social media. Any posts generated as part of these partnerships must be clearly labelled as advertisements in compliance with guidelines set by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP). But when asked in an FOI the council was not able to provide confirmation that it had made influencers aware of their responsibilities to declare advertising. The figures obtained last year by the Belfast Telegraph show that spending by local authorities on this form of marketing has been rising year on year. The average spend across all 11 NI councils was 7,135 but Derry City and Strabane Council has been the highest spender, and reported forking out 27,495 on collaborations with social media influencers. Belfast City Council said it had not spent any money on influencer marketing. ABC Council was contacted for comment. Houses will be priced between 225,000 and 500,000 A Northern Ireland housebuilder has started work on a new 7.5m development in Greenisland, Co Antrim which has generated 45 jobs. Hagan Homes is working on the 18 homes at Waters Edge, located across two apartment buildings and overlooking Belfast Lough and the north Down coast. And the company said it anticipates strong demand for the development, which is due to finish in around two years time. The one, two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed by architect Des Ewing and will be priced between 225,000 and 500,000. Jim Burke, director of sales and acquisitions, Hagan Homes, said, "Waters Edge is not just a development; it's a blend of modern living in a remarkably hard-to-find positioning looking over Belfast Lough. "The sea views are unparalleled, and the commitment to energy-efficient living adds another layer of appeal. We're excited to bring this unique opportunity to prospective homeowners and expect a lot of demand. Waters Edge is the second new development Hagan Homes has brought to the market in recent months. In December it launched Shimna Mile, in Newcastle, Co Down, a 4.75m development of 27 homes. Last week a report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said construction workloads here had continued to fall in the last quarter of 2023, but at the slowest rate since early 2022. Workloads in public housing and private housing had fallen in the last quarter of the year, by 10% and 15% respectively. And surveyors in Northern Ireland were also gloomy about prospects for the future, compared to respondents to the survey from around the UK. The Corrs and Natalie Imbruglia are set to perform at Belfast's SSE Arena, promoters have announced. It comes as part of an eight-date Talk On Corners tour by the Celtic-infused pop icons, who performed as a sibling quartet, and the Aussie songstress. Presale tickets will start on Wednesday February 7 at 10am and general sale will be available on Friday February 9 at the same time. The tour announcement follows news that the band whose biggest hits include Runaway, What Can I Do? And Breathless are planning a first ever vinyl release of second studio album Talk On Corners, with more details to come. One of Australias most loved pop artists, Natalie Imbruglia will join The Corrs across all UK & Ireland tour dates. Imbruglia rose to fame with her chart-topping smash hit cover of the iconic track Torn since then she has released six studio albums and in 2021, she made a triumphant return with her Top 10 album, firebird. The BBC has released a first-look image from its new drama based on the kidnapping of Chloe Ayling, with Nadia Parkes playing the model (Sally Mais/BBC/PA) The BBC has released a first-look image from its forthcoming drama based on the true story of the kidnapping of Chloe Ayling. The six-part series stars actress Nadia Parkes as Ayling and follows her abduction and time in captivity, as well as the subsequent court case that put her kidnappers in jail. The British glamour model was abducted in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan, Italy, for a modelling job but was later released. Chloe Ayling was kidnapped in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan, Italy, for a modelling job (Ian West/PA) A six-part series called Kidnapped, written by Georgia Lester, who worked on Killing Eve, is based on research, interviews, the legal proceedings and Aylings autobiography Kidnapped The Untold Story Of My Abduction. It will tell Chloes personal story in full for the first time, going behind the headlines to shine a light on the emotional truth, according to the BBC. Ayling was held in a farmhouse near Turin while a 300,000 euro (265,000) ransom was demanded. She was released six days later, on July 17, at the British Consulate in Milan. Polish national Lukasz Herba and his brother, Michal Herba, were subsequently jailed after an Italian court convicted them of kidnapping Ayling. However, the model faced headlines claiming she had faked her ordeal, and was accused in court of being involved in a publicity stunt. Chloe Ayling later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Ian West/PA) Ayling subsequently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Parkes will star in the series, made with the co-operation of Ayling, alongside A Spy Among Friends actor Adrian Edmondson and The Captures Nigel Lindsay. Filming took place in Italy and the UK last year. Kidnapped will launch on BBC Three and iPlayer later this year. Co Antrim mum who bought her first camera to help cope with postnatal depression makes top 50 UK list and is in the running for rising star award in the US A Co Antrim mum-of-two who bought her first camera eight years ago to help her cope with postnatal depression has been named as one of the UKs top 50 wedding photographers. Lauren Chambers, who now runs LIT Photography in Portrush, made the list in Professional Photo Magazine. She is also a finalist in the thirty Rising Stars of Wedding Photography competition in Rangefinder Magazine. Winners will be announced in Las Vegas in March, but Lauren wont be able to attend as she has a prior engagement at home, running a photography retreat for guests from across the world. What began as a hobby is now a flourishing business for the 34-year-old. She says her studio LIT a monogram made from her own and her two childrens initials (Isla and Taylor) is rooted in capturing natural, emotive moments. When I bought my first camera in 2016 I was recovering from postnatal depression after the birth of my daughter, Lauren explained. I was socially anxious and scared to leave the house. My camera became my shield and a reason to leave the house, capturing my children in the beautiful landscapes Im surrounded by. I have two children with autism, and my style of photography was born from picturing them during this time. I found the beauty in moments that were less than perfect and captured my amazing children exactly as they are no posing or editing. Their unique view of the world has helped me see the beauty in everything. Lauren Chambers with husband Jason and children Taylor and Isla (Dear Mona Photography) Eight years since clicking into gear, Lauren has now provided beautiful moments for hundreds of newlyweds. Over the best part of a decade I have worked hard to hone my craft and have been honoured to work with hundreds of couples to capture the love, emotion and meaning of their special days, she said. Its truly an honour that my work has been recognised at this national and international level. Lauren is about to host her fourth Capture Love Retreat, which will bring women to the Causeway Coast to learn from her inspiring story. When I think about how it all started, Im amazed at how far Ive come, she added. To go from a young woman that was scared to leave the house, to teaching other female wedding photographers from all across the world how to pursue their dreams, has been an incredible journey. We have people coming to the retreat from the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium... No matter what happens with the final results (in Las Vegas), Ill definitely be celebrating that week. Belfast woman whose stem cells helped teen in Canada: If it was my child, Id be shouting for someone to help Belfast woman who donated her stem cells to help a girl living across the world not once, but twice is urging others to sign up to register Louise Banks Gillian Halliday Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 07:20 A Belfast woman who donated her stem cells to help a girl living across the world not once, but twice is urging others to sign up to register. February 6, 2024: Designing and building UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) has become a national obsession in Ukraine. These UAVs are simple to build and operate and have created a popular movement to modify UAVs for friends or family members who are in the military. Ukraine expects to obtain hundreds of thousands of UAVs in the next year and use them as a primary weapon to smother Russian operations with swarms of UAVs that will not only monitor what the Russians are doing, but also quickly attack Russian activities that are a threat to Ukrainians. In areas where there are lots of UAVs, Russian troops fear moving in daylight because of armed Ukrainian UAVs. At night Russians fear being spotted by Ukrainian UAVs using heat sensing equipment. Armed UAVs are quadcopters equipped with a video camera allowing the operator to see where the UAV is and what is in the area. These UAVs usually carry a grenade connected to a quick release system. The operator can drop the explosive on a target and then return to the operator to have another explosive device attached. When equipped with a night vision camera these UAVs can search for and destroy targets round the clock. Russian soldiers are terrified of these weapons and avoid moving around at night when these systems are operating nearby. Russia is trying to keep up with the Ukrainian use of UAVs and are heavily investing in countermeasures, like electronic warfare jammers and UAV swarms of their own. The jamming only works on UAVs that are remotely controlled. Many Ukrainian UAVs get around that by being an AI based guidance system sent against stationary Russian targets or mobile targets that can be tracked by the AI equipped sensor on the attacking UAV. The casualties caused by these armed UAVs are increasing and may soon become the major source of Russian casualties. Ukrainian UAV developers in particular are encouraged by the government to use their imagination. There are over a hundred UAV manufacturers in Ukraine and the government is willing to take a chance on any new tech incorporated in a UAV. Whenever a promising new technology appears the government will test it and if it works, order production to begin. This initiative is a major advantage Ukrainians have over the Russians, who have to deal with multiple government bureaucracies to get anything done. That takes time and often results in promising projects being canceled or mishandled during production. This results in a crippled or useless item. This heavy use of UAV swarms with UAVs equipped with many new technologies to guide and find targets is unique in the history of warfare and one of the principal lessons of the Ukraine War. No one expected UAVs to be such an important aspect of modern warfare. The United States has noticed this and discovered that there are no American firms that currently produce large quantities of UAVs because of federal laws prohibiting export of high tech. These laws and rules mean that some Chinese UAVs purchased by Americans cannot then be exported outside the US. That leaves Chinese firms the only major supplier of these UAVs even though China is a potential enemy. The US government must dramatically amend or abolish its ban on high-tech exports before there can be domestic suppliers of military UAVs in the desired price and performance ranges. It was a day of stops and starts and clocks as the new Assembly finally got down to business. After all the focus on Saturdays resumption, the first regular sitting dealt with more mundane matters, including debating a motion on public finances. There appeared to be a relaxed atmosphere and a mostly unified front as things got underway at 10.30am. Its been quite a while since there was so much activity in Parliament Buildings and the order of the day was quite straightforward, albeit with a few tangents thrown in along the way. Members met to appoint committee chairs, elect the principal deputy speaker and debate the motion around finances, seeking to endorse a letter sent to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Watch: Edwin Poots and Jim Allister discuss clean his clock controversy First Minister Michelle ONeill said Stormont sent a clear and unified call to the Government for fair funding for Northern Ireland. The parties urged Mr Sunak to give Northern Ireland the resources that it needs to deliver effective public services. The motion was passed unanimously following a debate in the chamber. MLAs also debated a motion appealing to the Government to put Northern Irelands finances on a sustainable footing. As the plenary session got underway, proceedings turned slightly frosty as TUV leader Jim Allister and Speaker Edwin Poots came face to face for the first time since the bizarre clean your clock controversy. Mr Poots claimed Mr Allister was being a little sensitive over the remarks he made in response to a question about the TUV leaders criticism of him in the chamber. On Saturday, Mr Allister had said the DUP had engaged in a climbdown in its agreement with the Government over Brexit, accusing the party of achieving "nothing when it comes to changing the Northern Ireland Protocol. In the Assembly chamber today, Mr Allister asked if the comments from Mr Poots were compatible with the dignity of your office. Mr Poots said: Had I the opportunity to put you right, I would have put you right on that occasion, but I didnt have the opportunity to do that. He added: No other connotation should be taken from it. That would be entirely disingenuous or misleading. And while the temperature inside the chamber turned a little frostier, the exchange was taken generally in good humour by those watching on, with some smiles and a low rumble of laughter over its mention. Things took a more sombre turn as condolences were paid to former Taoiseach John Bruton, who died aged 76 following a long illness. Well-wishes were also sent to King Charles over his cancer diagnosis. Mr Poots confirmed he had written to the King to extend the best wishes of the administration following the announcement. While the first day of official business seemed to get off to a good start, it wasnt all plain sailing as things appeared to grind to a halt. What started as a 15-minute suspension ran on for almost two hours over indecision about committee chairs. When business resumed, there were some maiden speeches before the First and Deputy First Ministers made statements over the financial package. And the theme of unity was brought to the forefront again when the First Minister was interrupted by the UUPs Tom Elliott questioning whether climate change was on her to-do list in addressing financial concerns. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed Ms ONeills remarks, noting that this is about showing a united front in rejecting the deal. In the midst of pointing out the importance of a united front from the Executive on demanding a more generous financial package, she too was interrupted. This time, Mr Allister questioned why the parties were willing to reform the Executive without a financial package agreed and in place. While Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly seem keen on portraying a strong and united front, its clear that, on the first day of business back on the hill, more work is needed to repair issues which have grown over the past two years. And if all that wasnt enough, suspended SDLP MLA Justin McNulty was there too. This time he appeared to stay for the duration of the whole thing, with no helicopters in sight. Mr Murray was one of five in running to become next Presbyterian Moderator. Reverend Richard Murray, the minister of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church, will become the next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). A Belfast native, he was elected Moderator-Designate on Tuesday evening (February 6) in the Churchs annual election for its principal public representative. The 58-year-old received the most votes from the Churchs 19 presbyteries when they met in various locations across Ireland this evening. Mr Murray, who has been minister of the Co Antrim congregation since 2016, will be the denominations 179th Moderator since 1840. He was one of five nominees for the Church to choose from this year, which traditionally elects the Moderator-Designate on the first Tuesday in February. Of the five in the running to become the next Presbyterian Moderator, four are based in Northern Ireland, including a female cleric from Co Down (Rev Mairisine Stanfield), with one candidate based in the Republic. Each received the following votes: Rev Richard Murray 9 votes: The Presbyteries of Armagh, Ballymena, Coleraine & Limavady, Down, Iveagh, Newry, Omagh, Route, Tyrone. Rev Trevor Gribben 5 votes: The Presbyteries of East Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry & Donegal, Dromore, Dublin & Munster Rev Richard Kerr 3 votes: The Presbyteries of North Belfast, Monaghan, Templepatrick Rev Gary McDowell 0 votes Rev Mairisine Stanfield 2 votes: The Presbyteries of Ards and South Belfast. Mr Murray will be formally elected as Moderator by the Churchs General Assembly in June. Until then he will be known as the Moderator-Designate and continue to serve his congregation in Drumreagh. Speaking about his election, he said: I feel humbled to be called to this office, yet also privileged, and with Gods help, I will endeavour to represent the Church and the Lord to the best of my ability. My desire is to be committed to the Word of God in everything and my request is that people remember me in prayer throughout my year in office. Mr Murray was one of five in running to become next Presbyterian Moderator. As a boy, Mr Murray attended Suffolk Primary School in Belfast and Suffolk Presbyterian Church. Due to The Troubles, the family moved to Finaghy on the outskirts of the city, becoming members of Lowe Memorial Presbyterian Church, which he considers his home church. He attended Wallace High School in Lisburn, and worked at Arthur Guinness & Co and Ulster Bank, before going to Queens University, where he graduated in 1992 with a BA in Ancient History and Social and Economic History. PCIs Union Theological College beckoned and in 1995 he gained his Batchelor of Divinity, the same year that he was licensed as a minister of the gospel in Lowe Memorial. He then served as assistant minister in Terrace Row Presbyterian in Coleraine for three years before moving to Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian Churches, near Rathfriland in Co Down where he was ordained in 1997. In 2005 Mr Murray was called to Connor Presbyterian Church near Ballymena, where he served as minister for 11 years. He became minister of Drumreagh and Dromore Presbyterian Churches, a joint charge, in 2016 with Dromore Presbyterian amalgamating with Drumreagh last year. Speaking personally about his journey of faith, Mr Murray said: Growing up I had understood and responded to the gospel through the work of Christian Endeavour, but during my teenage years I had moved very far from God. However, in 1986 through the preaching of Derick Bingham at the Crescent Church in Belfast, God came into my life in a life-changing way. I immediately sensed that God would call me to preach and over time I began to be invited to speak at different Christian meetings. The tipping point, if I can call it that, was one day when I heard the text, Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. I did launch out, and here I am! Today he ministers to around 360 families in the rural Co Antrim congregation totalling around 850 people. Thinking about his forthcoming year in office, Mr Murray said, As Christians we have responded to the greatest news of all, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. This grace and love of Christ then compels us, out of a sense of gratitude, to serve God and people for we know that faith without deeds is dead. This is a witness to the life changing power of the gospel and I am looking forward to seeing what God is doing in our congregations and further afield as the gospel message spreads. Having said that, I will feel keenly the loss of weekly fellowship in Drumreagh, as I step aside from June for the following 12 months. However, I recognise this as a call of God and go forward in faith believing that the Lord Himself will be my rear guard. In travelling around congregations and further afield, I would like to encourage ministers and leaders that their labour in the Lord is not in vain. The Church faces many challenges, one of which is reaching the vast swathes of people who have little or no interest in the gospel, he said. Current Presbyterian Moderator Dr Sam Mawhinney Mr Murray also serves on the Northern Ireland Committee of the missionary organisation the Middle East Reformed Fellowship, and has taught for a term at their facility in Lokichoggio in Kenya. He enjoys reading historical biographies and along with his wife Lynn, a Coleraine GP, they are 'compulsive walkers and like to relax with long walks at the seaside. Their son Andrew runs his own AV business, who along with his wife, is a member of Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church. Mr Murray will be officially nominated to this years General Assembly when it gathers in Belfast in the third full week of June, succeeding the current Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney, who will continue in office until then. Given the reforms that the General Assembly agreed last year to its proceedings, he will not be formally elected and installed as Moderator on a traditional Opening Night. His installation will take place later on during the Assembly. A 39-year-old man has been charged with non-recent child sexual abuse offences dating back over 20 years ago. On Monday, the PSNIs Child Abuse Investigation Unit in Portadown arrested and charged the man in relation to offences involving four female and two male victims between 1999 and 2009. He is due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates court on March 1, 2024. As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. The news comes a day after child abuse victim Julieanne Boyle spoke out as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, urging more victims to come forward. The 51-year-old from north Belfast was raped by her father on her 18th birthday in 1990. She spoke to The Belfast Telegraph, following the conviction of her father, 88-year-old William Boyle, last month. He was handed a seven-and-a-half year custodial sentence. I speak out for survivors. Break your silence, let them know no matter how long, whether it be historic abuse, whether it be abuse that is happening now, whether it be coercive control, they all go hand in hand, Ms Boyle said. My father "denied me of a birthday - he raped me on my 18th Birthday" Non-recent sexual offences reporting has been steadily increasing over the past five years, with reported offences in Northern Ireland totalling almost 5,800. Between 2022 and 2023, police revealed that 1,245 non-recent sexual crimes were reported; an increase of 17% from 2018/19. Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher from the police services Public Protection Branch said: On Monday, we encouraged victims of non-recent child sexual abuse to break their silence and report, with a brave survivor waiving her anonymity as a beacon of hope for justice. We want to continue to act in safeguarding further victims, like we have this week. Last year the six victims in this case spoke out for the first time, after years of silence and yesterday we arrested and charged their alleged perpetrator. This only serves to reiterate our commitment to tackling these crimes and bringing people before the courts. The perpetrators of these crimes are only ever the ones at fault and dont let the passage of time stop you from finally having your voice heard. We will listen, support and robustly investigate, always. If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. You can also report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report Messages of support flood in for monarch who has already started treatment for disease The First Minister Michelle ONeill has sent her best wishes to King Charles following his cancer diagnosis, as Northern Irelands political leaders offered their support to the monarch. The Palace confirmed the disease, which is not prostate cancer, after it was discovered while the King was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate. Meanwhile, the King has already started a schedule of regular treatments and is said to be receiving expert medical care from a specialist team, but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties. I am very sorry to hear of King Charles illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a full and speedy recovery, the Sinn Fein politician said. The First Minister has met King Charles several times over recent years, including memorably in September 2022 when the King visited Northern Ireland following the passing of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. The King also thanked her for the incredibly kind words she said about his mother and Ms ONeill also attended the Kings coronation in May last year. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also wished the King all the very best for his ongoing treatment. I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers. Ms Little-Pengellys party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also extended his best wishes to the King. Sending His Majesty the King every good wish as he commences his treatment, the DUP MP posted on X. We pray for a full and speedy recovery. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said her thoughts were with the Kings family. Thoughts with King Charles and the Royal Family, as they begin to come to terms with his cancer diagnosis, she said. Wishing him all the very best for the journey ahead and I hope and trust that his treatment is successful and he is soon restored to full health. Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said his party offered heartfelt wishes to the King after the shocking news of his diagnosis. This is unfortunately a reality many families, right across these islands, face day and daily, he said. I know that people across Northern Ireland, and indeed the world, will be holding him and the royal family in their thoughts and prayers during this very worrying time for them all. As a nation we join together to wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and a return to full health. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he hoped the King made a full recovery. Very sorry to hear that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. Its the kind of news that people and families dread getting, he said. Thoughts are with him and his own family at what must be a difficult and distressing time. TUV leader Jim Allister said his party were saddened by the diagnosis. We trust his treatment will be successful and that he will know a full and speedy recovery. His Majesty will be in the thoughts and prayers of many across Northern Ireland, he said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was among those who wished the King a full and speedy recovery, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also issued a get well message to the head of state. Former First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster shared Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks message and added: God save the King sending my best wishes and prayers like so many to our Sovereign. US President Joe Biden expressed his concern for the King and said he planned to call Charles to wish him well. The King will carry on working behind the scenes on his red boxes his official papers. He returned from Sandringham to London yesterday to commence treatment as an out-patient. Sympathy for King Charles also extended beyond politics, with church leaders also extending their prayers for the King. The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, John McDowell said: I was saddened to learn of the Kings diagnosis and ask that the King and his family should be remembered in public prayer and in our private devotions at what will be an anxious time for many. Meanwhile former UTV political editor, Ken Reid also shared his well wishes to Charles. Mr Reid has previously spoken about his own lenghty battle with cancer. He said he hoped the monarchs decision to share his diagnosis will encourage more people to visit their GP if they have concerns. Freddie Scappaticci, the agent codenamed as 'Stakeknife', was the leader of the infamous IRA 'nutting squad' which allegedly killed the three men The head of Operation Kenova has acknowledged a decision by the PPS not to prosecute four individuals in connection with an investigation into the activities of alleged British intelligence agent Stakeknife will be deeply disappointing to victims. They individuals include two former soldiers who worked as agent handlers within the Armys Force Research Unit in the 1980s and two individuals said to have been members of the Provisional IRA at the time of the relevant incidents, which included four murders and several attempted and successful abductions. Responding to the decision, Operation Kenova head Sir Iain Livingstone said: "Legacy investigations and prosecutions can be extremely challenging, but I understand that todays decisions will be deeply disappointing. "We remain committed to delivering the truth to the families affected by these decisions through individual family reports which will detail our investigative findings in addition to the interim and final Kenova reports. Stakeknife worked in the IRAs notorious nutting squad, interrogating suspected informers during the Troubles. Kenova examined crimes such as murder and torture linked to Stakeknife and the role played by the security services, including MI5. Stakeknife was widely believed to be west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci, who was in his 70s when he died last year. Evidence on the six files surrounding these four individuals related to ten different incidents during the 1980s. In their report on Tuesday, the Public Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any individual reported. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron said: The materials submitted by Operation Kenova investigators are extensive and present a complex picture for prosecutors to analyse and assess. This has required us to take a phased approach to the issue of prosecution decisions. After a thorough consideration of the material and information submitted in relation to these ten incidents, it has been concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction. He added: Prosecutors again faced significant challenges when considering the use of intelligence records as evidence in criminal proceedings, particularly when original source materials were no longer available. As has been the approach agreed with investigators to previous phases of Operation Kenova decisions, we are keen to avoid causing any further trauma to victims and families. The cases outlined have therefore been anonymised by the PPS to minimise the potential re-traumatisation of those involved. I appreciate, however, that todays decisions will no doubt cause upset and pain. I can offer reassurance that these decisions were considered impartially and wholly independently by an experienced team of senior prosecutors, who were assisted by independent counsel. All victims and families connected to the incidents will have received from the PPS a detailed written explanation of the reasons for the decisions, along with an offer to meet to discuss the information provided. The total number of files received by the PPS in relation to the investigation now stands at 28. In December the PPS confirmed no prosecutions would be pursued over five files concerning 16 individuals reported by Operation Kenova and earlier that year confirmed a formal no decision outcome in relation to 10 of the files as they contained just one suspect who died in 2023. In October 2020, it said a decision had been taken not to prosecute four individuals reported in one file. The PPS confirmed a further six files relating to the Operation Kenova investigation now remain under active consideration, with a decision on those expected by the end of February. Meanwhile a long-awaited PSNI interim report into the activities of Stakeknife will be published on March 8. Sinn Fein vice president and NI's First Minister Michelle ONeill said her party would be represented at St Patricks Day celebrations in the US (Liam McBurney/PA) (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney has encouraged people to attend a solidarity rally in Belfast calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The event will take in the Europa Hotel at 7pm on Wednesday evening (February 7). Mr Kearney, who is also the partys national chairperson, said: Sinn Fein will host a special meeting to mobilise support and solidarity with the Palestinian people on Wednesday 7 February in the Europa Hotel. This event will feature a range of speakers, including the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Mustafa Barghouti, the Sinn Fein leadership and other Palestinian representatives. Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative will join by live feed from Ramallah. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that Ireland stands with the people of Gaza and the West Bank and to reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire, and an end to the occupation. The Israeli military onslaught against the Palestinian people is barbaric and in clear violation of international humanitarian law. An unconditional ceasefire must be urgently called and Israel must be held accountable for its actions. Sinn Fein vice president and NI's First Minister Michelle ONeill said her party would be represented at St Patricks Day celebrations in the US (Liam McBurney/PA) (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Sinn Fein has received criticism from pro-Palestinian supporters in recent weeks due to the partys decision to continue travelling to Washington DC for the annual St Patricks Day trip this year. Politicians from the island of Ireland traditionally visit the US capital for the March 17 celebrations, with the Taoiseach hosted by the President in the White House. People Before Profit has urged Irish politicians to boycott this years Washington event over US support for Israel. But Michelle ONeill confirmed to the PA news agency that the party would be sending representatives to Washington. She said: We are going to the US in pursuit of peace, continuing to work with the Irish diaspora and US representatives to promote and strengthen the support for the peace process at home and Irish reunification. We will also advocate for an end to the Israeli genocidal war and occupation in Gaza and the West Bank, for the establishment of a peace process in Palestine and self-determination for the Palestinian people. In doing so we will fulfil our promise to the Palestinian ambassador and the Palestinian people. Blake Newland who died in hospital following a stabbing in Limavady on Friday night (PSNI) Two men have been charged with the murder of 17-year-old Blake Newland in Limavady. The teenager died in hospital following a stabbing in the town on Friday night. The men, aged 27 and 29, are due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Detectives have also charged two 16-year-old boys with grievous bodily harm with intent. The youths will also appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court on Tuesday. A fifth man arrested by police in connection with the case remained in police custody on Monday night. A sixth man initially detained by officers was released earlier on Monday pending further police inquiries. Blake sustained fatal injuries in an incident in the Woodland Walk area of Limavady. A man, aged in his 50s, was also stabbed in the incident and taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that were not believed to be life threatening. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hugs the new First Minister Michelle O'Neill as Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald looks on. Pic: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street Stormonts new leaders put on a united front as the Prime Minister and Taoiseach visited Belfast today to celebrate the restoration of devolved government after two years. Rishi Sunak met new First Minister Michelle ONeill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and the entire Executive in Stormont Castle. The Prime Minister urged Stormonts leaders to focus on the day to day concerns of the public rather than a border poll. Those comments came amid a series of pro-unionist pronouncements which have annoyed many nationalists. However, there was no public hint of Sinn Fein displeasure today. In a surprising display of warmth, Ms ONeill hugged the Prime Minister just two days after telling the Assembly: The Tories have presided over more than a decade of shame and caused real suffering to the people we represent. As Ms ONeill had uttered those words on Saturday, veteran Conservative Lord Caine, now an NIO minister, smiled broadly in the public gallery above her. The First Minister today said the Executive needed more money from the Treasury and that with Mrs Little-Pengelly there had been a united front on that demand for more cash. Ms ONeill said of their request for money: We are not working on failure, we are working on the basis that we are going to be successful. We know weve a lot of work to do but we need the Treasury to be engaged with us because for many, many years we have been underfunded, we now are trying to fix that, we want to transform our health service. We have an in-tray as long as your arm in terms of the issues we need to deal with. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hugs the new First Minister Michelle O'Neill as Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald looks on. Pic: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street Mrs Little-Pengelly emphasised her desire to work constructively with her Sinn Fein opposite number on issues of cross-community concern such as fixing struggling public services. She said: The key thing here is we are only going to find resolutions for those by working together and working constructively together. Thats what were up for, I think the rest of the Executive is up for that challenge. But her party leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, criticised Ms ONeill for focusing on the divisive issue of a border poll. She says she wants to be a first minister for all, well that means the unionist community, he told Sky News. He added: Lets move forward together. Lets focus on the issues that really matter to people. Theyre not interested in a divisive border poll. Mr Sunak said that he had very constructive meetings with Stormonts leaders, describing it as a historic and important day for the country, because Northern Irelands politicians are back in charge, making decisions on behalf of their people, which is exactly how it should be. Now, our new deal gives them more funding and more powers than they have ever had, so they can deliver for families and businesses across Northern Ireland. And thats what everyones priority is now. It is not constitutional change; it is delivering on the day-to-day things that matter to people. Leo Varadkar said he had been given a warm welcome by both the first and deputy first ministers. Both he and Mr Sunak played down suggestions of tensions between the two governments after they did not appear together in public today. Mr Sunak said Ireland would remain a close and valued partner of the UK while Mr Varadkar said he had had a very good meeting with Mr Sunak. Mrs Little-Pengelly said she looked forward to building a relationship Mr Varadkar based on mutual respect. She added: It makes sense for us to have a constructive relationship we havent always had in the past. Leo Varadkar leaves Stormont Castle. Photo: Jonathan Porter/Press Eye MLAs will meet in the Assembly chamber tomorrow for a brief session in which the chairs of Stormont committees will be appointed, along with a principal deputy speaker likely to be Sinn Feins Caral Ni Chuilin. The DUP has indicated that within a month it is likely to use the Stormont brake, the part of last years Windsor Framework which allows MLAs to raise an objection to a new EU goods rule. Once deployed, it then goes to London which negotiates with the EU and ultimately decides whether to veto the new law but if it does so, the EU is allowed to retaliate against the UK. When asked if the deal protected Northern Ireland from future trade divergence, Mr Sunak said: We have worked very hard and, I believe, succeeded in protecting Northern Irelands place in our Union and building on what we achieved with the Windsor Framework to ensure the smooth flow of trade within the United KingdomThats the deal that we struck, thats what the Windsor Framework delivers. He added: The most important thing is that the people of Northern Ireland are in charge of their own destiny, because of the Stormont brake in particular, an Executive up and running can use those powers. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured with Michelle O'Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly and other members of the Executive (Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hugs the new First Minister Michelle O'Neill as Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald looks on (Pic: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street) It may have been blustery weather up on the hill for the press pack awaiting the politicians arrival, but it didnt match the cordial calmness among the meeting Executive. The new First and Deputy First Ministers Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill and DUPs Emma Little Pengelly respectively presented a united front for the arrival of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Both women continued that united front when expressing concerns over the financial outlook and a need for more UK Government investment into Northern Irelands economy and public services. Leo Varadkar leaving Stormont Castle (Photo: Jonathan Porter/Press Eye) The pair exchanged friendly glances between questions and addressed each other on first-name terms at times, with a sense of personal warmth evident between the two women during the session. Emma and I stand in front of you today as First and Deputy First Minister, Ms ONeill said. We are trying to do our best to get to grips with some of these issues that we have ahead of us. Among those gathered, no one seemed more excited about Stormonts return than Mr Sunak. The PM was at one point photographed hugging Michelle ONeill while meeting with Executive leaders, as opposed to the usual polite handshake and pleasantries Mr Sunak is used to doling out to political dignitaries. Speaking at a Co Down primary school following the meeting, he described it as an important and significant day for Northern Ireland. Mr Sunak didnt let media scrutiny over the financial package on its way to Stormont waver his positive attitude. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured with Michelle O'Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly and other members of the Executive (Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye) The funding package that we put on the table before Christmas has, I think, been widely recognised as being significant and generous, he said. There was a brief lull in the positive theme of the day when Mr Sunak did say he deeply regretted the Republic of Irelands decision to take an interstate case against the Governments new Legacy Act. Laws enacted by the UK Government strive to provide a limited form of immunity to those accused of Troubles-related offences but have been widely opposed by many victims groups in NI and all the main Stormont parties. Following a brief meeting between the PM and Taoiseach, both men were keen to turn the focus back on the positives of Stormonts return, with Mr Varadkar assuring unionists the question of reunification was not for today. Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly welcomed the Taoiseach to the Executive table, before Ms Little-Pengelly said she looked forward to building a constructive relationship with the Irish premier. While warm relations were on show inside the Executive room, the blustery breeze did manage to ruffle a few feathers around the rest of Stormont. UUPs Robin Swann arrived at Stormont Castle just as a gust of wind blew down some press microphones, with the Health Minister walking into the building without addressing the press. That gust was the perfect metaphor for UUP leader Doug Beattie facing a tornado of questions over the appointment of Mr Swann in the health ministry, given the announcement that Mr Swann would be a candidate in the South Antrim constituency in the Westminster general election. John Bruton in Derry visiting children at Fountain Primary School in October 1995 PM John Major and Taoiseach John Bruton at Hillsborough Castle for launch of Framework document. Former Irish premier John Brutons role in the Northern Ireland peace process has been praised following his death at the age of 76. His family announced his passing with deep sadness on Tuesday morning. Mr Bruton was Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997. Along with Prime Minister John Major, he played a key role in the peace process. The pair launched the Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995. His family said: He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin surrounded by his loving family early this morning following a long illness. He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot. We will miss him greatly. Irish President Michael D Higgins said: John Bruton was a deeply committed politician who demonstrated a life-long interest and engagement in public affairs and public service both in Ireland and internationally. His contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process during his time as Taoiseach was very significant. In this work, he brought a particular sensitivity and a generous approach to inclusion with regard to the perspective of the other. Together with John Major, his overseeing of the development of the Joint Framework Document in 1995 was a pivotal foundation for the Good Friday Agreement. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was devastated at the news, adding: John was one of the reasons I became involved in politics and joined Fine Gael. Paying tribute to his work in the peace process, Mr Varadkar added: He strongly opposed violence as a means to advance political objectives and believed in unity through consent. He made a particular effort to reach out to the unionist community. He advocated a new patriotism and opposed narrow nationalism. While these views are now held by the majority of people, that was not always the case and he was willing to lead, even when it meant going against the grain. Tributes also came from political leaders here. First Minister Michelle ONeill said: I was very sorry to hear the sad news about the passing of former Taoiseach John Bruton and wish to extend my sincere sympathies to his wife Finola, children and wider family and friends. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: I want to express my condolences to the family of John Bruton following his death. He was a much-respected politician whose career spanned many decades and I know he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him. Mr Bruton is survived by Finola, son Matthew and daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, and his brother Richard and sister Mary. Richard is a Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay North and also a former minister. Mr Bruton was born in May 1947 and graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and politics. He went on to study law and was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1972. Mr Bruton had a long and distinguished political career dating back to his first election to the Dail at the age of just 22. He took a seat for Fine Gael in 1969 and would eventually go on to become party leader in 1990. Under his leadership Fine Gael entered a Rainbow coalition government with the Irish Labour Party and Democratic Left in December 1994. Dick Spring was his Tanaiste, having walked away from a coalition with Fianna Fails Albert Reynolds. The government stayed in office until June 1997 at which point Bertie Ahern became Taoiseach and Mr Bruton became the leader of the opposition. He served two terms as Irish Finance Minister from 1981-1982 and again from 1986-1987. At various stages he also worked as Irish Minister for Industry & Energy (1982-1983), Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism (1983-1986), and was parliamentary secretary (junior minister) from 1973-1977. After leaving Leinster House he continued to work in the political sphere, becoming the European Union Ambassador to the United States in 2004. He served in that capacity until 2009. He was chairman of the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin, a private-sector body set up to develop the financial services industry in the Republic, from 2010-15. February 6, 2024: Since 2022 Russia has been trying to destroy the American HIMARS missile launchers provided to Ukraine. The first four HIMARS systems arrived in Ukraine in June 2023 and eventually there were 39. Despite repeated efforts and a few close calls, Russia has not been able to destroy any HIMARs vehicles. The 16-ton HIMARS launcher is mounted on a 6x6 truck and operated by a three-man crew. The vehicle is difficult to destroy because the truck can move a minute or two after launching missiles. Top speed of the truck is 85 kilometers an hour and most of the time the Ukrainians keep them hidden under trees or in large buildings like barns or other structures the vehicle can drive into. The Russians cant attack what they cant see, and HIMARS crews understand that staying out of sight is the key to survival. The HIMARS vehicle emerges from cover to launch one or more missiles and then returns to its hiding place. Another issue that arose in 2022 was the need for longer range American missiles. The missile normally fired from HIMARS has a range of 80 kilometers. Ukraine wanted a longer range guided rocket, but the Americans refused. In 2023 it became obvious that the Ukrainian request was legitimate, and the United States eventually supplied some ATACMS Army Tactical Missile Systems, a larger missile with a range of 300 kilometers that can be fired from the HIMARS vehicles. One ATACMS can be carried by HIMARS versus six GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles with a range of 80 kilometers. There are other longer-range missiles available from the United States. There is a longer range GMLRS called ER GMLRS with a range of 150 kilometers. Testing of this version was completed in 2023 and production models are going to Ukraine in 2024. There is also a successor to ATACMS called PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) with a range of 650 kilometers. The first of these was delivered at the end of 2023 and more are coming in 2024. Ukraine will be the first to receive PrSM. GMLRS, ER GMLRS, ATACMS and PrSM are all developed and produced by Lockheed Martin. GMLRS has been a big seller with over 50,000 missiles produced so far. Ukraine is responsible for depleting American and other NATO nation stockpiles of these missiles and production has been increased to prevent stockpiles from being exhausted and then to rebuild the stockpiles. All four of these missiles can be carried and launched from the HIMARS vehicle. All three variants are more expensive than GMLRS, which cost about $150,000 each. ER GMLRS doubles that price and PrSM cost about $1.5 million each. While HIMARS carries six GMLRS or ER GMLRS, it can only carry one ATACMS. PrSM is smaller than ATACMS but larger than GMLRS. That means HIMARS can carry two PrSMs. The original ATACMS had a range of 300 kilometers and a 230 kg warhead. A planned replacement for ATACMS called Deepstrike was renamed Precision Strike Missile or PrSM. Deepstrike was designed to be capable of hitting targets over 600 kilometers distant and has more capable guidance system features. This includes an optional guidance system that allows PrSM to hit moving targets, especially ships at sea. The U.S. Navy is interested in this because the Marine Corps has already demonstrated that HIMARS can launch GMLRS from the deck of an amphibious assault ship, which has a flight deck similar to the larger nuclear carriers. The ATACMS is a 610mm ballistic missile that is no longer produced. Its latest upgrades have been to the guidance system. In 2017 ATACMS was given the ability to hit moving targets, specifically ships at sea. ATACMS has sufficient range for that, and the U.S. pioneered the development of terminal guidance systems for ballistic missiles in the 1970s with the Pershing mobile missile. Since then, the U.S. has developed similar guidance systems so that high-speed missiles can hit moving targets. It was not difficult to then develop a terminal guidance system for ATACMS that searches for a certain size ship and heads for it while moving at more than a thousand meters a second, which is faster than most bullets. The ATACMS guidance system has also received a proximity detonation capability so that it can be programmed to explode in the air above a target. All the current ATACMS needs is the GPS coordinates of the moving target on land or sea. Since maximum flight time at maximum range is only a few minutes, it is easy to predict where the moving target will be based on aerial, satellite, or sonar detection. It takes less than a minute to update the guidance system and launch. If nothing else this will give potential naval foes something more to worry about and be a popular export item as well. Most current ATACMS are armed with a 227 kg high explosive warhead. The U.S. used over 700 ATACMS, most of them in Iraq and Afghanistan combat operations and their performance was excellent, especially the guided ones. Nearly 4,000 ATACMS have been built since the mid-1980s and about half are still available for use. In addition to those used in combat about three percent were fired for training or testing. Ukraine demonstrated that launching longer-range missiles from HIMARS was much more useful in a near peer war than previously thought. The main reason American leaders gave for not providing Ukraine with longer range missiles was the risk of the war escalating. Russia has already done that, and the Ukrainians make the case that the longer-range missiles will help speed the end of the war. A 56-year-old man has been arrested in Belfast on suspicion of sexual offences in the Republic of Ireland. The man was arrested in Belfast city centre on Monday and was detained on an Irish extradition warrant. He is wanted in the Republic of Ireland on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child for sexual exploitation. He appeared before Belfast Extradition Court later on Monday and was remanded in custody. Detective Inspector Lennon from the International Policing Unit said: This is another example showing our continued determination and commitment to work with International Law Enforcement partners to track down wanted persons and bring offenders to justice. "Our message is clear, Northern Ireland is not a safe haven for any wanted persons trying to avoid arrest and the consequences of their previous actions. We will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime." Sean Haughey with his wife Orla at an election count centre in Dublin in 2016 (Brian Lawless/PA) Sean Haughey, the son of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, has announced he will not contest the next general election. The Dublin Bay South TD said he informed the Fianna Fail organisation in his constituency on Tuesday evening. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin paid tribute to Mr Haughey as a man of great integrity and a fine parliamentarian. Mr Haughey has served as a councillor, Dublins Lord Mayor, a senator, a TD and a junior minister for education. He said in a statement on Tuesday: Having devoted all my adult life to public service, I have come to the view that now is the right time for me to step down from frontline politics. Following my first election to Dublin City Council in 1985, it was a tremendous honour to go on to serve as a senator, a Dail deputy, a minister of state, and as Lord Mayor of Dublin. I am extremely grateful to my constituents for their loyal support down through the years and wish to thank them for the trust they placed in me to be their representative in Dail Eireann. Over the course of my time in politics, I found it enormously fulfilling to be able to give advice and assistance to hundreds of individuals, groups and organisations in helping them secure the benefits and services to which they were entitled. I am also proud that I could carry on a family tradition of public service in the constituency dating right back to the 1950s. I am deeply grateful to my wife Orla, my four adult children, my extended family, as well as the many loyal party members and lifelong friends for their unfailing help and encouragement in all my election campaigns. I remain fully committed to Fianna Fail as a democratic party, at the centre of Irish political life, advancing a caring social philosophy, and capable of resolving the many and varied problems that now we now face. Paying tribute to the TD, who is the partys spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Martin said he had demonstrated a deep commitment to the wellbeing of those he represents. Whether advocating for their needs in Dail Eireann, addressing their concerns, or working tirelessly to enact positive change, Sean has always placed the interests of his constituents at the forefront of his efforts. He possesses a deep understanding of the weight of the responsibility entrusted upon him and his dedication to serving his community has been unwavering. Sean fully recognises the importance of fostering understanding and co-operation on the international stage and has always maintained a deep interest in global affairs, particularly in the Middle East. His commitment to hard work and upholding strong European values has been central to his approach. It has been a great honour to work alongside him, and I would like to extended my sincere thanks and best wishes to Sean on my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fail organisation, as he embarks on a new chapter. Mr Haughey is the son of Charles Haughey and the grandson of Sean Lemass, both former taoisigh. He is the third politician from the Dublin Bay North constituency to announce they will not contest the next general election after Fine Gaels Richard Bruton announced he would step down and Labours Aodhan O Riordain announced his candidacy for the European Parliament elections in June. The King and Queen leave Clarence House in London following the announcement of Charless cancer diagnosis (James Manning/PA) The King has been seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis as he left Clarence House the day after starting his treatment, following a brief reunion with the Duke of Sussex. Charles and the Queen were driven away from their London residence to Buckingham Palace, before being flown by helicopter to Sandringham in Norfolk. The Duke of Sussex is said to have been reunited with the King after making a transatlantic dash to be with his father following the shock news. Harry arrived in London from California on Tuesday afternoon, without the Duchess of Sussex and their children, less than 24 hours after the announcement about the Kings health was made to the nation by Buckingham Palace. The short meeting between Charles and his youngest son has raised hopes the pair will be reconciled despite their troubled relationship. But their first face-to-face encounter for many months appeared to last for as little as 45 minutes before the King left for his flight to Sandringham. The King leaving Clarence House on Tuesday afternoon (James Manning/PA) Suggestions the duke could also heal his long-running rift with his brother, the Prince of Wales, look unlikely. It is understood the Prince of Wales has no plans to meet with Harry. William is juggling looking after his wife, the Princess of Wales, with caring for their children after Kates abdominal surgery. Dressed in a suit and tie and smart overcoat, the King waved and smiled at well-wishers, with Camilla at his side in the back of the car, as they left Clarence House just after 3.30pm. The King and Queen leaving Clarence House (James Manning/PA) A helicopter was seen flying from Buckingham Palace just 10 minutes later. The King, 75, has postponed all public-facing duties, but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers. He usually has a weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday. Mr Sunak has revealed more of Charless condition, saying he was thankful the Kings cancer has been caught early as he wished him a full recovery. The Kings helicopter arrives at Buckingham Palace, ready to take him to Sandringham (James Manning/PA) Asked what the diagnosis meant for the day-to-day running of the country, Mr Sunak told BBC Radio 5 Live: Well crack on with everything. During the pandemic, the late Queen carried out her audiences with the PM on the phone, and with the King at Sandringham this looks the most likely option, unless they opt for a video call. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that it was a form of cancer. The King and Queen leaving the London Clinic last week (Victoria Jones/PA) He was diagnosed after a separate issue of concern was noted and investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate. Harrys black Range Rover was pictured arriving at a private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport before he boarded a flight for London, and he was later seen at Clarence House. He last appeared alongside the Windsors at the Kings coronation in May, but hurried home immediately afterward to mark his son Prince Archies fourth birthday. The dukes allegations against his family appeared unrelenting in the aftermath of Megxit with his Oprah interview, and, in the months following the Queens death, his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare. The Duke of Sussex during the coronation ceremony of King (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) There were accusations of racism in relation to Archies skin tone before he was born with the remarks in the end alleged to have come from two senior royals and claims Kensington Palace lied to protect William over reports he allegedly bullied Harry out of the royal family. Harry claimed Charles was jealous of Meghan and Kate, did not hug him when he told him his mother Diana, Princess of Wales had died, and said he believed the King was never made for single parenthood, but to be fair, he tried. The duke also accused William of physically attacking him and throwing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan, teasing him about his panic attacks, and, along with Kate, encouraging him to wear a Nazi uniform at a fancy dress party. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with the royal family during the final official public engagement as working royals in 2020 (Phil Harris/Daily Mirror/PA) Charles, according to Harry, pleaded with his sons during a tense meeting after the Duke of Edinburghs funeral: Please, boys. Dont make my final years a misery. While Charles and Harry were said to still speak, William has reportedly not been in contact with his brother for an extended period of time. William is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture on Wednesday. The Princess Royal takes part in an investiture on Tuesday (Yui Mok/PA) The heir to the throne is expected to also be undertaking some duties on his fathers behalf, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed temporarily when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. Meanwhile, the Princess Royal held the fort on the royal engagements front, carrying out an investiture on behalf of the King at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings Anne, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced to the nation by the Palace at 6pm on Monday. Charles called his sons to deliver news of his health (Yui Mok/PA) The Palace has called for the Kings privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the Kings hospital stay, Kates major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of Yorks skin cancer diagnosis. The King during the state visit to France in September 2023 (Samir Hussein/PA) The King is facing regular treatment for cancer after his shock diagnosis was uncovered during his recent hospital stay. Charles, 75, who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham on Monday and has already begun his medical care as an outpatient under the close supervision of his specialist team of doctors. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, despite having treatment for an enlarged prostate just over a week ago. The King and Queen attended church in Sandringham on Sunday (Joe Giddens/PA) Further details of his condition have not been disclosed, and the Palace, which announced the news in a statement at 6pm on Monday, asked for privacy and only confirmed it is a form of cancer. Charles was diagnosed after a separate issue of concern was noted and investigated while he was being treated for his benign prostate condition. The Duke of Sussex has cleared his diary to fly to the UK to be with his father despite their troubled relationship, raising concerns about the seriousness of the Kings health. Meanwhile, the Prince of Waless return to official duties this week, in the aftermath of the Princess of Waless abdominal surgery, was announced just hours before news of the Kings diagnosis, suggesting William is stepping up while his father is unwell. Charles called his son to deliver news of his health (Yui Mok/PA) William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his fathers behalf, it is understood, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to needed. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the Kings hospital stay, Kates major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of Yorks skin cancer diagnosis. The King leaves the London Clinic last week (Lucy North/PA) World leaders sent get well messages, with US President Joe Biden saying he was concerned and adding Ill be talking to him, God willing. Mr Sunak wished the King a full and speedy recovery, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also sent a get-well message. Buckingham Palace said the King remained wholly positive about his treatment and thanked his medical team for their swift intervention. The Palace said: During the Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. Just nine months ago, the King and Queen were celebrating their coronation (Leon Neal/PA) He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Cancer charities and health professionals praised the King for being open about his diagnosis. Professor Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said the outpouring of well wishes reflects the collective concern we all share. She added: The Kings openness about his battle with cancer is a powerful reminder that one in two of us may face cancer at some point in our lives. The King was crowned last May (Aaron Chown/PA) The Palace has called for the Kings privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. The spokesman said: The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities. In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them. The Palace released a new unseen portrait of the King to accompany the announcement, showing him in a formal pose in a suit and tie with his hands behind his back during his state visit to France in September. The King during the state visit to France in September 2023 (Samir Hussein/PA) Charles was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago after undergoing a corrective procedure on his enlarged prostate. The Queen, who visited the King each day and usually twice a day, will carry on with a full programme of official duties. Charles was last seen on Sunday with Camilla at his side when he attended church in Sandringham. He looked cheery as he waved at well-wishers. Labour will call on the Government to extend its recent ban of dangerous weapons to include ninja swords (Suffolk Police/PA) Bosses at Amazon Marketplace, eBay and Instagram could face criminal sanctions for allowing the sale of illegal knives on their online platforms under Labour proposals. The Opposition party will urge the Government to close the glaring loopholes in its plans to tackle knife crime. Ministers are introducing new laws to outlaw zombie-style weapons, with the ban due to come into force in September making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport the blades. But Labour will use an Opposition Day debate on Tuesday to call on the Government to go further by including ninja swords in the ban and making tech executives liable for illegal weapons sold on their online marketplaces. Sir Keir Starmer has promised to close loopholes and end caveats in a total crackdown on the availability of knives on UK streets. The Labour leader last month met the family of Ronan Kanda, a 16-year-old who was killed by two 17-year-olds in 2022 using a ninja sword bought online using a fake name and collected from a Post Office. The former director of public prosecutions pledged to conduct a review of online knife sales to strengthen ID requirements and checks on parcels by Royal Mail and Border Force in an effort to clamp down on the unlawful supply of dangerous weapons to under-18s. Sir Keir Starmer has promised a total crackdown on the availability of knives on Britains streets (Jonathan Brady/PA) A Labour government would also launch a 100 million programme aimed at identifying and supporting young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime. Any young person caught with a knife could also face curfews, tagging or other sanctions. Labour is calling on Tory MPs to back these proposals in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Shadow policing minister Alex Norris said: Knife crime destroys lives and leaves families and communities reeling. The Government has a duty to do everything it can to stop these dangerous weapons getting into the hands of teenagers and those who would do harm. Dangerous weapons like ninja swords which have been used to kill teenagers like Ronan Kanda are still available on Britains streets. Still, law-breaking online platforms who profit from these illegal sales are being let off with a slap on the wrist instead of facing criminal sanctions. Labour wants to close these glaring loopholes in the Governments plans and are asking the Conservatives and other parties to vote with us to do so. A Home Office spokesman said: The UK has some of the strongest anti-knife laws in the world, and since 2019 we have taken 120,000 knives off our streets, but we are determined to do more to end this senseless violence. Just weeks ago, we banned zombie-style knives and machetes and we will not hesitate to take further action based on the advice of police chiefs and frontline officers. We are also toughening sentences for anyone caught with a banned weapon or found selling knives to under-18s, and are giving police new powers to seize any knife if they believe it might be used in criminality. A university academic who was sacked after making comments criticising Israel has successfully claimed at an employment tribunal that he experienced discrimination based on his anti-Zionist belief in a landmark ruling. Professor David Miller was also found to have been unfairly and wrongfully dismissed by the University of Bristol in October 2021. A disciplinary hearing found the lecturer, who had worked as a professor of political sociology, did not meet the standards of behaviour expected of university staff. Prof Miller launched employment tribunal proceedings claiming unfair dismissal, breach of contract and discrimination or victimisation on grounds of religion or belief. At the conclusion of proceedings, Prof Miller successfully claimed discrimination based on his philosophical belief that Zionism is inherently racist, imperialist, and colonial, a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, his legal representatives, Rahman Lowe, announced on Monday. This judgment establishes for the first time ever that anti-Zionist beliefs are protected in the workplace, the firm said. Prof Miller said he is very proud to have established that anti-Zionist views qualify as a protected belief. I am extremely pleased that the Tribunal has concluded that I was unfairly and wrongfully dismissed by the University of Bristol, he said. I am also very proud that we have managed to establish that anti-Zionist views qualify as a protected belief under the UK Equality Act. This was the most important reason for taking the case and I hope it will become a touchstone precedent in all the future battles that we face with the racist and genocidal ideology of Zionism and the movement to which it is attached. The determination that I was sacked for my anti-Zionist views is a huge vindication of my case all the way through this process. Professor David Miller took the University of Bristol to an employment tribunal (Ben Birchall/PA) The University of Bristol maintained that I was sacked because Zionist students were offended by my various remarks, but it was plain from the evidence of its own witnesses that this was untrue, and it was the anti-Zionist nature of my comments which was the decisive factor. Zillur Rahman, who represented the academic at the tribunal, said his client has been vindicated. He said: This is a landmark case and marks a pivotal moment in the history of our country for those who believe in upholding the rights of Palestinians. The timing of this judgment will be welcomed by many who at present are facing persecution in their workplaces for speaking out against the crimes of the Israeli state, and the genocide taking place in Gaza. I am delighted for our client, David, who has been vindicated. The lawyer said his client will be seeking maximum compensation for the impact the events have had on his career. Prof Miller drew controversy during a lecture at the university in 2019, when he said the Zionist movement was one of five pillars driving Islamophobia in the UK, the tribunal heard. The University of Bristol subsequently received a complaint from the Community Security Trust charity, which said his lecture was a false, vile antisemitic slur. After an investigation of the complaint, no further action was taken against Scottish-born Prof Miller. But further complaints were made to the university about him after he took part in an event called Building the campaign for free speech in February 2021, in which he spoke of being publicly criticised for his views on Palestine and Israel. This led to the launch of disciplinary proceedings that culminated in his dismissal in October 2021. The University of Bristol said in a statement that it acknowledges the judgment of the tribunal but is disappointed with its findings. The statement continued: After a full investigation and careful deliberation, the university concluded that Dr Miller did not meet the standards of behaviour we expect from our staff in relation to comments he made in February 2021 about students and student societies linked to the university. As a result and considering our responsibilities to our students and the wider university community, his employment was terminated. Professor David Miller said he was unfairly dismissed (Ben Birchall/PA) We recognise that these matters have caused deep concern for many, and that members of our community hold very different views from one another. We would, therefore, encourage everyone to respond in a responsible and sensitive way in the current climate. The university added: The University of Bristol remains committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment that enriches lives and where the essential principles of academic freedom are preserved. The university is reviewing the tribunals lengthy judgment carefully and in light of that review, it would not be appropriate to comment further. Farmers insisted that measures such as the one on pesticides would only increase bureaucratic burdens (Jean-Francois Badias/AP) The European Unions executive arm has shelved an anti-pesticides proposal in yet another concession to farmers after weeks of protests blocked major capitals and economic lifelines across the 27-nation bloc. Although the proposal had languished in EU institutions for the past two years, the move by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was the latest indication that the bloc is willing to sacrifice environmental priorities to keep the farming community on its side. Farmers have insisted that measures such as the one on pesticides would only increase bureaucratic burdens and keep them behind laptops instead of farming, adding to the price gap between their products and cheap imports produced by foreign farmers without similar burdens. Ms von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the pesticides proposal has become a symbol of polarisation, adding: To move forward, more dialogue and a different approach is needed. She acknowledged that the proposals had been made over the heads of farmers. Farmers need a worthwhile business case for nature-enhancing measures. Perhaps we have not made that case convincingly, she said. It is unclear when new proposals will be drafted. EU parliamentary elections are set for June, and the plight of farmers has become a focal point of campaigning, even pushing climate issues aside over the past few weeks. Under its much-hyped European Green Deal, the EU has targeted a 50% cut in the overall use of pesticides and other hazardous substances by 2030. The proposal was criticised both by environmentalists who claimed it would be insufficient to reach sustainability targets, and by agriculture groups who insisted it would be unworkable and drive farmers out of business. Farmers gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Jean-Francois Badias/AP) The decision to shelve the proposal on pesticides represented the EUs latest act of political self-retribution in reaction to protests that have affected the daily lives of tens of millions of EU citizens and cost businesses tens of millions of euros due to transportation delays. Many politicians, especially on the right and its fringes, applauded the impact of the protests. Long live the farmers, whose tractors are forcing Europe to take back the nonsense imposed by multinationals and the left, said Italys right-wing transport minister Matteo Salvini. Last week, Ms von der Leyen announced plans to shield farmers from cheaper products exported from wartime Ukraine and to allow farmers to use some land they had been required to keep fallow for environmental reasons. In France, where the protests gained critical mass, the government promised more than 400 million euros in additional financial support. Italian farmers have protested against EU agricultural policies (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP) Meanwhile, protests continued in many EU nations. Since early Tuesday morning, farmers across Spain have staged tractor protests, blocking roads and causing traffic jams to demand changes in EU policies and funds and measures to combat production cost increases. The protests came as the Agriculture Ministry announced some 270 million euros in aid to 140,000 farmers to address drought conditions and problems caused by Russias war against Ukraine. Bulgarian farmers moved their heavy vehicles from the fields to the main motorways and border crossings, paralysing traffic, after farmers refused to accept proposed government support, arguing that it was not sufficient to compensate them for losses due to the war in Ukraine, higher production costs, climate conditions and Green Deal requirements. On Monday night, farmers in the Netherlands blocked several roads and motorways with their tractors and set fire to hay bales and tyres. In recent weeks, farmers have also protested in Poland, Greece, Ireland, Germany and Lithuania. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Qatars Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, at Diwan Annex, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Qatars prime minister says Hamass reaction to the latest Gaza ceasefire plan has been generally positive. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani shared his assessment on Tuesday at a news conference with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Qatar, which has long mediated with Hamas, has been working with the US and Egypt to broker a ceasefire that would involve an extended halt in fighting and the release of the over 100 hostages still held by Hamas after its October 7 cross-border raid that ignited the war nearly four months ago. The Qatari prime minister did not provide any details on Hamass response but said the group had comments. Hamas said in a statement that it responded in a positive spirit to the latest proposal from the US and Middle East mediators. But the militant group said it still seeks a comprehensive and complete ceasefire to end the aggression against our people. Israel has ruled out the kind of permanent ceasefire sought by the militant group. Mr Blinken confirmed that officials had received Hamass response and said he would brief Israels leaders when he visits the country on Wednesday. Mr Blinken met Egyptian officials earlier in the day and was in Saudi Arabia on Monday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, is welcomed by Qatars Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, Qatar (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AP) His visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israels stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Israels defence minister has said his countrys offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people have sought refuge and are now living in increasingly miserable conditions. UN humanitarian monitors said on Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two-thirds of Gazas territory, driving thousands more people every day toward the border areas. Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed more than four decades ago. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. Mr Blinken, who met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sissi in Cairo, has said repeatedly that Palestinians must not be forced out of Gaza. During this trip, Mr Blinken is seeking progress on a ceasefire deal, on potential normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and on preventing an escalation of regional fighting. Palestinians look at a house destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah on Monday (AP Photo/Hatem Ali) On all three fronts, Mr Blinken faces major challenges. Hamas and Israel are publicly at odds over key elements of a potential truce. Israel has dismissed the United States calls for a path to a Palestinian state, and Irans militant allies in the region have shown little sign of being deterred by US strikes. Egypt and Qatar have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would lead to the release of more hostages in return for a several-week pause in Israeli military operations. The outlines of such a deal were worked out by intelligence chiefs from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel late last month and were presented to Hamas. As on his previous four trips to the Middle East since the Gaza war began, Mr Blinkens other main goal is to prevent the conflict from spreading, a task made more difficult by stepped-up attacks by Iran-backed militias in the region and increasingly severe US military responses in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Red Sea that have intensified since last week. Mr Blinken met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday evening, shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. The White House on Tuesday indicated there is still no finality on Hamass position on a proposal to free remaining Israeli hostages for an extended pause in fighting. I would say that the negotiating effort is still ongoing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. We arent at a place where we have finality on it. Security at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains fragile amid worrying recent staff cuts enacted by Russian authorities occupying the facility, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief has said. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, who is in Kyiv, told the Associated Press that his upcoming visit to the plant as the war approaches its two-year milestone will aim to assess the impact of recent personnel reductions after Russia denied access to employees of Ukraines Energoatom. The plant is one of the 10 biggest atomic power plants in the world. This huge facility used to have around 12,000 staff. Now, this has been reduced to between 2,000 and 3,000, which is quite a steep reduction in the number of people working there, Mr Grossi said. To man, to operate these very sophisticated big installations you need a certain number of people performing different specific functions. So far the situation is stable, but it is a very, very delicate equilibrium. So this is why I need to see for myself what is the situation, what are the prospects in terms of staffing, medium-term and long-term as well. Mr Grossis visit coincided with the arrival in the Ukrainian capital of the European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who said he was there to discuss military aid and financial support as well as Ukraines ambition of joining the bloc. The 27 EU countries agreed last week to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros in support for its ailing economy. But the EUs military backing is falling short, leaving Ukraines forces grappling with ammunition shortages while Russia uses its economic muscle to keep up the pressure with probing ground and air attacks. At the same time, a question mark remains over further help for Ukraine from the United States, its biggest supplier. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is visiting Ukraine (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Ap) That has made the early months of this year a critical juncture for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated he is mulling a broad shake-up of the countrys leadership to bring fresh energy to the fight. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Mr Grossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function in the wake of the Kakhovka Dam collapse over the summer, and the presence of mines in and around the plant. The plant suffered yet another blackout last month, highlighting continuing nuclear safety concerns as battles rage nearby. All these things tell us that the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to be fragile and it requires constant care, Mr Grossi said. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Of particular concern is the Russian decision to block access for Ukrainian staff employed by Kyivs national operator, who refused to sign contracts with the Russian operator at the site. The staff working at the plant now are former Energoatom workers who adopted Russian citizenship and signed new contracts with Russias operator at the site. Reasons for the staff reduction vary. Some workers fled, many did not want to remain in occupied territory and those who decided to remain did not want to work for Russia. Some did continue working, and my Russian counterparts are telling me that they are signing up more and more people. So its something that we need to check, said Mr Grossi. The plants six reactors have been shut down for nearly 18 months and produce no electricity but still hold large amounts of nuclear fuel that must be cooled. The collapse of the dam in June jeopardised access to the reservoir where water was drawn for cooling. To compensate, the plant administration dug wells. Now we want to see how this has evolved, Mr Grossi said. Rafael Grossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) He is to meet Ukrainian officials before heading to the plant. He is also due to travel to Moscow for talks with officials there. Access to the entire plant facility for IAEA experts permanently based there is still limited, with Russian authorities denying requests to see certain areas. Mr Grossi confirmed his team observed anti-personnel mines in some areas of the plant, another cause for concern that he needs to see with his own eyes. He added, however, that the mines appear to be placed between the two perimeter fences. We say mines at a nuclear power plant are not advisable, but what we see is that the placement and the type of mines would not pose an immediate danger to the facility, he said. In other developments, a Russian missile strike killed a two-month-old child and injured three women in Ukraines north-eastern Kharkiv region on Tuesday morning, regional authorities said. In Russia, the defence ministry said its forces brought down all seven drones launched from Ukraine towards the countrys Belgorod region overnight. Elsewhere, four Russian Baltic Sea ports have brought in extra security measures due to the continuing risk from Ukrainian drone attacks, according to documents published on the local port authoritys website. Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly relied on long-range attacks as fighting remains largely static along the 900-mile front line. People in Turkey threw carnations into a river as they marked the one-year anniversary of the countrys catastrophic earthquake (Metin Yoksu/AP) Millions of people across Turkey have mourned the loss of more than 53,000 friends, loved ones and neighbours in the countrys catastrophic earthquake a year ago. To mark what it calls the Disaster of the Century, the government arranged a series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tremor in southern Turkey. In Antakya, the capital of the southern province of Hatay, angry crowds jostled with police as officials were led to the commemorations. Mayor Lutfu Savas was greeted with chants calling for him to resign, while health minister Fahrettin Koca was jeered and booed as he gave a speech. People visit graves in a cemetery where some of the victims of the earthquake are buried (Metin Yoksu/AP) Amid fog by the Orontes River, people chanted Can anyone hear me? echoing the voices of those buried under the rubble a year ago and We wont forget, we wont forgive. Some of us were buried alive, said Mustafa Bahadirli, a 24-year-old in Antakya. We called our government father but the government left us without a father. We were abandoned for days and are still abandoned. Sebnem Yesil, 22, criticised the government and opposition politicians such as Mr Savas. I think they have been extremely disrespectful, she said. It has been a year, they never came and now theyre here for a ceremony. You didnt hear our voices, you didnt help, at least let us grieve. After a moment of silence at 4.17am to mark the time the quake struck, carnations were thrown into the river in an act of remembrance and a local orchestra played a song to honour the victims. People across Turkey mourned the loss of loved ones (Metin Yoksu/AP) Hatay, which lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Syrian border, was the worst affected of the 11 southern provinces hit by the 7.8 magnitude quake. Including 6,000 people in neighbouring Syria, the quake left more than 59,000 dead. Crowds in Adiyaman held a silent march, passing a clock tower that for the past year has shown the time of the earthquake. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later visited newly built homes in Kahramanmaras, the quakes epicentre, after inspecting the work being done to rebuild the city and rehouse thousands who remain in tents and pre-fabricated containers. Today, we are drawing lots for 9,289 houses in Kahramanmaras and handing over their keys, he said. He added that the government aims to deliver 200,000 homes across the quake zone by the end of the year. Families who were picked out of the draw were called to the stage to receive the keys to their new homes from Mr Erdogan. The ceremony was broadcast nationally. Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Denes Erdos/AP) Mr Erdogan had earlier posted that the loss from the disaster continues to burn our hearts as fresh as the first day, adding: Thank God, our nation has successfully passed this painful and historical test. Opposition politicians are also visiting the region, with the Republican Peoples Party leader Ozgur Ozel attending commemorations in Hatay before travelling to Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras. Schools were closed for the day in many of the quake-affected provinces. In Malatya, the governor banned any marches or other public displays outside officially sanctioned events for three days. Mads Brinch Hansen, head of the International Federation of the Red Cross delegation to Syria, told reporters in Geneva that there were few prospects for post-earthquake reconstruction in the war-battered country. We dont have the funding to even think of going into larger scale rehabilitation and reconstruction, he said. EZULWINI - In a bid to fortify the entire economy under the theme of catalysing business development, Business Eswatini (BE) hosted another successful insurance sector meeting. The meeting was held as a means for BE to keep up with its role in safe-guarding the interests of local businesses across all industries. The recent insurance industry meeting convened by BE is one of many such meetings and conferences which are convened under the umbrella body representing the business sector in Eswatini. Held against the backdrop of tightening economic conditions sweeping across the entire economy and region, the business leaders within the insurance sector met to put their minds together on how the sector can inspire some vibrancy into the economy and to sharpen each others axes as they seek to improve the efficiencies within the sector as a whole. The chairperson of the sector, Zama Ngcobo expressed his satisfaction in the content and quality of the discussions and could not hide his optimism about the outcomes. He also encouraged the companies who did not make it to ensure that they take part in the gatherings so that they do not miss out on crucial decisions which are taken by the collective under BE. The CEO of BE, Nathi Dlamini said As businesses grapple with various challenges, BE as the apex Federation of Employers, remains steadfast in its mission to support the entire business sector with the tools, insights and resources needed to navigate through the treacherous, tough business landscape. We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities on behalf of our members, hence we felt that an engagement of such a nature among the insurers would at least assure all the other industries of the cover they need, especially in a dynamic and volatile environment such as the business landscape. He further announced that BE intends to expand consultations with other sectors of the economy in order to make an informed intervention on behalf of all businesses in the country regardless of size. It is our culture to consult with members so that we walk in lockstep with them and we will continue down this road with our hands on their pulses as usual. By fostering a collaborative environment and facilitating dialogue between captains of industry, BE has positioned itself as the vanguard of business development and resilience he said. The CEO also announced that on February 29, they will be hosting the Annual Labour Conference, a seminar where employers and social partners are updated on the latest developments within the industrial relations space, while also being given the chance to have a voice on the direction of policy in the space. He said spaces are limited and encouraged those who have not yet booked to do so immediately to avoid disappointment. Members of the Myanmar junta-affiliated Border Guard Police (BGP) are seen at a Bangladesh Border Guard encampment in Bandarban, Bangladesh, after they fled from fighting across the border in Myanmar, Feb. 5, 2024. UPDATED at 5:05 p.m. ET on 2024-02-05 More than 100 members of the Burmese juntas border police force, including some wounded men, crossed into southeastern Bangladesh since the weekend to flee fierce fighting with Arakan Army rebels, Bangladeshi officials said Monday. Two civilians a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya refugee meanwhile were killed Monday when a mortar shell fired from Rakhine exploded on the womans house in Bandarban district near where the fighting was happening. They were the first civilians to be reported killed in Bandarban since the fighting encroached along Bangladeshs southeastern border with Myanmar. In Dhaka, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said the government was in touch with the junta in Myanmar to arrange to repatriate the members of the Burmese Border Guard Police (BGP) who, starting at the weekend, had fled into Bangladesh. At least 24 of the BGP men were sent to hospitals in neighboring Coxs Bazar district to be treated for their wounds, officials said. We have been maintaining uninterrupted communication with [Myanmar], and the deputy foreign minister of Myanmar talked to our ambassador [in Myanmar] this morning. They will take their nationals back; I mean they will repatriate the BGP members who have come here, Mahmud told reporters at the ministry on Monday. The BGP members who fled into Bangladesh abandoned their posts as the Arakan Army insurgents closed in to capture their camp in Maungdaw township. There is a possibility that more BGP members would enter, said the minister. We have been discussing the modalities of their return: whether they will be sent back by air or by boat. The anti-junta Arakan Army seized an outpost manned by the military-affiliated BGP along western Myanmars border with Bangladesh on Sunday, confiscating arms and equipment, according to residents and an alliance of ethnic rebels. The attack marked the latest blow to Myanmars military in Rakhine state, where the ethnic Arakan Army, or AA, ended a ceasefire in November that had been in place since the junta assumed power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat. The AA took control of the Taung Pyo Let Yar outpost in Maungdaw township on Sunday afternoon, taking prisoners and prompting nearly scores of fighters with the Border Guard Force, to flee towards the border, the Three Brotherhood Alliance of which the AA is a member said in a statement. The statement by the alliance, which also includes the Taang National Liberation Army, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, said that AA fighters were killed in the battle, although it did not provide details of the number of casualties. In Naikhongchhari upazila, a sub-district of Bandarban district, residents of Bangladeshi villages said they could hear gun and artillery fire from the fighting across the border, and saw at least one Burmese military helicopter launch a strike nearby. Police identified the two victims who died in the mortar explosion as Hosne Ara, 50, a local resident, and Nobi Hossain, 65, a Rohingya laborer who was working at her house. Firing and shelling had intensified since the morning. Suddenly, a mortar shell landed in my sisters house and exploded. She died, Shah Alam, Hosne Aras brother, told BenarNews on Monday. Iman Hossain, the son of the dead Rohingya laborer, said his family had received the news that his father was killed in the explosion. We came to Bangladesh from Myanmar to save our lives. But my father died in a Myanmar mortar shell [explosion]. What else can be more painful than this? Nobi Hossain told BenarNews. The relatives of a Bangladeshi woman who was killed when a mortar shell fell on her home and exploded, grieve for her in Naikhongchhari, Bandarban, Bangladesh, Feb. 5, 2024. [Minhaz Uddin/BenarNews] Shariful Islam, a spokesman for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said the BGP members who fled into Bangladesh via the Tombru crossing had been disarmed and detained. Residents of Tombru and four other villages in the area told BenarNews that the mortar and artillery fire was keeping them awake all night. Five local primary schools and a madrassa, an Islamic boarding school, have been closed since the fighting moved nearby, they said. We have seen [aircraft] of the Myanmar military. Intermittent firing has been going on. We are shifting to a safe shelter, Momtaz Begum, a resident of Joypaitoli village in Ghundhum, told BenarNews. On Sunday, three local residents were injured by gunfire coming from across the border, residents said. A fragment of an exploded mortar shell and a bullet are seen inside a house in Naikhongchhari, Bandarban, Bangladesh, Feb. 5, 2024. [Minhaz Uddin/BenarNews] The fighting in Rakhine has also forced hundreds of people, including Rohingya and Chakma tribespeople, to flee and many were seen on Monday attempting to enter Bangladesh. The BGB said it did not allow them in. The conflict between junta forces and the Arakan Army has caused food shortages among the people living along the Myanmar border, Mizanur Rahman, Bangladeshs refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, told BenarNews. People have been trying to enter Bangladesh, he said. He urged international agencies to extend support to the affected people so they dont come into Bangladesh. Already we are overburdened with one million Rohingya people, he said, referring to the Rohingya refugee population in the country. Kamran Reza Chowdhury in Dhaka and RFA Burmese, part of BenarNews-affiliated Radio Free Asia, contributed to this report. It has been updated to include some more details about the Arakan Army takeover of the BGP outpost in Rakhine. An ethnic Hmong preacher and human rights activist released on bail from a Bangkok detention center alleged that a Vietnamese official had threatened him when he refused to return to Vietnam, where he would likely face persecution. Lu A Da, who was arrested and held at the Immigration Detention Center in December on the charge of illegally entering and residing in Thailand, told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday that an official named Hai from the Vietnamese Embassy had visited him at the facility on Dec. 28, where he issued the threat. RFA is a news service affiliated with BenarNews. The case is an example of Vietnamese authorities harassing ethnic Hmong many of whom are Christians for their beliefs. In Vietnam, the minority group often faces social exclusion, discrimination and even attacks. When the two of them met, Hai said that he would complete documents to send Lu home prior to the Lunar New Year, Lu said. But when Lu did not agree to return to Vietnam, Hai threatened to harm his relatives. He learned that I am an activist, so he said to me, You are in Thailand, so you can do whatever you like, but you should think about your relatives in Vietnam. Lu said. Hai used my relatives in Vietnam as a threat for me to not [engage in] activism. Lu said he did not know Hais position at the embassy, but that Hai and another official named Linh sometimes went to the detention center in Bangkok to work with Vietnamese detainees. The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok did not respond to RFAs email request for comment. Arrested after denunciation Lu, a former missionary and preacher at the Northern Evangelical Church of Vietnam and head of the Hmong Human Rights Coalition, fled Vietnam with his family in 2020 to escape ethnic and religious persecution, and entered Thailand illegally to seek official refugee status. The latter group collects evidence of the Vietnamese governments discrimination of Hmong on issues such as language, religion, land and identification. It provides support to Hmong people so they can learn Vietnamese law through lessons given by Boat People SOS, a U.S.-based organization. Thai police arrested Lu at his rental home in Bangkok on Dec. 7, two weeks after he publicly denounced the Vietnamese governments systematic suppression of Hmong communities in Vietnam. Lus lawyer paid 6,000 Thai baht (U.S. $170) to bail him out of the detention facility on Feb. 2, and the Boat People SOS provided Lu with 50,000 baht (U.S. $1,400) in support. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, in Thailand had previously rejected Lus application for refugee status, but granted it to him while he was at the immigration detention facility. Lu told RFA that because of his activism in Thailand, Vietnamese authorities have made life difficult for his brother who lives in Vietnams Lai Chau province. His brother, chief of the San Phang Thap commune in a village in Tam Duong district, had an opportunity to be promoted to village officer, but after Lu and his family fled to Thailand, local residents did not trust his brother, and he had to move to Quang Ninh to make a living, Lu said. Lu said he suspected that the Thai police who arrested him may be working with officials at the Vietnamese Embassy. Prior to his arrest, Lu appeared in a video presented during a Boat People SOS session about Hanois repression of ethnic minority communities. In the clip, Lu said Vietnamese authorities did not issue identification papers, birth certificates or marriage certificates to many Hmong. They also prevented them from accessing education, official employment and health care programs that the ethnic Kinh majority enjoys, he said. MBABANE Pavlo Phitidis, an entrepreneur, investor and Co-Founder and CEO of Aurik Business, says 1.3 per cent of companies survive without their founders. Pavlo was facilitating a business battleplan workshop hosted by AM Consultancy in collaboration with Aurik Business. The mind-opening session for local businesspeople was held at the Royal Villas last Thursday. He shared that if ones business cannot run without them (owner), it is not a business, it is a job. The session was aimed at assisting local chief executive officers (CEO) and other business leaders to sharpen their strategies to grow their businesses amid recurring problems that impede business growth. Worth noting is that Pavlo has over 25 years of direct experience in conceptualising and building businesses across three continents. He has developed and brought to market business assets in excess of US$450 million through a combination of business start-ups, turnarounds, sales and acquisitions. Using his hands-on experience, business capabilities and relationship networks, he continues to support the growth of business owners through Aurik, a venture capital business growth service. Pavlo is a regular media commentator, an international speaker on business growth and author of the best-selling, Sweat Scale $ell as well as his newest title: Reset Rebuild Reignite. In his presentation, Pavlo highlighted that it was important for business owners to create their businesses with the intention to grow those businesses and turn them into assets of value. Portion He stated that the reason why the portion of businesses surviving without owners was so small was simply because most businesses were not growing enough in order to be sold in the near future so that they may continue existing. He said businesses must be built to be sold in the future. The expert highlighted the steps that business owners must follow in order to build their businesses into an asset of value. He said in order to reach the point whereby the business becomes an asset of value, they should be well positioned to win in a changing world, enabled by reliable operating procedures and systems, and empowered by a purposeful team to generate consistent organic growth. He shared with the captains of industry that the above steps would release time for them to focus on their next level of growth, innovation and profitability. He said the outcome should be growing a, more profitable business that has the likelihood of being sold for premium value in the future. He stated that there were three important pillars to follow in order to turn ones business into an asset of value and that was income growth, capital appreciation and tradability. He added that it was important for business owners to understand their customers and then find a way to set their products apart from those of competitors. Pavlo stated that it was important for the business owners to fully understand why customers were using those products and what problems were being solved with those products. Meanwhile, Anita Jones from AM Consultancy encouraged any company to look at Aurik to make their business a true asset of value. She highlighted that AM Consultancy has been on the Aurik journey for a year with them and it has grown their company exceptionally. She said even after being in business for 30 years, they have learnt so much and the amazing facilitators from Aurik have challenged them to a new level. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Scattered snow showers during the morning. Then partly to mostly cloudy this afternoon. High around 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Occasional snow showers. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. BENNINGTON A homeless young man, living for months with his girlfriend inside a stolen pickup truck in the parking lot of a Bennington supermarket, was released on a deferred sentence and probation after a plea deal Monday in Bennington. Odanni Sori, 24, of Allentown, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated vehicle operation without owners consent- a felony. The state dismissed two other counts initially charged, possession of stolen property and giving false information to law enforcement. All sides agreed Sori should not serve jail time in the case. State's Attorney Erica Marthage made a brief appearance via video on behalf of going ahead with Sori's release without any delays for Department of Corrections pre-sentencing reports. "Clearly, this young man needs to be released," Marthage told Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady. The judge seemed to agree without downplaying the significance of the crime. "I understand the dire situation you were in, but that doesn't excuse or mitigate what happened," she said. "Good luck to you." After the hearing, Sori, who did not make any statements during the sentencing hearing, said that he hoped the incident could help himself and others facing similar circumstances. I think this is a learning experience for me, Sori said as he departed the courthouse. As far as me being homeless, well, I think people tend to act on their emotions a lot. I think this is a humbling experience for me. Its an experience where I see now it wasnt really worth it. According to a police affidavit, Sori was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado on Jan. 8, 2024 with expired, stolen Vermont plates from a different vehicle and a suspended Pennsylvania drivers license. While speaking to police officers from the Bennington Police Department, Sori allegedly told them that the plates, which originally belonged to her stepfather, were given to him by his girlfriend. The plates legally belonged to a female in Bennington with no ties to Sori. Sori then told the officer that he was having a hard time registering the vehicle because he was homeless. While speaking to Sori, police noticed the vehicles VIN was covered with black tape. When they checked the VIN through dispatch, it appeared to be stolen in Albany, N.Y, in September 2023. Sori then told police he purchased the truck from an app called Offer Up for $6,000. Police contacted Albany police, who informed them that the vehicle's owner met Sori on the app. According to the owner, Sori came to test drive the car and never returned. Sori and his girlfriend had been living inside the stolen truck in the Hannaford supermarket parking lot on Northside Drive where for several weeks Sori worked full-time. According to court records checks and both attorneys involved in the case, he has no criminal record in Vermont, Pennsylvania, or New York. Sori could not meet his $2,000 court-ordered bail after his arraignment and remained in custody at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland since his early January 2024 arrest. He was released on conditions, including instructions he consults with homeless advocates and organizations in the Bennington area and complies with any ordered restitution from the trucks rightful owner. Soris deferred sentence means that the felony conviction will be erased from his record if he completes probation without any issues or further violations. It also means that if Sori violates any of his conditions or is arrested again, a judge could sentence him up to the maximum original sentence without a trial. Sori was facing a maximum of 11 years if he was convicted on all counts. There have been numerous reports of people living inside their vehicles in and around Bennington in recent months. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Vermont has the highest rate of unsheltered homeless in the United States. About six in ten of the people experiencing homelessness in 2023 had some access to emergency shelters, while the remainder were unsheltered, which includes those sleeping on the streets, in vehicles, in abandoned buildings, and wooded areas. Adjusting for population, those figures come out to about 43.1 people for every 10,000 residents, the second most among the 50 states. Of those experiencing homelessness in Vermont, a reported 98.4 percent were unsheltered, the highest share among the states. At the end of the day, Sori said after the hearing, I hope this can show others not to act on their own emotions, to look back and think hard before doing something stupid like this. I know I can change my situation, and reach out for support like the judge said. Ive been homeless before. I know how hard it is. This is one time I messed up, but Im hopeful for my future. I am sorry to everyone. I know I can do better. MBABANE - A music giant, home to stars like Taylor Swift and Drake, had threatened to withdraw licences for its tracks to the social media juggernaut if they failed to come to a new agreement. Videos on TikTok began to go silent early last Thursday, after combative licensing negotiations broke down this week between the popular social media platform and Universal Music Group, the giant company that releases music by artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, U2 and Ariana Grande. On Tuesday, a day before its licensing contract with TikTok was set to expire, Universal, the largest of the three major record companies published a fiery open letter accusing TikTok of offering unsatisfactory payment for music and of allowing its platform to be flooded with AI-generated recordings that diluted the royalty pool for real human musicians. TikTok confirmed early Thursday that it had removed music from Universal and videos on the app began to show the effects of the broken partnership. Recordings by Universal artists were deleted from TikToks library and existing videos that used music from Universals artists had their audio muted entirely. Universal songs were also unavailable for users to add to new videos. A video posted by Kylie Jenner in September, for example, using a song by Lana Del Rey, who is signed to the Universal label was silent, with a note saying, This sound isnt available. (Commenters to the video had remarked on the music). Other videos carried similar statements, including Sound removed due to copyright restrictions. When users went to the official profiles of Universal artists like Swift and Grande, who is scheduled to release a new album next month, the tabs that would normally display dozens of tracks that users could add to their own clips were either entirely bared or reduced to a handful of brief snippets. Fallout The extent of the fallout was unclear on Thursday, and a spokesperson did not provide an estimate of how many videos would be affected by the change. On Thursday morning, some videos using Universal recordings appeared to be unaffected. TikTok, where users load short video clips, often with music in the background, is a vital promotional arena for the music industry. A music-driven viral meme on TikTok can make a song a hit or revitalise a decades-old classic, as it happened in 2020 with Fleetwood Macs 1977 track Dreams. Universals clash with the platform is the latest manifestation of a media conflict that has played out repeatedly over the last two decades, pitting tech companies innovations against the music industrys demands for control and compensation. It is worth noting that there are a few local artists who are signed to Universal Music who still have their original music available on the app. Rapper Bavarah clinched a deal with Universal Music Group back in 2022 under Def Jam Africa. He had began his music career in 2015, making several stage appearances in his career. Yemaa is also an artist who signed a deal with Universal back in 2021. In response to Universal, TikTok last Tuesday, accused the music company in a statement of putting their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters, and said that Universal had chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent. Negotiations Representatives of Universal and TikTok declined on Thursday to make any new statements about their negotiations or the withdrawal of music from the platform. Universals withdrawal was interpreted in the music industry as all but a declaration of war against one of the worlds most influential online outlets, although one over which labels have limited control. Contentious contract talks, and even public barbs, are part of the standard terrain when it comes to major music companies and tech platforms negotiating over the all-important content licences that allow those platforms to host music. But it is rare for a music company to make good on threats to remove its content. That happened in 2008, when Warner Music pulled thousands of music videos from YouTube; the standoff lasted nine months, and Warner returned its videos once YouTube agreed to share advertising revenue with the label. DANBY The Vermont State Police on Monday arrested a third suspect in the homicide of 17-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez in 2022 in Danby. Elijah Johnson, 22, of Manchester, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, charged being an accessory after the fact in the Rodriguez murder. Johnson was later charged with conspiracy to commit murder and aiding in the commission of a felony, per a VSP release Monday evening. Police arrested Johnson in Burlington following his release from federal custody on unrelated charges. He was transported to the Rutland Barracks for processing and then transferred to the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility after failing to make a $15,000 bail, the release said. Johnson is due to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Bennington. The Vermont State Police arrested two other suspects on charges related to Rodriguezs murder last week. On Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, members of the VSP arrested 32-year-old Ashley Wicks and 28-year-old Shawn Bulson both of Bennington on charges of being accessories after the fact to the fatal shooting. Wicks was also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and aiding in the murder, both of which Bennington Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady failed to find probable cause for. Both suspects were arraigned at the Bennington Superior Court last Wednesday and granted bail. Police started investigating the murder after Rodriguezs body was found by a passerby 10 feet from the roadway in the snow in early February 2022. Rodriguez was found wearing a winter down coat and summer slide sandals on his feet. An affidavit in the case stated that the persons responsible for the murder stole Rodriguezs shoes just before shooting him. Detectives with the VSP determined the homicide arose from a dispute about a possible stolen firearm related to drug trafficking among gang members from the 03 Block Gang based in Springfield, Mass., and set up for business in Bennington. Several individuals tied to the murder, including the two alleged shooters, are currently incarcerated in both state and federal correctional facilities in Vermont on unrelated charges. State prosecutors confirm that more arrests are pending. PITTSFIELD The legal case against a man accused of trying to torch Donald Trump signage in Great Barrington might not end up before a jury. George Cox, 46, and his defense attorneys are in the process of discussing a plea deal with prosecutors, with an agreement in the case "likely," according to court records. Joe Durwin is a local historian specializing in research on residential and commercial properties for owners in Berkshire County. He can be reached at berkshirehomehistorian@gmail.com. You are the owner of this article. LENOX State Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli will not run for another two-year term representing the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the longtime Democratic lawmaker told The Berkshire Eagle on Monday. Pignatelli, who was first elected to the House in 2002, said he made that announcement now to give would-be hopefuls plenty of opportunity to explore a run for the seat. But Pignatelli, 64, emphasized that his leaving Beacon Hill is not a retirement when it comes to public service, and that he remains focused on finishing out his 11th two-year term. I promise you that Ill be running through the tape at the end of my term in January 2025, he said. There is always more to do, but I feel its time for a new generation of leadership to hopefully make the people of the 3rd Berkshire District their priority as your new state representative," he said. The Smitty files School and work Lenox Memorial High School, Class of 1977 Master electrician, Pignatelli Electric, 1977-97 Took over business, 1991 Transferred business to brother Scott in 1998 Lee Bank, business development manager, 1998 Babson College, 2001 Elected offices Lenox Planning Board, 1987-92 Lenox selectman, 1992-2003 Berkshire County Commissioner 1995-99 State House of Representatives, 2003-present House highlights Pignatelli listed what he viewed as his biggest accomplishments in office: Health care for all Massachusetts residents Support of same-sex marriage Protecting women's health care Establishing a first-in-the-nation state cultural facilities fund Assuring state funding for local infrastructure, housing and economic growth "I'm still humbled by the show of support that I have received," he said in a letter announcing the decision. "Each day that I enter the Statehouse I think about my immigrant grandparents who wanted nothing but a better life for themselves and their families. In our Commonwealth, with nearly 7 million people, I think that they would be proud knowing that their grandson was one of 160 people chosen to serve our state in the House of Representatives." Why now? I think its time, he said. I've seen a lot of changes and I've been losing a lot of dear friends its keeping life in perspective. After 40 years of elected office and over 50 years of service, I feel its time to move on. Also, Pignatelli never expected to make a career out of Beacon Hill. I gave up a very good job just to run for this job, he said of his former role in business development at Lee Bank. This was never my plan ... it just happened. I told my staff for 22 years do your job every day and the next election will take care of itself. I still believe that, he said. SOLVING PROBLEMS Friends, town officials and fellow lawmakers said Pignatellis tireless effort and follow-through, empathy, willingness to listen and commitment to the districts needs made him effective and popular. They also pointed to the many favors Pignatelli has done for others, quietly and without fanfare or publicity. South County identifies itself geographically as a place. But theres only been one unifying government we could call for the last however many years its been Smitty, Lenox Town Manager Christopher Ketchen said. So the idea well no longer have him is understandable from his perspective, but sad for us who have enjoyed working with him. The strength of Smitty is his ability to connect with people, said Gene Dellea, president of Fairview Hospital and Hillcrest Family Health Center of Berkshire Medical Center. "Beyond being a legislator he is there to solve problems for people other than legislation. "He's the go-to person for South County I know that firsthand. Hes responsive and always gets back to people. If he says hell do something it always will be done, Dellea said. The thing I think of is he's fast on his feet, said Mary Ellen Deming, who recently retired as Lenox director of administrative services. He was sincere and honest and always there to help anyone you could call him at any moment and he will help you. Pignatelli made the announcement on the day his late father, former Lenox Select Board and Berkshire County Commission member John Pignatelli, would have turned 100. The fifth anniversary of his late mother Mary Jane Pignatellis death, in 2019, is Tuesday. I owe everything I am today to my parents, who laid the foundation for service to our community, Pignatelli said. "My father was a great mentor to me. He taught me you have to understand history to chart a path forward, otherwise you're going to make the same mistakes," he said. "Whoever the next state rep. is needs to have his perspective." John Pignatelli, a World War II veteran and electrician, joined the Lenox Planning Board in 1957, and served as a Lenox Select Board member from 1961-93 and a county commissioner from 1972-92. Smitty named after his fathers childhood friend, William Henry Smith, who was killed in World War II also started his public service career on the Planning Board, and was elected to the Select Board in 1992, serving with his father for one year. Deming, who worked with both father and son in town government, said the younger Pignatelli went about things the same way as his dad. Thats how he grew up," she said. Michele Rivers Murphy, a longtime friend who grew up in the same neighborhood as the Pignatellis, said she thinks about how proud John Pignatelli would be of his son. I think about his father a lot, just knowing what his father meant to Lenox and to Berkshire County politics and how proud he would be of those 40 years of selfless service to others, she said. From a public service standpoint it's hard to imagine youll ever find such a staple of goodness and service again," she said. "Everyones posturing and positioning. And then theres Smitty. Of his mother, a world language teacher in the Lenox Public Schools, Pignatelli was impressed by her combination of compassion, tenacity and dedication to public service. It was about doing something to help other people, he said of his mothers efforts. She did things in a very different style quiet and behind the senses but equally as effective. Another close friend, Doug Trombly, recalled how he and Pignatelli bonded during a weeklong trip to New Orleans in 2007 to rebuild a Lower Ninth Ward home that had been decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Two years after the storm, a family was still living in a FEMA trailer not much bigger than an SUV, Trombly recalled. Pignatelli organized a small army of Berkshire building contractors and tradesmen and led a weeklong trip to build the family a new home. It says everything about who he is. He cares about people. Hes not the politician of politicians; he sincerely cares for you, Trombly said. If I call and tell him I've got a problem, or a buddy of mine has a problem, this is what hed tell you: Give him my cell phone number. Hed never hesitate to do that. And hed help him out. Hed see it through. I think thats what makes him special. BIG SHOES Whoever follows his footsteps has big shoes to fill and an 18-town district stretching from Dalton to Mount Washington. In a district that size you need somebody who has a lot of energy, a lot of commitment. Being a representative in a district like that means working 14-hour days, six days a week, said state Sen. Paul Mark, whose Senate district is even larger. Its a lot of time away from family and has a significant impact on your personal life. Mark said Pignatelli was invaluable as a mentor. He recalled that one time before a tough vote in which he was bucking leadership Pignatelli related his experience with the 2004 same-sex marriage bill, in which he gave his first House floor speech in favor of the state granting that right. The point I took from it was even when youre worried about doing the right thing, the right thing is usually its own reward in the end, said Mark, D-Becket, of the advice. That meant a lot to me. LOCAL IMPACT While many hailed Pignatelli for his advocacy on behalf of the Berkshires, others said the loss of a 22-year veteran will be felt. Smitty has moved up in seniority and hes well known, Dellea said. He knows how to approach an issue with a commissioner or the governor. For a new person theres a learning curve." When it comes to future priorities for his successor, Pignatelli remains convinced that the state must do more to ease the Berkshires' housing crisis not with a single project in a single town, but with a "patchwork" spreading homes throughout the county. But he remains convinced that the most important work is constituent service. "The day-to-day interactions you can have are far greater than trying to go down there to solve big issues," he said. "Im glad to be part of a team to solve big issues. But don't lose sight of where you came from." Strengthened cooperation between China, Britain benefits both sides, world: Chinese premier Xinhua) 14:26, February 06, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that facts have fully proved that strengthened cooperation between China and Britain not only serves the fundamental interests of both sides, but also contributes to world peace and prosperity. Li made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the "Icebreakers" 2024 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by Britain's 48 Group Club. For a long time, the 48 Group Club has actively fostered economic and trade exchanges as well as people-to-people exchanges between China and Britain, which has promoted mutual benefit and win-win results and deepened mutual understanding, Li said. The historic contribution made by the older generation of British friends will always be remembered, he added. Li said he hopes that visionary people from all walks of life in China and Britain will carry forward the "ice-breaking spirit," continue to take action actively and vigorously, and make new contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples, promoting bilateral friendly cooperation, and achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes at a higher level. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Sir, The plight of the people does not matter in the hearts of the ruling class, yet on Sundays they religiously worship the Lord in feigned high spirits. God has turned His back on this nation as money has become a cancer that is systemically destroying the hearts and conscience of pastors and politicians. The Bible is thrust on the poor and static believers, while those in authority worship and live large on the money they diplomatically demonise. Anger has ensnared the hearts of the populace after waking up from their slumber and seeing how their respect and kubindvwa kubona has impoverished and taxed them hard. The high tariffs have destroyed their ubuntu and industrious character that they end up seeing no significance of going to work or pursuing their educational dreams. Worried These are the points that I think have government worried, yet it has no care about the causes of this lawlessness. They hike electricity so they can cripple our businesses and impoverish our domestic lives. They hike fuel tax in order to steal from commuters and enhance their transport and fuel businesses. They refuse to increase salaries (more buying power) so the civil servants can be slaves of their shy-locking businesses. They are tenderpreneurs so they can steal from government coffers by intentionally delaying projects. Quality They lower the quality of education so we can remain docile in order to be blind loyalists. They captured the justice system so we can never have redress when they evict us from our homes or their monopolies are blatantly strangulating us. They captured the media so they can hide their offshore accounts and dealings and their insensitive corruption and thievery. They place teachers on contract for long, flouting labour laws and save some money but the security forces are fully employed and well fed. They feed the populace with ARVs on empty stomachs. They have captured the church to brainwash static minds and pastors turn a blind eye and show Godly immaturity, phela nabo are living large. I wonder what God says when the greedy, heartless and evil preach to the world! They impoverish us, tax us hard until our ribs protrude, hike every basic commodity and make communication expensive. They have allowed corruption to fester while they enrich themselves and then expect us to be gullible. A 70 per cent poverty rate in such a small country is a disgrace as we have vast arable land, natural resources, good rivers (we should be producing our own electricity) and a good or the best grade of Cannabis. We have the strength to work hard for our riches and success but the environment is unreceptive and not conducive. Education is no longer a road to success but entrepreneurship and self-employment are. High taxes, high tariffs, hunger, poverty, monopolies, nepotism, blue-eyed justice, unequal distribution of wealth, poor medical centres, mafias and high class corruption are what have made people lose respect. Government should know that respect is earned and not enforced! Impoverishing and taxing hard the populace and insensitive extravagance are what will bring about disrespect and anarchy. Have you ever wondered if there is anything that a sinner cannot do? We know that humankind has free will and that humans can choose to do or choose not to do this or that. Pleasing God leads to true and lasting happiness. As a result, happiness cannot be attained. However, only a relationship with God can bring happiness because only God knows what is best for us. Assuming we are pursuing happiness, we will not find it. We will never run out of joy if we seek God first. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:5-8). Paul divides people into two groups: those who allow their sinful natures to control them and those who follow the Holy Spirit. To have a mindset that is controlled by one's sinful nature is to be carnally minded. We would fall into the first group if Jesus had not provided us with a solution. Because following Jesus leads to life and serenity, once we have accepted Him, we will desire to keep doing so. We are to consciously choose to place God at the center of our lives every day. We can find Gods instructions in the Bible and must adhere to them. What would Jesus want me to do? should be the question we ask ourselves in every circumstance. We ought to enthusiastically act when the Holy Spirit shows us what is right (Romans 6:6- 8; Ephesians 4:22- 24; Colossians 3:3- 15). Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). What was Nicodemus understanding of the Kingdom? From the sacred writings, it would be governed by God, reestablished here on the planet, and integrated with Gods people. Nicodemus, a devout Pharisee, was told by Jesus that the Kingdom would come to the entire world (John 3:16), not just the Jews. If Nicodemus had not been born again, he would not have been involved. This was something new, never heard of, the Kingdom being personal and not ethnic or national. To enter requires one to repent and to be spiritually reborn. Later, Jesus taught that believers hearts already bear witness to the beginnings of Gods Kingdom. When Jesus returns to judge the world and eradicate evil forever, it will be fully realized (Revelation 21:22). Whither I go, ye cannot come (John 8:21-22). Jesus warns the religious leaders of the coming judgment. Previously, Jesus had been instructing the people, and the Pharisees had sent guards to arrest Him (John 7:32). The guards, on the other hand, returned empty-handed, recalling Jesus profound words (John 7:45-46). Jesus remarks about leaving to a place where others could not follow Him partially puzzled those men (John 7:33-36). In the same way, Jesus tells the Pharisees that He will be going somewhere they cannot go. This may have given the religious leaders hope that Jesus intended to leave Jerusalem, like in His previous remarks. Jesus, on the other hand, condemns the Pharisees for their lack of faith in this instance. Their opportunity to accept Christ would end eventually, and despite their efforts to find Him, they would be condemned for their sins. In the future, Jesus will reaffirm this point by stating to those who reject Him that their spiritual stubbornness will result in their death (John 8:24). There is a great gulf fixedthey that would pass cannot (Luke 16:26). In Luke 16:19-31, we read the story of Lazarus and the rich man. This story gives an outline of man's useless endeavor to legitimize himself. While Lazarus was ill and lying at the gates of his property, the wealthy man lived in opulence. Lazarus would not be helped in any way by the wealthy man. When the time came, both men passed away, Lazarus in heaven and the wealthy man in hell. We read that while the rich man was in hell, he was yet narcissistic and egocentric, shouting out for help and consideration. He even requested somebody to go to his five siblings and caution them. In a sense, he was saying that he would not have ended up in that situation if he had been adequately warned. However, Abraham corrected him by stating how they would listen to a dead person if they did not listen to Moses and the prophets. What the rich man required was to listen better with his ears, not a clearer advance notice. The wealthy man attempted to justify himself, but he was his problem. Although there are many things that a sinner cannot do, there are a few things a sinner can do. Photo Credit: Elijah Hiett/Unsplash BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Israeli lawmakers are moving forward with a bill to punish those accused of "denying" or "downplaying" Israel's narrative of October 7th with five years in prison. BREAKING| Israel's Knesset approves a bill, which punishes the denial or "downplaying" of the Israeli narrative of Oct 7 by up to 5 years in prison. The approved bill is one out of three bills that included the expulsion of families of Palestinians who resist, imprisonment for pic.twitter.com/q6C2Cat7bI Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 5, 2024 "Israel's Knesset approves a bill, which punishes the denial or 'downplaying' of the Israeli narrative of Oct 7 by up to 5 years in prison," the Palestinian Quds News Network reported. "The approved bill is one out of three bills that included the expulsion of families of Palestinians who resist, imprisonment for those who deny Israel's narrative on October 7, and compensation for notorious ZAKA organization." The ZAKA unit is notable for pushing some of the most ridiculous atrocity propaganda about Hamas beheading babies and cutting the baby out of a pregnant woman's womb. From The Jerusalem Post, "Israeli Ministerial Committee approves imprisonment for denying Oct. 7, ZAKA compensation": The bill approved by Yisrael Beytenu MK Oded Forer prohibits the denial of the October 7 massacre. According to the proposal, anyone who publishes, in writing or orally, things that deny the massacre or downplays it or publishes praise, sympathy, or identification with the actions committed by Hamas in the events of that day - will be sentenced to five years in prison. The explanation for the bill reads: "The denial of the massacre constitutes an attempt to rewrite history already at this stage, in an attempt to hide, minimize, and facilitate the crimes committed against the Jewish people and the State of Israel." The proposal by Likud MK Moshe Passal gives financial compensation to ZAKA volunteers who volunteered for endeavors carried out by the organization during Operation Swords of Iron. "There is no doubt that the volunteers took a significant part and did hard work, both physically and mentally. They were a significant part of the holy work for the people of Israel and worked together with the IDF, so they deserve to be rewarded for their important work," Passal said. No doubt they want to use this law to jail journalists from Haaretz and other Israeli news organizations which debunked much of the atrocity propaganda Israel put out after Oct 7. The Times of Israel last week ran a piece arguing that questioning Israel's narratives on Oct 7 is a form of "Holocaust denial" and insisting that Big Tech should do more to censor such "unacceptable" speech. Times of Israel: "Are conspiracy theories about Oct. 7 a new form of Holocaust denial?" Their answer: Yes and Big Tech must do more to censor such "unacceptable" speech. pic.twitter.com/qQMsCnNtVe Chris Menahan (@infolibnews) January 29, 2024 Zionists have pushed for similar speech restrictions in America. University of Pennsylvania law professor Claire Finkelstein wrote a column in the Washington Post last month demanding America scrap the First Amendment to protect the feelings of pampered Jewish Ivy League college students. With Israel's atrocity propaganda getting debunked in real-time and their excuses for genocide being rejected by the overwhelming majority of the world, they're now demanding overt censorship and moving to jail whoever they can for exposing their lies. Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds and Telegram. MBABANE At least 48 pupils started their Grade I class at Maphiveni Primary School yesterday. This was made possible by the collaborative efforts between the Deputy Prime Ministers (DPM) Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Lubombo Regional Administrators (RA) Office, who ensured that the pupils acquire personal identification numbers (PIN). According to Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, the pupils had not been able to attend school because of the long distance between their homes and the nearest schools. Parents Nxumalo said the pupils parents were seasonal workers who could not afford the E20 bus fare every day. He stated that other pupils did not have PINs. However, due to collaborative efforts between aforementioned partners, the pupils had since been given PINs. Nxumalo stated that Microprojects did a sterling job in rehabilitating the structure, which they used for classes, within two months. Adding, he said the Ministry of Education and Training also ensured that there were other facilities, teachers and stationery. Currently, there is one Grade I teacher and a head teacher. The ministry will hire a second one so that the class of 48 can be divided into two, Nxumalo said. Furthermore, Nxumalo mentioned that their partners, the United Nations Population Fund International (UNFPA) and United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) had offered financial assistance. UNICEF will give them shoes and school bags, while UNFPA will pay school fees and bus fares for the high school dropouts, he said. MBABANE I am hungry. Former organiser of Miss Eswatini Vinah Thembi Gray yesterday told the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that she was struggling to make ends meet. She said her husbands daughter, Jacqueline Keel, allegedly told officers in the Office of the Master of the High Court, that they should not give her money. Vinah, whose husband, William Dunbar Gray, died on November 27, 2022, said she had gone to the Masters Office to ask for money for food. She said she was not receiving any maintenance money from the estate. She stated that the first time she went to the Masters Office to ask for money for food, she was given E10 000. According to Vinah, her stepdaughter, Keel, allegedly told the officers there that she should not be given any more money. She mentioned that her stepdaughter was hostile towards her. Vinah appeared before the commission together with her nephew, Khulekani Nkambule. The substance of Williams Will, according to Vinah, was that she and Keel were to share or work together in his company, Timber Craft, and his farm. The first ever Miss Swaziland beauty pageant winner in 1975 submitted that Keel allegedly took the keys and locked her out of her business formed with her husband and she did not pay the workers. Factory I was unable to enter the factory. I am unable to access anything that belonged to my husband. The Will stated that we should share the farm and the factory, Vinah said. According to Vinah, no inventory was done at Timber Craft and she wondered how she could be locked out, yet her stepdaughter went in and out as she pleased, sometimes with her friends. As a result, she said she requested the master to do the inventory, since she was allegedly being locked out of the business premises by Keel. She said she asked the master if they had told Keel about what it meant to be an executor. I reported to the master that the keys were taken from me. She locked me out, said Vinah. Vinah submitted that there was an amount of money in a bank account at Nedbank Swaziland, belonging to her husband. However, she alleged that Keel told the bank not to give her the money, because it belonged to the company. She also alleged that Keel said she was wasting her time wanting the money in the bank. She was asked what she wanted the Masters Office to do for her, and Vinah said she wanted to see the inventory, because she was not present when it was made. The Chairperson of the commission, Judge Majahenkhaba Dlamini, asked Deputy Master Lindelwa Magagula that, since Vinah was, loku batsi ugolela timphungane emlonyeni (you are starving), how can she be assisted. Judge Dlamini also asked if Keel was receiving anything from the still-to-be-wound-up estate. Magagula told the commission that there was a need to follow up on the company account. Unfortunately, we have to rely on the same hostile executor. We have to establish what is in the company. Make has to benefit from the estate. The hostile relationship she has with her stepdaughter is contributing to the challenges, said Magagula. Disputes The deputy master also told the commission that the Masters Office would intervene and look at what Vinah and Keel are not agreeing on. Magagula explained that some of the disputes that came before the Masters Office began at the parties homes. If it is intense, we can call them to forge a way forward. We sit down with them to be accessible to all of them, said Magagula. She also stated that nothing had been transferred to Keel from the estate. However, she said they were not sure if she was receiving anything. Judge Dlamini said Keel would be called to explain what was happening in the estate. The judge stated that he hoped that the Masters Office representatives noted that there were things being done by Keel on her own. Nkambule, who accompanied Vinah, said before they came to the commission, they suspected that the master was in bed with the executor. He alleged that they approached the Masters Office on a number of occasions, requesting that an inventory be made, but they had still not seen any. Vinah said they approached the master because Keel had locked her out. Assistant Master of the High Court Lethukuthula Nhlengetfwa said the executrix, Keel, submitted an inventory and Vinah should see it. Judge Majahenkhaba said if Keel was allowed to make the inventory on her own, she was likely to hide some things. He said they appreciated the commission. Judge Lorraine Hlophe said Vinah was supposed to receive 50 per cent of the estate. Vinah wondered why Keel allegedly meddled in her marriage with her husband. She said marriage was supposed to be between two individuals. Other members of the commission are Judge President Sifiso Nsibande, Judge Mzwandile Fakudze, Judge Maxine Langwenya and Judge Hlophe. Vinah was the 10th complainant to appear before the commission, which was established by Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala on January 16, 2023. On Friday, the chief justice issued a statement to the effect that the probe would continue until it was finalised after 90 days. MBABANE -There are allegations that the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, was presented with two reports on the recruitment of the Municipal Council of Mbabane chief executive officer (CEO). Sources said the minister should have been furnished with one report from the consultant, which was engaged for the recruitment process. It was stated that the report should have also included input from the councillors. However, two reports eventually found their way to the ministers office. This is said to have allegedly happened due to a dispute or disagreement among the councillors and management about the preferred candidate for the CEO position, which then led to the compilation of the two separate reports. Recruitment The CEO recruitment process has been a topical issue, where it was also gathered that some councillors recommended a candidate who scored the lowest mark in the interview for the position. This happened during one of the council meetings convened to, among other things, deliberate on the report of the consultant who carried out the recruitment exercise. It was 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 the female candidate who scored 49 per cent and was placed in the third position. They are said to have completely overlooked a candidate who scored 87.5 per cent and had topped them all. According to a source, the said reports were presented to the minister last week, all with different outcomes. The source said the reports were allegedly different as they recommended different people for the same position. The source explained that procedurally, the consultant conducted the recruitment process and produced a report which was then presented to the councillors, before being taken to the minister. The source stated that in this case, two reports were allegedly availed to the minister, with councillors having their separate report from the one prepared by the consultant. The source highlighted that the continued vacancy for the CEO was causing instability in the city. The source revealed that the previous substantive CEO left over six months ago, and this did not give investors and ratepayers confidence in the municipal council structures. Recommendations Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry, Dr Simon Zwane, confirmed that the Mbabane municipality made recommendations to the minister on the new CEO. He said details at this stage were not for public consumption. Information in this regard will be shared when the appropriate time has come, Dr Zwane said. He further acknowledged that the leadership void in the municipality was making the city unstable in many ways. When asked how many reports the minister received pertaining to the CEO recruitment, Dr Zwane responded by saying additional details would be shared in due course. Dr Zwane avoided the other questions asked by this publication. The PS had been asked when would the minister announce the new CEO and further asked who would be the ministers option, following the recruitment process. Dr Zwane was also asked what action the minister would take to address the concerns of instability within the city. Efforts to get the Mayor, Vusi Tembe, proved futile as his phone rang unanswered. Tembe was sent a questionnaire and he acknowledged its receipt, but he had not responded by the time this publication went for print. Meanwhile, Mbabane Ratespayers Association Chairperson, Patrick Bhembe, said they would allow the recruitment process to be concluded before they could make any comments. Bhembe said the Urban Government Act did not give them the power to make any contributions during the recruitment stage. According to Bhembe, the Act is clear on who recruits a CEO and make recommendations to the minister. He said they were noting the reports on the CEO recruitment and were awaiting the day when the CEO would be announced. Despite not making any inputs on the recruitment, he said it was wrong not to follow the recommendations of the consultant, as they were given terms of reference when they started the whole process. Hunting They should have just done a head-hunting for the CEO, if they had their own person in mind. The way things are playing out; this shows that a candidate was already identified. Engaging a consultant was a waste of time, Bhembe said. He went on to state that he foresaw a scenario where the minister would shoot down the whole process and recommend that the whole process be started afresh, for transparency. If they go back to the drawing board and start the process all over again, it means the city will lose more money in the recruitment process, he said. The BBC has released a first-look image from its forthcoming drama based on the true story of the kidnapping of Chloe Ayling. The six-part series stars actress Nadia Parkes as Ayling and follows her abduction and time in captivity, as well as the subsequent court case that put her kidnappers in jail. Advertisement The British glamour model was abducted in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan, Italy, for a modelling job but was later released. Chloe Ayling was kidnapped in 2017 after arriving at an address in Milan, Italy, for a modelling job (Ian West/PA) A six-part series called Kidnapped, written by Georgia Lester, who worked on Killing Eve, is based on research, interviews, the legal proceedings and Aylings autobiography Kidnapped The Untold Story Of My Abduction. Advertisement It will tell Chloes personal story in full for the first time, going behind the headlines to shine a light on the emotional truth, according to the BBC. Advertisement Ayling was held in a farmhouse near Turin while a 300,000 ransom was demanded. She was released six days later, on July 17th, at the British Consulate in Milan. Polish national Lukasz Herba and his brother, Michal Herba, were subsequently jailed after an Italian court convicted them of kidnapping Ayling. Advertisement However, the model faced headlines claiming she had faked her ordeal, and was accused in court of being involved in a publicity stunt. Chloe Ayling later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Ian West/PA) Ayling subsequently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Advertisement Parkes will star in the series, made with the co-operation of Ayling, alongside A Spy Among Friends actor Adrian Edmondson and The Captures Nigel Lindsay. Filming took place in Italy and the UK last year. Kidnapped will launch on BBC Three and iPlayer later this year. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has travelled to Washington to update US Congress members on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Mr Heaton-Harris will also use the trip to update US politicians on the implementation of the British governments controversial new Legacy Act. Advertisement The powersharing institutions were restored on Saturday after a deal between the UK government and the DUP to address unionist concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements, which included passing new legislation at Westminster. The newly formed Executive held its first meeting on Monday. First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly before an Executive meeting on Monday (Liam McBurney/PA) Advertisement Mr Heaton-Harris said he would use the trip to champion Northern Irelands economic potential as a great place to trade, invest, visit and study. He will also brief members of the State Department and the National Security Council, US businesses and the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement. Advertisement He said: With the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored and working for the people of Northern Ireland, I am pleased to be updating our US stakeholders, whose steadfast support has been invaluable, at this important moment for Northern Ireland. This is an exciting time, with local, elected representatives in place at Stormont to help Northern Ireland realise its full potential as a fantastic place to live, work and invest. Advertisement The Northern Ireland Secretary said he would discuss progress over the implementation of the Legacy Act. Laws enacted by the UK government strive to provide a limited form of immunity to those accused of Troubles-related offences. He said: The UK Government remains absolutely committed to addressing the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This visit provides a timely opportunity to discuss these important matters, including progress in the implementation of the Legacy Act by the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, and in finalising the terms of reference for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry which we hope to announce shortly. Advertisement I look forward to continuing to work with our US stakeholders to progress our shared commitment to transform Northern Ireland for the better. The High Court has ordered a temporary halt to the Health Service Executives (HSEs) disciplinary investigation into allegations made against a colorectal surgeon at Cavan General hospital. Ms Justice Emily Egan found Dr Pawan Rajpal raised a fair issue to be tried that the HSEs chief executive unlawfully delegated a crucial aspect of his decision-making function in the inquiry to an independent investigator. Advertisement If the investigation is allowed to proceed as currently formulated, the potential legal error of the delegation will be hard-wired into the process and could not be easily rectified, she said. The practicalities point to stopping the process for now and saving all concerned from engaging in what would end up being a fruitless exercise if Dr Rajpal ends up being correct after a substantive hearing of his court challenge to the process, she said. Advertisement Ms Justice Egan noted her order will restrain the investigation as currently convened but not the disciplinary process. Considering the balance of justice, she said the potential damage to the consultants reputation and livelihood outweighs the importance of progressing the disciplinary process in this way. His court challenge to the inquiry should be fully determined before the investigation is allowed to proceed in its current form, she held. Advertisement Dr Rajpal has been working at the Cavan hospital for 25 years and also operates from Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. The HSEs investigation arose from a staff members complaint of assault to the hospitals general manager against Dr Rajpal, said the judge. Later an allegation was made related to prescriptions to him that had allegedly been signed by non-consultant hospital doctors reporting to him and had allegedly inappropriately disclosed CCTV footage, she said. Dr Rajpal strongly denies any wrongdoing and has objected to an ongoing enrolling attempt to expand allegations. Ms Justice Egan said the HSEs chief executive formally notified the consultant on October 21st, 2022, of the two allegations and confirmed he was concerned the doctor may have misconducted himself. Emphasising this was a concern only, the chief executive invited a response from Dr Rajpal. Advertisement Advertisement The consultant issued judicial proceedings (separate to this court case) which led to the HSE admitting he was entitled to a declaration that his exclusion from the workplace between September 12th, 2022, and June 19th, 2023, was not per his contractual rights. The judge said that case is ongoing. Ruling on his application seeking to halt the investigation pending his substantial challenge to the inquiry, Ms Justice Egan said a court should be reluctant to intervene in an incomplete disciplinary process, particularly at a pre-trial stage such as this. She must determine whether he establishes he has a fair issue to be tried at the substantial hearing of his challenge to the process. She said Dr Rajpals contract, under which 227 consultants are still employed, requires that any finding of misconduct or proposal to remove him can only be made by the CEO. Advertisement The HSE argued that in establishing an investigation by an independent person, the CEO is exercising a statutory discretion. It submitted it is not practical for the CEO to personally inquire into and make findings of fact in every case containing allegations. It is the HSEs practice instead to retain an appropriately qualified independent third party to investigate and present a report to the CEO who must then decide what, if any, action should be taken, the judge said. The judge said she believes it is incumbent upon the CEO to make findings in respect of the key facts and to thereafter decide whether the facts as proven amount to misconduct. This does not mean certain aspects of the allegations cannot be the subject of external examination. He would be entitled in appropriate cases to commission the assistance of independent medical experts or for an external examiner to ascertain certain basic facts, particularly those that are uncontentious or peripheral, she said. Advertisement Here, the independent investigator is charged with making findings on disputed issues of fact that are central to the decision of whether misconduct has occurred, she said, adding that Dr Rajpal, not unreasonably, submitted there will be nothing left for the CEO to decide. The judge said a crucial aspect of the CEOs decision-making function would be delegated to the investigator in this approach. This potential legal error is incapable of rectification later in the process, she said. Naturally, she added, the doctor could not preclude the HSE from taking disciplinary action in compliance with his contract. Legal action is being planned to challenge whether new British government legislation which led to the return of Stormont restores the core constitutional provisions of the Acts of Union. Jamie Bryson, from the Unionist Voice Policy Studies group, has also asked the North's new agriculture minister Andrew Muir to confirm that all checks on goods destined for Northern Ireland from Britain will end when the legislation clears all parliamentary stages. Advertisement The DUP gave the green light for the recall of the Stormont Assembly on the back of its deal with the UK government following its two-year boycott. Last week, two pieces of legislation contained in the agreement to resurrect devolution were fast-tracked through the UK parliament. Jeffrey Donaldson said his deal with the British government has effectively removed the Irish Sea trading border. Photo: Oliver McVeigh/PA Advertisement DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said the new arrangements have effectively removed the so-called Irish Sea border for goods moving from Britain to, and staying in, Northern Ireland. Advertisement The UK government has said the changes cut post-Brexit bureaucracy on Irish Sea trade and ensure EU law alignment will no longer automatically apply in Northern Ireland. But Mr Bryson said his group will test the DUPs claims in court if necessary. The loyalist activist has been a vocal critic of the deal to restore Stormont, appearing at a public protest meeting in Co Tyrone last week. Advertisement He said: The DUP have made many bold claims, but the central being they have removed the Irish Sea border by removing all checks and paperwork for goods destined for Northern Ireland. Therefore, we have written to Daera [Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs] to firstly ask for confirmation that all checks have now stopped on goods using the UK Internal Market Scheme, and put them on notice of our intention to commence legal proceedings once the new constitutional regulations have passed the House of Lords in nine days time. Mr Bryson said the proposed legal challenge would be to test if the new arrangements amount to the restoration of the core constitutional provision of the 1800 Acts of Union. Advertisement The Stormont powersharing Executive has returned after two years (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: That means no EU law, no checks, no paperwork. So, we go to test the DUPs claims. Advertisement And if, via this proposed legal action, it becomes clear that in fact the Acts of Union arent restored, and contrary to the clear and emphatic claim of Sir Jeffrey that all checks have been removed, that they arent actually stopped, then that is going to be very interesting indeed. Advertisement Previous court proceedings have ruled that, while Article 6 of the the Acts of Union was modified by the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament and so therefore was lawful. The Department of Agriculture has been approached for comment. A man who carried out a spate of robberies while armed with a knife and an imitation revolver has been jailed for seven years. Christopher Dunne (39), of The Charter, Santry Cross, Dublin, was arrested by armed gardai in October 2022 after they received a confidential tip-off as to his whereabouts, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Tuesday. Advertisement Dunne, who has 102 previous convictions, including for robbery and attempted robbery, pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery from three different stores in locations around Dublin between July and October 2022. A number of other counts, including attempted robbery, were also taken into consideration. The court heard that in July 2022, Dunne committed a spate of robberies, including robbing two tills containing 720 in cash from Applegreen and 400 in cash from a Eurospar in Ballymun while armed with a knife. He also robbed 540 in cash from a Spar on Dorset Street Lower. Advertisement Dunne was arrested and released on bail, but failed to show up for a District Court appearance in October 2022. It was around this time that he robbed a Tesco Express in Bolton Street while armed with a very realistic imitation revolver, Detective Garda Eoin Morrison told John Gallagher BL, prosecuting. Advertisement During this robbery, Dunne ordered the security guard to kneel on the floor and ordered the cashier to hand over the cash, making off with 2,000. The following week, he attempted to rob a Gala shop while again armed with the fake firearm, but the shop owner sprayed him with insect repellant and he fled the scene. Following a tip-off, the Garda Armed Support Unit went to the Santry address, where they found Dunne hiding in a bathroom. They broke the door down when he refused to come out. Dunne has been in custody ever since, the court heard. Advertisement Carol Doherty BL, defending, said Dunne has a longstanding drug addiction that has escalated over the years and culminated in a cycle of offending to pay for his habit. She said he has limited cognitive function and has expressed a wish to become drug-free. Sentencing Dunne, Judge Martin Nolan said Dunne's offending included the use of a knife and a very realistic imitation firearm. He noted Dunne has expressed a wish to reform, adding: It would be good for him and for society if he did so. The judge handed down a sentence of seven years, which he backdated to when Dunne first went into custody. Ryanair has "sincerely and unreservedly apologised" at the High Court to a Cork quantity surveyor who claimed he was wrongly banned from flying with the airline. Eoin Michael Cahill sued the airline, claiming it defamed him after it wrongly accused him of engaging in alleged disruptive behaviour on a date earlier this year, on which he neither travelled on a Ryanair flight nor was he present at Dublin Airport. Advertisement He also claimed he had been defamed by Ryanair after it wrote to his employer informing it of the ban. On Tuesday, Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy was informed that Ryanair wished to apologised to Mr Cahill and that the flight ban which was "incorrectly imposed" on him "has been withdrawn". The airline said Mr Cahill had been "mistakenly identified" as a disruptive passenger alleged to have been involved in an altercation with the airline's staff. The incident on January 2nd required the assistance of airport police. Advertisement The airline, represented by Martin Hayden SC, said it accepts that Mr Cahill was not the passenger involved in the altercation, and has offered to make amends to Mr Cahill and correct the record with his employer. Advertisement It has offered to write a letter to his employer stating the message it sent regarding Mr Cahill was inaccurate and that all the allegations it made against him were "fully withdrawn". It has also offered to pay Mr Cahill 10,000 in compensation, plus his legal costs as may be agreed. 'False and untenable allegation' In his action, Mr Cahill said he is employed by the Jones Engineering Group, and is currently working on a project in Copenhagen, Denmark. He claimed the flights he takes between Denmark and Ireland are purchased by his employer. Advertisement He told the court he was due to fly with Ryanair from Dublin to Copenhagen on January 2nd, but after extending his leave he did not travel on that date. The following day, on January 3rd, Mr Cahill claims he was defamed in an email sent to his employer by Ryanair's customer services. The email, he claimed, contained a false and untenable allegation that he was "disruptive" on his journey through Dublin Airport, and that he was prohibited from flying with Ryanair again. Advertisement He claimed what had happened to him would have disastrous implications on his professional reputation, especially as he has to travel to Denmark as part of his job. Advertisement Represented by Paul O'Higgins SC, instructed by solicitor CW Ashe and Company, Mr Cahill brought proceedings seeking an injunction requiring Ryanair to correct the record with his employer, and to lift the travel ban placed on him. In his proceedings against both Ryanair DAC and Ryanair Holdings PLC, Mr Cahill, of Killarney Road, Macroom, Co Cork, also sought damages, including aggravated damages for the alleged defamation. Investigation In correspondence with Mr Cahill, the airline also said it had asked for time to complete an investigation into the allegations before seeking an injunction late last month against Ryanair. Ryanair claimed Mr Cahill had not given the airline ample time to fully investigate the matter, and disputed his claims that the matter was urgent. Advertisement While it accepted Mr Cahill's annoyance and upset, the airline said it takes the issue of disruptive passengers very seriously given the impact such incidents have on passengers and staff. Mr Cahill's lawyers rejected Ryanair's arguments and said the airline had ample time to address his complaints, but had failed to do so. Ryanair had known about his complaints regarding the ban and the message to his employer since early January, and had not addressed his concerns, Mr Cahill's counsel submitted. After hearing argument from both sides, Mr Justice Mulcahy agreed that the airline had known about Mr Cahill's complaint for some time before it completed its investigation, and said Mr Cahill was entitled to his legal costs for the injunction proceedings. US secretary of state Antony Blinken has pressed ahead with a diplomatic tour of the Middle East, meeting Egyptian leaders as part of his efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages. Mr Blinkens visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israels stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Advertisement Israels defence minister has said the countrys offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people have sought refuge and live in increasingly miserable conditions. UN humanitarian monitors said on Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two thirds of Gazas territory, driving thousands more people every day towards the border areas. Advertisement Hostilities in Gaza are about to enter their fifth month. Here are FIVE facts you need to know. pic.twitter.com/4JzbCVtrrt Advertisement Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 5, 2024 Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed more than four decades ago. Advertisement Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. Mr Blinken, who was meeting Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has said repeatedly that Palestinians must not be forced out of Gaza. During his latest trip, Mr Blinken is seeking progress on a ceasefire deal, on the potential normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and on preventing an escalation of regional fighting. On all three fronts, Mr Blinken faces major challenges. Hamas and Israel are publicly at odds over key elements of a potential truce. Advertisement Palestinians look at a house destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) Israel has dismissed the United States calls for a path to a Palestinian state, and Irans militant allies in the region have shown little sign of being deterred by US strikes. Egypt along with Qatar, where Mr Blinken travelled to later on Tuesday have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would lead to the release of more hostages in return for a pause in Israeli military operations. Advertisement Advertisement The outlines of such a deal were worked out by intelligence chiefs from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel late last month and have been presented to Hamas, which has not yet formally responded. US officials said Mr Blinken is hoping to get an update on Hamass response to the proposal in both Cairo and Doha. Mr Blinken will then travel to Israel to brief Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet on Wednesday about what he heard from the Arab leaders. As on his previous four trips to the Middle East since the Gaza war began, Mr Blinkens other main goal is to prevent the conflict from spreading, a task made exponentially more difficult by stepped-up attacks by Iran-backed militias in the region and increasingly severe US military responses in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Red Sea that have intensified since last week. US secretary of state Antony Blinken was in Saudi Arabia before heading to Egypt (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Mr Blinken met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday evening, shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. Advertisement Mr Blinken underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict, and he and the crown prince discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region, the US State Department said in a statement. But any such grand bargain appears a long way off as the war still rages in Gaza. On Tuesday Israeli officials welcomed a visit by Argentinas new president Javier Milei, who pledged to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz embraced Mr Milei on the tarmac and welcomed him with a Spanish-language message posted on X. Argentine president Javier Milei visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City on Tuesday (Leo Correa/AP) The right-leaning Mr Milei portrays himself as a culture warrior shaking up the establishment and has adopted several positions shared by US conservatives, drawing comparisons with former US president Donald Trump. Mr Trump moved the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in an act that was hailed by Israel but harshly criticised by the Palestinians. The Palestinian death toll from nearly four months of war has reached 27,585, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory, with the bodies of 107 people brought to hospitals over the past day. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead have been women and children. Advertisement The war has levelled vast swathes of the tiny enclave and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. Israel has vowed to continue the war until it crushes Hamass military and governing abilities and wins the return of the 100-plus hostages still held by the militant group. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the attack on October 7th that ignited the war and abducted around 250 others. I dont think I've ever been anywhere where I've seen such extreme suffering. In December, humanitarians coordinated a mission to #Gaza City to evacuate critically injured patients. What they encountered was deeply harrowing. Jake Morland, from our team, recounts that day. pic.twitter.com/E83oiZTJaM UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) February 5, 2024 More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a week-long ceasefire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The Israeli military said on Tuesday it was battling militants in areas across the Gaza Strip, including the southern city of Khan Younis, where it said troops killed dozens of militants over the past day. An Israeli air strike in the city hit an apartment building, killing two parents and four of their five children, according to the childrens grandfather. Advertisement Mahmoud al-Khatib said his 41-year-old son, Tariq, was sleeping along with his family when an Israeli warplane bombed their apartment in the middle of the night. The Israeli military rarely comments on individual strikes but blames Hamas for civilians deaths, saying the militants embed in civilian areas. UN humanitarian monitors said that Israels evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip now cover two thirds of the territory, or 95 square miles. The affected area was home to 1.78 million Palestinians, or 77 per cent of Gazas population, before Hamass cross-border raid on October 7th. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its daily report that the newly displaced only have about 1.5-2 litres of water per day to drink, cook and wash. Later on Tuesday it emerged that Israeli protesters have once again blocked humanitarian aid destined for Gaza despite the military declaring a closed zone around the main crossing. The protesters say no more aid should enter Gaza until the more than 100 hostages still held by Hamas following its October 7th raid are released. The protesters, including some family members of hostages, say the aid should be used as leverage. Last week, protesters blocked the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza for several days. Aid groups say that even when the crossing is fully operational, the amount of aid entering is insufficient for the humanitarian catastrophe caused by nearly four months of war. UN officials say one in four Palestinians in Gaza are starving. The Israeli military body responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories said more than 120 trucks were able to enter before protesters blocked the crossing. MBABANE - At least 16 people are wanted by the police in connection with alleged terrorist activities committed during the civil unrest in 2021 and 2022. According to the police, on the list of those who are at large, are security officers and civilians who were employed. They are alleged to have abandoned their different occupations, homes and children after they were made aware that they were wanted in connection with terrorism offences. They are believed to be hiding outside the Kingdom of Eswatini. The number of the people who are now of interest to the police is contained in court papers where the prosecution is strongly opposing the bail application of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) student, who was arrested for alleged terrorist activities committed during the civil unrest in 2021 and 2022. Arrested The student, Mayibongwe Pupu Nyawo (20) of Siphofaneni, is the 23rd person to be arrested and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, for crimes that were committed during the unrest. He is accused of the same offences as Bonginkhosi Bongo Nkambule and Menzi Bhembe, who were arrested in the past two weeks. Nkambule is a member of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS). The trio is alleged to have burnt a police car at the Mbabane Government Hospital and a national flag at UNESWA Mbabane Campus, during a students march to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on September 30, 2022. So far, none of the 23 accused persons have been granted bail. Detective Collen Mazibuko, who works under the Criminal Investigations Department (Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit), told the court that it would not be in the interest of justice to release Nyawo on bail. He alleged that in the event the accused was released on bail, he would flee the country and join those who were wanted by the police. Mazibuko told the court that the overwhelming evidence, coupled with the likelihood of being convicted, as well as the heavy custodial sentence, would entice the accused to escape the jurisdiction. About 16 of the accused persons who participated in the terrorist acts are at large and out of the courts jurisdiction, submitted the investigator. He averred that in the event that Nyawo was released on bail, he was likely to join them as they seemed to have many sympathisers, who were readily available to sponsor their stay in the foreign jurisdiction. According to the investigating officer, Nyawo could fit easily in a foreign jurisdiction, as he was still young and could be able to enrol at any university and continue with his education. It was further his contention that it would be easy for Nyawo to flee the jurisdiction as he was unemployed, without assets, but just a student. Detective Mazibuko also averred that the accused was likely to interfere with and influence two independent Crown witnesses, who accompanied the police during point-outs. It is submitted that the applicants (Nyawo) release on bail will, therefore, endanger the lives of the witnesses, mostly because he is aware of who was present when they torched the police van. He can easily reach to them directly or indirectly, through those in solidarity with overthrowing the current government, he argued. He implored the court not to release the applicant on bail, as he would allegedly endanger the safety of the public. The investigator pointed out that during the march, the applicant failed to heed orders of the Hhohho Police Operations officer, when he instructed them to disperse and return home. It was alleged by the investigating officer that the applicant was able to threaten to assault a police officer, who was in full uniform, before allegedly setting alight the police van. So clearly granting him bail will undermine or jeopardise the objectives or the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, inclusive of the bail system, submitted the law enforcer. He added that the allegation that the applicant was a student at UNESWA did not make him entitled to being granted bail. He said even though the applicant alleged that he would be sitting an examination, he did not take the court into his confidence by stating the exact date. He highlighted that the applicant and his co-accused were facing charges of terrorism, arising from the civil unrest and that the objective of same was to bring about an unlawful regime change. The blanket statement is a result of the fact that he was writing no test and that no examination is commencing on February 24, 2024. Such has been alleged to mislead the court, argued the investigator. The bail application is pending before Judge Nkosinathi Maseko and appearing for the applicant is Noncedo Ndlangamandla. The Crown is represented by Mxolisi Dlamini from the chamber of the director of public prosecutions (DPP). Qatars prime minister says Hamass reaction to the latest Gaza ceasefire plan has been generally positive. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani shared his assessment on Tuesday at a news conference with visiting US secretary of state Antony Blinken. Advertisement Qatar, which has long mediated with Hamas, has been working with the US and Egypt to broker a ceasefire that would involve an extended halt in fighting and the release of the over 100 hostages still held by Hamas after its October 7th cross-border raid that ignited the war nearly four months ago. The Qatari prime minister did not provide any details on Hamass response but said the group had comments. Hamas said in a statement that it responded in a positive spirit to the latest proposal from the US and Middle East mediators. But the militant group said it still seeks a comprehensive and complete ceasefire to end the aggression against our people. Advertisement Israel has ruled out the kind of permanent ceasefire sought by the militant group. Advertisement US secretary of state Antony Blinken is welcomed by Qatars prime minister and foreign affairs minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, Qatar (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AP) Mr Blinken confirmed that officials had received Hamass response and said he would brief Israels leaders when he visits the country on Wednesday. Mr Blinken met Egyptian officials earlier in the day and was in Saudi Arabia on Monday. Advertisement His visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israels stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Israels defence minister has said his countrys offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people have sought refuge and are now living in increasingly miserable conditions. UN humanitarian monitors said on Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two-thirds of Gazas territory, driving thousands more people every day toward the border areas. Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed more than four decades ago. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Blinken, who met Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el Sissi in Cairo, has said repeatedly that Palestinians must not be forced out of Gaza. During this trip, Mr Blinken is seeking progress on a ceasefire deal, on potential normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and on preventing an escalation of regional fighting. Palestinians look at a house destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah on Monday (AP Photo/Hatem Ali) Advertisement On all three fronts, Mr Blinken faces major challenges. Hamas and Israel are publicly at odds over key elements of a potential truce. Israel has dismissed the United States calls for a path to a Palestinian state, and Irans militant allies in the region have shown little sign of being deterred by US strikes. Egypt and Qatar have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would lead to the release of more hostages in return for a several-week pause in Israeli military operations. The outlines of such a deal were worked out by intelligence chiefs from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel late last month and were presented to Hamas. As on his previous four trips to the Middle East since the Gaza war began, Mr Blinkens other main goal is to prevent the conflict from spreading, a task made more difficult by stepped-up attacks by Iran-backed militias in the region and increasingly severe US military responses in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Red Sea that have intensified since last week. Advertisement Mr Blinken met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday evening, shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. The White House on Tuesday indicated there is still no finality on Hamass position on a proposal to free remaining Israeli hostages for an extended pause in the fighting. I would say that the negotiating effort is still ongoing, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. We arent at a place where we have finality on it. Michael J Chaplin is recalling how he was frightened of his famous father, the great comedy actor Charlie Chaplin, who could be explosive, he says. He was a loving father but he could get very angry, he could be explosive. I was a little bit frightened of him. I was nothing like him. I identified much more with my mother. She was a very important force in making me read books. Advertisement As the second of eight children from the late silent movie stars fourth (and last) marriage to British actress Oona ONeill, Michael grew up in a country pile called Manoir de Ban in Switzerland Chaplin Snr had been exiled from the US in 1952, a victim of McCarthyism, suspected of communism (an allegation he consistently denied). The Chaplin family at Manoir de Ban (Andre Favez/From the archives of Roy Export Co Ltd/PA) Michael who himself has been married twice and has seven children and 12 grandchildren says his relationship with his father was at times difficult. He looked up to him, but the sheer power and success of the man left his son trying for many years to find purpose. Advertisement Advertisement It has taken him decades to bring his debut novel, A Fallen God, to fruition and at 77, he says its brought him by far the biggest sense of achievement professionally hes ever had. The novel is a retelling of the medieval mythical romance of Tristan and Isolde set in 13th century France, told from the perspective of cuckolded King Mark. The love triangle involves passion, anger and loss emotions the author has experienced at different parts of his life. He can relate to the narrator Mark, who he describes as a dreamer. I have never felt very dynamic in acting and doing things, and I think Ive lacked that kind of energy my father had, he reflects. Writing the book was therapeutic, he continues. I had to come to terms with my anger. It was a great shot of energy to put my own life into it. Advertisement Growing up, he recalls how his father would drum into him the importance of education, which to a youngster with undiagnosed dyslexia who didnt excel at school was a challenge. Michael and Charlie Chaplin (Roy Export Co. Ltd/PA) The great difficulty between him and me was that I couldnt absorb anything at school. Id just look out of the window and dream. I couldnt spell, and he thought this was laziness, until in the 50s they discovered dyslexia. Advertisement Advertisement He would tell me how important an education is, how your only defence against poverty is having an education. He hadnt had an education, but didnt do too badly on no education. His education was in the streets and in music halls. I would have loved that kind of education, not sitting in the classroom. Charlie Chaplin was the son of music hall performers, who separated when he was a boy. He hardly knew his father, who was frequently away performing. He didnt see much of his father, he never mentioned him, Michael recalls. He talked about his mother a lot, recalling anecdotes about her at the table while we were eating. As a boy, Michael was aware of his fathers success, he recalls. Advertisement He took us to Japan, where the overwhelming crowds gathered around him. As a young boy, I went to the opening of Limelight in London. It was overwhelming, with people rushing (forward). I hadnt seen that in America I was six when we left because he worked in the studios and didnt really involve us in his work. Charlie Chaplin (Alamy/PA) He gave Michael a part in one scene in Limelight and then cast him in A King In New York a few years later. Advertisement It was a great experience, because at last I could do something for him and not be the guy whos last in class. It was wonderful. He gave me all his attention because he needed me. It was a wonderful moment. But it didnt last. At home in Switzerland, his father was a powerful presence. When television arrived, he was dead against it. I think he thought television was a terrible thing. But in his old age, he spent all of his time in front of the television, he recalls, chuckling. What would Chaplin Snr have made of the digital world we live in today? I dont think he would have got excited about it. He worked with his body, with his physicality, it was a very good language. He was probably for a while the most famous man on the planet, because he could speak every language just by mime. Michael gave up on traditional education and left home for London at 16 to pursue a girl he had met on holiday in Ireland, telling his mother he was going camping. The girls mother put him up and Michael didnt contact his parents for some time. Advertisement To make ends meet, he did a variety of jobs, from selling fruit and vegetables to decorating parties for debutantes. For a while, he became a pot-smoking hippy living a bohemian lifestyle. When he returned to Switzerland for Christmas two years later, he says his father refused to speak to him. It was my mother that forced him to accept me back. If he wanted to know something, he would tell my mother, Ask him He wouldnt directly ask me. Charlie Chaplin with his wife Oona (Alamy/PA) How did being the son of such a successful, famous father affect him? Im sure its affected me more than I would admit to, but I try not to let that come into my relationships. Anyway, the kind of people I was moving around with in London were all slightly counterculture. Wed talk about William S Burroughs Naked Lunch, we wouldnt talk about my fathers films. He had a brief acting and producing period, and later ran a goat farm for 14 years in rural south-west France. When Chaplin Snr died in 1977, Michael went through a big crisis, big depression. He lost all ambition and entered a vacuum, he recalls. My wife and daughters and my son had to put up with that. I was smoking a lot of dope, drinking, doing all those things self-destructively. Luckily, my wife didnt walk out on me and I was able to come back down on earth and writing the book helped bring me there. It was a very difficult moment. But maybe you have to go through these moments to be stronger. Advertisement The depression lasted until the death of his mother in 1991, who had struggled since Chaplins death. She tried to have a new life. She painted and redecorated the Manoir in Switzerland, she had friends in New York and Hollywood but ended up back in Switzerland alone in the house, but she couldnt cope. It was difficult to see. When she died, Michael moved back to the house in Switzerland with his brother and his family there were children running around constantly yet, despite the hubbub, he started writing there. The house has since been turned into a museum. Michael and his wife Patricia, to whom he has been married for more than 50 years, moved to Malaga five years ago, where they stay in winter. They also have an apartment in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ive never felt belonging to a particular place, he reflects. A Fallen God by Michael J Chaplin (The Book Guild Ltd/PA) A Fallen God by Michael J Chaplin is published by The Book Guild Ltd. Available now. Security at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains fragile amid worrying recent staff cuts enacted by Russian authorities occupying the facility, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief has said. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, who is in Kyiv, told the Associated Press that his upcoming visit to the plant as the war approaches its two-year milestone will aim to assess the impact of recent personnel reductions after Russia denied access to employees of Ukraines Energoatom. Advertisement The plant is one of the 10 biggest atomic power plants in the world. This huge facility used to have around 12,000 staff. Now, this has been reduced to between 2,000 and 3,000, which is quite a steep reduction in the number of people working there, Mr Grossi said. Advertisement To man, to operate these very sophisticated big installations you need a certain number of people performing different specific functions. Advertisement So far the situation is stable, but it is a very, very delicate equilibrium. So this is why I need to see for myself what is the situation, what are the prospects in terms of staffing, medium-term and long-term as well. Mr Grossis visit coincided with the arrival in the Ukrainian capital of the European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who said he was there to discuss military aid and financial support as well as Ukraines ambition of joining the bloc. Advertisement The 27 EU countries agreed last week to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros in support for its ailing economy. But the EUs military backing is falling short, leaving Ukraines forces grappling with ammunition shortages while Russia uses its economic muscle to keep up the pressure with probing ground and air attacks. At the same time, a question mark remains over further help for Ukraine from the United States, its biggest supplier. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is visiting Ukraine (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Ap) Advertisement That has made the early months of this year a critical juncture for Ukraine, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has indicated he is mulling a broad shake-up of the countrys leadership to bring fresh energy to the fight. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after. Advertisement The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Mr Grossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function in the wake of the Kakhovka Dam collapse over the summer, and the presence of mines in and around the plant. Advertisement The plant suffered yet another blackout last month, highlighting continuing nuclear safety concerns as battles rage nearby. All these things tell us that the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to be fragile and it requires constant care, Mr Grossi said. DG @RafaelMGrossi to travel to Ukraine Zaporizhzhya NPP next week to discuss and assess important issues and recent developments related to fragile nuclear safety and security situation at site, incl reduced number of staff working at this major facility. https://t.co/ONcSBqiJuN pic.twitter.com/xCnHIqmxPa IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) February 1, 2024 Of particular concern is the Russian decision to block access for Ukrainian staff employed by Kyivs national operator, who refused to sign contracts with the Russian operator at the site. The staff working at the plant now are former Energoatom workers who adopted Russian citizenship and signed new contracts with Russias operator at the site. Advertisement Reasons for the staff reduction vary. Some workers fled, many did not want to remain in occupied territory and those who decided to remain did not want to work for Russia. Some did continue working, and my Russian counterparts are telling me that they are signing up more and more people. So its something that we need to check, said Mr Grossi. The plants six reactors have been shut down for nearly 18 months and produce no electricity but still hold large amounts of nuclear fuel that must be cooled. The collapse of the dam in June jeopardised access to the reservoir where water was drawn for cooling. To compensate, the plant administration dug wells. Now we want to see how this has evolved, Mr Grossi said. Rafael Grossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) He is to meet Ukrainian officials before heading to the plant. He is also due to travel to Moscow for talks with officials there. Access to the entire plant facility for IAEA experts permanently based there is still limited, with Russian authorities denying requests to see certain areas. Mr Grossi confirmed his team observed anti-personnel mines in some areas of the plant, another cause for concern that he needs to see with his own eyes. He added, however, that the mines appear to be placed between the two perimeter fences. Advertisement We say mines at a nuclear power plant are not advisable, but what we see is that the placement and the type of mines would not pose an immediate danger to the facility, he said. In other developments, a Russian missile strike killed a two-month-old child and injured three women in Ukraines north-eastern Kharkiv region on Tuesday morning, regional authorities said. In Russia, the defence ministry said its forces brought down all seven drones launched from Ukraine towards the countrys Belgorod region overnight. Elsewhere, four Russian Baltic Sea ports have brought in extra security measures due to the continuing risk from Ukrainian drone attacks, according to documents published on the local port authoritys website. Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly relied on long-range attacks as fighting remains largely static along the 900-mile front line. The partner of fugitive aristocrat Constance Marten demanded food when he was arrested in the UK and was captured on video asking: Whats the big deal? over questions about their missing baby, a court has heard. Marten (36) and Mark Gordon (49) had allegedly been living with their newborn daughter Victoria off-grid in a tent on the South Downs while on the run from police. Advertisement They became front-page news last January when Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons inquiry after finding a placenta in the couples burnt-out car on a motorway near Bolton. Baby clothing found near to the defendants burnt-out Peugeot 206 on the side of the M61, near Bolton (Met Police/PA) Last February 27th, police finally tracked them down to the Hollingbury area of Brighton after they were spotted by a member of the public who called 999. Advertisement Neither defendant gave any clue to the location or welfare of their baby as they were taken into custody, the Old Bailey was told. Advertisement Days later, on March 1st, baby Victorias body was found in a Lidl supermarket bag covered in rubbish in a disused shed. On Tuesday, jurors watched dramatic bodyworn video of the defendants arrests. In the footage, Marten refused to answer officers questions and called out to her Daddy Bear, telling Gordon: I love you baby. Advertisement Meanwhile, Gordon was also asked repeatedly where the child was and responded by demanding food and drink. An image captured from the moment Constance Marten was arrested in the street (Met Police/PA) Pc Matthew Colburn told jurors that he offered ginger beer, chicken and crisps from Gordons shopping bag. Advertisement When Gordon asked for mayonnaise to go with his chicken, the officer replied: We are not going to make you a sandwich, we need to work out where your child is, mate. During the questioning about the whereabouts of the missing child, Gordon said: Whats the big deal? Pc Colburn replied: Whats the big deal? We need to find your child, mate. The officer added: The number one priority is your child. It might not be your priority, but it is everyone elses priority. Advertisement Pc Colburn asked if the child was dead and Gordon, who was eating off the ground, replied: The crisps are really good. Advertisement The officer went on: I need to know where the baby is because Im worried if we dont find your child, your child might die, and thats the most important thing right here, right now. Pc Colburn told jurors that he had never given a suspect food after arresting them before. But he added: I quickly came to the realisation they had potentially not eaten for days, weeks or even months, and from my perspective it was the humane thing to do. Footage of Constance Marten, Mark Gordon and baby Victoria in a German doner kebab shop in East Ham, London, which was shown in court during their trial (Met Police/PA) Police Sergeant Robert Button said Marten appeared to be wearing furniture stuffing for insulation and smelled unclean and unwashed when she was arrested. He said both she and Gordon had a distinctive odour that he associated with homeless people. On his bodyworn video, Sgt Button was seen to approach Gordon, saying: Hello. Sorry mate, can you stop for a second? Stop, all right, I need to speak to you. Asked what about, Sgt Button said: Well, because potentially I think you may have been in the national news. When Gordon denied this, he was asked why he was running away and was ordered repeatedly to put down the stick he was carrying. As the defendant resisted, he was told: Relax yourself, you are under arrest until I confirm who you are. Advertisement Footage of Constance Marten buying supplies at Texaco in Newhaven, which was shown in court (Met Police/PA) A distressed Marten then intervened, saying: Stop with him please, hes not well. She went on: Oh my god, I cant watch. Leave him alone. Let him eat his food. Hes starving. Another officer later turned to Marten and said: Ill level with you, you are under arrest for child neglect. Marten replied: For doing what? She was then asked by officers: Wheres your child? Wheres your child? Sorry, where is your child, we need to know? The defendant did not respond. A dog handler then said: Tell me now because Im going to send the dog into the wood to try and find someone, so you tell me where it is now. A discussion could be heard about carrying out an open search before Marten was further arrested for concealment of the birth of a child. Marten insisted it was not an arrestable offence, adding: You cant arrest someone for hiding a pregnancy. The burnt-out Peugeot 206 belonging to Constance Marten and Mark Gordon on the side of the M61 (Metropolitan Police/PA) Earlier that evening, CCTV captured Marten appearing to attempt to steal a tin of food from a shop. She then withdrew cash from an ATM and Gordon bought food in a convenience store. Resident Dale Cooley spotted Gordon carrying a stick, with one foot wrapped in a plastic bag, which he thought was strange. Advertisement He alerted police after checking a story about the missing couple on the local Argus newspaper website and consulting his wife on the phone. The defendants, of no fixed address, deny the manslaughter of baby Victoria by gross negligence between January 4 and February 27 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 trial continues. The mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey has said the Online Safety Act does not go far enough in protecting children online and called for more drastic action against online harms. Esther Ghey is campaigning for under-16s to be blocked from accessing social media on smartphones and stronger parental controls to flag potentially harmful searches to parents, in the wake of the sentencing of her daughters killers. Advertisement Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe were both 15 when they killed Brianna, 16, with a hunting knife after luring her to Linear Park, Culcheth, a village near Warrington, Cheshire, on February 11 last year. Jenkinson had previously watched videos of torture and murder online. Advertisement Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive of communications regulator Ofcom, said she would be happy to meet Ms Ghey to discuss her proposals, and Ms Ghey also said she would welcome the chance to speak to British prime minister Rishi Sunak on the issue. Advertisement Asked what changes she would like to see made in the smartphone industry, Ms Ghey told BBC Breakfast: Wed like to see mobile phone companies take more responsibility. I would like to see the law change so that children only have access to childrens mobile phones, and that could look exactly the same as an adults mobile phone but without the ability to download social media apps, and there is software available already. Advertisement Schools use it, and we could link it up to a parents phone and if any words are being searched like the words that were searched during the run-up (to Briannas murder) it could be flagged up on a parents phone, and then parents are aware of any concerning things that children are looking at. Ms Ghey said she thought the Online Safety Bill was a step in the right direction but would not be enough on its own, adding: I think that we do need something a little bit more drastic for children. Asked whether a mobile phone was the cause of what happened to Brianna, Ms Ghey said: Im not sure whether it started it all, but it definitely didnt help. I think that the content that they (her killers) were looking at online, it probably fed what was already there. Advertisement I think that mobile phones have a lot to answer for, and its not just in the case of Brianna, its in the case of mental health for so many people across the country. Advertisement An online petition calling for the changes has also been launched. Advertisement Dame Melanie told BBC Breakfast: My heart goes out to Briannas family, and I think what her mum has done over the past few days in getting all these issues really high up the agenda is so important. She said Ofcom was using the powers given to it by the Online Safety Act, which passed into law late last year, to create a safer internet for teenagers. Under the Online Safety Act, social media platforms can be fined up to 10% of global revenue for failing to protect children from harmful material online. Dame Melanie said Ofcom was currently working with social media firms to get the detail of these laws in place, which would take a year or so, but that the regulator was moving very fast and already seeing changes being introduced by platforms in scope of the new rules ahead of them taking effect. But she said that Ms Gheys proposed changes would go a step further, adding such a decision would be ultimately one for our politicians. Advertisement Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday morning, Mr Sunak insisted he believed the Online Safety Act was robust enough to protect children online. The British prime minister said the new law gave Ofcom the power to actually talk to social media companies and ensure that children arent exposed to harmful content online and if social media companies dont comply with those directives and rules and guidance, they will face very significant fines and penalties. The European Unions executive arm has shelved an anti-pesticides proposal in yet another concession to farmers after weeks of protests blocked major capitals and economic lifelines across the 27-nation bloc. Although the proposal had languished in EU institutions for the past two years, the move by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was the latest indication that the bloc is willing to sacrifice environmental priorities to keep the farming community on its side. Advertisement Farmers have insisted that measures such as the one on pesticides would only increase bureaucratic burdens and keep them behind laptops instead of farming, adding to the price gap between their products and cheap imports produced by foreign farmers without similar burdens. Ms von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the pesticides proposal has become a symbol of polarisation, adding: To move forward, more dialogue and a different approach is needed. Advertisement European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (Jean-Francois Badias/AP) Advertisement She acknowledged that the proposals had been made over the heads of farmers. Farmers need a worthwhile business case for nature-enhancing measures. Perhaps we have not made that case convincingly, she said. It is unclear when new proposals will be drafted. EU parliamentary elections are set for June, and the plight of farmers has become a focal point of campaigning, even pushing climate issues aside over the past few weeks. Under its much-hyped European Green Deal, the EU has targeted a 50 per cent cut in the overall use of pesticides and other hazardous substances by 2030. Advertisement The proposal was criticised both by environmentalists who claimed it would be insufficient to reach sustainability targets, and by agriculture groups who insisted it would be unworkable and drive farmers out of business. Farmers gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Jean-Francois Badias/AP) The decision to shelve the proposal on pesticides represented the EUs latest act of political self-retribution in reaction to protests that have affected the daily lives of tens of millions of EU citizens and cost businesses tens of millions of euros due to transportation delays. Advertisement Many politicians, especially on the right and its fringes, applauded the impact of the protests. Long live the farmers, whose tractors are forcing Europe to take back the nonsense imposed by multinationals and the left, said Italys right-wing transport minister Matteo Salvini. Advertisement Last week, Ms von der Leyen announced plans to shield farmers from cheaper products exported from wartime Ukraine and to allow farmers to use some land they had been required to keep fallow for environmental reasons. In France, where the protests gained critical mass, the government promised more than 400 million in additional financial support. Advertisement Italian farmers have protested against EU agricultural policies (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP) Meanwhile, protests continued in many EU nations. Since early Tuesday morning, farmers across Spain have staged tractor protests, blocking roads and causing traffic jams to demand changes in EU policies and funds and measures to combat production cost increases. The protests came as the Agriculture Ministry announced some 270 million in aid to 140,000 farmers to address drought conditions and problems caused by Russias war against Ukraine. Bulgarian farmers moved their heavy vehicles from the fields to the main motorways and border crossings, paralysing traffic, after farmers refused to accept proposed government support, arguing that it was not sufficient to compensate them for losses due to the war in Ukraine, higher production costs, climate conditions and Green Deal requirements. On Monday night, farmers in the Netherlands blocked several roads and motorways with their tractors and set fire to hay bales and tyres. In recent weeks, farmers have also protested in Ireland, Poland, Greece, Germany and Lithuania. Former UK chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has announced that he will stand down as an MP at the next British general election. Mr Kwarteng, who represents Spelthorne, in Surrey, said on Tuesday that he had informed his constituency association the previous day that he would not fight the election expected to occur later this year. Advertisement He said: It has been an honour to serve the residents of Spelthorne since 2010, and I shall continue to do so for the remainder of my time in Parliament. His seat has been a generally safe Conservative one, returning a Labour MP only once in more than 100 years, and Mr Kwarteng secured a majority of 18,393 at the last election. More than 80 MPs have announced they will leave the British Parliament at the next election, more than the 74 who retired in 2019, including more than 50 Conservatives or former Conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Kwasi Kwarteng was a key ally of Liz Truss before she sacked him as chancellor in October 2022 (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Coming from the right of the Conservative Party, Mr Kwarteng was a key ally of Liz Truss and served as her chancellor for 38 days before he was sacked amid the chaos caused by his tax-cutting mini-budget. His brief tenure made him the second shortest-serving chancellor behind Iain Macleod, who died a month after taking office in 1970. Prior to his time at the UK Treasury, Mr Kwarteng served in a number of junior ministerial roles before becoming business secretary under Boris Johnson in 2021. Advertisement In the same year, he was criticised for saying parliamentary standards commissioner Kathryn Stone should consider her position during the row over Owen Paterson, who had been found to have breached Commons rules by engaging in paid lobbying. Mr Kwarteng later apologised for his comments. Since leaving office, he has been offered a part-time role as an adviser to Australian mining company Fortescue Future industries, involving two days per week working in the companys green energy business. He has also been a regular guest on GB News, receiving 1,000 (1,168) per appearance on the channel. Britain's Prince Harry has returned to the UK after making an emergency trip from the US to see his father, Britain's King Charles, following his cancer diagnosis. Harry flew in on Tuesday afternoon ready to be reunited with Charles, despite the pairs troubled relationship. Advertisement Harry cleared his diary and made the journey alone, with his wife, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remaining at home in California. Harry at the High Court in London last year (Jonathan Brady/PA) Royal watchers have expressed hopes that Harry and Charles will be reconciled in the wake of Charles' shock diagnosis, with suggestions Harry could also make attempts to try to heal his long-running rift with his brother, Prince William. Advertisement Charles, who is said to be resting at Clarence House, began treatment for an undisclosed cancer on Monday after the disease was discovered while he was being treated for an enlarged prostate. Advertisement UK prime minister Rishi Sunak revealed more of Charles condition, saying he was thankful the cancer has been caught early as he wished him a full recovery. Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla on a state visit to France in September (Yui Mok/PA) Advertisement Charles (75), who has postponed all his public duties, has already begun his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of his specialist team of doctors. His niece, Princess Beatrice, who has a home in St Jamess Palace next to Clarence House, was seen leaving the grounds on Tuesday morning, driving away from the back entrance. Meanwhile, his sister, Princess Anne, held the fort on the royal engagements front, carrying out an investiture on behalf of Charles at Windsor Castle. Advertisement Princess Anne takes part in an investiture on Tuesday (Yui Mok/PA) Mr Sunak said he was left shocked and sad when he was told about Charles' diagnosis. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: All our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early. Mr Sunak said that everyone will be hoping the king gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery. Advertisement Charles and Camilla attended church in Sandringham on Sunday (Joe Giddens/PA) Thats what were all hoping and praying for, and Im of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal. Asked what it meant for the day-to-day running of the country, Mr Sunak said well crack on with everything. Advertisement Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that it was a form of cancer. Mr Sunak said everyone will be hoping Charles gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery (PA) Charles was diagnosed after a separate issue of concern was noted and investigated while he was being treated for his benign prostate condition. Harrys black Range Rover was pictured arriving at a private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport before he boarded a flight due to land around midday, UK time, according to The Sun. He last appeared alongside the British royal family at Charles' coronation, but hurried home immediately afterward to mark his son Archies fourth birthday. Harry's allegations against his family appeared unrelenting in the aftermath of Megxit with his Oprah interview, and, in the months following Queen Elizabeth II's death, his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare. Harry during the coronation ceremony (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) There were accusations of racism in relation to Archies skin tone before he was born with the remarks in the end alleged to have come from two senior royals and claims Kensington Palace lied to protect William over reports he allegedly bullied Harry out of the royal family. Harry claimed Charles was jealous of Meghan and Kate, did not hug him when he told him his mother Diana had died, and said he believed Charles was never made for single parenthood, but to be fair, he tried. Advertisement Harry also accused William of physically attacking him and throwing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan, teasing him about his panic attacks, and, along with Kate, encouraging him to wear a Nazi uniform at a fancy dress party. Charles, according to Harry, pleaded with his sons during a tense meeting after Prince Philip's funeral: Please, boys. Dont make my final years a misery. While Charles and Harry were said to still speak, William has reportedly not been in contact with his brother for an extended period of time. William is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture on Wednesday the same day Charles usually holds his weekly audience with the prime minister. The heir to the throne is expected to also be undertaking some duties on his fathers behalf, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed temporarily when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. Charles will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and audiences with the prime minister, which can take place over the phone. Advertisement Charles called his sons to deliver news of his health (Yui Mok/PA) Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, to give them the news before it was publicly announced to the nation by the Palace at 6pm on Monday. The Palace has called for Charles' privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after Charles' hospital stay, Kates major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah Ferguson's skin cancer diagnosis. A convicted drug dealer has testified that Jam Master Jay, who was known for his anti-drug advocacy as part of rap group Run-DMC, got involved in cocaine deals to pay his bills. Taking the stand on Monday for the 2002 death of Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, witness Ralph Mullgrav gave his testimony about the alleged drug dealing that got the rap star killed. Advertisement Mr Mizell was shot and killed in his studio in front of employees in October 2002. Mr Mullgrav said Mr Mizell approached him periodically to sell cocaine that the rap star had acquired maybe one or two kilos, here or there. He added: Jason wasnt a drug dealer. He just used it to make ends meet. Rap trio Run-DMC pose in New York, 2001, with Jam Master Jay on the left (Jim Cooper/AP) Advertisement Advertisement Those accused of the rappers murder are his godson, Karl Jordan Jr, and the rap stars childhood friend Ronald Washington. Both have pleaded not guilty. Despite Run-DMCs public stance against drug use, prosecutors claim he became a cocaine middleman when his career slowed and money ran short. Advertisement They also allege that Mr Mizell was arranging a lucrative cocaine transaction when he was killed. Prosecutors allege Jordan and Washington killed the rapper because they were on the brink of being cut out of the deal as the supplier now identified as Mr Mullgrav refused to work with Washington. Mr Mullgrav told jurors that Mr Mizell approached him in August 2002, saying he had a line on 10 or so kilograms of cocaine and asking me to move it for him in Baltimore. He lived there at the time and acknowledged he oversaw a cocaine distribution ring with about 25 workers. Advertisement He wanted me to work with Tinard. I told him no, Mr Mullgrav said, using Washingtons nickname. They knew each other from growing up, Mr Mullgrav told the jury, adding that he disliked Washington. Prosecutors and an assistant of Mr Mizell, who was shot alongside him, said that Jordan shot the Run-DMC star while Washington brandished a gun and blocked the door. Advertisement Another witness, Lydia High, also testified on Monday that Washington was at the doorway and commanded her at gunpoint to lie on the floor. Advertisement Ms High, then JMJ Records business manager, told the jury that she was looking down at some paperwork when someone walked into the studio and approached Mr Mizell on the evening of his 2002 murder. She did not identify the person but described attributes that roughly fit Jordan, including a tattooed neck. Ms High said the DJ gave the visitor a friendly greeting, but then he let out an expletive. She added that his expression changed as she heard gunshots. I was I was I was frantic and shocked, she said through tears. She recalled running for the door, where she said Washington whom she had known since childhood ordered her to the floor. Jam Master Jay in Los Angeles in 2002 (Krista Niles/AP) When asked about Mr Mizells condition, she paused and looked downward, crying, before prosecutor Artie McConnell withdrew the question. While cross-examining Ms High, defence lawyers emphasised that she initially did not tell investigators about Washington, nor about a gunman with a neck tattoo. I was afraid for my life. I just saw something that I couldnt believe, she said. Advertisement Jordans attorneys have said he was at his then-girlfriends home at the time of the shooting. Washingtons lawyers have argued that he had no reason to kill a friend who was helping him financially. Speculation that he was killed over a drug dispute circulated in chatter and media reports for decades. Mr Mizells family insist the Run-DMC star did not deal narcotics. Celebrating a milestone of opulence and luxury, Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition's 20th edition opened on Monday (February 5) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the show, organised by Qatar Tourism. The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Interior, and Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) is the most glamorous event in Qatars events calendar. Al Kharji said: We at Qatar Tourism are delighted to organise the 20th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, held under the generous patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. For the past two decades, DJWE has been a symbol of luxury and sophistication at the local, regional, and global levels for two decades. The continued success of the exhibition is consistent with the increased momentum of the tourism sector. In fact, at the beginning of this year we marked a record-breaking numbers of visitors. "Our goal at Qatar Tourism is to strengthen Qatar's position as a premier tourist destination by constantly developing its tourism assets and maintaining its proven track record in service and hospitality excellence, as well as developing new and innovative tourism products and services. This years big eight at the show are: Alfardan Jewellery, Al Majed Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Amiri Gems, Fifty One East, Al Muftah Jewellery, Blue Salon, and BVLGARI. Brands participating for the first time include Key Gems, AlMajid Home, Renee Jewels, Naylah Jewelry, Kooheji Jewellery, and Hessa Jewels. Dolce & Gabbana, the internationally-recognised brand, also made its DJWE debut this year. The highly anticipated Qatari Designer Pavilion is set to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of 10 local Qatari designers. This exclusive showcase will unveil a curated collection of distinctive pieces that embody the essence of each designer's unique philosophy and influences. This years participating designers are Al Ghla Jewellery, De Throve, Ghand Jewellery, H Jewellery, Kalthams Pavilion, Midad Jewellery, Nouf Jewellery, Thameen, Trifoglio and D.W Jewellery. The official partner of this years event is Qatars highest-rated bank and one of the highest-rated banks in the world, Qatar National Bank. A highlight of the show will be Tiffany & Co's 'Bird on a Pearl' collection from Alfardans private collection representing the four seasons, with unique pieces adorned with diamonds, gemstones, and rare pearls. Miss Universe title holder, Sheynnis Palacios, will be the special guest of gracing the Alfardan wing till February 7. Alfardan Jewellery is one of Qatars biggest jewellery retailers and one of the most prominent names in the industry, pioneering the jewellery landscape in Qatar starting mid-1900s. The group is marking its 70th anniversary this year. The show runs till Februay 11. - TradeArabia News Service Judges in the UK should not be implicated in the hundreds of wrongful convictions which make up the Horizon scandal, the most senior judge in England and Wales has said. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Lady Chief Justice Lady Carr also said she is prepared to speak out to defend the rule of law, amid plans for blanket legislation to exonerate many of the affected former subpostmasters. Advertisement Hundreds of Post Office branch managers around the UK were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty Horizon accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their shops. Fujitsu has apologised to postmasters wrongfully convicted due to flaws in its Horizon IT software (Andrew Matthews/PA) According to figures earlier this month, 100 people have since had their convictions quashed for offences including theft, fraud and false accounting. Advertisement Asked about the scandal, Lady Carr said there was no basis for implicating the judiciary in the wrongful convictions. Advertisement She said it was not the judge who convicts at the crown court, but the jury, and that it was not the role of a judge to question a guilty plea if a defendant is represented. She continued: I would resist any suggestion that there is any basis for implicating the judiciary in any of the very egregious failures that do appear to have gone on in terms of prosecution of these subpostmasters, for whom we all feel enormous empathy, where they have been wrongfully convicted. The acquittals have come after a 2019 ruling where Mr Justice Fraser found the Fujitsu-developed Horizon accounting system contained bugs, errors and defects and that there was a material risk shortfalls in branch accounts were caused by the system. Advertisement The Post Office later settled the civil claim brought by more than 550 claimants for 57.75 million, without admitting liability. Thirty-nine former subpostmasters had their names cleared at once in a 2021 Court of Appeal ruling (Yui Mok/PA) Lady Carr described Mr Justice Frasers ruling as a heroic piece of work, adding: It is that judgment that forms the platform of these convictions to be quashed, it is the fresh evidence, it is the basis of the convictions being overturned. Advertisement The scale of the scandal has prompted the Uk government to adopt the unconventional approach of new legislation, rather than requiring individuals to challenge their convictions. Advertisement Ministers previously acknowledged the plan could result in some subpostmasters who did commit crimes being wrongly cleared, but insisted the process was the most effective way of dealing with the vast majority who were victims of a miscarriage of justice. Downing Street previously said the ambition was for the plan to be implemented by the end of the year. Asked about the planned legislation, Lady Carr said she did not know the specifics of the Governments proposals. Advertisement She continued: I hope youve seen enough of me already to know that if I have to speak out, I will It is for the courts to make judicial decisions. These are court-ordered convictions. If there comes a point in time where the rule of law has to be confronted in this context, then I will confront it. Lady Carr, who became the first woman to hold the top judicial position, was sworn in last October. Britain's King Charles is facing regular treatment for cancer after his shock diagnosis was uncovered during his recent hospital stay. Charles (75), who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham on Monday and has already begun his medical care as an outpatient under the close supervision of his specialist team of doctors. Advertisement Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles, who only acceded to the British throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, despite having treatment for an enlarged prostate just over a week ago. Charles and Camilla attended church in Sandringham on Sunday (Joe Giddens/PA) Further details of his condition have not been disclosed, and the Palace, which announced the news in a statement at 6pm on Monday, asked for privacy and only confirmed it is a form of cancer. Advertisement Charles was diagnosed after a separate issue of concern was noted and investigated while he was being treated for his benign prostate condition. Advertisement Prince Harry has cleared his diary to fly to the UK to be with his father despite their troubled relationship, raising concerns about the seriousness of the Kings health. Meanwhile, Prince Williams return to official duties this week, in the aftermath of Kates abdominal surgery, was announced just hours before news of the Charless diagnosis, suggesting William is stepping up while his father is unwell. Advertisement Charles called his son to deliver news of his health (Yui Mok/PA) William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his fathers behalf, it is understood, but counsellors of state, who are appointed when a British monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to needed. Charles will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with British prime minister Rishi Sunak, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. Advertisement This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the Kings hospital stay, Kates major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah Fergusons skin cancer diagnosis. Advertisement The King leaves the London Clinic last week (Lucy North/PA) World leaders sent get well messages, with US president Joe Biden saying he was concerned and adding Ill be talking to him, God willing. Advertisement Mr Sunak wished Charles a full and speedy recovery, and British Labour leader Keir Starmer also sent a get-well message. Buckingham Palace said Charles remained wholly positive about his treatment and thanked his medical team for their swift intervention. The Palace said: During the Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. A statement from Buckingham Palace: https://t.co/zmYuaWBKw6 Samir Hussein pic.twitter.com/xypBLHHQJb The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2024 Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. Just nine months ago, the King and Queen were celebrating their coronation (Leon Neal/PA) He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Advertisement Cancer charities and health professionals praised Charles for being open about his diagnosis. Professor Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said the outpouring of well-wishes reflects the collective concern we all share. She added: The Kings openness about his battle with cancer is a powerful reminder that one in two of us may face cancer at some point in our lives. The King was crowned last May (Aaron Chown/PA) The Palace has called for the Kings privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. The spokesman said: The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities. In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them. The Palace released a new unseen portrait of the King to accompany the announcement, showing him in a formal pose in a suit and tie with his hands behind his back during his state visit to France in September. The King during the state visit to France in September 2023 (Samir Hussein/PA) Charles was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago after undergoing a corrective procedure on his enlarged prostate. Advertisement Camilla, who visited Charles each day and usually twice a day, will carry on with a full programme of official duties. Charles was last seen on Sunday with Camilla at his side when he attended church in Sandringham. He looked cheery as he waved at well-wishers. Liz Truss has hit out at Rishi Sunaks government for failing to take on left-wing extremists she said had gained control of UK institutions, as she argued the new Popular Conservatism movement must galvanise Britains many secret Conservatives. The former British prime minister warned there was a damaging divide between politicians and ordinary people who think the wokery thats going on is nonsense. Advertisement She was speaking at the launch rally of the new faction dubbed the PopCons in Westminster in central London on Tuesday. Liz Truss said people wanted to see lower immigration and wanted illegal immigrants deported. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA. The event also featured former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, who declared that the age of Davos man is over, and ex-Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson, who used his speech to argue that Britons did not care about the net-zero emissions strategy. Advertisement The grouping aims to pile pressure on the British prime minister to cut taxes, to adopt hardline policies on immigration and leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Advertisement In her headline address, Ms Truss said ministers shied away from measures promoted by the PopCons because they dont want to be unpopular. The irony is that these policies are popular, she said. Advertisement Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg told the rally the age of Davos man is over Photo: Victoria Jones/PA. People wanted to see lower immigration and wanted illegal immigrants deported, she said, but ministers efforts were constantly being stymied. I believe the fundamental issue is that for year and years and years Conservatives have not taken on the left-wing extremists, she said. Ms Truss said the ideology of leftists disguising themselves as environmentalists was about taking power away from families and giving it to the state and unelected bodies. Advertisement She hit out at the British government for allowing people to choose their gender and for pandering to the anti-capitalists, while ordinary people believed the wokery that is going on is nonsense. Ex-Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson, second right, used his speech to argue that Britons did not care about the net-zero emissions strategy. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA. There is a damaging divide between those who are making the decisions those in the elite within the M25 and those people on the ground, Ms Truss said. Advertisement Im afraid we have not taken on the left enough. And the left dont just compete with us at the ballot box now, they also work to take over our institutions. The short-lived former premier said the movements aims included galvanising Conservative forces. Advertisement Britain is full of secret Conservatives people who agree with us but dont want to admit it because they think its not acceptable in their place of work, its not acceptable at their school, she said. Among those in the audience were former home secretary Priti Patel, ex-chief whip Wendy Morton, former Tory Party chair Sir Jake Berry, Brendan Clarke-Smith, Tory peer Lord Frost and Nigel Farage. The PopCons leader Mark Littlewood said it isnt about the leadership of the Conservative Party or seeking to replicate or replace any of the existing right-wing caucuses of Tory MPs, but tackling quangos and bureaucrats who share the same sort of leftist groupthink and are sneering about ordinary peoples beliefs. Mr Littlewood earlier said the Tories can draw important lessons from Ms Trusss brief stint in No 10. She was forced to quit as prime minister after just 44 days during which her botched financial statement unleashed economic chaos. Mr Littlewood, the outgoing head of the libertarian think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said the PopCons want to influence the Tory manifesto at the general election. But Mr Farage told the PA news agency: I would agree with a lot of what is said on the platform this morning, but none of it is going to be Conservative manifesto policy. Advertisement The arch-Brexiteer and Reform UK founder said the group represents a very small minority within the parliamentary Conservative Party, which is now so far away from the centre of gravity of most Conservative voters, it is almost untrue. Mr Farage quashed speculation that he is seeking to join the Tory Party at the moment, given what they stand for. Id rather be part of Reform, because thats the real thing. In his headline speech, Sir Jacob said: The age of Davos man is over, of international cabals and quangos telling hundreds of millions of people how to lead their lives. He railed against the World Health Organisation, European Union and Cop climate summit, which he said limit our freedom for manoeuvre. We have to restore power to our democratic institutions and take it away from those that seek to override democracy, Sir Jacob told the event. Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: This is not popular Conservatism, its economic vandalism. Liz Truss and her fellow Conservative MPs crashed the economy, sent mortgages spiralling, then pocketed thousands of pounds in taxpayer-funded handouts. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. The public will never forgive this chaotic Conservative Party for the damage theyve done to peoples livelihoods and our country. The sooner we kick this Conservative Government out of office, the better. Millions of people across Turkey have mourned the loss of more than 53,000 friends, loved ones and neighbours in the countrys catastrophic earthquake a year ago. To mark what it calls the Disaster of the Century, the government arranged a series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tremor in southern Turkey. Advertisement In Antakya, the capital of the southern province of Hatay, angry crowds jostled with police as officials were led to the commemorations. Mayor Lutfu Savas was greeted with chants calling for him to resign, while health minister Fahrettin Koca was jeered and booed as he gave a speech. People visit graves in a cemetery where some of the victims of the earthquake are buried (Metin Yoksu/AP) Amid fog by the Orontes River, people chanted Can anyone hear me? echoing the voices of those buried under the rubble a year ago and We wont forget, we wont forgive. Advertisement Advertisement Some of us were buried alive, said Mustafa Bahadirli, a 24-year-old in Antakya. We called our government father but the government left us without a father. We were abandoned for days and are still abandoned. Sebnem Yesil, 22, criticised the government and opposition politicians such as Mr Savas. I think they have been extremely disrespectful, she said. It has been a year, they never came and now theyre here for a ceremony. You didnt hear our voices, you didnt help, at least let us grieve. After a moment of silence at 4.17am to mark the time the quake struck, carnations were thrown into the river in an act of remembrance and a local orchestra played a song to honour the victims. Advertisement People across Turkey mourned the loss of loved ones (Metin Yoksu/AP) Hatay, which lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Syrian border, was the worst affected of the 11 southern provinces hit by the 7.8 magnitude quake. Including 6,000 people in neighbouring Syria, the quake left more than 59,000 dead. Crowds in Adiyaman held a silent march, passing a clock tower that for the past year has shown the time of the earthquake. Advertisement Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan later visited newly built homes in Kahramanmaras, the quakes epicentre, after inspecting the work being done to rebuild the city and rehouse thousands who remain in tents and pre-fabricated containers. Advertisement Today, we are drawing lots for 9,289 houses in Kahramanmaras and handing over their keys, he said. He added that the government aims to deliver 200,000 homes across the quake zone by the end of the year. Families who were picked out of the draw were called to the stage to receive the keys to their new homes from Mr Erdogan. The ceremony was broadcast nationally. Advertisement Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Denes Erdos/AP) Mr Erdogan had earlier posted that the loss from the disaster continues to burn our hearts as fresh as the first day, adding: Thank God, our nation has successfully passed this painful and historical test. Opposition politicians are also visiting the region, with the Republican Peoples Party leader Ozgur Ozel attending commemorations in Hatay before travelling to Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras. Schools were closed for the day in many of the quake-affected provinces. In Malatya, the governor banned any marches or other public displays outside officially sanctioned events for three days. Mads Brinch Hansen, head of the International Federation of the Red Cross delegation to Syria, told reporters in Geneva that there were few prospects for post-earthquake reconstruction in the war-battered country. We dont have the funding to even think of going into larger scale rehabilitation and reconstruction, he said. US president Joe Biden said he was concerned about the cancer diagnosis of Britain's King Charles, as foreign leaders wished him a swift recovery. Mr Biden, who is six years older than the 75-year-old King, was asked by reporters whether he had a message for Charles during a visit to Las Vegas. Advertisement The president replied: Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. Ill be talking to him, God willing. I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery. Advertisement Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 5, 2024 His predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump, described Charles as a wonderful man. Advertisement Advertisement The frontrunner for the Republican party posted on his Truth Social platform: King Charles has cancer. He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery! Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes. He tweeted: I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Advertisement Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery. Canada is one of the 14 Commonwealth realms where Charles is head of state. A Senate deal on border enforcement measures and Ukraine aid suffered a swift and total collapse on Tuesday as Republicans withdrew support despite President Joe Biden urging Congress to show some spine and stand up to Donald Trump. Just minutes after the Democratic presidents remarks at the White House, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell emerged from a Republican luncheon at the Capitol and acknowledged that the deal was dead. Advertisement It looks to me and to most of our members that we have no real chance here to make a law, the Kentucky Republican told reporters. Mr Biden had urged lawmakers to embrace a bipartisan Senate deal that pairs border enforcement measures with 60 billion dollars (48 billion) in wartime aid for Ukraine, as well as tens of billions of dollars more for Israel, other US allies in Asia, the US immigration system and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. Advertisement But he and the Senates top Democrat, Senator Chuck Schumer, and top Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell, had run into a wall of opposition from conservatives led by Donald Trump who rejected the border proposal as insufficient. Advertisement Mr Schumer, from New York, cast Tuesday as a gloomy day here in the United States Senate during a floor speech in which he scolded Republicans for backing away from the deal. He offered to delay a key test vote on the package until Thursday, but still dared them to vote against border security an issue they have long championed. Advertisement After months of good faith negotiations, after months of giving Republicans many of the things they asked for, Leader McConnell and the Republican conference are ready to kill the national security supplemental package even with border provisions they so fervently demand, Mr Schumer said. The White House has worked for months with senators on the carefully negotiated compromise in hopes that it would unlock Republican votes for the Ukraine aid in the House where scores of Republican politicians have come out against funding Kyivs fight against Russia. The impasse threatens a cornerstone of Mr Bidens foreign policy: halting Russian President Vladimir Putins advance into Europe. Advertisement The Pentagon is sending no more arms shipments to Kyiv just as the war entering its third year reaches a critical juncture. Ukraine is struggling with ammunition and personnel shortages while Russia is on the offensive, mounting relentless attacks. Advertisement The lack of a national security deal will loom large over Mr Bidens Friday meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Mr Biden plans to underscore to Mr Scholz that he remains committed to providing Ukraine the funding it needs to continue to repel the nearly two-year old Russian invasion. I think he will make clear to Chancellor Scholz how much he personally wants to continue to support Ukraine, how hard Senate negotiators worked on both sides of the aisle to get at this final Bill, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. And I think he will also remind the chancellor that there is strong bipartisan support actually in both chambers. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer answers questions on the border security talks (J Scott Applewhite/AP) Advertisement Mr McConnell, from Kentucky, said in a speech that it was essential to assert American strength in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, yet also blamed Mr Biden for not responding sooner to threats from rival powers. Advertisement Either we confront challenges we face with clear strategy and firm resolve or we lose, Mr McConnell said. He made no mention of the need for border security a piece of the national security package that he last year insisted on including. Facing the prospect of Republicans voting against the package en masse, McConnell had recommended to Republican senators on Monday that they vote against the first procedural vote, according to two people familiar with the meeting who were not authorised to talk publicly about it and spoke anonymously. The longtime Republican leader has not been able to convince his conference to warm to the compromises on border security after Mr Trump, the likely Republican presidential nominee, excoriated it. Within hours of the Bills release Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not support it, and even Republican senators who had been supportive of the border policies under discussion came out against the Bill on Tuesday. The border proposal represents one of the most conservative and comprehensive proposals in decades to emerge from a bipartisan negotiation in Congress. It would seek to damp down the historic number of illegal border crossings by making the asylum process tougher and faster. Advertisement Presidential administrations would also be given authority to deny migrants from claiming asylum at the border if the number of migrants claiming asylum becomes unmanageable for authorities. We have a very conservative bipartisan border bill that fixes the problem at the border, said Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, who negotiated the Bill for Democrats. And its time for the country to see where people stand on that. But Republicans have largely heeded the wishes of Mr Trump to reject the Bill because it would show that Mr Biden could act to address problems at the border, which is seen as one of his largest vulnerabilities in his re-election campaign. The politics of this were a big factor, said Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican. When the speaker said basically the Senate Bill is dead on arrival. And then President Trump weighs in and discourages Republicans from voting for it. Mr Cornyn said he would support a move to jettison the border measures from the package and try to advance the aid for US allies on their own. But that idea also faces resistance in the Republican-controlled House, where Mr Johnson has also left any support for Ukraine aid in doubt. Advertisement When asked about wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel on Tuesday, he said: We have to deal with these measures and these issues independently and separately. The House was scheduled to vote on a 17.6 billion-dollar (14 billion) package of military aid for Israel, but hardline conservatives have signalled opposition because the funding would not be offset with budget cuts in other areas. House Democratic leaders also said they would not support the Bill for Israel. In a letter to Democrats, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Reps Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, said the Bill was not being offered in good faith and urged Democrats to hold out for a package that addresses Ukraine and allies in Asia. It is a nakedly obvious and cynical attempt by MAGA extremists to undermine the possibility of a comprehensive, bipartisan funding package that addresses Americas national security challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region and throughout the world, they said. Mr Biden called the border proposal the most fair, humane reforms in our immigration system in a long time, and the toughest set of reforms to secure the border ever. But Republicans have largely heeded the wishes of Mr Trump to reject the Bill because it would show that Mr Biden could act to address problems at the border, which is seen as one of his largest vulnerabilities in his re-election campaign. Americans will turn to the upcoming election to end the border crisis, said Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming in a statement. But Mr Biden too suggested he would make the Republican rejection of border policies a campaign issue, saying: Ill be taking this issue to the country and the voters are going to know that. Meanwhile, a group of nine US diplomats to Indo-Pacific countries has written to US politicians urging them to pass the supplemental for the sake of American credibility abroad. Many countries in the Indo-Pacific are intently focused on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the diplomats wrote in the letter. With Russias growing strategic partnership with the Peoples Republic of China and military support from Iran and North Korea, our support for Ukraine or the potential termination of that support at such a decisive moment will fundamentally affect not just Ukraine, but other strategic theatres as well. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP) Separately, the House of Representatives is gearing up to decide whether to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. It is not clear whether Republicans have the votes to impeach but if they do it would mark the first time in nearly 150 years that a cabinet secretary has been impeached. The vote is the culmination of months of examination by House Republicans as they have aimed to make immigration and border security a key issue. Republicans say Mr Mayorkas has failed to uphold immigration laws and that has led to a crisis on the southern border. Mr Mayorkas has called this baseless while Democrats and many legal experts have said this is a policy dispute and not the grounds for impeachment. Passion - "Call On Heaven" | Merge PR NASHVILLE, TENN. / ATLANTA, GA. (FEBRUARY 02, 2024) sixstepsrecords / Capitol CMG's Passion announces the group's newest live album, Call on Heaven, releasing March 1 with the pre-save/pre-order available today. In anticipation of the forthcoming album, Passion released a new song, "The Lord Will Provide," led by Landon Wolfe and written by Brett Younker, Jess Cates, and Chris Davenport. This song is a reminder that we can trust God for the future and seek the Kingdom today, despite life's uncertainties, because we know He has everything that we need. Listen here to the new song recorded live at Passion 2024 and watch the dynamic live performance video below. The sold-out Passion Conference returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in their home of Atlanta, GA with more than 55,000 in attendance. This year's conference had a special atmosphere captured in the upcoming live-recorded album, Call on Heaven. The new album also features a live version of "He Who Is To Come." In December, this song was released as a studio version featuring Passion's Kristian Stanfill and GRAMMY-nominated worship leader Cody Carnes. Since its release, the song has had more than 1.7M global streams and was the No. 1 song on Amazon's Worship Now playlist for six weeks. "Call on Heaven is the sound of a generation desperate to see Heavens reality of ceaseless praise become the reality of Earth," shares Passion's Kristian Stanfill. "What we experienced at Passion 2024 marked all of us forever. Well never forget the glimpse of Gods holiness, the weight of His glory, or the sound of His people singing, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.' God indwells in this recording and we pray for a Spirit of wisdom and revelation to follow wherever these songs go. To God be the Glory!" For more than two decades, the Passion movement has gathered students and leaders from across the nation and world to begin the new year with a singular purpose of glorifying God and uniting in worship, prayer, and spiritual awakening. Call on Heaven Tracklisting 01 - He Who Is To Come (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Kristian Stanfill 02 - Come Lord Jesus, Come (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Kristian Stanfill 03 - The Lord Will Provide (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Landon Wolfe 04 - Firm Foundation (He Won't) (Live From Passion 2024) - Cody Carnes, Passion 05 - Calvarys Enough (Live From Passion 2024) - Brooke Ligertwood, Passion 06 - Cry Out (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Brett Younker 07 - Grave Robber (Live From Passion 2024) - Crowder, Passion 08 - Fall Like Rain (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Kari Jobe, Rachel Halbach 09 - Salvation Belongs To You (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Kristian Stanfill 10 - How Great Is Your Name (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Rachel Halbach 11 - Follow (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Melodie Malone 12 - No Body (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Chidima 13 - Holy Forever (Live From Passion 2024) - Kari Jobe, Passion 14 - Agnus Dei (Live From Passion 2024) - Passion, Kristian Stanfill Incoming NAB chief executive Andrew Irvine says there will be no major pivots as he takes the helm amid a slowing economy, but he will have the opportunity to grow the banks presence in several markets according to his predecessor Ross McEwan. Irvine, who was announced as the new chief executive and managing director of NAB on Wednesday, said the business was in a good place following McEwans stabilisation of the bank, and that his immediate focus would be listening to staff and customers. NABs Andrew Irvine will become the new CEO on April 2. Credit: Oscar Colman Were going to evolve our strategy to continue to be relevant and important for our customers, but there will be no major pivots, he said. I want to spend a lot of time going across the country and visiting other markets as well, listening to our customers and to our colleagues. Irvine will commence his chief executive tenure on April 2. He has been overseeing the lenders biggest operating division, business and private banking since 2020, after a stint as head of Canadian business banking at the Bank of Montreal Canadas oldest bank and one of its largest financial institutions. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Unsurpassable quality: Australian chef awarded three Michelin stars Brett Graham (The Ledbury, London) is the first Aussie-born owner-chef to receive the accolade. Bianca Hrovat February 6, 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 Newcastle-born Brett Graham has become the first Australian chef and restaurant owner to be awarded three stars from the prestigious Michelin Guide, receiving the accolade for his London restaurant, The Ledbury, during a ceremony in Manchester overnight. Brett Graham at The Ledbury restaurant in London. Helen Maybanks Michelin Guide inspectors said Graham received the highest of gastronomic honours for his technical mastery across dishes that deliver sublime flavours using ingredients of unsurpassable quality, noting theyd never eaten better at his 19-year-old Notting Hill restaurant. Each mouthful provides considerable depth of flavour, with the consistently harmonious combinations showcasing a streak of originality, the inspectors said. The Ledbury takes reservations up to three months in advance for its 210 ($A406) dinner tasting menu, which at times includes dishes such as mushrooms from the cabinet. Mushrooms are a noted culinary obsession for Graham, who cultivates lions manes, shiitakes and reishi varieties in a large moisture-controlled fungarium in the restaurant. Advertisement It was introduced to The Ledbury during its post-COVID revival. In 2020, the restaurant closed indefinitely due to the impracticality of social distancing measures, dealing a heavy blow to the UK restaurant industry. At the time, The Ledbury held two Michelin stars and appeared on The Worlds Best 50 Restaurants list. The closure allowed time for a complete refit and gave Graham a new sense of direction and purpose. UK media outlets such as Restaurant Online predicted The Ledburys new, modern look signalled Grahams push for a third star. Graham, born in 1979, began his career in hospitality aged 15 at Newcastle seafood restaurant Scratchleys on the Wharf before moving to influential Sydney restaurant Banc. In 2000, the then-20-year-old was awarded The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year award (then called the Josephine Pignolet award) and scored a return flight to London. Brett Graham at Banc in 1999. Simon Alekna Advertisement I was really shocked to win, Graham told Good Food at the time. The young chef said a moment with an old bloke and a chicken set him on his path to the kitchen. When I was about 14, an old bloke showed me how to butcher, pluck and gut a rooster, he said. I did what he told me, then cooked it. I knew then that I wanted to be a chef. While Graham is the first Australian owner-chef to obtain the coveted three stars, fellow Australian chef Matt Abe has been awarded the accolade at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay each year since he took over the kitchen in 2020. The restaurant has maintained its three-star status since 2001. The Ledbury was the only newcomer to the Michelin Guides list of three-star restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland during the February 5 ceremony. Six restaurants were elevated to two stars (including Gymkhana in London, one of two Indian restaurants to receive such an accolade for the first time) and 18 received their first star. Nothing beats beetroot from top of the world Thats all for question time in Canberra today, where the majority of questions from both sides of the chamber focused on Labors changes to the legislated stage 3 tax plan. Chief political correspondent David Crowe has pointed out how a humorous attack on Peter Dutton was ultimately turned against Anthony Albanese, in a good example of the way a joke in parliament can easily invite a sharp rejoinder. Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Dan Tehan in question time today. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The prime minister mocked the Opposition Leader and lampooned the Coalition in an answer to a question by raising the grudges on display in the ABCs Nemesis television series on the disunity during nine years of Coalition government. After comparing the documentary to the Jack Nicholson movie The Shining yesterday, and expressing horror at what he saw on the screen, the prime minister went further this afternoon by telling the House about the other Nicholson movies that he could not name because they would not suit any account of the previous government. A Few Good Men, he said, to laughter from his own side and groans from the Coalition benches. Then he added Terms of Endearment, to more laughter from Labor MPs. Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan saw his chance. He stood at the dispatch box and looked like he was about to attempt a point of order. Once the microphone was on, he said: It goes to relevance you cant handle the truth. You cant handle the truth, bellowed Jack Nicholson as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup in A Few Good Men. Credit: Castle Rock Entertainment The old line from A Few Good Men shifted the laughter to the Coalition side of the chamber. The Speaker, Milton Dick, complained that question time was not the Academy Awards and ordered Tehan out of the chamber, but the Liberal MP departed to applause from his colleagues. All of this means nothing in the debate on tax, but it has an excellent chance of getting Tehans line onto the television news. As rejoinders go, it was about as good as it gets. Birla Corporation December quarter net profit up 87 pc Kolkata, Feb 6 (UNI) Birla Corporation Limited has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 109 crore for the December quarter, up 87 per cent sequentially, as the company managed to ramp up sales and scale back operating expenses. The Companys EBITDA for the December quarter at Rs 395 crore and cash profit at Rs 298 crore represent a year-on-year growth of 160 per cent and 359 per cent, respectively. Total cost per ton of cement production for the December quarter at Rs 4,375 represents a decline of 8 per cent year-on-year and 3 per cent sequentially. With several internal cost optimization measures starting to deliver results, Birla Corporation is now among the most efficient cement manufacturers in the country in terms of production cost, according to a media statement here on Tuesday. The companys operating profit margin from cement for the December quarter was 17 per cent and for the nine-month period, 13 per cent In the March quarter of the last fiscal year, Birla Corporation had launched Project Shikhar, a multi-pronged drive to improve operating efficiency and optimize costs. It has led to various nuts-and-bolts tweaking, and so far resulted in savings of at least Rs 55 per ton in cement production cost for the quarter. The companys consolidated revenue for the quarter at Rs 2,328 crore represents a 15 per cent growth over last year, as cement dispatches from Mukutban were steadily scaled up and sales of premium products expanded in key markets. Mukutban continued its scaling-up journey on track and clocked positive EBITDA through each month of the December quarter. This significantly boosted the Companys profitability. Beating projections, Mukutban crossed the 200,000-ton mark in sales and dispatches in January 2024 (earlier expected to be achieved in March 2024). Commenting on the Companys performance, the Chairman, Harsh V. Lodha, said: The results are a reflection of our focus on improving operating efficiency in all parameters. We are firmly focused on reducing costs, improving capacity utilization and realization through a balanced brand portfolio, with equal emphasis on premium and value segments, geo-mix and go-to-market supply chain optimization, and accelerated ramp-up of Mukutban. Having established a strong base across North India, the Company is now ready for the next phase of its journey to become a 30- million-ton player by 2030. At the same time, the Company remains committed to Sustainable Development Goals of increasing share of renewable energy. We have one of the highest share of green and blended cement, which accounts for more than 80% of our cement sales. Cement sales by volume at 4.2 million tons were up 13.2 per cent year-on-year. The company achieved a capacity utilization of 85 per cent for the quarter compared to 74 per cent a year earlier and 83 per cent in the September quarter. The company has been following a balanced portfolio strategy with equal thrust on the premium and value segments. The share of premium brands now stands at 52 per cent, with almost equal volume of both value and premium brands, and increased 7 per cent year-on-year. The price positioning of Perfect Plus has been systematically improved, to be at par or above the mother brands of leading players. The Company operates at dual price points in the value segment with its heritage brands, Samrat Advance, Samrat and Chetak. Its super premium offering of waterproofing cement Rakshak is steadily gaining share in the niche super-premium category. The cement industry witnessed a turnaround from the beginning of 2023 as fuel prices started to climb down following a sharp spike owing to the Russia-Ukraine war. Now, into the fourth straight quarter of recovery, Birla Corporations power and fuel cost per ton of cement production fell 25.3 per cent from Rs 1,552 in the same period last year to Rs 1,158 in the quarter ended December. It represents a sequential decline of 8.6 per cent from Rs 1,267 in the September quarter, which was achieved through optimum fuel mix, apart from decline in fuel prices. Thanks to falling coal prices, the Company stepped up generation from its captive thermal plants at integrated units. The Companys own thermal plants supplied 60 per cent of the power consumed by the integrated units compared to 12 per centin the same period last year. Power generated from Waste Heat Recovery System was up 1 per cent year-on-year. Renewables accounted for 23 per cent of the power consumed by Birla Corporation in the December quarteralmost the same as last year. The Cement Divisions raw materials cost per ton for the December quarter was at Rs 557 against Rs 593 in the same period last year, down 6 per cent. Sequentially, it came down 10 per cent from Rs 620 per ton in the September quarter. With the implementation of the Integrated Logistics Management System and geo-mix optimization, freight and forwarding costs per ton for the December quarter could be contained at Rs 1,317almost the same as last yearbut increased marginally from Rs 1,228 in the September quarter despite levying of busy season surcharge during the quarter. UNI SJC KK The barrister acting for war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith in his appeal against the loss of his defamation case has told an appeal court that even a finding that Australian soldiers planted a Taliban-issued radio on an Afghan mans body would not necessarily suggest a murder cover-up. Roberts-Smith is appealing against a damaging decision by Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko last year, which dismissed his defamation suit against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald and found the newspapers had proven he was complicit in the murder of four unarmed prisoners while on deployment in Afghanistan. Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. Credit: Wolter Peeters Of the four murders found proven by Besanko, one involved an allegation the former Special Air Service corporal kicked an unarmed and handcuffed Afghan villager named Ali Jan off a small cliff in Darwan on September 11, 2012, before procuring a soldier under his command to shoot him. Under the rules of engagement that bound the SAS, killing unarmed prisoners is a war crime. Another planned office tower has been scrapped in favour of units, with a 71-storey apartment building planned for Margaret Street. The 254-metre tower would be one of the tallest in Brisbane and replaces plans for an approved 46-storey building that would have added 47,764 square metres of office space to the CBD. Loading Instead, KS Property plans a 537-unit development for the site, next to the heritage-listed Brisbane Synagogue. Earlier plans for a link, or arcade, between Mary and Margaret streets has been abandoned because of fears from the Jewish congregation. In light of recent significant global [and local] events, the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation has expressed concerns in respect of the location of the cross-block link on the site, town planners Urbis wrote in a Brisbane City Council assessment report, submitted on KS Propertys behalf. Concerns around the safety and security of the congregation and its members, and for the Synagogue building itself have been expressed and accordingly the cross-block link has been removed from the proposal. Renters are struggling to sleep and are suffering headaches amid Queenslands stifling summer, with indoor temperatures in some homes exceeding 30 degrees for more than five hours a day. Better Renting, a tenancy advocacy group, gave temperature trackers to 19 renters in Queensland to record minute-by-minute conditions inside their homes from December 1 to January 22. Queensland renters are suffering through a sweaty summer. Credit: Peter Rae Most of the tenants were in Brisbane, while some were based near Cairns and Townsville. They found the average maximum temperature was 36.2 degrees, and the homes of all 19 renters were above 25 degrees for 20 hours a day. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen White died following a suspected carjacking on Saturday. Police have laid charges against five teenagers in relation to the death and alleged theft of her car, and have not ruled out other people could have been involved. White, 70, was killed while she was shopping with her six-year-old granddaughter at a Redbank Plains shopping centre on Saturday. Her car, a Hyundai Getz, was later allegedly stolen from the centre, south-west of Brisbane, and police launched a manhunt. Auction numbers are up by 31% compared to this time last year. However, there is also now a concerning trend emerging out of NSW and Victoria for ongoing rises in distressed listings activity. The nine percent rise in NSW for the month was very abnormal and suggests some vendors in NSW are increasingly desperate to offload their properties. According to an ASIC probe into Halas activities, he allegedly promised consumers annual returns ranging from 10-20% through investments involving crypto-assets. Hala, who directed the company A One Multi Services, encouraged consumers to establish self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and roll over their existing superannuation into the SMSF for investment with his company. Donald Trump wanted to stay overnight at Buckingham Palace but this didn't happen. (Photo: REUTERS/Yuri Gripas) Former President Donald Trump, self-described as the 'presumptive nominee' for the upcoming presidential election, has made a final push to ensure his name remains on Colorado's ballot. Amidst a backdrop of legal challenges and political turmoil, Trump's legal team contends that removing him from the ballot would not only be "anti-democratic" but would also disenfranchise the tens of millions of Americans eager to cast their vote for him. Trump's attorneys have drawn parallels between the efforts to disqualify him and actions taken by authoritarian regimes, notably mentioning Venezuela's exclusion of opposition candidates from ballots. "Disqualifying Trump would be the 'same anti-democratic measure' that Venezuela's socialist dictatorship undertook," they argued, emphasizing the gravity of what they perceive as an attack on democratic principles. The core of Trump's legal argument hinges on the interpretation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars individuals who have engaged in insurrection against the Constitution from holding office. Trump's team firmly denies any involvement in insurrection, stating, "There was no insurrection.' President Trump did not incite' anything, and President Trump did not engage in' anything that constitutes insurrection.'" This high-stakes legal battle arrives at the Supreme Court following a decision by Colorado's highest court, which ruled in December that Trump is disqualified from running for president due to his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump's legal team, however, argues that the provision does not apply to presidents and, even if it did, their client did not engage in the actions described. The Supreme Court's consideration of this case is not just a legal matter but a pivotal moment that could have profound implications for the 2024 presidential race and the broader American electoral landscape. As Trump vies for a return to the White House, the Court's decision will play a crucial role in determining the path forward, not only for Trump but for the Republican Party and its constituents. As the nation awaits the Supreme Court's deliberation, set to commence with oral arguments this Thursday, the case underscores the complex interplay between constitutional law, electoral politics, and the enduring legacy of the events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol. With Trump maintaining a significant lead in early polling, particularly against rivals such as former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the outcome of this legal challenge will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. The legal entanglements surrounding Trump extend beyond the ballot issue, with the former president facing multiple investigations and trials that further complicate his political ambitions. As the Supreme Court navigates the intricacies of this unprecedented case, the decision will undoubtedly resonate through the corridors of power in Washington and beyond, shaping the contours of American democracy and the rule of law. An aerial photo shows Gol Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Boeing facilities at the Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, September 16, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson/File Photo) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified missing bolts as the cause of a door plug detachment on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, shedding light on a harrowing mid-air incident that prompted an emergency landing. According to the NTSB's preliminary findings, the absence of four crucial bolts allowed the door plug, which seals an unused exit, to blow off the aircraft at approximately 16,000 feet during a January 5 flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California. The door plug's failure led to an immediate emergency response, with the aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, safely returning to Portland. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about aircraft safety and maintenance standards, leading to a temporary global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet for inspections as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB report stated, "Overall, the observed damage patterns and absence of contact damage or deformation around holes associated with the vertical movement arrestor bolts and upper guide track bolts in the upper guide fittings, hinge fittings, and recovered aft lower hinge guide fitting indicate that four bolts that prevent upward movement of the MED plug were missing before the MED plug moved upward off the stop pads." This revelation has led to legal action, with affected passengers filing a class-action lawsuit against Boeing, citing "physical injuries and emotional trauma." The lawsuit underscores the potential consequences of such safety oversights, although Alaska Airlines has not been named in the legal proceedings. In response to the NTSB's findings, Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun expressed the company's commitment to accountability and improvement, stating, "Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers." Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer of the implicated door plug, echoed Boeing's sentiment, emphasizing their focus on safety and quality. "As we review the NTSB's preliminary report, we remain focused on working closely with Boeing and our regulators on continuous improvement in our processes and meeting the highest standards of safety, quality, and reliability," the company stated. The incident has prompted the FAA to intensify its oversight of Boeing's manufacturing processes, with FAA chief Mike Whitaker assuring increased scrutiny. "We will have more boots on the ground closely scrutinizing and monitoring production and manufacturing activities," Whitaker informed a House panel, highlighting the agency's proactive approach to ensuring aircraft safety. This incident adds to the series of challenges faced by Boeing's 737 Max series, previously marred by two fatal crashes involving the Max 8 model. As Boeing strives to restore confidence in its aircraft, the industry watches closely, recognizing the paramount importance of rigorous safety standards and the far-reaching implications of any lapse. Violence between the Jews and Arabs in Israel and Gaza has flared up. (Photo: REUTERS/Suhaib Salem) The Hamas organization announced on the evening of February 6th that, after consultations within its leadership and communications with other resistance factions, it had responded to a framework agreement related to peace talks with Israel, presented by Qatar and Egypt. Both Qatar and the United States confirmed receiving a "positive response" from Hamas regarding the ceasefire agreement framework in Gaza. During a visit to Qatar, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, primarily focusing on the Israel-Palestine situation. In a press conference following their meeting, both officials confirmed that Qatar had received a positive response from Hamas concerning a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of detainees. Al-Thani expressed optimism about the prospect of reaching an agreement between the conflicting parties, though he did not provide further details. Blinken mentioned that he would discuss Hamas's response with Israeli officials during his visit to Israel on February 7th. An Israeli official, quoted by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation on the evening of February 6, stated that Israel would not accept any conditions from Hamas to halt military actions. The official also described Hamas's response to the proposal for exchanging detainees as "negative." Furthermore, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported in the afternoon of February 6th, citing senior military sources, that Israel had finalized plans for military operations in the Gaza Strip, expected to continue until 2025. The military source emphasized that Israel's military actions in the region would not conclude in the short term. Regional Tensions and Global Implications Oil prices experienced a dip and then a rise on Tuesday, with WTI crude oil futures for March closing up $0.53, or 0.73%, at $73.31 per barrel, and Brent crude oil futures for April ending up $0.60, or 0.77%, at $78.59 per barrel. There were also developments from the Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to CCTV News, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated that if Israel did not cease its attacks on Gaza, the Houthis would "escalate actions." Since the outbreak of a new round of conflict between Israel and Palestine in October of the previous year, the Houthis have launched multiple drone and missile attacks on targets in the Red Sea. The United States and the United Kingdom have conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets since January 12th of this year. Additionally, Greek media, citing the British maritime trade operations agency, reported that a Greek cargo ship was attacked while sailing in the Red Sea on February 6th, resulting in minor damage to the vessel without causing injuries to the crew. The attacked vessel, the "Stena Impero," is owned by a Greek shipowner, flies the flag of the Marshall Islands, and was en route from the United States to India. With the ongoing situation in the Red Sea, hundreds of ships are avoiding the area, choosing instead to navigate thousands of miles around Africa. Industry insiders have mixed views on shipping insurance premiums related to the situation in the Red Sea. Chinese merchant ships passing through the region are reportedly receiving substantial insurance discounts. Some vessels associated with China are paying as low as 0.35% of the hull and machinery value for transit insurance, compared to the typical range of 0.5%-0.75% for most ships, though there can be significant variations. For a ship valued at $100 million, such discounts could amount to savings of $150,000 to $400,000, providing Chinese shipowners with another advantage in using this key shipping route between Asia and Europe. In the 1990s, exports contributed a significant 30 per cent to Sri Lanka's GDP, compared to 15 per cent today Sri Lanka on Tuesday said it has plans to establish a free trade agreement with India by the end of 2024, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said here as the cash-strapped island nation tries to spur economic growth. Similar Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) would be worked out for Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China too by the year's end, Sabry told reporters here. These agreements will open up new markets for the cash-strapped Sri Lankan businesses, contributing directly to the nation's economic growth. The government continues to struggle to restructure its external debt on the one hand and has raised utility rates and taxes on the other. Sri Lanka and India resumed talks on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement in Colombo at the 12th round in October last year. The original talks were stalled after several rounds of talks between 2016 and 2018 due to political and trade union opposition. Last week, Sri Lanka inked an FTA with Thailand. This has already provided Sri Lanka access to a USD 2.2 billion market, representing a significant advancement, the foreign minister said. In the 1990s, exports contributed a significant 30 per cent to Sri Lanka's GDP, compared to 15 per cent today, Sabry said adding, This decline reflects a missed opportunity to capitalise on the global market, unlike neighbouring countries that actively pursued FTAs. The main reason behind Sri Lanka's export struggles is its limited market access. While focusing primarily on the domestic market, countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh actively expanded into larger international markets through FTAs. This strategic move fuelled their export-driven growth, leaving Sri Lanka behind, Sabry added. In April 2022, after Sri Lanka declared its first-ever sovereign default since gaining independence from Britain in 1948, the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was thrown out through a public agitation and the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe took over. He put in place unpopular economic reforms to supplement a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit It said a downshift in China's economic growth rate and a cyclical slowdown in the US will weigh on Asia-Pacific (APAC)'s credit conditions in 2024 (Photo: Reuters) Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday said growth in Asia Pacific will decelerate in 2024 as a downshift in China's growth trajectory will spill over in the region through trade in goods and services, but India will be able to mitigate the challenge aided by robust domestic demand. In a report on Asia-Pacific, Moody's said the region is marked with a heavy calendar of elections in 2024, notably in India, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea and Bangladesh. "The election outcomes will either facilitate domestic policy continuity or lead to increased polarization, and have a bearing on geopolitical relationships," said a Moody's report titled 'Growth headwinds, tight funding and geopolitics will define 2024 conditions'. It said a downshift in China's economic growth rate and a cyclical slowdown in the US will weigh on Asia-Pacific (APAC)'s credit conditions in 2024. Peaking inflation globally will provide space for monetary tightening cycles to slow, but financial conditions will remain difficult for the weakest-rated issuers. Meanwhile, geopolitical risks will continue to shape business decisions. "Growth will decelerate in 2024, but continue to outperform that of most other regions. The downshift in China's growth trajectory will spill over in the region through a number of transmission channels, such as trade in goods and services, commodity prices and investment. "This will be mitigated by robust domestic demand in large emerging markets, such as Indonesia and India," Moody's said. In November, last year, Moody's Investors Service had projected Indian's GDP to grow 6.1 per cent in 2024 and 6.3 per cent in 2025. As per Moody's, the growth in 2023 was 6.7 per cent. Sources said the current deal is priced at 12.67 per cent of prevailing Brent crude oil prices plus USD 0.5 per million British thermal unit | Photo: Bloomberg India is likely to sign on Tuesday a multi-billion dollar deal to extend LNG imports from Qatar till 2048 at rates that are lower than current prices, sources said. Petronet LNG Ltd will sign the deal with QatarEnergy to extend import of 7.5 million tonne a year on sidelines of India Energy Week here. Sources said the price will be "significantly' lower than current price. Petronet currently imports 8.5 million tonne a year of LNG from Qatar under two contracts. The first 25-year deal is to expire in 2028 and is now being extended for 20 additional years. The second deal for 1 million tonne a year entered into in 2015, will be negotiated separately, sources said. India, the world's third biggest energy consumer, sees natural gas as a transition fuel for migrating to net zero carbon emissions by 2070. As part of this, the government is targeting to raise the share of natural gas in the country's energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030 from 6.3 per cent now. Sources said the current deal is priced at 12.67 per cent of prevailing Brent crude oil prices plus USD 0.5 per million British thermal unit. Under the new contract, while the slope would remain more or less the same, the fixed charge of USD 0.5 would be scrapped, they said. Also, India will save USD 0.30 per mmBtu more than it incurs on shipping as Qatar has agreed to convert the deal to Delivered Ex Ship (DES) from Free on Board (FOB), thereby undertaking responsibility of shipping. While 7.5 million tonne a year of LNG is bought by Petronet, the firm's promoters Indian Oil Corp (IOC) , Bharat Petroleum and GAIL (India) buy a combined 1 million tonne a year of LNG. Sources said the new deal will allow the Indian buyers to decide which terminal in India will receive cargoes. Under existing deals, Qatar delivers LNG at Dahej in Gujarat. They said the freedom to decide on the arrival terminal will save on pipeline transportation costs within the Indian grid. Similarly, in cases registered under the UAPA, the number has gone up from 814 in 2021 to 1005 in 2022, he said in a written reply to a question As many as 701 cases of sedition and offences against the State were registered from 2018 to 2022 and 5,023 cases were lodged under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Rai, however, said the number of cases registered under the sedition and offences against the State came down from 149 in 2021 to 68 in 2022. Similarly, in cases registered under the UAPA, the number has gone up from 814 in 2021 to 1005 in 2022, he said in a written reply to a question. The minister said during this period, 788 people were arrested and charge sheet was filed against 500 in sedition and offences against state cases. A total of 131 people were acquitted too. He said under the UAPA, 8,947 people were arrested and 6,503 people named in charge sheets. A total of 550 people were acquitted too. India on Tuesday asked its citizens in Myanmar's Rakhine state to leave the troubled-region immediately in view of deteriorating security situation. In its first advisory following the spike in violence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked Indians not to travel to the Rakhine state because of the prevailing situation, including disruption in telecommunication network and scarcity of essential commodities. "In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar," it said. "Those Indian citizens who are already in the Rakhine State are advised to leave the State immediately," the MEA said. Myanmar has been witnessing wide-spread violent protests demanding restoration of democracy since the military seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021. The Rakhine state and many other regions have witnessed severe fighting between armed ethnic groups and the Myanmarese military since October last year. The hostilities between the two sides saw a rapid spike since November in several key Myanmarese towns and regions near the border with India as well, fuelling concerns in New Delhi over the possible ramifications for security of Manipur and Mizoram. The Myanmarese military has been using airstrikes targeting its opponents and those carrying out an armed struggle against the ruling regime. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and it shares a 1,640-kilometre border with a number of northeastern states, including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. Last week, India had called for complete cessation of violence in the country and its transition towards inclusive federal democracy. "We are concerned over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar which has direct implications for us," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on February 1. "As a neighbouring country and friend of Myanmar, India has long been advocating for complete cessation of violence and Myanmar's transition towards inclusive federal democracy," he said at his weekly media briefing. "The aid weighing approximately 3.5 tonnes comprises water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and hydration in the form of ORS sachets," he said | Photo: Shutterstock India on Tuesday sent around 3.5 tonnes of aid, including medicines, to Zambia to help the country deal with an outbreak of cholera. Officials said the aid was sent in commercial cargo aircraft. "Following an outbreak of cholera in Zambia, India today sent humanitarian aid on commercial cargo aircraft," an official said. "The aid weighing approximately 3.5 tonnes comprises water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and hydration in the form of ORS sachets," he said. The plan, adopted in April 2021 shortly after the military seized power in a takeover that sparked a civil war, calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar | (AP/File photo Nine members of the United Nations Security Council condemned indiscriminate airstrikes by Myanmar's military against civilians before an envoy briefed the council Monday as part of regional efforts to implement a peace plan that has so far been largely ineffective. The plan, adopted in April 2021 shortly after the military seized power in a takeover that sparked a civil war, calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by a special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. Veteran diplomat Alounkeo Kittikhoun the special envoy to Myanmar from this year's ASEAN chair, Laos, and a former U.N. ambassador addressed a closed council meeting on behalf of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Kittikhoun committed to implementing ASEAN's five-point consensus for peace in Myanmar through continued quiet diplomacy," according to a council diplomat familiar with the meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private. The military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan, and violence and the humanitarian crisis in the country have been growing at a rapid pace. Before the council meeting, nine of the 15 council members stood before reporters to support a statement read by Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward, which echoed ASEAN's call urging Myanmar's armed forces, in particular, to cease its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and is facing an armed pro-democracy resistance movement that is assisted by ethnic minority fighting forces. The military stepped up airstrikes after the three ethnic minority armed groups launched a major offensive in late October, seizing towns in the country's northeast, along with major border crossings for trade with China. The nine council members Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, South Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States said that, three years after the military takeover, more than 18 million people need humanitarian aid and 2.6 million remain displaced. At an ASEAN ministerial meeting on Jan. 29, Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith told reporters that Thailand was moving ahead with plans to provide more humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. The nine nations reiterated the council's appeal for improved humanitarian access. They expressed increasing concern at the situation in Rakhine state bordering Bangladesh, where more than 1 million Rohingya Muslims fled starting in August 2017, when the military in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar launched a brutal clearance operation against them following attacks by the insurgent Arakan Army. The Arakan Army is part of the alliance of ethnic minority fighters. A Bangladesh official said Monday that more than 100 members of Myanmar's Border Guard Police fled fighting with the Arakan Army in Rakhine over the past two days and entered Bangladesh, the first time Myanmar forces have been known to flee the country since the ethnic minority armies' offensive began. The nine council nations expressed increasing concern that the Rohingya still in Myanmar, who have faced systematic discrimination for decades, are now contending with more restrictions on freedom of movement, as well as the denial of access to medicine and medical care. They demanded the implementation of the Security Council's first-ever resolution on Myanmar, passed in December 2022, which calls for an immediate end to violence and immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including Suu Kyi and former President Win Myint. Myanmar's U.N. Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who still represents Suu Kyi's ousted government, urged the Security Council on Monday to adopt a stronger, enforceable resolution, saying, Democratic forces are gaining ground and the military junta is losing every day. The nine council members said they remain deeply concerned at the lack of progress on the resolution's call for all parties to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and the democratic will and interests of people in Myanmar. The council diplomat said there was no unanimity at the meeting Monday on next steps, though there was broad concern at the escalating situation across the country with the military fighting on several fronts, the risk of atrocities in Rakhine, and the need for better humanitarian access. The United States pushed for an enforceable Security Council resolution to prevent Myanmar from getting jet fuel, the council diplomat said. The U.S., U.K., European Union and others imposed sanctions in 2023 on the provision of aviation fuel to Myanmar, but Amnesty International reported Jan. 31 that new evidence suggests Myanmar's military is using new tactics to evade sanctions. The human rights organization called 2023 the worst year for airstrikes in Myanmar since the takeover, and said at least seven shipments of aviation fuel to Myanmar were directly linked to a storage unit in Vietnam, an ASEAN member. According to the council diplomat, China, which has close ties to Myanmar, emphasized the need to give ASEAN's efforts time and space. Russia, which also has links to Myanmar, reiterated that the council shouldn't be interfering in the country's internal affairs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday proposed withdrawing the EU's plan to halve the use of pesticides, calling it a "symbol of polarisation" as regional farmers protested over rising costs and other factors European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday proposed withdrawing the EU's plan to halve the use of pesticides, calling it a "symbol of polarisation" as regional farmers protested over rising costs and other factors. "Our farmers deserve to be listened to," Von der Leyen told the European Parliament. "I know that they are worried about the future of agriculture and their future as farmers. But they also know that agriculture needs to move to a more sustainable model of production so that their farms remain profitable in the years to come." European farmers have protested in recent weeks against rising costs, taxes, cheap food imports and constraints due to the EU's drive to fight climate change. European farmers' lobby COPA-COGECA welcomed Von der Leyen's remarks. "The EU Commission finally acknowledges that its approach was not the right one, and so strengthens the credibility and importance of the current strategic dialogue", the lobby's president Christiane Lambert said in a post on social media platform X. Last week, following the protests, the EU proposed an exemption on rules requiring farmers to leave part of their land fallow. Israel's evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip now cover two-thirds of the territory, or 246 square kilometers (95 square miles), United Nations humanitarian monitors said Tuesday. More than half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people is now crammed into the town of Rafah on the border with Egypt and surrounding areas, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the known Palestinian death toll is at 27,478 people after nearly four months of war. A quarter of Gaza's residents are now starving and 85% of the population has been driven from their homes, with hundreds of thousands crammed in makeshift tent camps. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly after arriving in the kingdom Monday. It's Blinken's fifth visit to the Mideast since the war in Gaza broke out on Oct. 7, when Hamas stormed into southern Israel. The assault killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants abducted around 250 others. UBS said on Tuesday it would restart share buybacks and find $3 billion more in cost savings from integrating Credit Suisse, as the bank signalled a tougher next phase for absorbing its rival after underwhelming fourth-quarter results. Shares in the bank dropped as much as 4%, with analysts pointing to slightly lower-than-expected profitability targets as revenue at the lender falls before the cost savings are achieved. UBS's shotgun takeover of Credit Suisse last March was the first-ever merger of two global systemically important banks, and UBS has since managed to avoid any major ructions, with its share price jumping some 50%. The bank declared the first phase of the integration complete on Tuesday, but there remains a long way to go, with trickier stages still to come including thousands of job losses and the combining of different IT systems. UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti said progress over the next three years would not be "measured in a straight line". "There is a significant amount of restructuring and optimisation that must take place over the next 3 years before we can harvest the full benefits of the combination," he said. UBS said it now expected $13 billion in cost savings by the end of 2026 - with half of it to come from slashing headcount, UBS Chief Financial Officer Todd Tuckner said. UBS had previously set a goal of more than $10 billion. Shares in the world's biggest wealth manager were down 3.1% by 1325 GMT, against a 0.9% rise in the STOXX Europe 600 banks index. Analysts at Citi said that, having already achieved 30% of the cost savings by end-2023, UBS would only have achieved 45% by end-2024 and 75% by end-2025, whereas falls in revenue would hit earlier. "This points to downside risk to near-term consensus earnings and has led some investors to query the reliability of the long-term targets, as there is now expected to be more of a hockey stick trajectory than was previously thought to be the case," they wrote. NEW WEALTH MANAGEMENT TARGETS UBS affirmed key financial targets and set new ones, including an ambition for its huge wealth management arm to boost invested assets to $5 trillion by 2028 from $3.85 trillion currently. It proposed a 27% increase in its 2023 dividend and the restart of buybacks beginning with up to $1 billion this year. European banks have been shelling out record sums to shareholders, making UBS, which suspended its buyback programme after the Credit Suisse acquisition, an outlier. "Our ambition is for share repurchases to exceed our pre-acquisition levels by 2026," the bank said. RBC analyst Anke Reingen said that while revenue was in line with expectations, the Q4 results "disappointed on costs", although higher savings targets reassure that the bank can keep costs under control. The cost of absorbing Credit Suisse led UBS to post a net loss of $279 million in the fourth quarter, slightly smaller than a company-compiled consensus estimate for a $285 million loss. The bank's global wealth management arm saw net new money of $22 billion in the fourth-quarter, although a change in the metric UBS uses made it difficult to compare with previous quarters. INVESTMENT BANK LOSS UBS's investment bank reported a pretax loss of $169 million but is expected to return to profitability in the first quarter "due to improving market activity, a growing banking pipeline and advanced progress on the integration." The bank also expects net interest income for personal and corporate banking and global wealth management to be roughly flat in the first quarter, helping boost net profit in the period. UBS still has to combine legal entities as it absorbs Credit Suisse, and is set to begin migrating Credit Suisse clients. Concerns abound about the potential for friction with regulators worried about risks to the Swiss economy should the bank get into trouble. UBS's balance sheet is now more than $1.6 trillion, nearly twice the size of Switzerland's economy. UBS has said the focus on its balance sheet is misleading, adding that it holds around 20% of total assets in highly liquid assets and another 15% in low-risk mortgages to retail and wealthy clients. VFS Global News Summary VFS Global, the worlds largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, significantly added to its business footprint in 2023. Building on its trusted partnership, the company won seven global contracts from the governments of the UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria. Among the most significant wins of 2023 was being awarded a global contract for UK visas and citizenship services. 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 Cameroun :: Mtn Cameroon Celebrates Its Chairman M. Colin Mukete As He Hands Over The Reins To M.ebenezer Essoka MTN Cameroon is pleased to announce the election of Mr Ebenezer Essoka as its new Board of Directors Chairman. In an MTN Cameroon Board Meeting held in Johannesburg on Friday 2nd February 2024, the Directors elected Mr Ebenezer Essoka to succeed Mr Mukete. Mr Ebenezer Essoka is a seasoned Cameroonian executive brings over 30 years of corporate experience and expertise from his tenure on various Boards as well as from his time at Standard Chartered Bank, where he was Vice Chairman for Africa and formerly CEO for South Africa and Southern Africa, as well as CEO for Central and West Africa. Mr Colin Mukete announced to the MTN Cameroon Board his intention to step down as Chairman of MTN Cameroon in 2024. Mr Mukete has held the role of Chairman of the MTN Cameroon Board since the companys inception in 2002, when it was the successful bidder for the privatisation of Camtels mobile business. During his time as Chairman of MTN Cameroon, it has experienced a successful period of growth and is currently the largest mobile operator in Cameroon. At a dinner held in honour of Mr Mukete and hosted by the MTN Group, Mr Mukete said, After 21 years as Chairman of MTN Cameroon, overseeing the companys phenomenal growth and transformation during that period, I felt that now was the right time to step aside. I look forward to working with my successor, Mr Essoka to ensure a smooth transition. Mr Jonas Mcebisi, Chairman of the MTN Group Board of Directors, present at the dinner shared his appreciation of Mr Mukete, saying, It has been a great honour working and serving alongside Mr Mukete. His exemplary leadership and stewardship of the Board and the Company has been an inspiration. It encourages us to continue to do more on our quest to Lead Digital Solutions for Africas progress. Cameroon is one of MTN Groups key markets on the continent whose digital progress we are committed to drive for many years to come. We look forward to continuing this work with Mr Essoka. Mr Ebenezer Asante, the Senior Vice President of MTN Group Markets who has worked closely with Mr Mukete over the years reflected on the companys journey thus far. He said, MTN Cameroon has had an exceptional journey of more than 21 years in Cameroon, guided by the unwavering leadership and support of Mr Mukete. As he steps down as Chairman, his legacy resonates through the chapters of the companys success. We truly thank Mr Mukete for his role as a visionary architect of progress and we welcome Mr Essoka wholeheartedly. Among the distinguished guests who came to celebrate Mr Mukete were MTN Group Executives as well as Board Members from other MTN Group subsidiaries, and those of MTN Cameroon and the Mobile Money Corporation. Mr Mukete confirmed that he will continue to be involved in the business of MTN Cameroon as a Board Director and Shareholder. Ancient villages of Dong ethnic group in China's Guangxi attract domestic, foreign tourists People's Daily Online) 14:56, February 06, 2024 Photo shows the Dong people dancing at the Chengyang Bazhai Scenic Area in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Chinanews.com/Liu Juncong) Dong ethnic group people were escorting well-dressed brides back to their mothers' homes in the Chengyang Bazhai Scenic Area in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Feb. 3. This timeless local tradition of the Dong people always entices tourists as the Spring Festival approaches every year. A tourist surnamed Chen from Nanning, capital of Guangxi, experienced the tradition in the scenic area consisting of eight ancient villages. "I came here to experience the Spring Festival atmosphere of the Dong people," Chen said. A strong festive atmosphere could be felt in the scenic area, decorated with lanterns, which attracted numerous domestic and foreign tourists. A procession of pole-shouldered baskets of gifts escorts a bride on her way to her mother's home at the Chengyang Bazhai Scenic Area in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Chinanews.com/Liu Juncong) Dressed in magnificent costumes, Dong men and women sang folk songs and offered local wine to tourists. The Dong people played musical instruments and sang. Tourists wore Dong costumes and wandered through the Dong villages to take pictures. A student from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who came to China to study last year, said that the folk culture of the Dong people was an eye-opener for her. "I am gradually learning about China. I didn't realize that China's Spring Festival culture was so diverse. The Dong ethnic group's folk culture surprised me and piqued my curiosity," she said. The scenic area is the main venue for a "village gala" held on the same day. More than 1,200 people from 22 performing teams across Guangxi participated in the "village gala" at the main venue to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival. A long-table banquet was also held in the scenic area to welcome domestic and foreign tourists. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Hongyu) That work is what drew Marx to her dream job at the Center in May 2022, setting the strategic direction for the Human Rights Program. Marx was in the spotlight not as the opera singer shed dreamed of being as a South African teen, but as the director of the Carter Centers Human Rights Program , accepting an award on behalf of President and Mrs. Carter for their work advancing social and racial justice. When Susan Marx walked on stage at Carnegie Hall last year, she repressed the urge to burst into song. Marx visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August to check progress on the Centers work to help encourage transparency and accountability in the mining industry. It was a book that launched Marxs 20-year career of defending human rights. While in undergrad at University of Southern California, Marx read Pumla Gobodo-Madikizelas A Human Being Died That Night: The South African Story of Forgiveness. President Carter was the first president to make human rights a central tenet of United States foreign policy, Marx said, so its a fairly hefty responsibility to try to embody that in the programs we implement. Marx visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August to check progress on the Centers work to help encourage transparency and accountability in the mining industry. It was the first book I ever read about the true history of my country, Marx said. We were raised by government propaganda, and I didnt realize that I grew up in a Black African country until I was in my 20s and living in the U.S. I was so devastated and so angry. Marx informed her dean she would major in African studies. There was just one problem: The major didnt exist. So Marx created her own, focusing on human rights in Africa. She went on to take an immersion course in Zulu language and culture and earn a masters degree. Then, as you do, I took my masters in African studies and promptly moved to the Middle East and South and Central Asia, Marx said. I always wanted to go back to South Africa and work in the region where I came from, but I felt I needed to gain global experience. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and Timor-Leste, she built a foundation of vital knowledge, growing the offices of nongovernmental organizations and helping implement programs focused on human rights, legal aid, womens rights, and more. Much of her work including efforts to raise awareness of womens rights and reduce violence against them targeted the patriarchal roots of inequity. When 50% of the population is oppressed denied rights to education, economic productivity, health it impacts the entire society, Marx said. If you look at the statistics, countries who oppress women cannot succeed. After 15 years, Marx said she felt shed developed the skills to return to South Africa as a strategic professional not just a do-gooder. There, she opened the American Bar Association office and focused on womens rights and human trafficking, leading a program that helped the African Prosecutors Association reform legal frameworks for prosecuting human traffickers. Ultimately, she felt pulled toward a role that would allow her to apply her experience to more than one country and one initiative at a time and to continue growing, learning, and leading. In connecting with The Carter Center, she found it. Now, with her desk facing a portrait of a smiling President Carter, she reflects daily on how she can amplify his legacy. Human rights are the foundation of everything that The Carter Center does, Marx said. This program is the moral voice reminding us why were doing all of this: Its because of dignity. Everybody has the right to dignity. Related Resources Carter Center Human Rights Program Congolese government raises cement price ICR Newsroom By 06 February 2024 Following requests from domestic cement producers, the government of the Republic of Congo has increased the prices of wholesale cement per tonne and retail cement per 50kg bag. The price of cement has increased by more than 50 per cent compared to the approved price as production costs have soared. Type 42.5N cement is now sold in Brazzaville at XAF90,000/t (US$147.78/t) and XAF4900/50kg bag. In Pointe-Noire the price is XAF88,000/t and XAF4700/bag. In certain parts of the country, such as Ouesso, the price is higher at XAF106,000/t and XAF5500/bag while in Kinkala prices have risen to XAF95,456 and XAF5500/bag. In Madingou (Bouenza) price levels are lower at XAF76,000/t and XAF4000/bag. The selling price of 32R cement has also been revised to XAF85,000/t and XAF4650/bag in Brazzaville while in Pointe-Noire, prices are XAF83,000/t and XAF4450/t. In Dolisie the price of 32R cement is XAF74,000/t and XAF3900/bag, in Oyo XAF93,000/t and XAF4850/bag, and in Ouesso XAF101,000/t and XAF5250/bag. Published under The Chattanooga SGT MAJ Ernest F. Seagle Detachment #518 of the Marine Corps League will host the Marine Corps League Southeast Regional Conference Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at the downtown Chattanooga Hilton Doubletree Hotel, 407 Chestnut St.Marine Corps League detachment members from seven states will gather to socialize and discuss subjects of interest to the Marine Corps League and the Veteran communities.Information about Marine Corps League mission, programs and activities is available at www.chattmarines.org.All active duty, reserve, retired and former Marines, as well as members of the veterans/military community are invited to attend.Conference registration form is available at www.chattmarines.org under Regional, View Regional, SE Div Conference.Questions may be directed to Commandant Jim Delaney by phone/text at 423-243-4781, or by email at jdelaney4@gmail.com. Charges have been dismissed against a man who left another man with multiple stab wounds and covered in blood on Peebles Street. David Lee Oliphant, who was 58 at the time of the August 2018 incident, was arrested after stabbing Raymond Hill, 48. riminl Court Judge Amanda Dunn dismissed the cases on motion of the defense based on constitutional grounds and the defendant being previously found incompetent. The prosecution objected to the motion to dismiss and briefed the matter, but Judge Dunn ruled against the state and dismissed the cases. Moccasin Bend doctors were present and have stated that the defendant will remain in the hospitals care. At approximately 12:09 a.m., Chattanooga Police were dispatched to a person stabbed at 1000 Peebles Street. Upon arrival, officers located Hill suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officers found Oliphant nearby covered in blood. He also had a knife on him that had blood on it. Results of the latest passenger leakage report prompted officials of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to ask plainly and honestly that locals fly out of CHA. We need to create rabid fans in our community for this hometown airport, said Kristen Behm, vice president of public relations and air service development. Michael Lum, managing partner at Voltaire Aviation Consulting, presented research results at the airports February commission meeting Monday. The city retained 61 percent of potential passengers while the county retained 58 percent. The total catchment area of 177 ZIP codes retained 39 percent of potential passengers, down from 44.9 percent retained in the last leakage study five years ago. It still isn't great, said Commissioner Chris Sugden. No, its not, said Mr. Lum. Of leaked passengers, 23 percent were lost to Nashville and 32 percent to Atlanta. In her report to the commissioners, airport President and CEO April Cameron said the airports seat capacity is set to surpass pre-pandemic 2019 numbers in May this year. We are utilizing all the seats, and they are giving us new seats, she said of the air carriers. She said the more seats carriers add, the more profitable they become. Its very important that the community continue to support the seat capacity that we have, she said. Mr. Lum reported that Chattanooga sees 1,200 passengers a day, losing 2,665 more to other airports. But the total of those two numbers, 3,865 potential passengers, is Chattanoogas true market size, Mr. Lum said. This number attracts carriers. Chattanoogas load factors hover at 88 percent. Ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant reports a 95 percent load factor. Mr. Lum said Allegiant can lower its fares to rock bottom but still make money on ancillary products such as seat selection, priority boarding and food and beverage sales during the flight. Mr. Lum said potential customers are driving to Nashville and Atlanta for nonstop flights and also for lower fares. The average one-way ticket price in Chattanooga, without taxes and fees, is $232, above the $183 average in the Lower 48. Those fares drive people to those airports. said Mr. Lum. There are decent fares in Chattanooga. Theyre not all sky-high fares, he said. Low-cost carrier Southwest took 75 percent of the Nashville leakage and 13.5 percent of the total leakage. Mr. Lum said Chattanoogas nonstop destinations lose the fewest passengers to other cities. We do a pretty good job when we have nonstop service, said Mr. Lum. Chattanooga will offer 10 nonstop destinations this year when it adds Las Vegas in May and Miami in June. Mr. Lum predicted that Chattanooga will offer 14 nonstop destinations within the next four years. New York Citys shortage of air traffic controllers puts it in an unpredictable holding pattern, likely out of reach in the short term. Though the industry had expected relief in October from voluntary cutbacks in air traffic, Mr. Lum said the cutbacks may not actually be voluntary, and they may be extended another year. But, as Delta Air Lines connecting flights from Chattanooga fill up, Mr. Lum said the carrier will eventually offer a nonstop flight to those final destinations to free seats for other Atlanta connections. Top domestic destinations from Chattanooga are New York City, South Florida, Orlando and Los Angeles. Mr. Lum said most leaked domestic passengers went to Nashville. Chattanoogas top international destinations are Mexico City, London and Cancun. Mr. Lum credited the auto industry with the high traffic to Mexico City. The study did not differentiate between leisure travel and business travel, but Nashvilles new spot on the map as a leisure destination has made it a contender in the last four years, Mr. Lum said. Asheville, N.C., has its own inbound leisure market, too. The city grew its service during the pandemic and has been able to retain it, Mr. Lum said. The Knoxville metro area has 900,000 people, compared with the Chattanooga metro areas 600,000, and its far enough from other major cities to keep more of its traffic. Chattanoogas cost to the carrier per enplanement is $6. Thats very attractive, Mr. Lunn said. Its already low. He said ultra-low-cost carriers Breeze Airways and Frontier Airlines want $5, but they have been found in cities with $8. He said Breeze is learning it can make money on flights to South Florida and that the company is exploring long-haul flights to Los Angeles. I think that jury is still out, he said. Volaires study draws data from two years: third quarter 2021 through second quarter 2023. Ms. Cameron reported airport enplanements ended 2023 at 487,829, which is 13 percent above 2022 numbers and 13 percent below pre-pandemic 2019. TERMINAL EXPANSION GRAND OPENING The grand opening for the terminal expansion is set for March 2. Finishing touches are coming in, including jet bridges, furniture and Dan Reynolds photography. Delta Air Lines will occupy the two new gates in the expansion. Commission Chairman Jim Hall announced new committees: Marketing Committee Chip Baker David LittleJohn Santosh Sankar Finance Committee James E. Hall Daniel R. Jacobson Harriette Stokes Personnel Committee Dr. Paul Conn Tom Snow Chris Sugden Planning Committee James E. Hall Tom Snow Daniel R. Jacobson Northwest Arkansas, Colorado Springs, Greater Chattanooga and Missoula on Tuesday launched the Coalition of Hip Hideaways, described as "a collective of distinct, like-minded communities across the country that are collaborating to accelerate thoughtful growth in all forms." Officials said, "This coalition represents a significant milestone, developed by the Northwest Arkansas Council, and builds on the success of Northwest Arkansas' Life Works Here campaign, which aims to build awareness and appeal for the region. "Pioneering the initiative, the Northwest Arkansas Council conceived and championed the idea, reaching out to industry peers to unite forces. As leaders in this transformative movement, the Coalition of Hip Hideaways invites likeminded organizations to stand with them and collectively shape the future of the community." "In the heart of vibrant, lesser-known areas of the nation, communities like Northwest Arkansas are witnessing remarkable progress - offering not just fulfilling careers and work-life balance, but also serving as hubs within a coalition of trendy hideaways," said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. "As the next installment of the Life Works Here campaign, the Coalition of Hip Hideaways seeks to enhance the quality of life for our citizens, learn from one another and navigate the evolving landscape of our diverse and growing communities ensuring inclusive growth for the future. Approaching Colorado Springs, Greater Chattanooga and Missoula to join the coalition is just the first step on our journey of connectedness and collaboration between these communities." Hip Hideaways offer "the unique cultural attractions, outdoor lifestyles, strong economies and career opportunities available in larger metros with the character of a smaller metro and, most importantly, without the pitfalls of a crowded city. By bolstering awareness and appeal for our Hip Hideaways, we welcome talent to contribute to the vibrancy of our communities." "The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation joins the Coalition of Hip Hideaways to reshape our narrative, collaborating with kindred communities like Northwest Arkansas, Greater Chattanooga and Missoula," said Dani Bolling, senior vice president of marketing, communications & sales for the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation. "Emphasizing our inclusive community and welcoming diverse thoughts and experiences, we invite everyone to find their place in a Hip Hideaway, making it their own a sincere invitation to come and witness it firsthand." Officials said national data shows smaller, up and coming cities are rising in population for their desirable quality of life as a rising cost of living continues to create affordability barriers in major cities. To ensure thoughtful growth that preserves the character and charm of each of these communities, the Coalition of Hip Hideaways will collaborate to develop strategies around affordability, housing, infrastructure and job creation, it was stated. "These are intentional community planners, thought leaders and provocateurs working toward creating vibrant places that preserve the cultural identity of our respective homes, while strategically fostering prosperity and growth alongside the people we attract and retain," said Bridgett Massengill, president and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership in Greater Chattanooga. "Being invited to partner with like-minded communities across the country for collaborative problem-solving is an easy and enthusiastic yes for us. As thriving, intentional places, we are committed to thoughtfully planning, growing and managing our development to retain the cultural identity of the beloved places we call home." "Through this coalition, we are not only promoting our communities as desirable places to live and work, but also fostering a network of support and collaboration to ensure thoughtful growth and preserve our unique identities," said Mark Losh, president and CEO of the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce. "Together, we can create a stronger and more vibrant future for all of our Hip Hideaways." For more information on the Coalition of Hip Hideaways, watch this video here. The Coalition of Hip Hideaways connects distinct, like-minded communities across the country to accelerate thoughtful growth in all forms. Founded by the Northwest Arkansas Council, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Thrive Regional Partnership, and Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, these "cool escapes" collaborate to bolster awareness and appeal for our Hip Hideaways among talent in growing and competitive industries, provide a platform for idea-sharing as likeminded communities address pain points associated with thoughtful growth, and preserve and uplift the character and charm of the communiti 3/13/2024 Big FM 106.9's Gary Poole announced Wednesday on the air that this is the last day of the station. The current format ends at midnight. This is part of the recently announced sale of two ... more The Lee group that partnered with Samaritans Purse, front row, from left, Connor Brown, Anna Lloyd, Dr. Amy Jo Perry, McKayla Thompson, Rachel Warner, Sarah Livingston, Delaney Harris, and Katherine Thompson; back row, from left, Seth Knott, Clay Perito and Jake Fast Clay Perito and Rachel Warner helping the homeowner load trees and brush into the truck along with a Samaritans Purse volunteer Lee students grabbing equipment to continue the cleanup Previous Next Lees Disaster Response Club, a part of the school's Disaster and Healthcare Mission Management program, traveled to Clarksville, Tn. to partner with Samaritans Purse to help victims of the December tornadoes that swept through Tennessee. This trip was led by Dr. Amy Jo Perry, interim dean for Lees School of Nursing and assistant professor in nursing, and Jacob Fast, director of the DHMM program and assistant professor of science in emergency management. The Disaster Response Club was formed by students with a heart for helping people who have been impacted by natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, said Dr. Perry. Many of these students are preparing for careers in this field. When we heard about the devastating tornadoes on Dec. 7, we knew we wanted to help in some way, and Samaritans Purse gave us that opportunity. Members of the DHMM club started their day in the Samaritans Purse orientation, learning more about the work that Samaritans Purse does and how it operates command centers. Students were able to tour one of these command centers and learn about all the equipment needed for any situation they would respond to following a natural disaster. After orientation, students served a single mom in White Bluff who had contacted Samaritans Purse for assistance from tornado damage. "The relief work we did with Samaritans Purse was very impactful, said Connor Brown, a DHMM major and participant on the trip. Even though this project only cost a few hours of my day, it made a difference in this single moms perspective during this hard time. It reminded me how impactful just being kind is, and that something small to one person could be something big for someone else. It also made me appreciate organizations like Samaritans Purse so much more. My work with them helped me gain motivation to pursue acts like this more. According to Mr. Fast, the purpose of this trip was to simply demonstrate what loving others can look like in the real world. This trip was also meant to allow students to apply what they have learned in their classes, such as Disaster Management and Holistic Care, in a real-world situation. Lastly, this trip was meant to springboard the DHMM program and club toward future response/recovery efforts. Our students are organized, dedicated, and well trained, said Mr. Fast. With their skills and knowledge, they can make a significant impact on those in need during the aftermath of a disaster. Because of this, I hope that our program can be called upon any time a disaster strikes within our region. The DHMM program prepares students to become leaders in the field of disaster preparation and response and healthcare missions. While in the program, students will receive numerous certifications and skills-based training, as well as experiential opportunities in various settings. For more information about the DHMM program or club, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/dhmm/. On Monday, the Cleveland City Board of Education appointed Kelly Kiser, Director of Human Resources, as the Interim Director of Schools, following Dr. Dyer's departure in March.To involve the community in the selection process for the next Director of Schools, Cleveland City Schools will be launching a survey in the coming days. The survey aims to gather valuable insights from families regarding the qualities and attributes they desire in the future school leader. Joel Belz, a longtime Covenant College trustee and one of the founders of Chattanooga Christian School, died Sunday at Asheville, N.C. He was 82. Mr. Belz was described as "a builder, a founder, an educator, a writer, a father of five and friend to hundreds. His life's goal was to share - with children and with adults alike - his awe of the creator of that world, and the love of his savior Jesus." He started It's God's World, a publication for children, and later launched World Magazine, which gives the news daily to a large audience across the world through a Christian prism. Mr. Belz was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Max Victor Belz and Jean Franzenburg Belz. He was the second of eight children. Max and Jean founded Bible Presbyterian Church of Cono Center and Cono Christian School near Walker, Iowa. In addition to their work as pastor and teacher, Max and Jean Belz ran a family printing business from their home. Joel had learned to operate a Linotype by the time he was 11 years old. The early experience left him with a lifelong fascination with human invention in general, and with printing in particular. Joel attended the fledgling Covenant College, then located in St. Louis, Mo. In 1963, he scouted a new location for the college: the Lookout Mountain Hotel in Georgia, built in 1928 but standing now unused and abandoned. For three months during the next spring, Joel lived alone in the empty hotel, taking the measure both of the property and of local support for the planned relocation of the college there. After Covenant College moved to Lookout Mountain, Mr. Belz worked there in public relations and as an instructor. He met and married a Covenant alumna, Diana Ewing. The couple returned temporarily to Iowa, where Joel completed his master's degree in mass communications. The family returned to Lookout Mountain, now with two young daughters. Joel helped to found the Lookout Mountain Christian School near the college, and he built a geodesic dome in which his family would live. Joel's marriage to Diana ended in divorce. He was then serving as headmaster of LMCS, during which time he actively recruited black students from the city of Chattanooga, increasing their number to about one-third of the school's small student body. The school later moved downtown to Broad Street, better to serve the city. Now known as Chattanooga Christian School, it currently enrolls 1,400 students. In 1975, Mr. Belz married Carol Esther Jackson - also a graduate of Covenant. The family moved two years later to Asheville, when Joel was hired as managing editor of The Presbyterian Journal. Joel and Carol Esther Belz were founding members of Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church in Asheville. By 1979, they were the parents of five daughters, all of whom would attend Asheville Christian Academy, then located a short distance from their home in Haw Creek. Joel served for many years on the ACA board and rejoiced to see it grow into an institution that serves 800 students today. For the next 40 years, Joel and Carol Esther served faithfully in their local church and in the larger denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America. In 2003, Joel was elected moderator of the General Assembly of the PCA. He served on the board of Covenant College over a span of 38 years. The Presbyterian Journal was succeeded in 1987 by WORLD, a weekly news magazine. WORLD had itself grown from a popular line of children's papers, which Joel had founded six years earlier. At that time, he had envisioned a news magazine for school children, akin to The Weekly Reader but with reporting from a Christian point of view. The first edition was called It's God's World. Over the years, World News Group expanded to include a journalism institute, a daily podcast, websites to augment the papers, and a video current events program for students. Mr. Belz was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Jean, and his brother, Nathaniel. He is survived by his wife, Carol Esther; his daughters, Jenny (Andy) Gienapp, Katrina (Eric) Costello, Alice (Mark) Tucker, Elizabeth (Derek) Odegard, and Esther (Brian) Morrison; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a large extended family. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church in Asheville. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Arden Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park in Black Mountain. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be given to Covenant College at covenant.edu, Ridge Haven Cono at ridgehaven.org, or World News Group at wng.org. Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and the Hamilton County Highway Department today announced the installation of driver feedback systems at three separate locations on Hunter Road in Ooltewah. The sole function of these devices is to alert drivers when they have exceeded the speed limit, and they will not be used for ticketing purposes.As communities in the eastern part of Hamilton County experience growth beyond what some county roads were designed for, it is imperative we take action to enhance safety on the most dangerous routes, said Mayor Wamp.I appreciate the Highway Department for working with my office to take this first step towards improving road safety, and I look forward to continuing this conversation during the countys impending budget season.Following the results from an in-depth traffic study conducted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, accompanied with community feedback, the Hamilton County Highway Department installed one driver feedback device between Lebron Sterchi Drive and Benwood Drive, a second adjacent to the Crooked Creek neighborhood, and a third device near the Flagstone neighborhood."This effort furthers Mayor Wamps commitment to road improvements, including new funding in the FY2024 budget for enhanced safety measures, as roads in unincorporated parts of the county experience unprecedented usage," officials said. "In collaboration with the recently established county roads working group, Hamilton County government is actively evaluating additional locations where driver feedback systems are needed on Hamilton County roadways." Matthew Gibson, PhD, FACHE, president and CEO of Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation has been appointed to the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board in Region 4. Regional Policy Boards foster communication between the AHA, its members and state hospital associations, and provide important input on critical public policy issues unique to a region. Region 4 area encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.Im honored to serve on the AHA Regional Policy Board and represent Siskin Hospital.Having the opportunity to represent the perspective of Chattanooga at the state and national levels is humbling, said Dr. Gibson. This is a critically important time of transformation in healthcare. Current initiatives and decisions being made at the federal and state levels will be important for our patients and all citizens of this region and state. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute in this new role.Dr. Gibson is a passionate advocate for healthcare and, on behalf of the American Hospital Association, I congratulate him on this appointment, said Rebecca Jolley, regional executive and secretary of the RPB4. He is a talented and innovative leader who is committed to transformative healthcare.The nine Regional Policy Boards meet three times each year and provide guidance on public policy issues considered by the AHA Board of Trustees, serve as ad hoc policy development committees when appropriate and identify needs unique to a region.Dr. Gibson has over 20 years of leadership experience. He was named president and CEO of Siskin in January of 2020, after serving as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Erlanger Health System, where he focused on leading strategy, business development mergers and acquisitions and innovation. While there, he developed and implemented a comprehensive primary care/access strategy resulting in the opening of several new regional primary care clinics and six urgent care centers, along with the markets first virtual primary care program.His diverse experience includes managing operations through the oversight and organization of business strategy development and the growth and profitability of product lines at investor-owned hospitals and a large multi-state nonprofit health system.Dr. Gibson is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds a PhD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He also holds a master of business administration and a master's in health administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His healthcare leadership extends both regionally and at the state level as a member of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association Board of Directors and Tennessee Hospital Association Bylaws Committee. For the time being, the Bell Farms property in Collegedale will remain in the Agricultural zone. At the Monday night meeting the Collegedale commissioners denied a zoning change that had been requested by the owner Janice Bell and developers Aaron Smith and Alan Jones to change the designation from AG, Urban Agricultural and C-2 Shopping Center Commercial to R-1-H, High Density Single Family Residential. The first and final reading of the ordinance for rezoning brought many residents of Collegedale to the meeting in opposition. The property is approximately 25.6 acres and is currently divided into two parcels. Half is already within the boundaries of the city of Collegedale and the other is in unincorporated Hamilton County. The rezoning request required first that Collegedale annex the property that was outside of the city limits. If annexation of the property was approved, the request was to merge the two properties and rezone them. Then developers proposed to add a PUD overlay (Planned Unit Development) for the entire Bell Farms property. The new zoning and the PUD would allow 111 single family homes to built there, spaced 10-feet apart. The average price of a home is expected to be from the high $300,000 to low $400,000 upward to $600,000, but the costs of construction continue to rise, answered the developer. The density would be 3.5 lots per acre. The Collegedale Planning Commission recommended approval with certain conditions, including a 25-foot buffer of trees planted on all sides of the development, a 9-acre natural area at the entrance of the development that would have a detention pond, trees, park benches and a playground. Three lane entrance with a left and right lane to exit and lane one to enter would be another condition. How does this development become a benefit for Collegedale? asked Mayor Morty Lloyd. It will bring over 100 new families to Collegedale, answered one of the developers, and it might bring a new restaurant to the city that is not fast food, based on the number of new houses. He also said that if the PUD was approved, that would give the city more control over what was built. No changes could be made without approval from the city. At the public meeting regarding the farm property, residents were unanimously opposed to the development. Many people who live on White Oak Valley Circle that adjoins the farm spoke to the commissioners. Their concerns included the loss of wildlife and habitat that will never again return. Many of them said there is already a problem with stormwater runoff and flooding in the area and clearing vegetation and increasing impervious surfaces would only make it worse. This development is not the brand and vision that Collegedale has created for itself, said another resident with wall to wall houses and people. Several speakers said the large number of houses planned was to maximize profits for the owner and developer and to increase the tax base for the city. The leadership has to decide on your brand, said the speaker. Collegedale has more stringent requirements than Hamilton County does, such as sidewalks and street lighting, said another resident of White Oak Valley Circle. So why does the developer want to be annexed by Collegedale? she asked. Because they want access to our sewers, said Commissioner Tanya Sadler. Without that access the alternative would be to build an on-site treatment system, said City Manager Wayon Hines. With annexation, the development would also get city services such as fire and police protection, garbage pick-up and road maintenance. Before the vote, Vice Mayor Tim Johnson said that the commission does not make decisions based on taxes, but about how something will impact the city in the future. He said that most of the money used for services comes from revenue coming from businesses. Id like to have the land in Collegedale," said Commissioner Katie Lamb, "but the density bothers me. I dont want somebody to be able to look in my windows and smell what I am cooking. She suggested for the developers to think about how many houses they can eliminate. Commissioners Tonya Sadler and Debbie Baker agreed. The question before the commission on Monday night was annexation, which passed on a vote of four to one against, with Vice Mayor Johnson voting in opposition. But with the annexation, the commissioners still retain the ability to discuss the number of homes. The vote to rezone the property failed with the vice mayor, and Commissioners Lamb and Sadler voting no. In other business, the commissioners approved the request from Public Works Director Eric Sines to buy street scanning services from a company that will scan all the citys streets and digitally retain all the information that can be accessed to develop a plan to prioritize and identify what the best method would be to maintain the roads. The contract is for a three-year period and the $57,000 cost will be divided equally each of the years. The public works department will also be getting two vehicles. Mr. Sines has found a used truck for $50,000 and a used bucket truck for $25,000. The commissioners also approved amending the Collegedales building codes to match what is required by the state of Tennessee. Another vote approved for Collegedale to continue participating in the Small Cities Coalition of six cities in Hamilton County, represented by a government relations and communications strategist professional. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his annual State of the State address to the Legislature on Feb. 5, during which he renewed his complaints about the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma. There are so many incredible women who have fought and worked in the military and dont get the recognition they deserve. For instance, have you heard of Leigh Ann Hester? Leigh Ann Hester made history in the United States Military in 2005 when she won the prestigious Silver Star for valor in combat, making her the first woman to earn a Silver Star since World War II. Leigh Ann is a Kentucky native who had her sights set on joining the military since she was a little girl. She had always looked up to people, especially women in uniform, and knew she wanted to be one someday. She first joined the military in 2001 and eventually earned the title of Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester of the 503rd Military Police Battalion, Kentucky National Guard. In the early 2000s, Leigh Ann was deployed to Iraq, where she performed her heroic act. During her time in Iraq, one day, Leigh Ann was doing one of her usual tasks, which was scanning a route near Baghdad for a supply convoy, when she and her squad were suddenly ambushed by enemy fire. When Leigh Anns squad was attacked, her bravery and training kicked in, and she sprung into action. Leigh Ann directed her squad and led them away from the enemy fire into a flanking position. After directing fire against the enemy ambush, she then began fighting on foot, entering the line of fire. Thanks to Leigh Anns heroic actions, numerous lives were saved. Her impressive actions, bravery, and skills earned her the Silver Star Medal. She was the first woman to receive the medal since World War II and the first woman to earn it for combat valor. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Lights. I wasnt sure I heard correctly. I asked the student to repeat his answer. Lights. Again I was reduced to silence. Clearly I was missing something. Do you mean electricity? Like, instead of candles? I asked uncertainly. No, he replied. I mean lightsyou know, lights. And then it dawned on me. The student meant lightingdimmers, spotlights, colored lights, the whole array of controls for stage lightingwhat you might find at a stand-up show, theatrical production, or concert. I had proposed a question to a room of 40 college freshmen: Suppose you traveled to a new city next weekend, and on Sunday morning you chose to visit a church. What would you expect to find? I often ask this question to begin a discussion about liturgy, the script that different traditions follow in their public worship, however high or low the church in question may be. Students typically think of greeters, ushers, pews, people, preaching, tithing, prayer, Scripture. Sometimes Communion gets a mention. Creed and confession of sins rarely do. Increasingly, though, students talk about technology: screens, videos, cameras, livestreaming. Other elements are equally technological, though they dont think of them that way: mics, headsets, multi-piece bands, a complex production with many moving parts. All signs of technological development and adaptation; all relatively new to Christian liturgy; none more than a few generations old, at least in terms of common church usage. All this came home to me in my students honest first thought in response to my question: Lights. When he imagined going to church, when he mentally walked into a Christian house of worship, what came to mind before anything else was a controlled lighting system. Dim lights for quiet meditation, bright lights for benediction, a spotlight for the sermon, varying colors for different band members and their respective solo moments. From liturgy of Word and sacrament to a theatrical light show. How did we get here? The first thing to notice about my students answer is that it mostly reflects experience in large churches. My students are, in general, Bible Belt evangelicals. Even when they hail from rural or small-town backgrounds, though, their upbringing feels to them like an exception to the rule, and the rule is a well-heeled megachurch with a quality worship production. Thats how their feet vote when they move to a bigger town, like Abilene, and the same applies when they move to a major urban area, like Houston or Austin or DallasFort Worth. Article continues below But according to recent studies, a super-majority of American churches today have 100 or fewer members. When we think of a typical congregation, then, we should think of one consisting of two or three dozen families. Few congregations of that size have the resources foror the expectation ofprofessional lighting. Theyre more worried about keeping the lights on at all. Moreover, while church attendance and membership are both in decline, and while the average church size is barely in the triple digits, a growing share of the overall church-attending population finds itself in large congregations. In other words, as the percentage of Americans who attend church shrinks, those who do attend increasingly frequent bigger churches. This phenomenon distorts what feels like the average church and, therefore, what typical worship is like. To afford, maintain, and operate professional lighting of the sort my student had in mind, a church would have to be far above the 90th percentile of American congregational size, which is 250 regular attendees. Yet for my student, as for so many others, this size and its hallmarks are paradigmatic rather than exceptional. Theyre just what church is today, what one would reasonably expect visiting a random church in a strange city. This trend is both cause and consequence of churches investing in technologies that make Sunday morning a high-production offering, whether for in-person crowds or for folks who stream from home. Long before COVID-19 but exacerbated by lockdown, many churches have been competing in a kind of techno-liturgical arms race to draw seekers, especially young families and professionals, to the Sunday morning experience of high-tech public worship. For many seasoned evangelicals among the millennial and Zoomer generations, the resultstate-of-the-art, high-definition, professional video and audio and music, with smooth transitions and fancy lighting, all frictionless and ready-made for the internetis simply becoming the norm. Its what church, or worship, means. At best, the gospel retains the power to cut through all the noise. At worst, believers receive neither the Lords Word nor his body and blood. Instead, they get a cut-rate TED Talk, spiritual but not religious, sandwiched between long sessions of a soft rock concert. Article continues below There is no question that ministers at churches like these have been motivated by good intentions. If more people want to hear the gospel and give praise to God, should we not make it possible for them to do so? Should we not build it, praying they will come? Few would suggest that the mere size of a building is evidence of unfaithfulness, nor would I propose that microphones be abolished in favor of preachers gifted with naturally loud voices. Thats a caricature of so-called Luddite concerns with new technology. Theological questions about technology are more serious than that. For one, they are rarely answerable in advance. Theyre discerned on the ground. But they do require discernment. The mere fact that a new technology appears at first to aid in the churchs mission is not sufficient. We might instead interrogate the nature of Christian worship itself. I asked my students what they would expect, visiting a church for the first time. What should they expect? The historic answer of the church down through the centuries is that they should expect the liturgy of Word and sacrament. They should know in advance that, with real but limited variations, they will pray, sing, confess their faith, confess their sins, hear the word of the Lord in Scripture, hear the gospel of the Lord in proclamation, and receive the visible word of the Lords body and blood, the bread of heaven broken for their salvation. Whatever country they are in, whatever language is spoken, whether visiting a city or a town, a congregation of 5,000 or a parish of 50this is what should await them. Notice what is necessary for the celebration of this liturgy: sisters and brothers gathered in the name of Jesus, a leader, the Bible, a little bread and wine. Believers, Scriptures, elements, and a place to bring them together. Thats it. In fact, on a given Sunday morning around the world, you can find them brought together in cathedrals, in houses, in apartments, in strip malls, in cafeterias, in mud huts, out in the open by rivers and under trees, hidden in basements and attics for fear of being found out. This is the genius of Christian liturgy. Beyond the tools required to produce texts (which long predate the printing press) and food and drink (which are necessary to live), no technology is necessary for the church to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. Perhaps, as the case may be, new technologies have the potential to help. But they always have the potential to harm, to distort and misshape. Article continues below On one hand, worship is a form of catechesis. It molds our hearts, minds, and imaginations. Young people are right to expect, on a given Sunday, what they have seen and heard on hundreds of previous Sundays. Its clear to me that the present catechesis has worked, but in all the wrong ways. Too many evangelicals assume that ordinary worship is what Ive elsewhere called the tech-church showa performance in every sense of the word. Not the drama of the Eucharist or the reenactment of the liturgical script but a slick, high-def production. If I am right that this is what many assume is normal, based on its prevalence among larger churches, then my suggestion is that ministers need to go back to the drawing board. Back, I should say, to the time-tested wisdom of Word and sacrament. Call it the ABCs of Christian liturgy. Recall, on the other hand, who is able to compete in this worshiping arms race: large churches in major cities. Who cant? All the rest of them. That is, at least four-fifths of congregations cannot play the high-tech game. Given that tens of millions of Americans have left church over the last few decades, this is liturgical malpractice. Its short-sighted too, given the churchs mission. But above all, its a failure of fraternal love. We dont want small churches to close their doors. We want churches of every size, in every type of locale, to flourishjust as they are, just where they are. But if the norm is the high-tech production Ive outlined above, then these churches, even when they are in cities, will continue to die, since they inevitably lack the resources to keep up with the ecclesial Joneses. Much can be said for a joyful service that communicates both uninhibited and Spirit-filled adoration. But faithful worship is, and therefore should be, something any church can do, regardless of production level. We must imagine an alternative catechesisone that, for students like mine, brings to mind first of all the risen Christ: his living Word, his body and blood, his gathered people. The question is: What kind of worship would produce such a thought? Brad East is an associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University. [ This article is also available in and . ] As children, we are taught to take care of our pets, take care of our room, take care of our toys. A parents voice is always in our head: Dont leave your toys out in the rain. Dont forget to walk the dog. Dont leave stuff all over your room. As adults, we learn to care for our families, care for our friends, care for members of our church who need help. The more valuable the goods, the better the care. So it is with our Christian faith. The work of the Holy Spirit ties us to Jesus Christ from Gods side of the bond. From our side, its faith. Like so much of value in the Christian life, faith is both Gods gift and our calling. Theres no doubt its a gift. Jesus taught that no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them (John 6:44). But faith is also our calling. Jesus says so with a simple imperative: Believe in God; believe also in me (John 14:1). Every Christian comes to know that this imperative is bigger than we are. We know the drag of doubt and sloth. We know what its like to be spiritually depressedto find the universe emptied of God and our lives emptied of joy. We know how the presence of advanced evil in the world can taint our trust in Gods providence. So we pray for God to rejuvenate us. We practice spiritual disciplines that centuries of Christian saints have told us will help. We pray when we dont feel like it. We go on spiritual retreat because we know we should. We meditate on Gods Word, hoping for a ray of light. We take long, slow walks through cemeteries, treading six feet above well-dressed skeletons while soberly reflecting on howif there is no God and no eternal lifehuman life simply stops. All these means are part of traditional spiritual hygiene, and they are all an immeasurable help when it comes to taking good care of our faith. According to the letters of St. Paul, the centerpiece of such caretaking is mortifying our old nature and vivifying our new one. One of Pauls central teachings is that we have died and risen with Jesus Christ. We died and rose with Christ when he did because he is the second Adam, our representative. We did it again in our baptism, a ceremony that sacramentally binds us to the dying and rising Christ. And we do it every day when we put our sins to deathkill them, mortify them, crucify themand bring our virtues to lifeencourage them, vivify them, clothe ourselves with them (Col. 3:5, 12). Sanctification is Gods work in us. But its also our work in us. Scripture says both things. Jesus cleanses us from all sin but only if we walk in the light (1 John 1:7). Theres no better way to walk in the light than by putting our sins to death. All serious Christians have experience trying to do it. Suppose my besetting sin is conceit. I am too wily to say it out loud, but I secretly think Im hot stuff. I think Im better than othersand if others dont know it, they should. I might motor along with this superior attitude for years until something jolts me awake. If it does, I know I have to kill my conceit. I have to yoke my efforts to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit in me. So I meditate on the superlative greatness of God and look at myself by contrast. I meditate on the superlative grace of God and see that I have nothing good that wasnt given to me. I confess my conceit to God and lament it and beg to be rid of it. I start deliberately praising others, recognizing their gifts and good character. I spend time outdoors where nonhuman creation seems to hum along just fine without paying any attention to me. And I begin to see my conceit as laughable. How does mortifying my conceit show and strengthen my faith? When I put my conceit to death, I trust Gods Word that doing so is not only right but also healthy. Mortifying oneself is no fun at all. Its mortifying. But I do it anyway because I trust God that doing it is life-giving, that it will actually make life better. And it does. As I kill off my conceit, I find that God seems closer to me. Other people seem more interesting to me. Squirrels leaping from branches seem more delightful to me. Ive broken out of the tiny cabin of my own self-involvement and have found the whole universe comes alive as I turn to it. When I reflect on this wonderful exercise of dying and rising, I become more grateful for my faith that motivated me to tackle it in the first place. And I want to keep looking for ways to take good care of it. Cornelius (Neal) Plantinga (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is senior research fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and president emeritus of Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of many books, including the Christianity Today Book Award winners Not the Way It's Supposed to Be, Engaging Gods World, and Reading for Preaching. Content taken from Gratitude by Cornelius Plantinga, 2024. Used by permission of Brazos Press. Letha Dawson Scanzoni, who launched a biblical feminism movement but lost influence among evangelicals because of her support for LGBTQ affirmation, has died at 88. With a pair of articles published by Eternity magazine and a follow-up book, coauthored with Eternity editor Nancy Hardesty, Scanzoni pushed evangelicals to rethink what the Bible said about women. She challenged the idea that womens equality with men and liberation from customs and cultures that devalued women was somehow secular. According to her, it was a biblical idea first. Evangelicals have the tradition of taking Scripture very seriously, Scanzoni once said. When we looked at Scripture, we saw it not limiting women, but liberating. Scanzoni and a small cohort of people who agreed with her started the Evangelical Womens Caucus in the early 1970s as part of Evangelicals for Social Action, the progressive Christian group that produced the Chicago Declaration, an evangelical call to oppose racism, materialism, militarism, and the forces that produce economic inequality. The womens caucus convinced the group to include language opposing sexism. Within a few years, the Evangelical Womens Caucus (now called Christian Feminism Today or the Evangelical and Ecumenical Womens Caucus) was hosting independent annual conferences and had about 1,500 members. A controversy over homosexuality split the group in the 1980s, though, and the Evangelical Womens Caucus lost about 80 percent of its membership. Scanzoni, who wrote Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? with theologian Virginia Ramey Mollenkott in 1978, stopped getting invitations to speak at evangelical institutions and could no longer publish articles in most evangelical magazines. Despite her marginalization, Scanzoni continued to identify as an evangelical. And she always insisted her beliefs were based in the Bible. She knew Scripture, biographer Kendra Weddle wrote, and could quote chapter and verse with the most ardent biblical scholars. But more than that, the Bible was a constant source of inspiration and guidance. She also experienced a vibrant relationship with Christ. Emerging church leader Brian McLaren said Scanzoni showed him that faithful commitment to Scripture would almost inevitably lead to conflict with evangelical gatekeepers. I watched her take the same biblical texts that the (white male) evangelical gatekeepers used to oppress others and instead use them to liberate, he wrote. I think of her first and foremost as a courageous biblical interpreter. Scanzoni was born on October 9, 1935, in Pittsburgh and was raised in Mifflintown in central Pennsylvania. Her parents, James and Hilda Dawson, ran a gas station and diner. They worked most Sundays and were not churchgoers, but sent young Letha to church with her best friend, a pastors daughter. When she was 11, Scanzoni had a conversion experience and, with the help of the pastors wife, answered an altar call at the church. As she later recalled the experience, there was a lot of talk about sin and repentance. But she only felt overwhelmed by the love of God. Later, she looked at the sky and marveled at the grandeur, in awe of a Creator who cared so deeply and personally for her. Scanzoni was a talented trombonist and at 16 was accepted into the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She also started playing for churches and religious rallies, including a Billy Graham evangelistic event. She started to share her testimony as part of her performances and sometimes offered a devotional or led a Bible study. She soon learned that some Christians placed sharp limits on where and how a woman could speak. The lines werent always clear to her, though. Historian Isaac Sharp writes that Scanzoni was once confused when a minister asked her to talk about her faith during a trombone performance for men in prison. She knew the minister didnt believe women should teach men. He clarified that testimony was not teaching, a distinction that didnt make sense to Scanzoni. As a young woman, she also learned she could not always trust her fellow Christians to treat her with basic respect. A man in leadership at the Youth for Christ meeting she attended at Eastman kissed her without her consent. Scanzoni transferred from Eastman to Moody Bible Institutes music program in 1954. There, she met and married John Scanzoni and left school before graduating to support her husbands calling to the ministry and then to graduate school, where he studied the sociology of families. She helped her husband write several sociology texts and followed him to Bloomington, Indiana, where John got a job teaching at Indiana University. While raising two boys, Scanzoni also began writing articles and books on her own, applying biblical wisdom and sociological insight to modern family life. She wrote several booksincluding Youth Looks at Love, Sex and the Single Eye, and Sex Is a Parent Affair, which talked about the best way to teach children about sex. Sex Is a Parent Affair was endorsed by Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, who also wrote the foreword. Scanzoni didnt think of herself as a rabble-rouser or a crusading feminist. Nor, she later recalled, did anyone else. Most people thought of me as a homemaker, a stay-at-home mom, she said. I wasnt the kind of person who would speak out to boldly challenge theological professors and traditional translations. I was living my days caring for children and doing freelance writing. In 1963, however, Scanzoni got angry over an article published in Eternity magazine. Charles Ryrie, a professor of systematic theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, wrote about women in the church, arguing that a woman cannot do a mans job in the church any more than a man can do a womans job in the home. Scanzoni wrote a response, which quickly grew too long to be an effective letter to the editor. She put it aside but then later returned to it to turn it into an article. Eternity published it in February 1966 under the title Womans Place: Silence or Service? In it, she argued that inconsistency coupled with inflexibility produces many problems for Christian women, many of whom were gifted by the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of the church and to fulfill the Great Commission. As the men sit in their theological castles debating womens proper place, Scanzoni wrote, Christian women faithfully toil in the vineyards, uneasy about breaking a commandment of God, yet even more fearful lest the work remain undone. She followed the piece up two years later with an article on egalitarian marriage, which Eternity titled Elevate Marriage to Partnership. The editor of the piece sent Scanzoni an appreciative note. Ive just finished editing your article, and Im really impressed with it, Hardesty wrote. And I dont think its radical or provocative at all. Its just right and true and like it should be. But then, Im only a woman. Scanzoni replied with an invitation to coauthor a book, and the two started working on All Were Meant to Be. The book came out in 1974. The next year, the Evangelical Womens Caucus organized its first independent meeting, coordinated by CT editor Cheryl Forbes and two others. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott opened the conference with the declaration, The Bible supports the central tenets of feminism. Some prominent evangelicals disagreed, however, and started raising questions about egalitarian womens respect for Scripture. They argued that some of the feminists crossed a line and werent actually evangelical. Some of the most ardent advocates of egalitarianism in marriage over against hierarchy reach their conclusion by directly and deliberately denying that the Bible is the infallible rule of faith and practice. Once they do this, they have ceased to be evangelical, CT editor Harold Lindsell wrote in 1976. Anyone who wishes to make a case for egalitarianism in marriage is free to do so. But when he or she denigrates Scripture in the process, thats too high a price to pay. The Evangelical Womens Caucus continued to grow, however, until it was divided by controversy over LGBTQ Christians. Scanzoni and Mollenkott released a book in 1978, arguing for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the church. The book had started out with a broader focus. They planned to write about the pressing social concerns, with chapters focused on divorce, abortion, censorship, and homosexuality. But then Mollenkott came out to Scanzoni and told her she was a lesbian. As Scanzoni worked through her shock, she came to believe the arguments used for womens liberation applied to LGBTQ people too. She called her approach Love Thy Neighbor, where empathy and relationships are centered as opposed to rules or restrictions, her biographer wrote. She trusted that Gods love was liberating and this propelled her to the Biblenot away from it. For many conservative evangelicals, however, that confirmed the idea that feminism was the start of a slippery slope. The issue erupted at the Evangelical Womens Caucus in 1978 and again in 82 and 84, and then ultimately divided the group in 86. The organization passed a resolution saying homosexual people are children of God, taking a firm stand in favor of civil rights protection for homosexual persons. A wave of resignations followed, and some of those leaving started a competing organization, Christians for Biblical Equality. At the same time, evangelicals opposed to Christian feminism launched the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The group was necessary, they said, because of the increasing prevalence and acceptance of hermeneutical oddities devised to reinterpret the apparently plain meanings of biblical texts. Scanzoni, for her part, found herself unwelcome in places she had been welcome before. Invitations to speak at evangelical conferences and colleges stopped coming. Pitches to write for evangelical outlets stopped being accepted. When her book on teaching children about sex was re-released in the 1980s, James Dobson withdrew his endorsement. The message was clear: She was no longer welcome. If faithfulness to the authority of the Bible also meant staying within a range of interpretive conclusions set by evangelical power brokers, historian Isaac Sharp wrote, evangelical feminists were out of luck. Scanzoni didnt seem especially dismayed by her marginalization in evangelicalism, however. She believed Christ called her to continue writing, teaching, and preaching, and so she did. In Luke 4, were told that Jesus came into the world to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and to set the oppressed to freedom, Scanzoni said. That is nothing less than a call to justice. That is nothing that each of us cant have a part of, and each of us can be a little stream feeding into a great river. Scanzoni died in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 9. She is survived by her sons David and Stephen. [ This article is also available in Francais. ] Religious freedom is under threat in Ukraine. Some question by whom? A Ukrainian delegation to last weeks International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, DC, had a clear answer: Russia. Led by Sergey Rakhuba, president of Mission Eurasia, it presented Faith Under Fire, a December report detailing the crimes of war in eastern Ukraine and elsewhere. Faith communities are under incredible pressure in occupied territories, he told CT. The ideology of the Russian world is to completely monopolize religion. International lawyer Robert Amsterdam, however, warned that Ukraine was attempting the same control over one half of its divided Orthodox church. Initial legislation passed by the Ukrainian parliament in October, he said, threatened to ban the historic Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the branch canonically linked to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) patriarchate in Moscow. In response, Amsterdam sent a 25-page dossier to the US, UK, and European Union heads of state on the UOCs behalf. There is now a very serious question mark over whether Ukraine can meet its commitments to human rights and the rule of law, the dossier stated. This will have dire ramifications for Ukraines entry into the European Union and its place in the Western world. The authors of both reports share a common enemy. Mykhailo Brytsyn, the lead author of the Mission Eurasia report, is a Ukrainian pastor who was previously arrested by the Russians during a worship service in Melitopol, occupied by Russia since March 2022. He was later exiled, and the army seized his church and turned it into a military base. Amsterdam, a Canadian lawyer with offices in DC and London, was also previously arrested in Moscow for defending Russian dissidents and subsequently banned from the country. The United Nations is monitoring both Russia and Ukraine. At a November meeting of the bodys security council, the UN assistant secretary general for human rights noted the yet-to-be finalized law in Ukraine and chided the country for failing to properly investigate 10 documented cases of violence at houses of worship, instigated by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) against the Moscow-linked UOC. The OCU was granted autocephalynational independenceby Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople in 2019, supported by the United States under the principle of religious freedom. But the move was rejected by the ROC, which continued in ecclesial jurisdiction over the UOC. The UN official, Ilze Brands Kehris, continued her testimony to state that Russia is violating international norms by applying its own law in occupied territory, detailing restrictions on minority believers. Rakhuba noted that there are many such restrictions. This war is not just territorial, it is ideological, he said. Religious freedom is missing from Russian terminology. Image: Ukraine Institute for Religious Freedom Citing a concept called Russki MirRussian WorldRakhuba, a Ukrainian who previously worked with the Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists in the Soviet Union, contended that the ROC works hand-in-hand with the Kremlin to marginalize other Christian denominations. Since the invasion, the Russian military authority in the occupied Donbas region has steadily replicated that formula. Rakhuba described three phases. In the first, from the February 2022 invasion until April of that year, the Russian army ignored churches in eastern Ukraine as it concentrated on strategic gains. Phase two, which stretched until October, witnessed several friendly conversations between officials and the clerics summoned to report. Light threats were made at this time, with inducements offered for cooperation. Phase three, ongoing since then, has involved the outright seizing of churches. Protecting the believers still there, the Mission Eurasia reportalready outdated in its numbers as the war continuesshielded the names of denominations struggling to maintain their spiritual witness. For one, only 4 of 48 churches were still operational. In a second, only 1 of 20. And a third no longer conducted services in any of its 16 locations. The report described canceled registrations, personal surveillance, and the kidnapping of religious leaders. It cited another report that counted 12 clerics expelled from the region, another 8 taken prisoner, and 5 killed. Image: Ukraine Institute for Religious Freedom But it is not just religious minorities. OCU priests have been forced to join the ROC. And even some in the Moscow-affiliated UOC have been harassed for refusing to pray for Russian victory. In May 2022, the UOC announced it was cutting ties with Moscow. Hundreds of Ukrainian priests signed an open letter calling for Patriarch Kirill, the head of the ROC, to face a religious tribunal. The leader of the UOC, Metropolitan Onufriy, called Kirill a fellow primate rather than his religious superior, and stopped mentioning Kirills name in liturgical prayer. But reportingand Ukrainian testimonystated that not all dioceses have followed suit. Coming out of the Soviet period, freedom became a valuea right, not permission, said Rakhuba. Ukrainians understand this, but it is not yet part of our DNA. The OCU recognizes religious liberty, he continued, but many senior priests in the UOC do not. Some have been openly collaborating with Russia, and Onufriy deposed three top bishops, two of whom fled to Russia. Between February 2022 and October 2023, Ukraine opened 68 criminal proceedings against UOC representatives and found alleged evidence of pro-Russia sentiment at the 11th-century KyivPechersk Lavra complex, known as the Monastery of the Caves. The long-term UOC lease to the historical site has not been renewed. Amsterdam stated that many of the charges against UOC priests are spurious. As many monks refuse to vacate the Lavra, he cites the case of Metropolitan Pavel, detained without bail for allegedly offending the religious feelings of Ukrainians. But Rakhubas report shows they have much to be offended at. Alongside violations against individuals and denominations, at least 630 church structures have been damaged or destroyed as of December 1, 2023, according to data from the Institute for Religious Freedom in Kyiv. Occupied Donetsk (146) and Luhansk (83) are the cities with the highest number of affected churches, followed by now-liberated Kherson (78) and then Kyiv (73). The UOCUkraines largest churchhas suffered the most with 187 damaged churches, while the OCU counts 59. Despite their minority status, evangelicals represent about one-third of the total with 206 cases. Pentecostals (94) and Baptists (60) have the most affected churches; Jehovahs Witnesses have an additional 110. Furthermore, the theological libraries of Tavriski Christian Institute and Mission Eurasia were deliberately destroyed. Image: Ukraine Institute for Religious Freedom Such information may be crucial to keeping robust American support for the war, stated Razom, a Ukrainian-American human rights organization. Only 28 percent of US evangelicals supported congressional authorization of additional funding for Ukraine last October, compared to 44 percent of all Americans, according to a Razom survey. But when presented factual information about Russians persecuting Ukrainian believers, 55 percent of evangelicals said they would be more likely to approve. Many Ukrainian Orthodox have made their choice clear: 589 communities have transferred from the UOC to the OCU. But of the remaining 8,193 parishes, the vast majority have not officially indicated their separation from Moscow. Why might it be required? The current draft of the law passed by the Ukrainian parliament prohibits the activities of religious organizations that are affiliated with the centers of influence in an enemy state. Ukraine stated that it is not a ban and that each local entity will be subject to judicial investigation. Revisions may follow, but, alongside the UN, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom expressed serious concern that it might become a ban in practice. But Rakhuba brought many delegates to DC to say otherwise. We see the UOC as the ideologicalI wont even say spiritualarm of the ROC in Ukraine, he said. Putins propaganda has been spreading in the West. Including the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights and the head of the State Service for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience, delegation representatives from the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox bodies of Ukraine are keeping focus on the clear offenses of the Russian Federation. The UOC, however, was not invited. It was not the first time. Another Ukrainian interfaith delegation visited the US in October, but a senior UOC metropolitan stated that his church was excluded. Rakhuba does not believe they are sincere in their denunciation of the war and their independence from the ROC. And having a representative from their church in the delegation would disturb his colleaguesas each entity witnesses to the violations committed by the UOC mother church. Kirill, for example, has blessed the war and promised forgiveness of sin to martyred soldiers. In December, Ukraine placed the Russian patriarch on its wanted list for abetting the conflict. The next month, the interdenominational Ukrainian Christian Churches (UCC) issued a statement condemning Kirill and ROC Russki Miir ideology. It also expressed support for the position of the interreligious Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) in its worldwide appeal for Christians to pressure their affiliated denominations in Russia against their claims of genocide. The UOC was not among its 11 signatories. But it is one of the 16 member bodies of the UCCROwhich only speaks in consensus. Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, is a member in both groups and does not know if the UOC was invited to sign the UCC statement. Yet it would not surprise him if they were not. The UOC needs to work hard to regain the confidence of other Christian leaders, he said. If they called Russia to repentance, they would be welcome among us. Horpynchuk said the UCCRO meets regularly, usually in person, every three months. Formed in 1996 to keep interfaith peace after the fall of the Soviet Union, it also includes representatives of Ukraines Muslims and Jews. Usually the groups statements pertain to social issues or pending religion-related legislation, but since the Russian invasion, all members, he said, were clear in condemning the attack. But there were differences in terminology. The UOC spoke of civil conflict and misunderstandings, while the other member denominations called it a war. This has disturbed some, Horpynchuk said. Christians should speak clearly against sin. Yet as the war continued, the Moscow-linked body has increasingly brought the council pleas against government discrimination against it. Nonetheless, officially the UOC has lent its support for statements against Russki Miir as the ideology of a terrorist state while calling for an international tribunal to prosecute leading officials. But with the reports of arrests of UOC clerics and of collaboration with Russia in the occupied territories, Horpynchuk thinks the Lavra lease cancellation and the Ukrainian parliament legislation to sever Kremlin relations are fair. And to a degree, the disfavor against the UOC is ironic; for years, many in UOC churches have called OCU members schismatics. Unfortunately, the UOCs political struggle to keep faith with both Moscow and Ukraine has soiled relations, even as they keep formal UCCRO unity. The Lord calls us to love, even if it is hard with our brothers in fellowship with Russia, said Horpynchuk. But I pray that love spreads throughout Ukraine, for with this we will overcome the enemy. One cleric, however, is no longer in fellowship. Originally in the UOC, Ukrainian priest Cyril Hovorun was transferred by then-Metropolitan Kirill to the ROC in 2009. Since the war, he has been a critic of Russia and was formally defrocked in December for celebrating Communion with Constantinople-aligned churchesthough he believes the real reason is political. As for his formative church, he has mixed feelings. The UOC was sincere in distancing from Moscow but not in cutting off relations completely, said Hovorun. Its decisions regarding Moscow are easily reversible. Analysts have noted that the May 2022 decision may not have actually broken ties with the ROC, as the UOCs Onufriy had previously appealed for independence of administration, granted by the Moscow patriarchate in 1990 prior to Ukraines independence. Hovorun emphasized that there was no canonical judgment to separatewhich the UOC cannot unilaterally issue anyway. Meanwhile, he said that certain prominent UOC bishops continue to pray for Kirill, while few are critical about the ROC taking over UOC churches in occupied territoryas they are the same church. Speaking theologically, in Ukraine there is one church with two jurisdictions, Hovorun said. The UOC is effectively a bunch of dioceses of the Russian church in Ukraine. How it imagines itself is something else. The UOC did not reply to a request for comment. At the same time, Hovorun sees some in the Ukrainian government pushing to merge the UOC into the OCU. As for the religious freedom implications of the lawit is still pending its final version. Observers will have to wait and see. But according to Ukrainian churches, per the UCCRO, the offenses of Russia are obvious. And in support of his nation, Rakhuba is keen to present his findings. People are terrified that if Russia takes over Ukraine, he said, the first thing they will do is intimidate people of faith. You can also join the 10,600 readers who follow CT on Telegram: Editors note: CT offers select articles translated into Ukrainian and Russian You can also join the 10,600 readers who follow CT on Telegram: @ctmagazine (also available in Russian and Chinese ). [ This article is also available in and . ] Home News Chinese 'Mayflower Church' finds a place for worship after long road to asylum in Texas A Texas church will allow a persecuted Chinese congregation recently granted asylum in the United States following a yearslong process to worship at its property regularly. The Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, which is commonly known as the "Mayflower Church," held its first worship service on Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Midland campus. The Chinese congregation gathered at the church's youth center for worship and will be permitted to use the property three times a week, reported Baptist Standard. 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 "It's a real blessing for us," FBC Midland Pastor Darin Wood told the outlet. "Our church has a heart for missions. This is a further reflection of that." When the Mayflower Church saw the youth center space given to them for worship, "they broke down and cried," Wood said, because "they had never had a building to worship in before." Named after the ship that took the Pilgrims to America in the 17th century, the Mayflower Church fled China due to ongoing persecution, interrogations and imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, initially seeking shelter in South Korea in 2019. South Korean officials refused to grant the church asylum, allegedly due to the influence of the Communist Chinese government. From South Korea, the congregation of around 64 members traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, hoping to set up a new community there. They were detained by local authorities last March after their visas expired. A coordinated effort by the U.S. government, the United Nations and the Thai government resulted in the church members' release for them to be resettled in the United States. The last remaining Mayflower family arrived in Dallas on May 26 after the family of five was delayed by childbirth, according to China Aid. ChinaAid CEO Chad Bullard, whose organization oversaw a welcome event when the church arrived in Texas, said in a statement at the time that the successful resettlement was "a successful example of nonpartisan, international cooperation." "We are thankful to all parties, including various U.S. government agencies, particularly the State Department's International Religious Freedom Office led by Ambassador Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, USCIRF, and a number of congressional offices including Chairman Mike McCaul and Chairman Chris Smith," said Bullard. Freedom Seekers International, a Texas-based Christian organization whose mission is to help resettle refugees persecuted for their faith, helped relocate the Mayflower Church. Last year, FSI reported helping the Chinese congregation with learning English, finding employment, learning how to drive and settling on a piece of property in the Midland area. Home News Grandmother asks for prayers after twin brother and sister die in house fire A grandmother grieving the death of her fraternal twin grandchildren and the severe burning of her daughter-in-law during a house fire in Manchester, Georgia, is now asking for prayers for her family as they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy. We just need prayer. They cant be replaced. My babies are gone. They gone, Trudie Childs, the twins grandmother, told Fox19. Im just asking the community, just pray. Give us strength, Lord. Pray for my son. Pray for their mother. She down there fighting, too, Jesus. The 10-year-old siblings, identified as Brionna Childs and Breon BJ Childs, were with their mother at the house when the fire broke out at around 3 a.m., according to the Meriwether County Emergency Management Agency. 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 Officials from the agency said Brionna was pronounced dead at the scene, while her brother was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital. Their mother has been hospitalized in critical condition and is being treated for severe burns, according to Meriwether County EMA Director Brin Jones. Fire investigators said several space heaters were found in the residence but it's yet unknown if they were being used at the time of the fire, Fox 19 added. The father of the children was not at home when the fire broke out, according to Jones. It was a neighbor who alerted him about the fire, and he returned to the house at approximately the same time the fire department arrived. My son, when he got there, he snatched the air condition[er] out of the window. His girlfriends arm was hanging out the window, and he just pulled her arm out. Then, the little boy, he got him out, but there was no movement or nothing from neither one of those, Stanley Childs said. But the little girl, they couldnt get to her. Stanley Childs said his son was so desperate to save his family from the fire he injured himself in the process, cutting his hands and feet. He broke windows trying to get them. You know, he tried everything in his power to try to get them, he recalled. They lost everything. Its not a good thing left. Everything just burned. Everything. Even burned her car up that was in the driveway. The grieving grandfather said he will never forget the tragedy he witnessed after he rushed over to the home as soon as he realized it was on fire. Ill remember that for the rest of my life, the way that house was burning, knowing my grandbaby, my granddaughter was still in there, he told WANF. They are some very intelligent children. I mean, they honor roll, A-plus students. They werent identical twins but fraternal twins, boy and girl very mannerable in everything. Trudie Childs said her grandchildren would have celebrated their 11th birthday on Feb. 15. At least two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help the family recover from the tragedy. Trudie Childs called her grandchildren angels and said she is trusting God to give her strength through the tragedy. They always greet me with a smile. They tell me, Nana, we love you. Im just going to miss them, she said, according to WSBRadio. I just ask God for strength because I know Hell see us through. Home News King Charles III diagnosed with cancer; church leaders offer prayers Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles III of the United Kingdom has been diagnosed with cancer less than a year after his coronation, drawing reactions from church leaders. Although it was not clear where the cancer is located, Buckingham Palace said in a statement Monday that cancer was discovered during a "procedure for benign prostate enlargement." The Palace has clarified that Charles doesn't have prostate cancer. Charles has begun regular treatments and has been advised to postpone "public-facing duties" but will continue to "undertake State business and official paperwork as usual." 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 Charles was coronated last May following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. As king, Charles also serves as supreme governor of the Church of England. Christian leaders took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to offer prayers and well-wishes. "I'm praying for the King and his family for God's comfort and strength in the weeks and months to come. I wish His Majesty a swift and full recovery," wrote Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury and most senior cleric in the Church of England. Archbishop of York Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell said he is "praying for His Majesty the King and all the Royal Family." "May he and all who suffer with cancer know the healing presence of God's love," he wrote. "Praying for His Majesty for his treatment and the Royal family as they support him," echoed Bishop of London Sarah Elisabeth Mullally. Roman Catholic Cardinal Vincent Gerard Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, expressed his sadness. "On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King," Nichols wrote. Charles became the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey in a May 2023 service interspersed with hymns, Bible readings and liturgy underpinned by Christ's call to serve. In the May service, Welby preached a sermon saying the ceremony was to "crown a king to serve." "What is given today is for the gain of all. For Jesus Christ announced a Kingdom in which the poor and oppressed are freed from the chains of injustice. The blind see. The bruised and broken-hearted are healed," Welby said. "That Kingdom sets the aims of all righteous government, all authority. And the Kingdom also sets the means of all government and authority. For Jesus doesn't grasp power or hold onto status." During the coronation service, Charles swore to do everything in his power to "maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel" in his governance. This past Sunday, Charles could be seen at a church service with his wife, Queen Camilla, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk. Home News Sen. James Lankford pushes back against Republican critics of Senate border bill 'One of the dumbest bills I've ever seen,' Trump says Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., pushed back against scathing criticism from his GOP colleagues Monday regarding a proposed 370-page border bill that detractors say fails to address the illegal immigration crisis. Lankford, who served as the lead Republican negotiator in the Senate's bipartisan $118 billion spending package that ties border security to fresh funding for Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, claimed during a Monday interview on Fox & Friends that the legislation "flips the script" on the illegal immigration crisis. Lankford, who urged critics to read the bill for themselves, claimed that if the law had been in place four months ago, "we would have had a million fewer illegal immigrants in our country right now." 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 He further claimed that people are misunderstanding how the bill handles illegal crossings. "Some people have said it would mean 5,000 people a day are coming into the country every day," he wrote in an X post. "That is absurd and untrue. The emergency authority is not designed to let 5,000 people in, it is designed to close the border and turn 5,000 people around." Lankford further explained in a statement that the bill would push the Biden administration to stem the tide of illegal immigration while equipping a future administration with "a huge number of new enforcement tools." "The bill provides funding to build the wall, increase technology at the border, and add more detention beds, more agents, and more deportation flights," he said. After the text of the bill was released Sunday, it prompted criticism from House GOP leaders such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.; House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Ind.; and House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. The House GOP leaders released a statement Monday noting that the Senate bill "fails in every policy area needed to secure our border and would actually incentivize illegal immigration." The GOP leaders maintained that the bill fails to include necessary asylum reforms while expanding work authorizations for illegal immigrants. They further said the bill's language allows for illegal immigrants to be released from physical custody, which they said would continue President Joe Biden's "catch and release" policy. They said the bill is also riddled with loopholes that give too much power to Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who the leaders claimed "will exploit every measure possible, in defiance of the law, to keep the border open." Mayorkas is facing potential impeachment charges from the House over the border. The leaders added that "America's sovereignty is at stake" regarding the illegal immigration crisis. "Ive seen enough," Johnson tweeted over the weekend. "This bill is even worse than we expected, and wont come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created. As the lead Democrat negotiator proclaimed: Under this legislation, 'the border never closes.' If this bill reaches the House, it will be dead on arrival." Ive seen enough. This bill is even worse than we expected, and wont come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created. As the lead Democrat negotiator proclaimed: Under this legislation, the border never closes. If this bill reaches the House, it will be Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 5, 2024 Johnson reiterated his opinion on the bill during an interview Monday night with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, telling her it would "actually further incentivize illegal immigration." "It would not resolve any of the problems, not reform in any meaningful way, the broken asylum system, the broken parole process and all the things that have created this catastrophe," he said. "And by the way, meanwhile, it further empowers the very cabinet secretary who designed and created this mess," he continued. "They don't follow federal law. Why would we do this anyway? But the bill itself would actually do more harm than good. And that's why we've said it's a non-starter over here in the House." Former President Donald Trump also blasted the bill, calling it "a Democrat trap" and "one of the dumbest bills I've ever seen" during a Monday interview on Newsmax. President Trump: You dont need a bill. I had the safest border in the history of our country. We had no bill. I just said close the border. pic.twitter.com/oV0yWAAvZu Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) February 6, 2024 Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, described the border deal as "even worse than we thought" in an X post. "No one who cares about our border security should support it," he said. "It is a betrayal of the American people." Rep. Mark E. Green, R-Tenn., who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, was also critical of the bill. "While my staff and I are reviewing this legislation, I join Speaker Johnson in opposing any new agreement that fails to eliminate the perverse incentives Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas created through his unlawful agenda of mass catch-and-release and his refusal to remove those with no lawful basis to remain in the country," Green said in a statement. Green added that he would "vehemently oppose any agreement that legitimizes or normalizes any level of illegal immigration," and urged lawmakers to end "this historic border crisis" by enforcing the law. Home News Should Christians cancel Alistair Begg over his LGBT wedding response? Should Pastor Alistair Begg be canceled over his controversial comments about LGBT weddings and his subsequent refusal to repent? That's essentially the question at the center of ongoing debate over Begg's views on same-sex nuptials. Begg came under fire for comments made on his podcast last September, during which he responded to a grandmother whose grandchild was preparing to be wedded to a "transgender person." He said the grandma could attend and bring a gift so long as it was made clear she isn't in agreement biblically with the marriage. After debate broke out over Begg's position, the pastor who still clearly affirmed his biblical view of marriage delivered a sermon noting he was "concerned about the well-being" of the grandma's relationship with her grandchild. 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 "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 said. Shane Idleman, pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in California, and a well-known commentator who routinely tackles hot-button political issues, recently tackled the complex debate over Begg's comments, offering his take on how believers should respond. Idleman is in a unique position as a faith leader and head of a California radio network that features Begg Monday through Friday. After another organization, American Family Radio, announced it would stop carrying Begg's "Truth for Life" program, Idleman also started receiving emails about what he would do, which he addressed here. Idleman said it's clear Begg was concerned with helping people love their enemies well, and explained why he thinks the reaction has been so swift. "I think everybody's on edge because of this ... gay marriage, LGBTQ agenda, and ... Alistair is very solid," he said. "He is solid on gay marriage. He's made that very clear before that it's not according to God's Word. So I think a lot of people were just kind of shocked." Listen to Idleman discuss whether he believes Begg should be canceled: Idleman said he listened to Begg's comments twice to be sure he understood them, and offered his own pastoral advice on the matter. While Idleman stressed the importance of reaching unbelievers, he also emphasized his belief that celebrating a same-sex wedding wouldn't be something he'd recommend. "My personal opinion, for me, is it would be hard to go and celebrate this union of marriage," he said. "To me, that wouldn't be necessarily loving my enemy." Still, Idleman said he was concerned by the legalistic and rigid ways in which some have addressed and dismissed Begg in the wake of the controversy. "It's OK to say, 'Wow, this kind of caught us off guard. Let me try to understand your heart. ... I don't agree with it,'" Idleman said. "But to completely write him off and one radio network removed his broadcast ... talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater." Idleman said he very carefully offers advice when it comes to situations like the one in which Begg was responding. "I don't tell people, 'Here's what you should do,'" he said. "I say, 'You need to take it to the Lord. What is God telling you to do?'" But Idleman was definitively clear he wouldn't personally go and celebrate the same-sex wedding. If it were one of his own kids or family members, he would be sure they knew he loved and cared for them despite his opposition. "[I would say 'I'll] pray for you. I love you. I'm always here for you. You know where I stand, but I can't go and celebrate what God calls an abomination,'" Idleman said, expressing his desire in such a circumstance to speak "truth and love." The preacher said he has listened to Begg for 25 years and would be cautious not to simply cancel him after one statement, especially considering his other doctrines that have always been biblically sound. Idleman also responded to some of those definitively defending Begg on the matter people arguing Jesus "ate with sinners, the tax collectors, the harlots." While this is true, the pastor offered an important caveat sometimes lost in the mix of discussion. "I don't think he went into the harlot's den," he said. "I don't think he went to the harlot's home and sat around and saw that debauchery." Just the same, he said Christ certainly didn't go to the bars and get drunk with sinners. "There's some boundaries ... that have to be established," he said. Listen to the full conversation for more and subscribe to the podcast here. Home News Former '90s rave church leader charged with rape, sexual offenses spanning decades A former Church of England clergyman, known for leading a rave-inspired congregation during the 1980s, has been charged with rape and assault following a four-year investigation. The Rev. Christopher Brain, 66, is scheduled to appear before Sheffield Magistrates' Court on March 18 to respond to one charge of rape and 33 counts of indecent assault. The allegations against him are related to incidents with at least 11 women that reportedly occurred between 1981 and 1995. 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 charges stem from a four-year investigation by South Yorkshire Police, initiated by allegations from former female members of the Nine O'Clock Service, a movement Brain founded in Sheffield during the 1980s. "These charges follow a complex and wide-ranging investigation into events dating back 30 or more years," Chief Superintendent Lindsey Butterfield, district commander for Sheffield, said in a statement. "The police investigation was launched in 2020 when a number of victims came forward to report the allegations to us. Since this time, an investigation team has been working hard to build up a full picture of what is reported to have happened." The Nine O'Clock Service movement gained the Anglican hierarchy's support for its nightclub-style services, attracting large numbers of young worshippers. The movement also impressed George Carey, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, according to The Times. The NOS, initially hosted at St. Thomas Crookes in Sheffield before moving to Ponds Forge in the city center, was a revolutionary approach to worship that drew hundreds of young people away from traditional services. This innovation was once praised by church leaders, including the then-Bishop of Sheffield David Lunn, who recognized the NOS's "permanent significance" as a "new development in the way we understand the Christian religion." The movement faced controversy and eventually collapsed in the mid-1990s amid allegations of sexual impropriety, including complaints about inappropriate performances at Christian music festivals. Brain, residing in Wilmslow, Cheshire, is also a director of Pentameter, a management and design consultancy based in Manchester. Following the public announcement of the charges, a number of former NOS members are considering legal action, with their solicitor, Richard Scorer of Slater & Gordon, confirming representation but declining further comment due to the ongoing police investigation, The Times reports. A woman arrested during the inquiry remains under investigation but has not been charged. The church authorities have been reviewing their past oversight of the NOS congregation, offering support to a group of complainants. Home News Hungary passes constitutional amendment defining marriage as between man and woman, bans gay adoption The eastern European nation of Hungary has passed a constitutional amendment that will preserve the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The Ninth Amendment to the Fundamental Law of Hungary, the countrys equivalent of a constitution, was passed in Parliament last week by a margin of 134-45. The amendment, which was backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will amend Section L paragraph (1) of the Fundamental Law to read: Hungary protects the institution of marriage as the association between a man and a woman and the family as the basis for the survival of a nation. The foundation of the family is marriage and the parent-child relationship. The mother is a woman, the father is a man. The main rule is that only married couples can adopt a child, that is, a man and woman who are married, said Justice Minister Judit Varga, Reuters reported. Varga, who sent the amendment to Parliament last month, said it will also work to provide all children with an education based on the values of the Christian culture of Hungary and guarantees the undisturbed development of the child according to their gender at birth, Hungary Today noted. 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 Fundamental Law of Hungary is a living framework that expresses the will of the nation, the form in which we want to live, Varga wrote in the justification section of the bill. However, the modern set of ideas that make all traditional values, including the two sexes, relative is a growing concern. The constant threat to the natural laws of the forms and content of human communities, to the concepts arising from the order of Creation that harmonize with them and ensure the survival of communities, and, in some cases, the attempt to formulate them with a content contrary to the original raises doubts as to whether the interests, rights and well-being of future generations can be protected along the lines of the values of the Fundamental Law, she added. The passage of the Ninth Amendment comes less than a year after Parliament voted in favor of a measure that defines gender as biological sex based on primary sex characteristics and chromosomes. Like the measure preserving the traditional definition of sex, the Ninth Amendment faced strong pushback from LGBT advocacy groups. This is a dark day for Hungarys LGBTQ community and a dark day for human rights, said David Vig, director of Amnesty Hungary. These discriminatory, homophobic and transphobic new laws rushed through under the cover of the coronavirus pandemic are just the latest attack on LGBTQ people by Hungarian authorities. The government of Hungary, led by Orban, has worked to uphold the influence of Christianity on its laws and culture as much of the rest of Europe continues to become more secular. Orban previously described Christianity as Europes last hope. Hungary was one of the 31 other countries that joined the U.S. in signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which asserts that there is no international right to abortion. Rather than rely on immigration to counteract the countrys declining birth rates, the Hungarian government implemented pro-family policies designed to incentivize people to have children. The United States tried and failed to pass the Marriage Protection Amendment, which would have enshrined the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman into the U.S. Constitution, in 2006. At the time, several states had passed constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage in response to a Massachusetts Supreme Court decision finding a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. Less than a decade later, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the constitutional amendments, declaring that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right in the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Of the 29 countries that have legalized same-sex marriage, more than half of them are in Europe. Home News Pastor Jack Hibbs lists 5 things Christians will go to war over in 2024 Pastor Jack Hibbs recently listed five things Christians will go to war over this year as part of a sermon series at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, California. In part one of the series, preached last month, Hibbs explained that his message was centered on the war of 2024, emphasizing that Christians are on a mission and we are in a war. Im not talking about bombs, guns and missiles, he clarified. Im talking about an all-out war on everything, from the spiritual realm, which is invisible, but certainly to the physical world, in which things manifest. 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 And this year of 2024 will be unlike any other year previously lived in your lifetime. Hibbs believes that, first of all, the war will be against the truth, reading John 18:37-38, in which Jesus explains that He testifies to the truth, to which Pontius Pilate famously asked, What is truth? Think about the pain behind that question. Think about the confusion behind the question. Think about the disillusionment behind the question, Hibbs said, adding, Weve got to guard our hearts that we do not become cynical and bitter. Hibbs noted that a lot of people today are saying, what is truth? and that it seems as though things have gotten worse since Pilate because people have a harder time believing in truth. When you tell somebody the actual truth, they dont believe it, he said. Its not that theyre being mean about it; its that why should I believe that because Ive just heard 10 other things. The second thing that the war of 2024 will be centered on, according to Hibbs, will be a war against the facts, with the pastor defining facts as the reporting of what is observed. Hibbs warned about the biases of people or groups purporting to be fact-checkers, declaring that the only way that life really works right is a life that operates under the fear of God. For 2024, definitions are going to be a big deal, he continued. Five years ago, it was words, because we all used the same dictionary. Now, it's like, what does that mean? Hibbs also referenced how 2024 was a presidential election year, warning that, because of that, you are going to see deception fly like youve never seen it fly before. It's going to be supersonic. Hibbs read from 1 John 4, in which Christians are told, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. The third thing that the war of 2024 will include is a war against the faith, with the pastor noting that this was not a war against all faiths, but rather against the Christian faith specifically. Your faith is the most precious thing that you own, Hibbs told his congregation. When you have no faith in someone or something greater than yourself, you lose hope, you lose direction. But if your faith is in Jesus Christ and Him alone, then youre secure. Youll do awesome in 2024. You will war the great warfare, victoriously, because you know who you are and you know to Whom you belong. The fourth aspect of the war of 2024, according to Hibbs, is the war against the Church, noting that the war has always been against the Church and that God loves His Church, we love each other, but the world is against us. The fifth and final aspect of the war of 2024 that Hibbs spoke about was that it would be a war against marriage, with him quipping that it doesnt take a spiritual Einstein to figure this one out. Hibbs also denounced the cheapening of marriage in modern society, citing as an example the long-running reality television program Married at First Sight. Hibbs stated that marriage was one of just a few foundational institutions created by God in all of time and eternity, citing the Church and national Israel as two of the other few things. Home News 'Make Families Great Again': Hungary seeing more babies, fewer abortions through pro-family policies White House officials, Republican members of Congress and evangelical leaders gathered Thursday for Making Families Great Again, a conference on family policy hosted by the Hungarian Embassy at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Led by President Viktor Orbans Fidesz Party, Hungary has become a poster child for passing nationalist pro-family policies over the last several years. With nearly a decade-worth of data, Hungarian officials claimed Thursday that policies instituted over the last several decades that have incentivized marriage and childbirth have helped boost marriage and birth rates in Hungary at a time many countries struggle with those issues. 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 I was very proud to be a minister here and hearing from our American friends how much they admired the Hungarian family policies, Katalin Novak, the Hungarian minister of state for family, youth and international affairs who gave a keynote address at the event, told The Christian Post in an interview. They say that Hungary can be a role model for them in this issue. They said that we can show an example to the rest of the world for pro-family issues. Hungarys birth rate fell below replacement level decades ago and the nation has struggled to repopulate. Unlike some of its European counterparts that have relied on immigration to boost population totals, the Orban government has made clear that it does not view mass immigration as the answer. Rather, the administration believes the answer is to ensure that Hungarian citizens have all the incentives they need to build large and happy families. Today, the Hungarian government spends nearly 5 percent of its GDP towards incentives for those in the predominantly-Christian nation to get married and have children lots of them. Through policies, subsidies and extensive tax reductions enacted since Orban regained power in 2010, some parents are eligible to receive the equivalent a grant of about $36,000 to help pay a home mortgage, and the equivalent of about $9,000 from the government toward a seven-seater vehicle if they have the required number of children. The list of incentives and benefits for parents in Hungary is quite extensive and includes things like a state-financed daycare system, three years of paid parental leave, free kindergarten, subsidized vacations, assistance paying off student loans, vacation benefits and exemption from income tax for mothers with four or more children. According to Novak, Hungary has seen positive results spanning from the time Orban retook control of the government in 2010. From 2010 to 2018, she says, marriage rates in Hungary have increased by 43 percent (the highest number in 20 years), divorce rates have decreased by 22.5 percent, fertility has increased by 21 percent (highest in 20 years) and abortion has decreased by 33.5 percent. This has happened as birth rates continue to slip in countries across the developed world, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. These numbers and figures, they speak for themselves, Novak assured. [C]ompare it to the socialist trends, the left-liberal government. Participants in the conference included White House director of strategic communications Mercedes Schlapp, President Trumps special assistant on domestic policy Kathryn Talento and Health and Human Services senior policy advisor Valerie Huber. The event also included Reps. Chris Smith, R-N.J., Andy Harris, R-Md., Paul Gosar, R-Ariz and Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb. Others included Family Research Council President and USCIRF commissioner Tony Perkins, former White House advisor Sebastian Gorka, American Conservative Union Chair Matt Schlapp and as Emilie Kao, the director of the Heritage Foundation's DeVos Center for Religion & Civil Society. We are working closely with the U.S. administration on family issues. They would also like to get some detail on our pro-family policies and the measures that we have introduced in the last nine years, Novak, who is also the vice president of the Fidesz Party explained. We can already see in the new budget actually just introduced recently in the U.S. that it already has some important elements regarding pro-family measures. There are already important steps taken and we can see in President Trumps speeches as well, he thinks it is very important that pro-family and pro-life values should be represented. Home News Pit bulls fatally mauled Indiana pastor for 25 minutes before police arrived, granddaughter says The granddaughter of an 85-year-old Indiana pastor who watched him being mauled to death by two stray pit bulls in his backyard last Tuesday morning said it took local police about 25 minutes to respond to their cries for help and her family now wants to know why as officials confirmed one of the killer dogs remains on the loose. It was just so many bites. The hospital said he had some broken bones. He lost so much blood, Holly Watkins, the granddaughter of the late Pastor William Mundine of Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church in Indianapolis, told The Christian Post last Friday. [They said] if he was to survive, his arms and legs would have to be cut off because he didn't have a blood flow going through his veins. After fighting hard to survive the vicious attack from the pit bulls that has left her grandmother living in fear, Watkins says she doesnt know why it took local police so long to come to the scene of the mauling. 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 That's questions we all want to know, she told CP. When asked if she was certain the police took about 25 minutes to respond to the attack on her grandfather, she said she was certain. I know. I mean, I'm quite certain. I know in my mind it took a long time. I can say that. It took a long time. It was 20 to 25 minutes. It was nothing fast, Watkins said. I have friends that came from their home quicker [and tried to help]. ... It wasn't something that was done quick. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department told Fox 59 that the attack from the pit bulls occurred around 10 a.m. on Tuesday when they were called to the citys east side. They did not immediately respond to questions from CP Monday when asked how long it took them to get to the scene. Kurt Christian, chief communications officer for the Indianapolis Animal Care Services, told CP in a statement that at 9:51 a.m. last Tuesday, a call went out over 911's emergency dispatch radio indicating two dogs were attacking a person on the city's east side. He said at 9:57 a.m. multiple agencies responded, including an Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) Animal Control Officer (ACO) who arrived at the residence in the 2300 block of North Kenyon Street prior to 9:57 a.m. Christian did not say what time IMPD officers arrived on the scene, noting that questions regarding the timeline of IMPD or any other agency's involvement may be directed to that respective agency. IMPD did not immediately respond to questions from CP about how long their officers took to respond to the call for help by the pastors family. Christian noted in an earlier statement that when the ACO and EMS personnel arrived on the scene, they, too, requested help from the police. After an ACO and EMS arrived on-scene, they requested IMPD and additional ACOs to assist, he said. Christian explained that the ACO had planned to tranquilize the dogs once caught, but a police officer chose to open fire at the killer dogs instead, striking one while the other escaped. It was noted in an earlier statement that one of the dogs had become aggressive with the officer. The ACO was preparing a tranquilizer dart to subdue the animals in accordance with their training when an IMPD officer discharged their firearm, striking one of the dogs. The second dog escaped and ACOs were unable to locate it, he said. The IACS spokesman said that even though the dogs that attacked the pastor looked like pit bulls they couldnt be sure without a DNA test. Though the wounded and later impounded dog was pit bull-like in appearance, reports regarding the second dog's description are inconclusive. In the absence of a DNA test, additional investigation would be required to provide a definitive breed type for either animal, Christian said. He further noted that a decision was made to humanely euthanize the dog that was shot, both for its welfare and the welfare of others, under the authority established in municipal code section 531-733. IACS ACOs are still working to locate and impound the second dog believed to be involved in the attack. A determination will be made about that dog's outcome after it's located and evaluated, he added. A horror show But what happened between the initial attack on the pastor and the arrival of the police was like a scene from a horror movie, Watkins said. The late pastors granddaughter explained that after she and her grandmother, Betty, were first attacked by the dogs while they were outside their house last Tuesday, her grandfather was forced to get involved because the dogs attempted to enter their home. We were outside, and the dogs came from the side [of the house] and we ran. My grandma came in last, and she tried to pull the door back, but the dogs were in the house, like at the entrance of the door. So my granddaddy shooed them off when he heard her hollering, Watkins recalled. He shooed them out the house and he went all the way to the back[yard] to shoo them off. She said what happened to her grandfather was a shock to her because she had expected him to return inside alive. When he shooed them away, I just thought he was gonna come back into the house like a normal day. We looked out the window and he was getting attacked, Watkins said. I tried to go out there with a bat and say, 'git!' They looked at me, them dogs, and they just kept attacking him. My grandma tried to [help]. She called the ambulance. 911. It took quite a while for them to come, the grieving granddaughter said. She explained that her grandfather was screaming for help for about 10 minutes. And even when he stopped screaming the dogs were still attacking him. Watkins said she tried everything she could to get the dogs to leave her grandfather alone, but they just kept attacking him. I stood at the edge of the yard. I actually jumped in my car and kind of revved it up. You know, my engine revved up thinking that was going to scare them away. Drove it halfway into the grass as far as it could go. That didn't scare them, and I just jumped out after I did that, she recalled. Normally, when we see them, we say 'get away.' You rev the car up, they run. I get the bat. I went as far as I could. I thought when I was swinging the bat they would run but they didn't. She said multiple people tried calling 911 about the attack as it spiraled out of control. I have a neighbor to the right. He said he looked out the window when he was hearing yells from my grandfather, he said he saw somebody down on the ground, but he didn't know quite what was going on, but he did call 911, Watkins said. I had some friends and family to call 911. The neighbor ended up coming out. There was nothing nobody could do. It was nothing nobody could do. Watkins recalled her disappointment when even when EMS and ACO workers arrived on the scene and could not provide any help for her grandfather. I feel like he was getting attacked the whole time. And when the ambulance came, they said there was nothing they could do because they didn't have guns. So we had to wait for the police to come, she said. The pastors granddaughter said her neighborhood had been dealing with attacks from the stray dogs for several weeks now and they had always depended on braver members of their family to shoo them away. They have been bothering us and people in the neighborhood for like weeks. Just like the night before we were in the backyard. [When] me and my grandma [are] in the shed, we always got to look because we know the dogs could come from nowhere, she said. As we were leaving out the night before. The dogs were right there barking so we just jumped back. We waited. We called for another family member to come, then he shooed the dogs away and we went in the house. So this has been happening for weeks. Watkins, 37, who said her grandfather and her grandmother raised her as one of their own children from the day she was born, said the pastor fought hard for his family and thats why they see him as a hero. And seeing what the dogs did to their hero has been a nightmare. They [hospital staff] said some of the injuries were just deep. When he fell, they said he had an impact on his heart as well, but he put up a fight when he was getting attacked. He took everything back there as he could, to try to get them [dogs] off him. That's why it was kind of messy back there. He put up a fight, but he just couldn't win the fight, Watkins said. Members of her grandfathers church, her grandmother, as well as members of their community have been taking the attack pretty hard, she says. And as one of the killer dogs remains on the loose they are trying to raise money via a GoFundMe campaign to build a private fence around her grandmothers home so she can feel safe again. We're trying to get a private fence built around my grandma's house because now she won't even, I mean, she's afraid to go outside, Watkins said. We just want to keep her protected. Data cited by Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers show that from 2010 to October 2023, there were 478 fatal dog bites, with 196 of those coming from pit bulls, and another 49 that were pit bull mixes. And though pit bulls are the most decorated canine war hero in U.S. history, in 2009, the U.S. Marine Corps banned pit bull breeds along with Rottweilers and wolf hybrids from Marine Corps bases for safety reasons. When asked if she believes that pit bulls should be banned as pets, Watkins told CP she thinks they should just be better regulated and perhaps be kept as indoor pets. Her grandmother, she said, is also hoping that the owner of the pit bulls that killed her husband steps forward and be held accountable. She's not coping well, Watkins said of her grandmother. She says she just wanted somebody to come forward [about] the dogs and admit it. She just wants justice to be served and that will make her feel much better. As for the killer dog still on the loose, Christian is asking the public to help them locate the animal. ACOs continue to sweep the area in search of the second involved animal. If individuals in the area see a loose dog in the area, they are instructed to call the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 or file a report through RequestIndy, he said. Multiple ACOs are still patrolling, talking to neighbors, and gathering information from witnesses. Members of the public with relevant information may also provide tips to Crimestoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477). Home News Therapist whistleblower quits job after being 'bullied' into affirming kids' trans identities A therapist in Washington state has become the latest whistleblower to raise concerns about so-called gender-affirming care, revealing that she was "bullied" into approving all requests from minors seeking gender transition procedures. In an op-ed published by The Free Press on Monday, Tamara Pietzke outlined her experience working at MultiCare, which she described as one of the largest hospital systems in the state of Washington. Pietzke, who obtained a masters degree in social work from the University of Washington in 2012, worked as a therapist at MultiCare for six years until she resigned from the post last month. Pietzke began the op-ed piece by detailing the philosophy that guides how she treats her patients: The therapeutic relationship is a special one. We are the original safe space, where people are to explore their darker feelings and painful experiences. The job of a therapist is to guide a patient to self-understanding and sound mental health. This is a process that requires careful assessment and time, not snap judgments and confirmation of a patients worldview. 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 the past year I noticed a concerning new trend in my field, she recalled. I was getting the message from my supervisors that when a young person I was seeing expressed discomfort with their gender the diagnostic term is gender dysphoria I should throw out all my training. No matter the patients history or the other mental health situations that could be complicating the situation, I was simply to affirm that the patient was transgender, and even approve the start of a medical transition. Expressing concern that the rise of affirmative care for young people with gender dysphoria challenges the very fundamentals of what therapy is supposed to provide, Pietzke noted that she feels obligated to speak out against the effort to medicalize youth and cause them potentially irreversible harm despite concerns that doing so would cause her to lose her job and thereby lead to the single mother finding herself unable to care for her three young children. Pietzke detailed the underlying mental health conditions facing three anonymous minor patients in her care who were encouraged by other medical professionals at MultiCares Mary Bridge Childrens Gender Health Clinic to pursue body-disfiguring gender transition procedures. In order to get that prescription, patients first need a recommendation letter from a therapist, she wrote. Patients were often referred to therapists like me who were in their system. The first patient Pietzke discussed had an abusive mother who suffered from bipolar disorder and experienced multiple sexual assaults at the hands of relatives and a classmate and was on the autism spectrum. The girl had also been expelled for threatening to blow up her school and engaged in activities that amounted to what Pietzke referred to as an age-regress such as watching The Teletubbies and sucking on a pacifier. Explaining that the patients autism made it difficult for us to engage in introspective conversations, she talked about how the 13-year-old girl would frequently show her sadistic and graphic pornographic videos on her phone in addition to indicating that she found solace in horror and porn movies because they were the only ones available in her house growing up. According to Pietzke, She went by a boys name, but she never raised gender dysphoria with me directly. One time she told me she would get mad at the sound of her own voice because it sounds too girly. When I asked her how she felt about an upcoming appointment at the gender clinic, she told me she didnt know she had one, Pietzke added. The therapist saw this client for three sessions but when she tried to schedule a fourth session, her guardian asked Pietzke to write her a letter of recommendation for cross-sex hormone treatment, which would involve prescribing the girl testosterone. Pietzke lamented that In Washington State, thats all it takes a few visits with a therapist and a letter, often written using a template provided by ones superiors for minors to undergo the irreversible treatments that patients must take for a lifetime. She maintained that she was scared for this patient who had so many overlapping problems that need addressing, adding, it seemed like malpractice to abruptly begin her on a medical gender transition that could quickly produce permanent changes. When Pietzke shared her concerns with her superiors, one of them told her that her clients trauma history had no bearing on whether or not she should receive hormone treatment. The program manager told Pietzke that There is not valid, [evidence]-based, peer-reviewed research that would indicate that gender dysphoria arises from anything other than gender (including trauma, autism, other mental health conditions, etc.) Additionally, the response email Pietzke received from her superior stated that there is potential in causing harm to a clients mental health when restricting access to gender-affirming care and instructed her to examine her personal beliefs and biases about trans kids. Her supervisor reported Pietzke to MultiCares risk management team, who removed the girl from her care and placed her with a different therapist. Another client Pietzke saw was not initially referred to her for gender dysphoria but only began to question her gender after reading online a lot about the subject during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Shortly thereafter, the teenager started identifying as pansexual, using they/them pronouns and wearing a binder to flatten her breasts. Pietzke diagnosed the girl, who suffered from anxiety, depression, and ADHD, with adjustment disorder, which she classified as an umbrella term often applied to young people who are having a hard time coping with difficult and stressful circumstances. She continued to see her patient after she began identifying as transgender and sought a referral to a gender clinic. The girls parents disagreed on whether to place their daughter on cross-sex hormones. With her clients father refusing to sign off on giving his daughter testosterone, the clinic prescribed her birth control to stop her period. At a session that took place last year, four years after she first started seeing the girl, the patient informed Pietzke that she now identified as a wounded male dog and expressed a desire to wear artificial ears and a tail to look more like a canine. At this point, Pietzke went to her colleagues for advice and asked, is there ever a time when acceptance of a persons identity isnt freely given? Writing that the consensus from my colleagues was that it wasnt a big deal. She cited a response from one of them who replied, If someone told me they use a litterbox instead of a toilet and they were happy with it and its part of their life that brings them fulfillment, then great! The third patient Pietzke mentioned in her op-ed is now an adult but had begun to experience mental health problems as a minor. This patient was diagnosed with autism, anxiety, and gender dysphoria, she said. Later the diagnoses grew to include depression, Tourette syndrome, and a conversion disorder. While the girl was prescribed testosterone as a minor, she is now 23 and rarely leaves the house, spends most of the day in bed playing video games, and envisions no path to working or functioning in the outside world. Pietzke explained that this patient now has a wispy mustache and a deepened voice, but does not pass as male, concluding that it turns out that testosterone, which will be prescribed for life, did not relieve the patients other mental illnesses. My biggest fear about the gender-affirming practices my industry has blindingly adopted is that they are causing irreversible damage to our clients. Especially as they are vulnerable people who come to us at their lowest moments in life, and who entrust us with their health and safety. And yet, instead of treating them as we would patients with any other mental health condition, we have been instructed and even bullied to abandon our professional judgment and training in favor of unquestioning affirmation. Pietzke added, nothing will change unless people like me who know the risks of medicalizing troubled young people blow the whistle. Finding herself desperate to help her patients, Pietzke worried that if she did not speak out, she will have betrayed them. Pietzke elaborated on some of the long-term impacts of gender transition procedures on minors she discovered when researching the topic further, such as infertility, loss of sexual function, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone density problems, blood clots, liver toxicity, cataracts, brain swelling, and even death. Concerns about the side effects of such procedures have led 23 states to ban minors from obtaining some or all of them. Pietzkes op-ed reflects the fact that Washington state has taken the opposite approach. Pietzke is not the first medical professional to emerge as a whistleblower warning against the rush to embrace gender transition surgeries for minors. Last year, former gender clinic employee Jamie Reed wrote an op-ed for The Free Press illustrating some of the adverse medical events that have materialized in patients prescribed puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. Home News Wheaton College president pushes back on Fox News op-ed saying school has gone 'woke' The leader of Billy Graham's alma mater, the Evangelical higher education institution Wheaton College in Illinois, is pushing back on allegations in a recent Fox News op-ed that his school has gone "woke." In a statement published last Wednesday, Wheaton College President Philip Ryken responded to an op-ed written by freelance writer Tim Scheiderer published by Fox News that same day titled: "When the 'Harvard of Christian Schools' goes woke." Ryken insisted that the piece made "various claims about the College that are either false or misleading," calling the piece an "incendiary" one "that fails to meet minimal standards for journalistic accuracy." 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 Wheaton president contends the op-ed "seems to be cobbled from out-of-context items found on the Internet." "The author does not name any sources or give any citations for his many contentions," he added. "[C]ontrary to what appears on the web piece, Wheaton College remains fully committed to Christian service which we embrace as 'service' in our very mission statement to biblical orthodoxy and Christ-centered education, including in matters of human sexuality, gender identity, and race relations." Wheaton College was founded in 1860 by Evangelical abolitionists and has around 2,300 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students today from every state and 39 countries. Its student body represents over 30 church denominations. Its alumni include many notable pastors and theologians like Graham, John Piper and William Lane Craig. At the top of his op-ed, Scheiderer notes, "Wheaton College is often called the 'Harvard of Christian Schools' due to its academic rigor being relatively comparable to the Ivy League titan." "[T]he school in the leafy suburb west of Chicago has begun to mimic Harvard's wokeness," Scheiderer wrote. The op-ed claimed that Wheaton began straying from its "orthodox, Christian moorings" by "banning biblical words, teaching critical race theory, and psychologizing gender identity issues." "In 2016, 78 faculty members voiced support for a fellow professor who stated Christians and Muslims worship the same God," he wrote, referring to the controversy surrounding Professor Larycia Hawkins, who ultimately parted ways with the institution after her tenure was suspended. In February 2016, the school's student newspaper, The Wheaton Record, published a letter signed by 78 faculty members calling on the school's provost to revoke the administrative leave of Hawkins and withdraw his recommendation for her termination after the scholar was subject to disciplinary action after stating online that Muslims and Christians worship the same God. Hawkins reached a confidential agreement with the institution the day after the letter was published, where she would step down from her position rather than be fired. "And five years later, the school held its first ceremony recognizing graduating minority students sans White students. And currently, Wheaton permits its professors to teach critical race theory," Scheiderer added, referring to the Wheaton Minority Senior Recognition Ceremony. Wheaton's webpage detailing commencement activities, captured by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine in April 2021, shows a "Racialized Minority Recognition Ceremony" on the calendar for May 8. The event, scheduled to take place at the school's Edman Chapel, was billed as "especially for undergraduate students, staff, and faculty of color," adding that "all students are welcome to attend, with limited seating." The ceremony was scheduled to take place one day before the undergraduate commencement. The event occurred again in 2022, although it was renamed a "Racial and Cultural Minority Senior Recognition Ceremony." Put on by the school's Student Development Office, the webpage devoted to the ceremony justified the event as "an opportunity to affirm God's image in ethnic and cultural minority students and their families, to acknowledge their unique challenges at the College as well as to express appreciation for their commitment." The event also took place in 2023 but is not included in this year's 2024 Commencement Calendar. "In this year's curriculum for [freshmen], students are informed about opportunities to meet the needs of those less fortunate. This is commonly known as the act of service," wrote Scheiderer. "Wheaton, however, instructs the students not to use the word, 'service.' Instead, they are to use 'sacrificial co-laboring.' The reason given is service 'may invoke power dynamics across socio-economic, racial, and cultural lines." After Wheaton responded to his op-ed, Scheiderer took to social media Thursday to share a screenshot of freshmen orientation material containing the phrase "sacrificial co-laboring" in addition to linking to articles profiling one of the school's professors who teaches about critical race theory and the school's Statement on Gender-Inclusive Language advising against the use of the word "mankind." Scheiderer pushed back on the idea that his article lacked "standards for journalistic accuracy," stating that the "Fox News Opinion team reviewed my sources and vetted them for accuracy." He noted, "There was much background I received from parents, current students, and other sources that confirm the changes taking place at Wheaton." "Writing this article was not a pleasurable experience. When pointing out how a group or a person has veered from Christian orthodoxy, it is quite saddening," he wrote. "I care deeply about higher education and its impact on today's young people and even more so when it is a Christian institution. Hence, it was an article I had to write." Scheiderer cited Graham's son, Rev. Franklin Graham, as one of his sources. Ryken's statement also called into question Scheiderer's professional qualifications. "The writer attempted to reach out to our marketing department approximately a month ago when he wrote a phone text that began, 'I am writing for the Wall Street Journal' and ended with 'My deadline is tomorrow at noon,'" Ryken recalled. "Our spokesperson questioned Mr. Scheiderer's credentials, and Mr. Scheiderer admitted that he was actually a freelance writer attempting to 'pitch' an idea to the WSJ Opinion Section. A representative from the WSJ confirmed that he was not an employee." Christian School Bans OnlyFans Mom, SCOTUS On Race In West Point Admissions, Lecrae Credits Jesus For 2 Grammy Wins link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:50 07:50 Top headlines for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 In today's episode, we discuss the controversy surrounding a Florida mother banned from parking at a Private Christian School due to her OnlyFans decal. Next, we unpack the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, to use race as a factor in admissions, despite similar policies being struck down elsewhere last year. Finally, we celebrate with Christian hip-hop artist, Lecrae, who snagged two Grammy Awards in Christian music categories and accredited his success to Jesus. 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, February 6, 2024 In today's episode, we discuss the controversy surrounding a Florida mother banned from parking at a Private Christian School due to her OnlyFans decal. Next, we unpack the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, to use race as a factor in admissions, despite similar policies being struck down elsewhere last year. Finally, we celebrate with Christian hip-hop artist, Lecrae, who snagged two Grammy Awards in Christian music categories and accredited his success to Jesus. Home Opinion Why Christians should pray for a secure border The debate over border control and immigration policies has been a contentious issue in the United States for decades, with passionate arguments on both sides. Ive written extensively on this issue before, arguing that a biblical worldview on immigration means that securing our borders, punishing illegal immigrants for their unlawful entry and any subsequent criminality, ending sanctuary cities, and ensuring that no tax dollars collected from American citizens go to fund services for illegal aliens should be the top priorities for all Christian-based immigration ethics and advocacy. Despite the long-standing and even festering nature of this issue in American life, our political leaders have yet to identify or implement lasting solutions to secure our southern border. Some officials even estimate that 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. Despite this invasion, progressive evangelicals continue to advocate for amnesty for illegal aliens and go so far as to paint Christians who desire a secure border as xenophobic or racist. 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 Nothing could be further from the truth. On the contrary, its not only good and just to desire a secure border, but Christians should pray to God that He would show us mercy as a nation and move in the hearts of our civil authorities such that they would secure the border once and for all. As Christians, the call to prayer for the purpose of seeking divine guidance is a foundational aspect of our faith and practice. In 1 Timothy 2:1-3 the Bible not only commands us to pray for those who are in authority, but it goes as far as to instruct us on what we should pray for. Lets take a closer look at this passage and see how one of its most immediate and practical applications for Christians in America today is to pray for a secure border. 2 Timothy 2:1-3: A prayer for peaceful and quiet lives Written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and carrying the authority of God Himself as Scripture, Paul instructs Timothy and the Church today in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 like so: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. Its good to be politically engaged: To go to rallies, to write petitions, and to vote. But when was the last time you prayed for those in political authority? For your mayor, your governor, your congressman, or the President? Remember that God rules over all earthly powers, and He can change their hearts or their policies in a moment: The kings heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will (Proverbs 29:1). You should never become so focused on the day-to-day realities of earthly politics that you forget to come before the Heavenly King and pray for those who have been given authority and who will answer to Him. But what should you pray for? Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession for those in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. Christians are called to pray for leaders and the result of those prayers, and their leadership, would be the overall well-being of society. This biblical foundation sets the stage for considering prayer for a closed border to achieve peaceful and quiet lives in contemporary America. Application to the border crisis As long as our border remains open, there will be no real peace in America. If we dont have a secure border, we can hardly call ourselves a sovereign nation. No border, no nation. This is an existential crisis. Border cities and states have been overrun by the massive influx of illegal aliens. And along with this, comes rising crime, an increase in human trafficking, cartel violence, drug trafficking, and a breakdown in cultural and societal cohesion. Numerous studies and reports highlight the correlation between illegal immigration and increased crime levels in certain areas. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), there is evidence of a higher crime rate among illegal immigrants, contributing to safety concerns for American citizens. Drug trafficking is a major concern in the context of illegal immigration and open borders. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that Mexican drug cartels are responsible for a significant portion of the illegal drugs smuggled into the United States. These cartels often exploit illegal immigrants as drug mules, taking advantage of their desperation to enter the country. This poses a significant threat to the peace and security of the United States. The porous border allows for the influx of drugs, leading to a surge in addiction rates and related social issues. By praying for a closed border, Christians seek to address the root cause of this problem and mitigate the impact on individuals and communities. Specifically, the rising fentanyl crisis in America is directly tied to the open border. The United States is experiencing an increase in the sale of fentanyl-laced opioids. The DEA has issued a public safety warning about this increase, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in 2020, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths increased from around 50,000 the previous year to nearly 70,000. As the Council on Foreign Relations reports, Overdoses involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, are the leading cause of U.S. deaths in people ages 18-45. In 2021, the overall death toll surged to 80,411, more than ten times the number of U.S. military service members killed in the post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of the illegal fentanyl found in the U.S. is trafficked from Mexico using chemicals sourced from China. Open borders and lax immigration policies also encourage the movement of human traffickers and their victims across international borders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that human trafficking generates approximately $32 billion annually in the United States alone, and the lack of proper documentation and oversight associated with open borders and illegal immigration makes it easier for traffickers to exploit vulnerable populations, especially women and children, and evade detection by law enforcement. Far from being compassionate, its actually cruel. For one, its cruel to the illegal immigrants themselves, who are often tricked into coming and extorted by coyotes, cartels, and other criminal elements. Many of them are raped on the journey and later forced into sex trafficking work or to pay off their travel costs as indentured servants. But its also cruel to our immediate neighbors, our fellow citizens, when anyone, including our political or economic leaders, encourages illegal aliens, including human traffickers, drug cartels, and gang members, to enter through an open border. Border towns, in particular, bear the brunt of the challenges associated with illegal immigration. The strain on local resources, law enforcement, and community cohesion can result in unrest and hardship for residents. But the ripple effects extend beyond border areas and are now affecting the entire nation. For example, Denver Health, a safety net hospital, is losing so much money due to the overwhelming number of illegal migrants its had to care for recently that it is now in the red and having to turn away American patients. New York City, which has taken in more than 100,000 migrants since 2022, is trying to shelter them but recently forced some children into remote learning to use their school as a temporary housing site. And Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who estimates illegal immigrants cost the city an additional quarter-billion dollars in 2023 alone, expects leaders will either have to cut city services or increase taxes or both. So as you can see, praying for a closed border is a plea for stability, harmony, and improved living conditions for all Americans. Conclusion If we want to live peaceful and quiet lives in America, we must pray that those in high positions would secure our border. If we want to end the rise in illegal and deadly drugs, human trafficking, and violent crime, we need a secure border. Therefore, the call for Christians to pray for a closed border is rooted in the biblical directive to seek peace and pray for those in authority, specifically that they would rule in such a way as to secure the conditions that Paul instructs us to pray for. So, pray for a closed border in these tumultuous times. That is a biblical thing to pray for dont let any progressive tell you otherwise. It is an act of obedience to God and love for neighbor. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Archbishop of Canterbury visits Ukraine ahead of second anniversary of Russian invasion The Archbishop of Canterbury is in Ukraine to meet and pray with Christians in the country ahead of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. It is his second visit to the country since the oubtreak of the war, his last being in December 2022. "It is now almost two full years since that dreadful day of the full-scale Russian invasion an act of great evil and we know that that the need for support is going to be very long term," he said. "It was profoundly moving and humbling to meet people here in late 2022; to see first-hand the heroism of people who have been through hell. "It has stayed with me and I felt a deep call to return." During his visit, the Archbishop will spend time with the Anglican Christ Church, Kyiv, and see first-hand the personal impact of the war. In an apparent reference to the war between Israel and Gaza, the Archbishop said he wanted Ukrainians to know that they are not forgotten. "I am here to stand with our sisters and brothers in Christ in Ukraine," he said. "I want to pray with and for them, learn from them and to say loud and clear that, amid all that is going on in other places, the world will not forget Ukraine." Bishop hits back at claims that Church is aiding fake asylum converts The Bishop of Chelmsford has denied suggestions in the media that the Church of England has "aided and abetted" asylum seekers through the system by supporting fake conversions. The Church has been on the back foot since an acid attack on a woman and two children in London's Clapham South last week. The suspect Abdul Ezedi, who is still being hunted by police, came to the UK from Afghanistan and said he had converted to Christianity, with his claim supported by a priest. He was granted asylum despite being convicted of a sexual assault in Newcastle in 2018. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has claimed that "churches around the country" are "facilitating industrial-scale bogus asylum claims". The Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, has hit back at the claims in the The Telegraph. The bishop, who came to the UK as a refugee from Iran, said that religious ministers only endorse conversion claims "after careful assessment" and that "it is wrong to think of this as some sort of magic ticket" to asylum. "The notion that a person may be fast-tracked through the asylum system, aided and abetted by the Church is simply inaccurate," she said. She cited baptism guidance that tells ministers to be discerning about whether candidates fully understand the significance. She also said that responsibility for assessing and vetting asylum seekers' claims lies with the Home Office. "As a Christian leader I make no apology for our involvement in supporting people who are often deeply vulnerable and traumatised. "But churches have no power to circumvent the Government's duty to vet and approve applications the responsibility for this rests with the Home Office," she said. Dr Francis-Dehqani went on to dismiss suggestions of a link between bishops in the House of Lords opposing the government's Rwanda plan, and abuse of the asylum system. "We are not politicians, and we know that to be involved in political debate can be bruising," she said. "But those who have claimed a link between the abuse of our asylum system and the action of bishops in Parliament are simply wrong. "It is saddening to see this being implied by former holders of senior ministerial office, who have had opportunity but not sought to raise these concerns with senior clergy before." Christians praying for King Charles after cancer diagnosis Christians are praying for King Charles after Buckingham Palace announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The type of cancer has not been revealed but Buckingham Palace confirmed that treatment has now begun. "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," a statement from the palace said. It added that the King is "wholly positive" about his treatment and "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible". "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," the statement concluded. The King has stepped back from public duties and it is believed that Prince William will take over some of his duties. Christian leaders are praying for the King following the announcement. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, wished the King "a swift and full recovery". "I'm praying for the King and his family - for God's comfort and strength in the weeks and months to come," he said. General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Bishop Mike Royal, said, "All at Churches Together in England are praying for His Majesty King Charles III to make a full and speedy recovery as he undergoes medical treatment for cancer. May His Majesty and the whole Royal Family be strengthened at this time." The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, said, "I speak for us all in the Diocese of Winchester when I say that we are very concerned to hear of His Majesty's illness, and assure him and the Queen of our prayers for his return to full health." Gavin Calver, head of the Evangelical Alliance UK, said, "So sorry to hear of King Charles' cancer diagnosis. Praying for a swift and full recovery & for all those caring for him in this difficult time." Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said, "I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. "On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King." New Living in Love and Faith appointment after bishop's resignation A new interim theology adviser has been appointed to the House of Bishops following the recent resignation of the Bishop of Newcastle as co-lead of Living in Love and Faith (LLF) in the Church of England. Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley was co-lead alongside Bishop Martyn Snow but stepped down from the role following the appointment of conservative vicar, Dr Tom Woolford, as interim theology adviser. In a statement announcing her resignation from LLF, the bishop expressed "serious concerns" about the process to appoint an interim theological adviser to the House of Bishops and said that it had had "a critically negative impact on the work Bishop Martyn and I were seeking, in good faith, to do". "My role as co-lead bishop for the LLF process is now undermining my capacity to fulfil my primary calling, to lead and care for the people and places of the Diocese of Newcastle," she said. At the time, Bishop Snow said that the co-lead bishops for LLF "must be involved in the appointment of future theological advisers". The Archbishops of Canterbury and York yesterday announced that the Rev Canon Dr Jessica Martin, of Ely Cathedral, has now been appointed to work alongside Dr Woolford. "In the last week, there has been a lot of public commentary about the appointment of the Interim Theology Adviser to the House of Bishops," the Archbishops said. "This has required care to resolve, not just for individuals involved or affected by this appointment, but for the wider LLF process. "We are grateful to Jessica and to Tom for their willingness to work together as interim Joint Theology Advisers. "We remain concerned about the negative tone of debate in some parts of the Church, especially on social media. "We must all do our utmost to disagree in a manner which shows the love of Jesus Christ to every person we encounter, especially those with whom we disagree. "We are confident that Tom and Jessica will model this in their new roles and support the bishops in our work." Dr Jessica Martin said: "It is a great pleasure to fulfil this interim role, working alongside Dr Woolford in the service of the whole Church, and modelling a mutual charity within difference in the advice he and I offer together to support the bishops and FAOC." Dr Tom Woolford said: "I understand the vital importance of ensuring that trust in the LLF process is maintained and I welcome the appointment of Dr Martin as Joint Theology Advisor. "I intend and anticipate that we will both individually, as well as together, strive to provide advice in a neutral manner, and I look forward to our working together in support of the bishops and FAOC." His time away made Miller better suited for the CTO role because it gave him exposure to other diverse situations, he says, and different customers, which led him to develop creative approaches to problem-solving. Familiar culture and people While at the Federal Reserve Bank, Postulka learned a lot about cybersecurity and infrastructure, which he says complemented skills he had in app development and software engineering. Moving into the C-suite, especially during the pandemic, Postulka discovered what it took to be an executive and lead a remote team through videoconferencing. That meant having to effectively communicate and influence people all around the country, he says. Matt Postulka, CIO and VP of IT, Arbella Insurance Group Arbella Insurance Group When the CIO role opened up at Arbella, Postulkas interest was piqued. To fulfill his career goals at a company he was familiar with was an intriguing idea, but honestly, what brought me back was the culture and people, he says. Arbella is a great place to work, and I had stayed in touch with so many of folks I had worked with over the years at a company I was very proud to work at. Postulka credits both organizations with teaching him the importance of building connections and relationships by being patient and listening to what people have to say. When you have an idea that you want support on, you might get pushback, he says, but thats where negotiation comes in. Becoming a successful CIO requires learning where to stand your ground and when to be less selfish and more selfless. It helps get you support at the executive level, Postulka says. It also doesnt hurt to have allies on the executive board and you have to realize you cant do that all alone. The most important leadership principles he has learned from his journey leaving and returning to Arbella? The importance of surrounding yourself with the right team and how vital it is to retain talent. Everyone says that, Postulka notes, but its so critical to your success and the organizations success. How best to boomerang Both Postulka and Miller say that if youre considering returning to a higher-level IT position at a former company, first consider what youre trying to achieve in your career. Situations at former organizations change, and several years can go by, but if youre still familiar with the culture and there are consistent threads, and if that appealed to you in the past, strongly consider whether it will be an enabler for you going forward, Postulka says. For some, returning to a previous employee may feel like going backward, even when leveling up. But for Postulka that has not been the case. Instead, its been an opportunity to shape and build something for himself and for an organization he continues to care for. I gained a ton of experience for two years [at the Federal Reserve Bank] and have a broader perspective on how things can be done, and Im applying that to an organization Im familiar with, Postulka says. Miller agrees, saying he felt he had unfinished work to do at IFS. It has felt like home since Ive come back I feel like I am where I belong. He adds, You have to do it on your terms and how it fits in with your personal growth and the career story of what you want to accomplish. 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 By Chalabala, Adobe The largest provider of social care services in Scotland has contacted the police after a cyber incident. According to reports in the Scottish Sun , the police were informed about the incident at Richmond Fellowship Scotland, and are now investigating. A source told the newspaper: Richmond Fellowship Scotland has fallen victim to a cyber attack. All their systems have been down for over two weeks and forensic police are involved. Apparently police have identified a group behind it. But no one is sure if personal data has been stolen or leaked like bank details or statements or personal information. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: On Tuesday 23 January 2024, we received a report of a cyber incident at a business in Glasgow. Enquiries are at an early stage and officers are providing support to those affected. Richmond Fellowship Scotland, which recorded an income for the year ending 31 March 2023 of 99.6m, has not responded to requests for comment. The charity manages in the region of 190 services across Scotland and supports around 2,500 people across Scotland with a broad range of needs. Its website states: We are the largest provider of social care services in Scotland, providing personalised, high-quality community-based support services for those who require support in their lives. Just under a quarter of charities suffered a cyber attack in 2023, according to government figures. 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, By wedninth, Adobe An animal charity that carried out private prosecutions has closed amid an investigation by the Charity Commission. The regulator opened a statutory inquiry into Animal Protection Services (APS) in March 2022 over concerns raised by a judge about some of the private prosecutions the charity had brought against pet owners. According to the Commissions website, the charity has now entered liquidation although the regulators investigation is ongoing. A source close to APS told Civil Society that it closed due to the negative publicity it received from the judges comments. Meanwhile, another investigation into the charity by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has closed after it identified insufficient evidence to support allegations of professional misconduct, according to documents seen by Civil Society. Inquiry to remain open Set up in 2019, APS was a charity that operated a helpline for members of the public to report organised animal cruelty, investigated these cases and brought private prosecutions to court. The Charity Commission opened its investigation after some of the prosecutions relating to the alleged unlawful or unlicensed sale of pets were dismissed at trial. The judges raised concerns that the charity had a financial incentive for bringing prosecutions. Evidence from these trials was submitted to the regulator, it said at the time. At the time the inquiry opened, APS said it would continue with its mission and cooperate with the regulators investigation. However, it has since closed. The regulator told Civil Society that the closure of a charity under inquiry has no bearing on the investigation. We are aware that Animal Protection Services is no longer operating and is insolvent, which is reflected on our public register, a Commission spokesperson said. Our inquiry into the charity remains ongoing and will continue until all concerns are sufficiently addressed. 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, By Krakenimages.com/ Adobe There are fewer and smaller donations to local charities in the most deprived regions of the UK, according to new research. The report by think tank Centre for Cities says that there is a higher density of charities in the more affluent south of England compared to regions with greater need. Meanwhile, people in the south east of England are up to 15% less likely to give to charity compared to places of similar incomes in the rest of the UK, according to the report. Charities in higher need areas, such as Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Wales, receive fewer and smaller donations than those in richer regions like the south east of England, researchers found. Similarly deprived areas in the north east and north west of England have stronger preferences for local giving, researchers found, but they are limited by lower overall donation rates. It therefore says that charitable activity in the UK does not complement the governments levelling up agenda. The report argues that more donations could be unlocked from richer areas and diverted to charities in poorer regions. Report findings The report says that in all higher need regions, the types of local causes donated do not reflect local need. It found that London had the highest proportion of people donating locally to poverty-related causes. Meanwhile in Wales, people were three times more likely to give to local charities dedicated to animal welfare and the environment instead of poverty. The number of charities per 1,000 people ranges from 0.8 in Wigan to 4.6 in Oxford, the report says. These findings echo NPC research last year that found there were fewer charities per 1,000 people in areas identified by the government as being in most need of support compared to the lowest priority regions. Comparing places with similar average incomes reveals people in the north of England are more likely to donate to charity than those living in the south, the report says. For example, residents of the northern suburbs of Leeds are twice as likely, 16%, to donate to charity as residents of Croydon in south London, 8%. Both places have a median income of 26,000. Londons generosity is dependent on a small pool of very generous donors, the report says. The report argues that higher rates of charitable giving could be unlocked in the places most able to give to help address needs across the country. Recommendations Centre for Cities recommends a more active role for local authorities in targeting local charitable donations towards local needs. It suggests large national charities are best placed in the voluntary sector to ensure donations flow to areas with the greatest need, supporting local charities limited by local economic constraints. Their role should be to increase transparency and share data on where their donations are spent in order to fill in the gaps on the role of national giving in tackling regional inequality, it states. It also recommends levelling up charity partnerships between national and local charities, applying their combined knowledge and resources to reach deprived people in areas where local people are less able to donate to charity. The ability to donate is ultimately related to income Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said: The mismatch between local ability to give and local economic needs from place to place is well known. The charities sector recognises that it cant always reach the most deprived parts of the UK, particularly as resources have been squeezed over the last decade. The ability to donate and get involved is ultimately related to income so, to address it, we need economic growth and income growth everywhere. This would give everyone the increased chance to give to local causes. More can also be made of the donations that are given from a levelling up perspective by channelling a greater share of them to local issues related to economic deprivation. Local authorities, by raising awareness and helping to direct giving, can help people living in an area target their generosity towards issues where their help is needed most. In places where opportunities to volunteer time or give money are limited, this can make a big difference. Centre for Cities conducted a survey with software firm Focaldata in 2023 on a representative sample of 3,026 British residents. 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 1934, William Randolph Hearst, the American publishing tycoon, visited Germany, where Adolf Hitler had recently come to power. Hearst had been quoted in the press praising both the countryhe described the city of Munich to a reporter as delightful, citing, among other things, the shops, the theaters, the museums, and the beerand Hitler himself. Mindful of telegraphing an even stronger endorsement, according to a book by the journalist Andrew Nagorski, Hearst rejected an invitation to a rally in Nuremberg during his 1934 visit, though he did take a meeting with Hitler at his chancellery in Berlin, during which Hitler asked why he was so misunderstood in the US. (Hearst replied that Americans believe in democracy, according to an account by his secretary.) In a letter to an acquaintance after the meeting, Hearst wrote of Hitlers enormous energy, intense enthusiasm, marvelous facility for dramatic rhetoric, and great organizing abilitythough he allowed that such qualities could be misdirected. This past week, Tucker Carlson, the American subscription vlogging tycoon, has been visiting Russia, where he has been sighted at an airport, at a fancy restaurant, and taking in a ballet at the Bolshoi Theater. He told a local journalistin a weird, shaky video that at least appeared to have been shot surreptitiouslythat Moscow is beautiful, adding that he was in the city to look around, and see how its doingand its doing very well. Speculation soon swelled that Carlson was actually in the city to conduct a sit-down interview with Vladimir Putin, Russias presidentsomething that no Western journalist has done since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago. Asked about this by the local journalist, Carlson was coy (Well see, he said, with a signature smirk); so was a spokesperson for the Kremlin, who said that while many foreign journalists come to the Russian Federation every day, he had nothing to report on any presidential interview. Yesterday, Russian state media did report that a van supposedly transporting Carlson had turned up at Putins offices, then driven away an hour later. Back in the US, the reaction to all this was exactly as youd expect. Critics of Carlson slammed his visit as (literal) treachery, citing his past apologism for Putins regime. (The liberal pundit David Axelrod said on CNN that when he first heard that Carlson was in Moscow, he assumed that it was to collect an award for his services.) Meanwhile, defenders of Carlson sniffed that he was merely doing proper journalism, not that the left would understand. Writing in the conservative magazine The Spectator, Freddy Gray argued that Carlson is curious to find out the truth about what Putin thinks and to show it to people. Gray also reached for the Hearst-Hitler parallel, arguing that while Hearst has since been rightly criticised for his favourable and gullible view of Nazism, nobody would have suggested at the time that his meeting Hitler was inherently evil, because back then people understood that journalism was not about good guys vs bad guys but rather giving readers information and context. Visiting Russia to interview Vladimir Putin is not an inherently evil actfar from it. Indeed, my colleague Yona TR Golding recently conducted a thoughtful interview for this newsletter that exploredalso with reference to US journalists in Nazi Germanyhow reporting on the ground in a dictatorship can help bring the truth to light, even if that task is always fraught. Nor do we yet have a Carlson interview to judgeassuming that he actually sat down with Putin at all. (As of this morning, there are growing indications that he did.) We already know more than enough about Carlson, though, to suspect that any Putin interview of his is likely to be about as illuminating as a light bulb with no filament. And we have seen enough of his visit to Moscow to suspect that the visit itself was the pointat least as far as Putin is concerned. The fact that hes been allowed to make the trip is telling enough. Telling the truth about Putins Russia tends to come with a higher price than a ticket to the Bolshoi. After Putin invaded Ukraine, the Western journalists who left Russia did not do so in a fit of pique but out of concern for their personal safety amid a ferocious clampdown on critical speech. Last year, those who stayed (or had come back) found themselves facing an even bleaker situation as the authorities jailed two American journalists: Evan Gershkovich, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, and Alsu Kurmasheva, of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Less than a week before Carlson supposedly landed in Moscow, a court in the city extended Gershkovichs pretrial detention by two months. While Carlson was being spotted around town, police outside the Kremlin detained and interrogated nearly two dozen journalists, including from Western outlets, who were covering a protest by military spouses who have criticized the war in Ukraine. (They were later released with a warning.) Sign up for CJR 's daily email Russias state media, which toes an obsequiously pro-Putin line, ignored the military spouses protest over the weekend, according to Politico, but did cover Carlsons visitindeed, we know about his itinerary in part because state-run outlets broadcast paparazzi-style footage of it. This isnt the first time that Carlson has appeared on Russian state TVduring his Fox News days, state outlets rebroadcast some of his coverage, including segments referring to Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, as a dictator and a puppet of the West. When Carlson was pushed out of Fox last year amid a messy tangle of domestic-facing scandals, some Russian talking heads pinned his ouster on his supposed honesty about Ukraine. Different arms of state TV even offered Carlson a job, then promoted his work as he pivoted to streaming on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter (seemingly without his knowledge or consent). Indeed, Carlson now appears to be something of a celebrity in Russia. The other day, the state broadcaster Sputnik put together a man-on-the-street video declaring him to be winning hearts and minds in the country, and pulling together supposed public testimony about his visit. He is the bravest and most courageous American journalist today, one woman said. Its appealing that he goes against the grain of anti-Russian propaganda, said another. Anti-Russian propaganda is the reason that a Kremlin spokesperson has given for Putin dodging Western interviewers since the invasion of Ukraine, rather than any lack of opportunityindeed, the spokesperson claims to receive dozens of such requests every day. Perhaps more than any other world leader, Putin prizes meticulous control over his own information environment. If he has indeed chosen to sit down with Carlson, you can draw your own conclusions as to why. Already, his visit alone has been a propaganda coup. Following his meeting with Hitler in 1934, Hearst was apparently pressed to pose for photos with Nazi functionaries. At some point during the same decade, he struck a deal with the Nazis state production company, according to the historian Kathryn OlmstedHearsts media empire sent newsreels to Germany and received official Nazi footage in return, which it distributed in the US. (Hearst papers also published op-eds by Hitler.) In a 2022 interview pegged to the publication of her book The Newspaper Axis: Six Press Barons Who Enabled Hitler, Olmsted drew a direct line from Hearst and others to the right-wing media environment of today, with its embrace of authoritarian dictators and populist nationalism. (In this period, we can see the primordial Fox News, she said.) Hearst embraced the slogan AMERICA FIRST. Carlson has embraced Donald Trumps America First worldview, perhaps more darkly than any other pundit. Historical parallels, while often seductive, are, of course, never exact. Carlson does not have Hearsts power or reachcertainly not in his post-Fox days. (Hearst would likely be confused by the concept of a visual media venture based partly on a declining social platform, as, indeed, am I.) Hearst was circumspect about his visit to Hitler. (Visiting Hitler is like calling on the President of the United States, he told the AP, when asked for comment. One doesnt talk about it for publication.) It would be unwise to expect similar discretion from Carlson. Andif we are to compare the arc of Hitlers Germany with that of Putins Russia, which is itself a fraught taskCarlson would seem to have gone to Moscow at a later point than Hearsts trip to Berlin. If that trip looks terrible in the harsh glare of hindsight, Carlsons might come to look even worse. Numerous Western journalists interviewed or met with Hitler in the years prior to the Second World War; Putin sat with various Western interviewers in the years prior to the invasion of Ukraine. This is not to say that interviewing Putin now is a worthless task. But any valuable interview would have to reflect the gravity of the current moment and at least attempt to hold Putin to account for the horrors of his war; at minimum, it would have to try to extract some insight from Putin that he couldnt simply blast out in an unfiltered medium of his own choosing. Putin doesnt seem likely to allow this, even if Carlson were of a mind to try. And, sometimes, even interviews with genuinely skeptical interlocutors can muddy truths that are clearer from afar. Before Hearst met with Hitler in 1934, a different American journalist, Dorothy Thompson, did so in 1931, before Hitler came to power. Thompson wrote later that she went into that interview convinced that I was meeting the future dictator of Germany, but in something less than fifty seconds I was quite sure I was not. It took just about that time to measure the startling insignificance of this man who has set the world agog. Thompson went on to be a leading and notably strident anti-Nazi voice in the US press. In 1934, she returned to Germany. In August of that year, about a month prior to Hearsts meeting with Hitler, she became the first US reporter to be formally expelled by Hitlers regime. She received a letter accusing her of offending national self-respect. She framed it. Other notable stories: On Friday, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council told reporters that officials had informed the government of Iraq prior to striking Iranian-linked targets inside that country earlier in the day. Yesterday, however, a State Department spokesperson acknowledged that Iraq had not been explicitly notified. The first spokesperson said that hed shared the information he had at the time. (I wrote about the strikes yesterday.) Yesterday, Microsoft announced partnerships that it says are aimed at harnessing the journalistic power of generative artificial intelligence with a series of journalism organizations, including the GroundTruth Project, the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York, and the news site Semafor. The latter will use AI as a research aid for a breaking-news feed; the Financial Times has more. Also yesterday, CNN announced its first significant programming move (as the New York Times put it) since Mark Thompson took charge of the network last year, doing away with its struggling morning chat show, CNN This Morning, to pivot to a format focused more on straight news. Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly, the shows hosts, are in talks about new roles; the team that produced the show will be disbanded. For CJR, Joel Simon assesses the decline, in recent years, of the police beat, against a backdrop of significant cuts to local newsrooms and deteriorating relationships between officers and reporters. A healthy relationship between the police and the press requires both regular contact and close scrutiny, Simon writes. Thats why we need beat reporters. Their decline, ultimately, is bad for accountability, and bad for our democracy. And, during an interview in the UK, Piers Morgan bet Rishi Sunak a thousand-pound donation to a refugee charity that Sunak wont be able to kick-start his stalled policy of deporting migrants to Rwanda before the next election. Sunak accepted, but then rowed back, claiming that Morgan took him by surprise. The Guardians John Crace described the bet as a low moment in TV interviewing, and an even lower one for UK politics. ICYMI: Is the press dragging America to war again? Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Britains most prominent business group, the Confederation of British Industry, has reached a settlement with its former chief Tony Danker who was dismissed following complaints of workplace misconduct. Danker was sacked as director general of the CBI last April after being accused of inappropriate behavior toward staff, including viewing pictures on Instagram and sending messages unrelated to work outside of business hours. He apologized at the time for making staff feel uncomfortable but argued hed been made a fall guy for a separate and unrelated scandal involving more serious allegations against other people at the CBI. The CBI said Monday it had settled legal action brought by Danker and reiterated that he is not associated in any way with the historical allegations of sexual assault against staff, which pre-date his time at the lobby group. It didnt disclose other details of the settlement. A string of companies quit the CBI last year following reports of the more serious sexual assault allegations in the Guardian newspaper. It was frozen out of Westminster after the accusations, but has since resumed conversations with the main political parties. Danker declined to comment. Top photo: Tony Danker Photographer: Darren Staples/Bloomberg. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. A New York university-connected research foundation has filed a lawsuit against Japan chip materials maker JSR 4185.T, court documents show, saying the company has commercialized its technology without permission. JSR is a top manufacturer of photoresists, which are chemicals used in chipmaking, with its U.S. subsidiary Inpria working on metal oxide resists for use in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography for production of advanced chips. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York says its researchers made advances in tin oxide metal photoresists and Inpria is commercializing its intellectual property (IP) without permission. JSR told Reuters it considers the lawsuit to be without merit and internal investigations have not uncovered any improper activities related to Inpria. Inpria is a former university spin-out with deep roots in academic research on metal oxides stretching back two decades, JSR said. JSR agreed last June to be bought by a government-backed fund in a deal that has been met with surprise, with some industry executives questioning the need for such an intervention. The company expects the tender offer for its shares to begin in late February at the earliest. The research foundation says it is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent transfer of challenged patents to Japan Investment Corp (JIC) and that its IP has been valued at $2.4 billion to $4.3 billion. (Reporting by Sam Nussey and Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) ]A second contractor has reached a $25 million settlement over its role in Flint, Michigans lead-contaminated water scandal. The class-action litigation agreement includes payments of $1,500 for individual minors, according to Boston-based Veolia North America. The company says the agreement will resolve claims made on behalf of more than 45,000 Flint residents. In July, the engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newman said in a court filing that a confidential deal was reached with residents in federal court. Like Veolia North America, Lockwood, Andrews & Newman had been accused of being partially responsible for the water crisis in the city about 60 miles (95 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. Flint, which was under state-appointed managers, used the Flint River for water in 2014-15, but the water wasnt treated the same as water previously supplied by a Detroit-area provider. As a result, lead leached throughout the vast pipe system. The state was sued because environmental regulators and other officials missed opportunities to fix Flints water problems during the lead crisis. Flint returned to a regional water supplier in the fall of 2015. Officials have said the tainted water caused learning disabilities in scores of children and other medical problems among adults in the majority Black city. Flint families sued Veolia North America and Lockwood, Andrews & Newman, accusing both firms of not doing enough to get Flint to treat the highly corrosive water or to urge a return to a regional water supplier. Veolia North America had faced a trial this month in federal court, but that has been suspended pending final approval of its settlement agreement, the company said. The issues for a jury would have included whether Veolia North America breached care and, if so, whether that breach prolonged the crisis. The company has said it was hired by the city to conduct a one-week assessment 10 months after Flint switched to Flint River water. VNA made good recommendations, including a crucial one on corrosion control, that would have helped the city had those recommendations not been almost entirely ignored by the responsible government officials, the company said Thursday in a release. VNA had no power over these decisions. VNA never operated the Flint Water Plant. During closing arguments in a 2022 case that ended in a mistrial, attorneys for the children argued that Veolia North America should be held 50% responsible for lead contamination and that Lockwood, Andrews & Newman should be held 25% responsible, with public officials making up the balance. The mistrial was declared on claims made on behalf of four Flint children. Another trial is scheduled in October on behalf of seven other Flint children, according to their attorney, Corey Stern. The settlement announced Thursday by Veolia North America does not affect the October trial, Stern said. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Johnson & Johnson was sued by an employee who said the companys health plan wasted workers money by paying inflated prices for prescription drugs. In one instance, the health plan agreed to pay more than $10,000 for a drug to treat multiple sclerosis, a chronic nerve condition, thats available for as little as $40 at retail pharmacies, according to the suit filed Monday in federal court in Camden, New Jersey. The complaint alleges that J&J mismanaged the companys prescription-drug benefits program, costing federally regulated plans and J&J workers millions of dollars due to higher payments for drugs, increased premiums, deductibles, copays and lower wages or limited growth. J&J employee Ann Lewandowski sued on the grounds that the company breached its fiduciary duties to spend health benefit funds responsibly. The suit seeks class-action status to represent other workers who faced similar costs. A health-care policy and advocacy director for J&J in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Lewandowski is currently on leave due to a dispute regarding an accommodation for a medical condition. Representatives for J&J didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The shares fell 0.5% at 2:14 p.m. in New York. US employers face rising legal risk over how they manage roughly $1 trillion in annual spending on company-sponsored health plans. While some large companies and unions have sued their health plan providers alleging that theyve breached fiduciary obligations, the case against J&J may be the first case by an employee making those claims against a prominent company. Squandered Power For certain types of drugs with complicated handling or administration needs, called generic-specialty medications, the companys health plan on average paid about six times as much on average as the pharmacy benefit manager paid, the complaint alleges. Drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers are frequently at odds in Washington, where each side blames the other for contributing to high prescription costs. Though J&J is one of the countrys largest drugmakers, the lawsuit argues, it failed to use its buying power when purchasing medications to negotiate the best prices for medicines for workers on its health plan. Defendants squandered their bargaining power and, for many drugs, agreed to make the Plans and their beneficiaries pay more than someone would pay if they just walked into a retail pharmacy and filled the same prescription without using insurance, the lawsuit said. New Brunswick, New Jersey-based J&J has about 152,700 employees globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The plaintiffs firm that filed the case, Fairmark Partners, LLP, called it the first of its kind, saying in an email that it drew on a detailed analysis of drug pricing. Other law firms have publicly advertised that theyre seeking clients for similar cases against big US companies. The case is Ann Lewandowski vs Johnson & Johnson, 24-cv-00671, in District of New Jersey. (Updates with additional details starting in seventh paragraph) Top photo: GLENDALE, CA JANUARY 04: Xenadrine EFX capsules are photographed on January 4, 2007 in Glendale, California. The marketers of four weight loss products, Xenadrine EFX, One-A-Day Weight Smart, CortiSlim and TrimSpa, were fined $25 million by the Federal Trade Commission on January 4 for making false advertising claims. The marketers of Xenadrine EFX, made by Nutraquest, Inc., were levied the largest fine and will pay between $8 million and $12.8 million. The investigated claims included rapid weight loss, reduction in the risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimers, and cancer. (Photo Illustration by David McNew/Getty Images) Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Grand lantern show kicks off at ancient city wall in NW China's Xi'an to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year People's Daily Online) 11:24, February 05, 2024 Embracing the Year of the Dragon, a magnificent dragon-themed lantern illuminates the ancient city wall of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, during a vibrant lantern show to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year. (People's Daily Online/Bai Ge) A lantern show featuring nearly 20 groups of exquisite lanterns displayed in four thematic sections officially commenced on the evening of Feb. 2 at the ancient city wall of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The annual lantern show, now on its 37th edition, is expected to last 52 days. It serves as an important event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year. Since 2024 marks the Chinese zodiac Year of the Dragon, diverse elements of the dragon have been integrated into the lanterns and other decorations adorning the city wall, creating a lively atmosphere brimming with distinctive features of the Spring Festival and the city's cultural heritage. The lanterns illuminating the city wall have been arranged in four different sections to create different cultural experiences, with sectional themes of a splendid Xi'an, a blessed world, a prosperous China, and a fantasy world for children. For the first time, this year's lantern show also features immersive cultural and artistic performances from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, treating visitors to a cultural feast during Spring Festival celebrations. A wide range of smart devices, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven devices that can write poems, man-machine communication devices, and mechanical dogs, have also been employed to enrich the visitors interactive experiences. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming) Commentary: Why blocking China-Oceania cooperation a wild goose chase 14:57, February 06, 2024 By Liu Bowei ( Xinhua Doctors of the 12th Chinese medical team stationed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) shares minimally invasive surgery expertise with their PNG counterparts during a training program in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, March 9, 2023. (The 12th Chinese medical team stationed in Papua New Guinea/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma has recently urged the Pacific island country Papua New Guinea (PNG) to reject its policing and security cooperation with Beijing, warning of potential consequences and costs. Such rejections are totally unwarranted, and reflect Washington's hegemonic mindset. Any sovereign country has the full right to decide who and in which area it wants to cooperate with. Yet it seems that the United States views other countries as its subordinates, always trying to tell them what to do. PNG is China's good friend and partner in the Pacific Islands region. Over the years, China's cooperation with PNG in various fields including policing has been based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, just like its cooperation with any other sovereign nation in the world. Lin Yingxing (R), specialist from the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, checks the growth of the dry-land rice with local specialist Tony Simon in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea on Jan. 30, 2020. (Photo by Hu Yingping/Xinhua) In contrast, the United States always puts its own interests front and center, and ignores the legitimate development and security needs of other countries. America, the world's sole superpower, feels free to flex its muscles, and always imposes its own will on other countries. Due to the reckless actions of the United States, countries in the Middle East, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific have borne significant security and developmental costs. But what worries Washington is not whether PNG could face some kind of risks by engaging in a partnership with China. What it is truly concerned about is that its own influence in the South Pacific could be weakened because of a stronger China-PNG relationship. The people in the PNG know this. "China is willing to share what it has ... and sees us as equals," said Joseph Yopyyopy, a member of the National Parliament of PNG. Washington should reflect on those words, and reconsider its Cold-War thinking. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Trucks and trailers sit in a Yellow Corp. facility lot, closed after the freight trucking company ceased all operations, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 31, 2023. Bankrupt trucking company Yellow has fully repaid a controversial $700 million Covid loan to the U.S. Treasury Department, plus more than $151 million in interest, the company said Monday. The announcement came nearly two months after a federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware approved Yellow's request to sell most of its shipping centers and real estate for nearly $1.9 billion. Meanwhile, unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy case, including employee pension funds, are seeking billions of dollars in payouts from what remains of the company. "The money Yellow boasts that it's repaid the federal government is but a fraction of the $5 billion that hardworking Teamsters gave back to this mismanaged company in wage and pension concessions for more than a decade, money that the workers to this day have not seen," a spokeswoman for the Teamsters labor union, which represented Yellow workers, told CNBC. "Working people should have been first in line for relief during Yellow's bankruptcy proceedings," the union spokeswoman said. "As a final insult, Yellow's failed executives gifted themselves millions in bonuses as they walked away from the ashes of a once-great union company. Yellow may have kept its promise to the taxpayers, but it betrayed a loyal workforce. That fact will be its shameful legacy." The $1.3 billion in debt that Yellow had coming due this year included the $700 million loan it received in 2020 under the CARES Act, which authorized the Treasury Department to make loans to companies that were "critical to maintaining national security" during the Covid-19 pandemic. Top Trump administration officials pushed Treasury officials to approve the loan over the objections of the Defense Department, which determined that Yellow was not "critical to maintaining national security." By mid-2023, as it headed toward bankruptcy, Yellow had made only one payment on the loan: $230, in July 2021. In a statement Monday announcing the loan repayment, Yellow's chief restructuring officer, Matthew Doheny, said, "repayment demonstrates Yellow's absolute commitment to fulfilling its promise to the American taxpayers that its CARES Act loan would be repaid in full with interest." In an apparent nod to the controversy over the loan, Doheny said that "despite receiving bipartisan support, Yellow's CARES Act loan would not have been possible without the leadership of President [Donald] Trump and [Treasury] Secretary [Steven] Mnuchin for which Yellow is and remains grateful." Nikki Haley, the candidate of the Republican Party in the 2024 presidential elections in the US, delivers remarks during a Town Hall campaign event in the Lowcountry in Bluffton SC, United States on November 27, 2023. Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley has requested a U.S. Secret Service protective detail, citing a rise in threats against her, NBC News confirmed Monday. Haley is the only major candidate still running against Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary. "When you do something like this, you get threats. It's just a reality," Haley said in South Carolina last week. "Part of running for public life is that you're going to deal with the threats that are there. That's not going to deter me. Does it mean we have to put a few more bodies around us? Yes, that's fine," she said at a campaign stop in Columbia. BP in 2020 set out its ambition to become a net zero company "by 2050 or sooner." Shares of BP rose more than 5% on Tuesday after the oil giant accelerated the pace of its buybacks and increased its dividend, despite a drop in annual profit. The energy major increased the pace of its share repurchases, announcing intentions to execute a $1.75 billion share buyback before reporting first-quarter results. The company said it was committed to announcing a $3.5 billion share buyback for the first half of the year. BP also announced a dividend per ordinary share of 7.27 cents for the final three months of 2023, marking a 10% increase compared with the same period in the previous year. The company posted underlying replacement cost profit, used as a proxy for net profit, of $13.8 billion for 2023, a steep fall from a record $27.7 billion in the previous year. Analysts had anticipated net profit of $13.9 billion for full-year 2023, according to a consensus complied by LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv. BP declared fourth-quarter net profit of nearly $3 billion, beating analyst expectations of $2.6 billion. Shares of London-listed BP ended Tuesday's session 5.5% higher. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets described BP's commitment to share buybacks beyond the first quarter of 2024 as a "welcome positive surprise." They added that BP's plan to execute share buybacks of at least $14 billion through 2025, subject to maintaining a strong investment-grade rating, was likely not expected by the market. "With BP putting out 2025 specific EBITDA targets, which are also above consensus expectations, the commitment on the payout front shows confidence in future delivery, we think," RBC Capital Markets said in a research note. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Bitcoin miner CleanSpark climbed on Tuesday after the company said it will acquire new mining facilities that will give it the power and infrastructure to potentially double its hashrate within the first half of the year. CleanSpark shares were last higher by 12%, also helped by a midday rise in the price of bitcoin . The company agreed to buy three "turnkey" sites meaning they need only to plug their existing hardware into the facility in Mississippi for $19.8 million in cash. That transaction will close within 21 days. The company expects the sites to support about 14% of its revenue shortly after closing. Additionally, CleanSpark plans to acquire a facility in Dalton, Georgia, for an initial cash payment of $3.4 million. Then, it will invest another $3.5 million to complete the project by April. The facility will expand its presence in Dalton to three sites. "Our move into Mississippi is all about growing our operations and diversifying our data center portfolio in a measured way," CEO Zachary Bradford told CNBC. "Our operations in Georgia have given us significant experience in southeastern power markets. Mississippi is in the same electric reliability region, so we see a lot of synergies there." CNBC Documentaries examines the case of a Chinese government spy who tried to steal trade secrets from some of America's biggest companies, including GE, Boeing and Honeywell. Correspondent Eamon Javers talks with prosecutors, intelligence experts and government officials, including the Director of the FBI, Christopher Wray all of whom say the case is an example of China's desire to dominate global markets through any means necessary, including stealing technology from the heart of corporate America. In this special podcast series, Javers explores the shadowy world of spies and the industrial battle space that has millions of U.S. jobs on the line. "China's Corporate Spy War" originally aired on CNBC in June 2023. To watch China's Corporate Spy War and other CNBC Documentaries go to: https://www.cnbc.com/documentaries/ Over 43 million Americans currently have federal student loan debt. Though many, if not all, of those borrowers probably want to retire one day, it can be difficult to balance making your monthly student loan payment and investing for the future. In fact, 66% of borrowers said they had to reduce their retirement contributions as payments on federal student loans resumed last fall, according to a survey from Allianz Life. But companies can now help their employees meet these goals. The Secure 2.0 Act went into effect this year, codifying the ability for employers to match workers' student loan payments with a contribution to their 401(k), 403(b) or other retirement account. Offering a 401(k) match is a popular benefit: 98% of employers that offer 401(k) plans match some level of employee contributions, according to a 2013 survey of over 400 plan sponsors. But employees may not be able to afford a retirement contribution, let alone one that earns them the full match, if they're overburdened with monthly student debt payments. At least three large employers Abbott, Verizon and Chipotle currently offer 401(k) matching for employees making student loan payments. Here's a look at how each company's plan works. Leading the charge: Abbott's Freedom 2 Save program Prior to the passage of Secure 2.0, employers were technically allowed to offer matching 401(k) contributions for student loan payments, but there wasn't a clear legal pathway to do so. When Abbott, a health-care technology company with over 115,000 employees worldwide, wanted to help its employees struggling with student debt back in 2018, the company had to get special approval from the Internal Revenue Service. A private letter ruling from the IRS allowed Abbott to create its Freedom 2 Save benefit six years ago, which allows employees who put 2% or more of their salary toward student loans to get a 5% retirement contribution from Abbott. All employees are eligible to participate in the benefit, according to an Abbott representative. Over 2,800 employees have enrolled in Freedom 2 Save since its launch in 2018. The program helped inspire the Secure 2.0 provision that makes it easier for companies to adopt similar plans to assist their student loan borrower workforces, according to Abbott. The company recently created a blueprint detailing the advantages of offering a student loan repayment benefit and guidance for other organizations to design their own programs. "We've received many inquiries about Freedom 2 Save since launching the program...Interest definitely increased in the past year as people prepared for the approval of SECURE 2.0," says Mary Moreland, executive vice president of human resources at Abbott. "We're receiving positive feedback on the blueprint and know that it's being downloaded by a diverse group of companies across various industries." Verizon: Secure Your Future Verizon recently introduced a student loan payment match to help support its employees. Employees who enroll in Verizon's Secure Your Future program can earn up to a 6% retirement contribution match while paying their student loans. Employees can get the full 6% retirement contribution match by making their student loan payments, making their own contribution, or a combination of the two, Kevin Cammarata, vice president of benefits at Verizon, tells CNBC Make It. For example, an employee could put 3% of their annual salary toward their student loans and 3% toward their 401(k) and Verizon will make a 6% retirement contribution on their behalf. "We really don't want people missing out on that 6% match for a variety of reasons, the least of which [being that] the best time [to] start saving for retirement is right away," Cammarata says. The program launched in December and over 500 employees enrolled on the first day, according to Cammarata. Both full and part-time employees are eligible to sign up as soon as they start working at the company. "I think [employees] appreciate both the awareness of student loans as a debt burden, but also the flexibility they have so they don't feel like they have to miss out on this 401(k) match," he says. Chipotle: supporting a young workforce DuPont on Tuesday delivered a fourth-quarter earnings beat on lowered expectations after warning two weeks ago. The stock shot higher on the print but was only slightly above where it closed the day of the chemical giant's preannouncement-driven slide of 14%. Net sales for the three months ended Dec. 31 declined roughly 6.6% year-over-year to $2.9 billion, a tad short of the lowered expectations, according to LSEG but in line with the preannounced level. On an organic basis, sales were down 10% versus the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) of 87 cents were down about 2% year-over-year but exceeded the LSEG estimate of 85 cents, and came in at the high end of the 85- to 87-cent range management provided in late January. Bottom line The results from DuPont were largely in line with what management told us to expect as inventory destocking and weakness in China weighed on the quarter. However, we were pleased to see management announce a 6% dividend increase, along with the completion of an accelerated $2 billion share repurchase program and the announcement of a new $1 billion authorization. We had wanted to see a larger buyback, but we'll take it. In Electronics & Industrials, management said they continue to see stabilization in DuPont's Semiconductor Technologies and Interconnect Solutions businesses and expect a broad-based recovery as the company works its way through 2024. The recovery already appears to be underway with Semiconductor Technologies seeing growth on a sequential basis. The recovery time for the Industrial Solutions business remains a bit more uncertain, but the team does expect to see improvement as inventory levels normalize. The Electronics & Industrials segment makes differentiated materials and component solutions for high-performance computing, 5G, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics such as smartphones and personal computers. Within the Water & Protection, the Safety Solutions business remains under pressure from channel inventory destocking, with management highlighting the medical packaging end market as a key source of weakness. Water solutions was also by plagued distributor destocking along with weakness in China's industrial sector. Shelter Solutions was down year-over-year. However, management did note that destocking here was completed, and they're starting to see improvement. While the recovery time may vary buy end market, it's important to note that on a consolidated basis, management does believe that the first quarter 2024 will represent the bottom. Management said the Water business in China is showing "signs of market stabilization, bottoming of customer inventories, and a pickup in orders in the month of January that support a view of recovering sales and earnings through 2024." They expect to see a pickup in sales as we exit the second quarter of 2024. Looking ahead, there was no update on first-quarter 2024 guidance. Second-quarter EBITDA expectations for roughly 10% sequential growth were also reaffirmed, with management adding that sales should be up about 5% sequentially. We did get full-year guidance for sales, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), and EPS. The full-year targets did represent misses at the midpoints, but we think they're good enough to support Tuesday's 7% stock move higher, given the rock-bottom sentiment coming into the release and signs that the worst is behind us. Despite the near-term headwinds, the artificial intelligence story in Electronics still looks strong, even if it's not materializing as fast as we first thought, as demonstrated by the improvement currently being seen in the electronics business. And, with a ton of bad news baked into the stock at current levels, we find ourselves watching shares more as possible buyers than sellers. That said, we're maintaining our 2 rating for the moment as it's not our style to buy or recommend chasing a rally like what we are seeing Tuesday. DD 1Y mountain DuPont 1 year Guidance Management's forecast for the current quarter (first quarter of fiscal 2024) was unchanged from what we got on the preannouncement. DuPont's Q1 sales are expected to be roughly $2.8 billion, operating EBITDA is forecast to be about $610 million, and adjusted EPS was guided to fall into a 63- to 65-cent range. These numbers were all lower than the Street was expecting at the time of the warning late last month. We don't think there's much value to comparing them to the lowered estimates we had coming into the print. That said, DuPont did deliver a full-year financial forecast. While the numbers came up a bit short at the midpoint, they did bracket the estimates and likely have a decent amount of conservatism build into them with upside likely coming should China rebound a bit quicker than expected. Management is targeting 2024 sales in a range of $11.9 billion to $12.3 billion versus $12.28 billion expected; operating EBITDA of between $2.8 billion and $3 billion versus $2.95 billion expected; and adjusted EPS of $3.25 to $3.65 per share versus $3.58 expected. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long DD. 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. A DuPont sign is shown at the company's world headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. Jeff Fusco | Getty Images Elanco Animal Health's decision to sell its aqua division will narrow its focus on pet health and livestock sustainability, as management prepares to launch several new products this year. On Monday, Elanco said it would sell the division, which supplies the aquaculture industry with medicines, vaccines and nutritional supplements, to Merck for $1.3 billion. After the deal closes, likely by the middle of the year, proceeds will be funneled toward debt reduction and the net impact will be a 20% reduction in Elanco's debt. "We're in the midst of launching our most exciting pipeline," Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons said in an interview with CNBC. Over the next two years, Simmons expects the company to launch six products that will each have more than $100 million in peak sales. ELAN 1Y mountain Elanco stock over the past year. Simmons said the decision to exit aquaculture followed a review Elanco conducted to find pockets of business with the greatest growth potential. One area it identified is pet health, a $15 billion market that has benefited from increasing pet ownership, especially among people who see their pets as family and value their animals' health care. The other area is an emerging market it hopes to develop around reducing methane emissions from cattle. A key piece of that strategy is the expected approval of Bovaer, which is expected in the first half of this year. Two other products are also nearing approval: Credelio Quattro, a combination parasiticide, and Zenrelia, a JAK inhibitor that will allow Elanco to add a dermatology product to its offerings. These drugs join a lineup that includes a monoclonal antibody to treat deadly canine parvovirus, a first for this disease. Zenrelia treats atopic dermatitis , which affects between 10% and 15% of the dog population, according to Cornell University's Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Simmons said the condition is a common reason for vet visits. 'Flexibility' to invest behind launches The product launches will also give Elanco a chance to prove itself. Last year, shares rose nearly 22%, but those gains followed two years of declines. According to FactSet, slightly more than half the analysts who cover the stock rate it a buy, and collectively have an average price target of about $16. With Monday's 7.9% gain, the stock closed only 2.2% below that mark. JPMorgan analyst Chris Schott reiterated his neutral rating shortly after the announcement Monday, but said the deal will provide Elanco with "more flexibility to invest behind upcoming launches." "More broadly, we see the focus of the ELAN story increasingly on the upcoming product approvals and new launch execution (where we expect more gradual product ramps and are watching [operating expense] trends)," Schott wrote in a research note. In the short term, costs will likely be on the rise. For example, Simmons said the company has boosted its sales force 20% as it prepares to roll out new products. The asset sale will also put some pressure on earnings. The aqua business was responsible for $175 million in sales last year and about $92 million in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. In a research note, Jefferies analyst Glen Santangelo said the aqua unit fetched an "attractive multiple." Using proceeds to pay off a portion of Elanco's debt will cut interest costs by about $65 million a year, or about 11 cents a share in earnings. Simmons declined to provide further details about the company's financial forecast. Elanco reports its fourth-quarter results Feb. 26. Lower debt could make the company, which was spun off from Eli Lilly in 2018, more attractive to some investors. In late January, Argus analyst Jasper Hellweg said his firm would consider upgrading Elanco if it were to improve its balance sheet or show sustained improvement in its operating results. Hellweg currently rates the stock a hold. Ahead of Monday's announcement, the stock was trading at a discount to its three-year historical average price-to-earnings ratio of 14x, according to Jefferies' Santangelo. "We believe there is potential for multiple expansion from here, driven by continued strength from new innovative companion animal products coupled with accelerating debt paydown post the transaction," he said. Jefferies has a $17 price target, which implies nearly 7% upside even after Monday's pop. Success in these new markets isn't a lock. The pet health business is very competitive and, once approved, Zenrelia will compete directly with rival Zoetis' Apoquel. Meanwhile, the role Bovaer could play in lowering greenhouse gases will take time to play out. Elanco has been working with farmers to track livestock methane emissions. The idea is that dairy farmers will purchase Bovaer, a feed additive, to lower emissions and then sell carbon credits to help companies, including large food manufacturers, meet their environmental goals. "This is probably one of the most anticipated products that I've seen in Farm Animal in 30 years as this could reduce methane by 30% in dairy and 50% in beef," Simmons said. "We see this as a product with $100 to $200 million potential in the U.S." "These are major markets, differentiated assets, higher margins as a whole, greater growth rates and it just allows us to concentrate our focus here. Then we see the next wave in these same spaces," he said. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Gina Carano as Cara Dune in the "The Mandalorian," a Star Wars series on Disney+. Elon Musk's company X is funding a new lawsuit filed by actor Gina Carano over her firing from the Disney+ streaming TV series "The Mandalorian" after she shared a controversial social media post. Carano sued Disney and its Lucasfilm subsidiary in Los Angeles federal court over her termination from the Star Wars franchise series in February 2021. The suit, which alleges wrongful discharge and sex discrimination, seeks Carano's reinstatement in "The Mandalorian," and monetary damages for the loss of her past pay and her future employment as a result of her termination. Carano was booted from the series after she shared a post on Instagram and TikTok that implied conservatives in the U.S. were being treated like Jewish people in Nazi Germany. The actor previously had sparked online backlash for her posts on X, formerly Twitter, for criticizing Covid-19 lockdowns and mask mandates, for updating her Twitter bio with the words "beep/bop/boop" and for criticizing Black Lives Matter protestors. Musk in August had said that X would fund the legal bills of X users "if you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform." Carano in an X post Tuesday said she had responded on X to that offer by Musk, and "to my surprise" she was contacted by a lawyer for the company, which eventually agreed to finance her suit. "I would like to express my deepest gratitude & thank you to @ElonMusk & @X for giving me an opportunity to bring my case to light," Carano tweeted. Her lawsuit begins, "A short time ago in a galaxy not so far away, Defendants made it clear that only one orthodoxy in thought, speech, or action was acceptable in their empire, and that those who dared to question or failed to fully comply would not be tolerated." European markets closed higher Tuesday, as investor confidence remained robust despite the lack of a clear timetable for interest rate cuts. The pan-European Stoxx 600 provisionally closed 0.7% higher, with the majority of sectors finishing in positive territory. Oil and gas stocks rose 2.1% led by gains for Britain's BP, while utilities dipped 0.74%. BP finished the session up 5.7% after announcing plans to boost shareholder returns, even as it reported a sharp drop in full-year profits aligned with lower oil prices. Meanwhile, UBS fell 4.4% despite narrowly beating fourth-quarter earnings expectations and announcing that it would recommence share buybacks. Regional markets closed slightly lower Monday as investors digested the latest comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in which he said the central bank would likely move at a considerably slower pace on rate cuts than the market expects. Overnight, China and Hong Kong stocks jumped Tuesday as authorities in the world's second-largest economy took measures to arrest a recent sell-off in its equities, while most Asia-Pacific markets declined. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks were mixed following a sell-off spurred by higher bond yields and worries that the Fed may not cut rates as much as Wall Street had hoped. Then Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses supporters after he lost the federal election in Calgary, Alberta, October 19, 2015. An activist hedge fund chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pushing U.S. department store operator Kohl's to sell itself, according to people familiar with the matter. Kohl's rejected acquisition offers worth as much as $64 per share in 2022, when it also came under pressure from several activist shareholders to explore a sale. It held on for a bid worth more than $70 per share that never came, and has since struggled to make its stores more profitable and grow its e-commerce business. Its shares are now hovering at around $26. Vision One Management Partners, a fund co-founded by Harper and former Carl Icahn protege Courtney Mather, has built a stake in Kohl's and expressed concerns to the company about its future, the sources said. Vision One has asked Kohl's to launch a sale process and also give it board representation, the sources added, requesting anonymity because the matter is confidential. Kohl's was not available for comment and Vision One did not respond to requests for comment. The development makes Kohl's the second U.S. department store operator to come under investor pressure to sell itself in as many months. Last month, Macy's rejected a $5.8 billion offer to be taken private by investors Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management, on the grounds it was too cheap and may not have the necessary financing. Good afternoon! All eyes are on Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly again as Wall Street looks for signs that they can address one of the biggest hurdles they faced last year. Neither company has enough supply to meet the insatiable demand for their weight loss and diabetes drugs. One month into 2024, the two drugmakers still haven't fully resolved those supply issues. They don't expect to soon. Still, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk appear to be making some encouraging progress. Eli Lilly achieved its goal of doubling its capacity for producing injectable incretin drugs by the end of 2023, the company's Chief Financial Officer Anat Ashkenazi said during an earnings call Tuesday. Incretin drugs, such as Eli Lilly's weight loss treatment Zepbound and diabetes injection Mounjaro, mimic hormones produced in the gut that suppress a person's appetite and regulate blood sugar. Ashkenazi added that Eli Lilly will try to increase capacity with "equal urgency" this year. The company expects the most significant production increases to occur in the second half of 2024. By that point in the year, Eli Lilly expects its production of sellable doses of incretin drugs to be at least 1.5 times the production of those doses in the second half of last year, Ashkenazi added. Among the company's efforts to expand production is its new manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Ashkenazi said that the plant will start producing incretin drugs as early as the end of 2024, with products available to ship in 2025. The company still expects demand for incretin drugs to outstrip supply this year as it works to increase production, Ashkenazi noted. Eli Lilly wasn't the only weight loss drug producer to see positive supply developments in the last week. Novo Nordisk did, as well. Novo Holdings, which owns almost 77% of the voting shares in Novo Nordisk, said Monday it will acquire drug manufacturer Catalent in a $16.5 billion deal. Catalent is critical to Novo Nordisk because it's the main supplier of fill-finish work, which involves filling and packaging syringes and injection pens, for Wegovy. Novo Nordisk will then buy three of Catalent's manufacturing plants from Novo Holdings for $11 billion. Novo Nordisk said that purchase will gradually increase its filling capacity beginning in 2026. "Overall, we think this will further unlock supply, which is the key bottleneck for this market," Yuri Khodjamirian, chief investment officer at Tema ETFs, told CNBC in reaction to the Catalent deals Monday. Tema in November launched an ETF whose key holdings include companies benefiting from the hype around weight loss drugs. The deal also means Novo Nordisk can better control the quality of Wegovy supply, which has previously been an issue at Catalent's facilities, Khodjamirian added. For example, Catalent's factory in Brussels that fills Wegovy injection pens suffered several lapses in recent years and had to shut down twice, Reuters reported in July, citing FDA inspection documents. The deal comes as Novo Nordisk tries to make broader strides toward improving supply this year. Last week, the Danish drugmaker also said it had more than doubled its supply of lower-dose versions of its weight loss injection Wegovy in January compared to previous months. Supply shortages forced Novo Nordisk to restrict the availability of those lower doses in the U.S. since May. But why are those lower doses important? It's because people are supposed to start Wegovy at a low dose and gradually increase the size over time to mitigate side effects such as nausea. So, more of those low "starter" doses means more new patients can begin treatment with Wegovy. The company plans to "gradually" increase the overall supply of Wegovy throughout the rest of the year, executives added on the company's fourth-quarter earnings call Wednesday. A Honda sign outside of a dealership on November 27, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Honda Motor Co said on Tuesday it was recalling 750,000 vehicles in the United States over a defect involving air bags which could deploy unintentionally during a crash. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors. The recall includes certain Honda Pilot, Accord and Civic vehicles from the 2020-2022 model years, and some Honda CR-V and Passport vehicles from the 2020 and 2021 model years. Honda, in a statement filed with the safety regulator, said it had 3,834 warranty claims, and that there were no reports of injuries or deaths related to the recall issue since June 2020. In a bid to explain how the defect may have originated, Honda told the NHTSA that after a natural disaster impacted the manufacturing plant of a subcontractor, a supplier temporarily changed the base material in the printed circuit board of the seat weight sensor. The alternative material used "could allow additional strain to the printed circuit board", it said. Toyota Motor in December recalled 1.12 million vehicles worldwide because a short circuit in a sensor could cause air bags not to deploy as designed. Also in December, Honda recalled 4.5 million vehicles worldwide over risks of fuel pump failure, which included 2.54 million vehicles in the United States. Izusek | E+ | Getty Images Checking a bag at the airport has gotten pricier for travelers and harder to avoid. A checked bag is one stored in a plane's cargo hold during a flight. While that service was free in years past, it's now standard for major airlines to charge for checked bags, experts said. Major U.S. airlines started doing so in 2008, levying around $15 a bag, said Katy Nastro, travel expert at cheap flight alert platform Going. Today, it's about double: $30 to $35 for one checked bag, Nastro said. That means travelers who check a bag on each leg of a round-trip itinerary can add an extra $60 to $70 to the total cost of their basic fare. Rates generally increase for each additional checked bag. Passengers paid about $6.8 billion in total baggage fees in 2022, the last full year for which data is available, according to the Bureau of Transportation. That's up 17% from roughly $5.8 billion in 2019, even though fewer passengers flew on U.S. carriers in 2022, Bureau of Transportation data shows. More from Personal Finance: 4 big ways to save on your next trip Don't let this passport quirk upend your next vacation 2024 is the 'year of globetrotting,' travel expert says "Unless baggage is included in a higher-class (premium economy, first, business class, etc.) ticket, passengers should expect to pay a fee," Eric Napoli, vice president of legal strategy at AirHelp, which helps passengers file claims for airline compensation, explained in an email. Here's some advice from travel experts on how to reduce those fees, and perhaps avoid them altogether. Fly with certain airlines Daniel Garrido | Moment | Getty Images There are a few airlines that still don't charge for a checked bag. Southwest, for example, is the one outlier in the U.S., experts said. The carrier allows two free checked bags. The "Big Three" Gulf Airlines Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates still offer free baggage, as does Air India, according to Aiden Higgins, senior editor of The Broke Backpacker website. These carriers may have certain restrictions, including for luggage size and weight. Of course, just because they may not charge for bags doesn't mean their fares are cheaper than others when assessing overall cost. They also may not fly routes that work for travelers' itineraries. Combine bags Travel partners may also consider combining suitcases. A family of four may be able to condense four bags into two, potentially cutting checked-bag fees in half, experts said. Unless baggage is included in a higher-class (premium economy, first, business class, etc.) ticket, passengers should expect to pay a fee. Eric Napoli vice president of legal strategy at AirHelp There is one caveat, though. Passengers need to consider airlines' weight requirements for bags and whether consolidating suitcases could trigger additional fees. Skip checking a bag Traveling light only with a personal item and/or carry-on bag, depending on what your airline and fare class permit for free is "the only fool-proof way" to avoid paying a checked-bag fee, Napoli said. Of course, this won't be possible for everyone. But passengers "can sneak quite a bit into the cabin" within airline limits, especially with a well-packed backpack aided by packing cubes combined with a sling bag and/or a tote bag, Higgins said. Passengers with softer, duffel-bag-type luggage that's more pliable may have an easier time meeting carry-on size requirements versus those with a hard case, Nastro said. Consider a fare upgrade Even the major carriers generally charge for carry-ons on basic economy fares, experts said. A higher-tier ticket for a higher cost might include a baggage allowance, in which case passengers may wind up paying the same total price compared to a lower-cost fare while also getting some additional benefits such as the ability to choose a seat or make flight changes, experts said. "If you are using an aggregator like Skyscanner, it can sometimes work out cheaper to go with the 2nd or 3rd most expensive flight if the airline is [also] offering baggage," Higgins said. Travelers should read the fine print to discern what baggage is included in their ticket, which varies from airline to airline and ticket class, Napoli said. Add bags early Whether you're checking a bag or carrying one on for a fee, declaring that early can save you money. For example, a standard passenger flying Spirit Airlines from New York to Los Angeles this week would pay $39 for a carry-on, according to the carrier's price chart. A checked bag is cheaper at $34. But these prices assume passengers add their bags during the initial online booking process. Those who wait to pay until arriving at the gate, for example, would pay $99 for a checked bag or carry-on, the chart indicates. watch now For those who know they'll need to add a bag, "nine times out of 10 it's always cheaper to do it upon booking" instead of deferring until later, Nastro said. Relatively high fees for "add ons" such as bags mean a budget carrier may not be the cheapest option when assessing total cost and value, she said. Buy a luggage scale, lightweight bags Buying and using a luggage scale before traveling can help travelers avoid surprise fees at the airport due to exceeding a weight limit on checked bags. "At least weigh your suitcase before you even book the flight," Higgins said. "Once upon a time, airlines might have turned a blind eye" to additional weight, but not anymore, he said. Travelers can also invest in ultralight luggage, Higgins said. "You can easily save 1 or 2 [kilograms] by buying specially designed ultralight travel gear," he said. However, such bags can be pricey and may not be as durable as sturdier packs, he said. Get a credit card or join a frequent flier program Billionaire investor Leon Cooperman said on Tuesday that he would not vote for President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical November rematch. "We have two candidates running. One's bad, the other one's worse. I don't know who's bad, I don't know who's worse," Cooperman said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." Cooperman, the chair and CEO of the Omega Family office, has mostly backed Republicans in the past, but says he supported Biden in 2020 as a vote against Trump. "I will not vote for Biden again. I think he has lost his step. He has allowed himself to be in the pocket of the progressives, which I think are destructive parties," Cooperman said. Cooperman, who wrote in Mitt Romney's name for president in 2016, has been a longtime critic of Trump and said the former president belonged in jail after he was hit with more than 90 criminal charges. Cooperman was also critical of some of Trump's policies as president and said in 2018 that the trade war he started was dangerous. "The man has no judgment, but he understands the economy," Cooperman said of Trump on Tuesday. Cooperman most recently donated to the presidential campaign of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, according to Federal Election Commission data. He has also donated to the congressional campaigns of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and Republican Sen. Rick Scott in recent years. In the 2016 presidential election cycle, Cooperman gave the individual donor maximum to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's campaign, but he also ended up donating to Hillary Clinton's campaign as Trump ran away with the Republican nomination. Biden's campaign began the year with about $46 million in cash, according to FEC filings, more than the $33 million that Trump's campaign had. Groups affiliated with Biden's campaign also started the year with more money, as Trump's affiliated committees spent almost $50 million last year on lawyers' bills and related legal fees. Despite Biden's strong fundraising numbers, he has struggled in recent polls. His approval rating fell to 37% in a Sunday NBC News poll, the lowest level of his presidency. The poll also found Trump beating Biden 47% to 42% in a hypothetical 2024 rematch. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Customers shop at a supermarket in Qingzhou city, East China's Shandong province on Jan 12, 2024. Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images The rise of online shopping, social media and easier access to factories are driving the growth of new consumer brands in parts of Asia putting pressure on traditional industry giants. Over the last several years, such upstart consumer brands have been gaining market share in China and South Korea, according to a report from Bain and Company released Monday. "The consumer products company of the future is going to need to be constantly reinventing its brand portfolio," said David Zehner, head of consumer practice at Bain. "If you're able to both leverage the advantages that your scale and your incumbent position creates, while also being nimble and agile and responsive to the consumer," he said, "then there is a chance that you can win, even despite the difficult environment, because there are so many insurgents." Bain defines an insurgent brand as a business that generates more than $25 million in annual revenues, has grown more than 10 times in their category's average growth rate over the last five years and is independent or has been bought by a large firm in the last 2 years. watch now Incumbents are leaders in the sector and have a firm position in the market. For example, sponge brand Scrub Daddy is an insurgent brand while its competitor Scotch-Brite is an incumbent one. The company studied 23 consumer product goods categories across 11 Asia-Pacific markets from 2018 to 2022 to find out whether insurgent and incumbent brands were thriving or struggling in the countries surveyed. China and South Korea stood out as markets where insurgent brands were doing particularly well. Incumbent brands only grabbed market share in eight out of 23 sectors in China spirits, bath and shower, skincare, confectionery, sweet biscuits, milk formula, drinking milk products and juice, the Bain report said. In South Korea, incumbent brands dominated just four sectors fragrances, confectionery, diapers and bottled water, the report showed. E-commerce boost China and South Korea's thriving e-commerce scene has made it easier for insurgents to penetrate these highly competitive sectors, Zehner highlighted. Online shopping accounted for 34% of 2022 retail sales in South Korea, and 27% of such sales in China, the report said. "We see a lot of brand launches in a market like China because it's easy to reach consumers. It has become quite tough as an incumbent brand in those categories because you constantly have all of these new competitors," Zehner told CNBC. watch now The country's "insurgent friendly" market is also due to the boom in live streaming, he added, referring to a sales practice where sellers show and talk about products on social media to attract customers. High penetration of e-commerce in Indonesia (26%) and Singapore (13%) also gave insurgent brands a boost. Incumbent ones only grew market share in seven and three sectors, respectively, out of 23 categories in each country, the Bain report said. In contrast, emerging brands remain popular in Malaysia, the Philippines and India due to lower popularity of e-commerce and higher levels of traditional trade. All three developing countries saw e-commerce sales penetration of less than 8% in 2022. Fast-moving consumer trends New consumer preferences, often influenced by social media, are generating demand for brands that can adapt quickly. In South Korea, Zehner pointed out that new brands were able to benefit from trends in which "people change their whole wardrobe every season because what is popular has moved so quickly." "That's in apparel. Same thing goes on in other consumer goods as well," he said. Industry structures are also fragmenting, allowing consumers and small business owners to communicate directly with factories. "There's also this ecosystem of third-party suppliers that allow a brand owner to very quickly outsource any part of its business if it needs to," Zehner said, noting that rather than having to invest heavily upfront, new companies can find partners for every step. By product, Bain found that insurgent hair care and skin care companies were the most popular among consumers, but when it came to confectionary, they preferred established brands. It's also unclear how long new brands can survive in such a competitive environment. "For any one of those insurgents you may become very popular very quickly because of the ability to reach consumers so easily, but then you become a casualty of the next trend," Zehner said. Incumbent brands still hot WASHINGTON A forthcoming rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission on the use of AI in finance is in the crosshairs of two Republican senators, who introduced a bill Tuesday to kill the regulation before it can be finalized. The draft rule unveiled last July would require financial firms to identify and eliminate conflicts of interest that emerge from their use of artificial intelligence tools, and to ensure they are prioritizing their clients' interests over their own bottom lines. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has warned of the danger of letting AI tools make incorrect assumptions about investors, and exercise a bias toward a firm's own products. More than 20 Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate sent Gensler a letter last fall, calling on the SEC to withdraw the rule. They argued that compliance would be so costly that it would essentially bar firms from adopting new any technology, not just AI. The Protecting Innovation in Investment Act was introduced by Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn. It would bar the SEC from moving forward in finalizing the rule. "American consumers will ultimately bear the cost of yet another SEC attempt to overregulate financial markets," said Hagerty in a statement to CNBC. "The agency should demonstrate the ability to securely manage its own technology before seeking to micromanage and hinder innovative technologies at private firms." While there is growing bipartisan consensus on the need for regulations and limits around artificial intelligence, lawmakers have yet to agree on the standards. "New technologies over the last decade have allowed more Americans to access the stock market than ever before," said Cruz. "By waging a war on technology, the SEC would hurt the very investors that it claims to be protecting." The SEC did not respond to a request for comment on the bill from Cruz and Hagerty. In this article 7974.T-JP Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Nintendo has kept players interested in its ageing Switch console series through key games with characters such as Super Mario and Zelda. Charly Triballeau | AFP | Getty Images Nintendo said on Tuesday it now expects to sell 15.5 million of its flagship Switch consoles in its current fiscal year, upping a previous forecast, after it beat market expectations for December quarter profit and revenue. The Japanese gaming giant previously forecast sales of 15 million Switch consoles in the current fiscal year which ends in March. Here's how Nintendo did in its fiscal third quarter, from October to December, versus LSEG estimates: Net sales: 598.6 billion Japanese yen ($4 billion) versus 568.7 billion yen expected Net profit: 136.7 billion Japanese yen versus 130.3 billion yen expected Net sales fell 6% year-on-year while net profit rose 18%. Switch boost The December quarter underscores how Nintendo has managed to extend the life of its near seven-year old Switch console. The Japanese gaming giant has managed to keep momentum up recently thanks to the release of the "Super Mario Bros. Movie" and the flagship Zelda game last year, which boosted interest in the Switch and helped sales of the ageing console. Nintendo said the "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" game, which was released in October, had a "solid start," with sales of 11.96 million units. The Mario movie is also helping sales of older titles such as "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," Nintendo said. In the first quarter of this year, the gaming giant is planning to launch news games based around characters from the Mario world including Donkey Kong and Princess Peach. Nintendo Switch successor in focus BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - FEBRUARY 3: First Minister Michelle O'Neill speaks during proceedings of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont on February 3, 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. LONDON A referendum on Irish reunification could be in the cards within a decade, according to Northern Ireland's first-ever nationalist first minister, who took office at the weekend. Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill was appointed as first minister on Saturday, the first Irish nationalist to hold the office since Northern Ireland was founded as a Protestant-majority state in 1921. The Democratic Unionist Party's Emma Little-Pengelly was appointed deputy first minister. It came after the Northern Ireland Assembly, the country's devolved parliament, reconvened for the first time in two years on Saturday after the U.K. loyalist DUP reached a deal with the British government to end a boycott over post-Brexit trade arrangements. The island to the west of England is divided in two; Northern Ireland is part of the U.K., whereas its neighbor, the Republic of Ireland, is an independent nation and a member of the European Union. Until now, Northern Ireland's first minister has always come from a British unionist party, but Sinn Fein, which advocates for Northern Ireland to rejoin the Republic, won the most seats in the assembly for the first time in 2022. The DUP, Northern Ireland's largest British unionist party, boycotted the assembly in February 2022 in protest over post-Brexit trade rules and refused to return for two years, leaving the country of 1.9 million people without a functioning administration. The deal that secured its return includes a contribution of more than 3 billion ($3.8 billion) from the British government for Northern Ireland's public services. The power-sharing rules of the assembly, enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement a landmark 1998 peace deal that brought an end to three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland mean that the executive, which runs the country, must include both unionist and nationalist representatives. The logo of U.S. software company Palantir Technologies is seen in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, 2020. Shares of Palantir closed up more than 30% Tuesday, a day after the company released fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed analysts' expectations for revenue and showed strong demand for its artificial intelligence offerings. Palantir, known for its defense and intelligence work with the U.S. government, reported that revenue in the quarter increased 20% to $608.4 million, up from the $602.4 million expected by Wall Street. Palantir said it expects to report between $612 million and $616 million in revenue during its first quarter, shy of the $617 million analysts were anticipating. In a letter to shareholders, CEO Alex Karp said demand for large language models in the U.S. "continues to be unrelenting." Palantir has been scaling its Artificial Intelligence Platform, or AIP, and Karp said the company carried out nearly 600 pilots with the technology last year. Analysts at Citi upgraded Palantir shares to neutral from sell and raised their target price from $10 to $20. They said Palantir delivered a "stronger-than-expected" fourth quarter driven by "breakthrough momentum" in the company's commercial unit, but they still have some reservations about its conservative full-year guidance for its non-U.S. commercial sectors. "We see these risks balanced by potential call options on new AI Monetization (AIP) and improving U.S. Government contracts into 2024," the analysts wrote in a note Tuesday. A restaurant advertises the use of the Paytm digital payment system in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, July 17, 2021. India's digital payments app Paytm rose as much as 8% on Tuesday, rebounding from a heavy selloff that wiped off about $2.5 billion in market value in the last three sessions. It comes after Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Jio Financial Services denied media reports it was buying Paytm's wallet business. Paytm also dismissed the reports as "speculative, baseless and factually incorrect." Shares of Paytm, listed as One 97 Communications on India's National Stock Exchange, lost $2.47 billion in market value amid the heavy selloff. The company had a market cap of $3.35 billion as of Monday's close, according to LSEG data. Paytm shares fell to record low territory on Monday, ending 10% lower, after losing 20% each day on Thursday and Friday. On Tuesday, the stock rose as much as 8% before paring back gains. The market rout came after the Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday ordered Paytm Payments Bank to stop accepting fresh deposits in its accounts or its digital wallet from March. Hindustan Times reported Monday that Jio Financial, owned by Ambani's conglomerate Reliance, would acquire Paytm's wallet business. The report sent shares of Jio Financial up as much as 16.5% on an intraday basis yesterday. Jio Financial issued a statement to the exchange late Monday to confirm it was not in talks to buy Paytm's digital wallet business. "We clarify that the news item is speculative and we have not been in any negotiations in this regard," the company said. Paytm added: "We have not been in any negotiations in this regard." Shares of Jio Financial were 4.4% lower on Tuesday. Clarence Thomas, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, listens during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images WASHINGTON Billionaire real estate executive Harlan Crow's super yacht was registered with U.S. and British maritime authorities as a pleasure vessel -- and not commercial -- during years when Crow also reported to the IRS that the mega yacht was a money-losing business venture, documents obtained by CNBC reveal. How Crow uses his 160 foot yacht has drawn the attention of Senate Finance Committee investigators, who are probing Crow's financial and personal ties to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Thomas and his wife Ginni Thomas have taken several cruises aboard the ship, the Michaela Rose, including trips around Indonesia and New Zealand. Thomas did not report the lavish trips as gifts on his government disclosure forms, saying he considered them to be personal travel with friends. On Tuesday, Senate Finance Committee chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a 12-page letter to Crow's attorney, detailing new evidence that he said, "raises serious concerns regarding the tax treatment of Mr. Crow's luxury assets, including tax deductions related to the personal recreational use of his superyacht for his benefit and that of his wealthy and powerful friends." Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) speaks during a news conference after the first Democratic luncheon meeting since COVID-19 restrictions went into effect on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 13, 2021. Erin Scott | Reuters Tax records obtained by ProPublica show that the Crow family took millions of dollars worth of business tax deductions on the yacht between 2003 and 2015, through a company they reported to the IRS as an active yacht chartering business. Rochelle Charter, Inc., which was formed by the Crow family to lease out the yacht, reported tax-deductible business losses in 10 of the 13 years for which ProPublic has records. In order for business losses to be deducted from federal income taxes, a company must be engaged in an actual business with paying customers. In his letter to Crow, Wyden wrote, "I fail to see how it is appropriate for a taxpayer to assert to the Internal Revenue Service that a superyacht with registrations indicating it is not engaged in trade can generate losses from purported for-profit yacht charter services." Asked by CNBC Monday to comment on the deductions, including whether there is evidence that the Michaela Rose has ever chartered the yacht or registered it as a commercial vessel, a spokesman for the office of Harlan Crow responded with a statement. "Mr. Crow engages professional accounting firms to prepare his tax returns and complies with tax law in good faith. Any suggestion to the contrary is baseless and defamatory," said the spokesman. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) arrives at the U.S. Capitol as Congress has less than two weeks to negotiate a deal to avert the start of a partial government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 8, 2024. In a striking turn of events, Senate Republicans threatened Monday to block a major, bipartisan border security and asylum restrictions package, just one day after their chief negotiator signed off on it. GOP senators left a special closed-door meeting in the evening predicting that their party would not provide enough votes to move forward with the package on Wednesday, saying the senators agreed they need more time to discuss changes to the bill in the form of amendments. "I would anticipate Wednesday the cloture vote does not pass," Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., the lead GOP negotiator in the border talks, told reporters after the meeting. "People are saying, 'Hey, I need a lot more time to be able to go through this.'" The Republican uneasiness could be devastating to the package, which House Republican leaders have already said is "dead on arrival" in the lower chamber. Proponents hoped that strong, bipartisan support in the Senate could force the House's hand. The turnaround comes as Donald Trump demands that Republicans sink the agreement, which they struck with Democrats and is now backed by President Joe Biden, as the likely 2024 Republican nominee seeks to wield immigration as a political weapon in the fall election. Trump tore into the bill on social media, calling it "nothing more than a highly sophisticated trap for Republicans to assume the blame on what the Radical Left Democrats have done to our Border, just in time for our most important EVER Election." Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters that Republicans worry there "hasn't been adequate time" to process the bill yet. "I think it's fair to say everybody thinks that voting Wednesday is voting too soon," he said. The 370-page bill, finalized and released on Sunday, was crafted with the input of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who advocated for it on the Senate floor Monday, warning of crises at the southern border and internationally. In addition to new border provisions, the package includes aid money for Ukraine and Israel. "It's now time for Congress to take action on supplemental national security legislation that finally meets those challenges head-on," he said. But just hours later, when Senate Republicans met behind closed doors and opposition continued to grow, McConnell one of the staunchest GOP proponents of Ukraine aid in Congress gave his members the green light to oppose Wednesday's procedural vote. McConnell told Republicans that if they have reasons to vote against the bill, they could, given that talks on amendments and how to proceed are ongoing, said a source familiar with the meeting. Democrats were stunned to see Republicans abandon the pact. "Just gobsmacked. I've never seen anything like it," said Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, a member of Democratic leadership. "They literally demanded specific policy, got it, and then killed it." PUNTLAND, SOMALIA - JANUARY 29: Puntland Maritime Police Forces (PMPF) are patrolling against the recently increasing pirate attacks off the coast in Puntland, Somalia on January 29, 2024. (Photo by Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images) Somali pirates are back on the attack, with piracy around the Horn of Africa rising sharply in recent months and adding to concerns for shipping vessels, government forces and private security already locked in a battle in the Red Sea with Houthi rebels. Over the past three months, there has been more piracy in the Horn of Africa region than at any point in the last six years, according to Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), an independent think tank, with high ransoms for seafarers or vessels, and robbing of ship passengers by pirates. Piracy off the coast of Somalia had been on the decline in recent years after peaking in 2011 when Somali pirates launched 212 attacks. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed seven resolutions targeting Somalia piracy between December 2010 and March 2022, permitting foreign naval and air forces to enter and patrol Somali waters and authorizing the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta, working with a U.S.-led task force, to use "all necessary means to repress piracy and armed robbery at sea." The cost of piracy to the global economy is a steep one. A 2013 World Bank study, still widelt cited today, estimated that piracy cost the global economy around $18 billion annually. According to the UNSC, the anti-piracy measures in place to enforce the freedom of navigation off the coast of Somalia expired quietly after its last renewal for three months after December 3, 2021. Since last November, merchant vessels have been the target of about 20% of Somali piracy-related incidents, according to Dan Mueller, lead analyst for the Middle Eastern Region for maritime security firm Ambrey. On December 14, The International Chamber of Shipping reported the hijacking of a Handymax bulk carrier, the first successful hijacking of a vessel off the coast of Somalia since 2017. The pirates have also been attacking fishing vessels, mostly Iranian, as well as many other small boats such as skiffs. Ocean piracy is rising across the world Data from 2023 shows that by many key measures, piracy is on the rise in key global shipping lanes. There were 120 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships reported in 2023, compared to 115 in 2022, according to the annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report of the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). The IMB also found increased threats to crew safety, with the number of crews taken hostage rising from 41 to 73 in 2023, and crews kidnapped from two to 14. A spokesperson for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which represents the seafarer spokesperson stressed to CNBC in an email, "The entire world depends on international shipping and seafarers, and therefore ships and cargoes should not be the subject of any type of attacks. The safety of seafarers are paramount - they are innocent victims who are simply doing their jobs in very harsh conditions." The U.S Mission to the UN said in a statement to CNBC that the UN Security Council is not currently engaged in piracy off the coast of Somalia. However, a spokeswoman wrote that United States remains committed to strengthening the skills of partners to disrupt arms smuggling and associated maritime crimes in the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden, and with U.S. government funding, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime implemented a roughly $4 million project to improve investigations of maritime-based crimes in East and Southern Africa through training and mentorship. The IMO said it is working very closely with countries in the region through the Djibouti Code of Conduct to address piracy and avoid any escalation, through capacity-building, national legislation, information sharing and regional coordination. "We are also looking the possibility of updating the IMO guidance on piracy to take into account new threats and technologies that can affect the safety of seafarers," said a spokesperson. Toyota Motor is investing $1.3 billion in a Kentucky plant to produce a new all-electric, three-row SUV for the U.S. market, the company said Tuesday. The vehicle is expected to go into production between late 2025 and early 2026, according to a company spokeswoman. It is part of previously announced plans by the Japanese automaker to invest $35 billion in battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, through 2030. A company spokesperson declined to provide additional details for the upcoming vehicle, which will likely compete with current vehicles such as the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9. The announcement comes as consumer adoption for EVs has been slower than many expected, causing some automakers to delay or cut investment plans for all-electric vehicles. Toyota, the worlds largest automaker, is among the most prominent automakers to say that while EVs are a solution to reach carbon neutrality, they're not the only one. The automaker continues to invest in hybrids, plug-in hybrid vehicles and other technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: Donald Trump is not immune from criminal prosecution for efforts to reverse his loss in the 2020 presidential election, a federal appeals court said in a unanimous ruling Tuesday. A three-judge appeals panel flatly rejected Trump's argument that he could not be charged in the case because he was president at the time of the alleged crimes. "We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter," said the panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. "For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant," the panel wrote in a 57-page opinion. "But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution." The ruling is the latest major legal loss for Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. He is expected to quickly ask the Supreme Court to overturn the decision or ask the appeals court's entire judicial lineup to rehear the case. But the new ruling, which upheld a decision by the district court judge overseeing the case, increases the chances that Trump will stand trial before November's election. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung decried the decision, claiming that without "complete" presidential immunity, "every future President who leaves office will be immediately indicted by the opposing party." Smith's prosecution "violates the Constitution and threatens the bedrock of our Republic," Cheung said in a statement. "President Trump respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuit's decision and will appeal it in order to safeguard the Presidency and the Constitution." Trump's immunity claim stems from the criminal election interference case being prosecuted in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., by Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith. Smith charged Trump with four counts related to attempts by him and alleged co-conspirators to overturn his electoral defeat by President Joe Biden in 2020. Those efforts culminated on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting for hours a joint session of Congress meeting to confirm Biden's victory. Trump had urged a crowd at a rally beforehand to march to the Capitol, and had pressured his vice president, Mike Pence, to refuse to accept Electoral College results at the joint session. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case. Trump's lawyers had made three arguments to the appeals panel in claiming presidential immunity from the charges. They said federal courts lack the authority to review a president's official acts because of the Constitution's separation of powers doctrine, and argued that policy considerations rooted in that doctrine required immunity to avoid affecting executive branch functions. They also argued that "the Constitution's Impeachment Judgment Clause 'does not permit the criminal prosecution of a former President in the absence of the Congress impeaching and convicting him,' " the appeals panels noted. But the panel rejected all three of those arguments "both as a categorical defense to federal criminal prosecutions of former Presidents and as applied to this case in particular." Allen Howard Weisselberg, the former Trump Organization CFO, appears for sentencing for tax fraud scheme in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 10, 2023. The New York judge set to deliver a verdict in the civil business fraud trial of Donald Trump has ordered attorneys in the case to give him details about possible perjury by former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg. Judge Arthur Engoron, in an email to the attorneys made public Tuesday, said that if Weisselberg had lied in one aspect of his testimony, the judge might disregard anything Weisselberg has said on the witness stand or to investigators. Engoron flagged a New York Times report last week that said Weisselberg is negotiating a deal with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office that would require him to plead guilty to perjury. That report, which cited people with knowledge of the matter, said that Weisselberg would have to admit that he lied during his testimony at Trump's fraud trial in Manhattan Supreme Court. Weisselberg, 76, would also have to say he lied under oath during an interview with the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, the Times reported. James' civil lawsuit, which is the basis for the trial, accuses Trump, his two adult sons, the Trump Organization and top executives, including Weisselberg, of fraudulently inflating Trump's net worth on years of financial documents to get more favorable loan terms and tax breaks. Engoron has already ruled that the co-defendants are liable for fraud. The trial was conducted to determine penalties and resolve other claims of wrongdoing in James' suit. Weisselberg last year spent three months at New York's notorious Rikers Island jail after pleading guilty to tax fraud in a criminal case related to his work at the Trump Organization. After his October testimony in the AG's civil fraud trial, Forbes magazine accused Weisselberg of lying under oath when he suggested he had not paid attention to the valuation of Trump's penthouse apartment. Engoron in his email Monday wrote, "As the presiding magistrate, the trier of fact, and the judge of credibility, I of course want to know whether Mr. Weisselberg is now changing his tune, and whether he is admitting he lied under oath in my courtroom at this trial." TSMC displayed on a phone screen and microchip and are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on July 19, 2023 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. on Tuesday said it will open a second manufacturing plant in Japan with backing from technology giant Sony and automaker Toyota . Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc., the manufacturing operation majority-owned by TSMC, will begin building the new factory this year and aims to bring it into operation by the end of 2027. TSMC said the overall investment in JASM, factoring in a first facility that is set to begin operation this year, will exceed $20 billion. The figure includes the contributions of other venture partners. Nadezhdin, a former Russian lawmaker and outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine, submitted 105,000 signatures to the CEC last week that were in support of his candidacy. The supporters of anti-war presidential election hopeful Boris Nadezhdin said a working group from the Russian Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has recommended that Nadezhdin's candidacy for the Russian election be rejected because of signature defects on his nomination papers. Boris Nadezhdin, a representative of Civil Initiative political party who plans to run for Russian president in the March 2024 election, talks to journalists as he visits an office of the Central Election Commission to submit documents and signatures in support of his candidacy, in Moscow, Russia January 31, 2024. His campaign said the signatures were carefully chosen to avoid the possibility that the CEC would reject a significant proportion of them, meaning that he would be barred from running in the March vote. But according to Nadezhdin's campaign, the CEC concluded in a meeting held Monday that 15.4% of Nadezhdin's signatures are defective and, therefore, have recommended Nadezhdin should not be included on the ballot, NBC News reported. Nadezhdin's campaign say they will challenge the CEC working group's findings during a full meeting of the Electoral Commission on Wednesday Feb. 7. NBC has reached out to the CEC for comment. Nadezhdin's spokesman Pavel Burlakov said "we do not agree with the decision of the working group. The whole world saw that we honestly collected signatures. The campaign team is ready to prove the unfoundedness of the working group's decision." Political analysts said that in Russia's tightly controlled and orchestrated "democracy," it was extremely unlikely that the Kremlin would let Nadezhdin stand in the election and risk him garnering a lot of votes, a scenario that the Kremlin would like to avoid at all costs. For its part, the Kremlin told CNBC last week that it was "not inclined to exaggerate the level of support for Mr. Nadezhdin." Holly Ellyatt Vita Coco started with a leap of faith, a $75,000 investment and "several" maxed-out credit cards. Today, the bestselling coconut water company is worth $1.1 billion. But it wasn't born out of a Silicon Valley startup lab. Rather, co-founders Michael Kirban and Ira Liran first thought about going into the coconut water business after a chance meeting in a Manhattan bar on a cold night in 2003, when two Brazilian women told them the beverage was what they missed most about their homeland. Liran ended up falling in love with one of those women, and moving to Brazil. When Kirban visited them, he realized just how popular coconut water which has a salty-sweet taste and high levels of hydrating electrolytes was in the Southern Hemisphere, especially compared to the U.S. The two friends decided to jump on what they saw as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "People in Brazil were drinking it for everything," Kirban, 48, tells CNBC Make It. "They were drinking it at the breakfast table. They were drinking it on the beach. They were drinking it after a workout ... We're like, 'There's got to be a consumer in the U.S.'" Liran and Kirban struck a deal with a supplier in Brazil to produce their first shipment, for $75,000. They paid mostly with Kirban's money, which he'd obtained by founding and running a real estate software business after dropping out of college. That software business still exists, and Kirban still helps run it on the side, he says. The shipment got held up at the border by U.S. officials. The co-founders hadn't realized they needed to register it with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which meant they had to divert it to the Bahamas, where Kirban says he "sold it door to door" at bars, grocery stores and even "people's homes." It was only the beginning of Vita Coco's long journey to financial success, with more stumbling blocks along the way. The Nikkei 225 index , one of Japan's most important stock market benchmarks, could surge more than 50% over the next two years, according to Tokyo-based advisor Jasper Koll. Koll, a director at stockbroker Monex, who's known as a Japan bull, cited strong domestic momentum, industrial consolidation, and improving corporate performance as reasons for his optimism "It's not weird to forecast that the Nikkei will be at 50,000-55,000 in a couple of years," Koll told CNBC's Street Signs Asia Monday. The Nikkei 225 currently stands at just over 36,000 points, meaning Koll's target represents a potential upside of around 50% in the next two years. Can stocks go up by 50%? While some may view Koll's forecast as ambitious, he insists the ingredients are in place to fuel these gains. "All that you need is about 35% earnings growth over two years, which is perfectly possible," explained Koll, on top of a "little" expansion in valuation multiples for stocks to achieve his price target. Koll, who was previously chief economist and head of equity research at JP Morgan Japan, believes the top 50 companies in the world's third-largest economy can realistically deliver this level of profit growth. In addition, rising real estate values will also provide a "kicker" by boosting Japanese financial companies, Koll said. When real estate values rise, financial companies benefit because higher property prices lead to greater collateral value for mortgages and loans issued by banks and other lenders. This, in theory, allows Japanese financial institutions to lend more money while facing reduced credit risk. So far this year, the Nikkei 225 is already up around 8% and over the past 12 months, it has surged over 30%. For comparison, the S & P 500 is up around 3.6% this year so far, and around 20% ov e r the last 12 months. .N225 1Y line Koll noted that many global investors are increasingly bullish on Japan. Legendary investor Warren Buffett added a spark to Tokyo-listed stocks last year when he visited Japan to announce that Berkshire Hathaway was raising its stake in Japanese trading houses . Berkshire has since further increased its investment in the country. Not everyone is on board, however, with domestic retail investors slower to buy into this growth story. Koll estimates that the vast majority of Japanese retail investors choose to buy U.S. or other overseas funds, rather than domestic equities. But he expects this trend to reverse. "The value proposition is here. As it becomes clear that there's actually a growth component to the Japanese market with the new generation of CEOs investing in new factories, consolidating the industries... that's where the story begins to bear fruit," said Koll. How to invest in Japan? For global investors wanting exposure to Koll's bullish outlook, several Japan exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are easily accessible. German and Swiss investors can buy the iShares Nikkei 225 UCITS ETF through their local stockbroker. Similarly, Korean investors can access the KIM ACE Japan Nikkei225 ETF. Hong Kong investors have the CSOP Nikkei 225 Index ETF available. U.S. investors have the Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF available, which neutralizes any currency exposure. This ETF tracks the MSCI Japan index, which is a different index from the Nikkei 225 but holds about 70% of the same stocks. European, UAE, and Singapore-based investors can access the MSCI Japan index through the iShares MSCI Japan UCITS ETF. 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. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and the skills that technologists use in their work are advancing just as fast. For example, a third of the skills data scientists were using five years ago are now obsolete, and those skills have been replaced by newer and different skills, said Fiona Mark, principal analyst at Forrester Research. Such rapid advances in technology are only exacerbating the ongoing tech talent shortage. Despite a surge in tech industry layoffs in recent years, workers with key technical skills are still in demand, and turnover in tech roles remains high, said Susan Vroman, senior lecturer, management at Bentley University. Thats why, instead of focusing solely on hiring new workers, more and more organizations are prioritizing expanding the technical skills of their existing employees, a practice known as upskilling. Employers have to upskill their employees so they can do the work that needs to be done and ensure their organizations can adapt to all these changes in technology, said Mark. Upskilling benefits both employee and employer Learning new skills helps tech employees build expertise, improves their job satisfaction, and increases their earning potential and future career opportunities, said Julie Schweber, a senior HR knowledge advisor at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Thomas Vick, senior regional director at recruitment firm Robert Half, agreed. Employees who learn new skills and new technologies will become more marketable to other departments within their organizations, he added. Theyll also become marketable to other organizations in the event they decide to change jobs. For employers, upskilling reduces the costs of hiring new workers who have the skills they need. These savings more than offset the costs of upskilling existing employees, according to the 2020 "Rethinking the Build vs. Buy Approach to Talent" report from consulting firm Whiteboard Advisors. Research suggests that the cost of recruiting a mid-career software engineer (who earns $150,000-200,000 per year) can be $30,000 or more including recruitment fees, advertising, and recruiting technology expense, the report stated. This new hire also requires onboarding and has a potential turnover of two to three times higher than an internal recruit. By contrast, the cost to train and reskill an internal employee may be $20,000 or less, saving as much as $116,000 per person over three years. In addition, organizations that upskill their workers demonstrate their commitment to improving the employee experience. Learning new skills can boost employee satisfaction, engagement, and performance, factors that are crucial to the future success of an organization. And it demonstrates to workers that the company supports and cares for them enough to invest in their professional development, Schweber said. Whats more, enhancing employee tech skills enables organizations to adapt rapidly to change, stay competitive, and remain relevant in an ever-evolving business landscape, Schweber added. Building a more technically skilled workforce increases productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. But how exactly do enterprises go about upskilling their technical employees? Instill a learning culture Megan Dixon is vice president of data science at Assurance IQ, a firm that helps consumers find and choose insurance plans. She heads the data science department, which works with cross-functional teams building data science products into the companys platform. Dixons team is constantly working to improve the data and analytics capabilities of the entire technology department, she said. Doing so ensures that all the tech employees can use the power of data to make good business decisions. We believe that analytical thinking and being able to leverage data for decision making is a skill for everybody technical and non-technical employees, Dixon said. We really have a learning culture. To that end, Assurance has launched the Assurance Analytics Academy, which provides online training courses and modules to help both technical and non-technical employees learn about analytics on their own. We want them to get a better understanding of how to use data in their decision making, she said. Assurance started out with foundational learning, sort of like analytics 101, Dixon said. This helps employees uncover and understand the business metrics that the company really cares about. The goal is to enable employees to determine how to tie the work that theyre doing to the specific outcomes of the business. Dixon said shes seen more employees using data to drive decision-making since the company launched the Analytics Academy. Weve been hosting data science office hours for several years now, and since the training, questions evolved from basic like how do I do X? to more advanced. [Now] when we need to solve a problem, employees tend to look for root causes in the data before jumping to solutions, she said. Were working on adding more specialized tracks for more specific areas so that employees can really figure that out for the area of the company that theyre focused in, she added. As part of their digital transformations, many organizations create a set of courses that they might call an academy or university, said Forresters Mark. Its creating a curriculum around particular training programs that support the development of a range of skills that are aligned to organizational objectives, she said. Some companies may partner with third parties to develop these programs. However, just providing these courses isnt enough. Its important to create a supportive environment so employees can take the time to acquire and apply those new skills in their work, Mark said. Develop a strategic plan Above all else, every employer should have a strategic plan in place that details the organizations goals and ensure that those goals are conveyed to the employees, said Vroman at Bentley University. Organizations need to figure out where they hope to take the business and then do a skills gap analysis, she said. In other words, they must identify the technical skills that their workforces have now and what skills the organizations will need in the future. By identifying those gaps, you can see what technical skills you need to have people doing and where you need to develop people, she said. Then you can go back and ask your employees if theyre interested in learning about the skills you need to have. Companies should determine what skills they need from a business perspective as well as what employees want or value in upskilling, said SHRMs Schweber. Some employers might survey their staffs to get specific input from employees, she added. Employers should explore all upskilling options, including skilled credentials, certificates, certifications, degrees, and online training, she said. In addition to outlining company goals and specific plans around employee skills development, an organizations upskilling policy should clearly define what training the employer will pay for and other ways the employee will be supported while acquiring new skills. For example, employers need to support any potential time off that employees may need to pursue upskilling, Schweber said. Organizations should share these policies with their employees throughout the year, including during onboarding, performance reviews, benefits communications, and annual enrollment meetings, she said. Employees must be aware of any upskilling or professional development opportunities that a company supports, she said. Make sure supervisors are aware of the companys professional upskilling opportunities and can talk about it with their teams. Support both internal and external upskilling Offering courses internally is strongly encouraged, said Vick at Robert Half. The more you can offer internally enables you to get a better understanding of what your employees are learning, he said. Then youre able to tailor those courses to what it is youre looking for the employees to learn. So you have more control from that perspective. However, organizations should also be open to and support external upskilling, Vick said. That could mean reimbursing employees for going out and learning new skills, as well as supporting flexible schedules so that they can go to classes, conferences, or other trainings to learn these additional skills, he said. This advice also applies to organizations looking to upskill their non-technical employees who want to move into technical roles. Organizations should explore programs with local community colleges, tech schools, and colleges/universities in the area that are likely to have introductory classes for non-technical staff interested in pursuing technical roles in the future, SHRMs Schweber said. Pair the learner with an experienced employee The theoretical learning thats found in online learning courses needs to be augmented with some social or relationship learning, such as teaming up the learner with a mentor, where people can learn together and from each other. In addition, companies should ensure that the employee learning a particular skill is paired with and working side by side with someone who is proficient in that skill, said Graham Waller, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. For example, the learner and the experienced employee could sit side by side coding in person or virtually, so the learner can learn by doing, he said. Weve found that the combination of theoretical learning, social learning, and experiential learning is really critical. Dont overlook non-technical employees Even non-technical employees who have the opportunity to learn tech skills and apply those skills in their work will be able to do their day-to-day jobs more efficiently, said Assurance IQs Dixon. And as tech employees increase their skills and take on more advanced roles in the organization, entry-level technical roles will open up. Upskilling non-technical employees so they might move into those roles is a smart move. There are technical roles that non-technical employees can learn and that they can be performing for your organization, said Bentley Universitys Vroman. And theyll probably be thrilled for the opportunity to learn some new skills. So ask your non-tech employees if theyre interested in growing into a technical role. They may flourish. And if they do, then theyll be an asset for you. Plus, theyll have loyalty to the organization for giving them that start. The New York Attorney Generals decision to sue Citibank last week for failing to reimburse customers who'd been victimized by fraud raised some interesting issues for business that go beyond just Citibank. Specificially, when should a customer be reimbursed for fraud and at what point do the customers own actions come into play? To be clear, financial institutions have been routinely refusing to reimburse customers who have done nothing wrong. The far trickier issue is when the customer does indeed do something wrong. Consider three scenarios: A customer gets a phone call supposedly from the financial institution; the caller says they're investigating a fraud and asks the customer to reveal their confirmation code (almost always an unencrypted SMS text, which no business should be doing, but I digress). Contrary to the we will never ask you for your password line, many enterprises will absolutely ask a customer to reveal that code to verify the customer is who they claim to be. Therefore, its not an unusual request. The customer is standing at an ATM about to make a withdrawal when someone stands next to them, points a gun at their head and says Give me $5,000 or I will kill you. The customer is conned by a relative who says he needs money for an operation. The person takes the money out of their account and hands it over to the relative. All three are frauds against that customer. Is the financial institution required to return the funds under scenario 3? What about scenario 2? Many financial institutions say that if the customer did not strictly follow the rules, they are under no obligation to reimburse. But what if the customer in scenario one truly believed the caller was from their bank? Should that play a role in the reimbursement decision? This kind of fraud reimbursement decision could affect all enterprises. If a utility or a retailer or a hotel or a car dealer has customers who are ripped off due to fraudsters, where does the reimbursement obligation start and end? The New York case points out that financial institutions are using obscure and outdated rules about wire transfers to avoid customer remibursements. (Those wire rules were written long before mobile and online money transfers became common.) Citi does not apply the EFTA (the Electronic Funds Transfer Act of 1978) to its own unauthorized EFTs initiated electronically by scammers, citing a narrow but inapplicable exclusion for bank-to-bank wires, the AGs legal filing said. Citi also does not apply its most robust verification procedures to Payment Orders received within minutes of rejected Payment Orders involving the same accounts. At times, Citi cancels fraudulent Payment Orders after it is unable to verify those orders directly either because Citi is unable to contact consumers directly or because scammers provide inaccurate information when contacted. "Yet when scammers submit new Payment Orders minutes later using the same accounts for the same amounts, no heightened scrutiny is applied. To the contrary, at times Citi employs weaker verification procedures to the subsequent fraudulent Payment Orders. More importantly, the filing said that Citi does not engage in meaningful investigations when a fraud is reported. And it does not lock accounts to end the fraud when it learns of an attack. Instead, it makes customers come into local branches, which gives the attackers plenty of time to steal more money and move the funds out of the reach of law enforcement. Linda Miller, the former principal at Grant Thornton and currently the CEO of The Audient Group, said banks have not been getting held accountable in any meaningful way. They are not incentivized to take fraud seriously. The proper way to fix this is to change federal law to make it clear that the banks are responsible for their customers getting defrauded. But Miller said that's highly unlikely. The banks arent too worried about these laws changing, because they have a very powerful lobbying group, Miller said. The full New York state filing (which I would encourage everyone to read) makes a tactical error, in my view. It talks about reimbursement, but then also explores the specific cybersecurity mechanisms Citi uses and the ones it's not using. Although its relevant, this also allows Citi to make this all about the protections it uses. Then it can talk at length about about the defenses in use. That is a distraction, not an answer. New Yorks sole focus should be on forcing financial institutions to reimburse customers fully for fraud. In other words, if the state focuses on demanding better protection, financial institutions are likely to do the minimum they can get away with. If the state focuses on forcing full reimbursement for all fraud, banks and institutions will see cybersecurity as a way to reduce losses. Then they're more likely to take appropriate measures. This brings us back to the real question: When should a business reimburse for fraud? If a customer deliberately and intentionally withdraws money to give to a worthless effort or a tricky charlatan, is the institution responsible? What about when they truly believe they were talking with a bank representative? Lets flip this around. Financial institutions do have a legitimate fear. They worry that if all fraud has to be reimbursed, it will encourage so-called fake fraud. That's where a customer, for instance, could get a friend to transfer the customers money to an overseas bank account then the customer claims fraud and demands reimbursement. That way, customers can double their money. There is an easy fix. Financial institutions should indeed reimburse all fraud. Then they do an investigation and if they believe the fraud is bogus, report the customer to law enforcement and let the authorities deal with it. This answers the banks question Why wouldnt customers pretend that a transfer was fraudulent? The answer would be: Because they dont want to go to prison. The institutions have a strong incentive to determine whether a fraud case is bogus. The police, along with the DAs or prosecutors who have to try the case, have much less incentive to wrongly find a fraud complaint to be a lie. They need to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury or a judge. Thats how this should be handled. Alternatively, institutions could simply conduct real investigations, instantly lock accounts at the first hint of fraud, and deploy more effective mechanisms to detect and block suspicious activities. There is an easy model for this: payment card systems (both credit cards and debit cards). The banks that handle these cards for the card brands (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc.) do a terrific point of instantly detecting likely fraudulent activity. Why cant their counterparts handling business and consumer accounts do the same? The Choose Your Own Adventure books were a staple of most of our childhoods. Without them, we may have had to pay attention in class and eventually get well-paying but boring jobs as accountants or something. We remember the books as quick, fun, simple reads ... but much like Alf and Fun Dip, revisiting them as an adult leads to some bizarre and unsettling discoveries. If you want to read about the weirdest CYOA books, scroll to entry #7. If you don't want to read about the weirdest CYOA books, just sit there quietly and think about math, nerd. 7 You Are a Shark Who Devours the Alternate Universe Versions of Itself (It's, Uh ... Complicated) Bantam Books The story opens with our hero hiking alone in the remote mountains of Nepal, an endeavor which, based on the illustrations, he has elected to tackle in a short-sleeve shirt and loafers. Somehow you manage to make it to an ancient temple, then you suddenly lose consciousness and "feel your life slowly slipping away." That's all on the first page, by the way. The rest of the book consists of you inhabiting the bodies of various animals until the temple decides you've learned your lesson and removes the curse that it placed on you because you were arrogant enough to tackle the Himalayas in business casual. All of the CYOA books were great at creative deaths. They were the Jigsaw Killer of children in the '80s and '90s. But this book took it to another level, with descriptions of your flesh being greedily devoured by killer whales, lions, and sharks. In one ending, you become a pig being raised for its meat. The book is careful to point out that you retain enough human awareness to know of your eventual fate as stacks and stacks of BLTs. Bantam Books "Which won't be easy, since the thought of you sizzling on the griddle makes you so, so hungry." Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most unsettling are the shark and octopus storylines: The octopus path ends when a shark doesn't fall for your ink-spewing trick, and it finds your calamari body delicious. Alternately, while inhabiting a shark's body, you can eat an octopus who ineffectively tries to use ink to escape. Are ... are you eating yourself? Yes, you're almost certainly eating yourself. That's some serious multiverse-level mind-screwing for a book aimed at 10-year-olds. Bantam Books Even the shark is kind of fucked up about the whole thing. Advertisement 6 Inside UFO 54-40 -- A Hidden Ending You Can Find Only by Cheating Bantam Books Advertisement Advertisement The rules of Choose Your Own Adventure were pretty straightforward: You, as the second-person protagonist of the story, made choices to guide the plot. Making the right choices led you to the best ending, while making the wrong ones led you to one of myriad horrible and agonizing deaths. Sounds fair, if a bit Dante-esque for a children's book, right? Inside UFO 54-40 does not do "fair." The story begins when you're abducted from a jetliner by alien creatures who want to cage you in their galactic zoo, but for some reason you're allowed to freely roam the halls of their dongship, the Rakma. Take the wrong path, and you might be sent to "SOMA," a sort of solitary confinement that murders you via prolonged depression. Bantam Books Even Major Tom thanks the stars he isn't you. Advertisement Or get split in half by a transdimensional portal ... Bantam Books It's like we suspected all along: running sucks. Advertisement While the "right" paths allow you to do things like hijack the ship and accidentally crash it into Nebraska, taking those alien bastards straight to Hell with you. Bantam Books "The aliens posthumously brand you a terrorist and install invasive body scanners in all their spaceports to prevent this tragedy from occurring again. THE END." Advertisement You can even escape to be reunited with your parents on Earth, and most of us thought that was the best ending. But all through the book, you're told about a planet called Ultima that's supposed to be some sort of paradise, yet no matter what choices you make, or how many times you cheat back to your finger-place, you just can't get there. That's because, as we mentioned before, Inside UFO 54-40 doesn't play fair. Ultima is in the book, on page 101, but the author included no choice whatsoever that tells you to turn to that page. The only way to find Ultima is to randomly flip through all the pages of the book, otherwise known as breaking the one and only rule of Choose Your Own Adventure. Bantam Books "So it's like using Apple Maps to go anywhere, then." Advertisement Advertisement So there you go, kids: If you want to truly win in life, you have to ignore all the rules and cheat your way to victory. Then attribute your success to a higher power! Seems to work for the Patriots. Bantam Books "Thoughts of your life before Ultima leave you feeling deflated." 5 Hostage! -- You Willingly Become a Terrorist Bantam Books Advertisement Advertisement In Hostage! a vicious drug cartel led by "Marcos" invades Washington, D.C., takes your class hostage, and herds you all into the Biological Research Center -- a place where the deadliest viruses in the world are studied within walking distance of the White House -- in an elaborate plan to steal an apocalyptic virus. And somehow all of this is not capped off by "... next time on Homeland." Once captured, you have two main options: You can give the terrorists your limited cooperation, while really sneaking information to the president so that Army Rangers can storm the institute, shoot the bad guys, and rescue your classmates along with their raging new cases of PTSD. Or you can give Marcos your wholehearted cooperation and spend the rest of the book as a full-blown terrorist. Bantam Books Because nothing says "evil genius" like dealing drugs to a planet full of dead people. Advertisement If you choose the latter, it's off to terrorism school with you, young man. Bantam Books Later, Miss Peters would use the "hey, you take sub jobs when you can get them" defense. Advertisement Unfortunately, your bomb-making class gets cut short when helicopters rain fiery death all over it. But at least you died how you lived: making transparently terrible decisions. Advertisement 4 Space and Beyond -- A CYOA Apparently Ghost-Written by Stanley Kubrick Bantam Books Advertisement Advertisement This book kicks off when you're born on a spaceship traveling at 62 times the speed of light, which causes you to grow into an 18-year-old in just three days and two hours, because the theory of time dilation states that shut up, you bought this book from a catalog with a maze on the back. Bantam Books "Can I choose a galaxy that wasn't named during Drunken Scrabble?" Advertisement There's no time to explore the implications of hyper-aging (does your mind age as well, or is this a Big scenario in outer space? If it's not a Big scenario in outer space, are we free to write that screenplay?) because you're immediately booted off the ship to zoom around from planet to planet, with 44 bizarre endings that are a combination of 2001: A Space Odyssey and a bleak Matthew McConaughey rant. You can fly your spaceship into a black hole and live there with the black hole people, or you can fly your ship at beyond full speed and merge with the undying void of space somehow. Bantam Books The grim reality of ludicrous speed. Advertisement Advertisement You can become a space pirate, but then all your riches are rendered pointless when the universe abolishes money. Bantam Books "Thanks, Galactic Obama." Some of the endings just give up on the story -- and apparently life -- altogether: R.A. Montgomery / Paul Granger A dozen cyanide pills later, Captain Planet painfully gurgled, "The power ... is out," before slipping away forever. Advertisement But then there's the one. The one that will haunt our nightmares until our dying day. We're talking, of course, about the planet of old babies. Bantam Books "When I was your age" stories lose their punch when you were their age 30 seconds ago. Advertisement 3 Trouble on Planet Earth Is Like Two Dozen Wildly Different Books in One Bantam Books Advertisement This book opens with the entirety of the world's oil disappearing, which the CIA addresses by waiting for two kids who've Scooby'd a few mysteries to show up and take care of the situation for them. One of those kids is you, and the other is your brother, Ned, who is psychic because "he can feel the knowledge." Yes, that is the only explanation you will ever get. Advertisement It turns out the solution to the mystery is depressingly simple: Terrorists stole every last drop of the world's oil and stashed it in some empty tanks they had lying around. Bantam Books Now Shell and BP can charge exorbitantly high gas prices because they want to, not because they have to. Dang. You got the good ending on the first try, and it kind of sucks. Welp, time to flip back and explore all the wacky deaths ... Advertisement Only once you start taking the other paths do you realize that with each one the very premise of the story changes completely. Now the terrorists are only making it seem like there's no oil by messing with dial readings at every oil field on the planet. Or the Earth is sick and the missing oil is really just a symptom, indicating that the planet is about to projectile puke us all out into the cosmos. Bantam Books Man, Carnival is going to suck this year. Advertisement Advertisement Or the oil is being stolen by egg-shaped orange and red creatures with laser straws. Or the alien Zermacroyd takes you to Space Court where you lose the case and learn that Earth's oil will be redistributed to needier planets, because races who've mastered interstellar travel still rely on fossil fuels. ... OR! An Eastern European nation accepted one barrel too many of nuclear waste and the radiation ate through to the Earth's core. Or maybe your brother can solve the oil crisis by buying a small magic box that steals oil from the past and streams it into the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Every one of those increasingly psychotic endings is really in the book, leading us to believe that either they crowdsourced the ghostwriting for this CYOA and blindly mashed all the results together, or R.A. Montgomery is really the pen name of Blacktooth Rick, the crazy hobo that lives in a newspaper house down by the Taco Depot. Advertisement 2 Project UFO -- A CYOA Book About What It's Like to Go Insane Bantam Books Advertisement Advertisement Ever since you were 5 years old, you've been hearing voices. Your parents have tried to get you help, but your experience with doctors has taught you to distrust adults. Is this the medical case file for a mentally ill teen? Nope, it's the start of Project UFO, and the voices in your head aren't madness -- they're just how the alien Freedo tells you that sinister forces from Calax III are after you. In one branch, your special powers lead to you being recruited by "The Center for Galactic Research" -- at least, that's the story you're told as you're taken out of school and moved to Colorado to be greeted by nice people in white coats. Bantam Books "Welcome to the team! Your official uniform is a white jacket with a preponderance of buckles." Advertisement But as these nice people escort you into the institution, you realize they might secretly be the evil aliens from Calax III that off-brand corn chip warned you about earlier! If you choose to escape, you find a payphone to call your parents. But you can't use it because it's being occupied by a guy with no face. Bantam Books Cellphones, smartwatches, Skype, FaceTime, instant-messaging, and social media were all invented so this exact crap never happens again. Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Faceless turns into a blob and flies you through space, but you soon hear a voice that offers to rescue you. If you follow the voice, you can be pureed in an alien food processor ... Bantam Books "Shit, there's hair in my smoothie." And meet an alien who takes the form of your third-grade friend Aldo Archibald Fitmouse. Together, you wander into a giant forest of metal trees to avoid the evil Lepodoptro. You can drink potions that give you super speed ... Bantam Books Or maybe he offers you a drink of super-speed; we may have misread. Advertisement Advertisement Or trick Lepo into being attacked by swarms of metal bees. Bantam Books If you choose the wrong page, you get a sci-fi My Girl ending. Or even grow into a giant, towering above the mushroom forest. After presumably squashing Lepo under your size 112 Nikes, you and Aldo make a pact to get together for more space adventures in the future. Bantam Books And to finally show Mario how this shit is done. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, all that starts if you listen to the voices in your head. If you ignore the voices, you stop hearing them entirely and are found wandering outside the institution. The end. That's right: It's a Choose Your Own Adventure book all about a teenager suffering a major psychotic break. That's some deep shit you probably weren't prepared for when you picked up that book with a rad spaceship and a denim-jacketed Goonie-reject on the cover. For reasons known only to Lorne Michaels and his staff, on this past weekends episode of Saturday Night Live, the show gave Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley two and a half minutes during the cold open to essentially perform her barely veiled stump speech for Studio 8H. Bowen Yang seems to think that SNL should have given her the cold shoulder instead. Like too many topical sketches throughout SNL history, the seven-and-a-half minute scene about a CNN town hall with former president Donald Trump hosted by Punkie Johnsons Gayle King and Kenan Thompson playing Charles Barkley struggled to balance its overt political messaging with proper punchlines. The entire sketch is hard to watch as the talented James Austin Johnson careened from Taylor Swift song analyses to January 6th jokes without clear direction, but the most brutally unfunny and unsubtle part of the cold open was the surprise appearance of Haley as a concerned South Carolina voter who plays off of Johnson with the charisma and comedic timing of a concerned South Carolina substitute teacher reading an unfamiliar lesson plan off the cue cards. The controversial Republican politicians cameo was met with a mixed-to-disappointed reaction from Saturday Night Lives left-leaning fanbase as well as a passive-to-actively aggressive post from one of the show's left-leaning stars. Earlier today, Yang posted a photo of Haleys welcome letter from Lorne + Everyone At SNL with the spectacularly sarcastic caption, everyone! :) Advertisement Its not a stretch to assume the always outspoken and creatively catty Yang meant this post to be a slight on Haley her record on LGBTQ+ issues would make anyone in that community unhappy to be compelled to work with her. As an opponent of marriage equality and an anti-trans disinformation distributor, Haley deserves to share the stage with the SNL cast about as much as Las Culturistas should be in the CBS broadcast booth during the Super Bowl. This side-eyed reaction also comes just one week after Yang made headlines for his apparent apprehension towards Dave Chappelles appearance onstage during the curtain call of a SNL episode in which the controversial stand-up didnt even perform. Despite being one of the most fan-beloved players in the current SNL cast, Yang seems to be feeling spurned by the show's producers and their choice of celebrity co-signers. Imagine the pissed off post Yang's going to write when Shane Gillis finally gets his SNL stamp of approval. Mel Brooks is obviously one of the most highly-influential comic minds of all-time from his seminal 2000 Year Old Man routine with Carl Reiner, to the boundary-pushing satire The Producers, to Spaceballs, the science-fiction epic that inspired Star Wars (or some parts of Star Wars, at least). But one Brooks-helmed project doesnt get quite enough credit for its comedic significance: the 1963 Oscar-winning animated short film The Critic (not to be confused with the Jon Lovitz series of the same name). The inspiration for The Critic first came to Brooks when the young comedy writer went to the movies, attending a screening that included an experimental animated short by Canadian artist Norman McLaren. In the same theater, a disgruntled patron became audibly annoyed at the abstract squiggle movies lack of plot. As Brooks later recounted, Three rows behind me there was an old immigrant man mumbling to himself. He was very unhappy, because he was waiting for a story line and he wasnt getting one. Brooks relayed the experience to his friend, animator Ernie Pintoff, and the two decided to recreate the experience by producing a McLaren-esque animation and pairing it with a soundtrack containing the angry murmurings of a confused old man, to be played by Brooks. Pintoff took care of the animation, and Brooks insisted that he not look at a frame of it until his recording session. Dont let me see the images in advance, he told his collaborator. Just give me a mike and let them assault me. Brooks fully ad-libbed his part, improvising what he thought the old man would have mumbled, trying to find a plot in this maze of abstractions. Advertisement Advertisement The film was lauded by critics, probably because it so hilariously illustrated the cultural gulf between older and younger generations, which would only become more pronounced as the decade progressed. It pokes fun at the old man for his obstinate criticisms, while simultaneously satirizing the pretentiousness of arthouse filmmaking. Impressively, The Critic went on to win the 1964 Academy Award for Short Subjects (Cartoons). In retrospect, The Critic was way ahead of its time, anticipating the movie riffing format popularized by Mystery Science Theater 3000 decades later. Of course, Brooks and Pintoff actually made the movie they were riffing on, whereas MST3K presumably would have gone bankrupt if they had to produce a feature-length crappy movie every single week for their cast of humans and puppets to make fun of. Advertisement Still, the path was clearly forged by Brooks. Mystery Science Theater writer, and the voice of Tom Servo, Kevin Murphy once namechecked The Critic as the first real, honest-to-god riff I ever saw, pointing out that Brooks unseen spectator is merely saying what everybodys thinking. No offense to the MST3K folks, but were glad that Brooks just used The Critic as a springboard for his directorial career, and didnt give it all up to become a full-time riffer. Although we would like to hear that same old man character suffering through Manos: the Hands of Fate. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). Heavy is the head that wears the crown. But that doesnt mean you have to make it everybody elses problem! Throughout history, there have been a number of unfortunate populaces unlucky enough to be born into an era where their ruler was a class-A bunghole. Unfortunately, when the guy with the attitude problem also has absolute power, it most likely means a whole bunch of people are getting thrown in a pit. Here are nine historical rulers who could have stood to be a little more chill 9 Caligula Louis le Grand How many of your friends birthdays do you have memorized? Well, if you were unlucky enough to count the Roman emperor Caligula among them, you might want to mark that day on your calendar, because tales say he executed two consuls who forgot his big day. Seems like a birthday week guy anyways. 8 Ivan the Terrible Public Domain Insecurity is a terrible trait to have as a king. It very quickly turns into paranoia, and when youre in charge, the fact is, probably at least some people want you gone. Ivan the Terrible had numerous methods of execution for anyone he deemed to be possibly plotting against him, including cooking them alive in literal giant frying pans. Buddy, how about you fry yourself up a giant sandwich, because your blood sugar seems low? 7 Sultan Ibrahim Public Domain Advertisement Love can make a man do crazy things. Jealousy can make someone completely unrecognizable. I would, however, say that as an excuse, it still doesnt quite cover having 280 concubines drowned because they wouldnt tell you what outsider had slept with one of your precious harem. Even if somebody cheated, that leaves you with 279 pairs of concubine shoulders to cry on. Itll be okay! 6 Vlad the Impaler Public Domain Advertisement Man, this guy had a real stick up his ass, much like the numerous enemies he mounted on spikes, often while they were still alive. 5 Erik XIV of Sweden Public Domain Advertisement Let me tell you, the guy didnt get the nickname The Butcher King because of his impressive speed in breaking down an animal carcass. On the bright side, he was an intensely loyal friend. When a personal secretary bad-mouthed one of Eriks buddies, he gave them a real talking to, by which I mean he killed him with a fire iron. I imagine his friend responded to the news with a thanks, I guess? 4 Zhu Houzhao Public Domain Plenty of men in power throughout history have a fraught relationship with women. One ever-so-slight advantage most have over the Zhengde Emperor, born Zhu Houzhao, is that they never kept a bunch of them imprisoned in a converted zoo. You catch more flies with honey than with cages, my man! Well, partly because the bees can fly through the bars, but my point stands! Advertisement Advertisement 3 Attila the Hun Web Gallery of Art Attila the Hun wasnt happy just to win battles. He was famous for completely decimating any land he passed through, including food stores and, well, pretty much everybody around. Nobody likes a sore winner, my man. Plus, maybe you wouldnt have had such a hard time feeding your army if youd left a couple of those farms still standing. 2 Henry VIII Livioandronico2013 Advertisement Its a commonly quoted statistic that almost half of all marriages end in divorce. We should just be glad that all those husbands arent Henry the VIII, or wed be looking at an even grimmer 50 percent decapitation rate. He famously had two of his six wives beheaded, even though he was the head of the brand new Church of England, meaning he could cancel his own marriages with probably nothing more than a signature and pressing some wild-looking ring into a bit of wax. Forgive and forget, big fella! "Village galas" proving a driving force in rural revitalization 15:01, February 06, 2024 By Zhang Xuan, Xu Jiayao and Zhao Yang ( Xinhua TAIYUAN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- What magical sounds can be made with only soybeans and dustpans? No one is more familiar with the answer than a rural band consisting of 20 older men, of which the oldest member is 77 years of age. Located about 260 kilometers from the city of Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Bozhuang Village has showcased a unique type of Spring Festival gala. With all performers coming from surrounding villages and playing their handmade musical instruments, the gala has generated nearly 8 million views on the livestreaming platform Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Every year around the time of the Spring Festival, these 20 performers, who are normally cattlemen, tilers or cooks, temporarily put down their usual tools and pick up their instruments to join the biggest event of the year in their hometown -- performing for hundreds of villagers and many more online. Zhang Yong, 46, organizer of the "village gala," is also a provincial inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage known as "Gong and drums in southern Shanxi." Knowing his friends to be skilled folk art performers, from playing the suona to performing the dragon and lion dance, he organized the gala to give them a chance to show their talents. "With millions of viewers watching in our livestream room, we're not worried about there being no one in the audience!" said Cheng Beicheng, 65, who leads the band. "While inheriting traditional culture, we must also incorporate innovative methods," Zhang said. Statistics from Douyin showed that from December 2022 to December 2023, about 5,000 village-gala-themed livestreaming shows were broadcast on the platform, with views totaling 22.97 million. The country's "No. 1 central document" for 2024, which outlines the priorities for comprehensively promoting rural revitalization, calls for the prosperity and development of rural culture and strengthening the protection, inheritance and innovative development of fine traditional culture in rural areas. In many of China's rural areas, this kind of "village gala" has gradually become a common occurrence in recent years. Such performances have become platforms for villages around China to share and promote unique features and demonstrate the fruits of their development. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 20,000 model village galas were held around China in 2023, amounting to about 130 million instances of participation. For China's vast rural areas, these galas are more than just a stage. Ke Wenping, Party secretary of Kecun Village in east China's Anhui Province, knows personally how the "village gala" has become a powerful force in generating rural development. During a single livestream event, this small village with around 1,200 residents generated 30,000 yuan (about 4,168 U.S. dollars) by selling local agriculture products. "We have also sold 330,000 yuan worth of other goods by livestreaming!" Ke said. As the Spring Festival draws near, more "village gala" stories are sure to be told, whether on or off the stage. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 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. Stock diversification can help investors through volatile periods within the stock markets. Understanding the basic concepts behind a diversified portfolio and how it can be implemented can go a long way in distributing portfolio risk. This article will cover the following concepts on stock diversification: What is a diversified portfolio? Systematic and unsystematic risk Why is it important to diversify stocks? 4ways to diversify your stock portfolio Mistakes investors make when they diversify Key takeaways to achieve a diversified stock portfolio What is a diversified portfolio? Diversification in a general sense is the broadening of a range of products. In finance, diversification of a portfolio is utilised to reduce the risk of exposure to one particular asset or event. In the case of stocks, portfolio diversification, this is achieved by incorporating different investments in terms of stock sectors, allocation amount, location, stock investment type and other assets. Why is it important to diversify a stock portfolio? It is important to diversify a stock portfolio to reduce the risk of being over exposed to one particular industry. This safeguards against putting all your eggs in one basket.Stock diversification is improved by holding some stocks that have a negative correlation with other held stocks. This results in a stock portfolio that manages risk and reduces the effect of market volatility. Although a portfolio may seem well diversified, it is never fully diversified even in terms of unsystematic risk. Recommended by Warren Venketas Get Your Free Equities Forecast Get My Guide Systematic and Unsystematic Risk To fully understand why diversification is important, investors need to distinguish between systematic and unsystematic risk. Systematic risk: Systematic risk is the risk central to an entire market. This type of risk is commonly known as undiversifiable risk as it is impossible to completely evade. Systematic risk is volatile in nature making it difficult for companies to protect against. Examples of systematic risk include political events, war etc. Therefore, an individual company cannot control this type of risk. Unsystematic risk: Unsystematic risk is the risk associated with a specific company/stock. These types of risks can be controlled by the company and can be reduced through diversification techniques. Examples of unsystematic risk include competitors, business risk (internal operational or external legal factors) and financial risk (capital structure). Unsystematic risk is what stock investors wish to diminish when diversifying their stock portfolios. If stock diversification is achieved, it is important to remember that the portfolio will still be subject/exposed to systematic or market-wide risk. 5 Ways to Diversify a Stock portfolio 1. By Sector Stock sectors give investors the ability to spread risk throughout different industries. Being largely exposed to a single sector can be harmful to investors if this sector falls in value. Make sure to study each sector to gauge how they may fit into the overall financial goal of the portfolio as some industries can be spuriously correlated. Risk-averse investors may look to add more safe haven stocks to give some downside protection during tumultuous market conditions, while risk-seeking investors may include a larger percentage of growth stocks to safe haven stocks. Still, it is important to keep in mind that even safer stocks may fall in a broader market downturn. 2. By Company size Bringing in companies of different sizes (small, medium and large caps) is another popular way to diversify a stock portfolio. Generally, large-cap stocks are considered safer investments as opposed to small/mid-cap stocks, but smaller companies can offer intriguing growth opportunities. 3. Geographical Geographical diversification can relate to stocks exposed to a specific country or location (financial, political etc.) With increasing globalization and market access, investors can invest in stocks that have exposure to other locations or countries. This can mean investing in the same stock market in a company that has dealings in other locations/countries or, gaining access to stocks in other stock markets around the world. Geographical investing has recently been made more accessible with the advent of exchange traded funds (ETFs). 4. Stock ETFs In recent years, stock ETFs have become increasingly popular amongst investors. ETFs are a basket of stocks that is available to invest in through one investment vehicle. This makes it easier and often cheaper for investors to diversify without having to make multiple stock purchases. For example, the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index. Thus, an investor can gain exposure to the entire S&P 500 index through the purchase of a single IVV share. 5. Asset class Incorporating other asset classes into an investment portfolio is another way to diversify. Typically, investors look to safer investment options such as bonds but this is not limited to bonds only as investors do venture into instruments such as commodities and forex. For example, gold is often viewed as a haven asset while currencies like the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc are traditionally viewed as safer than their alternatives. Recommended by Warren Venketas Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide Uncover more with our article on stocks vs bonds. Stock Diversification Example Below is an example of diversification during the coronavirus crash. This gives a practical situation whereby the coronavirus pandemic has affected global markets, and how stock investors may mitigate substantial losses. Delta Air Lines vs Gilead Sciences: Chart: TradingView The chart above shows an overlay of two stocks Delta Air Lines and Gilead Sciences respectively, prior and post to the coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic spread worldwide which caused airline stocks to plummet on a global scale. While Delta was not the only airline stock to fall, it clearly highlights the adverse reaction in price. Gilead Sciences on the other hand, is a pharmaceutical company conducting research into a coronavirus treatment. Prior to the World Health Organization (WHO) announcing coronavirus as a global pandemic, the two aforementioned stocks had mostly a positive correlation. After the announcement, it is clear from the chart that the two stocks moved in largely opposite directions (negative correlation). As a simplistic example, if these two stocks were the only stocks in the portfolio, this may have protected the investment from significant losses. It is important to note that while this negative correlation is true in the single instance above, the two sectors may have a positive correlation overall. The example shows how stocks from two different stock sectors can produce risk-adjusted returns in volatile situations. Mistakes investors make when they diversify 1) Over diversifying Stock investors often include too many stocks in the portfolio. Many studies have shown that excessive stock inclusions do not actually reduce risk after a certain number of stocks (+/- 30 stocks). This asymptote-like curve of risk vs number of stocks does not do ETFs and mutual funds any favors as these instruments often contain well over 30 stocks (see image below). Investors then choose to hold multiple ETFs and mutual funds thus multiplying this problem. Source: Study by Professors E.J Elton and M.J Gruber (NYU Stern) 2) Investing in negatively correlated stocks Although this has been used in the example above, investors often intentionally try include stocks that do not rise and/or fall together. If the whole stock portfolio is managed in this manner, it is obvious to see that portfolio value gains are negated by the opposite movement of the diversified portion of the stock portfolio (see chart below). While extreme, the example below is purely meant to illustrate how a negatively correlated portfolio can eliminate portfolio value increases. 3) Simplified chart of perfect negative (-1) correlation: 4) Misjudging time of investment Managing a diversified portfolio can seem straightforward in theory, but the time investment needed can be overwhelming for some investors. This often leads to mismanaged portfolios. In extreme bear market circumstances, markets tend to fall as a whole. There is basically no escape from the decline, even with a well diversified portfolio. Situations such as these can make the use of other asset classes crucial in warding off deeper losses. Recommended by Warren Venketas Get Your Free Top Trading Opportunities Forecast Get My Guide Key Takeaways to Achieve a Diversified Stock Portfolio In conclusion, investors need to fully realise their financial goals (term, risk etc.) and budget constraints prior to undertaking any form of investment. Once this is understood, investors may then look at diversification within their portfolio. To successfully diversify, the following points should be reflected on: How much risk are you willing to take on? Do not include too many stocks Understand how the stocks are correlated Risk can never be completely erased Consider diversifying across different asset classes Stock diversification: FAQ How many stocks make a diversified portfolio? There is no correct/accurate answer for this as studies continue to produce contradictory results. The general consensus amongst equity analysts and scholars point to anywhere from 15 - 30 stocks. Despite this large range and uncertainty, investors looking to diversify need simply follow the points outlined in the article above. My immediate response to the news Prince Harry is planning to rush back from California to be by the bedside of his Pa: at least there is one silver lining to the grim news of the Kings cancer. Perhaps it would mean that the wounds between father and son and even between warring brothers might finally start to heal. After all, fractious families often come together when one of their members faces a terrifying medical diagnosis. Family unity must surely be the Kings dearest wish remember his desperate plea to the battling brothers after Prince Philips funeral: Please boys dont make my final years a misery. How truly wonderful it would be if the bitterness between Princes William and Harry could dissipate in these most difficult of circumstances. If they united in a common cause of love and concern for their father. A smiling King Charles and Queen Camilla leaving Clarence House this afternoon Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House this afternoon to meet his father King Charles Harry and Meghan walk behind senior royals at a Commonwealth service in London in 2020 Despite the Kings closest aides admitting recently that his relationship with his younger son was now firmly rooted in rock bottom - with rapprochement a long way off - I dared to hope that Charless cancer diagnosis, awful though it is, could at least bring the lost lamb back in to the fold. But then, reality kicked in and I thought to myself: How exactly would it work? How could the family forgive and forget all the wrongs Harry has visited on them? He has traduced them in the most cruel ways imaginable, accusing them of emotional neglect and even racism (although they subsequently denied that they had). How could he be accepted back when hes not seen his father or family in the nine months since his fleeting visit for the Coronation? How would the scheduling of the family visits actually work while Charles is undergoing treatment or recuperating? And what of Camilla? The Queen will, I imagine, be the gatekeeper determining who sees her husband where and when. And yet Harry described her in his book Spare for which he received a $20million advance as a dangerous villain who leaked harmful stories about him to improve her own reputation; he said she was someone who sacrificed me on her own personal PR altar. Who would blame her if Harry is the least of her concerns? As for William, whom Harry accused in Spare of knocking him to the floor in a red mist of rage and described in his book as his arch nemesis, can there ever be a reconciliation? Then there is the Princess of Wales, whom the Sussexes unofficial biographer and mouthpiece, Omid Scobie, described as cold, a Stepford-like royal wife. And to whom Harry also seems to have referred obliquely and cuttingly in Spare: I think for so many people in the Royal Family, especially obviously men, there can be a temptation or an urge to marry someone who fits the mould as opposed to somebody who perhaps you were destined to be with. How could Kate bear to be in the same room as Harry let alone sit by Charless bedside alongside him especially after both she and the King were named by Scobie in his book Endgame as the racists who supposedly raised concerns about the skin colour of baby Archie. There must be deep resentment, not only on the part of Camilla, William and Kate, but Anne, Edward and Sophie, too, over Harrys behaviour, says Amanda Platell What a knife it would be to her heart if Kate happened to visit her father-in-law who describes her as my beloved daughter-in-law and bumped into anger-filled Harry. So, in a way, it must be a huge relief for all the working royals that Harrys visit is likely to be brief. He plans to be in Canada next week with Meghan ahead of his Invictus Games, an event he can rightly be proud of. Surely it was the wisest decision from Meghan to have stayed at home this time when emotions in the family must be running so high. There must be deep resentment, not only on the part of Camilla, William and Kate, but Anne, Edward and Sophie, too, over Harrys behaviour. It is they who have remained steadfastly and loyally by the Kings side. They who will soon be working flat out trying to fill on for the Kings public engagements and keep the Firm afloat. Oh, how different it would have been if Harry was still here as a working royal, sharing the load. But he is not, Which is why, although my heart yearns for a rapprochement during Harrys fleeting return, my head tells me it will never happen. As a devout Hindu, Rishi Sunak may sometimes wonder whether the Church of England has got it in for him. The Archbishop of Canterbury has emerged as one of the ringleaders in the House of Lords who want to emasculate the Governments Bill to pack off asylum seekers to Rwanda. Justin Welby, who enjoys supporting fire from a bevy of like-minded Anglican bishops, isnt one to pull his punches. He said last week that the Rwanda scheme was damaging Britains reputation and the rule of law. He had previously suggested that it is the opposite of the nature of God. A big claim. Now accusations are piling up that, in common with other churches, the C of E has been conducting mass conversions of Muslim asylum seekers to Christianity that facilitate their applications to remain in this country. This process has been dubbed Pray to Stay. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said last week that the Rwanda scheme was damaging Britains reputation and the rule of law Abdul Ezedi, suspected of carrying out a dreadful chemical attack last week in Clapham, south London, had been granted asylum on the basis that he had converted to Christianity This was despite the fact that Ezedi, right, had been convicted of a sex crime three years earlier. Two previous applications had been rejected Suella Braverman wrote over the weekend that during her recent stint as Home Secretary she became aware of churches around the country facilitating industrial-scale bogus asylum claims. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel has weighed in with similar objections. The spark that ignited this outrage was the revelation that Abdul Ezedi, suspected of carrying out a dreadful chemical attack last week in Clapham, south London, had been granted asylum on the basis that he had converted to Christianity. This was despite the fact that he had been convicted of a sex crime three years earlier. Two previous applications had been rejected. You might think the C of E authorities would say something along the lines of: Ezedi may have been guilty of deception and, if he was, they are very sorry about this appalling case. Not a bit of it. According to a Church spokesman: It is the role of the Home Office, and not the Church, to vet asylum seekers. Nor was it aware of any links to Ezedi. This may be true, as it now appears Ezedi had dealings with the Roman Catholic and Baptist churches. Nonetheless, the C of Es response sounded detached and lofty. Disingenuous, too, given its role in the conversion of asylum seekers. Nor was it very Christian. The fact is that over recent years our Established Church has purposely converted Muslim asylum seekers certainly many hundreds and probably thousands of them to Christianity as part of its so-called Presence & Engagement programme. A clue to the C of Es official thinking is in a document called Supporting Asylum Seekers Guidance For Church Of England Clergy. It suggests that in responding to accusations that asylum seekers may opportunistically convert to Christianity, the anti-immigration rhetoric of a number of media outlets must be acknowledged. In short, its all got up by parts of the media, which support a broader political narrative about British identity, rights and values, as was particularly evident in the run-up to the EU referendum. A Church spokesman said: It is the role of the Home Office, and not the Church, to vet asylum seekers Stephen Glover says: '[Are]these asylum seekers cynically pretending to embrace Christianity in order to make it well-nigh impossible to send them back to the countries from which they have come?' This is naked anti-Brexit propaganda, which is shared by most bishops and many clergy but not (according to persuasive research) by a majority of worshippers. Now of course there is nothing wrong with the C of E converting people from any faith or of none. That is central to its mission. I, for one, would rejoice if our often rather defeatist national Church boosted its dwindling numbers by making genuine conversions. But is that what is happening? The question society has a right to ask and which the C of E refuses to answer is whether some, or even many, of these asylum seekers are cynically pretending to embrace Christianity in order to make it well-nigh impossible to send them back to the countries from which they have come. A Muslim who converts to Christianity is in the eyes of Islam an apostate, and there are many countries Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, to name but a few where apostates could face mortal danger. That Muslim asylum seekers are undergoing conversion on a considerable scale cant be doubted. At Liverpools Anglican Cathedral, around 200 asylum seekers converted to Christianity over a four-year period. About 200 Iranian asylum seekers were baptised over a five-year period in a parish church in Stockton-on-Tees near Middlesbrough. Were these converts all genuine? Ive no doubt some of them were. Yet it seems odd that so many Muslims, who just happen to be asylum seekers, should all of a sudden be queuing up to be converted, having not previously shown the slightest interest in Christianity. There are some cases, such as that of Abdul Ezedi, where the insincerity of the conversion is subsequently illuminated. For example, in 2021 an Iraqi asylum seeker called Emad Al Swealmeen blew himself up outside a maternity hospital in Liverpool. Four years earlier he had been confirmed as an Anglican at the citys cathedral. In 2018, a 38-year-old Iranian asylum seeker who raped a teenage girl was spared deportation even though a judge believed that his conversion to Christianity was a ploy to beat the system. The judge ruled that he would still be at risk of persecution if sent back to Iran after serving five years in prison. In 2020, two Glasgow-based Iranian Muslims claimed to have converted to Christianity, though one of them had quite recently been on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The others claim that he was homosexual was disbelieved by the judge, who thought he should be deported. Yet in the end both men were allowed to stay. There is little doubt that, aided by canny immigration lawyers, and facilitated by Church authorities that are at best credulous and at worst conniving, some asylum seekers are using the pretence of conversion to enable them to stay in the United Kingdom. The latest supporting evidence is provided by events on the Bibby Stockholm, a barge in Portland, Dorset, where about 300 asylum seekers are kicking their heels while their applications gather dust. According to reports, 40 of those on board are converting to Christianity. So says someone described as a church elder, who may well represent a different denomination from the Church of England. Its preposterous to suppose that more than one in seven of those on board should suddenly be genuine converts. We dont know their previous religious affiliations, if any. We do know and they know that if they can convince immigration tribunals that they have become Christian, their chances of remaining in this country will greatly improve. By the way, I wonder whether the Roman Catholic Church, despite its possible links to Ezedi, is such an easy touch as the C of E. I doubt it, as it displays a sense of rigorous inquiry towards potential converts, including Christians, that is absent in our more flexible national Church. Its not only the Church of England that is at fault. Platoons of lawyers have spotted a loophole, and some immigration judges are too accommodating. Nor is it any good for ministers and ex-ministers merely to grumble about our wayward Church. They could do something. But I do think the Church of England whose Primate, Justin Welby, is so free in his moral condemnation of the Government should examine itself more critically. Its right that it should care about the welfare of asylum seekers. But it is not right for it to facilitate sham conversions that subvert the law of the land. It is not hard to imagine the confusion of emotions that will be flooding through Prince Williams mind today: sadness and anxiety at his fathers illness but also bewilderment at the enormity of the challenge now facing him and the inevitable sacrifices he will be forced to make. The parallels with those that confronted his beloved grandmother more than 70 years ago are striking. The then Princess Elizabeth was 25 and a young mother when she so unexpectedly succeeded her father as monarch. She and Prince Philip had every reason to hope that they had a good ten years of family life ahead of them before the responsibility of the throne would intervene. William is 16 years older than his grandmother was at that pivotal moment and his children are older, but his sense of expectation for the future would have been no less. And while he is not about to be king, his life in every other way is going to change. Old guard: Charles and Camilla lead William, Kate, Harry and Meghan at the Commonwealth Service in London in 2020 Prince Harry and William are not thought to have exchanged a word for many months, their relationship apparently shattered by Harrys memoir, Spare Following news of King Charles' cancer diagnosis, quite how much of his fathers schedule will now pass to the Prince is not clear Suddenly all his and Kates meticulously thought-out plans, in which their childrens welfare was the priority, are now looking vulnerable. What makes the uncertainty all the greater is the unforgiving nature of the Kings condition. Never can life in the goldfish bowl of the Royal Family have felt quite so lonely or so perilous. For William the pressure is doubly intense, because the extra burden that will come while his father undergoes treatment for cancer will have to be met alone. It is only eight days since Kate was released from hospital, where she had abdominal surgery, and she is not expected to be able to resume public duties until after Easter. William himself is due to return to work tomorrow, having cancelled all engagements to look after George, Charlotte and Louis. Quite how much of his fathers schedule will now pass to the Prince is not clear. But the news that he will step up comes with an added distraction Prince Harrys decision to hasten to his fathers side. While it was inconceivable that Harry would not want to fly to Britain once bulletins about Charles were issued, his presence will serve as a reminder of just how fractured the Royal Family has become since the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022. It will be the first time he has seen his father since the Coronation in May last year. To the relief of courtiers, the Duke of Sussex will apparently be making the journey without his wife Meghan. The question is: will he also see William? The brothers are not thought to have exchanged a word for many months, their relationship apparently shattered by Harrys memoir, Spare. In the book, published a year ago, Harry accused William of physically attacking him, and Kate of being cold towards Meghan. As he grapples with his new responsibilities, Williams thoughts will almost certainly turn to how his grandmother would have dealt with such a princely incursion. King Charles's diagnosis also means that suddenly all of William and Kates meticulously thought-out plans, in which their childrens welfare was the priority, are now looking vulnerable The Duke of Sussex is thought to be making the trip to see his father without his wife Meghan He may also draw some strength from the dignity with which the late Queen confronted her destiny all those decades ago. She did so, of course, from a position of strength. Public affection for her father King George VI for the way he steered the nation through the Abdication upheaval and the dark days of World War II ran deep when she came to the throne in 1952. William comes to the fore with the monarchy in crisis. It is not even two years since he and Kate made the adjustment to their lives that he hoped would pioneer a new royal lifestyle. Their move from London to Windsor was not just about allowing all three of their children to attend the same day school, but also about ensuring them a level of privacy which was never quite possible while they were based at Kensington Palace. But the couples elevation to Prince and Princess of Wales has put this rural idyll under strain. They have a very cosy life down there at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park, but it does require a lot of moving parts to work well, says a friend. Their staff are still based in London and meetings often have to take place at Windsor Castle. The contrast between father and son as Princes of Wales could not be greater. While Charles like William is passionate about what he believes in, he was also by nature a lobbyist. William is not. He has his core interests homelessness, mental health and conservation but does not spread himself thinly as his father once did. William has no interests in the arts, for example. But, for now at least, William is going to have to cover a lot more ground than he usually prefers. He is almost certain to take on his fathers role in receiving arriving and departing foreign diplomats. So how will he cope? And, more importantly, what does this change to his status mean for his relationship with Harry? Certainly, say friends, William has the stuff to be dynamic, and some believe having to take up these additional responsibilities may be the making of him, raising both his profile and his visibility. To begin with William enjoys one quality that his father had to wait years for public affection. From Princess Diana, William has inherited natural warmth and a confidence that is complemented by Kates unstuffy approach. Even when they were accused of being tone-deaf over their Caribbean tour to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, criticism of the couple soon dissipated. Unlike Charles, who was aware of his future from an early age he was heir to the throne at three William was protected from his destiny for years. He genuinely had no idea until he started school, says a former aide. By the time he was at Eton, the Queen began schooling him in the traditions and history of the monarchy over tea at Windsor. Even so, he delayed the inevitable as long as he could. After university and military service, he became an RAF search and rescue pilot, and later transferred to a civilian role with the air ambulance service. It is in his approach to fatherhood that he has differed so much from the King. While Charles fitted the arrival of his sons around his famously busy schedule, William has put family life first. This surely is the influence of Kates family. In the Middletons William found how rewarding family life can be. He will be hoping that his fathers recovery will, in time, allow a partial return to those days of domestic happiness that many say will make him a modern and rounded sovereign. However, there are two family issues which may determine that assessment: Andrew and Harry. On Prince Andrew he has firmly supported his fathers position that the Duke of York cannot return to frontline royal duties. But where Harry is concerned, his view has diverged from the Kings. While Charles has been torn by the conflict between his sons and has longed for a rapprochement, William is convinced that trust, the basis of any relationship, has been utterly destroyed. Harrys arrival will test Williams resolve. Will he agree to see him, and in time agree to a rapprochement as his father surely wishes? Or will the status quo remain? Charless illness and his recovery may determine that outcome. Charles III never had some grand masterplan sitting in a drawer. He never (contrary to the plotline of soap operas like The Crown), agitated to occupy his throne a day before it was ordained from on high. Nor, though, has he regarded himself as a caretaker monarch. As he told one close friend soon after his accession in September 2022: I always wondered if it would ever come but I never wanted it a minute sooner, either. And now I know what I want to do. A man of strong faith (stronger than is often appreciated amid the scrutiny of his interest in other faiths), he will reflect one of his late mothers defining qualities in times of crisis: no panic. From the day he became King, he has been a purposeful monarch whose overarching aim has been to reaffirm the unifying, stabilising role of an institution which was always going to be rocked by the passing of the longest-serving, longest-lived head of state in British history. Just under a year-and-a-half later and prior to yesterdays news, the overwhelming consensus was that he has done so emphatically. There has been no power vacuum. He has been, very clearly, a contented sovereign, regardless of the many challenges beyond his control. Unswerving devotion: Prince Charles kisses the hand of Queen Elizabeth II at the Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in 2012 Glorious: Queen Camilla and King Charles on Coronation day Politics may have got itself into one mess after another but the King has simply got on with the time-honoured duties of head of state (and the less codified but equally important role as head of the nation) to the point that we had started to take him for granted, much as we did the late Queen. That is how he still hopes to proceed, according to (and in spite of) yesterdays statement. Once the initial shock of last nights bulletin subsides, historians may point to the way Princess Elizabeth stepped up to the plate when George VI was fighting cancer in the late 1940s and early 1950s. While we have no indication of the Kings precise condition, two things are demonstrably different seven decades later: medical progress and the Kings willingness to be open about a disease which will touch the lives of many, if not most, of his subjects at some point. There will, understandably, be speculation from the media and the public alike not just about the gravity of the Kings illness but also about the impact on a monarchy already slimmed down as far it can surely go. The nearest we will get to an answer, for now, can be found in the Kings historic address to the nation just a day after the death of Her Late Majesty: As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation In other words, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England will defer to his ultimate boss on that one. Those closest to him say that it is not his capacity for work which is primarily affected. Indeed, I am told the volume of paperwork has hardly slowed one jot. The main difference, for now, is that his doctors and loved ones do not want him exposed to the inevitable risk of infection from large groups of complete strangers. In other words, expect to see a repeat of some of the royal protocols we saw during the Covid pandemic. Robert Hardman: 'From the day he became King, he has been a purposeful monarch whose aim has been to reaffirm the unifying, stabilising role of an institution which was always going to be rocked by the passing of the longest-serving, longest-lived head of state in British history Then-Prince Charles kisses the hand of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, during a polo match at Windsor in 1982 There will be legitimate constitutional questions around the world. Another 14 nation nations beyond the UK will be worrying about their head of state this morning, not to mention overseas territories from Gibraltar to the Falklands. Those questions remain hypothetical since the King is attending to his duties, just as Elizabeth II did when she herself was laid low a few years ago. There are plenty of mechanisms in place to adjust the constitutional machinery as and when required, starting with Counsellors of State, whereby two designated royal stand-ins from a pool of seven act on behalf of an ill or absent monarch. That extends all the way up to a regency in the event of an incapacitated head of state. While researching my book, Charles III, I discovered just how reluctant he had been as Prince of Wales to address these issues, even when the infirmity of the late Queen started to become an issue for Government. Aides repeatedly attempted to discuss different regency options but never got very far. He regarded such talk as both inappropriate and tempting fate. What he knew, and what has subsequently been proved to be the case, is that this is a matter for Government and it will move fast when required. Witness the sudden changes to the rules surrounding Counsellors of State within weeks of his accession. The candidates were hitherto restricted to a small pool, namely the first four in line to the throne over the age of 21, plus the monarchs spouse. That raised the possibility (in the event of the King, Queen and Prince of Wales being out of the country) of the smooth governance of the nation resting on the say-so of Prince Harry or the Duke of York, plus Princess Beatrice. That is something which many of the Kings subjects might regard as sub-optimal. Rather than chop anyone off the list, the King and his ministers simply decided to extend the list to include the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal. There will, understandably, be speculation from the media and the public alike not just about the gravity of the Kings illness but also about the impact on a monarchy already slimmed down as far it can surely go King Charles received treatment for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic last month. He's pictured leaving the hospital with his wife Queen Camilla As the parliamentary record shows, the Counsellors of State Act 2022 went from first reading to third, through all the requisite stages in between and on to Royal Assent in just three weeks. In other words, the system can move when it needs to. For now, it does not. I suspect that the vast majority of people will all have had the same response on hearing this news: a profound sympathy that no sooner has he assumed a role to which he was born than King Charles III is now having to deal with cancer. Last nights candid statement was entirely in keeping with the tonal shift we have seen since the earliest days of his reign; the greater degree of transparency, the move towards what his aides call an informal formality. He is aided immeasurably by a number of key factors. Most important of all is Queen Camilla his rock, as her sister describes her, and an outstanding consort, as the Princess Royal put it to me. The Queens steadfast, upbeat business as usual approach in recent days while nursing the same worries as every family facing the spectre of a cancer diagnosis speaks volumes, as does her stated intent to keep on doing the same. And, make no mistake, the Princess Royals own rock-like attributes will be a very great support and comfort in these challenging times to the brother she calls Old Bean. Yesterdays quiet announcement, hours earlier, that the Prince of Wales is now undertaking engagements once again, following the Princesss recent surgery, is very significant. Of course, the Kings entire spring and summer programme must now be in question. But the Royal Family will move to plug the gaps in the schedule, just as they did when the King was a little boy and George VIs diary was suddenly upended by illness. Since those days, as any doctor will vouch, the prospects for a patient who has led a fit and healthy lifestyle are very greatly improved. For much of his life, the King has pursued the daily workout of basic exercises developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force. He has always been passionate about walking (I recall trying to keep up with him on a trek during a tour of Nepal some years ago as he strode off up the hill with a party of Gurkhas, leaving a press pack, many years his junior, panting in his wake). He eats sparingly so sparingly that he avoids lunch and has been an abstemious drinker, beyond the occasional martini or whisky. Another quality in his favour is a trait which some might call stoicism, others might label sang froid. Any online trawl will find the footage of that day in 1994 when a gunman came charging out of the crowd in a Sydney park firing at him. They were blanks, it transpired, but no one knew that at the time. He later made light of it, telling people that his response had been the same as when he was charged by an elephant during an early walking safari in Kenya: I was so amazed by the suddenness of it all that I was rooted to the spot and unable to make my legs respond. Those present, however, were astonished by his capacity to remain calm under fire (literally). It had been much the same on the day of his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969 when a bomb went off within earshot en route to the ceremony. While writing my book on the King, I heard numerous similar stories. How, for example, he was happy to go diving under the ice in the Arctic or to make his first parachute jump, with the RAF, in 1971. This went badly wrong and ended up with the then Prince of Wales caught in a tangle of cords in Studland Bay off the Dorset coast. When he was appointed Colonel of the Parachute Regiment a few years later, he insisted on signing up for the Paras considerably more demanding parachute course. It was pointed out he did not need to since he had already jumped out of a plane into Studland Bay. He insisted, saying that he could hardly look his new regiment in the eye if he did not. It is a mindset which will surely serve him well. During the princely past, his critics might point to a capacity for melancholy or a shortness of temper (we all remember his frustration with his fountain pens in the first days of the reign, although they were malfunctioning during what was then perhaps the most stressful week of his life). Yet talking to his inner circle for my book, one pointed out: He does whinge from time to time, like we all do. But the interesting thing is he only whinges about small things that dont matter. Its never about the things that really do matter. His longstanding and deep affection for and knowledge of a portfolio of charities in this field from Macmillan Cancer Care to Marie Curie to Breast Cancer Care mean that he is as well-equipped as anyone to adjust to whatever lies ahead. Since becoming King, his friends have noticed in him what one calls a new serenity. That and Queen Camilla are now more important than ever. Charles III. New King, New Court. The Inside Story is published by Macmillan. On this day 72 years ago, King George VI died suddenly in his sleep at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. He was just 56 years old and had been the much-loved figurehead of the nation during the darkest days of the Second World War. As the second son of George V, the King was a famously reluctant monarch who had acceded unexpectedly to the throne in December 1936 after the dramatic abdication of older brother Edward VIII. Christened Albert after his great-grandfather Prince Albert in the last years of Queen Victorias long reign and known as 'Bertie' to his family and friends, George VI had been a shy and sickly child who suffered from a stutter and had always been content to live in the shadows of the more charismatic and glamorous Edward. The coffin containing the body of King George V arrives at St George's Chapel, Windsor, on the day of his funeral in February 1952 Princess Elizabeth was informed of her father's death while on tour in Kenya. She flew home immediately, changing into mourning clothes once the plane had landed at London Airport Londoners read the evening papers announcing the news that King George VI had died He served as a Royal Navy officer in the First World War, seeing action as a gunnery officer in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, and as a spare rather than an heir, had been given an unusual amount of latitude in whom he was allowed to marry. He wooed and eventually won the aristocratic but not royal Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923 and they had two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. His childhood stutter had persisted into adulthood and after his closing address at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley on 31 October 1925 proved an ordeal for speaker and listeners alike, the prince underwent intensive speech therapy with the pioneering specialist Lionel Logue. Logue, an Australian, prescribed a gruelling series of daily chest and vocal exercises that proved remarkably successful. By 1927, Berte he was able to give major public speeches without embarrassment. Neither man imagined the immense stress to which Berties speech impediment would be subjected. The abdication of his older brother Edward VIII - in order to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson - had placed the future of the monarchy under threat at a time when the drums of war were already beginning to sound across Europe. Logue remained a regular guest at Buckingham Palace well into the 1940s, where he helped the King prepare to address an audience of millions of eager listeners during his wartime radio broadcasts, a story that inspired the 2010 film The Kings Speech, starring Colin Firth. When he reluctantly assumed the throne at a time of the House of Windsors greatest crisis, Prince Albert chose the regnal name George VI in order to restore trust and to stress continuity with his father, George V. But he was thrust into controversy even before his 1937 coronation, held on a date originally intended to see the crowning of Edward VIII. His first duty as King was to decide how to deal with his errant brother. His solution was to confer the title Duke of Windsor on Edward while denying his wife or any subsequent children (there werent any) Royal status. George VI was then constitutionally obliged to back Neville Chamberlains pre-war appeasement of Adolf Hitler, even inviting the Prime Minister to appear alongside the Royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on his return from negotiating the Munich Agreement in 1938. But the outbreak of war in 1939 marked the beginning of George VIs defining years. The King and Queen resolved to stay in London with their daughters throughout the Blitz. The Royal family had a fortunate escape in September 1940 when two bombs exploded in a courtyard at Buckingham Palace while they were sleeping nearby. King George VI, right, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret wave farewell to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh as they depart for Nairobi on a a planned short tour of the Commonwealth in January 1952. In the event, it was cut short Queen Elizabeth pictured returning to London from the airport following the death of her father in February 1952 The Daily Mail from February 7 announces the death of King George VI Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Mary at King's Cross railway station awaiting the arrival of the train bringing the coffin from Sandringham, where King George had passed away Their fortitude won them the enduring respect and affection of the British people after it became clear that they were making a point of sharing the same dangers and privations everyone else, even subjecting themselves to food rationing and restrictions on the depth of their bathwater. The war also saw George VI forge a particularly close relationship with Winston Churchill - the two men met at least once a week to discuss the latest development with frankness. The stresses of the war coupled with the George VIs heavy smoking took a heavy toll on the Kings health. He suffered hardening of the arteries and blood clots in his legs, and in 1951 had to undergo an operation to remove a lung because of a malignant tumour. His last public appearance was to wave goodbye to his eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth, at London Airport on 31 January 1952 as she and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh set off as his replacements on what was intended as a lengthy Commonwealth tour. Joined by his wife, Queen Elizabeth - later styled the Queen Mother - and their younger daughter, Princess Margaret, the Royal family said their goodbyes on the tarmac before gathering on a rooftop to watch the plane take off. That is why Elizabeth was thousands of miles away at a game reserve in Kenya when the King died in his sleep six days later on 6 February 1952. The news was relayed to Royal courtiers on the tour, but it was Prince Philip, her husband, who told her the news of her fathers death. The couple were staying at Sagana Lodge, given to them as a wedding present by the people of Kenya, after spending the night at the Treetops Hotel, in Aberdare Forest, watching big game. At just 25, the new Queen was the same age as the first Elizabeth had been when she came to the throne in 1558. As he heard the news, Philip looked as if 'you'd dropped half the world on him', according to one close aide. But Elizabeth was composed even in a time of grief. Lord Charteris, her then-private secretary, recalled seeing the new Queen seated at her desk in the Lodge shortly after being told the news. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but there were no tears. She was ready to fulfil the role for which she had been carefully groomed. When he asked what name she wished to use as Queen, she replied simply: 'My own name, of course, Elizabeth.' The tour was cancelled and the royal couple arrived home on 7 February. Her grandmother Queen Mary, widow of King George V, was first to pay formal homage, kissing the new Queens hand. The next day, February 8, Princess Elizabeth was formally proclaimed Queen. Four days ahead of his funeral, the famous photo of three generations of Queens was taken: Queen Mary, the Queen Mother and the new Queen Elizabeth stood together as they awaited the arrival of the King's coffin for the lying-in-state that would follow The King's coffin was taken by train from Sandringham to London and conveyed by road to Westminster Hall, where BBC broadcaster Richard Dimbleby said 'Never safer, better guarded, lay a sleeping king than this, with a golden candlelight to warm his resting place, and the muffled footsteps of his devoted subjects to keep him company. On the day of the funeral, February 15, George's coffin was draped in the royal standard, with a crown, orb and sceptre placed on top. The funeral cortege then made its way to Paddington Station, with the coffin on a gun carriage s hauled by Royal Navy seamen as the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret followed behind. As the procession made its way through London, the bells of Big Ben rang out 56 times, with each chime representing a year of the late King's life. Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives for the Privy Council after the death of the King The coffin of King George VI is disembarked from a train at King's Cross Station en route to Westminster Hall Queen Elizabeth II, right, and Princess Margaret are veiled as they travel with their father's cortege to Westminster Hall The body of King George VI lies in state in Westminster Hall before being taken to St George's Chapel, Windsor. Here, it is guarded by beefeaters and members of the Household Cavalry From Paddington, the coffin was taken to Windsor by train, where a simple funeral service was held in St George's Chape, where British monarchs have been buried since the 15th century. When the funeral got underway at 2pm, the nation fell silent, with even passengers on a transatlantic flight to New York rising from their seats to bow their heads. The service was presided over by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Geoffrey Fisher and the Archbishop of York Cyril Garbett. There were no television cameras but the funeral service was was described in intricate detail by the Daily Mail, which read: 'One moment it seemed that the King was with us, and the next that he had gone... 'But a moment before and our new Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, had taken the Colour of the King's Company, the Grenadier Guards, and had placed it on the end of the coffin. 'Then, as all that is mortal of her father sank into its purple sepulchre, she stepped forward and sprinkled earth on to the coffin.' It added: 'In that moment it seemed that this slim slight figure who has borne the intense nervous strains of the past ten days with magnificent composure was dedicated and set apart. In mourning, the Queen at the funeral of her father with husband, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother on February 15, 1952. The Duke of Windsor stands far right The final journey of King George VI, when his coffin was taken in procession from Windsor Railway Station to the funeral service The funeral procession of King George VI of England passing the walls of Windsor Castle on its way to St George's Chapel, where the service and burial took place 'In that moment the young Queen, bidding mute farewell to her father and predecessor on the Throne, had taken her place in the long and glorious role of those who have worn the Crown.' Elizabeth's final tribute to her father was to drop a handful of earth that she had collected from Frogmore at Windsor on his coffin. His body was moved from the Royal vault to the newly-completed King George VI Memorial Chapel, constructed in his honour in 1969. The chapel, built as part of St Georges Chapel, is now the final resting place not only of King George VI, but of his wife, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, his daughter Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinbugth and the ashes of his younger daughter Princess Margaret. A British woman has shared her shock after she left her baby daughter with her mother - only for her to return with a shaved head. Tawana, took to her TikTok to narrate her 'disbelief' after discovering her daughter River's hair had been 'shaved' off during a weekend visit at her mother's house. River, who Tawana said had a 'full head of hair' before the weekend was now 'bald' and worst of all, her mother had appointed Tawana's younger brother to do the amateur cut. After arriving at her mother's house, Tawana, who is of British-Zimbabwean descent, revealed how she began 'hyperventilating' and 'crying' at the sight and yelled 'no way you cut my daughter's hair'. The jaw-dropping tale has shocked many, with viewers demanding the influencer 'cut all contact' with her mother, while others recounted that they had once been in Tawana's shoes. A mother has revealed the shocking makeover her baby received at the hands of her very own grandmother (Pictured: baby River before the 'cut') Tawana (pictured), a British content creator born to Zimbabwean parents, took to her TikTok to narrate her 'disbelief' after discovering her daughter River's hair had been 'shaved' off during a weekend visit at her mum's house In a video clip, an exasperated Tawana can be seen sharing an account of what happened. She said: 'I've dropped my daughter off at my mum's house. It was a normal routine. Everything was normal. 'So I've now gone up London and we're out and having fun and then I get a message in the group [family] chat and they've sent me a video of this child that looks like my child - bald. I'm like "what?" 'I was tapping the video so I can see it but it wasn't loading and I could only see the picture of River. Her head's bald. Like so much is going on right now'. Tawana said a bout of 'confusion' forced her into leaving the event early, after which she went to a hotel to calm herself down. By the next day, she'd almost forgotten the events and although she had a faint memory she was hoping it was all a dream. But reality hit when she received yet another video in the group chat. 'Somebody in the group chat has sent me a video of my bald daughter... of you [my mum] shaving my daughter's head. 'Like at this point I'm in disbelief and I'm an hour away [from my mum's house] and I'm so angry like I don't know what to do. I'm like "oh my gosh" I'm hyperventilating. River, who Tawana said had a 'full head of hair' before the incident was now 'bald' - and said her mum is to blame 'So I'm like crying. I'm like nah. I'm like there's no way you cut my daughter's hair number one. But two, you trusted my younger brother to do it.' At this point in the video the influencer appears to almost tear up at the thought of what happened. While she acknowledged her mum's beliefs that babies are born with 'dirty' and 'unclean' hair, and that once cut, it would grow back 'quicker', she was adamant that it was not something she had ever intended to happen to her own child. She recalled her mum also chopping off her own locks when she was a baby, adding that it 'grew back worse'. She continued: 'I finally arrived at my mum's house and I came out the car. I get there and River is just smiling at me and she's just so in love with the fact that her head is bald. 'I was just upset but I was like "what can I do?" Like her hair's already shaved now' Responding to comments asking if the situation escalated, she exclaimed: 'No I did not swing on my mum!' The jaw-dropping tale has shocked many, with viewers demanding the influencer 'cut all contact' with her mum, while others recounted that they had once been in Tawana's shoes However she admitted that the pair 'went back and forth over text' and that the exchange was 'emotional'. She concluded with the good news that baby River is fine and is all smiles. Unfortunately, viewers couldn't be convinced. One person asked: 'What's up with grandparents cutting the hair its like they stay doing it?' Another added: 'I swear my daughter's grandmother did this two days before her first birthday and I haven't seen her since my daughter now real talk'. 'Cut off all contact with her' demanded another. In agreement, someone else said: 'She [should] never be allowed to go back with grandma unsupervised again'. One man said: 'I'm a white bald man and even my jaw dropped. Holy hell'. Meanwhile one viewer didn't see the big deal: 'Some of the comments are deep, it's hair it will grow back'. Dimples are often seen as adorable or cutesy facial features that add a little something extra to a person's smile - but thanks to a wild new plastic surgery trend, they've also become the hottest accessory for many women around the world. According to experts, there has been a huge surge in requests for 'dimpleplasty' procedures, which see patients forking out up to $1,500 in return for having dimples surgically added to their face in a bid to look more youthful. Ironically, dimples are technically imperfections - indented cheeks are caused by a muscle flaw - but that doesn't stop young men and women from wanting to channel stars like Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and Gabrielle Union. And with dimpleplasty on the rise, FEMAIL spoke to plastic surgeons to find out everything about the latest cosmetic trend, from potential pitfalls to recovery time. Dimpleplasty is on the rise - so FEMAIL spoke to plastic surgeons to find out everything about the latest cosmetic trend, including the stars who inspire it, like Jennifer Garner (above) Dimples are technically imperfections - indented cheeks are caused by a muscle flaw - but that doesn't stop young men and women from wanting to channel stars like Gabrielle Union Smile like the stars! These are the celeb photos clients bring to their surgeons Brad Pitt Gabrielle Union Harry Styles Jennifer Garner Mario Lopez Ariana Grande Lauren London Advertisement On Instagram, there are more than 15,000 posts under the #dimpleplasty hashtag, with women showing off their brand new dimples along with before photos. According to a study by Grandview Research the global dimpleplasty market size was estimated at $302.50 million in 2022. The research attributed the growth to advancement in the surgery, high disposable incomes, and an increase in people wanting non-invasive procedures. Guilford, Connecticut-based plastic surgeon Dr. Derek Steinbacher told FEMAIL dimpleplasty 'entails a small surgical procedure performed inside the mouth,' when a 'thin tunnel is created from inside the mouth to just under the cheek skin.' Sutures are then placed to form the dimples and there's no visible scarring. The whole procedure can be done with local anesthesia or with laughing gas in under 30 minutes and people are only left with one day of mild discomfort. 'It creates a subtle pucker or indentation in the cheek near where the corners of the mouth move when smiling,' Dr. Steinbacher said, adding that it can make people look more innocent. The plastic surgeon said that over the last six months to a year he had noticed 'more inquiries asking to add this to their facial rejuvenation procedures, and increased demand for this procedure alone.' He credits 'celebrities and images in the media' with the rise of dimpleplasty, and said many people come in with photos of stars, most frequently Brad Pitt, Harry Styles, Jennifer Garner, Mario Lopez, and Ariana Grande. Dimpleplasty isn't just inspired by women! Many people bring in photos of Saved By the Bell star Mario Lopez Dr. Steinbacher credits 'celebrities and images in the media' with the rise of dimpleplasty, and said many people come in with photos of Harry Styles The Cosmetic Lane posted on X (formerly Twitter), and shared a before and after photo of someone getting dimpleplasty with Dr. Kun Z Kim, from Kim Facial Plastic Surgery, and asked their followers if they were fans of the procedure. The marketing agency in the aesthetic industry was met with 85 per cent of followers voting 'no thanks,' and one wondering if certain celebrities got the procedure to maintain childhood dimples. The account said the procedure costs roughly $1,500. Cosmetic Lane co-founder Justin Mob, based in Toronto, Canada said: 'The surge in interest for dimpleplasty, in our perspective, stems from this collective desire to preserve a youthful appearance for as long as possible.' 'In 2023, all anyone talked about was how removing buccal fat could potentially lead to instant aging, prompting individuals with puffy cheeks to seek alternatives.' Justin's co-founder Harmony Samra added that dimpleplasty emerged as an appealing alternative for people who wanted 'to achieve facial slimming without opting for buccal fat removal, a procedure that garnered concerns about its longterm effects.' 'From our standpoint, dimpleplasty helps provide definition to the face while retaining a youthful look,' Harmony said. The Cosmetic Lane posted on X (formerly Twitter) and shared a before and after photo of someone getting dimpleplasty with Dr. Kun Z Kim, from Kim Facial Plastic Surgery in Georgia The aesthetics providers Justin and Harmony work with have noticed a major uptick in dimpleplasty interest along with people who want consultations for the procedure. They believe that as the techniques get even better, more people will want dimpleplasty. Right now, most people are concerned that it doesn't look natural. The growing interest might also have something to do with people wanting to stop looking so similar, as more influencers have Instagram face as they all get the same cosmetic procedures. 'Dimples have always been a sign of uniqueness and serve as a distinctive feature, setting individuals apart in a world where everyone is starting to look like a copy paste version of each other,' Harmony agreed. Justin named Gabrielle Union, 51; Ariana Grande, 30; and Mario Lopez, 50, as celebrities with dimples who 'appear younger than their actual ages - with the exception of Ariana Grande.' 'Given the specific look associated with these celebrities and the perpetual pursuit of youthful aesthetics in Hollywood, it wouldn't be surprising if some of them sought a bit of assistance to maintain or enhance their dimples,' Justin hinted. 'In the realm of Hollywood, not much surprises us anymore!' Cosmetic Lane co-founder Justin Mob named Gabrielle Union, Ariana Grande and Mario Lopez as stars with dimples who appear younger - 'with the exception of Ariana Grande' Dr. Kun Z. Kim, MD, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon in Doraville, Georgia, is behind many a dimple. Pictured left is a patient before the procedure and right is after In one post Dr. Kim explained, 'Our patient came in for one dimple and didnt even make it out of the parking lot before deciding she wanted to get the other side done' Dr. Kun Z. Kim, MD, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon in Doraville, Georgia, is behind many a dimple, and shares the process on Instagram. In one post Dr. Kim explained, 'Our patient came in for one dimple and didn't even make it out of the parking lot before deciding she wanted to get the other side done. 'Please keep in mind the dimples may be very apparent for the first 2-4 months until they heal. Once the sutures dissolve, they will be more natural and only seen when smiling.' Followers loved the results, commenting, 'It looks so natural on her.' Dr. Jimmy C. Sung, the medical director of Tribeca Aesthetics in New York City, told FEMAIL, 'This surgery has been quite popular in Asia for some time,' and 'patients will often refer to a particular K-drama actor or actress when they request the procedure.' Despite being a seemingly simple surgery, it takes major talent. 'The art of this procedure is designing individualized dimple sizes and locations for each patient,' Dr. Sung explained. 'A well thought-out design will produce a natural and beautiful outcome and enhance other facial features.' Dr. Kim explained: 'Please keep in mind the dimples may be very apparent for the first 2-4 months until they heal' Pictured above is another patient's results Dr. Kim advised, 'Once the sutures dissolve, they will be more natural and only seen when smiling.' A photo showing the results of a patient's procedure Dr. John Paul Tutela, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in New York City and Livingston, New Jersey, has worked with celebrities, including members of the cast of Jersey Shore. Dr. Tutela said, 'You can expect the results at first to be a little exaggerated but as time goes on, the dimple softens up and you're left with the permanent result.' And while the dimples might fade over time, the plastic surgeon explained, 'a revision surgery can be done if the patient feels they've lost too much of that initial dimple they were looking for.' 'Dimple surgery has been performed for many, many years and is seen to be more popular in the Hollywood and Los Angeles areas,' Dr. Tutela said. But now, it's on the rise - and is popular all over the country. Have you ever wanted to wear an extremely cool vintage tee that just so happened to have a sorority's name emblazoned on top? Unfortunately, there are strict rules about wearing a sorority's Greek letters unless you were in the organization. Because of this ongoing rule, sorority paraphernalia is supposed to be passed down to younger women in the organization, and people are warned against donating it - although plenty of sellers on re-sale sites like Poshmark offer up old gear. After a San Francisco, California-based TikTok creator named Bev was excited to show off her vintage find - a blue T-shirt with Theta Phi written in cursive across the chest - she unknowingly stirred up some controversy. After a US-based TikTok creator named Bev was excited to show off her vintage find - a blue T-shirt with Theta Phi written in cursive across the chest After Bev shared the first video, commenters were up in arms about her wearing the Greek throwback T-shirt despite having no affiliation with the sorority Technically, Bev wasn't breaking rules, as she was wearing a shirt that said a sorority's name as opposed to having Greek letters, but the shirt managed to anger plenty of commenters. It's all Greek to me! Who can wear letters? Only members of a sorority are allowed to wear their own Greek letters - although other people can wear the sorority name written out Women in the sorority cannot wear Greek letters if they're drinking at a bar or engaging in inappropriate behavior Many times, fraternity brothers will gift their significant others with shirts with the letters, which they are allowed to wear Advertisement 'Realizing someone's hot mom owned this vintage 1960s sorority fundraiser shirt before me,' the content creator wrote on top of her first video, with the caption 'or hot grams.' Then, the creator shared another video in the same shirt that received more than 22,000 likes, which she fittingly captioned, 'Vintage sorority shirts cause chaos.' 'I was today years old when I learned you supposedly can't wear sorority letters unless you were in said sorority, even if it's vintage. And people will go to war for which side they agree with in the comments section,' she wrote in overlaid white text. After Bev posted the original video, commenters were up in arms about the Greek throwback. 'Letters are reserved for people in the sorority, so I would consider not wearing them if you are not a sister! Not a huge deal just a little disrespectful in most people's eyes, no hate though it is cute,' one sorority member explained. However, some helpful commenters were quick to clarify that she wasn't actually wearing Greek letters, and instead the organization's name was simply spelled out. 'These aren't letters. She can wear them freely,' one person argued as another agreed, 'Non members wear fundraiser and formal shirts etc. with the organization name on them all the time.' The second video proved to be equally contentious, with people in the comments section sharing their tales of woe as well as rebellion against the rule. People who were not members of a fraternity or sorority are not supposed to wear shirts with that organization's Greek letters, like the one pictured above Technically, Bev wasn't breaking rules, as she was wearing a shirt that said a sorority's name as opposed to having Greek letters, but the shirt managed to anger plenty of commenters 'DON'T CARE gonna wear my thrifted sorority T-shirts,' a commenter shouted. Someone else agreed, 'I have a lil collection of all the thrifted sorority and frat shirts. I like making them mad.' Many TikTok users shared stories about having issues with their family members and friends over wearing their sorority letters. 'I once spilled something all over my shirt on a day trip upstate and wore my friend's sorority shirt she left in my car. We are no longer friends over it,' one commenter claimed. 'My MOTHER screamed at me once in high school when I put on the first jacket I put my hands on when taking the dog outside in the freezing rain. Cause it was her old sorority sweatshirt,' another declared. One explained, 'Wore my mom's old sorority shirt for Greek Week in 5th grade and was berated by teachers for it. I was 11.' That wasn't the only teacher who took issue. One woman confessed, 'My high school econ teacher gave me MEGA attitude because I was wearing my sister's sorority letters - like ma'am it's pink day, this is the only pink T-shirt I have.' Many people were simply in shock about the rule, commenting, 'Seriously? I feel like they should be embarrassed to say that. That shirt is amazing - wear it!' Sorority paraphernalia is supposed to be passed down to younger women in the organization, and people are warned against donating - but plenty of sellers on Poshmark offer up old gear Non-members are allowed to wear shirts that spell out a sorority or fraternity's name and do not use Greek letters Plenty of sorority girls were staunch supporters of Bev showing off the shirt, especially since the vintage top was so flattering. One sorority member responded, 'I'm in a sorority and it's only negative things that reflect badly on us if we wear our letters while doing said things.' Another approved, saying: 'As a sorority girl, wear 'em bc that top fits you PERFECTLY.' Someone else encouraged, 'Wear what you want sis - it looks really cool!' Bev told FEMAIL her videos usually get about 4,000 views, so she was shocked to see this one hit more than 500,000 after finding the shirt at a local vintage shop. She was surprised by 'how passionate people were on both sides of the argument' and that the 'comment section got a little heated.' The thrifting content creator usually gets positive responses on her videos, although when she procured a fur coat for $22 from Goodwill last year that 'lit up' her comments section. Bev often thinks about the ethics behind her vintage finds, especially with TikTok promoting fast fashion and ever-changing trends. 'I know fur and faux fur are trending at the moment because of the mob wife trend, but I have not participated in it because fur isn't something I promote buying on my account,' Bev said, explaining she was glad to be having these conversations on her platform. And while she has yet to wear the sorority shirt out and about, she said many former Theta Phis had messaged her about buying it. 'It may pass into a sister's hands once again,' Bev said. An actor known as 'Britain's Most Tattooed Man' has revealed he's removing some of his 'risky' implants because he's in danger of losing his entire arm. King of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink-ite, formerly known as Mathew Whelan, regularly hits the headlines due to his heavily tatted look, and has also modified his body with procedures such as removing his nipples. The 44-year-old, from Birmingham, previously revealed how he was giving up his body mod addiction in a bid to clear his 66,000 mortgage and now, one year later, he's not had any new inkings. As well as placing the tattoo needle to one side, he will also remove some of his modifications, including an implant in his hand. An actor known as 'Britain's Most Tattooed Man' has shared that he has gone without tattoos for a full year to pay 36,000 off his mortgage King of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink-ite, formerly known as Mathew Whelan, regularly hits the headlines due to his heavily tatted look The 44-year-old previously revealed how he was giving up his body mod addiction in a bid to clear his 66,000 mortgage and now, one year later, he has revealed that he remains ink-free 'Unfortunately, the skin has worn thin on one side and I'm concerned it could tear,' King Of Ink Land said. Britain's most-tattooed man also shared how nearly losing an arm - after his skin began to rot following an implant - helped him pass on the chance for any further ink work. 'I don't want to be in a medical situation again like I was with my knuckle duster implant a few years ago. 'Again, the skin tore, but then it began rotting and filling with plasma which needed to be drained multiple times. 'I still have a scar and [his arm is] slightly deformed, but this was removed in time before I was at serious risk of blood poisoning. 'I can't have that happen again, as it almost cost me my arm, and this was going a similar way so I've made the tough choice to remove this 'crown' implant too before it's too late. 'I've managed to go a whole year without being tattooed too and it doesn't even feel strange. 'It's not something I deeply crave or lust after anymore.' King Of Ink Land, who goes by Body Art for short, claims that he's spent over 1,500 hours under the needle and set the record in February 2016 when he had 36 tattooists work on him at once. King Of Ink Land, who goes by Body Art for short, claims that he's spent over 1,500 hours under the needle and set the record in February 2016 when he had 36 tattooists work on him at once Since developing an interest in body modifications sparks at just nine years old, he has had his eyes stained black, his nipples removed, his ears shaped and lastly, his aforementioned name changed to complete his goal While he has not kept track of the amount it has cost him to date, he says that his recent hiatus has helped him clear almost 36,000 of his mortgage. He said: 'My rate is jumping by quite a lot soon, but I'm on course within my budget. 'I'm coming off a fixed rate like so many other people, but hopefully I'll be able to get this fixed again in future. 'I'm trying to stay reserved and disciplined to my budget plan so I can get this paid off. 'I want to be mortgage-free in the next three years, and I'll be happy to have that out of the way and done. 'It's life, and priorities change, so when it's paid, an ink session will feel much more special.' Since developing an interest in body modifications sparks at just nine years old, he has had his eyes stained black, his nipples removed, his ears shaped and lastly, his aforementioned name changed to complete his goal. He added: 'I am living an abbreviation of my name, B Art, as I'm being art in my life no matter what others say or think of my tattoos. 'My last inking was the start of blackout style and I don't intend on doing much of this, but tattooing is a personal art collection for me. 'I want to be able to evolve and change them if I want to and then, I'll get blackout, and put another ink over the top to achieve my end goal.' The Malaysian-born fashion designer said the late Princess was 'very kind' Jimmy Choo has revealed why no other royal can ever quite compare to Princess Diana. The esteemed shoemaker, 75, based in London, had a long working relationship with the late Princess, which was revealed in 1997 when Diana visited the Royal Albert Hall to watch Swan Lake in a pair of Jimmy Choo satin blue sandals. It was the start of a fruitful relationship, and Diana went on to wear the Malaysian-born designer's footwear on several occasions and would even phone him up when she was due a wardrobe update. But it was their fond farewells that Choo remembers most dearly, with Diana offering to carry his bags out for him after fittings at Kensington Palace. 'She would walk me back into the car park and try to carry my case for me,' he recalled. 'I thought"Princess! What are you doing in the car park?". Princess Diana used to offer to carry Jimmy Choo's bags to his car after visits to Kensington Palace, the famed shoe designer has revealed. Diana is pictured above arriving at Christie's in New York for a pre-auction party donning a pair of Choo's designs Esteemed fashion designer and businessman Jimmy Choo (pictured) recalled fond memories with the 'very kind' Princess Diana 'The [rest] of the royal familywould they do that? I don't think so. They would say "Bye". That's it! Diana was very kind,' he told The Independent. The fashion designer revealed that he would arrive at Kensington Palace clutching a big case brimming with designs, and together, the pair would sit on the floor and sample designs. As the relationship blossomed, formalities dwindled and Diana would eventually phone Choo up when she wanted to try some new styles. He recalled how she always asked after his family, saying she 'cared about everybody'. In 2001, Choo parted way with his brand, and sold his 50 per cent stake in the company for 10million. But it led the luxury footwear pioneer to his next creative venture, launching a 18,000-a-year fashion academy in London. In 2021, he opened the doors of the JCA | London Fashion Academy in Mayfair, which is on track to become the UK's newest university exclusively dedicated to fashion. Students study fashion design and entrepreneurship at three levels, foundation diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate, with Jimmy acting as a hands-on guide for the aspiring designers. Speaking with The Times, he explained: 'London is still home to me, so I'll be in and out. I want to see what they're doing. I want to talk to them, to make sure they come to the academy to study, not because they want to be famous.' Diana first wore a pair of Jimmy's designs in 1997 at the Royal Albert Hall for a performance of Swan Lake by the English National Ballet. The blue sling-back heeled shoes (pictured) perfectly matched Diana's dress The fashion designer revealed the idea of him launching a school came from his children, and said he had been working on the plans for several years. The idea of the project kept the 75-year-old busy during the Covid-19 crisis while he had been locked down in his second home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and his wife and family are living in London. The fashion designer revealed the idea of him launching a school came from his children, and said he had been working on the plans for several years. He said he had noticed many designers 'do not know about business', saying: 'My vision for the academy is to teach them my knowledge for design, but also to have a business mind as well.' He said he had learned his business skills 'slowly' over 'years and years', adding: 'The Chinese always say, "When you drink water, think about where the water came from".' Jimmy Choo's brand is beloved by celebrities and royals alike, with the Duchess of Sussex and Duchess of Cambridge regularly stepping out in shoes by the designer THE JIMMY CHOO JOURNEY Jimmy Choo Ltd was founded in 1996 by Tamara Mellon, then British Vogue's accessories editor, and Malaysian couture cobbler Jimmy Choo, who ran a successful but small business in the East End of London. Mellon secured a 150,000 loan from her father, businessman Tom Yeardye, to go into business with Choo, with the first products sold under the Jimmy Choo London line. The brand was immortalised in the TV show Sex and the City, when Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie revealed it was her favourite store. In April 2001 Mr Choo sold his share in the ready-to-wear business to Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd. He now runs a London atelier under the name Jimmy Choo's shoes, and is in the process of setting up a shoe-making institute in Malaysia. Lion Capital acquired a majority shareholding in Jimmy Choo Ltd in November 2004. The company was sold in 2007 to TowerBrook Capital Partners for 225 million, with Mellon retaining a number of shares. In 2010, Mellon was awarded the OBE for her services to business. It was later sold to Labelux, the current owners, for 525.5 million in 2011 with J.Choo Limited remaining the company name throughout. Mellon agreed to stay on in a creative consultancy role but severed all ties in 2011. Advertisement The Academy's courses combine the latest teachings in contemporary design with the entrepreneurial skills required to set-up and drive successful fashion brands of the future. Jimmy plans to help nurture students into emerging professional designers through a mentored approach. The pupils are provided with a level of access to internationally recognised design leaders unrivalled by traditional colleges and universities. The JCA | London Fashion Academy has curated a syllabus inspired by Professor Jimmy Choo's experiences in building his own luxury super-brand as well as the multi-faceted skill sets which fashion designers increasingly need in today's ultra-competitive multi-channel global landscape. Sarah Ferguson has gushed about how it has been a 'special gift' to share her children's books with her grandchildren - as she battles cancer alongside King Charles. The Duchess of York, 64, was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in January after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer last year. Last night, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and would be stepping back from public duties during his treatment. Earlier this week, Sarah Ferguson opened up about her relationship with her three grandchildren as she posted on her Instagram to commemorate Children's Author's Week. Prince Andrew's ex-wife has written 35 books over the past 30 years - including 15 children's books. Pictured: Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson and Princess Eugenie seen participating in King Charles' The Big Help Out last year The Duchess wrote: 'I feel very lucky to be able to call myself a childrens book author as a mother and now as a grandmother! 'Creating magic with my girls when they were young is what brought many of my childrens book characters to life. 'Being able to now share that with my grandchildren and with children around the world has been an unbelievably special gift. 'Every time I pick up one of my childrens books, I can feel all of that precious time spent together.' The Duchess became a grandmother for the third time in May 2023 when her youngest daughter Princess Eugenie - who had her son August in 2021 - announced the arrival of baby Ernest. Princess Beatrice shares daughter Sienna with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and is also step-mother to his son Wolfie. Sarah's post amassed over 9,200 'likes' and fans were full of praise for her writing. 'Such a wonderful gift to the next generation,' one said. Another added: 'Love your books!' Fergie's skin cancer diagnosis has left her 'thinking about her life and mortality', a source recently claimed Pictured: Princess Eugenie's eldest son August seen placing a loving hand on his baby brother Ernest in June 2023 A third gushed: 'My son ( who is now 32) adored Budgie the Little Helicopter, we had story books and play sets. 'Read stories over and over. Lovely to see you are making happy memories for children and parents through your books!' Prince Harry's father called him personally to tell him the devastating news about his cancer and the Duke of Sussex has jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and there are claims he boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. Buckingham Palace released this photo of King Charles last night as they revealed the monarch has been diagnosed with cancer The Duchess was diagnosed with malignant melanoma days after Christmas. Pictured: Sarah Ferguson attending Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 Fergie's skin cancer diagnosis has left her 'thinking about her life and mortality', a source recently claimed. She praised her dermatologist for spotting the malignant melanoma an aggressive form of skin cancer just months after she underwent surgery for breast cancer. The mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie admitted the second diagnosis was a 'shock', but revealed she was now in 'good spirits' and grateful for the many messages of love and support. Speaking via an Instagram post, she revealed she was now taking some time for herself, having received the diagnosis after several moles were removed during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy in June. One was identified as cancerous and she is now undergoing further medical checks to make sure the cancer has been caught in the early stages. She added that her experience underlined the importance of checking new moles and urged anyone who was reading her post to 'be diligent'. Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It happens after the DNA in skin cells is damaged (typically due to harmful UV rays) and then not repaired so it triggers mutations that can form malignant tumours. Causes Sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin Moles: The more moles you have, the greater the risk for getting melanoma Skin type: Fairer skin has a higher risk for getting melanoma Hair colour: Red heads are more at risk than others Personal history: If you've had melanoma once, then you are more likely to get it again Family history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, then that increases your risk Treatment Removal of the melanoma: This can be done by removing the entire section of the tumor or by the surgeon removing the skin layer by layer. When a surgeon removes it layer by layer, this helps them figure out exactly where the cancer stops so they don't have to remove more skin than is necessary. Skin grafting: The patient can decide to use a skin graft if the surgery has left behind discoloration or an indent. Immunotherapy, radiation treatment or chemotherapy: This is needed if the cancer reaches stage III or IV. That means that the cancerous cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body. Prevention Use sunscreen and do not burn Avoid tanning outside and in beds Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside Keep newborns out of the sun Examine your skin every month See your physician every year for a skin exam Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society Advertisement The Duchess wrote: 'I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. 'It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was. 'Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but Im in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support. 'I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent. 'I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the MAYRLIFE Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks, allowing me time for recuperation. I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.' Privately the Duchess is getting to grips with the news, with a source close to her telling MailOnline it 'feels like the worst icing on the cake' after tribulations over the last year. Councillors from Warwickshire County Council are under fire for their comments Three Tory councillors are facing calls to resign for making 'abhorrent' comments about disabled children - with one asking if the rise in cases was down to there being 'something in the water'. Warwickshire county councillors Brian Hammersley, Jeff Morgan, and Clare Golby are coming under intense pressure to stand down with a clip of the council meeting going viral and incensing viewers. Mr Hammersley bizarrely asked if the rise in cases of disabled children in the county was because there was 'something in the water', while Mr Morgan questioned whether 'little Willy' was 'badly behaved' rather than having ADHD. Miss Golby meanwhile chirps in suggesting the increase might correlate with 'a rise in social media use'. The sickening and offensive comments have left families with disabled children feeling physically sick and a campaign is gathering pace to have them sacked. The area's MP, Labour's Matt Western, tonight blasted the 'disgraceful' comments and has written to the council's leader demanding to know what action will be taken. The Real Housewives of Cheshire star and model Tanya Bardsley has also thrown her weight into the row with an impassioned speech in which she says the video made her feel physically sick. Mrs Bardsley, who has candidly opened up previously about her and her son Rocco's ADHD diagnosis, said: 'How about you stop the accusations, the belittling of mothers and the hypothesising and look into this properly.' Mr Hammersley and Miss Golby have already issued grovelling apologies with the former brushing his remarks off as 'clumsiness', while Mr Morgan said he 'regretted' his comments. Warwickshire County Council has confirmed it received 'a number of complaints' and has opened an investigation. Councillors from Warwickshire County Council have come under fire for their 'abhorrent' comments about disabled children. Pictured: Cllr Clare Golby Cllr Brian Hammersley said that in 'years gone by', children with special educational needs were 'dealt with by whatever means' The recording of the meeting on January 25 was shared yesterday morning by organisation SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Reform England and has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. A petition calling for the councillors to be sacked has racked up nearly 5,000 signatures. The clip opens with Cllr Hammersley asking if there is 'something in the water' as he notes an uptick in requests for requirements for SEND children. 'Why are so many people now jumping out with these needs? Where were they in the past when I was at school? I never heard of SEND,' he said. He was informed ty the council's Executive Director for Children and Young People that 'You may have found if you went to a school in the 1960s and 70s many of those children weren't in schools but in institutions of different types at that time.' To which he replied: 'They must have had better ways of dealing with them at that time. Let's go back to some of those ways.' Cllr Morgan calls for skepticism of parents when they say their children have special educational needs. He said: 'Councillors shouldn't be automatically accepting the plea of a mother that little Willy has got ADHD when in fact little Willy is just really badly behaved and needs some form of strict correction.' Cllr Golby suggests there is a difference between 'parenting' and 'SEN issues' and asks if the increase in numbers of SEND children recorded in the county might correlate with 'a rise in social media use'. Cllr Hammersley concluded: 'I don't know what the fix is, I just look back at years gone by - those people were dealt with by whatever means - it was right at the time.' Horrified mothers have expressed their disgust after watching the video on social media. Lisa Lloyd, 39, from Aylesford, North Kent (@asd_with_a_g_and_t) is mother to Poppy, six, and Finley, nine, who both have autism. She said: 'As a mum of two autistic children and one of the co-founders of SEND Reform England, I am absolutely appalled by what I have heard from the Warwickshire Council SEN meeting. Cllr Jeff Morgan added that the council should exercise scepticism when parents say their children have ADHD - and instead suggested the children might need 'strict correction' The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has thrown her weight into the row with an impassioned speech hitting out at the ignorant councillors. She has candidly opened up in the past about her ADHD diagnosis 'There is a difference between badly behaved children and disabled children their comments showed complete discrimination and how out of touch they are.' Heather, 39, from Devon (@himmeandautism) is mother to five-year-old Oscar, who has non-verbal autism, meaning he doesn't speak more than a few words. She shared the video with her followers and said: 'We have people in power, people who make choices for our children, talking with ableist comments go back to school, get yourself an education and how about sitting at a table with parents who could educate you? 'I am angry, really angry. Our children should be in institutions, wrapped up, strapped down so they can't do anything for themselves? Not learn, grow, thrive, how better outcomes? Class clown award goes to you. Jokers!' She added: 'We are living in the year of 2024 now where advocates like myself work hard to promote inclusion, education and support for the mental health of parents like myself. 'To hear councillors that should be protecting children making ableist comments that are very disrespectful and discriminatory is not ok. 'In any other areas of diverse we wouldn't dare speak the words that have been spoken. These councillors should be out of office, they shouldn't be making decisions about anyone's education, especially those so vulnerable in our society, 'This is not ok our children are not any less than anyone else they are worthy. These councillors need to look long and hard at themselves and the message they are giving.' Megan, from Hertfordshire, has a daughter with ASD and ADHD and runs businesses for adults and young people who have the same conditions. She said: 'I was physically sick to my stomach. How about you do something about how your vile system works, and meet a couple of these 'naughty' children, see if you can parent them better? See how that goes for you? This type of talk needs to be stopped!' Another mother, Kirsty Bailey, added: 'As the mother of a non-verbal, high-needs autistic child who is just three-and-a-half, it worries me for his future when our so called 'leaders' think there are better ways to deal with him than educational support. 'It's 2024 and the comments used from Warwickshire councillors resemble remarks I would expect in 1924. 'It's absolutely heartbreaking to feel that as a society we have come so far at understanding disabilities to then be pushed so far back with such abhorrent comments.' Hannah Gibbard (pictured) noted that this is not the first time councillors have been recorded making comments about disabled people and referred to Kent County Council, where comments sparked protest around the UK Kirsty Bailey (pictured with her husband and son who is autistic) said she would expect such comments to have been made in 1924, but not 2024 Lisa Lloyd, mother to Poppy, six, and Finley, nine, who are both autistic, said there is a difference between badly behaved children and disabled children Hannah Gibbard (the SEN solicitor) said: 'This is not the first time we have heard this type of uninformed, offensive opinions from councillors. Similar remarks were made in Kent last year which sparked the Send Reform England campaign. Such comments are discriminatory, damaging and shouldn't be allowed. 'These councillors are displaying the upmost ignorance in relation to serious SEND issues and shouldn't be allowed in public office.' Responding to the outrage caused by the video, a spokeswoman for the council confirmed they had received a 'number of complaints'. 'These complaints centre around comments made by three councillors during a meeting of the Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 25th January 2024' the spokeswoman said. 'It is clear that these comments have caused significant offence, distress and upset to children and their families within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) community. The Council takes that very seriously. 'The Council wishes to emphasise that the comments made are not representative of the views of the wider council body including those councillors and officers who work so hard to provide support and opportunities for children with SEND. 'The Council has built strong relationships with groups within the SEND community, and we are conscious of the damage this situation may cause to those relationships. 'The complaints received will be considered as part of an investigation which the Council's Monitoring Officer has begun. Labour MP Matt Western has written to the council's leader demanding to know what action will be taken against the trio The video has sparked fury among viewers with a campaign being started calling for the trio to be sacked 'Whilst that investigation gets underway it is important that the Council also acknowledges the scale of the upset and to that end those councillors involved wish to apologise personally for their comments.' She added: 'The Chief Executive has emphasised the importance of the investigation for which the findings and outcomes will be communicated as soon as it is complete. This matter is being prioritised.' Cllr Morgan, who suggested children may need 'strict correction', said: 'As a former Cabinet Member and councillor of nine years I regret any offence caused by my choice of words. 'It was never my intention to offend, and I regret the words I used to make a point about demand and need in the SEND area. I remain committed to the children and families of Warwickshire.' Cllr Hammersley, who suggested there was 'something in the water' regarding the uptick in people registering their children in the SEND category, said: 'I apologise unreservedly for the comments which I made at the recent Scrutiny Committee. 'I regret my clumsiness and lack of care in choosing my words and can see the upset and offence they caused. 'I am terribly sorry and will be more thoughtful with my questions and words in future. I can see that I have some learning to do.' Cllr Golby, who suggested social media might have a part to play in the increase, said: 'I accept that the words I used at the meeting were open to interpretation. I have spent many years working hard to support children and families in the SEND community and it was never my intention to offend. I apologise for any offence caused.' The King's cancer diagnosis could see a 'positive future emerge' between Prince Harry and his brother Prince William, a royal expert has claimed. Prince Harry, 39, is flying from California to London to reunite with his father following the news - but his wife Meghan Markle and their two children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, will not be joining him, a source revealed. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told FEMAIL that the difficult time could potentially heal the rift between the warring brothers, but said that it's 'wise' for Harry to travel to the UK alone to make the first steps towards reconciliation after a 'serious rift' in the family. He said: 'Sometimes benefits can come from difficult times and situations we would never wish on anyone. The King's cancer diagnosis could see a 'positive future emerge' between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Prince and Princess of Wales, a royal expert has claimed. Pictured, Harry and William in 2018 'The news that King Charles has cancer is a severe shock. It is only natural that Harry should want to be with him. It is also wise that he comes alone as there is a serious rift within the royal family. 'Harry will, despite all the disagreements of past years, naturally want to wish his father a speedy recovery in person. 'Let us hope that from this meeting, at a very difficult time for the royal family with the Princess of Wales recovering from an abdominal surgery, a positive future, which would obviously include Meghan, emerges. 'This might be difficult, as their differences have been so in the public domain, but would benefit everyone involved enormously. 'The main issue for the moment is obviously that of the King's health, everyone knows how serious cancer can be and will wish this remarkable monarch, who waited longer than any other Prince of Wales to succeed to the throne, a speedy and complete recovery.' Charles, 75, contacted both of his sons personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis, before it was announced by Buckingham Palace on Monday. Harry will clear his diary and travel from his home in California, with the move likely to raise concerns about the seriousness of the King's condition. The trip will be a solo one, with the Duchess of Sussex staying in the US with the couple's two children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days,' the source said. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday The decision will also raise hopes of a reconciliation within the royal family. Harry has a troubled relationship with his father, although they are still in contact, but his long-running rift with the Prince of Wales remains ongoing. Charles, according to Harry, pleaded with his sons during a tense meeting after the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral: 'Please, boys. Don't make my final years a misery.' Harry and Meghan wanted a half in-half out approach to royal life, but in the end quit as senior working royals amid the Megxit crisis in 2020. In their primetime Oprah interview in 2021, they went on to accuse an unnamed royal - later claimed to be two royals - of making a racist comment about what skin colour their son Archie would have before he was born. Harry also said Charles stopped taking his calls when he was trying to discuss stepping down as a working royal. 'My father and my brother, they are trapped. They don't get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that,' Harry told Winfrey. Allegations continued in the Sussexes' Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir Spare - both released in the months that followed the late Queen's death and at the start of Charles's reign. Harry claimed his brother William physically attacked him and that the King put his own interests above Harry's, and was jealous of Meghan and the Princess of Wales. He also said Charles did not hug him when he told him his mother Diana, Princess of Wales had died, and that he believed the King was 'never made' for single parenthood, but 'to be fair, he tried'. Harry also attacked the reputation of his stepmother the Queen, saying Camilla's willingness to forge relationships with the British press made her 'dangerous' and he criticised her attempts to rehabilitate her 'image' at his cost, during a series of interviews to promote his book. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side Harry was last seen alongside the royal family at the King's coronation in May, but the trip was a whirlwind one with the duke leaving immediately after to return to the US on what was Archie's fourth birthday. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles III's cancer diagnosis 'will bring a reconciliation' with Prince Harry. Harry's estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father. The heir to the throne returns to public duties this week after supporting his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery. He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The King also apologised for having to postpone his upcoming engagements. A spokesman added: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' King Charles's goddaughter has sent her 'thoughts and prayers' to her godfather following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. India Hicks, the daughter of Pamela Hicks who splits her time between the Bahamas and the UK, posted a childhood photo on Instagram to send a message to the monarch who begun cancer treatment yesterday. In the photo, which is not dated, designer India appears to be around eight-to-10-years-old and is beaming on what looks like some decking outsiede a house. Meanwhile her godfather Charles, who is a young man, is a paternal figure who has his hands on her shoulders. The King, now 74, was diagnosed with cancer after an 'issue of concern' was spotted during a routine procedure he had to treat an enlarged prostate last month. Buckingham Palace released a statement on Monday evening confirming the King has begun treatment for cancer - the exact nature of which has not been specified - as an outpatient. King Charles's goddaughter India Hicks, 56, has paid tribute to the monarch on Instagram as she sends her 'thoughts and prayers' to him following his cancer diagnosis India, 56, is the daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks and the granddaughter of Louis and Edwina Mountbatten. Both India and her mother have been present at numerous royal events over the years, including Queen Elizabeth's funeral. When she was 12-years-old, India was also a bridesmaid at Charles and Diana's wedding in 1981. She was not invited to King Charles's Coronation in May 2023, but arrived in London for the celebrations nonetheless. India, who is based between the Bahamas and the UK, has long praised her godfather as 'considerate', 'patient' and noble King Charles pictured on Sunday, the day before he began cancer treatment, walking to St Mry Magdalene Church in Sandringham with Queen Camilla At the time, she shared a previously unseen photo of her godfather on Instagram and said he was 'considerate' in nature. She wrote: 'Talking on telly today about @princestrust, the remarkable man behind it, and a very considerate, very patient godfather (with an annoying five year-old India)' Her visit to the UK came after she posted a photo of herself on Instagram with a caption praising King Charles's invitations to the coronation which are based on 'meritocracy' as she failed to make the list. During a TV appearance on an Australian channel, where she commentated on the Coronation, donned a chic cream dress and a matching tweed jacket from Nina Morris as she chatted to the channel about preparations in place for the coronation weekend. On her jacket, she wore a gold brooch with a diamond, which she revealed belonged to her mother. She also posted a video of horses and a carriage travelling through a street in Westminster and joked: 'The traffic's been interesting.' Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that King Charles is undergoing cancer treatment in a statement. It read: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Queen Camilla is 'very compassionate and knowledgable' about the impact of cancer and will play a 'supportive role' for King Charles and Prince William during her husband's treatment, a charity boss has claimed. Last night, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles, 75, has been diagnosed with cancer and would be stepping back from public duties during his treatment. Appearing on BBC Breakfast this morning, Dame Laura Lee - who is the chief executive of Maggie's cancer charity - said the Queen was 'in good and strong spirits' when she saw her last week. Queen Camilla, 76, has been the president of Maggie's cancer charity for 15 years and attended the opening of their new centre at the Royal Free Hospital Centre in London last Wednesday. Dame Lee said: 'So the Queen is very knowledgeable about the impact of cancer and is very compassionate and empathic in terms of understanding the impact and role of support that she will undoubtedly be offering the King during this time.' Pictured: Dame Laura Lee (right) greeted Queen Camilla as she arrived for the opening of Maggie's new cancer centre in North West London last week Discussing how Charles' diagnosis may impact other members of the firm, Dame Lee continued: 'I think she understands that cancer is a very specific experience for each individual, but that its also the family that are going through it. 'So she will be thinking about how best to support the King, but she will also be thinking about the rest of the family - Prince William - and also about supporting the King in his wishes to keep fully active and working through treatment.' Recalling Camilla's visit last week, Dame Lee highlighted how the Queen took the time to speak with a group of people who have been affected by cancer in some way. She explained: 'She has been in and visited many of our Maggies centres and so it was a day of work for her, of coming and helping us celebrate and open the centre. 'So, obviously, we know this information about King Charles after that visit, but during it she sat down, as she does in all of our centres, with a group of people affected by cancer, who talked about their own stories, about how they had navigated the challenges of cancer, and how important support was for them.' On top of this, Dame Laura said a cancer diagnosis can be a 'process of adjustment' and praised King Charles for sharing his diagnosis. She added: 'So hes telling others that hes going through this, that they are not alone. He is with them on that. 'But hes also giving his time to his family to come to terms with whats going on and to what might lie ahead.' Dame Laura Lee said during an interview on BBC Breakfast that Queen Camilla will play a 'supportive role' for King Charles (pictured on Christmas Day 2023) Pictured: Queen Camilla seen speaking with members of the public who benefit from the new cancer centre Maggie's is a charity that supports cancer patients and their families and has 24 centres based in hospitals across the UK. The charity was founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks, and her husband Charles Jencks after she received a second cancer diagnosis in 1993. After being moved to a windowless corridor to process the news, the couple came up with the idea of creating centres to offer support to people with cancer and opened their first one in Edinburgh in 1996. During her visit to the new centre in North-West London, Queen Camilla was introduced to to donors including Sir Gerald Ronson, who asked after the King's health following his treatment for an enlarged prostate. 'How's the boss doing?' he said. 'He's getting on, doing his best,' she replied. Dori Dana-Haeri, who led the fundraising effort for the new centre, said she was 'so pleased' Charles, 75, was well. Queen Camilla nodded as she said: 'Thank goodness.' The King is 'getting on' and 'doing his best' following his three-night stay in hospital, the Queen said last week. She is pictured with Viscountess Marcia Blakenham Speaking with people who have been affected by cancer, Camilla said during her visit to the centre: Its such an incredible place. You can literally come and chill, cant you? Marilyn Bello, 51, from north London, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2020 and told the Queen she had been coming to Maggies during chemotherapy and had met many new friends, people who understand you. She thanked her for her work but the Queen replied: Its not me you should be thanking. She added: Its nice that you can just drop in if you want to, you dont have to make an appointment. Prince Harry's father called him personally to tell him the devastating news about his cancer and the Duke of Sussex has jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and there are claims he boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. A leading UK food science expert has spoken out on the dangers of glycerol in sugar-free slushies, suggesting that using the e-number could be an 'unintended consequence of the sugar tax'. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, who works at the University of Reading and is an expert in nutrition and food science, said recent news stories about young children suffering from the harmful effects of glycerol could now see companies reformulate their products to omit the sweetener. The scientist warned parents to 'be careful' to check ingredients on the popular drinks, which are widely available at UK attractions such as theme parks and cinemas. Brand leader Slush Puppie already makes it clear on its website that none of its sugar-free products contain glycerol, but many other brands do contain the e number. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned against giving children under four drinks such as Tango Ice Blast, which lists glycerol, also known as glycerine or E422, as an ingredient. Reading University's Professor Gunter Kuhnle said that the rise of young children being affected by the harmful effects of the sweetener glycerol could be an 'unintended consequence of the sugar tax', which was launched in 2018 (Pictured: A Tango Ice Blast slushy) Many slushy brands offer zero sugar versions of the traditional iced drink, which contain glycerol, also known as glycerine or E422, as a main ingredient - including this bottle of Blue Ice slushy syrup Glycerol is popular because it keeps the drinks 'icy' and replaces the sugar of traditional versions of the drinks - avoiding the sugar tax. The sugar substitute is also added to the likes of precooked pasta, rice and breakfast cereal, but in much lower quantities. Food safety chiefs say, in extremely rare circumstances, it can be highly dangerous for small children. Just one 350ml drink could theoretically tip kids over the safe threshold. Mild signs of glycerol intoxication include vomiting and headaches. However, it can also cause shock and lead to children losing consciousness. 'When using sugar to form slushes a minimum of 12g of sugar per 100ml is needed (higher than regular soft drinks), when using glycerol less can be used, around 5g per 100ml,' said Duane Mellor, a British Dietician Association (BDA) spokesperson.' Recent cases of glycerol intoxication include four-year-old Albie Pegg, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire (pictured). His mother Beth Green, 24, this week revealed how her unconscious son was hospitalised and she feared he'd die an hour after he downed an iced slushy drink Food and science expert Professor Kuhnle, said it was likely many brands would now start to reformulate their recipe to omit glycerol Brand leader Slush Puppy has recently updated its slushy drinks range, taking out glycerol Professor Kuhnle wrote on social media platform X in response to the FSA advice: 'An unintended consequence of the sugar tax was the replacement of sugar with glycerol as sweetener. 'That's not a big problem for adults - but clearly for children, the main consumers for some drinks.' He told MailOnline that it would be difficult to estimate the potential harm factor on young children 'as companies will probably start to reformulate their products'. He warned: 'Unfortunately, it might take some time for this to be implemented, so it is probably sensible to be careful with slush.' The sugar tax was first introduced on soft drinks in 2018, and is estimated to have helped to prevent thousands of hospital admissions for child tooth extractions. The levy encouraged manufacturers to reduce sugar content in soft drinks, which is one of the main reasons for tooth decay in children. Many have turned to artificial sweeteners to avoid the tax. The sugar tax is estimated to have cut hospital admissions for under 18s by thousands but in August last year, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned of the potential dangers for young children who consume too much glycerol - and experts reiterated those warnings this week Sugar free slushies, such as the Slush Zero brand pictured above, lists glycerol high up in its ingredients What's in a slushy and why could it be dangerous? Slushies can contain glycerol, an additive which gives the child-friendly drinks the desired slushy effect. But in August 2023, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said, in extremely rare circumstances, it can be dangerous for under-4s. Just one 350ml drink could theoretically tip kids over the safe threshold. 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. Adam Hardgrave, head of additives at the FSA, said: 'It is important that parents are aware of the risks, particularly at high levels of consumption. 'It is likely there is under-reporting of glycerol intoxication, as parents may attribute nausea and headaches to other factors.' The warning from the FSA came as part of its new guidance to industry. It wants retailers to use the minimum amount of glycerol, or E422, as possible. Glycerol a substitute for sugar is also added to the likes of precooked pasta, rice and breakfast cereal, but in much lower quantities. FSA chiefs based their recommendations on a 350ml-sized drink, similar to ones available in shops and cinemas across the UK. It was also based on the slushy containing 50,000mg/l of glycerol. The FSA said any levels above this threshold could cause 'adverse effects'. Children over four are unlikely to become ill because glycerol effects are related to body weight meaning it is less potent in older kids. The FSA explained their advice is based on the average weight of a four-year-old, which is believed to be around 40 pounds, according to Kids Health. 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'. Most slushies in the UK do not detail the levels of glycerol on their drink packaging but the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) say all their members have followed the new guidance. BSDA Director General, Gavin Partington, said: 'BSDA members adhere to all current ingredient legislation, including on glycerol, which is authorised as an additive for use in the UK and Europe and has been used for a number of years by some manufacturers of slush-ice drinks to stop the product from freezing.' Source: FSA Advertisement In November last year, experts estimated the sugar tax has reduced the number of under-18s having a tooth removed due to decay by 12 per cent. Based on a population of nearly 13million children, this equates to a reduction of 5,638 hospital admissions for tooth decay. The biggest impact was for those under nine, Cambridge University researchers told the BMJ. However, glycerol now comes with its own health warning following high profile cases involving young children being taken ill after consuming it. This week, a British mother revealed how she feared her son would die when he collapsed and fell unconscious after downing an iced slushy drink. Beth Green, 24, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, faced every parent's worst nightmare when her four-year-old son Albie became unresponsive after school last year. The reception pupil had been bowling with a friend when the pair gulped a small strawberry-flavoured slushy. Within half an hour Beth said Albie appeared 'tired and agitated' in the back of the car. It comes after Scottish mother Victoria Anderson shared how her three-year-old son Angus almost died in January after drinking a slushy - falling unconscious in her arms and being rushed to hospital. In October, Beth grew increasingly concerned when Albie started 'hallucinating' and 'clawing at his face' - prompting the mother to rush him to hospital. After falling unconscious, medics began resuscitating the tot as his blood sugar levels plummeted to dangerously low levels. At one stage, Beth and partner Fred Pegg, 24, feared their child would die as Albie's heartbeat was 'extremely slow' - and a doctor said if they hadn't brought him in it would have been fatal. Months later, the parents were told Albie had suffered 'glycerol intolerance' after slurping an iced slushy drink. Adam Hardgrave, head of additives at the FSA, said this week: 'It is important that parents are aware of the risks [of glycerol], particularly at high levels of consumption. 'While the symptoms of glycerol intoxication are usually mild, it is important that parents are aware of the risks particularly at high levels of consumption. 'It is likely there is under-reporting of glycerol intoxication, as parents may attribute nausea and headaches to other factors.' The warning from the FSA came as part of its new guidance to industry. It wants retailers to use the minimum amount of glycerol, or E422, as possible. FSA chiefs based their recommendations on a 350ml-sized drink, similar to ones available in shops and cinemas across the UK. It was also based on the slushy containing 50,000mg/l of glycerol. The FSA said any levels above this threshold could cause 'adverse effects'. Children over four are unlikely to become ill because glycerol effects are related to body weight meaning it is less potent in older kids. The FSA explained their advice is based on the average weight of a four-year-old, which is believed to be around 40 pounds, according to Kids Health. Beth Green with her son Albie, who has been diagnosed as 'glycerol intolerance' after the terrifying episode 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'. Beth grew increasingly concerned when Albie started 'hallucinating' and 'clawing at his face' - prompting the mother to rush him to hospital Most slushies in the UK do not detail the levels of glycerol on their drink packaging but the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) say all their members have followed the new guidance. BSDA Director General, Gavin Partington, said: 'BSDA members adhere to all current ingredient legislation, including on glycerol, which is authorised as an additive for use in the UK and Europe and has been used for a number of years by some manufacturers of slush-ice drinks to stop the product from freezing.' The Danish Royal Family has marked Princess Marie's birthday after the royal didn't travel back from the US to celebrate King Frederik's Proclamation. The royal mother-of-two - who relocated to Washington DC with Prince Joachim and their two children last year - celebrates her 48th birthday today. To mark the occasion, the Royal Household's official Instagram account shared a portrait of Princess Marie, who Prince Joachim's second wife. In the image, Princess Marie looks effortlessly chic in a grey checked blazer and black top. The mother opted for minimal jewellery and is seen wearing a pair of elegant diamond earrings and a silver necklace. To mark the royal's 48th birthday, the Royal Household's official Instagram account shared a portrait of Princess Marie, who Prince Joachim's second wife Finishing off her look, Marie opted for a brown smokey eyeshadow and nude lipstick. The Danish Royal Household captioned the post: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Marie has a birthday and turns 48 years old today.' The post comes a few weeks after King Frederik and Queen Mary's ascension to the throne - which Princess Marie and her children Count Henrik and Countess Athena were noticeably absent for. Instead, Prince Joachim travelled back to Denmark on his own to watch his mother abdicate the throne - making her the first Danish monarch in over 900 years to do so. In January 2023, Queen Margrethe officially stripped Prince Joachim's four children of their HRH titles - later justifying her decision by saying she didn't want to leave the burden to her son Frederik. Tensions first arose in the Danish royal household after the monarch decided to strip four of her grandchildren of their HRH titles in 2022. She subsequently apologised about the timing of the announcement but stood by the move. Joachim had spoken out against his mother's decision in the days that followed - claiming that his two children, Counts Nikolai, 24, and Felix, 21 - born from his first marriage to Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg - and Henrik and Athena, had been 'harmed' in the process. Months later, the sixth-in-line to the throne said that 'communication was missing' within the Royal Family in the lead-up to the shock announcement. Princess Marie and Prince Joachim of Denmark pictured in January 2020 - before their move to Washington DC Count Felix, Princess Marie, Prince Joachim, Countess Athena, Count Henrik and Count Nikolai pictured in September 2022 The Danish Queen (pictured with her sons and their wives) has said the decision was intended to allow Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20 - born from Joachim's first marriage - and Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, to live normal lives without royal obligations Prince Joachim's children Nikolai, 23, Felix, 20, Henrik, 13, and Athena, 10, all lost their titles on January 1 2023 Joachim told Danish tabloid B.T.: 'There is a lot to work on. Communication was what was missing. Now we have met and we are on the right track.' In February 2023, Queen Margrethe gave a rare interview where she shed light on her decision to strip Joachim's children of their titles. In an interview with Danish publication Ekstra Bladet she said: 'It's been important to me that this should never be Frederik's lot to make that kind of decision. 'It's better that I did. Because then it's the old lady that made the decision. I am not keen to get into it to be honest. 'I could mention some things, but you shouldn't have to tell everything. But it is still a little bit too private to talk about.' They are now Counts and Countess and referred to as Their Excellencies - and in January this year the Danish Royal Family updated their website to show the new status. Speaking in her 2022 televised New Year's address, Margrethe admitted: 'That the relationship with Prince Joachim and (his wife) Princess Marie has run into difficulties hurts me. 'Difficulties and disagreements can arise in any family, including mine. The whole country has witnessed this.' She added that she was 'sure that the family can enter the new year together with confidence, understanding and new courage'. Shortly after his children were stripped of his titles, Joachim claimed that he had only been given five days' notice before the news was made public. Following the Queen's announcement, Joachim spoke to Danish publication Ekstra Bladet outside the Danish Embassy in Paris, where he used to live with his French-born wife Princess Marie and his two youngest children, and said his four children had been 'hurt' by their grandmother's decision. Ahead of yesterday's proclamation, a palace spokesperson said: 'Prince Joachim will be there, but the children go to school, there is no special reason.' Elsewhere in the statement, the Palace confirmed that Joachim will return to the US later today. Multi-millionaire Shark Tank mogul Barbara Corcoran has revealed the 'seven simple words' that made her a nicer person. The entrepreneur, 74, took to TikTok to tell her 1.1 million followers about the phrase that not only improved her outlook but also helped her achieve greater success. The investor, who currently has a reported net worth of roughly $100 million, emphasized just how important it was to 'cut someone some slack.' But viewers were left bitterly divided in the comments. Multi-millionaire Shark Tank mogul Barbara Corcoran has revealed the 'seven simple words' that made her a nicer person The entrepreneur, 74, took to TikTok to tell her 1.1 million followers about the phrase that not only improved her outlook but also helped her achieve greater success In the clip, which Barbara recorded as she had her makeup applied, she unraveled the whole story. 'I was waiting at a Bloomingdale's counter with my brother T trying to pay for a tube of mascara. 'From what I could see, the lady behind that counter had no intention of helping us, she didn't make eye contact.' The TV personality said she asked the employee directly if she could pay for the product but was once again ignored. She continued: 'By now I was furious. I wanted to give her a piece of my mind. 'I've never been good at tolerating anyone who doesn't do their job.' It was then that Barbara's brother stepped in to utter a phrase that would change her outlook on life entirely. 'That's when my brother put his hand over mine and said to me, "Barbara, hold it," she recalled, before revealing the seven life-changing words he told her: 'Consider she's doing the best she can.' The business mogul added: 'He went on to say "You have no idea what she dealt with before she went to work this morning. What her life is like. What's on her plate. The investor, who currently has a reported net worth of roughly $100 million, emphasized just how important it was to 'cut someone some slack' The clip was quickly flooded with comments with many of her followers being appreciative of the advice '"What she has to deal with everyday. Consider this lady's doing the best she can."' Barbara concluded: 'I pull back on these valuable words so often and I hope it helps you too.' The clip was quickly flooded with comments with many of her followers being appreciative of the advice. One person wrote: 'This could change the world if we all did it.' Another person added: 'I remind myself by saying, "give them the benefit of the doubt." Could have just ended a life-changing phone call.' 'I need to hear this more often. It's so true that we just don't know what people are dealing with. Empathy is hard to come by,' a third person wrote. A fourth person commented: 'I practice this thought all the time and I always pass this onto others. Your brother is very empathetic.' One person wrote: 'Your videos give me hope for the future in many ways. Thank you!' 'Why did this make me want to cry?' another person added. Another follower wrote: 'As a grocery store worker who deals with this on the daily, thank you. It's also a good reminder for me when dealing with unruly customers.' The business mogul concluded: 'I pull back on these valuable words so often and I hope it helps you too' But other followers were not so impressed as one person wrote: 'True, however, I was always taught, "leave your personal life at the door" when you go to work. So personal life should never interfere with work life' But other followers were not so impressed. One person wrote: 'True, however, I was always taught, "leave your personal life at the door" when you go to work. So personal life should never interfere with work life.' Another person added: 'No way! When you are at work, you leave everything outside when you walk through the door. Great customer service brings back customers period.' A third person commented: 'Ya know, I completely get what you're saying, but you have a job to do, get over it, suck it up, clock at the end of shift and deal with it then.' 'It's still no excuse to be rude to you or any other customer. You may have been able to help her out of a bad situation,' a fourth person wrote. One person added: 'God no. That's horrible advice. Sorry, but no. People nowadays just don't wanna do their jobs because they're entitled and whiney.' This is not the first time that Barbara has provided her helpful recommendations to her followers. She has previously offered guidance on how to land jobs despite 'ageism' as well as revealing the cheeky trick she used to sell her business for $66 million. It's not the first time that Bianca Censori's outfit has made headlines and caused uproar among fashion fans - but her latest look might just be her most outrageous to date. Kanye West's wife wore a sheer raincoat with absolutely nothing underneath on Monday as she made a head-turning arrival to a Los Angeles music studio alongside her mask-clad husband. The 29-year-old Australian architect opted to go completely naked beneath her poncho bar a pair of knee high black boots. Branding across the front of the coat helped shield her ample chest, yet she was forced to place her hand over her groin to protect her modesty. The bizarre look has been heavily criticised online, with one person writing on X, formerly Twitter: 'What is wrong with this couple? I just don't get it. Why?' Kanye West's wife Bianca wore a sheer raincoat with absolutely nothing underneath on Monday as she made a head-turning arrival to a Los Angeles music studio alongside her mask-clad husband (pictured together) Another questioned: 'This has to be illegal. This is literally public indecency,' while a third individual added: 'No love, this is not fashion.' This isn't the first outfit of Bianca's that has raised more than a few eyebrows - with the wife of Kanye often sporting attire that leaves little to the imagination. During their time in Florence, Verona and Rome in 2023, the rapper and his wife shocked with their bizarre outfit choices, with Kanye regularly seen out barefoot and Bianca often barely clothed. Yet they took things a step further in Venice, when they were accused of performing a lewd sex act on a river boat, with Kanye seen exposing his bare buttocks while Bianca kneeled in front of him. Their bizarre behaviour prompted fury from Italian locals who declared the couple 'banned' from the country, and their antics even sparked a police investigation. There was also grave concern from Bianca's inner circle, who insisted her behaviour was not a reflection of who she really is, but rather a result of Kanye's influence over her. Meanwhile, late last year, Bianca wore a slew of increasingly more bizarre ensembles, including nude sheer tops and a silver string bodysuit all of which she teamed with oversized stuffed toys. In January, Kanye shared a series of revealing snaps of his wife on Instagram. He first posted a trio of pictures of Bianca to his 18.4million Instagram followers, showing her dressed in a black string bikini top and thong. Bianca pictured in January turning heads with a top and shorts combo while going braless Late last year, Bianca wore a slew of increasingly more bizarre ensembles , including nude sheer tops and a silver string bodysuit all of which she teamed with oversized stuffed toys (pictured left). Pictured right, Bianca in Italy wearing a nude jumpsuit Bianca commanded attention earlier this month in LA when sporting a statement headpiece and matching coat In January, Kanye shared a series of revealing snaps of his wife on Instagram The rapper declared there will be 'no pants this year,' alongside one image of her in a string thong and fur bralette, while another showing her spilling out of a barely-there top, read: 'Dropped sumn?' Kanye's post raised eyebrows as he had previously criticized his ex Kim Kardashian for being 'overly sexualized,' while promoting her SKIMS brand, and once also claimed the wet look Thierry Mugler dress she wore to the 2019 Met Gala was 'too sexy'. Bianca and Kanye secretly wed in December 2022, just one month after he finalized his divorce from Kim Kardashian, 43. Since then, friends have expressed ongoing fears that the rapper is manipulating his so-called 'wife' and many believe his latest actions continue to highlight a pattern of 'controlling' behaviour. In his latest stunt, Kanye is said to have banned Bianca from using social media to protect her from negative comments, according to insiders, who claim her friends believe it's really another tactic to further 'isolate' her. Despite the architectural designer's loved ones staging an intervention concerning her relationship with the rapper and his 'controlling ways,' her husband appears to have changed her attitude towards social media. Kanye West and Bianca Censori on May 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California, as they showcase their unique style 'Bianca has always had social media and she was active on it until she married Kanye,' an insider exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'He doesnt want her to have it because he thinks that it will hurt her if she had to read the nasty things that people say. 'He convinced her that, since she is a star now, she has to remain a mystery and it is creepy to those who know her as it feels like another form of control.' However, friends have taken issue with the fact Kanye is posting racy images of his wife on his own Instagram account despite allegedly claiming she needs protection. The insider added: 'He is pushing her nakedness all over his own [account] so that he can control her narrative. It is disturbing, and by shutting her off from the world he is causing her to become more and more isolated.' Friends are said to be stunned to see the usually assertive designer going along with Kanye's demands as the source stressed: 'This strong Bianca that was not going to deal with his s*** anymore has seemingly vanished once again. 'She is wearing what he wants, going where he wants and doing what he wants because she really has no other choice. She went from being his designer to his wife, which is unfortunately, not a paid position. Shes trapped.' A sizzling new trailer for a series all about Queen Maxima of the Netherlands' life has been released. Dutch streamer Videoland has released a teaser ahead of the six-part series - by Mill Street Films - dropping on April 20. Scenes recreating her first meeting with King Willem-Alexander during a fair in Seville in 1999 are interlaced with the couple's highs and lows, including meeting her future in-laws, Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg, and getting engaged. The two-minute clip started with a narration from Delfina Chaves - who plays the titular role - over footage of a man and his daughter spending time together in a field in Argentina, where Maxima grew up. 'My father always told me I had to reach for the highest, to work hard. He taught me everything,' the voiceover said. 'I am who I am because of him.' A sizzling new trailer for a show all about Queen Maxima of the Netherlands' life has been released - and it features an inside look into the highly anticipated drama, dropping on April 20 Later, Maxima can be seen taking photos at a party during the annual Seville Spring Fair 25 years ago, sporting a chic scarlet off-the shoulder dress. 'Maxima, here is Wilhelm-Alexander, prince of the Netherlands,' a friend said in introduction. Martijn Lakemeier - who plays the monarch - then asked Maxima 'how an Argentinian lady ended up on Wall Street', in reference to her time as vice president of the emerging markets division of Dresdner Kleinwort Benson in New York. 'That's a long story,' she replied. 'Well I have time,' Wilhelm-Alexander quipped back flirtatiously. Another clip then showed the couple enjoying some drinks together, when Maxima remarked that 'it must be hard being a Crown Prince'. 'It's not the most common question I get on a first date,' he said, flustered, before realising his slip-up and correcting: 'Day, first day.' A montage of the royals' romantic antics then portray Wilhelm-Alexander showing up with a bouquet of roses, the couple sharing a passionate kiss, and walking up to meet Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg. Dutch streamer Videoland on Friday released a teaser ahead of the six-part series - by Mill Street Films - airing this Spring The drama will cover Queen Maxima 's upbringing in Argentina and how a chance meeting with King Willem-Alexander changed the course of her life forever A montage of the royals' romantic antics then portray Wilhelm-Alexander showing up with a bouquet of roses, the couple sharing a passionate kiss, and walking up to meet Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg Beatrix - then Queen of the Netherlands - can be seen telling Maxima: 'I can see why he likes you.' The drama escalated in the next clips, as Maxima was told that her father would not be allowed to attend her wedding - due to his political background. He had served as the Minister of Agriculture under the regime of General Jorge Rafael Videla, commander in chief of the army and a member of the right-wing junta than ran Argentina. At one point, an emotional and upset Maxima simply yelled: 'To hell with politics.' Elsewhere, Claus von Amsberg - played by Sebastian Koch - offered his sage wisdom to a fellow non-royal marrying into the family: 'You want some advice from an old veteran? Stay where you are.' The last scene, set to dramatic music, show Maxima and Wilhelm-Alexander as he can be heard saying: 'Screw everyone - all I care about is you and what makes you happy.' The drama will cover Queen Maxima's upbringing in Argentina and how a chance meeting with King Willem-Alexander changed the course of her life forever. In November, photographs of the series surfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter - just a few months after filming began in New York. They show Maxima, played by Delfina, chatting to the then Prince Willem-Alexander. Another captured the future Queen as she prepared to announce her engagement to the world in 2001, while a trailer showed the royal couple eagerly dancing with each other upon first meeting in April 1999. Another captured the future Queen as she prepared to announce her engagement to the world in 2001 Willem-Alexander showing off Maxima's ring at a 2001 press conference, after their engagement was announced The then Prince Willem-Alexander initially hid his royal status from his future wife. When he finally admitted the truth, she thought it was a joke. Delfina, 27, is taking on the role of the Dutch Queen. She is already a mega star in Maxima's home country - having appeared in hit shows such as Love After Loving, Rap Battlefield and The Secret of the Greco Family. The glitzy adaptation, comprising three directors, Saskia Diesing, Joosje Duk, and Ivan Lopez Nunez, is based on the historical novel of the same name by Marcia Luyten. It will follow Maxima's transition into royal life and the obstacles she had to overcome along the way, including the tragic death of a sister and Dutch public anger about her father's involvement in the military junta. Maxima's father was an established politician, serving as the Minister of Agriculture under the regime of General Jorge Rafael Videla, commander in chief of the army and a member of the right-wing junta that ran Argentina. Maxima graduated with a degree in economics from the Universidad Catolica Argentina before moving to the United States to work in a number of banks in New York The future Queen was educated at the English-style Northlands school in the city where she received a bilingual baccalaureate in 1988, speaking fluently in her native Spanish and English. Pictured (right) with friends in Buenos Aires Maxima and Willem attend the Wedding of Princess Martha Louise of Norway in Trondheim His involvement in the dictatorship would later become an issue for Maxima to confront. It is remembered as the period of the 'dirty war' against political opponents in Argentina. Up to 30,000 people died. Maxima spent her childhood in Buenos Aires with two brothers, one sister and three half-sisters. The future Queen was educated at the English-style Northlands school in the city, where she received a bilingual baccalaureate in 1988, speaking fluently in her native Spanish and English. She later learned to speak Dutch as well as conversational French. She went on to study at the Universidad Catolica Argentina, where she graduated with a degree in economics in 1995. While at university, Maxima revealed her strong-willed nature by confronting a priest in a theology class who said 'women should serve men' to which she retorted 'why am I actually studying then?' leading her to be removed from the class. After graduating, she had a brief stint working in Buenos Aires before relocating to the United States where she took on a series of high-flying roles. These included being vice president of Latin American Institutional Sales for the finance house HSBC James Capel Inc. in New York before moving to Deutsche Bank, where she became vice president of Institutional Sales. The newlyweds waving to the crowd on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in February 2002 Little did she know that in April 1999, while on holiday in Seville, she would meet the love of her life. The pair had both been attending a party at the annual Seville Spring Fair where she bumped into her future husband Prince Willem-Alexander. Although they were in a serious relationship, Maxima did her best to keep the prince's identity secret. She said: 'I would tell them something different (about Willem) every time, but at some point, there was nothing for it other than to say: "He's the Prince of the Netherlands."' The next year, in May 2000, Maxima relocated to work at the European Union Representative Office of Deutsche Bank in Brussels, Belgium. Soon after the move, in 2001, Willem proposed to Maxima while ice-skating on a pond near Huis ten Bosch Palace. The couple were married on 1 February 2002 at Amsterdam's Nieuwe Kerk, however, it was not straightforward leading up to the wedding and her father's past threatened their marriage. It became a point of national debate in the Netherlands whether Maxima could become part of the royal family because of her father's ties with the right-wing junta that ran Argentina. Despite ongoing controversies, Willem-Alexander's mother, Queen Beatrix at the time, set to be played by Elsie de Brauw, continued to welcome Maxima into their home. Maxima and Willem were only allowed to marry after the Dutch parliament investigating her father's past concluded that the future Queen had known nothing of the war atrocities. She had been in primary school during the junta years. Maxima managed to overcome the controversy surrounding their marriage amazingly, winning over the Dutch people with her smile, charisma and intelligence. The couple have three children together, Princess Amelia, 19, Princess Alexia, 17 and Princess Ariane, 15. Told from Maxima's perspective, the series sets out to explain the controversy surrounding her father's political career while she simultaneously navigated her relationship with the crown prince. Gypsy Rose Blanchard's first days of freedom are set to be documented in a new docuseries. The now 32-year-old was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for second-degree murder after persuading a former boyfriend to stab her mother to death - but was released early in December last year. The convicted felon has never shied away from the limelight - having previously featured on Dr. Phil, Good Morning America and 20/20 - as well as Lifetime's recent documentary titled The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. But now the cable network has given the green light for a new unscripted show - currently untitled - which will chronicle her life following her release from prison. Gypsy Rose Blanchard's first days of freedom are set to be documented in a new docuseries The now 32-year-old was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for second-degree murder after persuading an ex-boyfriend to stab her mother to death - but was released early in December 'Millions have followed Gypsy's story and are invested in seeing what is in store for her next,' Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive VP and head of programming for A&E, Lifetime and LMN, said. 'After a lifetime of trauma and serving her time, we are all rooting for Gypsy to embrace all that life has to offer and become the woman she always wanted to be.' The series, which is slated to premiere later this year, starts in the days ahead of her December 28 release, having served eight and a half years of her 10-year sentence. It will showcase her new life with husband Ryan Anderson as well as exploring Gypsy's attempts to balance her notoriety with her desire to live as a free woman. In her childhood, Gypsy faced years of abuse from her mother who falsely claimed she suffered from an array of illnesses - including leukemia and muscular dystrophy - in what was one of the highest profile cases of Munchausen syndrome. Dee Dee shaved Gypsy's head, forced her into a wheelchair, had some of her teeth removed and paraded her at charitable events as a sickly child. But their 'inseparable' bond ended when Gypsy burst free of her warped mom's control in 2015. She let her besotted internet boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, creep into the family home in Springfield, Missouri, with a knife he had stolen from Walmart. In her childhood, Gypsy faced years of abuse from her mother who falsely claimed she suffered from an array of illnesses in what was a high profile cases of Munchausen syndrome Gypsy pled guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison She and Ryan Anderson, who tied the knot behind bars but are now planning a Disney-style fairytale wedding, have been attracting praise from fans, but criticism from others Gypsy then hid in the bathroom with her hands over her ears to mask the noise of Dee Dee being butchered in her bed, previously telling ABC News that she wanted her mom to die 'not because I hated her... it was because I wanted to escape her.' Dee Dee was fatally stabbed 14 times before Godejohn and Gypsy were promptly arrested. Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Godejohn's lawyers described him as a 'low-functioning person with autism' who was obsessed with Gypsy and coerced into doing her bidding. Nicholas Godejohn was jailed for life in 2019 He was jailed for life in 2019 for first-degree murder and armed criminal action after prosecutors convinced jurors that he understood the consequences of killing. Godejohn will remain under lock and key at the Potosi Correctional Center in Mineral Point, Missouri as Gypsy begins her new life, having served 85 per cent of her sentence, as required by state law. Her friends and family begged authorities to take account of the cruel abuse and needless medical procedures she endured while being cynically paraded at charity events and fundraisers. She was freed on December 28 from the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri. Gypsy has become an internet sensation in recent weeks after showcasing her romance on social media. She and husband Ryan, who tied the knot behind bars but are now planning a Disney-style fairytale wedding, have been attracting praise from fans but criticism from others. The newly-released convict has defended her husband against critics, claiming they are now happy 'enjoying' their life. Prince Albert of Monaco has praised King Charles' 'determination, courage and openness' as 'a source of inspiration' after the British monarch shared his cancer diagnosis with the world. In a statement shared to Instagram this evening, the 65-year-old Monegasque royal sent his 'warmest thoughts and prayers' to Charles, 75, who is said to be 'on good form' following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer. 'Your Majesty, In these difficult times, my family would like to express to you our full support,' read the message. It continued: 'Your determination, courage and openness have always been a source of inspiration. I am convinced that you will show the same bravery throughout this challenge. 'My family and the people of Monaco join me in sending you, the Royal Family and your loved ones our warmest thoughts and prayers.' Prince Albert of Monaco has praised King Charles' 'determination, courage and openness' as 'a source of inspiration' after the British monarch shared his cancer diagnosis with the world. Pictured, Albert and The King in May, 2023 Albert was the first European royal to confirm their attendance at King Charles' Coronation, and attended the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. Ahead of the Coronation, he spoke fondly of the British King, calling him 'a very educated man and someone with a great sense of humour'. Speaking to PEOPLE, Albert confirmed he and his wife Princess Charlene would attend, adding: 'I'm certain that it's going to be an incredible ceremony and a very moving one.' A smiling King Charles today arrived back at Sandringham after meeting his son Prince Harry for less than an hour in their first face-to-face encounter for nine months. Charles and Queen Camilla were seen waving to crowds as they left Clarence House in London in an official car at 3.35pm before catching a helicopter to Norfolk. The monarch's Sikorsky S-76C chopper landed at around 4.30pm after a flight of less than an hour. Harry was seen driving through the gates of Clarence House at 2.45pm after rushing to Britain following an 11-hour flight from California - where his wife, Meghan Markle, and children, Archie and Lilibet, are staying behind. Charles, 75, is said to be 'on good form' following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer. The royal helicopter was seen arriving in Sandringham just before 5pm. In a statement shared to Instagram this evening, the 65-year-old Monegasque royal (pictured with Charles in 2001) sent his 'warmest thoughts and prayers' to Charles, 75, who is said to be 'on good form' following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer A smiling King Charles and Queen Camilla leaving Clarence House this afternoon It is not known if Harry will remain in central London or stay at Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage - which he and his wife had to move out of last June. Experts have said they hope that Harry's trip is the 'sign of a truce' with Charles, but there remains little sign of a rapprochement with his brother William - with a source close to the Prince of Wales saying there were 'no plans' for a meeting. The source told The Mirror: 'The prince's main focus is for his wife, who is recovering from surgery, his three children and now his father. There are no plans for Harry's visit to act as some kind of vehicle for reconciliation.' Charles, meanwhile, is said to be 'on good form' and in regular contact with the Prince of Wales. 'He's on his usual good form in every way, just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not just his own plans but impacted on others,' a palace source told the Telegraph. Harry left LAX for London last night after Charles called him personally to tell him the devastating news. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and he boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime. Harry was accompanied by police security despite his ongoing row with the Home Office. Daily Mail diary editor Richard Eden tweeted today: 'After his 5,000-mile flight from Los Angeles, #PrinceHarry is understood to have had a brief meeting with #KingCharles before His Majesty departed for his Norfolk retreat, Sandringham. It will be interesting to see how long Harry stays in this country.' Earlier, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said it was crucial for the duke to show solidarity with his father. Charles - seen with Camilla - is said to be 'on good form' following the start of his treatment A helicopter was pictured landing at Buckingham Palace on an overcast day in central London 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue,' he said. 'It's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, said: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. 'If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery.' Harry's trip could be motivated by that plea. The Prince flew into London's Heathrow on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles, before being picked up by a black Range Rover. Harry was seen in a large convoy of Range Rovers driving through the gates of the royal residence His father the King could be absent from public duties until at least March following yesterday's dramatic announcement about his health. The Daily Mail's Robert Hardman said this morning that the King's 'first pronounced absence' could come on Commonwealth Day, which is traditionally held at Westminster Abbey on the second Monday of March. Mr Hardman, the author of 'Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would imagine we probably won't see him at Westminster Abbey now. KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. - Tuesday February 6 Prince Harry lands in the UK to see his father. He is seen arriving at Clarence House Advertisement 'I'm sure there will be a statement, a message - he'll want to engage with that. It's moments like that when an absence is noted, but the day-to-day running of the monarchy will not really change.' Former royal's communications secretary Julian Payne said the King would be 'chomping at the bit' to return to public engagements and will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but was 'thankful' it had been caught early. Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'. It is understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. A family friend said: 'He and his doctors are very, very positive.' Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings. The Mail has learnt that the King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment. She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was 'getting on, doing his best'. A source said: 'Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.' In a statement Buckingham Palace said last night: 'During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.' Former royal communications secretary Julian Payne told Newsnight last night that the King will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back from work. He added: 'His work schedule is punishing and he really enjoys being out and meeting people and having the chance to speak up on causes that he cares about on representing the nation. 'He will find that difficult. The reality of course is the machinery of state continues, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the PM will happen and the Privy Counsellors. 'That side of things will continue but he will be itching to get back to things as quickly as he can. 'The good thing of course is that although he is 75 he is a very fit and healthy 75-year-old.' 'So I think he's in as good a position as anyone can be to get through this next chapter. And he'll be absolutely chomping at the bit to get back out as quickly as he can.' Sunday Times royal editor Roya Nikkhah added: 'He won't want to step back. If he can continue with his duties... he's not going to want to step back if he doesn't have to. 'It'll be about other members of the Royal Family picking up the slack while he can't be on public duties. The Queen is 76, she is very energetic 76 but 76 nonetheless. 'So there's a lot of pressure on her not only doing more duties, worrying about her husband too. 'I think we will see her step a lot to fill that void and I'm sure we will see Prince William more doing public facing things. 'We know the King will be frustrated but he will know he has members of the family who he trusts to the roles if needs be.' Royal biographer Matthew Dennison told BBC News that the country is 'going to see something that's a little like what we saw in the last months of the reign of the late Queen.' He explained: 'The Queen maintained all of the functions associated with her role as head of state, the red boxes, the prime ministerial encounters, where possible Privy Counsellor meetings - but she didn't do as many public engagements which are that head of the nation side of being the sovereign. 'What we're going to see is something remarkably similar that the King will continue as head of state but some of that head of the nation meeting and greeting that being a figurehead a focus of royalty, affection, unity he won't be doing that in the short term. 'Members of his immediate family who of course stepped up when the late queen died scaled back her public engagements will do the same in this case I think.' He added: 'The challenge for the Royal Family is fitting in engagements to what are often really very busy diaries which have been planned long in advance. 'I would imagine we would see increased numbers of engagements for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and possibly the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are of course trusted members of the Royal Family too.' And Dame Julia Cleverdon told BBC Radio 4: 'I am absolutely sure that this reign will continue and that the determination of the King, who is a very determined man, knows a lot about cancer. I always remember when organising programmes within the last engagement of the day was always the visit to hospitals because he didn't want any time taken - if he was going to use longer time it would be his time. 'He will be really really a) knowledgeable b) determined and c) absolutely clear that the show will go on.' Following last night's devastating health update, Princess Anne got back to business as usual by handing out honours at Windsor Castle before she travels up to the Midlands for a busy day of royal engagements. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Princess Beatrice of York, the King's niece, was seen driving to Clarence House this morning. Royal aides said they were carefully balancing the King's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that by sharing the news that it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families. No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when the king had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained in the private London Clinic in central London for three days. It was during this intervention that a 'separate cause for concern' was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. Details of his treatment are not being disclosed. A royal aide said: 'No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' She was the Hobart-born former advertising executive who fell in love with a prince and two decades later went on to be Denmark's Queen. And the world has watched on as Queen Mary evolved through her royal career becoming a wife to now-King Frederik, an activist, a style icon and a mother-of-four. While the 52-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on February 5, has offered glimpses into her personal life there are plenty of secrets most don't know about. Here FEMAIL dishes on six little-known details about the beloved royal's life - from the time she turned down an interview with Oprah to when she 'pressured' Frederik to quit smoking and how she avoided prying eyes in public with a very unusual outfit. 1. TOLD OPRAH 'NO, THANKS' In 2009 Oprah travelled to Denmark to make a program about the Scandinavian nation and requested an interview with the then-princess Mary. The world has watched as Queen Mary became a wife to now-King Frederik, activist, style icon and a mother-of-four but there are many details about her life most don't know about However the talk show queen confirmed with the Danish press the royal had politely declined the interview. Danish Magazine Billed Bladet claimed at the time that the royals turned down the opportunity as it would have been seen as too political or a conflict of interest. Oprah's home city of Chicago was bidding to host the 2016 Olympic games at the same time Frederik was running for the International Olympic Committee. The host travelled around Denmark after researchers declared Danish people as the happiest in the world. The episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired in October 2009 and focused on whether the claim was really true looking at Denmark's free healthcare, generous maternity leave and lack of crime. 2. HELPED FREDERIK QUIT SMOKING In his younger years, King Frederik took after his mother Queen Margrethe's chain smoking ways - that is until he met Mary. In 2009 Oprah travelled to Denmark to make a program about the Scandinavian nation and requested an interview with the then-princess Mary which she 'politely' declined In a 2007 interview the new Danish King said Mary applied 'positive pressure' to help him kick the habit. 'It was a low-key request, she said she wanted to keep me a little longer,' he told Danish broadcaster DR. Frederik said he couldn't go cold turkey so instead gradually reduced the amounts of cigarettes he would have each day until the habit was phased out. 3. HER WATER POLO PLAYING EX OF SEVEN YEARS Before striking up a relationship with Frederik, Mary was connected to South Australian water polo player Brent Annells. In 2004, his face was splashed across the front page of the Herald Sun where it was revealed he and Mary had dated for seven years. Brent told the publication he was not at all surprised to see Mary in a royal role calling her a 'fantastic person'. 'She is very sincere, genuine and honest, and she is highly gifted and at the same time down to earth,' he said. The pair met when they started working together at company in Melbourne where Mary was a secretary and Brent a director. They remained 'good friends' after their breakup and Brent even scored an invite to Mary's royal wedding in 2004 but he had to decline because of work. Before meeting Frederik in Sydney in 2000, Mary had a seven-year-long relationship with Australian water polo player Brent Annells Mary has only spoken about her past flames once telling DR she had a seven-year boyfriend before Frederik but they 'drifted apart'. 4. SECRETLY SMUGGLED INTO DENMARK Mary and Frederik did not make their first public appearance together until three years into their relationship at a yacht club in Tasmania in 2003. The appearance left many wondering how they kept their relationship so secret for so long after they met at a Sydney pub in 2000. In an interview for the 2018 biography Under the Beam: A Portrait of Crown Prince Frederik, Mary revealed she was snuck into Denmark to visit her now-husband a year after they started dating. She flew to Hamburg where she was picked up by Frederik's close friend Jeppe Handwerk who drove her across the Danish border. 'I felt a bit weird, sneaking into the country like that, but at that point, I still didn't quite realise how good the press was with all that stuff,' she said. 'So we drove from Hamburg and up through Jutland, and somewhere in the dark it was just snowing and snowing we stopped in a lay-by, and suddenly Frederik was there.' Mary jumped into Frederik's car where they went to a house in the town of Birkelse to spend New Year's together with some friends. A year after the pair met, Mary was smuggled into Denmark to spend New Year's with Frederik and his friends while keeping their blossoming relationship on the down-low 5. MARY BABY NAME BOOM Denmark's name barometer shows the popularity of every baby name in the country from 1985 until now. While Mary has not topped any popular baby names list in Denmark in the past few decades, the moniker did have a huge coincidental spike. In 39 years, the name Mary has not had a more popular year for baby names than in 2004 - when the Aussie royal and Frederik wed. While there were only 13 girls given the name Mary in 2004, it had its biggest jump in popularity in 12 months to date with only six Mary's in 2003. 2004 wasn't the only time Mary had naming influence. Sweden's future Crown Princess Estelle, born in 2012, was given the middle name Mary after the Danish Queen who is her godmother. The name Mary peaked in its popularity in Denmark in the year 2004, the same year Mary wed Frederik at their lavish royal wedding 6. SWIMMING IN SECRET Mary is one of Denmark and Australia's most recognisable faces so she seldom gets the opportunity to go out in public without the prying eyes of fans and paparazzi. However, she did once come up with a hilariously simple way to forgo her body guards and remain undercover while competing in a swimming race in Christiansborg. Mary attended the competition in a wet suit, goggles and swimming cap making her unrecognisable to the 1,000 other swimmers as well as the spectators. She was joined at the race by famed former professional Danish swimmer Mette Jacobsen who said more people recognised him than they did the then-princess. 'You are used to seeing me in that outfit, while you may not be so used to seeing the crown princess walking in a wet suit, bathing cap and glasses,' he told Danish tabloid BT in 2012. Jacobsen even trained with Mary at public swimming pools and Lake Furesen before the event and said people hardly paid attention to them. 'It has surprised me that we have been able to go some places without being recognised. When we trained at Furesen, no one really noticed us,' he said. 'Of course I don't know how many people have seen us. But it wasn't something that caused a fuss or made people stand up with their mobile phones and take photos.' A rise in overheads and a shortfall in the amount they are paid for dispensing medication means record numbers of pharmacies are closing their doors. But, a Good Health investigation has identified another threat: the ever-growing number of online pharmacies. These should provide services nationally, but some are now delivering only to specific areas, putting local bricks-and-mortar pharmacies out of business. While the number of community pharmacies dropped by 673 between 2015 and 2023, the number of distance-selling pharmacies, which are online pharmacies contracted to the NHS to issue prescriptions, increased by 247 during the same period. Distance-selling pharmacies, or DSPs, which do not offer the option of meeting patients and benefit from lower overheads, should not target areas where physical chemists are already in operation. A rise in overheads and a shortfall in the amount they are paid for dispensing medication means record numbers of pharmacies are closing their doors Last week, the role of pharmacists was expanded further under the NHS-backed Pharmacy First scheme This is to try to safeguard bricks-and-mortar pharmacies which are increasingly being relied upon to offer more services, taking the pressure off hospitals as well as family doctors. Last week, for example, the role of pharmacists was expanded further under the NHS-backed Pharmacy First scheme. Pharmacists can now treat ailments such as earaches, skin infections, basic urinary tract infections and shingles and are permitted to issue antibiotics. But worryingly, a Good Health investigation has shown that, from 2015 to 2023, 155 local chemists closed where 11 online pharmacies were now serving the area. DSPs advertise online but are also found on the NHS app, which encourages patients to register with them as their provider of choice as they increasingly do. NHS data showed that, in 2021, 53 million prescriptions items were issued by DSPs in England, up from 29 million in 2019. While DSPs are meant to dispense medication to anyone, anywhere in the country as part of their NHS contract, our investigation showed that many were refusing to serve patients outside their local area. When a reporter approached a sample of 11 DSPs, eight of them said they only delivered locally. And while bricks-and-mortar pharmacies can only open in areas where there is a need, DSPs do not need to meet this requirement. Some fear that this means the situation will only get worse as online pharmacies open wherever they want. Taiwo Owatemi MP, of the All-Party Pharmacy Group, says it is patients who will lose out. She told Good Health: 'The danger is that unfair competition is impairing patient care, because community pharmacies cannot compete, and have to close. Taiwo Owatemi MP, of the All-Party Pharmacy Group, says it is patients who will lose out The Company Chemists' Association (CCA) has accused NHS England of turning a 'blind eye' to the threat posed by DSPs 'This damages face-to-face health services in that area. This is only going to get worse if we have unfair market competition between physical pharmacies and DSPs.' She wants the NHS to crack down on DSPs targeting local areas and refusing to serve patients nationwide, and to pause any new DSP contracts until the situation has been dealt with. The Company Chemists' Association (CCA), which represents chains such as Lloyds Pharmacy and Boots, has accused NHS England of turning a 'blind eye' to the threat posed by DSPs. Malcolm Harrison, the CCA chief executive, said: 'Pharmacies in England are closing at an alarming rate, almost 1,000 since 2015, and these rogue businesses are making matters even worse. 'What is more, patients can no longer access the services, care and advice from their local community pharmacy if it is put out of business by these traders.' All pharmacies are paid to dispense NHS prescriptions and are reimbursed at a fixed price for the medicines they source and issue. As part of our Save Our Local Pharmacies campaign, Good Health has reported on how pharmacies are, in some cases, being reimbursed for less than the cost of medicines, because the payment scheme has not been overhauled since 2015. At the same time they're finding their overheads spiralling upwards. They have found themselves increasingly on the frontline as the NHS looks to ease the pressure on GPs and hospitals, and are being promoted as the first port of call for the treatment of minor ailments. Janet Morrison of Community Pharmacy England said local pharmacies are 'under significant pressure' with some 'reporting record losses'. She added that, while initiatives such as Pharmacy First will 'offer some extra funding, this funding is meant for pharmacy-first services specifically'. 'This will not address the underlying funding deficit in the sector. Finding the capacity to deliver [these initiatives] will be a real challenge,' Janet Morrison said. And it's not only community pharmacies that are at risk. Last year, 244 supermarket pharmacies were expected to close, with the NHS budget for the sector frozen since 2017-18. Distance-selling pharmacies, or DSPs, which do not offer the option of meeting patients and benefit from lower overheads, should not target areas where physical chemists are already in operation Meanwhile, an investigation has identified DSPs, which are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, breaching a central part of their contract. They are meant to deliver medicines anywhere in England by post or courier free of charge, so they are not in unfair competition with bricks-and-mortar pharmacies with much higher overheads. NHS data analysed by the CCA showed that 72 per cent of DSPs deliver more than half of prescriptions within ten miles of their warehouses. And only 16 per cent of DSPs receive prescriptions from more than one postcode area. The 11 distance-selling pharmacies approached by Good Health were chosen because NHS data showed nearly all of their prescriptions were issued within a single postcode. Malcolm Harrison said the CCA believed DSPs were 'targeting the population in that area to hoover up the business'. Its analysis, revealed exclusively to Good Health, showed that there have been 155 closures of bricks-and-mortar pharmacies within a ten-mile radius of the 11 DSPs since 2015, although a direct correlation can't be proven. One DSP, Docpharma, which is based in Cheetham Hill in Manchester, issued 80,606 prescription items in 2022, but NHS data showed that all the prescriptions came from a ten-mile radius of its registered address. On the official NHS app, where people can choose their designated pharmacy, Docpharma states: 'We offer free prescription delivery within three miles of M8 Manchester'. This is despite the NHS insisting deliveries must be free nationally. The official NHS app allows people to choose their designated pharmacy When a reporter called Docpharma to ask if it could supply a patient in London, the assistant said 'no' and that it was 'we only in the Manchester area'. The CCA says 56 pharmacies within a ten-mile radius of Docpharma have closed since 2015. Another distance-selling pharmacy, Advantage, based in Leeds, rebuffed an online application from a patient outside of the city. The automated response stated that 'online prescription is not currently enabled for your branch'. This is despite the fact that the DSP's website states Advantage 'is focused on providing free prescription collection and delivery service anywhere in England'. The DPS issued 40,240 prescription items in 2022, according to NHS data, and 98 per cent of those came from a ten-mile radius. The CCA estimates that 30 local chemists have closed with a ten-mile radius of Advantage since 2015. The provision of brick-and-mortar chemists is particularly important for the elderly, people who do not have access to the internet and those without private transport. The CCA estimates that 30 local chemists have closed with a ten-mile radius of Advantage since 2015 Malcolm Harrison said the CCA had repeatedly raised this issue with NHS managers, but claimed that 'no action had been taken'. A General Pharmaceutical Council spokesman said: 'Our targeted inspections of pharmacies have resulted in the identification of serious patient safety concerns in connection with some online pharmacies and online prescribing services.' The council added that 69 'enforcement actions have been taken since April 2019, against 'online activity' ' although this related to problems such as the 'inappropriate prescribing, dispensing and supply of prescription-only medicines.' An NHS spokesman said: 'Distance-selling pharmacies are required to deliver medicines to anyone who requests them anywhere in England, and where there is evidence that a company is failing to do so, it will be investigated by the local NHS and appropriate action taken.' Docpharma manager Shaheen Chaudry said: 'We aim to comply with all regulations relating to our distance-selling contract. 'We will be reminding all staff and locums of the pharmacy's obligations in terms of providing nationwide coverage and will also review our promotional materials with a view to correcting any errors.' Advantage did not respond to a request for comment. She shocked the world by helping her husband fake his death in a canoe to cash in his life insurance. In an extraordinary book first published in 2016, Anne Darwin revealed all. In a previous article, she told how she lied to her weeping sons that their father had died. Here, she tells how her husband's plan to live like millionaires in Panama goes horribly wrong With the police due to arrive the next day for a forensic search of the house looking for any clues they might have missed, they said my husband and I went methodically through every room, making sure there were no tell-tale signs of his presence. It seemed incredible to me that the police were actually flagging up their visit, but thank God they did. It was only three days since John had risked returning home, after faking his own death three weeks before by making it look as though he'd accidentally drowned at sea while in his canoe. New life: Anne Darwin (pictured) enjoying a carefree holiday lifestyle in Panama Fed up with camping on the beach in the small Cumbrian town of Silloth, more than 100 miles away from where we lived in the seaside resort of Seaton Carew, he had decided, with typical bravado, that the best place for him to hide until I could claim his life insurance money and pay off our 350,000 worth of debt was in the house next door a house which we owned and was divided into rental bedsits. However, even John knew it was far too dangerous and far too early to risk hiding next door while the police conducted their search. He wasn't happy, but he realised his only option was to disappear again. With much grumbling, he booked himself into a B&B in Morpeth, an hour's train journey north. One of the first things the police did was to search our bedroom, carefully pulling back the duvet. Obviously there were some officers who felt there was more to John's disappearance than met the eye. They went through every drawer, bagging up dozens of letters and bills and taking away John's computer. I panicked when they briefly went through the connecting door to the ground floor of next door, and was mightily relieved when they didn't search all the bedsits probably because they would have needed individual search warrants. The whole experience left me badly shaken, and convinced me more than ever that some detectives, at least, were sceptical about John's vanishing act. Meanwhile in Morpeth, John was finalising plans for a new identity. Although I didn't know it at the time, he'd decided to steal the plot from Frederick Forsyth's The Day Of The Jackal, a book he'd read many times. He loved how the hero trawled graveyards looking for the headstone of a baby boy who, had he not died, would have been about the same age as the assassin, and whose identity could be adopted. If it was good enough for the Jackal, then it was good enough for John. He made an appointment with Morpeth council to search through the genealogy and archives department. There he found exactly what he was looking for: John Jones, born just five months before him in 1950 in Sunderland where my husband was also born who had died aged five weeks. Same first name, common surname. For John, it was perfect. He jotted down the date of birth and reference numbers necessary to get a birth certificate and sure enough, he duly got what he wanted. The new certificate was folded and refolded many times and rubbed into a grubby bit of carpet to look old and worn. John Jones mark two had been born. Several days later, when he returned home, my husband joined the library in Hartlepool. He was now taking huge risks, going out and about through the front door of the bedsits, still in his dishevelled disguise and walking with a limp. But he was utterly brazen about it. Caught out: John and Anne in Panama with their relocation agent in 2006 - four years after he had 'died' On April 22, 2002, John filled in an application form, showed the librarian his fake birth certificate and a tenancy agreement from our bedsits and was told that his membership card would be ready next time he called. John was well aware that librarians were public figures and able to vouch for people on passport applications. Like so many of us, that librarian was just a pawn in his ruthless game. As the year progressed and we waited for an inquest to be held, I was a bag of nerves. Only then would the money be released which would settle all our debts. John was constantly moaning about being a prisoner in his own home, and furious that things seemed to be moving so slowly. Not surprisingly, our relationship deteriorated. We argued all the time about money and John infuriated me with his mood swings. Sometimes he was happy as Larry, confident it was all just a matter of time before things fell into place; at other times he was depressed and miserable. I lost all interest in our sex life, leaving John who never seemed to stop thinking about sex angry and frustrated. He was bored, so began painting the bedsits, pretending to be my odd-job man. He was taking absurd risks, and that none of the residents recognised him as their former landlord is quite staggering. Two years after my husband had faked his own death to claim the insurance money, he was taking ridiculous risks every day, writes Anne Darwin On April 10, 2003, a coroner finally declared John officially dead. With the death certificate in my hands, the money started to come in. Between May and August that year, I received a total of 90,867 from pension and life insurance policies, and the mortgage protection policy paid out a further 137,400, paying off all but 130,000 of the global mortgage. John was thrilled. For him, it had all been worth it. He had always been confident of getting away with it, and now he'd been proved right. 'I'm a genius,' he'd congratulate himself, seemingly with little regard for his sons, whose hearts he had broken, nor for anyone else. He now turned his attention to getting a passport, and, thanks to the obliging librarian, obtaining it proved as ridiculously easy as everything else had been. His plan was to sell up and move his money and us safely abroad. A few weeks later, on October 13, a shiny new passport for Mr John Jones arrived in the post. A new phase of our nightmare was beginning. Eight months later, in June 2004, there was a call from the police. They had some news for me. They'd had a reported sighting of John near our house. Had I heard anything from him? That phone call threw me into a state of complete and total panic. Two years after my husband had faked his own death to claim the insurance money, he was taking ridiculous risks every day wandering around town disguised as a scruffy odd-job man and hoping that no one would recognise him. It was amazing that nothing like this had happened before. I told the police that I hadn't seen him, of course, but I was petrified that they would want to come round and turn the house upside down again. If they had knocked on the door that day instead of phoning, I don't know what I would have done. It turned out that a former colleague of John's from the prison where he used to work had spotted my husband walking along the seafront. He'd told the police that the man he'd seen had a long grey beard and resembled Saddam Hussein at the time of his capture, but that he was '100 per cent sure' that it was John Darwin. My heart was pounding as I put the phone down. How could John be so reckless? After all, apart from the beard, his appearance hadn't changed all that much. But rather than coming to the house to check out the sighting, the police fortunately or perhaps foolishly simply rang me. We'd got away with it this time, but clearly we needed an escape route and, frankly, the sooner the better. It would be another three years, however, before John could put his master plan of moving us abroad into action. His idea was to get the money we'd falsely claimed and the two of us safely out of Britain to a place where, even if our fraud ever came to light, we couldn't be touched by the authorities. The country that caught his eye was Panama. He loved everything he read about the exotic-sounding Central American location: the climate, the scenery, the way of life. John Darwin leaves Teesside Crown Court, Middlesbrough, in 2014 after a Proceeds of Crime hearing act According to one of his guidebooks, the country was famous for attracting 'adventurers and entrepreneurs, schemers and dreamers, misfits and full-on nutcases' and I had to admit he ticked quite a few of those boxes. Panama really did look like the perfect place for us to start afresh, especially when John found out that if you set up a corporation there your assets couldn't be touched, even in the case of a legal action from abroad. 'I've hit the jackpot!' he crowed. It was his sole topic of conversation. Not that he cared what I thought, but I had serious doubts about whether it was the sort of place you could put down roots and feel it was home. But, as usual, I just went along with things, as I had done for years. It was long before dawn on the morning of July 12, 2006, when John and I left our home for our first recce visit to Panama. I must have looked a comical figure as I tiptoed down the steps of our seafront home that morning. I had a good look round, glanced up at the windows of the neighbouring houses, and then, satisfied the coast was clear, went back inside to fetch John. We grabbed our luggage, loaded it into the boot of the Range Rover and slowly set off across the gravel drive, trying to make as little noise as possible. What a ridiculous, furtive way to carry on and yet it had been our life for so many years now. In advance of our visit, John had been corresponding using a false name, of course with a man named Mario Vilar, head of a relocation agency in Panama. He'd made all the arrangements for our holiday accommodation, and had plenty of ideas about how to make John's dream of buying some land and building a property a reality. A few days into our visit, we went to see Mario in his seventh-floor suite in a high-rise building in the heart of Panama City's banking district. When he asked if he could have his photo taken with us, we had no time to think or make an excuse as his wife Karina appeared with a Polaroid camera and took the picture. The date, July 14, 2006, was automatically burned into the front of the photograph in an orange font. John and I were both conscious that keeping a low profile was very important, but we didn't have time to object. It was just a memento for Mario, we reassured ourselves, and thereafter we didn't give it a lot more thought. Little could we have imagined how that seemingly innocent snap would come back to haunt us 17 months later. Six months after this, in early 2007, I decided to tell our two sons I was thinking of emigrating. I said I was fed up with windswept Seaton Carew; that the house held too many unhappy memories of their father and that every day I was forced to look out over the very spot from where he had set out on his ill-fated canoe outing. 'It's as if my life is on perpetual hold,' I said. Now that all the debts were paid off I told them that I would be putting my two remaining properties on the market and starting a new life. It was the only way I would ever get closure, I said. Though shocked that I supposedly a widow was contemplating moving halfway across the world to a place in which I'd never expressed the slightest interest, Anthony and Mark both supported my decision. It was just another of the wicked lies I told them, which I will regret to my dying day. Before I left for good, I asked the boys if they would like a keepsake from their father's possessions. Mark chose a pair of black onyx cufflinks and his wristwatch, while Anthony opted for his pocket watch, wedding ring and passport. He also selected some books, one of which he later realised had been printed in 2003, long after his dad had supposedly 'died'. Another had an American sticker on it, and Anthony realised that it must have been bought while his supposedly deceased dad was on his travels. But at the time of the handover of their beloved father's personal belongings, the boys were grief-stricken. It was very emotional for me to see their reactions. I was happy that they had something of John's but I felt awful because I was, yet again, deceiving them. John, meanwhile, was already back in Panama where he'd found and bought a small apartment for us to live in while we looked for a place to build our dream home. During this period, he was constantly bombarding me with instructions in preparation for our move emails that were frequently saucy and full of sexual innuendo. He even claimed to have written some of them while sitting on the balcony in the nude. The very thought disgusted me. My husband appeared to be becoming more insane by the day. But when I finally moved out to join him in the autumn of 2007, the picture changed totally. After six long years of hiding, we could live openly together as man and wife. It was lovely, and I was very happy. A mugshot photograph from Cleveland Police of John Darwin - who was later sentenced to prison For the first time in years, John seemed relaxed again. It was as if our marriage was reborn; as if a huge weight had been lifted from both of our shoulders. It was the first time I had felt normal in a very long time. The flat was a modern, top-floor apartment in a four-storey block in a city suburb called El Dorado. I was particularly pleased because there was a small Catholic church within walking distance. That had always been one of my top requirements when looking for a flat. There was a large, open-plan lounge/diner with a cloakroom off, a large, fully-equipped kitchen with white units, and two bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room. Leading off the lounge was a balcony covered with pot plants, which was a very pleasant space to relax. We soon settled into our new way of life, rising early and starting the day on the patio with a breakfast of yoghurt and fresh fruit peaches, melons, mangoes, papaya (my favourite) and bananas. I would potter around the apartment, usually in my bikini, then make the most of the tropical climate by sunbathing on the terrace for an hour or so before the heat became too intense. I marvelled at the exotic, brightly coloured birds I saw from the terrace: parakeets and tiny hummingbirds. It was like having our own personal wildlife display. Not that the show from our balcony was anything compared with what lay in store for us on the plot of rugged land which John had agreed to buy at a cost of $389,000 in Escobal, a small rural village on the shores of Lake Gatun, two hours' drive from the capital. It was at the northern end of the Panama Canal, on the country's north coast. It was partly jungle there were steep ravines and swamps but there were also wide open spaces and some of the land bordered the shores of the lake, meaning it would be ideal for boating. Talk about rose-tinted spectacles. It covered a huge area (481 acres) but there was no running water or electricity and the road to it was rutted with potholes. As per usual, though, John wasn't about to let reality get in the way of his dreams. His plan was to build an eco-tourist resort there, where we'd rear animals and grow fruit to feed our guests the freshest, most perfect organic produce imaginable. He also wanted to spend a further $100,000 building a villa, Jaguar Lodge, where we'd live while developing the resort. And when he'd heard there were plans afoot to build an international airport at the region's main city, Colon, and another bridge over the canal, making the area far more accessible, his mind was made up. It would mean that land prices would shoot up, he'd told me so we'd better move fast. 'It will soon be worth millions,' he bragged. 'And we'll be laughing all the way to the bank.' It was a massive project he was planning in a foreign country where he didn't speak the language and wouldn't be able to communicate with the builders. But the land was, I had to admit, truly gorgeous: home to howler monkeys, tapirs, wild boar, toucans and butterflies galore. On one visit there, for the first time in years, we felt happy to pose for photographs. At last, we thought, we really were anonymous. It wasn't long before the honeymoon was over. John began criticising me for opening what he thought were the wrong sort of Panamanian bank accounts. As far as he was concerned, I could never get things right. He returned to his old self and I realised I'd been naive to think it would be any different. Then John dropped a bombshell. He told me there'd been a change in the law and anyone wanting to be granted permanent resident status would, without exception, need a letter from the police force in their home country, stating that they were 'a person of good character'. Without that, foreigners would only be able to visit on a tourist visa, like the one John held, allowing a stay of only three months at a time. John knew that getting a reference letter from Cleveland Police would be an impossibility; he was there under a false identity and the kind of checks needed for a reference would reveal this. What's more, the Panamanian government were planning a crackdown on foreign nationals overstaying their welcome, and anyone found to be repeatedly renewing their tourist visa to stay in the country illegally would face arrest. John simply wouldn't be able to pop over the border to neighbouring Costa Rica every three months to renew his visa any more. I was astonished to learn that John had known about this for four months and hadn't said a word. That's when he came up with yet another insane plan: he was going to 'come back to life'. He said he'd have to go back to the UK and reinvent himself as John Darwin, so that he could return to Panama with his real identity re-established. For a while I was speechless. 'How?' I finally managed to ask. Simple, he said. He would claim that he had amnesia. He thought that if he went back saying he'd lost his memory and remembered nothing for the past seven years, it would all be fine. I told him he was crazy. But, as usual, he didn't listen. He was sure he knew best. Anne Darwin will donate any proceeds from the book to the RNLI and the RSPCA. Crackdown: The Government is taking action to stamp out confusing messaging on scams The Government is finally taking action to stamp out confusing messaging on scams, Money Mail reveals. Until now, the police, banks, insurance providers and fraud charities have had their own strategies and messaging to warn households. Officials have admitted this has caused 'confusion' about what to do when people fall victim to scams. Last May, the official Fraud Strategy warned: 'People do not always protect themselves and reporting rates remain low.' From February 12, government departments and businesses will have to unite behind 'clear, technically accurate and timely messaging' on how people can protect themselves from scams and report an incident when it happens. The Government says it will enable millions more to act, stopping fraudsters in their tracks. Money Mail's Stop the Social Media Scammers campaign has called on Rishi Sunak to take action against online fraud. Simon Fell, MP and the Prime Minister's new anti-fraud champion, says: 'Consistency is key to fight fraud and teach people how to protect themselves from scammers.' j.beard@dailymail.co.uk Stephen Gold on legal bills: Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate - but make sure it won't be the office cat who handles your case after you have whittled down the bill Stephen Gold is a retired judge and author who has written popular series for This is Money on how to be a successful executor, writing a will, bankruptcy and consumer rights. In part one of his latest guide, he explained court fees and what to consider before taking what could be the ruinously expensive step of taking court action. Today, he looks at legal costs in more detail - and suggests eight ways to cut the bill. Fasten your seat belts. As from the beginning of this year, solicitors will feel they can increase their charging rate if the client is prepared to agree it. Last time, I looked at the Fixed Recoverable Costs system and where it might and might not be applied. Where it does not apply, the guideline figures for solicitors on what they can get back from the losing party who has to reimburse the winner have been increased. Solicitors may therefore be reluctant to charge you less than could be collected from the opposition. There are different rates depending on where the solicitor practises and the level of person in the solicitor's office who does the work. Here are some examples. For City and central London firms, where a qualified solicitor with over eight years' experience does the work for you, the hourly guideline rate is up from 373 to 398. For Dartford and Gravesend, it is lower at 301, up from 282. In Hampshire, it is 278. In Bradford, it's a paltry 272. Yes, you could instruct a Bradford solicitor (some of my best friends practise there) in place of a firm in Mayfair but you might find that a tad inconvenient and the office carpets won't be as plush. Incidentally, these guideline figures can be raised or lowered by the court in exceptional circumstances. The remedy is to negotiate, negotiate, negotiate - but make sure it won't be the office cat who handles your case after you have whittled down the bill. Eight ways to cut your legal bills 1. Haggle over the estimate The ultimate bill will depend on how much work has to be done and it is important to get an estimate of that and the likely damage from the solicitor who is under a professional duty to provide it. Seek it before engaging them and ask some pertinent questions. How to be a successful executor and win compensation from bungling banks and businesses In a three-part series, retired judge Stephen Gold explains the frustrating process that eventually saw him force a string of banks, finance firms and institutions - including the probate service - to pay compensation. After successfully adding many hundreds of pounds more to his late aunt's estate, he offers a guide to follow for any readers facing the ordeal of sorting out a deceased loved one's finances. > How to survive being an executor - What are my percentage chances of winning? -Is there someone in your firm with less experience than you like a solicitor or legal executive who has been qualified for less than eight years and so who would command a lower hourly fee who could take on my case? Have they dealt with cases similar to mine before? -Do you intend to use a barrister for any part of the case? Why? Is there not someone in the firm who specialises in this area of law and who could handle it throughout without having to rely on a barrister's input at any stage? How would 'no barrister' bring down your costs estimate? 2. Fixed fees, and 'no win, no fee' You can ask a solicitor if they are prepared to act for you for a fixed fee from which they could not depart, no matter how straightforward or problematic the case turned out to be. Don't hold your breath. You have a better chance of the solicitor taking on the case with a conditional fee agreement. That's no win, no fee and they could organise an after-the event-insurance policy which would pay out for any costs ordered against you by the court if you had the misfortune to lose. The terms of an agreement like this would be up for negotiation especially in relation to the success fee the solicitor can charge you if and when you win. This is a percentage over their normal charges, but limits are set by law. They cannot be used for family cases and almost all criminal cases. Show me a solicitor who will act on a no win, no fee basis unless they reckon you have a 60 per cent chance of winning at the very minimum and I will show you a happy traffic warden. 3. 'Unbundling' legal fees Instead of hiring a solicitor to deal with your case in its entirety, you could find one who will perform what they call an 'unbundling' service for you. That's dipping in and out in a case, be it just once or a dozen times. You can use them simply to advise whether your case is strong or a stinker or to draft the paperwork to start the case. That sort of thing. The rest you would do yourself. You would obviously have to pay for what they do. Or you could hire a solicitor only for the contested final hearing to act as your advocate. For that matter, you might consider using a barrister for the final hearing without the involvement of a solicitor (especially useful in family money and property cases): even using a barrister for the whole case. Yes, these days you can instruct a barrister for your case without a solicitor as well, which has the potential of halving or at least substantially reducing the bill. Some barristers deal with case preparation as well as the advocacy the whole caboodle whereas many more will restrict themselves to attending court hearings as your advocate under the so-called 'direct access' scheme. Advocacy only I commend: not so, the whole caboodle. More information at barcouncil.org.uk. 4. McKenzie Friends If you don't have the benefit of a lawyer in court, you will almost always be allowed by the judge to have help from a 'McKenzie Friend'. They can sit by your side in court and provide you with moral support, take notes, help with case papers when exhibit 1,044 has just crashed to the floor and quietly whisper advice in your ear. They cannot speak on your behalf in the way a lawyer would do. Your next-door neighbour or a know-all relative could assume the role of a McKenzie Friend. If that is not your fancy, there are paid-for McKenzie Friends to whom you can expect to pay 35 to 60 an hour or 100 to 400 for a full day at court with travelling expenses added on. You are better off with a qualified lawyer than a paid-for McKenzie Friend. Sometimes, financially, there may be little or nothing in it. 5. Free help There are a variety of organisations who may be willing to make an advocate available for your case when you have no way of obtaining representation elsewhere. Beware: demand is heavy. Check the following sources of help. - Advocate's barristers may advise, and help with drafting documents and with mediation. - The Free Representation Unit may help with claims in social security and employment tribunals and for criminal injuries compensation. Free advice may also be available from a host of other organisations including good old Citizens Advice. For legal advice, usually by telephone, for those who pass a means test, on debt, housing, education, discrimination and family matters, you can go to the Legal Aid Agency. Ultimate bill: This will depend on how much work has to be done so get an estimate of that and the likely damage from the solicitor - who is under a professional duty to provide it Support Through Court are there, not for legal advice or advocacy, but with volunteers who can provide practical and emotional support for the unrepresented and attend a hearing and help with the completion of paperwork. For anyone facing eviction by their landlord or mortgage lender, free legal advice and a professional to talk for you at court are available under a revised scheme which got going six months ago. It is the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service for anyone, whatever their financial circumstances (so entrepreneurs please note), who is at risk of losing their home and extends to advice on debt and welfare benefits as well. It can be obtained as early as you getting a landlord's notice seeking possession and so does not have to wait until you receive notice of a court hearing. However, if you turn up at court not having spoken to a lawyer or adviser beforehand, it is not too late to use the service from the duty lawyer or adviser who will be available there. 6. Commercial funders You might not like the idea of giving away part of the spoils of litigation in return for being financially backed for the legal costs of making a claim, but that might be possible as a last or second or third from last resort. A large group of sub-postmasters did it in their much publicised litigation against the Post Office. Generally, the third party litigation funders' preference is for multi-million commercial litigation but there is a handful of funders who will consider smaller value claims. These would normally need to be worth at least 100,000 and are most likely to be negligence claims against professional advisers such as lawyers, accountants and surveyors and claims over contested wills and intestacies, financial mis-selling, breach of contract and employment. They will usually look for the claim to be worth at least four times the amount of the legal costs involved and will insist on a lawyer acting on the case. And sometimes a solicitor will take you on under a so-called damages based agreement which gives them a cut in your success although many will shy away from the idea. The maximum amount they can take is generally 50 per cent although it is lower in personal injury claims at 25 per cent (but with no cut out of damages for future loss) and in employment tribunal cases at 35 per cent. Whether it is a third party funder or a solicitor considering financial backing, they will want to be satisfied that you have a good chance of winning at least 65 per cent. This type of backing can be expected to be the subject of further legislation. 7. Legal Aid Missing without trace, I am afraid. Well, not much trace. We have the very limited advice available from the Legal Aid Agency (see above). What we no longer have is the legal aid scheme in civil and family cases which, if you were financially eligible, gave you a lawyer to advise you on a case whether you were bringing it or contesting it prepare it and conduct all advocacy at court. It came free or with a financial contribution. We now have what I call a legal fade scheme. Generally, that full version of legal aid is principally only available for certain clinical negligence claims for a neurological injury by a child; debt and housing case where your home is at risk; and family cases where strict criteria are met regarding child or domestic abuse. You can check whether your dispute might qualify for legal aid here. The only way of securing legal aid in one of the list of excluded cases is to go for what is called 'exceptional funding'. Retired judge and writer Stephen Gold Ex-judge Stephen Gold is the author of The Return of Breaking Law, published by Bath Publishing, an irreverent guide to your legal rights and winning in court or losing well. It gives more information on the topics covered in this series and is full of tips and templates. Among the numerous other areas featured are divorce, pre-nups, making a will, battling with a seller, creditor, domestic abuser, lender and landlord - and how Stephen coped as lawyer to the Kray Twins. This would be on the basis that a denial of legal aid would be a breach of your human rights. The key to successfully applying is to argue that no legal aid would prevent you from effectively presenting your case, without obvious unfairness. Far from a doddle and as its name implies, this type of legal aid has to be...exceptional. For forms and guidance on exceptional funding for legal aid go here. 8. Act for yourself The easiest way of saving on legal fees is not to hire a lawyer and act in person. Of course, it is a short-term saving because if you mess it up and lose the case, you can find yourself the wrong side of a fat order for costs. When you are on the threshold of having your case thrown out because you have messed up on some procedural step you should have taken, the official line is that you get no special treatment from the courts just because you are a litigant in person and have had no access to legal help. It's a hard line although many judges will have these factors in mind when deciding whether or not to give you one last chance to put thigs right. What is not commonly appreciated is that a litigant in person who wins at a court hearing is entitled to ask the court to order the losing side to pay them for the time spent on their case at the rate of 19 an hour although they cannot collect more than two-thirds of what a lawyer would have charged if they had spent that time. Should the time spent have actually lost you more than 19 an hour for example, in pay or business then you can claim the higher sum, but you will have to prove the loss. You can additionally claim for the reasonable expenses you have incurred so long as a lawyer might have incurred them if they had been dealing with the case. In a county court small claim, different rules apply. IN PART THREE... Stephen Gold looks at how to settle a case before getting to court, and the way mediation works in civil and family cases. A diagnosis of a critical illness shakes the very foundations of life. But as well as coming to terms with what it means for health, there are serious financial implications for those no longer able to work. King Charles, as he steps back from official duties due to his cancer treatment, does not have to worry about loss of income, and aged 75 he would also be eligible for the state pension. But for the 384,000 or so people diagnosed with cancer every year, a drop in income can be a big challenge. Many of us do not consider how we would manage until a diagnosis forces the question. Money Mail investigates what support you can rely on from your employer, the state and insurance policies you can take out to support you at these times when you need it most... Financial threat: For the 384,000 or so people diagnosed with cancer every year, a significant drop in income can be a big challenge What can you expect from your employer? Employers' sick pay policies can usually be found in the contract you signed when you joined the company. These policies contractual sick pay could pay out your full pay or a percentage for days or months, depending on the generosity of the scheme. However, even if your employer offers nothing, you may still be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This pays 109.40 a week for up to 28 weeks and can be claimed from the fourth day you are off sick. You receive SSP and contractual sick pay at the same time. If you earn at least 123 a week on average and your employer takes tax and National Insurance from your pay, you should be entitled to SSP even if you work part time or are on a zero-hours contract. Check with Citizens Advice at citizensadvice.org.uk or gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay to see if you are eligible. Some employers also offer insurance policies to workers as a benefit. Check if your employer offers anything people often don't realise such support is in place. ...and if you are self-employed Life-changing: The King is stepping back from official duties If you are self-employed or there is another reason you are not eligible for SSP, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance. You will need to have made sufficient National Insurance contributions and how much you get will depend on factors including your age and whether you're able to get back into work. For more information, see gov.uk/employment-support-allowance. Will the state offer any help? When you are no longer eligible for the above, other support includes Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). What you can get depends on whether your illness is terminal or if you may be able to work again. There is a good overview of the support available if you are disabled or have a health condition at gov.uk/browse/benefits/disability. Citizens Advice may also be able to help you navigate the system. Protecting income if you can't work Critical illness and income protection are the two main insurance policies that pay out if you are prevented from working due to illness. Critical illness pays out a set, lump sum if you are diagnosed with a serious condition regardless of whether or not you are still able to work. Individual policies will set out which conditions are covered but it's normally around 50 or 60. Around 80 per cent of claims on these policies tend to be for heart attacks, strokes and different types of cancer. Income protection has no list of serious conditions. Instead, it pays a monthly sum if you are stopped from working by illness. Cover: Critical illness and income protection are the two main insurance policies that pay out if you are prevented from working due to illness These policies tend to pay out either for a set time, for the duration of your illness, or from the date at which you claim until state retirement age. Kevin Carr, chief executive at insurance platform Protection Review, recommends that when choosing an income protection policy, to look out for two key words: 'own occupation'. 'Look for policies that pay out if you are unable to do your own job,' he says. 'Others may not pay if it is deemed that you are capable of doing paid work in some capacity.' Far more people have life insurance policies which pay out when they die than have income or critical illness cover, according to research from life, pensions and investment company Royal London. While around two-thirds of homeowners have life cover to safeguard the family home if they die early, just a fifth have income protection. But it claims men and women are statistically around six and 12 times respectively more likely to be ill and unable to work than to die unexpectedly. Critical illness tends to cost around six times more than life insurance, but can be a lifeline to those forced to claim. Policies tend to cough up in around nine in ten cases, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Around 7 billion was paid out last year for critical illness, income protection and life insurance policies. The most common reasons claims are rejected include if an illness is not considered severe enough or, in the case of critical illness, is not on the list of conditions covered. What will it cost? Income protection: Age Cost (monthly) 25 from 10 35 from 15 45 from 35 55 from 60 This would give 2,000 a month tax-free up to age 65, for a policy that pays out if you cannot work in your current occupation, assuming a non-smoker in an admin/office role and premiums remain fixed as you get older. (Source: LifeSearch) Critical illness and life insurance combined: Age Cost (monthly) 25 from 34 35 from 65 45 from 150 55 from 350 This would pay 200,000. For a non-smoker with premiums that remain fixed as you get older. Life and critical illness tend to be taken out together and include cover for both, but only pay out once. Such policies tend have a maximum age at which they pay out, of 75 or 80. (Source: LifeSearch) Rachel.rickardstraus @dailymail.co.uk If there is one tax cut that Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt should make in next months Budget it is to stamp duty on house purchases. An already beaten Chancellor would leave it alone, while a cautious one would reduce it. But a bold Chancellor would axe it or pledge to get rid of this much despised tax. Which Mr Hunt will turn up at the despatch box in the House of Commons in four weeks time is anyones guess, but if the Tories want a fighting chance of winning the next General Election, boldness must surely be the order of the day. It is time for Conservatism with a big C, rather than a small one. Conservatism based on empowering people who work and save hard to better themselves. Not only would the scrapping of stamp duty reinvigorate a faltering housing market, encouraging more people to move either to larger homes or to downsize. Cometh the hour: Which Mr Hunt will turn up at the despatch box in the House of Commons in four weeks time is anyones guess But it would also give a huge fillip to the UK economy as movers spend money on their new properties, renovating and extending them. In addition, it would increase job mobility as onerous stamp duty costs would not stand in the way of people moving from one end of the country to the other in the pursuit of a new job. Maybe, it would also wipe the smile off the face of Sir Keir Starmer, who is acting as if he has already won the oncoming General Election. While Treasury officials may baulk at the loss of tax revenue arising from such a move between 4.5 billion and 9 billion a year depending upon whether abolition is extended to non-primary residence homes they would be wrong to do so. The revenue lost would be offset in part by a boost in VAT receipts that the resulting spend on home improvements would trigger running into many millions of pounds a year. Like no other country in the western world, the Brits love owning their home, so any steps by the Tories to ease the financial burden of moving up or down the housing ladder would be a sure-fire vote-winner across all ages and all socio-economic groups. Why axe scrap stamp duty? The economists who agree Abolishing stamp duty, which kicks in for movers on house sales above 250,000 (125,000 from April 2025), would be as brash a policy decision as the one Margaret Thatcher announced in the run up to the 1979 General Election on right to buy. This key manifesto commitment, paving the way for council and new town tenants to buy their homes, was instrumental in Thatchers landslide victory at the polls and she delivered on it in style, turning millions of renters into joyous homeowners. Doing away with stamp duty would also provide a boost to the rental market. Under the Conservatives, landlords have been subject to a crippling tax assault and now pay a 3 per cent stamp duty premium on property purchases. Getting rid of stamp duty would breathe new life into the private rental market, boosting property supply and (hopefully) moderating rents for new tenants (many of whom are wannabe first-time home buyers). Although the axing of stamp duty may appear radical, it wouldnt be. Far from it. Outside of the Labour Party, stamp duty is reviled by nearly everyone not just homeowners, but leading academics, economists and financial institutions, too. It gums up the housing market, keeps people in houses too big for them, reducing supply available to growing families; and it reduces labour mobility Paul Johnson, IFS Last month, Paul Johnson, director of the influential Institute for Fiscal Studies, described stamp duty on house purchases as among our worst and most damaging taxes. He added: It gums up the housing market, keeps people who dont need them in houses that are too big for them, thus reducing the supply available to growing families; and it serves to reduce labour mobility. Other economic think-tanks are of the same opinion. Both the Adam Smith Institute and the Centre For Policy Studies have long argued that stamp duty should either be abolished or cut. The Adam Smith Institutes view is that a change to the tax system to one without stamp duty would be beneficial. The Centre For Policy Studies believes that any cut in stamp duty costs would help stimulate housing transactions by around 20 per cent for every 1 per cent cut in stamp duty. The revenue lost would be offset in part by a boost in VAT receipts that the resulting spend on home improvements would trigger running into many millions of pounds a year M+ The only way we can downsize is paying our buyers' stamp duty Crime fiction writer Sharon Birch, 58, and her partner Stephen are desperate to downsize from their five-bedroom townhouse in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool. But like millions of homeowners who would like to downsize, Sharon and Stephen's plans are being thwarted by stamp duty, which they say is putting off potential buyers. > READ MORE: We will have to pay our buyers' stamp duty Stimulation is certainly the order of the day. Recent data from Her Majestys Revenue & Customs confirmed that the housing market almost ground to a halt last year with transactions falling by 18 per cent in the 12 months to December. Although a combination of higher mortgage rates and the cost-of-living crisis were the main drivers behind this reduction, high stamp duty costs also threw a spanner in the works. Yesterday, Kevin Purvey, director of mortgages at building society Coventry, told Money Mail: If ever there was a tax which is ripe for change, its stamp duty. The right changes would not only oil the wheels of the property market, they would also put money back in homebuyers pockets and help them cover the costs of buying and furnishing a home. Home buyers are now spending an average of 9,937 on their stamp duty bill, which is almost double what it was ten years ago. This spend isnt going to reduce until real change happens. It is a view shared by property specialist Landmark and building society Nationwide. Simon, Brown, chief executive of Landmark, said: Stamp duty is an anchor which slows the economy. A fifth of the economy is built around the housing market. Get rid of stamp duty or cut it and the economic benefits will be massive. Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide, said: Stamp duty is a barrier to house moving and a negative for the economy. It puts sand in the gears of the housing market. Its a rubbish tax. Stamp duty calculator How much tax would you have to pay on a home or buy-to-let? Purchase price Is this a buy-to-let or second home? (Higher rates apply) Are you a first-time buyer? Stamp duty charge The massive tax bills just to move home Stamp duty is currently levied on a sliding scale with the first 250,000 of a propertys sale price tax-free. Thereafter, the rate jumps alarmingly, from 5 per cent on the value from 250,001 to 925,000; 10 per cent from 925,001 to 1.5million; and 12 per cent on any surplus. For example, someone buying a house for 400,000 currently pays stamp duty of 7,500, although from April 2025 this would rise to 13,750 if the nil-rate band fell back to 125,000 as the Government has said it will (I cant see Labour changing this if it wins the election). For a buyer of an 800,000 home, the respective stamp duty costs are 27,500 and 33,750. Currently, around a quarter of home movers pay no stamp duty, but this will fall to just 3 per cent when the nil-rate threshold drops to 125,000. These stamp duty costs ratchet up if the property being bought is a second home. Three per cent tax is levied on the first 250,000 of a sale value. The rates then jump to 8, 13 and 15 per cent they are even higher in Scotland. For first-time buyers, the stamp duty regime is currently kinder. Anyone buying a property up to 425,000 in value pays no stamp duty. Above this value, the rate is 5 per cent up to 625,000 properties worth more do not qualify. Nationwides Gardner says 85 per cent of first-time buyers do not pay stamp duty, although this figure falls to 45 per cent in London because of higher house prices. In April 2025, the nil-rate threshold will reduce from 425,000 to 300,000, resulting in the percentage of buyers not paying tax falling to 63 per cent. Short-term cuts are NOT the answer and make it worse What is obvious in speaking to professionals over the past 24 hours is that stamp duty is ripe for reform if not abolished, then it should be overhauled. It is ludicrous, given the countrys love affair with home ownership, that property taxes in the UK (of which stamp duty is one component) are higher than most of the 38 other countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It is also obvious that tinkering is not the answer. Short-term increases in the zero-rate band for stamp duty are not the answer they simply distort the market. A well-thought-out permanent solution to stamp duty is what is going to bring lasting stability and confidence to the housing market, said Coventrys Mr Purvey yesterday. Short-term thinking risks spikes in demand for properties and causes longer term distortion in the market Kevin Purvey, Coventry BS Short-term thinking risks spikes in demand for properties and causes longer term distortion in the market, potentially pushing up prices and making it harder for people to get on to the housing ladder. Its a view shared by David Hollingworth, a director of broker L&C Mortgages. Any rethinking of stamp duty should avoid the limited window approach that causes a mad rush to beat a deadline. Removing or limiting the weight of stamp duty is the only answer. The last word goes to Robert Jenrick, former Housing Secretary. Although not particularly flavour of the month in Government circles, he knows the housing market inside out. He recently described stamp duty as a terrible tax because it leaves people in the wrong houses: the young find it difficult to move to take advantage of employment opportunities elsewhere while the elderly are deterred from downsizing. Spot on. Chancellor, its time to be brave. Abolish stamp duty. The speed with which the CBI dispensed with the services of its former director general Tony Danker last year was in sharp contrast to the desultory and secretive way the employers group dealt with historic claims of alleged sexual misconduct by colleagues. Danker protested after the event that he was made the fall guy for events which took place before his stewardship began in 2020. Now he has been largely vindicated after the CBI reached an undisclosed settlement with him over a wrongful dismissal claim. The former director general apologised for personal behaviour which may have made fellow CBI employees feel very uncomfortable. But the conflation of his behaviour with past allegations of rape and sexual assault under his predecessors was unfair and damaging to Danker, a decent public servant, his family and associates. Vindicated: Ousted former CBI boss Tony Danker has been largely vindicated after the business group reached an undisclosed settlement with him over a wrongful dismissal claim Far from clearing the brush, the outcome of the Danker case focuses attention again on whether the CBI is worth saving. The choice of Rupert Soames as the next president (he will not be fully installed until June) is a lifeline. Soames is a respected executive who steered outsourcer Serco back to health through the slings and arrows which came with a mixed record in the pandemic. In the past, the CBI proved a valuable conduit between industry and government and was valued as a voice of business. Under the leadership of Dankers predecessor Carolyn Fairbairn its credibility was tarnished as a result of support for the Remain camp during and after the Brexit referendum. That, in many ways, diminished its reputation as the voice of all business and put it at odds with many in government. What has emerged in the nine months since the Guardian first shone a light on alleged sexual impropriety is that public life doesnt really need the CBI. The days when the director general could be trusted to sit down with trades union bosses in Downing Street to resolve labour disputes are long gone. Most of the stand-offs in recent times, such as those with the health unions, have been in the public sector where the CBI role is limited. Moreover, business seems capable of dealing with government and opposition without a middle person. The British Chambers of Commerce is a genuine grassroots organisation with competent central leadership. Labour was last week able to put on its own grand show for enterprise charging 1,000 a ticket for doing so. CBI surveys mainly duplicate the work of other trusted polls such as the S&P Global/CIPS purchasing managers indexes which allow for international comparisons. Rupert Soames may find the magic pill which restores the CBIs reputation and strained finances. But railways union ASLEF notwithstanding, the train already has left the station. Luxury losses Finally, the Government looks ready to take action on the tourist tax. Jeremy Hunt promises a review and the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) is springing into action. It plans an analysis of the costs and benefits of the scheme after then-chancellor Rishi Sunak abolished the ability of tourists to reclaim VAT on purchases in 2020. Since then, a campaign by this paper, supported by luxury retailers, the hospitality industry and retail venues have sought to reverse the decision. Forecasters at the CEBR estimate that Sunaks decision is costing the UK economy 11.1billion a year as visitors head to Paris and Milan instead. Fashion emporium Kurt Geiger describes the suspension of the privilege as a schoolboy error which has produced queues outside luxury goods outlets in Paris as Britain suffers. The blunder is self-evident. Dialling down Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle finds herself in the vortex of deal-making as she seeks to reshape the business. Live discussion in Italy about a joint venture, a merger with Three in Britain and national security concerns about key investor Abu Dhabi have garnered all the attention. But a slowdown in the dominant German market disappointed in the third quarter. Della Vale is upbeat about prospects there citing lower broadband churn and improved fixed and mobile offers. Unfortunately for Della Valle, investors remain less than impressed. Last summer, my husband, from whom I was estranged, died suddenly. As his next of kin, it was left to me to arrange his cremation, which I did via Co-op Funeralcare. When I opened the box containing the ashes on the day of the planned scattering, I found paper with the details of a different man on it. The shock was indescribable. Whose ashes did I have and what hope did I have of putting things right? Anon. A reader was shocked when she found the wrong name in the box containing her husband's ashes ahead of the planned scattering Sally Hamilton replies: The letter you sent me in full revealed the extent of the upset you and your four grown-up children have endured following your husband's death and the crass mistake over his ashes. You told me how you had bumped into your husband for the first time in a while in town one day and agreed to meet for coffee. When he didn't show up, instinct told you something was wrong, and you went to his flat where you tragically found him dead, confirmed afterwards to be from natural causes. As his next of kin, you had to clear out the flat and deal with debt demands. In amid this stress, you arranged his cremation. As he had little money, the Department for Work and Pensions agreed to pay the bill of 1,195 to the local branch of Co-op Funeralcare, with a contribution of just 300 the balance left in your husband's bank account. Arrangements were delayed as you were told by Co-op the bill had not been paid, while DWP insisted it had been. Weeks went by until Co-op confirmed the bill had been paid and the cremation took place in September. When you collected the ashes, they were supposed to be in a box inside a bag labelled with your husband's details. Scam Watch SHOPPERS should beware emails claiming they have won a 36-piece Tupperware set, Action Fraud warns. Scammers are impersonating retail brands such as John Lewis, Costco and Asda. The email asks 'winners' to complete a survey to get the free set, worth 644 online. But the links lead to malicious sites which steal personal and financial data. Action Fraud has received almost 5,000 reports of the scam in only two weeks. If you receive one of these emails, do not click on the link but forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Contact the organisation independently if you have doubts about a message. You made plans to scatter his ashes at sea, as he wished. It was only on the day of the planned scattering that you opened the box to remove the bag and discovered the paper with another man's details on. After a string of calls and texts to Co-op, you asked for a letter confirming whose ashes you had. The branch manager, you said, refused to accept liability and requested you bring back the ashes in person. This involved a 120-mile round trip by car. Staff took the piece of paper with the other man's details and informed you the ashes you received were your husband's. Unconvinced, you left, asking for this confirmation to be put in writing. Some time later, you received a letter unsigned and undated offering 200 compensation. You were furious and felt unable to scatter the ashes until you had more certainty. By the time we spoke, you had initiated a complaint via the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which runs an impartial complaints service. Meanwhile, I asked Co-op Funeralcare to give me its side of the story. It said the ashes you received were certainly the correct ones and that an administrative blunder was to blame for the wrong piece of paper ending up inside the box. A spokesman said: 'We have robust procedures in place for the identification, care and return of ashes. A thorough investigation has been carried out, and from this we have assured your reader that the ashes she received were those of her late husband'. The 'robust procedures' involve the printing of a label from the digital records of the deceased, which is applied to the outside of the incinerator. After cremation, this label is put on a biodegradable bag containing the ashes. A second label listing the deceased's name is then applied to the box in which the bag of ashes is placed. Finally, a cremation certificate is placed inside the box which also says the deceased's name. Co-op said it logs ashes when they are received and a further label is generated, which is placed inside the box and only removed once the ashes are collected. It was at this stage that things went horribly wrong in your case, with a Co-op employee inserting the wrong paperwork. The spokesman said: 'Due to an administrative error, a label was incorrectly placed inside the box containing her husband's ashes. We are extremely sorry for the distress this has caused.' Nevertheless, Co-op insisted that the box of ashes contained the three identifying labels with your husband's name. It added that as you had requested the return of any metals from your husband's body and the coffin, these were provided in a separate bag in the box, marked with his name and cremation number. You remain unhappy, even after the findings of the NAFD dispute resolution service accepted Co-op's explanation. However, for the sake of your mental health, you have now decided, six months after your husband's death and following my intervention, to settle. Co-op came back with an offer of 750 compensation, which you have accepted. You are now planning to scatter the ashes. I understand why you feel unsettled. There can be no absolute proof the ashes are his. DNA testing would not resolve your doubts, as it will have been destroyed by the heat of the cremation. Many bereaved families will be concerned about this story, and, like me, hoping the funeral industry is doing the maximum possible to avoid such mix-ups happening. It may be small consolation, but Co-op confirmed that 're-training and education have been carried out to ensure all necessary lessons have been learned'. Can Sally Sorts It help you? Do you have a consumer problem you need help with? Email Sally Hamilton at sally@dailymail.co.uk include phone number, address and a note addressed to the offending organisation giving them permission to talk to Sally Hamilton. Please do not send original documents as we cannot take responsibility for them. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail or This is Money for answers given. > Read all of Sally Sorts It's answers to readers I'm at the end of my tether with NatWest card chaos On November 19, 2022, my husband used his NatWest debit card in the ChangeGroup cash machine at North Terminal, Gatwick Airport, to withdraw 200 from our joint bank account. The outside of the machine said withdrawals were free, but when the request to proceed came up it included a transaction fee. He cancelled immediately. Within a minute, his phone pinged saying 200 had come out of our account. My husband rang ChangeGroup and was told they could see an error that would be rectified. It has been over a year and the money is not back in our account. Please help. D. L., Castletown, Isle of Man. Sally Hamilton replies: You turned to your bank, NatWest, to retrieve the missing cash, but got nowhere and rightly felt at the end of your tether. I asked the bank to step up its efforts and within a few days an employee contacted you directly. He apologised profusely and arranged to return your 200. Interestingly, he was from the fraud department, which suggests the bank suspected foul play somewhere along the line, but it gave no further explanation. Vodafone posted a slump in sales as its European business continues to falter. Total revenues at the telecoms group hit 11.4billion in the three months to December, down 2.3 per cent on the same period the previous year. Revenues in Germany its largest market crept up just 0.3 per cent to 3.3billion as price hikes continue to put off customers. They fell 1.3 per cent in Italy, where the FTSE 100 group continues to explore options to shrink its sprawling European operations, and they lost 1.1 per cent in Spain. The UK was a bright spot for the group, with revenues climbing 5.2 per cent to 1.7billion. Sales slump: Total revenues at Vodafone hit 11.4bn in the three months to December, down 2.3% on the same period the previous year Russ Mould, analyst at AJ Bell, said: In recent years Vodafone has been a business with all the alacrity of a beached whale and theres nothing in its third quarter statement to get investors particularly excited. Last week Vodafone snubbed the latest attempt by French telecoms operator Iliad to merge their Italian businesses. Vodafone chief Margherita Della Valle said yesterday the company was in active discussions in Italy but did not elaborate on what this meant for an Iliad bid. She is also pushing through a tie-up with Three UK. Vodafone agreed to merge with Three in a deal that will create the UKs largest mobile network with more than 27m customers. But the merger has come under scrutiny because of concerns that Threes Hong Kong-based parent company CK Hutchison could be granted access to sensitive national infrastructure. Vodafone said it was cooperating with regulators over the deal, as well as a national security review into the tie-up. Luxury stocks rose yesterday on hopes that the Government will scrap the hated tourist tax. The Chancellor has ordered the Government's economic watchdog to investigate whether the decision to axe tax-free shopping for overseas visitors is costing more than it raises. That could pave the way for the decision to be reversed in the Budget next month in a major victory for the Mail, which last year launched the Scrap the Tourist tax campaign. Its handbags: Kurt Geiger are among many firms who believed the levy has hit their sales Shares in Burberry, Mulberry and Watches of Switzerland rallied amid signs Jeremy Hunt is finally listening to the industry's pleas. Mulberry gained 10pc, Watches added 3pc and Burberry edged up 0.6pc. A string of business leaders spoke out against the levy yesterday. Neil Clifford, the boss of Kurt Geiger, described it as a 'schoolboy error'. Fashion designer Sir Paul Smith said the campaign to scrap the tax was not about 'helping rich shoppers coming to buy cheap handbags' but boosting the wider economy. Hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, who has organised an open letter to the Chancellor signed by more than 400 bosses, said: 'We have been arguing for over a year that the tourist tax is a spectacular own goal that is hitting the entire tourist economy - not just retailers, but hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and transport. 'Now we see the share prices of important retailers surging on the news that the Chancellor has finally ordered a review of the policy. This should demonstrate to the Treasury the real-world impact the tourist tax is having on UK plc.' Rishi Sunak abolished VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors in 2021 when he was chancellor, and the Treasury claims reinstating the perk would cost the Exchequer 2bn a year. But a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research last week suggested the tax was costing the wider economy more than 11bn as wealthy tourists head to Paris and Milan rather than London. And over the weekend it emerged that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will investigate the 'costs and benefits' of the decision ahead of the Budget on March 6. Speaking to the Mail about the levy, Clifford said: 'It was a bit of a schoolboy error making that decision, someone did the maths wrong. Those international visitors are just spending a lot more time in other cities. I was in Paris on Friday and most of the luxury goods stores there have queues of people - and we don't. 'Brexit was promised to be a global Britain and then we closed the doors to give people reasons to go elsewhere.' He said businesses needed 'immediate action' next month and not a promise that will take years to implement. 'We have had many years too long of an incorrect policy,' he said. Commenting on the tourist tax for the first time, Smith said: 'It's not always necessarily about rich shoppers coming to buy cheap handbags, it's the fact that when they're here, they do spend money in our great cities.' Speaking to Sky News, he added: 'There are a lot less people coming to the country, especially to shops, hotels, restaurants, museums.' Marks & Spencer, Harrods and Primark are among more than 420 names that have backed the Mail's campaign calling for the Government to scrap the levy. Ministers have tried to dismiss the concerns of business leaders by arguing tax-free shopping benefits only luxury brands and the most affluent tourists hunting for a bargain. Caretaker: Paul Thwaite was appointed NatWest's interim boss last July Natwest has been urged to provide clarity about its next chief executive ahead of a public share sale, which could come as soon as June. The state-backed lender is led by Paul Thwaite, who was appointed as interim boss for a 12-month term last July after Dame Alison Rose had to quit as a result of a de-banking scandal involving former Ukip leader Nigel Farage. The bank is hunting for a permanent successor for Rose. But that could complicate the timing of a Tell Sid 1980s-style share sale that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is planning as the Treasury tries to dispose of some of the 35 per cent of the bank that it still holds. Charles Donald, chief executive of UK Government Investments (UKGI), the Government body that oversees the taxpayer stake in the lender, told MPs that Natwest had yet to make any statements to the market on how theyre taking the process forward on a boss. Donald was asked by Harriett Baldwin, chairman of the Treasury select committee, whether it would be very difficult to launch the sale without a permanent boss in place. They need to provide clarity to the market on their proposals around either confirming the interim chief executive or a process around appointing a permanent chief executive for the market to be comfortable, yes, he said. Holger Vieten, a director at UKGI, said that the share sale potentially could happen in June. It will be the latest episode in the Governments efforts to sell down its holding in Natwest formerly Royal Bank of Scotland after its 45billion bail-out in the 2008 financial crisis. Shareholders and employees plan to sue Farfetch after an 'opaque' rescue deal wiped out their stakes. Hundreds of retail investors and workers are preparing to take legal action after losing millions of pounds when Korea's Coupang Group bought the luxury fashion platform. Farfetch founded in London in 2007 by Portuguese entrepreneur Jose Neves is a designer brand marketplace once hailed as a British business success story. The e-commerce business floated in New York in September 2018 and its value peaked at around 16billion in 2021, buoyed by the popularity of online shopping during the pandemic. But by the time it was teetering on the brink of collapse last year, Farfetch's shares had tumbled 97 per cent from their listing price and it had a market capitalisation of just 175million. Unfashionable: Under the rescue plan, Farfetch founder Jose Neves (pictured) was left as the only board member In December, the company sold the business to Coupang the so-called Amazon of Asia in a rescue deal that was completed last month. Investors are preparing a legal case against Farfetch, claiming the transaction was 'opaque'. They have also raised concerns about the seemingly rapid decline of a company they believed to be in good financial health. A spokesman for the group, which includes current and former Farfetch staff, said: 'We have significant concerns about the opaque way in which the Coupang deal took place. 'Hundreds of people have lost life-altering amounts of money.' The firm was loss-making and concerns were raised about its debt levels and the viability of its business model when many designers are tightening control over distribution. The company was also hit by a global slowdown in luxury goods spending as the super-rich tightened their belts. But the first clear sign that Farfetch was in serious trouble emerged at the end of November, the day before it was due to publish its third quarter results. Farfetch issued a shock announcement that it would not post a financial update as planned and warned that 'any prior forecasts or guidance should no longer be relied upon'. Less than a month later, on December 18, Farfetch said that after a 'thorough and extensive process', it was unable to 'secure additional liquidity' and could not continue as a going concern. It announced the planned sale of the business to Coupang, which, together with investment firm Greenoaks Capital Partners, provided a 398million bridging loan to allow it to keep trading. Crash: By the time Farfetch was teetering on the brink of collapse last year, its shares had tumbled 97% from their listing price and it had a market capitalisation of just 175m The terms of the deal included an 800million exclusivity clause meaning competitors would have to pay a fee to make a rival bid. And it said that shareholders and bondholders would 'not recover any of their outstanding investments' following the sale. All of the independent directors resigned when the deal was announced, leaving Neves, 49, as the chairman, chief executive and sole board member. Coupang an e-commerce giant based in Seoul issued a statement last month which announced the completion of the pre-pack administration deal last month. Outraged shareholders who claim they have lost tens of millions of pounds are preparing to take legal action to try to recoup their investments. The group who range from junior employees to executives claim that they were handed share options in lieu of bonuses and pay rises. According to the group, the Restricted Stock Units which are a type of stock-based staff compensation increased employee tax burdens, even if they were never cashed out. 'Many people have been working for Farfetch for years in the same role with no increase to their base salary and a share scheme which effectively increased employee's income with virtual money. These shares are now worthless,' the spokesman said. 'We are in discussions with lawyers and are actively laying the groundwork for action against Farfetch with the intent of restoring justice and reclaiming at least some of the millions of dollars worth of value that has been lost.' A separate group of bondholders owning 50 per cent of Farfetch's 2027 bonds is also taking action against the company. They have filed a 'winding-up petition' in the Cayman Islands in an attempt to liquidate its holding company. According to the petition, the bondholders are demanding the appointment of independent liquidators, their money back and an investigation into the company's collapse. The group of institutional investors has accused Farfetch of a 'lack of transparency and corporate governance', saying the sales process 'raised significant concerns'. Farfetch declined to comment. The octogenarian co-founders of Renishaw saw the value of their stake soar after the precision engineering group delivered an upbeat assessment of the months ahead. Sir David McMurty, 83, and John Deer, 86, set up the company in 1973 and are still on the board today as chairman and deputy chairman respectively. The FTSE 250 group reported a challenging half-year with revenues down 5 per cent to 330.5million in the six months to the end of December and profits fell 27 per cent to 56.5million. But Renishaw chief executive William Lee said we expect an improvement in our trading performance in the second half of the financial year. It is now looking to make annual revenues of between 675million and 715million and a profit of 122million to 147million. Bouncing back: Renishaw reported a challenging half-year with revenues down 5% to 330.5m in the six months to the end of December and profits fell 27% to 56.5m This compares with analyst forecasts of 674million of revenues and 132million of profit. Shares soared 16 per cent, or 550p, to 3986p. That sent the value of the combined 53 per cent stake held by McMurtry and Deer up 212million to 1.53billion. The pair put their shares up for sale in March 2021 and attracted interest from companies such as Siemens, Hexagon and Schneider Electric. But months later they chose against selling the business and their stock after failing to find a suitable buyer. Renishaw specialises in metal 3D printing which has been used by others to make products such as a titanium watch strap. It also makes neurological products that help clinicians, including devices that can be implanted to treat patients who suffer from serious central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The FTSE 100 rose 0.9 per cent, or 68.15 points, to 7681.01 and the FTSE 250 gained 0.8 per cent, or 152.79 points, to 19171.34. Stock Watch - Quadrise Shares in a London-based energy tech provider jumped after it signed an agreement to produce two biofuels designed to help ships reduce their emissions. AIM-listed Quadrise will work with Cargill, a major global supplier of renewable biofuels, and Antwerp-based MAC part of Group Machiels a global operator in environmental services as part of its marine vessel trials for the container ship MSC Leandra. Shares soared 25.7 per cent, or 0.5p, to 2.62p. Defence stocks were riding high. BAE Systems added 2.3 per cent, or 26.5p, to 1205.5p after it was upgraded by analysts at Bernstein and Rolls-Royce increased by 2.6 per cent, or 8p, to 317.8p, its highest level for nearly five years. Prudentials rating was raised by analysts at Barclays who expect the Asia-focused insurer to cash in on Indias growing insurance market. Shares rose 3.8 per cent, or 31.4p, to 849.2p. But Ladbrokes and Coral owner Entain sank after Barclays flagged concerns over its recovery. The broker said that the betting giant needs to see an improved performance for its online arm and in the US though neither are certain. Shares fell 2.4 per cent, or 23.8p, to 966p. Sales at the electronics components business Discoverie slowed in the four months to the end of December. Shares dropped 0.5 per cent, or 4p, to 762p. Education publisher Pearson was on the slide. Analysts at Barclays warned that demand for its English Language tests could be affected by Canadas plans to cap student visas and Australia seeking to reduce migration. Shares slipped 3 per cent, or 29p, to 939.6p. There was a triple dose of good news, however, for investors in GSK. The pharmaceuticals giant reported positive updates for its drugs that help to treat the blood cancer multiple myeloma, shingles and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. Despite the good news, shares fell 0.6 per cent, or 9.6p, to 1653p. Beeks, the financial services group, enjoyed a great session after it announced that it has won two major contracts and expects its results for the next financial year to be significantly ahead of previous forecasts. Shares surged 31.9 per cent, or 34.5p, to 142.5p. Also on the rise was Futura Medical after the consumer healthcare company made its first revenues generated from product sales last year. Shares jumped 40.7 per cent, or 11.1p, to 38.8p. Law & Order actor Isaiah Stokes has denied his involvement in an 'execution-style' shooting, during an exclusive jailhouse interview with DailyMail.com. And Stokes, 43, blames 'ineffective counsel' for the delay in his case which has seen him locked up in New York's notorious Rikers Island for more than two-and-a-half years. Stokes is accused by prosecutors of firing 11 shots at at Tyrone Jones, 37, after approaching his white rented Jeep Cherokee and shooting him multiple times in the face and head. But speaking to DailyMail.com from inside the Rikers Island Chapel at the Robert N. Davoren Complex, one of 10 facilities on the island, Stokes declared his innocence, and blasted the legal and prison systems for allowing him to remain locked up for so long still with no trial date. 'I'm not guilty, I'm super innocent,' he said. 'This is my first time ever being in jail. I never did juvenile detention centers or anything like that. 'The issue I'm facing now is trying to be someplace safe. It's a very, very uncomfortable environment, it's dangerous.' Speaking to DailyMail.com from inside the Rikers Island Chapel at the Robert N. Davoren Complex, one of 10 facilities on the island, Stokes blasted the legal and prison systems for allowing him to remain locked up for so long still with no trial date. Isaiah Stokes, 43, was arrested and charged over the February 2021 slaying of Tyrone Jones, 37, in Forest Hills, Queens. DailyMail.com visited Stokes at Rikers Island where he declared his innocence and blasted the prison system Stokes, 43, is currently incarcerated at the Robert N. Davoren Complex on Rikers Island Stokes faces a three-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years-to-life in prison. Tyrone Jones was killed on February 20, 2021 after being shot multiple times as he sat in his white rented Jeep Cherokee Stokes played Mozzy in 50 Cent's TV series Power in 2019 and had parts in Boardwalk Empire in 2011 and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2009. He also records music under the name I$AIAH. The actor told DailyMail.com that he believes that his situation will make him 'one of the greats' if he gets acquitted, but he believes he could be a target because of his fame. 'I'm not the first person to be in this predicament', he said. 'When I think about my situation, I think about Snoop Dogg. He's been charged with murder, he got off and had a beautiful career. 'I think about Nelson Mandela. I think about Lil Boosie. He was charged with capital murder and he made it out of that situation. And now he's back to being successful. 'I feel like I'm one of the greats. I'm only going through what successful people go through. 'Falling down is the easy part, getting up is the hard part, bouncing back is the hard part. A lot of people don't bounce back and they accept defeat. 'I'm a winner. I have to win. I have no choice.' When asked about Tyrone Jones and how he plans to defend himself at trial, Stokes declined to go into further detail or confirm if he knew his alleged victim. But responding to whether he had a message for Jones's family if he was acquitted, he said: 'All I would say to the victims family is God Bless, God Bless him. It's not up to me. It's up to God. 'What I'm accused of is super whack. Whack with a cape on. But I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe that this was a blessing in disguise. 'I don't feel like the evidence that they have against me right now is enough to leave anybody in jail for 30 months at a time. Prosecutors and the DA are always going to try to paint the worst picture. But this ain't the right one.' Stokes was drinking champagne with 50 Cent and other musicians and actors on a red carpet the night before his arrest in 2021, telling DailyMail.com it was a 'shock' to both him and the rapper Stokes is pictured with Snoop Dogg. 'I'm not the first person to be in this predicament', Stokes said. 'When I think about my situation, I think about Snoop Dogg. He's been charged with murder, he got off and had a beautiful career' Stokes appeared in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2009 Stokes plays character Mozzy in season 6 episode 7 of the popular Starz TV series Power The actor claims that he is struggling to fight his case as the prosecution have only handed over 'bits and pieces' of the evidence against him. He ditched his initial lawyer after a 'conflict of interest' over his bail application, which was set at $15million and has taken aim at his new lawyer, saying she has only met him him twice in six months. 'I need to be in a safe environment, I've already been assaulted in protective custody. I'm an actor and I get paid for my likeness. Now I've come to jail and I've got a chipped tooth,' he said 'It is virtually impossible to fight my case when I haven't received a complete discovery from the prosecutors. It makes it extremely hard for me. My bail is astronomical and quite excessive. But the bigger issue is the system.' Stokes was drinking champagne with 50 Cent and other musicians and actors on a red carpet the night before his arrest in 2021, telling DailyMail.com it was a 'shock' to both him and the rapper. He blamed the legal and prison system, claiming that African Americans are assumed 'guilty until proven innocent', rather than the other way around. 'I went from drinking champagne and eating hors d'oeuvres to being on Rikers Island,' he said. 'It was definitely a shock.' The actor says that at the time of his arrest he was in talks to star in the Watergate miniseries White House Plumbers with Woody Harrelson, as well as film a second season of Raising Kanan a spin-off of Power. Stokes has vowed to 'continue and pick up' where he left off if he is released, as well work on a project with Tyler Perry. At a court hearing in December Stokes begged a court to allow him to move wings inside the New York City lock-up after being beaten up while in protective custody. He remains under protection but claims that he is struggling to 'be someplace safe', adding: 'There is really nothing protective about custody when you wake up among 50 men every day, and at times there are no officers on the floor.' During a December hearing at Queens Criminal Court, Stokes's lawyer Victoria Brown-Douglas asked Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder to assist in helping move the actor from Rikers because of a 'clear and present' threat to his life. The actor claims that he is struggling to fight his case as the prosecution have only handed over 'bits and pieces' of the evidence against him A photo of the scene of the 2021 shooting slaying in the St. Albans section of Queens, New York Police said Jones was shot multiple times in the face and head while he sat in a white rented Jeep near the corner of Linden Blvd and 200th St in St. Albans 'You become vulnerable to things, I've seen stabbings, cuttings, officers being assaulted, people getting jumped, and a whole bunch of other violent things. That's not protective custody. Ive been moved several times, and protective custody is for people that dont want to join a gang, maybe for those who are leaders not followers or who have been kicked out of a gang. 'I need to be in a safe environment, I've already been assaulted in protective custody. I'm an actor and I get paid for my likeness. Now I've come to jail and I've got a chipped tooth'. Stokes said that he needs to be separated from other inmates to prove his innocence and get on with his life. He added that hes been trying to study the law but claims his access from the law library has been blocked. Stokes said that he has helped several people get out of jail, by making them aware of how the law works, despite access being limited by the jail. During a December hearing at Queens Criminal Court, Stokes's lawyer Victoria Brown-Douglas asked Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder to assist in helping move the actor from Rikers because of a 'clear and present' threat to his life. Brown-Douglas replaced the actor's original lawyer in June, with a court ordering Stokes to be put into protective custody in October following his move from the West Facility two month prior. Additionally, his lawyer doubled down on Stokes claims that he was being prevented from viewing all of the footage of the alleged incident while incarcerated, due to limitations accessing the library. Judge Holder was asked to allow Stokes to view the footage in court, or sign a motion forcing Rikers to allow him more time, but refused, telling Brown-Douglas: 'And watch hours and hours of video, some of which just shows the street before it shows him allegedly going up to a car and blowing someone's brains out? 'It just shows an empty street, just a car in the street. So, we're going to sit here for hours and hours and watch this while I have other things to do just so he can see the entire video? 'You become vulnerable to things, Stokes told DailyMail.com. 'I've seen stabbings, cuttings, officers being assaulted, people getting jumped, and a whole bunch of other violent things. That's not protective custody' 'I'm not going to do that. I don't control Rikers Island. If they have decided that one hour a day is appropriate enough for every defendant to see their video, then that's it. Stokes is set to appear in court again next month, with both sides urged to be ready for a trial in 2024 following two years of delays. Prosecutors say surveillance footage shows Stokes walk past the driver's side window of the Jeep before doubling back, gunning down his victim and fleeing the scene. The gunman was captured on separate footage getting into a rented Audi, which police say they tracked to a parking spot near Stokes's home. Authorities have yet to confirm what they believe led to the slaying, with Queens DA Melinda Katz saying at the time of his arrest: The defendant is accused of unloading nearly 11 shots during this brazen afternoon shooting. The jury forewoman revealed the damning evidence that sealed the fate of Jennifer Crumbley, who became the first parent ever convicted over their child's school shooting on Tuesday. 'The thing that really hammered it home was that she was the last adult with the gun,' said the juror, who declined to be named, to DailyMail.com. 'It was very difficult. Lives hung in the balance and we took that very seriously', she said, adding that she felt both sides were well represented.' Crumbley, 45, was convicted on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for her son Ethan's November 2021 shooting rampage, where he shot 11 people and killed four. Prosecutors painted her as a reckless and negligent mother, and the trial saw humiliating revelations about Crumbley's private life come to light, including admitting to having an affair with a local fire captain and recruiting strangers for hotel sex parties around the time of the tragedy. The mother now faces up to 60 years in prison when she is sentenced in April, and her husband James is due to stand trial in March. Their killer son Ethan was sentenced last year to life in prison without parole. Jennifer Crumbley (right, with her attorney Shannon Smith) looked stunned as the jury read its guilty verdict on Tuesday, as she became the first parent to ever be convicted over their child's school shooting The jury forewoman (pictured) told DailyMail.com that the damning evidence that sealed Jennifer Crumbley's conviction was that 'she was the last adult with the gun' Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to his crimes and is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole, after murdering four classmates in the Oxford High School shooting in 2021 James and Jennifer Crumbley were both charged in connection with their son's shooting, the first time parents have faced charges over a school shooting The case was seen as a watershed legal moment in prosecutions over America's school shooting crisis, opening the door to parents of teen gunmen being charged more regularly in the future. After closing arguments were read Friday, the jury broke for the weekend before taking two days to reach its verdict, as Judge Cherly Matthews acknowledged it was 'the hardest thing you've ever done.' She and her husband James asked to be tried separately, with prosecutors agreeing to their request. Crumbley's trial centered on her relationship with her troubled son and the numerous red flags that she ignored before he opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun in his school. In two days of blockbuster testimony, Crumbley took the stand in her own defense to try and combat claims she was a 'negligent' mother. But her claims that she and Ethan were 'close' were rebuffed by prosecutors, who presented a slew of evidence that found she recklessly brushed off her son's pleas for mental health help. Among the damning evidence was final diary entries written by Ethan before the shooting, where he wrote: 'My parents won't listen to me about help or therapist.' 'I have zero help for my mental problems and it's causing me to shoot up the f****** school,' another entry read. Crumbley's claims they were a 'close' family also came just a day after her extramarital affair was exposed in court, as prosecutors argued she was focused on her tryst with a fire captain over her disturbed son. Intimate details of their affair included Crumbley admitting to Meloche in text messages in the aftermath of the tragedy that it 'could have been prevented.' On Wednesday, Jennifer's extramarital affair with fire captain Brian Meloche was exposed In one of Ethan Crumbley's diary entries shown on Thursday, Ethan wrote: 'I have zero help for my mental problems and it's causing me to shoot up the f****** school' 'I want help but my parents don't listen to me so I can't get any help', read another entry In the lead up to the shooting, Ethan displayed a number of alarming red flags that foretold his violent, unhinged mindset. Earlier in the year, the then-15-year-old had frantically texted his mother that he thought he was being chased by a demon, including believing items were being flung across the room. After his desperate attempts at getting his mother's attention were ignored, Ethan texted her: 'At least text me back...' Prosecutors said the teenager's antics were evidence of him losing his grasp on reality and were a cry for help, however Jennifer tried to downplay the episode in her testimony. The testimony was scathed online by many for her callous response to certain pieces of evidence, as she claimed that Ethan's warnings were typical of her 'sarcastic' son 'fooling around', and quipped that he named the specter in their home 'Boris Johnson.' 'He's been convinced our house has been haunted since 2015,' she added. The lack of many mentions of her son's victims also became a point of contention for many of those who watched the jury as it was live streamed to millions. 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 Madisyn Baldwin, 17, (left) and Hana St Juliana, 14, (right) died in the 2021 shooting rampage at Oxford High School in suburban Detroit Justin Shilling, 17, (left) and Tate Myre, 16, (right) were also killed in the senseless shooting As evidence turned to Crumbley's actions on the day of the mass shooting, she faced scrutiny over her decision not to withdraw Ethan from school after being brought in for an alarming meeting. That morning, a teacher found disturbing drawings and writings on his homework, where he scrawled 'the thoughts won't stop, help me', alongside depictions of mass shootings. With a handgun bought by his father stashed in his backpack, the parents declined to take him home - with Jennifer's claim she was too busy at work refuted in testimony from her boss, who testified that she would have been allowed to take care of her disturbed son. Crumbley's secret lover, local fire captain Brian Meloche, also claimed she wanted to meet up that morning, and said they had been meeting regularly in a parking lot across from her work. After leaving Ethan at the school, she claimed in her testimony the first inkling she had that something was wrong came when she received a text from her son saying 'I love you' - a rare show of emotion that she found to be 'abnormal.' 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 When reports of a school shooter rocked the town of Oxford, Michigan, Jennifer said she raced home to find the gun and bullets were missing. In her callous testimony, she said she feared her son was the shooter - but added that her main concern was that he could commit suicide. She texted him 'Ethan, don't do it', but said she wasn't referencing the shooting, but rather that she didn't want him to turn the gun on himself. 'I didn't believe that he even shot anybody, just that there was gunfire,' she added. In the days following the shooting, the couple appeared to try and flee as police sought them for questioning. Jennifer's attorney argued she was not trying to escape custody, but was fearing for her life after threats were allegedly made following her son's crime. However, it was revealed Thursday that she and her husband had emptied their son's bank account immediately after, withdrawing $3,000 and leaving just 99 cents inside. They also withdrew another $6,000 from two other accounts, according to testimony from Oakland County Sheriff's Office Lt. Timothy Willis. The couple stayed at several hotels and bought new phones, after theirs had been seized by investigators, before eventually hiding out in an art studio in Detroit. A popular drill rapper who used a cupcake emoji as a secret symbol for bombs as he planned his martyrdom in a suicide bombing has been jailed for five years. Al-Arfat Hassan, 21, known as 'Official TS' in his music, had bought explosives and told his fans online he was going to carry out a terror attack. He was a successful music artist with his music receiving hundreds of thousands of views. A 17-year-old from Leeds, who cannot be named, was sentenced to two and a half years in a Young Offenders' Institution for failing to tell police of Hassan's intentions. The pair used 'cupcakes' and cupcake emojis as code for bombs and 'calories' as code for how explosives. Hassan admitted possession of acetone and hydrogen peroxide for the purposes of terrorism between 12 January and 4 March 2022. Al-Arfat Hassan 21, from Enfield, north London, (pictured) has been sentenced to seven years in prison at the Old Bailey on Friday for possessing chemicals for a terrorist purpose He was a successful music artist with his music receiving hundreds of thousands of views He denied but was convicted of possession of a video called 'You Must Fight Them' likely to be useful for preparing or committing an act of terrorism while the 17-year-old admitted this. The video included instructions for planning a terror attack, how to kill people with knives and how to make explosives including using acetone and hydrogen peroxide to make acetone peroxide or TATP using lightbulbs as a detonator. The 17-year-old also admitted failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism by failing to tell police information about Hassan. Hassan left school in Enfield, north London, in 2021 and in his final term teachers had noticed he was showing signs of becoming radicalised. Prosecutor Simon Denison, KC, said: 'Hasan's lyrics showed growing immersion in Islamic ideology and extreme violence perpetrated by terrorist groups. 'His music and his social media posts led to him becoming engaged in text conversations with young fans.' One of these was the 17-year-old, the court heard. 'He consistently expressed support for violent jihad and repeatedly spoke of his desire to die as a martyr in a terrorist attack. 'He described himself as explosively violent, an extremist and a terrorist. 'He would threaten carnage by blowing himself up in a public place. 'He appeared to become increasingly obsessed with the idea of dying as a martyr by killing himself and others by carrying out a suicide bombing.' The 17-year-old has assisted him with the creation of one of his music videos, the court heard. They became friends online and both became radicalised. On 16 February 2022 Hassan contacted the 17-year-old suggesting he was about to undertake a suicide bombing. The 17-year-old attempted to persuade him not to go ahead and asked his mother to buy him a train ticket to London but did not tell the police. Hassan later recorded a video of himself dressed all in black with a knife in a seat where he said 'need to go out looking good though, final moment, life took a very great turn.' He then showed the camera the two chemicals. In another video he said: 'You lot gonna miss the music man, we've all gotta go one day you know what I'm saying?' He was arrested on 27 February 2022 at Heathrow Airport as he was about to board a flight to Bangladesh. After reading about Hassan's arrest on the news the 17-year-old deleted messages between them and 140 extremist videos. He was arrested at his home on 12 March 2022. Abdul Iqbal, KC, representing the 17-year-old, said: 'He had when he committed these offences recently turned 15 years of age and he has no previous criminal record at all. 'This is gruesome material being possessed by a child as a result to his interest in and research of Islamic movements and ideology including serious and fatal violence being depicted.' He said the teenager had been assessed as suffering from depression, anxiety and possibly autism. Mr Justice Jeremy Baker told Hassan: 'I am satisfied your motivation was not for the purpose of research for your own drill music videos or to provide props for them but because you were considering carrying out a terrorist attack. 'I do not accept you had abandoned your contemplation of creating an improvised explosive device when you attempted to leave for Bangladesh nor do I accept you have completely abandoned your terrorist motivations even now.' He said the 17-year-old was radicalised by his contact with Hassan who he 'looked up to.' Hassan, of Enfield, north London, admitted possession of an explosive substance. He denied but was convicted of possessing a document likely to be useful for preparing or committing an act of terrorism. The 17-year-old admitted possessing a document likely to be useful for preparing or committing an act of terrorism and failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. Hassan was jailed for a mininum of five years with an extended license period of two years. He will be subject to terrorist notification requirements for 15 years following release. The 17-year-old was sentenced to two and a half years in a Young Offenders Institution with an extended license period of one year. He will be subject to terrorist notification requirements for 10 years following release. The pair had denied preparation of terrorist acts and the prosecution offered no evidence on that charge. They had been accused of plotting to carry out a terror attack by using TATP. Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'This case is a chilling example of two young people being radicalised, and accessing terrorist content online. 'Their activity was uncovered as a result of proactive policing and the schedule 7 powers we have to stop and speak to people coming through UK ports. These powers are an important tool that helps us identify potential terrorist activity and keep the public safe. 'The case also involved some highly skilled detective work by counter terrorism officers at the Met, working with colleagues in the North East. We work around the clock with all our partners to tackle terrorism, but we can't do it alone and we would urge the public to contact the police if they see or hear anything that might be linked to terrorism Your call could save lives.' Nick Price, Head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: 'Al-Arfat Hassan claimed to be a provocative digital music creator, but the evidence was clear that he had a violent, extremist mindset and was taking active steps to prepare to commit terrorist acts. 'Hassan said he wanted to kill thousands, and he had a plan and location in mind. His collection of knives and items to create an explosive device showed these were not idle boasts. 'The youth in this case had a fixation with killing in the name of religion... He told the court that he had been supporting Al-Arfat Hassan through a difficult time when in fact he was enthusiastically encouraging him to carry out a bomb attack. 'Thanks to the work of the UK's counter terrorism police, and dedicated CPS prosecutors, these individuals have been convicted of these dangerous crimes.' Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen could try to sabotage internet cables in the Red Sea carrying nearly one fifth of the world's web traffic, according to a spate of new warnings. Yemen's government warned that the Red Sea is 'one of the three most important meeting points for cables' on the globe and the Houthis pose a 'serious threat to one of the most important digital infrastructures in the world.' It came after a Houthi social media channel published a map showing the routes of various cables through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. The map was accompanied with the ominous message: 'It seems that Yemen is in a strategic location, as internet lines that connect entire continents - not only countries - pass near it.' There are warnings Houthis could work pout a way to cut internet cables in the Red Sea carrying 17 percent of the world's web traffic; Some of the cables are only 328ft below the surface, sparking fears the Iran-backed group may be able to target them A map of underwater cables connecting the continents. There are growing fears Houthi militants could disrupt those passing through the Red Sea A Houthi participate in a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on February 4, 2024, on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, began attacking international shipping in the Red Sea on November 19 in support of Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza. Since then several dozen ships causing major disruptions to global trade, some 12 percent of which passes through the Red Sea. The U.S. and U.K. have launched a massive airstrike campaign against them. Now there are concerns the Houthis could respond by targeting the internet and transmission of financial data. It is estimated that 17 percent of global internet traffic travels via underwater fiber optic cables in the Red Sea. The average depth of the Red Sea is 450 meters but some are at depths of as little as 100 meters. There are 16 cables passing through including a sprawling 15,000-mile long one called Asia Africa Europe-1 (AAE-1) which supplies broadband to Asia and Europe. It connects a litany of countries including France, Italy and Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan. An undersea cable some of which are not much wider than a hosepipe and could be a target for Houthis Houthis operating drones during a military exercise at a remote area on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen, 03 February 2024 Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen's information minister, said the Houthis were now making 'serious threats to the global communications sector and economy.' He added: 'We are facing an unruly group, its terrorism has no ceiling or limits, and its crime exceeds all expectations.' Yemen's General Telecommunications Company said it had in recent years urged global internet providers not to do anything that would enable the Houthis to get access to the cables or how they work. In a statement on Monday it slammed Houthi 'threats to target international marine cables.' Writing in Gulf Security Forum, Emily Milliken, lead analyst at Askari Defense and Intelligence near Washington DC, said the Houthi group 'may adjust its strategy to address a new - and perhaps more critical - target: the lattice of undersea telecommunications cables that line the Bab al-Mandab strait.' The Bab al-Mandab, which in Arabic means 'Gate of Tears,' joins the southern Red Sea and the neighboring Gulf of Aden. Underwater cables pass through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden carrying 17 percent of the world's web traffic An operator works during the mooring of an undersea fiber optic cable at Arrietara beach near the Spanish Basque village of Sopelana on June 13, 2017 Facebook developing a 23,000 mile long undersea cable to bring high speed internet to 16 poorly served countries in Africa and the Middle East 'So far, the cables have been kept safe more so by the Houthis relative technological underdevelopment than for a lack of motivation,' Milliken wrote. 'They lack the submersibles necessary to reach the cables. 'With sufficient time and opportunity, however, the Houthis might be able to adapt some of their maritime tactics to target the vital communication infrastructure.' The shallow waters 'reduce the need for high-tech submarines to get the job done,' she wrote. Even more concerning for Washingtons and its allies in the region severing the cables could 'cut off military or government communications.' There is a precedent for attacks on submerged internet cables. In 2013 Egypt's coastguard caught three divers cutting through a cable near the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, causing major disruptions. The Houthis have used an array of sophisticated weapons including ballistic missiles and 'kamikaze' drones in their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. They are also known to have trained divers and are in possession of mines. Wilson Jones, defense analyst at GlobalData, told the Airforce Technology website: 'Yemen is near a disproportionate number of international undersea internet cables, especially along its western coast where the Houthis have the greatest support. It would be very difficult to stop the Houthis if they made a determined effort to target these cables. A cut on a cable anywhere disrupts the flow of data everywhere. As these cables are essential for the modern internet and digital financial transactions, the disruption could be huge. He added: 'The Houthis certainly dont have submarines but they could use some kind of depth charge, explosive or remote-controlled underwater mine, or send someone in scuba gear with wire cutters.' Reading the statement from Scarlett Jenkinson's family in the aftermath of her sentencing for the murder of fellow teenager Brianna Ghey, I felt a terrible pang of sadness. Within it lay an apology for the distress Scarlett's wickedness had caused their community. 'All of our thoughts are for Brianna and her family,' it said. 'The last 12 months have been beyond our worst nightmares as we have come to realise the brutal truth of Scarlett's actions. We agree with the jury's verdict, the judge's sentence and the decision to name the culprits. 'To all of Brianna's family and friends, our community and everyone else that has been affected by this horror, we are truly sorry.' As someone who lives in Culcheth, the quiet, leafy Cheshire village now forever tied to a heinous crime, that message spoke directly to me, my friends and my neighbours. And for the umpteenth time since we realised Brianna Ghey's killer had grown up alongside our own children, my heart ached for Scarlett's mum. Convicted killer: Scarlett Jenkinson, 16, has been sentenced for the murder of fellow teenager Brianna Ghey Scarlett and Eddie Ratcliffe, right, lured Brianna to a park where they killed her Much has been said about the dignity of Brianna's mother, Esther, who has shown a level of empathy toward the parents of her child's killers that almost defies belief. This is a woman who lives with the knowledge that her beloved daughter was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times after being lured to a park by Scarlett, and fellow killer Eddie Ratcliffe, both now 16. Despite all that, Esther reached out to Scarlett's mother to say that if she wants to talk, then she's here for her. It was an extraordinarily compassionate response. And yet there's a similarly surprising level of compassion for Scarlett's mum here, too. I don't know her personally but have heard from others that she's a wholly decent woman. As a friend said to me in the very early days of the investigation, three mothers lost their children that weekend. The first time I knew that something truly awful had happened that afternoon in February last year was as I drove home from doing the big weekend food shop at the village Sainsbury's. Appearing from nowhere, one police car after another sped past me down the quiet country lane leading to Culcheth Linear Park, lights flashing, sirens blaring. As I put my groceries away, my phone started pinging with messages from friends who knew I regularly walked my dog there. They all said the same thing they'd heard a woman had been stabbed and for me to text back ASAP to confirm it wasn't me. Meanwhile, Scarlett's brother was texting her his little sister urging her to stay away from park, just five minutes' walk from the family home, because the attacker hadn't been caught. It was hard to settle that evening, as my husband and I wondered what might have happened had I walked my dog that afternoon instead of in the morning. Or if one of our two children had taken him out instead to enjoy the park on what was an unusually mild and sunny late winter's day. Scarlett pictured with her parents Emma, a school teacher, and Brian, a tradesman Brianna killer's brutally stabbed her with a hunting knife 28 times Culcheth is a quiet, rural middle-class village surrounding a large green. It has a children's playground, a selection of small independent shops, bars and restaurants the only branded store is Sainsbury's. Police cars zooming through is unusual, to say the least. That night however the constant sound of police helicopters circling overhead made it impossible to sleep. A neighbour texted saying it felt like the village was under siege. Scarlett's mum, oblivious to what had actually happened, would probably have felt similarly afraid. We heard it wasn't a woman, but a teenage girl who had died and that two teenagers had been arrested on suspicion of murder. By the time the kids arrived home from class on the Monday afternoon almost all the kids in the village attend the same school Scarlett and Eddie went to, Culcheth High School the arrested teens were all they could talk about. As the rest of the country waited almost another year for these children to be unmasked, we already knew exactly what evil looked like. When a child does wrong, society is horribly quick to blame their upbringing. Not so in this case. No one, certainly not locally, blamed Scarlett's family two loving parents and three older brothers. Instead, people talked of how Scarlett came from a decent family her mother Emma was a school teacher; her father Brian worked as a tradesman, they had a pet dog and how, through terrifying logic, this suggested any one of us could find ourselves in the same wretched position with one of our own children. And so our collective hearts broke for the woman who lived among us and whose pain we simply couldn't begin to imagine. Of course, at that point, the true darkness of the crime hadn't come out. We mothers, especially those of us with children at Scarlett and Eddie's school, were desperately trying to come up with a narrative around what had happened that we could somehow live with. We settled on a version that had the three kids falling out over something probably a boy and that a knife had been produced. We heard frightening rumours about satanism and Scarlett having dark obsessions, but put those down to the local kids with overactive imaginations. But then, during the trial, the truth turned out to be more appalling than anything anyone adult or child might have made up. The kill list Scarlett made with the names of five children on it. The truly terrible parts of the dark web she was said to frequent. The handwritten murder plan, and previous attempt on Brianna's life she had made by feeding her ibuprofen tablets. And again, we imagined Scarlett's mum's horror and shame. After all, we felt strangely bonded to her as you do when you shop in the same supermarket and walk your dog in the same park. Most disturbing of all was the fact that our kids went to the same school Scarlett had been on a temporary placement at a different school but was due to return to Culcheth High after Christmas. This left the chilling question: 'What if Scarlett had picked out my child?' Eventually I know I will let go of these dark thoughts, but I don't imagine poor Scarlett's mum will ever know peace again. She hasn't opened her curtains since her daughter was arrested. Linear Park is forever changed teenagers don't hang out among the trees anymore. I pass the bench where it happened most days with my dog. At first it was hard not to cry. Now, I feel bewildered more than anything. I also wonder whether Scarlett's mum will ever walk her dog down the park that cuts through our village again. Maybe one day. But for now, I just wish she would open her curtains and crack a window to let in the air and the light. She might want to hide, but she doesn't have to. Honestly, we just want her to be OK. Nikki Haley decided months ago to participate in the primary, with her campaign manager saying she's skipping the state due to it being 'rigged' for Trump Instead the Nevada Republican Party is holding a caucus Thursday evening and former President Donald Trump is the only viable candidate on the ballot Nevada's voters are headed to the polls today to vote in the state's primary, where former President Donald Trump is not on the ballot and rival Nikki Haley hasn't spent an 'ounce of energy.' In a confounding turn of events, Nevada Republicans can vote in two elections this week - Tuesday's primary, which will award no delegates toward the GOP nomination, and then a Thursday evening caucus. What happened is that in 2021 the state legislature passed a law to establish a primary and do away with the traditional caucuses, which limit turnout and have been subject to reporting errors. Primaries are run by the states, where voters show up to polling places on specific dates - early or on Election Day - or participate by mail-in ballot, whereas caucuses are meetings where votes are cast at a specific time and are managed by political parties. While Nevada's new law was passed with bipartisan support, the Trump-aligned Nevada Republican Party objected to it, successfully suing the state to keep control of the delegates, which will be awarded to the caucus-winner. Former President Donald Trump's name won't appear on Nevada's primary ballot Tuesday, as he decided to participate in Thursday's Republican caucus, where candidates can earn delegates toward the GOP nomination This week Nevada will host two opportunities for Republicans to vote - a Tuesday primary and a Thursday evening caucus, which will likely lead to confusion as Nikki Haley is only on the primary ballot, and hasn't campaigned in the state, while Trump will participate in the caucus As the Republican primary field took shape, the candidates were forced to choose between between participating in the primary or earning delegates via the caucus. The state Republican Party forbid candidates who participated in the primary from having their names listed on the caucus ballot as well. Haley - as well as failed 2024 hopefuls former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott - decided to participate in the primary. She'll be the main Republican candidate listed on Tuesday's primary ballot, though Trump supporters can choose 'none of the above' to get their message across. Democrats will also vote Tuesday - with President Joe Biden and self-help guru Marianne Williamson listed on that ballot - as Biden's other challenger, Rep. Dean Phillips, got in the race too late to make Nevada's filing deadline. Williamson has been actively campaigning in the state this week, while Biden participated in campaign events in Las Vegas Sunday and Monday. Nevada is also a vital swing state in the November general election. Nikki Haley, Trump's remaining GOP rival, is photographed campaigning in South Carolina ahead of the Palmetto State's February 24 primary. Haley did not spend an 'ounce of energy' in Nevada, her campaign manager said, explaining that the process was 'rigged' for Trump The Democratic primary will also take place in Nevada Tuesday, with President Joe Biden and self-help guru Marianne Williamson on the ballot. Biden's other challenger, Rep. Dean Phillips, did not make the filing deadline. Biden campaigned in the state Sunday and Monday Nevada voters have the option to change their party registration when they arrive at the polls Tuesday. Haley's Campaign Manager Betsy Ankney made clear Monday that the former U.N. ambassador wasn't playing ball in the state and thus the results should be taken with a grain of salt. 'We have not spent a dime nor an ounce of energy on Nevada,' Ankney told reporters. 'We aren't going to pay $55,000 to a Trump entity to participate in a process that is rigged for Trump. Nevada is not and has never been our focus.' 'I'm truly not sure what the Trump team is up to out there but they seem pretty spun up about it,' Ankney added. Later Monday Trump's spokesman Steven Cheung said that by Thursday's Nevada caucuses Haley 'will be a three-time loser walking a lonely path to her sweet state of South Carolina.' Haley has made moves this week that indicate she plans to stay in the race beyond South Carolina's February 24 primary, including planning an event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, with California voters heading to the polls on Super Tuesday, March 5. Trump will hold a caucus results watch party in Las Vegas Thursday evening at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino, his campaign announced She's also asked for Secret Service protection. On Thursday, between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nevada Republicans will participate in their caucus. Trump - along with failed candidates Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and entreprenuer Vivek Ramaswamy - all decided to go the caucus route. With DeSantis, Burgum, Christie and Ramaswamy having dropped out, just Trump and uber-longshot candidate Ryan Binkley will be on the ballot and be eligible to pick up Nevada's 26 delegates. While Trump already held one rally in the Silver State ahead of voting, the former president will return and address supporters at a watch party Thursday at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino, his campaign announced. Jennifer Crumbley's married firefighter lover has been seen for the first time since the bombshell revelation that he was having an affair with Oxford school shooter Ethan Crumbley's mother who wanted to meet him for a tryst on the morning of the massacre. The dramatic details of their parking lot sex emerged in court last week as Crumbley stood trial for involuntary manslaughter over the shooting in November 2021. She was found guilty on all four counts of manslaughter on Tuesday afternoon after the jury in Pontiac, Michigan, had deliberated for 10 hours. She will be sentenced on April 9. Crumbley, 45, whose husband James goes on trial in March, told her fire captain lover that she had 'failed miserably' as a parent after her son was charged with killing four classmates. 'You didn't do this,' Brian Meloche, 48, told her in response. 'Be careful of anything you type on messenger or text,' he wrote later. 'The FBI is involved, they can access anything and everything.' The firefighter, living just 15 minutes down the road from the Crumbley residence, vanished from the public eye for the rest of the week, until he emerged from his modest three-bedroom home in Goodrich, Michigan, Sunday afternoon. DailyMail.com spotted Brian Meloche on Sunday on a tractor outside of his modest home where he declined to comment Ethan Crumbley's mother Jennifer, who faces up to 60 years for involuntary manslaughter, was having an affair with married firefighter Brian Meloche Wearing a black puffy jacket, brown hoodie, cap and sunglasses on a chilly afternoon, Meloche hopped onto a tractor to do some yard work out front. 'Leave, now,' was all Meloche replied when asked for comment Meloche testified on Thursday, where he admitted to the affairs and denied claims he felt threatened by police to incriminate his lover Wearing a black puffy jacket, brown hoodie, cap and sunglasses on a chilly afternoon, Meloche hopped onto a tractor to do some yard work out front. He was joined by a middle-aged woman, believed to be his wife Melissa, who ducked around back when a reporter approached. Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to his crimes and is currently serving life in jail 'Leave, now,' was all Meloche replied when asked for comment. The affair took center stage last week as questions were raised over Jennifer's claim on the day of the shooting that she and her husband couldn't have taken Ethan home because they were both working. However, Meloche testified that Crumbley told him she could sneak off from work that morning to meet up with him. He added that the two of them would typically carry out their secret tryst on the mornings of workdays in a parking lot across from her job. Crumbley and her husband had visited the school on the morning of the shooting to discuss disturbing drawings Ethan had scrawled on his homework, which included guns and the phrases 'blood everywhere,' 'my life is useless,' and 'the thoughts won't stop, help me.' In that meeting, James and Jennifer were told to get their son counseling within 48 hours. Ethan sat with his head down, with a gun in his backpack that was not searched. Hours after the parents declined to take him out of school for the day, he pulled the 9mm gun and shot 11 people, killing four. Opposing Crumbley's claims that her work as a real estate agent prevented her from watching her son for the day, her former boss Andrew Smith also took the stand Wednesday to insist that she would have been allowed to leave work to care for her son. After she returned to work following the alarming meeting, Smith testified, Jennifer came racing down the hall of their workplace, screaming over an active shooter report at her son's school. Meloche told a courtroom that he and Crumbley would typically carry out their secret tryst on the mornings of workdays in a parking lot across from her job On Sunday Meloche was joined by a middle-aged woman, believed to be his wife Melissa, who ducked around back when a reporter approached Defense attorney Shannon Smith claimed that Meloche was pressured by police to incriminate the mother. He testified last week Meloche testified that Crumbley told him she could sneak off from work the morning of the shooting to hook up with him As she then left work, Crumbley texted her boss that 'the gun is gone and so are the bullets' in her home. Crumbley was fired days later, after she and her husband appeared to try to evade police by hiding in Detroit. Her lawyer argued she fled due to threats from the public over her son's actions. Details of the affair were not admitted in evidence at Ethan Crumbley's trial in October 2022 that saw the now 17-year-old sentenced to life in prison. But last week, defense attorney Shannon Smith agreed to allow them, after claiming that Meloche was pressured by police to incriminate the mother. 'She had an affair,' Smith said in court. 'Lots of people have affairs. I mean, that's the bottom line. At the end of the day, it doesn't mean, you know, your kid's a school shooter.' After her son was arrested, Crumbley messaged Meloche: 'I have nothing to live for.' 'I need people who know us as parents to be behind us more than ever,' she said in another. Meloche told all three of his police interviewers about the affair and denied feeling threatened by law enforcement during his interviews. But he admitted that he was warned the affair could cost him his job. 'They started to talk to you about things like your job and your benefits?' Smith asked while questioning Meloche on the stand. 'And they have said things to you like if you're helping Jennifer Crumbley, you could lose your job as a firefighter, correct?' Meloche agreed. However he still works for the Dearborn Fire Department. The testimony came after Smith insisted that Ethan's parents had not gone on the run after the charges against them were announced. '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 stated. However, it was revealed earlier in the trial that Jennifer had texted her boss a day before the charges were announced saying 'We're on the run again. Helicopters. Not sure where to. I'll message you.' Police discovered the couple on April 12, 2021, and images of the arrest were shown at Jennifer's trial last week. One shows the mother lying face down as armed police surround her. It is the first time parents have ever been charged in a U.S. mass school shooting. Crumbley was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after the jury convicted her of all four counts of involuntary manslaughter Crumbley's parents, James and Jennifer have both been charged in connection with the shooting. They are having separate trials In one of Ethan's diary entries shown on Thursday, he wrote: 'I have zero help for my mental problems and it's causing me to shoot up the f****** school' By the day of the shooting, four different employees had reported alarming behavior from Ethan Crawley Nick Ejak, who was in charge of discipline at Oxford High School, told the jury earlier this week he found it 'odd' and 'strange' that the couple declined to immediately take their son home after they were called to the school to discuss the disturbing drawings he had made. Jennifer told police in an interview how she had texted with her son just minutes before the shooting, saying she had asked if he was OK at 12.21 p.m. 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.' Ten minutes later he fired his first shot and went on to kill four students, Hana St. Juliana, 14, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16, and Justin Shilling, 17, and injure seven others over the next nine minutes before he was detained by police. The newly released police station interview, conducted just hours after the shooting, shows the parents telling police: 'I really wish we would have taken him home.' 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. The parents 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.' Ethan, who was 15 at the time of the shooting was sentenced in December after he pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism and other crimes. Both of his parents have been in jail for more than two years awaiting trial, unable to afford a $500,000 bond. Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith claims high immigration is causing the country's soaring house prices and says numbers should be slashed to just 75,000 a year. Mr Smith told a Sky News debate on Monday night that high immigration is pushing up house prices and locking out potential first-home buyers. Net overseas migration - the number of people coming in minus the number going out - was a record 518,000 in the 2022-23 financial year, taking the population to 26.7million. Australia's population is estimated to double in the next 50 years, with Treasury economists and big business interests advocating high immigration to boost the supply of labour as fertility rates fall in wealthy nations. 'We can [continue on that immigration trajectory], but it won't be good for normal people,' Mr Smith said. Dick Smith (pictured) said he was 'pro-immigration' but argued the massive influx of immigrants was the 'prime reason' for Australia's housing crisis and called for the government to cap immigration at 75,000 people 'It will be great for the wealthy; they will make even more money. Our billionaires have doubled their wealth in five years, they'll keep being wealthier. 'The figures are actually worse at the present growth rate, from the huge immigration, we're going to end up at 100 million people in Australia when our grandkids will still be alive at the end of this century. 'No one believes 100 million is sensible for an arid country like Australia.' Mr Smith argued for migration of about 75,000 a year - the 20th century annual average which was still in place until the late 1990s. Net immigration levels, covering permanent and long-term arrivals, didn't consistently climb into the six figures until the early 2000s, doubling to 200,000 by 2007 during the mining boom and surging until the pandemic border closure in 2020. The reopening of Australia's border in December 2021 has led to an influx of international students, leading to more competition for rental accommodation and a record-low vacancy rate of one per cent. Higher-paid skilled migrants have also bought houses, with median prices last year increasing by double-digit figures in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth even though the Reserve Bank had continued to raise interest rates at the most aggressive pace since 1989. 'I am pro-immigration, I think it's really fantastic, but 75,000 a year will round off our population at about 30million, and that sounds a pretty sensible number to me,' Mr Smith said. 'Having more people normally means you're spreading the wealth and that with more people, everyone gets less.' Poll Do you think Australia's immigration rate should be cut to 75,000 people a year? Yes No Unsure Do you think Australia's immigration rate should be cut to 75,000 people a year? Yes 1942 votes No 68 votes Unsure 28 votes Now share your opinion He explained Australia was not a manufacturing country like China and therefore did not need large amounts of manpower. Mr Smith said Australia did not need 'a lot more people to do that' and claimed that doubling the population would result in people being 'worth half as much'. He also rejected the idea that immigration was needed due to a skills shortage, claiming the country should be able to train 500,000 people out of work. Employers regularly cite 'skills shortages' to justify bringing in more and more migrants, thereby keeping downward pressure on wages. 'Every Australian family has a population plan. They don't have 20 kids; they have the number of kids they can give a good life to,' Mr Smith said. 'Our politicians should have the number of people in Australia we can give a good life to. 'That's not happening at the moment young people can't afford a house, you're in traffic gridlock, things are getting worse and worse.' Emilie Dye, a policy analyst at the Centre for Independent Studies centre-right think tank refuted Mr Smith's argument. Policy analyst at the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) think tank Emilie Dye argued blaming immigrants for the housing crisis was a 'political ploy' used by the government to distract from poor housing policy 'It's easy to blame immigrants for policy failures, for issues like housing affordability, but when it comes down to it, in general, immigrants are just adding to our society and making us richer making us all richer, not just the people at the top,' she said. 'We have people, we should be providing for those people, and we're just blaming the victim if we're saying, "our population's too high, that's why we can't house people". 'That's a political ploy to take the heat off of the politicians that have decades of poor housing policy, have restricted the supply of housing.' Mr Smith said it was not a question of blaming migrants, but the most basic economic principle; housing, like all commodities, becomes more expensive as demand outstrips supply. 'We're not blaming anyone, it's just a fact that if in a marketplace you bring in an incredible amount of people wanting to purchase houses, you're going to put the price up, and that's what's happened,' Mr Smith said. 'I've benefited from growth, without any doubt, but what I'm concerned about is my grandchildren.' Sydney's median house price of $1.4million is beyond the reach of an average, full-time worker on $95,581 - a situation unthinkable a generation ago. With banks now only typically lending 4.8 times what someone earns, a borrower would need to earn $230,000 to even qualify for a $1.1million mortgage with a 20 per cent deposit. But even the median Australian house price of $819,886 in January, based on CoreLogic data, is beyond the reach of someone earning $100,000, even with a 20 per cent mortgage deposit. That's because the banks are wary about lending anyone more than six times their salary, especially after the Reserve Bank in November raised interest rates for the 13th time in 18 months to a 12-year high of 4.35 per cent. Aussies have blasted McDonald's over the staggering cost of food listed on their 'loose change' menu. A customer was left fuming after noticing a 24-piece chicken nugget meal cost $11.95 claiming the price was much more than 'loose change'. They shared a photograph of the menu set up at a drive-through to Reddit. A hot fudge sundae was advertised for $3.50 and an Oreo McFlurry for $4.50. McDonald's customers have been left furious after spotting the 24-piece Chicken McNuggets for $11.95 on the 'loose change' menu (pictured) Social media users were left up in arms arguing the items shouldn't be worth more than $5. READ MORE: American tourist shocked by Aussie McDonald's Advertisement Many said the price was much more than the amount of loose change they have in the car or in their pockets. 'Oh perfect I have exactly $11.95 sitting in my centre console, thanks Maccas,' one wrote. 'Cant say I have $12 hanging in the cup holder,' another added. Others questioned how far McDonald's was trying to stretch the term 'loose change'. One said he would 'be willing to accept 3 coins ($6)' while another said anything more than $6 was 'unloading shrapnel'. Another joked the advertising phrase was instead referencing 'the change you get back after breaking a note paying for it'. 'Maccas are banking on people who don't carry cash to completely not notice that 11.95 would be a big pocketful of loose change,' a third wrote. Some pointed out items that had previously been listed on the menu were no longer on there. 'Remember when soft serves were 30c,' a user wrote, prompting a McDonald's employee to reply and say the icecream was now $1.10. 'Remember when hamburgers were $1 and chicken and cheeses were $3? Now you pay $5+ for a chicken and cheese which has HALF a slice of cheese!' another user wrote. Some users said McDonald's had lost its hold on the fast food market as the cheapest alternative for a quick snack. 'I miss the $1 hamburgers so much, they really made McDonalds stand out from other fast food places,' one user wrote. Customers said the fast food chain had lost its hold on the market as the cheapest alternative for a snack by jacking up prices in recent years 'Macca used to be fair value for money 10-years-ago. Now you pay at least 150% more for the same item and its a bloody mess,' a second wrote. A McDonald's Australia spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that the fast food chain is 'committed to our "Value means more at Maccas" promise'. 'Which includes providing our customers with exceptional everyday value, great customer service, and 24/7 convenience,' he said. 'Customers can get great value at McDonalds through the MyMaccas App which offers great discounts, weekly deals and loyalty rewards - and through our year-round Loose Change Menu and Maccas Bundles, which are available in participating restaurants nationwide. 'Our Loose Change Menu provides great value on some of our most iconic menu items, including Frozen Coke from $1, Soft Serve Cone with Flake for $1.50, Hamburger for $2, Happy Meal for $5.75, and more. 'Like all businesses, we review our prices from time to time, considering several factors, including the higher-cost environment we are all operating in.' The King was last night reported to be 'hugely positive' following shock news that he has cancer. Family and friends were said to be amazed by his determination to carry on with 'business as usual'. It is understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during treatment for a benign prostate condition. Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father. It is not known where the Duke of Sussex will stay when he visits the UK. Harry needs prior permission from Buckingham Palace to stay on a royal estate. He returned the keys to Frogmore Cottage last June when the prince and his wife Meghan Markle vacated the property. His request to stay at Windsor Castle was knocked back by the Palace when he last visited the UK in September and Harry ended up staying in a hotel. It will be the first time the pair have spent any significant time together in more than 18 months. Royal watchers were asking whether it might herald a thaw in relations. Charles arrived in London yesterday morning from his Sandringham estate with his wife Camilla to start out-patient treatment at an undisclosed hospital. She will be at her husband's side throughout but has insisted on continuing with her public engagements. Other members of the Royal Family will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, including the Prince of Wales, who will return to duties tomorrow after his own wife's medical issues. King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer , Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this evening. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Prince Harry will fly to London from California to be by his father's side - the first time the pair would have spent any significant time together in the last 18 months The Prince of Wales will return to royal duties today following his wife's medical issues and will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, alongside other members of the Royal Family While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings. The Mail has learnt that the King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment. She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was 'getting on, doing his best'. A source said: 'Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.' In a statement Buckingham Palace said: 'During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.' Royal aides said they were carefully balancing the King's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that by sharing the news that it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families. No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when the king had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment Well-wishers headed to Buckingham Palace tonight, after it was announced Britain's King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer Joe Biden and Jill Biden sent prayers to the King and said he hoped to speak to the monarch later It is reported Meghan Markle and their two children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - will not be joining Harry The Royal Family has been rocked by a series of health scares in the last few weeks, with the Duchess of York recently announcing she has skin cancer Kate Middleton is recovering at home from abdominal surgery following a two-week stay at private hospital The London Clinic He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained in the private London Clinic in central London for three days. It was during this intervention that a 'separate cause for concern' was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. Details of his treatment are not being disclosed at this stage. A royal aide said: 'No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' It is not known how long he will be away from public-facing duties. But a source explained: 'The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities. 'In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them. 'His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' A family friend said Charles was being 'hugely positive', adding: 'From what I know he is up and about as usual and he is so positive that you wouldn't know he even had a condition. Luckily it has, as far as anyone can tell, been caught very early. 'In terms of the treatment he is getting, the treatment for all cancers have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. The specialist ones they conduct now are incredibly sophisticated. He and his doctors are very, very positive. The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital 'I think it is something he may share more on in the future if he wants to but for the moment he wants to concentrate on his treatment and the work in hand.' Another family source insisted that he was not cancelling public engagements because of his condition or any physical frailty. They said it was simply to 'minimise in person contact' because of the medical risks to him while undergoing treatment. 'Obviously it is a shock but he is really doing very well,' they added. A royal aide said that 'regrettably' a number of public engagements would have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence,' they added. However it is anticipated the King will continue with his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister. Suitable arrangements will be made if doctors advise him this should not be done in person. Rishi Sunak, who was informed of the King's diagnosis before it was made public, said last night that he wished him a 'full and speedy recovery'. Charles hopes to continue to undertake Privy Council meetings, but details have yet to be worked out. Camilla will continue to have a full programme of public duties and the Mail understands that Princess Anne will carry out investitures. Prince William hasn't seen his father yet but has been in contact with him and is about to pick up public engagements once again following his wife's lengthy hospital stay and recuperation for what has been described only as 'abdominal surgery'. Palace aides have at been pains to stress that the King will not need to appoint counsellors of state to step in. People stand outside Buckingham Palace after it was announced King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer World statesmen and religious leaders sent their love and support to the King and the Royal Family at this difficult time as crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to send best wishes to His Majesty. US President Joe Biden said last night that he is 'concerned' about the King and plans to call him later. He told reporters: 'I'm concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I'll be talking to him, God willing'. He later tweeted: 'Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery'. Former President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee in November US elections, wrote on his Truth Social network that the king was 'a wonderful man' and that 'we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery'. Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, said: 'I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King'. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has yet to comment having just returned from Kyiv. Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery'. As the King's cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged: The world is wishing the King well after he revealed his cancer. The King also apologised for having to postpone his upcoming engagements. A spokesman added: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, a source close to the Duke said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. 'He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' All of the King's siblings, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh were told personally by Charles, royal aides said. The recent diagnosis means the King is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. The palace said the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties. Other working members of the royal family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible. When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health' Defence Secretary Grant Shapps wished Charles the best for a full recovery and said: 'As a cancer survivor, I know how impactful his decision to hare his news will be' US President Joe Biden was left shocked by the announcement and said he will be contacting Charles While former US President Donald Trump also sent his well-wishes calling His Majesty a 'wonderful man' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes. He tweeted: 'I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer' It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact. KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes. He tweeted: 'I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. 'We're sending him our very best wishes - and hoping for a fast and full recovery.' Canada is one of the 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we'd all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight's news.' The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022. Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s. Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced yesterday, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign. That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary. Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school, Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage. William and Kate's team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings. Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now. The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back. The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate. The palace added that His Majesty's condition was 'benign' and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure. They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check. The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website. His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery. He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be 'doing well'. He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife. Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was 'doing fine' and looking forwards to getting back to work. The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best', adding: 'Thank goodness!' One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer. But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine. Following today's news, former Prime Minister and Mail columnist Boris Johnson wrote on X: 'The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.' Liz Truss, Mr Sunak's short-lived predecessor as PM, said: 'Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King!' Vedant Patel, a spokesman for the US State Department, said it is 'incredibly sad news' and added: 'I'm very sorry for the King and his family'. He told a briefing of reporters that the Biden administration's thoughts are with the King and the Royal Family. Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a 'full and swift recovery' following his cancer diagnosis. The King waved to a large crowd of wellwishers when he left the London Clinic last Monday The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'I'm saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.' Northern Ireland's new republican First Minister Michelle O'Neill wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 'I am very sorry to hear of King Charles' illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,' she posted on X. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was praying for the King. 'I would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles all the the very best for his treatment,' she said. 'I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers.' Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said: 'This is bound to be a profoundly unsettling piece of news at a time when symbols of stability and dependability are so vital for our well-being. 'In addition to the deep shared concern for King Charles at a personal level, we may well reflect on the importance of such symbols in giving us a focus for our life together as a family of national communities in the UK, a life together that goes beyond partisan rhetoric and mutual suspicion.' Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. 'I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery.' Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: 'My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. 'His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. 'Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.' Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: 'One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 4, 2024 'Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.' Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, said: 'I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. 'On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King.' A statement from Macmillan Cancer Support said everyone at the charity was sending their best wishes. The statement on X said: 'Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family. We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time. The King has been a long-standing supporter of Macmillan, becoming patron of the charity in 1997. A yoga instructor has been left shocked after she was told to pay $10,000 to council to use their beach so she could continue to teach her free classes. Feel Good Flows founder Eliza Hilmer has held two classes a week on a secluded section of Melbourne's St Kilda beach and nearby Elwood Beach for over four years. The classes have recently been attended by up to 100 dedicated yogis who are not forced to pay, but instead offer an 'honest donation'. The boom in popularity has however gained the attention of the City of Port Phillip Council who found the events to be too large for her current permit. The council ordered Ms Hilmer to cap her classes to just 15 people or pay $400 per event. Ms Hilmer said she was asked to pay three months upfront, which would be around $10,000. A Melbourne yoga instructor, Eliza Hilmer (pictured), has been ordered to pay the City of Port Phillip $400 per class she holds on St Kilda Beach every Thursday and Sunday 'If it's $400 an event then we will have to cancel it because it doesn't make sense, at all,' Ms Hilmer told Daily Mail Australia. The council decided that Ms Hilmer's classes had grown to a point where it was now deemed a commercial event despite her not making a profit. On top of paying for a new permit, the council also didn't guarantee if the permit would be granted or if the events could continue regularly. Ms Hilmer said she is being unfairly treated like a personal trainer (PT) although attendees don't need to book or pay for the classes. 'This isn't a commercial event business it's just me, one yoga teacher, offering a free or optional donation on an honesty model,' she said. 'PTs have clients who book in and pay, if you stood next to them and started doing the exercises they'd tell you to leave, or book or become a member. 'There's no membership for Feel Good Flows, I have an online booking system to manage numbers where people can add a donation. 'So the sustainability of these community-based events are based on a honesty model, and I love that so much, it's not my event it's theirs (attendees).' The classes exploded in popularity as it provided a welcoming environment for people of all skill levels to try out or continue practicing yoga. The classes (pictured) have boomed in popularity and recently been attended by about 100 attendees which is more than Ms Hilmer is allowed through her permit Ms Hilmer said she will be forced to stop holding the classes if she has to pay the council $400 just for a permit Ms Hilmer said that while she hasn't yet been issued a fine by the council, they want her to 'apply for these exorbitant permits moving forward'. She said she will continue the classes until she is forced to stop or a compromise is met with the council. Ms Hilmer launched Change.org petition on Friday with the page already surging past its goal of 1,000 signees in just four days. 'We have no infrastructure, no signage, no microphones, no litter, nothing. Just a group of people peacefully gathering in nature,' the petition page reads. 'Restricting numbers, means telling people that they are not welcome to join, that they 'can't sit with us', that they need to leave this public beach and do what? Move 1.5m away from the rest of the group? Go home? 'Imagining the impact of this on an individual who has maybe taken a bit of courage and effort to show up alone to a community gathering only to be turned away is honestly heart breaking.' Ms Hilmer revealed she is meeting with the council's mayor Heather Cunsolo this week to try and find a way to not have them shut down. She said the classes (pictured) were not for profit but to provide a supportive environment to either try out or continue practicing yoga While Ms Consulo said she was in support of the yoga classes, it had to follow local permits. 'It's fantastic to see the growth of Feel Good Flows and we're delighted to see so many people encouraged to take part in yoga sessions with such a St Kilda vibe,' she said in a statement. 'However, the business needs to adhere to its Personal Training Licence in line with other commercial businesses at our beach destinations to ensure our popular public spaces remain available, safe and enjoyable for everyone.' The mayor said Ms Hilmer's current permit allows for multiple sessions, of up to 15 people, to be held throughout the week to 'cater for more customers'. 'We encourage Feel Good Flows to look at hosting additional yoga sessions on the foreshore to support its growing popularity,' the statement reads. 'While we don't issue permits to large commercial groups on an ongoing basis, another option would be for Feel Good Flows to apply for up to four event permits per year at $400 each to support the delivery of larger-scale events. 'With wellness at the heart, perhaps these will prove to be a great success with the community too.' Many restaurants in the Big Apple are unsure what they will do next as they have depended on these structures since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic The new rules will come into effect in March and interested restaurants will have to apply by August 3 A new plan for outdoor seating in New York City has passed and will significantly restrict the use of enclosed outdoor sheds New York City restaurant owners who spent thousands on outdoor sheds have blasted Eric Adams' crackdown on pandemic-era seating as new rules are set to get rid of nearly all existing structures. The new plan will eliminate outdoor shed-like dining structures and limit the amount of time that outdoor dining is permitted on NYC streets. The new program called Dining Out NYC was officially approved on Friday and will require outdoor seating areas to have 'lighter-weight' set-ups that are 'easy to assemble and break down.' Restaurants that use roads for outdoor seating will only be able to remain open from April to November, while sidewalk dining areas can stay open all year. Many restaurants will now be forced to remove the structures that have expanded their capacity and their businesses for the last few years - sheds that cost some places $25,000 or more to erect in the first place. Brianna, a manager at Little Ruby's Cafe in the East Village, told DailyMail.com the plan will cost the business 'more to take down and to put back up' as their outdoor seating area is currently a large enclosed structure fixed with heating, window paneling and tasteful decor. The new program called Dining Out NYC was officially approved on Friday and will require outdoor seating areas to have 'lighter-weight' set-ups that are 'easy to assemble and break down': Pictured: A rendering of the new requirements for outdoor seating Little Ruby's Cafe in the East Village told DailyMail.com the plan will cost the business 'more to take down and to put back up.' Pictured: The restaurant's large outdoor enclosed structure In the new plan, sidewalk cafes are allowed to stay year-round but need to have a perimeter around seating areas, awnings, umbrellas, lights and heating and cooling sources. Pictured: a rendering for approved sidewalk structures She added the new requirements are a real 'bummer' for the Australian cuisine restaurant that has used the outdoor area all year round since the Covid-19 pandemic. Restaurants that are interested in still having outdoor areas in the Big Apple will have to apply to do so. Applications are set to roll out in March and will be open until August 3. High-end eateries will also be impacted by the big change, such as the exclusive Italian restaurant Carbone located in Greenwich Village. The restaurant's large, cased in outdoor eating area decked out in a navy awning and red curtains will not be allowed once the new guidelines come into effect in March. 'The new program draws on lessons learned from the temporary outdoor dining program created during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saved 100,000 jobs across the city but led to quality-of-life issues as a subset of restaurant owners were unable to maintain loosely regulated outdoor dining setups,' a press release from the mayor's office said. The new 'Equitable fee structures' will cost businesses a yearly fee based off the length and width of their property's sidewalk or roadway. High-end eateries will also be impacted by the big change, such as the exclusive Italian restaurant Carbone located in Greenwich Village Kimura, a Japanese restaurant in the East Village has used this heated shed for outdoor dining since the Covid-19 pandemic started and said it also acts as extra seating space for customers since their restaurant is tiny Any new enclosed structures will not be permitted to be built and can only develop areas with tables, chairs, umbrellas, covering, electrical connections, drainage, barriers and be made wheelchair accessible. Optional additions to the outdoor area include heating, cooling, lighting, screening and flooring. The outdoor structures will also have to be equipped with proper drainage and barriers, and will have to shut down their operations at 12am, as opposed to the typical 1am. Sidewalk cafes need to have a perimeter around seating areas, awnings and umbrellas. Lights and heating and cooling sources are optional. Takuya Shinohara, a manager at Kimura in the East Village told DailyMail.com that they aren't quite sure what they are going to do about their shed outside once the new rules kick in. As they wait to see what other businesses decide to do, Shinohara said the wooden shed has been utilized since the start of the pandemic and has provided extra seating for customers as the inside of the Japanese restaurant is fairly tight. Another well-known restaurant, Old john's Luncheonette near Lincoln Square will also have to decide what to do with their large, enclosed street dining area. Old john's Luncheonette near Lincoln Square will also have to decide what to do with their large, enclosed street dining area which cost around around $20,000 to build Brianna, a manager at Little Ruby's Cafe told DailyMail.com the business put a lot of time and money into the construction of their outdoor seating area which has heating, lighting and decor The New York Post reported in May, the owner of the retro-style diner, Ricardo Palofox said that his 24 outdoor seats accounted for 40 percent of the restaurant's business. He added the cabin-like enclosure that cost him around $20,000 to build and that when it's taken down, they 'might lose customers, who came just for that.' The new regulations are designed to create a more 'lighter-weight' experience across the entire city. 'Between Dining Out NYC, our campaign to get trash bags off of New York City streets, our efforts to remove scaffolding that has been up for far too long, and the hundreds of millions were investing in public realm projects across the city, were fundamentally transforming what it feels like to be outside in New York,' Adams said in a statement. Rosanna Scotto, the co-owner of Fresco by Scotto located on East 52nd street told the New York Post that the new rules would create a huge financial setback for the restaurant's outdoor dining area. The large area called 'Isle of Capri', worth $150,000, was created by Scotto and her sister Elaina in 2021. 'It isn't just made of wood, but also of metal and concrete. It has heaters and fans and flowers,' Scotto said. Maureen Donohue-Peters, the owner of Donohue's Steakhouse on Lexington Avenue said that her 40-seat shed has brought in 35 percent of the restaurant's revenue. 'If I were to lose that and not be able to get it back inside the restaurant, it would force me to think of other options including closing,' she said. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has made a triumphant return to Canberra with a fiery speech at a farmers' rally against the government's renewables push. The Country Liberals Senator was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans as she took to the stage out the front of Parliament House in a show of support to those who had gathered. 'You are the custodians of our land. You know better than anybody the importance of taking care of our country,' she told the farmers. 'We should be listening to you. But where is our prime minister and where is Mr (Climate and Energy minister Chris) Bowen? They should have been here. They should have consulted you.' Ms Nampijinpa Price said it is 'high time the inner city starts listening to the regions' and praised the regions for being 'the heart of this country, which keeps this country thriving'. The Country Liberals Senator was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans as she took to the stage out the front of Parliament House in a show of support to those who had gathered Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has made a triumphant return to Canberra with an appearance at a farmers rally against the government's renewables push Hundreds of angry farmers descended on Canberra on Tuesday to mark the first parliamentary sitting day of the year and protest 'a race to reckless renewables'. This includes the Albanese government's proposed 82 per cent renewables target by 2030, propped up by a major wind farm push, both across the country and offshore. The Federal government's climate change agenda has picked up pace of late after Mr Bowen attended the COP28 conference in Dubai where Australia backed a promise to triple renewables energy capacity worldwide by 2030. The gathered crowd held placards and signs demanding an end to the focus on renewables, and urging Mr Bowen to acknowledge their concerns about the future of the environment. Wind turbines aren't designed to last forever, and need to be decommissioned after a certain period in use, sparking concerns about the cost of eventually removing or replacing them. There are 300 wind farm projects currently operating, under construction or proposed throughout the nation, according to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. Hundreds of angry farmers descended on Canberra on Tuesday to mark the first parliamentary sitting day of the year and protest 'a race to reckless renewables' The gathered crowd held placards and signs demanding an end to renewables, and urging Climate Minister Chris Bowen to acknowledge their concerns about the future of the environment Ralph Babet and Craig Kelly were among notable speakers The Coalition advocates an 'all of the above' approach which would combine the use of small doses of nuclear alongside renewable energy, to keep prices down. Ms Nampijinpa Price was greeted with more cheers when she told the crowd: 'Nuclear energy is certainly the way we need to go.' 'Australians want this. I dont think renewable energy is as clean or as green as some would make it out to be. 'Prime Minister Albanese, you need to listen to these people. Mr Bowen you need to listen to these people. Stop taking us down a path of destruction.' She noted the Albanese government's promise to reduce electricity bills by $275 at the last election. Bills have since skyrocketed, which the government argues is a result of the crisis in Ukraine and would have been worse had the relief package not been in place. Hundreds of angry farmers descended on Canberra on Tuesday to mark the first parliamentary sitting day of the year and protest 'a race to reckless renewables' The two people the farmers really want to hear from - Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen - have not indicated they will appear to defend their policy In spite of these concerns, there are 300 wind farm projects currently operating, under construction or proposed throughout the nation, according to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner She spoke of her own travels over the Christmas break on a road trip with her husband through the regions, where she met with and spoke with locals about their concerns. The rally is expected to go all day, with several other key speakers including Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce and Bob Katter. But the two people the farmers really want to hear from - Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen - will not front the protest. 'Get Bowen out of his ivory tower,' one demonstrator shouted. 'He should face us,' said another, as chants of 'shame' rang through the crowd. The rally is expected to go all day, with several other key speakers including Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce and Bob Katter Following King Charles' shocking cancer diagnosis and the announcement that he will be temporarily stepping back from public-facing duties, questions have arisen over who can stand in for the monarch in the event the King is 'incapacitated'. Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed today that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during treatment for a benign prostate condition. It is understood King Charles' condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. The King will continue his weekly audience with the Prime Minister and will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. While The King is reported to be 'hugely positive' following the news, legislation is in place in the event a monarch becomes 'incapacitated'. It is understood King Charles' condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good The Regency Act of 1937 came into force during the reign of King George VI King Charles' grandfather due to the fact that his heir, Queen Elizabeth II, was only 10-years-old at the time. The Act applies when a monarch succeeding to the throne is under the age of 18, is out of the country, or is incapacitated. In the case of temporary incapacity or an absence from the country, the monarch can delegate 'Counsellors of State' on their behalf. This was the case for Queen Elizabeth II when she asked Prince Charles and Prince William to attend the State Opening of Parliament in 2022. Counsellors of State are all members of the Royal Family and two or more members can carry out Royal functions at a time. This would be the King's partner and the next four in line to the throne who have reached the age of 21: Queen Camilla, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Sussex, The Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. However, in 2022, the Royal Household said this would only apply to working royals. Therefore, in the event of incapacity, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward would support the King. Queen Camilla and Prince William can both act as Counsellors of State in Charles' stead The Counsellors of State Act 2022 added Princess Anne and Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh Legislation also covers an appointed 'Regent' if a monarch becomes permanently incapacitated and is no longer able to carry out their Royal duties. The 'Regent' is the next in line to the throne: Prince William. He would assume most of the monarch's functions with the exception of granting Royal Assent to a Bill. Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The King is understood to have personally informed his sons Prince William and Prince Harry about his condition. The Duke of Sussex will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to Harry said. The King also apologised for having to postpone his upcoming engagements. A diner was 'absolutely disgusted' after finding a false fingernail in her Domino's pizza, after first thinking it was part of her tongue piercing. Ebony from Mt Annan, in Sydney's south-west, ordered four pizzas for herself, family and friends at her local Domino's in nearby Narellan on Sunday night. However, after biting into her slice, she felt something hard and took it out of her mouth. Ebony discovered the hard item she had been chewing was a false fingernail. The Domino's customer had originally thought the ball on her tongue piercing had dislodged and come loose, she told Yahoo News. Ebony from Mt Annan, in Sydney's south-west, ordered four pizzas for herself, family and friends at her local Domino's on Sunday night but was 'mortified' when she discovered she had been chewing on a false fingernail 'I was absolutely mortified and disgusted. I was instantly gagging at the idea that was in my mouth,' she said. Ebony posted on a local community Facebook page to warn others about the incident, which also included her finding a 'huge clump of hair' in one of the other pizzas she received. The diner called her local pizza store but didn't get a response, so she drove back to the outlet to inform the manager. According to Ebony, the manager didn't appear to care. The customer also said she noticed a staff member sitting on a food preparation bench. '[The staff member] was sitting on the prep bench checking her nails and smugly said, 'Oh, it's not mine', which annoyed me, so I asked whose nail was in my mouth then,' she said. 'And she was like, 'Uhh, I dunno what colour was it?', so I stated the colour, and as soon as I did she jumped off the bench and hid.' Other diners also found the incident 'disgusting' and encouraged Ebony to report what happened to the New South Wales Food Authority. 'They'll investigate and likely send out an inspector randomly to do a spot hygiene, safe food handling and storage inspection,' one wrote. 'That's disgusting. Call head office,' another said. 'Unfortunately, I've also had a bad experience there,' a third person wrote. The Domino's store has apologised to the customer and refunded her money. Domino's has reminded all its stores about its 'rigorous food safety procedures' (stock image of a Domino's store) The incident prompted others to call for gloves and hair coverings to be made mandatory in food preparation areas to safeguard people from a similar occurrence. On the New South Wales Food Authority's website, regulations for food handlers suggest gloves are not always required. 'The Food Standards Code does not require food handlers to use gloves. Even when wearing gloves, in many situations, it may be preferable to use utensils such as tongs or spoons,' it said. It does remind people to avoid unnecessary contact with food and to 'tie back long hair'. A Domino's spokesperson confirmed with Daily Mail Australia they were alerted to a customer finding a 'foreign object' in their pizza from the Narellan store on February 4. 'At Dominos, food safety is our top priority, and even one incident like this is one too many,' the spokesperson said. 'The Dominos Narellan store apologised and refunded the customers order as soon as they were made aware of this and collected a sample of the pizza for further testing. 'Additionally, we have issued an important reminder to all of our stores about our rigorous food safety procedures. 'We take our responsibility as a food business seriously and are proud to deliver thousands of delicious pizzas every day that our customers love.' Megyn Kelly claimed recent polling numbers showing Joe Biden trailing Donald Trump by 35 points on handling the border are 'devastating' for the president. The figure was one of several areas Trump was far outpacing Biden in recent polling as the two men prepare to face-off in the general election. Speaking with The Fifth Column co-host Kmele Foster and International Women's Forum Senior Policy Analyst Inez Stepman on The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly said 'if nothing changes, Trump will win the election' in November. Kelly used the poll to highlight how neither Trump nor Biden had passed immigration reform and then called out what she believes is the false notion of the migrants as 'asylum seekers,' saying most of their claims are 'bulls***.' 'It's all bulls*** because most of the asylum seekers are not seeking asylum. It's a lie! They could have sought asylum in Mexico. They went right through Mexico because they want to be here,' Kelly said. She added: 'They don't want to actually assimilate, a lot of them, but they want their government check. They want a driver's license. They want to do all the things that American citizens do without doing any of the things that people who immigrated here legally and jumped through all the hoops had to do.' Megyn Kelly hammered recent polling numbers showing Joe Biden trailing Donald Trump by 35 points on handling the border as 'devastating' for the president She noted that despite that, 'there could be more funding for asylum claims to be processed' and Biden and Trump, 'didn't do it' despite having both houses of Congress for the first two years of their presidencies. Kelly said that the current plan gives Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who could be facing impeachment, far too much power. 'Those people should be processed, and we should figure out who genuinely needs our help and shares our values. But we don't do any of that. And now they want to give Mayorkas a magic wand to say "I deem ye asylum seekers. Welcome to America!" That's not how it works.' The poll cited by Kelly showed Trump is beating Biden on several key issues, with just months until the conventions officially kick off the 2024 general election season. Most notably, Trump has jumped ahead of Biden when it comes to voters' view on the two elderly candidates' competence and effectiveness as leaders. In June 2020, Trump, 77, trailed Biden, 81, by 9 percent in this category, but a new NBC News poll released on Sunday shows the former president now ahead by 16 points 48 percent to 32 percent. The largest gap, however, is in the handling of immigration and securing the southern border where 57 percent of voters say they approve of Trump's handling compared to the just 22 percent who say Biden has done well in that area. Kelly also criticized Trump's lone remaining rival for the GOP nomination, Nikki Haley, for her appearance on Saturday Night Live this past week. 'I've got serious questions about whether this is a good idea. What's next? The Daily Show? How about Scarborough? Tiptoe through those tulips. Rachel Maddow? Joy Reid? Why doesn't she go on her show? I don't get it.' Kelly noted that despite that, 'there could be more funding for asylum claims to be processed' and Biden (pictured left) and Trump (pictured right), 'didn't do it' despite having both houses of Congress for the first two years of their presidencies Kelly used the poll to highlight how neither Trump nor Biden had passed immigration reform and then called out what she believes is the false notion of the migrants as 'asylum seekers,' calling most of their claims 'bulls***' Kelly also criticized Trump's lone remaining rival for the GOP nomination, Nikki Haley, for her appearance on Saturday Night Live this past week Haley made a surprise cameo on SNL to jokingly confess that she should have admitted slavery caused the Civil War as her presidential campaign dies out. This week's Saturday Night Live episode started with a CNN town hall skit in which Haley is asked 'what would you say was the main cause of the Civil War - and do you think it starts with an "S" and ends with a "lavery."' 'Yep I probably should have said that the first time,' Haley responded before delivering the iconic 'Live from New York' line. Kelly acknowledged the slavery mishap was 'a dumba** answer' but still questioned the strategy of going on SNL. 'I like the Vivek Ramaswamy philosophy of like going everywhere and trying to get as many votes as you can get. I'm just not sure SNL is one of the venues where there's any potential votes available,' she said. Haley used her SNL appearance to fire shots at her opponent, former President Donald Trump. 'My question is why won't you debate Nikki Haley,' Haley asked Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, as a 'concerned South Carolina voter.' 'Oh my God its the woman who was in charge of security on Jan. 6,' Johnson, as Trump, exclaimed, 'Its Nancy Pelosi.' Kelly said that the current immigration plan gives Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who could be facing impeachment, far too much power A new NBC News poll released on Sunday shows Donald Trump pulling ahead of President Joe Biden in nearly every category from competence to border security and economy The same poll has Biden at an all time low approval with just 37 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval Haley followed up by telling Johnson as Trump 'Are you doing ok Donald, you might need a mental competency test?' Haley's Presidential campaign has been fading and recent polls show former President Donald Trump leading his rival by 26 points in a poll released Thursday of South Carolina's Republican voters. Sunday's NBC News general election survey was taken among 1,000 voters from January 26-30 has Biden at an all time low approval in this particular polling's history. The president stands at 60 percent disapproval and just 37 percent approval. It also shows Trump 5 percentage points ahead of Biden in a hypothetical general election matchup. In July and August, the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee will hold their respective conventions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois. Those conventions will officially determine the general matchup tickets for 2024, which will more than likely be a rematch between Trump and Biden. The results of the NBC News poll were released the day after Biden won the Democratic primary election in South Carolina on Saturday. A young woman has slammed a local council's parking rule as 'absurd' after copping a $116 fine for doing something she had no idea was against the law. Shakira Coldwell received the fine in Noosa after she drove into the parking spot instead of backing in, going against the council's 'rear in' rule for the car park. 'Was I the only one that didn't know you can get a parking fine for parking nose in, like the front of your car goes in first, instead of backing into a car park,' she asked. 'Not sure if that's just a rule in Noosa, because I'm pretty sure you can park any way in Brisbane and the Gold Coast as long as you are within the lines,' she said. TikToker Shakira Coldwell (pictured) has already got more that 600 responses to her video questioning a parking and asking if anyone else had ever heard of it A parking location in Noosa, south-east Queensland - where Ms Coldwell got fined - is pictured The photo on the fine showed that she was parked nose in while the car beside hers was parked nose out. 'They backed into their space,' she said. 'But like, I'm within the lines, clearly. So I'm a bit confused.' Making matters worse, her fine may be increased as it's already past the payment date. 'I got this fine like three months ago, but I've been travelling and just opened it. So I'm already overdue on the payment,' she said. 'Does that not seem just a bit absurd, a bit bizarre? Ms Coldwell said she had asked other people about this and they had no idea the rule even existed. 'I just gave it a little Google and the reason why you can't park like this is because if there's like cafes or like businesses behind you, you might produce emissions from your car. 'The back of your car will produce emissions and it'll go into the businesses.' She recalled there being a lot of cafes on the street. 'So that kind of makes sense, but, to be honest, I didn't see any signs saying that you couldn't park like this, so I'm a bit confused.' Ms Coldwell asked her viewers if the rule just applied in Noosa or if anyone had come across it in other areas. She soon got hundreds of replies, with the top ranked one saying 'As someone who lives in Noosa, I can 100% guarantee there was a sign saying you had to back in lmao.' Another advised her to 'Go back there and look for the sign.' But others shared her confusion, with one writing 'There are reverse only bays? Is this a Qld thing? I don't think we have those in Vic.' 'I don't understand why is that a rule you must reverse park? Shouldn't it be optional,' wrote another. Another poster who, like Ms Coldwell, had gone to the beach town as a visitor, said 'Been to Noosa multiple times and there are a number of places with signs saying "rear to kerb".' READ MORE: Driver is slapped with almost $400 in parking fines - but here's why he may not have to pay a cent An Adelaide driver received a debt collection referral notice (above) from Traffic Monitoring Services for $396 Advertisement A teenage girl was stabbed as many as 10 times, allegedly by a female stranger, outside a dance studio in Queensland. Police say the woman, 34, approached the 15-year-old girl in the foyer of TnT Dance Studio at Water Street, Bundaberg, at about 4.30pm on Monday. She briefly talked to the girl, who was working as a student teacher, then allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed her across the back. It is understood a class was underway at the dance studio and children did not witness the incident but did see the teenager after she went back inside for help. The 15-year-old girl was rushed to hospital with multiple lacerations and stab wounds, with police saying she was stabbed 'eight to 10 times'. She is understood to be in a stable condition. The woman allegedly fled the scene, but was later found at a nearby unit block. Forensic police scour the scene on Tuesday after what is understood to be a random attack The teenager was working as a student teacher at the Bundaberg dance studio (pictured) The 34-year-old has been charged with one count of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. She appeared at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday. According to the ABC, the charged 34-year-old is Krystal Louise Paulson from Bundaberg South. Ms Paulson's lawyer has requested an adjournment on the case for a month while a mental health report is prepared. There was no application made for bail and the next hearing was set for March 19. Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage or information to contact them. Haunting audio footage has been released of a missing six-year-old girl in Gaza making a desperate come-and-get me plea phone call from her family car after her relatives were killed. Hind Rajab and the paramedics who tried to save her are missing after the child was left trapped in a car with the dead bodies of six family members. Her mother's uncle, Basar Hamada, his wife Anam and their four children were killed after their black Kia Picanto came under fire on January 29, 2024. Hind was the only survivor. During a phone call to the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS), she explained her family were killed by gunfire saying: 'I'm telling you they're dead,' later adding: 'The tank is next to me it's coming towards me it's very, very close.' According to the Telegraph, Hind's family had attempted to flee south of their neighbourhood after the Israeli military (IDF) had ordered an evacuation. The car is thought to have pulled into a petrol station for safety after it met Israeli tanks and came under fire. Hind Rajab (pictured) has not been seen since being left trapped in a car with the dead bodies of six family members During a phone call to the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS) on January 29, Hind explained her family were killed by gunfire Israel says it is not aware of the incident and the IDF told the Washington Post it was 'unfamiliar with the incident described'. Hind's cousin Layan, 15, was with her in the car and was the first person contacted by the PRCS. She can be heard screaming in an audio recording translated to English by the PCRS: 'They are firing at us. The tank is next to me.' The call handler can be heard asking Layan if she's hiding, before there is a loud sound of gunfire and the phone goes dead. When the handler called back, Hind picked up and begged PRCS coordinator Rana Alfaqeh to 'come and get me'. Ms Alfaqeh asked if Hind had tried to wake her family up, to which Hind responded: 'I'm telling you they're dead.' The distressed little girl told PCRS staff she was scared of the dark and begged them to rescue her whilst on the phone to them for three hours. The dispatchers managed to connect the Hind's phone call through to her mother who was sheltering elsewhere in Gaza City. She told her: 'I miss you mama.' Paramedics lost contact with their colleagues after they arrived at the car at around 6pm, having been dispatched in an ambulance. The organisation has since posted a string of pleas for information about the ambulance workers and Hind. The distressed little girl told PCRS staff she was scared of the dark and begged them to rescue her whilst on the phone to them for three hours Layan had earlier called her uncle - who lived in Frankfurt, Germany - from the car to say they had been struck and her parents and siblings were dead. She told relative Mohammed Salem Hamada she was bleeding and Hind was the only survivor, he in turn called the aid organisation. The PRCS located the car near Al-Azhar University and waited for permission from the IDF for the ambulance to enter a closed military zone. Three hours after receiving the phone call, dispatchers said they received permission to send paramedics to Hind, with maps provided by the Israeli authorities. Dispatchers said there was 'heavy gunfire' as they approached the vehicle at 6pm. Hind's mother told Al Jazeera that one of the last things Hind said to her was: 'Don't leave me, mama. I'm hungry. I'm hurt.' The PRCS urged the international community to pressure the IDF to account for what happened. Melania Trump was recently photographed at a Mar-a-Lago party alongside her husband and an Israeli model in her first public outing since her mother's funeral in January. The former First Lady has remained out of the spotlight since her mother's death, but appeared in good spirits smiling alongside Donald Trump and Israeli model Noy Tawil in a photo shared to Instagram on Sunday. Melania wore a navy blue long-sleeve gown with a silver necklace and the former president donned a black tuxedo with a bowtie at what appears to be a lavish event at Mar-a-Lago. She has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail with Trump as he seeks a second term in office. Melania did attend a Naturalization Ceremony at the National Archives in December, but her last public appearance was for the funeral of her late mother, Amalija Knavs, where she delivered an emotional eulogy on January 18. Melania Trump appeared in good spirits smiling alongside Donald Trump and Israeli model Noy Tawil in a photo shared to Instagram on Sunday Her last public appearance was for the funeral of her late mother, Amalija Knavs, where she delivered an emotional eulogy on January 18 She has been absent from the campaign trail but did speak during a Naturalization Ceremony at the National Archives building in December Mourners joined Melania and her father, Viktor, on the day of the funeral at the same picturesque Palm Beach church where she married Trump nearly two decades earlier. Melania and Trump were accompanied by their son Barron while Knavs' husband Viktor looked visibly upset but paused to compose himself before joining the others. 'Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations,' the former First Lady said of her mother who passed away on January 9, aged 78. 'With her beauty and impeccable sense of style she turned heads. But it was her unwavering dedication and hard work that made her exceptional.' She gushed about her mother's love for grandson Barron, 17, who she 'showered with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care and unwavering devotion.' Ahead of the New Hampshire primary, Trump said his wife will be 'active' in his campaign and that he relies on her for advice. 'She wants to make America great again, too, I rely on her for advice and all the others. I think she will be very active in the sense of being active,' he told Fox News. Despite not appearing on the campaign trail, Melania stylist raked in over $100,000 from Donald Trump's super PAC in the last six months of 2023 as the former president bled money in legal fees. Herve Pierre Braillard was paid eight instalments of $18,000 and one of $6,000 labeled 'Strategy Consulting,' which totals $132,000, according to the PAC's filing with the Federal Election Commission. The fashion designer has made $371,000 from Trump's Save America leadership PAC since April 2022. Meanwhile, the former president has been bleeding money out of his PAC in the form of legal expenses. Melania stylist, Herve Pierre Braillard (left), raked in over $100,000 from Donald Trump's super PAC in the last six months of 2023 Pierre designed the large white hat Melania Trump wore in April 2018 when she and then-President Donald Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to the White House for a state visit Donald Trump's Save America leadership PAC and the Make America Great Again PAC spent $56 million on legal fees last year, a figure that includes $30 million in the last half of the year. The cases have regular taken Trump off the campaign trail although he has also used the adverse rulings and charges against him in repeated fundraising pitches to small-dollar contributors around the country. Trump is battling January 6 related charges in federal court in Washington, D.C., election overturn effort charges in Georgia, a classified documents case in Florida, and a Manhattan criminal case related to hush payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. The cases have teams of Trump lawyers filing briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to claim immunity from prosecution in the January 6 case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. Trump's latest woe was a jury's finding that he was liable for $83 million in damages for defaming E. Jean Carroll. Designer dresses owned by Melissa Caddick will go to auction in the latest sale of the haute couture the conwoman bought with money she stole from investors. Stunning dresses - all a petite size 8 AU, or size 4 US - from brands including Christian Dior, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and Chanel will go under the hammer at Shapiro Auctioneers, in Chippendale, on Thursday. It's the latest stage in the liquidation of the Sydney fraudster's extravagant empire after she vanished owing $30million in her criminal Ponzi scheme which even stole from her own parents. Caddick, 49, disappeared in November 2020 after the Australian Securities & Investments Commission raided her $10million clifftop home in Dover Heights in Sydney's eastern suburbs as they probed her lucrative investments scam. Bargain hunters can snap up designer dresses from the lavish wardrobe of conwoman Melissa Caddick (pictured with second husband Anthony Koletti) in the latest auction of the haute couture fashion bought with the proceeds of her ruthless fraud Caddick, 49, disappeared in November 2020 after the Australian Securities & Investments Commission raided her $10million clifftop home (pictured) in Dover Heights in Sydney's eastern suburbs as they probed her lucrative investments scam With her luxury life of crime unravelling, Caddick went out for a dawn run the following morning and was never seen again, until her decomposed right foot washed ashore, still inside her running shoe, on a NSW south coast beach in February 2021. The discovery triggered a tsunami of conspiracy theories that she had staged her own death and even amputated her own foot to mislead investigators. But in February 2023 an inquest was told police concluded she had probably died after jumping from the cliffs at Rodney Reserve, around 500 metres from her home. In the wake of her disappearance, ASIC dropped the 38 charges against her and work began on liquidating her assets in a bid to repay 72 investors who had lost fortunes to her fraud. The home she shared with her second husband, hairdresser Anthony Koletti, was sold last year for $9.8million after a series of legal battles, and her jewellery, clothing and art were sold at auction in December 2022 for $860,000. A further auction even the board games and toys of her teenage son were sold off in another auction, along with her collection of fine wines. Now the latest chapter in the Caddick firesale sees yet more designer gear go to auction at bargain basement prices. The online sales through Shapiro Auctioneers currently sees an emerald green Oscar de la Renta frock on offer for just $100, while a lacy little black Chanel dress is a snip at $400. The online sales through Shapiro Auctioneers currently sees an emerald green Oscar de la Renta frock on offer for just $100, while a lacy little black Chanel dress (left) is a snip at $400. The auction also features a selection of the fraudster's handbags which once held her ill-gotten cash, with bags from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton (right) fetching a minimum of $700 each You can also walk a mile or more in her shoes, with size 37.5 footwear (both left and right) also on sale, with embroidered Christian Dior stilettos (above) looking for bids over $400 and a pair of Chanel trainers (no water damage) fetching bids over $900. The sale also include artwork from her collection, with a ceramic cat by Lolek (right) currently looking for bids in excess of $1200 and an Indigenous artwork bid up to $400 A Dolce and Gabbana smock could be yours for a shade over $60, while a figure-hugging purple Diana von Furstenberg cocktail dress is currently selling for $130. The auction also features a selection of the fraudster's handbags which once held her ill-gotten cash, with bags from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton fetching a minimum of $700 each. You can also walk a mile or more in her shoes, with size 37.5 footwear (both left and right) also on sale, with embroidered Christian Dior stilettos looking for bids over $400 and a pair of Chanel trainers (no water damage) fetching bids over $900. The sale also include artwork from her collection, with a ceramic cat by Lolek currently looking for bids in excess of $1200 and an Indigenous artwork bid up to $400. The auctions are due to end at 6pm on February 8. The search for a mother-of-three who went missing after going on a run has resumed and is now in its third day. Samantha Murphy, 51, was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East, about 100km northwest of Melbourne, at 7am on Sunday. It's understood she was planning to run through the Canadian State Forest, an area she ran in every day. Victoria Police said the search had resumed in the forest on Tuesday morning after being suspended overnight. Samantha Murphy, 51, was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East, about 100km northwest of Melbourne, at 7am on Sunday The search is being coordinated by the Search and Rescue Squad, with local police and specialised officers from the dog squad, mounted branch, solo unit and air wing also involved. SES crews and teams from Forest Fire Management Australia and Parks Victoria have also joined the search. 'Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Samantha's disappearance and are following up all information and any reports of sightings from the public,' a police spokesperson said. Ms Murphy's 'upset and concerned' family are holding grave concerns and have described her disappearance as out of character. On the morning Ms Murphy vanished, she was captured on CCTV wearing a brown singlet and black half-length leggings. Acting Inspector Lisa MacDougall earlier said Ms Murphy's mobile phone had pinged in Buninyong but that 'inquiries are ongoing as to whether (the phone) is still on'. On the morning Ms Murphy vanished, she was captured on CCTV wearing a brown singlet and black half-length leggings SES volunteers are seen searching the area where Ms Murphy vanished from 'Obviously, phones can run out of battery, but that forms part of the investigation,' she told reporters on Monday. Ms Murphy was known to go for a run almost every day and and is well acquainted with the forest and surrounding urban areas. 'The area of search isn't completely remote, we are on the outskirts of Ballarat, and it's not that far from urban areas as well,' Insp MacDougall said. The scorching temperatures in Victoria on Sunday are also a concern for police, and it's unknown whether Ms Murphy had food and water with her. 'Obviously, (Sunday) was a hot day... there (is) obviously increased risk there because of the heat,' Insp MacDougall added. 'It raises the urgency of the search for us, and obviously we account for the fact that that will have an impact on someone's health.' Ms Murphy is described as Caucasian, about 173cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair. Anyone who sights the 51-year-old has been urged to contact police immediately. Joe Biden appeared to confuse the current French president Emmanuel Macron with his predecessor Francois Mitterrand, who died in 1996, during a Monday speech. The president, speaking in Las Vegas to hospitality workers, ahead of Tuesday's Nevada primary, told an anecdote about attending the G7 summit in England in June 2021. 'It was in south of England and I sat down and I said: 'America's back,'' Biden recalled. 'And Mitterrand from Germany, I mean from France, looked at me and said: 'You know, how long you back for?'' Biden, continuing his rambling, said the then-chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, asked him how he'd feel if he was hearing about the storming of Parliament in Britain. Biden said it was a new way of looking at the January 6 riot through fresh eyes. Joe Biden appeared to confuse the current French president Emmanuel Macron with his predecessor Francois Mitterrand, who died in 1996, during a speech on Monday While telling an anecdote from the G7 summit in June 2021, Biden confused French President Francois Mitterrand (pictured), who died in 1996 with the current French president Biden knows the current President of France, Emmanuel Macron (pictured), well. He is the youngest president in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon 'I never thought about it from that perspective. What would we say if that happened in another democracy around the world,' said Biden. He added: 'It's not going to happen. This guy is going to lose.' Biden's confusing of Mitterrand and Macron is embarrassing for an 81-year-old already battling to convince the American public that he retains his full mental faculties. He knows Macron, elected in 2017 at the age of 39, well: Macron is the youngest president in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon. Biden also met Mitterrand, as a young senator. Mitterrand took office in 1981, when the current French president was three years old. Biden, as chair of the European Affairs Committee, met Mitterrand in January 1988 while discussing a Soviet nuclear weapons treaty. Mitterrand was president until 1995, and died a year later, aged 79. Biden's confusion is just the latest gaffe for the famously folksy president, who had a stutter as a child and has referred to himself as a 'gaffe machine.' He has repeatedly said that his son Beau died in Iraq, instead of at Walter Reed, and in June 2023 muddled up the ongoing war in Ukraine for the Iraq War, which ended in 2011. He declared that Vladimir Putin was 'clearly losing the war in Iraq.' Biden's confusion is just the latest gaffe for the famously folksy president. He has repeatedly said that his son Beau died in Iraq, instead of at Walter Reed Biden has previously said confused the war in Ukraine with the Iraq war and declared that Vladimir Putin was 'clearly losing the war in Iraq'. That same month, he closed out a speech on gun control with the bizarre proclamation: 'God save the Queen, man.' Queen Elizabeth II had died in September 2022, so some thought he meant Queen Camilla, but the relevance was unclear. The following month, Biden claimed to have reached a medical milestone, declaring: 'We ended cancer as we know it.' And in December 2023, he bragged about infrastructure spending, saying it was at: 'Over a billion, 300 million, trillion, 300 million dollars.' Biden has also hit out at Donald Trump's gaffes - noting that Trump references 'starting World War Two', which has already been and gone, and confusing Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi. 'He's a little confused these days,' Biden said. King Charles will face making the important decision about which of his second homes to recover from as he begins receiving treatment for his cancer diagnosis. The King began treatment as an outpatient in London yesterday and remained in the capital overnight, the Palace confirmed. His official London residence is Clarence House, which is adjacent to Buckingham Palace, and therefore where he is expected to spend most of his time. The King was recently treated for a corrective prostate procedure at The London Clinic in Marylebone. This too, is where Princess Kate was treated following abdominal surgery. However it is unconfirmed whether the monarch will undergo his cancer treatment there. Depending on where Charles chooses to recover, he may also choose to stay at Highgrove house, his beloved country home in Gloucestershire. It is a roughly two hour drive from London. King Charles will face making the important decision about which of his second homes to recover from as he begins receiving treatment for his cancer diagnosis The monarch, 75, returned to London from his Sandringham estate yesterday (pictured), where he spent the weekend following his corrective surgery Depending on where Charles chooses to recover, he may also choose to stay at Highgrove house (pictured), his beloved country home in Gloucestershire King Charles may also opt to visit Windsor Castle, where Kate is recovering and where he would have the chance to be close to Prince William and his three grandchildren The monarch, 75, returned to London from his Sandringham estate yesterday, where he spent the weekend following his corrective surgery. King Charles may also opt to visit Windsor Castle, where Kate is recovering and where he would have the chance to be close to Prince William and his three grandchildren. Regardless of where he stays, Charles will have an expert team of doctors to shepherd him through treatment for his unknown cancer battle. The Palace made the shock announcement this evening, only days after the King was released from the London Clinic where he had been undergoing 'routine treatment' for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace said it was a 'separate issue of concern' noted during his recent procedure and confirmed it is not prostate cancer. The exact type of cancer has not been specified, however. The King remains 'wholly positive' about his treatment, they added, saying he is looking forward to returning to full public duties. Indeed, the man who is likely overseeing the King's treatment at large is Dr Michael Dixon, who has been head of the Royal Medical Household since 2022. The 71-year-old GP, who has an OBE for services to primary care, has previously been the subject of discussion in the media over his support for homeopathy. The man who is likely overseeing the King's treatment at large is Dr Michael Dixon, who has been head of the Royal Medical Household since 2022 The 71-year-old GP, who has an OBE for services to primary care, has previously been the subject of discussion in the media over his support for homeopathy He has railed against those who call the practice 'quackery' and thrown his support behind offering treatments such as aromatherapy and reflexology on the NHS. In one paper he authored, he referenced an experiment suggesting Indian herbal remedies which had been 'ultra-diluted' with alcohol might be able to cure cancer, although Buckingham Palace has staunchly denied Dr Dixon himself believes this can work. A statement from the palace at the time of his appointment read: 'Dr Dixon does not believe homeopathy can cure cancer. 'His position is that complementary therapies can sit alongside conventional treatments, provided they are safe, appropriate and evidence based.' Dr Dixon, who has reportedly prescribed plants to patients such as devil's claw and horny goat weed, has also written papers suggesting Christian healers may be able to help people who are chronically ill. He has a kindred spirit and staunch supporter in the shape of King Charles, who has himself been outspoken on how he believes alternative medicine can help people with illnesses, and was appointed patron of the Faculty of Homeopathy in 2017. His previous roles include a practising GP, a fellow of the Royal College of GPs, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians; former chair of NHS Alliance; and the chair of the College of Medicine. In his role he manages the team looking after the King and his family, while other responsibilities include being present at family births and deaths should any occur in the course of his tenure. The medic, who is often seen wearing a suit and bow tie at public appearances and continues to work part-time at a GP surgery in Devon, was given the position in late 2022. King Charles and Queen Camilla looked in high spirits as they walked to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate Queen Camilla alongside King Charles as they leave The London Clinic on January 29 Another key member of the King's expert team is Ranan Dasgupta, who was the Kings Serjeant Surgeon when he received treatment for an enlarged prostate last month. The Cambridge University graduate is a urological surgeon who specialises in specific forms of treatment for an enlarged prostate and is based at the London Clinic. The Daily Telegraph said Mr Dasgupta was appointed to the Royal Medical Household in March last year. According to the London Clinics website, he has interests in comprehensive treatments for prostatic enlargement, renal stone management and prevention, neuropathic voiding conditions, and urothelial malignancy. Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this evening that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. They said that the 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment immediately. It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but medics spotted it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Buckingham Palace announced the King had begun a schedule of regular treatments and was postponing his public-facing duties Following his diagnosis other senior members of the Royal Family including Queen Camilla and heir to the throne Prince William are expected to take on more royal duties if necessary. Prince William had originally scaled back his royal duties to look after Princess Kate whilst she recovers from her abdominal surgery. Buckingham Palace has said that the King is pleased that being open about his recent prostate surgery has helped boost awareness. While the Palace has said that the King has not been diagnosed with prostate cancer, NHS England said they saw a surge in visits to their prostate enlargement pages following the King's visit to The London Clinic earlier this year. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. Questions have arisen over where Prince Harry will stay when he flies back to the UK to see his father following a shock cancer diagnosis, now that Frogmore Cottage is off limits. The Duke of Sussex will soon be leaving California for Britain to be reunited with his father King Charles following the announcement that he has got cancer. Harry will be travelling alone, without his wife Meghan Markle or their children Archie, four, and Lilibet, two, a source close to the duke revealed yesterday. It is unclear where the Duke will stay after he was told to vacate Frogmore Cottage, his former home, in January 2023, just days after his tell-all memoir Spare was published. Last time the Prince flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel. It is understood the Duke asked if he could stay at Windsor Castle to allow him to visit his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II's place of rest, but permission was denied. Harry usually travels with his own private security team, after being stripped of his right to automatic police protection when he left the Royal family in 2020. Last time Harry flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry will be flying to London in the coming days after King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public. It is not known if Meghan and his children will come with them The King contacted both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis before it was announced by Buckingham Palace. A source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK as soon as possible to be by his father's side. Experts have claimed that Harry's dash to Britain 'indicates the seriousness' of the King's condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles III's cancer diagnosis 'will bring a reconciliation' with Prince Harry. Harry estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet. The heir to the throne, who returns to public duties this week after helping to settle his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery. He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment. King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer , Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this evening. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Experts hope that the diagnosis will bring some kind of reconciliation between Harry and his father and brother As the King's cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged: Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that doctors discovered the cancer during a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Sources have suggested that the cancer is in a different part of the King's body but was discovered during the surgery last week. Prince Harry was last in the UK over the summer, when he attended an event for a children's charity. However, he did not meet with the Royal family during that visit before heading to Germany for his Invictus Games where he met up with Meghan. The Duke of Sussex attended his father's coronation last May, but left London just hours after the ceremony to return to Montecito. Harry is believed to be in contact with his father but sources have claimed that there has been no rapprochement with William, who is said to have been left upset by the Sussexes' attacks on the Royal Family since Megxit. Harry's visit will raise hopes that there could be some thawing in the relations, which have been rocky since he and Meghan emigrated in 2020. King Charles' cancer diagnosis has shocked the world. The 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment immediately. It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but medics spotted it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. The Duke of Sussex has spoken with the King about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to Harry said. Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The palace said the King 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible', but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. A palace spokesman said: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. 'I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we'd all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight's news.' The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. Advertisement The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022. Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s. Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign. That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary. Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school. Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage. William and Kate's team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings. Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now. The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back. The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate. The palace added that His Majesty's condition was 'benign' and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure. They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check. The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website. His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery. He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be 'doing well'. He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife. Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was 'doing fine' and looking forwards to getting back to work. Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best', adding: 'Thank goodness!' One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer. But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine. Mark Drakeford , the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a 'full and swift recovery' following his cancer diagnosis. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'I'm saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. 'Gwellhad buan.' Northern Ireland's new First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who as leader of Sinn Fein is a republican, wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 'I am very sorry to hear of King Charles' illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,' she posted on X. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said after the shocking news today: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. 'I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery.' The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side The King waved to a large crowd of wellwishers when he left the London Clinic last Monday The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: 'My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. 'His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. 'Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.' Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: 'One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. 'Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.' Willis rose to fame in the industry in 2017 and has gone on to win awards, star in music videos, modeling campaigns and acted in films The porn star was transported from a rehab center in Malibu to a medical center in Thousand Oaks, California Porn star Emily Willis has been hospitalized and is in critical condition after a 'drug overdose.' Willis was transported from a popular celebrity rehab center on Monday after authorities received a call about an unresponsive 25-year-old, who TMZ confirmed is the porn star. She was taken to a medical facility in Thousand Oaks, California, for treatment. It is unclear what kind of drugs she had in her system when she was found. DailyMail.com contacted police for confirmation but did not receive a response in time for this report. The star from Argentina, who made a name for herself in the industry in 2017, has not posted on her Instagram in more than six weeks and has not posted to her TikTok in months. Porn star Emily Willis, 25, was reportedly hospitalized for a 'drug overdoes' on Monday and is said to be in critical condition The star from Argentina, who made a name for herself in the industry in 2017, has not posted on her Instagram in over six weeks and has not posted to her TikTok in months. Pictured: Willis at the 2020 Adult Video News Awards Willis has starred in multiple videos and collaborated with popular porn brands like Reality Kings and Evil Angel. She has also been featured in Penthouse Magazine, won awards at the Adult Video News Awards, been featured in music videos and modeling campaigns. According to IMDB, Willis has been nominated 15 times and has a nomination for 2024 for the Adult Video Awards for 'Favorite Porn Star Creator.' In recent years, she has also grown close to well-known social media stars like David Dobrik, and has been seen in his YouTube videos. TMZ reported that in 2021, Willis filed a defamation suit against other porn stars and alleged that they were attacking her on social media. In one of her most recent posts to Instagram, Willis promoted a new sci-fi thriller movie called Divinity that was released in October. In the film, she played a 'seductive woman' alongside 'two mysterious brothers.' Her reported overdose is the latest in the industry in recent months. In January, porn star Jesse Jane, 43, was found dead along with her boyfriend at home in Oklahoma after cops discovered their bodies during a welfare check. It is unclear what kind of drugs she had in her system when she was found. She is seen posing with what looks like a cigarette TMZ reported that in 2021, Willis filed a defamation suit against other porn stars and alleged that they were attacking her on social media Police said that the star, real name Cindy Taylor, was found alongside her partner, Brett Hasenmueller, at a property in the city of Moore. Law enforcement officials said that the famed actress and her boyfriend appeared to have died from a drug overdose. Officers had responded to their address for a welfare check, after Hasenmueller hadn't appeared at work for a few days. The exact cause of death is currently unknown, as a medical examiner is currently investigating to make a final determination. Fellow porn stars, actors, directors and the head of the adult actors guild went on to pay tribute to Jane following her death. Adult actor and director Tommy Gunn, real name Thomas Strada, shared an emotional tribute to Jane, with whom he had co-starred in multiple films including 'Pirates.' Taking to X, Gunn shared an image of the two together saying he was 'grateful to have been graced' by her presence. Gunn also touched on how he saw her passing as being the end of the 'golden days' of the adult movie industry. He said: 'Im at a loss for words about the news of Jesse Janes passing, we started the same year in 2004. In January, porn star Jesse Jane, 43, was found dead along with her boyfriend at home in Oklahoma after cops discovered their bodies during a welfare check Adult actor and director Tommy Gunn paid tribute to Jane and shared an image of the two together, seen here, saying he was 'grateful to have been graced' by her presence 'She possessed an energy about herself that was just unmatchable, she was such a wonderful person and always made me smile and feel loved, you could always feel her presence the moment she walked in the room. 'We worked together numerous times and in fact made some of the biggest Movies this business and the world will ever see. 'This news brings a bit of sign that the golden days of the industry are over most certainly over. 'Im so happy and grateful to have been part of a time where there was a feeling of family and camaraderie. 'Rest in Power Angel, Im grateful to have been graced by your presence. And to ALL of the other wonderful people we have lost along the way, You are not forgotten. I love you!' Jailed crime lord 'Fat' Tony Mokbel has spilled the beans on how detectives crushed his illicit empire at the close of the 'Underbelly War'. The former crime boss, who had ruled Melbourne's underworld through the 1990s and early 2000s, appeared before the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday in an attempt to secure early release over the ongoing Lawyer X scandal. Dressed in a dark pinstriped suit and striped purple tie, the now 58-year old looked every inch the feared gangster he once was, complete with a facial tic that saw him snarl through his evidence. Tony Mokbel as pictured in his prime back in 2006 - the year he claims he fled Australia after receiving advice from disgraced lawyer Nicola Gobbo that he was about to be hit with three murder charges Court sketch of underworld figure Tony Mokbel from his appearance at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday - he appeared healthy despite years behind bars and a savage 2019 attempt on his life that saw him repeatedly shanked by prison rivals Mokbel appeared otherwise healthy despite years behind bars and a savage 2019 attempt on his life that saw him repeatedly shanked by prison rivals. During a hearing last year, it was revealed Mokbel continues to suffer a traumatic brain injury stemming from the attack and had been hospitalised for heart attacks. Insisting he stand up while giving evidence, Mokbel claimed he fled Australia in 2006 after receiving advice from disgraced lawyer Nicola Gobbo that he was about to be hit with three murder charges. Mokbel had already been looking down the barrel of a lengthy jail sentence at the time after being charged with serious drug trafficking offences. Purana taskforce detectives - the Victoria Police crew responsible for ending Melbourne's gangland war - had already gone about crushing his criminal empire by restraining his access to $15million in cash and assets. The court heard police seized real estate across Victoria and Queensland, including multiple properties in Brunswick, Noosa and the Red Lion Hotel in Kilmore. Cops took Mokbel's Ferrari roadster and froze cash he held in the NAB and ANZ banks. Mokbel after he was stabbed in Barwon Prison in 2019, from which he continues to suffer a traumatic brain injury Mokbel was so broke he could not afford to run the upcoming drug trial let alone defend a murder rap. Gobbo was exposed as police informer superstar Lawyer X in March 2019. She had acted for many of Melbourne's crooks, including Mokbel and the now deceased gangster Carl Williams. Williams was bludgeoned to death in jail before he even got a chance to see his former lawyer implicated in the grubby scandal. Mokbel has already enjoyed several legal wins over Gobbo's meddling in his affairs. A 2006 conviction for cocaine importation was quashed in 2020 due to the Lawyer X scandal. Last year his 2012 sentence for drug trafficking was slashed from 30 years jail with a minimum term of 22 years to a total of 26 years with a non-parole period of 20 years. Mokbel appeared in court on Tuesday as part of a 12-week hearing which he hopes will conclude that his conviction should be overturned altogether. Gobbo had first met Mokbel in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in 1998 when she was acting as a junior for barrister Alex Lewenberg. Mokbel claimed she had been acting on behalf of his brother. In 2002, Mokbel said Gobbo visited him in jail while he was on remand for drug charges. Nicola Gobbo, aka Lawyer X, represented Mokbel after first meeting him at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in 1998 She had been acting as barrister Con Heliotis' junior and asked if she could come onboard. 'I honestly didn't realise she was a barrister. I thought she was just a clerk at Lewenberg's office,' he said. Mokbel claimed Gobbo gave him the hard sell, assuring him she would work hard for him. 'She was an extremely hard working barrister compared to others,' Mokbel said. 'She did all the administration stuff that a lawyer would do, which you don't see from barristers. She was constantly telling me to ring her, she was constantly coming into see me. She just put me on a pedestal ... which was great for me because it was a big case.' Mokbel claimed the pair would often discuss his legal matters on the outside over coffee and dinners. The gangster claims he only fled in 2006 - mid-trial - because Gobbo warned him police were looking to charge him with murder. 'She told me that Im going to be charged with three murders and I should seriously think about absconding,' he told the court. Police later charged him with the murders of Lewis Moran and Michael Marshall at the height of Melbourne's underworld war. Gobbo and gangland killer Carl Williams. The dead gangster suspected Gobbo had been ratting on him and his crook mates Faruk Orman walked free from jail on the back of the Lawyer X scandal Mokbel said he trusted Gobbo fully, describing her as 'the engine' to his legal defences. 'We'd discuss everything. She was the driving machine as far as legal advice,' he said. 'I trusted her fully. I trusted her more than Heliotis. I thought she was the staunchest person on earth .. I'm still shocked to be quite honest.' Mokbel said he re-engaged with Gobbo after his arrest in Greece, hoping she could help his Greek lawyer stop his extradition back to Australia. When back in Australia he would communicate with Gobbo on a 'burner phone' inside Barwon prison, which he had smuggled to him in a boxing bag by Williams. Charges were later dropped against Mokbel on the Marshall case and he was cleared by a jury on the Moran murder. The Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants, handing down its findings in 2021, revealed more than 1,000 crooks could be released or earn retrials because of Gobbo's unlawful informing to Victoria Police. Commissioner Margaret McMurdo AO concluded that the convictions or findings of guilt of 1,011 people may have been affected by Victoria Polices use of Gobbo as a human source. 'She told police about Mr Mokbels properties, finances, contact numbers, associates, and the vehicles and code names he used,' Commissioner McMurdo said then. 'She divulged the defence strategies and tactics used by Mr Mokbels legal team, both in his criminal trial and his extradition proceedings.' Melbourne underworld figure Faruk Orman walked free in 2019 after 12 years behind bars after Victoria's Court of Appeal found he should be acquitted due to Ms Gobbo's actions while she was representing him. The hearing continues. Trump opposes the $118 billion bill's provision allowing the administration to shut down the border at 5,000 daily crossings During an interview on Newsmax, Trump warns against signing the bill, calling it a 'death wish' for the party in 2024 Former President Donald Trump vehemently criticized the bipartisan border deal, labeling it a 'highly sophisticated trap' for Republicans Former President Donald Trump has once again blasted the bipartisan border deal that is dividing congressional Republicans saying it's one of the 'dumbest bills' he has ever seen. Trump had already called it a 'ridiculous' border bill online and said it was 'nothing more than a highly sophisticated trap for Republicans to assume the blame on what the Radical Left Democrats have done to our Border, just in time for our most important EVER Election. Don't fall for it!!!' Speaking during an interview on Newsmax, Trump continued to repeat such claims suggesting the bill represents a 'death wish' for the party in 2024. 'This is a Democrat trap. It's a trap for Republicans that would be so foolish, so stupid to sign a bill like this. This bill can't be signed,' Trump said. 'Not only that, it's massive amounts of money going out of town. Billions and billions and billions of dollars. It's so bad on the border. Actually, it's one of the worst - one of the dumbest bills I've ever seen.' Former President Donald Trump has once again blasted the bipartisan border deal that is dividing congressional Republicans, after negotiators announced the details A group of migrants are processed by Border Patrol after crossing the river illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas U.S. Border Patrol agents guard migrants that crossed into Shelby Park as they wait to be picked up for processing Speaking during an interview on Newsmax on Monday, Trump continued to repeat claims suggesting the bill represents a 'death wish' for the party in 2024 Trump was vehemently against the bill's provision that would allow the administration to shut down the border when daily crossings hit 5,000. The $118 billion bill, which combines border security with aid for Ukraine and Israel, faces opposition from Trump and his allies, who consider it weak, and from some Democrats and progressives who think it would gut the asylum process at grave human cost. If it overcomes the long odds, the legislation would radically upend how asylum is handled at the border. Asylum, once a policy afterthought, is now the border's dominant challenge. 'Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill, which only gives Shutdown Authority after 5000 Encounters a day, when we already have the right to CLOSE THE BORDER NOW, which must be done. This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats, and a Death Wish for The Republican Party,' Trump posted to his Truth Social account on Monday. 'It takes the HORRIBLE JOB the Democrats have done on Immigration and the Border, absolves them, and puts it all squarely on the shoulders of Republicans.' 'Don't be STUPID!!!', the former president continued. 'We need a separate Border and Immigration Bill. It should not be tied to foreign aid in any way, shape, or form! The Democrats broke Immigration and the Border. They should fix it.' 'The crisis has literally never been worse,' Biden said on Monday, urging action. He said the 'gaping hole' in the nation's borders 'is not going to heal itself.' President Joe Biden talks during a stop at No. 1 Boba Tea during a stop in Las Vegas on Monday Even before the text was released, Trump called the idea of a 5,000 threshold 'record-setting stuff' and said supporting the package - which also includes $60 billion in wartime aid for Ukraine - is a 'death wish' for Republicans. At issue is a provision in the bipartisan package that would grant the Homeland Security secretary emergency authority to prohibit entry for most if an average of more than 4,000 people per day try to enter the country unlawfully over the course of a week. If the number reaches 5,000 or if 8,500 try to enter unlawfully in a single day, use of the authority would be mandatory. The bill, released by senators on Sunday, would also make it harder to claim asylum at the border and expand detention facilities, among other efforts to reduce the number of migrants. If the proposal were passed into law, the new authority could be triggered almost immediately, given that border encounters topped 10,000 on some days during December, which was the highest month on record for illegal crossings. President Joe Biden has said he would use the authority to 'shut down' the border. Still, many Republicans say the number should be zero. And some have even created the impression that the bill actually would allow 5,000 additional migrants in a day, or loosen current standards. A group of migrants are processed by Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande. The border has become an epicenter of a prickly conflict between Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, and the Biden administration An aerial view shows an immigrant group trying to cross the Texan border despite heightened security measures in Eagle Pass, Texas. Border Patrol moved migrants away from the Eagle Pass border of US-Mexico as a precautionary measure The swift and loud opposition from GOP lawmakers who have long called for stricter border measures has frustrated some members of their own party. The backlash suggests the bipartisan bill has little chance of passage, especially in an election year. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it 'dead on arrival,' and a new hashtag has appeared on the official X account for House Republicans: #killthebill. The three main negotiators on the Senate bill - Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut - have all pushed back on criticism of the bill. They emphasize that it would keep more people out instead of allowing more people to come in - and that migrants would not be able to apply for asylum at all if illegal border crossings reach certain numbers. The policy is similar to one first used by Trump. Known as Title 42, it justified the quick expulsion of migrants from the country in the name of stopping the spread of COVID-19. Lankford has repeatedly emphasized that the emergency authority 'is not designed to let 5,000 people in, it is designed to close the border and turn 5,000 people around.' After meeting with Republicans in the Capitol Monday evening, Lankford told reporters that people understand it once he explains it, 'but its been said wrong so many times that people immediately just go back to, `this lets 5,000 people in a day, which is just factually wrong, but if you say it enough, it just sounds true.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) helped negotiate a bipartisan immigration package that also includes U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel Trump's fury came in the hours since negotiators put out details on their new bipartisan deal to provide new authority for the administration to 'close' the border when crossings spike, while sending billions to support allies Ukraine and Israel. Among those to heap the most scorn on the agreement was Utah Senator Mike Lee who even appeared to demand a change in his party's leadership after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell helped oversee the deal with Majority Leader Senator Charles Schumer. McConnell, the longest serving Republican leader in Senate history, survived a leadership challenge in November 2022 on a 37-10 vote. 'This feels like an elaborate practical joke. But it's not funny. Not one bit. I cannot understand how any Republican would think this was a good ideaor anything other than an unmitigated disaster. WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP NOW,' he wrote on X. 'Senate leadership screwed this up and screwed us,' he wrote in another post. Even while refusing to let us see the bill they claimed to be negotiating on our behalf for MONTHS they were never in doubt, insisting we'd be dumb and even unpatriotic NOT to support it. This is a disqualifying betrayal.' Utah Sen. Mike Lee used the bipartisan immigration bill to issue a call for 'new leadership' Lee called the deal 'even worse than we thought' Sen. Mike Lee is just one of the Senate conservative Republicans who have hammered the compromise in the hours after it was released Former President Trump railed against the deal online before going on to do TV interviews That attack came amid criticism that House Speaker Mike Johnson and allies were killing the deal at the behest of Trump to avoid giving a political win to President Joe Biden during a crucial election year. Among those making that case was Majority Leader Charles Schumer, 73 who worked closely with McConnell, 81, on the deal, as each leader tried to advance funding for Ukraine and Israel. 'It took a long time - four months of arduous negotiations. They fell off the tracks a whole bunch of times. I had to be on the phone, even at midnight,' said Schumer, who had earlier predicted success following a White House meeting last month. 'The majority of Republican senators know it's the right thing to do. It's a compromise. I don't like everything in it - neither does McConnell. It's a compromise. it's the only way you get important things done in the Senate,' he said, urging senators to 'drown out the political noise from Trump and his minions and do the right thing for America ... History is looking down on every one of us.' In one sign of the volatility of the issues, Texas Senator John Cornyn, a longtime Schumer ally and former party whip, announced his own opposition Monday afternoon. Also dogging it were Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). The number of Republicans opposing the deal was approaching 20 on Monday afternoon, nearly halfway to the 41 it would take to filibuster the agreement. 'The crisis has literally never been worse,' Biden said on Monday, urging action. He said the 'gaping hole' in the nation's borders 'is not going to heal itself.' 'This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions. And Senate Republicans have insisted not just for months but for years that this urgent crisis demanded action,' he said. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A police sergeant is being praised for showing kindness when he was called to arrest a man accused of stealing toys for his son from a shop last Christmas Eve. The man was caught on CCTV taking three wrestling figurines from a shelf at the Toyworld Central store in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Greensborough. The footage then showed the man brazenly walking out of the shop without paying or stopping - but the sergeant later bought a toy for the man's child. 'On the way out, (the alleged thief) completely ignored our person on the door who was acting as security,' store manager Tomeeka Neil told 7News. Staff members were stunned at the daylight robbery and three of them ran after the man until they saw him board a bus they knew would pass by the local police station. A man (pictured) was caught on CCTV taking three wrestling figurines from a shelf at the Toyworld Central store in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Greensborough READ MORE: Wild moment Kmart worker confronts alleged thieves with trolley full of goods in Adelaide The alleged shoplifters were about to load their boot when the Kmart worker approached them Advertisement They called the station to let them know what happened and a short time later the sergeant stopped the bus and arrested the alleged shoplifter. The officer took the items off the man to return them to the store, but staff were shocked when he later came back to the shop and paid $39 for one of the toys. 'He came back and actually purchased one of the items to give back to the thief to hand to his child for Christmas,' Ms Neil said. The officer showed that the spirit of Christmas was alive and well. 'He mentioned that just because the thief was an addict or whatever he was, didn't mean that his child had to grow up to be one,' the store manager said. The humble sergeant didn't tell anyone about buying the toy and his colleagues were not even aware of his touching act until they were contacted by Channel 7. Toyworld said theft in their shops has risen in the past 12 months, with sometimes violent consequences.' Sales assistant Seb Molloy, 19, lost a tooth after confronting an alleged thief at their Northland outlet when the woman punched him in the face. 'To be honest, I never would have thought it would happen to me. I've seen it happen to a few of my co-workers. Yeah, it was a bit of a shock,' he said. Despite his injury, though, he too got the goods back. Ms Neil has a word of warning for any would-be thieves. 'I suggest you don't, because here at Toyworld we are very proactive about it. 'We will take it on and we will stop you,' she said. A woman has been savagely mauled by a dog, before police officers were forced to use tasers to subdue the 'aggressive' animal. The woman in her thirties suffered 'multiple bites' to her chest and limbs in the terrifying attack at a property on Warburton Street in Condell Park in south-west Sydney shortly before 1pm on Tuesday. She was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The animal, which is believed to be an American Pit Bull Terrier, was removed from the scene by dog handlers. It has since been euthanised. Distressing footage from the scene showed two officers standing behind a wall as onlookers shouted at them to take action. The woman suffered 'multiple bites' to her chest and arms in the terrifying attack at a property in Condell Park in south-west Sydney shortly before 1pm on Tuesday (pictured: dog handlers remove the animal) The woman in her thirties was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition (pictured: the dog is taken away) 'It needs to stop now, you've got to get her out of there, mate,' yelled one tradie who was watching from behind a fence. Seconds later, a shot was heard as one of the officers fired a taser. The animal then started barking as someone shouted: 'Where's the ambulance?' Emergency crews arrived a short time later. Witnesses said a group of hero tradesmen ran from their worksite next door to attempt to help the stricken woman. 'Two tradesmen actually pulled up and were helping, but they just couldn't stop the dog attacking the woman,' neighbour Peter Burzynski told the Daily Telegraph. One of the men who ran to the woman's aid, who only identified himself as Mohamad, said he desperately battled to free her from the dog's attack. 'I started throwing rocks at it, I threw a crowbar at it, throwing little concrete slabs at it, threw a garbage bin at it and the dog wouldn't move. He kept sitting on the floor and (mauling the woman),' he said. 'That dog shouldn't be out in the public, especially a dog like that. We've all got kids, it could've been any of our kids, could've been our mums, our wives, anybody.' A shot from a taser was heard in footage of the incident before the animal started barking as someone shouted: 'Where's the ambulance?' A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said 'multiple crews attended the scene'. 'They assessed and treated a woman in her thirties for multiple dog bites to her chest and limbs,' the spokesperson said. 'She was then transported to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.' A City of Canterbury Bankstown spokesman said: 'After assessing the dog, it is clear it could not be rehabilitated and has since been euthanised.' A spokesperson for NSW Police said: 'About 12.50pm today (Tuesday 6 February 2024), emergency services were called to Warburton Street, Condell Park, following reports of a dog attack. 'Bystanders attempted to intervene, before police from Bankstown Police Area Command discharged a Taser to stop the attack. 'A woman was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition.' A search is underway for two twin boys in Western Australia. WA police are urgently seeking the assistance of the public to locate 9-year-old twins Eric and Llewelyn. The boys were last seen in the Perth CBD about 11pm on Monday night and have not been seen or heard from since. They are believed to wearing the same clothing as depicted in the images below. Anyone who sights Eric or Llewelyn or has information relating to their whereabouts is asked to call police immediately on 131 444. More to follow. A new book chronicles some of the demons Sopranos star James Gandolfini dealt with - including issues with alcohol - during the filming of the legendary HBO series' later seasons. The three-time Emmy winner's personal struggles have been chronicled often, with HBO executives admitting they were worried he might die from alcohol and drug binges before the series' end. A new book by Mark Kamine, a location scout on the show, details more of those problems in 'On Locations: Lessons Learned from My Life On Set with The Sopranos and in the Film Industry.' Kamine writes of his experience with Gandolfini - who died of a heart attack in Rome in 2013 - started to fray in the show's fifth season. The cast and crew stayed at Monmouth Park racetrack in central New Jersey to film the episode around Tony Soprano's horse Pie-O-My. A new book chronicles some of the demons Sopranos star James Gandolfini dealt with - including issues with alcohol - during the filming of the legendary HBO series' later seasons As Kamine details: 'I am at the hotel bar when the crew member closest to Jim asks if I want to go down to Atlantic City with Jim and a few others.' Atlantic City, as Kamine notes, is about 80 miles away from Monmouth. Kamine said he declined Gandolfini's offer and that 'the next morning I'm not surprised when Jim cannot be roused.' The location scout, who is now an executive producer on HBO's The White Lotus, said Gandolfini's discomfort with fame led him toward his darker impulses. In one case, Gandolfini didn't show up until he was four hours late and the entire time was 'cursing his way through his half-learned lines, doing take after take, drinking coffees and bottles of water, alternatively sheepish and churlish, the way he always is when he f***s up,' Kamine wrote. Late in the series, the owner of the famous 'Soprano house' where the family lived in North Caldwell, New Jersey, struck up a conversation with Gandolfini, as Kamine said he'd done many times before. 'Jim interrupts him to say, with more than a little regret, 'I'm really sorry but my memory's kinda shot and I don't remember, who are you?'' The author claims the owner was 'hurt' and 'shocked' by the slight. The three-time Emmy winner's personal struggles have been chronicled often, with HBO executives admitting they were worried he might die from alcohol and drug binges before the series' end A new book by Mark Kamine, a location scout on the show, details more of those problems in 'On Locations: Lessons Learned from My Life On Set with The Sopranos and in the Film Industry' Kamine writes of his experience with Gandolfini - who died of a heart attack in Rome in 2013 - started to fray in the show's fifth season Kamine said at one stage, Gandolfini was 'increasingly unreliable' to the point that HBO made him financially responsible if his lateness or excesses caused shooting to be delayed or canceled. His delays would at times anger his co-stars, as Kamine remembers Edie Falco - the iconic Carmela Soprano to Gandolfini's Tony - responding angrily to news that Gandolfini was missing a shoot day with 'are you kidding me?' Falco, by contrast, was 'always fully prepared, always amazingly and instantly in character. She [was] nothing but an admirable on-set presence throughout the entire run of the show,' according to Kamine. It had and adverse effect on Gandolfini, he claims. 'Jim seems in awe of it and frustrated by her ready access to convincing emotion,' Kamine wrote. 'He often gets to set not quite in character, cursing himself mid-scene, calling on the script supervisor to feed him lines.' However, Kamine notes 'Gandolfini more than anyone other than [creator] David [Chase] makes the show [what] it is, his expressive features and rich readings and menacing, restrained gesturing delivering great and consistent impact.' Because of that, as well as his genuine goodwill, the cast and crew put up with the beloved star. Kamine said that at one stage, Gandolfini was 'increasingly unreliable' to the point that HBO made him financially responsible if his lateness or excesses caused shooting to be delayed or canceled Kamine notes that 'Gandolfini more than anyone other than [creator] David [Chase] makes the show [what] it is, his expressive features and rich readings and menacing, restrained gesturing delivering great and consistent impact' The location scout, who is now an executive producer on HBO's The White Lotus, said that Gandolfini's discomfort with fame led him toward his darker impulses Following each shoot week, Gandolfini would order sushi for the cast and crew and at the end of each season, Gandolfini gifted the cast with something usually worth hundreds of dollars, as well as custom engraved watches after the series finale. Gandolfini was the intense and charismatic star of the show throughout its entire 1999-2007 run, but he had battled alcohol and substance abuse issues and died of a heart attack in 2013 aged just 51. The actor's death saddened the world, and caused ripples throughout Hollywood. At the time of his death, he was married to his second wife, actress Deborah Lin, with whom he had a daughter Liliane, now aged nine. His son Michael, who was 14 when he found his father dead in a Rome hotel room, played a young Tony Soprano in the HBO prequel film Many Saints of Newark, released in October. Michael, now 24, is the son of Gandolfini and his first wife, film producer Marcy Wudarski. Two men, Brucewayne Beaman, 22, and Guy Mustgray II, 33, have been arrested and charged with the attack The father of two was beaten for over 18 minutes during a robbery outside of a Rochester, New York, convenience store A 60-year-old father who was attacked and beaten for 18 minutes during a robbery outside of a New York convenience store on Christmas morning has died from his injuries. 'He wasn't supposed to go out like this, he was supposed to see me graduate university and walk me down the aisle, and see my first real career,' the victim's daughter, Amanda, tearfully said. The family of Michael DiCesare confirmed he died Sunday from the injuries he sustained during a brutal attack in the early morning hours of Christmas Day. Rochester police said the attack happened shortly before 1 a.m. on December 25 at the corner of Bay Street and Portland Avenue, reported WHAM. His family said the father of two was likely out for a walk and stopped for a snack when the robbery occurred. DiCesare was found with life-threatening injuries and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he remained until his family made the heartbreaking decision to take him off life support. Michael DiCesare (left), pictured with his sister Julie Arellano (center) and brother David DiCesare (right) died on Sunday from injuries sustained during a brutal Christmas morning attack Michael's daughter, Amanda DiCesare (pictured) said, 'He wasn't supposed to go out like this, he was supposed to see me graduate university and walk me down the aisle' 'I'm really going to miss making him laugh and smile, and telling him about my day at work,' Amanda told WHAM. 'My dad was always a very, very stubborn person. So, I know that I can't sit around and feel sorry for myself all day and that he would want me to keep going and not let this weigh me down.' She said her father was a chef for 30 years and they had a shared passion for cooking and music. 'He and I shared a love of collecting records and he even gave me his old speakers and turntables to use for my own collection,' Amanda said. 'He bought me my first ever vinyl record when I was 13, and since then, whenever we could get together and I'd have my allowance saved up, we'd go to the House of Guitars or Record Archive and look around and he'd teach me about the old albums.' Two men, Brucewayne Beaman, 22, and Guy Mustgray II, 33, have been arrested and charged in the attack. They are accused of approaching DiCesare on the street and attempting to rob him, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. One of the men reportedly displayed a weapon and the other showed 'an edged weapon' that they used to beat the 60-year-old for 18 minutes before taking his belongings from his pockets. 'I would assume he was just out for a walk, might've stopped into the convenience store to get something to eat or drink or whatever, and walk home,' said Michael's brother David. 'So, but just wrong place at the wrong time.' After police found Michael he was taken to the hospital with severe traumatic brain injury and needed a breathing tube. 'There was always hope at the beginning and for the first two or three weeks that he would wake up,' said David. Amanda said her father was a chef for 30 years and they had a shared passion for cooking and music. Michael DiCesare pictured with his wife and kids Michael's (pictured) brother, David DiCesare said, 'He was a caring person. He was fun-loving. He liked to joke a lot' 'The more we talked to the doctors, the more that hope faded. We, me, my sister, Mike's wife, Karrie, and her kids decided as a group that what would be best for him would be to just let him go peacefully, instead of trying to keep him on life support.' David said, 'He was a caring person. He was fun-loving. He liked to joke a lot.' Amanda said on Facebook, 'Yesterday truly honestly was the worst day of my life. It's difficult to put this into words even though I've had to do it several times already. My father is dead. I'll never see him again. I can't describe the feeling I got when I heard the news - it was like being hit by a truck. It hurts like hell.' Michael's sister, Julie Arellano, who regularly posted updates about his condition said, 'I'm heartbroken to share that my brother Michael DiCesare passed away from his injuries.' 'I can't believe my big brother is gone. It doesn't feel real or make any sense. He was only 60 years old. He was supposed to grow old with Dave & I. I don't know if I'll ever feel whole again.' 'I pray he is at peace. All I know right now is my heart isn't at peaceIt's broken in a million pieces,' said Arellano. Beaman and Mustgray were arrested on January 31 and charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and fourth-degree grand larceny. Two men, Brucewayne Beaman, 22, and Guy Mustgray II, 33, have been arrested and charged with the attack outside of a Rochester convenience store (pictured) 'The two men who robbed and beat my brother Mike to death have officially been arrested. It was dramatic, as the two men have been in hiding, but the Rochester Police Department and specifically the handling detective Eliud Rodriguez worked tirelessly to gather the evidence they needed to find them and arrest them,' said Arellano. 'They will be charged with multiple charges which include attempted murder; which will be elevated to murder once Mike passes away.' The men were remanded to the Monroe County Jail. Beaman is being held on $100,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond and Mustgray is being held in lieu of 25,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond, court records show. 'They may be hopefully put away for the rest of their lives, but for everybody in my entire family, we have to live the rest of our entire lives without him,' said David. A demonstration urging attendees to 'free the peach' has been planned along the Gold Coast after a local businessman called for a ban on G-string bikinis. Both men and women have been urged to meet at Kurrawa Beach at 6am on Friday to support 'freedom of choice' when it comes to beachwear. Barr Body and Swim founder Rebecca Pask has organised the demonstration labelling the suggested ban on bikinis as 'unwarranted' and 'unwelcome'. Ms Pask told Daily Mail Australia the gathering is to 'celebrate the inclusivity, diversity and colour of the Gold Coast beach culture and that is anchored to our freedom. We are a "suns out buns out culture"'. Ian Grace initially made the call in a letter to Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate and doubled down on his comments after they sparked backlash around the country. A protest to 'free the peach' has been planned on Kurrawa Beach, Gold Coast, on Friday after a local businessman called on the mayor to ban G-string bikinis in public (stock image) Ms Pask described Mr Grave's comments as 'unwarranted, and stuck back in an era that woman have fought so hard to move past'. 'No man should have any rights to dictate what women should or shouldn't wear, he is not talking to a culture or society today that respects that way of thinking,' she said. 'We (Barr Body and Swim) are passionate about supporting women to love the skin they are in, and with his derogatory comments around women demeaning and cheapening themselves through wearing bikinis, that is a damaging thought process for women! ' The swimwear founder said the demonstration has had a 'great response' and that there 'should be a strong turnout'. 'Its a peaceful walk to focus on the the Gold Coast and what we represent and to ditch the archaic thinking of men like Ian,' Ms Pask said. Ms Pask took to Instagram to promote the 'freedom of peach' protest and urge followers to spread the word. 'Come walk, sing, dance, jog, wear the beach wear that you feel comfortable in,' the post reads. The protest was organised by the founder of Gold Coast swimwear brand Barr Body and Swim, Rebecca Fask (pictured), who urged both men and women to come out in support 'This gathering is to support freedom of choice and inclusivity, from cheeky bums, to budgies smugglers, come one, come all, let's pull out Gold Coast community together to take a stand.' Ms Pask said 'we've certainly made some noise' in the days since Mr Grace's letter was published in the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'We've seen this (and kicked) into high action to pull our Gold Coast Community together for a Gold Coast beach walk,' she said. 'Please come down and join us and show the freedom of choice. No matter whether you're a male or a female the choice is up to you and we're here to embrace that.' Ms Pask also took aim at men over 60 making out-of-touch comments about swimwear. 'How in 2024 are we still having these conversations and blanketing judgement over any woman that dares to bare a bit of cheek,' she wrote. 'Ladies, bare your cheeks, wear what you want and stand proud in knowing its the woman that you are, not the clothing that you wear is important.' Mr Grace's letter said he felt 'uncomfortable' around women wearing the skimpy swimwear. 'One young lady in particular was walking on the footpath on the main road and had the tiniest triangle in front and was as close to naked as anyone could be,' he wrote. The protest follows comments made by a local businessman, Ian Grace (pictured), to have G-string bikinis banned in public because he felt 'uncomfortable' around women wearing them 'While any man would enjoy "the view", I believe women are very much demeaning and cheapening themselves, portraying themselves as sex objects, then decrying it when men see them that way.' The volunteer said 'bare bums' are just as erotic as bare breasts so they should be barred in the same way. 'If not banned at the beach, very definitely banned the moment they are off the beach,' he wrote. 'This certainly should not be allowed in public pools or theme/water parks which are very much more family orientated. Young kids don't need to see women's bums.' Ms Pask admitted there was another conversation to be had about dress codes in shopping centres and restaurants. 'I also believe that it is the parents responsibility to educate their young teens on what's appropriate or not, but it should not come from a "ban the bikini' mindset,' she said. The Gold Coast mayor said he wouldn't be considering the ban. 'Ian is a brave man messing with women's fashion,' Mr Tate told the Courier Mail. 'One thing I've learnt about fashion over the years is that if you try to ban something, or restrict it, that's a certain recipe to see it double in popularity.' A pod of a dozen killer whales have been left struggling in the ice off the coast of northern Japan as rescuers say they have no way to reach the animals. Shocking drone footage showed the struggling orcas trying to break free from the chunks of ice that surrounded them around 8.30 am Tuesday off the coast of Rausu in Eastern Hokkaido, NHK reported. Rescue operations were not possible as the town said they had 'no choice but to wait for the drift ice to break and for them to escape.' A local fisherman reported the struggling pod and video was taken by others who were conducting research on sea lions and other animals off the coast. Wind in the area has been weak since Monday and has led the drift ice to remain stagnant. The ice also might have expanded more due to a 'wave spray,' or small water droplets from the ocean's breaking waves. A pod of a dozen killer whales were spotted trapped in ice in northern Japan. Drone footage captured the struggling orcas trying to break free of the large ice chunks off the coast of Rausu The head of one of the orcas is seen poking out of the massive chunks of ice The person who captured the moment said they believe there were about three to four baby killer whales in the pod and said one looked like 'he wasn't feeling well,' according to NHK. Video from the scene begins as the pod bops in and out of the water and tries to break free of the ice with large mountaintops behind them in the distance. The icy water moves around near them but the large chunks surrounding them don't move as much. Rausu Town reported a similar incident took place in 2005 when another group of whales were caught in drift ice off the same coast, and most of them did not survive. It's unclear how many whales died in that incident. There are more than 100 killer whales that have visited Rausu, Saiyu Travel Co. reported. Orca families have appeared every year between May and July in the Nemuro Strait, a part of the sea, which is located between Rausu and Kunashiri Island. The marine mammal, also referred to as 'king of the sea' are found in oceans across the world, but they can only be seen in underwater performances at Kamogawa Sea World, the aquarium attraction reported. A rescue mission failed as the town said they had 'no choice but to wait for the drift ice to break and for them to escape' Though orcas are often called killer whales, they are actually part of the dolphin family. They are the largest member of the dolphin family as a male orca can grow up to 33feet long and way approximately 22,000lbs, according to the Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. Females are known to grow to about an average of 27feet and can reportedly live about 80 years longer than a male orca. They are known as 'killer' whales because ancient sailors saw them preying on large whales. They also tend to feast on fish, squid, seals, sea birds and are known to enjoy great white sharks, according to the Natural History Museum. When orcas hunt, they typically do it as a family, or in pods. They are also known as 'highly intelligent cetaceans' that work together to hunt their prey. A pod of orcas were recently spotted hunting dolphins off the coast of La Jolla in San Diego, California. Surfers and swimmers witnessed the rare event up close as a pod of orcas were seen hunting and ripping a dolphin apart near the coast. A surfer is seen witnessing the pod of orcas rip apart a dolphin before the dead mammal sank into the water Footage from the moment showed a group of surfboarders off the coast of La Jolla in San Diego watching orcas jumping through the water Footage from the moment shows a group of surfboarders watching orcas jumping through the water. As they quietly floated on their boards, the orcas were seen emerging near the end of a pier and throwing a dolphin out of water. The pod then attacked and rips the mammal apart as it sank into the water. During this time, a man was heard saying: 'Oh my god, they are literally eating the dolphin.' A few seconds later, the pod was seen swimming off into deeper waters as a man quickly swam parallel to the killer whales. A New Zealand traveller is furious she was kicked off a plane in the US for not wearing a bra and insists she was punished for not meeting gender expectations. Lisa Archbold, who identifies as queer, has demanded an apology from Delta Airlines claiming staff picked on her solely for wearing men's clothing on a flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco on January 22. Ms Archbold, who is a publicist and had been promoting an actor's brand of vodka at the Sun Dance Film Festival, said she was shocked to be approached by a Delta employee shortly after boarding the plane. She claimed she was told the baggy shorts and t-shirt she was wearing were too revealing and violated the airline's dress code meaning she needed to wear a jacket. New Zealand publicist and DJ Lisa Archbold said she was shocked to be kicked off a Delta airlines flight in the US because she had no bra on 'I was dressed like a little boy... I had no idea what she was talking about,' Ms Archbold said sharing a photo of the outfit to social media. 'She essentially weaponised Delta's policy to humiliate and abuse a woman, she didn't think was being a woman in the right way.' Ms Archbold contended lots of men 'have bigger breasts than me' including some of the male passengers on the flight. She claimed the experience was humiliating and had started when she had a 'super weird' experience with staff at the boarding gate. Once seated Ms Archbold assumed the worst when the employee came over to speak to her. 'I'm thinking, someone has died or they found something weird in my bag,' the traveller told the NZ Herald. 'This woman from the ground crew comes to me and loudly says in front of the whole plane, "I need to speak to you in private. Follow me".' Ms Archbold has filed an official complaint with the airline and is waiting to hear back. A search of the website shows Delta does not have an official dress code for travellers. Ms Archbold believes she was kicked off the US plane for conforming to gender expectations However, under its domestic contract of carriage, the airline can refuse entry or deplane travellers when 'the passenger's conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers'. Ms Archbold is based in New York and travels often for work, which can include DJing or other performing under the stage name DJette Kiwi'. She said that in her four years of living in the US she has had no similar experiences. Daily Mail Australia contacted Delta Airlines for comment. The semi-naked sex worker accused of drunkenly running down an e-bike rider late at night had previously been banned from the roads for drink-driving, it can be revealed. Cindy Pham, 27, from Westminster in Perth's north, was arrested while clad in leather lingerie after colliding with the bike rider in the early hours of Sunday morning in Sydney's inner city. Witnesses said the 29-year-old male victim had tyre marks over his chest and pelvis after the accident on South Dowling Street at Moore Park. Paramedics worked for an hour to save the man's life by the roadside before he was rushed to nearby St Vincent's Hospital in a serious condition, where he remains critically ill. Police found Pham behind the wheel of her 2015 Western Australia-registered black Subaru Liberty wearing just a leather bra, bondage-type leather shorts and a pair of glasses. She reportedly told them she was a sex worker on her way to an appointment when the accident happened at 3.45am. A breath-test found she was almost twice the legal limit with a reading of 0.095 and she was charged with mid-range drink-driving. Now, Daily Mail Australia can reveal Pham has a string of previous convictions in her home state - including a previous seven-month ban for drink-driving in 2022. Sex worker Cindy Pham (pictured) was arrested for alleged drink driving while on her way to meet a client, she allegedly told police Cindy Pham (pictured in the back of the police van) allegedly returned a positive breath test at the scene of the crash Paramedics were seen treating the 29-year-old e-bike rider Pham gave a blood alcohol reading of 0.08 when she was charged by police in 2021, and on top of the ban, she was fined $850, plus costs of $259.30, at Joondalup Magistrates Court, Western Australia, in March 2022. A month earlier, she had been given a one year suspended jail sentence at Perth Magistrates Court for assault occasioning bodily harm after another incident in 2021. The details of the serious assault were unclear. Her sentence was upgraded to a hefty fine with costs when she broke her good behaviour bond and was hauled back before the courts on yet more charges. Perth Magistrates Court was told in March 2023 she had failed to give police her details when asked and was convicted of disorderly behaviour. She was charged a total of $2500 for the two 2023 offences and the 2022 offence, along with $150 costs. Pham - who has a distinctive garter belt-style tattoo around her thigh - is believed to work as an escort doing outcalls to client's homes, independently of local agencies. She is understood to have been on a working holiday in Sydney when the accident occurred. Her latest drink-driving case will be heard at Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on March 14. She has not been charged in connection with the e-bike collision. Do you know more about this? Email us: tips@dailymail.com Sex worker Cindy Pham was charged with mid-range drink driving following the crash Several of the migrants believed to have fled New York City after being charged with assaulting two NYPD officers have been arrested in Phoenix, per multiple reports. The migrants, who have not yet been named, were taken into custody Monday night at an Arizona Greyhound bus station, Immigration and Customs Enforcement sources told Fox News. They are part of a group of six migrants who were arrested and charged with Robbery and Felony Assault following a vicious attack on NYPD officers in Times Square on January 27. Police sources previously said that four of the migrants charged in the Times Square attack - Darwin Andres Gomez, 19; Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19; Wilson Juarez, 21, and Yorman Reveron, 24 - may have fled the city after using fake names to obtain tickets from a charity that helps migrants. Venezuelan national Yohenry Brito, 24, was arraigned in Manhattan criminal court on Thursday and is the only one of the suspects being held on bail at Rikers Island. Three of the four migrants believed to have been involved in a January 27 attack on the NYPD in Times Square are pictured in Phoenix on Monday - having been stopped at a Greyhound bus station Darwin Andres Gomez (left) and Kelvin Servita Arocha were released without bail and are thought to have tried to flee Wilson Juarez (lef) and Yorman Reveron also fled: they are charged with ganging up on two cops in Times Square The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said the $15,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond was warranted because Brito had been positively identified in video of the attack through a 'distinct tattoo.' Brito was already known to police over a series of past offenses, including charges of petty larceny for stealing $275 worth of goods from Bergdorf Goodman in October and $139 of clothing from Macy's. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said the $15,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond was warranted for him alone, because Brito had been positively identified in video of the attack through a 'distinct tattoo.' The sixth suspect charged, Jhoan Boada, 22, is thought to have remained in New York City. Boada was photographed sticking his middle finger up at the press waiting outside court after his release. Jandry Barros, 21, a seventh suspect who was arrested, was let go without charges for lack of evidence. He also has a previous record with authorities. Jhoan Boada (pictured), 22, was arrested and charged with Attempted Assault on a Police Officer and Gang Assault As he left the courthouse, the 22-year-old raised his middle fingers up at reporters and smirked The sixth suspect, Yohenry Brito, 24, was arraigned in Manhattan criminal court on Thursday and is the only one of the suspects being held on bail. He remains in Rikers Island George Soros-backed Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, was strongly criticized after the five were released. On Saturday, Bragg claimed his office will present evidence on Tuesday to a grand jury. Bragg said there were 12 suspects in total. 'Our office continues to work with law enforcement to bring everyone responsible for these heinous attacks to justice,' said Bragg. 'It is clear from video and other evidence that some of the most culpable individuals have not yet been identified or arrested, and we are working hand in hand with the NYPD to find and hold them accountable for their despicable acts. 'We will not rest until every person who assaulted a police officer in this awful attack is held accountable.' Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has now claimed he wants to track down the migrants who allegedly attacked two NYPD officers before a judge released them with no bail When confronted by reporters about his decision on Friday, Bragg refused to engage and walked away without answering questions Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg ignores questions about why he RELEASED the illegal immigrants who attacked NYPD officers without bail. pic.twitter.com/JvtYydE2bO The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 3, 2024 Police have not released the identities of five other suspects in the attack against the NYPD officers. On Friday, Bragg defended the decision to release them. He said: 'While the video is shocking and disturbing, in order to secure convictions in the court of law, it is essential that we conclusively identify each defendant. 'In Manhattan, we don't tolerate or accept assaults on police officers. I watched the tape this week. Despicable behavior. It sickened me and outraged me.' The brutal attack occurred around 8:30 pm when officers attempted to disperse a disorderly group in front of 220 West 42 Street. A fight broke out between a suspect in a yellow sweatshirt and the police officers. According to the NYPD, the migrants then started to attack the officers, kicking them in the head and body while the two officers tried to pin down one of the other men, tearing off his sweatshirt. The migrants then ran away, making their getaway east on 42nd Street toward 7th Avenue. At around 10:44pm that night, four of them -Gomez, Arocha, Wilson and Reveron, were arrested. They were all charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Gang Assault, Obstructing Governmental Administration and Disorderly Conduct but were released without monetary bail. Gomez, Arocha, Juarez and Reveron are believed to have given fake names to a church-affiliated nonprofit group that helps migrants get rides out of the city, law enforcement sources told the Post. The gang are said to have struck after being asked to keep moving without cops. The suspected attackers were later arrested...and subsequently freed without bail Police sources confirmed the men's migrant status to the New York Post. Several addresses of the men provided by the police are homeless and migrant shelters Since taking office in 2022, Bragg has come under fire for not seeking prison time for certain charges, and downgrading felony charges in a slew of cases, including armed robbery and some drug offenses. The migrant crisis previously affected southern states near the border like Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. But the issue has increasingly impacted cities including New York, Boston and Chicago as buses filled with thousands of migrants are sent to Democratic-led area across the U.S. The humanitarian crisis has put Democrats including President Joe Biden under increased pressure as the numbers crossing the border reaches unprecedented levels. A record 300,000 migrants crossed the U.S. southern border in December, according to a new report, topping the highest amount ever recorded. New York City has struggled under the weight of tens of thousands of migrants arriving at its borders in need of places to stay and other accommodations. In 2023 alone, the city dealt with the arrival of more than 100,000 migrants. Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly asked for federal aid to help house and feed the migrants in the city but has been denied. New York is a Right to Shelter state and is required to house the asylum seekers but shelters have filled up at an astronomical rate. In Manhattan, a number of landmark hotels have been turned into makeshift shelters and temporary housing. Back in September, Governor Kathy Hochul said: 'We have to get the word out, that when you come to New York, you're not going to have more hotel rooms, we don't have capacity. 'So we have to also message properly that we're at a limit - if you're going to leave your country, go somewhere else.' A deadly Pacific storm, the second 'Pineapple Express' weather system to pummel the West Coast in less than a week, dumped torrential rain over Southern California on Monday, leading to streets being flooded and triggering more than 120 mudslides. The brutal weather system has already claimed the lives of at least three people. All three were killed by wind-toppled trees - 82-year-old David Gomes in the former gold rush town of Yuba City and a 45-year-old Robert Brainard II at Boulder Creek in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountain. Another man, Chad Ensey, was also killed by a falling tree in Carmichael, just east of Sacramento. He was 41 years old. As emergency services rush to save lives across the Golden State, one of the most dramatic of rescues saw an LA Fire Department helicopter hovering above a raging LA River to save a man who had ventured into the torrent to rescue his dog. The man was hoisted to safety and flown to a hospital. The dog was also able to swim to safety. The normally calm waterway roared back to life as the rains fell and was on the verge of bursting its banks. More than a foot of rain fell in just 24 hours with the storm not expected to taper off until later in the week. Even Hollywood A-listers were not spared with houses in the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills at risk of both flooding and mudslides as mud and boulders were sent careening down hillsides dotted with multimillion-dollar homes. In a dramatic river rescue, an LA Fire Department helicopter crew pulled a man from the turbulent waters of the Los Angeles River after his dog fell in The man jumped in to save his dog when the animal was swept away by the current Firefighters were able to rescue both the dog and the man, who were save on drier land The Los Angeles River appears swollen by storm runoff as a powerful storm hit Southern California A pedestrian walks above the Los Angeles River swollen by storm runoff People view the Los Angeles River swollen by storm after more than a foot of rain fell The storm is delivering widespread flooding, landslides and power outages while dropping heavy rain across the region On Monday afternoon, LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a state of emergency declaration because of the flooding At least three people have died in the historic flooding battering California, as multi-million-dollar mansions are trashed by rivers of flowing mud and boulders. Pictured flooding in Los Angeles River The Los Angeles River soars above normal levels as it carries storm water toward the Pacific A person walks to the edge of the raging Los Angeles River as the second and more powerful of two atmospheric river storms inundate Los Angeles A man walks his dog on the edge of the Los Angeles River, which is carrying storm water downstream The second of back-to-back atmospheric rivers is drenching California, flooding roads, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of residents A couple walks on the edge of the LA River which appeared as though it could burst its banks This is how the normally sleepy LA River looks as it flows through 14 cities from the San Fernando Valley through downtown Los Angeles and south to Long Beach Rain and high elevation snow continue in Northern and Southern California. The heaviest area of rainfall is focused on Southern California on Monday night On Monday afternoon, LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a state of emergency declaration because of the flooding. President Joe Biden spoke to California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Bass, pledging to provide federal aid to areas hit hard. The deluge raised concerns for the region's large population of homeless people, many of whom set up encampments along the river and on small dirt outcroppings and brush-covered islands. First responders patrolled the LA River and swift-water rescue teams were poised to deploy. The river flows through 14 cities from the San Fernando Valley through downtown Los Angeles and south to Long Beach, where it empties into the Pacific Ocean. For decades, the 51-mile waterway largely existed as a no-man's land, a fenced-off, garbage-strewn scar running through the city. It served as an occasional set for Hollywood movies - 'Grease' and 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' among them - and is a frequent canvas for graffiti artists. Tourists are pictured at the Hollywood walk of fame and in front of the famous Mann's Chinese Theater during the storm on Monday A family of Argentinian tourists are pictured at the Hollywood walk of fame during the storm, Nicholas DeMaro (40), wife Meleni DeMaro (42), Joaquin DeMaro (12) and Francisco DeMaro (10) Ballona Creek is pictured with water levels way above normal due to the storm Tourists are pictured in Santa Monica during the storm looking out across the beach A section of the 405 freeway was closed due to a landslide caused by the deluge of water The Santa Monica Incline was closed due to damages from the storm Ballona Creek is pictured with water levels way above normal Tourists are pictured in Santa Monica during the storm on a grey day Los Angeles officials reported 120 mudslides and debris flows throughout the city on at least 25 structures damaged by heavy rainfall or mudslides as of Monday evening. The luxury homes and various upscale communities built on the slopes of the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills and Topanga Canyon were among the hardest hit by from landslides. Beverly Hills resident Jeb Johenning, standing in a neighborhood where cars stood half buried in muck and debris, said he noticed three fissures had opened on a hillside near his home, releasing 'an avalanche of mud' down the slope. 'I was driving up here last night, right after the Grammys, and coincidentally, my neighbor, who was in this SUV behind us, was being dropped off at his house, and the driver's coming down the hill, and the mud is chasing the driver,' Johenning recalled. So far, portions of Los Angeles County received more than 10 inches of rain since Sunday Some areas, such as Bel Air and Sepulveda Canyon, saw nearly a foot of rainfall Among those who lost their lives are two Californians hit by falling trees including a 41-year-old man from Sacramento County and a 45-year-old resident from Santa Cruz County The storm system brought heavy snowfall to California's mountains, contributing to snowpack accumulation in the Sierra Nevada In response to flooding, 100 unhoused individuals were evacuated from a tiny home complex in Los Angeles on Monday Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated during a news conference that evacuations for the homeless population are ongoing Vehicles remain trapped from a mudslide as a powerful atmospheric river storm hits Southern California in Beverly Hills An SUV sits buried by a mudslide in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch until 4pm on Tuesday covering several neighborhoods in California. A fallen tree lies atop a car in Los Angeles on Monday About 2.5 million people in the Los Angeles area, including the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills had almost a foot of rain fall A whirlpool forms around a city worker in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on Monday Evacuation orders were canceled for Santa Barbara County and downgraded for Ventura County. Firefighters rescue a homeless woman from floodwaters in San Bernardino on Monday The homes of dozens of A-list celebrities are in the crosshairs of the brutal storm Still, the overall extent of property damage in the region appeared less severe than might have been expected given record amounts of precipitation. Rainfall rates were lessening as the storm wore on, and last summer's Southern California wildfire season was mild compared with some previous years, leaving more hillsides and canyon walls able to withstand a heavy soaking without collapse. Flooding posed a considerable hazard. Rescue teams pulled dozens of people to safety statewide, mostly motorists trapped in their cars by rising waters when they tried to drive through flooded roadways, Evacuation orders were in effect for several neighborhoods at particularly high-risk of flash floods and mudslides Harry and Meghan, George Clooney, Lady Gaga and Halle Berry were among high profile celebrities whose mansions were under threat by the severe storms. Early on Monday LA firefighters rescued 16 people from nine properties in Studio City - the same neighborhood where George Clooney lives in his $2.2 millions luxury pad. Harry and Meghan's $14.65million Montecito mansion in Santa Barbara Country, north of LA, was also at risk of flooding but the warnings subsided by Monday afternoon. The estranged prince has fled the floodwaters to be in London following the news that his father has been diagnosed with cancer. Star-studded Malibu was also being slammed by the torrential rain with the city under a coastal flood warning. An SUV towing a trailer lies in the rocks on the bank of Cajon Creek near Devore on Monday Jeffrey Raines clears debris from a mudslide at his parent's home during a rainstorm in LA Mud and debris is strewn on Fryman Road during a rain storm in Studio City California A car is damaged by debris from a storm Monday in Studio City, California Storm damage from mud, rock and debris flows along Lockridge Road in Studio City A man walks under heavy rain past temporary tents in Skid Row, one of the largest populations of homeless people in the US, in Los Angeles A storm passes above the Golden Gate Bridge near Sausalito in Northern California Extreme-weather advisories for floods, high wind and winter storm conditions were posted across parts of California and southwestern Arizona where some 35 million people live with authorities urging residents to limit their driving. The National Weather Service recorded staggering rainfall amounts from the storm, which lashed Northern California with hurricane-force gusts of wind, along with heavy precipitation that intensified as the system moved south during Monday. Nearly a foot of rain was measured over a 24-hour period at the University of California-Los Angeles. 'We're talking about one of the wettest storm systems to impact the greater Los Angeles area' since records began, Ariel Cohen, chief NWS meteorologist in L.A., told an evening news conference. 'Going back to the 1870s, this is one of the top three.' 'We need every Angeleno to use common sense and stay safe and stay out of the way,' Mayor Bass said. Bass said she had visited some of the areas hit by mudslides and debris. 'I spent time with our fire chief going around town, looking at some of the what is really devastation for many home owners and residents,' Bass said The Los Angeles Police Department reported scores of traffic collisions with injuries since the storm began, many more than usual, while city Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said her crews had responded to at least 130 flooding incidents. People walk in the rain as a storm moves through with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance Crews clean up the street in Long Beach, California on Monday. A powerful storm fueled by an atmospheric river is pounded Southern California, causing widespread flooding Storm damage from mud, rock and debris flows along Lockridge Road in Studio City A large mudslide which occurred at the intersection of Beverly Drive and Beverly Place in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles damaged homes and cars on Monday A firefighter walks past cars submerged by a mudslide Monday in the Beverly Crest area of LA Submerged vehicles are photographed after a mudslide in the Beverly Crest area of the city A first responder helps a resident evacuate from a neighborhood after a mudslide A man carries an umbrella while walking in San Francisco on Monday. The storm inundated streets and brought down trees and electrical lines A man walks his dog on the edge of the Los Angeles River, carrying stormwater downstream A truck drives through a flooded street during a rainstorm in Santa Barbara Workers clear a tree that fell onto a home during heavy wind and rain in San Jose, California Search and rescue workers investigate a car surrounded by floodwater as heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to swell in San Jose, California. Nobody was inside the vehicle The intense rainfall, with heavy snow in high-elevation mountain areas, was carried to California by a storm system meteorologists call an atmospheric river, a vast airborne current of dense moisture funneled inland from the Pacific. Winds gusting to 75 miles per hour on Sunday downed trees and utility lines across the San Francisco Bay Area and California's Central Coast, knocking out power to roughly 875,000 homes at the storm's peak in that region. About 215,000 people statewide were without power late on Monday night. The greatest flash-flooding threat on Monday centered on Southern California, the NWS said, as the system slowly pivoted and pushed farther into the interior of California, but forecasters said 'catastrophic' impacts were unlikely. 'There's widespread, significant flooding, and locally serious and severe flooding, but nothing that is completely off-the-walls insane,' UCLA meteorologist and climate scientist Daniel Swain. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has unleashed on the Albanese government over its proposed Stage Three tax cut changes, questioning why politicians should get tax relief under the legislation. Ms Thorpe directed her attack at Finance Minister Katy Gallagher as the Labor frontbencher was answering a question about the changes during the Senate's first sitting week of the year. 'How is it fair giving politicians a tax cut?' she yelled, interrupting Ms Gallagher's answer. 'I dont need a tax cut. People in this place dont need a tax cut.' 'How is it fair giving politicians a tax cut?' Lidia Thorpe yelled during the Senate's first session of the year, interrupting Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. 'I dont need a tax cut. People in this place dont need a tax cut,' Ms Thorpe yelled The government's proposed tweak to the Stage Three cuts legislated under the former Morrison government will see the tax cut for top income-earners halved in order to distribute it more widely among middle and lower-income earners. This will be achieved by reducing the tax rate for people earning between $19,000 and $45,000 from 19 per cent to 16 per cent, and retaining the 37 per cent tax rate for those earning between $135,000 and $190,000. The changes will give those on $45,000 a year an extra $805 a year, but just $24 for those on $19,000-a-year. Earlier Ms Thorpe also interrupted Foreign Minister Penny Wong, yelling at her as she answered a question on the Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza from Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi. 'This is genocide,' Ms Thorpe yelled at Ms Wong as she answered the question about Australias decision to pause funding to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) after revelations some of its members allegedly took part in the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher was answering a question about the government's proposed Stage Thee tax changes when she was yelled at by Ms Thorpe Ms Wong accused the Greens and the Opposition of 'playing politics' with Australia's response to the conflict. 'It is of deep regret whilst the government is seeking to use our voice to advocate for the release of hostages, for the protection of civilian lives, for humanitarian access and for a pathway out of this conflict, we do not have partners in this effort in either the Opposition or the Greens. 'The reality is that we are seeking to play a constructive role. There are two parties in this place who are playing politics with this conflict. One of them has just asked me a question.' Migrants who allegedly stole wallets and cellphones from at least 62 women were pictured leaving a New York City police precinct after they were arrested in a raid on Monday. Police arrested at least seven migrants, all believed to be from Venezuela, in a safe house in the Bronx after executing a search warrant. Two of the migrants, Cleyber Andrade, 20, and Juan Uzcatgui, 23, were walked out of the 1st precinct in Manhattan on Monday night. Andrade was charged with 25 grand larcenies and Uzcatugi was charged with 20 grand larcenies, according to WABC. Roxanna Sahos, 24, was charged with tampering with evidence and Alexander Dayker, 20, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property. One of the most shocking thefts involved a migrant on a moped dragged a 52-year-old woman along a Big Apple street to steal her phone - a robbery caught on surveillance footage. Migrants part of a crime ring that allegedly stole wallets and cellphones from at least 62 women were pictured leaving a New York City police precinct Two of the migrants, Andrade Cleyber, 20, and Juan Uzcatgui, 23, were walked out of the 1st precinct in Manhattan Cleyber was charged with 25 grand larcenies and Uzcatugi was charged with 20 grand larcenies The scooter thief reportedly stole her bag, phone, credit cards, keys, glasses, $60 cash and her ID last month in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn. Police are searching for the leader of a group of migrant 'ghost criminals' believed to be behind the ring of criminals robbing people, reported Pix11. Victor Parra, 30, is the Venezuelan migrant alleged to be the leader of the group using mopeds to rob people and steal phones. 'He's the big target. [He] has caused a lot of problems in New York City,' Officer Nicholas Fiore said. Parra would recruit migrants using WhatsApp messages telling them to steal specific models of phones, investigators said. Police said the messages would say, 'I have money. I'm available. Go get them.' Parra allegedly had a tech guy hack the phones, use them to make fraudulent purchases and clear out their bank accounts before sending them to Colombia. The suspects arrested on Monday were stealing the iPhones to use the Apple Pay feature and use the owners' credit cards to buy items, police said. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the scooter drivers were paid $100 a day and the phone snatchers were paid between $300-$600 per phone. 'These perpetrators are part of a sophisticated criminal enterprise made up of immigrants who have recently arrived in the United States,' said Kenny. 'This network of thieves predominantly lives in the migrant shelter system.' NYPD Commissioner Eddie Caban said, 'Theyre essentially ghost criminals.' Mayor Eric Adams went along for the sting operation wearing a $700 Fendi scarf under a bulletproof police vest and later appeared at a press conference with police. 'This isn't about the migrants and asylum seekers, this is about those who break the law. It doesn't matter where you're from and where you came from,' the Democrat said. Police shared video of a migrant on a moped dragged a woman along a New York City street to steal her phone. Police are searching for the leader of a group of migrant 'ghost criminals' believed to be behind the ring The suspects arrested on Monday were allegedly stealing the iPhones to use the Apple Pay feature and use the owners' credit cards to buy items Mayor Eric Adams went along for the sting operation and later appeared at a press conference with police Monday's arrests come after another video showed about a dozen migrants assaulting two police officers in Times Square late last month. A Manhattan judge let at least five asylum seekers go free without bail after they were charged with the assault. Only one of the suspects remains in jail. Four of the suspects are believed to have fled the city after being charged and released after giving fake names to a charity that helps migrants get bus tickets. Many of the migrants were already known to police over charges of petty larceny and shoplifting. According to the New York Post, the migrants charged in the assault are also part of a phone-snatching scheme. 'Theyre buying cars back in Ecuador and Venezuela' a police source told the Post. 'Theyre putting pools in their homes there. All this money is going back and forth. Thats why the larcenies are going out of control. Its unbelievable what theyre doing.' The migrants involved in the attack on two police officers in Times Square are allegedly also part of a phone-snatching scheme New York City in particular has struggled under the weight of tens of thousands of migrants arriving at its borders in need of places to stay and other accommodations. In 2023 alone, the city dealt with the arrival of more than 100,000 migrants. In the city's latest controversial move to deal with the migrants, Adams announced a $53million program to give pre-paid credit cards to migrant families with children. It was revealed yesterday that migrants housed in one of the city's hotels will receive pre-paid cards to buy food and baby supplies, instead of the city providing meals the migrants often did not want. Adams estimated the $53 million scheme will save the city $600,000 a month, or $7.2 million annually, drawing outrage from many across the country, including native New Yorkers like rapper 50 Cent. The husband of a mother-of-three who vanished after going for a run in a national park has broken his silence as the large-scale search entered its third day. Samantha Murphy, 51, was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East, about 100km northwest of Melbourne, at 7am on Sunday. The avid runner had embarked on a 20km run through the Canadian State Forest, an area her husband says she is very familiar with, but never returned. Michael (Mick) Murphy, who owns and operates a smash repairs business with his missing wife, said he was 'not too bad under the circumstances'. 'It's just up in the air, we don't know,' he told the Herald Sun. 'It's just a whole time thing at the end of the day.' Mr Murphy told Nine News he wouldn't be joining the search and preferred to stay at home to try and keep his mind busy while he waited for an update. He was pictured on Tuesday speaking with police as the desperate search continued Michael Murphy (pictured with police) broke his silence about his missing wife on Tuesday The search for missing mother-of-three Samantha Murphy (pictured) has entered its third day The couple are pictured in happier times on a holiday in Bali, Indonesia, in 2017 READ MORE: Search enters third day for runner missing in Victoria's Canadian State Forest near Ballarat Friends of Ms Murphy are seen joining in the search in Ballarat East Advertisement Ms Murphy is listed as the head of administration at the Inland Motor Body Works, a car repair shop run by the couple in Delacombe. The large-scale search resumed on Tuesday after being suspended overnight. Efforts are being coordinated by the Search and Rescue Squad, with local police, more than 100 specialised officers from the dog squad, mounted branch, solo unit and air wing also involved. SES crews and teams from Forest Fire Management Australia and Parks Victoria have also joined the search. The Ballarat community have rallied together, with a growing number of residents and Ms Murphy's friends joining the search efforts. Ms Murphy's 'upset and concerned' family hold grave concerns and have described her disappearance as out of character. On the morning Ms Murphy vanished, she was captured on her own CCTV system wearing a brown singlet and black half-length leggings. Acting Inspector Lisa MacDougall said Ms Murphy's mobile phone had pinged in Buninyong but that 'inquiries are ongoing as to whether (the phone) is still on'. 'Obviously, phones can run out of battery, but that forms part of the investigation,' she told reporters on Monday. Ms Murphy is an administrator at Inland Motor Body Works, which she owns with her husband Mr Murphy (pictured) said his missing wife runs (right) in the state forest almost every day Ms Murphy, an avid runner, was last seen wearing a brown/maroon singlet and black leggings Ms Murphy was known to be fit and run almost daily in the state forest. 'The area of search isn't completely remote, we are on the outskirts of Ballarat, and it's not that far from urban areas as well,' Insp MacDougall said. Temperatures soared to a scorching 36C on Sunday and it's unknown whether Ms Murphy had food or water with her. 'Obviously, (Sunday) was a hot day... there (is) obviously increased risk there because of the heat,' Insp MacDougall added. 'It raises the urgency of the search for us, and obviously we account for the fact that that will have an impact on someone's health.' Meanwhile, locals say Ms Murphy's sudden disappearance is 'horrific'. 'It could have been one of us going for a walk with the dog. So, you know, tables can turn pretty quickly,' one woman told A Current Affair. Another said mine shafts in the Canadian State Forest were a 'major concern'. 'The mine shafts out there aren't very noticeable in some areas,' she said. A major search for the missing jogger was launched after she failed to return home on Sunday Woman gathered outside the Buninyong Police Station as the large scale search continues The search for Ms Murphy resumed on Tuesday after it was suspended overnight Ms Murphy's elderly neighbour Ray said he was stunned by her disappearance. 'I can't believe it,' he said, adding Michael sometimes mows his lawn. 'Normally she goes for a run in the morning, gives me a wave.' Ms Murphy is described as Caucasian, about 173cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair. Anyone who sees the 51-year-old has been urged to contact police immediately. Penny Wong has been called out by the Opposition for using 'tricky language' while answering the question: will the government now crack down on negative gearing? The Foreign Affairs Minister took a stand during a fiery Senate Question Time on Tuesday - the first of the year - to refute suggestions her government could no longer be trusted after breaking a key election promise. Prime Minister Albanese shocked voters when he walked away from his commitment not to change the already legislated Stage Three tax cuts. But amid questions about the government's focus on the cost of living crisis, Mr Albanese spectacularly backflipped on his promised policy by reducing the tax break high income earners will receive come July 1. Opposition Leader in the Senate Simon Birmingham today questioned whether that meant changes to policy on negative gearing - where Aussies get tax benefits for investment properties when their expenses are greater than their income - and franking credits. Senator Wong fired back: 'The reality is those opposite are desperate to find another fight. The Foreign Affairs Minister took a stand during a fiery Senate Question Time on Tuesday - the first of the year - amid suggestions her government could no longer be trusted after breaking a key election promise 'After a period of huffing and puffing they're now backing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's tax plan. So they're desperate to talk now about what we are not doing instead of what we are doing.' When probed further by Mr Birmingham, Ms Wong said: 'We are not proposing any other changes in the areas the senator has mentioned.' That line is similar to the official line taken by Treasurer Jim Chalmers when he was asked if the government will make further major economic changes. It also echoes the one pedalled by the Prime Minister in the 24 hours before he implemented the Stage Three changes. Her language did not go unnoticed in the chamber, prompting criticism from a number of Opposition Senators about the 'tricky language' Labor has developed a penchant for using. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pointed out today that the problem with having 'a liar in the Lodge' is that it makes it hard to trust and rely on any other promises he's made during his time in office 'We are reforming the income tax system and we are providing relief to Australians doing it tough. We are not looking at changes to the other tax system, we are looking at the changes in the income tax system,' she said. 'The reason we are doing that is because Labor MPs, Senators and ministers have understood how important it is to respond to cost of living pressures.' As the volume rose in the chamber with senators shouting insults at one another, Ms Wong added: 'I know you don't want to talk about it. 'Those opposite have backed in Anthony Albanese's tax plan. And now they're trying to distract from it with another scare campaign.' The Coalition have repeatedly expressed concerns about the future of negative gearing and franking credits since the government walked away from Stage Three. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pointed out today that the problem with having 'a liar in the Lodge' is that it makes it hard to trust and rely on any other promises he's made during his time in office. Dr Chalmers was asked last week about any future potential changes to negative gearing policies. 'The reality is those opposite are desperate to find another fight,' she shouted, as tensions rose in the chamber Prime Minister Albanese shocked voters when he walked away from his commitment not to change the already legislated Stage Three tax cuts The Treasurer was adamant such a policy change wasn't on the horizon - but repeated the same words Mr Albanese used when he ruled out breaking his promise on the Stage Three tax cuts. 'We're not contemplating or considering resurrecting the policies that we took to the 2019 election,' he said. 'We haven't changed our view.' That last sentence was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's go-to line before he announced he was, in fact, changing the Stage Three cuts. 'We have not changed our position,' Mr Albanese told voters, journalists and colleagues. Negative gearing is when the cost of owning a rental property outweighs the income it generates, creating a taxable loss which can be offset against other income. For example, if someone rents out an investment property for $20,000 a year but they pay $30,000 in interest on their mortgage they can essentially subtract $10,000 from their salary and only pay tax on what remains. Negative gearing benefits investors looking to expand their property portfolio rather than first-time buyers. Rapper Killer Mike claims his citizen arrest at the Grammys was due to an overzealous security guard trying to prevent him from entering the ceremony. The 48-year-old musician and activist, whose real name is Michael Render, was taken away from the Grammys in handcuffs following a 'physical altercation' after winning three awards. TMZ reported Sunday night that Killer Mike had been charged with battery. A spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department told DailyMail.com that a man was being questioned, but they could not confirm his identity. The rapper, who is perhaps best known for his work in the duo Run the Jewels and who won the trophies for his solo record Michael on Sunday, said the incident was all a misunderstanding. 'As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter,' Render told TMZ Monday. 'We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing.' Rapper Killer Mike claims that his citizen arrest at the Grammys on Sunday was due to an overzealous security guard trying to prevent him from entering the ceremony The 48-year-old musician and activist, real name Michael Render, was taken away from the Grammys in handcuffs following a 'physical altercation' after winning three awards The site claims that Killer Mike was being given a hard time by the security guard as he and his entourage tried to either enter or re-enter the ceremony, where he had already won three awards. He then tried to blow past the guard altogether before being chased down, in a citizen's arrest that was caught on camera. It's been a hectic 24 hours for the rapper, who learned Monday that after three years of waiting, his son Mikael 'Pony Boy' Render has finally received a kidney transplant. Mikael suffers from kidney disease and has been waiting for a transplant for three years. Video from Sunday's Grammys obtained by TMZ showed the rapper appearing to get into an argument with security guards as he walked in the rain outside - with someone carrying an umbrella over his head. In the footage, the rapper appears to be trying to get past the security team, and security seems to be attempting to block him. There appeared to be a fierce dispute, and the rapper shoved a security guard on the shoulder while trying to walk around him. The rapper, who is perhaps best known for his work in the duo Run the Jewels and who won the trophies for his solo record Michael on Sunday, said this is all down to a misunderstanding It's been a hectic 24 hours for the rapper, who learned Monday that after three years of waiting, his son Mikael 'Pony Boy' Render has finally received a kidney transplant Mikael suffers from kidney disease and has been waiting for a transplant for three years The rapper is seen being taken away by LAPD on Sunday night A moment later, the rapper is seen being handcuffed. As the rapper, born Michael Santiago Render, was brought back into the arena for questioning, someone yelled: 'Free Mike!' The rapper has yet to comment on the arrest. Killer Mike is well known for his political activism. He was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders, and endorsed Democrat senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock for his home state of Georgia. Before he was handcuffed, the Atlanta-born star was backstage reminiscing on his path to Grammy stardom. 'The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you're doing,' he told the assembled media. 'At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer. 'At 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I've done. 'At 45, I started to rap about it. 'At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I've done.' A dog rapist who sexually abused and killed animals in his 'torture room' shipping container has had his sentencing delayed. British-born crocodile expert Adam Britton, 52, pleaded guilty to 60 charges - including bestiality, animal cruelty and possession of child abuse material - last September. Both his lawyer and the prosecution were set to make submissions on Britton's sentencing last December but the matter was postponed to this Tuesday. However, Britton's team requested more time to examine a psychiatric report they received on Friday last week, which could be used to reduced the abuser's sentence. The prosecution also requested the sentence submission be delayed so it could prepare its own psychiatric report in response. Submissions for the sentencing of Adam Britton (pictured) have been delayed by three months due to an expert psychological report Britton pleaded guilty to 60 charges - including the murder, rape and torture of more than 40 dogs - during September last year (pictured, the shipping container where Britton filmed some of the 'grotesque cruelty') The 'sadistic' former zoologist, who previously worked with Sir David Attenborough, is now set to face court again in May. While his sentencing was delayed for another three months, Chief Justice Grant said it was unlikely the expert psychological report would 'reduce culpability' of Britton's actions. 'I'll hold fire on it, obviously, but I just can't see how evidence as to a psychological condition, whether you describe it as paraphilia or zoo-sadism, operates to reduce moral culpability for the product of that condition,' he said. Britton's lawyer claimed the report focused on the prospects of Britton's rehabilitation over reducing his responsibility for the crimes. Demonstrators appeared outside Darwin's Supreme Court on Tuesday where they told reporters they hoped Britton would spend the rest of his life behind bars. One local woman, who asked not be named, proudly held a sign reading: 'Death penalty for Adam Britton.' She told Daily Mail Australia: 'He can't get away with these heinous crimes. Now his brief is asking for psychological tests to check his suitability for rehabilitation - how can that work? 'How can we let this monster back into a community with defenceless, voiceless, innocent animals? 'Really, the death penalty is the only way.' Britton has pleaded guilty to eight counts of bestiality - each carrying a maximum of three years behind bars, four counts of possessing and transmitting child abuse material - each with a maximum of 10 years, and 37 counts of aggravated animal cruelty - each with a maximum of five years. Chief Justice Grant previously described Britton's crimes as 'acts that could only be described as grotesque cruelty which are both confronting and distressing'. In a very rare case, he excused even security officers and sheriffs from the courtroom while the facts of Britton's disturbing case were read out to avoid unnecessary 'adverse psychological' effects. Between 2020 and 2022, Britton (pictured) tortured, raped and murdered more than 40 animals from his remote home in McMinns Lagoon Between 2020 and 2022, Britton tortured, raped and murdered more than 40 animals from his remote home in McMinns Lagoon and a neighbouring property in Darwin's south. He would film the horrific abuse and share the footage and photos online where he reportedly hoped to gain fame for creating 'the most-known shock video ever'. Britton often procured dogs to live out his twisted fantasies from unassuming locals on Gumtree Australia. In secret, encrypted online chats, the 52-year-old shared his torture expertise with other 'zoo-sadists'. In one conversation he advised someone to play on current owners' sympathy to help secure dogs to abuse. 'Most people want to know you're a good person and the dog is going to a good home - it'll have space to play, you'll take it for walks, it might live in the house etc,' he wrote. 'Telling them you want a new family member after your old dog died from cancer last year hardly ever fails.' In another he wrote: 'I was talking with someone else about why I love to hurt dogs I wasn't sure at first, but now I live for it. I can't stop myself hurting dogs. 'I was sadistic as a child to animals but I had repressed it. In the last few years I let it out again and now I can't stop. I don't want to. :) .' Britton also tortured his and his wife's two white Swiss Shepherds, Ursa and Bolt (pictured) Britton's reign of terror was brought to an abrupt end when he uploaded a video called '1B***h9Pups', to an abuse website on March 22, 2022. The clip was so violent and disturbing, internet sleuths were outraged and scoured through frames of the twisted film to identify its sick creator. One eagle-eyed viewer managed to spot an orange City of Darwin dog leash in the background of the video and reported the information to authorities. Northern Territory Police established Operation Haine - a joint investigation by the NT Police and Australian Federal Police's Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team - in response to the report and raided Britton's home on April 22, 2022. He has remained in custody on remand since. Last year, the three-hectare property where Britton and his estranged wife Erin invited film crews, TV stations, radio hosts, animal experts and friends was pictured. The crocodile pen where the couple kept their exotic pets - including Smaug, the movie star crocodile - was empty, and their two Swiss Shepherds - which Britton also abused - Ursa and Bolt, were nowhere to be seen. There were padlocks on the fence, along with an eerie sign from Darwin City Council that claimed 'a dog on these premises has been declared a dangerous dog'. Britton was a renown wildlife expert and frequently joined Erin on her months-long international zoology expeditions, including in Antarctica. Court documents suggest he made his vile videos at home, before going on international trips and sending the videos to like-minded people using Telegram. A number of the home videos were sent from Antarctica, most were sent from the NT, and a few were sent from Queensland and New South Wales. Before his arrest in April, 2022, Britton was recognised as an expert zoologist and appeared on a BBC documentary alongside beloved naturalist David Attenborough (pictured left to right, Britton's estranged wife Erin, Britton and Attenborough) Animal activists outside Darwin's Supreme Court on Tuesday (pictured) demanded Britton be sentenced to life behind bars There were a few instances where, according to court documents, Britton would send a video of himself inflicting torture on a dog one day and upload a photo of whales in the Antarctic to his Instagram the next. The couple's property, where Britton abused dogs in his 'torture room' shipping container, has since been abandoned and Erin, who did not know about Britton's abuse, has cut all ties with her husband. Animal activists who were once duped by Britton's charming animal expertise, which earned him an appearance on a BBC documentary alongside David Attenborough, are calling for the 52-year-old to pay the ultimate price for his criminal double life. Britton's twisted double life was uncovered after a disgusted internet sleuth saw an orange City of Darwin dog leash (example above) in the background of his video '1B***h9Pups' Security Council convenes to address Middle East tensions after U.S. military actions Xinhua) 17:00, February 06, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday convened an emergency session to address the escalating conflict in Gaza, a situation that is exacerbating tensions throughout the Middle East and posing significant risks to regional peace and security. The UN political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, said that as everyone in the diplomatic world is all too aware, "the tensions that have engulfed multiple countries in the Middle East continue to rise." On Jan. 28, a drone attack killed three U.S. service members and injured 40 others at a U.S. base in northeast Jordan, she said, adding that on Feb. 2, the U.S. carried out 85 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against reported Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Forces and affiliated groups. DiCarlo described the febrile situation elsewhere in the region, including the tensions between Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, the continued exchange of rocket fire over the Golan Heights occupied by Israel, alongside airstrikes conducted by Israel in various parts of Syria, as reported by Damascus. DiCarlo also noted the Houthi drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea and the retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Britain. "I reiterate the secretary-general's call on all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict," she urged. "I appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security," she said. Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said the U.S. actions in the region were just the latest in a litany of unlawful and irresponsible attacks against the backdrop of an unprecedented escalation of violence. Massive airstrikes by the U.S. once again demonstrated to the world the aggressive nature of U.S. policy in the Middle East and Washington's complete disregard for international law, he continued. Britain's participation should not create the illusion of some kind of "international coalition," he said. Nebenzia said the U.S. was deliberately trying to drag the largest countries of the Middle East, including Iran, into a regional conflict. He strongly condemned the U.S. aggression against sovereign nations, which has increased the level of instability in an already "burning" region. He called on the international community to unconditionally condemn the reckless actions of Washington and its allies in the Middle East, which have violated the sovereignty of both Syria and Iraq. China's permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, said that action taken by the U.S. was creating new turmoil in the Middle East. History has shown that using military means would not solve the problems roiling the Middle East. He said U.S. action would only exacerbate a vicious tit-for-tat cycle. Zhang urged the various parties to remain calm, abide by the Charter and international law, cease illegal military operations and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. He said that the fundamental reason for the current situation is the failure to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, which is a prerequisite for any progress, calling on all countries concerned to stop acting out of self-interest. "We are standing at a critical crossroads" and should not forget that "we are all in the same boat," he said, noting that all nations must remain committed to the common goal of regional stability. Syria's permanent representative to the UN, Koussay Aldahhak, said the arguments heard at the meeting were the "same flimsy pretexts and misleading claims the U.S. administration is promoting to justify its repeated attacks." This included presenting a "distorted and wrongful interpretation" of the provisions of the Charter, especially Article 51, and that the root causes of conflicts, suffering and instability in the Middle East region are the "wrongful and destructive policies" of the U.S., he said. This includes Washington's "blind and unlimited" support for the Israeli occupation and the atrocities Israel is committing against the Palestinian people, he added. The ambassador stressed that Syria completely rejects all the "pretexts and lies" that the U.S. administration is trying to use to justify its aggression, which aims to protect its agents in the region. Syria also categorically rejects that the territories of member states become a platform for U.S. election campaigns and for displaying a brute force that undermines the principles of collective security on which the UN was founded, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A Republican-led committee has approved sending Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas's impeachment case to full house - with a vote happening as early as today. The House Rules Committee voted along party lines, 8-4, after midnight on Wednesday to move toward impeaching Mayorkas for a 'willful and systematic' refusal to enforce laws to protect US borders. If votes go through against Mayorkas, he would be the first Cabinet official to be impeached in nearly 150 years. The impeachment articles said Mayorkas has 'refused to comply with federal immigration laws' and he has 'breached the public trust' after confirming to Congress the US-Mexico border is secure amid the massive migrant crisis in the US. The Homeland Security Secretary has said the claims against him are 'politically motivated and completely baseless' and that the country is 'doing everything we can within a broken system to incentivize non-citizens to use lawful pathways, to impose consequences on those who do not, and to reduce irregular migration.' Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas could be impeached on Tuesday as articles said he has 'refused to comply with federal immigration laws' and he has 'breached the public trust' In December, there were 300,000 border crossings recorded over the US-Mexico border. Mayorkas has argued that his agencies were direly under-resourced If impeached, Mayorkas will still need to be convicted by the Senate following a trial to be removed as secretary. That move is unlikely as Democrats hold the majority in the Senate. Mayorkas said if he is ready to defend himself if the Senate holds a trial. During the House Homeland Security Committee vote last week, all committee Republicans voted in favor, while the Democrats unified against it. 'We cannot allow this man to remain in office any longer,' said Chairman Mark Green. The Homeland Committee hearing last Tuesday devolved into chaos as with Democrats pulled delay tactics and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif. compared Donald Trump's hardline immigration stance to Adolf Hitler. The frenzied and drawn-out hearing dragged out late in the night due to the highly political nature of the resolution, which accused Mayorkas of high crimes and misdemeanors. Democrats offered amendments and other procedural motions to keep the hearing live and delayed the vote further. Majority Leader Steve Scalise insisted the impeachment articles would advance to the House floor this week. The Mayorkas impeachment resolution launched to the forefront as border crossings reached fresh records in recent months - including 300,000 in December alone - speeding ahead of the Joe Biden impeachment inquiry. 'This is a terrible day for the committee, the United States, the Constitution and our great country,' said Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the committee's ranking Democrat. If impeached, Mayorkas will still need to be convicted by the Senate following a trial to be removed as secretary. That move is unlikely as Democrats hold the majority in the Senate Referring to Trump's 'Make America Great Again' campaign slogan, Thompson said the 'MAGA-led impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas is a baseless sham.' Only one Cabinet member has ever been impeached before - War Secretary William Belknap in 1876. He was not convicted by the Senate. During a recent press conference in January, Mayorkas continued to slam Republican claims that DHS is not enforcing laws at the border as false. He said more migrants who entered the country illegally had been expelled then allowed to remain since Biden took office, and argued that his agencies were direly under-resourced. In response to a scathing seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., Mayorkos said the accusations are against him are false. In response, Greene told DailyMail.com that he is 'inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary' Migrants are seen jumping over razor wire on September 28 in Eagle Pass, Texas. Mayorkos said that the 'false accusations' against him have not 'rattled' or 'diverted' him from the 'broader public service mission' Mayorkas wrote a scathing seven-page letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., last 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. Green fired back in a statement to DailyMail.com, calling Mayorkas' '11th-hour response' this morning 'inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary.' Prince Harry has today been urged to use his 11th hour trip to London to heal wounds with King Charles after his cancer diagnosis as well as reaching out to his brother Prince William. Experts have said that they hope that Harry's dash to Britain is the 'sign of a truce' and that 'good news' of a heal in the rift in the Royal Family could come from the 'bad news' about the King's health. Harry is believed to be well on his way to the UK having left LAX for London last night to be with his father - but Meghan, Archie and Lilibet are staying at home in California. Charles had called him personally to tell him the devastating news and the Duke of Sussex has immediately jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and there are claims he boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime. His father is believed to be resting at Clarence House today ahead of treatment, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi seen leaving after a visit this morning. It is not known if Harry will stay in central London to be close to the King or stay at Windsor, most likely at the empty Frogmore Cottage. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, said today: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery.' The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. But he may miss public duties for a number of months, it has been claimed. A car believed to be carrying Prince Harry is pictured arriving at a private terminal at LAX to fly to the UK to be with his father, King Charles, after his cancer diagnosis Prince Harry is believed to be on his way to London to see his father after his cancer diagnosis Prince Harry flew to London after King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public. Meghan and the children are apparently staying at home Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He may stay there or in a hotel Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but revealed: 'Thankfully this has been caught early'. Harry could be in the UK as early as lunchtime but it is not known if he will see his brother Prince William or the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from serious abdominal surgery at their home in the grounds of Winsor Castle. But experts have said they hope that the Duke of Sussex's last-minute trip could finally bring Harry, Charles and William closer together. Last time the Prince flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel. Meghan missed the UK altogether, meeting him in Germany for the Invictus Games. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: RICHARD KAY: Harry's arrival is a reminder of just how fractured the Royal Family has become. William believes their trust has been utterly destroyed. But could their father's illness lead to a rapprochement between brothers? Charles and Camilla lead William, Kate, Harry and Meghan at the Commonwealth Service in London in 2020 Advertisement It is understood the Duke asked if he could stay at Windsor Castle to allow him to visit his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II's place of rest, but permission was denied. Harry usually travels with his own private security team, after being stripped of his right to automatic police protection when he left the Royal family in 2020. The King contacted both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis before it was announced by Buckingham Palace. A source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK to be by his father's side. Experts have claimed that Harry's dash to Britain 'indicates the seriousness' of the King's condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles III's cancer diagnosis 'will bring a reconciliation' with Prince Harry. Harry estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet. The heir to the throne, who returns to public duties this week after helping to settle his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery. He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment. Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer , Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this evening. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Experts hope that the diagnosis will bring some kind of reconciliation between Harry and his father and brother As the King's cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged: Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that doctors discovered the cancer during a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Sources have suggested that the cancer is in a different part of the King's body but was discovered during the surgery last week. Prince Harry was last in the UK over the summer, when he attended an event for a children's charity. However, he did not meet with the Royal family during that visit before heading to Germany for his Invictus Games where he met up with Meghan. The Duke of Sussex attended his father's coronation last May, but left London just hours after the ceremony to return to Montecito. Harry is believed to be in contact with his father but sources have claimed that there has been no rapprochement with William, who is said to have been left upset by the Sussexes' attacks on the Royal Family since Megxit. Harry's visit will raise hopes that there could be some thawing in the relations, which have been rocky since he and Meghan emigrated in 2020. King Charles' cancer diagnosis has shocked the world. The 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment immediately. It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but medics spotted it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. The Duke of Sussex has spoken with the King about his cancer diagnosis and will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to Harry said. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The palace said the King 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible', but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. A palace spokesman said: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. 'I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we'd all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery.' The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. Advertisement The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022. Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s. Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign. That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary. Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school. Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage. William and Kate's team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings. Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now. The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back. The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate. The palace added that His Majesty's condition was 'benign' and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure. They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check. The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website. His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery. He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be 'doing well'. He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife. Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was 'doing fine' and looking forwards to getting back to work. Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best', adding: 'Thank goodness!' One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer. But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine. Mark Drakeford , the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a 'full and swift recovery' following his cancer diagnosis. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'I'm saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. 'Gwellhad buan.' Northern Ireland's new First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who as leader of Sinn Fein is a republican, wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 'I am very sorry to hear of King Charles' illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,' she posted on X. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said after the shocking news today: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. 'I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery.' The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side The King waved to a large crowd of wellwishers when he left the London Clinic last Monday The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: 'My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. 'His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. 'Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.' Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: 'One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. 'Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.' A TikTok star amassed thousands of followers claiming to be a 'proud trans woman' - but she was really a paedophile using her new identity as a 'mask', her victims have told a court. Rachel Queen Burton, 44, repeatedly abused two children before stalking their family and driving them to homelessness, the District Court in Adelaide heard. Burton then 'donned a mask', her victims say, and transitioned to life as a woman. She pleaded guilty to aggravated counts of producing and possessing child exploitation material, gross indecency and indecent assault. Harrowing victim impact statements from Burton's two victims, a boy and a girl, their older sibling and the children's mother were heard in court on Tuesday. Burton, who joined via video link from a male prison, sobbed as the children's mother detailed the permanent impacts of the abuse, The Advertiser reported. Transgender TikTok star Rachel Queen Burton, 44, was arrested and charged with child abuse and exploitation offences in October 2022 READ MORE: Vigilante who tortured and murdered an innocent dad over false child abuse rumours after getting 'the nod' from victim's wife gets life in jail Bradley Lyons' wife Jana Hooper falsely told a meth-addicted group of so-called 'paedophile hunters' that her husband had impregnated her daughter Advertisement 'You are a gross, phony, self-indulgent thing who has cheated my children out of so much, and took it away from them without care,' the mother read out. 'In your online rants, you showed no remorse for your bad behaviour, all while knowing what you had done getting an audience for your false life was far more important. 'You can wear any mask you like, but the truth is out and everybody knows who you really are, finally.' The offending occurred at various locations in regional South Australia in 2019, before Burton became an aspiring TikTok star. Before Burton's arrest in 2022, she boasted 34,000 fans on the social media platform. Her TikTok bio described her as 'a proud Trans Woman living my best life with no regrets'. The victim's mother told the court that despite the family packing up and moving after she found out about the abuse, Burton continued to stalk them. She said they had been staying at a police safe house until Burton 'showed up at the window, peering in', forcing them to move again. She described Burton as a 'monster' who made her feel 'sick to her stomach'. 'Being homeless was extremely gruelling, the worrying was relentless, but you were online having the time of your life,' she said. Her children told the court they were 'terrified' Burton would find them. 'I was happy before you broke the rules, I didn't know what was going on at the time, I feel angry at you for doing the wrong thing to me,' her daughter said. 'I felt like a bird trapped in a cage, all I wanted was to be free I still worry that you will find me.' Adelaide District Court heard that Burton (pictured) repeatedly abused two children before stalking their family and driving them to homelessness The girl's brother said he struggled to sleep at night due to chronic nightmares. 'I'm always worried you are going to turn up somewhere, and this makes me feel terrified,' he said in his statement. Their older brother, who was not abused by Burton, said he still suffered as a result of the trauma endured by his siblings. He described the offending as 'repulsive, filthy and vile'. Judge Rauf Soulio thanked the family for their statements and noted that it would have been difficult to recall. He remanded Burton in custody for further sentencing submissions in April. The King could be absent from public duties until at least March - as Buckingham Palace revealed that the monarch has started out-patient cancer treatment and spent last night at home in London. The Palace dramatically announced yesterday that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during the King's treatment for a benign prostate condition. The King and Queen are believed to have been flown from Sandringham to Buckingham Palace in a royal helicopter more than seven hours before his shock diagnosis was announced. Charles, 75, then spent the evening at home in London, most likely at Clarence House, as he begins his out-patient cancer treatment, Sky News reports. The Daily Mail's Robert Hardman said this morning that the King's 'first pronounced absence' could come on Commonwealth Day, which is traditionally held at Westminster Abbey on the second Monday of March. Mr Hardman, the author of 'Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would imagine we probably won't see him at Westminster Abbey now. 'I'm sure there will be a statement, a message - he'll want to engage with that. It's moments like that when an absence is noted, but the day-to-day running of the monarchy will not really change.' Former royal's communications secretary Julian Payne said the King would be 'chomping at the bit' to return to public engagements and will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but was 'thankful' it had been caught early. Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'. It is understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. A family friend said: 'He and his doctors are very, very positive.' The King (pictured with Camilla after leaving The London Clinic on January 29) spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment It comes as it was revealed that Prince Harry would return to London to see his father in the coming days Queen Camilla and Prince William are set to continue public events as King Charles and the Princess of Wales recover People walk past Buckingham Palace this morning, after it was announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. The Royal Standard flag is flying at Buckingham Palace, meaning the monarch is staying at his London home, Clarence House The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Princess Beatrice, the King's niece, is pictured in a Range Rover passing Buckingham Palace this morning Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. Charles and Camilla flown to London in Royal helicopter Exclusive by Andrew Young The King and Queen are believed to have been flown from Sandringham to Buckingham Palace in a Royal helicopter more than seven hours before his shock cancer diagnosis was announced. MailOnline can reveal that the mauve-coloured Sikorsky S-76C from The King's Helicopter Flight was used for the 100 mile journey which took 45 minutes. The use of the helicopter ensured that the King was moved as quickly and efficiently as possible as his medical treatment for his condition began yesterday. It is believed that the journey by road, and having to negotiate traffic in central London would have taken around three hours. Flight tracker records disclose that the twin-engine 178mph helicopter left its base at RAF Odiham, Hampshire, at around 7.50am on Monday. The website planefinder.net tracked the helicopter with the registration number G-XXEB as it flew north towards the 20,000 acre Royal estate in Norfolk. Charles regularly uses this helicopter to fly between Sandringham and London and last used it when he returned to London for an operation for his enlarged prostate. It is believed that the helicopter arrived at Sandringham yesterday at around 8.30am in the area of the estate where the King has been recovering from his recent surgery for an enlarged prostate. The records suggest that the helicopter may have been on the ground for an hour before departing with the Royal couple and flying back to London at a cruising height of 3,000ft. It is thought to have landed in the grounds of Buckingham Palace just after 10.15am. The planefinder.net records show that the helicopter took off from central London around an hour later for the 20 minute flight back to RAF Odiham. Buckingham Palace shocked the world by announcing the King's unspecified cancer diagnosis at 6pm, saying it had been discovered during his prostate treatment. The helicopter disappeared from the tracker recording when it was just north of Ely, Cambridgeshire, and appearing to be heading to the Sandringham area to pick up the King. It is believed that this may have been due to it reducing height on its approach before landing, meaning it could no longer be detected by the planefinder.net tracking system. Another explanation is that the pilots might have stopped publicly displaying their position for a period in order to avoid being tracked to the area of the Royal estate, although they would still have been visible to air traffic control and other aircraft for safety reasons. The helicopter reappeared on the tracker records at around the same spot north of Ely around an hour and 20 minutes later when it was returning to London with the Royal couple. Advertisement The King informed close family by phone about his diagnosis, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father. It is not known where the Duke of Sussex will stay when he visits the UK. Harry needs prior permission from Buckingham Palace to stay on a royal estate. He returned the keys to Frogmore Cottage last June when the prince and his wife Meghan Markle vacated the property. His request to stay at Windsor Castle was knocked back by the Palace when he last visited the UK in September and Harry ended up staying in a hotel. It will be the first time the pair have spent any significant time together in more than 18 months. Royal watchers were asking whether it might herald a thaw in relations. Hugo Vickers, a royal biographer, told Sky News, that Harry's visit could be a 'tonic' to Charles. The feud in the Royal Family is 'obviously an issue which has hung heavily over him,' he added. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, also said today: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' Queen Camilla will be at her husband's side throughout but has insisted on continuing with her public engagements. Other members of the Royal Family will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, including the Prince of Wales, who will return to duties tomorrow after his own wife's medical issues. While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings. The Mail has learnt that the King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment. She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was 'getting on, doing his best'. A source said: 'Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.' In a statement Buckingham Palace said last night: 'During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.' Former Royal's Communications Secretary Julian Payne told Newsnight last night that the King will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back from work. He added: 'His work schedule is punishing and he really enjoys being out and meeting people and having the chance to speak up on causes that he cares about on representing the nation. King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement last night. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment Well-wishers headed to Buckingham Palace last night, after it was announced Britain's King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer Joe Biden and Jill Biden sent prayers to the King and said he hoped to speak to the monarch later It is reported Meghan Markle and their two children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - will not be joining Harry 'He will find that difficult. The reality of course is the machinery of state continues, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the PM will happen and the Privy Counsellors. 'That side of things will continue but he will be itching to get back to things as quickly as he can. 'The good thing of course is that although he is 75 he is a very fit and healthy 75-year-old.' 'So I think he's in as good a position as anyone can be to get through this next chapter. And he'll be absolutely chomping at the bit to get back out as quickly as he can.' The Sunday Times' Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah added: 'He won't want to step back. If he can continue with his duties... he's not going to want to step back if he doesn't have to. 'It'll be about other members of the Royal Family picking up the slack while he can't be on public duties. The Queen is 76, she is very energetic 76 but 76 nonetheless. 'So there's a lot of pressure on her not only doing more duties, worrying about her husband too. I think we will see her step a lot to fill that void and I'm sure we will see Prince William more doing public facing things. 'We know the King will be frustrated but he will know he has members of the family who he trusts to the roles if needs be.' Royal Biographer Matthew Dennison told BBC News that the country is 'going to see something that's a little like what we saw in the last months of the reign of the late Queen.' He explained: 'The Queen maintained all of the functions associated with her role as head of state, the red boxes, the prime ministerial encounters, where possible Privy Counsellor meetings - but she didn't do as many public engagements which are that head of the nation side of being the sovereign 'What we're going to see is something remarkably similar that the King will continue as head of state but some of that head of the nation meeting and greeting that being a figurehead a focus of royalty, affection, unity he won't be doing that in the short term. 'Members of his immediate family who of course stepped up when the late queen died scaled back her public engagements will do the same in this case I think.' He added: 'The challenge for the Royal Family is fitting in engagements to what are often really very busy diaries which have been planned long in advance. 'I would imagine we would see increased numbers of engagements from Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, possibly Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are of course trusted members of the Royal Family too.' And Dame Julia Cleverdon told BBC Radio 4: 'I am absolutely sure that this reign will continue and that the determination of the King, who is a very determined man, knows a lot about cancer. I always remember when organising programmes within the last engagement of the day was always the visit to hospitals because he didn't want any time taken - if he was going to use longer time it would be his time. 'He will be really really a) knowledgeable b) determined and c) absolutely clear that the show will go on.' Following last night's devastating health update, Princess Anne got back to business as usual by handing out honours at Windsor Castle before she travels up to the Midlands for a busy day of royal engagements. Princess Beatrice of York, the King's niece, was seen driving to Clarence House this morning. Royal aides said they were carefully balancing the King's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that by sharing the news that it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families. No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when the king had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained in the private London Clinic in central London for three days. It was during this intervention that a 'separate cause for concern' was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. Details of his treatment are not being disclosed at this stage. A royal aide said: 'No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' It is not known how long he will be away from public-facing duties. But a source explained: 'The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities. 'In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them. 'His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' A family friend said Charles was being 'hugely positive', adding: 'From what I know he is up and about as usual and he is so positive that you wouldn't know he even had a condition. Luckily it has, as far as anyone can tell, been caught very early. 'In terms of the treatment he is getting, the treatment for all cancers have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. The specialist ones they conduct now are incredibly sophisticated. He and his doctors are very, very positive. The Royal Family has been rocked by a series of health scares in the last few weeks, with the Duchess of York recently announcing she has skin cancer Kate Middleton is recovering at home from abdominal surgery following a two-week stay at private hospital The London Clinic The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital 'I think it is something he may share more on in the future if he wants to but for the moment he wants to concentrate on his treatment and the work in hand.' Another family source insisted that he was not cancelling public engagements because of his condition or any physical frailty. They said it was simply to 'minimise in person contact' because of the medical risks to him while undergoing treatment. 'Obviously it is a shock but he is really doing very well,' they added. A royal aide said that 'regrettably' a number of public engagements would have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence,' they added. However it is anticipated the King will continue with his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister. Suitable arrangements will be made if doctors advise him this should not be done in person. Rishi Sunak, who was informed of the King's diagnosis before it was made public, said this morning that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but 'thankfully this has been caught early'. Mr Sunak said that everyone would be 'hoping and praying' for Charles to have a speedy recovery, and said that he was in 'regular contact' with the monarch. On BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, the PM added: 'Thankfully this has been caught early and now everyone will be wishing that he gets the treatment he needs and makes a full recovery. That's what we're all hoping and praying for. 'I'm of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.' Mr Sunak continued: 'I'm in regular contact with the King and that will of course continue as normal and we'll crack on with everything. He'll be in our thoughts and prayers. 'Many families around the country listening to this will be touched by the same thing and they know what it means for everyone. We'll be willing him on and hopefully he can get through this as quick as possible.' When pressed on whether he had spoken to Charles since his diagnosis, Mr Sunak reiterated: 'I'm in regular contact with him and will continue to be do so.' And when asked whether face to face meetings would continue with the monarch, he said: 'I'm in regular contact as I always am and that will absolutely continue.' Tourists and locals gathered outside Buckingham Palace this morning to speak of their sadness after hearing the news. Lisa Nash, 61, said she wished Charles well and added that the royal family does 'a lot for this country'. She said: 'My thoughts are with him and to go through something like cancer but in the public eye is pretty something, so I'm pleased that he's given people snippets of information but I'm quite glad that he's going to keep the rest of it private. 'I think for his own peace of mind, he needs to be doing that, it's enough of a struggle as it is but I wish him well and I'm sure he'll pull through and things will be fine.' Ms Nash added: 'I love the royal family. I think they do a lot for this country and they will continue to do so, they'll just pull together and hopefully take some of the burden off of him and he can concentrate on getting better.' Martin Harris, 43, from Northampton, said: 'Obviously it's a shame for the family more than anything. You think of the family like you would do your own family, yes it's a shame for us but it is for them more than us really.' He added: 'Also it's good that they've found it early.' Justin Haden, 52, from Canada, said the news was 'sad' and he hoped the King would 'make a recovery'. MPs have continued to pay tribute to the King in the Commons. In his first answer at Treasury Questions, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: 'Mr Speaker, could I start by adding my comments to yours yesterday about His Majesty the King and wish him and his family well, as well as saluting his courage in being so open about his condition.' Charles hopes to continue to undertake Privy Council meetings, but details have yet to be worked out. Camilla will continue to have a full programme of public duties and the Mail understands that Princess Anne will carry out investitures. Prince William hasn't seen his father yet but has been in contact with him and is about to pick up public engagements once again following his wife's lengthy hospital stay and recuperation for what has been described only as 'abdominal surgery'. Palace aides have at been pains to stress that the King will not need to appoint counsellors of state to step in. People stand outside Buckingham Palace after it was announced King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer World statesmen and religious leaders sent their love and support to the King and the Royal Family at this difficult time as crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to send best wishes to His Majesty. US President Joe Biden said last night that he is 'concerned' about the King and plans to call him later. He told reporters: 'I'm concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I'll be talking to him, God willing'. He later tweeted: 'Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery'. Former President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee in November US elections, wrote on his Truth Social network that the king was 'a wonderful man' and that 'we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery'. Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, said: 'I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King'. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has yet to comment having just returned from Kyiv. Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery'. As the King's cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged: The world is wishing the King well after he revealed his cancer. The King also apologised for having to postpone his upcoming engagements. A spokesman added: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, a source close to the Duke said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. 'He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' All of the King's siblings, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh were told personally by Charles, royal aides said. The recent diagnosis means the King is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. The palace said the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties. Other working members of the royal family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible. When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health' Defence Secretary Grant Shapps wished Charles the best for a full recovery and said: 'As a cancer survivor, I know how impactful his decision to hare his news will be' US President Joe Biden was left shocked by the announcement and said he will be contacting Charles While former US President Donald Trump also sent his well-wishes calling His Majesty a 'wonderful man' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes. He tweeted: 'I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer' It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact. KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes. He tweeted: 'I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. 'We're sending him our very best wishes - and hoping for a fast and full recovery.' Canada is one of the 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we'd all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight's news.' The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022. Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s. Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced yesterday, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign. That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary. Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school, Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage. William and Kate's team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings. Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now. The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back. The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate. The palace added that His Majesty's condition was 'benign' and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure. They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check. The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website. His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery. He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be 'doing well'. He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife. Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was 'doing fine' and looking forwards to getting back to work. The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best', adding: 'Thank goodness!' One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer. But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine. Following yesterday's news, former Prime Minister and Mail columnist Boris Johnson wrote on X: 'The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.' Liz Truss, Mr Sunak's short-lived predecessor as PM, said: 'Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King!' Vedant Patel, a spokesman for the US State Department, said it is 'incredibly sad news' and added: 'I'm very sorry for the King and his family'. He told a briefing of reporters that the Biden administration's thoughts are with the King and the Royal Family. Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a 'full and swift recovery' following his cancer diagnosis. The King waved to a large crowd of wellwishers when he left the London Clinic last Monday The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'I'm saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.' Northern Ireland's new republican First Minister Michelle O'Neill wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 'I am very sorry to hear of King Charles' illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,' she posted on X. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was praying for the King. 'I would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles all the the very best for his treatment,' she said. 'I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers.' Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said: 'This is bound to be a profoundly unsettling piece of news at a time when symbols of stability and dependability are so vital for our well-being. 'In addition to the deep shared concern for King Charles at a personal level, we may well reflect on the importance of such symbols in giving us a focus for our life together as a family of national communities in the UK, a life together that goes beyond partisan rhetoric and mutual suspicion.' Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. 'I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery.' Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: 'My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. 'His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. 'Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.' Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: 'One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 4, 2024 'Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.' Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, said: 'I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. 'On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King.' A statement from Macmillan Cancer Support said everyone at the charity was sending their best wishes. The statement on X said: 'Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family. We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time. The King has been a long-standing supporter of Macmillan, becoming patron of the charity in 1997. Fed-up residents of a community riddled with youth crime are considering moving out of the area after a great-grandmother was allegedly murdered at a busy supermarket. Vyleen White, 70, was allegedly stabbed to death by a teen carjacker in front of her six-year-old granddaughter in the underground carpark at Redbank Plains Town Square, in south-east Brisbane, at 6.10pm on Saturday. Mrs White, a retired religion teacher, was buying snacks for bible study later that evening. Five teen boys, three aged 16 and two aged 15, have been charged with various offences related to the incident. The tragedy has sparked public outrage as Queenslanders call for authorities to tackle youth crime rates which have terrorised the state for years. Locals Amanda Barrett and Chris Boyce said they wanted to leave the area, which has become a hotspot for illegal and antisocial behaviour. Fed-up residents of a community riddled with youth crime are considering moving out of the area after a great-grandmother was allegedly murdered at a busy supermarket. Amanda Barrett and Chris Boyce say they want to leave after a surge in illegal and antisocial behaviour Ms Barrett said she was at the supermarket just two hours before the alleged attack on Mrs White. 'It's just shocking,' she said. 'I've been crying this week [for Mrs White and her family]. I use that car park all the time. It could have easily been me. 'This area is particularly bad [for youth crime]. Our house was broken into a while back. Now, after this, we are ready to move.' Ms Barrett said most of the problems at the shopping centre happen in the underground car park where Mrs White was allegedly killed. She said there had been a rape in a bathroom in that car park, leaving women afraid to use the amenities. She said she would like to see authorities combat the issue by increasing patrols in the area. Asked what factors may be contributing to youth crime, Mr Boyce said he believed poor child-rearing practices had led to younger generations having no respect for rules. 'I think it starts in the home. There needs to be more discipline,' he said. 'They [younger generations] have no boundaries.' Chris Ebare, who runs a youth group through his Pentecostal church, Believers Love Ministries, believes youth crime issues stem from children coming from broken homes. 'They don't have someone to teach them values,' he said. 'We are here today [contributing to society] because someone taught us values.' Mr Ebare, who migrated to Australia several years ago to study, said he came from a broken home but was fortunate his grandmother taught him morals. He believes his path may have been very different otherwise and is calling for the government to consider funding religious programs to teach children values as a way of reducing crime rates. Chris Ebare, who runs a youth group through his Pentecostal church, Believers Love Ministries, believes youth crime issues stem from children coming from broken homes 'Churches can fill that gap. Because these kids don't have a family system to fall back on,' he said. Akwol Pajok, who is originally from South Sudan, has lived in the area for four years. She said she was shocked to hear about the alleged murder. 'It's not good. I hope they fix it [youth crime],' she said. 'I've never heard of anything like this happening. Sometimes I hear about things happening in the news [like petty youth crime], but I haven't been concerned. 'I just come here and shop and go home.' Ms Pajok said while the incident was alarming, she wouldn't be deterred from using the shopping centre. Akwol Pajok, who is originally from South Sudan, and has lived in the area for four years, said she was shocked to hear about the alleged murder However, Emma Warn said it appeared many locals were avoiding the area in the wake of the tragedy. 'This [area] is very quiet today,' she said. 'Normally you can't get a park.' While she has never personally been victimised, Ms Warn said she was aware of many thefts and home invasions around the area through posts in community social media groups. 'I've heard a lot of stories, you know, about people being in their car and people just breaking in just as they are loading their groceries,' she said. 'It's not even at night either; it could be during the day.' Ms Warn said it was 'horrendous' to learn of the alleged murder of Mrs White, adding the news had struck a chord with the community. 'She was a poor, innocent woman shopping with her granddaughter. It could have happened to anyone,' she said. Ms Warn said she would like to see authorities address the issue by bolstering security around the shopping centre. She said many local shops grapple with theft and increasing security guards around the vicinity may act as a deterrent. A memorial amassed outside the Aldi supermarket in honour of Mrs White grew overnight as devastated members of the community left flowers and candles. Emma Warn said it appeared many locals were avoiding the area in the wake of the tragedy Placing a bouquet of natives at the site, Melissa Halliday said two supermarkets within the precinct were completely out of flowers, but she was able to snap up one of the last bouquets after visiting a third store. Like the rest of the community, Ms Halliday was devastated to hear about the death of Mrs White. Having recently become a grandmother herself, the news hit close to home. 'This could have happened to any member of someone's family. Mrs White was a member of our [community] family,' she said. 'I honestly have no words. I'm in shock, but at the same time I'm not surprised because a lot of crime happens here.' Ms Halliday said crime in the area had made her extra vigilant while shopping. She said advocates against domestic violence and child abuse had been rallying the government to address crime issues in the state. She believes one of the issues affecting youth crime is how offenders are treated within the justice system and she hopes authorities will crack down by imposing tougher penalties for youth offenders. Melissa Halliday said crime in the area had made her extra vigilant while shopping Two officers remained stationed at the centre on Tuesday after Queensland Police vowed to ramp up patrols amid growing pressure for change. Three African community liaison officers were also on site, speaking to members of the public. Meanwhile, Mrs White has been remembered by her heartbroken family as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always had time for those around her and went out of her way to make those she loved feel special. A GoFundMe set up to help Mrs White's family has so far raised more than $19,000, and a Change.org petition calling for a crackdown on youth crime is rapidly gaining signatures. The mother-of-three was allegedly ambushed at her car as she pulled into the underground car park early on Saturday night. Her granddaughter allegedly witnessed the horror attack and screamed for help as the accused knifeman fled in her grandmother's blue 2009 Hyundai Getz. CCTV footage allegedly captured four teenagers of African appearance abandoning the vehicle nearby in a suburban street in Springfield Lakes. Vyleen White (pictured) was stabbed to death in the underground car park of Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre on Saturday A 15-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle after allegedly handing himself into police on Monday. Four other teenagers were arrested on Tuesday by heavily armed police, with footage posted online showing officers dressed in tactical gear swarming suburban homes. They include a 16-year-old from Bellbird Park charged with murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing; and two other 16-year-olds, one from Bellbird Park and another from Goodna, both charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Another 15-year-old was arrested in Redbank Plains and charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing tainted property. All five matters remain before the courts. A gang of thugs with catapults is being hunted after seven swans have been shot dead this year alone in Surrey and Hampshire. Four of the large birds have been attacked - two killed - since January 27 in Godstone and Old Wokingham, Surrey, and Odiham in Hampshire. Meanwhile, The Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton reported five savage swan killings in the first two weeks of 2024 in and around Surrey. Danni Rogers, a volunteer for the sanctuary, told MailOnline the 'cruel' and 'evil' attacks have left the swans in tremendous pain. 'We're devastated. It's not just us who have to deal with it day in and day out. It's devastating for the wildlife and for the communities,' he said. 'These animals are just innocent victims of pure evilness.' Horrific images shared by the sanctuary show one swan with a swollen, bloodied face after he lost his eye during one of the 'brutal' attacks. An injured swan is recovering after losing his eye when shot with a catapult in Godstone Volunteers understand the swan assaulted in Godstone was hit by objects fired from a catapult There have been seven reports of swans killed so far this year with two more badly injured Posting the photos on Facebook, the sanctuary captioned their post: 'I am beyond furious. Just in from Godstone rescued by Swans and Friends. 'This beautiful old gentleman has lost his eye and has a second wound in his head. How do we stop this epidemic of cruelty and brutality.' A petition to make the sale of catapults and ammunition and the carrying of the weapons illegal has so far received more than 6,000 signatures. The petition needs to receive 10,000 signatures in order to warrant a response from the government and 100,000 to be considered in parliament. READ MORE: Two 'evil' teenage thugs armed with catapults killed four swans and injured at least a dozen more in savage attack at rescue sanctuary Advertisement Mr Rogers was called to a fatal attack on a swan in Old Woking on 27 January - with the bird's injuries understood to have been caused by a BB gun. Mr Rogers was later called to an attack on two swans in Odiham on January 30, according to the BBC, where one bird was killed and another seriously injured. Witnesses are understood to have seen thugs firing catapults into bushes beside the water. Meanwhile, another bird was shot twice in the head with missiles from a catapult at Godstone on February 1, with the swan now recovering at the sanctuary. Reacting to the attacks on X/Twitter, one furious animal lover wrote : 'It's tragic to hear about such incidents. Safety measures around catapults need to be reviewed and reinforced to prevent further harm.' Another wrote: 'Why would anyone do this? They're beautiful. Even if they were not it shouldn't never happen!' A third added: 'Why are people so evil.' A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: 'We can confirm we received a report that a swan had been killed and another had been injured at the Basingstoke Canal in North Warnborough. 'It was reported to us at 1.44pm on Tuesday 30 January. 'Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the reference number 44240043386.' The Swan Sanctuary shared their fury at the attacks on Facebook as they care for a swan who lost his eye in a 'brutal' attack A petition to make the sale of catapults and ammunition and carrying the weapons illegal had so far received more than 6,000 signatures Two 'evil' teenage thugs armed with catapults killed four swans and injured at least a dozen in a savage attack at a rescue sanctuary, it was reported last year An RSPCA spokesperson said: 'Shocking catapult attacks against animals are very distressing and unspeakably cruel. It is totally unacceptable - and also illegal - to shoot animals for ''fun'' or as target practice. 'We think of ourselves as a nation of animal lovers, and we know most people will be shocked to think wildlife could be targeted in this way. But, sadly, the RSPCA's experience shows that there are also people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with not just catapults - but guns and even crossbows. These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering. 'All wild birds, including swans, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take them except under licence. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.' It comes after two 'evil' teenage thugs armed with catapults killed four swans and injured at least a dozen more in a savage attack at a rescue sanctuary, it was reported in March last year. The pair broke into the Swan Support sanctuary in Datchet, Berkshire last summer and 'tortured' the animals by firing catapults during a sickening 20-minute attack. One boy, 13, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals at Maidenhead youth court last Tuesday, The Sun reported. He received a six-month referral order to a youth offending team. All unmarked mute swans found in open water in England are regarded as belonging to the King. The birds are protected by the monarch's swan guard. The 'utterly evil' attack was caught on CCTV. Wendy Hermon, who runs the sanctuary, said the footage left her 'physically sick'. She said the two catapult-wielding teens would pick up stones and fire them into the already injured swans as the birds 'cowered at the back of their compound.' News presenters last night put on a brave face as they told the nation His Majesty the King had been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping back from public-facing duties while undergoing treatment. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King's health update in an official statement which was read out across the channels including on BBC, Sky, and ITV. The BBC said the news had come as a 'huge shock,' with their royal correspondent saying it had come 'so early on in his reign'. Charles' statement said he remained 'wholly positive about his treatment' as reports revealed Queen Camilla is expected to carry on with full public duties in the meantime. Here is how the news was reported by different broadcasters. Presenter Jane Hill read out the Palace's official statement before introducing their royal correspondent Daniella Relph Krishnan Guru-Murthy told Channel 4 viewers: 'Good evening from Buckingham Palace, where we have received the news in the last hour that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer' 'Buckingham Palace has released a statement about the health of the King,' Sky viewers were told by presenter Mark Austin His Majesty has commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties The BBC told viewers of the News at Six they'd received 'breaking news from Buckingham Palace which has announced that the King has been diagnosed with cancer.' Presenter Jane Hill read out the Palace's official statement before introducing their royal correspondent Daniella Relph and saying while the news was announced with a note of optimism, it was nonetheless a 'huge shock'. Ms Relph agreed 'yes on a personal level clearly for the King, for the Queen and for the wider royal family, this will be a shock, coming so early on, just 17 months into his reign he is now facing such a serious health challenge.' She said it was 'clearly a difficult period of time now for the King and the wider royal family.' The correspondent also said the King would be carrying on with his audience with the Prime Minister, but that Camilla and Prince William would take on some of his duties. 'This has been a difficult month for the royal family, there's no getting away from that,' Ms Relph said. Krishnan Guru-Murthy told Channel 4 viewers: 'Good evening from Buckingham Palace, where we have received the news in the last hour that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping back from public facing duties during his treatment.' The presenter then read out the official statement from the Palace, before highlighting that it had not been specified what sort of cancer the King is being treated for. 'The King, who returned from London to Sandringham today to start his treatment, is reported to be looking forward to returning to public duty as soon as possible. 'When he was Prince of Wales, the King was a patron of a number of cancer-related charities,' Mr Guru-Murthy said. The presenter revealed the Queen was expected to carry on with full public duties, and that the Duke of Sussex would be coming to the UK to see his father. ITV News' segment on the King's diagnosis, which was announced yesterday Read more: Prince Harry puts aside royal rift and flies to visit King Charles Advertisement Sky News also began their report yesterday evening with the breaking news. 'Buckingham Palace has released a statement about the health of the King,' viewers were told by presenter Mark Austin, before the statement in full was read out and a new photograph of the King released by the Palace was shown. Over on ITV News, the programme opened with: 'Good evening, we come on air tonight with some important news about the health of the King. 'Buckingham Palace has just announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.' Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The King also apologised for having to postpone his upcoming engagements. A spokesman added: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' The Ukrainian-born winner of Miss Japan has given up her crown two weeks after controversially winning the title after it was revealed she was having an affair with a married influencer known as 'Muscle Doctor'. Karolina Shiino, 26, won the title two weeks ago, but it led to a debate due to her heritage. Born in 1998, she moved to Japan at the age of five - where she was raised in Nagoya - after her Ukrainian mother remarried to a Japanese man. Her win meant that she was the first naturalised Japanese citizen to take home the Miss Japan gong, a fact that divided commentators in the country. An article in local magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Ms Shiino had an affair with a married doctor and influencer. Takuma Maeda, an influencer known as 'Muscle Doctor', acknowledged on Instagram that he had no intention of divorcing his wife and apologised for causing trouble to Ms Shiino and others. He pledged to sincerely devote himself to his work and private life. Carolina Shiino, 26, had walked away with the pageant's top prize in Tokyo, telling reporters afterwards in Japanese: 'It was like a dream.' Born in Ukraine in 1998, Ms Shiino moved to Japan at the age of five - where she was raised in Nagoya - after her Ukrainian mother remarried to a Japanese man An article in a local magazine reported that Ms Shiino had an affair with a married doctor and influencer, although he has not provided any public comment. In an initial response to the report last week, the pageant organisers said Ms Shiino had not known that he was married Takuma Maeda, an influencer known as 'Muscle Doctor', acknowledged on Instagram that he had no intention of divorcing his wife and apologised for causing trouble to Ms Shiino and others In the letter released on the platform, Takuma Maeda pledged to sincerely devote himself to his work and private life In an initial response to the report last week, the pageant organisers said Ms Shiino had not known that he was married. But on Monday, they admitted she had confessed to being aware of the man's marriage and family. Ms Shiino had said she was sorry for being misleading, and organisers had accepted her giving up the title, the Miss Japan Association said. Ms Shiino apologised to fans and the public in a statement on Monday, noting that her response was due to fear and panic about the report. She said: 'I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me.' Ms Shiino also apologised to the man's partner and his family, as well as other parties involved. The Miss Japan title will not be taken up for the rest of the year. On Monday organisers admitted she had confessed to being aware of the man's marriage and family. Ms Shiino had said she was sorry for being misleading and organisers had accepted her giving up the title, the Miss Japan Association said. Ms Shiino apologised to fans and the public in a statement on Monday Ms Shiino had said she was sorry for being misleading, and organisers had accepted her giving up the title, the Miss Japan Association said The moment Ms Shiino was announced as the winner of the Miss Japan pageant Some people acknowledged Ms Shiino's win as being a 'sign of the times,' while others said she does not look like what a typical 'Miss Japan' should Ms Shiino's at the award's 56th iteration sparked fierce debate in Japan over what it means to be Japanese, on account of her being born in Ukraine. Some acknowledged her win as being a 'sign of the times,' while others said she does not look like what a typical 'Miss Japan' should. Her win came after a similar debate was sparked in 2015 when Ariana Miyamoto became the first woman of mixed race to be crowned Miss Japan. With a Japanese mother and African American father, Miyamoto's victory also led to discussions over whether a person of mixed race should be eligible. Taking to social media after Ms Shiino's win, one person wrote on X that the competition was 'discriminating against Japanese faces'. Another said in a post: 'This person who was chosen as Miss Japan is not even a mix with Japanese but 100% pure Ukrainian. Understand she is beautiful, but this is "Miss Japan". Where is the Japaneseness?' according to the BBC. The scandal also raised some questions about why she was the only one blamed for the affair while the man who she was involved with had not made a single public comment until last week's social media post. In Japan's male-dominated culture, women are still expected to be good mothers and wives, and are publicly chastised more than the men in cases of extra-marital affairs. Ms Shiino was born to Ukrainian parents but moved to Japan in the early 2000s when she was just five after her mother re-married a Japanese man Speaking after her win, she said she has 'struggled being accepted as Japanese' On her motivation to enter the contest, she said: 'I have lived in Japan since I was five and realized I was speaking Japanese and living as a Japanese' Speaking to reporters after being announced the winner of the competition, Ms Shiino said she has faced difficulties 'being accepted as Japanese'. 'The moment they called my name, I couldn't stop crying,' she said in Japanese. 'I've had to face barriers that often prevent me from being accepted as Japanese, so I am filled with gratitude to be recognised at this competition as a Japanese person.' She added: 'My goal became to create a society where people are not judged by their appearance, leading me to enter the contest.' On her motivation to enter the contest, she said: 'I have lived in Japan since I was five and realized I was speaking Japanese and living as a Japanese. 'But it was the first time I noticed my appearance was different due to comments from those around me.' Standing at 172cm (5ft 6in), Ms Shiino was one of the taller contestants, and at 26 years old, was also the oldest Ms Shiino's win comes after a similar debate was sparked in 2015 when Ariana Miyamoto (pictured) became the first mixed race woman to be crowned Miss Japan With a Japanese mother and African American father, Ms Miyamoto's victory also sparked a debate over whether a person of mixed race should be eligible As her name was announced, she immediately acknowledged her mother, who brought her to Japan two decades ago. Asked who she wanted to share her joy with, she said: 'My family, especially my mother. I want to tell her first, "Mom, I won the Grand Prix!"' Standing at 172cm (5ft 6in), Ms Shiino was one of the taller contestants, and at 26 years old, was also the oldest. Her motto is: 'A high mountain is not noble because of its height.' Ai Wada, the organiser of the Miss Japan Gran Prix pageant, said the event 'gave us an opportunity to rethink what Japanese beauty is'. Short-haired 20-year-old Eve Gilles found herself at the centre of a woke row about her pixie hair following her Miss France victory in December 'Following today's result, there is one thing I am convinced of Japanese beauty exists not in the appearance, not in the blood, but it exists firmly in our heart.' The furore over Ms Shiino's win also came after a similar row broke out over the winner of Miss France at the end of last year. Short-haired 20-year-old Eve Gilles found herself at the centre of a woke row about her pixie hair following her victory in December. Critics said the kind of long hair favoured by previous winners and Gallic female icons such as Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve would have been far more appropriate than a short pixie bob worn by Ms Gilles. But Ms Gilles hit back, saying: 'We're used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair.' She said it was a win for 'diversity', and that 'no one should dictate who you are'. As the debate about acceptable feminine looks raged, Eve said she was used to being 'body shamed', and even faced exclusion from Miss France for being too small. The ABC has been forced to scrap a drag queen story time session for children as young as three after the event sparked a 'hateful' response. The national broadcaster planned to hold a four-hour event at Rockdale Library in Sydney's south on February 22 in the lead up the city's annual Mardi Gras celebrations. The event, which would have involved drag performers reading books to children sparked outrage from locals and groups who questioned whether the session was appropriate. Others claimed the event - which was to be part of the lead up to Mardi Gras in March, was a form of 'gender indoctrination'. The ABC is now considering options to host the event in a safe way in the wake of the 'hateful and offensive response'. The ABC has been forced to scrap a Drag Queen Story event after the broadcaster faced backlash over attempts to host the event at a public library for children,. Pictured are protesters outside a previous event) READ MORE: Wild scenes at prestigious private school as parents with placards protest a major decision on its future Parents and old scholars hold placards during a protest against Newington College's decision to transition to co-ed Advertisement ABC presenter Mon Shafter, who is the head of content for the ABCQueer channel, uploaded a post to the Rainbow Families Community Facebook page recently to promote the upcoming event. 'The ABC is filming a drag story time event for the 2024 Mardi Gras broadcast and is looking for children between the ages of 3-5 years to take part,' she wrote. 'If you and your tiny humans are interested in taking part, please email.' The post sparked a massive backlash on Facebook and from local community. Several members from Christian groups, feminist organisations and even politicians such as Liberal senator Alex Antic also raised questions about the event, prompting the ABC to scrap the event. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any wrongdoing by Ms Shafter. Bayside Council Mayor Bill Saravinovski had no idea ABC had booked to host the event at the library until he was made aware of social media posts promoting the event. 'We had no involvement,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'I found out when the ABC rang sometime this morning, it was their decision.' ABC presenter Mon Shafter (pictured) uploaded a post on a community Facebook page promoting the event which drew fierce backlash from uses and members of organisations Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Saravinovski for further comment. Women's Rights Network Australia co-founder Kit Kowalski told the newspaper that many women had expressed their concerns about the event to the ABC. 'The ABC is going [beyond] it's remit to reflect the national character by actively organising controversial events where males dressed in a sexualised caricature of women read books to children,' Ms Kowalsji said. The ABC confirmed the event would no longer be held at the library as the broadcaster condemned the vile comments. 'The ABC condemns the hateful and offensive response we have received from some individuals in response to the callout for this event,' a spokesperson said. 'The ABC invited families from within the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in a Drag Queen Story Time event which would be filmed as part of our Mardi Gras coverage.' 'These events are designed for families and are regularly held in public spaces.' A spokesperson from the ABC said in a statement the event would no longer be held at the library and condemned the 'hateful' comments from individuals who spoke out in opposition to the event The latest incident comes after a similar event attracted protests from groups who gathered outside Manly Library on Sydney's Northern Beaches during a similar event last year. Police officers were at the library to allow children and parents to pass through the crowd as rival groups gathered outside the venue. Tensions boiled over with members from both sides of the camp confronting each other. A British-owned cargo vessel was attacked in the Red Sea yesterday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, in what was believed to be a Houthi rebel drone strike. The attack on the Barbados-flagged ship happened west of Hodeida in Yemen just after midnight on Tuesday, when the captain reported 'a small craft' had pulled up on his Port side. Moments later, there was an explosion on the bridge which damaged the windows. But no crew were injured in the attack and the vessel was deemed safe to continue its journey. Hours later, Houthi rebel military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed in a statement that his forces attacked two separate vessels, one American and one British, in the Red Sea. It comes after British and American warships and jets launched a third round of strikes on rebel-held targets in Yemen. Houthi fighters participate in a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on February 4, 2024 People demonstrate in a weekly rally with placards showing the Houthi slogan, titled 'We Are With Gaza Until Victory,' amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Sanaa, Yemen A Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) is launched from the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gravely against what the military describe as Houthi military targets in Yemen An RAF Typhoon aircraft takes off to conduct further strikes against Houthi targets An RAF Typhoon aircraft takes off to conduct further strikes against Houthi targets Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe. In recent weeks, the US and the United Kingdom, backed by other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites for its attacks. The allied forces struck 36 Houthi targets in around a dozen different locations in Yemen on Saturday. The targets were struck by F/A-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, by British Typhoon FGR4 fighter aircraft and by the Navy destroyers USS Gravely and the USS Carney firing Tomahawk missiles from the Red Sea, according to US officials and the UK MoD. Meanwhile, an air assault on Friday in Iraq and Syria targeted other Tehran-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan. The US military's Central Command separately acknowledged an attack Monday on the Houthis, in which they attacked what they described as two Houthi drone boats loaded with explosives. American forces 'determined they presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region,' the military said. 'These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy vessels and merchant vessels.' Defence Secretary Grant Shapps on Monday told the Commons the UK will, if necessary, not hesitate to respond again 'in self-defence' to Houthis in Yemen. Mr Shapps said the attacks were in line with international law and in self-defence, and had targeted 'three military facilities' which he said were identified following 'very careful analysis'. The strikes came after American military crews destroyed a Houthi cruise missile on Saturday A Houthi trooper takes part in a military exercise at a remote area on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen on Saturday An RAF Typhoon FRG4s being prepared to conduct further strikes against Houthi targets Earlier this week, British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron wrote on X: 'The UK and the US have carried out further strikes on Houthi military targets. We have issued repeated warnings to the Houthis. 'Their reckless actions are putting innocent lives at risk, threatening the freedom of navigation and destabilising the region. The Houthi attacks must stop.' He had earlier written in The Sunday Times: 'I have met with the Iranian foreign minister and had a very robust conversation where I said that these proxies are your proxies, you cannot disclaim your responsibility for them. 'Of course you can claim they have a certain amount of independence but you created them, you backed them, you financed them, you provided them with weapons, and you will ultimately be held accountable for what they do.' He defended the UK resisting proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organisation, insisting the move was not required by police or other security authorities to sanction and prosecute the military might of the Tehran regime. Lord Cameron said it was better to be able to 'deliver a very direct message to the Iranians' in person rather than rely on allies to issue rebukes. But Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Saree said on X that 'these attacks will not deter us from our... stance in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,' where the Israel-Hamas war has raged since early October. The latest strikes 'will not pass without response and punishment', Saree said. King Charles will carry on with his Royal duties while being treated for cancer by reviewing paperwork, signing documents and holding private meetings - but some may take place via Zoom calls. Charles, 75, received a shock cancer diagnosis just 17 months into his reign as King while undergoing his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement. The monarch apologised for the decision to postpone his forthcoming public duties but will continue with his constitutional roles in private. Royal biographer Robert Hardman told Radio 4 the King's roles will reflect those of the royal family during Covid, which saw more meetings take place via FaceTime and Zoom calls. He said: 'Of course we can't see the King out and about. I think his doctors, his family don't want him going into rooms full of hundreds of people [with] germs that may or may not be there. 'They'll want to keep things very much hermetically sealed in a sense but that doesn't stop you doing things.' Mr Hardman said meetings will be increasingly 'Zoomed' in order for the King to continue with 'business as usual' from the comfort of his private spaces. King Charles will carry on with his Royal duties while being treated for cancer by reviewing paperwork, signing documents and holding private meetings King Charles III smiles at his desk at Balmoral Castle during his Coronation year Royal biographer Robert Hardman (pictured) told Radio 4 the King's constitutional roles will likely be on Zoom instead of seeing the King in rooms full of people 'At the moment we're seeing a fairly upbeat approach I think, it's a case of business as usual as much as it can be business as usual,' he said. Mr Hardman explained there will be moments when King Charles' absence will be noted - possibly on Commonwealth Day in March - but the 'day to day running of monarchy will not really change'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was 'shocked and sad' by the King's cancer diagnosis but will maintain 'regular contact' with Charles. 'Thankfully this has been caught early and now we're wishing that he [...] gets the treatment that he needs and makes a fully recovery and that's what we're all hoping and praying for,' the Prime Minister said. 'I'm of course in regular contact with him and we'll continue to communicate with him as normal.' Charles' 'behind the scenes' work is set to continue, meaning he will keep up with paperwork, signing documents and private meetings with Mr Sunak. If unable to complete his constitutional roles a mechanism will come into play, meaning other senior members of the royal family will act on the King's behalf. These people include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Edward and Princess Anne - excluding Prince Harry and Prince Andrew who are not working members of the royal family. However, some have hoped the King's diagnosis will ignite a reconciliation between Charles and his youngest son Prince Harry, who flew to London to visit his father from his California home. Mr Hardman said: 'In times of crises families do come together, and I think everyone will be happy to see that. 'I think there is a sort of sense of business as usual going on and that's very much a message that the palace is trying to put out, but if along the way we can see some bridges being built, then that's got to be a good thing.' Mr Hardman said meetings will be increasingly 'Zoomed' in order for the King to continue with 'business as usual' The King (pictured at the Commonwealth Day Service in 2023) could miss out on a number of upcoming royal engagements after being advised to postpone his public-facing duties following his cancer diagnosis Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Hardman noted the differences between the King and the late Queen Elizabeth, saying: 'I think it was always going to be his approach to the job. If you think back to 1952 we didn't hear the Queen say anything for 10 and a half months. 'With Charles, he had gone running around the country talking to people. He is comfortable with a greater degree of transparency. 'He ploughs into crowds - he is of his generation. He is more comfortable with talking about this than the generations before him.' Former Royal's Communications Secretary Julian Payne said the King will likely be 'deeply frustrated' by the limitations forced upon him by his diagnosis. 'I think from a personal perspective, he will be deeply frustrated. His work schedule is punishing and he really enjoys being out and meeting people and having the chance to speak up on causes that he cares about on representing the nation,' he said. 'He will find that difficult. The reality of course is the machinery of state continues, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the PM will happen and the Privy Counsellors. 'That side of things will continue but he will be itching to get back to things as quickly as he can.' He added: 'He'll be absolutely chomping at the bit to get back out as quickly as he can.' Roya Nikkhah for The Times said: 'He won't want to step back. If he can continue with his duties... he's not going to want to step back if he doesn't have to. 'It'll be about other members of the RF picking up the slack while he can't be on public duties. The Queen is 76, she is very energetic 76 but 76 nonetheless.' She added: 'We know the King will be frustrated but he will know he has members of the family who he trusts to the roles if needs be.' Royal biographer Matthew Dennison told BBC One the immediate future of the monarchy will likely resemble that of the last few months of the late Queen's reign. 'The queen maintained all the functions associated with her role as head of state - the prime ministerial encounters, where possible privy council meetings but she didn't do so many public engagements which are the head of the nation side of being the sovereign,' he said. 'What we are going to see is something remarkably similar that the King will continue as head of state but some of the head of the nation duties he won't be doing that in the short term. 'Members of his immediate family who stepped up when the late queen scaled back her public engagements will do the same in this case I think. I suppose the challenge for the royal family is fitting in engagements to what are often very busy diaries that have been planned long in advance.' Dame Julia Cleverdon said King Charles's 'determination' will ensure his reign continues throughout the cancer treatment. Charles (pictured with Queen Camilla on Easter Sunday in 2023), 75, will 'continue to 'undertake State business and official paperwork as usual' as well as having weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, a Buckingham Palace statement read But the monarch (pictured with Queen Camilla in 2023 at the Royal Maundy Service) has apologised after the decision was taken to postpone his forthcoming public duties after his cancer diagnosis She told Radio 4: 'I am absolutely sure that this reign will continue and that the determination of the King, who is a very determined man, knows a lot about cancer. 'I always remember when organising programmes within the last engagement of the day was always the visit to hospitals because he didn't want any time taken - if he was going to use longer time it would be his time. 'He will be really really a) knowledgeable b) determined and c) absolutely clear that the show will go on.' The monarch apologised after the decision was taken to postpone his forthcoming public duties after his cancer diagnosis. It means the King is unlikely to be at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, which is usually attended by senior members of the royal family. The annual Maundy Thursday Service and Easter engagements, including the Sunday service with other royal relatives, could also be out of the question for the monarch. The King and Queen were expected to visit Canada in May, and Australia, New Zealand and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm whether the tours will go ahead, with no date suggested for the King's return to full public duties. His cancer diagnosis raises the prospect of the high-profile overseas visits - his first to the countries as King - being postponed. No forthcoming state visits have officially been confirmed by the Palace. The palace said the King 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible', but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. A palace spokesman said: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. The palace said the Queen will continue with a full programme of public duties. Other working members of the royal family could undertake additional duties on behalf of the King but it is understood planning for future state visits will continue where possible. The Prince of Wales could take on some of the King's work as he is expected to return to public duties on Wednesday after the Princess of Wales' major abdominal surgery last month. It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact. The King has already started a schedule of regular treatments and is said to be receiving expert medical care from a specialist team, but has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties. The Palace declined to confirm the type of cancer. Charles will carry on working behind the scenes on his red boxes - his state business and official papers, and returned from Sandringham to London on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient. He remains at home, most likely in Clarence House, his favoured residence in the capital. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. 'Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' It is understood there are no current plans to appoint Counsellors of State - members of the royal family who step in when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties. When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side The King has rearranged or postponed any forthcoming public engagements, but it is understood to be too early to say when Charles will return to full public duties, although he is said to be looking forward to doing so as soon as possible. A Palace spokesman added: 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' The Palace has called for the King's privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said the monarch wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. The spokesman said: 'No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.' He added: 'The King has elected to make his diagnosis public once the schedule of treatment had begun, noting that as Prince of Wales he was patron of a number of cancer-related charities. 'In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them.' Charles, 75, was discharged from the London Clinic a week ago after undergoing treatment on an enlarged prostate. The shock news is the latest health scare to hit the royal family at the start of 2024, coming after the King's hospital stay, Kate's major abdominal surgery and Sarah, Duchess of York's diagnosis of skin cancer. Buckingham Palace announced on January 16 that the King was to have treatment for an enlarged prostate, but that the condition was benign. The Palace announced the King's cancer diagnosis at 6pm on Monday. Charles, who acceded to the throne just 17 months ago, was last seen on Sunday when he attended church in Sandringham, but looked cheery as he walked along and waved at well-wishers. Rishi Sunak desperately dodged today over whether he will honour a 'groteque' 1,000 wager with Piers Morgan that Rwanda flights will get up and running before the election. The PM insisted he was 'not a betting person' and had been 'taken by surprise' when he shook hands with the TalkTV host during an interview yesterday. However, asked about the exchange as he appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, Mr Sunak stopped short of confirming he will pull out of the commitment entirely. Downing Street also faced a grilling over resurfaced comments by Mr Sunak on Test Match Special last year, when he joked about developing a 'dangerous' spread betting habit during the 2005 Ashes series. The PM's spokesman said that had been 'many years ago' and clarified that he was 'in general not a betting person'. In the TalkTV interview aired yesterday, Morgan goaded Mr Sunak that his Rwanda plan is 'not going to work' Challenging him to a 1,000 bet, with the money going to a refugee charity, Morgan put out his hand - which the PM shook, without verbally confirming that he was taking the bet. Rishi Sunak has bet Piers Morgan 1,000 he will get refugees on planes to Rwanda before the general election Piers Morgan said the lose of the bet should pay 1,000 to a refugee charity Mr Sunak being interviewed by the BBC's Rachel Burden in Downing Street this morning Opposition MPs have been piling in on the PM over the bet with Morgan Mr Sunak told the BBC today: 'Being totally honest, I'm not a betting person, and I was taken by surprise in the middle of that interview. 'The point I was trying to get across... was actually about the Rwanda policy and about tackling illegal migration. 'I just was underlying my absolute commitment to this policy and my desire to get it through Parliament, up and running, because I believe you've got to have a deterrent.' However, in his interview on BBC Radio's Test Match Special last summer Mr Sunak told an anecdote about how he enjoyed spread betting in 2005. He said he had been doing a masters in the US, and was back in the UK for the summer doing an internship as a banker when the 'quite dangerous' pastime emerged. 'I think it was around that time that spread betting had become a thing online,' he said. 'I had certainly never done it before. I was sitting there working on one side doing my investing finance job, and on the other screen it is quite helpful in those jobs you have multiple screens I was doing next wicket partnership, next wicket fall, innings total. 'I just discovered this thing and it was great, so I had the summer doing that as well.' The PM's spokesman said today: 'In the interview last year he was obviously referring to when he was younger and he's obviously talked more generally about his love of cricket. 'But in relation to the interview that aired yesterday, the PM is very focused and confident on getting flights off the ground and that's why we're introducing the legislation that we are.' Downing Street also faced a grilling over resurfaced comments by Mr Sunak on Test Match Special last year, when he joked about developing a 'dangerous' spread betting habit during the 2005 Ashes series Asked whether Mr Sunak is a reformed former gambler, the spokesman added: 'He's not a betting man in general but he's totally focused and confident on getting flights off the ground.' No10 refused to say if Mr Sunak considered his handshake with Piers Morgan 'binding', with the PM's spokesman saying the premier was 'slightly surprised by what happened in the interview'. The PM's spokesman repeatedly declined to say if Mr Sunak would stump up 1,000 if flights to Rwanda do not get off the ground before the general election. Pressed on whether Mr Sunak regretted taking the bet with Morgan, the spokesman replied: 'He was surprised by it but his conversation he had with Piers Morgan reflects his absolute confidence in getting flights off the ground. 'Does he regret having that confidence? No. It's a really important issue that we shouldn't get distracted from. That's why he's so focused on introducing the legislation and the various measures we have done to stop these people-smuggling gangs and stop the boats.' Challenged again on whether Mr Sunak regretted the bet itself, the spokesman added: 'He said in his interviews this morning, when addressing this, he was surprised by what happened in the interview. 'But it reflected his full confidence he can get flights off the ground.' Mr Sunak said he had been 'taken by surprise' by Morgan's challenge to a wager Mr Sunak was unwavering during the heated exchange insisting he is 'working incredibly hard to get the people on the planes' The Safety of Rwanda Bill is due back in the House of Lords next week, having passed second reading stage last month despite an attempt to kill it off. Mr Sunak was unwavering during the heated exchange on TalkTV insisting he is 'working incredibly hard to get the people on the planes'. Morgan demanded to know 'why is this the hill you want to die on?'. 'I've never understood this Rwanda thing, it seems to me to be a completely cack-handed policy,' he said. 'I'll bet you 1,000 to a refugee charity, you don't get anybody on those planes before the election. Will you take that bet?' Mr Sunak firmly defended the law, stressing it is just one part of the government's strategy. 'Albania is an example of why it's working. We created a new returns agreement with Albania, it meant that if people came here illegally, we could send them back. And you know what? They stopped coming. Rwanda will do the same thing for us.' Labour said the bet showed Mr Sunak is 'totally out of touch with working people'. The SNP has demanded a probe into whether the PM broke the ministerial code over the 'grotesque' wager. King Charles has a longstanding history of supporting cancer patients and charities - who are now rallying around him following his own shock diagnosis. Charles has met hundreds of people suffering from the disease, which he once described as 'beastly' in a letter to someone who had just been diagnosed. The 75-year-old has been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 20 years, and during that time has visited its centres in Glasgow, Glamorgan and Camden in north London. He is also the patron of two breast cancer charities. The monarch's dedication to advocating for cancer patients is matched by his wife, Queen Camilla, who last Monday attended the official launch of Maggie's cancer support centre at London's Royal Free Hospital. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former communications secretary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and today described the warm support he offered her. Charles meets Robert Mawhinney on a tour of the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry during a visit to Northern Ireland on May 9, 2017 Charles, while Prince of Wales, chats with Maggie Sinclair at the Sydney Cancer Centre in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital March 4, 2005 Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former communications secretary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and today described the support he offered her 'When the King found out he immediately was very concerned that I had the best advice and asked if there was anything he could do. She told Good Morning Britain 'I think he realised I had the same indefatigable spirit and working as hard as I did was keeping me positive.' Ms Kyriacou predicted Charles would 'want to continue working to some extent'. 'His first journey will be a journey of discovery I tell people you will end up enlightened rather than frightened if youre fortunate enough to beat it and recover,' she said. 'Hes empathetic and sensitive. When hes ready to tell his story, if hes ready to tell his story, he will find the right way to do it.' The cancer charities that Charles has supported over the decades were among those to sent their best wishes to him today. Macmillan said: 'Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family. LIVE READ MORE - Follow MailOnline's King Charles III liveblog for all the latest updates Advertisement 'We are sending our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time.' Maggie's cancer support chief executive Dame Laura Lee said of the announcement: 'We are incredibly sorry to hear the King's news and our thoughts are with him. 'We also know how challenging and worrying a time a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family and our thoughts are very much with our president, Her Majesty the Queen.' Professor Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said the outpouring of well wishes 'reflects the collective concern we all share'. She added: 'The King's openness about his battle with cancer is a powerful reminder that one in two of us may face cancer at some point in our lives.' Judi Rhys, chief executive of Tenovus Cancer Care, of which the Princess Royal is patron, said: 'We are saddened to hear of the King's cancer diagnosis and wish him all the best with his treatment and recovery. 'Our thoughts are with the whole of the royal family including our patron HRH the Princess Royal.' The type of cancer Charles has been diagnosed with is not yet known. Rishi Sunak said the diagnosis was 'early' and the monarch said he hopes to soon return to full public duties. NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: 'Finding out you have cancer can be very daunting - we hope King Charles's treatment goes well. 'As ever, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, please do come forward for checks.' Nurse Karla Graham smiles as Charles writes his autograph on her hospital gown at the liver cancer ward at University Hospital in Liverpool in 2002 Cancer charities are now rallying around the monarch following his shock diagnosis. He is seen by the beside of patient Stephen White as he receives a liver scan at University Hospital in Liverpool Charles at the oncology department of Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith Delia Smith, 86, shakes hands with Charles at the Sydney Cancer Centre on March 4, 2005 Chiara De Biase, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, said: 'We are saddened to hear of the King's cancer diagnosis and wish him well as he starts his treatment. 'Whilst we're aware that the King has not been diagnosed with prostate cancer, more detail about his condition has not been disclosed and we respect Buckingham Palace's request for people not to speculate. 'The King's openness and honesty in announcing his treatment for an enlarged prostate raised vital awareness about the condition. 'We saw a 500% increase in people coming to our website for information and support in the week following the news, and an impact in men looking to learn more about their prostate and prostate cancer, with an increase in men taking our 30-second online risk checker. 'It's important to remember that an enlarged prostate is very common in men over 50. 'It isn't caused by cancer and it doesn't increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.' Cancer Research UK said: 'We're sorry to hear the news that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. 'We're sending our thoughts and well wishes to the King and the royal family at this difficult time.' The Royal Household is currently conducting a review of royal patronages across dozens of charities and organisations. The monarch's dedication to advocating for cancer patients is matched by his wife, Queen Camilla, who last Monday attended the official launch of Maggie's cancer support centre at London's Royal Free Hospital (where she is seen with Viscountess Marcia Blakenham (right) Camilla (centre) meets volunteers and visitors during her visit to London's Royal Free Hospital to officially open Maggie's Royal Free This is the horrifying moment a British backpacker almost bleeds to death after he was attacked and stabbed in the neck in a Thai bar after allegedly telling another tourist to leave his female friend alone. Footage shows Hugo Mooney, from Bristol, lying bloodied on the floor of the Bamboo Bar on the 'Full Moon Party' island of Koh Pha Ngan as onlookers desperately try to stop the bleeding. Mr Mooney said he was drinking beer with his six friends at around 11.30pm on January 28 when he was attacked, allegedly by Israeli national Eliran Alias. He claims Alias was harassing his female friend as she was walking to the toilet and when he tried to intervene, the Israeli tourist attacked him with a smashed beer bottle and plunged the sharp end into his neck. This reportedly sent sending blood spurting across the room in front of horrified tourists. *** WARNING GRAPHIC VIDEO BELOW *** Mr Mooney (pictured before the attack) said he was drinking beer with his six friends at around 11.30pm on January 28 when he was attacked He claims Alias was harassing his female friend as she was walking to the toilet and when he tried to intervene, the Israeli tourist attacked him with a smashed beer bottle and plunged the sharp end into his neck (wounds pictured now) By chance, a Canadian doctor who was on holiday happened to be in the bar and he performed life-saving first aid - saving Mr Mooney from almost certain death. He survived the attack and was rushed to the First Western Hospital more than an hour later. He was then transferred to Koh Phangan Hospital (pictured) By chance, a Canadian doctor who was on holiday happened to be in the bar and he performed life-saving first aid - saving Mr Mooney from almost certain death. He survived the attack and was rushed to the First Western Hospital more than an hour later. He was later transferred to the Koh Phangan Hospital and has since mostly recovered. Mr Mooney said about the moments before the attack: 'I saw a man acting very strange with girls throughout the night, trying to grab their hands as they walked by and whispering in their ears. 'My friend mentioned that he had been behaving similarly with her all night, and around 11pm, I saw him try to whisper and grab her,' Mr Mooney said. He added that he walked up to the man and told him to 'leave her alone'. When he turned around to walk away, Alias allegedly ran towards him with the broken bottle, cutting Mr Mooney's neck. 'At first, I thought he punched me or hit me in the head until my friend screamed saying I was bleeding from my neck,' the Briton said. 'I thought it was a joke or someone was pranking me because there was so much blood.' Police later arrested the suspect - another young holidaymaker partying on the notorious island - before he was released on bail a couple of days later. Mr Mooney claims that when he arrived at the police station to give his statement the day after the attack, he was placed in a room with his alleged attacker as the police tried to get him to 'make a deal' with Alias. Mr Mooney also suffered injuries to his face and ear in the alleged beer bottle attack Mr Mooney (pictured) said about the moments before the attack: 'I saw a man acting very strange with girls throughout the night, trying to grab their hands as they walked by and whispering in their ears' Mr Mooney also suffered a cut on his arm (pictured above) which had to be stitched up in hospital He also claims someone close to Alias offered 100,000 for Mr Mooney to drop the assault case. 'The wounds are starting to heal. I'm just a bit angry and upset now. A little bit scared as well,' Mr Mooney added, saying he felt let down by the police after Alias was released on bail. He said he believes the suspect may have 'paid the police' for the case to go away, but the investigating officer, Police Lieutenant Patcharapol Wanghin from the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station, said: 'The investigation into the attack is continuing. 'It will progress according to the law. We need both sides of the case for it to be fair to everyone. There is no corruption.' Princess Beatrice has been seen for the first time as she put on a brave face arriving at Clarence House on Tuesday morning hours after it was revealed her uncle King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were previously seen leaving the entrance, which also leads to their St James' Palace residence, in central London following the shock announcement from Buckingham Palace. It was announced on Monday evening that while in hospital for an operation on his prostate, medics spotted a second issue 'of concern' for the monarch, which has since been confirmed to be cancerous. It is the second blow for Princess Beatrice after her mother, Sarah Ferguson, was recently diagnosed with a form of skin cancer. The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. Princess Beatrice arrives back at Clarence House on Tuesday morning following her uncle's cancer diagnosis Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Princess Beatrice looked serious as she was pictured behind the wheel of her vehicle on her return home on Tuesday morning. She and her husband had previously smiled as they drove out of the property together several hours previously. She has long stayed at St James' Palace since she and sister Princess Eugenie lived there while attending university - during which time Prince Andrew paid almost 20,000 per year on their behalf. Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Charles had been admitted to hospital for surgery on January 26 for treatment on a benign enlarged prostate. He remained at The London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home. Although there is no suggestion of Charles becoming seriously ill at this stage, Princess Beatrice could face extra responsibilities if ever he is too ill to carry out his role. Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla and the four most senior adults in the line of succession over the age of 21 - the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. Princess Beatrice was spotted behind the wheel of the couple's car after a visit to the King's residence Princess Beatrice returned to Clarence House without her husband later on Tuesday morning Princess Beatrice drove a Range Rover through the back entrance to Clarence House Princess Beatrice was seen visiting Clarence House on Tuesday morning (file image) In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother the Duke of Edinburgh and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State so they can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law. The legislation did add Anne and Edward to the list, but stopped short of removing Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State. It would mark a substantially different role for the princess, who until now has not bene considered as one of the most central working royals, in part due to the King's preference for a 'slimmed down' monarchy. But with the Princess of Wales and King both out of action, there are concerns over whether the monarchy may need to draft in other relatives such as Prince Andrew's daughters. The pair have only participated in a handful of royal engagements in the past, while fellow young royals Zara and Mike Tindall have not had to take on such events at all. With their father out of the picture, a promotion for the sisters could be seen as an olive branch from Charles to his disgraced brother. In 2019, Eugenie joined the late Queen at the Royal Maundy service at Windsor Castle 's St George's Chapel, and both the York sisters attended the King's Coronation last year. In December 2013, the two princesses made an official visit to Germany to promote the UK abroad, most notable for the suggestion they drove through a red light at the Brandenburg Gate in their Union Jack emblazoned Mini Cooper. The trip was taken at the request of Number 10, and their travel expenses were paid for by Prince Andrew. It comes just weeks after Princess Beatrice's mother, Sarah Ferguson, was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' But with the Duke of York exiled from public duties, and both Princesses busy with their young families and jobs - Beatrice at Afiniti and Eugenie at the art gallery Hauser and Wirth - they haven't been at the forefront. For Beatrice and her sister Eugenie, it is the latest in a series of family health blows which has most recently seen their mother, Sarah Ferguson, struck down with her second cancer diagnosis in a year. In a similar process to the King, it was during reconstructive surgery that the duchess had a series of moles removed for analysis, one of which was found to be cancerous. She told royal fans the second diagnosis was a 'shock' but that she remained in 'good spirits' as she praised doctors for identifying the issue early. It was last month announced the Duchess has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma - just months after undergoing a second bout of reconstructive surgery following her breast cancer diagnosis. At the time of her diagnosis, the Duchess posted on Instagram: 'I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. 'It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was. 'Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I'm in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support. 'I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent. 'I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the MAYRLIFE Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks, allowing me time for recuperation. I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.' It is now Princess Beatrice's uncle who has suffered the latest family health blow. King Charles is said to have personally informed his close relatives of his diagnosis, which is not prostate cancer, including his two sons the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex. Prince Harry is understood to be rushing to return to the UK today to see his father, with a potential rapprochement with brother Prince William on the cards. A source close to Harry said that he immediately cleared his diary and decided to come to the UK to be by his father's side. Experts have claimed that Harry's dash to Britain, which could see him arrive as soon as lunchtime today, 'indicates the seriousness' of the King's condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' Princess Beatrice and her husband were seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday The Royal Family has been rocked by a series of health scares in the last few weeks, with the Duchess of York recently announcing she has skin cancer Kate Middleton is recovering at home from abdominal surgery following a two-week stay at private hospital The London Clinic The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family The King (pictured with Camilla after leaving The London Clinic on January 29) spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment After his diagnosis was revealed the King spent his first night at home after beginning outpatient treatment. It is understood his prognosis is good and that the cancer was caught early. Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'. A family friend said: 'He and his doctors are very, very positive.' They said: 'From what I know he is up and about as usual and he is so positive that you wouldn't know he even had a condition. Luckily it has, as far as anyone can tell, been caught very early. 'In terms of the treatment he is getting, the treatment for all cancers have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. The specialist ones they conduct now are incredibly sophisticated. He and his doctors are very, very positive. Queen Camilla will be at her husband's side throughout but has insisted on continuing with her public engagements. King Charles has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. He is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings - although these will be limited due to doctors' caution over the King picking up any kind of infection. Other members of the Royal Family will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, including the Prince of Wales, who will return to duties tomorrow after his own wife's medical issues. The Princess of Wales was herself admitted to the same hospital, The London Clinic, in recent weeks for planned abdominal surgery. She is expected to be out of action until at least after Easter, requiring up to three months to recover. With so many senior royals suffering health scares, other members of the family including Prince William and Princess Anne are expected to pick up the slack. Reacting this morning, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was left 'shocked and sad' when he was told about the King's cancer diagnosis. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'All our thoughts are with him and his family. 'Thankfully, this has been caught early.' He said that everyone will be hoping the King 'gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery'. 'That's what we're all hoping and praying for, and I'm of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.' Asked what it meant for the day-to-day running of the country, Mr Sunak said 'we'll crack on with everything'. The mother of a teenager accused of killing a 70-year-old grandmother has broken her silence to apologise - but insists he comes from a good family. Retiree Vyleen White was allegedly stabbed in the chest in the underground carpark of Redbank Plains Town Square, south-west of Brisbane, in front of her six-year-old granddaughter on Saturday night. Despite reportedly handing her attackers her car keys, Mrs White was fatally knifed and the alleged group fled in her stolen car. Five teenage boys - who all attended private school - have since been charged over the grandmother's death, including her accused killer, 16, who was arrested at a unit complex in Bellbird Park on Monday. It's since been revealed he was out on bail for previous robbery charges at the time of the alleged stabbing. Sources told The Australian that police last year opposed bail for the teen before he was later released. Retired grandmother Vyleen White (pictured) was murdered during an alleged carjacking on Saturday night Mrs White was stabbed to death in front of her six-year-old granddaughter (pictured, mourners at a makeshift memorial at the scene of the attack) The teen is from a family who came to Australia as refugees from Sudan 16 years ago. His shocked and apologetic mother had this message for Mrs White's shattered family and others impacted. 'Yeah, I feel sorry about that because it's so bad,' she told Nine News on Tuesday 'I'm sorry to the community because I didn't know that the kids do that. She also defended her son and recalled how he called out 'I love you mum' as he was escorted away in handcuffs by police. 'My family is [a] good family,' she said. The teenager was last year charged with stealing a car and three counts of armed robbery. He had a closed hearing in Ipswich Childrens Court on Tuesday. Acting Magistrate Robert Turra refused the media's application to be present at the boy's first court hearing, saying it would be 'prejudicial to the child'. The death of Mrs White, a retired religion teacher, has sparked public outrage as Queenslanders call for authorities to tackle youth crime rates which have terrorised the state for years. A memorial amassed outside the Aldi supermarket in honour of Mrs White grew overnight as devastated members of the community left flowers and candles. Two officers remained stationed at the centre on Tuesday after Queensland Police vowed to ramp up patrols amid growing pressure for change. The mother of a 16-year-old boy (pictured during his arrest on Monday) apologised to Mrs White's family but insists her son comes from 'a good family' During her apology to Mrs White's family (pictured) and the community, the mother said 'I didn't know that the kids do that' Three African community liaison officers were also on site, speaking to members of the public. Meanwhile, Mrs White has been remembered by her heartbroken family as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always had time for those around her and went out of her way to make those she loved feel special. A GoFundMe set up to help Mrs White's family has so far raised more than $19,000, and a Change.org petition calling for a crackdown on youth crime is rapidly gaining signatures. The mother-of-three was allegedly ambushed at her car as she pulled into the underground carpark early on Saturday night. Her granddaughter allegedly witnessed the horror attack and screamed for help as the accused knifeman fled in her grandmother's blue 2009 Hyundai Getz. Local doctor Ademola Afolabi was the first person to arrive at the confronting scene of the stabbing. He'd heard Mrs White's granddaughter shouting 'my grandma is dead' and followed her from outside Aldi to the carpark. 'I saw a lady in a pool of blood, she was unresponsive, so I called triple-0,' he said. 'Her pants were soaked in blood, probably bleeding from the chest area.' Local doctor Ademola Afolabi found Mrs White (pictured) and said: 'Her pants were soaked in blood, probably bleeding from the chest area' Mr Afolabi said it was 'too late' to help Mrs White by the time paramedics arrived, adding her attacker 'didn't give her chance'. Detective Acting Superintendent Heath McQueen earlier described the scene as 'very harrowing' and acknowledge that while Mrs White's six-year-old granddaughter was unharmed in the attack, it will 'leave a scar on her'. 'Let's be clear, this is an abhorrent, cowardly, violent attack on a 70-year-old grandmother in front of her six-year-old granddaughter,' he said. 'This is a very confronting scene we have been faced.' CCTV footage allegedly captured four teenagers of African appearance abandoning the vehicle nearby in a suburban street in Springfield Lakes. A 15-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle after allegedly handing himself into police on Sunday night. Five teenagers, three aged 16 and two aged 15, have been charged over the death of Mrs White (pictured) The four other teenagers were arrested on Monday. Footage posted online of one of Monday's arrests showing officers dressed in tactical gear swarming suburban homes. They include a 16-year-old from Bellbird Park charged with murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing; and two other 16-year-olds, one from Bellbird Park and another from Goodna, both charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Another 15-year-old was arrested in Redbank Plains and charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing tainted property. All five matters remain before the courts. The killer who fatally slashed and stabbed a British tourist dozens of times in the face and neck in Amsterdam has been jailed. The 24-year-old man accused in the 2022 stabbing of Danny Castledine was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 14 years in prison on Friday. Belgian suspect Nongo B. unleashed an 'extreme outburst of violence' when he attacked Castledine, and left him to die on a darkened stairwell in the centre of the city, the District Court of Amsterdam said, according to the NL Times. 'The suspect took the life of the [victim], who was spending an evening as a tourist in the city centre of Amsterdam, in a very violent manner by stabbing him frequently with a knife, or at least a sharp object. [The victim] had a total of 30 stab injuries and 13 cutting injuries, mainly in his head and neck,' the court ruled. 'After this extreme outburst of violence, the suspect dragged [the victim] to a staircase that led down to a basement and left him there for dead, with his head down and bleeding profusely, without calling for help.' Danny Castledine, a 22-year-old student at Leeds Beckett University, died after the incident in Amsterdam on June 1, 2022 Belgian suspect Nongo B. led an 'extreme outburst of violence' when he slashed and stabbed Castledine dozens of times, and left him to meet his death on a darkened stairwell in the centre of the city, the District Court of Amsterdam said, according to a report Singel canal in Amsterdam, where Nongo B was allegedly captured in security footage walking with Castledine moments before his death. Castledine, a student at Leeds Beckett University, met a tragic end less than 24 hours after arriving on a weekend trip with his friend in the popular European destination The sentence matched the verdict the Public Prosecution Service (OM) recommended. Castledine, a student at Leeds Beckett University, met a tragic end on June 1, 2022, less than 24 hours after arriving on a weekend trip with his friend in the popular European destination. He and his friend had parted ways for the evening, the NL Times reports. The student from Nottinghamshire was found with 30 stab wounds and 14 lacerations, having suffered a violent attack in the early hours of the morning. Dutch prosecutors had pushed for a harsh sentence for suspect Nongo B., who was allegedly captured in security footage walking with Castledine along the banks of the Singel canal moments before his death. Castledine's body was discovered by horrified revellers at around 3.30 am, prosecutors said. Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to revive the Englishman. Around 10 hours later, police officers found Nongo B. about five kilometres away in Amsterdam-Zuid, near the intersection of De Boelelaan and Parnassussweg, the publication reported. He was taken into custody as he did not have the identification needed. Police said at the time that he appeared to be disturbed and had consumed a large quantity of drugs, according to the publication. They also found 'traces of blood on his clothing and shoes,' the OM said during the trial. The blood was later matched to Castledine's. During the investigation, police found security footage from 2.12 am on June 1 that showed Nongo B. and the victim walking together, and the suspect appeared to be sober, the NL Times reported. But footage from another location around half an hour later showed different. 'The images do not show anything special, but it would turn out to be a fatal encounter. On the Singel, the man attacked the victim out of nowhere. After a short chase, the victim was stabbed 30 times and cut 14 times, mainly on his head and neck,' the OM said. After his death, Castledine was described by his devastated family as a travel enthusiast who had explored 23 countries in his lifetime. They recalled Danny's passion for holidays, music festivals, and fashion Singel canal in Amsterdam. Castledine's body was discovered by horrified revellers at around 3.30 am, prosecutors said One of the stab wounds severed Castledine's right carotid artery, resulting in serious blood loss. 'He dragged the body from the roadway to the side of the road and tried to get rid of bloody clothing,' the OM claimed. Nongo B.'s attorney had put forward a case for an acquittal, arguing that the footage from near the scene of the incident was not clear enough to identify the suspect, according to the publication. The defense counsel said that only two shadows were visible, with one larger than the other, and at no point was the image sufficiently clear to make out Nongo B. The court agreed that Nongo B. was not clearly seen in the video of the two walking together near the scene of the incident but said that in the footage of the stabbing itself, he was clearly seen in video from the scene minutes later, the NL Times reported. There were no other passersby caught in the footage until Castledine's body was discovered. A bloody shoe print found at the scene also closely matched the soles of the suspect's shoes. 'With this act, the suspect was guilty of one of the most serious crimes under the Criminal Code and caused irreparable suffering to the surviving relatives,' the court said. It also highlighted statements from the victim's parents and his sister. The court said Nongo B. caused 'them a great emptiness and unfathomable suffering and sorrow'. It added: 'They have to live in the knowledge that their son and brother, who was in the prime of his life, was killed in a very violent manner.' The court also said the two met by chance, were in good spirits, and that Nongo B.'s move to attack the victim came on 'suddenly and without visible reason'. Experts concluded that Nongo B. was addicted to cannabis, oxycodone, and hallucinogenic Bezodiazepines, the publication reported. But they said he did not appear to have a mental disorder in addition to his addictions. The experts said it was unclear whether the substance use influenced Nongo B.'s behaviour, and it also was also unclear if his addiction motivated the attack in any way. This was a factor in the court's decision not to put him in a psychiatric facility, according to the publication. Nongo B. was also ordered to pay damages of more than 71,000 euros (61,000), including 20,000 euros (17,000) each to Castledine's mother and father, and 17,500 euros (15,000) to his sister for emotional suffering. He must also pay the family a further 13,800 euros (12,000) for the costs of repatriating the victim's body and his funeral. Heartfelt tributes to Castledine poured in during the weeks and months after his death. The student, who was in his final year at Leeds Beckett University at the time of his death, was described by his devastated family as a travel enthusiast who had explored 23 countries in his lifetime. They recalled Danny's passion for holidays, music festivals, and fashion. 'Danny had a long list of places that he wanted to visit in the future. One of those was to the Bahamas to swim with pigs. His ambition was to work on and promote music festivals as a career, and probably live abroad,' a statement said. 'When back at home in Mansfield, he would be out with his schooldays friends, and fitting in shifts at McDonalds to fund his extravagant lifestyle. 'He also had a major passion for fashion, and thought nothing of spending large on designer gear, from t-shirts to trainers.' A fundraising page set up by Danny's ex-girlfriend, Ashleigh Hufton, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of knife crime and provide funds for victim support. The initial goal of 2,400 was surpassed in just four hours, leading Hufton to increase the target to 15,000. The total raised currently stands at 14,820. Alex Murdaugh has been ordered to pay nearly half of his remaining $1.8million fortune to the families of passengers onboard a boat crashed by his slain son. Paul, 22, was driving drunk in February 2019 when the boat carrying six people crashed in Archer's Creek near Parris Island, South Carolina, killing 19-year-old Mallory Beach and injuring four others. Beach's family will receive 29 per cent of Murdaugh's remaining money, according to a court ordered issued Monday and reviewed by The Post and Courier. The funds were marshalled together after lawyers sold off Murdaugh's remaining land holdings, farm equipment and liquidated his 401(K). Anthony Cook, Connor Cook, Miley Altman and Paul's girlfriend Morgan Doughty - all of whom were injured in the fatal crash - will also receive a payout, as well as victims of Murdaugh's financial crimes. Murdaugh, a disbarred lawyer, was sentenced to life in prison last year after being found guilty of murdering Paul and his wife Maggie, 52, in 2021. He has also pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen federal financial crimes, including money laundering and fraud. Alex Murdaugh, pictured in January, has been ordered to pay nearly half of his remaining $1.8million fortune to the families of passengers onboard a boat crashed by his slain son, as well as victims of his financial crimes The family of 19-year-old Mallory Beach (pictured) will receive 29 per cent of Murdaugh's remaining money, according to a court ordered issued Monday. Beach was killed in 2019 when a boat driven by Murdaugh's intoxicated son Paul crashed Paul Murdaugh (pictured) was indicted on three counts of boating under the influence in April 2019. But while awaiting trial, the 22-year-old, along with his mother Maggie, were found shot to death at their hunting lodge in June 2021 Paul was 'highly intoxicated,' 'drunk' and 'belligerent,' on February 23, 2019 ago when he sped his boat (pictured) into a piling, legal documents revealed. The six youths on board that night, who were under 21, were ejected from the vessel - and all but Beach made it to shore. Her body wasn't found for a week Paul was 'highly intoxicated,' 'drunk' and 'belligerent,' on February 23, 2019 ago when he sped his boat into a piling, legal documents revealed. The six youths on board that night, who were under 21, were ejected from the vessel - and all but Beach made it to shore. Her body wasn't found for a week. Paul was indicted on three counts of boating under the influence in April 2019. But while awaiting trial, the 22-year-old, along with his mother Maggie, were found shot to death at their hunting lodge in June 2021. Murdaugh, who has since been convicted of his wife and son's murders, had tried to convince the jury that someone else had killed Maggie and Paul in revenge for the boat wreck. Now, five years after the crash, a court has ordered that the victims should receive a portion of the Murdaugh fortune. The Beach family will receive 29 per cent of the sum. This payout is in addition to the $15million settlement they received from the convenience store that sold Paul alcohol underage before the wreck. Doughty is expected to receive 5 per cent of the $1.8million and Altman 2 per cent, WCIV-TV reported. It is unclear what percentage crash victims Anthony Cook and Connor Cook will receive. Arthur Badger, a client that Murdaugh stole from, will receive the second-largest share of funds at 24 per cent. Murdaugh's law firm, formerly known as Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, will receive 14 per cent of the funds. The company had claimed damages after repaying Murdaugh's former clients money he had stolen from them. An undisclosed amount of the firm's cut will also be passed along to some of Murdaughs victims. Johnny Parker, the law firm's namesake, will receive 15 per cent of Murdaugh's assets. He allegedly lent the disbarred lawyers a series of loans totaling $477,000 in 2021 but was never repaid. Walt Tollison, the court-appointed special referee who worked on the case, will also receive a cut of the money. The Beach family in 2023 reached a tentative settlement with Murdaugh's surviving son Buster Murdaugh in a $50million lawsuit after she was killed during the fatal late night boat ride. The family of Mallory Beach (pictured) reached a tentative settlement in 2023 with Murdaugh's surviving son Buster Murdaugh in a $50million lawsuit after she was killed The six youths on board that night, who were under 21, were ejected from the vessel and all but Mallory Beach made it to shore. Her body wasn't found for a week Prior to the murders, one of the six teens on board the boat had testified that they were scared to speak about the Murdaugh family because they knew how to 'cover things up.' All of the survivors had told the authorities that Paul was drunk and there had been arguments over his determination to drive his boat. Beach's boyfriend Anthony Cook offered to get them all an Uber home but Paul was insistent they would travel by boat despite the fog and a lack of light on the vessel. Cook told attorneys that Paul had a 'crazy' alter-ego called 'Timmy' who came out when he was drunk. On the night in question Cook stated: 'The whole way everybody was fighting and arguing. We drifted around in circles numerous times. We idled along.Miley was steady hollering that she had to work the next morning. She was ready to go. 'All Paul was doing was making a fool of himselfthen for some reason Paul acted like he was on drugs or something. 'He started taking off his clothes during one of the arguments and it is 40 degrees outside.' According to Cook, Paul stripped 'all the way down to his boxers,' and belligerently refused to let anyone else drive his boat. Both Cook and Altman told how Paul, 'slapped, pushed and spat' on his girlfriend Doughty as the bitter arguing continued. Paul was believed to have been drunk when the boat with six people onboard crashed in Archer's Creek near Parris Island, and Buster was accused of lending his younger brother his ID in order for him to buy the alcohol One of the boat passengers told attorneys that Paul Murdaugh had a 'crazy' alter-ego called 'Timmy' who came out when he was drunk Asked if Paul had ever spat on her when he was sober, Doughty replied, 'No.' She admitted to having witnessed him smoking weed and taking cocaine on other occasions. Describing the terrifying scenes as the youngsters begged Paul to let someone else drive, or just take them home, Altman recalled, 'I yelled at him once and he just told me..he was like..shut the eff up and sit the eff down. Nobody else is driving my boat.' Doughty told how she and Beach cowered in the boat with their arms 'intertwined,' as Paul continued the journey that was doomed to end in such tragedy. Ultimately, Cook remembered, the boat suddenly took off. In a chilling recollection he said: 'We went from a two-mile-per-hour idle to the bow of the boat sticking up in the air and I went to the back.' Cook pulled Beach down next to him and held on to her but the next thing he knew, he testified, he was 'waking up' in the water, grabbing at piles of weed and debris and fighting against the swift current and frigid temperatures. The survivors then quickly established that nobody could locate Beach. Her body was found a week later. In January 2023, after months of negotiations, hearings and a failed mediation, 'several defendants' including Buster settled with the Beach family and three of the other surviving passengers in the fatal crash. Four years after the boat crash tragedy and nearly two years after Maggie and Paul were murdered, Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison without parole in March 2023 for gunning down his wife and son at their rural South Carolina hunting estate. Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life without parole in March 2023 for gunning down Maggie and Paul at their rural South Carolina hunting estate. He is pictured at a judicial hearing at the Richland County Judicial Center in Columbia in January 2024 Murdaugh has remained adamant that he did not kill his son Paul with a shotgun and his wife Maggie (both circled) with a rifle Both Maggie and Paul were found gunned down at the South Carolina estate in June 2021 Murdaugh also embezzled over $9million while working as one of South Carolina's most prominent lawyers, as prosecutors say he was able to rely on his family name to con clients at his law firm. Prosecutors alleged that Murdaugh murdered his wife and son to distract from his financial crimes as his life spiraled out of control amid a secret opioid addiction. He pleaded guilty to 22 counts of financial fraud and money laundering at a federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, in September 2023. Murdaugh wept in court and said 'I want my son to see me take responsibility' as he admitted crimes for the first time. 'It's my hope that by taking responsibility that the people I've hurt can begin to heal', he added. Murdaugh was arrested on two counts of murder on July 14, 2022, and he was convicted in March 2023. He was denied a retrial in January this year, but the case may not be over. The convicted murderer has maintained his innocence throughout and claims the jury was tainted from the beginning, influenced by a swarm of media attention and by the actions of controversial clerk Becky Hill - who went on to write a book about the case. His team 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.' But Judge Jean Toal disagreed and denied their request. 'I do not believe the authority of our South Carolina Supreme Court requires a new trial on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments,' the judge said at the time. 'This is a matter within the discretion of the trial judge. I do not feel that I abuse my discretion when I find the defendant's motion for a new trial, must be denied. 'It is so ordered. I will file a full order which denies this motion.' Murdaugh was back in court in January this year as he tried to get a new murder trial Judge Jean 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 Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill, pictured with Judge Newman, is being accused by Murdaugh's defense team of influencing the jury as they move for a retrial South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said it was 'time to move on' from the case following the ruling. '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 in January. '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.' A junior NHS doctor who allegedly told a dug addict patient 'you have the body of a child, this is a good thing', before they had an illicit encounter has been struck off. Dr Aleksejs Cvetkovs, 51, had sexual relations with the woman in her squalid flat after he gave her a lift home in his car when she was discharged from hospital following an operation. In the run up their sexual encounter, Cvetkovs had watched the patient inject herself with a secret stash of cocaine at the hospital without intervening - before he took her to a Costa Coffee where he agreed to to give her 100. Then ahead of him taking her home, he was persuaded to drive her to a nearby drugs den so she could score more narcotics. They later ended up in bed together with him promising: 'You can't stay here, come with me and I'll look after you.' The fling was exposed in 2021 after Latvian-born Cvetkovs who worked as a locum Foundation Year 2 doctor at the Cumberland Infirmary, in Carlisle, Cumbria was arrested 188 miles away in Grimsby, South Humberside in possession of a flick knife. Dr Aleksejs Cvetkovs, 51, had sexual relations with the woman in her squalid flat after he gave her a lift home in his car when she was discharged from hospital following an operation Cvetkovs described 'cuddling Patient A in bed, touching her hands, legs, breasts and vagina' whilst she touched his genitals During investigations the woman known only Patient A compiled a statement claiming the doctor had chatted her up in her private hospital room and told her: 'you have a little neck. You have the body of child, this is a good thing. You are extraordinary.' She also alleged Cvetkovs asked her if she had boyfriend and whether she enjoyed sex before leaning close to her neck and saying: 'I wish you didn't have a boyfriend.' When quizzed, the doctor initially lied to investigators and denied having sex with the woman but confessed to being present for no clinical reason at a psychiatric assessment she was undergoing and stroking her hand. He later admitted being lonely and said he hoped the woman would 'become his girlfriend.' He added: 'I wanted to help her improve her circumstances and to help her with her drug addiction.' At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester, Cvetkovs who now lives in Grimsby and who has been unemployed for three years was found guilty of serious professional misconduct. The woman's statement was withdrawn by the General Medical Council after she failed to attend the disciplinary hearing but the doctor's name was still erased from the medical register following his admissions. The affair began after he met the woman known as Patient A when she was being treated at the Cumberland Infirmary for undisclosed reasons. During her stay, she injected herself on her 'central line' as the doctor looked on impassively before he took her to a local Costa Coffee during which he withdrew 200 from an ATM but then gave her half of it when she kept asking him for money. At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester (pictured), Cvetkovs was found guilty of serious professional misconduct In his evidence, Cvetkovs admitted hearing from other staff on the ward that Patient A, was 'a drug addicted person' but he thought she was more probably 'emotionally unstable'. He acknowledged that, at the time that he gave her money he knew she was addicted to drugs and would likely use the money to buy more. After they left the cafe, Patient A got into Cvetkovs' vehicle and inputted her home address on the in-car satnav system but en-route complained of pains and asked to be taken to another address 'so she could get something to help'. Cvetkovs suspected she would be scoring drugs but agreed to take her anyway.. He then drove her back home which he said had no furniture whilst the bedroom had 'just a mattress on the floor and was surrounded by needles'. They then went to bed and Patient A slept naked beside him. He said she made sexual advances towards him and that they touched each other sexually. Cvetkovs described 'cuddling Patient A in bed, touching her hands, legs, breasts and vagina' whilst she touched his genitals. He said they had never had intercourse but accepted that a sexual relationship did not require intercourse. Cvetkovs said Patient A had a 'warm personality' and he wanted a friendship with her for 'emotional comfort'. He insisted he was seeking a friendly, emotional relationship - but was unable to offer an explanation for why he went into Patient A's bedroom after entering her house. Dr Aleksejs Cvetkovs worked at the Cumberland Infirmary (pictured) in Carlisle as a locum Foundation Year 2 doctor He said: 'I had worked as a locum at a number of different hospitals and had always had relationships with patients and colleagues that were within boundaries. But the difference with Patient A was that her behaviour had made me feel like I was someone special to her. 'It was bad luck for me to meet someone like her and I was vulnerable because of my loneliness and emotional state. I did consider that she may have been manipulating me. 'I have character features that mean I sometimes may behave in a very silly way. I realise that the fact I brought her to her house with no witness is totally inappropriate.' The hearing was told Cvetkovs was arrested in April 2021 after being found with a folding knife in his pocket when police were called to an incident in Grimsby by a concerned passerby. In July 2021, he admitted having a bladed article and was sentenced to eight weeks' imprisonment, suspended for six months. Counsel for the GMC Miss Georgina Goring said: 'At the time that Dr Cvetkovs met Patient A, she was in hospital recovering from an operation. 'Any patient in this position had inherent vulnerabilities but that these were enhanced by Patient A's well known and longstanding drug addiction problems. Dr Cvetkovs admitted to being present when Patient A administered illicit drugs in the Infirmary. He also admitted to facilitating Patient A obtaining further illicit drugs and to having a sexual relationship with her.' She added: 'He has demonstrated no insight into the seriousness of his behaviour towards Patient A. It is of significant concern that Dr Cvetkovs does not recognise the perversity of a doctor watching a patient administer illicit drugs, an act that he himself said lasted two or three minutes, without seeking help or trying to intervene. 'He has shown no insight into why his pursuit of a relationship with a vulnerable patient was problematic. He has shown no remorse or understanding of how his actions may have affected Patient A.' MPTS chairman Duncan James Ritchie said: 'The Tribunal accepted Dr Cvetkovs was motivated to help Patient A with her drug addiction however, it also noted he was sexually motivated because he said looked after Patient A because he hoped that she would become his girlfriend. 'Dr Cvetkovs had been aware of Patient A's vulnerability due to her drug addiction from the start of his pursuit of her. It was clearly serious misconduct for Dr Cvetkovs to observe Patient A inject, via a central line, what he believed to be an illicit drug without intervening or seeking help. She was in the hospital where he worked and doing something inherently dangerous. 'Dr Cvetkovs' evidence was he had observed Patient A after she injected the substance and had remained in the room with her in case she collapsed but this showed a serious lack of judgement on Dr Cvetkovs' part and also a failure to make the care of a patient his first concern. 'He was the most readily available doctor, yet he did nothing to help, because he was motivated by pursuing an inappropriate relationship with Patient A rather than ensuring her safety. 'The Tribunal did accept that Patient A saw in Dr Cvetkovs an opportunity to obtain money to feed her drug addiction, by having a relationship with him, but considered that Dr Cvetkovs should have appreciated this and should not have started or continued the relationship. He ignored multiple red flags.' Two former hospital bosses falsely accused of plotting a 2.5m con against the NHS are suing police for more than 16m for being 'maliciously' prosecuted. Andrew Breeze and Dominic Wilson were chiefs at Cawston Park, a private psychiatric hospital near Norwich, when they were arrested in 2006 accused of massively overcharged for services. Mr Breeze, the hospital's former director, and Mr Wilson - the site's finance boss - endured a hellish criminal investigation and trial over the claims. But the fraud charges against both men were sensationally thrown out seven weeks into the trial at Ipswich Crown Court in July 2009 when the CPS decided it would offer no further evidence. Clearing the pair of any wrongdoing, Judge Andrew Bate told them: 'You leave vindicated with your good name intact and your heads held high.' However, despite Judge Bate's endorsement, their privately-run hospital tanked in the wake of the criminal trial, with Mr Breeze later saying he faced years of hell over the false allegations which ruined his reputation. Andrew Breeze, 68, the former director of Cawston Park psychiatric hospital, outside London's High Court, is suing Norfolk police with Dominic Wilson Now, 17 years after their arrest, Mr Breeze and Mr Wilson have launched a 16m compensation claim against Norfolk Constabulary, alleging malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office, leading to their finances being ruined. Mr Breeze, 68, and Mr Wilson, 50, say their company, Cawston Park Holdings, suffered massively due to the impact of the investigation, eventually 'dissolving' in February 2011. Both men are suing for the loss of their financial stakes in the wrecked company. But lawyers for the chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary, Paul Sanford, are defending the damages claim, insisting there were reasonable grounds for pursuing the investigation, and saying the decision to bring charges was made by the CPS. Mr Breeze and Mr Wilson were arrested after dawn raids at their homes in November 2006 during a police probe into alleged over-charging at the care home, dubbed Operation Meridian. The pair were accused of conspiracy to defraud by allegedly over-charging in relation to acute patients needing additional levels of care. But both men were found not guilty. Five years later, the then solicitor general, Edward Garnier, apologised on behalf of the CPS, declaring: 'It has become clear that regardless of whether it was proper to investigate the affairs of Cawston Park in the first place, the prosecution should never have got as far as it did.' After that concession, Mr Breeze said in interviews he felt he had been put through 'five years of hell' - with the police probe and aborted trial having destroyed his finances. Andrew Breeze and Dominic Wilson were chiefs at Cawston Park (pictured), a psychiatric hospital near Norwich when they were arrested in 2006 accused of massively overcharged for services Lawyers for both men now say detectives pursued the investigation in an oppressive style, with the duo's barrister claiming that 'officers approached the investigation with a mindset of guilt'. Anthony Metzer KC highlighted a police interview with one witness, in which a detective allegedly declared: 'I don't know where this investigation is going, the problem we have is that the powers that be want a result on this one'. On top of that, in written arguments, he claimed officers mishandled the investigation as they allegedly 'failed to interview witnesses that they knew or believed would be likely to undermine the prosecution and/or assist the claimants' defence'. 'The (chief constable) by his officers knew that there was no evidence, or no sufficient evidence that the claimants had committed the offences with which they were charged, but proceeded nevertheless to instigate the prosecution against them,' the barrister added. Detectives 'approached the investigation with a mindset of guilt,' alleged Mr Metzer, adding: 'the defendant's officers systematically ignored and discarded evidence which pointed towards the first claimant and the second claimant's innocence'. However, on top of making clear the decision to prosecute lay with the CPS, defence lawyers insist there was 'reasonable and probable cause for the prosecution'. The case against Mr Breeze and Mr Wilson was 'instigated and maintained without malice or abuse of power on the part of the defendant's officers', it is claimed. Mr Breeze, the hospital's former director, and Mr Wilson - the site's finance boss - endured a hellish criminal investigation and trial over the claims. Norfolk Police detectives did their best to sift the evidence impartially before presenting it to the CPS for a decision on whether charges should be brought. Evidence which was favourable to the two men was 'fairly placed before the CPS in order that it might decide whether or not the claimants should be charged with any criminal offence', defence lawyers maintain in court documents. The malicious prosecution claim was 'misconceived' and officers held an 'honest belief that there was sufficient evidence to lay before a court in support of the charge against the claimants'. The case was originally fixed to start later this month at the High Court, but after a brief hearing between the lawyers last week Mr Justice Soole decided to put it off until next year for more evidence to be collected. Describing his case outside court, Mr Breeze said: 'My whole life was completely turned upside down and I was thrown into a mental state of complete helplessness where there appeared to be no end. 'The police effectively ended my career, taking away choices I could have had, had this not happened. Mental health is a very small world and it appeared that the whole of mental health knew about this case. 'My professional and personal career were ruined, with my integrity in question. 'Being accused of dishonesty was particularly acute for me as someone who had been brought up in a strict Christian home, being the son of missionary parents to India and having spent my childhood in India in a Christian boarding school. 'The effect this case had on my elderly parents was devastating. 'Even now, several years later, I sometimes wake thinking I am once again being arrested and the feelings of panic return.' A Norfolk Constabulary spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm legal proceedings are ongoing and are being defended. As a result, we will not comment further.' Reports say the plane carrying 157 passengers was just 750 feet above the surface of the lake when the pilots were alerted to the imminent disaster An easyJet flight from the United Kingdom came within seconds of crashing into Lake Geneva, according to local reports. The disaster was only averted when desperate Swiss air traffic controllers told pilots to 'check your altitude immediately' when they spotted the imminent disaster. The aircraft was flying from Edinburgh, Scotland to Geneva Cointrin airport on November 5 last year, and was carrying 157 passengers. While approaching runway 22 at Geneva Airport, the Airbus A320 Neo sank to an unsafe altitude that meant it was just seconds away from crashing into the water, according to daily Swiss regional newspaper Tribune de Geneve. The Swiss report said the plane was just 750 feet from the surface of the lake while still 7.5 miles away from the runway, based on tracking data. An easyJet flight from the United Kingdom came within seconds of crashing into Lake Geneva, a report has found. Pictured: An easyJet planes is seen landing at Geneva Airport (file photo) According to the '24 heures' report, the plane should have been more than three times higher at this point in its descent. 'During the approach to runway 22, the aircraft descended significantly below the glideslope and the flight crew initiated a go-around,' the Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE) said, Tribune de Geneve reported. SESE announced it was opening an investigation into the incident on January 16. At the time, it classified the incident as 'serious', saying that the aircraft had sunk well below the 'descent line' during its approach. The descent line is the angle which an aircraft must maintain in its final stages before landing to maintain a safe height as it approaches the runway. The reason behind the low altitude remains unknown, reports said. According to the report, the aircraft was at just 230 meters (750 feet) above Lake Geneva as it passed Chens-sur-Leman, 12km (7.5 miles) from the runway. The disaster was only averted when desperate Swiss air traffic controllers told pilots to 'check your altitude immediately' when they spotted the imminent disaster unfolding over the lake (pictured, file photo), with the aircraft just 750 feet above the surface of the water Fortunately, the airport's safety nets worked and air traffic controllers were able to spot the possible calamity, telling the crew: 'Check your altitude immediately!' By accelerating quickly, the pilots were able to avoid collision with the water at the last second, quickly regaining altitude and looping over Thonon. The pilots successfully landed the plane on their second attempt. But if the aircraft had continued with its descent trajectory, it would have crashed within 30 seconds, the report found, citing air tracking website ADSBexchange. An expert who analysed the near-miss incident said geographic features of Lake Geneva and the approach could have played a part. 'The control tower instructed the aircraft to follow one of the shortest approaches, which runs between Gland and Rolle,' the expert told the Swiss news outlet Blick. This 'shortcut,' they said, forces the crew to descend quickly after passing the Jura mountains, a range which runs along the border between France and Switzerland and to the north of Geneva, which any flight from the UK would have to fly over. Speaking to 24 Heures, an Airbus A320 pilot who regularly flies into Geneva said: 'In a situation like this you shouldn't think: "you just accelerate again in order to regain altitude as quickly as possible". The aircraft was flying from Edinburgh , Scotland to Geneva Cointrin airport and was carrying 157 passengers on November 5 last year He added that he couldn't explain the dangerous situation the aircraft found itself in, saying: 'I don't know what happened in the cockpit that day, but that must be where the key to the explanation lies.' It is understood that the pilots were stood down for a short time but are flying again. In a statement, easyJet told MailOnline: We are fully supporting the investigation in line with procedures. At no point was the safety of those onboard compromised. 'The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority,' it added. Princess Anne is to plough on with business as usual after being informed of her brother Charles' cancer diagnosis as she prepares to hand out honours at Windsor Castle before travelling up to the Midlands in a busy day of royal engagements. The princess, seen as a stalwart member of the royal family, was among those close relatives told personally by King Charles of his diagnosis, which he has known about since early last week. She is one of a number of senior members of the family who are expected to increase the number of engagements they take on as the monarch steps back to focus on his health, on the instruction of doctors. The Princess Royal will lead an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, handing out honours to the likes of conductor Ivor Bolton, tenor Nicky Spence, rugby union referee Sara Cox and wheelchair rugby league player James Simpson. She is then scheduled to travel up to the Midlands for a royal visit later today. In a statement last night Buckingham Palace said that during surgery for a benign enlarged prostate, doctors spotted a separate issue 'of concern' for the King, and that this has since been confirmed to be cancerous. Princess Anne is to plough on with business as usual after being informed of her brother Charles' cancer diagnosis (Pictured: The Princess Royal on a visit to Moray on February 1) The King (pictured with Camilla after leaving The London Clinic on January 29) spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment It comes as the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, continues to recover from planned abdominal surgery while Sarah Ferguson also battles cancer for the second time, having recently been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. It is not unusual for the Princess Royal to take on significant royal duties such as investitures - she previously carried out such ceremonies on January 17, 24 and 31. Prior to that, the King conducted two in December, with Prince William taking on the mantle on November 27. The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. Earlier on Tuesday Princess Beatrice was seen leaving Clarence House, where Charles is currently believed to be staying, with her husband following the news. It was reported this morning the monarch could be away from public-facing duties until at least March as he undergoes regular treatment. Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Charles had been admitted to hospital for surgery on January 26 for treatment on a benign enlarged prostate. He remained at The London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home. The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Princess Anne has been a stalwart at King Charles' side since the death of their mother, Queen Elizabeth II (Pictured during a trip to Moray on February 1) The Princess Royal is pictured endowing an honour on Davina McCall at the most recent investiture on January 31 The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last Monday with Queen Camilla by his side Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning The Prince of Wales, the Queen and other working royals are all to step up their royal duties while the King undergoes treatment as an outpatient. Today at Windsor, it was Princess Anne who took the lead in putting on a brave face as she handed out honours including MBEs. Among those receiving honours from the princess was Sara Cox, the world's first professional female rugby referee, who was made an MBE for her services to rugby union. She earned her first contract with the Rugby Football Union in 2016 and has since gone on to achieve a number of firsts in the sport, including officiating a match between two men's Premiership Rugby teams. Ms Cox said greater exposure was needed to produce more female referees at the highest level. She said: 'When I first started I had two other ladies in front of me that were my idols, but at the time when I got to their level and then overtook them that was where it ran out, really. 'So hopefully now I've paved the way for other referees to come through, and that doesn't just have to be females, that can be male as well.' Ms Cox, from Exeter, said picking up her MBE from Anne at Windsor Castle was 'a bit bonkers' after being recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list in June. She said she spoke with Anne - a patron of the Scottish Rugby Union - about technology in the sport and rugby in general, as she knew the princess was a big rugby fan. Ms Cox said she did encounter some difficulties in reaching the highest level of refereeing in a typically male-dominated role, but overcame them with 'a bit of determination and grit'. She singled out the 'army versus navy' rugby game at Twickenham Stadium after the Covid-19 pandemic as her most memorable. The event, which dates back as far as the 19th century, sees men's and women's teams from the British Army and Royal Navy compete for the Babcock Trophy. She said: 'It was the first one back after Covid, everyone was getting back on their feet, it was a beautiful summer's day and there were 60,000 people in the stadium. 'I think for any referee in England, Twickenham, where rugby began, is definitely up there on the priority list, but then to be able to stand there in front of that crowd (and) sing your own national anthem, it's not something we get to do, so that was fantastic.' And this afternoon, the Princess visited a community centre in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, where she learned about a new project helping local people with their mental health. Buckingham Palace has confirmed a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed, but it is not anticipated that Counsellors of State will need to be appointed. In the event a monarch cannot undertake their duties as sovereign on a temporary basis due to illness, two or more Counsellors of State can be appointed by Letters Patent to act in their place. It is hoped the King will continue with some of his duties, but how much he can do will depend on the progress of his treatment and the orders of his doctors. Other members of the royal family are expected to continue with a full programme of public engagements and may undertake some additional duties on behalf the King if they are required to do so. Usually the duty would fall to William in the first instance, who has recently returned to royal duties after the Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery last month. The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital (Pictured attending church in Sandringham on Sunday) The Royal Family has been rocked by a series of health scares in the last few weeks, with the Duchess of York recently announcing she has skin cancer Kate Middleton is recovering at home from abdominal surgery following a two-week stay at private hospital The London Clinic William had taken time off to support his family as Kate recovered first in hospital, then returned home to Windsor to convalesce. He will host an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and that evening will attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising gala in central London, Kensington Palace said. Camilla will also continue with a full programme of public duties while her husband is treated, the Palace said. Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla and the four most senior adults in the line of succession over the age of 21 - the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother the Duke of Edinburgh and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State so they can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law. The legislation did add Anne and Edward to the list, but stopped short of removing Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State. The Duke of Sussex is flying to London to be with his father after the King's shock cancer diagnosis after clearing his diary. He could arrive in the UK as early as lunchtime today. Charles is positive about his treatment and hopes to returning to full public duty as soon as possible, the Palace said. William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his father's behalf, it is understood, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. The Palace has called for the King's privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the King's hospital stay, Kate's major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of York's skin cancer diagnosis. The Archbishop of Canterbury has wished King Charles a 'swift and full recovery' and hopes his faith will offer 'comfort' as he begins his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed yesterday that Charles had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer during treatment for a benign prostate condition. The King, who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham yesterday and stayed at home last night after beginning his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of his specialist team of doctors. This morning, Archbishop Justin Welby posted on X to say he is 'praying' for the King and his family. He wrote: 'I'm praying for the King and his family - for God's comfort and strength in the weeks and months to come. I wish His Majesty a swift and full recovery.' The King, who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham The Archbishop of Canterbury has wished King Charles a 'swift and full recovery' and hopes his faith will offer 'comfort' as he begins his cancer treatment Pictured are King Charles and Camilla in 2020 King Charles III and The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in November This morning, Archbishop Justin Welby posted on X to say he is 'praying' for the King The Archbishop later added: 'We pray that his faith will sustain him through his treatment, to a swift recovery and a return to full health.' He is currently in Ukraine meeting faith leaders in a five-day as the country prepares to mark the second anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion. The Archbishop will spend time in the capital, Kyiv, and elsewhere in meetings and visits with a focus on prayer, listening and learning and offering solidarity with the people and churches of Ukraine. He joins the Archbishop of York, who asked people to pray for King Charles, posting on X: 'Please join me in praying for His Majesty the King and all the Royal Family. 'May he and all who suffer with cancer know the healing presence of God's love.' The Archbishop of Wales, Most Revd Andrew John, also released a statement expressing his concern and said: 'We wish to assure the King of our special prayers for his swift recovery to full health.' It follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other world leaders sending well wishes to the monarch. Mr Sunak said this morning that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but was 'thankful' that it had been 'caught early' as he wished him a full recovery. He revealed that the running of the country would continue as normal and that he was in 'regular contact' with the King. Buckingham Palace announced the King had begun a schedule of regular treatments Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other world leaders sent well wishes to the monarch Last night, the Prime Minister wished the King a 'speedy recovery' Liz Truss and Boris Johnson also sent their wishes to the monarch On BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, Mr Sunak said he was 'shocked and sad', adding: 'Thankfully this has been caught early and now everyone will be wishing that he gets the treatment he needs and makes a full recovery. That's what we're all hoping and praying for. 'I'm of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.' Mr Sunak continued: 'I'm in regular contact with the King and that will of course continue as normal and we'll crack on with everything. He'll be in our thoughts and prayers. 'Many families around the country listening to this will be touched by the same thing and they know what it means for everyone. We'll be willing him on and hopefully he can get through this as quick as possible.' The Prime Minister said he had 'no doubt' the monarch would be 'back to full strength in no time' as well wishes poured in from politicians across the UK. Buckingham Palace announced yesterday that the King had begun a schedule of regular treatments and was postponing his public-facing duties. It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, although the Palace declined to confirm the type of cancer. The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, made a short statement to MPs shortly after the announcement from Buckingham Palace Keir Starmer said his party looked forward to seeing the monarch 'back to swift full health' Medics spotted the 'separate issue of concern' when Charles underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Mr Sunak posted on Twitter/X: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. 'I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.' Mr Sunak's immediate predecessors as PM - Liz Truss and Boris Johnson - also sent their wishes to the monarch. Ms Truss tweeted: 'Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. 'He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King!' And Mr Johnson wrote: 'The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.' Home Secretary James Cleverly, whose wife Susie battled her own cancer diagnosis in recent years, wished His Majesty 'a full and speedy recovery'. 'Susie and I have seen the amazing work that medical professionals can do in cancer treatment,' he added. People walk past Buckingham Palace after it was announced that the King has cancer Defence Secretary Grant Shapps - who was diagnosed with rare cancer Hodgkin's lymphoma in his early 30s - said the thoughts of staff across the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces were with the King and the Royal Family. 'As a cancer survivor, I know how impactful his decision to share this news will be in lifting understanding for those affected,' Mr Shapps tweeted. Sir Keir Starmer issued a message on behalf of Labour, posting: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey wrote: 'The Liberal Democrats join the rest of the nation in wishing a full and quick recovery to His Majesty.' Former Labour PM Sir Tony Blair said: 'Wishing His Majesty the King a full, swift recovery and return to excellent good health.' The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, made a short statement to MPs shortly after the announcement from Buckingham Palace at six o'clock. Sir Lindsay told the chamber: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty following the news announced this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty The King and his family and we all wish to send him our very best wishes for successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonight's news.' Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said his 'thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King'. 'I wish him the very best for a speedy recovery and return to public life,' the SNP leader added. 'My thoughts are also with Her Majesty The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family at what I know will be a worrying time for them all.' Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said he was 'saddened to hear the news' that Charles was 'facing further health challenges'. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening,' he tweeted. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan.' 'I beg you, I beg you, don't hurt me... Please let me go.' Those were the words uttered by a helpless 13-year-old girl as she was allegedly dragged into a public bathroom by a group of Egyptian migrants in Catania on the Italian island of Sicily last week. Her pleas were ignored. Instead, she claims two of the migrants - both minors - brutally raped her for half an hour while the rest of the gang allegedly restrained her desperate boyfriend and forced him to watch the horror unfold. All seven of the suspects arrived in Italy as illegal migrants by boat, but were granted temporary residency as Italian law does not permit the expulsion of minors. News of the heinous attack prompted immediate fury, with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini calling for the perpetrators to be chemically castrated and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vowing 'justice will be done'. The gang in question has since been shackled after DNA testing confirmed at least one minor had sexually abused the girl, and only because the eldest of the group was so disturbed by the actions of his underlings that he confessed to authorities. But the horrendous incident has also sparked a fresh row over immigration policy in Italy, which saw a 50% increase in illegal migrant landings last year versus 2022 according to the Interior Ministry. A group of young men and boys forced the girl and her boyfriend into a public bathroom (pictured) The rape in the public toilet (pictured) went on for 30 minutes The girl was raped around 7.30pm on January 30 in Villa Bellini park in Catania, Sicily (pictured) Italian PM Giorgia Meloni made strengthening immigration policy a cornerstone of her campaign for office in which she called on the EU to launch a 'naval blockade' of African shores to turn back migrant boats Italian Coast Guard boat carries migrants near the port of the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 A select few individuals came out in defence of the perpetrators in the wake of the attack. Catania bishop Luigi Renna was quick to warn against the profiling of migrants for violent crimes, declaring: 'The crime committed by these young immigrants must not lead us to generalisations, because we know that not all immigrants are violent, just as not all young Italians are violent.' And immigration workers who knew two of the older teens involved in the incident told Italian media the boys had made efforts to integrate with Italian society and were pursuing work permits at the time of the attack. 'We had no reason to suspect that they would do anything like that,' they said. But several outraged officials and commentators called for a crackdown on illegal immigration, while others pointed fingers at Meloni's government for its perceived inaction on the issue. The Prime Minister's commitment to strengthening immigration policy was a cornerstone of her campaign for office which saw her call for the EU to launch a 'naval blockade' of African shores to turn back migrant boats. But Italy's shores remain the primary point of arrival for migrants journeying from North Africa. Almost 156,000 migrants arrived by sea last year alone - 17,000 of which were unaccompanied minors - versus 103,846 in 2022. Fabio Cantarella, the former environment and urban security councillor of Catania, said: 'The national government has his responsibilities, above all the Minister of the Interior (Matteo Piantedosi), who should find the courage to return to implementing the policies of his predecessor, Matteo Salvini, against uncontrolled immigration.' Salvini, the former Interior Minister and now deputy PM, was one of the most outspoken critics of illegal migration in Italy and is currently on trial after he banned an NGO rescue ship from docking in any Italian port in 2019. Mayor of Catania Enrico Trantino added that he was concerned about 'security problems' in the Sicilian city as a result of high migration rates, but said his reports had fallen on deaf ears. 'There is bitterness and pain - it is as if the entire city was violated with this vulgar, vile and cowardly gesture. I hope that what happened will be severely punished by the judicial authorities,' he said of the gang rape. 'In Catania we have a security problem that we have declared several times to the Minister of the Interior.' Meanwhile, Cultura Identita - a foundation dedicated to the promotion of Italian art and culture, released a statement railing against immigration policy, which prevents minors from being deported. 'We are faced with yet another bestiality, yet another disgusting act perpetrated once again with shameless ferocity by a group of boys who entered Italy illegally - minors (or self-styled minors) who could not be repatriated. 'This squalid fact should at least make us reflect on how uncontrolled and illegal immigration causes a predictable and unmanageable emergency on the security front in our country,' it concluded. Matteo Salvini (pictured) said the girl was 'raped by a gang of seven Egyptians' and that there can 'only be one cure: chemical castration', the Sun reports British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at 10 Downing Street on April 27, 2023 in London, England. An Italian plan to hold migrants for processing in detention centres in Albania has drawn comparisons to Britain's 'Rwanda plan' This handout photograph taken on August 5, 2023 by Italian Coastguard (Guardia Costeria) and released on August 6, 2023, shows a rescue operation that took place south of Lampedusa, consisting in rescuing 57 migrants The girl, 13, was sexually assaulted in the Villa Bellini park in Catania, Sicily, around 7.30pm on January 30 while on a walk with her boyfriend (pictured: the public bathroom where she was raped) Amid the criticism, Meloni, who heads the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, is pressing on with efforts to manage the sky-high migration rate. Italy's commitment to the protection of minors means that any migrants claiming to be under 18 years of age cannot be deported and must be granted temporary residence. Authorities have typically used psychological evaluations to establish the age of migrants who arrive without documentation, leading Meloni's government to argue that many adult migrants attempt to pass as underage to benefit from the protections. But under new legislation signed into effect in September last year, authorities can now use physical examinations, including x-rays of wrist bones, to establish age in the hope adult migrants trying to game the system will be caught out. This came despite a slew of experts warning the physical tests are not reliable enough to accurately calculate age. Italy's parliament also signed off on measures granting authorities the right to hold migrants in detention centres for up to 18 months while asylum requests are processed. It is possible for migrants to avoid being detained as they wait for the results of their application - for a cool 5000 euro fee. Meanwhile, a plan to build migrant detention centres in Albania to process asylum claims passed a key milestone when Albania's constitutional court approved the bilateral agreement. Under the proposed scheme - which has drawn comparisons with the British government's Rwanda plan - Meloni has said the centres would be able to house and process in excess of 3,000 migrants per month. But this would still leave 120,000 migrants free to flood Italian shores each year, based on 2023 arrival figures. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) and the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (L) pose for a photo at the Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy on November 6, 2023 Handout image obtained by Reuters, October 12, 2023 shows a Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) rescue boat near a rubber boat carrying migrants from the Middle East and Africa, in the Mediterranean Sea, June 24, 2023 The Ponte Galeria detention centre for migrants is seen near Rome, Italy Migrants sleep on the deck of the Geo Barents migrant rescue ship, operated by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), as it makes its way to Italy after the rescue of 61 migrants on a wooden boat in international waters off the coast of Libya in the central Mediterranean Sea, September 29, 2023 As the row over illegal immigration continues, details of the horrible crime continue to emerge in Italian press. The 13-year-old victim said she was walking in the park with her boyfriend when the group of seven descended on them and seized them both. 'And they took us to the bathrooms of the villa. It was a nightmare, there was no one there at that time,' the girl told La Repubblica. She said she was trying to free herself, as was her boyfriend, but they couldn't overpower the seven teenagers. Two of them allegedly raped her while the others watched. She said: 'And they forced my boyfriend to watch too.' 'He was screaming, he was desperate. I said: "I beg you, I beg you, don't hurt me, let me go.' The rape went on for 30 minutes at which point the couple were left to run away. They immediately alerted the Carabinieri, who managed to catch the group within 24 hours after one of the older boys who allegedly held back the boyfriend told immigration workers what had happened. The victim has identified the two underage alleged perpetrators of the rape, police said, while her boyfriend identified the five others who held him back and forced him to witness the brutal assault. DNA evidence successfully linked one of three minors in the group to the rape, prosecutors confirmed. Six of the seven suspects are being held in custody pending further investigation. The remaining adult suspect was granted house arrest for complying with the police investigation. The procedure would be carried out as punishment for the most serious offences under the plan Kazakhstan will surgically remove the genitals of the worst offending paedophiles under a new draft law. It follows complaints from MPs that the system of chemical castration - one of the toughest in the world - is not deterring child sex offenders. Elnur Beisenbaev, an MP and executive secretary of the ruling Amanat Party, said the government was 'spineless' and pandering to paedophiles for failing to insist on 'surgical castration'. 'Unfortunately, [sex crimes against children] are happening more and more often,' he said, suggesting chemical castration - which lowers the male libido through injected anti-androgen drugs - was not effective. 'By letting a rapist go free, we allow them to reoffend,' he added. Elnur Beisenbaev, an MP and executive secretary of the ruling Amanat Party, said the system of chemical castration - one of the toughest in the world - is not deterring child sex offenders Erkezhan Nurmakhan, five, was lured to a paedophile's house after he offered her money for an ice cream Erkezhan's killer Saidolim Gayibnazarov, 48, who had previous convictions, was sentenced to life in jail and chemical castration 'This is evidenced by the death of little Erkizhan in Saryagash.' Erkezhan Nurmakhan, five, was lured to a paedophile's house after he offered her money for an ice cream. Killer Saidolim Gayibnazarov, 48, who had previous convictions, was sentenced to life in jail and chemical castration. 'The government says our amendment for surgical castration of paedophiles violates human rights,' said the MP, a father of four, who intends to keep pressing for the new law. 'We don't suggest applying it to all paedophiles, but we'd like to give courts an option of having surgical castration. 'If a paedophile attack is especially cruel, I believe surgical castration must be applied 'There were about 430 crimes of this kind committed against our children lately. 'Our government demonstrates its lack of backbone by not approving surgical castration, as if we violate the rights of paedophiles, because paedophiles are human beings. 'I believe they are not human beings.' He spoke of another case where 'a father from Almaty who has been raping his daughter for two years was given only 20 years in prison'. He said: 'This is nonsense. Criminals like him should face life imprisonment and medical castration.' He added: 'This [surgical castration] is a preventive measure. 'It sends a message to all paedophiles and other criminals of similar type, that this heinous crime will result in physical castration by court order.' MP Elnur Beisenbaev said: 'Unfortunately, [sex crimes against children] are happening more and more often,' he said, suggesting chemical castration - which lowers the male libido through injected anti-androgen drugs - was not effective' Kazakhstan has operated a system of forced castration for paedophiles for several years. Child sex abusers have been shown on Kazakh TV telling of their anguish after undergoing forced castration. One said: 'I know it's harmful to my body. 'I know it will affect my health in future.' Another said: 'Now I am sorry I committed such a crime.' Yet there are critics of the scheme. Human rights activist Dina Tansari said paedophiles remained dangerous on release even after chemical castration. 'Impunity gives rise to new crimes,' she said. 'No chemical castration will help 'We must take into account the fact that the medicine used in this procedure is very easy to remove from the body. 'Doctors say that its effect can be neutralised by alcohol. 'I believe this is a waste of public funds.' Deputy Interior Minister Igor Lepikha said surgical castration was 'controversial'. 'In terms of ethics and the human side of the issue it is very complicated indeed,' he said. 'Moreover, we speak about these criminals being locked up for life - so there is no point in [castration] then.' Humza Yousaf has revealed he did not tell his old boss Nicola Sturgeon about his mental anguish during the collapse of his first marriage due to fears he'd lose his job. The Scottish First Minister - despite acknowledging Ms Sturgeon would have been 'perfectly understanding' - pointed to a stigma around male mental health at the time. 'You didn't hear about ministers with mental health challenges,' Mr Yousaf told a podcast. 'If they had mental health challenges, they left the job.' The SNP leader split from first wife Gail Lythgoe in 2016 and spoke of how he sat crying on his sofar and did not eat or drink for 24 hours during the break-up. Opening up on the scale of his mental health battles on the podcast The Rest Is Politics, he said: 'I remember that I knew I needed help. 'I was transport minister, my first marriage had broken down, it was a really tough time I was having, it was in the middle of difficult weather, transport minister is always a difficult job, and yeah, I didn't really feel I had anybody to turn to.' The First Minister admitted he sat crying on his sofa and did not eat or drink for 24 hours after splitting from first wife Gail Lythgoe in 2016 Mr Yousaf was married to SNP activist Ms Lythgoe from 2010 to 2016 Mr Yousaf remarried in 2019 to Nadia El-Nakla and spoke of how he helps protect his mental health by 'drawing boundaries' Mr Yousaf added: 'And I remember actually just a whole day passing, I literally did not move from the right hand side of my settee. 'For a whole 24 hours, I didn't move, didn't get up to drink water, didn't go to the toilet, didn't eat anything. 'I remember just almost being in a state of breakdown, crying and upset, and not really understanding what I was upset at. 'But then at that point, 24 hours later, knowing I needed help.' Mr Yousaf admitted he felt there was a stigma around mental health and didn't discuss the matter with Ms Sturgeon or other colleagues because he worried about losing his job as transport minister. He said the first person he contacted was a friend who was a psychiatrist and was told he should talk to someone who could 'really talk through the issues that you're dealing with'. The First Minister said: 'I never spoke to Nicola about it, I never spoke to any of my colleagues about it.' Asked by presenter Alastair Campbell if he felt there was a 'stigma' that meant a politician seeking help was a problem, he said: 'One hundred per cent. The First Minister with his ex wife Gail Lythgoe (left) mother Shaaista and dad Muzaffar Mr Yousaf said that he 'draws boundaries' with his second wife, such as by finding family time on a Monday evening and during the weekend 'I actually thought if they know about it I will not be in a job,' Mr Yousaf added. 'Now, I don't think that would have been the case, Nicola would have been perfectly understanding, as would my government colleagues. 'John Swinney, who I've always been close to, I think these people would have been very understanding. 'But it was just you didn't hear about ministers with mental health challenges. 'If they had mental health challenges, they left the job, and I didn't feel like I wanted to leave at that point.' He said he did not tell family but a friend recommended a trustworthy mental health specialist who could speak to him about the issue and help him 'take some time out'. Mr Yousaf said it was 'the best thing I did' and admitted he should find time to 'check in' with a counsellor again given how stressful his job is. He remarried in 2019 to Nadia El-Nakla, and spoke of how he helps protect his mental health by 'drawing boundaries', such as finding family time on a Monday evening and during the weekend. He also said he is 'hurt' by the breakdown in his relationship with ex-first minister Alex Salmond. Describing Mr Salmond as the reason he joined the SNP, he said: 'I feel the breakdown in the relationship with Alex is a matter of not just regret but I feel quite hurt about it all. 'Someone I looked up to now spends a fair bit of his time laying the boot into the SNP and trying to damage me.' On Ms Sturgeon, he said: 'I've always had that deep affection for Nicola. I worry about her to an extent as well, I mean she is dealing with a lot as we know about. 'There's certain elements who are seeking to try to tarnish her reputation.' Labour's shambles over the 28billion green investment drive deepened today after Keir Starmer insisted the policy is 'desperately needed'. Sir Keir said he was 'unwavering' over the party's plans for cleaner energy by 2030, denying they were being 'scaled back'. The comments came despite his shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves warning that an incoming Labour government might not be able to afford the cash injection. Keir Starmer struck a different tone from shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured together) as said he was 'unwavering' over Labour's plans for investing in cleaner energy Ms Reeves vowed there will be 'iron discipline' in sticking to Labour's fiscal rules, including ensuring debt is falling as a percentage of GDP. Other senior figures have also pointedly refused to stand by the plan. Asked about the pledge in Times Radio interview aired this morning, Sir Keir said: 'We're going to need investment, that's where the 28billion comes in. That investment that is desperately needed for that mission. 'You can only understand the investment argument by understanding that we want to have clean power by 2030 We need to borrow to invest to do that. 'That's a principle I believe in and I'm absolutely happy to go out and defend. And of course, what we've said as we've got closer to the operationalisation of this, is it has to be ramped up, the money has to be ramped up and everything is subject to our fiscal rules.' He said he had 'been unwavering in relation to the mission clean power by 2030'. But last week Ms Reeves repeatedly refused to set out whether she is standing by the 28billion a year figure, casting further uncertainty on whether the spending pledge would be kept. Asked about the pledge in an interview aired this morning, Sir Keir told Times Radio: 'We're going to need investment, that's where the 28billion comes in. That investment that is desperately needed for that mission. Labour has insisted it is 'committed' to ramping up the investment 'subject to our fiscal rules'. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: 'After weeks of chaos Keir Starmer has said Labour are not 'scaling back' from their 28 billion spending spree. 'This same old Labour approach of unfunded spending means higher taxes. 'He cannot say how he would fund his 28 billion spending spree because he does not have a plan to pay for it and that means higher taxes for hardworking people and uncertainty for British business.' A terrified RAF servicewoman was forced to lock herself in the toilets to avoid her sex pest boss's perverted advances, it has today been claimed. The woman faced 'constant' sexual harassment from her male manager which became so severe she quit her prized military job. Opening up about her torment, ex-air force employee Grace - which is not her real name - said her boss would try to grill her in 'graphic' detail about her sex life. So relentless was the alleged questioning, it left Grace feeling unsafe , 'scared to go into work' and suffering from crippling 'panic attacks'. The disturbing revelation will come as an embarrassing blow for the RAF, which has been rocked by a series of sex scandals in its elite Red Arrows squadron, amid damning claims personnel were sexually harassed and bullied as top brass stood by. The former RAF worker called Grace (not her real name) quit her job of three years due to the 'constant' sexual harassment she faced from her male manager The news is the latest sleaze scandal to rock the RAF following claims of sexual harassment and bullying within the Red Arrows Speaking of her abuse Grace - who worked in a different part of the RAF for three years before quitting - said she was berated with 'constant explicit sexual remarks and comments' while at work. 'There was really graphic questioning about how I would engage in sexual activities. I can remember on a couple of occasions going into the toilet and locking myself in to stop myself from being alone in a room with that person,' she told the BBC. 'I'd have panic attacks because I was so scared to go into work. It shatters your feeling of safety in work.' Grace complained informally about her boss but claimed she was then sanctioned by the RAF, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) later admitting this amounted to 'victimisation'. The RAF upheld Grace's formal complaint about her boss, with the service saying the harassment was found proven. The air force later recommended her manager - who has not been named - received 'disciplinary action'. However, Grace claims the RAF refused to disclose what action, if any, had been taken. The RAF insisted it takes 'all allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously and will continue to take decisive action against anyone who fails to uphold the high standards set.' The situation comes as the air force's elite Red Arrows squadron continues to be plagued by claims of sexual harassment and bullying within its ranks. Another former RAF employee Jennifer - not her real name - was an engineer in the Red Arrows but said she was stunned by the 'lewd' comments allegedly made by her male colleagues when she joined the acclaimed squadron in 2022 In December it was revealed that young female members of the scandal-hit flying force had been warned they would become a 'notch on a crew member's bedpost'. While today, another former Red Arrows member called Jennifer - not her real name - has also complained. The engineer joined in 2022, told the BBC she was stunned by the reportedly 'lewd' comments made by her male colleagues. Her comments echo similar complaints made by other female personnel in the Red Arrows. Former members of the world-renowned aerobatics squadron broke cover to speak out about the 'toxic culture' of misogyny plaguing the team as part of Sky News documentary. The three women and one man slammed air force top brass, accusing them of sweeping allegations under the carpet and 'marking their own homework'. They even claimed the RAF misled the public by telling a parliamentary committee none of the claims heard by an inquiry team met a criminal threshold. Among the victims to speak out was a junior officer known only as 'Kate'. She told Sky a male colleague had warned her about some of her predatory comrades and said: 'Be careful You could be a notch on a crew member's bedpost.' Kate said she received the ominous warning on her first day at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, where she says she was told that as a 'young, junior trainee' she could be a target for predatory crew members. Soon afterwards she claimed a number of her male comrades started making excuses for her to visit the office. 'They see it as fresh meat being on squadron and they all kind of wanted to ogle me,' she said, adding: 'Some pilots were untouchable that's why it was so dangerous.' The shocking allegations were first reported by the Mail last year. Eventually a pair of Top Guns were sacked, but neither pilot faced criminal charges (File Image of the Red Arrows) Another victim, called 'Lucy', said she experienced sexual harassment during her time with the force, telling Sky she had her 'bottom slapped' and received pestering messages from one of the crew 'asking for sex, but to keep it quiet'. The alleged behaviour took place between 2017 and 2021 and was brought to light after Kate and other victims approached former Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigston in December 2021 - prompting a non-statutory inquiry. The findings of the inquiry were finally published on November 1 2023. They were damning, confirming widespread unacceptable behaviour including sexual harassment, the flashing of genitals and predatory activity. The report also found an 'alcohol-focused culture' had plagued the squadron, as well as bullying and too many bystanders failing to call out the wrongdoing. Ahmed Al-Nahhas, head of military claims team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, said sexual crime is 'far more common in the military than in civilian life' but claimed the rate convictions was 'far lower' Between 2015 and 2020, the rate of rape convictions in the military courts was just nine per cent, compared to 59 per cent in the civilian courts, the lawyer said. Speaking of the latest victim, Grace, Ahmed added: 'As a military claims lawyer, I have sadly dealt with cases like this time and again. The prevalence of sexual abuse and harassment in the military - including cases of indecent exposure, assault and intimidation - is highly concerning and incredibly serious. 'It is particularly shocking how poorly the military courts deal with sexual crime. The system is ultimately rigged against the victims, who find that they are not taken seriously when they report their experiences to the military police, and subsequent investigations are often mishandled or swept under the carpet.' Last night, the RAF insisted 'Kate' had failed to pass on enough information for an investigation to be launched (File Image of the Red Arrows) In total, two pilots were sacked and nine individuals were sanctioned. However, no criminal charges were ever brought against those involved. Allegation of sexual harassment and sleaze plaguing the Red Arrows was first revealed by the Mail in a shocking report back in 2021. Eventually a pair of Top Guns were sacked, but neither pilot faced criminal charges. A subsequent in-house inquiry found certain pilots treated female crew members as 'property' and engaged in predatory behaviour. This misconduct was accepted due to a 'bystander culture'. The women suffered unwanted physical contact, sexual texts and invitations to engage in sexual activity. When the RAF's findings were published in November, the chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, apologised 'unreservedly' for their experiences. No disciplinary action has been taken against AVM Marshall and she is not facing an investigation. Last night, RAF sources insisted her response to the claims had been 'correct and reasonable'. An air force spokesman told MailOnline: 'Where complaints are made by personnel they are independently and comprehensively investigated. The RAF takes all allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously and will continue to take decisive action against anyone who fails to uphold the high standards set. They added the MoD was 'committed to providing a fair, efficient and effective service complaints system and there has been significant progress made to improve its performance, with a particular focus on the efficiency of the system, ensuring complaints are dealt with outside an individual's chain of command and improving the support available'. Victims of sexual abuse can find help by visiting Victim Support's website or calling 08 08 16 89 111 It was confirmed on Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is currently undergoing 'regular' outpatient treatment. In an unusual announcement from the palace, which has traditionally kept a tight lid on all members of the royal family's health details, it was revealed doctors first noticed something amiss while the monarch was in hospital for an enlarged prostate. Members of his family are rallying around Charles, with Prince Harry understood to be travelling to the UK this week. It is the latest royal health scare after the Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for planned abdominal surgery, which she could need up to three months to recover from. As the world rushes to wish Charles well, MailOnline has gathered everything we know so far about the King's diagnosis - and what happens next. Charles (pictured in France in September) has been diagnosed with cancer , but Buckingham Palace has ensured the details of his case have been kept private Members of his family are rallying around Charles, with Prince Harry understood to be travelling to the UK this week What is King Charles' diagnosis? Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, but Buckingham Palace has ensured the details of his case have been kept private. The palace has not confirmed what type of cancer the King has, or what stage it is, but is it understood that it is not prostate cancer and has been caught early. No details as to the type of treatment the King is receiving have been released. How was the King diagnosed with cancer? The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side Charles had been admitted to hospital for surgery on January 26 for treatment to a benign enlarged prostate. He remained at The London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home. But during the surgery doctors noticed 'a separate issue of concern', believed to be in a different part of the King's body. It has since been confirmed to be cancer, with Charles being informed early last week. Will King Charles still carry out his royal duties? The King is famously a workaholic who takes after his late mother in being very hands-on with the business of monarchy. But in a move which is sure to be a frustration to him, Buckingham Palace confirmed last night that his team of doctors has suggested he suspend all face-to-face royal duties. It is likely Charles will continue 'red box' matters of state and continue to meet with the Prime Minister, which can take place via telephone or video call. However the public is likely to see less of the monarch in public for the forseeable future, in order to protect him during treatment and prevent him from picking up any other illnesses. Is Prince Harry returning to the UK? Prince Harry (pictured with wife Meghan Markle in June 2022) is to return to the UK as early as today King Charles told both his sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, and his siblings of his cancer diagnosis personally before any official announcement was made. Prince Harry is set to return to the UK and could arrive on British soil as early as lunchtime on Tuesday. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and there are claims he boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime. It is understood the Duke of Sussex cleared his schedule after speaking with his father over the phone and immediately prepared to travel to London. At present, his wife Meghan Markle and the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will remain at their Montecito home. Last time the Prince flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' Will Prince Harry reconcile with Prince William? It is reported Meghan Markle and their two children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - will not be joining Harry, and it is unknown if he will see his brother while in the UK It is unknown if Prince Harry and his brother will meet while the Duke of Sussex is in the UK. The pair's relationship substantially deteriorated following the release of Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir Spare. Experts have urged the Duke of Sussex to put the past behind him and rally around his family at its time of need. Prince William is facing a particularly busy period as he takes on more duties for his father, while also taking care of the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from her own health scare. Who is in charge? The King (pictured with Camilla after leaving The London Clinic on January 29) spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment The nation will be relieved to know that King Charles remains in charge of the royal family and continues to represent the UK constitutionally around the world. Should the monarch become too ill to rule at any point, the Counsellors of State would take over on his behalf, but this is not anticipated at this stage. While the monarch remains in post, many of the day-to-day public engagements will instead be carried out by other members of the royal family. Who are the Counsellors of State? The Princess Royal (pictured handing out investitures on Tuesday morning) is one of the Counselors of State Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla and the four most senior adults in the line of succession over the age of 21 - the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother the Duke of Edinburgh and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State so they can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law. The legislation did add Anne and Edward to the list, but stopped short of removing Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State. Which members of the royal family will take on Charles' duties? It is likely that other members of the royal family will take on an increased number of visits and public duties while King Charles is receiving regular treatment as an outpatient. Heir to the throne Prince William is likely to return to public duties, having previously stepped back temporarily in order to care for his wife, who is recovering from abdominal surgery. Other working royals including Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the younger working royals are also expected to step up in the King's absence. What happens next? There is little precedent to demonstrate what will happen now that King Charles has taken the extraordinary step to reveal his cancer diagnosis publicly. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was extremely private around her health and would no doubt not have shared such news with the country. As ever the palace has stressed it will not be providing a running commentary on the King's health, meaning it is unlikely many more official announcements will be made. The King is expected to continue what royal duties he can until further notice, with experts saying he could be out of the limelight until at least March. Has this happened to YOU? Has this happened to YOU? Email freya.barnes@mailonline.co.uk Red-faced council officials in Edinburgh have been forced to build a barrier over a flight of stairs after a string of drivers got their vehicles wedged following sat nav mishaps. Mapping software left at least four hapless motorists in recent weeks in a tight predicament as they attempted to drive down stairs on Greenside Lane near the city's Theatre Royal bar. The stairs were installed in October to block access to road traffic following the redesign of Picardy Place, a junction in the city centre. Officials have now confirmed a temporary barrier will be installed to put the brakes on the errors. City of Edinburgh Council have written to Apple to request directions on the tech giant's maps app are updated after a similar request was sent to Google. One delivery driver said he was 'embarrassed' after becoming the latest victim of the steps on Monday. Has this happened to YOU? Email freya.barnes@mailonline.co.uk At least four drivers have gotten their vehicles wedged after a sat nav error sent them down a narrow flight of stairs in Edinburgh - forcing council bosses to install a barrier Mapping software left hapless motorists red-faced as they attempted to drive down stairs on Greenside Lane, near the city's Theatre Royal bar The stairs were installed in October last year to block access to road traffic following the redesign of Picardy Place, a junction in the city centre City of Edinburgh Council have written to Apple to request directions on the tech giant's maps app are updated after a similar request was sent to Google He said he had not driven in the city for about 10 years but insisted his sat nav had not picked up the road changes. He told the BBC: 'I was just following the sat nav. I always remember I used to come down this way. I followed it and just got stuck. 'I had no idea there was a step there, I used to come down this way. I am a bit embarrassed about it.' One delivery driver said he was 'embarrassed' after becoming the latest victim of the steps on Monday An X user posts a picture of a transit van that has become wedged down the steps with the caption 'it's happened again!' The council's transport and environment committee acknowledged issues with 'vehicular interaction with the steps' had not been raised when road change plans were approved in 2021. It said: 'Google Maps has recently been updated to reflect the new layout and a request for a correction has been sent to Apple Maps. 'While this update is awaited, a temporary barrier will be installed.' Has this happened to YOU? Email freya.barnes@mailonline.co.uk Clapham alkali attacker suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi was 'very angry' and vowed to avenge the armed robbers who shot his sister dead in his native Afghanistan, a friend has revealed. Ezedi, 35, had been sending money back to his family in Afghanistan which he had earned while working in a pizza takeaway in Tyneside, northern England. A close friend, who worked alongside Ezedi in the takeaway, has revealed how distraught the chemical attacker was after his sister was shot dead by armed robbers who were trying to steal the money he had sent home. The 33-year-old friend, who is an Iranian asylum seeker, also revealed that Ezedi is from a strict Muslim family and believed his father would be enraged by his conversion to Christianity. Ezedi's colleagues were shocked when he was arrested for a sexual assault and exposing himself - offences committed against two different women within a few weeks of each other. He was given a suspended sentence and released on an electronic tag but went on to find new employment, enrol on a college course in Newcastle and was eventually granted asylum at the third time of asking. The Afghan suspect secured the churches support despite being a convicted sex attacker. Pictured: In CCTV after the attack Ezedi arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry in 2016 and had twice been refused asylum by 2018 Abdul Ezedi was caught on CCTV footage buying groceries the day before the attack in Newcastle Although Ezedi - known to friends as Shapoor - was fired after his sexual offending, he found a new job and they stayed in touch. The friend said: 'Shapoor is a very intelligent, hard working man whose focus was to earn as much as possible so that he could send money home to his family in Afghanistan. 'He did that from the time he arrived in the UK and came to Newcastle, he spent nothing and saved the money for his family. 'But in around 2017 or 2018 it became known in his neighbourhood that he had sent a large amount of money to his family and there was a robbery on his home. 'His family fought back to defend their home and he told me that his sister was shot dead. He was so upset and very, very angry. 'He said that he would take revenge on the people who had done that to her. After what happened he was crying for three weeks and he said he wanted revenge 'When I heard what happened in London that came into my mind.' There is no evidence that the attack in Clapham had any connection to the robbery in Afghanistan and friends of Ezedi are mystified by the motive. The friend said: 'He was single the whole time I knew him, he didn't have a wife or children. Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground during the attack at 7.25pm, before attempting to drive away from the scene, crashing into a stationary vehicle and fleeing on foot Abdul Ezedi, 35, was last seen near a railway bridge over the Thames in London last Wednesday just hours after he allegedly targeted the victims 'When I saw his face in the news and read what he was accused of doing I was so shocked. Other than his anger over his sister's murder, I have never known him to want to harm anyone. 'Working in a pizza shop there were always people trying to start a fight but he would always avoid trouble, he never reacted.' Ezedi's friends were shocked by his arrest and conviction for sexual assault and indecent exposure. His friend said: 'It was so out of character, we were so shocked to discover what he had done to the two women. 'One was a sexual assault and after that he exposed himself to a woman who was on her way to catch a bus. 'He didn't go to jail but was released and had a tag on his leg. He lost his job but he applied for new work and as soon as his tag was taken off he found a new job and continued to send money home. 'He's very intelligent. He speaks very good English and got onto a college course in Newcastle to improve his English, that was important to him.' He described Ezedi's apparent conversion to Christianity as 'a joke.' Abdul Ezedi at King's Cross underground station at 9pm on February 2 The friend said: 'His father was a strict and devout Muslim is a Haji and a very respected man in the community at home. 'If Shapoor has converted to Christianity, he won't be going back to Afghanistan because his father would be so furious. 'Whenever he spoke to his father he would be asking him, are you praying? Are you fasting? Are you living as a good Muslim, it was so important to him that Shapoor was living as he had in Afghanistan. 'The idea that he is now a Christian is a joke but he loves money and he loves his passport so maybe he did it for that reason. 'I have no idea where he could be. He has a brother in London but will know he cannot go there. 'It was such a shock for me and everyone who knows him that this has happened. He needs to give himself up to the police and end this.' Princess Anne has got down to business as usual after being informed of her brother Charles' cancer diagnosis by handing out honours at Windsor Castle before travelling up to the Midlands in a busy day of royal engagements. The princess, seen as a stalwart member of the royal family, was among those close relatives told personally by King Charles of his diagnosis, which he has known about since early last week. She is one of a number of senior members of the family who are expected to increase the number of engagements they take on as the monarch steps back to focus on his health, on the instruction of doctors. The Princess Royal is leading an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, handing out honours to the likes of conductor Ivor Bolton, tenor Nicky Spence, rugby union referee Sara Cox and wheelchair rugby league player James Simpson. She is then scheduled to travel up to the Midlands for a royal visit later today. In a statement last night Buckingham Palace said that during surgery for a benign enlarged prostate, doctors spotted a separate issue 'of concern' for the King, and that this has since been confirmed to be cancerous. It comes as the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, continues to recover from planned abdominal surgery while Sarah Ferguson also battles cancer for the second time, having recently been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Ivor Bolton, from London, Conductor, is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle by Princess Anne Princess Anne is to plough on with business as usual after being informed of her brother Charles' cancer diagnosis (Pictured: The Princess Royal on a visit to Moray on February 1) The King (pictured with Camilla after leaving The London Clinic on January 29) spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment Before the news was confirmed on Monday, Princess Anne put on a brave face as she attended the dedication of a new St John Ambulance Community unit in Devizes, Wiltshire. The support unit was purchased following a successful fundraising campaign that raised 65,000 in donations. It is not unusual for the Princess Royal to take on significant royal duties such as investitures - she previously carried out such ceremonies on January 17, 24 and 31. Prior to that, the King conducted two in December, with Prince William taking on the mantle on November 27. Speaking on Sky News, the Mail's Robert Hardman described the Princess Royal as 'essential' at the royal family's time of need, adding that she is 'the backbone of the whole institution'. Meanwhile the King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. Earlier on Tuesday Princess Beatrice was seen leaving Clarence House, where Charles is currently believed to be staying, with her husband following the news. It was reported this morning the monarch could be away from public-facing duties until at least March as he undergoes regular treatment. Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Charles had been admitted to hospital for surgery on January 26 for treatment on a benign enlarged prostate. He remained at The London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home. The hardy royal is one of those expected to take on royal engagements in her brother's absence Rugby union referee Sara Cox is awarded an MBE by Princess Anne on Tuesday morning Princess Anne got straight back to business on Tuesday morning despite her family's health concerns Anne bestows an honour upon operatic tenor Nicholas (Nicky) Spence on Tuesday The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Princess Anne has been a stalwart at King Charles' side since the death of their mother, Queen Elizabeth II (Pictured during a trip to Moray on February 1) The Princess Royal is pictured endowing an honour on Davina McCall at the most recent investiture on January 31 The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last Monday with Queen Camilla by his side Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning The Prince of Wales, the Queen and other working royals are all to step up their royal duties while the King undergoes treatment as an outpatient. Buckingham Palace has confirmed a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed, but it is not anticipated that Counsellors of State will need to be appointed. In the event a monarch cannot undertake their duties as sovereign on a temporary basis due to illness, two or more Counsellors of State can be appointed by Letters Patent to act in their place. It is hoped the King will continue with some of his duties, but how much he can do will depend on the progress of his treatment and the orders of his doctors. Other members of the royal family are expected to continue with a full programme of public engagements and may undertake some additional duties on behalf the King if they are required to do so. Usually the duty would fall to William in the first instance, who has recently returned to royal duties after the Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery last month. The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital (Pictured attending church in Sandringham on Sunday) Anne, Princess Royal attends the dedication of a new St John Ambulance Community unit in Devizes as her brother prepared to go public with his cancer diagnosis on Monday The Royal Family has been rocked by a series of health scares in the last few weeks, with the Duchess of York recently announcing she has skin cancer Kate Middleton is recovering at home from abdominal surgery following a two-week stay at private hospital The London Clinic William had taken time off to support his family as Kate recovered first in hospital, then returned home to Windsor to convalesce. He will host an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and that evening will attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising gala in central London, Kensington Palace said. Camilla will also continue with a full programme of public duties while her husband is treated, the Palace said. Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla and the four most senior adults in the line of succession over the age of 21 - the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother the Duke of Edinburgh and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State so they can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law. The legislation did add Anne and Edward to the list, but stopped short of removing Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State. The Duke of Sussex is flying to London to be with his father after the King's shock cancer diagnosis after clearing his diary. He could arrive in the UK as early as lunchtime today. Charles is positive about his treatment and hopes to returning to full public duty as soon as possible, the Palace said. William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his father's behalf, it is understood, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. The Palace has called for the King's privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the King's hospital stay, Kate's major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of York's skin cancer diagnosis. A group of seven former employees at Elon Musk's SpaceX say the rocket and satellite company discriminated against women while joking about sexual harassment and even firing those who complained, a new civil rights complaint alleges. According to the complaint, first reported by Bloomberg, the workers were fired by the company in 2022 after a letter circulated through SpaceX that was critical of Musk. The workers claim that in their time at the company they were subjected to inappropriate behavior and sexual jokes by managers, who would often quote Musk. 'Basically anything that would make a freshman frat initiate laugh was fair game in large parts of the company,' said one of the fired employees, Tom Moline. The group say that SpaceX violated California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, which protects workers who are critical of their management and bans sex-based discrimination. The California Civil Rights Department first made contact with SpaceX about the allegations in January SpaceX logo is displayed on a building on May 26, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral The California Civil Rights Department first made contact with SpaceX about the allegations in January. In October, SpaceX was sued by a female former employee who claimed the company pays and promotes women and minorities less than white men. Engineer Paige Holland-Thielen who is among the complainants in the new civil rights suit, told Bloomberg that from the moment she was hired by SpaceX in 2018 she felt discriminated against as she was considered a 'level 1' employee despite having more experience than men who were given senior roles. Even after getting a promotion, Holland-Thielen claims she was left out of meetings and decisions because of her gender. When she complained that a male colleague took credit for her work, Holland-Thielen said that she was subjected to a performance review in which she was advised that she was 'too emotional' and told to be 'more humble.' She claims on one occasion she tried complaining to a manager about a colleague's inappropriate behavior but the manager made a sexual joke when they saw downward-pointing data on her computer and allegedly said, 'How can we get it, up, up, up?' Paige Holland-Thielen (above) is among the complainants who say that she was regularly discriminated against at SpaceX because of her gender 'Basically anything that would make a freshman frat initiate laugh was fair game in large parts of the company,' said one of the fired employees, Tom Moline The civil rights complaint also states that Musk posted what the workers considered inappropriate content on Twitter, and they couldn't easily avoid them because he also used the platform to make important company announcements. The complainants say the situation reached a boiling point for them when in 2022 Musk was accused of sexually harassing a SpaceX flight attendant. The suit claims the company was dismissive of the claims and that an HR director said something like 'Ive never been sexual harassed [sic], I must not be hot enough.' Disappointed with the company's handling of the accusation, the employees decided to write the open letter they say got them fired. The letter said Musk's behavior was 'a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment.' Moline alleges he was one of several employees who was then called into a meeting and fired. 'They told me that my employment was being terminated because they had determined that I was responsible for conceiving, writing, and distributing the open letter,' Molina said in the complaint. In October, former SpaceX engineer Ashley Foltz filed a proposed class action in California state last year, saying the company paid her $92,000 per year while men with similar duties and qualifications were paid up to $115,000. California law prohibits employers from paying workers less than colleagues who perform 'substantially similar work' based on their sex, race or ethnicity. Foltz said she discovered the discrepancy when SpaceX posted job openings for engineering positions with a salary range of $95,000 to $115,000. A California pay transparency law took effect this year requiring employers to post salary ranges in job postings. Last November the ex-employees brought the complaints to the National Labor Law and the agency ruled that SpaceX had indeed violated federal labor law by firing the workers, who are mostly engineers. SpaceX then sued the agency, arguing the ruling will harm its reputation and ability to recruit talent. A motorist has been slapped with a hefty fine after his passenger was caught out by road safety cameras not wearing her seatbelt 'correctly'. The Brisbane driver was shocked to receive the $1,100 fine notice and insisted his partner sitting in the front passenger seat was buckled in but had the seatbelt covered up by a wet weather jacket. He turned to Reddit to seek advice and uploaded a series of images of the alleged offence, which show the bottom part of the seatbelt strapped to her waist but the shoulder strap appeared to be obscured by her jacket. Another photo showed the top part of the seatbelt which had been worn by the passenger circled in red. A motorist has been slapped with $1,100 fine after his partner was caught out not wearing her seatbelt correctly READ MORE: Victorian driver claims her passenger was wearing her seatbelt when she was fined $385 A driver who was fined $385 over a seatbelt offence claims the photos actually show her passenger buckled up Advertisement The motorist insisted his partner was wearing her seatbelt at the time. 'I got hit with a $1100 fine for my partner not wearing her seatbelt 'correctly' in the passenger seat,' he wrote. 'As you can see in the photos the seatbelt is worn correctly but her jumper is covering the seatbelt across her chest.' The motorist when on to say the seatbelt was 'buckled in' and the shoulder strap was 'coming out' of her partner's jumper. Hundreds of users flooded the driver's post with comments expressing their confusion over why he was fined. 'To me, it looks like it's [seatbelt] being worn correctly,' one user wrote. '$1,100 for that is insane,' another said. 'Wow. Cannot believe people consider this an offence.' Others questioned why the driver's partner was wearing her seatbelt underneath her jacket. 'Who the f**k zips their hoody over the seatbelt?' one person said. 'That is a silly way to wear a jumper,' another wrote. The driver claims that the front seat passenger had worn her jacket over the seatbelt (pictured) Others chimed in by saying seatbelt laws don't state whether the seatbelt must be visible when drivers or their passengers are inside a vehicle while travelling on a road. A spokesperson from the Queensland Revenue Office told Daily Mail Australia they would not comment on individual cases. The spokesperson said images of suspected seatbelt infringements detected by seatbelt cameras are assessed by an officer at the Queensland Revenue Office. 'Seatbelt cameras take images of each vehicle travelling in the lane of traffic that the camera is monitoring,' the spokesperson said. 'The images are then filtered by Artificial Intelligence software which detects if there was possible failure to correctly wear a seatbelt by the driver or front seat passenger.' The driver said he shouldn't have bee fined with dozens of users who flooded the motorist's post on reddit with comments saying his partner was wearing her seatbelt (pictured) 'If a possible offence is detected, the images are reviewed by an authorised officer within QRO to determine whether to issue an infringement.' Queensland drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt are fined $1,161 and receive four demerit points. The driver is also responsible for any passengers not wearing a seatbelt while they are travelling inside the vehicle. Motorists who believe they were incorrectly fined can submit inquiries online to have their matter reviewed or can contest the matter in court. A pregnant horse died after plunging off Welsh cliffs after being frightened by dogs let off their leads. The mare - called Sally - fell off the edge off the Gower Peninsula last week, losing both her life and her unborn foal. The incident took place around a year after another horse died at the same popular beauty spot when tourists tried to take selfies with it. Farmer Robert Morgan, 48, blamed dog owners letting their pets off the lead for Sally's tragic death. A pregnant mare called Sally (pictured) fell off a cliff on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, losing both her life and her unborn foal Farmer Robert Morgan, 48, blamed dog owners letting their pets off the lead for the tragic incident The incident happened on the same cliffs where another horse died last year after tourists tried to take selfies with it He said: 'The horses are there 365 days of the year and they know the place like the back of their hand. 'They know where to walk, and they don't just fall off cliffs. People who go down to see the amazing views let their dogs off the lead and forget there are animals grazing the cliffs and having their offspring. 'Lots of dogs bought in lockdown maybe aren't the best-tamed in the world. It's not the dogs' fault, they just haven't been lectured enough as a pup to stay away from animals.' In another incident, a pregnant horse in the area went into labour early and lost its foal after she was suspected to have eaten dog faeces which contains a bacteria that can cause foetuses to be aborted. Robert added: 'Dogs shouldn't be off the lead down there. Take the poo bags back to the car park and put them in the bin. Come and enjoy Rhossili, let your dogs enjoy it, but please don't let this happen again. 'It's a breath-taking place but on the other hand it's a dangerous place. We don't want to go as far as to ban dogs, they have just as great a day down there as the owners. In another incident, a pregnant horse in the area went into labour early and lost its foal after she was suspected to have eaten dog faeces which contains a bacteria that can cause foetuses to be aborted 'The horses have been there hundreds of years and we don't want to take them away and leave it an empty place. Farming is the best job in the world and the worst job in the world. 'We're not emotionless people, we're so attached to our animals and we don't want to see this again. We want to share our stock and our experiences, and we love talking to people when they come down. 'We're not pointing the finger at anyone and it's not just tourists. 95 per cent of people who come down are lovely, amazing and respectful, but there is a minority.' A spokesman for NCI Worm's Head said: 'Stay safe around horses. Almost every day, whilst driving to and from our hut, we see members of the public trying to stroke or take 'selfies' with the horses. We do stop when we see it happening and explain that the horses are semi feral or wild. 'It was only recently we had to transport a young lady up to the car park after she had been kicked by a stallion near our hut. We did what we could First Aid wise but she found walking difficult. 'Obviously we will always do what we can in these situations, but we wish people would keep their distance from the horses. Only a few weeks ago a newborn foal was lost over the cliffs because it panicked when a group of people tried to get selfies with it.' Former Irish premier John Bruton, who helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement, has died aged 76 Mr Bruton was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001 and Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997 as head of the 'rainbow coalition' government. Ex-UK PM Sir John Major said Mr Bruton 'contributed mightily to the early days of the peace process' and sacrificed 'political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence'. A statement from the Bruton family, released by Fine Gael this morning, said: 'It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton. 'He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness. 'He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot. 'We will miss him greatly.' As Taoiseach, John Bruton launched the Anglo-Irish 'Framework Document' in 1995 with Sir John Major (pictured together in Downing Street) After losing the 1997 election, Mr Bruton stayed as leader of Fine Gael for another four years, and remained engaged in the efforts to reach a peace deal (pictured with Tony Blair in 1998) Mr Bruton with his budget package as minister for finance in 1982 Mr Bruton was first elected to the Dail as TD for Meath at the age of 22 and remained in Fine Gael until his retirement from domestic politics in 2004. He served two terms as minister for finance during the 1980s, as well as being minister for industry and energy and minister for trade. As Taoiseach, he launched the Anglo-Irish 'Framework Document' in 1995 with Sir John. Opponents criticised Mr Bruton for being too accommodating to unionists, but he also heavily criticised the UK government's refusal to engage with Sinn Fein after the IRA called a ceasefire from 1994. At the general election in 1997, Mr Bruton lost to Bertie Ahern's Fianna Fail. He stayed as leader of Fine Gael for another four years, and remained engaged in the efforts to reach a peace deal. Sir John Major said today: 'I was shocked to learn of the loss of John Bruton. 'He was a brave and talented Taoiseach who contributed mightily to the early days of the peace process. 'In testing circumstances, he put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence. 'He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deeply saddened at his passing.' Former Taoiseach Mr Ahern said Mr Bruton was 'one of the decent people'. 'My view of John is that he was a gentleman,' Mr Ahern told RTE. 'He was always the private man. He was leader of the House in government, and I was leader of the House in opposition, way back in the early Eighties. 'I worked with them on so many issues over so many years. We got on very well. 'I considered him one of the decent people. His involvement in the North (Northern Ireland) was always genuine. 'He was a totally genuine person and always acted in the interests of the people of the country, of the people of need and I wouldn't have a bad word to say about John Bruton.' New Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed her condolences to the Bruton family. Mr Bruton with Bill Clinton in the White House in the 1990s Speaking in the Assembly, the Sinn Fein leader said: 'I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who we've just been notified has sadly passed away. 'To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time.' Her DUP deputy Emma Little-Pengelly also expressed her condolences, while speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots said he will write to the Bruton family to express his condolences. Born in Dunboyne in Co Meath, Mr Bruton graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) before qualifying as a barrister from King's Inns. After leaving domestic politics, he served as the European Union's ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009. Mr Bruton is survived by his wife, Finola, their four children, and grandchildren. Prince Harry has landed in Britain alone to be at King Charles' side after his father told him about his shock cancer diagnosis, raising hopes of a royal truce. The Duke of Sussex is believed to have touched down on a British Airways flight to London Heathrow - but Meghan, Archie and Lilibet have stayed at home in California. Harry boarded the 11-hour flight hours after Charles revealed he was ill. But the Duchess of Sussex is believed to be at their Montecito mansion with their two children, Prince Archie , four, and Princess Lilibet, two, despite the threat of floods due to extreme weather in California this week. Harry's transatlantic dash has raised hopes that his return to Britain will be used to heal wounds with King Charles and a chance to reach out to his brother Prince William. His father is believed to be resting at Clarence House today ahead of treatment, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi seen leaving after a visit this morning. It is not known if Harry will stay in central London to be close to the King or stay at Windsor, most likely at the empty Frogmore Cottage . Experts have said that they hope that Harry's trip to Britain is the 'sign of a truce' and that 'good news' of a heal in the rift in the Royal Family could come from the 'bad news' about the King's health. Harry is believed to have been in this Range Rover as it was swept from Heathrow under police guard this afternoon Police escort a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Harry out of Heathrow at around 1pm as he heads to visit his father in London The Prince -who travelled on the overnight 11 hour flight without his wife Meghan - was met off the plane by a convoy of cars Police waiting for Harry at the VIP terminal of Heathrow Airport where Harry landed on a BA flight A car believed to be carrying Prince Harry is pictured arriving at a private terminal at LAX to fly to the UK to be with his father, King Charles, after his cancer diagnosis Prince Harry has landed in London to see his father after his cancer diagnosis Prince Harry flew to London after King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public. Meghan and the children are staying at home Harry left LAX for London last night to be with his father. Charles had called him personally to tell him the devastating news and the Duke of Sussex has immediately jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and he boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime on Tuesday. READ MORE: AMANDA PLATELL: My heart yearns for Harry to heal the rift with his father and brother. But this is why my head tells me it will never happen... There must be deep resentment, not only on the part of Camilla, William and Kate, but Anne, Edward and Sophie, too, over Harrys behaviour, says Amanda Platell Advertisement Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, said today: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery.' And his trip could be motivated by that plea. He flew into Londons Heathrow Airport on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles. The Prince -who travelled on the overnight 11 hour flight without his wife Meghan - was met off the plane. A black Range Rover parked at the VIP. Windsor Suite left to drive to another part of the airport to collect Harry. The Range Rover escorted by two police cars, Harrys car had arrived at the VIP suite adjacent to Terminal Five two hours ahead of his arrival at 12.35pm on BA280. Despite his in going row with the Home Office over police protection during visits to the UK with his family a police car followed him out. Harry is expected to travel to Clarence House to meet with King Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He may stay there or in a hotel The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. But he may miss public duties for a number of months, it has been claimed. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but revealed: 'Thankfully this has been caught early'. KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. - Tuesday February 6 Prince Harry lands in the UK to see his father Advertisement Harry landed in the UK at lunchtime but it is not known if he will see his brother Prince William or the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from serious abdominal surgery at their home in the grounds of Winsor Castle. But experts have said they hope that the Duke of Sussex's last-minute trip could finally bring Harry, Charles and William closer together. Last time the Prince flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel. Meghan missed the UK altogether, meeting him in Germany for the Invictus Games. It is understood the Duke asked if he could stay at Windsor Castle to allow him to visit his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II's place of rest, but permission was denied. Harry usually travels with his own private security team, after being stripped of his right to automatic police protection when he left the Royal family in 2020. The King contacted both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis before it was announced by Buckingham Palace. A source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK to be by his father's side. Experts have claimed that Harry's dash to Britain 'indicates the seriousness' of the King's condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles III's cancer diagnosis 'will bring a reconciliation' with Prince Harry. Harry estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet. The heir to the throne, who returns to public duties this week after helping to settle his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery. He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment. As the King's cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged: Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that doctors discovered the cancer during a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Sources have suggested that the cancer is in a different part of the King's body but was discovered during the surgery last week. Prince Harry was last in the UK over the summer, when he attended an event for a children's charity. However, he did not meet with the Royal family during that visit before heading to Germany for his Invictus Games where he met up with Meghan. The Duke of Sussex attended his father's coronation last May, but left London just hours after the ceremony to return to Montecito. Harry is believed to be in contact with his father but sources have claimed that there has been no rapprochement with William, who is said to have been left upset by the Sussexes' attacks on the Royal Family since Megxit. Harry's visit will raise hopes that there could be some thawing in the relations, which have been rocky since he and Meghan emigrated in 2020. King Charles' cancer diagnosis has shocked the world. The 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment immediately. It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but medics spotted it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The palace said the King 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible', but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. A palace spokesman said: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer , Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this evening. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Experts hope that the diagnosis will bring some kind of reconciliation between Harry and his father and brother It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: RICHARD KAY: Harry's arrival is a reminder of just how fractured the Royal Family has become. William believes their trust has been utterly destroyed. But could their father's illness lead to a rapprochement between brothers? Charles and Camilla lead William, Kate, Harry and Meghan at the Commonwealth Service in London in 2020 Advertisement Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. 'I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we'd all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery.' The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022. Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s. Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign. That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary. Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school. Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage. William and Kate's team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings. Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now. The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back. The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate. The palace added that His Majesty's condition was 'benign' and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure. They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check. The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website. His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery. He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be 'doing well'. He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife. Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was 'doing fine' and looking forwards to getting back to work. Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best', adding: 'Thank goodness!' One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer. But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine. Mark Drakeford , the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a 'full and swift recovery' following his cancer diagnosis. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'I'm saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. 'Gwellhad buan.' Northern Ireland's new First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who as leader of Sinn Fein is a republican, wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 'I am very sorry to hear of King Charles' illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,' she posted on X. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said after the shocking news today: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. 'I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery.' The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side The King waved to a large crowd of wellwishers when he left the London Clinic last Monday The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: 'My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. 'His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. 'Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.' Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: 'One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. 'Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.' Hero neighbours and tradesmen spent 15 minutes frantically trying to rescue a cleaning lady from a savage dog attack. It's understood the woman aged in her 30s had arrived to clean the home in Condell Park, in Sydney's south-west, when she was attacked by a male American Staffordshire Terrier shortly before 1pm on Tuesday. She suffered horrific injuries to her chest and arms while the dog, which had been recently adopted by the home's occupants, was Tasered by police and later euthanised. Mohamad was on his way home from the gym when he heard harrowing screams from inside the Warburton Street property. He raced inside the home, where several tradies who were working next door had already rushed to the cleaner's aid. The woman suffered 'multiple bites' to her chest and arms in the terrifying attack at a property in Condell Park in south-west Sydney shortly before 1pm on Tuesday (pictured: dog handlers remove the animal) READ MORE: KIIS FM staffer breaks his silence about fight with Saltburn actor Jacob Elordi Advertisement 'I started helping him, he was hitting it with a shovel and I started throwing rocks at it, I threw a crowbar at it, throwing little concrete slabs at it, threw a garbage bin at it and the dog wouldn't move,' Mohamad told the Daily Telegraph. 'We were here for about 15 minutes until the [cops] rocked up. That whole time [the dog was mauling her] and who knows how long before that.' Neighbour Peter Burzynski called police after hearing the woman's screams. 'I could hear the commotion and something like a shovel being hit on the concrete, and someone yelling out 'Come here, come here!',' he said Two tradesmen actually pulled up and were helping, but they just couldnt stop the dog attacking the woman. Distressing footage showed two officers standing behind a wall as onlookers shouted at them to take action. 'It needs to stop now, you've got to get her out of there, mate,' one tradie yelled from behind a fence. Seconds later, a shot was heard as one of the officers fired a Taser. The animal barked as someone shouted: 'Where's the ambulance?' 'That dog shouldn't be out in the public, especially a dog like that. We've all got kids, it could've been any of our kids, could've been our mums, our wives, anybody.' The woman in her thirties was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition (pictured: the dog is taken away) Paramedics arrived a short time later. The woman was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The dog was removed from the scene by dog handlers. It has since been euthanised. A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said 'multiple crews attended the scene'. 'They assessed and treated a woman in her thirties for multiple dog bites to her chest and limbs,' the spokesperson said A City of Canterbury Bankstown spokesman said: 'After assessing the dog, it is clear it could not be rehabilitated and has since been euthanised.' A man has been arrested after a threatening call was made to pro-Israel Conservative MP Mike Freer following his vow to quit politics. The ex-Justice Minister claims to have been subjected to a campaign of alleged death threats and intimidation - which culminated in a suspected arson attack on his London constituency office in December. The Metropolitan Police today confirmed a 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communication. It comes after Mr Freer complained about an 'abusive and threatening' phone call. Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones, from the local policing team in north-west London, said: 'It is vitally important for elected officials and their staff they can be confident in their safety and security, and we are committed to ensuring this. 'Today's arrest sends a clear message we will not tolerate threats or aggression of any kind towards elected officials. We will deal quickly and robustly with such offences. Justice Minister Mike Freer told Rishi Sunak he will step down at the election following a string of threats and incidents, which culminated in an 'arson' attack on his constituency office in December Last month's 'arson' attack was 'the final straw'. One email sent after the attack informed him he was 'the kind of person who deserved to be set alight'. Pictured: Mr Freer's offices after the attack 'We are in regular contact with MPs and other elected officials and fully recognise the growing concerns they are telling us about their safety, and as you would expect, we have kept Mr Freer MP updated throughout this investigation including today's arrest.' The suspect was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of malicious communication and has been taken to a north London police station for questioning. A separate investigation into an arson attack at the MP's office in Finchley, north London, on Christmas Eve is ongoing, with a man and a woman charged with arson with intent to endanger life. The two incidents are not being linked, police said. Mr Freer said: 'I'm grateful that the police acted swiftly to the latest threat. 'It's just another example of what is becoming, sadly, the norm for many MPs and their staff.' Last week Mr Freer told Rishi Sunak he will step down as MP for Finchley and Golders Green at the next general election after a series of death threats. The 63-year-old has suffered more than a decade of intimidation and says he feels 'lucky to be alive' after narrowly escaping a confrontation with terrorist killer Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered fellow Tory MP Sir David Amess. Mr Freer told the Mail he could no longer put his family through the anxiety of knowing he might be targeted every time he stepped outside. He said his husband Angelo had become 'incredibly jittery' since it emerged that Ali had visited his Finchley and Golders Green constituency office with the intention of killing him. On police advice, Mr Freer has had to wear a stab vest when attending scheduled public events in his constituency. Last month's arson attack in north London was 'the final straw'. An email sent after the attack informed him he was 'the kind of person who deserved to be set alight'. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mr Freer said he could no longer put his family through the anxiety of knowing he might be targeted for his views every time he steps outside The 63-year-old has suffered more than a decade of intimidation and says he feels 'lucky to be alive' after narrowly escaping a confrontation with terrorist killer Ali Harbi Ali (left), who murdered fellow Tory MP Sir David Amess (right) The incident led to 'tense' conversations with family members over Christmas, before he decided he would step down. Mr Freer said quitting politics would be 'a real wrench', but added: 'Obviously your husband or your family's views have to carry a lot of weight. And when someone worries that, 'are you going to come home at night', you have to take that seriously.' He said all MPs sadly had to accept a certain level of abuse as 'par for the course' in modern public life. But he added: 'You shouldn't really have to think, am I going to survive the day?' EXCLUSIVE CLICK HERE to read the full, devastating interview with Justice Minister Mike Freer Advertisement Mr Freer's decision will lead to fresh questions about security for MPs, who have faced increased threats in recent years. It may also reignite the debate about the toxic influence of social media on public life. In the past decade, Sir David and Labour MP Jo Cox were murdered in their constituencies. Labour's Stephen Timms was stabbed by an Al Qaeda sympathiser in 2010 but survived. Mr Freer said he suffered his first serious death threat the following year, when the group Muslims Against Crusades told him to 'let Stephen Timms be a warning to you' and urged supporters to target him. A dozen supporters of the group then burst into an event he was holding at North Finchley mosque, with one calling him a 'Jewish homosexual pig' who was 'defiling the house of Allah'. In the intervening years he has suffered numerous threats, including abusive notes left on his car and fake petrol bombs placed on the doorstep of his constituency office. Since the murder of Sir David, Mr Freer's husband has taken to insisting that he is picked up from the Tube station and is reluctant to let him walk the streets on his own. Mr Freer will tell Rishi Sunak today that he will step down at the next election. Pictured: Sunak laughs at a joke as he talks with pupils at Wren Academy in Finchley, north London, on December 14 He narrowly avoided encountering Ali outside his constituency office in 2021 after being called in to Westminster by Boris Johnson. Pictured: Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Freer visit the Jewish Care campus, Golders Green The incident led to 'tense' conversations with family members over Christmas, before he decided he would step down. Pictured: A burnt out window at the rear of Mr Freer's office in Finchley His decision will lead to fresh questions about security for MPs, who have faced increased threats in recent years. Pictured: The aftermath of the 'arson' attack at Mr Freer's office Mr Freer is not Jewish but believes his outspoken views on Israel and strong support for the Jewish community have led to him being targeted by anti-Semites. He narrowly avoided encountering Ali outside his constituency office in 2021 after being called in to Westminster by Boris Johnson to be promoted to a new job during a government reshuffle. He said: 'Who knows what would have happened? Would he have attacked me? If he did attack, would I have survived? 'Given what he did to David, I think it's unlikely he wouldn't have attacked me and I think it's unlikely that I would have survived that kind of frenzied attack. That's luck.' Mr Freer is scathing about the impact of social media on public life saying that sites such as X/Twitter and Facebook had 'an awful lot to answer for'. He quit Twitter six years ago following an online spat with George Galloway, which ended up with one of the firebrand former Labour MP's supporters sending Mr Freer a picture of himself mocked up as a concentration camp victim. He is also highly critical of Jeremy Corbyn, saying the former Labour leader 'let the cork out of the bottle he made anti-Semitism respectable again'. Mr Freer, whose constituency is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the country, says the October 7 attacks on Israel by terror group Hamas had led to an upsurge in anti-Semitism. With major pro-Palestine demonstrations taking place in central London most Saturdays, he says many of his constituents 'won't come into central London at all' on those days because of the risk of intimidation and abuse. Mr Freer is the latest of dozens of MPs to announce they will quit Parliament at the next election. But, unlike most, polls suggest he would have held his seat. And he is clear that he has no truck with plotters trying to undermine Mr Sunak. 'This is very much driven by personal circumstances,' he said. 'It is not a reflection on the Prime Minister, it is not a reflection on the Government. I still believe the Prime Minister can win.' The food industry's most prestigious awards were unveiled last night with plenty of winners and losers. Among those celebrated at the Michelin Guide 2024's annual ceremony was fine dining Indian restaurant Opheem, the first ever in Birmingham to be awarded two stars. Its owner, Aktar Islam, revealed how he turned to cooking after being kicked out of school before telling guests: 'It just goes to show what this industry can give someone with no prospects, and here I am.' Also coming up trumps was the tiny village of Aughton in Lancashire, which now boasts four Michelin stars despite having a population of just 8,000 people. Meanwhile, Hakkasan was among the losers after both of their exclusive Chinese restaurants failed to keep their Michelin stars. Barrafina Soho, one of London's most well-known tapas joints, and Shoreditch bistro Leroy both lost their stars as well. Chef Aktar Islam from Aston, Birmingham, runs Opheem in the city centre which provides an Indian fine dining experience Opheem is a Michelin starred high end Indian restaurant run by Aktar Islam in Birmingham Moor Hall in the tiny village of Aughton in Lancashire has three Michelin stars between their flagship restaurant and their sister eatery, The Barn So-Lo's menu is filled with modern takes on British food - designed to be high in quality but approachable rather than elitist The interior of Hakkasan on Hanaway Place, the first branch of the popular fine dining restaurant The Michelin Guides are seen as the most reputable judge of fine fining in the world and a mention in one can have a dramatic impact on a restaurants popularity. Chef Aktar Islam, 43, from Aston, Birmingham, began his restaurant career at the tender age of 13 after being kicked out of school 31 years ago. Aktar, whose parents are from Bangladesh runs Opheem in the city centre which was awarded its second Michelin star for the 'progressive' Indian dining it provides. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2019, and it was one of six to be awarded a coveted second star. Mr Islam described the award of a second star as 'an incredible honour', adding: 'It just goes to show what this industry can give someone with no prospects, and here I am.' Opheem was among six UK restaurants given two stars at a Michelin Guide ceremony in Manchester on Monday. Aktar describes the eatery as 'progressive Indian cuisine' which he opened on Summer Row in 2018. It wasn't long until it was awarded its first Michelin star in October 2019. At Monday's ceremony, the superstar chef said his journey started 31 years ago when he 'got kicked out of school'. 'It just goes to show what this industry can give someone with no prospects, and here I am,' he added. The dishes served in Opheem are described as 'progressive Indian cusine' The dining room in Opheem in Birmingham's city centre Opheem was awarded its second Michelin star on Monday night Thanking Michelin on X, formerly Twitter, afterwards, he said: 'The city and my team are eternally grateful.' READ MORE: How close is YOUR nearest Michelin starred restaurant? Interactive map shows location of the best eateries in Britain as 2024 edition of coveted guide is released Advertisement Aktar currently has two restaurants in his Al Restaurant Group - which focuses on the celebration of fresh ingredients and gastronomy. Opheem - his first restaurant - was launched in 2016 in Aktar's home city followed by his Italian restaurant, Legna, in 2018. In 2020, he launched an Argentine restaurant by the name of Pulperia, which focused on using beef in its dishes and was the only steakhouse in Birmingham with a Michelin star before it closed permanently in 2022. After spending many years learning his craft and even producing a cookbook DVD named the Spice of Life, the 43-year-old applied to take part in Gordon Ramsey's The F Word in 2009. He went on to be crowned the champion of the series. The chef, whose parents are from Bangladesh, also won the fish course in the final of the BBC's Great British Menu. He returned as a veteran judge on the show in 2022. Meanwhile, the tiny village of Aughton in West Lancashire was another big winner as it celebrated winning not one but four Michelin stars at Monday's ceremony. Aughton - with a population of around 8,000 - boasted three winners. Mark Birchall, chef-patron of Moor Hall restaurant, which was one of the winners at Monday's Michelin Guide ceremony The interior of award winning restaurant, Moor Hall, in Aughton One of the dishes at The Barn which is in the grounds of Moor Hall Another dish from The Barn - which was one of the new restaurants to be awarded a Michelin Star Mark Birchall's Moor Hall, a stunning restored 16th century manor, which has retained two Michelin stars since 2018. Moor Hall was awarded its second star, only a year after gaining the first. Within the grounds of Moor Hall, there is also sister restaurant The Barn, which was awarded a star in itself in 2022. The restaurants are home to one of the 'slickest teams around' with head chef Mark producing 'terrific English produce', according to the Michelin Guide. Moor Hall has even been granted a Michelin Green Star for fantastic gastronomy and sustainability. Mark said: 'Sustainability underpins everything we do. We have appointed 'Sustainable Champions' across all areas of our business to ensure we continually review and improve our processes; always taking into consideration the environment and the wellbeing of our staff, guests, suppliers and local economy.' Previously speaking about retaining his stars, Mark said: 'The day the latest Michelin guide is released is a big date in every restauranteur's diary. It's very stressful, but seeing those stars next to your restaurant's name makes it all worthwhile. 'The proximity to Liverpool was a major factor in choosing the site for this restaurant. It was about more than being close to a major city - we wanted to capture some of Liverpool's special energy to enhance our distinctive restaurant experience.' Born in Lancashire, Mark's menus take inspiration and ingredients from the five-acre grounds surrounding Moor Hall, as well as a patchwork of local suppliers for the finest modern British cuisine. Half-a-mile down the road is So-Lo restaurant which gained its first star in 2023 and also retained it in 2024. Chef Tim Allen, who opened So-Lo, said he had partly been inspired by nearby Moor Hall Chef Tim Allen, who opened So-Lo, said he had partly been inspired by nearby Moor Hall. The restaurant's menu is filled with modern takes on British food - designed to be high in quality but approachable rather than elitist. In Tim's words his restaurant is 'modern but approachable, nothing too outlandish'. The Michelin guide states: 'His contemporary, seasonally pertinent dishes come with some unique touches; he lets each flavour-packed core ingredient shine but also carefully considers the textures of each dish. The lunch menu represents good value.' Unfortunately, not everyone was a winner at last night's ceremony with both branches of Hakkasan losing their Michelin stars - an accolade the original in Fitzrovia held for two decades. Hakkasan on Hanway Place, which was opened in 2001 by restauranteur Alan Yau, was the first Chinese restaurant to be given the star in the Guide and celebrated 20 years of recognition last year. The other branch in Mayfair held the star for 12 years after being launched as part of an international expansion of the brand which saw them open eateries around the world. Hakkasan says they 'celebrates authentic Cantonese cuisine with contemporary influences.' The prices at the restaurants vary with customers given the option of the 'silk' menu for 268 per person - where Peking duck, lobster and caviar can be ordered - to a budget menu which costs 39 per head The chain of restaurants are known for their moody, glamourous interiors, low lighting and mirrored chrome features. The prices at the restaurants vary with customers given the option of the 'silk' menu for 268 per person - where Peking duck, lobster and caviar can be ordered - to a budget menu which costs 39 per head. Owner Tao Group Hospitality told the Standard: 'Hakkasan Hanway Place and Hakkasan Mayfair can confirm that they have not retained their Michelin stars this year. Tao Group Hospitality respects the decision of Michelin in this challenging year, as well as the feedback of all guests. 'Under the leadership of corporate executive chef Andrew Yeo, it is committed to improving and maintaining the high standards across all aspects of the dining experience at Hakkasan, from the kitchen and front-of-house through to delivery.' At least 11 people died and around 150 were injured today in a giant explosion at a firework factory in India that saw balls of flames soar into the sky. Footage on Indian television showed a tower of flames after the explosion at the firecracker plant in Harda in Madhya Pradesh state, with dozens of ambulances sent and army helicopters called in to evacuate the wounded. Pawan Kumar Sharma, the area's top administrative officer, said that at least 11 people died in the blaze and rescuers were scouring the debris to check whether anyone was trapped. About 150 people were injured, senior police officer Ishad Wali said. Images from the factory site showed a wasteland of blackened and smoking rubble. Video also showed terrified people running from the blaze and firefighters dealing with the aftermath, with pieces of equipment and shards of metal strewn across the ground. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said reports of the explosion were 'very sad news' and noted that medics at burn units in nearby major hospitals were called to make 'necessary preparations'. Footage on Indian television showed a tower of flame after the explosion at the firecracker plant in Harda, Madhya Pradesh state 'Ambulances are being rushed to Harda from the surrounding areas, and the army has been contacted to arrange for helicopters,' Yadav said in a post on X. At least 20 ambulances were at the site, with 50 more being sent to help those injured, he added. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Manish Sharma, a surgeon at the Harda district hospital, said the centre had been flooded with a stream of casualties. 'We have eight deaths at our hospital, a total of 90 people were admitted here so far and we have referred 15 of them to a bigger hospital,' Sharma told AFP earlier in the day. 'As more people are being rescued from the site, they are being brought here.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (1,912) and the state government announced compensation of 400,000 rupees (3,823) each for the families of the deceased. Kailash Chand Parte, a senior district official who is coordinating rescue efforts from the factory, said fire engines were battling the fierce blaze. Footage shows the fireball at the factory. Pawan Kumar Sharma, the area's top administrative officer, said that at least 11 people died in the blaze and rescuers were scouring the debris to check whether anyone was trapped 'The fire is still not under control and we have around 15 fire engines and many rescue workers at the site,' Parte said. He said between 200 and 300 people worked at the factory, but it was not known how many were inside at the time of the explosion. 'At least 10 buildings around the complex where the blast happened have been damaged because of the intensity of the explosion,' he added. One policeman told the Times of India that the dead included those trampled during the panic to escape the raging flames. Some died during the 'stampede after the blast', local police officer Abdul Raees Khan told the newspaper, adding rescue teams were 'yet to reach the actual blast site as (the) fire is on'. Smoke emanating from the factor after the explosion. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Manish Sharma, a surgeon at the Harda district hospital, said the centre had been flooded with a stream of casualties Video showed the aftermath of the blast, with equipment and pieces of metal strewn across the ground Explosions often occur in firecracker workshops in India. Fireworks are hugely popular across the nation, particularly during the Hindu festival of Diwali, as well as for use during wedding celebrations. But many factories fail to stick to basic safety requirements and operate without permits. In 2019, at least 18 people were killed in a firework factory explosion in Batala in Punjab state, and another 10 were killed in the same year in Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh. Downing Street is calling on people to snitch on their neighbours if they believe they are hiding an illegal XL Bully and report them to police. The dangerous dog breed have been outlawed following a number of fatal attacks in recent months, with laws introduced this year now making it illegal to own the animals in England and the Wales unless they are registered and muzzled in public. However, in a fresh attack on the breed, No10 today warned owners of unregistered XL Bully dogs could be jailed for six months - or face 14 years caged behind bars if their bloodthirsty beasts kill someone. The news comes after a 39-year-old was man arrested following the death of 68-year-old grandmother Esther Martin, who was fatally mauled by two dogs - believed to be Bully XLs - over the weekend. But there are fears the plan could cause chaos, triggering flashpoints in local communities as neighbours turn on one another - in a move reminiscent of when police chiefs urged people to report those flouting Covid rules in 2020. A spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 'Anyone who suspects there is an XL Bully that doesn't meet the new rules should absolutely tell the police.' He added: 'Anyone caught with an unregistered XL Bully can face up to six months in prison, the dog can be seized and put down. Anyone who lets their dog get dangerously out of control can face going to prison for up to 14 years.' Downing Street is calling on people to snitch on their neighbours to the police if they believe they are hiding an illegal XL Bully . It comes after Esther Martin, 68 (pictured) from Woodford Green, London, died after being mauled by two dogs - believed to be two XL Bully dogs A spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged people to snitch on neighbours they suspect of illegally owning XL Bully dogs Ms Martin was killed while visiting her 11-year-old grandson at the weekend with neighbours hearing piercing screams coming from the home. It is claimed she was trying to calm the savage beasts - named Beauty and Bear - with a broom before she was maimed. The dogs were shot dead by police officers who raced to the home in Jaywick, Essex, and arrived within minutes of the 999 call. A man was earlier seen smashing a window with a brick in a desperate attempt to save her. Ms Martin's wannabe rapper 'son-in-law' Ashley Warren, 39, owned the dogs and was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dogs offences. He has since been released on bail. Following her death, Ms Martin's devastated son, Paul Martin, left a heartfelt tribute to his mother in a post on Facebook. He wrote: 'Love you lots mum. Sleep tight and give Clare Louise a big hug from me love you both lots. 'Until we meet again. Your memory will live forever.' Ms Martin's furious family previous hit out at the conditions the massive dogs were kept in. Police said a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dogs offences The dogs - reportedly XL Bullys were owned by Ashley Warren, a rapper by the name Wyless Man (pictured) It is understood the grandmother had warned her tattooed 'son-in-law' Warren, 39, about the dogs, but the East London wannabe rapper fired back with a foul-mouthed rant The police said the breeds which attacked Ms Martin are yet to be determined Her daughter, Sonia, claimed the two adult animals and the six puppies were kept 'penned in a small chalet'. Police said the breeds which attacked Ms Martin are yet to be determined, but the family claimed they were XL Bully dogs. Images on the owner's social media show how at least one appears to be an XL Bully-type, while another looks like a Rottweiler. Ms Martin's daughter Sonia, 47, told the BBC: 'We're very angry. People complain about the dogs - it's not the dogs.' Speaking about the conditions they were kept in, she asked: 'How the hell can that be any good for an animal?' She also revealed that her nephew was in the house at the time and ran out screaming for help when Ms Martin was attacked. She told the BBC: 'My mum went down to spend time with her grandson who used to live with her. 'The puppies were fighting. The owner had left my mum and my nephew with the dogs and went off somewhere, although my mum had raised concerns about them. 'His directions to my mum was - as we understand it - was that if the puppies were fighting she should put a broom in there and distract the puppies - run it over the floor and shake it to get their attention so they would stop fighting.' Sonia Martin, 47, (pictured) revealed that Ms Martin's grandson was in the house at the time Ashley Warren, the rapper who owned the dogs and has today been released on bail, had insisted they were 'not aggressive' The large dogs also feature in his rap music videos posted online and on social media Since his arrest, rapper Warren said he now backs a ban on the dogs, having previously opposed one. He insisted he was a 'good father' who just wanted the best for his son, including for him to have a relationship with his grandmother. Breaking down in tears, Warren opened up to The Sun, revealing he has been left heartbroken by the tragic attack. As for the attack, he said he 'never knew' something like this could happen or that Bully dogs were aggressive. He explained: 'I thought it was all lies and people just trying to kill off the breed of dog. But now I've learnt the hard way.' Ashley, whose rapper name is Wyless Man, was previously defiant, describing the rules as 'a joke'. Now he says: 'I couldn't support them enough.' 'Now I think they need to be wiped out. Esther meant everything to my son and she meant everything to me. 'I'm sorry for everyone's loss, from the bottom of my heart.' Locals of Jaywick Sands, near Clacton-on-Sea, claimed the dogs were aggressive and were always 'barking and trying to get through the gate'. Tattooed East London rapper Warren features in drill music videos online Floral tributes were left at the scene where the grandmother was killed Riot shields which were used by the police responding to reports of the dangerous dog attack are pictured being removed from the scene Your browser does not support iframes. They believed the owner was a breeder and would often walk them around menacingly. But relatives of Warren have now hit back at the claims, insisting the dogs were his pets and he was a loving owner. Warren's grandmother, Carol Stotter said the rapper was careful to keep the large dogs locked inside the house. The 76-year-old told The Sun: 'From what I've heard from Ashley, the dogs haven't been aggressive. I think with the puppies around it probably changed their behaviour. 'Those dogs were his pets. I think the female got pregnant which was not planned.' 'Ashley loved the dogs. They were not there for any other purpose but his pets.' She said Warren kept on top of maintaining the fence to keep the dogs in and she claimed 'they never attacked anybody' previously. Warren's mother, Michelle Stotter, told The Sun Ms Martin and her grandson were very close and she was often at the house. She also described her shock when she heard of the tragic incident and said she feels 'sorry' for the 11-year-old boy who is in a 'nightmare situation'. His mother also said that the dog's puppies had been fighting and Ms Martin tried to break them up with a broom. The parents of the puppies, Beauty and Bear, saw this as an attack and 'went' for the grandmother, Ms Stotter claimed. The 55-year-old also said her son was trying to rehome the dogs. MailOnline found that Warren had posted an advert on social media in November offering the puppies for 500 each. Sonia was at the scene yesterday morning along with siblings Paul, 45, and Kelly Fretwell, 46. She said her mother - from Woodford Green, London - had previously told the dogs' owner that they were dangerous. She told MailOnline there were eight dogs - six puppies and two adults - and all were XL Bullies. The wife of Haiti's assassinated president has been accused of being 'complicit' in her husband's 2021 assassination, with a prosecutor suggesting she wanted his job for herself. Former Haitian First Lady Martine Moise, 49, was included in a 70-person indictment recommendation from the capital's top prosecutor obtained by the New York Times, although she is not accused of directly planning her husband Jovenel Moise's fatal shooting in July 2021. Moise, who was also shot in the assassination, is instead accused of giving contradictory statements that allegedly suggest she was complicit - with a main suspect in custody accusing her of aspiring to steal her husband's presidency. The prosecutor who complied the report cannot file charges against Moise, with that decision left at the discretion of a judge who'll now review the evidence. Her lawyer has denied the allegations, and a separate US Department of Justice investigation reportedly has not issued any evidence suggesting her involvement. 'We do not believe that she is or could ever be a suspect in the case,' said Moise's lawyer, Paul Turner. 'She was a victim, just like her children that were there, and her husband.' Other legal analysts have suggested the widow is a victim of Haiti's corrupt political system. Former Haitian First Lady Martine Moise (pictured at her husband's funeral in 2021) is facing accusations of being complicit in the assassination, which she denies The slain president, Jovenal Moise, was killed on July 7, 2021, by a gang of Colombian hitmen hired by a Miami-based security company Martine Moise was also shot in her husband's assassination and claimed she only survived after the hitmen believed she had been killed Parallel investigations by the US Department of Justice and Haitian prosecutors have resulted in separate charges. Critics of the Haitian indictment claim it is politically motivated. The slain president, Jovenal Moise, was killed on July 7, 2021, by a gang of Colombian hitmen hired by a Miami-based security company, according to the Haitian investigation. His security came under scrutiny for allegedly allowing the assassins into the presidential residence without resistance, and police failed to arrive in time after Moise called for 911 from his ransacked bedroom. The president was severely beaten before he was shot dead on the scene, while the First Lady was also shot in the arms and thigh, and she claimed they only left after believing she was dead. Haiti descended into chaos in the aftermath of the assassination, as political violence took over the nation's government. No elections were ever carried out for Moise's replacement. In the absence of elections, the nation's prime minister took over - with the second and current interim leader, Ariel Henry, accused of being involved in the assassination. This included phone records reportedly showing Henry had spoken to a key conspirator directly before and after the shooting. He has denied any involvement. Martine (right) allegedly plotted to take her husband's presidency, although no evidence of this claim was presented in the filing. She is pictured with her husband and Pope Francis in January 2018 Weaponry, mobile phones, passports and other items seized along with suspects in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise The assassination sparked ongoing political turmoil in the nation. Martine is seen attending her husband's funeral in July 2021 The subsequent investigation by Haitian authorities concluded last week with Moise's recommended indictment, alongside 70 others. It was filed by the capital Port-au-Prince's public prosecutor, Edler Guillaume, a political appointee of the government. The filing is not legally binding, and only recommends charges to be brought by an investigating judge, who can reject them if he chooses. Legal analysts cited by the New York Times have scrutinized the shocking charges set to be filed against the former First Lady, seeing it as a weaponization of the legal system against a political enemy. Some have seen it as a blatant attempt to direct speculation away from the government's alleged involvement in the assassination, with former US special envoy to Haiti Dan Foote branding it 'another bad act' in the reaction to the shooting. 'The fact that this government is running the investigation is bad enough,' Mr. Foote said. 'Its not even close to independent.' In total, Haitian authorities have already arrested 44 people over the assassination, including 20 Columbians, 19 Haitian law enforcement officers, and three members of Moise's security detail - and are among the 70 named in the new prosecutor's filing. Separate to the Haitian investigation, prosecutors in the United States have brought charges against 11 men who allegedly carried out the plot. Five pleaded guilty, and the remaining six defendants were set to have the former first lady testify at the trial later this year in South Florida. It is not clear how the recommended indictment may affect her involvement in the trial. No evidence was provided in the indictment over Moise's alleged scheme to kill her husband, and attorneys for those charged in Florida reportedly said the US Department of Justice has given no indication it suspects her of any crimes. Jovenal and Martine Moise seen together after he took the oath of office as Haitian President in January 2017 The charges that may be brought center around statements she gave in the aftermath of her husband's death, although the filing reportedly did not specify what she said. Her attorney countered that after her initial statement to police, she declined to return to Haiti for interviews with detectives over fears for her safety. Turner added that US prosecutors ordered her not to speak about the assassination until she testified in their case in Florida. While an arrest warrant was issued in October, and only made public a week ago, Turner added that Haitian authorities are unaware of her location and it is being kept under wraps for her security. Brian Concannon, executive director of the human rights group Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, also cast doubt over the legitimacy of the possible new charges. 'Its a system that is very subject to political manipulation,' he told the Times. 'You have a prime minister who already fired a previous prosecutor who asked too many awkward questions.' In the face of scrutiny, Prime Minister Henry's office denied any manipulation of the legal process and claimed the investigators operate independently. 'The prime minister has no direct relationship with the examining magistrate, nor does he control him,' said spokesman Jean-Junior Joseph. 'The judge remains free to issue his order in accordance with the law and his conscience.' The charges also name Henry's predecessor, Claude Joseph, as 'complicit' in the assassination, which he countered with accusations the filing is a political hit job. 'It makes no sense,' he said. 'Why would Martine Moise have her husband killed in a massive plot involving 20 Colombian former soldiers when they live together and could find a million easier ways to get rid of him if she wanted to?' Edie is the second oldest person in the world and the only Californian to ever make it to 116 116-year-old Edie Ceccarelli marked the occasion with a parade in her hometown of Willits, Califoria, which was organized by community members America's oldest woman celebrated her birthday in style despite California's stormy weather with a parade in her hometown of Willits. Edie Ceccarelli turned 116 on February 5 - making her the oldest person in the United States, the oldest-ever person in California and even the second oldest person in the world. A hometown parade was organized in Willits, Mendocino County, where dozens of vehicles drove by Edie's residential care home to wish the supercentenarian a happy birthday. In the past, Edie has taken it upon herself to host huge birthday bashes - inviting the whole community to join in the celebrations at local events halls or senior centers. For the past few years, her community has taken over the hosting responsibility by organizing the parade in her honor. America's oldest woman celebrated her birthday in style despite California's stormy weather with a parade in her hometown of Willits Edie Ceccarelli turned 116 on February 5 - making her the oldest person in the United States, the oldest-ever person in California and even the second oldest person in the world A hometown parade was organized in Willits, Mendocino County, where dozens of vehicles drove by Edie's residential care home to wish the supercentenarian a happy birthday When asked for her secret to a long life, Edie usually responds 'two fingers of red wine' and minding her own business Edie was born in 1908, when Theodore Roosevelt was president and a dozen eggs cost just fourteen cents. She was born to Italian immigrant parents, who also lived well into their 90s, and was the eldest of seven siblings 'She is such a part of this community. So, this is like, the third, fourth, fifth generation celebrating her,' Evelyn Persico, 83, a cousin by marriage told The Guardian. 'Many of her people have passed. So many of her old-timers are gone,' Persico said. This year's parade was kicked off by the local dog walker, along with 15 dogs, followed by the fire brigade, the garbage truck and a line of local cars. She was serenaded by a trio of local musicians, and local officials presented a proclamation to honor her long life. Edie was born in 1908, when Theodore Roosevelt was president and a dozen eggs cost just fourteen cents. She was born to Italian immigrant parents, who also lived well into their 90s, and was the eldest of seven siblings. Edie married her high school sweetheart, Elmer 'Brick' Keenan, and the pair adopted a daughter who had three children of her own. After her husband's death, she remarried Charles Ceccarelli for four years before he died. She has now outlived all of her immediate family members. When asked for her secret to a long life, Edie usually responds 'two fingers of red wine' and minding her own business. 'It's now kind of touch and go with Edie,' Perla Gonzalez, who operates the quaint Willits care home with her husband, said several days before the parade Members of the Central Mendocino County community attached signs, balloons and hearts to their cars to commemorate the record-breaking occasion In the past, Edie has taken it upon herself to host huge birthday bashes - inviting the whole community to join in the celebrations at local events halls or senior centers, but for the past few years, neighbors and friends have organized the celebrations This year's parade was kicked off by the local dog walker, along with 15 dogs, followed by the fire brigade, the garbage truck and a line of local cars. She was serenaded by a trio of local musicians and local officials presented a proclamation to honor her long life The birthday girl sat at a table in the warmed garage, bundled up to brace the current extreme weather conditions in California and decked out for her birthday as the cars drove by The birthday girl sat at a table in the warmed garage, bundled up to brace the current extreme weather conditions in California and decked out for her birthday as the cars drove by. 'I'm delighted that we get to celebrate her another year!' declared Suzanne Picetti-Johnson, coordinator of the parade told The Press Democrat. Members of the Central Mendocino County community attached signs, balloons and hearts to their cars to commemorate the record-breaking occasion. 'The civic pride is so tremendous for her longevity and the way she's lived her life,' Mendocino County Supervisor John Haschak said as he watched from the soaking sidewalk. Edie has been an extraordinarily healthy, smart dresser who loves to dance and go on long walks through her town for decades - but she has recently shown signs of decline. 'It's now kind of touch and go with Edie,' Perla Gonzalez, who operates the quaint Willits care home with her husband, said several days before the parade. 'Last week was the very first time that she didn't want to eat breakfast,' Gonzalez said. 'And she is sleeping a little more, even during the day.' Edie, pictured here in her youth, has been an extraordinarily healthy, smart dresser who loves to dance and go on long walks through her town for decades - but she has recently shown signs of decline After Edie's birthday on Monday, there will be just two 116-year-olds on the planet, with only 30 people reaching the age ever While Edie used to rely on one caretaker, recently she has needed two employees at Holy Spirit Residential Care Home to help her, Gonzalez said. After Edie's birthday on Monday, there will be just two 116-year-olds on the planet, with only 30 people reaching the age ever. The oldest person in the world is 116-year-old Maria Branyas, who lives in Spain. Nine of the world's 10 oldest people are women, according to scientists for the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group. Juan Vicente Perez Mora, 114, of Venezuela is the only man who currently sits at number five on the Worlds Oldest list. America's oldest man is Los Angeles resident Morrie Markoff, who is 110 years old. Markoff only recently became the eldest male in the US after Francis Zouein sadly died on January 24, 2023. A 73-year-old skydiver has died after his parachute failed to fully deploy at 14,000ft - in the same town that saw a deadly hot air balloon crash just three weeks ago. Terry Gardner, a highly experienced jumper, died on Wednesday when his chute got caught during the formation stunt with his friends above Eloy, Arizona. He was rushed to hospital with horrific injuries, but later died - while his three pals survived their jumps after landing safely. It comes less than a month after four people were killed in a shocking hot air balloon crash that had taken off from the town. Terry Gardner, 73, died Wednesday after he experienced an issue with his parachute during a jump from 14,000 feet Four passengers and a pilot were on board at the time of the accident Scene of deadly hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona last month In a statement, Skydive Arizona - the adventure company Gardner was jumping with - said that the jumper 'did not deploy the reserve parachute.' 'The skydiver was jumping with parachute gear owned and maintained by the jumper and weather conditions were clear and calm,' they added. Gardner, who lived about 15 miles away from the jump site, was making his third run of the day alongside three fellow experienced skydivers at about noon. The jumpers intended to complete a formation jump, which police said they were 'unable to complete,' though 'it is not believed that this contributed to the accident.' The three other jumpers landed safely, but Gardner was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. 'Eloy Fire personnel swiftly administered life-saving measures and rushed Terry to the Casa Grande Banner hospital. 'Despite their efforts, he tragically succumbed to his injuries,' said the Eloy Fire Department. Local police said: 'Our thoughts and condolences are with all those who knew and loved Terry Gardner during this challenging time.' Skydive Arizona said Gardner was a 'highly experienced skydiver with several thousands of jumps.' 'An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the accident and no further statements will be made until the results of the investigation have been released,' said the company. Officials with the FAA have said the agency will investigate how Gardner's parachute was packed, in addition to flight rules for the pilot and aircraft. Gardner's tragic end came just three weeks after the January 14 crash of a hot air balloon in the Eloy Desert that killed four people and left another critically injured. That crash remains under investigation. Federal investigators say that an 'unspecified problem' with the balloon's 'envelope' - the part of the balloon that fills with hot air to make it rise - may have led to the fatal incident. The fifth victim, Valerie Stutterheim, who was left in critical condition, is facing a very long road to recovery, according to her parents Eight jumpers had already launched from the hot air balloon and safely made their descent The skydivers on board planned to leap from the balloon and land in Eloy Municipal Airport, according to Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney Witness videos showed the balloon descending with a deflated envelope trailing above it. Chayton Wiescholek, 28, Kaitlynn Bartrom, 28, Atahan Kiliccote, 24, and pilot Cornelius Van Der Walt, 37, originally from South Africa, all died in the Eloy, Arizona tragedy. The fifth victim, Valerie Stutterheim, is facing a very long road to recovery, according to her parents. The 23-year-old Scottsdale resident suffered a traumatic brain injury and 'cannot currently speak' to her parents. She has also undergone surgeries for several broken bones, though 'her ability to walk and otherwise move is uncertain.' Police said the hot air balloon crashed into the desert around five miles north of the city of Eloy at around 7.50am. Thirteen people - eight skydivers, four passengers and a pilot - had been in the balloon, according to Mayor Micah Powell. The Kremlin 'wooed' former Fox News star Tucker Carlson to Russia to 'spite Biden', sources have claimed as reports in Russia say the 'interview is likely to happen'. Carlson has been pictured and recorded in Moscow this week as rumors abound that he's there in order to become the first Western media figure to interview Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine began. The Moscow Times now reports that Putin's administration engineered the meeting as part of a 'propaganda coup' against the US. A potential interview has already been endorsed by fringe presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Carlson, 54, was regularly accused of covering pro-Russia talking points on his Fox News show. Since his acrimonious firing, Carlson has interviewed a range of figures on his new broadcast on X including Russell Brand, Andrew Tate and Ice Cube. 'Tucker has been expected here for a long time. He is welcome here. Now everyone in the presidential administration has rolled up their sleeves and is working together,' an unnamed source told Moscow Times Meanwhile on X, Russian media figure Alexei Venediktov wrote: 'As far as I understand, Tucker Carlson got what he wanted.' In newly released video Tucker Carlson can be seen walking in an underground parking lot Carlson appears flustered about some issue, raising his arms in protest Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson (center), 54, was spotted in the Russian capital at a Spartacus performance in Bolshoi Theatre, according to media in Russia A picture of Carlson appears to show him at a Spartacus performance at the Bolshoi Theatre Images of Carlson shared by Russian media led to many believing he could be the first Western journalist to interview Putin since the countrys invasion of Ukraine 'Even without an interview, Carlson's arrival is already a major benefit for the boss [Putin]. Look at what kind of reaction were already seeing "across the ocean." Tucker has a huge audience in the U.S,' another source told the Moscow Times. As another joked that Carlson's options in Russia were 'an interview or [going to] the frontline Donbas.' In September, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the time for Putin to be interviewed by a western journalist 'will come.' 'Whether Carlson will be among those who will be considered for an interview, well, let's wait and see,' he added. 'The chief [Putin] will win the election without Tucker's help. ut access to an American audience through Carlson during the heated struggle between Biden and Trump is again an opportunity to exert that proverbial influence on the U.S. election, given Carlson's huge audience,' a Kremlin official told The Moscow Times. Carlson kept his cards close to the chest on Monday, after Russian media showed pictures of him at several spots around Moscow, including at a box at the Bolshoi Theatre and eating at a hotel. 'It is beautiful,' Carlson said of Moscow in an interview aired by the Izvestia newspaper. 'I just wanted to see it because, you know, I have read so much about it but I have never seen it before.' When asked if he was in Moscow to interview Putin, Carlson said: 'We'll see' and smiled. The-one time MSNBC host, 54, reportedly arrived in the capital on February 1 and was spotted at a Spartacus performance in Bolshoi Theatre. Back in 2021, Carlson claimed the National Security Agency began 'spying' on him after he said he was trying to interview Putin. Carlson said that his communications were intercepted by the NSA, and that his identity - which should by law have been kept a secret - was 'unmasked' by senior intelligence officials. Carlson claimed that the content of his emails and texts was then disseminated, in a bid to discredit him. His claims have not been confirmed. The Kremlin has also refused to confirm it Putin would be sitting down with the American podcaster. In a statement, it said: 'We can hardly be expected to provide information on the movement of foreign journalists... Many foreign journalists come to Russia every day, many continue to work here, and we welcome this,. 'We have nothing to announce in terms of the presidents interviews to foreign media.' Cruz's proposed bill amendment has been slammed by the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network Senator's faced heavy criticism after being photographed at Houston airport jetting off to Cancun during the state's deadly snow storm in February 2021 Cruz is seeking a separate security lane out of public view for political VIPs at America's airports Ted Cruz wants politicians to have a private security screening and escort through US airports to combat 'serious security threats facing public officials.' The Texan, who hit the headlines for jetting off to Cancun in 2021 during a record snow storm and had cops called on him at Montana airport in 2022, is proposing a bill amendment that would keep politicians separate from the public in airports. The political VIPs would receive a dedicated security escort at airports, along with expedited screening outside of public view. Cruz was spotted three years ago by a fellow holidaymaker wheeling through Houston airport as his state grappled with a state of emergency, with the power failing for millions, and people left freezing in the subzero temperatures. The Republican's new bill would make it a lot less likely any such picture of a politician's secret travel plans would emerge again. Ted Cruz's new bill will increase privacy for politicians at airports and makes photos like this one less likely - when he was seen jetting off to Cancun in February 2021 during the worst snow storm to hit his state in decades Cruz's family (pictured) vacationed at the Ritz Carlton Cancun resort at a cost of around $300-a-night Cruz is attempting to attach the amendment to a major aviation policy bill, S. 1939, expected to be marked up in the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday. The new amendment calls for the TSA to 'arrange' a security escort for politicians for 'the entirety of the time' they are at the airport according to a draft seen by Politico. The TSA could use local law enforcement to carry out the escort under the terms of the bill. Federal judges, Cabinet members and their family and staff would also be welcomed into the private lane. There are 'serious security threats facing public officials,' Cruz told Politico. 'It's important that we take reasonable measures to keep everyone safe.' Kevin Murphy, executive director of the Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network told Politico the proposal would divert police from 'crime suppression and security functions at airports, which is our fundamental duty.' It would be 'a burden to airport police agencies,' Murphy added, suggesting that instead escorts for VIPs should be the job of federal law enforcement. Annie Russo, the chief and congressional strategy officer for Airports Council International-North America, told Politico the new bill would ad another burden to airports. 'We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cruz to address his concerns,' she said. The TSA spends about $800 million a year on air marshals with almost half of them on standby for flights by Congress members, leading the Air Marshals National Council to declare the program a 'concierge service' for politicians. Cruz ignited criticism for his Mexico holiday in February 2021 after he, his wife Heidi and their daughters Caroline and Cathryn were seen boarding a United Airlines flight out of Houston while millions of Texans struggled on without heat or water for the fourth day in a row. Cruz wants politicians to have a private security screening and escort through US airports to combat 'serious security threats facing public officials' The political VIPs would receive a dedicated security escort at airports, along with expedited screening outside of public view Pictures of him emerged online and the flight's manifest also revealed that he was on standby for an upgrade to business class. He landed on a Wednesday and went straight to The Ritz Carlton - where rooms can be up to $400 a night - without giving any kind of public comment about the trip. But as outrage erupted the next day the Senator changed his return flight - which had been scheduled for Saturday - to Thursday. He then showed up at the airport in Cancun and tried to defend the entire exercise, claiming he was just dropping off his kids because he is a 'good dad' but was returning home to help solve the energy crisis. In a statement, he said: 'This has been an infuriating week for Texans. Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power too. With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon.' Cruz claimed that the girls asked him 'yesterday' if they could go away, and he and Heidi 'agreed'. Within hours they were all on the plane. Temperatures plummeted to as low as -2F in Texas that week as snow and ice blanketed much of the state but it was 85 F and sunny in Cancun all week by contrast. Cruz was slammed for both the trip and for seeming to blame it on his kids once people started criticizing him for it. The following year the Senator got into a confrontation with employees of a Montana airport which grew so heated that law enforcement had to get involved. Cruz speaks to the media at the Cancun International Airport before boarding his plane back to the U.S., in Cancun, Mexico February 18, 2021 Cruz vigorously nodded his head in visible annoyance at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in March 2022 after he missed his flight Cruz was spotted at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport shortly after noon on a Sunday in March 2022, apparently irritated by missing his flight, according to a witness who shared a short clip. The 23-second video, which appears to be taken from behind the employee desk of the main airport foyer, shows Cruz vigorously nodding his head in visible annoyance. His mouth is covered by a mask that says 'Come and take it' in reference to the Second Amendment. Bozeman airport deputy director Scott Humphrey confirmed to DailyMail.com that a 'frustrated' Cruz had missed the check-in window for his flight, and that re-booking options were 'limited out of Bozeman due to Spring Break.' 'One of our Public Safety Officers (PSO) was in the ticket lobby and was asked to assist with a frustrated passenger at the United ticket counter (which is not unusual). The passenger had missed the check-in window for his flight and re-booking options were limited out of Bozeman due to Spring Break,' Humphrey said. A vigilante who impersonated a traffic police officer, put blue lights on his car and stopped motorists so he could lecture them has been banned from driving for 18 months. Martin Goodall, 51, from Wimbourne in Dorset, used blue strobe lights on his dashboard to stop three drivers he claimed were breaking the law by speeding. He wore dark combat trousers and a dark top with badges on and hung a police-themed lanyard around his neck to give the impression he was a cop. Goodall told the motorists that he was a special constable and gave them lectures about driving while making notes of their alleged offences - before he himself was pulled over by police. Goodall, who served just six months as a real special constable back in 1996, has now been punished after being found guilty of 13 offences at Poole Magistrates' Court - but he was spared jail by a district judge. Martin Goodall, 51, seen leaving Poole Magistrates' Court, repeatedly pulled over drivers in the Dorset town while claiming to be a special constable Goodall, pictured left, wore dark combat trousers and a dark top with badges on, hung a police-themed lanyard around his neck and kept a blue strobing light on his dashboard The wannabe policeman had refused to stop his one-man crusade even after a legitimate traffic officer had pulled him over and seized his strobe lighting. He brought some more, put them on the front of his Vauxhall van and pulled over two more motorists for speeding and running a red light. Goodall denied nine charges of impersonating a police constable and four offences of using a vehicle fitted with a blue warning beacon but was found guilty last month. District judge Orla Austin banned him from driving for 18 months, saying 'the use of a vehicle was clearly linked' to his crimes. She told Goodall: 'Impersonating an officer is a very serious matter. Your actions were deliberate and you had been told you were not allowed to do this. There is a harm here because there's a risk that the public will have their confidence in the police undermined and fear that the people pulling them over are not genuine officers.' The court heard how first incident happened on January 25 last year, when Goodall stopped Paul Gleeson on Gravel Hill in Poole - accusing him of having the licence plate on his Toyota Corolla partly hidden by dirt. Mr Gleeson reported the incident and on February 4 Goodall was pulled over by Sgt Steven Payne because he matched the description given. The officer seized items from the van including the blue light and asked Goodall to attend a voluntary interview at the police station at a later date. But when Goodall went to the station, he identified himself as an officer and asked for an interview room to be set aside so he himself could interview Sgt Payne. Goodall, left, kept on pulling over motorists he accused of speeding - despite his six-month stint as a police special constable having ended back in 1996 Martin Goodall told a district judge at Poole Magistrates' Court he was 'truly sorry' for his offences, after being found guilty of 13 charges He later used a replacement strobe light he had bought at a Home Office Police and Security Exhibition in 2022 and stopped motorists again on May 19 and 20 on Lower Blandford Road. He described how, in the second incident that month, he pursued a black hatchback that was 'hammering it' in a 20mph zone. But an off-duty special constable spotted Goodall and thought the flashing lights looked wrong so stopped and approached him. The other matters related to claiming to be an officer in emails or at Bournemouth Police Station. The court heard Goodall had been a special constable for Dorset Police for six months in 1996, but believed he still retained those powers 27 years later as he did not 'relinquish his oath'. Jason Spelman, prosecuting, told Goodall at the trial: 'You refer to yourself as a special constable but you have no police uniform, you get no remuneration from the police. 'You just go around making notes and stopping people as you see fit because you think you have the powers of a police officer.' At sentencing, Goodall told the judge he was 'truly sorry' for his offences. She sentenced him to 12 weeks in prison but suspended for 18 months, while also imposing 20 rehabilitation activity days and a mental health treatment requirement. He was ordered to pay 620 prosecution costs and a 154 victim surcharge. READ MORE: Miss Japan resigns two weeks into reign after affair emerges People have slammed the recently dethroned Ukrainian-born winner of Miss Japan after it was revealed she was having an affair with a married influencer. Karolina Shiino's win two weeks ago led to a fiery debate online as a result of her heritage. Born in 1998, she moved to Japan at the age of five - where she was raised in Nagoya - after her Ukrainian mother remarried to a Japanese man. The 26-year-old was the first naturalised Japanese citizen to bag the Miss Japan crown, a win which left many commentators in the country divided. However, after it emerged in a local Japanese magazine, Shukan Bunshan, that Ms Shino was having an affair with married doctor and influencer, Takuma Maeda, also known as Muscle Doctor, she resigned. Beauty pageant fans have taken to X to express their fury upon discovering the controversy, with one writing Ms Shiino 'shouldn't have won to begin with'. People have taken to X to slam the former Miss Japan winner, saying she 'should never have won' in the first place Ukrainian-born ex-Miss Japan winner Karolina Shiino, 26, sparked a fiery debate due to her heritage. She later became embroiled in further scandal after it was revealed she was knowingly having an affair with a married doctor and influencer. Takuma Maeda Many beauty pageant fans took to X to hit out at the disgraced beauty queen, with one quipping that they hope she makes better decisions in the future A second exclaimed: 'Exactly why this lady shouldnt have won Miss Japan and a Native Japanese woman should have!' Another chimed in: 'There's so many problematic layers to it. A white woman won MISS JAPAN and had an affair with a married man.' Others were in disbelief that someone in such a 'prestigious position' would be embroiled in such a scandal. 'It's disappointing to hear about Miss Japan's alleged affair. Celebrities should set better examples,' one quipped. 'I hope Miss Japan learns from this experience and makes better choices in the future,' one penned. Another jabbed: 'So much for being a role model, Miss Japan. Disappointed in her alleged actions.' A user added: 'I can't believe Miss Japan would be involved in such controversy. One person bemused: 'Yet another example of a public figure being involved in scandalous relationships.' Following the scandal hitting headlines, Mr Maeda took to Instagram to declare that he would not be divorcing his wife, whilst also apologizing for the issues he caused Ms Shiino and others. Takuma Maeda, also known as 'Muscle Doctor', announced on Instagram that he had no intention of leaving his wife and apologised for the strife he caused Ms Shiino and others In the letter released on the platform, Takuma Maeda pledged to sincerely devote himself to his his work and private life Born in Ukraine in 1998, Ms Shiino moved to Japan at the age of five - where she was raised in Nagoya - after her Ukrainian mother remarried to a Japanese man. She was the first naturalised Japanese citizen to ever win the prestigious title of Miss Japan. When the news of the affair broke Miss Japan Association stated that Ms Shiino said she was unaware of Dr Tamuka's marital status. She later gave up her title admitting that she did know about his family life In the statement shared to Instagram he promised to sincerely devote himself to his and private life. When the report initially surfaced last week, pageant organizers said Ms Shiino was not aware Dr Tamuka was married. However, on Monday they shared she had admitted to being aware of the Muscle Doctor's family and marriage. Ms Shiino said she was sorry for being misleading, and organizers had accepted her giving up the title, according to the Miss Japan Association. The former beauty queen apologized to fans and the public in a statement on Monday, stating that her response was due to fear and panic about the report. She said: 'I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me.' Ms Shiino also apologized to the man's partner and his family, as well as other parties involved. The Miss Japan title will not be taken up for the rest of the year. A prominent Atlanta attorney who shot his wife dead as she sat in the front seat of SUV in 2016 could be released from prison next year after taking plea deal for involuntary manslaughter. Claud 'Tex' McIver, 81, was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2018 but it was overturned in 2022 by Georgia's highest court. The court ruled that the jury should have had the option of a misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter charge. McIver pleaded guilty in January to the charge of involuntary manslaughter of his wife Diane and was sentenced to eight years in prison as part of a plea deal. The former lawyer is now 'immediately eligible for parole,' attorney Amanda Clark Palmer told Fox News Digital. 'He will 'max out' in the fall of 2025, meaning that he must be released by that date,' Clark Palmer said in a statement. 'Through parole, there is a possibility that he can be released earlier.' Claud 'Tex' McIver, listens during closing arguments in a trial at the Fulton County Courthouse, in Atlanta, April 17, 2018. The prominent Atlanta attorney who shot his wife dead as she sat in the front seat of SUV in 2016 could be released from prison next year after taking plea deal for involuntary manslaughter McIver, 81, (pictured with his now deceased wife Diane) was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2018 In 2022, that conviction was overturned by Georgia's highest court, which ruled that the jury should have had the option of a misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter charge 'Theoretically, the parole board could decide to release him today, but as a practical matter I believe it will take them some months to arrive at a decision given that Mr. McIver is not the only inmate they have to evaluate and consider for parole,' she added. Dani Jo Carter, a close friend of Diane, was driving the couple's Ford Expedition on the evening of September 25, 2016, as the three returned from a weekend at the McIvers' horse farm in Putnam County, about 75 miles east of Atlanta. Diane was in the front passenger seat and McIver was in the back seat behind his wife. With traffic heavy on the interstate, Carter exited in downtown Atlanta. Claud asked for his gun as he mentioned they were entering a 'bad neighborhood. A short while later, McIver fired the gun, hitting his wife in the back. He maintained that he accidentally shot his wife when he fell asleep in their car with a revolver on his lap the night of September 25, 2016. But prosecutors believe otherwise, claiming the seemingly perfect and successful Atlanta couple had dark problems underneath the surface. Carter drove to Emory University Hospital, where Diane died. Nurses testified that Claud remained emotionless when he was informed of his wife's death. Emergency room assistant Charlotte Armstrong, who sat with McIver after he was told Diane had died, testified at his trial. Armstrong said that after McIver was informed that his wife hadn't survived surgery, he told the assistant: 'She didn't have any family and that's what drew her to me.' She also recalled McIver saying he 'needed to call the boys and say 'Danny boy did good''. The Atlanta attorney claimed to have fatally shot Diane by 'accident' through a seat of a car in September 2016 but prosecutors claimed he shot her intentionally for an inheritance of $4million. He maintained that he accidentally shot his wife when he fell asleep in their car with a revolver on his lap the night of September 25, 2016. But prosecutors believe otherwise, claiming the seemingly perfect and successful Atlanta couple had dark problems underneath the surfac. Prosecutors had said McIver intentionally killed his wife because he was in dire financial straits and coveted her money It was later discovered that McIver owed his wife, who was a successful business executive, $350,000 at the time of her death. McIver borrowed the large sum from her company, Clay Management Co, in 2012. He was supposed to repay the amount with interest back by December 2014 but received an extension until 2017, according to court documents. He took the loan from his wife to build a $1.3million barn on the couple's sprawling farm in Putnam County, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. In 2018, jurors found the then-75-year-old guilty of murder in the shooting death of Diane, 64. The jury also found him guilty of influencing witnesses and possession of a gun during the commission of a felony and of aggravated assault. His murder conviction carried a sentence of life in prison, and it remained up to the judge whether he would have the possibility of parole. No one has disputed that he shot his wife but the defense had said the shooting was an accident. McIver listens to the testimony of Dean Driskell during his trial at the Fulton County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Atlanta Criminal scene analyst Ross Martin Gardner, left, hands the gun used in the shooting of Diane McIver back to Fulton County Chief Assistant District Attorney Clint Rucker Prosecutors had said McIver intentionally killed his wife because he was in dire financial straits and coveted her money. Both in their second marriage, the McIvers were both wealthy when they wed and kept their finances separate. But with the recent loss of his equity partnership in his law firm, McIver income had decreased dramatically and he depended on his wife financially. Prosecutor Clint Rucker said in his closing argument in 2018 that McIver coveted his wife's money and was better off with her dead than alive. Defense attorney Bruce Harvey countered that the state's case was full of innuendo and unfulfilled promises and characterized it as an 'accident in search of a motive'. His co-counsel, Don Samuel, acknowledged that their client was far from perfect but insisted that he loved his wife dearly and it was illogical to think he would kill her intentionally. The McIvers were affluent and well-connected. He was a partner at a prominent labor and employment law firm and served on the state election board In the surveillance footage, McIver can be seen directing a Ford Explorer SUV to the front of the hospital. His wife was in the passenger seat and the car was being driven by their friend Patricia 'Dani Jo' Carter She was president of US Enterprises Inc, the parent company of Corey Airport Services, where she had worked for 43 years McIver put up Diane's entire collection of clothes, shoes and costume jewelry up for sale in hopes to raise $350,000 to cover bequests in her will Hundreds of pairs of high-end shoes and boots from top designers were also on offer Among the items being sold off are 121 fur coats, including one by Thierry Mugler that originally cost $6,800 The McIvers were affluent and well-connected. He was a partner at a prominent labor and employment law firm and served on the state election board. She was president of US Enterprises Inc, the parent company of Corey Airport Services, where she had worked for 43 years. McIver put up Diane's entire collection of clothes, shoes and costume jewelry up for sale in hopes to raise $350,000 to cover bequests in her will. Among the items being sold off are 121 fur coats, including one by Thierry Mugler that originally cost $6,800. Hundreds of pairs of high-end shoes and boots from top designers were also on offer. A speeding driver lost control of her pickup truck and crashed into a gas station in New Mexico, completely destroying it. Dramatic dashcam footage captured the heart-stopping moment in La Plata, New Mexico, on Sunday evening from mere feet away. The gripping footage was shared by a social media user, @extrezionx, who happened to be on a road trip from Seattle to Mississippi that day. In a harrowing turn of events, the pickup vehicle, speeding from the opposite direction, careened right in front of the user, colliding with a pump. The crash triggered a massive explosion, accompanied by billowing clouds of smoke and the collapse of the station's canopy. A speeding driver lost control of her pickup truck and crashed into a gas station in New Mexico , completely destroying it In a harrowing turn of events, the pickup vehicle, speeding from the opposite direction, careened right in front of the user, colliding with a pump The crash triggered a massive explosion, accompanied by billowing clouds of smoke and the collapse of the station's canopy 'Oh my god. What the f**k. What the f**k. Oh my f***ing god,' the user exclaimed in shock and terror. At the start of the footage, the social media user can be heard chatting with another person casually: 'And I don't really give a f**k right now. He should have, like I said months ago... Whether or not something.' But as he approached a Speedway gas station to fill up, a Chevrolet Silverado suddenly appeared in the opposite lane, hurtling straight towards the pumps. The entire gas station erupted in a massive explosion, with clouds and ashes billowing into the air, while the canopy above came crashing down. To escape from the exploding site, the eyewitness quickly reversed and pulled over at a post office nearby the gas station. He told Storyful later that he rushed over the site and helped the female driver get out of the truck. 'I gave a statement to the local sheriff, and they needed footage for documentation.' 'They also followed up with me stating the woman that I helped pull out of the truck had actually had a seizure,' he said. The driver, whose identity has not been revealed, fortunately suffered only minor injuries, according to the user. Another footage shared by a local resident who lives nearby the gas station captures the aftermath of the harrowing incident. The resident can be heard crying and breathing heavily, unable to finish her sentences as she recounted the devastating crash. Debris is strewn across the area, with the gas station structure shattered, and the pickup truck nearby left significantly damaged. The children's play area lies in complete ruin, all the structures destroyed, and a propane tank is left on the ground in disarray. Debris is strewn across the area, with the gas station structure shattered, and the pickup truck nearby left significantly damaged The children's play area lies in complete ruin, all the structures destroyed, and a propane tank is left on the ground in disarray The videos have gone on social media, reaching over 600,000 views and thousands of comments. Users expressed disbelief, with many highlighting it as a 'true miracle' that the driver responsible for the crash managed to escape with only minor injuries. One user wrote: 'Oh wow. That is crazy. Just a thought - we had a fatal crash in my area a while back and it was so unexplainable; and then we learned the driver had a seizure and was likely convulsing w foot on gas.' Emergency teams responded to the scene and the exact cause of the incident is under investigation. DailyMail.com has reached out to the police department and sheriff's office for comment and further information. Liz Truss today hit out at Rishi Sunak's Government for failing to take on 'left-wing extremists' who are 'taking over' Britain's institutions as she launched a new Tory faction. The former prime minister, who spent 49 days in Downing Street before standing down amid economic turmoil, claimed Tories had 'not taken on the Left enough'. Speaking at the launch of the new Popular Conservativsm faction - dubbed the 'PopCons' - Ms Truss said the group could 'galvanise' the 'secret Conservative forces' across Britain. She warned there was currently a 'damaging divide' between politicians and ordinary people who 'think the wokery that's going on is nonsense'. The 'PopCon' launch also saw speeches from senior Tories such as Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ex-business secretary, and Lee Anderson, the former Conservative deputy chairman. 'It's only through Conservative values that we will give the people of Britain what they want,' Ms Truss said. 'I feel it's only through Conservative values that we will ensure the successful future of our nation. 'And I think the successful future of Britain is vitally important for the successful future of the West. 'So please join our organisation, get involved - this is just the beginning!' Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage - attending in his role as a GB News presenter - was sat in the audience but delivered a withering verdict on the 'PopCons' hopes of influencing the general election. Former Neighbours star Holly Valance and her property magnate husband Nick Candy also attended this morning's launch event. Liz Truss hit out at Rishi Sunak's Government for failing to take on 'left-wing extremists' who are 'taking over' Britain's institutions Speaking at the launch of the new Popular Conservativsm faction - dubbed the 'PopCons' - Ms Truss said the group could 'galvanise' those 'secret Conservative forces' across Britain The former prime minister, who spent 49 days in Downing Street before standing down amid economic turmoil, claimed Tories had 'not taken on the Left enough' In her address to the central London audience, Ms Truss said Conservative governments had had 'many achievements' over the past 14 years. But she warned they had been 'swimming against the tide when we've been talking about Conservative values' as she pointed to 'woke-ism' in schools. Ms Truss said Britons wanted to see lower immigration and want illegal immigrants deported, but that ministers' efforts were 'constantly being stymied'. 'Why is this? Why have we got into this position?,' she added. 'I believe the fundamental issue is that for years and years and years - and I think it goes back two decades - Conservatives have not taken on the left-wing extremists.' The ex-PM claimed the ideology of leftists disguising themselves as 'environmentalists' was about 'taking power away from people and families and giving power to the state or unaccountable bodies'. 'The problem is Conservatives have tried to appease these people, we've tried to triangulate,' she said, 'Conservative Cabinet ministers have met Greta Thunberg and asked her what she wanted.' Ms Truss hit out at the Government for allowing people to choose their gender and for 'pandering to the anti-capitalists'. 'Too many of our colleagues are looking to what job they might get after they leave Parliament, they are looking to being popular at London dinner parties,' she said. 'People don't want to be unpopular, but the irony is these policies are popular. 'When I go out canvassing in Norfolk, people want us to deal with immigration, they don't like Net Zero policies that make energy more expensive, they think the wokery that is going on is nonsense. 'And they are frustrated that they feel unable to say what they think. 'So there is a damaging divide between those who are making the decisions, those in the elite around the M25, and those people on the ground. 'I'm afraid we have not taken on the Left enough. The Left don't just compete with us at the ballot box now, they also work to take over our institutions. 'We see it in much of the media, we see it in corporations, we see it most of all in the quangoes and government bureaucracy that emerged under Tony Blair. 'But we didn't do enough to change it, we didn't do enough to take the power back.' Ms Truss claimed the 'PopCon' movement should look to begin 'galvanising Conservative forces'. She claimed 'Britain is full of secret Conservative forces' of people who are ashamed to admit their values, and that the group must rally them. Ms Truss warned 'this fight is not going to be easy' as 'the Left have been on the march' in UK institutions, in the corporate world and globally. The 'PopCons' are not seeking to replace Mr Sunak as PM before the general election but are seeking a rapid and radical change in the Government's direction in the coming months. All eyes were on Mr Farage - now the honorary president of Reform UK - at the launch event as he continues to flirt with Tories over a return to their ranks. Speaking before it started he denied seeking to join the Conservative Party 'at the moment', adding: 'You must be joking. Not at the moment, given what they stand for.' He added: 'Whilst there were some big names like Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg - I saw Priti Patel coming into the audience earlier - they are a very small minority within the parliamentary Conservative Party.' Mr Farage posted on Twitter once the 'PopCon' event concluded: 'I agree with their leaflet and stated aims, but only Reform will offer this at the coming election. 'Surprisingly, only a couple of sentences on immigration during the hour. Popular perhaps, but not populist.' It comes as opinion polls show little or no sign of the gap between the Tories and Labour closing, with Sir Keir Starmer's party enjoying a lead of more than 20 points and Reform surging to its highest ever popularity. Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage - attending in his role as a GB News presenter - was sat in the audience but delivered a withering verdict on the PopCons' hopes of influencing the general election Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg declared the 'age of Davos man is over' and said voters were fed up with 'international cabals and quangos telling hundreds of millions of people how to lead their lives' Former Neighbours star Holly Valance and her property magnate husband Nick Candy also attended this morning's launch event Lee Anderson, the former Tory deputy chairman, and ex-Cabinet minister Lord David Frost were also at the event The 'PopCons' are not seeking to replace Rishi Sunak as PM before the general election but are seeking a rapid and radical change in the Government's direction in the coming months Former home secretary Priti Patel was among those to attened the event in central London today In his own address to the 'PopCon' launch, Sir Jacob railed against an 'activist judiciary' and an 'out-of-touch oligarchy' in his remarks to the gathering. He declared that the 'age of Davos man is over' and voters have had enough 'of international cabals and quangos telling hundreds of millions of people how to lead their lives'. The North East Somerset MP said bodies such as the World Health Organisation and Cop climate summit 'limit our freedom for manoeuvre'. 'We have to restore power to our democratic institutions and take it away from those that seek to override democracy,' Sir Jacob told the event. Judges are tied to the 'international elite', and 'unaccountable, unelected' quangos are 'plugged into EU lawmaking,' he said. 'We need to re-establish the traditional relationship between the judiciary and Parliament. Ideally, we should bring it back into Parliament.' Sir Jacob recently denied the 'PopCon' group is seeking to oust Mr Sunak, who has failed to overturn Labour's significant poll lead. He told The Westminster Hour on Sunday: 'We have this habit of changing leader too often which I think has been a mistake and is why I am very keen that we stick to our current leader because changing again would make us look utterly ridiculous.' Sir Jacob said he would like to see Mr Farage join the Conservative Party and dismissed claims the new grouping is a vehicle for the rehabilitation of Ms Truss. It comes as opinion polls show little or no sign of the gap between the Tories and Labour closing Since stepping down, Ms Truss has continued to promote her tax-slashing, small-government brand of conservatism. While that continues to enjoy support among some in the Conservative Party, polling published on Monday suggested she is the least popular politician with the general public. A survey by Savanta indicated her net favorability score is minus 54 per cent, compared to Mr Sunak's minus 27 per cent. Truss ally Mark Littlewood, the outgoing head of the libertarian think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs - who is behind the new movement, wrote in The Telegraph: 'It is up to the Conservatives to make the case for economic freedom and lower taxes.' The Pop Cons join an already crowded field of right-wing Conservative factions, including the Brexiteer European Research Group, the New Conservatives and Common Sense Group. Biden says he supports it; GOP senators are vowing to block it during vote Conservative Republicans have been hammering the deal since it got inked Senate Republicans are lining up to try to filibuster a border security package negotiated by both sides with the blessing of Republican leadership amid angry infighting. The package had signs of being at great risk of being stalled, after key Senate GOP conservatives lambasted it, as former President Donald Trump said it was a 'death wish' for the GOP. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) who helped hammer out the deal with Democrats, is already predicting it won't have the needed votes on a motion to proceed when leaders try to call it up Wednesday. A 60-vote majority is required, and a determined minority can filibuster it even being considered on the floor in the narrowly divided Senate. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) who helped negotiate the bipartisan security deal, is predicting there are not currently enough votes to bring it to the Senate floor for consideration 'I would anticipate Wednesday the cloture vote does not pass,' said Lankford following a contentious GOP Conference meeting on how to proceed. He said lawmakers are demanding 'a lot more time' to be able to look over the details of the agreement, which also hands out green cards, sends billions to Ukraine and Israel, while directing billions to beef up border security. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had input on the deal and helped set up the negotiations. But members of his team are expressing reservations. 'I think its fair to say everybody thinks that voting Wednesday is voting too soon,' Sen. Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said, NBC reported. 'I think the proposal is dead,' predicted said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Also griping about it is Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a former member of Sen. Mitch McConnell's leadership team. The number of Senate Republicans registering opposition was approaching 20 Monday night and had topped 22 by Tuesday, according to a Wall Street Journal count. It comes on an issue that voters have been listing as a top concern, with Democrats accusing Republicans of maneuvering to deny Biden a win. That opposition came after President Biden got behind the package in a statement. 'Now weve reached an agreement on a bipartisan national security deal that includes the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. I strongly support it,' Biden said. The bipartisan border deal that is dividing congressional Republicans is already leading to angry calls to shake up the Senate leadership and furious claims by Donald Trump that it represents a 'death wish' for the party in 2024. The fury came in the hours since negotiators put out details on their new bipartisan deal to provide new authority for the administration to 'close' the border when crossings spike, while sending billions to support allies Ukraine and Israel. Among those to heap the most scorn on the agreement was Utah Sen. Mike Lee who even appeared to demand a change in his party's leadership after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell helped oversee the deal with Majority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer. McConnell, the longest serving Republican leader in Senate history, survived a leadership challenge in November 2022 on a 37-10 vote. 'This feels like an elaborate practical joke. But its not funny. Not one bit. I cannot understand how any Republican would think this was a good ideaor anything other than an unmitigated disaster. WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP NOW,' he wrote on X. 'Senate leadership screwed this up and screwed us,' he wrote in another post. Even while refusing to let us see the bill they claimed to be negotiating on our behalf for MONTHS they were never in doubt, insisting wed be dumb and even unpatriotic NOT to support it. This is a disqualifying betrayal.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) helped negotiate a bipartisan immigration package that also includes U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel Former President Donald Trump, who has already been publicly seeking to tank the deal, blasted it after negotiators announced the details. Trump called it a 'ridiculous' border bill, and said it was 'nothing more than a highly sophisticated trap for Republicans to assume the blame on what the Radical Left Democrats have done to our Border, just in time for our most important EVER Election. Dont fall for it!!!' Trump teed off on a provision allowing the administration to shut down the border when daily crossings hit 5,000. 'Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill, which only gives Shutdown Authority after 5000 Encounters a day, when we already have the right to CLOSE THE BORDER NOW, which must be done. This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats, and a Death Wish for The Republican Party,' Trump said. Utah Sen. Mike Lee used the bipartisan immigration bill to issue a call for 'new leadership' Lee called the deal 'even worse than we thought' Sen. Mike Lee is just one of the Senate conservative Republicans who have hammered the compromise in the hours after it was released Former President Donald Trump railed against the deal online That attack came amid criticism that House Speaker Mike Johnson and allies were killing the deal at the behest of Trump to avoid giving a political win to President Joe Biden. Among those making that case was Majority Leader Charles Schumer, 73 who worked closely with McConnell, 81, on the deal, as each leaders tries to advance funding for Ukraine and Israel. 'It took a long time - four months of arduous negotiations. They fell off the tracks a whole bunch of times. I had to be on the phone, even at midnight,' said Schumer, who had earlier predicted success following a White House meeting last month. 'The majority of Republican senators know it's the right thing to do. I'ts a compromise. I don't like everything in it - neither does McConnell. It's a compromise. it's the only way you get important things done in the Senate,' he said, urging senators to 'drown out the political noise from Trump and his minions and do the right thing for America ... History is looking down on every one of us.' In one sign of the volatility of the issues, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a longtime Schumer ally and former party whip, announced his own opposition Monday afternoon. Also dogging it were Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). The number of Republicans opposing the deal was approaching 20 Monday afternoon, nearly halfway to the 41 it would take to filibuster the agreement. 'The crisis has literally never been worse,' McConnell said on the Senate floor Monday, urging action. He said the 'gaping hole' in the nation's borders 'is not going to heal itself.' 'This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions. And Senate Republicans have insisted not just for months but for years that this urgent crisis demanded action,' he said. The most recent wolf sighting occurred by Walden, Colorado, roughly 20 miles from the border A coalition of ranchers, hunters and business owners is fighting to halt future wolf releases Wyoming ranchers are sounding the alarm after wolves reintroduced into Colorado were spotted near the state line. 'Wolves can travel 50 miles a day, (so) that doesnt surprise me at all,' Howard Cooper told Cowboy State Daily. Wolves have been spotted in Walden - just 20 miles from Wyoming - meaning the predators could theoretically cross into the Cowboy State today. The Meeker, Colorado rancher opposes the reintroduction of gray wolves into the neighboring state and is backing a lobbyist group that aims to prevent further wolf releases. Wolves in Colorado are federally protected and cannot be hunted or killed by the general public. But by stepping over the line, a wolf enters Wyoming's 53 million-acre 'predator zone' - encompassing roughly 85 percent of the state - and goes from a 'State Endangered' animal to one that can be shot on sight. A gray wolf sighting occurred in Walden, Colorado, roughly 20 miles from the state line, sparking concern among ranchers Howard Cooper, a rancher in Meeker, Colorado, is backing a group that intends to halt future releases of gray wolves in the state Ten gray wolves have been released so far, with 15 more set to be released between December 2024 and March 2025 Some Wyoming ranchers have said they are prepared to use all means necessary the defend their livestock. 'On the positive side, if any of those wolves cross over into Wyoming, theyre no longer protected. Theyre classified as predators and they can be removed,' said sheep rancher Jim Magagna. There have already been problems. In September, the Colorado Sun reported that at least one wolf was killed after crossing into Wyoming. The publication cited reports by ranchers and other stakeholders, but Wyoming officials declined to confirm the death. Rather, they claimed the information was confidential under an 11-year-old state policy intended to mask the identity of people who legally kill wolves in the state. Reintroduction has proven to be a contentious point. Gray wolves were nearly hunted to extinction in the 20th century. In 1905, the federal government infected the animals with mange. A decade later, Congress passed a law requiring their elimination from federal land. By 1960, the animals had been all but wiped out from their former range - under the same pretense, that they posed a threat to livestock and big game. Despite ranchers' concerns, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joey Livingston said he had full confidence in the agency's 'buffer zone' policy. Jim Magagna, a Wyoming sheep rancher, called it a 'positive' that wolves 'can be removed' if they cross the state border The species was nearly hunted to extinction in the 20th century amid concerns that it posed a threat to big game and livestock 'Scientists found that wolves released in Yellowstone and central Idaho in the mid-1990s moved substantial distances in the months immediately after release,' he explained. 'Average distance was approximately 50 miles ranging from approximately 22 to 140 miles from the release sites. 'Because of this, releases in Colorado occurred a minimum of 60 miles from the northern border with Wyoming, the western border with Utah, the southern border of New Mexico, as well as a similar buffer, as requested by the tribes, of sovereign tribal lands in southwestern Colorado.' The state's reintroduction program was mandated by a voter-backed initiative called Proposition 114. The bill passed in November 2020 by a margin of 50.91 percent to 49.09 percent. Proposition 114 required the Parks and Wildlife Commission to 'develop a plan to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado, using the best scientific data available' and 'hold statewide hearings to acquire information to be considered in developing such plan,' according to CPW. Oregon agreed to provide the first 10 wolves, which were released onto public land in Grand and Summit counties. CPW touted it as 'a historic effort to create a permanent, self-sustaining wolf population and fulfill a voter approved initiative to re-establish gray wolves in Colorado.' Colorado Parks and Wildlife aims to 'restore and manage' a population in the state 'using the best scientific data available' Magagna and other ranchers - including those in Colorado, where the wolves were released - are concerned about the potential threat to farm animals Opponents of the reintroduction plan have argued that some of the wolves came from Oregon packs with histories of livestock depredation But opponents argued that some of the wolves came from Oregon packs with histories of attacking cattle. Fifteen more wolves are set to be released between December 2024 and March 2025 through an agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. However, the Colorado Conservation Alliance - a coalition of ranchers, hunters and business owners - is pushing to halt further releases. Cooper is one of the CCAs financial backers. He is the owner of Three Crowns Ranch, billed as a 'hunting destination' with opportunities to gun down private land elk, mule deer, moose, black bears and mountain lions. The group filed a lawsuit in December focusing on concerns about how the gray wolves might interact with Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico. The lawsuit touches on several other hypotheticals including the possible spread of disease. 'There are significant environmental considerations that have not been addressed by defendants pertaining to wolf introduction in Colorado,' the suit reads, in part. Earlier that week, another lawsuit was filed by the Gunnison County Stockgrowers and the Colorado Cattlemens associations demanding an immediate halt to the re-introduction. Cooper, the owner of Three Crowns Ranch (pictured) is a financial backer of the Colorado Conservation Alliance, a coalition of hunters, ranchers and business owners He and members of the group argue that officials in Colorado have not adequately addressed 'significant environmental considerations' CPW says it is not a question of wanting or not wanting wolves. 'We have long anticipated that gray wolves would eventually enter the state as some have already, and we have been prepared for their arrival,' the agency wrote on its website. And some experts argue that wolves are needed to balance the ecosystem. Speaking to Rocky Mountain PBS after the release of the first five wolves, Joanna Lambert, a professor of wildlife ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, sounded triumphant. 'This is a moment of re-wildling,' she said. 'Of doing something to stave off the biodiversity extinction crisis we are living in...to make a difference in this era of extinction. 'And moreover, this is a source of hope not only for all of us standing here but for our younger generations as well.' Jonathan Majors's sentencing will now take place on April 8 after a judge approved the defense's motion to set aside the guilty verdict on Tuesday Marvel star Jonathan Majors's sentencing has been delayed following a last minute motion filed by his defense team. The actor, 34, was due to learn his fate in a court hearing in New York on Tuesday, nearly two months after being convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment charges in relation to an altercation involving ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari last year. Instead Judge Michael Gaffey pushed the sentencing to April 8 after a defense motion to set aside the guilty verdict. Majors, who lives out of state, was allowed to appear virtually at New York Criminal Court for the brief session. He could be seen mouthing 'whoa' as he first joined the call and waved to his attorneys who were present in court. He was asked if he could see and hear everyone in the courtroom before the judge set the new sentencing date. Jonathan Majors is pictured with new girlfriend Meagan Good arriving at the Manhattan courthouse ahead of the verdict on December 18 Majors's ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari pictured arriving in court in December. Jurors were tasked with examining conflicting narratives about whether Majors was the aggressor or the victim during the chaotic SUV struggle with Jabbari in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan on March 25. Majors was advised he still has to abide by all the mandates previously set by the court. The Creed III star, who played the evil Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel universe, was convicted of assault and harassment by jurors in December after seven hours of deliberations, following a two week trial. He was cleared of a second count of assault and aggravated harassment. Within hours of the conviction he was dropped by Marvel even though the franchise was lining up Kang as the center of the superhero franchise for its next chapter. Majors's self-directed film 'Magazine Dreams' which is about a troubled bodybuilder has been put on hold despite being tipped for an Oscar. During the two-week trial the court heard that Jabbari, 30, a British-born choreographer and dancer, got into a fight with Majors on March 25th last year. They were driving back to their home in New York after a night out in Brooklyn when she saw a text from another woman called Cleopatra which read: 'Wish I was kissing you' Jabbari testified that she saw on the phone that Majors had sent Cleopatra a D'Angelo song called 'Lady'. Majors began to act like he'd been 'caught out' and refused to show him her phone, so she grabbed it. Jabbari said Majors began 'peeling' her fingers off the phone and was 'twisting my arm, my hand'. She felt 'excruciating' pain and a 'really hard blow across my head'. Majors was accused of grabbing Jabbari (pictured together in 2022) and twisting her arm on the way home from a night out after she spotted a flirty text from another woman on his phone in March 2023. He denies the allegations Evidence shown to court showed Jabbari's swollen finger and marks to her neck Pictured: A cut behind Jabbari's ear. While the charges against Majors are only misdemeanors, the stakes for him could not be higher - and he is fighting for his reputation and his career When the SUV stopped she ran out and he followed, leading her across the street before running off - with Jabbari in pursuit. The jury was shown CCTV footage of them running through the streets of Manhattan after which Jabbari went out drinking with some strangers and then returned to Majors's apartment where she collapsed in his closet while he spent the night at a hotel. Majors returned the next day and called the police, who arrested him. Prosecutors claimed the incident was the culmination of two years of 'control domination, manipulation, and abuse' by Majors, who they painted as an abusive boyfriend. In her emotional testimony, which lasted four days, Jabbari repeatedly broke down in tears as she described how Majors 'exploded' in a rage multiple times. In September that year Majors got into a vicious row with Jabbari while they were in London while he was filming the TV series Loki. She told the court: 'He tore my headphones out of my ear and was stamping on them. He started shouting really loudly, better not be in the house when I get home. Really loudly, shouting in my face. Then he turned around and left'. Jabbari recorded a portion of Majors ranting at her in which he said 'how dare you' and ordered her to be more like Coretta Scott King, the widow of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King, and Michelle Obama. Majors said: 'I am a great man. a great man. I am doing great things not just for me but for my culturefor the world'. After their fights Majors would threaten to commit suicide and would say that he had 'put actions in place to do so', Jabbari told the jury. She said: 'I said please don't say this, I'm going to have to call for help. I said I loved him so much. What do you mean you put this into motion? Majors did not testify and his defense called three witnesses including NYPD detective Ronnie Mejia, who was the officer in the case of Majors's cross-complaint against Jabbari, which he filed in June. Majors had been set to spearhead the next chapter of the Marvel universe as 'Kang the Conqueror', however he was dropped by Marvel following his arrest Majors playing Dame Anderson in the 2023 film Creed III. The actor was dropped by Marvel following the guilty verdict in December That led to her being arrested in October but the Manhattan District Attorney's office declined to pursue the case. Speaking to ABC News in January, Majors said that he believes he will work in Hollywood again. He said that when the conviction came down, he thought to himself: 'How is this possible?' Asked how Jabbari got her injuries, he said: 'I wish to god I knew. That would give clarity. That would give me some type of peace about it'. Majors paid tribute to his current girlfriend Meagan Good, an actress, who was with him every day during the trial and likened her to Coretta Scott King. That drew a sharp rebuke from King's daughter Bernie who said her mother was not a 'prop'. Bernie King said: 'She was a peace advocate before she met my father and was instrumental in him speaking out against the Vietnam War. Please understandmy mama was a force'. The White House threatened a veto Monday night for the House's standalone Israel bill, urging Congress to instead take up the $118 billion Senate border and national security package - which Speaker Mike Johnson deemed an 'act of betrayal.' The veto threat puts passage of the $17.6 billion House package in jeopardy, though a number of House Democrats have already said they would vote for it. The Office of Management and Budget [OMB] called the bill a 'cynical political maneuver' designed to kill the chances of the Senate deal that would offer money to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and the border from passing. House Republicans are staunchly against the broader bipartisan bill - as are at least 22 Senate Republicans. The House passed a $14 billion Israel bill months ago, but Democrats opposed that due to the offsets, which clawed back money from the IRS. The Biden administration has threatened to veto House Republicans' stand-alone Israel bill 'The administration strongly opposes this ploy, which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Putin's aggression, fails to support the security of American synagogues, mosques and vulnerable places of worship, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians,' the OMB said in a statement. 'Israel is at war, fighting for its very right to exist, while our brave men and women in uniform are in harm's way on his orders to deter Iran,' Johnson said of the veto threat. 'In threatening to veto aid to Israel and to our military forces, President Biden is abandoning our ally in its time of greatest need. I urge friends of Israel and opponents of Iran to call the president's bluff and pass this clean aid package.' Support for Israel has generally been strong in both parties, and the Jewish state is typically one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid with at least $3.8 billion annually. House Democratic leadership is strongly urging its members to vote against the standalone bill, but some Democrats have suggested they will vote for it. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Johnson's bill a 'political stunt' and says the Democrats will be focused on pushing the 'comprehensive' border security, Ukraine and Israel aid package. The bill is expected to come up under suspension, which means it'll need two-thirds majority to pass the House but Republicans won't be responsible for advancing the rule that allows for final passage. Speaker Mike Johnson called Biden's veto threat an 'act of betrayal' Meanwhile some House conservatives have expressed opposition to the deal due to its lack of pay-fors. At least nearly half of House Democrats would have to defy leadership and vote for the bill for it to pass. If a sizable number of Republicans oppose the bill, more Democrats would need to vote for it to offset them. 'When our nation is running $200 billion monthly deficits and $34 trillion in national debt, America should not, and does not have to, borrow to support Israel,' the Freedom Caucus, led by Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., said in a statement. Aid for the United States' top ally has remained at an impasse since the October 7 Hamas attack that prompted Israel to launch a bloody offensive in an effort to eradicate the terror group. Some 1,200 Israelis were killed in Hamas' attack, and around 27,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in response, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. 'It is extremely disappointing that the Speaker is now surrendering to perceived pressure to move an even larger but now unpaid for Israel aid package reversing course on his stance to require new supplemental spending to be offset,' the Freedom Caucus went on. It comes after reports that Biden is 'deeply suspicious' of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and even allegedly called him a 'bad f***ing guy.' The White House vehemently denied the statements. 'The president did not say that, nor would he,' Biden spokesperson told Politico, adding Biden and Netanyahu have 'a decades-long relationship that is respectful in public and in private.' These revelations come shortly after it was reported that Biden hadn't spoken to Netanyahu in a month as the President's patience had reportedly run out with the non-stop bombing of Gaza. The two reportedly last spoke on December 23, when Netanyahu rejected Biden's request that Israel release Palestinian tax revenues, and an angry Biden ended the phone call saying 'this conversation is over.' Senator Chris Van Hollen told Axios: 'At every juncture, Netanyahu has given Biden the finger. They are pleading with the Netanyahu coalition, but getting slapped in the face over and over again.' The long period of silence is unusual as the pair had previously spoken almost every other day since October. About 70 New York City housing Authority current and former employees were arrested in a federal raid after they received over $2million in bribes in what officials called a 'classic pay-to-play' scheme. Dozens of employees and contractors were seen being taken away by federal agents in handcuffs after the raid on Tuesday morning. They are accused of using the housing system meant for the city's poor to enrich themselves. The workers are charged in connection with a variety of alleged corruption and kickback schemes, according to the Department of Justice, which has called the case the largest public corruption roundup in its history. The accused employees are charged with bribery and extortion after 'accepting cash payments from contractors in exchange for awarding NYCHA contracts,' the DoJ said in a statement. The charges amount to a single-day record for bribery charges for the Department of Justice. About 70 New York City housing Authority current and former employees were arrested in a federal raid on Tuesday Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said 1/3 of NYCHA developments over the last decade were part of the bribery scheme DA Williams said the current and former NYCHA employees are charged with bribery and extortion after 'accepting cash payments from contractors in exchange for NYCHA contracts' Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said one-third of NYCHA developments were part of the bribery scheme from 2013 to 2023. During the 10-year period, the accused officials allegedly took more than $2million in exchange for $13million in low-level contracts at over 100 developments. The charges are linked to 'micro-purchase' projects for smaller repairs and other construction at city housing. Local development managers can award city contracts under $10,000 without going through the public bidding process. Officials claim the defendants typically demanded approximately 10 to 20 percent of the contract valuebetween $500 and $2,000, depending on the size of the contract. More than 900 law enforcement agents participated in the arrests in New York and elsewhere. The New York City Housing Authority is the country's largest public housing organization, home to over 300,000 New Yorkers across 335 developments. It receives more than $1.5 billion in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development every year. Suspects Nirmal Lorick (left) and Tuesdai Gaskin Suspects Rigoberto Charriez (left) and Nymiah Branch Members of Homeland Security Investigations and New York City Department of Investigation lead the suspects arrested in the bust The Southern District of New York said in a statement: 'Todays charges constitute the largest number of federal bribery charges on a single day in Department of Justice history.' NYC's Housing Authority has been faced with a series of issues in its aging properties - 175,000 apartments. The buildings have been plagued by complaints of aging buildings, rat infestations, and leaky pipes, among others. 'NYCHA has zero tolerance for wrongful and illegal activity,' NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said in a statement to The City. 'The individuals allegedly involved in these acts put their greed first and violated the trust of our residents, their fellow NYCHA colleagues and all New Yorkers. These actions are counter to everything we stand for as public servants and will not be tolerated in any form.' DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: 'As charged, these 70 current and former NYCHA supervisors and other staff used their positions of public trust and responsibility to pocket bribes in exchange for doling out no-bid contracts. 'The extensive bribery and extortion alleged here calls for significant reforms to NYCHAs no-bid contracting process, which DOI has recommended and NYCHA has accepted.' If the vote is successful, Mayorkas will be the first Cabinet secretary impeached in 150 years With the GOP's razor-thin majority it's not yet clear if the impeachment will pass in a vote on Tuesday evening 'The only way to stop the border invasion is to replace the Biden administration at the ballot box,' McClintock wrote on X Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., followed Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., in announcing he would vote 'no' on the resolution to impeach Mayorkas Two Republicans now oppose impeaching Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas, complicating efforts for the House GOP as they attempt to hold Biden's top border official accountable for the crisis at the southern border. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., followed Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., in announcing he would vote 'no' on the resolution to impeach Mayorkas Tuesday. 'The only way to stop the border invasion is to replace the Biden administration at the ballot box,' McClintock wrote on X. 'Swapping one leftist for another is a fantasy, solves nothing, excuses Bidens culpability, and unconstitutionally expands impeachment that someday will bite Republicans.' McClintock felt so strongly about not impeaching the secretary that he released a 10-page memo to House Republicans making the case against it. Buck, who will retire after this term, had a similar warning on Monday, saying that a 'partisan impeachment' would 'boomerang back and hurt Republicans in the future.' With the GOP's razor-thin majority it's not yet clear if the impeachment will pass in a vote on Tuesday evening as Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose three Republican votes. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, has not yet said how he will vote and Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., has not yet indicated his vote either. All Democrats are expected to oppose. Buck said Mayorkas has 'completely failed at his job' but 'maladministration or incompetence does not rise to what our founders considered an impeachable offense Republicans moved forward two articles of impeachment against Biden's border chief Mayorkas Still, Whip Tom Emmer said he was 'confident' Mayorkas would be impeached, barring any unexpected absences. 'I'm confident if we have our members here, that we should be able to do this,' he said on Fox News Tuesday morning. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., who had previously been undecided, said Tuesday morning he would vote for the articles. 'Mayorkas has willfully refused to enforce federal immigration laws. It is one thing to disagree with a policy, but ordering [DHS] to not follow the law is inexcusable,' he said in a statement. It's not clear whether the Senate will hold a trial - it could vote to dismiss the articles with only a simple majority. Still, Republicans have already named its impeachment managers to make the case for impeachment in front of the Senate: Homeland Security Chair Mark Green, Texas, Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul, Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ga., Ben Cline, Va., Michael Guest, Miss., Andy Biggs, Ariz., Andrew Garbarino, N.Y., August Pfluger, Texas, Harriet Hageman, Wyo., Laurel Lee, Fla. Buck has been opposed to all impeachment efforts during his time in Congress - he has called the movement to impeach President Biden 'theater' and voted against impeaching former President Donald Trump twice. 'The Constitution is clear. I will be voting no on the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas,' congressman went on. The vote to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas will come down to a razor-thin margin on Tuesday, with Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., and Tom McClintock, R-Calif., dug in on opposing the effort Buck said Mayorkas has 'completely failed at his job' but 'maladministration or incompetence does not rise to what our founders considered an impeachable offense. Speaker Mike Johnson said Friday he would talk to Buck over the weekend, but a source close to Buck told DailyMail.com he had not received any calls over the weekend from Johnson. If the vote is successful, Mayorkas will be the first Cabinet secretary impeached since Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876. 'If Mayorkas were to be removed from office, its likely that President Biden would appoint another incompetent individual who would carry out this same failed approach,' Buck reasoned. The impeachment articles passed out of the Homeland Security Committee last week on party lines. If the vote is successful, Mayorkas will be the first Cabinet secretary impeached since Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876 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' Republicans moved 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. 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. 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. Clapham alkali attacker suspect Abdul Shokoor Ezedi 'exposed himself to a woman waiting at a bus stop', a friend of the sex offender has claimed. Police have been searching for Ezedi, 35, since Wednesday after a woman and her two daughters, aged eight and three, were badly maimed by a corrosive liquid in the attack in Clapham, south London. The manhunt for the sex offender is now in its sixth day and police are offering 20,000 to anyone with information leading to his arrest. It comes as a friend has revealed fresh details about the two sex crimes Ezedi was convicted of. His friend, who he met working in a takeaway in Tyneside, told The Telegraph: 'It was so out of character, we were so shocked to discover what he had done to the two women. 'One was a sexual assault and after that he exposed himself to a woman who was on her way to catch a bus.' The Afghan suspect secured the churches support despite being a convicted sex attacker. Pictured: In CCTV after the attack Ezedi arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry in 2016 and had twice been refused asylum by 2018 Abdul Ezedi was caught on CCTV footage buying groceries the day before the attack in Newcastle The friend continued: 'He didn't go to jail but was released and had a tag on his leg. He lost his job but he applied for new work and as soon as his tag was taken off he found a new job and continued to send money home. 'He's very intelligent. He speaks very good English and got onto a college course in Newcastle to improve his English, that was important to him.' Ezedi was also accused of grabbing woman's bottom without her consent in the sexual assault case, according to documents detailing the indictment which were disclosed by the court on Tuesday. He avoided jail after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault and exposure, instead being placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work when he was handed a suspended sentence at Newcastle Crown Court on January 9, 2018. Ezedi, who is originally from Afghanistan, had two asylum applications rejected before he was granted leave to remain despite being convicted of the two sex offences. In his application, Ezedi claimed to have converted to Christianity which was supported by Catholic and Baptist churches. However, Ezedi's friend described his change of religion as 'a joke' and said that Ezedi was from a strict Muslim family. Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground during the attack at 7.25pm, before attempting to drive away from the scene, crashing into a stationary vehicle and fleeing on foot Abdul Ezedi, 35, was last seen near a railway bridge over the Thames in London last Wednesday just hours after he allegedly targeted the victims He added that his father would be 'so furious' if Ezedi had converted to Christianity as he is a 'devout Muslim' and 'very respected man in the community at home'. He said: 'Whenever he spoke to his father he would be asking him, are you praying? Are you fasting? Are you living as a good Muslim, it was so important to him that Shapoor was living as he had in Afghanistan.' As for the missing suspect, his friend admitted that he had 'no idea' where he could be and admitted how shocked he was to hear about the alleged chemical attack. The friend, who is a 33-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, also revealed that the fugitive was 'very angry' and vowed to avenge the armed robbers who shot his sister dead in his native Afghanistan. The friend explained that Ezedi had been wholly committed to sending money back to his family in Afghanistan. However in around 2017 or 2018 it became 'known in the neighbourhood' that he was sending large amounts of money back home, the friend said. This is when there was a robbery on his home. Abdul Ezedi at King's Cross underground station at 9pm on February 2 His friend explained: 'His family fought back to defend their home and he told me that his sister was shot dead. He was so upset and very, very angry. 'He said that he would take revenge on the people who had done that to her. After what happened he was crying for three weeks and he said he wanted revenge 'When I heard what happened in London that came into my mind.' There is no evidence that the attack in Clapham had any connection to the robbery in Afghanistan and friends of Ezedi are mystified by the motive. The friend said: 'He was single the whole time I knew him, he didn't have a wife or children. 'When I saw his face in the news and read what he was accused of doing I was so shocked. Other than his anger over his sister's murder, I have never known him to want to harm anyone. 'Working in a pizza shop there were always people trying to start a fight but he would always avoid trouble, he never reacted.' Prince Harry has arrived at Clarence House to be at King Charles' side following his shock cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex had a 'brief meeting' with his father hours after touching down at Heathrow following an 11-hour British Airways flight from his home in California - where his wife Meghan Markle and children, Archie and Lilibet, are staying behind. Harry was spotted in the back of a Range Rover that drove in a large convoy through the gates of Clarence House, where Charles, 75, is resting following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer. It is not known if Harry will remain in central London or stay at Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage - which he and Meghan vacated last June. But experts have said they hope that Harry's trip is the 'sign of a truce' that could be 'good news' coming out of the 'bad news' about Charles' health. Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House this afternoon to meet his father King Charles Charles and Camilla leaving Clarence House this afternoon Harry was seen in a large convoy of Range Rovers driving through the gates of the royal residence A helicopter was pictured landing at Buckingham Palace this afternoon King Charles and Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Prince Harry flew to London after King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public. Meghan and the children are staying at home Harry left LAX for London last night after Charles called him personally to tell him the devastating news. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and he boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime. Harry was accompanied by police security despite his ongoing row with the Home Office. Daily Mail Diary editor Richard Eden tweeted today: 'After his 5,000-mile flight from Los Angeles, #PrinceHarry is understood to have had a brief meeting with #KingCharles before His Majesty departed for his Norfolk retreat, Sandringham. It will be interesting to see how long Harry stays in this country.' Earlier, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said it was important for the Duke to show solidarity with his father. 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue,' he said. 'It's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, said: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. 'If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery.' Harry's trip could be motivated by that plea. The Prince flew into Londons Heathrow Airport on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles, before being picked up by a black Range Rover. A police escort outside Clarence House before the Duke of Sussex's arrival Flowers are delivered to Clarence House following Charles' cancer diagnosis Harry is believed to have been in this Range Rover as it was swept from Heathrow under police guard this afternoon Police escort a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Harry out of Heathrow at around 1pm as he heads to visit his father in London The Prince - who travelled on the overnight 11 hour flight without his wife Meghan - was met off the plane by a convoy of cars Police waiting for Harry at the VIP terminal of Heathrow Airport where Harry landed on a BA flight A car believed to be carrying Prince Harry is pictured arriving at a private terminal at LAX to fly to the UK to be with his father, King Charles, after his cancer diagnosis Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He may stay there or in a hotel KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. - Tuesday February 6 Prince Harry lands in the UK to see his father. He is seen arriving at Clarence House Advertisement The King could be absent from public duties until at least March following yesterday's dramatic announcement about his health. The Daily Mail's Robert Hardman said this morning that the King's 'first pronounced absence' could come on Commonwealth Day, which is traditionally held at Westminster Abbey on the second Monday of March. Mr Hardman, the author of 'Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would imagine we probably won't see him at Westminster Abbey now. 'I'm sure there will be a statement, a message - he'll want to engage with that. It's moments like that when an absence is noted, but the day-to-day running of the monarchy will not really change.' Former royal's communications secretary Julian Payne said the King would be 'chomping at the bit' to return to public engagements and will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but was 'thankful' it had been caught early. Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'. It is understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. A family friend said: 'He and his doctors are very, very positive.' Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings. The Mail has learnt that the King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment. She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was 'getting on, doing his best'. A source said: 'Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.' In a statement Buckingham Palace said last night: 'During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.' Former Royal's Communications Secretary Julian Payne told Newsnight last night that the King will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back from work. He added: 'His work schedule is punishing and he really enjoys being out and meeting people and having the chance to speak up on causes that he cares about on representing the nation. 'He will find that difficult. The reality of course is the machinery of state continues, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the PM will happen and the Privy Counsellors. 'That side of things will continue but he will be itching to get back to things as quickly as he can. 'The good thing of course is that although he is 75 he is a very fit and healthy 75-year-old.' 'So I think he's in as good a position as anyone can be to get through this next chapter. And he'll be absolutely chomping at the bit to get back out as quickly as he can.' The Sunday Times' Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah added: 'He won't want to step back. If he can continue with his duties... he's not going to want to step back if he doesn't have to. 'It'll be about other members of the Royal Family picking up the slack while he can't be on public duties. The Queen is 76, she is very energetic 76 but 76 nonetheless. 'So there's a lot of pressure on her not only doing more duties, worrying about her husband too. 'I think we will see her step a lot to fill that void and I'm sure we will see Prince William more doing public facing things. 'We know the King will be frustrated but he will know he has members of the family who he trusts to the roles if needs be.' Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Experts hope that the diagnosis will bring some kind of reconciliation between Harry and his father and brother Royal Biographer Matthew Dennison told BBC News that the country is 'going to see something that's a little like what we saw in the last months of the reign of the late Queen.' He explained: 'The Queen maintained all of the functions associated with her role as head of state, the red boxes, the prime ministerial encounters, where possible Privy Counsellor meetings - but she didn't do as many public engagements which are that head of the nation side of being the sovereign. 'What we're going to see is something remarkably similar that the King will continue as head of state but some of that head of the nation meeting and greeting that being a figurehead a focus of royalty, affection, unity he won't be doing that in the short term. 'Members of his immediate family who of course stepped up when the late queen died scaled back her public engagements will do the same in this case I think.' He added: 'The challenge for the Royal Family is fitting in engagements to what are often really very busy diaries which have been planned long in advance. 'I would imagine we would see increased numbers of engagements from Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, possibly Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are of course trusted members of the Royal Family too.' And Dame Julia Cleverdon told BBC Radio 4: 'I am absolutely sure that this reign will continue and that the determination of the King, who is a very determined man, knows a lot about cancer. I always remember when organising programmes within the last engagement of the day was always the visit to hospitals because he didn't want any time taken - if he was going to use longer time it would be his time. 'He will be really really a) knowledgeable b) determined and c) absolutely clear that the show will go on.' Following last night's devastating health update, Princess Anne got back to business as usual by handing out honours at Windsor Castle before she travels up to the Midlands for a busy day of royal engagements. Princess Beatrice of York, the King's niece, was seen driving to Clarence House this morning. Royal aides said they were carefully balancing the King's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that by sharing the news that it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families. No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when the king had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained in the private London Clinic in central London for three days. It was during this intervention that a 'separate cause for concern' was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. Details of his treatment are not being disclosed. A royal aide said: 'No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' On February 1, the ban on American XL Bully dogs came into force, with owners facing criminal proceedings unless their pet is registered as exempt. The breed is now illegal to own without an exemption certificate in England and Wales, meaning owners could be taken to court and have their pets seized if they are unregistered. The National Police Chiefs' Council revealed that about 40,000 dogs had been granted exemptions by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), allowing them to remain in the community. As the ban came into force at the beginning of February, members of the public have been urged to report XL Bullys being kept in breach of the law to 101. The warning comes after 68-year-old grandmother, Esther Martin, was mauled to death in a suspected XL Bully dog attack in east London on February 4. But, what should you do if you encounter an XL Bully? Here's everything you need to know: On February 1, the ban on American XL Bully dogs came into force, with owners facing criminal proceedings unless their pet is registered as exempt Grandmother Esther was visiting her 11-year-old grandson, Warren's son, at the weekend, when neighbours heard piercing screams coming from the home Should you call the police? The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has urged anyone who sees a dog they think may be dangerous to report it to the police. This includes XL Bully dogs without muzzles or leads on in public, however, any breed that is exhibiting dangerous or aggressive behaviour should be reported to the police or local authority. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, the NPCC's dangerous dogs lead, said the public should report any dogs thought to be in breach of the new XL Bully ban, as reported by iNews. He said: 'My urge to people would be if you do see these types of dogs within the community, who arent adhering to aspects of the law, to report that effectively via 101, or via 999 if there is an ongoing attack or aggression. 'We are working actively to increase kennelling capability because we do predict that demand is going to increase and we are going to have to adapt.' The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has urged anyone who sees a dog they think may be dangerous to report it to the police - including XL Bully without muzzles or leads in public Should you avoid XL Bully dogs? Roz Pooley, a clinical animal behaviourist, has urged the public to learn to spot and avoid dangerous behaviour in all dogs - not just XL Bullys. Ms Pooley said more attacks can be avoided if people pay closer attention to the dangerous behaviour of dogs and their handlers. She said: 'People should focus on the behaviour, not the dog. If a dog is calm and disinterested in you and the owner is calm, there shouldn't be any reason to worry.' However, the animal behaviourist stresses that the 'unbelievable' strength of XL Bully breeds can make them more dangerous than smaller dogs as they are capable of inflicting more damage. She said: 'Though there is no behaviour specific to XL Bullys which means they are more dangerous, they can have strong predatory tendencies if they are badly bred. 'If an XL Bully has not been bred for a solid temperament, and owners are not buying dogs with a mind for their lineage, they can have a predisposition for fearful behaviours, but this applies to any dog.' Ms Poolet added that people should pay attention to a dog's body language and behaviour, as well as that of its handler, regardless of the breed. XL Bully dog Theo wearing a muzzle put on him by his owner Kerry Heath, who has hit out at the law change How can you spot a dangerous XL Bully? According to Ms Pooley, a handler's behaviour, as well as the dog's body language, can be key in knowing when to 'give a dog space.' Worrying handler behaviour may be an owner who is being pulled forcibly by their dog or looks out of control or stressed, or is using punitive training methods such as a pronged collar. Ms Pooley said: 'I would be worried about someone who is letting their dog pull them really strongly down the road, if their handling is aggressive and assertive, such as yanking at their dog's neck on the lead.' This could potentially cause the dog to 'redirect' its negative emotion or experience onto you. If you find that a dog's eyes are fixated on you and it is standing still, this could also be cause for concern. Ms Pooley added: 'We can't assume [muzzled dogs] are aggressive - they could just be complying with the regulations. If you see a muzzled dog, it is nice to give them space to protect both you and the dog.' According to animal charity PDSA, a well-socialised and trained dog, including XL Bullys, will not normally be actively aggressive towards other dogs or humans What should you do if you have been attacked by an XL Bully? In the case of an attack, it is important to stay calm and stand your ground. Ms Pooley explained: 'If a dog rushes towards you, turn your side or back to the dog and calmly step away or stand still. 'If it jumps at you, fold your arms really tightly as it could hold onto any dangling arms. She added: 'The worst thing you can do is run away you are more likely to fall over. Try and keep calm and call out for help.' According to animal charity PDSA, a well-socialised and trained dog will not normally be actively aggressive towards other dogs or humans. However, any dog can become aggressive if they are frightened and feel there is no other way out of the situation. This can be due to a perceived threat or a past experience making them uncomfortable. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to wash the wound thoroughly, seek medical attention, and report the bite as soon as possible. The calf's birth is part of an international breeding programme to save species The three-week-old male calf was born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in January A baby black rhino has been born in Doncaster, marking a significant feat in efforts to save the critically endangered species. The male calf - which is one of the rarest mammals in the world - is the first critically endangered black rhino to be born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP). The three-week-old youngster, who already weighs 11st 7lbs (73kg), was born in January and spent his first few weeks in the rhino house with his mother, Najuma. But rangers have now decided let him out into the three-acre Into Africa! reserve, where he stayed close to his mother as he explored the outdoors for the first time. The park said that seven-year-old Najuma was pregnant for 15 months before giving birth, and this is an event of 'great significance' as international conservation efforts continue to protect the species. A baby black rhino has been born in Doncaster, marking a significant feat in efforts to save the critically endangered species WHY IS THE BLACK RHINO POPULATION IN DECLINE? Black rhinos have been killed in increasing numbers in recent years as transnational, organised criminal networks have become more involved in the poaching of rhinos and the illegal trade in rhino horn. Uncontrolled hunting in the colonial era was historically the major factor in the decline of black rhinos. Today, poaching for the illegal trade in their horns is the major threat, according to the WWF. Powdered horn is used in traditional Asian medicine as a supposed cure for a range of illnesses from hangovers to fevers and even cancer. The recent surge has been primarily driven by the demand for horn by upper-middle class citizens in Vietnam. As well as its use in medicine, rhino horn is bought and consumed purely as a symbol of wealth. Advertisement Both Najuma and father Makibo, eight, joined YWP in 2018 as part of an international breeding programme to save the species, which is classed as critically endangered. Hoofstock Ranger Beth Phelan said: 'His mum is probably the biggest eater in the house, in terms of rhinos, and he's picked that up immediately. 'He's a bit like a toddler - anything that's edible he will put in his mouth, even though he can't eat it, even though hes got no teeth yet, he's trying this out.' She continued: 'He is incredibly energetic, just like his mum. Obviously, she'll be getting in a lot more sleep at the moment - with feeding him and looking after him - than she normally would. 'But, when she is sleeping, generally that's the time that he's running round the pen, he's jumping on her, trying to wake her up, bothering her.' YWP director of animals Charlotte MacDonald said: 'The newborn calf is becoming such a character and bound to become a visitor favourite.' Dr MacDonald said: 'This very special birth is fantastic news for everyone here at YWP. The news is particularly important because rhinos are a critically endangered species. The international breeding programme is very important for this species. 'Every birth is a milestone in our global conservation efforts. The aim is to ensure we are in a position to increase re-introductions into the wild.' The calf - which is one of the rarest mammals in the world - is the first critically endangered black rhino to be born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) Rangers have now decided let him out into the three-acre Into Africa! reserve, where he stayed close to his mother Najuma as he explored the outdoors for the first time. The three-week-old youngster, who already weighs 11st 7lbs (73kg), was born after mother Najuma carried the calf for 15 months Numbers of black rhinos have now risen to around 6,000, following the ongoing success of global conservation efforts READ MORE: Heart-warming moment birth of rare baby white rhino is caught on CCTV at UK safari park Advertisement The park said that Eastern Black Rhinos are the rarest of the three remaining subspecies. Between 1970 and 1992, their population declined by a staggering 96% to just 2,300, largely due to poaching for their horns. But numbers have now risen to around 6,000, following the ongoing success of global conservation efforts. The European Breeding Programme currently holds around 100 individuals in various wildlife parks and zoos. Visitors to the park have donated thousands of pounds to the Wildlife Foundation, a charity based at YWP which has worked closely with Save the Rhino International and Fauna and Flora International funding projects to protect rhinos from poachers. The news comes after a critically endangered Eastern black rhino was born at Chester Zoo in November last year. An Oklahoma born porn star has sparked outrage online after she posed for photos in front of the 'death to America' murals that were painted on the now-abandoned US embassy in Iran. Whitney Wright, real name Brittni Rayne Whittington, offered her followers a 'sweet glimpse' at her visit to Tehran, the Iranian capital city, by posting photos from her travels to her Instagram page. Wright, 32, filmed herself at the shut-down embassy, saying that she 'HAD to visit' the site where hostages were held for 444 days. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard now runs the building as an anti-America museum. In a since-deleted post, the adult entertainer said she was 'sharing exhibits from a museum that are never seen' and argued her photos were 'not an endorsement of the government'. Wright is known for her vehement criticism of Iran's arch-enemy Israel and has advocated for Palestinians online during the war on Hamas. News of her recent visit comes amid days of US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The Iran-backed terrorist group is a major backer of Hamas. Iranian authorities have denied being behind Wright's visit, claiming she was issued a visa like any other foreign citizen and they had not been aware of her 'obscene' profession. Sex work is illegal under Iranian law and can carry the death penalty. Oklahoma born porn star Whitney Wright, real name Brittni Rayne Whittington, has sparked outrage online after she posed for photos in front of the 'death to America' murals that were painted on the now-abandoned US embassy in Iran. She is pictured in front of the mural Wright, pictured at the former embassy in Tehan, was also seen posing next to a flagpole at the now anti-American museum, with a torn US flag on the ground The former embassy in Tehran is dedicated to all-things anti-American. Inside the building is a mural featuring a skeleton-like portrait of the Statue of Liberty calling for death the the US Wright (pictured) filmed herself throughout the Iranian capital, Tehran, despite her work in pornography exposing her, in theory, to criminal charges that carry the death penalty Wright filmed herself at various locations throughout Tehran, including the closed US Embassy, which was shuttered following the severing of U.S.-Iranian diplomatic relations in the wake of the 1979-1981 hostage crisis which saw the taking of staff by Islamic radicals. Iranian students backing Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini overran the compound after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She was seen standing in front of a mural featuring a skeleton-like portrait of the Statue of Liberty, which appears to be part of a series of paintings promoting death to America. Wright was also seen posing next to a flagpole at the now anti-American museum, with a torn US flag on the ground. She was dressed in a long enveloping headscarf, trouser suit and long coat well in line with the dress code and a far cry from the usual skimpy garb enjoyed by her 1million followers on Instagram. Her photos prompted outrage on social media with critics accusing her of supporting one of the 'most brutal regimes in the world'. Others said they were 'glad' she came to Iran and 'hope you had a good time'. Wright, who has revealed that she is no longer in Iran, hit back at the criticism of her images from her trip by asking: 'Posting photos of my Iran trip now means I'm pushing Iran propaganda?' 'Just sharing what I saw on the inside and outside.' Wright appeared entirely covered up during her visit to Iran as she wore a headscarf More than 50 Americans were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American embassy in support of the Iranian Revolution Women burnt their headscarves in September 2022. Protests spread across the Middle East and the West following the death of Masha Amini Iranian actor Setareh Pesiani cited Wright's visit to criticize Iran's hard-line government for its mandatory headscarf policy, which led to the 22-year-old Amini's arrest and death Wright's posts on Iran have particularly angered Iranian exiles as she showed herself carefully observing the strict Islamic dress code for women in the wake of the 2022 nationwide protests against the obligatory hijab. READ MORE: How Iran props up a network of terror proxies across the Middle East from Hamas to the Houthis to exert its power and attack western targets across the region Advertisement Those protests erupted after the September 2022 police custody death of Mahsa Amini who was arrested for allegedly flouting the dress rules. Iranian actor Setareh Pesiani cited Wright's visit to criticize Iran's hardline government for its mandatory headscarf policy, which led to the 22-year-old Amini's arrest and death. 'You punish people of this country in various methods for removal of hijab but you allow a porn actress to come here for tourism!?' Pesiani wrote on Instagram. 'American porn star Whitney Wright is in Iran, my birth country, where women are killed for simply showing their hair and being true to themselves,' prominent US-based Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad wrote on X, saying Wright had been 'completely covered up' in the images. 'Iranian women don't want to obey a discriminatory law,' she added. 'We the women of Iran want be like Rosa Parks and not Whitney Wright,' Alinejad wrote, referencing the UScivil rights icon. 'The true warmongers are the agents of the Islamic Republic who will execute you if you be true to yourself.' Iranian actor Setareh Pesiani wrote on Instagram: 'You punish people of this country in various methods for removal of hijab but you allow a porn star to come here for tourism!?' Association Femme Azadi, a France-based association for Iranian women, alleged in a post on X: 'Whitney Wright, an American porn star was invited to Tehran to promote the Islamic republic. They stop at nothing.' American-born porn star Whitney Wright, 32, faces accusations of promoting Iranian government propaganda after sharing images of her trip to Iran on social media Wright, who has advocated for Palestinians online during Israel's war on Hamas, traveled to Iran and could be seen taking in the sight - albeit fully clothed The former US Embassy has been turned into an anti-American museum People walk past a state-organized, anti-US mural painted on the wall of the former American Embassy in Tehran, Iran in August last year The former US Embassy in Tehran abandoned after the 1979 hostage crisis. It now features a series of anti-American murals, included the one pictured above as seen in August 2023 Wright's visit has raised questions about how she was able to enter Iran, especially as her work in pornography exposes her, in theory, to criminal charges that carry the death penalty. As a US citizen born in Oklahoma City, she would have needed a visa to visit Iran. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guard, quoted an anonymous official claiming the government issued Wright a visa while not being 'aware about the nature of her immoral and obscene occupation.' The US State Department has also commented on Wright's visit stressing in a statement how it has warned Americans to avoid travel to Iran and 'exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.' Americans and those with Western ties can find themselves detained and convicted in secret trials to later be used as bargaining chips in negotiations with Washington. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is a primary driver of instability across the Middle East region, and it has been since 1979,' the State Department said. 'If Iran actually cared about peace and stability in the Middle East region or the welfare of the people there, it would cease its support for terrorist organizations.' She has since left Iran, but its unclear how long she stayed in the country. Wright appears to have been on a tour across the region, also posting images from Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco. Wright hit back at the criticism of her images from her trip by asking: 'Posting photos of my Iran trip now means I'm pushing Iran propaganda?' The Iranian government issued Wright a visa while claiming not to have been 'aware about the nature of her immoral and obscene occupation.' The U.S. State Department has also commented on Wright's visit stressing in a statement how it has warned Americans to avoid travel to Iran and 'exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.' The porn star's Middle Eastern tour appears to have taken place as the US and UK launched retaliatory strikes in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Houthis. The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital and most populous areas, have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea since November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians. The US and Britain have also carried out strikes in response to the group's attacks on international shipping, which the Houthis portray as a blockade of Israel. The attacks are disrupting maritime trade in one of the world's busiest corridors as freight firms reroute around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Suez Canal. A Houthi leader said on Tuesday that the group will further escalate if the Israeli attack on Gaza does not stop. In a televised speech, Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the group will 'seek to escalate more and more if the barbaric and brutal aggression against Gaza does not stop, along with the siege of the Palestinian people from whom they deny aid and medicine.' The group fired naval missiles at two ships in the Red Sea on Tuesday, its military spokesman said, causing damage to Greek-owned Star Nasia and British-owned Morning Tide. Spokesman Yahya Sarea identified the Greek-owned, Marshall Islands flagged Star Nasia as American. The vessel was carrying US coal to India, marine shipping trackers showed. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Egypt's president on Tuesday as part of a 48-hour, four-nation flurry of shuttle diplomacy in search of a ceasefire in Gaza's war, while Israel pressed its onslaught in the south of the enclave. Houthis operating drones during a military exercise at a remote area on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen, 3 February 2024 A fleet of United States warships on Sunday joined forces to launch missiles and support strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi targets The USS Gravely, USS Carney and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower were amongst US warships to have launched missiles at Houthi forces on Sunday A Houthi trooper takes part in a military exercise at a remote area on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen on Saturday Houthi tribesmen gather after US and UK air strikes on Houthi positions near Sanaa, Yemen on Sunday Houthi fighters are pictured riding vehicles at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on February 4 It was Blinken's first visit to the region since Washington brokered an offer, with Israeli input, for the war's first extended ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt conveyed the offer last week to Hamas, which says it wants guarantees Israel will withdraw, before it agrees to free remaining hostages its fighters captured in the Oct. 7 attack that precipitated the war. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken and Saudi Arabia's ruling crown prince discussed regional steps to achieve an enduring end to the war, tackling the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and limiting regional spillovers of the crisis. Blinken departed Riyadh just after sunrise and arrived in Cairo where he met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, then swiftly departed for a flight to Qatar. He is due in Israel overnight for consultations on Wednesday morning. Washington has for weeks sought an elusive deal to secure the release of remaining hostages in return for a long pause to fighting. There was no immediate word from any side whether Blinken's talks in Riyadh and Cairo had yielded progress. Four Texas firefighters have sustained injuries and been hospitalized after their truck flipped over and crashed while responding to a fire alarm, according to officials. The unnamed emergency responders were responding to a single-family house fire when the accident happened at 2.34am today. While on their way, the driver of the fire engine reportedly lost control, flipped over and crashed into a tree. One officer was ejected from the fire engine and is now in critical condition at the hospital. Another firefighter remains in stable condition while other two have now been released from the hospital, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department. The Department has not clarified the extent of their injuries or named any of the officers. The accident is currently under investigation. The unknown officials were responding to a single-family house fire when the accident happened at 2.34 am today. While on their way, the driver of the fire engine reportedly lost control, flipped over and crashed into a tree One officer was ejected from the fire engine and is now in critical condition at the hospital The Department has not clarified the extent of their injuries or named any of the officers. The accident is currently under investigation The crash reportedly happened near the intersection Village Creek Road and Wilbarger Street, near the Eugene McCray Community Center. Names will be released after families of the injured have been notified of the crash. Craig Trojacek, an officer with the Fort Worth Fire Department told FoxNews: 'This job is risky. There are times that people see us at school teaching kids and reading at libraries and there are also times when people call us for emergency help. 'This was one of those times. There was a house on fire. They called 911. We were trying to get there as quickly as we could. So if there was a life that needed to be saved on that location, it was going to be handled correctly.' The crash reportedly happened near the intersection Village Creek Road and Wilbarger Street, near the Eugene McCray Community Center Another firefighter remains in stable condition while other two have now been released from the hospital, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department Craig Trojacek, an officer with the Fort Worth Fire Department said: 'There was a house on fire. They called 911. We were trying to get there as quickly as we could. So if there was a life that needed to be saved on that location, it was going to be handled correctly' Mayor Mattie Parker also asked the community to pray for their recovery In a statement posted on X, Fire Department chief Jim Davis said: 'Our foremost priority is supporting the wellbeing of our firefighters and their families in this difficult moment. 'We appreciate the support and prayers of the Fort Worth community as we stand by the injured and their families.' Mayor Mattie Parker also asked the community to pray for their recovery. 'Our firefighters are always their for our community and right now, we need the community's prayers for their recovery and healing,' she said. The fire engine was later seen being towed by a truck. As for the house fire, one person was injured and the family has been displaced. It is time for minor royals to step up and rally around King Charles following his cancer diagnosis and the Princess of Wales' health issues, experts have said, amid warnings the monarchy is looking 'very threadbare'. The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the disgrace of Prince Andrew means there are not enough young royals to take on public duties and relieve the pressure on senior members of the family such as the Queen and Prince William, experts claim. It comes after Buckingham Palace last night revealed King Charles has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer and will be ceasing face-to-face royal engagements while he receives treatment. It is now feared that unless less senior royals such as Lady Louise Windsor and her mother Sophie and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie step up, the royal family will not be able to hold as many events or support as many charities as they have previously. King Charles' health scare follows Kate Middleton being admitted to hospital in London for planned abdominal surgery, with Kensington Palace confirming she will not be able to return to royal duties until at least after Easter. King Charles is seen for the first time since his cancer diagnosis was announced with his wife, Queen Camilla, on Tuesday as they headed to Sandringham The Princess of Wales is currently recovering from abdominal surgery after being admitted to The London Clinic last month It has not been confirmed what type of cancer the King has been diagnosed with, or what stage it is, but it is understood not to be prostate cancer and to have been caught early. Doctors noticed something amiss while Charles, 75, was in hospital for surgery on a benign enlarged prostate, triggering further examination. 'All of a sudden with these health problems we have it's looking very, very threadbare,' royal commentator Phil Dampier told MailOnline. With other working royals such as Queen Camilla and the Princess Royal being in their mid-70s, he fears there are few younger royals able to pick up the slack. 'It's all fallen really to a great extent to William and Kate and you do sometimes wonder if the stress of that knowledge and all the problems with Harry and Meghan have contributed to the pressure that Kate has felt under,' he said. Mr Dampier said that although Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie could be brought in 'for minor duties', their father Prince Andrew's ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein make their involvement 'more difficult' for the family. Instead, he praised the Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie for a doing a 'very good job', adding he would like to see her 'upping her game and doing a bit more'. 'I certainly think there could be a very good role for their daughter Louise Windsor, who has previously chosen not to take a title,' he added. The Duchess of Edinburgh and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor are among the royals who could step up to fill the gaps, Phil Dampier says Princess Beatrice (left) and Princess Eugenie (right) face a challenge increasing their role in public life due to their disgraced father Prince Andrew, experts have said 'Everyone who knows her says she's extremely personable and very intelligent and she would do a very, very good job.' Richard Fitzwilliam added that there is currently 'tremendous pressure on Prince William' as he highlighted the lack of royals able to take on extra work. He said: 'The dangers of a slimmed-down monarchy are obvious because of what we've just seen: Catherine won't be doing anything until at least after Easter. 'It's a tremendous pressure on Prince William as his father has cancer and his wife is recovering from abdominal surgery, and he will be expected to do more engagements. 'People forget that the royals are humans, in fact they're only too human as we've just found out.' He added that with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice out of the picture due to their father being 'in disgrace', the baton would fall to the Wales' children, George, Charlotte and Louis - who are all far too young to bear the weight of their parents' of grandparents' engagements. 'This is a completely unprecedented situation where we are and I don't see any simple solution to it,' Mr Fitzwilliam concluded. It is unknown how long King Charles will be forced to suspend public engagements, although it is believed he will continue working on all the duties he can. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. The next generation of royals after the Wales couple are still far too young to take on their parents' and grandparents' engagements (Pictured: Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Kate's Christmas concert) Princess Anne put a brave face on her brother's diagnosis at an investiture ceremony on Tuesday morning The King's slimmed-down monarchy is looking 'very threadbare' amid Charles' cancer diagnosis and the Princess of Wales ' health issues, experts have warned (King Charles pictured in Paris in September) Cars believed to be carrying Prince Harry arrive at Clarence House on Tuesday afternoon Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. The Palace has called for the King's privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the King's hospital stay, Kate's major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of York's skin cancer diagnosis. The King will remain an outpatient receiving regular cancer treatment for the forseeable future, although the details of his medical care are being kept under wraps. Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Charles had been admitted to hospital for surgery on January 26 for treatment on a benign enlarged prostate. He remained at The London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home. Since the news was made public, royals including Princess Beatrice have been spotted out and about, with the princess leaving her residence at St James' Palace, next to her uncle's at Clarence House, early this morning, before returning later in the day. Prince William is under a great deal of pressure with both his father and wife seriously ill, experts told MailOnline The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Meanwhile the Princess Royal held down the fort at Windsor Castle, where she carried out an investiture ceremony, before heading up to the midlands to visit a local community centre in Nottingham. It came as Prince Harry was spotted arriving in London after clearing his schedule to rush over to the UK after his father phoned him with the news. For now his wife Meghan Markle and the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remain in California. It is unknown if he will meet with his brother the Prince of Wales, after their relationship reportedly dramatically deteriorated following the publication of Harry's memoir Spare, and his Netflix series. William is returning to official duties this week beginning with an investiture on Wednesday - the same day the King usually holds his weekly audience with the PM. The heir to the throne is expected to also be undertaking some duties on his father's behalf, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed temporarily when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. Prosecutors say she funneled money to a company posing as a veterans' family services firm and took the cash for extravagant purchases A Texas 'conwoman' accused of swindling over $100 million from the US military will be forced to forfeit her fleet of supercars and mansions if she is found guilty of fraud. Janet Mello, 57, is set to potentially give up a staggering portfolio of allegedly ill-gotten luxury items, including 31 properties and 78 vehicles from brands including Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla. Prosecutors claim she used her role as a civilian financial program manager at the Fort Sam Army Base to carry out one of the largest frauds in military history, by systematically funneling money to a shell company for extravagant purchases. Mello has pleaded not guilty to a slew of charges related to the alleged scheme, including mail fraud and identity theft, and court documents reported by CoastTV News saw authorities seek to take back the luxury items if convicted. Following her arraignment in December, Mello was released without bail, and her next court date is set for later this month. Janet Mello, 57, purchased a staggering portfolio of 31 properties and 78 supercars in an allegedly fraudulent scheme from the US military. If she is found guilty, she will forfeit all the holdings Mello's $3.1million property in Preston, Maryland. She regularly filed fraudulent paperwork and deposited grants a total of 40 times into her fake business during a six-year period, securing over $100,000,000 for herself, court documents allege According to the reported documents, Mello was able to keep the scam running for six years, during which time she was able to buy a number of sprawling mansions across several states. Also included in the potential forfeitures was Harley-Davidson motorbikes and six Bank of America bank accounts. One of her expansive real estate purchases that has caught attention is a $3.1 million, eight bedroom, 16 bathroom home in Preston, Maryland, bought as recently as August 2023. The property has its own ornamental lake. Mello was arrested in December, but despite the significant criminal fraud she is accused of, was allowed to leave without bail, before officials sparked outrage last month after it emerged that Mello is set to be allowed to retire with full benefits. According to prosecutors, Mello carried out the multi-year swindle by creating a shell company called CHYLD in 2016, ostensibly designed for military youth programs across the country. While claiming to provide services for the families of military veterans, she allegedly forged her bosses signature to siphon upwards of $100 million to herself over the years. Mello was finally rumbled when IRS agents started digging into her finances, and questioned how she obtained such a portfolio of lavish items while on a $130,000 salary. Mello (right, with her attorney left) worked for the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas as a CYS Financial Program Manager - where she was able to allegedly move money into her shell company One of the sprawling mansions that drew attention to Mello was this eight bedroom, sixteen-bathroom home in Preston, Maryland - as the IRS began to question how she afforded such lavish purchases on a $130,000 salary Mello also owns this $870,000 home in Lakewood, Colorado. Mello had amassed a portfolio of homes in Texas, Maryland, Colorado, Washington, and New Mexico - all of which, the prosecutors claim, she bought with the frauded cash. This is Mello's $2.3million estate in Castle Rock, Colorado Mello also owns a 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish (file photo) Mello's scathing federal indictment claims that she used the digital signature 'S.K' - which was not her own - on multiple signoffs while working as a CYS Financial Program Manager at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. 'S.K' refers to the chief of the CYS program, Suzanne King, who was Mello's boss, reports the San Antonio Express-News. After the alleged scheme came to light, questions were raised over how the military failed to spot such a large sum of money being moved under their noses. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons said the Army hadn't conducted proper audits of her program, while others close to the investigation say that the Army just worked on the assumption of goodwill of its employees. A source familiar with the investigation told the Express-News about the Army leaders: 'They stove-piped the process to only one person. 'They gave her complete carte blanche, and she found all the loopholes.' The army had also replaced some of its administrative restrictions as part of an 'organizational shake-up', giving Mello autonomy in her position. An insider told the local paper: 'It speaks to the nonchalant-ness of the command and its lack of internal controls.' Former federal prosecutor Robert Almonte Jr. said that Mello was not even 'discreet on her part' and her alleged plot was 'nothing super complex', but incompetent government programs are not 'equipped to monitor these things.' Almonte continued: 'In some fraud instances, they at least take steps to make sure to hide their fraud. There was no apparent attempt to hide what she was doing with the money after the fact.' Mello had also not filed any tax returns on CHYLD since 2017, when she said it earned a profit of just $483 and revenue of $2,152. Since then, prosecutors say she filed fraudulent paperwork 40 times, raking in over $100 million - with further purchases also including a wire transfer of $264,874 to herself to buy a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover last year. She also sent herself $3,308,157 to purchase real estate property in Canyon Lake, Texas, documents state. Mello used some of the $100million she siphoned from the US Army to buy a $250,000 Land Rover Range Rover, federal prosecutors say Among her collection that has been ordered to be seized is a 1955 Ferrari Fratelli (file photo) This home was listed as one of the properties to seize. It cost Mello $1.1million and is in San Antonio, Texas A 1935 Plymouth Sedan, which Mello owned (file photo) Her real estate holdings span multiple states, including mansions worth over $3 million, ranches, sprawling acres of farmland, and luxury high-rise apartments and condos. Mello had amassed a portfolio of homes in Texas, Maryland, Colorado, Washington, and New Mexico - which, the prosecutors claim, she bought with the frauded cash. Of her six Bank of America accounts, prosecutors add that she held a minimum of $32,000 in each. In her December indictment, the US Attorney's Office in the Western District of Texas said that a federal grand jury in San Antonio charged Mello with 10 counts. The statement said: 'Mello claimed that CHYLD provided services to military members and their families, when, in reality, CHYLD did not provide any services. 'The indictment alleges that Mello instead used the funds to buy millions of dollars in jewelry, clothing, vehicles, and real estate. Additionally, Mello is alleged to have falsified the digital signature of one of her supervisors on multiple occasions.' Mello is charged with five counts of mail fraud, four counts of engaging in a monetary transaction over $10,000 using criminally derived proceeds, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The San Antonio woman is facing up to 20 years in prison for each fraud charge, 10 years for each spending change, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge. Biden says he supports it while at least 22 GOP senators are vowing to block it during vote Conservative Republicans have been hammering the deal since it got inked The union representing 18,000 border patrol agents is supporting the Senate's controversial bipartisan $118 billion immigration deal saying it is 'not perfect' but better than the 'status quo.' The National Border Patrol Union says that since President Biden took office, its agents have averaged 6,700 illegal migrant apprehensions per day, which is untenable. The union went on to say that the proposed legislation will allow agents to remove 'single adults' - many who are men of military age - 'expeditiously and without a lengthy judicial review.' As a result, while the bill is 'not perfect,' the union says it's a 'step in the right direction and is far better than the status quo.' The support from the National Border Patrol Council comes as Senate Republicans are lining up to try to filibuster the package amid inter-party infighting. On Sunday, the Senate released the text of the White House-backed deal including $14 billion in aid to Israel, $60 billion to Ukraine and also $20 billion for securing the southern border amid a massive increase in illegal migration. The bill mandates that the southern border will be shut down if there are 5,000 illegal migrant encounters over the course of a week or 8,500 migrants encountered in a single day. Republicans moved forward two articles of impeachment against Biden's border chief Mayorkas Buck said Mayorkas has 'completely failed at his job' but 'maladministration or incompetence does not rise to what our founders considered an impeachable offense But many Republicans don't think this goes far enough. Speaker Mike Johnson and his GOP leadership team immediately deemed it 'dead on arrival' in the House. House GOP Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., addressed the support by the border patrol union, saying on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning that they can 'have their perspective.' He went on to say: 'I respect the border patrol. Our job is to support them. They can have their opinion. But this is what we got elected for, and we need to hold the administration accountable.' 'Its time to end this invasion at the southern border,' Emmer added. The House is expected to take up resolutions of impeachment against Biden's DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas later Tuesday. He would be the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years. The package had signs of being at great risk of being stalled, after key Senate GOP conservatives lambasted it, as former President Donald Trump said it was a 'death wish' for the GOP. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) who helped hammer out the deal with Democrats, is already predicting it won't have the needed votes on a motion to proceed when leaders try to call it up Wednesday. A 60-vote majority is required, and a determined minority can filibuster it even being considered on the floor in the narrowly divided Senate. 'I would anticipate Wednesday the cloture vote does not pass,' said Lankford following a contentious GOP Conference meeting on how to proceed. He said lawmakers are demanding 'a lot more time' to be able to look over the details of the agreement, which also hands out green cards, sends billions to Ukraine and Israel, while directing billions to beef up border security. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had input on the deal and helped set up the negotiations. But members of his team are expressing reservations. 'I think it's fair to say everybody thinks that voting Wednesday is voting too soon,' Sen. Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said, NBC reported. 'I think the proposal is dead,' predicted said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Also griping about it is Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a former member of Sen. Mitch McConnell's leadership team. The number of Senate Republicans registering opposition was approaching 20 Monday night and had topped 22 by Tuesday, according to a Wall Street Journal count. It comes on an issue that voters have been listing as a top concern, with Democrats accusing Republicans of maneuvering to deny Biden a win. That opposition came after President Biden got behind the package in a statement. 'Now we've reached an agreement on a bipartisan national security deal that includes the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. I strongly support it,' Biden said. The bipartisan border deal that is dividing congressional Republicans is already leading to angry calls to shake up the Senate leadership and furious claims by Donald Trump that it represents a 'death wish' for the party in 2024. The fury came in the hours since negotiators put out details on their new bipartisan deal to provide new authority for the administration to 'close' the border when crossings spike, while sending billions to support allies Ukraine and Israel. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) who helped negotiate the bipartisan security deal, is predicting there are not currently enough votes to bring it to the Senate floor for consideration Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) helped negotiate a bipartisan immigration package that also includes U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel Among those to heap the most scorn on the agreement was Utah Sen. Mike Lee who even appeared to demand a change in his party's leadership after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell helped oversee the deal with Majority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer. McConnell, the longest serving Republican leader in Senate history, survived a leadership challenge in November 2022 on a 37-10 vote. 'This feels like an elaborate practical joke. But it's not funny. Not one bit. I cannot understand how any Republican would think this was a good ideaor anything other than an unmitigated disaster. WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP NOW,' he wrote on X. 'Senate leadership screwed this up and screwed us,' he wrote in another post. Even while refusing to let us see the bill they claimed to be negotiating on our behalf for MONTHS they were never in doubt, insisting we'd be dumb and even unpatriotic NOT to support it. This is a disqualifying betrayal.' Former President Donald Trump, who has already been publicly seeking to tank the deal, blasted it after negotiators announced the details. Trump called it a 'ridiculous' border bill, and said it was 'nothing more than a highly sophisticated trap for Republicans to assume the blame on what the Radical Left Democrats have done to our Border, just in time for our most important EVER Election. Don't fall for it!!!' Trump teed off on a provision allowing the administration to shut down the border when daily crossings hit 5,000. 'Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill, which only gives Shutdown Authority after 5000 Encounters a day, when we already have the right to CLOSE THE BORDER NOW, which must be done. This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats, and a Death Wish for The Republican Party,' Trump said. Utah Sen. Mike Lee used the bipartisan immigration bill to issue a call for 'new leadership' Lee called the deal 'even worse than we thought' Sen. Mike Lee is just one of the Senate conservative Republicans who have hammered the compromise in the hours after it was released Former President Donald Trump railed against the deal online That attack came amid criticism that House Speaker Mike Johnson and allies were killing the deal at the behest of Trump to avoid giving a political win to President Joe Biden. Among those making that case was Majority Leader Charles Schumer, 73 who worked closely with McConnell, 81, on the deal, as each leaders tries to advance funding for Ukraine and Israel. 'It took a long time - four months of arduous negotiations. They fell off the tracks a whole bunch of times. I had to be on the phone, even at midnight,' said Schumer, who had earlier predicted success following a White House meeting last month. 'The majority of Republican senators know it's the right thing to do. I'ts a compromise. I don't like everything in it - neither does McConnell. It's a compromise. it's the only way you get important things done in the Senate,' he said, urging senators to 'drown out the political noise from Trump and his minions and do the right thing for America ... History is looking down on every one of us.' In one sign of the volatility of the issues, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a longtime Schumer ally and former party whip, announced his own opposition Monday afternoon. Also dogging it were Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). 'The crisis has literally never been worse,' McConnell said on the Senate floor Monday, urging action. He said the 'gaping hole' in the nation's borders 'is not going to heal itself.' 'This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions. And Senate Republicans have insisted not just for months but for years that this urgent crisis demanded action,' he said. Prince Harry and William have no plans to meet while the Duke of Sussex is in the UK visiting King Charles following the monarch's shock cancer diagnosis. Harry, who boarded the 11-hour flight hours after his father revealed he was ill, flew from America to London alone, leaving Meghan, Archie and Lilibet back at their California home. The Duke of Sussex's transatlantic dash had raised hopes his return to Britain will be used to heal wounds with King Charles and a chance to reach out to his brother Prince William amid their on-going feud. But Palace sources have said there are no plans for a meeting between Harry and William while the Duke of Sussex is in London, scuppering hopes of a potential olive branch between the royal brothers. It's believed the Prince of Wales, 41, is remaining focused on tending to his wife Kate, who is recovering from her abdominal surgery and is taking extended leave from public duties until after Easter. William is due to return to public work tomorrow, carrying out an investiture at Windsor Castle in the morning before later attending a gala for the London Air Ambulance Service in the evening. Sources close to Harry, 39, said he would welcome the chance to meet with his brother, with an insider adding: 'The Duke's primary reason to travel to the UK is to visit his father. If the opportunity were to arise to see the Prince of Wales then the Duke would have gladly accepted it.' Prince Harry is pictured arriving at Clarence House to meet the King today Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House this afternoon to meet his father King Charles King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House, the day after it was announced he has been diagnosed with cancer Prince Harry arrived at Clarence House earlier this afternoon where he had a 'brief meeting' with his father hours after touching down at Heathrow. Harry was spotted in the back of a Range Rover that drove in a large convoy through the gates of Clarence House, where Charles, 75, is resting following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer. It is not known if Harry will remain in central London or stay at Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage - which he and Meghan vacated last June. READ MORE: AMANDA PLATELL: My heart yearns for Harry to heal the rift with his father and brother. But this is why my head tells me it will never happen... There must be deep resentment, not only on the part of Camilla, William and Kate, but Anne, Edward and Sophie, too, over Harrys behaviour, says Amanda Platell Advertisement King Charles is resting at Clarence House ahead of treatment, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi seen leaving after a visit this morning. Experts have said that they hope that Harry's trip to Britain is the 'sign of a truce' and that 'good news' of a heal in the rift in the Royal Family could come from the 'bad news' about the King's health. Harry left LAX for London last night to be with his father. Charles had called him personally to tell him the devastating news and the Duke of Sussex has immediately jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and he boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime on Tuesday. Harry was accompanied by police security despite his ongoing row with the Home Office. Daily Mail Diary editor Richard Eden tweeted today: 'After his 5,000-mile flight from Los Angeles, #PrinceHarry is understood to have had a brief meeting with #KingCharles before His Majesty departed for his Norfolk retreat, Sandringham. It will be interesting to see how long Harry stays in this country.' Earlier, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, said today: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' However, there are no plans for him to meet with his brother Prince William Prince Harry flew to London after King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public. Meghan and the children are staying at home Harry is believed to have been in this Range Rover as it was swept from Heathrow under police guard this afternoon In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery.' And his trip could be motivated by that plea. He flew into Londons Heathrow Airport on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles. The Prince -who travelled on the overnight 11 hour flight without his wife Meghan - was met off the plane. A black Range Rover parked at the VIP. Windsor Suite left to drive to another part of the airport to collect Harry. The Range Rover escorted by two police cars, Harrys car had arrived at the VIP suite adjacent to Terminal Five two hours ahead of his arrival at 12.35pm on BA280. Despite his in going row with the Home Office over police protection during visits to the UK with his family a police car followed him out. Harry is expected to travel to Clarence House to meet with King King Charles and Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He may stay there or in a hotel The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. But he may miss public duties for a number of months, it has been claimed. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but revealed: 'Thankfully this has been caught early'. KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. - Tuesday February 6 Prince Harry lands in the UK to see his father Advertisement Harry landed in the UK at lunchtime but it is not known if he will see his brother Prince William or the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from serious abdominal surgery at their home in the grounds of Winsor Castle. But experts have said they hope that the Duke of Sussex's last-minute trip could finally bring Harry, Charles and William closer together. Last time the Prince flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel. Meghan missed the UK altogether, meeting him in Germany for the Invictus Games. It is understood the Duke asked if he could stay at Windsor Castle to allow him to visit his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II's place of rest, but permission was denied. Harry usually travels with his own private security team, after being stripped of his right to automatic police protection when he left the Royal family in 2020. The King contacted both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis before it was announced by Buckingham Palace. A source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK to be by his father's side. Experts have claimed that Harry's dash to Britain 'indicates the seriousness' of the King's condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles III's cancer diagnosis 'will bring a reconciliation' with Prince Harry. Harry estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet. The heir to the throne, who returns to public duties this week after helping to settle his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery. He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment. As the King's cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged: Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that doctors discovered the cancer during a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Sources have suggested that the cancer is in a different part of the King's body but was discovered during the surgery last week. Prince Harry was last in the UK over the summer, when he attended an event for a children's charity. However, he did not meet with the Royal family during that visit before heading to Germany for his Invictus Games where he met up with Meghan. The Duke of Sussex attended his father's coronation last May, but left London just hours after the ceremony to return to Montecito. Harry is believed to be in contact with his father but sources have claimed that there has been no rapprochement with William, who is said to have been left upset by the Sussexes' attacks on the Royal Family since Megxit. Harry's visit will raise hopes that there could be some thawing in the relations, which have been rocky since he and Meghan emigrated in 2020. King Charles' cancer diagnosis has shocked the world. The 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment immediately. It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but medics spotted it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' The palace said the King 'looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible', but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June. It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State. A palace spokesman said: 'Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed. 'His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.' Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Experts hope that the diagnosis will bring some kind of reconciliation between Harry and his father and brother It is understood details of the King's diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: RICHARD KAY: Harry's arrival is a reminder of just how fractured the Royal Family has become. William believes their trust has been utterly destroyed. But could their father's illness lead to a rapprochement between brothers? Charles and Camilla lead William, Kate, Harry and Meghan at the Commonwealth Service in London in 2020 Advertisement Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. 'I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. 'We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: 'I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. 'Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we'd all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery.' The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022. Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s. Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role. The King's diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as 'abdominal surgery' until after Easter. The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife's side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children. Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening. While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign. That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales. They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary. Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school. Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage. William and Kate's team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings. Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now. The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back. The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had 'sought treatment' for an enlarged prostate. The palace added that His Majesty's condition was 'benign' and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure. They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check. The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website. His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery. He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness. He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be 'doing well'. He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife. Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was 'doing fine' and looking forwards to getting back to work. Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was 'getting on' and 'doing his best', adding: 'Thank goodness!' One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer. But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer. Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine. Mark Drakeford , the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a 'full and swift recovery' following his cancer diagnosis. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'I'm saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges. 'My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening. 'I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. 'Gwellhad buan.' Northern Ireland's new First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who as leader of Sinn Fein is a republican, wished the King a full and speedy recovery. 'I am very sorry to hear of King Charles' illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,' she posted on X. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said after the shocking news today: 'I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King's diagnosis. 'I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima - a complete and swift recovery.' The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: 'My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family. 'His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. 'Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.' Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: 'One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. 'Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.' King Charles has landed back at Sandringham away from prying eyes after meeting his son Prince Harry for less than an hour in their first face-to-face encounter for nine months. As the monarch prepares to take the next steps in his cancer fight at their Norfolk bolthole, the red and gold helicopter braved wind and rain before he was quickly rushed inside by waiting aides. The King, 75, landed on the rare side of the estate, locals told The Sun, which is used by the Firm when they look to ensure their privacy. Charles and Queen Camilla were seen for the first time since his cancer announcement as they waved to crowds while leaving Clarence House in London in an official car at 3.35pm before catching a helicopter to Norfolk. The monarch's Sikorsky S-76C chopper landed less than an hour later at the royal estate at around 4.20pm. Pictures show the red and helicopter descending to the King's estate - where the family gathered to celebrate Christmas just two months ago. Harry was seen driving through the gates of Clarence House at 2.45pm after rushing to Britain following an 11-hour flight from California - where his wife, Meghan Markle, and children, Archie and Lilibet, are staying behind. A smiling King Charles and Queen Camilla leaving Clarence House this afternoon Pictures show the red and helicopter descending to the King's estate The monarch's Sikorsky S-76C chopper landed at around 4.20pm after a flight of less than an hour A helicopter was pictured landing at Buckingham Palace on an overcast day in central London Charles - seen with Camilla - is said to be 'on good form' following the start of his treatment Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House this afternoon to meet his father King Charles Charles is said to be 'on good form' following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer. The royal helicopter was seen arriving in Sandringham just before 5pm. It is not known if Harry will remain in central London or stay at Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage - which he and his wife had to move out of last June. Experts have said they hope that Harry's trip is the 'sign of a truce' with Charles, but there remains little sign of a rapprochement with his brother William - with a source close to the Prince of Wales saying there were 'no plans' for a meeting. The source told The Mirror: 'The prince's main focus is for his wife, who is recovering from surgery, his three children and now his father. 'There are no plans for Harry's visit to act as some kind of vehicle for reconciliation.' Charles, meanwhile, is said to be 'on good form' and in regular contact with the Prince of Wales. 'He's on his usual good form in every way, just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not just his own plans but impacted on others,' a palace source told the Telegraph. Harry left LAX for London last night after Charles called him personally to tell him the devastating news. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and he boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime. Harry was accompanied by police security despite his ongoing row with the Home Office. Daily Mail diary editor Richard Eden tweeted today: 'After his 5,000-mile flight from Los Angeles, #PrinceHarry is understood to have had a brief meeting with #KingCharles before His Majesty departed for his Norfolk retreat, Sandringham. It will be interesting to see how long Harry stays in this country.' Earlier, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said it was crucial for the duke to show solidarity with his father. 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue,' he said. 'It's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. Kristina Kyriacou, the King's former press secretary, said: 'Charles adores Harry. He didn't want any of this estrangement. 'If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited - how wonderful.' In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery.' Harry's trip could be motivated by that plea. The Prince flew into London's Heathrow on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles, before being picked up by a black Range Rover. The prince rushed back to Britain on an 11-hour flight from California as soon as he heard the news Harry was seen in a large convoy of Range Rovers driving through the gates of the royal residence This helicopter is expected to take Charles and Camilla back to Sandringham in Norfolk A police escort outside Clarence House before the Duke of Sussex's arrival Flowers are delivered to Clarence House following Charles's cancer diagnosis Harry is believed to have been in this Range Rover as it was swept from Heathrow under police guard this afternoon Police escort a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Harry out of Heathrow at around 1pm as he heads to visit his father in London The prince, who travelled on the overnight 11-hour flight without his wife Meghan, was met off the plane by a convoy of cars Police waiting for Harry at the VIP terminal of Heathrow where Harry landed on a BA flight A car believed to be carrying Prince Harry is pictured arriving at a private terminal at LAX to fly to the UK to be with his father, King Charles, after his cancer diagnosis Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He may stay there or in a hotel KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH SCARES The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest shock health news to hit the royal family. - Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. - Wednesday January 17 2pm - Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kate's condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is 'doing well'. - Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. - Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. - Sunday January 21 It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. - Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is 'fine', and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in 'good spirits' and 'grateful for the many messages of love and support', in a post on Instagram. - Tuesday January 23 Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: 'The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.' - Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. - Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. - Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. - Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is 'getting on, doing his best' as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. - Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. - Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm - Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. - Tuesday February 6 Prince Harry lands in the UK to see his father. He is seen arriving at Clarence House Advertisement His father the King could be absent from public duties until at least March following yesterday's dramatic announcement about his health. The Daily Mail's Robert Hardman said this morning that the King's 'first pronounced absence' could come on Commonwealth Day, which is traditionally held at Westminster Abbey on the second Monday of March. Mr Hardman, the author of 'Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I would imagine we probably won't see him at Westminster Abbey now. 'I'm sure there will be a statement, a message - he'll want to engage with that. It's moments like that when an absence is noted, but the day-to-day running of the monarchy will not really change.' Former royal's communications secretary Julian Payne said the King would be 'chomping at the bit' to return to public engagements and will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but was 'thankful' it had been caught early. Family and friends were said to be amazed by the King's determination to carry on with 'business as usual'. It is understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. A family friend said: 'He and his doctors are very, very positive.' Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings. The Mail has learnt that the King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment. She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was 'getting on, doing his best'. A source said: 'Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.' In a statement Buckingham Palace said last night: 'During the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.' Former royal communications secretary Julian Payne told Newsnight last night that the King will be 'deeply frustrated' by having to step back from work. He added: 'His work schedule is punishing and he really enjoys being out and meeting people and having the chance to speak up on causes that he cares about on representing the nation. 'He will find that difficult. The reality of course is the machinery of state continues, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the PM will happen and the Privy Counsellors. 'That side of things will continue but he will be itching to get back to things as quickly as he can. 'The good thing of course is that although he is 75 he is a very fit and healthy 75-year-old.' 'So I think he's in as good a position as anyone can be to get through this next chapter. And he'll be absolutely chomping at the bit to get back out as quickly as he can.' Sunday Times royal editor Roya Nikkhah added: 'He won't want to step back. If he can continue with his duties... he's not going to want to step back if he doesn't have to. 'It'll be about other members of the Royal Family picking up the slack while he can't be on public duties. The Queen is 76, she is very energetic 76 but 76 nonetheless. 'So there's a lot of pressure on her not only doing more duties, worrying about her husband too. 'I think we will see her step a lot to fill that void and I'm sure we will see Prince William more doing public facing things. 'We know the King will be frustrated but he will know he has members of the family who he trusts to the roles if needs be.' Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House this morning Royal biographer Matthew Dennison told BBC News that the country is 'going to see something that's a little like what we saw in the last months of the reign of the late Queen.' He explained: 'The Queen maintained all of the functions associated with her role as head of state, the red boxes, the prime ministerial encounters, where possible Privy Counsellor meetings - but she didn't do as many public engagements which are that head of the nation side of being the sovereign. 'What we're going to see is something remarkably similar that the King will continue as head of state but some of that head of the nation meeting and greeting that being a figurehead a focus of royalty, affection, unity he won't be doing that in the short term. 'Members of his immediate family who of course stepped up when the late queen died scaled back her public engagements will do the same in this case I think.' He added: 'The challenge for the Royal Family is fitting in engagements to what are often really very busy diaries which have been planned long in advance. 'I would imagine we would see increased numbers of engagements for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and possibly the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are of course trusted members of the Royal Family too.' And Dame Julia Cleverdon told BBC Radio 4: 'I am absolutely sure that this reign will continue and that the determination of the King, who is a very determined man, knows a lot about cancer. I always remember when organising programmes within the last engagement of the day was always the visit to hospitals because he didn't want any time taken - if he was going to use longer time it would be his time. 'He will be really really a) knowledgeable b) determined and c) absolutely clear that the show will go on.' Following last night's devastating health update, Princess Anne got back to business as usual by handing out honours at Windsor Castle before she travels up to the Midlands for a busy day of royal engagements. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Princess Beatrice of York, the King's niece, was seen driving to Clarence House this morning. Royal aides said they were carefully balancing the King's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that by sharing the news that it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families. No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when the king had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained in the private London Clinic in central London for three days. It was during this intervention that a 'separate cause for concern' was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. Details of his treatment are not being disclosed. A royal aide said: 'No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.' Dozens of veterans came together at a Nebraska cemetery for an off-grid Korean War veteran who died aged 86 without any known friends or family members. Robert Mento, who bravely served in the Air Force during the Korean War, breathed his last at the age of 86 on January 10 in Beatrice, Nebraska. Despite efforts by Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, the service handler, no living friends or family could be located. While not much is known about Mento's life, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Fairbury took to social media, spreading the word about the funeral and calling on locals to come forward to honor Mento. More than 40 people gathered at Mento's funeral on Monday, coming together to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifice made by Mento. Dozens of veterans came together at a Nebraska cemetery for an off-grid Korean War veteran who died aged 86 without any known friends or family members Robert Mento, who bravely served in the Air Force during the Korean War, breathed his last at the age of 86 on January 10 in Beatrice, Nebraska While not much is known about Mento's life, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Fairbury took to social media, spreading the word about the funeral and calling on locals to come forward to honor Mento David Bruns, American Legion Post 24 Commander, emphasized the importance of recognizing every veteran as he spoke to local news station KOLN. 'We know he was in Korea during the war. And that is about all we know,' Bruns said. 'Every veteran deserves to have a funeral. Doesn't matter. Maybe they weren't the best person in life. But they served and they deserve to have a funeral,' he added. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home said Mento was from Lincoln and died in Beatrice. An employee said they were not able to find next of kin. Mento's neighbor also didnt know anyone close to him that could be contacted or show up at the funeral. In Facebook posts announcing the time and location of Mento's funeral, the VFW urged all the veterans and community members available to give Mento the send-off he deserves. 'We come together to support not just those among us, but also those who have departed, especially when they have few to stand by them,' they wrote. 'Roberts journey reminds us of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and the often-silent burdens our veterans carry. 'In his memory, we find the strength of our nations heart, and in honoring him, we reaffirm our commitment to never forget those who served. 'Lets stand united to show that in America, no hero is ever left behind, nor forgotten,' the group wrote. The call quickly resonated with nearby residents and brought together more than 40 people at Alexandria Catholic Cemetery, where Mento was laid to rest. The call quickly resonated with nearby residents and brought together more than 40 people at Alexandria Catholic Cemetery, where Mento was laid to rest As the VFW and community members paid their final tribute to the Air Force veteran on Monday, they said to Mento, 'your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten' David Bruns, American Legion Post 24 Commander, emphasized the importance of recognizing every veteran as he spoke to local news station KOLN Among those present was Catherine Lovgren, American Legion Post 24 Adjutant, who is dedicated to ensuring that no veteran's story goes untold. He said: I do not want to see any veteran not be taken care of. Thats our battle buddy right there even though we never knew him.' 'So to see a response and hear people say that they came here today because of social media, or because they saw it on the news is probably one of the most rewarding feelings Ive ever had as part of this organization.' As the VFW and community members paid their final tribute to the Air Force veteran on Monday, they said to Mento, 'your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.' 'It was a privilege beyond words to stand in solidarity, honoring his remarkable service and supporting him in his final journey,' the group wrote. '[His] dedication to freedom and the sacrifices he made for our nation are a legacy that will forever resonate in our hearts. His service, characterized by bravery and selflessness, is a beacon of inspiration to us all.' 'This was not just a farewell; it was a powerful testament to the strength and unity of our community in recognizing and honoring our heroes. The suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer has appeared in court just weeks after pleading not guilty to killing a fourth woman. Rex Heuermann, 60, was brought into a silent Suffolk County Courthouse in Riverhead, Long Island, New York, on Tuesday morning. He appeared before Justice Timothy Mazzei wearing a black suit and white shirt for an update on the progress of his case. His attorney revealed to DailyMail.com that the accused murderer was still being held in isolation in prison and was 'lonely and depressed'. It marked the first time the architect had appeared in court since January 16, when he pleaded not guilty to killing sex worker Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, in 2007. Rex Heuermann, 60, was brought into a silent Suffolk County Courthouse in Riverhead, Long Island, Tuesday morning He appeared before Justice Timothy Mazzei wearing a black suit and white shirt for an update on the progress of his case Heuermann's more recent court appearance, unlike his last, came without his wife, 59-year-old Asa Ellerup. In the past, she has showed up at her ex's court hearings - along with a documentary camera crew - to observe developments in the case, and has visited him in jail three times over the past six months. This comes after she filed for divorce to 'protect herself' from any future lawsuits six days after her husband of more than 20 years was cuffed at his office in Manhattan, for the murders of three other women. She was last seen outside the couple's shared home in Massapequa a day after Heuermann denied killing Brainard-Barnes - before running some errands with one of their two children. She has reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with NBC Universal, Texas Crew Productions and G-Unit for a documentary about the case, which surrounds claims her ex killed at least three sex workers along a stretch of Suffolk County beach around 2010. Last week, he was hit with a fourth murder change in a case surrounding the same span of beach, where the body of Maureen Brainard-Barnes was found in 2010, near those of the other victims, after disappearing three years earlier. Believed to be Heuermann's first out of the four, her killing was followed by Melissa Barthelemy's, a 24-year-old sex worker, in 2009, and the slayings of fellow prostitutes Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. All had advertised their services on Craigslist and Backpage, and were found tied up in burlap sacks within a few miles of each other. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to murdering all four women. Key events from Tuesday's hearing - aside from the noticeable absence of Ellerup and the couple's 26-year-old daughter - was the handing over of a trove of documents compiled by prosecutors to the defense. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney is seen here Also offered was an update to the the suspect's incarceration at Suffolk County Correctional Facility, where local suspect Sheriff Errol Toulon previously said Heuemann has been 'extremely compliant' while awaiting trial Heuermann's more recent court appearance, unlike his last, came without his wife, 59-year-old Asa Ellerup, seen here running errands last month after her husband pleaded not guilty to killing a fourth woman THE GILGO FOUR: Heuermann has now been charged in the murders of four women, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Megan Waterman, and most recently Maureen Brainard-Barnes Key events from Tuesday's hearing - aside from the noticeable absence of Ellerup and the couple's 26-year-old daughter Victoria - was the handing over of a potentially damning trove of documents to the defense. Also offered was an update to the the suspect's incarceration at Suffolk County Correctional Facility, where his lawyer said he is suffering from loneliness and the affects of nearly seven months in isolation. Previously, Sheriff Errol Toulon said Heuermann had been 'extremely compliant' while awaiting trial. Moreover, a trial date was finally set in the case, which has continued to captivate the country. Film crews for Netflix - which is also working on a Gilgo Beach true crime series - were present for the proceedings, which kicked off with the court-ordered forfeiture of seven terabytes of data taken from Rexs home office by investigators. Michael Brown, attorney for Heuermann, is seen arriving at the Suffolk County Court house Tuesday morning Attorney Michael Brown and attorney Danielle Coysh gave a press conference after the hearing, during which a trial date of April 17 was set The speech saw the lawyer provide some insight into his client's daily routine in jail, where he has been kept in isolation for the past half a year Michael Brown said Heuermann was getting counseling for the first time, before comparing his client's isolation to being alone on a desert island Also handed over to defense - headed by attorney Michael Brown - was an additional 2,500 pages of lab and underlying bench reports and three more terabytes of data downloaded from Heuermann's other electronic devices. The bulk of investigators' case file surrounded Costello - a Suffolk County sex worker who sold her body to support her and her roommates' heroin addiction. That file, prosecutors who had argued against releasing the documents said, clocked in at approximately 6,000 pages. Taken during cops' secret surveillance of Heuermann last year, the dump also includes DNA - which is set to be a key factor in the case due to the fact that samples found on the bodies of the women bound with belts or red tape matched samples taken from the discarded meal at Heuermann's Manhattan office. Another mass of evidence provided to give the defense a fair shake was a laundry list of 'red flags' and tips compiled by Suffolk County cops that led them to declare Heuermann a suspect. Among the tips - which Brown later told DailyMail.com could number in the 3,000s - was a Chevrolet Avalanche owned by Heuermann, that was linked to the murder of Costello by an unnamed witness. Investigators were able to link that car to Heuermann's using cellphone records that tied him to locations related to the murders, which is among the evidence now handed over to the defense. Heuermann - charged with three counts of murder - is currently being held at Suffolk County Correctional Facility. Officers previously said the suspect had been 'compliant' while awaiting. He has since received barely any visitors, with Ellerup being the only one Speaking outside the courthouse after a court date of April 17 was set, Brown explained why the leads could prove crucial to his client's case. 'Obviously, some of those leads are not going to be significant at all, but some of those leads are going to be extremely significant,' he told DailyMail.com. 'They're going to be important, important for us in the defense of this case. So we want to see those leads and we want to see the credibility of those leads.' He added that he and fellow attorney Danielle Coysh 'want to see what follow up the police department did in regards to those leads'. He also revealed that cops had been looking at a suspect prior to Heuermann - a man in Massapequa Park - who he said the 'district attorney of this county was prepared to charge with these crimes.' When asked for specifics or anything else more identifying in the tips, Brown said: We're not in a position where we're going to give any information out. That's not what we do. 'But I can tell you that there are significant leads. I've reviewed some of the leads that they've provided. They provided very few, and I know they're forthcoming and we'll get them. 'In regards to some of the leads that we have looked at, they are significant leads. Heuermann was linked to one of the killings through mitochondrial DNA profile from a pizza crust and a used napkin that he discarded from his Midtown Manhattan office, a profile which is among the evidence handed over to the defense on Tuesday The suspect's house sits directly north of Gilgo Beach across the South Oyster Bay An aerial view of the area near Gilgo Beach and Ocean Parkway on Long Island A 'major excavation' took place at Heuermann's Massapequa Park home. Pictured are State Police investigators gathering evidence at the scene Talks then turned to Heuermann's daily routine in his temporary incarceration, as he remains jailed without bail ahead of his looming quadruple murder trial. Brown told DailyMail.com he has been allowed to review the growing mass of evidence being brought against him, but is beginning to suffer from the effects of long-term isolation. 'He is in a position where he's in this separate area of the jail. And I think we talked about this on prior occasions, and the sheriff has been great,' he said. 'They've been permitting him to review the discovery. All the discovery items that I get, I pass along to him, and he's having the opportunity to review it.' He went on: 'One of the problems is he's in this isolation situation, so he's not having any human contact. 'And it's for his own benefit, I understand. It's for his own safety - because you obviously don't want somebody in the jail trying to get their 50 minutes of fame. 'But at the same time, he's not getting any type of social interaction with anybody else other than a correction officer.' He went on to reveal that Heuermann was receiving psychiatric counseling for the first time, and compared his isolation 'to being alone on a desert island.' He added that while his client is not in danger, he typically would have access to 'common areas' for 'recreation,' before pointing out Sheriff Toulon's previous order that saw those rights stripped. Heuermann's lawyer revealed he was receiving psychiatric counseling in jail for the first time, before comparing his six months in isolation 'to being alone on a desert island.' His next court date has been set for April 17 'So what the sheriff has done, and again, to his credit, is isolate him,' Brown said. 'So he's not having this type of interaction.' He went on to make a comparison to illustrate the effects this has had on his high-profile client. 'So basically, you're putting yourself on a desert island for how many years? It wears on you. That's all.' Judge Mazzei, meanwhile, provided a new date for Heuermann's next hearing, which will be held on April 17. Argentinian president Javier Milei has embraced the Western Wall during a state visit in Israel after enraging Hamas with his plan to move his country's embassy to Jerusalem. Milei, who previously claimed to read the Torah every day, announced his plans to move the embassy soon after arriving at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv today. He is on his first official visit since taking office barring a brief swing through the Davos economic forum in Switzerland. He said today: 'My plan is to move the embassy to west Jerusalem'. Confirmation of the widely expected announcement found favour with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose office said he 'warmly welcomes' the move. 'The prime minister spoke about this with President Milei after his election, and welcomes the fact that the president has kept his promise,' a statement read. But the move quickly prompted backlash by Hamas. The terror group said it 'strongly condemns' Milei and that it viewed the move 'an infringement of the rights of our Palestinian people to their land, and a violation of the rules of international law, considering Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian land'. Milei (centre), who previously claimed to read the Torah every day, announced his plans to move the embassy soon after arriving at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv today After his arrival, Milei headed to the Western Wall in Jerusalem - the holiest place where Jews can pray (pictured) He is scheduled to hold talks on Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who Milei has strongly backed in his war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip (pictured: Milei during his visit to the Western Wall) Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz embraced Milei on the tarmac after his plane landed and welcomed him with a Spanish-language message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. After his arrival, Milei headed to the Western Wall in Jerusalem - the holiest place where Jews can pray. He is scheduled to hold talks on Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who Milei has strongly backed in his war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. His trip will also see him visit a kibbutz and meet families of hostages taken by Hamas in October. Milei, known for his fiery speeches and rock-star sideburns, describes himself as a 'anarcho-capitalist'. He was raised in a Catholic family but has studied Jewish scripture. He told El Pais last year that he reads the Torah daily and regularly communicates with his Rabbi via WhatsApp. Milei (pictured here embracing the Western Wall) said while he considered converting to Judaism, it would be difficult to combine it with being president Milei was raised in a Catholic family but has studied Jewish scripture. He told El Pais last year that he reads the Torah daily and regularly communicates with his Rabbi via WhatsApp Argentine President Javier Milei poses for a selfie after visiting the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's Old City, Tuesday, February 6 However, he said while he considered converting to Judaism, it would be difficult to combine it with being president. 'If I'm president and it's Shabbat, what do I do? Am I going to disconnect from the country from Friday to Saturday? There are some issues that would make [the religion] incompatible,' he told the newspaper. After his election win in November, Milei visited the tomb of a revered rabbi in New York - a popular spiritual destination for some Jews. The right-leaning Milei portrays himself as a culture warrior shaking up the establishment and has adopted several positions shared by U.S. conservatives, drawing comparisons with former President Donald Trump. Trump moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in an act that was hailed by Israel but harshly criticised by the Palestinians. The United Nations in 1947 envisaged a special international status for Jerusalem given its importance for Jews, Christians and Muslims. But the city was left divided after the war that followed Israel's declaration of independence in 1948. Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza, in the 1967 Mideast war. It annexed east Jerusalem shortly thereafter and considers the entire city its unified capital. The Palestinians seek an independent state in all three territories and view east Jerusalem as their capital. Israel occupies the West Bank and has built scores of Jewish settlements there. It withdrew soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but along with Egypt imposed a blockade on the territory after Hamas seized power there two years later. Most countries do not recognise Israel's claim to east Jerusalem and have their embassies in Tel Aviv. Police are investigating the mystery of 'sudden' double deaths of two people at a house in South Wales. The bodies of a man, 40, and woman, 34, were discovered at a property on Rhodes Avenue in Port Talbot, south Wales, at around 9am on Monday 5 February after officers gained entry into the home. South Wales Police said that forensics have attended the scene and that the force's inquiries into the incident are ongoing. The deaths are being treated as unexplained and the coroner has been informed. A resident in the area said that on Monday there was a large police presence in the area with several vans and forensics officers entering a property. South Wales Police said that forensics have attended the scene and that the force's inquiries into the incident are ongoing The bodies of a man, 40, and woman, 34, were discovered at a property on Rhodes Avenue in Port Talbot, south Wales They said that a small police presence remained in place over 24 hours later on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: 'We attended an address on Rhodes Avenue, Port Talbot at around 9am on Monday 5th February following a welfare concern. 'Upon gaining access to the property, officers discovered the bodies of a 40-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman. 'Forensics have attended the scene. Our investigation is ongoing. The deaths are being treated as unexplained and the coroner has been informed.' Just imagine it: two lines of warships, seven miles long, anchored between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight... the greatest display of sea power the world has ever seen. At the naval review staged off Spithead on the Solent for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Navy mustered 170 ships, including 21 battleships and 56 cruisers. But the Queen was Victoria, not Elizabeth, and the year was 1897. In the Victorian era, Britain insisted on a 'two-power' standard that meant her fleet was larger than those of the next two strongest powers combined. In fact, the number of ships on display that day nearly all of which were less than ten years old was greater than the total naval strength of all the world's other leading navies. The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, pictured, is taking the place of HMS Queen Elizabeth on a Nato exercise after the latter became stuck in port with a rusty propeller shaft How the mighty are fallen. This week we learned that our 3.5 billion aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth II can no longer lead the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War because she is confined to port with a rusty propeller shaft. She will be replaced by her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales, which suffered a similar malfunction 18 months ago, while sailing for manoeuvres off North America. If this is indicative of the state of our Navy, we should be truly worried. But another embarrassment, bordering on the farcical, was highlighted this week. Also taking part in Exercise Steadfast Defender will be four P2000 'plastic patrol craft'. These normally cruise our coast, have a crew of five and are just 20 metres long, with a bridge open to the elements. Yes, they are armed, with highly trained crews, but they resemble private leisure craft more than destroyers or frigates. Commander Richard Skelton, the Coastal Forces Squadron's commanding officer, has described it as 'no small feat' to take these tiny ships to Norway and '1,500 miles north into the Arctic Circle and not only survive there but operate'. While the boats have names to stir the blood HMS Exploit, Trumpeter, Blazer and Biter it is impossible to look at them without thinking of Dunkirk, and the courage of fishermen and amateur sailors who took their small craft across the Channel to rescue the British Army during the darkest hour of World War II. But Dunkirk was a disaster narrowly averted. To think that boats like these are representing the Royal Navy in a major exercise, while its flagship aircraft carrier is out of commission, is a shocking blow to national pride. Throughout its history, the Royal Navy has served two great purposes: to defend our shores and to project our power abroad. It no longer appears capable of doing either of those things. If Britain were to face the unthinkable a co-ordinated, large-scale attack from the sea by an armed enemy it is unlikely we would be able to repel it. We simply do not have enough seaworthy ships and patrol boats, nor the necessary air power. We can be thankful that we have not faced the prospect of mainland invasion for the past 80 years. But, as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has warned, chillingly, we are now no longer living in a post-war world but a pre-war one. And that means defence should be a renewed priority. At the end of the Cold War, Britain was spending more than 4 per cent of our gross domestic product [GDP] on the military. Now it's 2 per cent the bare minimum permitted under the rules of our Nato membership. The Government has proposed increasing this to 2.5 per cent but even that will be far from enough. We also face a manpower crisis. In 2010, Britain had 192,000 servicemen and women. Today that number is fewer than 140,000. Despite the threats we face from Russian aggression, Chinese expansionism, Middle Eastern conflict and international terrorism, there is still a widespread assumption that, even if we do fail to gear up sufficiently to protect our interests, the Americans will come to our aid. HMS Antelope is bombed by Argentine forces in the bay of San Carlos in 1982 during the Falklands War Given that former President Donald Trump has said that if he is re-elected he might be inclined to take the U.S. out of Nato, this is a dangerously complacent stance. It would surely be just as dangerous to assume our European allies would risk everything to save us. The alternative is a sort of bland optimism that, in the event of war, Britain would cope as we did the last time we had to fend off an invasion not in 1940 but in 1982, when Argentina annexed the Falkland Islands. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's response to that unexpected act of aggression was to assemble a British task force that eventually totalled 127 ships, including two aircraft carriers and 41 other warships. These were despatched to recover overseas territory in a mission one historian described as 'a military impossibility'. Two vessels, the destroyer HMS Sheffield and the Merchant Navy ship Atlantic Conveyor, were lost to French-made Exocet missiles. Another five were sunk by bombs, and many badly damaged. Yet the islands were recovered in a risky amphibious operation that lasted just ten weeks. An illustration depicting the British Navy's ships during the Fleet Review in Spithead in 1897 The Falklands problem has never gone away. Argentina's new far-Right president, Javier Milei (nicknamed 'the Madman'), insists that his country's claim to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, or Malvinas, is 'non-negotiable' and the UK should hand them over in the same way that it gave Hong Kong back to the Chinese in 1997. But if Argentina were to invade, we could not send any kind of viable task force today. On its website, the Royal Navy insists that its fleet of more than 70 ships, 'from formidable aircraft carriers and destroyers, to minehunters and patrol vessels', gives it 'the capacity to respond rapidly to any eventuality by ocean, sea or river'. That is simply not the case, as the mechanical issues with the two aircraft carriers makes clear. Despite its grand claims, the Royal Navy currently has just 31 warships of any significance: two aircraft carriers, six Type 45 guided missile destroyers, 11 Type 23 frigates, two amphibious transport docks and ten nuclear-powered submarines, of which four are capable of carrying the Trident nuclear deterrent. Little information is released about the operation of our nuclear submarines but doubts have been cast on their reliability. Indeed, there have even been suggestions that the scale of their mechanical problems is such that it is a struggle to keep even one of them at sea. The HMS Ark Royal in 1914. The Navy in 1914 was an undisputed global naval superpower The other vessels are minesweepers, auxiliaries and coastal and offshore patrol boats of the type being sent on the Nato exercise. Eight new Type 26 anti-submarine frigates are on order, but will not come into service until 2028 at the earliest (after a gestation period of 30 years). New Type 83 destroyers won't be delivered until the late 2030s. Meanwhile, the Type 45 destroyers have been plagued by engine woes, and recent reports suggest that two frigates HMS Argyll and Westminster will be scrapped early because there aren't enough sailors to crew them. Our air defences, warned the Parliamentary defence committee last September, 'fail to reach the mass necessary to survive the attrition of an all-out war with a peer adversary'. Britain is surrounded, as never before in most of our lifetimes, by enemies. We can only pray that our leaders come to their senses regarding the looming threats to our interests worldwide and the vital role the Royal Navy still plays in protecting these shores. Professor Saul David of the University of Buckingham is a bestselling military historian Eight officers are being investigated by the police watchdog after a black teenager was stopped and searched in London six times in five months. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said complaints had been made by the Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group on behalf of the 16-year-old and his mother in April and June 2023. They related to six incidents where the child was stopped and searched by Metropolitan Police officers between January and May of that year across Tottenham and Stratford. The IOPC said no further action was taken by officers on each occasion. The Met referred itself to the regulator in September as part of a mandatory complaint referral. Seven of the officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct while an eighth officer is being investigated for potential misconduct. Allegations include insufficient grounds for the stop-and-searches and racial profiling by the officers (stock image) New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police. Once the complaints had been received, the Met referred itself to the regulator in September as part of a mandatory complaint referral The IOPC said seven officers were being investigated for potential gross misconduct while an eighth officer was being investigated for potential misconduct. It said evidence of potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour had been identified in five of the six incidents. Allegations of insufficient grounds for the stop-and-searches, racial profiling by the officers, force being unreasonably used, a failure to consider the boy's welfare, and policing procedures not being consistently followed all formed part of the complaints. The watchdog said grounds provided for the stop-and-search incidents - four of which involved Territorial Support Group (TSG) officers and two involving local borough command officers - included suspicion of drugs or theft, and that the child reportedly matched descriptions of people carrying out robberies and knife crime in the area. As part of its investigation, the IPOC looked at officers' body-worn video footage and written records made at the time. Evidence of potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour in five of the incidents related to equality and diversity; use of force; honesty and integrity; challenging and reporting improper conduct; discreditable conduct; orders and instructions; authority, respect and courtesy; and duties and responsibilities. IOPC director Charmaine Arbouin said: 'The concerning allegations raised in the complaint - which include racial profiling of a child and insufficient grounds for stopping and searching them six times in five months - are issues that we know disproportionately affect black and other minority ethnic communities and erode public confidence in policing. 'It's therefore essential that we carry out an investigation - independent of the police - to look at each of these incidents and the actions and decision-making of the officers involved. 'At this stage, we have identified potential conduct issues for eight officers relating to five of these incidents. At the end of our investigation, we will make decisions on whether any of these officers should face disciplinary proceedings. 'We will continue to keep those involved updated as our investigation progresses.' Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi was seen walking near the River Thames towards Victoria Embankment hours after horrific assault, the police have revealed. Police have been searching for Ezedi since Wednesday after a woman was maimed and her two daughters, aged eight and three, were injured by a 'corrosive' liquid in Clapham, south London. Police have offered a 20,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the 35-year-old's arrest and believe he is being helped by associates or may be dead. In a statement, the police said they are pursuing associates of Ezedi who may be assisting him and added that they arrested one man for assisting an offender. Officers from the Counter Terrorism fugitive team, who are highly experienced in manhunts and tracking offenders via CCTV, have now traced Ezedi from his last known position at 9:47pm on Allhallows Lane, EC3. Police have been searching for Ezedi since Wednesday after a woman and her two daughters, aged eight and three, were maimed by a 'corrosive' liquid in Clapham, south London Ezedi arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry in 2016 and had twice been refused asylum by 2018 The new CCTV footage shows Ezedi walking in the area of the Thames hours after the horrific attack Ezedi walking passed Unilever building in Blackfriars on Wednesday, 31 January at 22:04 Abdul Ezedi walking passed Unilever building in Blackfriars on Wednesday, 31 January at 22:04 At 9:54pm he travelled along Upper Thames Street and then into Pauls Walk, EC4. He passed the City of London School and then towards Blackfriars Bridge. The last sighting is at 22:04hrs when he passed the Unilever building and headed towards Victoria Embankment. Clapham chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi's last known steps The police on the manhunt for the prime suspect in the horrific Clapham alkali attack, Abdul Ezed, have released details of his last known locations. They are: 00:15 Ezedi's vehicle is seen in Newcastle 06:30 His vehicle is then seen traveling into Tooting, London 16:30 A further sighting of his vehicle is confirmed in Croydon 19:00 He is then seen driving in Streatham 19:25 Attack takes place in Lessar Avenue, SW4, before Ezedi makes off in his vehicle which crashes nearby. He leaves the car and runs off. 19:33 Ezedi boards a train at Clapham South Tube Station. 19:59 He is then seen leaving that train at King's Cross Tube Station. 20:42 He is then seen on CCTV leaving Tesco at 21 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DX. He exits and turns right. 21:00 - Ezedi enters King's Cross Tube Station and boards a Victoria Line tube southbound. 21:10 He gets off at Victoria Tube Station and heads towards the district line. 21:16 Ezedi boards an eastbound District Line train. 21:33 Ezedi exits Tower Hill Tube Station. 21:47 - He is seen on Allhallows Lane, EC3. He travels through a passage to Cousin Lane. Then he turns right, walking towards Upper Thames Street. 21:51 - He then turns left onto Upper Thames Street (image released today) 21:54 He travels along Upper Thames Street (image released today) 21:59 Ezedi passes the City of London School on Pauls Walk EC4, heading towards Blackfriars Bridge. He passes the riverboat pier. 22:04 He then passes the Unilever building and heads towards Victoria Embankment. (footage released today) Advertisement Commander Jon Savell said: 'Our teams have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to pinpoint Ezedi's latest movements and we are now able to release the latest images and footage of him. 'We continue to appeal for information about Ezedi's whereabouts. It remains our belief that he is being helped by others and yesterday we arrested a man for assisting an offender. Our enquiries continue to target more of Ezedi's associates. 'A 20,000 reward remains on offer for anyone who has information leading to his arrest.' The 31-year-old mother may lose the sight in her right eye after being doused with corrosive liquid, police said. The manhunt is being led and co-ordinated by the Met's Specialist Crime Command, with a team of more than 100 officers dedicated to the investigation from across a range of areas and specialisms including experienced detectives through to local neighbourhood officers. The Met is also being supported by dozens of officers from forces across the UK including Northumbria and British Transport Police. Anyone with information is asked to call our 24/7 hotline on 020 7175 2784 or for an immediate sighting dial 999. To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers. Ezedi, believed to be from Afghanistan, is understood to have arrived in the UK in 2016, reportedly in the back of a lorry. He avoided jail after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault and exposure, instead being placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work when he was handed a suspended sentence at Newcastle Crown Court on January 9 2018. Ezedi was accused of grabbing the bottom of a woman without her consent in 2017, as well as committing a sex act that same year, according to documents detailing the indictment which were disclosed by the court to the PA news agency on Tuesday. Under sexual offences laws, victims are granted lifelong anonymity unless they waive this right and choose to be identified. The details emerged as a bishop said she would make no apologies for religious leaders supporting asylum seekers. Questions continue to swirl around how Ezedi came to be granted asylum in the UK despite his conviction, amid suggestions a tribunal judge ruled in favour of his claim after a priest confirmed he had converted to Christianity and was reportedly 'wholly committed' to his new religion. It is understood the priest in question was not Roman Catholic or from the Church of England. Bishop of Chelmsford Guli Francis-Dehqani, who came to the UK as a refugee, said it was 'saddening' for politicians to claim a link between abuse in the asylum system and the actions of clergy in the wake of the case. Abdul Ezedi, 35, was last seen near a railway bridge over the Thames in London last Wednesday just hours after he allegedly targeted the victims The Afghan suspect secured the churches support despite being a convicted sex attacker. Pictured: In CCTV after the attack Writing in The Telegraph, she said she makes 'no apology for our involvement in supporting people who are often deeply vulnerable and traumatised'. She said religious ministers from all denominations occasionally provide statements of support to people seeking asylum, 'but it is wrong to think of this as some sort of magic ticket'. 'The notion that a person may be fast-tracked through the asylum system, aided and abetted by the Church is simply inaccurate,' she added. The debate over the clergy's involvement in the asylum system comes after religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, vocalised their opposition to the Government's plan to send migrants seeking sanctuary in the UK to Rwanda. According to police, the most recent sighting of Ezedi was at about 9.50pm on Wednesday near Southwark Bridge, but there is no suggestion that he jumped in the Thames. On Monday, Commander Jon Savell said investigators are keeping an open mind as to where he may be or what may have happened to him. They tracked his movements around the Tube network using his bank card, but it has not been used since that day. A reference from a Baptist chapel in the North East, where Ezedi was living, was crucial in persuading an immigration tribunal that he had converted from Islam to Christianity. Pictured while shopping Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground during the attack at 7.25pm, before attempting to drive away from the scene, crashing into a stationary vehicle and fleeing on foot Ezedi, who is from Newcastle, is not the father of the children in the attack and was in the capital visiting the victim, police believe. Counter-terrorism officers have been drafted in to help scour hundreds of hours of CCTV in the search for the 35-year-old. Detectives are working on the premise that he is either being hidden by someone or has come to harm. Officers arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender on Monday and later released him on bail. But they said there is no evidence to suggest Ezedi had made advance preparations to go on the run. More than 200 calls have been received from members of the public with potential sightings, but they have since been discounted. Ezedi allegedly threw the younger child to the ground during the attack at 7.25pm before attempting to drive away from the scene, crashing into a stationary vehicle and fleeing on foot. Three members of the public who came to the aid of the family during Wednesday's attack, two aged in their 30s and one in her 50s, have all been discharged from hospital with minor burns. Policing minister Chris Philp told BBC News officers were using 'all the resources at their disposal' to find Ezedi, warning 'nobody should be harbouring this man or offering him any kind of protection'. He urged anyone with information to contact police immediately, adding: 'Obviously he himself has disfigured his face. He's very recognisable.' A mother says her two children 'are lucky to be alive' after an unmuzzled XL Bully launched an 'unprovoked' attack on them in Battersea park. The dog attacked the women and her children, aged one and two, as they entered the playground at Latchmere Recreation Ground, south London on Friday, February 2. The woman - who wished to remain anonymous - claims the unleashed XL Bully 'launched itself on the pram' carrying her one-year-old daughter, tipping it over and biting the child. The attack happened a few days after new laws came into place banning the breeding, selling or abandonment of the controversial breed. Since December, all Xl Bully dogs must be leashed and muzzled when in public. The mother says she desperately tried to stop the 'huge' animal and screamed for help, as the dog's owner ran from the opposite side of the park and attempted to restrain the animal. The attack happened a few days after new laws came into place banning the breeding, selling or abandonment of the controversial breed (stock image) The dog attacked the women and her children, aged one and two, as they entered the playground at Latchmere Recreation Ground in Battersea Park (pictured) The police arrived at the scene within minutes, after a neighbour called 999 after witnessing the attack. Officers were unable to locate the man and his dog after they had fled the area, the woman told the Express. Police say they are yet to find the suspect. The owner of the dog is believed to be a black man aged between 25-35 years, the force say. According to police, he was wearing a black tracksuit, a black Canada goose jacket with a white fur hood and black, Nike trainers. The dog was grey with tan features. Both her children were left with bite marks which a doctor deemed to be treatable at home. Since the incident, the mother says she is 'really nervous to leave the house' and says the dog involved in the attack 'wanted to kill someone'. She added: 'In Battersea, there's a lot of families and a lot of dogs. There's a lot of gangs and everyone just feels scared at the moment. Everyone is nervous to leave their house. 'There's always been crime but it was largely gang related whereas now it's not the case. These dogs are so out of control and are on our doorstep. There's nothing we can do about it.' The XL Bully breed is now illegal to own without an exemption certificate in England and Wales, meaning owners could be taken to court and have their pets seized if they are unregistered. The National Police Chiefs' Council revealed that about 40,000 dogs had been granted exemptions by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), allowing them to remain in the community. As the ban came into force at the beginning of February, members of the public have been urged to report XL Bullys being kept in breach of the law to 101. The warning comes after 68-year-old grandmother, Esther Martin, was mauled to death in a suspected XL Bully dog attack in east London on February 4. Police have encouraged anyone who has any information to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting CAD 2864/2Feb. Members of the public u can also post on X @MetCC or contact us anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Over 150 California street racers participating in an illegal sideshow event were seen shouting and moaning after being arrested by police and marched onto a jail bus. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, a sideshow event was taking place in Stockton and Sacramento, California on February 3. Officials from the San Joaquin County Sideshow Taskforce witnessed hundreds of drivers block a roadway, contain the scene and make arrests at around 11.30pm. The officers also saw a red truck driving recklessly at the intersection of Country Club Boulevard and Pershing Avenue. But unlike other such events - where drivers have fled the scene unchallenged - this event resulted in swift and severe punishment - to the obvious fury of those arrested, who are facing criminal charges. Footage from the scene shows officials making the entire group walk with their hands behind their heads All of the 150 accused were assembled on the side of the road by officials after cops took control of the scene A Taskforce bus is then seen approaching the scene to take the drivers to the District Attorney's office to be booked According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, a sideshow event was taking place in Stockton and Sacramento, California on February 3 The arrested are heard shouting and complaining in the video as they are loaded in to the bus Out of the those arrested, three individuals were booked at the San Joaquin County Jail for charges include resisting arrest and fleeing in vehicles. One driver was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after he struck a law enforcement vehicle while fleeing the scene. Footage from the scene shows officials making the entire group walk with their hands behind their heads and assembling them at the side of the road. A Taskforce bus is then seen approaching the scene while many of the arrested are heard shouting and complaining in the video as they wait to be loaded in. About 88 cars have also been seized from the scene for an undetermined amount of time. The Sheriff's Office said in a statement that controlled substances (drugs) and loaded illegal firearms were found in many of the seized vehicles. About 88 cars have also been seized from the scene for an undetermined amount of time The Sheriff's Office said in a statement that controlled substances (drugs) and loaded illegal firearms were found in many of the seized vehicles One driver was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after he struck a law enforcement vehicle while fleeing the scene One officer was reportedly struck by a fleeing vehicle but sustained only minor injury One officer was reportedly struck by a fleeing vehicle but sustained only minor injury. The Sheriff's Office later said: 'The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office continues to take a zero tolerance policy on sideshow activity. 'Our office has remained vigilant and proactive to prevent and stop sideshow activity, and in cases like this, immediately responded. We want to make it clear that all persons participating, spectating or involved, will be held to the full extent of the law.' A sideshow is an event where two or more drivers block or impede traffic on a highway to perform motor vehicle stunts including burnouts, doughnuts and reckless driving for spectators. A group of 62 House Republicans is pushing a new resolution insisting Donald Trump did not engage in an insurrection during the January 6 Capitol riot. The fired up Republicans are attempting to issue a public exoneration of Trump's conduct on January 6 after he was thrown off primary ballots in Maine and Colorado for allegedly 'inciting' the mob that stormed the Capitol. House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, who co-sponsored the resolution and is rumored to be on the shortlist for Trump's next vice president, accused Democrats of 'shredding the Constitution' in an attempt to stop him. Another member, Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., called it 'ironic' that 'not one of the [rioters] was armed.' 'It's ridiculous to say that someone with face paint and bison horns was here to take over the Capitol,' he added. 'We would call what happened that day a Wednesday in the Missouri Capitol.' 'We are here today to authoritatively express that President Trump did not commit an insurrection and we believe that Congress has a unique role in making that declaration,' Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led the resolution, said at a news conference Tuesday. DailyMail.com exclusively reported on the resolution last month. A group of 62 House Republicans is pushing a new resolution insisting Donald Trump did not engage in an insurrection during the January 6 Capitol riot Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert called the cases 'bogus' and 'an act of fear.' The Supreme Court will hear arguments in Trump's legal battle on Thursday and determine if his name will be re-added to Maine and Colorado's ballots. For the first time, the court will wrestle with a constitutional provision that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who 'engaged in insurrection' from reclaiming power. The case has the potential to upend the presidential election by throwing Trump off the ballot. 'Not one single person has been convicted with insurrection, not one in every single court of our land,' said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. 'No one's been charged and convicted with insurrection. Yet Democrats and dishonest people in the media every single day, accused President Trump of waging an insurrection.' The resolution also comes as an appeals court on Tuesday ruled that Trump does not have immunity in a case related to the 2020 election. 'Any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution,' the three-judge panel ruled unanimously, striking a blow for prosecutor Jack Smith. His case accuses Trump of using false claims of voter fraud to pressure lawmakers, Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence to prevent certification of Joe Biden's election victory. It is the second time in as many months that judges have rejected Trump's argument that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took during his time in office and during the run up to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Meanwhile the House resolution states that it is 'the sense of the House of Representatives' that former President Trump 'did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.' 'You are receiving this email because your boss endorsed President Trump, and we would love to have your support as an original cosponsor before we send the resolution and the list of sponsors to the former President,' read an email from Gaetz's staff to Republican offices. DailyMail.com exclusively reported on the resolution last month Gaetz is circulating a resolution insisting that Donald Trump did not engage in an insurrection during the January 6 Capitol riots 'This resolution is a no-brainer - controversial only to the most extreme of the far-left - and a statement of fact that every single Republican can be expected to support,' it went on. 'If the left has the courage to interfere in our elections and weaponize the judicial system against our brethren, we must have the courage to express what is self-evident.' If the resolution goes to the floor, it could once again force Republicans to go on the record about whether or not they pledge fealty to former President Donald Trump and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election - which he is under indictment for. Republicans already went on record in the House in 2021 when 10 of them joined Democrats to vote to impeach Trump over his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. Only Reps. David Valadao, Calif., and Dan Newhouse, Wash., survived the 2022 midterms after Trump prompted retaliatory primary challenges to the other eight Republicans who voted to impeach him. A record-breaking number of voters now say the influx of migrants at the southern border amounts to a crisis including growing numbers of Democrats hurting President Joe Biden's chances of winning a second term in the White House. The Morning Consult survey found that 57 percent of respondents say the US is battling a 'crisis of illegal immigration across the US-Mexico border,' a sharp rise on the 50 percent who said so in March 2021. It comes as a Senate deal to bolster the border appeared to be collapsing, and as Republicans were set to vote on impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for failing to secure the frontier. Americans have in recent days took to social media to voice concerns about the people flows, which led to 10,000 arrests for illegal crossings at the border each day for several days in December. California-based TikTok creator C Jamees says asylum seekers have it too easy in America Avery Jones, a Texas-based Army veteran and TikTok creator, visited the frontier to see the situation with her own eyes, saying the chaotic scenes there were 'definitely a crisis.' 'Illegals are coming in by the thousands, mostly men,' she said, adding that Republicans and Democratic politicians in Washington DC were stoking divisions between voters 'because it's an election year.' Others, including California-based TikTok creator C Jamees railed against the ease with which asylum seekers can enter the US, get handouts from charities and enjoy tax-funded services. 'What countries can I go to illegally and get free rent and free healthcare and a $1,000 cash card and a new iPhone?' Jamees asked her 31,000 followers. 'If somebody could tell me that, so I could take my happy a** to another country, cos I'm tired of paying rent.' The nationwide survey of 2,000 voters has troubling findings for President Biden, a Democrat, who looks set to face his anti-immigration predecessor, the Republican Donald Trump, in this year's election. Nearly half of voters 49 percent said Biden was 'very responsible' for the influx of migrants at the southern frontier, followed by two in five voters who blamed the president's Democratic Party. Avery Jones, a Texas-based Army veteran and TikTok creator, checked out the 'crisis' at the border with her own eyes Especially troubling for Biden is how opinions have shifted fast among his own liberal camp. Only 31 percent of Democrats said the border was in crisis in early 2021 that's jumped to 41 percent in this month's survey. Now, three in 10 Democrats say Biden is 'very responsible' for the surge. 'This is surely hampering Biden's standing on immigration,' the pollster said in a report. 'He and Democrats continue to face a large trust gap with Trump and their Republican counterparts to handle the matter.' The embattled president on Tuesday addressed the US public to rally support for his immigration policies. He slammed Trump for 'desperately trying to stop' his efforts to pass new border security measures through Congress, as part of a package with military aid to Israel, and Ukraine. On Sunday, the Senate released the text of the White House-backed deal including $14 billion in aid to Israel, $60 billion to Ukraine and also $20 billion for securing the southern border amid a massive increase in illegal migration. The bill mandates that the southern border will be shut down if there are 5,000 illegal migrant encounters over the course of a week or 8,500 migrants encountered in a single day. A US Border Patrol agent asks asylum-seeking migrants to line up in a makeshift, mountainous campsite after the group crossed the border with Mexico But many Republicans don't think this goes far enough. Speaker Mike Johnson and his GOP leadership team immediately deemed it 'dead on arrival' in the House. House GOP Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., addressed the support by the border patrol union, saying on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning that they can 'have their perspective.' He went on to say: 'I respect the border patrol. Our job is to support them. They can have their opinion. But this is what we got elected for, and we need to hold the administration accountable.' 'It's time to end this invasion at the southern border,' Emmer added. The House is expected to take up resolutions of impeachment against Biden's DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas later Tuesday. He would be the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years. The package had signs of being at great risk of being stalled, after key Senate GOP conservatives lambasted it, as former President Donald Trump said it was a 'death wish' for the GOP. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) who helped hammer out the deal with Democrats, is already predicting it won't have the needed votes on a motion to proceed when leaders try to call it up Wednesday. A 60-vote majority is required, and a determined minority can filibuster it even being considered on the floor in the narrowly divided Senate. 'I would anticipate Wednesday the cloture vote does not pass,' said Lankford following a contentious GOP Conference meeting on how to proceed. Republicans moved forward two articles of impeachment against Biden's border chief Mayorkas He said lawmakers are demanding 'a lot more time' to be able to look over the details of the agreement, which also hands out green cards, sends billions to Ukraine and Israel, while directing billions to beef up border security. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had input on the deal and helped set up the negotiations. But members of his team are expressing reservations. 'I think it's fair to say everybody thinks that voting Wednesday is voting too soon,' Sen. Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said, NBC reported. 'I think the proposal is dead,' predicted said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Also griping about it is Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a former member of Sen. Mitch McConnell's leadership team. The number of Senate Republicans registering opposition was approaching 20 Monday night and had topped 22 by Tuesday, according to a Wall Street Journal count. It comes on an issue that voters have been listing as a top concern, with Democrats accusing Republicans of maneuvering to deny Biden a win. That opposition came after President Biden got behind the package in a statement. 'Now we've reached an agreement on a bipartisan national security deal that includes the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. I strongly support it,' Biden said. The bipartisan border deal that is dividing congressional Republicans is already leading to angry calls to shake up the Senate leadership and furious claims by Donald Trump that it represents a 'death wish' for the party in 2024. The fury came in the hours since negotiators put out details on their new bipartisan deal to provide new authority for the administration to 'close' the border when crossings spike, while sending billions to support allies Ukraine and Israel. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) who helped negotiate the bipartisan security deal, is predicting there are not currently enough votes to bring it to the Senate floor for consideration Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) helped negotiate a bipartisan immigration package that also includes U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel Among those to heap the most scorn on the agreement was Utah Sen. Mike Lee who even appeared to demand a change in his party's leadership after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell helped oversee the deal with Majority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer. McConnell, the longest serving Republican leader in Senate history, survived a leadership challenge in November 2022 on a 37-10 vote. 'This feels like an elaborate practical joke. But it's not funny. Not one bit. I cannot understand how any Republican would think this was a good ideaor anything other than an unmitigated disaster. WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP NOW,' he wrote on X. 'Senate leadership screwed this up and screwed us,' he wrote in another post. Even while refusing to let us see the bill they claimed to be negotiating on our behalf for MONTHS they were never in doubt, insisting we'd be dumb and even unpatriotic NOT to support it. This is a disqualifying betrayal.' Former President Donald Trump, who has already been publicly seeking to tank the deal, blasted it after negotiators announced the details. Trump called it a 'ridiculous' border bill, and said it was 'nothing more than a highly sophisticated trap for Republicans to assume the blame on what the Radical Left Democrats have done to our Border, just in time for our most important EVER Election. Don't fall for it!!!' Trump teed off on a provision allowing the administration to shut down the border when daily crossings hit 5,000. 'Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill, which only gives Shutdown Authority after 5000 Encounters a day, when we already have the right to CLOSE THE BORDER NOW, which must be done. This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats, and a Death Wish for The Republican Party,' Trump said. Utah Sen. Mike Lee used the bipartisan immigration bill to issue a call for 'new leadership' Lee called the deal 'even worse than we thought' Sen. Mike Lee is just one of the Senate conservative Republicans who have hammered the compromise in the hours after it was released Former President Donald Trump railed against the deal online That attack came amid criticism that House Speaker Mike Johnson and allies were killing the deal at the behest of Trump to avoid giving a political win to President Joe Biden. Among those making that case was Majority Leader Charles Schumer, 73 who worked closely with McConnell, 81, on the deal, as each leaders tries to advance funding for Ukraine and Israel. 'It took a long time - four months of arduous negotiations. They fell off the tracks a whole bunch of times. I had to be on the phone, even at midnight,' said Schumer, who had earlier predicted success following a White House meeting last month. 'The majority of Republican senators know it's the right thing to do. I'ts a compromise. I don't like everything in it - neither does McConnell. It's a compromise. it's the only way you get important things done in the Senate,' he said, urging senators to 'drown out the political noise from Trump and his minions and do the right thing for America ... History is looking down on every one of us.' In one sign of the volatility of the issues, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a longtime Schumer ally and former party whip, announced his own opposition Monday afternoon. Also dogging it were Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). 'The crisis has literally never been worse,' McConnell said on the Senate floor Monday, urging action. He said the 'gaping hole' in the nation's borders 'is not going to heal itself.' 'This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions. And Senate Republicans have insisted not just for months but for years that this urgent crisis demanded action,' he said. A state prosecutor claimed 'courts have never held the death has to be instantaneous or painless' South Carolina wants to bring back executions using firing squads and the electric chair, with one state prosecutor saying that prisoners' deaths don't have to be quick and painless. Lawyers for four death row inmates in South Carolina are arguing that the state's old electric chair and new firing squad are cruel and unusual punishments. There are currently 33 prisoners on South Carolina's death row, a group of whom are now arguing against certain methods of execution as they have run out of appeals. South Carolina says all three of the methods they seek to use fit existing protocols. 'Courts have never held the death has to be instantaneous or painless,' wrote Grayson Lambert, a lawyer for Gov. Henry McMaster's office. South Carolina wants to bring back executions using firing squad and electric chair, with one state prosecutor saying that prisoners' deaths don't have to be quick and painless. Pictured: South Carolina's death chamber in Columbia including the electric chair, right, and a firing squad chair, left Lawyers for four death row inmates in South Carolina are arguing that the state's old electric chair and new firing squad are cruel and unusual punishments Pictured: The exterior of the South Carolina Supreme Court building in Columbia, S.C. If the Supreme Court justices allow executions to restart and any additional appeals are unsuccessful, South Carolina's death chamber, unused since May 2011, could suddenly get quite busy. Four inmates are suing, but four more have also run out of appeals, although two of them face a competency hearing before they could be executed, according to inmate fairness group Justice 360. 'Courts have never held the death has to be instantaneous or painless,' wrote Grayson Lambert, a lawyer for Gov. Henry McMaster's office. The state has not carried out an execution since 2011 after its supply of lethal injection drugs expired and companies refused to sell them more unless the transaction remained private. South Carolina used to carry out an average of three executions a year. But just 33 inmates are awaiting a death sentence and only three have been sent to death row since the last execution in 2011. This comes as prosecutors face rising costs and more vigorous defenses, choosing to accept guilty pleas and life in prison without parole. Three years ago, the legislature passed a law creating a firing squad and giving inmates a choice between dying by bullets to the heart or in the state's electric chair, which was first used to kill an inmate in 1913. But that law was placed on hold after being challenged by death row inmates who said both the firing squad and electric chair are constitutionally prohibited cruel and unusual punishments. Ruling in favor of the inmates would restart executions so that an inmate could choose lethal injection, since the drugs were available. In November, 2023 - Circuit Judge Jocelyn Newman sided with the inmates, whose experts testified prisoners would feel terrible pain whether their bodies were 'cooking' by 2,000 volts of electricity in the chair built in 1912. Lawmakers allowed the firing squad to be added in 2021. No legislation has been proposed in South Carolina to add nitrogen gas, which was used for the first time to kill an inmate last month in Alabama South Carolina has not carried out an execution since 2011 after its supply of lethal injection drugs expired and companies refused to sell them more unless the transaction remained private Lawmakers allowed the firing squad to be added in 2021. No legislation has been proposed in South Carolina to add nitrogen gas, which was used for the first time to kill an inmate last month in Alabama. Killer Kenneth Eugene Smith was sent to his death last night in Atmore, Alabama, after the Supreme Court denied his 11th hour requests for mercy. It took 22 minutes for him to die. He inhaled a fatal dose of nitrogen administered through a mask, 'convulsing' afterward until he was unconscious. Smith was due to be executed by lethal injection in November 2022 but survived after it was botched. Alabama - one of only three states to have legalized nitrogen executions - ruled that Mr Smith would be put to death via nitrogen instead. Though the state calls the method 'humane,' experts say it could cause excessive pain and humiliation, warning he could be left in a vegetative state instead of dying or could choke to death on his own vomit. Nitrogen gas has been branded by the UN as 'torture' and scientists have largely banned from animal experiments 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 - he was executed last month Marshall, addressing reporters, defended nitrogen gas and said it was so effective, he intends for it to be used in other executions The American Veterinary Medical Association has ruled that the execution method is too cruel to be performed on most animals because the suffocation process is too 'distressing for some species.' And officials from the United Nations said it could breach human rights treaties that forbid 'torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.' Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall brushed off criticism of the controversial nitrogen hypoxia execution of killer Kenneth Eugene Smith, saying it was a 'proven' method and one he intends to use again on other death row inmates. Former President Donald Trump reacted with fury after an appeals court ruled Tuesday that he did not have immunity from prosecution in a case related to the 2020 presidential election. He claimed it would prevent future presidents from doing their job and ruin the country. 'A nation-destroying ruling like this cannot be allowed to stand,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'If not overturned, as it should be, this decision would terribly injure not only the Presidency, but the Life, Breath, and Success of our Country.' And he said it would leave any president in fear of opponents' 'vicious retribution after leaving office.' His anger also hinted at how the ruling delivered a severe blow to his attempts to head off prosecution for the events that led up to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021 as he tried to cling on to power. Former President Donald Trump unleashed his fury on Tuesday, after an appeals court ruled that he did not have broad immunity in a case related to the 2020 presidential election Trump posted on Truth Social that the decision was a 'nation-destroying' ruling He argued that his position as president protected him criminal charges, an argument already rejected by the judge overseeing the case. The three-judge panel considering his appeal on Tuesday delivered their decision in stark terms. 'Any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution,' they wrote, striking a blow for prosecutor Jack Smith. His case accuses Trump of using false claims of voter fraud to pressure lawmakers, Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence to prevent certification of Joe Biden's election victory. It is the second time in as many months that judges have rejected Trump's argument that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took during his time in office and during the run up to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. The former president's lawyers argue that he enjoys sweeping legal protections unless impeached by Congress and removed from office. And Trump could still take his claim to the Supreme Court. It is one of four criminal cases brought against the Republican 2024 frontrunner last year. The trial was originally scheduled for March. It was postponed last week and the judge has yet to set a new date as legal arguments play out. At issue, is the previously unresolved question of whether former presidents can be prosecuted after leaving office for actions they took related to official duties. The case accuses Trump of pressuring officials not to certify Joe Biden's 2020 election win during the run-up to the Jan 6. attack on the U.S. Capitol The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit comprised from left to right: Karen LeCraft Henderson (appointed by President George H.W. Bush), Michelle Childs and Florence Pan (both appointed by President Joe Biden) The ruling Tuesday is a win for Special Counsel Jack Smith, whose case accuses Trump of using false claims of voter fraud to pressure lawmakers, Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence to prevent certification of Joe Biden 's election victory The Supreme Court has previously decided that they are protected from civil cases. Trump and his lawyers insist that should also extend to criminal actions. 'ALL PRESIDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETE & TOTAL PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY, OR THE AUTHORITY & DECISIVENESS OF A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BE STRIPPED & GONE FOREVER,' Trump posted in all caps on Truth Social last month. Special Counsel Smith instead argues there is no such Constitutional protection. And in December, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case, agreed. Trump insists he has 'full immunity' for all actions taken while he was in office 'Whatever immunities a sitting president may enjoy, the United States has only one chief executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass,' she wrote in her ruling Trump's appeal was heard by Judges Michelle Childs and Florence Pan, who were both appointed by Biden, and Karen LeCraft Henderson, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. In their 57-page written ruling, they made short shrift of Trump's argument that he already faced impeachment proceedings over the same allegations and should not stand trial again. 'In light of the very different procedures and purposes associated with impeachment proceedings as compared to criminal proceedings, former President Trump's reliance on the Double Jeopardy Clause is misplaced,' they wrote. 'Impeachment is not a criminal process and cannot result in criminal punishment.' And they concluded that accepting Trump's arguments would negate the rights of voters. The Trump campaign said the former president would be appealing the ruling 'We cannot accept former President Trump's claim that a president has unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralize the most fundamental check on executive power the recognition and implementation of election results,' they wrote. 'Nor can we sanction his apparent contention that the executive has carte blanche to violate the rights of individual citizens to vote and to have their votes count.' Steven Cheung, Trump's campaign spokesman, said the former president would appeal the ruling in order to protect the office of the commander-in-chief. 'If immunity is not granted to a president, every future president who leaves office will be immediately indicted by the opposing party,' he said. 'Without complete immunity, a president of the United States would not be able to properly function.' The case is on hold until at least Monday to give Trump time to appeal to the Supreme Court. Jussie Smollett is trying to get his conviction for faking an attack overturned again - this time claiming he should never have been prosecuted in the first place. The Empire star is arguing he shouldn't have been charged with felony disorderly conduct in December 2021 because prosecutors made a deal to dismiss the first indictment. Smollett's attorneys filed legal documents with Illinois Supreme Court detailing the deal, which involved him doing community service and forfeiting his bond in return for charges being dropped. The actor is taking his appeal to the state's highest court after it was previously denied by the Appellate Court of Cook County. Smollett was jailed in 2021 for staging an anti-gay, racist hate crime on himself and filing a false police report in January 2019. Jussie Smollett (right) is trying to get his conviction for faking an attack overturned again - this time claiming he should never have been prosecuted in the first place Jussie Smollett poses for a Cook County jail booking photograph as he begins his sentence in Chicago, March 10, 2022 Brothers Abel and Ola Osunadairo, who were hired by the actor to attack him 'What should have been a straightforward case has been complicated by the intersection of politics and public outrage,' Smollett's attorneys wrote in their Monday filing with the state's highest court. During the police probe into the incident, Chicago cops concluded that Smollett had hired brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo to carry out the crime. Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct, sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months felony probation and $120,106 in restitution to the City of Chicago and a $25,000 fine. However, he only served six days in jail before he was released on March 16, 2022 when his lawyer's filed an appeal. Now the Appellate Court of Cook County has denied the appeal Smollett may be required to complete the rest of his sentence. During the original sentencing hearing Smollett shouted at the judge that he was innocent, warning that he was not suicidal and if he died in custody it was somebody else, and not him, who would have taken his life. Smollett initially told Chicago police he had been accosted on a darkened street by two masked strangers. According to his account of the attack, the assailants threw a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for then-President Donald Trump. The two assaulters were Nigerian brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo, who are black. The brothers, who testified in court, told the jury Smollett hired them to fake the attack because he wanted to boost his celebrity profile. Smollett was convicted of five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police about being the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack Empire actor Jussie Smollett filed an appeal of the December 2021 conviction for staging an anti-gay, racist attack on himself and then lying to Chicago police about it Jussie Smollett raises his fist to proclaim his innocence as he is escorted to jail at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse during his sentencing for staging an attack on himself in Chicago, 10 March 2022 Smollett later claimed that in the days before the stunt, when prosecutors said he and the brothers were rehearsing the attack, they were actually getting together to smoke marijuana. Smollett shocked the court by claiming he 'made out with' and 'masturbated' with Abimbola Osundairo during a visit to a bathhouse. The actor told the jury he thought the brothers staged the attack on him to try to scare him into thinking he needed bodyguards, and to give them the job. Offering their point of view in a segment for a FOX Nation docuseries on Smollett's web of lies the brothers returned to the scene of the 'crime' and share how they gave him a 'noogie' and poured bleach on his shirt before they ran away in the darkness of night. The brothers took cameras to the spot where they sat on a bench waiting in the cold for Smollett at 2am on January 29. 'We had no phones because he did not want us to bring any phones,' Abimbola said. 'He said, 'So we don't lose them.' I don't know if that's really the reason, but you can deduce your own reason.' He claimed Smollett told them to show up at exactly 2am, but 'he was nowhere to be found, so we're like 'Damn, what do we do?' 'We had no way of contacting him, he had no way of contacting us.' At that point, his brother interjected to say that they were waiting for Smollett for about four minutes 'but it felt like forever.' 'Because it was cold as balls,' Abimbola explained. Nigerian brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundario recreated how they staged the attack on actor Jussie Smollett in January 2019 Smollett's face is blurred but he's seen holding the long white rope nose around his neck Eventually, he said, he saw Smollett walking 'out the corner of my eye,' and the two sprang into action remarking 'We gotta go get this Empire f******' and 'Let's get that n*****.' When they go to cross the street, Abimbola said, they said 'Hey n*****' to get his attention, 'and then he turned around, looked at us and that's when we started yelling the famous slurs he wanted us to yell.' Among those slurs was 'This is MAGA country.' 'And then he said, 'What did you say to me?' And that's when I threw the first punch at him. I held the blow, of course, so I made it look real. 'And then we started tussling, moving around and then I threw him to the ground,' Abimbola continued, noting: 'He wanted it to look like he fought back. That was very important to him.' Abimbola said he 'wanted it to look more real, so then I threw him to the ground. I used my knuckle to give him a nooggie,' demonstrating how he balled his face and rotated around Smollett's eye. 'Why did I do that? To make it look like he had a scar , to give him a mark, to make it look real like he really did get his a** beat,' he explained. 'After I did that, I fake kicked him.' That's when Olabinjo said he 'came around with the bleach the infamous bleach n the hot sauce bottle, poured it on his shirt, then I finally put the rope around his face. 'I did not put it around his neck,' he emphasized. 'I just placed it on his face, and that's when we took off.' But when cops arrived at Smollett's apartment 40 minutes after he made the call to police about a hate crime, he still had a white noose around his neck. He said he left it on to show the cops what happened as he also pointed to the bleach on his shirt. But after just three days of probing the incident, cops began to hone in on the brothers - and subsequently suspected that Smollett's hate crime claims were, in fact, bogus. Considered the state's star witnesses at the time, the brother's both delivered in-depth testimonies that laid bare the plot, leading to the actor's conviction in December 2021 Video evidence from more than 55 sources would prove that narrative to be true, unmasking the brothers as the definite culprits. At this point, due to conflicting accounts offered by Smollett, cops knew the incident was a hoax - but were then faced with the task with forcing it from the brothers' mouths themselves. Cops quickly encountered a road block after learning the pair were out of the country, but would only have to wait a few weeks before they would return. They eventually were able to confront the brothers when they handed over their passports. They were held in a Cook County detention cell for 47 hours before they cracked and owned up to taking part in Smollett's strange plot for the first time - which they said the actor designed with the ultimate goal of being viewed as a hero for not only the LGBTQ community, but to black people as well. In the aftermath, the brothers said they were dumbfounded by Smollett's public remarks about the experience. Speaking about how the actor consistently lied and tried to play innocent after the hoax, the brothers told Fox Nation: 'Insane. That's when I really saw a different side of Jussie. Like, dude, really? This is when I knew that this dude was like a super villain.' 'I thought he was a good actor, but I also thought this guy was a fraud,' said Amibola of Smollett's continued attitude toward the incident, which has remained unchanged since his 2021 trial. 'This guy is really just sitting her, lying to these people. Lying through his teeth, and not caring,' he said, referencing how Smollett 'even shed a tear' during a now widely seen interview with ABC News in which he denied the attack was a hoax. Calling the actor 'crazy' for his continued devotion to the ruse, Amibola admitted that he feels betrayed by Smollett for not embracing his guilt, and taking the fall as he and his brother were forced to do 'I did feel betrayed by Jussie and what he had done. I didn't know what to do - I wasn't ready to say anything. Like, I was mute. And I didn't want to say anything.' They added that they felt Smollett just wanted to be 'the poster child for activism,' with Ambibola saying: 'He wanted to be the hero for gay people, for black people.' The two brothers ultimately testified against their one-time friend in court and were able to walk away from the incident with just two years' probation and a small fine, after cooperating with police and unmasking the ruse. Ex-Neighbours star Holly Valance today revealed herself as a fervent supporter of the Tory Right in a surprise appearance at the launch of a new Conservative faction. The 40-year-old, who went on to have a pop career after her stint on the Australian soap opera, attended a central London event to hear from senior Tory MPs. Valance attended the launch of the 'Popular Conservatism' group together with her property tycoon husband Nick Candy. The couple listened to speeches from ex-prime minister Liz Truss, former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, and leading 'Red Wall' MP Lee Anderson. Speaking after the event, Valance revealed how she was attracted to the Tory Right after shunning 'crap ideas' from 'lefties' earlier in her life. The mother-of-two took a swipe at climate alarmists and revealed her concern about 'the way things are going in the country'. She also expressed her wish for Sir Jacob to be PM and hailed Mr Anderson - commonly known as '30p Lee' due to his past comments about food bank users - as 'awesome'. Ex-Neighbours star Holly Valance today revealed herself as a fervent supporter of the Tory Right in a surprise appearance at the launch of a new Conservative faction Valance attended the launch of the 'Popular Conservatism' group together with her property tycoon husband Nick Candy The Popular Conservatism group - dubbed the 'PopCons' - has been formed by allies of ex-PM Liz Truss and aims to reform Britain to 'allow conservative values to flourish' Valance expressed her wish for ex-business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, one of the speakers at today's event, to be PM The former actress, who went on to have a pop career after her stint on Neighbours, also hailed Ashfield MP Lee Anderson as 'awesome' Valance starred as Felicity 'Flick' Scully on Neighbours The Popular Conservatism group - dubbed the 'PopCons' - has been formed by allies of Ms Truss and aims to reform Britain to 'allow conservative values to flourish'. In an interview with GB News, Valance described how she was motivated to attend this morning's launch event in order to 'listen to good ideas'. 'I'm a citizen like everyone else here who's concerned about the way things are going in the country,' the former actress said. 'Many things worry and bother me with two little children to bring up - what they might inherit. So I want to come and listen to ideas, good ideas.' She added: 'Everyone starts off as a leftie and then wakes up at some point after you start either making money, working, trying to run a business, trying to buy a home, and then realise what crap ideas they all are - and then you go to the right. 'The speakers today were fantastic. I thought Liz was actually really, really interesting to listen to. Jacob for PM! 'The MP for Ashfield (Mr Anderson) was awesome, love a northerner, straight to the point and very sensible.' During his address to the 'PopCon' launch, Mr Anderson argued that Britons do not care about the Government's Net Zero emissions strategy. And Valance appeared to agree with the Tory MP's stance, as she told the TV news channel: 'I just think the climate crisis - or lack of - is not a crisis. 'The air is better than when I was growing up. It used to stink walking down the street when I was growing up. 'Cleaner, cheaper energy is what we need - we're perfectly able to get it and have it. 'But we're just putting all these restrictions on normal people who are just trying to go about their business and get to work, pick up their children from school, go to the supermarket. 'It's just insanity, it's like smashing your head up against a wall every day.' The deaths of a millionaire Berkshire couple in a French villa swimming pool has remained a mystery, despite a coroner's inquest. David and Diana Shamash, aged 82 and 80 years respectively, were found submerged in a pool at their luxury villa outside Montpellier, France in 2022. The pair were found by friends whom they had invited to dinner. Berkshire Coroner Priya Malhotra today ruled the case as having an open conclusion, as the cause of death for the couple was unable to be ascertained. The company director and his company secretary wife had been on an extended holiday at the villa they owned when the double tragedy happened. Mr Shamash was the director of 10 property businesses with assets of more than 5million and he was the secretary of another four firms worth the same amount. Diana Shamash, 80 year was found submerged in a pool at a luxury villa outside Montpellier, France in 2022 David Shamash, aged 82, was found submerged in a pool alongside his wife The coroner said at today's inquest in Reading: 'The sad sequence of events in this matter was that David and Diana were on holiday at their home in France which they regularly visited. 'Their friends of 35 years went there for dinner. They were concerned that they could not get a hold of Mr and Mrs Shamash. READ MORE: Millionaire couple who were found dead in pool at isolated French villa Advertisement 'The couple attended the villa at approximately 8pm and discovered the couple deceased in the swimming pool of the property. 'The deaths were confirmed and post-mortem examination and toxicity tests in France and the UK were carried out - both of which have been unable to provide a medical cause of death. 'French authorities have excluded third party involvement and any suspicion of foul play.' The Thillaye du Boullay family, who had been friends with the Shamash couple for 35 years, were invited to the Shamash's luxury villa on July 30, 2022 to have dinner. However, Mr and Mrs Thillaye du Boullay found the door closed, but unlocked and the table unlaid. They then discovered the bodies of Mr and Mrs Shamash in the swimming pool. A French police investigation at the property near the market town of Gignac, France, found there were no signs of a break-in and a phone was charging in the kitchen on a wooden sideboard. Noting the French police investigation, coroner Mrs Malhotra told the inquest that the maintenance of the pool was unsatisfactory, with tiles unstuck or missing and leaves, snails and stones at bottom of the pool. Berkshire Coroner Priya Malhotra told the inquest that the maintenance of the pool (pictured) was unsatisfactory The coroner said at today's inquest in Reading (pictured, Reading Coroner's Court) that tests carried out in both France and the UK 'have been unable to provide a medical cause of death' The inquest heard that Mr Shamash had a stroke six to eight years ago. He also had glaucoma in his right eye and suffered with blindness in his left eye and a history of high blood pressure. 'Minimal' traces of alcohol was found in Mr Shamash's bloodstream, whereas Mrs Shamash was found to have a more significant amount of alcohol in her body. However, Mrs Malhotra added that this may have been from the post-mortem process itself. A first responder also found an electric pool robot in the water with their bodies. However, it is unclear if it played any role in their deaths, the Reading Chronicle reported. Ms Malhotra noted that Mr Shamash could swim but Mrs Shamash had difficulty doing so. The couple, who also had a house in South Fawley, were born in different areas of the UK. Mrs Shamash was born in Leominster, Herefordshire and Mr Shamash was born in Wimbledon, south London. Ms Malhotra concluded the case, saying: 'I would wish in some way to give an explanation as to how they died but the evidence does not allow me to reach a conclusion that can be explained to family as to how they died. 'It is not definitive to have reached a conclusion as to how they died.' Boeing's largest union is threatening to strike if its demands for a pay increase are not met, in the latest challenge facing the planemaker following safety concerns with the 737 MAX. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is demanding a 40 percent pay increase over three or four years, following a 2014 deal that sacrificed pensions and capped pay. Jon Holden, president of IAM District 751, which represents 32,000 Seattle-area Boeing mechanics, told Bloomberg the union is prepared for a work stoppage as contract talks loom next month. 'Our goal is to negotiate a contract that we as a union leadership and our members can accept,' said Holden. 'We don't take going on strike lightly. But we're willing to do it.' Both Boeing and the union have been named as parties of an ongoing National Transportation Safety Board investigation into midair cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9 on January 5. Boeing's largest union is threatening to strike if its demands for a pay increase are not met, in the latest challenge facing the planemaker following safety concerns Jon Holden, president of IAM District 751, which represents 32,000 Seattle-area Boeing mechanics, said the union is prepared for a work stoppage as contract talks loom next month Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Tuesday. 'While we focus on the 737-9 and the actions were taking on quality, we look forward to bargaining in good faith later this year,' the company has previously said. A strike would shut down Boeing plants in Washington and Oregon, including assembly lines for its highly profitable 737 jets. Contract talks are set to begin on March 8, adding to pressure on Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun as he steers the company through crisis. Last month, Boeing held a one-day 'Quality Stand Down' production halt to evaluate ways to improve safety in the manufacturing process. Shares of Boeing were up 1.61 percent in afternoon trading on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday the agency would post inspectors at Boeing, following the 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said 'the current system is not working' and told lawmakers he would discuss safety issues with airline CEOs on Wednesday, according to Reuters. He repeated the need for more surveillance of Boeing and its key supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which makes the 737 fuselage. 'I certainly agree that the current system is not working, because it's not delivering safe aircraft,' Whitaker said at a House hearing. 'So we have to make changes to that.' Boeing workers are pictured exiting a gate below an image of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft as Boeing's 737 factory teams hold the first day of a 'Quality Stand Down' last month FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker prepares to testify before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on aviation safety on Tuesday Lawmakers and the flying public are pressing the US regulator to heighten its scrutiny of Boeing, after a panel blew out mid-flight in January on a brand new Alaska Air jet. It is the second crisis involving the planemaker in recent years, after two crashes of MAX planes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. 'My concern is that Boeing makes safe airplanes,' Whitaker said. 'If you don't have that safety culture, I think it's hard to make safe airplanes.' The FAA has about 20 inspectors at Boeing's 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and six at Spirit in Wichita, Kansas, conducting a six-week audit, although that probe has not revealed any issues that require immediate action. Whitaker told the House Transportation and Infrastructure aviation subcommittee he anticipates keeping inspectors on the ground at the facilities after the audit for regular surveillance. A decisive ruling by a federal Appeals Court panel rejecting Donald Trump's immunity claims leaves it up to the U.S. Supreme Court whether it will deliberately weigh in on lofty constitutional issues or allow his criminal trial to proceed at pace. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, how and whether the Supreme Court intervenes will have an substantial bearing on the political clock and whether Trump finds himself standing trial before a Washington, D.C. jury before Election Day. The three judge panel issued a unanimous ruling Tuesday that Trump's 'alleged efforts to remain in power despite losing the 2020 election were, if proven, an unprecedented assault on the structure of our government.' Not only did it rule against Trump, who called the decision 'nation-destroying,' but it set a clock ticking in a fashion that appeared designed to move things along. Former President Donald Trump has until February 12 to ask the Supreme Court to take up his case and seek a stay of a judicial mandate that would allow his criminal trial in Washington, DC to go forward again. Trump's team has already bought him valuable time, but some experts are now predicting the Supreme Court won't take up the case after a unanimous three-judge ruling against him The court directed that it would withhold issuing a 'mandate' through the end of Monday, February 12, which keeps his trial in Washington, D.C. suspended through that time. If Trump during that narrow window goes to the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to take up the case, the court says it will withhold issuing the mandate still longer, until its final disposition with the Supreme Court. Trump can also ask the high court to stay that mandate during that time, keeping his trial on hold during the appeal. It provides an incentive for Trump's team to act with haste while it considers an appeal, which Trump's camp already said it would file. But in another move, the court's order indicated Trump would have no such luck if it sought another kind of hearing asking for a rehearing of the case or an 'en banc' review of the entire judicial circuit. Such a move would have the potential to delay his trial even further. If Trump were to go that route, his D.C. trial could resume again while he sought that appeal. 'It's really kind of a gutsy move,' said Scott R. Anderson, fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, speaking on a Lawfare podcast. He said the court was 'strongly signaling: look its not worth it applying or these mandates' go back in place. The Supreme Court could decide to take up an appeal and weigh in on Trump's immunity claim. Or, it could take a pass and let a unanimous three-judge panel's ruling stand, which would start the clock ticking toward Trump's criminal trial The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit comprised from left to right: Karen LeCraft Henderson (appointed by President George H.W. Bush), Michelle Childs and Florence Pan (both appointed by President Joe Biden) The case accuses Trump of pressuring officials not to certify Joe Biden's 2020 election win during the run-up to the Jan 6. attack on the U.S. Capitol His own prediction, echoed by some other legal experts who ventured a guess about the Supreme Court, was that it would not take up the case particularly in light of the way the appeals court panel crafted its opinion. 'I think the Supreme Court doesnt want to get involved in this. I think its a very weak legal argument by former President Trump. I think the DC Circuit has done a good enough job narrowly carving its opinion and targeting and tailoring its opinion,' he continued. He predicted the Supreme Court would effectively say: 'I think were okay with their handling of this particular case and we would just as soon not get directly involved. Its going to be a messy situation for all of us,' he said. The deadline keeps things moving, particularly if the Court decides not to grant certiorari and take up the case. 'Thats very quick and puts him in a box having to find a stay before then from either full DC circuit (unlikely) or Supreme Ct.,' wrote University of California law professor Harry Litman. Five justices on the 6-3 conservative court could put in place such a stay, which would put the Trump trial on ice. Four justices would be enough to hear the case. Trump appointed three of the justices on the Court. Trump is banking on winning on appeal. But even if his claim of immunity from criminal prosecution while in office doesn't hold up, he has already bought valuable time. Federal District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan had scheduled the start of his trial for next month, the day before Super Tuesday, which could be when he snags enough delegates to become the Republican Party's presidential nominee. Now, even if the Supreme Court takes a pass, the trial might not start until as late as June, due in part to assurances that Chutkan has given his lawyers. 'A nation-destroying ruling like this cannot be allowed to stand,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. 'If not overturned, as it should be, this decision would terribly injure not only the Presidency, but the Life, Breath, and Success of our Country.' One of six migrants accused of brutally assaulting two New York City Police Department officers in Times Square was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday. Yohenry Brito, 24, was is accused of being the 'most culpable' of six people arrested in the attack on January 27 was held in custody on $15,000 bail after an initial court appearance last week. He is set to appear in court again on March 25, at which time the charges against him will be unsealed. At least four of his co-defendants fled to California after being allowed to walk free. Three of them were arrested on Monday night at a Greyhound bus station in Phoenix, Arizona. The case has crystalized New York's inability to keep up with the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in the city in recent months. The indictment came on the same day he appeared in court on two unrelated theft charges. It included allegedly stealing $275 worth of goods from Bergdorf Goodman in October and $139 of clothing from Macy's. Yohenry Brito, 24, was one of six arrested and charged with assault following the vicious attack on January 27 'He [Brito] is pleading not guilty to all the charges,' his defense attorney said Tuesday Dressed in a brown jail-issued bomber jacket, Brito appeared in New York Criminal Court on Tuesday in handcuffs. His defense attorney Mark Jankowitz said: 'He [Brito] is pleading not guilty to all the charges.' The Venezuelan national is being held on a $50,000 bond at Rikers Island. It came as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office presented evidence in the case to a grand jury, who chose to indict Brito on felony charges in relation to the Times Square attack. The other five asylum seekers charged with assault were previously allowed free without bail by a Manhattan judge. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said the $15,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond was warranted because Brito had been positively identified in video of the attack through a 'distinct tattoo.' Police sources previously said that four other migrants charged in the Times Square attack - Darwin Andres Gomez, 19; Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19; Wilson Juarez, 21, and Yorman Reveron, 24 - may have fled the city after using fake names to obtain tickets from a charity that helps migrants. The sixth suspect charged, Jhoan Boada, 22, is thought to have remained in New York City. Boada was photographed sticking his middle finger up at the press waiting outside court after his release. Jandry Barros, 21, a seventh suspect who was arrested, was let go without charges for lack of evidence. He also has a previous record with authorities. Bragg said there were 12 suspects in total and his office presented evidence to a grand jury on Tuesday. Police have not released the identities of five other suspects in the attack against the NYPD officers. On February 2, Bragg defended the decision to release them. He said: 'While the video is shocking and disturbing, in order to secure convictions in the court of law, it is essential that we conclusively identify each defendant. Brito is currently being held on $50,000 bond The Venezuelan national has been remanded to Rikers Island Authorities say a distinct tattoo helped them ID him as the perpetrator of the attack 'In Manhattan, we don't tolerate or accept assaults on police officers. I watched the tape this week. Despicable behavior. It sickened me and outraged me.' The brutal attack occurred around 8:30 pm when officers attempted to disperse a disorderly group in front of 220 West 42 Street. A fight broke out between a suspect in a yellow sweatshirt and the police officers. According to the NYPD, the migrants then started to attack the officers, kicking them in the head and body while the two officers tried to pin down one of the other men, tearing off his sweatshirt. The migrants then ran away, making their getaway east on 42nd Street toward 7th Avenue. At around 10.45pm that night, four of them -Gomez, Arocha, Wilson and Reveron, were arrested. They were all charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct but were released without monetary bail. Gomez, Arocha, Juarez and Reveron are believed to have given fake names to a church-affiliated nonprofit group that helps migrants get rides out of the city, law enforcement sources told the Post. A Nazi SS veteran who was given a standing ovation in Canada's Parliament was also invited by Justin Trudeau to a rally for Volodymyr Zelensky, it has been revealed. The Canadian prime minister invited Yaroslav Hunka to a march in Toronto celebrating the country's Ukrainian population on the same day he visited Ottawa, it was reported. He sent the invitation via his official office following a bizarre recommendation from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. The revelations come after an uproar erupted when it emerged Hunka, 98, was a Nazi after he was given a huge round of applause in parliament in September. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured far right) apologized Wednesday for Parliaments recognition of a man who fought alongside the Nazis in World War II Yaroslav Hunka waits for the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the House of Commons in Ottawa Friday. Right: Hunka in his SS unit in the war Trudeau's Office confirmed than Hunka had been invited to the rally, during which Zelensky met with members of the Canadian-Ukrainian community. The invite was sent through the Office of Protocol in Canada. The former SS fighter did not, however, attend. 'Last September, there was a community event with the President of Ukraine in Toronto with over 1,000 people invited. Hundreds of Canadians were invited,' read a statement from the office. 'The individual in question's name was submitted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. 'The individual did not attend. Knowing what is known now - the individual shouldn't have been invited.' During Zelensky's address to parliament, Hunka was was acknowledged by the then-Speaker Anthony Rota, who introduced him as a 'hero' who had battled the Russians during the Second World War as part of the Ukrainian army. Then Speaker Anthony Rota introduced Hunka as a 'hero' who fought against Russian soldiers during World War II He received a standing ovation as Trudeau and Zelensky cheered for him. He was then almost immediately revealed by the media to have been fighting the Russians as a part of the German army. Rota, who had invited Hunka to the House, was forced to resign shortly thereafter. The entire incident raised questions about the Canadian government's vetting process for events featuring foreign leaders. Those at the head of the country's Conservative party are pinning the blame on Trudeau, who they say embarrassed the nation and failed to be transparent about the screw-up. A spokesman for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre - largely seen as Trudeau's biggest threat come the next election - said: 'It is appalling and bewildering, although entirely unsurprising, that Justin Trudeau would embarrass our country and undermine our relationship with an ally.' Back in September, Trudeau issued an 'unreserved apology' for the significant error. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Hunka in September. A spokesperson for the Conservative party said the party was not aware of his history at the time 'This is a mistake that deeply embarrassed Parliament and Canada,' Trudeau said during a televised address. 'It was a horrendous violation of the memory of the millions of people who died in the Holocaust and it was deeply, deeply painful for Jewish people. 'All of us who were in the House on Friday regret deeply having stood and clapped, even though we did so unaware of the context.' 'It is extremely troubling to think that this egregious error is being politicized by Russia, and its supporters, to provide false propaganda about what Ukraine is fighting for,' Trudeau said at the time. Jewish advocacy group the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center called Rota's warm introduction' shocking' and 'incredibly disturbing' and said an apology is owed to Holocaust survivors and veterans. In 1944, Hunka's unit - the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division - was visited by SS leader Heinrich Himmler, who branded Jewish people a 'dirty blemish' and said his men would be 'eager' to 'liquidate the Poles'. The division's involvement in war crimes and atrocities - particularly during the German occupation of Ukraine - remains a point of controversy and horror. Speaker Rota's address came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an impassioned address to the Canadian House of Commons. Hamas is 'generally positive' about fresh ceasefire plans, which could see more than 100 hostages currently being held captive in Gaza released, according to the prime minister of Qatar. In a meeting today with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Hamas had 'comments' about the proposals but he would not divulge any further details. Hamas added in a statement that it had responded to the latest ceasefire plans in a 'positive spirit'. But the group continued its demands for a 'a comprehensive and complete' ceasefire to end 'the aggression against our people' - something Israel has ruled out. Mr Blinken said he would brief Israel's leaders on Hamas's position when he visits the country on Wednesday. Antony Blinken's trip to the Middle East is riddled with challenges, not least the deadlock between Israel and Hamas on any potential ceasefire with the former rejecting US-backed proposals for a path to a Palestinian state Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Hamas had 'comments' about the proposals but he would not divulge any further details Hamas is 'generally positive' about fresh ceasefire plans, which could see more than 100 hostages currently being held captive in Gaza released, according to Al Thani The new proposals come after Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said that his country's offensive would eventually expand to Rafah. More than one million Gazans are currently seeking refuge at the Egyptian border city, living in abysmal conditions. And more people continue to flee to border towns, such as Rafah, with over two thirds of Gaza under Israeli evacuation orders, according to UN figures. The US Secretary of State met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sissi in Cairo before his audience with Al Thani and has repeatedly opposed the forcing out of Palestinians from Gaza. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 which ended decades of war. But now Egypt is warning that this peace could be at threat if Israel push Palestinians over the border and start deploying soldiers in Egyptian territory. Qatar and Egypt have been at the heart of talks surrounding a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas which could potentially include the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza in return for a several-week halt in Israeli military operations. Yesterday Mr Blinken had a conference with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh following comments from officials that the country had a desire to negotiate a historic peace deal with Israel but only if a Palestinian state could be created. The US Secretary of State met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sissi (pictured, right) in Cairo before his audience with Al Thani and has repeatedly opposed the forcing out of Palestinians from Gaza Yesterday Mr Blinken had a conference with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh following comments from officials that the country had a desire to negotiate a historic peace deal with Israel but only if a Palestinian state could be created The US Secretary of State's trip to the Middle East is riddled with challenges, not least the deadlock between Israel and Hamas on any potential ceasefire with the former rejecting US-backed proposals for a path to a Palestinian state. Recent US strikes have also fallen on flat ears with Iran's militant allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, continuing to attack ships in the Red Sea, which will concern Mr Blinken, who is hoping to ensure the war in the region does not spread any further. Discussing the fresh ceasefire plans, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: 'I would say that the negotiating effort is still ongoing. 'We aren't at a place where we have finality on it.' This comes after a spate of new warnings suggested Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen could try to sabotage internet cables in the Red Sea carrying nearly one fifth of the world's web traffic. Yemen's government warned that the Red Sea is 'one of the three most important meeting points for cables' on the globe and the Houthis pose a 'serious threat to one of the most important digital infrastructures in the world.' Egypt is warning that this peace could be at threat if Israel push Palestinians over the border and start deploying soldiers in Egyptian territory (pictured: displaced Palestinians in Rafah, Egypt) Over two thirds of Gaza is under Israeli evacuation orders, according to UN figures (pictured: a Palestinian girl who fled from northern Gaza to southern Gaza) A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could potentially include the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza in return for a several-week halt in Israeli military operations The new proposals come after Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said that his country's offensive would eventually expand to Rafah Fears of this potential revenge for US air strikes grew when a Houthi social media channel published a map showing the routes of various cables through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, began attacking international shipping in the Red Sea on November 19 in support of Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza. The U.S. and U.K. have since launched an extensive airstrike campaign against the group. Left-wing and anti-royal critics were quick to politicise the King's cancer diagnosis with distasteful comments after the shock announcement by Buckingham Palace on Monday evening. While world leaders and other well-wishers shared messages of support for the King, some left-wing commentators made a slew of inappropriate remarks, including commenting on the speed with which he will receive treatment. Some commentators took to X, formerly Twitter, to claim His Majesty's speedy treatment was elitist. Kevin Maguire, associate editor of the Daily Mirror, said: 'Two-in-every-five cancer patients urgently referred by a GP do not start treatment within the NHS two-month target. 'I wish King Charles a full recovery but there should be no ignoring that many others are not as privileged or fortunate.' King Charles was pictured for the first time today since the shock announcement last night that the monarch has a form of cancer While world leaders and other well-wishers shared messages of support for the King, some left-wing commentators made a slew of inappropriate remarks Ava Evans, political correspondent for left-leaning news website JOE, wished Charles a speedy recovery but also said that this was 'a good moment in time to consider Statutory sick pay - and the millions of people who have to keep working while they're ill because they cannot afford not to'. READ MORE: Smiling King and Camilla leave London for Norfolk by helicopter after monarch spoke to son for 45 minutes in their first face-to-face encounter for nine months Advertisement John Smith, son of the late social justice activist Harry Leslie Smith, posted less than 25 minutes after the King's diagnoses was revealed: 'Never forget KingCharles had no wait times that will diminish his chance of surviving cancer unlike ordinary NHS patients thanks to defunding public Healthcare done by neoliberal govts to enrich the 1%, who the King belongs to.' Republic, which campaigns for the monarchy to be abolished and had picketed the King's coronation, showed some grace, writing on X: 'Cancer is an awful disease and we're very sorry to hear of Charles's diagnosis. We wish him a speedy recovery.' But after users replied 'I hope he gets the same treatment as everybody else', Republic's account responded: 'Indeed, and we hope everyone gets the treatment they need.' Meanwhile, Rivkah Brown, a commissioning editor and reporter at far-left outlet Novara media, reposted a Guardian news story reporting on warnings the UK's state pension age would soon need to rise to 71. Alongside the post, she wrote on X: 'There's something exquisitely British about this story being swiftly followed by news of the monarch's possibly imminent death aged 75. 'Four good years, lads, that's your lot.' LBC radio presenter James O'Brien reacted to a listener's text, criticising him for 'failing to highlight' the different in care the King will receive in comparison to regular NHS cancer patients Some commentators took to X, formerly Twitter , to claim His Majesty's speedy treatment was elitist It is not the first time Miss Brown has posted distasteful remarks online. Last year, she was forced to apologise and delete a social media post in which she said Hamas' October 7 terrorist atrocities were 'a day of celebration'. Today, LBC radio presenter James O'Brien reacted to a listener's text, criticising him for 'failing to highlight' the different in care the King will receive in comparison to regular NHS cancer patients. Responding to the listener, who suggested he should be ashamed for this failure, Mr O'Brien said: 'I think I deserve that...but I promise you now, having read that and similar messages coming in, we will turn our attention at the first opportunity to the gulf between what you can expect, the moment after diagnosis, and what the King can expect.' Controversial academic Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu accused the media of 'whitewashing' Charles' legacy and 'painting him as a saint for 'working' when he should be recovering'. In a post on X, she wrote: 'Cancer took my father in his prime. I hate it with a passion. On this, King Charles has my sympathy. 'I wish him and thousands across UK diagnosed with cancer full recovery. 'Watching the news and the media has already started whitewashing his legacy as "Monarch" and painting him as a saint for "working" when he should be focused on his recovery. Controversial academic Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu accused the media of 'whitewashing' Charles' legacy 'Bear in mind there are thousands of cancer patients on long NHS waiting lists, some HAVE to work because they can't afford not to and won't have access to the quality of healthcare and specialists he would have. 'Plus they won't have the wealth or staff to make themselves comfortable while dealing with this horrible disease. 'The media should stop being tone deaf and read the room.' Dr Mos-Shogbamimu is no stranger to controversy, having previously said the Duchess of Sussex was right to skip King Charles' Coronation, describing it as 'an inspiration'. She was also branded a 'race-baiter' by Piers Morgan in 2020 after they clashed on Good Morning Britain over the duchess. And last year, she was slammed by Jewish groups for her social media posts which compared Israel to Nazi Germany. Republicans are suing a Justice Department official who was allegedly involved with the Big Tech suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story for actively avoiding their investigation. The House Judiciary Committee is investigating whether Hunter Biden's laptop was downplayed by social media companies. As part of the probe, Chairman Jim Jordan uncovered that an FBI agent involved in the saga - Elvis Chan - lied about the computer. Jordan led a lawsuit against Chan Tuesday, accusing him of 'defying' his committee's subpoena for testimony and hindering their investigation into the censorship. Chans 'failure to comply' with the subpoena is 'impeding' the Republican-led investigation into a 'matter of significant public concern,' writes Jordan, who is demanding the D.C. District Court to compel him to appear on Capitol Hill. Last September, Chan had agreed to voluntarily appear to provide the committee testimony and be represented by his personal counsel. But the Department of Justice pulled a last-minute maneuver to block Chan from testifying. The FBI knew that the laptop obtained by The New York Post had belonged to Hunter Biden, and photos (above) of him in a drug-addled state were real, yet refused to confirm its authenticity to Facebook and Twitter, Jim Jordan has claimed Elvis Chan served as a liaison between the FBI and big tech companies Agency witnesses are allowed to bring either agency counsel or personal counsel to committee interviews, but not both. The rule is set up so agency witnesses can be more candid in testimony without fear of professional retribution, according to the committee. But two sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell DailyMail.com that DOJ derailed the testimony because agency counsel also showed up Friday morning. As a result, Chan's interview did not take place as planned. Now, an official subpoena is expected to be issued later Friday for Chan to appear for a transcribed interview next Thursday, Sept. 21. The FBI disputed the claim that DOJ blocked Chan from testifying, calling it a 'significant departure' from normal procedures. And the DOJ said the committee blocked the interview, not them. 'Today, after an FBI employee traveled across the country to voluntarily participate in a scheduled interview, he was denied the right to have his chosen legal counsel accompany him,' an FBI spokesperson told DailyMail.com. 'Upon arrival at the Capitol, Committee staff directed agency counsel to leave the premises, and the interview was unable to proceed. This is a significant departure from normal procedures and an unnecessary escalation of this Committee's treatment of FBI officials. The FBI employee remains willing to take part in a voluntary interview with appropriate legal representation.' 'The FBI recognizes the importance of congressional oversight and will continue to proceed in accordance with the long established accommodations process,' the spokesperson continued. The spokesperson also noted that more than a dozen other FBI employees have participated in interviews with the committee with no incident. A Justice Department official told DailyMail.com that 'DOJ did not block the interview, the Committee did.' 'Agent Chan chose to be represented by both agency and personal counsel. He went to the Capitol this morning to testify and, instead of asking him questions, Committee staff turned him away and threatened to throw agency counsel out of the room.' Last year, Jordan published excerpts of the testimony given by Chan, who served as one of the FBI's liaisons with tech companies, and Laura Dehmlow, the current FBI section chief of the Foreign Influence Task Force. Chan testified in November 2022 as part of Missouri and Louisiana's lawsuit against the federal government and the Biden administration for colluding with social media companies to censor speech. Jordan said that Chan held a repeat meeting with Facebook about the laptop, but testified he had only had one session. He also testified that he was not aware of internal debate about the laptop, but told a colleague he was 'up to speed.' Dehmlow spoke to Jordan's committee earlier this summer without incident. Jordan said that Dehmlow revealed how the FBI knew the laptop was not a forgery or plant, but refused to confirm its authenticity to social media companies. Jordan recently publicized internal Facebook documents have resulted in bombshell revelations about Hunter Biden's laptop, arguing that it illustrated the FBI knew the laptop was authentic and belonged to him - but refused to confirm the fact to Facebook and Twitter. That decision led to the New York Post's report about the laptop being blocked by the social media companies, who labelled it as disinformation. 'Internal FB docs reveal that an FBI Special Agent made false statements in testimony about the FBI's role in the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story,' tweeted Jordan last month. Jordan explained in a Twitter thread how, on October 14, 2020, The New York Post published its first story about the laptop, which Biden had left behind in a Delaware repair shop. The laptop contained damning pictures of Hunter doing drugs and enjoying the company of prostitutes. It also contained emails and massive amounts of information about his business dealings. On the day the Post published its story, Chan and Dehmlow met with representatives of Twitter and then Facebook. Twitter's team asked whether the FBI thought Hunter Biden's laptop was real: one FBI representative replied yes, and then another quickly said: 'No comment.' Dehmlow told Jordan's committee that there was then internal deliberations, and it was decided that the answer would be 'no comment' from then on. At the next meeting, with Facebook, Dehmlow herself told Facebook 'no comment' when asked if the laptop was real. 'It was an ongoing investigation, and we generally don't comment on ongoing investigative matters when asked,' she told Jordan's committee. Jordan on Monday declared: 'Did Dehmlow know that the FBI had the laptop and it was real? Yes. 'Did other key members of the FBI's Foreign Influence Task Force know? Yes. 'The FBI knew the laptop was real and yet decided it would say 'no comment.' 'We know what happened next. 'Twitter and Facebook censored the @nypost story. 'The Biden campaign secretly set in motion the events that led to the 51 former intel officials discrediting the story as Russian disinformation.' Jordan and his allies are convinced that the FBI was working to discredit the story, in a bid to downplay it and help Joe Biden's electoral chances. Jordan then singled out extracts from Chan's testimony at the end of last year. Chan was asked by the Missouri and Louisiana officials whether he had been involved in any meetings after October 14 with Facebook, where the Hunter Biden laptop was discussed. Chan replied that he did not believe so. House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan is investigating Big Tech's alleged suppression of the Hunter laptop story Chan was asked by the Missouri and Louisiana officials whether he had been involved in any meetings after October 14 with Facebook, where the Hunter Biden laptop was discussed 'I was confident that I was not a party to any meeting with social media companies where Hunter Biden was discussed outside of the one incident that I told you about,' said Chan. However, Jordan said that his committee 'recently obtained an internal Facebook document PROVING that Agent Chan had a secret 'follow up' call with Facebook about the Hunter Biden laptop story on October 15, just one day after the @nypost story and the first Facebook meeting!' Jordan noted that Chan also claimed that he had 'no internal knowledge of [the FBI's] investigation' involving Hunter Biden's laptop, but according to internal Facebook documents told a colleague he was 'up to speed on the current state of the matter within the FBI.' Jordan added: 'Is there any wonder why the Biden DOJ has so far stonewalled the Committee's efforts to interview Agent Chan?' The committee still plans to get to the bottom of the 'lie' when Chan sits down with them next week. An attempted bank robbery in Fort Myers turned deadly after the suspect was shot and killed by a sniper. Officers with Lee County Sheriff's Office were called to investigate an armed robbery inside a Bank of America in the Florida city. A woman inside the bank told NBC 2 that she had been inside when a young man jumped on the counter and said he had a bomb. Sheriff Carmine Marceno confirmed the man then held two people hostage, putting one in a headlock and holding a knife to her throat. Footage was also captured inside the building, showing officers attempting to negotiate with the man Sheriff Carmine Marceno confirmed the man then held two people hostage, putting one in a headlock and holding a knife to her throat He confirmed that the suspect was shot and killed by a SWAT sniper after showing deadly force. Marceno said: 'There was a chaotic scene, we deployed all technology. Group of deputies immediately went in as dozens of people ran, they began to secure all portions of the building. 'Hostage negotiations began with our suspect, quickly we were face to face with a male suspect who was armed with a knife. 'He also claimed he had a bomb. He had two hostages at this point, at one point he became physical. 'He started to put one of the hostages in a headlock and had a knife to her throat. 'When he presented deadly force like that our SWAT sniper shot and killed the suspect. I'm proud to say both hostages are safe.' Footage emerged of the police response to the scene on social media, showed special ops vans and SWAT teams arriving on the scene. #BREAKING: A Man Claiming to have Explosives on him is Inside Bank of America Holding multiple people Hostage#FortMyers | #Florida Currently, there are numerous law enforcement and other agencies are on the scene to a critical incident surrounding the Bank of America at pic.twitter.com/EJVPke5eFy R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 6, 2024 Officers with Lee County Sheriff's Office were called to investigate an armed robbery inside a Bank of America in the Florida city Lee County Sheriff's Office says the deputy sniper is now on administrative leave, per normal protocol. Footage also emerged showing police negotiators attempting to reason with the unknown man. One officer can be heard saying: 'Listen, just come out here and let me see your hands. We will work with you. 'I know you are going through a lot but this isn't going to make what you are going through any easier.' The suspect can be heard shouting back at the officers, with his words hard to make out. This is the bizarre moment a drunk man strolls through a Florida airport while naked - as he's arrested and charged. Martin Evtimov, 36, walked into a terminal and breached a checkpoint at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Monday. He was booked into jail on multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and indecent exposure. Evtimov was granted a $3,500 bond in court today and he is currently in police custody. Martin Evtimov, 36, was apprehended by deputies and TSA officers after he walked into a terminal naked and breached a checkpoint A video of Evtimov posted by ONLY in DADE last night has racked in more than 25,000 views on X Evtimov was booked into jail on multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and indecent exposure According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, Evtimov parked his car outside Terminal One at around 2:00 pm before walking into the airport naked. The video posted on X shows him entering the checkpoint and attempting to open a door and gain access to a restricted room. The TSA employee who instructed Evtimov to not open the door didn't attempt to restrain him. Deputies at the scene arrested him on two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication, and indecent exposure. The video posted on X shows him entering the checkpoint and attempting to open a door and gain access to a restricted room Evtimov was taken to Broward Health Medical Center to be medically cleared before being booked at Broward Main Jail Evtimov was taken to Broward Health Medical Center to be medically cleared before being booked at Broward Main Jail. Judge Chris Brown requested that Evtimov undergo a mental health screening and was ordered to stay away from alcohol and the airport. The judge also told Evtimov that if he did not call a phone number related to pretrial release services, a warrant would be issued for his arrest. According to a poll at the weekend, a quarter of us in Scotland think devolution has been bad for the country. Only a quarter? was my initial reaction. The poll, which comes as the Scottish parliament marks its silver jubilee this spring, found that fully half of Scots believed devolution was a good thing. This is lower than the figure 25 years ago when the parliament in Edinburgh first met but it still suggests most Scots believe their own parliament has been worth it. Blimey, some folk are easily pleased. Take the latest embarrassment thats floating down the Clyde. Over the past week, its emerged that the delivery date for the CalMac ferries at the Ferguson Marine shipyard is set to slip again. Its time for a cold-eyed analysis of where devolution has gone wrong and how to fix it The problem is Scottish politics. Back in 2015, Nicola Sturgeon wanted to parade her governments environmental credentials. She hailed the ferries as green ships because theyd be able to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emits less carbon than diesel. Eight years on, those gas systems are causing the delays. And hilariously, it turns out that to get the LNG to Scotland, it has to be imported from Qatar and then driven up to Scotland by a road tanker from Kent spewing, you guessed it, diesel. Turns out our political maestros in Edinburgh hadnt thought of that one. As for providing government closer to the people as devolution was supposed to do a group called the Arran Ferry Action Group voted with its feet last week. Made up of islanders fed up with the delays and the breakdowns, it has spent the past few years getting the views of the Arran community to ministers and officials. But last week they gave up. Chris Attkins, its spokesman, declared: Due to continually being ignored by decision-making bodies, we have decided to disband. Four years of politely knocking on bolted doors has exhausted us. What the ferries debacle has taught us is that devolution hasnt led to more competent government. And its taught us that useless ministers arent any less useless just because they happen to be sitting in Edinburgh and not in London. So much for devolution providing Scottish solutions to Scottish problems. No UK minister or distant Whitehall official has been involved in this farce: the two ships marooned in Port Glasgow are devolutions offspring entirely. Well done everybody. Time to cancel the whole thing then? To bulldoze the parliament? Perhaps to celebrate the 25th anniversary, Scotland could take part in a kind of national Up Helly Aa where we congregate around the great concrete pile at the bottom of the Royal Mile and burn the thing down. Even some Nationalist friends of mine say theyd throw on a couple of flaming torches. This, however, isnt an option. As this weeks poll suggests, the continuing support for devolution shows it is, indeed, Scotlands settled will. It is now there for good. Whats actually needed is a cold-eyed and unsparing analysis of why it has fallen short and what practical measures should be taken to revive its founding spirit. Those principles still hold. Scotland should, as a nation, have some form of self-government. The United Kingdom should, as a nation of nations, uphold a sense of diversity and roominess. Were not France, for heavens sake. And, all things being equal, the principle of devolution that idea that decisions made closer to people are generally better ones remains the right one. The problem with Scotlands political debate is that questioning whether the theory has worked in practice has become something close to heresy. You are not just asking polite questions about why matters dont work, you are talking Scotland down. This nonsense needs to stop. It is not unpatriotic to say devolution hasnt been delivered properly. Its just a factual observation. It has led to an all-powerful government in Edinburgh that has sucked up more power to itself. It led a referendum in 2014 which pleased nobody and has taken everybodys eye off the ball for a decade. It has fostered a form of performative, petty-nationalist politics in which success is measured by the Scottishness of the thing, not its long-term benefit. What it cant make free, government has banned; for everything else marked too difficult, another consultation is ordered. There is plenty of good out there: witness the efforts by Chief Entrepreneur Mark Logan to make Scotland a more dynamic country exactly the kind of long-term, patient work which will, in time, reap rewards. But given all the billions of public money and the countless hours that have gone into making the parliament, the record is undeniably poor. Acknowledging that would be a first step. Devosceptics were right to say that devolution would give nationalism a leg-up. They were right to warn it would hand more control to a secretive and reform-allergic public sector. They were right to ask whether it was all worth the cost. The 25 years of devolution have shown that it is impossible to separate the high-minded principles of devolution from the low reality of Scotlands identity-driven political culture. The former has nurtured the latter and mostly for the worse. But since we cant just shut up shop, some clear thinking needs to be applied. First off, learning the lessons of the past, the answer does not lie in handing yet more major powers to an institution that can barely cope with those it already has. Instead, it is time to embed the good principles of devolution more deeply into UK and Scottish life. The UK birthed devolution but brought it up as an orphan. It devolved power and then forgot about the whole thing. Now the UK state needs to adapt to recognise the new country it has created. On a practical level, UK ministers should think of Scotland as a joint venture, casting itself as partner to Scotland, showing how the heft of the UK combined with the powers of the devolved parliament can deliver real benefits to our economy, to healthcare and to our quality of life. Show how to make devolution work. And secondly, pro-UK parties in Scotland should come up with ideas on how to extend devolution from Edinburgh to our towns, cities and regions. The Covid inquiry has exposed how power in Scotland has been tightly controlled in Edinburgh. Using the opportunity of devolution, nationalists such as Nicola Sturgeon have drawn power to themselves. Next week, the think tank I run, Our Scottish Future, will be setting out our thoughts on how to push this power out into Scotland so that islanders on Arran, for example, no longer feel so forgotten and have more power. Holyrood is here to stay. And despite its rotten record over the past 25 years, I dont want to give up on devolution just yet. Those of us who continue to support it need to reflect on our complacency over the past quarter of a century and then deliver a positive alternative to nationalism that lasts. Canada's Federal Court has overturned a Colorado woman's refugee status after she claimed asylum from the US based on her gender identity. Transgender woman Daria Bloodworth gained refugee status in Canada after successfully arguing that a combination of gun culture and rising transphobia put her at risk in America, CBC News reported. Bloodworth, 36, told the the Refugee Appeal Division in 2019 that she had been stalked by her college roommate who she alleged had threatened her with a gun. Bloodworth, who is now studying biological sciences at Yukon University, claimed she was the target of threats and violence from her former landlord and a debt collection agency, according to court documents, In October 2022, the court determined that Colorado authorities were incapable of protecting her and that her safety couldn't be guaranteed elsewhere in the US. Transgender woman Daria Bloodworth gained refugee status in Canada arguing gun culture and rising transphobia put her at risk in America Bloodworth, 36, told the Refugee Appeal Division in 2019 that she had been stalked by her college roommate who she alleged had threatened her with a gun Now, Judge Christine Pallotta said the committee failed to identify 'any gap in Colorado's laws, which include state-level laws to protect transgender individuals' and overturned their decision to grant protection. Bloodworth plans to appeal the ruling to the Federal Court of Appeal. 'It was made pretty clear from the get go that this was going to be an uphill battle, winning this thing, or even staying in Canada a little bit longer and not get murdered in the US,' Bloodworth told CBC. 'I honestly feel like this is home. I'm not going to say Canada's perfect, but at least since I've moved here, I haven't been threatened with a gun or threatened with a knife. 'I haven't been discriminated against because I'm transgender,' she said. Adding: 'I feel like I could actually live here if I was allowed to live here.' Bloodworth's criminal complaint against her Colorado State University roommate initially resulted in him being charged with menacing. Bloodworth was also granted a protection order. However, the case was dismissed a few months later, and a judge decided not to keep the protection order in place. Bloodworth's criminal complaint against her Colorado State University roommate initially resulted in him being charged with menacing Bloodworth plans to appeal the overturn of her asylum status to the Federal Court of Appeal Bloodworth claimed the ex-roommate continued to stalk her, and said police did not respond to her calls for action. 'Colorado's open carry gun laws combined with the general climate of anti-trans hatred growing in the US could make [her] perpetually vulnerable and at risk to her life,' Judge Mohan wrote when granting Bloodworth refugee status on 2022. 'I further find that [she] does not have an [internal flight alternative] in the U.S. because relocation for a person with her profile, in her circumstances, would be unreasonable,' Mohanadded. 'It is unusual for cases from the United States to be approved as refugee cases in Canada,' Vancouver immigration lawyer Zool Suleman, who is not involved in the case, told CBC. 'Generally speaking, the U.S. is not seen a refugee-producing country. 'In this specific case, clearly the federal court felt that further thought needed to be placed upon the kinds of protections available to the claimant. And we would need to keep an eye on it to see if it is turning into an area of growing persecution claims from the United States,' he explained. Tucker Carlson has confirmed he is in Moscow to interview Vladimir Putin - and he's doing it because 'Americans are not informed' about the war in Ukraine. The former Fox News host announced on X on Tuesday that he would be publishing an interview with the Russian despot, following widespread speculation after he was pictured leaving the Kremlin in Moscow on Monday. Carlson, 54, said the interview would air 'unedited' on his website, without a paywall, and on X, making him the first American to interview Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. 'Two years into a war that's reshaping the entire world, most Americans are not informed,' the conservative commentator said of the conflict in Ukraine. 'They have no real idea what's happening in this region. But they should know, they're paying for much of it in ways they might not fully perceive.' It's not clear when Carlson's video statement was taken or whether the interview has already happened. He did not say when the sit-down will air. Tucker Carlson has announced that he has interviewed Vladimir Putin because 'Americans are not informed' about the war in Ukraine Carlson would be the first American to interview Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 Russian state media outlet Sputnik aired footage on Monday which it said showed Carlson's car leaving the Kremlin. 'Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they're implicated in,' Carlson added in the four-minute clip taken in Moscow. He went on to call the world's English-language media corrupt, claiming they 'lie to their readers and viewers' and that 'it is his duty to inform' the public. Carlson repeated the unconfirmed claim that the Biden administration illegally spied on him three years ago to stop him from interviewing Putin. He then claimed the federal government 'did the same thing once again.' 'But this time, we came to Moscow anyway,' he said, adding that he paid for the trip himself, 'and did not take money from any government or group.' 'We are not here because we love Vladimir Putin. We are here because we love the United States and want it to remain prosperous and free,' Carlson claimed. The commentator also stated that Elon Musk had 'promised not to suppress or block this interview.' 'Western governments, by contrast, will certainly do their best to censor this video and other less principled platforms because thats what they do,' Carlson added. The video statement comes after days of speculation over Carlson's trip to Moscow, and whether it would include an interview with the tyrant. Putin has not saw down with an American journalist since June 2021, when he spoke with NBCs Keir Simmons. Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour responded to Carlson's video message, noting that western journalists indeed have made attempts to interview Putin. She wrote: 'Does Tucker really think we journalists haven't been trying to interview President Putin every day since his full scale invasion of Ukraine? It's absurd -- we'll continue to ask for an interview, just as we have for years now.' Russian state media fueled the rumors on Monday, posting a video they claimed showed Carlson leaving the Russian Presidential Administration. The outlet, however, would still not confirm the interview took place. The former Fox News star also kept his cards close to the chest on Monday, after Russian media showed pictures of him at several spots around Moscow, including at a box at the Bolshoi Theatre and eating at a hotel. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson (center), 54, was spotted in the Russian capital at a Spartacus performance in Bolshoi Theatre, according to media in Russia A picture of Carlson appears to show him at a Spartacus performance at the Bolshoi Theatre 'It is beautiful,' Carlson said of Moscow in an interview aired by the Izvestia newspaper. 'I just wanted to see it because, you know, I have read so much about it but I have never seen it before.' When asked if he was in Moscow to interview Putin, Carlson said: 'We'll see' and smiled. The Kremlin has also refused to confirm it Putin would be sitting down with the American podcaster. Carlson reportedly arrived in the capital on February 1 and was spotted at a Spartacus performance in the Bolshoi Theatre. Back in 2021, Carlson claimed the National Security Agency began 'spying' on him after he said he was trying to interview Putin. Carlson said that his communications were intercepted by the NSA, and that his identity - which should by law have been kept a secret - was 'unmasked' by senior intelligence officials. He claimed that the content of his emails and texts was then disseminated, in a bid to discredit him. The conservative, who has defended Putin in the past, has opposed America's support for Ukraine and suggested that the West is to blame for the invasion. His show Tucker Carlson Tonight was once the most viewed cable news show in the US before it was taken off-air in April 2023. Prison bosses are to use covert technology to tackle the growing problem of drones being used to smuggle drugs and weapons into Scottish jails. A pilot project will alert prison staff if a drone has entered their establishments airspace, allowing them to intercept it. It is being developed by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Police Scotland alongside a technology company. Latest figures show that in the first nine months of last year, a total of 54 drones were detected at prisons, compared to only seven in the whole of 2022. Prison chiefs will deploy new technology to spot drones above jail airspace and stop them delivering drugs, weapons and phones Justice Secretary Angela Constance unveiled plans for the drone pilot programme during a parliament debate In one incident last year a drone carrying drugs, knives and mobile phones worth 75,000 was flown into the grounds of a prison. It crash-landed in the prisoners yard at HMP Edinburgh and was recovered by staff. The new project to combat the issue was announced by Justice Secretary Angela Constance during a debate at the Scottish parliament. She said: On technology, I will say briefly that the Scottish Prison Service continues to work with Police Scotland and an external provider to develop a pilot programme that is trialling covert technology that alerts establishments to drone activity in SPS airspace. That is one of the many actions that are being taken. Ms Constance added: The safety and security of our prison staff, who do a difficult and, at times, dangerous job, is of the utmost priority to me and this Government. There needs to be a range of action, including continuing work to prevent contraband from coming into prisons in the first place, because that does not make prisons safer and it can often add to the violence in our prisons. Of the drones recovered last year, 16 were carrying phones, a dozen contained drugs and two had weapons. In the debate at Holyrood, Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay said prisons were under siege from gangsters who control the drugs trade. He added: Drones are now being used to smuggle contraband. Only seven were detected in 2022, but there were 54 in the first nine months of last year. Many prison officers feel scared and unsupported. An SPS spokesman said: Any attempt to bring illicit substances into our establishment, including by a drone, poses a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of those in our care, and we will use all technological and intelligence tools available to prevent this wherever possible. We continue to work with Police Scotland and other partners to take action against those who attempt to breach our security. Last year HM Chief Inspector of Prisons said in a report on HMP Perth that drone technology had led to a step change in the illicit drugs trade behind bars. Wendy Sinclair-Gieben said drones were providing an alternative method of getting drugs into jails after a crackdown on drug-soaked letters being sent to inmates. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is now facing calls to resign and the GOP is in disarray after the House leadership and multiple senators vowed to never vote for the $118 billion border package. The farcical development came less than an hour after President Joe Biden blamed Donald Trump for leading the bid to tank the law to help improve his chances in the 2024 election. The bill - including $20 billion for border measures - would mandate the border be shut if there are 5,000 encounters over the course of a week or 8,500 migrants encountered in a single day. But many Republicans didn't think it went far enough and are demanding the immediate reinstatement of pandemic-era Title 42, Remain in Mexico policies and border wall construction. House Speaker Mike Johnson immediately deemed it 'dead on arrival' and at least 22 Republicans in the Senate were expected to vote against the massive bill. 'It's been made pretty clear to us by the speaker will not become law,' McConnell said Tuesday. 'It looks to me, and most of our members, is that we have no real chance here to make a law.' McConnell is also facing multiple calls to resign, including from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, as Republicans turned their fury onto the 81-year-old for insisting border policy changes be included in the funding package for Ukraine and Israel. McConnell quipped back when asked about Cruz, who also voted against his re-election as GOP leader in 2022: 'We can all agree that Senator Cruz is not a fan.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is facing much of the fury from Republicans opposing the border and foreign aid package Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declared the $118 billion border bill dead House Speaker Mike Johnson said the $118 billion Senate border package is 'dead on arrival' as he announced over the weekend that the lower chamber will bring a 'clean, standalone' $17 billion Israel aid bill to the floor next week McConnell also praised Sen. James Lankford for his 'remarkable job' leading negotiations and getting the Border Patrol Union to back the bill. 'To pick off the Border Council, which supported President Trump, certainly underscores that it was a quality product,' he said. The union representing 18,000 border patrol agents is supporting deal, saying it is 'not perfect' but better than the 'status quo.' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had said that he plans to bring the first procedural vote to the floor on Wednesday and has the backing of President Biden and most Democrats. President Joe Biden delivered a blistering speech at the White House Tuesday where he accused congressional Republicans of 'caving' to Donald Trump and urged them to 'show some spine' by backing a border security deal. 'Frankly it looks like they're caving,' Biden said, while telling GOP lawmakers to 'show some spine' and asked them to 'reconsider blowing this up.' He accused Trump, his most likely 2024 rival, of spending his time pressing Republicans to oppose the deal. Trump insisted in a flurry of posts to his Truth Social account that only a 'fool or a radical left Democrat' would actually vote for the 'horrendous' border package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Republicans don't have the 'backbone, the guts, the spine' in order to 'resist the blandishments' of Trump - even when he's wrong. Three chief negotiators for the border security package, Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), unveiled the text of the sprawling deal on Sunday. The $118 billion deal, backed by the White House, includes $14 billion in aid to Israel, $60 billion to Ukraine and also $20 billion for securing the southern border amid a massive increase in illegal migration. It also includes billions for critical partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. The Senate may now separate the Ukraine and Israel aid package from the border provisions of the bill in an attempt to pass legislation to help critical allies of the U.S. But since the text became public, Republicans expressed outrage at the legislation's content and have called for new GOP leadership. Top negotiator Lankford went after his GOP colleagues who are furious with the deal, saying on Fox & Friends Monday that they're nitpicking 'crazy details' and just want to 'attack' the proposal - which he says closes the border down. He specifically explained that crossers have exceeded 5,000 almost every single day over the past four months and called Republican criticism of the provision 'ridiculous' because the bill 'completely closes the border down' and 'deports everyone.' But Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, blasted the deal, calling it a 'crap-sandwich of a border bill,' and said 'a single weekend' isn't long enough to fully review the 370-page law. 'He needs three weeks to be able to read it, but he's already opposed to it,' Lankford fired back. 'So again, people have to be able to read it and go through it themselves. Don't just go off of Facebook post somewhere on what the bill says,' Lankford said. Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Sen. Steve Daines was the first among the upper chamber's leadership to oppose the bill. He has since been joined by other leadership Republican Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Sen. Jone Thune of North Dakota. Fired up Sen. Lankford also told reporters Monday that some lawmakers 'point blank' told him that since its a presidential election year, 'don't do anything that helps Biden,' including by passing the border deal. His statement was a shot at Trump for trying to step in and tank the deal. But House Republican leadership made it clear over the weekend that the package doesn't have backing in the lower chamber. 'Any Republican voting for this Senate America last open border amnesty bill must be paid off by foreign interests and is acting as a foreign agent,' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted to X, formerly Twitter. 'What an embarrassment! Shame on them!!' Former Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry (R-Pa.) called the deal a 'dumpster fire.' 'I've seen enough,' Speaker Johnson (R-La.) wrote on X. 'This bill is even worse than we expected, and won't come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created.' 'As the lead Democrat negotiator proclaimed: Under this legislation, 'the border never closes,' Johnson added. 'If this bill reaches the House, it will be dead on arrival.' Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) wrote, 'Let me be clear: The Senate Border Bill will NOT receive a vote in the House.' Additionally, several progressives are also expected to oppose the plan like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who said Sunday that he is against the package due to the funding for Israel. And pro-immigration and Hispanic lawmakers are taking aim at overhauls made to the immigration policy. More than 302,000 were apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in December When broken down by day , approximately 10,000 migrants crossed every day from Mexico into the U.S. in December Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) called the bill a 'new version of Trump-era policies that will cause more chaos at the border.' The White House intervened with border negotiations in the Senate, with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas going to Capitol Hill for discussions despite the House launching an impeachment inquiry against him at the same time. In December, the U.S. saw the highest number of migrants arrested at the U.S. border with Mexico as more than 302,000 were apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). When broken down by day, approximately 10,000 migrants crossed every day from Mexico into the U.S. in December, which is 5,000 more than the cutoff the new bill would establish. The writer of a controversial Wall Street Journal Op-ed that branded Michigan city Dearborn 'America's Jihad Capital' has spoken out to defend his article. Author Steven Stalinisky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Initiative, told CBS he was not trying to insult the small Detroit suburb as a whole but simply shine a light on discourse coming out of the town - which has the largest Muslim population in the US per capita. These displays, he insisted, appear to show how protests and rhetoric toward Israel in the locale are becoming more aggressive and may soon require federal intervention. Of its 108,000 citizens, roughly 54.5percent are Middle Eastern, Census data shows. This includes the city's mayor, who was among those to express outrage over the controversial article after it was published last Friday. Scroll down for video: Steven Stalinisky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Initiative, made the categorization in the piece's headline, much to the chagrin of Dearborn residents Stalinisky, who is author of American Traitor: The rise and fall of Al-Qaeda's U.S.-Born Leader Adam Gadahn, said on Monday: 'So the protests are getting more aggressive - both in Dearborn as well as around the country now. 'Theres signs that you are seeing pro-Hamas people, Hezbollah at the protests.' Stalinisky, who works for a firm founded by an ex-IDF colonel, told CBS Detroit in a telephone interview: 'This should be an alarm for national security [and] counter-terrorism to be looking at. No ones doing that.' He continued: 'Thats the essence of the article. 'Its not a broad swipe at every single person in Dearborn. I didnt say that,' he added. The Wall Street Journal Op-Ed centered around pro-Palestinian processions and social media posts that have come out of the town since October 7. 'Almost immediately after... and long before Israel began its ground offensive in Gaza,' Stalinisky wrote, 'people were celebrating the horrific events of that day in pro-Hamas rallies and marches throughout Dearborn.' He also alleged that local religious leaders had called for the extermination of the Israeli people and claimed a local headline describing a pro-Palestine event at a Ford Performing Arts Center read 'Michigan rally cheers Hamas attack'. Stalinisky told CBS he was not trying to insult the small Detroit suburb as a whole, but was simply shining a light on discourse coming out of the town - which has the largest Muslim population in the US per capita Of its 108,000 citizens, roughly 54.5percent are Middle Eastern. Several have since come together to protest Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, following Hamas's attack on October 7 Stalinisky claimed the discourse seen in the Detroit suburb should be a matter of national security One of those outbursts, he said, came during the aforementioned procession organized by Dearborns Islamic Center of Detroit, where Imam Imran Salha told the crowd Israels actions have put 'fire in our hearts that will burn that state until its demise.' He also cited past comments from the mosque proprietor before the conflict broke out that urged members of his congregation to say 'amen' in agreement with a prayer that stated Allah should 'eradicate' the 'sick, disgusting Zionist regime.' Pointing to reporting from the Washington Free Beacon, Stalinisky went on to state that Salha's organization received $150,000 in funding from the Homeland Security Departments nonprofit security grants program. He also mentioned another October rally, one held in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, where another imam called October 7 'one of the days of God and a 'miracle come true.' Named as Imam Usama Abdulghani, he reportedly described the attackers deployed by the terror group as 'honorable', while comparing them to 'lions' defending 'the entire nation of Muhammad the messenger.' The executive director of the Middle East-centered org went on to claim that 'local enthusiasm for jihad against Israel and the West [in Dearborn] extends beyond celebration of Hamas', mentioning a December 30 memorial for a Hezbollah operative killed in an Israeli airstrike. Such comments spurred a swift response from many of Dearborn's mostly Arab populace, including members of the Arab-American Civil Right League, who held a conference Monday to decry Stalinisky's article, which forced officials to ramp up police presence at some sites How dare you talk about this community and say that were a "Jihadist" state, said one community leader, flanked by high-ranking members of the agency, who called the article anti-Arab, anti-Muslim, racist, and Islamophobic Jim Allen, the ACRL's chairman, called out the Journal for giving a platform to 'chicken hawks like Steven Stalinsky' who 'call us Jihadist because we have raised our voices of descent against war' ACRL Executive Director Mariam Charrara said: Make no mistake the author of this op-ed in The Wall Street Journal knew the harm they were going to inflict when they submitted this article' His comments spurred a swift response from many of Dearborn's mostly Arab populace, including Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who - in an interview with the CBS affiliate - called Stalinisky's comments 'garbage'. It also forced city officials to ramp up security and police presence at several sites, most of them mosques and places where residents congregate. In a video call, Mayor Hammoud told the station of Stalinsky's comments: 'This is purely inflammatory, and it was meant to stoke fear, to stoke division, to stoke hate.' He continued: 'As someone who grew up in the post-911 era, this shows me that not much has changed and this is media malpractice.' Camera crews for the outlet went on to capture some similar reactions from members of the community, more than 300,000 of whom are Middle Eastern. Several were seen Monday at a press conference called by the Arab Civil Rights League, where organizers decried the op-ed for seemingly an entire town a hotspot for anti-Israel and anti-American ideals. How dare you talk about this community and say that were a "Jihadist" state, said one community leader, flanked by high-ranking members of the agency, who called the article anti-Arab, anti-Muslim, racist, and Islamophobic. ACRL Executive Director Mariam Charrara said: Make no mistake the author of this op-ed in The Wall Street Journal knew the harm they were going to inflict when they submitted this article.' Jim Allen, the ACRL's chairman, called out the Journal for giving a platform to 'chicken hawks like Steven Stalinsky' who 'call us Jihadist because we have raised our voices of descent against war.' Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who - in an interview with the CBS affiliate - called Stalinisky's comments 'garbage' Stalinisky is the executive director of MEMRI a publication that according to its own website was founded by a former colonel who spent 20 years working for the IDF Dearborn Mayor Hammoud, meanwhile, claimed the op-ed was 'clearly a distraction', saying Stalinsky was merely attempting to divert attention form the alleged war crimes that may be being committed overseas. 'That's all it was meant to be,' he said. 'That's all it was for. It obviously comes in this moment of time not out of coincidence. It was very targeted and timely to get us off message but our message stands.' Hammoud, mayor of Dearborn since 2022, went on to add: 'What needs to happen is a ceasefire.' An 85-year-old Arizona former doctor has been charged with manslaughter for his involvement in a woman's suicide at a motel room in Upstate New York. Stephen Miller, a former doctor, was arrested last week in connection with the death of an unidentified woman at Super 8 by Wyndham Kingston in New York. The woman's body was discovered by motel staff in November last year, and subsequent investigations concluded that she died through assisted suicide, as stated by the Ulster County district attorney's office. Miller, living in Tucson, Arizona, now faces a second-degree manslaughter charge along with two counts of assault, according to Kingston police. After voluntarily turning himself in, Miller pleaded not guilty, posted bail, and returned to Arizona, according to his attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman. Authorities have provided limited information about the woman and the circumstances surrounding her death but confirmed that she was not related to Miller. Stephen Miller, 85, has been charged with manslaughter for his involvement in a woman's suicide at a motel room in Upstate New York Miller, a former doctor, was arrested last week in connection with the death of an unidentified woman at Super 8 by Wyndham Kingston (pictured) in New York Investigations revealed that Miller had traveled from Arizona and was present with the woman at the time of her death at the motel, located 75 miles from New York City. Lichtman stated that the woman was grappling with 'massive, debilitating pain' and felt she had exhausted her options. The specific illness she suffered from and whether it was terminal remains unclear. Lichtman said the woman had reached out to Miller through the advocacy group Choice and Dignity, which supports the legalization of medical aid in dying, where Miller served on its advisory board. 'She didnt want to be alone,' Lichtman said. 'He felt empathy for her.' Consultations with the woman had gone on for months and Miller was careful not to violate any statutes, he said. 'This was done carefully, compassionately and with a lot of research and reflection,' the attorney said, adding that Miller has provided similar services for other people before. Litchman believed the woman had inhaled some kind of gas and died of asphyxiation, although he's unsure about the official cause of death. 'Hes an 85-year-old man who simply wanted to provide comfort and counseling to someone who couldnt live with the pain in their life anymore,' Lichtman said. 'For his life to end, dying alone in a jail cell in New York, is, frankly, disgusting,' the attorney said. Assisting or causing another person to commit suicide is considered a felony in New York under state law Oregon is now seeing a record number of people ending their lives in the state, after it became America's first suicide tourism destination in 2022 Assisting or causing another person to commit suicide is considered a felony in New York under state law. According to the advocacy group Death with Dignity, physician-assisted death is legal in ten states, including Maine, New Jersey, Vermont, New Mexico, Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. Among those jurisdictions, Montana is the only state that permits the practice through a state supreme court ruling in 2009. Poll Should doctor-assisted suicide be available where you live? Yes No Not sure Should doctor-assisted suicide be available where you live? Yes 6454 votes No 5070 votes Not sure 998 votes Now share your opinion Lawmakers in Oregon and Vermont have even made it easier for people to access lethal drugs by allowing patients from outside the states to travel and end their lives. Colorado's new law - dubbed SB 24-068 - was proposed by Democrat state senator Joann Ginal at the start of this year. The bill is poised to expand the state's physician-assisted suicide law, making it as the third 'suicide tourism' destination, following the footsteps of Oregon and Vermont. The bill would also give the green light for anyone approved to end their lives to do so within 48 hours of the request rather than the 15 days currently required for Coloradans. Campaigners have previously raised concerns over suicide tourism, warning doctors 'hardly know' the patients to whom they are prescribing it to. Among nine states that have laws explicitly allowing assisted dying, eight are Democrat-led, as well as both states that allow people from other states to come to them to end their lives. Oregon became the first 'suicide tourism' destination in the US in 2022. Official figures show that since then at least three people have traveled to the state to end their lives. But experts say this figure is likely a huge underestimate because the vast majority of assisted dying prescriptions do not record a person's residency address. At the same time, the number of people using assisted dying in Oregon has hit a record high with 431 prescriptions for the measure written in 2022. This was up 12 percent on the previous year and double the number from five years ago. Of those who were prescribed assisted dying in 2022, a total of 278 followed through with the measure to end their lives. The rest may not have either because they changed their minds or because they died before they could use the provision. There is no data yet on the number of people traveling to Vermont to end their lives. Despite advocates' efforts to advance the state's Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York, it has faced repeated setbacks, failing to secure lawmakers' approval in recent years. Miller lost his license to practice medicine upon his conviction for tax fraud in Texas, Lichtman said. Miller was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to just under four years in prison, according to a Department of Justice news release. Choice and Dignity president Jim Schultz said in an email they were saddened to hear of Miller's arrest. 'We see Steves work as a compassionate presence for people who do not wish to die alone as a noble undertaking,' Schultz wrote in an email. Princess Anne has continued her full day of royal engagements as she visited a health centre in Nottingham after an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, just the day after the King's shock cancer diagnosis. The Princess Royal, seen as a stalwart member of the royal family, was among those close relatives told personally by King Charles of his diagnosis, which he has known about since early last week. She is one of a number of senior members of the family who are expected to increase the number of engagements they take on as the monarch steps back to focus on his health, on the instruction of doctors. Princess Anne visited Nottingham West Primary Care Network at Eastwood Primary Care Centre this afternoon within her role as patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. The network aims to address the high demand from patients in care homes as they work to create the most effective wrap-around support possible for their local population. Excited residents could be seen peeking from their windows and breaking out into grins as the royal chatted below - and she left clutching a huge bouquet of flowers. But the Royal did not react to questions from the crowd as she got into her car asking about her brother's condition. Excited residents could be seen peeking from their windows and breaking out into grins as Princess Anne chatted below - and she left clutching a huge bouquet of flowers Princess Anne visited Nottingham West Primary Care Network at Eastwood Primary Care Centre this afternoon within her role as patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Wearing a striking purple check coat and a matching skirt and scarf, the Princess could be seen chatting and shaking hands with NHS workers Shortly before, she also visited G.H. Hurt & Son - a luxury fabric manufacturer known for their knitted shawls and lace scarves Running in the city since 1912, the established firm had her grinning to cameras as she was given a tour around the historic site Princess Anne's day was not finished there - as she arrived at the Science Museum to present an award in her fourth engagement of the day Wearing a floral blue and white dress with bright green polka dots, she sheltered from the rain under umbrellas as she walked to the central-London building Wearing a striking purple check coat and a matching skirt and scarf, the Princess could be seen chatting and shaking hands with NHS workers as she left the building. Shortly before, she also visited G.H. Hurt & Son - a luxury fabric manufacturer known for their knitted shawls and lace scarves. Running in the city since 1912, the established firm had her grinning to the cameras as she was given a tour around the historic site. But Princess Anne's day was not finished there - as she arrived at the Science Museum to present an award in her fourth engagement of the day. Wearing a floral blue and white dress with bright green polka dots, she sheltered from the rain under umbrellas as she walked to the central-London building. The Princess Royal also faces a busy day tomorrow - where she will have three engagements across Berkshire, London and Oxfordshire. She will start the day by visiting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission - of which she is president - in Maidenhead, before visiting the Community Rehabilitative Services in East London. Princess Anne will end the day visiting a Munitions and Search Training Regiment at St George's Barracks in Bicester. Earlier today, the Princess Royal led an investiture ceremony 140 miles across the country at Windsor Castle. She handed out honours to the likes of conductor Ivor Bolton, tenor Nicky Spence, rugby union referee Sara Cox and wheelchair rugby league player James Simpson. She is then scheduled to travel up to the Midlands for a royal visit later today. In a statement last night Buckingham Palace said that during surgery for a benign enlarged prostate, doctors spotted a separate issue 'of concern' for the King, and that this has since been confirmed to be cancerous. Ivor Bolton, from London, Conductor, is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle by Princess Anne Princess Anne is to plough on with business as usual after being informed of her brother Charles' cancer diagnosis (Pictured: The Princess Royal on a visit to Moray on February 1) The King (pictured with Camilla after leaving The London Clinic on January 29) spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment It comes as the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, continues to recover from planned abdominal surgery while Sarah Ferguson also battles cancer for the second time, having recently been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Before the news was confirmed on Monday, Princess Anne put on a brave face as she attended the dedication of a new St John Ambulance Community unit in Devizes, Wiltshire. The support unit was purchased following a successful fundraising campaign that raised 65,000 in donations. It is not unusual for the Princess Royal to take on significant royal duties such as investitures - she previously carried out such ceremonies on January 17, 24 and 31. Prior to that, the King conducted two in December, with Prince William taking on the mantle on November 27. Speaking on Sky News, the Mail's Robert Hardman described the Princess Royal as 'essential' at the royal family's time of need, adding that she is 'the backbone of the whole institution'. Meanwhile the King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment - as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. Earlier on Tuesday Princess Beatrice was seen leaving Clarence House, where Charles is currently believed to be staying, with her husband following the news. It was reported this morning the monarch could be away from public-facing duties until at least March as he undergoes regular treatment. The hardy royal is one of those expected to take on royal engagements in her brother's absence Rugby union referee Sara Cox is awarded an MBE by Princess Anne on Tuesday morning Princess Anne got straight back to business on Tuesday morning despite her family's health concerns Anne bestows an honour upon operatic tenor Nicholas (Nicky) Spence on Tuesday The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Princess Anne has been a stalwart at King Charles' side since the death of their mother, Queen Elizabeth II (Pictured during a trip to Moray on February 1) The Princess Royal is pictured endowing an honour on Davina McCall at the most recent investiture on January 31 The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last Monday with Queen Camilla by his side Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 'His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.' Charles had been admitted to hospital for surgery on January 26 for treatment on a benign enlarged prostate. He remained at The London Clinic for three nights before being discharged and returning home. The Prince of Wales, the Queen and other working royals are all to step up their royal duties while the King undergoes treatment as an outpatient. Buckingham Palace has confirmed a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed, but it is not anticipated that Counsellors of State will need to be appointed. In the event a monarch cannot undertake their duties as sovereign on a temporary basis due to illness, two or more Counsellors of State can be appointed by Letters Patent to act in their place. The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital (Pictured attending church in Sandringham on Sunday) Anne, Princess Royal attends the dedication of a new St John Ambulance Community unit in Devizes as her brother prepared to go public with his cancer diagnosis on Monday The Royal Family has been rocked by a series of health scares in the last few weeks, with the Duchess of York recently announcing she has skin cancer Kate Middleton is recovering at home from abdominal surgery following a two-week stay at private hospital The London Clinic It is hoped the King will continue with some of his duties, but how much he can do will depend on the progress of his treatment and the orders of his doctors. Other members of the royal family are expected to continue with a full programme of public engagements and may undertake some additional duties on behalf the King if they are required to do so. Usually the duty would fall to William in the first instance, who has recently returned to royal duties after the Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery last month. William had taken time off to support his family as Kate recovered first in hospital, then returned home to Windsor to convalesce. He will host an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and that evening will attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising gala in central London, Kensington Palace said. Camilla will also continue with a full programme of public duties while her husband is treated, the Palace said. Provisions for Counsellors of State are made under the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 and those who can currently stand in for Charles include Queen Camilla and the four most senior adults in the line of succession over the age of 21 - the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and Princess Beatrice. In 2022, the King asked Parliament to add his youngest brother the Duke of Edinburgh and sister the Princess Royal as extra Counsellors of State so they can deputise for him if need be, and the addition was fast-tracked into law. The legislation did add Anne and Edward to the list, but stopped short of removing Andrew and Harry. However, the House of Lords heard only 'working members' of the royal family would be called upon to act as Counsellors of State. The Duke of Sussex is flying to London to be with his father after the King's shock cancer diagnosis after clearing his diary. He could arrive in the UK as early as lunchtime today. Charles is positive about his treatment and hopes to returning to full public duty as soon as possible, the Palace said. William is likely to be undertaking some duties on his father's behalf, it is understood, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed when a monarch cannot fulfil their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced. The Palace has called for the King's privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the King's hospital stay, Kate's major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of York's skin cancer diagnosis. Victorian residents are threatening to boycott an interactive Harry Potter event which will use a fenced wildlife sanctuary to temporarily create a fantasy wizard world. The Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience will see an area of The Briars Sanctuary at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula transformed into the fictional world from April 6. Some locals are urging the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to relocate the event over fears it could negatively impact the conservation park's habitat. The 230-hectare sanctuary is home to more than 400 species of native animals, including Australia's largest owl - the Powerful Owl. More than 20,000 people have signed a petition urging the council to relocate the Harry Potter event. The Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience will see an area of The Briars Sanctuary at Mount Martha, on the Mornington Peninsula, transformed into the fictional world The event is facing major backlash - with locals threatening to boycott - over fears the experience will negatively impact the sanctuary's native wildlife The event is expected to attract 3,000 people per night. Gidja Walker, local ecologist and president of Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association, said it was ironic that the owl at the heart of the Harry Potter franchise could potentially be harmed by its own marketing exercise. 'A lot of fans would be horrified to hear it is affecting the powerful owls,' Ms Walker told News.com.au. Ms Walker explained the wildlife sanctuary was home to an area of remnant forest - an area of flora and fauna that has remained relatively untouched by man - which will be disturbed by generators, cabling and path widening for the event. She said there are other areas of The Briar that would be better suited to host the event - including a community forest full of European trees. 'All they have to do is move it and get into it with community support,' Ms Walker said. 'If they go ahead with this, there will be people trying to stop them from doing this all over the world. That won't look good.' Fans of the series are concerned the event would impact the Powerful Owl, which is native to the region and the 'iconic' species at the heart of the Harry Potter franchise More than 21,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to relocate the experience Shannon Meilak, founder of Melbourne's first Harry Potter fan club the third largest such club globally - said she would boycott if the show was not relocated. When she bought her ticket, Ms Meilak explained she did not know the event was being held in such a 'sensitive location'. 'If they don't move the show to a more appropriate location, I'll be demanding a refund for my tickets and accommodation,' she told the Herald Sun. 'This show, which I have no doubt the council thought would be great for local tourism, could end up stopping people from ever visiting.' Councillors have reportedly forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement about planning for the event. The Mornington Shire Council has published an extensive FAQ section on its website explaining in detail the environmental impacts of the experience. The 230 hectare sanctuary is home to more than 400 species of native animals Council explained the footprint of the event is roughly 1 per cent of the total Briars area and 7 per cent of the sanctuary and will use less than two kilometres of mostly existing paths (pictured) It noted the concerns over the Powerful Owl and confirmed it had recorded the species on the site previously, but said the closest nest was 300 metres from the boundary of the event. 'The potential impacts to the owl have been carefully noted and considered,' Mornington Shire Council wrote. 'We have protected this nest, including keeping details of its location confidential to avoid any direct disturbance of the nest. 'While the experience does not affect the nest, we are aware the owl may forage across the whole site. Our work will include monitoring the movements of the owl, and noting where we can minimise any impact to the owl in the experience design.' It claimed hosting such events was critical to the ongoing financial viability of The Briars which will help secure its 'longer-term sustainability'. The council explained the footprint of the event is only about one per cent of the total Briars area and seven per cent of the sanctuary - using less than two kilometres of mostly existing paths within the 90 hectares. 'We have worked extensively with an experienced ecologist to assess and mitigate the potential impacts to flora and fauna,' Mornington Shire Council wrote. 'We are confident measures we are putting in place will minimise any perceived impact the event may have on wildlife.' Tiger King's Carole Baskin has asked the Florida Supreme Court to block her husband's former assistant from suing her for defamation. Anne McQueen said she had been defamed after Baskin claimed that the secretary had embezzled money from the couple in her YouTube videos and on a website in 2020. But the Tiger King star soon argued against the lawsuit and said it was without merit since she was protected by free speech provisions, her entries were not defamatory and McQueen had failed to provide proper notice of her 'intent to sue' as required by law. A trial judge went on to rule in Baskin's favor and dismissed the case but she did not get to revel in her success for long, thanks to an appeals court ruling which reversed the verdict. Carole Baskin had been sued for defamation by her ex-husband Don Lewis' former assistant Anne McQueen (pictured) for posting video diary entries on YouTube and on a website in 2020 According to the lawsuit, Baskin (pictured) had claimed that McQueen embezzled money from her and her then-husband, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances more than two decades ago in her statements Baskin soon argued against the lawsuit and claimed it was without merit since she was protected by free speech provisions, her entries were not defamatory and McQueen had failed to provide proper notice of her 'intent to sue' as required by law A trial judge went on to rule in Baskin's favor and dismissed the case. The original ruling said Baskin was a 'media defendant' and her statements were protected by free speech provisions under state law. But appeals court judges then ruled Baskin's statements were not protected speech and that her postings and video entries fell short of what is considered a media defendant in the way newspapers and broadcasters are protected. McQueen is also involved in another lawsuit with Lewis' daughters Gale, Lynda and Donna against Baskin. The group took legal action against the Tiger King star after claiming that she was 'complicit' with jokes made by judges about Lewis' disappearance during her stint at Dancing With The Stars in September 2020. But later, an appellate court reversed parts of the trial court judge's ruling McQueen is also involved in another lawsuit with Lewis' daughters Gale, Lynda and Donna against Baskin Lewis' daughters Gale, Lynda and Donna and McQueen claim Baskin was 'complicit' with jokes made by DWTS judges about his disappearance The big-cat rights activist's former spouse went missing in 1997, six years after they married in 1991, and was legally declared dead in 2002. In Netflix hit, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue is blamed for Lewis' disappearance and accused of 'feeding him to the tigers' by her rival Joe Exotic - claims she has fiercely denied. According to TMZ, legal documents state that Don's relatives have an issue with Carole failing to dispute DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli when he called her paso doble sedated and quipped she didnt quite kill it. The media personality is also facing a lawsuit for promising to 'really kill it next week' on the celebrity dance show during an interview on Good Morning Britain. The other star of the hot show, Joe Exotic whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder for hire in regards to his nemesis Carole Baskin Exotic made a plea for Kim Kardashian's help to get him out of prison under one of her older sister Kourtney's recent Instagram pictures The other star of the hot show, Joe Exotic whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder for hire in regards to his nemesis Carole Baskin. Last week, he made a plea for Kim Kardashian's help getting him out of prison under one of her older sister Kourtney's recent Instagram pictures. The former zookeeper attempted to reach out to the reality star, who has been studying law since 2018, through social media earlier this week. 'Please have your sister help me get out of this hell hole,' the convicted felon wrote. In response to to one fan asking if the comment was real, Exotic replied that he was 'ready to film my comeback series' and needed Kim to 'push Biden to sign' his 'pardon.' The 60-year-old Kansas native also gushed that the photo Kourtney posted with her baby boy, Rocky Thirteen, who was wrapped in his mother's arms. The Florida Supreme Court has yet not released a date to review Baskin's request King Charles has arrived at Sandringham for the first time today after his cancer diagnosis on the anniversary of his grandfather's death. Charles arrived back at the Norfolk country house with Queen Camilla after meeting his son Prince Harry for less than an hour in their first face-to-face encounter for nine months. His arrival back at the royal residency falls on the same day that King George VI died 72 years ago. The father of Queen Elizabeth II passed away in his sleep at Sandringham at the age of 56 on February 6, 1952, after suffering from lung cancer. The condition was kept secret from the King himself, who died five months after having part of his left lung removed. King Charles arrived back at the Norfolk country house with Queen Camilla after meeting his son Prince Harry for less than an hour in their first face-to-face encounter for nine months Charles arrival back at the royal residency (pictured) falls on the same day that King George VI died 72 years ago King George VI passed away in his sleep at Sandringham at the age of 56 on February 6, 1952, after suffering from lung cancer Although King George VI was in largely good health for most of his reign, his heavy smoking ultimately took a toll. In September 1951, he had his left lung removed for was referred to at the time as 'structural abnormalities'. In reality, it was due to cancer, but the King's doctors kept this diagnosis both from the public and the monarch himself. Although he did seem to be recovering from the procedure, the King died suddenly from a coronary thrombosis - or blood clot in the blood vessels or arteries of the heart - five months later, in February 1952. Before he was treated for lung cancer the King also grappled with issues with his arteries which in 1949 nearly saw him lose his right leg when he developed an arterial blockage. This led to the postponing of a planned tour of New Zealand and Australia. George's death was a shock to the public and the Royal Family. He had waved goodbye to his 25-year-old daughter and heiress, Elizabeth, just a few weeks before as she left to visit Kenya. News of her father's death, and her immediate accession to the throne, reached the Queen while she was on safari. Charles, 75, is said to be 'on good form' following his treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer. The royal helicopter was seen arriving in Sandringham just before 5pm. Charles and Queen Camilla were seen waving to crowds as they left Clarence House in London in an official car at 3.35pm before catching a helicopter to Norfolk. The monarch's Sikorsky S-76C chopper landed less than an hour later at the royal estate at around 4.20pm. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A teenage boy has been charged with assault after allegedly attacking a woman walking along a suburban street. The 14-year-old allegedly approached the woman on Neville Avenue, in Para Vista, in Adelaide's north, at about 7.30pm on Monday to ask for directions. He then allegedly tried to drag her into nearby bushes before the woman started to scream. CCTV had captured the boy walking behind the woman in the area before the alleged attack The boy ran from the scene and the woman was not injured. The 14-year-old was arrested at a home in the same suburb on Tuesday night and has been charged with indecent assault. He was granted bail and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on April 5. Security camera footage showed the boy walking behind the woman moments before the alleged attack. Residents living near a state forest where a mother-of-three disappeared fear she may have fallen into one of the hidden mine shafts in the area. The search for Samantha Murphy, 51, is now entering its fourth day after she vanished on Sunday morning while going for a run in the Canadian State Forest, about an hour-and-a-half northwest of Melbourne. She was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East at 7am on Sunday. The avid runner was planning on a 20km run through the forest - an area her husband says she is very familiar with - but never returned. One local said mine shafts in the Canadian State Forest were a 'major concern'. The search for missing mother-of-three Samantha Murphy (pictured) has entered its fourth day 'The mine shafts out there aren't very noticeable in some areas,' she told A Current Affair. Ms Murphy's elderly neighbour, Ray, was stunned by her disappearance. 'I can't believe it,' he said, adding her husband Michael sometimes mowed his lawn for him. 'Normally, she goes for a run in the morning and gives me a wave.' The couple own and operate a smash repairs business. On Tuesday, Mr Murphy said he was feeling 'not too bad under the circumstances'. 'It's just up in the air, we don't know,' he told the Herald Sun. 'It's just a whole time thing, at the end of the day.' Mr Murphy told Nine News he would not be joining the search as he preferred to keep his mind occupied with other matters while he waited for an update. He was pictured on Tuesday speaking with police as the search continued. Michael Murphy (pictured with police) broke his silence about his missing wife on Tuesday The couple are pictured in happier times on a holiday in Bali, Indonesia, in 2017 READ MORE: Search enters third day for runner missing in Victoria's Canadian State Forest near Ballarat Friends of Ms Murphy are seen joining in the search in Ballarat East Advertisement Ms Murphy is listed as the head of administration at the Inland Motor Body Works, a car repair shop run by the couple in the southwest Ballarat suburb of Delacombe. The widespread search for the mother is being coordinated by the Search and Rescue Squad and involves local police, more than 100 specialised officers from the dog squad, mounted branch, solo unit and air wing. SES crews and teams from Forest Fire Management Australia and Parks Victoria have also joined the search. A growing number of Ballarat residents and Ms Murphy's friends have joined the search. Ms Murphy's 'upset and concerned' family have described her disappearance as out of character. On the morning Ms Murphy vanished, she was wearing a brown singlet and black half-length leggings. Acting Inspector Lisa MacDougall said Ms Murphy's mobile phone had pinged in Buninyong, but 'inquiries are ongoing as to whether (the phone) is still on'. 'Phones can run out of battery, but that forms part of the investigation,' she said on Monday. Ms Murphy is an administrator at Inland Motor Body Works, which she owns with her husband Mr Murphy (pictured) said his missing wife runs (right) in the state forest almost every day Ms Murphy, an avid runner, was last seen wearing a brown/maroon singlet and black leggings Ms Murphy was known to be fit and run almost daily in the state forest. 'The area of search isn't completely remote, we are on the outskirts of Ballarat, and it's not that far from urban areas as well,' Insp MacDougall said. Temperatures soared to a scorching 36C on Sunday and it's unknown whether Ms Murphy had food or water with her. 'Obviously, (Sunday) was a hot day... there (is) obviously increased risk there because of the heat,' Insp MacDougall added. 'It raises the urgency of the search for us, and obviously we account for the fact that that will have an impact on someone's health.' A major search for the missing jogger was launched after she failed to return home on Sunday The White House on Tuesday refused to be drawn into questions about President Joe Biden's fitness for the job, a day after he appeared to claim he spoke recently to a French head of state who died in the 1990s. The incident came during a speech in Las Vegas, when Biden recounted a conversation with world leaders in the United Kingdom in 2021. 'I said: "America's back,'" he recalled. 'And Mitterrand from Germany, I mean from France, looked at me and said: 'You know, how long you back for?"' In fact, President Francois Mitterrand died in 1996, as Fox News Peter Doocy pointed out during the White House daily briefing a day later when he asked Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre how the president would address some three-quarters of the population concerned about his physical and mental health. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to be drawn into questions about Joe Biden's fitness, a day after he claimed he spoke recently to a French president who died in the 1990s 'I'm not even going to go down that rabbit hole with you, sir,' was her brief response. When Doocy objected that it wasn't a rabbit hole, she expanded her answer, listing Biden's busy recent itinerary. 'You saw the president in Vegas, in California,' she said. 'You've seen the president in South Carolina. You saw him in Michigan. I'll just leave it there.' The episode only served to highlight Biden's increasing age. At 81 he is already the oldest president in history, and he is running for another term that would keep him in office until the age of 86. A DailyMail.com poll last year found that 70 percent of voters thought Biden was too old to be president. That included more than half of Democrats, showing the challenge he faces as he campaigns for a second term. Each gaffe is seized on, fairly or unfairly, that his age is getting in the way of his ability to do the job, Rather than Mitterrand, he was in fact talking to President Emmanuel Macron at that 2021 summit, a blunder made worse by Biden's pedigree in foreign affairs. He knows Macron, elected in 2017 at the age of 39, well: Macron is the youngest president in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon. Biden also met Mitterrand back when the future American president was a young senator. French president Francois Mitterrand visited the Bay Area in 1984. Biden met him during his long career although they certainly did not cross paths in England in 2021 Biden knows the current President of France, Emmanuel Macron (pictured), well. He is the youngest president in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon Some 49 percent of Democrats admit Joe Biden is too old to be president in our poll of likely 2024 voters from last year. Only 28 percent believe he is just the right age Mitterrand took office in 1981, when the current French president was three years old. Biden, as chair of the European Affairs Committee, met Mitterrand in January 1988 while discussing a Soviet nuclear weapons treaty. Mitterrand was president until 1995, and died a year later, aged 79. Biden's confusion is just the latest gaffe for the famously folksy president, who had a stutter as a child and has referred to himself as a 'gaffe machine.' He has repeatedly said that his son Beau died in Iraq, instead of at Walter Reed, and in June 2023 muddled up the ongoing war in Ukraine for the Iraq War, which ended in 2011. He declared that Vladimir Putin was 'clearly losing the war in Iraq.' Sebastian Pinera, the two-time former president of Chile has died in a helicopter crash aged 74, the government said. Chile Interior Minister Carolina Toha confirmed the death of the former president this evening. She said four people had been involved in the crash and whilst three survived, the former president was killed with the army recovering his body. Former Prime Minister David Cameron is one of many world leaders to have paid tribute to the politician after the sad news spread across the world. Writing alongside a photo of the pair, Cameron shared to X: 'I am deeply saddened by the tragic news from Chile that former President Sebastian Pinera has died in an accident. 'President Pinera was a true friend to the UK, and a friend to me also, after we enjoyed a close working relationship during our time in office. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.' Serving as president from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022, Pinera led the South American nation during devastating natural disasters, including the fallout of an earthquake and a tsunami. Sebastian Pinera, the two-time former president of Chile has died in a helicopter crash aged 74, the government said Pinera pictured during an address to the nation in 2019 Former Prime Minister David Cameron is one of many world leaders to have paid tribute to the politician after the sad news spread across the world Pinera also oversaw Chile's Covid response, which included one of the fastest vaccination rates in the world. His legacy is marred by violent police repression in October 2019 against protesters who were demonstrating against the country's education, health and pension systems dating to the country's 1973-1990 military dictatorship. International organisations cited mass violations of human rights in the crackdown. The social unrest ultimately led to two attempts to update the constitution inherited from the military government, but both have failed. The son of a prominent centrist politician, Pinera was a Harvard-trained economist who made his fortune introducing credit cards to Chile in the 1980s. Pinera was the owner of the fifth-largest fortune in Chile, estimated at some $3 billion. He worked as an academic in several universities for almost 20 years and as a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank. As a businessman in the 1970s through the 1990s, he worked in a variety of industries, including real estate. He held shares in major airlines, telecommunication, real estate and electricity companies. He also created one of the largest credit card companies in the country. In 2009, he handed over the management of his businesses to others. He entered politics representing the center-right, which was the civilian support of the military regime. However, when he served as an independent senator, he voted against the extension of dictator Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). His legacy is marred by violent police repression in October 2019 against protesters who were demonstrating against the country's education, health and pension systems Protests in the country's capital against the former president in November 2019 Pinera gives then Prime Minister David Cameron a rock from the bottom of the San Jose mine as they meet in Downing Street in 2010 He ran three times for president of Chile. In 2006, he lost to socialist Michelle Bachelet; then in 2010 he defeated former President Eduardo Frei and was elected in 2010. Four years later, in 2018, he won a second four-year term after defeating a leftist independent. Twelve days before the beginning of his first term, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami claimed the lives of 525 people and devastated the infrastructure of central-southern Chile. Pinera's government agenda was postponed in order to take on emergency reconstruction. In 2010, he also led the unprecedented rescue of 33 miners trapped for 69 days at the bottom of a mine, which captured the world's attention. He closed his administration having created an estimated 1 million jobs. Politicians around South America have paid tribute to Mr Pinera. The former Argentinian President Mauricio Macri said he felt 'immense sadness' and it was an 'irreplaceable loss'. Ivan Duque, the former president of Colombia, said he felt great sadness for the death of his friend. Venezuelan migrant gangsters in New York City drag a 62-year-old woman behind their moped slamming her into a bike rack before making off with her cell phone. The Denver Department of Public Schools is suddenly in a $18 million hole after more than 2,800 migrant children were recently enrolled. Poor African American families in Boston are booted out of a community center so the city can house dozens of desperate immigrants living out of Logan International Airport. 'You don't give a (expletive) about those born and raised here,' a man screamed at guards outside the gate. Can you blame him? That same anger explodes in the southside of Chicago, where hundreds turn out to protest temporary tent cities in their neighborhoods or in Brooklyn, where high schools are repurposed as migrant shelters. Vignettes from a country tearing itself apartpolitically and functionallybecause of a crushing crisis at the southern border. And the only thing more appalling than the state of America's grievously broken immigration system is the gutting reality that the nation's political leaders refuse to come together to fix it. 'The only reason the border is not secure is because of Trump and his MAGA Republican friends,' President Joe Biden outrageously claimed from the White House on Tuesday, putting the nail in the coffin of the most significant U.S. immigration reform bill in a generation. Venezuelan migrant gangsters in New York City drag a 62-year-old woman behind their moped slamming her into a bike rack (above) before making off with her cell phone. Vignettes from a country tearing itself apartpolitically and functionallybecause of a crushing crisis at the southern border. That same anger explodes in the southside of Chicago (above), where hundreds turn out to protest temporary tent cities in their neighborhoods or in Brooklyn, where high schools are repurposed as migrant shelters. But the simple sickening truth is that neither party's presidential nominee really wanted this bill to pass. Both would rather play a deeply cynical political game that gambles on the chance that their voters will blame the other side as the crisis rages on with no end. December 2023 was the worst month in history for illegal crossings on the U.S.-Mexican border, topping 300,000 people for the first time ever. That's the equivalent of the entire population of Pittsburgh. By some estimates, under Biden, the illegal immigration population in America has nearly doubled to a staggering 20 million. The immigration reform bill negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators would not have solved every problem in the U.S. immigration system but it was good enough to secure the support of the U.S. Border Patrol Union, which endorsed President Donald Trump in 2020. 'While not perfect, the Border Act of 2024 is a step in the right direction and is far better than the current status quo,' said Brandon Judd, president of The National Border Patrol Council. The $118 billion national security package which also included funding for the wars in Ukraine and Israel would have reformed lax asylum laws that enable nearly anyone to arrive at the border and demand entry. Millions have taken advantage of this loophole knowing that they'll be released into the interior, and it'll be years before their claims are adjudicated. Many never return for their court appearance. And the bill would have scaled back this administration's gross corruption of an obscure humanitarian parole program, which Biden has exploited to allow 1.5 million people into the U.S. since 2021. Biden and Trump would rather play a deeply cynical political game that gambles on the chance that their voters will blame the other side as the crisis rages on with no end. (Above) Migrants in New York City attacks police officers The $118 billion national security package which also included funding for the wars in Ukraine and Israel would have reformed lax asylum laws that enable nearly anyone to arrive at the border and demand entry. So, how you might be asking could this bipartisan deal be dead on arrival in Congress? President Biden doesn't want a solution to the border crisis; he wants a political salve. On one hand, he is desperately trying to shore up his support with swing voters who are upset over him unleashing the worst mass migration crisis in history and its accompanying crime and overcrowding. But on the other, Biden is running scared from the young radical progressives who are already mad at him for being old and siding with Israel against Hamas. They think the unfettered flow of illegal immigrants is just fine and would be mortified if Democrats did a thing to stop it. So, Biden acts like he wants to pass the bill but does everything to sabotage it. How else do you explain him dispatching Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to be a primary cheerleader for the bill? Mayorkas has the least credibility of anyone in Washington after claiming for years that the border was 'secure.' 'The bipartisan agreement in the Senate is tough, fair, and takes meaningful steps to address the challenges our country faces after decades of Congressional inaction,' Mayorkas tweeted Sunday evening as the bill's text was released. Good strategy, Alejandro. Insult the members whose votes you need! If Biden truly wanted to pass comprehensive immigration reform he would have stepped to the podium in the White House, admitted his mistakes, and pledged to reverse his disastrous Day One decisions that led to this crisis. Biden campaigned in 2020 on a promise to give health care to illegal immigrants, and on his first day in office, repealed every Trump-era border protection provision (many that he now claims he'll reinstate). In September 2021, this President falsely accused mounted border patrol agents of whipping Haitian migrants who were illegally crossing the border in Del Rio, Texas. The entire episode - a hoax perpetrated from the presidential podium. More than a year later, the agents were cleared of any wrongdoing and Biden has never apologized. For three years he's claimed the border was secure. Now he admits it hasn't been secure for 'ten years' and that 'MAGA Republicans' are to blame. Biden campaigned in 2020 on a promise to give health care to illegal immigrants, and on his first day in office, repealed every Trump-era border protection provision (many that he now claims he'll reinstate). In September 2021, this President falsely accused mounted border patrol agents of whipping Haitian migrants (above) who were illegally crossing the border in Del Rio, Texas. The entire episode - a hoax perpetrated from the presidential podium. To quote a man, that is malarkey. Of course, the GOP is not blameless here. They've rightfully convinced the American people that the country is being 'invaded.' But now at the direction of Donald Trump they've walked away from something that might help, even incrementally, because the presumptive GOP nominee doesn't want to give his weakened opponent a political life raft. Today, Trump has the upper hand on immigration. The polling is clear. But after walking away from this deal will that advantage remain? Time will tell. There's a vast middle part of the American electorate who wants more policymaking and less grandstanding. They ought to dig a deep hole and stay there until 2025. Republicans threw away a shot at once-in-a-generation changes to the immigration system, reforms that Democrats have never and may never agree to again. The sad truth is that Biden and Trump have both calculated that the immigration crisis will be a net positive for them this fall. They're just two old scapegoats butting heads - competiting to sit atop a disaster. A baggage handler who wrote an offensive word on a passenger's luggage tag has been slammed for the 'disrespectful' act. A Qantas customer was shocked to see the word 'c**t' hand written on the attached 'heavy' tag when he collected his bag after the flight from Perth to Karratha in Western Australia's mining region of Pilbara. Such 'heavy' tags are put on weighty luggage as a protective warning to handlers to be careful when lifting. 'Clearly the Qantas baggage handler at Perth Airport wasnt happy lifting my bag,' he wrote on Facebook. 'He left me a nice note to read on arrival.' The man's bag weighed 31kg; a kilo lighter than the weight limit on domestic flights. A customer who flew from Perth to Karratha in the Pilbara region in Western Australia discovered the word 'c**t!' after collecting his bag upon arrival The Kathmandu bag weighed 31kgs and had a 'heavy' tag attached, which is where the baggage handler wrote his 'vulgar' and 'unacceptable' note The passenger shared a picture of his bag and the offending tag, drawing a heated response from social media users. 'What a disrespectful so and so... not cool at all,' one wrote. Other customers believed he was lucky to receive his luggage at all, referencing Qantas' reputation for losing luggage in the post lockdown period. 'At least you got your bag. Just flew Perth to Broome and they left everyones bags in Perth,' one said. A Qantas spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the note was 'clearly unacceptable behaviour' and had 'sincerely apologised' to the passenger even though baggage handling is outsourced to another company. 'Menzies, our ground handling provider at Perth Airport, has assured us that the baggage handler involved will never work on Qantas Group aircraft again.' A Menzies spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they have taken 'appropriate action'. 'The viewpoints expressed by this employee do not represent Menzies Aviations values and we apologise to the passenger affected. Daily Mail Australia understands Qantas has also offered a travel voucher as a gesture of goodwill. Qantas said their 'ground handling provider' told them the baggage handler 'will never work on Qantas Group aircrafts again Many customers have criticised Qantas for a deterioration in services in the post-lockdown period, when the airline struggled to find qualified and experienced staff to replace those who had left to get other jobs. Some of the chief complaints concerned 'poor service' and forced 'downgrades', along with short-notice cancellations and delays. In January, a musician hit out at the airline for damaging his 'handcrafted' double bass worth $13,000 right before he was due to perform at the Perth Fringe Festival. The national carrier was also accused of selling 'ghost flights' to customers by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which launched legal action in August 2023. Such a practice sees the airline continue to sell tickets for flights it knows will be cancelled, and offer only alternative flights instead of refunds. Some customers will also have to deal with a disruption on Thursday when Western Australia-based Qantas pilots will strike for 24-hours. The strike, which is part of a long-running pay dispute with Qantas, meant flights to mines with FIFO workers could be disrupted, as well as regional flights. Israel has claimed that nearly one in four hostages held in Gaza are dead and has informed the 31 devastated families who had been holding out hope for the return of their loved ones since October 7. This comes as the Qatari prime minister insisted that Hamas is 'generally positive' about fresh ceasefire plans, which could see more than 100 hostages currently being held captive in Gaza released. Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, appeared at a news briefing, confirming that families had been notified and 'that their captured loved ones are no longer among the living and that we have pronounced them dead.' Hagari did not divulge any details into how the hostages died. At least 31 of 136 hostages held in Gaza have died since the start of the war, amid mounting pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the retrieval of Israelis held captive by Hamas. Israel has claimed that nearly one in four hostages held in Gaza are dead, and has informed the 31 families who had been holding out hope for the return of their loved ones Smoke billows during Israeli bombardment in Rafah on the southern Gaza Strip on February 6 amid the ongoing war A further 20 hostages may also be dead, after Israeli officials told the New York Times that Israel was investigating unconfirmed intelligence. In December last year, three Israeli hostages gunned down by IDF troops had been holding up a white flag on a stick and were shirtless when they were mistaken for Hamas terrorists. More than 240 Israeli hostages were kidnapped by Hamas and other militant groups and forcibly taken into Gaza, with over 100 having been released since the start of the war in a hostage deal last year in exchange for the release of Palestinian female and child prisoners. In a meeting today with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Hamas had 'comments' about the proposals but he would not divulge any further details. Hamas added in a statement that it had responded to the latest ceasefire plans in a 'positive spirit'. But the group continued its demands for a 'a comprehensive and complete' ceasefire to end 'the aggression against our people' - something Israel has ruled out. Mr Blinken said he would brief Israel's leaders on Hamas's position when he visits the country on Wednesday. Israeli army soldiers stand by one of the Egyptian trucks bringing in humanitarian aid supplies to the Gaza Strip Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Hamas had 'comments' about the proposals but he would not divulge any further details Antony Blinken's trip to the Middle East is riddled with challenges, not least the deadlock between Israel and Hamas on any potential ceasefire with the former rejecting US-backed proposals for a path to a Palestinian state Hamas is 'generally positive' about fresh ceasefire plans, which could see more than 100 hostages currently being held captive in Gaza released, according to Al Thani The new proposals come after Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said that his country's offensive would eventually expand to Rafah. More than one million Gazans are currently seeking refuge at the Egyptian border city, living in abysmal conditions. And more people continue to flee to border towns, such as Rafah, with over two thirds of Gaza under Israeli evacuation orders, according to UN figures. The US Secretary of State met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sissi in Cairo before his audience with Al Thani and has repeatedly opposed the forcing out of Palestinians from Gaza. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 which ended decades of war. But now Egypt is warning that this peace could be at threat if Israel push Palestinians over the border and start deploying soldiers in Egyptian territory. Qatar and Egypt have been at the heart of talks surrounding a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas which could potentially include the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza in return for a several-week halt in Israeli military operations. Yesterday Mr Blinken had a conference with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh following comments from officials that the country had a desire to negotiate a historic peace deal with Israel but only if a Palestinian state could be created. The US Secretary of State met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sissi (pictured, right) in Cairo before his audience with Al Thani and has repeatedly opposed the forcing out of Palestinians from Gaza Yesterday Mr Blinken had a conference with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh following comments from officials that the country had a desire to negotiate a historic peace deal with Israel but only if a Palestinian state could be created The US Secretary of State's trip to the Middle East is riddled with challenges, not least the deadlock between Israel and Hamas on any potential ceasefire with the former rejecting US-backed proposals for a path to a Palestinian state. Recent US strikes have also fallen on flat ears with Iran's militant allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, continuing to attack ships in the Red Sea, which will concern Mr Blinken, who is hoping to ensure the war in the region does not spread any further. Discussing the fresh ceasefire plans, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: 'I would say that the negotiating effort is still ongoing. 'We aren't at a place where we have finality on it.' This comes after a spate of new warnings suggested Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen could try to sabotage internet cables in the Red Sea carrying nearly one fifth of the world's web traffic. Yemen's government warned that the Red Sea is 'one of the three most important meeting points for cables' on the globe and the Houthis pose a 'serious threat to one of the most important digital infrastructures in the world.' Egypt is warning that this peace could be at threat if Israel push Palestinians over the border and start deploying soldiers in Egyptian territory (pictured: displaced Palestinians in Rafah, Egypt) Over two thirds of Gaza is under Israeli evacuation orders, according to UN figures (pictured: a Palestinian girl who fled from northern Gaza to southern Gaza) A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could potentially include the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza in return for a several-week halt in Israeli military operations The new proposals come after Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said that his country's offensive would eventually expand to Rafah Fears of this potential revenge for US air strikes grew when a Houthi social media channel published a map showing the routes of various cables through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, began attacking international shipping in the Red Sea on November 19 in support of Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza. The U.S. and U.K. have since launched an extensive airstrike campaign against the group. EXCLUSIVE A female cleaner savagely mauled by a dog while working at a suburban home was saved by tradies pelting it with rocks and a garbage bin before police Tasered the 'aggressive' pet. Lynda Dowell, 52, turned up to a home on Warburton Street in Condell Park, in Sydney's south-west, shortly before 1pm on Tuesday to clean when she was suddenly set upon by the property owner's pet. The canine, believed to be an American Pit Bull Terrier, bit her relentlessly on the chest and limbs. A group of tradesmen working nearby heard Ms Dowell screaming and rushed over to save her from the terrifying attack, throwing what was available at hand - a bin and rocks - at the canine before cops arrived. Ms Dowell was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition, while the dog was removed from the scene by council handlers and then euthanised. Lynda Dowell (pictured) was mauled by a dog while cleaning a property in south-west Sydney on Tuesday Dog handlers are pictured removing the animal from the property on Tuesday Ms Dowell is a mother and animal lover herself, with her social media accounts filled with pictures of her pet dog Marshall, and cat Bella. 'Sending you lots of love and strength aunty,' her niece Kiara wrote online. 'Hope you have a quick recovery!' Distressing footage from the scene showed two officers standing behind a wall as onlookers shouted at them to take action. 'It needs to stop now, you've got to get her out of there, mate,' yelled one tradie who was watching from behind a fence. Seconds later, an officers fired a taser. The animal then started barking as someone shouted: 'Where's the ambulance?' Emergency crews arrived a short time later. Witnesses said there was little that could be done to help the stricken woman until police arrived. 'Two tradesmen actually pulled up and were helping, but they just couldn't stop the dog attacking the woman,' neighbour Peter Burzynski told the Daily Telegraph. One of the men who ran to the woman's aid, who identified himself only as Mohamad, said such dangerous animals should not be allowed. 'I started throwing rocks at it, I threw a crowbar at it, throwing little concrete slabs at it, threw a garbage bin at it and the dog wouldn't move. He kept sitting on the floor and (mauling the woman),' he said. 'That dog shouldn't be out in the public, especially a dog like that. We've all got kids, it could've been any of our kids, could've been our mums, our wives, anybody.' Ms Dowell suffered 'multiple bites' to her chest and arms in the terrifying attack The woman was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition (pictured: the dog is taken away) A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said 'multiple crews attended the scene'. 'They assessed and treated a woman in her thirties for multiple dog bites to her chest and limbs,' the spokesperson said. 'She was then transported to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.' A City of Canterbury Bankstown spokesman said: 'After assessing the dog, it is clear it could not be rehabilitated and has since been euthanised.' A spokesperson for NSW Police said: 'About 12.50pm today (Tuesday 6 February 2024), emergency services were called to Warburton Street, Condell Park, following reports of a dog attack. 'Bystanders attempted to intervene, before police from Bankstown Police Area Command discharged a Taser to stop the attack. 'A woman was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition.' As a father of three, I know too well that sending your kids off for the first day of a new school year is always an exciting yet nervous time. Do they have everything they need? What teacher will they have? Will they find a good group of friends? In recent years, another very serious issue has become an increasing concern for many parents - how do I stop my child from being lured into vaping? Data shows that about one in six high school students, and one in four young Australians aged between 18 and 24 are vaping. Mark Butler is pictured alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese A nationwide ban on the import and sale of disposable vapes came into effect on January 1. Illegal nicotine vapes have been sold next to chocolates and the government is aiming to crack this out Vapes have become the No.1 behavioural issue in many schools. We need to make sure that when our kids start the new school year, they don't pick up vaping alongside new friends and new experiences. Vapes have morphed very quickly to become a widespread, highly addictive product, and one being deliberately marketed at our kids. You've probably seen the vapes I'm talking about - brightly coloured with rainbows or unicorns on them, and with flavours like bubblegum, grape or cherry. Vape shops are deliberately setting up down the road from schools - it's an industry targeting their product to kids. We are taking on Big Tobacco so they can't succeed in getting a new generation addicted to nicotine. The truth is the only groups who want to regulate and sell vaping products are those who profit from kids getting hooked on nicotine - Big Tobacco and tobacco retailers. That's why on January 1, the Albanese government brought in the first stage of our world-leading reforms to protect young Australians. These disposable, single-use vapes can no longer be imported. Stopping these vapes from coming into the country is the first step in turning the tide on vaping in Australia. There will be more changes in March. Flavours will be restricted, nicotine concentration will be reduced and pharmaceutical packaging will be used, to make vapes less appealing to young people. We'll be introducing laws to effectively make it illegal to make, advertise or sell single-use disposable or non-therapeutic vapes anywhere in Australia. Reducing the widespread availability and accessibility of vaping products will be critical to the success of the reforms. Mark Butler says vapes have become the No.1 behavioural issue in many schools. We want to ensure that vaping products are only available from pharmacies for therapeutic purposes. It is important to know that under these reforms young people and other users of these products will not be punished for possessing a vape. The focus will be to stop the commercial supply and sale outside of therapeutic settings to protect young people. For free confidential support for you or your children to quit smoking or vaping, call the Quitline on 137 848. A family-run home building company has gone into administration with 29 projects in limbo, becoming the latest victim of a crisis in the construction industry. DC Living, trading as Living Homes VIC and Living Homes QLD, went into administration on January 31 with SV Partners appointed as administrators. The Brisbane-based company, founded in April 2015, described itself as 'born and bred Queensland home builders with a deep passion for designing and constructing quality homes for the Greater Brisbane market'. It specialised in home designs and house and land packages. 'From our family to yours, we're your family builder,' its website said. 'At DC Living, we're a family-run business that understands the importance of creating a sense of belonging. A home building company has gone into administration with 29 projects in limbo (pictured is a DC Living display home in Brisbane) 'Just like how families take care of one another, we treat you like one of our own.' Australian Securities and Investments Commission records show the company had the trading names of Living Homes VIC from January 2021 and Living Homes QLD from June 2017. It's unclear if the company had incomplete projects in Victoria but in Queensland, it had 29 projects underway in 2023-24 worth more than $10.2million, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission confirmed. Affected home owners have until May 2 to make a claim under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. A QBCC spokesman said DC Living had insurance policies for 29 construction jobs in 2023-24 and another 19 in 2022-23. 'The QBCC is currently working to determine the number of DC Living Pty Ltd's incomplete projects and the number of potential claims under the scheme,' he told Daily Mail Australia. DC Living still has an office at the Fortitude Valley in Brisbane's inner-north, with ASIC records obtained by Daily Mail Australia showing Hugh William Bridle, 46, had been the director and secretary since April 2015. Angelo Augostis, 52, had been director since February 2022 but was company secretary from February 2019. DC Living, trading as Living Homes VIC and Living Homes QLD , went into administration on January 31 with SV Partners appointed as administrators (pictured is a display home) Brisbane-based companies HWB Group Holdings Pty Ltd and AJH Future Pty Ltd were the main shareholders. DC Living can continue trading as a debt-payment plan is worked out, with insolvency group SV Partners appointing David Stimpson and Daniel Quinn as administrators. It is the latest in a succession of building firms to fall into administration, with companies unable to make a profit as the price of materials and tradesmen soar and they are locked into fixed-price contracts. A drone that killed three US troops in Jordan likely went undetected and there was no air defense on site capable of shooting it down, according to a new assessment. The Iranian-made device was probably missed 'due to its low flight path,' a US defense official told The Washington Post. The findings contradict previous reports the suicide drone was mistaken for an American device and was allowed to pass through defenses at the Tower 22 base undetected. The January 28 attack killed Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, and Sgt. William Rivers, 46, and injured more than 40 other troops. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabina Singh said officials are still conducting an investigation into the strike, which took place near the Syrian border. The death of the soldiers prompted a wave of bombing hitting various Middle East targets. A drone that killed three US troops in Jordan, including Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders (pictured), likely went undetected and there was no defense capable of shooting it down a report has found The assessment contradicts previous reports which suggested the suicide drone had been mistaken for an American device enabling it to pass through defenses. The attack also killed Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, (left) and Sgt William Rivers, 46, (right) The Iranian-made drone was probably missed 'due to its low flight path,' officials told the Washington Post 'We're still assessing exactly what happened in that attack. And of course, CENTCOM and the [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin] will determine if there's any change or needs to be any change to our defensive posture at Tower 22 or any other base in the region. But I just don't have more for you on that specific attack,' she told The Hill. She also refused to disclose how many Middle East bases used by US troops do not have air defense systems capable of shooting down attack drones, citing operational security. 'For the most part, our air defenses have been able to catch or been able to destroy any impact or any incoming rockets or drones at bases,' Singh added in an attempt to allay concerns US troops at other bases were unprotected. She also stated troops would not be consolidated at bases with air defenses amid increased attacks in the area. 'Across Iraq and Syria and Jordan, the mission of the service members is the defeat ISIS mission. So moving our troops and our service members into different areas takes away from their mission. That's what they're there for, that's what they're there to do,' Singh said. The suicide drone was launched 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. 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 US-ally Pakistan. The drone attack late Saturday night impacted a US outpost located in the northeast part of the country known as Tower 42, near the Syria border, and resulted in at least 40 other injuries President Joe Biden responded to the attacks and directed strikes against more than 85 targets across seven locations The president added the strikes over the weekend were just the start of the US' retaliation President Joe Biden vowed to respond in the aftermath of the attack and unleashed B-1 bombers and other US forces to conduct strikes against more than 85 targets across seven locations. Iran has denied it was behind the Jordan attack. But John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, warned the strikes over the weekend were 'just the beginning.' 'Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing,' Biden warned. 'Let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.' He and other top U.S. leaders had been saying for days that any American response wouldn't be just one hit but a 'tiered response' over time. Kirby added that the targets 'were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties and based on clear, irrefutable evidence that they were connected to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region.' He declined to detail what that evidence was. The strikes took place over about 30 minutes, and three of the sites struck were in Iraq and four were in Syria, said Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, director of the Joint Staff. A man has been charged with milicious communications over an 'abusive and threatening' phone call to Tory MP Mike Freer. James Phillips, 46, will appear at Willesden Magistrates Court tomorrow. He was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of malicious communication and was taken to a north London police station for questioning, and was later charged. The alleged offence was reported by Mr Freer on February 1, the day after his bombshell interview with the Mail where he announced his resignation and said he had been driven out of office by death threats. It comes as a separate investigation into an arson attack at the MP's office in Finchley, north London, on Christmas Eve is ongoing, with a man and a woman charged with arson with intent to endanger life. The two incidents are not being linked, police said. Justice Minister Mike Freer told Rishi Sunak he will step down at the election following a string of threats and incidents, which culminated in an 'arson' attack on his constituency office in December In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mr Freer said he could no longer put his family through the anxiety of knowing he might be targeted for his views every time he steps outside Last month's 'arson' attack was 'the final straw'. One email sent after the attack informed him he was 'the kind of person who deserved to be set alight'. Pictured: Mr Freer's offices after the attack Last week Mr Freer told Rishi Sunak he will step down as MP for Finchley and Golders Green at the next general election after a series of death threats. The 63-year-old has suffered more than a decade of intimidation and says he feels 'lucky to be alive' after narrowly escaping a confrontation with terrorist killer Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered fellow Tory MP Sir David Amess. Mr Freer told the Mail he could no longer put his family through the anxiety of knowing he might be targeted every time he stepped outside. He said his husband Angelo had become 'incredibly jittery' since it emerged that Ali had visited his Finchley and Golders Green constituency office with the intention of killing him. On police advice, Mr Freer has had to wear a stab vest when attending scheduled public events in his constituency. Last month's arson attack in north London was 'the final straw'. An email sent after the attack informed him he was 'the kind of person who deserved to be set alight'. The incident led to 'tense' conversations with family members over Christmas, before he decided he would step down. Mr Freer said quitting politics would be 'a real wrench', but added: 'Obviously your husband or your family's views have to carry a lot of weight. And when someone worries that, "are you going to come home at night", you have to take that seriously.' He said all MPs sadly had to accept a certain level of abuse as 'par for the course' in modern public life. But he added: 'You shouldn't really have to think, am I going to survive the day?' The 63-year-old has suffered more than a decade of intimidation and says he feels 'lucky to be alive' after narrowly escaping a confrontation with terrorist killer Ali Harbi Ali (left), who murdered fellow Tory MP Sir David Amess (right) Mr Freer told Rishi Sunak he would step down at the next election. Pictured: Sunak laughs at a joke as he talks with pupils at Wren Academy in Finchley, north London, on December 14 Mr Freer's decision will lead to fresh questions about security for MPs, who have faced increased threats in recent years. It may also reignite the debate about the toxic influence of social media on public life. EXCLUSIVE CLICK HERE to read the full, devastating interview with Justice Minister Mike Freer Advertisement In the past decade, Sir David and Labour MP Jo Cox were murdered in their constituencies. Labour's Stephen Timms was stabbed by an Al Qaeda sympathiser in 2010 but survived. Mr Freer said he suffered his first serious death threat the following year, when the group Muslims Against Crusades told him to 'let Stephen Timms be a warning to you' and urged supporters to target him. A dozen supporters of the group then burst into an event he was holding at North Finchley mosque, with one calling him a 'Jewish homosexual pig' who was 'defiling the house of Allah'. In the intervening years he has suffered numerous threats, including abusive notes left on his car and fake petrol bombs placed on the doorstep of his constituency office. Since the murder of Sir David, Mr Freer's husband has taken to insisting that he is picked up from the Tube station and is reluctant to let him walk the streets on his own. Mr Freer is not Jewish but believes his outspoken views on Israel and strong support for the Jewish community have led to him being targeted by anti-Semites. He narrowly avoided encountering Ali outside his constituency office in 2021 after being called in to Westminster by Boris Johnson to be promoted to a new job during a government reshuffle. He narrowly avoided encountering Ali outside his constituency office in 2021 after being called in to Westminster by Boris Johnson. Pictured: Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Freer visit the Jewish Care campus, Golders Green The incident led to 'tense' conversations with family members over Christmas, before he decided he would step down. Pictured: A burnt out window at the rear of Mr Freer's office in Finchley His decision will lead to fresh questions about security for MPs, who have faced increased threats in recent years. Pictured: The aftermath of the 'arson' attack at Mr Freer's office He said: 'Who knows what would have happened? Would he have attacked me? If he did attack, would I have survived? 'Given what he did to David, I think it's unlikely he wouldn't have attacked me and I think it's unlikely that I would have survived that kind of frenzied attack. That's luck.' Mr Freer is scathing about the impact of social media on public life saying that sites such as X/Twitter and Facebook had 'an awful lot to answer for'. He quit Twitter six years ago following an online spat with George Galloway, which ended up with one of the firebrand former Labour MP's supporters sending Mr Freer a picture of himself mocked up as a concentration camp victim. He is also highly critical of Jeremy Corbyn, saying the former Labour leader 'let the cork out of the bottle he made anti-Semitism respectable again'. Mr Freer, whose constituency is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the country, says the October 7 attacks on Israel by terror group Hamas had led to an upsurge in anti-Semitism. With major pro-Palestine demonstrations taking place in central London most Saturdays, he says many of his constituents 'won't come into central London at all' on those days because of the risk of intimidation and abuse. Mr Freer is the latest of dozens of MPs to announce they will quit Parliament at the next election. But, unlike most, polls suggest he would have held his seat. And he is clear that he has no truck with plotters trying to undermine Mr Sunak. 'This is very much driven by personal circumstances,' he said. 'It is not a reflection on the Prime Minister, it is not a reflection on the Government. I still believe the Prime Minister can win.' A woman has been arrested after a man was stabbed outside a primary school in front of 'shaken' pupils during pick-up time. Police were called to Capel Manor Primary School in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, at 3.15pm today to reports of a man in his 40s suffering a stab injury. A 34-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of GBH and remains in custody. Children were reportedly left 'shaken and upset' as they were kept inside the premises until 4.30pm following the incident. The school was placed under a precautionary lockdown, as officers and London Ambulance Service members attended the scene. Police say no pupils or staff were involved in the incident and enquires into the circumstances continue. Police were called to Capel Manor Primary School n Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, at 3.15pm today to reports of a man in his 40s suffering a stab injury The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance and his condition is not life threatening, the force say. A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: 'Police were called at approximately 3.15pm on Tuesday to reports of a man stabbed at a school in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield. 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 40s, suffering a stab injury he was taken to hospital for treatment; his condition is not life threatening. 'A 34-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of GBH and remains in custody. 'No pupils or staff at the school were involved in this incident. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.' Compare the universal compassion following the King's cancer diagnosis with the reaction when he broke his elbow playing polo. After Charles fell from his pony in 1990 at the age of 42 and spent a week in hospital, the aristocratic bible Burke's Peerage demanded that he end 'this kamikaze pattern', adding: 'This kind of foolish behaviour is unforgivable... It must be time for him to realise that he is not immortal.' TV presenter Sally James, in a Channel 5 documentary which airs on Saturday, says: 'I think with all the headlines the Royal Family have had over the last couple of years, they would now be really, really grateful if the most controversial headline that emerged was 'Prince breaks his arm playing polo!' The King's former communications secretary Kristina Kyriacou has told ITV how she tried to keep her breast cancer radiotherapy treatment a secret from Charles. 'He found out why I was rushing off and called me aside and said: 'I'm not prying, I've heard.' Compare the universal compassion following the King's cancer diagnosis with the reaction when he broke his elbow playing polo Charles is pictured alongside Diana with his arm in a sling after a polo accident in 1990 He said: 'Please, please, tell me if there's anything I can do for you food-wise, speak to any of my medics, if there's anything I can facilitate for you? I know so many people.' Describing the King as 'empathetic and sensitive', she added: 'I hope some of that comes back to him now.' Emily Maitlis regrets not calling out Donald Trump when he boasted about the size of his Manhattan ballroom. 'He literally lied about having the biggest ballroom in New York,' she recalls. 'I'd gone off and checked with my producer and said, 'Ooh, I'm not sure that's right', adding: 'So part of me kind of goes, 'Huh, would that have made any difference if I'd said, 'I think you're lying about the ballroom?' Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell urges Sir Cliff Richard, 83, to finally confirm his sexuality. While the Peter Pan of pop has vowed in the past to take the truth 'to the grave', Tatchell now announces: 'Sure, it is up to him. But hiding his sexuality colludes with the idea that it is shameful. It's not! It plays into homophobia and a lack of candour sets a bad example to young people.' Shouldn't pushy Peter leave the octogenarian Bachelor Boy alone? Festooned with a CBE, a Bafta and an honorary colonelship of the Army Cadet Force, Lorraine Kelly is asked by Radio Times which gong she is most proud of Festooned with a CBE, a Bafta and an honorary colonelship of the Army Cadet Force, Lorraine Kelly is asked by Radio Times which gong she is most proud of. 'It's the Honorary Gay award bestowed by LGBTQ+ magazine Attitude in 2015,' she replies, gushing: 'It was very special pretty much up there at the top.' Will fellow gay super-icon Kylie Minogue be jealous? To celebrate the 70th birthday of the Bash Street Kids, The Beano is asking schoolchildren to submit their best jokes in Britain's Funniest Class contest. No gags about pupils Fatty and Spotty. They've vanished to be replaced by Freddy and Scotty. Funny that! Britain's equalities watchdog has lost its chief executive in the wake of the failed 'witch-hunt' against its chairman. Marcial Boo quietly left the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) at the end of December, having been signed off sick since September. The 57-year-old said he has 'decided to move on to new regulatory challenges' but it is understood he has not got a job to go to. He was only two years in to what was expected to be a five-year term. And the Mail has been told he was effectively forced out over his handling of attempts by staff at the regulator to oust chairman Kishwer Falkner after she stood up for women's rights. Last year she was placed under investigation in a probe costing taxpayers at least 100,000 after civil servants made damaging accusations of bullying and harassment. Marcial Boo quietly left the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) at the end of December, having been signed off sick since September But she was cleared and her supporters believe the allegations were ideologically motivated by trans activists as Lady Falkner had defended the right to single-sex spaces. Several sources have said the board lost confidence in Mr Boo, who previously led the MPs' expenses watchdog, over the chaos that engulfed the EHRC. One said there was no way that both he and Baroness Falkner could stay in their roles after the failed coup. Another said Mr Boo had tried to act as a 'go-between' during the internal row but that it had not been sustainable. A Whitehall source said: 'I think it's not inaccurate to claim the board lost confidence in his ability to do his job.' The insider said Mr Boo had been responsible for 'compiling the case against' Baroness Falkner, who kept working at the EHRC during her eight-month ordeal even though some of her own staff were 'conniving against her'. Mr Boo posted on social media network LinkedIn: 'After over two years leading the Equality and Human Rights Commission, on 2 January I decided to move on to new regulatory challenges. 'I will always remain a champion of the organisation and I wish it, its staff and its board well for the future.' Lady Falkner added last night: 'In departing, Marcial expressed his thanks to the Board for the opportunity, and to the staff and stakeholders of EHRC with whom he worked. More than 40 complaints were lodged, accusing the baroness of bullying and discrimination 'We, in turn, thank him for his professional service to the EHRC and wish him the very best for the future.' The turmoil at the EHRC was triggered by staff who are said to have objected to Lady Falkner's recommendation the Government rewrite the Equality Act on the basis of biological sex rather than gender identity. More than 40 complaints were lodged, accusing the baroness of bullying and discrimination. A probe into the allegations was scrapped in October. But the watchdog's troubles may not yet be over as it could lose its place on the UN Human Rights Council. The EHRC is under 'special review' by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions after lobbying by trans rights groups led by Stonewall. Mr Boo was contacted for comment. Teachers are being encouraged to embed the Scots language in the classroom, despite literacy standards falling. The SNP is driving teachers towards new training courses which aim to further integrate Scots language and culture into schools. More than 120 teachers specialising in different subjects have signed up to courses being delivered by the Open University, with funding from the Scottish Government. It opens up the prospect of Scots words being used to teach maths or science in mainstream schools. But it has sparked a row over taxpayers money being spent on promoting the Scots language at a time of growing concern over declining skills in the three Rs. Translated tales: Scots versions of childrens books Scottish Tory education spokesman Liam Kerr said: Scotlands education system is in crisis: violence in schools has soared, teachers have been left languishing on temporary contracts and weve tumbled down education rankings. The SNP needs to focus on the real priorities facing schools first. Given that pupils literacy rates have declined so significantly on their watch, many people will feel that the SNP should focus on improving the delivery of languages already in schools before trying to add in anything new. The Open University states there is a need and demand for high-quality training material specifically for teachers to improve and develop their skills in and knowledge of Scots language teaching. The course looks at the role and use of Scots language in Scotland today and learning about standardisation/dialect diversity and the impact of multilingual classroom practices on pupils attainment and inclusion. Teachers will have the time and support required to experiment with lessons which explore the educational benefits of Scots language. The use of Scots language in the classroom has been promoted by the SNP Government for years. In one primary school project, the pupils named body parts or boady pairts using Scots words such as oxters for armpits and keekers for eyes. In December, the OECDs Programme for International Student Assessment, measuring key skills in maths, reading and science, revealed that 15-year-olds in Scotland lag behind pupils in former Soviet bloc countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia and Slovenia and are also outperformed by their peers in England. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth launched the course yesterday at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. Ms Gilruth called it an important step towards embedding and protecting the language in Scottish education. She added: The Scots language programme is a very welcome addition to both the resources that we have in place to promote Scots and also to the range of support we provide for teachers in schools. Louise Glen of Education Scotland, the Governments schools quango, said: This course emphasises the transformative role of Scots in Scottish schools, promoting multilingual classrooms. Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Named Ceoptera evansae, the winged reptile lived between 168 to 166 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period. Palaeontologists spotted the fossil remains in 2006 during a field trip to Elgol, on the south-west coast of the island. Since then, the team have spent years physically preparing the specimen and taking scans of the bones, some of which remain completely embedded in rock. Despite the skeleton being incomplete with only parts of the shoulders, wings, legs and backbone remaining the researchers said it provides key insights into the evolutionary history and diversity of pterosaurs. Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Named Ceoptera evansae, the winged reptile lived between 168 to 166 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period (artist's impression) Palaeontologists spotted the fossil remains in 2006 during a field trip to Elgol, on the south-west coast of the island READ MORE: Meet T.Rex's closest relative! Scientists discover the remains of a ferocious dinosaur that roamed New Mexico 71 million years ago It's widely regarded as the 'King of the Dinosaurs'. And now T.Rex's closest known relative has been discovered by paleontologists in New Mexico Advertisement They said the new species belongs to a group of pterosaurs known as Darwinoptera, with many fossils also found in China. Findings, published in the Journal Of Vertebrate Paleontology, suggest Darwinoptera may have been considerably more diverse than previously thought, persisting for more than 25 million years. Professor Paul Barrett, merit researcher at the Natural History Museum, said: 'Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. 'Its appearance in the Middle Jurassic of the UK was a complete surprise, as most of its close relatives are from China. 'It shows that the advanced group of flying reptiles to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution.' Ceoptera evansae gets the first part of its name from the Scottish gaelic word 'cheo', meaning mist or fog, and the Latin word 'ptera', meaning wing. The second part, evansae, honours British palaeontologist Professor Susan E Evans for her years of scientific work, particularly on the Isle of Skye. As the Elgol coastal site is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the team led by Prof Barrett could only collect specimens from rocks that had fallen on to the beach. Despite the skeleton being incomplete with only parts of the shoulders, wings, legs and backbone remaining the researchers said it provides key insights into the evolutionary history and diversity of pterosaurs But while crawling over boulders to examine these fossils, the researchers noticed a few bones sticking out, which has now been revealed as the new pterosaur. The researchers said that pterosaur fossils from the Middle Jurassic period are rare and mostly incomplete, hindering attempts to understand more about how these creatures evolved. Lead author Dr Liz Martin-Silverstone, a palaeobiologist from the University of Bristol, said: 'The time period that Ceoptera is from is one of the most important periods of pterosaur evolution, and is also one in which we have some of the fewest specimens, indicating its significance. 'To find that there were more bones embedded within the rock, some of which were integral in identifying what kind of pterosaur Ceoptera is, made this an even better find than initially thought. 'It brings us one step closer to understanding where and when the more advanced pterosaurs evolved.' Three people have died in the historic flooding that has pummeled California, trashing homes and communities across the state. The back-to-back 'Pineapple Express' storms, fueled by an atmospheric river, have caused chaos across neighborhoods in Malibu, Beverly Hills, and Montecito. The weather system has toppled electrical lines and trees in the San Francisco Bay area and San Diego, while the state experiences ferocious mud slides and torrential downpour. Forecasters predict the atmospheric river will continue to focus across Southern California over the next 12 to 24 hours, maintaining a significant threat for life-threatening flash flooding. Qian Ciao, a hydrologist at the University of California, San Diego explains why these devastating floods are happening. Three people have lost their lives as a weather system - the Pineapple Express - continues to batter California Areas of the state have already experienced nine inches of rainfall, and forecasters predict there will be up to up to six more. Pictured a tree fallen on a car in the California flooding What is an atmospheric river? Atmospheric rivers are relatively long and narrow regions that carry water vapor outside of the tropics. Qian Cao explained to PBS that they are 'like a river in the sky' and can be up to 1,000 miles in length. Normally, atmospheric rivers have double the usual flow of the Amazon River, and account for the majority of water vapor in the world, NASA reports. When this travelling water vapor comes up against mountains or divergent local weather, it is forced to fall, meaning the moisture it contains becomes colder and produces heavy rainfall or snowfall. Atmospheric rivers can happen anywhere in the world however, they are mostly found in the mid-latitudes of the planet - roughly 30 to 60 degrees north or south of the equator. This weather phenomenon usually happens when large scale weather patterns sync up to form narrow stretches of intense moisture transport, Mr Cao explained. He told the PBS: '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.' The hydrologist divulged that the Pacific Ocean, which runs along the US' West Coast acts as moisture pool for storms. This along with the area's mountainous terrain acting as barriers causes a great deal of snow and rain in the state, namely the Sierra Nevada. Atmospheric rivers are relatively long and narrow regions that carry water vapor outside of the tropics. Pictured a large mudslide in Los Angeles Are consecutive atmospheric river a high flood risk? Back to back atmospheric rivers. also dubbed as AR families, can trigger significantly heavy flooding. the hydrologist explained. The first bout of heavy rainfall drenches the ground, meaning when more rainfall or storms come the soil can no longer absorb any liquid, meaning water builds up while river levels continue to rise. Additionally, warm temperatures can cause any existing snow to melt, contributing to the overflow of water and risk of flooding. Between December 2022 and January 2023, California was hit by nine atmospheric rivers back-to-back in the duration of only three weeks according to PBS. Although they brought most reservoirs in the area back to their average levels after many years of drought, they also caused damage because of flooding. In comparison to a singular atmospheric river, AR families are usually linked to lower atmospheric pressure in the North Pacific and higher pressure weather in the subtropics. AR families are more intense, have warmer tropical temperatures and are followed by jet streams that are longer than a singular atmospheric river. Research by scientists from the University of Florida and Stanford discovered storms occurring alongside AR families caused up to three to four times the economic damage, than a lone storm. Although AR families contribute to a large portion of California's water supply they also caus extreme flooding and damage (Pictured: A whirlpool forms around a city worker in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on Monday) Are atmospheric rivers essential to the West Coasts water supply? While atmospheric rivers can cause extreme flooding, Mr Cao elaborates that they are also key to the Western water supply. He said: 'Atmospheric rivers have been responsible for ending more than a third of the regions major droughts, including the severe California drought of 2012-16.' The hydrologist added that this type of weather phenomenon, is also responsible for providing between 30 to 50 per cent of rainfall on America's West Coast. According to Mr Cao, atmospheric rivers are responsible for adding to the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which acts as a significant amount of California's water supply. On average, two severe atmospheric rivers will contribute around 30 to 40 per cent of snowfall in Sierra Nevada. As a result, experts at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes are attempting to better predict atmospheric rivers, so reservoirs can be better managed to both accommodate for storms but also have enough water for dryer bouts of weather. Hydrologist, Qian Ciao predict as temperatures heat up more intense atmospheric rivers will occur in the years to come (Pictured: Damage from the storm in Studio City) Is global warming having an impact on atmospheric rivers? A warmer atmosphere can carry more moisture, meaning as temperatures heat up in the future atmospheric rivers that are more intense will occur. According to Mr Cao, this will result in more heavy downpours and extreme weather events. He added that his research illustrates that atmospheric rivers are probable to happen simultaneously in weather conditions that are already wet. This means there is an increased risk of extreme flooding, according to the hydrologist. A study by academics at the University of Washington implies that atmospheric rivers will experience a 'seasonal shift', occurring earlier in the wetter seasons. The hydrologist explained the annual rainfall, especially in California, will differ more drastically from year to year. A Harvard physicist has revealed that up to 10 percent of the fragments recovered from the Pacific Ocean contain 'alien' elements not seen in our solar system. Avi Loeb told DailyMail.com that he and his team completed their analysis of 850 spherules, finding a new class of differentiated elemental composition labeled BeLaU - and 'not coal ash, as claimed by some people.' The composition included Beryllium, lanthanum and uranium, which are found on Earth, but were arranged in patterns that do not match our planet's alloys. 'We studied more than a dozen BeLaU spherules and showed that they are distinctly different from coal fly ash based on the abundances of 55 elements from the periodic table,' said Loeb. 'Beyond any reasonable doubt, this rules out the coal ash interpretation that was suggested by four people.' A Harvard physicist has revealed that up to 10 percent of the fragments recovered from the Pacific Ocean contain ' alien ' elements not seen in our solar system The teams findings have now claimed that the IM1 meteor detected shooting through the skies in 2014 was Earth's first interstellar visitor. The Harvard physicist's latest paper, published in January, breaks down the classification of the spherules. Loeb told DailyMail.com that the samples were studied by three laboratories: University of California, Berkley, Bruker Corporation and Harvard University. The samples were subdivided into three compositional types: silicate-rich spherules or S-type, the Ferich (Fe) spherules or I-type and glassy spherules or G-type. Around 78 percent fall along S, G and I-type spherules. Another group was labeled 'differentiated,' which was found to have higher silicon (Si) and Magnesium (Mg), along with increased ratios of Aluminum (Ai) and Si. 'These spherules are thus called differentiated, meaning they are likely derived from crustal rocks of a differentiated planet; we label them as D-type spherules, characterized by Mg/Si,' reads the study. Avi Loeb told DailyMail.com that he and his team completed their analysis of 850 spherules, finding a new class of differentiated elemental composition labeled BeLaU - and 'not coal ash, as claimed by some people' The samples were subdivided into three compositional types: silicate-rich spherules or S-type, the Ferich (Fe) spherules or I-type and glassy spherules or G-type. Another group was labeled 'differentiated,' which was found to have higher silicon (Si) and Magnesium (Mg), along with increased ratios of Aluminum (Ai) and Si Another group was labeled 'differentiated,' which was found to have higher silicon (Si) and Magnesium (Mg), along with increased ratios of Aluminum (Ai) and Si. And about 22 percent of the 850 spherules were labeled as differentiated. The team used a different method to identify spherules with enrichments of Be, La and U. This procedure identifies 10 of D-type spherules as BeLaU with low-Si spherules and two as BeLaU with high-Si spherules. Loeb explained that it is clear the fragments form from a material that split from a rock-like object, but the chemical composition is unlike any known solar system material with a component of the lunar crust being closest. The composition (pictured) included Beryllium, lanthanum and uranium, which are found on Earth, but were arranged in patterns that do not match our planet's alloys The remnants came from a meter-size object that crashed off the coast of Papua, New Guinea in 2014, which Professor Loeb claims was an alien craft 'The elemental composition of the BeLaU spherules was never reported in the scientific literature and is different from familiar spherules from known solar system meteors,' Loeb told DailyMail.com. 'The abundance pattern does not resemble natural materials on the Earth, Moon, Mars or solar system asteroids and features enhanced abundances of some elements by up to a factor of a thousand relative to the initial composition of the solar system materials. We interpret it as being from outside the solar system. 'It constitutes the first recognized interstellar meteor, IM1.' Avi shared initial findings in October after analyzing just 57 fragments, stating the samples contained the new patterns of BeLaU, along with low content of elements with high affinity to iron, like Rhenium However, the claim was met with criticism from other members of the scientific community, with one saying there was a lack of 'conclusive evidence'. Patricio A. Gallardo, a physicist at the University of Chicago, published a counter-study last November. 'The meteoritic origin is disfavored,' Gallardo shared in his paper published in Research Notes of the AAS. 'Few comparisons to contaminants have been conducted to discard the null hypothesis of terrestrial contamination.' Gallardo also claimed that there was a consistency between these three elements (as well as nickel) with the beryllium, lanthanum, uranium and nickel that arises in the ash from the burning of coal. Steve Desch and Alan Jackson from Arizona State University also shared their criticism last year, stating: 'Far from being exotic particles from an extrasolar planet, the spherules collected and analyzed by Loeb et al. appear to be just like those found around the world, with a Solar System origin and compositions modified by tens of thousands of years residence at the ocean bottom.' A fourth person echoed Gallardo's paper in claiming the spherules are 'coal ash from human activity since the industrial revolution.' The teams findings now suggest that the IM1 meteor detected shooting through the skies in 2014 was Earth's first interstellar visitor The discovery that these interstellar metal fragments were dredged from the Pacific with powerful magnets led to Loeb and his Galileo team's 2023 mission 'All four of these critics did not have access to the expedition materials and made loud statements to the science community, the public, and news media without substantive evidence,' Loeb told DailyMail.com. 'We now show that their 'coal ash' claim is invalid based on a detailed analysis of 55 elements from the periodic table. Their 'coal ash' claim was misinformation.' For years, Loeb has argued that Earth may have been visited by such technology. In 2017, an interstellar object named Oumuamua passed through the solar system, and while most scientists believe it was a natural phenomenon, Loeb famously argued it may have been of alien origin. After the discovery of Oumuamua in 2017, Loeb theorized - despite much criticism - that more interstellar objects had likely whizzed past Earth. He was vindicated in 2019 when a Loeb and his team discovered that a high-speed fireball in 2014, the IM1 meteor, also had interstellar origins and predated Oumuamua. In 2017, an interstellar object named Oumuamua passed through the solar system, and while most scientists believe it was a natural phenomenon, Loeb famously argued it may have been of alien origin The Harvard scientists spent years working closely with the US military to pinpoint the impact zone, combing through data to determine if and when the object fell from space. And determined the object crashed off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Air friction burst IM1 into flames in mid-air as it careened towards Earth, leaving a trail of molten iron rain droplets in its wake on January 8, 2014. The discovery that these interstellar metal fragments could be dredged from the Pacific with powerful magnets led to Loeb and his Galileo team's 2023 mission. Last June, Loeb and his team traveled to a site where the meteor IM1 was believed to have crashed nearly a decade ago. Also known as CNEOS1 2014-01-08, the object had an estimated diameter of 1.5 feet, a mass of 1,014 pounds and a pre-impact velocity of 37.3 miles per second. IM1 withstood four times the pressure that would typically destroy an ordinary iron-metal meteor as it hurtled through Earth's atmosphere at 100,215 miles per hour. The researchers trawled the seafloor off the coast of New Guinea in June 2023, pulling hundreds of tiny metallic spherules during the expedition. Climate change could lead to hurricanes so strong they exceed the current scale Climate change could spark a new wave of 'mega-hurricanes' so powerful that scientists say a new category is needed to measure them. Since the 1970s, the National Hurricane Center has used the Saffir-Simpson Windscale to measure hurricanes on a scale of one to five. But now, scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory say that the scale should be extended to include category six hurricanes. With sustained winds of more than 192 mph (309km/h) the hurricanes in this new category have wind speeds as fast as a Lamborghini Gallardo. Over the last decade, only five storms would have been included in this new category - but researchers say that the risk will increase as the climate warms. Researchers say that storms are becoming so powerful due to climate change that massive hurricanes like Hurricane Patricia, pictured here over the Atlantic Ocean in 2015, should have a new category made for them The researchers propose a new hypothetical category six for measuring hurricanes. These storms have sustained winds of more than 192 mph (309km/h), as fast as a Lamborghini Gallardo The Saffir-Simpson Windscale Category 1 Wind speed: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h) Description: Very dangerous winds will cause some damage Category 2 Wind speed: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h) Description: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage Category 3 Wind speed: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h) Description: Devastating damage will occur Category 4 Wind speed: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h) Description: Catastrophic damage will occur Category 5 Wind speed: 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher Description: Catastrophic damage will occur Advertisement Hurricanes, otherwise called tropical storms or typhoons, are currently categorised according to their sustained wind speeds. Category One hurricanes have windspeeds of 74mph (119km/h). At Category Three, which is considered to be a risk of severe damage to life and property, there are sustained windspeeds between 111 and 129 mph (178-208 km/h). Meanwhile, Category Five, which is reserved for the most devastating storms, begins at 157 mph (252 km/h) but is open-ended. The reason the scale stops here is that the it is intended to reflect property damage and it was believed that a category five hurricane would completely destroy any structure in its path. However, in their paper, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr Wehner and his co-author suggest that the scale should be extended to include a hypothetical category six. He says: 'Our motivation is to reconsider how the open-endedness of the Saffir-Simpson Scale can lead to underestimation of risk, and, in particular, how this underestimation becomes increasingly problematic in a warming world.' By following the pattern of gaps between the previous categories, the researchers set the lower bounds for category six and looked through past weather data to see if any hurricanes would qualify. In an analysis of data from 1980 to 2021, they found that five storms would have been classified as category six and that all of these occurred in the last nine years of records. Those five storms include some of the most powerful and destructive hurricanes in recent history. This graph shows how the Saffir Simpson Category relates to wind speed. The coloured triangles show the storms which the researchers would classify as category six. As you can see they are far beyond the limit of category five (shown as a grey triangle) This diagram shows Hurricane Patricia as it approaches the coastline of Mexico. At the centre of the storm, shown in dark red, wind speeds were at 198 mph (320 km/h) which would make this a category six hurricane READ MORE: First EVER hurricane alert issued for Central California as 97 PERCENT of state's population put under flood warning Advertisement Hurricane Patricia, for example, had windspeeds of 201mph before making landfall in the Gulf of Mexico. Typhoon Haiyan meanwhile killed thousands when it struck the Philippines in 2013. The authors note that even at the time, Typhoon Haiyan was so powerful that many called for it to be classed as category six. According to study co-author Dr James Kossin of the First Street Foundation, the Saffir-Simpson Windscale is far from perfect as a means of communicating hurricane risk. This is because much of the damage and fatalities caused by hurricanes are not due to the wind speed but the storm surge, flooding, and heavy rainfall. Dr Kossin says: 'Changes in messaging are necessary to better inform the public about inland flooding and storm surge, phenomena that a wind-based scale is only tangentially relevant to. 'Our results are not meant to propose changes to this scale, but rather to raise awareness that the wind-hazard risk from storms presently designated as Category 5 has increased and will continue to increase under climate change.' Category five storms like Hurricane Dorian, seen here from the International Space Station, are already extremely dangerous. But the researchers warn that storms even more powerful are likely to become more common in the future as the planet warms This diagram shows how many days wind speeds were in excess of 'category six' levels between 1979 and 2019. The darker red regions had more days of category six wind such as the North West coast of Australia which had as many as 45 days in some areas And, as the climate continues to warm, storms that would fall into category six are likely to become more frequent. Typhoons, hurricanes, and tropical storms, which are all essentially the same weather phenomena, are caused when warm moist air rises from the ocean. As human-induced climate change raises the Earth's temperature, the seas and oceans become hotter in regions where these storms typically form. This means that there is more heat energy to drive the storm, leading to more powerful and dangerous storms. According to the researchers' simulations, a rise in temperature of only 2C above pre-industrial levels could lead to storms becoming significantly more common. At these levels of warming the risk of a category six storm increases by up to 50 per cent near the Philippines and doubles in the Gulf of Mexico. Dr Wehner says: 'Even under the relatively low global warming targets of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to just 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures by the end of this century, the increased chances of Category 6 storms are substantial in these simulations.' Meta is introducing a tool to identify AI-generated images shared on its platforms amid a global rise in synthetic content spreading misinformation. Due to several of systems on the web, the Mark Zuckerberg-owned company is aiming to expand labels to others like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Adobe. Meta said it will fully roll out the labeling feature in the coming months and plans to add a feature that lets users flag AI-generated content. However, the US presidential race is in full swing, leaving some to wonder if the labels will be out in time to stop fake content from spreading. The move comes after Meta's Oversight Board urged the company to take steps to label manipulated audio and video that could mislead users. Meta is rolling out a tool to identify AI-generated content created on its platform Meta rolled out an AI image generator in September of last year and will identify all images that used its generator 'The Board's recommendations go further in that it advised the company to expand the Manipulated Media policy to include audio, clearly state the harms it seeks to reduce, and begin labeling these types of posts more broadly than what was announced,' an Oversight Board spokesperson Dan Chaison told Dailymail.com. He continued: 'Labeling allows Meta to leave more content up and protect free expression. 'However, it is important that the company clearly define the problems it's seeking to address, given that not all altered posts are objectionable, absent a direct risk of real-world harm. 'Those harms may include inciting violence or misleading people about their right to vote.' Meta said Tuesday it's working with industry partners on technical standards that will make it easier to identify images and eventually video and audio generated by artificial intelligence tools. What remains to be seen is how well it will work at a time when it's easier than ever to make and distribute AI-generated imagery that can cause harm - from election misinformation to nonconsensual fake nudes of celebrities. AI-generated images have become increasingly concerning. Thousands of internet users are being duped into sharing bogus images, such as France's President Emmanuel Macron standing in a protest Thousands of internet users are being duped into sharing bogus images, from France's President Emmanuel Macron standing in a protest to Donald Trump getting arrested by police in New York City. Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, said it is important to roll out these labels now, at a time when elections are happening around the world that could spur misleading content. 'As the difference between human and synthetic content gets blurred, people want to know where the boundary lies,' Clegg said. 'People are often coming across AI-generated content for the first time and our users have told us they appreciate transparency around this new technology. 'So it's important that we help people know when photorealistic content they're seeing has been created using AI.' Clegg also explained that Meta will be working to label 'images from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Adobe, Midjourney and Shutterstock as they implement their plans for adding metadata to images created by their tools.' Several fake images have presented misleading and sometimes dangerous information that could incite violence if left unchecked. The Oversight Board said Meta's current Manipulated Media Policy lacks 'persuasive justification, is incoherent and confusing to users, and fails to clearly specify the harms it is seeking to prevent.' 'As it stands, the policy makes little sense,' Michael McConnell, the board's co-chair, told Bloomberg. 'It bans altered videos that show people saying things they do not say, but does not prohibit posts depicting an individual doing something they did not do. It only applies to video created through AI, but lets other fake content off the hook.' A misleading image of Donald Trump being arrested went viral and prompted angry outbursts from people who believed the image was real Last year, one image appeared to show former President Donald Trump being arrested outside a New York City courthouse, spurring an outburst from people who believed the image was real. Meta's Oversight Board said the move to label AI-generated images is a win for media literacy and will give users the context they need to identify misleading content. The board is still in discussions with Meta over expanding the labels to cover media and audio and is calling on the company to clearly state the harms associated with the misleading media. Meta hasn't responded to the Oversight Board's request for the company to implement additional labels to identify any alterations made to the posted content. The idea is by labeling misleading content, Meta won't have to remove the posts which can, in turn, protect people's right to free speech and their right to express themselves. However, alterations like the robocall that imitated President Joe Biden's voice and told New Hampshire voters not to vote in the primaries, would still justify the board's decision to remove the content. To combat misleading information, Meta is looking into developing technology that will automatically detect AI-generated content. 'This work is especially important as this is likely to become an increasingly adversarial space in the years ahead,' Clegg said. 'People and organizations that actively want to deceive people with AI-generated content will look for ways around safeguards that are put in place to detect it. 'Across our industry and society more generally, we'll need to keep looking for ways to stay one step ahead.' Dailymail.com has reached out to Meta for comment. has had over 11 inches of rain, causing deadly flooding in some parts California is being battered by a deadly weather system that has released more than than one-foot of rain on some areas - but there is a biblical storm that would make this catastrophic flooding seem like a mere drizzle. Scientists have been studying a hypothetical disaster scenario called an ARkstorm, which was patterned after the 'Great Flood of 1862' that left a 300-mile-long stretch of the state submerged under water. The ARkstorm, according to projections, would see walls of water more than 20 feet high, displace over five million people and cause at least $700 billion in damages. While weather experts have assured the public that the current system is not the dreaded megastorm, studies have predicted there is a 30 percent chance of one hitting in the next 30 years. The ARkstorm, according to projections, would see walls of water more than 20 feet high, displace over five million people and cause at least $700 billion in damages - and would make the current storm seem like a mere drizzle The ArkStorm flood is also known as 'the Other Big One' after the nickname of an expected major earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. But, unlike an earthquake, the ArkStorm would lead to catastrophe across a much larger area. Daniel Swain, a researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, who conducted a study on the ARkstorm scenario, said: 'In the future scenario, the storm sequence is bigger in almost every respect. 'There's more rain overall, more intense rainfall on an hourly basis and stronger wind. 'The heaviest localized downpours also get considerably more intense. Some of the peaks of the future scenario look like the heavy Texas-style downpours. Scientists have been studying a hypothetical disaster scenario called an ARkstorm, which was patterned after the 'Great Flood of 1862' that left a 300-mile-long stretch of the state submerged under water. Pictured is K Street, Sacramento during the Great Flood California is being battered by a deadly weather system that has released more than 11 inches of rain in some areas like Los Angeles (pictured) 'These intense hourly rainfall rates unusual for California can cause big problems in urban and other populated areas.' The current atmospheric river system, called the Pineapple Express, has killed at least three people since sweeping across the state on Sunday. All three were killed by wind-toppled trees - 82-year-old David Gomes in the former gold rush town of Yuba City and a 45-year-old Robert Brainard II at Boulder Creek in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountain. Since then, Los Angeles has been deluged with 10 inches of rain - or 75 percent of its annual rainfall in just five days, triggering 120 mudslides by Monday night. Meanwhile, 130 miles down the coast in San Diego, roads have turned to rivers and officials warned residents not to drive to work on Tuesday morning. As the storm was predicted to hit, many people took to social media to share news of an impending flood that would be 'the worst natural disaster in world history' - and explained it not an ARkstorm. The current atmospheric river system, called the Pineapple Express, has killed at least three people since sweeping across the state on Sunday Since then, Los Angeles has been deluged with 10 inches of rain - or 75 percent of its annual rainfall in just five days, triggering 120 mudslides by Monday night That type of weather pattern draws heat and moisture from the tropical Pacific, forming a series of atmospheric rivers that approach the ferocity of hurricanes and then slam into the West Coast over several weeks. The USGS said that a storm on the scale of that which struck in 1861 is 'inevitable' and it has widely considered the worst and longest on record. A flood like that would leave 'parts of cities such as Sacramento, Fresno and Los Angeles water even with today's extensive collection of reservoirs, levees and bypasses. The UCLA research projected that an ARkstorm would generate 200 percent to 400 percent more runoff in the Sierra Nevada Mountains due to increased precipitation and more precipitation falling as rain, not snow. Meanwhile, 130 miles down the coast in San Diego, roads have turned to rivers and officials warned residents not to drive to work on Tuesday morning An ARkstorm would take some weeks to form, which would hopefully give them time to better prepare when it arrived. The increased runoff could lead to devastating landslides and debris flows particularly in hilly areas burned by wildfires. 'A severe California winter storm could realistically flood thousands of square miles of urban and agricultural land, result in thousands of landslides, disrupt lifelines throughout the state for days or weeks, and cost on the order of $725 billion,' according to the USGS website. 'The $725 billion figure comprises approximately $400 billion in property damage and $325 billion in business-interruption losses.' The scenario would also see about 25 percent of buildings throughout the state submerged. 'Unlike for earthquakes, we can partially predict key aspects of the geophysical phenomena that would create damages in the days before an ARkStorm strikes,' USGS shared. 'Enhancing the accuracy, lead time, and the particular measures that these systems can estimate is a great challenge scientifically and practically.' Advertisement Mist-shrouded mountains, mesmerising underwater statues, a baby monkey being 'scolded' by its mother and a supermoon being 'held' by a skyscraper. And a busy 'double' roundabout - serving both cars and pedestrians. These are some of the scenes captured by stunning winning and shortlisted National and Regional entries in the Sony World Photography Awards 2024. The renowned contest runs several competitions each year with more than 395,000 submissions from more than 220 countries pouring in for 2024. The overall champions in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions will be announced on April 18 and their work will go on display at London 's Somerset House from April 19 to May 6. Scroll down to see 11 of the shortlisted and category-winning National and Regional images. This spectacular image shows Ba Den Mountain, shrouded in mist. With an elevation of 3,268ft (996m), the peak, which resembles an upside-down bowl, is the tallest in Vietnams Mekong Delta. At its summit stands a Bodhisattva statue, which was cast from more than 170 tons of red bronze. At 236ft (72m) tall, it is the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Asia located on a mountain peak. Photographer Tran Tuan Viet wins the Vietnam National Award with this captivating shot LEFT: This captivating image by Ju Shen Lee, the winner of the Singapore National Award, shows an elephant taking a sand bath in Nepal. The photographer explains that sand protects an elephant's skin against insect bites and keeps it warm in the cooler months, adding: 'The fine sand found along the Narayani River makes a perfect "bath".' RIGHT In this intimate scene, a snow monkey and her baby enjoy a hot spring in Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The photographer, Seongmin Park, said: 'The photograph reminds me of a baby monkey being scolded by its mother.' The image takes second place in the Republic of Korea National Awards Behold Belfry Island, located in the middle of the sacred Titicaca Lake in Bolivia. Photographer Reynaldo San Martin earns a spot on the shortlist in the Latin America Regional Awards for this dreamy image Photographer Kyaw Htet picked up the Myanmar National Award for capturing this serene scene in such a spellbinding manner. The picture shows a couple fishing on Inle Lake in Myanmar beneath the shade 'of a majestic, sprawling tree', with the photographer adding: 'The reflections on the water add an extra touch of beauty to the moment' LEFT: Vlatko Rafeski is on the shortlist for the Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria and North Macedonia Regional Award thanks to this hypnotic picture, which shows a waxing crescent moon above Kozjak lake in Macedonia. The photographer explained: 'As I was using a telephoto lens, I made two exposures to stack together, which ensured I got a sharply focused moon and foreground. I find this type of moon mystical.' RIGHT: A supermoon seemingly balances on top of the Saudi Public Investment Fund tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in this striking image taken by Yasser Alomari. It wins the Saudi Arabia National Award This image, by Diana Buzoianu, wants to provoke the viewer into thinking about the complex interplay of different species and the harmony kept within our environment. So says the Sony World Photography Awards of this incredible image, which shows a shoal of fish swimming among underwater statues. It makes the shortlist in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova Regional Award LEFT: Wilfrido Enriquez is behind the lens of this eye-catching image of Cotopaxi volcano, taken dozens of miles away in Quito in Ecuador. It is on the shortlist in the Latin America Regional Award. RIGHT: Photographer Reginald James Lorico captured this sunrise over Tehran, impressing the judges enough to win gold in the Philippines National Awards. 'The sunlit building reminded me of the monolith in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey,' the photographer says She now runs 21 successful properties and has her dream job in interior design Nicky Bright was at 'rock bottom' when she started renting out her family home In the summer of 2020, during the peak of Covid, Nicky Bright thought it was the end. The Cardiff mother of two was going through a divorce and had lost her job, then her car, with her home slipping away into the clutches of the bank. She was devastated and bankrupt in one of the UK's worst economic times, and with no help from the government, she took matters into her own hands by renting out her family home while staying with friends and family. Renting her five-bedroom family home was more successful than she imagined it would be. And, by renting out a family caravan and helping other Airbnb hosts and property owners improve their rental listings, she made over 1million in her first 18 months of business. Since she had no experience in short-term rentals, she used Eviivo as her property management platform, which allowed her listing to appear for free on every OTA, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia.com and Vrbo. In the first few months, she averaged about 400 a month. When she rented out her caravan on top of that, she turned over 50,000 within the first year. Nicky Bright (pictured) went from losing her job, car and husband, to running a successful rental business - and becoming a millionaire in 18 months Nicky rented out her family home while staying with friends and family. It was more successful than she imagined it would be. In the image on the right, an exhausted Nicky attends to work matters That's when she utilised her passion for interior design (her 'dream job') to make even more money and created a website to show off her talents. Following her success, Nicky, 52, began reaching out to property owners on Airbnb, searching for listings that looked 'awful' along with 'awful reviews' with the goal of transforming them. She charged a fee to style, set up and manage them, which included doing the photography, interior design, video content, and anything that made a better impression and created more revenue for the property owner. Pictured is Nicky's house after a messy Airbnb checkout Nicky reached out to property owners on Airbnb, searching for listings that looked 'awful' along with 'awful reviews' with the goal of transforming them. She charged a fee to style, set up and manage them. Above are two of Nicky's designs Nicky said: 'A vacation rental or Airbnb is like Tinder - you have three seconds to impress potential guests. 'I love the challenge of a failed business and seeing the owners' faces in shock and them thinking "wow" after I transform it.' Nicky brought in an extra 20,000 a month by 'rescuing' these properties. Word of mouth in the short-term rental industry started to gravitate her way. Nicky said: 'I was getting emails and phone calls from property owners from Sweden to the Americas telling me they saw the transformations I did. I would help train them, let them know the best ways to improve their listing and design and increase profit.' Rescuing vacation rentals and Airbnbs eventually expanded into pubs. She said: 'I took a commercial pub and turned it into an Airbnb. Two pubs I rescued were going bankrupt. I went in and hand-painted the furniture, mirrors, tiled table tops and bar, giving the pubs a whole new lease of life for a different type of pub guest - now guests renting them could "manage" their own pub for the weekend and pull their own pints in an experience for their friends and family to enjoy.' With her success, 'everything then happened so fast'. She started an experiential holidays business Nicky Bright Holidays and then got Nicky Bright Interiors off the ground. Nicky expanded her rental business by 'rescuing' failing pubs. Above is The Waterfall Country Escape Powys, which was previously a working pub The listing describes The Waterfall Country Escape Powys as 'the perfect place for families and groups to hire' Above is Valley View in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, another property that Nicky manages Nicky said: 'I love the challenge of a failed business and seeing the owners' faces in shock and them thinking "wow" after I transform it' By 2022, she found herself managing 17 properties, from Cardiff to Pembrokeshire. 'All these properties were underperforming,' she said. 'They were losing money and had low standards. I took over, and now they are all fully booked and receive awards with booking platforms and even recognition by the Welsh Tourist Board, which I was so delighted with!' She uses Eviivo to market Nicky Bright Holidays, and Eviivo Mobile, a short-term rental app that allows her to check and monitor all her listings and run her business from her phone. 'You can't grow in this industry without a platform like Eviivo,' she said, 'since it has all the benefits and tools in one place.' Nicky now has 21 properties under her belt, with 10 coming onboard this year by spring. Her properties showcase her unique interiors, such as a beautiful hammock hanging from a ceiling in one property and a pet-friendly 'doggy hotel' area in another. In her properties, guests can purchase items she hand-picked, such as candle sticks, floral cushions and lamps. 'If you like it you can buy it,' Nicky said. Her success allowed her to start personally buying her own properties totalling a value of one million pounds - in just two years. She's still in shock at how she went from bankrupt to now owning property, turning over one million pounds every year, living a wonderful life - and having the dream job of interior designer that she always wanted. Some of Nicky's properties have been recognised by the Welsh Tourism Board. Pictured is The Old Stables, a property in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire Nicky now has 21 properties under her belt, which showcase her unique interiors (above) Nicky said: 'We were homeless. I was going through a terrible divorce where I had to force my children to live at their friends' houses while I rented our family home to survive. It was rock bottom, and I just can't believe how it all turned around in less than two years. 'I would go to the bank and they would scratch their heads and tell me they have property investors 30 to 40 years in the business who are making 10 per cent yield - while I was doing 3,000 per cent.' She has a close relationship with her children, who were 16 and 19 when her divorce started. They weren't happy with the situation at the time, but 'now I'm their biggest inspiration!' She added: 'People will tell you it's not possible to do what I did, but it is possible. I'm proof. I had nothing. I had no other option but to succeed and it was the best thing that happened to me. I have a new life and I'm happier now than when I was married. I feel great. I feel like I'm 16 again.' Wayne Kramer, the co-founder of the protopunk Detroit band the MC5 that thrashed out such hardcore anthems as Kick Out the Jams and influenced everyone from the Clash to Rage Against the Machine, has died at age 75. Kramer died Friday at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, according to Jason Heath, a close friend and executive director of Kramer's nonprofit Jail Guitar Doors USA. Heath said the cause of death was pancreatic cancer. From the late 1960s to early 1970s, no band was closer to the revolutionary spirit of the time than the MC5, which featured Kramer and Fred 'Sonic' Smith on guitars, Rob Tyner on vocals, Michael Davis on bass and Dennis 'Machine Gun' Thompson on drums. Managed for a time by White Panther co-founder John Sinclair, they were known for their raw, uncompromising music, which they envisioned as the soundtrack for the uprising to come. 'Brother Wayne Kramer was the best man Ive ever known,' Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote on Instagram Friday. 'He possessed a one of a kind mixture of deep wisdom & profound compassion, beautiful empathy and tenacious conviction. His band the MC5 basically invented punk rock music.' Wayne Kramer, the co-founder of the protopunk Detroit band the MC5 that thrashed out such hardcore anthems as Kick Out the Jams and influenced everyone from the Clash to Rage Against the Machine, has died at age 75. Pictured October 1, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California MC5 (L-R: Dennis Thompson, Kramer, Fred Smith and Rob Tyner) performed live in 1969 in Mount Clemens, Michigan The band had little commercial success and its core lineup did not last beyond the early 1970s, but its legacy endured, both for its sound and for its fusing of music to political action. Kramer, who had a long history of legal battles and substance abuse, would tell his story in the 2018 memoir The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5, and My Life of Impossibilities. Morello is among the musicians appearing on a new MC5 album, Heavy Lifting, which comes out this spring and includes Kramer and Thompson from the original group. Slash, Vernon Reid and William DuVall of Alice in Chains also contributed. 'Pushing music forward, carrying a message of self-efficacy and empowerment - and just to have fun,' Kramer told Mojo magazine in December. 'Its all in the MC5. Creativity is the solution for the challenges we face.' Thompson is now the band's only surviving member. Kramer and Smith had known each other since their teens and played with various other musicians around Detroit before the core lineup was in place, in the mid-1960s. At Tyner's suggestions, they called themselves the MC5, short for Motor City Five, and emulated the Rolling Stones, the Who, and other hard rock bands of the era. By 1968, they had built a substantial local following and were influenced by Marxism, the White Panthers, the Beats and other social-political movements. Kramer was pictured in January of 2012 at his LA recording studio The veteran musician was seen onstage in London in October of 1997 Kramer performed alongside Iggy Pop at a 2009 benefit concert in NYC Kramer was pictured holding his stars-and-stripes themed guitar in Georgia in 2017 Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote on Instagram Friday: 'Brother Wayne Kramer was the best man Ive ever known' The MC5 was more radical politically than most of its peers, and otherwise louder and more daring. They were virtually the only band to perform during the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, where police were beating up anti-war protesters. Kick Out the Jams was their most famous song, and opened with an unprintable call to arms: 'Kick out the jams motherf*****!' A live album of the same name reached the top 40 in 1969, their highest-charting release. They also released the studio albums Back in the USA and High Time before breaking up at the end of 1972. Kramer would lead various incarnations of the MC5 over the following decades, and perform with Was (Not Was) among other groups. But for a time he sank into the life of what he called 'a small-time Detroit criminal.' He was arrested on drug charges in 1975 and sentenced to four years in prison. Jail Guitar Doors, which provides inmates with musical instruments, is named for a Clash song that refers to his struggles: 'Let me tell you bout Wayne and his deals of cocaine.' Survivors include his wife, Margaret Saadi, and son, Francis. Juliette Binoche has discussed Coco Chanel's Nazi connections ahead of playing the fashion designer in new Apple+ show The New Look. The Chocolat icon, 59, appeared in The Radio Times to discuss the new show, which follows the lives of the famous French designer and her rival Christian Dior, played by Ben Mendelsohn, as they seek to rule the world of high fashion. Chanel has long been associated with Nazi ties, after evidence revealed that she worked as a Nazi agent - something Juliette was keen to discuss: 'Her involvement with Nazis is a fact but you have to know that she didn't kill anyone... 'She didn't give any names [to the Nazis]. There are different ways. It's a difficult story. I could go on and on It would be easy to say Chanel was a collaborator, full stop, and you have to put her in the bin. But it's way more complex than that.' The star also discussed fame, saying: ''I do worry about The New Look being watched in people's houses. worry about my freedom. When you're too famous it's hell you cannot go out and live your life. You become a prisoner'. Juliette Binoche has discussed Coco Chanel 's Nazi connections ahead of playing the fashion designer in new Apple+ show The New Look The Chocolat icon, 59, appeared in The Radio Times to discuss the new show, which follows the lives of the famous French designer and her rival Christian Dior, played by Ben Mendelsohn, as they seek to rule the world of high fashion The New Look features an ensemble cast ranging from John Malkovich to Maisie Williams and Claes Bang, who was last seen playing The Prick in Bad Sisters, and a soundtrack produced by superstar Jack Antonoff. Chanel may have played a part in the French wartime resistance, but she was also a Nazi intelligence operative and had a relationship with German intelligence officer Baron Hans Gunther von Dincklage, played by Claes. The interwoven saga follows the surprising stories of Dior's contemporaries and rivals from Chanel to Pierre Balmain, Cristobal Balenciaga and more. Juliette said: 'I discussed the story in depth with [show creator] Todd A Kessler and the scriptwriters because there are so many contrary things to say about Chanel... 'Some people condemn her as the worst person in the world and others say she worked for the resistance. It's very hard to have a black-and-white opinion.' Back in November, Apple TV+ unveiled the first images from The New Look, showing Juliette cutting a chic figure as Coco in a black dress and pearls. When asked if politics affects her own fashion, she said: 'I've been working with the same stylist, Jonathan Huguet, for almost ten years... 'I appreciate fashion, but I'm not fascinated by it. I don't want to be responsible for deciding how to do my hair with this or that outfit! I trust Jonathan; he likes dressing me as half woman, half man. It gives me a sort of freedom that I enjoy.' Coco Chanel is pictured in 1936 When asked if she likes being famous, she said: 'What a question! The honest answer? Well it depends on the moment. It can be a burden... 'It's not always the kind of attention you want. I go to the market every Sunday and people recognise me, but so what?... 'If they want to see my face without make-up, they can have it. I've been in films wearing no make-up. When I do theatre, people forget about me for a while.' The series will make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode every Wednesday through April 3. Radio Times is on news stands now The Project hosts Sarah Harris and Steve Price have butted heads over a controversial call to ban G-string bikinis on Australian beaches. It comes after Gold Coast man Ian Grace sparked outrage for writing a letter calling for the bikinis to be banned from Aussie beaches because it makes him feel 'uncomfortable'. Mr Grace featured on The Project on Monday to discuss the controversy with the hosts who were left divided over his remarks. Harris, 42, admitted she was 'lost for words' after speaking with Mr Grace, saying women should be taught to be 'proud' of their bodies. However Price, 69, said he 'agreed' with some of Mr Grace's comments about being 'uncomfortable' when women wear the skimpy swimwear. The Project host Sarah Harris (pictured) was left 'lost for words' as she and her co-hosts discussed a very controversial call to ban G-string bikinis on Australian beaches Addressing Mr Grace, Price said: 'You tend to say in the letter that you feel uncomfortable when you see this. I tend to agree with that. Particularly when you are getting down to the younger ages.' Harris asked why the Gold Coast man felt the need to 'look' at the women in bikinis, prompting him to respond: 'You can't help it when you are walking down the street and you have a couple of young ladies with their bare bums in front of you.' Harris responded: 'It's a fine line isn't it Ian, shouldn't we be teaching our girls to be proud of our bodies and not be ashamed of it?' Price later spoke to Mr Grace about his opinion that tight activewear also made him 'uncomfortable', questioning whether that was 'a bit weird'. He asked: 'Didn't you take it further and say you're not keen on women wearing activewear and revealing blouses at meetings, this is getting a bit weird isn't it?' Mr Grace replied: 'All I'm saying is that women wear skin-tight clothing, men don't.' His comments prompted Harris to ask the community worker: 'It sounds like you're saying that you don't respect women if you can see too much skin in business meetings, is that what you're saying?' G-string bikinis have gained huge popularity, with the beachwear fashion trend being adopted by influencers and celebrities alike (pictured: Tammy Hembrow) However, community worker Ian Grace controversially asked Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate to ban skimpy G-string bikinis in a letter published in the Gold Coast Bulletin on Saturday Mr Grace said it wasn't about respect but taking people 'seriously', with a shocked Harris replying: 'I'm wearing a boob-tube dress tonight, but I am wearing a T-shirt underneath, just so I can keep the sensibilities of the boys on the desk in check. 'Thank you so much for your time, Ian. I'm lost for words,' she added. During the segment, they also spoke to members on the public on the beach about Mr Grace's controversial call for a ban. Disagreeing with him, one man said: 'Women should be allowed to wear anything they want at the beach.' While another woman argued: 'If you're offended by skin, don't come to a beach.' Mr Grace doubled down on his statements on Monday night in comments to the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'If men (only wore skimpy swimwear), they would be lambasted for it,' he said. In his intial letter, Mr Grace, who is the founder and president of local charity Youth Music Venture, said the reason for his concern was 'protection'. 'I don't believe that young teens want to be seen as sexy, it's just the fashion right now,' he wrote. 'And I absolutely believe that the real issue here is the men who might be ogling the girls.' He admitted the problem was unfair, but is still a problem. 'If not banned at the beach, very definitely banned the moment they are off the beach,' he wrote. 'This certainly should not be allowed in public pools or theme/water parks which are very much more family orientated. Young kids don't need to see women's bums.' TV presenter Sarah, 42, admitted she was 'lost for words' after speaking with Ian as she told how she believes women should be taught to be 'proud' of their bodies In his letter, Ian said the reason for his concern was 'protection', though many social media users disagreed with his viewpoint (stock image) Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate told the Courier Mail he had no plans on banning the bikinis from the area's famous beaches. 'Ian is a brave man messing with women's fashion,' he said. 'One thing I've learnt about fashion over the years is that if you try to ban something, or restrict it, that's a certain recipe to see it double in popularity.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Married At First Sight's Natalie Parham has revealed the drastic measures she's gone to for love. The Melbourne-based physiotherapist, 32, recalled in her audition tape for the reality TV series that she once flew half way around the world for romance. Natalie travelled to the US to link up with a man within a week of knowing him. 'I would meet someone, and be like... oh my God, we are destined to be,' she said in the clip. 'I just give it 110 percent, so much so I booked a flight the next week to Kansas City. He lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere so I couldn't get anywhere!' Married At First Sight 's Natalie Parham (pictured) has revealed the drastic measures she's gone to for love in her audition tape When she arrived, the man asked her if she wanted to take the next step and 'pursue' a relationship. '"Do you want to move here?"' she recalled him asking. 'And I was like, "No. No, thank you."' Natalie's audition tape comes after the bride and her matched groom Collins Christian sensationally quit the experiment after they failed to connect on their honeymoon. The physiotherapist, 32, recalled in her audition tape for the reality TV series a time she flew half way around the world for romance. Pictured with her MAFS groom Collin Christian 'I just give it 110 percent, so much so I booked a flight the next week to Kansas City. He lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere so I couldn't get anywhere!' she said She called time on her marriage to account assistant Collins at the first dinner party. They made the announcement halfway into the night, sparking a wave of reactions among the cast. 'It just doesn't feel real and right. I'd rather him be honest than just put this mask on,' Natalie explained before they both agreed to leave. Natalie (pictured) and Collins Christian sensationally quit the experiment on Monday after they failed to connect on their honeymoon 'I really wanted this to work. I wanted this just to be my happily ever after. I wanted to show us off to everybody, but I need a relationship with honesty and communication,' she continued. Natalie, visibly distressed and far from her usual 'happy bubbly self,' addressed the group with a heartfelt goodbye. 'Being here has been a big challenge for me,' she confessed, signalling the end of her journey on the show. Collins, echoing her sentiment, acknowledged the difficulty of their decision. Natalie called time on her marriage to account assistant Collins at the first dinner party 'It just doesn't feel real and right. I'd rather him be honest than just put this mask on,' Natalie explained before they both agreed to leave 'I just want to say, before you guys come up, um it's really tough, but look, we're all here for love, right?' he said. After sharing the news with his co-stars, Collins could be seen breaking down behind the scenes. 'It's over. Oh my God. I cancelled everything. I have to go back to work tomorrow,' he said. Collins, echoing her sentiment, acknowledged the difficulty of their decision Natalie, visibly distressed and far from her usual 'happy bubbly self,' addressed the group with a heartfelt goodbye The reactions from their fellow contestants were mixed, with some expressing skepticism over Collins' display of emotion. Lauren Dunn openly criticised him for what she perceived as an act, suggesting he was seeking an Academy Award for his performance. Fellow groom Jayden Eynaud also weighed in, hinting at a disingenuous display from Collins, contrasting it with Natalie's genuine distress. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Larry Emdur almost broke down in tears on The Morning Show on Monday when he discussed his daughter Tia and her partner Rowell Jauco's wedding. The TV star, 59, was left every inch the proud father when Tia, 24, exchanged vows with Rowell at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on Friday. Larry was overwhelmed with emotion as he recalled the special day to his co-host Kylie Gillies. He sweetly gushed that his heart 'exploded into a million pieces' when he walked Tia down the aisle and admitted that he didn't want to 'let her go'. 'Our baby daughter Tia got married, I walked her down the aisle. I held her so tightly. I had to put her hand in Rowell's hand, I didn't want to let her go, but I did,' he said. Larry Emdur almost broke down in tears on The Morning Show on Monday when he discussed his daughter Tia and her partner Rowell Jauco's wedding The TV star, 59, was left every inch the proud father when Tia, 24, exchanged vows with Rowell at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on Friday Larry - who shares Tia with his wife Sylvie - described the wedding as 'magnificent' and said it was a 'special day' filled with 'so much love'. He also told how the traditional father-daughter first dance was to a rendition of Bill Withers' hit Lean on Me as a video of the adorable moment played on screen. He confessed he was repeatedly reduced to tears on the day, adding: '(Tia) was pretty happy. She said on the day 'I get to marry my best friend' so it was special. 'The speeches were lovely, coming together with the family. It was everything, I'm sure when other people get married, it's the same. Five boxes of Kleenexes.' Photographs from the wedding showed Larry beaming with pride as he gave Tia a kiss when she arrived at the nuptials in a white limousine. He planted a kiss on her cheek before they walked down the aisle hand-in-hand, with Larry smiling from ear-to-ear. Tia looked every inch the bride as she stunned in an off-the shoulder ivory gown with a single puffed sleeve. Larry opted for a classic tuxedo with a shirt and tie, and could not have looked happier before and after the wedding. He sweetly gushed that his heart 'exploded into a million pieces' when he walked Tia down the aisle and admitted that he didn't want to 'let her go' He also told how the traditional father-daughter first dance was to a rendition of Bill Withers' hit Lean on Me as a video of the adorable moment played on screen The TV star and his wife Sylvie - who also share a son Jye, 30 - watched the proceedings with massive smiles on their faces as they chatted animatedly. Tia's new husband Rowell cut a dapper figure in an olive green suit with a white shirt and tie. Larry previously revealed he was moved to tears when Tia's then-boyfriend Rowell asked for his permission to marry her. The Channel 7 star admitted it is a 'tough time' in a parent's life when their child begins dating, and said that seeing Tia get engaged overwhelmed him with emotion. 'It's tough because you want them to be safe and happy. But seeing her get engaged to Rowell was easy as we love him,' he said at the time. 'He is a lovely guy. To see them in a relationship, that's meant to be. They're balanced and beautiful together.' Larry said he was immediately moved to tears when Rowell asked him for permission to ask Tia to marry him, despite planning to ask him about his 'intentions'. 'I had all these questions for the guy that would ask me this, about his intentions and bank balance and what car he drove. 'But what happened... I cried straight away, like a blubbering mess.' Back in November 2022, Larry shared the exciting engagement news with his Instagram fans by posting a heartwarming photo of the lovebirds. 'All a father like me can hope and pray for is that one day his baby girl finds a partner who will love and adore, respect and admire, cherish and protect her the way he's tried to,' Larry wrote in the caption. Photographs from the wedding showed Larry giving Tia a kiss when she arrived at the nuptials in a white limousine Larry was also joined by his wife Sylvie as they watched their daughter get married. The couple also share an older son Jye, 30 Larry previously revealed he was moved to tears when Tia's then-boyfriend Rowell asked for his permission to marry her (the couple are pictured after getting engaged in 2022) 'Well, that partner has arrived and we feel very very blessed. Congratulations on your engagement you two,' he went on. 'Rowell thank you for being a bit old fashioned and asking me if you could ask Tia for her hand in marriage. 'I was trying to be a mature, tough dad but I think I just cried. Welcome to our crazy family, we're looking forward to millions of special moments with you two.' Larry and his wife Sylvie met in the 1990s on a plane while she was working as a flight attendant. The television host and his wife have been married since 1995. Alicia Silverstone recently stepped out in a very casual look as she ran errands in Los Angeles, rocking a comfortable sweat suit. The 47-year-old Clueless sensation who is mom to 12-year-old son Bear wore a crewneck brown sweatshirt and coordinating sweatpants. For the casual look, she added a pair of light gray tube socks and cream-colored sneakers with baby pink and baby blue accents. Silverstone, who was born in San Francisco, looked well put-together with a nude manicure as she carried her phone and wallet. Her light-colored locks were worn loose and styled in a side part as they bounced over her shoulders. Alicia Silverstone recently stepped out to run errands in Los Angeles , rocking a comfortable sweatsuit The 47-year-old Clueless sensation who is mom to 12-year-old son Bear wore a crewneck brown sweatshirt and coordinating sweatpants She appeared to have on a light face of makeup and at one point she set her dark-rimmed eyeglasses on top of her head. Taking to Instagram on Monday, she shared a throwback photo with co-star Brendan Fraser in the 1999 rom-com Blast from the Past. In the movie still, she held an umbrella over their heads during a tense moment. Engaging her 2.7 million followers, she wrote, 'Cant leave the house without this today,' adding an umbrella and crying laughing emoji. She added, 'So much rain here in LA! PS: Look at Brendans sweet face #MondayMemories #BlastFromThePast.' It comes after days ago she shared an image with friend and designer Christian Siriano and her son. She simply captioned the snapshot of the trio: 'These two cuties.' Prior to that, she used the social media platform to post a behind-the-scenes video from her time at Sundance Film Festival, where her movie Krazy House premiered. Taking to Instagram on Monday, she shared a throwback photo with co-star Brendan Fraser in the 1999 rom-com Blast from the Past Silverstone recently used Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes video from her time at Sundance Film Festival, where her movie Krazy House premiered In the caption, she said, '#Sundance was krazy. Come with me to the premiere of #KrazyHouse at @sundanceorg.' The clip opened with a shot of Alicia wearing a black turtleneck as she sat in a makeup chair with her hair in rollers. 'We're going to the premiere of Krazy House,' she said into the camera, adding, 'and my hair looks crazy right now as it should.' She even playfully added a brief clip of the 1993 Aerosmith song Crazy for which she famously starred in the racy music video. But the rest of the footage was soundtracked by the clean version of Nicki Minaj's song Everybody (featuring Lil Uzi Vert). The montage included b-roll outtakes of a photoshoot with her castmates, their car ride to the premiere, as well as pictures of Park City, where the annual festival is held. In her social media post, the star wrote, '#Sundance was krazy. Come with me to the premiere of #KrazyHouse at @sundanceorg' The longtime actress included a group shot with her Krazy House co-stars For the star-studded appearance, Silverstone displayed in fashion sense in a brown mini skirt and jacket, black turtleneck, and black tights. The film is centered on a family that is suddenly thrown into disarray when they discover that the maintenance workers at their residence are members of a violent crime syndicate. In addition to Alicia, the feature includes Nick Frost, Kevin Connolly and Gaite Jansen. Last month Silverstone spoke to Variety about her new role and said she was surprised by the film's content. 'I got a call from my agent saying there's a really crazy script that you need to read. I did and it's a page turner for sure. I never saw anything like this before,' she said. Married At First Sight's Lauren Dunn has dropped several wild sex admissions following her debut on the show. The Perth-based PR guru, 32, appeared on the Kyle & Jackie O show on Tuesday morning to discuss her relationship with groom Jonathan McCullough as well as her past sex life. During the interview, Lauren revealed she's yet to see Jonathan naked after previously joking that she wanted a husband with a 'big d**k'. 'We haven't got there yet,' she told radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson. 'I've seen the bulge through the pants... It's a great bulge.' Married At First Sight's Lauren Dunn (pictured) has dropped several wild sex admissions following her debut on the show The outspoken bride also revealed the number of people she's slept with prior to her MAFS appearance, admitting her number is 'embarrassing' due to mainly being in long-term relationships. 'It's an awkward number because I have been in relationships for so long,' she said. 'Let's say seven... maybe add a bit of salt and pepper to that and you might get the real number.' The Perth-based PR guru, 32, appeared on the Kyle & Jackie O show on Tuesday morning to discuss her relationship with groom Jonathan McCullough as well as her past sex life Lauren (right) revealed she's yet to see Jonathan (left) naked after previously joking that she wanted a husband with a 'big d**k' Meanwhile, Kyle said women always halve the number of people they've slept with, claiming Lauren has actually had 14 sexual partners. 'They aren't afraid of confrontation and were often praised by producers for making the show,' dished the spy. Lauren's not one to shy away from confrontations as personal trainer Jack Dunkley discovered during Monday's episode. Lauren's not one to shy away from confrontations as personal trainer Jack Dunkley discovered during Monday's episode. Pictured with groom Jonathan ahead of the first dinner party The groom was confronted about his relationship status outside the experiment. A woman who goes by the name Courtney Jade claimed that Jack had ended their relationship under false pretenses to join MAFS. But Jack defended himself by downplaying his previous relationship as 'casual yet exclusive' before dismissing Courtney as a 'disgruntled ex'. Lauren Dunn, speaking to the cameras, expressed her frustration with Jack's evasiveness The plot thickened when Jack inadvertently revealed the timing of their breakup, which coincided with his involvement in MAFS. Lauren Dunn, speaking to the cameras, expressed her frustration with Jack's evasiveness. 'I feel like I'm going to have a bee in my bonnet over this situation if he continues to just be full of it,' she said. Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now. Married At First Sight fans have called for bride Natalie Parham to return to the dating experiment after she sensationally quit in her second week. Viewers were left shocked during Monday night's episode when Natalie, 32, abruptly called time on her marriage to Collins Christian after they failed to connect. Fans have now taken to Reddit to demand Parham is given a second chance on the show, and gets paired with a husband she is more compatible with. 'Bring Nat back. C'mon experts!' one demanded, as a second person added: 'She was totally robbed of the experience. It's not fair.' 'My heart was breaking for her. She deserved so much better,' a third person chipped in, and a fourth added: 'They better bring her back or give her another season.' Married At First Sight fans have called for bride Natalie Parham (pictured) to return to the dating experiment, after she sensationally quit in her second week 'They really did the dirty on her by pairing her up with Collins. I want them to bring her back and find her a new match,' another user wrote. It comes after Natalie and Collins sensationally quit the experiment after they failed to connect on their honeymoon. Natalie, a Melbourne-based physiotherapist, called time on her marriage to account assistant Collins at the first dinner party. Viewers were shocked during Monday night's episode when Natalie, 32, abruptly called time on her marriage to Collins Christian (right), after they failed to connect They made the announcement halfway into the night, sparking a wave of reactions among the cast. 'It just doesn't feel real and right. I'd rather him be honest than just put this mask on,' Natalie explained before they both agreed to leave. 'I really wanted this to work. I wanted this just to be my happily ever after. I wanted to show us off to everybody, but I need a relationship with honesty and communication,' she continued. Fans have now taken to Reddit to demand that Natalie is given a second chance on the show and gets paired with a husband she is more compatible with Natalie, visibly distressed and far from her usual 'happy bubbly self', addressed the group with a heartfelt goodbye. 'Being here has been a big challenge for me,' she confessed, signalling the end of her journey on the show. Account assistant Collins however seemed more upset about the fact he wouldn't be on television anymore, telling producers: 'It's over. Oh my God. I cancelled everything. I have to go back to work tomorrow.' Social media quickly erupted with memes roasting Collins, with one Instagram page sharing a doctored movie poster for the movie Chicken Run with a photo of Collins superimposed on top. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available High-profile TV economist Tom Piotrowski fell from a roof while trying to ensure his house was bushfire ready and has undergone surgery. The CommSec market analyst appeared on Sky News on Tuesday morning where host Peter Stefanovic noticed he was wearing a protective guard over his left wrist. 'It's on the mend Pete,' Piotrowski said when asked if his wrist was okay. 'Did you have a motorbike accident?' Stefanovic asked. 'I fell off a roof. I'm quite fortunate to be upright,' the economist replied. Tom Piotrowski appeared on Sky News on Tuesday morning and was wearing a wrist guard on his left arm Piotrowski explained he was being 'bushfire ready' and that sometimes that 'came with a cost'. 'I'm very fortunate to have wonderful medical care so a shoutout to my wonderful surgeon, thank you very much for all the work you've done, I'm very fortunate.' Piotrowski has been giving his insight into the market on various news platforms for more than 10 years. The CommSec market analyst said he was on his roof ensuring his house was 'bushfire ready' when he fell off His fanbase has ballooned over the past decade after he debuted a new look with long hair and an unkempt beard. There is even a Tom Piotrowski Appreciation Society group on Facebook. The economist first came to TV fame in the early 2000s as a regular guest on Channel 10's Rove Live. Prior to his television appearances, the Sydney-based economist was a trader in the fixed income and currency markets. Snezana and Sam Wood are one of the biggest success stories to come out of The Bachelor Australia, but even their relationship appears to be showing serious signs of strain. The couple seemed to exchange some tense words last Friday when they were spotted running errands in their home town of Melbourne. With a layering of gold necklaces about her throat, make-up free Snezana, 42, looked less than impressed with her husband, 43, of fours years as they spoke by their car. She accentuated her slender frame with a long-sleeved black shirt, featuring a very deep V-neck, and a pair of basic blue jeans for a classic but chic look. With a gold watch at her wrist and dangling earrings, the brunette beauty flaunted her huge wedding diamond during the outing. Snezana, 42, (left) and Sam Wood, 43, (right) are one of the biggest success stories to come out of The Bachelor Australia, but even they appear to go through some rough patches Meanwhile, Sam appeared run-down in his loose grey sweater and beige slacks, opting to slick back his salt-and-pepper locks. He rocked a stubbled beard as he stood outside the open car door of his car, seemingly frustrated by the conversation he and Snezana were having. The loved up couple seemed to be sharing some terse words last Friday when they were spotted running errands in their home town Melbourne With a layering of gold necklaces about her throat, Snezana looked less than impressed with her husband of fours years as they spoke by their vehicle She accentuated her slender frame with a long-sleeved black shirt, featuring a very deep V-neck, and a pair of basic blue jeans for a classic but chic look With a gold watch at her wrist and dangling earrings, Snezana flaunted her blindingly huge wedding diamond during the outing Tucking her blunt bob behind her ears, the brunette beauty let her genetically blessed features shine through as she rocked a completely bare face In an apparently conciliatory move, Sam at one point embraced his wife, and she returned the hug. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to the couple for comment. Snezana and Sam met in 2015 on the third season of The Bachelor Australia. The Perth beauty immediately captured the fitness guru's heart as the first woman to step out of the limo and greet him. Meanwhile, Sam appeared run-down in his loose grey sweater and beige slacks, opting to slick back his salt-and-pepper locks Sam rocked a stubbled beard as he stood outside the open car door of his car, seemingly frustrated by their conversation In an apparently conciliatory move, Sam at one point embraced his wife Snezana and Sam met in 2015 on the third season of The Bachelor Australia. The Perth beauty immediately captured the fitness guru's heart as the first woman to step out of the limo Snezana and her daughter Eve, who is now 18, relocated to Melbourne to start a new life with Sam who got down on one knee just six months into their relationship In October 2017, Snezana and Sam welcomed Australia's first Bachie baby to the world, and named her Willow Wendy Wood The lovebirds went on to tie the knot in 2018 before welcoming their second child together, named Charlie Lane, the following year, and yet another baby girl, Harper Jones, in 2022 Snezana and her daughter Eve, who is now 18, relocated to Melbourne to start a new life with Sam who got down on one knee just six months into their relationship. In October 2017, the couple welcomed Australia's first Bachie baby to the world, and named her Willow Wendy Wood. The lovebirds went on to tie the knot in 2018 before welcoming their second child together, named Charlie Lane, the following year. Their happy family welcomed their sixth member in 2022, yet another baby girl named Harper Jones. MARCH 2020 Kate revealed she and Prince Charles had got 'relatively close' at the Prince's Trust Awards on March 11 - Charles was diagnosed with coronavirus in mid-March. She said: 'Around the 29/30 March, I came home came in and said [to Derek] 'god you look ill.' 'He said he had a headache, numbness in his right hand, and was struggling to breathe, 'I rang Dr Hilary (Jones) and tried to get through, he talked to Derek. He said put me back on, I think you need to call an ambulance' Derek, 52, was taken into hospital on March 30 and remained in an unresponsive condition. APRIL Kate and her children isolated at home after she displayed 'mild symptoms'. Kate said: 'Derek remains in intensive care and is still very ill. I'm afraid it remains an excruciatingly worrying time. 'I'm afraid he is still in a deeply critical condition, but he is still here, which means there is hope.' MAY Kate said: 'The journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new and devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight. 'But he is still HERE & so there is still hope.' That month, Kate and her family took part in the final clap for carers She said: 'I'll never give up on that because Derek's the love of my life but at the same time I have absolute uncertainty' JUNE On June 5, Kate revealed Derek is now free from coronavirus but continues to fight against the damage inflicted on his body JULY On July 5, Kate revealed Derek has woken from his coma but he remains in a serious yet critical condition. On July 8, she announced she would be returning to GMB, after being urged by doctors to 'get on with life' during Derek's recovery. She added that Derek had 'opened his eyes' after waking from his coma, but has been told his recovery could take years. On July 13, Kate returned to GMB for the first time since Derek was hospitalised. On July 28, Kate revealed she'd paid an 'extra emotional' first visit to Derek, and admitted she's 'frustrated' by his slow progress. AUGUST On August 14, Kate reassured GMB viewers that Derek was 'still with us,' but it was 'a waiting game.' On August 19, Kate revealed she celebrated Derek's birthday with their two children, and described the day as 'challenging' for her family. SEPTEMBER At the end of September, Derek reportedly becomes the longest surviving patient with coronavirus after spending 184 days in and out of intensive care. Kate reveals Derek has lost eight stone during his battle. The presenter announces she is returning to her Smooth Radio show so Derek can hear her voice. OCTOBER On October 30 Kate reveals that Derek has spoken for the first time in seven months, saying the word 'pain' to his wife, who watched on 'in tears' over FaceTime. Kate says a day later that her husband no longer needs a ventilator to breathe. NOVEMBER Kate reveals her family car has been stolen in latest 'body blow' to her family life, as kind-hearted fans offer their cars to help. She says she feels 'physically sick' at the prospect of facing her first Christmas without Derek. DECEMBER The GMB star tells viewers it is her dream to visit Derek on Christmas Day. She also reveals she missed two weeks on GMB after her children were exposed to the virus, but thankfully she and the kids tested negative. On December 17, Kate has an emotional conversation live on GMB with two nurses who treated Derek when he was first admitted to Whittington Hospital in North London. On New Year's Eve she reflects on a 'calamitous' Christmas without Derek, as her house was flooded and she struggled to get a food delivery slot until her pal Emma Willis stepped in to help. JANUARY 2021 Kate reveals she and her children got to visit Derek in hospital over the Christmas period, and it was the first time her family had seen him since he was hospitalised. She also says she's banned from seeing him due to new restrictions introduced during the government's third lockdown. FEBRUARY Kate reveals she is unsure how much Derek will 'ever be able to recover' following warning from doctors that he may never wake from his coma MARCH Kate revealed that was in the process of adapting her home to suit Derek's needs when he is finally released from hospital, in the ITV documentary Finding Derek. The programmed was praised by viewers for offering a heartbreaking look at the long-term effects of coronavirus. Kate also revealed that Derek has 'no muscle left' since battling Covid APRIL Kate revealed that Derek was finally allowed to leave hospital, but would require round-the-clock care once he was returned home. MAY Kate revealed that despite now being home with his family, his communication abilities were 'minimal' and he 'couldn't really move' DECEMBER During an appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, Kate revealed that Derek had said 'I love you' for the first time. After celebrating Christmas, Derek was also pictured in a wheelchair during a trip to the pantomime with his family JANUARY 2022 Kate revealed that Derek was 'very fatigued' and 'very weak' following the family outing, adding: 'I don't know what this year is going to bring.' FEBRUARY Kate offered a glimpse into the daily struggles of looking after her husband amid his battle with long Covid in the documentary Caring For Derek She also revealed that Derek would die within three days if he was left alone to care for himself. JULY On July 6, Kate revealed that Derek had been re-admitted to hospital after suffering a 'downturn,' and in a later interview said she takes things 'day by day.' On July 20, it was reported that Kate had pulled out of hosting Good Morning Britain to be at Derek's bedside after he took a 'very serious' turn for the worse. Recalling the day, the presenter told The Sun: 'At one point Derek said to me, "This is it, this time. I am gone." It was just terrifying. 'His sepsis was gut-wrenching for all of us because it had gone undiagnosed until the point where it was about to take his life away again.' JANUARY 2023 Kate became overwhelmed as she confronted former health secretary Matt Hancock over his handling of the pandemic and his decision to go on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here. She then became tearful and looked up as she spoke about Derek, who has been unwell for approaching three years. Describing public anger towards him, Kate added of his decision: 'This gives the impression you still don't get why they are cross. You still don't get why people are upset. They want to hold you to more account.' APRIL Kate revealed that Derek was once again receiving care in hospital, as she shared the emotional moment Sir Elton John dedicated a song to the 'inspiring' couple. She shared the emotional moment Sir Elton John dedicated a song to the 'inspiring' couple, writing on Instagram: 'Yes Derek has been back in hospital this week & yes there's such a long road ahead but #eltonjohn & @davidfurnish you gave the kids & Derek a moment that we will never forget and has lifted their spirits again to feel anything is possible.' It was also reported that Kate was planning a trip across the world for pioneering treatment in a 'final hope' to help her husband. MAY Kate reportedly faced a huge 716,000 tax bill after she was forced to close her husband's business two years after he became stricken with Covid-19. The final total will be settled within the coming weeks, with friends insisting she will pay whatever is owed. A friend told The Sun: 'The figures are terrifying and Kate is of course worried about all the financial pressures, but she has to trust the process. 'When it comes to an end, she is determined to pay back anything that's owed. 'It's no secret that Kate has been battling to keep her husband alive and working through some heartbreaking situations in her personal life in recent years. 'Sadly as well as the emotional stress of Derek's terrible illnesses the financial burden has also been crippling.' DECEMBER Derek was left fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack. Kate held a 24/7 vigil by his bedside and cancelled all work commitments while the family 'prayed for a miracle'. A source said: 'It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family. 'This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him. Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life. 'Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.' JANUARY 2024 Kate announced on January 5 that Derek had passed away. She said: 'Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. 'I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible'. MailOnline understands he passed away on January 3 in a North London hospital. He is survived by wife Kate and their children Darcey, 17, and son William, 14. Derek Hough's wife Hayley Erbert gave her first update on her condition after undergoing an emergency craniectomy and subsequent skull repair on Monday. The 29-year-old dancer who was spotted out in Los Angeles days earlier was accompanied by her 38-year-old husband in the short video, which they shared jointly to Instagram. Hayley looked shockingly different than she had prior to her health scare, as her long brunette locks had been shorn, giving way to a chic pixie cut. She also gave her viewers a glimpse at the long scar running long the top of her head, which was from surgeries to release pooling blood from a hematoma that was pressing down on her brain, as well as to subsequently replace a portion of her skull that had to be removed. 'Its been wild going from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. But I have to say, throughout this experience this woman has been unbelievable and her perseverance and her acceptance of the whole situation, her strength, its been remarkable to witness firsthand,' Derek said as he said by his wife's side. 'She really is a miracle and its been miraculous and its still a journey.' Derek Hough's wife Hayley Erbert gave her first update on her condition after undergoing an emergency craniectomy and subsequent skull repair on Monday. The 29-year-old dancer was accompanied by her 38-year-old husband in the short video, which they shared jointly to Instagram Hayley added that things were still up and down for her, as she still has 'really good days' and 'really bad days,' both 'emotionally and physically sometimes,' though she said she was improving 'every single day. 'Truly there is so much progress every day and Im so grateful for that,' she added. Hayley looked back to when she was first waking up in the hospital from her initial surgery, when her condition was still uncertain. She said that her husband had told her that so many people in her life and among her online fans were thinking of her, but she said it was if she already knew that, because she already 'genuinely felt that through my body, in my heart, in my soul.' As she grew misty-eyed, Hayley shared her thanks to her fans for 'all of your messages, your love, your energy, your light, your prayers.' 'Thank you guys for all of it because it means so much to me and to us as a family. And genuinely, I believe its whats gotten me through this a little bit faster and its what helped me heal,' she continued, tearfully. 'Its what helped me stay positive throughout the entire experience.' Then Hayley gave her followers a closer look at her surgery scar, which would likely be completely hidden by her hair as it continues to grow out. 'Its a new year, its a new haircut,' Derek joked about the stylish buzzed look. She added that, in addition to the new haircut, she had a 'new scar,' as well as 'a new sac of fluid on the side of my face, which is supposed to eventually go away.' Hayley also said she had a 'new skull,' though it was unclear if a synthetic material was used to replace the removed portion of her skull, or if some of her original bone was reattached. She added that the scary near-death experience had given her a 'new outlook on life.' 'Life is so precious. Spend time with the ones you love. Hold them close cause you never know what could happen,' she said. Hayley concluded on another emotional note by saying she was 'grateful to be alive and be here to tell my story.' Derek signed off after saying that he and his wife would share more details about her condition and recovery in the future. Derek revealed on December 7 that his wife was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cranial hematoma, while they were performing at their Symphony of Dance tour in Washington D.C. Hayley revealed the scar running along her skull, which would likely be completely covered up after her hair had grown out a bit more She also said she has a sac of fluid on the side of her face now, though it is supposed to go away She added that the scary near-death experience had given her a 'new outlook on life.' 'Life is so precious. Spend time with the ones you love. Hold them close cause you never know what could happen,' she said Derek revealed on December 7 that his wife was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cranial hematoma, while they were performing at their Symphony of Dance tour in Washington D.C.; sen in March 2022 in West Hollywood A cranial hematoma happens when blood accumulates, 'within the brain or between the brain and the skull,' according to Mayo Clinic. 'At the end of last night's tout performance in Washington, D.C., my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital,' he wrote. 'She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. She is in stable condition,' he added. 'I want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have cared for and continue to care for her. I ask for your prayers and positivity during this time,' Hough added. Hough then revealed the next day, ''Hayley has always inspired me with her will, her strength, and her resilience and no more so than in the last 48 hours. She is now on the long road of recovery,' he wrote. The Dancing With The Stars judge then spoke about the gratitude he felt for all the well wishes that had been sent by his fans. 'Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are for the support and love that you have given us,' he said. 'The kindness that we've been shown in this incredibly unfathomable, and life changing time is immeasurable,' he wrote. He concluded by writing: 'The offers of assistance that have poured in have been so humbling and appreciated. Our hope is that as a family, we can somehow and someway pay it forward.' On Christmas Day, Hough shared a photo of them kissing by their tree, alongside an update on her recovery. 'Cherishing the greatest gift of all. The precious gift of life and the love we share. Hold your loved ones close and treasure every moment,' he captioned the image. A cranial hematoma happens when blood accumulates, 'within the brain or between the brain and the skull,' according to Mayo Clinic She's seen here in Washington, D.C., on a walk with Derek shortly after her initial surgery as she began her recovery Erbert's medical emergency comes almost a year exactly after her and Hough were involved in a a 'scary' car crash. At the time, she told her social media followers they had been in a 'pretty scary car accident in the mountains' on December 12, 2022. She went on to describe the terrifying elements of their crash: 'Our accident involved a steep hill, icy roads, a tree, and worst of all, the fear that we would slide off the mountain.' 'The scariest part was that Hayley doesnt remember anything,' Derek shared in the comments section, at the time. 'She was dazed afterwards, being cheerful saying we should keep going to dinner as blood ran down her face.' 'That really scared me,' wrote Hough. 'She came to 20 minutes later when the firemen arrived.' Earlier this year, the lovebirds wed during a beautiful ceremony in a magnificent forest of Redwood trees. A-listers in attendance included Frieda Pinto, Amy Purdy, Maria Menounos, Shawn Johnson, Nina Dobrev, Shaun White, Robert and Kym Herjavec, Alfonso Ribeiro, and of course, Derek's sister, Julianne Hough. According to Brides, the duo couple exchanged vows in front of 106 guests. 'At the end of last night's tout performance in Washington, D.C., my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital,' he wrote. 'She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy' Erbert's medical emergency comes almost a year exactly after her and Hough were involved in a a 'scary' car crash (seen last year after the accident) Last year, the lovebirds wed during a beautiful ceremony in a magnificent forest of Redwood trees; seen in 2022 Hough and Erbert kicked off their tour on September 28, 2023, a month after tying the knot (seen in 2022) 'He's definitely going to cry. I know that for a fact,' Derek's wife joked before the ceremony. She added that, 'Honestly, both of us. We're going to be a mess!' The rehearsal dinner was just as elegant as the ceremony itself, with the wedding guests being wined and dined in Carmel first for a welcome dinner, followed by a rehearsal dinner the next day, with many details planned by the brunette beauty herself. Hough and Erbert kicked off their tour on September 28, 2023, a month after tying the knot. Kyle Sandilands has finally confirmed when The Kyle and Jackie O Show will launch in Melbourne. The breakfast show announced its historic new radio deal back in November, but is still yet to grace the airwaves in Melbourne despite kicking off 2024 in Sydney earlier this month. During Tuesday's show, a caller asked when Kyle and co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson would finally launch in Melbourne, telling them: 'We need some decent radio down here'. Kyle, who has previously refused to confirm the launch date, replied: 'Six weeks'. It comes months after Sydney-based Kyle and Jackie O signed a a record-breaking $200million, 10-year deal live on-air - keeping them on the airwaves until 2034. Kyle Sandilands (left, with co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson) has confirmed The Kyle and Jackie O Show will launch in Melbourne in 'six weeks' In November, a spokesperson for ARN confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the deal for the Sydney duo meant their work pals Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips were out of a job and their Melbourne breakfast show finished up in December. Lauren broke down in tears while announcing the news to her listeners, sobbing that she didn't want to 'say goodbye to Melbourne'. Jase and Lauren's show was successful for KIIS FM, bringing in new listeners for the station and sitting third in the Melbourne market behind Fox FM's Fifi Fev & Nick and GOLD104.3's Christian O'Connell. It comes months after Sydney-based Kyle and Jackie O signed a a record-breaking $200million, 10-year deal live on-air - keeping them on the airwaves until 2034 In a statement to celebrate the historic contract renewal, Sandilands said, 'Fans of the show will be stoked to hear that this 10-year deal is the longest radio deal in Australian history. 'Love us or loathe us, Jackie and I will be continuing with our politically incorrect nonsense for a long, long time.' He added, 'We want to thank the listeners. Staff. All the clients. Even senior management, I'll give a nod to. They actually did something brilliant.' In November, a spokesperson for ARN confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that the deal for the Sydney duo meant their work pals Jase Hawkins (left) and Lauren Phillips (right) were out of a job and their Melbourne breakfast show finished up in December In a statement to celebrate the historic contract renewal, Sandilands said, 'Fans of the show will be stoked to hear that this 10-year deal is the longest radio deal in Australian history. 'Love us or loathe us, Jackie and I will be continuing with our politically incorrect nonsense for a long, long time' The duo will dominate markets outside their Sydney-based audience and extend their reach into Melbourne for the first time. It's been reported one unique clause in the contract gives Sandilands the ability to broadcast the show from 'anywhere on the earth'. The shock jock has often worked on the KIIS FM show from Los Angeles and other places, so the new contract will give the flexibility to continue broadcasting from wherever he chooses. The Australian Idol judges shocked a family boy band during Tuesday's episode by only choosing two of its four members to advance to the next round. Judges Kyle Sandilands, 52, Marcia Hines, 70, and Amy Shark, 37, were speaking to three brothers and a cousin from Brisbane who wanted to audition as a group. However, Kyle laid down the law and said they would have to audition separately and then be judged on an individual basis. 'We've got a format where it's Idol, not idols, there's no group of blokes,' he told them. The boys said they were okay with that and then each performed a song for the judging panel, telling them they hoped they all made it through. The Australian Idol judges shocked a family boy band during Tuesday's episode by only choosing two of its four members to advance to the next round. Pictured: Judge Kyle Sandilands Kyle did not hold back after hearing the four boys perform and said some cuts would have to be made. 'Some are better than others. It's like a circumcision, we cut off the bits we don't want to keep the greatness,' he said. The judging panel procced to tell only Eli and Caleb they would be advancing to the next round while Isaac and Jacob didn't make the cut. Judges Kyle Sandilands, 52, Marcia Hines, 70, and Amy Shark, 37, were speaking to three brothers and a cousin from Brisbane who wanted to audition as a group. However, Kyle laid down the law and said they would have to audition separately The two who missed out were so excited to see their family moving forward they immediately hugged them. It comes after host Ricki-Lee Coulter broke down in tears during Monday's episode of the show after hearing a contestant's heartbreaking acoustic song. The judging panel were chatting to 18-year-old Shaylee Gear from the Gold Coast who told them she would be performing Adele's ballad Make You Feel My Love. The judges made the tough call that only two of the four boys would be advancing to the next round 'My dad passed away when I was just four years old and I hope he would be proud I am auditioning for Australian Idol,' she told the judges. 'He's been one of the biggest inspirations for my singing career.' She then performed a pitch perfect and heartbreaking version of Bob Dylan's pop staple, which has been covered by many artists including Adele and Ronan Keating. Ricki-Lee, 38, was seen crying while watching Gear perform and sobbed: 'It's so beautiful'. The judging panel then said they were only interested in Eli (right) and Caleb (second from left) Comedian Dave Hughes has revealed he may have undiagnosed ADHD. During 2DAY FMs Hughesy, Ed & Erin breakfast show on Tuesday, the 53-year-old radio host said he could have the disorder after a fellow comedian with a diagnosis suggested he get tested. 'She said that I should get on ADHD medication because she thinks I've got it,' he told his fellow co-hosts Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan. 'She said she got diagnosed recently and the medication has improved her life immeasurably. I've since spoken to a number of comedians who have had the diagnosis as well and they're all raving about the medication, and how it's improved their existences.' Hughes noted he doesn't know for sure if he has ADHD or not, so the radio crew invited psychiatrist Dr. Tanveer Ahmed to discuss Hughes' potential diagnosis. Comedian Dave Hughes (pictured) has revealed he may have undiagnosed ADHD 'I guess the question would be, say, You got diagnosed and medicated, what is it you're trying to improve?' Dr. Ahmed asked. Hughes explained his extensive employment history and how he failed his studies in two different fields. 'I started an IT degree back in 1989, I couldn't focus there. I then did a business degree... I could have become an accountant. I couldn't focus there,' he said. 'Are you saying if I had have had those medications back then I might have stuck at those degrees?' he asked Dr. Ahmed. During 2DAY FMs Hughesy, Ed & Erin breakfast show on Tuesday, the radio host revealed he could have the disorder after a fellow comedian with a diagnosis suggested he get tested 'Well, there's a possibility... Sometimes, with tablets, there's an element of performance enhancement or a lot of people who struggle with these things,' Dr. Ahmed replied. READ MORE: Dave Hughes determined to give up dangerous addiction as his family fear it could lead him down a dark path after three decades of sobriety Advertisement 'I worry Hughesy will get on [the medication] and he'll be just super chilled... and it will affect his comedy.' Hughes added: 'Honestly, that's what I worry about.' ADHD is a mental health condition with symptoms that include trouble focusing, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The adult condition is treated similarly to that of childhood ADHD, with medication and counselling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hughes' health update comes after the comedian was rushed to hospital in December after dislocating his shoulder on a Queensland beach, resulting in nerve damage and leaving him in excruciating pain. 'Happy NY. Had my least sober NYE in 30+ years. Green whistle came after two hours of worst pain of my life, plus morphine and the rest of them,' he wrote on Instagram. 'Shoulder dislocation whilst surfing. 9 out of 10 level nerve damage' he explained. 'Shout out to wife, @surfersparadiseslsc, and GC medical professionals for their much needed help! 'Will be in a sling for a while, not sure when my next right-handed high five will be,' he continued. In December, Dave was rushed to hospital following a surfing accident. Pictured The 53-year-old dislocated his shoulder while enjoying a day out on a Queensland beach, resulting in nerve damage and leaving him in excruciating pain Alongside the caption, Dave shared several dramatic images of the aftermath of the accident. He is seen hunched over with his arm in a sling while inhaling the famous 'green whistle' - which contains the powerful analgesic Penthrox, used to administer emergency pain relief. A further image shows the television personality slumped in a beach buggy driven by a lifesaver, with a towel across his shoulders. Lily James was the epitome of elegance as joined co-star Joe Keery at the premiere of their new movie Finally Dawn (Finalmente l'Alba) in Rome, Italy on Monday. The British actress, 34, stunned in a dramatic white ruffled gown which boasted a halterneck and teased a glimpse of her ample sideboob. Lily's gorgeous frock featured feathered embellishments and voluptuous princess skirt which ensured all eyes were on her as she made her stylish arrival. Meanwhile Stranger Things star Joe, 34, cut a dapper figure in a bright red double breasted suit which he teamed with a pale blue shirt. The Italian period drama tells the story of Lily's aspiring actress in 1950s Rome as she's on the verge of becoming engaged to a man. Lily James, 34, was the epitome of elegance as joined co-star Joe Keery, 31, at the premiere of their new movie Finally Dawn (Finalmente l'Alba) in Rome, Italy on Monday The British actress stunned in a dramatic white ruffled gown which boasted a halterneck and teased a glimpse of her ample sideboob She goes to Cinecitta to do an audition as an extra and is thrust into this almost infinite night during which she discovers herself. Joe, plays love interest Sean Lockwood. According to Collider.com. the origins of the film are both of the glamorous and ever-changing scene of old Hollywood following World War II. This is a time when classic films like 1953's Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn, as well as many 'sword and sandal' films like Elizabeth Taylor's big-budget Cleopatra were filmed. Written and directed by Saverio Costanzo, the cast also includes Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe and The Idol's Rachel Sennott. The director revealed that Antonaci's character is actually inspired by a real-life young woman by the name of Wilma Montesi. Earlier in the day Joe and Lily posed for a photocall -24 hours after they dined at a luxurious Italian restaurant Dal Bolognese. The stunner cut a stylish figure as she slipped into a tailored black suit jacket tucked into high-waisted trousers. She teamed her look with a pair of polished patent court heels, while opting for minimal accessorises with just simple silver earrings. Lily's gorgeous frock featured feathered embellishments and voluptuous princess skirt Lily's look ensured all eyes were on her as she made her stylish arrival Lily accentuated her dainty fetaures with make-up and wore her brunette tresses loose She posed up a storm on the red carpet ahead of the screening She ensured to show off the frock's backless design Lily posed alongside the movie's director Saverio Costanzo The Italian period drama tells the story of Lily's aspiring actress in 1950s Rome as she's on the verge of becoming engaged to a man Meanwhile Stranger Things star Joe cut a dapper figure in a bright red double breasted suit which he teamed with a pale blue shirt L-R) Michele Bravi, Sofia Panizzi, Rebecca Antonaci, director Saverio Costanzo, Lily James, Alba Rohrwacher and Joe Keery Earlier in the day Joe and Lily posed for a photocall -24 hours after they dined at a luxurious Italian restaurant Dal Bolognese Meanwhile, Joe looked incredibly dapper as he arrived to the shoot in a sophisticated navy suit. The actor was all smiles as he stood posing against a post in his trendy ensemble - which he paired with a vibrant sweatshirt underneath. Lily is currently in an on-off relationship with musician Michael Shuman, while Joe has been romancing Chase Sui. At the start of November 2023, The Daily Mail revealed Lily appeared to have rekindled her romance with her rockstar boyfriend Michael. She even prompted questions over whether they were engaged by wearing a gold band on her wedding finger. Lily and Michael split in February 2023 after they were rumoured to have grown apart but were then seen together at Glastonbury - despite their alleged split. WWE fans are still up in arms over the latest wrestling controversy involving Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson taking over the WrestleMania main event from Cody Rhodes. After Cody Rhodes, 38, won the Royal Rumble last month, many fans were expecting him to square off with current WWE champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. However, many fans were surprised and upset when Johnson, 51, appeared on Friday Night SmackDown to reveal that he was going to face Reigns for the title at WrestleMania, instead of fan favorite Rhodes. That backlash has even reached The Rock's own daughter, who performs under her ring name Ava (born Simone Garcia Johnson), and at just 22 years of age was named as the general manager for WWE's NXT brand in late January. Ava took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, revealing that she has been receiving death threats from fans since the SmackDown announcement. WWE fans are still up in arms over the latest wrestling controversy involving Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson taking over the WrestleMania main event from Cody Rhodes However, many fans were surprised and upset when Johnson, 51, appeared on Friday Night SmackDown to reveal that he was going to face Reigns for the title at WrestleMania, instead of fan favorite Rhodes That backlash has even reached The Rock's own daughter, who performs under her ring name Ava (born Simone Garcia Johnson), and at just 22 years of age was named as the general manager for WWE's NXT brand in late January 'can yall just leave me out of this ffs im busy running a SHOW,' Ava said in one tweet on Monday afternoon. She added in another tweet, 'death threats over a situation i have nothing to do with bffr.' Ava is the daughter of Johnson and his ex-wife and current business partner Dany Garcia. She made headlines in February 2020 when, at just 18 years of age, she had started her training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. She made her first televised appearance in October 2022, under the ring name Ava Raine, which was later shortened to simply Ava. She wrestled as part of the villainous faction known as Schism, though that group ultimately disbanded in September 2023. Ava then started working as the on-screen assistant of Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels. It was announced in late January 2024 that she was taking over as the new general manager of NXT, becoming the youngest GM in WWE history. 'can yall just leave me out of this ffs im busy running a SHOW,' Ava said in one tweet on Monday afternoon She added in another tweet, 'death threats over a situation i have nothing to do with bffr' Ava is the daughter of Johnson and his ex-wife and current business partner Dany Garcia She made headlines in February 2020 when, at just 18 years of age, she had started her training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando She made her debut on WWE SmackDown days later, assisting SmackDown GM Nick Aldis with the Royal Rumble draw She made her debut on WWE SmackDown days later, assisting SmackDown GM Nick Aldis with the Royal Rumble draw. Ava has not elaborated on the death threats against her, though she still seems to have quite a bit of support online. Her Monday tweets received nearly 18K likes and over 3K retweets since the original posting. WrestleMania is slated to take place over two nights - April 6-7 - from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Gary Barlow got into an awkward on-air row with radio star Kate Ritchie on Tuesday after he confused her show Home and Away with Neighbours. The Take That star, 52, appeared on Nova's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie to discuss his upcoming Australian tour and was asked if he watched Home and Away. However, Gary did not know much about the series Kate Ritchie starred on from 1988-2008 - and even confused it with its biggest competitor. 'Holly Valance and Terence Donovan were both on Home and Away, right?' Gary asked - only to be informed by a fuming Kate, 45, they were Neighbours stars. Barlow then inflamed the situation by claiming he preferred Kate's soap rival. Gary Barlow (pictured) got into an awkward on-air row with radio star Kate Ritchie on Tuesday after he confused her show Home and Away with Neighbours 'I think England was the biggest country for Neighbours and Home and Away. We loved Neighbours, Kylie, come on!' said the pop star. Kate shot back: 'That's okay, Robbie Williams was my favourite,' referring to Gary's Take That bandmate. Fortunately, the pair eventually made up and were seen hugging in a clip shared to social media. Barlow was appearing on Nova's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie to discuss his upcoming Australian tour and was asked if he watched Home and Away. However, Gary did not know much about the series Kate Ritchie (pictured) starred on from 1988 - 2008 It comes after legendary English boy band Take That announced they are set to bring their This Life Tour to Australia later this year with supporting acts Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ricki-Lee Coulter. The group announced the exciting news in a Sunday Instagram video, revealing they will tour Down Under in October and November. The tour coincides with the release of their This Life album last year and the boys with be performing a mixture of old and new songs to the crowd. Fortunately, the pair eventually made up and were seen hugging in a clip shared to social media Take That will be performing in Perth on October 30, Adelaide on November 2, Melbourne on the 6th, Sydney on the 7th and Queensland on the 10th. Tickets to their show will go on sale at 3pm Friday, February 9. The band formed in 1990 and comprised of Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen. Williams left the group in 1995 to forge his solo career and rejoined them from 2010 - 2014, before again leaving to focus on his own music. Karl Stefanovic, along with the rest of Australia, was left 'shocked' on Tuesday morning upon discovering King Charles III has cancer. The Today host, 49, appeared stunned when he delivered the news on his breakfast show alongside co-anchor Sarah Abo in the early hours of the morning. As statements rolled in from Buckingham Palace on The King's health, the television presenter wore a forlorn expression during his reports. 'We're all waking up to shocking news this morning,' he told viewers. Just moments earlier, Sarah, 36, exclaimed the news of the monarch's decline in health 'came out of the blue'. Karl Stefanovic, along with the rest of Australia, was left 'shocked' on Tuesday morning when he woke up to discover King Charles III, 75, (pictured) has cancer The King, 75, was most recently reported to be 'hugely positive' following the shock news of his cancer diagnosis. Family and friends were said to be amazed by his determination to carry on with 'business as usual', as it's understood his condition has been caught very early and the prognosis is good. Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips in recent months to Windsor Castle to spend time with Prince William, The Sun reported, with the father and son becoming closer. Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during treatment for a benign prostate condition. The Today host, 49, (left) appeared stunned when he delivered the news on his breakfast show alongside co-anchor Sarah Abo, 36, (right) in the early hours of the morning. 'We're all waking up to shocking news this morning,' he told viewers Charles informed close family by phone, including estranged son Harry who will fly back from his home in California to see his father. Harry's wife Meghan and their two children will not be joining him, a source has revealed. The Duke of Sussex will soon be leaving the United States for Britain to be reunited with his father, after King Charles contacted both of his sons personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis, before it was announced by Buckingham Palace. But Harry's wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie, four, and Lilibet, two, will stay in LA. A source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK as soon as possible to be by his father's side. Experts have claimed that Harry's dash to Britain 'indicates the seriousness' of The King's condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: 'The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.' It is not known where the Duke of Sussex will stay when he visits the UK as he will need permission from Buckingham Palace to stay on a royal estate. King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer , Buckingham Palace announced in a statement this evening. Above: Charles was last seen waving to well-wishers as he attended a service with his wife Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer' Harry returned the keys to Frogmore Cottage last June when the prince and his wife Meghan Markle vacated the property. His request to stay at Windsor Castle was knocked back by the Palace when he last visited the UK in September and Harry ended up staying in a hotel. It will be the first time the pair have spent any significant time together in more than 18 months. Royal watchers were asking whether it might herald a thaw in relations. Charles arrived in London yesterday morning from his Sandringham estate with his wife Camilla to start out-patient treatment at an undisclosed hospital. She will be at her husband's side throughout but has insisted on continuing with her public engagements. Other members of the Royal Family will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, including the Prince of Wales, who will return to duties tomorrow after his own wife's medical issues. The King, pictured in France last September, will continue working behind the scenes on red boxes and constitutional duties, but public duties have been paused and will be shared amongst his family Prince Harry will fly to London from California to be by his father's side - the first time the pair would have spent any significant time together in the last 18 months The Prince of Wales will return to royal duties today following his wife's medical issues and will be stepping up to stand in for the sovereign, alongside other members of the Royal Family While cancelling all his public engagements, Charles is insisting on carrying on with his 'red boxes' of paperwork and he may even conduct a small number of face-to-face private meetings. The Mail learned that The King has known about his diagnosis since early last week, insisting on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and waving warmly to well-wishers. Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie's cancer care unit in London on Wednesday in the knowledge that her husband was about to have treatment. She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was 'getting on, doing his best'. A source said: 'Full credit to her. She has been marvellous.' In a statement Buckingham Palace said: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 'His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. It is reported Meghan Markle and their two children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - will not be joining Harry 'The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. 'He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world affected by cancer.' Royal aides said they were carefully balancing The King's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes by sharing the news, it will enable accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation on an issue that affects so many other families. No further details of which cancer he has been diagnosed with are being shared, aside from emphasising it is not prostate cancer, which is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK each year. It is being stressed it was found only when The King had treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach nailed casual chic as she stepped out in Nottingham amid the show's tour on Monday. The actress, 22, who has been rumoured to be enjoying a secret romance with fellow star Bobby Brazier, 20, donned a long black leather trench coat as she returned to her hotel. Ellie layered the look over black jeans and a simple T-shirt while toting a 700 Jacquemus crossbody handbag. She slipped her feet into comfy Ugg boots for a trip to the shops and picked up toothpaste as well as a sweet treat. Ellie was spotted alongside judge Craig Revel Horwood as well as dancers Dianne Buswell and Katya Jones. Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach, 22, nailed casual chic as she stepped out in Nottingham amid the show's tour on Monday The actress donned a long black leather trench coat and toted a 700 Jacquemus crossbody handbag She has been rumoured to have been enjoying a secret romance with fellow star Bobby Brazier on the tour (pictured together last month) Ellie and Bobby are said to have enjoyed a string of secret dates while taking part in the BBC ballroom dance contest last year while they are now spending time together on the show's nationwide live tour. It has now been claimed Bobby previously left a girl alone in a hotel room to go on a date with another female in the bar downstairs. The actor is said to have spent the night away with Belle Smith, 19, when he vanished to go and meet the other girl. It is claimed Belle found out when she saw a picture of them together at the Corinthia London hotel in London on Instagram. A source told The Sun: 'Bobby is a nice, good-looking lad whos obviously a big hit with the ladies. 'He and Ellie would make a great couple but she should tread carefully.' EastEnders star Bobby is said to have been seeing Belle for more than six months when it happened in 2021. Yet this didn't seem to be playing on either of the young stars' minds as they headed to the AO arena in Manchester ahead of the show. Judge Craig Revel Horwood wrapped up warm in a padded jacket Also spotted at the hotel were pro dancers Katya Jones (L) and Dianne Buswell (L) Ellie and Bobby are said to have enjoyed a string of secret dates while taking part in the BBC ballroom dance contest last year while they are now spending time together on the show's nationwide live tour Ellie originally sparked romance rumours with her dance partner on the show Vito with the pair confirming they had a special bond together. Earlier this week the duo revealed their matching tattoos after promising they would get the inkings after they were crowned Strictly champions back in December. The pair took to Instagram as they showed off the aubergine and bee logo with the word resilience on each of their arms. Emily Ratajkowski stepped out in style for dinner with a friend on Monday in New York City after modeling over the weekend in Switzerland. The 32-year-old model and author wore a dark brown leather jacket over a watercolor sleeveless crop top along with a white skirt. Emily completed her look with tall black boots and also carried a black purse. The Blurred Lines music video star accessorized with hoop earrings and accentuated her natural beauty with light makeup including eyeliner and pink lipstick. Emily was grabbing a meal with a friend after earlier keeping it casual for a morning walk in New York City. Emily Ratajkowski stepped out in style for dinner on Monday in New York City after modeling over the weekend in Switzerland She layered up in a sleeveless puffy vest that was worn on top of a black long-sleeve t-shirt while she made her way through the city's streets. Emily and Irina Shayk turned up the heat on Saturday during an outdoor runway show on the slopes of St. Moritz, Switzerland. The top models looked every inch the sexy snow bunnies while showcasing chic Moncler Grenoble outfits for the label's Fall/Winter 2024 show in the upscale ski town. Emily was a vision in white as she wore a shearling-trimmed fuzzy jacket and matching knee-high boots. The runway regular gave her Instagram followers a look into her recent 36-hour trip to Mexico City by sharing several images on her account on Sunday. In one of her snaps, Ratajkowski showed off her sculpted stomach while wearing a cropped t-shirt after she picked up a coffee. The Gone Girl star was joined by her two-year-old son Sylvester on her trip, and she referred to her child as 'my tiny world traveler' in her post's caption. Emily posted on January 30 on Instagram that she was doing some international traveling. The 32-year-old model and author wore a dark brown leather jacket over a watercolor sleeveless crop top along with a white skirt Emily turned up the heat on Saturday during an outdoor runway show on the slopes of St. Moritz, Switzerland Emily posted on January 30 on Instagram that she was doing some international traveling The model had a featured role in the 2014 film Gone Girl, but quit acting after an unsuccessful audition for the 2022 black comedy film Triangle Of Sadness '4 countries in 7 days,' she wrote in the caption of a selfie. Emily shares Sylvester with her estranged husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard, 36. The former couple had been acquaintances for years before they started seeing each other in 2018, and they tied the knot after just a few weeks of dating. Emily revealed her pregnancy to the public in October of 2020 and welcomed Sylvester in March 2021. Sebastian and Emily remained together until July 2022, when they separated after the producer was accused of various forms of misconduct. Emily released a collection of essays titled My Body in November 2021 and launched her swimsuit line Inamorata in November 2017. Helen Skelton has vowed to honour the legacy of her late pal Jonnie Iriwin in a heartbreaking tribute on Monday's This Morning Live. Jonnie passed away on Friday aged 50 after a three year battle with cancer. The TV host revealed in November 2022 his cancer had spread to his brain after first being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020. Alongside co-presenter Gaby Roslin, 59, Helen, 40, paid tribute to the late broadcaster who had appeared with her many times on the BBC show. Helen said: 'We are celebrating the life of our friend and presenter, Jonnie Irwin, who sadly died on Friday after a four-year battle with cancer'. Helen Skelton has vowed to honour the legacy of her late pal Jonnie Iriwin in a heartbreaking tribute on Monday's This Morning Live Jonnie passed away on Friday aged 50 after a three year battle with cancer 'Johnny was determined to share his story on Morning Live to get more people talking about difficult subjects like end-of-life care and dealing with death. We want to look back at the incredible impact he's had and continue his legacy.' Before adding: 'Now his passion was property, so we also followed his own renovation project to create a home for his two boys to support them in the future and today, we celebrate his life and as per Jonnie's wishes, continue the conversation around the effects of cancer.' It comes after viewers were in tears as Escape To The Country paid tribute to the show's host Jonnie with his final episode. BBC bosses created a moving video montage filled with his best bits at the end of the show to remember his 13 years as host. Emotional fans took to X, formerly Twitter, as they remembered the presenter and said watching his last episode was 'heartbreaking'. They wrote: 'Going to be a sad watch but a nice tribute. I hope one day a cure is found for cancer so we don't have to say goodbye too earlier R.I.P'. 'This is heartbreaking to watch. He's so diminished but still the same lovely Jonnie.' 'Lovely tribute to Jonnie Irwin' and 'So very sad seeing Jonnie like this'. Alongside co-host Gaby Roslin, 59 (R) Helen, 40 (L) paid tribute to the late broadcaster who had appeared with her many times on the BBC show It comes after viewers were in tears as Escape To The Country paid tribute to the show's host Jonnie with his final episode 'Lovely tribute showing #JohnnieIrwin being lovely and silly over the years at the end of #EscapetotheCountry - hope #aplaceinthesun does the same.' The show followed Jonnie helping out retired couple Janet and Brian looking for a rural home in Somerset with a budget of 625,000. The couple fell in love with the 600,000 mystery house. A Place In The Sun and Escape To The Country paid tribute to the presenter on Friday following his death. The property expert started off presenting what was then called A Place In The Sun: Home Or Away? with Jasmine Harman in 2004, while he also featured on other property shows, such as I Escaped To The Country and Escape To The Country on the BBC. Bosses of Jonnie's television show A Place In The Sun shared a tribute on Instagram after his passing. Escape To The Country remembered Jonnie with a video montage at the end of the show BBC bosses put together the 45-minute programme of Jonnie's highlights to remember his 13 years as host with the show airing on Monday The show followed Jonnie helping out retired couple Janet and Brian looking for a rural home in Somerset with a budget of 625,000 Highlights included when the presenter tried his hand at surfing Viewers were emotional as they watched happy moments over the years with Jonnie Emotional fans took to X, formerly Twitter , as they remembered the presenter A Place In The Sun paid tribute to the presenter on Friday following his death The property expert started off presenting what was then called A Place In The Sun: Home Or Away? with Jasmine Harman in 2004 Jonnie also featured on other property shows, such as I Escaped To The Country and Escape To The Country on the BBC Under a picture of the broadcaster, a message read: 'Jonnie Irwin 1973 - 2024. We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place in the Sun family for more than 18 years - he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show. 'We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with Jess and the boys ad the rest of the family.' Separately, Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning said in a statement: 'Jonnie Irwin was an extraordinary man and wonderful presenter. He brought such warmth and fun to Escape to the Country, where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too. 'More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for Morning Live about his illness, tackling taboos around end of life care, and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did. 'His kindness will be hugely missed by everyone he worked with, and we are sending all of our thoughts to his family and friends at this sad time.' John Comerford, Head of Naked West and Executive Producer, Escape to the Country said: 'We are incredibly saddened to hear the news about Jonnie. 'He has been at the very heart of Escape to the Country for 14 years and will be a huge loss to our production team and all the viewers who have loved watching him on the show. 'Jonnie was clever, warm and funny, never short of a mischievous and insightful line and always put the programme's contributors at ease. All the teams he worked with loved him. Jonnie's wife Jessica Holmes announced his death in a heartbreaking tribute on Friday Taking to Instagram she described her beloved partner as a 'truly remarkable husband' 'He is an unimaginable loss to the Escape family. We send our love and heartfelt condolences to Jess and his beautiful boys.' Jonnie's wife Jessica announced the sad news of his death on social media on Friday. Sharing a picture of her and Jonnie, Jessica wrote on Instagram: 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage 'Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit. 'At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie's family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. 'As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts. Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on.' 'Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.' He recently made his debut on the new season of Married At First Sight. And Richard Sauerman looked unrecognisable in throwback photos he posted to Instagram from his teenage years. The reality TV star, now 62, had a full head of luscious hair as he smiled and posed for the camera. In another photo, Richard revealed his chest in a white buttoned shirt as he looked into the distance. Richard made his reality TV debut when he tied the knot with Andrea Thompson. Guess who! Married At First Sight 2024 star looked unrecognisable in throwback snaps from his younger days Following their wedding, it appeared Richard and Andrea had consummated their marriage during their honeymoon. While the newlyweds played coy with the producers the morning after, it was their laughter that spilled the beans on their intimate encounters. 'For pity's sake, why have you gotta ask that?' she replied with a smile. 'No, nothing happened last night. We went to sleep.' Richard Sauerman posted the throwback photos to Instagram from his teenage years But when asked if anything happened in the morning, a cheeky laugh all but confirmed their saucy escapade. It comes after Richard opened up about his unique position in the reality show that's known for pushing boundaries. 'It's quite a big deal,' Richard told Daily Mail Australia on Monday. 'I didn't think I'd be chosen to be on the experiment because I am, you know, over 60,' he said. In one photo, Richard revealed his chest in a white buttoned shirt as he looked into the distance Richard's presence on MAFS has brought a fresh perspective to the show, shedding light on the experiences and challenges of older people in the dating scene. 'I think there's some pretty interesting points that I have to make about older people and all that and dating,' he mused. Despite his age, Richard has mixed in with the rest of the cast, though he acknowledges a 'generation gap' that naturally sets him apart. Heidi Klum's daughter Leni took to her Instagram on Monday to shed light on her struggle with acne. The model, 19, shared a candid makeup-free selfie with her 1.9 million Instagram followers, that showed a number of breakouts on her cheeks and forehead. In the snap her hair was brushed back, and she had her eyes closed as she showed off her profile. Leni who recently posed in lingerie alongside her supermodel mom, 50 didn't add a caption to the image, but she's previously been open about dealing with the stigma of acne. 'I feel like there is a thought behind having acne that you're not beautiful with it or it makes you look not as good as you could look,' she told People in October. Heidi Klum's daughter Leni, 19, took to her Instagram on Monday to shed light on her struggle with acne, as she shared a candid makeup-free selfie; (L) Seen on Monday, (R) Seen in January 'Then I realized, "Oh my God, this is normal." Everyone goes through it ... It's not bad if you have it. It's something that anyone can get and it's not your fault and it's hormonal.' The teen, who made her runway debut in 2021 and is following in her mother's modelling footsteps, also admitted that she previously had days when she didnt want to leave the house until her 'acne cleared up.' 'Then I realized I can't live like that. I can't let pimples on my face prevent me from leaving the house.' 'A lot of people have acne that make it seem like they don't and then people see that on social media and they're like, "None of these gorgeous girls have acne,"' she shared. 'But some do and I don't think that's a bad thing.' At that time she decided to post a photo of her acne on social media in order to normalize it for others. Since then, she's shared a number of close-up photos showing off her breakouts. Last summer, she posted a makeup-free selfie, and in 2021 she shared a snap of her skin on a 'bad day.' '#nomakeup #nofilter #sowhat' she wrote in the hashtags. Leni has shared a number of close-up photos showing off her breakouts in the past few years, in order to battle the stigma of acne Last summer, she posted a makeup-free selfie, and in 2021 she shared a snap of her skin on a 'bad day' '#nomakeup #nofilter #sowhat' she wrote in the hashtags 'I feel like there is a thought behind having acne that you're not beautiful with it or it makes you look not as good as you could look,' she told People in October The teen also admitted that she previously had days when she didnt want to leave the house until her 'acne cleared up' 'Then I realized, "Oh my God, this is normal." Everyone goes through it ... It's not bad if you have it. It's something that anyone can get and it's not your fault and it's hormonal' Last month Leni and her supermodel mom Heidi attended The Art of Elysium's 25th Anniversary HEAVEN Gala in Los Angeles together. Heidi dazzled in a strapless number adorned with a gold floral design. Leni was just as stunning as her mother, donning a sparkling, bright red gown and a matching floral choker. Leni recently recalled how she found Heidi's sex closet when she was younger. 'I thought it was the coolest thing ever!' the CAA Fashion model revealed via FaceTime on an episode of Call Her Daddy. 'I was going through it with my friends. And I was like, "Mom, what is this? A microphone?" I really had no idea what it was. My mom got so mad at me after, like, "You can't go in my stuff!"' Leni continued: 'I was like showing it off to my friends like, "Look at how cool this is. My mom has a whole cupboard, she has a whole drawer." And I snuck them into my mom's room and opened the drawer, and we were all taking videos.' The America's Got Talent judge also has a habit of going topless within the confines of her lavish $9.875M six-bedroom mansion located in Bel-Air's exclusive gated community of Stone Ridge. Leni, who made her runway debut in 2021, is following in her mother's footsteps as a model; Pictured in a campaign for Intimissimi lingerie Leni recently recalled how she found Heidi's, 50, sex closet when she was younger; The mother and daughter duo pictured last month in Los Angeles Leni's father is Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, 73, however Heidi's ex-husband Seal, 60, later adopted her in December 2009 when she was five; Pictured with Seal 'I would have birthday parties at the house. Or I'd have friends over, like my boyfriend over. And she tans topless by the pool,' Leni said. 'And I remember having my girlfriends over and I'd be so embarrassed and like, scared, because usually in like my friend's families, I never see my friend's moms tanning naked at the pool. But I thought it was normal. And my friends would always be like, kinda stand off-ish but it was so normal in our family.' Leni's father is Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, 73, however Heidi's ex-husband Seal, 60, later adopted her in December 2009 when she was five. Heidi and the four-time Grammy winner were married to each other from 2005 until 2014, and he's remained in Leni's life. Heidi also has three younger children - son Henry Gunther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, 18; son Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel, 17; and daughter Lou Sulola Samuel, 14 - from her marriage to Seal. Jackie 'O' Henderson looked downcast on Tuesday as she stepped out for the first time after one of KIIS FM staffers Joshua Fox was involved in a clash with actor Jacob Elordi over the weekend. The alleged incident occurred outside Sydney's Clovelly Hotel on Saturday, after video producer Fox approached Elordi and jokingly asked him for a sample of bath water to give to Henderson. Elordi allegedly reacted by grabbing Fox by the throat and pushing him against the wall. On Tuesday, Jackie was seen strolling alone in Bondi, looking noticeably sombre as she made her way to a trendy restaurant. The 49-year-old's glum expression contrasted to her vibrant outfit, which featured a gradient-print singlet top that showcased her dramatic 18kg slimdown. Jackie 'O' Henderson looked downcast on Tuesday as she stepped out for the first time after one of KIIS FM staffers Joshua Fox was involved in a clash with actor Jacob Elordi over the weekend She completed her look with a pair of mid-rise grey cargo pants, black sandals and a beige Prada handbag worth around $2,000. For accessories, the bronzed blonde sported a pair of gold earrings, a statement bangle and a held a pair of sunglasses in one hand. The sighting comes a day after KIIS FM video producer Fox broke his silence on his shock confrontation with Hollywood heartthrob Elordi. On Tuesday, Jackie was seen strolling alone in Bondi, looking noticeably sombre as she made her way to a trendy restaurant The altercation allegedly unfolded outside the Clovelly Hotel in Sydney's eastern suburbs at about 3.30pm on Saturday. NSW Police said an investigation had been launched after a 32-year-old was allegedly assaulted by a 26-year-old. Discussing the incident on-air on The Kyle And Jackie O Show on Monday, Fox alleged the Euphoria star grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against a wall. The 49-year-old's glum expression contrasted to her vibrant outfit, which featured a gradient-print singlet top that showcased her dramatic 18kg slimdown Fox was sent to the Clovelly Hotel by KIIS FM to create a video of Elordi, who was there with two men and a woman. Fox said he waited for The Kissing Booth actor to leave the venue before approaching him. He playfully asked the actor for a sample of his bathwater as a gift for radio host Henderson. The sighting comes a day after KIIS FM video producer Fox broke his silence on his shock confrontation with Hollywood heartthrob Elordi over the weekend. Pictured: Elordi on Saturday The request is a reference to an infamous scene in Elordi's runaway hit film, in which another character drinks Elordi's character's used bathwater. He then alleged Elordi, who stands at 1.96m, 'got up in his face' and 'backed him against a wall', as his two male friends surrounded him on either side, preventing Fox from stepping away. '[I was] feeling quite intimidated that and I'm thinking something's gonna happen here because I can't move. They're all surrounding me against this wall,' Fox said. Elordi is pictured at the Clovelly Hotel with a male friend on Saturday before the incident He then claimed Elordi demanded that he delete footage of the incident. Fox said he initially obliged and deleted the file, but when Elordi then asked him to delete it from his recently deleted files folder, Fox refused. 'I'm thinking if I delete this footage, there's no evidence that this encounter happened,' Fox said. He claimed Elordi started 'acting aggressively', saying he felt 'intimidated' by the situation. Pictured: The Clovelly Hotel in Sydney Fox said that Elordi then allegedly 'flipped', before allegedly pushing him against a wall and grabbing him by the throat. He then claimed that one of Elordi's two male friends jumped in to pull the actor off him. Moments later, Fox said he quickly walked back towards the pub, prompting one of Elordi's male friends to follow him. The male friend allegedly approached Fox and demanded that he not talk to the press. '[He told me], "Make sure that video goes nowhere. make sure you tell no one about this", making me shake his hand. Again, I felt intimidated by it,' Fox said. Advertisement The stars of Dune: Part Two flashed the flesh while promoting the upcoming science-fiction epic at a promotional event in Mexico City on Monday. The event featured Zendaya, 27, who stole the show in the final minutes of the 2021 blockbuster, showcasing her stunning toned tummy in an intriguing cropped ensemble. She was joined by Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, who joins the franchise in Part Two. The 28-year-old blond beauty showcased a shimmering white mirrored skirt and crop top that also put her trim midriff on display. Rounding out the lead trio was star Timothee Chalamet, 28, who recently admitted Zendaya helped him furnish his first New York City apartment. He plays the messianic figure Paul Atreides in both films, while his costars Austin Butler and Josh Brolin were also in attendance. Zendaya, 27, and Florence Pugh, 28, set temperatures soaring at a Dune: Part Two promo event in Mexico City on Monday. They were joined by costar Timothee Chalamet, who led the blockbuster first entry in the sci-fi series Zendaya rocked an eye-catching haute couture look featuring wrinkled strips of gray, olive and black fabric wrapped around her chest, leaving her slender arms exposed. Some of the fabric was rolled up into ropes wrapping around her shoulders, which made the outfit somewhat resemble the suits her character wears to survive the perilously dry desert on Arrakis in the Dune films. The outfit also featured a low-cut black skirt decorated with crimson satin around a sky-high slit highlighting her long legs. The skirt was also enlivened by circles of rolled-up fabric. The Euphoria actress wore her dark hair tied back tightly, with a few strands dangling down the side of her elegantly made-up face. Zendaya stars as Chani, a member of the Fremen, a tribe living in the deserts of Arrakis that has learned to survive in its unforgiving heat even as off-world colonizers try to steal the planet's natural resources. Florence was a vision in a chic white crop top and a matching high-waisted maxi skirt. The items shimmered thanks to diamond-shaped mirrors decorating them. Like Zendaya, her skirt featured a high slit, revealing a set of silver open-toe stilettos that strapped around her ankles. She wore her dirty blond hair styled in a playful pixie cut with a swoop of platinum-dyed hair resting across her forehead, and she sported a septum piercing that she has lately taken to wearing. The cast will be seen in Dune: Part Two, which takes place immediately after the cliffhanger ending of the first film, when it goes into wide release on March 1 of this year Zendaya rocked an eye-catching look featuring wrinkled strips of gray, olive and black fabric wrapped around her chest, leaving her slender arms exposed. Some of the fabric was rolled up into ropes wrapping around her shoulders, which made the outfit somewhat resemble the suits her character wears to survive the desert on Arrakis in the Dune films The outfit also featured a low-cut black skirt decorated with crimson satin around a sky-high slit highlighting her long legs. The skirt was also enlivened by circles of rolled-up fabric Florence was a vision in a chic white crop top and a matching high-waisted maxi skirt. The items shimmered thanks to diamond-shaped mirrors decorating them She accessorized with silver earrings, a silver necklace and many silver rings Pugh plays Princess Irulan the daughter of Christopher Walken's Shaddam IV, the supreme ruler of the Known Universe She flashed a bright smile Timothee wasn't one to be outdone, and he showed up in his own fashionable look The Call Me By Your Name star wore a lustrous black sleeveless button-up shirt with more reserved black trousers He also wore what appeared to be a black leather scarf with a patterned fabric lining that was wrapped around his neck. The heartthrob completed the look with a mass of shaggy dark hair The trio happily posed together Dune: Part One and Part Two are based on Frank Herbert's novel of the same name, which was originally published in 1965 Timothee and Florence shared a hug The actor will be reprising his role as Paul Atreides, while Florence is a newcomer The Little Women actress added some more sparkle to her look with a thick silver chain around her throat and large silver earrings. She plays Princess Irulan, the daughter of the known universe's empire (played by Christopher Walken), with whom Paul will enter into a marriage of convenience. Timothee wasn't one to be outdone, and he showed up in his own fashionable look. The Call Me By Your Name star wore a lustrous black sleeveless button-up shirt with more reserved black trousers, as well as what appeared to be a black leather scarf with a patterned fabric lining that was wrapped around his neck. The heartthrob completed the look with a mass of shaggy dark hair. Austin Butler, who trades in his usual good looks for a creepy bald character design in Dune 2, rocked a stylish three-piece charcoal suit with his vest unbuttoned. The Elvis star sported spiky hair and some designer stubble, and he had on a casual white T-shirt under his jacket and vest. Josh Brolin beat the heat south of the border with a cream-colored linen suit. He plays Gurney Halleck, a mentor to Paul Atreides and the man responsible for training him in hand-to-hand combat. He paired the breathable suit with a contrasting tie-free olive-colored shirt. Austin Butler, who trades in his usual good looks for a creepy bald character design in Dune 2, rocked a stylish three-piece charcoal suit with his vest unbuttoned The Elvis star sported spiky hair and some designer stubble, and he had on a casual white T-shirt under his jacket and vest He laughed it up with Timothee The actors appeared to have a blast at the event Josh Brolin beat the heat south of the border with a cream-colored linen suit. He plays Gurney Halleck, a mentor to Paul Atreides and the man responsible for training him in hand-to-hand combat Butler, Brolin and Chalamet made a handsome trio He paired the breathable suit with a contrasting tie-free olive-colored shirt Joining Dune: Part Two's principal players was the film's director and co-screenwriter, Denis Villeneuve. The Oscar-nominated French Canadian filmmaker opted for the most conservative outfit of the bunch with a tasteful grayblue suit, though he also opted to skip the tie His new Dune sequel takes place immediately after the first film, when Paul Atreides and his mother (Rebecca Ferguson) join forces with Chani and the desert-dwelling Fremen to get revenge against House Harkonnen, whose members have killed most of his family and friends Dune: Part One also won six out of the ten Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Sound The film was originally scheduled for a late October 2023 release, before being pushed back to November and finally shuffled all the way back to March of this year following the dual writers and actors strikes Joining Dune: Part Two's principal players was the film's director and co-screenwriter, Denis Villeneuve. The Oscar-nominated French Canadian filmmaker opted for the most conservative outfit of the bunch with a tasteful grayblue suit, though he also opted to skip the tie. His new Dune sequel takes place immediately after the first film ended, when Paul Atreides and his mother (played by Rebecca Ferguson) join forces with Chani and the rest of the desert-dwelling Fremen to get revenge against the evil House Harkonnen, whose members have killed most of his family and friends. The film was originally scheduled for a late October 2023 release, before being pushed back to November and finally shuffled all the way back to March of this year following the dual writers and actors strikes. It's the real-life crime show that sets out to re-open cold cases. And now Under Investigation host Liz Hayes, 67, has revealed that one community watch dog reckons the show's crime busting reports have been 'too successful'. 'Crime Stoppers would like us to stop, almost, because they're getting so many people calling them,' she joked in a new interview with TV Tonight. 'We met with them and they said ''Please stop it!'' But that's a great outcome and we're very pleased about that,' she continued. 'We've also had some cases reopened, and I think that's a major plus.' Under Investigation host Liz Hayes, 67, has revealed that one community watch dog reckons the show's crime busting reports have been 'too successful'. Pictured 'Crime Stoppers would like us to stop, almost, because they're getting so many people calling them,' she joked in a new interview with TV Tonight A volunteer not-for-profit organisation, Crime stoppers gathers public tip offs to help prevent illegal activity in the community and assist investigations. Elsewhere in the chat, Liz said there will be eight new episodes in the new season which premieres Wednesday, February 7 on Channel Nine The first episode called The Snake and the Shotgun will look at a case in which a woman was shot dead by her husband by accident while he was hunting a snake in their garage. The circumstances of the woman's death includes a fatal shot to the back. It comes after Liz revealed that the late Prime Minister Bob Hawke tried to woo her on multiple occasions. The journalist made the revelations in an extended interview with Stellar magazine last November. In 1991, shortly after her marriage to entrepreneur John Singleton (and Hawke's prime ministership) came to an end, the politician phoned Hayes to propose a weekend away on the Gold Coast. 'I just found it extraordinary that somebody I had come to know via my then-husband was ringing me up and asking me out. Really? And not once, but twice,' she said. 'I thought, well, what is it about me that makes him think that's OK? That worried me. Why do I look like somebody you could just ring up and say, 'Hey, how about we get on the jet and go to the Gold Coast with my mates?'' Elsewhere in the chat, Liz said there will be eight new episodes in the new season The beloved 60 Minutes star wondered what 'pheromones' she was putting out that made Hawke ask her out twice, but conceded that the former Prime Minister was 'absolutely brilliant' and never mistreated her. Despite his talents and her newly single status at the time, the journalist said she didn't take the Prime Minister up on his offer. 'I never saw any bad behaviour towards me at all. So then to have this was like, oh my God, what's that about? Anyway, I didn't go' she said. Hayes met and married her first husband, builder Brian Hayes, in her home town of Taree, but the two later split. For most people, a raincoat would the be the accessory of choice for camping or a brisk walk on a drizzly day. Yet Bianca Censori was on a mission to prove the humble rain poncho could also be 2024's hottest new fashion trend as she made a showstopping arrival to a Los Angeles music studio on Monday. Proving that far less is more, the 29-year-old Australian architect wore absolutely nothing beneath her cagoule, going completely naked bar a pair of knee high black boots. Branding across the front of the coat helped shield her ample chest, yet she was forced to place her hand over her groin to protect her modesty. Her other hand was firmly grasped by husband Kanye West, who also appeared to be taking no chances with the Pineapple Express storm pummelling the West Coast, as he donned an oversized khaki poncho with black rain boots. Bianca Censori was on a mission to prove the rain poncho could be 2024's hottest new fashion trend as she made a showstopping arrival to a LA studio with Kanye West on Monday Proving that far less is more, the 29-year-old Australian architect wore absolutely nothing beneath her cagoule, going completely naked bar a pair of knee high black boots Bianca pushed the boundaries of public decency as she flashed her bare bottom in the coat Sartorially out of sync with his wife, the 46-year-old rapper was as covered up as possible, layering a black top and joggers under his coat and thick leather gloves. He completed the look with a black face mask featuring a leather panel slapped across the middle. While Ye may have raised a few eyebrows with his choice of attire, fans were no doubt keen to know what was going on inside the studio after he seemingly teased new music. The Bound 2 hitmaker took to Instagram to share a snap of the number one, two months after announcing his upcoming album with Ty Dolla Sign, Vultures. Yet after months of delays, fans weren't sold on his latest cryptic post, taking to the comments to share: '1 more day of Kanye lying about dropping his album'; '1 more decade til vultures drops'; '1 eon till it drops'; '1 more what 1 day, week, month, year, century or what'; 'Drop the album or Im ending it all'; 'This means he's dropping on January 1st 2025'. Vultures: Act 1 is expected to drop later this week and is being self-released. The first edition, which has been postponed multiple times since a live-streamed listening session in Miami late last year, is slated for February 9. The second volume is expected for March 8, and the following will drop on April 5. Branding across the front of the coat helped shield her ample chest, yet she was forced to place her hand over her groin to protect her modesty Her other hand was firmly grasped by Kanye, who also appeared to be taking no chances with the Pineapple Express storm pummelling the West Coast with his waterproof attire The rapper donned an oversized khaki poncho with black rain boots as he braved the rain Sartorially out of sync with his wife, the 46-year-old rapper was as covered up as possible, layering a black top and joggers under his coat and thick leather gloves He completed the look with a black face mask featuring a leather panel across the middle While Ye may have raised a few eyebrows with his choice of attire, fans were no doubt keen to know what was going on inside the studio after he seemingly teased new music The Bound 2 hitmaker took to Instagram to share a snap of the number one, two months after announcing his upcoming album with Ty Dolla Sign, Vultures Yet after months of delays, fans weren't sold on his latest cryptic post Vultures is Kanye's first album since he was entangled in a string of controversies -most notably condemned for his offensive and antisemitic rants. The controversial star has since issued a public apology to the Jewish community in a 40-minute apology video, which Bianca reportedly 'pressured' him to do. He previously posted a written apology in Hebrew for his string of offensive outbursts. Bianca and Kanye secretly wed in December 2022, just one month after he finalized his divorce from Kim Kardashian, 43. Since then, friends have expressed ongoing fears that the rapper is manipulating his so-called 'wife' and many believe his latest actions continue to highlight a pattern of 'controlling' behaviour. In his latest stunt, Kanye is said to have banned Bianca from using social media to protect her from negative comments, according to insiders, who claim her friends believe it's really another tactic to further 'isolate' her. Despite the architectural designer's loved ones staging an intervention concerning her relationship with the rapper and his 'controlling ways,' her husband appears to have changed her attitude towards social media. 'Bianca has always had social media and she was active on it until she married Kanye,' an insider exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'He doesnt want her to have it because he thinks that it will hurt her if she had to read the nasty things that people say. 'He convinced her that, since she is a star now, she has to remain a mystery and it is creepy to those who know her as it feels like another form of control.' It's not the first time the pair have tried to make the humble cagoule fashion's next big trend, with the pair sporting raincoats on an outing last month Bianca and Kanye secretly wed in December 2022, just one month after he finalized his divorce from Kim Kardashian, 43 Bianca's friends have expressed ongoing fears that the rapper is manipulating his so-called 'wife' and many believe his actions continue to highlight a pattern of 'controlling' behaviour Despite the architectural designer's loved ones staging an intervention concerning her husband's 'controlling ways,' Kanye appears to have changed her attitude to social media In his latest stunt, Kanye is said to have banned Bianca from using social media to protect her from negative comments, according to insiders Friends are said to be stunned to see the usually assertive designer going along with Kanye's demands as the source stressed, 'this strong Bianca that was not going to deal with his s***' Friends have taken issue with the fact Kanye is posting racy images of his wife on his own Instagram account despite allegedly claiming she needs protection However, friends have taken issue with the fact Kanye is posting racy images of his wife on his own Instagram account despite allegedly claiming she needs protection. The insider added: 'He is pushing her nakedness all over his own [account] so that he can control her narrative. It is disturbing, and by shutting her off from the world he is causing her to become more and more isolated.' Friends are said to be stunned to see the usually assertive designer going along with Kanye's demands as the source stressed: 'This strong Bianca that was not going to deal with his s*** anymore has seemingly vanished once again. 'She is wearing what he wants, going where he wants and doing what he wants because she really has no other choice. She went from being his designer to his wife, which is unfortunately, not a paid position. Shes trapped.' Claudia Schiffer bundled up to stay warm in the rainy weather while grabbing dinner with lookalike daughter, Clementine, 19, in Beverly Hills on Monday. The German supermodel, 53 - who recently attended the Argylle premiere in London with her pet cat Chip - was seen stepping out into the chilly weather after enjoying sushi at Matsuhisa. The beauty - who notably rose to fame in the 90s - opted for comfort in a pair of loose-fitting, blue denim jeans. She also donned a long-sleeved, patterned sweater as well as a scarf that was wrapped around her neck. The mother-of-three completed the look for the casual excursion by slipping into a pair of tan boots. Claudia Schiffer, 53, bundled up to stay warm in the rainy weather while grabbing dinner with lookalike daughter, Clementine, 19, in Beverly Hills on Monday A brown, suede purse was placed on her right shoulder to hold a few items she needed while grabbing a bite to eat. Her blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly cascaded down straight past her shoulders. Schiffer's mini-me daughter also dressed down for the outing, and the pair were seen exiting the restaurant while heading to their next destination. The supermodel shares Clementine, 19, as well as another daughter Cosima, 13, and son Caspar, 21, with husband and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn - who recently directed the spy flick Argylle. Claudia and Matthew wed in 2002. In an essay written for The Guardian last year in April, Claudia revealed that both her daughters have also developed a love for fashion. 'I have kept so many pieces over the years, including my Valentino wedding dress,' she had explained. 'My daughters are now starting to wear my vintage pieces too, but in a style of their own.' 'I love watching how they put together outfits. Wardrobe sharing, swapping and preloved seems second nature to my daughters' generation.' The beauty has been filtering through a busy year thus far, and recently made a glamorous appearance at the Argylle premiere in London last month - and brought a very special guest with her. The beauty opted for comfort in a pair of loose-fitting, blue denim jeans and also donned a long-sleeved, patterned sweater as well as a scarf In an essay written for The Guardian last year in April, Claudia revealed that both her daughters have also developed a love for fashion; daughter Clementine seen above The beauty has been filtering through a busy year thus far, and recently made a glamorous appearance at the Argylle premiere in London last month; (seen above) with husband Matthew Vaughn Claudia wowed in a figure-hugging, yellow and silver-patterned dress from Versace that clung to her frame and was held up with thin straps that wrapped around her shoulders. She also donned a pair of closed-toed, silver pumps and carried a small, rectangular-shaped purse in her hand. The model accompanied her husband, Matthew, who directed the film - which officially released in the U.S. on February 1. The producer opted for stylish comfort in jeans as well as a black jacket while attending the festivities. Schiffer notably also brought along her adorable pet cat named Chip - who was seen inside a stylish backpack. She was seen posing with the cute kitty - who notably had a role in the movie which received brutal reviews of critics. Claudia began her successful career in the modeling and fashion industry when she was scouted at the age of 17 in her home country of Germany. The star rose to fame in the 1990s and has notably walked for numerous luxurious fashion houses, including Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and also Louis Vuitton. Schiffer notably also brought along her adorable pet cat named Chip - who was seen inside a stylish backpack. She was seen posing with Chip - who notably had a role in the movie which received brutal reviews of critics The star rose to fame in the 1990s and has notably walked for numerous luxurious fashion houses, including Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and also Louis Vuitton; seen in 1992 for Chanel 'I think the industry has grown beyond my wildest imagination. There are more collections, brands, the pace is faster, and social media has had a huge impact,' she said While talking to Harper's Bazaar in 2021, Schiffer opened up about how the industry has changed over the years. 'I think the industry has grown beyond my wildest imagination. There are more collections, brands, the pace is faster, and social media has had a huge impact,' she said. 'It's been great for marketing fashion and beauty products, and for models, social media is a superb way to manage your own exposure.' However, she added, 'The flip side of the big exposure is perhaps the pressure to share everything with everybody. In the 1990s, you could still have a private life...' A fan of Katie Price has fumed after they were left '360' out of pocket when the star cancelled a masterclass hours before she was due to take to the stage. The former glamour model, 45, has been travelling around the country offering make-up masterclasses showing fans how to recreate her glam looks. But according to The Sun, a fan who had tickets to one of the northern dates claims Katie cancelled the event at the last minute after she had travelled from Brighton. Venting on Instagram, the fan asked: 'Anyone know how to get a refund? Extremely disappointed! 'We drove all the way up from Brighton for my daughter's birthday to make a weekend out of it, only to be told as we arrived on the Friday (the event was cancelled).' A fan of Katie Price (seen in January at a masterclass in Dublin) has fumed after they were left '360' out of pocket when the star cancelled a masterclass hours before she was due to take to the stage The former glamour model (seen in 2022), 45, has been travelling around the country offering make-up masterclasses showing fans how to recreate her glam looks Mother-of-five Katie was due to hold one of her classes up north, but cancelled the show. And the disgruntled fan went on to claim the TV personality was seen out for dinner in Brighton, having not even made the trip up to the north of England for the class. 'Paid for VIP tickets!' the fan added. 'It's disgusting and theft! 'To find out she was in a Karen's diner in Brighton Marina when she should've been at the masterclass, fuming! 360 and I want my money back!' On January 6, Katie was meant to hold the same masterclass in Birmingham but cancelled it at the last minute. A venue spokesperson said it had been cancelled and was due to be rescheduled, but that a date had not been confirmed. MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Katie Price for comment. The cancelled events come after Katie dodged a bankruptcy court hearing for the sixth time over her 3.2million debt repayment. She was due to appear at an insolvency court in London in February but her case has now been adjourned until the end of April, The Sun reported last month. A fan who had tickets to one of the northern dates claims Katie cancelled the event at the last minute after she had travelled from Brighton (pictured) The cancelled events come after Katie (seen in 2007) dodged a bankruptcy court hearing for the sixth time over her 3.2million debt repayment Katie, who was once worth 45million, will battle to save her 2million Sussex home, which was nicknamed the 'Mucky Mansion' after it fell into a state of disrepair. But over the past two years, Katie has been turning the vandalised and uninhabitable 19-room mansion back to its former glory after bagging a Channel 4 renovation show. Her court hearing has been rescheduled multiple times in a bid to bring the insolvency case to an end. In the wake of her lengthy monetary woes, the television personality will have to answer questions about her finances. She was declared bankrupt in 2019 with debts of 3.2million from her failed company Jordan Trading Ltd, which was set up to oversee her perfume and cosmetics line. The television personality (seen outside Lewes Crown Court in 2019) will need to answer questions about her finances in the wake of her lengthy monetary woes Katie had been due to explain to a judge details of her income from her TV work, including a Channel 4 show documenting the renovation of her 2million country home. Despite being bankrupt, she appears to be leading a lavish life, including exotic holidays with her ex fiance Carl Woods. She has avoided being grilled in person since November 2021. MailOnline contacted her representatives for comment when the latest hearing was rescheduled last month. Katie appeared in an online hearing in September, but it was quickly adjourned due to 'members of public causing chaos'. Lottie Moss put on a cosy display with her April X co-star Connor Storrie as they were seen on set in Romania on Monday. The Only Fans model, 26, will be making her movie debut in the thriller as Diana. Connor and Lottie sparked romance rumours as they were pictured holding hands and looked tactile with one another during filming. The actor paid Lottie's trailer a visit. The younger sister of Kate Moss wowed in a figure-hugging red midi dress and nude heels. Lottie leaned in closely to Connor and placed her hand on his neck. Lottie Moss put on a cosy display with her April X co-star Connor Storrie as they were seen on set in Romania on Monday The Only Fans model, 26, will be making her movie debut in future thriller, April X, as Diana Connor, whose acting credits include A Letter on Loss and The Internet Kills, will play twin Bax in the film. After his cosy catch-up with Lottie, Connor was pictured filming some shirtless scenes before having a passionate kiss with Lilly Krug, who plays April, in a bar. The thriller is about twins Bax and April. When April goes missing, Bax searches every dark corner of the post Soviet cityscape trying to find her, ultimately descending into madness. MailOnline has contacted Lottie's representatives for comment. Lottie, who exes include Love Island's Adam Collard and Made In Chelsea's Alex Mytton, landed in Romania late last month to start filming. This film marks Lottie's movie debut, a significant step in her evolving career, especially as she takes a hiatus from OnlyFans to focus on acting. Her transition into the film industry follows a period of personal challenges, including addressing mental health issues, signaling a new chapter in her journey of personal and professional growth. Lottie recently broke down in tears as she candidly spoke to her fans about her anxiety struggles in a TikTok video. Connor and Lottie sparked romance rumours as they were pictured holding hands and looked tactile with one another during filming The actor paid Lottie's trailer a visit, with the younger sister of Kate Moss emerging dressed in a figure hugging red midi dress and nude heels The younger sister of Kate Moss wowed in a figure-hugging red midi dress and nude heels Connor, whose acting credits include A Letter on Loss and The Internet Kills, will play twin Bax in the film After his cosy catch-up with Lottie, Connor was pictured filming some shirtless scenes before having a passionate kiss with Lilly Krug, who plays April, in a bar The thriller is about twins Bax and April. When April goes missing, Bax searches every dark corner of the post Soviet cityscape trying to find her, ultimately descending into madness The Celebs Go Dating star, who started modelling at age 16 for Teen Vogue, discussed how being a model in her teens made her succumb to drugs and alcohol because of the industry she worked in. The model admitted the reason she got a face tattoo and started an OnlyFans page was to 'rebel so hard away from an industry that made her sad all the time'. But now she shared she is facing increasing anxiety trying to figure out 'who she really is'. She said: 'Oh, I don't even know where to start. I think it's just really important to talk about things and like I'm not very active on social media, because I've been so bad in the past about it and I get some horrible comments about things. 'But I really want to be more open and talk about things on TikTok because I think it's important to show people that life isn't as shiny and bright as it is on social media. 'I have struggled so much since I was young with depression, anxiety and problems with addiction and becoming a model and being in that industry made it very difficult for me not to feel that way and just succumb to drugs and alcohol whenever I felt sad. 'I've been in a habit of doing that for the rest of my life up until now. And I've just got to a point where now I don't even know who I am and it's just like navigating your 20s f****** suck.' She added: 'I think sometimes you become this person who you don't like, know or even recognise. I think I've gone to that place today where I just don't know who I am.' Netflix fans are discovering a 'wonderful' comedy series on the platform which stars one of the stars from its recent hit original series Fool Me Once. Adeel Akhtar stars in Back To Life, which debuted on BBC Three in 2019 but only came to Netflix years later as viewers on the streaming platform are amazed by how it went under the radar. The show follows Miri Matteson as she returns home from 18 years in jail and attempts to reintegrate herself into normal life living at her parents house in a bleak seaside town on the South Coast. One viewer praised its Fool Me Once star, saying: 'Anyone else caught Back To Life on #netflix? Amazing show, funny, dramatic, emotional, whimsical and awesome. Also Adeel Akhtar may be UK's best actor.' Created and led by Daisy Haggard, Back To Life, which enjoyed a second series in 2021, also boasts a 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score. Fool Me Once star Adeel Akhtar (Billy) pictured with lead Daisy Haggard (Miri) in her sitcom Back To Life Netflix subscribers were amazed by the comedy, which has a 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score, not being better known We do not find out exactly what Miri's crime was, but her mother hides all the kitchen knives in welcoming her back home, so that is a strong clue. And even more than Akhtar, Haggard gets praise for her role in creating a dark but 'hilarious' series. Other viewers commented on X: '@daisy_haggard Daisy, you're horrible. You've just made this old man cry - smile too, but cry nonetheless. I've only just watched the 2nd series of Back to Life, hence the tears and smiles, what a really wonderful series. Perfect writing, casting and acting. Thanks so much... '@daisy_haggard just watched Series 1 & 2 of Back to Life on @NetflixUK. What a great dark comedy, so well written with so many good performances... 'Back to Life is a brilliant series. Daisy Haggard is amazing, love the script, lots of genuinely laugh out loud bits and the rest of the cast are great too... 'Watching Back to Life on Netflix - I don't know how this one passed me by, it's a superb series. Funny, touching, and just brilliant in every way. @daisy_haggard is wonderful - as is the rest of the cast too... 'Back to life - written by Daisy Haggard starring loads of fabulous actors - its been around for a while but didnt seem to get the big noise it deserved. Hilarious!... '@daisy_haggard just finished watching Back to Life. Congratulations, loved it, funny, sad thoroughly enjoyed it.' Anyone wishing to watch Back To Life, but does not have a Netflix subscription, can still watch it on BBC iPlayer - although the first season is only available for another month there. Netflix viewers have been left feeling hot under the collar after watching a racy scene in Griselda, played by heartthrob Martin Rodriguez. Griselda tells the real-life story of Griselda Blanco, a Colombian drug lord who created one of the most profitable cartels in history during the 1970s and 80s and is played by Sofia Vergara, 51. And Martin, 45, plays charming sociopath and convicted hit man Jorga 'Rivi' Ayala, who in 1998, cut a deal with the state attorneys office in Miami-Dade County to testify against his boss so that he can avoid the death penalty. When Griselda sees Rivi in the prison after he sold her out, she reminds him of a conversation they had in which he had said to her: 'I think we were lovers in a past life.' He told her: 'Doesnt mean Im dying for you in this one.' Fans have said Griselda's Martin Rodriguez had them in a hot sweat after seeing him play 'charming sociopath' Rivi Ayala in THAT WILD phone sex scene In the six-parter, Rivi was seen having very hot phone sex from prison with the District Attorney's secretaries - all the calls were recorded which meant that his testimony as a witness was deemed inadmissible Jorge 'Rivi' Ayala-Rivera (depicted in the Netflix show on the left, and in real life on the right), was Griselda's hitman Martin, 45, plays the charming sociopath and convicted hit man Jorga 'Rivi' Ayala, who in 1998, cut a deal with the state attorneys office in Miami-Dade County to testify against his boss so that he can avoid the death penalty In the six-parter, Rivi was seen having very hot phone sex from prison with the District Attorney's secretaries, which were all recorded. This was a clever move on his part because it meant that his testimony was deemed inadmissible, which helped knock Blancos multiple murder charges down from first degree to second. There's no doubt Rivi's crimes were horrific in real life, he killed former enforcer Jesus 'Chacho' Castro's son, two, and is thought to be responsible for some three dozen murders. But Netflix have given some artistic licence and sensationalised the phone sex scene to titillate the viewers... and it seems to have worked. Fans wrote: 'The Griselda Netflix series really had Rivi looking like he was the Colombian version of Prince. Trash lol.' 'I watched that show Griselda b/c that guy Rivi is so hot.' 'Whoever dressed rivi in griselda needs an award todayyyy cos he looked so mf good every episode.. like thats my MAN.' 'When Rivi told Griselda I always felt like you and I were lovers in a past life I just' The real hunk: Martin looks worlds apart from his character without that curly hair and with a full beard Sofia Vergara (pictured), 51, transformed into drug 'queenpin' Griselda Blanco for her latest six-part drama Griselda Blanco, pictured left, was a barely 5ft tall Colombian 'queenpin' linked to 250 murders while she ran her billion dollar empire. Actress Sofia in character as Griselda - pictured right Speaking of his character, Martin told Today: 'At first I had to trust in the character and defend him. He had a complex personality and was ambiguous in the way he acted.' In real life, Rivi was arrested in 1993 in connection to a Chicago bank job, leading police to identify him as Griselda's enforcer. And just like in the show, Ayala had phone sex with two secretaries who worked in the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, and when that fact became known, he lost perceived credibility as a witness against Griselda. He pled guilty to three counts of murder, and is currently 31 years into a life sentence in prison. Martin is also well-known for his roles in Leo's Room and Zanahoria. While Rivi's crimes were horrific, fans have gone WILD for the actor who plays him after watching him play out a wild phone sex scene Martin is also well-known for his roles in Leo's Room, (pictured) and Zanahoria Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez looked happier than ever as they enjoyed a romantic night out in Manchester for their six year anniversary. The actress, 39, and her professional dancer fiance, 33, walked hand in hand as they arrived at Sexy Fish bar and restaurant on Monday evening. Their loved-up outing comes shortly after Gemma hit back at any speculation that the couple were going through a 'rough patch' due to Gorka's work commitments. During their evening out, Gemma cut an elegant figure in a black dress and coat, which she styled with an elegant black court shoe. The former Hollyoaks star wore her blonde locks swept back off her face and added soft touches of make-up to her pretty features. Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez looked happier than ever as they enjoyed a romantic night out in Manchester for their six year anniversary The actress, 39, and her professional dancer fiance, 33, walked hand in hand as they arrived at Sexy Fish bar and restaurant on Monday evening Gemma accessorised with a gold pendant chain necklace and a black cross-body bag, which no doubt held her essentials for the evening. Meanwhile, Gorka also opted for an all black look, sporting a black shirt with trousers and a pair of classic Converse. Gemma recently revealed that she always went for 'bad boys' before her relationship with 'nice lad' Gorka. The engaged couple have been together for six years and share two children Mia, four, and six-month-old Thiago. Gemma opened up about how he showed her 'what a relationship should be like' after a series of failed romances when they met on Strictly. She told The Sun: 'If someone had said: 'OK, he's Spanish, a dancer and wears sparkles on a weekend,' I would have gone: 'Oh no, clearly he's not for me.' 'That's where I'd been going wrong I was always going for the bad boys. As soon as you give a nice lad a chance, you realise you don't have to be constantly wondering where you stand. 'Gorka opened my eyes to what a relationship should be like. I'm past that stage of life where I like the bad boy.' 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. Gemma recently revealed that she always went for 'bad boys' before her relationship with 'nice lad' Gorka Gemma has opened up about how he showed her 'what a relationship should be like' after a series of failed romances As the Spanish dancer jets across Europe for his new role, Gemma has been caring for their kids 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'. But Gemma has now responded to the claims saying she would 'get bored' if she was with someone 24/7. She told the publication: 'Even looking at the back of their head can annoy me! I love my own space, and whenever he's on Strictly, I see it as my time on my own with Mia and Thiago. Mia sleeps in my bed and it's so nice.' Gemma also told how the famous 'Strictly curse' doesn't bother her at all when Gorka dances with a new partner as she is in the industry herself and knows how things work. It comes after Gemma denied the reports that her and Gorka's relationship was rocky, insisting the rumours were 'not true'. The former Hollyoaks actress, 39, and the Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, have been together for six years and share two children Mia, four, and six-month-old Thiago She told The Sun: 'If someone had said: 'OK, he's Spanish, a dancer and wears sparkles on a weekend,' I would have gone: 'Oh no, clearly he's not for me' She added: 'That's where I'd been going wrong I was always going for the bad boys. As soon as you give a nice lad a chance, you realise you don't have to be constantly wondering where you stand' Taking to her Instagram she joked that she enjoys the 'peace' while her partner is away honouring his work commitments. 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 he's just wanting to support his family, but it's disappointing for her. 'It's a really rough patch for them. Gorka has also been frustrated because they haven't 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 they're apart, the more tension there is between them.' Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May escaped a deadly minefield and attempt to cross a river - without a bridge - in The Grand Tour: Sand Job. The trio travelled to wild and remote country of Mauritania, in West Africa for the penultimate special which is set for release on Amazon Prime Video on Friday 16 February. Jeremy, 63, Richard, 54, and James', 61, followed in the footsteps of the world's most dangerous race, the iconic Paris-Dakar, but instead of competing in bespoke Dakar racers, the trio attempted their journey in second hand cars, modified themselves. Along the way they must descend treacherous ravines by cable, James battles mysterious sand storms and they must build unusual and ingenious devices to help their cars cope with the roads. As they travel across the Sahara, Jeremy, Richard, and James have to carry their own fuel bowser, which they must protect from being blown up. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May escape a deadly minefield and attempt to cross a river - without a bridge - in The Grand Tour: Sand Job The trio followed in the footsteps of the world's most dangerous race, the iconic Paris-Dakar in second hand cars In order to reach Senegal they then must make a perilous river crossing, across a river with no bridge, on self-built floatation devices. Speaking ahead of the series, Jeremy said: 'It was honestly hilarious. Hammonds Aston endlessly breaking down was very funny. Listen, when we do these things, it is a laugh from start to finish. 'We know what were doing, and we do enjoy one anothers company. Otherwise, we wouldnt have been doing it for twenty-five years. It was tremendous. It was a big laugh.' It comes after Jeremy and his The Grand Tour co-stars Richard and James went for days without needing to pee as they filmed their penultimate series in the extreme heat of the Sahara Desert. While they all encountered problems with their motors along the way, the extreme conditions they filmed in made the project especially tough. Despite endlessly drinking water during the trip, Jeremy admitted it suddenly dawned on him he hadn't needed to use the toilet for days as he was so dehydrated. He explained: 'You know, the funny thing is you don't get filthy in a desert. It's a very strange thing but sand is incredibly clean. 'We've experienced this in the Atacama and the Gobi and the Nomad and all the places we've driven over the years. You don't get dirty. But it was b**ody tough. Along the way they must descend treacherous ravines and build unusual and ingenious devices As they travel across the Sahara, Jeremy, Richard, and James have to carry their own fuel bowser, which they must protect from being blown up 'We drank litres and litres of water, and we didn't pee. I mean, I don't know where it was going. 'Hammond said after three or four days, 'I'm going to have a pee' and I suddenly thought, 'I haven't had a pee this whole time.'' He added: 'When people go to see the Northern Lights, for example, they boast that it was minus 30 and you think 'No, it wasn't, it was minus six' or they say it was 50 degrees somewhere hot and you go, 'No, it was maybe 38 in the midday sun.' 'Well, this really was 50 degrees in the shade. 'You never see the locals during the day, ever. We hardly saw anybody at all but if we did occasionally encounter a small village, it would have maybe six or seven huts and everyone would be inside them all day. They venture out only after the sun has set because it's so hot.' 'We actually all quite like being in a desert. We like the dust and the sand and the heat. It's exhausting, but it's all the things that T.E. Lawrence talked about, he said 'the desert cleans you and it's pure', and I think that's true. We all slightly get off on that and we feel like we're being really heroic and manly.' While they all encountered problems with their motors along the way, the extreme conditions they filmed in made the project especially tough (Jeremy pictured) Despite endlessly drinking water during the trip, Jeremy (left) admitted it suddenly dawned on him he hadn't needed to use the toilet for days as he was so dehydrated (pictured with Richard, right) He explained: 'You know, the funny thing is you don't get filthy in a desert. It's a very strange thing but sand is incredibly clean' 'We've experienced this in the Atacama and the Gobi and the Nomad and all the places we've driven over the years. You don't get dirty. But it was b**ody tough,' he said (James pictured) James also encountered problems when it came to hydration, admitting he too noticed he was not needing the loo despite drinking plenty. He said: 'We did go a few days without a proper wee, and I'm someone who likes to urinate freely. I mean, not in my trousers, but I don't like to hold it in. 'When we did wee it sort of came out as dust.' For the special, Jeremy opted for a Jaguar F Type V6, Richard too went British with an Aston Martin Volante V12, whilst James took a punt on Italy with a Maserati. The trio reported to the northern part of Mauritania, inside the perilous Foreign Office Red Zone, where their cars were delivered on the world's longest iron ore train, a 1.2 mile monster that travels this Mauritania's only railway line. From there, Jeremy, James and Richard headed into the Sahara, south for Senegal and the famous finish line on the beach of Dakar. Jeremy was so lucky with his car that he decided to buy one for himself when he returned home to the UK. He said: 'The Jaguar F-Type V6 Supercharged VS. Well put it like this: it was so impressive, I came home and bought one immediately. And I don't think Hammond bought an Aston Martin afterwards. 'We drank litres and litres of water, and we didn't pee. I mean, I don't know where it was going. 'Hammond said after three or four days, 'I'm going to have a pee' and I suddenly thought, 'I haven't had a pee this whole time.'' (Jeremy, left, and Richard, right) For the special, Jeremy opted for a Jaguar F Type V6, Richard too went British with an Aston Martin Volante V12, whilst James took a punt on Italy with a Maserati (L-R: Jeremy, James and Richard) Jeremy is seen leaning over bottles of water The trio reported to the northern part of Mauritania, inside the perilous Foreign Office Red Zone, where their cars were delivered on the world's longest iron ore train (L-R: Jeremy and Richard pictured) From there, Jeremy, James and Richard (pictured) headed into the Sahara, south for Senegal and the famous finish line on the beach of Dakar Jeremy was so lucky with his car that he decided to buy one for himself when he returned home to the UK Jeremy looked wind swept and covered in dust in the special Viewers will see them make the perilous river crossing They are set to take on their biggest challenge yet in the show 'The other two made unwise choices, as usual. The Jaguar was so tough and so unbreakable. I discovered something interesting: Jaguar has a reputation for making flimsy cars, cars that fall to pieces, it has this reputation for unreliability, so I couldn't understand why my car was so capable. 'I did some checking, and it turns out that at the time this car was made, Jaguar Land Rover which is one company had one test that a car had to pass before it could go on sale which is all to do with mounting curbs at high speed and running over potholes and biffing into things. And the test was designed for the Range Rover, but the Jaguar had to pass the same test. So they are extraordinarily strong. 'I cannot lavish enough praise on that car. I brought back the one I drove in Mauritania too, I have it at the farm.' The Grand Tour: Sand Job launches globally on 16th February on Prime Video Michael J Fox called his Parkinson's diagnosis the 'gift that keeps on taking' when he appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday. The Back To The Future actor, 62, was diagnosed with the degenerative disorder aged just 29 in 1991 - but only publicly disclosed it seven years later. In 2023, the star released an Apple TV+ documentary about his career and living with the devastating disease, which earned him a BAFTA nomination. Speaking to BBC in light of the documentary's nomination, Michael said: 'I would say it's a gift and people would look at me and I'd say it's a gift that keeps on taking, but it's a gift.' Since being diagnosed, Michael has been praised for his tireless work fundraising in a bid to find a cure for Parkinson's. He founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation to aid research efforts. Back To The Future star Michael J Fox called his Parkinson's diagnosis the 'gift that keeps on taking' as he appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday In 2023, the star released an Apple TV+ documentary about his life in film and his subsequent diagnosis, which earned him a BAFTA nomination (pictured) Michael said: 'I realised I had to turn it around and turn it into something and make it some positive thing that affected other people in a positive way. 'So I think that's why I started the foundation, but it took me a long time to get there.' In his documentary, which was released in May 2023, Michael looks back on his blockbuster career with director Davis Guggenheim and shares how he first noticed the signs of what would be diagnosed as Parkinson's disease. He said the documentary is about when 'an incurable optimist meets an incurable disease' as he spoke about his battle with the condition. 'I have Parkinson's, I struggle with it,' he said. 'It's hard, it's annoying, it's a bit more than annoying but it can be devastating for some people.' Michael displayed symptoms of early-onset Parkinson's as early as 1991 while shooting the film Doc Hollywood, and was told by doctors that in a few years he would not be able to work. After being diagnosed, Michael started drinking heavily and became depressed. But after seeking help, he found sobriety and publicly disclosed his condition in 1998. On why he concealed his Parkinson's for so many years, Michael said: 'Yeah I didn't know what it was going to do, how it was going to manifest itself. Michael, now 62, was diagnosed with the degenerative disorder aged just 29 in 1991 - but only publicly disclosed it seven years later A documentary chronicling Michael's 30-year battle with Parkinson's disease, titled Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, was released in May and has earned him a BAFTA nomination 'I didn't know what to expect and no one could really tell me what to expect.' Michael received the Lifetime Achievement honour at the 2023 Spring Moving Image Awards for his impressive Hollywood career as well as his dedication to finding a cure for Parkinson's. In his documentary, Michael detailed the devastating moment in which he revealed the diagnosis to his wife of 35 years Tracy and how she vowed to support him all along the way. Michael, who continued to act for years, recalled: 'I told Tracy the news. "In sickness and in health," I remember her whispering.' He added that 'no one outside my family' knew of his diagnosis and he took pills to 'hide' his symptoms. The actor did not specify if it was were recreational or prescription drugs that he was self-medicating with. In behind the scenes footage, he is pictured dodging explosions and gunfire and unmanned vehicles as he runs through the desert in a scene from Tim Burton's black sci-fi comedy Mars Attacks, which was shot before he had announced his diagnosis. Michael detailed the devastating moment in which he revealed the diagnosis to his wife of 35 years Tracy , and how she vowed to support him all along the way (pictured in November) The trailer began with Michael saying, 'The story of me. Take two.' Then there is newly shot footage meant to look like behind-the-scenes clips of him getting ready to film a pivotal scene with Christopher Lloyd in Back To The Future, which seamlessly transitions into a clip from the classic film. At the start, Michael answers a question from Guggenheim to explain the title of the film. 'What does it mean to be still?' asks the director, who has directed numerous television episodes and the documentaries An Inconvenient Truth and Waiting For Superman. 'I wouldn't know, I was never still,' replies Michael. Michelle Visage has weighed in on Amanda Abbington's Strictly 'feud' with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, after dancing with him herself on the show. The Drag Race star, 55, who took part in the competition in 2019 and placed seventh, made an appearance on This Morning on Thursday where she addressed the scrutiny surrounding the professional dancer, 33. Amanda claimed the show left her with PTSD and demanded footage of rehearsals to highlight the Italian's 'tense' and 'full-on' training methods after quitting the show due to medical reasons in week five. Michelle, who is starring in West End as Morticia in the Addams family, said: 'I have danced once a week since I left the show. Giovanni does not want to dance with me. I have a teacher that I have for two hours twice a week. It's mostly Latin. I get to bring that to Morticia in a four minute Tango. 'I don't like gossip, but what I can say is he's probably the toughest pro ever. We fought every day but we got where we wanted to be. We looked good together.' Michelle Visage has weighed in on Amanda Abbington's Strictly 'feud' with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, after dancing with him herself on the show Amanda claimed the show left her with PTSD and demanded footage of rehearsals to highlight the Italian's 'tense' and 'full-on' training methods Of her West End role, she told show hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary: 'My whole life I have been inspired by Morticia. She always had something that I loved and aspired to so it was like a manifestation.' Amanda left Strictly during week five in October and failed to return for the final, where eliminated celebrities took part in a group dance. The Sherlock star was praised by the judges for her performances on the show but it was claimed she was struggling behind the scenes. After her departure, it was alleged Amanda struggled with Giovanni's 'militant approach to training', with her time on the show said to have been 'plagued by difficulties'. An inside source told The Telegraph: 'It could be that she didn't know what she let herself in for. 'He [Giovanni] was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn't very well, that wouldn't have helped.' They continued: 'She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn't cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there's something else going on I don't know.' It has been reported she is seeking footage of their rehearsals to back up her claims as she seeks legal advice. The Drag Race star, 55, made an appearance on This Morning on Thursday where she addressed the scrutiny surrounding the professional dancer, 33 Michelle took part in the competition in 2019 and placed seventh with Giovanni 'I don't like gossip but what I can say is he's probably the toughest pro ever. We fought every day but we got where we wanted to be. We looked good together', she told Alison and Dermot Michelle rocked up in a bandeau brown minidress, white knee-high tights and brown heels The Drag Race star is set to star in the West End as Morticia Addams alongside Ramin Karimloo Meanwhile, Giovanni recently addressed criticism about his teaching techniques. During an appearance on The One Show late last month, Giovanni was asked about training of his celebrity partners, to which he said: 'I'm definitely a perfectionist.' 'Like everybody else, I like to win. But for me it's more about bringing the best out of partners, especially if I see that there is talent there. I want to do my job properly.' His alleged feuds with 2016 partner Laura Whitmore and 2020's Ranvir Singh have also resurfaced, while 2021's Rose Ayling-Ellis and 2017's Debbie McGee have spoken out in his defence. Giovanni has previously lifted the lid on his intense rehearsal schedule. Speaking to Spencer Matthews on his Big Fish podcast last May, Giovanni, 33, gave an insight into his gruelling training regime as he revealed his key to success as a dancer was: 'Practice, pretty much 20 hours a day. He continued: 'The studio is open 24 hours. Well, 18 hours a day, sleep and go back to the studio and practice. Lots of lessons.' Giovanni also credited his can-do attitude and refusing to accept defeat with his success. Explaining how he feels about losing, the star explained: 'I don't want to sound cliche, but when you lose, when something doesn't go the way you want it to go, I am one of those people who gets back up, just like Rocky Balboa, one of my idols, you go down but then you straight away stand up.' Gold Coast influencer and TikTok star Veruca Salt took her baby boy to hospital and later assured followers her baby was 'fine' - just hours before the newborn tragically died. Veruca, whose real name is Kimberley Summer Hartley, revealed on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday that six-week-old Cash had 'died in his sleep' on Monday morning, sparking an outpouring of tributes. On Sunday, Veruca revealed in a TikTok video that the pair were off on Cash's 'first trip to the hospital' because 'he hasn't pooped in seven days'. The 25-year-old cradled Cash in her arms as she fawned over the little boy in his blue jumpsuit adorned with sea animals, pelicans and lighthouses - unaware she was spending her final precious hours with him. Veruca, whose real name is Kimberley Summer Hartley, shared the sad news on Instagram After returning from hospital on Sunday, Veruca reassured fans that Cash was 'fine' in the comments of the video. A fan of hers wrote in a comment that her children had the same problem as little Cash 'because I was breastfeeding, and it was all natural'. Veruca replied: 'Yeah that's why I'm not super panicked bc he's actually fine, I just wanted to check.' Hours later, her little boy died. Veruca's social media accounts have been flooded with tributes and condolence messages. 'It is with a heavy heart that I'm writing this. My baby died in his sleep on Monday morning,' Veruca told her 285,000 followers on Tuesday. 'I don't know what happened, he is having an autopsy this week but it is unlikely that I'll ever have an answer. 'I'm just saying this because people are still commenting on my TikToks saying how happy I look with him and 'just wait for the toddler stage' and stuff, and I really can't take it anymore. I'm really sorry.' TikTok star Veruca Salt, 25, revealed her newborn baby boy Cash had died on Monday Queensland Police said initial inquiries indicate the death was not suspicious. 'At the moment, it's still under investigation and we're awaiting autopsy results,' Gold Coast Superintendent Craig Hanlon said. 'It's obviously a tragic situation and our hearts go out to the mother and the family.' Police confirmed they were called to a unit in Southport around 6.13am on Monday. Veruca gave birth to her son, Cash Harrison Stirling, on December 19 and confirmed the news with her followers in an Instagram post. 'My perfect gorgeous angel baby,' she wrote alongside footage of his birth. Veruca has since shared dozens of moments from her first six weeks with Cash, which she described as 'experiencing the purest form of love'. Another video posted a day prior to Sunday's hospital visit shows Veruca cooing over Cash and showing off another of his cute outfits. Veruca first announced her pregnancy in June by sharing a photo of a white and blue cake Fans have left hundreds of comments on Veruca's most recent videos, with many expressing their shock at her baby's sudden death. The Instagram star first announced her pregnancy in June by sharing a photo of herself with a cake with blue in the centre. In September, Veruca revealed she had recently moved into a share house on the Gold Coast after returning from a stint in London. The social media and OnlyFans star was born in New Zealand but has lived in Australia since she was three-years-old. She has been a sex worker since she was 18-years-old. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Veruca for further comment. For confidential support call Griefline: 1300 845 745 Veruca said her son Cash died 'in his sleep' on Monday morning on her Instagram Stories Charlotte Crosby decided to jump on the bandwagon of the ice bath wellness trend as she attempted her first ever chilly dip on Tuesday. The Geordie Shore star, 33, struggled to stay calm and collected as she entered the ice bath in the pouring Manchester rain and immediately began screaming. Visiting her friend Adam Frisby, founder of online clothing company In The Style, Charlotte was persuaded to give his ice bath a try. Climbing into the tub, both legs at a time, the star began panting uncontrollably as she struggled to regulate her breathing. As the reality star then began yelping and screaming she confessed: 'wee is coming out!' Charlotte Crosby, 33, suffered an embarrassing accident as she screamed throughout her first ever ice bath in the pouring rain as her pal Adam Frisby filmed the clip for Instagram on Tuesday Climbing into the tub, both legs at a time, the star began panting uncontrollably as she struggled to regulate her breathing Captioning the video, 'How not to do your first ever ice bath featuring Charlotte Crosby', Adam then tried to convince his pal to get her shoulders under the freezing water. Yet Charlotte protested: 'No this is as much as I can do. It's an actual response of my body.' Asked how she has enjoyed her first time, Charlotte responded through shivers: 'It's so good' as she reluctantly nodded that she would do it again. Taking to her Instagram Story after the dip, Charlotte joked: 'I truly thought that, you know I see all these people getting in the ice baths they look so glamorous, they look so lovely. 'That wasn't my experience.' Defending her reaction the star also penned: 'Listen I might of looked like Vicky pollard but I did 4 mins in this ice hell! I think that's pretty god damn good!' Fans were left in hysterics as they took to the comment section to share their support with Charlotte. One wrote: 'Omg Im crying' while another added The moment we've all been waiting for'. As the reality star then began yelping and screaming she confessed: 'wee is coming out!' The reality star looked hesitant as she approached the edge of the ice bath in the pouring rain Fans were left in hysterics as they took to the comment section to share their support with Charlotte Defending her reaction the star also penned: 'Listen I might of looked like Vicky pollard but I did 4 mins in this ice hell! I think that's pretty god damn good!' Another supportive fan added: 'I actually think she did really well for her first attempt, just need to learn on your breathing, well done'. Meanwhile fellow Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan penned: 'HAHAHAAH CRYING!!!!' It comes after Charlotte slammed her Geordie Shore co-stars last month after quitting the reality series last year, following a furious row. She left the show during filming for the 24th series after getting into an argument with Marnie Simpson over a high chair. The pair have since unfollowed one another on social media and reportedly haven't spoken since after things got heated. Breaking her silence, Charlotte wrote: 'Hi everyone. I just wanted to pop on to say thanks so much for all the lovely messages I've received over the the last 24 hours. They've meant a lot. 'I haven't had a chance to watch the new eps of Geordie Shore, but I don't think I will. I really was quite clueless as to conversations that were being had behind my back by "Friends".' She continued: 'Last year whilst filming was going on, I had just had a baby, lost my beloved nana and was trying to be by my mam's side during her cancer diagnosis. It comes after Charlotte slammed her Geordie Shore co-stars last month after quitting the reality series last year, following a furious row with Marnie Simpson (pictured together in 2019) Breaking her silence, Charlotte accused her friends of talking 'behind my back' 'I know many of you are already fully aware of the roller coaster of emotions we went through as a family that year, so I feel a little saddened I have to bring this up in a bid to try and defend myself.' Charlotte admitted that she was still 'hurt' and was attempting to 'move on' in the wake of the feud. She said: 'I was hoping to be really strong when the show aired and try to brush it off like I wasn't bothered, but I am hurt and I can't quite seem to shake it off. 'Life is too short to argue though. I'm going to count my blessings, value my loved ones and move on with my head held high. Love you all lots.' Love Island's Tanya Manhenga looked sensational in a lime green bikini as she shared snaps from her holiday to Tanzania with her boyfriend Shaq Muhammad. The television personality, 24, who is currently on Zanzibar Island, showed off her incredible figure in the bright green and yellow triangle two-piece. The couple looked loved up as they sipped from coconut drinks for the holiday snaps, which Tanya shared in an Instagram post on Monday captioned: 'Absolute happiness chile'. During the lavish holiday, Shaq, 25, celebrated Tanya's birthday with an extravagant display consisting of a candlelit beach dinner at sunset. Fans were quick to share that they thought the display was for an engagement but clearly aware of the lengths he had gone to, Shaq captioned the post: 'This is just her birthday imagine when I propose. Love Island's Tanya Manhenga looked sensational in a lime green bikini as she shared snaps from her holiday in Tanzania with her boyfriend Shaq Muhammad on Instagram on Monday 'Thank you for helping me in making my baby's birthday one to remember.' Tanya and Shaq found fame on series nine of Love Island in South Africa in January 2023, where they made it to the final. The series was won by Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan. In a clip posted by Shaq to Instagram, Tanya was seen in a white backless mini-dress having her eyes covered by her boyfriend before he unveiled the surprise. The camera panned to the birthday set up - which included a path and circle made out of flowers in the sand, with the dinner table in the middle. The pair were then seen walking down the path and taking their seats for dinner, before Shaq kissed Tanya's hand and they cheersed with a glass of wine. Tanya and Shaq then tucked into a luxury four course dinner, including lobster, before waiting staff carried over a birthday cake adorned with sparklers. Fans were convinced the display looked like Shaq was going to propose, despite him teasing that an engagement would be even bigger. 'Not me thinking it was a whole proposal,' fellow Love Islander Chyna Mills commented. 'This is too beautiful. Shaq really set the bar high.' The television personality, 24, who is currently on Zanzibar Island, showed off her incredible figure in the bright green and yellow triangle two-piece The couple looked loved up as they sipped from coconut drinks for the holiday snaps, which Tanya shared in an Instagram post on Monday captioned: 'Absolute happiness chile' While a fan said: 'I honestly thought he's about to go down on one knee damnnn. Well done Shaq.' In snaps from the holiday posted on Tanya's Instagram, she stepped out in a bright green bikini while Shaq sported a pair of dark blue swimming shorts. The couple looked loved up as they posed for pictures on the sandy beach and sipped from coconuts. In May the pair were spotted celebrating Shaq's 25th birthday at STK Steakhouse in Westminster, London. The lovebirds marked the occasion with a group of close friends by enjoying a swanky dinner. The duo didn't hesitate to play for the cameras while exiting the lavish restaurant, as Shaq lifted Tanya in his arms to carry her out of STK. In snaps from the holiday posted on Tanya's Instagram, she stepped out in a bright green bikini 'Not me thinking it was a whole proposal,' fellow Love Islander Chyna Mills commented on Tanya's post That same month, Tanya took a swipe at Love Island bosses over the way she was edited on screen. 'I've watched more than she's watched and based on the things that I know and how it was perceived, Tanya's not like that. She's not this big bad villain that everyone thinks she is,' Shaq said. 'She's honestly the nicest, kindest girl that I've ever met and I wouldn't be with her if that wasn't the case,' he added in an interview with the Daily Star. Tanya said: 'We never got picked because we were actually decent and they could tell how I am because they know how I am, but then obviously on screen it was a completely different thing, so yeah I do think we got edited pretty bad because that's not me.' Legendary songwriter Bernie Taupin paid a surprise visit to a Lincoln hotel and visited a room which was recently named after him. Taupin - best known for co-writing many of Elton John's hit songs - stayed at The Castle Hotel in Lincoln with his brother and sister-in-law while filming an upcoming documentary about his life. The 73-year-old grew up in Owmby-by-Spital, Lincolnshire, and that upbringing is of interest to the crew behind his biographical show. They phoned The Castle Hotel in Lincoln to see if they had any rooms available ahead of their visit to the area, and struck gold because they had just opened a new suite and named it after the man himself. The Castle Hotel names its deluxe suites after famous Lincolnshire people and had coincidentally just opened a new suite named after Taupin. Bernie Taupin - best-known for co-writing many of Elton Johns hit songs - visited a Lincoln hotel named after him He stayed in the Castle Hotel's Taupin suite (pictured) The showbiz legend posed for pictures with staff (including the chef, left)and chatted about his upbringing in the area. He also signed a book for co-owner Paul Catlow Hotel co-owner, Saera Ahmad, said: 'When the film crew rang us they asked what we had available, so we went through and gave them the names. 'They put the phone down and talked amongst themselves, obviously thinking "what a coincidence". 'They asked us why we had a room named after Taupin and then told us that he was who they were trying to book the room for. He was thrilled at the thought of having a room named after him.' Saera said Taupin ordered beef ribs at the hotel, where he had photos taken with staff - including the chef - and discussed how his childhood in the area inspired many of his song lyrics. He even signed a copy of his memoir Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton and Me for the other co-owner, Paul Catlow. Ms Ahmad added: 'They stayed with us on Saturday [February 3] and they were going to stay Sunday but they got their filming done. 'Bernie joined us on Saturday evening, dined with us and came and had drinks in the bar with us. He was really happy to chat away and came back on Sunday to have a drink before heading off to London. 'He was lovely and really charming. We name all of our deluxe rooms after famous Lincolnshire people and from day one I knew I wanted to call one Taupin. A lot of people don't know who he is and a lot of people don't know he's from Lincolnshire.' Holly Willoughby posted about a 'new journey' and a 'significant chapter ending' on her wellness brand website Wylde Moon on Tuesday. The former This Morning host's company posted an informative article about the power of the Supermoons in 2024 which can bring a 'shift in energy'. It comes as Holly, 42, could be set to continue her TV career in America after leaving This Morning last year when she became the subject of a terrifying kidnap plot. For the first time in her career she's now a 'free agent' and is keen to explore opportunities across the pond and draw a line under her domestic troubles. The Wylde Moon website's article about the Supermoon read: 'A full and new moon brings a shift in energy, signaling either the inception of a new journey or the completion of a significant chapter. Holly Willoughby posted about a 'new journey' and a 'significant chapter ending' on her wellness brand website Wylde Moon on Tuesday The former This Morning host's company posted an informative article about the power of the Supermoons in 2024 which can bring a 'shift in energy' 'A Supermoon amplifies this already powerful energy, so it is important to make the most of it.' Holly shared the article on her Instagram Story along with the caption: 'Here for it!' Following her 'year from hell', which saw her embroiled in Phillip Schofield's controversial This Morning exit and become the subject of the kidnap plot, Holly could be set to continue her TV career in America. It's a scenario that seemed highly unlikely just 18 months ago, when in-demand Holly was locked in a contract battle between ITV and the BBC. Yet for the first time in her career she's now a 'free agent' and is keen to explore opportunities across the pond and draw a line under her domestic troubles. It's a prospect she's 'excited' about, even though discussions are still at a relatively early stage. Given her three children are settled at school and her husband Dan Baldwin fronts a highly successful TV production firm, a switch Stateside would be a seismic move for all concerned, which she's only too aware of. But currently the Dancing On Ice host feels there's no harm in seeing what's out there and discovering whether she can follow in the footsteps of fellow Britons James Corden and Cat Deeley by landing lucrative TV jobs across the pond. Blonde beauty Holly shared the article on her Instagram Story along with the caption: 'Here for it!' It comes as Holly, 42, could be set to continue her TV career in America after leaving This Morning last year when she became the subject of a terrifying kidnap plot For the first time in her career she's now a 'free agent' and is keen to explore opportunities across the pond and draw a line under her domestic troubles A source said: 'Holly's had an incredibly tough year, it's really taken it out of her. 'She thought long and hard about returning for Dancing On Ice and it's proved to be the correct decision, it's got her back in the groove again. 'Jobs in America have always been at the back of her mind but due to circumstance, now they've become a genuine reality and she's excited by that. 'Discussions are taking place and she's in no rush to take on any roles, but if there is a presenting gig she feels passionate about Stateside, she has the freedom now to explore it.' Holly quit This Morning after 14 years in October following Phillip's sacking from the broadcaster. He left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague and lying to his co-star when questioned about the mounting speculation. After she returned to the ITV programme without him, Holly was mocked for the statement she made addressing the nation, asking whether viewers were 'okay' following the revelation. She then faced a further setback as a man was arrested for an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, leaving her terrified. According to reports, she was too afraid to leave her house after Gavin Plumb was charged for the crime, forcing her off-air for months. She deliberated over whether to present Dancing On Ice with new co-host Stephen Mulhern, finally deciding to return to work in the New Year. But it could be the last UK show she presents before going to America with sources close to Holly saying it is the first time in her career she's a 'free agent' and looking for new prospects. A source told the Sun on Sunday said that she is meeting with 'US bigwigs' including bosses at streaming platform Disney+. The Dancing On Ice host feels there's no harm in seeing what's out there and discovering whether she can follow in the footsteps of Cat Deeley (pictured) by landing TV jobs across the pond James hosted American talk show The Late Late Show from 2015 until 2023, establishing himself as an A-list star in the States (pictured in November) Holly quit This Morning after 14 years in October following Phillip Schofield's sacking from the broadcaster (pictured in May) They explained: 'Holly's a free agent and for the first time in years she's free to be courted by these huge streaming platforms. 'A number of US networks and production companies have been interested in her for a while and she's caught the attention of some major brands.' Holly won't be the first British star to crack America. TV presenter Cat spent 14 years in Hollywood after becoming an award-winning host for So You Think You Can Dance. Meanwhile, James hosted American talk show The Late Late Show from 2015 until 2023, establishing himself as an A-list star in the States. Shirley Ballas paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David on Monday as she marked what would have been his 65th birthday. The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 63, shared an array of throwback snaps of her sibling alongside a poignant open letter. David, from Wallasey, Merseyside, tragically took his own life in 2003 aged 44 after suffering from depression. Shirley began her post: 'Today would have been my darling brother Davids 65th birthday 'David, I miss you so very very much. Behind my smile is still a broken heart that I dont think will ever repair.' Shirley Ballas paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother David on Monday as she marked what would have been his 65th birthday The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 63, shared an array of throwback snaps of her sibling alongside a poignant open letter She went on to reference their mother Audrey, her son Mark and David's daughter Mary, who Shirley raised from the age of 10 after David took his own life and Marys mother died shortly afterwards. Shirley continued: 'But our darling mum, @markballas and @mischiefminky talk about you every single day. Your beautiful daughter Mary is doing amazingly well. 'We know youre looking down on her feeling so proud. Shes engaged now to a phenomenally kind man, I know you would love him. 'Mark is a dad, Mum is now a great grandmother and Im a grandma. Can you believe it ? Banksi is beautiful and I know youd just adore him. 'Im remembering all the times you took care of Mark for me whilst I travelled. You cared about him with so so much love in your heart. 'You will always be in our thoughts David. I feel you are with me each and every day and I believe youre watching over us with that beautiful heart of yours. 'Till we meet again David. I love you so very very much. 'For anyone struggling please reach out to @calmzone @suicideandco. Theres always someone there for you. Hugs. X #brother #son #father #uncle.' David, from Wallasey, Merseyside, tragically took his own life in 2003 aged 44 after suffering from depression (pictured with Shirley) Since David's death, Shirley has become an ardent campaigner for mental health awareness, including by setting up charity The Ballas Foundation with her son Mark. Last year, she showcased her daring side as she embarked on an impressive wing walk to raise money for suicide prevention charity CALM. She also rode the world's fastest zip line in North Wales and took part in a skydive despite previously revealing she was 'terrified of heights'. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) stands united against suicide with everyone in the UK. If youre struggling, talk to CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) or through webchat on www.thecalmzone.net. The star of Netflix's anticipated adaptation of David Nicholls' novel One Day has revealed why she turned down the part 'over and over again.' Ambika Mod, 27, stars as Emma Morley in the 20 year love story, opposite White Lotus actor Leo Woodall. Emma and Leo's character Dexter Mayhew meet on the 15th July 1988, the night of their Edinburgh University graduation. The next morning, they go their separate ways but the novel and TV series catches up with them on the same day every year. Each episode finds Dex and Em, one year older, on this one particular date, as they grow and change, move together and apart, experience joy and heartbreak. Ambika Mod, the star of Netflix 's anticipated adaptation of David Nicholls' beloved novel One Day has revealed why she turned down the part 'over and over again' Ambika stars as Emma Morley in the 20 year love story, opposite White Lotus actor Leo Woodall Speaking ahead of the show's release on February 8, Ambika has revealed how despite falling in love with Nicholls' novel in 2009 when she was 14, it was an immediate 'no' when she was asked to audition. 'I saw the email notification pop up on my phone: "Emma, One Day, self-tape" and I was like "Nah I'm not doing that",' she tells Grazia. 'I turned the audition down again and again over several months. I love the book so much and I just didn't see myself playing that part. I thought it was a waste of time. I envisaged the disappointment I would experience if I entertained this idea.' Ambika also recalls how at the time she was still coming to terms with her biggest role to date, playing student doctor Shruti Acharya in 2022 drama This Is Going To Hurt. Describing how she felt 'overwhelmed' by the attention she received after her acclaimed performance, the actress admitted 'I kind of wanted everything to go away.' But months after turning down the One Day audition she had a sudden change of heart and thought 'I've made a terrible mistake'. Lo and behold the impressed and landed the role. The One Day cast is rounded out by some big names including Eleanor Tomlinson, and Joely Richardson. Ambika has revealed how despite falling in love with Nicholls' novel in 2009 when she was 14, it was an immediate 'no' when she was asked to audition 'I turned the audition down again and again over several months. I love the book so much and I just didn't see myself playing that part,' the actress explained Ambika also recalls how at the time she was still coming to terms with her biggest role to date, playing student doctor Shruti Acharya in 2022 drama This Is Going To Hurt (pictured on set) The decades-spanning love story is based on the 2009 novel by David Nicholls, which has sold over five million copies worldwide. It's not the first time Emma and Dexter's story has found its way to screen. A movie starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess was released in 2011, but received mixed reviews. Jan Moir writing for the Daily Mail at the time reviewed the movie 'as fake as Anne Hathaway's accent.' While Nicholls wrote the screenplay for the 2011 film, Scottish screenwriter Nicole Taylor has headed the writing team for the Netflix adaptation. Taylor won a BAFTA for Best Writer for her 2017 BBC series Three Girls about the Rochdale grooming scandal. Nicholls is on board as an executive producer. One Day will be available on Netflix from February 8. Camila Mendes looked great as she stepped out for a press day in New York City this week. The 29-year-old Riverdale alum who was in Miami days ago layered a brown leather trench coat over a brown turtleneck dress. She commanded attention in the Big Apple as she added bright red pantyhose and a red, slingback, kitten heel shoe. Mendes was styled by Molly Dickson as she promoted her new romantic comedy Upgraded. Makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez brought out the star's natural beauty using products from 111 Skin and Armani Beauty. Camila Mendes looked great as she stepped out for a press day in New York City this week The 29-year-old Riverdale alum layered a brown leather trench coat over a brown turtleneck dress The Virginia-bred entertainer wore her glossy, dark locks in a center part as they cascaded down her back. She wore chunky, silver-toned earrings and rocked a pristine, nude manicure as she stepped out to promote her film. Camila took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to a share a behind-the-scenes look as she prepared to step out. She snapped a selfie while hair stylist DJ Quintero and her makeup artist tended to her and wrote, 'let the press week begin.' Upgraded is set to premiere on Prime Video this Friday, February 9. The R-rated movie follows Ana (Mendes), an intern who has goals of working in the art world. Marisa Tomei plays her boss Claire, who she is determined to impress. En route to London on a work trip, Ana gets mistaken for her boss after being upgraded to first class, where she meets William (played by Archie Renaux). She commanded attention in the Big Apple as she added bright red pantyhose and a red, slingback, kitten heel shoe Mendes was styled by Molly Dickson as she promoted her new romantic comedy Upgraded Makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez brought out the star's natural beauty using products from 111 Skin and Armani Beauty Camila switched up her look as she reemerged in a new outfit Ana and William fall for each other, but Camila's character does not readily reveal that she's not her boss. The film also stars Rachel Matthews as an assistant named Suzette, and Fola Evans-Akingbola as another assistant named Renee. The feature also sees appearances from Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Lena Olin, and Anthony Head. The busy press week in New York comes after Camila enjoyed a getaway for her friend Alex Tynion's wedding. Emily Ratajkowski started her morning by sharing a racy picture with her 30.1 million followers on Tuesday. Just days after turning up the heat for an outdoor runway show on the slopes of St. Moritz, Switzerland, the supermodel, 32, uploaded a snap of her bare breasts to her Instagram Story. 'Whoops,' she captioned the risque shot, taken seemingly right after she got out of the shower as drops of water were visible across her chest. In the image, which showed her preserving her modesty with her hands, it appeared that the mother-of-one trimmed her own shoulder-length tresses a few inches. Emily Ratajkowski started her morning by sharing a racy picture with her 30.1 million followers on Tuesday Previously, the I Feel Pretty star, who frequently shares photos of herself modeling her Inamorata swimwear line on social media, has said 'it really bothers' her 'that people are so offended by breasts.' 'When we see breasts, we don't think of beauty and femininity. We think of vulgar, oversexualized images,' she told Allure back in 2017. Her post comes Ratajkowski detailed her super 'simple' make-up routine during a recent interview with Marie Claire. 'I don't do foundation, but I use concealer. Hourglass is what I've been reaching for recently,' the best-selling author. The Gone Girl actress added that she also uses Kylie's Mascara, which she discovered on set after loving how 'fluffy' it made her eyelashes. Additionally, Charlotte Tilbury's highlighter and contour are her go-to products to 'bronze' herself up. 'I use the Pat McGrath make-up stick and the freckle pen from TikTok - I really do love my freckles. My lips alternate, but I do love a good lip liner moment. Right now I'm using a MakeupForever one, but I really love the Rhode balms and all of the Pat McGrath lip glosses. There's nothing like them,' she told the outlet. Ratajkowski also insisted that her make-up routine isn't very time-consuming at all. Just days after turning up the heat for an outdoor runway show on the slopes of St. Moritz, Switzerland, the supermodel, 32, uploaded a snap of her bare breasts to her Instagram Story Previously, the I Feel Pretty star, who frequently shares photos of herself modeling her Inamorata swimwear line on social media, has said 'it really bothers' her 'that people are so offended by breasts' The model said: 'I can do it pretty quickly now - it's all in all 12 products. So simple.' Emily also revealed that she has a very straightforward fitness routine, which involves walking her dog around New York City. She shared: 'I live in New York City so I walk a lot. I have a dog and I don't have a dog walker. Everyone thinks he's a German Shepherd. He's not. I'm a loser and I got his DNA testing. He's 90 pounds, so he's a big boy. I do have a little backyard area, but he needs a decent amount of walks. 'Then my son is 35 plus pounds and I carry that man around. He likes to be held and I love to hold him, but it's getting serious.' Kanye West wiped his Instagram for the second time in a week while seemingly teasing a Chicago listening party for his and Ty Dolla $ign's upcoming joint album. On Monday, the rapper, whose wife Bianca Censori made headlines for wearing a clear raincoat with nothing underneath earlier in the day, shared an Instagram post teasing a special event scheduled to take place at United Center on Thursday. The father-of-four went on to upload an image of the number '1' on his account, most likely a nod to Vultures, Volume One, which he previously announced was dropping on February 9. Both West, 46, and Sucker for Pain hitmaker, 41, also shared an image, which read: 'Vultures United Center Chicago 02 08 24.' Kanye West wiped his Instagram for the second time in a week while seemingly teasing a Chicago listening party for his and Ty Dolla $ign's upcoming joint album (seen in 2019) At this time, United Center does not any events set for Thursday. The Chicago Blackhawks, however, are scheduled to play at the stadium on Wednesday and Friday. Back in 2021, ahead of the release of his tenth studio album Donda, he previously hosted multiple listening parties for fans in Chicago and Atlanta. His single, Vulture, off the record, has been slammed by Jewish organizations who branded him 'pathetic and sad' over vile lyrics about a Jewish woman. Vultures features the 'offensive' lyrics: 'How am I anti-Semitic? I just f***ed a Jewish b****.' The lyrics prompted a furious backlash among some fans and was even condemned by the American Jewish Committee, among others. 'To fuel the flames of antisemitism and promote such bile to his millions of followers, especially at this fraught and dangerous time for the Jewish community, is unforgivable,' spokesman Richard Hirschhaut told TMZ, at the time. He added that the West's choice is unsurprising however, given his previous antisemitic remarks. On Monday, the rapper, whose wife Bianca Censori made headlines for wearing a clear raincoat with nothing underneath earlier in the day, shared an Instagram post teasing a special event scheduled to take place at United Center on Thursday The father-of-four went on to upload an image of the number '1' on his account, most likely a nod to Vultures, Volume One, which he previously announced was dropping on February 9 Both West, 46, and Sucker for Pain hitmaker, 41, also shared an image, which read: 'Vultures United Center Chicago 02 08 24' But he said this latest scandal, 'seems particularly pathetic and sad.' The Anti Defamation League also joined criticism, telling the outlet: 'At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, its disgusting to see Kanye once again use his platform to spew Jew hatred.' West has a documented history of antisemitism and last year lost out on a number of partnership deals after going on an explosive anti-Semitic rant. The ex-husband of Kim Kardashian vowed to go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' in a string of sick posts online. Shortly after the tweet, the Praise God rapper told Piers Morgan he only meant to take aim at certain specific Jews, who he felt exploited him. When the talk show host contended the comments were 'as racist as anything you've been through,' the Gold Digger rapper retorted, 'that's why I said it. I fought fire with fire.' In an interview with right wing talk show host Alex Jones in early December, Kanye praised Hitler for his 'redeeming qualities.' Back in 2021, ahead of the release of his tenth studio album Donda, he previously hosted multiple listening parties for fans in Chicago and Atlanta; seen in January 2024 He also maintained that the 'Holocaust is not what happened' and promoted the conspiracy theory that Black people are the real Jews. West's rants saw him lose out on lucrative contracts with The Gap, Adidas and Balenciaga and more. He was also dropped by his management team at Creative Artists Agency. His decision to debut the song comes at a time when anti-Semitic attacks are on the rise amid the ongoing Israel Hamas conflict. Racism against Jewish people and Muslims has soared in the wake of the October 7 attack. West is married to Bianca Censori (seen above in May 2023) According to the Anti-Defamation League the number of anti-Semitic incidents increased fourfold. The watchdog counted 312 anti-Semitic incidents between October 7-23, ranging from harassment to vandalism and physical assaults. Meanwhile college campuses ands schools have seen a notable spike, according to the American Jewish Committee. A record number of incidents were reported, with nearly 100 incidents occurring at US universities between October 7 and 30. The soaring number of incidents has prompted the White House to introduce a series of measures to tackle the 'alarming' rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks. Rylan Clark has teased a project he's working on with Holly Willoughby. Television presenter Rylan, 35, took to Instagram at the weekend to share a picture of himself with Dancing On Ice host Holly, 42. The pair both displayed cheeky greens as they stood alongside each other while enjoying a drink. Radio host Rylan captioned his post: 'Coming soon... #Justice.' He told The Sun: 'All I can say is me and Holly have done something and youll find out what it is very soon!' Rylan Clark teased a project he's working on with Holly Willoughby as he took to Instagram to share a picture of them together at the weekend Rylan told The Sun : 'All I can say is me and Holly have done something and youll find out what it is very soon!' (Holly and Rylan seen on This Morning in 2016) When asked for more information, he said: 'Put it this way, were not doing a show together but all will become clear' It comes after Holly took a three month hiatus after stepping down from This Morning when she learned she was a victim of an alleged 'kidnap and murder plot'. Holly was the nation's sweetheart set for a long and illustrious career at the forefront of British television. But following her 'year from hell', which saw her embroiled in Phillip Schofield 's controversial This Morning exit and become the subject of a terrifying kidnap plot, Holly could be set to continue her TV career in America. It's a scenario that seemed highly unlikely just 18 months ago, when in-demand Holly was locked in a contract battle between ITV and the BBC . Yet for the first time in her career she's now a 'free agent' and is keen to explore opportunities across the pond and draw a line under her domestic troubles. It's a prospect she's 'excited' about, even though discussions are still at a relatively early stage. Given her three children are settled at school and her husband Dan Baldwin fronts a highly successful TV production firm, a switch Stateside would be a seismic move for all concerned, which she's only too aware of. It comes after Holly took a three month hiatus after stepping down from This Morning when she learned she was a victim of an alleged 'kidnap and murder plot' (Holly seen after making her TV return alongside Stephen Mulhern on Dancing On Ice last month) But currently the Dancing On Ice host feels there's no harm in seeing what's out there and discovering whether she can follow in the footsteps of fellow Britons James Corden and Cat Deeley by landing lucrative TV jobs across the pond. A source said: 'Holly's had an incredibly tough year, it's really taken it out of her. 'She thought long and hard about returning for Dancing On Ice and it's proved to be the correct decision, it's got her back in the groove again. 'Jobs in America have always been at the back of her mind but due to circumstance, now they've become a genuine reality and she's excited by that. 'Discussions are taking place and she's in no rush to take on any roles, but if there is a presenting gig she feels passionate about Stateside, she has the freedom now to explore it. Holly quit This Morning after 14 years in October last year following Phil's sacking from the broadcaster. Phillip left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague and lying to his co-star when questioned about the mounting speculation. Holly quit This Morning after 14 years in October last year following Phillip Schofield's exit from the show (Holly and Phillip pictured in May last year) After she returned to the ITV programme without him, Holly was mocked for the statement she made addressing the nation, asking whether viewers were 'okay' following the revelation. She then faced a further setback as a man was arrested for an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, leaving her terrified. According to reports, she was too afraid to leave her house after Gavin Plumb was charged for the crime, forcing her off-air for months. She deliberated over whether to present Dancing On Ice with new co-host Stephen Mulhern, finally deciding to return to work in the New Year. Fans of The Office are in for a treat this Super Bowl Sunday. A new ad for the animated film If brought back a hilarious joke from the hit series which saw Randall Park pretend to be John Krasinski in an effort to prank Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson). That joke played heavily in a new trailer for the film - set to play during the Super Bowl - which sees Randall channeling John, much to the confusion of If star Ryan Reynolds. The trailer begins with Randall and Ryan, 47, introducing the teaser for their new film, before things go sideways once The Fresh Off The Boat star begins insisting he is Jim. 'I'm John Krasinski, the director and star of If,' Randall says as he slides into the director's chair beside Ryan, immediately confusing the actor. A new ad for the animated film If brought back a hilarious joke from the hit series which saw John Krasinski and Randall Park trade places in an effort to prank Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) 'Wait, wait, wait, hold on, what are you doing?' a perplexed Ryan asked. 'I'm talking about our movie,' Randall replies. Incredulous, Ryan continues: 'You're not John Krasinski. You're Randall Park. John Krasinski is much shorter and less Asian than you are.' 'Ryan, I know it's been a while since we shot, but we spent like four months together, like 10 hour days,' Randall says. '10 hour days? The real John Krasinski knows that I only work four hour days. Did you just break the fourth wall!?' he says, pointing at the camera. 'Who are you married to?' Ryan continues. 'Emily Blunt,' he replied. 'Well you just looked that up on Wikipedia,' Ryan said. 'Where were you born?' Ryan was baffled by Randall's insistence he was John At one point, Ryan slowly turned his face to the camera, wordlessly communicating his disbelief 'Wait, wait, wait, hold on, what are you doing?' a perplexed Ryan asked 'I'm talking about our movie,' Randall replies A sneak peek introduces Randall as 'visionary director John Krasinski' 'Boston,' Randall replies. 'Wikipedia,' Ryan says again. 'Did you not see the behind-the-scenes video?' Randall asks. 'Okay! You know what, the sneak peek can wait until Sunday so Ryan and everyone - please enjoy our behind-the-scenes video of me, John Krasinski, and Ryan Reynolds.' Throughout his statement, an alarmed Ryan slowly turned to look at the camera to wordlessly communicate his disbelief. 'You're not John Krasinski,' Ryan desperately whispers one last time before the screen cuts to the sneak peek and introduces Randall as 'visionary director John Krasinski.' The prank didn't end there, with Randall continuing to channel John as he shared his initial vision for the film and the behind-the-scenes footage capturing 'Krasinski' directing the movie. It even showed Randall as 'John' directing the film Randall, as John, provided guidance to one of the actors 'Krasinski' shared his initial vision for the film as the behind-the-scenes footage captured him directing the movie 'I had the thought for this movie about seven years ago and I wanted to do a movie about imaginary friends called If,' he explained as 'John' The film stars Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming 'This is a movie that John and I have been talking about for years now, something that feels like a live-action Pixar film,' Ryan explained 'I had the thought for this movie about seven years ago and I wanted to do a movie about imaginary friends called If,' he explained as 'John.' 'This is a movie that John and I have been talking about for years now,' Ryan explained as 'John' was seen working with actors on set. 'This is a movie that John and I have been talking about for years now, something that feels like a live-action Pixar film,' Ryan explained. Randall as John continues: 'The movie is about a little girl named Bea going through an experience in her life that's troubling, and as a coping mechanism she starts to see every single person's imaginary friend.' The sneak peek shows Steve Carrell - another Office alum - in the recording booth Randall had a hilarious guest spot on the show back in 2012 He teamed up with Pam Beesly to prank Dwight Schrute The duo attempted to trick Dwight into believing Steve was Jim Halpert The real John Krasinski and his wife Emily Blunt last month 'It's about that friend that's their for them unconditionally and always,' John says. Viewers also catch a glimpse of Steve Carrell - another Office alum - in the recording booth, providing the voice for 'Blue.' If is set be released on May 17, 2024 and also stars Cailey Fleming, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emily Blunt, Louis Gossett Jr., and Matt Damon. It comes years after Randall made a guest appearance on The Office, playing an actor named Steve who teamed up with Jim Halpert (Krasinski) to prank Dwight. Along with Jim's wife Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), the duo attempted to trick Dwight into believing Steve was Jim. One of Strictly Come Dancing's biggest stars has revealed his life story is being adapted into a film. Johannes Radebe, who joined the BBC show in 2018, penned a memoir titled JoJo: Finally Home last year, and the novel will act as a basis for the movie. The film, which is being produced Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films, will feature musical numbers choreographed by Johannes himself, but will not be an outright musical. According to Deadline, the film will be 'packed with heart, great music, wonderful costumes and big dance numbers.' Johannes, who will act as executive producer, candidly detailed his struggles going up in poverty in South Africa, and the prejudice he faced for pursuing his passion for dance in his memoir. Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe has revealed his memoir is set to be adapted into a family film With the support of his family, Johannes became a champion ballroom dancer, and he went onto join Strictly's professional lineup, and reached the final in 2021 with The Great British Bake Off star John Whaite. Speaking about the film he said: 'Growing up gay in the townships of South Africa was not an easy ride, but there were so many good things about my life there, and it has made me the person I am today. 'I never imagined my story would end up on the big screen, so I am greatly appreciative of this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with Helena and Anthony over the coming months.' Arrested Industries' CEO Anthony Kimble said: 'At its core, Jojo's story is a hugely heartwarming coming-of-age tale, but it also conveys so many interesting themes around identity, acceptance, community and, of course, family. 'Our ambition is to do the book and Jojo justice by producing a bold, colorful and thoroughly entertaining film that leaves audiences of all ages with big smiles on their faces.' The film is expected to be partially filmed in South Africa, where Helena Spring is based, with her previous work including the Oscar-nominated family drama Yesterday. 'South Africa is increasingly becoming a go-to location for international film and TV, with the world recognising that we not only have a skilled talent base but also so many brilliant stories to tell,' Spring said. 'Finally Home, while clearly an incredible personal story, will also provide insights into contemporary culture in South Africa and portray facets of community life in the townships that are rarely seen on screen.' The dancer candidly detailed his struggles going up in poverty in South Africa, and the prejudice he faced for pursuing his passion for dance in his memoir Johannes previously broke down in tears as he delved into the backstory of his autobiography which covers the experiences and challenges he faced as he grew up in Zamdela, South Africa with a passion for dance. Reflecting on his childhood, the Latin champion told the Loose Women panel: 'It's so far from the life that I am living now, I can look after my family, my mother is comfortable. 'I was bullied for being a bit happy and flamboyant. Dance was my refuge. I hated school but I am so grateful for my teacher for calling people out.' Of his sexuality, he said: 'It was frowned upon, even by some of my family members, but now I am in a fortunate position where it is accepted. 'As I was writing the book I sat down and she had been interviewed and I asked her questions like, "Why did you make that decision? Why did you stay that long in a marriage that didn't serve you?" Johannes choked up as he said: 'It's only recently where I have made peace with what has happened with the past. 'Because I had an opportunity to hear my mum's side of the story.' Panellist Katie Piper asked: 'Was it hard to talk to your mum about it, about that?' Getting emotional Johannes replied: 'It was. It was. And I dedicated the book to my mother because I want to applaud her love. 'Great things have happened in my life but my family is never there to enjoy it with me, my mother is alone and that is the reality, but I am so happy and I am proud of her.' Johannes previously spoke about his 'horrid' time at school in South Africa where he endured homophobic physical and verbal abuse He joined the Strictly professiona lineup in 2018, and last year was paired with Annbel Croft reaching the semi-finals Johannes spoke about his 'horrid' time at school in South Africa where he endured homophobic physical and verbal abuse. The dancer has been open about his sexuality during his time on the hit BBC competition and was chosen for Strictly's first male same-sex couple alongside baker John Whaite in 2021. But growing up in the township of Zamdela, near Johannesburg, Johannes said he had to 'duck and dive' from the bullies who would call him a 'sissy boy' and 'punch' him 'many times'. Speaking to The Guardian about his latest solo venture, a tour called Freedom Unleashed, Johannes explained that despite the bad times he was still 'covered with love' from his mother. He said: 'I had to duck and dive. School was horrid. They [the bullies] used to say to me, "Oh, sissy boy!"' The dancer added that if he got far away enough, he would hit them back with a sassy reply: 'But if I was close by I would have been punched, which I was many times.' Johannes also added that he still has friends living in his native South Africa who still endure homophobic abuse and that he is happy to be living in the UK. 'You guys have a long way to go still, but people make space for one another to coexist,' he added. Austin Butler has finally revealed why he referred to his ex Vanessa Hudgens as a 'friend' in a past interview while discussing how he landed the role of Elvis. After sparking outrage on social media for seemingly downplaying their nine-year relationship, which ended in 2020, the Dune: Part Two star, 32, explained his decision not to call the High School Musical actress, 35, by name actually came from a place of love. 'I felt that I was respecting her privacy in a way and not wanting to bring up a ton of things that would cause her to have to talk,' he explained to Esquire. He continued: 'I have so much love and care for her. It was in no way trying to erase anything.' The Anaheim native went on to same as someone who values their 'own privacy so much' that he 'didn't want to give up anybody else's privacy.' Austin Butler has finally revealed why he referred to his ex Vanessa Hudgens as a 'friend' in a past interview while discussing how he landed the role of Elvis Butler and Hudgens dated for nine years, before their shock split in 2020 (seen above in 2019 at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party) Ultimately, he sees the flub as a 'lesson' he 'learned.' Butler also made a rare remark about his current romance with supermodel Kaia Gerber, who he began dating in late 2021. 'Im happy,' he said about their relationship. As for the public fascination about his love life, the actor admitted that he understood because he always wants 'to know about other people too.' 'I want to know about Daniel Day-Lewiss life,' he mused. He and Cindy Crawford's daughter were first linked following her split from Jacob Elordi. In December 2021, they were seen taking a yoga class together, but held off on making their red carpe debut until the 2022 Met Gala, which takes place on the first Monday in May each year. After sparking outrage online for seemingly downplaying their past relationship, the Dune: Part Two star, 32, explained his decision not to call the High School Musical actress, 35, by name actually came from a place of love 'I felt that I was respecting her privacy in a way and not wanting to bring up a ton of things that would cause her to have to talk,' he explained to Esquire He continued: 'I have so much love and care for her. It was in no way trying to erase anything' Last year, the Golden Globe winner was slammed for referring to his former partner as just a pal while speaking about his journey to portraying the late King of Rock and Roll in Baz Luhrmann's musical biopic, Elvis. During a Hollywood Reporter roundtable, he recalled that a month before learning Luhrmann was casting for Elvis, Hudgens had a 'clairvoyant moment' about his future. 'I was looking at Christmas lights and there was an Elvis Christmas song on the radio and I was with a friend of mine,' he said. 'I was singing along and my friend looked over at me and said, 'You gotta play Elvis.' I said, 'Oh, that's such a long shot.'' 'A couple of weeks later, I was playing the piano,' he continued. 'I never really sang for any of my friends or anything. That same friend was there and I was playing the piano. 'She said, 'I'm serious. You gotta figure out how you can get the rights to a script.' Then my agent called and said, 'So Baz Luhrmann is making an Elvis film.'' Soon after the interview was posted, many took to Twitter to label him 'disgusting' and 'disrespectful' for leaving her out. The Anaheim native went on to same as someone who values their 'own privacy so much' that he 'didn't want to give up anybody else's privacy' Ultimately, he sees the flub as a 'lesson' he 'learned' Elsewhere in the interview, Butler was coy about his relationship with supermodel Kaia Gerber In 2019, Hudgens famously shared the exact same story during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Hudgens, who was still romantically involved with Butler at the time, recalled, 'Last December, we were driving along and we were listening to Christmas music, and then an Elvis Presley Christmas song came on.' 'He had just dyed his hair dark. He's a natural blond, and I was looking at him and he was singing along and I was like, 'Babe, you need to play Elvis.'' 'Then in January, he was sitting at the piano,' she continued. 'Im happy,' he said about his love life (pictured with Gerber in April 2023) 'And he's playing and he's singing and I'm like, 'I don't know how, but you need to figure out how you can play Elvis. Like, I don't know how we get rights or what we do, but you need to play him.'' Butler nabbed the role in July 2019 alongside Tom Hanks, who played Elvis' infamous manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Filming kicked off in Australia on January 28, 2020 but would come to a screeching halt just two months later after Hollywood was shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shoot resumed in Queensland in September 2020 and wrapped up in March 2021. Elvis was released in June 2022. Simon Cowell has returned to work on Britain's Got Talent after being forced to pull out of filming due to illness. The music mogul, 64, was pictured arriving to film another round of auditions in Manchester on Tuesday, after a crippling headache left him too unwell to work. Heading into the The Lowry, Simon flashed a thumbs up while sporting one of his signature all-black ensembles. While he was previously seen sporting a pair of tinted 'blue light filter' glasses, which are believed to help prevent migraines, this time he'd swapped them for a pair of his signature aviators. After Simon's health scare, a source close to the star told PEOPLE he's in 'fantastic health,' adding: 'He's better than ever and great fitness too, is biking and walking a lot every day and has started reformer Pilates for strengthening his back. Simon Cowell, 64, has returned to work on Britain's Got Talent after being forced to pull out of filming due to illness The music mogul was forced to miss several rounds of auditions last week after developing a crippling headache 'All his friends are telling him to bring out a range of his own light-filtering glasses now to help others.' They went onto say that Simon is 'prone to migraines' due to being under the 'bright studio lights' and his light-filtering glasses can help ease this. It was reported on Saturday that Simon was forced to pull out of BGT filming after developing the crippling headache. A source told the Daily Star: 'Simon was due to film as normal but he started to feel unwell. 'After some deliberation, he told everyone he was unable to take part in filming. 'To say he was frustrated was an understatement. Simon loves making Britain's Got Talent, so he was annoyed that he had to miss filming.' Simon missed a small number of evening auditions after his headache came on and he left the tryouts early before returning for the next run in Manchester as planned. Simon and his fellow Britain's Got Talent judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden, along with hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, returned to filming for the upcoming series last month. Heading into the The Lowry, Simon flashed a thumbs up while sporting one of his signature all-black ensembles Simon and fellow BGT judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden, along with hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly returned to filming for the new series last month (front row: judges Bruno, Alesha, Amanda and Simon. Back row: hosts Ant and Dec) They were seen posing on the red carpet outside The London Palladium where hopefuls turned out in their hoards in the hope of finding success on the show. SImon's illness comes after police led away a female intruder from the BGT set last month after she 'tried to get backstage' to see the judges. The unidentified woman, who was pictured with her hood up, allegedly tried to 'sneak' past security and trespass into the restricted area. A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police were called at 1.23 pm today to reports of a woman suffering a mental health crisis at Argyll Street, W1. 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. The woman was assisted by officers who made arrangements for her to be met by a family member. There were no offences.' A spokesperson from Fremantle added: 'Police were dealing with an individual outside of the Palladium who was causing a bit of a stir, and the BGT team helped out. But BGT didn't call the police and there was no threat to the judges as they didn't get inside the Palladium.' Audience members allegedly heard chattering amongst theatre staff who said that an intruder 'tried to sneak in backstage' to see Simon and his celebrity counterparts. The auditions for the hit televised talent show, which seeks to find the nation's next star, were delayed following the chaos caused by the 'intruder', according to reports. She was pictured wearing a hooded tracksuit top, flanked by officers, as she was escorted out of the theatre. Officers were seen speaking to door staff at the theatre following the incident as a small crowd gathered outside the stage door, with security staff standing by it. Bradley Cooper was spotted on the move in New York City on Tuesday. The 49-year-old Maestro actor and director who is dating model Gigi Hadid wore a multicolor blue and green striped sweater. He added a black coat as he kept warm in the northeast cold. The Silver Linings Playbook star kept casual in a pair of light gray sweatpants before finishing off the look in black and gray sneaker boots. The father-of-one polished the easygoing ensemble with a pair of brown-framed sunglasses. Bradley Cooper was spotted on the move in New York City on Tuesday The 49-year-old Maestro actor and director wore a multicolor blue and green striped sweater He looked typically handsome with a full beard and his short, dark hair slicked back. Missing from the scene was his new girlfriend, with whom he was spotted one day earlier. The couple flashed wide grins as they strolled across a busy street together in Midtown Manhattan. It came after last month the two stars were captured holding hands in their first-ever public display of affection while out in London. They cemented their relationship as they walked hand-in-hand, which was a notable gesture for the famously private pair. The supermodel displayed her off-duty style as she slicked her long blond locks into a fuss-free braid set at the back of her head. Gigi and Bradley sparked up a romance in October after they were reportedly 'introduced' by Bradley's ex Irina Shayk, 37. And in December Page Six reported that Bradley purchased a home near his Hadid's family horse farm in Pennsylvania. One day earlier, Bradley stepped out in the city with his new girlfriend, model Gigi Hadid Cooper is fresh off the release of his film Maestro, which he's spent the fall and winter promoting A source told the outlet that the A Star Is Born actor who is a Pennsylvania native recently bought a house in Bucks County. The residence is reportedly close to Gigi's mother Yolanda Hadid's $4million farm in New Hope, which has a population of less than 3,000. Yolanda moved into the 32-acre property in 2017 and it has since become a safe haven for Gigi and her younger siblings models Bella Hadid and Anwar Hadid. Gigi is mom to three-year-old daughter Khai, who she shares with ex Zayn Malik. And Bradley shares daughter Lea, who will turn seven in March, with ex-girlfriend Irina Shayk. Netflix's Alexander The Great docu-drama has caught the ire of a conservative social media commentator who accused the streaming platform of turning the former Greek king gay. The firestorm began on Monday when X (formally Twitter) social media account End Wokeness - which is well-known in far right conservative circles - took to the microblogging site to air their grievances regarding Alexander: The Making Of A God. The account wrote: 'Netflix made a new documentary about Alexander The Great. Within the first 8 minutes, they turned him gay.' It also posted a video of two men kissing from the docuseries - Buck Braithwaite who played Alexander along with Will Stevens who played Hephaestion - and the promotional poster. However many historians over the years have indicated that Alexander The Great had sexual and romantic relationships with men as many believed that he was bisexual. Netflix 's Alexander The Great docu-drama has caught the ire of a conservative social media commentator who accused the streaming platform of turning the former Greek king gay The firestorm began on Monday when X (formally Twitter ) social media account End Wokeness - which is well-known in far right conservative circles - took to the microblogging site to air their grievances regarding Alexander: The Making Of A God It also posted a video of two men kissing from the docuseries - Buck Braithwaite who played Alexander along with Will Stevens who played Hephaestion - and the promotional poster End Wokeness' post was met by tons of scrutiny including those who share similar beliefs to the right-leaning account. One commenter wrote: 'I hate wokeness, but hear me out: theres a good chance he was at least bisexual because, well, that was kind of the Greek thing to do.' End Wokeness did not stand down from their beliefs as they retorted: 'Its still unproven speculation and should definitely not be shoved into the first 8 minutes.' Others took aim at the account trying to place the blame on the streaming giant. One X user wrote: 'I dont think it was Netflix that made him gay.' This is not the first time Alexander The Great has been depicted as bisexual as his sexuality was shown that way in 2004 film Alexander where the conqueror was played by Colin Farrell. Netflix dropped Alexander: The Making Of A God. on January 31 as it told the story of his transformation from an exiled young man who is obsessed with defeating the mighty Persian Emperor Darius which helped him conquer the known world in just six years. In it there were interviews with historians and dramatic reenactments from Alexander The Great's life including focus on his sexual orientation. End Wokeness' post was met by tons of scrutiny including those who share similar beliefs to the right-leaning account End Wokeness did not stand down from their beliefs as they retorted: 'Its still unproven speculation and should definitely not be shoved into the first 8 minutes' Many took to the comments section to challenge the account's claims In the first episode Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones of Cardiff University in Wales says that same-sex relationships were normalized in the Greek world. History graduate at the University of Manchester in England Alexandra Birch previously wrote of the era for The Manchester Historian: ' Sexual orientation was not the defining factor in sex, rather the role that each participant played: the dominant, higher-class, older partner took an active role, and the younger, lower-class partner took a passive one. 'Nonetheless, homosexual men of the same class experienced social stigma as the passive role was more effeminate. As Macedonian king, Alexander could partake in sexual relations with anyone, so long as he maintained the dominant role.' A major reason people believe that Alexander The Great's sexuality is not completely clear is due to the previous scholars who have erased LGBT references in previous eras including the Byzantine and Victorian periods and even modern times. This is not the first time Alexander The Great has been depicted as bisexual as his sexuality was shown that way in 2004 film Alexander where the conqueror was played by Colin Farrell A major reason people believe that Alexander The Great's sexuality is not completely clear is due to the previous scholars who have erased LGBT references in previous eras including the Byzantine and Victorian periods and even modern times (the Alexander Mosaic is sown circa 310 BC) George Washington University professor Athena Richardson wrote: 'Even in a culture that accepted bisexuality, Alexander and Hephaestion's relationship was an outlier and thus treated differently. 'My research shows how this same-sex relationship was erased, censored, and altered to fit norms of subsequent cultures. 'Ancient biographers may have conducted censorship to conceal any implication of femininity or submissiveness in Alexander that this relationship dynamic might suggest. As a result, subsequent cultures would have hidden the relationship too.' Alexander: The Making Of A God is currently streaming on Netflix. Alison Hammond's hopes for a major Saturday night show have reportedly been dashed, after her glitzy new dance series was scrapped by BBC bosses. The presenter, 49, had filmed a pilot for a new show titled Clear The Dance-floor, but sources claim the channel won't be making a full series. This comes after Alison's other BBC hit, I Can See Your Voice, was reportedly axed last year, though the star is still booked and busy as the host of The Great British Bake Off and This Morning. A source told The Sun: 'This will be gutting for Alison, as getting an ongoing gig on the Beeb is seen as many a presenter's ultimate goal. 'There were high hopes for Clear The Dance-floor as it seemed to tap into the same energy as Strictly, which she appeared on in 2014. But she won't be short of work this year anyway.' Alison Hammond's hopes for a major Saturday night show have reportedly been dashed, after her glitzy new dance series was scrapped by BBC bosses This comes after Alison's other BBC hit, I Can See Your Voice, was reportedly axed last year The series was to feature amateur dancers competing against each other, with a celebrity panel judging their efforts. MailOnline has contacted the BBC and a representative for Alison Hammond for comment. It was reported in February 2023 that I Can See Your Voice had been dropped by BBC bosses after two series. Alison was a judge on the show alongside Amanda Holden and Jimmy Carr, with Paddy McGuinness acting as host. Last week it was revealed that Alison will take over from the late Paul O'Grady as the host of his heartwarming series For The Love Of Dogs. The former Big Brother admitted that she 'can never replace the iconic Paul', after being confirmed as the host by ITV. She 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 can't 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.' Last week it was revealed that Alison will take over from the late Paul O'Grady as the host of his heartwarming series For The Love Of Dogs The star is still booked and busy as host of The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding Alison is a regular host of This Morning on Fridays alongside Dermot O'Leary. It was previously reported she declined the offer to host the daytime favourite full-time On This Morning, the star added that Paul's longtime friend Julian Clary had also given her his blessing following his death in March. Paul became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012 following the success of the award-winning programme, which he hosted for 11 series. Alison recalled the recent heartfelt interaction between Julian and herself, while anchoring This Morning with Dermot O'Leary. She said: 'I've always wanted a dog, you know that, but you have to take it very, very seriously,' with Dermot adding: 'And Paul loved dogs, obviously. You got the sweetest message didn't you, from Julian Clary?' Alison responded: 'Yeah, he text me yesterday and he just said... Firstly he told me he was in The Maldives, I was a little bit jealous... 'And he said, ''I'm so happy you've got the job and Paul actually thought a lot of you, Alison, thought very highly of you, and he will be so happy, as am I'', and it really got me. 'I'm so so happy I just want to make him so proud in his legacy of Battersea and carry on that work because the charity does so much good work. 'We just wanna find some amazing homes for some wonderful dogs. I have fell in love with about three.' Fans have shared their concerns for Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori after she was pictured naked under a see through rain coat in Los Angeles. The Australian architect, 29, was spotted with her her rapper husband, 46, who had his face completely covered in what appeared to be a latex mask. But fans have since expressed fears for Bianca's wellbeing, with one commenting: 'Somebody rescue this lost woman please! Anybody out there who can help her?' 'Where is her family? She needs rescuing,' another agreed, as a third added: 'Blink if you need help.' Fans have shared their concerns for Bianca Censori, 29, (right) after she stepped out in Los Angeles on Monday completely nude beneath a clear raincoat with her mask-clad husband Kanye West, 46, (left) 'Somebody rescue this lost woman please! Anybody out there who can help her?' one user wrote of the photos Others turned their criticism to Kanye, accusing the controversial artist of 'controlling' his wife by dictating what she wears. 'Major red flags here. This is all about him trying to control her and move her away from family, friends and anyone else who could give her some sound advice to drop him while she can,' one wrote, as another added: 'He is completely manipulating her.' 'It seems he has a history of controlling the women in his life', another speculated. Elsewhere, other concerned users claimed it was high time the authorities became involved. 'Why is she not being arrested for indecent exposure?' one fan queried. Others turned their criticism to Kanye, accusing the controversial artist of 'controlling' his wife by dictating what she wears In January, Kanye shared a series of revealing snaps of his wife on Instagram 'This is a criminal offence to be almost naked? In the UK, you would be arrested for outraging public decency,' another asked. Bianca, who was hired as the Head of Architecture for Yeezy, was first linked to Kanye back in January 2023 - just months after his divorce from ex-wife Kim was finalized. During his marriage to Kim, Kanye often referred to her as his 'muse' and heavily influenced her fashion choices. Bianca and Kanye secretly wed in December 2022, just one month after he finalised his divorce from Kim Kardashian, 43. The pair were able to keep their legal union a secret after they wed under a 'confidential marriage' license in Palo Alto, California, meaning that it was not made public record. Shortly after they 'wed', Bianca chopped her long brown hair off and dyed it blonde. Her outfit choices then began slowly changing into more risky ensembles, which were clearly a result of Kanye's over-the-top fashion preferences. During the summer, the couple were investigated by the police in Italy after being caught on-camera in compromising positions while on a boat tour. In photos published by DailyMail.com, Kanye exposed his buttocks while on a river taxi tour with Bianca. Seated in the back of a water taxi. Bianca was seen seated in between the rapper's legs with her head on his lap. The rapper's pants were unbuttoned at the time - as evidenced by the fact that his entire backside was exposed. Seeing double: Bianca (left) has dyed her hair blonde but as a brunette she was a dead ringer for Kanye's ex-wife Kim (right) Since then, friends have expressed ongoing fears that the rapper is manipulating his wife and many believe his latest actions continue to highlight a pattern of 'controlling' behaviour. In addition to controlling what she wears, a source told Dailymail.com about the stringent rules Bianca has to live by. Bianca commanded attention earlier this month in LA when sporting a statement headpiece and matching coat 'Kanye has a set of rules for Bianca, which includes never speak and wear what he wants her to wear,' they said. 'She is also required to eat certain food items and to work out even though Kanye doesnt work out. 'She has no mind of her own anymore and obeys him because he has convinced her that they are royal.' In his latest stunt, Kanye is said to have banned Bianca from using social media to protect her from negative comments, according to insiders, who claim her friends believe it's really another tactic to further 'isolate' her. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Kanye West has BANNED Bianca Censori from social media for her own 'protection' Advertisement Despite the architectural designer's loved ones staging an intervention concerning her relationship with the rapper and his 'controlling ways,' her husband appears to have changed her attitude towards social media. 'Bianca has always had social media and she was active on it until she married Kanye,' an insider exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'He doesn't want her to have it because he thinks that it will hurt her if she had to read the nasty things that people say. 'He convinced her that, since she is a star now, she has to remain a mystery and it is creepy to those who know her as it feels like another form of control.' However, friends have taken issue with the fact Kanye is posting racy images of his wife on his own Instagram account despite allegedly claiming she needs protection. The insider added: 'He is pushing her nakedness all over his own [account] so that he can control her narrative. It is disturbing, and by shutting her off from the world he is causing her to become more and more isolated.' Friends are said to be stunned to see the usually assertive designer going along with Kanye's demands as the source stressed: 'This strong Bianca that was not going to deal with his s*** anymore has seemingly vanished once again. 'She is wearing what he wants, going where he wants and doing what he wants because she really has no other choice. She went from being his designer to his wife, which is unfortunately, not a paid position. She's trapped.' Love Island host Maya Jama looked glamorous in a slew of sizzling social media snaps on Monday. The presenter, 29, put on a busty display in a plunging olive green velvet dress, which flaunted her incredible figure. Maya boosted her height in strappy heels and accessorised with dainty gold jewellery, while her brunette locks were styled in a neat braid. In another image from the photo dump, Maya posed with dumped Islanders Liberty Poole, Tyler Cruickshank, Mitchel Taylor and Hannah Elizabeth. It comes after Maya gave her followers a sweet insight into her relationship with boyfriend Stormzy on Tuesday, as she shared a glimpse of his texts hyping her up. Love Island host Maya Jama looked glamorous in a slew of sizzling social media snaps on Monday The presenter, 29, put on a busty display in a plunging olive green velvet dress, which flaunted her incredible figure Maya boosted her height in strappy heels and accessorised with dainty gold jewellery, while her brunette locks were styled in a neat braid Maya sported a dewy bronzed makeup palette which accentuated her natural features The TV presenter took a snap of herself modelling her latest outfit outfit to present Love Island All Stars and sent it to her rapper boyfriend, 30, for his thoughts. Stormzy was stunned by his gorgeous girlfriend and texted her several impressed messages, praising her as 'world class'. Maya proudly shared a screenshot of their cheeky conversation to her Instagram Stories, captioning it: 'Show outfit approved'. The photo showed that after Maya sent the first outfit shot, Stormzy flirted up a storm and responded: 'Flip me lol' with a string of heart-eyed emojis. He then gushed that the ensemble might be his favourite yet, before asking: 'Lemme see full length. Maya obliged, sending a mirror selfie of the look, but blocking it out from her followers, so it would remain a surprise until the episode aired. Stormzy immediately gave his seal of approval, saying: 'Yeah brazy' before adding: 'Sexy and classy simultaneously'. In another image from the photo dump, Maya posed with dumped Islanders Liberty Poole, Tyler Cruickshank, Mitchel Taylor and Hannah Elizabeth It comes after Maya gave her followers a sweet insight into her relationship with boyfriend Stormzy on Tuesday, as she shared a glimpse of his texts hyping her up (pictured together in November) Maya proudly shared a screenshot of their cheeky conversation to her Instagram Stories, captioning it: 'Show outfit approved' The Blinded by Your Grace hitmaker then couldn't help but gush that his girlfriend is 'world class'. The loved-up couple rekindled their romance last summer, confirming their reconciliation on a romantic Greek holiday in August, and last month spent Christmas together. They previously dated for four years before parting ways in 2019, with the rapper publicly declaring he has 'never loved anyone how I've loved her'. Stormzy has always denied any infidelity in the relationship but admitted he had to learn some hard lessons about his behaviour, describing it as 'disrespectful'. Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach beamed as she left a hotel in Nottingham on Tuesday with her rumoured boyfriend Bobby Brazier. Former Coronation Street actress Ellie, 22, wore a grey jumper and a faux-leather trench coat she wore on a shopping trip the night before. She completed her look with black leggings, white New Balance trainers and a navy blue shoulder bag as she ventured out during the Strictly UK tour. Meanwhile, EastEnders actor Bobby, 20, looked handsome as his recent shower enhanced his brown curly hair. It seems Bobby is always running behind schedule, as on Friday he was forced to leave a Leeds hotel in just his dressing gown. Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach, 22, beamed as she left a hotel in Nottingham on Tuesday with her rumoured boyfriend Bobby Brazier, 20, who sported a sexy wet hair look as the two continued Strictly Come Dancing Live! EastEnders actor Bobby looked handsome in all black as his recent shower enhanced his brown curly hair It seems Bobby is always running behind schedule, as on Friday he was forced to leave a Leeds hotel in just his dressing gown Ellie and Bobby's romance rumours began in early January when insiders reported they had become close performing Strictly Come Dancing Live! Strictly dancer Nikita Kuzmin shared cosy snaps of Ellie and Bobby holding hands amid their 'secret dates' on Wednesday. In another snap, Bobby playfully posed with Vito Coppola, Jack Leigh, Layton Williams as they pointed at Robbie Kmetoni in his underwear. Bobby was reportedly seen knocking on Ellie's hotel room door in just his pants, while staying at the Malmaison hotel in Birmingham. Also in Nottingham were Strictly's Neil Jones and Love Island's Chyna Mills along with their baby daughter Havana, three months. Neil is participating in the tour with the likes of Vito Coppola, who won Strictly in December with Ellie, and Bobby's dancing partner Diane Buswell. The sweet couple, who got engaged in 2023, laughed as they held hands, Chyna holding Havana in a baby carrier. Rounding out the group was tour judge Shirley Ballas, 63, who pulled hilarious faces as she played with her hair extensions. Former Coronation Street actress Ellie wore a grey jumper and a faux-leather trench coat she wore on a shopping trip the night before Also in Nottingham were Strictly's Neil Jones, 41, and Love Island's Chyna Mills, 25, with their baby daughter Havana, three months Neil is participating in the tour along with the likes of Vito Coppola, who won Strictly in December with Ellie, and Bobby's dancing partner Diane Buswell The sweet couple, who got engaged in 2023 , laughed as they held hands, Chyna holding Havana in a baby carrier Rounding out the group was Shirley Ballas, 63, who pulled hilarious faces from the back seat of her car Shirley, who wore a black top, white scarf, and black cardigan with gold buttons, hilariously played with her hair extensions READ MORE: Pharmacist reveals surprising OTC drug that gives you insomnia A doctor has revealed his top hacks for getting rid of foot odor and toenail fungus, which affects as many as one in four Americans. Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine physician in California, posted two TikTok videos this week sharing the top tips he's learned as a doctor. In the videos, he showed his 1.8 million followers hacks like swallowing a spoonful of honey for a sore throat, using cornstarch for skin irritation, and sniffing rubbing alcohol to cure nausea. Dr Whittington also showed two tips for getting rid of foot odor and athlete's foot, a common fungal infection that leads to itchy and burning skin. Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine physician in California, posted two TikTok videos this week sharing the top tips he's learned as a doctor Dr Whittington also showed two tips for getting rid of foot odor and athlete's foot, a common fungal infection that leads to itchy and burning skin In the first video, which has about 42,000 views, he reaches into his kitchen cabinet and pulls out a box of black tea. The caption on the video reads: 'Black Tea for Foot Odor: Soak feet in black tea for 20 minutes to reduce foot odor, as the tannins kill bacteria and close pores.' Tannins, also known as tannic acid, are a type of compound called polyphenols, which can be found in plants. Plants produce these as a defense mechanism against pests, and tannins also contribute the a plant's color and flavor. Other common sources of tannins include coffee, wine, and chocolate. These compounds are thought to have antioxidant properties, meaning that they destroy free radicals, which contribute to inflammation and several chronic diseases. These properties are also thought to clog sweat glands, which can cause odor. Tannic acid is only found in black tea rather than herbal or green tea. However, there are no studies supporting the idea that black tea actually keeps your feet from smelling foul. Experts estimate that as many as one in four Americans have athlete's foot at any given time @drjoe_md 1. Black Tea for Foot Odor: Soak feet in black tea for 20 minutes to reduce foot odor, as the tannins kill bacteria and close pores. 2. Honey for Coughs: A spoonful of honey can soothe a sore throat and reduce cough, acting as an effective cough syrup alternative. 3. Cornstarch for Skin Irritation: Use cornstarch as a natural, gentle powder for skin irritation and rashes to absorb moisture and reduce friction. 4. Tape for Wart Removal: Cover warts with duct tape for several days to help remove them, replacing the tape as needed. #healthhacks #lifehacks #healthtipsoftheday #doctortips #health original sound - Dr. Joe, M.D. In his second video, which has almost 58,000 views, Dr Whittington shows a close-up of his feet and drops a bottle of Listerine mouthwash in between them. 'Mouthwash can fight athlete's foot!' text on the screen reads. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that usually forms between the toes. Though it can affect anyone, Mayo Clinic states it's most often found in people whose feet have become sweaty while confined in tight-fitting shoes, like a pair of running shoes. Athlete's foot can affect one or both feet. Common symptoms include scaly or peeling skin between the toes, itchiness, inflamed skin, burning or stinging, blisters, and dry skin on the bottom of the foot. Experts estimate that as many as one in four Americans have athlete's foot at any given time. Mouthwashes like Listerine contain thymol, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This could help it kill off the fungus leading to uncomfortable symptoms. However, these properties have only been studied in the mouth, and there has been no research on if mouthwash can kill foot fungus. Honda is recalling more than 750,000 vehicles in the US - across 16 models. It is linked to a faulty sensor that can cause the front passenger air bags to inflate when they're not supposed to. The recall covers certain Honda Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V and Odyssey models from the 2020 through 2022 model years, as well as the 2020 Fit and Civic Coupe. Also included are the 2021 and 2022 Civic hatchback, the 2021 Civic Type R and Insight, and the 2020 and 2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline and Accord Hybrid. Affected models from the Acura luxury brand include the 2020 and 2022 MDX, the 2020 through 2022 RDX and the 2020 and 2021 TLX. See the full list below.... Honda is recalling more than 750,000 vehicles in the US - including the 2020 and 2021 CR-V due to faulty passenger airbags Honda Civic models, such as this one seen during the Vienna Car Show in 2020, are also affected by the recall. Honda is recalling the vehicles because a faulty sensor may cause the front passenger air bags to inflate when they're not supposed to Documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that the front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, and fail to turn off the air bag as intended. The sensors are required to disable the air bags if children or small adults are in the seats. If that doesn't happen, it increases the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the seat sensors at no cost to owners. Owners will be notified starting March 18. Honda says in documents that it has 3,834 warranty claims but no reports of injuries or deaths from the problem between June 30, 2020 and January 19 of this year. The recall is linked to the airbag on the passenger side, which inflate when they should not Scripting history as the first Indian International jewellery brand to begin operations in Australia, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has launched their new showroom in Australia at Sydney. The showroom marks Malabar Gold & Diamonds expansion into the 13th country of operations. Currently, the brand has an extensive retail presence of over 340 showrooms spread across India, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, KSA, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, the USA, the UK, Canada & Australia. We have been a strong proponent of Make in India; Market to the World, said Malabar Group Chairman, MP Ahammed. With increased tax collection, drafting the Budget becomes smoother, allowing for the announcement of welfare measures and infrastructure allocations in the recent presentation Budgets will come and go. Most are deficit, though a few are surplus. And the odd one is interim, while most are annual. Others are about continuity and change, as Prime Minister Modi has said. But none are like the budgets of William Pitt the Younger, who became Britains Prime Minister at the age of 24, remaining in the same job for 22 years until he died at the post, fighting Napoleon Bonaparte. Pitts budgets were not only surplus, but surplus with a vengeance for, his objective was to build up such a large surplus in the British treasury that the United Kingdom could live off the interest earned on the wealth of the treasury. The British people, in such an eventuality, would not have to pay tax ever again. William Pitt was well on the way to achieving his objective when the Napoleonic wars intervened and Britain had deployed her troops as well as ships to prevent Europe from being overrun by the conquering French emperor. The best economists have not appreciated the mighty contributions of demonetization, followed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This was accompanied by the direct taxpayer and his assessor being freed of the need for a physical interface. An academician seldom pays these taxes on any comparable scale and therefore, it is understandable that he doesnt quite appreciate the impact of these measures. Only the taxpayer and evader can realize what the ongoing impact of these steps is. Owing to the highly complex chain of modern production processes and the many agencies and actors involved in the chain, there will be a number of payers of taxes at various levels. Their numbers and identities are visible to every functionary of the tax department on the computer. Escaping or evading tax, therefore, has become progressively difficult. The higher the tax collection, the easier it is for the finance minister to draft the Budget. In the recently presented Budget, it was therefore possible to announce a slew of welfare measures. As well, there are allocations for infrastructural expenditure. The outlay for defence, particularly the production of equipment and technological innovation, is a noteworthy feature of this Budget. If there is any single aspect that stands out, it is the governments confidence that it has performed more than well enough to win the forthcoming election and that there is no need to either induce or tempt the voters to vote for the party whose government is ruling the country. There need not be any offer of freebiesor revdis as the Prime Minister calls themlike free laptops and bicycles, which has been a frequent occurrence in the past. It is relevant to point out that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) need not be over-stressed; at best, it is reflective of the size of the economy and not its quality. In fact, the basket of total taxes collected is far more important than the total money spent by the State. The total debt of the State, central as well as state governments is more important than many other figures and statistics. Yet, this is seldom talked about and is never a part of the Budget. Quite a few of our states are probably on the verge of bankruptcy. Had they been private entities, they certainly would have been declared insolvent by now. To take the Indian instance, the countrys treasury was replete with surpluses, earned by supplying war goods and material to Britain during World War II. It did not take long to exhaust them and begin borrowing internationally. Before long, the countrys treasury was on the path of becoming empty, without the Indian public even getting to know about it. It was only when Chandra Shekhar took over as Prime Minister that the country came to know why loads of gold had to be dispatched in bags to London. They were identifiable security for the loans we had sought. The lenders had simply refused to trust the assurances or guarantees of Indias then-political leaders. Former Reserve Bank of India Governor C. Rangarajan in his book Forks In The Road describes how gold was moved from the RBIs vault in Bombay and moved to the airport, under close security monitoring. One of the vans transporting the bullion had to stop midway because of a tyre burst and fortunately resumed its journey without any mishap. The shipment of gold brought out loud and clear the extremely critical situation Indias economy had reached, with foreign exchange reserves remaining for only three weeks of imports. It brought home to everyone the enormity of the crisis decades of socialism had sown, forcing to the country to adopt economic reforms and jettison the Nehruvian ways for good. In contrast to the earlier secrecy among the political class by mutual consent, Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman has promised that her government will soon publish a white paper on the economic performance of the country during the last ten years, i.e., her governments economic performance and on the performance of the previous ten years, i.e., the tenure of the UPA regime. It is a safe bet that this will not only clarify many issues but also wash away many misconceptionsand possibly a few reputations. (The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal) Gradually, the military traditions are being overshadowed. The Republic Day Parade has transformed from a military display to a political and cultural event with military elements Prime Minister Narendra Modis mere mention during the tri-service Commanders conference in 2022 on the rich heritage of ancient Indian strategic thinking as part of dismantling colonial legacy, in short, Indianisation of strategic culture set the cat among the pigeons. In the absence of any strategic operational directives or White Paper, political leadership employs oral instructions. I recall individual service chefs devising their service strategy based on Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs annual Commanders address. The three services policy briefs would be integrated by IDS for jointness. This was before the theatrisation era, the groove in which the needle is stuck since 2019 when Gen Rawat was appointed CDS and ordered to theatrise. But we now know from two former security czars and one Foreign Secretary Narendra Vohra, Shivshankar Menon and Shyam Saran that a national security strategy was prepared and ready for release thrice but political will was absent. Similarly now, leaving theatrisation to CDS and service chiefs, a collegium of equals to square the circle is impossible. Theatrisation has to be a political decision like CDS was. So services attempt what is possible: the mission to Indianise colonial heritage. While the Navy is changing gears, badges of rank and ensign, the Air Force is silent on its transformation. The Army as usual is in a tizzy changing the names of cantonments, roads and so on. Project Udbhav was intensely impressive in rediscovering the Indic heritage of state and battle crafts and grand strategy. A Military Heritage Festival to tap indigenous military skills was aimed to extract military wisdom from 5000-year civilization imbibing from religious scriptures and Arthashastra by Chanakya, though not long ago, Rand Corporations George Tanham, a friend of Indias said: India has no strategic culture. That shook the cuckoos nest. Maj Gen (retd) BS Dhanoa hit the bulls eye when he wrote that ancient military wisdom will not replace the need for niche weapons and technology. Inference: these exercises are diversions by the government for not providing funding for modernisation. This year, minus pensions, defence allocation is 1.4 per cent of GDP. This returns us to the costless exercise of Indianisation and disrobing colonial heritage. Like hiring and now firing Gorkhas from Nepal, tinkering with Republic Day Parade, Beating Retreat and so on. The Modi government prides itself on its impeccable nationalist policy on defence and security. Instead of India catching up with China, Beijing is galloping to catch up with the US leaving New Delhi miles behind. Symbolism jumlas as the opposition calls it issued are par excellence. For the government Indianisation of the military also translates to subtle politicization. This has never been as stark as in the last decade. The military content of the Republic Day parade has been stripped, and replaced with police and para militaries. Gradually military is being sidelined by the second line of defence. Republic Day Parade has transformed from a military pageant to a political and cultural show with military frills. When I was a kid living in Lucknow Cantonment in the 1950s, I would watch Gorkha squads march by and listen to military bands play on Sundays at Mohamad Club. Gorkhas will soon no longer march down Kartavya Path and military bands beating retreat along Vijay Path wont sound the same. Military bands are very colonial, specifically pipes and drums that are specially designed to play Scottish Highland tunes. They do not lend easily to Indian compositions. Soldiers who play pipes and drums are the medical platoon in the battle for casualty evacuation. Each Infantry battalion has a medical platoon which doubles up as pipers and drummers. Pipers sway to Highland music. The sway is to be gentle but evocative, not what Indianisation has made pipers resemble -hip-hop musicians. While commanding a Gorkha battalion, I introduced the Madal, a Nepali drum into the pipes and drums with an eye to fusing it with Nepali tunes. The Madal was removed from the band after I left office. Trying to fuse Indian instruments like flute, tabla, harmonium, and conch shells into marching music is a steep uphill. This year 31 very unfamiliar Indian tunes made their debut. It would have been better to gradually phase out old colonial scores while phasing in indigenous tunes. Old favourites like 100 Pipers, Abide with Me, and Col Bogeys March have become history. The only marching tune that cannot be wished away is Sare Jahan Se Achha composed by Mohd Iqbal (though it too might disappear). Some of the new scores were Kargil, Tiger Hill, Swadesh, Vikrant and the Navys vocal rendition of Jai Bharati. The bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary and police (they were infiltrated in 2016) played splendidly in perfect formations. The pipes and drums of the army raised the curtain followed by brass bands of the paramilitaries and police. Then came the brass band of the Air Force, Navy and Army. Long after sunset, at 6.15 heralding dusk, buglers sounded the retreat as the tricolour was rolled up for reveille the next day and another Retreat the next year. On matters traditionally military it is time CDS and service chiefs told the MoD bureaucrats and the political class to take it easy on Indianisation. Otherwise, politicization will march ahead masquerading as Indianisation. Dismantling colonial legacy must be handled with caution and care preserving military traditions, customs and ethos. (The writer, a retired Major General, was Commander, IPKF South, Sri Lanka, and founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, currently the Integrated Defence Staff. Views are personal) The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday declared Ajit Pawars faction as the official Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), bringing an end to months of speculation regarding the factional dispute with his partys founder and uncle, Sharad Pawar. In its ruling, the EC also assigned the NCP symbol Wall Clock to the faction led by Ajit Pawar. According to the EC, the decision was made following established criteria for the viability of such a petition, which included assessing the aims and objectives outlined in the party constitution, examining the party constitution itself, and evaluating both organisational and legislative majorities. The Election Commission dealt a significant blow to Sharad Pawar, the founder of the NCP two decades ago, by offering him a one-time opportunity to name his new political entity and submit three preferences for it. This concession must be utilised by February 7, 2024. If Pawars faction fails to meet this deadline by 4 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, all the MLAs claiming loyalty to the former Union minister will be considered independents. In response to the ECs order, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that he accepts with humility the Election Commissions decision to declare his faction as the legitimate NCP. The NCP leaders reaction came shortly after the poll panel announced that the Ajit faction is the authentic NCP. The Sharad Pawar camp condemned the Election Commissions decision to declare the Ajit Pawar faction as the legitimate Nationalist Congress party, describing it as a murder of democracy and alleging that it was made under pressure. Meanwhile, former Union Minister Praful Patel welcomed the ruling. This is a travesty of democracy. What transpired is regrettable, former Maharashtra minister Anil Deshmukh remarked. Deshmukh also cited a similar occurrence in the case of Shiv Sena, alluding to the Election Commissions recognition of the Eknath Shinde-led group as the authentic Shiv Sena after Shinde rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022. After the verdict, Supriya Sule stated that party workers are with Sharad Pawar, and he will rebuild the party. In its 141-page order, the EC stated that the test of legislative majority helped Ajit Pawars faction secure the NCP symbol. the Commission had examined the applicability of all three tests: the Test of Aims and Objectives of the Party Constitution, the Test of Party Constitution, and the Test of Majority to adjudicate the present dispute case, it said. The Commission scrutinised the affidavits of support filed by both factions and concluded that the group led by the Petitioner enjoyed majority support among the legislators. In light of these findings, this Commission holds that the faction led by the Petitioner, Ajit Anantrao Pawar, is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol clock for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, the EC said. In a detailed order, the EC further stated that neither of the two factions contended that they adhered to the aims and objectives of the party constitution while accusing the other of violating it. On the aspect of the Test of Party Constitution, the EC found that although both factions had no dispute over the party constitution, they were not adhering to the same. Consequently, this test also failed to yield any determinative result. The EC stated that it examined the affidavits of support filed by both factions and concluded that the group led by the petitioner (Ajit Pawar) enjoyed a majority among the legislators. The commission noted serious inconsistencies in terms of timelines in the claims of the Sharad Pawar group, which undermined the reliability of their claim to organisational majority. Ajit Pawar had garnered the support of a majority of NCP MLAs in July last year and backed the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra. In July last year, Ajit Pawar, along with 40 MLAs, rebelled against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar to join the BJP-Sena government. Both factions asserted that they were the authentic NCP. Two days before rebelling against Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar had approached the EC, staking a claim to the party name and symbol and subsequently declaring himself as the party president. In a scathing attack on the Congress first family the Gandhis Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said that with the family members boycotting Lord Ram, it is indeed the end of the road for them in Uttar Pradesh. Neither Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, nor their kin would ever dare to enter the electoral fray in the State, which has been the undisputed bastion of the Nehru-Gandhi family for decades. With speculation suggesting that Sonia, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party and the longest-serving Congress president, may enter the Rajya Sabha, and considering that Rahul, who already faced defeat in the 2019 elections, is still pursuing seats in southern India, Thakur said, Unke kadam ab ladakhadane lage hain (they are literally stumbling now). This comes after their disrespectful stance towards Ram, a symbol of Hinduism, and it is now well-known that they harbour affinity towards Babri Masjid. The Gandhis are no longer suitable for electoral contests. Look at their diminishing public outreach, regardless of their numerous journeys. They are against Lord Ram. This is the second-largest mistake Congress has made since 1975 (Emergency), Thakur told The Pioneer. While Sonia has represented Rae Bareilly for several terms, was represented by Rahul until 2019 when he was defeated by Smriti Irani. Sources indicate that while Sonia has the option to enter the Rajya Sabha, Rahul will again contest from his current Lok Sabha constituency in Wayanad, Kerala. Former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and other family members like Sanjay Gandhi have been elected to the Lok Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. Elaborating on the deteriorating public perception towards the countrys oldest party, Thakur said his statement can be affirmed and corroborated given the present state of affairs in the three states they are currently governing. They are facing challenges in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and the recently won Telangana. They came with a lot of pomp and show, and very soon, the popularity of the governments in these states is declining, along with a lot of infighting within. However, these issues are only going to help the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections and contribute more to the targets set by my party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thakur, who now holds the Information and Broadcasting portfolio, further said. He added that while Congress and its alliances are widely synonymous with corruption and a loss of credibility, the BJP is the only party that has lived up to realising its manifesto and, above all, its ideology. Thakur reminded that members of the Opposition, led by Congress, are either in jail or on bail, be it Sonia, Rahul, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, leaders of Mamata Banerjees party, and others. With full conviction, I can say that led by PM Modi, the BJP is perhaps the only party in the world that has met its ideology, and we have never played truant on this part like several other political parties. Modi is a big name now universally, and whatever the party has said since its inception has been almost achieved, and now we are working to meet the peoples expectations, Thakur added. On the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls, Thakur said while it is being coordinated by the party, he was pleased to share that the BJP is working on strategic alliances, and more professional people are venturing to join the party. The Union Minister said that Modi and the party have personally been keen on gaining ground in southern India. Towards the Ram temple consecration recently, the PM first visited the footprints of the legend Ram in southern India. He recalled the popularity of the Tamil Kashi Sangam cultural program, which is, in all, the vision of PM Modi, similar to the one he focused on specifically in the northeast states when Modi took over as PM in 2014. Look at the transformation in the North-East, which was deprived of development for decades. The PM created a separate ministry and various departments for focused and time-oriented development in the Northeastern region. Now, he has expressed his keenness in southern India, and just analyze his frequent visits; you would realise the popularity of Modi there as well, the Minister further said. Thakur also informed that the governments mega outreach programme, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, has crossed a key milestone by connecting with about 20 crore people who have taken a pledge to build a developed India by 2047, officials said. Thakur said the faith reflected by these 20 crore individuals will continue to grow, connecting Indians with public welfare schemes and contributing towards realizing the vision of a developed India visualized by PM Modi. Our PM has ensured the last-mile delivery of systems to every beneficiary in every nook and corner of the country. Moving towards a developed India... 28 States, One Goal Developed India, Thakur added. The Congress on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of suffering from deep insecurities and complexes, saying that this leads him to viciously attack Jawaharlal Nehru. A day after Modis criticism of former Prime Ministers Nehru and Indira Gandhi, the Congress pointed out that BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani never engaged in such behaviour. By doing so, Prime Minister Modi is seen as demeaning the high office he holds, according to the party. Additionally, the party shared certain audio recordings of Nehru to counter the current regimes repeated attacks on the Nehru-Gandhi legacy, questioning some decisions made during their tenures. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed regret over how a Prime Minister, referring to Narendra Modi, continues to attack his predecessors, particularly Nehru, who laid the foundation of modern India. It has become a habit of the BJP and its leaders, including Modi, to constantly attack Congress and leaders like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and the present lot who have sacrificed for the sake of nation-building. Here, I would like to ask Modi to name one person from his party or ideological background who has dedicated their life to the country. No one, Kharge said. Meanwhile, Congress chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh said that the Prime Minister was at his nonsensical worst in the Lok Sabha, and undoubtedly, this was a repeat performance in the Rajya Sabha. Another party leader and granddaughter of Nehru, Priyanka Gandhi, also accused Modi of misrepresenting lines from a speech by Jawaharlal Nehru. She said, Not only is this shameful, but it also reflects the bitterness in the minds of the BJP towards the freedom movement and historical struggles for nation-building. Ramesh said that Modi suffers from deep insecurities and complexes, which lead him to attack Nehru not politically, but personally and in a vicious manner. Vajpayee and Advani never did this. But Mr Modi, being who he is, thinks he is being clever but actually demeans the office he holds. Megalomania and Nehruphobia are a toxic mix that is leading to the murder of democracy in India, the Congress leader also said. Priyanka questioned the authenticity of Prime Minister Modis allegations against Pandit Nehru. Is there any truth in this? Before jumping to conclusions, one should read and listen to that speech of Nehru, she said, sharing the audio recording of the speech along with the Hindi quote from it. Did Pandit Nehru, the guardian of Indias consciousness, consider Indians lazy? Yesterday, in the temple of democracy, Parliament, Prime Minister Modi made this very allegation against Pandit Nehru. Is there any truth in this? Our people, forgetting to trust themselves, think that others will help them. Our village people are strong and noble. It has become a habit that instead of taking matters into their own hands, they rely on officers and the government... Communities dont progress with the help of officers; they progress through their own strength. The only yardstick to measure progress is how 40 crore people of India move forward. The community grows through its hard work, Nehru is heard saying in the audio recording. Look at the countries that are happy and prosperous. How did they become prosperous? Through hard work. Whether its European nations, American countries, or prosperous Asian nations, it is hard work and unity that underpins their prosperity. Without these attributes, progress cannot be made... In our India, the habit of working very hard has generally not been developed. It is not our fault; habits are formed due to circumstances, Nehru had said. But the truth is that we do not work as hard as Europeans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, or Americans. Dont think that they became prosperous through magic; they achieved prosperity through hard work and intelligence... We can also progress with hard work and intelligence; there is no other way, Indias first prime minister said. In a social media post, Priyanka Gandhi said that after independence, crores of people faced the challenge of filling their empty stomachs, and the slavery, plunder, and exploitation by the British had hollowed out the country. Not only is it shameful to misrepresent a few lines from the speech of the countrys first Prime Minister, but it also demonstrates the extent of bitterness filled in the minds of Prime Minister Modi ji, the BJP, and the RSS towards our freedom movement and historical struggles for nation-building, the Congress general secretary said. Quoting from an Independence Day speech by Nehru from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said, Nehru had said, we do not work as hard as the Europeans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, or the Americans. Do not think that these communities became prosperous by some magic. They have achieved this through hard work and intelligence. He (Nehru) is giving a certificate to those people to belittle Indians. This shows that Nehru jis thinking about Indians was that they are lazy and of low intelligence. He did not trust their potential, the prime minister had said. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi did not think differently either, Modi had said. Intense friction between the Central probe agency, the ED, and the AAP-led Delhi Government escalated on Tuesday with fresh rounds of raids at premises linked to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals personal staff, Bibhav Kumar, and others. ED sources said these raids are part of its probe into charges that the AAP and some officials received kickbacks of `21 crore from a Delhi Jal Board contractor. The agency searched 10 locations linked to the personal secretary as part of its money laundering probe in the DJB case. A dozen premises in the national capital were searched by officials of the federal agency from 7 am under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The residences of Bibhav Kumar, former Delhi Jal Board member Shalabh Kumar, the office of party Rajya Sabha MP and national treasurer N D Gupta, and the premises of Chartered Accountant (CA) Pankaj Mangal, along with others associated with the ruling party in Delhi, were covered in the search action. Reacting to the raids, AAP leader Atishi claimed the BJP government is trying to scare its leaders. Addressing a press conference, Atishi accused the ED of deleting audio recordings of CCTV interrogations in the excise policy case. ED sources have refuted the charge. Atishi made the allegations against the agency at a press conference and called the entire probe a scam in itself. She cited a 2020 order of the Supreme Court and said it was mandatory for investigating agencies to have audio-visual CCTV footage of interrogations. Meanwhile, ED sources refuted claims that audio recordings were deleted from the statement of an accused in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, adding that the agency will take legal recourse against the minister for leveling such allegations. They said the footage was recorded in a video-only format during interrogation as the CCTV system did not have an audio recording facility at the time. Audio recordings were added to the video capturing system of the ED interrogation process only in October last year, the sources said. The ED officials said the agency was proposing to take legal action against the Delhi minister and that no footage was deleted. They stated that audio recording of interrogations began only in October 2023. In a statement, AAP said the ED has planted an informal and unsigned statement in the media. If ED is clean, let them issue a formal signed statement on their letterhead. The informal and unsigned statement issued by ED is full of wrong and false assertions, and we urge the media not to publish it until ED issues a formal statement. Once ED does that, we will issue a counter statement to show how it is false. At a press conference, Atishi said raids were being conducted by the ED at the premises of Kumar and Gupta since 7 am. There are reports that the probe agency will conduct raids on the premises of other AAP leaders throughout the day, she claimed. Yesterday, I posted on Twitter about doing a big expose on the ED today. In response, to threaten AAP and silence the party, the ED has been raiding the residences of people related to the Aam Aadmi Party since 7 am today, Atishi said. The ED officials said the agency was proposing to take legal action against the Delhi minister and that no footage was deleted. It said audio recording of interrogation began only in October 2023. These searches are related to an investigation concerning alleged irregularities in the tendering process of the Delhi Jal Board, for which the ED had previously arrested retired Jal Board chief engineer Jagdish Kumar Arora and contractor Anil Kumar Aggarwal on January 31. Following the EDs assertion that further custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover a larger conspiracy, a special PMLA court had extended their remand by five days on Monday. The money laundering case originated from a CBI FIR that alleged corruption and bribery in the Delhi Jal Board of the Delhi government. The FIR alleged that Arora awarded contracts to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. For a total cost of Rs 38 crore, despite the companys failure to meet the technical eligibility criteria. ED officials claimed that NKG Infrastructure Ltd. secured the bid by submitting forged documents. The probe further indicated that the contract was inflated, allowing kickbacks to be collected back from the contractors. An analysis by the ED claimed that out of the contract value of Rs 38 crore, only about Rs 17 crore was spent on the tender work, with the remaining funds allegedly siphoned off under the guise of various false expenses, including bribes and election funds. Kerala, the last surviving hotbed of Marxism and Communism in the country, has made a volte-face from its stance towards US-led capitalism and a liberal economy. With the state facing an unprecedented economic crisis, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI(M) Government has thrown open its doors to foreign institutional investors (FIIs), global start-up companies, and foreign universities. Finance Minister K N Balagopalan, in his 150-minute-long speech, made it unambiguously clear that the CPI(M) is abandoning its ideology once and for all and accepting the Chinese ideology of welcoming capitalism in a big way. Rs 3 lakh crore of private investment in the next three years is what we are aiming for. The developed countries and foreign investors are expected to flock to Kerala because we have a chief minister who is as powerful as the Sun, said Balagopalan. What stood out in the budget proposal is the open invitation extended to foreign universities to set up campuses in Kerala. If everything goes well, universities like Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, and Birmingham (the alma maters of CPI(M)s former secretary Prakash Karat and Pinarayi Vijayans son Vivek) would open their campuses in the State soon. Interestingly, the CPI(M) cadre physically assaulted and tortured TP Srinivasan, former Ambassador and chairman of the Kerala Higher Education Council, in broad daylight for broaching such a proposal in 2015. Srinivasan, himself a college lecturer before switching to diplomacy, was seen on TV news channels being beaten up by cadres of the CPI(M). The move to invite foreign universities to Kerala is seen as a fallout from the exodus of students from the state to Europe, the USA, and Australia for higher education. More than 1,000 students leave Keralas shores on a daily basis in search of centers of excellence in other countries, and the chances of them coming back look bleak, Father Alexander Koodarathil, director of the KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, said at a public function recently. What remains to be seen is whether foreign universities will be granted academic freedom to operate in the state. They have their own selection procedures, and their qualifying standards are high. These universities do not adhere to the Indian style of reservation, said Dr Achuthshankar R Nair, former head of the Department of Biomedicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Kerala. The efforts of the Kerala Government to seek the cooperation of foreign investors in major infrastructure projects are likely to be futile. No investor worth their salt would take up major infrastructure projects in Kerala because there is no guarantee or consistency in the governments policies. Infrastructure projects have a long gestation period, and it would take years for investors to recoup their money, said Rajmohan Pillai, chairman of Beta Group, a business conglomerate based in Kerala. He pointed out how an industrialist like Sabu Jacob of the Kitex Group was driven away from the State by the Government. The government has imposed a tax on companies with captive generation plants. For every unit of power generated in the state, the producer has to pay 15 paise to the exchequer. The court fee for filing cases related to property dealings has been increased to Rs 2 lakh from the current rate of Rs 50, making the judicial system in Kerala the most expensive in the country. The finance minister attributed the mismanagement of the states economy to the central government, although he did not elaborate further. Lohardaga police have arrested two youths including the first wife of the deceased and sent them to jail in the case of murder of a young man by entering his house in broad daylight in Karcha Toli under Sadar police station area of the district on January 31. Last January 31, 32-year-old Sachit Oraon, a resident of Nadia Karcha Toli under Sadar police station area of the district, was stabbed to death by two masked criminals. Whereas the first wife of the deceased involved in the murder, Kishori Oraon, Chittaranjan Kumar and Sulendra Kumar, both are residents of Palamu district. On the information of the first wife, the police arrested both the criminals from Palamu district. The police have also seized the knife, clothes and 3 mobile phones used in the murder. Kishori Oraon, the first wife of deceased Sachit Oraon, was angry with her husband for marrying a second time, that is why the incident was carried out by meeting her lover Chittaranjan Kumar. Chittaranjan Kumar, along with his friend, conspired to murder Sachit Oraon and killed him after getting the opportunity. Police have solved the murder mystery by tracing the mobile phone and extracting the CDR. SP Haris Bin Zaman held a press conference on the entire matter and said that the police were investigating the murder in depth. Meanwhile, on the basis of suspicion, the first wife of the deceased, Kishori Oraon, was taken into custody and interrogated. After which the CDR of the mobile was taken out and examined and Chittaranjan's name came up in this incident. He confessed to his crime during strict interrogation. The whole matter is being linked to a love affair. The AAP and the Congress on Monday hailed the Supreme Court expressing annoyance after watching a video of the electoral proceedings during the Chandigarh mayoral polls, saying it was a ''tight slap'' on the face of the BJP. Speaking to reporters, AAP leader Malvinder Singh Kang said the Supreme Court observed that what happened in the Chandigarh mayoral elections was a mockery of democracy. ''The entire nation witnessed the working style of the BJP on January 30. It not only disrespected the mandate of the people of Chandigarh but also hurt the faith of all citizens in our democracy,'' Kang said. Referring to the top court's observations, Kang said it has restored the faith of the people in democracy and the judicial system. ''It is a tight slap on the face of the BJP,'' he added. "People will remember this and will give the BJP a befitting reply in the general elections,'' Kang, the chief spokesperson of the AAP's Punjab unit, said. Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal also hailed the top court's observations and said it was the victory of truth. ''When we made the allegations, the BJP was claiming to be clean. Now, where is the BJP's integrity? The BJP conspired to win the mayoral elections by undermining democratic values, which was first exposed in the people's court, and now in the court of law. The BJP should apologise for its actions to the entire country,'' Bansal said. HS Lucky, the Congress' Chandigarh unit chief, said the people of the Union Territory had looked to the Supreme Court for justice. ''Today's decision has further emboldened the faith of the common man in the judicial system and the process of law. We have full hope that justice will prevail and the truth will triumph,'' Lucky said. Manoj Sonkar of the BJP had defeated the AAP's Kuldeep Kumar for the mayor's post, polling 16 votes against his rival's 12. Eight votes were declared invalid. The opposition councillors alleged that the presiding officer had tampered with the ballot papers, a charge rubbished by the BJP. The AAP moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court and sought fresh elections under the supervision of a retired judge but the court refused to grant any interim relief. The Yogi Adityanath government, for the welfare of the advocates, has increased the corpus of Advocate Welfare Fund from Rs 200 crore to Rs 500 crore and had made provision for developing the infrastructure of courts. In case of the death of an advocate who is a member of the Uttar Pradesh Advocate Social Fund Scheme, the maximum limit of permissible assistance has been increased from Rs 1.50 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. In addition, a provision of Rs 100 crore is proposed for the under-construction National Law University in Prayagraj district. The budget also includes a provision of Rs 300 crore for the establishment of courts in various districts of the state. Notably, under a pilot project, a provision of Rs 700 crore is proposed for the construction of the court complexes in this financial year. BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi today reacted strongly to Rahul Gandhi's remarks of BJP trying to topple the JMM Congress Govt in Jharkhand. Rahul Gandhi who was in the Capital on Monday has alleged that the BJP tried to topple the JMM-Congress-RJD government in Jharkhand as the chief minister was a tribal. Gandhi claimed that Dalits, tribals, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were bonded labourers and their participation was lacking in big companies, hospitals, schools, colleges and courts. Marandi said that today the prince of Congress is remembering the tribals, Dalits and backward people. But why should he regret now, when the bird has pecked at the fields. Marandi said that Rahul should travel as much as he can but the public has lost faith in Congress. The BJP president said that Congress considered tribals, Dalits and backward classes only as vote bank and never worried about their uplift. He said that if the Congress Party was concerned about tribal development, it would not have had to wait for the BJP government to fulfill the dream of a separate Jharkhand state. The Congress party kept bargaining for the movement. How much the Congress Party respects the Dalits can be seen from when Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar got the Bharat Ratna and who gave it. Marandi said that due to Article 370, the Dalit community of Jammu and Kashmir suffered the brunt in independent India and the Congress Party should answer for that. For years, the educated Dalit youth of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the facility of reservation. He said that the Backward Classes Commission kept yearning for constitutional status for years during the Congress rule. Marandi said that despite all this, the Congress Party wants to boast of being well-wishers of tribal Dalits. He said that BJP is moving forward rapidly with the resolutions of Antyodaya. The schemes of BJP government are dedicated to the welfare of tribals, dalits and backward classes, which is being felt by the public. He said that it is the Congress which opposed the country's first tribal woman becoming the President. Congress leaders hurt the President's honour with indecent remarks. Yuvraj doing Photo Op with people carrying illegal coal PNS Ranchi State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo posted Rahul Gandhi's picture on social media platform X in which he was taking photos with people transporting illegal coal. Pratul said that Rajkumar of Congress, in the same way runs a black racket of coal by getting illegal coal transported in the coalition government by paying Rs 500-700 per day to the innocent tribal people of Jharkhand. The robbers who run the transport earn billions of rupees. Pratul said that sometimes even for the sake of show off, a case is filed against the poor people who run the transport. It never happens to racketeers. Pratul said that the irony is that whether it is the Hemant government or Champai government, this black coal racket does not stop. It is clear that it gets the protection of the people sitting at the top of power. Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, Pratul said that Rahul Gandhi used to be sometimes a porter, sometimes a truck driver, sometimes a tea maker in a dhaba, sometimes a Gol Gappa seller. But today, he is doing illegal work by helping in the transportation of illegal coal. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that the state budget for 2024-25 was dedicated to Lord Ram and was for lokmangal (public welfare). Ram Lalla epitomises the well-being of people; he is present right from the inception to the conclusion of the budget. The new UP is all about celebration, industry and hope and the budget is the document for comprehensive and balanced development of UP, the chief minister said. Todays UP budget is dedicated to Lord Ram and is for lokmangal. The highlight of this budget is that it restricts the budget deficit to norms under Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act limit of 3.5 per cent to 3.46 per cent. This budget includes fiscal discipline along with the governments vision of safety, development and good governance, he said. This is the states largest budget of over Rs 7.36 lakh crore. Today UPs economy is the second biggest in the country. We adopted reforms and checked tax evasion to achieve this. UP is a revenue-surplus state now. This budget is also the Pink budget, with a focus on Matri Shakti and women-empowerment schemes in the state, he said. Addressing a press conference following the presentation of the UP budget 2024-25 in the state assembly, the chief minister said that Lord Shri Ram epitomises the well-being of people, asserting his presence right from the inception till the conclusion of the budget. Chief Minister M Yogi articulated that the new budget offers a perfect roadmap for comprehensive and balanced development of the state, aligning with the aspirations of its populace. Congratulating UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna for presenting the budget for the fifth time, the chief minister remarked that this budget of Rs 7,36,437.71 crore was the biggest to date, 6.7 per cent up compared to the budget of 2023-24, and was dedicated to faith, Antyodaya and economy. The increase in the size of the state budget is based on the commitment of the double-engine government to expand the economy of the state as well as the prime ministers vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas, he added. Highlighting key aspects of the budget, the chief minister underscored a groundbreaking provision for capital expenditure amounting to Rs 2,03,782.38 crore, describing it as a testament to the governments commitment to bolstering infrastructure. Emphasising the symbiotic relationship between infrastructure investment, job creation and economic fortification, he envisioned a significant leap in the states gross domestic product (GDP), projecting an increase from Rs 12 lakh crore in 2016-17 to an impressive Rs 25 lakh crore by 2024-25. In a notable achievement, the chief minister highlighted the governments success in doubling the per capita income, propelling Uttar Pradesh to the position of the second-largest economy in the country. This transformative progress, he explained, was a result of the governments resolute stance against tax evasion and rigorous measures undertaken across various departments to staunchly eliminate revenue leakage. Consequently, Uttar Pradesh has achieved the status of a revenue surplus state, with manifold increases in revenue over the past seven years, he pointed out. According to the chief minister, what sets this accomplishment apart is the governments commitment to fiscal responsibility, refraining from imposing additional taxes or burdening the common man and at the same time implementing welfare schemes at an extensive scale. He added that the government has also been successful in controlling the unemployment rate in the last seven years. In 2016-17, the unemployment rate in the state was 19.2 per cent, which has reduced to 2.4 per cent today. New employment opportunities and a new environment for industrial investment have been created. Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) units have been revived. Also, schemes like One District One Product and Vishwakarma Shram Samman have given UP a new identity in the country, he remarked. The chief minister pointed out that new projects worth Rs 24,863.57 crore have been included in the budget. There is also a proposal to provide interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh to the youth under the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan Yojana. Apart from this, provision has been made for formation of Employment Promotion Fund, in which arrangements for training, internship and apprenticeship have been made, he added. The proposals also include establishment of National Institute of Fashion Technology in Varanasi and two mega government industrial training institutes and upgradation of 69 ITIs. The chief minister highlighted the proactive steps taken to advance the establishment of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority in the state. Notably, after a span of 46 years, a new city is slated to emerge within the state, strategically positioned between Kanpur and Jhansi. The budget also allocates resources for the enhancement of spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh, focusing on developing infrastructure along the Nath corridor theme in key cities such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Naimish, Vindhyachal, Devipatan and Bareilly. Additionally, provisions have been made for the creation of a Kumbh Museum in Prayagraj. The financial plan extends support for cultural enrichment through the establishment of a music college in Hariharpur, Azamgarh, and the inception of the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Centre in Ayodhya. Addressing the agricultural sector, Chief Minister Yogi announced the Chief Minister Farm Security Scheme for farmers, emphasising the importance of agriculture as a primary sector. The proposal includes the introduction of a state agricultural scheme across the state. Furthermore, financial provisions have been made to provide electricity to private tube wells of farmers, contributing to the overall improvement of the agricultural landscape. In a forward-looking initiative to safeguard agriculture from the impacts of global warming, the budget outlines plans to install automatic rain gauges in every gram panchayat, the chief minister stated. The chief minister described the budget as very important also because it has appeared in the Amrit Kaal of the naming of the state. The chief minister mentioned the important works done by the government in the context of green budget. Green tagging has started for 17 departments of the state. UP will be the first state to do green tagging. Our budget process has become completely digital. Our budget is also a think budget. This is a budget based on the welfare of mothers, sisters and daughters. This budget is going to fulfill the overall concepts of the state, he stated. The chief minister said that this was the eighth budget of his government and had its own unique theme like the previous ones. While the budget of 2017-18 was dedicated to Annadata farmers, the budget of 2018-19 was dedicated to infrastructure and industrial development, of 2019-20 to women empowerment, of 2020-21 to youth, of 2021-22 to empowerment through self-reliance, of 2022-23 to self-reliance through Antyodaya, of 2023-24 to accelerated and all-inclusive development and of 2024-25 to Lord Shri Ram with larger public welfare in mind. In Madhya Pradesh, air ambulances will be provided on the lines of 108 ambulances to airlift serious patients to hospitals. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has instructed the Aviation Department to prepare related proposals and call tenders. In view of this, work to repair airstrips in the districts will also be done. CM Dr. Yadav told the officers of the Aviation Department on Monday, 'An air ambulance should be ready all the time in the state. It will work to transport serious patients from one district to another with health facilities. With this, even those people who are deprived of these will be able to avail the benefits of government health services. Aviation Department Secretary Chandramouli Shukla said that work has been started to start air ambulance services like 108 service. Tenders will be called for this soon. The service will be started as soon as the terms and conditions are approved by the government. Air ambulance costs vary depending on the aircraft, distance covered, medical condition of the patient and other factors. Generally the cost of this service ranges from one and a half to two and a half lakh rupees. Its fare may include the cost of flight, medical staff, equipment and other related expenses. The cost of pilot and aircraft operation will also be included in this. It is India's leading air ambulance provider that caters to critically ill or injured patients. The company is founded by Dr. Rahul Singh Sardar and Dr. Shalini Nalwad. This company provides medical transportation services for patients in critical conditions or requiring specialized medical care. Also works at international level. They have an aircraft fleet with advanced technology and trained medical staff. It provides traveling facility with emergency medical care in India. This company, formed in 2016, provides medical aid and ground ambulance along with air ambulance. EMSOS is also an air ambulance service provider that caters to patients requiring critical medical care. StanPlus air ambulances operate in multiple cities across India including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Jaipur. Congress has raised the demand for discussion in the Bhopal Municipal Corporation Council on the issue of street dogs menace in Bhopal. Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki says that when issues of public interest are not discussed in the council, serious cases like dog menace comes to light. A complaint has been lodged against a pet lover at Kolar police station on Monday. A day earlier on Sunday also there had been a dispute between the councilor and the pet lovers. The cases of stray dog attacks are continuously increasing in Bhopal. In January, two innocent children died after being bitten by dogs within 13 days. At the same time, more than 500 people became victims of the attack in 10 days. Still, the cases of dog hunting have not reduced. In such a situation, Congress has raised the demand for discussion in the council. Leader of Opposition Zaki said that the issue of dogs should be discussed in the council meeting. This is the responsibility of the corporation. Why are dog sterilization and anti rabies vaccination programs being conducted by the same agency? There are lakhs of street dogs in the city, which are killing innocent people. Even after this the contract is not being cancelled. The contractors go to Telangana and not to Madhya Pradesh. All these issues should be discussed in the council. Many people of Rajharsh Colony A Sector reached Kolar police station on Monday. He complained about pet lovers. In the written application, the residents said that on February 4, pet lovers had misbehaved and created a ruckus. Also threatened to kill women. After this, she again reached Pet Lovers Colony on Monday morning and threatened her. On Sunday there was a heated argument between councilor Ravindra Yeti and pet lovers in Rajharsh Colony itself. A complaint was also made against the councilor in this matter. Agitated at the plan of the State government to do away with the question hour and other business during the ongoing session of Uttarakhand assembly, the leader of opposition (LoP) Yashpal Arya and Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh have resigned from the business advisory committee (BAC) of the house. These two leaders resigned after a stormy meeting of the BAC held in the State assembly on Monday afternoon. The opposition members opposed the plan of the session proposed by the parliamentary affairs minister Premchand Agarwal in which there was no provision of question hour and zero hour. The government wanted to concentrate the session only on tabling of bills on UCC and granting 10 per cent horizontal reservation to statehood activists in government jobs and suspend normal business. The Congress members opposed the plan and said that the government is trying to surpass the norms of functioning the house. Registering their protest the LoP Arya and Pritam Singh resigned from the BAC. The Congress legislators also met the governor Lieutenant General ( Retd) Gurmit Singh at Rajbhawan and submitted their protest on the issue. The LoP Arya told The Pioneer that the State government is trying to impose its hegemony on everything and now it wants to suppress the right of the members of the assembly. He said that the session is not a special session as being made out by the ruling party but an extension of the winter session which was adjourned but not prorogued. Arya said that question hour is the privilege of the MLAs and the government's plan to do away with it is actually a breach of privilege of the members. Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh said that the ongoing session is the continuation of the session of the assembly which was adjourned on September 8 and suspension of question hour and the notices of public interests is an infringement on the rules business regulation of the house. He further stated that on January 25 the Vidhan Sabha secretariat had dispatched a letter to all members to submit their notices under rule 53,58, 299 and 300 before January 6. The newly formed government in the State today easily sailed through the floor test with a comfortable win of six votes than that of the required number. The JMM-Congress-RJD coalition bagged the support of 47 MLAs. The coalition has a strength of 47 MLAs in the Assembly while, the BJP has 26 MLAs, AJSU Party 3 MLAs, one MLA of NCP, one nominated member and two independent legislators are there in the 81-member House. The opposition parties including BJP and AJSU Party could secure 29 votes against the motion with 25 votes of BJP, three votes of AJSU Party and one vote of NCP MLA Kamlesh Singh. Independent MLA Saryu Roy and Speaker Rabindranath Mahto did not cast their votes and two legislators were absent due to illness. Governor CP Radhakrishnan had given 10 days time to the newly newly formed Champai Soren government to prove majority in the House. But, it cleared the trust vote in just four days of government formation. Former CM Hemant Soren, who is presently in 5-day remand of the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged land grab case, was accompanied by ED officials to the Assembly. He was given special permission to participate in the floor test by the PMLA court. As the House proceeding began at 11 am, Governor CP Radhakrishnan delivered his speech in the House amid ruling MLAs sloganeering, but he continued counting achievements of the government. The Speaker gave time to both ruling coalition and opposition party legislators to hold discussion on the confidence motion. CM Champai Soren and former CM Hemant Soren fiercely attacked the BJP and the Central government alleging them of staging a conspiracy against a democratically elected government. Addressing the House former CM Hemant Soren said, This is the first time in the country that a CM has been arrested on the night of 31st (January). It is not in my knowledge that such an incident has taken place earlier. This is the first incident. I believe Raj Bhawan was also involved in carrying out the incident. Warning the BJP, Soren said that whatever they did will prove to be a big mistake in the coming days. He further said that he has been arrested in connection with a land which is not in his name. Today why have I been arrested for the scam of 8.5 acres of land? If you have courage then show the papers. If I get the paper, I will not only resign from politics but also leave Jharkhand. I will not shed tears. Our tears have no importance for you. Each of these questions will be answered when the time comes, he said. Earlier, 37 legislators of the ruling combine, who were staying at Hyderabad since February 2 and were under constant watch by the party so that they do not get trapped by opposition parties, returned to Ranchi on Sunday. The MLAs stayed at the circuit house for the night before coming to the Assembly. Finally, after the trust vote the MLAs were released with a sigh of relief. The trust vote was held due to former CM Hemant Sorens arrest by ED on January 31 on charges of money laundering in the sale purchase of a prime land piece in the Capital City. After Hemant Sorens resignation and arrest, Champai Soren was sworn in as new Chief Minister and two ministers of Congress and RJD quota were also inducted in the State Cabinet. After the floor test the Cabinet expansion is also likely to take place soon. The Jharkhand high court on Monday refused to grant any relief to former chief minister Hemant Soren in a petition filed by him challenging the Enforcement Directorate (ED)s action against him before he was arrested. The court has sought a reply from ED and fixed the next hearing on February 12. The bench of acting chief justice of the high court, justice S Chandrashekhar and justice Anubha Rawat Choudhary has sought a reply from the ED. The court has directed ED to file its reply by February 9. After this the court fixed February 12 for the next hearing. Soren had filed a petition in the high court challenging the summons given to him by ED and said that the agency was abusing its powers. He said ED officials were accusing him of not cooperating in the investigation and wanted to arrest him on this basis. Earlier, Soren had knocked the Supreme Court challenging the arrest by the ED, however, the Supreme Court on February 2 refused to entertain a writ petition filed by former chief minister Hemant Soren, challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate and asked him to approach the Jharkhand high court. Meanwhile, in another development the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, who were implicated in an FIR on a complaint filed by former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, have approached the Jharkhand High Court in their personal capacity to contest the FIR registered against them. The FIR, which was lodged on Wednesday by the Jharkhand Police under the SC/ST Act at the SC/ST police station in Ranchi, is based on a complaint by Soren concerning searches conducted by the ED at his Delhi residence. The FIR filed by the Jharkhand Police under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC/ST Act), accused senior ED officials of various offenses related to the search conducted at Soren's residence in Delhi. The FIR lists ED Additional Director Kapil Raj, Assistant Director Deovrat Jha, and two other officials, Anuman Kumar and Aman Patel, along with unnamed officials. The FIR invokes sections of the SC/ST Act, including 3(1) (p) [instituting false, malicious or vexatious legal proceedings], (r) [intentional insult or intimidation within public law], (s) [abusing by caste name in any place within public view], and (u) [promoting feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will]. The Delhi High Court on Monday upheld summons issued to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as an accused in a criminal defamation case for retweeting an allegedly defamatory video circulated by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in May 2018, saying that reposting alleged libelous content will attract defamation law. The high court said a sense of responsibility has to be attached while retweeting content about which one does not have knowledge and added that retweeting of defamatory content must invite penal, civil as well as tort action if the person retweeting it does not attach a disclaimer. This court is of the view that rigours of Section 499 (defamation) of IPC will be attracted prima facie in case a person retweets/ reposts the alleged defamatory remarks or content, for the purpose of the general public to see, appreciate and believe, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said. The high court, while refusing to quash the trial courts 2019 order summoning Kejriwal, said when a public figure tweets a defamatory post, the ramifications extend far beyond a mere whisper in someones ears. In social media, where information travels at lightning speed and has the potential to reach a global audience, the act of tweeting transforms the communication into a form of public publication. The audience, in this context, is not restricted to those physically present or within immediate earshot but encompasses the vast and diverse online community. In the digital age, the boundaries of publication have expanded, and the implications of defamation are heightened due to the potential of widespread dissemination, it said. It added that unlike physical injury, which may be localised and limited in scope, virtual injury can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects. The court said the law with regard to posting of a defamatory content by way of re-tweeting or reposting is still not settled and is evolving. It said if the act of retweeting or reposting is allowed to be misused as it is still considered to be a vacant grey area of law, it will encourage people with ill intentions to misuse this vacant field of law and conveniently take a plea that they had merely retweeted a content. In addressing a democratic community, it is crucial to emphasise that freedom of speech, while a fundamental right, does not grant individuals the licence to inflict harm or tarnish the reputation of others, it said. In rendering equal protection, the court said it must balance the right of free speech with the need to prevent unjust harm to reputation and injurious falsehood of a statement will definitely invite defamation and loss of reputation. At times, it is difficult to erase the reputational injury from public memory, as the tweets may be deleted but perceptions are difficult to be deleted from the minds of the community, it said. The court said the use of cyberspace has seen rapid development and the users, for the purpose of posting their content even by way of retweeting, should remain conscious of a keen sense of danger in this new technological method of spreading information. For the medical and health sector, the government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 27,086 crore for next fiscal 2024-25. With this, the state government aims to strengthen the health infrastructure along with providing quality and affordable healthcare to the residents of the state. This budget will give impetus to all the public welfare schemes, including National Rural Mission Scheme, Ayushman Bharat Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. Additionally, under the Prime Ministers Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission Scheme, health wellness centres will be set up in rural and urban areas of the state. The Yogi government has allocated a budget of Rs 7,350 crore for the operation of various programmes under the National Rural Health Mission for the financial year 2024-2025. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission Yojana, a provision of Rs 952 crore is proposed for the establishment of Health Wellness Centre Care Unit and Integrated Public Health Lab in rural and urban areas. Additionally, Rs 300 crore is proposed in the financial year 2024-25 under Ayushman Bharat Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan, and Rs 322 crores for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. Moreover, arrangements for cashless treatment have been made in private hospitals under Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Rajya Karmachari Cashless Chikitsa Yojana. An estimated expenditure of Rs 150 crore is anticipated for this, which will be completely borne by the state government. Presently, there are 65 medical colleges in the state, out of which 35 are run by the state government and 30 by the private sector. In addition, 45 districts are equipped with medical colleges and in 14 districts, medical colleges funded by the Central government are under construction. It is proposed to establish medical colleges through private investment in 16 unserved districts. Furthermore, the number of BSc nursing colleges in the government sector has been increased from six to 23. A medical college will also be established in Varanasi at a cost of Rs 400 crore. Moreover, a provision of Rs 125 crore has been proposed in the budget for free medical facilities for incurable diseases. An amount of Rs 300 crore has been proposed for upgrading Trauma Centre Level-II to Trauma Centre Level-I (100 bedded)/Apex Trauma Centre (200 bedded) in government medical colleges. Under the Ayushman Bharat, the target is to establish 1,600 health and wellness centres. Moreover, 1,035 government Ayurvedic, Homeopathy and Unani hospitals are being converted into health wellness centres. Currently, 2,110 Ayurvedic, 254 Unani and 1,585 Homeopathic hospitals along with eight Ayurvedic, two Unani and nine Homeopathic colleges and their affiliated hospitals are operational in various districts of the state. Under the budgetary provisions, the construction work of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, Gorakhpur will be completed under the AYUSH department. Along with this, Government Ayurvedic College will be established in Ayodhya and Government Homeopathic Medical College in Varanasi. AAP members on hunger strike against "rigging" in Mayoral polls removed by police Chandigarh: AAP councillors got into an argument with police after they were barred from entering the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation office on Monday on the second day of the partys protest against the BJP over rigging in the recent mayoral polls. Five AAP workers, including a councillor, who sat on a hunger strike outside the municipal corporation office were also removed by the police. The police later detained all the protesters who had gathered at the site. The AAP councillors, led by Sunny Ahluwalia the partys Chandigarh co-incharge raised slogans against the BJP and demanded action on the presiding officer for allegedly tampering with the ballot papers during the mayoral polls. The AAP councillors who tried to enter the municipal corporation office were barred from entry by the police personnel deployed on the premises, following which they got into an argument with them. A large police contingent was deployed and barricades were erected outside the office. Ahluwalia had earlier said that from Sunday, five AAP members one leader and four councillors would observe a hunger strike. Another five members would sit on a hunger strike the following day. 7 held for committing a robbery by taking security personnel hostage Gurugram: A crime branch team of the Gurugram police have arrested seven people for allegedly committing a robbery while holding two security guards in a warehouse of IREO Company located in Sector-58 area of Gurugram, police said. The complainant told the police on the intervening night of February 2 and 3 he along with his fellow guard was on night shift in the warehouse. During this, around 6 to 7 people jumped from the gate of the warehouse and two of them took them hostage and caused serious injuries and stole a large amount of electrical goods from the warehouse, loaded it in a car and took it away. Based on his complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections of the IPC at the Sector-56 Police Station in Gurugram. During the probe, the police nabbed seven accused identified as Anuj alias Kalu, Sagar alias Bholi, Pawan, Akram Ansari, Haroon, Niazuddin alias Niazhu and Nazim. They all were arrested from different locations in Gurugram on Sunday. State-Level Committee approves Rs 658 Crore Budget for PM POSHAN Scheme in Hry Chandigarh: The State Level Steering-cum-Monitoring Committee for the Mid Day Meal Scheme (now PM POSHAN), which met under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Monday approved a budget of Rs 658 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year, with the state contributing Rs 457.26 crore and the central government contributing Rs 200.74 crore. During the meeting, Kaushal emphasized the need for "special attention to better implementation and utilization of the PM Poshan Scheme so that children can get nutritious and protein-rich food." He urged officials to study best practices from other states and implement strategies to provide children with complete protein and nutritious meals. First successful renal transplant surgery at PGIMS, Rohtak Chandigarh: February 4 marked a historic moment as the first renal transplant surgery was successfully conducted at PGIMS, Rohtak, the first in the government facility in the State of Haryana. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated the medical team consisting of Transplant Surgeons Dr Vivek Thakur and Dr Gaurav Shankar Pandey and Nephrologists Dr Arun Dua and, Dr Ankur Goel and the Anesthesia team consisting of Dr Mamta, Professor, Dr Ashish, Assistant Professor and Dr. Asha, Assistant Professor along with their mentor Dr Ashish Sharma, Professor Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER Chandigarh to make this milestone possible. The team successfully transplanted both the kidneys of the brain dead donor patient to the two needy patients in PGIMS, Rohtak and also successfully managed to extract the liver of the donor and sent the same to ILBS, Delhi for Liver transplant, thus saving three lives. Hry CM approves improvement of 9 ODR Roads in Panipat District worth more than Rs 19 crore Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday granted administrative sanction for the special repair and improvement of 9 ODR roads in Panipat District. This project will cost over Rs. 19 crore. The roads serving rural areas of production and providing them with outlet to market centres, tehsil headquarters, block development headquarters, railway stations etc. are known as Other District Roads (ODRs), said the official spokesperson. Haryana Chief Secretary inaugurates two-day Conclave on Urban Planning Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Monday inaugurated a two-day conclave organized by High-Level Committee (HLC) for Urban Planning in collaboration with the Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana in Chandigarh. The conclave was attended by more than 100 participants including bureaucrats and technocrats from the Government of India and State Government Departments. Punjab Speaker launches initiative to preserve Punjabi language on Google's Gemini AI platform Chandigarh: To safeguard the cultural heritage and linguistic identity of Punjab, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Monday embarked on a pioneering endeavour to integrate Punjabi into Google's Gemini AI platform. Engaging in extensive discussions with various departments and esteemed Punjabi intellectuals, the Speaker's initiative marks a pivotal step towards preserving the rich tapestry of the Punjabi language in the digital age. Expressing his fervent commitment to the cause, Sandhwan underscored the pressing need for a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the inclusion of Punjabi on Google's innovative AI platform. Despite recent updates incorporating languages like Gujarati and Marathi, the absence of Punjabi highlighted a glaring gap in linguistic representation. Sandhwan emphasized the urgency of collating relevant vocabulary and data within the next six months, laying the foundation for Punjabi's integration into the digital realm. The initiative resonated deeply with the cultural significance of the Punjabi language, recognized as one of the top 10 most spoken languages globally. In the era of machine intelligence, the inclusion of Punjabi on Google's Gemini AI platform hold immense significance, empowering users to engage with technology in their native language. Himachal budget to focus on improving financial condition of state, says CM Sukhu Shimla: Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said the Himachal Pradesh budget for fiscal year 2024-25 would be framed with a focus on prosperity and improving the financial condition of the state. The Budget session of Himachal Pradesh would be held from February 14 to 29 and the budget would be presented on February 17. The government was working with the aim of 'Vyavastha Parivartan' (change in system) and focusing on rapid improvement in the financial condition of the state, Sukhu said in a programme in New Delhi, according to a statement issued here. Sukhu said the government aims to develop Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination for all seasons as conditions were ideal here to become round-the-year tourist destination with snow capped peaks, green meadows, water bodies and huge forest cover to cater to wide range of interests of tourists of all age groups. The tourism infrastructure is being strengthened by constructing heliports across the state to connect all district headquarters, he added. "There are already tangible benefits that the population has been reaping" from Peru's membership at APEC, the diplomat told Andina news agency. "We want to further enhance these benefits by actively involving the citizenry," through initiatives such as through initiatives such as APEC Ciudadano (APEC for the People) , he added. Vasquez specified that, according to figures by ComexPeru thru 2022, "more than 5,200 companies have traded with this region of the world, of which 3,700 are micro, small, and medium-sized companies." "There needs to be many more," he added. Free trade agreements In the diplomat's opinion, "the APEC platform has allowed our economies' leaders to meet regularly every year, and that has given rise to a virtuous circle in which we negotiate free trade agreements with many of these economies." "If we are successful and these agreements or the negotiations of these agreements advance significantly, we could announce, perhaps this year, a new free trade agreement," Vasquez said. Thus, "Peru would have 16 treaties of this type," he underscored. The diplomat said that these agreements "grant preferential access to Asia-Pacific markets with a reduction in the payment of tariffs and facilitation, for example, of customs procedures." This is seen in cases of exports of products subject to sanitary and phytosanitary permits, and the permits corresponding to these, which allow the entry of items produced in Peru to those markets, he noted. Digitalization of companies Thus, they will be able to reduce transaction costs, having direct access to APEC economies. "That is what interests entrepreneurs: having closer and direct contact," he concluded. Delhi High Court on Monday expressed anguish that there are only six CT scan machines in all Delhi government hospitals for three crore citizens and stressed the need to ramp up infrastructure and fill vacancies in the health sector. The high court pointed out that people are losing lives because they are not being attended to at government hospitals due to a shortage of facilities and staff. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora noted that Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a status report, has admitted that there are a lot of shortcomings, including shortage of doctors, paramedics and medicines, and also given his suggestions. Bharadwaj, who inspected several government hospitals, claimed that whenever he convened meetings with hospital staff, Delhi Health Secretary SB Deepak Kumar remained absent. However, Kumar, who was present in the court, denied the allegations and said he attended all the meetings. I have accompanied the minister in various hospitals and, wherever I have not been able to go, I informed him and sent my OSD (Officer on Special Duty) or some other officials with him. I have always been there in the meetings and the ministers minutes of meetings will show my presence, Kumar submitted. There are 39 hospitals run by the Delhi government. Bharadwaj, in the status report filed through Santosh Kumar Tripathi -- the Delhi governments standing counsel -- said the existing hospitals, which have been functional for decades, have vacancies of more than 33 per cent of the total sanctioned strength for doctors (more than 75 per cent sanctioned posts are vacant in some specialties) and more than 20 per cent of the total sanctioned strength of paramedics, leading to under-utilisation of the existing infrastructure. The report said the minister wrote to Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena on January 2, urging him to further request the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and direct the Services department to expedite the selection and appointment of doctors and paramedics. He also requested Saxena to direct the Health and Family Welfare department to take necessary steps for hiring doctors and paramedics against the vacant sanctioned posts on a contractual basis for a period of one year or till regular incumbents join through UPSC/DSSSB (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board ), whichever is earlier. The court was hearing a PIL initiated on its own in 2017 concerning the issue of non-availability of ICU beds and ventilator facility in government hospitals. In January, the court was told that a man died after being denied treatment by three Delhi government and one central government hospitals on various pretexts, including non-availability of ICU/ventilator bed or CT scan. The victim was stated to have been taken to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and the Lok Nayak Hospital and the Centres Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The court asked the health secretary how the authorities plan to ramp up hospital infrastructure. There are six CT scan machines in all government hospitals for the whole of Delhi, which has a population of three crore. How can you have just six CT scan machines for a population of three crore? Infrastructure needs to be ramped up many times. How are you going to augment it, it cant be done overnight? the bench said, adding that enough consideration has not been paid to the health sector for a long time. The court said that while the health secretary claimed that all six CT scan machines are functional, affidavits have been given by two institutions in a different matter saying these are not fully functional. They say it has been lying in a state of dysfunction for a very long time. Your officers are not briefing you properly. We sitting in this court know they are not functioning properly and there are frequent breakdowns in the machines. How come you dont know about it? it asked. The court said it does not wish to enter any blame game and added that there may be historical reasons for it as the infrastructure has not been ramped up for many years. No one should try to pass the buck and, if there is any challenge, it should be taken head-on. When three crore people are looking up to us, we should not say there is some squabbling going on between us. You should not convey that impression, then it becomes very difficult to deal with the challenge, so all parties should behave maturely, it said. It said judges are not cut out from society and they also know how machines provided by the government function. You have to ramp up your infrastructure, this cant happen that you dont have a CT scan machine in a cancer hospital. You have to improve manpower, it said. The bench, which said it intends to set up a committee to look into the shortcomings and consider the suggestions of various authorities and give a report to the court, asked the various departments involved in the matter to give their reports and suggestions by February 9. The court also asked the health secretary to look into the issue of the large number of vacancies. As the political drama unfolds in Punjab, the state has become the epicenter of strategic moves and political maneuvering, with both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress grappling with the dynamics of a potential alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Against this backdrop, AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is slated to address two pivotal rallies in the State on February 10 and 11 a move that could redefine the political battleground amidst the evolving uncertainties. The first of these two rallies, scheduled for February 10 in Khanna, will see Kejriwal, flanked by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, launching the ambitious Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana. Set against the backdrop of Asia's largest grain market, this initiative aims to address critical issues related to agriculture and food security the key concerns in Punjab. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the second rally on February 11 in Khadoor Sahib, where Kejriwal is expected to challenge the Congress stronghold in the region. The strategic choice of locations underscored AAP's concerted efforts to penetrate into areas traditionally dominated by the Congress party. The political turmoil in Punjab stemmed from the complex negotiations between AAP and Congress over the possibility of a pre-poll alliance. Both parties, members of the pan-India opposition bloc INDIA have found themselves at an impasse, with the Punjab Congress vehemently opposing any such collaboration, while Punjab Chief Minister categorically declaring to sweep all 13 Lok Sabha segments of the State. As AAP and Congress pursue parallel activities in Punjab, the rallies gain significance beyond mere political discourse. On February 11, while Kejriwal will energize the party rally in Khadoor Sahib, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also Prime Ministerial candidate of INDIA bloc, will be present in Samrala for the Punjab Congresss first convention. This dual presence underscored the escalating political rivalry and the emerging clash between the two parties. Sources within the party revealed that AAPs Khadoor Sahib rally could witness the induction of senior Congress leaders into the ruling party. As of now, Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency is currently represented by Congress MP Jasbir Singh Dimpa. Negotiations for an alliance between AAP and Congress have been underway, with three Congress MPs reportedly in contact with AAP leadership. However, internal resistance within the Punjab unit of Congress has stalled any progress towards a consensus. In response, AAP is now openly preparing to confront Congress in the electoral arena. The move came in the wake of AAPs growing discontent with Congress reluctance to forge an alliance and the latters continued campaign against AAP on the streets. Earlier, AAP had dealt a massive blow to the Congress in Jalandhar by-elections by successfully bringing former Congress MLA Sushil Rinku into the party fold, and securing a seat in the Lok Sabha, breaking into the Congress' bastion. The deadlock in alliance negotiations has led to both AAP and Congress openly positioning themselves against each other, abandoning earlier efforts for a united front. The alliance dilemma has added a layer of complexity to the electoral landscape in Punjab, with both parties now gearing up for a standalone battle. The upcoming rallies serve as a podium for the ruling AAP to showcase its electoral prowess and rally support from the masses. Kejriwals charismatic appeal and Manns growing influence as Punjab Chief Minister position AAP as a formidable contender, seeking to challenge the established political dynamics in the State. Moreover, these rallies are poised to witness the enthusiastic participation of prominent leaders and grassroots workers from across Punjab. This not only strengthened AAPs organizational muscle but also highlighted the partys extensive outreach efforts, crucial in a State where regional dynamics often play a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes. As the political temperature rises, AAP's decision to host consecutive rallies signify its intent to disrupt the status quo and emerge as a potent force in Punjabs political arena. The party's proactive approach is an overt display of confidence and a calculated move to sway public sentiment in its favor. In the midst of escalating tensions and uncertainties, Punjab finds itself at the center of high-stakes political calculations. As AAP positions itself as a challenger to the Congress stronghold, the evolving dynamics between the two parties have become a focal point of political discussions and strategic analyses. A magisterial probe has been ordered into a scuffle involving members of two communities in Damoh city after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav warned of the strictest action against miscreants, an official said on Monday. A process has also been initiated to invoke the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against one of the accused persons, identified as Akram Khan Rain, for allegedly making inflammatory speech. Several members of a community staged a protest outside Kotwali police station in Damoh city following a scuffle between a tailor and some persons of another community on Saturday night, police said. In Damoh, the miscreants tried to disturb the law-and-order situation, which was controlled by the police administration in time. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has given instructions for investigation regarding this incident. Strictest action will be taken against the culprits. Maintaining peace in Madhya Pradesh is the main priority of the government, the CMO tweeted on X. Damoh collector Mayank Agrawal said a magisterial probe has been ordered which will look into the reasons that triggered the protest and also identify persons responsible for the incident. Additional District Magistrate Meena Masram will also probe if the protest was pre-planned, as per the orders issued by the collector. Superintendent of Police Sunil Tiwari on Monday said he has proposed to the district administration to invoke NSA against Akram Khan Rain, who was detained by police for allegedly making an inflammatory speech. A petty dispute occurred on Saturday between one Lallu Sharma and tailor Ansar Khan over the delivery of stitched clothes on time. Sharma and his associates misbehaved with one Hafiz (a Muslim cleric) when he intervened, said Kotwali police station in-charge Anand Singh. Soon, a large number of people gathered at the police station demanding to arrest and bulldoze the house of the accused (from another community) within two hours, he said. The cleric and some other persons were also trying to pacify the crowd, he said, adding that based on a complaint lodged by the tailor, police registered a case and arrested two men on Saturday night. When police were dispersing the crowd, Akram Khan, addressing the crowd on a mobile loudspeaker, allegedly said the hands of the accused (involved in the alleged manhandling of the Muslim cleric) would be chopped and their throat would be cut if the police failed to do justice within 24 hours, Singh said. Police registered a case under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc), 143 (unlawful assembly) and 147 (Punishment for rioting) of the Indian Penal Code against 30 to 40 persons, he said. Akram Khan and two of his associates have been detained, he said. Meanwhile, a video purportedly showing a man threatening physical harm has gone viral. Another video clip shows police officer Anand Singh telling the crowd that two of the accused (involved in the manhandling incident) have been arrested and action would be taken against others within 24 hours. A cyber fraudster cheated a person from Bhopal of Rs 1.85 crore. The accused have created fake stock market trading accounts of reputed companies with the help of artificial intelligence. They commit fraud on social sites by promising to invest. This is one of its first cases of fraud in the state capital. After receiving the complaint, Cyber Police has registered a case under 419, 420 IPC, 66 (C), 66 (D) IT Act. The police are investigating and nab the accused. The fraud was committed between November 7, 2023 and January 14, 2024. The victim received a call from an unknown number. He was told that he was talking to the customer care of Indra Securities. Later he was asked to join another WhatsApp group. After some time, he was sent a link and made him join the Telegram group. This group was described as India Securities. To create confidence, a description of the company was written in this group along with the real photo of the Director of India Security. After gaining confidence, the complainant started investing in the shares of the company. When he got good returns in many small investments, he took a loan of Rs 85 lakh and invested his savings of Rs 1 crore. After this, the sale of shares started being stopped when in doubt, started talking to the group members. Admin stopped responding. Then he realized that he had been cheated. After this the matter was complained about. After investigating the complaint made on January 19, the police registered the case. In the investigation so far, it has become clear that the entire incident was carried out by creating a fake profile of the company with the help of Artificial Intelligence. Now the cases of online fraud are increasing in Bhopal. More than 10 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while around 9 similar cases were reported on Wednesday, while more than 20 cases have been reported in the last 48 hours. This time online fraudsters targeted everyone from bank employees to students. During this period, due to incomplete information, the accused extorted an amount of Rs 5 lakh from the victims. A 14-year-old girl was stabbed to death under the Sector-40 Police Station area in Gurugram, police said. The victim was identified as Rekha, a native of Nepal. While the accused has been identified as Ram Bahadur alias Ramu, who is still at large. The deceaseds father Giani Thapa told the police that he along with his family member used to reside in Indira Vikas Colony in Gurugram. Ram Bahadur alias Ramu from Nepal also lived on rent in his neighbourhood. He considered his daughter Rekha as his niece. The accused used to give her money and food. It is alleged that about six months ago, Ramu had accused the girl of stealing mobile and cash. There was an altercation between them regarding this matter. During this, Ramu threatened Giani to kill one of his family members. After this, he along with his family shifted to another place, but Ramu also came to the same place, the complainant told the police. With a large number of supporters, former Congress National Chief, Rahul Gandhi reached the State Capital on Monday in the State under his Bharat Jodo Naya Yatra. Addressing a rally at historic Shahid Maidan in Ranchi and roared that the mother of all industries- Heavy Industries Limited will not be sold. Addressing the huge crowd in the rally, Gandhi attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Central Government and said that it is trying to sell HEC to its trader friend for their benefit. He asked why injustice is being done to HEC. The Central Government wants HEC to stop working and it should be sold to Adani. This should also be privatized. The Modi Government wants to make HEC people unemployed. But Congress will not allow this to happen. We will not allow Adani's name to be mentioned in HEC. Narendra Modi and his Government are gradually destroying public enterprises. Wherever I go, I see PSU people standing with posters in their hands. Be it BHEL, HAL or HEC, all are gradually being handed over to Adani, said Gandhi Attacking the Central Government on Tribal, Backward and Dalit issue the party Leader said that this is not privatization but theft from Dalit, Tribal, Backward and Minority. Get the list of Adani's companies. Look at the management team. Not one backward will be found. No tribal will be found. The entire capital is being handed over to one person. Roads, power bridges, energy, everything was handed over to Adani. This one person is getting all the defence contracts. The PM of India is pinning everyone to this one person. There is a thinking behind how many backward people there are in this Country. Go to any private company and ask how many backward people there are, you will not find anyone. 90 people run the government of India. These 90 people spend the entire budget. How backward they are. There are only 3 OBCs. Only OBCs take the decision of Rs 5. Dalits have 0 per cent stake in their hands. You do not have any stake in the government or corporate. No one is left behind in private universities and colleges. Dalits and backward people are not involved in decision making anywhere. Backwards, Dalits and OBCs are being made contract labour. They have no stake anywhere. We have to find out what their number is. 50 percent are OBC. 8 per cent are tribals. Dalits and minorities are only 15 percent. A hungry tribal was pushing 200 kg of coal on a bicycle. I saw with my own eyes. Our first step will be to conduct a caste census in the entire country. We will get the data. There will be no reduction in reservation for Dalit tribals. I guarantee it, said Gandhi At the end of his speech Gandhi said that the more hatred increases, the more unemployment increases, the more Adani's money increases. They make you fight. Then your money is put in Adani's pocket. Why should your Government be removed here because they are not able to accept that there is a tribal government in Jharkhand. They are attacking democracy. India will never let the voice of democracy be suppressed, he added. The Delhi Police has arrested a suspected sharpshooter of the Neeraj Bawana gang following a brief gunfight near southeast Delhis Karni Singh Shooting Range. The accused has been identified as Aehsaan Ali, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar. His associate Neeraj managed to escape, police said. On February 2, we received a tip that two sharpshooters of the Neeraj Bawana gang would come from Faridabad to the Karni Singh Shooting Range, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Rajesh Deo said. A raiding team near Karni Singh Shooting Range was dispatched to the spot and the two suspected criminals on a motorcycle were intercepted around 8.30 pm, Deo said. When the police team signalled them to stop, the pair attempted to escape. They tried to turn the motorcycle around but lost control and fell, he said. Neeraj, who was riding pillion, escaped into the nearby forest area under the cover of darkness. However, he left his firearm behind, the officer said. The other criminal, Ali, then brandished his firearm and fired at the police. The shot struck the bullet-proof jacket of a head constable. The police team retaliated by firing a warning shot in the air, he added. When Ali attempted to fire another shot, the police team fired at his leg and he lost balance and fell, the police said.Swiftly, the police party overpowered him and his identity was revealed as Aehsaan Ali, Deo said. He suffered a minor injury on his leg and has been admitted to a hospital, the senior officer said. Ali revealed affiliations with the Neeraj Bawana gang. The police have started an investigation and a manhunt has been launched to nab the other, he added. On the instructions of Indore Collector Ashish Singh, the major action has been taken by the staff of Mineral Department on Monday under the guidance of Deputy Director Mining Indore Dharmendra Chouhan against those doing illegal excavation and transportation. The Mineral Department staff took action against illegal excavation/transportation of soil from private land without permission in Village Orangpura Tehsil Depalpur. In which two JCB machines and four dumpers have been seized. Action is being taken against these vehicles under the provisions of Madhya Pradesh Illegal Excavation Transport and Storage Rules 2022. Mining inspector Indore Jaideep Namdev was present during the raid. The Central Armed Police Forces such as the CRPF, BSF and the CISF have 41,606 women on their rolls, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that steps were being taken to encourage recruitment of women personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces. "The existing strength of women personnel in Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles (AR) is 41,606," he said in written response to a question. The total strength of all Central Armed Police Forces -- Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Assam Rifles (AR) -- is around 10 lakh. The minister said recruitment drives are being conducted by making wide publicity through the print and electronic media. Women are exempted from the payment of application fee. Besides, he said, there are relaxations in Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for women candidates for recruitment in the forces. Facilities already available under the central government like maternity leave and child care leave are also applicable to women personnel of these forces, he said. 15:00 | Lima, Feb. 6. "As a soldier, I am outraged," Chavez Cresta emphasized, as he noted that disciplinary measures are being taken in this regard. The minister reported that the results of the audit carried out after the appearance of war grenades in criminal acts registered in Lima's San Juan de Lurigancho district have been delivered to the Prosecutor's Office. This action ended 15 days ago, and the Defense Ministry's Attorney transferred this information to the Prosecutor's Office, which accounts for "alleged irregularities" in the loss of said products. La Libertad region On the other hand, Minister Chavez Cresta indicated that the measures to be adopted in Peru's northern La Libertad region against crime "must be different and sustainable over time" in order to be effective. Within this framework, the high-ranking official noted that the Armed Forces participation is based on the requirements of the Peruvian National Police. In this sense, the minister said that an eventual declaration of emergency must unfold that way. Thus, he deemed it necessary to count on "the participation of the population and of the farming patrols." In this regard, Chavez Cresta said he and Interior Minister Victor Torres are going to convene these organizations so as to establish what can be done, with the aim of solving the citizen insecurity problem in that region. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. The content of the Armenian History subject in schools will not be affected by the change of the subjects name, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan told lawmakers Tuesday. The ministry has introduced a bill on renaming the Armenian History subject to History of Armenia, which caused discontent and various allegations. The minister explained that the name of the subject should be changed in order for students to develop a perception of statehood. Asked to clarify, the minister said that the content of the subject will be the same. She said that the issue of renaming the subject has been addressed by various circles ever since the country gained independence. The most recent discussion on the matter was during the debates on new public education standards. As a result of these discussions I concluded that the name of the subject isnt anyhow a matter for the professional dimension. We live in the Republic of Armenia, and schools in the Republic of Armenia must teach the history of Armenia. Id like to specifically address the absurd claims that by renaming the subject History of Armenia the content that is part of our history would be left out of the subject. This isnt about the content, the content is the same, regardless of the name. The name is the methodological perspective with which we approach the teaching of history, the minister said. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Parliament majority leader Hayk Konjoryan has denied reports claiming that Azerbaijan stands behind the Armenian authorities intentions to start a process of initiating a referendum for a new constitution. An attempt is being made to misrepresent the issue as being Azerbaijans demand. This is absolutely not Azerbaijans demand. This is the domestic agenda of the Republic of Armenia, this is about the people of Armenia. This discussion itself is highly valuable, he said. The MP said that the basis of the matter has nothing to do with any other country or external pressure. At the same time, the lawmaker said that Azerbaijan wants to cause tensions in Armenia and thats why it is making statements on the issue. This is a discussion stemming from the interests of the Republic of Armenia and the people of Armenia. And we are yet to have a discussion to understand our path. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien. During the meeting PM Pashinyan attached importance to the continuous development of the Armenia-United States cooperation and underscored the United States support aimed at the effective implementation of the democratic reforms in Armenia, the Prime Ministers Office said in a readout. Prime Minister Pashinyan added that the government of Armenia highly appreciates the United States efforts in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and in the steps aimed at establishing stability in the region. PM Pashinyan and Ambassador Kvien also discussed issues pertaining to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in various directions, as well as the Armenia-United States Strategic Dialogue. They also discussed the ongoing processes in the South Caucasus, the opportunities for unblocking regional infrastructures and the Crossroads of Peace project developed by the Armenian government. As the sex attacker Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, who left mother and child disfigured with a vicious acid attack, is on the roam evading the police, it has now been revealed he was twice denied residence, but succeeded after conversion to Christianity. Now over 40 economic migrant asylum seekers who crossed into the country illegally are doing the same and claiming they have converted to Christianity. It is easy to fool the stupid Christian priests who are desperate to reclaim their dying clergy. I just went up to the reverend and said I wanted to be Christian. He immediately took me to the church, and I was baptised as a Christian. Now they cannot deport me. Abdul, Zaid, Muhammad and Jamal my friends are all now converting as well. In reality, we hate Christians and know nothing about the religion apart from they eat pigs, an asylum seeker who recently converted to Christianity revealed. Now as many as 40 asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge are said to be converting to Christianity, sparking fears that migrants are claiming to have changed their religion in order to be granted asylum. By claiming to be Christian, they cannot send me back to Afghanistan, where I will be persecuted. This is the best and easiest way to obtain a life of benefits and luxurious lifestyle in your country. Thank you, English idiots in your church, in the name of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, praise be upon him, we have tricked you. I pray towards Mecca every day and spit on your filthy cross, another jubilant asylum seeker revealed, laughing hysterically. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. On February 6, around 13:20, a reserve soldier Arthur Varuzhan Grigoryan (born 1985) died as a result of a fire that broke out under unknown circumstances in a cabin located near the shelter of the combat position of guard post N of the Defense Ministry's military unit. The fire was localized and extinguished, the defense ministry said. An investigation is currently underway to thoroughly understand the circumstances of the incident. The Ministry of Defense extends its condolences and support to the family members and relatives of the reservist. Ad Paradigm Press 8,788% Return Predicted For THIS Crypto (already up 40% in 6 months) THIS cryptocurrency has gained 40% in 6 months. A crypto millionaire who has researched the space for a decade says it will go up 8,788% in 5 years. 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February 6, 2024, 14:25 U.S. Embassy offers condolences over deadly explosion in Yerevan FEBRUARY 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: The explosion and the subsequent building collapse in Yerevans Erebuni district on Monday left two people dead and two others injured. Two houses completely collapsed in the wake of the blast believed to be caused by gas leak. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, I wish to express our deepest condolences for the tragic loss that occurred as a result of the explosion and subsequent building collapse in Yerevan yesterday, and our hope for swift recovery to those injured, Kvien said in a statement on Tuesday. Wabash National Corporation provides connected solutions for the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries primarily in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Transportation Solutions and Parts & Services. 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With cases of Measles having risen dramatically across the United Kingdom and Europe, the Western Trust has launched a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine catch-up campaign. The campaign is specifically targeting children and young people up to the age of 25 who have not yet received both doses of the MMR vaccine, providing an opportunity to catch up on the jabs in order to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases. In Northern Ireland, MMR vaccination is free with the first dose being offered when a child is one-year-old and the second when they are 3 years and 4-months-old. Receiving both doses provides long-lasting protection. If you have not yet received both doses of the MMR vaccine, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend a vaccination clinic in the Western Trust area. Clinics will be taking place at the Trusts three hospital sites at Altnagelvin, Omagh, and South West Acute Hospital. Those aged between 12 months - 5 years will be asked to attend for vaccination by their GP. School Nursing Teams will also be visiting Special Educational Needs schools to offer vaccinations. This approach ensures accessibility for young people within an educational setting. The Western Trust will vaccinate all those between 6 and 25 years old who have received a letter. Donna Keenan, Western Trust Interim Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery & AHP Services, emphasised the importance of the programme and the need for everyone to ensure their MMR vaccinations are complete. This is a really important campaign as Measles is one of the worlds most contagious but very preventable diseases, which unfortunately has been on the rise across the UK and Europe. Vaccinations stop the spread of measles and give our communities the best possible protection available against this serious illness, and two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed to ensure the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella. We would encourage all parents and carers to check the vaccination status of their children and young people, and if there are gaps then we ask them to put plans in place to catch up as soon as possible. Western Trust clinics will take place every Saturday (10 am 3 pm) from February 10th up to and including March 30th at the following venues: Altnagelvin Hospital: Level 5, Tower Block South West Acute Hospital: Key Worker Accommodation Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital Omagh: Old School Canteen Walk-ins will be accepted at all clinics but appointments can be booked online at the following link www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr The Western Trusts telephone booking line is also available. Telephone 028 71610753 (Monday to Wednesday, 9.00am 4.00pm) and 028 82835352 (Thursday Friday, 9.00am 4.00pm) A second dose will be offered four weeks after your first vaccine, if applicable, so if you require both doses please leave enough time to have your second jab before the end of March. Please note children under the age of 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For those aged 17 years and over, please bring photographic identification. Full details of the Western Trust MMR vaccine programme are available here - bit.ly/WTMMR More information on Measles, Mumps and Rubella, as well as the MMR vaccine, is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr The 35th anniversary of the assassination of Sinn Fein councillor John Davey will be marked on Sunday (February 11) at a graveside commemoration in Lavey commencing at 11.45am. The event will be addressed by Sinn Fein National Chairperson and key republican strategist, Declan Kearney MLA. Announcing details of the special commemorative event organised by the local Fergal OHanlon/ John Davey Sinn Fein cumann, Councillor Sean McPeake speaking to the County Derry Post said: "On Sunday, republicans from across Counties Derry and Antrim will gather to remember our friend and comrade Sinn Fein councillor John Davey, who was murdered on the laneway leading to his Gulladuff home on Valentines night, 1989. "John was shot two days after the murder of Pat Finucane who was also killed by a UDA gang acting in concert with the RUC Special Branch and British intelligence. "He was killed by a resurgent UDA after it received a substantial amount of weapons brought into the north via the apartheid South African regime by an alliance of unionist death squads and British intelligence. "John was an inspirational leader in relation to the development of Irish republican and progressive politics across this area. "For those who didnt know him, John was a big man. He was big physically. He was big in spirit and mind and vision. And he was big in heart. In south Derry he was for a generation of republicans the heart and soul of our community." For all of us, John was an iconic republican leader who in the bad times stood firm and resolute and who led from the front. He was never cowed or broken or intimidated. "John never allowed the threats or violence of the British or of the unionists to prevent him from doing his duty and pursuing his republican politics. He was, like Pat Finucane, a fearless champion of human rights and equality. On Sunday, as we gather in the old churchyard in Lavey, we will remember John who was a constant source of resolute determination and conviction in terms of our struggle to achieve Irish unity, equality and social justice. Everyone is welcome to attend our special commemorative event which will also focus on this year, 2024, being decisive for change and for Irish unity - a year which will determine the political direction of travel for our country for the foreseeable future, with considerable opportunities for change and progress. The Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice is to reduce its beds capacity due to a loss of government funding. The hospice in Glengormley, Co Antrim, is a charity which provides specialist palliative care for more than 350 babies, children and their families every year. A statement from the charity said the reduction is deeply regrettable and may potentially incur a decrease in staff numbers and a new working model. However, the long-term sustainability of the service will be safeguarded and the number of children and families being supported will remain unaffected. The organisation is consulting with families and staff who may be impacted. The announcement was made as MLAs are due to gather at the Stormont Assembly to call on the Prime Minister to give Northern Ireland the resources that it needs to deliver effective public services. Members will debate a motion urging the Government to put Northern Irelands finances on a sustainable footing. First Minister Michelle ONeill, speaking at the start of the sitting on Tuesday morning, expressed concern. I know we all will be concerned, we all would want to do our very, very best for the hospice service itself, particularly when youre dealing with children going through such a difficult time, she said. I have spoken to the Health Minister, I know that he and I, and Im sure the deputy First Minister, will want to do everything we can to be as supportive as we can of the hospice, and I have communicated that with them this morning. Grace Stewart, acting director of Childrens Hospice, said she profoundly regretted having to implement any reduction in capacity. She said: This decision, led by the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of our service, will impact bed numbers and availability. Given the loss of government funding for one of our beds, our intention is to run six beds Monday to Friday and three beds Saturday and Sunday. This is a change from our seven beds, seven nights model. Despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to supporting children and their families remains. The hospice is the only service of its type in Northern Ireland, supporting babies, children, and their families through a range of services, including antenatal support and supported short breaks. It requires more than 20 million annually to provide its services. The charity said it was facing severe financial challenges due to the current economic climate. It stated: Our energy costs have doubled in the last year and the cost-of-living crisis has increased costs of other essential supplies such as clinical supplies, housekeeping supplies, catering as well as other costs such as insurance and security. The Met Office has extended a weather warning of snow and ice across more of Scotland, as forecasters said travellers could face transport disruption. The forecaster had issued a yellow snow and ice warning from 3pm on Tuesday until midday on Wednesday covering the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and parts of Argyll and Bute and central Scotland. On Tuesday evening, the Met Office extended the warning further east and south to include Glasgow and Aberdeen. It warned that accumulations of up to 3cm of snow are likely quite widely across the warning area, with perhaps another 5-8cm over the north-west Highlands, while icy surfaces will be an additional hazard. Yellow weather warning updated Snow and ice across parts of Scotland Tuesday 1500 Wednesday 1200 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/wqoltpuzBg Met Office (@metoffice) February 6, 2024 The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning of snow covering Northern Ireland, north Wales and northern England from 6am on Thursday to 6am on Friday. It forecast that up to two centimetres of snow is possible at lower levels, 2-5cm on ground above 200 metres, and as much as 15-25cm above 400m. There is a risk of power cuts, travel delays and a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off, the Met Office warned. It added that the snow will ease later in the day on Thursday, and may turn back to rain or drizzle, especially in the south and east of the warning area. Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said most disruption this week was likely to occur on Thursday. He said: With the snow there is a chance that you could see some rail and air travel cancellations. If the snow does reach lower levels then we could also see some local impacts with travel disruption. He added that an easterly wind meant the highest accumulations of snow were likely on the eastern upslopes running across the Pennines and the northern Welsh mountains. The forecaster added that it looked like a cold spell was on its way as an area of high pressure moves in over the UK towards next week. Mr Eslick said: It looks like we could see some cooler conditions starting to come back towards next week and it does look like its going to stick around towards the back end of February. Competing in the satellite race: strategies for Taiwanese enterprises The contours of the low-Earth orbit(LEO) satellite industry are gradually coming into focus, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Taiwanese enterprises. According to BWant, an OTA testing firm, the impending launch of SpaceX's D2C (Direct to Cell) LEO satellites in 2024 marks a pivotal shift in the supply chain dynamics. While traditional user terminals (UT) face saturation due to the maturity and cost-effectiveness of SpaceX's Starlink product, emerging demands such as D2C offer new avenues for Taiwanese manufacturers to explore. In the realm of the second-generation Starlink, the direct satellite-to-terminal connections herald a significant breakthrough in satellite communication technology. Anticipated features, including text messaging support in 2024 and subsequent plans for voice communication, underscore the evolution of this sector. Insiders reveal that while Taiwanese manufacturers may find limited profit margins in the Starlink UT segment, opportunities lie in focusing on satellite components. Most notably, Universal Microwave Technology has emerged as a key player, specializing in passive components like waveguides guiding and broadcasting high-frequency signals. Conversely, Eutelsat OneWeb, representing European interests, faces challenges stemming from corporate restructuring and a complex shareholder landscape. Despite significant ownership by Eutelsat, decision-making authority remains fragmented due to diverse shareholder interests. Practically speaking, collaboration opportunities with OneWeb offer potential for Taiwanese companies, particularly in user terminals and phased array antennas. However, challenges persist as OneWeb's procurement process relies heavily on non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees, often insufficient to cover actual development costs or guarantee orders. Intellian Technologies, a South Korean antenna manufacturer, dominates OneWeb's flat panel antenna orders, bolstered by close ties with OneWeb's shareholder Hanwha Group and established manufacturing partnerships. This dominance poses formidable challenges for Taiwanese manufacturers seeking to secure a foothold in OneWeb's supply chain. While the international satellite operator supply chain is firmly established, Taiwanese enterprises may find success by targeting emerging demands like D2C or aligning with new market entrants rather than directly competing with established players in user terminals and antennas. Wait for it... US teases major Chip Act funding announcement The US Department of Commerce is preparing to allocate funds from its semiconductor manufacturing revitalization plan. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said on February 5 that the Department of Commerce plans to allocate funds from the US$39 billion US government's semiconductor manufacturing revitalization plan within the next two months. Raimondo said the Department of Commerce is engaged in complex and challenging negotiations with chip companies and added that more decisions will be announced in the next 6 to 8 weeks, per Reuters. The US 2022 CHIPS and Science Act aims to provide subsidies for investments in chip manufacturing and related supply chain infrastructure. Raimondo emphasized that these are highly advanced semiconductor fabs. Companies like TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and Intel plan to invest in and construct the latest generation semiconductor fabs in the US, unprecedented in scale and complexity. Raimondo previously stated in December 2023 that around 12 semiconductor chip investment incentives would be made in 2024. She is actively involved in regular dialogues with CEOs of chip companies. No rush Despite the passage of the Chips and Science Act by the US Congress in August 2022, which aimed to address semiconductor challenges, only two small grants have been issued. Raimondo expressed that she does not believe the US government is falling behind in the funding process. One of the most significant applicants of the Chips and Science Act's grants is Taiwan's semiconductor king, TSMC. The company is planning to build two manufacturing plants in Arizona. TSMC hoped to start manufacturing chips in Arizona by late 2024, but the production start date has been pushed back to 2025 due to labor and cost-related challenges. Intel is also building a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Ohio. Bloomberg noted the importance of the Arizona and Ohio plants in the context of the forthcoming presidential election. In 2020, Biden secured victory in the initial state by a narrow margin of 10,000 votes, and manufacturing is poised to emerge as a pivotal issue in a crucial Senate race in Ohio, per Bloomberg. The journey so far The Chips and Science Act has traveled a bumpy road to fruition. Several companies have reportedly grumbled about bureaucratic hurdles in their funding applications. Firms benefiting from US subsidies exceeding US$150 million must contribute a portion of profits exceeding mutually agreed-upon thresholds. Furthermore, these manufacturers will face stringent reporting obligations, restrictions on Chinese investments and stock buybacks, and obligations for providing childcare support to employees, per The Register. Funding can be a combination of grants, government loans, and loan guarantees, with a maximum of approximately 35% of the capital cost of the investment project. Despite cyclicality challenges in the semiconductor market, Raimondo maintains an optimistic outlook on chip demand, driven by artificial intelligence in unprecedented ways. Speaking to the House Committee on Science Space & Tech in September 2023, the country's Raimondo said, "The US will become the premiere destination in the world" in the design, development, and manufacturing of semiconductors if the country is successful in the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act. That is the vision the Department of Commerce hopes to achieve, she added. 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. Toyota sees profits double thanks to robust HEV sales, raising FY24 forecasts Toyota Motor experienced sales growth in all regions in the April-December 2023 period. Strong hybrid EV sales specifically helped the carmaker double its profits. The company also made upward revisions to its forecasts for fiscal year 2024, which ends on March 31. The sales revenue is estimated to reach JPY43.5 trillion (US$293.1 billion). The Japanese automaker announced its financial results for the third quarter of the 2024 fiscal year on February 6. Highlights of Toyota's financial results, April-Dec. 2023 Item Result (JPY b) YoY change (%) Sales revenue 34,022.7 23.88 Operating income 4240.2 102.1 Operating margin (%) 12.5 Net income 3,947.2 107.86 Net income margin (%) 11.6 Source: Toyota, compiled by DIGITIMES Asia, February 2024 Toyota and Lexus delivered more than 7.9 million vehicles from April to December 2023, a 9.7% increase from the previous year. The company said electrified vehicles comprised 35.9% of its total sales. In Toyota's definition, electrified vehicles include HEVs, plug-in hybrid EVs, battery EVs, and fuel cell EVs. The carmaker saw its operating income for the April-December 2023 period up by 102.1% year-on-year. It said the growth was due to an overall sales increase, especially for HEVs. Toyota sold more than 2.64 million HEVs in the period, a 37.9% increase from 2022. Toyota and Lexus reached almost 1.53 million units in China's vehicle sales volume for the April-December 2023 period, a small increase compared to the previous year. The company said HEVs primarily drove the sales. However, Toyota's profits from its subsidiaries and joint ventures in China decreased slightly because of the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and increased selling expenses. The carmaker also revised its FY2024 forecasts. The company decreased the forecast for consolidated sales volume to 9.45 million units due to the suspension of Daihatsu shipments. It made upward adjustments to the sales revenue, operating income, and net income for the fiscal year due to strong sales across regions. The automaker's net income is projected to be JPY4.5 trillion. In its latest financial report, Toyota stated plans to reexamine the purpose, content, safety, and quality of the company's work and strengthen its foothold. Toyota stated it will have top management go down and brainstorm with frontline workers. Toyota also said it will promote initiatives to improve workplace environment and work styles throughout the supply chain, including tier-2 suppliers and beyond. The above measures are viewed as the carmaker's latest response to the irregularities of its subsidiaries. The safety test scandal of Daihatsu Motor has made the carmaker suspend its production. In addition, Toyota Industries' cheating on engine certification affected Hino Motors and Toyota Motor. A Dominos customer has been left absolutely disgusted after coming across an unsettling find in her pizza. Ebony, from Mt Annan in Sydneys south west, who did not wish to have her last name used, placed an order for four pizzas with her local Dominos in Narellan on Sunday night, which she planned to share with family and friends. But what she discovered in one of her pizzas left her "mortified". After biting into a slice, she realised she was biting down on something unusually hard. After taking it out of her mouth, she realised it was a false fingernail. "I was absolutely mortified and disgusted. I was instantly gagging at the idea that was in my mouth," she told Yahoo News Australia. I had bitten into the pizza and was chewing when I felt something hard in my mouth. The fingernail was still intact after Ebony had bitten into it on her pizza. Source: Supplied I originally thought I had the ball of my tongue piercing come off, and it was just that in my mouth, so when I pulled it out and saw it was a fingernail, I was mortified. Warning others on a local community Facebook page, Ebony said she also found a huge clump of hair in another pizza ordered at the same time. Thats disgusting After attempting to call the fast-food outlet without a response, she decided to drive back to alert the manager. The manager didnt really seem like he cared, Ebony said, adding that she also confronted a staff member who was sitting on a bench used to prepare food. [The staff member] was sitting on the prep bench checking her nails and smugly said: 'Oh, its not mine', which annoyed me, so I asked whose nail was in my mouth then, and she was like: 'Uhh, I dunno what colour was it' so I stated the colour, and as soon as I did she jumped off the bench and hid, Ebony recalled. Other members of the community were equally appalled at the shocking discovery, encouraging her to complain to the New South Wales Food Authority. Theyll investigate and likely send out an inspector randomly to do a spot hygiene, safe food handling and storage inspection, one person advised. Story continues Thats disgusting. Call head office, advised another. Unfortunately, Ive also had a bad experience there, said a third. Several locals have advised Ebony to alert the relevant authorities about her experience. Source: Domino's Australia Facebook Meanwhile, some called for gloves and hair coverings to be mandatory in food preparation areas to avoid similar situations occurring in future. The current Health and Hygiene requirements for Food Handlers by the New South Wales Food Authority state that gloves are not always required. The Food Standards Code does not require food handlers to use gloves. Even when wearing gloves, in many situations, it may be preferable to use utensils such as tongs or spoons, the website states. Domino's responds A Domino's Australia spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that a sample of the pizza was being tested after a "foreign object" was found. All stores have since also been reminded of the company's "rigorous" food safety protocol following the incident. "At Dominos, food safety is our top priority, and even one incident like this is one too many," the spokesperson said. "The Dominos Narellan store apologised and refunded the customers order as soon as they were made aware of this and collected a sample of the pizza for further testing. Additionally, we have issued an important reminder to all of our stores about our rigorous food safety procedures. "We take our responsibility as a food business seriously and are proud to deliver thousands of delicious pizzas every day that our customers love." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Fed-up locals living in an inner-city suburb say a huge pile of illegally dumped garbage has ballooned in size, emitting a foul, stinking odour and attracting rodents to the area near a children's playground regularly visited by families. Shocking pictures show the scale of the mountainous, squalid pile-up, located beneath the Western Distributor in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont, metres from Fig Lane Park. Household waste, pillows, clothes, food scraps, milk crates, and even a stained mattress can be seen lying idly in a heap beneath the expressway, which has been growing for a year and has led people to avoid the area altogether. One local man said the foul smell and rodents have deterred people from the area in Pyrmont. Source: Facebook The state of the derelict spot is in contrast to Pyrmont's tidy streets and scenic harbour views, with residents pleading for more to be done to stop people from illegally dumping their waste there. Council and state authority deflect blame A Pyrmont local, speaking to Yahoo News on the condition of anonymity, said he'd contacted the City of Sydney of Council and was told the issue was the responsibility of Service NSW (SNSW), a state body. The man said he then contacted SNSW, but was told the responsibility laid with the council. Frustrated, the man, a resident of the area for 12 years, said he didn't know what else to do to. "So that particular area has just been [the site of] years worth of illegal dumping," he told Yahoo News Australia. "Ive put in probably 10 to 15 requests via email, asking them [the council] to come and pick it up, and they just do nothing. The waste has angered locals, who say people have been dumping there for a year. Source: Facebook "When I called the council they said 'it's not their area' and to ring SNSW, but when I rang them, they said ring the City of Sydney. So it's just become this back and forth. No one's taking responsibility and, instead of doing something, both government organisations have just left it. Story continues "It's disgusting. Look at the pictures so bad," he continued. "The worst I've ever seen it, it's gotten really bad, just awful, foul. When it rains you get the mud underneath because it's not cement, it's like dirt. You get the rats and the mice too." Local councillor slams waste management scheme City of Sydney Labor Councillor Linda Scott said we have had years of inaction by the City of Sydney regarding the waste crisis. As the only councillor who voted against privatisation of the Citys entire waste collection services, Im so disappointed to see my concerns about service levels coming true, she told Yahoo News Australia. Rubbish collections are being missed by over four weeks, causing a wide array of rodent and maggot infestations in not only streets but homes of City residents. The City of Sydney is not taking waste management and collection seriously, speaking to the larger issue of waste management for the entire electorate. Solution finally found Yahoo News has previously extensively covered the waste issues that plague both the City and other nearby LGAs, as mentioned by Scott. We contacted both the City of Sydney and SNSW to clarify definitively who bore responsibility for the waste in Pyrmont. A spokesperson for SNSW said the area is not under their jurisdiction and therefore not their responsibility. They advised us to contact Transport for NSW (TfNSW). A spokesperson for the City said they would look into the matter and, eventually, confirmed it is indeed TfNSW who are accountable for the mess. A TfNSW spokesman told Yahoo they are now working with the City to arrange for the dumped items to be collected. Online, residents called for harsher penalties for those caught dumping and more measures to stop the spot being targeted again. Unlike other LGAs, Sydney has no council tip/dump where people can take their rubbish, instead they have to book kerbside collection, a man wrote. The approach is nuts, because people dump stuff on the kerbside with or without a booking because they see everyone else do it. The whole idea makes the place a mess. Furthermore, people living rough collect stuff and accumulate it, which I think is part of the issue at the site pictured. Others called for cameras to be installed as well as signage, and to fix the repaired fence that was erected months ago in an initial bid to stop dumping. The Corrs have announced the Talk on Corners tour which will hit the UK and Ireland this November. Performing tracks from their acclaimed second album plus a selection of their greatest hits to fans all over the United Kingdom & Ireland, the multi-million selling sibling quartet will kick off the tour at Belfasts SSE Arena before heading to the 3Arena Dublin, Manchesters AO Arena, Glasgows OVO Hydro and Newcastles Utilita Arena. Joining them will be Aussie pop royalty Natalie Imbruglia. Presales for Talk On Corners Tour will start Wednesday 7 February 2024, at 10am while additional pre sales will run throughout the week, with general on-sale following on Friday 9th February, at 10am. The tour announcement follows news that the band whose biggest hits include Runaway, What Can I Do? And Breathless are planning a first ever vinyl release of second studio album Talk On Corners, with more details to come. One of Australias most loved pop artists, Natalie Imbruglia will join The Corrs across all UK & Ireland tour dates. For more information and ticket purchasing, visit: LiveNation.co.uk. The Corrs: Talk On Corners UK & Ireland Tour 2024 Friday 8 November - SSE Arena - Belfast Saturday 9 November - 3Arena - Dublin Monday 11 November - AO Arena - Manchester Tuesday 12 November - Utilita Arena - Cardiff Thursday 14 November - Resorts World Arena - Birmingham Friday 15 November - Utilita Arena - Newcastle Sunday 17 November - OVO Hydro - Glasgow Monday 18 November - Utilita Arena - Sheffield The team at Local Enterprise Office Louth are inviting local businesses to be part of Local Enterprise Week 2024. Taking place from Monday 4th to Friday 8th March, Local Enterprise Week offers loads of great free learning and networking events for local businesses. Pamela Kerr, Senior Enterprise Development Officer at Louths Local Enterprise Office, explains: Being in business requires business owners to constantly learn, adapt, change and grow. And at the Local Enterprise Office, were here to provide really valuable support. Although we provide mentoring, training and support throughout the year, Local Enterprise Week is our chance to really showcase those and invite local businesses to come and talk to us. Weve planned a dynamic schedule of events, with learning to suit businesses at all stages. Check out the line up on localenterprise.ie/louth. Pamela explains: We kick off the week on Monday with a really hot topic, how to use AI to make your business more efficient. Led by expert trainer Stuart Nelson, this session will support business owners in developing an action plan to introduce AI into their business. Throughout the week, Geraldine Johnston of Boyne Communications will deliver Idea Generation Workshops in Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk. These evening-time sessions are a brilliant opportunity for both new and existing business owners to brainstorm ideas and innovations to help develop their business. Sarah Mallon, Coordinator of Local Enterprise Week continues: An important part of Local Enterprise Week each year is our collaboration with business organisations like Network Louth, Drogheda Chamber and Dundalk Chamber. This year is no different. We have partnered with them to create three very special events for business that are open to all, regardless of whether you are members. Network Louth will host an International Womens Day event on building self-confidence and nurturing connections. Drogheda Chambers Business Breakfast will focus on financial planning and insurance options for business owners. Dundalk Chamber will stage their annual Cross Border Economic Conference on the theme of building a sustainable all-Ireland economy. Regionally were also partnering with our colleagues in LEO Cavan, Monaghan and Meath on regional events, while LEO Dun Laoghaire and LEO Kildare will host two show stopping Spotlight events. All of these events are opening to Louth businesses and youll find details on our website. She continues: These are just some of the brilliant learning and networking events and well have mentoring and business advice clinics running throughout the week. Sarah concludes And well wrap up the week with the Louth Enterprise Awards Business lunch on Friday. Its always a wonderful opportunity to network with other business owners and the support agencies who are here to help your business along. So whatever stage your business is at, there's something for you at Local Enterprise Week. Check out the full line-up on LocalEnterprise.ie/Louth and book your places now. And do share this information with anyone you think should take part in this year's events. Local Enterprise Week is brought to you by Local Enterprise Office Louth, proudly supported by Louth County Council and Enterprise Ireland. Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) says it is proud to report that one of its Culinary Arts graduates, Stefan McEnteer, has recently been announced as the recipient of a prestigious Michelin Star as Head Chef in The Bishop's Buttery in Cashel Palace Hotel. Stefan McEnteer who hails from Kingscourt, Co Cavan, graduated from DKIT with a Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts in May 2015. Whilst in DkIT Stefan completed his work placement in Mac Neans Restaurant with Neven Maguire. The Institute also organised a summer position for him upon graduation in the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. During Stefans time in DkIT he represented the Institute at the Knorr student chef of the year 2015, he also won the Gold medal at Catex Chef Ireland 2015 Pasta competition and the Silver medal at Catex Chef Ireland 2015 Team Competition. Receiving a notable Michelin Star is considered the equivalent to the Oscars for the restaurant industry with other Stars being awarded to the following eateries, D'Olier Street in Dublin, Homestead Cottage in Doolin and Terre in Castlemartyr gained its 2nd star this year. Michelin said about The Bishop's Buttery, Cashel, Inside Cashel Palace Hotel, Head Chef Stefan McEnteer and his team have crafted a menu of dishes that demonstrate great skill in their execution, along with terrific flavours and balance. "There is detail and care in the cooking, but plates are never overworked, instead allowing the top-quality Irish ingredients to do the heavy lifting. The food along with the confident, efficient service from a friendly team is entirely befitting of the rather grand setting in the cellar of this magnificent hotel. DkIT has an industry renowned reputation of producing and supporting culinary stars of the future with many of its graduates going on to work in top restaurants both nationally and internationally. For more information on DkITs Culinary Arts courses see here. The Minister for Health is expected to tell Cabinet on Tuesday that there is a high probability of a measles outbreak among unvaccinated groups around the country. Stephen Donnelly will brief his colleagues today that there has been a significant increase in the highly contagious disease in the UK and across Europe relating to falling rates of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Four cases of the disease were discovered in Ireland in 2023 that were linked to travel in other countries where the outbreaks are still ongoing, which could mean it is highly likely those numbers will rise. Uptake of the MMR vaccine, the only protection against the disease, has been less than 90% for just under two years however, the World Health Organization recommends a target of 95%. A recent study in Ireland estimates that almost 1 in 5 males aged 18-19 are unvaccinated. Minister Donnelly is expected to tell Cabinet that these numbers are largely due to parental decisions not to vaccinate their children when they are younger due to inaccurate claims that link vaccines to autism. The Department of Health is currently considering a catch-up programme to vaccinate teens and young adults against the disease. A baggage handler has been told they will never work on Qantas aircraft again after leaving an "unacceptable" note for a customer on their bag on Friday. After collecting his 31-kilogram Kathmandu bag at Karratha Airport in Western Australia, a Qantas passenger found the word "c**t" shockingly scribbled in green marker onto the "heavy" tag wrapped around the bag's handle accentuated with an exclamation mark. "Clearly the Qantas baggage handler at Perth Airport wasnt happy lifting my bag," the man shared. "He left me a nice note to read on arrival." The man found the offensive word scribbled on his Qantas bag tag. Source: Facebook Qantas apologises for 'unacceptable' act After being alerted to the incident Qantas condemned the act and took drastic measures to ensure it never happens again. "This is clearly unacceptable behaviour," a Qantas spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "Menzies, our ground handling provider at Perth Airport, has assured us that the baggage handler involved will never work on Qantas Group aircraft again." The airline has since "sincerely apologised" to the customer for what happened. The passenger shared a photo online after finding the note, and people quickly began responding, with some urging him to "report" it to Qantas. "What a disrespectful so and so... not cool at all..." one person said. Others said he was lucky for even getting his luggage at all. "At least you got your bag. Just flew Perth to Broome and they left everyones bags in Perth" a person revealed. Qantas were alerted to the incident and has taken drastic action. Source: Getty Qantas under the microscope over the last year Qantas has been slammed in the past year by allegations of "poor service" and forced "downgrades" and was even accused of selling "ghost flights" by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) which launched legal action against them in August, 2023. Story continues On top of this, on Thursday Western Australia-based Qantas pilots are set to strike for 24 hours amid their long-running pay dispute with the airline which could see mines with FIFO workers and regional flights disrupted. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A New Zealand ex-pat was allegedly told she could not fly on a Delta Airlines flight in the US because she was not wearing a bra under her shirt. DJ and business owner Lisa Archbold had attended the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City and was flying black to San Francisco on January 22 when, after "every single person" had boarded the plane, a ground crew member "loudly" announced she needed to speak to Lisa in private. "Keep in mind this flight was an hour and a half long so I was not going to be out of my seat again," Lisa told Yahoo News Australia. "So whatever offence she was pretending was happening from my nipples, she had just created that offence again, so it wasnt logical it was humiliation." Kiwi DJ and business owner Lisa Archbold says she was told the outfit she was wearing (left) was 'offensive' by Delta staff because she was not wearing a bra. Source: Supplied Lisa claims the female crew member took her off the plane where she scolded her for her "offensive attire" she labelled as "revealing". Lisa, who was wearing a "baggy", white shirt and pants was shocked. "After this long speech, she tells me she would allow me to stay on the flight if I put on my jacket." Salt Lake City was "unseasonably" warm at the time so she had two jackets with her that she had taken off while in the airport. After putting her jacket back on to "cover" up, Lisa re-boarded the flight. As Lisa was disembarking the plane on the other end, she passed on feedback to the male head flight attendant, calling the treatment "discrimination". "He replied verbatim, 'Our official policy on Delta Airlines is that women must cover up'," she said. "Its pretty gross." Identifying as queer, Lisa believes this is one of the reasons why she was unfairly singled out in this situation. "I looked like a girl who didn't care about being dressed like one." Story continues Delta Airlines 'sent an apology' to passenger Lisa says the airline has emailed an apology but has "stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing". "I don't need miles or an apology, I need Delta to be interested in the safety of their passengers," she said. "The dress code is extremely subjective. Subjective policies are easy vessels of abuse. They are easy to shift. Lets make everyone more safe." Yahoo has contacted Delta Airlines for comment and is yet to receive a response. What is Delta Airlines' dress code? Delta Airlines do not have a dress code per se but under their domestic and international contract of carriage, "Rule 7" states the airline reserves the right to remove passengers when they are "barefoot" or "the passengers conduct, attire, hygiene or odour creates an unreasonable risk of offence or annoyance to other passengers." As a comparison, Qantas have "dress guidelines" for Qantas lounges but under their conditions of carriage do not specify anything related to clothing, so long as the passenger complies with local laws. Aussie women told to 'cover up' by Australian of the Year nominee Female attire has been under scrutiny recently. This week, the founder of a youth charity penned a letter to Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to ban G-string bikinis after noticing many females both teens and adults attending his charity events in a bikini with their "bums out". Speaking on 2GB radio, Grace said men in Budgy Smugglers are not "particularly erotic" but women who wear small bikini bottoms were "demeaning" and "cheapening" themselves. Many have pushed back against the man's opinions, while some have thanked him for calling out the "gross" fashion trend. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. February is National Childrens Dental Health Month! Parents and caregivers should talk with their children about the importance of proper oral hygiene and help motivate them to engage in good oral health habits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades. It is also noted that tooth decay or cavities is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases. To help prevent cavities and promote good oral health, check out these tips. Proper oral health habits Children, and adults, should be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily. Following this routine will help clean teeth and gums of plaque and bacteria. If not properly cleaned, plaque and bacteria can build up and cause tooth decay or cavities. It is important to check your childs brushing technique to ensure they are cleaning their teeth properly. Setting a timer is a great way to help ensure children maintain this routine. Every three to four months, a toothbrush should be replaced. Replacing your toothbrush helps to ensure that the bristles on the toothbrush are cleaning teeth and gums effectively. When replacing a toothbrush, make sure that you use soft bristles and choose the right size for that persons mouth. Children who use too big of a toothbrush wont be able to clean away plaque and bacteria properly. A great way to get kids excited about brushing their teeth is getting a new toothbrush with a favorite character or design on it. Children should be visiting their dentist on a regular basis. Always check with your childs dentist about how often they should be going. During these routine visits, dentists can detect any dental issues early and provide preventative care such as cleanings, X-rays and treatments. Encouraging good oral health Parents and caregivers play a vital role in a childs oral health, from providing meals and snacks to encouraging and motivating kids. Healthy snacks are just as important for healthy teeth as they are for a healthy weight. Find fun ways to encourage healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables, rather than processed sugary foods. Sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of cavities. Pairing peanut butter with celery and raisins (also know as ants on a log) is a great way to get kids excited about healthy snacks. Another beneficial way to reduce sugary drinks is to have kids drink water at meals. Rewards are another great way to encourage proper oral health habits for kids. Using a reward chart could engage your child to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes, complete regular dental checkups and other good oral health habits. It is important to remember that rewards should not always involve sugary sweets. Some other ideas for rewards could be a family movie night, a new toy, stickers, games or activities. Beyond brushing Books are a great learning tool to help teach kids about oral hygiene. Childrens books explain and demonstrate proper techniques for brushing and flossing teeth. Reading books can be a fun way to understand healthy habits and get kids excited to brush their teeth and even go to dental visits. Some dental health childrens books can help prepare children for their visits to the dentist. These books will help kids know what to expect when going to the dentist. The American Dental Association has a variety of other dental health activities available to utilize, such as word searches, mazes, connect the dots, coloring pages and more! Visit ada.org for additional resources and activities. National Childrens Dental Health Month brings about the awareness for good oral hygiene and how parents and caregivers can help promote this in young children. Be sure to check the Cayuga County Health Department's Facebook and Instagram pages for more oral health tips. For Cayuga County residents that do not have dental insurance, or are unsure of what dental offices accept your insurance, consider contacting the following locations: East Hill Family Medical: (315) 253-8477 Moravia Family Health Network: (607) 344-0052 Port Byron Community Health: (315) 776-9700 JULIA Duff was your typical, fun-loving teenager. She hung out with pals and generally enjoyed life - until she had her first tonic clonic seizure aged 15. That first tonic clonic seizure sparked off my diagnosis of epilepsy, says Julia , now 34, from St Lukes, Cork Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which affects the brain. It is a tendency to have repeated seizures, and the trend can be long-term, but the seizures can be controlled, meaning that a person can have epilepsy but may not have active seizures. Seizures can start in a part of the brain or happen in both sides of the brain at once. Julias diagnosis was a life-changing moment. Yes, it had a huge impact on my life, she says. My social life was badly affected, and my teenage pals were at a loss to know what to do or say about my diagnosis. My mum, a single parent, was terrified that she couldnt look after me properly. It was a huge learning curve for both of us. I was very unwell until I was prescribed medication. It takes a while for the right medications for epilepsy to be prescribed, says Julia. It is a matter of trial and error. Julia Duff walking in The Glen River Park with her infant son Rian. Pic Larry Cummins Having epilepsy is much more than having seizures. People with epilepsy and their families typically face an array of challenges to daily living that vary with the severity and nature of the disorder, and that may change as the individual gets older. Because of my type of epilepsy, it took a long time to get under control, says Julia. Dr Brian Sweeney, Neurologist, helped me get the condition under control, but it took almost 10 years to settle down. It was very worrying. I would have myoclonus watching TV, which caused quick, jerking movements in my limbs that I couldnt control. I would jerk at random, which was embarrassing. She suffered a lot. Id experience absence seizures that cause you to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds, says Julia. They can also be called petit mal seizures. What was school like? I wasnt an amazing student, says Julia. The meds I was taking were so heavy, I found it hard to focus and my memory wasnt great. I wasnt aware a lot of the time of what was happening. When an absence seizure occurred, I wasnt aware of it. I wasnt excelling at school. I took the long way round! Medical Alert bracelet worn by Julia Duff to alert first responders or those giving emergency medical care. Pic Larry Cummins Julia became an amazing student and an amazing mother. I finally went to college in my 20s and graduated with a Masters in Business. I took the long route! Was her epilepsy under control then? It was mostly under control, says Julia. The seizures were intermittent. I felt there was a breakthrough and I tried to get on with life as a young adult. Julia was ambitious. I told my neurologist I had future plans for when I got older. I wanted to have children and I worried that the medications I was taking were safe. Julia had people in her corner. During the whole process of figuring things out, I had great people around me, she says. They were so patient and caring. When my mind was cloudy and muddy, I could call on people for help. It took a good few people to manage the circumstances when I suffered a seizure. If I had a full seizure, I could be unconscious all day and in pain. I needed minding. It took a while for people to understand that my memory was impaired. I was slower to get started in the morning. Julia got a lot of help from her friends. People were so good to help me out, says Julia. They werent freaked out. Some people can be ignorant about epilepsy and feel that they cant speak to me about it. Peoples ignorance about the condition can be frightening for sufferers. Often, says Julia, people thought when someone was experiencing an epileptic episode that they should hold them down and stick a spoon in their mouths to prevent them from swallowing their tongue. Others think you should break the jaw or teeth. I am very forthcoming in telling people what to do in the event of my having a seizure. I volunteer the information. Julia Duff, aged 34, from St Lukes, Cork was your typical fun-loving teenager. The mum of one hung out with pals and generally enjoyed life until she had her first tonic clonic seizure age 15. What information can she volunteer to us? If I suffer a seizure and hit my head, I could go into status epilepticus, which is defined as a seizure with five minutes or more of continuous clinical and/or electrographic seizure activity, or recurrent seizure activity without recovery between seizures - an ambulance should be called, says Julia. The ambulance should arrive in minutes. If it is over five minutes the repercussions can cause brain damage. Status epilepticus can be fatal if you dont come out of the seizure. Julia achieved her ambitions, going to college and becoming a mother. I checked that the drugs I was taking were safe during pregnancy, she says. How did she meet her partner, Bill? I met him through a friend in Cork city, says Julia. Bill wanted to know everything about her. He was very inquisitive, says Julia. He did his own research on epilepsy, so wed be best equipped to deal with the condition. He is very caring. When Julia got pregnant in September, 2022, she was five years seizure-free. Then, at the end of my first trimester, I suffered a tonic clonic seizure, says Julia. Luckily, I was in bed and was unhurt and I got back on track. She suffered another seizure, an absence seizure, when she was on the operating table about to undergo a caesarean section. It felt like I was not under control, says Julia. She felt the effects of the most recent seizures after Rian was born. Peoples help then was a big deal, says Julia. Bills family, my family, all pitched in, and I was able to recover and recover my strength. For a few months after Rian was born it felt like the seizures I suffered before and after he was born seemed like a nightmare. The nightmare wasnt over. I wasnt allowed to be alone with Rian, says Julia. For his safety, I wasnt allowed to hold him. That must have been devastating for the new mother? It was very upsetting, says Julia. But we knew it was all for Rians safety. Talking to Julia, she tells me that for three months now, she has been seizure-free. Life is different and life is good. Rian and I go for walks in the park, she says. We go to mothers and toddlers group. And we go swimming. Soon, Julia will return to work in UCC. Yes, I will return as soon as we sort out childcare for Rian, says Julia. She says people being newly diagnosed with epilepsy can find it hard. For younger people, it is harder to accept, says Julia. I would advise they tell people and not be ashamed. There can be a stigma around epilepsy; almost medieval misconceptions about it. I would rely on others to help out and to be reliable taking medications. People diagnosed with epilepsy might have to tweak their lifestyle, not drinking for example. That might be a struggle, but the struggle with maintaining good health is much more important. Looking cool in front of friends is not that important. Sourcing support resources is important. Epilepsy Ireland offers much information and support, says Julia. Niamh in the community programme office in Cork is so nice and she texts me to check in with me every month. Julia is living her best life. Yes, I have epilepsy. But it doesnt define me. Jack OConnor from Kerry who lives in Turners Cross and works at Telus Mahon, experienced his first epileptic seizure at 17. JACKS STORY Jack OConnor, from Kerry, who lives in Turners Cross and works at Telus Mahon, experienced his first epileptic seizure at 17. It came totally out of the blue, says Jack, now 23. It came a week before I was due to take my driving test and it was the day my friend and I went to UCC to see the campus. Jack remembers that fateful day. I waited outside the toilet for my friend, and he heard me collapse, says Jack. I had no idea what just happened. It was months after that I had another episode, in June, the summer of 2018. I didnt worry too much. I thought the episodes were one-offs, or initially I thought they might be caused by diabetes. But they werent. Before I went to study in UCC, the episodes got worse and they badly affected me, says Jack. Fortunately, he had people looking out for him as he started a new college term, dealing with a new medical condition. My flat mates were great to me, says Jack, whose episodes occur randomly and regularly. He had one recently. Just yesterday I had to come home from work and one of my housemates got a taxi for me. Jack very often doesnt get any warning before he experiences an epileptic episode or an absence episode. I try not to out-think the condition, he says. "If Im out late on a Thursday night, I wake up late on Friday. Once, he woke up in hospital. I didnt fall, recalls Jack, but I zoned out, a kind lady guided me off the road. Everyone wanted to help. Strangers helped me. Strangers stayed with me. There is good in everyone. When he had a consultation with a neurologist, it was confirmed that he had epilepsy. In Ireland, there are 45,000 individuals with epilepsy, 20% of whom are paediatric. Of 40,000 sufferers in Ireland,. only about 70% are well controlled on medication. What did Jack fear most when he was diagnosed with epilepsy? I feared for my independence, he says. I feared that I couldnt do my own thing in the big, bad world. He was in denial. For a long while I refused to acknowledge it, he says. I didnt take the best care of myself. I needed to figure out what type of epilepsy it was and what kind of medication I needed. I discovered that I didnt have tonic clonic epilepsy, I had focal epilepsy arising from a specific part of the brain and I had absence seizures causing a sudden lapse of consciousness. How was Jacks life impacted after he was diagnosed with epilepsy? I missed out on college every few weeks, he says. At times I couldnt attend lectures. I didnt trust myself on the bus. He was more careful. My social life was more measured, says Jack. His friends were there for him. My core group of friends were OK with it, says Jack. They made jokes at the start which was sometimes tough to deal with. Others seemed to look at me different. His mindset was different. Epilepsy was always at the back of my mind. I suffered from anxiety and the epilepsy compounded that. Sometimes, I can put myself at ease, more so these days. People are so nice and willing to help. Whats the worst thing about having epilepsy? The physical experience is so horrible, says Jack. You can feel like sh-t in a moment. Are there any warning signs before having an episode? I try and look out for them, says Jack. I began to recognise the warning signs like getting fidgety. Your cognitive skills fail a bit. What does having an episode feel like? 10 or 15 minutes before having an episode, you feel very intense, says Jack. You feel a sense of deja-vu. Like consciousness is above you. It can be like an out of body experience Im like a third person looking down on myself. Sometimes, there are no warnings. I often wake up in bed having no idea what happened, says Jack. Often, I dont feel anything happening before a seizure. I can suffer concussion after having a seizure. How does his family feel about Jacks diagnosis? My little brother doesnt realise how serious epilepsy is, says Jack. My dad is mindful of it and my mum joined a support group which helped her a lot. Jack and Paddy liaise regularly. Paddy McGeoghegan, Advocacy and Communication manager, Epilepsy Ireland, has provided me with great support and information, says Jack. Young people who are diagnosed with epilepsy can get great help from Epilepsy Ireland. Jack takes Lamictal, an anti-epileptic medication and Vimpat for partial onset seizures. I have to remember to take my meds, says Jack. Sometimes my memory loss is so big I dont bother learning peoples names. Jack doesnt dwell on his condition. I try not to think about it too much, he says. If I did think about it too much, Id spend half my time in fear of myself. Some days I can deal with it better than other days. Jack started a new job too. The change of sleep habits getting up earlier in the morning goosed me at first, he admits. And I had to go home from work a number of times. That didnt sit well with him. I dont like being less of a reliable employee. But Jack is never alone. People are so helpful, they dont see epilepsy as something terrible. Jack is a positive person too. Im optimistic with support systems in place, with a support network around me. I always feel I have people to fall back on. I have a running start at this. Im pretty happy. But things can change in an instant. International Epilepsy Day is on February 12. Epilepsy affects 45,000 people in Ireland, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. Epilepsy Ireland is based in Dublin. The office can be contacted by calling 01-4557500- 9am to 5pm. To contact the Cork branch, call Niamh Jones, South Lee and West Cork: 0858766628. Email:info@epilepsy.ie Advocacy and Communication manager, Epilepsy Ireland Paddy McGeoghegan is on 085-8014451. If a person has a seizure, the first thing you should do is time it. After five minutes call an ambulance. Keep the person safe during the seizure. Never put anything in a persons mouth or restrain them during a seizure. Stay with the person. It really is as simple as Time, Safe, Stay. THE 2024 Blackwater Valley Fit-Up Theatre Festival has got off to a flying start. For the last two weeks, venues all over northeast Cork and west Waterford have staged The Empty Nest and The Ballad of Mossy Flood. Record attendances have witnessed superb theatre craft from Seamus ORourke and Joan Sheehy: The pair are now on a three-week run with The Empty Nest in Dublin. Week three of the festival, produced by Blood in The Alley Theatre Company in conjunction with Cork County Council and The Arts Council, commences this Wednesday night, February 7. Bartlemy Parish Hall will see Fishamble: The New Theatre Company present King, written and performed by Pat Kinevane and directed by Jim Culleton. King will be staged in Inch on Thursday, in Ballynoe on Friday, and the Palace Theatre, Fermoy on Sunday. Week four starts in Ballynoe on Tuesday, February 13, with Michael Patric in Sean Moylan-Irish Revolutionary. Bartlemy Hall will host a Valentines night production (087 9538077). Sean Moylan-Irish Revolutionary will be on stage in Inch on Thursday, February 15 and in The Palace, Fermoy on the Sunday (8pm, tickets on the door). A GREEN Party MEP said she will explore if EU environmental legislation could be used to safeguard a large greenspace on the northside of Cork city from future development. Ireland South MEP Grace OSullivan recently visited the lands at Murphys Rock, a site in the region of 200 acres in the Kilcully area, to hear from locals who wish to see it preserved as an amenity. Murphys Rock is an important part of Corks natural and historical heritage and should be protected as such. We know now the value of Irish wetlands as areas of biodiversity and as carbon sinks, she said, speaking after the visit. Amendment to development plan Ms OSullivan acknowledged the work of her party colleague, councillor Oliver Moran, who proposed a successful amendment to the city development plan in 2022 which states that any development in the area should safeguard access to the riverside, protect biodiversity and preserve this ecological and visually sensitive asset. Consideration will be given to existing historic, cultural and social landmarks and their integration into any enhanced future riverside park, continues the amendment. Ms OSullivan added that she would explore if EU legislation could be used to protect the land from development. The group setting off on a nature walk of Murphy's Rock. Pic Larry Cummins It is important now that we examine what further protections can be put in place under the longstanding Birds and Habitats Directives as well as new measures like the EU Nature Restoration Law and the Green Partys landmark 3bn Climate and Nature Fund, she said. In a report by the Land Development Agency (LDA) identifying land potentially suitable for housing, it states that some of the land, a large section of which is understood to be owned by the IDA, is identified for transfer to the LDA under Housing for All. The lands around Murphys Rock are identified as Class 3 by the LDA in terms of their suitability for housing. This means that it would require a strategic plan-led approach and extensive stakeholder engagement before it could be advanced, Mr Moran explained. The approximate timescale would likely be over 10 years, which takes the question outside of the immediate needs of the housing crisis. There are live planning permissions in the Ballyvolane area with infrastructure being built that the LDA could more feasibly take over to deliver housing in the immediate term. Mr Moran highlighted that the LDA has already met with members of the community. What I wouldnt like is for the objective of the Glenamought River Valley Park [within Murphys Rock] to get lost in limbo while that timescale of the LDA works itself out. I would much prefer to see the Glenamought River Valley Park project going ahead now led by Cork City Council in partnership with the community. That would have benefits for the whole community, he said. 'Extremely important' to residents Murphys Rock and Bride Valley Support Group chairwoman Joan Lewis said the area is extremely important to local residents, citing what she described as a lack of green spaces on the northside of the city. Nature walk at Murphy's Rock as (right) Joan Lewis chats with (left) Grace O'Sullivan, MEP as they walk the 'hidden gem' on the northside of Cork City. Amy Power story for The Echo. Pic Larry Cummins Ms Lewis stressed that local residents have demonstrated in the past that they are not against development elsewhere in the locality but that Murphys Rock needs to be protected as an amenity. Pauline Cudmore, also involved in the group, said people have walked the greenspace for centuries. Ms Cudmore said she would like to see the area mostly left wild with some sensitively designed paths to make the greenspace more accessible. THE Gearagh river delta near Macroom could attract multimillion-euro investment, eco-tourists from around the world, and become Corks first national park if the campaign of an aspiring Green Party candidate for Cork County Council and a Macroom-based author and environmental activist gains public support. Green Party local election candidate Harriet Burgess, who is standing in the Macroom electoral area in the June elections, and Kevin Corcoran, the author of Saving Eden The Gearagh and Irish Nature, a book which argued that the river flood plain outside the town needed protection, will be speaking at a public meeting to be held on Saturday, February 24, in the Kilmurry Independence Museum. According to Ms Burgess, the campaign to add the Gearagh to Irelands six existing national parks has already attracted the interest of her party leader and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan and now shes hoping to get public support for the proposal. Public talk What the talk is about is to see what the public and those living locally around Macroom and the Gearagh area think about this idea, said Ms. Burgess, adding that there were a number of issues which were obvious as they looked at the Gearagh, parts of which are accessible by a pathway at present. The lack of access is problematic, its extremely difficult to access the walkway that is at the Gearagh now and theres no public walkway between Macroom and the Gearagh thats an immediate action the Council could look at. The candidates own research about the status of inland river deltas like the Gearagh internationally pointed to much greater protection being given by national governments to these areas because of their extreme rarity in scientific terms. Ive looked at other river deltas across the world like, for example, the Okavango River delta in Botswana and others first of all its noted across all the scientific measures that its an extremely rare river formation and the Gearagh itself is extremely rare, a formation from the ice age which is spectacular scientifically and in many other ways. When you look internationally, most of the inland river deltas are protected by specific pieces of national legislation and depending on where the country is, theyre massive tourist destinations the Okavango River Delta in Botswana is a huge eco-tourist destination for safari-goers. I think something we should explore as a community is [if] the protection the Gearagh is being afforded at the moment adequate. 'Unique opportunity' The Green Party candidate also pointed out that there was a unique opportunity now, since the last budget when a Climate and Nature Fund of 3.1bn had been created, and that a proposal to create a national park in the Gearagh would have enormous potential. Theres so many different things that it could do for the area tourism is one thing, for the local town of Macroom and Cork City, the potential of Cork having its first national park could be incredible. Irelands six existing national parks are in Killarney, the Burren, Connemara, the Wild Nephin in Mayo, Glenveagh, Co Donegal, and the Wicklow Mountains. CORK Gaeltacht jam company Follain has presented a cheque for 18,000 to the homeless charity Simon. It had pledged to donate 50% of its online sales for the month before Christmas. The Baile Mhuirne food company made the gesture to mark 40 years since its foundation, in 1983. The companys co-directors, siblings Micheal and Mairead Ni Lionaird, presented the cheque to Wayne Stanley, executive director of the Simon Communities. Obviously we understand that this contribution is a drop in the ocean when it comes to ensuring Simon are in a position to continue their work, so we are hoping to continue the conversation and partnership with the organisation going forward and, in the meantime, we encourage you to find out a little more about the Simon Communities of Ireland, said Micheal and Mairead in a statement. Thanks to your support, we were able to raise a total of 18,000 for this worthwhile charity; we are absolutely delighted with the final amount we are able to donate to the Simon communities of Ireland, and we feel it demonstrates the place Simon occupies in the hearts of our customers and the wider public, especially at a time when so many people are facing personal financial challenges. Mr Stanley told The Echo that a number of organisations helped to fund the charity and described the Cork company as a particularly good partner. This is the second year theyve done this, providing 50% of the sales for December, and its raising increasing amounts, 18,000 this year, and what we do with that is that it gets distributed to the Simon communities across Ireland to go to support frontline services. A CORK-based lab technical officer from UCCs School of Microbiology has been recognised with a prestigious award honouring her work in the community. Dr Lekha Menon Margassery, who is also the director of Aatma Indian Dance Troupe, said she was delighted to receive the Person of the Year award from the Confederation of Indian Communities in Ireland. The accolade marked an event in Dublin celebrating Indias 75th Republic day. The national holiday is celebrated every year in India on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of the constitution of India and the countrys transition to a republic, which came into effect back in 1950. Lekhas work as a stalwart volunteer has taken numerous forms over the years. She has been lauded particularly in her capacity as president of the World Malayalee Councils Cork unit. Formed in 2012, the division provides a non-political forum linking members of the Malayalee/Kerala community in Cork. Its aim is to promote culture and a traditional way of life. Lekha was presented with the award by Akhilesh Mishra, Indian ambassador to Ireland, and Dublin West senator Emer Currie. Some of the volunteers work during the covid pandemic included helping people stuck indoors and unable to access medicine during an extremely challenging time for Corks healthcare sector. Lekha said she finds strengthening integration in the community particularly rewarding. The team helps people settle in Cork through tasks like finding accommodation. If they are having visa issues, we try to guide them accordingly. In my work in UCC I try to guide students in the School of Microbiology and teach them about the importance of equality and diversity in our community as well as how we need to respect each other. I also promote Indian culture through my dance group. She spoke about her work facilitating cultural exchanges. We try to breed Indian culture in the community as much as possible in the community so everyone knows about it. Promoting cultural exchanges between communities is also part of the work we do. The UCC lab technical officer said her family and friends have been very supportive. My husband has been a really good support to me, especially since what Im doing leaves me with less time to spend with him. The Citizen has found no indication that the Southern Cayuga Central School District investigated a romantic relationship between a teaching assistant and a former student, who is now a murder suspect, despite being told about it several years ago by the teaching assistant's adult children. They also told The Citizen that they believe the relationship began while the student was still in the district. The now-former teaching assistant, Mary Ferro, testified at a Cayuga County Court hearing Jan. 19 that she began a relationship with former student Gage Ashley "sometime after 2017," the year he turned 20. The hearing concerned the legality of a police search of her Aurelius home days after the November 2019 shooting death of Joshua Poole in Auburn, for which Ashley is facing murder charges. Ferro testified that she met Ashley in 2014, and that he lived with her at a previous home in Aurelius from February to fall 2015. However, her children believe she was having sex with him during that time, when he was 17 going on 18 and still a Southern Cayuga High School student. Two years later, after witnessing that they were indeed having a romantic relationship, the children reported it to the school district's superintendent, Patrick Jensen, in an email. They noted community rumors about the relationship, and said they were worried about their mother continuing to work in the district. "We are unsure what consequences our mother will face at this point. We are trying to allow anyone with connections to her the chance to make their own decisions before this becomes public," said the 2017 email, which was written by Ferro's daughter Jessica Kessler. "This will be and is humiliating for us, but if we can save anyone else from being blindsided with the news, we would like to." Kessler said Jensen responded promptly, asking if the siblings had any proof of the relationship. She said they didn't, but they were willing to share what they knew with the district. Kessler also told Jensen that proof could emerge from the divorce proceedings of her mother and her father, John Ferro. In her testimony, Mary Ferro said they separated in 2015 and he filed for divorce in 2018. Still, Kessler and her siblings never heard from Jensen again. "I was pretty disappointed that they wouldn't even look into it, because at that point, I was like, 'If she's doing it with this kid, is there any others?'" Ferro's other daughter, Melissa Ekiert, told The Citizen. "Wouldn't the school want to know?" The district was again confronted with the possibility of Ferro and Ashley having a romantic relationship in 2019, when two New York State Troopers investigating Poole's murder arrived at Southern Cayuga High School to ask why Ashley had the teaching assistant's vehicle. School Principal Luke Carnicelli covered her classroom while she spoke with the officers, she recalled during her testimony. Asked by The Citizen about the relationship and whether the school district has investigated it, Jensen has repeatedly declined comment, saying he is unable to discuss personnel matters. Two Freedom of Information Law requests concerning the relationship were also denied by the school district, which told The Citizen the records in question include attorney-client privileged information and records whose publication would constitute an invasion of personal privacy. The district further noted that the state Committee on Open Government and state courts allow for the withholding of records pertaining to allegations of misconduct against public employees when they "have not yet been determined, were dismissed or found to be without merit, or did not result in disciplinary action." The New York State Department of Education's rules and regulations say that when a school receives information suggesting that someone holding a teaching certificate has committed an act that "raises a reasonable question as to the individual's moral character," that information must be referred to the department. However, when asked by The Citizen whether the department has received such information from Southern Cayuga, a representative said it does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations "in order to protect the fairness and integrity of our processes." Ferro testified that questions by reporters about her relationship with Ashley, and his "notoriety," led Southern Cayuga to ask for her resignation in December. Records show she began with the district in September 1982 and obtained her teaching assistant certification in February 1987. Ashley, who was born on Aug. 16, 1997, was a student at the high school from December 2013 to October 2015. Now 26, Ashley will go on trial in March for first-degree murder and other charges. He was convicted of the same charges and sentenced to 21 years to life in December 2021, but the conviction was overturned after a state appeals court determined the grand jury that indicted him was illegally constituted. He is one of four men charged with Poole's murder, and the other three have been convicted. The Cayuga County District Attorney's Office has declined comment to The Citizen on Ashley's relationship with Ferro due to the upcoming trial. 'Inappropriate' and 'inexcusable' Kessler and Ekiert thought it was strange when 17-year-old Ashley moved into their parents' Aurelius home in 2015. They were told Ashley's mother was moving out of the area, they said. Because he attended Southern Cayuga and Ferro worked there, he would stay with her so he could continue attending the school until graduation. They also knew Ashley had a difficult background, and that their mother was struggling after her youngest child, Johnathan, left for college. So the children accepted it. Once he moved in, Ashley often hovered around Ferro, Kessler said. Ekiert said her mother's behavior changed as well. She began riding the family's go-karts around their wooded property, something she refused to do previously. When Ferro brought Ashley along for the family's annual trip to North Carolina, she let him smoke in the car after years of forbidding her children from doing the same. By July 2017, Kessler said, she had been defending Ferro against community rumors that she was in a relationship with Ashley for a couple years. Her mother denied them, and she believed her. Then, one night, Kessler received a call from her other brother, Robert. He and their mother were living in neighboring apartments that shared a wall. Distressed, he told his sister that he could hear Ferro and Ashley having sex. Kessler drove to the apartment, and the two siblings knocked on their mother's door. She said she was sleeping. But when Kessler opened a closet door, she found Ashley. Ferro had lied to her children. And though Ashley was 19 years old at the time, he was still a former student at her school one she took into her home, Kessler said. The four siblings have not spoken to their mother since. "There's nothing she could do, say, come back from. That's where our relationship died," Kessler said. "Whatever is happening, this is inappropriate. It's inexcusable." A CORK priest will no longer work as a school chaplain after a guest speaker at a school Mass criticised divorce and used the term gender benders while questioning Irelands Eurovision selection of a non-binary artist. A spokesperson for the Catholic diocese of Cork and Ross has told The Echo that Fr Michael OLeary, parish priest of Wilton, will no longer be providing chaplaincy services to Gaelscoil Ui Riada, which is the only school in the parish. It follows an incident in which students at the Cork primary school, which is under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, heard a guest speaker make controversial comments at a special Mass at St Josephs Church in Wilton last Tuesday. Towards the end of the ceremony, celebrant and parish priest Fr Michael OLeary invited a guest speaker to address the congregation from the altar. It is understood that the speaker had been expected to talk about intergenerational faith issues, but instead spoke for almost 20 minutes on perceived ills afflicting Irish society. In his address, the speaker is understood to have said society is falling apart and, he claimed, some people have used divorce to manage chaos in their lives. He also criticised homosexuality, condemning the selection of non-binary artist Bambie Thug to represent Ireland in the Eurovision, using the phrase gender benders during his talk. A number of people walked out of the Mass in progress, and the school principal and board of management chairman subsequently wrote a letter of apology to parents. As you are aware, a person not associated with the school was given the opportunity to address the congregation during the Mass, school principal Breanndan O Greilligh and board of management chairman Seamus O Rinn wrote. This happened without our prior knowledge, and we deeply and sincerely regret that this happened and the upset caused. MEETING A meeting was later held between Fr OLeary, the board of management of Gaelscoil Ui Riada, and Bishop Gavin, at which it was agreed that Fr OLeary would no longer provide chaplaincy services for the school. A spokesperson for the Catholic diocese of Cork and Ross told The Echo that Fr OLeary has recognised that its best for the school that he step back from that role. The spokesperson said Wilton parish is one in a family of four parishes, and the chaplaincy of Gaelscoil Ui Riada will be provided by priests from the other parishes and lessons about guest speakers have been learned. They added that remarks attributed to the speaker at the school Mass were the speakers own personal opinions. The Board of Management and the priest have met with Bishop Fintan and steps have been taken to ensure that this does not happen again. This has been communicated to all families. The controversy comes as Pope Francis has made what have been interpreted as conciliatory statements toward LGBT people, indicating last year that pastoral charity meant same sex unions could be blessed on a case-by-case basis, saying Pastoral prudence must adequately discern whether there are forms of blessing . . . that do not convey a mistaken concept of marriage. The Pope has since said transgender people can be baptised, serve as witnesses and become godparents in some cases. Pope Francis has stated that being gay is not in itself a sin, although he remains of the view that homosexual acts are, as is all sexual activity outside of traditional marriage. A spokesperson for Gaelscoil Ui Riada said the school and its board of management would not be making a comment at this time. Efforts to contact Fr OLeary for comment were unsuccessful. There were emotional outbursts at Cork District Court as a 31-year-old man was brought before the court charged with murdering 47-year-Kieran Quilligan. Minutes later a 26-year-old man was also charged with the same count of murder. The two Cork men were brought before Cork District Court charged with murdering Kieran Quilligan eight days after human remains found in East Cork and more than five months since he was reported missing. Detective Garda Brian Barron arrested 31-year-old Niall Long and charged him with murder. The accused made no reply when cautioned. He was arrested at his home on Monday February 5 and charged later in the day. He was brought before Cork District Court today where Judge Mary Dorgan presided. There was silence as Mr Long was escorted into Cork District Court by a phalanx of garda officers. As the brief hearing ended and he was being brought back into the custodial area, members of the Quilligan family stood, shouted angrily in his direction from the body of the court. One of the family turned briefly to the judge as they left the courtroom and said, We apologise, your honour. The charge states that on a date unknown between September 1 2023 and January 29 2024 at an unknown location within the state in the District Court area of Cork city he did murder Kieran Quilligan, contrary to Common Law. Niall Long of 35 St. Michaels Close, Mahon, Cork, was represented by Shane Collins-Daly solicitor who was granted free legal aid. Because it is a murder charge it was not open to the accused to apply for bail at district court level. Mr Collins-Daly said a high court bail application would be made in the coming weeks. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody for one week, on the application of Sergeant Pat Lyons, to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Minutes later, Detective Garda Anne OSullivan gave evidence of arresting 26-year-old Luke Taylor of no fixed address, and formerly of Cherry Lawn, Blackrock, Cork. When charged with the same offence he replied, Didnt murder no one. Like his co-accused, Mr Taylor was also remanded in custody until February 13. He was represented on free legal aid by Eddie Burke. Detective Garda Anne OSullivan gave evidence of arresting 26-year-old Luke Taylor (pictured) of no fixed address, and formerly of Cherry Lawn, Blackrock, Cork. FILE PIC Gardai confirmed last week that they had started a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains found on Monday, January 29, at Rostellan in east Cork. Later in the week assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a post-mortem examination of the remains at Cork University Hospital. Following this, there was a DNA examination of samples sent to the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory in Dublin, and confirmation that the remains were those of Mr Quilligan. A Garda liaison officer has been keeping the Quilligan family briefed on developments. The human remains were found at the bottom of an excavated ditch off the Midleton to Whitegate road past Whitewell Cross and the turn off for Rostellan, by a sniffer dog and his handlers. WITH national figures showing a dramatic increase in requests to rehome dogs, a Cork dog charity says it is facing an unprecedented demand for its services. National dog charity Dogs Trust this week reported that it had received 412 requests since Christmas Day from members of the public seeking to surrender their dogs to the charitys care. That figure follows on from the 3,968 surrender requests the charity received last year, the highest volume Dogs Trust has seen since it opened its doors in 2009. The reasons most provided by owners for wanting to relinquish a dog into the care of Dogs Trust are a lack of time, accommodation issues, and dogs exhibiting unwanted behaviours. Cork dog charity Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG) told The Echo that the figures reported nationally roughly tallied with its own experience in the Munster region since Christmas. Maire OSullivan of DAWG said the charity had received in the region of 100 surrender requests since Christmas. Requests are definitely extremely high, and a lot of time-sensitive requests, with people who have been trying to rehome the dogs themselves, or people who are in a situation where their landlord has told them their dog has to go immediately, Ms OSullivan said. Those kinds of calls are extremely upsetting and very difficult to manage, because we have a finite number of spaces and an extremely slow rate of rehoming, one of the lowest weve ever seen, where there are just not people looking for dogs right now. Ms OSullivan said the charity will occasionally see a particular breed is in demand, but, she said, that tends to be the only situation in which rehousing gains traction. Its a hidden aspect of the housing crisis, because people are unable to find places that will take them and their pets, people who might be facing uncertain housing situations and have much-loved pets that they cant take with the., she said. Anyone interested in rehoming a dog is asked to visit the DAWG website www.dogactionwelfaregroup.ie/. The funeral will take place on Thursday of Kieran Quilligan whose skeletal remains were found in scrubland on the main Midleton to Whitegate Road in Co Cork on January 29. Two men, aged 26 and 31, appeared before Cork District Court this morning charged with the murder of Mr Quilligan contrary to common law. The 47 year old, whose death notice on RIP.ie reads as Kieran Quilligan-OFlynn, is survived by his parents Kathleen and Steven and his siblings Trevor, Karen, Stephen, Roy and Pamela. He is sadly missed by family, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, godchild, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives and friends. He will lie in repose at Fordes Funeral Home in South Gate Bridge tomorrow (Feb 7) from 5pm until 6pm. His requiem mass will take place on Thursday at 3pm at the Church of the Way of the Cross, Togher, with a cremation at the Island Crematorium. Meanwhile, the remains of Mr Quilligan-OFlynn were identified after DNA samples from the deceased taken at the postmortem examination were compared to samples given by his family. The samples were compared at the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory in Dublin. The deceased, who had lived in Togher and Knocknaheeny in Cork city, disappeared on September 1, 2023. His body was recovered at around noon on January 29 in Rostellan, Co Cork after gardai carried out a planned search with a cadaver dog. The badly decomposed remains were taken to the mortuary in Cork University Hospital where a postmortem examination was carried out by assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster. Dr Bolster also visited the scene where the remains were found. THE Ukrainian motorist who denies dangerous driving causing the death of GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer at Innishannon at Christmas 2022 said by Google Translate to gardai on the day of the crash: I am sorry I was scared. I have no excuses. However, the defence senior counsel Seamus Roche said during the trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that when Bohdan Bezverkhyi said this he was referring to leaving the scene and was not admitting any responsibility for dangerous driving causing Mr Palmers death. Detective Garda Manus ODonnell testified that he called to the accused and told him he was investigating the car crash and that Mr Besverkhyi made the responses via Google Translate, also stating: I wanted to go to you tomorrow. Detective Garda ODonnell also testified that when he charged the accused with four counts all relating to a failure to remain at the scene of an accident he variously replied: I am guilty, I just want to apologise I am sorry, very sorry for what happened... I have no excuse, no excuse Very sorry for my actions. I want to apologise. I am very sorry for my actions. Again Mr Roche said in cross-examination that the four charges to which the defendant made those responses referred only to a failure to remain at the scene. Det Garda ODonnell agreed. Charges Bohdan Bezverkhyi, 33, of Rigsdale House, Rigsdale, Ballinhassig, Co Cork, denies the most serious charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Palmer at Dunkereen Cross, Innishannon, Co Cork, on December 29, 2022. He pleaded guilty to five other charges. He admitted dangerous driving at another time and place December 28, 2022 on the main Cork-Kerry road, the N22. In respect of the incident at Innishannon on December 29, 2022, he pleaded guilty to failing to offer assistance at the scene, failing to remain there, failing to report the incident to An Garda Siochana, and a charge of failing to stop. The trial before Judge Colin Daly and a jury of seven men and five women continues at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Cross examination Seamus Roche SC said during cross-examination of Det Garda ODonnell: He has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and various associated actions and that is effectively what he was apologising for. The detective agreed that the accused was cooperative when questioned and was quite forthright in terms of his involvement in the accident and put forward a particular view of what happened. Det Garda ODonnell said that in the first of three interviews he accepted he was involved in a road traffic accident earlier in the day and in the second interview he said it would have occurred whether he (the accused) was there or not. He said the Peugeot 206 (driven by the late Mr Palmer) was an unreliable car. He said he (the accused) was impacted by the other driver (the late Mr Palmer). Forensic crash investigator Garda Raymond Sweeney testified that following his examination of both vehicles there was no impact on the front of the Peugeot, suggesting it did not collide with the BMW. He said the greatest impact was on drivers side of the Peugeot suggesting that this car did not collide with the BMW. CELEBRATED in more than 180 countries worldwide, today, February 6, marks the 21st anniversary of Safer Internet Day, which has become a landmark global event in the online safety calendar. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024 is Tech in our World, and through a series of events taking place in schools and organisations across Ireland, will explore the role of digital technology in young peoples lives, their views on new and emerging technology, and the changes they would like to see enacted online. While all families have their own unique circumstances, many parents have similar concerns when it comes to their childs use of technology. There are some simple steps you can take to help your childs engagement with digital technology and the internet. Start the conversation One of the most effective ways to ensure that your child or teenager has a positive experience online is to have an open, and ongoing conversation with them. Talk to them about what they do online, and reassure them that if anything happens that they are uncomfortable with, they should not feel embarrassed or afraid to speak to you about it. If your child feels like they can talk to you about their online activities without judgement, or fear of the consequences, it will lead to more honesty, and they will be better equipped to deal with any negative experiences. For parents of young children, it is never too early to think about their online safety. Even if you are only beginning to discover the internet together, have a conversation with them about the important things to look out for, such as who they talk to online, and about sharing personal information. Privacy Children and teenagers are documenting and sharing lots of information about their lives online, and may not be fully aware of the potential risks or the impact it may have on their online reputation. Talk to them about checking their privacy settings regularly. Many social network accounts are public by default, meaning that anyone can potentially see your childs posts or pictures. However, it is a good idea to remind them that even with the tightest privacy controls, content that is posted online can very easily be copied and shared to a wider audience that they cannot control. Encourage your child to be familiar with the blocking and reporting features on platforms they use. Most websites and social networks provide tools for users to report inappropriate and offensive content. Striking a balance Spending too much time online is a real concern for parents. It is worth bearing in mind that children use their devices for lots of different reasons to learn, create, play, and interact with their friends. Every family is different and may face different demands, however setting clear boundaries and rules can be an effective way of managing screen time, and also making sure that you set a good example, and follow those rules too. Be Kind Online Discuss the importance of being respectful to others online, and the impact that their behaviour may have on people. Encourage them to consider the other persons perspective, and how hurtful remarks or actions could make someone feel. By fostering empathy, and helping them to understand their own boundaries and level of comfort, it will encourage them to become more responsible and considerate users of the internet. Apps and Parental Controls Get to know the apps and websites your child is using and ensure they are age-appropriate. Webwise has developed a comprehensive guide to popular apps and games on their Parents Hub. Use available parental controls to help reduce the risk of your child encountering inappropriate content online, they can be set up on most internet enabled devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets and games consoles. Parental controls can also be set up through your internet service provider, and in online services such as Netflix and YouTube. For parents of young children its important that there is very close supervision of their online activity, and that they are only online when you are with them. Developing a critical eye With so much information available online children and teens need to develop critical thinking skills in order to get the best use out of digital technologies. Teaching them to ask questions and to remain sceptical will help them to navigate the wealth of information that is available to them online. By asking questions they will be able to figure out the meaning of the messages they are receiving. They will be able to recognise false information, whether information they read is valid or not, whether sources are reliable, and if bias is present. Discover the internet together Finally, join in, the internet is a great resource for children! Play your childs favourite computer game and discover the online world together. Visit the Webwise.ie/Parents Hub for expert online safety advice, explainer guides, talking points and more. About Webwise Webwise is the online safety initiative of the Department of Education and co-funded by the European Commission. Webwise promotes safer, better internet use through awareness raising and education initiatives targeting teachers, children, young people and parents. Webwise develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools. Webwise also provides information, advice, and tools to parents to support their engagement in their childrens online lives. Webwise is part of Oide, a new support service for teachers and school leaders, funded from the Department of Education. Speaking with Jah Wobble ahead of his series of gigs in Ireland, where he will recreate his 2021 album Metal Box Rebuilt in Dub, I am reminded of the various conversational avenues that can be ventured down. As the appointed interview time on Sunday approached I wondered if the passing on Friday of pre-punk icon Wayne Kramer of the incendiary MC5 would be worth a comment from the man whose name was bestowed upon him by the notorious Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious. On Saturday, we lost Aston Family Man Barrett. Bob Marleys bass player was admired by the man born John Joseph Wardle. A singular bass player himself, Wobble has collaborated with a number of genius musicians, many of whom have sadly departed, such as Kevin Geordie Walker, whose distinctive guitar sound with Killing Joke was as emblematic of the post-punk sound as Wobbles former Public Image Limited bandmate Keith Levene, and, of course, Sinead OConnor, who graced Wobbles biggest hit with his band Invaders of the Heart, Visions of You. We avoid morbid reminiscences. I find John in genial form. His only betrayal of disgruntlement stems from his beloved Tottenham Hotspur FC managing only a draw the day before. Chatting before the Arsenal v Liverpool match he declares that hell be in Liverpools corner. Obviously being a Spurs fan I cant stand Arsenal, he points out. Oh, well! John is someone who will talk, and talk, at incredible length. He is a proper conversationalist full of natural curiosity. Im talking and talking, he says apologetically at one point. Im not letting you ask any questions. Nevermind that he intends to do some rehearsal for his Irish shows. Ill get the bass out because I got to look at Metal Box, he says in passing. I got to refresh myself for the gigs coming up. We havent played the set since December, which doesnt seem that long ago, but you can forget little parts of the set very easily. So Ive obviously got to remember it. I said to all the boys that they run through the set in your heads. Everyones itineraries make it impossible to meet up this week to rehearse. We will rehearse, but you cant ever be complacent. So well have a run through in Cork at rehearsal. What about you, Don. Having a good Sunday? he suddenly asks. I tell him were having a holiday weekend to celebrate St, Brigids Day. Wardle is interested. I was brought up a strict Catholic, but I dont remember St. Brigids Day. And so begins another of many unexpected tangents. With grandparents from Schull and Durrus in West Cork, Jah Wobble was exposed to a lot of Irish music when very young. Wardle is third generation Irish. His parents were strict Catholics. John acquired Irish citizenship thanks to his grandparents, who hail respectively from Schull and Durrus in West Cork. His fathers brother was named Terry after Terence MacSwiney. There was a deep sense of Irishness growing up, he shares, from music to religious processions. It had become a bit like the Welsh in Patagonia. It had its own deep resonance. Its very difficult to explain to younger people what that means. My mum played The Dubliners. I heard a lot of Irish music very young and that resonated deeply with me. He has cousins who attended school with Tory government nemesis and trade unionist Mick Lynch Theyre all bright, trouble-making Catholic boys, he says proudly. They will speak up. I wondered if his interest in Jamaican dub music was something that spoke to him musically, resonating, perhaps, with the rhythms and drones of Irish music, or was it the stories of displacement and defiance of their immigrant experience? Everything. Everything, he exclaims. It was the vibe. The vibe with dub was so visceral it was like from another universe. That was deeply spiritual, beyond identity or whatever. It was very powerful. Truly revolutionary. But yeah, with the actual music, 3 OClock Roadblock, he says, quoting the Bob Marley song. 'Rebel Music. Dub plays a part in Wobbles musical sensibility, but his bass playing on Public Image Limited pushed beyond that, into some fractured post industrial space. Drawing from Krautrock, dub and avant jazz, their second album, Metal Box, is both a physically courtesy of its metal packaging and aurally monolithic presence on the modern musical landscape, a sui generis tablet from the mountain of boundary breaking music. But while the 21st centurys understanding of the post-punk sound is articulated in a way that draws from bands like Gang Of Four, Wire and Joy Division, Metal Box, while offering infinite inspiration, appears to have defied mere copying. He offers an eloquent, entertaining and loquacious assessment of the albums stature that takes in the abstract expressionist movement, Samuel Beckett, James Joyces Ulysses, and his understanding of the essence of the Holy Spirit, before finally settling on the title of the recent four-CD anthology of his 21st century recordings, Dark Luminosity. Theres a dark luminosity to that presence, he decides. Its coming from deep. Its a heavy record. You couldnt recreate it. By that stage he was fed up with his bandmates, John Lydon and Levene, for a multitude of reasons, so he just upped and left. He refused to look back, preferring to begin an exploration into world music, at a time when it was still a new concept, while also taking sideways forays into industrial, folk and ambient music. A rekindling of his relationship with Levene in 2011 saw the pair play Metal Box tracks and record an album. Wobble says he became properly fascinated by his basslines on Metal Box in 2016. In collaboration with former Banshees guitarist Jon Klein he set about rebuilding the record in Dub. You come to realise its perfect because it was just a one-off, he says, reflecting on the original. Time and circumstances dictated this incredible, one-off record. This strange f**king record. Im so fortunate for that to happen. By PA Reporters A band of heavy snow could cause disruption later this week in Ireland and Britain, with as much as 20cm possible in some areas of England and Wales. Temperatures will drop as the week goes on, with Met Eireann forecasting frost and icy stretches and the possibility of wintry falls of sleet or snow at times across Ireland. The UK Met Office has warned that a period of snowfall could bring some disruption on Thursday and into Friday morning for Northern Ireland. It has also issued a snow warning which covers much of Wales as well as northern and central England. The warning runs from 3am on Thursday to 3am on Friday and stretches from Cumbria and the Scottish border down to Cambridgeshire and the Midlands in England. All of northern and central Wales, including the isle of Anglesey, is included in the warning. A clash of air masses will occur across the UK this week Some disruptive snow is likely on the boundary of the cold and mild air on Thursday but at this point it's quite uncertain where the heaviest snow will be pic.twitter.com/GGG4zHQJ9Z Met Office (@metoffice) February 5, 2024 There is a risk of power cuts, travel delays and some rural communities becoming cut off, the forecaster said. The snow will ease later in the day, and may turn back to rain or drizzle, especially in the south and east. There is uncertainty with respect to the rain-snow boundary, and the northern limit of the snow, the Met Office said. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Chris Almond said: While the early part of this week will see some rain, at times heavy, gradually sinking southwards, theres an increased signal for wintry hazards as we move through the week as cold air from the north moves over the UK. Its from Thursday that the snow risk becomes more potentially impactful, as mild air attempts to move back in from the south, bumping into the cold air and increasing the chance of snow developing on the leading edge. While there are still lots of details to work out, the initial snow risk looks highest in northern England and Wales from Thursday. The snow will turn into sleet and rain towards the end of the warning period from the south. Further warnings for ice could also be issued later in the week as temperatures drop below average for this time of year, the forecaster said. CORKS Sexual Violence Centre has just launched a community hub designed to help people connect socially. Its a new departure for the centre and was motivated by two main factors, explains therapist Dola Twomey. Firstly, its location in a beautiful building at Camden Place lends itself to the hosting of events. But it was more than that. Since Covid, it seems in our experience as if we have all forgotten how to meet people or different groups and communities. And thats a huge loss to everyone and its something thats been on our minds for a while, said Dola. The team decided to merge those two strands and held a soft launch of the hub on St Brigids Day. They also hosted a group who did the Feminist Walk of Cork last Friday. The fascinating walk celebrates the contribution of women to art, culture, society and the city, and was facilitated by Prof Maggie ONeill. It began at the Honan Chapel, recognising women artists contributions to Irish arts and crafts, and then moved on to Nano Nagle Centre/Cork Migrant Centre, to honour Nano Nagle and Naomi Masheti. Mary Elmes was also recognised. Then it moved on to the Traveller Visibility Group to honour Katie ODonghue and the women who set up TVG. Next stop was the Firkin Crane Centre, to reflect on Denise Joan Moriartys contribution to Irish dance. Mother Jones Plaque was next, and then down to the Sexual Violence Centre, Cork, to honour the work of Mary Crilly. The Sexual Violence Centre has hosted intimate performance or gigs previously, but the plan is to hold them regularly from now on in the hub. Things in the realm of music, poetry and film have all been discussed. But were open to anything that will interest people in what will be a new offering in the city, said Dola, who added that the idea isnt just to bring people together for the sake of it. We would like to see the space be a place where we will have something happening on a regular basis, at least once a month, that would catch peoples attention and that would be of value in itself, but also a place where people can just meet others like we used to pre-Covid. Loneliness is a problem in society without a doubt, and were not really equipped to deal with that, she said. But were looking at people who are disconnected from each other, and for there to be another door where people can come through and where they are welcome and where theres something interesting going on. Its not just about the individual level but also a community level. Weve a lot of new communities in Cork and they can be very separated from the rest of us or from each other. This might help get people moving. Dola pointed out that at things like conferences, often the most valuable part is the coffee break! So the hub is based on that thinking. Its built around something, but just that informal being with other people withered away during Covid and we havent got it back and its invaluable. The Department of Justice has backed the hub, which is open to all genders, which says everything, she added. The idea is to reach out and allow people to come in, not just to us, but to each other. See social media for updates on events. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. A girl hugs her father while wildfire smoke fills the sky in Valparaiso, Chile on Feb. 2,2024. Lucas Aguayo Araos / Anadolu via Getty Images Firefighters in Chile are battling intense forest fires while the country mourns the 122 people who have been killed in the blazes, reported The Associated Press. The wildfires have destroyed entire neighborhoods and hundreds of residents are still missing, authorities said, as Reuters reported. The wind was terrible, the heat scorching. There was no respite, said local builder Pedro Quezada, while standing in the ruins of his home in the Valparaiso region, as reported by Reuters. The fires gained strength and momentum on Friday, reaching the tourist cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Entire neighborhoods in Vina del Mar were destroyed, along with the vehicles of residents who sifted through the scorched remnants of their homes. From one moment to the next, the fire reached the botanical park. In 10 minutes the fire was already on us, said Jesica Barrios, a resident of Vina del Mar whose home was destroyed by the fires, as The Guardian reported. There was smoke, the sky turned black, everything was dark. The wind felt like a hurricane. It was like being in hell. Undersecretary of the Interior Manuel Monsalve said on Sunday night that there were 165 active fires, an increase from 154 the previous day. Areas most affected by the blazes were under a curfew of 9 p.m. Monsalve said cloudy conditions and temperatures that were a little cooler could assist authorities in extinguishing the fires. It is Chile as a whole that suffers and mourns our dead, President Gabriel Boric said, addressing the nation in a televised broadcast, as reported by Reuters. We are facing a tragedy of very great magnitude. The military was called in to help firefighters as helicopters tried to put out the fires from the air. On Sunday, Monsalve said roughly 14,000 homes had been damaged in the areas surrounding Quilpue and Vina del Mar. The sky was black, said Regina Figueroa, a resident of a community outside Vina del Mar, as The New York Times reported. You couldnt see anything. Everyone was screaming, shouting instructions, wailing into the wind. I couldnt believe we were alive. But we were the lucky ones, Figueroa said. I lost my mother-in-law, my sister-in law. The wildfires were the most severe natural disaster in Chile since an earthquake in 2010 that killed 521 people. We are together, all of us, fighting the emergency. The priority is to save lives, Boric said, as reported by Reuters. Beijing (Gasgoo)- In the first month of 2024, Chinese automaker FAW Group witnessed all-around growth in sales across its entire sub-brand lineup compared to a year ago. Photo credit: FAW Group In January 2024, FAW Group achieved overall vehicle sales of over 296,800 units, representing a 54.2% spike year-on-year. The groups signature passenger car brand, Hongqi, realized an 82.9% year-on-year soar in monthly sales, which stood at 40,300 units in January. Among which, the combined sales of the all-new Hongqi H5 and the new HS5 models leapt 178% from the previous year. With precise resource adjustments, multi-channel efforts, and comprehensive marketing innovations, Bestune, FAW Groups another wholly-owned passenger vehicle brand, maintained its steady growing momentum in sales. In the past month, Bestune saw both its wholesale and terminal retail sales exceed 10,000 units, which indicated a respective 86% and 121% hike year-over-year. Bestunes mainstay model, the B70, posted a monthly retail volume of over 5,000 units. In terms of FAW Groups joint venture passenger car brands, FAW-Volkswagen has been actively accelerating the implementation of electric and hybrid electric technologies onto its products. Meanwhile, FAW Toyota adheres to its all-new approach with different marketing, channel distribution, strategy, model, and new energy, aiming to further boost its sales in China. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 6, 2024 Contact: Leha Byrd ECSU Communications and Marketing Email or 252-335-8745 A month-long art exhibit featuring works by Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) faculty, staff and students is available for public viewing at the K.E. White Gallery to celebrate Black History Month. The opening session, set for Thursday at 5 p.m. Feb. 8, will showcase artwork, crafts, photographs, artifacts, and related items to share, celebrate, and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture, university organizers said. The viewing, which ends Friday, March 8, is hosted by the ECSU Department of Music and Visual Arts. In recent years it has included 30 to 50 works of art. Viewings are available by appointment throughout the week and the gallery is closed on the weekend. To schedule a gallery viewing, contact Valerie Price at 252-335 -3359 or vlprice@ecsu.edu. Allowing our campus community the chance to showcase their talent through artwork is something we look forward to every year this time, said Eric Luchian, an associate professor in the Department of Music and Visual Arts. The culture is rich and were happy to share it in this way. ______ Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education as one of North Carolinas leading four-year public institutions that is part of the University of North Carolina System. ECSU develops leaders who are courageous, resilient, and empowered through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. We offer baccalaureate, professional, and masters degrees across a wide variety of interests. Excellence is the standard at Elizabeth City State University success is our legacy. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Helmut Artmeier is the founding Managing Director of EFCO Electronics GmbH, which was established in 2014 and is based in Deggendorf, Bavaria. The company is a sister company of the Taiwanese EFCO Ever Fine Group. EFCO Electronics from Deggendorf develops and sells industrial computer technology, including edge computers and switches, for example. Now, devices from Teltonika are being added. Managing Director Helmut Artmeier explains how the cooperation came about. Mr. Artmeier, EFCO has just added Teltonika products to its range. With modern IT components such as powerful routers, aren't you competing with your own edge computers? Helmut Artmeier: That is always decided by the application. But the point is: in the past, switches and routers were installed somewhere and then forgotten. Today, it makes sense to include the technical development and performance of modern industrial Ethernet devices in the system design. After all, a modern router is based on powerful hardware. If we look at the RUTX50 from Teltonika, for example, we have a quad-core Arm Cortex A7 architecture clocked at 700 MHz and running Linux as the operating system. You can do a lot with this, especially because the device also has numerous interfaces, including digital inputs and outputs. Does this mean that Teltonika's switches and routers can be used to replace smaller edge computers? Absolutely. For example, a powerful router can use Node-RED to collect data and process it in real time before sending it to the cloud. Local pre-processing saves bandwidth for more important things and can minimize latency. At the same time, the content can be securely packaged and thus well protected against prying eyes during transportation. Of course, there are technical limits to the hardware - but these are increasingly moving into the high-performance range. A second advantage, especially outside cities and in newly built commercial and logistics areas: If I can pre-process data and control communication well, I can manage without 5G or fiber optics. This is perhaps something that our colleagues in the ultra-modern mobile computers still have to learn. Which added values do consulting distributors, such as EFCO, use to convince their automation customers in times of online trading? Every day we see that it is not always easy even for experienced automation specialists to get the best out of complex devices. This is often due to a lack of time, sometimes a lack of experience and sometimes both. Accordingly, Teltonika has also found that without local technical support it is often not possible to exploit the advantages of these devices. Because we are automation specialists ourselves and our team can rely on decades of experience, Teltonika has officially appointed us as a service partner. In order to really be able to provide in-depth support, we have set up an application laboratory in Deggendorf where we can understand application scenarios and work out the optimum solution at our leisure. My colleagues enjoy this - and it saves our customers a lot of work. Thank you very much for talking to us, Mr. Artmeier. Lesen Sie mehr zum Thema Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO Capital announced on Feb. 5 it has already achieved the successful closure of its second RMB fund, securing more than 3 billion yuan. The fund will continue to concentrate its investments in the mobility & logistics, new energy, and frontier technology sectors. Photo credit: NIO Capital The limited partner (LP) investors involved in the fund include RMB guidance funds, national-level funds, family offices, and publicly listed companies. Reflecting on this achievement, Ian Zhu, Managing Partner at NIO Capital, expressed his satisfaction, stating, said: "We are thrilled about the completion of RMB Fund II. We extend our gratitude to the investors for their unwavering trust and support. After more than a decade of development, the smart electric vehicle and new energy industries have entered an exciting new phase. Chinese companies' product strength and rapid iteration pace place them at the forefront globally. We are enthusiastic about the transformative potential of innovative technologies in the automotive and energy sectors. Positioned at the vanguard of global opportunities, NIO Capital remains committed to supporting exceptional entrepreneurs in driving technological innovation and sustainable development, both domestically and on the international stage." Founded in 2016, NIO Capital has successfully raised five funds, comprising three in US dollars and two in RMB, resulting in a total Assets Under Management (AUM) of 15 billion yuan. Currently, among the 20 enterprises backed by the RMB I fund, five have achieved the status of being listed or in the pre-listing phase. Noteworthy projects in NIO Capital's investment portfolio include CATL, Ronbay Technology, United Winners, Tuhu, Momenta, Inceptio, Pony.ai, Seyond, Black Sesame Technologies, CIX Technology, and so forth. It looks like Elon Musk isnt the only billionaire who doesnt like having their private jet tracked. Pop star Taylor Swift has threatened legal action against a Florida student who set up multiple social media accounts that release real-time information as to the whereabouts of her personal aircraft, according to The Washington Post. This is eerily reminiscent of the whole ElonJet scandal of late 2022, in which Twitter banned an account that was tracking Musks jet. As a matter of fact, the student facing legal action by Swifts team is the same guy who ran that account. Jack Sweeney, 21, runs various social media pages that log the takeoffs and landings of aircraft owned by billionaires, politicians and, of course, pop stars. Back in December, Swifts attorneys wrote Sweeney a cease-and-desist letter that said the pop star would have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies if he did not stop publishing details as to her jets whereabouts, likening it to stalking and harassing behavior. The letter went on to say that Sweeneys actions had caused Swift and her family direct and irreparable harm, as well as emotional and physical distress, and had heightened her constant state of fear for her personal safety. Its worth noting that Swift has had numerous stalkers and harassers throughout her career. Just last month, a man was arrested for stalking her at home on several occasions. While this may be a game to you, or an avenue that you hope will earn you wealth or fame, it is a life-or-death matter for our client, the legal team wrote. The letter added that there is no legitimate interest in or public need for this information, other than to stalk, harass, and exert dominion and control. Tree Paine, a spokesperson for Swift, made a direct line from Sweeneys social media accounts to Swifts harassers, saying that the pop stars team couldnt comment on any ongoing police investigation but can confirm the timing of stalkers suggests a connection. Sweeney told The Washington Post that this is just an attempt to scare him away from sharing public data, noting that all of his jet-tracking accounts draw location information from the Federal Aviation Administration and volunteer hobbyists. Aircraft regularly broadcast their locations via transponders so air traffic controllers can see whats going on. Anyone on the ground can pick up these signals by using a device called an ADS-B receiver, which are widely available online. This information is already out there, Sweeney said. Her team thinks they can control the world. Swifts team wrote that Sweeney is notorious for disregarding the personal safety of others in exchange for public attention and/or requests for financial gain, citing an incident in which he asked Elon Musk for $50,000 to take down the ElonJet account. Facebook and Instagram banned Sweeneys accounts that track Swifts air travel late last year, but theyre still live on Bluesky, Mastodon, Telegram and other social media sites. His live-tracking accounts have been banned on X, but hes allowed to post location data with a 24-hour delay. In addition to the worlds biggest pop star, Sweeney also tracks people like Donald Trump, Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian and Mark Zuckerberg. It doesnt look like Sweeney's planning to stop tracking the pop star's jet anytime soon. He's lawyered up to defend himself from legal action. Four days after the death of former costar Carl Weathers, onetime The Mandalorian actor Gina Carano is suing Disney and Lucasfilm for her departure from the series with Elon Musks help. Carano, whose post-Disney credits include a film produced by conspiracy theorist Ben Shapiro, posted Tuesday on X, The truth is I was being hunted down from everything I posted to every post I liked because I was not in line with the acceptable narrative of the time. X confirmed its assistance in a statement to Engadget. Carano shared news of the lawsuit in a 694-word post on X. In the essay, she claims never to have used aggressive language, compared Republicans to Jewish people during the Holocaust or written anything racist or transphobic. She insists her male costars were permitted to speak without harassment & re-education courses or termination, but she was not afforded the same right to exercise my freedom of speech. Artists do not sign away our rights as American citizens when we enter into employment, Carano wrote Tuesday. However, since she wasnt arrested or detained for her views, her rights as an American citizen appear fully intact. Meanwhile, American businesses like Disney have the right not to employ actors whose views clash with their brand. The actor and former mixed martial arts competitor thanked Musk and X on Tuesday for giving me an opportunity to bring my case to light by helping fund her lawsuit. Musk previously said he would pay the legal costs of users who got in trouble for their posts on the platform. X confirmed its monetary assistance in a statement to Engadget. As a sign of X Corps commitment to free speech, were proud to provide financial support for Gina Caranos lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination, a company spokesperson wrote. Carano as Cara Dune in season two of The Mandalorian (Disney+) Caranos troubles with Disney arose from social media posts on X (Twitter at the time) and Instagram. In her posts, she questioned the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, blamed the Biden administration for the deaths of vaccinated people, claimed Jeffrey Epstein didnt kill himself and added boop/bop/beep as her pronouns. The final straw for Disney was when she shared a post on Instagram implying that the treatment of conservatives in Trump-era America had parallels to the targeting of Jews in Nazi-era Germany. The following day, Disney dropped Carano from The Mandalorian and the (since canceled) Rangers of the New Republic series. Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future, a spokesperson wrote in a statement at the time. Nevertheless, her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable. Caranos agency, United Talent Agency, dropped her around the same time. Caranos post-Star Wars career has included Terror on the Prairie, produced by Ben Shapiros The Daily Wire. She also starred in the 2022 film My Son Hunter, a fictional retelling of the lifestyle and scandals of Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden. Tom Dowdy 3 Apr 2022 SimpleText document icon (System 8). Tom Dowdy was a software engineer at Apple back in 1995 when I was still writing Macintosh games in Lawrence, Kansas. One of Tom's programming responsibilities was to maintain Apple's SimpleText (aka TeachText) application (see document icon above) a basic text editor that shipped with the Macintosh. He was also the tech-lead (engineering technical leader) for the graphics component of Apple's newest graphics framework called Quickdraw GX. More relevant to my future however, Tom was also a participant on an early internet (pre-Web) kind of discussion forum called Usenet a kind of "reddit" if you will with all manner of discussion boards on every conceivable topic. One specific discussion forum was called something like: comp.sys.mac.programmer.help. The discussion board was an online place where someone like myself could ask a Macintosh programming question and hope to find people smarter than myself to supply an answer. As it happened, I did post there and so did Tom. Tom told me later that it was his having seen my posts on Usenet that casued him to consider that maybe I would make an interesting candidate for an engineering position that was avalable on the graphics team at Apple. I was a game programmer so he reasoned I probably had an above-average knowledge of the comncepts underlying graphics programming. Maybe Apple should extend an offer to interview me for the position. I think this maybe makes clear the degree to which software engineering was something of a meritocracy back then. That is, I didn't have a degree in Computer Science, did not even graduate from a college known for its computer department. But I did write games and I was privileged enough to have access to the early internet/Usenet, and chose to spend some amount of my time doing more than just lurk there. It's funny (strange) to imagine a hospital needing another surgeon and interviewing someone with no formal medical training but whose hobby is taxidermy but I digress. It was to my great surprise that I was in fact invited to fly out to Cupertino, California and spend a day interviewing for an engineering position at Apple Computer, Inc. Tom Dowdy had selected me, had the interview invite sent to me. Of course I jumped at the chance. It's probably well known now that interviewing in tech is something like running a gauntlet with all-day interviews where each engineer on the team (or pairs of engineers) grill the candidate for 45 or 50 minutes at a turn. In addition to being interviewed by Tom's manager and coworkers, I did finally get to meet Tom Dowdy my benefactor if you will. I was offered the job at Apple and accepted. Moving from Kansas to California in 1995 (with my girlfriend and two cats) was, perhaps not suprising, quite a big change. Never mind that I was also joining software engineers that were in every way my seniors. And I was actually working for Apple. At Apple! The mothership as they say. And with no real formal training. Looking back, I suppose I was just dumb enough to have accepted. (But so happy that I did.) But for all the stress and feeling like I was a fake among all these super-star programmers, Tom Dowdy always put me at ease. I'm not sure why. Anyone that knew him though would agree with me when I say that he was laid back and had a friendly demeanor. I will say this about myself in those days: I was humbled by the talent I was surrounded by and I think I generally let people know it. I think I have always been honest and quick to say, "I have no idea what you're talking about," for example. Some engineers like Tom seem to enjoy taking junior engineers under their wing and explaining to them some new concept or how to use a certain tool. The product that I worked on, Quickdraw GX, was soon shit-canned. This was the 2nd half of the 90's and Apple was at that point in its history when it was circlng the drain. It was another lesson that would be reinforced over and over in my three-decade career as a programmer: if you work very long in this field, know that everything will eventually change. It was the supposed "dark times" to be at Apple: whole teams would be suddenly let go (the rest of us that lingered still might go through the abandoned offices of once co-workers looking to pull RAM out of their hardware for our own development machines). Some engineers like Tom, could see the writing on the wall early enough and knew when to switch teams. Tom ended up moving to the QuickTime team where he was able to continue to use his graphics talents. Later he worked on the iTunes visualizer if I recall correctly. Other engineers like me seemed to haved survived those days somehow by luck or at least not by their own doing. My whole team was let go by Apple, but for reasons I don't understand, a manager from Apple's ColorSync team seemed to like me and asked if I would join his team instead. (Instead I guess of being laid off.) Tom and I would no longer be working on the same project but we were still working on the same operating system, still at the same company. We still chatted and shared ideas. I remember one year that Apple had sent him to a SIGGRAPH conference (an international, technical conference one focused on graphics programming) and he came back enthusiastic about something called "blue noise". We would have these technical chats, but we also talked about movies, music, etc. He had a lot of interests outside of software and I enjoyed talking with him about whatever. One day though I learned that Tom Dowdy had died. It was quite a shock since he was more or less the same age as the rest of us no more or less healthy as far as I knew. From what I had heard though he had simply died in his sleep. Perhaps he had a heart condition, I don't know. Tom (image from Flickr, I hope the image owner is cool with my appropriation). I have thought about Tom many, many times since his death. I recently left Apple after a twenty-six year career I find that when I leave a thing behind I can finally stop and reflect on it. Somehow being "in the moment" has never afforded me the ability to be contemplative. But now I wanted to write something about Tom Dowdy. In hindsight I can see how curious life is at times. That I would arrive in California and make my career at Apple seems to me so unlikely a thing and it would have seemed even less likely to a thirty-one year old me back in 1995. How did that happen? Life I think is generally a kind of mill we're on but that every so often, unexpectedly, little opportunities come along. This one though had a name behind it, Tom Dowdy. But then Tom leaving so soon also shows the occasional cruel turns of fate life can surprise us with as well. Tom was a mentor and a good person. I found out the hard way when I was new at Apple that introducing "Easter eggs" into the operating system was something best done with discretion (probably best reserved for the more senior engineers that had paid their dues). In fact, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple not only did Steve Jobs get rid of "about boxes" (where individual engineers would be given credit for their contributions) but Easter eggs too were now out of the question. As I said at the top, SimpleText had been one of Tom's responsibilities even before Steve Jobs had returned. And I don't think anyone would disagree that Tom would be considered a senior engineer who had paid their dues. Icon upside down. Tom Dowdy Internet: do...@apple.COM Apple Computer MS:302-3KS UUCP: {sun,voder,amdahl,decwrl}!apple!dowdy 1 Infinite Loop AppleLink: DOWDY1 Cupertino, CA 95014 "The 'Ooh-Ah' Bird is so called because it lays square eggs." LOS ANGELESAdult star Paddy OBrian is making his studio porn return with Men.com. The hunky performer will be making his studio bareback debut with Dean Young in Paddys Raw Comeback, a new scene coming next week. In the scene directed by Alter Sin, Paddy O'Brian is back in town and ready to do some business. Irish twink Dean Young admires the hot motorcyclist as he walks into the pub, eyeing him and even lifting his kilt to flash Paddy his tackle. Paddy takes that as an invitation to come over and show Dean his, leading to a passionate session inside the bar. Paddy has appeared in 100-plus condom-only scenes on Men.com, including the flashy series Gay of Thrones, Pirates: A Gay XXX Parody, Prisoner of War and MEN in Ibiza. His resume includes scenes featuring some of the industrys top performers: Damien Crosse, Colby Keller, Diego Sans, Johnny Rapid, Trenton Ducati, Josh Moore, and Dato Foland, to name a few. His most recent Men.com scene, Conjuring Dick Part 3, was released in spring 2019. Internacional Interceptado un pesquero con mas de diez toneladas de hachis cerca de Agadir, Marruecos Dr. Carol Swain was initially shocked to find out that former Harvard University President Claudine Gay had been accused of plagiarizing her work. I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, she said in an interview with the Independent. Dr. Swain, a political scientist and educator from southwestern Virginia, began researching the allegations to form her own conclusions. At that time, I was willing to entertain the possibility that it was just an accident People would say, Whats wrong with you? Arent you upset? No, I was not upset at that point. Read more here: A Conversation With Dr. Carol Swain | Harvard Independent Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Time Is Running Out for CO Unpublished Authors and Writers The clock is ticking for five lucky aspiring authors in CO. The Authors Hall of Fame will give Five $2,000 Scholarships to non-published writers. Is that you? Does one have your name on it? Would you like to be one of them? Aspiring Authors Its the BIG day coming and five amazing authors-to-be will be awarded scholarships with a combination cash and intensive 18-month mentorship program. Who will they be? Find out and meet the first recipients of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Scholarships on FRIDAY, September 16 at a festive luncheon honoring them at the Doubletree Hilton in Greenwood Village.. Five yes, that is FIVE authors-to-be will receive $2,000 in cash PLUS participation in an extensive 12-month mentorship to support their success as an author this fall. Each of the amazing and talented recipients recognize that publishing and authorship is a business and authors must have a commitment to their craft and marketing side to add to their success. Writing and publishing a book is like climbing one of our Rocky Mountain fourteeners. It requires years of preparation, unbelievable stamina and courage. Facing that blank page is like starting an ascent. When you reach the top by completing the book, authors can suddenly see farther than ever before. Could that be you? NOW what we need is unpublished authors to give them to. Could that be you? If yes, you need to apply now. Be a resident of Colorado. Complete a short essay. Share a sample of your writing of at least 20 pages. Submit your application. If what you read above is a Thats a ME, register now. All applications must be in by March 31, 2024. Information is on the Scholarship Tab on the Halls site: www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 45 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction The Secret Journey and The Secret Hamlet. Collectively, her books have earned over 50 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences. Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. The AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Marketing podcast is ranked in the TOP 10 podcasts for book marketing by Mashable and Feedspot. Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a Like at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her. 2024 Judith Briles The Book Shepherd All Rights Reserved. (The Center Sqare) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders in Texas strongly oppose a Senate border bill introduced by Democrats, arguing it codifies mass migration into the United States and strips states of their constitutional right to self-defense. The proposal comes after 25 Republican governors joined Texas in a constitutional battle with the Biden administration over border security. The bill, released after months of secrecy, doesnt secure the border, would advance illegal policies created by the Biden administration as identified by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, and block states from having any judicial relief, Texas leaders argue. One provision in the bill would prevent judges in federal courts in any state from ruling on lawsuits filed by states, essentially neutering states like Texas, Florida, Louisiana and others whose federal judges have ruled against the Biden administration in lawsuits filed over border-related measures over the past three years. It states, "The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have sole and original jurisdiction to hear challenges, whether constitutional or otherwise, to the validity of this section or any written policy directive, written policy guideline, written procedure, or the implementation thereof." Texas stripped of powers in border security bill," Abbott said in response. "This is unacceptable. At a meeting with governors on Sunday, Abbott said states working together have already secured one area of the border in Texas, which they plan to replicate in other areas. Their efforts have been so successful blocking cartel-driven illegal activity that illegal activity is being pushed west to Democratic-run states providing no resistance, Texas border czar Mike Banks told The Center Square. Texas Public Policy Foundations Joshua Trevino said, If Washington, D.C., really wants to solve the border crisis, then Texans have a solution. It doesnt require a several-hundred page bill. Our solution is just five words: get out of our way. TPPF has identified what it says are several problems in the bill, including a provision that would create a phony border emergency authority, which would enable illegal entry of 1.3 million foreign nationals and cripple existing border security measures already in federal statute. According to Speaker Johnsons analysis, the president already unilaterally changed how asylum claims are heard by moving adjudication to the border instead of solely at immigration courts. Instead of judges solely hearing asylum claims, Biden policies advanced hiring administrators to hear cases, contrary to law. More than 370,000 people were apprehended trying to enter the U.S. in December nearly 12,000 a day the highest in U.S. history. The Senate bill would allow 5,000 illegal entries a day, when federal law requires the number to be zero, with exceptions, since illegal entry in itself is a deportable crime. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said, The Senate deal accepts the premise of a mass migration model. We cannot codify an acceptable level of illegal immigration. Enforce the law. The bill would expand current Biden administration policies by allowing any immigration officer to unilaterally and unreviewably exempt any number of illegal aliens from the count riggering the authority, TPPF notes. It also would allow them to exempt illegal aliens from noncontiguous countries from the 5,000 a day count by effectively sunsetting itself across three years through an arbitrary limitation on the number of days per year the emergency may be invoked, TPPF said. As the House moves to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, who orchestrated the bill with Democrats, stripped actual asylum language from existing law and gave Mayorkas a blank check to release illegal aliens upon declaration of an intent to seek asylum dropping a requirement for an actual asylum claim, TPPF notes. This provision will allow even more foreign nationals to illegally enter the country without any oversight over who is released, where they are released and for how long, jeopardizing national security, critics argue. One criticism of Biden administration policies is the federal government contracting with nongovernmental organizations to move illegal foreign nationals throughout the country with no accountability and no transparency about who, how many and where they are sent. The Senate bill would give more than $2.3 billion to NGOs, who have wittingly or not, abetted the border crisis and the human-trafficking cartels behind it, TPPF said. It also would provide "hundreds of millions of dollars in unaccountable and discretionary funding for President Biden to give to corrupt foreign governments who are complicit in the border crisis. The senators pushing the bill have no understanding of the threat posed by Mexican cartel and transnational criminal organizations responsible for creating an invasion of the southern border, Texas officials argue. Crockett Countys invasion resolution identifies them as paramilitary, narco-terrorist organizations that use migrant warfare to obfuscate the trafficking of drugs and people by utilization of irregular techniques, tactics, and procedures. The terrorist designation acknowledges that non-state actors are conducting irregular warfare operations and breaching the sovereignty and national security of the United States, and furthering Gov. Abbotts formal diplomatic representation to the United States that the State of Texas is not protected against an in invasion. Abbott and the Texas legislature last year designated Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, something Abbott and others have called on the president to do. Johnson and other House Republicans have said the bill is dead on arrival. SALT LAKE CITYUtah state Sen. Todd Weiler, a socially conservative Republican, and a very devout anti-porn campaigner, has introduced legislation that would add teeth to a 2021 law requiring mobile device manufacturers to enable parental filters blocking adult content at the point of sale, reports The Salt Lake Tribune. Penalties for violating this bill if it were to become law include criminal sanctions against the manufacturers of mobile devices such as Apple, Samsung, Google and Lenovo. The bill is Senate Bill (SB) 104, or the Children's Device Protection Act. A member of the LDS Church, Sen. Weiler holds much power in the Utah state legislature. He is the lawmaker who pushed Utah to become the first state to declare pornography a public health crisis. He also was the state senates point man for pushing age verification. In the years since then, weve kind of made ourselves an outlier when it comes to social media and porn websites, said Weiler before a committee hearing on the bill. So it kind of begs the question, why are we waiting for other states on this one? Weilers bill was introduced in the Senate by colleague state Rep. Susan Pulsipher, another socially conservative Republican. Currently, the legislation is held by a Senate committee. Dylan Hoffman, a lobbyist for TechNet, a trade organization representing technology companies, voiced opposition to the bill. We dont believe that [this bill] is technically feasible, said Hoffman. Lobbyists for AT&T and Verizon are opposed, including a government relations expert working out of Libertas Institute, a libertarian think tank. The bill is currently being amended. A 'rare opportunity' has arisen for a buyer to purchase a productive mixed farm in the Cheshire countryside. Marbury Heyes, located near the village of Marbury, comes with all of the amenities required for livestock grazing, mowing or arable rotations. It comprises a number of outbuildings suitable for a range of uses and is all set in 164 acres (67 hecatres). The ringfenced farm has previously been run as a dairy operation, most recently for youngstock rearing. The land is currently utilised as high quality pasture but is equally well suited to arable rotations. There are well kept fences with mature trees and hedgerows, and the most productive land benefits from a number of water troughs. The land has a combination of loamy and clayey fertile soil and is beneficially distributed in large open fields, several of which are 20 plus acres. George Beer, of Roger Parry & Partners, which is selling the farm, said the sale "offers a rare opportunity to purchase a wonderfully positioned farm". He added: "The property has the potential to be a fantastic statement country house in a highly desirable location. The eight bedroomed house is of brick construction with a tile roof and has a number of character features, including exposed beams throughout. The dwelling is a Georgian property and benefits from views over the Cheshire countryside. However, internally it requires full refurbishment. There are also a number of traditional and modern farm buildings which provide an opportunity for conversion to either amenity buildings or further residential accommodation, subject to gaining the correct planning consents. Marbury Heyes is on the market with Roger Parry & Partners with a guide price of 2,750,000 as a whole or three separate lots. Farmers impacted by the HS2 project continue to face 'so much uncertainty' on ongoing issues such as compensation, the NFU has told ministers. In the meeting, the union called for 'a fair and swift resolution' when it comes to land being offered back to former landowners, as well as compensation and restoration. Farmers continue to experience numerous issues regarding the construction of HS2 Ltd's Phase 1, as well as the cancellation of Phase 2a and 2b. Farmers along the routes have said the uncertainty about their homes and businesses has been stressful and costly. NFU vice president David Exwood met with the HS2 Minister Huw Merriman and Farming Minister Mark Spencer to highlight the concerns. He warned ministers that there was still 'so much uncertainty' surrounding the highspeed railway project. The government recently announced that the safeguarding of land and property across the majority of Phase 2a had been removed. The NFU had been calling on government to provide urgent clarity surrounding safeguarding and this was 'very much welcomed'. However, during the meeting, the union raised issues with safeguarding on Phase 2b going to Manchester, and the eastern leg going to Leeds. It was reiterated that the safeguarding on this section would be lifted later this summer. The NFU also called for the urgent return of land acquired by HS2 Ltd to the former farmers and landowners. The meeting also covered issues surrounding compensation, alternative methods of dispute resolution where an agreement cannot be reached and how land which is no longer being used will be maintained. Following the meeting, David Exwood said: This was a positive meeting which allowed us to spell out clearly to government the concerns many of our members have. Its essential that those farm businesses which have been already so badly disrupted can start to rebuild and get back to doing what they do best producing food and caring for the great British countryside. "The NFU hopes this meeting provides a step in the right direction for an open channel of communication to ensure farm businesses already so badly disrupted by this project can start to rebuild their businesses." Andrew Muir has been appointed Northern Ireland's new farming minister following the return of a devolved government after two years of absence. Mr Muir will head the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) at a time of financial pressure for many farmers in the region. The Alliance Party Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) has no experience with agriculture, with previous roles being in the infrastructure and finance sectors. Northern Ireland's previous farming minister, Edwin Poots, has been elected as the Stormont Speaker. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said it welcomed the return of a DAERA Minister, but said there were "many much-needed strategic decisions" that needed to be "made with urgency". Your Minister for Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs is @AndrewMuirNI.#AllianceWorks pic.twitter.com/8UIvGcZUfq Alliance Party (@allianceparty) February 3, 2024 Decisions regarding investment and key animal health issues have not been taken over the past two years due to the absence of local NI government. UFU president David Brown said: This makes the job a big challenge but at the same time there is considerable scope for a new minister to deliver. "Agriculture is the backbone of the NI economy, and it is vital that Minister Muir supports local food security to help safeguard NIs agri-industry. "The UFU will be expressing the need to roll out future direct farm support measures and the need to include sheep, decisions on wildlife intervention in a TB eradication programme." Mr Brown also said that clarity was needed around ammonia controls and planning to help support farmers and their ambitions to become more sustainable. Considerable uncertainty lies ahead for our industry and the new Minister has plenty of challenges on his plate," he said. "We look forward to meeting with Minister Muir and his Executive Ministerial colleagues to make decisions ensuring pressing and strategic issues are addressed as quickly as possible, to safeguard NIs family farms and agri businesses." Three men convicted of fraud and acquiring criminal property relating to poultry, amounting to a loss of nearly 320,000, have been sentenced to prison. Rana Dhaia, owner of Townsend Poultry in Wolverhampton, together with Darren Williams and Elliot Smith, both managers employed by the 2 Sisters Food Group in North Wales, conspired together to commit fraud. During an audit at the 2 Sisters Food Group, it came to light that Williams and Smith were supplying Townsend Poultry with chicken. Townsend Poultry was not a customer of 2 Sisters Food Group and there were no records of any deliveries. Enquiries made with local hauliers used by the group confirmed there had been 84 deliveries to Townsend Poultry, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Williams and Smith had destroyed the records of those deliveries, according to an investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Rana Dhaia was sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of four years and three months. Darren Williams was sentenced to two years' imprisonment suspended for two years with a requirement to undertake 300 hours unpaid work. And Elliot Smith was handed a two years' imprisonment suspended for two years with 250 hours of unpaid work. Emmalyne Downing, Crown Advocate, said the three defendants took advantage of their position within the companies to defraud 2 Sisters Food Group. "Fraud cases can be complex; the CPS worked closely with the Economic Crime Unit at North Wales Police and the Food Standards Agency in Wales to build a strong case against the defendants. "The evidence presented resulted in all three being convicted," she said. Detective Constable David Hall of the North Wales Police added: We welcome todays outcome which has seen the conviction of Williams, Smith and Dhaia following work with partners from the Food Standard Agency. The offences that took place not only cost the 2 Sisters Food group thousands of pounds, but also could have had far-reaching implications due to traceability issues if they had not been caught." LOS ANGELESRon Braverman, founder of Doc Johnson, and Chad Braverman, CCO and COO, were featured in an episode of Vices Sex Before the Internet discussing the history of Doc Johnson and the adult pleasure product industry as a whole. Sex Before the Internet is a documentary program in its second season that interviews experts, historians, and main players in the adult industry. Each episode features a different subject matter relating to the title, and this episode is called Sex Toy Empire. Its always very humbling when anybody wants to listen to me tell stories, said Ron Braverman, Founder of Doc Johnson. But Im so proud of what Ive done with my life and my career, and I was impressed with their portrayal of the past almost 50 years! The episode goes hand-in-hand with a profile on Chad Braverman that was published the same day the episode aired, January 30. My Dad Created a Sex Toy Empire elaborates on topics that couldnt fit in the episode, such as the creation of the Free Speech Coalition and how the market is seen in the present. I've watched this business go from marital aids to sex toys to pleasure products to 'sexual health and wellness. Chad said in the piece. It's researched and documented and very factual now that what we do for people helps them. It's good for you, literally. For sales inquiries, contact your representative or email [email protected]. Katie Price feels under-appreciated by the general public. Katie Price feels under-appreciated by the general public The 45-year-old star shot to fame as a topless model under the pseudonym of Jordan in the late 1990s and graced the covers of several high-end magazines but claimed that all these years later she is not really"appreciated" by people in general and insisted she is a genuine model who has achieved longevity. Speaking on 'The Katie Price Show' podcast, she said: "If they still did magazine shoots, cover shoots, I would love to do them anymore. There's not one magazine I didn't do a cover for. I did Cosmopolitan, New Women, Elle magazine cover, Night and Day, FHM, GQ, Esquire, Loaded. I even got FHM Girl of the Year. "People don't really appreciate what I've done. I'm what they say is a real model. I am a real, tested, long-term real model in the way that I don't do just do pictures." The Page 3 legend - who went on to release six autobiographies and carved out a successful television career - also recalled that she used to get "bored" easily at photoshoots back in the day because of the amount of "unnecessary" people that would turn up but when it comes to doing interviews is still of the mindset that she is an open book and will answer whatever is asked of her. She added: "When I used to turn up at a shoot, and it's still like it these days, you get too many chefs. The amount of people would turn up would be so unnecessary. I used to think 'Will you all just f*** off?' I used to get bored quick but I used to get the content done quick. When you do the interviews - and I'm still like it now - I don't wanna see the questions, they can ask whatever they want and I'll answer it as I want. Some of the lads' mags were raunchy so I was into the sex and all that then so it sort of went with me." Rishi Sunak has wished King Charles a "full and speedy recovery" from cancer. King Charles has received support from UK politicians Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the 75-year-old monarch has been diagnosed with "a form of cancer" following a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate, and the UK Prime Minister has now taken to social media to send his best wishes to the King. Sunak, 43 - who has served as the UK's Prime Minister since 2022 - wrote on X: "Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. "I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well." Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has also sent his best wishes to the monarch. The 61-year-old politician wrote on X: "On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. "We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health." Elsewhere, Emma Little-Pengelly - Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister - said that she'll "keep him and his family in [her] prayers". She said: "I would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles all the very best for his treatment. "I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers." Charles has already begun his cancer treatment and Buckingham Palace has confirmed that he will "continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual". In a statement, the Palace added: "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer." Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's father has sent "all the good wishes in the world" to King Charles. Thomas Markle has offered support to King Charles The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease after a "separate issue of concern" was detected when he underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate last month, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday (05.02.24) and now Thomas Markle - who is estranged from his daughter and didn't attend her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry - has sent a message of support to the king. He told MailOnline: "I want to send my best wishes to King Charles and hope he gets well very soon. I wish him all the good wishes in the world." Charles' cancer diagnosis was announced in a statement by Buckingham Palace. The statement read: "During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer." The king's son Harry is to return to the UK from his California home to spend time with his father, but his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet are not expected to travel. To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. Taguig city in the Philippines recently signed an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) to offer technology-based textile livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged and displaced workers of the city and address environmental issues related to water hyacinths. DOST-PTRI will introduce technology to turn water hyacinths into fibre, teach handloom weaving using PTRI-designed machines, provide equipment and offer technical assistance, training and business development support. Taguig city in the Philippines has signed a deal with a government institute to offer textile livelihood opportunities for the city's disadvantaged and displaced workers. The institute will introduce technology to turn water hyacinths into fibre, teach handloom weaving, provide equipment and offer technical help, training and business development support. The city administration will provide space for the machines, training venues and identify beneficiaries, domestic media outlets reported. The agreement was signed at the Mercado de Lago Pavillion in Barangay Lower Bicutan. City mayor Laarni Cayetano emphasised that the partnership is aligned with Taguigs agenda to be a transformative, lively and caring city. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The German economy is grappling with a significant challenge as the latest ifo Business Survey reveals a noticeable uptick in the lack of orders across the manufacturing sector, particularly impacting textiles and apparel industries. In January, an alarming 41.1 per cent of companies in the textile manufacturing sector reported experiencing a shortage of orders, while the situation is little better in the manufacturing of wearing apparel, where 36.9 per cent of companies faced similar issues. This concerning trend underscores a broader issue within the German manufacturing landscape, with 36.9 per cent of manufacturing companies overall citing a lack of orders in January, a slight increase from 36 per cent in October. This marks a significant rise from the same period last year, where only 20.9 per cent of companies reported such challenges. The surge in order shortages is particularly pronounced in energy-intensive industries, as per ifo. In Germany, the textile and apparel manufacturing sectors are increasingly facing order shortages, with 41.1 per cent of textile companies and 36.9 per cent of apparel firms reporting a lack of orders in January. This issue is part of a wider trend affecting the German manufacturing industry, where 36.9 per cent of companies experienced order shortages. The lack of orders has worsened noticeably over the past year. Hardly an industry has been spared, said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of surveys at ifo. Whats more, order backlogs are shrinking. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor known for his roles in Saltburn and Euphoria, is reportedly under investigation by the police in his native Australia following an alleged assault on a radio producer. According to reports, the incident took place at a hotel in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. The producer, Joshua Fox, approached Elordi at the hotel and asked for some of his bathwater as a birthday gift for Jackie O, referencing a scene from Saltburn. Allegedly, Elordi became uncomfortable and requested Fox to stop filming and delete the footage. The situation escalated, with Fox claiming that Elordi pushed him against a wall with his hands around his throat. In response to the incident, the New South Wales Police issued a statement confirming they are investigating the matter. The statement mentioned that a 32-year-old man reported being assaulted by a 26-year-old man outside a hotel in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs on Saturday afternoon, with no injuries reported. Elordi, who has been receiving critical acclaim for his recent performances in Priscilla and Saltburn, is currently nominated for a BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the latter, as well as for the Rising Star Award. He has upcoming projects including roles in Paul Schrader's Oh, Canada and Guillermo del Toro's Dr. Frankenstein, where he is set to portray The Monster. Esha Deol Separation: The daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra and the iconic dream girl Hema Malini, Esha Deol, often finds herself in the spotlight more for her personal life than her acting career. Recently, news surfaced regarding Esha Deol's marital status. Several reports suggested that Esha Deol and Bharat have separated, which explains their absence from public appearances together. ESHA DEOL & BHARAT TAKHTANI ANNOUNCE SEPARATION Well, the couple has finally confirmed their separation after 12 years of marital bliss. Yes, you read that right! In a joint statement, the duo disclosed that their decision was made keeping in mind the well-being of their two children and they requested everyone to honor their privacy. Announcing their separation, Esha and Bharat told Bombay Times, "We have mutually and amicably decided to part ways. Through this shift in our lives, the best interests and welfare of our two children is and will be of utmost importance to us. We'd appreciate our privacy is respected." For those unfamiliar, Esha Deol married businessman Bharat Takhtani on June 29, 2012. The couple has since been blessed with two daughters, Radhya and Miraya. DID BHARAT TAKHTANI CHEATED ON ESHA DEOL? Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani regularly shared lovey-dovey posts for each other on social media in the past, capturing attention with their romantic gestures. However, in recent times, they have refrained from public appearances and have not been seen together. Bharat was notably absent from Hema Malini's 75th birthday celebration, and Esha was observed celebrating Diwali without him, a sudden change from their usual customs. Last year, they also did not attend any Diwali parties together. For those unaware, speculations regarding Esha and Bharat's separation began circulating after a Reddit post went viral. Previously, a Reddit post surfaced discussing allegations of infidelity on Bharat Takhtani's part. According to the post, a user claimed to have witnessed Bharat with his rumoured girlfriend at a paid event in Bangalore. While specific details about Bharat's alleged partner remain unclear, the user mentioned that she resides in Bangalore. Keep watching this space for more updates! MIAMIPositive rates for most sexually transmitted diseases are continuing to decline through January, according to Talent Testing Services (TTS) newest report. The Chlamydia Urine Positivity Index showed that the three Chlamydia Urine rates demonstrate a steady downward trend from the November 2022 peak, although In January 2024 all rates have turned up from December 2023, having gone to 1.5 percent from 1.2 percent, previously. The male rate is at 1.7 percent from 1.6 percent and the female is at 1.4 percent from 0.7 percent. Altogether, January 2024 rates below 2.0 percent can be considered to be within expectations. The Gonorrhea Urine Positivity Index shows decreases for the three rates with the female rate at 0.6 percent from 0.8 percent while the male rate went down to 0.2 percent from 0.5 percent with the total rate dropping to 0.4 percent from 0.6 percent. Looking at the trendline, the January 2024 levels can still be considered to be within regular levels. The Trichomonas Vaginalis Urine Positivity Index showed an upturn for all three rates for January 2024, starting with the female rate to 1.1 percent from 0.1 percent with the total rate at 0.8 percent from 0.1 percent and the Male rate up to 0.5 percent from 0.0 percent. The current rate levels are within the general range of 0.0 to 1.5 percent. Other highlights included: Mycoplasma Genitalium Urine Positivity Index The downward direction started in August 2023 has stopped as all the January 2024 rates have increased, with the total rate increased to 6.9 percent from the December 2023 low of 6.1 percent, the female rate is at 7.6 percent from 6.4 percent while the male rate is at 6.0 from 5.9 percent. The rates continue to be monitored weekly. Chlamydia & GC (Gonorrhea) Throat and Rectal Swabs Positivity Index Based on market activity the positivity rates for the four tests have December 2022 as a relevant, starting point where all levels display their peak and then start overall downward trends. In January 2024, the rates show a further slight drop in the total rate going to 2.0 percent from 2.1 percent, while the male rate turned downward to 2.1 percent from 3.4 percent, and the Female rate now going up to 2.0 percent from 1.1 percent. The Chlamydia Throat rates continue to be aligned with their general trend with levels at or below 1.0 percent. Gonorrhea Rectal Rates Although within an overall smaller range of 0.0 percent to 3.5 percent when compared to the other swab rates, the Gonorrhea rectal volatility since April 2023 continues with the male rate now up to 2.1 percent from 1.0 percent, the female rate decreasing to 0.3 percent from 1.3 percent and the total rate continuing to drop to 1.0 percent from 1.2 percent. To read the full report, click here. For more information, visit TalentTestingService.com. If you found yourself hooked on the riveting performances of Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor in 'Fighter,' here's a list of series of men in uniform on OTT that promise to keep the adrenaline flowing with intense storylines, high-stakes investigations, and captivating characters. Just like 'Fighter' unfolds the gripping saga of India's best combat aviators forming the formidable Air Dragons to counter a militant attack in Kashmir, these series are poised to offer an equally enthralling experience. From bravery and camaraderie to team spirit and redemption, these series promise to keep you at the edge of your seat. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, thrill, and gripping storytelling as you explore this curated list of dramas on OTT! Indian Police Force Indian Police Force on Prime Video is an action thriller ries that unveils the pulse-pounding investigation led by DCP Kabir Malik and Joint CP Vikram Bakshi. Directed by Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash, the series delves into the aftermath of bomb blasts during Delhi Police Raising Day, exposing the covert activities of Indian Mujahideen terrorist Zarar. With seven intense episodes, this action-packed rollercoaster keeps you on the edge of your seat. Starring Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, and Vivek Oberoi, Indian Police Force is a must-watch, offering suspense and drama that captivates from start to finish. Jailer 2.0 Pocket FM's fiction fantasy audio series, "Jailer 2.0," a simple boy undergoes a transformation when a mysterious chemical alters his life forever. Abeer, now a mysterious and fearsome personality, becomes the deputy jailer of the world's most dangerous prison. His anger, capable of lethal consequences, costs him his job and his girlfriend. The narrative unfolds as Abeer navigates his newfound existence, marked by societal expectations and a forced marriage. Despite the challenges, Abeer's strength and abilities prove invaluable as he saves his wife and her family repeatedly. Unrecognised for his true nature, Abeer's caring disposition remains hidden beneath the intimidating exterior. "Jailer 2.0" explores the intricate balance between power, personal relationships, and the complexities of Abeer's transformed identity. Oh My Wife! Oh My Wife!, a Watcho Exclusive series written and directed by Shaurya Singh, is a gripping suspense thriller featuring Mudasir Bhat, Lokesh Batta, Sneha Singh Sisodia, and Deepanshi N. Shakya in key roles. The series revolves around Vivek, a skilled forensic expert grappling with personal turmoil amidst a high-profile murder investigation. Juggling professional challenges and personal dilemmas, Vivek encounters a surprising turn of events when suspicions arise regarding his wife. It keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, posing the question: Is Vivek's wife concealing a sinister secret, or is the true killer someone else entirely? The enthralling narrative unfolds with suspense, leaving viewers in suspense until the very conclusion. If you're looking for something that keeps you on the edge of your seat, watch "Oh My Wife!" now streaming on Watcho. The Family Man The Family Man is an irresistible spy thriller series featuring Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man leading a double life as an intelligence officer. Alongside his best friend JK Talpade, they navigate the challenges of the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell. Produced and directed by Raj and D.K. The series seamlessly blends thrill and humour. With Bajpayee's compelling portrayal and a gripping narrative, it's a rollercoaster of suspense, making The Family Man a go-to for those seeking a captivating and entertaining story Delhi Crime Delhi Crime is a compelling cop drama starring Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain, and Rajesh Tailang. The first season delves into the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape, where Deputy Commissioner of Police Vartika Chaturvedi leads a relentless pursuit of justice. The second season shifts focus to the Chaddi Baniyan Gang, offering a gripping narrative inspired by real events. With compelling performances and a riveting storyline, Delhi Crime stands out as a powerful portrayal of crime, investigation, and resilience, making it essential viewing for those who appreciate intense and thought-provoking dramas. Bhaukaal Bhaukaal is a must-watch crime drama on MX Player, featuring an ensemble cast led by Mohit Raina. The series follows Naveen Sikhera's journey as he is reluctantly promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and transferred to a city dominated by two ruthless gangs. Punishment disguised as promotion, Sikhera takes on the formidable Shaukeen and Dedha gangs, whose terror has paralyzed the city. Unfolding a gripping narrative of power, crime, and redemption, Bhaukaal showcases Mohit Raina's stellar performance in his quest to cleanse the city. With intense storytelling and compelling characters, it's a captivating watch for fans of gripping dramas. Special Ops 2 Special Ops is an unmissable action espionage thriller series, led by Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, and Vinay Pathak. The series, driven by Himmat Singh of the Research and Analysis Wing, unveils a gripping narrative of a singular mastermind orchestrating global terrorist attacks. With a task force scattered across the world, Singh's team delves into complex patterns, determined to catch the elusive culprit. The intense storyline, coupled with exceptional performances, makes "Special Ops" a compelling watch for those seeking a riveting blend of espionage, suspense, and high-stakes investigations in the world of counter-terrorism Thalapathy 69: Actor Vijay, known as Thalapathy Vijay to his fans, has taken a significant step in his career by declaring his entry into politics and unveiling the name of his new political party on February 2. Currently filming for 'The Greatest of All Time' (GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu, Vijay has confirmed that this movie will be his penultimate film, with 'Thalapathy 69' slated to be his final acting endeavour. The newly formed political party is named Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, with Vijay assuming the role of president. He announced the party's formation via an official statement, revealing that they have initiated the process of registering with the Election Commission of India. Contrary to speculation, Vijay clarified that Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam will not participate in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections nor align with any existing political parties. Instead, the party's main goal is to contest and emerge victorious in the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, as per reports. Vijay's Heartfelt Message To Supporters Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the support he received, Vijay took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) through his party's handle, 'TVK Vijay,' on February 4. In his post, he extended thanks to various political leaders, members of the film fraternity, citizens of Tamil Nadu, media personnel, and his ardent supporters for their well-wishes on his political journey. His X post read: "Greetings to all, I profusely thank from the bottom of my heart respected leaders of various political parties, beloved film fraternity friends, affectionate brothers, sisters and mothers of Tamilnadu, my dearest and always encouraging media friends, last but not the least, my huge pillar of support "En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum Thozargal" for wishing me on my new political journey for the welfare and victory of TamilNadu. With Love, Vijay" Previously, with respect to his decision to retire from acting, Vijay emphasised that politics is not merely a career shift but a profound commitment to serve the people. He underscored his dedication to politics, stating that it is not a hobby but a lifelong aspiration. Additionally, he reassured fans that he would fulfil his remaining film commitments without compromising his political responsibilities. Buzz Surrounds Speculated Vijay-Vetrimaaran Team-Up Earlier, reports surfaced about Vijay collaborating with director Karthik Subbaraj, supported by Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures, for Vijay's 69th film. Additional reports suggest SJ Suryah plays a pivotal role in this movie, with Santhosh Narayanan handling the music. Another report claims the shelving of Kamal Haasan's project KH233 with H. Vinoth, who directed 'Thunivu,' and speculation arises that Vinoth might direct Vijay's 69th film. Vinoth, known for directing commercial films infused with socio-political themes, is viewed as a potential choice for Vijay's final movie, particularly as Vijay ventures into politics. There are also rumors about Vijay's interest in remaking 'Bhagavanth Kesari,' the latest blockbuster directed by Anil Ravipudi and starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. Allegedly, Vijay has expressed interest in remaking the film with DVV Danayya, but the acquisition of rights poses a challenge. Fans eagerly anticipate a collaboration between director Vetrimaaran and Vijay, especially since Vetrimaaran has hinted at discussions with Vijay in the past. Currently, Vetrimaaran has wrapped up shooting for 'Viduthalai Part 2,' while his project with Suriya, 'Vaadivasal,' has been temporarily postponed. Considering these developments, there is speculation that Vetrimaaran is likely to direct Vijay's upcoming film. However, none of these rumoured projects can materialise until an official announcement is made, expected after Vijay completes shooting for Venkat Prabhu's film. As fans await updates on Vijay's final film and its director, his transition into politics prompts discussions about his future contributions to Tamil Nadu's socio-political landscape. Star Bharat is all set to enchant viewers with an exhilarating supernatural saga, 'Baghin,' a riveting series that delves into the epic battle between MAN and BEAST. Starring the talented Aneri Vajani, 'Baghin' promises a thrilling ride as the protagonist takes on a vengeful journey after being possessed by the spirit of a tigress.Premiering from February 5th at 9 pm, 'Baghin' will air on Star Bharat. The show features a stellar cast, including Ansh Bagri, Zeeshan Khan, and Krrip Kapur Suri, ensuring an enthralling viewing experience for the audience. Actress Aneri Vajani reflects on her experience as the lead actress in the show, describing it as a tumultuous journey. She says, "It has truly been a roller-coaster journey for me. Initially, I was little hesitatant about taking on this role because I haven't done any supernatural show before and I couldn't gather the confidence to do something of this magnitude. However, I chose to perceive it as a divine sign, turning 'Baghin' into an adventure. Viewing it as an opportunity to embrace challenges, I welcomed the chance to step into a role I never imagined I'd undertake, given its considerable complexity for me as an actor." She further adds, "The character's evolution from innocence to possessing a tigress-like demeanour intrigued me deeply, offering a platform to fully unleash my potential in both facets. I trust that viewers will shower the same affection upon 'Baghin' and its cast, as they always have. So, gear up and tune in to 'Baghin' on Star Bharat, airing every Monday to Saturday at 9 PM. Stay tuned to watch 'Baghin' starting February 5th only on Star Bharat every Monday to Saturday at 9 pm to witness the gripping tale unfold. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2024) - iMining Technologies Inc.'s (TSXV: IMIN) ("iMining"), is pleased to announce the establishment of its regional headquarters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking a strategic expansion into the Middle East. This significant move is in collaboration with Reboot Coding Institute, the first-of-its-kind on-campus coding institute in Bahrain. The partnership aims to not only solidify iMining's presence in the region but also to tap into the unique opportunity provided by Reboot Coding Institute to access a pipeline of highly skilled and industry-ready tech talent. This strategic initiative underscores iMining's commitment to fostering technological innovation and leveraging local expertise as it continues to grow its operations in the dynamic Middle Eastern market. Reboot01, in Partnership with Tamkeen, is poised to revolutionize the tech landscape in Bahrain. By focusing on transforming students into full-stack developers, the institute is addressing the growing demand for skilled tech professionals. Armed with comprehensive skill sets and industry-ready competencies, Reboot01 alumni are primed to become highly sought-after full-stack developers, shaping the future of the tech industry. Khurram Shroff, the Chairman and the CEO of iMining Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm: "Our venture into Bahrain with Reboot01 perfectly aligns with our vision of nurturing global tech talent. We're excited to partner with Reboot01 to develop a new generation of tech experts. Our focus at iMining Technologies has expanded towards AI, and graduates of the Reboot curriculum's Data Science & Machine Learning program, with their strong foundation in these areas, will be valuable assets to our R&D and service teams." Yanal Jallad, Managing Director of Reboot01, commented on the partnership, "Our collaboration with iMining Technologies signifies a pivotal milestone in advancing tech education in Bahrain. Their expansion into the MENA region introduces unparalleled expertise, enhancing career opportunities for our graduates and endowing them with a distinctive advantage in the realms of AI and blockchain. We look forward to nurturing a fruitful, synergistic relationship with iMining Technologies." This partnership brings together Reboot01's innovative educational approach with iMining's expertise in blockchain and AI, promising to provide students with comprehensive learning experiences and employment opportunities, ultimately bolstering iMining's commitment to investing in emerging markets and supporting the growth of the tech sector. The demand for skilled tech talent in Bahrain's thriving ecosystem aligns perfectly with the exceptional caliber of Reboot01 graduates. Their in-depth understanding of the latest technologies, honed through the institute's rigorous program, makes them ideal partners for iMining Technologies' pioneering work in AI and blockchain, propelling both organizations towards continued success. Reboot01 are poised to fuel innovation and further attract top talent, solidifying Bahrain's position as a thriving tech hub in the MENA region. About iMining Technologies Inc. iMining Technologies Inc. is a publicly listed technology company which together with its subsidiaries acquires, builds, and manages future technology companies in Canada. The Company's industry specific technology businesses provide specialized and innovative solutions in future technologies and serves private sector markets. iMining Technologies Inc. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About Reboot Coding Institute Reboot01 is a leading on-campus coding school in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the purpose of establishing Bahrain as a hub for coding skills. The program delivers practical learning in a collaborative environment, situated in our state-of-the-art campus, in which graduates of the program will enter the industry as full-stack developers, a highly desired & well-paid position. Reboot01's innovative two-year program gives students real world skills through collaborative, project-based applied learning that ensures every student becomes a creative and autonomous problem-solver ready for a career in tech. Learn more: https://reboot01.com/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Khurram Shroff" Khurram Shroff, President & CEO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact: iMining Corporate Offices: Saleem Moosa, CFO and Director Email: investor@imining.com Telephone: 1-604-602-4935 Toll Free: 1-866-602-4935 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/196963 SOURCE: iMining Technologies Inc. Kazyon, the leading grocery discounter in the Arab world and Africa acquires a 50% stake in Al Dukan Company Limited ("Dukan"), through a SAR 250m capital increase The transaction expands and diversifies Kazyon's operations into Saudi Arabia, its third market in addition to Egypt and Morocco, with a growing network of over 1,000 stores Significant synergies are projected to be realised by leveraging increased scale and sharing of best practices with a store rollout target to reach 5,000 stores in five years Kazyon Limited, the UK parent company of Kazyon, today completed the acquisition of 50% of the equity share capital of Dukan for SAR 250m, expanding its operations into Saudi Arabia, the largest grocery retail market in the region at c.USD 40bn of annual turnover. Founded in 2013 and operating over 100 stores, Dukan is the sole grocery discount retailer in Saudi Arabia. The acquisition was structured via a capital increase, allowing invested capital to be used to accelerate Dukan's store rollout. With modern trade channel penetration of only c.50%, the Saudi Arabian market presents ample room for growth. The discounter approach to market is to disrupt conventional modern trade operational patterns, while also gaining market share from traditional trade. Since its founding in 2014 by Hassan Heikal, Kazyon has been committed to providing increased access of affordable products to underserved markets. The company has experienced rapid growth and is now the leading discount grocery retailer across the Arab world and Africa with over 1,000 stores. Kazyon aims to be a top three player in Saudi Arabia and Morocco after becoming the largest grocery retailer in Egypt. Kazyon is expected to have a network of over 5,000 stores in the next five years across Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco. Kazyon will be supported by its proprietary end-to-end logistics capabilities that fully integrate its distribution centres, fleet of transport vehicles and stores. Alongside Mr Heikal, Kazyon Limited is owned by a leading global sovereign wealth fund, major DFIs, blue-chip emerging markets private equity platforms (including Development Partners International, FIM Capital and Sango Capital) and regional family offices, among others. The investment in Dukan is in-line with Kazyon's expansion plans and will provide for a more diversified regional platform. Further, significant synergies are expected to be realised, including across supplier purchase agreements and sharing of best practices, among others. Hassan Heikal, Chairman and Founder of Kazyon said: "This acquisition marks an important milestone for Kazyon as it accelerates its growth and expands into Saudi Arabia, one of the most attractive grocery retail markets in the region. We are excited by the prospects for the business in the Kingdom. The transaction was funded by introducing to the capital structure of Kazyon a global sovereign wealth fund as we solidify our position as a leading grocery retailer in the region." Kazyon was advised by Evercore Partners, EFG-Hermes, White Case and PWC. ENDS About Kazyon Founded in 2014 by Hassan Heikal, Kazyon is the largest discount retailer in the Arab world and Africa currently operating over 1,000 stores and employing more than 7,000 colleagues. Kazyon has been steadily increasing its store footprint in recent years, supported by its proprietary end-to-end logistics capabilities that fully integrate its distribution centres, fleet of transport vehicles and stores. Kazyon provides millions of customers access to affordable, high-quality products, delivered through a network of consistent, recognizable neighbourhood stores and currently has one of the largest loyalty schemes in the Arab world and Africa. Alongside its founder Heikal Hassan, Kazyon is backed by an investor base including Development Partners International, FIM Capital, Sango Capital, South Suez Capital, British International Investment, a global sovereign wealth fund and regional investment offices, among others. About Dukan Founded in 2013, Dukan is the sole grocery discount retailer in Saudi Arabia. Dukan currently operates over 100 stores across three cities located in the Makkah province, employing more than 500 colleagues. Dukan offers a full range of basic groceries and a differentiated assortment of private-label products at discounted prices, currently serving over 50,000 customers daily. www.kazyon.com www.dukan.me View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240204511713/en/ Contacts: Omar Bebars omar.bebars@kazyon.com +20122 2183654 Coty signs long-term agreement with Italian luxury fashion brand Marni, further reinforcing alliance with OTB Group Today, Coty (NYSE: COTY), one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care, and Marni, the Italian luxury fashion brand renowned for its artistic collections, announce a new licensing agreement to develop, produce, and distribute a line of fragrances and beauty products beyond 2040. This new agreement solidifies Coty's commitment to strengthening its presence in the luxury fragrance segment through a long-term partnership with Marni, establishing a coalition grounded in shared values of expertise, innovation and forward-thinking creativity. Sue Nabi, Coty's CEO, said: "We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Marni, a brand known for its innovation, creativity, and unique youthful approach to luxury. Marni is highly recognized in the fashion industry, with particular brand strength in Asia, and Europe. This licensing agreement aligns with Coty's highly successful strategic direction of focusing on fashion driven licenses with multi category potential that resonate across key markets. We are excited to start working with Marni to develop premium beauty offerings that bring the Fashion House's visual style and values in beauty to life." Barbara Calo, Marni's CEO, added: "The alliance with Coty, a pioneering force in the beauty industry, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Marni, in line with our commitment to offer a holistic brand experience. Through the introduction of fragrances and beauty products, that will seamlessly integrate into our brand universe, we're redefining the brand's boundaries, opening up new opportunities of affirmation for Marni." The first offering under this licensing agreement is expected to launch in 2026. The collection will focus on translating Marni's creative and fashion-forward identity into the realm of beauty. With the launch building on Marni's distinct brand equity to deliver a premium offering, it promises a unique and elevated beauty experience for consumers. Through the agreement with Marni, Coty strengthens its partnership with OTB Group, following the recent successful license renewal with Jil Sander. "We are very glad to further consolidate our Group's strategic partnership with Coty and to invest in Marni's successful ability to explore new, relevant business grounds. This long-term vision agreement gives Marni the opportunity to shape its values in new creative ways and to strengthen its luxury positioning by landing in the world of beauty and fragrances," commented Ubaldo Minelli, OTB Group CEO. About Coty Inc. Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. We serve consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in more than 125 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram. About Marni Founded in 1994, Marni is recognized as the most artistic, color-savvy, life embracing, off-beat brand in the luxury segment. Renowned for its subversive collections, Marni has consistently challenged the traditional codes of fashion and the seriousness of dressing up, celebrating individuality through its distinctive approach to materials and colors, combined with a unique taste for prints and shapes. The aesthetic paradigm mirrors the vision of creative director Francesco Risso: Marni's quirky elegance is a range of possibilities, a lifestyle with an avant-garde spirit that holds a constant dialogue with the world of art, finding ultimate expression in special collaborations and capsule collections. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205777426/en/ Contacts: Antonia Werther Antonia_werther@cotyinc.com Simone Emanuele simone_emanuele@marni.com SAAK aims to fulfil its goal of localization and follow the Saudi Vision 2030 by improving its operational and production-line efficiency using the Plex MES solution AL-KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that it has closed a contract with Saudi Arabia's SAAK International to help power the company's digital transformation. Working with the country's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), as part of Vision 2030, SAAK and Rockwell Automation developed a far-reaching plan to use the Plex MES solution to gather real-time intelligence, identify bottlenecks in the production process, and maximize overall equipment effectiveness. Plex MES is an advanced manufacturing floor automation platform, providing full visibility into the production lifecycle. Easy to set up, it enables manufacturers to gather high-quality data on every aspect of production-line performance, both in real time and over the long term, as it automates tasks, prevents errors, and drives in-line quality. Plex makes the widest possible range of data available through a simple, intuitive interface. With Plex, SAAK will be able to track materials effectively throughout the entire journey, from receipt to shipment - including WIP - to deliver a real-time, granular view of the business. It also allows users to create customized dashboards, specific to their needs and goals, reducing time to results and maximizing return on investment (ROI). Initially, SAAK and Rockwell Automation will work together to deploy Plex MES on Microsoft Azure in the company's newly opened factory at Sudhair industrial city. Together, the two companies will optimize equipment effectiveness, working to improve key performance metrics around the efficiency of production, levels of scrappage, availability and unplanned downtime. Ultimately, SAAK plans to expand the scope of data collection and the production lines on which Plex MES Core is installed. Taking advantage of the platform's ease of use, SAAK's own teams will create and configure new dashboards, specific to different processes, locations and goals. In doing so, they will be playing a key part not just in improving SAAK's own efficiency and productivity but also in meeting the country's ambitious goals for economic growth and diversification as part of the government's Saudi Vision 2030. "At Rockwell Automation, we believe there's never been a better time to embrace digital transformation and manufacturing automation," said Hussain Al Khater, managing director, Rockwell Automation, Saudi Arabia. "Through advances such as augmented reality and digital twin, our experts can help our customers integrate control and information to help companies become more resilient, agile, and sustainable. That isn't just good for them. By priming our Saudi customers for success, our goal is to help contribute to the country's success and to Saudi Arabia's digital transformation." "We're delighted to partner with Rockwell Automation," said SAAK International CEO Nasser Alajmi. "Using Plex MES, we expect to hit our targets for transparency and efficiency in production within the shortest possible time. This will not just enable us to achieve our business goals but also to make an important contribution to diversification of the country's economy as part of Saudi Vision 2030." The benefits of using the Plex MES solution include: Improved visibility with accurate, detailed real-time and cumulative data on system performance and materials usage. Cut costs by using data and insights to reduce energy consumption, cut downtime and optimize other production variables. Increase productivity by identifying then eliminating bottlenecks, maximizing system utilization, and accelerating key workflows. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 29,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saudi-arabian-company-saak-international-a-leading-manufacturer-of-high-tech-industrial-and-defense-electronics-is-digitally-transforming-its-production-process-with-the-help-of-rockwell-automation-302046968.html TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Western Digital Corp. (WDC), a data storage solutions provider, announced Tuesday that its Japanese joint venture with Japan's memory solutions firm Kioxia Corp. has been approved to receive an up to 150 billion yen Government subsidy for Yokkaichi and Kitakami Plants. The JV manufacturing facilities at Yokkaichi and Kitakami plants will get the subsidy, including facilities that will produce its latest generation of 3D flash memory based on the innovative wafer bonding technology and future generation advanced nodes. The Japanese government grants subsidy under a designated program to facilitate corporate investment in cutting-edge semiconductor production facilities and securing stable production of semiconductors in Japan. Previously, the joint venture manufacturing facility at Yokkaichi was approved to receive up to 92.9 billion yen subsidy from the Japanese government in 2022. With their over 20-year joint venture partnership, the companies expect to continue to develop and produce cutting-edge flash memory at the Yokkaichi and Kitakami plants in Japan. In addition, the two companies will contribute to the development of semiconductor-related industries. 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. (Antarctica, 6 February 2024) - In a groundbreaking venture, Telenor announces the opening of the world's southernmost commercial base station in Antarctica, setting a new benchmark for connectivity in the harshest of environments. The Norwegian Polar Institute's research station in Antarctica, Troll, now has extended reach, connecting a vast area to the outside world with mobile connectivity. The base station was put into operation in February. What makes this base station unique, aside from being the southernmost in the world, is that it's operated from the world's northernmost at Ny Alesund. Experience with operations in polar regions Head of Telenor Svalbard, Christian Skottun, emphasizes that a strong collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute is the foundation for establishing mobile coverage in Antarctica. "There has been a fruitful dialogue with the Norwegian Polar Institute regarding the possibilities offered by a base station in Antarctica. Telenor, with its presence in Svalbard, has extensive experience in building and operating mobile networks in Arctic regions. Mobile coverage is crucial for both Arctic poles. For research communities, the ability to utilize mobile IoT in gathering data from fieldwork is particularly attractive. Additionally, mobile coverage opens up new possibilities for research and environmental monitoring in the Antarctic oceanic area." The primary motivation behind this audacious project is to provide essential mobile coverage to the Norwegian Polar Institute's research station, Troll, located in Antarctica. Troll serves as a hub for scientific exploration and environmental research, making reliable communication crucial for the success of ongoing projects and the safety of researchers working in the region. This base station also provides a new dimension of safety as we now are able to offer mobile coverage in the area where the polar research station is located "Mobile coverage is a step forward for technological development at Troll. In addition, it provides new opportunities for research and monitoring in Queen Maud Land," says the Director of the Polar Institute, Camilla Brekke. Close collaboration with satellite operator In addition to close collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute, Telenor Svalbard also collaborates with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which is responsible for the communication service from the Troll station. KSAT owns and operates TrollSat, one of the world's most important ground stations for collecting data from climate and environmental monitoring satellites, co-located with the research station at Troll. KSAT is responsible for transmitting satellite-based information from Troll to users worldwide. "Full mobile coverage at Troll also helps our users and simplifies communication with the outside world. We are therefore pleased that the satellite link from Troll also can be used for mobile phone traffic," says Rolf Skatteboe, CEO of KSAT. New opportunities in research Birgitte Engebretsen, CEO of Telenor Norway, is proud and delighted that Telenor has contributed to establishing mobile connectivity between the poles. "Our societal mission includes providing technology that makes research work easier. We see that the emergence of our new technological solutions opens up new possibilities for research," says Engebretsen. Media contact: Christian Skottun, Head of Telenor Svalbard, phone +47 951 42 699, email: christian.skottun@telenor.no David Fidjeland, Director Media Relations, phone: +47 934 67 224, email: david.fidjeland@telenor.com Attachment New international report also shows 138 countries and territories now require graphic picture warnings on cigarette packages TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An international report released today by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) reveals ongoing advancements in tobacco plain packaging worldwide. Presently, 42 countries and territories are actively moving ahead with plain packaging, with 25 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation. The CCS report, titled Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report, details global progress on plain packaging, ranks 211 countries and territories on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists the 138 countries and territories that now require graphic picture warnings. The report also features the new Canadian requirement for a warning directly on every individual cigarette. This world precedent setting measure will start to appear on cigarettes in Canada by April 2024. Australia is in progress to become the second country to adopt the measure. progressing "There is a strong global trend for countries to implement plain packaging," says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, CCS. "Australia was the first country to implement plain packaging in 2012, followed by France and the U.K. in 2016, and now more and more countries are implementing the measure. These developments are very encouraging as plain packaging is a key measure to protect youth and to reduce tobacco use." There are now 25 countries and territories that have adopted plain packaging, up from only 9 countries in 2018 and 21 countries in 2021. Guidelines under the international tobacco treaty, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), recommend that countries consider implementing plain packaging. Plain packaging includes health warnings on packages and prohibits tobacco company branding such as colours, logos and design elements. It also requires the brand name to be a standard font size, style and location on the package and the brand portion of each package to be the same colour, such as an unattractive brown. Finally, the package format is standardized. Plain packaging regulations put an end to packaging being used for product promotion, increase the effectiveness of package warnings, curb package deception and decrease tobacco use. Plain packaging has been implemented in Australia (2012), France (2016), United Kingdom (2016), Norway (2017), Ireland (2017), New Zealand (2018), Saudi Arabia (2019), Turkey (2019), Thailand (2019), Canada (2019), Uruguay (2019), Slovenia (2020), Belgium (2020), Israel (2020), Singapore (2020), Netherlands (2020), Denmark (2021), and Guernsey (2021), Hungary (2022), Jersey (2022), and Finland (2023), with implementation in progress or pending in Mauritius, Myanmar, Oman and Georgia. Plain packaging has been implemented in practice in 3 countries where packages are imported from a country with plain packaging: Monaco (from France), Cook Islands (from New Zealand), and Niue (from Australia). Plain packaging is currently under formal consideration in at least 14 countries: Armenia, Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Czechia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Russia and South Africa. The report reveals there are now 138 countries and territories that require picture health warnings on cigarette packages, an increase from 117 in 2018 and 134 in 2021. This represents 66.5% of the world's population. Canada became the first country in the world to require picture health warnings in 2001. "There is continuing progress for countries to use graphic pictures on cigarette packages to show the lethal health effects of smoking," says Cunningham. "It is extremely positive for global public health that more than 130 countries and territories have required picture health warnings and have increased warning size, and that so many are moving toward plain packaging. The international trend will reduce global tobacco industry sales and will save lives lost to cancer and other tobacco-related diseases." In total 127 countries and territories have required warnings to cover at least 50% of the package front and back (on average), up from 107 in 2018 and 24 in 2008. There are now 76 countries and territories with a size of at least 65% (on average) of the package front and back, and 11 with at least 85%. The top countries ranked by warning size as an average of the front and back of the package are: 1. 92.5% East Timor (Timor-Leste) (85% of front, 100% of back) 1. 92.5% Turkey (85%, 100%) 3. 90% Maldives (90%, 90%) 3. 90% Nepal (90%, 90%) 3. 90% Vanuatu (90%, 90%) 3. 90% Benin (90%, 90%) 7. 90% Mauritius (80%, 100%) 8. 87.5% New Zealand (75%, 100%) 9. 85% Hong Kong (S.A.R., China) (85%, 85%) 9. 85% India (85%, 85%) 9. 85% Thailand (85%, 85%) The United States ranks 173 in the world, tied for last. Cigarette package warnings are a highly cost-effective way to increase awareness of the negative health effects of smoking and to reduce tobacco use. Picture-based warnings convey a more powerful message than a text-only warning and their effectiveness increases with size. Guidelines under the FCTC recommend that warnings should: be as large as is achievable; include a rotated series of graphic pictures; be at the top of both the front and back of packages. Picture warnings are especially valuable for low- and middle-income countries where there are higher rates of illiteracy and where governments may have few resources. Health departments determine the content of warnings and the tobacco industry is responsible for printing the warnings on packages. Examples of graphic picture warnings include a diseased lung or mouth, a patient with lung cancer in a hospital bed and a child being exposed to second-hand smoke. The release of today's report aligns with the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC, taking place February 5-10 in Panama City, Panama. The report supports the FCTC's implementation, which mandates that all parties have health warnings covering at least 30% of the principal display areas and should cover at least 50% of the display areas, and may include picture warnings. Currently, the FCTC has 183 parties. This marks the 8th Canadian Cancer Society international report on cigarette package health warnings, following previous publications in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2021. Cigarette Package Health Warnings report in English Cigarette Package Health Warnings report in French Cigarette Package Health Warnings report in Spanish About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today. Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society, Phone: +1-613-762-4624, Email: rob.cunningham@cancer.ca View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tobacco-plain-packaging-progress-continues-worldwide-with-42-countries-and-territories-moving-forward-with-regulations-302053890.html Important information The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of 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. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. 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. February 6, 2024 - release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, France Nicox SA (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124, ALCOX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced presentations on NCX 470 and NCX 1728 at the upcoming Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting 2024, a key ophthalmology conference which will be held from May 5 to May 9, 2024 in Seattle, WA, United States. Abstract/Presentation Title: Tolerability and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy following 5-day repeated dosing with NCX 470 0.1% ophthalmic solution, Lumigan and Rhopressa: a comparative head-to-head study in rabbits and dogs Type: Poster Session Session Title: Tools and advancements in glaucoma diagnosis, monitoring, medications, and lasers Date: May 6, 2024 from 8:30 am to 10:15 am (U.S. local time) Presenter: Francesco Impagnatiello, PhD, Nicox Research Institute NCX 470, a novel NO-donating bimatoprost eye drop, is currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Results of Mont Blanc, the first of the two Phase 3 clinical trials, have been announced in October 2022. The second Phase 3 clinical trial, Denali, is currently ongoing, and the results are expected in 2025, based on current recruitment rates. Abstract/Presentation Title: NCX 1728, a novel nitric oxide (NO)-donating avanafil: Formulation development and in vivo testing in a rabbit model of ischemia/reperfusion injury of the optic nerve head and retina Type: Poster Session Session Title: Neuroprotection, blood flow, ischemia-reperfusion and aqueous humor dynamics Date: May 5, 2024 from 3:15 pm to 5:00 pm (U.S. local time) Presenter: Corinna Galli, PhD, Nicox Research Institute NCX 1728 is an NO-donating phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, the lead compound in a new class of NO-donating molecules based entirely on NO-mediated activity. NCX 1728 is currently under preclinical evaluation for development in retinal conditions. Nicox Corporate Status Update The Company estimates it is financed until June 2024, based exclusively on the development of NCX 470. The Company is pursuing licensing and other business development discussions, exploring multiple strategic options and is also discussing with its creditors to restructure its debt. BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Health Progress Report: IDTechEx Examines the Future of Healthcare Delivery Healthcare systems around the world are being put under increasing strain every year. Key challenges they face include overburdened medical staff and a steady rise in patients with chronic health conditions that require high levels of care. Digital health has long been proposed as a solution to both problems, but the adoption of digital health has been spotty in areas. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed digital health companies to demonstrate the capabilities of their solutions, the question remains as to how the world will shift more permanently towards this new form of healthcare delivery. IDTechEx have recently launched the report "Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence 2024-2034: Trends, Opportunities, and Outlook", covering the status of the digital health market with a focus on healthcare delivery. Topics covered in the report include telehealth, remote patient monitoring (RPM), consumer health wearables, digital health apps, and image recognition artificial intelligence for medical diagnosis. The report provides an overview of the technologies and trends that are shaping the future of medical diagnosis and delivery. The following topics are discussed in the report: - Trends in the adoption of telehealth and telemedicine - Key chronic conditions being addressed by remote patient monitoring devices - Shift of consumer wearables towards health and wellness applications - Overview of digital therapeutics and coverage of digital health apps in diabetes management - The potential for AI image recognition in medical diagnosis Telehealth and remote patient monitoring (RPM) can be key to helping healthcare systems optimize the deployment of their medical staff. Benefits range from enabling better coverage of skills across several locations to higher levels of care within a single location but with fewer staff. While telehealth can be as simple as a phone or video conversation between a patient and their doctor, developments in medical sensors are advancing the range of health conditions that can be monitored from home via RPM. Companies developing patient monitoring hardware and programs are at varying stages of commercialization, ranging from clinical trials and projects to start-ups that major medical device players have acquired. This IDTechEx report on digital health provides an introduction to RPM and includes a 10-year market forecast of 19 types of connected medical devices that can be readily applied to digital health programs. A technology trend that is enabling the rise of RPM is the continuing improvement of consumer wearable technology and the movement toward medical applications. Wearable technology provides continuous monitoring of health conditions in an unobtrusive form factor, with the potential to provide significant value to healthcare systems up to the point of enabling physicians to intervene with early diagnosis and even preventative healthcare. The line between consumer devices and medical devices is continuing to blur, with consumer wearable devices offering an increasing number of highly relevant health sensing capabilities and medical devices seeking out additional consumer wellness applications amongst healthy populations. This IDTechEx report analyzes the future of wearable healthcare through various lenses, including roadmaps covering market trends, functions, and opportunities in wearable sensor technology segmented by biometrics measured. Finally, the key to digital health is software. Significant progress has been made in bringing software as a medical device (SaMD) to market, with several digital therapies receiving regulatory approval and reimbursement worldwide. Key areas for SaMD are mental and behavioral health. With the ability to drive healthy behaviors, digital health apps are also applicable to managing chronic conditions and improving wellbeing. A separate type of SaMD that has emerged is the use of image recognition AI for application on medical imaging for diagnostics. The use of software has multiple benefits, including both helping overburdened doctors, as well as enabling early diagnosis. This IDTechEx report examines the future of medical imaging AI, with a market penetration forecast to 2024 covering 13 different therapeutic areas. IDTechEx's new report, "Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence 2024", leverages the company's coverage of the health & wellness space over the past decade and derives its findings from individual reports spanning wearable technologies, remote patient monitoring, diabetes management technologies, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. To find out more about this new report from IDTechEx, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/digitalhealth. About IDTechEx IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com. Media Contact: Lucy Rogers Sales and Marketing Administrator press@IDTechEx.com +44(0)1223 812300 Social Media Links: Twitter: www.twitter.com/IDTechEx LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/IDTechEx Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478371/IDTechEx_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-health-progress-report-idtechex-examines-the-future-of-healthcare-delivery-302053639.html HELSINKI (dpa-AFX) - Finland's foreign trade deficit decreased in December as imports fell faster than exports, preliminary figures from Finnish Customs showed on Tuesday. The trade deficit narrowed to EUR 275 million in December from EUR 469 billion in the corresponding month last year. The value of exports dropped 16.6 percent year-on-year in December, and imports plunged by 18.2 percent. Shipments to the EU member countries declined 17.0 percent annually in December, and imports from those nations slumped 21.0 percent. Data showed that exports to countries outside the EU decreased 15.6 percent, and imports from those countries slid by 13.5 percent. The trade balance for the whole year 2023 was a surplus of EUR 45 million versus a shortfall of EUR 10.6 billion in 2022. 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 and MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Basware, a global leader in AP automation and invoice processing, has appointed Markus Hornburg as its Senior Vice President, Global Compliance. It strengthens the company's compliance offering to help customers through upcoming e-invoicing requirements. Many countries such as France, Poland, Spain, and Germany, are introducing legislation to enforce e-invoicing, while many existing countries around the world including Latin America continue to revise their requirements. This complexity will require businesses trading in those countries to send and receive invoices electronically, to clamp down on issues such as VAT fraud. However, regulations concerning invoice formats, systems, tax rules and timelines can be challenging and differ across countries. Basware supports global enterprises automate their accounts payable (AP) function by seamlessly matching, approving and processing invoices at scale. Hornburg will lead Basware's strategy to provide an answer to this ever-more complex compliance challenge, which integrates the different rules required in each country in terms of invoice formats, signatures and archiving into its AP automation and e-invoicing platform. With over 25 years in product, trade and tax compliance, Hornburg has worked with governments and private sector companies globally, bringing a wealth of experience defining and delivering digitalization efforts. Before joining Basware, he served as VP of Global Product Compliance for Coupa Software and VP of Compliance at Tungsten Network. Markus Hornburg, Head of Compliance at Basware, said: "I'm excited to join Basware to continue furthering compliance in financial processes. Over the years many so-called 'disruptors' have tried to enter the market, but Basware has a very long track record of delivering meaningful value to customers. With so many complex and evolving e-invoicing regulations expected over the coming years, Basware is strengthening its position as a trusted and reliable partner for all businesses, supporting finance teams and the office of the CFO. With Basware, digitization processes will be projects customers want to do rather than something they have to do." Basware supports customers with e-invoice compliance in more than 100 countries with extensive experience with mandates, laws and requirements tailored to each market through its Global E-invoicing Compliance Map. Basware's solution is already connected to several government platforms as well as interoperability networks such as Peppol - the common global framework for the cross-border exchange of electronic business documents. Basware has the world's largest open network, with the ability to integrate with more than 250 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems across more than 175 countries. In 2023, Basware launched its Partner Dematerialisation Platform (PDP) application to facilitate digital invoicing businesses in France. Based in Germany, Hornburg will report into Basware's CEO, Jason Kurtz. Jason Kurtz, CEO at Basware, commented: "Basware is committed to support its customers through e-invoicing mandates. The appointment of Markus reaffirms our commitment to be the choice of the customer for global compliance. Compliance is a priority for our customers but is ever-changing and can be complex to adopt and implement. Markus will help ensure complete coverage of financial processes for our customers that are navigating differing mandates across the world." About Basware Basware is how finance leaders in global enterprises can finally automate their complex, labor-intensive invoice processes and stay compliant with regulatory change. Our AP automation and invoicing platform helps you achieve a new level of efficiency - in a matter of months - while reducing errors and risks. We bring a unique combination of true automation, complete coverage, and deeper expertise to make it all just happen for our customers. That's why the world's most efficient AP departments at thousands of companies rely on Basware to handle over 170 million invoices per year. Basware. Now it all just happens. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334388/Markus_Hornburg.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/basware-appoints-head-of-compliance-to-help-customers-navigate-global-e-invoicing-regulation-302053873.html 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. Klub will invest in credit for the growth of SMEs and startups, boosting the region's GDP DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Klub, India's largest platform for Revenue Based Financing (RBF) announced its expansion to the Middle East. Klub has received the relevant permission (Category 3C) to manage private credit funds under the newly instituted credit fund regime by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM). This regulatory approval marks a pivotal moment in Klub's journey, granting them the distinction of being the first Revenue Based Financing focused credit fund to expand in the Middle East region. One of the key strategic advancements is the establishment of an AED 1 billion credit umbrella focusing on investing in credit products for the growth of SMEs and startups in the region. Klub's pioneering technology platform offers a speedy and fully digital application and assessment process for the provision of flexible credit to digital SMEs and democratises seamless access to a wide range of financing products. This licence will allow Klub to collaborate with regulated banks in the region. Anurakt Jain, Co-Founder and CEO at Klub, said, "As a company, we have consistently embraced the mission of driving growth for local businesses. Our expansion to the Middle East, starting with the UAE, is the first step in this direction. 60% of the region's GDP is driven by SMEs which are starved for fast and flexible financing solutions. Klub will bridge this gap." Co-Founder and COO Ishita Verma echoed Jain's sentiments, adding, "Since inception, Klub has deployed over AED 400 million to digital businesses in India. We're thrilled to bring our technology and e-commerce financing expertise to a new region in the Middle East, contributing to its entrepreneurial ecosystem." ADGM, the international financial centre (IFC) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates is globally recognised for its regulatory environment that fosters financial innovation and collaboration. Klub's establishment in ADGM amplifies its capacity to facilitate investments and offer financial expertise to emerging businesses across the GCC and beyond. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM said, "We are delighted to welcome Klub to ADGM and confident that ADGM's dynamic ecosystem and progressive credit fund regime will reinforce Klub's proven track record as a leading revenue based financing player in India. Their commitment to financial innovation is aligned with ADGM's vision and we look forward to providing the best platform that supports them in developing their offering and efficiently contributing to the continuous development of Abu Dhabi's vibrant financial landscape and its strategic value to global finance." Klub's expansion into the Middle East signifies a transformative moment in the landscape of Revenue Based Financing. Klub's technology suite paves the way for more accessible and innovative AI-enabled financing solutions, and the platform remains dedicated to supporting the growth and success of businesses on an international scale. The Klub Group brings deep expertise and established credentials. The Group has deployed more than AED 400+ million in 1600 investment rounds, enabling growth for 600+ digital businesses. In 2022, Klub closed its maiden AED 100 million SEBI-registered credit fund in India, which is now fully deployed. Klub's technology arm has raised more than AED 80 million in funding from Peak XV's Surge, Alter Global, Japan-based GMO Venture Partners, and 9Unicorns. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2335099/Klub_founders.jpg Contact: Rishita Singh, +91 8904089556, rishita@klubworks.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/revenue-based-financing-leader-klub-becomes-the-first-to-secure-a-credit-fund-licence-aims-to-invest-aed-1-billion-in-the-middle-east-302054423.html PARIS, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MGI, a company committed to building core tools and technology to lead life science, announced today a collaboration agreement with MetaGenoPolis, a unit within the renowned National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) in France, following MetaGenoPolis' selection as a core lab under the Million Microbiomes from Humans Project (MMHP). Through this agreement, MetaGenoPolis will be equipped with MGI's ultra-high throughput DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer. MetaGenoPolis will serve as a platform for processing samples from the project Le French Gut and for other researchers within the Million Microbiomes from Humans Project (MMHP). "We are excited about the opportunity to further advance research in metagenomics sequencing," said Dr. Yong Hou, General Manager of MGI Europe and Africa. "We look forward to supporting MetaGenoPolis in their valuable work in the project Le French Gut by equipping them with our accurate and reliable high-throughput pipeline, which will ultimately contribute to MMHP." The agreement underscores the commitment of both MGI and MetaGenoPolis to facilitate innovation in metagenomic research as part of MMHP and the project Le French Gut. The two parties aim to leverage cutting-edge technology, particularly in microbiology and metagenomics, to co-develop new applications and enable the consortium's scientific collaboration and research. In addition, as a core lab within the MMHP framework, MetaGenoPolis is set to enhance its research capabilities with help from MGI's state-of-the-art technology and to contribute to international standards in metagenomics sequencing across different sample types through this collaboration. "We are delighted to partner with MGI to further our research objectives in MMHP and Le microbiote francais - Le French Gut," said Alexandre Cavezza, Executive Director of MetaGenoPolis. "This collaboration will not only strengthen our capabilities, but also reinforce our commitment to advancing scientific research in this field." "The inclusion of MetaGenoPolis as a core lab within the MMHP framework marks a significant milestone in our efforts to drive metagenomics research," added Professor Stanislav Dusko Ehrlich, Co-Chair of the MMHP Consortium. "Their partnership with MGI will play a crucial role in supporting MMHP by providing essential infrastructure and expertise to process samples and generate valuable data." Launched in 2019, MMHP is a global effort aimed to sequence and analyze one million microbial samples from intestines, mouth, skin, reproductive tract and other organs to form a microbiome map of the human body and build the world's largest database of human microbiomes. Part of MMHP, Le French Gut began in 2022 to understand the gut microbiota and how it is linked to chronic diseases, and will collect 100,000 fecal samples with nutritional and clinical data from healthy adults and patients. About MetaGenoPolis (MGP) MetaGenoPolis (MGP) is an INRAE unit specializing in gut microbiota research applied to human and animal health and nutrition, with the aim of accelerate science and innovation. Funded by the Investing in the Future Program (winner in 2012 and 2019), MGP was coordinator of two major projects that have advanced the science of microbiota: the MetaHIT project and IHMS project. MetaHIT project published the first catalog of human intestinal microbial genes and the IHMS project helped standardize the analysis of microbial DNA. The scientific excellence of MGP in the analysis of gut microbiota and its and its implications for health and nutrition has been widely recognized in the international scientific community since 2010. https://mgps.eu/ About INRAE INRAE, the French national research institute for l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, is a major player in research and innovation created on January 1, 2020. The result of a merger between INRA and IRSTEA, INRAE brings together a community of 12,000 people, with 273 research, service and experimental units in 18 centers across France. The institute ranks among the world's leading research organizations in agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, and ecology-environment. It is the world's leading research organization specialized in "agriculture-food-environment". INRAE's ambition is to be a key player in the transitions needed to meet the world's major challenges. Faced with population growth, climate change, resource scarcity and declining biodiversity, the institute is building solutions for multi-performance agriculture, quality food and sustainable management of resources and ecosystems. https://www.inrae.fr/ About MGI MGI Tech Co. Ltd. (or its affiliates, together or individually referred as "MGI"), headquartered in Shenzhen, is committed to building core tools and technology to lead life science through intelligent innovation. Based on its proprietary technology, MGI focuses on research & development, production and sales of sequencing instruments, reagents, and related products to support life science research, agriculture, precision medicine and healthcare. MGI is a leading producer of clinical high-throughput gene sequencers*, and its multi-omics platforms include genetic sequencing*, medical imaging, and laboratory automation. MGI's mission is to develop and promote advanced life science tools for future healthcare. For more information, please visit the MGI website or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2329841/MGI__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/as-a-new-core-lab-under-the-million-microbiomes-from-humans-project-mgi-empowers-inrae-metagenopolis-in-le-microbiote-francais---le-french-gut-project-to-propel-metagenomics-research-302054437.html SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Corporation today welcomed Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) upgrade of the company's corporate rating to A3 with a stable outlook from a previous rating of Baa1 with a positive outlook. According to the report from Moody's, the rating upgrade reflects Kia's continued profitability and balance sheet improvements, underpinned by the company's strengthened product competitiveness and strong free cash flow generation. Moody's also cited that Kia's profitability will remain robust and the company's substantial financial buffer will stay largely intact over the next one to two years, notwithstanding the increasing difficulties in the global automotive industry. "Kia has achieved substantial improvements in profitability through strengthened product and cost competitiveness by securing investment efficiency," said Woo Jeong Joo, Executive Vice President and CFO of Kia Corporation. "We will continue to proactively respond to future technological trends and focus our efforts to further enhance financial soundness." Furthermore, Moody's also mentioned that the A3 rating reflects Kia's strong position in the Korean automotive market, competitive position in key overseas markets, high degree of geographic diversification, very low financial leverage and strong balance sheet. In the meantime, Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Mobis also received an upgrade of the companies' corporate rating from Baa1 with a positive outlook to A3 with a stable outlook. Kia Corporation - about us Kia (www.kia.com) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Since 1944 Kia has been providing mobility solutions. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company's brand slogan - 'Movement that inspires' - reflects Kia's commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services. For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kia-welcomes-credit-rating-upgrade-to-a3-by-moodys-investors-service-302054441.html BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks were broadly higher on Tuesday as U.S. Treasury yields dipped from recent highs, BP Plc unveiled more share buybacks and official data showed German factory orders unexpectedly rebounded in December. German factory orders registered a monthly expansion of 8.9 percent after remaining unchanged in November. Orders were forecast to fall 0.1 percent. On a yearly basis, factory orders advanced 2.7 percent, in contrast to the 4.7 percent decline a month ago. Eurozone retail sales data is awaited later in the day. The pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.2 percent at 484.74 after ending flat with a negative bias on Monday. The German DAX was marginally lower, while France's CAC 40 edged up 0.2 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 added 0.6 percent. Swiss bank UBS fell 2.6 percent after reporting its second consecutive quarterly loss. Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia fell about 1 percent after signing a new patent cross-license agreement with Vivo. British oil giant BP soared 5.8 percent after the oil giant reported its second-highest annual profit in more than decade and announced a $1.75bn share buyback. Filtronic jumped around 6 percent. The maker of products for the aerospace, defines, telecom, and others projected revenue and profit to be ahead of market expectations for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025. Banking group Virgin Money UK added 1.3 percent after delivering Q1 results in line with the guidance. French automaker Renault fell about 1 percent after Stellantis Chairman John Elkann denied the carmaker had merger plans. Beiersdorf gained 1 percent. The German maker and retailer of personal-care products and pressure-sensitive adhesives proposed higher dividend and announced a share buyback plan. Semiconductor company Infineon Technologies declined 2.4 percent after cutting its FY24 outlook. Aurubis, a supplier of non-ferrous metal, climbed 1.8 percent after confirming its FY outlook. 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. DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's third largest crypto exchange by volume, has polled its internal experts and created a free toolkit that allows investors to find undervalued crypto projects. The groundbreaking Crypto Investment Analysis Toolkit stems from Bybit's mission to be the world's Crypto Ark and offer the best tools for safe and easy investing. Recognizing the need for more informed investment strategies in the crypto market, Bybit has developed an accessible technical toolkit, aiming to elevate investor literacy and decision-making. The Bybit Crypto Investment Analysis Toolkit, easily laid out via a free Google Sheet, is designed for both beginners and seasoned investors. It offers an array of powerful ratios and data points for evaluating crypto projects beyond mere price analysis. This toolkit offers a method of performing Fundamental Analysis on crypto projects so investors can peer behind the hype and assess the true value of an investment leading to greater peace of mind and a higher quality portfolio. "Our mission is to empower investors with the tools and knowledge to make more informed decisions," said Ben Zhou, CEO of Bybit. "This toolkit embodies our commitment to enhancing the crypto investment landscape, combining simplicity with powerful analytical capabilities to unlock the true value of digital assets." The toolkit covers various aspects of Fundamental Analysis, from economic factors to project health, and social influence, providing a comprehensive approach to crypto investing. It's a testament to Bybit's dedication to fostering a more educated and proficient trading community. Available in these languages: Chinese Russian Turkish Vietnamese Start empowering your crypto investments today! Bybit / TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is a top-three cryptocurrency exchange by volume with 20 million users established in 2018. It offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press . For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334952/Image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-launches-free-toolkit-for-smarter-crypto-investing-302054480.html London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - AI is the most revolutionary technology on the market today. Deciding your next step carefully will be key - those that fall behind run the risk of being left in the dust. As Rose Hall, SVP Head of Innovation, AXA XL puts it - "As a society, we must take a mindful and responsible approach in wielding this extremely powerful tool". To help you navigate this dynamic field, we asked 700+ insurance companies where they are investing in AI, what the key blockers are, and how successful it's been - so you can benchmark your strategy against insurance-specific examples. Download the report here: The Future of AI in Insurance Featuring exclusive insights and commentary from industry-leading experts: Pentti Tofte, Staff SVP, Head of Data Analytics , FM Global , Erin Culek, Head of Strategy & Corporate Development, Guardian Russell Page, Chief Technology Officer , Hagerty , Joe Emison, Chief Technology Officer , Branch Insurance , Francisco Diazluna, Chief Information Officer , Producers National , Patrick Gallic, VP of Business Innovation , Tokio Marine HCC , Rose Hall, SVP Head of Innovation , AXA XL , Kevin Horwitz, VP, Innovation , RLI Insurance , Bill Wilkins, VP, Chief Risk & Analytics Officer , Safety National Casualty Corporation , Wendy Crosley, Global Director of Underwriting Automation & Transformation , WTW , Bipin Chadha, VP Data Science , CSAA IG , Souvik Das, CTO, Clearwater Analytics Providing you with the insights needed to make informed investment decisions, including: What percentage of insurers are currently investing in AI? What are the prominent blockers for AI investment? What areas are AI being applied to, and to what effect? (Spoiler alert: More than half of respondents ranked AI as either difficult or very difficult to implement) Has AI proved a worthwhile investment for companies so far? Download the full report to find out more about the direction leading carriers are taking with AI, and where you should focus if you wish to harness the power of this technology. Click here to view the report: The Future of AI in Insurance Best wishes, Alex Alexandra Wilson Senior Project Director, Insurance alexandra.wilson@thomsonreuters.com Reuters Events To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196485 SOURCE: Reuters Events New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Namito has been presented with a 2024 Global Recognition Award for his extraordinary contributions to the electronic music industry. As a committed DJ and producer since 1989, Namito's influence on the Berlin electronic music scene is remarkable. His journey, rife with personal and professional milestones, extends from spinning at underground clubs to producing chart-topping tracks that resonate across global dance floors. This remarkable voyage through the spheres of electronic beats also bears the hallmark of personal triumph. Namito is an artist and a war refugee from Iran who reinvented his life through sheer talent and determination. Photo: Martin Bergmann Internationally recognized for his 35 years as a DJ, Namito boasts a plethora of achievements, including his 2019 Beatport electronica track, "Stone Flower," which claims the title of the best-selling track in its genre. Namito's significance as an innovator is bolstered by his role as a pioneer of electronic music in Berlin, carving a unique symbiosis between underground house music and Persian cultural elements. Innovative Pioneering Namito's influence on the electronic music scene is broad and deep when discussing innovation. As one of the early forerunners within Berlin's vibrant music landscape, he did not merely adapt to the burgeoning trends but helped shape the very essence of electronic sound within the city now synonymous with the genre. This foresight and ingenuity are what underline his receiving of a 2024 Global Recognition Award. His tracks are imbued with a unique signature, blending the intensity of Berlin's nightlife with the nuanced flourishes of his Persian heritage. His towering figure in the DJ booth matches his formidable reputation as a music producer. This facet has allowed him to steer artists and tracks to overwhelming success. Namito is credited with the globally lauded hit "City of Gods" in 2008, and the Organic House hit "Fly" in 2023. Such feats are testaments to an innate ability not merely to survive but to thrive and reinvent in an industry that is as unforgiving as rewarding. Personal Triumphs and Professional Acclaim The fabric of Namito's story is interwoven with threads of resilience and independence. Uprooted by war and separated from his family, Namito's trajectory from a refugee to an internationally celebrated artist is nothing short of inspirational. This unprecedented personal journey underscores his professional milestones and enriches his success narrative. His victories are not solitary musical achievements but also the summation of years of combating and overcoming adversities, which adds profound depth to the award precept that celebrates the human spirit as much as professional attainments. Throughout his long-standing career, Namito has been more than a fixture in the global electronic music circuit; he is its pulsating heart. The best-selling underground house music DJ who seamlessly integrates Persian elements into his sound has garnered a widespread following, and the consistency in his craft which sets him apart from his contemporaries. Now, with the prestige of a 2024 Global Recognition Award, Namito's role as a beacon of innovation and perseverance in music and life is indelibly etched into the annals of artistic excellence. Final Words The essence of a 2024 Global Recognition Award is to honor the exceptional, the innovative, and the influential. Namito embodies these qualities, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the narratives of music and personal will. Beyond beat-matching and soundscapes, his life story serves as an echo of hope and fortitude. It's the synthesis of an undying passion for music fuelled by the tenacity of the human spirit that genuinely legitimizes and secures his legacy in the global arena. Namito's attainment of a 2024 Global Recognition Award celebrates artistic innovation, cultural influence, and personal narrative that rises above mere statistics. The triumphs of this individual extend from the rhythms he creates to the hope he symbolizes and the barriers he has overcome. As music continues to serve as a global language uniting varied listeners, Namito is a composer of sound and possibility. Laying down tracks that will undoubtedly be an inspiration for generations to come. About Global Recognition Awards: Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industry. Their awards are highly regarded and sought after by businesses across the globe. Contact Details: Alexander Sterling Global Recognition Awards Email: contact@globalrecognitionawards.org/ Website: https://globalrecognitionawards.org/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196636 SOURCE: Baden Bower JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - A food convoy waiting to move into Northern Gaza was hit by Israeli naval gunfire, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees says. This was reported by Thomas White, the Director of UNRWA Affairs - Gaza. 'Thankfully no one was injured,' he wrote on X, and posted the picture of a loaded truck that was hit by the gunfire. The attack comes at a time around two million people in Gaza are hungry and desperate for food as Israeli raids targeting Hamas continues aggressively in the Palestinian enclave. Forty percent of the population are at risk of famine, according to UNRWA. He stressed the need for more regular supplies, and called for safe and sustainable humanitarian access everywhere including to the North of Gaza. As the war has left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and on the brink of famine, UNRWA, as the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza, has been providing food, shelter and protection, even as its own staff members were being displaced and killed. But major donors have frozen funding UNRWA after accusations that many of its staff were involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel. The UN had warned last week that aid operations in Gaza are at risk as 16 donor countries have slashed support to the agency. Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee said last week that this decision will have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza. No other entity has the capacity to deliver the scale and breadth of assistance that 2.2 million people in the region urgently need. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday appointed an independent panel to conduct an inquiry into the accusations. The independent Review Group, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, will work with three research organizations from February 14. It will take place in parallel with?an investigation currently underway by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) into allegations of the involvement of 12 UNRWA personnel in the attacks. 'The accusations come at a time when UNRWA, the largest UN organization in the region, is working under extremely challenging conditions to deliver life-saving assistance to the two million people in the Gaza Strip who depend on it for their survival amidst one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world,' the Secretary-General said in a statement. 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 Companies to accelerate adoption of IGEL OS across emerging markets with expanded on-the-ground reach across 70 countries SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IGEL , provider of the secure endpoint OS for now and next, and Midis Group, a technology partner with a network of 170 companies across 70 countries, today announced their strategic go-to-market partnership to expand IGEL's reach into Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The partnership gives IGEL dedicated on-the-ground resources across key emerging regions and opens new IGEL offices in UAE and Poland. Leveraging Midis Group's expansive network of value-added distribution and service providers and in-territory experts, the new partnership will accelerate the global adoption of IGEL OS, the secure endpoint OS designed for VDI, DaaS, SaaS and secure browsing. Midis Group is a trusted go-to-market partner for technology market vendors ranging from Apple, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), IBM and Google to Cloud Software Group (Citrix), Symantec, SAP and Dell Technologies who leverage the company's local technological and business expertise to grow. Midis Group's expansive local market reach will give IGEL the regional strength to accelerate IGEL OS adoption and help mutual customers across emerging markets quickly benefit from the secure, efficient and sustainable IGEL platform across their end user computing environments. "The global growth opportunity for IGEL is significant as we empower end user computing with the secure, transformative solution enterprises need to reduce endpoint cost of ownership while supporting great user experiences," said Carsten Thomsen, Vice President, Emerging Markets, IGEL. "Partnering with the Midis Group is a key move in our international growth strategy. With their dedicated resources behind us across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, we will unlock new opportunities for IGEL, growing our reach and market share faster." "IGEL delivers a truly transformative solution for secure endpoint computing," said Ernest Sales, President Local Office and Co-President Retail at Midis Group. "We are thrilled to partner with IGEL to reach customers throughout Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa and look forward to accelerating the time-to-value for our mutual customers by leveraging the expertise of our broad regional network." IGEL OS is a secure Linux-based operating system that features the advanced IGEL Preventative Security Model which has been designed to support the Zero Trust and SASE initiatives that eliminate endpoint vulnerabilities targeted by bad actors. Ideal for VDI, DaaS, SaaS and secure browsing use cases, IGEL OS-powered devices deliver a first-class user experience while being seamless to manage. Learn more at www.igel.com/igelos. About IGEL IGEL is the leader in providing a secure endpoint OS for enterprises now and next. Designed for VDI, DaaS, SaaS and secure browsing, IGEL OS delivers a first-class user experience while being seamless to manage - saving money, fuelling growth, supporting sustainability and driving organizations forward. IGEL OS supports a Zero Trust approach to security through the unique IGEL Preventative Security Model removing the attack vectors often exploited by bad actors. Trusted by leading healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, and government leaders worldwide, IGEL has a growing ecosystem of more than 125 integrated IGEL Ready ecosystem partners and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit www.igel.com. About Midis Group With more than 5500 professionals, some 100 of the world's leading technology vendors, and a solid 50-year track record of performance and reliability, the Midis Group is a multinational organization comprised of over 170 companies across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The group is known for its advanced offering of managed IT services and consultancy, system integration, cloud and data center capabilities and infrastructure, software, and hardware solutions, as well as technology distribution and retail. The Midis Group was named in 2006 as one of the World Economic Forum's initial 100 Global Growth Companies. For more information, visit www.midisgroup.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/644425/4531665/IGEL_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/igel-and-midis-group-ink-strategic-go-to-market-partnership-to-open-dedicated-igel-offices-to-support-eastern-europe-middle-east-and-africa-302054104.html CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Pharmaceutical Packaging Market by Raw Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Glass, Metal), Type (Plastic Bottles, Blisters, Caps & Closures, Labels & Accessories, Pre-filled Syringes), Drug Delivery, and Region - Global Forecast to 2028", is approximated to be USD 132.0 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach USD 269.9 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 15.4%. The surge in urbanization, evolving lifestyles, increased disposable income, a growing preference for sustainable packaging, and global awareness of diseases are driving the expansion of the pharmaceutical packaging market. However, challenges include the elevated costs of raw materials used in manufacturing packaging products. Financial constraints, lack of information, outdated equipment, lack of proper staff, and awareness of proper healthcare practices are the major challenges that limit access to healthcare services. Opportunities arise from the rising demand for sustainable packaging, as it reduces waste and minimizes the impact of pharmaceutical products on the environment. Browse in-depth TOC on "Pharmaceutical Packaging Market" 280 - Tables 45 - Figures 290 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=890 "Plastic bottles is largest growing segment on the basis of type, in terms of value, during the forecast period." The demand for plastic bottles in the pharmaceutical packaging market is due to several factors including improved barrier properties, low water absorption, high impact strength, transparency, high dimensional stability, resistance to strain, heat, and flame resistance. Plastic bottles offer pharmaceutical companies' convenience in transportation due to their ease of handling and reduced risk of breakage compared to glass bottles. Their durability minimizes the potential for product loss and safety concerns associated with breakages, making them a preferred choice in the pharmaceutical plastic bottle market. The use of plastic bottles aligns with stringent government regulations, underscoring their suitability for pharmaceutical packaging. "Primary packaging form is largest growing segment on the basis of packaging type, in terms of value, during the forecast period." Various factors contribute to the increasing demand for the primary packaging segment in the pharmaceutical packaging market. These include the increasing prevalence of diseases, advancements in biotechnology and novel therapies, innovations in materials, rising healthcare expenditures, diversification of product portfolios, adherence to regulatory standards and quality assurance, as well as consumer preferences. The protection of pharmaceutical products from external factors such as light, air, moisture, and contaminants is essential for maintaining their stability and efficacy, making primary packaging a critical component. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=890 "Plastic is largest growing segment on the basis of raw material, in terms of value, during the forecast period." The increasing prominence of plastic raw materials in the pharmaceutical packaging market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, plastics provide a versatile platform for designing and implementing a diverse range of packaging solutions tailored to meet specific pharmaceutical requirements. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of plastics, both in production and transportation, contributes to overall economic efficiency. The lightweight characteristics of plastic materials facilitate easier handling, resulting in reduced transportation costs and minimized environmental impact. Moreover, plastics boast excellent barrier properties, offering effective protection for pharmaceutical products against external factors such as moisture and contaminants. "Oral drug delivery is largest growing segment on the basis of drug delivery, in terms of value, during the forecast period." Several factors contribute to the dominance of oral drug delivery in the pharmaceutical packaging market. Firstly, a significant portion of pharmaceutical preparations is intended for oral consumption, making oral drug delivery packaging the largest segment in the market. Secondly, oral drug delivery packaging is cost-effective, offering a practical and economical choice for pharmaceutical companies. Thirdly, the flexibility in designing dosage forms makes oral drug delivery an ideal option for pharmaceutical companies. Lastly, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing global demand for pharmaceutical products have fueled the expansion of the oral drug delivery packaging market. "North America is largest growing segment on the basis of region, in terms of value, during the forecast period." North America has the largest market share in the pharmaceutical packaging market in terms of value. Europe has the second largest market share in the pharmaceutical packaging market in terms of value. With prominent consumers like the US, Canada, and Mexico leading the trend, the region thrives on increased construction activities and is a hub of major packaging manufacturers. The pharmaceutical packaging market in North America is experiencing growth due to rapidly evolving pharmaceutical therapies, new drug innovations, and the increasing demand for smart packaging. In North America, essential market drivers include a heightened demand for diverse drug delivery methods, the integration of additional features in packaging products, and the development of packaging solutions with child-resistant and senior-friendly features. Berry Global Group, Inc. (US), Gerresheimer AG (Germany), Amcor Plc (Switzerland), Schott AG (Germany), and AptarGroup, Inc. (US) are some major players in the pharmaceutical packaging market. These players have adopted various strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and expansion to strengthen their market position. Browse Adjacent Market: Packaging Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Flexible Paper Packaging Market - Global Forecast to 2026 Pharmaceutical Packaging Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Chemical Industry Outlook 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/pharmaceutical-packaging-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/pharmaceutical-packaging.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pharmaceutical-packaging-market-worth-269-9-billion-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302054225.html Study reveals how volunteering soared across companies in the last three years, with a 57% year-over-year increase in global employee participation CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 06, 2024the leading provider of global corporate purpose software, today released The State of Corporate Volunteering , a report from Benevity Impact Labs that reveals a surge in corporate volunteerism as companies seek ways to address the challenges of employee connection in a hybrid work world. The data revealed a 57% year-over-year increase in the rate of global employee volunteering participation and a 41% year-over-year increase in the total number of volunteer hours dedicated by companies and their people. Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a 15% increase in the prevalence of companies running volunteering initiatives as part of their employee engagement programs. The surge in volunteering comes at a time when companies are looking for ways to more effectively engage their employees, both in the office and remotely, while driving social and business impact. The report found in-person volunteering saw a major rise with participation 3.6 times greater than the previous year. At the same time, 51% of hours associated with volunteer opportunities on the Benevity platform were virtual (compared to 23% before the pandemic), allowing remote or hybrid employees to participate and donate their time and skills to nonprofits they care about from anywhere. As companies increased their investment in employee volunteering programs, there was an influx of new volunteers - 65% of volunteers logged their first hours in the past year - providing a vital source of support for nonprofits who are struggling to attract and retain talent in a volatile economy. The report delivers data-backed insights into how companies can create a culture of sustained volunteering to maximize the social impact of their programs, improve cross-company connections and build team cohesion no matter where teams work. Other key findings from the study include: Companies see 12 times the participation when providing flexibility by promoting both volunteer opportunities created by the company and opportunities initiated by employees. On average, companies that leveraged team volunteering saw 7.5 times the volunteering participation rate; companies that supported employee-created volunteer opportunities averaged 2.7 times the volunteering participation rate and those who promoted company-wide volunteering events saw 2.5 times the volunteering participation rate. Sixty percent (60%) of companies offer rewards, such as dollars employees can donate to the nonprofit of their choice in exchange for volunteer hours; rewards are correlated with further engagement, with the average number of volunteer hours per volunteer 50% higher in companies that offer rewards. While volunteering still encompasses traditional corporate volunteering events, the majority of programs now include Volunteer Acts of Kindness (VAOK), which include mutual aid or positive actions that are not in direct support of a nonprofit, such as helping a neighbor in need, attending a learning session hosted by an employee resource group or participating in a beach or park cleanup; 80% of companies allow VAOK and the category makes up 35% of total volunteer hours. VAOK can act as an entry point for further social action, particularly for Gen Z workers, who are not as engaged in traditional volunteering as their millennial or Gen X counterparts. European and Asia-Pacific countries showed higher rates of participation than those in North America, reflecting how volunteering in those regions is a more common, accessible and culturally valued way of giving back to one's community. "We know that workers who are engaged in company social impact programs are less likely to leave their companies, and a recent study showed that among corporate wellness programs, participation in charity or volunteer work stands out as one of the few interventions that leads to improved well-being," said Sona Khosla, Benevity's Chief Impact Officer. "As we enter into an election year that is sure to create divides, volunteering offers an antidote to polarization and a way to build bridges. Volunteering alongside people who come from different walks of life broadens our horizons and fosters a compassion and empathy within us that helps to improve us as people while also enhancing teams, companies and communities." The State of Corporate Volunteering report analyzed data from 473 companies with active volunteering programs on the Benevity platform from April 1, 2022 to March 30, 2023, representing 18 countries and 12.9 million users. To learn more about how companies can expand volunteering programs and support their employees, read The State of Corporate Volunteering here . Additionally, learn more about Benevity and its volunteering solutions here . About Benevity Benevity , a certified B Corporation, is the leader in global corporate purpose software, providing the only integrated suite of community investment and employee, customer and nonprofit engagement solutions. Recognized as one of Fortune's Impact 20, Benevity offers cloud solutions that power purpose for many iconic brands in ways that better attract, retain and engage today's diverse workforce, embed social action into their customer experiences and positively impact their communities. With software that is available in 22 languages, Benevity has processed more than $14 billion in donations and 72 million hours of volunteering time to support 450,000 nonprofits worldwide. The company's solutions have also facilitated 1.1 million micro-actions and awarded 1.2 million grants worth $19 billion. For more information, visit benevity.com . Media Contact: Zamira Tasneem Media & Communications Manager 1.416.451.6511 press@benevity.com CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The avionics market is estimated to be USD 43.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 81.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2030 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The avionics market is thriving due to rapid advancements in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, enhancing efficiency and safety. The growing demand for connected and autonomous aircraft, coupled with a focus on sustainability, is driving innovation in avionics systems. Geopolitical shifts and the expansion of emerging markets further contribute to a robust market outlook. Airlines and manufacturers are prioritizing cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving industry needs, making the avionics market dynamic and poised for sustained growth. It stands at the forefront of shaping the future of aviation technology. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=138098845 Browse in-depth TOC on "Avionics Market" 200 - Tables 150 - Figures 320 - Pages Avionics Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $ 43.4 billion Estimated Value by 2030 $ 81.8 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% Market Size Available for 2019-2030 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Platform, Fit, Systems and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities Key Market Opportunities Advanced Connectivity Solutions Key Market Drivers Escalating Aircraft Production Driving Avionics Market By fit, the retro fit segment is projected to grow at the second highest CAGR during the forecast period. The retrofit segment in avionics is gaining momentum driven by the increasing need for upgrading existing aircraft with advanced avionic systems. Airlines and operators are prioritizing the integration of modern technologies to enhance performance, comply with evolving regulations, and extend the operational life of their fleets. The retrofit market responds to this demand by offering flexible and customizable solutions, allowing for the integration of cutting-edge avionics into older aircraft models. As the aviation industry seeks cost-effective ways to stay competitive and meet contemporary standards, the retrofit segment plays a pivotal role in ensuring that existing fleets remain technologically relevant and operationally efficient. By platform, the avionics market for the special mission aircraft segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The special mission aircraft segment in avionics is thriving due to a surge in demand for customized, mission-specific solutions. Governments, defense forces, and private entities are investing in specialized aircraft for tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and disaster response. Avionics plays a critical role in enhancing the capabilities of these aircraft, providing advanced communication, navigation, and sensor systems. As the need for versatile and technologically sophisticated special mission aircraft grows, the avionics market responds with tailored solutions to meet unique operational requirements. This segment's expansion is driven by a continual focus on security, emergency response, and the evolving demands of specialized aerial missions. By systems, power & data management segment for the avionics market is projected to grow at the second highest growth rate during the forecast period. The power and data management systems segment in avionics is propelled by the increasing complexity and demand for efficient energy utilization in aircraft. Advanced avionics systems require sophisticated power and data management to optimize performance and ensure reliability. As aircraft become more technologically advanced, there is a growing need for integrated systems that can handle the diverse requirements of various avionic components. Power and data management solutions play a pivotal role in improving fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall system reliability. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=138098845 Middle East holds the second highest growth rate in the region for the avionics market. The Middle East's avionics sector is thriving, driven by a booming aviation industry, increasing air travel demand, and a strategic focus on technological innovation. The region's robust economic growth and expanding airline fleets contribute to a sustained demand for cutting-edge avionic solutions. As Middle Eastern airlines prioritize modernization and compliance with evolving industry standards, the avionics industry experiences significant growth. Major players in the avionics companies are Honeywell International, Inc. (US), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), and others. These companies have well-equipped, strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=138098845 Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Connected Aircraft Market by Type (Hardware, Software), Platform (Commercial, Business & General Aviation, Military, UAV, AAM), Connectivity (In-Flight, Air-To-Air, Air-To-Ground) & Region (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, ROW) - Global Forecast to 2028 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Market by Component (Hardware and Software), End User (OEM, Aftermarket), Application, Platform (Commercial Aviation, Business and General Aviation, and Military Aviation), and Region - 2026 Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) Market by Application, Platform (General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation), Sub-System (Display Systems, Processing Systems, Control Panel), Fit and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Flight Management Systems (FMS) Market by Hardware (Control Display Unit, Visual Display Unit, Flight Management Computer), Aircraft Type (NBA, WBA, VLA, RTA), Fit (Line Fit, Retrofit) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021 Aircraft Flight Control Systems Market by Component (Cockpit Controls, Flight Control Computer, Actuators, Sensors), Platform (Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation, Business & General Aviation),Fit, Technology and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 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 Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/commercial-avionic-system-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/commercial-avionic-system.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/avionics-market-worth-81-8-billion-by-2030---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302054217.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTC Pink: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from an additional 12 RC holes testing near-surface oxide material at the Machichie Main Zone, Cuiu Cuiu gold district in northern Brazil. These holes are part of a drill program designed to better define and quantify the saprolite and blanket gold-in-oxide mineralization at the Machichie target, which is located just 500m northwest of the MG gold deposit and could have an impact on the current plans for trial-mining oxide material in that area. Highlights RC409 returned 30m @ 2.6 g/t gold from surface in mineralized basement saprolite material including 12m @ 5.6 g/t gold from 11m depth RC418 returned 9m @ 4.3 g/t gold in mineralized fresh rock from 41m depth including 2m @ 18.6 g/t gold at the start of the 9m interval RC414 returned 13m @ 1.6 g/t gold from surface in mineralized saprolite, including 6m @ 2.8 g/t gold from 4m depth Other significant new mineralized saprolite drill intercepts include 7m @ 2.7 g/t gold from 7m depth in hole RC411, 15m @ 0.6 g/t gold from surface in hole RC412 and 18m @ 0.6 g/t gold from surface in hole RC413 Alan Carter, Cabral's President and CEO commented, "These additional RC drill results from Machichie confirm the presence of a significant zone of near surface gold-in-oxide mineralization at Machichie which appears to overlay another primary gold deposit. Further drilling will be required to fully define the limits to both the weathered gold-in-oxide mineralized material and the underlying hard-rock mineralized zone which was the focus of previous drilling. Both of these zones remain open along strike and to depth. The proximity of Machichie to the MG gold deposit has significant positive implications for the overall near surface gold-in-oxide resources which are amenable to heap leaching at Cuiu Cuiu, as well as the underlying resource base in fresh intrusive basement rocks." Machichie RC Drill Results The Machichie target is located 500m northwest of the MG gold deposit (Figure 1). Previous diamond drilling testing the Machichie Main zone identified an east-trending, steeply north-dipping mineralized zone which is persistent along strike for at least 900m (see press release dated October 24, 2022). The Machichie Main zone comprises several parallel high-grade core zones surrounded by a low-grade alteration envelope. The geology at Machichie is very similar in style to the nearby MG and Central gold deposits as well as the PDM discovery. As at Central, MG and PDM, the upper portion of the basement mineralized zone at Machichie has weathered over millions of years creating a layer of soil and saprolite (weathered bedrock) which also appears to contain gold. Previous drilling has largely been focused on testing the underlying fresh basement mineralization. During those earlier programs, several holes encountered gold in oxidized weathered material above the primary basement gold mineralization but the distribution was poorly defined due to lack of drilling. The current RC drill program at Machichie was designed to identify and better define higher-grade zones within the gold-in-oxide material that could add to the current gold-in-oxide resource at Cuiu Cuiu and could positively impact plans for trial mining. The results from the initial nine RC holes drilled as part of the current program were very encouraging (see press release dated January 25, 2024), and included 23m @ 1.1 g/t gold from surface in RC399 and 23m @ 0.5 g/t gold from surface in RC402. Assay results included in the current press release pertain to drill holes RC408 through RC419. Figure 1: Map showing Machichie Main zone with interpreted outlines of mineralized zones identified to date. Current RC drill results (holes RC408 to RC419) as well as previous RC results (holes RC399 to RC407) and diamond drill results from the gold-in-oxide material are also shown. Both the MG and Machichie mineralized zones are shown in the inset. The limits to the gold-in-oxide blanket at Machichie is currently unknown. Terms; g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/196981_9190e35604999b94_002full.jpg Section 553230 Drill holes RC409 and RC410 were drilled on section 553230 in the eastern part of the Machichie Main zone (Figures, 1 and 2, Table 1). The holes were designed to follow up on the higher-grade zone of gold-in-oxide mineralization intersected previously in RC hole RC041 which previously returned 19m @ 0.9 g/t. Hole RC409 was drilled from north to south and intersected 30m @ 2.6 g/t gold from surface in mineralized sediments and basement saprolite, including 12m @ 5.6 g/t gold from 11m depth This interval also includes a 6m @ 8.7 g/t gold from 16m depth (Figure 2). This mineralized zone is interpreted to be the same as that intersected in RC399 which returned 23m @ 1.1 g/t gold on section 553180, 50m to the west (see press release dated January 25, 2024 and Figure 1). Drill hole RC410 was drilled 25m to the north of RC409 and intersected a second mineralized zone returning 16m @ 0.3 g/t gold from surface and 6m @ 1.9 g/t gold from 20m depth. Both mineralized zones were intercepted on section 553180 by RC400 and RC401. Figure 2: Section 553230 through the Machichie gold-in-oxide blanket / saprolite and underlying primary mineralized zone in basement rocks showing results from RC holes RC409 and RC410. Terms; g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, ppm = parts per million or grams / tonne To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/196981_9190e35604999b94_003full.jpg Section 552790 Holes RC417 and RC418 were both drilled on section 552790, which had only one previous drill hole, RC058 which returned 1m @ 2.5 g/t gold from 87m in basement rocks (see press release dated March 31, 2021). Both new holes were drilled north to south, and were designed to test the near-surface extension of the mineralized zone previously encountered in RC058 (Figures 1 and 3, Table 1). RC417 cut the same mineralized interval higher up in oxidized sediments and saprolite and returned 10m @ 0.5 g/t gold from surface. RC418 encountered the same zone slightly deeper, at the base of the weathered profile, returning 5m @ 0.3 g/t gold in basement saprolite, and 9m @ 4.3 g/t gold from 41m depth including 2m @ 18.6 g/t gold from 41m in mineralized fresh basement rock. Figure 3: Section 552790 through the Machichie Main zone showing the near surface gold-in-oxide saprolite layer and assay results for drill holes RC417 and RC418. Previous RC hole RC058 is also shown. Terms; g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, ppm = parts per million or grams / tonne To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/196981_9190e35604999b94_004full.jpg Section 552900 Holes RC413 to RC416 were all drilled on section 552900 (Figures 1 and 4, Table 1). Previous diamond drilling on this section defined two mineralized zones in basement granitic rocks (see press release dated March 31, 2021 and October 24, 2022). DDH299 returned 7.6m @ 4.7 g/t gold and DDH312 returned 10.6m @ 0.4 g/t gold, again in basement granitic rocks at depth. The near surface oxidized material had not been previously tested. RC413 and RC414 confirmed gold mineralization extends to surface within oxide weathered material. RC413 cut 18m @ 0.6 g/t gold from surface in basement saprolite, including 6m @ 2.8 g/t gold from 4m, RC414 intersected 13m @ 1.6 g/t gold from surface in mineralized basement saprolite. Figure 4: Section 552900 through the Machichie Main zone showing the near surface gold-in-oxide saprolite layer and assay results for recent RC drill holes RC413 and RC416, as well as results for previous holes DDH299, DDH312 and RC060. Terms; g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, ppm = parts per million or grams / tonne To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/196981_9190e35604999b94_005full.jpg Drill Hole Weathering From to Width Grade # m m m g/t gold RC0408 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 5.0 5.0 0.29 EOH 19.0 RC0409 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 30.0 30.0 2.56 incl. 11.0 23.0 12.0 5.58 and incl. 16.0 22.0 6.0 8.73 EOH 34.0 RC0410 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 16.0 16.0 0.27 20.0 26.0 6.0 1.92 EOH 28.0 RC0411 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 3.0 3.0 1.21 7.0 14.0 7.0 2.66 incl. 11.0 13.0 2.0 8.85 EOH 20.0 RC0412 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 15.0 15.0 0.60 incl. 8.0 14.0 6.0 1.20 EOH 21.0 RC0413 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 18.0 18.0 0.60 incl. 11.0 15.0 4.0 1.50 EOH 27.0 RC0414 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 13.0 13.0 1.60 incl. 4.0 10.0 6.0 2.76 EOH 21.0 RC0415 Blanket/Saprolite N.S.V. EOH 18.0 RC0416 Blanket/Saprolite 16.0 18.0 2.0 0.53 EOH 18.0 RC0417 Blanket/Saprolite 0.0 10.0 10.0 0.47 EOH 29.5 RC0418 Blanket/Saprolite 36.0 41.0 5.0 0.31 Fresh Rock 41.0 50.0 9.0 4.25 incl. 41.0 43.0 2.0 18.58 EOH 50.0 RC0419 Blanket/Saprolite N.S.V. EOH 22.0 Table 1: Drill results from near surface Machichie gold-in-oxide blanket / saprolite zone regarding holes RC408 to RC419. Terms; g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, N.S.V. = no significant values The current drill results from Machichie together with those previously reported (press release dated January 25, 2024) confirm the presence of gold in weathered basement saprolite mineralization extending to surface from depth, and containing zones of higher-grade mineralization. Machichie is located just 500m northwest of the MG deposit. The thickness, depth of weathering profile, and lateral extent of this zone at Machichie have not yet been well defined. The identification of this higher-grade gold-in-oxide material at Machichie could have significant positive implications for the ongoing PFS aimed at trial mining and heap-leach processing of the near surface gold-in-oxide resources at Cuiu Cuiu. Results are still pending on 13 RC holes from Central and nine shallower power-auger holes at MG. About Cabral Gold Inc. The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Two main gold deposits have so far been defined at the Cuiu Cuiu project which contains National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 21.6Mt @ 0.87 g/t gold (604,000 oz) and Inferred resources of 19.8Mt @ 0.84 g/t gold (534,500 oz) as per the 43-101 technical report dated October 12, 2022. The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history which according to the ANM (Agencia Nacional de Mineracao or National Mining Agency of Brazil) produced an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: "Alan Carter" President and Chief Executive Officer Cabral Gold Inc. Tel: 604.676.5660 Guillermo Hughes, MAusIMM and FAIG., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. 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. Forward-Looking Statements 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 the words "will", "expected" 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. 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. Notes Gold analysis has been conducted by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay of 50g charge), with higher grade samples checked by FAA525. Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored under the supervision the Company's exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps are returned to the Company and archived. Drill holes results are quoted as down-hole length weighted intersections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196981 SOURCE: Cabral Gold Inc. The public address and voice alarm systems market is driven by factors such growing emphasis on safety regulations in public spaces, commercial buildings, and transportation hubs; rising awareness regarding public safety; and rapid infrastructure development. WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems Market by Component (Hardware and Software), Technology (Analog System, Digital System, and IP System), Type (Distributed PAVA System and Centralized PAVA System), Industry Vertical (Commercial Building, Hospitality, Industrial, Transportation, Government & Public Infrastructure, Educational Institutions, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast, 2023-2032." According to the report, the global public address and voice alarm systems market was valued at $3.74 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $8.07 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.28% from 2023 to 2032. Download Research Report Sample & TOC: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A53624 (We look forward to moving quickly provide the report analysis as per your research requirement, needed for your business success.) 320- Pages 182- Tables 60- Charts Prime determinants of growth The public address and voice alarm systems market is expected to witness notable growth owing to increasing emphasis on public safety in industrial and public places and surge in demand for quick and smart voice evacuation systems. Moreover, rapid adoption of smart technologies and rise in demand for mass notification systems are expected to provide lucrative opportunity for the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, high investment and technological and infrastructure challenges in the implementation of public address and voice alarm systems limit the growth of the public address and voice alarm systems market. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size In 2022 $3.74 Billion Market Size In 2032 $8.07 Billion CAGR 8.28 % No. Of Pages In Report 392 Segments Covered Component, Type, Technology, Industry Vertical, And Region Drivers Growing Emphasis on Safety Regulations in Public Spaces, Commercial Buildings, And Transportation Hubs Rising Awareness Regarding Public Safety Rapid Infrastructure Development Opportunities Integration Of Smart Buildings Expansion In Emerging Markets Restraint High Initial Costs The hardware segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Depending on component, the hardware segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the global public address and voice alarm systems market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. However, the software segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 10.33% from 2023 to 2032, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced software solutions in various industries. The demand for sophisticated software applications, including real-time monitoring, analytics, and integration capabilities, is on the rise. This growth is further propelled by the continuous technological advancements, emphasizing the pivotal role of software in optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and facilitating seamless communication within diverse business environments. The digital system segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Depending on technology, the digital system segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for advanced digital technologies. In addition, digital systems offer enhanced capabilities, such as efficient emergency communication, remote monitoring, and integration with other smart technologies. However, the IP system segment is projected to reach the highest CAGR of 10.41% from 2023 to 2032, driven by the increasing adoption of internet protocol (IP) technology in communication systems. This surge is attributed to the advantages offered by IP-based systems, including scalability, flexibility, and seamless integration with other digital platforms. The centralized PAVA system segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of type, the centralized PAVA system segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. However, the distributed PAVA system segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 9.62 % from 2023 to 2032 due to the ability of distributed PAVA system to provide decentralized and scalable solutions, catering to the evolving demands for flexible and efficient public address and voice alarm systems. The industrial segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By industry vertical, the industrial segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-fourth of the market revenue and is expected to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to increasing emphasis on safety and communication infrastructure in industrial settings. In addition, the industrial segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 10.11% from 2023 to 2032. These factors collectively create a strong demand for public address and voice alarm systems in the industrial sector. Inquiry before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A53624 North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 Region wise, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global public address and voice alarm systems market revenue. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 10.61% from 2023 to 2032, owing to rise in investments in industrial and commercial buildings. Leading Market Players: - Siemens AG Zenitel Heinrich Ateis Bosch Security Systems Eaton Corporation Honeywell International Inc. Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd. Johnson Controls International PLC. Optimus S.A. Commend International Gmbh Bogen Communications LLC Atlasied Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global audio amplifier market. These players have adopted different strategies such as product launch, product development, partnership, investment, and acquisition 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. Key Benefits for Stakeholders This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the public address and voice alarm systems market analysis from 2022 to 2032 to identify the prevailing public address and voice alarm systems market opportunity. Market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network. In-depth analysis of the public address and voice alarm systems market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities. Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market. Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players. The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global public address and voice alarm systems market report trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies. Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems Market Key Segments: By Components: Software Hardware Type Microphone Loudspeaker Controllers Amplifier Others By Technology: Analog System Digital System IP System By Type: Distributed PAVA System Centralized PAVA System By Industry Vertical: Commercial Building Hospitality Industrial Transportation Government and Public Infrastructure Educational Institutions Others By Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Rest of LAMEA) Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/public-address-and-voice-alarm-systems-market Public Safety and Security Market was valued at $405.7 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $832.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2022 to 2031. Fire Alarm and Detection Market Size and Trend Analysis Report: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Europe Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems Market Share and Trend Analysis Report: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 U.S. Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Japan Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. 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 Us: 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/public-address-and-voice-alarm-systems-market-to-reach-8-07-billion-globally-by-2032-at-8-28-cagr-allied-market-research-302054576.html CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Starrex International, Ltd. ("Starrex" or the "Company") (CSE:STX)(OTCQB:STXMF) announces that it has accepted the resignation of its President and CEO, Matt Hill. Charles Burns, a director of the Company has agreed to act as interim CEO and puts the Company in very capable hands. Charles has extensive public company experience having served nearly 20 years with each of three different issuers, and in each case acting as Chair of the Audit Committee. Charles Burns commented: "I look forward to working closely with our board of directors, executive team and all of our employees to achieve our corporate goals. Since 2014, I have been involved in all facets of the business and am confident in the process going forward to enable Starrex International to reach its potential." Starrex International's board also confirmed its commitment to pursue further expansion in the United States Title industry and have identified several exciting opportunities. Updates will be provided as opportunities mature. The Board of Directors wishes to thank Matt Hill for his service over the past 8 years. Matt was instrumental in building and monetizing the Company's appraisal business. The Board wishes him all the best in his future endeavours. About Starrex International, Ltd. Starrex is a national provider of real estate title and credit reporting services to mortgage lenders and real estate brokers in the US whose leading-edge technology platform and specialized business model provides a streamlined approach for our clients, resulting in faster turnaround times. We are committed to investing in our employees, delivering value to our customers, ethically managing our suppliers and professional networks, and supporting the outside communities within which we work. Our business is driven by subsidiaries that operate across various segments of the mortgage value chain, including title and credit services, and are committed to delivering value and growth to Starrex shareholders. MFI Credit Solutions, LLC provides consumer credit reports to mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, and credit unions for homebuyers or refinancers in all states, along with risk mitigation, flood and verification services. Starrex shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange http://thecse.com, symbol "STX", and on the OTC QB market http://www.otcmarkets.com/home in the United States symbol "STXMF". For further information please contact: Charles Burns, Interim CEO: cburns@bayshore.ca or Debbie Merritt, Chief Financial Officer of Starrex, at (281) 406-8621, email address: dmerritt@starrexintl.com, Scott Koyich, Investor Relations, Brisco Capital Partners, (403) 619-2200 | scott@briscocapital.com Additional Information Additional information relating to Starrex and other public filings, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Starrex International, Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Green Bridge Metals Corporation (CNSX:GRBM) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered a letter of intent (the "LOI") with Encampment Minerals Inc., dated February 5, 2024 whereby the Company has an option to earn an 80% interest in the 8,460-hectare (84.6 square kilometre (km)) South Contact Zone Project, targeting copper (Cu), nickel (Ni)-platinum group element (PGE) mineralization. The project area is located approximately 65 km north of the city of Duluth, Minnesota (Figure 1). The South Contact Zone (SCZ) project is located along the southern basal contact of the Duluth Complex (Complex) which hosts several world-class Cu-Ni deposits. The SCZ is located immediately south of the Mesabi Range iron ore district. It is estimated that the northwestern margin of the Complex contains 4.4 billion tons of sulfide mineralization grading 0.66% Cu and 0.20% Ni1. The Complex is part of the Midcontinent Rift System, a region characterized by mafic and ultramafic hosted Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization, including multi-million-ton deposits such as Eagle (4.1 million tonnes @ 2.9% Cu, 3.6% Ni)2, Tamarack (8.5 million tonnes @ 0.9% Cu, 1.7% Ni3, and Mesaba (2.2 billion tonnes 0.4% Cu, 0.1% Ni, 0.5 ppm PGE)4 (Figure 1). In addition, the SCZ is a prime locality for Oxide Ultramafic Intrusions (OUI) which host high-grade iron (Fe) -titanium (Ti) - vanadium (V) deposits that commonly contain significant disseminated Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization (Figure 2) and are associated high grade Cu-Ni targets. Green Bridge is optioning the project from Encampment Minerals Inc., (EMI) a privately owned U.S. corporation. SCZ Project Highlights: Located in the Duluth Complex, host to world class copper - nickel deposits. Four separate projects with known copper-nickel and/or titanium-vanadium-copper mineralization Historical drilling and geophysical surveys provide clear drill ready targets across the underexplored portfolio. Plans to initiate drill program within first year of the agreement. A Message from David Suda, CEO of Green Bridge Metals "Green Bridge is focused on creating shareholder value by bringing forward exploration and development opportunities to supply critical and strategic minerals to the rapidly growing green economies and power grids of North America and the world beyond. We are pleased to have secured a rare portfolio of assets with clear mineralization in an underexplored world class region within the Duluth Complex of Minnesota. We plan to advance these underexplored properties by leveraging historical exploration data by drilling in the coming 12 months. We would like to thank EMI for the opportunity to advance upon the fine work they have completed to date." The SCZ project is comprised of multiple properties; Siphon-Wyman, Skibo, Titac, Boulder Creek, and Boulder Lake North, all with previously identified Cu-Ni-PGE, or Ti-V mineralized bodies through historical drilling (Figure 3). Most properties in the SCZ are early stage and have had limited historical exploration, however, EMI completed a VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) airborne geophysical survey from which numerous undrilled conductors have been interpreted across several of the properties. In addition to recent VTEM, historical airborne electromagnetic and magnetic surveys (AEM) provide detailed geophysical data across the whole region. These geophysical surveys provide useful targeting data for exploration by the Company. Several properties, including the highly prospective Skibo area, are drill-ready with the Company expected to begin drilling within the first year of the agreement. The SCZ project is host to multiple styles of mineralization: Disseminated Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization at the Siphon-Wyman property is similar to that at the Maturi and Mesaba deposits. High-grade magmatic Cu-Ni mineralization at Skibo is generally similar to mineralization at the Tamarack deposit. Ti-V-Cu mineralization associated with oxidized ultramafic intrusions (OUI) at the Titac area with a NI 43-101 inferred resource of 45.1 million tonnes at 15% TiO25. Within the SCZ project area are a number of untested OUIs. Previous exploration suggests a spatial and genetic relationship between OUI and magmatic massive Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization. With a mix of mineralization styles spanning multiple properties, the SCZ holds significant potential for mineral resources deemed as critical by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2022. Importantly, the SCZ project is located to the south and outside of the Boundary Waters Wilderness area and watershed and no access or permitting issues of consequence have been experienced to date. Siphon-Wyman (Disseminated Cu-Ni) Target: This property spans approximately 1,360 hectares with historical drilling identifying disseminated Cu-Ni mineralization at Wyman Creek (Wyman Creek resource) and structurally controlled massive sulfide mineralization within the associated Siphon Fault Zone (Figure 4, Table 1). The property lies along the basal contact of the Partridge River Intrusion. A number of untested high-priority geophysical electromagnetic conductors have been detected within the fault zone and Wyman Creek resource area Table 1. Historic significant intercepts drilled by EMI and previous operators from the Siphon-Wyman property6 Hole ID Length (m) Cu % Ni % Wyman Upper Zone 26145 32.9 0.37 0.18 7.6 0.34 0.13 26132 27.4 0.56 0.18 13.7 0.51 0.16 26126 13.1 0.35 0.15 26153 13.1 1.39 0.13 Lower Zone 26136 94.5 0.37 0.12 26144 40.2 0.37 0.17 26132 8.8 0.37 0.12 26126 29.0 0.42 0.16 Skibo Property (Massive and Disseminated Cu-Ni): Skibo comprises 3,108 hectares and is characterized by a magnetic anomaly striking over 3.5 km north to south along with multiple, untested, geophysical electromagnetic conductors within the property associated with OUIs and providing drill-ready targets (Figure 5). Skibo OUIs are host to significant disseminated Cu-Ni mineralization that has not been assayed systematically for either Ti or V (Figure 6). Two important footwall high Cu-Ni-PGE grade massive sulfide vein stockwork zones have been identified that are related to the OUIs. These zones are considered high-priority targets. Massive sulfide veins in the northern stockwork zone (DDH-SK09-2) is shown in Figure 7. Table 2 below provides a summary of the historical intercepts. Table 2. Historic significant intercepts drilled by EMI and previous operators from the Skibo property7. Hole ID Interval (m) Cu% Ni% Co% PGE (ppm) 11547 86.5 0.32 0.27 SK09-2 101 0.31 0.18 3.7 2.96 0.81 1.19 0.4 9.85 0.36 3.93 0.6 6.91 2.38 1.24 SK15-1 2.3 6.38 1.55 4.31 SK09-3 2.3 1.87 0.75 0.15 0.31 0.4 1.4 0.67 0.13 0.3 0.3 1.41 0.78 0.15 0.33 0.2 1.26 1.29 0.12 0.41 0.2 1.19 1.1 0.12 0.39 0.3 1.01 1.21 0.09 0.59 0.1 1.19 1.72 0.14 0.58 SK19-1 34.3 0.14 0.05 0.01 0.09 2.3 2.06 1.06 0.13 0.45 SK19-2 33.2 0.22 0.11 0.02 0.12 0.4 1.39 0.88 0.1 0.35 0.1 0.79 1.01 0.09 0.3 Titac- Boulder- Boulder North Properties (TiO2 - V2O5, Disseminated Cu-Ni): Several properties lie along the southern portion of the SCZ project: Titac, Boulder, and Boulder North (Figure 8) comprising approximately 3,992 hectares. Titac has the most advanced exploration with a NI 43-101, inferred resource of 45.1 million tonnes averaging 15% TiO25. This resource correlates directly with a discrete magnetic anomaly and has excellent potential to grow to the north where there is a second similar magnetic anomaly with historical drilling demonstrating Ti-V mineralization (Figure 8). A similar magnetic anomaly is present to the southeast of Titac that has not yet been drilled. In addition, the TiO2 mineralization at Titac contains significant disseminated Cu mineralization with the historical drill results assaying for copper presented below in Table 3. Importantly, there are three prominent electromagnetic conductors that are considered highly prospective for high-grade Cu-Ni mineralization that have not been drill tested. The Boulder/Boulder North properties have limited drill testing but contain numerous magnetic anomalies and conductors that are proposed for drilling (Figure 9). Importantly, the Boulder properties have both Ti-V and Cu-Ni exploration potential based on limited historical drilling and geophysics. This area is considered highly prospective and will be the focus of an updated VTEM survey by the Company as historical airborne surveys are from the 1960's. Table 3. Historic significant drill intercepts from the Boulder and Titac properties. Note that in some cases, elements of interest were not analyzed (Boulder drill results from EMI Internal Report, 2017, Titac results from Cardero Ni 43-101)8. HOLE ID Interval (m) Cu % Ni % TiO2 % V2O5 % Boulder IV-1 57.0 0.22 0.3 23.2 0.42 36.6 0.19 low 26.8 0.52 IV-6 15.8 0.28 0.06 16.1 0.19 IV-8 32.2 0.25 0.03 21.8 0.27 18.3 0.24 low 25.8 0.3 Titac TTC-14 571.5 0.19 14.3 0.075 including 145.1 0.4 14.9 0.073 TTC-15 199.3 0.21 10.2 0.048 TTC-19 461.9 0.37 20.6 *N/A TTC-29 247.2 0.15 17.5 *N/A *N/A indicates "Not Analyzed" The above mineralization estimates are not current and should be considered "historical estimates" under National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource or reserve, and the Company is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources or reserves. The Company would need to conduct an exploration program (including drilling) in order to verify these historical estimates as current in accordance with NI 43-101. There can be no certainty, following further evaluation and/or exploration work, that these historical estimates can be upgraded or verified as mineral resources or mineral reserves in accordance with NI 43-101. As such, these historical estimates should not be relied upon. Option Terms: Encampment Minerals, Inc. (EMI) will grant the Company a sole and exclusive option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the SCZ Properties as follows: 60% Interest Earn in. Green Bridge shall become vested with a 60% interest in the SCZ Properties (the "60% Earn In") by funding Expenditures on the SCZ Properties totaling $12,650,000 over a maximum 4 year period commencing from the Closing Date. These expenditures can be accelerated at the Company's election such that the 60% earn-in can be gained prior to the four year period. Due Date Work Expenditures (US$) Within 12 months $1,275,000 Within 24 months $2,900,000 Within 36 months $6,150,000 Within 48 months $12,650,000 80% Interest Earn In. After completing the 60% earn-in Green Bridge will have a period of 60 days provide notice of intent to earn in to 80%. Green Bridge shall then have a period of 2 years from the date of the 60% Earn In to increase its interest in the SCZ Properties to 80% by: (i) Funding an additional $10,000,000 of Expenditures on the SCZ Properties; and (ii) Completing a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate on the SCZ Properties; and (iii) Making a cash payment of $4,000,000 to EMI. Joint Venture Formation: Upon completion of the 80% earn-in a Joint Venture between Green Bridge Metals and EMI a straight-line dilution formula will apply whereby the deemed contributed initial expenditures at the date of the 80% earn-in of $22,650,000 by Green Bridge Metals and $8,000,000 by EMI. Dilution Cap and Buyout Right: EMI's interest in the SCZ Properties may not be diluted to less than 8% interest in the SCZ Properties (the "EMI Dilution Cap"). In the event that EMI's interest in the SCZ Properties reaches 8% interest, Green Bridge shall have the right, at its sole discretion, at any time, to purchase the remainder of EMI's interest in the SCZ Properties (the "Carried Interest Buyout Right") at a purchase price equal to 8% of the undiscounted net present value of the SCZ Properties (the "NPV"). Calculation of the NPV shall be carried out by a third-party independent appraiser selected by both Green Bridge and EMI, acting reasonably, and the costs of such NPV determination shall be borne by Green Bridge and EMI equally. The purchase price may be made in 50% cash and 50% cash and/or shares at Greenbridge's election. Figure 1. Regional location map showing geology (MGS State Map Series S-21 2011), infrastructure and analogous Cu-Ni-PGE (+/- TiO2-V2O5) deposits. The Titac area includes the Titac North and South prospects as well as the Boulder East prospect, and the Boulder area includes the Boulder North prospect. Figure 2. Schematic exploration model for a mineralized composite oxide ultramafic intrusion (modified from Barnes et al., 2015). This general model can be applied to further exploration of OUI's in the Skibo, Titac and Boulder properties. Figure 3. Detailed geologic map of South Contact Zone (SCZ) properties along with polygons representing known styles of mineralization at each locality. Many known TiO2 occurrences coincide with disseminated Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization. Figure 4. Copper-Nickel ore zone cross section model at the Wyman property showing significant drill intercepts with grades and representative thickness.6 Figure 5. Total magnetic intensity map at the Skibo property showing historic drill hole locations (yellow circles), property boundary (white line), and interpreted fault (dashed lines)8. Figure 6. Geologic cross-section from the Skibo property with drill holes and associated Cu-Ni assay grades through and below the OUI7. Figure 7. Core photo showing a Cu-Ni mineralized zone in drill hole SK09-2 between 372.4 to 376.1m (3.7m) which grades 2.3% Cu. 0.8% Ni and 1189 ppb PGE. Sulfide mineral assemblages include chalcopyrite, pentlandite and pyrrhotite. Hole drilled by EMI (2009). Figure 8. Summary of the magnetic anomalies that define the Titac North and South areas of the Titac property. Drill holes (red dots) have proven an economic TiO2 bearing OUI exists, all of which are open at depth. Figure 9. Geologic and electromagnetic map of the Titac-Boulder property with structural trends (dashed black lines) and electromagnetic conductors (red lines) shown. Historic drill hole locations are also shown (Geology from MGS Miscellaneous Map Series, Map 119). Completion of the transaction of The South Contact Zone remains subject to several conditions, including the satisfactory completion of due diligence, receipt of any regulatory approvals, the negotiation of definitive agreement, other documents, and the completion of a minimum $3 million in financing concurrent with the completion of the transaction. Theodore A. DeMatties, CPG, PG, is the Qualified Person who assumes responsibility for the technical content of this press release. About Green Bridge Metals Green Bridge Metals Corporation (formerly Mich Resources Ltd.) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring 'battery metal' rich mineral assets and the development of the South Contact Zone (the "Property") along the basal contact of the Duluth Intrusion, north of Duluth, Minnesota. The South Contact Zone contains bulk-tonnage copper-nickel and titanium-vanadium in ilmenite hosted in ultramafic to oxide ultramafic intrusions. The Property has exploration targets for bulk-tonnage Ni mineralization, high grade Ni-Cu-PGE magmatic sulfide mineralization and titanium. ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS, "David Suda" President and Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: David Suda President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: 604.928-3101 investors@greenbridgemetals.com Forward Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the exploration and development of the South Contact Zone Properties. Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the exploration and development of the South Contact Zone Properties may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Certain figures and references contain information supported by public and corporate references that may have been updated, changed, or modified since their referenced date. The Company has not reviewed any resources and cannot comment on their accuracy. References: 1 Miller Jr, J.D., Green, J.C., Severson, M.J., Chandler, V.W., Hauck, S.A., Peterson, D.M. and Wahl, T.E., (2002). RI-58 geology and mineral potential of the Duluth complex and related rocks of northeastern Minnesota. 2 Ding, X., C. Li, E. M. Ripley, D. Rossell, and S. Kamo (2010), The Eagle and East Eagle sulfide ore-bearing mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Midcontinent Rift System, upper Michigan: Geochronology and petrologic evolution, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 11, Q03003, doi:10.1029/2009GC002546. 3 Thomas, B, Jackson, R, Peters, O., Pint, C. (2022). November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota. WSP Golder. Talon Metals Corp. https://talonmetals.com/technical-reports/ 4 Welhener, Cowie, (2022). PolyMet Mining releases NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mesaba copper-nickel-PGM deposit. Polymet Mining. Accessed on Yahoo finance. January 22, 2024. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/polymet-mining-releases-ni-43-123000618.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall 5 Farrow, D., Johnson, M., (2012), January 2012 National Instrument 43-101Technical Report on the Titac Ilmenite Exploration Project, Minnesota, USA. SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. SRK Project Number 2CC031.004. Cardero Resources Corp. 6 DeMatties, T.A., (2013). Encampment Minerals, Inc., 2012-13 Copper-Nickel-PGM Exploration Program, Wyman Creek Cu-Ni Resource Area, St. Louis County, Minnesota. Summary Report. Encampment Minerals, Inc. 7 DeMatties, T.A., (2013). Encampment Minerals, Inc., Copper-Nickel-PGM Exploration Program Skibo Property, St. Louis County, Minnesota, Summary Report. Encampment Minerals Inc. 8 DeMatties, T.A., (2020). Encampment Minerals, Inc., 2020 Winter Drilling Program at the Skibo (North) Property, St. Louis County, Minnesota, Technical Report. Encampment Minerals Inc. SOURCE: Green Bridge Metals Corporation View the original press release on accesswire.com North Carolina-based community bank implements nCino solutions to meet demands for accessible capital and serve customers more efficiently Wilmington, N.C., Feb. 06, 2024. The technology upgrade is helping M&F process loans more quickly and creating increased convenience and connectivity for the underserved markets it intentionally serves. For 116 years, M&F Bank has been focused on a critical mission; providing access to capital to diverse communities. As a Community Development Financial Institutionand Automated SpreadingSolutions, M&F can more quickly complete the loan process, while driving a better experience for its customers and associates via a cloud-based and mobile enabled single platform. "Our pursuit at M&F is to reduce the wealth gap by providing access to capital that helps our customers achieve their goals," said James Sills, President, CEO and Board Member at M&F Bank. "We're excited to be using nCino, one of the best platforms in the industry, to foster this mission and empower our associates to meet the needs of our customers with excellence. The partnership between M&F and nCino has been terrific, and we look forward to continuing working together to execute on our strategic plan." "Working with nCino has been more than implementing software," added Valerie Scruggs, SVP/CTO on loan from one of M&F's big bank partners. "nCino worked with us from the beginning, ensuring our people were prepared for the transformation and had all the resources and information they needed to succeed with these new tools. True transformation takes a partnership, and that's exactly what we have with the team at nCino." "The partnership we have with M&F Bank is foundational to the transformation the Bank is driving within their operations," said Will Cameron, SVP of U.S. Financial Institutions at nCino. "We are proud to provide M&F with the technology platform they need to provide faster and easier access to capital for the communities they serve while strengthening its own performance and becoming more efficient." About nCino nCino. About M&F Bank Founded in 1907 in North Carolina, M&F Bank is the second-oldest African American owned bank in the United States. With $446 million in total assets, M&F Bank is the eighth-largest African American owned financial institution in the United States and is the only Community Development Financial Institution Carson City, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - ACME Lithium Inc. (CSE: ACME) (OTCQB: ACLHF) (the "Company", or "ACME") is pleased to announce that it has received through its operator, GeoXplor Inc., an exploration summary and hydrological evaluation report from Reno, Nevada based Confluence Water Resources LLC ("Confluence") for ACME's Phase 1 and Phase 2 programs at its Clayton Valley lithium brine project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. ACME's Clayton Valley Nevada lithium brine project (the "Project") is contiguous to the northwest of the only operating lithium brine operation in North America, Albemarle Corporation's Silver Peak lithium deposit and facility which has been in production since 1966. ACME's neighboring Project is comprised of 119 claims totaling approximately 2,230 acres. Confluence has estimated an inferred lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resource of approximately 302,900 metric tons (units rounded) over a 40-year extraction period. The estimate is based on an assessment of potential extractable brine volume which could be pumped from the Project over time. The estimate of inferred elemental lithium is approximately 56,902 metric tons (units rounded). A factor of 5.323 was assigned to convert elemental lithium to LCE based on industry wide common conversion factors. The inferred resource estimate is based on geophysical surveys completed over approximately 55% of the Project's 119 unpatented placer mining claims and the results from testing in three drill holes. "This important milestone for ACME and its shareholders was a culmination of the last two years of work by our team, our operator, and experienced technical consultants and contractors," stated President and CEO Steve Hanson. "Our exploration efforts leading to this discovery and maiden lithium resource are critical next steps towards potential future commercialization." Chemical analyses suggest the lithium brine system at the Project has geothermal chemical affinities. Pumping in other parts of Clayton Valley can also be detected in the ACME water level trend data. Aquifer thickness, hydraulic parameters and lithium grades of the lower gravel aquifer at the Project are similar to the values reported at other projects in Clayton Valley. Lateral continuity in the deep lower gravel aquifer is further validated by geophysical patterns and transient water level data measured at the Project. This data provides further evidence of an inferred brine resource at the Project and justification for the inferred resource classification. The objective of ACME's multi-year exploration program was to determine the potential for lithium enriched brines to exist within the Project area and, if discovered, examine the potential volume of the brine body that potentially could be extracted from the Project through pumping wells. Considering the objectives, the following exploration work was successfully completed as part of last year's Phase 2 program: Drilling of DH-1A exploration borehole. DH-1A was drilled to a depth of 1,940 feet below ground surface (bgs) to document the potential vertical extent of the lithium bearing brine aquifer discovered at the DH-1 location and potential vertical extent of other aquifers if encountered through additional downhole geophysics, zonal brine sampling and testing. The borehole was completed with a Vibrating Wire Piezometer (VWP) arrangement which was installed to be used to monitor vertical and lateral response to pumping and long-term water level changes in the basin. Drilling and completion of the first test well -TW-1. TW-1 was drilled and installed to a depth of 1,818 feet bgs with perforated casing extending across the extent of the lithium brine aquifer discovered in DH-1 and DH-1A. TW-1 captures approximately 550 feet of potential ore-grade lithium brine aquifer hosted in the lower gravel unit (LGU). The intent of the well was to complete necessary groundwater testing to examine the hydraulic properties of the brine aquifer and potential concentration of elemental lithium from the extracted brine. Completion of a 10-day constant rate pumping test from TW-1. The data generated from the test was used to estimate hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity of the lithium brine aquifer penetrated. Hydraulic parameters were subsequently used in forward looking hydrogeological simulations to model the potential volume of extractible lithium brine which could be extracted within the ACME project area over time. Figure 1: Clayton Valley drill site To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7776/196911_d5967ae304e85b1a_002full.jpg The inferred resource was estimated assuming the following: The deposit has potential direct connectivity to a larger regional resource as indicated from the water level trend analysis and geophysical surveys. The composite concentration of lithium in the LGU aquifer based on the average concentration of dissolved lithium from the TW-1 pumping test is approximately 96 mg/L. An estimate of Transitional Storage Reserve (TSR) was prepared based on the results of ACME Phase 1 and Phase 2 exploration programs. TSR is estimated to be 33,000 Acre Feet based on the geometry of the brine body in the LGU at the Project and a Specific Yield of 6%. Brine body geometry was assessed using the result of geophysical surveys and Phase 1 and 2 drill results. Specific Yield was analyzed using core samples collected from DH-1. From the TSR, the total extractable brine volume from the LGU aquifer over a 40-year period is estimated to be approximately 473,000 Acre Feet or 11,825 Acre Feet per year assuming a Perennial Yield of 22,000 Acre Feet. The results from additional forward simulations using data generated from the TW-1 pumping test indicated that a deep, large diameter well in the LGU could potentially yield up to 1000 gallons per minute (gpm). The estimate of extractable elemental lithium based on total extractable volume from TSR over 40 years is approximately 56,900 Metric Tons (units rounded). A factor of 5.323 was assigned to convert elemental lithium to lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) based on industry wide common conversion factors. The inferred LCE is estimated to be approximately 302,900 Metric Tons (units rounded). The Confluence report, "Lithium Brine Exploration Report and Hydrogeological Evaluation for ACME Lithium Inc. Clayton Valley, Nevada Project" is available in full on ACME's website at: https://shorturl.at/wAT57. ACME intends to file a NI 43-101 compliant report on its Clayton Valley project within 45 days. Matt Banta, Certified Professional Hydrogeologist, is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. William Feyerabend, Certified Professional Geologist, is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, and has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. About ACME Lithium Inc. Led by an experienced team, ACME is a mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing battery metal projects in partnership with leading technology and commodity companies. ACME has acquired or is under option to acquire a 100-per-cent interest in a project area located in Clayton Valley, Nevada and has entered into option agreements with third parties on its Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County Nevada project, and at Shatford, Birse, and Cat-Euclid Lakes in south eastern Manitoba. On behalf of the Board of Directors Steve Hanson Chief Executive Officer, President and Director Telephone: (604) 564-9045 info@acmelithium.com For Investor Inquiries: Anthony Simone Simone Capital Telephone: (416) 881-5154 asimone@simonecapital.ca Neither the CSE nor its regulations service providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains certain statements which may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("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 and in this news release include but are not limited to (i) the inferred resource estimated within the Project, (ii) the assumptions used to determine the inferred resource, (iii) the attributes of, timing for and expected benefits to be derived from future exploration, drilling or development at the Project. Information inferred from the interpretation of drilling, sampling and other technical results may also be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as it constitutes a prediction of what might be found to be present when and if a project is actually developed. These forward-looking statements mean disclosures regarding possible events, conditions, acquisitions, or results of operations relating to the Project that is based on assumptions about future conditions and courses of action and includes future oriented financial information with respect to prospective results of operations, potential mineral deposits, production levels, costs, operational data and financial position or cash flows that is presented either as a forecast or a projection. Forward-looking statements or information 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 or information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to obtaining financing to meet the Company's exploration programs and operating costs during the exploratory stage of the Project, the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in production and operations, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies, the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, regulatory restrictions, including the inability to obtain mining permits and environmental regulatory restrictions and liability, the speculative nature of mineral exploration, dilution, competition, loss of key employees, and other risks and uncertainties. The Company does not undertake any obligation to revise any "forward looking statement," to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. U.S. investors are advised that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly regulate information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that the results of current exploration and potential quantity and grade of proposed exploration targets identified in the above stated report are conceptual in nature; it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the exploration target being delineated as a mineral resource and there is no guarantee that these resources, if delineated, will be economic or sufficient to support a commercial mining operation. It is uncertain that any resources will be converted into economically viable mining reserves. Until a full feasibility study has been completed, there is no certainty that these objectives will be met. ACME's project location adjacent to or nearby lithium projects does not guarantee exploration success or that mineral resources or reserves will be defined on ACME's properties. Exploration, development, and activities conducted by regional companies provide assistance and additional data for exploration work being completed by ACME. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to fluctuations in metal prices; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund the planned work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from weather, logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Company's properties; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in the work program; the risk of environmental contamination or damage resulting from the Company's operations and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Unless otherwise indicated, the market and industry data contained herein is based upon information from industry and other publications and the knowledge and experience of management. While we believe that this data is reliable, market and industry data is subject to variations and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties inherent in any statistical survey. We have not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources referred to in this news release or ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources. All technical and scientific disclosure pertaining to our mineral property interests in this news release have been reviewed by a Qualified Person, meaning an individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these; has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report; and is a member or licensee in good standing of a professional association. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196911 SOURCE: ACME Lithium Inc. Market research conducted with 10,000 global consumers on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of eDreams confirms that travel remains a priority within shoppers' personal budgets in 2024. While travel is key for all age groups, the data also reveals that future generations of travelers will have new values that dictate where and how they travel. Inclusivity and social values, a priority for young travelers: 44% of Americans under 24 years highlight the importance of social inclusivity in destinations and brand choices, compared with only 27% of those over 65. Always online: staying connected while traveling is a top consideration for 35% of American consumers under 24, contrasting with a mere 7% of those over 55. Health, safety and geopolitical considerations shown to be very important in the post-pandemic era: 50% of people in the US ranked safety as a top consideration when traveling. New marketresearch commissioned by leading travel subscription company eDreams ODIGEO on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its flagship brand eDreams reveals that the vast majority of consumers (84%) are prioritizing travel within their personal budgets in 2024. In the US, respondents provided similar answers with nearly 8 out of 10 highlighting the importance of travel within their household budget. Only 5% of US respondents said they didn't think it was important to budget for travel. The statistics come from a study of 10,000 global shoppers, including 2,000 respondents from the US. The study was conducted by research firm OnePoll. Changing values: future generations redefine travel priorities The data also reveals how travelers' priorities and values are likely to change over the next 25 years in line with generational shifts such as the rapid development of new technologies. For example, the survey revealed that younger people are far more likely than older generations to make decisions about how and where they travel based on digital connectivity or social inclusiveness, giving a powerful insight into what will matter most to travelers in the decades to come. Health and safety are a top priority for US travelers. 50% of respondents across all age brackets in the US, and 51% globally, said this was a key consideration. Notably, this was even more pronounced with the older age group (over 55s) which ranked safety considerations (63% US) almost on a par with the cost of travel (69% US). Cost-effectiveness remains a key concern for travelers across all age groups, with an average of 42% prioritizing it in the US and 55% globally. Notably, Baby Boomers exhibit a greater inclination towards prioritizing cost in trip planning, with 69% of global respondents aged over 45 years and 64% in the US focusing on this aspect. In contrast, responses from younger generations indicate a decreased emphasis on cost as other considerations take precedence in line with changing generational priorities. Specifically, 52% of those under 34 years old globally (32% in the US) prioritize cost as a key factor in their travel decisions. Social inclusivity and values: Worldwide, 27% of respondents aged 18-24 highlighted brands and destinations that offer socially inclusive experiences as a top consideration when planning their trips compared to only 17% of over 65s. In the US, 29% of Baby Boomers prioritize social inclusivity and values when considering their travel choices, while this rises to 44% in the case of Millennials and Gen Z's. Digital connectivity: Similarly, 20% of Gen Z's globally highlighted the importance of digital connectivity for communication and work while traveling as a top priority, compared with 7% of over 65s. This suggests increased prevalence of flexible and remote work among the younger generations, as well as the importance of sharing travel experience on social networks. Interestingly, male shoppers show a higher interest in staying connected during their trips, with 40% expressing this compared to 23% of their female counterparts. These generational traits are even more pronounced in the US. Only 7% of over 55-year-olds noted the importance of digital connectivity, while this was a top consideration for 35% of 18 24-year-olds. Dana Dunne, CEO of eDreams ODIGEO said: "We are in an era where travelers' values are evolving rapidly shaped by the big matters of our time, from technology to hybrid work or a once-in-a-generation pandemic. Since our flagship brand eDreams was founded 25 years ago, we've seen travelers' priorities change significantly, particularly with technology putting an almost limitless amount of choice at their fingertips. As we look to the future, this data provides a fascinating insight into what will matter most to travelers as the next generation of socially inclusive and digitally native consumers reach the peak of their spending power. "While we are seeing a generational shift in values around these issues, we are also continuing to see travel remain incredibly important to consumers of all ages. We expect demand for travel to remain strong, so this data really highlights why it's vital that we continue to innovate and provide new experiences that excite future generations of travelers." A quarter of a century of change in travel The research from eDreams ODIGEO and OnePoll indicates that the global travel sector is likely to witness significant shifts over the next few decades, particularly with regards to consumer preferences. However, this anticipated period of change follows directly on from a quarter of a century which has seen the travel industry evolve beyond all recognition. Unparalleled growth: Over the last 25 years, the travel industry has witnessed significant and continued growth. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 1.56 billion passengers flew on airplanes worldwide in 1999. This number increased to 4.9 billion in 2023, representing a growth of 157%. 1 The era of online travel: The biggest game-changer for the global travel industry in the 21st century has been the rapid evolution of technology. The foundation of eDreams, Europe's largest online travel agent, 25 years ago today marked the commencement of the universalization of online travel. According to a report by IATA, only 5% of travel bookings were made online in 1999. In 2023, this figure increased to 70%, representing an increase of 650% in 25 years.2 Similarly, in 1999 the share of mobile bookings for travel was virtually zero. Mobile internet was still in its early stages of development, and few people had access to it. In 2023, this figure increased to 75%3 From transaction to subscription: The latest revolution in the travel industry is the emergence of subscription-based travel retailing. Millions of travelers have shifted from a traditional transactional approach to embracing a subscription-based model for their travels. eDreams was the first business to pioneer a subscription service in the travel sector through its Prime platform, which now has over 5.2 million members. -ends- Survey methodology The statistics in this press release are based on a survey of 10,000 global consumers carried out by OnePoll. The survey was undertaken in eight countries including the UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. About eDreams ODIGEO eDreams ODIGEO is the world's leading travel subscription platform and one of the largest e-commerce businesses in Europe. Under its four renowned online travel agency brands eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo, Travellink, and the metasearch engine Liligo it serves more than 20 million customers per year across 44 markets. Listed on the Spanish Stock Market, eDreams ODIGEO works with nearly 700 airlines. The business conceptualised Prime, the first subscription product in the travel sector which has topped 5.2 million members since launching in 2017. The brand offers the best quality products in regular flights, low-cost airlines, hotels, dynamic packages, cruises, car rental and travel insurance to make travel easier, more accessible, and better value for consumers across the globe. 1 Global outlook for air transport, IATA, 2023, Annual Report of the Council, 1999, International Civil Aviaton Organization (ICAO) 2 World Air Transport Statistics, IATA, 2023 3 Digital Consumer Trends, 2023. Deloitte View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206573262/en/ Contacts: eDreams ODIGEO Press Office E: edreamspressoffice@instinctif.com T: +(44)07879086840 66% of Gen Z prefer connecting with friends IRL (In Real Life), rather than meeting up and socialising online. Regardless of the digital savviness, they believe time spent together in person can help build trust (65%) and lead to more quality time (66%) Ingka Centres, the global developer running 34 meeting places in 13 countries, launches its first Life in Communities report looking at how communities and the needs of people within them have changed MALMO, Sweden, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Research among 5,000 people in the US, China, Sweden, Spain and Poland conducted by Ingka Centres, global developer running 34 meeting places worldwide, spotlights emerging trends of how people of different ages, including Gen Z, in Europe, the US and China - relax, play and connect with others outside the home. One of the many surprising findings is that 66% of Gen Zs prefer connecting with friends IRL (In Real Life), rather than meeting up and socialising online. Regardless of the digital savviness, they believe time spent together in person can help build trust (65%) and lead to more quality time (66%). According to the research, Gen Zs as well as adults of all ages are keen to bring more play into their daily lives, regardless of whether they have kids or not. Top activities Gen Zs love out of home include board games (18%), DIY (15%) and arts & crafts (12%). Gen Z are craving safe and welcoming (30%), and cosy (23%) spaces from their ideal meeting place, with two in five (41%) of all ages surveyed citing relaxation areas as important. Many Gen Z suffer disproportionately from social anxiety when meeting face to face. The report finds that the degree of anxiety falls by age, with 42% of Gen Z vs 22% of Gen X and just 15% of Boomers experiencing such feelings. When surveyed on the most important components of what a dream meeting place should look like, Gen Z cited an educational and entertaining space (28%), inclusive environment (23%), accessibility via public or personal transport (25%) and flexible spaces for individual use (24%) as highly ranked priorities. Meanwhile diverse food offerings (18%) sustainable solutions (15%) and access to co-working space for collaboration (16%) also featured as key considerations. Matt Drage, Global Communication & Marketing Director of Ingka Centres, said: "In our first ever Life in Communities report, we discovered many pretty cool things. Take our Gen Z respondents. Even though more than two in five of them feel a bit socially anxious about face-to-face meetings, and digital communities are really important to them, they still desire in-person connections. Whether they're hanging out with friends or making new ones, there's a real wish for spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and playful. It's clear, that there is a growing demand for places where people can come together, have fun, work together, and build a real sense of community." The Life in Communities report is at https://www.ingkacentres.com/en/what-we-do Notes to Editors The surveys were conducted online (CAWI, Computer-assisted web interviewing) among YouGov panellists in Sweden, Poland, Spain, the USA and China.?Data was collected during the period 30 October - 19 November 2023. About?Ingka?Centres: Ingka Centres is part of the Ingka Group (which also includes IKEA Retail and Ingka Investments). Ingka Centres has more than 40 years of experience in shopping centres and today works with over 3000 brands across its portfolio of 34 meeting places in 13 markets. More information: www.ingkacentres.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, X. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/emoji-cant-hug-but-real-friends-can-new-study-by-ingka-centres-unveils-gen-zs-still-believe-in-the-power-of-in-person-connection-302052284.html LONDON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalere Health appoints seasoned industry executive Effie Baoutis as President of Medical. Baoutis will lead a team of 350+ scientific communicators into a future of medical communications fueled by an alchemy of science, creativity and technology. Avalere Health has a deep heritage in this field, forming more than 20 years ago as a medical communications agency. Since then, it has evolved into a global commercialization partner, diversifying its offering to deliver from advisory to implementation across the entire product lifecycle. The appointment of Baoutis is the latest of several high-profile executive leadership announcements made following Avalere Health's rebrand on October 18, 2023, each reflecting Avalere Health's evolution as a connected organization. The rebrand saw the company bring together 1,500+ team members across 19 locations in North America, Europe and Asia, uniting them under a single vision, organization and brand. An established authority in healthcare communications, Baoutis is experienced in supporting large pharmaceutical clients and emerging biotech through her work at Omnicom, McCann Health, Real Chemistry and the Healthcare Communications Association. She is an expert in scientific engagement and has worked across a range of functions, including leadership roles in marketing and advertising. Her interdisciplinary approach and background make her well-positioned to collaborate across the business and develop advanced solutions to clients' medical communications challenges. "While modular content, personalized messaging, omnichannel and content value metrics were traditionally the realm of marketing, Medical teams are beginning to see the benefits of these approaches for building deeply engaging experiences for healthcare professionals," said Amar Urhekar, Chief Operating Officer at Avalere Health. "Capitalizing on her cross-functional knowledge, Effie will ensure our experts infuse scientific information with the creativity and cutting-edge tools and platforms needed to support our clients in the technology-enabled future of medical communications." Under Baoutis's leadership, the Medical team will support clients in remaining at the forefront of digital advancement, strategically leveraging the right tools, platforms and data to build cohesive learning experiences for customers. Her priorities include investing in new technology ecosystems to advance Avalere Health's heritage in experience design and delivery and bringing together the company's proprietary virtual congress platforms and publication planning tools. She will also work closely with Avalere Health's in-house technologists and analysts to explore the multidimensional application of artificial intelligence in medical communications. "I'm thrilled to join as the President of Medical at Avalere Health during a paradigm shift in medical communications," said Baoutis. "The reputation of the team is unrivaled. We have the right combination of expertise to be a guiding light for our clients, helping them leverage the data, technologies and strategies to best meet their business goals and the needs of the stakeholders they serve." About Avalere Health Established in 2001, Avalere Health is a purposefully built commercialization partner for the biopharmaceutical, medical technology, and wellness industries. Its 1,500+ experts combine their knowledge and expertise across its core disciplines - Consulting; Medical; Policy, Access, Value, and Evidence; Marketing; and Digital Experience Technology - to create the connections that make better health happen. Avalere Health partners with its clients to navigate the complex and rapidly changing healthcare ecosystem. Together, its experts help clients connect patients with life-changing therapies, realizing the potential of strategies and solutions to accelerate innovation that improves lives. Visit www.avalerehealth.com and follow Avalere Health on LinkedIn and Instagram. Contact information Natasha Cowan natasha.cowan@avalerehealth.com Adi Nat adityavir.nat@avalerehealth.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334459/Avalere_Health_Logo_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334460/Effie_Baoutis.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/avalere-health-appoints-new-president-of-medical-to-lead-a-tech-enabled-future-of-medical-affairs-302054600.html For the second consecutive year, Logi Symphony from insightsoftware is recognized as the leading solution Raleigh, NC, Feb. 06, 2024, the most comprehensive provider of solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced it secured the top ranking in the latest Embedded Business Intelligence (BI) Market Study. The annual report by Dresner Advisory Services, now in its 11th year, evaluated Logi Symphony against similar offerings in market. insightsoftware received the highest rating based on its embedded BI features/capabilities and embedded architecture, weighted based on user prioritizations of functionality. The Market Study is part of Dresner Advisory Services' Wisdom of Crowds research, examining embedded business intelligence trends, deployment, and capabilities required to include BI features and functions in new and existing applications. In 2023, insightsoftware announcedthe evolution of Logi Symphony, marking the integration of embedded analytics solutions at insightsoftware, with the best features of previously acquired products combined under the company's own unified self-service BI solution. Logi Symphony embeds self-service, end-to-end business intelligence and analytics (ABI) fused with artificial intelligence (AI) into any web-based application. The purpose-built software empowers independent software vendors and application teams to embed analytics and visualizations into their applications, while providing seamless integration, flexible customization, and composability with a rich user experience. "We're making the power of these analytically rich experiences accessible," said Jay Allardyce, General Manager, Data & Analytics, insightsoftware. "Logi Symphony empowers organizations to capitalize on their data, making it more accessible in existing and new applications to drive greater product adoption and engagement. We are excited about this insightsoftware acknowledgement of our position as the market leader in Analytics and BI." 2023 was an explosive year for Generative AI interest, reinforcing the need for better control and flexibility in data-driven products and experiences. This surge in interest has also pushed the boundaries of other AI technologies in the BI space, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Natural Language Processing. Embedded analytics and BI data accelerators, fueled by the right data and enriched by AI insights, are foundational in helping businesses deliver data-driven outcomes. "We are pleased to recognize insightsoftware as the leader in our annual Embedded BI market study," said Howard Dresner, Founder and Chief Research Officer, Dresner Advisory. "Interest in the Embedded BI market continues to expand across industries, driven by more organizations that seek to improve and broaden self-service access to data and provide internal application users with in-context insights and analysis." The leadership position in the Dresner report follows insightsoftware's recognition for its growth in the 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500and the number one ranking on Business North Carolina's Mid-Market Fast 40 List. Additionally, insightsoftware was recognized in the Gartner Magic Quadrants for Financial Close and Consolidationand Financial Planning Software. To learn more about insightsoftware's Logi Symphony and its implications for embedded analytics, visit our website. To view the full report, click here. About Dresner Advisory Services Dresner Advisory Serviceswas formed by Howard Dresner, an independent analyst, author, lecturer, and business adviser. Dresner Advisory Services, LLC focuses on creating and sharing thought leadership for Business Intelligence (BI), Analytical Data Infrastructure, Performance Management, and related areas. About insightsoftware insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the latest progress update on its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery technology ("G+AI Battery") being developed by GMG and the University of Queensland ("UQ"). Notably, this update includes information about GMG's G+AI Battery regarding: 1000 mAh Battery Cell Capacity Reached and Next Steps Battery Technology Readiness Level Next Steps Toward Commercialisation and Market Applications Next Generation Battery Performance Important Milestones for GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery Development 1000 mAh Battery Cell Capacity Reached and Next Steps The Company is pleased to announce it has now produced multiple battery pouch cells with over 1000 mAh (1 Ah) capacity, as seen in Figure 1. In a recent build to confirm repeatability, the Company's development team has built and confirmed multiple cells, all testing greater than 1Ah (1000mAh). This is a major milestone achieved to demonstrate scalability from coin cells to pouch cells, and represents the next milestone in the battery's development, following the announcement of 500 mAh capacity in September 2023: "GMG ACHIEVES INITIAL 500 mAh GRAPHENE ALUMINIUM-ION BATTERY PROTOTYPE IN POUCH CELL FORMAT". Figure 1: Typical G+AI Pouch Cell Prototype To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/196983_dda901c7a4d06811_001full.jpg Please see charging and discharging curve typical of the GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery 1000 mAh cell in Figure 2 showing a nominal voltage of 1.7 volts. Now that GMG has successfully made multiple 1000 mAh pouch cells - it will continue to focus on making more of these batteries and then seek third party laboratory battery testing data, which GMG expects to complete in H1 2024. Figure 2: Typical Charging and Discharging Curves To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/196983_dda901c7a4d06811_002full.jpg At the same time, GMG will review a potential investment for the procurement and installation of an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia Facility. The Pilot Plant will enable the Company to produce pouch cells for potential customers to test in battery packs for different applications. Following the successful start-up of the Pilot Plant and successful customer trials, GMG expects to pursue large scale commercial production, as seen in Figure 3. Figure 3: Pouch Cell Scale Up Process To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/196983_dda901c7a4d06811_003full.jpg Battery Technology Readiness Level The battery technology readiness level ("BTRL") of the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology remains at Level 4 (see Figure 4). GMG is currently optimizing electrochemical behaviour for pouch cells via ongoing laboratory experimentation. If GMG invests, constructs and commissions a Pilot Plant it is anticipated the battery technology progress to BTRL 7 and 8 since the equipment and process to make the Graphene Aluminium-Ion batteries is the same as those employed to make Lithium Ion Batteries. Figure 4: Battery Technology Readiness Level Source: "The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) Framework: A technology-specific development framework", Matthew Greenwood et al To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/196983_dda901c7a4d06811_004full.jpg Next Steps Toward Commercialisation & Market Applications The Company continues to see a broad range of applications for a completed GMG Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery - utilising its ultra-high power-density and nominal energy density characteristics. Along with Rio Tinto, a range of global companies have confidentially expressed their interest in working with GMG in the following vertical sectors: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/196983_dda901c7a4d06811_005full.jpg Next Generation Battery Performance GMG's next generation Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery performance data (as tested and calculated on coin cells), as compared to the most commonly available lithium-ion batteries, is shown below in Figure 5, with a list of its beneficial characteristics. Performance results for the pouch cells could be significantly different and will be communicated upon successfully producing a repeatable and fully 3rd party tested 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell. Figure 5: Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery Comparative Performance Data (for coin cells) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/196983_graphene5en.jpg Important Milestones for the Battery's Development: Important milestones for GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery Development: Month Important Milestones in the Development of the Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery May 2020 GMG and UQ wins Australian Research Council grant for Graphene battery development Apr 2021 The University of Queensland and GMG kick off coin cell battery development project May 2021 Graphene aluminium-ion battery performance data - Energy Density and Power Density Jun 2021 Graphene aluminium-ion battery performance data - Cycle Life Jun 2021 Significant potential battery customer market response to launch of battery Jul 2021 Investment decision for coin cell battery development centre Oct 2021 Construction starts for coin cell battery development centre Oct 2021 Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions and GMG sign Letter of Intent Dec 2021 Commencement coin cell battery development centre Dec 2021 Initial coin cell batteries sent for customer feedback Mar 2022 Initial factory acceptance testing of semi-automated prototype battery cell assembly equipment Mar 2022 Wood Engineering and GMG Sign a Letter of Intent May 2022 Rio Tinto and GMG sign Letter of Intent Jun 2022 Commissioning of Pouch Cell Equipment Jun 2022 Bob Galyen former chief technology officer of CATL joins GMG technical advisory committee. Aug 2022 Investment decision for Phase 1 modular Graphene Production Plant Oct 2022 Significant battery performance, cell and graphene production improvements Dec 2022 Investment of $600k Battery Development Centre Feb 2023 Australian Government Approval (AICIS) for production and sale of batteries. May 2023 Battery Joint Development Agreement with Rio Tinto signed May 2023 Battery Technology Readiness Level (BRTL) 2-3 reached May 2023 Decision to switch to develop Pouch Cells (instead of Coin Cells) Jul 2023 Bob Galyen former chief technology officer of CATL joins GMG board of Directors Sep 2023 Battery Pouch Cell Prototypes Multilayered Auto-Stacker Demonstration Sep 2023 Reaching 500 mAh capacity battery Sep 2023 Battery Technology Readiness Level (BRTL) 4 reached Nov 2023 Rio Tinto and GMG Partnership Video Launched Dec 2023 Commissioning of modular Graphene Production Plant Feb 2024 1000 mAh Capacity Reached About GMG GMG is a clean-technology company which seeks to offer energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene, including that manufactured in-house via a proprietary production process. GMG has developed a proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications. The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving paint), lubricants and fluids. In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries"). GMG's 4 critical business objectives are: Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processes Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products Develop Next-Generation Battery Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability For further information please contact: Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223 Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041 www.graphenemg.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 news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 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 "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 development of the Company's pouch cell battery, that the Company will focus on making more 1000 mAh pouch cells and then seek third party laboratory battery testing, the timing of gathering third party laboratory battery testing data, that the Company will review the investment decision to procure and install an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia facility and the potential to pursue large scale commercial production if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, the timing of customer testing for an 1000 mAh pouch cell, that the Company will optimize electrochemical behaviour for pouch cells via ongoing laboratory experimentation, the ability of a pilot plant to help progress the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology along the BTRL, and the potential applications for the G+AI Battery. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, assumptions relating to the Company's focus remaining on making more 1000 mAh pouch cells, that the Company will review the investment decision to procure and install an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia facility, that the Company may move to large scale commercial production if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, that the Company will complete its third party laboratory battery testing in H1 2024, that the Company will be able to optimize the electrochemical behaviour of the pouch cell through laboratory experimentation, and that a pilot plant will assist in progressing its Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology along the BTRL. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will change its focus away from making more 1000 mAh pouch cells, that the Company will choose not to proceed with a pilot plant, that the Company will not proceed to customer testing and laboratory testing on the expected timeline, if at all, that the Company will not pursue large scale commercial production even if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, that the construction of a pilot plant will not help advance the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology along the BTRL, that the Company will not be able to optimize the electrochemical behaviour of the pouch cell through laboratory experimentation, or at all, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the failure of the Company to obtain regulatory approvals, attract and retain skilled personnel, unexpected development and production challenges, unanticipated costs and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated October 12, 2023 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196983 SOURCE: Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. Wingate Group, a renowned leader in harnessing Salesforce capabilities and delivering tailored, industry-specific business solutions, is thrilled to announce Jeff Da Silva as the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / "Technology is the cornerstone of streamlined, automated business operations. Since our inception as a Salesforce Certified Consulting Partner in 2017, we've been unwavering in our commitment to helping our clients fully leverage the Salesforce platform through strategic, value-driven implementations. With Jeff joining us as CRO, Wingate Group is embarking on an exciting journey of internal growth and renewal, laying a robust groundwork for our forthcoming developments." - Brad Wingate, Founder & CEO, Wingate Group. Jeff Da Silva brings a wealth of experience to the table, being a distinguished figure in the consulting realm with a rich background in technology and professional services leadership. His tenure at leading organizations like Deloitte, DAVIDsTEA, Puma, and Mi9 is marked by his adept use of enterprise architecture to drive key decisions, inspire team performance, and achieve financial goals. Jeff's knowledge across various enterprise software segments and his hands-on experience in numerous industries position him as a versatile leader. He's recognized for his ability to nurture teams, navigate companies through critical transitions like IPOs and acquisitions, and consistently excel in sales, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. We are excited to offer clients the chance to benefit from Jeff's remarkable skill in enhancing business and revenue with Salesforce. His expertise fuses strategic insight, technical skill, and deep Salesforce knowledge, making him key in evolving business operations and growth. With Jeff leading your Salesforce strategies, anticipate significant advancements in innovation and efficiency, propelling your business to greater success. "In my discussions with CEO Brad Wingate, I was deeply impressed by the accomplishments of the team. I've observed many system integrators focus narrowly on symptoms, missing the underlying issues or failing to collaboratively chart a forward path. In contrast, the Wingate team's meticulous approach involves working closely with clients, scrutinizing internal workflows, grasping the nuances of business operations, and crafting a bespoke technology strategy. I'm eager to contribute to this dynamic team and amplify our collective success, benefiting both our staff and our clientele." - Jeff Da Silva, CRO, Wingate Group Wingate Group stands as a united front of strategists, product specialists, and developers, all committed to fully harnessing the capabilities of Salesforce for businesses across North America. The company offers a full spectrum of services, encompassing implementations, integrations, and bespoke solutions, all aimed at transforming how clients engage with their customers. With a commitment to aligning with our clients' visions, Wingate Group concentrates its expertise on three principal domains: (1) pioneering innovations to expedite Salesforce projects and integrations, (2) recruiting and staffing services, and (3) Managed Services, which include Projects, Training, and On-Demand Support. As a Salesforce Certified Consulting Partner, Wingate Group is renowned for its track record in introducing groundbreaking solutions. Contact Information: Jeff Da Silva CRO jeff@wingategroup.ca 1-844-777-6863 SOURCE: Wingate Group Ltd. View the original press release on newswire.com. Toronto, Ontario and Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - PurMinds NeuroPharma Inc. ("PurMinds" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage neuroscience company dedicated to the development of innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the prestigious presenters at the upcoming 2024 OBIO Investment Summit. The OBIO Investment Summit, renowned for its focus on fostering growth and innovation in the healthcare sector, presents an ideal platform for PurMinds to showcase its cutting-edge research and development endeavors. This opportunity not only reflects the company's significant strides in neuroscience but also aligns perfectly with its mission to transform the landscape of neurotherapeutic treatments. "We are honored to be selected to present at the 2024 OBIO Investment Summit," said Janet Qi, CEO of PurMinds NeuroPharma. "This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication and the groundbreaking work we are doing. We look forward to sharing our vision with the global healthcare community and potential investors, and our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Alan Kozikowski, and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Amy Reichelt will be discussing our innovative pipeline focused on disease altering histone deacetylase inhibitors and serotonin-inspired neuroplastogens." The OBIO Investment Summit is set to take place on Feb 14 to 16, 2024, and it promises to be a convergence of some of the most innovative minds and companies in the healthcare industry. PurMinds NeuroPharma's participation underscores its commitment to leading the charge in developing novel therapies for those affected by neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. For more information about PurMinds NeuroPharma and its participation in the OBIO Investment Summit, please contact us by email at ir@purminds.com. ABOUT PURMINDSTM PurMinds is a neurological drug development company pursuing breakthrough solutions to neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Its clinical pipeline includes innovative therapeutics that combine proven mechanisms of action with the powerful ability of psychedelics and other psychoplastogens to rapidly promote neuroplasticity and neuro-rejuvenation, and its drug development program includes the potential for FDA "Breakthrough Designation" with a fast track to Phase IIa. The company's Ontario NeuroLab and Production Facility was granted a Schedule 1 Health Canada Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer's License authorizing the production, formulation and global supply of pharma-grade Psychedelic compounds including Psilocybin and MDMA for clinical trials and research studies. PurMinds champions a de-risked business model that includes a multi-target approach to drug development, progressing long-term value creation through the accelerated development of novel therapeutics, accompanied by short and mid-term revenue paths. PurMinds is headquartered in Toronto, ON Canada with offices in Boston, MA USA. For further information about PurMinds NeuroPharma, please visit the Company's website at PurMinds.com. PR Contact Kristina Spionjak pr@hlthcommunications.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to PurMinds' future business plans and partnerships. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "anticipated", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions and include, but are not limited to: the ability of PurMinds to secure patent protection; the regulatory environment in which PurMinds operates; the ability of PurMinds to carry out its business plans and unforeseen challenges in carrying out such plans; trends in the future use of psychedelics; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets; and other unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE: PurMinds NeuroPharma To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196884 SOURCE: PurMinds NeuroPharma WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Department officials held a meeting with maritime labor organizations and U.S. flag shipping companies to discuss the ongoing situation in the southern Red Sea and western Gulf of Aden and its impact on shipping and the freedom of navigation in the region. Buttigieg assured the mariners that their safety is the Department's top priority and that national security officials continue to closely monitor attacks on merchant vessels in close coordination with the White House and interagency partners. The Maritime Administration was keeping a close eye on impacts to U.S. Flag vessels and mariners and coordinating closely with U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the Department of Defense, as well as with the Federal Maritime Commission on shipping impacts. Secretary Buttigieg expressed his gratitude to mariners for their bravery and work moving goods across one of the most dangerous waterways in the world. U.S. carriers - which included participants in the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, and Cable Security Fleet - voiced that the safety of their crews remains their priority. Industry participants stated that communication and support from the U.S. government regarding the situation has been strong. Labor organizations expressed that communication and information is key for mariners during security situations that they have been frequently facing. Participants expressed appreciation for the Maritime Administration for its continued advocacy for U.S. flag carriers. Both labor and industry stakeholders shared recommendations and feedback with DOT officials for the interagency to ensure future communication is ongoing and open where possible, secure where needed, and ensures the safety of mariners. The meeting took place in the context of a comprehensive U.S. government effort to protect freedom of navigation and ensure resilient global supply chains by responding decisively to Houthi rebels' escalating attacks against commercial vessels. President Biden has made clear that he will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect mariners and the free flow of international commerce as necessary. DOT said it has been engaged in frequent communication with U.S. flagged carriers, merchant mariners, labor, ports, retailers, railroads, and more supply chain stakeholders about ongoing challenges in the Red Sea. The Houthis have conducted more than thirty attacks on international and commercial vessels in the Red Sea since mid-November, significantly disrupting the free flow of commerce and navigational rights in one of the world's most vital waterways. The Red Sea is an artery for nearly 15 per cent of global seaborne trade, including eight per cent of the world's grain trade, 12 per cent of seaborne-traded oil, and eight per cent of global liquefied natural gas. The risky situation in the trade route has forced more than 14 shipping companies to suspend Red Sea operations, severely impacting global commerce and the economies of Egypt and Jordan. U.S. military and merchant vessels have faced persistent threats from Houthi missiles and UAVs. U.S. forces, with support from other countries, have been consistently carrying out air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response. The strikes targeted sites associated with the Houthis' deeply buried weapons storage facilities; missile systems and launchers; air defense systems; and radars, according to the Pentagon. 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 February 6, 2024 FDA 510(k) clearance of latest Philips IntelliVue patient monitor software helps drive alarm management strategies toward a more peaceful, healing environment for patients and caregivers Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Advances in healthcare technology continue to drive patient monitoring technology into the future; however, alarm sounds have remained similar, if not unchanged, for many years. Until now. Royal PhilipsPhilips Sounds alarm package, making it available in the USA and more than 200 countries worldwide. Noise in hospitals can impact the quality of life and health of patients, their families, and their care providers. In the average ICU, patient monitors account for up to 82% of alarm tones [1] with up to 350 alarms per patient every day [2]. While alarms function to gain attention, over time the sheer number of them can wear down caregivers [3] and contribute to the anxiety of patients and their families [4]. To help drive alarm management strategies toward a more peaceful, healing environment for patients and caregivers alike, Philips has applied a fresh perspective to acute patient monitor alarm sounds by collaborating with clinicians and world-leading sound experts. "While alarms in acute care settings must be effective, they should be sensible, informative, and respectful of the surrounding environment and the people in it," says Christoph Pedain, Business Leader, Hospital Patient Monitoring, Philips. "Throughout the process, we asked for input from care providers, administrators, patients and their families who are exposed to these alarms regularly and leveraged powerful data to help improve the experience overall." The IntelliVue alarm evolution involved a significant research investment to capture and implement input from care providers and patients in alarm-heavy environments. Together, Philips and the sound design group SenSound worked to soften and round the alarm tones and adjust alarm intervals to more gently signal status or request action using a more soothing - yet still impactful - set of alarm sounds. These changes are designed to help improve the patient and caregiver experience. Philips' new patient monitoring sounds have been proven to reduce alarm noise by up to 66% [5]. "Alarm management within the hospital setting is complicated and multifaceted, and even the smallest change will have an enormous impact," says Andreas Walden, Usability Leader, Hospital Patient Monitoring at Philips. "When we think about medical alarms generally, we make sure they are audible, prompt action, and can be differentiated from other sounds. But we haven't asked questions like 'Is this something a nurse on a 12-hour shift should hear every day?' or 'Can a sick patient hear this without getting scared?' The ability to address those concerns is the beginning of transforming the entire soundscape in the hospital." With over one million IntelliVue patient monitors in use [6], the evolution of our monitor sounds means the potential to enhance and change the soundscape in healthcare facilities worldwide, helping to advance the healing environment for both patients and hospital staff. Beyond the sound of care Additional noteworthy capabilities within the new IntelliVue software update, including Philips Visual Patient Avatar , are now available in the USA and more than 200 countries worldwide. For more information about Philips' portfolio of alarm management solutions, visit philips.com/alarm-sounds or contact your regional sales rep for local availability. [1] Cho, O. M., Kim, H., Lee, Y. W., & Cho, I. (2016). Clinical Alarms in Intensive Care Units: Perceived Obstacles of Alarm Management and Alarm Fatigue in Nurses. Healthcare Informatics Research, 22(1), 46-53. [2] Jones K. (2014). Alarm fatigue a top patient safety hazard. CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 186(3), 178. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.109-4696. [3] Topf & Dillon, 1988; Topf, 2000; Morrison et al., 2003; Ryherd et al., 2008; J. P. Keller et al., 2011; Watson et al., 2015; Cho et al., 2016. [4] Topf, 2000; Basner, 2011; Shivers et al., 2013; Basner et al., 2014; Sakallaris et al., 2015; Sen & Sen, 2020 [5] Compared to previous Philips alarm sounds as it relates to intervals. The Philips 2021 interval for cyan alarms is every 2 seconds compared to every 6 seconds with traditional sounds. [6] Based in internal sales data. For further information, please contact: Meredith Amoroso Philips Global Press Office Tel: +1 724 584 8991 E-Mail: meredith.amoroso@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips. Attachments NAPA VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Love is swirling in the air and Firstleaf , the most personalized wine company in America, has unveiled its selection of top wines to enjoy this Valentine's Day. According to the company's first-party data, which has been collected from more than 1 million customers, Firstleaf reveals Shiraz as the leading choice for Valentine's Day celebrations over more traditional reds such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. While flavor-powerhouse Shiraz takes the unexpected top spot, it is closely followed by the ever-romantic Prosecco, which continues to gain traction as the leading sparkling wine across the board, and the captivating Terre Siciliane from the sun-soaked island of Sicily. For the love of Shiraz: With more than 10,000 bottles enjoyed by Firstleaf members last Valentine's Day, the legendary jammy allure of Australia's iconic Shiraz takes center stage in creating romantic moments. While Shiraz may hold the top spot, the real magic lies in Firstleaf's encouragement to explore and discover new wines. Its esteemed winemaking team urges wine enthusiasts to delve into a modern rendition of the classic Shiraz with the Nomos red blend that is featured in its Valentine's Day Red Bundle . Hailing from South Australia, this exceptional red blend flaunts its robust dark fruit flavors and bold textures, showcasing the region's dynamic winemaking culture. With more than 10,000 bottles enjoyed by Firstleaf members last Valentine's Day, the legendary jammy allure of Australia's iconic Shiraz takes center stage in creating romantic moments. While Shiraz may hold the top spot, the real magic lies in Firstleaf's encouragement to explore and discover new wines. Its esteemed winemaking team urges wine enthusiasts to delve into a modern rendition of the classic Shiraz with the Nomos red blend that is featured in its . Hailing from South Australia, this exceptional red blend flaunts its robust dark fruit flavors and bold textures, showcasing the region's dynamic winemaking culture. Sparks (of Prosecco) in the Air : Prosecco's popularity continues to soar, with Firstleaf experiencing a staggering 105% surge in total Prosecco bottles sold from 2022 to 2023, and specifically an exceptional 2803% spike from February 2022 to February 2023. As a reflection of the growing trend among its members, Firstleaf is excited to introduce its new Prima Foglia Brut Prosecco as the star of its Valentine's Day Rose Bundle . This delightful Italian sparkler, originating from the Prosecco heartland of Veneto, Italy, adheres to the stringent regulations of Italy's DOC classification system. Crafted in the traditional style of the region, it presents floral aromas, delicate bubbles, and ripe fruit flavors. : Prosecco's popularity continues to soar, with Firstleaf experiencing a staggering 105% surge in total Prosecco bottles sold from 2022 to 2023, and specifically an exceptional 2803% spike from February 2022 to February 2023. As a reflection of the growing trend among its members, Firstleaf is excited to introduce its new Prima Foglia Brut Prosecco as the star of its . This delightful Italian sparkler, originating from the Prosecco heartland of Veneto, Italy, adheres to the stringent regulations of Italy's DOC classification system. Crafted in the traditional style of the region, it presents floral aromas, delicate bubbles, and ripe fruit flavors. The Island for Lovers: Sicily remains a top emerging region for 2024, and its Terre Siciliane is trending to the top of the charts as one of the most popular wines for Valentine's Day. A noteworthy inclusion in the Valentine's Day Red Bundle , Firstleaf's Open Secret Terre Siciliane IGT offers herbal aromas, ripe berry flavors, and textures. The 2020 vintage, a masterpiece in itself, unravels the intricate and complex nature of Sicilian wines, making it the sublime choice for those in search of a classic Italian red with an alluring twist. "We are always leveraging insights from our customers directly and through the data we collect to curate the most exceptional wine experiences for our members," said Geoff Sanders, Chief Marketing Officer of Firstleaf. "Our patented technology and data allows us to provide the most precise recommendations, not only from the perspective of members' unique taste profiles but also for specific occasions and holidays - ultimately fostering our mission of simplifying wine discovery by removing the guesswork." In an effort to make this Valentine's Day even more special, Firstleaf is offering four exclusive bundles for a limited time, featuring options with rose, red, white, and a delightful mix. Ensure your order is placed by February 6, 2024 for up to 40% in bundle savings and to receive your wine in time to celebrate love and friendship. For more information, please visit Firstleaf.com, email press@firstleaf.com and follow @firstleafwine on Instagram and Facebook. About Firstleaf Firstleaf is America's most personalized wine company, helping over one million people find wines they love without the hit-or-miss. Founded by Philip James, a wine industry veteran and Oxford-educated chemist, Firstleaf brings together patented technology, expert winemakers and a WSET-certified wine concierge team to build a unique Wine Profile for each member. Sampling thousands of wines each year from 12 countries across 5 continents, its winemakers select only the finest bottles, curating each shipment individually. In fact, 98% of the monthly boxes shipped by Firstleaf are unique. In June 2023, Firstleaf surpassed the 3,000 award mark, with more than 500 bottles scoring 90+ points, further establishing them as the wine industry's most-awarded company. It's been recognized by Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2022, named 2021 Wine Company of the Year in the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, and on Wine Business Monthly's list of Top 50 Largest Wineries. Firstleaf's deep understanding of winemaking and technology ensures the perfect selection for both beginners and experts: members report a 96% approval rating of the wines chosen especially for them. Also of note: 94% of its customers report that Firstleaf helped them discover wines they love, while 95% are impressed by the variety of wines the company offers. This includes the Fine Wine Collection, Firstleaf's selection of best-in-class wines from around the world. Firstleaf's industry-leading innovation is seen in the 2023 introduction of WinePrint. This unique, Firstleaf-only offering provides an in-depth look into a member's preferences, including favorite wines, varietals and tasting notes. Data-informed by a customer's wine ratings, WinePrint is featured on the company's latest app, Firstleaf Pocket Sommelier, empowering members to discover new bottles, share favorites with friends and wine retailers, and order confidently in restaurants. SOURCE: Firstleaf View the original press release on accesswire.com End of Fiscal Year 2024 Marks a Year of Breakthroughs with the Launch of Valimail Align, Enhanced DNS Infrastructure, and a Surge in Customer Growth, Reinforcing Its Commitment to Email Safety and Compliance SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Valimail , the leading DMARC vendor and provider of automated email authentication and anti-phishing solutions, today announced the close of a highly successful fiscal year ending January 31, 2024. The past year was highlighted by being the first-to-market to meet the new email requirements from Google and Yahoo with Valimail Align , significant partnerships including Microsoft, and a notable client base growth rate of 40 percent. "I've witnessed first-hand the immense value Valimail brings to organizations in terms of email authentication and security as both a customer and a member of its Board of Directors. For me, it is not just about security and compliance, but building trust in our brand. Valimail's unique approach to email authentication is an invaluable defense of our digital communications and protection of our brand," said Shaun Khalfan, SVP, Chief Information Security Officer at Discover Financial Services and Valimail Board Member. 2024 Fiscal Year Achievements Included: Product Innovation: Launched Valimail Align - Align is the first to market, innovative solution that simplifies the process for companies of all sizes to meet new sender authentication standards set by Google and Yahoo, facilitating a swift path towards overall DMARC compliance. - Align is the first to market, innovative solution that simplifies the process for companies of all sizes to meet new sender authentication standards set by Google and Yahoo, facilitating a swift path towards overall DMARC compliance. Continued to Evolve its DNS Infrastructure - Valimail solidified its position as the leader in DMARC-as-a-service with significant updates to its DNS infrastructure, furthering its commitment to delivering innovative, market leading technology its customers need. - Valimail solidified its position as the leader in DMARC-as-a-service with significant updates to its DNS infrastructure, furthering its commitment to delivering innovative, market leading technology its customers need. Added 5 new U.S. patents, including 3 new DMARC patents. Market Momentum: Over the last fiscal year, Valimail has seen tremendous growth and adoption of its DMARC as a service platform. After passing 30,000 customers in June 2023, Valimail now has more than 38,000 customer accounts, including organizations of all types and sizes, from higher education to global consumer brands. While growing at an exceptional rate, the company has also maintained a world-class Net Promoter Score (NPS), with Enforce Customers reflecting their satisfaction with the product by scoring Valimail at 83, and across all products, Valimail was scored at 72. The high NPS scores are a reflection of the Company's patented Precision Sending Services and world-class support. Secured awards and accolades from G2, including: Remained the Leader in G2's DMARC category and #1 Momentum and Grid Leader for the Space "As a customer of Valimail, I'm consistently impressed with their exceptional support. Every interaction with their team has been top-notch, with them providing swift and effective solutions each and every time. Their speed in achieving DMARC enforcement was remarkably fast," said Ray Maloney, IT Infrastructure Manager, Ryanair. "If we weren't using Valimail, we'd still be struggling to figure out compliance across our various domains. Their accelerated Time to Enforcement, coupled with their outstanding support, truly sets them apart. Additionally, Valimail's Instant SPF technology is a standout feature that really differentiates them from the competition." Strategic Partnerships: Valimail and Microsoft Partnered to Provide Valimail Monitor for Microsoft Office 365 - Valimail's industry-leading DMARC monitoring, DMARC analysis, and reporting tool is available to Microsoft customers through seamless integration with Office 365. - Valimail's industry-leading DMARC monitoring, DMARC analysis, and reporting tool is available to Microsoft customers through seamless integration with Office 365. Valimail and Pax8 Teamed Up to Protect MSPs and Their Customers From Email-based Attacks - IT and security departments can now leverage Valimail's anti-phishing and email fraud protection within the Pax8 Marketplace for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). - IT and security departments can now leverage Valimail's anti-phishing and email fraud protection within the Pax8 Marketplace for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Valimail and .BANK Partnered to Provide Banks with the Best Protection Against Phishing and BEC Attacks - Using email authentication from Valimail and a .BANK domain will now secure your bank's email channel to prevent losses from business email compromise (BEC) and stop phishing attacks. Company Growth and Recognition: Strategic leaders with experience leading high-growth companies and product strategies joined Valimail's executive team, including: Steve Biagioni , Head of Finance Scott Ziegler , VP of Product Recognized As A Great Place to Work: Chief People & Performance Officer, Elaine Mak, Won 2024 BIG Innovation Award - She was recognized for leading transformative innovation at Valimail, which involved collaboration and a learner's mindset among employees to tackle new challenges and achieve values-driven business performance. Built In Honored Valimail in Its Esteemed 2024 Best Places to Work Awards - Valimail was recognized for a culture that intentionally weaves together its employees' unique perspectives, voices, and strengths to create a high-performance workplace. Valimail Named on Fast Company's Fifth Annual List of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators - Came in at number 37 for its From Perks to Performance initiative that transformed the organization from startup to scaleup by putting people first. "I'm incredibly proud of our team and achievements at Valimail, particularly our consistently high Net Promoter Score above 80," said Alexander Garcia-Tobar, CEO and Co-Founder. "This score and our consistent G2 customer awards reflect our commitment to meeting customer needs and satisfaction. It shows the success of our innovative technology and our team's dedication to excellent service. Additionally, it reinforces our leadership in email security and the trust our customers and partners place in us." About Valimail Valimail , the global leader in zero-trust email authentication security, invented hosted DMARC in 2015 and DMARC-as-a-service in 2021. The company's full line of cloud-native solutions authenticates sender identity to stop phishing, protect brands, and ensure compliance. From neighborhood shops to some of the world's largest brands, many organizations use these solutions to secure their emails. Valimail holds the most robust portfolio of patents that unlock DMARC for businesses at scale and is the only DMARC solution to earn FedRAMP certification. The premier DMARC partner for Microsoft 365 environments, Valimail also holds leadership positions on every key industry standards body, driving today's email authentication policies and tomorrow's cybersecurity advancements for everyone. For more information, please visit www.valimail.com . According to Bain & Company , the creators of the Net Promoter System? (NPS), a score above 50 is excellent, and above 80 is world-class. This means that a score above 80 indicates a company has a significantly large number of Promoters and is a leader in customer satisfaction and loyalty in its industry??. ### Media Contact Escalate PR for Valimail valimail@escalatepr.com SOURCE: Valimail View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIR)(OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to report that drilling to test for lateral and depth extensions below previous high grade porphyry copper-gold intersections at the Piuquenes Cu-Au porphyry project has successfully intersected wide intervals of both secondary and primary mineralization. Excellent progress is being made and drilling is continuing. Diamond drillhole PIU-01 (refer figure 1), designed to extend Cu-Au mineralization to depth on the southwestern margin of the Piuquenes Central porphyry, intersected a 160m thick zone of supergene copper enrichment between 220m to 380m downhole, coincident and overlapping with primary mineralization from 350 meters. PIU-01 has been plotted to approximately 900 meters downhole depth, with primary mineralization continuing from 350m to the current hole depth of approximately 600m. An initial batch of core samples have been prepared and dispatched to the ALS laboratory in Mendoza, with first assay results expected shortly. Joseph van den Elsen, Pampa Metals President and CEO commented: "We are very pleased to have intersected a thick copper supergene enrichment blanket on the first hole of a multi-campaign exploration program testing the Piuquenes Project's exceptional potential. We now eagerly await our first assay results and look forward to driving shareholder value over the short, medium, and long-term as we continue to test the depth and lateral extensions of the previously reported high-grade copper-gold intervals at Piuquenes Central, and thereafter drill testing Piuquenes East and other nearby targets on the property." A Company Presentation is available at: www.pampametals.com/investor/presentations Figure 1: Piuquenes Central Schematic Cross Section Geology and Mineralization - Diamond Drillhole PIU-01 Weak-moderate porphyry A-type quartz stockworks are present from approximately 150 m downhole, increasing in intensity from 220m depth. Supergene copper enrichment is evident from 220m to 380m depth, partially coincident (from 288 m depth) with increasing intensity of porphyry A-type quartz vein stockworks and evidence of intermineral potassic alteration. A narrow zone of copper oxides is observed from 220 - 229 meters downhole. Dense porphyry A-type quartz vein stockworks with chalcopyrite and traces of disseminated bornite mineralization hosted in potassic altered diorite porphyry were intersected from 350m to the current downhole depth of approximately 600 m. Drilling is continuing in strong mineralization. Image 2: PIU-01 drill core displaying strong Porphyry qtz vein stockworks overprinting potassic altered diorite porphyry intrusion. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO INVESTOR CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | Joseph@pampametals.com ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is a copper-gold-silver-molybdenum porphyry exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE:FIR), and OTC (OTCQB:PMMCF) exchanges. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Previous intervals of significant copper and gold mineralization at Piuquenes Central (refer 5 December 2023 News Release) include: 413.5 m (167-580.5 m) @ 0.47% Cu and 0.52 g/t Au (0.87% CuEq)*; and 558.2 m (362-920.2 m EOH) @ 0.38% Cu, 0.42 g/t Au and 2.4 g/t Ag (0.73% CuEq)* o including 130 m (362-492 m) @ 0.81% Cu, 0.6 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (1.31 % CuEq)* Qualified Person Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G. Mr. Orrego G. is a Geologist, a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego G. is a consultant to the Company. * %CuEq values are calculated based on copper and gold metal prices: Cu = US$3.20/lb, Au = US$1,700/oz and Ag = US$ 20/oz. The formula utilized to calculate %CuEq is: Cu Eq Grade (%) = Cu Head Grade (%) + [(Au Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Au Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.04) + [(Ag Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Ag Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.0. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals 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" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com CORAL SPRINGS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / One Firefly, a digital marketing agency that caters to technology professionals in the residential and commercial custom integration markets, is proud to announce that its CEO, Ron Callis, has been selected as a featured speaker at Social Media Marketing World 2024. Social Media Marketing World, organized by the renowned marketing experts at Social Media Examiner, is one of the most prestigious events in the marketing industry. It brings together top professionals, thought leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends and strategies in social media marketing. The event is known for its high-quality speakers and cutting-edge content. Ron Callis, a forward-thinking thought leader in artificial intelligence and marketing, will share his insights and expertise at this renowned conference, which will take place in San Diego, California, from February 18-20, 2024. His participation underscores One Firefly's commitment to staying at the forefront of marketing advancements and providing clients with the latest marketing strategies. Ron Callis has made significant contributions to the Social Media Examiner community, having previously appeared as a guest on two of their podcast series. In his episodes, Ron delved into valuable insights on adopting AI within your business, preparing your team for transformative changes, and our agency's future and AI's transformative power. From being a podcast guest to becoming a speaker at this prestigious event, this remarkable journey underscores his continuous dedication to thought leadership within the marketing industry. "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Social Media Marketing World and share my expertise with fellow professionals," said Ron Callis, CEO of One Firefly. "This invitation is a testament to One Firefly's dedication to innovating in the changing digital marketing landscape and pushing the boundaries of AI-driven marketing." Ron's presentation at Social Media Marketing World, "Adopting AI Inside Your Business: Getting Your Team Ready for Change," will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 2:45 p.m. To see Ron's appearance on the Social Media Examiner podcast, please visit here. For more information about Social Media Marketing World 2024, please visit here. About One Firefly One Firefly is an award-winning marketing agency specializing in custom-tailored marketing solutions and recruiting and hiring growth solutions for technology professionals in residential and commercial markets. The company was founded in 2007 to help businesses in the AV and integration industry grow and succeed through effective branding, digital marketing, and web development. A four-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S., One Firefly is proud to have built a reputation for delivering purposeful marketing solutions to the niche audio-visual space. For more information, visit www.onefirefly.com. Contact Information Rebecca Sternlicht rsternlicht@onefirefly.com 954-921-2393 SOURCE: One Firefly View the original press release on newswire.com. Entrepreneurs seeking help will gain tools and insights about growth, marketing and finance by attending microbusiness event LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Entrepreneurs with fewer than ten employees and future entrepreneurs are invited to the inaugural Microbusiness Summit on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main St. GoDaddy, the City of Las Vegas, Workforce Connections, and Bank of Nevada joined forces to sponsor the no-cost event. Entrance and parking are free, but registration is encouraged at https://bit.ly/MBSummitLV so that attendees can receive important updates. Data shared by GoDaddy's Venture Forward research initiative shows Southern Nevada is a mecca for microbusinesses, which are companies with fewer than ten employees, a unique web domain and an active website. At almost 28 microbusinesses per 100 people, the city of Las Vegas operates more than three times the number of microbusinesses per capita than the national average. In fact, more than 335,000 microbusinesses call the city of Las Vegas home. "Our Venture Forward research demonstrates entrepreneurship is powerful for the economy, microbusiness owners and their community. I'm excited to share how attendees can save time and find more customers at this inaugural event in Las Vegas," said Gourav Pani, President of US Independents at GoDaddy. Venture Forward data specifically for Las Vegas uncovered local entrepreneurs rate access to funding, online marketing efforts, and business licensing as top challenges, which is why the Microbusiness Summit focuses on those topics. Attendees may drop into the Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to speak one-on-one with local business agencies who can answer questions and connect business owners to help. Welcome remarks by Dr. Desirae King, a small business owner and noted motivational speaker, begin at 9:30 a.m., with the keynote address by Pani starting at 9:45 a.m. Attendees can also attend special sessions on how to tap into capital featuring local banking experts at 10:15 a.m., and building an online presence with Amy Jennette, GoDaddy Senior Director of Marketing, at 10:45 a.m. There will also be a session on business licensing starting at 11:45 a.m. "If you started a small business or are thinking about starting a business, this event is for you," said Irene Bustamante Adams, Workforce Connections Deputy Director and Chief Strategy Officer. "Whether your company is a side hustle or your main source of income, the Microbusiness Summit is a convenient way to gain knowledge and network with other entrepreneurs. Our goal is to help all business owners achieve their goals." For more information: Kathy Topp - Workforce Connections kathy@red7communications.com (702) 271-8305 - cell Latoya Bembry - GoDaddy Latoya@theferrarogroup.com (702) 278-1000 - cell Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. TTY (800) 326-6868 or Nevada Relay 711. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: GoDaddy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: GoDaddy View the original press release on accesswire.com Murphy rejoins the distributor from NTT Ltd where she serves as CEO, Europe She will report to Patrick Zammit, COO, TD SYNNEX TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) today announced the appointment of Miriam Murphy as the company's new president, Europe. Murphy starts in her new role on April 8th, 2024, and will be responsible for leading the company's 7,000-strong European workforce, driving business strategy and operational execution in the region. She will report to Patrick Zammit, the chief operating officer, TD SYNNEX who she succeeds as president, Europe and she will serve on the company's global executive team. Murphy will lead the distributor's European executive board, which consists of geo leaders, as well as executives responsible for strategic business units and support functions in the region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206743102/en/ Miriam Murphy is appointed as president of Europe for TD SYNNEX. (Photo: Business Wire) Murphy returns to TD SYNNEX following two years as chief executive officer, Europe at NTT Ltd. In this role, she held responsibility for the strategy and P&L for 14 countries, delivering technology solutions, consulting, and managed services to enterprise clients across multiple sectors. Prior to this, she served at TD SYNNEX for more than 20 years in various leadership roles, including senior vice president, Advanced and Specialized Solutions, Europe, and regional leader for Northern Europe among others. "It's fantastic to welcome Miriam back to TD SYNNEX. Thanks to her prior experience with us, we already know about her many great leadership attributes. She brings a people-first mentality, combined with exceptional business acumen, an extensive network of contacts at vendors and customers, and a relentless commitment to delivering excellence to all our stakeholders," Zammit said. "She returns reinforced by her experiences outside the company and will bring fresh perspectives on end-market and customer requirements, especially in the strategic area of services, as we strive to continually evolve our go-to-market and create a best-in-class value proposition and experience for our partners and vendors." Murphy is a prominent advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the IT industry. In her previous stint at TD SYNNEX, she played an active role in helping to establish and advance the company's inclusion programs in Europe, supporting the creation of co-worker resource groups covering topics such as gender equity, disability, and LGBTQ issues. Murphy said: "I am delighted and honoured to take up the leadership of TD SYNNEX's European business. The company's more than 7,000 co-workers in the region play a vital role at the heart of the channel ecosystem, fostering continuous evolution and seamless connections among vendors, partners, and their end customers. I am looking forward to supporting them as we strive to help all our channel partners to grow their businesses and deliver great outcomes to the market. "The culture, talent and team spirit at TD SYNNEX are second-to-none. It will be a great pleasure to reconnect with many familiar faces inside and outside the company in early April, as well as to meet new co-workers and channel partners," added Murphy. About TD SYNNEX TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We're an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX's 23,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 2,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, AI, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this news release that are "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 involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release. Copyright 2024 TD SYNNEX Corporation. All rights reserved. TD SYNNEX, the TD SYNNEX Logo, and all other TD SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks of TD SYNNEX Corporation. Other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206743102/en/ Contacts: George Troughton Sr. Communications Manager, Europe TD SYNNEX george.troughton@tdsynnex.com Mobile: 0034 615 841 745 Capital for Colleagues Plc - Notice of Annual General Meeting PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, February 06 Capital for Colleagues plc / EPIC: CFCP / Market: AQSE / Sector: Financials 6 February 2024 CAPITAL FOR COLLEAGUES PLC ('Capital for Colleagues', 'C4C' or the 'Company') NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Capital for Colleagues, the investment vehicle focused on opportunities in the Employee Owned Business ('EOB') sector, is pleased to announce that Notice convening the Company's Annual General Meeting for 2pm on Thursday, 29 February 2024 at The Marriott Worsley Park Country Club, Walkden Road, Worsley, Greater Manchester M28 2QT,is being posted to shareholders in the Company today. The document will also be available on the Company's website at www.capitalforcolleagues.com . The Directors of the Company are responsible for the contents of this announcement. **ENDS** For further information, please visit www.capitalforcolleagues.com or contact: CAPITAL FOR COLLEAGUES PLC Richard Bailey, Chairman Alistair Currie, Chief Executive John Lewis, Finance Director 01985 201 980 PETERHOUSE CAPITAL LIMITED Mark Anwyl 020 7469 0930 Capital for Colleagues plc Capital for Colleagues is an investment company focused on the UK EOB sector. The Company has a proven management team, with a wide network of contacts and affiliates, as well as established access to investment opportunities, enabling the Company to execute its strategy and capitalise on EOB-focused investment opportunities. In addition, the Company educates and assists companies that are looking to launch employee ownership schemes, advising them, amongst other things, on how to secure investment and achieve their objectives. Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation EU 596/2014 as it forms part of retained EU law (as defined in the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018). Senior Executive brings commercial expertise to drive early-stage company growth HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / InnoVent Renewables announces the addition of senior leader Gerardo (Gerry) Trevino in support of InnoVent's corporate mission to drive renewable energy forward by mitigating the global environmental challenge of waste tires. InnoVent Renewables launched as a U.S.-based technology and operations company with a proprietary continuous pyrolysis technology that converts waste tires, plastics, and biomass into valuable fuels and chemicals. As Commercial Director, Supply, Trading, Logistics and Business Services, Mr. Trevino will lead InnoVent Renewables' early-stage growth through his focus on commercial activities, including supplier, partner and customer relationship management. Gerardo (Gerry) Trevino Gerardo (Gerry) Trevino headshot "We are thrilled to have Gerry join InnoVent Renewables at this strategic point in our development," noted InnoVent Renewables CEO Vibhu Sharma. "Gerry brings us proven success in the Mexico tire industry and his deep commercial expertise will be essential to helping InnoVent Renewables achieve both our near-term and long-term company objectives." "I am excited to support InnoVent Renewables and the visionary leadership team led by CEO Vibhu Sharma in its mission to solve the global environmental challenge of waste tires," said Mr. Trevino. "This is a unique opportunity to have a substantial positive impact on our environment, and I am excited to support the early-stage growth of InnoVent Renewables." Mr. Trevino brings over 30 years of commercial sales, account management, and logistics expertise in the Mexico tire industry. He joins InnoVent Renewables from JK Tornel, a leading tire manufacturer in Mexico. Mr. Trevino was the National Manager of Truck, Farm, Industrial and OTR Sales. Prior to JK, Mr. Trevino held senior commercial, account management, and sales leadership roles with Group Serna Michelin, Bridgestone Mexico, MN Grupo Comercial, S.A. DE C.V., and Grupo Llanti Systems, S.A. DE C.V. With a solution to the global environmental challenge of waste tires, InnoVent Renewables has assembled a team of world-class executives each with more than 25 years of energy and chemical industry experience to drive early-stage growth. With current operations in Houston (USA), Pune (India), and Monterrey (Mexico), the company has aggressive growth plans across North America and Latin America, with future expansion opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. About InnoVent Renewables InnoVent Renewables is a U.S.-based technology and operations company with a proprietary continuous pyrolysis technology that converts waste tires, plastics, and biomass into valuable fuels and chemicals. InnoVent's corporate mission is to drive renewable energy forward by addressing the global environmental challenge of waste tires. With operations currently in Houston (USA), Pune (India), and Monterrey (Mexico), InnoVent has aggressive international expansion plans. More information on InnoVent Renewables can be found at innoventrenewables.com Contact Information Matt Flanagan Media Contact matt.flanagan@innoventrenewables.com 713-927-6136 SOURCE: InnoVent Renewables View the original press release on newswire.com. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Hemostemix Inc. (TSXV: HEM) (OTCQB: HMTXF) (FSE: 2VF0) ("Hemostemix" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Journal of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences published the Company's Phase II randomized clinical trial results today. The publication highlights the results of no option critical limb ischemia patients who started the clinical trial with an ulcer, comparing wound healing, amputation, and mortality between the patients treated with ACP-01 and patients treated with a placebo, and stated the following: 67 patients with no option Critical limb ischemia were allocated to treatment with ACP-01 (46/67) or placebo (21/67). From this data, only patients who presented with wound ulcers before administration of ACP-01 were reviewed (21 treatment, 8 placebo). Ulcer size in the treated group decreased from a mean of 1.46 cm2 to 0.48 mm2 ( p = 0.01 ) by 3 months. There was no significant decrease in the size of the ulcers of the placebo group (p < 0.54 ). ) by 3 months. There was no significant decrease in the size of the ulcers of the placebo group ). At one year there were no complications related to treatment. The treatment group had one amputation (4.8%) and one death (4.8%). The placebo group had 2 amputations (25%) and 1 death (12.5%). "In evaluating the subgroup of patients who presented with ulcerous wounds, there was a significant decrease in ulcer size at 3 months, lower amputation rate at 12 months, and a lower mortality rate at 12 months in the ACP-01 treatment group. Moreover, the 1-year death rate in the patients treated with ACP-01 for CLI (4.8%) was substantially less than the death rate reported in the literature of 15%-20% within 6 months of a CLI diagnosis . Similarly, the amputation rate of 4.8% in this treatment subgrouop compares favorably with the literature, the latter variably reporting amputation rates of 10%-40% per year.," stated Dr. Fraser Henderson, CMO. "I want to thank the authors for their scientific contributions, and bringing this clinical data to fruition. The growing body of evidence in eight peer reviewed publications covering 318 subjects suggests that ACP-01 is safe and efficacious in the treatment of various forms of ischemia," stated Thomas Smeenk, CEO. "We will have additional news of the production of ACP-01 for revenue and clinical trials in the near future, as we are selling ACP-01 as treatment for CLI under exemption," Smeenk said. ABOUT HEMOSTEMIX Hemostemix is an autologous stem cell therapy company, founded in 2003. A winner of the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer Award, the Company has developed, patented, and is scaling a patient's blood-based stem cell therapeutics platform that includes angiogenic cell precursors, neuronal cell precursor and cardiomyocyte cell precursors. For more information, please visit www.hemostemix.com. For further information, please contact: Thomas Smeenk, President, CEO & Co-Founder EM: tsmeenk@hemostemix.com PH: 905-580-4170 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the publication of its Phase II randomized clinical trial results of its lead product ACP-01, the sales of ACP-01 as an exempt compassionate treatment, the Trademark Know Your Health! and related results, including the commercialization of ACP-01. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects Hemostemix's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Hemostemix and on assumptions Hemostemix believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the underlying value of Hemostemix and its Common Shares; the successful resolution of the litigation that Hemostemix is pursuing or defending (the "Litigation"); the results of ACP-01 research, trials, studies and analyses, including the analysis being equivalent to or better than previous research, trials or studies; the receipt of all required regulatory approvals for research, trials or studies; the level of activity, market acceptance and market trends in the healthcare sector; the economy generally; consumer interest in Hemostemix's services and products; competition and Hemostemix's competitive advantages; and Hemostemix obtaining satisfactory financing to fund Hemostemix's operations including any research, trials or studies, and any Litigation. 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 Hemostemix to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the ability of Hemostemix to complete clinical trials, complete a satisfactory analyses and file the results of such analyses to gain regulatory approval of a phase II or phase III clinical trial of ACP-01; potential litigation Hemostemis mayface; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations including the actual results of future research, trials or studies; competition; changes in legislation affecting Hemostemix; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; long-term capital requirements and future developments in Hemostemix's markets and the markets in which it expects to compete; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; and risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, disruptions to economic activity and financings, disruptions to supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession or depression;the potential impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on Hemostemix which may include a decreased demand for the services that Hemostemix offers; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit Hemostemix's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Hemostemix's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although Hemostemix 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. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Hemostemix as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, it is Subject to change after such date. However, Hemostemix expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196997 SOURCE: Hemostemix Inc. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The UN Security Council held an urgent meeting at the request of Russia, as the war in Gaza continued to fan tensions across the Middle East, with potentially dramatic consequences for regional peace and security. The UN Political Affairs chief appealed for the Council to help prevent further escalation and ease tensions across the region. Briefing ambassadors, UN's Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, warned that escalating attacks were fueling chances of miscalculation. 'We have witnessed near daily incidents in the region. These include some 165 attacks on United States facilities in Syria and Iraq, prompting US strikes in the two countries', DiCarlo said. The top UN official described the febrile situation elsewhere in the region, including between Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah across the Blue Line, which separates the armed forces of Israel and Lebanon. Repeated rocket fire also took place over the occupied Golan between Israel and militias reportedly linked to Iran, as well as airstrikes attributed to Israel by Damascus on multiple locations in Syria, she added. She also noted the Houthi drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea, and the retaliatory strikes by the US and UK. 'I reiterate the Secretary-General's call on all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict,' De Carlo said. She appealed to the Security Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security. Iran's Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani strongly condemned the US strikes against Iraqi and Syrian territories. The Deputy Permanent Representative of Iraq Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi said American attacks are not in line with Iraq's relationship with the US, adding that Iraq condemns and categorically rejects any attack on its territory based on futile and illogical pretexts. Syria's UN Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak said the arguments heard at the meeting were the 'same flimsy pretexts and misleading claims the US administration is promoting to justify its repeated attacks'. Robert Wood, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the US to the UN, said his country's 'necessary and proportional' actions on February 2 in Iraq and Syria against Iran's Islamic Republic Guards Corps and affiliated militia groups was taken in exercise of the US's inherent right to self-defense. China's Ambassador Zhang Jun said that action taken by the US was creating new turmoil in the Middle East. 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 PRESS RELEASE Wolters Kluwer CCH Tagetik expert solution ranked as Leader by Nucleus Research in 2024 CPM Technology Value Matrix CCH Tagetik earns Leader recognition from Nucleus Research for fourth consecutive year. New York - February 6, 2024 - Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, today announced that its CCH Tagetik expert solutionhas been recognized as a Leader, for the fourth consecutive year, in the Nucleus Research CPM Technology Value Matrix. The report specifically recognizes the CCH Tagetik Corporate Performance Management (CPM) solution, which empowers the office of the CFO to drive efficiency and enhance decision-making with comprehensive financial close and consolidation, extended planning, ESG and regulatory reporting, and corporate tax solutions. Nucleus Research evaluates CPM vendors each year based on customer feedback, product demonstrations, and conversations with users and vendors regarding usability, functionality and value realized from each product's capabilities. Ralf Gartner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Corporate Performance & ESG, Wolters Kluwer, said: "We are honored that the CCH Tagetik expert solution has been recognized as a market leader by Nucleus Research for the fourth consecutive year. The results of the 2024 CPM Technology Value Matrix reflect our continued commitment to innovation and product excellence. We remain wholly focused on empowering the office of the CFO to drive digital transformation, plan for uncertainty, and ensure regulatory compliance for profitable growth." Charles Brennan, Research Analyst, Nucleus Research, said: "Our research demonstrates that businesses across industries need solutions that provide greater visibility, agility and flexibility in their processes as market needs evolve. With continued investments in areas such as ESG and sustainability, corporate tax solutions and AI, ML and NLP capabilities, the CCH Tagetik platform is likely to deliver organizations substantial ROI to businesses, globally." For 2024, Nucleus Research highlighted recent CCH Tagetik product innovations including: CCH Tagetik Global Minimum Tax, with new functionality developed to support multinational companies collect, align, calculate and report integrated finance and tax data in accordance with OECD BEPS Pillar Two (https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/oecd-releases-pillar-two-model-rules-for-domestic-implementation-of-15-percent-global-minimum-tax.htm) tax requirements; A new ESG-Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) functionality developed to support companies in navigating this new regulation. This includes features designed to automate reporting and ensure accurate disclosures while equipping companies to evaluate materiality and impact; New, enhanced connectivity with SAP S/HANA (https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/news/pr-cch-suretax-and-sap-document-reporting-compliance-integration) through a bi-directional connector which enables real-time integration; and a new Microsoft Power BI Connector which enables self-service reporting and analysis; and New intelligent analytics capabilities driven by innovative AI technologies, including anomaly detection, automapping and driver-based analysis. Download the report to review the full Nucleus Research analysis. ### About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer(EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software, and services for professionals in Health, Tax and Accounting, Financial Corporate Compliance, Legal & Regulatory, and Corporate Performance & ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of 5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,900 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Media Contact Sarah Whybrow Associate Director, External Communications Corporate Performance & ESG Wolters Kluwer Mobile: +44 7855 186713 sarah.whybrow@wolterskluwer.com Attachment Technology Holdings, a global boutique investment bank with offices in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific has been named 'Boutique Investment Bank of the Year' at the 15th Annual M&A Atlas Awards by the Global M&A Network. The 15th Annual Americas and Global Markets M&A Atlas Awards celebrations took place on January 30th 2024 at The Metropolitan Club in New York. Winning one of Global M&A Networks prestigious Atlas awards equates to achieving the "Gold Standard of Performance" standing in the industry, validating the firm and team's expertise and capabilities. "We recognized the stellar achievements of best performing firms, deals and dealmakers, who exemplify excellence for executing transactions, especially during this past year of trying times. We value their participation and wish them continued success for the year to follow." Shanta Kumari, CEO and Global Group Editor, Global M&A Network. Vivek Subramanyam, Founder and CEO of Technology Holdings said: "It is an honour to be recognized by Global M&A Network and to be chosen as the recipient of this prestigious award from such a large group of investment banks globally. It is a recognition of the calibre of our services and the unbiased, trusted advice that we provide to our clients. As we soon enter our twenty-fourth year in business, we are incredibly proud to have a growing team of 75 global experts who have closed transactions in 24 countries across 5 continents." About Technology Holdings Technology Holdings is a global boutique investment bank dedicated to delivering investment banking services to Technology Services, Software, Consulting, Healthcare Life Sciences and Business Process Management Companies globally with enterprise values ranging from US $25 Million to US $500 Million. About Global M&A Network Global M&A Network is a diversified digital media and conference connecting company. The company produces the world's most prestigious Turnaround Atlas Awards, Women Leaders Dealmaker Awards, and the M&A Atlas branded awards programs worldwide from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai, to London. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206873378/en/ Contacts: Kate Geary Senior Marketing Manager Email: kate@technologyholdings.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / As the world grows increasingly interconnected, understanding and appreciating different cultures and traditions has become more crucial than ever. Beyond the diverse cuisines, languages, and landscapes, one aspect that unites people worldwide is the celebration of holidays. From colorful festivals to solemn religious observances, holidays offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of global customs. "I think the most interesting part for me was understanding how different calendar types work - especially lunar calendars. It reminds me of learning a new language, where direct word-for-word translation often fails because the process is more complex. Looking at holidays from different calendar bases is similar. For example, the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. This date does not correspond to a specific day in the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, leading to a shift in the Gregorian date of Eid al-Fitr each year. This distinction highlights the challenges of making a global calendar that captures the important dates across the world, like languages," Jill Berry, digital solutions team, Antea Group USA. Here at Inogen Alliance, and in our globalized work environment, acknowledging and respecting holidays can foster stronger relationships, enhance cross-cultural communication, and ultimately help us navigate the intricacies of international collaborations. So, enjoy going through a journey with us to explore holidays around the world and uncover the significance of embracing these cultural treasures to manage our work effectively across borders. You can view overall trends (guess which month has the most holidays - it's not one that you would think!), search by upcoming weeks or months, or in the final tab search by specific holiday, month, date or country. This enables global teams to be aware of holidays and out-of-office dates to help with scheduling purposes and to foster better international relationships. Wish your colleagues a Happy Lunar New Year in February across many Asian countries, Anzac Day in April in Australia and New Zealand, and Eid al-Adha across numerous countries in June. Click here to gain access to our comprehensive International Holiday Dashboard showing all major global holidays across the Alliance for 2024. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Inogen Alliance on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Inogen Alliance Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/inogen-alliance Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Inogen Alliance View the original press release on accesswire.com Future Market Insights, Inc.'s latest report unveils a promising future for the boiler control market, driven by a confluence of sustainability efforts and technological advancements. Dive Deeper and Unlock Market Potential. NEWARK, Del., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- By 2034, the size of the worldwide boiler control market is projected to reach a valuation of around US$ 4.5 billion . In 2024, its estimated worth will be US$ 2.3 billion . The market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2024 to 2034. Request Exclusive Sample Report: Boiler Control Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-18939 Growth is expected to be fueled by the increasing use of renewable energy sources for power generation in Asia Pacific and Europe. Growth will probably be pushed concurrently by the rising demand for energy-efficient boiler monitoring systems in contemporary power plants. The need for automation is predicted to rise in response to the growing requirement to maximize the overall efficiency of energy-efficient boilers. It is also anticipated that the high power generation capacity of a few power plants will increase demand for boiler control. Boiler control is becoming more and more important to prevent damage or accidents in power plants due to strict legislation pertaining to worker safety in several regions of the world. Increasing investments in real-time monitoring and the Internet of Things (IoT) to ensure the smooth functioning of power plants are predicted to provide fresh opportunities. Modern technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things have been incorporated into boiler automation and control systems in recent years. The upgraded features have resulted in lower operating costs, less downtime, and more efficiency. The technologies have given operators advanced functionality, including real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote optimization. Power plants are anticipated to concentrate on using waste heat recovery, solar, and biomass solutions to improve the efficiency of smart boiler control & burner management systems. Several nations have enacted sustainability criteria and promoted the usage of renewable energy sources. Key Takeaways from Boiler Control Market Report- The global boiler control market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 7.1% in the evaluation period. in the evaluation period. Japan is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 485.8 million in 2034. in 2034. The United Kingdom's market is expected to showcase a CAGR of 8.1% in the assessment period. in the assessment period. China's boiler control market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 7.9% in the evaluation period. in the evaluation period. Based on components, the hardware segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 6.8% in the forecast period. in the forecast period. In terms of type, the water tube boiler segment will likely expand at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2034. "Growth of the market is expected to be aided by the introduction of sophisticated building management systems that have the boiler water level control feature to improve sustainability in the global construction sector," says Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). Competitive Landscape In order to find new products and application areas, leading firms in the global boiler control market are concentrating on research and development operations. To jointly develop cutting-edge solutions and obtain a competitive edge, they are taking part in joint ventures, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions. A few other market participants hope to increase brand loyalty through discounts and presentations of their new goods. Key Companies Profiled in the Boiler Control Market Report Burnham Commercial Cleaver-Brooks HBX Control Systems Honeywell International Micromod Automation Schneider Electric SE Siemens Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis. Recent Developments- NYK IDEMITSU Green Solutions Co., Ltd. won the Innovative Power Technology of the Year award in November 2023 with their ULTY-V plus product. By linking to the boiler control system, this special technology may automatically improve a number of operating features, such as the main steam pressure and fuel loading rate. won the Innovative Power Technology of the Year award in November 2023 with their ULTY-V plus product. By linking to the boiler control system, this special technology may automatically improve a number of operating features, such as the main steam pressure and fuel loading rate. Fulton debuted a new VSRT product line in June 2023 in response to the growing demand for boilers that use less energy. The only tubeless goods on the market are the two new boilers that the company has added to its lineup. Boiler Control Market Segmentation By Type: Water Tube Boiler Fire Tube Boiler By Component: Hardware Software By End-user: Industrial Commercial By Region: North America Latin America Western Europe Eastern Europe South Asia and Pacific East Asia Middle East and Africa Get More Insights into the Boiler Control Market Report In its latest report, Future Market Insights (FMI) offers an unbiased analysis of the global boiler control market, providing historical data from 2019 to 2023 and forecast statistics for the period 2024 to 2034. To understand the global market potential, growth, and scope, the market is segmented based on type (water tube boiler and fire tube boiler), component (hardware and software), end-user (industrial and commercial), and region. Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here! About Future Market Insights (FMI) - Industrial Automation The industrial automation division of Future Market Insights (FMI) offers a novel approach and innovative perspective in analyzing the industrial automation market. Comprehensive coverage of capital, portable, process, construction, industrial, and special-purpose machinery across the manufacturing sector and distinctive analysis of the installed base, consumables, replacement, and USP-feature-application matrix make us a pioneering voice in the industry. We are preferred associates with established as well as budding industry stakeholders and channel partners when it comes to sustaining, growing, and identifying new revenue prospects. About the Author: Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries. His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making. Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Industrial Automation Domain: Combi Boiler Market by Fuel, Natural Gas-powered Combi Boiler, Oil Powered Combi Boiler, Combi Boilers powered by Other Fuels, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. by Fuel, Natural Gas-powered Combi Boiler, Oil Powered Combi Boiler, Combi Boilers powered by Other Fuels, 2023-2033. - Marine Boiler Burner Market By Type, Fuel Type, Capacity, Vessel Type & Region - Forecast 2022-2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. By Type, Fuel Type, Capacity, Vessel Type & Region - Forecast 2022-2032. - Industrial Counter Market Analysis by Preset Counters and Electromagnetic Counters, 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. Analysis by Preset Counters and Electromagnetic Counters, 2023 to 2033. Low Voltage Cable Market Analysis by Overhead and Underground, 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. Analysis by Overhead and Underground, 2023 to 2033. - Odour Control System Market Analysis by Physical Odour Control Systems and Chemical and Petrochemical End Usages from 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. Analysis by Physical Odour Control Systems and Chemical and Petrochemical End Usages from 2023 to 2033. - High Pressure Pumps Market Analysis by Dynamic and Positive Displacement, 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and market analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/boiler-control-market-to-reach-us-4-5-billion-by-2034--driven-by-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-302054332.html Regulatory News: ACTICOR BIOTECH (FR0014005OJ5 ALACT), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing glenzocimab, an innovative drug for the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies, today discloses the total number of voting rights and shares as of January 31, 2024 (pursuant to Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the French Financial Markets Authority). Listing Place: Euronext Growth Paris ISIN Code: FR0014005OJ5 Web site: acticor-biotech.com Date Number of shares making up the share capital Theoretical number of voting rights (1) Number of voting rights excluding shares stripped of voting rights (2) January 31, 2024 13.189.141 13.189.141 13.134.635 (1) In accordance with Article 223-111 of the AMF's General Regulation, this number of shares is calculated based on all shares carrying the right to vote, including those stripped of voting rights. (2) The actual voting rights correspond to the total number of voting rights that can be exercised in a general meeting. They are calculated on the basis of the total number of voting rights attached to the total number of shares minus the shares without voting rights. About ACTICOR BIOTECH Acticor Biotech is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, a spin-off from INSERM (the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), which is aiming to develop an innovative treatment for cardiovascular emergencies, including ischemic stroke. The positive results of the phase 1b/2a study, ACTIMIS, published in January 2024 in the Lancet Neurology (link to the publication), confirmed the safety profile of glenzocimab and showed a reduction in mortality and intracerebral hemorrhage in the glenzocimab-treated group of stroke patients. These results were confirmed by a post-hoc analysis of brain imaging at 0 and 24 hours using artificial intelligence (Brainomix, UK). This independent analysis confirmed the reduction in the number and volume of intracerebral lesions in patients treated with glenzocimab. The efficacy of glenzocimab is now being analyzed in an international Phase 2/3 study, ACTISAVE, with clinical results expected in Q2 2024. In July 2022, Acticor Biotech was granted "PRIME" status by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for glenzocimab in the treatment of stroke. This designation will allow the company to strengthen its interactions and obtain early dialogues with regulatory authorities. Acticor Biotech is supported by a panel of European and international investors (Mediolanum farmaceutici, Karista, Go Capital, Newton Biocapital, CMS Medical Venture Investment (HK) Limited, A&B (HK) Limited, Anaxago, and the Armesa foundation). Acticor Biotech is listed on Euronext Growth Paris since November 2021 (ISIN: FR0014005OJ5 ALACT). For more information, visit: www.acticor-biotech.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206200839/en/ Contacts: ACTICOR BIOTECH Gilles AVENARD, MD CEO and Founder gilles.avenard@acticor-biotech.com T.: +33 (0)6 76 23 38 13 Sophie BINAY, PhD General Manager and CSO Sophie.binay@acticor-biotech.com T.: +33 (0)6 76 23 38 13 NewCap Mathilde BOHIN Investor Relations acticor@newcap.eu T.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 95 NewCap Arthur ROUILLE Media Relations acticor@newcap.eu T.: +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15 Article L233-8-II of the French Commercial Code Article 223-16 of the General Regulations of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) Regulatory News: ABIONYX Pharma (Paris:ABNX): Market: Euronext Paris, Compartment C ISIN code: FR0012616852 Date Number of shares outstanding Total voting rights Total gross (1) Total net (2) January 31, 2024 32,459,012 32,459,012 32,175,182 (1) The total number of gross (or "theoretical") voting rights is used as the basis for calculating threshold crossings. In accordance with Article 223-11 of the AMF General Regulations, this number is calculated on the basis of all shares to which voting rights are attached, including those for which voting rights have been suspended. (2) The total number of net (or "exercisable at a Shareholders' Meeting") voting rights is calculated without taking into account shares for which voting rights have been suspended. It is released in order to ensure that the public is properly informed, in accordance with the recommendation made by the AMF on 17 July 2007. About ABIONYX Pharma ABIONYX Pharma is a new generation biotech company that aims to contribute to health through innovative therapies in indications where there is no effective or existing treatment, even the rarest ones. Thanks to its partners in research, medicine, biopharmaceuticals and shareholding, the company innovates on a daily basis to propose drugs for the treatment of renal and ophthalmological diseases, or new HDL vectors used for targeted drug delivery. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206563011/en/ Contacts: NewCap Investor relations Louis-Victor Delouvrier Nicolas Fossiez abionyx@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 98 53 NewCap Media relations Arthur Rouille abionyx@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15 Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, February 06 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 06 February 2024 REDDE NORTHGATE PLC ("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company") Transaction in Own Shares Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 06 February 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 : 352.5 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 352.5 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 352.5 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 18,465,071 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 227,626,352 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 06 February 2024) Number of shares purchased Transaction price (GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 25,000 352.50 09:45.24 00068768450TRLO0 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: Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, February 06 For immediate release 6 February 2024 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 201,666 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 845.00 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 23 January 2024. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 30,930,960; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 194,060,343. The figure of 194,060,343 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Glowtify, a key player in e-commerce marketing, is excited to share a significant update to its advisory team. We're welcoming new advisors and investors: Sebastien Leduc, co-founder of Workleap, and Olivier Blais, co-founder of Moov.ai. They will be joining as advisors and investors, contributing their rich experience alongside Yves-Gabriel Leboeuf, co-founder of Flinks, and the original Glowtify founders. This significant investment and advisory commitment from Sebastien Leduc and Olivier Blais is a strong vote of confidence in Glowtify's vision. Their involvement brings extensive SaaS and AI expertise, greatly supporting our mission to grow and transform the e-commerce landscape. The participation of Sebastien Leduc and Olivier Blais, both highly experienced in their fields, represents a major milestone for Glowtify. It highlights our ongoing growth and scaling efforts, as we keep pushing forward and innovating in the e-commerce marketing sector. "Glowtify extends beyond its capabilities as a generative content app, becoming a go-to resource for online business owners. Here, they can find unique, outstanding, and personalized recommendations that help illuminate the path to success. Glowtify is a helpful starting point for hundreds of store owners to be more successful in their own e-commerce journey," said Marc Allard, Glowtify's CEO. About Glowtify: Glowtify uses AI to give business owners and marketing teams a clear path to e-commerce success, and the tools to get there faster. With advanced AI capabilities, Glowtify is redefining online marketing, offering tailored analytics and content generation that aligns with the unique identity of each brand. Contact Information Marc Allard CEO marc@glowtify.com 514-715-5264 SOURCE: Glowtify View the original press release on newswire.com. CHORLEY, United Kingdom and BOSTON, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perspective Financial Group Ltd ('Perspective' or the 'Group') is delighted to welcome a new lead private equity investor, Charlesbank Capital Partners ('Charlesbank'), who will succeed its current private equity investor, CBPE Capital LLP ('CBPE'). Charlesbank is a US-based firm in Boston that originally oversaw private equity investments inside the Harvard University endowment and became independent in 1998. The management team will remain significant shareholders alongside Charlesbank. Founded in 2008, Perspective is a leading independent financial adviser ('IFA') firm with 8.0 billion in Assets Under Advice. The Group provides comprehensive financial planning, as well as investment management services through its Cambridge affiliate. The Group is led by a management board including CEO Ian Wilkinson, CFO David Hesketh, and CRO Julie Hepworth, who have decades of wealth management experience and work alongside approximately 500 employees, 140 of whom are financial advisers operating out of the Group's 40 offices across the United Kingdom. Perspective has completed over 80 acquisitions since its 2008 launch, including over 45 since CBPE invested in 2019, all of which have been fully integrated into the Group. This level of integration ensures consistently high standards of advice and compliance whilst enabling all acquisitions to benefit from the significant investments that have been made in central support functions and technology. Ian Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Perspective, said: "This new investment from Charlesbank reflects and indeed enhances our position as the UK's premier client-centric financial planning firm. It is fantastic news, as our new partners will help us facilitate greater scale, enabling us to deliver even better value for money to clients and even greater opportunities to our people. "Our exceptional, deeply embedded client-centric culture and whole-of-market approach are both central to our success. CBPE understood this from the outset and clearly Charlesbank shares our vision too. "As a standout firm in the sector, we had our choice of partners for the next phase of our development and considered numerous potential investors before making our decision. "Charlesbank's excellent track record of partnering with similar businesses and providing strategic resources and financial support will enable us to further accelerate the pace and scale of our growth journey. Our vision will see our footprint expand to over 100 offices and at least 1,500 staff, making us one of the largest whole-of-market IFAs in the UK. There will be no changes to the way in which our clients are serviced or charged as result of this transaction, and we firmly believe that our greater scale and resources will result in both an overall reduction in the TER's paid by our clients and an enhanced client experience." David Katz, Managing Director at Charlesbank, said: "We have been thoroughly impressed by Perspective's client-first ethos, which has established Perspective as a leading provider of impartial, high-quality financial advice in the UK. Complementing the Group's ethical, client-centric culture, their differentiated centralized services and technology have made Perspective a terrific home for advisers and the IFA acquirer of choice, as evidenced by the numerous acquisitions they have successfully completed to date. "We feel extremely privileged to partner with Ian and the talented Perspective management team. We look forward to working with them to continue to grow the Group and cement Perspective as the UK's premier independent provider of financial planning and investment management services." Richard Thompson, Partner at CBPE, said: "We have had the pleasure of working in a highly collaborative partnership, with a fantastic management team, at Perspective. We have seen the business develop and grow significantly, whilst maintaining its focus on regulatory best practice and always doing the right thing by its clients. "We take immense pride in what we have achieved together and the quality of Perspective as a platform for further growth in the UK wealth management market." The terms of the transaction remain confidential. The investment is subject to Financial Conduct Authority Change in Control approval. Professional Advisers: For Sellers: Houlihan Lokey (Corporate Finance), Mayer Brown (Legal), Deloitte (financial, operational and tax diligence), LEK (commercial diligence), Thistle Initiatives (regulatory diligence) and Crosslake (IT). For Management: Liberty (Corporate Finance) and Squire Patton Boggs (Legal). For Charlesbank: Fenchurch Advisory Partners (Corporate Finance), Kirkland & Ellis (Legal), KPMG (financial and tax diligence), Oliver Wyman (commercial diligence), and West Monroe Partners (IT). For further information please contact: Ian Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Tel: 0161 244 9759 or Email: ian.wilkinson@pfgl.co.uk (mailto:ian.wilkinson@pfgl.co.uk) David Hesketh, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: 0161 244 9759 or Email david.hesketh@pfgl.co.uk (mailto:david.hesketh@pfgl.co.uk) Charles Penn, Group Head of Marketing, Tel: 07799 821904 or Email: charles.penn@pfgl.co.uk (mailto:charles.penn@pfgl.co.uk) Visit www.pfgl.co.uk (http://www.pfgl.co.uk/) or connect on social media - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/perspective-financial-group-ltd/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true) and X (https://twitter.com/perspectivefgl). Our Purpose?: We provide expert, specialised financial planning and wealth management advice that enables our clients to make full and effective use of their financial resources, so they can plan for and achieve the future they desire.? ?Our Vision?: To build a sustainable and socially responsible business (https://www.pfgl.co.uk/latest-news/economy/perspective-helps-six-local-projects-during-covid/) that is trusted by our staff and clients, never detracting from our core value that our clients come first in everything we do. ? Our Six Values which help shape Perspective into the firm it is today: We are Client-centric We will Do the Right Thing We always Deliver We become a Trusted Member of the Family We continually Set Standards of Excellence We believe in Teamwork About Charlesbank Capital Partners: Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private investment firm with more than $17 billion of capital raised since inception. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, as well as opportunistic credit and technology investments. The firm seeks to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. Please visit www.charlesbank.com for more information. The brain monitoring market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, propelled by the healthcare industry's focus on early detection and prevention of neurological disorders. This report by Future Market Insights, Inc. unveils the key trends shaping this market and the opportunities they present for stakeholders. NEWARK, Del., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The brain monitoring market size is poised to cross US$ 6.7 billion in 2024 and is likely to attain a valuation of US$ 12.5 billion by 2034. The sales of brain monitoring systems are projected to develop at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2034. Request Exclusive Sample Report: Brain Monitoring Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-18931 The industry's growing emphasis on timely detection and avoidance of neurological illnesses is redefining business approaches in the brain monitoring sector. Businesses prioritizing research and development to enhance early detection skills are positioning themselves as industry leaders in a market driven by an increasing consciousness of proactive healthcare. By forging partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and healthcare systems, this trend gives businesses a competitive advantage in the market and establishes them as leaders in preventive neurology. As consumer interest in cognitive health and performance enhancement grows, consumer-grade brain monitoring gadgets are emerging to take advantage of this trend. Businesses that provide easy-to-use at-home monitoring systems are capitalizing on the growing number of people concerned about their health. This trend helps organizations navigate the competitive environment of consumer-oriented neurotech by fostering relationships with fitness and wellness brands, direct-to-consumer sales methods, and subscription-based revenue models. These initiatives create a diverse income stream. The inclination towards amalgamating several modalities for brain monitoring, such as merging EEG with fMRI or NIRS, denotes a tactical transition towards all-encompassing data gathering. Businesses using multi-modal techniques are positioned as pioneers in offering a comprehensive understanding of brain function, which is crucial for use in clinical and research contexts. With the help of this trend, companies may set themselves apart from the competition, work together with suppliers of imaging technology, and meet the increasing need for integrated solutions that provide deeper insights into neurological health. "Successfully navigating the changing brain monitoring market requires a deep grasp of the numerous healthcare demands, constant innovation, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships that align with new health trends. A comprehensive approach that prioritizes adaptation, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability is essential for successfully navigating this volatile environment." Says Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). Key Takeaways from the Market Report The global brain monitoring market size expanded at an 8.1% CAGR through 2034. The devices segment is projected to rise at a 6.3% CAGR through 2034. The invasive procedure segment is expected to develop at a 6.1% CAGR through 2034. The brain monitoring industry in Japan is anticipated to develop at a 7.6% CAGR through 2034. The market size in the United Kingdom is estimated to surge at a 5.1% CAGR through 2034. The market for brain monitoring in South Korea is expected to thrive at an 8.3% CAGR through 2034. The market size in the United States is projected to rise at a 6.8% CAGR through 2034. Competitive Landscape An active rivalry distinguishes the brain monitoring market between well-established industry leaders, cutting-edge startups, and multinational healthcare technology conglomerates. With a broad range of brain monitoring systems, leading companies like GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips, and Medtronic dominate the industry owing to their global reach and strong R&D departments. These market leaders frequently establish industry standards, engage in strategic partnerships, and keep a strong supply of cutting-edge technology on hand to remain ahead of the curve. Key Players in the Brain Monitoring Market Natus Medical Incorporated Medtronic plc Koninklijke Philips N.V. GE Healthcare Siemens Healthineers Compumedics Limited BrainScope Company, Inc. NeuroWave Systems Inc. Nihon Kohden Corporation Cadwell Industries, Inc. Elekta AB Advanced Brain Monitoring CAS Medical Systems, Inc. NCC Medical Co., Ltd. Neurosoft Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis. Recent Developments In January 2024, researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) developed a brain implant that can provide high-resolution insights into deep cerebral function without invasive procedures. The finding, reported in Nature Nanotechnology, is a significant step toward constructing a minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that can reveal new insights into the brain's workings. In September 2023, NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the NTT group's ICT solutions and international communications division, announced the beginning of a trial of 'Brain Health Check Plus,' 1 a dial-up navigation service that leverages AI capability to identify early indicators of cognitive impairment. Brain Monitoring Market Segmentation By Products: Devices Melectroencephalography (EEG) Devices Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Devices Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Devices Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitors Cerebral Oximeters Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Devices Computerized Tomography (C.T.) Devices Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Devices Sleep Monitoring Devices Electromyography (EMG) Devices Accessories Electrodes Sensors Pastes & gels Caps Cables Batteries Others By Procedure: Invasive Non-invasive By Application: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Stroke Dementia Headache disorders Sleep disorders Parkinson's disease Epilepsy Huntington's disease Other diseases By End User: Hospitals Neurology Centres Clinics & ASC By Region: North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific The Middle East and Africa Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here! About the Author: Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher. Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation. Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Lifescience & Healthcare Domain: Brain Imaging And Neuroimaging Market, Global Opportunities and Forecast, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. Global Opportunities and Forecast, 2023-2033. - Cell Isolation Market Analysis by Centrifugation-Based Cell Isolation, Surface Marker-Based Cell Isolation, and Filtration-Based Cell Isolation from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. Analysis by Centrifugation-Based Cell Isolation, Surface Marker-Based Cell Isolation, and Filtration-Based Cell Isolation from 2024 to 2034. - Veterinary Dental Equipment Market Analysis by Hand Instruments, Equipment, and Consumables from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. Analysis by Hand Instruments, Equipment, and Consumables from 2024 to 2034. - Super Antioxidant Supplement Market By GliSODin and Pycnogenol Ingredients From 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. By GliSODin and Pycnogenol Ingredients From 2024 to 2034. - Self-administered Parenteral Market by Pre-filled Syringes and Autoinjectors, from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and market analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-future-of-brain-monitoring-market-size-poised-to-cross-us-12-5-billion-by-2034--302054321.html The two-day event connects Italian fashion brands and retailers with the Canadian industry The CNA Federmoda Association presents the third edition of WeLoveModainItaly-La Moda Italiana@Toronto, a trade event showcasing high-quality Italian fashion, taking place in Toronto on February 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Canadian retailers and buyers will gather to forge and strengthen business relationships with a curated selection of Italian "Made in Italy" collections including clothing, outerwear and furs, shoes and accessories for women, men and kids. The participating brands are Aldo Brue, Andrea Cardone, Brador, Bun Italy, Colva, Double Firenze, Fabio Gavazzi, Landi Fancy, Lisa Conte, Missouri, Musetti-Musetti Cashmere, Paola Dotti, Paquito, Shaft Jeans and Tosato1928. The event is organized by EMI Ente Moda Italia and CNA Federmoda, in partnership with AIP, Assocalzaturifici, Assopellettieri and SMI Sistema Moda Italia, with the support of ITA Toronto. The event opening day, on February 13, will include a networking breakfast at 10 a.m. and an industry presentations session from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The presentation will include talks from all exhibiting brands, Alberto Scaccioni of Ente Moda Italia, Antonio Franceschini of CNA Federmoda Association and Pietro Goglia of the Italian Trade Agency. Canadian fashion designer Christopher Bates and Craig Patterson, publisher of Retail Insider, will also speak. The opening night will conclude with a cocktail party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a DJ and dinner. On February 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be a presentation session from all exhibiting brands. "Ente Moda Italia is proud to embark on this new exhibition project in Toronto with the support of the Italian Trade Agency and all our valuable partners," says Alberto Scaccioni, CEO, Ente Moda Italia. "Italy is a manufacturing country, with high level performances in all segments of the fashion industry and a strong attitude towards export. The Canadian market, for all its peculiarities, is indeed very interesting. This is due to its presence of a large middle and upper class, a retail scene with widespread multi-brand shops and its climatic conditions. All of this makes Canada an interesting market for Italian producers of outerwear and knitwear. Italian fashion is recognized globally for its unique design and creativity, high manufacturing quality and for the most sustainable industrial fashion processes in the world." "We are thrilled for WeLoveModainItaly- La Moda Italiana@Toronto to return and support the innovative small-to-medium fashion enterprises within the CNA Federmoda Association. This event is a platform to explore how Canada and Italy can exchange and take advantage of our existing trade agreements,"says Antonio Franceschini, general secretary, CNA Federmoda Association."We look forward to celebrating these 15 Italian fashion companies, renowned for their exceptional Italian craftsmanship, quality production and unique manufacturing processes." "It is so exciting to spearhead the introduction of these iconic Italian fashion brands into the Canadian market," says Pietro Goglia, vice director, Italian Trade Agency in Canada. "With a commitment to presenting these products genuinely and proudly made in Italy, the Italian Trade Agency is dedicated to bringing the best of Italian manufacturers to Canadian wholesalers, distributors, multi-brand retailers, agents, department stores, boutiques, specialty stores, showrooms and marketplaces." About EMI Ente Moda Italia Italian Fashion around the world. E.M.I. Ente Moda Italia organizes textile-clothing trade fairs abroad to support the expansion of small and medium-sized Italian enterprises in the world's most important, established and emerging markets. E.M.I. Ente Moda Italia is a non-profit company established in 1983 as an initiative of the Centro di Firenze per la Moda Italiana and SMI Sistema Moda Italia Federazione Tessile e Moda which together also promotes the Pitti Immagine trade fairs. About CNA Federmoda Association The CNA Federmoda Association (FB @cnafedermoda) joins together the textile, clothing, shoe, fur leather, fashion, eyewear manufacturers and affiliate businesses, protecting and representing approximately 25,000 small-scale manufacturers and other SMEs in the Italian fashion industry, both private-label producers and third-party manufacturers. CNA Federmoda is a Union (sectoral division) of CNA. CNA covers the entire Italian territory with more than 1,000 offices throughout the country's regions, provinces and cities. About Italian Trade Agency The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is the governmental agency that supports the business development of Italian companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investments in Italy. It operates through a worldwide network of 79 offices in 65 countries, including two in Canada located in Toronto and Montreal. ITA acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy and provides a wide range of services: information, assistance, consulting and promotion to Italian and Canadian companies willing to establish business relationships. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206398930/en/ Contacts: MEDIA CONTACTS Emily Black Account Executive Matte PR 416-515-7667 ext. 711 eblack@mattepr.com Roberto Ruta Press Office EMI Ente Moda Italia email: firenze@emimoda.it press office: ruta@pittimmagine.com Pietro Romano Press Office CNA email: ufficiostampa@cna.it federmoda@cna.it Ziba Ahmadian Trade Analyst Italian Trade Commission (ICE Italian Trade Agency) 416 598 1566 ext. 107 z.ahmadian@ice.it BUCAREST, ROMANIA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Investorhood , a Romanian learning center for all things finance, has announced the launch of its cutting-edge e-learning platform in a bid to illuminate the path to financial success for the everyday person. Financial education is becoming increasingly essential in a tumultuous and ever-changing financial world. With the launch of its new platform, Investorhood aims to change this once and for all. For those without significant financial education, it's a dream come true. Founded in 2020 by Claudiu Gheorghe, an enthusiast of trading and financial markets, and a group of equally passionate partners, Investorhood aims to not only distribute financial knowledge but also inspire and transform lives. They realized that in a continuously changing financial world, education is the key to success. Thus, Investorhood was born. Started as a response to the growing need for financial education in a world where money and investments are becoming more complex, Investorhood's vision is to democratize access to financial knowledge. This includes, among other aspects, learning material and 1-on-1 courses about various forms of investing and trading, as well as extensive information on the stock market, money markets, technical analysis, and more. "What sets Investorhood apart is its commitment to ethics and morality in financial education. Our platform is not just about making quick money; it's about deepening understanding of financial mechanisms and making informed and responsible decisions. Here, each student is guided not only on how to make a profit but also on how to manage risks and make sound decisions for their financial future," says Claudiu Gheorghe. Investorhood promotes values such as transparency, responsibility, and trust. Each lesson and resource provided is designed to help people develop their financial skills in an ethical and sustainable way. Finally, the Investorhood team is a diverse community of experts with a single vision: to bring financial education into the lives of every student. "Investorhood doesn't stop at national borders. With a global mission to bring light to financial education, our platform has influenced people from all corners of the world. This diversity of perspectives adds immense value to the Investorhood community, turning it into a dynamic environment for global learning and collaboration," concludes Claudiu Gheorghe. To learn more about Investorhood and start your journey to financial success, visit investorhood.com Media Contact Organization: Investorhood Contact Person: Claudiu Gheorghe Website: https://www.investorhood.com Email: claudiu@investorhood.com City: Bucarest Country: Romania SOURCE: Investorhood View the original press release on accesswire.com OAK BROOK (dpa-AFX) - Charles Olsen, with a severe milk allergy, is taking legal action against McDonald's, alleging that a slice of American cheese on his burger triggered a dangerous allergic reaction, according to the New York Post. Olsen ordered a Big Mac meal without cheese via DoorDash from a McDonald's in New York City in February 2021. In his legal claim filed on Friday, Olsen provided a copy of his online order, showing that he had specified 'No American Cheese.' Olsen's attorney, Jory Lange Jr., mentioned that Olsen had ordered the same meal without cheese from the same McDonald's through DoorDash multiple times without any issues in the past. Upon receiving his food and starting to eat, Olsen quickly realized something was wrong. He began experiencing symptoms like throat irritation, swelling, burning sensations, hives, breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and gasping for air, indicating an anaphylactic reaction. Olsen's girlfriend rushed him to the hospital where he almost required intubation to survive. Despite the severity of the situation, Olsen eventually responded to emergency treatment. Olsen is seeking damages for medical expenses and suffering caused by the allergic reaction due to consuming the cheese-laden meal he didn't intend to ingest. McDonald's Corporation and The Colley Group, the franchise owner, are both defendants in the lawsuit. Olsen's legal team emphasized the importance of restaurants respecting customers' requests regarding allergens to prevent such incidents, especially considering the increasing prevalence of severe food allergies. 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. ANN ARBOR, MI / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Zomedica Corp. (NYSE American:ZOM) ("Zomedica" or the "Company"), a veterinary health company offering point-of-care diagnostic and therapeutic products for equine and companion animals, today announced that Glass Lewis, a leading independent proxy voting and corporate governance advisory firm is recommending that shareholders vote "FOR" the proposed Share Consolidation/Reverse Stock Split as detailed in the Company's definitive proxy statement filed on January 17, 2024. Shareholders will be asked to vote on the Reverse Stock Split at Zomedica's upcoming special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on February 28, 2024. In its report, Glass Lewis noted: "We agree with the board that it is in the best interest of the Company to reduce the number of shares of common stock outstanding and thereby attempt to proportionally raise the per-share price of the Company's common stock." This news comes shortly after the ISS report dated January 25, 2024, wherein ISS noted that, "A vote FOR this proposal is warranted given that the reverse stock split may enable the company to maintain listing of its common stock on the NYSE American." "We welcome the favorable recommendations from both ISS and Glass Lewis and are pleased that both proxy advisory firms recognize the compelling merits of the proposed reverse stock split," noted Zomedica CEO Larry Heaton. "As we have outlined in our flings and our most recent shareholder communications, we strongly believe that proposed reverse stock split will allow us to regain compliance with NYSE American listing requirements, improve our capital structure, enhance the appeal of our common shares to the financial community, remove economic disincentives related to purchasing low-priced shares, attract new analyst coverage and potential inclusion in stock indices," concluded Mr. Heaton. The Company's upcoming Special Virtual-only Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled to be held on February 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm EST. The Zomedica Board of Directors strongly recommends that stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split and encourages stockholders to vote as promptly as possible. Shareholders can vote by mail, Internet or telephone according to the instructions on each Internet Notice, proxy card or voting instruction card received. Proxy materials are available at: https://www.meetingdocuments.com/TSXT/ZOM. HOW TO VOTE: Zomedica's proxy and voting materials are being distributed by various parties to investors, and to brokerage firms holding shares on behalf of investors. Investors are encouraged to reach out to their respective financial institutions for additional information and to obtain their proxy materials if they are not yet received. Zomedica reminds stockholders that every vote is important, no matter how many or few shares it represents. If you have already submitted a proxy, you may change your vote prior to the Special Meeting by voting again using the same materials. Only your latest dated vote counts. Additional Information and Where to Find It This communication may be deemed solicitation material in respect of the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company scheduled to be held on February 28, 2024 to vote on an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to effect, at the discretion of the Board of Directors (the "Board"), a reverse stock split of the Company's common stock without nominal or par value at a ratio in the range of 1-for-80. In connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and mailed to its shareholders a proxy statement regarding the business to be conducted at the Special Meeting of Shareholders. The Company may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the business to be conducted at the Special Meeting of Shareholders. This communication is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document that may be filed by the Company with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, THE COMPANY'S SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO (WHEN AVAILABLE) IN THEIR ENTIRETY AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED BY THE COMPANY WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. Shareholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents the Company files with the SEC (when available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The Company makes available free of charge on its investor relations website copies of materials it files with, or furnishes to, the SEC. Participants in the Solicitation The Company and its directors, executive officers and certain employees and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's shareholders in connection with the business to be conducted at the Special Meeting of Shareholders. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of the Company's directors and executive officers in the definitive proxy statement filed in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders, which may be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. To the extent the holdings of the Company's securities by the Company's directors and executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in the definitive proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Forward-Looking Statements Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "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 and include statements relating to our expectations regarding future results. 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, including assumptions with respect to economic growth, demand for the Company's products, the Company's ability to produce and sell its products, sufficiency of our budgeted capital and operating expenditures, the satisfaction by our strategic partners of their obligations under our commercial agreements, our ability to realize upon our business plans and cost control efforts and the impact of COVID-19 on our business, results and financial condition. Our forward-looking information is 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: the outcome of clinical studies, the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates, and judgments, uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; uncertainty as to the timing and results of development work and verification and validation studies; uncertainty as to the timing and results of commercialization efforts, as well as the cost of commercialization efforts, including the cost to develop an internal sales force and manage our growth; uncertainty as to our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; uncertainty as to our ability to supply products in response to customer demand; uncertainty as to the likelihood and timing of any required regulatory approvals, and the availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; veterinary acceptance of our products; competition from related products; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships; performance by our strategic partners of their obligations under our commercial agreements, including product manufacturing obligations; risks pertaining to permits and licensing, intellectual property infringement risks, risks relating to any required clinical trials and regulatory approvals, risks relating to the safety and efficacy of our products, the use of our products, intellectual property protection, risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact upon our business operations generally, including our ability to develop and commercialize our products, and the other risk factors disclosed in our filings with the SEC and under our profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. 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. About Zomedica Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zomedica (NYSE American:ZOM) is a veterinary health company creating diagnostic and therapeutic products for horses, dogs, and cats by focusing on the unmet needs of clinical veterinarians. Zomedica's product portfolio includes innovative diagnostics and medical devices that emphasize patient health and practice health. Zomedica's mission is to provide veterinarians the opportunity to increase productivity and grow revenue while better serving the animals in their care. For more information, visit zomedica.com. Follow Zomedica Email Alerts: http://investors.zomedica.com http://investors.zomedica.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zomedica https://www.linkedin.com/company/zomedica Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/zomedica https://m.facebook.com/zomedica Twitter: https://twitter.com/zomedica https://twitter.com/zomedica Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zomedica_inc Investor Contact: Zomedica Investor Relations investors@zomedica.com 1-734-369-2555 SOURCE: Zomedica Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com A special Spring Festival lantern show kicks off in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Feb 2, 2024, lasting for 52 days. [Photo provided by Xi'an City Wall Management Committee to chinadaily.com.cn] A special Spring Festival lantern show kicked off in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Friday, adding a festive atmosphere to the ancient northwestern metropolis. For the first time, the 52-day show creates an immersive cultural performance project with full coverage throughout the day. Dozens of immersive cultural performances will be launched from 09:30 to 17:30 every day, presenting the most distinctive and festive Spring Festival cultural feast for the public and tourists. The show showcases nearly 20 sets of lanterns with distinctive characteristics of the Year of the Dragon in the four major lantern areas in the city. special Spring Festival lantern show kicks off in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Feb 2, 2024, lasting for 52 days. [Photo provided by Xi'an City Wall Management Committee to chinadaily.com.cn] In addition to different colorful lanterns and mythological dragon models, the lantern show integrates with classic ancient poetry and intangible cultural heritage lamp craftsmanship to create a festive cultural atmosphere of "one step, one quatrain, one lamp, one poem". A total of 22 pairs of red and bright giant Spring Festival couplets have been hung on the 16 gates of the Xi'an City Wall, including Yongning and Changle, demonstrating a happy and harmonious festive atmosphere. Meanwhile Xi'an is also interacting with the ancient cities of Malacca in Malaysia, Zhengding in Hebei, Kaifeng in Henan, Guangzhou in Guangdong and Datong in Shanxi this year to showcase the brilliant night scenery of various regions when they are illuminated in the "Chinese Red" of the Chinese New Year together to spread Chinese civilization and inherit traditional culture. A special Spring Festival lantern show kicks off in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Feb 2, 2024, lasting for 52 days. [Photo provided by Xi'an City Wall Management Committee to chinadaily.com.cn] A special Spring Festival lantern show kicks off in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Feb 2, 2024, lasting for 52 days. [Photo provided by Xi'an City Wall Management Committee to chinadaily.com.cn] A special Spring Festival lantern show kicks off in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Feb 2, 2024, lasting for 52 days. [Photo provided by Xi'an City Wall Management Committee to chinadaily.com.cn] KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT)(OTCQX:AVTBF)(FRA:1BU0) ("Avant" or the "Company"), a leading producer of innovative and award-winning cannabis products, announces that Miguel Martinez will be resigning from his current role as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") at Avant Brands to pursue other opportunities. Effective March 1, 2024, Jeremy Wright, who previously served as the Company's founding CFO from September 2017 to August 2019, has agreed to rejoin the Company as interim CFO. Miguel will continue his employment with Avant until March 19, 2024, to ensure an effective transition. "On behalf of the Company's board of directors and management team, we would like to thank our outgoing CFO, Miguel Martinez, for his many contributions to Avant," said Norton Singhavon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Avant. "Miguel's experience in agriculture and cannabis added significant value and insights over the past few quarters. We wish Miguel all the best in his future endeavors." Jeremy Wright (CPA, CMA) brings more than 20 years of senior management experience to Avant. As the founding CFO of GTEC Holdings (rebranded to Avant and uplisted to the TSX in 2021), Jeremy was deeply involved in developing the Company's initial long-term strategy, which included assisting in the raising of more than $45 million for the Company during his two-year tenure. "As the founding CFO for Avant, Jeremy is ideally suited to assist the Company on achieving its global objectives," said Norton Singhavon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Avant. "Jeremy's expertise in financing along with his contacts in the global capital markets will play a pivotal role as Avant seeks to establish itself as a dominant operator within the ultra-premium cannabis segment. We are excited to have Jeremy rejoin the team and look forward to working with him again." About Avant Brands Inc. Avant is an innovative, market-leading premium cannabis company. Avant has multiple operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products based on unique and exceptional cultivars. Avant's products are distributed via three complementary sales channels: recreational, medical and export. Avant's recreational consumer brands include BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente and Treehugger, sold in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Atlantic Canada and the territories. The Company's medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, is distributed nationwide directly to qualified patients through its GreenTec Medical portal and various medical cannabis partners. Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AVNT) and cross-trades on the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA: 1BU0). The Company is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, and operates in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. To learn more about Avant, access the investor presentation, or about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca. For additional information, please contact: Investor Relations at Avant Brands Inc. 1-800-351-6358 ir@avantbrands.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, 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 and includes information regarding the timing for Mr. Wright's appointment and Mr. Martinez's departure from the Company; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management's 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. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, 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 of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information are the following: expectations regarding future growth and expansion; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in consumer demand and preferences; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; compliance with extensive government regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; and the risk factors set out in the Company's annual information form dated February 27, 2023, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's profile on SEDAR 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 that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Avant Brands, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - 1329300 B.C. Ltd. (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arrangement agreement dated February 6, 2024 (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Borealis Mining Company Limited ("Borealis") and 1000693081 Ontario Ltd. ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with a proposed business combination by way of a plan of arrangement under Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Arrangement"). About Borealis Borealis is a private company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Borealis is a gold mining and exploration company focused on exploration and resumption of production of the Borealis Mine in Nevada. The Borealis Mine is a fully permitted minesite, equipped with active heap leach pads, an ADR facility, and all necessary infrastructure to support a heap leach gold mining operation. In addition to the mine, the property, comprised of 751 unpatented mining claims of approximately 20 acres each totalling approximately 15,020 acres and one unpatented mill site claim of about five acres located in western Nevada, is highly prospective for additional high-sulfidation gold mineralization. Borealis is led by a strong board and management team, many of whom have founded, managed, and sold highly successful mining and exploration companies. The Arrangement The Arrangement will result in the Company acquiring all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Borealis (each, a "Borealis Share") on the effective date of the Arrangement. Borealis and Subco will amalgamate, the resulting entity will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company carrying on the business of Borealis. Prior to the completion of the Arrangement, the Company shall consolidate its 22,590,750 common shares (each, a "Company Share") on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Company Share for every thirteen (13) pre-consolidation Company Shares (the "Consolidation"), resulting in approximately 1,737,750 Company Shares being outstanding post-Consolidation. In connection with the Arrangement, the Company will issue 52,088,500 Company Shares to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Borealis Shares (this does not include up to 8,000,000 Borealis Shares comprising part of the units issuable in connection with the proposed Current Financing (as defined below)). Additionally, there are 9,083,400 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Borealis Warrant") to acquire Borealis Shares (this does not include up to 4,000,000 Borealis Warrants comprising part of the units issuable in connection with the proposed Current Financing) and 991,176 compensation options (each, a "Borealis Compensation Option") to acquire Borealis Shares. In connection with the closing of the Arrangement, it is expected that, among other things: Borealis and Subco will be amalgamated under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and the resulting entity will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Each Borealis Share outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the Arrangement will be cancelled, and the former holders of the Borealis Shares will receive one (1) Company Share. The Borealis Warrants and Borealis Compensation Options will be cancelled, and the former holders of such securities will receive economically equivalent securities of the Company. Upon completion of the Arrangement, the non-diluted Company Shares shall be held as follows: 52,088,500 Company Shares (96.8%) held by former Borealis shareholders; and 1,737,750 Company Shares (3.2%) held by existing Company shareholders (assuming completion of the Consolidation), subject to change as a result of the Concurrent Financing and other issuances of securities of Borealis prior to closing of the Arrangement. It is anticipated that all Company Shares issued in exchange for the Borealis Shares on closing of the Arrangement will be freely tradable pursuant to applicable securities laws in Canada. In connection with the Arrangement, the Company will change its name to "Borealis Mining Company Limited", or such other similar name as the parties may agree (the "Name Change"). It is anticipated that an annual general and special meeting of shareholders of the Company will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on March 19, 2024 (the "Meeting") at the office of Irwin Lowy LLP at 217 Queen Street West, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario M5V 0R2 for the purpose of considering, and if deemed advisable, approving the Arrangement, among other things. Details of the Arrangement will be set forth in the Company's management information circular, a copy of which will be delivered to the shareholders of the Company in advance of the Meeting and a copy will be made available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the Arrangement, and a copy of the Arrangement Agreement, including the plan of arrangement will be filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulators and will be available for review on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Conditions to Closing The completion of the Arrangement is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions as are standard for a transaction of this nature, including but not limited to (i) receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, court or governmental approvals, authorizations and consents; (ii) the completion of the Consolidation; (iii) the approval of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast by shareholders of the Company at the Meeting; and (iv) Borealis having received appropriate approvals from its shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will be completed on the terms proposed above or at all. Concurrent Financing Borealis intends to complete a private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") of up to 8,000,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit for total proceeds of up to $4,000,000. Each unit shall consist of one Borealis Share and one-half of one Borealis Warrant. Each Borealis Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Borealis Share at a price of CDN$0.75 per Borealis Share until September 14, 2025. Additional Information Further updates regarding the Arrangement will follow in subsequent press releases of the Company. All information contained in this press release with respect to the Company and Borealis was supplied for inclusion herein by the respective parties and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. For further information, please contact: Carly Burk President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: (416) 361-2517 As noted above, completion of the Arrangement is subject to necessary regulatory approvals, court or governmental approvals, authorizations and consents and approval of the shareholders of the Company and Borealis (as applicable). Where applicable, the Arrangement cannot close until the required approvals have been obtained. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the continuous disclosure document regarding the Arrangement, required to be filed with the securities regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the affairs of the Company, any information released or received with respect to the Arrangement may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Forward-Looking Information Although the Company 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 the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to: the business plans of the Company and Borealis, Borealis' management's expectation on the growth and performance of its acquisitions, the completion of the Arrangement, the completion of the Consolidation, and the board of directors and management of the Company upon completion of the Arrangement. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company and/or Borealis, respectively. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company and Borealis to continue as a going concerns, risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to the Company's and Borealis' operations, respectively, the potential unviability of the business plans of the Company and Borealis, respectively, Borealis' expectation on the growth and performance of its acquisitions may prove incorrect, failure to complete the Arrangement, failure to complete the Consolidation, the inability of the Company and Borealis to appoint members of the board of directors and management of the Company upon completion of the Arrangement. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company and/or Borealis, respectively. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197087 SOURCE: 1329300 B.C. Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - EV Minerals Corporation (CSE: EVM) (FSE: RLC) (the "Company" or "EV Minerals") is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire 100% of the Baldwin and Lunge Projects (the "Sudbury Projects") from Graycliff Exploration Ltd (CSE: GRAY) (the "Vendor"). The Sudbury Projects, covering 2,192 hectares, are located in the prolific Sudbury mining camp, in an area with many past producers and current exploration projects, including the historic Shakespeare Nickel Mine (Ni-Cu-PGM) currently owned by Magna Mining (Figure 1). The technical team is extremely enthusiastic about the striking similarities and parallel geological structures present in the area. EV Minerals is mobilizing a technical team to the Sudbury Projects for an immediate sampling program as part of its due diligence for the LOI (Figure 1). EV Minerals President and CEO, Nicholas Konkin, said: "We continue to work through current and historical data as part of the 2023 exploration program at the EV Nickel Project in Quebec and are extremely confident in what we have unpacked so far. As we await assay results from the lab, we have focused our attentions on building a strong exploration portfolio in good nickel jurisdictions. We will soon be on the ground at the Sudbury Projects, which extends our critical minerals portfolio into the great mining jurisdiction of Ontario. Early assessment of both properties indicate that they have significant potential, including multiple strong underexplored geophysical anomalies, and we're excited to get into the field to evaluate the near-surface potential of the Sudbury Projects." Figure 1: Baldwin and Lunge Project Locations with Geophysics. Multiple underexplored critical mineral targets are present and indicate Baldwin and Lunge have similar/parallel strikes structurally and lithologically To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7111/197047_ba167b4864e00b21_001full.jpg About Baldwin & Lunge Projects The Baldwin Project, comprised of the Main Baldwin Block and the Northeast Baldwin Block, spans 1,605 hectares, with the adjacent 587-hectare Lunge Project, located 6 km to the northeast, showcasing gold and critical minerals potential. Historic airborne geophysics on both projects revealed multiple new target areas for gold, copper, nickel, and platinum group elements (PGE), with highly prospective anomalies present along major structures (Figures 1 & 2). Baldwin, underlain by rocks of the Huronian Supergroup, exposes a major splay off the Murray Fault. The Elliot Lake Group dominates, comprising mafic, intermediate, and felsic metavolcanic rocks overlying or intercalated with McKim and Matinenda sedimentary formations. The region displays east-to-northeast folding, notably southeast, featuring folded Nipissing sills along the Murray Fault. Limited surface sampling and drilling on Baldwin encountered sheared metagabbro and intermediate metavolcanics containing sulphide mineralization, indicating opportunities for copper, nickel, and PGE deposits. The Lunge Property, situated 6 km along the Elliot Lake Group strike, hosts folded Nipissing sills and dykes, also indicating potential for copper, nickel, and PGE deposits. Figure 2 illustrates the geology of the area, which outlines the similar NE strike of the Baldwin and Lunge Projects, as well as parallel folding and faulting in the surrounding areas to the north. Figure 2: Baldwin and Lunge Project Locations with Geology, Mineral Occurrences, Past Producers, and Major Neighbouring Mining Claims To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7111/197047_ba167b4864e00b21_002full.jpg About the Letter of Intent Per the terms of the LOI, EV Minerals will purchase a 100% interest in two packages of claims known as the Baldwin and Lunge Projects. The Company will issue the Vendor an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company upon signing the Purchase Share Agreement ('PSA") and has made a one-time cash payment in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) upon signing of the LOI. EV Minerals acknowledges that there is an existing 2% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on the Sudbury Projects. EV Minerals has the right to buy back 1% of the NSR royalty for $1 million. Mr. Nicholas Konkin, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, is also a Director of the Vendor. The transactions contemplated by the LOI are not considered to be a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions or within the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Qualified Person Bruce Durham, P.Geo, is a Qualified Person ("QP"), as that term is defined by Canadian regulatory guidelines under NI 43-101, and has read and approved the technical information contained in this press release. All sampling results and other technical information in this release are historic in nature and should not be relied upon as the QP is unable to verify the details given the work was completed by prior operators. About EV Minerals Corporation EV Minerals Corporation is a Canadian exploration company focused on mineral exploration and development. The current focus is the EV Nickel Project, host of the nickel-copper-cobalt McNickel deposit. The Project is comprised of 32 mineral claims covering approximately 1,792 hectares located in the Saguenay area, the Province of Quebec. This deposit contains a historical resource of 5.585 million tonnes with grades of 0.21% Ni, 0.11% Cu and 0.03% Co (NI 43-101 non-compliant resource), which is to be re-evaluated with the consideration of using either bioleaching or acid leaching and electrowinning for nickel, cobalt and copper recovery. For more information, please contact: Nicholas Konkin President and CEO, Director nick@evmineralscorp.ca 416-642-1807 Ext 305 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", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is 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. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197047 SOURCE: EV Minerals Corporation Which country to choose to obtain citizenship? This is a question that worries many investors. In this article, we will look at programs from Hungary and Greece that offer to become residents and obtain citizenship of these countries some time after receiving a golden visa. Lets get acquainted with the offers, key advantages, and differences between these programs. Hungary Golden Visa Available in 2024 In 2024, the launch of a new program called the Residence Permit for Guest Investors was announced, which was previously known as the Hungary Golden Visa program. The initiative was introduced in order to attract investors from different countries and continents, and they are rewarded with the opportunity to reside in Hungary. This is a prospect for those who wish to obtain housing in the country. This program provides you, as an investor, and your family with significant advantages, simplifying the process of obtaining the right to live and work in the heart of Europe. Investment Options Prospective residents can choose any of several options that contribute to the acquisition of Hungarian citizenship. The first is an investment of EUR 250,000 in real estate funds. You can also purchase property worth 500,000 euros. And another option is to make a donation of 1 million euros to a public trust. Regardless of the chosen path, the applicant and his/her family will receive a 10-year residence permit in Hungary. Key Benefits The benefits of participating in the Hungary Golden Visa include a number of important aspects: You get the opportunity to reside in Hungary for a long period of time. You can use your status to develop your business in Hungary and across the European continent. Becoming a resident of the country opens up options for traveling within the Schengen area. The Hungary Golden Visa program is simple and transparent, which eliminates bureaucratic processes, and the solution of all current issues is significantly accelerated. After a certain period of staying in the Hungary area, you can expect to receive a passport by naturalization. The undeniable advantages of the program are attracting more and more new investors. Greece Golden Visa Still Works Greece launched the Greece golden visa program back in 2013, which is aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into its economy. According to experts from Immigrant Invest, the Greece golden visa program gives foreigners the opportunity to obtain the right to reside in the country. They, in turn, contribute to the development of various economic sectors. Greece Residence by investment is possible for both individuals and their partners and direct relatives. Investment Options Program participants can choose from the following available investment options: Invest 250,000 or 500,000 or more in real estate in selected Greek municipalities. Invest a minimum of 400,000 in an alternative investment fund. You can invest a minimum of 400,000 in Greek securities with a maturity of at least 3 years. In the purchase of shares or bonds from 400,000 euros. In a mutual fund registered in Greece or another country from 400,000 euros. To invest in corporate government bonds from 800,000 euros. Conclude a lease agreement with tourism and restaurant establishments for the amount of EUR 250,000 or more. Each of these options has its advantages, which may depend solely on your goals. Key Benefits The golden visa provides a prospect of entry into the European Union, opening up prospects for business, education and cultural exchange. According to Zlata Erlach, a specialist at Immigrant Invest, the program also facilitates the approval of residence permits not only for investors but also for their dependents. Investing in real estate can provide you with passive income through renting and selling later, which makes this program interesting for financial growth. Residents have the opportunity to take advantage of the high standards of the European healthcare and education system. It is also worth noting that the Greek program allows the investor and his/her associates to reside legally in Greece, while regularly renewing their residence permit every 5 years. After 7 years of permanent residence in the country, you can apply for a Greek passport. Final Comparison There are several key aspects to consider in the comparison programs of Hungary and Greece. For example, Hungary offers flexible conditions for investing in real estate, hospitality or charity. The program is characterized by simplicity and transparency, and it is possible to get accommodation without meeting the minimum conditions of stay. A person who invests in the economy and their close relatives can benefit from long-term life in Hungary and open a business in Europe. Greece offers many opportunities for investment. In particular, real estate, funds and financial instruments. The program is aimed at the growth of economic sectors and regularly updates the residence permit every 5 years. Both countries allow you to access the European Union and use healthcare and education in all European countries. That is, you and your children will be able to receive treatment and study in the EU. Thus, you have all chances to get significant benefits, including long-term residence, business development and travel within the Schengen area. Both programs attract new investors, but the choice between them will depend on your specific financial and personal preferences. Octup, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based provider of an operational AI-driven ecommerce insights platform, raised $4M in Pre-Seed funding. The round was led by Tal Ventures with participation from Bullet Ventures, HCS Investors Group and World Trade Ventures, and the founders of unicorn companies Trax and Rapyd. The company intends to use the funds to broaden the rollout of its 360-degree end-to-end discovery platform for ecommerce. Led by Alon Partuk, CEO and Founder, Octup is a provider of business operational AI solutions, assisting ecommerce businesses in optimizing online sales, reducing inefficiencies, and supporting growth. With its 360-degree prescriptive discovery platform, the company gathers, interprets, and correlates data from every facet of businesses operations. It serves a global customer base spanning various sectors, including apparel, supplements, consumer electronics, skincare, cosmetics, and jewelry. Commenti on the news, Alon Partuk, said: We believe its crucial to understand how key business metrics like lifetime value (LTV) and client retention relate to the quality of our service. Our dedicated team tackled technical and data complexity challenges head-on, developing an advanced engine to access previously elusive information. This innovation now provides complete operational visibility, revealing hidden costs and delivering significant value to our clients. Companies leveraging Octups solution have seen their overall profits increase by up to 40%. FinSMEs 06/02/2024 Synaptec, a Glasgow, Scotland, UK-based developer of a distributed electrical sensing (DES) fibre-optic instrumentation platform, raised 6.5M in funding. The saw participation from Megger Group, Proserv, and Equity Gap. The company intends to use the funds to support its expansion, including development of new manufacturing facilities in Scotland. Led by CEO Dr Philip Orr, Synaptec developed and manufactured a passive solution for distributed electrical and mechanical sensing, which unifies visibility and control of power systems with speed, accuracy, range, and security. Its technology is also being used for real-time control and asset management, automating condition monitoring functions for critical MV and HV assets which are remote or inaccessible. Through its combination of expertise in photonics, electrical engineering, systems instrumentation, and analytics, its patented technologies can meet the diverse needs of customers operating systems, offshore wind farms, and private industrial systems such as railways. FinSMEs 06/02/2024 Sharing his childhood picture, the actress penned a heartfelt note for her husband and wrote- Wishing you a Happy Birthday with much happiness, love, calm, peace and good health. Abhishek Bachchan turned 48 on February 5 and on the occasion, Aishwarya Rai shared a heartfelt note for her husband and also a childhood picture of the actor. The actress wrote- Wishing you a Happy Birthday with much happiness, love, calm, peace and good health. Advertisement For quite sometime, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchans divorce rumours were doing the rounds and amid all of this speculation, the Refugee actor shared a cryptic post. The actor shared a story on Instagram that had a quote which said- The fear of failing will destroy your dreams. Learning from failure will build your dreams. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have been married to for 16 years, and even have a daughter named Aaradhya. They are one of the most loved and adored couple in the industry but over the last few months, there have been multiple instances when people have observed troubles in their marriage. Advertisement Here are the instances that only fueled the rumours: When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan cropped Shweta Bachchan The occasion was Amitabh Bachchans 80th birthday bash. Shweta Bachchan took to her official Instagram handle and posted a photo where Amitabh Bachchan can be seen accompanied by his better half, Jaya Bachchan, and grandchildren, Aaradhya Bachchan, Navya Naveli Nandaand Agastya Nanda. Advertisement Shwetas post came just after Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dropped the same photograph on her social media account. However, she had cropped out Jaya Bachchan, Navya Naveli, and Agastya Nanda from the frame, focusing on only Big B and daughter Aaradhya. Posting the picture on the photo-sharing app, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan penned in the comment section, AlwaysGod Blesssss. Advertisement Abhishek Bachchan sans his wedding ring At a recent event, when the Refugee actor was spotted sans his wedding ring, a user on Reddit wrote how he has been attending public events and being clicked without his ring for quite some time. Amitabh Bachchan unfollows Aishwarya Rai The Brahmastra actor, who follows a very small number of people, now doesnt follow Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, thus fanning rumours. While a section of users asserted that they never followed each other, a few others speculated that it could be Big Bs privacy settings on his account that restricted people from seeing whom he follows. According to reports, Prince Harry flies back to visit King Charles without Meghan and their kids following shocking cancer diagnosis but question marks remain over where he and his private security team will stay with Frogmore Cottage off limits. As Harry flies back to visit his father, it is still unclear where the Duke will stay when he comes to visit his father Prince Harry, after he was told to vacate Frogmore Cottage , his former home, in January 2023, just days after his tell-all memoir Spare was published. According to a story published in Daily Mail, a source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK as soon as possible to be by his fathers side. Experts have claimed that Harrys dash to Britain indicates the seriousness of the Kings condition. Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days. Advertisement Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles IIIs cancer diagnosis will bring a reconciliation with Prince Harry. William too is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet. Last time when Harry made a visit to UK, he was put up at the hotel. During the time of King Charles Coronation, according to Nick Bullen, editor-in-chief of True Royalty TV, mentioned that there was little urgency for Prince Harry to make a swift return to London. Adding to this, Meghan Markle has displayed a lack of enthusiasm for revisiting the city. Bullen speculates that this could mark the initiation of a gradual disengagement between the Sussexes and the royal family. During his brief visit, Harry kept a low profile and stayed out of the spotlight. Unlike other members of the royal family who were seen attending events and dinners leading up to the coronation, there were no public sightings of Harry . It appears he chose to maintain a low-key presence throughout the entire visit. Harry was made to sit ten rows behind his brother, William. Let us wait and watch what happens now. Advertisement (With added inputs from agencies) Of the thousands of candidates in the 8 February Pakistan polls, only 839 are women, an abysmal 4.7 per cent. Meet Dr Saveera Prakash, Samar Haroon Bilour and Zeba Waqar, who are contesting the elections, and hoping to bring about change The Pakistan elections are just two days away they are scheduled for 8 February and candidates, irrespective of gender, religion and party, are campaigning hard to make their mark in the polls. Among the thousands of candidates vying for a seat this election, a few hundred stand out as they are women, who have chosen to defy the conventional roles set for them. In fact, womens participation in the country is poor data reveals that of the 17,000 candidates contesting the 8 February polls, only 839 are women, which is an abysmal 4.7 per cent. Advertisement We take a closer look at three women candidates and what they want from these polls. The first Hindu woman contesting polls This 8 February election is historic. Thats because Dr Saveera Prakash , affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is contesting from Buners PK-25 constituency. By doing so, she becomes the countrys first Hindu woman running for election in the country. Prakash (25), who recently graduated as a doctor, said she chose the religion for herself a decision respected by her Sikh father and Christian mother in the Muslim-majority country. No religion in the world teaches a person to do bad deeds; every religion guides a person to do good deeds, she was quoted as telling AFP. Advertisement When asked what she hopes to change with her political foray, the doctor hopes to combat gender and religious biases. I have always felt that girls experienced gaps in public life in Pakistan. Only 29 per cent of women in Buner are educated, whereas the countrys [average> literacy rate for women is 46 per cent. Women feel constrained in Pashtun culture due to social norms, so I decided to contest [to dispel this impression>, she told The Dawn when asked why she decided to run for office. Advertisement What is even more noteworthy is that Dr Prakash chose to contest from a general seat and not a reserved seat. When asked about the same, she said she was doing it in a bid to increase the visibility of her community. A widow stands up Today, Samar Haroon Bilour is quite a known name in Pakistan politics. But her foray into the electoral world came under tragic circumstances. She stepped into her husbands campaign when he was shot dead by militants shortly before the last election. Advertisement The attack on her husband, Haroon, was claimed by the Pakistan Taliban, she said, the most active group in the region that once controlled some border areas. I stepped into his shoes after his murder it was one of the hardest things I had ever done, I was mentally not prepared, she tells AFP. Advertisement She then went on became the first woman provincial MP in the provincial capital Peshawar, a city of nearly five million people nestled along the old Silk Road near the Afghan border and home to the Pashtun people many of whom follow customs that restrict womens movements in public. In fact, she recounts how when she stepped forward to continue her husbands campaign for the Awami Workers Party, she faced backlash from her rivals. However, she persevered despite the taunts and came out on top. Advertisement And today, she believes that attitudes are changing. People want someone who gives time to the constituency regardless of what their gender is. Hoping to influence voters Lahores NA-122 constituency, which is seeing an interesting fight between Khawaja Saad Rafique of PML-N and Latif Khosa of PTI, has a third candidate that has caught the attention of many. Shes YouTuber Zeba Waqar, who is a gynaecologist by profession. Advertisement A member of Jamaat-e-Islami, a right-wing party centred around religion, Waqar has built a fan base of over 17,500 followers on YouTube by uploading daily lectures about the Holy Quran and Hadith, and answering queries about Islamic teachings. Speaking to The Dawn, she says, I felt it was necessary for me to have a space on social media so that I could reach a wider audience. Electronic media does not give us much coverage, so my husband and I decided to create the channel. Advertisement A grandmother, she also runs a live-in institute where young women, including graduates from top universities, can learn the Quran. And what does she hope to change, if she is voted to power? She wants to address the economic disadvantages facing women, improve their professional training and introduce stronger laws to reduce harassment. Advertisement Women candidates this poll season According to reports, former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has allocated 53 seats to women, the most number of tickets among the major political parties. Of the 53, 28 are contesting the elections for the National Assembly constituencies, while 25 are for provincial seats. The main rival parties, however, have fallen short of even giving five per cent tickets to women. For instance, the Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has given tickets to 35 women, 11 on National Assembly seats and 24 on provincial seats, which is just 4.5 per cent of its total 779 candidates. Advertisement Meanwhile, former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, has issued tickets to only 28 women, 12 for National Assembly and 15 for provincial seats, which is just 4.2 per cent of the 668 candidates fielded by the party. With inputs from agencies A Beijing court on Monday handed Australian writer Yang Hengjun a suspended death sentence, threatening a recent rebound in bilateral ties that followed several years of strained relations between Beijing and Canberra China announced a suspended death sentence for Australian writer Yang Hengjun on espionage charges, threatening a recent rebound in bilateral ties that followed several years of strained relations between Beijing and Canberra. According to Reuters, a suspended death sentence in China provides the accused with a two-year reprieve from execution before being automatically converted to life imprisonment or, in rare cases, fixed-term imprisonment. Advertisement The individual who is serving a suspended death sentence remains in prison the entire time. Yang, a pro-democracy blogger, was arrested at the Guangzhou airport in 2019. He served in Chinas Ministry of State Security from 1989 to 1999 and was accused of spying for a country that China has not publicly identified. The specifics of the case against him have not been revealed. Yang, who built a large following in exile for his spy novels and calls for greater freedom in his home country, has denied the allegations. According to AFP, he told his supporters that he had been tortured at a secret detention facility and was concerned that forced confessions would be used against him. Advertisement The announcement raised already strained relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in November was the first Australian leader to visit China in seven years, hoping to improve relations between the major trading partners even as issues from human rights to tensions in the South China Sea continued to cast a pal over ties. Advertisement Following is a timeline of relations between Australia and China over recent years. 17 November, 2014 - Australia sealed a landmark free trade agreement with top trade partner China, concluding a decade of negotiations. It comes into effect in late 2015. 5 December, 2017 - Australia, concerned about Chinese influence, announces ban on foreign political donations to prevent external interference in its politics. Advertisement 23 August, 2018 - Australia bans Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from supplying equipment for its planned 5G broadband network, citing national security regulations. April 2020 - Australia seeks support for an international inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinas then ambassador to Australia says that in response to the call, the Chinese public would boycott Australian wine, beef and tourism. Advertisement 9 June, 2020 - China urges students going overseas to think carefully before choosing Australia, citing racist incidents, threatening a $27.5 billion (Rs 2.83 trillion) market for educating foreign students. August 2020 - Australian citizen Cheng Lei, a business anchor for Chinese state television in Beijing, is detained. 27 November, 2020 - China will impose temporary anti-dumping tariffs on Australian wine, China announces. Shipments of Australian live lobsters, timber and barley are also blocked or restricted around this time. Chinas embassy lists 14 grievances with Australia, including the blocking of 10 Chinese investments on national security grounds. Advertisement 22 May, 2022 - Australias Labor Party, led by Albanese, ends almost a decade of conservative rule with a general election victory. 15 November, 2022 - Albanese meets President Xi Jinping on sidelines of G20 in Indonesia, first leaders meeting since 2016. 3 January, 2023 - China allows three government-backed utilities and its top steelmaker to resume coal imports from Australia. Advertisement 5 August, 2023 - China ends 80.5 per cent tariffs on Australian barley. 11 October, 2023 - China releases Australian journalist Cheng Lei after three years in a Beijing prison on national security charges. 22 October, 2023 - China agrees to review dumping tariffs of 218 per cent on Australian wine, potentially clearing way for the resumption of imports. Australia pauses WTO complaint. Advertisement 6-7 November, 2023 - Australian PM Albanese tells Chinese president Xi Jinping and Premier Li in Beijing that a strong relationship between the two countries was beneficial into the future. Xi says stable bilateral ties served each others interests and both countries should expand their cooperation. 17 December, 2023 - Australias government says it was confident punitive tariffs on Australian wine introduced by China in 2021 would be lifted early 2024. Advertisement 18 January, 2024 - Australia rejects comments by Chinas ambassador seeking to deflect blame from Chinas navy for the injury of Australian military divers in an incident near Japan in November. 5 February, 2024 - A Beijing court hands Australian writer Yang Hengjun a suspended death sentence, five years after he was first detained in China and three years after a closed-door trial on espionage charges. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters YORK The maintenance manager and licensed water operator of the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, Tom Fritz, left his position. Fritz's last day was on Friday, Feb. 2, about eight months after he started the position and a month and a half after he received his water operator's license. Fritz took on the position of maintenance manager in May 2023 after the facility's then-maintenance manager and licensed water operator left for other work. A report in early January by the York News-Times and the Lincoln Journal-Star revealed that women had been raising concerns about the prison's water and its potential health effects for nearly a decade. Fritz told the News-Times on Wednesday that his decision to leave had "nothing to do with conditions" at the prison, adding that he was 70 years old. "I'm tired and old and just want to leave," Fritz said. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services did not respond to multiple requests for comment. It is not clear if the prison has a replacement for Fritz or who will oversee the facility's water operations. Between May 2023, when Fritz took over as maintenance manager, and December 2023, when Fritz received his water operator's license, the women's prison did not have a licensed water operator, Department of Correctional Services Spokesperson Dayne Urbanovsky told the Journal-Star. During that time the prison relied on the York's licensed water operator to oversee operations, Urbanovsky said. In October 2023, after the prison's primary water well underwent emergency repairs due to critical issues, the women incarcerated at the prison showered and washed their hands in undrinkable water for nearly two weeks, in part due to a delay caused by staff miscommunication. For those approximately two weeks, drinking water was available at only six locations in the 275-bed facility. Then in January the women's prison shut off its water for between five and eight hours to fix a hydrant. Though water for showering and washing hands was restored after many hours, the water was not deemed drinkable until a few days later. In the meantime, the prison provided water bottles "for the first time in years," one incarcerated woman said. As the January report from York News-Times and the Lincoln Journal-Star revealed, when Fritz started as maintenance manager in May, he was inheriting a troubled water system. Only a month before Fritz started as maintenance manager, a state water system inspector noted discoloration in the prison's water, attributing it to a reaction between the water's iron pipes and chemicals being used to treat the water. About a year before Fritz started as maintenance manager, the prison had begun chemically treating its water to address historically high levels of copper. The decision to chemically treat the water to address copper levels had been made back in 2018 by state officials, who chose chemical treatment over a handful of alternatives, including a full replacement of the prison's pipes, which they said would be too expensive and pose security challenges. Nebraska's 10 state prisons from least to most crowded Nawaz Sharif, the Lion of Punjab, as he is known to his fanatical supporters, is hotly favoured to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party to victory and once again take charge of the nuclear-armed nation of 240 million people Pakistan will go to the polls on 8 February, but the outcome appears to be predetermined. After Thursdays elections, the man who is most likely to take over as prime minister is a well-known figure in Pakistani politics, having served the country for nearly four decades. After being brought back from exile in the UK, Nawaz Sharif, the three-time former prime minister, is probably about to seek a fourth term in office. Advertisement Heres how Pakistans comeback king is preparing to seek a fourth term as Prime Minister, and whats at stake. Lion of Punjab Three-time Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who has never managed to see out a full term, heads into Thursdays election on the brink of his biggest comeback to date. The Lion of Punjab, as he is known to his fanatical supporters, is hotly favoured to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party to victory and once again take charge of the nuclear-armed nation of 240 million people. It is a far cry from Pakistans last elections, in 2018, when less than three weeks before polling he was sentenced to 10 years in jail on graft charges and disqualified from holding public office. Granted special bail to seek medical treatment in Britain, Sharif chose not to return, pulling the strings from abroad as his brother took charge after Imran Khan was kicked out of office in 2022. Advertisement Often draped in a red Gucci scarf, Sharifs political fortunes have risen and fallen on his relationship with Pakistans powerful military establishment the countrys true kingmakers. The 74-year-old is one of the nations wealthiest men, with a fortune earned in the steel business, but is admired by supporters for his approachable man of the soil demeanour. Advertisement Nawaz first took power in 1990 with the blessing of the establishment, but was forced out three years later by corruption allegations a theme that has dogged his career. Between terms in power, he has spent years in jail or in exile forced and voluntary in Saudi Arabia and London, where the Sharif family have extensive luxury properties, only to return to Pakistan each time with renewed zeal. Advertisement Stung by the nationalisation of the family steel business which he later regained control of Sharif is a fiscal conservative and champion of economic liberalisation and free markets. He oversaw the privatisation of several key state enterprises including banks and energy producers in a process critics say was riven by corruption. Advertisement He was also one of the key drivers of the $60 billion (Rs 4.98 trillion) China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that has underpinned relations between Islamabad and Beijing in the last decade. Military coup He was premier when Pakistan announced in 1998 that it had become a nuclear-armed power, weeks after India did the same. Advertisement During his various stints as prime minister he was accused of stacking courts with loyalist judges, tinkering with the constitution, and rigging provincial elections to shore up his partys power bases. His second term lasted two years and ended in 1999 with him deposed in a military coup after plotting to sideline army chief of staff Pervez Musharraf. Advertisement Sharif narrowly avoided the death sentence in a hastily convened trial before being sent into exile. More than a decade later he was back in power in 2013, in part because of his brothers diligent performance as chief minister of Punjab, Pakistans most populous province and its most powerful constituency. But fresh graft allegations emerged when his children were named in the 2016 Panama Papers leak for holding offshore companies. Advertisement He was later convicted over separate corruption allegations and disqualified from office for life the third time that he failed to complete a full term. Less than a year into a seven-year prison sentence he was granted permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical care and then declined to return. Advertisement But with Khan falling spectacularly out of favour with the military, Sharifs fortunes began to change last year. His return has been smoothed by legal changes reducing the period lawmakers can be barred from elections. One by one his convictions have been overturned or quashed in recent weeks, leaving the Lion of Punjab with the chance to roar again. Advertisement With inputs from AFP Karolina Shiino, the Ukraine-born winner of last months Miss Japan, has renounced her crown after a local magazine exposed her affair with a married man. She had earlier caused controversy by becoming the first naturalised Japanese citizen to win the title A Ukraine-born model with Japanese citizenship who won the 2024 Miss Japan beauty pageant has given up her title. Karolina Shiino, 26, from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, became the first naturalised Japanese citizen to win the title in Tokyo on 22 January. While some welcomed her crowning, others questioned what constitutes traditional Japanese beauty ideals. Advertisement The controversy escalated when a local magazine published an expose alleging an affair with a married man. Heres all we know about the controversy. The explosive article According to a report by Shukan Bunshun, Shiino had engaged in a relationship with a married influencer and doctor, who was not named in any media outlets. The organisers of the pageant initially defended her by saying that the 26-year-old was unaware of the mans marital status. Miss Japan Association believes there was no fault on the part of Karolina Shiino, it said on its website. However, later, they confirmed that she had continued the relationship even after knowing about it. Advertisement In a statement issued on Monday, the Miss Japan Association said it had accepted her request to relinquish her title and seriously reflects on our responsibility in bringing about the series of disturbances." It also offered its deep apologies to sponsors, judges, and other stakeholders, while adding that the title of Miss Japan will remain vacant for the rest of the year after Shiinos decision. Advertisement On her Instagram on Monday, Shiino apologised to her followers and said, I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me. She added that she had been unable to speak the truth due to confusion and fear." Advertisement Shiinos agency, Free Wave, has also accepted her proposal to terminate her contract with them, according to The Independent. The debate over race Ukraine-born Shiino moved to Japan at the age of five when her mother married a Japanese man. She was raised in Nagoya. Although she is the first naturalised Japanese citizen to win the contest, her win has reignited the debate of what it means to be Japanese. Advertisement A user on X commented, This person who was chosen as Miss Japan is not even a mix with Japanese but 100% pure Ukrainian. Understand she is beautiful, but this is Miss Japan. Where is the Japaneseness?, while another one stated her victory was sending the wrong message to others in the country. I think that Japanese people naturally (would) get the wrong message when a European looking person is called the most beautiful Japanese. Advertisement "This person who was chosen as Miss Japan is not even a mix with Japanese but 100% pure Ukrainian. Understand she is beautiful, but this is 'Miss Japan'. Where is the Japaneseness?" https://t.co/TSUPGEjvqk Linda (@Atlantiso1) January 24, 2024 Advertisement Another one quipped, If she was half [Japanese>, sure no problem. But shes ethnically 0% Japanese and wasnt even born in Japan, and another one asked whether choosing the Ukrainian-born model was a political decision. If she were born Russian, she wouldnt have won. Not a chance. Obviously the criteria is now a political decision. What a sad day for Japan, a user alleged. Advertisement Responding to the backlash, Ai Wada, the organiser of the Miss Japan Grand Prix pageant told the British news channel that judges had chosen Shiino as the winner with full confidence. She speaks and writes in beautiful and polite Japanese, Wada said, adding, She is more Japanese than we are. While accepting her trophy, Shiino said winning the title was a dream. Being recognised as a Japanese in this competition fills me with gratitude, she said. Advertisement Winning Miss Japan title Shiino was the first person of European descent to take home the grand prize in the competition to choose the representation of the foremost beauty of all Japanese women. The 26-year-old stated on Instagram last year that although she may not look Japanese, her upbringing in Japan had led her to become Japanese mentally. Advertisement In her speech at the Miss Japan Gran Prix pageant, she declared herself to be Japanese in speech and mind, and shared her goal of establishing a culture in which people are not judged by their appearance. Ive had to face barriers that often prevent me from being accepted as Japanese, so I am filled with gratitude to be recognised at this competition as a Japanese person, she said. Advertisement While speaking to the Japan Times after winning the crown, she spoke about her struggles with her identity while growing up. All my life Ive been told Im not Japanese enough, both directly and indirectly, but I know I am Japanese. I cant help it. Nobody has the right to tell me Im not, she said, adding, I dont think its one thing that makes you Japanese. What I do know is that its a matter of the heart, she added. If a person thinks she is Japanese, then she is. The first bi-racial women to win the title Shiinos win comes nearly 10 years after Ariana Miyamoto became the first bi-racial woman to win the title of Miss Japan in 2015, according to another report by BBC. Miyamotos success at the time sparked debate regarding whether a person of mixed race should be allowed to win the competition because of her African American father and Japanese mother. With inputs from agencies Two individuals have succumbed to the deadly Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, in Karnataka this year. The viral illness is primarily transmitted through tick bites. Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick Two individuals have succumbed to the deadly Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, in Karnataka this year, according to a report by PTI citing state health officials. The reported cases forced the health officials to hold meetings and review the preparedness to tackle the spread of the viral infection. Advertisement Heres all we know about the disease. Monkey fever alert in Karnataka According to the health department, the first fatality due to monkey fever was reported in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district on 8 January wherein an 18-year-old succumbed to the virus. The second fatality was reported at Manipal in Udupi district when a 79-year-old man from Sringeri taluk in Chikkamagaluru died in a private hospital. So far, a total of 49 cases have been reported in the state, with a maximum of 34 cases being concentrated in Uttara Kannada district, followed by 12 in Shivamogga and the remaining three in Chikkamagaluru districts, the news agency reported on Sunday. Amid an increase in the number of KFD cases and two deaths, state Health and Family Welfare Commissioner D Randeep on Saturday visited Shivamogga and held meetings with health officials in the three districts. Advertisement The state health commissioner said that since 1 January, the department has collected 2,288 samples from affected districts and at least 48 of them tested positive. As of Friday, we have 31 cases of monkey fever in the district. 12 people are admitted to hospitals. All of them are stable and so far, we have not witnessed any serious cases. All precautions are being taken. Our medical officers and field staff have done multiple meetings at the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat levels. All our taluk and district hospitals are equipped with staff and facilities to deal with such cases, he told PTI. Advertisement About the disease Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a viral illness caused by the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV), which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. It is primarily transmitted through tick bites. Rodents, shrews, and monkeys are common hosts for KFDV after being bitten by an infected tick. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease was first identified in 1957 when it was isolated from a sick monkey from the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka (formerly Mysore). Advertisement Since then, over 400 to 500 cases per year have been reported in various parts of South Asia. Its transmission Transmission to humans occurs after a tick bite, particularly the Haemaphysalis spinigera species, or contact with an infected animals, primarily sick or recently dead monkey, CDC said. Humans are susceptible to infection during outdoor activities in forested areas where infected ticks are prevalent. Advertisement Symptoms Symptoms of monkey fever include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, according to News18 which cited the Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute. As quoted by PTI, Dr Neeraj B, who is the Uttara Kannada District Health Officer, said, Once you contract monkey fever, you develop symptoms in the next three to five days which could be high fever, severe body ache, headache, redness of eyes, cold and cough. Advertisement In severe cases, the disease can progress to complications like encephalitis, hepatitis and multi-organ failure, posing grave risks to affected individuals. Prevention and treatment Preventing KFD hinges on implementing effective measures to avoid tick bites and minimize exposure to infected animals. Strategies include using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tick habitats, and performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities. Advertisement Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for monkey fever. Supportive therapy includes the maintenance of hydration and the usual precautions for patients with bleeding disorders. Management primarily involves symptom alleviation, supportive care and close monitoring for complications. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for intensive therapy and observation. With inputs from PTI Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami presented the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the state Assembly today. The code which proposes uniform civil laws for all communities was prepared by a five-member panel headed by former Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill today (6 February) during the special four-day session of the Assembly. This comes after the state Cabinet cleared the final draft of the UCC which proposes uniform civil laws for all communities in Uttarakhand on Sunday. If the Bill is passed in the Assembly, gets the assent of the governor, and becomes law, Uttarakhand will become the first state after Independence to adopt the UCC. Advertisement How was the Uttarakhand UCC draft prepared? What does the Bill entail? Lets take a closer look. How UCC in Uttarakhand came to be The UCC is a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for people of all religions. The Uniform Civil Code was a major poll promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Uttarakhand Assembly elections in 2022. After the saffron party came to power in the state, the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government announced on 27 May 2022 that a five-member panel headed by former Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai would submit a report with a draft of the Bill. The UCC Bill comes from Article 44 of the Indian Constitution which states: The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. Advertisement As per an Indian Express report, this committee was tasked with studying regulating personal civil matters such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, property rights, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, succession, custody and guardianship for residents of Uttarakhand. The panel was supposed to submit a report on the UCC in November 2022. However, this deadline was extended several times, despite CM Dhami declaring last June that the committee had finished its work. Advertisement On 2 February, the drafting panel presented its final draft report to CM Dhami. While the panel was supposed to submit its report late last year, it was decided at the end moment to translate the draft, originally written in English, into Hindi to preserve the essence of Dev Bhoomi, according to Indian Express. Advertisement UCC pic.twitter.com/XaEdf5ynqB Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 2, 2024 Advertisement This 749-page report contains recommendations received from the public. Advertisement Public meetings and more The committee reportedly got more than 2.5 lakh suggestions from the public through letters, registered posts, emails, and written proposals on its online portal. The panel members also conducted 38 public meetings across Uttarakhand and held direct public interactions with the state residents. Most of the written suggestions are one-sided, but the two-way communication in public interactions generated more meaningful suggestions, a source told Indian Express. Advertisement Before formulating the report, the expert panel examined laws in other countries on civil matters, along with studying multiple personal and religious laws, and religious customs in India. It also took into account cases handled by various commissions associated with civil laws, the English daily reported. The panel met all statutory commissions. The members of the expert committee met over 50 times in New Delhi to deliberate on the issues and prepare the draft, as per Indian Express report. Advertisement The committee met Hindu religious leaders in Haridwar and all the Hindu akhadas. It also carried out meetings in Muslim-dominated areas such as Kaliyar Sharif, Ramnagar, Haldwani, Kashipur, Mangalore and Vikas Nagar, the report added. Moreover, 10 political parties active in the state were also invited to seek their recommendations. Of these, seven participated with the Congress, the AAP and the CPI staying away. Advertisement Architects of the Uttarakhand UCC draft Besides Justice (retired) Desai, the other members of the panel included Justice (retired) Permod Kohli, Manu Gaur, Shatrughan Singh and Dr Surekha Dangwal. The panel was divided into two sub-committees. One sub-panel consisted of Justice (retired) Kohli, Gaur, and Singh who drafted the UCC code. The second one, comprising Gaur, Singh, and Dr Dangwal, was responsible for consulting stakeholders. Advertisement What the Uttarakhand UCC may entail The UCC draft Bill is 182 pages long with over 400 sections. Under the Bill, the marriageable age for girls is kept 18 years and the boys 21 years. The UCC Bill also mandates the registration of live-in relationships. If someone fails to submit the declaration of a live-in relationship, or provides false information, they could land in jail for three months, pay a fine of Rs 25,000, or both, as per News18. Advertisement The adoption process has been reportedly simplified, with Muslim women also being allowed to adopt. Women would have equal inheritance rights on their parents property. The practices of polygamy , halala and iddat are also expected to be banned under the UCC. The proposed Bill also removes distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children, and ensures equal treatment for adopted and biological children, reported NDTV. Notably, about 3 per cent tribal population of Uttarakhand is excluded from the law. With inputs from agencies The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill mandates the registration of live-in relationships for residents and lays down punishment jail term, fine, or both for failure to do so. The code also states the marriageable age for women and men The Uttarakhand government introduced the Uniform Civil Code Bill on Tuesday (6 February) in the Legislative Assembly. Tabled by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the legislation seeks to govern and regulate the laws related to marriage and divorce, successions, live-in relationships, and matters related thereto. From regulating live-in relationships to defining the minimum marriageable age, the code formulates a common set of laws relating to personal matters for all communities in Uttarakhand. Advertisement This UCC Bill could set a precedent for other BJP-ruled states, including Gujarat and Assam, to bring a similar law. What does the Uttarakhand UCC say about live-in relationships? What are other key takeaways from the Bill? Lets take a closer look. UCC Bill on live-in relationships The Bill makes it obligatory for partners to a live-in relationship within a State, whether they are resident of Uttarakhand or not, to submit a statement of live-in relationship under sub-section (1) of section 381 to the Registrar within whose jurisdiction they are so living. Moreover, any resident(s) of Uttarakhand staying in a live-in relationship outside the territory of the state may submit a statement of live-in relationship under sub-section (1) of section 381 to the Registrar within whose jurisdiction such resident(s) ordinarily resides. People below the age of 21 who wish to live together will need parental consent. Advertisement Partners living together must submit a statement of live-in relationship to the Registrar concerned. The registrar will then carry out a summary inquiry to ensure that the relationship does not come under any of the categories defined under Section 380, such as where at least one of the persons is a minor, where at least one of the persons is married or is already in a live-in relationship, if such relationships are against public policy and morality, and if the consent of one partner was obtained by coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation (with regard to identity). Advertisement As per the Uttarakhand UCC Bill, the Registrar shall inform the local police station and the parents/guardian if any of the parties of the live-in relationship is aged less than 21 years. https://t.co/vUe8uxFGt1 Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) February 6, 2024 Advertisement Children born out of live-in relationships shall be a legitimate child of the couple. The Bill also states that the registration of live-in relationships must be done within one month of the couple living together. Failure to comply could lead to a jail term of up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or both. Advertisement If anyone is found to have submitted a fraudulent statement, they can be punished with imprisonment of up to three months, or a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both. If the partners do not submit the statement despite receiving a notice, they can be jailed for up to six months, or asked to pay a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both. Advertisement In case the district registrar rejects the registration, they must give their reasons in writing. A woman deserted by her live-in partner can claim maintenance. However, the UCC draft did not define what constitutes desertion. If both the partners, or either of them, terminate the live-in relationship, they have to notify the registrar through the submission of a statement of termination of relationship. Advertisement ALSO READ: Uniform Civil Code Bill tabled in Uttarakhand Assembly: How was the draft prepared? Marriages, polygamy and more The minimum age of marriage for women continues to be 18 and, for men, it is 21. Section 4 of the UCC lays down five conditions for marriage. The Bill bans bigamy or polygamy as it states that neither party has a spouse living at the time of the marriage. Advertisement The legislation allows custom exception from the Hindu Marriage Act for married parties within the degrees of prohibited relationships, noted Indian Express. The Bill also proposes equal inheritance rights for men and women. Tribal communities have been exempted from the UCC draft. The Bill states: Nothing contained in this code shall apply to the members of any Scheduled Tribes within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 142 of the Constitution of India and the persons and group of persons whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution of India. Advertisement With inputs from agencies King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will step away from public duties while he is treated, said Buckingham Palace on Monday. It is now expected that Prince William will shoulder additional responsibilities. The news also casts doubt on the future of the crown Its a hard time for Britains monarchy. Just a month after King Charles underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace has announced that the 75-year-old king has cancer and will be suspending public engagements to undergo treatment. The news of King Charles cancer diagnosis has reverberated across Britain, which was just getting comfortable with the new king after seven decades of Elizabeths reign. Advertisement And in the absence of full details from the Palace, speculation has begun to grow and spread on everything from what this means for King Charles, how his sons William and Harry will react, and more seriously, what this means for the crown. Away from the conjecture, heres what is known so far and what it could mean for the royals. King Charles cancer diagnosis On Monday, Buckingham Palace put out a statement which said that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. While the type of cancer has not been declared, the palace said that it was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. A statement from Buckingham Palace: https://t.co/zmYuaWBKw6 Samir Hussein pic.twitter.com/xypBLHHQJb The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 5, 2024 Advertisement It was further revealed that the monarch had begun regular treatments on Monday and would defer public duties during this period. The 75-year-old king would, however, continue with his official business and office work as usual. The BBC reported that his weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would continue in person, unless doctors advise that he limits such contact. Advertisement The palaces statement added that the monarch remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. The news comes just a week after he was seen in public, attending a church service in Sandringham after he had his prostate procedure at a private London hospital. Advertisement It has also been learnt that King Charles personally informed his close family, including his two sons William and Harry. Harry , who lives in the United States with wife Meghan and his two children, is expected to head back to the United Kingdom to be by his fathers side. However, it remains unknown if Meghan and the children will also be returning. Advertisement Following the break of news, a flood of wishes came King Charles way; Britains prime minister Rishi Sunak wished the King a full and speedy recovery. Also, US President Joe Biden expressed his concern. In a post on X, he later said: Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery. Advertisement Pressure on royals With King Charles now stepping away from public duties while he undergoes treatment, the Royal tours of Canada in May and Australia in October are in doubt. Also, it will fall to the rest of the royal family to step more into the public eye while he heals. However, the list of working royals is comparatively smaller. Advertisement Queen Camilla, who also makes up the four counsellors of state in place if the king becomes incapacitated, has kept her full diary of engagements as well as supporting her husband. Royal commentator Kristen Meinzer told _Business Inside_r that while the king gets treated Camilla will likely be more visible to the public. Advertisement However, royal expert Neil Sean was quoted as telling Fox News that this time would be difficult" for Queen Camilla as she will likely need to step away from her royal duties to aid Charles, which she will want to do. However, Charles will want her out and about. The bulk of the pressure will fall to The Duke of Wales, Prince William, who has already taken on more responsibilities after father Charles sought treatment for an enlarged prostate last month and wife Princess Kate postponed her appearances at royal events until Easter due to recovery for an abdominal surgery. Advertisement Royal commentators predict William will have added responsibilities in his role within the royal family. For instance, on Wednesday, he is due to preside over an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace and a charity dinner. As royal observer Rachel Bowie told USAToday, I just feel like the pressure on William has never been greater because his wife is not able to participate, he has three children hes kind of helping look after, as he should, and then now, he has to kind of carry the weight (of father King Charles). Advertisement Apart from William, theres also King Charles sister, Princess Anne, and his brother, Prince Edward. Princess Anne is already a hardworking royal, carrying out several public engagements. In fact, in 2023, she conducted a whopping 457 engagements, the most in the family. However, she too is ageing. As Meinzer said, Anne is incredibly hardworking, and I think Anne has a lot of peoples respect, but she also is a senior citizen, she said. How much longer can we have all these senior citizens doing this much work all the time doing hundreds of engagements a year? Advertisement Huge blow for King Charles and the crown The news of King Charles cancer diagnosis comes as a huge blow for the British monarchy. Charles stepped into the shoes of king only September 2022 on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth. At the time, some commentators had expressed concern that the environmental campaigner, who was never shy to give forthright views on many issues as heir, would be a radical change, upending the stoical, dedicated style of his mother. However, he quietly settled into his new role, bringing in some significant changes without ruffling too many feathers. In fact, his popularity has grown since he has taken the crown. A survey conducted in September last year revealed that 59 per cent Britons thought he was doing a good job as king, compared to only 17 per cent who say he was doing a bad job. But with the news of the cancer and his stepping away from public duties, the questions will once again arise on whether Britain needs a king and as The Guardian writes whether it is fair to expect a man in his mid-70s to fulfil a rota of public duties. With inputs from agencies Senegal, which won its freedom from France in 1960, has for the first time delayed its presidential election. Experts say the West African nation is in unchartered waters and its reputation as a beacon of democracy for the region is at risk Senegal is on the edge. The West African nation has delayed its presidential election, which was slated for 25 February, to December. This came after its parliament witnessed chaos as security forces forcibly removed Opposition lawmakers amid voting on a bill to extend President Macky Salls tenure, which is due to end on 2 April, until the new polls. Advertisement The latest development for the beleaguered region comes in the backdrop of three countries in West Africa Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali witnessing coups over the past few years. But what happened? And what does this mean for the nation? Lets take a closer look: What happened? Till now, Senegal has been a pillar of democracy for the region. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has never witnessed a coup. As per The Economist, Senegal, until now, had never delayed a presidential election. Its leader, President Sall, has until now even taken the lead in trying to push Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali back to the democratic path. But political tensions have run high in Senegal for at least a year. Advertisement Tensions had soared over speculation that Sall was considering running for a third term, until he eventually confirmed last July that he would not stand again. But Sall on Saturday, just as campaigning was set to begin, suddenly announced he was postponing the polls. Sall cited an electoral dispute between the parliament and the judiciary regarding controversies over the disqualification of some candidates and allegations of corruption in election-related cases. Sall said he had signed a decree repealing the law that convened the electoral body. Advertisement He also said some of the 20 candidates cleared to run were discovered to have dual nationality, which would disqualify them under the Senegalese constitution. The controversies over the candidates could seriously harm the credibility of the election by creating the seeds of pre- and post-electoral litigation, Sall said. Violence had previously broken out in Senegal over fears Sall would try to extend his tenure beyond the end of his second term, and he has previously insisted he would not. Advertisement The announcement came as federal lawmakers were set to deliberate on a bill on the postponement as requested by the Opposition Senegalese Democratic Party, whose candidate was disqualified from the election. Among those disqualified was Ousmane Sonko, who finished third in the 2019 presidential election and is seen as a favourite among young people. He has alleged a clampdown on the Opposition, which Salls government denies. After the Constitutional Council published a final list of candidates two weeks ago, federal lawmakers set up a panel to investigate two judges on the council who were accused of corruption. Advertisement The allegation was rejected by the association of Senegals judges, who called for respect for the separation of powers. As per The Economist, Karim Wade, the son of a former president was also barred from the polls. Wades party, which has accused the council of corruption, has demanded a six-month pause for the election. Advertisement Sall described the aftermath of the accusations as a sufficiently serious and confusing situation. Our country cannot afford a new crisis, he added. Critics of the postponement included former prime minister Aminata Toure, who called it sabotage. For a long time, they have sabotaged the process. This is the first time that a presidential election has been postponed in Senegal, Toure said. Advertisement Opposition leaders and candidates reacted with fury. The Economist quoted Khalifa Sall as calling it a a constitutional coup, while Thierno Alassane Sall dubbed it high treason. On Monday, security forces stormed the legislative building and forcefully removed several Opposition lawmakers who were trying to block the voting process. Authorities also restricted mobile internet access amid growing protests by Opposition supporters against the delay. Advertisement As the lawmakers debated the bill, security forces fired tear gas at protesters gathered outside the legislative building. Many of the protesters were arrested as they poured into the streets of the capital, Dakar, burning tires and criticising the countrys leader. On Monday, two Opposition parties filed a court petition challenging the election delay. Advertisement It was not clear what would become of their request for Senegals Constitutional Council to direct the continuation of the electoral process. The private Walf television network, whose signal was cut off as they broadcast the protests on Sunday, said their broadcasting license has been revoked. Violent street protests rocked the capital Dakar on Sunday, and two Opposition candidates, including former prime minister Toure, were arrested and later released. Advertisement The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy said mobile internet services were cut Monday due to the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks in the context of threats and disturbances to public order. What does this mean for the nation? Experts say Senegal is in uncharted waters. Advertisement The decision has thrown Senegal into uncharted waters of a constitutional crisis, Mucahid Durmaz, senior West Africa analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, told the BBC. The constitution requires elections to be organised at least 30 days before the end of the incumbent presidents mandate. Salls rule expires on 2 April. And the decree detailing the electoral calendar must be released 80 days before the vote takes place. Even if he appoints a transitional president after 2 April, the legality of it will be disputed. Wole Ojewale, Dakar-based regional co-ordinator for Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies told the outlet there is no justification for the delay. The president is not in charge of the electoral process, and to the extent to which the electoral umpire has not raised doubts about their capacity to undertake the election. I dont think anything should derail the political process, Ojewale said. Salls decision to postpone the election reflects a sharp democratic decline in Senegal, said Mucahid Durmaz, a senior analyst at global risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. Some claim Sall feared losing the 25 February polls. Sall has designated Prime Minister Amadou Ba from his party as his would-be successor. His [President Salls> party is losing momentum. There are indications that they probably want to see how they can rejig, or probably replace their candidate, Ojewale said. Senegal has been known as a country with a strong democracy but this is no longer the case, one protester who only gave his first name, Dame, told Reuters. The only thing we want is a fair election. Demonstrator Malick Diouf, 37, said he had no preferred candidate and did not even have a voting card, but felt it crucial to come and protest. The main thing for me is to say no to this political agenda, this coup de force to try to stay in power, he told AFP. The proposed delay has sparked international concern, with the United States, European Union and France all appealing for the election to be rescheduled as soon as possible. The chairman of the African Union commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat also urged Senegal to resolve its political dispute through consultation, understanding and dialogue. Human Rights Watch warned that Senegal risked losing its democratic credentials. Senegal has long been considered a beacon of democracy in the region. This is now at risk, it said in a statement. Authorities need to act to prevent violence, rein in abusive security forces, and end their assault on Opposition and media. They should respect freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, and restore internet, putting Senegal back on its democratic course. Experts also say that Senegals reputation as being a beacon of democracy in the region is at stake. The growing democracy deficit not only threatens to tarnish Senegals reputation as a beacon of democratic stability in the region but also emboldens anti-democratic practices in West Africa, said Durmaz. The African Union urged the government to organize the election as soon as possible and called on everyone involved to resolve any political dispute through consultation, understanding and civilized dialogue. But dont look for any help from regional blocs like Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). I do not expect a firm push by ECOWAS to reverse the postponement of the election in Senegal, Durmaz told BBC. He said the reputation of such groups has been significantly tarnished due to their inability to confront the democratic deficit in civilian-run countries. The crisis has led to fears of the kind of violent unrest that broke out in March 2021 and June 2023, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of arrests. We will not accept a constitutional coup in this country. It is up to the people to come out and liberate themselves, said Guy Marius Sagna, an activist and Opposition lawmaker. The governments abrupt shutdown of internet access via mobile data and Walf TVs broadcasting constitutes a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression and press rights protected by Senegals constitution, Amnesty Internationals regional office for West and Central Africa said in a statement. With inputs from agencies The fire triggered multiple explosions in the nearby region, torching several houses in the neighbourhood A massive fire at a cracker factory in Madhya Pradeshs Harda has killed as many as six people while more than 50 have been left injured. #WATCH | Firefighting operation is underway at the firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh where a massive explosion took place today. Six people have died and 59 others are injured in the incident. pic.twitter.com/rbUFx6v6UH ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Advertisement The fire triggered multiple explosions in the nearby region, torching several houses in the neighbourhood. The injured people have been taken to the hospital while many are feared trapped inside the firecracker factory. Firetrucks have been deployed in the area to douse the fire. Burn units at hospitals in Indore, Bhopal and the AIIMS in the state capital were directed to make necessary arrangements for any emergency, an official said. Fire brigades were also rushed from Indore and Bhopal to tackle the blaze. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took stock of the situation and said, Over 50 ambulances were sent to the spot. Our minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home and around 400 police officials have left for the spot. We are trying to control the fire and provide immediate assistance to the injured. Advertisement The government has announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the dead and offered free treatment for those who have been injured. #WATCH | On the Harda incident, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says "Six people have died and more than 50 people are injured in this incident. Over 50 ambulances were sent to the spot. Our minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home and around 400 police officials have left for the spot. pic.twitter.com/D6fLJ21hGv ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Advertisement Meanwhile, a green corridor has been created between Harda and Bhopal to facilitate the movement of ambulances. #WATCH | Harda Collector, Rishi Garg says "An explosion took place in a firecracker factory today morning. A rescue operation is underway. Six deaths have been confirmed and 59 others are injured. The injured are getting treatment in the District Hospital and seriously injured https://t.co/sVVaIsbOGJ pic.twitter.com/AEX4VJ6rEv ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Advertisement Harda Collector Rishi Garg said that those injured in the fire were admitted to Harda district hospital and arrangements were being made to shift critically injured persons to Bhopal and Indore for better treatment. Advertisement With inputs from agencies At current prices, India will save about USD 0.8 per million British thermal units at the renewed terms. This translates into savings of USD 6 billion over the contract period. India finalised a USD 78 billion agreement on Tuesday aimed at extending LNG imports from Qatar for an additional 20 years until 2048, securing rates below current prices. Petronet LNG Ltd, Indias largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), announced in a statement that it has agreed with QatarEnergy to extend the contract for purchasing 7.5 million tonnes of gas annually. This gas will be utilised for electricity generation, fertilizer production and conversion into compressed natural gas (CNG). Advertisement The deal was signed on the sidelines of India Energy Week (IEW) in Betul (Goa). The renewal is at a significantly lower price than the current deal, sources told PTI. At current prices, India will save about USD 0.8 per million British thermal units at the renewed terms. This translates into savings of USD 6 billion over the contract period. Petronet imports 8.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG from Qatar under two contracts. The first 25-year deal is to expire in 2028 and has now been extended for 20 additional years. The second deal for 1 MTPA entered into in 2015, will be negotiated separately, sources said. As per the 1999 deal for 7.5 MTPA, the renewal was to be agreed upon five years before the end of the supply term. That deadline was in December 2023. The two sides were engaged in intense negotiations over the last few months. There were heightened tensions when a Qatar court sentenced eight former Indian Navy officials to death in October for allegedly spying for Israel. At December-end, their sentence was reduced. Advertisement Qatars energy minister and top officials of QatarEnergy are attending the IEW here. India, the worlds third-biggest energy consumer, sees natural gas as a transition fuel for migrating to net zero carbon emissions by 2070. As part of this, the government is targeting to raise the share of natural gas in the countrys energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030 from 6.3 per cent now. Advertisement Sources said the current deal is priced at 12.67 per cent of the prevailing Brent crude oil price plus a fixed component of USD 0.52 per million British thermal unit. Under the new contract, the slope would remain more or less the same but the fixed charge of USD 0.52 would be scrapped, they said. Advertisement Also, India will save an additional USD 0.30 per mmBtu on shipping charges as Qatar has agreed to convert the deal to Delivered Ex Ship (DES) from Free on Board (FOB), thereby undertaking responsibility for shipping. At USD 80 per barrel Brent crude oil price, the 7.5 MTPA import will cost USD 3.9 billion annually and over a 20-year period it would total USD 78 billion.Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) has successfully concluded and executed a LNG sales and purchase agreement (LNG SPA) for the purchase of around 7.5 million tonne per annum of LNG with QatarEnergy on long-term basis today, the company said in a statement. Advertisement This, it said, was pursuant to extension of an existing LNG SPA for LNG supply of around 7.5 million tonne on FOB or free on board basis (where the buyer arranges for shipping of the cargo), signed on July 31, 1999. Supplies started in 2023 and were to last till 2028.Under the new agreement, LNG supplies will be made on delivered (DES) basis commencing from 2028 till 2048, Petronet said. Advertisement Similar to earlier agreement of 1999, the LNG volumes under the new SPA shall also be offtaken by company promoters GAIL (India) (60 per cent), Indian Oil Corporation (30 per cent) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (10 per cent) after regasification primarily from Dahej terminal of PLL on substantially back-to-back basis. Advertisement This LNG SPA between PLL and QatarEnergy will ensure energy security of India and assure continued supplies of regasified LNG to major consuming sectors like fertilisers, CGD, refineries, petrochemical, power and other industries, the statement said. Akshay Kumar Singh, CEO, Petronet said, the existing long-term agreement between Petronet and QatarEnergy today accounts for around 35 per cent of Indias LNG imports and is of national importance. Advertisement Renewal of this agreement is a step towards achieving the vision of Prime Minister of India to make India a gas-based economy and increase share of natural gas in Indias primary energy basket to 15 per cent by year 2030. This agreement will provide energy security and ensure stable and reliable supply of clean energy and help India in its stride towards greater economic development. Advertisement While 7.5 MTPA of LNG is bought by Petronet, IOC, BPCL and GAIL buy a combined 1 MTPA of LNG.Sources said the new deal will allow the Indian buyers to decide which terminal in India will receive cargoes. Under existing deals, Qatar delivers LNG at Dahej in Gujarat.Sources said the freedom to decide on the arrival terminal will result in additional savings in cost for transporting the fuel through pipelines within the Indian grid. Advertisement With inputs from PTI. A number of oil companies including Adnoc use such storages to hold oil for further sale to users, but in these reserves, India will have the first right to use to the oil in any emergency situation The Government of India has decided to lease out the space in the underground rock caverns, considered as the safest means of storing hydrocarbon, to domestic and international firms to store oil, which it had earlier planned to fill as part of its strategic petroleum reserve. A report by PTI cited a top executive saying shortly an expression of interest for leasing out of the storages would be floated. Advertisement Change of mind In the Union Budget 2023-24, the Indian government had announced a plan to purchase crude oil worth 50 billion rupees ($601.78 million) for caverns in the southern cities of Mangalore and Visakhapatnam, but keeping in mind the emerging trends in global oil markets, the finance ministry, in January this year, said India has deferred the plan to fill parts of its strategic petroleum reserve. Where are these oil reserves situated? Strategic underground storages have been built at three locations in southern India - Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Mangalore, and Karnatakas Padur - to store 5.33 million tonnes of oil that can be used in any emergency situation like supply disruption or war. They have been built by India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd. Advertisement Who is storing oil here? National Oil Company (Adnoc) based out in UAEs Abu Dhabi has already hired half of the 2.5 million tonnes storage capacity at Padur and 1.5 million tonnes facility at Mangalore. The remaining 1.25 million tonnes at Padur has been filled by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited, or ISPRL, 0.75 million tonnes of vacant storage at Mangalore will be leased out, ISPRL CEO and Managing Director LR Jain told media on the sidelines of India Energy Week. Advertisement In Visakhapatnam, out of the total 1.33 million tonnes storage, 0.33 million tonnes was a space that was built for the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). Of the remaining, HPCL has hired 0.3 million tonnes more, and the rest of the storage will be leased out, Jain added. India will have first right to use the oil Advertisement Jain further said companies like Adnoc can store oil in the reserves, but India will have the first right to use the oil. So, India can call for the reserves in any emergency situation, he added. Number of oil companies including Adnoc use such storage to hold oil for further sale to users. Advertisement India, the worlds third-largest oil importer and consumer, imports over 80 per cent of its oil requirements. With inputs from PTI Indian companies are investing billions of dollars to build natural gas infrastructure and are scouting for long-term LNG import deals as the nation wants to raise the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% by 2030 from the current 6.3 per cent. India is likely to sign on Tuesday a multi-billion dollar deal to extend import of 7.5 million tonnes of LNG per year from Qatar for another 20 years beyond 2028 at rates that are lower than current prices, sources said. Petronet LNG Ltd will sign the deal to extend import contract with Qatar Energy on sidelines of India Energy Week here. The signing of the deal is planned to take place on the sidelines of the India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, according to an official statement. This agreement is intended to bolster Indias strategy of augmenting the share of natural gas in its energy portfolio to 15% by 2030, a significant increase from the current 6.2%. This aligns with Indias efforts to mitigate emissions and foster sustainable growth. Advertisement Qatar, the worlds top LNG exporter, aims to expand its liquefaction capacity to 126 million tpy by 2027 from 77 million and has signed long-term deals with European major Shell. State-run GAIL (India) Ltd had signed a 10-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) import deal last month with trader Vitol to buy about 1 million metric tons per year (tpy) of the super-chilled fuel from 2026. Indian companies are investing billions of dollars to build natural gas infrastructure and are scouting for long-term LNG import deals as the nation wants to raise the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% by 2030 from the current 6.3 per cent. India Energy Week, 2024 anticipates attracting over 35,000 attendees, 350 exhibitors, 400 speakers across 80 conference sessions, and 4,000 delegates from 120 countries. This event will feature a diverse range of global exhibitors, spanning core oil field services, to create a dynamic atmosphere and offer an unparalleled global platform to unite the best and brightest of the energy ecosystem. Advertisement With Indias growing global significance in the energy sector, IEW 2024 is expected to surpass its inaugural edition, which was graced by PM Narendra Modi in Bengaluru last year. The Prime Ministers vision for Indias role in the evolving global energy landscape set the stage for a highly successful event in 2023, where India showcased its prowess as a global energy leader. Advertisement The vibrant coastal state of Goa will serve as the ideal host for this global gathering of the energy ecosystem, taking place from February 6 to 9 at the IPSHEM-ONGC Training Institute. South Korea is looking to boost sales to become one of the worlds largest suppliers of weapons, despite stiff competition from other global arms exporters. Its arms sales jumped to $17 billion in 2022 from $7.25 billion the year before, data from the defence ministry showed. South Korean defence firm LIG Nex1 has won a $3.2 billion deal to export a mid-range surface-to-air missile defence system to Saudi Arabia, South Koreas Ministry of National Defence said on Tuesday. The South Korean ministry said that the Saudi defence ministry agreed to buy 10 batteries of a mid-range, medium-altitude interception system called Cheongung M-SAM II that can cope with ballistic missile and aircraft attacks. Advertisement The details of the deal were disclosed at the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh. A spokesperson for LIG Nex1 could not be reached outside office hours. South Korea is aiming to elevate its position as one of the leading arms suppliers globally, even amidst fierce competition from other major arms-exporting nations. Data from the Defence Ministry revealed a substantial increase in South Koreas arms sales, surging to $17 billion in 2022 from $7.25 billion the previous year. Over the past decade, South Korea has witnessed a significant expansion in its weapons exports to West Asia, with exports to the region soaring nearly tenfold between 2013 and 2022, as reported by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. South Korea and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding to expand defence cooperation, Seouls Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said, as Seoul looks to ink further arms sales in the region. Advertisement In recent years, South Korean companies Hanwha, Poongsan and LIG Nex1 concluded deals with Saudi Arabia, collectively worth around $989 million, for multiple rocket launchers, ammunition and electro-optical systems, and more deals could be in the works, according to a November report by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Advertisement With inputs from PTI. LeT terrorist Riyaz Ahmed was involved in hatching conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LOC by the terrorist handlers An active member of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or LeT, operating in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara has been arrested by the Delhi Police on Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Riyaz Ahmed. He is said to be a retired Army soldier. Riyaz has been arrested by the cops of New Delhi Railway Station police station. Advertisement LeT terrorist arrested in Delhi Riyaz is said to be one of the key conspirators of the recently busted terror module in Kupwara district where police uncovered a plot to carry out attacks in the region. Police said Riyaz was involved in hatching a conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LOC by the terrorist handlers. These arms and ammunition were sent by POK-based LeT Terrorist handlers namely Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh and Qazi Mohammad Khushal. Both were operating from across the border. Police said on 4 February, they received specific information from investigation agencies in Jammu and Kashmir that Riyaz Ahmed, resident of New Gabra village Tehsil Karnah District Kupwara, J&K, wanted in the recent terror module case busted by them, wherein five persons were arrested and incriminating material including 5 AK rifles (short), 5 AK Magazines, 16 short AK rounds were recovered. Advertisement [video width=1920 height=1080 mp4=https://images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WhatsApp-Video-2024-02-06-at-1.32.43-PM.mp4">[/video> The cops were informed that Riyaz, who was absconding, would reach New Delhi Railway Station in the wee hours of Tuesday. Acting upon the information, they arrested him today. A mobile phone and a SIM card have also been recovered from his possession. Riyaz has been arrested under appropriate sections of law and Police Officials of the concerned Police Station of J&K have been informed for further necessary action. Advertisement With inputs from agencies In an age of Beijings malevolent machinations, a powerful India that treats neighbours as equals is seen as a benevolent and influential state that stands to gain greater acceptability In what must be a unique phenomenon for any country, the Maldives periodically chooses between two of the largest contestants on earth in a national election. The individual candidates may go by any other name but beyond the veneer, the influencer emerges from among the behemoths: India or China. Over successive polls, power has changed hands with such metronomic fidelity that the losing candidate bides time to turn the tables by the next election. Advertisement When President Mohammed Muizzu seized power in Male, shocking Ibrahim Solih, it was known that the incumbent would lean towards China. With his India Out election campaign, Muizzu hoped to get closer to China. In Muizzus early days, with Beijing promising increased infra investments, there was an eagerness to cosy up. This wasnt unusual since past Male governments had sided with either of the two powers. But this time, a fine balance was sacrificed in favour of brazenness and antipathy towards an old friend. Maldives Deputy ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid threw the gauntlet by ridiculing Indias Prime Minister in an unacceptable manner and rousing anti-India sentiments. The improper comments upset Indian citizens whose anger virtually scorched the digital space. The Maldives government acted in time and suspended the deputy ministers but the damage had been done. The fact that junior ministers could actually whip up a frenzy and had the agency to drive a wedge in the India-Maldives equation was worrisome. Conversely, it also meant that any traveling lowball could catch Indias heels. Such is the vulnerability. Does a collective national outburst to any comments, even excessive ones, make India too predictable? Does it hurt Indias journey to becoming a bigger force in the region? Advertisement India-China: Surrogate Rivalry The rivalry in the region between India and China has turned into a surrogate one. The scrimmage in the Himalayas is likely to be of contained tactical importance, since neither can make headway in the mountains. However, when dimensions of conflict expand to include the oceans and states that dot them, it gives rise to the real risk of a Chinese string of pearls surrounding India through satellite states and naval bases across littoral South Asia. That is where emotional outbursts to every issue can become self-goals for India. Advertisement On the other hand, Chinese positions have stayed the course. Chinas thinking on Maldives began even before Xi Jinping arrived on the scene. Until 2002, there was no worthwhile trade between them but in the next decade, trade increased from $3 million to over $60 million. In the decade that followed, trade volumes crossed $500 million. China has been working hard in these countries to build out infrastructure which they can later leverage. The measure of the Chinese footprint in the country can be gauged by the fact that Chinas EXIM Bank funded the construction of the Sinamale bridge connection to Male and the modernisation of the Velana International Airport in Male alongside investments in agriculture. Advertisement Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, Distinguished Fellow at VIF, believes that, unlike Chinas deep pockets for investment, India is known to build relationships via people and essential services such as medical tourism and education. Though he asserts that the initial anguish against the remarks of the Maldivian ministers was normal, he cautions about going on an overdrive of reactions. A former senior diplomat was heard on television sermonising neighbouring countries to obey red lines. The strength of diplomacy is to deal with inimical governments, counters Lt Gen Sharma. In support, he points out recent examples of Indias current dealings with the Taliban and in the past with Pakistani governments, where channels were deftly used. Advertisement An impression has gained ground in India that any hostile issue can be whipped up into a public interest phenomenon by crowding out unfavourable points of view using sheer numbers on social media. Except that those jumping on this bandwagon have little or no understanding of how international affairs and strategic choices work. The theatrics of tourism companies, travel operators and other celebrities falling over themselves by cancelling tours to prove their loyalty when the government had refrained from indulging in mudslinging was a case of unsought genuflection by those whose decisions were skewed by an outburst of emotions driving a boycott-Maldives campaign. Advertisement Take the case of a tourist company promising to transform Lakshadweep into Maldives. Any comparison of infrastructure and potential between Maldives and Lakshadweep is untenable. To claim that Lakshadweep, with its vulnerable ecosystem and a mere 36 islands, can be transformed into a tourist paradise, outstripping Maldives with over 1,100 islands (of which 187 are inhabited) is outrageous and fanciful. Advertisement According to Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the Chinese didnt comprise the top 10 list of tourists in January 2023 while Indian tourists were the second highest contributor. However, by the end of 2023, surges of Chinese tourists catapulted the country to the third spot. Given the rapid change in tourist demographics, Muizzus plea to China for tourists will increase Chinese footprint in the islands and could challenge Indias influence in future. Advertisement Friendly Neighbours During Covid, Maldives was the only nation accessible to Indians without a visa. Previously, Sri Lanka went through a cycle of pro-China and pro-India periods. Indias relations with Nepal hit a roller coaster. After his China visit, Muizzu spat out, We may be small, but that doesnt give you the licence to bully us. Advertisement Muizzu knows his cards well, having scrapped the India-Maldives hydrography agreement. This makes way for a Chinese research ship to dock in Male in February, despite Indias concerns over Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean. India has managed to turn things around in Sri Lanka earlier. Given its location, size and lack of democracy, Maldives is a more vulnerable state. India needs to work with neighbours if it aspires to be a force to reckon with in the global south. In an age of Beijings malevolent machinations, a powerful India that treats neighbours as equals is seen as a benevolent and influential state that stands to gain greater acceptability. Like accountability in a war stops at the generals door, the buck in political tussles must stop at the gates of diplomacy. Advertisement The writer is the author of Watershed 1967: Indias Forgotten Victory over China and Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories From Battlefields. His fortnightly column for FirstPost Beyond The Lines covers military history, strategic issues, international affairs and policy-business challenges. Views expressed are personal. Tweets @iProbal Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . While both India and the US agree on the essential need for global cooperation and solidarity to fight against terrorism and extremism, the recent controversy regarding the Pannun and Nijjar cases regenerated the dictum of my terrorists vs yours Relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, mutual interests, and regard for mutual sensitivities. India and the US have often been defined as natural partners, given the fact that both are proud of their democratic values, institutions, and rule of law. India is the largest democracy, and the USA is the greatest one. Yet both had to traverse different global and ideological trajectories to align their interests and convergences while overcoming or even maintaining some of their fundamental divergences on global issues to become Global Comprehensive Strategic partners over time. Advertisement The fact that the geopolitical and geoeconomic pivot has moved towards the South, and India as a major power and pole in that dynamic, has helped enrich the ties in a more strategic manner. India and the US are both together in their efforts to ensure a rule-based international order in the maritime domain, as well as in making multilateral organisations more topical and relevant to the 21st century, where Indias role is seen as critical. The world looks at India as an important pillar of stability. A friend who can be trusted, a partner who believes in people-centric development, a voice that believes in global good, a voice of the Global South, an engine of growth in the global economy, a technology hub for finding solutions, a powerhouse of talented youth, and a democracy that deliverssaid PM Modi while addressing the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The US recognises this strength of India and has worked through institutionalised mechanisms to support and cooperate with New Delhi on several landmark initiatives. Advertisement No wonder the US Ambassador to India, Garcetti, recalled that President Biden had told him that India was the most important country in the world. During the prominent state visit by PM Modi in June 2023, President Biden himself reiterated that his countrys partnership with India is the most consequential in the world . There is a bipartisan consensus in the US about Indias importance and benign leadership, as the interpersonal relations between the leaders across the political spectrum remain steadfast. They meet quite frequently at the G7, QUAD, Democracy Summit, G20, and so on, apart from bilateral formats. Advertisement Both have tremendous convergences and concerns with regard to global challenges, even though their approaches might differ sometimes. This is more so as the Sino-US geopolitical and geoeconomic competition intensifies with the fractured global order, and ipso facto, this makes India a strategic pivot, which is following a conscious and national interest-driven yet principled policy of multi-alignments and strategic autonomy in her international discourse. Indias unique and successful presidency of the G20, when President Biden visited New Delhi and supported Indian initiatives, is a testament to that. Advertisement More importantly, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the US and India, along with other partners, launched a critical and mutually beneficial project, India-Europe-Middle East Economic Connectivity (IMEEC), covering geographies of mutual interest, which is said to be a game-changer once completed. Both also work closely in the IUSU (India, the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) and I2U2 (India, the UAE, Israel, and the USA) matrix, which have enabled Indias regional and sub-regional approach to its extended neighbourhood. Likewise, both countries also work in trilateral formats in Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as even in South Asia, through the Blue Dot Network and other frameworks. Advertisement On the existential challenge of climate change, both countries have developed a sustainable collaborative matrix within the context of the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership across mitigation, adaptable, and renewable energy and technologies. Likewise, they have launched a Hydrogen and Biofuels Task Force. No wonder at the G20 Summit in Delhi, a Global Biofuels Alliance was launched, and the most important considerations and proposals were incorporated in the New Delhi Declaration and reiterated by PM Modi at the COP 28 Summit in Dubai. Advertisement The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a major and contested maritime geography since China continues to challenge the US-led Global Order and follows its hegemonistic policies and ingresses in the region, as well as specifically against India, despite New Delhi following an inclusive policy marked by competition with cooperation, unlike the Chinese zero sum matrix. Advertisement Beijings continued intransigence on borders has led to greater strategic collaboration by India within the QUAD format, with the US, Australia, and Japan as its partners. In September 2021, after the meeting between PM Modi and President Biden, the fact sheet on India and US-Global Leadership in Action underscored the areas of cooperation under the Quad. Advertisement The US and India are working on COVID-19 response and pandemic preparedness, infrastructure, space, clean energy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, cyber security, maritime security, resilient supply chains, approaches to 5G infrastructure deployment that leverage open and interoperable network architectures, and critical and emerging technologies. More joint military exercises under various formats, including Malabar and greater intelligence exchanges, have become frequent and routine as QUAD is being called the Force for Global Good by PM Modi since it stands for a rule-based order. Advertisement The next QUAD Summit is likely to be held in India in the later part of 2024, possibly after the elections in India and the US, respectively. But the best part about this partnership is the bipartisan support and interest, sometimes grudgingly, as India follows a policy of Strategic Autonomy. The US remains Indias largest partner in trading and technology. It is also the third-largest investment partner, with ambitious targets for the future. In 2022, bilateral merchandise trade reached $133 billion, and services trade reached around $58 billion. Advertisement Hydrocarbon trade has emerged as a new area of cooperation. Hydrocarbon trade with the US, which started in 2017, amounted to $19 billion in 2022. The US is our fourth-largest crude oil and second-largest LNG supplier. It is also a major investor in India and has begun to accord high priority to Indias flagship programmes like Make in India, Digital India, and Innovate and Standup India. India is also a member of the IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Forum). Advertisement Defence industrial cooperation and the transfer of technology have acquired much greater salience. The US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology( iCET) is a flagship mechanism in keeping with the times. The US has emerged as Indias top three suppliers of defence equipment, apart from signing foundational agreements like LEMOA, BECA, and Communications and Compatibly and Security Agreements for better interoperability and smooth cooperation. India-US defence cooperation is based on the New Framework for India-US Defence Cooperation," which was renewed for ten years in 2015. In 2016, the defence relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP). Later, India was moved into Tier 1 of the US Department of Commerces Strategic Trade Authorization licence exception. The Indus-X format has emerged as a key inter-disciplinary driver for collaboration in the defence sector. The recent transfer of GEs jet engine technology and collaboration with HAL is a remarkable development, as India will become part of a small group of countries manufacturing jet engines. Likewise, India wishes to achieve self-sufficiency in microchips and semi-conductors, critical and cutting-edge technologies and components, and be a crucial and dependable partner in the regional and global value supply chains. In this context, a US company, Micron Technology, has proposed to set up a facility in India with an investment of $825 million. Likewise, another US firm, Applied Materials, has announced plans to set up a manufacturing facility for the machines required for the production of semiconductors with an investment of $400 million. To complete the triad, another semiconductor company has offered to train 60,000 Indians, who will eventually carry forward these important initiatives. NASA and ISRO work on many projects in an exceptional manner, as India has emerged as a major power in the domain of space with cost-competitive and highly efficient Chandrayan and solar missions. Indians are also investing significantly in the US and creating jobs. According to a CII study released in April 2023, 163 Indian companies invested over $40 billion in the US and created over 425,000 direct jobs. An order for new planes by Air India from Boeing for nearly $50 billion will lead to the creation of over one million jobs across 44 states in the US, as claimed by President Biden. Hence, the robustness of the relationship is driven by the fact that India is a major economic partner of the US. Apart from certain trade and tariff issues that are usual in any relationship and resolved through bilateral and international mechanisms, an area that in recent times has caused a perceptional divergence is related to counterterrorism. While both sides agree on the essential need for global cooperation and solidarity to fight against the menace of terrorism and extremism, the recent controversy regarding the Pannun and Nijjar cases regenerated the dictum of my terrorists vs yours in such a way that it cast aspersions with regard to the USs double standards, even as the two sides are handling it maturely. One of the most important drivers of the Indo-US comprehensive and strategic partnership is the over 4 million highly successful Indian diaspora, which is mostly entrepreneurial and professional and acts as a living bridge between India and the USA. Not only are they one of the highest earners per capita and head over 25 top MNCs, but they have done rather well in the US political landscape as congressmen, governors, and even as presidential aspirants. Speaking at Howard University, S Jaishankar, the Indian Foreign Minister, rightly underscored that a key driver of this change has been its human element, which has helped transform the bilateral relationship across the spectrum. The Indo-US relationship is being steered by mutual respect, mutual interests, and convergences, but mutual sensitivities will further reinforce it in a much higher orbit, and as PM Modi so succinctly averred, even the sky is not the limit (for India-US) ties. Speaking at the US Congress in his inimitable style, PM Modi summed up the relationship: The scope of our cooperation is endless. The potential of our synergies is limitless. And the chemistry in our relations is effortless. is a former Indian Ambassador, was also a Trade Commissioner in New York and is currently a Distinguished Fellow at Vivekananda International Foundation. The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those 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 recently concluded Republic Day parade showcased Nari Shakti as never before. Apart from a few marching contingents of the army and a BSF Camel contingent almost all others were women contingents. The armed forces medical corps including the Military Nursing Service participated for the first time in the parade. Most bands, less army, only showcased women musicians. The parade commenced with 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. Advertisement The motorcycle display was performed by women members of the Central Armed Police Forces for the first time. A total of 1,500 women dancers showcased 30 different folk dance styles. There is no doubt that the performance of women in every part of the parade was outstanding and praiseworthy. It showcased levels to which women have risen in different security agencies and services. This is possibly the first time that any government has given such a level of emphasis to women in a major national event. This could not have been without a reason, especially as elections draw close. The government had pushed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 Bill through Parliament in Sept this year, which would reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of all states. However, this may need to wait till 2029 as it would need an all-India census and constituency revamp before implementation. Currently, representation of women being allotted seats for elections remains low for all political parties. Advertisement Women voters have been effective in determining election results. In December, addressing his party workers, post victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, I kept saying that for me, four castes are important Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, Kisan and Gareeb Parivar. Earlier in March, after winning elections in UP, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur the prime minister stated, Women have played a crucial role in these elections across states. They have blessed us - we have won splendidly in areas where women voters have dominated. Nari Shakti has been our partner in this victory. There were reports that the BJP had received maximum votes from women basically because its cooking gas subsidies and cheaper loans paid dividends at the polling booth. Advertisement The Maharashtra government launched the Nari Shakti Doot app this month aimed at empowering women. It was released by the prime minister. The West Bengal government of Mamata Banerjee is banking on support from women voters based on its women-centric schemes. A TMC leader mentioned in an interview that the chief minister wanted the party to take women-oriented schemes- Rupashree, Kanyashre), Laxmir Bhandar and Sabuj Sathi (free bicycles to school students) to every household. Advertisement The Congress has offered free bus service to women in states in which it is/ was in power, Rajasthan, Karnataka and now Telangana, despite financial hurdles, apart from financial doles. It has also increased health insurance limits for women to Rs10 lakh in Telangana. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had already commenced free bus service for women. Kejriwals attempt to make the Delhi Metro free for women was questioned and blocked by the Supreme Court. Advertisement In Madhya Pradesh, there is the Ladli Behna Yojana which offers Rs 1,250 per month to women of poor and middle-income households as well as 35 per cent direct recruitment in government jobs. Prior to the last elections, the BJP promised a 33 per cent quota for women in government jobs in Mizoram. The BJP announced that in Karnataka it would conduct Nari Shakti Vandana or a womens convention at the district level before this years Lok Sabha elections. Advertisement Understanding the governments push to garner womens support, the armed forces cannot be far behind. The navy chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar stated in his pre-navy day press conference, Were not inducting women separately. Theyre being inducted in the same manner as their male counterparts. Were looking at being a gender-neutral force where we only look at the capability of the individual. Advertisement The air chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, stated in his pre-Air Force Day conference IAF has also transcended traditional boundaries by inducting women who undertake all tasks equally with their male counterparts. In doing so, the IAF has become the lead Service in promoting Naari Shakti in its true spirit. The army remains the only service which is moving slowly in opening all its branches but this too may change soon. Advertisement As the 2024 elections draw close, political parties would seek to target women voters much more than religion or caste. While men hesitate to vote or in some cases have migrated for work, women come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. As India Today mentions, Women, by themselves, have become a constituency in their own right. This will change political parties playing on religion and caste politics. Advertisement The basic reason why targeting women voters is the new norm is because of their increasing voter turnout. An assessment by The Hindu newspaper states that In Rajasthan, the voting percentage of women rose from 41 per cent in 1962 to 74 per cent in 2018. In Madhya Pradesh, it grew from 29 per cent to 78 per cent, while in united Andhra Pradesh, 59 per cent of women came out to vote in 1962, in Telangana alone in 2018, the figure was 73 per cent. As per MoneyControl, women turnout (at 67.18 per cent) surpassed that of men (at 67.01 per cent) for the first time in the general elections of 2019. Advertisement The State Bank of India Economic Research Department stated in a report in December last year, Rising participation of women in Indias political arena is one of the most significant stories of the last decade. Women voters are now playing a significantly bigger role in elections than ever before. This changing landscape cannot be ignored by governments. Advertisement Nari Shakti, on display in this years Republic Day, apart from showcasing the rising power of women in India, was also a subtle message to voters that women are present in every government institution, including security forces, in sizeable numbers. As elections draw close, all political parties would begin offering additional sops to women to garner their support. Considering the changing environment by 2029, when the Womens Reservation Bill would become effective, there would be added pressure to induct women into branches of the armed forces in which there are still reservations. The army will be compelled to change its policies and overcome its reservations. The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those 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 . An air of the surreal dominates the discourse in Pakistans 8 February 2024 elections. The campaign has been lacklustre, with the absence of a level playing field and expectations of a pre-determined outcome, favouring a weak Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) led coalition. This impression was strengthened with three quick judgments in succession by courts last week, imposing long incarcerations against former prime minister Imran Khan. This seemed a brazen message from the powerful military establishment to the latters die-hard fan club that he would not be allowed to play any political role in the foreseeable future. Advertisement The electorate comprises 128.5 million registered voters, out of a total population of 241.5 million. This includes almost 57 million young voters between the ages of 18-35, comprising 47 per cent of the electorate. The strength of the National Assembly (NA) is now 336, comprising 266 general seats. Sixty seats are reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslims. These are allotted to political parties based on proportional representation. The magic numbers for forming the government are 134 and 169, after the addition of reserved seats. Of the 266 general seats, Punjab has 141, Sindh 61, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 45, Baluchistan 16 and the Federal Capital area of Islamabad three seats. Punjab has more seats than the other three provinces combined. The party which controls Punjab controls Pakistan. Provincial Assemblies (PAs) will also be elected simultaneously. Punjab has 371 members (MPAs), Sindh 168, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 145 and Balochistan 65 seats. A total of 5,113 candidates are contesting the NA elections while 12,638 candidates are in the fray for the PA elections. After the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was denied the `bat symbol, it will not be in a position to claim its proportion of reserved seats for women and minorities. Percentagewise, 63 per cent of Independent candidates are contesting the NA elections and 66 per cent remain in the PA field. After the army blessed thrice elected former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs return from almost 4 years of exile in the UK and the judiciary followed suit, giving quick relief in cases against him, reducing also a life disqualification to five years, the PML (N) seems poised to recover lost ground in its main bastion, Punjab. Despite this boost, Nawaz Sharif seemed rather listless in the election campaign, obsessing mainly on past injustices against him. He did not attack the military establishment. His dilemma has been to search for a counter-narrative to offset Imran Khans persisting popularity. He also has to decide who should inherit his mantle, whether charismatic daughter Maryam or docile brother, Shehbaz Sharif, who remains more acceptable to the army. Advertisement The Peoples Party of Pakistan (PPP) retains its main political base in Sindh, depending on support from rural landlords. It has lesser control in urban areas of Karachi and Hyderabad. After performing creditably as Foreign Minister in the last coalition, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been trying hard to enhance his acceptability to the Army as a young, articulate, balanced leader. Choosing to contest from Lahore, he has also tried to wrest back an erstwhile vote bank in Punjab. His father, Asif Zardari is a more experienced and wily political leader. These two have been playing good cop and bad cop, occasionally criticizing past allies. The latter has tried hard to stitch support from motley feudal in Balochistan and South Punjab. This may stand him in good stead in the Presidential election stakes, which must follow the Senate elections in March 2024. The present President, Arif Alvi who was elected with PTI support is holding on to his post. His term ran out in August 2023. Advertisement The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has its main stronghold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). It has held government reins there since 2013. It made sizable inroads in Punjab after Imran was thrown out of power by a vote of no confidence in the NA in April 2022 by launching a narrative of `foreign conspiracy `unfair martyrdom and `desertion by the military establishment, as reasons for his ouster. After the Punjab by-elections in 2022, he seemed electorally invincible. In a series of public meetings, senior military officers were disparaged by name. Though later exposed as false, this narrative has been fanned by an army of besotted, young social media trollers, who have now become a headache for army censors! Despite several derogatory audio and video disclosures, Imrans popularity has not been affected by attempts to besmirch his character. This is a new phenomenon, emerging as a political idea, especially with unemployed youth and women voters in urban areas, which reflects growing distaste for the reality of the armys extra-constitutional control of power in Pakistan, instead of elected politicians or the Parliament. Advertisement There are other smaller parties like the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), which have pockets of strength in southern KP and northern Balochistan. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), a faction of the old PTI with sugar baron Jehangir Tareen as its leader, could win a few seats in Punjab, as may Pervez Khattaks PTI (Parliamentarians) in KP. Advertisement The Karachi factor will come into play too. This time, of Karachis 21 seats, the Muhajir Quami Movement (MQM), which had pockets of strength in Greater Karachi in the past, is aiming for 12-14 seats to offset the PTIs gains in 2018. Factions led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamals Pakistan Sarzameen Party (PSP) were herded together under the armys none-too-gentle prodding. However, this `union has yet to be `blessed from London by exiled MQM `imam, Altaf Hussain. The Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) could also try to build on its strong showing in the local body elections to win back a few of its traditionally held seats. Advertisement Two Islamic fundamentalist parties are also in the fray, furthering the military establishments past plans of `mainstreaming them, the Markaz-e-Muslim League (MML) backed once by Hafiz Mohd Saeed of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) `fame, and the Tehrik-e-Labaik (TLP) led by Saad Rizvi, son of late Khadim Rizvi, who had organised the Faizabad crossing agitation in 2017 at the armys behest, to destabilise the Nawaz government. Saad galvanized the TLP, to emerge a credible third in all 14 seats in Lahore in 2018. He condemns the anti-army 9 May 2023 violence, but does not support the mass arrests which followed. This time, while he may not win much in Punjab, he could make inroads in greater Karachi. Advertisement Electable feudals from southern Punjab usually `go with the wind. This time, the perception in Pakistani political circles initially suggested that the PML (N) was being favoured by the army. However, with many Independents now in the fray, bets may be hedged. Voter turnout will be a crucial factor on February 08. Turnouts in the last two elections in 2018 and 2013 remained around 52 per cent. In earlier elections it was lower at 44 per cent in 2008 and around mid- forties generally. One view is that given the strong signals from the army, the PTI voter will be discouraged that his vote will go waste. A contrarian view suggests there is perceptible anger against such measures which may add a sympathy wave in PTIs favour. This could be channelized effectively enough by PTIs social media trollers, to correctly advertise the symbols allotted to its candidates left in the fray. Its supporters still hope for a landslide turnout in PTIs favour on Election Day. Advertisement Army Chief Gen Asim Munir will seek to ensure that PTI does not win a majority. It may be recalled, in June 2019 he was removed as Director General, of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) after a mere 8 months on the job, when he complained to then-prime minister, Imran Khan about corruption by his wifes relatives and friends. Imran Khans entire strategy in the build-up to the army chiefs succession in November 2022 focussed on making it controversial, in the hope of getting his favourite, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Munirs successor as DG (ISI) to become the new chief. Advertisement As Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Munir inherited a divided senior Army leadership. His retirement date as Lieutenant General had to be extended by two days to keep him senior most among contenders. Two of his peers, Lt. Generals Azhar Abbas and Faiz Hameed took premature retirement. Bajwa promoted and posted 12 new Lieutenant Generals just before he retired. Over the next 12 months, Munir has had to bide his time, to slowly get his own officers into plum positions. This included giving an extension to the current DG (ISI), Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum. Advertisement Sensing the persisting sympathy among youth for Imran Khan, both Munir and Nadeem Anjum have addressed gatherings of university students recently, responding rather candidly to questions about civil-military conflict and the inability of civilian governments to complete their tenures. They have tried to explain this fragility as misgovernance, which did not give them a license to continue in office. Whether these efforts will hold water remains to be seen. Advertisement The post-election scenario will be of interest, as to how the army cobbles together what is being referred to by Pakistani journalists as another `hybrid pro-max dispensation. If the PML (N) wins between 90-110 seats only and the PPP about 40 from Sindh, a bloc of about 20-30 Independents, some with secret leanings towards PTI could play an important role. If elected Independents affiliated with PTI switch allegiance after being elected to any one of the registered political parties, they could pose a problem and claim representation also to a share of the reserved seats for women and minorities. They will be subject to immense pressures, both of lucre and the rod. Whatever civilian dispensation is finally entrusted reins of power, its legitimacy will remain doubtful in an election which is seen to lack credibility. Challenges faced by it will be complex, including a difficult economic situation and a rising wave of terrorism, especially in parts of KP and Balochistan. The army would like to continue interfering in economic management, after the role given to it in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) by the last PDM coalition government. Instead of a broad-based political consensus, domestic polarization between PML (N), PPP and PTI will intensify, not reduce. All this does not auger well for a stable Pakistan or a full tenure of the new government. The writer is a former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat. 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 rift between former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as a shock to many, considering their previous political alliance In the heart of the Philippines, a storm of political unrest brews, threatening to tear the nation asunder. Former president Rodrigo Duterte has unleashed a barrage of attacks against his once-ally, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., plunging the country into a constitutional crisis of unprecedented proportions. When I was the mayor, the drug enforcement office showed me a list, your name (Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ed) was there but I dont want expose you because you are a friend, we know each other. But you started, you entered into a conflict. Mr President, you might follow the fate of your father, and what I was afraid of, it will divide the nation, it will be a bloody time, said former president Duterte. Reject, protect the constitution. I am calling now the armed forces and police, dont forget us civilians, dont think of one family only (the Marcos family, ed). Son of a whore. Advertisement An unexpected rift The rift between Duterte and Marcos Jr. comes as a shock to many, considering their previous political alliance. Dutertes daughter, Sarah Duterte, serves as Marcos Jr.s Vice President, highlighting the intricate web of familial and political connections in Philippine politics. At the core of this conflict lies a relentless pursuit of power. Dutertes accusations against Marcos Jr. revolve around the latters alleged ambitions to alter the constitution, particularly regarding presidential term limits. This move, if true, could signal a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism, reminiscent of the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Marcos Jr.s father. The spectre of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.s dictatorial rule looms large over the Philippines. His oppressive reign, marked by human rights abuses and economic mismanagement ended in ignominy with a popular uprising in the 1980s. The subsequent constitution, crafted to prevent the rise of another dictator, could now face its greatest test yet. Advertisement A dangerous proposition Marcos Jr.s purported desire to amend the constitution raises alarm bells, especially given the turbulent history of the Philippines. Dutertes vehement opposition to these changes stems from his fear of history repeating itself, with the nation once again descending into chaos and division. While Marcos Jr. cites the need for economic reform as justification for constitutional amendments, critics view this as a thinly veiled power grab. Relaxing restrictions on foreign investment may indeed stimulate economic growth, but at what cost to democratic principles and social cohesion? Advertisement Dutertes desperate measures In a shocking turn of events, Duterte threatened to escalate the situation by advocating for the secession of his hometown, Mindanao, from the Philippines. This radical proposal underscores the depths of Dutertes desperation and the gravity of the crisis gripping the nation. Manilas response to Dutertes provocations has been firm. The government has warned that any attempt at secession will be met with decisive force, raising the specter of a violent crackdown reminiscent of past conflicts in Mindanao. Advertisement The potential secession of Mindanao carries additional risks due to the regions volatile history of ethnic and religious tensions. Decades of conflict between Muslim separatists and government forces have left scars that run deep, posing a significant obstacle to national unity. As the Philippines teeters on the brink of chaos, the stakes could not be higher. The clash between Duterte and Marcos Jr. threatens to plunge the nation into a maelstrom of violence and division, with far-reaching implications for democracy and stability in Southeast Asia. The coming days will test the resilience of Philippine institutions and the resolve of its people to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy. 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 targets are carefully picked because, behind all spying operations, the objective is to get access to Indias military secrets An Indian named Satendra Siwal, who is a 28-year-old security official, has been caught spying for Pakistan. Siwal was posted at the Indian mission in Moscow. He is said to have taken money from an Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) handler to steal confidential documents and leak them to Pakistan. Though shocking, it is hardly surprising. He is not the first Pakistani spy caught by India, and he wont be the last. Since independence, both India and Pakistan have spied on each other. Theres only one rule in this game: dont get caught. When you do, all bets are off. Advertisement The ISI is a key intelligence agency in Pakistan. The ISI handlers use money and honeytraps for recruitment. Earlier, such operations were limited to Indias High Commission in Pakistan. But now, theyre being extended to Indian missions in friendly countries. All they have to do is spot a vulnerability. In this case, it was money. Satyendra Siwal hails from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh; three years ago, he was posted to Moscow. The appointment was done by Indias Ministry of External Affairs. The ministry runs a bureau of security, which recruits security assistants. Usually, they come from the Indian Police Forceconstables and head constablesand are chosen to serve at Indian missions abroad to look after the security of the mission. The tenure is usually three years for this deputation. Out of which, an officer must spend at least two years overseas. So in 2021, Satyendra Siwal was sent to Moscow on deputation as a security assistant. Advertisement Its not clear when the ISI turned to him. But recently, he came on the radar of Indian security agencies. They got intelligence that Satyendra Siwal was a spy. They suspected that he was passing sensitive information to an ISI handler. The information was linked to Indias defence and foreign ministries and also to Indias military establishment. The charge is that he sold Indias secrets to Pakistan and that he was in touch with a female ISI handler, who lured him with money. Advertisement Apparently, Siwal spoke with his handler on the phone on a regular basis. According to one report, he had access to intel about the movement and development of Indian troops. Siwals only temptation was money. He had multiple exchanges with his handler. On the basis of this intelligence, he was put under electronic surveillance and then grilled by Indian officials. Reports say he has confessed to spying for Pakistan. So the formal charges will follow. Advertisement What are the charges against Siwal? He has been arrested under the accusation of waging a war against the nation, as well as the Official Secrets Act. Investigators have recovered two mobile phones from him, and they are going through his bank account now to assess how much money he got from Pakistan. Advertisement Larger pattern Pakistan is ramping up its psychological operations. Last year alone, at least three cases came to light. One of them involved a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official. DRDO does the R&D for the Indian military. Now this official, who was caught, was accused of passing information to Pakistani agents. ISIs bid to trap Indian officials, and Pakistan has a long history of such operations. Advertisement In 2017, India recalled three diplomats. They worked at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Reports say they were targeted for a honey trap, but the bid was foiled. Then, in 2010, another Indian diplomat was arrested. She, too, worked at the Indian High Commission in the press division. The diplomat was accused of passing classified documents to the ISI. Advertisement On every such occasion, Indias response has been swift; Siwal has been neutralised, but India needs to keep its guard up. When ISI is not busy rigging Pakistani elections, it is trying to damage India in every way possible. Sometimes using Indian citizens as weapons. Compare this to Pakistans approach. Islamabad makes shady claims of targeted killings and accuses New Delhi without proof. Advertisement The latest one came last month, which said India had ordered targeted killings in Pakistan. Their foreign ministry was all over the story; they said that last year, two Pakistani citizens were killed, and Indian agents were behind these deaths. The identities of these two citizens were made public. Their names were Muhammad Riaz and Shahid Latif. Riaz died in Rawalakot in September last year, and Latif died in Sialkot in October of the same year. Both men were terrorists. Advertisement Were they VIPs? Were they important in any way? Were both of them related? Pakistan wont tell us. Islamabad says these two men were assassinated. But why would India order such an operation? Why even go after these men? What was the motive? Islamabad is unable to come up with an explanation. India had termed the allegation propaganda. Advertisement It is because the biggest loophole in Pakistans story is the absence of a motive, but when it comes to Pakistani spies, the motive is quite apparent; the targets are carefully picked because, behind all spying operations, the objective is the same: getting access to Indias military secrets. Between Pakistans claims of Indian-led killing and the reality of ISIs spy rings in India, whose claims sound more far-fetched now? Advertisement 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 . Northern Irelands political landscape has undergone a seismic shift with the installation of Michelle ONeill as First Minister In a historic turn of events, Northern Ireland has finally formed a government after a two-year hiatus, with Michelle ONeill, a nationalist, stepping into the role of First Minister. This development marks a significant departure from the norm, as its the first time in a century that a nationalist leader has held the top position in the region. Advertisement ONeill, a member of the pro-united Ireland party Sinn Fein, has assumed the mantle of leadership in a divided political landscape. To grasp the gravity of this moment, one must delve into the historical context. Historical background Northern Irelands origins trace back to the partition of Ireland in 1921. While the Republic of Ireland gained independence from Britain shortly afterwards, Northern Ireland remained under British rule, sparking tensions between unionists loyal to the British Crown and nationalists advocating for a united Ireland. This ideological schism fueled decades of conflict, culminating in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. This landmark agreement established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, wherein both unionists and nationalists participate in governance. The party with the majority of votes elects the First Minister, while the runner-up selects the Deputy First Minister. In the 2022 elections, Sinn Fein, the nationalist party, emerged victorious, signalling a significant shift in public sentiment. Advertisement Rise of Sinn Fein However, Sinn Feins ascent to power faced obstacles, primarily stemming from the aftermath of Brexit. The implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which necessitated border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, proved contentious. Unionists viewed it as undermining Northern Irelands status within the United Kingdom, leading to a deadlock in government formation. Advertisement After protracted negotiations with the Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak administrations, a breakthrough was finally reached. The agreement not only resolved post-Brexit trade issues but also reaffirmed Northern Irelands place within the UK. Michelle ONeill creates history ONeills appointment as First Minister carries immense symbolism, given her partys historical ties to the Irish Republican Army and the nationalist cause. While her election signifies a potential step towards a united Ireland, practical concerns like healthcare and public services are likely to take precedence over constitutional matters in the near term. Advertisement This is an assembly for all, Catholic, Protestant and the centre. Despite our different outlooks and our different views in the future constitutional position, the public rightly demand that we work together and that we deliver together and also that we must build trust and confidence in our ability to collectively do that, said ONeill. Advertisement Northern Irelands political landscape has undergone a seismic shift with the installation of Michelle ONeill as First Minister. While her leadership represents a symbolic victory for nationalists, the regions immediate focus remains on addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. As Northern Ireland navigates this new chapter in its history, the journey towards reconciliation and progress continues. 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 . BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed hopes that Chinese visitors would have a delightful and secure experience in Thailand. This came after China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, which will come into effect from March 1. "As a Thai citizen, I'm so excited about the news," said Chanapan Kaewklachaiyawuth, vice president of the Thai Chinese Tourism Alliance Association, adding that it will facilitate travel and be the best mechanism to boost economic gains. Chanapan said the association expects between 200,000 and 250,000 Chinese tourists to enter Thailand during this year's Spring Festival holiday, running from Feb. 10 to 17. In 2024, the Southeast Asian country aims to attract 8 million tourists from China, more than double the figure from 2023 and constituting 75 percent of the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019. Singapore, which also signed a visa-free agreement with China last month, experienced a recovery in its tourism sector last year, with the Chinese mainland topping its tourist spending chart. The city-state expects its tourism industry to recover further this year, driven by improved global flight connectivity and capacity as well as the implementation of the mutual 30-day visa-free travel with China. Tourism bureaus across China are actively promoting local attractions and employing innovative strategies to entice visitors. Featuring unique local traditions such as distinctive dressing-up, traditional dances and delectable cuisine, these efforts aim to captivate tourists in the lead-up to the Spring Festival holiday. The "ice city" Harbin, capital city of northeast Heilongjiang Province, took advantage of its winter landscape to promote ice and snow tourism, attracting more than 3 million visitors during the three-day New Year holiday and raking in a total tourism revenue of 5.91 billion yuan (about 831.6 million U.S. dollars), both reaching record highs. On Alibaba's travel platform Fliggy, bookings for domestic and overseas destinations for visits during the Spring Festival holiday have surged, with that for outbound travel increasing more than 15 times compared with 2023, leaving tour guides buzzing with excitement. "Customers are eager to explore overseas destinations, particularly after countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists. It's like a renaissance for both individual and group tours," said Tan Mingyuan, a tour guide with GZL International Travel Service. "I have to work the entire holiday period," said Tan, who just returned from the Philippines and is leaving for Vietnam with a 20-member tour group. Looking ahead, 2024 will be a big year for China's tourism industry, which will enter "a new prosperous cycle," according to the China Tourism Academy. Chinese tourists are expected to make more than 6 billion domestic trips this year, up from nearly 4.9 billion in 2023, while the number of outbound trips by Chinese tourists is expected to reach 130 million, a big jump from more than 87 million last year, according to the academy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said that following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, the unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024. Releases of water this spring from Fort Peck Dam to mimic runoff in the Missouri River may be conducted in April and July, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday. The idea behind the increased flows is to assess whether endangered pallid sturgeon may be lured upstream and successfully spawn. The water releases would also be monitored to measure the effects of the higher flows on things like irrigation intakes, streambank erosion, the dams spillways and cultural resources downstream, according to John Remus, chief of the Corps Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. The dam plan The runoff scenario was outlined in a plan the Corps approved in 2021: Beginning on April 16 only when Fort Peck Reservoirs elevation is at 2,227 feet and other downstream and runoff factors align flows would be increased by 1,700 cubic feet per second each day until the peak flow at the Wolf Point gauge reached 16,000 cfs. Since the Milk River flows into the Missouri just downstream from the dam, not all of the water would come from Fort Peck Reservoir. The peak flow would be held for three days and then gradually decreased before being boosted in late May to 28,000 cfs. The peak flow would be held for three days, and then gradually decreased to 8,000 cfs and held there through mid-July. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte registered his disapproval of the plan when it was being developed. Elevation requirements According to the Corps plan, the reservoir level must be at an elevation no less than 2,227 feet during the entire test period. Lake Sakakawea, which is downstream, must remain below an elevation of 1,850 feet for the duration of the test flow. At the end of January, Sakakawea had an elevation of 1,836.9 feet. Our February first forecast puts it on the edge of whether we would run a test or not, Remus said. Fort Peck Reservoirs elevation at the end of January was 2,229.4 feet with current water releases at 5,000 cubic feet per second. At that rate, Remus said there should be enough water in Fort Peck to meet the Corps requirement. Measuring success Remus said he didnt know if the Corps would be able to definitively say after the test flows if the higher water prompted pallids to move upstream and spawn, or if any pallid larvae that hatched survived once flows were reduced. Only a 1% to 2% of pallid sturgeon are tagged for monitoring. Capturing live larvae is difficult because they are so small. To definitively answer all of the Corps' questions may therefore take several such test flows. However, the event will answer many other questions for the agency, he added. Its estimated that once larvae begin drifting, they need five to 13 days depending on the water temperature and speed to develop enough to be able to swim and eat on their own. If the larvae dont mature in time, its believed they die in an oxygen-starved environment at the head of Lake Sakakawea. A study published by the U.S. Geological Survey last year attempted to quantify the complexity of the Missouri River channel downstream from Fort Peck as well as possible spawning habitat. The research found likely spawning sites, but also noted the lower portion of the river is relatively straight. More sinuous sections of river help slow larval drift. The research also found that higher flows in the Yellowstone River, which joins the Missouri River just above Sakakawea, can cause the Missouris water to slow, called a backwater effect, that can extend six miles upstream. The Corps noted in its 2018 Missouri River Recovery Management Plan that even with the altered flows pallid sturgeon offspring are unlikely to survive in the 250-mile stretch of river. On the Yellowstone Pallid sturgeon can choose to swim up the Yellowstone River instead of the Missouri. Since 2023, a new bypass channel around Intake Diversion Dam on the Yellowstone has provided hope pallid sturgeon may successfully spawn. The channel provides access to another 165 miles of the Yellowstone, as well as to the mouths of the Powder and Tongue rivers. Last spring, 23 radio-tagged pallid sturgeon used the bypass channel, according to David Trimpe, an environmental specialist with the Bureau of Reclamation. In 2022, 22 tagged pallids used the channel. Several of the fish entered the Powder and Tongue rivers, he added, where spawning may have occurred. Runoff forecast Weather over the next two months could set the stage for whether the Corps will conduct its test utilizing Fort Peck Dam. The latest Corps forecast showed January runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, at 56% of average. Runoff was well-below-average due to much-below-normal temperatures over the whole Missouri River Basin and below-normal precipitation over most of the upper basin, the Corps noted in a press release. The runoff forecast for the Missouri Basin this spring is 73% of average. Thats in part due to mountain snowpack that feeds the river being recorded at half of its normal average. By Feb. 1, about 60% of mountain snowfall has typically accumulated, with the peak arriving near mid-April. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana, snow monitoring states reported the lowest snowpack on record. Montana snow reporting sites show most of western Montanas snowpack at 50-69% of normal. The exceptions were the Sun, Teton and Marias river basins, which were at only 42%, and the Kootenai in the northwest corner which was at 70%, the best in the state. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of Eastern Montana abnormally dry, whereas the western part of the state is in worse shape, rated to be in moderate to severe drought. In the domain of legal justice, the balance between strictness and leniency often defines a nations judicial system. However, in the case of South Korea, leniency seems to be the prevailing theme, especially when it comes to dealing with corporate giants like Samsung. While Chinas courts have been criticised for their strictness, South Korea faces a different problem altogetherone of being too lenient. This leniency was exemplified in a recent verdict involving Samsungs top boss, Lee Jae-yong. Advertisement Genesis of the case The case in question dates back to 2015 when Lee orchestrated the merger of two Samsung affiliates, Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries. Prosecutors alleged that the merger was aimed at consolidating Lees power within the company and that he engaged in fraudulent practices to facilitate the deal. However, despite these serious accusations, Lee was acquitted by a court in Seoul, much to the surprise of many observers. This verdict comes as a relief for Lee, considering the tumultuous legal battles he has faced in the past. In 2017, he was sentenced to five years in prison for bribery charges related to offering millions of dollars to former South Korean president Park Geun-hye in exchange for government approval of the merger. Despite the severity of the charges, Lees time behind bars was shortlived, as he was released on parole after just 18 months. Furthermore, he was later pardoned by the South Korean president in 2021, raising questions about the integrity of the countrys legal system. Advertisement To understand how Samsung and its executives seem to evade accountability, one must delve into the companys immense influence in South Korea. Samsung and its affiliates dominate a significant portion of the countrys economy, comprising 20 per cent of the stock exchange, 18 per cent of the GDP and 17 per cent of total exports. This level of influence extends beyond mere statistics, as Samsungs presence is ubiquitous across various industries, including healthcare, education, textiles, electronics and construction. Advertisement Rise of Samsung The origins of Samsungs rise to power can be traced back to its founder, Lee Byung-chull, who transformed a small grocery trading store into a conglomerate spanning multiple sectors. Leveraging favourable government policies and a protectionist economic environment, Lee expanded Samsungs reach into banking, insurance, manufacturing, and eventually, electronics. However, this rapid growth was not without controversy, as the company became embroiled in numerous bribery scandals over the years. Advertisement Despite facing legal scrutiny, Samsung continued to flourish under the leadership of Lees son, Lee Kun-hee, who spearheaded a corporate restructuring that emphasized product quality and innovation. However, beneath the surface, Samsung fostered a toxic corporate culture marked by corruption and bribery, with both father and son being implicated in bribery scandals involving high-ranking government officials. Advertisement Global stature of Samsung Today, Samsung stands as a corporate behemoth, dominating global markets and wielding significant political influence within South Korea. Its status as the worlds leading smartphone manufacturer has cemented its position as a key player in the semiconductor industry, which is crucial to South Koreas economic ambitions. However, the leniency shown towards Samsungs executives raises serious questions about the integrity of South Koreas legal system and its susceptibility to state capture and crony capitalism. While the country may have chosen this path in pursuit of economic growth, it must now confront the consequences of allowing corporate giants like Samsung to operate with impunity. As South Korea continues to navigate its role in the global economy, addressing these systemic issues will be crucial in ensuring fairness and accountability within its judicial system. 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 . UK plans to spend over 100 million Pounds or about $125 million to bolster the UKs position as a global frontrunner in regulating AI, and is planning to set up 9 new research hubs and labs across universities in the UK, focusing on AI safety Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans to allocate over 100 million Pounds ($125 million) towards bolstering the UKs position as a global frontrunner in regulating AI, with a focus on regulatory challenges and advancing research and development initiatives to keep AI in check The government intends to channel nearly 100 million Pounds into establishing nine new research hubs at universities nationwide, alongside forging a collaborative partnership with the United States to ensure responsible AI deployment. Advertisement Additionally, 10 million Pound will be allocated to support regulatory bodies, with an additional 19 million Pound, earmarked for 21 projects aimed at enhancing machine-learning technologies to enhance productivity. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, emphasized the proactive approach to mitigating AI risks, positioning the UK to harness the technologys benefits while prioritizing safety. In its forthcoming response to an AI regulation consultation, the government will outline its stance on advanced general-purpose AI models, advocating for prudent oversight without hastening legislative action. Sunaks previous hosting of an AI safety summit underscores the governments commitment to addressing potential risks associated with AI, including concerns about weaponization and cybersecurity threats. Advertisement Simultaneously, the UK and France are slated to co-host a conference in London to address the proliferation of hackers for hire and combat malicious use of commercial cyber tools, drawing participation from representatives of 35 nations. As AI and technology ascend the political agenda, the leading opposition Labour Party, ahead of the upcoming general election, is also elevating the discourse on AI and technology. Advertisement Shadow Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is set to engage in discussions with key stakeholders in Washington DC, including the US government and major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Google, and Apple, in a bid to shape Labours technological strategy. (With inputs from agencies) In a massive push to Indias budding gaming sector, EGaming Federation is collaborating with National Law University to advance knowledge, research, and capacity-building within the gaming and technology policy domain EGaming Federation (EGF), Indias leading body representing the skill-gaming industry, has joined forces with the National Law University (NLU), New Delhi, in a collaborative effort to advance knowledge, research, and capacity-building within the gaming and technology policy domain. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), officially signed on February 2, 2024, underscores the mutual commitment of EGF and NLU to strengthen Indias policy framework and enhance standards in the gaming and technology sector through cutting-edge research and innovation. Advertisement This strategic partnership between EGF and NLU will involve joint projects addressing contemporary public concerns related to the gaming and technology sector. The collaboration aims to explore the legal implications of these issues and facilitate a meaningful dialogue that contributes to the sectors advancement. Both organizations are dedicated to fostering informed insights, capacity-building, and collaborative learning. Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai of NLU praised EGFs efforts in supporting the online gaming sector, expressing enthusiasm about the collaborative knowledge development journey. He emphasized the importance of providing informed legal insights for promoting political, social, and economic justice. The collaboration is expected to create opportunities for capacity-building and collaborative learning between the two entities. Advertisement Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF, expressed contentment with the MoU, highlighting EGFs dedication to building a community centred on education, research, and scholarship in the Indian online gaming sector. Saxena stressed the goal of advocating for progressive policies that encourage innovation, ensure consumer protection, and promote responsible gaming. He sees the partnership with the National Law University as a crucial step in leveraging academic expertise for the benefit of industry stakeholders and the broader community. Advertisement The signing ceremony for the MoU, attended by Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai and Mr. Anuraag Saxena, also featured the presence of Dr. Raghav Pandey, Assistant Professor at NLU, and other faculty members. EGF, as the unified voice of the online skill gaming sector in India, represents the views of a majority, including the top 5 Gaming Developers and Operators, with a Unicorn among its members. Advertisement (With input from agencies) India topped Snapchats Digital Well-Being Index for the second year in a row. At least 60 per cent of Indian parents are well aware of online safety issues and routinely check in on their children and their online activities In an era where online safety is paramount, especially for young users, Snap Inc. has released its second edition of the Digital Well-Being Index (DWBI), shedding light on the psychological well-being of Gen Z online. The report, which surveyed 9,100 respondents across Australia, the UK, the US, France, Germany, and India, underscores Indias leading position for the second consecutive year. Advertisement The report also suggests that at least 60 per cent of Indian parents are well aware of online safety issues and routinely check in on their children and their online activities. According to the DWBI findings, India secured an impressive overall score of 67, with a notable emphasis on parent-child engagement in online safety practices. Over 82 per cent of Indian parents turn to their teenage children for technical assistance, reflecting a strong bond and open communication channels within families. Moreover, 60 per cent of Indian teens actively seek guidance from their parents when confronted with online risks, demonstrating a proactive approach to safety. The report highlights Indian parents reliance on teens for technical support, with 64 per cent seeking guidance on software applications and an equal proportion seeking assistance in navigating social media platforms. This collaborative effort between parents and teens has contributed to Indias remarkable achievements in online safety, surpassing nations like the US, the UK, France, Germany, and Australia. Advertisement Uthara Ganesh, Head of Public Policy, India and South Asia, Snap Inc., expressed appreciation for Indias strides in promoting a healthy digital parent-teen relationship. The DWBI findings this year highlight a reciprocal exchange of support and open conversations between teens and parents in India regarding online safety. This demonstrates an encouraging evolution of the parent-teen relationship in the digital age. Its heartening to see a nation with a significant number of internet users leading the way in promoting a healthy digital parent-teen relationship. As a company that prioritizes safety and well-being for all our users, we remain committed to fostering and enhancing this positive trend, he said. Advertisement As digital interactions continue to shape daily life, the proactive involvement of Indian parents in online safety initiatives serves as a model for global best practices. With a focus on collaboration, education, and communication, India sets a high standard for fostering a safe and responsible online environment for its youth. Bhutto said that his party does not seek to form a political alliance with any party but will contest the elections following its manifesto With just a few days to go for the crucial elections in Pakistan, former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto has said that he will not hold the diplomatic post if ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif comes back to power. The chief of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), in an interview with Independent Urdu, said that he would not join hands with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawas (PML-N) should it come back to power in the February 8 elections. Advertisement I will not become foreign minister if Nawaz comes to power again, I cant participate in the same old politics. If he breaks away from that and creates an environment that benefits democracy in the country, then I can stand with that, Bhutto said. Bilawal Bhutto, 35, was made the countrys foreign minister in 2022 and was part of the cabinet formed by the coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz. Choose between devil and blue sea Claiming that all the major political parties, other than the PPP, are unfit to govern Pakistan, Bhutto said, It feels like having to choose between the devil and deep blue sea, adding that he hoped the PPP was able to form the government on its own. Advertisement In another interview, Bhutto said that his party does not seek to form a political alliance with any party but will contest the elections following its manifesto. A few days ago, Bilawal took a swipe at Nawaz Sharif and said that giving an impression of pre-decided results of the upcoming general elections is an insult to the people of Pakistan. He criticised the three-time former prime minister for not campaigning enough. Advertisement Bhutto vows to change Karachi On Monday, the former foreign minister, during one of his election pitches, said that he will change the city of Karachi if PPP comes to power. According to Geo TV, he said, The party will change the face of Karachi in five years if it gets 20 seats [from the city>. Advertisement Karachi has always been an important political hub as historically, parties who have secured substantial representation from the city usually play a significant role in shaping the governance of the country. With inputs from agencies Blinken met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited on his fifth visit to West Asia since the conflict in Gaza erupted, and met with Saudi Arabias crown prince to advance discussions on a potential cease-fire and postwar planning while also working to ease regional tensions. However, Blinken faces significant challenges on all fronts: Hamas and Israel remain at odds over crucial aspects of a potential truce, Israel has rejected US calls for a pathway to a Palestinian state, and Iran-backed groups in the region show little signs of being deterred by US actions. Advertisement In Gaza, meanwhile, Hamas has begun to reemerge in some of the most devastated areas after Israeli forces pulled back, an indication that Israels central goal of crushing the group remains elusive. Video footage from the same areas shows vast destruction, with nearly every building damaged or destroyed. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the military would continue to conduct operations in northern Gaza for many months and press ahead with its main offensive in the south, where it has been locked in heavy fighting for weeks until it has full reign over the entire territory. He said the offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where some 1.5 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. Egypt has said an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed over four decades ago. Blinken met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. Advertisement Blinken underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict, and he and the crown prince discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region, the State Department said in a statement. But any such grand bargain appears a long way off as the war still rages in Gaza, where 113 bodies were brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours alone, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. Another 205 people were wounded, the agency said. Advertisement The fatalities bring the overall Palestinian death toll from nearly four months of war to 27,478. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead have been women and children. The war has leveled vast swaths of the tiny enclave, displaced 85% of its population of 2.3 million Palestinians and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. Advertisement HAMAS RETURNS TO WAR-BATTERED STREETS A video circulating online Monday showed masked gunmen leading a line of shirtless detainees past bombed-out buildings in northern Gaza, forcing them to shout out that they are thieves. The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm the incident, but it is consistent with AP reporting. Advertisement It was the latest sign that Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since seizing power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, is reasserting control in parts of the north. Residents say Hamas-led security forces, which numbered in the tens of thousands before the war, have begun to reappear in some areas where they focus on distributing civil salaries and cracking down on looters. Advertisement The Israeli military says it has launched targeted operations in northern Gaza over the last week to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Israel crushes Hamas military and governing abilities and wins the return of the 100-plus hostages still held by the militant group after the Oct. 7 cross-border raid that ignited the war. Advertisement Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the attack and abducted around 250. More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Meeting with troops on Monday, Netanyahu said Israel had defeated 18 of Hamas 24 battalions, without providing evidence. We are on the way to absolute victory, and I want to tell you that we are committed to it and we will not give it up. Advertisement CEASE-FIRE TALKS ADVANCE, BUT GAPS REMAIN The United States, Qatar and Egypt have drawn up a proposal for a cease-fire of several weeks and the phased release of the remainder of the hostages. But Hamas, which has yet to publicly respond to the proposal, has said it wont release any more captives until Israel ends its offensive. The militants are expected to demand the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in return demands Netanyahu has publicly ruled out. Advertisement The war has ignited tensions across the region, with a flurry of strikes and counterstrikes raising the risk of a wider conflict. Israel and Lebanons powerful Hezbollah militant group trade fire across the border on a daily basis, and in recent weeks apparent Israeli strikes have killed senior Hezbollah commanders. A drone attack launched by Iran-backed militants killed three U.S. soldiers near the Jordan-Syria border last week, prompting a wave of retaliatory U.S. strikes. The United States and Britain have also carried out strikes on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in response to their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, which the rebels portray as a blockade of Israel. Advertisement With inputs from AP. It made the promises after the Philippines revealed on Monday that Chinese hackers attempted but failed to breach into official websites, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s personal website, last month The Chinese government does not accept any sort of cyberattack and will not allow any nation or anyone to participate in such criminal operations using Chinese infrastructure, according to its embassy in the Philippines. It made the promises after the Philippines revealed on Monday that Chinese hackers attempted but failed to breach into official websites, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s personal website, last month. Advertisement Manila did not disclose whether the hackers were affiliated with any state, although they were discovered to be utilising the services of Chinese state-owned corporation Unicom. Unicom did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Chinese government all along firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attack in accordance with law, allows no country or individual to engage in cyber attack and other illegal activities on Chinese soil or using Chinese infrastructure, a spokesperson at the Chinese Embassy in Manila said late on Monday. The Philippines is currently working on a five-year cybersecurity strategy to beef up its cyber defences. Its military last year announced it would create a cyber command. The Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday assured that the research conducted by a Chinese vessel docking at a Maldives port is solely aimed at promoting peaceful objectives and advancing scientific knowledge, according to a report The Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday assured that the research conducted by a Chinese vessel docking at a Maldives port is solely aimed at promoting peaceful objectives and advancing scientific knowledge, according to a Reuters report. In a statement issued in January, Maldivian foreign ministry had said that the arrival of the research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, in the island nation is primarily for personnel rotation and replenishment. Advertisement The expected arrival of a Chinese research ship in the Maldives this week has escalated tensions between Beijing, Delhi and Male. The presence of the vessel is likely to raise the concern of India, which has previously viewed such vessels close to its shores as problematic. Officially, the vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 is there to make a port call, for rotation of personnel and replenishment. In short, an entirely innocuous stop. But that is not how it is being seen in Delhi. Instead, the ships presence is at the very least a diplomatic snub. At worst, some fear, it could be a mission to collect data which could - at a later date - be used by the Chinese military in submarine operations, according to a BBC report. Advertisement China experts, however, have shrugged off their concerns. The Chinese ships carry out scientific research work in the Indian ocean. Its activities on the high sea are entirely legitimate, BBC quoted Zhou Bo, a former Peoples Liberation Army Senior Colonel, as saying. The vessel left the Chinese port of Sanya, located in its southernmost province of Hainan, on 16 January and is scheduled to reach Male on 8 February, according to Marine Traffic. The ship is expected to explore the southern Indian Ocean for five months from January to May this year. Advertisement On 3 January, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu gave permission to Chinese research vessels to dock in the Maldives despite sustained pressure from the Indian government, Sri Lanka Guardian reported. The green signal by Muizzu came days before his state visit to China and followed Maldivian vice-president Hussain Mohamed Latheefs visit to China last December, to attend the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation organised by China International Development Cooperation Agency. Advertisement India had raised objections with the governments of Sri Lanka and the Maldives regarding the docking of Xiang Yang Hong 03 in their ports, Hindustan Times reported last month. Allowing the Chinese ship to dock in the Maldives despite Indian objections seems another effort by the Muizzu administration to sideline India. The island nation had earlier this month announced a $37-million deal to purchase Turkish-made military drones to patrol the high seas a task presently done by India in partnership with the Maldivian defence forces, as reported by The Print. Advertisement With inputs from agencies At their conference in Havana, negotiators from both sides agreed that the 180-day Bilateral, National, and Temporary Ceasefire (BNTFC) would be in effect According to a joint statement from the government and the insurgent National Liberation Army (ELN), they have decided to prolong their bilateral truce by an additional six months. Last Monday, a six-month cease-fire that had been initially extended by five days came to an end. At their conference in Havana, negotiators from both sides agreed that the 180-day Bilateral, National, and Temporary Ceasefire (BNTFC) would be in effect. Advertisement El Nino declared in a statement that it has chosen to unilaterally and temporarily suspend economic detentions, a commitment that will be followed up by the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism at midnight. While discussions were going on, the ELN ceased abduction, but its commanders did beg for financial support from the government to keep its forces in the field. President Gustavo Petros government restarted peace talks with the ELN in 2022 as part of a policy of total peace to end the South American countrys six-decade conflict, in which more than 450,000 people have been killed. So far, Petros government has held six rounds of peace talks with the ELN, a process supported by Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil and Chile, which are participating as guarantor countries. Advertisement Colombias president is also negotiating with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), the largest armed group of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels. The American strikes have drawn criticism from the governments of Iraq and Syria, and also from Iran, which denies any role in last months drone attack During a Monday UN Security Council meeting, China and Russia accused the US of using its recent retaliatory strikes on groups in Iraq and Syria that receive support from Iran to inflame the already high tensions in the Middle East. In response for a drone assault on a facility in Jordan on January 28 that claimed the lives of three US soldiers, the US military launched nocturnal strikes against dozens of sites in Syria and Iraq on Friday and Saturday. Advertisement There are now concerns that the present Israel-Hamas battle in Gaza may turn into a regional crisis as a result of the attacks, which were directed against elite Iranian troops and terrorist organisations that support Iran. Its clear that American airstrikes are specifically, deliberately aimed to stoke the conflict, said Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzia, whose country had called for the emergency meeting. Chinas ambassador Jun Zhang similarly claimed that the US actions will certainly exacerbate the vicious cycle of tit-for-tat violence in the Middle East. Anger over Israels devastating campaign in Gaza which began after an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Advertisement A UN official called for all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict. I appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security, said Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs. Advertisement The American strikes have drawn criticism from the governments of Iraq and Syria, and also from Iran, which denies any role in last months drone attack. Any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its armed forces is misleading, baseless and unacceptable, Iranian ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Council on Monday. Advertisement He pledged that if Iran faces any threat, attack or aggression affecting its security, it would not hesitate to exercise its inherent rights to respond firmly. The White House said Sunday it plans more retaliatory action. Let me be clear, United States does not desire more conflict in a region when we are actively working to contain and deescalate the conflict in Gaza, said deputy ambassador Robert Wood. Advertisement He added: We are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran, but we will continue to defend our personnel against unacceptable attacks. Period. A Bismarck man faces multiple felony charges after a weekend incident during which he is accused of stabbing a woman reported to be his fiancee and terrorizing a man with knives. Christopher Moran, 34, is charged with aggravated assault-domestic violence, reckless endangerment and two counts of terrorizing. Three of the four charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of two years in prison and maximum sentences of five years. The defense attorney listed for him in court documents did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment Monday. The charges come after police responded shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday to an address on South 17th Street upon receiving reports of a woman who had been stabbed. Those reports also said a man identified as Moran was chasing another man while armed with a knife, according to an affidavit. Responding officers reportedly discovered Moran attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle which was ultimately stopped by police. The affidavit states officers were also approached by a woman who identified herself at Moran's fiancee. The document states she had a laceration wound to her lower abdomen and told officers Moran had stabbed her. The wound did not require immediate medical attention, according to the affidavit. The woman reportedly told police she had experienced car trouble and was given a ride to the residence by her brother, who was then allegedly attacked by Moran. The woman said Moran had been drinking and sometimes hallucinates when he is intoxicated, according to police. A judge on Monday set Moran's bond at $5,000 cash. Burleigh County Assistant State's Attorney Isaac Lees had asked for a $50,000 cash bond, calling Moran a danger to the community and citing a criminal history that includes two previous convictions for domestic violence. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11. Moran could enter pleas at that time. In the Rajya Sabha election case, the implications of Paragraph 15 of the Symbols orderthat is, the ruling as established in the case of the merger of the Indian Congress (Socialist) and Nationalist Congress Party (ECI order of August 4, 1999)were invoked Almost eight months after Ajit Pawar left the Sharad Pawar camp to join the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra with eight NCP MLAs, the Election Commission ruled on Tuesday in favor of Pawar in the NCP symbol issue. Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, declared: The Election Commission has decided in our favor after hearing our attorneys arguments. We respectfully accept this. Advertisement However, in a special concession to the Sharad Pawar group, the EC granted it a one-time option to claim a name for its new political formation and send three preferences to the EC by 3 pm on February 7, given the impending elections for six Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, for which the notification is to be issued on February 8, 2024. By doing this, the Pawar side will be able to abide by Rule 39AA of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961, which permits approved political party agents to confirm the voters party affiliation. In the Rajya Sabha election case, the implications of Paragraph 15 of the Symbols orderthat is, the ruling as established in the case of the merger of the Indian Congress (Socialist) and Nationalist Congress Party (ECI order of August 4, 1999)were invoked. In the meantime, the Commission gave all political parties advice on appropriate disclosure procedures for internal party democracy and organizational elections. Advertisement Slamming ECs decision, Maharashtra leader Anil Deshmukh said: Today, the Election Commission has given Sharad Pawars partys name and symbol to Ajit Pawar. A similar decision was taken in the case of Shiv Sena. NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar. He had been the president of the party for years. The Election Commissions decision under pressure is the murder of democracy. This is unfortunate. Advertisement Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said: I am not surprised at all. A man who was charged of corruption of worth Rs 70,000 crore today stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the BJP Ajit Pawar happens to be the Deputy CM of Maharashtra It goes against the spirit of Schedule 10 of the Constitution It is sponsored, planned and executed by the central government to try and silence those voices which speak for the people of this country, which speak strongly against the growing dictatorial tendencies of the government. Advertisement (With agency inputs) Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has sought Secret Service protection due to escalating threats amid her role as Donald Trumps primary adversary for the 2024 GOP nomination, according to a report Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has sought Secret Service protection due to escalating threats amid her role as Donald Trumps primary adversary for the 2024 GOP nomination, according to a report. Weve had multiple issues, The Wall Street Journal report quoted the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador as saying after a campaign event here. Advertisement Its not going to stop me from doing what I need to do, she added. Following losses in Iowa and New Hampshire, Haley has emerged as Trumps sole contender in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Their confrontations have intensified on the campaign trail and are headed into a heated primary in her home state on 24 February. According to The New York Times report, Trumps supporters have resorted to racist messages, death threats, and swatting calls against his political adversaries. However, Haleys campaign officials declined to disclose further details regarding the threats she has encountered, which could also be attributed to her tenure as a United Nations ambassador, particularly her involvement in Iran, added the report. Advertisement 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 prominent figures, including officials involved in the civil and criminal cases against Trump. Advertisement Presidential candidates typically receive Secret Service Protection around the time they win their partys nomination. In 2007, Barack Obama, then a senator, was assigned protection nine months before voting began in the primaries. Haley has increased security at her events in recent weeks. In South Carolina, reports filed with the Charleston County Sheriffs Office show that deputies have responded to at least two bogus reports at her home on Kiawah Island since December, New York Times reported. Advertisement The Federal Bureau of Investigation was tracking one of the hoax calls that led to the swatting incident at Haleys South Carolina home in December and intended to open a threat assessment, Reuters cited an e-mail obtained in January. Haley has said her parents were at home during the December incident. With inputs from agencies Brushing aside risks around overpriced shares, upcoming elections and regulatory uncertainty, Indias $4 trillion stock market reportedly pulling in billions of dollars of domestic and foreign money as investors flock to a fast-growing alternative to China. In a historic transition witnessed in global markets, investors withdraw billions of dollars from Chinas slowing economy, marking a remarkable shift from two decades ago when China was viewed as the worlds foremost growth opportunity. A substantial portion of these funds is now being directed towards India, with major Wall Street players such as Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley championing the South Asian nation as the premier investment destination for the coming decade. Advertisement The growing momentum is sparking a surge of interest akin to a gold rush. Marshall Wace, a $62 billion hedge fund, has designated India as its largest net long position after the US in its flagship hedge fund. Similarly, an arm of Zurich-based Vontobel Holding AG has elevated the country to its top emerging-market holding, while Janus Henderson Group Plc is actively considering acquisitions of fund houses. Even traditionally cautious retail investors in Japan are turning their attention to India, reducing their exposure to China in the process, according to reports. Brushing aside risks around overpriced shares, upcoming elections and regulatory uncertainty, Indias $4 trillion stock market reportedly pulling in billions of dollars of domestic and foreign money as investors flock to a fast-growing alternative to China. Indias allure is rising this year as global investors seek substitutes for sickly Chinese markets and as expectations grow that national elections this year will see current Prime Minister Narendra Modi return for a rare third term. Advertisement People are interested in India for several reasons one is simply its not China, Vikas Pershad, Asian equities portfolio manager at M&G Investments in Singapore told Bloomberg. Theres a genuine long-term growth story here. Investors are closely monitoring the diverging paths of two of Asias prominent nations. India, recognised as the worlds fastest-growing major economy, has significantly enhanced its infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Advertisement Meanwhile, China is contending with persistent economic challenges and experiencing a growing divide with the Western-led international order. Since mid-November, the Houthis have started using drones and missiles in the Red Sea to attack commercial boats, claiming that their actions are an expression of sympathy with the Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza conflict The Houthis of Yemen, who support Iran, stated on Tuesday that they had launched missiles at two ships in the Red Sea, slightly damaging a cargo ship that was travelling off the coast of Hodeidah. Since mid-November, the Houthis have started using drones and missiles in the Red Sea to attack commercial boats, claiming that their actions are an expression of sympathy with the Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza conflict. Advertisement According to a military spokesman for the group, it launched naval missiles at the Morning Tide and Star Nasia, recognising the ships as American and British, respectively, and flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) damaged a general cargo ship flying the flag of Barbados that belonged to a British corporation when it was travelling southeast across the Red Sea, according to British maritime security company Ambrey. No injuries were reported. The ship performed evasive manoeuvres and continued its journey, Ambrey said. The owner of the Morning Tide, British firm Furadino Shipping, told Reuters the ship was currently sailing without problems, but gave no further information. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said just after midnight GMT on Tuesday that it had received a report of a projectile fired at the port side of a ship located 57 nautical miles west of Hodeidah and that a small craft was seen nearby. Advertisement The projectile passed over the deck and caused slight damage to the bridge windows, but the vessel and crew were safe and proceeded on the planned passage, UKMTO added. LSEG ship-tracking data showed the Morning Tide was sailing down through the Red Sea having come through the Suez Canal on Friday. Its most recent signal shows it sailing out of the Red Sea through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Advertisement The Red Sea attacks have disrupted global shipping and forced firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa and stoked fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread to destabilise the wider Middle East. The United States and Britain a month ago began striking Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for the attacks on Red Sea shipping. Advertisement The US military said its forces conducted a strike in self-defence on Monday afternoon Yemen time against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) that it said presented an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. The Zambian government is currently taking measures to stop the spread of the water-borne disease by embarking on a mass vaccination program as well as providing 2.4 million liters of clean water a day to communities that have been worst affected. India on Tuesday sent humanitarian aid to Zambia which is currently reeling under a cholera outbreak. The aid, weighing approximately 3.5 tonnes, was sent via a commercial cargo aircraft and contains medicines, chlorine tablets, water purification supplies and ORS sachets. Apart from India, the European Union has decided to provide humanitarian assistance worth 1 million to support the country as it fights cholera. Advertisement The EU funding is expected to support UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in their efforts to mitigate health, water, hygiene and sanitation crises in the region. Cholera outbreak in Zambia As of January 31, 16,526 cholera cases reported were in the country while over 600 people have lost their lives. The Zambian government is currently taking measures to stop the spread of the water-borne disease by embarking on a mass vaccination program as well as providing 2.4 million liters of clean water a day to communities that have been worst affected. Cholera is an acute diarrhea infection caused by bacteria that is typically spread via contaminated food or water. The disease is strongly linked to poverty and inadequate access to clean water. The African country was struck by the outbreak in October 2023 and the Health Ministry says that cholera has been detected in nearly half of the countrys districts. Advertisement Zambian president urges people to move Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has urged people living in densely populated towns and cities to move to villages as their current living conditions are the ideal breeding ground for the bacteria. There is so much land in the villages, there is clean water. We can build nice homes in the villages, which are not polluted, Hichilema said. Advertisement There have been recent cholera outbreaks in other southern African nations including Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. More than 200,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths have been reported in southern Africa since the start of 2023, UNICEF said. With inputs from agencies FMR is currently in place along the 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar border, which runs through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. As a component of Indias Act East policy, it was unveiled in 2018 The Free Movement Regime is essentially coming to an end as India is fencing the whole length of its shared border with Myanmar. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the development on Tuesday in response to the Meitei groups located in the Imphal Valleys continuous demands. Since the military takeover of Myanmar in 2021, thousands of anti-Junta insurgents have fled to India, and it is also thought that tribal militants cross the porous border into India. Advertisement The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved, Amit Shah said in a statement on social media platform X. FMR is currently in place along the 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar border, which runs through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. As a component of Indias Act East policy, it was unveiled in 2018. A ten-kilometer section of the Moreh district of Manipur has already been fenced by the state. Additionally, two trial projects using hybrid surveillance systems for fencing are being carried out. Out of the total border length, a 10 km stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced. Furthermore, two pilot projects of fencing through a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are under execution. They will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Additionally, fence works covering approx 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, and the work will start soon, Amit Shah added. Every six months, holders of regular passports will be able to enter Iran without a visa. Every visit is limited to a maximum of 15 days. It is important to remember that there is no way to prolong the 15-day window. In a major step toward promoting tourism and cultural interactions, the Islamic Republic of Irans government has authorized a visa-free regime for Indian citizens beginning on February 4, 2024. But there are restrictions attached to the visa exemption that the Iranian government has laid out. In accordance with the updated policy: Period and frequency: Every six months, holders of regular passports will be able to enter Iran without a visa. Every visit is limited to a maximum of 15 days. It is important to remember that there is no way to prolong the 15-day window. Advertisement Visitation purpose: Only those coming to the Islamic Republic of Iran for tourism are eligible for the visa exemption. Other visits for purposes like business or education will need the standard visa. Entry method: Indian nationals traveling to Iran by air are the only ones eligible for the visa exemption described in this authorization. Visa restrictions could still apply to visitors entering the country by other means. It is expected that this visa-free program will improve travel and people-to-people ties between Iran and India. The palace said that 75-year-old Charles, who ascended to the throne in September 2022 when his mother Queen Elizabeth passed away, had started a course of medical treatments and expressed eagerness to resume full-time responsibilities as soon as feasible Less than 18 months into his reign, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles had been diagnosed with a kind of cancer and would be postponing public engagements to receive treatment. Despite this, the monarch remained wholly positive about the scare. The palace said that 75-year-old Charles, who ascended to the throne in September 2022 when his mother Queen Elizabeth passed away, had started a course of medical treatments and expressed eagerness to resume full-time responsibilities as soon as feasible. Advertisement Charles spent three nights in the hospital last month for a corrective operation for a benign enlarged prostate, which led to the discovery of his cancer. The palace stated that a separate source of worry was discovered during the monarchs hospital stay, but provided no additional information other than that testing proved the king had a form of cancer. No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that his majesty does not have prostate cancer, the palace said. Throughout this period, his majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. As such, Charles will continue to have meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while his wife Queen Camilla will continue with her engagements. Advertisement Smiling When the king was photographed on Sunday attending a church service with Camilla, he smiled and waved to passersby, giving no hint as to his prognosis. He has not been in public since he and his daughter-in-law Kate left the same hospital in London, where they had both had scheduled medical care. After undergoing stomach surgery for an undisclosed but non-cancerous ailment, Kate, the Princess of Wales and spouse of Prince William, the heir to the British throne, stayed at the London facility for two weeks. Advertisement Her return to royal responsibilities is not expected until after Easter. On Wednesday, William, who has been caring for their three kids while Kate heals, will attend his first public event since her surgery. While the royals usually closely guard details of their health, regarding it as a private matter, Charles has been open about his recent treatment. Advertisement His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer, Buckingham Palace said. Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well, he said. Advertisement Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024 Advertisement Biden concern The leaders of Australia and Canada, where Charles is also head of state, expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery, while US President Joe Biden said he was concerned by the news and planned to call Charles later. Advertisement Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage, Biden said. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery. President Emmanuel Macron of France wished King Charles a speedy recovery. Wishing His Majesty King Charles III a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the British people. Amities. Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 5, 2024 Advertisement The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, sent their heartfelt well wishes to King Charles and their prayers for his good health. Sara and I send our heartfelt well wishes to King Charles III and our prayers for his good health. Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) February 5, 2024 Advertisement The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, sent King Charles his best wishes. He also hoped for a fast and full recovery. I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 5, 2024 Advertisement The monarch told his immediate family personally about his cancer diagnosis, and Prince Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to the Duke of Sussex said. Advertisement Harry now lives in California with his American wife Meghan and their two children after the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020. After waiting longer than any heir in British history to become king, Charles first year on the throne was dominated by his coronation - Britains biggest ceremonial event for generations, full of pomp and pageantry. While before he became sovereign there were suggestions that the long-time environmental campaigner would bring a radical overhaul of the monarchy, Charles has generally followed in the style of his mother, while trying to add some of his own touches. Polls suggest most Britons have a favourable view of his reign so far, although younger generations appear much less enthusiastic about the royal family in general. Prior to his recent health issues, the biggest shadow over the royals was the ongoing fallout between his son Harry and the rest of his family, most notably Harrys elder brother Prince William. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said that for Charles, a workaholic who often worked until midnight on his papers, his recent health issues would mean he would have to take it more slowly now. His body will tell him he has to, and Camilla certainly will, she said. I think hes mentally exhausted since the death of the queen. Its been non-stop for him since then. While Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated last month in favour of her son King Frederik X after 52 years on the throne, Seward said there was no chance Charles would follow suit. Absolutely not, 100% no, she said. The US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said India gets outright ownership of these aircraft, and this is something that well continue to deepen our cooperation with our Indian partners on' The General Atomics MQ-9B armed drones will add more teeth to Indias maritime security and drone awareness security, the United States said. On 1 February, the US approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and related equipment to India at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion (Rs 33,060 crore). Advertisement India gets outright ownership of MQ-9B drones This sale, we believe, will provide India with an enhanced maritime security and maritime domain awareness capability, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at his daily news conference. It offers India outright ownership of these aircraft, and this is something that well continue to deepen our cooperation with our Indian partners on, Patel said. This acquisition will bolster Indias capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. The projected mega drone deal was revealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic state visit to the US in June 2023. Why is India procuring 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the US? Advertisement The long-endurance drones are being procured by India to enhance the surveillance capabilities of its armed forces, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. As per the deal, India will get 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs. Of these, the Indian Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the land version SkyGuardian. Advertisement The officials of the US and the Indian government have been holding a series of negotiations on the proposed procurement after Washington responded to New Delhis Letter of Request for the acquisition of the drones from US defence major General Atomics. The proposed procurement also figured in US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austins talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi in November. Advertisement The Defence Acquisition Council, or DAC, headed by Rajnath Singh on 15 June 2023, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity or initial approval for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US under the foreign military sale route. The High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones are capable of remaining airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kgs of bombs. Advertisement In 2020, the Indian Navy had taken on lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics for one year for surveillance in the Indian Ocean. The lease period has been extended subsequently. MQ-9B drones: Features & Specifications Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the MQ-9B drones, are the first hunter-killer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance. Advertisement The drones are 11 metres long and have a wingspan of over 22 metres. They boast of an endurance of over 27 hours and can operate up to 50,000 feet. The drone has a 240 Knots True Airspeed (KTAS) and a 1,746 kg payload capacity, including 1,361 kg of external stores. It comes equipped with multiple mission payloads including Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Lynx multi-mode Radar, multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), laser designators, and various weapons and payload packages. Advertisement The UAV is remotely operated by a two-member crew - a pilot and an aircrew member - who operate the sensors and weapons. According to the US Air Force, the Reaper is capable of employing eight laser-guided missiles, air-to-ground missile-114 Hellfire, which possess highly accurate, low-collateral damage, anti-armour and anti-personnel engagement capabilities. Advertisement The predecessor of Reaper, the Predator, came to be known for its use during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, where it caused a high number of civilian casualties in precision strikes, notes The Guardian. The RQ-1/MQ-1Predator was retired by the USAF in 2017, with Reaper becoming the forces primary unmanned aircraft. Advertisement With inputs from agencies PTI alleged that the Punjab Police and some masked men sealed the partys election office NA-118 nominee Aaliya Hamza and PP-148 candidate Saba Dewan Ahead of Pakistan elections 2024, trouble is mounting for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khans party - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Raids are being carried out at houses of partys election offices, houses of party leaders and supporters. Also, women workers of the political faction are being allegedly harassed. According to a report by Dawn, the PTI alleged that the Punjab Police and some masked men sealed the partys election office NA-118 nominee Aaliya Hamza and PP-148 candidate Saba Dewan. Advertisement A spokesman of PTI alleged that the police and unknown masked men harassed women workers sitting in the election office in NA-118 and even went on to warn them that police would not be responsible for their security if they campaigned against the leader of Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N party Hamza Shehbaz. Pakistan will take revenge The PTI spokesman asked: Will the Election Commission of Pakistan take notice of this fascism? and said the people of the country would take revenge and defeat the mafia with the power of their vote on 8 February. He further claimed that law enforcement personnel abducted a high court lawyer, Khalid Ranjha, and his 70-year-old ailing father by breaking into their house in Sargodha late on Sunday night. Advertisement Raids in PTI election offices The party spokesman said the lawyers only crime was campaigning for PTI candidate Usama Mela in NA-83. He further said the raiding officials ransacked the furniture, broke the doors and vandalised the house. In Pakistans Gujrat, PTI nominee for NA-64 Chaudhary Qaisara Elahi and her sister Sameera Elahi, a party candidate from PP-34, accused the police of raiding the Zahoor Elahi House on Sunday night. Advertisement PTI on raids As per the report, a news conference was called by PTI politicians who claimed the police broke into their house and asked the servants to produce the douments of nominations of polling agents and the list of polling agents. Failing to get the documents, the police allegedly took away a servant and seized a computer, laptop, and voter lists from a room, they alleged. Advertisement They alleged that police entered the house on a truck and damaged the doors and furniture, while some staff members of Shafay Hussain, the scion of PML-Q chief Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain, were present there to guide the police during the raid. In Multan, veteran politician Javed Hashmi said police raided his house in Makhdoom Rasheed area and picked up his son-in-law, grandson and a servant. His son-in-law Shahid Bahar Hashmi is a PTI-backed candidate. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Train: not just live in the moment but also think of consequence On Monday, Buckingham Palace issued a statement that read, During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished a speedy recovery to King Charles III hours after Buckingham Palace announced that he was diagnosed with cancer. I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III, Modi said on X, formerly Twitter. I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III. https://t.co/86mKg9lE1q Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2024 Advertisement On Monday, Buckingham Palace issued a statement that read, During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. Charles, who took over the reins after his mother, Queen Elizabeth, passed away in 2022, will undergo regular treatments and step away from public duties for now. World leaders react The news of King Charles IIIs diagnosis prompted leaders from across the world to send well-wishes to the 75-year-old monarch. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. Advertisement Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024 Advertisement US President Joe Biden said, Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery. Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery." I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 5, 2024 On Friday, the US launched airstrikes on many sites associated with Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and its allies, following the death of three US soldiers in an incident in Jordan that Washington attributes to militants receiving support from Iran On Monday, Russia charged that US President Joe Biden had not carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria in response for a tragic attack on US soldiers, but rather to enhance his profile as the presidential campaign heats up. On Friday, the US launched airstrikes on many sites associated with Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and its allies, following the death of three US soldiers in an incident in Jordan that Washington attributes to militants receiving support from Iran. Advertisement During a Security Council discussion on the strikes, which Moscow had requested, Russias UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that there was no rationale for the US action. We see in these flex their muscles attempts, first of all, a desire to influence domestic political landscape in America, a desire to somehow correct the disastrous image of the current American administration on the international arena as the presidential election campaign is heating up, he said. In order to choose a president for the next four years, US citizens will cast their ballots in November. on Nebenzias comments on Biden, the White House did not immediately react to a request for comment. According to Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, the US operations in Syria and Iraq were justified by the individual or collective right of nations to self-defense against armed assault guaranteed by article 51 of the original UN Charter. Advertisement Let me be clear: The United States does not desire more conflict in a region when we are actively working to contain and de-escalate the conflict in Gaza. And we are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran. But we will continue to defend our personnel against unacceptable attacks. Period, Wood said. Advertisement He added that the strikes in Syria and Iraq were a separate and distinct operation from US and British strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen in response to the Houthi targeting of shipping in the Red Sea. The Pentagon on Monday said it was not aware of any Iranian deaths in the recent strikes. Advertisement Irans UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the US action as illegitimate, illegal, and unjustified. All of the resistance groups in the region are independent, he told the 15-member UN Security Council on Monday. Any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its Armed forces is misleading, baseless, and unacceptable. Iran never seeks to contribute to the spillover in the region. Moscows Basmanny District Court ordered Grigory Chkhartishvili, who is known under the pen name Boris Akunin and lives abroad, to be taken into custody once hes detained A Moscow court on Tuesday issued an arrest order for a renowned detective novelist and dissident, accusing him of justifying terrorism. This action comes two months after he fell victim to a prank orchestrated by two pro-Kremlin activists, during which he inadvertently expressed support for Ukraine over a phone call. Grigory Chkhartishvili, who writes under the pseudonym Boris Akunin and resides outside Russia, was the subject of the arrest order issued by Moscows Basmanny District Court. The court directed authorities to detain him once apprehended. Advertisement In December, Russian authorities designated the Russian-Georgian author as part of Russias extremists and terrorists registry following the aforementioned prank call. During the call, pranksters, identified as Vovan and Lexus, posed as Ukrainian officials, leading to the inadvertent expression of support by Chkhartishvili. A criminal case was opened against Akunin for discrediting the army specifically for justifying terrorism and spreading fake news about the Russian military. Discrediting the Russian military is a criminal offence under a law adopted after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The law is regularly used against Kremlin critics although it is unlikely that Akunin, who lives in London, will face detention. After the authorities branded Akunin an extremist, one of Russias leading publishers, AST, announced it was suspending the printing and sale of his books. In an online statement, Akunin described his publishers move as an important milestone, saying that Russian writers had not been accused of terrorism since Soviet dictator Josef Stalins purges. Advertisement Also on Tuesday, the allies of top Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny reported that the politician and anti-corruption campaigner had been placed in a one-man punishment cell in the remote Arctic penal colony where he is serving out a 19-year sentence. Navalnys press secretary Kira Yarmysh did not specify the reason, but said that Navalny had already spent months in solitary confinement since he was jailed in 2021, facing the punishment over two dozen times over minor infractions such as failing to properly button his prison uniform. Advertisement Navalny, 47, has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. He has since received three prison terms, including on charges of extremism, fraud and contempt of court. Navalny and his allies have rejected all charges against him as politically motivated, and accused the Kremlin of seeking to keep him in jail for life. Advertisement With inputs from agencies United Nations nuclear watchdog chief on Tuesday said that security at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains fragile amid worrying recent staff cuts enacted by Russian authorities occupying the facility United Nations nuclear watchdog chief on Tuesday said that security at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains fragile amid worrying recent staff cuts enacted by Russian authorities occupying the facility. In an interview to The Associated Press, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, who is in Kyiv, said that his upcoming visit to the plant as the war approaches its two-year milestone will aim to assess the impact of recent personnel reductions after Russia denied access to employees of Ukraines Energoatom. Advertisement This huge facility used to have around 12,000 staff. Now, this has been reduced to between 2,000 and 3,000, which is quite a steep reduction in the number of people working there, AP quoted Grossi as saying. To man, to operate these very sophisticated big installations you need a certain number of people performing different specific functions, he added. So far the situation is stable, but it is a very, very delicate equilibrium, he said. So this is why I need to see for myself what is the situation, what are the prospects in terms of staffing, medium-term and long-term as well. Grossis visit coincided with the arrival in the Ukrainian capital of the European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who said he was there to discuss military aid and financial support as well as Ukraines ambition of joining the bloc. Advertisement The 27 EU countries agreed last week to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in support for its ailing economy. But the EUs military backing is falling short, leaving Ukraines forces grappling with ammunition shortages while Russia uses its economic muscle to keep up the pressure with probing ground and air attacks. Advertisement At the same time, a question mark remains over further help for Ukraine from the United States, its biggest supplier. That has made the early months of this year a critical juncture for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated he is mulling a broad shake-up of the countrys leadership to bring fresh energy to the fight. Advertisement The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the Zaporizhzhia facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Advertisement Rossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function in the wake of the Kakhovka Dam collapse over the summer, and the presence of mines in and around the plant. The plant suffered yet another blackout last month, highlighting continuing nuclear safety concerns as battles rage nearby. All these things tell us that the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to be fragile and it requires constant care, Grossi said. Advertisement Of particular concern is the Russian decision to block access for Ukrainian staff employed by Kyivs national operator, who refused to sign contracts with the Russian operator at the site. The staff working at the plant now are former Energoatom workers who adopted Russian citizenship and signed new contracts with Russias operator at the site. Advertisement Reasons for the staff reduction vary. Some workers fled, many didnt want to remain in occupied territory and those who decided to remain did not want to work for Russia. Some did continue working, and my Russian counterparts are telling me that they are signing up more and more people. So its something that we need to check, said Grossi. Advertisement The plants six reactors have been shut down for nearly 18 months and produce no electricity but still hold large amounts of nuclear fuel that must be cooled. The collapse of the dam in June jeopardized access to the reservoir where water was drawn for cooling. To compensate, the plant administration dug wells. Now we want to see how this has evolved, Grossi said. Advertisement He is to meet with Ukrainian officials before heading to the plant. He is also due to travel to Moscow for talks with officials there. Access to the entire plant facility for IAEA experts permanently based there is still limited, with Russian authorities denying requests to see certain areas. Grossi confirmed his team observed anti-personnel mines in some areas of the plant, another cause for concern that he needs to see with his own eyes. He added, however, that the mines appear to be placed between the two perimeter fences. Advertisement We say mines at a nuclear power plant are not advisable, but what we see is that the placement and the type of mines would not pose an immediate danger to the facility. With inputs from agencies Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell advised Republican senators in a private meeting to abstain from the first procedural vote on Wednesday, according to two anonymous sources with knowledge of the meeting who were not permitted to discuss it publicly Amidst a barrage of criticism from conservatives, Senate Republicans on Monday declined to move forward with a bipartisan measure aimed at curbing unauthorised border crossings. This indicates that the idea is likely to be defeated in Congress, leaving leaders without a clear way to authorise aid for Ukraine during the war. Advertisement Remarkably, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell advised Republican senators in a private meeting to abstain from the first procedural vote on Wednesday, according to two anonymous sources with knowledge of the meeting who were not permitted to discuss it publicly. Only a few hours prior, on the Senate floor, the Republican from Kentucky had exhorted his colleagues that its now time for Congress to take action. However, McConnell has failed to rally his party to accept a $118 billion package of border enforcement policies and aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies. On Sunday night, Senate negotiators disclosed the bills text, hoping that the facts would persuade sceptics. Despite the fact that the carefully negotiated accord constituted a rightward move in Senate border discussions, conservatives reacted strongly. They criticised the border policy idea as inadequate, with former President Donald Trump leading the assault. Advertisement This is a gift to the Democrats. And this sort of is a shifting of the worst border in history onto the shoulders of Republicans, Trump, the likely Republican presidential nominee, said Monday on The Dan Bongino Show. They want this for the presidential election so they can now blame the Republicans for the worst border in history. Advertisement As they returned to the Capitol Monday, many Senate Republicans even those who have expressed support for Ukraine aid and the contours of the border policy changes raised doubts they would support advancing the package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has planned to hold a key test vote Wednesday. Advertisement The actions here in the next few days are an inflection point in history, the New York Democrat said in a floor speech. The security of our nation and of the world hangs in the balance. Schumer worked closely with McConnell on the border security package after the Republican leader had insisted on the pairing as a way to win support for Ukraine aid. The Democratic leader urged his colleagues across the aisle to tune out the political noise and vote yes. Advertisement For years, years our Republican colleagues have demanded we fix the border. And all along they said it should be done through legislation. Only recently did they change that when it looks like we might actually produce legislation, Schumer said. But Republicans expressed deep divisions on the bill. During a 90-minute, closed-door meeting Monday evening, their discussion turned to shouting. Advertisement Time out! said Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a retired lieutenant general in the Iowa Army National Guard, during one exchange. At ease! GOP senators emerged saying they were not likely to vote to move forward during the Wednesday test vote and wanted to debate changes to the bill a demand that would further delay any definitive action on the legislation. Advertisement I think the Wednesday vote is going to be, for most of our members, too early, said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the second-ranked Republican leader. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, predicted that the Wednesday tally would fall short of the 60 votes needed. After exiting an earlier meeting with other GOP leaders, he told reporters, I think the proposal is dead. Advertisement Both McConnell and Schumer have emphasized for months the urgency of approving tens of billions of dollars for Ukraines fight, saying that the USs ability to buttress democracies around the world was at stake. Yet with the funding stuck in Congress, the Defense Department has halted shipments of ammunition and missiles to Kyiv. Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson has already called the proposal dead on arrival if it passes the Senate, but Biden urged the Republican speaker to pay attention to what the Senates doing. Biden, speaking to reporters at a Las Vegas meeting with members of a culinary union, noted that Congress has not approved his funding requests for more Border Patrol agents and immigration judges to handle the number of migrants. We need help, he said. Why wont they give me the help? Advertisement The White House has also said Biden would veto a House bill that would only send military aid to Israel, criticizing it as a cynical political maneuver that excludes funding for Ukraine, the border and other national security needs. Johnson, along with the rest of the Houses top GOP leaders, said in a joint statement Monday they were opposed to the legislation because it fails in every policy area needed to secure our border and would actually incentivize more illegal immigration. Advertisement The statement from Johnson and Reps. Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer and Elise Stefanik pointed to a provision in the bill that would grant work authorizations to migrants who qualify to enter the asylum system. They also argued that it would endorse a catch and release policy by placing migrants who enter the asylum system in a monitoring program while they await the final decision on their asylum claim. Under the proposal, migrants who seek asylum would face a tougher and faster process to having their claim evaluated. The standard in initial interviews would be raised, and many would receive those interviews within days of arriving at the border. Final decisions on their asylum claims would happen within months, rather than the often years-long wait that happens now. The National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents Border Patrol agents, on Monday endorsed the proposal and said it would drop illegal border crossings nationwide. The group in 2020 endorsed in Trump and has been highly critical of Bidens border policies. But the House Republican leaders said, Any consideration of this Senate bill in its current form is a waste of time. Still, the GOPs chief negotiator on the bill, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, implored his colleagues to take another look at the legislation and even expressed openness to re-opening negotiations. Right now its work in progress, he told reporters. So Im not willing to do a funeral on it the House side, theyve already conducted the funeral. Several Democrats have also come out against the bill and take issue with the restrictions on asylum seekers. Immigration advocates have also said the bill would cut off important due process rights for people who have fled to the US to escape often harrowing violence. But Democrats have largely warmed to the idea of tougher border measures. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the lead Democratic negotiator for the bill, said, I think this country is crying out for the parties to stop fighting over immigration and just get something done thats going to better control the border and fix our broken immigration system. The Balkan nations election commission said that President Aleksandar Vucics ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won a decisive victory with 46.75 percent of the parliamentary vote Serbias parliament was due to hold its maiden session on Tuesday, weeks after contentious elections were marred by charges of electoral fraud. The Balkan nations election commission said that President Aleksandar Vucics ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won a decisive victory with 46.75 percent of the parliamentary vote. The biggest opposition movement, known as the Serbia Against Violence (SPN) alliance, garnered only 23.66 percent. Advertisement However, foreign monitors alleged anomalies during the polls, such as vote buying and ballot box stuffing, and some Western governments expressed concerns about the democratic process. Additionally, the opposition has focused its criticism on issues with close races in municipal elections in Belgrade, charging that the administration permits unregistered voters from adjacent Bosnia to unlawfully cast ballots in the capital. Thousands participated in demonstrations that included an attempt to storm Belgrades city hall after the election in December. The top court in Serbia rejected the oppositions attempt to have the votes annulled. Although the opposition denied having any official preparations to abstain from government service, they did make hints about what actions they would take during Tuesdays parliamentary session. Advertisement We will act there, opposition leader Miroslav Aleksic told public broadcaster RTS. We want to be there so that we can have the opportunity to tell future representatives and above all, citizens, that election fraud took place and that domestic institutions are either silent or complicit, another opposition leader, Marinika Tepic, told N1 news channel. Advertisement Vucic has largely brushed aside the protests and legal manoeuvres by the opposition to overturn the polls results. The European Parliament was set to decide on a resolution regarding Serbian elections on Thursday, a debate which also drew rebuke from the ruling party. This has nothing to do with the elections This is related to the fact that they (MEPs) support those who push their agenda in the Republic of Serbia, Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic told pro-government Pink TV. After Indonesian engineers were allegedly caught attempting to take a removable drive containing data related to the KF-21 fighter jet, South Korean lawmakers have called for the government to enact tougher laws on preventing leaks of defence secrets, according to a report After Indonesian engineers were allegedly caught attempting to take a removable drive containing data related to the KF-21 fighter jet, South Korean lawmakers have called for the government to enact tougher laws on preventing leaks of defence secrets. According to a South China Morning Post report, citing the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA), technicians, who were working on the project at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), are under investigation on suspicion of saving the classified information on a USB device. Advertisement A joint investigation composed of related agencies, including the National Intelligence Service, is currently under way to look into the circumstances of the Indonesians alleged technology theft, South China Morning Post report quoted a DAPA official as saying. According to the report, the investigation will also examine whether the stolen data contains sensitive technologies pertinent to the KF-21 development program, initiated in 2015. Indonesians are currently prohibited from leaving South Korea due to an incident that surfaced last month. Hong Suk-joon, a lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, emphasised that under the laws protecting military expertise, there must be evidence of intent to use in a foreign country for a leak to be prosecuted in court. He called on fellow legislators to assist in closing these loopholes by passing relevant bills that have been pending before the National Assembly since 2020. Advertisement Indonesia, a partner in the fighter jet project, reaffirmed its commitment to the plan despite failing to finance 20 per cent of the initiatives 8.8 trillion won (US$6.5 billion) cost. An official from Indonesias defense ministry stated that Jakarta has allocated US$79.6 million this year to cover its share. According to Yonhap news agency, Indonesia is estimated to have paid 278.3 billion won for the planes, which are expected to be produced in the coming months. PTDI, Indonesias state-owned aircraft manufacturer partnering with KAI on the project, announced that the countrys foreign ministry would address the alleged data theft accusations. Advertisement The KF-21 fighter jet was publicly unveiled last year at a defense exhibition in Seoul, featuring a demonstration flight. The South Korean air force aims to deploy 120 units of the KF-21 by 2032, replacing its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters, as well as its fourth-generation F-16s and F-15Ks. Advertisement With each jets cost ranging between $80 million and $100 million, South Korea, aspiring to become the worlds fourth-largest arms exporter, anticipates that the model could serve as a cost-effective alternative to Chinese warplanes in markets across Asia and the Middle East. With inputs from agencies After the North launched hundreds of artillery shells into waters close to its disputed western maritime boundary with South Korea, which prompted the South to retaliate, fears of a direct provocation increased. In South Korea, there is currently worry, but not panic North Koreas recent escalation of threats, as well as more testing of weapons targeted at South Korea, have done nothing to disrupt the calm in the countrys capital. We learned to be numb, said Renee Na, a 33-year-old office worker in Seoul who was one of a dozen South Koreans who sounded more indifferent than scared when talking with The Associated Press. Advertisement Our generation grew up seeing North Korea use nuclear provocations as showmanship to maintain the stability of its regime, Na said. When they act up, it doesnt feel like a real threat, but more like an annual event they stage when they need to shore up internal unity or want outside help. This is in sharp contrast to remarks made recently by Kim Jong Un, the leader of Pyongyang, who stated in January that his country was giving up on its main goal of a peaceful reunion with South Korea. Additionally, he restated his threat to destroy the South if provoked. Concurrently, North Korea has been testing a lot of weaponry, including what it said were mock nuclear assaults on the South. Advertisement After the North launched hundreds of artillery shells into waters close to its disputed western maritime boundary with South Korea, which prompted the South to retaliate, fears of a direct provocation increased. In South Korea, there is currently worry, but not panic. And its nothing like 1994, when waves of panicked crowds emptied stores of instant ramen and rice after a North Korean negotiator threatened to turn Seoul into a sea of fire. Advertisement North Korea has mastered a cycle of raising tensions with weapons demonstrations and threats before eventually offering negotiations aimed at extracting concessions. The result is that many South Koreans believe North Korea is using its old playbook to get attention during an election year in South Korea and the United States. Advertisement Theres widespread doubt that North Korea, an autocracy that values the survival of the Kim dynasty over anything else, would risk war with US-backed South Korea. Washington has warned repeatedly that the Norths use of nuclear weapons would result in the end of Kims rule. The fast-paced, competitive nature of life in South Korea makes it easy for many to ignore North Korean threats. And public interest here in North Korea tends to mirror the rise and fall in tensions. Advertisement Personally, I dont think Kim Jong Un currently has a reason or ability to wage war, said Min Seungki, another Seoul resident. The North Koreans clearly see a South Korean government that is unfavorable to them. They are also trying to be noticed by (Donald) Trump and the Republicans, who they prefer over the Biden administration, which didnt show much interest in dealing with them. Advertisement But theres also a sense that South Korea has few options to counter the leverage Kim has with his nuclear arsenal. Years of missile launches and other weapons tests have moved Kim much closer to his goal of having a nuclear arsenal that could viably strike both his neighbors and the United States. Advertisement South Koreans are increasingly worried Washington may hesitate to defend the South if Kim has more missiles with the range to strike the US mainland. South Koreans security anxieties have long been kept in check by the US-South Korea alliance and by past inter-Korean projects such as South Korean tours to the Diamond Mountain resort and the jointly operated Kaesong factory park, said Han-Wool Jeong, director of the Korea People Research Institute. Those joint economic projects, pushed by past liberal governments in Seoul, were halted as inter-Korean ties worsened under subsequent conservative governments. Advertisement Jeong said many now believe South Koreas security depends entirely on the US-South Korea alliance. Since taking office in 2022, conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has moved to expand the Souths combined military exercises with the United States and Japan to cope with the Norths evolving threats. He has also sought stronger assurances from Washington that the United States will decisively protect its ally if North Korea attacked with nuclear weapons. Advertisement But those steps have not slowed Kims weapons demonstrations, which likely reflect confidence over his steady weapons advancement and his strengthened ties with Russia. Some South Korean experts have called for the US to more dramatically show its defense commitment to its ally, including returning the tactical US nuclear weapons withdrawn from the South in the 1990s. Others insist the South should pursue a nuclear deterrent of its own. Advertisement While many analysts downplay the possibility of a war on the peninsula, some believe Kim may choose to raise pressure on the South with a direct but contained military action. The poorly marked sea boundary the site of skirmishes and attacks in past years could be a crisis point. Both Koreas in recent months have breached their 2018 military agreement to reduce border tensions, which had established buffers and a no-fly zone. Advertisement Its clear North Korea wants to use the April parliamentary elections to create momentum in South Korea for Yoons removal from office and could possibly conduct a large provocation to increase military tensions to the maximum and try to influence voters to oppose Yoons hard line, said Bong Youngshik, a North Korea expert at Seouls Yonsei university. The animosity between the Koreas is keenly felt by Kim Giho, a fisherman on the western border island of Yeonpyeong, where a North Korean artillery bombardment killed four people in 2010. When tensions rise like this, our boats cant move in and out of sea, and that hurts our livelihoods, Kim said. We are again evacuating to shelters with our military resuming firing drills and that really raises our sense of isolation, tension and fear. Its especially traumatizing for older people who experienced the shelling of 2010. The cash-strapped Sri Lankan government has reserved Rs 10 billion for conducting the presidential and parliamentary elections, according to a Cabinet note released after Mondays meeting The cash-strapped Sri Lankan government has reserved Rs 10 billion for conducting the presidential and parliamentary elections. A Cabinet note regarding the two major elections underscores the lack of progress in organising the local council elections postponed since March of last year. The Cabinet of Ministers considered that an allocation of Rs 10 billion has been made by the budget estimated for the year 2024, within the financial stamina of the government and those provisions have to be managed for covering the expenditure of the Presidential election and general election, the Cabinet note released after Mondays meeting read. Advertisement The local election to appoint over 300 local councils was postponed as the government did not release the funds citing the economic crisis mitigation measures taken at the time. At least four court cases remain pending on the issue as the government reported to the court that it was unable to provide funds due to the economic crisis. The Opposition however accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of postponing it for fear of losing. The next presidential election must be called by the elections commission by September and must be held by mid-November. The parliament election is not due before August of 2025 but President Wickremesinghe has the power to hold it anytime now by dissolving the 225-member Assembly elected in August 2020. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The Central American country is one of Taiwans few surviving allies, as countries increasingly align with the worlds second largest economy, China, which claims democratically controlled Taiwan as its own Guatemalas foreign minister told Reuters on Monday that the nation is exploring developing official commercial links with China, but that it intends to preserve its current connections with Taiwan. The Central American country is one of Taiwans few surviving allies, as countries increasingly align with the worlds second largest economy, China, which claims democratically controlled Taiwan as its own. Advertisement We are going to continue working with Taiwan at the levels we have been doing, Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez said in an interview. But the president has pointed out that we cannot ignore the weight and power China represents. Amidst a difficult transition process, President Bernardo Arevalo took office in mid-January with the promise to eradicate corruption and forge connections with China. We are interested in approaching them to try and develop some relationship around trade, Martinez said, saying this could materialize as an office of trade interests that would help find a Chinese market for Guatemalan products. We are making it public, this is not an ambush against Taiwan or the United States, he added. Advertisement Despite the absence of official diplomatic ties, the United States remains Taiwans largest overseas supporter and a significant arms supplier to Taipei. In Latin America, where nations have traditionally had greater relations to the United States, China has recently expanded its economic influence. Recently, a number of Central American nations have shifted their allegiance from Taiwan to China. Advertisement As for chequebook diplomacy, Taiwan has made it clear it no longer wishes to compete with China, which is a richer country. Martinez hinted to a rights-based stance on immigration by declaring that the next government will not carry out the repression of previous ones, which included using tear gas on groups trying to enter Guatemala into the United States. Advertisement Cooperation on fighting corruption and drug trafficking will be key issues to discuss with US counterparts, Martinez added, noting that US aid channels which were frozen under the previous administration are being re-established. The doors of cooperation are being reopened, he said. The attackers were members of the Revolutionary Peoples Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), a fringe communist organization that has carried out sporadic attacks in Turkey since the 1980s, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya Six people were injured when a man and a woman from a communist terrorist organization stormed a security checkpoint outside Istanbuls main courthouse on Tuesday, according to officials. Turkish police shot and killed them. The attackers were members of the Revolutionary Peoples Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), a fringe communist organization that has carried out sporadic attacks in Turkey since the 1980s, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Advertisement The group made no initial admission of guilt. While the terrorists who attempted to attack were neutralised, six people, including three police officers and three citizens, were injured, Yerlikaya said in a social media statement. Turkey has started to recover from a decade-long period of violence marked by frequent bombings and other acts connected to Kurdish operators and Islamist fighters. Ankara, the capital, and Istanbul are still on high alert despite the fact that those incidents have mostly subsided. Two attackers opened fire inside a Catholic church in Istanbul last month, killing one individual. Islamic State group militants claimed responsibility for the incident. Kurdish operatives claimed responsibility for an attack on the government sector of Ankaras capital in October that left two police officers injured. Advertisement In retaliation, Turkey increased its airstrikes on Kurdish targets in Iraq and Syria. (With agency inputs) Diesel exports from Russian ports to African countries also increased last year, reaching 10.2 million tons compared with 2.4 million tons in 2022. Morocco, Libya, Togo, Tunisia and Ghana were among the top importers. Following the imposition of European Union sanctions prohibiting the import of Russian refined products, Turkey and Brazil emerged as the largest importers of Russian seaborne diesel and gasoil last year, according to data from market sources and LSEG. Earlier, Europe had been Russias primary buyer until the full EU embargo took effect in February 2023. In response, traders redirected diesel cargoes from Russian ports to countries such as Brazil and Turkey as well as nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, utilising ship-to-ship (STS) loadings. Advertisement According to the LSEG data, Russia last year exported about 13.5 million metric tons of diesel and gasoil to Turkey, up from 5 million tons in 2022. It was unclear how much of this stayed in Turkey as opposed to being shipped onwards to other destinations. Shipments of diesel from Russian ports to Brazil totalled about 6.5 million tons in 2023 compared with 74,000 tons in 2022. Turkey remained the biggest buyer of Russian diesel and gasoil in the first month of this year, receiving more than 1.5 million tons, LSEG data shows. Brazils imports from Russia fell in January, however, to around 460,000 tonnes, down from 1 million tons in December 2023. Traders said the drop was a result of a seasonal fall in demand and supplies. Last year, Russia also exported about 1.9 million tons of diesel to Saudi Arabia and nearly 1.6 million tonnes to United Arab Emirates, shipping data showed. Advertisement Diesel exports from Russian ports to African countries also increased last year, reaching 10.2 million tons compared with 2.4 million tons in 2022. Morocco, Libya, Togo, Tunisia and Ghana were among the top importers. In January this year, diesel supplies from Russian ports to African countries totalled about 0.8 million tons, LSEG data showed. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters. The kingdoms health minister on Tuesday said the new bill which bans the recreational use of cannabis will be proposed to the cabinet meeting next week Just two years after it decriminalised its consumption, the government in Thailand has decided to move a bill urgently in the parliament banning the use of recreational cannabis, the countrys health ministry announced on Tuesday. In June 2022, Thailand, under its previous government, struck off cannabis from the list of banned narcotics. Advertisement The move prompted the sprouting of several cannabis shops across the nation with many flagging concerns over its unrestricted use, urging for tighter legislations. The kingdoms health minister on Tuesday said the new bill which bans the recreational use of cannabis will be proposed to the cabinet meeting next week. The new bill will be amended from the existing one to only allow the use of cannabis for health and medicinal purposes, Chonlanan Srikaew told reporters. The use for fun is considered wrong, he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who took over the countrys governance in October last year, has been a strong advocate of restricted use of the drug. Advertisement Srettha warned in September that recreational cannabis use could cause wider narcotic drug problems. The push for its ban held ground after many complained on social media that the venue of a concert held by British rock band Coldplay in Bangkok smelled like marijuana. Thailand was once notorious for its tough drug laws, and people found with cannabis on them could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine. Advertisement Decriminalisation was touted as a lucrative move for the tourism-heavy economy badly dented by the pandemic, with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce predicting the market may be worth $1.2 billion by 2025. The 2022 changes to the law opened the way for a legion of cannabis dispensaries to open, capitalising on confusion about the precise legal status of the drug. Advertisement With inputs from AFP Catherine Colonna, a former French foreign minister, will lead the independent panel, which will collaborate with three European research organisations, according to a report, citing UN in a statement United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced an independent panel to assess the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), according to a report. The agency has come under scrutiny following allegations by Israel that 12 of its employees were involved in the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel. Consequently, funding for the agency has been suspended by more than a dozen nations, including the US, Germany, the UK, and Sweden. Advertisement According to Al Jazeera, citing UN in a statement, Catherine Colonna, a former French foreign minister, will lead the independent panel, which will collaborate with three European research organisations. Assessing whether the agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they are made is the investigations stated objective, added the report. The panels reports, which include recommendations for potential improvement and strengthening of the agencys systems, are due to Guterres in late March for the interim report and late April for the final one, Al Jazeera reported. This evaluation is not related to the UNs internal investigation, which was started last month following the initial allegations against the 12 UNRWA employees. Advertisement Notably, the war between Israel and Hamas began after the latter launched an attack on the former on October 7, where around 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 taken hostage. Israel then launched a counterattack on Hamas and vowed to eliminate the terrorist group. In the latest development in the ongoing war, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that IDF soldiers operated within a compound in Khan Younis and located AK-47 rifles, ammunition, military equipment, and technological assets. Advertisement In addition, IDF troops also located RPGs inside terrorists residences. With inputs from agencies American military said the explosive were identified in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined to present an imminent threat to the US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region The United States military launched a self-defence strike against two Houthi-explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) on Monday, officials said. The US forces said the explosive were identified in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined to present an imminent threat to the US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy vessels and merchant vessels, the US Central Command said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Advertisement CENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes On Feb. 5, at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV). U.S. forces identified the explosive USVs in Houthi-controlled areas of pic.twitter.com/WMntzJOnw6 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 6, 2024 The strike was conducted around 3:30 pm (Sanaa time) on Monday. However, there was no update by the authorities on whether the USVs were destroyed or if there were any casualties. Advertisement On Sunday, the US forces carried out two strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, including a strike against our anti-ship cruise missiles, all of which were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea, the US Central Command said. Houthis constant attacks on commercial ships have largely affected global shipping industry and supplies. The US and coalition forces in the region have begun to take a more aggressive posture against Iran-backed terrorist group. Advertisement Houthis have said the attacks are in response to Israels war with Hamas. In addition to the Houthis, the US has launched strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria that have initiated dozens of attacks on US troops in the region. With inputs from agencies The leaders meetings on Friday will also address growing tensions in the Middle East, where Israel is at war with Hamas and the US has conducted strikes on Iran-linked sites in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone assault that killed three American troops at a Jordanian base When German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Washington this week, he hopes to capitalise on Europes success in agreeing on extra help for war-torn Ukraine. President Joe Biden is battling to overcome resistance to a US package. The leaders meetings on Friday will also address growing tensions in the Middle East, where Israel is at war with Hamas and the US has conducted strikes on Iran-linked sites in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone assault that killed three American troops at a Jordanian base. Advertisement The United States is Kyivs largest military backer, with Germany coming in second. The Biden-Scholz summit comes nearly two years after Russia invaded Ukraine. Along with other countries, Washington and Berlin have sent a vast array of weapons and other support to Kyiv. But the conflict has become bogged down and doubts are growing about further aid from Kyivs Western backers, which would be a boost for Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the United States, a White House request for about $60 billion for Kyiv has been blocked by Republicans who are insisting on increased border security in return for approving it. Former president Donald Trump, who is running for re-election and is desperate to avoid Biden getting a legislative win, has spoken out against the bill. Advertisement This stands in contrast to Europe, where EU leaders last week agreed 50 billion euros ($54 billion) of aid for Ukraine, overcoming months of opposition from Hungarian leader Viktor Orban. After the deal was struck, Scholz voiced hope it could assist Biden in overcoming the impasse in the US Congress. War fatigue Asked Friday whether Scholz would press US lawmakers on the package while in Washington, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said the chancellor will certainly use this trip to enter into dialogue with both the Senate and the House of Representatives, without giving further details. Advertisement In Washington, a senior White House official said there would be no pressure campaign for Scholz to deliver any particular message, when asked whether the chancellor would be pressed to try to persuade US Congressional leaders on the Ukraine aid. The official, speaking anonymously, added that should the chancellor feel that thats a part of the discussions that he wants to have while hes in Washington, that will be up to him. Advertisement Ursula Muench, director of the Academy for Political Education in Tutzing, southern Germany, told AFP that Scholz would seek to emphasise that supporting Ukraine is not just a task for the United States, but also the European Union. She added that Scholz, from the centre-left SPD party, must also try to talk to Republicans to convince them Russia is not solely an enormous security threat to Europe. Advertisement While the picture in Europe is more encouraging for Kyiv, there are also signs of growing fatigue as the war grinds on. The EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell admitted last week that the bloc would supply Ukraine with just over half of the one million artillery shells it promised to send by March. Advertisement Accusations have been levelled at countries such as France, Italy and Spain that they are not pulling their weight, while even Germany has come under fire for refusing to provide long-range missiles sought by Kyiv. Regional escalation At Fridays talks, the leaders will also discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation in the Middle East, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said ahead of the visit. Advertisement Regional tensions were ratcheted up by the death of the American soldiers in Jordan at the end of January, marking the first US military losses to hostile fire in the region since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7. Biden blamed Tehran-aligned groups, and Washington on Friday launched deadly strikes on Iran-backed forces in Syria and Iraq, drawing sharp condemnation from the region. Advertisement Germany has steadfastly backed Israel and its right to self-defence but has also repeatedly warned of the dangers of a wider regional conflict, while stepping up calls for more humanitarian aid to reach the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak came to prominence in 2015 when he was abducted by Houthis while he served as presidential chief of staff during a power struggle with then-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi Yemen has appointed Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as its new prime minister at a time when the country is witnessing heightened tensions as a result of the wave of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels. Bin Mubarak, who has been serving as Yemens foreign minister since 2020, will succeed Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, who was the countrys premier since 2018 and has left the post to take on the role of an advisor to the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council. Advertisement Who is Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak? Bin Mubarak came to prominence in world as well as Yemen politics in 2015 when he was abducted by the countrys Iran-aligned Houthis while he served as presidential chief of staff during a power struggle with then-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. His kidnapping led to political unrest in Yemen, which thereby resulted in hostilities between the Houthis and Hadis presidential guards, and the resignation of the government and the president. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Bin Mubarak, who also served as former Yemeni ambassador to the US, is widely viewed as a fierce opponent of the Houthi rebels. Bin Mubarak was appointed as Yemens representative to the United Nations in 2018. In the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Iran-backed Houthis are supporting Hamas. They have started attacking ships in the Red Sea, calling the strikes a retaliation for the Gaza war. The rebel group said they will not stop attacking until Israel ends the hostilities in Gaza. Advertisement The Gaza war has escalated tensions in West Asia and the international community is trying to prevent a wider conflict in the region. The Israel-Hamas war broke out on 7 October after Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel, killing hundreds of innocent civilians and taking more than 200 people as hostages. In retaliation to the attack, Israel launched a massive military operation in Gaza intending to dismantle the Palestinian terrorist groups network and freeing the hostages. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Despite initiating discussions with three other parties, Wilders and his potential partners find themselves significantly divided, with time running out Just days before a crucial deadline, Geert Wilders, the far-right leader in the Netherlands, is encountering hurdles in his attempt to establish a government. The stumbling block lies in the discord among potential coalition partners regarding fiscal and immigration policies. Wilders, known for his anti-Islam and climate-change-denying stance, achieved a surprising victory in the November elections, proposing measures such as banning mosques and the Koran. However, the Dutch political system, unlike those of Britain or the United States, involves a prolonged negotiation period after elections to form a coalition government. Advertisement Despite initiating discussions with three other parties, Wilders and his potential partners find themselves significantly divided, with time running out. Ronald Plasterk, the official overseeing these negotiations, is required to present progress to parliament by next Monday at the latest. There are serious doubts as to whether the four parties can find sufficient middle ground for the foundations of a coalition agreement, AFP quoted Sarah De Lange, professor of Political Pluralism at the University of Amsterdam, as saying. The four party leaders have agreed to keep silent on the talks, meaning commentators and journalists have to rely on a stream of messages from Wilders on X, formerly Twitter. And judging by those, the omens are not good. We have a serious problem, he warned after one possible coalition partner voted through a controversial immigration measure in the upper house, posting MY GOD in capitals after the news broke. Advertisement He then lashed out at Dilan Yesilgoz, leader of the centre-right liberal VVD, calling her sour after she appeared to take aim at him in a speech to her party. Yesilgoz has offered to support a Wilders cabinet in parliament but not actively participate in it, sparking anger from Wilders but also her own party faithful. Advertisement While the negotiating parties initially said the talks were cordial, currently they are being described as tense, De Lange noted to AFP. Most significant issue Officially the parties are supposed to be discussing the rule of law - the parts of Wilders manifesto seen as anti-constitutional like its anti-Islam elements but also plans for a Nexit, or a Dutch exit from the EU. Advertisement This is a particular stumbling block for anti-corruption champion Pieter Omtzigt and his New Social Contract party, whose support Wilders needs if he wants to form a majority. But there are other clear bones of contention. Wilders was livid when the VVD in the upper house Senate voted through measures to distribute immigrants in local communities - a policy he bitterly opposes. Advertisement And public finances have emerged as a dividing line - the most significant issue, according to analyst De Lange. The Netherlands reportedly needs to find some 17 billion euros in spending cuts but Wilders has instead vowed tax cuts and no major reductions in spending, infuriating the fiscally prudent Omtzigt. The Dutch are used to politicians taking their time to form a government - the last one took 271 days - and Mark Rutte will remain prime minister until a deal is clinched. Advertisement But Wilders also raised eyebrows by dangling the possibility of new elections if the talks founder. The latest polling suggests support for Wilders PVV is soaring, with one showing a staggering 50 seats out of 150 for the far-right party. De Lange sees three possible outcomes from Plasterks report: kicking the can down the road and continuing talks, starting negotiations between a different set of parties, or a new vote. Advertisement She sees fresh elections as the least likely option, especially as parties are not keen to run two campaigns with European elections also in June. It could be in the PVVs interest to collapse the talks, as long as they can blame the other parties for the collapse, she suggested. In that case the PVV could be the biggest opposition force and put a lot of pressure on the government without getting its hands dirty. Advertisement With inputs from agencies In a broadcast speech, Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared that the organization will seek to escalate more and more if the siege of the Palestinian people, from whom they deny aid and medicine, and the barbaric and brutal aggression against Gaza do not stop The Houthi leader in Yemen, who is affiliated with Iran, declared on Tuesday that if the Israeli attack on Gaza continues, the organization will escalate much more. As a show of support for the Palestinian people, the Houthis, who rule over the capital and most of the country, have been attacking international commerce in the Red Sea since November. As a result, since last month, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched retaliatory strikes. Advertisement As a show of support for the Palestinian people, the Houthis, who rule over the capital and most of Yemen, have been attacking international commerce in the Red Sea since November. As a result, since last month, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched retaliatory strikes. As freight companies reroute around the Cape of Good Hope to bypass the Suez Canal, the attacks are affecting maritime traffic in one of the busiest corridors in the world. In a broadcast speech, Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared that the organization will seek to escalate more and more if the siege of the Palestinian people, from whom they deny aid and medicine, and the barbaric and brutal aggression against Gaza do not stop. According to a military official, the organization on Tuesday launched naval missiles at two ships in the Red Sea, damaging the Greek-owned Star Nasia and the British-owned Morning Tide. Advertisement The Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged Star Nasia was recognized as American by spokesman Yahya Sarea. Marine shipping trackers indicated that the ship was en route to India with coal from the US. (With agency inputs) OnePlus launched its most expected OnePlus 12R smartphone in India last month along with the OnePlus 12. It has several upgrades from last years 11R such as better LTPO display, faster SoC, and bigger battery while retaining the camera. Is this worth the price? Let us dive into the review and find out. Box Contents OnePlus 12R (16GB+256GB) in Cool Blue colour 100W SUPERVOOC charger USB Type-C Cable Protective case SIM ejector Quick Start Guide and Warranty Information Display, Hardware and Design The OnePlus 12R features a 6.78-inch (27801264 pixels) 1.5K AMOLED display with 1-120Hz refresh rate LTPO 4.0 display, which is better than the adaptive display present in the OnePlus 11R. The phone has 450 PPI pixel density, same as the 11R. The display is bright since it has up to 4500 nits peak brightness, which works for HDR, and the global maximum brightness has also increased to 1600 nits, spread across 8192 separate levels. It offers good colour output since it has 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and the sunlight legibility is good as well. You can select from vivid, Natural and Pro screen colour modes. I am also a fan of nature tone display feature, which adjusts the display based on the ambient lighting conditions. The phone has a 2160Hz high-frequency dimming technology. In dark environments (brightness below 90 nits) where DC dimming cant work, the phone will automatically switch to 2160Hz PWM dimming mode to maintain accurate colors on display with a more comfortable eye experience, said the company. The phone has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The phone also has HDR 10 support, which works for YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and Dolby Vision works for Netflix. You can enable video color boost from display settings, which increases the colors in select apps. There is also image sharpener option. The phone doesnt have a notification LED, but this has an always-on-display that shows contextual info and notifications all day or as per schedule. There is also music playback option in the always-on-display with the Spotify integration, and there is also Zomato and Swiggy integration to show order details on your lock screen. The phone has ultra narrow bezels side bezels, making it compact to hold. It has strong vibration motor. The phone has a tiny punch-hole that houses a 16-megapixel camera. Above the display, there is an earpiece on the top edge that doubles up as a secondary speaker. It has an in-display fingerprint scanner. Coming to the button placements and ports, the power button is present on the right side along with the volume rockers. The alert slider has been moved to the left side. This is for new integrated antenna for an enhanced antenna performance for gaming, said the company. You can also see the antenna bands, since this has a metal frame, which feels premium compared to the 11R. This has more than 20% aluminium, from the aluminium alloy frame to the magnesium aluminium alloy internals, compared to the 11R, says OnePlus. The Dual SIM slot, primary microphone, USB Type-C port and the loudspeaker grill are present on the bottom. The secondary microphone is on the top, along with a speaker vent and an IR blaster. Cool Blue color that we have has a glossy finish with a light, fresh appearance. You can see the fingerprint on the phone. It also comes in Iron Gray that has a matte feel to give a sophisticated and strong feeling, says the company. The company will launch OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition later this month. The phone is just 8.8mm thick and weighs 207 grams, even though it packs a huge, 5500mAh battery. It also has IP64 for dust and splash resistance. Camera 50MP rear camera with 1/1.56 Sony IMX890 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, OIS 8MP 120 ultra-wide camera with Sony IMX355 sensor, f/2.2 aperture 2MP macro camera with Howe OV02B sensor, f/2.4 aperture, LED flash 16MP front-facing camera with Samsung S5K3P9 sensor, f/2.4 aperture The camera UI in the OxygenOS 14 is familiar. There is Pro mode, Panorma, Macro, Flim, Slo-mo, Time-Lapse, Dual-View video, text scanner, starry mode and tilt-shift. The rear camera offers 12.5MP output after pixel binning, and the front camera images are 16MP in size. Daylight shots came out well, thanks to the 50MP sensor, and the dynamic range is better with auto HDR. 2X is good, but as you zoom in you lose details even though you get up to 20X zoom. The portrait mode is decent and the 2MP macro camera is useless, so it is recommended to use 2X with the normal camera. Low light shots are good with a lot of details and less noise. The night mode is useful, but it takes a few seconds to process. There is also a tripod mode. The 16MP front camera also does a good job in daylight. The bokeh shots are good, and the edge detection is decent. Check out the camera samples. It can record videos in up to 4K 60 fps, slow motion 1080p at 120fps, and the front camera can record 1080p 30fps videos. Ultra-wide camera shooting and Portrait video mode video with the main camera are limited to 1080p, 30 fps. There is OIS and EIS which does decent job. There is ultra-steady mode which is limited to 1080p 60fps. Software, UI and Apps It runs Android 14 based OxygenOS 14 out of the box. It has Android security patch for December 2023. The phone will get 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates, similar to 11R. OxygenOS 14 offers Trinity Engine with HyperTouch, HyperBoost and HyperRender. There is a new GO Green feature, promoting climate change awareness. The File Dock feature enables collection, analysis, and sharing of global information through the Dock or other applications simply by making gestures. Notes 2.0 offers more convenient, enriched, and intelligent editing capabilities. The Smart Cutout feature is also able to accurately recognize and extract the subject from complex backgrounds, or background that shares a similar color scheme with the subject, or in group photos. Apart from the usual set of OnePlus apps and Google apps, it comes with several pre-loaded apps such as Spotify and Netflix. These apps can be uninstalled, but come back once the phone is reset. The IR remote app is useful. Out of 16GB LPDD4X RAM, you get 14.83GB of usable RAM, and about 9GB of RAM is free when default apps are running in the background. It also has DRE or dynamic RAM expansion feature, which uses the built-in storage as RAM. This has up to 12GB of additional RAM expansion. Out of 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, you get about 218GB of free storage. Fingerprint sensor and Face unlock It has an in-display fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone quickly, but it is not as fast as a physical fingerprint sensor. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. You can also use the fingerprint for app local and payments in apps. Furthermore, you can change the fingerprint animation and also disable it, and also enable quick launch option to launch apps directly from the lockscreen by holding the fingerprint. The phone also has face unlock feature. Music and Multimedia YouTube Music is the default Music Player. It has have Dolby Atmos which works with headset and has customizable Smart, Movie, Game and Music modes. It doesnt have FM Radio support. Audio through the stereo speakers is good without any distortion even in full volume. Audio through earphones is good as well. This has Widevine L1, so that you can play HD content on Netflix and other streaming apps. It supports HDR content on YouTube, and Netflix. There is also Dolby Vision for Netflix. Dual SIM and Connectivity The OnePlus 12R has support for n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n8/n12/n20/n28/n38/n40/n41/n66/n77/n78 Network Bands in India. It has 4G Wi-Fi and VoLTE, with support for Carrier Aggregation on 4G. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 802.11 be (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS / GLONASS / Beidou. It has OTG support, and NFC support. Moving on, the call quality is good, and we did not face any call drops and the earpiece volume was loud. The OnePlus 12Rs body SAR is 0.824W/Kg and head SAR is at 1.187/Kg, which is well under the limit of 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g) in India. Performance and Benchmarks This is one of the first phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform in the price range in India. It has a new 1 + 4 + 3 microarchitecture that uses 1 x Kryo Prime Arm Cortex-X3-based CPU at up to 3.2GHz, 4 x Kryo Performance CPUs that has 2 x A710-based and 2 x A715-based CPUs at up to 2.8GHz and 4x Kryo Efficiency A510-based CPUs at up to 2GHz. It is fabricated using the TSMC 4nm Process Technology, same as Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. It promises 35% performance improvements and 40% improved power efficiency. The phone has two vapour chambers one large and one small. The small chamber absorbs heat directly from its source, such as the chipset, and evenly distributes the heat across the small chamber. The larger vapour chamber then absorbs the heat and lets it dissipate rapidly and cool down into liquid. Together these vapour chambers have a total area of 9140mm, more than 76% bigger than the OnePlus 11R. We did not face any issues or frame drops in the graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact. It reached maximum 41 in our testing indoors in Wi-Fi, but this might vary outdoors in 5G. Check out some synthetic benchmark scores below. Battery life Coming to the battery life, the phone packs a 5500mAh (typical) battery, which is slightly bigger than the 5000mAh battery in the 11R. It can easily last for a day with heavy use and for 2 days with typical use. I got close to 7 hours of screen on time with 1 and half days of use, mostly on Wi-Fi, and occasional 5G use in 120Hz. Since the phone has support for 100W SuperVOOC fast charging, it can charge from up to 100% in less than half an hour. There are smart charging, option to stop charging at 80%, and the smart rapid charging can charge the device faster if the battery is too low. Conclusion At a starting price of Rs. 39,999, the OnePlus 12R is still a value king and a good successor to the OnePlus 11R that ticks almost all the boxes. Wish the company had launched 8GB + 256GB model since the price gap between the 8GB + 128GB and the 16GB + 256GB is huge. Even though there is an upgrade in the display, SoC, and the battery, the camera set up remains the same. Pricing and availability The OnePlus 12R is priced at Rs. 39,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model and the 16GB + 256GB model costs Rs. 45,999. It will go on sale from today, February 6th from Amazon.in, OnePlus online store and OnePlus experience stores offline with several launch offers. Alternatives There is no direct competition with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the price range. The older Nothing Phone (2) is a good competition since it is cheaper during sale. We can expect the upcoming iQOO Neo9 Pro with the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC to be cheaper than this. Pros 1.5K AMOLED 120Hz LTPO display is brilliant Smooth performance and good gaming performance Good main camera Solid build with metal frame Long battery life with 100W fast charging Cons No telephoto camera Average video quality and stabilization Microsoft is set to reveal its plans to bring Hi-Fi Rush and other Xbox exclusives to PS5 and Nintendo Switch, according to a report by The Verge. The details of Microsofts multi-platform strategy have been gradually emerging, with The Verge recently disclosing that the upcoming Indiana Jones game is being considered for PS5. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stated in a post that they are planning a business update event for the next week to share more about the future vision for Xbox. Originally planned for later this month, alongside Hi-Fi Rushs announcement for PS5 and Nintendo Switch, Microsoft adjusted its timeline due to increased speculation. Datamined game assets hinted at Hi-Fi Rushs release for PS5 and Nintendo Switch, following rumors of other Xbox games making their way to non-Xbox platforms. With the recent $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft aims to address the future of Activision Blizzard during the business update event. There is still no information on when Activision Blizzards titles will be available on the Xbox Game Pass. While Microsoft has not officially confirmed bringing Xbox exclusives to PS5, the impact on sales figures remains uncertain if console-exclusive titles are ported to other consoles. The upcoming business update event will likely shed light on Microsofts gaming strategy moving forward. Source | Via Yamaha Motor has announced its recent investment in River, an Indian startup manufacturing electric scooters. River has emerged as a significant player in Indias electric scooter market, establishing itself with quality and stylish offerings through its subsidiary, River Mobility Private Limited in Bengaluru. India, a significant market for electric two-wheelers, is experiencing rapid growth due to government support for electrification and local manufacturing. Yamahas investment in River reflects its interest in exploring opportunities in Indias EV market, aligning with its environmental goals outlined in the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050. Headquartered in Bengaluru, River has secured a USD 40 million (Rs. 335 crore approx.) Series B funding, with Yamaha Motor as the lead investor. This round also saw participation from existing investors like Al-Futtaim Automotive, Lowercarbon Capital, Toyota Ventures, and Maniv Mobility. Rivers first product, Indie, gained traction since its launch in October 2023, manufactured locally and sold through its Bengaluru store. This investment brings Rivers total funding to $68 million since its inception in March 2021. With this funding, River aims to expand its distribution and service network across India and invest in R&D for future product development. Notably, River marks the first Indian investment for all its investors, including international entities like San Francisco based Trucks VC and more. Commenting on the investment, Hajime Jim Aota, Chief General Manager of New Business Development Centre, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, said: Were impressed by Rivers rapid progress, particularly their emphasis on design and technology. Aravind and Vipins dedication to Rivers vision is inspiring, and Yamaha is eager to collaborate and support their journey ahead. Speaking about the partnership, Aravind Mani, Co-founder and CEO of River, said: This investment marks a significant step forward in our ambition to establish a billion-dollar global utility-lifestyle brand by 2030. With a solid foundation laid in R&D and manufacturing during the past two years, we are now poised for substantial growth. Speaking about the collaboration, Vipin George, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at River, said: Richard A. Metcalf Jr. suffered psychiatric problems in the days leading up to his arrival at the Erie County Holding Center in November 2012. Those issues continued as he was locked up there. Attorneys for his estate say his treatment, and lack thereof, by jail staff while in the facility caused his death a determination the state Commission of Correction also made eight years ago. But attorneys for Erie County and five current and former deputies accused in a civil lawsuit told a jury on Monday that those accused of wrongdoing did the best they could in dealing with an unusual situation. Grisanti blocks cameras from courtroom for trial on Holding Center inmate death State Supreme Court Justice Mark J. Grisanti, who blocked access to jury selection because of what he said was his concern for the privacy of jurors, denied The Buffalo News' request for permission to take photographs during opening statements in the case involving the 2012 death of Richard A. Metcalf Jr. on the same grounds. Attorneys on both sides delivered opening arguments to the jury, as the civil trial began in a downtown courtroom. The trial in State Supreme Court is scheduled to last at least five weeks. Metcalf, 35, of Lancaster, died after jail deputies cut off his airway when they tied a spit mask around his neck and pulled a pillow case over his head as they restrained him inside the Holding Center, the state Commission of Correction concluded. The commission concluded in 2016 that poor training of the deputies caused Metcalfs death. Metcalfs father, Richard Sr., and his brother, Paul, watched the arguments from the front row of the courtrooms gallery. Four of the five accused deputies Matthew Cross, Edward Kawalek, Robert States and Scott Emerling also observed the proceedings. The only defendant not in court was former deputy Robert Dee. A six-person jury will consider the case that is before Justice Mark Grisanti. Grisanti made the unusual decision to close the jury selection process to the public because he said potential jurors expressed concern for their safety. He also barred photographers from taking photos inside the courtroom. Before Metcalf wound up in the Holding Center due to an arrest by Depew police in November 2012, officials with the Sheriffs Office and the county already had been told to improve on deficient medical and mental health care offered to the people they incarcerated, attorney Donald Chiari told jurors. Even though the jail administration was on notice, Metcalf still didnt get the kind of care guaranteed by the constitution in the roughly 31 hours he was in the Holding Center, Chiari said. And even after he died, Erie County officials continue to deny any responsibility in Metcalfs death, Chiari said. Theyre in here denying and denying and denying, Chiari said. Because they never change, they never change, they never change. It doesnt matter what happens over there. Before jail deputies entered his cell, Metcalf had been biting away pieces of his own flesh, running full speed into the cells bars and using a fork to gouge his body, attorneys for the defendants told jurors. Holding Center video of inmate doesn't back up deputies' claims A video shows that Richard A. Metcalf Jr. lay completely still during the 136-second procession from the jails medical unit to an elevator, down a hallway and finally out the door as two ambulance medics They entered his cell so he would stop harming himself, said Brian Melber, attorney for Dee, who was a sergeant and supervisor at the time deputies went into Metcalfs cell. Deputies had to use force to restrain Metcalf in order to stop him from harming himself and get him out of the cell, said attorney Jennifer Persico, whose firm represents the county, Kawalek, States and Emerling. Once deputies took Metcalf to the jails infirmary, they tied a spit mask around his neck. After he chewed through the mask, they put the pillow case on his head. After his organs were failing and there was no brain activity, Metcalf was taken off life support in Erie County Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at 5:17 p.m. Nov. 30, 2012. The amount of excessive force that was placed on Richard Metcalf, no one could have survived, Chiari said. No one. Attorneys for the defendants told the jury Metcalf suffered from a liver ailment and had been to the hospital twice in the weeks leading up to his death because he was coughing up blood. Just days before he died, Metcalf had jumped through a glass window at his parents home. He had also broken into a Lancaster catering company because he said he needed to cool down and hadnt been able to do so. A court challenge to the validity of the 12.63% pay raises that the Buffalo Common Council approved last year for the mayor, itself and other elected officials will be decided very soon, a judge promised Tuesday. State Supreme Court Justice Craig D. Hannah heard arguments Tuesday on a petition brought by the nonprofit New York Coalition for Open Government and two Buffalo resident taxpayers seeking to overturn the pay raises. Coalition President and attorney Paul Wolf asked the court to overturn the salary hikes because of violations of law by city officials and to start the process all over again so it is done correctly. The whole process started in a closed-door meeting, which invalidates the appointments to the Buffalos Citizens Salary Review Commission, which recommended the pay raises, and the local law passed by the Common Council that made official the salary increases, Wolf said. Wolf asked the court to issue an injunction blocking the salary hikes that took effect Jan. 1. Two paychecks with the new salaries have been issued already, he said. Hannah did not grant the injunction, which was opposed by the City of Buffalo and the Common Council. Philips Lytle attorney Craig Bucki, who represented the city, asked Hannah to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the coalition and taxpayers Matthew Austin and Nathan Feist do not have standing to file it and they took too long to file their petition, waiting until after the statute of limitations expired. The matter should have been brought no later than August 2023, Bucki said. Bucki added that the coalition also should have named the Buffalo Board of Education members in the lawsuit as respondents because they stand to be affected by the judgment, but they failed to do that. Buffalo leaders salaries Last June, the Buffalo Common Council approved pay raises for elected officials in the city, giving themselves, the mayor and city comptroller 12.63% increases. The new annual salaries are: Mayor: $178,519, up from $158,500 Council members: $84,472, up from $75,000 Comptroller: $134,593, up from $119,500 For Buffalo Board of Education members, the salary review commission recommended salaries of $16,984, up from $15,000, but the Council voted to set the salaries at $28,000. Voting against the raises were Lovejoy Council Member Bryan J. Bollman, North Council Member Joseph Golombek and South Council Member Christopher P. Scanlon. In October, the Council adopted a local law to increase the salaries effective Jan. 1, Wolf said. On Oct. 30, Brown approved that measure. The lawsuit The coalitions petition to the court said it wants to hold government officials accountable for their actions. Council members tried to fast-track raises for themselves, and in the process, violated Council meeting rules and the City Charter by appointing members to the salary review commission. Only the Buffalo Board of Review which consists of the mayor, Council president and city comptroller has the power to appoint salary review commission members, the coalition said. And the Board of Review, which is required to physically meet to make the appointments, did not do so, the coalition said. Mayor Byron W. Brown, then-Council President Darius Pridgen and Buffalo Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams said in court documents that a city attorney advised them they were not required to publicly meet because the Board of Review did not meet the definition of a public body under the Public Officers Law. The coalitions petition focuses on April 18, 2023, when Pridgen brought up at a Council meeting a late-filed resolution to appoint nine members and one ex-officio to the salary review commission. The resolution, which the public had no prior knowledge of and was improperly passed by the Council, represented the first in a series of illegal actions taken to fast-track salary increases for city elected officials, the coalition said. Per the charter, the salary review commission can review the salaries of all elected city officers every two years and reports its recommendations to the Common Council by May 1 of that year. Pridgens resolution was approved days before the May 1 deadline, the coalition said. Missing the May 1 deadline for the commission report would require Council members to wait four more years to get a raise, as the City Charter requires the Council to vote on increasing their pay prior to an election, which occurs every four years, the coalition said. Pridgen said in court documents the last salary review had occurred in April 2019. To prevent a four-year gap, with the Corporation Councils advice, a formal meeting of the Board of Review was not required to appoint the commission members, he said. Three days after the Council passed the resolution, the illegally formed commission met, the coalitions petition said. The commission violated the New York State Open Meetings Law at each of the three meetings it held by not providing sufficient notice to the public, by not allowing the public the opportunity to observe the meetings through Zoom and by holding an illegal executive session by not stating a reason for an executive session. There is no basis under the Open Meetings Law for holding an executive session to discuss pay raises for public officials, the coalition said. What would the world look like without U.S. weapons manufacturers? Would the political support for foreign wars disappear without these profitable U.S. corporations? We are giving billions of dollars of weapons to foreign countries to continue the death and destruction of war. Funding foreign wars means funding U.S. weapons manufacturers. And when the wars are over, countries need to rebuild. Then more U.S. companies move in to rebuild water and wastewater treatment plants, power plants, roads and bridges and other infrastructure. And they profit. And when they do well, the U.S. economy does well, and entrenched politicians do well. A win-win situation? Except for the grief-stricken, displaced, maimed or killed people from the unfortunate war-torn areas, of course. They lose everything. Everything. For them, for those who survive, its living the rest of their lives dealing with trauma and planning revenge. Catching a performance by the Beijing People's Art Theatre is on the list for theatergoers in the capital during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, which falls on Saturday. The theater, one of the most prestigious in China, has already announced its holiday program. Beneath the Red Banner, a play adapted from the Lao She novel of the same title, runs from Jan 19 to Feb 13 at the Capital Theater, home of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. The stage adaptation, which premiered on Jan 18 last year, is directed by Feng Yuanzheng and Yan Rui, and features actors including Pu Cunxin, Yang Lixin and Liang Danni. "I can still vividly remember the warm audience feedback when we premiered the play as our first show in 2023. Tickets for the nine shows sold out fast," says Feng, who is an actor and also president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. "We decided to stage the production again at the beginning of the new year to mark the 125th anniversary of Lao She's birth," he adds. Born Shu Qingchun to a Manchu family in Beijing in 1899, Lao She (1899-1966), is best known for his vivid grassroots depictions of social reality and Beijing culture, and particularly for his use of humor and the Beijing dialect. Beneath the Red Banner is an unfinished autobiographical novel. It is told from the perspective of a Manchu boy and deals with his childhood and family, including portrayals of his father, a poorly paid soldier who gets killed during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and his mother, a diligent woman who supports the family. Lao She's vivid descriptions of the Manchu system, etiquette, ceremony, dialect and other aspects are poignant and realistic. Veteran actor-director Pu Cunxin plays Lao She in the stage production. His role helps the audience immerse themselves in the world of Beneath the Red Banner and takes them back to old Beijing. The final piece of dialogue was written by Pu, and reflects both the world of Lao She as well as the actor's own interpretation of the story. "When the Beijing People's Art Theatre was born over 70 years ago, we adapted many works by Lao She, including one of our most classic and popular productions, Teahouse. We will continue to bring the great writer's works alive onstage to maintain our tradition," Feng says. During the annual review of the theater's performance on Jan 30, Feng said that 2023 was very "special" for the performing arts scene, for being the year after the pandemic. Last year, the Beijing People's Art Theatre put on 503 performances of 35 theatrical productions, including 11 new stage productions. Over 250,000 people attended performances. He also spoke of some of the highlights of the 2024 schedule, from new stage productions to public events. For example, the theater will present a new adaptation of The Miser, a five-act comedy by Moliere. Directed by Lin Cong, the Chinese version was well received when it was introduced to the audience during a script reading. The play will be staged to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. In October and November, some of the theater's principal artists will go to Shanghai to participate in the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, taking with them five productions, including Teahouse, Sunrise and Du Fu. Feng says that the theater has made four large-scale tours to Shanghai in 1961, 1988, 2012 and 2014. "Personally, the 1988 tour was unforgettable because I was a young actor at the time, and I traveled to Shanghai with established artists for the first time. We performed classics, such as Teahouse, which was very successful," he says, adding that after Shanghai, the theater will take additional shows to Suzhou and Nanjing, in Jiangsu province. In May, it will tour Serbia with Our Jing Ke, which was written by winner of Nobel Prize in literature Mo Yan and directed by Ren Ming (1960-2022).Premiered in 2011, the play is a reimagination of the household story of Jing Ke, an assassin famous for his failed attempt to kill the king who later became China's first emperor over 2,000 years ago. It will be the first foreign performance by the theater after the pandemic. In 2024, it will also stage the second round of performances of a new play, Zhang Juzheng, which premiered between Dec 22, 2023, and Jan 14.Directed by Feng and Yan Rui, it follows the story of Zhang Juzheng, the famous politician who led the reforms to the economy and of official evaluations during the reign of Ming-Dynasty (1368-1644) Emperor Wanli. Unlike big-budget presentations, the theater's smaller productions offer its young talent the opportunity to experiment. They will also be a highlight of this year, and include an adaptation of My Poor Marat by Aleksei Arbuzov and directed by Lin Cong, I Love Peach Blossom by Zou Jingzhi and directed by Ren Ming, and The Orphan of Zhao directed by He Bing. The theater also performed 12 shows at universities in 2023 for ticket prices of less than 40 yuan, in the hopes of appealing to young theater lovers. Feng says that students are an important part of the theater scene as many decide to make theater a their career after falling in love with it. This year, to mark the 90th anniversary of Cao Yu's Thunderstorm, which was published when the playwright was in his final year at Tsinghua University and was just 24 years old, a series of events will be held at universities. Thunderstorm has been described as one of China's most enduring dramas of the 20th century and Cao Yu has earned the title of "father of the country's modern drama". He was appointed director of the Beijing People's Art Theatre in the early 1950s and elected chairman of the Chinese Dramatists' Association in the early 1980s. Several years ago I wrote a My View column about my family and received an email from someone claiming kinship. Coming from a big family on the Tuscarora Reservation, my mother was one of 10 children and I had almost 40 first cousins, but I did think I knew who all my family members were. It turns out that my article mentioned my great-grandmother Clara Miller Chew and that the email writer, Caren, and I were 10th cousins through our common Chew relative John Chew, born in 1587. Caren and her husband Stu, both retired college professors, have kept meticulous records on the Chew family tree and we are related through John Chews eldest and youngest sons John and Joseph. We were making plans to meet and go over the family tree but then the pandemic hit and we never got together until last year. It was a wonderful, enlightening event. I never gave much thought to my Chew family relations; all the Chews I knew were Tuscarora, though I had heard that the Chew name was English. The Chew name did originate in England and Stu had documented the family tree back to the 1500s. Stu and Caren visited Philadelphia and came upon a Chew genealogy book that traced page after page of Chew relatives. The book was as big as a 1950s phone book. They visited the Prouty-Chew Museum in Geneva, N.Y., which was once owned by Beverly Chew, the president of Shuron Optical Company. He and his family lived in the house for 40 years until he donated it to the Geneva Historical Society in 1960. It was fascinating to learn about the Chews I belong to the Tuscarora History Group and love learning about the past. My cousin Karla in California also traces genealogy and sent articles. John The Immigrant Chew, born in England in 1587, came to America and settled in Jamestown, Va., with the first English colony there (established in 1607), and was recorded as a prosperous merchant. A letter written by Joseph Chew to his acquaintance George Washington in 1774 requested information about the New Government in Ohio and how it affected the Indians. The information I read about the Chews indicated successful and intelligent settlers, one being Mary Chew, third great-granddaughter of John Chew, who in 1763 married William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A surprising fact was about the first Chew who married a Tuscarora woman. In the big Chew biography book, he was listed as passing away at Fort Niagara with no children. Was he intentionally written off for marrying a native woman? Or did he marry a native woman and not tell the family? I guess history wont tell us the details, but we know one of the descendants of that union was Sacharissa Turtle Chief William Chew. My cousin Caren has a PhD in microbiology and is one of my many smart cousins. My grandmother Eleanor Chew Patterson has 3 great-grandchildren with PhDs Joe in anthropology, Jill in psychology and Monty in linguistics. Her sister Beverly has a grandson, Nicholas with a PhD in environmental sciencesand her other sister Carolyn has a grandson Schuyler with a PhD in organismal biology. None of the Tuscarora Chews would be termed famous, but my smart cousin Wayne Chew (son of Eleanors brother Beaver Chief Hibert Skippy Chew), has a masters degree in health care, married his beautiful bride, Vicki, in Times Square on Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve on December 31, 1985 and theyre still married! Saturday Night Partly cloudy in the evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers after midnight. Low 43F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Feb. 4 Summary of Additional USCENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes in Yemen U.S. Central Command Press Release | Feb. 4, 2024 USCENTCOM Feb. 4, 2024 Release Number 20240204-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- On Feb. 4, at approximately 5:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against a Houthi land attack cruise missile. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. U.S. forces struck four anti-ship cruise missiles, all of which were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea. U.S. forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the Bipartisan National Security Agreement February 04, 2024 Via Teleconference 8:03 P.M. EST MODERATOR: Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining tonight's press call on the bipartisan national security agreement. As a reminder, the contents of this call will be embargoed until its conclusion. This call will be on background and attributable to "senior administration officials." For your knowledge and not for attribution, today you will be hearing from [senior administration official], [senior administration official], and [senior administration official]. With that, [senior administration official], I will turn it over to you. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you very much. Thanks for joining, everybody. Obviously, we're grateful to have this opportunity to talk about the this movement forward on these critical national security supplemental requests that the President put forward and the terrific work, really, truly in a bipartisan way to come together to get this arrangement. I just want to hit a couple of the top points of why we think what what we've what we've been able what Senate negotiators have been able to achieve here is so important. Number one, it helps provide now critically needed military assistance to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves. I don't need to tell you all that Russia continues to launch aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities as well as Ukrainian defense industrial base sites and Ukrainian units as as the winter months there now progress. This this this deal will also help us invest in our own defense industrial base, supporting American jobs across the country and to help help our ability to produce weapons and equipment that the United States can send to Ukraine, again, to help them continue to battle back against Russian aggression. And then, not unimportantly when it comes to Ukraine, this arrangement will help us make sure that the United States can continue to send economic assistance to Ukraine. Putin has made destroying Ukraine's economy a central aim of his war strategy. And being able to boost Ukraine's economy is, quite frankly, essential to their survival. If Ukraine's economy collapses, they will not be able to keep on fighting, and this assistance will help Ukraine pay its first responders medical and and fire and police as well as be able to import basic goods and provide essential services to its population. Now, on Israel. This also will help authorize the United States to provide additional military assistance to help Israel defend itself against Hamas, which I want to remind everybody has still made su- made it clear that they are committed to conducting the attacks on the Israeli people and Israeli sovereignty, like like on October 7th, again and again and again. They truly have a genocidal intent when it comes to Israel. The aid in this agreement will help, also, Israel replenish its air defenses and to ensure that it's prepared for any future contingencies. Again, I don't think it needs reminding that Hamas launched this this conflict and continues to launch air assaults on the Israel sites, Israel cities, Isr- the Israeli people. So, air defense is a ke- a key part of this. And we're glad to see that we're going to be able to help support Israel and their air defense capabilities. It's also going to include some money extra money, almost to the tune of $2 and a half billion for Central Command U.S. Central Command as they continue to help defend our troops and our facilities in Iraq and Syria and help defend international shipping throughout the Red Sea, a critical international waterway. So, we're grateful for that. On humanitarian assistance. It includes important humanitarian aid funding to help civilians that are in need all around the world, whether it's in Ukraine clearly there's a humanitarian assistance concern there and true humanitarian needs but also in to help Palestinians in Gaza, where we are actively working to increase the flow of aid for Palestinian civilians who who have nothing to do with Hamas and shouldn't be held accountable for what Hamas chose to do on the 7th of October. And lastly, if I could, just quickly on the Indo-Pacific. This deal will provide resources to help our allies and partners in the region as they need to build the capabilities necessary to address threats from an increasingly assertive PRC, as well as an increasingly assertive North Korea, and to meet emerging challenges. It's critically important that we maintain our focus on the Indo-Pacific and to be able to preserve peace and stability there. This arrangement helps us. It gives us those extra funds that we need to focus on the Indo-Pacific, even as we are engaged elsewhere in Europe and in the Middle East. And with that, I'll turn it over. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you, [senior administration official]. Our immigration system is broken and has been for years. And as you have heard from President Biden, that's why a few months ago, he instructed his and te- his team to work to address it. Now, after negotiating around the clock and through holidays, we have a bipartisan national security agreement that, if passed into law, would include the toughest and fairest reforms to our immigration system in decades. This bipartisan agreement would make asylum processing fairer and more efficient, while ensuring protection for the most vulnerable. And it would give the President emergency authority to shut down the border when it is overwhelmed. The question is now for Speaker Johnson and House Republicans. If they believe we must take action as a country to secure our border, doing nothing is simply not an option. This is not a matter of partisan politics. This is a bipartisan agreement. And it would make our country safer. It would make our border more secure, treat people fairly and humanely, consistent with our values as a nation. And now I'll turn it over to [senior administration official] to walk through more of what's what this agreement would do. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you, [senior administration official], and thanks, everybody, for participating on today's call. As [senior administration official] noted, the legislation makes significant changes to our asylum system. It creates a fast, fair, and functioning asylum process that will provide people who merit protection with asylum much faster, including by empowering asylum officers to grant asylum during credible during screening interviews. But it also imposes consequences much faster to those who do not have a legal basis to remain. It does so in a number of ways that I'll walk through very quickly. First and foremost, it creates a new non-adversarial and non-detained provisional removal proceedings process that will allow individuals to receive a final decision in a few months no more than six months instead of the five to seven years that the process currently takes for individuals we are encountering today. The bill does this by modifying the screening threshold that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum officers will use to evaluate protection claims with a goal of making it more likely that those who pass the initial screening are ultimately found to have a valid asylum claim at the end of the process. It also expedites work permits to those who are here and who qualify so they can get to work more quickly. And it does so by allowing individuals who pass their initial screening interview again, using a modified screening threshold that will make it more likely that those who pass the screening are ultimately found to have an asylum claim the ability to be eligible for work authorization once they pass that screening. That is significantly faster than is the case in our current immigration system. The legislation provides significant resources to secure the border and impose consequences on individuals we encounter. It adds 1,500 CBP personnel, including Border Patrol agents and officers who will work at our ports of entry. It adds 4,300 asylum officers and additional USCIS personnel to help speed asylum claims and get to a final decision much faster. It adds 1,200 Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to ensure that individuals who are ordered removed are removed more quickly, as well as the ability to operate significant more repatriation flights than we are currently operating. It will deploy 100 cutting-edge inspection machines to help and detect the stop and stop the flow of fentanyl at our border, as well as funding for cities and states that are sheltering migrants. And, lastly, it will include a new funding to expand the capacity of our partner countries to accept and reintegrate migrants who are repatriated from the United States. These resources are badly needed and will support and expand our workforce after decades of chronic underfunding that have led to enormous backlogs in the immigration court and the asylum system. They will allow us to enhance the security of the border, as well as significantly speed up processing for individuals who claim asylum at the border. Lastly, the authority the legislation, I'm sorry, includes a temporary emergency authority that will allow the President to shut down the border when encounters reach elevated levels. This authority will allow the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily prohibit individuals from seeking asylum, with limited exceptions, when our southwest land border is overwhelmed. The authority preserves access to other protections, consistent with our international obligations, and will sunset after three years. Importantly, again, this authority will be used when the number of migrants encountered at the border reach historically high levels levels at which the U.S. government strains to process migrants quickly and effectively. Additionally, the authority is limited to a set number of days each calendar year. And in the third year of implementation, it may only be exercised for half the year. And now I will turn it over to [senior administration official] to talk through some of the other important changes this legislation makes before we turn it over for questions. [Senior administration official], back over to you. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you. Additionally, the legislation would strengthen a migrant's right to counsel, providing additional tools to ensure humane and fair treatment of those seeking asylum, especially the most vulnerable. For the first time, the legislation would require gov- the government to provide legal counsel for the most vulnerable asylum seekers, such as young, unaccompanied children ages 13 and younger. It would also strengthen requirements so that migrants are always provided with clear and accessible information about their rights, including their right to counsel. The legislation would also increase lawful pathways into the United States for certain populations and allow some individuals already here to adjust status or access work authorization more easily. Specifically, the legislation would provide additional visas for families and workers. It would raise the cap on the number of immigrant visas available annually by adding an additional 250,000 immigrant visas over five years. These additional immigrant visas expand lawful pathways into the United States, prioritizing family reunification, and also get U.S. businesses access to qualified workers that they need. It promotes family unity, allowing individuals who came to the United States as children on their parents' skilled labor visas to remain in the United States with their families even after turning 21. The legislation would make clear that non-citizens can travel to the United States on a temporary B visa to visit family members. It would establish a faster pathway to permanent status for Afghan allies and their families who entered the United States under Operation Allies Welcome. And it would expand work authorization to fiances or spouses of children of U.S. citizens and H-1B visa holders so that they can more quickly support themselves in the United States. The administration calls on Congress to not delay and to immediately pass this bipartisan national security agreement. MODERATOR: Thanks, [senior administration official], [senior administration official], and [senior administration official]. With that, we will move to the question-and-answer period. As a reminder, this is on background and attributable to "senior administration officials." We will be taking questions one at a time. Please use the "raise hand" function to queue up for questions. When you are called upon, please state your name, your outlet, and, for the benefit of everyone, please limit your questions to one per person. I will give it a second for you all to queue up. All right. We'll start with Elliot. You should be unmuted now. Q Hello. Yes. Hi, I'm sorry about that. My question thank you is for [senior administration official], I believe. I'm just trying to get a better understanding of how things would change on the ground on day one. So, right now, as you know, there's the administration makes extensive use of parole through the CBP One app and with Cubans, Haitian, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. How would those two programs change under this under this law, under this legislation? And then, how about someone who crosses illegally and wants to claim asylum? What would happen? I'm just trying to understand mechanics. Would they be sent back to Mexico? What would if I guess it would depend on whether this emergency is in effect. But could you explain just a little bit how things would change on the ground in those scenarios on day one? SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Absolutely. Thanks, Elliot. So, on day one were day one, for example, to be today, given where we are in terms of encounter levels at the border, we anticipate that the President and the Secretary would trigger this emergency authority immediately based on where we are on encounter trends and the levels that are set in the legislation. When the emergency authority is being implemented at the border, individuals who are encountered will not be generally eligible for asylum. The legislation will require a manifestation of fear standard, and individuals who manifest a fear would be processed for a fast interview to determine whether they have a fear of persecution or torture such that they cannot be removed. In terms of CBP One, when we are exercising the emergency authority, the legislation requires that 1,400 individuals be processed through our land border ports of entry in a safe and orderly means. And so, we anticipate that CBP One would continue to be in effect when we are exercising the authority. And, lastly, the legislation does not impact the CHNV process at all. And so, that process will continue. Thank you. MODERATOR: Okay. Next, we will go to Michelle. You should be unmuted now. Q Hi, everyone. Sorry about that. Can you address the 90-day windows in the bill where people have to receive their initial asylum screening? And what happens if the government doesn't meet that 90-day window? Is there any, like, enforcement of it? SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, hi, Michelle. Thanks for that question. So, the legislation creates a new provisional removal proceedings process for individuals who are encountered and who are not detained through the process. As I think everybody knows, right now, individuals who are who we cannot detain are released with a notice to appear into the immigration court process, and that is a lengthy process that can take five to seven years, we anticipate, for individuals who are being encountered today to reach a final decision. What this legislation does is require that those individuals go into this new process, and we will be required to conduct an initial protection screening interview within 90 days, as you noted. We anticipate that once we are fully staffed and resourced, that that interview will happen significantly faster than 90 days. And at that initial interview, our CIS personnel will be assessing whether individuals have a reasonable possibility of being subject to persecution or torture if they are returned. We anticipate that this higher standard will lead to more individuals being screened out during the protection screening interview. And the legislation will also require that some mandatory bars to asylum be reviewed during that interview. If we cannot get to an interview within 90 days, we will be required to schedule a protection merits interview for those individuals. However, the legislation does include a ramp-up period. I think we all recognize that this will be a new process; it will need significant resources in order to be implemented. Again, Congress has not adequately funded our immigration system now for many decades, which has led to the backlogs we are seeing both in the immigration court system and in the affirmative asylum context, and those backlogs are directly contributing to what we are seeing on the border. So, once we are fully resourced, we fully expect that every individual we encountered will reach a final decision within that 180-day period. And, in fact, I think we anticipate that it will be substantially faster. MODERATOR: Thank you. We will go to Gabe next. You should be unmuted now. Q Thank you, [moderator]. Thank you all for doing this. [Senior administration official], you mentioned that it's up to the Speaker Johnson. Does the President plan to meet with Speaker Johnson directly to sell this bill? And then, also, some DH- DHS officials we've spoken with have told us that the emergency shutdown provision in the bill may not be effective unless Mexico agreed to take on more migrants. Has Mexico agreed to take on more migrants? And finally, a point of clarification. Fourteen hundred, you said, will be processed through CBP One, even though the border would be shut down. I want to make sure that I understood that correctly. So, even if the border were, quote, "shut down," CBP One would still be in effect on that any given day? Thank you. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm happy to take the first question. The President speaks regularly with members of Congress from both parties and has called on Congress the Senate and the House to pass this national security supplemental. We've been clear that this is a bipartisan agreement. This is representative of Republicans and Democrats coming together to put solutions on the table. And we are are calling on Congress to take it up quickly and to pass it quickly. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, [senior administration official]. With regards to the other two questions, first, obviously, the government of Mexico has been a critical partner for us over the last few years and has, you know, accepted returns of third-country nationals, both under our Title 42 implementation and, more recently, under our Title 8 authorities. And we are hopeful that they will continue to do so, but they're obviously a sovereign nation, and we will need to engage them in conversations about this new authority. That said, we have significantly increased our capacity to operate repatriation flights to countries throughout the hemisphere. Over the last three years, we are operating record numbers of those flights, and we will always seek to return individuals who are encountered to their home countries before we would seek to return them to Mexico. And I don't anticipate that will change as a result of this legislation. And, lastly, I think when we are exercising the emergency authority, as we noted earlier, we the emergency authority will require that we process a set number of individuals each day 1,400 through our ports of entry in a safe and orderly manner. This will ensure that there is access to the asylum system in the United States even during times of emergency, which we feel is critical. And as such, yes, CBP One will continue to operate during the emergency periods. That said, individuals who are processed under CBP One moving forward, if this legislation should be enacted, will be subject to the new provisional removal proceedings process. That means that they will be going through a much faster process in order to get to a final decision than they currently are today. Thank you. MODERATOR: Thank you. We will go to Priscilla next. You should be unmuted now. Q Hi. Can you hear me? MODERATOR: Yes. Q Okay. Great. A few quick questions. How quickly does the administration think that they can operationalize this bill if it were to pass? Given that there are resources involved and talks with other countries, are we looking at months? Years? And then a question for [senior administration official]. Is there any backup here if House Republicans don't budge and there is still a need in Ukraine funding and (inaudible)? Thank you. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure, I can take the first part of that question, and then, [senior administration official], I'll turn it over to you for the second one. So, again, I think we will implement the bill on day one. And as we discussed, given where we are today in terms of encounters, we anticipate that the emergency authority would be exercised immediately on day one, as the President noted the other day. We also, though, appreciate it will take some time to resource the system that, again, has been chronically underfunded by Congress now for many decades. We do anticipate that it will take three years to fully resource the system, but we will be processing individuals we encounter through the new authorities starting on day one and ramping up quickly over time. And we have, in fact, asked for and received special authorities in order to expedite our ability to hire, train, and deploy personnel at USCIS, ICE, and CBP. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hey, Priscilla, thanks so much for the question. The bottom line is this is really critical funding here to help us support Ukraine with a range of capabilities. And it includes almost $20 billion to help replenish U.S. military weapons and equipment basically replenishment authority from the DOD inventory, which is critical, because, as you know, we ran out of that authority here in late December. So, this will this will be critical to us to be able to continue to support Ukraine. And without this funding that we have that Senate negotiators have worked so hard to to achieve in this in this proposed legislation, we won't have the ability to continue to send arms and munitions to Ukraine. And I want to remind that the last shipment from the United States with the authorities that we had left or was signed out on the 27th of December and some of that materiel is still arriving but there's nothing in train behind it unless or until we can get this funding. MODERATOR: Thanks, [senior administration official]. We will go to Pedro next. You should be unmuted now. Q Thank you. Thank you. A couple of questions. Number one, are there, in the in the new legislation, any funding for ICE to increase capacity of detention and bedding in the country and removal as well? And, also, for [senior administration official], is Speaker Johnson mentioned this morning that he was agreeing to maybe approve funding for Israel as a standalone. I wonder if the President has considered that idea or the President wants to see the whole package approved rather than just a fund for Israel alone. Thanks. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Pedro, I can take the first part of the question. Yes, the funding includes billions of dollars for ICE to expand our ability to detain individuals who are encountered at the border and put them through the expedited removal process in a detained setting. It includes funding to add more than 1,200 personnel to ICE in order to help us process and remove individuals, again, much more quickly. And it will also include funding to expand our ability to operate repatriation flights. And all of that information is on the factsheet that I think you'll be receiving shortly. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: And as for the idea of something individual on Israel to your second part of your question the President wouldn't have combined all these four different national security areas into one supplemental request if he didn't believe that all four were absolutely critical to our own national security and to the national security interests that we have all around the world in Europe, in the Indo-Pacific, and absolutely in the Middle East. It's hard to look at what the Speaker has been talking about as much more than a political ploy. We believe that Senate negotiators have worked really long and hard, that this is the path forward. And if this legislation ends up on the President's desk, then obviously he'll he'll move forward. He'll sign that and he'll move forward on it because this addresses all these very distinct but also very urgent national security needs. And this is the approach that the President wants to see us take. MODERATOR: Thank you. We will go to Danny next. You should be unmuted now. Q Thanks very much for doing this call. Just a couple of things, if I may. Firstly, obviously, Speaker Johnson has previously said that this bill would be "dead on arrival" in the House. What are the main elements in today's plan that you think would be able to change his mind on that and the mind of Republicans in particular? And, secondly, Chancellor Scholz of Germany is coming to the White House on Friday. Are you going to be asking him to make the case to congressional leaders and Republicans, again, in particular, regarding the importance of aid for Ukraine? Thanks. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I can take the first. You have heard from President Biden we must act. Speaker Johnson and House Republicans should provide the administration with the policy changes and resources that we are requesting to secure the border. This is a bipartisan piece of legislation that represents real solutions that have been negotiated over months by Senate negotiators. And there's no reason that Congress should not pass this legislation to support national security priorities, like they have many times before, with strong bipartisan support. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: On the Germany question, the Chancellor and, of course, the whole nation of Germany have been critical supporters of Ukraine go- as they have battled for their democracy and their sovereignty over the last two years. We welcome all of the contributions that Germany has made. They have provided lethal and non-lethal capabilities. And the President is looking forward to continued discussions with Chancellor Scholz about all the different ways where Germany can contribute to can continue to contribute to those efforts. So, there's going to be a wide-ranging agenda with the Chancellor on Friday. And I have no doubt that that conversation will expand beyond what's going on in the European continent and in Ukraine specifically to include issues concerning the Indo-Pacific and tensions there, as well as the Middle East. It is not our habit nor our practice to ask or to urge foreign leaders to engage with members of Congress on any particular policy issue. Should the Chancellor feel that that's a part of the discussions that he wants to have while he's in Washington, that will be up to him, but there will be no pressure campaign from the President or from the White House to have Chancellor Scholz deliver any particular message. Again, Germany has been has been a key obviously a key NATO Ally but a key partner in supporting Ukraine. And we look forward to having a discussion with him about all the manner all the ways in which we can continue to support that effort. MODERATOR: Thanks. And our final question will come from Camilo. You should be unmuted now. Q Hey, folks. Can you hear me? Yes? MODERATOR: Yes. Q Okay. Great. Awesome. So, obviously, this bill that was published today is markedly different from the day-one bill that the President and you guys have repeatedly talked about that was sent to Congress. And, ultimately, nothing happened with that bill. There were no asylum restrictions in that bill. And, obviously, there was certainly not a shutdown authority as you're calling it in that bill. Can you concede that there has been a major pivot in the sense of how this administration is handling asylum and border policy? And if so, can you explain why that pivot has occurred? Thanks. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hey, Camilo. I'm happy to take that. If you look at the President's record over the years, he has long sought and supported bipartisan solutions to our broken immigration system. I think you'll agree that the American people overwhelmingly agree with what President Biden underlined in his day-one bill and in his funding request: Our immigration system is broken, we have an imperative to secure our border, and we must treat people fairly and humanely. And the question is now for Speaker Johnson, House Republicans: Will you join Republican and Democratic senators to deliver these meaningful policy changes and additional resources to the border? MODERATOR: Thanks, [senior administration official]. And with that, that is all the time that we have today. As a reminder, this call the embargo for this call will lift now. Thanks. Thanks, everyone. 8:37 P.M. EST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 5, 2024 Speech Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks at the NORAD-USNORTHCOM Change of Command Ceremony (As Delivered) Good morning to everyone. It's truly a pleasure to be back here in Colorado Springs. And I'm especially pleased to see the staggering number of special guests who have gathered today to honor General Glen VanHerck for his three decades of military service and leadership, and to welcome General Greg Guillot as the next commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Let me extend an especially warm welcome to Marilyn VanHerck, Caroline Guillot, and the members of both the VanHerck and Guillot families who are here with us in person, and to those tuning in to this ceremony remotely from around the country. We recognize the disruption and uncertainty that last year's unnecessary and unprecedented hold on the promotion of general and flag officers caused you and your families. We are grateful to move forward both from it and to focus now on strengthening your leadership team, and grateful to you for your resilience and steadfastness throughout that time. Thank you also to Minister Blair, Chairman Brown, and General Eyre. This ceremony, and you joining us here today, demonstrate the unbreakable alliance between our two nations and our unification under a common purposedefense of our homelands. It's also my distinct pleasure to be here with the men and women of USNORTHCOM and NORAD. Your outstanding service, under this unified command, helps to preserve our collective ability to defend our nationsthe United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamasand to help preserve international peace and stability. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the world stood by the United States and joined us in the refrain, "never forget." And we won't. Yet, it was also our responsibility since then to live up to its twin promise of "never again." Activated in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, USNORTHCOM was charged with protecting North America from external threats. And knowing that those threats would evolve over time, this command was designed to draw from the full strength of our military services' talent, capabilities, and approachesland, air, sea, and cyberspaceat any given moment in time and history. For more than 20 years now, you have stood the watch, protecting our people, and projecting power across domains and theaters in defense of our homeland. Whether it's conducting joint and combined training and education, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime domain awareness, or cyber defense, NORAD-NORTHCOM enhances our common security and deepens our ties to our closest neighbors. In recent years, that has meant facing down both acute and persistent threats, including Russian long-range aviation, North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles, and Russian and Chinese out-of-area maritime operations. Not to mention the first kinetic engagement of a foreign object over North America since World War II, when NORAD expertly led the safe shoot down and recovery of a PRC high-altitude surveillance balloon off the South Carolina coast. And in response to rising strategic competition in the Arctic Circle, NORTHCOM has been a relentless advocate for enhanced Arctic capabilities. This is all proof that we are better prepared today to deter, detect, and defeat any threats to the homelandand in no small part thanks to General Glen VanHerck's leadership of NORAD-NORTHCOM. As General VanHerck has so aptly put it, "To compete globally, we must be strong at home." Over the past three-and-a-half years, Glen has advanced this mission with a singular and intense focus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Glen led the Defense Department's support of our federal, state, local, and tribal partners, which included the safe repatriation of U.S. personnel and travelers, the rapid establishment of alternate care sites, the distribution of protective equipment, and the dispatching of thousands of military medical personnel to overwhelmed hospitals. Once vaccines were made available, Glen oversaw the delivery of millions of doses across the country. This critical logistical and operational support was essential to our nation's response to the greatest public health emergency in our lifetime. Then in 2021, through Operation Allies Welcome, NORTHCOM provided vital support for tens of thousands of Afghan nationalsincluding those who worked alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistanas they safely resettled in the United States. This support included transportation, medical screening, and temporary housing for more than 70,000 Afghans. These examples speak to Glen's brilliant mind and servant heartwhich he unflinchingly attributes to his upbringing. Glen's path seems a bit preordained in retrospect. He is the son of two general aviation pilots, Don and Melba Jean VanHerck, who passed along their love of flying to their son. Glen's destiny was realized in 1989, when he completed his Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. The Squadron Commander who filed his training report noted then-Lieutenant VanHerck's natural ability and exceptional foresight, remarking that, "He thought well ahead of the aircraft" precisely the kind of strategic and operational thinking we encourage in our emerging leaders. Glen was born to fly, yes. And looking back on his distinguished military career, it's also clear he was born to lead, having commanded throughout his career at the squadron, group, and wing levels, as well as at the United States Air Force Warfare Center. Here at NORTHCOM, General VanHerck led the design of global integration by launching the Global Information Dominance Experiment series, which the Department has built upon to advance joint all-domain command and control. His tireless advocacy and vision were equally critical to the Department's homeland defense capability advances, including through the Secretary's issuance of the 2023 Homeland Defense Policy Guidance. Through these and other initiatives, Glen has led our efforts to pace to the growing multi-domain threat to the homeland posed by the People's Republic of China. And because of General VanHerck's leadership, NORAD-NORTHCOM is well-positioned to lead execution of this policy. Glen, thank you for your lifetime of service, but of course, I also need to thank Marilyn. Glen and Marilyn first met when they were in grade school. At the time, their families lived less than a mile apart from one another in Bismarck, Missouria community that I know continues to mean so much to the two of them. Since thenand over the course of 36 years of marriage and some 20 movesGlen has thrived on Marilyn's steadfast love and support. But Glen has not been the only one. Marilyn, please know that your contributions have touched the lives of thousands of service members and their families. On behalf of the Department, we thank you for your service in defense of the nation. Glen and Marilyn, you've more than earned your chance to take it easy wherever you now choose to call home, and we wish you well on your next adventure. General Greg Guillot will continue to build on the tremendous work underway at NORAD-NORTHCOM. Similar to his predecessor, Greg had his sights set on flight from a young age. His father, Reb, was an Air Force officer and a two-tour Vietnam War veteran, who paved the way for Greg to follow in his footsteps to the Air Force Academy. During his career, Greg has commanded a flying squadron, an operations group, two flying wings, and a numbered Air Force. He has served on numbered Air Force, major command, air, and combatant command staffs. As commander of AFCENT, Greg led Air Force components in support of Operation Allies Refuge, the 2021 airlift of Afghan civilians out of Kabulthe largest non-combatant evacuation operation in American history. Greg now takes command following his most recent assignment as Deputy Commander of CENTCOM, where he has been instrumental in protecting our forces and advancing U.S. interests. Gooey, you are well-prepared to lead this command at this critical moment. In fact, this is not your first rotation at NORTHCOM. So we're confident that you will remember your way around the base and hit the ground running. And to your family... I'd like to acknowledge your mom who is watching proudly today from Tucson, Arizona, as well as your mother- and father-in law, who are tuning in from Oklahoma City. To General Guillot's children, Elizabeth and Mark, know that "proud dad" is among his most cherished titles. And to Caroline, on behalf of the Department, thank you for the sacrifices you've made in support of the mission, and welcome back to Peterson. When NORTHCOM'S first commander, General Ed Eberhart, who is here with us today, declared the command had reached full operational capability on September 11, 2003, he stated, "This is not an end state. This is, in fact, part of a journey. We'll never truly reach full operational capability. We are always going to be striving to do better." That sentiment is as true today as it was more than 20 years ago. And as this command's leadership passes from General VanHerck to General Guillot, we know that NORAD-NORTHCOM will continue evolving to stand the watch. So, to Gooey and Caroline, thank you for your continued commitment to service and to this nation. And to Glen and Marilyn, thank you for your decades of selfless service. I wish you blue skies on your well-deserved retirement. https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3666216/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Netherlands -- Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov Transmittal No: 23-89 WASHINGTON, February 5, 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $908 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy one hundred twenty (120) AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) All-Up-Rounds; fifteen (15) AGM-158 Inert JASSMs with Test Instrumentation Kits; two (2) AGM-158 JASSM Separation Test Vehicles; one (1) AGM-158 Instrumented Test Vehicle; and two (2) JASSM Jettison Test Vehicles. Also included are AGM-158 JASSM Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM) and containers; KGV-135A encryption devices; test and integration equipment and support; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; munitions support and support equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); transportation support; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $908 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands' capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its airborne, long-range, precision-strike combat capability. The Netherlands will use these systems to defend NATO Allies and deter aggression. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, FL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address El Salvador: Statement by the Spokesperson on the elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 05.02.2024 EEAS Press Team El Salvador's election last Sunday has been peaceful, orderly and yielded a clear result. The European Union congratulates the Salvadoran people for their commitment to democracy. The EU looks forward to working on shared priorities with President Nayib Bukele and his administration. The EU remains committed to supporting El Salvador on its modernisation path towards sustainable and inclusive economic development, and on consolidating improvements in security by strengthening good governance, the rule of law and social inclusion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poland: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after meeting with Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski European External Action Service (EEAS) 05.02.2024 Warsaw EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Thank you, my dear Minister, [for Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radosaw] Sikorski, my dear Radek. I am on my way to Ukraine. I am on my way to Kyiv, and I wanted to make a stop-over in Warsaw because certainly, we have to make consultations with our Polish friends in order to understand better what is going on in Ukraine and how we can continue our support. Thank you for your warm welcome. We discussed with the Minister, and before that, with the Deputy Minister of Defence and Head of Military Staff [Kosiniak-Kamysz] all forms of our support to Ukraine: military, financial, reconstruction, measures against Russia and international outreach, the use of frozen assets. Allow me to recognise that Poland has demonstrated, since the beginning, a firm support for Ukraine from the day one. Hosting refugees, providing substantial military assistance, hosting the Headquarters of the training mission (EUMAM Ukraine), which will be training 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and offering a logistical hub for military supplies provided by all partners. It is a lot of effort that the Polish government and the Polish society have been doing. And I want to thank you for this important contribution to the overall European Union support to Ukraine. I think we can say that we agreed that not only we have to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, but for whatever it takes. It is not just a matter of time, it is a matter of quantity and quality of our supplies. Certainly, we have to do more and quicker, because Ukraine has to prevail. Ukraine is fighting but it is also fighting for the European security. We need to think of the longer-term picture. Supporting Ukraine is first and foremost about helping Ukraine to defeat the invasion, but we have to think about how to reach peace and how we support Ukraine's reconstruction process. I am going to Ukraine to discuss the ongoing [work on] EU security commitments. We have done a lot of consultations with Ukraine so far. We have to continue providing ammunition. I think that we will - with the support of Poland - reach a final agreement by early March on the proposed Ukraine Assistance Fund, within the European Peace Facility, and I count on the strong support from Poland. If we agree on that, it will ensure more predictability and sustainability for further support to Ukraine being co-financed by the European Union. Obviously, we had a discussion about what is going on in the Middle East, in the Red Sea. I debriefed the Minister on the last steps for launching a naval mission of the European Union in the Red Sea, that will be approved - I hope - at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting and launched by the end of the month. Certainly, the situation in Gaza, from a humanitarian point of view, is very dramatic. Certainly, it is the consequences of the attack of Hamas against Israel on 7 October, but we have to take care of the humanitarian consequences of the Israeli answer and in particular, of the funding of UNRWA. The European Union has not suspended its funding to UNRWA, just asked for a control - an audit. I am sure the United Nations will launch it in a completely independent and professional manner in order to understand better the way UNRWA works. But keep in mind that more than 2 million people are being fed every day by UNRWA. And it is not only about Gaza, it is about Jordan, it is about Syria, it is about Lebanon. It is a matter of humanity and for the European Union values, this also matters. Today, I also had an interesting exchange with the Polish civil society and think tanks, and members of the Parliament. You know that we are at the beginning of a "super election year" - half of the world population will be voting - also for the European Parliament at the beginning of June. Allow me to expect, to hope that Europeans will participate a lot in these elections. Also, the US elections, where we will not participate but the consequences will affect us also a lot. 60 elections around the world will shape the future of mankind. And in this context, we discussed about the importance of the EU-NATO cooperation and the EU-US partnership, which are especially crucial in the current geopolitical circumstances for the security and stability in Europe but also in the United States. Thank you. Q&A [in Polish - on further sanctions against Russia and Belarus] We are preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia. I was informed last Friday, when we finished the meeting with ASEAN, and on Saturday, when we finished the Gymnich meeting. Work is ongoing: it will affect many people and institutions, from personal sanctions [to] firms of different countries who participate in the circumvention of sanctions. But there is still not a final agreement among Member States so I cannot go into detail but every month there is a new package of sanctions against Russia, in order to punish the ones who are responsible for the aggression against Ukraine, and for the economic circuit that allows Russia to continue having the capacities to feed the military machine. So be sure that we are every month looking at that and taking measures. [In Polish - on purchase of ammunition for Ukraine] I completely agree with you [Minister Sikorski]. At the moment, we have to provide ammunition to Ukraine. It does not matter where this ammunition is being produced. But the problem today is not a lack of capacity of the European industry to produce. It is not that we have to go and buy somewhere else because we are unable to produce - we are able to produce. And an important part of our production is being exported to third countries. So, as I explained to my colleagues Ministers these days, the quickest and cheapest and more effective way of increasing our supply of ammunition to Ukraine is to stop exporting to third countries. This is something that only Member States can do, and this has been my request. And then we will go and buy outside, but maybe there is an easier solution. But I have nothing against buying. And, by the way, keep in mind that apart from the 520,000 ammunition that we have [promised to be] donated to Ukraine, our industry is producing a lot to export to Ukraine. So, when you keep in mind supplies, it is an equation. Supplies are equal to donations plus selling. We are selling on a commercial basis to Ukraine a very great number of ammunitions. For security reasons, I cannot say the figures, even less where this ammunition is coming from. But do not believe that there are only donations. Our industry produces to donate and produces to sell - and produces to sell to others. So, the best way of selling more to Ukraine or to donate more to Ukraine is to try to tell the others, "Please, wait, you are not at war. You can wait some months and divert this production to Ukraine". This is a political decision that the Member States have to take. Link to the video (starting as of 5:00): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-252347 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-Japan command post exercise difficult to put into practice; Washington consumes allies to achieve its goals: experts Global Times By Xu Yelu Published: Feb 05, 2024 07:18 PM The Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the US military named China as a hypothetical enemy for the first time in their joint command post exercise, Japanese government sources said Sunday, according to Japanese media. Experts noted that there is significant difficulty in putting these operational plans into practice for the US and Japan and will not alter the outcome of the Taiwan question. The computer simulation exercise, which began on February 1 and is slated to be held through Thursday, envisions an emergency on the island of Taiwan, Japan's Kyodo News reported on Sunday, noting that a provisional name was previously used when referring to an enemy. Japan's Defense Ministry is believed to have classified the scenario as a specially designated secret under the country's secrecy law, the report said. Chinese experts pointed out that the command post exercise is actually the same as the military simulation exercises. The scale of these exercises can be quite large because they are conducted on paper, allowing for the mobilization of more forces compared to real-troop exercises. However, there is significant difficulty in putting these operational plans into practice for the US and Japan, as their joint operational capabilities are limited, and their hypothetical enemy is not a weak country but a world power. "It is not surprising that they consider China a hypothetical enemy," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator told the Global Times on Monday. "The US is building its Indo-Pacific strategy which targets China as a hypothetical enemy. The US cannot confront a powerful opponent alone, so it rallies allies and builds so-called group strike capability. This reflects that the US highly lacks confidence. It is evident that the US is more focused on consuming its allies in weakening its opponents to achieve its own goals," Song said. The US and Japan have multiple joint operation plans envisioning emergencies, with a draft on the island of Taiwan completed at the end of 2023, Kyodo News reported. The results of the current "Keen Edge" exercise will be reflected in the final plans to be compiled by the end of this year, while troops are expected to perform a live-action demonstration of the "Keen Sword" drill around 2025 to verify its efficacy, the Japanese report said. The countries had previously utilized maps that slightly differed from the topography of actual countries to avoid backlash in the event the plans were leaked, although the current exercise utilized unaltered versions, according to the report. Japan and the US began conducting joint drills in 1986, with the two countries holding "Keen Edge" and "Keen Sword" exercises roughly every other year, Kyodo News said. Following the regional election in Taiwan, this type of exercise will certainly have a negative impact on regional peace and stability, Wang Guangtao, an associate research fellow with the Center for Japanese Studies at the Shanghai-based Fudan University, told the Global Times. "Considering China a hypothetical enemy will not alter the outcome of the Taiwan question," Wang said. The US has always wanted to play the role of a hegemon in the Indo-Pacific region, while Japan is in a subordinate position to the US hegemony. Therefore, the military cooperation between Japan and the US, especially military exercises, essentially aims to maintain the US' hegemonic position in the Asia-Pacific region, Wang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah missiles hit Israeli regime targets in southern Lebanon IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched new missile attacks on two military targets controlled by the Israeli regime in occupied regions in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah issued a short statement on Monday saying its missiles had hit the al Semmaqiyeh military position in Kfarchouba and the Roisat-ul-Alam in the occupied Shebaa Farms. The attacks came after Hezbollah hit Israeli military targets in north of the occupied Palestine earlier on Monday. That comes as the group issued a separate statement on Monday saying three of its forces had been martyred in the ongoing cross-border trading of fire with the Israeli regime. The statement identified the three martyred Hezbollah fighters as Salman Mohammad Faghih, Abbas Ahmad al-Kharsa and Abbas Nasser. Hezbollah has launched more than 900 operations to hit targets controlled by Israel since early October when the regime started its brutal war against the Palestinians in Gaza. The Lebanese group has said that the attacks will continue until the Israeli regime stops its aggression on Gaza. 4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK target Yemen's Hodeidah in fresh airstrikes IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Warplanes of the US and Britain have pounded positions in Yemen's western province of Hodeidah, according to news reports. Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV network, citing its sources in Yemen, said that the US and British military aircraft hit several targets in the Al-Kuthaib area in Hodeidah province on Monday. There were no immediate reports of possible casualties or damage caused by the airstrikes. Also, Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV network reported that the US and Britain targeted areas of Hodeidah province for the second time in the past hours. Washington and London launched their airstrikes on Yemen on January 11 in response to what they described as threats to international shipping posed by Yemen's attacks in the Red Sea. The Yemeni Armed Forces began their attacks in mid-November and said they only targeted Israeli vessels or those bound for ports in the occupied Palestinian territories. The operations have been described as a response to the October 7-present war that the Israeli regime has been waging against Gaza following an operation carried out by the Hamas Resistance Movement from the besieged territory against Israeli positions. Yemen has called the US-UK airstrikes an act of aggression and has carried out attacks against American vessels in response. 3266**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah launches fresh missile attacks on Israeli-controlled targets IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched fresh missile attacks on targets controlled by the Israeli regime in north of the occupied Palestine. Qatar's Al Jazeera TV network reported on Monday that Hezbollah fighters had hit Israeli military bases in the Al-Jalil Al-Alaa region located in the north of occupied Palestine. It said at least five missiles had been fired from southern Lebanon at Israeli targets in the north of occupied Palestine. That comes as the Israeli regime's media outlets said that sirens had sounded 18 times in Israeli settlements located near Lebanon's border as a result of attacks conducted by the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah on Sunday. According to Lebanese news website Elnashra, sources affiliated with the Israeli regime have pointed to the escalation of tension between Hezbollah and the regime's forces in recent days. On Sunday, the resistance fighters carried out around 15 strikes on Israeli-occupied territories, Israeli media reported, adding that it cannot be described as a normal day of confrontations on the regime's northern front. The cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces over the past four months have forced tens of thousands of settlers to leave their settlements near Lebanon's border. 4208**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli regime conducts air strikes in south Lebanon IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's warplanes have carried out air raids against certain areas in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Al-Manar TV network, Israeli aircraft pounded the Maroun El Ras village in Jabal Amel (Mount Amel) and Yaroun village located in Bint Jbeil in the Nabatieh Governorate, Lebanon. The Israeli regime's army issued a statement, announcing that their aircraft targeted a headquarters and a military facility in Yaroun village and that they also pounded a watchtower in Maroun El Ras village. On the other hand, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah declared on Saturday that they had targeted checkpoints in Raisat Alam and Zebdine villages with missiles. According to Hezbollah's media outlet, their forces carried out 961 missile and drone attacks against the Israeli enemies over the last 120 days. Following the onset of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023, Lebanon's Hezbollah movement kicked off operations against Israelis in order to keep the enemies engaged in northern Palestinian territories and help lessen pressures on the Palestinian resistance movement. Israeli media outlets have time and again acknowledged that Hezbollah has an upper hand in northern occupied territories and that the Israeli military has been entrapped in this region. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report: 30,000 Israeli settlers left occupied territories on Sunday IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Some 30,000 settlers have reportedly departed from the occupied territories' main travel hub on Sunday. The Zionist regime's Channel 12 reported that Sunday marked Ben Gurion Airport's busiest day since October 7, when Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movements launched a major retaliatory operation against the occupying regime. Back in December a local Zionist newspaper reported that nearly half a million Israeli settlers have left the occupied territories since October 7. The Population and Immigration Authority estimated that 370,000 people had left the occupied territories, including 230,309 in October and 139,839 in November, Zman magazine reported at the time. According to the magazine, approximately 600,000 Israeli settlers had traveled abroad for vacation before October 7, while nearly 370,000 others departed afterward. Nearly 301,982 Israeli settlers returned to the occupied territories in October and 194,016 in November. "The figures show that the number of Israelis who left and did not return is estimated at around 470,000," Zman said. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway cautions against consequences of "cutting UNRWA off" IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has cautioned against the consequences of suspending aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). "I urge fellow donor countries to reflect on the wider consequences of cutting UNRWA off," the Norwegian foreign minister wrote on his page on the X Sunday local time. "We cannot abandon the Palestinian people. This is exactly the wrong time to halt funding for UNRWA. Norway stands fast on our commitments." To follow the United States, some European states have suspended or stopped sending help to UNRWA which is one of the important agencies playing a crucial role in dispatching aid to Gaza. The UNRWA has warned against the suspension of such aid, stating that it may lead to ending its activities by the end of February 2024. 1483**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-UK aggression against Yemen 'alarming threat' to int. peace, security: Tehran ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 5 February 2024 / 11:43 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani has censured the recent US and British aerial aggression against Yemen as an alarming threat to international peace and security. In yet another act of onslaught against Yemeni soil, the United States and Britain carried out late on Saturday dozens of air raids on the Arab country's provinces of Sana'a, Hudaydah and Sa'ada, among several others. The Pentagon claimed that the strikes targeted 13 locations across Yemen and hit weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers and other capabilities of the country's Armed Forces and the popular Ansarullah movement used to attack Israeli-tied shipping in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Kan'ani condemned the attacks as a repeated violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said the aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of international law by the United States and Britain. He stressed that the continuation of such arbitrary actions is "open adventurism" and an "alarming threat to international peace and security." "The military adventurism of the United States and the United Kingdom in attacks on the regional countries are the continuation of the policy and the wrong approach of these two countries in using militarism to advance their illegitimate goals in the region, which is in clear conflict with the repeated claims of Washington and London that they do not want to expand the war in the region," the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said. Kan'ani underlined that the US and UK, by supporting the Israeli war crimes in Gaza, are "fueling chaos, disorder, insecurity and instability with the aim of creating a breathing space for this criminal regime." "They are responsible for the genocide of the Palestinians, and the international community is undoubtedly responsible for holding the US and Britain accountable," he added. Yemeni Army spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said on Sunday that the aggressor countries conducted 48 air raids across the Arab country, warning that their assault will not go unanswered. In solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, Yemeni forces have targeted ships going to and from ports in the occupied territories, or whose owners are linked to Israel, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and even in the Arabian Sea. In response to the pro-Palestine maritime campaign, the US and its allies have on several occasions bombed Yemen in violation of the country's sovereignty and international law. The Israeli regime launched its hostilities in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, after the territory's Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups launched surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupiers. Israel has killed more than 27,000 people, most of them children and women, in Gaza since early October. End item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wider war will end US hegemony in region, warns Yemen ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 5 February 2024 / 11:42 Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the latest wave of US and British airstrikes against the country, stressing that such attacks will not ever make the Yemeni nation and government backtrack on their pro-Palestinian stances. Tehran-ISNA- The ministry in the Sana'a-based National Salvation Government deplored the most recent assaults on multiple targets in the strategic western province of Hudaydah as well as Sa'ada in the country's northwest, stating that continuing US-British aggression clearly points to the UN Security Council's failure to take on its responsibilities. "The US and British airstrikes are meant to obscure the Zionists' defeats as they perpetrate atrocities against ordinary people and civilians in Gaza. "These assaults won't ever make the Republic of Yemen do a volte-face on its humanitarian and ethical duties concerning Palestinians and their cause," a statement released by the foreign ministry read. Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network reported late on Sunday that US and British forces had struck 11 targets in Hudaydah province, with most of the aerial raids aimed at the port of Ras Isa and al-Zaydiya city. A high-profile member of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has also denounced the latest US and British strikes on positions in Yemen, emphasizing that such attacks are ineffectual. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of Ansarullah's political bureau, stated that the anti-Yemen strikes have so far been carried out only by the United States and the United Kingdom, signifying differences within members of the US-formed coalition in Red Sea and its imminent breakup. "Rules of engagement imposed by the United States, the Zionist entity and Britain have now been rewritten. The spillover of the [Gaza] will inevitably result in an end to US hegemony across the region," Bukhaiti noted. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas is re-deploying where Israelis have withdrawn from Gaza ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 5 February 2024 / 11:11 Four residents of Gaza City says police had been stationed recently close to government buildings and police headquarters. Tehran-ISNA- Citing four residents and a senior Hamas official, the Associated Press reported that the Palestinian civilian administration has started to resurface in areas where the Israelis withdrew the majority of their forces a month ago, deploying police officers and paying salaries to some of its civil servants in Gaza City. This is a sign of the resistance group's resilience in the face of the Israeli ruthless air and ground campaign over the past four months. Four residents of Gaza City informed The Associated Press that police had been stationed recently close to government buildings and police headquarters, including the largest hospital in Gaza, Shifa Hospital. The locals reported witnessing more Israeli airstrikes close to the temporary offices. Speaking under the condition of anonymity, a Hamas official allegedly told the AP that the return of the police signifies an effort to restore order in the shattered city. According to the official, the leaders of the group were instructed to restore law and order in areas of the north where Israeli soldiers had withdrawn. This included assisting in preventing the looting of stores and homes left vacant by citizens who had followed Israeli evacuation orders and moved to the southern portion of Gaza. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu to 8104th Battalion Commanders and Soldiers: "The essence of our policy - total victory over Hamas." Israel - Prime Minister's Office The 37th Government 05.02.2024 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, visited the 8104th Battalion of the 179th Brigade, at the IDF Armored Corps Memorial at Latrun. The Prime Minister spoke with battalion's company commanders, led by IDF Chief Armored Officer Brig.-Gen. Ohad Maor, and was briefed on the activity of the battalion since the outbreak of the war. He also met with the battalion's commanders and soldiers and visited the memorial for fallen soldiers of the IDF Armored Corps. Prime Minister Netanyahu: "I am just finishing a visit here with your commanders and you, and I am greatly impressed by your fighting spirit, unity in combat and the dedication to the goal. I told your commanders that several days ago, I received a cap with two words on it: 'Total victory.' This is the essence of our policy - total victory over Hamas. Total victory is essential because it ensures the security of Israel. Total victory is the only way in which we can ensure additional historic peace agreements, which await. Total victory will strike a mortal blow against the axis of evil: Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis and - of course - Hamas. Therefore, there is no substitute for total victory. One need only to think of what would happen without total victory: The displaced will not return, the next massacre will only be a matter of time and Iran, Hezbollah and others will simply celebrate here and destroy the Middle East; therefore, there is no substitute for total victory. After having met you and your commanders in the field in the Gaza Strip several times, I would like to tell you - I am impressed by your heroism, intensity and determination, and by our ability to achieve this victory, which is coming. By our calculation, as of today we have already destroyed - meaning, we have either killed or wounded - over half of their force. We have destroyed 18 of their 24 battalions. We are engaged in active demilitarization by conducting raids against the remaining terrorists and we are destroying the underground networks. We are on the way to total victory and I want to tell you that we are committed to it and will not give up on it. We will not stop the war without achieving this goal of total victory, which will restore security to both the south and the north. I want to salute you; you are amazing, simply lions, there is no other word. Everyone today knows this, and the entire people stands behind you. Then be blessed and continue onward to the total victory." Prime Minister Netanyahu was accompanied by his Chief-of-Staff Tzachi Braverman, his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil, IDF Chief Armored Officer Brig.-Gen. Ohad Maor and 179th Brigade Commander Col. Itzik Alfasi. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President: Defense investment is the guarantee of a secure future President of the Republic of Lithuania February 05, 2024 On Monday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with Szymon Hoownia, Marshal of the Sejm of Poland, to discuss bilateral ties between Lithuania and Poland, defense cooperation, the security situation in the region, and support for Ukraine. At the meeting, the President underlined Lithuania's commitment to maintaining and strengthening the strategic partnership with Poland and expanding the already successful defense and security cooperation. According to Gitanas Nauseda, Lithuania is interested in actively participating in joint defense industry development projects between the two countries and in holding joint military exercises. President Gitanas Nauseda also stressed the need for close cooperation to reinforce the security of the Suwaki Corridor. "The strategic partnership between Lithuania and Poland is extremely valuable and important for the whole region. We enjoy excellent relations in the field of defense, as well as intensifying economic cooperation and joint representation of our interests in various international formats. Both countries are actively increasing defense spending, as we understand that this is the guarantee of our secure future," the Head of State pointed out. Gitanas Nauseda stressed that Lithuania and Poland need to work actively with their NATO allies and EU partners in mobilizing support for Ukraine, as well as in urging them to jointly strengthen defense and security industry capabilities. The President also welcomed a growth in economic and cultural cooperation between the countries. The Head of State emphasized the importance of the implementation of joint infrastructure projects, in particular in completing the synchronization of electricity grids, the Rail Baltica and Via Baltica projects, and the enhancement of military mobility. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Reaffirms Solidarity with the Kashmiri People on the 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Feb 2024 Today, the Government and people of Pakistan are observing the 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for realization of their right to self-determination. The President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, in their special messages on the occasion, have renewed Pakistan's unstinting moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir Cause. The Foreign Minister has addressed letters to the Presidents of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, the UN Secretary General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OIC Secretary General to update them on the latest developments in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In these letters, the Foreign Minister has emphasized the need to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir could determine their future through a fair and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices. He has also urged the UN and OIC leadership to play their role in improving the human rights situation in IIOJK and for release of Kashmiri political prisoners and dissenters. In the run up to the Kashmir Solidarity Day, a briefing was organized for Islamabad-based diplomats to apprise them of the situation in IIOJK. A 'Solidarity Day Walk' was held on the Constitution Avenue, earlier today, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs up to the Parliament Building. The walk was led by the Ministers for Information, Privatization, Culture, and Religious Affairs. The officers and staff members of the Ministry participated in the walk, alongside school children and people from different walks of life. A wide range of other activities, including seminars, webinars, panel discussions and photo exhibitions are being organized throughout the country, and at Pakistan's diplomatic missions around the world. These activities are aimed at expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK, and underscoring the grave implications of India's efforts to turn Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own land 35/2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HARRISBURG Gov. Josh Shapiro s second budget proposes significant increases to education and economic development and would regulate adult use marijuana, while leaning heavily on Pennsylvanias reserves to underwrite his vision. The Democrat on Tuesday unveiled his budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, in front of a joint session of the House and Senate in the Capitol Rotunda, watched over by a heavy police presence. After a relatively modest first-year budget proposal, Shapiro returned in his second year with an admittedly ambitious $48.3 billion plan that marshals billions more for underfunded public schools, public transit, higher education and major industrial and high-tech projects to invigorate a slow-growing economy. I know thats a bold vision, and some will reflexively be opposed, saying, We cant afford that, Shapiro told lawmakers during an 87-minute speech. But I would argue we cant afford not to invest right now. Much of Shapiros plan will face stiff resistance in the Republican-controlled Senate. There, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, criticized the spending as absolutely fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable. Democrats who control the House applauded Shapiros plan. The chambers will begin budget hearings in two weeks. With a nod to his catchphrase, Shapiro called on lawmakers get more stuff done. Shapiros spending request would increase total authorized spending by 7% through the states main bank account, while tax collections are projected to increase by $1 billion, or 2%. The budget proposal holds the line on taxes, and instead uses about $3 billion in reserve cash to balance. The proposal would shrink the states cash reserve from $14 billion to $11 billion, while public schools, higher education and human services would absorb much of the increase in spending. A boost to public schools is a cornerstone of Shapiros proposal, coming after a court ruling that found Pennsylvanias system of school funding unconstitutionally discriminates against poorer schools. Shapiro wants a $1.1 billion increase, or 14% more, for public school operations and instruction, meeting a school funding commissions recommendation last month supported by his appointees. A significant portion, about $872 million, would go toward poorer schools, a proposal that drew enthusiasm from public school advocates and teachers unions. Shapiro also wants more money for student-teacher stipends, mental health counseling, special education and school construction, as well as putting menstrual hygiene products in schools. Shapiro said his plan delivers another $2 billion to public schools, when combined with savings from tighter limits on charter school reimbursements. This is ambitious, Shapiro said to Democrats applause. None of this is easy and all of it will require us to work together. He also reiterated his support for a private school voucher program a proposal that is backed by Republicans, opposed by Shapiros fellow Democrats and that helped precipitate a monthslong budget fight last year. With his competitive spirit in mind, Shapiro wants to catch up to other states that are ahead of Pennsylvania. As a new revenue stream, Shapiro wants to legalize adult-use marijuana, following the example of neighbors Ohio, New Jersey and New York. Shapiros administration estimates the industry would eventually yield $250 million in additional annual revenue. He also called for expunging records of those incarcerated for marijuana, and using $5 million for restorative justice. To bolster students continuing through post-secondary, Shapiros budget allots an extra $200 million, or 10% more, for the states higher education institutions, an acknowledgment that Pennsylvania lags nearly every other state in funding higher education. The extra money would come with a reimagined state-owned higher education system that distributes aid based on transparency and performance-based measures. In addition to pushing for a $15 minimum wage and making higher ed more affordable, Shapiro wants to attract major industrial and high-tech businesses by borrowing $500 million for site development to entice industrial and tech businesses to choose Pennsylvania. We need to build a more competitive Pennsylvania that starts in our classrooms, runs through our union halls and our small businesses, through our farmlands and our high rises, our college campuses, and leads to a life of opportunity and a retirement with dignity, Shapiro said. Shapiros proposal would boost spending on home and community services for the intellectually disabled and autistic by about $200 million, or 12% more. Thats about half the amount that advocates say is needed to fix a system beset by staffing shortages, low pay and a thousands-long waiting list. Still, advocates applauded it. Its the first large systemic effort at addressing this issue, said Richard Edley of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association. This isnt going to fix it, but at least its major step toward addressing it. Another significant investment would go to public transportation, increasing state aid by about $280 million, or about 20%. More than half of that would go to the Philadelphia-area Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA. Shapiro also wants to send $31 million more to help the Pennsylvania State Police maintain and update its fleet of vehicles and aircrafts. The proposal comes after prison escapee Danilo Cavalcante eluded hundreds of law enforcement officers for two weeks. Specifically targeting gun violence, Shapiro is seeking millions more to audit gun retailers and monitor social media for threats, to expand after-school programming for adolescents and to clean up shared spaces like parks and recreation areas that he said are most affected by gun violence. Other funding requests target housing needs, such as home repair subsidies and those facing eviction to have legal counsel, and health care programs, including money to prevent hospital closures and lower medical debt, prescription drug prices and the cost of health insurance. New U.S.-led airstrikes hit Houthi camps in northern Yemen: Houthi TV People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:33, February 05, 2024 SANAA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and British warplanes launched a new wave of airstrikes against Houthi camps in northern Yemen late Sunday, reported the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. The strikes hit targets in Saada province, a Houthi stronghold, and Hodeidah, a strategic Red Sea port city. In Saada, the strikes hit the eastern part of the provincial capital, also called Saada, and the northern district of Bakim. In Hodeidah, the strikes targeted camps in Ras Issa, a northwestern coastal district, and the neighboring district of Az-Zaydiyah. Other strikes hit the southern part of the city, which has been the main portal for imported commodities in Houthi-controlled areas. The U.S. side has not commented on the new airstrikes, which came less than 24 hours after another round of U.S.-British attacks on Houthi camps in areas under their control. The U.S. Defense Department said in a statement that the previous airstrikes on Saturday night were meant to "further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to conduct their reckless and destabilizing attacks against U.S. and international vessels lawfully transiting the Red Sea." Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam said on al-Masirah TV that the U.S. airstrikes would not destroy his group's weapons or limit its military operations and capabilities. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea vowed that his group would launch retaliatory attacks against the U.S. Navy after the U.S. airstrikes hit the group's camps in six northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippines Reaffirms Support for Rules-Based International Order at the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Forum Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs BRUSSELS 05 February 2024 -- Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo called for all countries to "keep to the path of peace and build resilience" through the rule of law at the 3rd European Union Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum (EUIPMF) held on 2 February 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. The Secretary was one of the opening speakers for the roundtable session on "Geopolitical and Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific" at the EUIPMF. The roundtable session was co-moderated by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / European Commission Vice President (HRVP) Josep Borrell Fontelles and Sri Lanka's Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry. "Especially in a world of flux, the rule of law guarantees equity and stability in the global commons. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the maritime domain that predominates the Indo-Pacific context," Secretary Manalo stated. He highlighted the rising pattern of aggression and militarization in the region, notably in the South China Sea, where such acts of aggression contravene the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 1982 Manila Declaration of the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The Secretary emphasized that "peace, rule of law, and the pursuit of more prosperous, just, inclusive societies should not be sacrificed on the altar of transformative shifts in geopolitics. We must reinforce the fabric of multilateralism that allows us to work together for a common purpose, despite differences." Secretary Manalo also met with his counterparts at the sidelines of the EUIPMF, including the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Sweden, Cyprus, Slovenia, Poland, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, Denmark, Romania and Croatia. The third meeting of the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum brought together top diplomats and government officials from the 27 EU Member States and 42 Indo-Pacific countries from East Africa to the Pacific Islands. This year, discussions focused on challenges in security and peace in the region, economic resilience, green economy and climate change. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA: 100,000 Palestinians killed, wounded or missing in Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 6:46 PM The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees says nearly 100,000 Palestinians have been either killed, wounded, or missing since Israel launched its brutal war in the besieged Gaza Strip in early October. UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on X, "In 4 months of war, around 100,000 people in Gaza were killed, injured or are currently missing." More than 80 percent of the 2.3 million people of Gaza have been displaced, most of them several times over, the UNRWA official said. He called for "a different trajectory" than a ceasefire "for the sake of people in Gaza." The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor earlier said around 90 percent of the population in Gaza has been displaced. Separately, UNRWA said one of its food convoys has come under Israeli artillery fire. The agency said trucks were delivering aid to the starving Palestinians in northern Gaza. UNRWA has said it cannot carry out its mission and provide humanitarian relief if safety conditions are not met. "Safe and sustainable humanitarian access is urgently needed everywhere, including to the north of Gaza," UNRWA said in a post on X. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continue to grapple with death, destruction and displacement as Israel keeps the genocidal campaign going. UNRWA has also shared footage of one of its health centers. "There is nothing left. This is an unprecedented level of destruction and forced displacement, taking place in front of our eyes." Over 110 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli shelling over the course of one day. The central city of Deir al-Balah and the southern city of Khan Younis, where most displaced civilians are sheltering, have been the focus of attacks. The Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis are still under siege. Israeli drones fire on residents there. Israel has killed nearly 27,500 people in Gaza, a considerably large number of them women and children, since October 7, 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli troops kidnap Palestinian Red Crescent officials in Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 5:49 PM The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) says Israeli forces have taken 2 top officials of the organization to an unknown location after raiding Al-Amal Hospital in southern Gaza. Doctor Haider al-Qaddura, general manager of the hospital, and its administrative director, Maher Atallah, are missing after being taken by the regime's forces on Monday, the organization said in a message on X. It came as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) informed the organization about Israel's "approval for a safe passage, enabling displaced individuals to leave Al-Amal Hospital and PRCS headquarters towards Mawasi in Khan Younis." Al-Amal hospital, the organization's Khan Younis headquarters, is currently sheltering hundreds of patients and thousands of displaced Palestinians who have taken refuge there after fleeing their homes in northern Gaza. The health facility has been non-functional for over two weeks as the Israeli forces have surrounded the building and denied ambulances and the injured access to the hospital. The health system in the besieged Palestinian territory is barely functional, unable to tolerate any more strain, according to health authorities. Since Israel started hostilities in Gaza in early October, 1.9 million people - 85 percent of Gaza's population - have been internally displaced. The regime has killed more than 27,500 people in Gaza so far. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli army admits running Telegram channel seeking to terrorize Palestinians Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 5:01 PM The Israeli army has admitted its forces were running a channel in the messaging app Telegram which published gruesome images and videos of their atrocities in Gaza in order to terrorize Palestinians. Israeli military officials told the Haaretz newspaper on Monday that the Telegram channel "72 Virgins - Uncensored," which published graphic images and videos of dead Palestinians in the early stages of the Israeli aggression on Gaza in October, was operated by the military. The channel was run by the Influencing Department, a subsidiary of the military's Operations Directorate, according to findings of a report by Haaretz last month which said operators of the channel had used coarse language to obscure the military's involvement in it. The Israeli military's Spokesperson's Unit said in a written response to the newspaper that the channel had worked without authorization and authority, adding that the issue has been dealt with. Since the channel was launched on October 9, two days after Israel intensified its brutal military campaign on Gaza, it uploaded thousands of videos and still images of the killing of the Palestinians, claiming they were fighters of the Hamas resistance movement. The channel posted exclusive material from investigations or information, which were only available to senior Israeli military officials. In one video, an Israeli vehicle repeatedly drove over the body of a Palestinian while other photos showed Palestinian men captured or killed in Gaza. "You won't believe the video we got! You can hear their bones crunch. We'll post it right away, get ready," said the channel of one of its videos. Notable economist and human rights activist Yanis Varoufakis said no other army in the world publicizes its atrocities like the Israelis did. "The aim is to terrorize Palestinians certain of the West's complicity, unafraid of US&EU public opinion," said Varoufakis on his page on X. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza's media office: Israel killed 30 Palestinians in Deir al-Balah in 24 hours Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 3:51 PM Thirty Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on areas the regime claimed to be "safe" in the city of Deir al-Balah, the central Gaza Strip, local Palestinian authorities say. The media office of Gaza's government said in a statement on Monday the airstrikes hit the city over the course of 24 hours. It said the Israeli military directly hit the "safe" homes of citizens. The regime also bombed a mosque. "We hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for this heinous massacre," the statement said. The media office also said the international community and the US administration of President Joe Biden shoulder the responsibility of the continued campaign against the Palestinians in Gaza, which, it said, goes against international law. There appears to be no shelter for the Palestinians to take refuge in across the besieged Gaza Strip amid Israel's relentless hostilities. The United Nations says it is impossible to create a "safe zone" for civilians inside Gaza. Israel's initial focal point of strikes was northern Gaza. But with time, the attacks also slanted toward the south. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has said roughly 110,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, missing, or injured in Gaza since October 7. Around 90 percent of the population in Gaza has been displaced, the monitor says. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said in a report on Monday that Israel has unleashed unlawful lethal force against the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, displaying "a chilling disregard for Palestinian lives." Palestinians in the West Bank were already experiencing deadly Israeli raids on a regular basis even before that October day. Israel killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank in 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ansarullah: If Italy joins Western strikes on Yemen, it will be a target Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 2:57 PM The Ansarullah resistance movement says if Italy takes part in attacks on Yemen, it will become a target. Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of the supreme revolutionary committee of Ansarullah, made the statement in an interview on Monday with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. The Yemeni official encouraged Italy to pressure Israel into ending its hostilities in the besieged Gaza Strip, which have left more than 27,000 people dead since early October. That would be the only way toward peace in the region, Houthi said. On Friday, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome would provide the admiral-in-command of a US-led maritime task force in the Red Sea aimed at protecting the passage of commercial ships bound for Israel. Yemen has targeted ships either owned by the regime or sailing toward Israeli ports in a strong gesture sympathetic to the oppressed Palestinians of Gaza over the past few months. In December, the European Union (EU) agreed to join the US-led mission against Yemen. Yemenis have made it clear that strikes targeting those ships in the Red Sea will not stop unless the regime ends its genocidal campaign. Yemen has also made a firm statement that international shipping companies are safe to sail in the area if they are neither owned by the regime nor destined to ports in the occupied Palestinian territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Feb. 4: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 11:58 AM By Press TV Website Staff Resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against Israel and its Western backers amid the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed almost 28,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women. The operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Sunday, February 4, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Feb. 4: Destroyed several Merkava-3 tanks, Merkava-4 tanks and a military D9-bulldozer in various combat zones throughout the besieged Gaza Strip. Shot dead an Israeli soldier in the vicinity of the industrial area southwest of Gaza City. Targeted a group of Israeli regime soldiers entrenched in a house with a TBG anti-fortification shell in the vicinity of the industrial area southwest of Gaza City. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Feb. 4: Ambushed an Israeli force in the western axis of Khan Younis, followed by intense clashes from point-blank range, resulting in the killing of two Israeli soldiers and injuries to several others. Engaged in intense clashes with Israeli soldiers in the western and southwest axes of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza. Al-Aqsa Brigades' operations on Feb. 4: Engaged in intense combat with Israeli regime soldiers in the western axis of Khan Younis city using machine guns and appropriate weapons. Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli regime soldiers in the western axis of Gaza City using appropriate weapons. Shelled a group of Israeli regime soldiers and their vehicles in the vicinity of the industrial zone west of Gaza City with several mortar shells. Targeted an Israeli D9-military bulldozer with RPGs on the western axes of Khan Younis. Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on Feb. 4: Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the center of Gaza City and on the outskirts of the Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Younis city, resulting in Israeli deaths and injuries. Engaged in clashes with regime forces at Abu Mazen roundabout and the chalets area west of Gaza City, resulting in Israeli casualties. Fired two RPGs at Israeli army vehicles on the Al-Jawazat, industrial, and agency axes in Gaza. Al-Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Feb. 4: In a joint operation with Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted a group of military vehicles and soldiers in the eastern axis of Khan Younis with a barrage of mortars. Struck the military post of 'Fajjah' with a barrage of rockets, directly hitting its targets. Destroyed an Israeli military Merkava tank after targeting it with an anti-tank rocket at the industrial intersection in Gaza City. Shelled the gathering of Israeli regime forces at the military transmission site 16 in the northeastern axis of Gaza with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortars. Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces west of Gaza City using appropriate weapons. Hezbollah's operations on Feb. 4: At around 15:05 local time, the Al-Marj site was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 15:30 local time, two buildings in the Al-Manara settlement were targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 15:50 local time, Israeli soldiers south of the Al-Abad site were targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 15:50 local time, the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in Shebaa was targeted with missiles. At around 16:00 local time, the Zibdin site in Shebaa was targeted with missiles. At around 16:55 local time, the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in Shebaa was targeted for the second time with missiles. Iraqi resistance's operations on Feb. 4: Attacked the American occupation base in the Al-Omar field in Syria with a drone. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US attacks on Yemen, Syria 'clumsy attempt' to divert attention from Gaza: Iran Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 11:30 AM The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman says the recent US attacks on Yemen, Syria and Iraq are "clumsy attempts" to divert public attention from the crisis that is unfolding in the war-torn Gaza Strip. Nasser Kan'ani made the remarks at a weekly press briefing on Monday, two days after the US military conducted airstrikes on Iraq and Syria in breach of the two countries' sovereignty. Nearly 40 people were killed in the air raids that came in response to a deadly drone attack on a US occupation base on Jordan's border with Syria. Also on Saturday, the US, along with the UK, launched a fresh wave of illegal aerial assaults on Yemen amid frustration with the country's maritime campaign in support of Palestine. "Attacking other countries is a violation of the national sovereignty of Syria, Iraq and Yemen and a clumsy attempt to divert public attention from the focal point of the crisis. The epicenter of the crisis is still in Palestine, and the solution is to end the genocide," Kan'ani said. He added that the recent actions by the US indicate Washington's willingness to give Israel free rein to keep committing crimes against Palestinians. "The United States' actions are clear proof that the US government is willing to give the [Israeli] regime free rein to continue crimes," Kan'ani said. He also noted that the US actions against the territorial integrity of other countries show that the international community cannot count on Washington's role to make peace. "Instead of choosing peace in the region, the US and the UK prefer to choose the Israeli regime and the interests of [prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu over those of nations and governments... Their behavior is inconsistent with their claims on non-expansion of the [Gaza] war in the region," he added. Speaking on Sunday, National security adviser Jake Sullivan did not rule out strikes inside Iran and said the US intends "to take additional strikes and additional action." Asked about the threat, Kan'ani said Iran neither seeks a regional escalation nor does it support them. "Iran has shown that it will decisively deal with any threats against its sovereignty and territorial integrity and that it will not hesitate to use its capabilities to deliver a regret-inducing response [to the enemies]. Iran's power was already recognized by others," he asserted. The top Iranian diplomat further emphasized that the occupying regime cannot conduct the aggression against Palestine without the US's support. He also highlighted growing opposition inside the US to Washington's pro-Israel policies. US presence in region 'disrupts security' Referring to the presence of US forces in the region and Iraq's measures to expel them, Kan'ani said Iran believes the presence of American troops "disrupts security." "Instead of investing in security, they (the Americans) have invested in insecurity. The presence of the Americans has not brought security. The regional countries must decide [on the issue]," he added. 'Unreal coalitions won't help promote peace' In December, the US announced a multinational naval coalition in the Red Sea, but many countries have refused to join the alliance. The announcement came after Yemeni armed forces launched a pro-Palestine maritime campaign in solidarity with the Palestinians in besieged Gaza, targeting ships going to and from ports in the occupied territories, or whose owners are linked to Israel, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and even in the Arabian Sea. Kan'ani said Iran believes that the formation of such "unreal coalitions" will not help promote peace. Afghanistan should secure Iran's water share in Hirmand River Elsewhere in his remarks, the spokesman touched on the Iran-Afghanistan dispute over shared water resources. He said that Tehran is in contact with officials from the ruling administration in Afghanistan and expects them to honor their obligations under a water-sharing accord on the border river of Hirmand, also known as Helmand. The two countries signed the deal in 1973, under which Afghanistan pledged to deliver an average of 820 million cubic meters of water per annum to Iran. Iran has repeatedly criticized Afghanistan for failing to honor the agreement in letter and spirit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen says won't backtrack on Gaza, calls US 'biggest threat' to intl. shipping in Red Sea Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 10:49 AM A Yemeni deputy foreign minister has censured the latest spate of US and British airstrikes against positions across the country, emphasizing that the United States is the first and foremost threat to international shipping in the Red Sea. Speaking at a press briefing in the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a on Monday, Hussein al-Ezzi stated that maritime navigation in the strategic water body is of paramount significance, noting that the Yemeni Armed Forces have time and again declared that international shipping companies are safe to sail their vessels in the area if they are neither Israeli-owned nor destined to ports in the occupied Palestinian territories. "The United States is the first and foremost threat to shipping in the Red Sea, and it was the first party that militarized the region," Ezzi said. The senior Yemeni official added that his country's military forces will not hesitate to respond to any act of aggression against their homeland, stressing that US and UK strikes won't make the Republic of Yemen backtrack on its pro-Palestine stances and solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. He also praised Saudi Arabia for its "courageous" position in light of the airstrikes launched by the United States and Britain against several sites in Yemen, stating that Sana'a and Riyadh are on the path towards reconciliation. Ezzi finally called for protest rallies in the US and Britain in condemnation of attacks against Yemen, extending his gratitude to all parties that have supported Yemeni retaliatory strikes in the Red Sea. Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network reported late on Sunday that US and British forces had struck 11 targets in the western Yemeni province of Hudaydah, with most of the aerial raids aimed at the port of Ras Isa and al-Zaydiya city. Baqim district in the northwestern Sa'ada province was bombed four times, while the eastern flank of Sa'ada city, located 240 kilometers (149 miles) north of the capital Sana'a, was hit once. The United States and the United Kingdom have been carrying out strikes against Yemen after declaring that Yemeni forces bear the consequences of their attacks against Israeli-owned ships or merchant vessels heading to the occupied territories. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 27,365 people and wounded another 66,630 individuals, come to an end. Leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has said that it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly." The attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 18 2024 : , , 1902 . 1909 . 1967 Torrey Canyon ( 300,) 120.000 16 (. ). . , , 270 120 55 . 30 . 1989 , , 4.400 . 1992 Microsoft Windows 3.1. Defunding UNRWA 'disproportionate, dangerous' amid Gaza war: Top EU diplomat Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 8:07 AM The European Union's foreign policy chief has warned that cutting funds to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is both a "disproportionate and dangerous" act that puts hundreds of thousands of lives at risk. In a blog post on Sunday, Josep Borrell said that the alleged wrongdoing of individuals should never lead to a collective punishment. The remarks came after over a dozen countries, including the US, suspended funding for UNRWA following Israeli accusations about the involvement of 12 of the agency's 30,000 staff members in the October 7 operation by the Gaza-based Palestinian Hamas resistance group. "Defunding UNRWA would be both disproportionate and dangerous," he said. "UNRWA has been given a very difficult task by the UN General Assembly, including by all EU Member States. The agency is expected to deliver high quality, low-cost public services in a high-risk environment employing mainly local staff." Borrell also noted that it was inconceivable organizations would be defunded entirely based on the alleged behavior of individuals. "If some doctors in a European hospital were involved in criminal activities, there would be a thorough investigation and all appropriate actions would be taken," he added. "However, no government would ever stop funding the health service, as this would primarily punish the people who receive these services." With its 13,000 employees in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA is central to providing vital aid to Palestinians in the besieged territory amid a devastating Israeli war, the top EU diplomat emphasized, warning, "Defunding the agency would put hundreds of thousands of lives at risk." He further said that UNRWA's demise would be "a serious risk for regional stability" as the UN agency provides assistance to Gaza and supplies healthcare, education, and other vital services to some 5.6 million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, as well as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Last week, UNRWA said its entire operations in West Asia, not only in Gaza, will likely be forced to shut down by the end of the month, if its funding is not restored. Borrell noted that the suspended funds amount to more than $440 million, almost half of UNRWA's expected income in 2024. "Should UNRWA cease or limit services, which may be the case as early as the end of February, it would significantly aggravate the ongoing dramatic humanitarian crisis. The lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, not only in Gaza, are at stake," he said. Israel waged its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 27,365 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 66,630 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wider war will end US hegemony in region, warns Yemen Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 6:53 AM Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the latest wave of US and British airstrikes against the country, stressing that such attacks will not ever make the Yemeni nation and government backtrack on their pro-Palestinian stances. The ministry in the Sana'a-based National Salvation Government deplored the most recent assaults on multiple targets in the strategic western province of Hudaydah as well as Sa'ada in the country's northwest, stating that continuing US-British aggression clearly points to the UN Security Council's failure to take on its responsibilities. "The US and British airstrikes are meant to obscure the Zionists' defeats as they perpetrate atrocities against ordinary people and civilians in Gaza. "These assaults won't ever make the Republic of Yemen do a volte-face on its humanitarian and ethical duties concerning Palestinians and their cause," a statement released by the foreign ministry read. Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network reported late on Sunday that US and British forces had struck 11 targets in Hudaydah province, with most of the aerial raids aimed at the port of Ras Isa and al-Zaydiya city. Baqim district in Sa'ada province was bombed four times, while the eastern flank of Sa'ada city, located 240 kilometers (149 miles) north of the capital Sana'a, was hit once. Top Ansarullah official: Yemen undeterred by US, UK aggression A high-profile member of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has also denounced the latest US and British strikes on positions in Yemen, emphasizing that such attacks are ineffectual. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of Ansarullah's political bureau, stated that the anti-Yemen strikes have so far been carried out only by the United States and the United Kingdom, signifying differences within members of the US-formed coalition in Red Sea and its imminent breakup. "Rules of engagement imposed by the United States, the Zionist entity and Britain have now been rewritten. The spillover of the [Gaza] will inevitably result in an end to US hegemony across the region," Bukhaiti noted. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. The United States and United Kingdom have been carrying out strikes against Yemen after the Biden administration and its allies offered the Tel Aviv regime unqualified support and said that Yemeni forces bear the consequences of their attacks against Israeli-owned ships or merchant vessels heading to the occupied territories. Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 27,365 people and wounded another 66,630 individuals, come to an end. Leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has said that it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly." The attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK carry out more airstrikes on Yemen's Hudaydah, Sa'ada Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 1:10 AM The United States and the UK have continued their acts of aggression against Yemen, conducting more airstrikes on Hudaydah and Sa'ada provinces. According to a Yemeni military source, American and British aircraft carried out as many as 15 strikes against the western province of Hudaydah as well as Sa'ada province in the country's northwest, Yemen's al-Masirah television network reported Sunday evening. According to the military source, the attacks included eight raids on Ras Issa district and three strikes on al-Zaydiyah district in al-Hudaydah province. Four more raids were also conducted by American and British aircraft in the eastern part of Sa'ada province. Over the past several weeks, the US and the UK have conducted scores of aerial assaults against various parts of Yemen in response to the country's missile and drone strikes on vessels owned by Israel or heading to ports in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced that they are staging the strikes in support of the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip, who have been under Israel's US- and UK-backed war of genocide for four months now. The Israeli military aggression has so far claimed the lives of over 27,300 people, mostly women and children, while injuring more than 66,600 others. The new strikes came after spokesman of the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said earlier on Sunday that the aggressor countries had conducted 48 air raids on the Yemeni provinces of Sana'a, Hudaydah, Sa'ada, al-Bayda, Ta'izz and Lahij. "Such attacks will not deter the Yemeni forces and nation from keeping up their support for Palestinians in the face of the Zionists' occupation and crimes," he said, warning, "The raids by the aggressors will not go unanswered." The Yemeni Armed Forces have vowed to keep up their strikes in support of Gaza as long as the Israeli regime continues its genocidal war and a concomitant siege on the Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hun Sen files defamation suit against human rights group spokesperson The lawsuit is the latest to target a critic of powerful Cambodian politicians. By RFA Khmer 2024.02.05 -- Former Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian People's Party on Monday sued the spokesperson of human rights group ADHOC, accusing him of defamation in his recent criticism of the ruling party's legal actions toward a leading opposition figure. Party lawyers demanded 2 billion riel (US$500,000) in damages in the lawsuit against Soeung Sengkaruna filed in Phnom Penh Municipal Court. The complaint signed by three lawyers for the Cambodian People's Party, or CPP, said that Sengkaruna commented last week to The Cambodia Daily that the party has used its influence with the courts to put pressure on its political opponents. The lawsuit is the latest to target a critic of powerful Cambodian politicians. In November, a Banteay Meanchey man was sentenced to three years in prison for comments he made on Facebook over the CPP's inability to prevent illegal immigration from Vietnam and drug use. Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a US$1 million defamation judgment against Son Chhay, the vice president of the opposition Candlelight Party. A lower court in 2022 ordered Son Chhay to pay the amount to the CPP and the National Election Committee following comments he made about local commune elections, which he said was marred by irregularities. According to the lawsuit, Sengkaruna told The Cambodia Daily that the CPP should seek to compete with opposition politicians in the political realm, such as through free and fair elections, rather than through court complaints. The Cambodia Daily newspaper closed in Phnom Penh in 2017. It was relaunched later that year as a Khmer- and English-language online news outlet based in the United States. The outlet cited Sengkaruna's paraphrased comments in a Khmer-language article on Friday. He was not directly quoted. Hun Sen's online threat The lawsuit claims that Sengkaruna's remarks seriously damaged the CPP's reputation and deliberately harmed the upcoming Feb. 25 Senate election. It was filed the day after Hun Sen made remarks on Facebook threatening to sue Sengkaruna for commenting on the Son Chhay case. After stepping down as prime minister in August, Hun Sen was named president of the CPP. Sengkaruna declined to comment about the CPP's lawsuit when contacted by Radio Free Asia. However, on Facebook he said his comments in the article were aimed at promoting "respect for human rights, law, social justice and democracy" without serving any particular political party. "Any paraphrasing of my words to add or leave out [the meaning] in order to attack directly on the name of a political party was not my intention and goal," he wrote on Facebook. Sengkaruna has been actively involved in the promotion of human rights in Cambodia for more than 20 years, Am Sam Ath of human rights group Licadho told RFA. "He is always active in helping people with land grabbing and other rights violations, and in asking the relevant authorities to intervene to find a solution for the people," he said. On Facebook, Sengkaruna added a note of thanks to friends and supporters. "Thank you very much for the kind words, greetings and concerns from my family, friends, media, civil society, international partners and foreign diplomatic friends for my safety," he wrote. "I'm fine." Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cambodian leader to discuss border issues, trade on first Thailand visit as PM Hun Manet, who succeeded his strongman father in August, will meet Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. By Pimukk Rakkanam for RFA and Nontarat Phaicharoen for BenarNews 2024.02.05 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will on Wednesday make his first visit to neighboring Thailand since succeeding his strongman father Hun Sen six months ago. Hun Manet is scheduled to meet Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in Bangkok for talks on economic development of border areas, bilateral trade, closer transport connectivity and tourism, Thai officials said Monday. The two leaders may also discuss overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand and a longstanding dispute over Preah Vihear, an ancient Hindu temple complex located on the Thai-Cambodian border, according to analysts. Hun Manet, a graduate of United States Military Academy West Point, was in command of Cambodian forces around the temples when the two countries clashed several times over ownership between 2008 and 2011. Thousands of troops are still deployed along both sides of the border and access to the temple from the Thai province of Sisaket remains off limits. Pumin Leeteeraprasert, a lawmaker from Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party, said he hoped that Srettha would address the issue of Preah Vihear and reopening the border gate to help promote tourism. "The prime minister acknowledged our request. It's up to him to raise the matter with PM Hun Manet," Pumin told RFA affiliate BenarNews. "The Thai-Cambodian relationship is in good shape, but we have to wait and see the result." In 2013, a judgment by the International Court of Justice ordered Thailand to withdraw its forces in honor of a 1962 resolution that awarded the temple to Cambodia. The temple dispute is not the only source of tension between the Southeast Asian neighbors. Thailand and Cambodia both assert control over an area of ocean covering roughly 27,000 square meters in the Gulf of Thailand. The overlapping claims area could hold 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, large quantities of condensate and oil, according to CLC Asia, a government affairs and corporate advisory firm headquartered in Bangkok. "The two new prime ministers may want to solve both land and maritime disputes," Panitan Wattanayagorn, an independent scholar on security and foreign affairs, told BenarNews. The two leaders could look to share resources in the gulf, possibly by creating a joint authority for exploration and exploitation such as the one agreed to by Thailand and Malaysia in 1979, said Panitan, who once served as a security adviser to former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha. Hun Manet took over leadership of Cambodia when his father, Hun Sen - who built a decades-long reputation for corruption and repression - stepped down in August. Last week, ahead of Hun Manet's visit, three exiled Cambodian activists were arrested by Thai immigration authorities for threatening to protest his arrival. They included Kong Raiya, who was jailed twice for his outspoken criticism of the Cambodian government; Lim Sokha, a senior member of the banned opposition Candlelight Party; and opposition activist Phan Phana, who was arrested with his wife and two children, aged two and four. The three activists had recently fled to Thailand to seek asylum and had been granted refugee status, Phan Phana told Radio Free Asia. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trial Of Republika Srpska President Opens In Sarajevo After Multiple Delays By RFE/RL's Balkan Service February 05, 2024 SARAJEVO -- The trial of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik on charges of defying the rulings of an international peace envoy opened on February 5 in Bosnia-Herzegovina after several postponements. The trial opened with the reading of the indictment, which accuses Dodik of failing to execute the decisions of the High Representative to Bosnia-Herzegovina Christian Schmidt. If convicted, Dodik faces a sentence of six months to five years in prison and a ban on public duties. During the hearing in Bosnia's top court in Sarajevo, the judge twice warned supporters of Dodik not to disrupt the proceeding after they whistled and jeered when the decision was made to read the indictment. The Dodik supporters left the courtroom after the judge ordered judicial police to lower the curtain that separates the courtroom from the public viewing gallery. As stated in the indictment, Dodik signed decrees on laws that had been annulled by Schmidt "even though he was aware that the decisions of [Schmidt] are legally binding." The prosecution will present its evidence at the next hearing on March 6. Four inspectors of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) are scheduled to testify. Dodik's defense has said that the evidence of the Prosecutor-General's Office "isn't based on facts" and has said Dodik's defense will be based on "proving the sovereignty" of Bosnia. The defense has also asked for the disqualification of Judge Sena Uzunovic, who took the case on February 5, alleging "political bias." The previous judge assigned to hear the case, Mirsad Strika, asked to be replaced due to his planned retirement in May. Uzunovic will also hear the case against Milos Lukic, the acting director of the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, who is also charged with failing to execute Schmidt's decisions. That trial is scheduled to start on February 21. Dodik, who has close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been charged over two laws he signed in July that allow the Bosnian Serb entity to bypass or ignore decisions made by Schmidt. One of the laws blocks the publication of decisions made by the high representative in the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, effectively meaning the entity can disregard them. The other law concerns the refusal to implement decisions by the country's Constitutional Court in the territory of the entity. Both laws were adopted in June by the assembly of Republika Srpska in which Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) has the majority. Schmidt on July 1 annulled both laws and used his so-called Bonn powers to impose changes to the Criminal Code of Bosnia stipulating that an official who does not respect the decisions of the high representative can be punished with a prison sentence of six months to five years and banned from all public duties. Bosnia has been administered under a Bosniak and Croat federation and the mostly Serb Republika Srpska implemented after the Dayton agreement, which ended the 1992-95 Bosnian War. The country is overseen by a civilian high representative with UN backing and sweeping powers. That position is currently held by Schmidt. Bosnia was given the status of candidate for European Union membership in December 2022 but has not fulfilled the criteria necessary to start accession talks. With reporting by Melisa Teletovic Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/republika-srpska-dodik- trial-sarajevo-schmidt/32806503.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Airstrikes in Iraq, Syria Deliberately Stoke Conflict - Russian Envoy to UN Sputnik News 20240205 UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - The United States is intentionally aggravating tensions in the Middle East with targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said during a United Nations Security Council meeting. "It's clear that American airstrikes are specifically, deliberately aimed to stoke the conflict," Nebenzya said on Monday. The diplomat stressed that the US strikes on Iraq and Syria are an attempt by Washington to improve the poor image of the current administration before the presidential election. "The largest US air operation in the region since 2003, presented by Joe Biden as an act of retaliation for a UAV attack of unidentified origin on an illegally located US base in Syria, has no justification," Nebenzya said. "We see in this attempt to play with muscles, first of all, a desire to influence the domestic political situation in America and a desire to somehow correct the failed image of the current American administration in the international arena in light of the presidential election campaign gaining momentum," he emphasized. Russia calls on the international community to condemn the strikes by the United States and its allies on Iraq and Syria, the official highlighted. "We call on the international community to unequivocally condemn the reckless actions of Washington and its allies in the Middle East that violate the sovereignty of Iraq and Syria," Nebenzya said. The recent strikes by the US and Britain on Syria and Iraq were carried out in violation of international law, the diplomat insisted. "We thank Deputy Secretary General Rosemary DiCarlo for the briefing, we heard a lot of verbal nonsense from her, but we did not hear the most important thing -- unconditional condemnation of violations of international law by the United States and Britain," Nebenzya stressed. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Ready to Support Sanctions Against Israeli Settlers in West Bank - Government Sputnik News 20240205 BERLIN, (Sputnik) - Berlin is considering imposing EU-level sanctions against Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and is ready to support this initiative if it is compatible with the EU legislation, German FM spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer and government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Monday. "I can tell you that, similar to the measures introduced by our close partners, such as the United States, we within the EU are also considering imposing restrictions against some radically-minded settlers who have committed violence in the West Bank," Deschauer said at a cabinet briefing. At the same time, she also said she had no information about whether any of those Israeli settlers had assets in Germany. The spokeswoman explained the delay in considering the introduction of sanctions by the fact that a large number of countries participated in the discussions. Meanwhile, Hebestreit dismissed the reports about Germany being involved in blocking this initiative at the EU level. Berlin is ready to support the sanctions if they are compatible with the EU legislation, the spokesman said. On February 1, US President Joe Biden issued an executive order to implement new measures on actors behind violence in the West Bank, including the use of sanctions. After that, Washington sanctioned four Israeli citizens that had "directly perpetrated violence, and those who have engaged in repeated acts of intimidation, property destruction, leading to the forced displacement of Palestinian communities," the White House press office said. The EU is currently working on agreeing on similar sanctions, the lead EU spokesperson for external affairs, Peter Stano, said last week. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Food Convoy in Gaza Comes Under Fire From Israeli Forces - UNRWA Chief Sputnik News 20240205 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A UN food convoy heading to the northern part of the Gaza Strip was shelled by Israeli warships, and no one was injured, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Director Thomas White said on Monday. "Gaza this morning a food convoy waiting to move into Northern Gaza was hit by Israeli naval gunfire - thankfully no one was injured," White said on X (former Twitter). On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. 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 27,000 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Houthis Hold Drills Simulating Attacks on Israel's Army Barracks, Settlements - Reports Sputnik News 20240205 DOHA (Sputnik) - Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, has held a major military exercise simulating attacks on Israel's army barracks and settlements, the Al-Masirah broadcaster reported Saturday, citing the movement's spokesman. The broadcaster aired footage partly showing the exercise conducted by the movement's reserve and advance forces "as part of the preparations for the battle to conquer Palestine and the holy jihad." Missiles, drones, tanks and artillery were used in the exercise dubbed "Yemen in support of Palestine," but the date and location of the drills were not disclosed. The broadcaster aired that the exercise began with artillery and rocket strikes on alleged Israeli targets, followed by an infantry assault on these targets and alleged Israeli settlements from three directions, resulting in taking control over them and capturing those inside. Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Mushki, the deputy chief of staff of the movement's defense ministry, after the exercise, confirmed "the readiness to support the Gaza Strip, which is suffering grief and destruction, since its support comes from a religious, moral and ethical duty," the broadcaster reported. The Houthis revealed the exercise after announcing another rocket attack on "certain targets" in the city of Eilat in southern Israel and after claiming to have attacked a UK commercial ship in the Red Sea that was heading to Israeli ports. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Greene County Sheriffs Office is encouraging parents whose children attended programs at Victory Church in Ruckersville to have open and honest conversations after a pastor there was arrested this past week. The pastor, 47-year-old Rodney Locklear, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with abduction with intent to defile and aggravated sexual battery of a child. Locklear led childrens Bible study classes at Victory Church on Wednesdays. He has been a pastor at Victory Church the past six years. Before that, he was a pastor at Abundant Life Church. The Greene County Sheriffs Office said it received information on Tuesday that prompted it to open an investigation into Locklear. Due to the alleged victims age between 13 and 14, according to charging documents their identity and identifying details are being withheld from the public. Locklear is being held at Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange without bond. An investigation is ongoing. The sheriffs office encourages anyone with information regarding Locklear to contact authorities at (434) 939-7914 or (434) 566-2813. We condemn the multiple attacks by Iran-aligned militant groups in Syria and Iraq: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East. 5 February 2024 Thank you, President and Under Secretary General DiCarlo for your briefing. The United Kingdom fully supports all efforts to maintain and enhance international peace and security, including in Iraq and Syria. We are committed to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. We condemn the multiple attacks since October 2023, by Iran-aligned militant groups against the Global Coalition and Iraqi military bases in Syria and Iraq. Despite warnings, those strikes have continued and intensified, with an attack on 26 January killing three American personnel and injuring many more. We fully support the US right to self-defence and their right to respond. Daesh continue to pose a grave threat to those countries and to the wider region and conducted its biggest attack in years last month in Iran. Its ability to direct, enable and inspire attacks continues to represent one of the most significant global terrorist threats and the sole objective of the Global Coalition, of which the UK is a leading member, is to counter Daesh. The UK remains committed to working with our counter terror partners in Iraq and Syria to tackle the threat from Daesh and prevent their resurgence. President, Iran's political, financial and military support to militant groups is destabilising the region and threatens our collective ability to counter Daesh. So, we call on the regime to rein these groups in and act now to prevent further attacks by its proxies and partners in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. As I said earlier, we are committed to de-escalation of regional tension. President, the Houthis' continued attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea are illegal and unacceptable. This Council is clear in resolution 2722 that we condemn Houthi attacks and call on them to stop. This Council has supported international efforts to enhance protection of shipping in the Red Sea. Our actions and presence in the Red Sea is designed to protect innocent lives, preserve freedom of navigation and deter further attacks on shipping. We acted alongside our US allies, and with the support of many international partners, in self-defence and in accordance with the rule of law. We are committed to working with all members of this Council and the international community to protect international peace and security in the Middle East and throughout the world. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK has made a statement following the announcement of Senegal's delayed presidential elections 5 February 2024 An FCDO spokesperson said: As a close friend to Senegal, the United Kingdom deeply respects Senegal's strong tradition of democracy. We are concerned about the uncertainty created by postponing the Presidential elections. We join with ECOWAS in urging the Senegalese authorities to swiftly set a new date for elections, and in encouraging all participants to work together peacefully towards a transparent, inclusive and credible election process. UK Minister in UAE for talks on building a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza The UK has made a statement following the announcement of Senegal's delayed presidential UK Minister Lord Ahmad returns to the Middle East to meet key regional partners to discuss the conflict in Israel and Gaza. 5 February 2024 UK Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad is expected to meet UAE Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister for International Co-operation he will discuss the conflict in Israel and Gaza, the UK's efforts for an immediate pause to get vital aid into Gaza and hostages out, and then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire the UK has trebled its aid commitment this financial year and is doing everything it can to get more aid in and open more crossings UK Minister Lord Ahmad returns to the Middle East today (Monday) to continue the engagement with key regional partners on the crisis in Gaza. The Minister is in Abu Dhabi where he is expected to meet Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss the conflict in Israel and Gaza and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He will look to build momentum on the UK initiative for an international 'Contact Group' for long-term peace and stability in the region. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, said: The humanitarian situation in Gaza is desperate and there is an urgent need for an immediate pause to get life-saving aid in and hostages out. The UK remains firmly committed to working with our key partners - like the UAE - to secure an immediate pause in fighting, make progress towards a sustainable ceasefire, and build momentum towards a long-term political solution to the crisis. During his visit, Lord Ahmad will also meet Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President. The UK has trebled its aid commitment this financial year and is doing everything it can to get more aid in and open more crossings. The visit follows a tour last month (January) where the Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to discuss the conflict and regional security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK announces 100 million of new aid for over 3 million vulnerable people in Ethiopia as humanitarian crisis deepens More than 3 million Ethiopians, including mothers and babies, will receive lifesaving help from the UK through a new humanitarian aid programme. 5 February 2024 government announces new aid to save the lives of mothers and babies in Ethiopia as UK warns of growing risk of humanitarian catastrophe the funding comes as the UK's Development and Africa Minister, Andrew Mitchell, returns from a 2-day visit to the country, witnessing the humanitarian crisis first hand UK calls on the international community to step up efforts to prevent a major crisis More than 3 million Ethiopians, including mothers and babies, will receive lifesaving help from the UK through a new humanitarian aid programme and further support for the Tigray region. The uplift has been announced by UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell following a 2-day visit to Ethiopia. While in Ethiopia, Mr Mitchell set out a series of actions the UK is taking to help stem the worsening tide. He announced a new UK fund worth 100 million for Ending Preventable Deaths that is targeted on children, particularly children under the age of 5, and also on pregnant and post-natal women. The programme will help more than 3 million Ethiopians, mostly women and children, access essential health services. The funding will increase, among other things, access to family planning support, medicines, and childhood vaccinations. In addition, emergency funding will help 75 health centres tackle malnutrition and other preventable causes of death such as malaria and cholera. Across northern Ethiopia, millions of people are facing hunger. War and climate change have crippled crop production and driven people off their lands. The conflict in Tigray has left more than 1 million people displaced. The combination of conflict and failed harvests in northern Ethiopia have plunged over 3 million into a state of critical food security and hunger. Millions more people are in need, with women and young children in particular, severely affected. The Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said: The crisis is a wake-up call to the world. Food shortages are at a critical level. War has displaced people and decimated vital infrastructure. Climate change and El Nino have fuelled local exoduses with 400,000 displaced in the Somali region of Ethiopia as of last December. Millions are trapped in displacement, hunger and need. As ever the most vulnerable people, particularly women and children, are the first to be hit. The international community needs to come to Ethiopia's side and work with our friends in the government and international partners to halt and reverse this crisis. In a region that has experienced the horrors of famine in the past, we must ramp up international efforts to avert a major crisis in the near future. We need to act fast and act now. The government and international donors are responding to the needs of 6.6 million people. But as the Minister has warned, the number of critically food insecure people is growing rapidly and will reach 10.8 million in the coming months. Mr Mitchell stressed that while the UK is taking positive action which will save lives on the ground, its efforts alone will not be sufficient to contain the crisis, and that urgent cooperation with international partners and agencies and government will be necessary to prevent the worst. Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia, he also discussed the UK's humanitarian commitment to Ethiopia, to women and girls, ending internal conflict, and issues affecting regional stability, including the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the Somaliland authorities on access to the Red Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Middle East: Security Council meets on US strikes in Iraq and Syria 5 February 2024 - The UN Security Council held an urgent meeting Monday afternoon at the request of Russia, as the war in Gaza continued to fan tensions across the Middle East, with potentially dramatic consequences for regional peace and security. The UN Political Affairs chief appealed for the Council to help prevent further escalation and ease tensions across the region. The UN's Rosemary DiCarlo, briefed ambassadors first, warning that escalating attacks were fuelling chances of miscalculation. She said that as everyone in the diplomatic world is all too aware, "the tensions that have engulfed multiple countries in the Middle East continue to rise." She said the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had repeatedly warned about the risk of further military escalation "and miscalculation" since the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October set the region aflame. "We have witnessed near daily incidents in the region. These include some 165 attacks on United States facilities in Syria and Iraq, prompting US strikes in the two countries", Ms DiCarlo said. On 28 January, a drone attack killed three US service members and injured 40 others at a US base in northeast Jordan, she said, adding that on 2 February the US carried out 85 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against reported Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Forces and affiliated groups. "The US said it had targeted command and control operations, intelligence centers and weapons facilities, among other sites, and that it was not seeking conflict in the Middle East or elsewhere," she reported, noting also that both Syria and Iraq condemned the strikes. The two countries also claimed the strikes resulted in deaths and injuries of civilians. Blue Line to the Red Sea Ms. DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, described the febrile situation elsewhere in the region, including between Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah across the Blue Line, which separates the armed forces of Israel and Lebanon. Repeated rocket fire also took place over the occupied Golan between Israel and militias reportedly linked to Iran, as well as airstrikes attributed to Israel by Damascus on multiple locations in Syria, she added. She also noted the Houthi drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea, and the retaliatory strikes by the US and UK. "I reiterate the Secretary-General's call on all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict," she urged. "I appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security," she said. 5:22 PM US attacks illegal and unjustified: Iran Iran's Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani strongly condemned the US strikes against Iraqi and Syrian territories. "The US military action is illegal, unjustified and blatantly violates the basic norms and principles of international law, and the UN Charter," he said, also denouncing the joint US-UK strikes against Yemen. "These illegal actions which targeted civilians and vital infrastructure, jeopardized regional peace and security as well as pose a serious to international peace and security," he continued. Ambassador Iravani noted the "desperate attempt" made by the US and UK to "distract attention" away from the root cause of the current situation in the Middle East by falsely blaming Iran. "It is regretful that the US, a permanent member of the Security Council, has failed to fulfil its obligations under the UN Chapter," he said, accusing it of playing a destabilizing role in the region and supporting separatist groups in Syria. He condemned the US role in Iraq where it is continuing its "illegal activities" and presence under the guise of fighting terrorism. "The US and NATO must respect the Iraqi Government's decision to terminate their military presence there and withdraw their forces from the country," he said. He said Iran had never sought to contribute to the spillover in the region and that it has no military presence in Iraq, and that its military advisers are legally present in Syria, invited by Damascus to fight terrorism. "Claims that Iran's bases in Iraq and Syria were attacked are rejected as unfounded and regarded as attempts to shift attention away from the US aggressive actions," he said. "It is evident to everyone that the root causes in the region are occupation, aggression and continued genocide and horrific atrocities committed by Israeli regime, and fully supported by the US, against innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank," he said. 5:17 PM The Council must protect the territorial integrity of all States: Iraq The Deputy Permanent Representative of Iraq Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi said the crises in the Middle East were all linked. We have already cautioned against escalation, he said, and Iraq is carrying out a balanced foreign policy to ensure its natural role as a leader in the region and around the world. He said Iraq had been working very hard to become a factor of stability and to bridge differences throughout the Middle East. The American attacks are not in line with our relationship with the US, he stated adding that Iraq condemns and categorically rejects any attack on its territory based on futile and illogical pretexts. We reject all type of attacks against our military bases which are a violation of our sovereignty and security. This Security Council must protect the territorial integrity of all States, he added. 5:10 PM 'Flimsy pretexts' by US: Syria Syria's UN Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak said the arguments heard at the meeting were the "same flimsy pretexts and misleading claims the US administration is promoting to justify its repeated attacks". This included presenting a "distorted and wrongful interpretation" of the provisions of the Charter, especially Article 51, and that the root causes of conflicts, suffering and instability in the Middle East region are the "wrongful and destructive policies" of the US. This includes Washington's "blind and unlimited" support for the Israeli occupation and the atrocities Israel is committing against the Palestinian people, he added. Ambassador Aldahhak said successive US administrations have misused their permanent membership of the Security Council and interfered thoroughly in the internal affairs of other countries, including Syria. The US has formed military coalitions outside the umbrella of the United Nations and international legitimacy, perpetrating acts of aggression and occupation. He stressed that Syria completely rejects all the "pretexts and lies" that the US administration is trying to use to justify its aggression which aims to protect its agents in the region. Syria also categorically rejects that the territories of Member States become a platform for US election campaigns and for displaying a brute force that undermines the principles of collective security on which the UN was founded, he said. 4:41 PM Attacks on US service members 'cannot continue' Robert Wood, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the US to the UN, said his country's "necessary and proportional" actions on 2 February in Iraq and Syria against Iran's Islamic Republic Guards Corps and affiliated militia groups was taken in exercise of the US's inherent right to self-defence, as reflected in Article 51 of the UN Charter. He said the loss of three service members on 28 January together with dozens injured, had been "devastating". "This is unacceptable, and attacks like it cannot continue," he said, stating that the actions that the US forces took on Friday were necessary and proportionate, consistent with international law and in exercise of its right to self-defence. "We also repeatedly stated in previous letters to this Council that the US would take further action to respond to future attacks or threats of attacks against US nationals or US personnel and facilities," he added. He noted that the targets struck by the US were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties and were based on clear and irrefutable evidence that they were connected to the attacks on US personnel. "President Biden has made clear that these strikes were the start of our response to the deadly attack on Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan," he said, stressing that the strikes were "separate and distinct" from the coalition strikes in Yemen which were in response to Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. "Let me be clear, the US does not desire more conflict in the region when we are actively working to contain and deescalate the conflict in Gaza, and we are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran", he said, adding that the US will continue will continue to defend its forces against unacceptable attacks. 4:26 PM UK stresses importance of working with Iraq and Syria to counter terrorism Barbara Woodward, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UK to the UN, said her country "fully supports" all efforts to maintain and enhance international peace and security, including in Iraq and Syria and that it is committed to de-escalation. She added that the UK fully supported the right of the US to self defence and their right to respond to attacks on its troops and bases. "Da'esh continued to pose a grave threat to those countries and to the wider region and conducted its biggest attack in years in Iran," in recent weeks, she said, noting that the group's ability to "direct, enable and inspire attacks" continues to represent one of the most significant global terrorist threats. She highlighted the "sole objective" of the global coalition, of which the UK is a member. is to counter Da'esh. "The UK remains committed to working with our counter-terror partners in Iraq and Syria to counter the threat of Daesh and prevent their resurgence," she said. Ambassador Woodward noted that Iran's political, financial and military support to militant groups was destabilizing the region and hampers efforts to counter Da'esh. "We call on the regime to reign in these groups and to act now to prevent further attacks by its proxies and partners in Iraq, Syria and Yemen." She said the Houthis' continued attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea are illegal and unacceptable. The UK's actions and presence in the Red Sea is designed to protect innocent lives, preserve freedom of navigation and deter further attacks on shipping. 4:20 PM No military solution: China China's Ambassador Zhang Jun said that action taken by the US was creating new turmoil in the Middle East. History has shown that using military means would not provide any solutions to the problems roiling the Middle East. He said the action by the US would only exacerbate a vicious cycle of tit-for-tat. He urged the various parties to remain calm, abide by the Charter and international law, cease illegal military operations and prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. The fundamental reason for the current situation is the failure to implement a ceasefire in Gaza which is a prerequisite for any progress. He called on all countries concerned to stop acting out of self-interest. "We are standing at a critical crossroads", he told ambassadors and should not forget that we are all in the same boat. All nations must remain committed to the common goal of regional stability. 4:13 PM Unlawful and irresponsible attacks by US: Russia Russia's Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the actions of the US in the region were just the latest in a litany of unlawful and irresponsible attacks, against the backdrop of an unprecedented escalation of violence. Massive airstrikes by the US once again demonstrated to the world the aggressive nature of US policy in the Middle East and Washington's complete disregard for international law, he continued. The participation of the UK should not create the illusion of some kind of "international coalition". London has yet to answer for its zeal in supporting the purely provocative actions of its "big brother" in Washington. Mr. Nebenzia said the US was deliberately trying to drag the largest countries of the Middle East, including Iran, into a regional conflict. He strongly condemned the aggression by the US against sovereign nations which have increased the level of instability in an already "burning" region. He called on the international community to unconditionally condemn the reckless actions of Washington and its allies in the Middle East, which have violated the sovereignty of the both Syria and Iraq. 2:45 PM The meeting comes against the backdrop of a series of strikes by the United States on targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday. The US alleges the sites were used by Iranian-backed militias to launch attacks on troops stationed in the region. Three US service members were killed in one such attack on their outpost in Jordan in late January and dozens were injured. According to US military officials, more than 85 targets were struck in Iraq and Syria, including command, control and intelligence centres, munition and logistics supplies, and rockets, drones and missile sites. The US has also been joined in recent days by the United Kingdom in what they describe as a defensive operation aimed at Houthi rebel targets in Yemen, which have been used to launch attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel 5 February 2024 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday appointed an independent panel to conduct an assessment of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, following accusations that several staff were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. The independent Review Group - appointed in consultation with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini - will examine whether the agency is doing everything it can to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they arise. It will be led by former French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, who will work with three research organizations: the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. Work will begin on 14 February and an interim report is expected to be submitted to the Secretary-General in late March. The final report, which will be made public, is expected to be completed by late April. Parallel investigations The review is in response to a request made by the UNRWA Commissioner-General last month. It will take place in parallel with an investigation currently underway by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) into allegations of the involvement of 12 UNRWA personnel in the 7 October attacks. "The accusations come at a time when UNRWA, the largest UN organization in the region, is working under extremely challenging conditions to deliver life-saving assistance to the two million people in the Gaza Strip who depend on it for their survival amidst one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world," the Secretary-General said in a statement. The UN warned last week that aid operations in Gaza are at risk as 16 donor countries have slashed support to the agency. Identify procedures, make recommendations The Secretary-General said the cooperation of the Israeli authorities, who made the allegations, will be critical to the investigation's success, and his statement outlined the independent Review Group's terms of reference. The panel will identify the mechanisms and procedures that UNRWA currently has in place to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations or information indicating that the principle may have been breached. It will ascertain how those mechanisms and procedures have, or have not, been implemented in practice and whether every practicable effort has been made to apply them to their full potential, considering the particular operational, political and security environment in which the agency works. Another task will be assessing if those mechanisms and procedures are fit for purpose, including in relation to the management of risks, and again taking into account the operational, political and security context. Finally, the Review Group will make recommendations for the improvement and strengthening, if necessary, of the mechanisms and procedures that are currently in place, or for the creation of new and alternative mechanisms and procedures that would be better fit for purpose, while considering the particular operational, political and security context in which UNRWA works. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN force steps up patrols after weekend of bloodshed in Abyei 5 February 2024 - The UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) has heightened ground and aerial patrols to deter further violence, after brutal fighting in the oil-rich region claimed dozens of lives over the weekend. Heavily armed assailants attacked civilians in the villages of Malual Aleu, Banton, Awolnhom, Abathok, Majbong, Awal, and east of Rumamier, using rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, reportedly over a land dispute. At least 37 people are reported to have been killed and several others injured, including women and children. Villages were also set on fire and thousands of cattle were stolen. "UNISFA strongly denounces the ongoing violence, which is escalating intercommunal tensions and threatening the fragile peace," the mission said in a statement on Monday. UNISFA is making all efforts to restore calm, protect civilians, and engage with local authorities, community leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders to prevent retaliatory attacks, it added. The mission has also increased land and air patrols to deter further violence and protect civilians. 'Blue helmets' attacked According to UNISFA, peacekeepers serving with the mission were also targeted during the clashes. An armoured personnel carrier came under heavy fire during an ambush, and UN 'blue helmets' at a base in Marial Achak were fired upon before the attackers were repelled. No fatalities were reported. Surge in clashes The bloodshed came a week after more than 50 people, including two UN peacekeepers, were killed in similar attacks on civilians over land disputes. UNISFA peacekeepers are currently sheltering and providing basic support to more than 2,000 of those displaced in its bases. UNISFA mandate In June 2011, the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN peacekeepers to the disputed Abyei area, which straddles Sudan and South Sudan and claimed by both. The Council's action came in response to rampant violence and population displacement in the region as South Sudan was preparing to formally declare independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, culminating the 2005 peace accord. Resource-rich Abyei had witnessed scores of deadly clashes that drove over 100,000 people from their homes in the weeks before the Security Council decision. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #73 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (all information from 1-3 February 2024, is valid as of 3 February 2024 at 22:30) UNRWA 5 Feb 2024 Key Points The Gaza Strip Intense fighting in/around Khan Younis (southwest of Gaza) over the last 13 days is causing loss of life and damage to civilian infrastructure, including UNRWA's largest shelter in the southern area, the Khan Younis Training Centre (KYTC). Continued fighting in Khan Younis is forcing Palestinians to flee further south towards Rafah, which is severely overcrowded. As of 3 February, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is now 152. On 30 January, according to the Ministry of Health, up to 100 bodies were returned by Israeli authorities to the Gaza Strip. Most of the bodies received had been buried in a mass grave in Rafah and were unidentifiable. As of 3 February, up to 1.7 million* people (over 75 per cent of the population) ** have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, some multiple times.*** Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. Following intense Israeli bombardments and fighting in Khan Younis and the Middle Area in recent days, a significant number of displaced people have moved further south. *This includes 1 million individuals residing in or near emergency shelters or informal shelters. As of October 12, approximately 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recorded in north Gaza and Gaza governorates. The ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian support and updated data in these areas has been severely restricted. The ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders issued by Israeli Forces, and the constant need for safer locations have resulted in people being displaced multiple times. **UNRWA has reported in Situation Report 64 that up to 1.9 million IDPs are either residing in 154 UNRWA shelters or near these shelters. Due to the continued escalation of fighting and evacuation orders, some households have moved away from the shelters where they were initially registered. *** There are instances where the same IDPs are registered in multiple shelters due to the fluid movement of populations; hereafter, estimates are used for these shelters. UNRWA plans to conduct a more accurate count of IDPs in shelters, including informal shelters, as soon as the security situation allows. Overall Situation The Gaza Strip According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza as of 2 February, at least 27,131 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since 7 October. About 70 per cent of those killed are reported to be women and children. Another 66,287 Palestinians have been reportedly injured. The West Bank, including East Jerusalem According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023-26 January 2024, 372 Palestinians, including 94 children, have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Last year (2023), was the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the UN began recording casualties in 2005. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Military Says Operations Killed Dozens of Militants in Gaza By VOA News February 05, 2024 Israel's military reported killing dozens of militants in the Gaza Strip on Monday, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to the region to push for a new pause in fighting. The Israel Defense Forces said its operations during the past day included airstrikes and ground battles in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, as well as raids in northern and central Gaza. The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry said at least 128 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes overnight into Monday. The United Nations said intense fighting in the Khan Younis area is pushing civilians farther south toward Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population has already taken refuge, many in makeshift shelters. The United Nations estimates 75% of Gaza's people have fled their homes, and it says Palestinians are facing "acute shortages of food, water, shelter and medicine." Gaza pause, hostage release A proposed temporary cease-fire could bring an increase in humanitarian aid for Gaza, along with the release of hostages held by Hamas militants. Hamas leaders have been considering the proposal for a week after it emerged from talks among Egyptian, Qatari and U.S. mediators. "The ball right now is in Hamas' court," a senior U.S. State Department official told reporters. The official said Egypt and Qatar have pushed Hamas to accept what the U.S. described as a "strong, compelling proposal," but ultimately Hamas has to decide. Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. His trip includes stops this week in Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Blinken held talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday. "The Secretary and Crown Prince continued discussions on regional coordination to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike," according to a State Department statement. "They discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia," the State Department said. A U.S. official said sensitive negotiations are expected during Blinken's meetings in the Middle East, where securing a humanitarian pause in Gaza is crucial for swiftly addressing key issues such as its reconstruction, Palestinian Authority reform, governance in Gaza, pursuing a two-state solution, and facilitating normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Reuters news agency has reported that Saudi Arabia would be willing to accept a declarative political commitment from Israel to establish a Palestinian state rather than insisting on more concrete and binding steps, as part of its efforts to secure a defense pact with Washington amid U.S.-led diplomacy efforts to the Saudi-Israeli normalization. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will lead an independent review of the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. This announcement comes after Israel accused some UNRWA staff of taking part in the October 7 attack in southern Israel by Hamas militants. More than a dozen countries have suspended funding of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency. "The United States is pushing for an immediate and serious investigation into the allegations on UNRWA," State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a Monday briefing. "From the U.S. perspective, we want to see concrete results for these approaches. And meanwhile, we're going to continue to consult closely with other donors on how to continue to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza," Patel said. He added that the U.S. is looking at other options for supporting civilians in Gaza through partners like the World Food Program, the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, and other nongovernmental organizations. Dubbed a "pressure cooker of despair" by the United Nations, Rafah is overflowing with Palestinian refugees displaced due to Israel's military operation against Hamas. The diplomatic push for reaching agreement on a new cease-fire in Gaza has become more urgent with a surge of new attacks in the Middle East. Three U.S. service members were killed at an outpost in Jordan, and the U.S. responded with dozens of strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting Iran-backed militants. The U.S. and Britain have jointly struck Houthi missile sites in Yemen. The proposed Gaza truce would pause fighting for an initial six weeks as Hamas frees hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel says 132 hostages remain in Gaza including at least 28 believed to have died or been killed. Hamas has said no agreement has yet been reached, while some Israeli officials have expressed opposition to any perceived concessions. Israel vowed to destroy Hamas, which governs Gaza, after the militant group sent fighters rampaging into Israel in October, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Britain, the European Union and others, also took about 240 people hostage, about 100 of whom were released in a weeklong cease-fire in late November. Israel's air and ground military operations in Gaza have killed more than 27,300 Palestinians and injured 66,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. The ministry includes both civilians and militants in its count but says 70% of those killed were women and children. Early last month, Israel agreed to allow a United Nations mission to evaluate the situation in war-ravaged northern Gaza, aiming to facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians as soon as conditions permit. The first step of the U.N. mission to assess road conditions and the situation in northern Gaza has taken place with Israel's approval. However, intensified conflict and a resurgence of Hamas's activities in northern Gaza have halted further progress, according to a U.S. official. VOA State Department bureau chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Chief Appoints Panel to Review UNRWA By Margaret Besheer February 05, 2024 U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed a former French foreign minister to head up an independent review of the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees, which is embroiled in a scandal and facing the loss of more than $400 million in donor contributions. "The secretary-general, in consultation with UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini, has appointed an independent review group to assess whether the agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches that have been made," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Monday. Former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will lead the group, which will start work on February 14 and submit a preliminary report to Guterres in late March. A final public report will follow toward the end of April. Dujarric said Colonna will work with three research organizations the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Christian Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, has come under intense scrutiny since the U.N. revealed on January 26, that Israel had provided it with information alleging that a dozen of its staffers were involved in the deadly October 7 terror attacks inside Israel. The U.N. immediately fired nine of them, one was confirmed dead, and officials are clarifying the identity of two others. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed the establishment of the review group in a message on X. He said Israel will submit all evidence "highlighting UNRWA's ties to terrorism" to the group, and he called for Lazzarini's resignation. Prior to the October 7 allegations, Israel had 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. The review group announced Monday is separate from the internal investigation the U.N. is conducting into the allegations related to the 12 staffers. Their probes will happen in parallel. In mid-January before the staff allegations surfaced, Lazzarini said he would conduct a review of the organization and its operations. Among its tasks, the review group will look at where the agency's policies and procedures have failed and make recommendations for their improvement or the creation of new ones, to make UNRWA "better fit for purpose." Fallout UNRWA has warned that its relief operations in Gaza and throughout the Middle East could be shut down by the end of February if funding is not quickly restored. At least 16 countries, including top donor the United States, have suspended contributions pending the outcome of the internal investigation into the staff allegations regarding October 7. "We hope that donors have taken clear notice of the swift action taken by the secretary-general, the commissioner general, to address head-on issues that may exist," Dujarric told reporters. "We will continue to communicate with donors." UNRWA has 13,000 staff in Gaza, about 3,000 of whom are still reporting to work daily, attempting to support 2 million Palestinians with critical assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The second in what became a trio of domestic homicides cases on Stony Point Road northeast of Charlottesville was resolved in court last month, as 32-year-old Dominic Adonis Gaskins pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend in late 2022. The Orange County resident's plea is part of a deal that caps the time Gaskins must serve for the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Sabrina Elizabeth Jenkins, a mother of four boys. The prosecutor told Albemarle County Circuit Court on Jan. 25 that one of those boys, just a week shy of his fourth birthday, happened to have been a witness to his mothers murder. Their son was in his car, said Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Holly Vradenburgh. For that, Gaskins received a felony child endangerment conviction in addition to his murder and firearms convictions. Vradenburgh provided some details about the violent end to the relationship. Gaskins allegedly ransacked Jenkins apartment shortly before the two began texting on the evening of Dec. 21, 2022. Things were tense between them, said Vradenburgh. He threatened her that shed never see [their son] again. One issue around the time of the killing was Gaskins insistence that Jenkins take care of their boy that night. She informed him, Vradenburgh said, that her work schedule made that impossible. At the time, Jenkins was the kitchen manager of Gopuff, a delivery service app whose Charlottesville base is a warehouse on Harris Street. Social media shows that Jenkins had developed a habit of posting videos of her music-filled commutes between Orange and Charlottesville. But on this evening, Vradenburgh said, she was scared and was phoning a niece for support. The niece, named Taylor, received word that Gaskins was in pursuit and had started swerving toward her vehicle with his vehicle, Vradenburgh told the court. Oh, my god, Taylor, he shot at me, Jenkins told her niece, according to Vradenburgh. Albemarle Fire Rescue was the first on the scene, a desolate swath of highway about 3 1/2 miles south of Barboursville, but there was no rescue possible, said Vradenburgh. Shed been shot six times, said Vradenburgh, who also noted that a sealed autopsy report indicated defensive arm wounds and a fatal shot to the head. An attempt to claim ignorance of the killing to Albemarle County investigators was foiled when they confronted Gaskins with details from the incident, said Vradenburgh. Gaskins changed his story and claimed he acted in self-defense. Originally charged with second-degree murder, Gaskins saw the charge upgraded by an October grand jury indictment. A first-degree murder conviction can carry a life sentence as its maximum. In court Jan. 25, Gaskins maintained a slightly slumped posture while sitting at the defense table and also when standing to answer the judges questions about how he was pleading. Guilty, Gaskins repeated softly to each of the charges in the plea agreement. That agreement, signed by Gaskins and public defender J.D. Beard, calls for a minimum active sentence of 33 years and five months with a maximum of 38 years. Vradenburgh told the court that the range is slightly above Virginias sentencing guidelines. The victims mother was present in the courtroom but declined a Daily Progress interview request. Circuit Judge Cheryl Higgins accepted the agreement as well as a defense motion requesting a mental health evaluation prior to sentencing. Higgins set the sentencing for April 25. Gaskins has several prior criminal convictions, including felony eluding, two instances of assault and battery and two instances of domestic assault and battery. In this case, he appears poised to argue that his mental ailments, which allegedly include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder, should mitigate his punishment. His motion for a mental evaluation notes that he has received numerous psychiatric medications and inpatient treatment at a psychiatric hospital; he also has said he sought psychiatric treatment in the weeks leading up to the murder. All of these mental health concerns are further compounded and complicated by a significant history of incarceration and inadequate medical care, assistant public defender Lauren Reese wrote in the motion. Stony Point Road has been the scene of three homicides since 2022. The murder of Jenkins took place just two months after the killing of author and artist Matthew Farrell at his residence on Stony Point Road. Late last year, businessman Phaedrus Acgtblu was stabbed to death at his Stony Point Road residence. Authorities have labeled both domestic homicides and have filed murder charges, but neither suspect has yet had a legal resolution of their case. MSF: Malnutrition in Sudan Displaced Camp at Emergency Level By VOA News February 05, 2024 The rate of malnutrition-related death in children displaced by violence in Sudan's North Darfur region amounts to a humanitarian emergency, according to the findings of a new Doctors Without Borders (MSF) survey. Since the war broke out between Sudan's military and paramilitary forces in April 2023, around 300,000 people living in the Zamzam camp near North Darfur's regional capital have been isolated from essential humanitarian aid and medical care. In a statement Monday, MSF said it estimates that there are around 13 child deaths each day, according to the rapid nutrition and mortality assessment conducted in January. Their malnutrition is treatable if they can access a health care facility, but due to lack of resources many are left without support as their condition worsens. Of the 400 households surveyed, MSF found a crude morality rate of 2.5 deaths per 10,000 people per day in the camp, double the number that is considered a threshold for a humanitarian emergency. "Before the start of the conflict in April last year, people in the camp were heavily reliant on international support for food, health care, clean watereverything," said Claire Nicolet, head of MSF's emergency response in Sudan. "Now, they have been almost completely abandoned. There have been no food distributions from the World Food Program since May. People are going hungryand children are dying as a result." As the only health provider in Zamam camp, MSF said it intends to rapidly increase its work to treat children in critical condition but acknowledged that the disaster requires more resources than the organization can provide, including food, cash, health care, sanitation and water supplies. Emmanuel Berbain, an MSF medical doctor in El Fasher, said that over the past nine months, the camp's fragile healthcare system and humanitarian response has stopped working. "This aid was abruptly halted, with roads and air supply routes severely hampered," Berbain said. "The health system has collapsed, and staff no longer receive salaries; equipment and medicines are in short supply, along with fuel for generators, water, and other supplies to keep the health facilities running." Former programs to combat malnutrition in North Darfur are nonexistent and MSF is currently the only large international aid organization providing free pediatric care across all five of Sudan's Darfur states. "Referrals for patients from Zamzam camp to the pediatric hospital in El Fasher happen on a daily basis to try and save children's lives," Nicolet said "But we know from the mortality assessment that there are hundreds of children who do not even reach us. It is possible to prevent the situation from deteriorating further through a massive mobilization of the international community. Without it, even more children will die preventable deaths." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Six Ethiopians Among 7 Killed in Attack in Southwestern Somali Town By Falastine Iman, Adan Mohamed Salad, Harun Maruf February 05, 2024 Authorities in the southwestern Somali town of Beled Hawo said six Ethiopians were among seven people killed in an overnight attack by suspected al-Shabab militants. The district commissioner of the town, Abdirashid Abdi Arog, told VOA Somali that gunmen attacked a compound, killing five women and two men. "Last night at around 3:24 am local time we heard heavy gunfire, it happened at a time when security patrols change shifts, and the murderers took advantage of that," Arog said. "Troops responded and when they reached the site they saw civilians - men, women and children who some of them were killed and some injured." The six slain Ethiopians are ethnic Oromo while the seventh victim is a Somali woman, Arog said. Six other Ethiopians were injured in the attack, he added. He said the Somali woman killed was a neighbor of the Ethiopians who came out when she heard the gunshots and shone a light on the attackers. Arog said security forces offered support by calling the ambulance services and evacuating the wounded to medical centers. He said some of the wounded were taken to Mandera, Kenya, for treatment. Authorities suspect al-Shabab militants to be behind the attack. "We know their tracks, we are investigating but we have the terrorists who kill people to be behind this," Arog said. "They are the ones who kill people; we are accusing them of this killing." Arog said Beled Hawo is a border town, which sees movement of people from Kenya, Ethiopia as well as Somalis. He said the attackers fired indiscriminately. The security minister for Jubaland State, Yusuf Hussein Dhumal, told VOA Somali that his administration believes al-Shabab targeted the Ethiopian nationals, who live in the town for business and domestic work purposes. He said four gunmen were behind the attack. He said security forces followed them but the attackers escaped on motorcycles that collected them from the outskirts of the town and fled into towards the al-Shabab-controlled area of Gadoon Dhawe. Asked about the motive of the attack, Dhumal said he believed the militants intended to "create conflict" between Somalis and Ethiopians. "They have two objectives - one is terrorism which is known to them, and also to destabilize the people who live and work among us and [force them to] flee." Arog said authorities would be taking additional security measures to protect civilians. "For us since we are the authorities in charge of the security of the area this incident is a question mark for us," he said. "We have to respond, we have to take measures to ensure security and to make sure similar incident do not happen again." He said the victims were buried in Beled Hawo on Monday. Al-Shabab has not yet commented on the attack. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bukele Wins in Landslide Election in El Salvador, Drawing Worries of Authoritarian Rule By VOA News February 05, 2024 El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Sunday secured a landslide reelection victory, announcing his triumph before official results were released. With provisional results showing him holding 83% of the vote with more than 70% of ballots counted on Monday morning, however, thousands of the 42-year-old's supporters thronged San Salvador's central square to celebrate his second term. Despite fears of an eroding democracy and a shift toward authoritarian rule, his support appeared overwhelming, stemming largely from his crackdown on gangs, which has imprisoned more than 76,000 Salvadorans without charges. Bukele came to power in 2019 with promises to rid the nation of gang violence. The crackdown began in 2022, when he announced a state of emergency following a violent weekend, allowing him to detain and imprison those suspected of gang activity without charges. Since the 2022 state of emergency, murder rates have dropped sharply, although the sustainability of Bukele's mass incarceration strategy is doubted by analysts. Opponents worry Bukele's power will contribute to a move toward authoritarian rule, as Bukele's New Ideas party is expected to win nearly all 60 seats in the legislative body, potentially allowing him to abolish constitutional term limits. These fears were sparked by a Supreme Electoral Tribunal decision to allow Bukele to seek reelection despite El Salvador's constitution prohibiting it. "We are not substituting democracy, because El Salvador never had democracy," Bukele said in response to claims of authoritarian rule. "This is the first time in history that El Salvador has democracy. And I'm not saying it, the people say it." As Bukele enters his second term as president, he faces not only the issue of gang violence, but a slowly growing economy in which more than a quarter of the population lives in poverty. Bukele made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 to foster economic growth, but the decision was criticized by the International Monetary Fund, which last year labeled El Salvador's economy as "fragile" amid negotiations for a $1.3 billion loan. Some material for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK warplanes keep pounding Yemen despite criticism IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 6, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The United States and Britain have reportedly carried out a new round of airstrikes on Yemen despite facing strong criticisms at the UN Security Council for their attacks on regional countries in breach of international laws and the UN charter. Sources have been quoted by Yemen's Al-Masirah TV that American and British warplanes bombed the eastern city of Sa'ada three times. No further details about the attack have been reported. On Monday, the militaries from the two countries conducted aerial raids on the Al-Katheeb area in Hodeida province as well as several areas in Hajjah, Dhamar, Bayda and Taiz provinces. Al-Masirah also reported previous day that several explosions were heard in Sana'a as American and British warplanes spotted flying in the skies over the city. These attacks are carried out with the aim of putting pressure on Yemen to stop the naval blockade imposed on the Zionist regime. The Yemeni army has targeted several Zionist ships or ships bound for the occupied territories in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait during the past weeks in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US attacks on Iraq, Syria violate int'l laws: Iran UN envoy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 6, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has strongly condemned the US military attacks on Iraq and Syria, calling them illegal and unjustified. In his address to the UN Security Council meeting entitled "International Peace and Security" on Monday, Iravani said the United States had dishonored basic norms and principles of international laws and the United Nations Charter by violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these two countries. The Iranian envoy also called the attacks on Syria and Iraq a "threat to international peace and security," rejecting the US pretexts that the strikes targeted resistance groups operating in these countries. Iravani also condemned the joint military actions of the United States and the United Kingdom against Yemen, which he said are also a clear violation of the UN Charter and international laws. "Such illegal actions that target civilians and critical infrastructure endanger the peace and security of the region and beyond," he said, adding that the US and Britain must accept their international responsibility for committing the crime of aggression. He also touched upon the Israeli genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as well as Iran's response to any threat to the country's sovereignty. The full text of the statement by the Iran's envoy before the UN Security Council regarding the situation in the Middle East is as follows: Madam President, I would like to congratulate Guyana, the newly elected member of the Security Council, for its presidency this month. We acknowledge France for the successful completion of its presidency in January. I would also like to extend my congratulations to other elected members; Algeria, Sierra Leone, the Republic of Korea, and Slovenia. We appreciate Russia's request for convening this meeting under the agenda item "threat to international peace and security" which addresses persistent violations of international law and the UN Charter by the United States in the region. We welcome the presence of Ms. DiCarlo, Under Secretary General, in this meeting. Madam President, Iran strongly condemns the US military attacks on Iraq and Syria's territory. The US military action is illegitimate, illegal, and unjustified and blatantly violates the basic norms and principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, particularly paragraph 4 of Article 2 of the Charter. It is a flagrant breach of Iraq and Syria's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence. Iran also strongly condemns the joint military actions of the United States and the United Kingdom against Yemen which constitute an obvious violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. Furthermore, they have openly abused Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024). These illegal actions, which targeted civilians and vital infrastructure, jeopardize regional peace and security as well as pose a serious threat to international peace and security. The US and the UK must bear their international responsibility for their commission of the "crime of aggression." The argument and justification invoking Article 51 as a basis for these aggressions lacks a solid legal foundation and cannot legitimize these illegal actions. Madam President, Today, in this chamber, the US and the UK made another desperate attempt to distract attention away from the root cause of the current situation in the region by falsely putting the finger and blame on Iran. It is regretful that the United States, a permanent member of the Security Council, has failed to fulfill its obligations under the UN Charter. The US expressed grave concern about the spillover of tensions in the region while continuing to play a destabilizing role in the region. The United States continues to occupy Syrian territory, loot Syrian property and resources, and support separatists and terrorist groups. Furthermore, people in Syria are experiencing economic hardship and a humanitarian crisis as a result of the United States' hostile and harmful actions, as well as the application of illegal sanctions. All these measures violate international law, the UN Charter, and related Security Council resolutions. The Syrian Arab Republic has officially and frequently raised objections to these violations, calling on the Security Council to halt these violations and put an end to the US occupation. In Iraq, following their unlawful military intervention in 2003, the US and the so-called coalition ignored Iraqi opinions and aspirations and continued illegal activities and presence under the guise of fighting terrorism. The United States and NATO must respect the Iraqi government's decision to terminate their military presence and withdraw their forces from the country. Madam President, All of the resistance groups in the region are independent and their decisions and actions are motivated by their legitimate rights under international law that are ending the illegal presence of the US in their territories, stopping the genocide in Gaza, and ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories. Therefore, any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its Armed forces is misleading, baseless, and unacceptable. Iran never seeks to contribute to the spillover in the region. Iran has no military presence in Iraq, nor does it have bases or military advisers. In Syria, Iranian military advisers are legally present since they were invited officially by the Syrian government to fight terrorism. Claims that Iran's bases in Iraq and Syria were attacked are rejected as unfounded and regarded as attempts to shift attention away from the US's aggressive actions. Iran has never sought to bring its disputes with the United States into Iraqi territory and remains committed to Iraq's independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity and this is the principle position of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Madam President, It is evident to everyone that the root causes of the current situation in the region are occupation, aggression, and the continued genocide and horrific atrocities committed by the Israeli regime and fully supported by the US against innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The US military attacks against the Muslim nations of the region are the continuation of the complicity of this country in the genocide of the Palestinians through all-out support of the occupying regime and preventing any effective international action to hold that regime accountable. While more than 4 months have passed since the occupying regime's genocidal attacks on the oppressed people of Palestine, the US has not only actively cooperated with the Israeli regime in the genocide of the Palestinians, but is now attempting to divert the international community's attention away from the Genocide of the Palestinians through escalation of tension in other parts of the region. We believe that the only solution to end the conflict in the region and prevent the spillover of the war is to return all to their obligations under international law: that is, to force Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza, to establish an immediate ceasefire, to end the presence of US Forces in Iraq and Syria, and to exert pressure to end the occupation of Palestinian territories by the Israeli regime. Instead of blaming others and simply urging restraint from other members, the US must force the Israeli regime to halt the genocide in Gaza and comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Likewise, the US must end its obstruction of the UN Security Council and allow the adoption of the draft resolution proposed by Algeria, focusing on the ceasefire in Gaza. This approach aligns with the broader goal of restoring peace and stability in the region while addressing the humanitarian concerns at hand. Finally, Madam President, I would like to reiterate that if Iran faces any threat, attack, or aggression affecting its security, national interests, or people, it will not hesitate to exercise its inherent rights under international law and the UN Charter to respond firmly. I thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US attacks on Iraq, Syria deplored at UNSC meeting IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 6, 2024 New York, IRNA -- The United Nations Security Council has warned about the high human and economic costs of regional conflicts as it convened on Monday evening to discuss recent American attacks on Iraq and Syria where Washington was widely criticized for its military actions against the two Arab countries. Our reporter at the United Nations informed that the Security Council held a session entitled "International Peace and Security", under the chairmanship of Guyana, which has the rotating presidency of the 15-member UN body. The meeting was opened with an address by Rosemary DiCarlo, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs, who reiterated the request of the Secretary-General for all parties to avoid going to the edge of the abyss. She warned that everyone needs to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict. "I once again emphasize the request for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on humanitarian reasons", DiCarlo said, adding that the Security Council must continue to actively engage all parties to prevent further escalation of tensions that undermine regional peace and security. Russia raps US policies in Mideast The Russian ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nation directly blamed the United States for fueling the flames of regional conflict, saying Washington does not want the solutions to the problems. "The US and British attacks on Yemen are a threat to international peace and security, and they continue to violate international laws", Vasily Nebenzia warned, in reference to recent American and British aggression against Yemen under the pretext of safeguarding the Red Sea. The Russian ambassador underlined that that Washington continues with its destructive policy in the Middle East and tries to gain credibility before the presidential elections. "America is not looking for a solution to the problems of the region, but looking for its control." Nebenzia further told the Security Council that the United States' refusal to call for a ceasefire in Gaza doubles the risk of instability in the already unstable region. He warned that the ongoing war is not limited to Palestine, Lebanon and Yemen as Washington has expanded it now to Syria and Iraq, a reference to American airstrikes on Syria and Iraq this week that prompted widespread condemnations. 'World should condemn US military actions' China's ambassador and representative to the United Nations also slammed the United States' military adventurism in the Middle East and urged the international community to deplore America's actions. "The US attacks on Iraq and Syria were gross violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these two countries," Zhang Jun clarified. The Chinese diplomat also accused the United States of its policies including breach of international law, saying Washington is not looking for peace, rather expanding the conflict in the region. "These actions increase tensions in the Middle East", Zhang stated, adding that the main reason for the escalation of tension is the non-implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza. He emphasized that the world is at a critical crossroads that determines the future as the fate is common to all countries. Call to respect sovereignty The Algerian ambassador and representative to the United Nations highlighted the need for the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria The Middle East is on the verge of collapse", Amar Bendjama warned, adding that the spread of conflicts to Iraq and Syria could greatly endanger the entire region. The envoy, on behalf of his country, called on all parties in the region to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions. US, UK justify defiant behaviors Despite widespread criticisms at the Security Council, the American and British representatives to the United Nations, in this meeting, justified their countries' military actions against Syria and Iraq. The envoys of the two veto-welding countries also reiterated anti-Iran rhetoric for justifying their attacks on the two Arab countries. British ambassador, Barbara Woodward, also talked about the Red Sea but failed to clarify if the UN gave her country a mandate to carry out attacks on the Yemen soil. "The purpose of our actions in the Red Sea is to save human lives and protect the freedom of international shipping", She claimed, Woodward failed to regret over the UK's violation of international law and the UN charter by launching attacks on Yemen but was quick to condemn what she called "the attacks on pro-Iranian militias in the Middle East", without elaborating. Robert Wood, US ambassador and deputy representative to the United Nations, focused his speech on the killing of three American soldiers in an attack on a base in Jordan, without mentioning the killing of tens of thousands of civilians by the US-backed Zionist regime in the Gaza Strip. "The killing of soldiers is unacceptable and the purpose of the United States in its attacks on Iraq and Syria was to protect Americans", Wood claimed. This senior American diplomat also justified aggression against Yemen, saying the attacks are in response to operations by the Yemeni army in the Red Sea. This is while the Yemeni operations in the Red are only limited to Israeli-owned and Israeli-bound ship over the Arab country's solidarity with the Palestinians. US aggression breach of int'l law Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations asked the Security Council to condemn Washington's raids on his country and fulfill its responsibilities regarding the violation of international laws. "American aggression led to the martyrdom and injury of dozens of people and the destruction of a number of civilian buildings as well as a historical place in Syria", Qusay Al-Dahhak said. He clarified that the US military aggression against Syria is aimed at protecting its allies in the region and complementing Israel's repeated attacks on the Arab country. He also accused successive American governments of interfering in the affairs of other countries, including Syria. 'Middle East crises are connected' The representative of Iraq in the United Nations also told the Security Council said his country condemns any attack on its soil under "false and illogical pretexts". "The crises in the Middle East are connected, and we have warned about the widening scope of the conflict in the region", he said The Iraqi envoy also emphasized that the Iraqi people will never allow their country to become the arena of political settlements. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance drones hit target in Israeli-occupied territories IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 6, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried out one more attack on the city of Eilat in the Israeli-occupied territories in support of the innocent people of Gaza who are being killed in a relentless Israeli military campaign. The Palestinian Sama news agency quoted a statement by the umbrella group of Iraqi resistance factions that said the port city of Eilat on the Red Sea was targeted by drones on Monday night. "The Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, continuing the approach of resistance against the occupying forces and in response to the Zionist regime's massacre of our people in Gaza", the groups said in the statement. The Islamic Resistance also affirmed that it will continue targeting enemy positions. Meanwhile, News sources reported a missile attack on the occupied Syrian Golan on Tuesday morning. A number of rockets were fired from Syria's Dara'a province toward Golan, the Palestinian Shahab news agency quoted sources as saying but did not give further details. The Golan Heights that also overlooks Lebanon and borders Jordan is Syrian territory that was occupied by Israel in 1967. It has been targeted by the axis of resistance in recent month. With the onset of the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, resistance groups in the region have taken several steps to cut off vital lifeline of the Zionist regime by targeting its ports and commercial hubs as well as maritime trade routes. In the meantime, the Iraqi Islamic Resistance has also targeted American bases in Iraq and Syria more than a hundred times in retaliation for Washington's support for the Israeli regime's crimes and bloodshed in Gaza. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken Pushing for Cease-fire Progress in Egypt, Qatar Talks By VOA News February 06, 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Tuesday with Egyptian and Qatari leaders amid a push for a new temporary cease-fire in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians. In Cairo, Blinken was set for talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi before traveling to Doha to meet with Qatar's ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The U.S., Egypt and Qatar helped craft the cease-fire proposal that is currently under consideration, which would include a pause in fighting lasting several weeks and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. "The ball right now is in Hamas' court," a senior U.S. State Department official told reporters. The official said Egypt and Qatar have pushed Hamas to accept what the U.S. described as a "strong, compelling proposal," but ultimately Hamas has to decide. A previous temporary cease-fire, in late November, lasted for a week and brought the release of more than 100 hostages from Gaza and 240 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Blinken began his trip Monday in Saudi Arabia. He also has stops scheduled in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Blinken held talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, where the State Department said the officials discussed regional coordination to bring "an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike." "They discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia," the State Department said in a statement. A U.S. official said sensitive negotiations are expected during Blinken's meetings in the Middle East, where securing a humanitarian pause in Gaza is crucial for swiftly addressing key issues such as its reconstruction, Palestinian Authority reform, governance in Gaza, pursuing a two-state solution and facilitating normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Israel vowed to destroy Hamas, which governs Gaza, after the militant group sent fighters rampaging into Israel in October, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Britain, the European Union and others, also took about 240 people hostage. Israel's air and ground military operations in Gaza have killed more than 27,400 Palestinians and injured 66,000 others, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The ministry includes both civilians and militants in its count but says 70% of those killed were women and children. UNRWA review U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will lead an independent review of the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. This announcement comes after Israel accused some UNRWA staff of taking part in the Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel by Hamas militants. More than a dozen countries have suspended funding of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency. "The United States is pushing for an immediate and serious investigation into the allegations on UNRWA," State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a Monday briefing. "From the U.S. perspective, we want to see concrete results for these approaches. And meanwhile, we're going to continue to consult closely with other donors on how to continue to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza," Patel said. He added that the U.S. is looking at other options for supporting civilians in Gaza through partners like the World Food Program, the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, and other nongovernmental organizations. Dubbed a "pressure cooker of despair" by the United Nations, Rafah is overflowing with Palestinian refugees displaced due to Israel's military operation against Hamas. The diplomatic push for reaching agreement on a new cease-fire in Gaza has become more urgent with a surge of new attacks in the Middle East. Three U.S. service members were killed at an outpost in Jordan, and the U.S. responded with dozens of strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting Iran-backed militants. The U.S. and Britain have jointly struck Houthi missile sites in Yemen. Early last month, Israel agreed to allow a United Nations mission to evaluate the situation in war-ravaged northern Gaza, aiming to facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians as soon as conditions permit. The first step of the U.N. mission to assess road conditions and the situation in northern Gaza has taken place with Israel's approval. However, intensified conflict and a resurgence of Hamas's activities in northern Gaza have halted further progress, according to a U.S. official. VOA State Department bureau chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bombing in Greek Capital Triggers Concerns of Terrorism Resurgence By Anthee Carassava February 05, 2024 A powerful bomb blast in central Athens has sent shock waves across the country with authorities concerned about what they call a new era of terrorism. Surveillance footage showed the powerful blast exploding in front of the nation's Labor ministry, shattering its steel-and-glass faAade and gutting offices as far up as the sixth floor. Surrounding buildings were also scarred, and metal at a nearby construction site was mangled and melted. There were no casualties in Saturday's blast, but authorities said the fallout could have been bloody if the explosion had hit the Greek capital's busiest boulevard, an area teeming with bars, coffee shops and restaurants, during business hours. It was the first terrorist attack to mar the streets of Athens in five years, and Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoides said authorities are seriously concerned about the resurgence of terrorism. Greece has seen hits like this in the past, and he said authorities will do everything to safeguard democracy and the country's image. The attack was claimed by a new urban guerilla group calling itself the Revolutionary Class Self-Defense. Security experts suspect the new group includes militant recruits drafted by terrorists remaining at large after the country's most deadly terror group was disbanded some 20 years ago. Since then, several smaller groupings have emerged, staging sporadic low-grade attacks, but none of this intensity. At least 5 kilograms of explosives were used. Stavros Balaskas, a police investigator, said counterterrorism officials were focusing on forensic evidence to track the culprit from a list of potential suspects. Surveillance footage Balaskas says, shows a man making his way across the road to the ministry, hanging a sack of explosives on a steel railing and leaving. Members of the group claimed responsibility in telephone calls to a local newspaper and television station 40 minutes ahead of the explosion. Authorities expect the group will issue a proclamation to explain who they are and the reasons they targeted the Labor Ministry. Until then, investigators warn, the fear of a follow-up hit, potentially with victims, looms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doorstop Interview - Canberra Transcript Tuesday 6 February 2024 PRIME MINISTER: Can I say that all Australians will be sending their best wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery. This is difficult news. And we hope for King Charles, for His Majesty and for all of their family, all of the very best. We want to see His Majesty return to full duties as soon as possible. We, of course, look forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting that will be held in our region. And of course, we have invited King Charles to visit Australia and we sincerely hope that is able to occur. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what options are on the table to respond to the suspended death sentence of Yang Hengjun in China? PRIME MINISTER: Well, we have conveyed, firstly, to China our dismay, our despair, our frustration, but to put it really simply, our outrage at this verdict. This is a very harsh sentence on Dr Yang, who is a man who's not in good health. And we will continue to make the strongest representations. We, of course, called in the Ambassador yesterday, but we will make representations at all levels. JOURNALIST: Your Government's worked so hard on restoring ties with China. Where does this put the relationship now? PRIME MINISTER: We have said very clearly that we will cooperate with China where we can, but we'll disagree where we must. We must disagree with this harsh action by China. We have done so. We will continue to do so. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, will you cancel your invitation to Chinese Premier Li following this suspended death sentence? PRIME MINISTER: We will respond very directly to China. We'll respond directly and clearly and unequivocally to China. What we won't do is conduct diplomatic negotiations through the media. That's not what we do. We've made our position very clear, the details of which we will make directly to China. JOURNALIST: PM, looking to the year ahead, what now for the truth and treaty elements of the Uluru Statement, and are you still committed to the Makarrata Commission? PRIME MINISTER: What we're committed to is what we said during the referendum. What the Voice to Parliament was about was making a practical difference on housing, on health, in education, in all of those measures. We're looking at ways in which we can advance those. We're doing work particularly on employment, making sure that real jobs are created with real training and real skills to lift up opportunity for First Nations people. And we'll be having more to say when we respond to the Closing the Gap Statement, which we'll be doing coming weeks. JOURNALIST: The Makarrata Commission. PRIME MINISTER: Well, I've just answered the question. JOURNALIST: Can Australians trust your word after the changes to the stage three tax cuts? PRIME MINISTER: I went to the National Press Club and said very clearly that the Government had changed its position because of cost of living pressures. I was quite clear about us changing our position and why we were doing it. I note the various reports today saying that the Liberal Party has changed its position on stage three tax cuts. If this is carved in stone, how is it that they have changed their position? If they are fair dinkum, then their response must be to not only oppose what we are putting forward with our legislation we'll introduce it today, but to promise to roll it back. Unless they do that, then it's all just wind, it's all just politics. What we are about is people, not politics. JOURNALIST: You've spent the last couple of weeks campaigning for the Liberal's support. Why are you now saying they should oppose them, roll it back? PRIME MINISTER: We haven't to campaigned for anyone's support. JOURNALIST: You've been tightening the screws on the Liberals. PRIME MINISTER: They've been tightening the screws on themselves as they tie themselves in knots. First they said they'd fight it. Then they said they'd roll it back. Now they say they'll have a different position completely. Then they say, 'Oh, we'll wait and we'll decide in weeks to come'. We provided the legislation to all of the Parliament. We've said very clearly, there are two options here. Our option is to give every taxpayer a tax cut. Is to overwhelmingly benefit low and middle income Australians. Is firmly targeted at middle Australia, as well as providing economic benefits. It's the right decision done for the right reasons at the right time. And that's what we'll be advocating in the Parliament. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In its first year, a new University of Virginia Health program driven by community paramedics making home visits has helped some of the emergency room's frequent users reduce visits while better accessing care they need. UVa Health Community Paramedicine, part of the Population Health Department, provides a variety of resources to assist patients, connecting them with primary care providers and navigating insurance needs. A key component: patients in the program receive a home visit from UVa Health community paramedics, who review their medical records to see what could be causing repeated visits to the ER, and more. We work to figure out if we can make some improvements to their care if theyre willing to work with us to make some changes, said UVa Health community paramedic Patrick Watson. Over the past year, the average number of ER visits dropped from eight before patients enrolled in the program to three after patients completed it, according to UVa Health. Further, 30 patients were able to establish a new relationship with a primary care provider. Community Paramedicine is designed to help patients who frequently visit the ER for nonemergency reasons, including chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. ER providers and rescue squad members can refer patients to the program, which has seen participation from 20 to 25 patients typically enrolled at any given time, Watson said. Emergency departments and rescue squads are set up to address immediate symptoms, not the root of whats causing the symptoms, said Taylor Tereskerz, another UVa Health community paramedic. During their 30 to 60 days in the program, paramedics work to address the patients social determinants of health, including access to food and transportation to medical appointments, as well as review their medications and get them connected with doctors. Patients also work with an interactive home monitoring program, which provides them with a tablet computer for telehealth visits and devices to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, weight, heart rate, temperature, blood sugar levels and oxygen levels. Patients also learn about when they should seek care in the ER versus visiting an urgent center or contacting their primary care provider. If there is a triggering event, such as an emergency department visit or frequent calls to 911, UVa community paramedics visit the patient and work to resolve any underlying issues, UVa Health said. Through these visits, the community paramedics have prevented 50 trips to the ER over the past year, according to UVa's numbers, aiding those patients while helping to reduce wait times for other patients in the emergency room. For Darla Rich, weekly visits from Watson and Tereskerz have been a lifesaver," helping her manage several serious health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. Its so nice to have someone with a pleasant smile come in to check on me, Rich said. The community paramedics check her vital signs, provide education on how to best manage her conditions and, in one visit, patched her up after she suffered cuts from a fall. With their assistance, Rich has not visited the ER in about a year. She deeply appreciates the care that Watson and Tereskerz have shown her. They stopped by one day to wish me a merry Christmas. That means a lot, Rich said. I just want everyone to know what wonderful people they are. A hospital spokesman said the paramedics' work has typically been focused in and around Charlottesville, though they have seen at least one patient from Culpeper. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau February 5, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed. The two leaders discussed ongoing work toward the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. In particular, they stressed the importance of continued efforts toward disarmament and demobilization. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's continued support for stability in Ethiopia and the prosperity of its people. The leaders discussed steps for the peaceful resolution of internal conflicts, including the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to those most vulnerable. The prime ministers underlined the value of regional co-operation, including on transit and trade. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the need to ensure such co-operation secures agreement of all relevant parties. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Abiy agreed to remain in close contact and to work together to support efforts toward peace, stability, and sustainable development in Ethiopia and across the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China expands visa exemption policy to attract more foreigners Effect of visa-free policy to shore up international trust may be limited: experts. By Jenny Tang for RFA Mandarin 2024.02.04 -- China has expanded its visa-free entry policy for tourists and business travelers from more than a dozen European and Asian countries, opening up its borders further in recent months as it struggles to shore up foreign interests to help arrest an economic slowdown. In January, the Chinese government announced that it would provide unilateral visa exemption for Ireland and Switzerland and introduce a mutual visa exemption for Singapore for 30 days. Additionally, from March 1, China and Thailand will also allow permanent visa exemption for citizens of both sides. In the past six months, Beijing has implemented a visa-free policy to tourists from Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. While the number of foreign tourist arrivals has jumped nearly seven times to 35.5 million last year from 4.5 million in 2022, it's still a far cry from the 98 million recorded in pre-pandemic 2019, according to China's National Immigration Administration. But foreign nationals would be hesitant to travel to China for several factors: the high cost of air tickets, the inconveniences upon arrival without a Chinese mobile phone number - which is needed for mobile payment apps as many businesses and restaurants do not take cash - as well as being closely surveilled and controlled by the authorities. "I recently returned to China and the biggest inconvenience was that overseas credit cards are difficult to use in China. China's WeChat Pay or Alipay require a Chinese domestic WeChat account to install," an Australian citizen surnamed Yang lamented to Radio Free Asia. "Moreover, without a mobile phone number in China, I can't even hail a taxi. I have to ask someone to hail one for me every time." Yang said another issue was the close surveillance he endured. After registering for accommodation with the neighborhood police station - a requisite - the neighborhood committee cadres would come to verify, and also inform him they knew of his comings and goings from the residence. "It was nothing more than a warning to me: the Public Security Bureau is closely monitoring my every move and deliberately putting pressure on me." Not only was Yang under close surveillance, but his work partners were not spared either. "I used my Australian mobile phone in China to make a call to a boss in Zhejiang to discuss possible cooperation. A few hours after the call, the lady was summoned to the police station. The police told her that it was an overseas fraud call and made a record. She was so scared that she never dared to answer my call again." Yang added he was scarred from the experience and would try to avoid going to China, which he described as "a hysterical country." Costly airfares and politics A woman who works in the United States and only gave her name as Angela said the air ticket price from the U.S. to China remains high, although a slight decline allowed her to return last month. Angela said that compared to her experience three years ago, the Chinese government has stepped up its controls on the people. "One thing that makes it very inconvenient is: everywhere I go, I am being checked for my identity - be it to get on the high-speed rail, book a ticket for a tourist attraction, and even to register a shared bike account. The purpose of this is probably to collect and control information and capture everyone's whereabouts, but it is very annoying." Separately, a travel agent in the U.S. who only gave her surname Cai noted that middle-aged and elderly overseas Chinese are reluctant to travel to China because of the political environment. "It's not that we don't do business in the Chinese market -- now is not the right time, whether it is political or other factors." Beijing is trying to rebuild its international image and trust with the international community, and the visa-free policy was one of the measures to improve relations with foreign countries, said Riley Walters, a senior researcher on international economics at the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank. "The slowdown in the economy and stock market has made China's demand for foreign investment high. Relaxing visa restrictions will also help the tourism industry," Walters said. But how effective Beijing's visa-free policy will be in shoring up foreign investment remains to be seen. Ralph Weber, a professor from the European Center for Global Studies at the University of Basel in Switzerland, believes the policy will have a limited effect on attracting business travelers. "Investors are hesitant to go to China because they feel uneasy. They're worried about what's happening in China, like the espionage laws. So the impact created by the visa-free policy is not worth mentioning. I can't imagine a Swiss business traveler thinking, 'Wow, I now don't have to pay for a Chinese visa, so I'm going to invest in China.' That's not the logic," Weber said. China's actual foreign direct investment fell 8% to 1.13 trillion yuan (US$159 billion) last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Translated by RFA staff. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sentencing of Dr Yang Jun Australia - Minister for Foreign Affairs Media release 05 February 2024 The Australian Government is appalled that Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, has today received a suspended death sentence in Beijing. We understand this can be commuted to life imprisonment after two years if the individual does not commit any serious crimes in the two-year period. This is harrowing news for Dr Yang, his family and all who have supported him. Our thoughts are with them. I acknowledge the acute distress they will all be feeling, after many years of uncertainty. This period has been extraordinarily difficult. Like so many Australians, I am moved by Dr Yang's strength, and the strength of his family and friends. The Australian Government will be communicating our response in the strongest terms. Dr Yang has been detained since January 2019 on national security charges. His verdict and sentence have been subject to repeated delays since his closed trial on 27 May 2021. The Australian Government has advocated for Dr Yang with China at every opportunity, and at the highest levels. We have consistently called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment for Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China's legal obligations. We will continue to press for Dr Yang's interests and wellbeing, including appropriate medical treatment, and provide consular assistance to him and his family. All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australian national Yang Jun sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for espionage; his rights fully exercised: FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Feb 05, 2024 04:40 PM The Beijing No.2 Intermediate People's Court publicly pronounced the first-instance verdict on the espionage case of Australian national Yang Jun, in accordance with the law in which Yang was found guilty of espionage and was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve and all his personal property was confiscated, FM spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday. The Second Branch of the People's Procuratorate of the Beijing Municipality initiated the prosecution against Yang, a Chinese-born Australian writer also known as Yang Hengjun, to the Beijing No.2 Intermediate People's Court on October 7, 2020. The court strictly handled the case in accordance with the law, fully safeguarding Yang's litigation rights, respecting and ensuring the Australian side's consular rights, including the right to consular visits and notifications, and arranged for the Australian side to sit in on the sentencing, Wang said. As state secrets are involved, the trial of Yang's case in May, 2021 was not heard in public or attended by the public according to law. In response to Australian media's hype of the case, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also noted that China firmly opposed to Australia's gross unjustifiable interference in its handling of the case and its judicial sovereignty. The Chinese Embassy in Australia also stressed on Monday that the court heard the trial in strict accordance with the law and ensured that Yang fully exercised his procedural rights, respected and ensured the Australian side's consular rights, including the right to consular visits and notifications, and arranged for the Australian side to sit in on the sentencing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's J-20 fighter jets to enhance combat alertness duties during Spring Festival holidays Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Feb 05, 2024 08:12 PM The Chinese military, including its J-20 stealth fighter jets, will enhance combat alert duties during the upcoming Spring Festival holidays, a regular but important arrangement that will fend off any potential foreign provocations, experts said on Monday. During the Spring Festival holidays, the broad masses of Chinese troops will hold fast to their positions, enhance combat readiness duties, maintain a high state of alertness to prepare for combat, safeguard national security and social stability, and make sure the Chinese people can have a joyful, peaceful, and safe Spring Festival, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday. Ma Xiong, a J-20 fighter jet pilot at an air group attached to a brigade affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, said in the CCTV report that the air group will not rest in its duty to safeguard air defense security, closely monitor the aerial situation, maintain a combat alertness status according to regulations, and spend the Spring Festival holidays combat ready. "[We will] make sure that we can sortie immediately if any emergency arises, and deal with it effectively," Ma said. Armored vehicle units of the PLA Army deployed in snow-covered plateau regions, warship units of the PLA Navy sailing at sea, and People's Armed Police Force units will also boost combat readiness during the holidays, the CCTV report showed. 2024's Spring Festival national holidays , or the Chinese Lunar New Year, will be celebrated from February 10 to February 17. As part of the routine arrangement, the Chinese military regularly increases combat alertness during national holidays, a Chinese military expert who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Global Times on Monday. Even during peacetime, foreign military forces often increase the intensity of close-in reconnaissance operations or provocative activities on China around the holidays, the expert noted, stressing the importance of not letting the national guard down at any time. Announcing the increased alertness status and the availability of combat equipment such as the J-20 fighter jet will not only allow the Chinese people to rest assured, but also send clear warnings to forces that harbor malicious thoughts, the expert said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Important dialogue with China News story | Date: 05/02/2024 'It's important to maintain dialogue and cooperation with China on current international affairs and the global economy. We have discussed the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the situation in the Red Sea, and the need for cooperation on climate issues and how to strengthen the international institutions. I have also raised the issue of human rights,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide visited China on 5 - 6 February. He met with his Chinese colleague Director and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao. He will also meet Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday. 'Norway is clear on the need for a world order based on international law and open, rules-based trade. This is necessary to achieve global climate and sustainability goals. We stand up for Norwegian values and international human rights,' said Eide. Differing views should not stand in the way of exchanges of opinions and experiences. 'Human rights are an important part of Norway's relationship with China. I encouraged Chinese authorities to adhere to their international obligations, and I raised the human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong,' said Eide. The collaboration between Norway and China also safeguards Norwegian interests, both long-term economic interests and interests related to international development. In Shanghai, Eide will visit one of SnAhetta's projects at the Grand Opera and meet with Norwegian business leaders. 'Norway will continue our clear and predictable China policy, based on our broad range of interests, including national security. Knowledge development and information sharing with Norwegian civil society, especially the business community and academia, are important for achieving this,' said Eide. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Norway and China. The two parties agreed to hold a series of celebration activities, and further intensify high-level exchanges between the two countries. The two parties agreed to further deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, discuss the establishment of a bilateral dialogue on green transition cooperation, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges. The two parties agreed to uphold multilateralism and free trade, and strengthen cooperation in such fields as tackling climate change and biodiversity protection. The two parties discussed the recent developments in the Middle East. They agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and to allow for significantly increased humanitarian aid to the affected population. They stressed the need for common efforts to prevent regional spillover and called for the immediate release of all hostages. The parties expressed their concern about recurrent violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the need to strengthen the support to the Palestinian Authority in this situation. The end of hostilities must be followed by a political process leading to a two-state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security. Both parties welcomed the investigation by the UN and UNRWA, and expected full transparency from the organization. At the same time, they stressed the need to allow the organization to continue their important humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the region, and urged donor countries not to withhold support. The parties also expressed concern for the increasing unrest in the broader Middle East Region. They decided to continue consultations and work together, where possible, through multilateral organizations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 5, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2024-02-05 19:38 CCTV: It was reported that the US military launched air strikes on targets within the territories of Syria and Iraq on February 3 to retaliate after a previous drone attack which killed US troops based in Jordan. Both the Syrian and Iraqi governments condemned the US infringement on their sovereign security. What is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: Syria and Iraq are sovereign countries. China opposes any act that violates the UN Charter and infringes upon other countries' territorial sovereignty and security. The current situation in the Middle East is highly complex and sensitive. China urges relevant parties to earnestly observe international law, remain calm, exercise restraint, and prevent the tensions in the region from escalating or even spiraling out of control. Reuters: We have learned that Australian writer Yang Jun was given a suspended death sentence today. Can you share more information about his case and what is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: On February 5, 2024, the Beijing No.2 Intermediate People's Court announced the sentencing for the first instance of the case of Australian defendant Yang Jun who was accused of espionage. The Court ruled that Yang Jun was guilty of espionage and sentenced him to death with a two-year reprieve and ordered that all his personal property be confiscated. The people's court heard the trial in strict accordance with the law and ensured that Yang Jun fully exercised his procedural rights. The court also respected and ensured the Australian side's consular rights, including the right to consular visits and notifications, and arranged for the Australian side to sit in on the sentencing. Xinhua News Agency: The Namibian government said on February 4 that President Hage Geingob passed away due to illness. Does China have any comment on his passing? Wang Wenbin: We express deep condolences over President Hage Geingob's passing and extend sincere sympathies to the Namibian government and people and to President Geingob's family. President Geingob was an extraordinary leader of his country. He led the Namibian people in pursuing national independence and liberation and advancing socio-economic development, and was supported and loved by the people. President Hage Geingob was an old friend of the Chinese people. He oversaw on the Namibian side the upgrade of China-Namibia ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the deepening of the relationship, and he made important contribution to the friendship between our two countries. The Chinese people firmly stand with the Namibian people in this time of grief.a Reuters: It's reported by Japanese media that owing to Chinese hackers' attacks, confidential Japanese diplomatic documents were leaked in 2020. What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of that. We oppose groundlessly smearing and accusing China without any solid evidence.a China News Service: Devastating wildfires in Chile recently killed 112 people, with more than 300 people missing. President Gabriel Boric declared two days of national mourning. The Chilean authorities said the death toll is likely to rise amid raging wildfires. Does China know whether there have been any Chinese killed or injured? Wang Wenbin: The fatalities and serious financial loss caused by the devastating wildfires in Chile were heart-wrenching. We mourn for the lost lives and extend condolences to the bereaved families and the injured. China believes that under the strong leadership of the Chilean government, the people in Chile will get through this difficult time and rebuild their homes soon. As far as we have learned, there have been no Chinese casualties in the wildfires. Bloomberg: The Filipino government said that they foiled an attempt to hack a government website by hackers operating in China. Do you have any comment on these accusations by the government?a Wang Wenbin: Cybersecurity is a global challenge. China always strictly cracks down on cyber attacks in all forms in accordance with the law and stands for dialogue and cooperation among all countries to jointly safeguard cybersecurity. AFP: Senegalese President Macky Sall postponed the presidential election in the country hours before the official campaign was due to begin. Police and protesters clashed yesterday in the country. Does China support Senegalese President's decision? Wang Wenbin: What you mentioned is Senegal's internal affairs. Global Times: The Korean Peninsula has seen continued tensions, especially the rising rivalry between the DPRK and the ROK recently. The DPRK adjusted its policy on handling relations with the ROK, saying that the relationship between South and North Korea is no longer the relationship between people of the same nation, but a relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war, and that unification with the South is no longer possible. What is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: We noted this. The DPRK's statement on its policy is a sovereign matter of the DPRK. China always supports the DPRK and the ROK in improving their relations. The situation on the Korean Peninsula has come to where it stands today for a reason. Tensions on the Peninsular do not serve the common interests of relevant parties. Relevant parties need to work towards the same direction, keep to the major direction of political settlement and jointly safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula. China Daily: It's reported that the Kosovo authorities recently announced the euro-only currency policy and ban on the Serbian Dinar in Kosovo. What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant news. China believes that any unilateral actions are not conducive to the settlement of the Kosovo issue as well as regional peace and stability. We support relevant parties concerned in working with each other within the framework of the relevant Security Council resolution to reach a mutually acceptable political solution through dialogue. In this process, Serbia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be fully respected, and the rights to subsistence and development of all ethnic groups in Kosovo should be guaranteed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Hong Kong law to target media, restrict access to lawyers The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will go after media who 'platform' national security suspects. By Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin, Tim Lee for RFA Cantonese 2024.02.05 -- New national security legislation will make it harder for detained suspects to meet with their lawyers and could target journalists and media organizations for interviewing them, Hong Kong officials have revealed in recent comments aired by a pro-China broadcaster. Suspects in national security cases, who are typically people who have opposed the government via their public speech or peaceful actions, could be seeking to stay in touch with "accomplices," by requesting to see their lawyer, who might also be a member of their "group," Secretary for Justice Paul Lam told TVB's "Speak Clearly" talk show at the weekend. "As a result, they could continue with activities that endanger national security under the guise of seeing a lawyer," said Lam, whose government launched a public consultation on the new law, which the city is obliged to enact under Article 23 of its Basic Law, its mini-constitution since the 1997 handover to Chinese rule. The Article 23 legislation was recently rebooted following a 20-year hiatus in the wake of mass popular protests, and is being billed by the government as a way to close "loopholes" in the already stringent 2020 National Security Law, which was imposed on the city by Beijing in response to the 2019 protest movement. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance - which will criminalize "treason," "insurrection," the theft of "state secrets," "sabotage" and "external interference," among other national security offenses - is highly likely to be passed by the Legislative Council now that electoral rules have been changed to allow only "patriots" to run for election. Lam also warned of tougher penalties for media organizations that interview people wanted by the Hong Kong government. "They could be seen as providing a platform and aiding and abetting them," he warned, calling on the media to be "careful." Hong Kong has already plummeted in press freedom and overall freedom indexes since launching a post-2019 crackdown on dissent, and has placed a number of high-profile journalists including Next Digital mogul Jimmy Lai on trial for "national security" offenses linked to newspaper articles. The new legislation could also target people deemed to be using too confrontational a "tone" to criticize the government in public life, Secretary for Security Chris Tang told the show. "You can criticize the government, but if you keep repeating yourself and spicing it up, using your tone of voice for example to deliberately stir up people's emotions, that could be regarded as inciting hatred [of the authorities]," Tang warned, but said that would only happen in cases where there was "criminal intent." 'Intimidation on a huge scale' Current affairs commentator Sang Pu, who is also a lawyer, said that such assurances can't be trusted, however. "The Hong Kong government, the national security police and the Department of Justice have very loose criteria for determining criminal intent," Sang said. "Basically, there is criminal intent if they say there is." "A lot of people will come under that definition, which will be extended [under this legislation]," he said. He said the new law could spell the end of independent political commentary about the city, even beyond its borders, as overseas commentators still have friends and family back home who could be put under greater pressure as a result of their comments. "This is intimidation on a huge scale, and is totally designed to eliminate any voice that tries to provide oversight of the government." To Yiu-ming, a former assistant journalism professor at Hong Kong's Baptist University, agreed, saying that officials are clearly targeting political commentators, exiled and wanted Hong Kong activists, media organizations and journalists. "This is clearly about political law enforcement," To said. "The Hong Kong government doesn't want the voices of exiles and wanted activists to be heard back in Hong Kong." "It's being done so as to allow law enforcement agencies to have the option, if needed, to cause trouble for certain reporters they don't like and prevent them from doing their jobs," he said. Eric Lai, research fellow at the Asian Law Center at Georgetown University, said that while the consultation document isn't a final draft, the details revealed so far suggest that the media is a major target of the law. "The Article 23 legislation incorporates some elements of the [planned] fake news law into its text," Lai said. "According to the consultation document, if you interview people wanted [by the authorities], or publish some remarks that are considered to endanger national security, you could be prosecuted," he said. "The devil is in the details," he said. "If all of these provisions are included [in the final draft], it will certainly have a huge impact on press freedom." 'More stringent' than the mainland Patrick Poon, human rights researcher currently at the University of Tokyo, said that even mainland Chinese law hasn't banned overseas news organizations from interviewing its dissidents overseas. "People inside China face the biggest pressures and the highest risks if they give interviews to foreign journalists," Poon said. "[Now], it could be risky for foreign journalists to interview people in exile, which is even more stringent than some of the practices in mainland China." He said the potential restrictions on allowing meetings with a national security detainee's lawyer is a violation of international law and human rights standards. He said the Hong Kong authorities wouldn't be able to guarantee a fair trial to suspects under such an arrangement. State news agency Xinhua hit out at the criticism of the Article 23 legislation in a Feb. 3 commentary, describing critics of the law as "ants on a hotpot." "They're falling over each other to attack and smear [this] legislation," the article said. "People who love China and Hong Kong won't feel the slightest bit worried ... [but] will support its completion as soon as possible." It accused "anti-China and disruptive elements in Hong Kong" of "seriously undermining Hong Kong's stability and endangering national security," warning that they will face prosecution and prison as a result. "These anti-China disruptors in Hong Kong do not want to be upright Chinese people, but want to be slave-dogs driven by the enemy," the article said, warning that the new law will make them into "homeless dogs" without "foreign masters" to rely on. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aus writer given suspended death sentence spied for Taiwan, Chinese court claims Experts say the heavy sentence, while rare, serves as a warning to others. By Gu Ting for RFA Mandarin 2024.02.05 -- The Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun given a suspended death sentence in China for espionage on Monday had spied for Taiwan, according to the verdict. Legal and academic experts said that cases of suspended death sentences for espionage crimes are rare in China, but they believed it was Beijing's move to "punish one as an example to scare others." Yang's friend, Feng Chongyi, associate professor of Chinese studies at the University of Technology Sydney, told Radio Free Asia that a Beijing court publicly announced the verdict on Monday. "The verdict was announced at the Beijing Second People's Court at nine or ten o'clock today [Feb. 5]. Yang Hengjun attended the court in person to hear the verdict," Feng said. "Yang's wife, Australian consulate personnel, the ambassador to China, counselors, and his lawyers were all present." According to the verdict, the court found Yang guilty of providing intelligence to Taiwan's intelligence agency while working in Hong Kong in 1994, sentencing him to death, convertible to life imprisonment after two years, and depriving him of all his personal property. The 58-year-old Yang, detained since January 2019, is understood to have worked at China's foreign ministry and the Hainan provincial government. He was transferred to a state-owned enterprise in Hong Kong in the 1990s, and then relocated to the United States. In 2000, he emigrated to Australia and obtained citizenship. He is also a writer and commentator. He was detained five years ago after arriving in Guangzhou on a flight from the United States. Yang's friend, Feng, lambasted the espionage charge as "absurd." "In fact, what he really did was write articles online to promote democracy, freedom and the rule of law," he said. "If you commit a crime, you would run, let alone return [to China]? Logically, you should appeal because this is an unjust case, but he is currently in very poor health. We hope that after he is transferred to prison, he will have a greater chance of applying for medical parole." It is unknown at this point if Yang, who had a cyst in his kidney during his detention, will appeal. Warning to others Feng described the sentence as having "no bottom line," but it was slapped on Yang because of his past public criticism of China on social media, intended to "kill the chicken to scare the monkeys" - alluding to the Chinese idiom of punishing one as an example to scare others. Zhang Dongshuo, a criminal lawyer in Beijing, pointed out that suspended death sentences for espionage cases are rare. "In recent years, very few people have been sentenced to death or suspended death for such a crime," Zhang said. "This verdict would be the most severe in recent years. The crime must endanger national security, and the circumstances must be very serious, the damage enormous to warrant this sentence. For example, he stole and provided a lot of national secret information, top secret information, and confidential information to the outside world." Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday that the government was appalled by the decision and had summoned the Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian to lodge its objection in the strongest terms. Wong said they had repeatedly raised Yang's case with China in different high-level meetings, requesting that Yang be treated humanely and that the case be heard fairly and impartially. But Feng criticized the Australian government for putting economic and trade interests above safeguarding citizens' rights. "The Australian government should have responded very strongly. It cannot just do business as usual," he said. In its regular press conference on Monday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the court fully protected Yang's litigation rights, respected and implemented Australia's consular rights such as visitation and notification. Translated by RFA staff. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australian writer given suspended death sentence in China Yang Hengjun, arrested in 2019, was accused of spying for a foreign country China has not publicly revealed. By RFA Staff 2024.02.05 -- A Beijing court on Monday handed down a suspended death sentence to Yang Hengjun, a Chinese-Australian author detained on suspicion of espionage for more than five years without trial, according to media reports. Yang, a pro-democracy blogger, is an Australian citizen of Chinese descent who was working in New York before his arrest at Guangzhou airport in 2019. He was accused of espionage on behalf of a nation that China has not disclosed, nor has it made public the details of the case against him. Yang's colleague, Sydney University of Technology professor Feng Chongyi, said a Chinese court had sentenced him to a suspended death sentence that would convert to life imprisonment after two years, which was relayed to his family, Reuters reported on Monday. Feng told Reuters that it was a "serious case of injustice," adding that Yang had denied the charges. "He is punished by the Chinese government for his criticism of human rights abuses in China and his advocacy for universal values such as human rights, democracy and rule of law," Feng said, as cited by Reuters. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday that Australia is "appalled" at the court's decision and has called in China's ambassador. Wong added that the Australian government understood the sentence can be commuted to life imprisonment after two years if the individual does not commit any serious crimes in that period. "This is a decision within China's legal system. Clearly, this is an occasion [on] which we disagree. However, Australia will continue to advocate for the interests of Yang," she said. "This is harrowing news for Dr. Yang, his family and all who have supported him." Separately, a family spokesman in Sydney said Yang's family was "shocked and devastated by this news, which comes at the extreme end of worst expectations," according to Reuters. Born in 1965 in Hubei province, China, Yang worked for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before moving to Australia and becoming an Australian citizen in 2002. He later lived in the United States, where he became a spy novelist, political commentator and activist in favor of democratization in China. China released Australian journalist Cheng Lei last year after imprisoning her for three years and there were hopes in Australia that Yang would be released soon as well. However, China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, once said Yang's case could not be resolved in the same way as Cheng's. Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Life in rural Virginia is full of peaks and valleys. On the one hand, theres the boundless nature, personal privacy and slower pace of life that only the countryside can afford. But on the other: dropped calls, unreliable internet connections and resources that can be miles away from where a person lives. Its a hindrance for those looking to idly scroll Instagram or navigate to their next destination on Google Maps. And for those seeking medical attention, it can be downright harmful. Growing up country consistently consigns you to lower health outcomes and higher mortality rates a fate we cannot accept as a community, Mike Pruitt, who represents a swath of rural southern Albemarle County on its board of supervisors, told The Daily Progress. For many of Pruitts rural constituents, clinics and hospitals can be a half-hour, or more, journey; neither the University of Virginia Health System nor Sentara Health, the two primary providers of health care in the area, has physical facilities in the county south of the city of Charlottesville. Patients can travel to Charlottesville, if they have the time and transportation. Or they can opt for a virtual appointment via telehealth, if its offered by their provider and if they have access to a reliable connection. Internet and cell phone service is the number one issue in rural areas, Nancy Gill, a former mayor of the town of Scottsville just south of Pruitts district, told The Daily Progress. The whole thing is internet, that to me is the juggernaut. That struggle has caught the attention of state and national organizations. Late last year, the Association of American Medical Colleges named UVa Health one of 13 recipients of the 2023 Telehealth Equity Catalyst Awards. The recognition came with $15,000, money UVa Health said it plans to use to expand access to care for rural residents, specifically in southern Albemarle. The question is how. The billion-dollar health system of the states flagship university has promised to expand telehealth in a corner of Albemarle County that notoriously lacks cell service and broadband connections. But it has emphasized that it has no plans to provide that necessary infrastructure, not with its new grant money and not in the future. UVa Health CEO Craig Kent told The Daily Progress plainly, We are a health system and providing connection and internet access is not something that we do. How will the money benefit patients in southern Albemarle? Officials wouldnt say. What they would say: UVa Health will not be constructing any physical telehealth hub in the county, UVa Health will not support expansions to the countys internet infrastructure and UVa Health will not specify how it will spend its thousands of dollars to expand telehealth access in southern Albemarle. They feel unseen There was a meeting. And more are planned. In November, UVa Health officials, including Director of Telemedicine Nikki Facteau, met with a coalition of local government and nonprofit representatives from the town of Scottsville, Yancey School Community Center, Blue Ridge Health District, Region Ten Community Services Board and Health Equity and Access in Rural Regions, or HEARR. Those community representatives described to UVa Health officials the multiple barriers that stand between residents in southern Albemarle and quality health care: internet, transportation and, more importantly, trust. When they go to UVa, they feel unseen, Peggy Scott, vice president of HEARR, told The Daily Progress. Weve heard that over and over. People dont trust that the information is good information for them, and they dont know who their providers are. Scotts group is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health and well-being of residents in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Buckingham and Nelson counties. It puts on health and wellness fairs, coordinates water testing, hosts exercise programs and serves as a liaison between local and state health care organizations. Scott is a longtime resident of Albemarle County and recently retired from a career working as a registered nurse and cancer care coordinator at UVa Health, where she started working in 1983. She explained that most of the low-income residents of rural Central Virginia that she engages with at HEARR, and as a member of Yancey School Community Centers advisory panel, only seek medical care in emergencies. One of the biggest issues for patients getting to a facility is transportation, said Scott. And feeling as though, if its not urgent, then they dont need to go because a family member has to take off work or they have to find child care. When asked how she would like to see the $15,000 spent, Scott immediately responded with transportation to a physical facility and stressed the need to ensure patients can routinely receive quality treatment. They feel like theyre just another number when it comes to large entities, when it comes to our medical center, said Scott. What people look for is continuity and consistency so that youre there when the needs arise. That trust piece comes about with longevity and long engagement, they [UVa Health] seemed to hear that. But, she added, Its been told to them multiple times. Scott and the rest of the coalition will find out if UVa Health listened to them this time when they reconvene at a planned meeting in March to hear the health systems proposed solutions. The Daily Progress reached out to Facteau at UVa Health for comment. She never responded. But based on a statement UVa Health released in December announcing its award, the medical institution is aware of the issues. In-depth research revealed residents in these rural communities access healthcare less often and are less aware of the health services available to them, reads the statement. This is due to several factors, including limited transportation options along with varying levels of access to the internet and cellphone service. The statement goes on to say UVa Health aims to raise awareness and access by reducing barriers to access care on-site and leveraging communication channels. The Daily Progress asked UVa Health spokesman Eric Swensen if he could specify how the funding will be used to achieve those goals and expand telehealth care in southern Albemarle. If using the money to expand broadband or improve cell reception is off the table, would UVa Health consider establishing a telehealth hub, a space where patients could access the connections they need to contact their health care providers? Were thankful to have grants from groups like the AAMC that enable us to explore potential solutions, with the goal of finding a sustainable solution that works for a broad cross section of the community, Swensen responded. UVa Health is not planning to build a physical hub. Were exploring potential existing locations in the community that could be used as telehealth hubs. But were also exploring other models with the same goals. Without any further clarification, residents in southern Albemarle still have no clear idea as to how the money UVa Health has promised to spend on them will be used. It doesnt inspire confidence for many of those people who already feel disconnected, said Scott. People are expecting them to leave short term, she said. You have to be able to create trust and show up in an emergency if you really want to make an impactful, meaningful and long-lasting experience. Jason Inofuentes, program manager for Albemarle Countys Broadband Accessibility and Affordability Office, said there should be some grace allowed for UVa Health as it determines how best to use its money. They want to explore what models are available, he told The Daily Progress. Its important to make clear that this is all in early stages of exploring the right approach, so I dont believe theyre wedded to any one approach yet. But residents in southern Albemarle have been vocal that whatever approach is used to expand telehealth will have to overcome the reality that there is not enough infrastructure to support telehealth in much of the area. And while many are hopeful UVa or its health system could assist in bridging that gap, UVa Healths chief executive said it is not even within their purview, much less their future plans for telehealth in the area. We dont have an initiative to solve that, Kent said. Internet access as public health Kent and his colleagues in southern Albemarle have different ideas about the relationship between public health and internet access. Pruitt pointed out that the countys broadband office falls under its department of human services. This is a fundamental health and human need, said Pruitt. Internet and cell access, they are public health issues. If you dont have cell service or when you dont have internet access and you need to contact your mental health provider, thats a public health service. A study released by the National Bureau of Economic Research in August found that expansions in broadband in rural areas were responsible for a 16% improvement in patient outcomes. Broadband access primarily helped patients choose higher-quality providers, reads the report authored by two faculty research fellows at the University of Michigan and Hunter College. We also found some evidence that broadband improved provider quality. For those in Albemarle, broadband, and by extension quality medical care, is hard to come by. We feel a responsibility for all the communities in Charlottesville and in the region, said Kent. What were trying to do is ensure the level of healthcare in each of those communities is equivalent to the highest level. But data collected by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Virginia Tech in 2023 clearly shows that the majority of Albemarle County south of Charlottesville does not have reliable broadband coverage, defined as download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 megabits per second. In laymans terms, at those speeds the average high-definition movie would take about four minutes to download to a device. But even a household that has the bare minimum to qualify for reliable broadband service, can still face problems if a router isnt close by or if several devices are simultaneously online on the same network. Inofuentes said that Albemarles Broadband Accessibility and Affordability Office has spent the past three years attempting to address the lack of connectivity in southern Albemarle. With monetary assistance from the American Rescue Plan and Virginia Telecommunications Initiative, the department, in partnership with Palmyra-based internet provider Firefly Fiber, is aiming to achieve universal broadband countywide by 2025. Until thats established, telehealth options in southern Albemarle will be limited, whatever they are. And physical health care facilities will remain practically nonexistent. The town of Scottsville may act as a hub for the rural communities in southern Albemarle and neighboring counties, but with a population of less of 550 people, its never going to be a viable option for health care providers to establish physical clinics and hospitals. Health care is a business, and in order to maximize profit and improve the quality of the product for the highest number of consumers, rural clinics and hospitals have been consolidated over the past century into massive health care systems. Today, you are not just a patient, you are a client. And, as Pruitt said, The town of Scottsville does not have the client base sufficient to satisfy a small urgent care. The only medical care center even near Scottsville is 5 miles west of town, a nonprofit community health center called Central Virginia Health Services Southern Albemarle. Its available, but its not ideal. CVHS Southern Albemarle lacks emergency care and a primary care physician. And Scott said its difficult hours also make it hard for patients to make appointments; the clinic is closed on weekends and is only open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays. Between a clinic with odd hours and the hospitals in Charlottesville half an hour away, and no health care provider willing to invest in facilities in a rural corner of the county, telehealth may be the only way to meet the medical needs of southern Albemarles residents. I totally recognize that internet access has to be a key piece of this problem, said Pruitt. I dont think its optimal, but telehealth has to be a central part of that. Kent put it more bluntly. In rural Virginia, if we dont show up via telehealth, then no ones going to show up and the care is not going to be provided, he said. Even with mental health care, its better to provide mental health care via telehealth in rural Virginia than nothing. But what good is telehealth in a community without reliable internet service? Also nothing. Iran Navy to hold joint exercise with Russia, China: Cmdr. IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Navy will hold joint drills with naval forces from Russia and China, with the aim of safeguarding regional security, the commander of the Iranian Navy has announced. "Iran's joint naval exercise with Russia and China will be held by the end of the year, although other countries have also been invited to participate in this exercise," Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said on Monday. Irani said preserving and protecting the interests and economic resources of the Islamic Republic is the most important mission of the Iranian Navy. "This exercise will be carried out with the aim of protecting the security of the region and common interests," he added. The commander further said that the Navy, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces, plans to add several ships to its naval fleet by mid-March. In March 2023, naval forces from the three allied countries carried out a joint drill in the Sea of Oman, code-named Security Bond-2023. 4353**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran starts construction of fourth nuclear reactor in Isfahan: AEOI IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has announced that the Islamic Republic has kicked off building the foundation for a home-grown nuclear reactor in the central city of Isfahan. Mohammad Eslami said on Monday that the 10-megawatt research reactor in Isfahan will become Iran's fourth nuclear reactor in the region. Eslami said that the process of designing and constructing reactors requires some detailed studies, preparation, and equipment designs, adding that plans for the new reactor in Isfahan had started last year. He said that the a second phase of the project started on Monday with pouring concrete for the foundation of the reactor. According to the AEOI chief, the research reactor is being constructed to create a powerful neutron source with high neutron flux for a variety of applications. Eslami said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has referred to the nuclear research center in Isfahan as one of the facilities dedicated to training objectives, adding that Iran is using the center to assist Iranian academic centers and to train human resources. AEOI chief visited Isfahan nuclear site to attend the inauguration ceremony of a unit for the production of Tellurium hexafluoride (TeF6) which is a stable radioisotopes used for medical diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 4208**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-UK military actions expose their peace-seeking rhetoric as fake: Tehran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The military actions of the United States and the United Kingdom contradict their claims of not seeking the expand the scope of the Zionist regime's war on Gaza, says Tehran. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the international community cannot count on the two countries for international peace and security, as they protect the interests of the Zionist regime over the interests of other nations, governments, and the international community. "The military actions of the United States and Britain in the region and their continued support for Israel's warmongering are contradictory to the rhetoric and claims that they do not want to expand the war and crisis," he said. He further said that the US is either confused or inflicted with contradictions in its words and actions and went on to argue that Washington's actions clearly show that it wants to enable the Zionist regime to continue its crimes. "The focal point of the crisis in the region is the continuation of Israel's war with the support of the US and Britain against the Palestinian people, and the basic solution is to end this war crime and genocide," Kanaani noted. He further said attacking other countries in the region is a violation of the national sovereignty of Syria, Iraq, and Yemen and is a "desperate attempt" to divert public attention from the center of the regional crisis, which is in Gaza, to other areas. "The US and Britain do not have a correct understanding of international issues and their solutions, and instead of paying attention to the cause, they pay attention to the effect," the Foreign Ministry spokesman maintained. Issue of Yemen The Islamic Republic of Iran announced the cancellation of tourist visas for citizens of 28 countries on February 4, Kanaani said. The action comes in line with the government's policy to bolster relations with various friendly and neighboring countries. Iran expects similar moves from other countries, he further noted. As to the meeting of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen with the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, he said that the visit took place in line with Iran's continued consultations with the United Nations on the issue. Holding talks on the latest developments in Yemen about the stability and security in the Arab country has been among the agenda of bilateral dialogue, he underscored. Iran is seriously resolved in supporting Yemen, he said, adding that the Islamic Republic is using all its diplomatic power in this regard. Since the onset of the Yemen crisis, Iran has called for adopting a political solution, he noted. The Islamic Republic has regarded the adoption of a military solution ineffective, he further noted. He expressed satisfaction that various players (in the region) have started to focus on dialogue to resolve the crisis in Yemen after nine years. Iran-Afghanistan water right This issue is on the agenda of talks with the Afghan delegation at different levels and is one of Iran's constant demands, Kanaani said. Our negotiations are on bilateral issues and the current developments in Afghanistan, he added. Iran-Iraq relations Iran and Iraq enjoy strong relations and there is no obstacle in this regard, he said. We have also good trade and economic relations with the Iraqi Kurdistan region, he added. We are optimistic that the relations between Iran and Iraq will continue to grow, he stated. Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council visit to Iraq This trip is within the framework of cooperation between the two sides and in line with the continuation of security talks between Iran and Iraq. The two sides will discuss the process of fighting terrorism to strengthen security cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the region. 'US, not Iran, has regional proxy' Kanaani emphasized that Iran is not after escalating tensions in the region, but rather, seeks to pave the ground for peace and stability and prevention of the spillover of the crisis across the region. "Iran does not have a proxy group in the region," he asserted, adding, "It is the US that uses the Zionist regime to secure its interests in the region." He also dismissed the need for direct talks between Tehran and Washington, saying the two sides have exchanged messages through intermediaries. US is part of region's problems The solution to the problem and crisis in the region is clear, he said. "Peace and stability in the region depends on stopping the war in Gaza." "Today, the US is not a part of the solution to the Gaza crisis, but it is a part of the crisis because it has provided full support to the Zionist regime in committing its crimes and has repeatedly prevented the UN Security Council from fulfilling its duties," the spokesman remarked. In response to a question by IRNA's correspondent about the level of Iran's participation at the UN Security Council meeting on recent US attacks on Syria and Iraq, Kanaani said the permanent representative of Iran will attend the meeting. Diplomatic relations of Iran and Afghanistan About the regional contact group which has been formed to resolve the crisis in Afghanistan, Kanaani said that the initiative of setting up a regional contact group to resolve the issues of the neighboring country was put forward by Iran at the Moscow summit nearly four months ago. Iran held talks with respective parties in this regard, he said, adding that a regional contact group including Iran, China, Russia, and Pakistan was eventually formed. The countries agreed to hold a meeting in Kabul, he said, noting that the meeting was convened on January 29 in Kabul. "At the meeting, the participants discussed the ongoing developments in Afghanistan in a bid to help restore and expand stability, peace and development in the country." He expressed hope that the people of Afghanistan would witness an improvement. Presence of American actress in Iran Regarding the presence of an American actress in Iran, Kanani said, "I have no information about this." American citizens are not prohibited from traveling to Iran just as Iranian citizens have no problem entering the US, he said. Issues on Arash Gas Field Regarding the Arash Gas Field and the claims of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in this regard, he said that he has clearly expressed Iran's stance on the issue. What is raised could be followed up within the framework of the legal mechanism between the two countries, the official noted. Kanaani advised the countries to refrain from raising the technical topics on the media as the move would be of no use in resolving the issue. Sudanese FM visit to Iran We had close relations in the past, he said, adding that unfortunately, the former government of Sudan had severed relations with Iran based on a false reason. The two countries are paving the ground for the reopening of their embassies, and this trip is carried out in the framework of strengthening relations, he stated. Unfortunately, we are witnessing an internal conflict in Sudan, Kanaani said. Iran's policy has been to establish stability and security, he stressed. We emphasize stopping the conflict and the intra-Sudanese talks, he said. South Africa's complaint against Israel Iran has supported South Africa's complaint and encouraged other countries to do so, he said. US national security advisor's claims on the possibility of attacking Iran Iran is not after escalating tension and crisis in the region, Kanaani said. Iran has shown that it has decisively fought any threats against its sovereignty and territorial integrity and will not hesitate to use its capabilities for any regrettable response. 4354**7129**9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Raeisi: Iran's core policy supports distancing of countries from Israel Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 4:36 PM Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Islamic Republic's core policy is to support countries' distancing from Israel. "Negligence by some Muslim countries with respect to this principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has inflicted a heavy blow to the Islamic Ummah," Raeisi said in a meeting with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq Ali in Tehran on Monday. He added that the criminal Israeli regime has always hatched plots to obstruct Muslim countries' path towards progress. Israel would be neither a friend of Muslim countries nor interested in their development, he emphasized. The Iranian president criticized some Muslim countries' move to normalize relations with the Tel Aviv regime, which he said runs counter to their nature. "Had these countries tried to cut off their relations with the Zionists, today we would not have witnessed the continuation of attacks and bombings against the oppressed and Muslim people of Gaza," Raeisi pointed out. Four Arab countries - the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco - agreed to normalize relations with Israel under US-brokered agreements in 2020, when former US President Donald Trump was in office. Spearheaded by the UAE, the move has sparked widespread condemnations from the Palestinians as well as nations and human rights advocates across the world, especially within the Muslim world. Palestinians see the accords as a stab in their back and a direct affront to their cause to liberate their lands from Israeli occupation. Elsewhere in his remarks, Raeisi said Iran fully supports Sudan's territorial integrity and the establishment of a powerful government in the African country. He also welcomed revival of mutual relations after seven years of hiatus. Pointing to the two countries' capacities and determination to promote political, economic and cultural relations, he added that the exchange of ambassadors and the reopening of embassies in Tehran and Khartoum have prepared an appropriate ground for enhanced relations. Back in October 2023, Iran and Sudan agreed to restore diplomatic relations after seven years to serve the two countries' interests. Tehran and Khartoum decided to restore relations after Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a China-brokered agreement in March 2023 to resume ties following a seven-year break. Riyadh closed its diplomatic missions in Tehran in 2016 after they were ransacked by protesters enraged by the Saudi execution of top Shia cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. For his part, the Sudanese foreign minister said his country is keen to restore its political and diplomatic relations with Iran. He commended Iran's political support for Sudan in international circles and said Khartoum is ready to develop economic and commercial cooperation with Tehran. In a meeting earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Sudanese counterpart expressed the determination of their countries to strengthen cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Russia, China to hold joint naval drill in coming weeks: Top cmdr. Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 3:27 PM The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy says naval forces from Iran, Russia and China are set to hold a joint maritime drill in the coming weeks. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani made the announcement on Monday, and said the joint exercise will be staged before the the current Iranian year ends on March 19 with the aim of maintaining security in the West Asia region. Stressing that a number of other countries have also been invited to participate in the joint drill alongside Iran, Russia and China, the high-ranking commander said the most important strategy of the Iranian Navy under the current circumstances is to preserve and protect the interests and economic resources of the country. Irani added that the exercise will be held with the purpose of ensuring regional security and fulfilling common interests. "We protect the Islamic Republic of Iran's shipping and assist countries that need support to ensure security and safety," he added. Irani also underlined that several ships are expected to join the Iranian Navy fleet by the end of the year. The Iranian naval forces and their Chinese and Russian counterparts have held several military drills in recent years to enhance the security and stability of international maritime trade. They have also been involved in joint efforts aimed at countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations as well as sharing operational and tactical experience. In March 2023, the Iranian, Chinese and Russian naval forces staged the 2023 Marine Security Belt war game in the northern parts of the Indian Ocean, which was the fourth joint exercise in recent years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Sudan FMs express determination to promote cooperation after 7-year hiatus in ties Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 2:15 PM The Iranian foreign minister and his Sudanese counterpart have expressed the determination of their countries to strengthen cooperation as a new chapter has opened in mutual ties after a 7-year hiatus. "The presence of the Sudanese delegation in Tehran indicates the firm determination of high-ranking Sudanese officials to expand relations," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a meeting with his Sudanese counterpart Ali al-Sadiq Ali in Tehran on Monday. He added that the reopening of the two countries' embassies and resumption of the ambassadors' mission would play an important role in improving bilateral cooperation. The top Iranian diplomat noted that the country has great capacities and experience in the industrial sector, technical and engineering services, modern technologies, medicine and pharmacology, which it can share with Sudan to help the African country achieve development and progress. The Sudanese foreign minister, for his part, regretted that Tehran and Khartoum had severed relations, and said his country is resolute on boosting ties with Iran in various fields. Warning about Israel's attempts to extend war and internal crisis in Sudan, the minister noted that the Sudanese government and nation support Palestinians' cause and condemn Israel's atrocities against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Back in October 2023, Iran and Sudan agreed to restore diplomatic relations after seven years to serve the two countries' interests. Tehran and Khartoum decided to restore relations after Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a China-brokered agreement in March 2023 to resume ties following a seven-year break. Riyadh closed its diplomatic missions in Tehran in 2016 after they were ransacked by protesters enraged by the Saudi execution of top Shia cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Authorities Keep Up Pressure On Teachers Over Support Of Protests By RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 05, 2024 Several Iranian teachers have been disciplined or have been called for questioning by authorities for their support of the country's students in their protests against the regime for its crackdown on freedoms and general concerns about eroding living standards in the country. According to the Iranian Teachers' Union's Coordination Council, one teacher from the southwestern city of Lordegan has lost his position, while four teachers in Mamasani, Fars Province, were summoned by the authorities to give a defense for charges of "assembly and collusion against national security." The council said Rouhollah Gerehgosha, Shokrollah Ahmadi, Jan Mohammad Ahmadi, and Ali Ahmadi, who were previously detained for their involvement in supporting the students, are the four to have been summoned. Meanwhile, Mohammad Saeidi Aboueshaqi, a teacher from Lordegan in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, announced that the Supreme Court has upheld his dismissal due to his support for the nationwide protests, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody in September 2022. On February 4, Saeidi posted on Instagram that the Supreme Court confirmed the initial verdict, stating he was dismissed for "protest activities" in recent years, for being "the voice of the oppressed and tortured people," and for "sympathizing and assisting the families seeking justice." The activist HRANA news agency had previously reported that the Administrative Offenses Board of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari accused Aboueshaqi of meeting with families of protest victims and posting content on social media that was deemed supportive of "hostile groups," leading to his dismissal from the education department. The spate of convictions and sentences are part of a long-running campaign by authorities against educators in Iran. Several protests have been held by teachers over the past year in response to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of welfare support. Labor law in Iran does not recognize the right of workers to form independent unions. That campaign has been coupled with a wave of repression against educators for their involvement in protests over the past year in support of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, which was triggered by the death of 22-year-old Amini. According to a report published by the Iranian Teachers' Union's Coordination Council in June, "over 250 teachers and cultural union activists were arrested, imprisoned, dismissed, or exiled" in the 2022 alone, and "cases have been fabricated against many teachers." Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-teachers-disciplined- questioning-protests/32806461.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran committed to Iraq's security, stability: SNSC chief IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali-Akbar Ahmadian has reiterated Iran's commitment to the security and stability of Iraq during his official visit to Baghdad. At a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Monday, Ahmadian conveyed Iran's keen interest in continuing cooperation with Iraq based on a joint security agreement to preserve the security of both neighboring nations. On March 19, Iran and Iraq signed a security agreement aimed at protecting their shared border. Under the agreement, the Iraqi government pledged to disarm terrorist and separatist groups based in the country's northern Kurdistan region and dislodge them from the border areas. During the Monday meeting, al-Sudani expressed Iraq's commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and fostering strong relations with countries in the region and beyond. However, he added that Iraq will not compromise on its sovereignty and national security. Earlier in the day, Ahmadian met with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji, and said Iran respects Iraq's sovereignty. 4353**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top security official: Iran respects Iraq's sovereignty IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian has said that his country respects Iraq's sovereignty, and that Iran's Supreme Leader always emphasizes the deep and long-running friendly ties between the two neighbors. Ahmadian made the comments in a meeting with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji in Baghdad on Monday, according to an IRNA report citing Iraqi media. Referring to the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's emphasis on this issue, Iran's top security official said that all problems can be resolved through meaningful and constructive talks. Al-Araji, on his part, described Iran-Iraq relations as distinctive and strategic, saying that the two friendly countries share many commonalities. He also said that Iraq has always sought to strengthen its relations with other countries in a way that common interests are protected based on the principle of mutual respect. Al-Araji noted that meetings held by Iraqi and Iranian officials show the depth of ties and the development of common views in the face of threats and challenges, which he said requires adopting solutions that are direct and far away from unilateralism. The Iraqi official added that participation in constructive negotiations resolves all emerging problems. According to Iraqi media, Ahmadian and Al-Araji, in addition to exploring ways to strengthen Tehran-Baghdad relations at all levels, discussed the political and security situation in the region as well. The top Iranian security official arrived at Baghdad's International Airport on Monday morning for a daylong official trip to Iraq. This is the first trip of Ahmadian to the Arab country since he was appointed secretary of Iran's top security body in June 2023. His visit comes three days after the US struck positions of resistance groups in Iraq and neighboring Syria in retaliation for the death of three American forces in a drone strike in Jordan on January 28. Tehran, Baghdad, and Damascus condemned the US strikes as a violation of national sovereignty of Iraq and Syria. 3266**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq leader assassinated in eastern Iraq: Unofficial sources IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 5, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Some regional media claimed that Naji Al-Kaabi, one of the senior leaders of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, was assassinated by unknown armed men in eastern Iraq. Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq or Iraqi official sources have not yet confirmed this news. Meanwhile, Sky News Arabic announced that unknown gunmen assassinated a prominent leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq in Maysan province in eastern Iraq on Sunday. The perpetrators of this attack opened fire at the car carrying al-Kaabi and then fled the scene, it added. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolences to Namibia's newly sworn-in President Nangolo Mbumba over the death of former Namibian President Hage Geingob. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi extended profound condolences and expressed sincere sympathy to the Namibian government and people, as well as Geingob's family. In his message, Xi pointed out that President Geingob, an outstanding leader of Namibia, had promoted the in-depth development of the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation during his lifetime and made important contributions to boosting China's friendship with Namibia and Africa. His death is a great loss to the Namibian people, and the Chinese people also lost a good friend, Xi said. He added that China cherishes the profound traditional friendship between China and Namibia and is ready to work with the Namibian side to push forward the continuous development of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. A Sweet Home man accused of attempted murder following a grisly stabbing was found not guilty by a jury. The jury came back in just a couple of hours. Kyle Thomas Sabato, 22, was arrested for second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and unlawful use of a weapon after he stabbed 25-year-old Justin Brent Jones in May. A Place to Sleep, episode 4: Sweet Home In Sweet Home, you'll find the region's only designated sleeping place for folks actively self-medicating with alcohol and narcotics. We should be thankful we can use deadly physical force, Sabato's attorney Michael Lowry said in closing remarks to the jury. He was defending himself; it was ugly; he had a right to do it. Claiming self-defense, Sabato stood trial during a four-day court proceeding last week that ended with him being found not guilty of attempted murder, assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Judge Keith Stein acquitted Sabato on the robbery charge. Defense attorneys argued Justin Jones and his brother Custin Jones who fought with Sabato before the stabbing told untruthful and inconsistent stories about what happened, both to investigating authorities and in court. The case was set for trial in mid-December, but it was declared a mistrial after a juror saw Sabato being escorted from the courtroom by Linn County Sheriffs Office deputies. Court rules prohibit jurors from seeing a defendant in restraints. Also, the docket that hung outside the courtroom listed Sabatos case and could have been seen by jurors during breaks in the proceedings. The document showed he was in custody and restraints were authorized. Two-on-one fight A Sweet Home police officer who responded to the scene on May 5 in the 1500 block of Ninth Avenue said Jones injuries were so severe that his intestine was visible, and he was bleeding profusely. Close Kyle Sabato testifies in his attempted murder trial at the Linn County Circuit Court on Thursday, Feb. 1. Justin Jones was stabbed nine times during a fight with Kyle Sabato, whom he hit several times in the head with a rake. Prosecutor Conor McCahill shows jurors the shattered rake with which Justin Jones hit Kyle Sabato. Prosecutor Conor McCahill shows a blood-stained knife to the jury during Kyle Sabato's trial. Sabato said he used the knife in self-defense. Custin Jones knocked out Kyle Sabato after his brother, Justin Jones, was stabbed by Sabato during a fight. Police body camera footage shows Kyle Sabato being interviewed after he stabbed Justin Jones in self-defense. Kyle Sabato, left, watches police body camera footage of Justin Jones played by Prosecutor Conor McCahill during the stabbing trial. Photos: 4-day stabbing trial ends with not-guilty verdict See main story here. Kyle Sabato testifies in his attempted murder trial at the Linn County Circuit Court on Thursday, Feb. 1. Justin Jones was stabbed nine times during a fight with Kyle Sabato, whom he hit several times in the head with a rake. Prosecutor Conor McCahill shows jurors the shattered rake with which Justin Jones hit Kyle Sabato. Prosecutor Conor McCahill shows a blood-stained knife to the jury during Kyle Sabato's trial. Sabato said he used the knife in self-defense. Custin Jones knocked out Kyle Sabato after his brother, Justin Jones, was stabbed by Sabato during a fight. Police body camera footage shows Kyle Sabato being interviewed after he stabbed Justin Jones in self-defense. Kyle Sabato, left, watches police body camera footage of Justin Jones played by Prosecutor Conor McCahill during the stabbing trial. Jones suffered an evisceration from his navel to his hip, a full thickness laceration to his left thigh that exposed the bone, and multiple stab wounds to the back from his lumbar to his thoracic vertebrae, according to court records. A court document filed by Sabatos defense lawyers states the three men were all staying at the residence in the weeks leading up to the fight. In court, Sabato described consuming numerous alcoholic beverages the day of the fight, and Justin Jones said he had smoked heroin or fentanyl. Custin Jones said he had taken the prescription drug Xanax. Sabato testified at the trial that he came to collect his belongings from the home on Ninth Avenue, where he had been staying until a break up with his girlfriend, who lived there. While he was outside the house, a fight broke out among him and the Jones brothers, who are cousins of Sabatos former girlfriend. In the scuffle, Justin Jones grabbed a rake from the front of the house and hit Sabato with it several times, according to testimony, court documents and video footage. Sabato reportedly stabbed Justin Jones nine times before Custin Jones choked out Sabato, who got back up to fight but was then knocked out by Custin Jones. When police arrived at the scene, Sabato was sitting on the porch with blood covering his hands and face. A 3-inch Kershaw-brand knife belonging to him was found with blood on the blade in the driveway. Body camera footage shown in court captured Justin Jones sitting in a car in the driveway with his intestine exposed under his shirt. Self-defense strategy Sabatos defense attorneys zeroed in on inconsistencies in the Jones stories, focusing in part on whether Sabato stabbed Justin Jones before or after he was hit with the rake. "The sequence of violence in this case is essential to understand," Lowry said. As a side effect of either head trauma or intoxication or possibly the combination of the two Sabato testified he didnt remember anything about the fight or talking to police afterwards. Although surveillance footage was shown during the trial, it was recorded from across the street and didnt capture the entire fight. Both sides played the video for the jury as they argued their cases. Sabatos attorneys said Custin Jones had their client hemmed in against a car in the driveway as the two shouted back and forth, and Justin Jones went for the rake, hitting Sabato in the head numerous times with force enough to break its handle and fracture Sabatos sinus cavity. That aggression forced Sabato to use the knife in self-defense, they argued. After he was stabbed, Justin Jones fled to a car and locked himself in, he said in court, while Custin Jones took care of Kyle, as the latter testified. Once Sabato was down, Custin Jones said he ran inside the house because he had warrants and the police were coming. Dangerous reputations The defenses trial strategy included calling on witnesses, including law enforcement, to document a history of violent and criminal behavior on the Jones brothers part, a reputation the attorneys said Sabato knew. It informed his decision to use deadly force to save his own life, his lawyers said. One such witness, Jennifer Gibbs, told the court Justin Jones trespassed on her property, and when confronted, said he was high on Xanax and threatened to shoot her and her family. He reportedly told her he was carrying a .45 pistol, though no weapons were found when police caught up to him. Another witness, Rylee Teigen, testified that she was harassed by Justin Jones at her workplace, slashing her tires twice, which prompted her to obtain a stalking protection order. He was convicted of second-degree criminal mischief for the tire slashings. Teigens roommate, Cheyanne Davis, also testified about having problems with Justin Jones bothering her. The stalking protective order prohibits him from contacting anyone related to or sharing a home with Teigen, but Davis said he sent her numerous unwelcome messages. Additionally, the defense cited that Justin Jones had been convicted of physical harassment for pepper spraying his own brother, for which hes currently on probation. Custin Jones was brought to court in shackles and an inmate jumpsuit. Hes currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for first-degree burglary, stemming from the theft of a Lebanon residents wallet that Custin Jones took as he was knocking on doors, looking to collect aluminum cans. The defense also brought in the victim of a high-profile 2022 assault for which Custin Jones was convicted of third-degree assault. The victim was 13 years old when Custin Jones, then 21, and at least five others ranging in age from 14 to 18 ganged up on the boy near Sweet Home High School. Custin Jones was serving probation for his role in the attack when the fight with Sabato occurred. In court, he said the assault on the boy was a case of mistaken identity. Related stories: Senior anti-terror resistance leader assassinated by unknown gunmen in southern Iraq Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 10:28 AM A high-profile member of the Iraqi anti-terror Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq resistance group has been fatally shot by unidentified assailants in the southeastern province of Maysan. A security source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Iraq's Shafaq News Agency that two gunmen ambushed Naji al-Ka'abi, better known by the nom de guerre Abu Ali al-Ka'abi, and opened fire at him as he was driving a car along a road in the al-Askari district of the province late on Sunday. The armed men then fled the scene on a motorbike, and a search is underway to hunt them down. An extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Ka'abi, who was in charge of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq public relations bureau in Maysan, has also been launched. Qais al-Khazali, secretary general of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq group, has strongly condemned the deadly attack, calling on his fellow fighters to exercise self-restraint and urging Maysan provincial officials to provide details about the incident. He asked authorities in the southern Iraqi province to capture thugs and rogue elements and uproot criminal gangs wreaking havoc there. Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq is a part of the Iraqi anti-terror Popular Mobilization Units, better known by the Arabic word Hashd al-Sha'ab. Hashd al-Sh'abai (PMU) fighters have played a major role in the liberation of Daesh-held areas to the south, northeast and north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad ever since the terrorists launched an offensive in the country in June 2014. Back in 2016, the Iraqi parliament approved a law giving full legal status to the PMU fighters. It recognized the PMU as part of the national armed forces, placed the forces under the command of the prime minister, and granted them the right to receive salaries and pensions like the regular army and police forces. Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq is staunchly opposed to the presence of American occupation troops, who are required to leave Iraq under a resolution passed by the Arab country's parliament on January 5, 2020. It was approved two days after the US assassinated Iran's anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi trenchmate Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of Hashd al-Sha'abi, two influential figures in the fight against the Daesh terrorist group. However, Washington has been dragging its feet on the troop pullout and targeting anti-terror groups from time to time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Strikes Stoking Tensions with Iraq By Jeff Seldin February 06, 2024 The latest wave of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, aimed at pounding targets associated with almost 170 attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. forces in the region, appears to be expanding the fissure between Washington and Baghdad. Friday's airstrikes targeted three locations in Iraq, as well as another four in Syria, and destroyed more than 80 individual targets, ranging from command-and-control centers and intelligence hubs to missile and drone storage facilities, according to the latest U.S. assessments. The Pentagon said Monday that an unspecified number of militia members were also likely killed or wounded, though it ruled out the deaths of any Iranian officials or operatives. But while U.S. officials defended the strikes as necessary following a drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan last month, Iraqi officials have voiced increased anger, summoning the U.S. charge d'affaires in Baghdad to protest the U.S. strikes after alleging some of the targets were part of the government's own security forces. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani declared an official period of mourning for those killed in the bombings and raised the prospect of repercussions in advance of a meeting with a member of Iran's Supreme National Security Council in Baghdad on Monday. Iraqi officials expressed additional anger, arguing that contrary to initial U.S. statements, Baghdad was not alerted to the strikes ahead of time. The U.S. State Department admitted Monday that Iraq was not given any warning but added the U.S. strikes should not have come as a surprise. "Every country in the region understood that there would be a response after the deaths of our soldiers," State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters Monday. "As for this specific response on Friday, there was not a pre-notification," he said. "We informed the Iraqis immediately after the strikes occurred." The Pentagon on Monday also pushed back against some of the Iraqi assertions. "As we conduct these strikes, we are very focused on Iranian-backed proxy groups," said Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder. "That is our focus. It's not on striking ISF, or Iraqi Security Forces, or personnel that are part of the legitimate Iraqi Security forces. We're striking terrorist groups that are supported by the IRGC [Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]." Ryder added, however, that as of now, the U.S. has no plans for a long-term military campaign against the militias in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. has about 2,500 troops in Iraq tasked with advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces as they pursue the remnants of the Islamic State terror group, also known as ISIS or Daesh. And while talks between the U.S. and Iraq are underway to eventually reduce the U.S. military footprint and transition from the counter-IS mission to what officials describe as a more traditional military-to-military relationship with Baghdad, the process has been complicated by the attacks. U.S. military officials told VOA there have been at least three additional attacks by the Iranian-backed militias active in both Iraq and Syria, following the U.S. airstrikes Friday. The most recent attack came early Monday, officials said, when a single rocket was lobbed at U.S. and coalition forces at the Mission Support Site Euphrates base in eastern Syria but failed to cause any damage. An earlier attack, however, targeting the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces on Sunday, did hit its mark. Officials said a one-way attack drone hit the base at the Omar Oil Field, near Deir el-Zour, causing multiple SDF casualties. SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami said on social media that the drone attack killed six SDF fighters. The SDF base is located near the U.S. position known as Green Village. The U.S. also confirmed an attack by Iran-backed militias on Friday, when multiple rockets targeted Mission Support Site Euphrates base. No injuries or damage were reported. The three latest attacks were the first since the U.S. unleashed a series of airstrikes that hit 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria late Friday, dropping more than 125 precision munitions in about a half-hour. Iranian officials have condemned the U.S. strikes, calling them a violation of Syrian and Iraqi sovereignty. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani further described the U.S. strikes as "a serious strategic mistake." Syrian opposition activists say at least 29 fighters were killed in Syria, while Iraqi officials said at least 16 militia members were killed with another 36 wounded. The renewed attacks by Iran-backed militias in Syria come as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to threaten international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, despite a new wave of airstrikes Saturday by an international coalition led by the U.S. and Britain. A suspected Houthi drone damaged a ship in the southern Red Sea early Tuesday. The Barbados-flagged, UK-owned cargo ship sustained minor damage on its port side, according to the British security firm Ambrey. The attack came hours after the U.S. military said it conducted its latest self-defense strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the region, said the strikes hit two explosive drone vessels that "presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region." U.S. strikes Sunday hit Houthi cruise missiles, and on Saturday the U.S. and Britain struck at least 36 Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis have said their Red Sea attacks are in solidarity with the people of Gaza and vowed to continue despite the U.S. and British strikes. "Our war against Israel is moral because its goal is to stop the crimes of genocide in Gaza and allow the entry of food, medicine, and fuel to its besieged residents, and this goal represents the will of all the free people of the world," Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, wrote Monday on X. Russia seized on the U.S. retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria to call for an urgent session of the U.N. Security Council Monday to press for international condemnation of Washington. "We decisively condemn this new brazen act of aggression of the U.S. against a sovereign state, creating further risks and increasing the level of instability in a region that is already on fire," Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council. Several council members expressed concern at both the attacks on U.S. personnel and the retaliatory strikes, urging maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. Syria's envoy rejected what he said are Washington's "flimsy claims" to justify its strikes, while Iran's ambassador appeared to try to distance Tehran, saying "resistance groups" in the region are independent and make their own decisions. Iraq's representative criticized the U.S. strikes, saying his government will not allow its territory to be used for score-settling. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching and U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu Meets with French Foreign Minister Stephane SAjournA Israel - Prime Minister's Office The 37th Government 05.02.2024 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, met with French Foreign Minister Stephane SAjournA. Prime Minister Netanyahu: "First, I want to welcome you and thank you for the stalwart support, consistent support that France took against the savagery from day one, your position on the ICJ and this absurd accusation of genocide against Israel, and many other things, and also the effort to help with humanitarian medical assistance, and - of course - our cooperation on the question of Lebanon. We have a lot to talk about." French Foreign Minister SAjournA: "This meeting is important for us because we are at an important moment. You are familiar with France's positions, which have been consistent since you met with the President of the Republic, who has reiterated his words. France has very strongly condemned the events of October 7. Together with the President of the National Assembly, a member of my party, we organized a very large, successful, demonstration against antisemitism." Prime Minister Netanyahu asked Foreign Minister SAjournA to convey his great appreciation to President Macron. Also participating in the meeting were the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff, the Director of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Adviser and the French Ambassador to Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arakan rebels in Myanmar's Rakhine seize outpost on Bangladesh border The attack prompted dozens of border guards to flee across the border to safety. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.05 -- The anti-junta Arakan Army seized an outpost manned by the military-affiliated Border Guard Force along western Myanmar's border with Bangladesh on Sunday, confiscating arms and equipment, according to residents and an alliance of ethnic rebels. The attack marked the latest blow to Myanmar's military in Rakhine state, where the ethnic Arakan Army, or AA, ended a ceasefire in November that had been in place since the junta assumed power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup d'etat. The AA took control of the Taung Pyo Let Yar outpost in Maungdaw township on Sunday afternoon, taking prisoners and prompting nearly 60 fighters with the Border Guard Force, or BGF, to flee towards the border, the Three Brotherhood Alliance - of which the AA is a member - said in a statement. The statement by the alliance, which also includes the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, said that AA fighters were killed in the battle, although it did not provide details of the number of casualties. It said the AA is also attacking a nearby BGF outpost called Taung Pyo Let Wae. The two outposts, located just north of the seat of Maungdaw township, are vital to the junta and each were manned by at least 100 soldiers, residents told RFA Burmese. Photos and videos of the battle posted to social media appeared to show BGF troops running towards the Bangladesh border amid volleys of gunfire, as well as wounded BGF fighters. Media reports cited officials in Bangladesh as saying that at least 95 Myanmar border guards, some of whom are wounded, have fled across the border over the last few days. Reports said the Myanmar border guards had been provided shelter at Bangladesh Border Guard outposts and that at least 24 of them had been sent to hospitals in neighboring Cox's Bazar district to be treated for their wounds. Fierce fighting continued in the area on Monday, residents said, and the military sent a jet fighter to carry out an airstrike. One resident of Maungdaw who declined to be named due to security concerns said the AA began attacking the outposts on Saturday, forcing villagers to flee to the border for safety. "Some local residents fled to Bangladesh, while others dug bunkers and took shelter," he said. "Fighting is ongoing ... so [people] don't dare stay there. A plane came and attacked two or three times." More than 1,000 people live in the Taung Pyo area, including residents of nearby Thin Baw Hla and Mee Taik villages who were displaced by fighting between the military and anti-junta forces in 2022. The junta has not released any information about the attacks on the BGF outposts in Maungdaw or troops fleeing to Bangladesh. Calls by RFA to Hla Thein, the junta's attorney general for Rakhine state, went unanswered Monday. Fighting spills across border At least two people in Bangladesh - a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya refugee - were killed on Monday when a mortar shell fired from Rakhine exploded on the woman's house in Bandarban district near where the fighting was happening, media reports said, citing Bangladeshi government officials. Police identified the two victims who died in the mortar explosion as Hosne Ara, 50, a local resident, and Nobi Hossain, 65, a Rohingya laborer who was working at her house. "Firing and shelling had intensified since the morning. Suddenly, a mortar shell landed in my sister's house and exploded. She died," Shah Alam, Hosne Ara's brother, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated news outlet, on Monday. Iman Hossain, the son of the dead Rohingya laborer, said his family had received the news that his father was killed in the explosion. "We came to Bangladesh from Myanmar to save our lives. But my father died in a Myanmar mortar shell [explosion]. What else can be more painful than this?" Nobi Hossain told BenarNews. Some 1 million ethnic Rohingya refugees have been living in Bangladesh since 2017, when they were driven out of Myanmar by a military clearance operation. 'AA will press further' Another resident of Rakhine's Maungdaw township, who also spoke on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal, said only 10 BGF battalions and three BGF tactical forces remain there and in nearby Buthidaung township. "I believe the AA will press further," he said. "If the outposts of Taung Pyo are captured, I think that [cross-border] trade will resume in Rakhine state. Also, I think, the rest of the outposts in the area will be attacked, too." The resident said the AA is likely targeting outposts along the border to reestablish trade routes with Bangladesh, which had been blocked by the military. "When the junta blocked the roads to Rakhine, all goods became scarce, so the AA feels they have the responsibility to reopen them," he said. "Therefore, it can be assumed that the main reason for the attacks in Maungdaw are to reestablish trade with Bangladesh." The AA announced in December that it had captured more than 60 BGF outposts since November, when fighting resumed in Maungdaw township. The group claimed that junta troops retreated from most of the outposts because they were "afraid of being attacked." The AA has launched offensives against junta bases in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun and Ramree townships. Rohingya refugees Meanwhile, in Rakhine's Taung Nyo township, where clashes between the military and the AA are now raging, the junta has set up temporary camps to receive some of the Rohingya refugees who have been living in Bangladesh. Khin Maung, an aid worker who is assisting the refugees, told RFA that the return of the Rohingyas is still "a long way off," due to intense fighting in the area. "How will the Rohingya return to an area where this kind of fighting is going on?" he asked. "We ran away in the past because we couldn't live in such a situation. Now the situation has returned to the way it was before, so how can we go back? There is no favorable situation to return." Amid the worsening conflict, the United Nations Security Council planned to meet Monday to discuss the crisis in Myanmar. Britain, France and the United States - three permanent Security Council members - and six other countries issued a joint statement on Monday expressing concern about what they called the "dire" situation in Myanmar, where the U.N. says some 2.6 million people have been displaced by fighting since the coup. Specifically, they noted that conditions in Rakhine state had "further deteriorated" and called for "the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return" of the Rohingyas and internally displaced persons. Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news outlet. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta airstrike on school in Kayah state kills 4 children As rebels gain ground, the military has increasingly turned to air attacks. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.05 -- A junta airstrike on an elementary school in eastern Myanmar's Kayah state left four children dead and 10 others injured on Monday, according to members of a local anti-junta People's Defense Force. A military junta jet appeared to drop a 500-pound bomb while children were inside the school at about 10 a.m., several members of a People's Defense Force, or PDF, told Radio Free Asia. The explosion took place in Daw Si Ei village of western Demoso township. The four children killed were between 10 and 13 years old, a PDF member told RFA. The 10 who were injured were also children, he said. Demoso township has seen increased fighting since ethnic Karenni forces and PDF paramilitaries began a coordinated offensive against the military on Nov. 11 in an attack that's been dubbed "Operation 1111." Junta-affiliated media outlets said on Monday that reports of an airstrike in Demoso township on Monday were false. RFA's attempts to contact the junta's spokesperson for Kayah state, Zarni Maung, for his comments on the bombing of the school were unsuccessful. Junta's ground losses Monday's airstrike was the latest junta bombing that appeared to have targeted civilians. Since the February 2021 military coup d'etat until the end of last month, a total of 1,429 people have been killed and 2,641 injured by junta airstrikes and artillery attacks, according to data compiled by RFA. The figures include 149 civilians killed and 267 injured in January. Junta commanders have increasingly turned to air attacks as resistance forces see more success on the ground, according to Kyaw Zaw, the spokesperson of the shadow National Unity Government's President's Office. "The army has suffered losses in the battles. Moreover, tens of thousands of their soldiers have deserted and fled," he told RFA. "At the same time, forces of the military council are committing more brutalities against civilians in accordance with the orders of a handful of senior generals." During the first year of the coup - between Feb. 1, 2021, and Jan. 31, 2022 - 109 civilians were killed and 177 were injured by airstrikes and artillery attacks. During the second year of the junta's post-coup regime, the number of civilian casualties increased almost four times to 328 killed and 768 injured. In the third year - between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024 - 992 people were killed and 1,696 were injured. Region by region The number of armed conflicts in northern Shan state with the junta fell last month after a China-brokered ceasefire was put in place. But junta air attacks in Rakhine state and the Sagaing, Magway and Bago regions significantly increased, PDF members and residents said. The junta attacked villages in Seik Phyu township in Magway on Jan. 29, injuring three civilians, a local villager said. "Four villages were bombed by airplanes," the villager said. "Machine guns were used in the aerial attacks." The highest civilian death in January took place in Rakhine, where 35 civilians were killed and 76 were injured. The second highest figures were in Sagaing, with 37 deaths and 55 injured, followed by Shan state with 27 civilians casualties and 36 injured. RFA attempted to contact regime spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun to ask about the aerial attacks, but he was unavailable. Junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said on Saturday that the aerial and artillery attacks are effective ways of defeating resistance forces. He made similar remarks on Dec. 15. Last week, the junta extended emergency rule in Myanmar for another six months, thereby delaying the date by which elections must be held according to the country's constitution. A political analyst who asked for anonymity for security reasons predicted more bombings over the next six months as the junta becomes more aggressive in suppressing resistance forces with the aim of conducting a national census by the end of the year. A census would be a first step toward holding a general election. Translated by Aung Ning. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two children injured by landmine blast in Myanmar Locals claim the mine was planted by the junta. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.05 -- Two minors are in critical condition after stepping on a landmine, residents told Radio Free Asia on Monday. The two were injured on Sunday while helping their families measure land they planned to sell, a resident said, declining to be named for fear of reprisals. The landmine was planted near Mindat-based junta Battalion 274 in southern Chin state. "They live at the bottom of the Mee Thet Kone hill," he said. "The girl stepped on a mine planted by the junta and lost one of her feet. The boy who came along with the girl was hit on his back by shrapnel." The boy is 12 years old and the girl is 14, but neither could be named for security reasons, residents said. The children are receiving medical treatment at military Battalion 274 in Mindat city. Locals claimed the landmine was planted by junta forces, but RFA could not independently confirm this. RFA contacted Chin state's junta spokesperson Aung Cho for comment on the incident, but did not receive an answer by the time of publication. Landmines have become an increasing problem in Chin state following the coup, especially for villagers performing agricultural tasks. Residents told RFA these blasts were never a problem before the military took power in 2021. Both the junta and resistance groups have denied planting landmines that could harm villagers, with the junta telling RFA that "the military does not bury landmines in areas where civilians live." The Chin National Front spokesperson similarly claimed that its landmines are removed once fighting has ended, and that "there has never been any civilian hurt because of us." On Jan. 26, a man from Chin state's Taingen village in Tedim township stepped on a landmine while looking for his cattle, locals said. He later needed his leg amputated. In January alone, landmines in northern Myanmar killed one and injured 22, according to locals who said they could not determine which group planted them. People living in over half of Myanmar's 330 townships are at risk of injury or death from landmines, according to a December report from the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We strongly condemn the ongoing violence harming civilians in Myanmar: joint statement at the UN Security Council Joint statement by the United Kingdom, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United States. 5 February 2024 This morning the Security Council will convene a private meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar. We will hear from Special Envoy Alounkeo Kittikhoun on Laos' plans, as chair of ASEAN, to address the Myanmar crisis, and from Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for an update on the UN's efforts in this regard. I am making the following statement on behalf of Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The first of February marked three years since the Myanmar military overturned the democratically elected government. The situation in the country remains dire. We strongly condemn the ongoing violence harming civilians, including the military's continued use of indiscriminate air strikes. We echo the call of ASEAN in urging the Myanmar Armed Forces, in particular, to cease its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Three years in, more than 18 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and 2.6 million have been and remain displaced from their homes. We reiterate the Council's repeated call for full, rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need, including women, children, and members of ethnic and other minority populations. We remain deeply concerned about the situation in Rakhine State, which has further deteriorated following the breakdown of the ceasefire within the State. Rohingya, who have faced systematic discrimination for decades, continue to be disproportionately affected by the conflict. We are increasingly concerned by the restrictions on freedom of movement, as well as the denial of access to medicine and medical care. We underscore the need to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons. As set out in UN Security Council resolution 2669, we demand an immediate end to all forms of violence and urge restraint and de-escalation of tensions. We continue to urge the Myanmar military to immediately release all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. We urge all parties to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and the democratic will and interests of the people of Myanmar. W e remain deeply concerned at the continued lack of progress on these issues and once again call for the full implementation of resolution 2669. We reiterate our strong support for ASEAN and the efforts of the ASEAN Chair, and acknowledge ASEAN's central role in pursuit of a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable solution to the ongoing crisis. We call on the Myanmar military to fulfil its commitments to effectively and fully implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. We look forward to the timely appointment of a Resident Coordinator and the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar to enable close coordination between ASEAN and the UN. We continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their desire for a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nearly 100 Myanmar Border Guards Flee to Bangladesh By VOA News February 05, 2024 At least 95 Myanmar border guards have fled to Bangladesh to escape the mounting fighting between Myanmar's junta and rebel forces, according to a Bangladeshi border guard spokesman. The spokesman said the guards crossed the border to flee the fighting between government forces and the Arakan Army in recent days. The clashes have taken place in Rakhine state, which borders Bangladesh. Authorities in Myanmar have not commented. Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, said Sunday that it had seen 17 patients in Bangladesh, following the fighting at the border. "All the patients had gunshot wounds," MSF said. Two of the patients suffered life-threatening wounds, while five were seriously wounded. In 2017, almost one million Rohingyas, a Muslim minority who lived in Myanmar, were forced to flee because of a brutal military crackdown on them. Many of them now live in Cox's Bazar, a massive refugee camp in Bangladesh. Officials said Monday that bullets and mortar from the fighting in Myanmar landed in Bangladesh and killed at least two people. Some information for this report was provided by the Associated Press,and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 10 officers killed in militant attack on Pakistan police station ahead of elections Iran Press TV Monday, 05 February 2024 6:46 AM At least 10 police officers have been killed and several others injured as dozens of militants attacked a police station in northwest Pakistan early Monday, says a senior commander, amid escalating violence ahead of elections. The pre-dawn attack took place at Chaudhwan police station in Pakistan's Draban region in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. "More than 30 terrorists launched an attack from three directions. There was an exchange of fire for over two and a half hours," Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Akhtar Hayat Gandapur told AFP. He added that during the attack the militants briefly seized control of the police station. "After entering the building, the terrorists used hand grenades which caused more casualties to the police," said Malik Anees ul Hassan, deputy superintendent of police in Draban. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack and whether it was related to the elections. The attack was the latest in a string of violence that comes as Pakistan is set to hold a general elections later this week. Polls in Pakistan are often marred by violence, with candidates and rallies targeted by militant groups as well as personal vendettas. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces have become a hotbed of militancy. At least two candidates have been shot dead since January in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Rehan Zeb Khan, a PTI-affiliated independent who was shot dead on Wednesday after leaving a stump gathering in the former tribal district of Bajaur. Fifteen political figures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced death threats from militants over the past two months, a senior officer from the Counter Terrorism Department said. In the past few days, a dozen separate attacks have been reported across Balochistan, at least five of which targeted candidates from different political parties. On Tuesday, at least four people were killed by a bomb blast near a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in the provincial capital Quetta. Last week, when ethnic Baloch separatists launched raids on a compound of government facilities in a remote part of Pakistan's southwest at least 24 militants were killed, according to the military. Four security personnel and two civilians were also killed during the attack and subsequent search operations. In a statement on social media, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned Baloch separatist group, claimed responsibility for that attack. Tariq Jawad, a police official in Quetta, said on Thursday that the entire province is under threat. "Security is currently on high alert, all our teams are carrying out extra patrols, snap-checks are also being done, everyone knows that there is a threat in the entire province," Jawad said. Gohar Ijaz, the caretaker interior minister, said on Thursday that Pakistan's elections will go ahead as planned on February 8. Ijaz said a spate of attacks in the southwestern Balochistan province, where Islamabad has fought a decades-long insurgency, posed "no security threat." Pakistan has seen a resurgence of attacks by militants, especially those targeting security personnel, since 2022, when a ceasefire between the Pakistani Taliban and the government broke down. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At Least 10 Police Officers Killed In Attack In Pakistan's Northwest Days Before Polls By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal February 05, 2024 Dozens of heavily armed fighters attacked a police station in Pakistan's volatile northwest before dawn on February 5, killing at least 10 police officers and wounding six others who fled, authorities said. The attack, which comes just three days ahead of general elections scheduled for February 8, was not immediately claimed by any group. Pakistan has seen a growing number of militant attacks over the past several months. The Chaudwan police station in Daraban, a town in the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province that borders Afghanistan, was attacked by dozens of fighters at around 3 a.m., local police said in a statement. An hourslong firefight ensued between the security forces and the attackers, who also used grenades, said Daraban deputy police chief Malik Anees ul Hassan, adding that security forces were now searching for the perpetrators. The attack was the second in two months in the same district, after a suicide car bomb killed at least 23 troops and wounded another 32 outside a police station on December 5. Following that attack, claimed by a little-known group, Tehrik-e Jihad Pakistan, believed to have ties with the Pakistani Taliban, Pakistani security forces launched several operations, killing dozens of militants across the region, according to the military. Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State (IS) and other militant groups have for years attacked security forces and civilians in the border areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Violence has also been on the rise the southwestern province of Balochistan, where four police officers and two civilians were killed late last month by militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned Baloch separatist group. The recent upsurge in violence in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has prompted security concerns among authorities ahead of the February 8 election, but Pakistan's election commission, after consultations with security officials, said that polls would go ahead as planned. Central authorities said thousands of army and police will be deployed across Pakistan to ensure the safety of the election. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-northwest-attack- police-officers-killed/32805648.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indigenous stewardship of Pacific Northwest forests as a way of increasing forests climate resiliency, particularly as related to wildfires, will be the topic of Oregon State Universitys Science Pub set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Old World Deli, 341 SW Second St. in Corvallis. Cristina Eisenberg, a community ecologist and associate dean for inclusive excellence and director of Tribal initiatives in Oregon States College of Forestry, and Ashley Russell, a faculty research assistant who works with Eisenberg, will give the talk, which can be attended in person or online, according to a news release. 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. Eisenberg is a Latinx and Native American (Apache and Raramuri) ecologist with a background in Indigenous knowledge, also known as traditional ecological knowledge, a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices and beliefs developed by Tribal nations and Indigenous peoples through interaction and lived experience with the environment. It is informed by cultural practices and memories, an innate sensitivity to and ongoing awareness of change, according to the news release. Russell is a Miluk Coos and Pamunkey descendent, an enrolled citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, and assistant director of culture and natural resources for the Tribes. Eisenberg and Russell note that climate change, land-use shifts related to Euro-American settlement and the related elimination of Indigenous cultural stewardship practices, including cultural burning to manage landscapes, are increasing the size and severity of wildfires in North America, according to the release. They will discuss how Indigenous knowledge and Western science can come together in a manner that honors Tribal sovereignty rights. They will talk about their work with federal agencies and the White House to braid together Indigenous knowledge and Western science an idea called Two-Eyed Seeing to help heal the damage done to the nations forests by settler colonialism. Sponsors of Science Pub include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Old World Deli, Oregon States Research Office and Oregon State University. Registration is required to attend Science Pubs. Register to attend in person at https://univevnts.eventcube.io/events/55172/science-pub-corvallis, or to attend online at https://univevnts.eventcube.io/events/55173/science-pub-virtual. Pakistan Police Station Assault Kills 10 Officers By Ayaz Gul February 05, 2024 Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Monday that a pre-dawn militant raid had killed at least 10 police officers and injured six others ahead of national elections later this week. The attack occurred in the militancy-hit Dera Ismail Khan, where officials reported that a group of heavily armed assailants stormed a police station, using sniper guns and grenades and spraying security forces with bullets before fleeing. Area police said that a "large-scale search operation" was currently underway with the help of Pakistani troops to hunt down the attackers. All roads leading in and out of the district have been blocked. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the carnage, but suspicions fell on Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, an outlawed group that routinely stages attacks on security forces in the district located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Last December, militants, including suicide bombers, assaulted an army base in Dera Ismail Khan, killing 23 soldiers and wounding many more in one of the deadliest attacks on the military in Pakistan's recent history. That raid was claimed by the newly emerged militant group known as Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan, or TJP, reportedly an offshoot of TTP. Both groups operate from Afghan territory "possibly with support from al-Qaida," according to a United Nations report released last week. An uptick in militant violence has fueled security concerns for voters and organizers of parliamentary elections Pakistan is scheduled to hold Thursday. Several political workers, including election candidates, have been killed in gun attacks and militant bombings in the lead-up to the vote. Last week, separatist insurgents carried out coordinated attacks against security forces' installations in southwestern Baluchistan province, which borders Afghanistan. The raid in the town of Mach killed four security forces and two civilians. The Pakistani military said that its three-day retaliatory operations and search missions had killed 24 assailants. The banned Baluch Liberation Army, or BLA, took responsibility for the attacks. The group confirmed the deaths of its 13 fighters and claimed they had inflicted heavy casualties on security forces. TTP and BLA are both listed by the United States as global terrorist organizations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko's consultations in the Republic of Korea 4 February 2024 09:07 189-04-02-2024 On February 2, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko held consultations with Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won and Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Gunn Kim, and also met with First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong-kyun, in Seoul. The meeting participants exchanged views on the developments on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia in general, as well as on issues related to bilateral relations. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister expressed grave concern over the escalation of tensions in the subregion. He emphasised that the main cause of this was the irresponsible and provocative policy of Washington, which, in pursuit of its own geopolitical interests, is pressuring its regional allies to carry out its aggressive plans that could have unpredictable consequences, including in the military area. It was noted that the normalisation can be achieved if the US and its allies immediately cease their dangerous military activity and instead focus on finding a political and diplomatic solution to the existing problems. Andrey Rudenko reaffirmed Russia's firm commitment to developing mutually beneficial cooperation with the DPRK in accordance with international law and in the interests of both countries and peoples, as well as to strengthening peace and security in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. February 5, 2024 19:15 Taking into consideration the results of the Russian President's visit to the United Arab Emirates on December 6, 2023, the presidents discussed further development of friendly bilateral relations. Against the backdrop of the ongoing armed confrontation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, they reviewed steps for additional humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip. The presidents reaffirmed the two countries' position of principle - Russia and the UAE believe it is necessary to establish a ceasefire as soon as possible and resume the political process with a view to reaching a long-term and fair solution to the Palestinian problem on the known legal basis. During the exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin thanked the Emirati side for the mediation efforts in facilitating the exchange of detainees. The presidents discussed in detail the terrorist attack by the Kiev regime on the Russian Il-76 aircraft with Ukrainian POWs aboard, carried out on January 24, 2024. Russia's interest in conducting an international investigation into this crime was emphasised. It was agreed to continue Russia-UAE contacts at various levels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Storm Gladiator: How Russia Uses Recruited Convicts To Fight In 'Fierce' Assault Units In Ukraine By Daniil Belovodyev February 05, 2024 A secretive assault force called Storm Gladiator, made up of convicts sprung from prison by the Russian Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine, has been involved in some of the most brutal engagements in the war and has suffered heavy casualties, RFE/RL's Russian investigative unit has found. The investigative unit, Systema, spoke to former members, relatives, and other people with knowledge of Storm Gladiator, forming a detailed picture of its history, commanders, and recruitment practices, as well as its place among the other assault units under the Defense Ministry. Gladiator is considered an elite special forces unit and is grouped among the military's other assault units, also comprised of convicts, under the collective designation Storm Z. In addition, Systema uncovered strong indications that Gladiator and the military's other convict-based assault units are being reorganized under legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in June 2023. Gladiator may be in the process of being disbanded. Leopards And Bobcats In the fall of 2023, Russia launched offensive operations simultaneously at several points along the front line in Ukraine in a bid to secure new positions before the onset of winter. The military's Storm Z assault forces, including Gladiator, played leading roles in the fighting. "At first, we trained with Storm Z," one former soldier told Systema. "Then [commanders] showed up and selected guys for the Gladiator subunit. All of us were from prisons." Dmitry Knayev, a Russian soldier who was taken prisoner in Ukraine and interviewed in a video posted on pro-Ukrainian social media channels in December, told a similar story, saying he was serving seven years for manslaughter when he was recruited and sent to Storm Z, from which he was selected for Gladiator. Sources close to Gladiator said men were selected based on their physical condition, their unmarried status, and their military or law enforcement experience. Initial training was carried out by instructors from the mercenary group Wagner or the Chechnya-based Akhmat special forces detachment. "They are given 'difficult targets,'" a relative of a Gladiator fighter said. Like several other people cited in this report, the relative spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions. Gladiator participated in the fighting around the village of Robotyne, in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhya region, where Ukrainian forces attempted to break through Russian lines and push toward the Azov Sea coast in a counteroffensive that fell far short of its goals last year. "The main work was carried out by our neighbors, colleagues, and comrades from Storm Gladiator," Daniil Tulenkov, a former convict and fighter with Storm Z, wrote in a December 20, 2023, post on Telegram. "They are also Storm Z - they are attached to our regiment but operate as a separate unit.... The Gladiators are the main assault force. Our unit was a bit lower in status. To use an image, it is like a leopard and a bobcat." Storm Z, he continued, was mainly engaged in transportation and logistics, while the Gladiator soldiers were "fierce attackers." As a result, Gladiator has suffered heavy casualties, sources told Systema. One Gladiator fighter said the unit lost up to 60 percent of its members in three months of intense fighting last autumn - a toll that includes fighters killed or wounded but not those missing in action or taken as prisoners of war. Since the beginning of 2024, evidence suggests Gladiator is being disbanded and its surviving soldiers assigned to other units. 'Beloved Gladiators' In June 2023, Major General Ivan Popov issued an audio message to his troops to announce his dismissal as commander of the 58th Army. The address was posted on Telegram by Andrei Gurulyov, a lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party who served as deputy commander of Russia's Southern Military District from 2016 to 2019. Systema's examination of documents from the Gladiator unit confirmed that it was part of the 58th Army. "Good evening, my beloved gladiators, beloved, all one family," said the general, who uses the military call sign Spartak. He said that he had been removed from his post after complaining to the military command about "problematic issues" that he felt needed to be resolved. According to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War, Popov had complained to Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov about the need to rotate frontline troops. Soon thereafter, he was sent to Syria, where Russia has a large military presence. Popov was replaced as commander of the 58th Army by Lieutenant General Denis Lyamin, who was one of the signatories of the Defense Ministry's paper On Storm Z, fragments of which were published by the investigative media outlet IStories in October. Systema obtained the complete document, dated February 2023, which outlines the creation of assault groups comprising convicts. The document authorizes commanders to shoot soldiers "in order to ensure discipline and order" if they refuse to follow orders or abandon their positions without authorization. In November, the newspaper Vecherny Stavropol published an article that said an officer it described as the commander of the Gladiators, Colonel Aslan Shurdumov, had come to town to accept two boxes of warm socks knitted by 88-year-old retiree Valentina Potyomkina and her daughter. "I really wanted to personally shake the hand of this granny," Shurdumov was quoted as saying. "I understand that [in these socks] there is concern, pain, and emotion. They will not only warm the feet of our warriors, but more importantly, their souls." The scene was a far cry from a night in November 2013 when a 23-year-old man was shot to death and his body burned in a car in a case that shook the Baksansky district of the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria. In November 2015, Shurdumov was convicted of the crime and sentenced to 12 years in prison, a term that was reduced on appeal to 10 years. In late October, Gladiator soldiers gathered to celebrate the birthday of the unit's chief of staff, a major using the military call sign Kornet. A video of the occasion was posted on Telegram. Systema was able to identify Kornet as Vladislav Olensky, a former lawyer and investigator with the Federal Security Service (FSB) who was sentenced in 2019 to 12 years in prison for bribery and extortion. From Z To V In February 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin -- the Wagner head who was killed in a suspicious plane crash in August, two months after he led a short-lived mutiny against the military leadership -- announced that Wagner would no longer recruit fighters from Russian prisons. Defense Ministry recruiters had already been working in the prisons since the autumn of 2022. By April 2023, the ministry was looking to recruit at least 1,400 inmates into Z assault groups, each of about 100 men. The pay and benefits for the convict-soldiers were worse than those of normal contract soldiers or mobilized soldiers, but they were ensured a presidential amnesty following the completion of their contract. However, on June 24, 2023, Putin signed a law on the recruitment of convicts to contract service with the Defense Ministry, and the new system based on the law became operational in September. According to the BBC's Russian Service, prisoners recruited under the new law were being assigned to units under a new designation, Storm V. Under the new law, instead of a presidential amnesty, the convict-soldiers are granted conditional early release, and they are paid similar wages to those of regular contract soldiers -- about 200,000 rubles ($2,240) a month. The new contracts are formally for one year, but since the convict-recruits are considered "the same as contract soldiers," their service can be extended until the end of the invasion, which the Kremlin euphemistically calls a "special military operation." In January, Mediazona and the BBC reported that more than 7,800 recruited Russian convicts had been killed fighting in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion was launched in February 2022. Written by RFE/RL's Robert Coalson based on reporting by Daniil Belovodyev of Systema Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recruited-convicts-fierce- assault-units-storm-gladiator-/32806371.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Anti-War Candidate Vows To Fight As Election Commission Warns Of 'Flawed' Signatures By RFE/RL's Russian Service February 05, 2024 Boris Nadezhdin, an anti-war presidential hopeful who has galvanized Russian opposition to President Vladimir Putin, said on January 5 that the Central Election Commission (TsIK) told him a technicality could keep him off the ballot in an election next month, but he vowed to fight the allegation. Nadezhdin met with TsIK officials on February 5, five days after submitting more than the 100,000 support signatures needed to apply to be a candidate for the March 15-17 election as thousands of Russians were shown lining up to join his campaign. The 60-year-old academic and former lawmaker said TsIK officials said they found "flaws" in more than 15 percent of the support signatures in his application, with a final decision expected on his candidacy on February 7. "It will be enough for us to prove the eligibility of 4,500 signatures of the 9,209 that were recognized as invalid," Nadezhdin wrote on Telegram. "If the Central Election Commission refuses to register me, I will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court." The Kremlin's tight grip on politics, media, law enforcement, and other levers nationwide means Putin, who has ruled Russia as president or prime minister since 1999, is certain to win, barring a very big, unexpected development. But the surprising show of support for the little-known Nadezhdin, whose platform says the invasion of Ukraine was a "fatal mistake" and accuses Putin of dragging Russia into the past instead of building a sustainable future, is complicating the Kremlin's more aggressive ambition of boosting the perception of Putin's legitimacy. Nadezhdin has been supported by associates of imprisoned opposition politician Aleksei Navalny and self-exiled opposition figures Maksim Kats and Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The TsIK routinely refuses to register would-be opposition candidates on the pretext that they submitted an insufficient number of valid signatures, the entire signature process forming a kind of filter against unwelcome developments. Russia's presidential election law allows for flaws in up to 5 percent of signatures among 60,000 that are checked to approve a candidate's registration. Nadezhdin's spokesman Pavel Burlakov said, "We do not agree with the commission's decision." "The whole world has seen that we have compiled all the signatures fairly," Burlakov said. Putin was officially registered as a candidate last week and approved almost immediately after the TsIK found a flaw rate of 0.15 percent in his supporting signatures. Russian elections are tightly controlled by the Kremlin and are neither free nor fair but are viewed by the government as necessary to convey a sense of legitimacy. They are mangled by the exclusion of opposition candidates, voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and other means of manipulation. Those who were expected to be Putin's main challengers currently are either incarcerated or fled the country, fearing for their safety. In mid-November, Putin signed into law a bill on amendments to the law on presidential elections that restricts coverage of the poll, while also giving the TsIK the right to change the election procedure in territories where martial law has been introduced. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-anti-war-candidate- election-flawed-signatures/32805835.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 5, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh. The Secretary underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict. The Secretary and Crown Prince continued discussions on regional coordination to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. They discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The Secretary and Crown Prince also discussed the urgent need to reduce regional tensions, including a cessation of Houthi attacks undermining both freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and progress on the Yemen peace process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drone Attack on Base in Syria Housing US Troops Kills 6 Members of SDF Forces Sputnik News 20240205 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - A drone attack on a training base housing US troops in the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor killed at least six members of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the SDF Media Center said in a statement on Monday. "The Iranian-backed militias used the Syrian regime-controlled areas in Deir ez-Zor as a staging ground for the terrorist attack that targeted our Commando Academy and resulted in the martyrdom of six of our commando fighters," the statement said. Initial investigations have confirmed that the Iranian-backed militias were behind the drone attack against the SDF forces in the Al-Omar oil field in Deir ez Zor, the statement said. The attack was aimed primarily at hindering the joint operations against terrorism, making the Islamic State terror group* the "sole beneficiary," the statement added. The Syrian Democratic Forces, which is led by Kurdish fighters and backed by the United States, operates in northeastern Syria allegedly to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State*. *A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pentagon awards contract to make jet fighter missiles for Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 02/05/2024 11:35 AM Taipei, Feb. 5 (CNA) The United States Department of Defense (DoD) recently awarded a US$68.4 million contract to an American company to build 50 advanced air-to-ground missiles for supply to Taiwan over the next four years, according to the DoD website. The missiles, which will be supplied to Taiwan as part of an arms sale package approved by Washington in June 2017, will be used as weaponry on Taiwan's fleet of F-16V fighter jet to boost their long-range strike capabilities, according to a statement released on the website Feb. 2 Under the DoD's US$68.4 million contract, the 50 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) Air-To-Ground Missiles will be built by a unit of the American aerospace and defense conglomerate RTX Corp. and supplied to Taiwan's government over a four-year period, the statement said. Most of the production will be done in Tucson, Arizona, where the unit Raytheon Missiles & Defense (RMD) is based, and the completion date is expected to be March 2028, according to the statement. The Air-To-Ground Missile (AGM-154) is a 1,000-pound air-to-surface precision strike weapon that can carry several different lethal packages and has been integrated on a number of U.S.-made fighter jets, including Taiwan's fleet of F-16s. The weapon's standoff range of 12 to 63 nautical miles allows for it to be fired from outside the range of enemy point defenses while effectively engaging and destroying targets. When completed, the missiles will be supplied to Taiwan as part of the 2017 arms sale package, which has a total cost of US$185.5 million and includes JSOW integration, dummy training missiles, missile containers, spare parts, support and test equipment, Joint Mission Planning System updates, and other technical and logistics support services. Taiwan's Air Force recently completed the upgrade all 141 of its F-16A/B fighter jets to F-16Vs, which are now equipped with more advanced avionics, including the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, helmet-mounted cueing system, and other flight management and electronic warfare systems. In addition, Taiwan last year began taking delivery of a purchase order of 66 new F-16Vs from the U.S. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US firm to deliver 50 air-launched missiles to Taiwan by 2028 The Pentagon awarded a multi-million dollar contract to Raytheon to build advanced missiles for Taipei. By RFA Staff 2024.02.05 -- The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a contract worth US$68.4 million to a major defense company to develop state-of-the-art air-launched missiles for Taiwan, a department statement said. The contract to produce and deliver 50 joint standoff weapon air-to-ground missiles (AGM-154 Block III C) over the next four years was given to Raytheon Missile & Defense (RMD), a business segment of RTX Corporation, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies. Two-thirds of the production will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., where RMD is based. The contract is part of an arms sale package approved by Washington in June 2017 which included seven possible military sales to Taipei with a total value of $1.363 billion. The AGM-154 missiles, also called glide bombs, are 1,000-pound air-to-surface precision strike weapons that have been incorporated into several U.S.-made fighter jets, including the F-16s, to enhance its long-range strike capabilities. Joint standoff weapons if launched at a high altitude can reach targets as far as 110 kilometers (68 miles) away. Taiwan's Air Force has the largest fleet of F-16 fighters in Asia, with around 140 units, and has recently upgraded them all to facilitate the integration of the new weapons. Taipei is also buying 66 more F-16Vs from the U.S. However the purchase has reportedly been delayed due to competing U.S. military commitments across the world. Beijing has yet to respond to the latest Raytheon contract but it protested strongly when the arms package for Taiwan was announced in 2017. At that time, China said it was outraged and urged Washington to revoke immediately its "wrong decision." Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 5, 2024 ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/02/05 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 5, 2024 09:00iUTC+8i 1.Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, Feb. 4-5. 2.PLA activitiesis 2 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Five Ukrainians Killed In Kherson City, Sumy Region As Russia Steps Up Shelling Of Civilian Areas By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 05, 2024 Five Ukrainian civilians were killed on February 5 when Russian forces shelled the southern city of Kherson and the northeastern region of Sumy, Ukrainian officials said, amid a dramatic increase of the intensity of Moscow's bombardment of civilian areas. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram that Russian artillery killed four people and wounded one other person in Kherson city in a strike that occurred around noon. Russian troops also shelled the city of Vorozhba in the Sumy region, killing one person and injuring two others, the regional military administration reported. Ukrainian forces in November 2022 liberated Kherson as Russian troops retreated eastward across the Dnieper River. Since then, Russian forces have regularly targeted the city with artillery and missiles from across the river, causing numerous deaths among civilians and destroying infrastructure. In a separate Telegram message, Klymenko said that over the past week, the intensity of Russia's shelling of southern Ukraine increased by almost a quarter compared to previous weeks, causing at least a dozen civilian deaths. Klimenko added that Russian forces attacked civilian areas more than 1,500 times over the past seven days. "Attacks have been recorded on more than 570 settlements, with the largest number in the Zaporizhzhya region," Klymenko wrote. "As a result of the Russian strikes over the past week, 12 people died and 60 people were wounded." Eight explosions were recorded in the attack on Vorozhba. "As a result of the shelling, a 40-year-old man died [and] his mother was injured. Another person was also injured. According to preliminary information, five residential buildings, commercial buildings, electrical networks, and Internet connections were damaged," the military administration said in a statement. Emergency services were working at the scene, the statement said, calling on residents of border communities "not to expose themselves to danger and to take advantage of offers to evacuate to safer communities and regions." On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces fought 105 combat clashes at the front on February 5, the General Staff said in its evening summary. More than one-third of the clashes occurred in the area around Avdiyivka and nearby towns in the Donetsk region. Russian forces supported by aviation were repelled when they tried to break through Ukrainian defenses, the General Staff said. Russian forces also attacked in areas around Kupyansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Maryinsk, and Zaporizhzhya, and tried to knock Ukrainian troops from the bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region, the General Staff said. Russian forces also launched more than 30 missile and air strikes and 52 attacks from rocket salvo systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. Separately, Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of the eastern region of Kharkiv, said early on February 5 that 18 settlements in the region had been struck by Russian shells over the past 24 hours and that in total about 18 settlements in the Kharkiv region were hit by enemy artillery and mortar fire during the day. Nearly two years into Russia's mass invasion of Ukraine, the battlefield along the nearly 1,200-kilometer front line stretching from northeast Ukraine to Kherson has largely frozen, with Russia pushing forward in localized offensives near Kupyansk in the north, and around Avdiyivka to the south. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on February 5 visited a hospital in the city of Kropyvnytskiy where injured Ukrainian troops are receiving treatment. "I spoke with the warriors and presented them with awards," Zelenskiy said on X, formerly Twitter. "I thank each of them for their service. They are doing an excellent job and are true heroes. Ukraine takes pride in them." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/four-killed-in-russian- shelling-of-ukraine-s-kherson/32806138.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskiy Submits Drafts On Extending Martial Law, Mobilization Amid Hints He Will Reshuffle Leadership By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 05, 2024 Ukrainian President Voldoymyr Zelenskiy on February 5 submitted to his country's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, draft laws to extend martial law and the military mobilization in the country as Russia's full-scale invasion nears the two-year mark. Zelenskiy's drafts provide for the extension of the two measures for another 90 days from February 14, in line with the provisions of Ukraine's constitution. This will be the 10th time since February 24, 2022, when the Kremlin launched its invasion, that the Verkhovna Rada will vote on the two measures. The extensions, if approved by Ukrainian lawmakers, will overlap with Ukraine's presidential election cycle. A vote would have been held next month but is constitutionally prohibited from taking place when the country is under martial law. In November, Zelenskiy strongly hinted at a potential delay of the presidential poll, saying it would be "irresponsible" to hold it under wartime conditions. The two drafts were sent to lawmakers a day after Zelenskiy confirmed in an interview with Italian broadcaster RAI that he is considering operating changes among Ukraine's military and political leadership amid widespread speculation that he is about to dismiss General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's military. Zelenskiy, who has been reported to have a tense relationship with Zaluzhniy, said the changes he is considering are not aimed at individuals but regard "the direction of the country's leadership." "When we talk about this, I mean a replacement of a series of state leaders, not just in a single sector like the military. If we want to win we must all push in the same direction, convinced of victory, we cannot be discouraged, let ourselves down, we must have the right positive energy," he said in the interview. "I have something serious in mind, which is not about a single person but about the direction of the country's leadership," Zelenskiy added. Polls show that Zaluzhniy is as popular, if not more so, than Zelenskiy, and some experts fear that were Zelenskiy to oust Zaluzhniy it would demoralize some of Ukraine troops and undermine national unity. With reporting by RAI and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-ukraine-martial- law-mobilization-leadership/32806028.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 05.02.2024 At around 0.30 a.m., the Russian Armed Forces have foiled another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by a fixed-wing UAV against facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation. One Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down over Bryansk region by alerted air defence systems. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 05.02.2024 On 4 February at around 11.50 p.m., the Russian Armed Forces have foiled another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by a fixed-wing UAV against facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation. One Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down over Bryansk region by alerted air defence systems. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Up to 290 Soldiers in Donetsk in Past Day - MoD Sputnik News 20240205 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost up to 290 soldiers in the Donetsk region over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Monday. Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled two attacks by Ukrainian troops around Donetsk, two attacks in the Krasny Liman area and another one South of Donetsk. "The enemy lost up to 290 military personnel, two armored fighting vehicles and four vehicles [near Donetsk]," the MoD said in a statement. Ukraine has also lost up to 260 soldiers in the Krasny Liman area and up to 130 in the Kupyansk region, the MoD added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The Black Sea will be safe for navigation, as envisaged by the Ukrainian Peace Formula President of Ukraine 5 February 2024 - 22:12 One of the tangible results of the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula will be free and safe navigation in the Black Sea, and its waters will be liberated from Russian armed aggression. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Cherkasy region during a regional meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine. "We have, for example, the Peace Formula. We will ensure the first summit at the level of leaders. And we want to come up with a result, in particular, a free and secure Black Sea. Exactly as envisaged by the Peace Formula. Everyone will be able to enter the Black Sea: vessels of any size. There will be free navigation," the Head of State said. The President reminded that last year Ukraine had pushed Russian ships out of the Black Sea shipping lanes and demonstrated that export corridors work without Russian influence and there is no need to look for other ways and ports to export food. As a reminder, paragraph 2 of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula "Food Security" states that the matter of food security shall be de-weaponized. In particular, it is necessary to ensure free, full and safe navigation in the Black and Azov Seas, restore sovereign control of Ukraine over Ukrainian ports, establish new ports and expand the assortment of Ukrainian goods transported by sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Cherkasy region, Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a regional meeting of members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 5 February 2024 - 21:56 As part of his working visit to Cherkasy region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a regional meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine. The event was dedicated to the economic development of Cherkasy region: the development and support of the agricultural sector and its access to foreign markets. The participants also discussed the training of blue-collar workers and the supply of enterprises during the war. The President spoke with business representatives and answered their questions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of discussing business issues at the meetings of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. "All businesses are important to us: every farmer, every person, even those that provide 10, 20, 30 jobs. Every company, legal entity, individual is very important today," the Head of State said. He also emphasized that in order to coordinate efforts between business and the state, the All-Ukrainian Economic Platform "Made in Ukraine" was launched and the Council for Support of Entrepreneurship under Martial Law was established. In addition, according to the President, it is necessary to secure the operation of business in Ukraine in general and in Cherkasy region in particular as much as possible in the context of the war. "The number one issue is air defense. We will build it up with domestic systems, primarily electronic warfare, and powerful Western-type systems," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. According to him, Ukraine is increasing the capacity of the Black Sea export corridor and is working to create a new railroad corridor through Moldova and Romania, which will have a positive result for the economy. The Head of State also said that a new fair mechanism of reservation of employees of enterprises subject to military draft would be developed shortly. The President emphasized the necessity of holding an open dialog between the state and businessmen on this issue. "We all support our warriors, but without people working, there will be no salaries. We need to keep the economy going. But we must not forget that we cannot leave the guys on the front line without rotation. This is also very important. It is a priority today. Therefore, we adhere to this formula: you are either fighting or working for the state," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to him, it is also important to find a format for supporting businesses that operate openly and pay taxes. "I asked our economists and law enforcers to develop a special approach to businesses that operate legally. Legal Ukrainian businesses during the war should have no questions from tax authorities and law enforcement officers," the Head of State noted. According to the President, such protection from the state should apply not only to managers and owners of companies, but also to their employees. For their part, entrepreneurs working in the agricultural sector thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his entire team for restoring navigation in the Black Sea and ensuring the operation of the grain corridor, which allowed Ukrainian farmers to export their products. Business representatives also expressed their gratitude to the President and the government for the state program "Affordable Loans 5-7-9". "This is truly the support we needed. We probably wouldn't have pulled through without it," said farmer Ihor Novytskyi. At the same time, farmers asked to increase the limits on working capital for agriculture, including livestock. At the end of the conversation, the President thanked business representatives who, even under martial law, support the economy, pay taxes and fill the budget of Ukraine. "Especially now, when there were questions with our partners about financial support, about the money that goes to the budget to support various segments of the population. This is very important, so we are thankful to the taxpayers," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The meeting was attended by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, his deputies Oleksiy Kuleba and Roman Mashovets, First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi, other representatives of central executive authorities, MPs, representatives of the regional military administration and local entrepreneurs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine held the third round of negotiations with the Netherlands on the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on security commitments President of Ukraine 5 February 2024 - 21:21 On the instructions of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Presidential Office, the third round of negotiations with the Netherlands on bilateral security commitments was held today in Kyiv. The Ukrainian negotiating team was headed by Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva. He thanked the Dutch side for the EU's approval on February 1 of an extremely important decision to create a new financial instrument for Ukraine, the Ukraine Facility, with a total amount of up to a50 billion for 2024-2027. "The EU's sustained support and cohesion are critical for our economic and financial stability, as well as military assistance and sanctions pressure on the aggressor. All of this contributes to our common victory," emphasized Ihor Zhovkva. The parties thoroughly discussed the revised draft of the relevant security agreement and agreed on positions on certain elements of the document. The participants noted the progress made and agreed on a schedule of further actions to finalize the bilateral agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We discussed the enhancement of the veterans' policy with the Prime Minister; Ukraine needs strength, fresh energy and leadership - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 5 February 2024 - 20:19 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today is a working day in three of our regions. Dnipropetrovsk region, Kropyvnytskyi region, Cherkasy region. The enhancement of electronic warfare and bolstering of our air defense are among the main issues everywhere. Several important instructions have been given today in this regard. Dnipro. It was a real pleasure to visit Synergy Lyceum. I thanked the teachers, talked to the students. An important mood - the mood of our future, our state. Kropyvnytskyi. I held a security meeting on the situation in the region, and the content of the meeting also concerned the situation in other regions and in critical sectors of our economy. I instructed the head of the Ukrainian government to hold a separate meeting on Kirovohrad region - on all its issues. This includes ensuring a high-quality and stable water supply, the operation of uranium mines, and the protection of workers. The report is due in a week. I am grateful to everyone in Kropyvnytskyi and the region who provides assistance in building fortifications in the frontline areas, including Zaporizhzhia. We also discussed the economy: the state should support the restoration of Ukrainian production. Cherkasy. I took part in a regional meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. The main issues, of course, concerned work and development in the region. The meeting was attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Agrarian Policy. Representatives of regional business also took part in the Congress. This is one of the top priorities of our country today - to provide maximum opportunities for entrepreneurs to work for economic growth and job creation. Last year, we provided the basis for Ukraine's economic stability. Our sea corridor is working, and more than 20 million tons of cargo have already been exported by sea. We have ensured protection for the energy sector, and this year's winter and heating season are much more stable than last year. We also have agreements with our partners on long-term support for Ukraine and financial programs that increase our country's confidence. We ended last year with economic growth of more than 5%. And this year should maintain the momentum. We need transparent, clean, legal relations between state institutions and business. We need business to operate in a clean, legal environment for the sake of preserving and creating as many jobs as possible. The resilience of our economy and the social resilience of Ukraine are elements of our national resilience in the war. I am grateful to everyone who works to ensure that Ukraine can withstand. I am grateful to every entrepreneur, every developer, all our people who have created a new industry in Ukraine, in particular, the drone industry, and who are creating a new powerful Ukrainian electronic warfare system, all our IT specialists who have become defenders. The government will provide maximum support for this effort. I thank everyone who fights for our country and people! And one more thing. This morning, we discussed with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal the enhancement of the policy of heroes - the policy of veterans. Steps that will resolve the existing problems in this area and instill confidence in our people. Steps of a reboot - and not only in this area. With all due respect to Mrs. Minister, this is a matter of management only. Ukraine needs strength, fresh energy and sufficient leadership in every sector. We must win this war. And we have to do the maximum this year, do even more than possible. Ukraine will win. Glory to our people! Glory to Ukraine! And thank you very much, Cherkasy region! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Kropyvnytskyi, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on the socio-economic and security situation in Kirovohrad region President of Ukraine 5 February 2024 - 18:19 In Kropyvnytskyi, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a coordination meeting on the socio-economic and security situation in Kirovohrad region. Head of the Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration Andriy Raykovych informed the President of the current situation in the region and the protection of critical infrastructure. He also spoke about the assistance provided by Kirovohrad region to the frontline and frontline regions. In particular, the region is helping Zaporizhzhia region to build fortifications, which is a priority for the military and political leadership of the state. Kirovohrad region also participates in manning units and providing equipment to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The President was informed that almost 94% of enterprises from their pre-war number in Kirovohrad region have resumed operations. In addition, 84 relocated enterprises have been hosted here. The Head of the RMA also noted that local machine-building enterprises could be involved in fulfilling orders for defense needs as part of the "Made in Ukraine" project initiated by the President. For his part, the President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of preserving and creating new jobs in the region. The participants of the meeting also discussed the issue of water supply in Kirovohrad region. The Head of State set a task for Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to come up with appropriate solutions. The meeting also considered ways to address the most pressing social issues, primarily in terms of assistance to internally displaced persons, nearly 90,000 of whom stayed in Kirovohrad region. A regional support and integration program is currently in place for them. Kirovohrad region is actively working on arranging shelters in educational institutions to ensure the educational process. The situation in the uranium mining industry was discussed separately. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko reported on the main problematic issues in this area. Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed to work on these issues and propose ways to resolve them in the near future. In addition, the President of Ukraine heard a report from the Commander of the Odesa Operational and Strategic Grouping of Troops Mykhailo Drapatyi on the operational situation in the area of responsibility. Emphasis was placed on measures to protect the sky from Russian terrorist attacks. The Head of State instructed the Prime Minister to develop a mechanism for the purchase of electronic warfare systems at the expense of regional and local budgets to provide more opportunities for high-quality protection of critical infrastructure. The heads of the regional departments of the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police reported on measures to counter possible enemy steps related to the transit of military and humanitarian aid. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Dnipropetrovsk region, Volodymyr Zelenskyy familiarized himself with the operation of the training center for mobile firing groups President of Ukraine 5 February 2024 - 11:59 During a working trip to Dnipropetrovsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a training center for mobile firing groups. The Head of State familiarized himself with the living and service conditions of the warriors. The President was briefed on manning of mobile firing groups. He watched the training process in specialized classes with the use of multimedia simulators for the Fagot and Igla MANPADS, as well as the personnel of the mobile firing groups performing practical firing exercises. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also presented state awards to servicemen of the East Regional Directorate of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the East Operational Command of the AFU Ground Forces. "I would like to thank you for destroying enemy aerial targets, for defending our country, our families, and for protecting Ukraine. I wish you good health and only victory. Forward only! Glory to Ukraine!" the President said, addressing the servicemen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Soldiers React to Possible Dismissal of Top General By VOA News February 05, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the eastern front reacted with skepticism to comments by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hinting of a possible shakeup in top leadership positions, including the military. In a series of interviews conducted by the Reuters news agency, some unit commanders on the ground said that a possible dismissal of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi would not be appropriate at this time. Zaluzhnyi is Ukraine's top military commander. "The most popular (commanders) are those who are here, and who fight alongside the lads, who sit in the trenches," said a 31-year-old anti-tank unit commander who asked to be introduced by his call sign, Tiger. Tiger added that whoever was in charge should ensure the arrival of fresh replacement troops and a larger supply of drones a both of which Zaluzhnyi has sought. Another soldier said, "If our government wants to change someone, these changes should only make things better, and not worse." According to a December 2023 poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 72% of Ukrainians would view the dismissal of Zaluzhnyi negatively, with only 2% seeing it positively. In an interview with Italian state broadcaster Rai News 24 Sunday, Zelenskyy said, "A reset is necessary," as he considers who would be the best people to lead various sectors in Ukraine. "If we want to win, we must all push in the same direction, convinced of victory. We cannot be discouraged, let our arms fall. We must have the right positive energy," he said. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko criticized the possibility of Zaluzhnyi's firing, saying it was due to the general's leadership that "many Ukrainians truly trust the armed forces." "Today is a moment when politics might prevail over reason and country's interests," Klitschko said on social media. The mayor of Ukraine's capital city has been a vocal critic of Zelenskyy. The presidency in turn has accused Klitschko's office of inefficiencies. Citing Ukrainian and Western media reports, The Associated Press reports that Zelenskyy asked Zaluzhnyi to resign last week, but the general refused. Zaluzhnyi has not commented publicly on the reports. Tensions between him and the president have been rising since a much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive, which was launched in June with the help of an array of Western weapons, failed to produce major territorial gains in Russian-occupied areas, disappointing allies. The Ukrainian president has also been at odds with Zaluzhnyi's push for a broad military recruitment of up to 500,000 in 2024. But the soldiers in the Donetsk region, many of them volunteers, who are still fighting after two years of full-scale war, told Reuters they no longer want to shoulder the entire burden of the conflict. "The mobilization is necessary, because we don't have enough people; the enemy has a great advantage over us in the number of soldiers," said a soldier by the name of Ihor. Tiger estimated 60%-70% of the original 59th brigade was still serving, and it had not been able to fill all the gaps left by those who have been killed or injured or who have been discharged for other reasons. Mykola, 59, said he would go home when he turned 60, in line with the current rules and added he felt for younger soldiers who didn't have that option. "Everyone has to understand that the entire country of Ukraine is at war, not just those who have been fighting for the last two years," he said. In the city of Kherson, four people were killed and at least one was injured by Russian shelling, local officials said. Video from the site, released by the regional prosecutor's office, showed a completely burned-out car that caught fire after an explosion, with two bodies found inside, officials said on the Telegram messaging app. Russian forces regularly target Kherson from occupied territories on the eastern bank of the major Dnipro River that divides the region. Russia on Monday accused Ukraine of carrying out what the Kremlin called a "monstrous" attack on a bakery in a Russia-occupied city in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov further called Saturday's attack in Lysychansk a "terrorist act" on peaceful infrastructure. Russia said the attack killed 28 people. Lysychansk had a population of about 110,000 people before Russia's invasion. It fell to Russia in the summer of 2022 and is 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory. Ukrainian officials did not comment on the attack. Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of conducting attacks on civilian sites. Ukraine reporting frequent Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cities. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Accuses Ukraine of 'Monstrous' Attack on Bakery By VOA News February 05, 2024 Russia on Monday accused Ukraine of carrying out what the Kremlin called a "monstrous" attack on a bakery in a Russia-occupied city in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov further called Saturday's attack in Lysychansk a "terrorist act" on peaceful infrastructure. Russia said the attack killed 28 people. Lysychansk had a population of about 110,000 people before Russia's invasion. It fell to Russia in the summer of 2022 and is 15 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory. Ukrainian officials did not comment about the attack. Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of conducting attacks on civilian sites, including Ukraine reporting frequent Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was considering replacing several senior officials, and not just in the military, in order to appoint the best people leading Ukraine. In an interview broadcast with Italian state RAI television Sunday, Zelenskyy said "a reset is necessary," as he considers who would be the best people to lead various sectors in Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the changes could include the dismissal of his top military chief, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Last November, Zelenskyy rebuked Zaluzhnyi for telling a Western media outlet that the war in Ukraine had entered a new phase of attrition. Earlier Sunday, Zelenskyy visited Ukrainian troops on the southeastern front. Zelenskyy awarded medals to pilots and was briefed on a series of Russian attacks on targets in the Dnipropetrovsk region and on how to use Western and hybrid air defense systems to protect Ukraine's skies. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Total Energy Services Inc. (TSX:TOT) (Total or the Company) announces that its appeal of certain Canadian income tax reassessments related to the Companys conversion from an income trust in 2009 has been dismissed by the Tax Court of Canada. The Canada Revenue Agency reassessed Total for $16.2 million of income taxes owing, of which $7.1 million was previously remitted by the Company. Total will remit the remaining $9.1 million of reassessed income taxes together with interest as soon as possible and intends to appeal the judgment. Total Energy provides contract drilling services, rentals and transportation services, well servicing and compression and process equipment and service to energy and other resource industries from operation centers in North America and Australia. The common shares of Total Energy are listed and trade on the TSX under the symbol TOT. For further information, please contact Daniel Halyk, President & CEO at (403) 216-3921 or by e-mail at: investorrelations@totalenergy.ca or visit our website at www.totalenergy.ca . The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein. WASHINGTON, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constant and vigorous protection of religious freedom is essential to world peace and democracy, an array of human rights experts and religious freedom leaders told the audience at a recent event hosted by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and The Washington Times Foundation. The core value of being able to approach God without interference really underlies all freedom, said former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich during the Jan. 31 luncheon organized by UPF and the Times Foundation, which was part of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2024. A government which can block you from approaching God can block you from anything, Mr. Gingrich said. The two-day IRF Summit, held in Washington, DC and led by co-chairs Ambassador Sam Brownback and Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, shared testimonies and details about religious persecution from around the world, including Chinas attacks on Uyghur Muslims, Nigerian Muslim herdsmen killing Christians, Hindu and Muslim battles in India, and the recent massacre in Israel. The UPF and Times Foundation luncheon further highlighted the unjust efforts of the Japanese government to dissolve and confiscate assets from the Family Federation of World Peace and Unification in Japan. (The dissolution case is currently before a judge in Tokyo District Court.) The pretext for attacking the Family Federation in Japan was the July 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; the shooter reportedly said he felt hate and a grudge toward the church because his mother, a member, made large donations to it some 20 years ago. Religious freedom serves communities as well as individuals, said Prof. Cole Durham Jr., director of the Brigham Young University's International Center for Law and Religious Studies. So, if there is wrongful conduct by an individual believer (or a believers relative), that individual should be sanctioned, but the entire religious community should not be shut down or crippled, he said. Several speakers said the true reason the Family Federation in Japan is being targeted is because it publicly opposes communism, and the political opposition wants it neutralized. The Japanese Communist Party has alleged that the church is engaged in corruption and is a threat to society, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a video shown at the luncheon. Nothing could be further from the truth. The church, founded by Reverend Moon, has long stood against communism and has always championed stronger ties between Japan, Korea, and the United States. If there is anything the Unification Church undermines, it is communism. We should see the [Japanese Communist Partys] attack for what it is: an attempt to undermine and weaken the vital U.S.-Japan alliance, Mr. Pompeo added. It is not OK to engage in collective punishment or use government and media power to marginalize a faith community and make it an easy picking for state abuse, Dr. Lantos Swett said in a panel discussion led by Washington Times Opinion Editor Charles Hurt. Japan is at the crossroads, said Dr. Jan Figel, a renowned religious freedom advocate and member of the IRF Summit Global Leadership Council. Religious freedom is a litmus test of all human rights, he said, recalling how half his life was spent under the anti-religious communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia. If religious freedom is disrespected in a nation, then all other rights surely will be limited, oppressed or violated, he said. Religious freedom means we are friends [of every faith], and as friends, governments can help other governments protect it, said Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the US State Department. Church lawyer Tatsu Nakayama said his research showed that the Japan Communist Party and its activist lawyers began their Family Federation Japan dissolution campaign in 1987 and are eager now to get it done. After Abes assassination, he said, the leftist lawyers aggressively worked to defame the Family Federation in Japans mass media. They especially promoted testimonies of church apostates (former members who are actively hostile to the former faith). This includes people who, with help from these same leftist lawyers, partnered with professional deprogrammers (faith breakers) who stimulated fear about the faith and convinced them to have their relatives kidnapped, illegally confined and harassed, coerced to recant their beliefs, and then forcedon pain of more confinementto sue the Family Federation in Japan for damages. [I]n order to dissolve a religious corporation [church], criminal law must be broken, said Mr. Nakayama, whose arguments have been reprinted at length in Bitter Winter, the magazine of Center for Studies on New Religions. However, in the present case of the Family Federation, since its foundation about 60 years ago, no criminal law has been brokenwhich means there is no legal reason to dissolve the Family Federation, Mr. Nakayama said in a video. If the Family Federation is dissolved, it will not only lose its tax exemption, it will lose its places of worship, assets, everything. It will be a death sentence, Bitter Winter Editor in Chief Dr. Massimo Introvigne told the UPF and Times Foundation panel discussion. Moreover, the Japanese laws passed to sequester the Family Federation will impact the freedom of all religions in Japan to collect donations and pass their faith to their children, he said, adding that the Jehovahs Witnesses are already under attack. The UPF and Times Foundation program included personal testimonies on Japans oppression and abuse. Rev. Luke Higuchi, a US Family Federation member who was kidnapped by his family in Japan and sent to a mental hospital to break his faith, recalled the deprogrammers telling him, Unless you give up your faith, you will never be released. He eventually escaped and reconciled with his family, but his repentant father admitted he had paid a lot of cash to the deprogrammers to harm his son. Moriko Hori, president of the Womens Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), an NGO that has enjoyed general consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1997, said their global projects have been impacted by the inexplicable attacks by Japanese government officials, left-wing lawyers and mass media. For instance, years ago, the Japanese Embassy in Mozambique had recommended that WFWP and Mrs. Akiko Hozan, a school director and WFWP Japan volunteer, receive an award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. The foreign minister honored Mrs. Hozan and the WFWP with prestigious national recognition. But in 2022, Mrs. Hozan received a call from the Japanese Embassy in Mozambique, informing her that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan had decided to revoke the Ministers Award she had received for her outstanding educational work there. This occurred after Member of Parliament Keiji Kokuta, from the Japanese Communist Party, accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of having given an award to an organization affiliated with the Unification Church during a parliamentary budget meeting, according to an interview with Mrs. Hori and Dr. Introvigne, editor of Bitter Winter. Thus, due to the persecution by the Japanese government, the lawyers groups and the newspapers, our service project was crushed, Mrs. Hori told the luncheon. Dr. Michael Jenkins, president of UPF International and The Washington Times Foundation, founded by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Reverend Sun Myung Moon, stated The protection and promotion of religious freedom is the critical responsibility of all who affirm God. UPF and The Washington Times Foundation are committed to protect, defend and advance religious liberty universally. As we join together at the IRF Summit 2024 which is the global leader in this arena, we will forge our collective commitment to fight religious persecution. Together we will roll back the tyranny of all God-denying ideologies and build a better world. The UPF and Washington Times Foundation event was covered in a Jan. 31 Washington Times article, under the headline, Japans dispute with church a test of liberty everywhere. Article link: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jan/31/key-test-japans-clash-with-church-seen-as-pivotal-/ Media contact: Larry Moffitt Secretary General, North America Universal Peace Federation 3600 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 mobile: 202-669-0387 SanViejo@gmail.com lmoffit@us.upf.org Austin, TX, USA, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled Medical Implant Market Size, Trends and Insights By Product Type (Orthopedic Implants, Cardiovascular Implants, Dental Implants, Ophthalmic Implants, Neurostimulators, Cochlear Implants, Breast Implants, Others), By Procedure Type (Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Ophthalmic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Others), By End-User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Specialty Clinics, Research and Academic Institutes), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of global Medical Implant Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 105.4 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 112.6 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 203.6 Billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.8% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032. Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Medical Implant Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-free-sample/?reportid=37937 Medical Implant Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics Technological Advancements: The medical implant market is significantly influenced by continuous advancements in technology. Innovations such as smart implants, 3D printing for personalized implants, and improvements in biocompatible materials contribute to the growth of the market. Advanced technologies enhance the performance, durability, and safety of medical implants, driving demand among healthcare providers and patients. Increasing Aging Population: The global rise in the aging population is a substantial driver for the medical implant market. Older individuals often experience a higher incidence of chronic diseases and degenerative conditions that require medical interventions like joint replacements, cardiovascular implants, and dental implants. The growing elderly demographic contributes to increased demand for various types of implants. Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, orthopedic disorders, and diabetes is on the rise globally. Medical implants play a crucial role in managing and treating these conditions. For instance, cardiac implants like pacemakers and orthopedic implants for joint replacement surgeries are increasingly common, boosting the demand for medical implants. Increasing Awareness and Acceptance: There is a growing awareness among both healthcare professionals and patients about the benefits of medical implants. As awareness increases, the acceptance of implantable devices as viable treatment options also rises. This leads to broader adoption of implants across different medical specialties and contributes to market growth. Regulatory Support and Approvals: Stringent regulatory standards ensure the safety and efficacy of medical implants. Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), play a crucial role in assessing and approving new implant technologies. Favorable regulatory environments and efficient approval processes can positively impact the market by facilitating timely product launches and commercialization. Globalization of Healthcare: The globalization of healthcare services has increased accessibility to advanced medical treatments and technologies, including medical implants. Emerging economies are witnessing an uptick in healthcare infrastructure development, leading to increased demand for medical implants. Additionally, medical tourism contributes to the market as patients travel across borders for cost-effective and high-quality implant procedures. Request a Customized Copy of the Medical Implant Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/inquire-for-discount/?reportid=37937 Medical Implant Market: Partnership and Acquisitions In 2023, CurvaFix, Inc. introduced the 7.5mm CurvaFix IM Implant, tailored for small-boned patients. This innovative implant aims to streamline surgical procedures while ensuring robust and stable fixation, addressing specific anatomical considerations for enhanced efficacy in patient care. In 2022, 4WEB Medical introduced the Hyperlordotic Lateral Spine Truss System (LSTS), featuring 18, 24, and 30-degree lordotic angles. This new array of hyperlordotic lateral spine implants enhances the LTST portfolio, specifically catering to anterior longitudinal release procedures for spine correction, showcasing the companys commitment to advancing spine implant technologies. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2023 USD 112.6 Billion Projected Market Size in 2032 USD 203.6 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 105.4 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 6.8% CAGR Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Key Segment By Product Type, Procedure Type, End-User and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. (A free sample of the Medical Implant report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2023 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2023 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Medical Implant report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Medical Implant Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ Medical Implant Market: COVID-19 Analysis The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Medical Implant Market , with the industry experiencing both positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts: Disruption in Supply Chains: The COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in global supply chains due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and manufacturing shutdowns. This impacted the production and distribution of medical implants, leading to delays in product availability and affecting the overall market dynamics. Postponement of Elective Surgeries: Many elective surgeries, including those involving medical implants, were postponed or cancelled during the peak of the pandemic. Hospitals focused on handling COVID-19 cases, and patients deferred non-urgent procedures to reduce the risk of virus exposure. This resulted in a decline in the demand for certain types of medical implants. Resumption of Elective Surgeries: As healthcare systems adapted to the pandemic, there has been a gradual resumption of elective surgeries. With the easing of restrictions and improved safety measures, patients are more willing to undergo planned procedures, leading to a recovery in the demand for medical implants. Hospitals and clinics are implementing protocols to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare professionals. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: The adoption of telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies increased during the pandemic to manage healthcare needs remotely. For certain medical implants, such as cardiac devices and neurostimulators, remote monitoring capabilities became crucial. This trend is likely to continue, contributing to the recovery of the medical implant market by offering alternative ways to monitor and manage patients post-implantation. Rapid Innovation and Product Development: The pandemic highlighted the importance of innovation and agility in the healthcare sector. Companies in the medical implant market accelerated their research and development efforts to introduce new and improved products. Innovations addressing infection prevention, remote monitoring, and enhanced patient outcomes have the potential to drive market recovery. Government Initiatives and Healthcare Investments: Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of a robust healthcare infrastructure. Increased funding and initiatives to strengthen healthcare systems are likely to boost the medical implant market. Investments in research, development, and manufacturing capabilities for medical implants, as well as measures to ensure a more resilient healthcare supply chain, will contribute to the markets recovery. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the Medical Implant Market, with some challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic. Request a Customized Copy of the Medical Implant Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Medical Implant market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Medical Implant market forward? What are the Medical Implant Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Medical Implant Market caters to? What will be the fastest-growing segment or region? In the value chain, what role do essential players play? What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the Medical Implant market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20232032 Market Dynamics Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Medical Implant Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ Medical Implant Market Regional Analysis The Medical Implant Market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region: North America: In North America, the medical implant market trends include a strong emphasis on technological innovation, with a focus on smart implants and connected healthcare solutions. Additionally, theres a growing trend towards value-based care, pushing for cost-effective and outcome-driven implantable devices, and an increasing preference for minimally invasive procedures. Europe: Europes medical implant market trends revolve around the adoption of sustainable and biocompatible materials, aligning with the regions environmental consciousness. Theres an increasing demand for personalized and customized implants, driven by advancements in 3D printing technology. Regulatory compliance and standardization efforts also shape the market landscape. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region sees a surge in the medical implant market due to a rising aging population and increasing healthcare expenditure. The trends include a growing focus on affordable and accessible healthcare solutions, the adoption of advanced implant technologies, and a shift towards medical tourism, particularly for elective implant surgeries. LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa): In LAMEA, the medical implant market is witnessing trends such as the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, especially in Middle Eastern countries, and an increased focus on preventive healthcare measures. The market is influenced by efforts to address healthcare disparities, driving demand for essential medical implants and access to innovative technologies. Request a Customized Copy of the Medical Implant Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ (We customized your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customizing your report.) Still, Looking for More Information? Do OR Want Data for Inclusion in magazines, case studies, research papers, or Media? Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@custommarketinsights.com Browse the full Medical Implant Market Size, Trends and Insights By Product Type (Orthopedic Implants, Cardiovascular Implants, Dental Implants, Ophthalmic Implants, Neurostimulators, Cochlear Implants, Breast Implants, Others), By Procedure Type (Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Ophthalmic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Others), By End-User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Specialty Clinics, Research and Academic Institutes), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 Report at https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ List of the prominent players in the Medical Implant Market: Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Medtronic plc Stryker Corporation Abbott Laboratories Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Boston Scientific Corporation Smith & Nephew plc Becton Dickinson and Company (BD) Dentsply Sirona Inc. Jude Medical Inc. Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation Terumo Corporation Wright Medical Group N.V. Braun Melsungen AG NuVasive Inc. Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Medical Implant Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. Best price guarantee Free 35% or 60 hours of customization. Free post-sale service assistance. 25% discount on your next purchase. Service guarantees are available. Personalized market brief by author. Browse More Related Reports: Leapfrogging Health Market : Leapfrogging Health Market Size, Trends and Insights By Technology Adoption (Telemedicine and Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare, Blockchain in Healthcare, Others), By Healthcare Delivery Models (Home Healthcare Services, Retail Clinics & Mobile Health Units, Community Health Worker Programs, Others), By Application Areas (Primary Care Leapfrogging, Specialized Care Services, Preventive Healthcare Programs, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 Lipid-Nanoparticle Based Genomic Medicines Market : Lipid-Nanoparticle Based Genomic Medicines Market Size, Trends and Insights By Type (Liposome-based Nanoparticles, Micelle-based Nanoparticles, Lipid-Coated Nanoparticles), By Application (Cancer Treatment, Infectious Diseases, Genetic Disorders, Cardiovascular Diseases, Others), By Therapeutic Payload (mRNA-based Therapeutics, siRNA-based Therapeutics, miRNA-based Therapeutics, Other Genomic Medicines), By End-User (Hospitals, Biopharmaceutical Companies, Research Institutes, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 Outpatient Care Market : Outpatient Care Market Size, Trends and Insights By Service Types (Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), Urgent Care Centers, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Primary Care Clinics, Specialty Clinics, Family Planning Centres, Outpatient Mental Health, Others), By Expenditure Type (Public, Private), By Application (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centres, Diagnostic Centres, Others), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 Pitavastatin Market : Pitavastatin Market Size, Trends and Insights By Type (1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg), By Product (Tablets, Capsules, Oral Solution), By Application (Hyperlipidemia, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention), By End User (Hospitals, Clinics, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 North America Alginate Dressings Market : North America Alginate Dressings Market Size, Trends and Insights By Type (Antimicrobial, Non-antimicrobial), By Application (Acute Wounds, Surgical & Traumatic Wounds, Burns, Chronic Wounds, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers, Venous Leg Ulcers, Other Chronic Wounds), By End Use (Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Home Healthcare, Others), and By Region - Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 Healthcare Education Solutions Market : Healthcare Education Solutions Market Size, Trends and Insights By Delivery Mode (E Learning, Classroom Based), By Application (Neurology, Cardiology, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Other), By End User (Physicians, Non- Physicians), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 The Medical Implant Market is segmented as follows: By Product Type Orthopedic Implants Cardiovascular Implants Dental Implants Ophthalmic Implants Neurostimulators Cochlear Implants Breast Implants Others By Procedure Type Reconstructive Surgery Cosmetic Surgery Cardiovascular Surgery Orthopedic Surgery Ophthalmic Surgery Neurosurgery Others By End-User Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers Specialty Clinics Research and Academic Institutes Click Here to Get a Free Sample Report of the Global Medical Implant Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ Regional Coverage: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Rest of North America Europe Germany France U.K. Russia Italy Spain Netherlands Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea Taiwan Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America This Medical Implant Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to the following Questions. Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Medical Implant Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information? What Was the Global Market Status of the Medical Implant Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Medical Implant Market? What Is the Current Market Status of the Medical Implant Industry? What's Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What's Market Analysis of Medical Implant Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Medical Implant Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports? What Is Medical Implant Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact On Medical Implant Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends? What Are Market Dynamics of Medical Implant Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Medical Implant Industry? Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Medical Implant Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ Reasons to Purchase Medical Implant Market Report Medical Implant Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors. Medical Implant Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment. This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market. Medical Implant Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region. The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled. Extensive company profiles comprising company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players. The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions. Medical Implant Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the global Medical Implant market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole. Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth. Buy this Premium Medical Implant Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Medical Implant market analysis. The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Medical Implant market is covered in the report, as well as those companies' strategic product development ambitions. According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report offers comparable data for the important regions. For each segment mentioned above, actual market sizes and forecasts have been given. Who should buy this report? Participants and stakeholders worldwide Medical Implant market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Medical Implant industry. Managers in the Medical Implant sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Medical Implant market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Medical Implant products' market trends. Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans. Request a Customized Copy of the Medical Implant Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/medical-implant-market/ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work towards achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI provides a one-stop solution for data collection to investment advice. The expert analysis of our company digs out essential factors that help to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts apply clients inside on the aspects such as strategies for future estimation fall, forecasting or opportunity to grow, and consumer survey. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Faceboo k | YouTube Contact Us: Joel John CMI Consulting LLC 1333, 701 Tillery Street Unit 12, Austin, TX, Travis, US, 78702 USA: +1 801-639-9061 India: +91 20 46022736 Email: support@custommarketinsights.com Web: https://www.custommarketinsights.com/ Blog: https://www.techyounme.com/ Blog: https://atozresearch.com/ Blog: https://www.technowalla.com/ Blog: https://marketresearchtrade.com/ Dublin, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Netherlands Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Netherlands data center market is expected to reach a value of $2.38 billion by 2028 from $940 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 16.76% from 2022-2028 This report analyses the Netherlands data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The Netherlands data center market has the presence of around nine existing submarine cables. In contrast, there is an upcoming submarine cable in the country, namely BT North Sea, which is under development and is expected to be operational during 2023. The Netherlands data center market has witnessed several power purchase agreements (PPA) from significant operators to adopt renewable energy power sources for their data center operations and achieve the target set by the government of carbon neutrality. For instance, in June 2023, Google signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kronos Solar EDPR to procure solar energy in the Netherlands. In October 2023, the Netherlands Dutch Digital Infrastructure Agency (RDI) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched a project to support European national agencies to supervise artificial intelligence (AI). In October 2023, Dutch Vocational College, in partnership with Digital Realty, launched a new demonstration data center in Amsterdam to teach data center skills to students. In 2023, the Netherlands is witnessing investments from Global Switch, NorthC, Microsoft, Switch, Digital Reality, and Google in six data center facilities nationwide. The Netherlands data center market is also witnessing investment from the new entrant Yondr. The Netherlands data center market has around 115 operational colocation facilities. Some of the prominent colocation operators in the country included Digital Realty, Equinix, EdgeConneX, Colt Data Centre Services, CyrusOne, QTS Realty Trust, NorthC, Global Switch, NTT Global Data Centers, Serverfarm, Keppel Data Centres, Switch DataCenters, Iron Mountain, and Interconnect. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and Netherlands colocation market revenue. An assessment of the data center investment in the Netherlands by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country. A detailed study of the existing Netherlands data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about market size during the forecast period. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in the Netherlands Data Center Colocation Market in the Netherlands The Netherlands data center market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 135 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $0.94 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $2.38 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.7% Regions Covered Netherlands Investment Opportunities in Netherlands Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Factors of the Netherlands Market Investment Opportunities in the Netherlands Moratorium on Data Center Developments in Netherlands National & Regional Development of New Data Center Regulations/ Policy in the Netherlands Investment by Area Investment by Power Capacity Data Center Colocation Market in Netherlands Colocation Services Market in the Netherlands Retail vs Wholesale Data Center Colocation Colocation Pricing (Quarter Rack, Half Rack, Full Rack) & ADD-Ons Data Center Demand Across Industries in the Netherlands VENDOR LANDSCAPE IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Extreme Networks Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies IBM Juniper Networks Lenovo NetApp Oracle Pure Storage Wistron Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors Arup Benthem Crouwel Architects Deerns DORNAN DPR Construction HDR (Hurley Palmer Flatt) Kirby Group Engineering Linesight Mercury Red Royal HaskoningDHV Salute Mission Critical Turner & Townsend Winthrop Engineering and Contracting Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Alfa Laval Caterpillar Climaveneta Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Guntner HITEC Power Protection Johnson Controls KOHLER-SDMO KyotoCooling Legrand Piller Power Systems Riello Elettronica Rittal Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Socomec Stulz Siemens Vertiv Data Center Investors AtlasEdge CyrusOne Digital Reality Equinix EdgeConnex Global Switch Google Interconnect Iron Mountain Keppel Data Centres Microsoft North C NTT Global Data Centers QTS Realty Trust New Entrants Yondr EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Amsterdam Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) REPORT COVERAGE: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgear PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC and CRAH Units Chillers Units Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers Economizers and Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Amsterdam Other Cities` For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9yclr6 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 New York, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Market.us, the Dialysis Market value is projected to exceed USD 198.2 Billion by 2033, with a projected CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2033. The process of waste removal from blood such as creatinine and urea due to anomalous kidney functioning is known as dialysis. The process is broadly classified into two type such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The market for dialysis is majorly driven by end stage renal disease patients, rise in number of diabetic and hypertensive patients and extensive funding for creation of new products. Are you a start-up willing to make it big in the business? Grab an exclusive sample of this report here: https://market.us/report/dialysis-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway Haemodialysis deals with the extracorporeal removal of waste products like urea from the patients body. Based on dialysis type, haemodialysis segment accounted to capture a large market share in 2023. Service segment leads the dialysis market, owing to the service providers improved service models. The regulatory approval of new products and consumables is anticipated to boost the market in the foreseeable days. In many cases, the patients suffers from sudden cardiac arrest while dialysis, forming a major impeding factor for the market growth. Factors affecting the growth of the Dialysis market There are several factors that can affect the growth of the global dialysis market. Some of these factors include: Strategic Approach by Major Market Players: The strategic approach by major market players will propel the markets growth. The strategic approach by major market players will propel the markets growth. Rising Healthcare Cost: The rising cost of dialysis procedure will likely surge the market growth. The rising cost of dialysis procedure will likely surge the market growth. Advanced technological development: Various technological developments in the market such as haemodialfiltration and wearable artificial kidneys will accelerate the market growth. Various technological developments in the market such as haemodialfiltration and wearable artificial kidneys will accelerate the market growth. Rising rate of chronic kidney disease: There is an up surge in the number of chronic kidney diseases worldwide, further bolstering the dialysis market. Top Trends in Global Dialysis Market The launch of new home dialysis product is an occurring trend leading to bolster the dialysis market. The widening of market is further aided by the launch of new products and increase in healthcare expenditure. One of the recent ongoing trend in dialysis market is the implementation of peritoneal dialysis and increasing use of home based dialysis products, further fostering the dialysis market. Market Growth As the market expands globally, the need for smart business ideas raises. It includes partnership, company growth, and other developments. There is a high demand for the dialysis procedures because of the increasing number of renal failures. Market participants are able to align with the functional activities of the organization owing to the planned strategies, in order to achieve established objectives. It directs the decision-making and discussions of the company when it comes to figuring out how much money and resources are required to reach goals and develop operational efficiency. Regional Analysis Amongst the regions, North America holds a strong market place by holding a major market share of 31.6% in recent times. The prominence of the region is due the regions high catch of chronic kidney diseases and the high treatment rates. The rise of coronavirus infections and the associated renal failures led to high demand of dialysis requirement in healthcare sector. In addition to this, the growing number of elderly people with renal conditions forms the primary reason of holding the European region at the second largest growing position in the dialysis market. Explore the strategic advantages our report holds for your business. Request a brochure to find out more https://market.us/report/dialysis-market/#inquiry Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 116 Billion Forecast Revenue 2033 USD 198.1 Billion CAGR (2024 to 2033) 5.5% North America Share 31.6% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2024 to 2033 Market Drivers The arrival of new products and consumables is greatly enhanced by the approval of these products by the regulatory authorities. The major companies in the market collab for the provision of effective renal services in niche areas of developing countries. The rising pervasiveness of chronic kidney disease(CKD) and end stage renal disease(ESRD) are the highly provoking factor for the expansion of dialysis market. Furthermore, there is a considerable number of renal care facilities in the developed countries due to availability of skilled nephrologist. By virtue of affordable care the number of patients up surged in the renal care centres provided in the nations, hence fostering the market for dialysis signigicantly. Market Restraints Kidney transplantation still remains a top prioritising treatment for many patients dealing with chronic kidney disorders. This forms one of the biggest obstable for amplification of the dialysis market. Kidney transplantation provides log term care for the patients suffering from end stage renal diseases and 3rd stage chronic kidney diseases, thus patients are more focus on the benefitting treatment rather than going for painful dialysis procedures. Furthermore, the vascular access related complications like bleeding and cardiac diseases are the severe complications associated with the dialysis procedures. The catheters used in peritoneal dialysis leads to peritonitis which is a common complication rising from infection caused by catherers, thus impeding the market growth during the forecast period. Opportunities There is a significant focus on strategic development agreements, partnerships, geographical expansions and acquisitions to increase the market share by the major market players. The implementation of nocturnal dialysis/home dialysis is providing abundant opportunities for the market players to generate sky rocketing revenues. With this, there is expansion of dialysis centres worldwide, as there is a hefty increase in the cases of chronic kidney diseases in the countries like China, Brazil and Mexico. This offers the market with lucrative opportunities, creating a strong position in the world of dialysis. Secure Your Copy Instantly | Obtain This High-Quality Research Report https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=101342 Report Segmentation of the Dialysis Market By Type Analysis Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the two utmost segments based on type of the dialysis procedure. The subdivision of haemodialysis results into nocturnal and short term haemodylasis, leading the dialysis market in 2023 by holding a large market share of 67.3%. The haemodialysis segment holds a large market share as it is a streamlined process, maintaining a good balance of calcium and potassium in the body and lowers the blood pressure of patients. However, peritoneal dialysis is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment as it efficiently removes the toxic substance from the body along with the rising demand for home care by the dialytic patients. By Product and Service Analysis As far as products and services are considered, the dialysis market is fragmented into equipments, consumables, dialysis drugs and services. Service providers have a great emphasis on providing high quality care to patients and are focused in building the profit oriented and patient centered business models, leading the service segment to account a large market revenue share of 41.3% in 2023. Moreover, the dialysis drug segment proves to have a strong market imprint as majority of dialytic patients suffers from anaemia, leading to more usage of dialytic drugs like erythropoietin, active vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, antihistamines, etc. By End User Analysis Based on end use of dialysis procedure, the market is disjointed into dialysis centres and hospitals and home care. Dialysis centre and hospitals captures a large market share of 57.8%, owing to the rising reimbursement policies offered by renal facilities and hospitals for renal treatments. With a huge patient pool with CKD and ESRD and rising healthcare expenditure, the segment further flourishes the market in the prophecy period. Impact of Macroeconomic Factors The confluence of two significant global events, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, has left a lasting impact on the Renal Dialysis market landscape. These unprecedented events have introduced a complex set of dynamics that have reshaped the trajectory of this market in unexpected ways. As companies scrambled to enhance their online reach, the Renal Dialysis market experienced a notable upswing, as businesses sought to optimize their content for greater online visibility and engagement. Simultaneously, the Russia-Ukraine war injected an additional layer of uncertainty and volatility into the global economic landscape, as brands reevaluated their marketing strategies to align with changing consumer sentiments. Recent Development of the Dialysis Market In March 2022: SURDIAL DX Hemodialysis system in the United States was launced by Nipro Medical Corporation, for providing optimal dialysis treatment for both patients and clinicians. SURDIAL DX Hemodialysis system in the United States was launced by Nipro Medical Corporation, for providing optimal dialysis treatment for both patients and clinicians. In May 2021: Baxter International Incs HomeChoice Claria automated peritoneal dialysis equipment was added by Davita Inc into its home renal care program, in order to enhance companys home dialysis program promoting home dialysis. Download Latest Analysis Sample PDF (Including Full Table of contents, List of Tables & Figures, Chart): https://market.us/report/dialysis-market/request-sample/ Market Segmentation By Type Haemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis By Product and Service Equipments Consumables Dialysis drugs Services By End user Dialysis centres and hospitals Homecare By Geography North America US Canada Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Russia Netherland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India New Zealand Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Competitive Landscape The overall extent of competition in the dialysis market is substantial. Businesses, and by extension the dialysis market, can benefit from factors such as increased awareness, process efficiency and technological innovation. Market Key Players B. Braun Baxter International Inc. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Asahi Kasei Corporation Becton, Dickinson, and Company DaVita Inc. Medtronic plc Nipro Corporation NIKKISO CO., LTD. Satellite Healthcare Inc. Toray Industries, Inc. Other Key Players Explore Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Life Science Market Research Reports Domain About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: NEW HAVEN, Conn., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. commercial giants IBM, Google and Microsoft lead the way as the companies with the most patent applications in Generative AI (GenAI), with other major firms such as Samsung, Adobe and Intel also in the Top 10. However, the creator of ChatGPT, OpenAI, is way down the list with fewer than five patents, according to the new report IFI Insights: Opening the Patent Picture on Generative AI . IFI CLAIMS Patent Services a world leader in tracking patent application and grant data is a Digital Science company that compiles and tracks data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other patent-issuing agencies around the globe. The report shows that GenAI patents make up around 22% of all patents in AI, which is itself growing, with over half a million patents in this area in the last five years. IBM is the leading company in this space, with over 1,500 patent applications in 2023 - this is a third more than second place Google and more than double the number of Microsoft. IBMs strategy has been to focus on a limited number of areas, including AI, which has also seen it move to fourth place in the IFI CLAIMS annual patent rankings released last month. The study also drills down into where the focus is for companies in their pursuit of innovation, such as the class and type of GenAI being developed. Many companies are focusing on a class of research termed Computing arrangements based on biological models where huge computing power is required, while others such as IBM, Google and Samsung focus on all four types of GenAI outputs: video, text, speech and images. However, others such as Nvidia have a narrower focus (video and images), or only have patents in one area such as Apple (speech). Although generative AI seems so new to the world, the patent filings show us that the technologies around this form of AI have been developing for a while, said Ronald Kratz, CEO of IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. With any powerful, emerging technology, patents are a strong indicator of which companies will dominate the space down the road, said Kratz. Investors should take note of the corporations protecting inventions in promising new areas. To see the top firms, trends, and insights published today from the worlds most trusted patent data provider, visit the IFI website . About IFI CLAIMS Patent Services IFI CLAIMS Patent Services uses a proprietary data architecture to produce the industrys most accurate patent database. The CLAIMS Direct platform allows for the easy integration of applications, other data sets, and analysis software. Headquartered in New Haven, Conn., with a satellite office in Barcelona, Spain, IFI CLAIMS is part of Digital Science, a digital research technology company based in London. For more information, visit www.ificlaims.com and follow IFI on LinkedIn . About Digital Science Digital Science is an AI-focused technology company providing innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by researchers, universities, funders, industry and publishers. We work in partnership to advance global research for the benefit of society. Through our brands Altmetric, Dimensions, Figshare, ReadCube, Symplectic, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, Overleaf, Writefull, OntoChem, Scismic and metaphacts we believe when we solve problems together, we drive progress for all. Visit www.digital-science.com and follow @digitalsci on X or on LinkedIn . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce4002bf-7eb4-4d55-a3fb-187791a9bd76 Dublin, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Indonesia Data Center Colocation Market - Supply & Demand Analysis 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Indonesia Data Center Colocation Market is projected to reach a value of $1.32 billion by 2028 from $300 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 28% This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Indonesia's colocation data center industry, offering insights into the latest trends, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects within the market. It goes beyond trends and includes a competitive landscape assessment, showcasing market share analysis based on IT power capacity and revenue for key colocation operators. Indonesia is one of the major economies among ASEAN countries. The data center market in Indonesia has been growing rapidly and is the second major market after Singapore. The Indonesia data center market has several local and global colocation operators and newer players. The rapid growth in digitalization in the MSME sector and the increase in the number of technology firms in the country will keep driving colocation demand in the market. Indonesia hosts around 74 operational colocation data centers, most of which are developed according to Tier III standards. The country has local and global operators such as Telkom Indonesia, NTT Global Data Centers, DCI Indonesia, Biznet Data Center, etc. The significant increase in demand for cloud storage is driving cloud operators to invest in the market by opening cloud regions or establishing an on-ramp presence in colocation data centers. For instance, In October 2022, Huawei Cloud planned to launch a new cloud region in Indonesia with three availability zones in Jakarta, Indonesia. In terms of connectivity, Indonesia has over 50 existing submarine cables, such as the Australia-Singapore cable, Batam Sarawak Internet Cable System (BaSICS), JaKa2LaDeMa, Jakarta-Bangka-Bintan-Batam-Singapore (B3JS), Moratelindo International Cable System-1 (MIC-1), SeaMeWe-5, and others. The cables connect Indonesia to markets such as Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, France, Egypt, the UAE, Malaysia, Oman, and others. Due to the availability of several port locations, the country has several cables that connect one port to another, thus increasing internal connectivity. For instance, the JaKa2LaDeMa cable connects locations in Indonesia such as Denpasar, Mataram, Sangata, Beculuk, Toweli, and others. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS REPORT? A transparent research methodology and insights on the market's colocation of demand and supply. Market size available regarding utilized white floor area, IT power capacity, and racks. Market size available regarding Full Build Vs. Installed Vs. Utilized IT Power Capacity and Occupancy %. An assessment and snapshot of the colocation investment in Indonesia and a comparison with the Global and APAC markets. The study of the existing Indonesia data center market landscape and insightful predictions about Indonesia data center market size during the forecast period. An analysis of Indonesia's current and future colocation demand by several industries. The study on sustainability status in Indonesia Analysis of current and future cloud operations in Indonesia. The snapshot of upcoming submarine cables and existing cloud-on-ramps services in Indonesia. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 62 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $0.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $1.32 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 28.0% Regions Covered Indonesia Market Growth Factors Factors Attracting Colocation Investment in Indonesia Sustainability Status in Indonesia Submarine Cables & Cloud Connectivity Cloud On-Ramps & Investment in Indonesia Colocation Revenue & Pricing Analysis Colocation Market by Revenue Retail vs. Wholesale Colocation Retail Colocation Pricing and Addons Wholesale Colocation Pricing Key Pricing Trends Competitive Landscape Competitive Landscape by Colocation Operators Market Share by Colocation Revenue Market Share by IT Power Capacity Existing Colocation Operators New Colocation Operators Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Indonesia Facilities Covered (Existing): 74 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 17 Coverage: 17+ Cities Existing vs. Upcoming (White Floor Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Indonesia Colocation Market Revenue & Forecast (2022-2028) Retail Colocation Revenue (2022-2028) Wholesale Colocation Revenue (2022-2028) Retail Colocation Pricing along with Addons Wholesale Colocation Pricing along with the pricing trends. Existing Colocation Operators NTT Global Data Centers DCI Indonesia Telkom Indonesia Princeton Digital Group Biznet Data Center Internetindo Data Centra (IDC Indonesia) Indosat Ooredoo Lintasarta Indonet (Edge DC) Moratelindo Nusantara Data Center (NDC) Graha Teknologi Nusantara (GTN) (EdgeConneX) IndoKeppel Data Centres Nex Elitery Data Center DTP Cyber Data International Space DC Datacomm New Colocation Operators BDx Data Center First Digital Edge DC Edge Centres EdgeConneX Equinix Evolution Data Centres K2 Data Centres MettaDC Minoro Energi Indonesia Pure Data Centres Group ST Telemedia Global Data Centres AtriaDC NeutraDC SEAX Indonesia Pratama For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n9a477 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 ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) ("the Company"), announces the successful creation of a new recombinant spider silk hybrid. This new two-strain hybrid is the result of the Company's successful program to produce larger and more robust production strains ahead of its Spring production trials. The Company's technology utilizes scientifically enhanced silkworms to produce recombinant spider silk. This enhanced silkworm hybrid, designated by the Company as BAM 1, is the result of careful selective breeding to maximize both robustness and the ratio of usable silk per cocoon. Based upon its initial evaluation and a comparison of genetics, the Company believes that this new two-strain hybrid is the most efficient spider silk production system produced to date. The finished cocoons were tested for cocoon size and silk yield. The development of this new hybrid involved the careful selective breeding of the Company's Dragon SilkTM strain with numerous pure commercial production silkworm strains. Once the Company's spider silk traits were bred and stabilized in the commercial strains, a series of cross-mattings were completed to test the results of various pairings. This new hybrid produces more useable silk per cocoon than previous hybrid pairings and is expected to make the transition from development into operations in the first and second quarters of 2024. "This new hybrid will play a key role in our production trials. Our team is currently scaling up production of the two parental lines used to create this hybrid. One of those parental lines is already homozygous for the spider silk gene. The next milestone, which we believe is imminent, will be to establish homozygosity with the second parental strain," said Founder and CEO, Kim Thompson. "The BAM 1 recombinant spider silk hybrid will be the central player in Kraig Labs' spring production trials." To view the most recent news from Kraig Labs and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/news About Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. ( www.KraigLabs.com ), a reporting biotechnology company is the leading developer of recombinant spider silk-based fiber technologies. The Company has achieved a series of scientific breakthroughs in the area of spider silk technology with implications for the global textile industry. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Statements in this press release about the Company's future and expectations other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These statements are made on the basis of management's current views and assumptions. As a result, there can be no assurance that management's expectations will necessarily come to pass. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as "believes," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "estimated," "hopes," "if," "develops," "researching," "research," "pilot," "potential," "could" or other words or phrases of similar import. Forward-looking statements include descriptions of the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions and goals. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. SAN DIEGO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Modulus, a leading provider of casino management solutions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, as they join forces to introduce the QCI Enterprise Platform to Casino Barcelona, owned by the prestigious Peralada Group. The QCI Enterprise Platform is already successfully deployed in over 500 casinos worldwide, spanning across six countries. The QCI Enterprise Platform offers advanced Slot Analytics capabilities, empowering casino operators with data-driven insights to enhance decision-making processes. This partnership will see the implementation of QCI's cutting-edge platform at Casino Barcelona, working seamlessly with their SYSTM Casino Management System. Marc Attal, Chief Operating Officer for Modulus, expressed his enthusiasm for this exciting collaboration, stating, "We are very pleased that Casino Barcelona of Peralada Group will be implementing the QCI Slot Analytics platform, working in conjunction with their SYSTM Casino Management System. The benefits of improved decision making will allow the Management Team at Barcelona to optimize their Slot revenue potential, quickly and efficiently. As one of the foremost Casino venues in Europe, Modulus and QCI welcome the leading position that Casino Barcelona has taken with this agreement." Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of Quick Custom Intelligence, also shared his thoughts on this partnership, stating, "This partnership with Modulus represents a significant step forward for QCI as we continue our global expansion. We are excited to bring our cutting-edge technology to Casino Barcelona and contribute to their success in the European market. Our commitment to delivering actionable intelligence and driving revenue optimization remains unwavering, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Modulus and Casino Barcelona." This partnership exemplifies Quick Custom Intelligence's dedication to providing innovative solutions that empower casino operators worldwide. With the integration of the QCI Enterprise Platform, Casino Barcelona is poised to elevate its performance and competitiveness within the European gaming industry. ABOUT Modulus Modulus is one of the Worlds largest Independent Gaming Management System providers; operating in over 40 countries across Europe, Africa, South America, Canada and Asia. Our multi-lingual suite of management software allows Gaming Operators to optimise revenues and manage costs easily and efficiently. Based in France, Austria and Monaco, with partner offices in South-Africa, LatAm and ASIA our team of R&D and Support maintain the highest levels of Customer Engagement and Product Development. SYSTM Connect offers the very latest in in-game technology enhancing Player experience and, delivering fast and reliable network communication. Visit our website at www.modulusgroup.eu. 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 Dr. Ralph Thomas Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry. Brooklyn, New York, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report published by Global Market Estimates, the global continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2029. The growth of the global continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) market is driven by increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats, the rising need for proactive risk management, the expanding attack surfaces due to digital transformation, and advancements in technologies like AI and machine learning, which enhance CTEM capabilities for better threat detection and response. Request for a sample copy of the report @ https://www.globalmarketestimates.com/market-report/continuous-threat-exposure-management-ctem-market-4401 Key Market Trends Automation and Orchestration in Threat Management: Automation and orchestration are key trends shaping the Continuous Threat Exposure Management market. Organizations are increasingly adopting solutions that automate the identification, assessment, and remediation of potential threats. CTEM platforms leverage advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to streamline threat response processes and enhance the overall efficiency of security operations. Integration of Predictive Analytics and Threat Intelligence: The integration of predictive analytics and threat intelligence is a significant trend in CTEM. To stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, businesses are incorporating predictive analytics to anticipate potential risks and vulnerabilities. CTEM solutions leverage threat intelligence feeds to proactively identify emerging threats and vulnerabilities, enabling organizations to take preemptive actions to strengthen their security posture. Emphasis on Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Security: Continuous monitoring and adaptive security practices are crucial trends in the CTEM market. Organizations are moving away from traditional periodic assessments to continuous monitoring models that provide real-time visibility into their security postures. CTEM solutions continuously assess and analyze the exposure of assets to threats, allowing organizations to adapt their security measures dynamically. This adaptive approach helps in addressing vulnerabilities promptly and mitigating potential risks effectively. Browse 147 Market Data Tables and 115 Figures spread through 163 Pages and in-depth TOC on Global Continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) Market - Forecast to 2029 Key Market Insights As per the component outlook, the solution segment is expected to be the largest segment in the global continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) market from 2024 to 2029 As per the organization size outlook, large-scale segment is expected to be the largest segment in the global continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) market from 2024 to 2029 Asia Pacific is analyzed to be the fastest-growing region in the market North America is estimated to hold the largest share of the market during the forecast period from 2024 to 2029 AT&T, Core Security, Rapid7, Digital Defence, IBM, RSA Security, Micro Focus, Qualys, McAfee, and Symantec Corporation among others, are some of the key players operating in the global continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) market By Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2024-2029) Solution Service By Organization Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2024-2029) Small and Medium Scale Large Scale By Industry Verticals Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2024-2029) Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Aerospace Defense Energy Utility Healthcare Public Sector IT Telecom Retail Others By Deployment Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2024-2029) Cloud On-premise Request for a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.globalmarketestimates.com/market-report/continuous-threat-exposure-management-ctem-market-4401 By Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2024-2029) North America The U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany U.K. France Spain Italy Netherlands Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Thailand Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Vietnam Rest of APAC Central and South America Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of CSA Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Israel South Africa Rest of MEA Contact: Yash Jain Director- Global Accounts & Strategic Advisory Email address: yash.jain@globalmarketestimates.com Phone Number: +1 6026667238 Website: www.globalmarketestimates.com Attachment Dublin, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Bio-LNG Market: Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe bio-LNG market (excluding U.K.) was valued at $385.4 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $1,983.0 million by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 20.0% during the forecast period 2023-2032. The bio-LNG market is poised for growth, driven by rising demand from sectors like automotive and maritime. Additionally, the automobile industry is expected to increasingly embrace bio-LNG, supported by government policies and incentives aimed at promoting bio-LNG production and utilization in different geographic areas. The Europe Bio-LNG market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. First, there is a growing awareness of the need for cleaner and more sustainable fuel options in the region. Bio-LNG, derived from renewable sources, is seen as a viable solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various industries. Second, the European Union's ambitious climate goals, which include reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources, are driving the adoption of bio-LNG. This aligns with the region's commitment to combat climate change and transition to greener energy alternatives. Additionally, the availability of feedstock sources for bio-LNG production, such as agricultural residues and organic waste, is contributing to market growth. These feedstocks can be converted into bio-LNG through advanced technologies and processes. Furthermore, the Europe Bio-LNG market is supported by government incentives and policies aimed at promoting the use of renewable fuels, creating a favorable regulatory environment for industry players. How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader to understand the different sources involved in producing bio-LNG. Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the Europe bio-LNG market based on the application (automotive, ships, and others). Bio-LNG is gaining traction in different applications on the back of sustainability concerns and less nitrogen oxide emissions. They are also being used for controlling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Europe bio-LNG market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansions, partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. The favored strategy for the companies has been product developments, business expansions, and acquisitions to strengthen their position in the Europe bio-LNG market. Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Europe bio-LNG market analyzed and profiled in the study involve bio-LNG manufacturers and the overall ecosystem. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the Europe bio-LNG market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, acquisitions, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts, analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration. Key Companies Profiled TotalEnergies SE Linde plc MAKEEN Energy Nordsol DBG Group B.V. Gasum Ltd RUHE Biogas Service GmbH LIQVIS GmbH Titan LNG Alexela EnviTec Biogas AG Scandinavian Biogas Fuels International AB Scale Gas Solutions Biomet SpA Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 119 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $385.4 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $1983 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 20.0% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Scope of the Study 1 Markets 1.1 Industry Outlook 1.1.1 Trends: Current and Future 1.1.1.1 Favorable Government Policies Supporting Bio-LNG Production 1.1.1.2 Rise in Fossil Fuel-Based Alternative Price 1.1.2 Supply Chain Analysis 1.1.3 Ecosystem/Ongoing Programs 1.1.3.1 Consortiums and Associations 1.1.3.2 Regulatory Bodies 1.1.3.3 Government Programs 1.1.4 Impact of COVID-19 on the Bio-LNG Market 1.1.5 Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Bio-LNG Market 1.1.6 Comparative Analysis of Bio-LNG and its Substitutes 1.1.7 Snapshot of Green Methanol Market 1.1.7.1 Leading Countries in the Green Methanol Market 1.1.7.2 Leading Companies in Green Methanol Market 1.1.7.3 Green Methanol Projections 1.2 Business Dynamics 1.2.1 Business Drivers 1.2.1.1 Rising Environmental Concerns 1.2.1.2 Increasing Number of LNG Trucks 1.2.2 Business Challenges 1.2.2.1 Limited Availability of Feedstocks 1.2.2.2 High Price of Bio-LNG as Compared to LNG 1.2.3 Business Strategies 1.2.3.1 Product Developments 1.2.3.2 Market Developments 1.2.4 Corporate Strategies 1.2.4.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 1.2.4.2 Partnerships and Joint Ventures 1.2.5 Business Opportunities 1.2.5.1 Increase in Demand from Shipping Industry 1.2.5.2 Technological Advancement 1.3 Start-Up Landscape 1.3.1 Key Start-Ups in the Ecosystem 2 Regions 2.1 Europe 2.1.1 Markets 2.1.1.1 Key Producers/ Suppliers in Europe 2.1.1.2 Business Drivers 2.1.1.3 Business Challenges 2.1.2 Application 2.1.2.1 Europe Bio-LNG Market (by Application), Volume and Value Data 2.1.3 Product 2.1.3.1 Europe Bio-LNG Market (by Source), Volume and Value Data 2.1.4 Europe (by Country) 2.1.4.1 Germany 2.1.4.2 France 2.1.4.3 Netherlands 2.1.4.4 Italy 2.1.4.5 Scandinavia 2.1.4.6 Rest-of-Europe (RoE) 2.2 U.K. 2.2.1 Market 2.2.1.1 Buyer Attributes 2.2.1.2 Key Producers and Suppliers in the U.K. 2.2.1.3 Regulatory Landscape 2.2.1.4 Business Drivers 2.2.1.5 Business Challenges 2.2.2 Application 2.2.2.1 U.K. Bio-LNG Market (by Application), Volume and Value Data 2.2.3 Product 2.2.3.1 U.K. Bio-LNG Market (by Source), Volume and Value Data 3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles 3.1 Competitive Benchmarking 3.1.1 Competitive Position Matrix 3.1.2 Product Matrix for Key Companies, By Source 3.1.3 Market Share Analysis of Key Companies, 2022 3.2 Company Profiles 3.2.1 TotalEnergies SE 3.2.1.1 Company Overview 3.2.1.2 Role of TotalEnergies SE in the Bio-LNG Market 3.2.1.3 Product Portfolio 3.2.1.4 Production Sites 3.2.1.5 Business Strategies 3.2.1.5.1 Market Developments 3.2.1.6 Corporate Strategies 3.2.1.6.1 Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships, and Joint Ventures 3.2.1.7 R&D Analysis 3.2.1.8 Analyst View 3.2.2 Linde plc 3.2.3 MAKEEN Energy 3.2.4 Nordsol 3.2.5 Flogas Britain Limited 3.2.6 DBG Group B.V. 3.2.7 Gasum Ltd 3.2.8 RUHE Biogas Service GmbH 3.2.9 LIQVIS GmbH 3.2.10 Cycle0 3.2.11 Titan LNG 3.2.12 Alexela 3.2.13 EnviTec Biogas AG 3.2.14 Scandinavian Biogas Fuels International AB 3.2.15 Scale Gas Solutions 3.2.16 GREEN CREATE 3.2.17 Biomet SpA For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ecl43q 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, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Piezo Buzzer Components Market: Industry Size, Share, Competition, Trends, Growth Opportunities and Forecasts by Region - Insights and Outlook by Product, 2024 to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The latest market intelligence report on the Piezo Buzzer Components industry unveils significant growth opportunities and market trends shaping the future landscape of this sector. This thorough analysis offers an expansive view of the market dynamics from 2024 to 2031, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of market segmentation, the competitive environment, and geographic hotspots for investment. As the global economy continues to evolve under the influence of various external factors, including geopolitical conflicts and economic fluctuations, the report highlights the importance of adaptable strategies for companies aiming to maintain a competitive edge. It is particularly noted that the impact of these external factors varies by region, necessitating tailored approaches for the Piezo Buzzer Components market. Piezo Buzzer Components Market Gears Up for Tech-Driven Growth The report suggests that the global Piezo Buzzer Components market is on the cusp of substantial growth, with key drivers such as technological advancements, a broadening product scope, and operational innovations propelling the industry forward. Even as businesses face challenges like supply chain disruptions and regulatory hurdles, opportunities for expansion and capturing market share abound, especially in emerging markets and among digitally savvy millennials. Trends Reshaping the Piezo Buzzer Components Landscape Emerging trends in the industry are thoroughly discussed, from the rise of online purchasing platforms to the adoption of sustainable practices and the integration of advanced technologies like blockchain and IoT. These trends are paving the way for groundbreaking developments in distribution channels, operational efficiency, and market reach. Market Segmentation and Competitive Insights This in-depth research explores market segmentation by product type, application, sales channels, and manufacturing methods, providing a clear picture of which segments are poised for the highest growth rates. A competitive analysis reveals strategies deployed by key players, including mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships that aim to acquire new technologies and consolidate market presence. Geographic Market Analysis and Opportunities The report details the market scenario in diverse regions, with a dedicated focus on high-growth areas. It delves into regional dynamics, providing insights into North American, European, Asia-Pacific, Middle Eastern, African, and South and Central American markets. This extensive geographic analysis identifies lucrative opportunities and lays out the regulatory frameworks, facilitating informed decision-making for strategic expansions and partnerships. Comprehensive Research Methodology Employing a combination of primary and secondary research, the report is curated by industry experts utilizing advanced analytical methods. This includes assessing the parent and derived markets, performing geopolitical and demographic analysis, and examining Porters five forces model to offer accurate market forecasts. In conclusion, this report stands as an essential tool for stakeholders looking to navigate the Piezo Buzzer Components market. It offers a roadmap for tapping into growth opportunities, understanding market restraints, and strategizing for a future defined by innovation and competitiveness. For organizations keen on obtaining the latest intelligence on the Piezo Buzzer Components market, this research study is an invaluable asset, illuminating the pathway to industry leadership through 2031. Key Topics Covered: Global Piezo Buzzer Components Market Summary, 2023 Provides an overview of the piezo buzzer components industry. Includes market revenues and scope. Outlines the research methodology used. Piezo Buzzer Components Market Insights, 2023-2031 Discusses market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. Analyzes the impact of global geopolitical tensions, supply-chain challenges, and other recent events. Piezo Buzzer Components Market Analytics Analyzes market size, share, key products, dominant applications, leading end-uses, and high-prospect countries. Includes a five forces analysis and industry attractiveness index. Global Piezo Buzzer Components Market Statistics Provides industry revenue, market share, growth trends, and forecasts by segments up to 2031. Asia Pacific Piezo Buzzer Components Industry Statistics Focuses on market insights, revenue forecasts, and growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, including specific country analyses. Europe Piezo Buzzer Components Market Data Covers market size, penetration, and business prospects in European countries with specific insights for key markets like Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Spain. North America Piezo Buzzer Components Market Size Analyzes growth trends, future prospects, and market outlook in North America, with detailed insights for the US, Canada, and Mexico. South and Central America Piezo Buzzer Components Market Discusses market drivers, challenges, and future prospects in Latin America, with a focus on Brazil, Argentina, and other countries. Middle East Africa Piezo Buzzer Components Market Outlook Provides insights into market statistics, growth forecasts, and trends in the Middle East and Africa region. Piezo Buzzer Components Market Structure and Competitive Landscape Profiles key companies in the industry, provides business overviews, product portfolio analyses, financial assessments, and SWOT analyses. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7i817p 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, United States, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Excavators are a type of construction tool used on mining, industrial, and construction sites to assist with operations, including excavating, landscaping, and picking and putting. These tools have relatively low power ratings and have tiny dimensions and reliable performances compared to heavy construction equipment. The availability of modern engines and greater power capacities has made it easier to use construction equipment with smaller proportions that can fit through small openings. Micro excavators are also easier to operate, transfer from one location to another, and have superior maneuverability than more significant equipment. Download Free Sample Report PDF @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/mini-excavator-market/request-sample Advantages of Using Small Excavators Drive the Global Market Mini excavators have several advantages over heavy machines in the construction and agriculture industries due to their small size and increased agility. They offer benefits like durability, portability, affordability, and simplicity of maintenance. Mini excavators have also become more popular recently due to the necessity for dependable, efficient, and tiny equipment in end-user industries, including agriculture and construction. Significant businesses are focusing on compact electric excavators. For instance, in March 2017, Deere and Company unveiled the 30G small excavator. Its 3.2-ton weight capability and hand-controlled hydraulic systems are included. These advantages are anticipated to drive market expansion in the future years. Normative Development for Small Excavators Creates Tremendous Opportunities Mini excavators are anticipated to create a sizable market opportunity because of their small size, strength, little maintenance needs, and zero-emission standards. Additionally, it is projected that adopting more vital emission rules will positively impact the market for micro excavators. For instance, in August 2020, Wacker Neuson, a subsidiary of Deere and Company, unveiled the new EZ17e micro excavator. It is an electric micro excavator that can operate with voltages between 100 and 415 volts. It complies with standards for minimum noise and no emissions. These circumstances would likely offer lucrative opportunities for the global market for mini excavators. Governments can create legislation and emission standards for machines with the help of standardization. Regional Analysis Asia-Pacific is the highest revenue contributor and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.90% over the projection period. Since infrastructure projects are frequently being created in countries like China, India, and Indonesia, the demand for mini excavators is growing. In China, India, and Southeast Asian countries, the construction industry is increasing due to a surge in infrastructure development projects. The demand for small excavators in construction, infrastructure, smart cities, road building, and housing projects is predicted to grow. Important producers in the business, including Sany India and JCB India Limited, offer mini excavators. For instance, JCB India Limited sells the JCB 50Z compact excavator. Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.95% during the forecast period. Significant countries like Germany, France, the UK, Russia, and the rest of Europe are considered in a European mini excavators market study. As energy-efficient machinery, mini excavators are growing in popularity, and the emphasis on reducing carbon footprints has increased. Additionally, compact excavators may perform tasks previously only possible with extensive equipment without paying exorbitant ownership and operating costs. Significant players like AB Volvo Group and J C Bamford Excavators Ltd. offer application-specific micro excavators. Key Highlights The global mini excavator market size was valued at USD 8,889.80 million in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 14,578.66 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.65% during the forecast period (2023-2031). Based on capacity, the global mini excavator market is bifurcated into less than 4 tons and more than 4 tons. The less than 4 tons, more than 4 tons segment is the major contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period. Based on application, the global mini excavator market is bifurcated into landscaping and construction, agriculture, and others. The landscaping and construction segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to boost at a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.90% during the forecast period. Competitive Players The global mini excavator market's major key players are AB Volvo Group, Caterpillar Inc, Cukurova Ziraat, Deere and Company, Hitachi Ltd, Hyundai Construction Equipment Co. Ltd, J C Bamford Excavators Ltd, Kobe Steel Ltd, Komatsu Ltd, and Takeuchi Mfg. Co Ltd. Market News In February 2023, Develon (formerly Doosan Infracore), Swanee, Georgia, upgraded its compact equipment offering with the DX89R-7 mini excavator, available in the United States and Canada. In February 2023, Yulu and Bajaj Auto introduced 3rd-gen EVs Miracle GR and DeX GR for personal and commercial usage. Global Mini Excavator Market: Segmentation By Capacity Less than 4 tons More than 4 tons By End-User Industry Landscaping and Construction Agriculture Others By Regions North America Europe Asia-Pacific LAMEA Get Detailed Market Segmentation @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/mini-excavator-market/segmentation About Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. Straits Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision-makers. Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. provides actionable market research data, especially designed and presented for decision making and ROI. Whether you are looking at business sectors in the next town or crosswise over continents, we understand the significance of being acquainted with the clients purchase. We overcome our clients issues by recognizing and deciphering the target group and generating leads with utmost precision. We seek to collaborate with our clients to deliver a broad spectrum of results through a blend of market and business research approaches. For more information on your target market, please contact us below: Phone: +1 646 480 7505 (the U.S.) +91 8087085354 (APAC) +44 208 068 9665 (the U.K.) Email: sales@straitsresearch.com CAPE CORAL, Fla., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N Health) marked its 10th Anniversary Celebration at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Florida, from Jan. 23-25, with a conference themed Cultivating Change: A Decade of Defining Moments for People and the Planet. Sponsored by Mercola , AIDP , Chr. Hansen , and Women In Nutraceuticals ( WIN ), the event brought together 75 members and guests to reflect on a decade of progress and innovation within the natural health and wellness industry. A defining moment of the conference was the O&N Health presentation of The Champion Award to Heather Wainer , publisher and vice president of media of WholeFoods Magazine . The award recognized Wainer's enduring commitment to education, integrity, and transparency. It acknowledges her pivotal role in expanding WholeFoods Magazine with online platforms and virtual events, which has significantly contributed to the daily information and education of the natural products industry while focusing on independent retailers. WholeFoods Magazine is recognized as the longest-tenured media outlet in the natural products industry . My father has won awards during his career, but this is the first award I've ever won in the industry, said Wainer in her acceptance speech. This recognition for our family business, especially on our 40th anniversary of WholeFoods Magazine, is deeply meaningful. I feel lucky to work in an industry where the people I do business with are part of my life and not just part of my job. Another significant announcement from the conference was the formation and launch of My Health Alliance in collaboration with the Alliance for Natural Health , American Grassfed Association , Moms Across America , Organic Consumers Association , Natural Grocers , and SENPA . These organizations have joined forces with O&N Health to collectively advocate for nutrition and health issues on Capitol Hill. Given the deteriorating health of the nation and the growing threat to accessing high quality nutrition, the goal is to activate this collaborative network that reaches more than 4.5 million people to push Congress on legislation critical to the health and wellbeing of those they represent, and the future of the natural health and wellness industry. This strategic collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for the industry said Karen Howard , CEO and executive director of O&N Health. By aligning forces, we aim to advance the current state of nutrition for all people and the planet, influencing crucial legislation through our collective strength. To continue the 10th Anniversary Celebration throughout 2024, O&N Health will host private "Defining Moments" dinner parties at major industry conferences. These exclusive events are open to O&N Health members and companies interested in joining the O&N Health Association to contribute to positive change in the natural products industry. To be part of Organic & Natural Health Association and their initiatives, follow on LinkedIn , Facebook , X , YouTube , TikTok and connect at: https://organicandnatural.org . Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5fbdc07-e3ff-4108-8365-dac91fc85c97 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8648f611-a796-4252-9e94-66bfe890e6b6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ef910176-8625-486c-a597-b758849fa76a NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Energy Marketing Conferences (EMC) announces its commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral status for the upcoming 21st Energy Marketing Conference (EMC21). The event is scheduled for March 18-19, 2024, at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston, Texas. EMC is set to offset a total of 73 metric tons (MT) of carbon emissions associated with the conference and its attendees, marking a significant step towards environmental responsibility. EMC's Carbon Neutrality Initiative: To ensure the credibility of their carbon offsetting efforts, EMC utilizes a program where 100% of the carbon offsets are verified against universally recognized standards by independent third-party verifiers. Key standards include the Verified Carbon Standard, Gold Standard, American Carbon Registry, CSA Group, and the Climate Action Reserve. This rigorous approach guarantees the acquisition of the highest quality carbon offsets. A carbon offset represents a reduction of one metric ton (2,205 lbs) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. These offsets are generated through projects that specifically aim to reduce CO2 emissions, with each ton of emissions reduced translating into one carbon offset. Jack Doueck, co-founder of Energy Marketing Conferences, expressed the organization's dedication to combating climate change. "As a leader in the competitive energy industry, it's our responsibility to contribute positively to this global challenge," he stated. EMC's approach includes purchasing carbon offsets for all air and car travel of attendees, in addition to hotel emissions. EMC's carbon-neutral initiative is sponsored by Shell Energy. EMC21: A Decade of Leadership and Innovation marking its eleventh year, EMC21 is themed Mitigating Risk in Retail Energy.' The conference will feature 50 sponsors and a full Exhibitor Hall, hosting 40 top service companies. Over 60 industry experts will participate in ten pre-conference sessions, five interactive panels, alongside networking opportunities including a breakfast, luncheon, breaks, (2) receptions featuring live music at the opening reception and new this year on March 20th the first ever EMC pickleball tournament. The conference anticipates over 400 attendees from across the country, providing a platform for learning, networking, and empowerment within the competitive energy sector. This event is the largest gathering of retail energy professionals in North America. For more information and registration: Conference Agenda: EMC21 Houston Agenda Event Registration: EMC21 Houston 2024 Tickets Highlight Video of EMC19 in Houston: EMC19 Highlights About Energy Marketing Conferences: EMC, the largest and longest-running gathering of retail energy executives in North America, brings together hundreds of energy companies, utilities, marketers, vendors, and suppliers in the retail energy industry to engage, educate and empower the competitive energy market and help shape its future. The Energy Marketing Conferences (EMC) mission is to provide the competitive energy industry with exciting conferences and build a community. Every year, EMC takes place in Houston and this year Las Vegas. The spring and fall two-day packed agendas feature more than 50 thought leaders who speak on over a dozen sessions and panels. Hundreds of energy industry professionals gather to network at the annual energy conference. The EMC trade show and exhibitor hall counts over 40 exhibitor booths. Dallas Twp., PA, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Misericordia University (MU) announced yesterday that the institution would extend the formal deposit deadline for Fall 2024 full-time admission to June 1, 2024. The extension is in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Education this week that essential information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) would be delayed at least until the first half of March. The FAFSA contains information vital for the processing of financial aid packages. Without FAFSA information, most colleges and universities cannot provide a complete financial aid package, and therefore, families cannot assess the true cost of attendance. Normally, colleges and universities receive FAFSA data beginning in November and in subsequent batches over many months. Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president of Misericordia University, first shared the news of MUs extension on the social media platform TikTok on February 1. We are going to extend our general deadline to June 1, says Myers in his TikTok video. Myers explained that this general deadline extension will take some of the pressure off of families making important decisions about college attendance in the fall. But he also emphasized that some students may still want to make deposits prior to the deadline in order to secure slots in programs with limited space, confirm housing availability, or other factors. Hang in there everyone, encouraged Myers. Even after the first batch of data is received it will still take institutions several weeks to accurately process financial aid packages. Once this information is received, we will do the thoughtful work of making sure every student is provided with a financial aid offer and bottom-line cost, says Glenn Bozinski, vice president of Enrollment Management. We will work quickly, but even in a normal year, processing the information does take time. Bozinski added, We regularly engage with students past the enrollment deadline. Do not hesitate to reach out to us should you need additional time to decide beyond June 1. Should any prospective student or family have questions about this years financial aid process, they are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at Misericordia University at 1-866-262-6363 or admiss@misericordia.edu. Misericordia University is a Catholic university in northeast Pennsylvania, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, that provides caring, motivated students with a challenging education. The university offers 37-degree programs in three academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences and Education, and Business. The university will celebrate its centennial in fall 2024. www.misericordia.edu Attachment Washington, DC, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington, DC - February 6, 2024 - The Haitian Development Network (HDN) is proud to congratulate the country of Haiti on the occasion of Black History Month for being the first black republic in the history of the world. As we celebrate the first black republic, we are reminded of the bravery, resilience, and determination of the Haitian people who fought for their freedom and independence against colonial powers. Haiti's rich history serves as an inspiration to all of us, and we are honored to be a part of this momentous occasion. The Haitian Development Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic and social development in Haiti. Our mission is to empower the Haitian people by providing them with the necessary resources and support to build a brighter future for themselves and their country. On this special occasion, we would like to recognize the significant contributions of the Haitian people to the world. From their revolutionary spirit to their cultural heritage, Haiti has made a lasting impact on global history and continues to do so. In celebration of Black History Month, HDN will be hosting a series of virtual events throughout the month to honor Haiti's achievements and educate the public about its rich culture and history. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration and learn more about the first black republic. Jacques Jonassaint, the contact person for HDN, stated, "We are thrilled to celebrate Haiti's historic achievement as the first black republic. This milestone serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Haitian people and their unwavering determination to fight for their freedom and independence." For more information about the events and activities organized by HDN, please visit our website at https://hdn.org/. Media Contact: Jacques Jonassaint Email: jacques@hdn.org Phone: 202-913-6699 Location: Washington, DC ### About the Haitian Development Network: The Haitian Development Network (HDN) is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting economic and social development in Haiti. Our goal is to empower the Haitian people by providing them with the necessary resources and support to build a better future. To learn more about HDN and our work, please visit our website at https://hdn.org/. Dublin, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Prescription Lens Market by Type (Bifocal, Progressive, Single Vision), Coating (Anti-Fog Coating, Anti-Reflective, Scratch Resistant Coating), Application - Forecast 2024-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The recent comprehensive study on the Prescription Lens Market, estimated at an impressive USD 24.74 billion in 2023, is now available, offering in-depth market analysis and projections for the period 2024 to 2030. With an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.03%, the market could potentially reach USD 42.51 billion by the end of the forecast period. The newly released research publication provides invaluable insights into key market dynamics, elucidating the types of prescription lenses in demand, including Bifocal, Progressive, and Single Vision lenses. The study also delves into the various lens coatings that play a crucial role in customer choice and satisfaction, such as Anti-Fog, Anti-Reflective, and Scratch Resistant Coatings, along with Ultraviolet Treatments. Market Evaluation through the FPNV Positioning Matrix An integral tool utilized within the report is the FPNV Positioning Matrix, which serves to analyze and position vendors based on Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction metrics. This strategic tool aids market players in understanding their competitive standing and helps to inform strategic decisions. In-Depth Market Share Analysis Understanding the distribution of market share is vital for companies seeking to navigate the competitive landscape of the Prescription Lens sector. The report's extensive Market Share Analysis sheds light on how current vendors are performing in terms of revenue and customer base, while also exploring market traits like fragmentation and amalgamation. Exploration of Market Segmentation and Coverage In this study, the global market is segmented into detailed categories, allowing for granular analysis of each sub-market. The investigation spans the varied applications of prescription lenses, from correcting Astigmatism to addressing Myopia and Presbyopia, emphasizing the scope and versatility of products within the industry. Key Company Profiles and Regional Focus The report also profiles some of the foremost companies within the industry, examining leaders with a remarkable presence in various regions such as the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. These strategically curated profiles furnish a nuanced understanding of the key players shaping the Prescription Lens Market. Strategic Insights for Market Players This comprehensive report is an essential resource for anyone currently in or looking to enter the Prescription Lens Market. It furnishes practical insights into market penetration strategies, product innovation, and competitive intelligence, laying down a roadmap for navigating the industry terrain. The detailed analysis is poised to aid stakeholders in answering pivotal market-related questions, helping them to craft robust strategies for development and diversification, ultimately empowering them to capitalize on market trends and opportunities. For further information and insights on the Prescription Lens Market, access the full report detailed within the research publication. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 192 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $26.71 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $42.51 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.0% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered Market Insights Increasing occurrence of reflective error cases such as myopia and astigmatism Rise in the number of eye problems with increased screen-time of computers and gadgets Growing acceptance and use of eyewear products High cost of prescription lens Opportunities Technological advancements in prescription lens coupled with presence of online platforms for vision testing Increasing living standards among young population with the need for trending sunglasses and lens Challenges Possible risks from prescription lenses Market Segmentation Analysis Market Trend Analysis Regional Analysis Americas Prescription Lens Market Asia-Pacific Prescription Lens Market Europe, Middle East & Africa Prescription Lens Market Companies Mentioned Carl Zeiss AG Charmant Inc. De Rigo Vision S.p.A. Essilor International S.A. Fielmann AG Hoya Holdings N.V. Kering Eyewear Spa Luxottica Group SpA Marchon Eyewear, Inc. Marcolin SpA Michael Kors (USA), Inc. Prive Goods, LLC Rodenstock GmbH The Eastman Kodak Company Vision Eae For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ok0qql 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 TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tintina Mines Limited (Tintina or the Company) (TSXV: TTS) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement dated as of todays date with Andean Belt Resources SpA (ABR), a mining exploration company incorporated under the laws of Chile, to acquire a 65%-75% equity ownership interest in ABR for cash consideration in the amount of $4,000,000 (USD). As described in greater detail below, ABR is a related party of the Company. The terms of the agreement are set out in a term sheet signed by both of the parties, and it is anticipated that a definitive agreement regarding the transaction will be negotiated and entered into in due course. ABR owns approximately 22,819 hectares across five different properties in Chile, with the flagship property being the Domeyko Sulfuros project in Northern Chile. Management believes that this investment will enable the Company to gain a majority interest in the ABR portfolio which will also grant it access to high quality exploration projects located in a geographically favourable setting in Chile. It is anticipated that, as a result of the acquisition, the Company will hold between 65%-75% of the issued and outstanding share capital of ABR, with the exact percentage to be determined based on due diligence and exchange rates. As described below, this will be a related party transaction for the Company. The funds provided as consideration for the acquisition are intended to be used primarily to finance exploration and technical studies at the Domeyko Sulfuros property in Chile. The immediate plan will be to conduct a comprehensive exploration of the primary sulfide mineralization at the Domeyko Sulfuros property, with the central objective of advancing the project towards a resource definition stage supported by reports generated in accordance with international standards. We are excited about this investment, our first outside of Canada, since this gives us access to a world-class exploration portfolio with great potential to generate substantial value to our shareholders, stated Eugenio Ferrari, CEO and Director of Tintina Mines. In addition, the Company also has reached an agreement with its shareholder and sole creditor, Mr. Juan Enrique Rassmuss, to fully reorganize the Companys debt (currently in the amount of $12,071,484.57 (CAD)). The proposed debt reorganization would take place through two processes. The first is a partial conversion through the issuance of the lower of (i) 252,382,833 new common shares of the Company and (ii) such number of common shares of the Company that would result in no less than 10% of the common shares of the Company being in the public float (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), at a price of $0.03 per common share for an aggregate of up to $7,571,484.57 (CAD). The second component of the debt reorganization is the restructuring and reprofiling of the remaining debt (in the amount of approximately $4,500,000 (CAD)) that is anticipated to enhance the investment profile of the Company mainly by eliminating the current shareholders' deficiency and suspending the on-demand condition for a period of two years. This will be a related party transaction for the Company and will only be completed subject to the approval of the investment in ABR. Both of the transactions described above are subject to all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including but not limited to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the approval of the shareholders of the Company. Additional terms and details relating to each of the transactions described herein will be provided in further press releases. Both of the transactions described above are related party transactions under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101) due to the involvement of Mr. Juan Enrique Rassmuss in each transaction. Mr. Rassmuss is the President and Chairman and a director of the Company, and also holds approximately 30% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. With respect to the investment into ABR, the local ownership entity for the ABR properties is affiliated with the Rassmuss Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate with over 50 years of experience operating across various industries, including mining, oil and gas, metallurgy, and textiles in South America. Juan Enrique Rassmuss is the President and CEO of the Rassmuss Group. As these are related party transactions, shareholder approval on a disinterested basis will be required in order to each of them to proceed. The Company intends to rely on the exemption from the valuation requirement found in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101. With respect to the transactions described in this press release: (i) there are no finders fees payable; and (ii) the Company is not taking on any long term debt. Trading in the common shares of the Company is currently halted and it is not anticipated that trading will resume prior to the completion of the transactions described herein. About Tintina Tintina is a Canadian-based company with over twenty years of experience in the junior mining industry. Tintina currently owns two main properties, both of which are located in Yukon. The common shares of Tintina are listed for trading on the TSXV under the symbol TTS. Tintina Contact: Tintina Mines Limited Mr. Jing Peng 82 Richmond Street East Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Phone: (416) 848-9888 Email: jpeng@marrellisupport.ca 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. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements regarding completion of the transactions described in this press release on the terms described herein, or at all, and the potential benefits of such transactions. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as proposed, will, subject to, near future, in the event, would, expect, prepared to and other similar words or expressions. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation: that existing the Company will be able to negotiate definitive terms with respect to the transactions described herein on the terms as currently expected or at all; and that the Company will be able to receive all necessary approvals that are required in order to complete such transactions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include: the risk that the terms of a definitive agreement cannot be reached or cannot be reached; the risk that the Company will not obtain all necessary approvals for the transactions described herein to proceed; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions described herein; other unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and any risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Google Fiber is coming to Nevada! Earlier today, the Clark County Commission approved a franchise agreement with GFiber, which will allow us to bring fast, reliable internet to our first community in the Silver State. With this announcement, we have active projects underway in all five of the states we set our sights on back in August 2022. Clark County covers much of the Las Vegas metro area, and is just the first of GFibers projects in the area. Were already working on engineering planning in Clark County, and construction will get underway towards the end of this year with the goal of serving our first customers by mid-2025. If you are in the Las Vegas metro area and want to keep up with whats happening in Clark County and beyond, you can sign up here for updates on construction and service availability. Were betting big in Nevada. Visit Connect, the GFiber blog, to learn more. Media inquiries: fiber-pr@google.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/815ac565-b035-41de-bba3-c6152316117b Edmonton, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Op-Ed: Albertas Alarming Rise in Dementia By Dr. Roger Wong, Member of the Order of Canada, clinical professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine in the University of British Columbias Department of Medicine and vice dean, Education in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. By Dr. George Andrews, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories The number of people living with dementia in Alberta is rising rapidly. Do you know that by 2050, more than 200,900 Albertans will be living with dementia, which is more than tripling of the current number of 59,000 people in the province? In January, we learned about the latest population trends of dementia in Alberta with the Alzheimer Society of Canadas release of The Landmark Study Report 2: The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada. The report indicates drastic changes in the number of people living with dementia in Canada over the next three decades, and how factors such as age, sex and ethnic origin can impact peoples experience differently. By 2050, the number of Indigenous Peoples living with dementia in Alberta is expected to rise by 283 per cent, similar to the projected 286 per cent rise projected in the overall population in the province. Within thirty years, one out of every three Albertans who live with dementia will be of Asian origin including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Iranian, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese and more up more than 1,400 per cent from 2020. This increase is far higher than the Canadian figure. Females are twice as likely to be affected by dementia as males, accounting for almost two out every three people diagnosed and nearly 60 per cent of all caregivers. By 2050, the number of people under the age of 65 living in Alberta with young onset dementia is expected to grow to 5,500. These numbers are staggering. More importantly, they represent faces of people who are impacted differently by dementia, each in their unique ways. Dementia can affect a persons daily life in multiple ways, including the abilities to remember, understand, communicate, and complete tasks. The impact of dementia touches on a persons personal and work functions. But it does not stop there. For a family caregiver, a diagnosis of dementia can mean changing their life plans in order to provide care to a loved one. Currently more than 30,400 unpaid care partners provide just over 40 million hours per year of support in Alberta. This is roughly the equivalent of 23,000 health care attendants. By 2050, that number is expected to balloon to 118,200 care partners and nearly 161.4 million unpaid hours of care annually. The resulting societal implications and economic costs are phenomenal. Furthermore, the report indicates that the diverse groups of Albertans who are more likely to develop dementia can have different lived experiences, including barriers in accessing services, care and support. We learn that Indigenous Peoples face health inequities rooted in colonization, which can contribute to a higher risk of developing dementia. Stress from factors such as systemic racism, inadequate housing, poverty and the lasting effects of residential schools and colonialism can all affect brain health. Systemic racism is also a structural barrier to receiving a diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner. It starts with each of us to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to address these important issues urgently. The dramatic increase of dementia in people from different ethnic communities is very concerning. This can be compounded by underlying stigma that is unique in each community. We must reaffirm our commitment for additional resources to advance research and provide culturally sensitive care in order to reduce the risk and improve the lived experiences of dementia among these groups. People under the age of 65 who develop young onset dementia experience unique challenges, including at work and in receiving disability accommodation, and can benefit from support programs that bridge the health, labour and legal sectors. Education and continued professional development among healthcare providers are also important to raise awareness that will help in establishing a diagnosis in the first place. The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada is a wakeup call for all of us. Policies and programs with appropriate resourcing must be developed to meet the customized needs of diverse communities, and the process must include meaningful engagement with people living with dementia and care partners from diverse backgrounds. The Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT is committed to working collaboratively with everyone to create resources and provide support. We all need to do everything in our power to prepare for whats coming, and we need to make sure its the right action to support the people who will be most affected. It is on all of us to maintain a strong commitment to improving dementia care in Alberta. Learn more about resources available in your community and how to support the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWTs work at Alzheimer.ab.ca. Dr. George Andrews is the chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT. Prior to joining the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT, he held leadership positions in various NGOs for over 30 years and has facilitated leadership training for NGO leaders domestically and internationally. He was the driving force for the Hope for Tomorrow fund, which is committed to funding dementia research with Alberta based post secondary institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Alberta, a Master of Leadership from Royal Roads University and a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Bath. Dr. Roger Wong is a clinical professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine in the University of British Columbias Department of Medicine and is the vice dean, Education in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. He is also a consultant physician of the Geriatric Consultation Program at Vancouver General Hospital and a researcher at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Dr. Wong received his M.D. degree with Honours in Research from the University of Alberta and has been appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to the field of geriatric medicine, including the advancement of policies, education and specialized, culturally sensitive health care. Attachment KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) (the "Company") today released its financial results1 for the fiscal 2024 second quarter ended December 31, 2023. Revenue grew 8% as the Company saw a strong end to the extended filing season The Company reaffirmed its previously announced outlook for fiscal year 2024 Repurchased $218.1 million of shares during the quarter, retiring another 3% of shares outstanding "Im pleased with our Q2 performance, and our results reflect the progress we continue to make," said Jeff Jones, H&R Block's president and chief executive officer. "In the quarter, our refreshed Emerald Advance product performed well, we launched AI Tax Assist in our DIY Online product, and we continued to allocate capital by paying our quarterly dividend and repurchasing shares. We are well positioned for the tax season, and Im looking forward to the rest of the year. Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results and Key Financial Metrics "Our performance continues to meet expectations, and our capital allocation practice remains strong," said Tony Bowen, H&R Block's chief financial officer. "We feel good about our balance sheet and how we are positioned in the current environment, and I am confident in our ability to drive ongoing value for shareholders." Total revenue of $179.1 million increased by $12.7 million, or 8%, to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes and net average charge in the Assisted category combined with higher interest and fee income on Emerald Advance SM due to an increase in Emerald Advance SM Loans and an earlier start to the offering period in the current year. due to an increase in Emerald Advance Loans and an earlier start to the offering period in the current year. Total operating expenses of $446.5 million decreased by $3.1 million, as a result of lower consulting and marketing and advertising expenses, partially offset by higher corporate wages resulting from higher headcount in the current year. Pretax loss decreased by $15.1 million to $282.9 million. Loss per share from continuing operations2 improved from $(1.43) to $(1.33) and adjusted loss per share from continuing operations2 improved from $(1.37) to $(1.27), due to a lower loss, partially offset by fewer shares outstanding. Capital Allocation The Company reported the following related to its capital structure: As previously announced, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share is payable on April 3, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2024. H&R Block has paid quarterly dividends consecutively since the Company became public in 1962. Repurchased and retired 4.8 million shares at an aggregate price of $218.1 million, or $45.88 per share in the second quarter. The Company has approximately $350.0 million remaining on its $1.25 billion share repurchase authorization available through fiscal year 2025. Since 2016, the Company has returned more than $3.8 billion to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends, buying back over 40% of its shares outstanding3. Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook The Company continues to expect: Revenue to be in the range of $3.530 to $3.585 billion. EBITDA 4 to be in the range of $930 to $965 million. to be in the range of $930 to $965 million. Effective tax rate to be approximately 23%. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share4 to be in the range of $4.10 to $4.30. Other Announcements Today the Company separately announced that chief financial officer Tony Bowen has decided to retire. He is committed to a smooth transition and will remain at the Company into September of 2024. The press release can be found on the investor relations website at https://investors.hrblock.com/. Conference Call A conference call for analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders will be held at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. During the conference call the Company will discuss fiscal 2024 second quarter results, outlook, and give a general business update. To join live, participants must register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI161a9ef1a2c8484cb4c9c10131ac69ee. Once registered, the participant will receive a dial-in number and unique PIN to access the call. Please join approximately 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The call, along with a presentation for viewing, will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and public. The webcast can be accessed directly at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4u8imwtm and will be available for replay 2 hours after the call is concluded and continuing for 90 days. About H&R Block H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The Company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the Company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News or follow @HRBlockNews. About Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release and the accompanying tables include non-GAAP financial information. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled "Non-GAAP Financial Information." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words or variation of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "commits," "seeks," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "targets," "would," "will," "should," "goal," "could" or "may" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements provide management's current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. They may include estimates of revenues, client trajectory, income, effective tax rate, earnings per share, cost savings, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, liquidity, capital structure, market share, industry volumes or other financial items, descriptions of managements plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. They may also include the expected impact of external events beyond the Companys control, such as outbreaks of infectious disease (including the COVID-19 pandemic), severe weather events, natural or manmade disasters, or changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and reflect the Company's good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance or events. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions, factors, or expectations, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes, except as required by law. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to a variety of economic, competitive and regulatory factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently completed fiscal year in the section entitled "Risk Factors" and additional factors we may describe from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may get such filings for free at our website at https://investors.hrblock.com. In addition, factors that may cause the Companys actual estimated effective tax rate to differ from estimates include the Companys actual results from operations compared to current estimates, future discrete items, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, future actions of the Company, or increases in applicable tax rates in jurisdictions where the Company operates. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and, consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. 1All amounts in this release are unaudited. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons refer to the current period compared to the corresponding prior year period. 2All per share amounts are based on fully diluted shares at the end of the corresponding period. The Company reports non-GAAP financial measures of performance, including adjusted earnings per share (EPS), earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations, free cash flow, and free cash flow yield, which it considers to be useful metrics for management and investors to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of the Company. See "About Non-GAAP Financial Information" below for more information regarding financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 3Shares outstanding calculated as of April 30, 2016. 4Adjusted EPS and EBITDA from continuing operations are non-GAAP financial measures. Future period non-GAAP outlook includes adjustments for items not indicative of our core operations, which may include, without limitation, items described in the below section titled Non-GAAP Financial Information and in the accompanying tables. Such adjustments may be affected by changes in ongoing assumptions and judgments, as well as nonrecurring, unusual, or unanticipated charges, expenses or gains, or other items that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. The exact amounts of these adjustments are not currently determinable but may be significant. It is therefore not practicable to provide the comparable GAAP measures or reconcile this non-GAAP outlook to the most comparable GAAP measures. For Further Information Investor Relations: Michaella Gallina, (816) 854-3022, michaella.gallina@hrblock.com Jordyn Eskijian, (816) 854-5674, jordyn.eskijian@hrblock.com Media Relations: Teri Daley, (816) 854-3787, teri.daley@hrblock.com FINANCIAL RESULTS (unaudited, in 000s - except per share amounts) Three months ended December 31, Six months ended December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 REVENUES: U.S. tax preparation and related services: Assisted tax preparation $ 48,342 $ 41,216 $ 87,605 $ 77,528 Royalties 5,454 4,946 11,155 11,174 DIY tax preparation 13,111 12,150 16,959 15,308 Refund Transfers 813 1,542 1,955 2,826 Peace of Mind Extended Service Plan 17,440 17,320 42,287 42,090 Tax Identity Shield 4,694 5,350 9,274 10,517 Other 9,592 8,513 20,572 17,873 Total U.S. tax preparation and related services 99,446 91,037 189,807 177,316 Financial services: Emerald Card and SpruceSM 11,700 12,478 20,333 24,090 Interest and fee income on Emerald AdvanceSM 15,235 12,903 15,533 13,517 Total financial services 26,935 25,381 35,866 37,607 International 29,569 28,046 90,134 86,880 Wave 23,133 21,941 47,076 44,587 Total revenues $ 179,083 $ 166,405 $ 362,883 $ 346,390 Compensation and benefits: Field wages 77,795 76,204 140,230 137,877 Other wages 74,671 70,530 146,769 134,283 Benefits and other compensation 36,063 34,277 71,311 69,109 188,529 181,011 358,310 341,269 Occupancy 101,194 101,173 200,479 198,763 Marketing and advertising 11,305 15,142 16,786 25,791 Depreciation and amortization 30,107 32,723 60,332 66,347 Bad debt 21,754 22,416 26,552 22,745 Other 93,626 97,143 174,182 183,789 Total operating expenses 446,515 449,608 836,641 838,704 Other income (expense), net 5,922 4,185 15,758 7,796 Interest expense on borrowings (21,364 ) (18,985 ) (37,234 ) (34,809 ) Pretax loss (282,874 ) (298,003 ) (495,234 ) (519,327 ) Income tax benefit (93,758 ) (77,140 ) (143,245 ) (131,097 ) Net loss from continuing operations (189,116 ) (220,863 ) (351,989 ) (388,230 ) Net loss from discontinued operations (639 ) (2,716 ) (1,248 ) (3,770 ) Net loss $ (189,755 ) $ (223,579 ) $ (353,237 ) $ (392,000 ) BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE: Continuing operations $ (1.33 ) $ (1.43 ) $ (2.44 ) $ (2.48 ) Discontinued operations (0.02 ) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Consolidated $ (1.33 ) $ (1.45 ) $ (2.45 ) $ (2.50 ) WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES 142,340 154,119 144,307 156,701 Adjusted diluted EPS(1) $ (1.27 ) $ (1.37 ) $ (2.31 ) $ (2.36 ) EBITDA(1) $ (231,403 ) $ (246,295 ) $ (397,668 ) $ (418,171 ) (1) All non-GAAP measures are results from continuing operations. See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited, in 000s - except per share data) As of December 31, 2023 June 30, 2023 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 321,014 $ 986,975 Cash and cash equivalents - restricted 17,210 28,341 Receivables, net 397,453 59,987 Income taxes receivable 74,415 35,910 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 88,793 76,273 Total current assets 898,885 1,187,486 Property and equipment, net 137,153 130,015 Operating lease right of use assets 385,288 438,299 Intangible assets, net 275,230 277,043 Goodwill 789,068 775,453 Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable 239,300 211,391 Other noncurrent assets 51,371 52,571 Total assets $ 2,776,295 $ 3,072,258 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 143,339 $ 159,901 Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes 65,774 95,154 Accrued income taxes and reserves for uncertain tax positions 151,332 271,800 Operating lease liabilities 185,424 205,391 Deferred revenue and other current liabilities 199,718 206,536 Total current liabilities 745,587 938,782 Long-term debt and line of credit borrowings 2,290,044 1,488,974 Deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions 235,303 264,567 Operating lease liabilities 208,734 240,543 Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities 69,279 107,328 Total liabilities 3,548,947 3,040,194 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY: Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share 1,709 1,789 Additional paid-in capital 746,734 770,376 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (36,454 ) (37,099 ) Retained deficit (846,162 ) (48,677 ) Less treasury shares, at cost (638,479 ) (654,325 ) Total stockholders' equity (deficiency) (772,652 ) 32,064 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,776,295 $ 3,072,258 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited, in 000s) Six months ended December 31, 2023 2022 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $ (353,237 ) $ (392,000 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 60,331 66,347 Provision for credit losses 21,536 16,581 Deferred taxes (35,525 ) 41,534 Stock-based compensation 17,525 17,893 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Receivables (348,833 ) (262,293 ) Prepaid expenses, other current and noncurrent assets (7,395 ) (32,983 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, salaries, wages and payroll taxes (58,543 ) (121,156 ) Deferred revenue, other current and noncurrent liabilities (58,520 ) (52,703 ) Income tax receivables, accrued income taxes and income tax reserves (180,706 ) (60,163 ) Other, net 1,201 (1,515 ) Net cash used in operating activities (942,166 ) (780,458 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures (32,708 ) (41,495 ) Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (27,158 ) (39,757 ) Franchise loans funded (15,491 ) (17,491 ) Payments from franchisees 2,747 3,861 Other, net 1,565 (4,208 ) Net cash used in investing activities (71,045 ) (99,090 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repayments of line of credit borrowings (25,000 ) (170,000 ) Proceeds from line of credit borrowings 825,000 750,000 Dividends paid (89,854 ) (89,193 ) Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered (378,709 ) (365,633 ) Other, net 4,011 3,639 Net cash provided by financing activities 335,448 128,813 Effects of exchange rate changes on cash 671 (7,790 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted balances (677,092 ) (758,525 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 1,015,316 1,050,713 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 338,224 $ 292,188 SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW DATA: Income taxes paid (received), net $ 72,160 $ (114,385 ) Interest paid on borrowings 35,496 31,812 Accrued additions to property and equipment 4,036 2,499 New operating right of use assets and related lease liabilities 70,532 79,917 Accrued dividends payable to common shareholders 45,273 44,569 (in 000s) Three months ended December 31, Six months ended December 31, NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE - EBITDA 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net loss - as reported $ (189,755 ) $ (223,579 ) $ (353,237 ) $ (392,000 ) Discontinued operations, net 639 2,716 1,248 3,770 Net loss from continuing operations - as reported (189,116 ) (220,863 ) (351,989 ) (388,230 ) Add back: Income tax benefit (93,758 ) (77,140 ) (143,245 ) (131,097 ) Interest expense 21,364 18,985 37,234 34,809 Depreciation and amortization 30,107 32,723 60,332 66,347 (42,287 ) (25,432 ) (45,679 ) (29,941 ) EBITDA from continuing operations $ (231,403 ) $ (246,295 ) $ (397,668 ) $ (418,171 ) (in 000s, except per share amounts) Three months ended December 31, Six months ended December 31, NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE - ADJUSTED EPS 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net loss from continuing operations - as reported $ (189,116 ) $ (220,863 ) $ (351,989 ) $ (388,230 ) Adjustments: Amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions (pretax) 12,269 12,839 24,824 25,535 Tax effect of adjustments(1) (3,087 ) (2,787 ) (6,022 ) (6,008 ) Adjusted net loss from continuing operations $ (179,934 ) $ (210,811 ) $ (333,187 ) $ (368,703 ) Diluted loss per share from continuing operations - as reported $ (1.33 ) $ (1.43 ) $ (2.44 ) $ (2.48 ) Adjustments, net of tax 0.06 0.06 0.13 0.12 Adjusted diluted loss per share from continuing operations $ (1.27 ) $ (1.37 ) $ (2.31 ) $ (2.36 ) (1)Tax effect of adjustments is the difference between the tax provision calculated on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis. Non-GAAP Financial Information Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Because these measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies. We consider our non-GAAP financial measures to be performance measures and a useful metric for management and investors to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of our business. We make adjustments for certain non-GAAP financial measures related to amortization of intangibles from acquisitions and goodwill impairments. We may consider whether other significant items that arise in the future should be excluded from our non-GAAP financial measures. We measure the performance of our business using a variety of metrics, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, free cash flow, and free cash flow yield. We also use EBITDA from continuing operations and pretax income from continuing operations, each subject to permitted adjustments, as performance metrics in incentive compensation calculations for our employees. CHICAGO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amlan International, the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming XXX AMVECAJ International Congress, scheduled to take place from February 7th to 9th, 2024, in Tepatiplan de Morelos, Jalisco. The event, organized by the Association of Veterinary Doctors Specialists in Pigs of Los Altos de Jalisco (AMVECAJ), holds significant importance in the swine sector, both nationally and internationally. The theme this year is One Health and will cover topics relevant to pig health management, nutrition, and animal welfare with participation of leading experts from the United States, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. AMVECAJ presents an ideal platform for Amlan to showcase its natural mineral-based feed additives, technical services expertise, and engage with pig producers on a global scale. Amlan is set to educate attendees about its solutions designed to enhance animal health and performance. The company's commitment to advancing sustainable feed technology for optimal gut health aligns seamlessly with the goals of AMVECAJ, making for a strategic alliance. A highlight of Amlans presence at AMVECAJ 2024 is the collaboration with its new distributor, KOFARM to offer natural solutions to support optimal gut health and improve economic production. This partnership signifies a strengthened commitment to delivering high-quality products such as Calibrin-Z, Varium and NeoPrime, and services to the Jalisco region of the Mexican market. Co-exhibiting with KOFARM allows Amlan to engage with attendees, share field insights, and explore collaborative opportunities that will further drive production efficiencies for swine producers. We are strategically positioned for sustained growth, particularly in Latin America. Our commitment is to deliver consistent solutions with products like NeoPrime designed to drive pig performance, naturally. This is reinforced by our partnership with KOFARM in Mexico," said Dr. Robin Jarquin, Regional Director, LATAM. The Latin American swine industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and Amlan is poised to contribute significantly to this expansion. According to FAOSTAT, Mexico's swine meat production reached 1.73 million metric tons in 2022, positioning the country as Latin America's second-largest producer. Mexico's swine production has consistently increased annually by 3.6% over the last five years, surpassing both the Americas' 2.3% average and the global average of 0.7%. "We are excited to be a part of AMVECAJ 2024 and help contribute to the growth of the Latin American pig industry, said Dr. Cesar Soto, Technical Services Director, LATAM at Amlan International. We look forward to engaging with swine producers to discuss performance successes and help them drive profits with natural solutions. AMVECAJ attendees can visit Amlan and KOFARM at Booth 82 to learn more about mineral-based gut health solutions and explore farm trial opportunities. For more information on Amlan International, please visit: amlan.com Company Information: Amlan is the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of sorbent minerals. Leveraging over 80 years of expertise in mineral science, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, doing business as "Amlan International," is a publicly traded stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ODC). Amlan International sells feed additives worldwide. Product availability may vary by country, associated claims do not constitute medical claims, and may differ based on government requirements. Contact: Reagan Culbertson, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, B2B Email: Reagan.culbertson@amlan.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f58ca492-0450-4628-b852-85f221a8e3fd UNION, N.J., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kean University students now have a faster path to earning a doctoral degree in pharmacy under a new dual degree agreement with Howard University that is designed to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to enter the healthcare field. Signed this week during Keans ongoing Black History Month celebrations, the accelerated degree program provides qualified students at Kean the opportunity to begin studying at Howard, one of the nations most prestigious historically Black research universities, during their senior year. Ultimately, participating Kean students will obtain both a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Kean and a Doctorate of Pharmacy, or Pharm. D., from Howard in Washington, D.C. in seven years, one year faster than through traditional pharmacy academic programs. This landmark agreement with one of the preeminent historically Black universities in the nation is a momentous step in fulfilling Keans mission as New Jerseys urban research university, said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. It will bring students from diverse backgrounds into this critical field. As a minority-serving institution, Kean shares profound similarities and deep-rooted values with Howard. We look forward to learning from this partnership and are committed to strategically aligning with other institutions to optimally support and elevate our students' experiences and opportunities. Representatives of Howard are expected to visit Kean in April to begin recruiting students for the program. Kean Board of Trustees Member Bertha Little-Mathews, a community organizer in Union, emphasized the profound impact of the agreement on Kean students and their communities. "Kean is not just continuing, but significantly advancing its crucial role in promoting equity, while also reinforcing its position as an anchor institution for Union County and beyond, Little-Mathews said. We are already seeing the strong community impact of Keans transformation as a research institution and look forward to seeing it grow even further in the years to come. Under the articulation agreement, Kean students in the chemistry program can apply for the program in their sophomore year. Once admitted, theyll enroll in the first year of pharmacy school at Howard during their senior year at Kean. After successful completion of their first year at Howard, Kean will accept the Howard credits and award the student a B.A. in chemistry. Students will then progress through Howards Pharm. D. program, and receive their Pharm. D. degree after successfully completing the requirements. Kean University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Birdsell, Ph.D., highlighted the exceptional opportunity presented by the agreement, noting that it not only paves a pathway to a career in pharmacy but also offers Kean students the privilege of experiencing one of the nation's most distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). "As Kean ascends to new heights as a research institution, our commitment is not just to identify, but to forge partnerships that provide unparalleled benefits for both our students and our researchers," Birdsell said. "This program is a pioneering initiative that will undoubtedly set a benchmark for future collaborations." Keith Bostian Ph.D., associate provost for science and technology at Kean, lauded Howards Pharm. D. program as exemplary in its field and said there will be stringent admission criteria, including a minimum GPA as well as testing and interview requirements. We are excited by this addition to our science and professional program offerings at Kean, Bostian said. "Admission to this program is not merely rigorous; it is exceptionally selective, reflecting the immense value and unparalleled opportunity it presents to our students." Heather Stokes-Huby, Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of Chemistry and Physics in the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Kean, said student feedback to the concept so far has been overwhelmingly positive. A lot of students want to enroll in pharmacy school, and this program cuts a year off the expected time from college enrollment to earning the Pharm. D., she said. The agreement broadens the array of science careers available to Kean students, and demonstrates Keans dedication to its students success. Kean Vice President of External Affairs and Urban Policy and Research Barbara George Johnson, J.D., a leader in community health care and policy, has done extensive research in healthcare in urban areas, including Newark and Trenton. She said it is important for health professionals to be reflective of people in communities they serve. Only 4.3% of pharmacists in New Jersey are African American and the number is even lower for LatinX representation at 3.6%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Kean University is a leader in community health initiatives in the state, she said. This agreement signifies Keans commitment to improving the lives and economic wellbeing of New Jersey and the nations urban residents through a focus on advancements in healthcare delivery. Kean recognizes the need to make strides in public health through a dynamic focus on community health bridging the gap between culturally sensitive care and the academic training of professionals who can deliver that care to diverse communities. ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY Kean University, New Jerseys urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Keans six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to masters degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at www.kean.edu. Attachment TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lavras Gold Corp. (TSX-V:LGC, OTCQX:LGCFF) (Lavras or the Company) is pleased to release the results from nine (9) new drill holes testing the Butia Gold Deposit, located at the western edge of the LDS project in southern Brazil. Gold mineralization was intersected in all nine holes at the Butia Deposit, which hosts a NI43-101 compliant measured, indicated and inferred gold resource of approximately 0.5 million ounces. Several of these new holes were designed to increase the confidence in the Butia resource (converting the Inferred Resource into the Measured & Indicated categories) and others to potentially increase the gold endowment as explained below. These new results continue to move Lavras Gold toward its short-term corporate goal of defining an economically feasible gold resource on the LDS Project, focused on the Butia gold deposit and the adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold target. HIGHLIGHTS Drilling Hole 23BT016 returned: 154.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from surface and including: 109.00 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from surface, 29.0 metres grading 2.9 g/t gold from 25.0 metres, and 5.0 metres grading 4.7 g/t gold from 29.0 metres, 18.0 metres grading 3.2 g/t gold from 30.0 metres, and and including: 16.00 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 208.00 metres and including: 6.00 metres grading 2.1 g/t gold from 208.00 metres. Regional Exploration Program - Soil Survey Results Three significant gold-in-soils anomalies at the following targets: A 3.8 km by 3.2 km anomaly centered over the Matilde and Matilde Extension targets in the southern portion of the property, A 4.6 km by 4.8 km anomaly overlying historical gold workings including Galvao, Zeca Souza and Caneleira, along the western and central western portion of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex, A more scattered anomaly centred along the eastern flank of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and overlying volcanic rocks (roughly 4 km by 3.7 km) The new drilling results demonstrate the excellent near-surface gold grade and continuity of the Butia gold deposit. Results like these have the potential to materially enhance the economics of a near-surface bulk tonnage open-pit type of gold project, commented Lavras Gold President & CEO Michael Durose. We are also working to increase the gold endowment at Butia by relogging and selectively re-assaying the 78 historic drill holes (20,000 metres). The purpose of this initiative is to reinterpret historical results and standardize the geological interpretation and assay results of the data, consistent with new information and geological observations from the adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold discovery. In this way possible new extensions to known gold mineralization can be tested. The results from the regional geochemical (soil) surveys and airborne magnetic survey programs, combined with surface exploration work, will help us select and prioritize future drilling targets as we strive to unlock the full exploration potential of the LDS Property. An update of drilling results for the recently discovered Fazenda do Posto target is expected as soon as final assay results are received and the geological interpretation is completed. Drilling is on-going in this area. For additional information, CLICK HERE for comments on todays news from CEO Michael Durose. [* Footnote: Butia hosts an NI 43-101 compliant near-surface gold resource of about 500,000 ounces, as detailed in the NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for Butia Gold Prospect dated and effective January 25, 2022. The report was prepared by VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda. for Lavras Gold Corp. and is available on the Companys website and www.sedar.com under Lavras Golds issuer profile.] Discussion of Drill Results Butia Deposit Butia is the most advanced gold deposit on the LDS property consisting of approximately 0.5 million ounces of gold, located 150 metres east of the recent Fazenda do Posto gold discovery. The purpose of the current drilling program at Butia is to increase the geological confidence of the existing gold resource by converting a significant portion of inferred geological resources into the measured and indicated categories and to increase the gold endowment of the existing gold resource. Approximately 23.3% of the existing resource estimate is in the Inferred category and the remaining 76.7% in the measured and indicated categories. Since 2005, a total of 78 drill holes for 20,000 meters have been completed at the Butia gold deposit. An additional nine new drill holes totalling 2,500 metres bring the total number of holes drilled at Butia to 87 (22,500 metres of drilling). Drill hole lengths from the current program typically range from 160.0 metres to 360.0 metres and have been completed as part of a program of 16 drill holes planned for this area. Details of the locations of the new drill holes relative to existing resource categories can be found in the plan view in Figure 1. A cross-section facing west is shown in Figure 2. Table 1 summarizes assay results. Table 2 tabulates drill hole information including collar coordinates and drill hole depths. Drilling has defined the Butia gold mineralization over a northwest-southeast strike length of approximately 375 metres, a northeast-southwest strike length of 345 metres and from surface to a depth of 350 metres. The deposit is open to possible expansion in several directions. Generally, long continuous intervals of gold mineralization containing higher-grade subintervals were encountered. The host rocks are extensively hydrothermally altered, and gold is typically hosted in disseminated sulphide minerals (pyrite +- arsenian pyrite) within episyenite host rock or mineralized perthitic granite. Occasional visible gold has been observed associated with sulphide minerals (galena, pyrite) (See Figure 3). The mineralization is bulk tonnage in its nature. Drill hole 23BT016 was collared in the central portion of the Butia gold deposit slightly southwest of the measured portion of the gold resource (see Figure 1). The hole was drilled at an inclined angle of 60 degrees on an azimuth of 200 degrees. The purpose was to provide a scissor hole to 23BT012 and to test for gold grade continuity through this portion of the deposit. The hole was also designed to extend the measured category of the mineral resource to the southwest. A long interval of continuous bulk-tonnage disseminated gold mineralization was encountered from surface to a depth of 154.0 metres within mineralized episyenite as detailed below. Intersected 154.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from surface (0.0 metres) and including: 109.00 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from surface (0.0 metres) 29.0 metres grading 2.9 g/t gold from 25.0 metres, and 5.0 metres grading 4.7 g/t gold from 29.0 metres 18.0 metres grading 3.2 g/t gold from 30.0 metres, and (0.0 metres) and including: 16.00 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 208.00 metres and including: 6.00 metres grading 2.1 g/t gold from 208.00 metres Drillhole 23BT012 was collared in the southwest portion of the Butia gold deposit and drilled on an azimuth of 020 degrees at an inclined angle of 60 degrees (see Figure 1). The purpose was to better understand the nature and continuity of gold mineralization in this portion of the deposit. Continuous gold mineralization was encountered over long intervals in episyenite and mineralized perthitic granite. Higher-grade intervals have been observed within zones of episyenite hosting galena, pyrite and arsenian pyrite (see Figure 4). A summary of assay composites is as follows: 110.0 metres grading 0.7 g/t gold from 136.0 metres including: 5.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 142.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 2.7 g/t gold from 142.0 metres 20.0 metres grading 1.6 g/t gold from 154.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 4.2 g/t gold from 154.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 6.1 g/t gold from 163.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 2.8 g/t gold from 179.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 4.1 g/t gold from 191.0 metres Drillhole 23BT013 was positioned in the central portion of the Butia gold deposit, slightly south of the currently interpreted measured portion of the gold resource and drilled vertically (see Figure 1 & Figure 2). The purpose was to better understand the nature of the geology and mineralization in this portion of the deposit. A continuous bulk-tonnage and disseminated style of mineralization consisting mainly of disseminated pyrite +- arsenian pyrite within episyenite occurred from 119.0 metres over a length of 73.0 metres. This included several higher-grade subintervals as detailed below: 73.0 metres grading 0.7 g/t gold from 119.0 metres including: 35.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 136.0 metres 12.0 metres grading 1.6 g/t gold from 146.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 2.2 g/t gold from 146.0 metres Drillhole 23BT009 was collared along the southwest edge of the Butia mineralized footprint and drilled on an azimuth of 020 degrees and inclined 60 degrees (see Figure 1). The purpose was to test the southwestern extension of the deposit. Several long intervals of disseminated moderate grade gold mineralization were encountered and including multiple higher-grade subintervals as follows: 16.0 metres grading 0.6 g/t gold from 73.0 metres including: 7.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from 74.0 metres 65.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 121.0 metres and including: 18.2 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 141.0 metres and 8.0 metres grading 1.5 g/t gold from 141.0 metres, and 3.0 metres grading 2.1 g/t gold from 142.0 metres, and 4.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 168.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 208.0 metres 5.0 metres grading 1.5 g/t gold from 214.0 metres Regional Exploration Targeting Program The regional exploration potential on the property is significant as evidenced by recent results generated by the regional soil geochemistry and airborne drone magnetics surveys (see Figure 5 & Figure 6). There are at least 24 known significant gold and gold-copper showings scattered throughout the 22,000-hectare LDS property. Figure 5 highlights that at least three substantial gold-in-soil anomalies have recently been outlined by the regional soil survey program including: A 3.8 km east-west by 3.2 km north-south gold in soil anomaly centered over the Matilde and Matilde Extension targets in the southern portion of the property. A 4.6 km northeast-southwest by 4.8 km northwest-southeast gold-in-soil anomaly overlying historical gold workings along the central western portion of the property that covers several gold targets and showings including Butia, Galvao, Caneleira, Zeca Souza, Caneleira Norte and Paredao among others. A more scattered gold-in-soil anomaly centred along the eastern portion of the property area along the flank of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and overlying volcanic rocks measuring about 4 km in a north south direction, and up to 3.7 km in a southeast-northwest direction. Several gold and gold copper showings exist in this area including Dourada, Aurora, Cerro Rico and Mato Feio among others. The near-term priority is to develop new drilling targets using the regional soil and geophysics program as a guide to ground follow-up. Ground follow-up will include detailed geological mapping, sampling, trenching and selective augur drilling of favourable targets. The initial priority area will be in the region of the large gold in soil anomaly along the central western portion of the LDS property north of Fazenda do Posto and Butia. These extensive gold-in-soil anomalies, when superimposed on regional magnetics (See Figure 6), point to a complex structural setting where gold anomalies and historical workings appear to be centred on magnetic low structures. This is certainly the case at the Caneleira gold target, where a kilometer-scale east-west gold-bearing structure has been defined in previous drilling. The best historical drill hole intersection was 1.4 g/t gold over 36.1 metres approximately 70 metres down the drill core. These regional surveys, combined with surface exploration work, will inform the selection and priority order for future exploration drilling targets as the Lavras team strives to unlock the full exploration potential of the LDS Property. 2024 Exploration Program Overview & Objectives Lavras Golds short-term corporate objective is to define an economic gold resource on the LDS Project with a focus on the Butia gold deposit and adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold target. A 25,000-metre diamond drilling contract has been signed with GeoSol, a Brazilian drilling company. The current drilling program consists of two diamond drill rigs that are now on site and designed to test exploration targets continuously from now until the first half of 2025. This drilling program is in addition to the 20,000 metres of drilling completed by the company since it went public in April 2022, and the more than 60,000 metres of historical drilling on the property by previous operators. Approximately 10,000 metres of drilling have currently been budgeted to test Butia and Fazenda do Posto. Further drilling of these targets may happen as results warrant. Drilling of other exploration targets is anticipated in the second half of 2024 with the objective of discovering new economic gold deposits on the LDS property. Table 1. Summary of Drill Hole Composites from Butia Gold Deposit Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) 23BT005 0.00 37.00 37.00 0.74 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 4.00 23.00 19.00 1.17 Saprolite 97.00 99.00 2.00 0.32 Perthitic Granite 101.00 103.00 2.00 0.27 Perthitic Granite 23BT009 54.00 58.00 4.00 0.61 Episyenite 73.00 89.00 16.00 0.63 Episyenite including 74.00 81.00 7.00 1.14 Episyenite 121.00 186.00 65.00 0.51 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 141.00 159.16 18.16 0.99 Episyenite including 127.00 131.00 4.00 0.80 Episyenite including 141.00 149.00 8.00 1.49 Episyenite including 142.00 145.00 3.00 2.10 Episyenite including 168.00 172.00 4.00 1.29 Perthitic Granite including 177.00 178.00 1.00 0.76 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite including 182.00 186.00 4.00 0.65 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 208.00 220.00 12.00 0.89 Perthitic Granite including 208.00 210.00 2.00 1.22 Perthitic Granite including 214.00 219.00 5.00 1.50 Perthitic Granite 239.00 242.00 3.00 0.45 Perthitic Granite including 239.00 240.00 1.00 0.81 Perthitic Granite 23BT010 0.00 46.00 46.00 0.48 Episyenite Including 0.00 9.00 9.00 1.15 Episyenite Including 17.00 19.00 2.00 1.18 Episyenite 40.00 42.00 2.00 0.58 Perthitic Granite 45.00 46.00 1.00 0.81 Perthitic Granite 61.00 63.00 2.00 0.44 Perthitic Granite 68.00 73.00 5.00 0.30 Perthitic Granite 96.00 100.00 4.00 0.46 Perthitic Granite including 96.00 97.00 1.00 1.23 Perthitic Granite 110.00 111.00 1.00 0.51 Episyenite Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) 23BT011 12.00 22.00 10.00 0.76 Perthitic Granite including 13.00 15.00 2.00 2.64 Perthitic Granite 23BT012 67.00 74.00 7.00 0.51 Episyenite 136.00 246.00 110.00 0.71 Episyenite Including 142.00 147.00 5.00 1.27 Episyenite Including 142.00 144.00 2.00 2.68 Episyenite Including 154.00 174.00 20.00 1.59 Episyenite Including 154.00 157.00 3.00 4.20 Episyenite Including 163.00 166.00 3.00 6.06 Episyenite Including 179.00 182.00 3.00 2.77 Episyenite Including 191.00 193.00 2.00 4.08 Episyenite Including 205.00 206.00 1.00 0.90 Episyenite Including 218.00 220.69 2.69 1.12 Episyenite Including 227.00 229.00 2.00 0.83 Episyenite Including 231.50 233.51 2.01 0.80 Episyenite Including 240.18 242.02 1.84 1.27 Episyenite Including 243.30 244.00 0.70 1.11 Episyenite 253.53 255.37 1.84 1.59 Perthitic Granite 313.00 332.00 19.00 0.60 Perthitic Granite Including 325.00 327.00 2.00 1.73 Perthitic Granite Including 329.00 331.00 2.00 1.43 Perthitic Granite 23BT013 4.00 5.00 1.00 0.44 Perthitic granite 15.00 19.00 4.00 0.30 Perthitic granite 53.00 55.00 2.00 0.35 Perthitic granite 56.00 57.00 1.00 0.26 Perthitic granite 61.00 62.00 1.00 0.44 Perthitic granite 71.00 72.00 1.00 0.60 Perthitic granite 107.00 109.00 2.00 0.34 Perthitic granite 119.00 192.00 73.00 0.74 Episyenite including 136.00 171.00 35.00 1.18 Episyenite including 136.00 139.00 3.00 1.00 Episyenite including 146.00 158.00 12.00 1.54 Episyenite including 146.00 149.00 3.00 2.21 Episyenite 200.00 201.00 1.00 0.91 Episyenite 202.00 203.00 1.00 0.32 Episyenite 207.00 210.00 3.00 0.59 Episyenite Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) 215.00 217.00 2.00 0.34 Episyenite 218.00 221.00 3.00 1.88 Perthitic granite 225.00 228.00 3.00 0.46 Perthitic granite 231.00 233.00 2.00 0.40 Perthitic granite 236.00 237.00 1.00 0.25 Perthitic granite 245.00 246.00 1.00 0.25 Perthitic granite 248.00 249.00 1.00 0.34 Perthitic granite 257.00 258.00 1.00 0.35 Perthitic granite 23BT014 43.00 47.00 4.00 0.45 Perthitic granite 84.00 85.00 1.00 0.32 Perthitic granite 182.62 185.00 2.38 0.72 Perthitic granite 215.00 216.00 1.00 0.36 Perthitic granite 250.00 260.00 10.00 1.45 Episyenite, vg, gln 23BT015 161.33 162.45 1.12 0.27 Perthitic Granite 182.00 184.00 2.00 0.29 Perthitic Granite 242.00 243.00 1.00 0.24 Perthitic Granite 269.00 274.00 5.00 0.62 Perthitic Granite including 272.00 273.00 1.00 1.73 Perthitic Granite 23BT016 0.00 160.00 160.00 1.04 Episyenite including 0.00 109.00 109.00 1.36 Episyenite including 25.00 54.00 29.00 2.90 Episyenite including 29.00 34.00 5.00 4.65 Episyenite including 30.00 48.00 18.00 3.22 Episyenite 183.00 187.00 4.00 0.34 208.00 224.00 16.00 1.03 Episyenite including 208.00 214.00 6.00 2.06 Episyenite 256.00 257.00 1.00 0.25 Episyenite 263.00 264.00 1.00 0.29 Episyenite 266.00 267.00 1.00 0.28 Episyenite 270.00 287.00 17.00 0.43 Episyenite 292.00 293.00 1.00 0.28 Episyenite 316.00 323.00 7.00 0.35 Episyenite Assumes 0.25 g/t gold cut-off grade, no top cut. The Company has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. Intervals represent drill core interval; true widths have not been determined at this time. Table 2. Butia Drill Hole Coordinates Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth (Degrees) Dip (degrees) Start Depth (metres) Final Depth (metres) 23BT005 217986 6586491 374 020 -60 0 230.19 23BT009 218120 6586236 387 020 -60 0 252.95 23BT010 217988 6586484 377 200 -60 0 159.79 23BT011 218018 6586572 371 020 -60 0 200.55 23BT012 218043 6586241 399 020 -60 0 358.13 23BT013 218091 6586395 395 0 -90 0 317.87 23BT014 218001 6586253 403 020 -60 0 331.33 23BT015 218128 6586206 416 020 -60 0 294.37 23BT016 218153 6586455 384 200 -60 0 357.66 Figure 1. Plan View of 2023 Butia Drill Holes Relative to Resource Categories Figure 2. Cross Section of 2023 Butia Drill Holes (Looking West) Relative to Resource Categories Figures 3-5. Visible Gold (Red Circles) Associated with Pyrite and Galena Veinlets and Disseminations within Episyenite Host Rock at Butia Gold Deposit. This sample from drillhole 23BT014 spans the interval 245.0 m to 246.0 m and grades 8.4 g/t gold. Figure 4. Example of Gold Mineralized Episyenite Host Rock at Butia Gold Deposit Showing Disseminated Galena, Pyrite and Arsenian Pyrite. Dark Iron-Rich Chlorite and White Carbonate (Calcite) fills the Vuggy Areas. This sample from drillhole 23BT012 is from interval 163.0 m to 164.0 m and grades 7.3 g/t gold. Figure 5. Regional Soil Geochemistry Anomalies versus Geology of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and Known Mineral Showings Figure 6. Regional Drone Magnetics of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and Location of Known Mineral Showings About the LDS Project The LDS Project is centred on the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is approximately 320 kilometres, or a 4.5-hour drive, from the state capital of Porto Alegre. The Company, through its subsidiary, holds directly or indirectly, contractual interests over 29 mineral rights covering 22,000 hectares. The LDS intrusive complex is a multiphase intrusive centre that is surrounded by coeval volcanic rocks to the east. Geologically, LDS is in the far south of the Neoproterozoic Mantiqueira Province, a 2,700-kilometre-long belt of tectonically and magmatically accreted terrains that stretch as far south as the coastline of central Uruguay and north into southern Bahia State in Brazil. The most advanced targets are the Butia and Cerrito gold deposits, which have consolidated NI 43-101 resources of approximately 1 million ounces. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC, OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of a multi-million-ounce gold district in southern Brazil. Its Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans more than 22,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Michael Durose, President & CEO for Lavras Gold Corp., is the qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Lavras Gold Corp. Michael Durose President & CEO For further information, please visit the Lavras Gold Corp. website at www.lavrasgold.com, or contact: Michael Durose, President & CEO or Naomi Nemeth, VP Investor Relations Phone: +1-289-624-1343 or +1-289-624-1377 Email: investor@lavrasgold.com Website: www.lavrasgold.com X (Twitter): @LavrasGold Additional Technical Notes: Quality Assurance & Quality Control: For the Butia Gold Deposit, sample handling, preparation, and analysis are monitored through the implementation of formal chain-of-custody procedures and quality assurance/quality control programs designed to follow industry best practices. All drill hole samples in this drilling program consist of split NQ diamond drill core. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure facility located in Lavras do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Drill core samples for gold assay are cut in half using a diamond saw and submitted to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil for preparation by crushing to 85% passing 1.0 mm, riffle splitting to obtain 500 g aliquots, and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns. Pulps are shipped to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Lima, Peru and analyzed by a 50g fire assay and AAS finish. Three 50g aliquots are taken for samples in the mineralized zone and one aliquot is taken in fresh rocks. The average grade of the three aliquots is used to determine the final grade of the mineralized sample. Certified standards, non-certified blanks and field duplicates are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals, so that QA/QC accounted for about 10% of the total samples. Results are routinely evaluated for accuracy, precision, and contamination. Lavras Gold has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections that are lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. The Company maintains a robust QAQC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). Disclaimer: 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. Forward looking statements: 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 Companys further 2024 drill plans and future results at the LDS Project 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 Companys 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. Images accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23ac608c-3fae-4f99-b1ec-f5834443cd9c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f4dbd6d-f0fe-41a1-b708-f7d8b5949fba https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7385e4da-1086-4c5d-8921-e550ddfa671a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9e951520-3db2-4784-a951-92ef75ca68da https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a65240c-4f53-4e8c-8186-1a544ab79694 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93896c87-b014-4211-a64b-5bef0a6d467c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77786cdd-b975-43eb-9953-76ad8378e65b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ca71fe2-a751-484e-8727-3b16c96b0b1e Ottawa, ON, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday, the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee (INAN) confirmed adoption of Bill C-53, the Recognition of Certain Metis Governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan and Metis Self-Government Act. The Metis National Council supports this decision and looks forward to swift passage of the bill in the House of Commons. As part of the INAN process, 274 briefs and 65 witnesses helped to develop agreeable amendments to address concerns that had been raised. These amendments were supported by MNC to ensure that Bill C-53 does not impact the rights of other Indigenous peoples. I want to congratulate the Metis Governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario on this milestone. The Metis National Council will continue to support our Metis governments in the passage of this historic piece of legislation. I also want to thank the INAN Committee for the thorough work that they have done in reviewing Bill C-53, and most importantly, for the collaboration from the members representing all parties throughout this process. The Metis National Council looks forward to the next steps in this process to ensure that Metis rights of self-determination and self-government, enshrined in Section 35, are upheld. TUCSON, Feb. 05, 2024 - Liberty Star Minerals ("Liberty Star" or the "Company") (OTCMarkets: LBSR) is pleased to announce an update for its wholly owned Hay Mountain Property ("HMP") drilling program in southeast Arizona. The Hay Mountain Property may possess commercially important metals associated with porphyry copper-gold-moly geologic structures, well represented in the area from central Arizona to northern Mexico. At a depth of just over 2000 feet, the company encountered a marble front along with a zone of intense propylitic alteration. Both of these phenomena are related to the presence of a large, hydrous intrusive body at depth below. In a phone call from site to the Chairman of the Board, our consulting geologist, Jim Bryce explained that this was, "some of the most, if not THE most intense alteration I've seen in 33 years of doing this." Photo above is showing intense Actinolite, Chlorite, Hematite and Sericite alteration of the sediments. The lower six inches of the second column from the left is a thin bed of marble in the assembly. Much thicker marble units were encountered up hole. In addition to the marble and the hydrothermal alteration, zones of disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite as well as smaller, discrete zones of carbonate replacement to several inches in thickness, primarily of pyrite with some chalcopyrite indicates that we are possibly in the halo above a CRD type system. "Porphyry ore deposits represent remarkable accumulations of metals-in particular Cu, Mo, and Au-typically precipitated from hydrothermal fluids in an intrusive host and its surrounding country rocks. Deposits are normally centered within an alteration halo with characteristic mineralogical and chemical zoning patterns" (Cooke et al., 2014a). Crews are now taking a two week break after which drilling will resume. Reference, Cooke, D.R., Hollings, P., Wilkinson, J.J., and Tosdal, R.M., 2014a, Geochemistry of porphyry deposits, in Holland, H.D., and Turekian, K.K., eds., Treatise on geochemistry , 2nd ed., v. 13: Oxford, Elsevier, p. 357-381. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Liberty Star Minerals Visit lbsr.us for more about Liberty Star Minerals, the Red Rock Canyon & the Hay Mountain Property, including images, maps and technical reports About Liberty Star Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. (LBSR: OTCQB), d/b/a Liberty Star Minerals, is an Arizona-based mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Arizona and the southwest USA. Currently the company controls properties which are located over what management considers some of North America's richest mineralized regions for copper, gold, silver, molybdenum (moly), and associated metals. The Company's premiere property is the Hay Mountain Property (exploration stage) for porphyry copper, gold, moly and other commercially important minerals. Specific targets have been selected to explore for near surface and deep-seated ore bodies, of which there are numerous analogs nearby. Contiguous with the primary Hay Mountain porphyry exploration property, and part of the overall Hay Mountain Property, is an increasingly attractive area of exploration stage gold mineralization denominated Red Rock Canyon. Red Rock Canyon exhibits what we believe are extensive, promising hydrothermal associated gold-bearing structures that are documented in historical public and Company records. View numerous geoscientific reports on our website. The Hay Mountain Property is in Cochise County (southeast) Arizona, USA. Follow Liberty Star Minerals on Facebook , LinkedIn & [X]Twitter@LibertyStarLBSR Forward Looking Statements Certain information contained in public release may contain "forward-looking statements," as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which are unforeseeable and beyond the Company's or management's control, that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include but not be limited to the business strategies for the Company, assumptions of management, pending or future transactions, future estimated mineral resources or grades, investments, asset valuations, anticipated permits and approvals and other information that may be based on forecasts of future exploration, operational or financial results or estimates of matters not yet determinable. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance using words or phrases like the following may be forward-looking statements: "estimate", "intend", "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" "may", "might", "could", "would" or similar words or expressions. Important factors that could differ materially from the expectations of the Company and management include, among other things, risks related to unsuccessful exploration results, metals prices, fluctuations in currency prices, international markets, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as changes in the availability of funding for mineral exploration and development and general economic conditions. Additional information about these factors, risks and uncertainties on which forward-looking statements are based is discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2023, as updated from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not responsible for updating the information contained in this public release beyond the presentation date or published date, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet services. Risk factors for the company are set out in the 10-K and other periodic filings made with the SEC on EDGAR (ref. Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp.). Regulation S-K 1300 Matters on October 31, 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K ("Regulation SK-1300") to modernize the property disclosure requirements for mining registrants, and related guidance, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All registrants are required to comply with Regulation SK-1300 for fiscal years ending after January 1, 2021. Accordingly, the Company must comply with Regulation SK-1300 for its fiscal year ending January 31, 2022. Regulation SK-1300 uses the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards ("CRIRSCO") based classification scheme for mineral resources and mineral reserves, that includes definitions for inferred, indicated, and measured mineral resources. Liberty Star is an "Exploration Stage Issuer" as defined in Subpart 1300. It currently has no exploration results, mineral resources or mineral reserves to report, accordingly, no information, opinions or data included in the website or in any public releases includes any information or disclosures regarding exploration results, mineral resources or mineral reserves as defined in Regulation SK-1300. As a result, the Company is not required, at this time, to obtain or provide a Technical Report Summary as defined in Regulation SK-1300. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to rely upon or assume for any purpose that any part of the mineralized real property of the Company in these categories will ever be converted into inferred, indicated, and measured mineral resources or probable or proven mineral reserves within the meaning of Regulation S-K 1300. UNLESS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY STATED ON THE FACE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION, NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLIC RELEASE IS, NOR DOES IT PURPORT TO BE, A TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY PREPARED BY A QUALIFIED PERSON PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBPART 1300 OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION REGULATION S-K. February 5, 2024 Liberty Star Minerals | Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. LBSR: OTCQB http://www.lbsr.us Contact: Liberty Star Minerals Tracy Myers, Investor Relations 520-425-1433 - info@lbsr.us Attachment Toronto, February 6, 2024 - Stakeholder Gold Corp. (TSXV: SRC) ("Stakeholder" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that licensing for the Company's White Quartzite Quarry has cleared another milestone. On the 25th of January the State Forestry Institute of Minas Gerais, Instituto Estadual de Florestas (IEF), completed their site visit. The site visit is a prerequisite for granting final approval for commercial operations at the Company's new White Quartzite Quarry. Final approval from the IEF is expected imminently, at which point a sample block from the Company's new White Quartzite Quarry will be produced and shipped for processing into slabs. These slabs will permit purchasing clients to view the material quality and to understand its finishing characteristics in advance of full-scale commercial production. "Demand for white quartzite is strong, with many Brazilian factories reporting difficulty in purchasing enough material in block form. We believe that the white quartzite which will be produced at our new quarry will find a ready market," said Marcus Chase, president of Mineracao VMC Ltda. (VMC), Stakeholder's Brazilian subsidiary. Figure 1. White Quartzite Processed Slabs, Minas Gerais, Brazil To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3082/196847_b646812994501a91_001full.jpg[1] "Our purchasing clients have expressed strong interest in the material from this new quarry. Conservatively, we estimate that this quarry will sell 150 cubic meters of quartzite per month. Prices will vary between $1,700 and $1,900 USD/m3. This rate of production is expected to take three months to achieve, but once established there will be no impediments to maintaining or increasing the production rate. Noteworthy also is that further capital expenditure is not required to move forward, as VMC is able to secure all necessary equipment from existing operations." Export Market Development The Company is also pleased to announce that the first two containers of Blue Quartzite slabs have been cut, polished, and shipped directly to a new export market that the Company is developing in Canada. VMC is now preparing additional containers for export from Brazil to Canada. "Our objective with direct exports is to enhance uptake at the same time as we commission new quarries in Brazil in order to grow sales for the company's expanding product offering," stated Christopher Berlet, CEO of Stakeholder. "Stakeholder is developing a profitable cash flow business with a view to restricting treasury share issuance while we pursue high value-add exploration targets on the company's 100% owned, highly prospective, Ballarat Gold and Copper Exploration Project located in the Heart of the White Gold District of the Yukon Territory, Canada." For further information please contact: Stakeholder Gold Corp. 416 525 - 6869 cberlet@stakeholdergold.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Corporation believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporation's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196847 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Vancouver, February 6, 2024 - One World Lithium Inc. (OTC:OWRDF) (CSE:OWLI) (the "Company" or "OWL") announces effective on February 7, 2024 the Company will amend the terms (the "Amendment") of an aggregate of 45,022,210 outstanding common share purchase warrants (collectively, the "Warrants") previously issued by the Company as follows: 45,022,210 of these Warrants are currently exercisable to acquire common shares of the Company at a price of $0.10 until March 1, 2024. Under the Amendment, the term of the Warrants will be extended by an additional twenty-four months (24) to March 01, 2026. All other warrant terms remain the same. Continuation of Non-Brokered Private Placement The Company also announces further to its news release dated October 25, 2023, the Company is continuing with its non-brokered private placement of up to 20,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") of the Company at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 that may close in one or more tranches (the "Offering"). Too date the Company has raised $200,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.08 for a period of 36 months from the closing of the Offering. All funds are stated in Canadian dollars. For further details see news releases dated October 25, 2023, October 20, 2023 and September 14, 2023. About One World Lithium Inc. One World Lithium Inc. remains focused on properties of merit that may contain lithium in brine. The Company is also focused on commercial application of its Direct Lithium Extraction Technology. OWL intends to license or joint venture its technology to current and future lithium carbonate producers. For more information, visit: https://oneworldlithium.com/. On behalf of the Board of Directors of One World Lithium Inc., "Douglas Fulcher" President and Chief Executive Officer For further information please visit www.oneworldlithium.com or email info@oneworldlithium.com or call 1-888-280-8128. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the OWL, including, but not limited to: (I) OWL's ability to raise any additional funds from its Offering, (II) the ability of the OWL to further its R&D, to change the lithium extraction industry, and (III) OWL's abilities to commercialize its Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology. Although OWL believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because OWL can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from the those anticipated in such statements, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include: (I) inability of OWL to commercialize its DLE technology (II) OWL's inability to execute its business plan and raise any required financing, (III) risks and market fluctuations common to the mining industry and lithium sector in particular, and (IV) advancements in other new separation technologies. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the OWL. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information contained in this press release. 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. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, Feb. 6, 2024 - NGEx Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: NGEX) ("NGEx", "NGEx Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. ("Renmark") to provide investor relations services to the Company (the "Services"). View PDF In consideration for the Services, and subject to approval by the TSX Venture, Renmark shall be paid up to C$9,000 per month, starting February 15, 2024. The Services have an initial term of seven months ending September 15, 2024, and monthly thereafter. Renmark does not have any direct or indirect interest in NGEx, or its securities, nor any right or intent to acquire such an interest. About Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Founded in 1999, Renmark is a privately held full-service investor relations firm, located in Atlanta, New York, Toronto and Montreal. For the past 25 years, Renmark has provided services in investor relations, media relations and web development representing small, medium and large cap public companies listed on all major North American exchanges. With the largest roadshow footprint in North America, Renmark hosts a multitude of live streaming Virtual Non-Deal Roadshows across North America and Europe. About NGEx Minerals NGEx Minerals is a copper and gold exploration company based in Canada, focused on exploration of the Lunahuasi copper-gold-silver project in San Juan Province, Argentina, and the nearby Los Helados copper-gold project located approximately nine kilometres northeast in Chile's Region III. Both projects are located within the Vicuna District, which includes the Caserones mine, and the Josemaria and Filo del Sol deposits. NGEx Minerals owns 100% of Lunahuasi and is the majority partner and operator for the Los Helados project, subject to a Joint Exploration Agreement with Nippon Caserones Resources LLC, which is the indirect 49% owner of the operating Caserones open pit copper mine located approximately 17 kilometres north of Los Helados. Lundin Mining Corp. holds the remaining 51% stake in Caserones. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "NGEX". NGEx Minerals is part of the Lundin Group of Companies. Additional information relating to NGEx Minerals Ltd. may be obtained or viewed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com. Additional Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The information contained in this news release was accurate at the time of dissemination but may be superseded by subsequent news release(s). The Company is under no obligation, nor does it intend to update or revise the forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Information concerning the mineral properties of the Company contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ in material respects from the requirements of securities laws of the United States applicable to U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Website: www.ngexminerals.com SOURCE NGEx Minerals Ltd. Why Some Voters Go Against Party Missouri Republicans triumphed in last month's elections. In defeating Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, GOP state Attorney General Josh Hawley carried 110 of the state's 114 counties. Republicans also maintained supermajority control over both legislative chambers.Yet at the same time, Missouri voters approved a number of liberal ballot measures. They supported an increase in the minimum wage, legalized medical marijuana and a broad measure to restrict lobbying, put new limits on campaign finance and take primary authority for redistricting away from legislators.Not only did those measures pass statewide, but they won majorities in the state's rural counties, which gave more than 70 percent of their vote to Hawley.The same disparity occurred in other states.Florida's Amendment 4, which restored voting rights for ex-felons, carried the state's rural counties. In fact, it was passed by voters in every state Senate district in Florida, even as Republicans maintained their legislative majorities and won the U.S. Senate and governor races. In solidly red Utah, a majority of rural voters approved a ballot measure to expand Medicaid.Ballot initiatives have lately been more a tool of the left, with progressives looking for ways to push ideas that have no chance in Republican-controlled legislatures.Still, why are voters who would likely never vote for a Democrat willing to support policy ideas that are straight out of the Democratic platform?"There's like a 20 to 25 point difference on voting for a Democrat and voting for a policy a Democrat would support," says Bill Bishop, co-founder of the, which covers rural issues.Bishop argues that politics now is more about identity -- feeling part of a partisan team -- than policy, with candidates paying an " identity penalty " because of their party affiliations. At least some voters who might like a Democrat's ideas will vote against her, simply because of her party label, he says.Conversely, notes Rob Pyers, research director for the nonpartisan California Target Book, "if the California GOP House candidates had performed as well as the gas tax repeal did in their districts, they would have gained three seats instead of losing seven."Political scientists and pollsters have shown that voters are often willing to change their positions on issues in order to suit their party's stances. But if that's the case, it doesn't solve the mystery of why so many conservative voters were willing to support progressive ballot measures this year.Several factors appear to be at play.For one thing, while Republican politicians might have opposed some of these measures, they didn't always campaign against them. Florida GOP officials, for instance, are seeking to delay implementation of Amendment 4, but they ran no formal opposition campaign against it leading up to the election."If you're a conservative governor, and you're finding out that minimum wage increases are actually playing pretty well, why would you go out there and talk about that issue when you'd be bringing on an additional headwind to your own victory?" says Craig Burnett, a political scientist at Hofstra University.Organized opposition makes a difference. Medicaid expansion initiatives were approved in Idaho and Nebraska, along with Utah. But a measure that would have extended the Medicaid expansion in Montana by increasing tobacco taxes was defeated, in no small part thanks to $17 million spent against it by tobacco companies.Ballot measures represent binary choices. You're either for the idea, or you're not. You know precisely what you're voting for, or against (assuming the ballot language is clear and not misleading).By contrast, when you vote for a candidate, she might pledge to support marijuana legalization or Medicaid but be unable to get the job done in the legislature, or come back with some mushy compromise."People do view candidates and elected officials in a different way from these issues," says Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which promotes progressive ballot measures.Figueredo argues that voters look at ballot measures through the lens of their potential impact on their daily lives. A minimum wage increase might mean a raise. Medicaid expansion means more residents will have health insurance."They associate a lot of these candidates with political parties," she says, "but then they look at the ballot and say, 'I need access to health care, I'm going to vote for that.'"There's some truth to the idea that voters are less likely to attach partisan labels to ballot measures than they automatically would with candidates, says Burnett, the Hofstra professor.Certain policy ideas have become so closely identified with one party or the other that it's hard to imagine how they could win support from many partisans on the other side. Voter ID restrictions aren't going to be approved by voters in states with a clear liberal bent, while measures to address climate change are unlikely to win favor in conservative places.But in general, people are sometimes willing to vote for ideas that sound good to them, even when their party doesn't approve."When you look at the way these ballot measures are structured," Burnett says, "there's no party attached to it. You don't necessarily know who's supporting them." A rather unusual 5G story comes from Chile, where operator Movistar recently requested that the imminent second 5G spectrum tender be suspended a request that has been rejected by the Chilean antitrust authority the TDLC (el Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia). It seems that in mid-January Movistar requested the suspension of the bidding process because it claimed the terms favour rival bidder Claro or rather the now merged Claro and VTR (a merger we reported in October 2022). It suggested, among other things, that ratings based on coverage and business plans may favour operators deploying new infrastructure and that a tie-breaker rule involving a bidding contest for spectrum may also favour ClaroVTR. A ban on the use of third-party infrastructure to achieve coverage targets was also cited along with stricter obligations applying to Entel, Movistar and WOM which won 50MHz each in the 3.5GHz band in 2021 but not to ClaroVTR, which is a new 5G competitor. The company claimed that a suspension of the 5G tender would be necessary and seemed also to suggest that it would consider legal action against regulator Subtel. However, quoted by the BNamericas news service, the TDLC responded: It is not admissible, as the evidence presented does not constitute a serious presumption of the right being claimed. The TDLC ruling means that the schedule of the tender remains unchanged: it takes place on 20 February. This is not, strictly speaking, an auction but an evaluation, according to the rules announced late last year. BNamericas says Subtel plans to grant between one and five spectrum concessions of no less than 10MHz in the 3.40-3.60GHz band to install and operate a high-speed 5G or superior network. The concessions will have a term of 30 years. Albon not confirming definite 2025 Williams seat Rumours Alex Albon is one of F1's hottest properties for the 2025 driver market have been scotched by James Vowles, his current boss at Williams. Alex Albon, Canadian GP 2023 Williams Just as the on-form British-born Thai driver was being linked with Lewis Hamilton's suddenly-vacant 2025 seat at Mercedes, rumours emerged that Albon has actually been offered a three-year deal to return to Red Bull from next year. Dr Helmut Marko, however, reacted to sport.de by saying that Sergio Perez is still in the running to keep his seat alongside Max Verstappen. If Checo has a good season, it is very possible that the lineup in 2025 will be the same, said the top Red Bull consultant. As for the Hamilton-to-Ferrari bombshell, Marko declared that it's the best thing that could have happened to Formula 1 at this time . It also looked like very good news for Albon, whose Williams contract was said to be expiring this year. However, Vowles tells a different story. Alex is signed with Williams until the end of 2025, he is quoted by France's L'Equipe at the British team's 2025 livery launch. Vowles said the other rumours about Albon at present are speculation at best . It's not something I've really gone public with until now because I didn't feel like I had to, Vowles said of the previously-undisclosed 2025 deal with Albon. "But our job at Williams is to create an environment that is worthy of someone of Alex's calibre. We want our journey together in this team to be a long one. We must demonstrate to the world that we are not the old Williams, that we do not look back, that we are constantly moving forward. Albon's own reaction to the news, however, left some room for doubt. Let's wait and see, the 27-year-old said when asked about his future. "Time will tell. The real objective is 2024 and to progress for 2025. If the team ends up where I want it to be, it will be a long-term contract. The implication of both Vowles' and Albon's comments is that any longer contract with Williams contains clauses in case big teams like Mercedes or Red Bull give him an offer. Would I stand in Alex's way? Vowles said. The responsibility for Williams rests on my shoulders, so any decision must correspondent to the long-term objectives of the team. Albon was originally on loan to Williams from Red Bull, but Auto Bild claims the energy drink-owned company no longer has any contractual ties to the British-born Thai. And when asked if he is also eyeing Hamilton's 2025 Mercedes seat, he insisted: Honestly, I'm not thinking about it yet. I am completely focused on my job at Williams, because it's now a team that is on the rise. Albon is quoted by France's Auto Hebdo as suggesting he would not say no to a big team offer. "Of course there's also my age - I think I'm approaching the peak of my career. And with my experience, and my level, I think I deserve a car capable of fighting for podiums and victories. More than anything, I wish it was with Williams. That is why I'm working so hard. But it's clear to me that all the teams want the same drivers today. We'll see what happens. Albon says the unrevealed 2025 Williams has a new philosophy , so the pressure will be on Vowles to show that the direction is right for the future. I don't want to put pressure on James, but 2024 will be the first year in which he will really have control of the team, he said. "I think in the last four or five years there has been a clear way in which the car was designed and this season there is quite a big divergence. We have taken risks to move away from our old habits. It's the right thing to do and we'll have to see if it works out. Meanwhile, former F1 driver Felipe Massa told La Gazzetta dello Sport that if he was in charge of Mercedes, Albon would not be at the top of the wish list. If I was Toto Wolff I would take (Fernando) Alonso or Kimi Antonelli, he said. (GMM) Horner could lose F1 career over accusations? Ahead of another season of expected dominance for Red Bull, the entire Formula 1 career of the team's long-serving boss Christian Horner is in tatters. Christian Horner, Canadian GP 2023 Red Bull It's all nonsense, Blick newspaper quotes the 50-year-old Briton as saying as he emerged from the F1 Commission meeting in London, where the tweaked 'sprint' weekend format for 2024 was agreed. Horner is accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female team member at Milton-Keynes, with owner Red Bull's Austrian parent company ordering an independent investigation some days ago. It is believed he is being accused of sending photos to the team member, amid rumours an entire dossier of evidence has been compiled. Auto Bild claims the whispers first emerged from the recent ski event in Kitzbuhel, which was attended by the likes of rival bosses Toto Wolff and Zak Brown. The first media report then surfaced in the pages of the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, with a Red Bull spokesperson confirming that an investigation is underway. This process is being carried out by an external specialist barrister, the energy drink company said. The company takes these matters extremely seriously. Dr Helmut Marko, whose own position in the team was recently in doubt amid a rumoured power struggle with Horner, told motorsport-total.com: I'm not saying anything about this. That German publication believes Red Bull executives, including new CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, have recommended that Horner voluntarily resign - but he has refused. Former F1 driver Christijan Albers, however, believes Horner's position is now very much in doubt. Whether this has happened or not, his head will be cut off, he told De Telegraaf. "Horner has some enemies in the paddock and it is certain, especially as a winning team, that this is going to be a difficult story for him. "It's good that things like this are now being discussed in the world, and that people are not afraid that it will damage their own career if they say something. "On the other hand, you also have people who abuse these kinds of things with bad intentions. It can completely destroy someone's career, especially with all the press. It is very difficult to turn it around once it is announced that an investigation is taking place. The big problem is that it's now being picked up everywhere. So even if he's done nothing, he still has a problem that cannot be stopped. Albers speculates that Horner, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, will currently be in frenzied talks to limit the damage. There's only one option for him, said the Dutchman. Try to make an agreement with the victim as quickly as possible to cover it up. That is the only way to keep his career afloat. (GMM) Singapore still reviewing F1 deal amid scandal A dark cloud continues to hang over the future of Formula 1's original night race in Singapore. Singapore GP 2023 Red Bull In January, we reported that the event was in fact likely to survive a corruption scandal that in 2023 engulfed the Singapore GP promoter and high-ranking government minister Subramaniam Iswaran - who resigned last month. Singapore's trade and industry ministry had insisted: There is nothing to suggest as of now that either the F1 contracts or other contracts were structured to the disadvantage of the government. However, on Monday, Singapore's trade relations minister Grace Fu admitted in parliament that the Formula 1 race contract is in fact still being reviewed. Members will understand that I cannot say more on this at this point, she said. Fu's comments came after other parliament members filed several questions about the F1 corruption scandal, but she informed them that she could not answer prior to Iswaran's trial. But Fu did admit that it will be the trade and industry ministry that would be reviewing the Formula 1 race deal. It is not appropriate for us to speculate or prejudge the outcome of the proceedings, she insisted. "I will answer in so far as it is possible to do so. Whilst we will review any government contracts to safeguard Singapore's interest, we remain committed to the Singapore GP, Fu added. Preparations for the 2024 race have started. (GMM) Telkom Indonesia is mulling the sale of shares in its data centre unit with a potential deal possibly being done in H2, reported Reuters. The operator group is choosing a financial advisor for the deal and working out how many shares to sell, said Telkom Senior Vice President of Corporate Communication and Investor Relations, Ahmad Reza. Sources speaking to Reuters said the sale of a minority stake is expected to start in March and the value of Telkoms data centre business is over US$1 billion. Telkom Indonesia did not comment on the timescale, stake size or valuation. Telkom has 28 data centres and of this total three are overseas, according to its 2022 annual report. Telkom outlined its rivals in the data centre business in its report as: DCI Indonesia, Princeton DG and NTT Communication. Gaining an external investor is a strategy that Telkom could employ to expand its data centre unit locally and globally. "As the internet penetration worldwide is growing rapidly, the data centre business is becoming a hot asset to invest in, including in Indonesia," Reza said. Geespace, a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, says it has added another 11 LEO satellites to its planned global constellation designed primarily to serve connected and self-driving cars. The LEO satellites were launched on a Long March CZ-2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan on Saturday to complete the second orbital plane of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation. The launch comes almost two years after nine LEO satellites of the first orbital plane were deployed in June 2022. Geely plans to deploy 72 LEO satellites by 2025 for the first phase of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation. The second phase will expand the network to 168 satellites. Geespace said the satellite network will combine communications, navigation, and remote sensing within a single satellite network. Once completed, the company says, the full network will have positioning capabilities with centimetre-level accuracy. The Geely Future Mobility Constellation is ostensibly meant to provide satellite communications to intelligent connected vehicles with self-driving capabilities. Geelys Zeekr 001 FR, Zeekr 007 and Galaxy E8 models already have satellite communications features built in. While China is Geely's primary market, it also has a growing export business the company reported last month that Geely Auto exports to overseas markets increased 38% YoY to 274,101 units. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group also owns majority stakes in Volvo and Lotus. Meanwhile, Geespace said in a statement on Monday that it also plans to take on players like Iridium, Globalstar, Orbcomm and OneWeb by offering global LEO satellite IoT services to various sectors. The Geely Future Mobility Constellation is also designed to support the provision of direct-to-satellite mobile phone services, pitting it against the likes of SpaceXs Starlink, Lynk Global and AST Spacemobile. Geespace said the satellites also come equipped with AI remote sensing functions that provide 1-5 meter high-resolution remote sensing imaging. The company plans to use that to provide imaging solutions such as ecological environment monitoring. In this file photo, the traditional mikoshi parade at the 41st Japan Autumn Festival in Tumon on Nov. 19, 2022. The Consulate-General of Japan will host the 2nd "One Guam" ethnic community youth night at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the Tasi Ballroom of Hotel Nikko Guam. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Del. James Moylan has reached out to federal agencies to, among other things, help find a temporary facility for Simon Sanchez High School students who have been sharing a campus with another high school. The double session arrangement, where Simon Sanchez High students, mostly from the northern part of Guam, also go to John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning, have been posing several challenges to students and school staff. Moylan wrote separate letters to the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to seek technical and/or financial assistance to address the challenges posed by the double sessions at the two schools. The delegate said the opening of a new Simon Sanchez campus in Yigo is not expected to happen this year and may not happen until 2025, so he urged the federal partners to look outside the box for temporary solutions. Moylan, in his letter to U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, shared the need to find a temporary facility for Simon Sanchez until it is upgraded, or a new school is constructed. Nearly 4,000 students are being impacted by this arrangement which resonates into their educational goals, Moylans Feb. 5 letter read. He requested U.S. DOE to provide technical and financial assistance for the local education system to identify a temporary facility along with resources for these students to obtain a quality education, while being in an environment where they are comfortable and one which they can call their own. The Guam delegate also sent a letter to Lt. General Scott Spellman, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to seek out their support from a construction perspective. This would be to identify or construct a temporary facility along with resources for these students to obtain a quality education, while being in an environment where they are comfortable and one which they can call their own, Moylan wrote. He said the Army Corps has certainly been there to assist Guam with many recovery endeavors over the decades, and we certainly seek your assistance with this calamity thousands of our students are facing today. Moylan said he also contacted the Department of Defense Education Activity to seek out solutions. In a press statement, Moylan said as a government, we need to exhaust all efforts for our students, and I will continue to make inquiries. It was disheartening to hear the concerns of the students on the impact that double sessions are bringing towards their educational objectives. From facing reduced interactions with their educators and fellow students, to limited access for extracurricular activities such as sports, Moylan said. Unfortunately, these students are losing out on many experiences. Simon Sanchez High School, with about 1,700 students, has been plagued with structural issues for several years. The government of Guam under different governors has planned to rebuild the campus but the plan has not moved past the early stages of procurement. Typhoon Mawar in May made matters worse for Simon Sanchez High and GovGuam deemed the campus inoperable and inaccessible. Students there have since been sharing a campus with JFK High School students. A 60-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman arrested in a drug sting told police they had been selling drugs to support their crystal methamphetamine habits, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court. Francis Robert Perez Mendiola said he has been smoking and selling methamphetamine daily since 1985, and that selling methamphetamine provides his only income, according to the complaint. Janet Pangelinan Cruz, also known as Janet Perez Cruz, said she buys 5 grams of methamphetamine a week for $250 and only sells enough to support her addiction, the complaint stated. Mendiola and Cruz were charged Saturday with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver as a first-degree felony and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony. Mendiola was also charged with possession of a firearm without a firearm identification card as a third-degree felony. If found guilty of all charges, Mendiola faces 40 years in prison. Cruz faces 35. Police had information that Cruz was selling methamphetamine from her Ordot-Chalan Pago home, and on Jan. 25 officers conducted a controlled buy. An informant went to the home and asked to purchase a gram of methamphetamine for $100, and was given a baggie of meth, according to the complaint. The meth weighed about 0.75 grams. On Friday, Guam Police Department and federal task force officers went to the home with a search warrant and found small bags with methamphetamine, methamphetamine mixed with an unknown brown powder substance, a medicine bottle with an unknown liquid substance, drug paraphernalia with residue, syringes and a .25 caliber pistol. Cruz said the syringes and firearm belonged to Mendiola, who lived with her, and that he sold more methamphetamine than she did. When officers patted down Mendiola, they found 13.21 grams just under half an ounce of methamphetamine in his pocket. Both Cruz and Mendiola said the weapon came from another person. The complaint stated it had not been reported missing or stolen, and attempts to find the owner had been unsuccessful. Mendiola told police he thought the weapon was an airsoft gun. After waiting for nearly 30 years to get their land applications processed, a number of the roughly 8,000 applicants for CHamoru Land Trust property are now getting old, CHamoru Land Trust Commission Chairman David Herrera said Tuesday. Herrera spoke during a hearing on Speaker Therese Terlajes Bill 228-37, which would allow people with leases on CLTC property to pass their lease on to their grandchildren if they die. Applicants are now maybe 60 years old, 70 or 80 years old from the time that they applied, Herrera, who supported the measure, told the speaker. Eligible applicants can get a 99-year lease on property held by Land Trust, at a rate of $1 per year. If a lessee dies, they can pass the lease on to their spouse, children, niece or nephew, or the widow or widower of a sibling under the current law. But grandchildren are not included in that line of succession. CLTC land agent Lydia Taleu also supported allowing grandchildren to inherit leases. Guams history included dark times, Taleu stated in written testimony, such as the methamphetamine and heroin epidemics that saw children being raised by their grandparents. If a grandparent cant inherit the application or lease rights, the rights will go to the unfit parents (who) would abandon their children, Taleu wrote. She added that a number of agricultural land trust leases were farmed by older people who were being helped by their grandkids, not their children. Acting CLTC Administrative Director John Burch asked that the bill be amended to also allow a lessee to pass the lease on to their parents, grandparents, or siblings. Extended family is important in the local community, Burch noted, and the changes would foster strong family connections. Still on 6th person on the list Changing Land Trust rules could also help to unclog a bottleneck in CLTCs land waiting list, Herrera told the speaker. Out of the roughly 8,000 applicants that have applied since 1995, Land Trust remains on the sixth person on the list, he said. That sixth person had died, and had named an ineligible person to take their spot, the PDN reported last year. But the law requires that applicants be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date and time they applied. Once this number six is resolved it would open the 8,000 applicants that are awaiting, Herrera said. The attorney general in 2018 issued a legal opinion, stating that Land Trust had allowed new applicants to jump to the front of the waiting list, and that leases given to people who swapped places in line were void. Commissioners at the time shut down the processing of applications, over legal concerns. Despite still being on the sixth person on the waiting list, CLTC has about 2,900 lessees that it handles, Herrera said Tuesday. Is that logical? Or is that a fraud, waste or abuse? he said. The CLTC chairman said he wants to assemble a spreadsheet of the roughly 10,000 applicants and lessees and go line by line and follow up on their eligibility, and other issues with their case. That task was difficult, given the seven employees on CLTCs staff, but he was working with the University of Guam on some sort of mass public outreach program. A bill that seeks to amend the expiration of schools sanitary permits to the anniversary of the date of their issuance received a strong backing from the Department of Public Health and Social Services, the Guam Department of Education and lawmakers during a Tuesday hearing. Under existing law, all sanitary permits expire on June 30th annually. Sen. Chris Barnett, the sponsor of Bill 226-37, said the expiration of all sanitary permits on June 30 this year would pose a dire situation for students, staff, and schools. Regardless of when schools pass their sanitary inspections, all permit issues will expire about a month before the start of the school year 24-25. As the law reads right now, even a school that has passed the inspection this year would be sent right back to the drawing board on June 30th, Barnett said. If the law is not changed, certain schools may not be able to operate due to invalid sanitary permits, the senator added. Education Superintendent Kenneth Swanson said hes appreciative of the proposal, but he asked lawmakers to consider a two-year renewal cycle for both health and safety requirements. There is a need to extend the period of renewal to two years. In my initial discussion with Sen. Barnett, Id recommended that inspections period be biannual, if possible, but I understand his intent to keep the pressure on the system and the annual standard in place, Swanson told senators. The needs of the system exceed the resources available to the (DOE) and the (DPHSS) in terms of staffing and funding are not sufficient to meet the current annual requirements to pass inspection in the current timeframe, he added. Longer wait times The inspection process is slow because only one school can be checked at a time, a result of DPHSS lack of personnel, which limits its ability to inspect multiple schools simultaneously, noted Barnett. Bill 226 makes sense, and that it will allow for the staggering expiration date for school sanitary permits, thus, allowing more time for preparation and flexibility ahead of the sanitary permits expiration for both the DPHSS and GDOE, Barnett said. Francine Salas, management analyst IV for the Division of Environmental Health, said due to sanitary permits expiring at the same time, the processing center section faces a volume of transactions "larger than normal," which results in longer wait times for service and application processing. "The staggered expiration dates will result in decreased wait times for processing and creating more efficiency for the department in serving the public, said Salas. The department stressed that it would prioritize and handle GDOEs sanitary permit renewals before June 30 as "theres an urgency placed on this, she added. Meanwhile, Speaker Therese Terlaje and Sen. Joanne Brown showed strong support to the bill to stagger the expiration date of permits. "Im willing to support this staggered expiration date. We did this for other business license renewals and other things, so I think its a good framework, Terlaje said. "I think having the permits expire not on the same day of the same year would be helpful because the current situation makes it literally impossible for Public Health to go on the same month and do these inspections, realizing the amount of time and effort just for a single school to go and do that inspection it doesnt make a lot of sense, Brown said. Brown and Sen. Telo Taitague want to be co-sponsors of the bill. GDOE is currently awarding refurbishment contracts for nine campuses, but these schools wont be ready for inspection until later in the year, well beyond June 30th, according to Swanson. In the most recent education board meeting, Swanson reported that 15 out of 41 GDOE campuses have passed health inspection, with 16 schools inspected in total. The superintendent previously set the deadline to have all 41 schools inspected and passed by April 2024, but he said in December 2023 that high schools are to be inspected after the ongoing school year to ensure course completion and graduation to reduce the risk of closure. Undersecretary of the Navy Erik Raven is now the Department of Defenses lead senior defense official for Guam, according to a press release from Joint Region Marianas Tuesday. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks recently designated Raven to the post. This designation assigns Raven elevated responsibilities to include: Serving as the DoD senior representative when meeting with key leaders in Guam Providing senior leader oversight, advocacy, and support to the commander of Joint Region Marianas in the execution of its installation management mission Bringing senior military leaders together to align efforts to meet operational requirements consistent with the National Defense Strategy, ensure resources are programmed and de-conflicted across DoD components, and to develop and deliver new capabilities to meet logistics, environmental and infrastructure requirements. According to an action memo, Guam lacks key military and civilian infrastructure which have created obstacles in meeting operational requirements consistent with the National Defense Strategy. Addressing these issues requires senior leader attention and requires clear governance, clear roles and responsibilities and appropriately assigned authorities across the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Military Departments and other Department of Defense components. The current management and oversight process for Guam is spread across several offices and the diffuse process with multiple stakeholders has limited progress on key Guam issues, the memo states. To improve management and oversight, we propose designating a senior defense official as the lead for Guam establishing a single integrated review process for the Guam mission set and creating a forward OSD presence in Guam, the memo states. The next step will include the establishment of the Guam Synchronization and Oversight Council, which will be co-chaired by the undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment) and Raven. The primary function of the Guam Synchronization and Oversight Council will be to ensure senior level cross visibility and, where needed, prioritization of key issues related to the missions and associated requirements for Guam, to include military construction. Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command will have a leadership role in the council supporting the co-chairs, as the combatant commander with responsibility for Guam. Other members of the Guam Synchronization and Oversight Council includes: Undersecretary of the Army Undersecretary of the Air Force Undersecretary of Defense (Research and Engineering) Undersecretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) Undersecretary of Defense (Policy) Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller)/chief financial officer The GSOC will have a formal charter and will meet quarterly. Following each quarterly meeting, the co-chairs will update DoD leadership on key activities. Local meetings Meanwhile, local leaders will also be meeting more frequently with military officials. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero last week said 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. 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. 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. Domestic fashion brands become hot consumer trends in China People's Daily Online) 15:24, February 05, 2024 Xiao Junfeng (left), deputy general manager and chief operating officer of Tianjin Seagull Watch Group Co., Ltd., introduces a Seagull watch during an online shopping festival on Dec. 10, 2023. (Photo/www.app2020.tjyun.com) Chinese consumers have shown increasing interest in homegrown fashion brands, thanks to efforts made by cities across the country to cultivate new consumption growth areas by expanding the market for domestic fashion brands and products. By leveraging live-streamed e-commerce, north China's Tianjin municipality has boosted the sales of local brands and featured products. The municipal government of Tianjin launched the city's first e-commerce festival last year. Spanning major shopping days from Nov. 10, 2023 to Feb. 24, 2024, the event has seen the growing popularity of local brands and products among young consumers, including watch brand Seagull, children's face cream brand Yumeijing, Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, colored clay figurines, and sea salt. Domestic fashion brands delivered outstanding sales performances during the festival, with Tianjin Haihe Dairy Co., Ltd. selling more than 200,000 bags of milk, and Yumeijing selling more than 10,000 sets of one of its skincare series, both breaking their one-day sales records, according to Zhang Wei, head of the e-commerce department of Tianjins Bureau of Commerce. The time-honored watch brand Seagull has been collaborating with e-commerce platforms in recent years to bring its unique technologies and products closer to consumers, according to Xiao Junfeng, deputy general manager and chief operating officer of Tianjin Seagull Watch Group Co., Ltd. Many watch series jointly designed by Seagull and other brands have sold well on e-commerce platforms, with young consumers comprising the majority of the buyers, Xiao said. The company recently promoted its products via livestreams at a museum of its watches, namely the Seagull Watch Museum. The livestreams received many real-time positive comments from viewers, including "A domestic brand with a rich heritage. I'm tempted to buy one!" and "The new designs are stylish!" "We hope to get closer to young consumers and help them learn about the charm of homegrown fashion brands," Xiao said. Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian province, held a shopping festival featuring local fashion brands and goods for use during the Spring Festival. A shopping festival featuring local fashion brands kicks off in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 22, 2023. (Photo/Quanzhou bureau of commerce) The shopping festival gathered more than 20 fashion brands from Quanzhou, covering multiple product categories, including men's clothing and children's garments. A good number of support activities, such as a music festival and snack festival, have also been arranged to enrich the citizens' experience. The local government has provided subsidies to vendors taking part in the festival, benefiting citizens with special offers, lucky draws, and chances to get products free of cost. "For us, this festival offers an opportunity to intensively showcase our products," said Wang Xuan, an executive of the Quanzhou branch of Chinese sportswear brand Anta. According to Wang, the brand has seen its daily sales exceed 100,000 yuan ($14,080) every weekend since the festival kicked off. The ongoing shopping festival reflects Quanzhou's efforts to promote domestic fashion brands in recent years. As home to many well-known domestic brands, including Anta, Xtep, Septwolves, and Joeone, Quanzhou has actively boosted the consumption of domestic fashion brands by creating opportunities for them to display their products. The city's retail sales of social consumer goods surpassed 620 billion yuan last year, with that of domestic fashion brands reaching approximately 110 billion yuan. Dongguan city in south China's Guangdong Province, which enjoys a burgeoning industry of trendy toys, has made continuous efforts to facilitate the innovation-driven development of the trendy toy culture and the consumption of domestic trendy toy brands in recent years. The city recently issued a document announcing multiple stimulus measures to spur consumption during the Spring Festival shopping season, including offering subsidies, money awards, and coupons, as well as allowing relevant authorities to open special fairs in key business districts for Spring Festival shopping, and allowing key enterprises and railway stations to set up temporary stalls to sell featured food, trendy toys, and other local specialties. Records show that as of the end of 2022, the city's number of trendy toy manufacturing-related businesses above designated size, or those with an annual turnover of at least 20 million yuan, reached 87, and the revenue generated by these enterprises reached nearly 16.66 billion yuan, up 29.8 percent year on year. With a full-fledged industrial system and high-quality cultural resources, the city's trendy toy industry is marching toward a new business form featuring the integration of manufacturing and cultural creativity. Motor Nuclear, a Dongguan-based mecha toy maker, has found success by basing products on classical Chinese stories and characters in recent years, winning the hearts of mecha toy enthusiasts at home and abroad. "We want to promote featured cultural and creative products this way," said Wang Dongdong, founder of Motor Nuclear, who explained that the brand's popular Chinese-style mecha toys were inspired by Chinese classic novels such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and The Investiture of the Gods. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Du Mingming) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday urged the resolute implementation of the Communist Party of China's strategic policy of full and rigorous self-governance, and called for greater advancements in improving Party conduct, upholding integrity and combating corruption within the government. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance. Addressing the meeting, Li acknowledged the progress that governments at all levels and their departments have made over the past year in improving Party conduct, upholding integrity and combating corruption. Li called for strict adherence to political discipline and rules. He also urged the nation's governments at all levels and their departments to focus on the rectification of corruption in key areas, remove grounds that breed corruption by deepening reform, and ensure that work to prevent and rectify corruption is consistent and sustained. Li said that focusing on the people's benefit is essential when evaluating performance. He emphasized the need to tackle pointless formalities and bureaucratism resolutely, guard against complacent thoughts and behaviors, and make solid efforts to implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and plans. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting. Its been widely reported that communications across Sudan were down on Monday this week. The countrys military government and spokespeople from the telecoms sector have blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF). The RSF is at war with the Sudanese army in a conflict that broke out in April over plans to integrate the RSF and the army as part of a political transition towards elections. The RSF has not officially commented, although Reuters cites an RSF source that suggests it is not to blame for the outages. The state news agency, by contrast, suggests that the RSF shut down the connections of two providers MTN Sudan and state-owned Sudani (part of Sudatel). The RSF controls much of the capital, Khartoum, which could make its role in network shutdowns more likely. The RSF has demanded the restoration of networks in the western region of Darfur, which it largely controls. It blames the Sudanese army for the Darfur outages. Whoever is to blame for the various disruptions, Reuters cites Netblocks, an internet observer, which showed connectivity for the two major providers, falling to or close to zero in recent days. This will affect not only connectivity with friends and family but online payments for millions of Sudanese people. It has also been claimed by government news sources that the RSF has forced Sudan's third main provider, Zain Sudan, to stop service in River Nile state and Port Sudan city, both controlled by the army. And of course, even without direct military involvement in network shutdowns, the fighting has affected or damaged all sorts of infrastructure including network infrastructure. Close to 5,000 sailors and upwards of 60 aircraft aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt were greeted by the smell of food truck barbecue as they pulled into Kilo Wharf at Naval Base Guam on Tuesday morning. Closer to 6,000 sailors will move through the wharf as accompanying destroyers make port over the next few days, according to Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of the Roosevelts Carrier Strike Group Nine. The Roosevelt is currently conducting routine operations in the region. Were super proud to be here. We also recognize it as an opportunity to interact with the great people of Guam. And its also an opportunity to team up with our greatest partner in the region, and that is Guam, Alexander told members of the media on Tuesday. This stopover is the Roosevelts latest since the widely-publicized 2020 docking of the ship on Guam amidst a COVID-19 outbreak. Its also the fifth stop on the island so far for the ships commanding officer Capt. Brian Schrum, and comes in the midst of the ongoing Cope North 2024, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces largest annual multilateral exercise. Public affairs for the ship could not immediately confirm if any elements of the carrier group would be breaking off to participate in Cope North this year. The Roosevelt departed from its home port in San Diego about a month ago, and after a few days on Guam is expected to spend another six to seven months operating with U.S. allies and partners in the Pacific, according to Alexander. Prior to arriving at Kilo Wharf, the carrier group was up in the Philippine Sea, participating in a joint exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Carrier Strike Group 1. The show of force also caught the attention of the Global Times, the newspaper of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, which characterized the event as interfering in the Taiwan question, amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions. Deter aggression Alexander told the Pacific Daily News that the exercise went exceptionally well, and proved that U.S. and allied forces are able to handle any crisis contingency in the region. Asked about a report from Chinese media which stated the U.S. in Japan were ramping up military cooperation aimed at containing China, Alexander told the PDN those issues were not in my wheelhouse. What I can say is we are out there, ensuring the sea lines remain open and free, ensuring that were able to operate with our allies and partners to deter aggression, Alexander said. U.S. operations in and around the Philippines are expected to become more frequent, with the Pentagon announcing last year increased access to four strategic bases in the Philippines. Bases in the northern end of the island chain are close to the site of confrontations between Filipino and Chinese vessels, and are also facing Taiwan, Al Jazeera reports. Asked about more frequent activity in the region Tuesday, Alexander said Guam will remain incredibly important in regional maneuvers, though, he could not provide any particulars about movements in the region after leaving Guam. Capabilities Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio had an opportunity to stay overnight on the Roosevelt prior to it making port call, and spoke to members of the media as he stepped ashore Tuesday morning. Tenorio said conversation with leadership aboard the Roosevelt did not center on security in the region. We didnt really talk or venture into politics and that kind of thing, but they talked to us about their capabilities, Tenorio said. The lieutenant governor said Guams port is going to be in a very strong posture for increased visits by U.S. vessels moving forward. Presence of the ship did increase his confidence in the island, he said. It also shows me how very important it is that our island serves a very important purpose. Not only advancing our nation, but being able to have the ability to protect our people, he said. The Office of the Governors number one job was to protect island residents, and the Department of Defense was the strongest partner we have, Tenorio added. University of Guam: Para Todus Hit For all of Us OPINION Enriquez: UOG's Isla Art-A-Thon marks 25 years Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander, Joint Region Marianas, convene the Civil-Military Coordination Council at the JRM Headquarters on Nov. 3, 2023. By Jesse J. Holland | The Associated Press Black History Month begins each year on the first day of February. Considered one of the nations oldest organized history celebrations, the month has been recognized by U.S. presidents for decades through proclamations and celebrations. Carter G. Woodson, whose parents had been enslaved in Virginia and who founded the Association for the Study of African American History, first came up with the idea of the celebration that became Black History Month. Every president since Gerald R. Ford through Joe Biden has issued a statement honoring the spirit of the month. Black History Month is considered one of the nations oldest organized history celebrations and has been recognized by U.S. presidents for decades through proclamations and celebrations. Here is some information about the history of Black History Month. How did Black History Month start? It was Carter G. Woodson, a founder of the Association for the Study of African American History, who first came up with the idea of the celebration that became Black History Month. Woodson, the son of recently freed Virginia slaves, who went on to earn a Ph.D. in history from Harvard, originally came up with the idea of Negro History Week to encourage Black Americans to become more interested in their own history and heritage. Woodson worried that Black children were not being taught about their ancestors achievements in American schools in the early 1900s. If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated, Woodson said. Why is Black History Month in February? Woodson chose February for Negro History Week because it had the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, and Douglass, a former slave who did not know his exact birthday, celebrated his on Feb. 14. Daryl Michael Scott, a Howard University history professor and former Association for the Study of African American History president, said Woodson chose that week because Black Americans were already celebrating Lincolns and Douglass birthdays. With the help of Black newspapers, he promoted that week as a time to focus on African American history as part of the celebrations that were already ongoing. The first Negro History Week was announced in February 1926. This was a community effort spearheaded by Woodson that built on tradition, and built on Black institutional life and structures to create a new celebration that was a week long, and it took off like a rocket, Scott said. Why the change from a week to a month? Negro History Week was wildly successful, but Woodson felt it needed more. Woodsons original idea for Negro History Week was for it to be a time for student showcases of the African American history they learned the rest of the year, not as the only week Black history would be discussed, Scott said. Woodson later advocated starting a Negro History Year, saying that during a school year a subject that receives attention one week out of 36 will not mean much to anyone. Individually several places, including West Virginia in the 1940s and Chicago in the 1960s, expanded the celebration into Negro History Month. The civil rights and Black Power movement advocated for an official shift from Black History Week to Black History Month, Scott said, and in 1976, on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Negro History Week, the Association for the Study of African American History made the shift to Black History Month. Presidential recognition for Black History Month Every president since Gerald R. Ford through Joe Biden has issued a statement honoring the spirit of Black History Month. Ford first honored Black History Week in 1975, calling the recognition most appropriate, as the country developed a healthy awareness on the part of all of us of achievements that have too long been obscured and unsung. The next year, in 1976, Ford issued the first Black History Month commemoration, saying with the celebration we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. President Jimmy Carter added in 1978 that the celebration provides for all Americans a chance to rejoice and express pride in a heritage that adds so much to our way of life. President Ronald Reagan said in 1981 that understanding the history of Black Americans is a key to understanding the strength of our nation. Haiti - Politic : The solution to the crisis in Haiti is in the hands of Haitian leaders Monday, in an interview conducted for the uno+Uno Program Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs estimated that the solution to the crisis in the neighboring country is in the hands of Haitian leaders. He believes that the crisis facing Haiti will only be resolved if the elites of the neighboring country reach an agreement, even if international missions like those in Kenya are necessary as a first step. "The only thing that can happen and that we want to see happen is that the Haitian elites, whether political, religious, economic, academic, agree on a national plan, on a Nation project, this is the only long-term solution... but for that, you must create now the necessary conditions for order to exist in Haiti." Alvarez indicated that, if it is not done in this way, there will be no conditions for holding elections, since there could be a threat that gangs exercise their power and take control of the country and the government. "As long as the gangs have the power they currently have, it will be impossible to organize elections in Haiti. What would happen would be that the gangs would present their candidates and thanks to the control they have over certain territories, their candidates would come to power, imagine what that would entail..." SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Humanitarian : First delivery of 40 containers of rice from Taiwan expected in February Friday February 2nd, 2024, Mario Nicoleau, Executive Director of the international NGO "Food For The Poor" (FFTP - Haiti) and Richard Wen-Jiann Ku, Ambassador of Taiwan (Republic of China) in Haiti, signed an agreement specifying the details of shipments to Port-au-Prince of the donation of 8,240 tonnes of rice from Taiwan https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41533-haiti-news-zapping.html FFTP will receive an initial shipment of 40 containers of rice this February (equivalent to 400 semi-trailers) and additional shipments will continue each month through December 2024. Nicoleau said the rice comes at a critical time in Haiti, where 44% of the population faces severe food insecurity and needs immediate assistance. Since 2007, the partnership with the Taiwanese government has enabled FFTP to feed thousands of families and fulfill its mission of helping children and families living in poverty. In 2023, Taiwan's rice donation enabled FFTP-Haiti to serve 820 schools, 5,414 people displaced by gang violence and 12,000 inmates in the country's prisons. Additionally, the rice benefited vulnerable children in 112 orphanages and families in 798 parishes and 61 congregations in Haiti's most remote and violence-prone areas. "I want to underscore the importance of this extraordinary partnership and the value of the rice donation that is given to Haiti that keeps so many millions of people alive," declared Ed. Raine President and CEO of the FFTP, "We are just extremely blessed and fortunate to be able to count on the people of Taiwan for this extraordinary generosity." Mark Khouri, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of FFTP recalled that Taiwan has donated over 70,000 tonnes of rice to his organization over the past 18 years. "That is an astronomical number that Food For The Poor and the people of Haiti have been blessed to have received," said Khouri adding "With all that is happening in Haiti, this is so vitally important to us and the people of Haiti. It is saving lives." HL/ HaitiLibre After Havre City Council approved a ballot measure to approve a routine local government study Monday evening, members of the council's Streets and Sidewalks Committee discussed an ongoing issue surrounding food vendors on First Street, U.S. Highway 2 when it runs through Havre, brought up by Montana Department of Transportation that maintains the street. Guard Dogs owner Scott Adams, the vendor around whom the issue has arisen, addressed members of the council, saying he sells hot dogs outside the Palace Bar and as far as he was able to tell was doing so legally, an opinion shared by Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich and Montana Highway Patrol officers who told him he was following the law. Adams said he's in front of the Palace Bar a couple nights a week selling food to bargoers and he was hoping the council would approve some kind of ordinance. "I just want to sell hot dogs," Adams said. MDT Havre Area Maintenance Chief Jody Bachini said the department's issue is that the state right of way extends from the centerline of the street to the storefronts on that section of road and they do not give permits to food vendors for fear of the state incurring liability should an injury occur. Bachini said Adams would have to, and has, applied for an encroachment to do business in that area, but the department would not approve it, nor have they approved any encroachments for food vendors anywhere in the state that she is aware of. This case is particularly complicated as U.S. Highway 2 is a federal highway and they are unlikely to approve something like this even if Montana DOT did, she said. There is, however, a workaround, she said, in that municipalities can draft ordinances of their own to specifically regulate food vendors on streets like U.S. 2, which takes it out of their hands entirely. She said they love seeing food vendors safely doing business in those areas, and indeed Bozeman, and many other municipalities, have drafted ordinances that seem to be very effective. But, Bachini said, at this time, it is the opinion of the department's legal team that they should not be approving these encroachments. She recommended that the council collaborate with the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce on crafting the ordinance, just to make sure that they don't end up in situations where, for example, food vendors end up parking outside of restaurants and cannibalize business. Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich was at the meeting and said, as far as he can tell, Adams is following the law, operating out of a small trailer that is legally parked and not obstructing anything, so he doesn't really see an issue. He said based on his reading of Montana code, an encroachment wouldn't apply to mobile food vendors anyway, nor to the pedestrians gathered around them, so he's not sure if any ordinance the city crafts would actually apply. Havre Mayor Doug Kaercher, who attended the meeting as well, said new legislation says that vendors licensed by the state cannot also be licensed by the city, and he's not sure they should make an ordinance that could potentially make the city liable for problems if they aren't benefiting from it. After much discussion, committee member Josh Gomez said he thinks they should send the matter to the city's legal department to get their opinion, and get in touch with DOT's legal department and ask them directly about the matter. He said he understands that Adams wants to resume normal business operations as soon as possible, but this issue is legally complex enough that they need to consult with legal experts. Havre resident Perry Atchison said while this is being worked out, the city could approve Adams to operate in the alley behind the Palace. Havre Public Works Director Trevor Mork said that could cause issues with fire safety and safe egress for the bar, but it is something they could consider at least. During the meeting, council member Wade Bitz said he wanted the committee to also consider putting a four-way stop at the intersection of Fourth Street and Seventh Avenue, which is right next to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic School, Lincoln-McKinley Primary School and Pepin Park. He said the area has seen some accidents and it seems like a dangerous location for an uncontrolled intersection. Mork said all the intersections around those schools are currently being studied to potentially inform decisions on whether to put signs there, so that process has already begun. During the Havre City Council meeting that preceded the committee meeting, the council approved a measure to go on this year's primary ballot to initiate a local government study. Kaercher said the city has to consider doing one every 10 years, but they need a majority vote from the public to approve it. Atchison, who was part of the last study, said it is incredibly valuable and allows a group of community members to examine the operation of local government, find potential inefficiencies and make sure everyone is fairly represented. The measure was approved unanimously. Kaercher said if the measure is approved on the primary ballot, then people can vote to approve the study's members on the general election ballot. He also said the Montana State University Local Government Center would be providing education to the community on the study and what's involved in advance of the vote. Rated 'Pants on fire' for ad claiming Fauci brought COVID to Montana before pandemic started By Katheryn Houghton KFF Health News and Politifact A fundraising ad for U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., shows a photo of Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, behind bars, swarmed by flying bats. Rosendale, who is eyeing a challenge to incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, maintains that a Montana biomedical research facility, Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, has a dangerous link to the pandemic. This claim is echoed in the ad: "It's been revealed that Fauci brought COVID to the Montana one year before COVID broke out in the U.S!," it charges in all-caps before asking readers to "Donate today and hold the D.C. bureaucracy accountable!" The ad, paid for by Matt Rosendale for Montana, seeks contributions through WinRed, a platform that processes donations for Republican candidates. Rosendale also shared the fundraising pitch on his X account Nov. 1, and it remained live as of early February. Rosendale made similar accusations on social media, during a November speech on the U.S. House floor, and through his congressional office. Sometimes his comments, like those on the House floor, are milder, saying the researchers experimented on "a coronavirus" leading up to the pandemic. Other times, as in an interview with One America News Network, he linked the lab's work to COVID-19's spread. In that interview clip, Rosendale recounted pandemic-era shutdowns before saying, "And now we're finding out that the National Institute of Health, Rocky Mountain Lab, down in Hamilton, Montana, had also played a role in this." Rosendale's statements echo broader efforts to scrutinize how research into viruses happens in the United States and is part of a continued wave of backlash against scientists who have studied coronaviruses. Rosendale is considering seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Tester, in a toss-up race that could help determine which party controls the Senate in 2025. Political newcomer Tim Sheehy is also seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate. Rosendale proposed amendments to a health spending bill that would ban pandemic-related pathogen research funding for Rocky Mountain Laboratories and cut the salary of one of its top researchers, virologist Vincent Munster, to $1. The House has included both amendments in the Health and Human Services budget bill that the Republican majority hopes to pass. A temporary spending bill is funding the health department until March. We contacted Rosendale's congressional office multiple times - with emails, a phone call, and an online request - asking what proof he had to back up his statements that the Montana lab infected bats with COVID from China before the outbreak. We got no reply. Kathy Donbeck, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' Office of Communications and Government Relations, said in an email that the ad's claims are false. Interviews with virologists and a review of the research paper published shortly before Rosendale's assertions support that position. Where this is coming from Rosendale's statements seem to stem from a Rocky Mountain Laboratories study from 2016 that looked into how a coronavirus, WIV1-CoV, acted in Egyptian fruit bats. The work, published by the journal Viruses in 2018, showed that the specific strain didn't cause a robust infection in the bats. The study did not receive widespread attention at the time. But on Oct. 30, 2023, the study was highlighted by a blog called White Coat Waste Project, which says its mission is to stop taxpayer-funded experiments on animals. Some right-wing media outlets began to connect the Montana lab with the coronavirus that causes COVID. Rosendale's office issued an Oct. 31 news release saying the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China "shipped a strain of coronavirus" to the Hamilton lab. "Our government helped create the Wuhan flu, then shut the country down when it escaped from the lab," Rosendale said. It's a different virus Rocky Mountain Laboratories is a federally funded facility as part of NIAID, the nation's top infectious disease research agency, which Fauci led for nearly 40 years. According to the study and Donbeck's email, the Montana researchers focused on a coronavirus called WIV1-CoV, not the COVID-causing SARS-CoV-2. They're different viruses. "The genetics of the viruses are very different, and their behavior biologically is very different," said Troy Sutton, a virologist with Pennsylvania State University who has studied the evolution of pandemic influenza viruses. In a review of media reports on the Montana study, Health Feedback, a network of scientists that fact-checks health and medical media coverage, showed the virus's lineage indicated that WIV1 "is not a direct ancestor or even a close relative of SARS-CoV-2." Additionally, the description of the coronavirus strain as being "shipped" suggests that it physically traveled across the world. That's not what happened. The Wuhan Institute of Virology provided the WIV1 virus's sequence that allowed researchers to make a lab-grown copy. A separate study, published in 2013 by the journal Nature, outlines the origins of the lab-created virus. According to the study's methodology, the researchers used a clone of WIV1. An NIAID statement to Lee Enterprises, a media company, said the virus "was generated using common laboratory techniques, based on genetic information that was publicly shared by Chinese scientists." Stanley Perlman, a University of Iowa professor who studies coronaviruses and serves on the federal advisory committee that reviews vaccines, said Rosendale's claim is off-base. He said Rosendale's focus on where the lab got its materials is irrelevant and serves "only to make people wary and scared." Rosendale's efforts to prohibit particular research at Rocky Mountain Laboratories appear ill-informed, too. Rosendale targeted banning gain-of-function research, which involves altering a pathogen to study its spread. In her email, NIAID's Donbeck said the Rocky Mountain Laboratories study didn't involve gain-of-function research. This type of research has long been controversial, and people who study viruses have said the definition of "gain of function" is problematic and insufficient to show when research, or even work to create vaccines, could cross into that type of research. But both Sutton and Perlman said that, any way you look at it, the Rocky Mountain Laboratories study published in 2018 didn't change the virus. It put a virus in bats and showed it didn't grow. And it had no effect on the COVID outbreak a year later, first detected in Washington state. Our ruling Rosendale's ad said, "It's been revealed that Fauci brought COVID to the Montana one year before COVID broke out in the U.S!" The campaign ad and Rosendale's similar statements refer to research at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories involving WIV1, a coronavirus that researchers say is not even distantly close in genetic structure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused COVID-19. Rosendale's claim is wrong about when the scientists began their work, what they were studying, and where they got the materials. The researchers began their work in 2016 and, although they were studying a coronavirus, it wasn't the virus that causes COVID. The Montana scientists used a lab-grown clone of WIV1 for their research. The first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID was not detected in the U.S. until Jan. 20, 2020. Rosendale's ad is inaccurate and ridiculous. We rate it Pants on Fire! Sources Viruses, "SARS-Like Coronavirus WIV1-CoV Does Not Replicate in Egyptian Fruit Bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus)," Dec. 19, 2018 White Coat Waste Project, "Horror Show: Shady Zoo Sent Bats to NIH to Be Infected With a Wuhan Lab Coronavirus," Oct. 30, 2023 MattForMontana X post, Nov. 1, 2023 Campaign ad, accessed Dec. 14, 2023 Rep. Matt Rosendale, House floor speech, Nov. 14, 2023 One America News Network, interview, accessed Dec. 14, 2023 Rosendale congressional office, "Rep. Rosendale Reacts to Reports That Wuhan Lab Shipped Coronavirus to Fauci-Run Lab in Hamilton Prior to Pandemic," Oct. 31, 2023 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, "History of Rocky Mountain Labs (RML)," accessed Dec. 14, 2023 Email exchange with NIAID, beginning Dec. 14, 2023 Statement from NIAID provided to Lee Enterprises, accessed Jan. 2, 2024 Nature, "Isolation and Characterization of a Bat SARS-Like Coronavirus That Uses the ACE2 Receptor," Oct. 30, 2013 Ravalli Republic, "Rosendale Moves to Strip Rocky Mountain Lab Research Funding," Nov. 17, 2023 Interview, Troy Sutton, assistant professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences at Pennsylvania State University, Jan. 5, 2024 Interview, Stanley Perlman, professor of microbiology and immunology and professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa, Jan. 13, 2024 FDA, "Roster of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee," accessed Jan. 16, 2024 Health Feedback, "2018 Coronavirus Research in NIAID Montana Lab Is Unrelated to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Contrary to Claim by Fox News's Jesse Watters," last accessed Jan. 17, 2024 Email exchange with OpenSecrets, an independent research group tracking money in politics, beginning Jan. 30, 2024 CDC Museum COVID-19 Timeline, accessed Feb. 2, 2024 -- KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF-an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. (CNBC) Billionaire investor Ken Griffins flagship hedge fund rose last month as volatility made a return amid the debate about rate cuts, according to a person familiar with the returns. Citadels multistrategy flagship Wellington fund climbed 1.9% in January, following a 15.3% gain last year. To read this article: As the European Union (EU) prepares to vote on a landmark Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), nearly 30 Finnish NGOs have made a compelling appeal to the Finnish government to endorse the directive. This comes amidst concerns that Finland may abstain from voting, a move that could potentially derail the directive that aims to enforce corporate accountability for human rights and environmental impacts within global supply chains. The Finnish government's sudden hesitation to support the directive, previously championed by Finland itself, has sparked disappointment and confusion among civil society organizations. Outi Hakkarainen, an expert on sustainable economy from Fingo, expressed dismay over the government's readiness to jeopardize a directive that has been the subject of years of negotiation and is crucial for advancing corporate responsibility at an EU level. This directive, which has been in the pipeline for a considerable time, proposes to impose obligations on large companies to identify, address, and mitigate adverse environmental and human rights impacts within their operations and supply chains. It also calls for companies to develop and implement transition plans aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Finnish Parliament's Grand Committee is set to decide Finland's official stance on the directive just one day before the EU vote, following an appeal by 28 organizations through a letter urging lawmakers to support the directive. The NGOs argue that the directive would enhance the competitiveness of businesses that prioritize sustainability, offering a unified framework that reduces uncertainty regarding the expected corporate responsibility standards across the EU. Critics of the Finnish government's stance, including Sonja Finer, Executive Director of Finnwatch, argue that failing to support the CSDDD would be a step back in efforts to regulate corporate accountability for human rights and environmental standards. The government's concerns reportedly revolve around specific aspects of the directive, such as the expansion of class action rights and evidence disclosure obligations, which are seen as essential for ensuring access to justice for victims of corporate abuses. Meanwhile, the German Institute for Human Rights has called on the German government and other EU member states to back the CSDDD, highlighting the importance of harmonizing due diligence regulations to prevent a fragmented landscape of national laws. The directive, seen as pivotal for protecting human rights and the environment, faces the risk of being blocked due to internal disagreements among EU members, including Germany. As the vote approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for Finland's decision to significantly influence the directive's fate. The situation underscores the broader debate on corporate responsibility within the EU, the need for cohesive action to safeguard human rights and the environment, and the role of national governments in shaping international corporate governance standards. HT The supporters thereby consider sexual orientation the third most important reason not to vote for the opposing candidate, after different values (51%) and party affiliation (44%). THE SEXUAL ORIENTATION of Pekka Haavisto (Greens) is considered unbefitting of a president by as many as 40 per cent of people supporting Alexander Stubb (NCP), reports Helsingin Sanomat. Supporters of Haavisto perceived Stubb as being too unrelatable and out of touch with ordinary citizens (55%), as having too different values (51%) and as having too unattractive personal characteristics (48%) to vote for. Stubbs sexual orientation, meanwhile, was deemed a reason not to vote for him by one per cent of the supporters. Haavisto is in a relation ship with a man, Stubb with a woman. The respondents were able to select any number of 15 reasons not to vote for the rival candidate in the poll. Svenska YLE on Friday reported that Haavistos partner was regarded as a reason not to vote for him by one-third of respondents to a citizen barometer carried out earlier by the University of Helsinki. Helsingin Sanomat also asked the respondents to shed light on their reasons for supporting their choice of the two remaining presidential candidates. Supporters of Haavisto and Stubb both identified foreign and security policy experience as the most important reason to vote for their candidate of choice, at respective rates of 76 and 51 per cent. Both sets of supporters also viewed that their candidate would perform the duties of president well, the share standing at 64 per cent for Haavisto and 46 per cent for Stubb. The poll was carried out by Verian on 24 February. The Finnish market research company collected 1,154 responses for the poll from an online panel. Aleksi Teivainen HT A HAIR salon in Henley has celebrated its 40th anniversary. Marc Antoni marked the occasion with drinks and canapes for clients from over the decades at its Hart Street salon. Bruno Giamattei, who has run the salon since he was 19, said: It has been fantastic it really put me on the map. His father Bruno Giamattei Snr, who founded the company, opened the first Marc Antoni Salon in Reading in 1966 where Bruno worked before training at Alan International in London. Mr Giamattei Snr named the company after Bruno and his other son, Simon Antoni. Mr Giamattei Jnr said: I was three years in when I was 22 and I thought I would go back to London. Then the freehold came up and my Mum and Dad put the house up for it and I had to make it work. It has grown so much. When I started, we only had six chairs and three backwashes. Weve now extended to 12 units and an office upstairs. When we started there were no mobile phones, business was all word of mouth. I would go to the bakers, the traffic wardens and everyone in town and offer them discounts. There was only one coffee shop and all the salons that were here, like Toni and Guy, dont exist anymore. I was the newbie and now Im the oldie. Mr Giamattei said that he owed his success to his loyal and long-serving team of front-of-house staff and stylists. His first apprentice, Helen Young, joined when she was 16 and has now been with the salon for 35 years. Its rare to have team members who have been around for 35 years, said Mr Giamattei. The younger girls always say, How come you do all the older women? and I say, Well, they werent young when I started doing their hair. They have aged with me. His daughter Charlie works as a principal stylist and his wife Carolyn works on reception. Charlie, who went to Hemdean House School in Caversham, trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London and joined Marc Antoni as an apprentice at the Chatham Street salon in Reading when she was 16. She said: It has been amazing. When I was younger, I used to tell all the customers, I will be doing your hair one day. When I came to do my apprenticeship after school all the clients were like, I remember when you were tiny. Artistic director Tom Ross Metcalf started working at Marc Antoni two years ago after previously working at family-run salon in Australia. He said: Theres a lot of family members working for the company and I quite like that because it means its not just a faceless corporation, its more real. I think in Henley, especially with so many shops closing and opening all the time, that 40 years is quite a feat. Kimberley Bartlett, who has been visiting the salon since she was taken there as a six-year-old by her mother Christa, said: We think very highly of Bruno he is like family. Karen Graley, from Reading, said: I popped into the Caversham branch eight years ago and I have never looked back. I love Bruno, Carolyn and the team. What they do is just amazing and hes a whiz. A Picture This from the celebration will published in next weeks Henley Standard. Today, ACL released a final rule to update regulations for implementing its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. The first substantial update to most OAA program regulations since 1988, the rule aligns regulations to the current statute, addresses issues that have emerged since the last update and clarifies a number of requirements. It aims to better support the national aging network that delivers OAA services and improve program implementation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the nation's growing population of older adults can continue to receive the services and supports they need to live and thrive in their own homes and communities. Older Americans should be able to live independently and age with dignity, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to expanding access to health care, nutrition services, caregiving, and opportunities to age in place for all older Americans. This update to the Older Americans Act regulations strengthens the system of supports that help older people live independently and age with dignity. The overwhelming majority of Americans want to live in their own homes as they age, and almost 95 percent of them do. For many, this is possible because of the programs and services provided through the Older Americans Act such as rides to medical appointments, nutritious meals, in-home services, and support to family caregivers, said Alison Barkoff, who leads the Administration for Community Living. The updated regulations strengthen the stability and sustainability of these programs, and we are looking forward to working with our partners in the aging network to implement them. Key provisions of the 2024 Older Americans Act Final Rule The updated regulations reinforce and clarify policies and expectations, provide guidance for programs authorized since the last update, promote appropriate stewardship of OAA resources, and incorporate lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the final rule: Clarifies requirements for state and area plans on aging and details requirements for coordination among tribal, state, and local programs. Improves consistency of definitions and operations between state and tribal programs. Clarifies and strengthens provisions for meeting OAA requirements for prioritizing people with the greatest social and economic needs. Specifies the broad range of people who can receive services, how funds can be used, fiscal requirements, and other requirements that apply across programs. Clarifies required state and local agency policies and procedures. For example, the final rule establishes expectations regarding conflicts of interest. Requires state agencies to maintain flexible and streamlined processes for area agencies on aging to receive approval to establish contracts and commercial relationships. Includes guidance for the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program, which were authorized since the last update. Addresses emergency preparedness and response, incorporating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishes expectations for legal assistance and activities to prevent elder abuse. Clarifies the role of the aging network in defending against the imposition of guardianship and in promoting alternatives to guardianship. Updates definitions, modernizes requirements, and clarifies flexibilities within the OAA nutrition programs. For example, the rule allows for continuation of innovations developed during the pandemic, such as providing carry-out meals through the congregate meals program (in some circumstances). The final rule is the culmination of intensive collaboration over many years with the national aging network. It also reflects input received through a request for information; a series of listening sessions, including consultations with tribes and other engagement with Native American grantees; and more than 780 comments received in response to the June 2023 Notice of Proposed Rule Making from a wide range of organizations in the aging and disability networks. ACL is grateful to the many people and organizations whose contributions of time and thoughtful consideration of the rule were crucial to its finalization. Learn more: implementation timeline and technical assistance The rule will take effect on March 15, 2024, but regulated entities have until October 1, 2025 to comply. ACL looks forward to working with partners in the aging network to implement this final rule. In the coming months, ACL will share resources and provide robust technical assistance to support states, tribes and tribal organizations, area agencies on aging, and others in the aging network in complying with the provisions of the updated regulations. Save the dates for these upcoming webinars: Informational Webinar : Join ACL for an overview of the updated regulations on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. (Eastern). More information can be found on the Zoom registration page. : Join ACL for an overview of the updated regulations on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. (Eastern). More information can be found on the Zoom registration page. Back to Basics technical assistance webinar: On Feb. 15 from 2-3:30 p.m. (Eastern), ACL will host the first in a series of webinars to support the network in implementing the updated regulations. Additional information, including a link to the final rule, can be found on ACL.gov. (The final rule was posted on display in the Federal Register today, and will officially be published on February 14, 2024) The OCR Settlement with Montefiore Medical Center resolves multiple potential HIPAA Security Rule Violations Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), announced a settlement with Montefiore Medical Center, a non-profit hospital system based in New York City for several potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule. OCR is responsible for administering and enforcing health information privacy, including enforcement of the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules for the health care sector. OCR plays a unique role in serving as the agency at HHS that enforces federal civil rights, privacy and security laws in health care. HIPAA requires that health care providers, insurers and others take steps to protect the privacy and security of patients protected health information. The $4.75 million monetary settlement and corrective action resolves multiple potential failures by Montefiore Medical Center relating to data security failures by Montefiore that led to an employee stealing and selling patients protected health information over a six-month period. Unfortunately, we are living in a time where cyber-attacks from malicious insiders are not uncommon. Now more than ever, the risks to patient protected health information cannot be overlooked and must be addressed swiftly and diligently, said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. This investigation and settlement with Montefiore are an example of how the health care sector can be severely targeted by cyber criminals and thieveseven within their own walls. Cyber-attacks do not discriminate based on organization size or stature, and its incumbent that our health care system follow the law to protect patient records. The action is the latest step by HHS who released a Department-wide Cybersecurity strategy for the health care sector in December of 2023, and released voluntary performance goals to enhance cybersecurity across the health sector just last week. Cyber-attacks that are carried out by insiders are one of the many ways that can lead to a security breach, leaving patients vulnerable, said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. Our priority is and always has been improving the quality of health care patients receive. Part of this health care is establishing a trust that medical records will not be exposed. HHS will continue to remind health care systems of their responsibility as providers, which is to have policies and procedures in place to keep patients medical information secure. In May 2015, the New York Police Department informed Montefiore Medical Center that there was evidence of theft of a specific patients medical information. The incident prompted Montefiore Medical Center to conduct an internal investigation. It discovered that two years prior, one of their employees stole the electronic protected health information of 12,517 patients and sold the information to an identity theft ring. Montefiore Medical Center filed a breach report with OCR. OCRs investigation revealed multiple potential violations of the HIPAA Security Rule, including failures by Montefiore Medical Center to analyze and identify potential risks and vulnerabilities to protected health information, to monitor and safeguard its health information systems activity, and to implement policies and procedures that record and examine activity in information systems containing or using protected health information. Without these safeguards in place, Montefiore Medical Center was unable to prevent the cyberattack or even detect the attack had happened until years later. Under the terms of the settlement, Montefiore Medical Center will pay $4,750,000 to OCR and implement a corrective action plan that identifies certain steps toward protecting and securing the security of protected health information. These actions include: Conducting an accurate and thorough assessment of the potential security risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information; Developing a written risk management plan to address and mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities identified in the Risk Analysis; Developing a plan to implement hardware, software, and/or other procedural mechanisms that record and examine activity in all information systems that contain or use electronic protected health information; Reviewing and revising, if necessary, written policies and procedures to comply with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules; and Providing training to its workforce on HIPAA policies and procedures. OCR will monitor Montefiore Medical Center for two years to ensure compliance with the law. *** In OCRs breach reports, over 134 million individuals have been affected by large breaches in 2023, whereas 55 million were affected in 2022. OCR recommends that health care providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and business associates that are covered by HIPAA must implement safeguards to mitigate or prevent cyber threats. These include: Reviewing all vendor and contractor relationships to ensure business associate agreements are in place as appropriate and address breach/security incident reporting obligations. Integrating risk analysis and risk management into business processes; and ensuring that they are conducted regularly, especially when new technologies and business operations are planned. Ensuring audit controls are in place to record and examine information system activity. Implementing regular review of information system activity. Utilizing multi-factor authentication to ensure only authorized users are accessing protected health information. Encrypting protected health information to guard against unauthorized access. Incorporating lessons learned from previous incidents into the overall security management process. Providing training specific to organization and job responsibilities and on regular basis; and reinforcing workforce members critical role in protecting privacy and security. OCR regularly provides guidance and information to the health care industry to support data privacy and security. As part of this ongoing initiative, this past Fall, OCR provided the following resources: The resolution agreement and corrective action plan may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/compliance-enforcement/agreements/montiefore/index.html For more information on managing malicious insider threats you can view OCR's Summer 2019 Cybersecurity Newsletter at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/cybersecurity-newsletter-summer-2019/index.html. OCR is committed to enforcing the privacy and security of peoples health information that is protected under HIPAA. If you believe that your or another persons health information privacy or civil rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with OCR at: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html. The HHS Breach Portal: Notice to the Secretary of HHS Breach of Unsecured Protected Health Information may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/breach-notification/breach-reporting/index.html. For more information on OCR's enforcement activities, visit https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/cybersecurity/index.html. Feb 6, 2024 7:09 PM IST MP Harda Fire LIVE Updates: A powerful explosion followed by a blaze occurred at a firecracker factory near Harda town in Madhya Pradesh. The incident resulted in at least 11 deaths and nearly 200 injuries, according to a senior official. Videos circulating on social media depict a massive fire with intermittent explosions at the site. People can be seen running frantically to save themselves from the incident. The factory, located at Bairagarh on Magardha Road on the outskirts of Harda town, emitted thick plumes of smoke. The town is situated about 150 km from the state capital Bhopal. Uttarakhand UCC bill highlights: The Uniform Civil Code Bill is set to be presented in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on Tuesday during the ongoing special session, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after the Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the final draft of the UCC on Sunday, advocating for uniform civil laws for all communities in the state....Read More Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, stated on Monday that the Uniform Civil Code is currently under consultation and is being reviewed by the Law Commission of India. Meghwal said, This is not just the issue of the Centre; the makers of the Constitution had discussed this even when the Constitution was being made...Right now, this matter is under consideration with the Law Commission of India and is in the consultation process. The states can fix it or improve it, and the government of Goa has already worked on UCC. The Uttarakhand government has approved this in the cabinet and as soon as we get a report by the Law Commission, we will inform you. UCC, or Uniform Civil Code, pertains to a comprehensive set of laws intended to replace diverse customary laws observed across various faiths and tribes. It aims to regulate matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance uniformly. In the Constitution, it is a component of the non-justiciable directive principles of state policy. Ahead of the state assembly elections in February 2022, Chief Minister Dhami declared that the adoption of the UCC would be the initial decision of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government if elected. Its a truth universally acknowledged that if Kiran Nadar wants it, she will have it. In the art auction world, shes what they call a fighter bidder. I am very determined but there are so many works of art that are bought by other people. Some of those losses have hurt, the founder-chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) and the latest entrant in the Padma Shri pantheon admits. So, which one stung the most? Sitting inside the KNMA office in Saket, New Delhi, Nadar looks up as though plucking a memory from thin air, and replies, Its a bit of a strange story. Years ago, I was bidding for a painting by MF Husain. I really wanted it but it went to someone else. I wanted to know whom I had lost to, but there was no way of finding out, she says. Then, in 2020, at the Saffronarts Spring Live Auction of luxury items and artworks belonging to disgraced diamantaire Nirav Modi, she spotted the very same diptych she had set her heart on the Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12. She purchased it for 13.44 crore. Talk about a karmic boomerang. Yes, it did feel like that at the time. Im glad things worked in my favour, says Nadar, who had flown in hours before from New York to inaugurate the exhibition, Raghu Rai: A Thousand Eyes, Photographs from 1965-2005. Her love for the Bombay Progressives, especially Husain, runs deep. In April, the KNMA will present The Rooted Nomad, the first immersive exhibition of Husains life and work, at the Magazzini del Sale in Dorsoduro in Venice this will go on till November, to coincide with the Venice Biennale. The exhibition will be free of charge to the public. Its an honour to showcase Husain in Venice more than seven decades since his work was first exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1953, Nadar says. In April, she will also collect the nations fourth highest civilian award. The 72-year-old art collector, philanthropist, and international bridge player was conferred the honour for her contribution to the arts a recognition that some say has been a long time coming. A patron for decades Where would art be without patronage? While artists in India have been honoured in the past, no collector has been, so the Padma Shri will act as a catalyst for other collectors to build institutions and bequeath their collections to the forthcoming generations for whom, they are, after all, custodians of this art. Kiran Nadar was far-sighted about sharing her collection with people not just in India but around the world. From collecting to philanthropy, her generosity of spirit and knowledge will go a long way in building up the next platforms for art in the country, says Ashish Anand, CEO and MD, DAG, and a reputed art collector in his own right. Nadars patronage is intrinsically tied to institution building. The KNMA is a partner of the perennially short-of-funds Kochi Biennale, helping them promote art education for all age groups. At the recently concluded 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, KNMA showed a prototype of a cultural complex it plans to create. The forthcoming 100,000-metre square building in Aerocity has been designed by the celebrated British-Ghanian architect Sir David Adjaye. It will be a permanent museum that will showcase the entire KNMA collection. But it will be a space to celebrate not only the visual arts but dance, music, and more. The new KNMA will only be ready in 2026, but were not waiting that long to kick things off, says Nadar. And to think that an entire museum or two would never have come about if it hadnt been for Nadar simply buying too much art for her home. The making of a museum Id travelled the world and seen how people would purchase or commission art for their homes. When Shiv [Nadar, chairperson of HCL Enterprise] and I were building our home, I didnt want to stick [frames] randomly on the walls. I dont think Id ever bid for something like a Van Gogh because I dont have the nerve, and I want to collect as much Indian art as possible, says Nadar. KNMA was founded in 2010, around the time she noted that she had about 400-odd works and nowhere to display them. Keeping them in storage is a disservice, I thought I should do something about it but let me tell you, starting an art museum in a mall area has been nothing but a learning experience, she says. For non-Delhi residents, KNMA is located near the Select Citywalk Mall in Saket. It already had a space in the HCL campus in Noida, but opening another venue in Saket posed a major challenge: did mall-goers want to step into an art museum? Not really. For years, we have concentrated on generating footfall. It helped that we owned the building or else wed have shut shop years ago, Nadar says. In recent years, the idea of the art museum itself has come under scrutiny. If most of the art that is displayed belongs to a handful of collectors, how do we understand these institutions as 'public' spaces? While the museum is a repository of collective memory and culture, private ownership complicates the function of the art museum, socially and economically. The picture, so to speak, is a complicated one. A boost to the art market KNMAs engagement with artists is another truth universally acknowledged in the art world. One of Indias biggest collectors of Modern and Contemporary Art brought art to non-gallery goers through this space. Nadar and KNMAs chief curator, Roobina Karode, and their team have dedicated themselves to open art up for the common folk via exhibitions, publications, art talks, workshops and soirees, says Georgina Maddox, a curator and writer. She points out that while art needs collectors who purchase art to build a private collection, KNMA offers infrastructural support for contemporary artists. Theyve supported performance artists such as Nikhil Chopra, and the KNMA not only does shows in India but also abroad. Theyve used their international presence to support an artist like Bharti Kher to exhibit at New Yorks Central Park. Roobina curated the visual artist Jayashree Chakravartys show in Paris, Maddox adds. Nadar doesnt see any conflict of interest in her role as a collector and her support of specific artists in ways that can influence the trajectory of their careers beyond their lifetime. When we did the first comprehensive Himmat Shah retrospective in 2016, it brought him a lot of well-deserved attention and a host of new, good collectors. He had not anticipated that, says Nadar, who owns 215 of the 300 works that were exhibited. The other artist whom Nadar and the KNMA are proud to have championed is Nasreen Mohamedi an artist who had a ferocious, but very small, following before Nadar shone the spotlight on her. Her work got the most out of our exhibition in 2013. From then on, her work travelled to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in Madrid, and on to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. And the worth of her work just shot up, says Nadar. The Indian art market, roughly estimated at 3,000 crore or $4 million, has been steadily growing for the past decade but its a fraction compared to other global art markets. The global art market is currently valued at approximately $67.8 billion and three countries rule the roost: The United States, the United Kingdom and China, in that order. Together, they are responsible for 80% of the total sales value. China, the leader in Asia, accounts for 17% of the global art market and is in second place when it comes to the contemporary art market, with sales amounting to $744 million. Only two other Asian countries feature in the top 10 for contemporary art sales: Japan ($40 million) and South Korea ($21 million). A report published last year by the Indian Art Investor, a Delhi-based art market intelligence firm, recorded that nearly 60% of the artworks sold in March 2023 went for prices over their estimates. In tandem, there has been a gallery culture that is mushrooming in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Sometimes with the wealth of art around us, it takes time to form that space. A lot of experimental spaces are finding their own niche and developing across genres. Collectors form an essential part of the arts ecosystem because they can extend great support by working with galleries to programme interesting exhibitions in their spaces and help generate the arts discourse and publications. Considering the talent that India has, I would presume that a lot more corporate houses would increase the pace of acquiring artworks and open spaces to share these collections. This would also make for curating, making sense of a collection and historicising the visual arts, says Shalini Sawhney, director, The Guild (Mumbai/New York). In the recent past, the KNMA has programmed shows at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi; this month, they are presenting the Legacy Series: Performing Arts at the Gandharva Mahavidyala at Kamani Auditorium on February 9. The series will shine a spotlight on multi-generational families in the arts and the stories behind them, and will celebrate the Mudgal family comprising Gandharva Mahavidyalaya founder, Professor Vinay Chandra Maudgalya, his son Madhup Mudgal, a Hindustani classical musician, and daughter, Madhavi Mudgal, a famed Odissi dancer in its first edition. Nadars involvement, and interest, in the arts have certainly been recognised by the Indian government that bestowed the Padma Shri on her. But for Nadar, the work is never done. The Padma Shri is an acknowledgement of work that has been done so far but there is still so much more to do. I'm very honoured to receive it, although I can't say it came as a surprise. The award that did surprise me was when the French government conferred upon me their highest civilian award, the prestigious "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) [last year], she said. It came back into West Asia to support Israels war on Hamas. But the United States (US) has become entangled in a regional conflict involving a spread of Iran-backed militant forces that are more resolute and better placed than before in resisting the West and its regional allies. The US and Iran have been exchanging indirect fire for weeks, probing here, escalating there. But neither party is seeking a regional war. However, the US has begun retaliating through airstrikes against Iranian assets in Syria and Iraq in response to casualties it suffered in Jordan. This action comes against the backdrop of an ongoing exchange of fire with the Houthis in Yemen and the Red Sea. And more is likely to follow. Americas deepening military involvement in the region raises fears of a pattern from the recent past repeating itself: Needless American intervention in West Asian affairs that bodes ill for itself and the region, and that keeps the US distracted from more important geopolitical challenges. Many interpreted Americas withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 as a defeat of US imperialism and a sign of its declining power and influence in international affairs. In reality, however, the decision to withdraw marked a major course correction in American foreign policy. Twenty years of conflictual involvement in the heart of the Muslim world had yielded only partial success. American territory was made secure against (largely Sunni) Islamist terrorism, and the regional base from which it emanated was severely degraded as Al Qaeda ceased to be the lethal force it was on September 11, 2001. But the other goal of promoting liberal democracy in the region was a disaster. The swift collapse of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in late-2001 misled the Bush administration into believing that a democratic State could be built from scratch in Afghanistan and elsewhere too. The belief was reinforced when the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq collapsed within weeks of the invasion in 2003. The Iraqi State was dismantled but the decision turned out to be catastrophic for the Iraqis in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, property, social goods and cultural heritage. Worse, it gave rise to the Islamic State, which has been degraded but not eliminated. Meanwhile, the Taliban began to find their way back to Kabul. But the greatest blowback of the intervention was the dramatic spread of Iranian influence across the arc that covers Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, with a prong into Yemen finishing the shape. Across this geography, a multitude of violent forces, some quasi-State in character, are now resisting the return of American intervention. And why has the US returned to a region that it was wise to get out of? In the past, it was right to go after Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and elsewhere, but it was unwise to attempt the political transformation of culturally alien societies through military means. Likewise, it was fair for the US to support Israels war on Hamas but it is foolish in the extreme to shield Israel as it destroys Gaza and attempts ethnic cleansing and as its words and deeds cause international legal opinion to argue that genocide is plausible. This absolute support of Israel makes little rational sense if we assume that States use their foreign policy to do what is in their own interest. It is threatening American soldiers and assets in the region while sowing the seeds of long-term resentment against itself and its western allies. It is also fracturing Americas domestic landscape where polls suggest that young and progressive Americans across the colour spectrum increasingly view the Palestinian perspective with sympathy. The moral argument that Israels right to self-defence should be supported lies crushed under the weight of Israels grossly disproportionate response to the attacks of October 7. But the deeper moral commitment to Israel as a State of the people who experienced genocide is also strained because the Israeli States conduct towards the Palestinians breaches practically every code of decency and morality. It is reasonable to ask if a State that practices the very things occupation and besiegement, discriminatory governance, eviction and violence against settled populations, using dehumanising language against another national community that makes genocide possible remains entitled to the moral status that it once enjoyed as the State of those who suffered and survived genocide. In this moral sense, Israel has become a legacy issue for American and western foreign policy. Americas absolute support for Israel is strategically unwise and morally untenable. Worse, that support now threatens to pull the US into a swamp from which it may take years to get out. The military, economic, political and diplomatic resources that this involvement will lock up in the region will directly benefit its key rivals, Russia and China. Russia is already poised advantageously in Ukraine. China would be glad to see the adversary wear thin with no cost to itself. There is still time for the US to stop what Barbara Tuchman, the American historian of international relations, once described as the march of folly. Atul Mishra teaches international relations at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi-NCR. The views expressed are personal The pro-peace faction of Assams oldest insurgent group, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a peace agreement with the Indian government in December 2023, concluding nearly three decades of difficult peacemaking by a wide range of stakeholders in Dispur and New Delhi. Union home minister, Amit Shah, called it a golden day for Assam. Two things, however, remain up for debate: Whether the agreement really signifies a complete end to ULFAs armed struggle in Assam, given that an armed faction headed by the outfits original hardliner commander-in-chief, Paresh Baruah, continues to exist without ceasing fire, and whether it is the best deal that the outfit could have secured. However, both these points are not the core concerns of this column. Rather, we can use this deal to better understand three aspects: how armed groups split from within, how and why they moderate their message, and how geopolitics shapes their existence. Factionalism, splitting from within If there is one word that suitably characterises the complicated ULFA story, then that is factionalism. Just a day after the Centre signed the deal with the peace faction, Baruah, the persistent hardliner who heads the non-ceasefire ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) faction and is said to be living somewhere close to the Myanmar-China border, announced that he would talk peace only if the assurance of sovereignty is on the table. One can be sure that such a sweeping demand will not be accepted by any government in Dispur or Delhi. But, Baruahs insistence captures a whole history of internal chasms within ULFA. By 1990, ULFA had emerged as a formidable insurgent threat to the Indian state in Assam. But, right then, things changed. Following the killing of Surendra Paul, a tea estate manager, the Central government sent 15 brigades of the Indian Army to dismantle the outfit in what was called Operation Bajrang. One year later, another better-planned military campaign, Operation Rhino, handicapped ULFAs command structures and cadre base. All hell broke loose within the outfit. One clique within the outfit, shepherded by its founder chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, began to contemplate negotiations with the government under the remit of the Indian Constitution. This drew the ire of the more radical faction led by Baruah. The Indian state had managed to tick an important checkbox in the standard counterinsurgency handbook: Create splits within the enemy. While the Baruah-led faction managed to subdue the pro-talks faction at that time, it failed to fix the underlying differences. Silently but surely, the cracks continued to grow, ultimately leading to a clean split down the middle by the mid-2000s. In 2005, the Rajkhowa-led pro-talks faction constituted the civil society-led Peoples Consultative Group (PCG), thus formalising its aspiration to negotiate with the Indian state. Six years later, the faction signed a tripartite agreement with Dispur and New Delhi. Once again, a dramatic split hit the outfit when Baruah replaced Rajkhowa as ULFAs chairman with Abhijit Barman. But, even through these olive branch phases, ULFAs violence and the states counter-violence endured. Four parallel developments took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s: Its senior leadership found safe havens in neighbouring countries and received training from Pakistan; the Indian state continued to close in on, and even extrajudicially kill, serving cadres of the outfit using their surrendered counterparts; it continued to attack state and non-state targets; and it began to lose popular appeal. A combination of these factors, framed by serious disagreements among the leadership over the use of violence against civilians, gradually weakened the outfit. Moderating the message The ULFA story is also a complex tale of how armed groups, even the most radical ones within them, moderated their messaging. In 1992, the outfit, through a pamphlet, stunned the people of Assam by criticising the anti-foreigner Assam Movement (1979-85) and welcoming the role of Bangladeshi immigrants in Assams socioeconomic life. For a group born out of the agitational, anti-foreigner politics of the Movement, this was an astounding volte-face. But, it was done for a purely tactical reason: to appease the government in Dhaka in order to seek shelter in Bangladesh. The other aspect in which ULFA, at least its pro-talks faction, moderated its message was the demand for sovereignty. Even as the internal fissures began to widen, the insistence on swadhinata complete independence shapeshifted into swayattasasan or autonomy. Through the second half of the 2000s, the pro-talks faction moved from rajnaitik swadhinata political autonomy to arthanitik swadhinata economic autonomy. A charter of demands published by the Rajkhowa faction in a 2011 National Convention in Guwahati reflected these watered-down iterations of ULFAs original demands. The final agreement inked on December 29, 2023, reflects an even softer manifesto. Leave independence, even autonomy doesnt appear in it. Several prominent civil society figures in Assam have criticised the outfits dramatic climb-down. But, Baruahs continued insistence on sovereignty as a precondition for dialogue reflects the sharp contradictions that have characterised ULFA since its heydays. The moot question now is whether the ULFA-I chief, whose hardline stance remains the most lethal arrow in his shrinking quiver, will moderate his demands. Geopolitics of an insurgency Of all the insurgent groups in Northeast India, ULFA has probably been the most diplomatically agile. It was able to quickly adapt to changing geopolitical conditions to ensure its own survival. It successfully created strategic backyards in not one, but three of Indias closest neighbours Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar. Not just that, it was also able to get close to the highest political establishments in these countries. In each case, ULFA identified geopolitical faultlines and strategic loopholes to make friends. Sometimes, it went alone (Bangladesh), and at other times, allied with other like-minded groups (Myanmar, Bhutan) to create safe havens. But, geopolitics, like the wind, changes direction fast. ULFAs collapse was preordained by its slippery manoeuvrings in the neighbourhood, which could not guarantee long-term survival. Be it a change in government in Dhaka or a new security doctrine in Thimphu, the outfits leadership soon found itself pushed back into Assam where it was most vulnerable. Once again, Baruah stands out as an exception here. He has not only managed to evade arrest despite geopolitical churnings in India's eastern neighbourhood but also kept himself visible in the public discourse by frequently communicating with the Assamese media and commenting on the states socio-political affairs from his secret hideouts. In that sense, Baruah might be a spent force but is not yet a nobody in the complicated India-versus-ULFA story. It is his return to Assam that will truly mark the end of the oldest armed group in the states history. Angshuman Choudhury is an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Policy Research, and focuses on Northeast India and Myanmar. The views expressed are personal. FinTech Australias Annual Finnie Awards is calling for entries, announcing that the awards night will return to Sydney after over six years. The award, now in its eight year, was first held in Sydney in 2016 and later in 2017 before consecutively being held in Melbourne each year following. The event will take place on June 6 at Doltone House in Jones Wharf. Over 20 awards will again be on offer this year, including Best Workplace Diversity, Positive Impact, Emerging Fintech Leader Of The Year, Female Fintech Leader Of The Year and Outstanding Fintech Leader Of The Year. FinTech Australia General Manager Rehan DAlmeida: The events return to Sydney has been a long time coming and a running request from our members in New South Wales. Well be holding the Finnies Gala Dinner ast a time when Sydney is at its best during the Vivid Festival. Jones Wharf is on the water, overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a truly stunning backdrop for what will be a memorable night. Last year, the Finnies received over 300 submissions. Over 500 attended the Gala event held at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne. DAlmeida added: We expect participation to hit a new high this year, as we continue to celebrate the success and growth of the industry a theme across all of our events this year including Banking Reverse Pitch, Fintech for Net Zero, CDR Summit and Intersekt. We urge fintechs to start working on their entries now, and really put their best foot forward this year as competition will be fierce. Entries for the Finnie Awards close on March 15, 2024. Visit the event website at ( www.thefinnies.org.au ) for further information on how to submit your entry. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The South Australia Education Department has stopped receiving applications from students in Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh following the disappearances of several students from the central Vietnam provinces. The education department of the Australian state on Monday said the decision was made after authorities took a look at the hometowns of the students who had abandoned their studies. A representative from the department said the decision falls in line with the law on education services for foreign students, and the decision helps to preserve the integrity of the Australian visa system. Applications from students in other parts of Vietnam will still be processed normally, the representative added. In January, a Vietnamese student named Sunnie Nguyen, 17, was reported missing by her host after dinner, adding that her bags, clothes, laptop and personal documents disappeared with her. Sunnies phone was turned off, and all her social media accounts were inactive. Australian authorities said Sunnie was the fourth Vietnamese student to disappear this way in South Australia since December 2023. "There is no information or evidence uncovered to date which would indicate they are in immediate danger," the education department's representative said. Police said the students might be actively avoiding authorities detection, adding that investigators are cooperating with other entities to find the students and ensure their safety. Nguyen Duc Quyet, CEO of Rightway Study Abroad and Immigration Consulting Company, said he had received the information from the South Australia education department a few days ago. He said he had never seen such a heavy-handed measure from the department. "The incident will negatively affect students of the three Vietnamese provinces, those who have real desires to study abroad," Quyet said, adding that the South Australia education department manages all public schools from first grade to 12th grade. When a student wants to apply for a visa to enter Australia, they must get accepted by a school there and receive an invitation letter. The new decision means that no student from Nghe An, Ha Tinh or Quang Binh will be able to receive invitation letters for school admittance, even if they have guardians in South Australia. By October 2023, there were over 31,600 Vietnamese students in Australia, ranking them in 6th place among the foreign student community in the country, behind China, India, Nepal, Colombia and the Philippines, according to the Australian Department of Education. To apply for a visa to study abroad in Australia, international students need to get invitation letters from schools, pay for medical insurance, get approval forms from either parents or guardians, present statements regarding the purpose of their studies and state whether they would stay or leave the country after completing their studies. If they change their accommodations, they must report their new addresses within seven days, or their visas will be revoked. Emerging from its multi-million-dollar revitalisation and elevating Sydney's hospitality scene with a bespoke and upscale experience. Marking a new era in style and sophistication, The Sebel Sydney Martin Place emerges from its multi-million-dollar refurbishment, elevating Sydney's hospitality scene with its bespoke, intimate and upscale experience. The Sebel Sydney Martin Place is an 86-room, boutique-like hotel with a warmth that establishes a central city presence for The Sebel brand, which is part of the world-leading hospitality group, Accor. With its prime location on Philip Street, guests can enjoy the city at their doorstep, immersed in The Sebel's signature away-from-home lifestyle. Its interior, curated by expert designers at Stack Studio, presents a marriage of historic heritage and cosmopolitan elements drawing on its iconic Martin Place location and The Sebel brand to bring comfort, utility, and convenience met with style and sophistication. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by The Sebel hosts, who offer tailored guest services, 24/7, with a revitalised reception area finessed with modern details, elegant feature lighting and unmissable artwork. Corridors have been fitted with playful carpet boasting bold patterns and tones, complemented by powerful artwork, downlit signage and ambient lighting. Guest rooms, featuring Superior King Rooms, Deluxe King Room and Classic Queen Rooms, are wrapped in shades that lean on The Sebel brand, paired with neutral hues and mustard tones to capture a homely feel and the warmth of the surrounding historical buildings. Exquisite kitchenette joinery, gold cabinets and impressive finishes add the touches to an impeccably designed room, while contemporary furniture offers the versatility to work, dine or simply unwind. A stand-out feature within the design is the signature marble, Italian Terrazzo, which decorates the in-room kitchenettes, specifically sourced from Europe to bring Mediterranean tranquillity to Sydney's CBD. The Sebel Sydney Martin Place boasts an array of other luxury amenities to match its cosmopolitan composition. Rooms feature climate controls and the kitchenette which comes complete with an upholstered, premium microwave and complimentary tea and coffee with a Nespresso machine. Caramel, hazelnut, or vanilla syrups are available too for a barista-like experience. Guests' self-care experiences are elevated with premium amenities and sustainable toiletries by Biology, an Australian-made and owned company whose products feature locally sourced ingredients made using only recyclable materials and ocean-safe formulas. Locally sourced in-room mini-bars boast a selection of snacks and Australian beverages including, beers and wines from the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley Region and ready-to-pour bottled cocktails, curated in Sydney with Eucalyptus Gimlet, Lychee and Italian Dirty Martini flavours, for a sensory indulgence. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available to all guests throughout the premises. Each room features an in-room digital compendium accessible via a QR code, alongside a Chromecast-enabled 55-inch Smart TV where guests can stream their favourite shows from the comfort of their contemporary haven. The Sebel Sydney Martin Place transformation is now complete, inviting guests to enjoy the proximity of the famous city of Sydney through its captivating boutique-like setting. Hotel website MCR, the 3rd-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, welcomes Sameer Mehra as Chief Revenue Officer. The 25-year hospitality veteran will lead MCR's revenue and sales team. "Sam brings a wealth of experience in revenue and distribution management, e-commerce, strategic partnerships and sales leadership," says Tyler Morse, Chairman and CEO of MCR. "He is uniquely positioned to drive revenue-focused initiatives and top-line growth at MCR." Maximizing revenue for a portfolio of branded and independent hotels in various U.S. markets has been a hallmark of Sam's career. Along the way, he has developed an entrepreneurial mindset for building teams, improving operational efficiency, and streamlining processes and systems. Most recently, Sam served as the Chief Revenue Officer for Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM). He was also the Head of Revenue & VP Asset Management at the Global Hospitality Investment Group (GHIG) and the EVP, Revenue Strategies, for TPG Hotels & Resorts. Previously, he was the VP, Revenue & Distribution, for Highgate Hotels. He began his hospitality career at the Indian Hotels Company Ltd. and its subsidiary, the Taj Group of Hotels in India, where he pioneered the discipline of revenue management across 65 luxury properties. Sam earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Delhi, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Goa Institute of Management, and a certificate of leadership from the Wharton Executive Education program. Rancho Santana, Nicaragua's premier resort and residential community nestled along the country's breathtaking Emerald Coast, is pleased to announce the appointment of Melvyn McIntyre as the new resort general manager. With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, McIntyre brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in overseeing the operations of hotels and resorts across the globe. Most recently, McIntyre served as corporate food and beverage manager at Pontes Hoteis & Resorts, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership by developing and executing innovative F&B strategies for three full-service hotel operations. His responsibilities included overseeing a diverse range of outlets, from award-winning bars and upscale restaurants to in-room dining and banquets. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, McIntyre played a pivotal role in managing an operation generating over $18 million in revenue, leading a team of 300+ associates. Prior to his role at Pontes Hoteis & Resorts, McIntyre held key positions as food and beverage manager at establishments including Hotel Emiliano in Sao Paulo, Bourbon Hotels & Resorts in Foz do Iguacu, and Marriott Hotels in Curacao. His diverse experience encompasses managing the food and beverage operations of 5-star resorts, convention destinations, and beachfront properties, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in various settings. McIntyre holds a Master's Degree in Hotel Management from Escuela Universitaria de Hoteleria y Turismo de Sant Pol and a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Administration/Management from Florida International University. His educational background, combined with his hands-on experience, will make him an asset to Rancho Santana. In his free time, McIntyre loves to cultivate relationships within the local community and looks forward to doing so in Nicaragua. McIntyre and his family are also avid travelers with a passion for food and beverage, so they enjoy exploring and going on epicurean adventures. CapitaLand Ascott Trust to Divest Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore for SGD148 Million CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS), a Singapore-based lodging trust, has announced the sale of Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore (The property) for SGD148 million, to a joint venture between Hong Kong-based Weave Living and US-based asset manager, BlackRock. This transaction is expected to be completed in 1Q 2024. Located at 8 Wilkie Road in Singapore, the 154-key serviced residence forms the residential component of a mixed-use development called Wilkie Edge. Weave Living, an accommodation company, announced that the property will be renovated and re-launched under Weave Livings contemporary serviced accommodation brand Weave Suites (Weave). The renovated property will be Weaves second property in Singapore and is expected to open around early-2025 featuring, fully self-contained studios, one-bedroom apartments, and amenity-rich resident spaces. IOI Properties Acquires MYR165 Million Penang Marriott Hotel in Malaysia Malaysia-based IOI Properties Group has announced the acquisition of the Courtyard by Marriott Penang (The hotel), in Malaysia, from Malaysia-based Tropicana Corp, for MYR165 million. The 199-key hotel first opened in 2020 and was Malaysias first Courtyard-branded hotel. Located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, the 22-storey hotel towers over the Straits of Malacca and the city. Choice Hotels APAC Acquires City Edge Apartment Hotels Franchise Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific (APAC) (Choice Hotels), one of the largest hotel franchise groups in APAC and an owned subsidiary of US-based Choice Hotels International, has acquired the City Edge Apartment Hotels franchise (City Edge). This acquisition would enable Choice Hotels to expand their footprint in Australia, by doubling their presence in inner Melbourne. Choice Hotels will thus have an addition of 271 apartment-style rooms across five prime locations, near key business hubs South Melbourne, North Melbourne, Melbourne CBD, East Melbourne, and Box Hill. The acquisition deal also includes City Edges active franchise agreements, the brand, and associated intellectual property. Singapores Marina Bay Sands Gets Authority Approval for their Fourth Tower Construction Singapores Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has received development approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, to construct a fourth tower. The new tower is expected to have 153,100 square metres of hotel space and 12,185 square metres of retail space. MBSs parent company, US-based Las Vegas Sands, mentioned that the new tower will be developed with a focus on enhancing the leisure and business tourism appeal of Singapore. Construction is expected to be completed by 8 April 2028, with the tower comprising 587 all-suite rooms, a live performance arena with a minimum seated capacity of 15,000 spectators, additional meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities, and luxury retail shops. Furthermore, the towers top floor will house a sky roof with a swimming pool, and additional tourist attractions that will be announced at a later date. Vietjet to Expand Its Flight Network to Vietnam, China, and Taiwan Vietjet has announced the launch of new flight routes to Vietnam, China, and Taiwan. Within Vietnam, from 1 March 2024, there will be a new non-stop service between Hanoi and Dien Bien, operating initially for three times a week. Regarding international routes, Vietjet had recently launched their daily, non-stop, Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and Taiwan route. Furthermore, on 10 February 2024, Vietjet will begin their daily, non-stop, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and Chengdu, China, flight service. To accommodate the growing demand for their services and enhance operational reliability, Vietjet has recently received four wet-leased Airbus A320-200s. The airline has also recently won the International Finance Award, which is awarded to those with global business excellence, leadership skills and capabilities in finance, aviation, banking, energy, services, and more. About HVS HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. The 16th edition of the European Mise en Place Cup (EMCup) took place on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 February in Maastricht. The theme of this edition was "When artificial intelligence meets human intelligence - The rise of a new generation". The winner of the EMCup 2024 is CETT Barcelona school of tourism, hospitality and gastronomy from Spain, followed by HIM Hotel Institute Montreux from Switzerland and Hotel Management School Maastricht, the Netherlands. These top 3 competed against 23 other European hotel schools for two exciting days. During this competition, a total of 115 students gave everything to win that coveted 1st place and show their ideas about 'AI meets human intelligence'. EM Cup 2024 26 renowned international hotel management schools from 14 different European countries participated in the 16th edition of the European Mise en Place Cup. Each and every one of them gave their vision on 'artificial intelligence' and 'human intelligence' and how these can go hand in hand in the hospitality industry. The talented students answered the question of how the hospitality industry can have the best of both worlds by perfectly combining AI and human interaction. The 115 driven students took up this challenge and inspired the Business Jury with their ideas on the theme. This year's Business Jury consisted of 80 hospitality professionals from 46 international companies. Competition days The student teams introduced themselves in advance with the most creative introductory videos to draw attention to their EMCup participation and this year's theme. In addition, the 26 teams wrote white papers that were assessed by the members of the Business Jury. During the competition days, the students gave various pitches to the Business Jury. Starting with the pitch they had prepared in advance. During the competition, the teams were given an in-depth assignment to expand their pitch. All these pitches were assessed by the Business Jury and a ranking was determined based on the scores for their pitches. On the second day, after noon, only the TOP 10 best scoring teams were allowed to give their final pitch in an official Dragon's Den setting. The teams presented their final pitches to the audience and the dragons, consisting of 4 experts in the hospitality industry; Peter Ducker - Independent Hospitality Consultant, Yin Oei - Living Tomorrow Group, Billy Skelli-Cohen - ZIEN Group and Michelle Wells - PPHE Hotel Group. Building a network is key The EMCup is not only a competition, but also an opportunity to meet inspiring people from the hospitality industry and like-minded people. Students get the opportunity to expand their network, make contacts and possibly shape the start of their (international) career. That is why the first day of the competition is all about networking, with workshops and assignments in mixed groups and a Networking Dinner at the Hotel Management School Maastricht to stimulate interaction between the participants. On day 2 it was up to the teams from the hotel schools to convince the jury that they deserved the coveted EM Cup. The competition ended on Monday with an Awards dinner at the Rebelle in Maastricht. Winners EMCup 2024 Learm more at emcup.eu. How do you maintain peak performance amidst the rapid pace of the hotel industry? One crucial aspect of maintaining excellence and competitiveness is ensuring that your staff is well-trained and equipped with the right skills. However, hotels often face the dilemma of choosing between in-house training and external training programs. Both options have their pros and cons, and making the right choice can significantly impact your hotel's success. What factors do you currently weigh when making decisions about training programs for your hotel team? In this blog, we'll compare the advantages and disadvantages of in-house training versus external training to help hotels make an informed decision. In-house training: Striking a balance In-house training allows hotels to tailor their approach while striking a delicate balance between customization and cost-effectiveness. It empowers hotels to sculpt bespoke programs that align seamlessly with their unique identity and objectives. 1. Customization: Tailoring training to unique needs In-house training offers a notable advantage in customization, allowing you to tailor programs to meet the specific needs of your hotel. This flexibility is particularly valuable when your hotel identifies specific areas for improvement, such as guest service or sustainability practices. In these instances, in-house training empowers you to design targeted programs that address these concerns directly. For example, you can create modules that enhance personalized guest interactions, ensuring a tailored approach to customer service that brings to life your hotel unique features. Simultaneously, you can develop modules that emphasize eco-friendly practices, aligning seamlessly with your brand's values and standards for sustainability. This tailored approach ensures that your in-house training not only addresses identified areas for improvement but also aligns closely with the unique identity and priorities of your hotel. 2. Cost-effectiveness: Long-term savings The cost-effectiveness of in-house training becomes increasingly evident over the long term, presenting a strategic advantage, particularly for larger hotel chains. Eliminating expenses related to external trainers, such as travel, accommodation, and per-session fees, positions in-house training as a financially prudent choice. In the context of larger establishments, the investment in developing internal expertise not only minimizes immediate costs but also establishes a foundation for sustained savings. As your hotel cultivates its pool of trainers and training resources, the long-term financial benefits become more pronounced, contributing to the overall fiscal health of the organization. 3. Consistency: Uniform excellence across the board Ensuring a seamless and consistent guest experience is a hallmark of success in the hotel industry, and in-house training plays a pivotal role in achieving this objective. The emphasis on consistency extends across all facets of the guest journey, from the front desk to housekeeping. Through in-house training initiatives, every staff member receives uniform and comprehensive training, fostering a unified approach to service delivery. This commitment to consistency not only contributes to a cohesive guest experience, but also ensures unwavering adherence to brand standards. By cultivating a shared understanding and proficiency among all team members, in-house training becomes a linchpin for maintaining excellence and upholding the distinctive qualities that define your brand in the eyes of guests. 4. Limited expertise: Broadening horizons While in-house trainers contribute valuable insights, their scope may be limited compared to the diverse experience and knowledge external experts can bring. Recognizing this, hotels can strategically augment their internal training programs. One effective approach is to incorporate occasional workshops or seminars conducted by industry experts. This intentional collaboration serves a dual purpose: it mitigates the potential limitations posed by relying solely on in-house trainers, and provides staff with invaluable exposure to diverse perspectives. These external sessions enrich the depth of training and ensure that the knowledge imparted remains dynamic and aligned with the latest industry trends. By integrating external expertise selectively, hotels strike a balance, leveraging the strengths of both internal and external resources to cultivate a well-rounded and continuously evolving training environment. 5. Resource demands: Strategic investment The development and management of an in-house training program demand considerable resources, encompassing dedicated staff, time, and infrastructure. Recognizing this resource-intensive nature, strategic planning becomes imperative for effective implementation. To navigate these resource demands successfully, hotels can adopt a proactive approach. Consider establishing a dedicated training team tasked with overseeing the entire lifecycle of program development and delivery. This specialized team ensures focused attention on training initiatives, optimizing the allocation of human resources. Moreover, embracing technology proves instrumental in streamlining the in-house training process. Integrating online training modules enhances accessibility for all staff members, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. By leveraging technology, hotels not only mitigate resource constraints but also enhance the efficiency and scalability of their in-house training initiatives, ensuring that valuable resources are utilized judiciously to achieve optimal training outcomes. The current demand-supply gap of trained workforce in the Indian hospitality sector is at a shortfall of about 80%. Hospitality employers find the workforce being supplied below the industrys high expectations. There is a definite need in India for a globally recognized vocational training that can create a pool of talented hospitality professionals. Sougata Roy Choudhury, CII executive director LEARN MORE ABOUT ITC HOTELS AND THE CII (CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY) PARTNERSHIP WITH EHL External training: Embracing industry expertise External training unveils the advantages and considerations associated with seeking external guidance, emphasizing the infusion of fresh perspectives, specialized skills, and networking opportunities. It relies on embracing the wealth of knowledge offered by industry experts beyond their hotel walls. 1. Expertise: Learning from industry leaders Engaging external training providers stands as a strategic choice, primarily because of the wealth of experience and industry knowledge they bring to the table. External trainers, often seasoned professionals, excel in delivering top-notch training in their specific areas of expertise. Consider, for instance, the realm of digital marketing. If the goal is to elevate your hotel's digital marketing strategies, enlisting a renowned digital marketing expert as an external trainer becomes particularly advantageous. Such an expert not only brings a wealth of experience from working with various hotels but also offers specialized insights and tactics tailored to the intricacies of the hospitality industry. This targeted expertise enhances the training experience, providing your staff with practical and innovative approaches to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. By tapping into external trainers' specialized knowledge, hotels can strategically elevate their team's skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. 2. Fresh perspective: Staying ahead of trends Beyond imparting knowledge, external trainers can provide novel insights and ideas that propel your hotel toward the forefront of evolving trends and best practices. To maximize the impact of this fresh perspective, it's crucial to foster an environment that encourages open discussions during training sessions. Actively promote and facilitate dialogues where staff members share their challenges and experiences. This collaborative exchange creates a dynamic learning atmosphere, allowing new ideas generated during external training to seamlessly integrate into existing practices. By embracing this interactive approach, hotels not only capitalize on the expertise brought by external trainers but also cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. This ensures that the training experience becomes a two-way street, enriching both the staff and the hotel's overall approach to staying abreast of industry dynamics. 3. Networking: Building connections beyond your hotel External training sessions frequently bring together professionals from diverse hotels, presenting a unique chance to broaden connections and cultivate relationships beyond immediate organizational boundaries. These networking opportunities extend beyond the confines of the training context itself. Events involving external training often attract professionals from various hotels, creating a platform for fruitful interactions. In these settings, staff members have the chance to engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and share best practices. This collaborative exchange enhances the training experience and fosters the creation of a robust professional network within the industry. By actively participating in these external training events, your hotel invests in skill development and strategically builds connections that can be leveraged for mutual growth and shared industry insights in the future. 4. Cost: Weighing immediate expense The consideration of costs is a critical aspect when contemplating external training, as it frequently incurs higher upfront expenses, encompassing fees, travel, and accommodations for trainers. Yet, the financial commitment to external training transcends immediate costs and should be viewed as an investment in your hotel's enduring success. Adopting a strategic perspective involves conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis. While upfront expenses may seem higher, this analysis should weigh the potential return on investment. Factors to consider include the anticipated improvements in staff performance, heightened guest satisfaction, and the long-term enhancement of your hotel's competitiveness within the industry. By embracing this comprehensive evaluation, hotels can make informed decisions, recognizing that the initial investment in external training has the potential to yield substantial and lasting benefits, ultimately positioning the hotel for sustained success. 5. Lack of customization: Bridging the gap The challenge of customization often surfaces when considering external training programs, which may not be as finely tuned to your hotel's specific needs, potentially necessitating additional efforts for seamless integration. To proactively address this potential lack of customization, hotels can strategically implement a two-tiered approach. Following external training sessions, integrating internal sessions becomes paramount. This bridging process allows for the customization of general industry knowledge to align precisely with your hotel's specific needs and unique identity. For instance, if the external training emphasized customer service, subsequent internal sessions can serve as a crucial bridge, tailoring these principles to align seamlessly with your hotel's distinctive service standards. This intentional integration maximizes the impact of external training and ensures that the knowledge imparted is seamlessly woven into the fabric of your hotel's operational practices. By undertaking this dual-level strategy, hotels strike a harmonious balance, leveraging external expertise while reinforcing and customizing these insights to align perfectly with the specific nuances of their own unique brand and operational requirements. Every person deserves the opportunity to make the most of their talents through formal and hands-on education, which should be a core objective of every country's educational system. The hospitality industry is vast in India and is projected to grow over the next decade. To help address the hospitality skill gap issue, ITC Hotels and the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) partnered with EHL. In culmination, they launched the VET by EHL Professional Diploma Programs. This industry-aligned apprenticeship format is aimed to meeting the needs of targeted individuals with a high school diploma. The VET by EHL program is already helping to bridge the skill gap, which will strengthen Indias position as a leader in global hospitality. LEARN MORE ABOUT ITC HOTELS AND THE CII (CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY) PARTNERSHIP WITH EHL So, which is right for your hotel? The choice between in-house and external training largely depends on your hotel's unique circumstances and objectives. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision: 1. Assess your goals: Crafting a strategic vision To embark on a robust training strategy, start by clearly defining your hotel's training objectives. Rigorously assess whether a customized, in-house approach or external expertise better aligns with your specific needs. This introspective process serves as the foundation for an effective training framework. Moreover, conduct regular assessments of your hotel's performance indicators. Identify areas that not only address immediate challenges, but also align with broader industry trends. Use this insightful information to set clear training goals that are not only responsive to current needs but also geared towards achieving long-term objectives. This strategic alignment ensures that your training initiatives are not merely reactive, but are proactively designed to keep your hotel ahead in the dynamic hospitality landscape. 2. Budget: Balancing immediate costs and long-term benefits Budget considerations play a pivotal role in shaping your training strategy. Weigh the initial cost of external training against the potential long-term benefits of in-house programs, taking into account your budget constraints and financial goals. For a nuanced approach, consider a hybrid strategy. Allocate resources for external training to acquire specialized skills that align with your hotel's objectives. Simultaneously, maintain an ongoing, cost-effective in-house training program for general skill development. This balanced allocation optimizes your budget, ensuring that both immediate needs and long-term skill development are addressed efficiently. 3. Resources: Leveraging expertise effectively Effectively managing resources is essential for successful training programs. Evaluate your internal resources and gauge the capacity to engage external trainers seamlessly. Consider establishing a dedicated training department, or designate existing staff members with a passion for training. Clearly define roles and responsibilities within this team, ensuring that resources are optimally utilized for efficient program development and delivery. This strategic resource management enhances the effectiveness of training initiatives and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. 4. Timeframe: Matching urgency with strategy Consider the urgency of your training needs and tailor your approach accordingly. External programs may offer swift solutions, making them suitable for situations requiring immediate attention. On the other hand, in-house training provides ongoing, tailored support. If your hotel is undergoing a major rebranding or adapting to new industry standards, external training may offer a quick and efficient solution to meet the pressing needs of transformation. However, for continuous improvement and the sustained adaptation to evolving trends, complement external programs with a well-structured, ongoing in-house training framework. This combination ensures a strategic balance between immediate responsiveness and long-term skill development. 5. Industry trends: Staying ahead in a dynamic landscape To stay ahead in the dynamic hospitality landscape, staying informed about industry trends is paramount. Choose the training option that keeps your staff consistently updated with the latest knowledge and skills. Establish a regular communication channel for sharing industry updates with your staff. Encourage active participation in webinars, conferences, and industry forums to ensure your team stays well-informed. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and engagement, your staff remains ready to implement the latest trends in their daily practices. This strategic approach not only keeps your hotel abreast of industry dynamics but also positions it as an innovative leader in the competitive hospitality landscape. Investing in success In conclusion, the decision between in-house and external training requires a strategic approach. Understand your hotel's unique needs and circumstances, align your choice with specific goals and resources, and ensure the best possible training outcomes. Regardless of the path chosen, investing in your staff's development is an investment in your hotel's success. After all, a well-trained team is the cornerstone of exceptional guest experiences and sustained growth in the competitive world of hospitality. EHL Hospitality Business School Communications Department +41 21 785 1354 EHL View source When you think of the term branding, whats the first thing that comes to mind? Is it a logo? A color scheme? Maybe the aesthetics of a brand? If you said yes, you're not exactly right ... and youre not alone. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception about what branding actually means. While the visuals are undoubtedly crucial branding elements, this surface-level understanding overlooks the deeper, more impactful layers of brand strategy, especially in a sector as dynamic and creative as hospitality. Lets dive into the importance of a brand strategy and explore whether its time to consider working with a hospitality branding agency. Secrets of Hospitality B2B Brand Strategy To help us explore the topic of hospitality B2B branding, Cory Falter of Lure and Mark Evans, an seasoned connoisseur of marketing and brand strategy, recently chatted to uncover some "secrets" to success. With years of experience under his professional belt and a knack for cutting through the noise, Evans brings a unique perspective that challenges conventional thinking. His insights go into the core of what truly drives a successful brand in the hospitality industry - far beyond the mere visual elements. Whats clear is the powerful role of brand strategy in the hospitality B2B sector cannot be overstated. A solid brand strategy is the silent engine that propels brand identity, customer engagement, and, ultimately, business growth. Understanding and implementing an effective brand strategy is paramount in an industry that thrives on customer experience and satisfaction. Its about creating a narrative that resonates, experiences that linger, and a brand presence that stands out in a crowded marketplace. As we journey through Cory and Mark's insights, we set the stage to unveil the secrets of brand strategy in hospitality B2B - going beyond the logo to discover what truly makes a brand tick in this ever-evolving industry. The Misunderstood Nature of Brand Strategy The hospitality industry changes at break-neck speed. As such, understanding brand strategy is a bit tricky. It's well-known but often not fully understood. Think of it this way: most businesses in this industry want quick, obvious results. Branding, though, isn't always about quick wins. It's both an art and a science, and it plays the long game in a world that usually wants fast victories. Mark explains, The tough part about brand strategy is that you can't immediately see its effects... Figuring out the long-term value of great messages or branding isn't straightforward. This shows why brand strategy doesn't always get the attention it deserves. In the rush for quick success, a smart brand strategy's deeper, lasting impact is often missed. However, the real strength of brand strategy shows up over time. It's like planting seeds that grow into strong relationships with customers. It's about building a brand story that connects, grows with time, and stands for amazing experiences. Unlike quick advertising campaigns, the effects of brand strategy take time to show up. But when they do, they make a big difference. A good brand strategy builds trust, earns loyalty, and turns customers into fans who will support your business better than advertising or any ad could. In the hospitality industry, where experiences and personal connections are key, the long-term effects of a well-planned brand strategy can be what makes a business really succeed. It's about building a reputation known before you even arrive, telling a story that touches your customers, and making your unique mark in a competitive field. Cory adds, In-N-Out Burger in California is a great example where the allure goes beyond just marketing. It's about how well they treat their employees. This feel-good aspect, deeply woven into their team structure, mission and culture, resonates with people, making it a unique part of their operational strategy. While it might be hard to see the immediate results of brand strategy, its long-term benefits are clear and powerful. A strong brand strategy doesn't just boost a business; it secures its future and keeps it relevant as the hospitality industry keeps changing. Measuring the ROI of Brand Strategy One of the unique challenges is figuring out the payoff, or return on investment (ROI), of brand strategy. Unlike conventional marketing metrics, such as sales conversions or web traffic, the impact of brand strategy often eludes direct measurement. This is because brand strategy works in complex and subtle ways, affecting how customers think and behave over time. Mark Evans sheds some practical light on this. He suggests looking at brand strategy through the eyes of the people who know it best: customers, employees, and partners. This method understands that a brand's real strength is seen in the life experiences and thoughts of those it serves and works with. By getting feedback from these groups, businesses can learn a lot about how their brand is seen, what values people connect with it, and how it plays into their decisions. I understand the need for quick results and wins, similar to an SEO strategy balancing paid and organic efforts. Cory says, It's about using different levers simultaneously, driving both paid and organic outreach. In the end, if consumers are presented with multiple options, they tend to choose the one they recognize. Brand recognition, whether through familiarity or prior exposure, often determines the winner in the consumer's choice. To navigate the challenges of measuring the ROI of brand strategy, businesses in all industries beyond the hospitality sector need to look beyond direct revenue impact. Metrics such as customer satisfaction scores, brand loyalty, and repeat business rates offer a more nuanced understanding of a brand's effectiveness. Additionally, employee engagement and retention rates can indicate a healthy internal brand perception, which invariably influences external customer experiences. Create Stories That Click Focus on stories that your target audience can relate to. These stories should be real, interesting, and match your brand values. They should explain not just what you offer, but why its important to your customers. Listen to Your Customers Keep in touch with your customers to understand what they think and feel about your brand. Use surveys, social media chats, and customer reviews to get their opinions. This info is gold for making your brand strategy better and more relevant. Stay Consistent Make sure your brand message is the same across all platforms. Being consistent helps build trust and makes your brand more recognizable. By steering clear of these mistakes and following these strategies, businesses in hospitality can create a brand strategy thats not only unique and engaging but also really hits the mark with what their customers want and need. The Secret Sauce of an Effective Brand Strategy In the quest for a standout brand strategy in the hospitality industry, Mark emphasizes a crucial ingredient: focusing on what makes a company's experience uniquely special. Focusing on your unique differentiators is the secret sauce that can set a brand apart in a crowded marketplace. Heres how: Emphasize Unique Experiences Evans advocates for a deep dive into what makes your companys offering distinct. Is it the unparalleled customer service, the innovative use of technology in enhancing guest experiences, or perhaps the rich cultural immersion offered? Identifying and highlighting these unique aspects in your brand narrative is key. It's about weaving the team' unique attributes and experiences into your brand's story, making it not just heard but felt by your audience. Cater to the Ideal Customer Understanding and focusing on the ideal customer is pivotal. This means going beyond demographics to grasp the motivations, preferences, and behaviors of your target audience. Its about creating tailored experiences that speak directly to the needs and desires of your clientele. This targeted approach ensures that your brand strategy resonates more deeply and creates a stronger emotional connection with your customers. Real-World Examples of Successful Brand Strategies This luxury hotel chain is a prime example of a brand that has mastered the art of unique experiences. Their exceptional customer service, epitomized by their motto We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen, sets them apart in the luxury hospitality sector. Airbnbs brand strategy revolves around the concept of belonging anywhere. This messaging taps into the desire for authentic, local experiences, differentiating Airbnb from traditional hotel stays and resonating deeply with modern travelers who seek more than just accommodation. Virgin Hotels has redefined the hospitality experience with its innovative, customer-centric approach. From streamlined, tech-savvy rooms to personalized comfort, their focus is on delivering an experience tailored to individual preferences, making each stay unique. The secret sauce of effective brand strategy in the hospitality industry lies in identifying and amplifying what makes your brands experience special, understanding your ideal customer, and crafting your brand narrative around these elements. By following Evans advice and learning from real-world examples, hospitality brands and resorts can create a strategy that not only stands out in crowded market, but also creates lasting connections with their customers. Getting Clear on Your Target Audience A pivotal element in crafting an effective brand strategy is the clarity of the target audience. Knowing precisely who your business is for and, just as importantly, who it is NOT for is crucial for delivering experiences that resonate and build loyalty. Both Cory and Mark emphasizes this point, noting that a clear understanding of the target audience helps avoid disappointing experiences. Mark states, Its almost better to say, 'Hey, if you're a couple looking for a romantic date and we're Chuck E. Cheese, you should not come to us. You will not have a good experience.' This candid acknowledgment of a businesss ideal and non-ideal customers and potential guests can prevent mismatched expectations and ensure more satisfying experiences for those clients who actually do align with the brand. Case Studies of Successful Audience Identification A leading player in hotel commerce, Siteminder has expertly identified its target audience: hotels seeking to maximize their online presence and booking potential. Understanding the needs of these hotels, Siteminder tailors its platform to streamline online distribution, making it easy for hotels to manage bookings across various channels. This focus on providing user-friendly, efficient online distribution solutions has made Siteminder a favorite among hotels looking to expand their reach in the digital space. Revinate, specializing in guest data management and marketing automation, targets hospitality businesses looking to personalize their customer interactions and increase direct bookings. By focusing on the needs of hospitality providers who want to leverage customer data for targeted marketing, Revinate has carved out a niche for itself. Their platform's ability to integrate guest data and provide actionable insights allows hotels to craft personalized marketing strategies, enhancing guest engagement and loyalty. Serving the food and beverage sector within the hospitality industry, Lightspeed POS offers a tailored point-of-sale and restaurant management system. Their target audience is clear: restaurants and cafes seeking efficient, technology-driven solutions for managing operations. By focusing on the unique needs of this sector, such as table management, menu customization, and sales analytics, Lightspeed POS has positioned itself as a go-to provider for restaurants looking to streamline operations and enhance the dining experience. By focusing on the specific needs and preferences of their target audiences, these B2B companies have successfully developed brand strategies that resonate deeply within the hospitality sector. Their ability to understand and cater to the unique challenges and opportunities in this industry has not only ensured customer satisfaction but also fostered strong brand loyalty and recognition. The clarity of the target audience is non-negotiable in an effective brand strategy. By identifying and understanding the unique needs and preferences of their ideal customers, hospitality and tourism businesses can create more meaningful and memorable brand experiences. What the Future of Hospitality B2B Branding Looks Like As we look into the future of hospitality B2B marketing, Mark offers insightful predictions and a sense of optimism despite the challenges encountered in previous years. He foresees a future rebound for hotels, with opportunities arising from this industry's previous challenges. Evans suggests that the key to success in this evolving landscape lies in agility and the ability to adapt to changing customer needs. He emphasizes the importance of personalized and customer-centric marketing strategies, predicting that companies that can effectively leverage data to tailor their offerings and communications will be at the forefront. There is a growing significance in the creative strategy to building strong brand communities and fostering genuine customer engagement. This approach, Mark believes, will help businesses navigate the complexities of the market and establish lasting relationships with their customers, setting the stage for sustainable growth. Check out the full interview between Cory and Mark on the InnSync Show here >> About Lure Agency Lure Agency is renowned for its passion for R&R Relationships and Revenue. This Hospitality B2B marketing agency stands out for its unique "Science and Soul" approach, expertly fusing data-driven strategies with creative flair. Specializing in helping independent resorts, tech companies, and suppliers and vendors in the hospitality industry. Lure Agency crafts success stories by balancing human connection with tailored strategies. Their work goes beyond mere business transactions; it's a journey of collaboration and innovation. Lure Agency is committed to concocting success stories and inviting interested parties to learn more at www.lureagency.com. Susan Tucker Partner & COO Lure Agency View source 84% of Consumers Choose Travel As Their Top Budget Priority While travel is key for all age groups, the data also reveals that future generations of travelers will have new values that dictate where and how they travel. Inclusivity and social values, a priority for young travelers: 44% of Americans under 24 years highlight the importance of social inclusivity in destinations and brand choices, compared with only 27% of those over 65. Always online: staying connected while traveling is a top consideration for 35% of American consumers under 24, contrasting with a mere 7% of those over 55. Health, safety and geopolitical considerations shown to be very important in the post-pandemic era: 50% of people in the US ranked safety as a top consideration when traveling. New market research commissioned by travel subscription company eDreams ODIGEO reveals that the vast majority of consumers (84%) are prioritizing travel within their personal budgets in 2024. In the US, respondents provided similar answers with nearly 8 out of 10 highlighting the importance of travel within their household budget. Only 5% of US respondents said they didn't think it was important to budget for travel. The statistics come from a study of 10,000 global shoppers, including 2,000 respondents from the US. The study was conducted by research firm OnePoll. Changing values: future generations redefine travel priorities The data also reveals how travelers' priorities and values are likely to change over the next 25 years in line with generational shifts such as the rapid development of new technologies. For example, the survey revealed that younger people are far more likely than older generations to make decisions about how and where they travel based on digital connectivity or social inclusiveness, giving a powerful insight into what will matter most to travelers in the decades to come. Health and safety are a top priority for US travelers. 50% of respondents across all age brackets in the US, and 51% globally, said this was a key consideration. Notably, this was even more pronounced with the older age group (over 55s) which ranked safety considerations (63% US) almost on a par with the cost of travel (69% US). Cost-effectiveness remains a key concern for travelers across all age groups, with an average of 42% prioritizing it in the US and 55% globally. Notably, Baby Boomers exhibit a greater inclination towards prioritizing cost in trip planning, with 69% of global respondents aged over 45 years and 64% in the US focusing on this aspect. In contrast, responses from younger generations indicate a decreased emphasis on cost as other considerations take precedence in line with changing generational priorities. Specifically, 52% of those under 34 years old globally (32% in the US) prioritize cost as a key factor in their travel decisions. Social inclusivity and values: Worldwide, 27% of respondents aged 18-24 highlighted brands and destinations that offer socially inclusive experiences as a top consideration when planning their trips compared to only 17% of over 65s. In the US, 29% of Baby Boomers prioritize social inclusivity and values when considering their travel choices, while this rises to 44% in the case of Millennials and Gen Z's. Digital connectivity: Similarly, 20% of Gen Z's globally highlighted the importance of digital connectivity for communication and work while traveling as a top priority, compared with 7% of over 65s. This suggests increased prevalence of flexible and remote work among the younger generations, as well as the importance of sharing travel experience on social networks. Interestingly, male shoppers show a higher interest in staying connected during their trips, with 40% expressing this compared to 23% of their female counterparts. These generational traits are even more pronounced in the US. Only 7% of over 55-year-olds noted the importance of digital connectivity, while this was a top consideration for 35% of 18 - 24-year-olds. Dana Dunne, CEO of eDreams ODIGEO said: We are in an era where travelers' values are evolving rapidly shaped by the big matters of our time, from technology to hybrid work or a once-in-a-generation pandemic. Since our flagship brand eDreams was founded 25 years ago, we've seen travelers' priorities change significantly, particularly with technology putting an almost limitless amount of choice at their fingertips. As we look to the future, this data provides a fascinating insight into what will matter most to travelers as the next generation of socially inclusive and digitally native consumers reach the peak of their spending power. While we are seeing a generational shift in values around these issues, we are also continuing to see travel remain incredibly important to consumers of all ages. We expect demand for travel to remain strong, so this data really highlights why it's vital that we continue to innovate and provide new experiences that excite future generations of travelers. A quarter of a century of change in travel The research from eDreams ODIGEO and OnePoll indicates that the global travel sector is likely to witness significant shifts over the next few decades, particularly with regards to consumer preferences. However, this anticipated period of change follows directly on from a quarter of a century which has seen the travel industry evolve beyond all recognition. Unparalleled growth: Over the last 25 years, the travel industry has witnessed significant and continued growth. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 1.56 billion passengers flew on airplanes worldwide in 1999. This number increased to 4.9 billion in 2023, representing a growth of 157%. 1 The era of online travel: The biggest game-changer for the global travel industry in the 21st century has been the rapid evolution of technology. The foundation of eDreams, Europe's largest online travel agent, 25 years ago today marked the commencement of the universalization of online travel. According to a report by IATA, only 5% of travel bookings were made online in 1999. In 2023, this figure increased to 70%, representing an increase of 650% in 25 years.2 Similarly, in 1999 the share of mobile bookings for travel was virtually zero. Mobile internet was still in its early stages of development, and few people had access to it. In 2023, this figure increased to 75%3. From transaction to subscription: The latest revolution in the travel industry is the emergence of subscription-based travel retailing. Millions of travelers have shifted from a traditional transactional approach to embracing a subscription-based model for their travels. eDreams was the first business to pioneer a subscription service in the travel sector through its Prime platform, which now has over 5.2 million members. Survey methodology The statistics in this press release are based on a survey of 10,000 global consumers carried out by OnePoll. The survey was undertaken in eight countries including the UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group, Zhejiang Dragon Hotel Management Group Co., Ltd and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that affiliates of the three parties entered into a strategic cooperation agreement. The cooperation aims to drive the expansion of hotels under Hyatt's Independent Collection and select service brands in China and foster the strategic development of The Dragon Group and its hotel brands. On the same day, it was announced that The Dragon Group was acknowledged by Hyatt as a third-party management company for franchised hotels across Hyatts portfolio under Independent Collection and select service brands within the territory of China. At the heart of this collaboration is a groundbreaking approach combining the unique strengths of local giants with the diversified brand portfolio and worldwide loyalty program of an international group. HTTG, a forefront tourism group in China encompassing a broad-spectrum of industrial and commercial ventures, and The Dragon Group, renowned for its Chinese-oriented hospitality expertise, bring a wealth of local experience and market presence to this strategic cooperation agreement. This cooperation sets the stage for Hyatt to significantly expand its brand footprint throughout China. We are pleased to join hands with HTTG and The Dragon Group and expand our franchise growth in Asia Pacific. Hyatt continues to seek innovative ways to develop our hotel portfolio by collaborating with owners and developers who share our values and commitment to expanding our brands in a country with such significant growth potential, said Stephen Ho, president Greater China and growth, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. HTTG is a leading player with extensive experience in developing upscale hotels in China and has a striking return on investment, said Chen Guohua, general manager, Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group. We are confident that Hyatt's expertise in the hotel industry and globally renowned brand reputation can unlock unprecedented business growth. Charles Cheng, chairman, The Dragon Group Hotel Management Co, LTD, said, The Dragon Group has profound insights into the Chinese hotel market, overseeing a variety of hotels and resorts across the country. With our deep roots in the local market and Hyatts global resources in hospitality, we look forward to offering a diverse range of choices for guests and creating distinguished guest experiences that exceed expectations in the dynamic and highly competitive market. Under the strategic cooperation agreement, Hyatt and The Dragon Group intend to develop more than 60 hotels over the coming decade, the first of which is expected to be a Hyatt Place hotel in Hangzhou. Once affiliated, these hotels will be part of Hyatts loyalty program, World of Hyatt, which is one of the fastest growing loyalty programs in the hospitality industry. Guests will be able to earn World of Hyatt points and redeem them for free night awards and access many other benefits at Hyatt locations worldwide, which reflects Hyatts commitment to catering to the evolving preferences of its Chinese guests and to continually offering them diverse and exceptional hospitality experiences. The proposed north-south high-speed railway project would require around 13,880 people to operate by its scheduled opening date of 2040, according to the Vietnam Railways Corporation. In a document on managing and utilizing the railway submitted to the Ministry of Transport, the company said 8.98 people for every kilometer of the railway on average would be needed to operate it. The first phase of the project, from 2027 to 2035, would involve two segments spanning 651 km and requiring over 5,940 people. The second phase, from 2035 to 2040, would see the completion of the last segment, spanning 894 km and requiring over 7,930 people. Until 2027, the company expects to train 200 key personnel, including trainers, technicians, finance and project managers, using funds from the company and its subsidiaries. The company plans to have two entities for the management, maintenance, and use of infrastructure for the project. Specifically, the high-speed railway management, maintenance and exploitation company would be responsible for infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, roads, lighting and electrical systems of the project. The high-speed railway transport company would meanwhile receive the vehicles, equipment, and industrial structures for the project transport business, and pay such rental fees. It would also call for the cooperation of other businesses with the project. The Vietnam Railways Corporation would continue to operate and unify all existing railway systems through the railway transport operation center. It would also restructure itself, but organizational structure would still remain the same for the 2025-2030 period, albeit with increased personnel to manage both existing and high-speed railways. In the 2030-2032 period, there would be great changes to the companys organization structures with a differentiation between bodies organization managing existing railways, and another new department built to specifically manage high-speed railways. In February 2019, the transport ministry presented before the government a report on the feasibility of the north-south high-speed railway project running through 20 cities and provinces. Its designed speed capacity would be 350 kph, while operational speed would be at 320 kph. At the end of 2022, inspectors from the project proposed the railway project to carry both passengers and goods, with the operation speed while carrying passengers at 225 kph and 160 kph for carrying goods. The Politburo, the Communist Party's decision-making body, aims for the investment initiative of the project to be completed by 2025, and construction to begin before 2030. The project should be completed before 2045. Chicago, IL (60637) Today Some flurries this morning. Then cloudy skies through the afternoon. High around 40F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 29F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. High 46F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Tourists walk on a beach in Badung, Bali, Indonesia, Sept. 9, 2021. Photo by Reuters All foreign tourists will have to pay tourism tax of 150,000 rupiah (US$9.55) when they visit Indonesia's famous resort island Bali from Feb. 14. The new fee will be applicable to those visiting mainland Bali as well as its surrounding islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, Bali authorities announced on its official website. Tourists arriving from other parts of Indonesia via land or domestic flights also have to pay the tax. Children are not exempt from the fee. They can make payment via the Love Bali website prior to their arrival. Upon payment, a tourism tax ticket will be sent via email, and tourists should store it on their cellphones for checking in Bali Airport and seaports. The tourist tax will be used to improve tourist services, preserve Balinese culture as well as improve the environment following recent tourism overcrowding, The Strait Times reported. Bali expects to attract 7 million tourists this year. Last year the island received 5.2 million arrivals. The island launched a crackdown on misbehaving tourists after a spate of incidents that disrespected the predominantly Hindu islands culture. Instead of returning to their hometowns for the Tet holiday, many young people in Vietnam are choosing to avoid the family nagging and expenses by staying in the city. "I've decided to stay in Hanoi to work this Lunar New Year instead of going home," said Hoang Tung, 24, from the northern province of Nam Dinh. Tet (Lunar New Year),Vietnams biggest and most important festival, will last from Feb. 8 to 14, 2024. The traditional festival will peak on Feb. 10. Tung mentioned that he had obtained his university degree two years ago but has not yet found a job, so he is currently working as a ride-hailing driver. Every time he goes home for Tet, he feels vulnerable to questions from relatives about his job and income, and comparisons with more successful family members. Therefore, he has gradually developed a dislike for celebrating Tet in his hometown and prefers to stay in the city to work, seeing it as his only option for a comfortable holiday. Another motivation for Tung staying in Hanoi for Tet is finances. "Going home means spending a lot of money on gifts for relatives and offerings," he said, adding that working in Hanoi during Tet can earn him two to three times his normal salary, up to VND15 million (US$616) in just one week. "My family suggests going home, but I choose work over family reunions for a happier and more comfortable holiday." The trend of Vietnamese youth choosing not to return to their hometowns for Tet is becoming increasingly common. Illustration photo by Freepik Statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs show that during the 2022 Tet Lunar New Year holiday, 1 million workers chose to stay in the city. These included 420,000 industrial park workers, a 30% increase from 2021. Southeastern Binh Duong provinces labor union data for Tet 2023 also recorded over 450,000 workers staying at their workplaces, nearly double the figure of 250,000 in 2021. Dr. Nguyen Duc Loc, head of the Social Life Research Institute, believes the trend of young people avoiding returning to their hometowns for Tet has become common over the last five years, mainly due to economic pressures resulting from the gloomy big picture and fear of family expectations. Sharing Tungs sentiments, Thuy Hien, a 27-year-old office worker in Hanoi, has chosen to avoid Tet for the last two years, partly because she feels the money saved from a years work is not enough for a Tet homecoming. "I worked hard last year and saved about VND40 million," she said. "But spending on snacks, food, peach blossoms, clothes, house decorations, and giving lucky money during trips to my hometown for Tet may quickly deplete this amount, leaving nothing for savings." Moreover, Hien is tired of repetitive questions from relatives about her "love life, job, and salary," which makes her exhausted, she said. Because of that, despite knowing she will face criticism from relatives, Hien accepts it in order to be in the capital throughout Tet for a more relaxed holiday. With her parents support, she has planned a solo trip during this years holiday to both unwind after a hard year and save money for future needs. Tourism statistics show that traveling during Tet is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam. The Ministry of Transport of Vietnam recorded 9 million domestic tourists during Tet 2023, nearly a 50% increase from 2022. Nguyen Minh Man, marketing director of travel company TST Tourist, noted that Tet tour bookings are rising sharply, with tourists preferring all-inclusive packages to distant destinations. While this trend seems to benefit some young people, Loc warns of its downsides, such as the erosion of traditional customs. According to the expert, Tet reunions are not only an occasion for celebrations but also crucial for passing down cultural knowledge and collective memories to future generations. "If young people choose to stay in cities for Tet not because of pressure but to live differently from traditional customs," he said, "it will be a concerning social phenomenon related to the disruption of tradition and the discontinuation of passing down traditional stories, a concept that sociologists have pointed out." Therefore, he suggests that each family, community, and region needs more suitable cultural practices so that young people feel the Lunar New Year reunion is more of a joy than a burden of pressure, facilitating the continuation and transmission of cultural knowledge and collective memory in each place. Otherwise, young people will continue to experience what Tung and Hien did. "If I say I dont have a boyfriend, they say Im not competent," Hien said. "If I say I have one, they continue to ask what his name is, where he lives, what his job is, how old he is, and so on." "Every family gathering during Tet feels like an unpleasant interrogation." If you are in or around Madrid/ Toledo on 24th of February, come join us and our member party Valores for a sober discussion about migration in Europe. The speakers, experts in their field, will analyze the new Pact proposals, discuss how this could affect the EU Member States, especially Mediterranean countries. We will also be reflecting on what should the Christian political position be towards this Pact and, in general, towards migrants. Speakers: Dr. Noemi Mena Montes, Assistant Professor at Radboud University, The Netherlands in Immigration, Information and Development, investigative journalist. Dr. Jean-Frederic Poisson, President of VIA party, former MP, former mayor of Rambouillet, author and philosopher Dr. Alfonso Galdon, President of Valores Party, professor of Environmental Sciences, Murcia Moderator: Jose Carlos Abellan Salort, Professor in Law and Bioethics, Madrid. The event is open to the public and it will take place in the beautiful hotel Cigarral el Bosque in Toledo, from 11:30 a.m. 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 }} This month, Shane Gillis returns to Saturday Night Live with his head held high. The comedian and first-time SNL host is less a prodigal son than a prodigal guy-you-met-at-a-party-once Gillis was infamously hired and then fired by the popular NBC variety show within a matter of days. This was back in 2019, after offensive jokes involving racial slurs he had made on a podcast the year before resurfaced on social media. Gilliss return to the show, as its star for the week (alongside musical guest 21 Savage), represents a considerable eating of humble pie by SNL and a smaller, markedly less humble slice of pie for Gillis himself, who once joked that he would shoot himself in the head on live TV were he ever to be invited back. News of Gilliss comeback has caused some degree of discomfort among SNL devotees. Certainly, theres an element of inconsistency to the sketch shows decision-making: what has really changed since 2019? Gillis, now 36, remains a comedian who wantonly trafficks in bad taste. His first Netflix special, last Septembers Beautiful Dogs, contained button-pushing jokes about topics such as race, 9/11 and people with Downs Syndrome, while he has continued to appear as a frequent guest on Joe Rogans controversial podcast. Whats changed is that Gillis is now considerably more successful, and his fractious history with SNL will likely work in the shows favour when it comes to luring in casual viewers. Is it a cynical move from the SNL producers? An act of hypocrisy? Arguably. But anyone getting too worked up about the Night of Gillis needs to take a breather. The furore around Gillis speaks to a specifically 21st-century myopia when it comes to comedy: the conflation of taste, politics and morality. After his initial firing by SNL, Gillis was championed by many on the American right as a victim of cancel culture. Some have gone further, imposing political beliefs onto Gillis such as a support of Donald Trump that hes never personally espoused. As soon as they decide youre a bad guy, youre just alt-right now or something, Gillis said at a show in 2019, clarifying that he had not voted for Trump. Watch Gilliss shows, and you cant deny his material is liable to offend: he doesnt shy away from certain slurs and makes crass jokes about sensitive topics. But in the world of comedy, this is hardly disqualifying. From Bill Burr to Frankie Boyle, there are plenty of precedents liberal or left-wing or centrist comedians who are more than willing to throw around offensive words or ideas for the sake of a laugh, or to provoke a reaction. Louis CK, the now disgraced standup whose creative influence is unmissable in Gilliss style, was once adept at this: taking an objectionable or distasteful thought and carrying it on stage to its natural extreme. To some extent, the question comes down to intent, to whether or not the comedy is hateful or simply problematic. Look, for instance, at Gilliss routines about Downs Syndrome. There are things in there to object to generalisations, patronisations and dehumanising metaphors (likening people with Downs syndrome to dogs and autistic people, contrarily, to cats), all done with gleeful awareness of the taboo. But within the same material, there are also affectionate and seemingly well-intentioned observational jokes about a family member with Downs syndrome. To brand it outright hate speech would take a black and white, deeply unpragmatic view of the world. Comedy can be harmful without being hateful, and some jokes are more harmful than others. Besides, Gillis is far from the most problematic guest to grace SNL. In the last several years, SNL has welcomed scandal lightning rods Trump and Elon Musk as hosts. Just last week, much-criticised Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley reared her head in a sketch that turned her dont-mention-slavery controversy into a satirical mea culpa. Next to these sort of appointments, Gilliss inclusion is positively tame. Expect some sparks to fly during the opening monologue, but this is more likely to be a burying of the hatchet than a resumption of grievances. At the end of the day, Gillis has always seemed less interested in scoring political points than in simply going for the laugh at whatever cost. Saturday Night Live airs at 11.30pm ET on NBC, and can be streamed on Peacock the next morning. In the UK, new episodes are available to watch on Sky and NOW. 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 }} Thousands of North Korean defectors have revealed what life is like in the isolated state in the biggest study of its kind. The 280-page report on North Koreas economic and social situation issued on Tuesday was based on interviews with more than 6,300 defectors between 2013 and 2022. The majority of North Koreans who resettled in South Korea over the last decade said they never received government rations in the isolated state and had to rely on an informal market to survive, a study issued by Seouls unification ministry showed. The ministry began such surveys in 2010, but this is the first time results have been publicly released. North Korea has faced serious food shortages in recent decades, including a famine in the 1990s, often exacerbated by natural disasters. Its economy has been hit by international sanctions, as well as slumping border trade during the pandemic. More than 72% of defectors who arrived between 2016 and 2020 said they never received government food rations in North Korea, the study showed, compared with 62% of those who came before 2000. About half of the 2016-20 arrivals said they did not receive any salaries or food from work, up from about a third before 2000. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Koreas leader Kim Jong-Un shake hands (Sputnik) Nearly 94% of all respondents said they could make money at markets. People who escaped in 2016-20 said 69% of family income was made informally, compared with the pre-2000 group, who reported around 39%. We could confirm that the North Korean residents housing, medical and educational environments are still underdeveloped, and marketisation continues in many aspects of their livelihoods for survival, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho said in the report. Thirty-seven percent of all respondents said they were deprived of at least 30% of their income by officials; that number rose to 41% after leader Kim Jong Un took power in late 2011, the report said. More than 54% of defectors who came in 2016-20 said they had bribed officials in the authoritarian state, compared with 14% before 2000. In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, stands with a North Korean general (AP) North Koreas Kim last month warned a meeting of the countrys ruling Workers Party of Korea that failing to provide people with basic living necessities, including food, was a serious political issue, state media reported. On political questions, 56% of respondents who fled after 2016 had negative views on Kim taking power, while 26% saw his dynastic succession as legitimate. Less than 30% of respondents supported hereditary succession, compared with 57% among those who escaped before 2000. The study also pointed to the growing influence of outside culture, with 83% of the defectors who arrived after 2016 reporting they had watched foreign video content such as Chinese or South Korean dramas, up from about 8% before 2000. 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 Supreme Court judge hearing the plea of a single woman seeking surrogacy said the institution of marriage needs to be protected in India, unlike in the West where children are often born outside of wedlock. Justice BV Nagarathna was hearing a plea of a woman, 44, who approached the court to seek permission to become a mother through surrogacy. Unwed women are not allowed to become mothers through surrogacy under Indian laws. Presiding over the petition, justices Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih expressed their reservation in granting a favourable verdict. Justice Nagarathna said: It is a norm here to become a mother within the institution of marriage. Being a mother outside the institution of marriage is not the norm. She said the court was concerned about the welfare of a child born through surrogacy. Should the institution of marriage survive or not in the country? We are not like western countries. The institution of marriage has to be protected, she added. You can call us and tag us conservative, and we accept it. The woman who works for an MNC challenged the validity of a part of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act that only allows a widow or a divorcee to become a mother through surrogacy. The judges suggested that the woman consider either adoption or marriage, comparing societal acceptance of children born out of wedlock born in India with those abroad. She stated that India cannot be like the West, where many children do not know about their mothers and fathers. We do not want children roaming here without knowing about their fathers and mothers, the bench of judges said. "Science has well advanced but not the social norms, and that is for some good reason," the court said. The judges added that you cannot have everything in life. Over recent years, the issue of safeguarding the traditional definition of a marriage has become a subject of debate in Indian courts. After days of deliberations last year, the Supreme Court rejected a landmark petition seeking the recognition of same-sex marriage in the country, arguing that marriage is exclusively an institution between a man and a woman. The courts order expressing reservations about allowing surrogacy births to unmarried women has sparked a backlash from many on social media who argue that it is not within the Supreme Courts purview to protect the institution of marriage and infringes upon rights of women. Anuradha, a lawyer, called it ridiculous on X, formerly Twitter. Absolutely ridiculous judgement! It is a womans choice to opt for motherhood outside of marriage by whatever way. Will the same apply for men opting for fatherhood outside of marriages! Why the high moral ground in this day age of science & technology. Sushant Singh, a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research in India, said: It is not about conservative or progressive. Preserving the institution of marriage is none of your business, at least constitutionally. Another user GS Madhusudan said the court should stick to the constitution and that its job is not to save the institution of marriage. The lawyer of the woman said the surrogacy law was discriminatory for not allowing unmarried women to have a child through surrogacy and the restrictions not only infringe on the fundamental rights of the petitioner but are also violative of basic human rights of an individual to found a family as recognised by the UN and reproductive 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 }} Ukraine-born Miss Japan has relinquished her title following a tabloid report that she was having an affair with a married man and weeks of heated public debate on her eligibility. Karolina Shiino, 26, was crowned Miss Japan almost two weeks ago, sparking discussions about her heritage and what constitutes traditional Japanese beauty ideals. The controversy escalated when the Shukan Bunshun newspaper published allegations about her relationship with a married influencer and doctor, leading to a public backlash. The organisers of the pageant initially defended her and said that Miss Shiino was unaware of the mans marital status. Miss Japan Association believes there was no fault on the part of Karolina Shiino, it said on its website. Later, though, they confirmed that she had continued the relationship even after knowing about the mans marital status. In a statement on Monday, the Miss Japan Association said they had accepted Ms Shiinos request to relinquish the title and offered deep apologies to sponsors, judges and other stakeholders. The association said the title of Miss Japan will remain vacant for the rest of the year after Ms Shiinos decision. Ms Shiinos agency, Free Wave, announced on its website on Monday that the man involved in the scandal, who was not named in any media outlets, initially claimed to be single so Ms Shiino continued the relationship. The agency also accepted her proposal to terminate her contract with them. She was the first person of European descent to win the top prize in the contest dedicated to crowning a representation of the foremost beauty of all Japanese women. Ms Shiino was born to Ukrainian parents and grew up in Nagoya, central Japan, after coming to the country at the age of five. On her Instagram on Monday, Ms Shiino apologised to her followers and said: I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me. She said that she had been unable to speak the truth due to confusion and fear. After winning the crown, she said in an interview with the Japan Times that growing up she had struggled with her identity. All my life Ive been told Im not Japanese enough, both directly and indirectly, but I know I am Japanese. I cant help it. Nobody has the right to tell me Im not, she said. I dont think its one thing that makes you Japanese. What I do know is that its a matter of the heart, she added. If a person thinks she is Japanese, then she is. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate 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 Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} This week, a swirling low-pressure system is bringing torrential rain, strong winds and heavy snow to the state of California. That storm, set to last through Wednesday, means an increased risk of devastating mudslides a hazard worsened by a historic atmospheric river that passed through California earlier this month. In early February, a deadly Pacific storm, the second Pineapple Express weather system to sweep the West Coast in just a few days, dumped torrential rain over Southern California, triggering street flooding and mudslides throughout the region. The event killed at least nine people and caused 400 mudslides in Los Angeles alone. Thanks to the torrential downpour, the California soils are over-saturated, leaving them prone to slides. The storms that have pummeled California both in early February and this week have been caused by what is known as atmospheric rivers. A blocked roadway in Santa Barbara County, California on 19 February 2024 (Santa Barbara County Public Works Department) Heres a look at the phenomenon: What are atmospheric rivers? Atmospheric rivers are long and relatively narrow bands of water vapor that form over an ocean and flow through the sky, transporting much of the moisture from the tropics to northern latitudes. They occur globally but are especially significant on the West Coast of the United States, where they create 30% to 50% of annual precipitation and are vital to water supplies but also can cause storms that produce flooding and mudslides, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Formed by winds associated with cyclones, atmospheric rivers typically range from 250 miles to 375 miles (400 to 600 kilometers) in width and move under the influence of other weather. Atmospheric rivers, as pictured above, can bring devastating rain to the West Coast of the US (Getty) Many atmospheric river events are weak. But the powerful ones can transport extraordinary amounts of moisture. Studies have shown that they can carry seven to 15 times the average amount of water discharged daily by the Mississippi River, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Forty-six atmospheric rivers made landfall on the U.S. West Coast during water year 2023, according to the Scripps Institution of Oceanographys Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes. Nine were categorized as strong, two were extreme and one was exceptional. California experienced extensive flooding and massive snowfall. The name came from research published in the 1990s by scientists Yong Zhu and Reginald E. Newell of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Atmospheric rivers are often referred to as ARs. What happens when an atmospheric river hits land? When the moisture-laden air moves over mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada along the California-Nevada line, the water vapor rises and cools, becoming heavy precipitation that falls as rain or snow, according to NOAA. While traditional cold winter storms out of the north Pacific build the Sierra snowpack, atmospheric rivers tend to be warm. Snow may still fall at the highest elevations but rain usually falls on the snowpack at lower elevations. That can quickly prompt melting, runoff and flooding and decrease the snowpack needed for Californias water supply. What is a Pineapple Express? It is a nickname for a strong atmospheric river in the tropical Pacific near Hawaii. Close Toppled tree falls on roof of California house as state battles floods and landslides Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate 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 Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Flash flood warnings were announced in parts of California early on Thursday amid reports of a possible tornado in the southern half of the state. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected to continue Thursday with widespread flooding risk including in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Pomona, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. A possible tornado was reported overnight in Grover Beach, southern California after warnings were issued late Wednesday. The threat of mudslides remains high from the storm, which unleashed historic amounts of rain this week, leaving the ground saturated. At least nine people have been killed from falling trees, car crashes, and being swept away in raging waters. Community organisers told The Independent on Wednesday that Los Angeles storm response for the citys large homeless population was abysmal and accused authorities of telling bold-faced-lies. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate 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 Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands of motorists in central China have been stranded on highways due to heavy snow that has caused widespread disruption during the annual Lunar New Year travel rush. Aerial images from Hubei province on Monday night showed extensive traffic jams. Around 4,000 vehicles were stuck on highways, according to provincial officials quoted by state broadcaster CCTV. According to a report by business outlet Yicai, one driver was trapped in a car for three days. Hundreds of flights and trains have also been cancelled. A video posted by Jim yang, a meteorologist at the Chinese Meterological Administration, showed a road buried by snow in Zhangjiajie, a famous scenic spot in Hunan Province. Vehicles stranded on a snow-covered highway on the outskirts of Wuhan in central Chinas Hubei province (AP) Millions of people are travelling across the country to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Chinas most important holiday, which will fall on Saturday. Families traditionally gather for dinner the night before. After three years of Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions, this year was supposed to mark a return to normality. Chinas aviation regulator had scheduled 2,500 extra international flights ahead of the holiday, and transport officials anticipated 480 million rail trips during the 40-day travel surge, a nearly 40 per cent increase from last year. But two runways were shut at the Wuhan Tianhe Airport on Sunday, leading to the cancellation of more than 200 flights. Mass flight cancellations or delays were also reported at airports in Anhui and Hubei provinces. Travellers with their luggage walk in the snow as they exit a railway station in Huaibei, in central Chinas Anhui province (AP) Chinas national rail operator said many trains were either put out of service or restricted their speeds in Shanghai and parts of Hunan, Hubei and Guangdong provinces Transport officials mobilised thousands of employees to shovel snow and defrost railways and roads, according to a New York Times report. Police officers were assisting in pushing cars trapped by frozen roads. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate 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 Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least three people have died in California as the second of two atmospheric river storms blasted the state, leaving a trail of destruction estimated to be worth up to $11bn. The extreme weather and record rainfall turned hillsides into cascading mudflows, leaving many displaced and hundreds of thousands without power. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight counties in Southern California, affecting around 20 million people. Major cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco experienced unprecedented levels of rain, and gusts that forced the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a rare hurricane warning in the north of the state. Los Angeles residents were sent warnings for flash floods which advised people not to travel unless evacuating or fleeing the area due to a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Downtown LA, where stars had gathered for the Grammy Awards, saw 4.1 inches of rain on Sunday, smashing its previous record of 2.55 inches recorded back in 1927. Los Angeles residents were sent warnings for flash floods which advised people not to travel unless evacuating or fleeing the area (AP) Elsewhere, popular tourist destinations including Venice Beach in LA, and Disneyland in Anaheim were left devoid of punters. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park closed early two days in a row, officials said, due to ongoing concerns about public safety. Authorities also confirmed that at least three people were killed on Sunday due to falling trees in various parts of the state. Chad Ensey, 41, of Carmichael, Sacramento County, and David Gomes, 82, of Yuba City, in Sutter County, both died following incidents at their homes. Elsewhere, in Boulder Creek, a tree also fell onto a home killing one of the residents inside. Preliminary estimates suggest that the total damage and economic loss in California from the intense storms and record rainfall could be between $9bn and $11bn. Forecaster AccuWeathers preliminary estimate largely accounts for damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, facilities, roadways, and vehicles from both rain and snow, as well as over 900,000 reported power outages at the height of the storm. By midday on Monday, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced that the worst of the storm had passed through the city, but said that city workers were still out assessing the damage. Im grateful for their work to take care of our residents and keep the city safe, she wrote on X. All evacuation orders in Santa Barbara County were cancelled at 12pm on Monday, though officials warned that some roads and trails may still be inaccessible or closed throughout the county due to storm impacts. The public was advised that ground saturation may cause continued rock falls, minor debris flows and landslides, and tree falls despite an ease in the rain. Elsewhere in Ventura County, evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings. Access to the area remained limited due to storm damage. However, LA Mayor Karen Bass urged Angelinos to continue to stay home on Monday afternoon. Even when the rains die down, theres still possibilities of significant damage, she said during a tour of damage in the Studio City area. And we want people to, one, stay inside. This crisis is not over with yet. A car sits on top of a pile of debris during a rain storm in Studio City, California (REUTERS) Since the outbreak of the storms, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has reportedly responded to over 130 flooding incidents and 49 mud and debris flows, including in the affluent Beverly Hills area of the city. Teams have also extinguished half a dozen structure fires, conducted several water rescues for stranded motorists, and responded to over 65 traffic collisions, according to LAFD Chief Kristin M Crowley. The LAFD also reported that an extensive river search by ground and air had taken place on Monday morning, following reports of a six-year-old boy in need, but that no victim had been located. The incident was reported in Arleta, a neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley region of the city. Echoing Mayor Bass, Chief Crowley said on Monday that the hazards of this storm have not passed and said the city was anticipating another wave of heavy rain. The destruction comes as researchers suggested that, due to ongoing climate change, some tropical storms may now qualify for a hypothetical classification of category 6. Popular tourist destinations including Venice Beach in LA, and Disneyland in Anaheim were left devoid of punters (AP) The study, published on Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), found that the Saffir-Simpson scale, which measures a hurricanes wind speeds, doesnt adequately address the hazards associated with extreme storms. The hurricane scale currently runs from 1 to 5, and was created in the early 1970s. Category 5 hurricanes having wind speeds of 156 mph or stronger enough to produce catastrophic damage. We find that a number of recent storms have already achieved this hypothetical category 6 intensity and based on multiple independent lines of evidence examining the highest simulated and potential peak wind speeds, more such storms are projected as the climate continues to warm, an article in PNAS read. Michael Wehner, lead author of the latest research, told CBS News that there have been several hurricanes in recent years with winds that far surpass 156 mph and that it may warrant an entirely new category category 6. Mr Wehner told the broadcaster that expanding the classification system would aim to better help inform the public of the risks of such serious weather events. 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 }} Dakota Johnson wore a dress inspired by the character Madame Web at the Vogue Brazil Ball. The actor officially joins the Spiderverse when Madame Web hits theaters on 14 February. The film follows a woman named Cassandra Webb, a paramedic who discovers that shes a clairvoyant after a near-death experience. While attending the Vogue Brazil Ball in Rio de Janeiro, the 34-year-old Fifty Shades of Grey star donned an Annies Ibiza sheer dress adorned with crystals and web-like detailing. Johnson posted a view on her Instagram revealing that the back was just as sheer as the front, with the actor opting to wear a nude bodysuit beneath the gown. According to the brand, the dress is a custom version of their Cobweb Mini Dress, and its glittering crystals are meant to resemble dewdrops on a spiders web in the morning sun. The actor reportedly accessorised the look with a matching, hand-beaded sheer black veil that cascaded down her shoulders and back to reveal a huge spider web design on the back. She also chose to go jewelry-free for the most part, except for a ring shape like a spider. She wore her long brown hair in loose, tousled waves, and wore full lashes a soft flushed blush, and a berry lip. With her cobwebbed gown, it seems as though the actor is establishing her own take on method dressing and turning heads as the films press tour ramps up. She joins the likes of Margot Robbie, whose Barbie press tour outfits have reportedly even spawned a book dedicated to them, and fellow Spiderverse actor Zendaya, who rocked a cobweb-patterned Valentino frock Zendaya wore for the Los Angeles premiere of Spiderman: No Way Home in 2021. At the time, the latter paired the look with a couture eye mask, a nod to the masked heroes frequently found in comic books. At the start of the Madame Web press tour, Johnson kicked things off with a much more casual look for a photo call on 31 January in London. She rocked a plunging black Versace skirt set paired with sleek black kitten heels and silver hoops. On the filming process, Johnson told Variety that it was unlike anything shed ever experienced before. It was a wild experience, she told the outlet in January. I dont think its something you can be prepped to go into anything like that, but I learned so much. Its a completely different way of making of films. 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 }} Gap Inc. has tapped New York-based creative Zac Posen as their new creative director. The fashion conglomerate, which owns Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta, is focusing its efforts on the design side of the business. On 5 February, Gap Inc. published a press release identifying the 43-year-old creator as their new Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc., and the Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy. This decision comes from the CEO, Richard Dickson, who left Mattel this past July after about 10 years. Posen, a graduate of Central St Martins, paved his way in the American fashion world as soon as he got to New York and has operated in the industry for over 25 years. Since starting his brand, the determined designer has played with elegant silhouettes and vibrant fabrics, dressing celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Katie Holmes, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Uma Thurman for red-carpet events. Hes also known for having an affinity for recherche structuring and ballooned skirts in his couture work. Unfortunately, the former Parsons School of Design student had to close his company in 2019 due to comprehensive strategic and financial review of the businesses, per the companys announcement. Speaking to Vogue five years ago, Posen proclaimed: I need to reflect and regroup, and also to look at the world were living in and figure what the next move is, where I can share my creativity and my love, and build another community. Hopefully, this new gig will inspire him. In the companys published announcement, Dickson spoke about his decision to appoint Posen. Im thrilled to welcome Zac Posen, one of Americas most celebrated designers, at the onset of an exciting new chapter for Gap Inc., he proclaimed. His technical expertise and cultural clarity have consistently evolved American fashion, making him a great fit for the company as we ignite a new culture of creativity across the portfolio and reinvigorate our storied brands. Posens new role will put him in charge of design, merchandising, and marketing. He will work directly with the President and CEO of Old Navy, Haio Barbeito. The CFDA Swarovskis Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear recipient sees this job as an ideal opportunity now. He noted: Gap Inc. and its brands have shaped American fashion and pop culture for decades and theres so much potential at Old Navy. Im eager to join Gap Inc. now as brand reinvigoration kicks up across the portfolio, rooted in great product, experiences, and a new culture of creativity, Posen continued. The United States has begun its response to the killing in late January of three American service members in Jordan by Iran-backed militias. The U.S. forces are in the region as part of a coalition dedicated to the defeat of ISIS. On February 2, the United States conducted airstrikes on 85 targets in Iraq and Syria that have been used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups to attack U.S. forces. This is the start of our response, said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in statement. The President has directed additional actions to hold the IRGC and affiliated militias accountable for their attacks on U.S. and Coalition Forces. At a press briefing, Pentagon Spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder described the facilities used by the IRGC and related militias targeted in the U.S. strikes: Command and control operation centers, intelligence centers, rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, storage, and logistics, and munitions supply chain facilities ... Our focus here is on attacking capabilit[ies] that have been used by these groups. In a separate defensive move against Iran-backed proxies, on February 3 the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from a coalition of allies, conducted another series of proportionate attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen. The defensive action, the third time the coalition hit targets inside Yemen, is a response to the months-long Houthi attacks on international shipping and U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The United States also took unilateral actions in self-defense to destroy missile launchers and unmanned surface vessels preprepared for employment by the Houthis. The focus here, said Major General Ryder is disrupting and degrading their abilities to conduct these kinds of attacks. We continue to call on them to stop immediately but if they don't, we will continue to take appropriate actions to not only defend international shipping and mariners transiting the Red Sea, but also continuing to degrade and disrupt their capabilities, he said. Major General Ryder emphasized the United States does not seek to escalate conflict in the Middle East. The U.S., he said, reiterates its calls on Iran to cease supporting the destabilizing actions of its proxies. And, Major General Ryder warned, We'll continue to take appropriate action to protect our forces. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter 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 IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} TikTok users have flooded the mailbox of a group of baking enthusiasts from Greeley, Colorado, asking for some of their 177-year-old sourdough starter. Since 2000, Mary Buckingham has guarded the mysterious sourdough starter. Shes one of many volunteers acting as a gatekeeper of a special mailbox where any baker worldwide can send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. In return, they can receive a free sourdough starter that reportedly traces back to the historic Oregon Trail. Buckingham relocated to Greeley, Colorado, in mid-2022, taking the mailbox with her. Every winter she typically receives between 30 and 150 weekly requests, according to The Denver Post. After a video about the 177-year-old sourdough starter went viral on TikTok in January, Buckingham told the outlet that she had an unbelievable flood of mail. This week, we have well over 1,000 requests coming in, Buckingham revealed. Its insane. Ordinarily, she collects the mail and makes sure that each envelope is adequately filled out and stamped before sending the envelopes to a grower in the Pacific Northwest who maintains the starter. This person typically spreads the starter onto wax paper, dries it out, and then divides it into smaller pieces to grind them up into a grainy mixture that can be mailed. Buckingham noted that the starter is popular amongst bread enthusiasts for a reason. Its strong, its stable, she said. It raises bread very nicely, and its everything you want in a starter. The highly-coveted sourdough starter was first distributed by the late Carl Griffith, an Oregon native who reportedly inherited the artifact after his parents died. In a brochure Griffith wrote in 1996, he alleged that his ancestors brought the starter with them while traveling west from Missouri along the Oregon Trail in 1847, and ever since, the living heirloom has been passed down from generation to generation. Born in 1919, Griffith wrote that he first learned how to use sourdough starter when he was but 10 years old. When he was older, Griffith developed a cult following for sharing his dried starter with anyone who sent him a self-addressed and stamped envelope, gaining underground notoriety in the early internet forums of the 1990s. It was through the internet that the starters reputation grew but also led to the emergence of a virtual community of breadmakers. After Griffith died in 2000, members of the online forum created The 1847 Oregon Trail Sourdough Preservation Society in his honour, keeping both his legacy and sourdough starter alive. At the time, however, Griffiths remaining family wasnt interested in continuing the project. Members of the society worked with his ex-wife to manage requests for a while until they began to expand into a nationwide network of people known as Carls friends, who continue to maintain and share his starter. As of 2023, Buckingham said that nearly 65,000 bags of the ancient starter have been sent to bakers all across the world, with the most common international requests coming from locales including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. She noted that the only countries she hasnt mailed dried starter to have been China and Russia. I even got a request from Ukraine in 2022 right before the attack (by Russian troops), some person in Kyiv, Buckingham added. 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 }} Heidi Klum has shared why husband Tom Kaulitz is responsible for her newfound party lifestyle. The supermodel, 50, recently revealed that her social life is busier than ever now that her four children are all grown up. Klum, who married the 34-year-old German guitarist in 2019, also credited her younger husband for inspiring her to go out more. Now theyre 19, 18, 17 and 14, Klum told Fox News Digital on 5 February. So I feel like the days of me going to bed at 9.30 are kind of over. The Americas Got Talent judge explained that while raising her young children, she would barely attend social events or work outings. When you have four kids, they keep you up day and night because trust me, with four, theres always one either [one] has a fever, the next one has a bad dream there is always something going on, Klum said. So I feel like with them all being older now, maybe it also has to do with my younger husband, Klum added, referring to Kaulitz. I dont know, but its just fun. Its fun to go to a club. I enjoy music most of the time. The former Victorias Secret Angel admitted that she has no problem keeping up with her husbands social calendar. She noted that while most people would quickly go back into [their] home once the sun comes up, shes just happy she managed to stay up all night. Im going to the club and I look around, and Im like, Am I the oldest person here? And Im like, I think I am, she joked. Then I feel really good when I look at Tiesto and Im like, actually, Tiesto has five years on me, so Im good, Klum said about the Dutch DJ and record producer, who is 55. The model recently released a remix of Corey Harts Sunglasses at Night with Tiesto. Heidi Klum at the Grammy Awards with husband Tom Kaulitz, who she married in 2019 (Getty Images for The Recording A) Klum shares her children Leni, 19, Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14, with ex-husband Seal. At 31, the German model welcomed her eldest daughter with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. Klum and Seal were married in 2005 and the British musician officially adopted Leni in 2009. Although the pair separated in 2012 after nearly seven years of marriage, Klums children have considered Kaulitz an extra dad and even helped plan his surprise proposal to their mother in 2019. Klum and Kaultiz made their red carpet debut as a couple just one year prior at the Cannes amfAR Gala in May 2018. This isnt the first time the former Project Runway host has opened up about her and her husbands 16-year age gap. In an Instagram Live last August, when one fan asked her thoughts about being older than her spouse, Klum maintained that age doesnt matter in their relationship. Dont you feel that youre in the age of Toms mom or age doesnt really matter? the Instagram user asked, to which Klum replied: I honestly only feel that way when people point it out to me. Meanwhile, she previously noted that shes only reminded of her age difference with Kaulitz when other people point it out. Lately, Im being reminded more about my age by people other than myself. My boyfriend is many years younger than me, and lots of people are questioning that and asking about it, she said in a 2018 interview with InStyle. Thats really the only time when age seems to be shoved in my face and I have to give an answer for it. If her followers didnt acknowledge the age gap between them, Klum added that she wouldnt consider it relevant in her life. I dont really think about it that much otherwise, she continued. You have to just live a happy life without worrying too much about what people think because worrying is only going to give you more wrinkles. 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 }} There may not have been an official best dressed award at the 2024 Grammys, but fans believe Miley Cyrus deserved the accolade for her five outfit changes throughout the night. The 31-year-old powerhouse vocalist donned more than a novel red carpet look for the 66th annual Grammy Awards on 4 February she made several unexpected style statements, from Margiela couture to vintage Tom Ford Gucci. Outside the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, stars arrived in designer garb selected to suit them for the entire night. Yet, Cyrus, who picked up her first two Grammy awards, collaborated with her long-time stylist, Bradley Kenneth, to pick five unparalleled looks with significant sparkle. To start, the Flowers artist shimmered in a chainmail Maison Margiela original by John Galliano. The risque structuring of the dress fed the cameras a sort of naked view of Cyruss unapologetic, authentic personality. Meanwhile, her heightened hairstyle contributed to the old-school rocker icon in her with a big blow-out made possible by Bob Recine. Then, to make the look even more Margiela-coded, Cyrus strapped on a pair of the brands emblem Tabis, but these were co-designed by Christian Louboutin. Next, to accept her award from Mariah Carey for Best Pop Solo Performance, she pulled off a black sequin jumpsuit plucked from Tom Fords era at Gucci. The long garment caught the stage lights, presenting the star in a chic silhouette. Because this was the first award handed out, Cyrus had little time to slip out of her red-carpet dress and into the dark garment. While these two outfits were calculated noteworthy picks, Cyruss performance of Flowers brought out a special look from the early 2000s. Cyrus wore a silver-fringed bodysuit designed by Bob Mackie for his Fall/Winter 2002 collection. The delicate piece resembled Mackies previous designs seen on female music legends Cher and Tina Turner, with its intricate beading on the drop-down strands creating a peacock-esque feathering. Her frilled hair added even more of an early 80s vibe when paired with a second garment made by Mackie. Backstage, Cyrus was spotted in a bustier jumpsuit with a silver and black crossover chain belt and black feathered shawl. Cyrus stunned next to Mariah Carey in a Tom Ford Gucci sequin jumpsuit (Getty) The final look of the evening was an ode to Guccis new creative director, Sabato de Sarno. The Used To Be Young artist graciously accepted her award for Record of the Year in a sequin copper, one-shoulder gown with a high slit that prompted Cyrus to make a cheeky commando confession. Online, obsessed viewers flooded social media to commend Cyrus for her standout looks. A few dubbed her Grammy fashion as history-making. IN LOVE WITH THESE OUTFITS STUNNING AND SHINY, an excited woman wrote on X, while another added: She f***ing slayed the whole night just in outfits dont get my started on awards hunnnnnyyy. Can we take a minute to talk about how Miley Cyrus slayed the Grammys with her hair and outfit and that body, a third added. For her fourth outfit change, Cyrus pulled out a Bob Mackie bustier jumpsuit (Getty) Other music enthusiasts compared her third outfit and entire performance to Tina Turner. Miley Cyrus Grammys 2024 outfit is giving me major Tina Turner Mad Max vibes, one person said. An enamored woman noted: I dont care what anyone else is wearing @MileyCyrus won the #GRAMMYs A full outfit made out of safety pins?! Look at the movement. Her final look was a Gucci one-shoulder gown designed by Sabato de Sarno (AFP via Getty) She looked fabulous, was extraordinarily entertaining, fierce, and gracious/humble. Just love her, an impressed individual remarked on TikTok. 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 }} The royal family has rallied around the King after it was revealed that he has been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday that the monarch is receiving regular treatments for the condition, which was discovered after the 75-year-old underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate. Officials have said that although Charles is stepping back from public-facing events, although he will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. A Palace source told The Telegraph that Charles is a little frustrated by the impact the diagnosis has had on royal plans but is otherwise he is in his usual good form. Charles called both Prince Harry and Prince William, as well as his siblings the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to personally give them the news before it was publicly announced. Follow the latest news on King Charles with our live blog by clicking here Since the diagnosis went public, here are the different ways members of the royal family have shown up to support Charles: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Prince Harry cleared his diary and rushed back to the UK from his home in America on Tuesday to spend time with his father despite the rift between them. Prince Harry cleared his diary rushed back to the UK from his home in LA on Tuesday to spend time with his father despite the rift between them (Getty) The Duke of Sussex was seen arriving at a private terminal at Los Angeles in the morning before touching down at Londons Heathrow Airport at 12:20pm. He was pictured back in the UK on Tuesday afternoon. It is understood that Meghan has remained at the couples home with their children Archie and Lilibet. Queen Camilla Queen Camilla will continue with a full programme of public duties while her husband is treated, the Palace said. She was seen walking side by side with the King at his last public appearance on Sunday, where the King waved to onlookers as he walked to church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Camilla has been a great support to Charles throughout his recent health battles. She visited the London Clinic several times over his stay in the private hospital when he underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate. Camilla was seen walking side by side with the King at his last public appearance on Sunday (PA) Princess Royal Princess Anne attended the first royal engagement since the revelation on Tuesday. Known for her commitment to royal duties, Princess Anne went to an investiture ceremony on Tuesday morning. She was also scheduled to visit the Midlands on Tuesday on an official visit, but the event was cancelled. The Princess Royal carried out an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (PA) Recipients at the ceremony included conductor Ivor Bolton, tenor Nicky Spence, rugby union referee Sara Cox and wheelchair rugby league player James Simpson. When it was announced that Charles was due to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate several weeks ago, Anne proved once again she was a reliable member of the family, taking on investiture ceremonies and continuing her royal visits. Prince William and Princess Kate While he has yet to make an appearance or statement since his fathers diagnosis was made public, the Prince of Wales is expected to shoulder some of Charles responsibilities. He is set to return to official duties this week, in the aftermath of the Princess of Waless abdominal surgery which saw her recovering for 13 days in the same hospital her father-in-law was admitted to for his prostate procedure. The Prince of Wales is expected to shoulder some of his fathers responsibilities. (PA Archive) William will host an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and that evening will attend the London Air Ambulance annual fundraising gala in central London, Kensington Palace said. Kate is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter. Prince Edward Prince Edward will also be returning to royal duties this week to support his brother. Edwards last public engagement was an overseas trip that finished on 26 January. The Duke of Edinburgh and his wife Sophie, both 59, are part of Charless slimmed-down working monarchy, introduced after his mother passed away last year. Edward has two engagements scheduled on the royal diary this Thursday; attending a talent showcase at The Savoy in London as patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain and a reception at the Institute of Physics. The Duke of Edinburgh and his wife Sophie, both 59, are part of Charless slimmed-down working monarchy, introduced after his mother passed away last year (Getty Images) Princess Beatrice The Kings niece was also seen visiting him the morning after the diagnosis was made public. Princess Beatrice was seen driving a Ranger Rover into the back entrance of Clarence House in London on Tuesday morning. She and her husband Edoardo Mozzi live next door to the Kings official royal residence at St Jamess Palace. 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 subdued atmosphere surrounded Buckingham Palace on Tuesday as well-wishers arrived to share messages of support for King Charles following news of his cancer diagnosis. The King, who had been taken into hospital for an enlarged prostate in an unrelated medical visit just two weeks ago, has been advised to step away from public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment. Two sisters, 49-year-old Julie and 54-year-old Arlene, both nurses from Northern Ireland, flew out from Belfast after hearing the news. We booked flights straight away. Its a big shock. Its huge. Hes waited so long to be on the throne and now this happens. Its crazy, Julie said. We both come from Belfast and from a very young age, from the early 1980s with Charles and Dianas wedding and then Andrew and Fergie - I just remember all their weddings and street parties. We grew up with that and all the memorabilia. Its just so sad to come on this occasion. Charles, who had his coronation just nine months ago, ascended the throne after a 70 year wait following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II - the longest reigning monarch in British history. Julie, 49, and Arlene, 54, booked flights to London upon hearing the news of the Kings diagnosis (The Independent) Mother and daughter Jacqueline Murray, 40, and Nicola Roberts, 60 said the diagnosis being made public made Brits see the family as more relatable. Charless diagnosis makes him more relatable to the rest of us. Other people have been affected by cancer and you dont hear about it happening to the royal family. It shows they get affected by the same things as the rest of us. Its very sad and we wish him well. Others felt the Kings openness to share his medical journey made the royals appear more human I think it makes him more human. Anything that comes out of it is a positive, because lots of people dont think about these things until they see someone in the public and then it makes them think about it, said Tenelle, 42. Charities reported there had been a surge in men being checked for prostate cancer risk following the Kings hospitalisation a fortnight ago, although it is unrelated to his current cancer diagnosis. Jacqueline (left) and Nicola (middle) said that the announcement made the King more relatable (The Independent) Constantine Saur an 18-year-old exchange student from Germany and said that the news would be a wake up call for other men of all ages. Sometimes it takes a celebrity to have something for other people to get checked and to take their health more seriously, said Constantine. Ive lost family members to breast cancer, so Im very aware about the risks to women, but I dont know about the risks of prostate cancer, or other cancers that affect men as much. Although the overwhelming sentiment was one of sympathy, surprise and sadness at the timing, others were less concerned about the announcement such as Carrie Buchanan, 18, who was bemused by all the attention. Hes just got cancer, everybody else gets cancer so why is it a big deal, just because its him? Constantine Saur said the diagnosis could be a wake up call for others (The Independent) Charles will be stepping back from public duties during treatment for the disease on the advice of his doctors, according to Buckingham Palace. However, he will continue to oversee state business and official paperwork. The king is understood to be travelling to Sandringham to rest having begun treatment for the unknown cancer. Prince Harry touched down in London at lunchtime today and is understood to have met his father for around 45 minutes. In the statement, the Palace said: He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 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 }} Prince Edward will be returning to royal duties this week, as his brother Charles battles cancer. The Prince of Wales, the Queen and other working royals are expected to step up their royal duties while the King undergoes treatment, following the shock announcement of his illness on Monday. Edwards last public engagement was an overseas trip that finished on 26 January. The Duke of Edinburgh and his wife Sophie, both 59, are part of Charless slimmed-down working monarchy, introduced after his mother passed away last year. Prince Edward will be attending his first public engagements since a foreign trip last month (Getty Images) Edward has two engagements scheduled on the royal diary this Thursday; attending a talent showcase at The Savoy in London as patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain and a reception at the Institute of Physics. It comes after the duke spent a week overseas last month. On 22 January, Edward began a two-day trip in South Africa to visit Pretoria and meet animal conservation groups. He then travelled on to St Helena on 23 January, spending four days in the subtropical British Overseas Territory, which sits in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. Here, the Kings youngest brother encountered the islands most famous inhabitant 191-year-old Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, who is the oldest living land animal in the world, thought to have hatched in 1832. On the last day of the working trip, 26 January, the duke made the short journey to visit Ascension Island. Describing the occasion as momentous, its government said the day was for celebrating our islands heritage, unique biodiversity, and the incredible efforts of our community volunteers. Buckingham Palace made the announcement the King had been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is stepping back from public duties, following treatment Charles had for an enlarged prostate. The duke with his wife Sophie (Getty Images) Other members of the royal family are expected to continue with a full programme of public engagements and may undertake some additional duties on behalf of the King if they are required to do so. The palace has said Charles remains wholly positive about his treatment after the cancer was caught early. The monarch, 75, also underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate last month. 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 }} Protests shut down major cities in Haiti on Monday as demonstrators clashed with police and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Banks, schools and government agencies closed in Haitis northern and southern regions while protesters blocked main routes with blazing tires and paralyzed public transportation, according to local media reports. In Hinche, a city in Haitis central region, protesters celebrated the arrival of heavily armed state environmental agents and their commander, Joseph Jean Baptiste, who demanded that Henry resign. I want Ariel to stand in front of my bullets, so they go through him, the commander said as someone filmed him while the crowd cheered. Were the ones who have the support of the population, he said. The agents, who belong to the Security Brigade for Protected Areas, have come under government scrutiny following recent clashes with police in northern Haiti. Smaller demonstrations took place in the capital of Port-au-Prince, where dozens of protesters gathered in front of Henrys office before police fired tear gas, dispersing the crowd. Among the protesters was presidential candidate and former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who was seen in a video wiping his face as supporters yelled, We are not stopping! At least three days of protests culminating on Wednesday are expected across Haiti, with Feb. 7 considered the supposed deadline for Henry to resign. The date is significant in Haiti: Feb. 7, 1986 marked the day that former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier fled for France, and Feb. 7, 1991 marked the day that Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haitis first democratically-elected president, was sworn in. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america 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 a view of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday (6 February) after King Charles announced he has been diagnosed with cancer. The announcement on Monday came after the monarch, 75, underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate last month. Prince William is expected to shoulder some of his fathers responsibilities as he resumes official engagements this week, while Prince Harry will travel to the UK to see Charles in the coming days, a source close to the Duke of Sussex has said. President Joe Biden said he was concerned about the King and hoped to speak with him soon, God willing. Earlier this week, the monarch was seen waving and walking with the Queen by his side on his first public outing since the treatment. On Sunday, Charles was pictured attending a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, giving a smile and wave to photographers outside. 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 }} Following his diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer, King Charles has been forced to step away from some of his public-facing royal duties. The King, 75, was diagnosed with a form of the disease discovered during an unrelated operation for an enlarged prostate at the end of January, Buckingham palace said when they revealed the news last Monday. Follow live updates here Charles was last seen on Tuesday afternoon when he arrived back in London with the Queen for his second round of treatment. It is the third time he has been spotted since his diagnosis, the first being leaving Clarence House one week before and the second being when he was pictured smiling and waving as he attended a church service in Sandringham on Sunday. While officials and members of the royal family say that the King remains wholly positive about his treatment, he will still have to step back from public duties, with senior royals expected to stand in for him. So will Charles abdicate, and how will the cancer diagnosis affect his royal duties? The Independent has answered your questions below. King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping back from his royal duties (PA) What has Charles been diagnosed with? King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. It is unclear what form of the disease he has, but it was discovered during unrelated treatment for an enlarged prostate. A statement from Buckingham Palace read: During the Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. Will the King abdicate? The statement released by Buckingham Palace has given no indication that the King intends to step down. In fact, it suggests that he hopes to return to his duties in full in the future. The last British monarch to leave the throne was Edward VIII, but that was for personal reasons when he decided to marry American actor and divorcee Wallis Simpson in 1936. Charles mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did not abdicate despite health struggles towards the end of her life. How will the diagnosis affect his royal duties? Charles will be stepping back from public duties during treatment for the disease on the advice of his doctors, according to Buckingham Palace. However, he will continue to oversee state business and official paperwork. He still carried out his weekly audience with the prime minister last Wednesday, albeit over the phone. The King returned to London on Tuesday to receive his second round of treatment after he spent a week at his estate in Sandringham. But the palace has made clear the King intends to return to his duties as soon as his health allows. In the statement, the Palace said: He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. Prince William and Kate are next in line to the throne if King Charles were to abdicate (REUTERS) Senior royals are expected to stand in for him, but a shortage of working royals could pose a potential problem in the coming months. The Prince of Wales returned to public duties last week, however the Princess of Wales is not expected to carry out any engagements until after Easter due to her own health issues. Both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew are no longer working royals, leaving only the Princess Royal and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie to hold the fort. The Princess Royal was the first to step up to take on official engagements after the diagnosis when she took on three separate events in one day last Tuesday. Prince William also returned to royal duties last week after taking a break to care for his family and wife following her abdominal surgery. How would an abdication work? If the King were to step down, his eldest son Prince William would automatically become the monarch, with his 10-year-old son Prince George becoming next in line to the throne. This would be followed by eight-year-old Princess Charlotte and five-year-old Prince Louis. In British history, only four monarchs have ever abdicated, the most recent being King Edward VIII who stepped down in 1936 to marry the twice-divorced socialite Wallis Simpson. Denmarks Queen Margrethe stepped aside for her son Crown Prince Frederik on New Years Eve (via REUTERS) This paved the way for the late Queen Elizabeth IIs father to become king. While such occurrences are rare, several European monarchs have abdicated their thrones in recent years in favour of their younger heirs. On New Years Eve, Margrethe II announced her abdication as Queen of Denmark, citing recent back surgery as her reason, with her son succeeding her as King Frederik X on 14 January. In 2014, Juan Carlos I of Spain left the throne in disgrace amid allegations of affairs, indiscretions and alleged financial wrongdoings. This followed the 2013 abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands as well as King Albert II of Belgium, while Emperor Akihito left his thrown in Japan in 2019 due to his age and ill health. 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 }} King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is stepping back from royal duties, Buckingham Palace said on Monday days after he underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate. The illness is unconnected with his recent treatment and is not prostate cancer, but it was spotted by doctors at The London Clinic, a private healthcare facility where he spent three nights before being discharged on 29 January. His surgery coincided with a hospital stay for daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, who spent 11 nights in the same clinic following abdominal surgery, and came two weeks after Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with skin cancer in what has been a difficult start to the year for the royal family. Follow our live blog here The 75-year-old monarch remains in high spirits but will step back from public-facing duties while he has treatment. The cancer was discovered while the King was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate last month (AP) A statement from the palace read: During the Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Prince Harry, who is based in California, is expected to return to the UK to visit his father this week (Reuters) A source close to Prince Harry confirmed he will fly from his home in California to visit his father in light of the news but it is not known if wife Meghan Markle, and children Archie, four, and Lilibet, two, will join him. The family relocated to the United States after leaving royal duties in 2020 and have only returned on a handful occasions, such as the Queens funeral in September 2022. Well-wishes for the King came from across the political spectrum, with prime minister Rishi Sunak tweeting: Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. The monarch, who was last seen on Sunday at Sandringham, has taken on hundreds of public engagements since becoming King (PA) Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer posted on X, formerly Twitter: On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health. Similar messages were also issued by leaders of each of the devolved governments and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, while former prime minister Boris Johnson wrote: The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery. Meanwhile, US president Joe Biden told reporters: Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. Ill be talking to him, God willing. Prior to his coronation, Charles was the longest-serving heir to the throne in history, and the cancer diagnosis is likely to be a painful professional setback. Since becoming King, he has hit the ground running with a trio of overseas state visits, before hosting two incoming state visits as well as undertaking hundreds of public engagements highlighting the fitness and vigour of a man in his 70s managing a challenging workload. Kate Middleton is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter following recent abdominal surgery (Getty Images) Prince William is due to return to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture, while his wife continues to recuperate at home following her abdominal surgery. She is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter, but is said to be in good spirits at Adelaide Cottage, near Windsor Castle. ELKO Patty Brubaker, Jeremiah Eaton, and Jennifer Gohl were selected as the Elko County School Districts January Staff and Teachers Achieving Results with Students award recipients. Brubaker, a Spring Creek area bus driver, was nominated by someone who wished to remain anonymous. According to the nomination, Brubaker has developed a lasting rapport with her students. Students that are no longer on her bus come to her bus almost daily to tell her they miss her and fill her in on what is going on in their lives, read the nomination. Brubaker not only takes care of her students, but she is also concerned for her community and her colleagues. During December, she organized a collection box for the local animal shelter and dropped off some much-needed items. In November, she did a coat drive. She keeps the bus barn and her route upbeat and positive. Her bus is decorated with inspirational quotes that promote a positive healthy environment for the brief time the students are on board. Eaton, a science teacher at Elko High School, was nominated by student Sophia Green. Mr. Eaton is a wonderful teacher. He may have a reputation for being strict, but it is only to make sure his students grow up to be respectable, responsible adults who know what is right from wrong, Green said. He encourages his students to put their best effort into assignments and to always ask for help if needed, she continued. He truly prepares students for the real world and treats us as young adults. Overall, he just wants what is best for us. Not to mention, his engaging teaching style and passion for the subject have ignited a genuine curiosity for science in his students. Gohl, a vice principal at Adobe Middle School, was nominated by former student Savannah Oliver. Oliver explained Gohl shows kindness and shares positivity among students and staff supporting and comforting them when they need help. She always participates in school spirit days and activities and even participates with students during dress-up days, she said. She had a deep desire for inspiring her students to learn and do their best in her class, Oliver continued. While I do not attend Adobe Middle School anymore, Ms. Gohl still reaches out to me to ask how I am doing and always supports me at my concerts. Beginning this school year, the program recognizes three employees each month through May. Nominees do not need to be a classroom teacher and could be any employee who provides services at any Elko County School District school or department. Recognition of these deserving employees would not be possible without sponsors LeeAnnes Floral Designs, Maverick Gaming, The Star, and Rotary Club of Elko Desert Sunrise. Staff, students and the general public are all encouraged to nominate a school district employee who demonstrates exceptional performance and commitment to the education of all students served by the districts schools. The nomination form can be found on the STARS webpage on the Elko County School District website. 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 }} King Charles was flown by helicopter to Sandringham this afternoon after reuniting with Prince Harry and making a brief public appearance for the first time since his cancer diagnosis was revealed. The King appeared in good spirits as he smiled and waved to the gathered crowds as he left Clarence House, in central London, flanked by the Queen. He is understood to have boarded a helicopter with Camilla from Buckingham Palace shortly afterwards. Earlier in the afternoon, the Duke of Sussex put a royal rift aside by returning to London to visit his father. Prince Harry is understood to have spent around 45 minutes with the King, having arrived at Clarence House just hours after touching down at Heathrow Airport. Prince Harry arrives at Clarence House after flying from California to visit his father (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP) The King is said to be on his usual good form after undergoing his first treatment but is understood to be a little frustrated that his diagnosis has affected both his plans and those of people around him. Several black Range Rovers were seen escorting Harry from the airport, as his wife Meghan Markle and two children remain in California, where they have resided since stepping down as working royals in 2020. The duke had not visited the UK since September when he attended a WellChild awards event, but was not believed to have spent any time with his father or estranged brother. Two black SUVs, one believed to be carrying Prince Harry, arrive at Clarence House (PA) The last time he came face-to-face with the monarch was during the Coronation last May, although he made a speedy exit to return to the US to celebrate his son Archies fourth birthday. However, he cleared his diary after the 75-year-old monarch personally called him to inform him of his diagnosis before Buckingham Palace released its public statement at 6pm on Monday. The King began treatment for an undisclosed cancer this week, after the disease was discovered while he was being treated for a benign enlarged prostate last month. The palace confirmed it was not prostate cancer but has remained tight-lipped about the nature and stage of his illness. Upon the advice of his doctors, he has postponed all his public duties but will continue to deal with state business and paperwork while other royals are expected to step up and hold the fort. A helicopter was seen leaving Buckingham Palace for the royal familys Sandringham estate in Norfolk (PA) This will include maintaining regular contact with the prime minister, with Rishi Sunak saying he had been left shocked and sad by the news. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: All our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early. It comes during a difficult month for the monarchy as they face a string of health setbacks, with the Princess of Wales also stepping away from public duties until Easter after undergoing abdominal surgery. Prince William is set to return to official engagements on Wednesday with an investiture after taking an extended period to juggle caring for his wife and their three children. Charles and Camilla wave to the crowds gathered on The Mall (Reuters) Kate Middleton spent nearly two weeks at the London Clinic, where Charles was also being treated for his prostate, but has now returned to the couples home in Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate. Meanwhile, the Princess Royal, who is often regarded as the hardest-working royal, undertook four engagements on Tuesday which included visiting a care centre, a woolmaker and carrying out an investiture. The Kings younger brother, Prince Edward, is also set to return to royal duties on Thursday while Queen Camilla is set to carry on as usual. Among the other royals who are rallying around the King, his niece Princess Beatrice was also spotted leaving the back entrance of Clarence House. Princess Anne carried out four engagements, including an investiture, on Tuesday (Yui Mok/PA) Royal watchers have expressed hopes that Harrys appearance at his fathers side will mark the beginning of a reconciliation, and could lead to the healing of the long-standing rift between him and William. However, it is understood that the Prince of Wales has no plans to meet Harry during his last-minute trip to the UK. The pair are understood to have fallen out badly after the Duke of Sussex made several allegations against his family in an Oprah interview, his Netflix documentary and his tell-all memoir Spare. They included accusations that William had physically attacked him during an argument over Meghan, and that Kensington Palace had lied to protect him over reports he bullied Harry out of the royal family. Following the Duke of Edinburghs funeral in 2021, Charles reportedly pleaded with his sons during a tense meeting: Please boys. Dont make my final years a misery. 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 }} The King has been diagnosed with cancer. The shock news follows his treatment for an enlarged prostate, but Buckingham Palace has confirmed Charles does not have prostate cancer, but another cancer instead. The Princess of Wales is still recovering from abdominal surgery and Sarah, Duchess of York is dealing with skin cancer. Here is the timeline of the health troubles facing the royal family. Tuesday January 16 Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. Wednesday January 17 2pm Kensington Palace announces the princess operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover. The Prince of Wales steps back from his official duties temporarily to care of his wife and children. The exact nature of Kates condition is kept private, but it is not cancerous and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful. 3.25pm Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. A source later says the princess is doing well. Thursday January 18 The Prince of Wales spends time at his wifes bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit. The Queen says the King is fine and looking forward to getting back to work during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Friday January 19 The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure. Sunday January 21 It is announced that the Kings former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a form skin cancer. It is less than a year since the duchess, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Monday January 22 The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is fine, and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon. Sarah, Duchess of York, meanwhile, describes her shock at having skin cancer but says she is in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support, in a post on Instagram. Tuesday January 23 Kates hospital stay passes the one-week mark. Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit. Thursday January 25 The King carried out behind the scenes official duties, meeting academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House. The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment. Friday January 26 The King, with the Queen at his side, is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital. Monday January 29 The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. Kate leaves the clinic the same day to continue her recovery at home. Wednesday January 31 Camilla says the King is getting on, doing his best as she opened a Maggies cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Sunday February 4 The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. Monday February 5 Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales is returning to official duties this week, beginning with an investiture. 6pm Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer but not prostate cancer and has started treatment as an outpatient. He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind the scenes state business and official papers. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report 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 Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The National Black Police Association (NBPA) has called for officers from ethnic minority backgrounds to boycott joining the Metropolitan Police over a racist misconduct investigation into its chairperson. In the first call for a boycott in 20 years, the association claims Charles Ehikioya, chair of the Met Black Police Association (Met BPA), has been targeted for voicing concerns about the racism he and his colleagues have endured. The Met BPA says Mr Ehikioya was racially abused in a WhatsApp group and instead of treating him as a victim, there had been intentional efforts to find evidence of wrongdoing on his part in an effort to undermine his claims. Comprised of serving ethnic minority officers, the Met BPA has said they have no faith in the misconduct probe and argue it is a thinly-veiled attempt to remove a voice from within policing from holding the Commissioner to account. The timing of this complaint leads me to believe that there is a desire to remove any dissenting voices from public discourse, Andy George, president of the NBPA, said. Given the crisis in confidence highlighted through so many incidents and reports, I cannot say that we can adequately protect and support officers of colour within the Metropolitan Police Service. The association claims Charles Ehikioya, chair of the Met BPA, has been targeted for voicing concerns about the racism he and his colleagues are suffering. (Getty Images) For that reason, I take the extraordinary step of saying that we no longer have confidence in the commissioner or his senior leadership team to bring about the necessary and promised reforms to the service. I also regretfully recommend that anyone from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds does not join the MPS until there is more rigorous accountability placed on the commissioner and more resources are given to the Met BPA so they can provide wrap-around support to those in need, the group added. Th row comes as low levels of Black, Asian and minority ethnic officers within the force have sparked a recruitment drive. One-fifth of the Met Polices workforce of over 45,000 officers are from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to around 46 per cent of London as a whole, according to recent data. A recent analysis shows that it could take nearly fifty years for the Met Police to reflect Londons ethnic diversity at the current pace of progress. A review by Baroness Casey, published in March, found the force to be institutionally racist, misogynist and homophobic. Black officers and staff were 81 per cent more likely to receive a misconduct allegation than their white colleagues, the Casey Review concluded, while Asian workers were 55 per cent more likely and mixed-ethnicity employees were 41 per cent more likely. Mina Smallman: I am dismayed that rather than work with the association, the MPS has targeted the chair of the Met BPA. (PA Wire) Casey found that allegations against officers and staff of colour might follow when they raise their head above the parapet to call out poor behaviour. This is a pattern embedded across Met culture: speaking out often results in adverse consequences for the complainant, she added. Mr Ehikioya, who is based in the professionalism command, could be dismissed if its proven that he sent and received offensive WhatsApp messages, as alleged, between 2017 and 2020. A three-year investigation was carried out by officers from Scotland Yards Directorate of Professional Standards. In July, Mina Smallman, the mother of two murdered sisters, called for more Black officers to be deployed by the Metropolitan Police in local communities. However, while reacting to the Met BPAs protest, Ms Smallman said shes dismayed that rather than work with the association, the MPS has refused to meet their president and now targeted the chair of the Met BPA. Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley (AFP via Getty Images) The last call for a boycott happened in 2008 after the acquittal on all charges of Superintendent Ali Dizaei over allegations of endangering national security, abusing drugs and using sex workers. Those claims were later found to be untrue. Mr Dizaei was later convicted of criminal offences, sentenced to prison and sacked from the force in 2012. Leroy Logan MBE, former Met BPA chair, said: The MPS has done what it can to prevent the Met BPA from forming and ever since its inception has tried to remove the honest voice of our members from public debate. I myself was targeted as chair of the Met BPA so it comes as no surprise to me that they have decided to target the current chair. A Met Police spokesperson said: An inspector will face a gross misconduct hearing following allegations inappropriate WhatsApp messages were sent and received between 2017 and 2020. The allegations were reported in December 2020. This followed a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who passed the matter back to the Met to investigate locally. A date for the hearing will be set in due course. 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 }} Modern slavery is less of a priority under Rishi Sunak than it was under previous Tory governments, the anti-slavery commissioner has warned, as she revealed her budget has been cut by over 100,000 and would continue to fall. The anti-slavery watchdog post had been vacant for 18 months before Eleanor Lyons began her role in December, with the government introducing several new laws and regulations during that time that affected trafficking victims. Speaking to MPs at the home affairs select committee on Tuesday, Ms Lyons, who was previously the deputy childrens commissioner, suggested that the budget being cut from 605,000 to 500,000 was evidence that the Rishi Sunaks government did not take the issue seriously enough. She said the Home Office would also cut this budget by five per cent for every year that she is in post. She added: As Im coming into the role halfway through the year, a lot of my budget has been reallocated so as of April next year, my budget for that year will be 500,000. I am absolutely pushing for more resource and budget because I think its important but I have been told by the Home Office that my budget will be cut every year that I am in role- by five per cent every year. There are an estimated 130,000 modern slavery victims in the UK, according to Eleanor Lyons, the anti-slavery commissioner (PA/ The Indepedent) Quizzed by Tory MP Tim Loughton over whether the Home Office saw tackling modern slavery as a priority, Ms Lyons said: I think I could say that modern slavery and human trafficking was more of a priority back in 2015 and I think it is less of a priority now. Ms Lyons also explained that she currently only has two members of staff who are on fixed-term contracts. One of the contracts ends this month and the other in April. She said the speed at which she could build her team was being curtailed by the fact that senior civil servants within the Home Office had to sign off every new appointment. She also needs special permission to recruit anyone from outside the Home Office or the civil service to her independent team. She said this was impacting her ability to reflect a wide cohort of expertise in her team. Under the current budget projections, she would be able to recruit six or seven members of staff. Eleanor Lyons took on the role of anti-slavery commissioner in December (PA Media) This is compared to some 30 members of staff who worked under her in her previous job as deputy childrens commissioner. Ms Lyons also shared her concerns that the scale of modern slavery and human trafficking was going underreported in the UK, estimating that there were likely to be some 130,000 victims. She said that prosecution rates for modern slavery offences were far too low, and expressed support for a push to characterise cuckooing, a practice where drug dealers take over a vulnerable persons home, as modern slavery. Her comments came after new research from the International Organisation for Migration showed that potential victims of modern slavery are now waiting 10 times longer than the five-day target to receive an initial decision on their case. It also noted that, since changes to the modern slavery referral scheme were implemented a year ago, a considerable gap has emerged between the support offered to UK and foreign nationals. The latter are now much less likely to receive an initial positive decision on their case, whereas this had been almost equal previously. UK nationals still make up the largest cohort of people referred for help under the governments modern slavery and human trafficking support scheme. A Home Office spokesperson said: We were delighted to appoint Eleanor Lyons to take up the role of independent anti-slavery commissioner and will continue to support her as she builds on progress already made to improve the detection and prevention of modern slavery and support for victims. This is alongside our continued commitment to funding the 379m modern slavery victim care contract, which provides specialist support to adult victims, as well as additional and tailored support for children through the independent child trafficking guardian service. 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 }} Prince Harry has been spotted in the UK after he made a transatlantic dash to be reunited with his father, following the Kings shocking cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex arrived at Clarence House on Tuesday afternoon after boarding an urgent flight from his home in the US to see Charles, despite the pairs troubled relationship. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the king, who has been resting at the royal residence after postponing all his public duties, began treatment for an undisclosed cancer discovered while he underwent surgery for a benign enlarged prostate last month. Prince Harry has been spotted as he arrived in the UK to be reunited with his father following the Kings shocking cancer diagnosis (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP) The Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed Harry had spoken with the monarch, 75, who had called both his sons to share news of the development. The duke cleared his diary and rushed to London alone, with the Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet remaining at home in California. Two black SUVs, which were earlier seen leaving Heathrow Airports VIP Windsor Suite, were pictured arriving at Clarence House at around 2.42pm, after Harry touched down in the UK just after midday, less than 24 hours after the shock news was announced to the nation. The Palace has said Charles remains wholly positive about his treatment, after having already begun his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of his specialist team of doctors. King Charles leaving Clarence House on Tuesday following the announcement of his shock cancer diagnosis (REUTERS) Harrys arrival has led to renewed hopes father and son will be reconciled, with suggestions from royal watchers the duke could also make attempts to try to heal his long-running rift with his brother, the Prince of Wales. Later on Tuesday afternoon, the King was seen in public for the first time since his diagnosis, as he and the Queen were driven away from their London residence to Buckingham Palace, where they were believed to have been flown to Sandringham in Norfolk. Earlier, the Prime Minister said he was thankful the Kings cancer had been caught early and wished him a full recovery and said his thoughts are with the family. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Rishi Sunak said he was left shocked and sad when he was told about the Kings diagnosis. On Tuesday afternoon, the King was seen in public for the first time since his diagnosis, as he and the Queen were driven away from their London residence (PA Wire) But asked what it meant for the day-to-day running of the country, Mr Sunak said he would continue to be in regular contact with the monarch and added: Well crack on with everything. The King is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that it was a form of cancer. Charles niece Princess Beatrice, who has a home in St Jamess Palace next to Clarence House, was seen leaving the grounds on Tuesday morning, driving away from the back entrance. The Princess Royal held the fort on the royal engagements front, carrying out an investiture on behalf of the King at Windsor Castle. Harrys black Range Rover was pictured arriving at a private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) early on Tuesday to catch his flight to the UK. Harrys wife Meghan has stayed behind in the US with their children (PA) He last appeared alongside the Windsors at the Kings coronation but hurried home immediately afterward to mark his son Prince Archies fourth birthday. The dukes allegations against his family appeared unrelenting in the aftermath of Megxit with his Oprah interview, and, in the months following the Queens death, his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare. There were accusations of racism in relation to Archies skin tone before he was born with the remarks in the end alleged to have come from two senior royals and claims Kensington Palace lied to protect William over reports he allegedly bullied Harry out of the royal family. Harry claimed Charles was jealous of Meghan and Kate, did not hug him when he told him his mother Diana, Princess of Wales had died, and said he believed the King was never made for single parenthood, but to be fair, he tried. The duke also accused William of physically attacking him and throwing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan, teasing him about his panic attacks, and, along with Kate, encouraging him to wear a Nazi uniform at a fancy dress party. Harry and Williams relationship has been strained in recent years (Getty Images) Charles, according to Harry, pleaded with his sons during a tense meeting after the Duke of Edinburghs funeral: Please, boys. Dont make my final years a misery. While Charles and Harry were said to still speak, William has reportedly not been in contact with his brother for an extended period of time. William is returning to official duties this week beginning with an investiture on Wednesday the same day the King usually holds his weekly audience with the PM. The heir to the throne is expected to also be undertaking some duties on his fathers behalf, but Counsellors of State, who are appointed temporarily when a monarch cannot fulfill their duties as head of state, are not expected to be needed. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings Anne, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced to the nation by the Palace at 6pm on Monday. The Palace has called for the Kings privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. This is the latest major royal health scare to hit the monarchy at the start of 2024, coming after the Kings hospital stay, Kates major surgery, keeping her away from official duties until after Easter, and Sarah, Duchess of Yorks skin cancer diagnosis. 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 }} Prince Harry has no intention of seeing his brother Prince William during his current trip, palace aides have said, despite the estranged royal rushing to his fathers side following a cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex was spotted arriving at Clarence House at 2.42pm on Tuesday afternoon less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III had a form of cancer. Britains King Charles III, second left, Prince Harry, second right, and Prince William, left, follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall (AP) The pair allegedly spoke for around 45 minutes, after which the monarch and Queen Camilla were seen leaving. It was their first formal meeting in person since Queen Elizabeths funeral in September 2022; Harry and his wife Meghan Markle attended King Charles coronation last May but did not interact with the monarch or his wife. Prince Harry was spotted arriving at Clarence House on Tuesday afternoon (AFP via Getty Images) But despite that reunion, sources have said there is no meeting scheduled to take place between him and his brother William, who have been reportedly feuding for years. Sources have reported that there is nothing in the diary for the brothers. A source close to William told The Times that there were no plans for the future king to meet Harry. It is unclear how long Harry will stay in the UK, who has not visited since last September, when he attended a charity event. A source suggested to The Mirror that Harry is making plans to spend more time in England so he can be there physically for his father, adding that he had been given the all clear from his wife. Prince William, whose wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is recuperating from abdominal surgery, is due to resume royal duties on Wednesday. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said the relationship between the brothers showed no signs of thawing. The extent of the fraternal feud was made public last January when Prince Harry alleged in his memoir, Spare, with a string of accusations against Prince William. Tensions were heightened further at the end of 2023 when early copies of a Dutch version of Omid Scobies book Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchys Fight for Survival named the Princess of Wales and King Charles as two senior members of the British royal family alleged to have discussed the skin colour of Harry and Meghans unborn son. Mr FitzWilliams said this latter incident had turned relations to the deep freeze. However, Fitzwilliams joined other royal watchers in expressing his hopes the royal family would pull together at such a tough time. In a crisis, families should be in it together, he said. Charles personally called both Harry and William, as well as his siblings Anne, the Duke of York and the Duke of Edinburgh, to give them the news before it was publicly announced to the nation by the Palace at 6pm on Monday. Prince Harry was then seen leaving Heathrow Airports VIP Windsor Suite early on Tuesday, having flown 11 hours from a private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 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 }} Prince William is facing a test of his character as the nation watches their future King endure multiple stressors, a royal expert has said. The Prince of Wales is coming up against the joint pressures of his fathers shock cancer diagnosis, his wifes recuperation from her medical procedure, and his relationship with his brother who has just arrived back in the UK. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Independent: Times like these do test a test, I suppose, of character. No doubt this is very difficult. Charles, his father, and Catherine, his wife, unwell then, of course, the business with Harry is serious because he doesnt trust him. Prince William is facing a test of his character as the nation watches their future King endure multiple stressors, says royal expert (Getty) Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the King was receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer discovered while he underwent surgery for a benign enlarged prostate last month and is stepping back from public engagements. Just an hour before Charles surgery was announced, it was revealed that the Princess of Wales was being treated in hospital after undergoing successful, planned abdominal surgery. She has since returned home to continue her recovery but is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter. Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex made a transatlantic dash from his home in California following the news of his fathers shock diagnosis, arriving at Clarence House on Tuesday afternoon. Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Queen Camilla wave as they leave by car from Clarence House in London on Tuesday (AFP via Getty Images) However, William has reportedly not been in contact with his brother for an extended period of time amid a long feud. The dukes allegations against his family appeared unrelenting in the aftermath of his and Meghans Oprah interview, and, in the months following the Queens death, his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare. However, Fitzwilliams joined other royal watchers in expressing his hopes the royal family would pull together at such a tough time. In a crisis, families should be in it together, he said. Royal commentator Robert Jobson believes that, while the upcoming period is going to be tough, William is more than capable of stepping up and doing what hes got to do. William has reportedly not been in contact with his brother for an extended period of time amid a years-long feud (PA) He pointed to Williams good health, experience and intelligence, as he said, Theres no doubt hell be prepared hes been preparing all his life. As the King gets older, he expects the Prince of Wales will increasingly play more of a supporting role to the monarch. Currently, Mr Jobson said: William simply will focus on the job in hand number one, making sure his wife and family are okay, number two, supporting the King with official duties. William will do whats in front of him rather than worrying about the bigger picture. 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 }} Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September, 2022, at the age of 96. Her death certificate, released several weeks later, said she died of old age. Her husband Prince Phillip died in April 2021 and her health noticeably shifted after the end of their 74 years of marriage. She was hospitalised in October that year, after which she appeared for the first time in 20 years with a walking stick. She was pictured using a walking aid at a service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion. In November that year, she missed the Remembrance Sunday commemorations due to a sprained back. The following June, she did not attend a thanksgiving service at St Pauls Cathedral on the Friday of her Platinum Jubilee. In a statement, a palace spokesperson said: The Queen greatly enjoyed todays Birthday Parade and Flypast but did experience some discomfort. The Queen with Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral (Jane Barlow/PA) two days before her death (PA Wire) Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrows National Service of Thanksgiving at St Pauls Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend. That marked what has retrospectively been understood as the beginning of a period of decline for the queen until her death in September. Dr Douglas Glass, her official apothecary in Scotland, who holds GP clinics for Balmoral staff, said after her death that there had been concerns for the queens health for several months in the run-up to September. It was expected and we were quite aware of what was going to happen, he is quoted as saying in Gyles Brandreths new biography, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait. The book, which is serialised by the Daily Mail, also claimed the late monarch suffered periods of low energy while also insisting to aides she was determined to stay busy after her husbands death in April last year. Her biographer also writes that, when the Queen felt weaker, she would fill her days by watching BBC drama Line of Duty. Just two days before her death, she was pictured appointing her 15th and final British prime minister, Liz Truss. Though she had to cancel events in the final year of her life, it was reported that she routinely met with the prime minister of the time. Her death certificate, written by Dr Glass, said the then-monarch was pronounced dead at 3.10pm on 8 September. The document was signed by the Queens daughter, Princess Anne. 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 }} Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have led well wishes for King Charles III after Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. Charles has begun a schedule of regular treatments and has been advised to postpone his public-facing duties, with Prince Harry rushing back from the US to see his father. Mr Sunak said he was wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery in a message on X, formerly Twitter. The Conservative leader added: I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. The Labour leader tweeted: On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery. Sir Keir added: We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said his party joins the rest of the nation in wishing a full and quick recovery to His Majesty. Commenting on the news in the Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening. Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and wed all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery following tonights news. Prince William could take on some of the Kings work as he is expected to return to public duties on Wednesday after the Princess of Wales major abdominal surgery last month. It is also understood that Charles will continue to be available for Privy Council meetings, but details of how they will take place are still being worked through. It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for his weekly audience with Mr Sunak should doctors advise him to minimise any in-person contact. Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer (Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Former Tory PM Boris Johnson said the whole country will be rooting for the King today, adding on X: Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery. And ex-PM Liz Truss also tweeted: Sending every best wish to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as he undergoes his treatment for cancer. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Save The King! The former Labour prime minister Tony Blair said he was wishing His Majesty the King a full, swift recovery and return to excellent good health. Senior political figures also praised the King for making his diagnosis public. Health secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable. The cabinet minister added: Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties. And Labours shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. Mr Streeting added: Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout. King Charles diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment Scotlands first minister and SNP leader Humza Yousaf said his thoughts and prayers were with the King. I wish him the very best for a speedy recovery and return to public life. He said he was thinking of the Queen Camilla and other royal family members at what I know will be a worrying time for them all. Mark Drakeford, the Labour first minister of Wales, said he was saddened to hear the news of the cancer diagnoses and wished the King a full and swift recovery. Northern Irelands new first minister, Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill, also said she was very sorry to hear of King Charles illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery. Deputy first minister, the DUPs Emma Little-Pengelly added: I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers. "Coyote Joe" Sartin performs his last of three nights at the Coffee Mug in downtown Elko on Saturday night. Sartin traveled from Oregon for his performances, an adjunct to the 39th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and had to head back to his home state after concluding the Saturday night performances because he had another gig in Oregon on Monday. He's one of a handful of troubadours who travel to Elko to perform, but not in the official Gathering productions. 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 }} February will see three by-elections take place across the UK, in the latest test of Rishi Sunaks leadership. Two seats that the Conservatives held since the 1990s are up for grabs, while Labour have one of their own to defend. With the Tories getting over 50 per cent of the vote in both of the contested seats at the last general election, it would mark a terrible defeat if the party were to lose either as they have done in their last four by-elections. There have been 19 by-elections (and three Prime Ministers) since the 2019 election, with Labour claiming three seats from the Conservatives in 2023, and the Lib Dems winning one. The by-elections will also mark the first that Reform UK , previously the Brexit Party, put forward candidates. Heres your guide to the upcoming by-elections, why they were triggered, and who the new candidates are: Wellingborough, 15 February Wellingboroughs incumbent Conservative MP Peter Bone was removed in January following a high-profile suspension late last year. Voters in Wellingborough backed a petition to recall the MP, with 13.2 per cent of the required 10 per cent of the electorate signing to trigger a byelection. The recall petition was opened when Mr Bone was suspended from Parliament for six weeks after a watchdog report found he had subjected a staff member to bullying and sexual misconduct. The independent expert panel found this had occurred over a three-month period in 2012. Peter Bone and partner Helen Harrison (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Bone has continued denied the report findings, responding at the time: None of the misconduct allegations against me ever took place. They are false and untrue claims. Somewhat controversially, Peter Bones partner Helen Harrison has been selected to replace him as the Tory candidate in the Wellingborough by-election. She has subsequently stepped down from her North Northamptonshire Council post. Candidates: Nick the Flying Brick, Monster Raving Loony Ana Gunn, Liberal Democrats Ben Habib, Reform UK Helen Harrison, Conservative Ankit Love Jknpp Jay Mala Post-Mortem, Independent Gen Kitchen, Labour Alex Merola, Britain First Will Morris, Green Andre Pyne-Bailey, Independent Marion Turner-Hawes, Independent Kev Watts, Independent Previous result at 2019 general election: Peter Bone, Conservative: 32,277 votes, 62.2% [Elected] Andrea Watts, Labour: 13,737 votes, 26.5% Suzanna Austin, Liberal Democrats: 4,078 votes, 7.9% Marion Turner-Hawes, Green: 1,821 votes, 3.5% Kingswood, 15 February This by-election was triggered when Conservative MP Chris Skidmore resigned in early January over the governments oil and gas licence plan. Formerly Energy, then Health, then Universities Minister, Skidmore had most recently chaired a review of the governments net-zero strategy. Known for being an advocate of green issues, the former MP called the governments bill a tragedy for rowing back on key climate pledges. The by-election is somewhat unusual in the fact the constituency will no longer exist after the next general election due to boundary changes. Candidates: Sam Bromiley, Conservative Andrew Brown, Liberal Democrats Damien Egan, Labour Lorraine Francis, Green Rupert Lowe, Reform UK Mark Coleman, Independent Nicholas Wood, UKIP Previous result at 2019 general election: Chris Skidmore, Conservative: 27,712 votes, 56.2% [Elected] Nicola Bowden-Jones, Labour: 16,492 votes, 33.4% Dine Romero, Liberal Democrats: 3,421 votes, 6.9% Joseph Evans, Green: 1,200 votes, 2.4%Ah Angelika Cowell, Animal Welfare, 489, 1% Rochdale, 29 February This by-election was triggered by the death of Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd on 17 January. First elected in 1983, Lloyd served as a Member of Parliament for 36 years, first for Stretford, then Manchester Central, and finally Rochdale from 2017 until his death. From 2012 to 2017, he was Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner as well as interim Mayor of Manchester during his last two years in the role. Veteran Labour MP Tony Lloyd died 17 January, aged 73 (PA Archive) Candidates: Azhar Ali, Labour Mark Coleman, Independent Simon Danczuk, Reform UK Iain Donaldson, Liberal Democrats Paul Ellison, Conservative George Galloway, Workers Party Michael Howarth, Independent William Howarth, Independent Guy Otten, Green Ravin Rodent Subortna, Monster Raving Loony David Sully, Independent Previous result at 2019 general election: 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 }} Bosses at Amazon Marketplace, eBay and Instagram could face criminal sanctions for allowing the sale of illegal knives on their online platforms under Labour proposals. The Opposition party will urge the Government to close the glaring loopholes in its plans to tackle knife crime. Ministers are introducing new laws to outlaw zombie-style weapons, with the ban due to come into force in September making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport the blades. Law-breaking online platforms who profit from these illegal sales are being let off with a slap on the wrist instead of facing criminal sanctions Shadow policing minister Alex Norris But Labour will use an Opposition Day debate on Tuesday to call on the Government to go further by including ninja swords in the ban and making tech executives liable for illegal weapons sold on their online marketplaces. Sir Keir Starmer has promised to close loopholes and end caveats in a total crackdown on the availability of knives on UK streets. The Labour leader last month met the family of Ronan Kanda, a 16-year-old who was killed by two 17-year-olds in 2022 using a ninja sword bought online using a fake name and collected from a Post Office. The former director of public prosecutions pledged to conduct a review of online knife sales to strengthen ID requirements and checks on parcels by Royal Mail and Border Force in an effort to clamp down on the unlawful supply of dangerous weapons to under-18s. A Labour government would also launch a 100 million programme aimed at identifying and supporting young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime. Any young person caught with a knife could also face curfews, tagging or other sanctions. Labour is calling on Tory MPs to back these proposals in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Shadow policing minister Alex Norris said: Knife crime destroys lives and leaves families and communities reeling. The Government has a duty to do everything it can to stop these dangerous weapons getting into the hands of teenagers and those who would do harm. Dangerous weapons like ninja swords which have been used to kill teenagers like Ronan Kanda are still available on Britains streets. Still, law-breaking online platforms who profit from these illegal sales are being let off with a slap on the wrist instead of facing criminal sanctions. Labour wants to close these glaring loopholes in the Governments plans and are asking the Conservatives and other parties to vote with us to do so. A Home Office spokesman said: The UK has some of the strongest anti-knife laws in the world, and since 2019 we have taken 120,000 knives off our streets, but we are determined to do more to end this senseless violence. Just weeks ago, we banned zombie-style knives and machetes and we will not hesitate to take further action based on the advice of police chiefs and frontline officers. We are also toughening sentences for anyone caught with a banned weapon or found selling knives to under-18s, and are giving police new powers to seize any knife if they believe it might be used in criminality. 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 }} Senior Conservative right-winger Lee Anderson has claimed that only odd weirdos care about achieving net zero in the battle against climate change. The Tories former deputy chairman who quit his role because he rebelled on Rishi Sunaks Rwanda bill urged the PM to ditch green levies. Mr Anderson appeared alongside Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg at the launch of a new Tory faction called Popular Conservatism also known as the PopCons. The right-winger said net zero never comes up with voters on the doorstep, apart from the odd weirdo in the corner who supports the Green Party. Not many of his constituents lie awake at night worrying about net zero, the Ashfield MP told the groups launch, arguing that they care far more about their own fuel bills. Speaking about the need to ditch the green levies which pay for investment in transition away from fossil fuels, Mr Anderson said: We should have an opt-in, opt-out on our fuel bills. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Mhairi Fraser, Lee Anderson and Liz Truss (PA) Mr Anderson also joked that both he and right-wing ally Sir Jacob have one thing in common here we were both born on estates His was a country estate, I was born on a council estate. It came as Mark Littlewood, leader of the Popular Conservatives, insisted that he was not interested in ousting Rishi Sunak claiming this isnt about the leadership of the Conservative party. The right-wing economist a key Truss supported who was handed a peerage in her resignation honours also said it was not about seeking to replicate or replace any of the many existing right-wing caucuses of Tory MPs. Railing against the Sunak government and the Whitehall institutions, he said low taxes have proven to be frustratingly elusive attacking bureaucrats who share the same sort of leftist groupthink. Mr Rees-Mogg also launched an attack on unaccountable institutions and drew parallels with the anger of British voters and the protests by farmers in France and Germany. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg during the launch of Popular Conservatism (PA) And new right-wing favourite Mhairi Fraser, a prospective Tory candidate, attacked Mr Sunaks ludicrious youth smoking ban and other nanny state policies. Nigel Farage denied he is seeking to join the Conservative party or the PopCon movement at the moment insisting that he was only there to cover it for GB News. Im not looking to join the Tory party, you must be joking, said the Reform UK president. Not at the moment, given what they stand for. And as far as this groups concerned Id rather be part of Reform because thats the real thing. Mr Farage said none of the ideas that will be discussed at the Popular Conservatism launch will make it into the next Tory manifesto. Whilst there were some big names like Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg I saw Priti Patel coming into the audience earlier they are a very small minority within the parliamentary Conservative party. The hard-right populist said the party is now so far away from the centre of gravity of most Conservative voters, it is almost untrue. Asked whether he will remain a GB News presenter or stand as a Reform candidate, Mr Farage said: Im very happy with life as it is, thank you very much indeed doesnt mean I wont change my mind. 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 }} Rishi Sunak was accused of taking politics to a new low after betting 1,000 on being able to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda before the next election. The crude and depraved came as the PM used an interview with Piers Morgan to double down on his support for the asylum policy, insisting he will get flights off the ground this year. During the chat, he accepted bet offered by the TalkTV broadcaster, that asylum seekers will be sent on one-way flights to Kigali before voters hit the polls, with an election expected this autumn. Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP all pounced on his hand-shake bet with the TV host with the Scottish national party reporting Mr Sunak over a potential breach of the ministerial code. Green MP Caroline Lucas told The Independent Mr Sunak had plunged to a new low. She said: Words fail me that the prime minister and Piers Morgan can be so callous about the awful Rwanda policy that they place a bet on it. These are peoples lives theyre gambling over. Yet Sunak thinks nothing of casually agreeing to a 1k bet. Hes supposed to be the head of government, not a punter in a casino. She added: This is a new low in our politics. Rishi Sunak and Piers Morgan bet 1,000 on Rwanda flights leaving before next election. (Piers Morgan Uncensored/TalkTV) Labour said the bet was deeply distasteful and showed Mr Sunak is totally out of touch with working people. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock added that it was the least prime ministerial thing I've seen in nine years in parliament. Mr Kinnock said: A prime minister splashing his cash around like it's monopoly money - betting on a policy that he has lost control over. Cost of Rwanda policy may now end up at 400,001,000. And Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth said: Not a lot of people facing rising mortgages, bills and food prices are casually dropping 1,000 bets. It just shows that Rishi Sunak is totally out of touch with working people. And the SNPs Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: The lives of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet reduced to a crude bet. Its just a game to these people. The SNP reported Mr Sunak to his own adviser on ministers interests, and the cabinet secretary, over what the party claimed was a potential breach of the ministerial code. In a letter to Sir Laurie Magnus and Simon Case, SNP Cabinet Office spokesperson Kirsty Blackman said the bet falls below the high standards people should expect of those in public life and may breach ministerial code rules on avoiding conflicts with private interests. In the interview, Mr Morgan told Mr Sunak: Ill bet you 1,000 to a refugee charity, you dont get anybody on those planes before the election. Will you take that bet? Mr Sunak shook hands with the TV host to seal the deal and stressed he is working incredibly hard to get the people on the planes. He also said Rwanda is part of an overall plan to bring down the number of migrants crossing the English Channel that is working. The bet comes as Mr Sunaks plan B Rwanda bill, developed after the original was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court, is making its way through the Lords. Even if the bill passes both houses with no amendments, question marks remain over whether flights will be able to take off for Rwanda by the election. It is likely deportations will still face legal challenges as individual migrants are prepared for removal from Britain. Sunak was interviewed by Piers Morgan on TalkTV (TalkTV) The government has also agreed a legally-binding treaty with Kigali in December arguing that it addressed concerns raised by the Supreme Court about the possibility of asylum seekers deported to Rwanda being transferred to a country where they could be at risk Campaign group Reunite Families UK, who support families affected by the spousal visa threshold, reacted to the clip saying they were literally gambling over desperate people. And Steve Smith of the Care4Calais campaign group said it was disgraceful for a PM with extreme wealth to reduce the Rwanda issue to a 1,000 bet. We expect gravitas and careful consideration in our leaders. Not amorality and lack of concern for others, said the chief executive. The Liberal Democrats said the 1,000 bet may represent chump change for Mr Sunak, but the rest of the country cannot throw their money around so easily. Home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: Instead of placing a trashy bet on the Rwanda scheme, the prime minister should put his money where his mouth is on the soaring NHS backlog. Treating vulnerable people as pawns in a game tells you everything you need to know about Rishi Sunak and his Tory government. If the prime minister believes in gambling then perhaps he should throw the dice and call a general election. The PMs official spokesman said: I think what the prime ministers saying, and obviously what is clear coming through from that interview, is the prime ministers absolute confidence that well get flights off the ground. The official pointed to the timetable previously set out by Mr Sunak, which is by the spring. The spokesman batted off questions on whether Mr Sunak is setting a good example when the government is taking a hard line on gambling. I think hes focused on doing what is needed to deliver on the priorities for the British people, he said. 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 }} With the very make-up of those in attendance, the launch of the Popular Conservatism movement former prime minister Liz Trusss new faction of the Tory party was always going to prompt some bizarre comments. The event, in Westminster, saw a number of right-wing Tory MPs give their pitch on why there is scope for a new Tory family that they claim can inspire and unite the public. Co-head Ms Truss was joined by well-known figures on the right of the party, including her former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and ex-deputy chairman Lee Anderson, as well as former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. The group claims it is not a direct challenge to Rishi Sunaks leadership, but it wants to pile pressure on the prime minister to cut taxes, adopt hardline policies on immigration and leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Away from that, it also has some strong opinions on Covid lockdowns, green weirdos and left-wing extremists who are apparently undermining Britain and the Conservative Party. Here, The Independent looks at some of the strangest key takeaways from todays conference. Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage attended the conference today (Getty Images) 1. Liz Truss admits she never gets invited to dinner parties The former prime minister admitted she never gets invited to dinner parties, as she condemned colleagues who are busy looking at their next job. Ms. Truss who managed 49 days as prime minister before resigning due to her disastrous mini budget launched a blistering attack at Tory colleagues who are looking at their next job. Too many of our colleagues are looking at what jobs they get when they leave Parliament; they want to be popular at London dinner parties. She continued: I never get invited to these parties. 2. She accused those who support LGBT people and groups of ethnic minorities of being left-wing extremists Ms Truss lambasted a number of issues, including woke-ism, net zero, and immigration and said that governments are constantly being stymied when trying to respond to them in a Conservative way. Why is this? she asked, I believe the fundamental issue is that for years and years and years, and I think it goes back two decades, Conservatives have not taken on the left-wing extremists. She claimed leftists are taking power away from families and giving it to the state and unelected bodies, who is drowning out the need for cheaper energy. She also claimed environmentalists and those who are in favour of supporting LGBT people or groups of ethnic minorities were left-wing extremists. The former PM also hit out at the government for pandering to the anti-capitalists, and not siding with ordinary people who believe the wokery is nonsense. Former Brexit minister Jacob Rees-Mogg declared the age of the Davos man was over (Getty Images) 3. Only half of the MPs originally billed to speak actually turned up Of the original four MPs who had been billed to speak Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, former cabinet minister Ranil Jayawardena, and Simon Clarke only the first two actually showed up. Mr Jayawardena, who served as environment secretary under Truss, had been billed as one of the four senior speakers, but on Monday he told the press: I wont be there tomorrow. Ill keep making the positive case for growth from the common ground of British politics. Meanwhile, Sir Simon Clarke was removed from the lineup after he launched an attack on the prime minister in a scathing op-ed in the Telegraph. Truss was said to have kicked Sir Simon out of the lineup to avoid looking disloyal. 4. Right-wing rising star Mhairi Fraser compared the state to Mary Poppins Mhairi Fraser, a rising star on the Tory right and prospective candidate for Epsom and Ewell, condemned the Covid lockdowns dubbing it nanny in her most monstrous form. She said that once one freedom is surrendered, other freedoms follow because the state is no Mary Poppins. Let us never forget the nanny in her most monstrous form the Covid lockdowns, she warned the crowd. 5. Truss suggests the country is full of secret Conservatives who agree with her Ms. Truss warned that the left have been on the march. Britain is full of secret Conservatives - people who agree with us but dont want to admit it. The shortest-serving PM in history said the left have been on the march in the UK. She said the left dont admit they are socialists or communists anymore but instead say theyre environmentalists. They say that theyre in favour of helping people across all communities. They are in favour of supporting LGBT people or groups of ethnic minorities, she added. Lee Anderson said only the odd weirdo cares about net zero on the door step during the launch of the Popular Conservatism movement (PA) 6. Tory MP Lee Anderson claims net zero only matters to the odd weirdo in the corner The former deputy chairman urged the PM to ditch green levies and told the conference that net zero never comes up with voters on the doorstep, apart from the odd weirdo in the corner who supports the Green Party. Not many of his constituents lie awake at night worrying about net zero, the Ashfield MP told the conference, arguing that voters care far more about their own fuel bills. 7. Jacob Rees-Mogg condemned international cabals of the European Court on Human Rights, World Health Organization and COP Former minister for Brexit opportunities Jacob Rees-Mogg used his speech to attack the ECHR, World Health Organisation, and COP, calling them international cabals and quangos telling hundreds of millions of people how to lead their lives. He also declared that the age of Davos man is over and said that around the world millions of voters have had enough of an internationalist, unaccountable approach to governing. We have to restore power to our democratic institutions and take it away from those that seek to override democracy, he told the event. Judges are tied to the international elite, and unaccountable, unelected quangos are plugged into EU lawmaking, he said. We need to re-establish the traditional relationship between the judiciary and parliament, he added. 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 }} Bob Beckwith, a retired firefighter who once stood beside George W Bush in the rubble after the September 11 terrorist attacks, has died. He was 91. Mr Beckwith had been retired for seven years and was living on Long Island the day the Twin Towers were hit, but hurried to the scene to assist with search-and-rescue efforts. I told my wife, Im going down, Mr Beckwith told CNN in 2005. Days into the efforts, the president showed up to give a speech. Mr Beckwith stood atop the wreckage of a burnt fire truck to get a better view not expecting Mr Bush would end up standing up there beside him, an arm around his shoulder, in what would become an enduring image. Mr Beckwith died in hospice care on Sunday after many years with cancer, his wife, Barbara Beckwith told the Associated Press. He was just lucky. He was at the right place, at the right time, and thats why hes famous, Ms Beckwith said. But he was a regular guy. Well-liked and quiet. Just a regular Joe. President George W Bush with Bob Beckwith (Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Former New York congressman Pete King announced his death on Twitter/X, calling him an American icon who personified the best of the FDNY, New York and America at our most perilous moment. The union representing New York firefighters shared their deep sorrow at the news in a tweet. Bob is one of the heroes of 9/11 who stood tall for America, New York City and all New Yorkers, the union wrote. He spent many hours searching for the members we lost on that fateful day in 2001. Mr Bush stayed in touch with Mr Beckwith over the years, and had spoken to him as his health declined, Ms Beckwith said. In a statement, Mr Bush extended his condolences to the family. When the terrorists attacked, Bob suited back up and, like so many brave first responders, raced toward the danger to save and search for others, Mr Bush said. His courage represented the defiant, resilient spirit of New Yorkers and Americans after 9/11. I was proud to have Bob by my side at Ground Zero days later and privileged to stay in touch with this patriot over the years. 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 }} President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump are reacting to the news about King Charles IIIs cancer diagnosis. Its not clear what type of cancer the King, 75, has but officials for Buckingham Palace said it is not prostate cancer, though concerns were raised when the royal underwent a hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement. He has since started regular treatments related to his diagnosis. The King last met Mr Biden, 81, at Windsor Castle in July for the first time since his coronation. The pair reportedly discussed their efforts to address climate change. While speaking to reporters in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday at a union event following news of the kings diagnosis, Mr Biden said, Im concerned about him just heard his diagnosis. But Ill be talking to him God willing. Meanwhile, Mr Trump, who reportedly had a good working relationship with the King during parts of his administration, said, King Charles has cancer. He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery. The former president posted the message to his social media platform Truth Social. King Charles III, right, and Joe Biden arrive to meet participants of the Climate Finance Mobilisation forum in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, England, in July 2023 (AP) The King has postponed public-facing duties but will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible, a statement from Buckingham Palace read. His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding of all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, said the announcement of the Kings diagnosis was incredibly sad news during a daily briefing on Monday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the chorus of well wishes on Monday. I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer, Mr Trudeau wrote on social media. Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery. Mr Netanyahu said: Sara and I send our heartfelt well wishes to King Charles III and our prayers for his good health. 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 bill to require cash bail for 30 additional crimes is headed to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's desk after the House gave it final approval. The GOP-dominated House voted 97-69 for Senate Bill 63 on Monday, backing a measure that would erodes changes that Republican Gov. Nathan Deal championed in 2018 to allow judges to release most people accused of misdemeanors without bail. The measure would also limit charitable bail funds or even individuals from bailing more than three people out of jail in a year, reserving that ability only to those who meet legal requirements to be bail bond companies. Rep. Houston Gaines, an Athens Republican who supported the measure, said people let out of jail without bail are less likely to show up for court than those who have paid to get out of jail, although national studies contradict that claim. This legislation will make it clear that Georgia is not going down the path of failure seen by other states and communities that have eliminated cash bail," Gaines said. Its been an unmitigated disaster." Gaines said judges would still have the discretion to set very low bails. A separate part of the 2018 reform requiring judges to consider someone's ability to pay would still remain law. But the move could strand poor defendants in jail when accused of crimes for which theyre unlikely to ever go to prison and also aggravate overcrowding in Georgias county lockups. Rep. Tanya Miller, an Atlanta Democrat, called it the criminalization of poverty" and said there was no evidence the bill would make Georgians safer. This bill would require incarceration for many offense that once the person is fully vetted through due process, if they are convicted, they would not even receive incarceration," Miller said. Its part of a push by Republicans nationwide to increase reliance on cash bail, even as some Democratic-led jurisdictions end cash bail entirely or dramatically restrict its use. That split was exemplified last year when a court upheld Illinois plan to abolish cash bail, while voters in Wisconsin approved an amendment to the constitution letting judges consider someones past convictions for violent crimes before setting bail. Gaines called bail funds unaccountable, noting that leaders of a bail fund that freed protesters against the planned Atlanta police training center have been indicted. Some civil liberties groups condemned those charges as overreach by Attorney General Chris Carr. What is most scary about this bill is the criminalization of churches and religious institutions that have historically been on the front lines of social justice and civil rights," Miller said. Under the bill, bail would be required for a second or later misdemeanor offense of reckless driving or criminal trespass, as well as for any misdemeanor battery. People would also be required to post bail for failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket if it's their second or later offense. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has said he wants more restrictive bail conditions, but a spokesperson did not immediately respond Tuesday when asked if Kemp would sign the bill. With state lawmakers, but not Kemp, facing voters this year, it could be a sign that Republicans intend to bash their Democratic opponents as soft on crime as they did in 2022. 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 dead body has been found in a lake in Austin, Teaxs, where a string of other bodies have been recovered over the past few years. A call was made to police at 1.31pm on Monday to the 300 block of W Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, Texas, Senior Police Officer Ariel Crumes from the Austin Police Department said in a press conference yesterday. The caller said that on the north side of Lady Bird Lake, they believe they found a dead body around 20 feet into the water. Officers arrived at 1.33pm, and the body was officially pronounced deceased, Ms Crumes said. As of the press conference on Monday, police had no identifiers for the body as police were still on scene and the body was actively being recovered. Ms Crumes added that the investigation was still very early, and the scene was still active. Jaydon Wolf came down to the lake after he heard the report, as he is searching for his friend he said has been missing since Saturday night after going out to bars, he told Fox 7. Our initial thoughts were hopefully it was not our friend, you know we just dont want it to be our friend, Mr Wolf told the outlet. Several other bodies have been found in Lady Bird Lake; according to statistics by KXAN, five were discovered in 2023 and four in 2022. This dead body would be the 10th found in the lake since July 2022, according to the outlet. The rising number of dead bodies all connected to the same lake sparked speculations of a serial killer last year, yet police suspended these rumours, saying there was nothing to back it up. This body discovery comes after five were found in the same lake last year (Fox 7 Austin) There are a lot of allegations that theres a serial killer, but theres no proof or evidence in any of our investigations to sustain that, APD Assistant Chief Jeff Greenwalt told KXAN in April last year. After one man, identified as 33-year-old Jonathan Honey, was pulled from Lady Bird Lake in April 2023, the Austin Police Department released a statement regarding the speculation of connected cases. There is no evidence in any of these cases to support allegations of foul play, the police department said in April last year. They said that while each incident has happened at the lake, the circumstances, exact location and demographics surrounding these cases vary. However, they did offer up an alternative common theme between the cases: The combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake. They said the lake has many access points, which can be challenging to see at night. Before this case on Monday, the last person to have been recovered from the lake was in June and was identified by police as Mogga Dogale, according to KXAN. The death was not investigated as a homicide, the outlet said. The Independent has contacted the Austin Police Department for further information. 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 }} Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley, has been found guilty of manslaughter in a historic case that demonstrates that a parent can be held criminally responsible for a mass shooting committed by their child. A Michigan jury convicted Crumbley of four counts of involuntary manslaughter over the November 2021 shooting where her son murdered four of his classmates. The panel of 12 jurors listened to nearly two weeks of testimony from law enforcement officials, school administrators, acquaintances of Crumbley, and Crumbley herself before rending their verdict. Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Crumbley was a neglectful mother, who didnt pay enough attention to her sons mental health and gave him access to a gun while dedicating her own time to horses and an extramarital affair. Meanwhile, the defence argued that her son did something she could have never anticipated, fathomed, or predicted. Crumbley is now facing up to 60 years in prison on the charges, as each of the four counts carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison. She will be sentenced on 9 April. What do involuntary manslaughter charges mean in Michigan? In order to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Michigan, the prosecution had to prove at least one of two theories to jurors beyond a reasonable doubt. The first theory relies on gross negligence. This theory, as the Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald explained to the court, means that the defendant caused death by acting in a grossly negligent manner. The second theory hinges on a failure to perform a legal duty. This theory means that the defendant had a legal duty to the victim, yet willfully neglected or refused to perform that duty and that this failure to perform it was grossly negligent to human life. Ultimately, it means that a victims death was directly caused by the defendants failure to perform this legal duty. Judge Cheryl Matthews defined the legal duty in this case when giving the jury their instructions. In Michigan, a parent has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to control their minor child so as to prevent the minor child from intentionally harming others or prevent the minor child from conducting themselves in a way that creates an unreasonable risk of bodily harm to others, she said. If either or both of these two theories are proven, that is sufficient to establish the crime of involuntary manslaughter, the judge said. Its not necessary that you all agree on which theory has been proven. As long as you all agree that the prosecutor has to prove at least one of those theories beyond a reasonable doubt. How did Crumbley meet these requirements? The twelve jurors found Crumbley guilty on all four counts, finding that the prosecution proved that Crumbley was either grossly negligent or had failed to perform a legal duty. Ms McDonald told jurors in her closing arguments that this is a rare case that takes some really egregious facts. It takes the unthinkable. Ms Crumbley has done the unthinkable and because of that four kids have died, she said. The prosecutor added: She is not somebody that used ordinary care to prevent what was reasonably foreseeable. Ms McDonald said there were tragically small things Crumbley could have done to have prevented the shooting. The court heard how Crumbley had received texts from her son where he said he was seeing demons, how she allegedly laughed at her son when he asked to see a doctor, how she brought a third gun into the family home which was bought for Ethan and how she made a gun and ammunition accessible in their home to the then-15-year-old. Despite all this, she then didnt disclose these potential warning signs to the school when the alarm was raised about her sons behaviour on the morning of the shooting. Youre the last adult to have possession of that gun, assistant prosecutor Marc Keast said during Crumbleys cross-examination. You saw your son shoot the last practice round before the shooting on November 30. You saw how he stood... He knew how to use the gun. Crumbley replied: Yes, he did. Crumbleys defence attorney Shannon Smith took the opposite approach, arguing that the massacre committed by her clients son could not have been predicted. Can parents really be responsible for everything their children do? Especially when its not foreseeable? Ms Smith asked the court in her closing argument. It was unforeseeable. No one expected this. No one could have expected this including Mrs Crumbley. Has this happened before? This case was unprecedented, as it marked the first time a parent went on trial for their alleged role in a mass shooting carried out by their child. The case could provide a blueprint for how others, beyond the shooter, could be charged over a mass shooting. Crumbleys husband James Crumbley is being tried separately in March. He has also pleaded not guilty to four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Other parents have also faced criminal charges when their child has committed a shooting. The mother of the Virginia six-year-old who shot his first grade teacher, Deja Taylor, was sentenced to 21 months in prison in November after she pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while being a drug user and lying on a background check about her marijuana use when she bought the gun which was later used by her son. In November, Robert Crimo Jr, the father of the Highland Park shooter, also pleaded guilty to seven counts of misdemeanour reckless conduct after his son opened fire on a Fourth of July parade in the Illinois suburb in 2022. His son was 21 at the time of the shooting. 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 Michigan jury has found Jennifer Crumbley guilty of manslaughter in the Oxford High School shooting, after she bought her teenage son a firearm and ignored multiple warning signs about his disturbing behaviour in the lead-up to the deadly attack. Jurors reached the verdict on Tuesday morning after deliberating for more than 10 hours. Crumbley, 45, had pleaded not guilty to four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the case, one for each of the four classmates Madiyson Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Justin Shilling, 17; and Hana St. Juliana, 14 murdered by her son. Her son, Ethan Crumbley, was sentenced in December to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he shot and killed four of his classmates in the 30 November 2021 mass shooting. The verdict handed down to the shooters mother is historic, as no parent has ever been charged, tried or convicted for their alleged role in a mass school shooting perpetrated by their child. She sat quietly and closed her eyes as the verdicts were read out in court. Throughout her trial, the prosecution accused Crumbley of ignoring her sons downward spiral and making the 9mm handgun used in the rampage accessible in their home. Just four days before the massacre, Ethan and his father, James Crumbley, had gone to a gun store to purchase the gun. The defence also argued that Crumbley was a hypervigilant mother who cared about her son very much. Despite this, the defence said, it was not on her radar that his mental condition had declined, blaming the school for not sharing concerns they had about the high school sophomore with his mother. Central to the case was the meeting between the Crumbley parents and school officials that took place mere hours before the shooting. On the morning of 30 November 2021, a teacher had noticed a disturbing drawing by Ethan, prompting school administrators to call in his parents for a meeting and consult them about whether he should stay in school or be taken home. The parents decided he should stay in school, where he killed four of his classmates hours later. The defence underscored that school staff gave Crumbley a choice and didnt force her to take her son home. Jennifer Crumbley listening to a witness in her trial (Getty Images) However, a videotaped interview with police in the aftermath of the attack was played in court, showing Crumbley admitting: I really wish we took him home. In an attempt to cut into the defences description of Crumbley being a hypervigilant mom, the prosecution tried to draw attention to how much time and money the mother dedicated to her horses and to other distractions including her affair with her former lover. Brian Meloche, Crumbleys long-time friend, testified that he and Crumbley had a six-month extramarital affair starting in the spring of 2021. Around this same time, Ethans mental health started to decline, the prosecution claimed. His grandmother passed away in April 2021 and his mother told a friend that he was acting depressed. Beyond this affair, Crumbleys digital footprint also showed that she was using the adultery website AdultFriendFinder. Despite telling school staff that Ethan should remain in school since both she and her husband had to return to work that day, Mr Meloche testified that Crumbley had text him saying she was free to meet up with him. She had also told her boss before she left that she would be back in an hour, putting a limit on the meetings time span, the prosecution said. Crumbleys boss also testified that she could have stayed home on the day of the shooting. Prosecutors also pointed out that Mr Crumbley was a DoorDash driver at the time, and so their son could have accompanied him that day. In the days after the mass shooting, the Crumbley parents started acting strangely. They checked into a hotel the defence claiming it was because their house was surrounded by media and they were receiving death threats. They also withdrew huge amounts of cash and bought multiple burner phones, jurors heard. The pair then left home and went to Crumbleys friends artist studio, where they were eventually arrested on 4 December 2021 following a manhunt after they failed to turn themselved into authorities when charges were filed the day before. In closing arguments, the prosecution stressed that Crumbley could have taken tragically small steps that would have prevented the shooting. Oakland Prosecutor Karen McDonald argued that Crumbley could have stopped by their home to check the gun was where it should have been following the meeting at the high school. She could have locked the gun away out of reach of her son, she could have taken him home from school, she could have taken him to work, she could have told the school that they had gifted him a gun. Noting that Crumbley didnt engage with her son during the school meeting, the prosecutor said the mother could have simply told her son then: I care about you, I love you. Defence attorney Shannon Smith argued in her closing arguments that Crumbley is not a perfect person or a perfect parent and that the events that transpired could not have been anticipated. Ms Smith asked the court: Can parents really be responsible for everything their children do? Especially when its not foreseeable? She continued, It was unforeseeable. No one expected this. No one could have expected this including Mrs Crumbley. Crumbley took the stand last week to deliver a rather unemotional testimony except when she discussed her son or the shooting that he committed. That was the hardest thing I had to stomach that my child harmed and killed other people, Crumbley said, stumbling over the last few words and uttering them quietly. When asked if she would change what had happened if she could, Crumbley said, Oh absolutely. I wish he wouldve killed us instead. Close Jonathan Majors expresses 'shock' at verdict in first interview since assault conviction 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 }} Jonathan Majors sentencing hearing has been postponed after the actor had been scheduled to appear in court to hear his penalties following a jury conviction in December in his domestic assault case. Attorneys for Majors filed a motion to set aside the verdict, which can be filed under New York law after a conviction but before sentencing, on Monday night. Prosecutors now have until next month to respond to the motion. Judge Michael Gaffey has scheduled a new sentencing hearing for 8 April. The former Marvel star, 34, was found guilty on counts of third-degree assault and harassment in December. The jury acquitted him of one count of assault and one count of aggravated harassment. He is facing a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Officials arrested Majors in March 2023 when Ms Jabbari accused him of slapping her and throwing her into a car. Following his conviction, Majors attorney Priya Chaudry said, It is clear that the jury did not believe Grace Jabbaris story of what happened in the SUV because they found that Mr Majors did not intentionally cause any injuries to her. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that evidence presented in the trial showed a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion. We thank the jury for its service and the survivor for bravely telling her story despite having to relive the trauma on the stand, Mr Bragg said. Majors past credits include Creed III, Marvels Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the HBO drama Lovecraft Country, and the 2021 western The Harder They Fall. Both Marvel and the Walt Disney Corporation have terminated their association with Majors. 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 sentencing hearing for Jonathan Majors in his domestic assault case has been delayed after his attorneys filed a last-ditch motion on Monday. The actor is facing up to a year in jail following his conviction last year over a dispute between him and his former girlfriend Grace Jabbari. New York City law enforcement arrested Majors in March 2023 after Ms Jabbari accused him of slapping her and throwing her into a car. In December, a jury found Majors guilty of third-degree assault and harassment charges but acquitted him of one count of assault and one count of aggravated harassment. Majors had been scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday. However, prosecutors later announced that the sentencing would be postponed following a motion to set aside the verdict filed on Monday by Majors attorneys. The former Marvel star appeared in court via video call later in the day for a short hearing in which Judge Michael Gaffey said the sentencing has now been postponed to 8 April. Prosecutors have until next month to respond to the motion, which is likely a final attempt by the defence to avoid prison time for their client. Following a tenday-long trial, which included testimony from the driver of the vehicle and Ms Jabbari herself, the split verdict was returned on 18 December. Hours after the guilty verdict was announced, Marvel said it was dropping Majors from its lineup. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that evidence presented in the trial showed a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion. We thank the jury for its service and the survivor for bravely telling her story despite having to relive the trauma on the stand, Mr Bragg said. During closing arguments, prosecutors said that the case had hinged on four words: control, domination, manipulation, and abuse. Assistant district attorney Kelli Galloway also criticised the defences portrayal of Jabbari as trying to seek revenge after the alleged assault: This is not consistent with the testimony that you heard, she said. This is not a revenge plot to ruin the defendants life, his career, to take everything away from him, Ms Galloway continued. What transpired in March 2023 was not consistent with a premeditated plan of revenge. Majors past credits include Creed III, Marvels Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the HBO drama Lovecraft Country, and the 2021 western The Harder They Fall. 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 }} Michelle Troconis once said that murdered mother-of-five Jennifer Dulos was a b**** and that she should be buried next to this dog, according to dramatic testimony at her conspiracy to murder trial. Pawel Gumienny, who was the project manager for Fotis Dulos company Fore Group, took the stand on Tuesday in Stamford, Connecticut, where he gave damaging testimony as Ms Troconis trial entered its fourth week. Ms Troconis is on trial for her alleged role in helping her then-boyfriend Dulos conceal the murder of his estranged wife Jennifer, who has been missing since 24 May 2019. In the days that followed the Connecticut moms disappearance, Ms Troconis allegedly told Mr Gumienny Im going to kill that f****** b**** when she turns up after he said she had gotten upset about her photo being used in the news reports. Jennifers body has never been found but a judge officially declared her dead in October 2023. During Mr Gumiennys highly-anticipated testimony, he first recalled how just weeks before Jennifer vanished, Ms Troconis made a shocking statement when they learned the Dulos family dog was sick and needed to be put to sleep. Police believe Fotis Dulos was driving Pawel Gumiennys red Toyota Tacoma on the day Jennifer went missing (Law&Crime) Dulos, who was in the midst of a bitter divorce and custody battle with Jennifer, made a comment in the presence of Mr Gumienny and Ms Troconis that she his estranged wife had refused to bring their children over to say goodbye to the dog. He (Dulos) said something like, Can you believe that Jennifer wont even let the kids come over and say goodbye to the dog before we put him to sleep? Mr Gumienny said. Mr Gumienny said Ms Troconis then responded with: That b**** should be buried right next to this dog. When prosecutors asked Mr Gumienny about Ms Troconis demeanour when she said this, he responded: I think she was trying to cheer Dulos up. He was heartbroken that his dog was about to be put down. Mr Gumienny also testified about the other wild comment Ms Troconis allegedly said to him -- this one in the week after Jennifer went missing. She said, Im going to kill that f****** b**** when she turns up, Mr Gumienny told the court, to which he replied to her at the time, dont say that. Mr Gumienny had been helping Ms Troconis move firewood when she made the remark. He explained that she was upset about photos of herself and her daughter that had been posted online by a news outlet in the wake of Jennifers disappearance. Michelle Troconis is charged with conspiracy to murder, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution (AP) Police believe Dulos borrowed Mr Gumiennys red Toyota Tacoma on the day that he allegedly murdered Jennifer in the garage of her New Canaan home on 24 May 2019 after she dropped their five children off at school. Blood evidence with Jennifers DNA was found in the garage and on items found in various trash cans around Hartford. Earlier in the trial, the prosecution showed jurors video of Dulos driving around with Ms Troconis, disposing of the bags. Dulos killed himself in 2020 after he was charged with murder, leaving Ms Troconis to take the fall on her own. She is charged with conspiracy to murder, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. Ms Troconis has denied any involvement in Jennifers disappearance. Jennifers body has never been found but a judge officially declared her dead in October 2023 (New Canaan Police Department) During the courts lunch break on Tuesday, her family once again spoke to the public in her defence. She has nothing to do with the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos, Marisela Troconis told reporters. Mr Gumienny returns to the stand on Wednesday. He received immunity for his testimony, but investigators do not believe he played a role in the crime. 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 }} Had it not been for an elected Alabama circuit judge in 1996, Kenneth Eugene Smith might not have been put to death with nitrogen gas last week. Thats because the judge presiding over his trial, N Pride Tompkins, overruled the jurys 11-to-1 recommendation for a life sentence without parole, rather than the death penalty. Until 2017, when the state legislature outlawed the practice, judges in Alabama had this right. Despite the practice being outlawed, past cases were not affected. At the time, Judge Tompkins said he believed Smith deserved the death penalty because of the nature of the crime and because he thought the jury might have been hesitant to sentence him themselves. Some people serving on juries, especially on these cases, have never been in court before and they dont want the responsibility to sentence someone to death, he told The Gadsden Times in 2004. In the end, Smith was sentenced to death by electrocution for his involvement in the 1988 murder of 45-year-old pastors wife Elizabeth Sennett. Prosecutors said Smith was paid $1,000 to commit the crime along with John Forrest Parker, who was put to death in 2010. Its thought that the murder was orchestrated by Elizabeth Sennetts husband, Charles Sennett, who died by suicide a week after Elizabeth died. Sennett recruited one Billy Gray Williams to hire the two men. Williams was sentenced to life in prison and died in a state correctional facility in 2020. It may seem uniquely unfair that Smiths fate came down to the decision of one elected official, but its fairly common. Around 70 Alabama judges have used judicial override to sentence someone to death. There are currently about 30 people on the states death row due to the practice. After Smiths execution, the Alabama attorney generals office said the total number of people waiting to be put to death in the state was 165. Smith wasnt the first person Judge Tompkins sentenced to die. The official previously used judicial override to overturn a jurys 11-to-1 life-in-prison recommendation for Thomas Dale Ferguson. Ferguson was convicted of murdering Harold Pugh and his 11-year-old son Joey Pugh in Colbert County in 1997. He has been fighting the case ever since his sentencing, claiming that his constitutional rights were violated during court proceedings. None of his appeals has been successful, nor have the appeals of any prisoner attempting to challenge judicial override in the state. This is despite attorneys for inmates having argued that the practice is in violation of the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and 14th amendments. Evan Farber, a commercial litigation attorney, has been working on one such case since at least 2019. He helped file a Rule 32 petition for Oscar Roy Doster, who was convicted of three counts of capital murder and sentenced to death. Inmates can file petitions to challenge their conviction in the court where they were sentenced. Under Alabama law, the filing went back to the sentencing judge, who did not approve Dosters new request. Farber has since filed a federal habeas corpus petition stating that Doster did not have effective counsel at trial. A ruling has not been issued in the matter. The jury in Dosters case unanimously recommended a life-in-prison sentence. The attorney first got involved with Dosters case while working at his previous law firm, Reed Smith, in New York City. The firm took on several override cases from the state, he tells The Independent. They believed fundamentally that jury override was just immoral and unfair and I agreed with that, says Farber. When approaching Dosters case, he remains hopeful but is aware of the reality of the situation, saying: You would like to think that you can still convince them that this isnt appropriate, but you know that this is going to be an uphill battle. Alabama is not the only state to have used judicial override in the past. The state modelled its policy after Floridas in the 1970s. It was originally envisioned as a way to bar juries from overusing the death penalty. Floridas statute was struck down by the US Supreme Court in 2016. Due to that ruling, Delaware which also had an override policy but never used it to sentence someone to death chose to vacate, or strike out, the capital sentences of everyone on the states death row. Delaware abolished the death penalty later that year. Democratic state representative Chris England, of Tuscaloosa in Alabama, has tried to pass a bill that would allow for those who were sentenced to death through judicial override to be re-sentenced. The same bill would also require a unanimous jury for people to receive the death penalty. Currently, the state only requires that 10 out of 12 jurors recommend capital punishment. Those provisions were included in the original legislation but were whittled away in negotiations. Chris England intends to reintroduce a bill this upcoming session targeting the statutes, but says hell split the policies up into two separate pieces of legislation. You have an aspirational goal which would be wed get rid of the death penalty, but youve got a realistic goal, which means you take incremental steps toward getting to where youre trying to go, or at the very least make it so it doesnt happen as often, the representative tells The Independent. England describes Alabamas death penalty as being seen as a fundamental part of the states criminal justice system used to get justice for families hurt by violent crime. An eye for an eye, he says, explaining how some of his colleagues view capital punishment. The policy has historically been favoured by state residents, particularly during elections. According to the Equal Justice Initiative, an Alabama organisation that works to end mass incarceration, judicial overrides for the death penalty significantly go up in election years. Some elected judges have even been known to campaign on their death penalty records. One campaign ad that ran before the state suspended the practice in 2017 showed a judge boasting about how he looked into the eyes of murderers and sentenced them to death. The states crime-and-punishment culture could be one reason why the policy continued until the legislature acted. I dont think youll find anything that we do well in criminal justice, especially the Department of Corrections, or parole, England says. But one thing that we do well is execute people. Before Smiths execution, the state had tried to put him to death in 2022 via lethal injection, but officials were unable to find a vein to administer intravenous lines. It was the third consecutive botched lethal injection execution in the state. Following the attempt, Smith told officials hed like to be killed via hypoxia using nitrogen gas. That choice meant that he would become the first person in the world to be executed with the untested method. But before his death, he expressed concerns about the method, including the likelihood that he could suffer a painful death by choking on his own vomit. Alabama officials argued that theyd discovered the most painless and humane method of execution known to man. Still, during Smiths death, media witnesses said he began writhing and thrashing for two to four minutes and pulling against his restraints. In court filings, officials said they believed Smith would become unconscious in seconds, but the death row inmate continued to breathe heavily for several minutes before his breathing was no longer distinguishable. Smiths reaction, Alabama Department of Corrections commissioner John Hamm said, was nothing different from what had been expected. Alabama has not scheduled any additional executions. When we were challenged to figure out a way to kill somebody, because we failed beforehand, we were so willing to go the extra mile there that were going to do something that nobody has ever done before, England says. The representative is optimistic that his proposed legislation will pass at some point in the future. But, he cautions, thinking about the other individuals on death row due to override, the longer it takes, the less likely itll be needed. The Independent and the non-profit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to its Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives such as Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative, and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage. 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 Texas community is mourning the tragic deaths of an infant boy and his mother, who died in a fire after she heroically rescued her two other children from the blaze. The fire broke out in the early morning hours of Saturday as 31-year-old Giovanna Cabrera and her three children were inside their home in north Houston. According to authorities, Cabrera was able to get her six-year-old daughter and her nine-year-old son out of the home before she returned to save little Gabriel, aged one. Cabrera and her youngest son died in the fire and their remains were located inside the home after the fire was extinguished. The mother rescued two of her children from a house fire but died while trying to save her baby boy. We are working to make sure this family has the support they need in their time of grief, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a Facebook post. Cabreras sister, Giselle Bueno, told KTRK that the mother-of-three died while holding her baby in her arms. Ms Bueno said the home had been completely left destroyed in the fire and that the smoke likely prevented her sister from making it to safety a second time. I know that she had to save her babies, like I can only imagine how scared she was, Ms Bueno told the outlet. She had him in her arms like the baby, so I know she tried. I know if she couldve, she would have made it out. An investigation has been launched into what caused the fire, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena told reporters. How do you tell that to a mother whose child is inside the home? Chief Pena said, noting that fire victims are always advised to remain outside once theyve made it out of the blaze. Cabreras family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help pay for funeral services and to help the two surviving children and other family members. 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 }} Google has dedicated its 6 February Doodle to Waitangi Day 2024, the national day of Aotearoa, which is the Maori name for New Zealand. Waitangi Day is celebrated every year on 6 February to mark the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi almost 200 years ago in 1840, when British representatives and over 500 Maori chiefs signed what is largely regarded as New Zealands founding document. The treaty established that the Maori would cede sovereignty of New Zealand to Britain, the Maori would give the Crown exclusive rights to buy lands they wished to sell and the Maori would have full rights of ownership over their lands and possessions. How this treaty has been interpreted over the years has caused debate. While for some, the day has been a holiday of recognition of the treaty, it has also been a point of debate over what place the treaty has in New Zealand in the modern day, according to New Zealands government history website. The first Waitangi Day was held in 1934, and since then, annual ceremonies have grown larger with more extravagant celebrations, from speeches, diplomats and royals attending, theatrics, attracting thousands to Waitangi and having the ceremony screened on television. However, the day had not been without protests, walkouts and boycotts throughout the decades surrounding sovereignty, race and identity issues. In the 1980s, there was a call for Pakeha (white New Zealanders) for a greater acceptance of Maoritanga (Maori culture and their way of life), something that was seen as part of the 1840 treaty. The treatys second article that agreed on sovereignty status was a point of focus of protests during the 1990s. The government was keen to display the day as a unification of the different cultures and people throughout New Zealand, but protests still ensued throughout the decades over race relations and treaty issues. The Waitangi Day Act of 1960 declared that 6 February would be known as Waitangi Day, but was not established as an official public holiday. The government said that a public holiday would be too expensive and they wanted to keep divisiveness between people to a minimum. A paid public holiday would be too costly, and the government wanted to minimise any suggestion of divisiveness. We should not think of ourselves as Maoris or pakehas, but rather as one people, prime minister Walter Nash said in 1960. Eventually, a national holiday was granted from 1974 onwards, but it was called New Zealand Day; however, only a few years later, the Waitangi Day Act 1976 reinstated the name to Waitangi Day. The artwork for this Google Doodle was illustrated by Canterbury-based artist Vincent Egan of Maui Studios in New Zealand, alongside designers and illustrators Madison Henry and Royce Southerland. Mr Egan told Google that todays topic is meaningful because it speaks to the people of the islands Te Ika-a-Maui and Te Waipounamu in New Zealand. The illustration was an opportunity to show the different personalities of what he describes as their collective home. The artist said that each character combines traits and attributes from people he has met throughout different events, from kapa haka cultural performances, mau rakau weaponry workshops or annual tribal celebrations. Here, he has shown whanau and friends celebrating together at a kapa haka festival. The kapa haka is a traditional Maori dance performed by standing in rows. Whanau is often translated to family but according to Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, the meaning is much more complex than a simple translation. In Maori culture, whanau is based more on physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions that are part of being interconnected through tribes and sub-tribes, both living and dead. It is the idea that no matter where you are in the world, or whether you are alive or not, you are connected, and your bond stays strong. Whanau is not restricted to family members; it can be extended to much larger groups of people. Mr Egan wants this art piece to send the message of kotahitanga (unity) and use it as a tohu (sign) or a symbol of how awesome we are as people when we come together. 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 }} Sebastian Pinera, the former president of Chile, has died in a helicopter crash, his office has confirmed. He was 74. In a statement to Chilean media, the former presidents office confirmed he had died in a helicopter accident. His death was first reported by local media, according to Reuters. SENAPRAD, the countrys national disaster agency, confirmed that there had been a helicopter crash in Lago Ranco, a town in the southern part of Chile. Mr Pinera was reportedly the only person killed in the crash, while three others were injured. In a televised address, Interior Minister Carolina Toha said the aircraft had crashed into Lake Ranco, and that the three other passengers swam to shore, according to the New York Times. The Chilean Navy recovered Mr Pineras body from the wreckage, she said. Mr Pinera, a businessman and billionaire, served as president from 2010 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2022. He was married and a father of four. The conservative politician was credited with steering Chile towards significant economic growth and decreased unemployment in his first term as president. In his second term, widespread protests broke out across Chile, with demonstrators calling for change amid stark economic inequality. Mr Pinera ultimately agreed that the country would hold a vote to rewrite the constitution. He also led the country through numerous natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic. 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 }} Most Americans doubt the US Supreme Courts fairness in deciding Donald Trumps legal cases relating to the 2024 presidential election, a new poll has revealed. According to a CNN poll released on Monday, 58 per cent of respondents said they did not trust the Supreme Court to make the right decisions. When asked if they trusted the Supreme Court, 58 per cent of respondents either said not at all or just some. Only a small group 11 per cent of respondents said they trusted the Supreme Court a great deal and 31 per cent said a moderate amount. The poll revealed that among Democrats, 63 per cent expressed some trust in the court, with 27 per cent having no trust at all and 36 per cent having just some trust. Republicans displayed more confidence in the court, with 48 per cent indicating limited trust, which included 17 per cent who said they had no trust and 31 per cent with some trust. Independents held similar views to Democrats. A federal grand jury indictment charges Mr Trump with conspiracy and obstruction for his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. According to the CNN poll by SSRS, the majority of Americans are eager for a verdict on those federal charges before the next presidential election. Many respondents anticipated that if Mr Trump won, he would pardon himself for any federal offences he was found guilty of, or choose not to concede if he was defeated in the November election. Nearly half of Americans at 48 per cent believed it was crucial to have a verdict on the charges before the 2024 presidential election, with 16 per cent expressing a preference for seeing a verdict by then. Only 11 per cent advocated for delaying the trial until after the election, while another 25 per cent were indifferent about when the trial took place. 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 appeared to confuse French President Emmanuel Macron with Francois Mitterrand, the former president of France who died in 1996, during a campaign speech on Sunday. The mix-up occurred during a campaign event in Las Vegas, where Mr Biden told an anecdote about a meeting with G7 leaders back in June 2021. The 81-year-old president recounted how he told the meeting in Cornwall that America is back, which prompted a response from Mitterrand from Germany, before correcting it to from France. Mitterrand from Germany I mean, from France looked at me and said, You know, what ... why how long you back for? Mr Biden said. He added that the conversation then turned to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, with then-chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, comparing it to the hypothetical storming of Parliament in Britain. I never thought about it from that perspective. What would we say if that happened in another democracy around the world, he recounted. Mr Bidens gaffe was corrected on the official White House record, which published his remarks with the name Mitterrand crossed out and replaced with Macron. President Joe Biden on Sunday appeared to confuse French president Emmanuel Macron with Francois Mitterrand (AP) And Mitterrand [Macron], from Germany I mean, from France looked at me and said said, You know, what why how long you back for? the official transcript of the speech read. Mr Biden met Mr Mitterrand in January 1988 during a meeting of the European Affairs Committee, seven years after he became the French president in 1981. Mr Mitterrand was president until 1995, and died a year later, aged 79. Mr Bidens gaffe marks the latest in a growing list during the presidents high-profile speeches to the extent that he has nicknamed himself a gaffe machine. In June 2023, the president muddled up the ongoing war in Ukraine for the Iraq War, which ended in 2011. In the same month, Mr Biden made another verbal gaffe when he bizarrely closed out a speech on gun control with the proclamation: God save the Queen, man. The White House later sought to explain away the bizarre reference by saying that he was merely commenting to someone in the crowd. Meanwhile, the president had another gaffe in June last year when he met with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and accidentally called him by his own moniker: Mr President. Mr Bidens many gaffes have been capitalised on by his political rivals, including 77-year-old Donald Trump, who claimed the president cant put two sentences together and hes in charge of nuclear warfare at an event in October. Mr Trump also trolled president Mr Biden last month with a spoof advert depicting the White House as a senior living establishment where residents feel like presidents. However, Mr Trump, who is just four years younger than the president, has also faced questions over his own age and mental competency. This is a different Donald Trump than 2015 and 16 lost the zip on his fastball, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters during a visit to New Hampshire last year. Mr DeSantis also launched an accident tracker to catalogue Mr Trumps various gaffes while he was competing with him for the Republican presidential nomination the latest of which occurred last month when he appeared to mix-up his only Republican challenger Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while discussing the January 6 Capitol riots. Mr Biden later mocked Mr Trump for the gaffe, writing on X: I dont agree with Nikki Haley on everything, but we agree on this much: She is not Nancy Pelosi. WELLS An investigation was underway into the death of a man who died after firing shots at a pickup 30 miles south of Wells on Feb. 1. The male driver, whose identity has not been released by the Elko County Sheriffs Office, was discovered by sheriffs deputies in a black Dodge Challenger with a rifle and handgun in his lap. But the sheriffs office said he did not die of a gunshot wound, according to a statement released by Undersheriff Justin Ames. Approximately 40 grams of fentanyl and 16 grams of methamphetamine were discovered in the vehicle near the driver, Ames said. Authorities are not identifying the man pending positive identification and cause of death from the Washoe County Medical Examiners Office and notification of his family, Ames said. According to the sheriffs office, Elko County Regional Communications Center received a call just before midnight Wednesday that the driver of a Challenger traveling north on U.S. Highway 93 that had fired a weapon at a southbound GMC pickup. The pickups driver, who later met with authorities at Loves Truck Stop at U.S. 93 and Interstate 80 in Wells, said he lost sight of the Challenger as he approached Wells, but then it appeared next to his pickup, traveling to the south in the northbound lanes and fired another shot at the pickup. The pickup truck driver applied the brakes and the Challenger continued south on U.S. 93. Dispatch received another call about 12:41 a.m. that the Challenger was parked in a travel lane 30 miles south of Wells. When troopers and deputies arrived, they found the driver dead in the Challengers front seat. The car was facing south in the northbound travel lane. Authorities said the Challenger had Alaska license plates and the driver appeared to be from California. An investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Nevada State Police Investigations Division. Fortunately, no one was injured by this man in his senseless attack, Ames 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 }} Chris Christie has told Democrats that the best thing they can do to beat former president and expected Republican nominee Donald Trump is to replace Joe Biden. In his first interview since dropping out of the Republican primary almost a year ago, the ex-New Jersey governor said, I just think that Joe Biden is probably the only major Democrat who Donald Trump could beat. He also agreed that the opposite is also true that Mr Trump is the only Republican that Mr Biden could beat. Ive known Joe Biden for 40 years. I like President Biden personally, always have. But you know, hes past his sell-by date, its just time, Mr Christie said. Joe Biden could sell it better in 2020 than hes able to in 2024. And that is just a product of age. And this is not me making some clinical diagnosis. Im making a political diagnosis, that the guy isnt as good as he was four years ago. Speaking about the upcoming general election, Mr Christie said, I dont know what Im going to do in November. But Im not voting for Donald Trump under any circumstance. Regarding the centrist, independent group No Labels, which looks set to nominate a presidential ticket of their own, Mr Christie said who the group will pull more voters away from, Mr Trump or Mr Biden, depends on who they nominate. The ex-governor said the group hasnt asked him to run but he didnt reject the idea. Id have to see a path for anybody, not just me. But I think anybody who would accept that would need to see a path to 270 ... electoral votes. If there was ever a time in our lifetime when a third-party candidate could make a difference. I think its now. The question, though, is what kind of difference, he said. According to RealClearPoliticss polling average, Mr Trump leads Mr Biden in national polls of hypothetical head-to-head matchups 46.7 per cent to 44.6 per cent. When third-party and independent candidates are included, Mr Trumps lead grows to 4.8 per cent, with the former president at 41.6 per cent, Mr Biden at 36.8 per cent, independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr at 13 per cent, and other candidates collectively at 4.4 per cent. 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 }} Chris Christie has warned that a second Donald Trump term in the White House would become a vendetta presidency where the former president would go after those he feels have wronged him. Speaking with ABC News in his first interview since dropping out of the Republican race, Mr Christie said that a second Trump administration would have a massive personnel problem. Mayhem. Absolute mayhem, he predicted about the future of the country should Mr Trump win the 2024 presidential election. First off, people forget that in the first term, he got a lot of good people to work for him in that administration. The former New Jersey governor mentioned a number of cabinet-level officials who were eventually fired or quit, such as former secretary of state Rex Tillerson, former defence secretaries Mark Esper and Jim Mattis, former attorney general Bill Barr, as well as former White House chief of staff John Kelly. Whether you agree with their policies, these are really solid, experienced people in government, Mr Christie said. I cannot imagine the crew that hell put together in a second term, he added. And he will do it with an eye much different than in 16. In 16, he was scared. He didnt expect to win, and he was intimidated by the presidency when he first got there. He will not be this time. Mr Christie also ran unsuccessfully against Mr Trump for the Republican nomination back in 2016. After dropping out of the race that time, he endorsed Mr Trump and took the helm of his transition team something he has since said was a mistake, pointing to Mr Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Since then, Mr Christie has become one of the former presidents most outspoken Republican critics, prompting personal attacks from Mr Trump against his former ally. Mr Christie told ABC that he doesnt think Mr Trump will look for competent people to staff a possible second administration. What he wants ... are people who will just nod their heads, say yes and execute whatever his next rant will be. And so, one, itll be a huge personnel problem of people who have no business being in senior positions in the federal government, he said. Chris Christie in his first interview since dropping out of the 2024 Republican primary (Screenshot / ABC News) And then secondly, I think we have to take him at his word. This is gonna be the vendetta presidency. This is gonna be, I am your retribution. And I think he will use the levers of government to punish the people who he believes have been disloyal to him or to his approach, he added. Mr Trump has faced criticism for his increasingly authoritarian rhetoric, using words like vermin to describe his political opponents. He has also said that he would be a dictator for the first day of his second term, though he has recently appeared to try to backtrack his comments. Were going to make the country so successful again, Im not going to have time for retribution, he has since said. And remember this: Our ultimate retribution is success. Reflecting on his own failed 2024 run, Mr Christie told ABC: I think the biggest frustration for me is that we have so many people in our party who complain about Donald Trump, but none of them are willing to do the hard work that needs to be done to rid our party ... and our country of Donald Trump. He added that he thought the entire primary was over the night of the first debate... because when they asked, would you still support him if he was a convicted felon ... six of the eight people raised their hands on that stage. What it says to the largest debate audience we were ever going to have during the primary is his conduct is normal. Six of these eight candidates who are running against him say its okay. So how do you expect voters to think its not okay, Mr Christie said. Asked about the last remaining challenger to Mr Trump, former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and her chances in her home states primary, Mr Christie said: It doesnt look like it the polling, interestingly, has been pretty accurate this year. New Hampshire ended pretty much ... the way we thought it would end. He added: To me, once I became convinced I couldnt beat [Mr Trump] in New Hampshire, it was time to get out. The former governor was then asked about a recent hot mic moment, in which he said Ms Haley is going to get smoked. You and I both know that shes not up to this. Mr Christie told ABC that the conversation was a complete mistake, noting that he only found out his mic was still on when he got a phone call from his son, who was watching the livestream. He added that he heard from Ms Haley the following day. It was a 45-second conversation. She told me, I know, its a personal decision to get in a race. And its a tough decision to get out. I heard everything you said last night, including the hot mic. And I said, Uh huh. And she said, Well, good luck. And I said, good luck to you, he said, adding that an apology wasnt warranted. Mr Christie said he will not be endorsing Ms Haley based on what she has said so far. If I endorse someone who then turned around and endorsed Donald Trump Im not going to be put in that spot, he said. I made a decision in 2016 the only time in my political career where I endorsed someone purely for political reasons, even though I had some misgivings. And thats when I endorsed Donald Trump. And that was the biggest mistake I made in my political career. And Im just not going to repeat that mistake for anybody. Mr Christie added that he thinks the Senate should have convicted Mr Trump in his second impeachment trial in early 2021 over the Capitol riot. I believe hell be convicted by a jury of his peers for that conduct, Mr Christie said. My guess is that he will be more likely than not a convicted felon when he gets on the stage at the nominating convention in mid-July in Milwaukee. Speaking about the upcoming general election, Mr Christie said: I don't know what I'm going to do in November. But Im not voting for Donald Trump under any circumstance. Speaking about the centrist, independent group No Labels, which looks set to nominate a presidential ticket of its own, Mr Christie said it depends on who they nominate if the group will pull more voters away from Mr Trump or from President Joe Biden. The former governor said the group hadnt yet asked him to run but he didnt reject the idea he would consider it. Id have to see a path for anybody, not just me. But I think anybody who would accept that would need to see a path to 270 ... electoral votes. If there was ever a time in our lifetime when a third-party candidate could make a difference. I think its now. The question, though, is what kind of difference, he said. Mr Christie said the most important thing to do to beat Mr Trump in November would be to replace Mr Biden atop the Democratic ticket. I just think that Joe Biden is probably the only major Democrat who Donald Trump could beat, he said, adding that Mr Trump is also the only Republican that Mr Biden could beat. Ive known Joe Biden for 40 years. I like President Biden personally, always have. But you know, hes past his sell-by date, its just time, Mr Christie said. Joe Biden could sell it better in 2020 than hes able to in 2024. And that is just a product of age. And this is not me making some clinical diagnosis. Im making a political diagnosis, that the guy isnt as good as he was four years ago. 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 }} Republicans on the House Aviation Committee used a hearing intended to address air travel safety concerns to pepper FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker with accusations of illegal foreign nationals sleeping at airports, to complain about work from home rules, and to drop a reference to Taylor Swifts supersonic jet. As Mr Whitaker admitted to the lawmakers, the past year has seen an uptick of aviation safety incidents. The most notable was the 5 January incident during which a door blew off an Alaska AirBoeing 737 MAX 9, but there have been several near miss incidents between landing planes and concerns that there are too few pilots and too few air traffic controllers to maintain safe air operations. The hearing took place just hours before the NTSB released its preliminary report detailing what went wrong on that Alaska Air flight. While the majority of the House Aviation Committee seemed intent on engaging Mr Whitaker on safety issues and demanding that Boeing be held accountable, a few members used the opportunity to peddle Fox News latest headlines back at the official and to air their various, tenuously connected grievances. Republican Scott Perry of Pennsylvania used his time to demand answers about illegal foreign nationals being housed at airports. He cited FAA regulations stating that airports would not be used for non-aeronautical functions, and asked if Mr Whitaker was aware of any airports that had filed requests allowing migrants temporary housing. Mr Whitaker said he was aware of one but noted that exceptions could be made to the non-aeronautical use rules on a request-by-request basis. The FAA does approve requests for community use, whatever the category, and theres a huge number of categories for community use, Mr Whitaker said. Our criteria is whether or not it interrupts aeronautical uses or is otherwise disruptive. In late January, Fox News ran a series of stories alleging that secret rooms were being used in airports to temporarily house migrants. Later in the hearing, Texas Republican Troy Nehls was pushing back on a letter sent by the FAA to Congress opposing raising the retirement age of pilots from 65 to 67. The letter asked for more data on the potential impacts of such a change before it would consider raising the retirement age. Mr Nehls said that the Air Line Pilots Association union which opposes raising the age limit was accepting dues from Canadian pilots who were over the age of 65, and insisted that constituted a live study that could justify raising the age of retirement. He said that older Canadian pilots were using the same runways as American pilots, and bizarrely claimed that Taylor Swift, flying to the Super Bowl in her supersonic jet was among them. Committee chairman Garrett Graves noted after Mr Nehls time expired that he did not believe Swift was in possession of a supersonic jet. Mr Nehls also complained that the FAA allows some of its staff to work primarily from home, requiring only four in-office days per two weeks. He asked if air traffic controllers only working in office two days a week would cause issues for the airline. Mr Whitaker appeared confused by the question, explaining that air traffic controllers cannot work from home, but Mr Nehls insisted in his line of questioning until he agreed that air traffic controllers could not work from home. Congressman Jefferson Van Drew railed against globalisation, the green economy and suggested that quality assurance issues with Boeing were being hidden by its social conditioning through the use of DEI initiatives. Boeing has hidden its decline, in my opinion, by appealing to diversity, equity, and inclusion for its investors, because its a cool thing to be. ... This is a one-two punch of globalisation and social engineering, it doesnt belong, job number one is safety, he said. [Boeing] is a company that is struggling to produce safe aircraft. When he wasnt fielding questions about immigration and social conditioning, Mr Whitaker was discussing what the FAA is doing to ensure that entities like Boeing are actually held accountable and how the agency will prevent future incidents. He told the committee that the FAA is filling every seat at its air traffic control training school in Oklahoma City, and that the agency has begun training more candidates at aeronautical colleges around the country. Mr Whitaker said the FAAs intention was to duplicate the training that air traffic control candidates receive at Oklahoma City at the colleges, and that the agency was moving to equip those schools with training tools like flight and control tower simulators. The FAA has also moved inspectors into Boeing manufacuturing facilities to oversee its quality assurance methods and to provide avenues for communication between the agency and Boeings employees. When asked if the FAA had provided means for whistleblowers in Boeing or other air manufacuturers to report incidents, Mr Whitaker said it had and that it had been in contact with manufacturing employees. The committee expressed an overall frustration that the FAA Authorisation Bill passed by the House is still being held up in the Senate. Mr Graves noted that the bill includes provisions addressing all of safety concerns voiced by Congress, and that those concerns could be addressed if the bill is passed. If passed, the bill will authorise the FAA through 2028. 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 }} Democratic lawmaker Jim McGovern got into a bizarre exchange with RepublicanMarjorie Taylor Greene on X, where the two sparred over bathroom habits and the Ku Klux Klan. The online squabble unfolded after Mr McGovern, a ranking member of the House Committee on Rules, criticised Ms Greene during a committee hearing on Monday for her attempts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and censure Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar over baseless accusations that she is a foreign agent. Mr McGovern slammed Ms Greene as the leader of this charade before listing off several of the MAGA congresswomans wild past comments, including her claim that a House Covid-19 mask mandate matched the Nazis persecution of Jews. The clowns are running the circus around here, Mr McGovern said. Were wasting hours and hours of time this week on Marjorie Taylor Greene because what? She wants to impeach somebody. And dont even get me started on her absurd censure resolution of Congresswoman Omar that she introduced because she doesnt know how to use Google Translate, he said. Following the hearing, Ms Greene took to X to respond to a clip of Mr McGoverns comments by hitting out at his apparent bathroom habits. Wow, this is coming from the same guy who is well known to lay his suit jacket on the actual bathroom floor while spending a lot of time in the stall of the first-floor bathroom of the Capitol, she said. Eww. Thats probably when he comes up with all this-, she added, alongside a poop emoji. In another post, she continued: This jacket could be the one that McGovern laid on the mens bathroom floor in the Capitol. So nasty. However, Mr McGovern fired back at Ms Greene, replying to her post: No idea what youre talking about... what are you doing in the mens bathroom arent you late for a klan meeting? Their back and forth came about after Ms Greene brought forward a resolution to censure Ms Omar on Thursday. Ms Omar faced backlash over a speech she made last week in Minneapolis, where she spoke Somali. A translation of the speech went viral, claiming that Ms Omar had said that the the US government will only do what Somalians in the US tell them to do... Sleep in comfort knowing I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the US system. Ms Greene then brought forward a resolution to censure Ms Omar, citing the speech. Representative Omar has revealed herself to be a foreign agent, acting on behalf of a foreign government, she claimed. However, it later transpired that the speech had been mistranslated and that was in fact not what Ms Omar said. Ms Omar also responded to the controversy on X, saying that the interpretation in the clip is not only slanted but completely off. 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 }} More than 60 House Republicans have joined a resolution, led by Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, that declares former president Donald Trump did not engage in an insurrection on January 6 just days before the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case. In a heated press conference on Tuesday, Mr Gaetz was joined by several notable Trump-allied Representatives to claim the January 6th attack on the Capitol was not an insurrection, Mr Trump did not engaged in the surrection and that the Colorado Supreme Court erred in their decision to remove the former president from the ballot for engaging in such. We are here today to authoritatively express that President Trump did not commit an insurrection and we believe Congress has a unique role in making that declaration, Mr Gaetz said. Its not the jobs of the state, especially not the job of some bureaucrats in Colorado to make that assessment, he added. The resolution, which uses language nearly identical to Section Three of the 14th Amendment, states President Donald J Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. It comes just two days before the Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case from Colorado where Mr Trump was disqualified from the ballot for engaging in insurrection. Mr Gaetz and the group of House Republicans emphasised their point by sharing what they believe to be the actions on January 6 and blamed the media for pushing what they called lies about what actually transpired. Youre doing nothing but lying and selling the lies of the Democrats all for campaigns and elections, Georgie Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene loudly asserted to members of the media on Tuesday. Missouri Representative Eric Burlison downplayed violence on January 6, saying that the people who came to the Capitol were not armed and only trying to express their First Amendment right. Its your job to make sure that peoples rights arent being taken away, Mr Burlison told the media. The Department of Justice says that about 140 police officers were injured during fighting with Trump supporters on January 6. At least five people lost their lives, including police officer Brian Sicknick, who suffered two strokes the following day. The Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Mr Trump from the ballot in December, saying his rheotric leading up and on January 6th incited the mob to storm the Capitol while Congress was trying to certify the 2020 election results. Under that finding, the states supreme court said Mr Trump could not appear on the presidential primary ballot under Section Three, which prohibits officers of the United States from taking office if they engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. However the Trump-aligned representatives said that January 6 was not an insurrection and any challenges to Mr Trumps ballot eligibility was a targeted political witch hunt. Among the questions the US Supreme Court may have to answer is whether or not January 6 was an insurrection and if Mr Trump engaged in it. 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 }} After Donald Trump stormed the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary in January, blowing away his nearest challengers for the Republican presidential nomination, all eyes now turn to Nevada. The race to be the GOPs candidate is now a two-way chase following the exits of Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, Asa Hutchinson and Ron DeSantis, leaving Nikki Haley the only survivor. She has it all to do if she is to weaken Mr Trumps stranglehold over their party after a strong showing in the Granite State that nevertheless left her a distant second. Ms Haley and Mr Trump next find themselves heading west and thrust into one of the most bizarre electoral systems in the 50 states, where two competing nominating contests are being held. Because why choose between a primary and a caucus when you could just have both and confuse everybody? Heres a quick guide for the baffled. Whats happening? Whereas Iowa operates a traditional caucus system for choosing its presidential candidates and delegates, requiring voters to show up in person to party meetings at which they signal their preferences, New Hampshire opts for the more modern primary model in which voters cast ballots much as they do in a November presidential election. This year, Nevada is playing with fire by staging both state-run Republican and Democratic primaries and a separate party-run GOP caucus, effectively giving registered conservative voters two opportunities to pick their preferred candidates for the Republican nomination. The state-run primaries are scheduled for Tuesday 6 February while the Nevada Republican Partys caucus will follow two days later on Thursday 8 February. Significantly, the caucus requires entrants to pay a $55,000 fee to participate (or $35,000 if they have agreed to take part in a Nevada Republican Party fundraiser). That issue has divided the candidates seeking the GOP nomination into two pools. As it stands, the primary will be contested between Ms Haley and three lesser-known candidates John Anthony Castro, Heath V Fulkerson and Donald Kjornes and will surely result in an easy win for the former UN ambassador. Mike Pence and Tim Scott were previously scheduled to take part but have since suspended their campaigns, although their names will still appear on ballot papers. The caucus will meanwhile be fought out between front-runner Mr Trump and Texas pastor Ryan Binkley, after Florida governor Mr DeSantis ended his campaign on the Sunday prior to New Hampshire. The other crucial distinction between the two events is that only the winner of the caucus will wrap up Nevadas 26 delegates, so the victor in the earlier contest will have only a symbolic triumph as a reward for their troubles. The caucus is therefore the only one of the two competitions that will have a meaningful bearing on the hunt for the GOP nominee for president. What has brought this madness to pass? A bipartisan bill passed by Nevadas state legislature in 2021 stipulated that the state must hold political primaries if more than one candidate is in contention for a given race, doing away with the old party-run caucus system the Silver State has traditionally employed. While the Nevada Democratic Party has cheerily accepted that and both Joe Biden and challenger Marianne Williamson have filed the necessary paperwork to take part in its primary, the Nevada Republican Party is insisting on carrying on with its preferred caucus in addition to staging the now-mandatory primary. The party did try to have the primary requirement dismissed in court last May and was thwarted, although it did succeed in ensuring that the award of delegates to the winning candidate would only take place as part of the caucus contest, thereby rendering the primary a somewhat empty formality. What does it mean for the candidates? The merits of the two formats have been hotly debated in recent months, with some conservatives insisting a caucus is more transparent and therefore less vulnerable to fraud and Mr Trumps camp in favour of it because it plays to the strengths of the extensive organisational network he has established in Nevada. While you might think that the lack of delegates would deter major candidates from participating in the primary, Ms Haley, Mr Pence and Mr Scott did all agree to take part, if only to save themselves the hefty caucus entrance fee. Speaking to ABC News, the Nevada Republican Party chairman Jim DeGraffenreid said recently of Ms Haley: I felt like she was still planning to be competitive. Of the three of them, I think I was most surprised that she chose to forego delegates here. It remains to be seen how voters will react to that. Anybody that understands the process understands that delegates is the goal of every primary or caucus in the nation, so I certainly am perplexed as to why any serious candidate would file for a contest that doesnt allow them any delegates. Ms Haleys decision not to pay up and enter the caucus suggests she may not have much confidence that she can out-do Mr Trump in this first-in-the-West contest but being able to say she has won the states Republican primary might deliver a timely messaging boost when she needs it most, even if it does not yield delegates. 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 }} Nevada is the next state to vote for the Republican nominee for president but you could be forgiven for missing that fact, given the lack of media attention. Both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, the only two prominent contenders remaining in the fight for their partys nomination, are technically on the ballot in Nevada. But they are on different ones Ms Haley has already competed in the states primary, losing embarrassingly on Tuesday to none of these candidates, while Mr Trump is running in Thursdays caucus, his sole remaining challenger being the obscure Texas pastor Ryan Binkley. That means the front two will not actually be against each other in the Silver State because while Republican voters can choose to participate in both the primary and the caucus, the candidates cannot. It is a bewildering system that has almost entirely sapped the states political relevance for the 2024 primary season. And its all thanks to 2020, when a delay in the results led to many Democratic political leaders in the state, including the late Harry Reid, pushing for the state to abandon the caucus system in favour of a primary. Only, they didnt: Nevada now has both. This is because the states Republicans unsuccessfully fought in court to stop the primary from going forward, having opposed the switch. They lost and a judge ruled last year that both contests could take place the state GOP left to decide how to allocate delegates to the participants on its own. Unsurprisingly, the Nevada Republican Party chose to award those delegates to the winner of the caucus, which will be Mr Trump, given Ms Haleys non-participation. The former president will therefore walk out of the state with up 26 delegates and without having to do much by way of campaigning against his rival. He has, however, rallied in the Silver State since New Hampshire, not least because it will have a renewed significance come Novembers general election. Mr Trump will hardly have forgotten that Nevada flipped from red to blue in 2020 and helped usher in Joe Bidens victory. For that reason, the Biden campaign is already eyeing up the state as well. His vice president Kamala Harris was in town for a campaign rally recently, held just a short distance away from Mr Trumps own on the same day. In Ms Haleys case, the real battle in the days ahead remains South Carolina. She hopes her home state, where she served two terms as governor, will provide the stage for a major upset against Mr Trump, without which her claims to be a serious contender for the nomination would begin to look slim indeed. The front-runner meanwhile continues to maintain a strong lead in both the opinion polls and in the delegate battle, the latter required to secure the nomination itself. Recognising this, Ms Haleys campaign is focusing most of its attention on the Palmetto States primary on 24 February. She has vowed to remain in the race past South Carolina whatever happens, although her path to victory remains a steep climb after a second-place finish in New Hamsphire, where she failed to come within single digits of Mr Trump. 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 }} Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley says she has asked the US Secret Service for protection due to ongoing threats of violence against her. Ms Haley told The Wall Street Journal on Monday afternoon that she had officially applied for help from the agency, which protects senior US politicians and their families. It comes after at least two 'swatting' attempts against the former South Carolina governor, in which police were called to her house by false reports of violence. Weve had multiple issues, Ms Haley told the Journal after a campaign event in South Carolina. Its not going to stop me from doing what I need to do. Swatting is when a caller makes a police report for a residence that is not their own, claiming that a violent crime is being committed at the location. Police sometimes SWAT units, hence the name then rush to and into the home, often with guns drawn, to address the report. Cases have surged over the past two months, according to Reuters, targeting both allies and rivals of former president Donald Trump as his re-election campaign gets rolling in earnest. Last month, a California teenager was arrested for allegedly running a swatting-for-hire service that prosecutors say facilitated hundreds of swatting and bomb threat incidents throughout the US. Ms Haley, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under Donald Trump, has been sanguine about the incidents. At a news conference last week, she told reporters that, while it was clear she needed to "put a few more bodies around" her and her family, politicians facing threats was "just the reality" of modern political campaigning. At the end of the day, were going to go out there and touch every hand, were going to answer every question, were going to make sure that we are there and doing everything that we need to, she 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 }} There are two names in the title of one of the most consequential cases in front of the US Supreme Court in modern American history. One is Donald Trump. The other is Norma Anderson. Ms Anderson, 91, is a retired Republican state lawmaker who broke ground as the first woman to serve as a majority leader in Colorados legislature. Shes now the unlikely face of a Supreme Court case that could have a seismic impact on the 2024 presidential election. That case, Trump v Anderson, will be heard by the Supreme Court on February 8. It follows a mammoth ruling from Colorado Supreme Court justices that found the former president ineligible for the presidency under the scope 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. The Colorado courts ruling, which the former president appealed to the nations highest court, would prevent his name from appearing on the states ballots. Similar challenges were filed in more than a dozen other states. Like millions of Americans, Ms Anderson was staring at a television screen in disbelief on January 6, 2021, when a mob fuelled by then-President Trumps baseless election fraud claims breached the US Capitol. We dont overturn elections in the United States, she tells The Independent. I mean, my goodness. Unbelievable. ... He urged the mob in this speech. Theres no doubt about it. ... We have a democracy and we depend upon the vote of the people to elect our officials, and you dont change it by force. His threats and pressure campaigns against lawmakers, election officials and his vice president; his failure to stop rioters from breaking into the halls of Congress; and his persistent lie that the election was stolen or rigged against him present a grave threat to American democracy, she says. And when you go against the Constitution and create an insurrection on the Capitol to overturn an election, that is not democracy, she tells The Independent. As Ben Franklin said: We are a republic, if you can keep it. And boy, I think about those words right now. Ms Anderson, speaking from her home in Lakewood, Colorado, has watched Trump consume the Republican Party and, she believes, turn it into a group that values fealty to the former president above all else. She briefly left the GOP in 2018. At the time, she summed up her reason for doing so: The Republicans nominated an oversexed playboy who has spent his entire career lying to people. I dont remember everything Ive said about him, she says now, laughing, but thats what it was. The former president is a bigot who lives by the motto that if you tell a lie often enough people believe it, she says. Well, thats whats happened with the Republicans. Among the 91 criminal charges facing Trump are state and federal indictments concerning his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, culminating in the mob he failed to stop. He has given no indication that he would do anything differently should he lose his partys nomination or the general election in November. Thats what worries me so much, Ms Anderson says. Im worried, very simple. Im very worried. Rioters in Washington DC on 6 January, 2021 flood the US Capitol grounds. (AP) Ms Anderson was the first woman in Colorado to serve as the majority leader in the both the states House and Senate. She won her first election to Colorados House in 1986, four years after she lost her first campaign for a seat in the state legislature, and she served in the Colorado Senate from 1999 until 2006. I mean, at this point, Im older than both of them, she says of Trump and President Joe Biden. Ive been through a lot of presidents. What has worried me and its been going on before Trump, but Trump has made it worse is the division in the country, the hatred. The 14th Amendment was among a suite of civil rights amendments enacted in the volatile aftermath of the US Civil War. It was intended to grant equal protection under the law to all citizens, including formerly enslaved people, with a broadly written clause aimed at preventing Confederates from returning to a government they were in rebellion against. A September lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington on behalf of a group of five Republican and independent voters in Colorado including Ms Anderson argued that Trump failed that test, rendering him constitutionally ineligible to appear on any Colorado ballot as a candidate for federal or state office. Following a trial and argument from both parties in state court, Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace determined that Trump not only engaged with insurrection, he also acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol with the purpose of disrupting the electoral certification. Judge Wallaces decision, however, did not knock Trump off the ballot, and plaintiffs appealed to the states Supreme Court. In December, Colorado justices wrote in a 4-3 majority opinion that Trump did not merely incite the insurrection. Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it, they continued. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection. Trump appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which agreed to hear the case on February 8. Donald Trump speaks to reporters in Washington DC on 9 January. (AP) A ruling from the high court would likely apply to all 50 states. But a ruling that would let Colorados decision stand, without applying more broadly to all ballots in every state, could allow states to continue drafting their own election rules. Similar challenges would then inevitably play out. The 14th Amendments insurrection clause was mostly used for only a brief period following its ratification and the enactment of the Amnesty Act in 1872, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. But Trump v Anderson is not entirely without recent precedent. Republican US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene faced a legal challenge over her eligibility for office under Section 3. So did former Republican US Rep. Madison Cawthorn, whose case was declared moot after he lost a primary election. Last year, Couy Griffin, a county commissioner in New Mexico who was convicted for his role in the January 6 attack, was permanently removed from office under a Section 3 insurrection challenge, marking the first successful attempt to disqualify a public official from holding office in more than 100 years. Lawyers for the former president have repeatedly argued that his actions on January 6 arent insurrection, and even if they were, Section 3 doesnt cover the office of the presidency. Only congressional action could determine his eligibility, they claim. Dozens of constitutional scholars, authoritarianism and democracy experts, retired judges, Capitol Police officers and civil rights groups have filed briefs to the Supreme Court to establish a bulk of the historical foundation for the case, one that Ms Anderson sees as a straightforward reading of a single sentence in the Constitution. Trumps actions in the wake of his election loss in November 2020 are alarmingly similar to activities that have destroyed democracies in other countries, according to a brief from Rachel Kleinfeld, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Yale Universitys Tim Snyder. The violence of January 6 did not shock President Trump into altering his behavior to avoid rousing his followers to violence, they wrote. Instead, his continuing messages to supporters evoke a technique researchers call stochastic terrorism when a figure with a large following publicly demonizes a target, knowing that it is impossible to predict who among the followers will act violently, but almost a certain probability that someone will aim for the desired mark. Meanwhile, Ms Anderson has faced harassment and abuse from Trumps supporters. Those supporters include her states own Republican Party, which labeled the Colorado trailblazer and other plaintiffs Never-Trumpers, RINOs, and Democrats who are colluding to stop Trump from getting on the ballot. The Republican Party itself thinks its terrible. But thats not the Republican Party that I was raised in and have represented my whole life, she tells The Independent. When you just bow to one man? Thats not what democracy is about. Our forefathers are probably rolling over in their graves. But if the Supreme Court rules against Ms Anderson and other Colorado voters, I just have to accept it, she says. 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 }} Seth Meyers pleads with Joe Biden to let it rip after reports of the president calling Donald Trump a sick f*** behind closed doors. As if the election campaigns could not get any more bizarre, from Donald Trump two-timing his campaign journey with his plethora of court cases to Nikki Haleys drop-out refusal, reports now say that Joe Biden has had some choice words to say about Mr Trump. Much to the Late Night hosts delight, Mr Meyers revelled in the claims that Mr Biden calls Mr Trump a sick f*** who delights in seeing other peoples misfortunes to his longtime friends and close aides, according to Politico, who cited three unidentified people who have heard him say this. The Politico report also added that Mr Biden recently called Mr Trump a f****** ass****, according to one of the people who spoke to the president. While Mr Bidens alleged uncouth comments have been spoken about in private, Mr Meyers asked the president if he could let it rip in public. He said that profane language would be political Kryptonite in the past, but so were 91 felony charges, the host added. We live in different times. So I say let it rip, Joe. Just start dropping F-bombs on the campaign trail, Mr Meyers said. Youre from Scranton; you can get away with it, he added. Seth Meyers revelled in the fact that Fox News had to admit Biden has done a good job (Late Night with Seth Meyers) Mr Bidens apparent comments have reportedly made their way into a Trump fundraising email. He doesnt just think that about me, he thinks that about EVERY SINGLE ONE of my proud supporters, Mr Trump wrote in the email, according to The New York Post. However, this isnt the only aspect of Mr Biden that the former president is trying to capitalise off. Mr Meyers called Mr Trump a shameless liar after he boasted to Fox News that he is the one to thank for the recent statistics of Bidens booming economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on Friday that the US economy under Biden has created 353,000 jobs and that unemployment is at a steady 3.7 per cent, much to the astonishment of critics of the Biden administration. Fox anchor Maria Bartiromo recently asked Trump about the soaring economy, saying, The Biden team can say, well if everything is so bad, how come the stock markets on a roll? Without skipping a beat, Mr Trump replied, Because they think Im gonna be elected. Looking shocked and bewildered at Mr Trumps claim, Ms Bartiromo, a Trump supporter herself, said, You think the stock markets rallying because people think youre going to be... before she was cut off by Mr Trump, who answered, I do, yeah. Look at her face, Mr Meyers said, showing a still of Ms Bartiromos shocked expression. Shes having a moment of existential panic where it finally dawns on her the guy shes interviewing is a pathological liar whos detached from reality, he added. He also rolled a clip of Fox host and former Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow reacting to the job numbers, which he admitted were very strong. How mad do you think Trump was when he saw that? Mr Meyers said. His aides are probably still trying to scrub the ketchup stains off his TV. ELKO Bristlecone Audubon will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the Nevada Department of Wildlife headquarters, 60 Youth Center Drive, Elko. Wildlife biologist Hilary Swarts will give a talk on Ocelot Conservation. Everyone is welcome to attend. Swarts is wildlife refuge manager since November 2022 at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ruby Valley. She manages staff, infrastructure, habitat and water development in service of the refuges primary mission of wildlife and waterfowl conservation. Some of the key projects the refuge conducts include banding and monitoring waterfowl and migratory birds, monitoring and tracking pygmy rabbits and pronghorn antelope, sage grouse lek counts and enhancement of the refuges various habitat types. Prior to coming to this position, she had the opportunity to work around the world with different wildlife species. She studied bay wrens in Panama, howler monkeys in Belize, monkeys in Suriname, island foxes in California and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She spent 9 years at Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge, where she worked as an ocelot biologist. Ocelots can be found in 22 countries, but like many species their habitat has been reduced by development. The only breeding populations in the United States are in southern Texas. The ocelots here live and breed in the wild both on protected public lands and on private ranch properties. Swarts documented that many ocelots died from automobile collisions. She worked with the Texas Department of Transportation to establish underpasses beneath roadways providing safe passage for ocelots and other wildlife. She also trapped and outfitted ocelots with GPS collars to allow further study of this animal and its behaviors. She will share her work with this wild cat at Bristlecone Audubons February meeting. 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 }} Nearly half of Americans say that they want federal courts to reach a verdict on Donald Trumps criminal charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election before votes are cast in this years presidential election. A CNN poll released on Monday found that 43 per cent of Americans see a resolution to that matter as a necessity given that Mr Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee for president this year. The share of respondents who agreed was markedly higher than the percentage of Americans who said it wasnt important to their vote, which was around one in five, or the share who said the trial should be postponed until after the election (which was just 11 per cent). A further 16 per cent said they hoped the trial would conclude before November, but were not overly concerned with the outcomes timing. The poll is another piece in the growing pile of evidence suggesting that the greatest threat to Donald Trumps desired second term (beyond his unparalleled unfavourability ratings) remains his four criminal trials. The ex-president is facing a total of 91 felony counts; prosecutors in two separate jurisdictions are alleging that he committed criminal acts in the course of attempting to reverse Joe Bidens lawful victory in the 2020 election. He also faces accusations of illegally retaining classified documents from his time at the White House, and displaying them to favoured guests at Mar-a-Lago. This latest CNN poll comes on the heels of a survey from Morning Consult and Bloomberg last week which found that voters in swing states, particularly independents but also one in four Republicans, would hesitate or outright refuse to support Mr Trump were he convicted of one or more felonies. Those numbers are causing consternation for some Republicans who see Mr Trump as poison for down-ballot candidates and the overall health of the Republican Party. The twice-impeached former president has become a fundraising juggernaught while the Republican National Committee (RNC) has been starved for donations and reported its worst fundraising levels in nearly a decade for 2023. The transfer of dollar-power from party executives to Mr Trumps team has led to the former president being able to flip a switch and unleash negative ads against his enemies in the party; more recently, it has led to Republican donors directly covering his staggering (and growing) legal bills through donations shared with his Save America PAC. Mr Trumps campaign donations in Q4 of 2023 lagged sharply behind the total raised by Joe Biden, the incumbent president who is readying himself for a rematch with his 2020 rival in November. He only slightly outraised Nikki Haley, his last remaining challenger for the GOP nomination. Two thirds of his related Save America PACs expenditures in Q3-4 of 2023 went to legal bills. The CNN poll also relayed Americans growing distrust in the sanctity of the Supreme Court as an institution and the justices themseves to uphold their oaths. Just over four in 10 Americans say they would accept a ruling from the Supreme Court on the 2024 election as valid. Three justices currently on the bench were appointed by Mr Trump, and another, Clarence Thomas, is married to a right-wing conservative conspiracy theory fan whose involvement in efforts to help Mr Trump overturn the 2020 election was revealed by journalists. Mr Thomas has faced direct calls from Democrats to abstain from any future rulings relating to January 6 or Mr Trumps bid to return to the White House. The CNN/SRSS survey was conducted between 15-20 January. Responses from 1,212 adults were recorded with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points. 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 judge overseeing Donald Trumps sprawling civil fraud case in New York wants answers following reports that one of the former presidents co-defendants is arranging a plea deal with Manhattan prosecutors on a perjury charge for lying in his courtroom. In a message to attorneys on Monday, New York County Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron said he wants to know whether the Trump Organizations former chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg is now changing his tune and admitting to lying under oath during the fraud trial. As Judge Engoron prepares a final judgment in the case,The New York Times reported that the disgraced executive is negotiating a plea deal with the Manhattan district attorneys office on a perjury charge. Following the report, the judge sent an email to Manhattan prosecutors, attorneys for fraud trial defendants, and lawyers with the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the initial lawsuit against Mr Trump, his adult sons and their chief associates. As the presiding magistrate, the trier of fact, and the judge of credibility, I of course want to know whether Mr Weisselberg is now changing his tune, and whether he is admitting he lied under oath in my courtroom at this trial, Judge Engoron wrote. I do not want to ignore anything in a case of this magnitude. The judge suggested that if Weisselberg is found to have lied about one element in his testimony, he could treat the rest of his testimony as unreliable a finding that could risk a judgment against Mr Trump and his co-defendants in a case that threatens to imperil his real estate empire and land the defendants with tens of millions of dollars in sanctions. The judge asked for the parties to tell him anything you know about this and how they think he should address the issue, including the timing of the final decision. He sent the message at 11.45am ET on Tuesday and asked for their replies by 5pm ET on Wednesday. Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg appears with Donald Trump in 2017. (AP) If he does reach an agreement with prosecutors, it will be Weisselbergs second guilty plea in as many years for crimes stemming from a mountain of fraud and tax evasion allegations in civil and criminal courts in New York. Last year, Mr Trumps former top financial lieutenant spent 100 days in Rikers Island jail after pleading guilty to tax-related crimes in 2022. He was also enmeshed in a criminal tax fraud trial involving two Trump Organization subsidiaries, among the first Trump-connected entities to be convicted of crimes. A New York City jury found the Trump Corporation and the Trump Payroll Corporation guilty on more than a dozen charges and they were fined $1.6m. Weisselberg also testified at the civil fraud trial, where lawyers for the state grilled him over what he knew about the creation of statements of financial condition, the documents at the heart of the case. Those documents included grossly inflated valuations of Mr Trumps net worth and assets in an effort to obtain favourable financing terms for some of his brand-building properties, according to the attorney generals lawsuit. It remains unclear what statements Weisselberg would agree were false. The attorney general is seeking to recover $370m in so-called ill-gotten gains that the defendants would not otherwise have obtained if they had included accurate assessments of his wealth in those documents, according to her office. He also would be banned from the states real estate industry for life, under sanctions proposed by Ms Jamess office. The Independent has requested comment from an attorney for Weisselberg and a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorneys office. 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 }} As if election season werent complicated enough already, Nevada Republicans are holding both a primary and a caucus this year effectively giving registered conservative voters two chances to declare their preferred candidate for the partys presidential nomination. The situation is the result of a dispute between the state and the local branch of the Republican Party over a bipartisan bill passed by Nevadas state legislature in 2021. That bill stipulated that the Silver State must hold political primaries if more than one candidate is in contention for a given race, doing away with the old party-run caucus system traditionally employed. As a result, a mandatory state-run Republican primary will be held on Tuesday 6 February. However, the local GOP pushed back against the new rule and organised its own caucus for Thursday 8 February, banning candidates from appearing in both events. This odd state of play has divided the remaining contenders into two camps and means that Nikki Haley and Donald Trump will not go head-to-head this time around, as they did in Iowa and New Hampshire. Ms Haley will instead face three lesser-known candidates John Anthony Castro, Heath V Fulkerson and Donald Kjornes in Tuesdays primary while Mr Trump is only up against Texas pastor Ryan Binkey in the caucus on Thursday, with all other challengers having long since dropped out of the running. As a result, Ms Haley and Mr Trump are both expected to win their parallel contests with ease. But the states 26 delegates will only be assigned to the winner of the caucus, making any victory in the primary for the former UN ambassador almost entirely symbolic. Donald Trump and Nikki Haley (AFP/Getty) That said, a big performance from Ms Haley revealing a groundswell of conservative support could provide her campaign with some much-needed momentum ahead of the next, much-more-significant primary taking place later this month in her native South Carolina, which threatens to decide the future of her bid for the nomination even before we arrive at Super Tuesday on 5 March. Despite Mr Trumps name not appearing on the ballot in the primary, his supporters could nevertheless find it worthwhile to attempt to derail Ms Haleys inevitable win to stop any such surge in popularity from registering. Instead of casting their vote for one of her rivals listed on the ballot, they could simply choose to tick the box marked None of these candidates instead. Such a step would stand as both an explicit protest vote against her candidacy and an implicit endorsement of Mr Trump. This tactic would actually have something in common with the massive write-in campaign that unofficially swept Joe Biden to victory in the Democratic Partys New Hampshire primary last month, at which the presidents name had also been left off the ballot over another local-level dispute. A grassroots campaign effort responded by urging Democratic voters to add his name in manually so that his challengers Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson could not pick up a shock win by default, which would have only served to set off an unhelpful media narrative about his re-election campaign starting out in a state of crisis. 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 federal appeals court has ruled that Donald Trump does not have immunity from prosecution for crimes committed while he was in office landing another major blow to his efforts to evade criminal charges for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. His attorneys are expected to swiftly appeal the decision to the full bench of appeals court judges, or all the way up to the US Supreme Court, teeing up another major constitutional test involving Mr Trumps campaign at the nations highest court. For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant, judges with the US District Court of Appeals in Washington DC wrote on Tuesday. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution. Last years federal grand jury indictment outlines a multi-state scheme from Mr Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in his failure to stop a mobs violent breach of the US Capitol on 6 January. He faces four criminal charges, including conspiracy and obstruction. In December, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected his motion to dismiss the case on immunity grounds, writing in a 48-page ruling that his four-year term did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens. The office of the presidency does not confer a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free pass, nor do former presidents enjoy any special consideration after leaving office, when they are subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office, Judge Chutkan wrote. On 2 February, with progress in the election conspiracy case effectively stalled for two months pending Mr Trumps immunity appeals, Judge Chutkan confirmed that a penciled-in 4 March trial date was no longer on the calendar. Special counsel Jack Smiths office previously warned judges and the Supreme Court that the former presidents delays could push a trial timeline further into the election year, opening the possibility of courts deciding whether to try Mr Trump as a president-elect or a sitting president. This case involves for the first time in our nations history criminal charges against a former president based on his actions while in office, lawyers with Mr Smiths office wrote last year. [Mr Trump] stands accused of serious crimes because the grand jury followed the facts and applied the law, they added. The government seeks this courts resolution of the immunity claim so that those charges may be promptly resolved, whatever the result. Supreme Court justices are already scheduled to consider another major constitutional question of whether he can be disqualified from public office under the scope of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who has sworn an oath to uphold the constitution and engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office. The court will hear oral arguments in that case on 8 February. Donald Trump speaks to supporters on 6 January, 2021 (AP) In their opinion on Tuesday, appeals court judges wrote that Mr Trumps arguments to extend his immunity from criminal prosecution for alleged crimes committed while in office would have us extend the framework for presidential civil immunity to criminal cases and decide for the first time that a former president is categorically immune from federal criminal prosecution for any act conceivably within the outer perimeter of his executive responsibility. Mr Trump has argued that the court lacks authority to review his official acts under the separation of powers doctrine, and that prosecuting such actions would severely constrain the executive branch. He has also argued that he shouldnt be prosecuted because he was acquitted in the US Senate on charges that are parallel to the scheme outlined in his criminal indictment. Appeals court judges categorically rejected all three defences. Former President Trumps alleged efforts to remain in power despite losing the 2020 election were, if proven, an unprecedented assault on the structure of our government, they wrote. They refused to accept his claim that a president has unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralise the most fundamental check on executive power the recognition and implementation of election results, as well as his carte blanche efforts to violate the rights of individual citizens to vote and to have their votes count. Otherwise, his position would collapse a system of checks and balances and place the presidency entirely outside the bounds of courts and Congress, they wrote. We cannot accept that the office of the presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter. Judges also affirmed that a president can be criminally prosecuted in federal court, without any requirement that he first be impeached and convicted for the same conduct. In an all-caps post on his Truth Social account on Monday night, Mr Trump claimed that without immunity, every president that leaves office will be immediately indicted by the opposing party. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung echoed Mr Trumps remark in a statement after Tuesdays ruling. He called Mr Smith deranged and the prosecution against Mr Trump unconstitutional and a threat to the bedrock of our Republic. President Trump respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuits decision and will appeal it in order to safeguard the presidency and the constitution, he said. The former president called the appeals court decision nation-destroying and repeated his baseless allegation that his multiple criminal indictments are a political weapon directed by President Joe Biden against him. If not overturned, as it should be, this decision would terribly injure not only the Presidency, but the Life, Breath, and Success of our Country, he wrote on his Truth Social. A President will be afraid to act for fear of the opposite Partys Vicious Retribution after leaving Office. I know from personal experience because I am going through it right now. It will become a Political Weapon used for Election Interference. Even our Elections will be corrupted and under siege. So bad, and so dangerous for our Nation. SAVE PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY! 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 }} Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has finally revealed who he is eyeing as his potential vice president. In an interview with Fox News, airing on Sunday, the former president revealed that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott are currently on the short list to become his running mate in the 2024 election. We have some many good people in the Republican Party, Mr Trump told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. I called Tim Scott and I told him youre a much better candidate for me than you are for yourself, he added. Mr Scott endorsed Mr Trump last month after the senator ditched his own presidential bid, dropping out of the Republican primaries in early November. Mr Trump went on to say he is also considering Ms Noem who endorsed Mr Trump in early September as his potential running mate. Kristi Noem has been incredible fighting for me, he said of the South Dakota governor. She said Id never run against him because I cant beat him. That was a very nice thing to say. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has revealed who he is considering for his pick for vice president (Getty Images) In an interview with Ms Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures, Ms Noem denied that Mr Trump has contacted her about being his running mate. We talk all the time, but weve never had that conservation, she said. Last month, Mr Trump hinted during a Fox News town hall that he had already chosen his pick for vice president but refused to reveal who it might be. Many names have been floated as potential options, including Vivek Ramaswamy, Rep Elise Stefanik, and his only remaining Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley. Nikki Haley and Tim Scott (AP) However, Mr Trump told Fox News he wont announce who he plans to run with on the 2024 ticket for a while. He also dispelled rumours that he is considering Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his vice presidential pick, insisting his team has never reached out to the independent candidate. For Mr Trump, he said that the most important trait he is seeking in a vice presidential nominee is that they are able to step up and handle the presidency in the case of an emergency. President Donald Trump appears with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (AP) Always, its got to be who is going to be a good president. Obviously, you always have to think that because in case of emergency. Things happen, right? No matter who you are, things happen. Thats got to be number one, Mr Trump said. Mr Trump, who is currently embroiled in several lawsuits including one over whether he is eligible to run in the 2024 election and four criminal cases which could land him with significant jail time remains the frontrunner in the Republican race, having so far claimed decisive victories over his rivals in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. 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 }} Hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are starving as a result of Israels war against Hamas, according to aid agencies on the ground. But an even greater number of Palestinian lives may soon be at risk due to a decision by the US and its allies to freeze funding to the primary aid agency operating in the territory, following reports that a small number of employees were involved in the October 7 attacks. Now, the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, has warned it may run out of money as early as this month, a worst-case scenario that aid groups have warned could cause widespread famine and death. They will die of hunger, they will die because they dont have the insulin that UNRWA brings in, or they will die because a woman had a complicated childbirth and there was no UNRWA midwife to help her, said Juliette Touma, director of communications at UNRWA. The fate of Gazas two million people has long been inextricably tied to UNRWA. Even before the war, it provided the basic necessities for people to survive in the blockaded territory, such as food, medicine and fuel. But today, like the population it serves, it is battling for survival. The agency has struggled to operate effectively in Gaza since the beginning of the war which was launched by Israel in response to a surprise Hamas attack on 7 October that killed 1,200 people. The agency received just half of the funds it needed to meet the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war. Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries and widespread bombing across the strip have made delivering aid almost impossible, and at least 152 of its staffers have been killed in the bombardment, according to the agency. UNRWA warned in December that nearly half of Gazas population was at risk of famine due to the war. Then, last week, its funding was abruptly cut in half when the US and several other countries froze their contributions after Israel said that a dozen of the agencys staff were involved in the Hamas attack. As a result of the freeze, and the dramatic increase in the needs of Gazas population due to the war, UNRWA could run of out money as early as this month, Ms Touma told The Independent. That would have an unfathomable impact on the already beleaguered people of Gaza. In short, people will die totally unnecessarily, said Ms Touma, adding that everything from food, drinking water, medicine and generators for hospitals would all be impacted by the funding cuts. Palestinians line up for free food distribution during the ongoing Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. ( AP Photo/Hatem Ali) Ms Touma recently returned from a visit to Gaza and witnessed the humanitarian crisis first-hand. She describes a landscape of tens of thousands of makeshift shelters and a mass of people moving constantly to escape the bombing and find food. Private enterprise has all but collapsed, and where it does exist, prices are exorbitant. She said that a single egg now costs around 70 US cents. Its as if theyre are operating in this auto mode for survival, fixated with being safe, finding food, finding water, finding a toilet, she said. Ms Touma described the people she met as tired and terrified and anxious. More than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israels offensive in the densely populated territory, most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Some 80 per cent of Gazas population of 2.3 million have been displaced by the fighting. Israels offensive is now pressing further south towards the city of Rafah, where most of those displaced people are now sheltering. Other aid agencies have warned that they do not possess the capability to fill the gap left by UNRWA should it halt operations. Today, UNRWA says more than 500,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, and the risk of famine increases every day. This is why these decisions are shocking, because they come at a time when we are at very high risk of famine, especially in the northern parts, Ms Touma said. There is an ongoing war and the UN is running one of the largest humanitarian and most complex operations, so this comes in the middle of that. UNRWA, or the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, was founded in 1949 to provide specifically for the Palestinians who either fled or were forced from their homes by Israeli forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Today, it supports some six million Palestinian refugees across the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The allegations about a dozen staffers from the agency being involved in the October 7 massacres came to light more than three months after the Hamas attack. UNRWA itself was the first to announce the news, on 26 January, that Israel had provided it with information that 12 of its 13,000 staff operating in Gaza were involved in the Hamas attack and kidnapping of some 240 people in southern Israel. Israel alleges dozens more are affiliated in some way with Hamas and its ally, Palestinian Islamic Jihad. At a briefing with UN ambassadors last week to discuss the allegations, Israels defence minister Yoav Gallant said that UNRWA had lost its legitimacy to exist. The agencys chief, Philippe Lazzarini, said he had terminated the contracts of those suspected, launched an investigation into the shocking allegations and declared that any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. The announcement came on the same day that the International Criminal Court (ICJ) found that it was plausible that Israel has committed acts of genocide against the Palestinians. The US, Germany, the UK and eight other donors immediately paused funding to UNRWA pending an investigation. UNRWA estimates that about $440 million in funding is at risk. The US provided about $344 million of funding in 2022, making it by far the largest donor. The State Department said that most of its 2023 funding had already been allocated , but its freeze means that Congress cannot allocate any further funds, which had been due to happen this summer. Even then, the funding would face stiff opposition in Congress, where Republican and Democratic senators this week agreed on a bipartisan deal that would bar all funding for UNRWA to be permanently withdrawn in light of the allegations, while delivering $14.1bn to Israel. Senator Bernie Sanders, meanwhile, was among the few voices calling for an immediate restoration of funding, warning that hundreds of thousands of children face starvation and disease as a result. Palestinians line up for free food distribution during the ongoing Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali) Obviously, its not acceptable for any of the 13,000 UNRWA employees in Gaza to be involved with Hamas, and allegations against the 12 people charged must be investigated. However, we cannot allow millions to suffer because of the actions of 12 people. The US and other countries must restore funding to stave off this humanitarian catastrophe, he said in a statement . US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said of the allegations that we havent had the ability to investigate [the allegations] ourselves. But they are highly, highly credible. A UN oversight agency is currently conducting an investigation into the allegations and expects to provide a preliminary report in several weeks , but the US has not been clear about what it would take for the funding to be restored. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby that the US absolutely shares those concerns about the risk of Gazas humanitarian crisis being exacerbated by the shortfall in US funding for UNRWA when questioned by The Independent. Were concerned about that, no question about it. Now, look, we suspended funding temporarily to UNRWA as they do this investigation. We believe it was the right thing to do to stop that funding while they investigate and well see how that investigation goes. Well see what they learn and well see what accountability measures they put in place, he said. The UN is now rushing to solicit funding from alternative donors to prevent the halt of its operations. The most serious risk is a widespread famine in Gaza, but the agency also provides schooling and medical care to millions of Palestinians across the region. Ms Touma said the halting of UNRWA operations would be a bleak day, not only for Palestinian refugees or people impacted by the war in Gaza, but for the whole region. UNRWA is a fundamental player and a contributor to the stability in a region that is a tinderbox. No UNRWA means further instability, she said. 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 }} Police arrested two French nationals in Melbourne after one of them allegedly attempted to scale a 535-feet-tall (163m) residential building without a harness. The other man was reportedly filming the 29-year-old climber with a drone. The climber was arrested at the top of the 55-storey building at 60 ABeckett Street in Melbourne at about 8.20am local time and was escorted down to safety. Police said emergency services were called to the scene at about 7.30 in the morning. It is expected he will be charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, common law public nuisance and without lawful excuse enter private property, police said in a statement. The other 25-year-old man, who was filming the climber with a drone, is also reported to be facing the same charges. He was arrested in Box Hill at about 10.45am. Both men were expected to appear in the Melbourne magistrates court on Tuesday. The event soon captured the interest of bystanders, with many pausing to observe the spectacle. Some media outlets called the climber Spiderman. No one was injured in the incident. Videos from the location showed the climber with a backpack making his way up a beam on the buildings intricate facade and moving past balconies without any safety tether to the structure. The unidentified climber told the reporters, when asked why he climbed the tower, just because I can. An eyewitness identified by his first name Trent had earlier told 3AW: All the neighbours are out looking out over the balcony, looking up, cant believe [he] has passed their window while they had their Weet-Bix and their Vegemite toast. Victorian climbing expert Aaron Lowndes criticised the climber for this spectacle. I find it kind of sad in anybodys climbing career they decided to do this and make a spectacle out of it, he told The Age. Mr Lowndes, who runs Melbourne Climbing School and the Climbing Company, added: Free soloing without ropes, where if you fall the result is painful not just for yourself but everybody around you, is not the way that climbing works. 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 Russian man who reportedly defected from a high-ranking position in the Wagner Group has been given permission to stay in Norway but was refused permanent asylum, a Norwegian newspaper reported Tuesday. The lawyer for Andrey Medvedev, Brynjulf Risnes, told Dagbladet that his client was granted temporary residence due to the security risk involved in sending him back to Russia, but wasn't given permanent residence or citizenship. The Associated Press was unable to contact Risnes on Tuesday. Medvedev sought asylum in January 2023 after having defected from Wagner and fled to Norway, crossing illegally over the countrys 198-kilometer (123-mile) border with Russia, saying he feared for his life if he were sent back. Medvedev said he agreed to join the Wagner Group a private Russian military company known for its brutal tactics from July to November 2022, but he left after his contract was extended without his consent. He reportedly told Russian dissident group Gulagu.net that he was ready to tell everything he knew about Wagner and its owner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a millionaire with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he was willing to testify about any possible war crimes he witnessed, though he denied participating in any himself. In April 2023, Medvedev was sentenced to 14 days in jail in Norway for disorderly conduct and for carrying an air gun in a public place. Officers had detained Medvedev outside a pub in Oslo following a February bar brawl. A private military company, Wagner staged with its founder Prigozhin a brief rebellion against the Kremlin and marched on Moscow in June 2022. The mutiny ended with a deal that saw the relocation of Wagner troops to Belarus. Two months later, Prigozhin and several of his top associates were killed in a plane crash that was widely seen as the Kremlins revenge. 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 }} Russia has started buying bananas from India and will look for other fruit in a bitter spat with its biggest supplier Ecuador. The decision was made after the South American country swapped Russian-made military hardware with the United States. India, a major banana producer, has also expressed interest in supplying other fruit such as mangoes, pineapples, papaya and guava to the Russian market. The first batch of bananas from India was shipped to Russia in January and the next is planned for end-February, Russian watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said, adding that the volume of exports of Indian bananas to the Russian market will increase. Rosselkhoznadzor last week suspended banana imports from five Ecuadorian companies, saying it had detected pests in their products. Ecuadors food safety agency said on Tuesday only 0.3% of banana shipments to Russia were found to contain insects and didnt pose a risk, according to Ecuadorian media reports. Ecuador President Daniel Noboa (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The suspensions came after Moscow condemned a pact under which Ecuador will hand over Russian-made military hardware, dubbed by Ecuador as Ukrainian and Russian scrap metal, to the United States in exchange for advanced U.S. equipment worth $200 million. The United States has said the arms from Ecuador would help Ukraine bolster its forces on the battlefield against Russia. Russias trade ties with India have deepened since 2022, when Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, forcing it to seek greater trade with China, India and other non-Western countries. A fruit vendor carries bananas to sell at Daranggiri market in Goalpara district of Indias Assam stat (AFP via Getty Images) Russian authorities have not explicitly linked the Indian banana import decision with the U.S.-Ecuador deal, but Moscow has a history of restricting food imports from countries with which it has disputes. Russia was the largest importer of Ecuadorian bananas in 2022, and Ecuador supplied 20-25% of its yearly banana exports to Russia prior to the 2022 invasion, according to the FAO. Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss the war in Ukraine and the Black Sea Grain Initiative during a visit to Ankara by the Russian leader, Turkeys foreign minister said on Tuesday. Hakan Fidan did not give a date for the trip, which would mark Putins first trip to a NATO member state since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A Turkish official told Reuters last week he would visit Turkey on Feb. 12. 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 Moscow court has ordered the arrest of a bestselling novelist living in London on charges of justifying terrorism the latest incident in a Kremlin crackdown on Russians opposing the war in Ukraine. Grigory Chkhartishvili, known under the pen name Boris Akunin, was charged in absentia by Moscows Basmanny District Court on Tuesday. He is now under an arrest warrant and will be detained if he returns to Russia. In December last year, after Mr Akunin expressed support for Ukraine on a call with two Russian pranksters, known as Vovan and Lexus who were posing as Ukrainian officials the Kremlin escalated its crackdown on the novelist. Russian authorities added the writer to Russias register of extremists and terrorists over the call. At that time, the novelist wrote: A seemingly minor event, the banning of books, the declaration of some writer as a terrorist, is actually an important milestone. Books have not been banned in Russia since Soviet times. Writers have not been accused of terrorism since the Great Terror. This is not a bad dream, this is happening to Russia in reality. A criminal case was subsequently opened against Mr Akunin, who has sold millions of detective, historical and fantasy novels internationally, for discrediting the army. Specifically for justifying terrorism and spreading fake news about the Russian military. Russian publishers had already pulled his books from the countrys largest bookstore chain, while all Russian theatres staging plays based on Mr Akunins works removed his name from posters. Mr Akunin, a dual Russian-Georgian national, has been an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin for years. In 2014, the year that Mr Putin annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea before sending his forces into eastern Ukraine, Mr Akunin moved to London, where he has remained ever since. A year before, he accused Mr Putin of destroying the countrys hopes of progress. Putin has become a real obstacle to the development of the country, he said. It is impossible to survive with this level of corruption. Russian prison authorities moved jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny, 47, into a one-man punishment cell in the remote Arctic penal colony, his team have revealed (AP) On the day Putin launched Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, 2022, Mr Akunin branded the Kremlin leader a mentally abnormal dictator and described the war as absurd. He wrote: I could not believe that Putin would start this absurd war and I was wrong. I always believed that reason would win in the end and I was wrong. The insanity has won. People are dying, blood is shed. Russia is ruled by a mentally abnormal dictator, and, most terrible of all, she submissively follows his paranoia. I know that Putinland and Russia are not the same thing, but now there is no difference for the whole world. He later co-founded the True Russia platform, which helps Ukrainian refugees and exiled anti-war Russians. It comes as Russian prison authorities moved jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny, 47, into a one-man punishment cell in the remote Arctic penal colony where he is serving a 19-year sentence, his team announced. His press secretary Kira Yarmysh did not specify the reason, but said Mr Navalny had already spent months in solitary confinement since he was jailed in 2021, facing the punishment over two dozen times over minor infractions such as failing to properly button his prison uniform. Vladimir Kara-Murza, another Russian opposition figure being held in a Siberian penal colony, was transferred to a one-man punishment cell last month. He is serving a 25-year sentence for spreading fake news about what the Kremlin calls its special military operation in Ukraine. Mr Kara-Murzas wife, Evgenia, told The Independent that he had been moved after being labelled a consistent violator of the rules, just like Mr Navalny. In Russia, they use this accusation against political prisoners very often for absolutely ridiculous reasons, she said. LAS VEGAS With a primary win all but inevitable, President Joe Biden used his Sunday appearance in Las Vegass Historic Westside to rally his most vocal supporters in a battleground state that delivered for him four years ago. His visit Sunday and Monday concluded just a day before Nevadas Democratic and Republican party primaries. Then on Thursday, the state GOP holds its delegate-selecting caucuses. In a roughly 30-minute speech at Pearson Community Center on Sunday, Biden mentioned Tuesdays primary only in passing, instead using his time to highlight the achievements of his first term and scourge former President Donald Trump, who appears poised to secure the Republican nomination over challenger Nikki Haley. You all are the reason I am the president of the United States of America, Biden told the crowd of invited supporters. Youre the reason. Youre the reason Kamala Harris is a historic vice president. And youre the reason Donald Trump is the former president. And youre the reason well make Donald Trump a loser again. Biden addressed myriad topics and made several campaign promises, including capping prescription drug prices for all consumers, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and removing every lead pipe in the country. Heres the deal. The idea. If in fact you do what I hope you do, if you get more people registered to vote between now and the general election, elect all the Democratic congressmen and senators all across the country, give me a Senate and House, Im going to bring back Roe v Wade, said Biden. One of the most touching moments of his speech focused on Bidens signing in 2022 of the PACT Act, which expanded veterans benefits and made it easier for people to access health care for medical conditions possibly caused by exposure to open burn pits or other toxins, like Agent Orange. Biden spoke of his late son, Beau Biden, who died in 2015. Beau Biden, a member of the Delaware Army National Guard, had slept within hundreds of yards of a burn pit in Iraq, said the elder Biden. He came home with stage-4 glioblastoma, a brain cancer that theres no cure for. And he died. And he died, said Biden. The idea that hed have to prove it was because of that is bizarre. Someone in a similar position today would not have that hurdle, Biden continued, before contrasting that with Trump refusing to visit a cemetery in France where American soldiers who died during World War II were buried. He said those folks buried in that cemetery were suckers and losers, said Biden. Suckers and losers, the guy said. He added, To call my son, to call your sons and daughters who gave their lives for this country suckers and losers. Thats how this guy thinks. Who the hell does he think he is? Biden also attacked Trump for his support of political extremism and political violence. Democracy is at stake, Biden warned. U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, who was one of several speakers to make comments before Biden, criticized the Nevada Republican Party for attempting to foment mass chaos and mass confusion this election cycle. The Nevada Republican Party is holding a caucus on Thursday, two days after the state-run primary on Tuesday. The Nevada GOP, which is run by a recently indicted fake elector, designed their caucus so that candidates would have to choose between it or the primary. The result has caused confusion among voters and rendered Nevada largely irrelevant to the nomination process, as Trump will compete in one event (the caucus) while his only major challenger (Haley) competes in the other. More than 151,000 ballots had been cast in the presidential preference primary by Sunday morning, according to the Nevada secretary of states office. The vast majority of those votes, 127,716, were cast through mail ballots while 23,677 were cast in-person during the one-week early voting period, which ended Friday. In line with broader efforts to court voters of color, Biden also spoke of fulfilling his 2020 campaign promise to nominate a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. Biden also highlighted the benefits of the expanded child tax credit, which during the pandemic assisted 380,000 Nevada families. The expanded child tax credit reduced Black child poverty in half and Latino child poverty by 43%, said Biden, before Republicans refused to support it and allowed it to roll back to pre-pandemic limits. Speakers prior to Biden also highlighted several Black Nevadans who achieved political milestones, including Aaron Ford, who when elected attorney general became the first Black person to hold a statewide constitutional office in Nevada, and Daniele Monroe-Moreno, who last year became the first Black woman to lead the state Democratic party. Bidens remarks included no mention of the $118.28 billion global security package released over the weekend that includes a long-anticipated overhaul of immigration law negotiated by a bipartisan trio of senators. Trump and House Republicans oppose the package. Biden also made no mention of Israel or the assault on Gaza. More than a dozen pro-Palestinaian demonstrators stood outside the community center on Sunday chanting and criticizing the president, saying he is allowing taxpayer dollars to fund genocide. Demonstrations like this are now common at campaign events. Bidens Nevada trip began Sunday at a fundraiser with approximately four dozen people at a private home in Henderson, according to reports from the White House travel pool. Politico reported top donors included Richard Perkins, Sasha Sutcliffe-Stephenson, Joe and Cynthia Asher, Brian and Myra Greenspun, Greg and Dana Lee, and Lexy Lionel. He left Nevada midday Monday. 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 two-month-old boy has been killed in a Russian missile attack overnight in Ukraines Kharkiv that destroyed a hotel, the regional governor said on Tuesday. The body of the infant boy was found in the rubble of a three-storey building struck by Russian missiles at 2.30am local time, Kharkiv oblast governor Oleh Synehubov said on his official Telegram channel. Sharpnel from the attack also injured the babys mother, the governor said. In an earlier message, he said one person was trapped under the rubble and three others were pulled out. The infant who died had been born on 4 December, the governor said, as he shared a photo of the damaged hotel. The Russians hit with two S-300 missiles at night, the governor said in his message. Two other women were also injured with shrapnel wounds, and taken to a nearby hospital, he added. Russias early morning onslaught on the Kharkiv region damaged more than 30 buildings, including private houses, a cafe, shops and private cars in the attack, the National Police said. The hotel is in the Zolochiv town of the oblasts Bohodukhiv region, about 40km (24.8miles) from the citys administrative centre. Russia has not commented directly on the Tuesday morning attack but has previously denied targeting civilians. Putins forces have repeatedly targeted northeastern Kharkiv city, which is just 30km (18miles) from the Russian border, with missile, mortar and artillery attacks since the beginning of Putins invasion in February 2022. The attacks have surged in the last few weeks and earlier this week, Russia fired artillery and mortar on 18 settlements in the oblast. Former deputy chief of Ukraines General Staff of the Armed Forces said Russia is indiscriminately attacking the city to cause moral and psychological pressure. Kharkiv is their priority, because [Vladimir] Putin cant forgive the fact that a Russian-speaking city did not want to become part of the Russian world, Lieutenant-General Ihor Romanenko told Al Jazeera. At the end of January, a Russian missile attack tore through a residential five-storey building killing 10 people and injuring 60 others. And Russia launched another massive attack on Kyiv and Kharkiv on 2 January, using hypersonic and cruise missiles. The attack killed four people and injured 92 others. On Monday evening, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces confirmed a surge in Russian attacks along the wars frontline. "Within the last 24 hours, missile units launched attacks on one cluster of manpower, two control points and two ammunition storage points of the enemy. The enemy fired seven missiles and launched 25 airstrikes, as well as 52 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems, it said. 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 }} Norways defence minister urged his country to be ready for a possible conflict with Russia even after the end of Moscows invasion of Ukraine. He said Russia might retaliate in response to Finland and Swedens new Nato membership. Other Nato nations have also explicitly warned of Russias aggression and plans to disrupt peace in the region in the past few months. We must be ready that Russia may review its plans and where it deploys its forces in response to Finland and Swedens Nato membership," Bjrn Arild Gram said on Monday during a lecture at the Oslo Military Society Assembly. The top official was referring to the ongoing negotiations to bring Sweden into the Nato fold as its application has been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Finland became the 31st member to join the North Atlantic bloc in April last year, triggering Russia which sees the alliances combined military strength as a threat. Mr Gram said Norways armed forces must be prepared for conflict to break out. We must be able to respond in a timely manner and together with allies, he said. Norway needs to increase its investment in national defence, he said. He said any emerging signs of democracy have been quashed in Russia, and added that there is no indication Russia will become like us. "The few Russians who are trying to protest are being thrown behind bars or sent to the war. There they are being used as cannon fodder, he said. There is no opposition in Russia and no freedom of media or presence of civil society, which can somehow counter the increasingly authoritarian regime, he added. This new Russia will stay with us for a long time, even after its war against Ukraine ends, Mr Gram said in his lecture. Last month, German defence minister Boris Pistorious warned that Russia is likely to attack a Nato nation in five to eight years. "We hear threats from the Kremlin almost every day ... so we have to take into account that Vladimir Putin might even attack a Nato country one day," he told the German outlet Der Tagesspiegel. Our experts expect a period of five to eight years in which this could be possible, the German minister said. In December, the head of Polands national security agency Jacek Siewiera estimated that Russia could attack Nato countries within three years in an interview with Nasz Dziennik. An attack could come from Natos eastern flank which includes countries such as Poland, Estonia, Romania and Lithuania, he said, estimating they had three years to prepare for a confrontation. All Swedish citizens must be ready for war, Micael Byden, commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Sweden and Swedish minister of civil defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin warned. 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 }} Fears remain over the fragile security at one of the worlds biggest atomic power plants following Putins war on Ukraine. Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has seen worrying recent staff cuts enacted by Russian authorities occupying the facility, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief said Tuesday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly expressed alarm about the facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, who is in Kyiv, said that his upcoming visit to the plant as the war approaches its two-year milestone will aim to assess the impact of recent personnel reductions after Russia denied access to employees of Ukraines Energoatom. This huge facility used to have around 12,000 staff. Now, this has been reduced to between 2,000 and 3,000, which is quite a steep reduction in the number of people working there, Grossi said. To man, to operate these very sophisticated big installations you need a certain number of people performing different specific functions. So far the situation is stable, but it is a very, very delicate equilibrium, he said. So this is why I need to see for myself what is the situation, what are the prospects in terms of staffing, medium-term and long-term as well. A view of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, in Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Rossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function in the wake of the Kakhovka Dam collapse over the summer, and the presence of mines in and around the plant. The plant suffered yet another blackout last month, highlighting continuing nuclear safety concerns as battles rage nearby. All these things tell us that the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to be fragile and it requires constant care, Grossi said. Of particular concern is the Russian decision to block access for Ukrainian staff employed by Kyivs national operator, who refused to sign contracts with the Russian operator at the site. This photograph taken from Ukrainian city of Nikopol on July 7, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) The staff working at the plant now are former Energoatom workers who adopted Russian citizenship and signed new contracts with Russias operator at the site. Reasons for the staff reduction vary. Some workers fled, many didnt want to remain in occupied territory and those who decided to remain did not want to work for Russia. Some did continue working, and my Russian counterparts are telling me that they are signing up more and more people. So its something that we need to check, said Grossi. The plants six reactors have been shut down for nearly 18 months and produce no electricity but still hold large amounts of nuclear fuel that must be cooled. The collapse of the dam in June jeopardized access to the reservoir where water was drawn for cooling. To compensate, the plant administration dug wells. Now we want to see how this has evolved, Grossi said. He is to meet with Ukrainian officials before heading to the plant. He is also due to travel to Moscow for talks with officials there. Access to the entire plant facility for IAEA experts permanently based there is still limited, with Russian authorities denying requests to see certain areas. Grossi confirmed his team observed anti-personnel mines in some areas of the plant, another cause for concern that he needs to see with his own eyes. He added, however, that the mines appear to be placed between the two perimeter fences. We say mines at a nuclear power plant are not advisable, but what we see is that the placement and the type of mines would not pose an immediate danger to the facility. 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 }} Israels military says 31 of the hostages in Gaza are dead a fifth of the 136 people still being held captive by Hamas. It comes after a document compiled by Israeli intelligence officers reported by the New York Times, suggested 32 have died since the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October and the Israeli bomardment of Gaza in response. Four military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel was also assessing unconfirmed intelligence indicating that at least 20 other hostages may have also been killed, the paper reported. The circumstances of the hostage deaths remains unclear with the Israeli authorities suggesting that many of those deaths had occurred during Hamass deadly attack, in which 1,200 people were killed and at least another 240 taken hostage. The Israeli military told the New York Times that it was deploying all available resources to locate and retrieve as much information as possible regarding the hostages currently held by Hamas. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, met officials in Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday during his fifth trip to the Middle East since October, as the three countries seek a hostage release deal and the wars first extended truce. More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a weeklong ceasefire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The USs top diplomat began the day in Saudi Arabia before jetting first to Cairo and then Doha to meet the rulers of Egypt and Qatar, mediators in talks that conveyed a truce offer to Hamas last week. Smoke rises from buildings following strikes in Gaza (AP) Israel, which is pressing on with its offensive deep into parts of the Gaza Strip now sheltering hundreds of thousands of people displaced from earlier fighting, said its forces had killed dozens of Palestinian gunmen in the past 24 hours. Palestinians hope Mr Blinkens talks will nail down a ceasefire before Israeli forces storm Rafah, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people are sheltering, mainly in public buildings and tents made from sheets of plastic, hard against the border with Egypt. Mr Blinken met Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in Cairo and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. Mr Blinken is set to meet Israeli leaders and the Western-backed Palestinian Authority on Wednesday. The deal, drawn up more than a week ago by US and Israeli spy chiefs at a meeting with the Egyptians and Qataris, would secure the release of remaining hostages held by militants in Gaza in return for a long pause to fighting. Hamas says it must produce a definitive end to the war. Israel says it will not halt the war permanently until Hamas is destroyed. Additional reporting by agencies 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 }} Families and medics in Rafah the last refuge for Palestinians within Gaza have warned of catastrophe if Israel fulfils its promise to advance into the border town. Rafah, which lies along the border Egypt, is now sheltering more than a million people, most of them those who fled other parts of Gaza after Israel unleashed its heaviest ever bombardment of the strip in retaliation for the bloody 7 October attack by Hamas. Many are sleeping in makeshift tents in schools, hospital courtyards, on the streets, and abandoned buildings, as families described cooking on campfires and washing in the sea. There is literally no where for us to go, said Youssef* who lives in Rafah with his wife and child. He described hundreds of thousands of people, displaced from across destroyed Gaza, sleeping on the streets. The hospital we have is really small and underdeveloped to the extent that it struggle at normal times. The closet larger hospital is 30 minutes away in Khan Younis which is already being heavily bombed. The only hope for people like Youssef is a ceasefire deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US, which all three countries are furiously trying to push over the line. It is the focus of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinkens current trip to the region, the fifth since war erupted in October, where on Tuesday he reiterated an agreement is possible and essential. However, Israel has threatened to imminently turn the full ferocity of its army on Rafah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying his country is on the way to absolute victory and will not give it up. Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza (REUTERS) This promises have terrified families in Rafah, some of whom have been displaced three times already on the orders of the Israeli military and they told The Independent they were bracing for the worst. Queues for food are unending, one woman said, and one of the only hospitals in Rafah has just 65 beds, and no intensive care unit, a Palestinian doctor said. Sarah, 25, a student said several family members were critically wounded by Israeli shelling in Khan Younis a few two weeks ago and have only just evacuated to Rafah, which was supposed to be their safe haven. They are now preparing to evacuate again - even though her uncle is in intensive care. Our only hope is a ceasefire, it is one thing we pray for everyday, she told The Independent from a town just north of Rafah, which asked not to be named for security reasons. Three times displaced herself, she said she only recently made her first attempt to leave the house in months to purchase supplies but an airstrike hit as she queued with hundreds of people for bread. It was terrifying. The bomb destroyed a mosque next to us. I have never seen so many queuing for bread. People are queuing all day and all the night for the read and food for their families, she added sharing photos of the crowds of hundreds of people waiting for food. She said she was terrified about what was next to come. We are surrounded. Our only hope can be an end to this. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, attends a joint press conference with Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (via REUTERS) The United Nations, has described Rafah as a "pressure cooker of despair, and warned that if it comes under ground assault people would no where to escape to bar Egypt. Israeli officials have said they would coordinate with Egypt to move civilians north of Rafah, but families, already forced from their homes and shelters, say there is no where left to go. Cairo has repeatedly said it will not admit any influx of Palestinian refugees in what it describes a bid to prevent any permanent dispossession. The Egyptian authorities have also warned that any Israeli deployment along along its border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed over four decades ago. This piles even more pressure on the region which is already on the brink of a wider war, as Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have stepped up attacks on US forces in the region and global shipping routes in retaliation for Israels offensive. Meanwhile Israel and Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah militant group trade fire across the border on a daily basis, and in recent weeks apparent Israeli strikes have killed senior Hezbollah commanders. But Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has promised its tanks and troops would imminently press into Rafah, and continue until the military has full reign over the entire 42-km-long enclave. Speaking to his forces on Monday, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again reiterated the country is on the way to absolute victory and will not give it up. Israel unleashed its assault on Gaza after Hamas militants launched a bloody attack on south Israel on 7 October, killing over 1,200 people, and taking more than 240 people hostage, including toddlers. Smoke billows during Israeli bombardment in Rafah (AFP via Getty Images) Authorities in Gaza say that Israels offensive has killed than 27,400, seventy per cent of them women and children, with more than 100 dying in the last 24 hours alone. The war has levelled vast swaths of the tiny enclave, displaced 85 percent of its population of 2.3 million Palestinians and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. Fearing the wider spread of the conflict, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has travelled to the region for his fifth visit since October, shuttling between Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar in just 48 hours in a desperate bid to push through a ceasefire deal. Washington hopes the deal, which drafted by the US, Cairo and Qatar and could see a 40-day ceasefire and hostage deal, may temper regional tensions. But Mr Blinken faces major challenges: Israel has dismissed the United States' calls for a path to a Palestinian state - which is a key point of any deal - while Iran's militant allies in the region have shown little sign of backing down. There was a chink of light on Tuesday after Hamas issued a statement saying it had submitted its response to the latest ceasefire proposal, which Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said had been "positive. But he declined to give further details. Mr Blinken, at a press conference with the Qatari premier, said Washington was reviewing Hamas' reply and that he would discuss it with Israeli officials when he visits the country on Wednesday. "Theres still a lot of work to do be done, but we continue to believe that an agreement is possible, and indeed essential," he added. Palestinians mourn relatives killed in Israeli bombardment in Rafah (AP) Officials close to the ceasefire negotiations told The Independent that while talks are ongoing, there are key sticking points holding it up. Hamas is unwilling to agree to release hostages until they have assurances of a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. There has been "some movement" on a deal to secure the release of hostages by Hamas, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, adding that the response from Hamas was "a little over the top" Israel does not want a deal that includes an indefinite ceasefire until it has completed its military objectives. It has also vowed to retain security control of the besieged strip, implying no imminent withdrawal. But Israel is facing increasing international and domestic pressure to end the fighting and bring the hostages home - as families of those held captive in Gaza fear they will perish in the heavy fight. More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israel said on Tuesday that at at least a fifth of the remaining 136 hostages still in Gaza were dead: the highest number of casualties they have admitted to so far. Israel's chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday that 31 of the remaining hostages held in Gaza were pronounced dead. "We have informed 31 families that their captured loved ones are no longer among the living and that we have pronounced them dead," he told a regular media briefing. Officials believe an an additional 20 who may have also died, according to a report from The New York Times. Separate to the ceasefire negations Israeli military officials have said that the fighting could drag on for many more months especially after Hamas has begun to reemerge in some of the most devastated areas in the north after Israeli forces pulled back. They continue to promise to push into Rafah. In south Gaza, health ministry officials warn that Rafah does not have hospitals which can handle a ground assault. If they pushing to Rafah it would be catastrophic, said Dr Yosef Abureesh, Gazas deputy health minister who is in beleagured city. The main hospital the Mohamed Youssef Najjar Hospital, is only really a primary health care centre which was converted into a hospital. There are only 65 beds, and two operation rooms. There is no ICU and there are no CT scanning machines. The hope of all people in Gaza is a ceasefire right now. *Name changed to protect identity 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 year after northwest Syria was struck by deadly earthquakes that also hit Turkey a vulnerable population is still grappling with the consequences in a country already devastated by years of civil war. In the aftermath of the earthquake, more than 4,500 deaths and 8,700 injuries were reported in northwest Syria, with thousands being made homeless as more than 10,600 buildings were partially or totally destroyed. Some of the worst quake-hit areas were also those most devastated by the conflict, including the city of Aleppo. The UN says 6,000 people were killed across the whole country. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake on 6 February 2023 also killed more than 50,000 people across Turkey. Yasser Abu Ammar, a member of White Helmets, the Syrian rescue group, from the town of Darat Izza in northern Aleppo province, vividly remembers stepping outside his home after feeling the strong tremors. The scenes of destruction I saw were horrifying, the 40-year-old tells The Independent. I felt despair, frustration, and helplessness in the face of such a catastrophe. Alongside a team, Ammar divided the city into sectors, distributed teams, requested reinforcements, and initiated search and rescue operations. One of the scenes that deeply affected me was finding a 10-year-old girl alive under the rubble of a two-story building, he says. We worked for over 48 hours, trying to reach her, comforting her, providing first aid, water, and food while attempting to remove the collapsed ceilings, he adds. After two days, the only way to rescue her was to amputate her foot. It was heartbreaking. Even though Ammar has spent years responding to emergencies, he says the earthquake was the most significant event in his life. Yasser Abu Ammar says that the earthquake was the most significant event in his life (Supplied) The level of destruction, casualties, and injuries exceeded my capacity to bear, he says. In the days following the earthquakes, there was criticism over the delays in aid getting into Syria, with the UN saying they had to wait for permission from the Syrian government. The failed international response to the earthquake, which left Syrian groups on the ground alone to save lives in the critical days after the earthquake struck, has only been compounded by a year of neglect, Ranim Ahmed of The Syria Campaign human rights organisation tells The Independent. The past year has seen no end to the suffering of civilians who are grieving the loss of thousands. In the year since the earthquake hit, the UNs World Food Programme has had to halt its general food assistance aid delivery across the whole of Syria as part of a global humanitarian funding crunch. It will continue some cash and nutrition support but 1.3 million people in the northwest have lost food deliveries they relied on. The earthquakes exacerbated the effects of the 13-year civil war. Instead of focusing on trying to recover after the earthquake, people in parts of northwest Syria opposition-held areas have been living in fear for their lives of possible Syrian army strikes. It [doesnt] allow us to fully recover from the past 13 years of war, let alone the earthquake, Ammar says. They keep us living in a state of fear, always working to rebuild our lives, but never able to fully move on. Several days after the earthquakes in February, by which point 434 schools had been damaged, Abeer Mahmoud Khalil Ahmed returned to teach pupils at a local public school. When the children felt the aftershocks in the wake of the earthquakes, they asked Ahmed if the building would fall on them and if they would die. As months passed, more children dropped out of school as the impact of the earthquakes continued and the bombing intensified. In June 2023, nearly half of school-aged children in northwest Syria were not in school. Abeer Mahmoud Khalil Ahmeds students were scared that their school would fall down in the wake of the earthquakes (Supplied) As adults, we have to get used to adapting to the frightening situation of frequent bombings and earthquakes, she says. Can you imagine the situation of children who live a childhood full of intense fear and constant terror about what is happening on Earth and in the sky? Children face extreme difficulties in adapting to the current, unnatural situation. It exceeds the ability of their minds to comprehend. During the past year, Ahmed has seen the education of children deteriorate. Schools have cracks all over them. Teachers and students have died, leading to psychological disorders in children who lived. Speech problems like stuttering, nightmares, and involuntary urination have all increased in her students. Children injured during the earthquakes and bombings are struggling to access education. But the most frustrating thing has been the death of children [in the earthquake and continuous bombings] who were students in our school, she says. This is the reality we live in. Every day we lose a child who was in school dreaming of becoming a doctor, while now he or she is dead. When Marwa Al-Salloum established Marouna in 2018, a large and safe family home that brings together Syrian women from exile and displacement, she hoped that it would provide a place of peace for all who entered. When the earthquake hit, the centre spent four months providing tents, food, clothing, and other necessities for women. Marwa Al-Salloum trained teams of women to provide support to families suffering with loss (Supplied) We put together a mobile puppetry theatre show to provide psychological support activities to children in shelter centres and affected areas to help them cope with their trauma, the 30-year-old says. Having qualified to work as a professional providing psychological support, Al-Salloum trained teams of women to provide support to families suffering from loss. One of her greatest concerns in the aftermath of the earthquakes and in the midst of conflict is that women will lose their power. Women and girls rights have been an unseen casualty of the conflict and earthquakes, according to the United Nations Population Fund. There are concerns about increased discrimination and inequalities that continue to limit womens prospects, exposing them to increased risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. Women whose husbands have been killed, disappeared or gone missing, are particularly vulnerable, with 92 per cent of female-headed households living in displacement camps in Syria reporting insufficient ability or complete inability to meet basic needs. What I fear most now is that women will lose their ability to give due to the marginalisation of their roles in a society that suffers from political, military, economic, and social oppression, Al-Salloum says. Eliminating womens power and effectiveness would mean a dry and dying society. As the hospital she was working in shook from the earthquakes, Dr Ikram Habboush, a doctor working in northwest Syria with the Syrian American Medical Society, could only think about the newborn babies in the incubators. All I was thinking about was how I could help them, the 40-year-old tells The Independent. For years, Dr Habboush has tried to provide the best treatment at her maternity hospital as supplies dwindle. After the earthquake and with the civil war, the needs were higher, but the resources were depleted. We need more doctors, nurses, medical supplies, and drugs, she says. The mothers and babies who make it to Habboush are the lucky ones, but there are hundreds unable to access various types of necessary medical treatments. People have no place to live in safety, she says. They are stuck in camps. When these internally displaced people get sick, Habboush says they dont have money to seek treatment. This becomes another disaster for them, she says. The healthcare system in northwest Syria, already underfunded and devastated by the war, suffered a major blow when the earthquakes hit. An estimated 53 health facilities were fully or partly damaged, and the ones that remained were overwhelmed with patients, making it difficult to provide timely medical care to those who needed it most. Health facilities were ill-equipped to handle to surge in demand for services, healthcare personnel were overstretched, and medicine and medical supplies were lacking. Despite the setbacks, Habboush keeps pouring herself out for her patients. I hope that the future will be better than now, she says. Those working in Syria are tired but continue to be a ray of hope for Syrians, according to Ahmed at the Syria Campaign. World leaders have a moral responsibility to end their unbelievable indifference towards targeted attacks on civilians and to ensure adequate aid funding to avert the growing humanitarian crisis, Ahmed concludes. At the end of a terrible year, the tireless work of Syrian civil society groups embedded in their communities is a ray of hope for Syrians and sets an example for all of us. The world needs to come together to support their efforts. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Researchers have used artificial intelligence to decipher the hidden text of a 2,000-year-old scroll that was burnt during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The charred papyrus features the musings of a Greek philosopher, revealing never-before-seen insights into the Epicurean school of philosophy that focuses on pleasure and hedonism. After digitally scanning the scroll, which resembles a lump of charcoal, the researchers used 3D mapping and AI techniques to virtually unroll the papyrus and detect the letters. The writing comes from the philosopher Philodemus, with the passage offering his thoughts on how the scarcity of food can impact how much enjoyment we get from it. The breakthrough was made by a trio of researchers Youssef Nader from FU Berlin, Luke Farritor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Julian Schilliger from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich who now hope to use the technique to uncover more of the texts. The ancient scroll was carbonised by volcanic debris from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 (Vesuvius Challenge) The scrolls were discovered in the 18th century when a farmer uncovered a buried Roman villa while digging a well over the ancient town of Herculaneum. A vast library of papyrus scrolls had been carbonised by the heat of the volcanic debris, leaving them extremely fragile but still intact. Previous attempts to open them and read the texts had destroyed several scrolls, with more than 600 remaining unopened and unreadable. If deciphered, the scrolls would more than double the corpus of antiquity literature. A challenge was launched in March 2023 to incentivise researchers by offering an $850,000 cash reward for deciphering part of the Herculaneum scrolls. Following a year of remarkable progress, the prize was claimed, the website for the Vesuvius Challenge states. After 275 years, the ancient puzzle of the Herculaneum Papyri has been solved. But the quest to uncover the secrets of the scrolls is just beginning. Classicist Bob Fowler from the University of Bristol, who was one of the prize judges, described the feat as a historic moment, telling the journal Nature that it will yield who knows what kinds of new secrets. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The computer scientist accused of lying about being the founder of Bitcoin has said he never wanted to be publicly revealed as its creator, the High Court has been told. Dr Craig Wright is facing legal action over whether he is Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym credited with creating the cryptocurrency, and began giving evidence in London on Tuesday. He is being sued by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, who have accused him of lying and forging documents, something Dr Wright denies. In witness statements released on Tuesday, the Australian said he chose the name Satoshi after being inspired by Pokemon but that he never wanted his identity to be revealed. In one of 11 statements in the trial, he said: Despite adopting the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, my intention was not to shroud this identity in secrecy. The goal was not total anonymity but a certain level of privacy. The intrusion into my private life and the subsequent public revelation of my identity as Satoshi Nakamoto left me feeling violated and deeply pained Dr Craig Wright This allowed me to focus on my work and ensured that the spotlight remained on the innovation and potential of Bitcoin rather than the individual behind it. In my real life, I first shared my identity with a small circle of people. He added: When I initially chose the pseudonym Satoshi, I was drawn to its connection with the Pokemon trainer and the symbolic significance it held in other contexts. The unexpected disclosure of my identity as Satoshi Nakamoto had unintended consequences, drawing public attention and speculation. The pseudonymous figure was the author of the document which led to the creation of Bitcoin, known as the Bitcoin white paper, which was published in 2008. Dr Wrights barristers have told the court he has the skills and knowledge needed to both create the cryptocurrency and write the white paper, which he began drafting the previous year. He said in one statement that he was proud to have played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of financial technology. Dr Wright publicly claimed he was Satoshi in May 2016 after news articles were published by the Wired and Gizmodo news outlets about his identity in December 2015. Despite being publicly named as Satoshi, Dr Wright said he resisted requests to publicly prove it, which he said was him underscoring a decision to maintain a particular stance or principle rather than to seek validation or acceptance through demonstration. He told the court the stories shattered his privacy and that he never intended to be the subject of media attention as he preferred to work quietly in the background. He said: The intrusion into my private life and the subsequent public revelation of my identity as Satoshi Nakamoto left me feeling violated and deeply pained. It was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our privacy and how easily it can be stripped away, subjecting our personal lives to global scrutiny. The experience had a lasting impact on me. I never intended to reveal myself as Satoshi in such a manner. Copa alleges Dr Wright told a brazen lie about being Satoshi and used forgery on an industrial scale to substantiate his claims. One piece of evidence advanced by Copa is that the original Bitcoin white paper was written using OpenOffice software while the document provided by Dr Wright was found to have been made using software that did not exist at the time. Dr Wright said in one of his witness statements that he used a multi-software approach to creating the document, which naturally led to multiple versions, some of which may contain errors or inconsistencies, and that he kept no record of when different versions were created and when other people accessed them. Dr Wright is expected to give evidence over several days in the trial in the Rolls Building, which is expected to conclude next month. The judge, Mr Justice Mellor, will issue his decision in writing at a later date. ELKO Elko voters can cast ballots in eight locations across the county. On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden faces no major challengers in his bid to secure Nevada delegates and, eventually, the partys nomination. On the Republican side, the only major candidate on the ballot will be Nikki Haley. Thats because the state GOP is choosing convention delegates based on caucuses that will be held on Thursday. This makes the primary a moot point as far as delegate selections are concerned. But it could help boost Haleys image following defeats to Trump in Iowa and New Hampshire. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One of those polling places closes an hour before the others the location at West Wendover City Hall, where mountain time is observed. All the others close at 7 p.m. Pacific time. 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 }} One month ago, Alaska Airlines flight 1282 made an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon after a doorplug, a panel of the fuselage near the rear of the aircraft, blew out midair as the plane reached 16,000 feet. Several passengers on board were injured but later cleared by medical professionals, the airline said. Debris from the aircraft, including iPhones and the doorplug, were found on the side of the streets and in a school teachers yard intact. The 5 January 2024 incident forced the grounding of all Boeing 737 Max 9s and prompted investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), into the aircraft manufacturer and Spirit AeroSystems, which made the doorplug. The grounding led to hundreds of flight cancellations. A preliminary report for the NTSB investigation revealed that four critical bolts keeping the door plug in place were missing from the plane. Boeing CEO David Calhoun addressed the company in a town hall after the emergency, saying that the corporation would address the incident acknowledging our mistake. Its now believed that the plane did not have the critical bolts it needed to keep the doorplug in place when it left the factory, according to reports. Following the incident, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, which operates 79 of the planes, said they, too, found loose bolts on some of their aircrafts. Models of the planes only began flying again at the end of January, once they underwent extensive inspections overseen by the FAA. However, Boeing officials also discovered a problem with their planes that will require the rework of 50 undelivered aircrafts. Heres everything we know about the saga: Ongoing investigations The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board launched investigations into the flight almost immediately after the emergency. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, called the event terrifying while the FAA said this incident should have never happened and it cannot happen again. A preliminary report for the NTSB investigation published on Tuesday (6 February) revealed that four critical bolts were missing from the airplane keeping the door plug intact. The bolts that appeared to be missing prevent the plugs upward movement, the NTSB said. The damage to the aircraft was consistent with the door plug moving upward, outward and being ejected during the separation. The NTSB previously said that all 12 stop fittings disengaged on the part. Mr Calhoun addressed the report in a written statement. Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened, he said. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers. The company said it is implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen quality and the confidence of our stakeholders. The FAA has halted the production of 737 Max planes. It said it is also investigating the companys manufacturing practices and production lines. We will not agree to any request from Boeing for an expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 Max until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. What exactly happened on board During a news conference following the incident, NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said that the auto depressurisation light for the airplane, which was on its way to Ontario, California, lit up shortly after takeoff. The doorplug later blew out, resulting in rapid decompression. The cockpit door subsequently flew open, to the surprise of the two captains on board. There was a lot of damage to panelling, trim and windows, Ms Homendy said. At some point, the oxygen masks on the plane dropped down. Four minors were on board and four flight attendants immediately went to check if they were ok. Passengers reported being scared for their lives and calling their loved ones. The plane then returned to Portland International Airport. History of Boeing 737 Max series safety problems The January incident wasnt the first time the quality of Boeings planes was called into question. In October 2018, a faulty sensor on a Max 8 jet activated an anti-stall system causing a commercial plane to crash near Jakarta, Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of all 189 people on board. The following year, a Max 8 plane operating for Ethiopian Airlines and heading toward Nairobi crashed in a field six minutes after takeoff. In that incident, all 157 people on board lost their lives. Two days following the Alaska Airlines incident, the US Department of Justice entered into a settlement with Boeing in relation to the accidents and the Max series. The company had previously been charged with one count of conspiracy. The settlement totaled $2.5bn, with sums of the money to be split into compensation for Boeing customers, a crash-victim beneficiary fund and a criminal monetary payment. Late last month, Boeing was back in the spotlight over safety concerns after one of its planes experienced an engine malfunction and another Boeing aircraft had its nose wheel fall off as the plane was on the runway. On Sunday, Boeing officials said the company discovered that Spirit Aerosystems had misdrilled some of the holes on about 50 of Boeings 737 Max jets. A member of our team identified an issue that does not conform to engineering standards, Spirit AeroSystems spokesman Joe Buccino told CNN. Once notified, we began immediate actions to identify and implement appropriate repair solutions. We are in close communication with Boeing on this matter. How are airlines responding? Both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have alluded to potentially turning to Airbus for future orders of airplanes. During a CNBC appearance in January, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed frustration over how manufacturing challenges do keep happening at Boeing. He added: This isnt new. Im disappointed in that. When asked if hes looking at Airbus, Boeings biggest competitor, he said, Ill wait and see. Obviously, theres only one other manufacturer thats really an option for us. Speaking to NBC News, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said the company will do whats best for Alaska long term, in terms of fleet mix for us, while confirming that Hawaiian Airlines, which the company is in the process of buying, uses Airbus planes. What happened to the passengers on flight 1282 Alaska Airlines paid the 171 passengers on the 5 January flight $1,500 as an immediate gesture of care and refunded them for their flights. Additionally, the company provided mental health resources. Some passengers, however, took matters into their own hands and sued Boeing. In a suit filed in the Superior Court of Washington for King Country, where part of the emergency occurred, last month, seven plaintiffs alleged that those on board suffered bleeding ears, bruises and headaches. Daniel Laurence, an attorney representing the plaintiffs said, This nightmare has caused economic, physical and ongoing emotional consequences that have understandably deeply affected our clients. 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 }} Boeing has responded to a damning National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report which found that four critical bolts were missing from a door plug that blew out on a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane last month, sparking a midair emergency. Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory, CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement following the release of the report on Tuesday. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers. The company said it is implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen the quality of its aircraft and boost the confidence of its stakeholders following the incident. It had previously been reported that the planes door plug a panel of the fuselage near the rear of the aircraft had left the planes manufacturing plant without the critical bolts needed to keep it in place. FILE - This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the door plug from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on 8 January 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Investigators say bolts that helped secure the panel on the Boeing jetliner were missing before the panel blew off the plane in midflight last month. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report Tuesday, Feb. 6 into the Jan. 5 accident. The loss of the panel forced pilots of the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet to make a harrowing emergency landing. (National Transportation Safety Board via AP, file) (National Transportation Safety Board,) In the NTSBs report, investigators found that four key bolts were missing from the plane. These bolts are usually in place to prevent the door plugs upward movement, the NTSB said. According to the report, the damage to the aircraft was consistent with the door plug moving upward, outward and being ejected from the aircraft. The NTSB previously said that all 12 stop fittings had disengaged. Overall, the observed damage patterns and absence of contact damage or deformation around holes associated with the vertical movement arrestor bolts and upper guide track bolts in the upper guide fittings, hinge fittings, and recovered aft lower hinge guide fitting indicate that four bolts that prevent upward movement of the MED plug were missing before the MED plug moved upward off the stop pads, the NTSB said. The report did not say who was to blame for the faulty door plug, which is manufactured by Spirit AeroSystems. Interviews with Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems personnel will be scheduled at a later date, the report said. However, experts previously told The Independent that the issue might have stemmed from the factory. This image from video provided by Elizabeth Le shows passengers near the damage on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, Flight 1282, which was forced to return to Portland International Airport on Friday 5 January 2024. (Elizabeth Le via AP) (Elizabeth Le) Just this week, a Boeing official said the company was made aware of 50 planes that needed to be reworked after Spirit Aerosystems identified misdrilled holes on some fuselages, according to Reuters. Flight 1282, operated by Alaska Airlines, had just departed Portland for Ontario, California, on 5 January when the plug blowout occurred at 16,000 feet. Four minors and three lap children were among the 171 passengers on board the flight, in addition to four flight attendants and two captains. Luckily, no one had been seated next to the plug, which can sometimes double as an emergency exit. Several passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The blowout resulted in rapid depressurization, causing oxygen masks to fall from the vents and debris from the plane to be ejected, including two iPhones. The plane made an emergency landing in Portland. The door plug was later found in a school teachers backyard, while the two phones were found in streets close to where the incident happened. Passengers on board the flight described the chaos on the aircraft as terrifying with some even reportedly calling their families to say what they thought would be a final goodbye. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy speaks to the media about the investigation on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 in Portland, Oregon Saturday 6 January 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer) (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A group of passengers who sued Boeing following the incident told their attorney, Daniel Laurence, that the event left them shocked, terrorized and confused, thrust into a walking nightmare, hoping they would live long enough to walk the earth again. Alaska Airlines offered all passengers on board $1,500 in compensation, in addition to a refund for their flight and mental health services. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB said that the incident could have been catastrophic had it happened higher than 16,000 feet in the sky. Following the event, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines both said they found loose bolts on several models of the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration forced the grounding of all Boeing Max 9s until thorough inspections could be completed, causing hundreds of flights to be cancelled. The model only began flying again at the end of last month. Still, the FAA halted the continued manufacturing of the plane until it can examine Boeings practices. Experts said that they expect the NTSBs investigation, which is still ongoing, will determine the quality assurance for both Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems. That would mean figuring out if employees were completing their tasks per the detailed instructions assigned to them. 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 }} One in three regular rail passengers say they are travelling by train less often due to the frequent strikes and that their travel patterns have changed permanently. They were responding to a snap social media poll conducted by The Independent on the last day of the latest walk-outs by train drivers belonging to the Aslef union. A total of 2,142 people voted in the four-hour poll on X, formerly Twitter. The largest response 40 per cent was from people who say they are travelling by rail just as much as before on days free of industrial action. A further 27 per cent say they are using trains less during the long and bitter dispute, but they plan to return to the railway once the industrial strife is over. But 33 per cent one in three respondents in the self-selecting poll say the industrial action has changed their travel habits permanently. Action stations: the poll on X (formerly Twitter) (Simon Calder) One passenger, the travel marketing expert Steve Dunne, wrote: I use rail much less these days than I used to down 70 per cent on 2019. With the seemingly constant industrial and union disputes, strikes, work to rule, etc, and ever increasing fares, it makes rail travel too risky and fraught with worry. I mainly do virtual meetings or drive these days. Jim Darroch wrote: I live in Edinburgh and have cut back on train travel as I don't trust them to run. Could've gone to Manchester, Cornwall, York, etc, but it's too risky. Not just strikes, also the pathetic service level of CrossCountry and TransPennine Express. Among the two out of five passengers who are travelling the same amount, Phil Read wrote: I'm a regular rail user for leisure and the industrial action has not changed my travel habits at all. They are planned in advance and give lots of notice to make other arrangements. It's the last-minute cancellations caused by the crumbling infrastructure that angers me. The blogger Travel Lexx added: With GWR being in what can sometimes can only be described as complete disarray due to track/signalling/whatever else problems, it is tough going sometimes! Neil Williams is among the 27 per cent who say they will return to the same level of rail use once the dispute is settled. He wrote: Yes, using the car a lot more. I'll go back once resolved. But he added that if a move by LNER to scrap off-peak flexible tickets goes nationwide, he would l probably stop long-distance rail travel almost entirely. I value flexibility and the off peak single/return are the tickets I use most, he wrote. Train drivers have been striking intermittently since July 2022 in a row over pay and working arrangements. The staff demand a no-strings rise, while the government insists that even a modest pay increase is contingent on radical changes to long-standing working arrangements such as making Sunday part of the working week at all operators. One of the most damaging days in the latest round of industrial action was Sunday 4 February. Thousands of trains were cancelled as operators such as Chiltern and West Midlands Railway who depend on drivers working overtime to cover Sunday schedules closed their networks. Members of Aslef have been staging a nine-day overtime ban together with rolling regional strikes, designed to cause maximum disruption with minimum loss of pay. Aslefs charter calls for the elimination of institutionalised overtime along with an average 32-hour working week and pensions equal to final salary. As the latest tranche of industrial action ends, the parties involved are no closer to an agreement. The Independent asked Aslef, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), representing the 14 English train operators involved in the dispute, the same question: Is the dispute between train drivers, rail firms and the government any closer to a settlement? Within two minutes, the union responded with a single word: No. A DfT spokesperson said: The transport secretary and rail minister have already facilitated talks with Aslef, leading to a fair and reasonable offer being made that would increase the average train driver's salary to 65,000 an offer which remains on the table. The government has overseen deals with the RMT, TSSA and Unite, delivering their members a fair and reasonable pay rise. Aslef remains the only rail union that is continuing to deny their members a pay rise by not putting the offer on the table to a vote. The union says no talks with ministers have taken place for over a year, and that train drivers have voted overwhelmingly to continue industrial action effectively a rejection of the offer. A spokesperson for the RDG said: There are no winners from these strikes that have caused disruption to our customers. We believe rail can have a bright future, but right now taxpayers are contributing an extra 54 million a week to keep services running post-Covid. Aslefs leadership need to recognise the financial challenge facing rail. 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. Meanwhile, Shabiz concluded: Im not travelling less on the rail because of the strikes, Im travelling less because its become such an unreliable means of transport. The National Infrastructure Commission has published research on the long-term effects of transport strikes. A paper said: Studies on the impacts of London Tube strikes in 2015 showed how even a one-day strike action triggered long-term changes in travel demand. The disruption forced commuters to find alternative routes and travel modes as Tube lines stopped running or operated on severely reduced service frequencies. Around 5 per cent of commuters made long-term changes to regular travel routes. 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 }} Rio Carnival is one of the biggest, boldest and brightest events in the Brazilian calendar, and its taking the countrys tourism capital by storm next week. The sound of samba rings, raucous parties rage and sold-out parades stun at the world-famous bash spanning Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo for eight days each February. With millions dancing to the beat of bloco street parties in a sea of costumes, colour and caipirinha cocktails outside, and thousands seated inside the purpose-built Sambadrome to watch the samba schools sway in sync, this is one youll want to add to your travel bucket list. So when is Rio Carnival, what is it celebrating, and how can you get involved? Heres everything you need to know. Expect a sea of costumes, colour and caipirinha cocktails (Buda Mendes/Getty Images) When is Rio Carnival? The Carnival is an annual event that always begins on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. This year, that date is 9 February. It spans the following few days, finishing on Ash Wednesday (14 February), the day Lent begins. The Champions Parade a fusion of singing and dancing where the top six samba schools get to strut their stuff will take place on Saturday 17 February. Where is Rio Carnival? Events take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazils most cosmopolitan city. All the main samba competitions between rival dance schools and parades take place in the Sambadrome a purpose-built parade area created for the Carnival in downtown Cidade Nova. After the official events, the party spills out onto the streets in every corner of the city. The iconic Sambadrome sits in Cidade Nova, downtown Rio (Getty Images) What does the Carnival celebrate? Rio Carnival is both rooted in European pagan traditions and Catholicism. It was originally a food festival when people would take their last opportunity to gorge before the beginning of Lent, traditionally a time of abstinence and fasting in the Catholic Church. But the unique feel of the Carnival comes from the cultural clash between the Portuguese colonisers and the indigenous people. The settlers bought over the tradition of Entrudo (Carnival) from Europe, where it met with the local populations passion for music and dance. It gradually evolved into an annual city-wide party, culminating in the invention of samba in the early 20th century. The first samba schools were established in the 1920s, with the first samba parade competitions held in 1933. What are the main events? The anticipated Sambadrome samba parades take centre stage during the carnival of colour. The Access Group parade category underdogs composed of 16 traditional samba schools lines up to shake and shimmy on the 9 and 10 of February while Special Group parades on Sunday and Monday showcase the six top schools that Rio has to offer. The professionals line up to shake and shimmy this Friday (Getty Images) How long is the Rio Carnival parade? There are four nights of samba competitions on 9, 10 11 and 12 February running from 9pm to 3am. Each samba school has 80 minutes to parade down the strip to the Sambadrome with six to eight groups taking the stage by storm thats between seven and eight hours of samba-mania a night. Is Rio Carnival free and do you need to buy a ticket? Entry to the parades and samba competitions the heart of festivities require tickets that start from $15 (12) for grandstand seats on the Sambadromes giant concrete bleachers. Elsewhere, over 500 free street parties dance through most communities in the vibrant city with bands that encourage your own lively interpretation of signature samba moves with a caipirinha cocktail in hand. Theres also the Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace, dubbed the grandest and most luxurious occasion in the Carnival, which takes place on Saturday 10 February. Guests can book seats on a table for a buffet dinner and access to the open bar or purchase a standing ticket. Block parties take place in the lead up to and during Carnival (AFP via Getty Images) How many people attend Rio Carnival? In 2023, the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism estimated that Rio Carnival would attract 46 million domestic and international visitors to the first post-pandemic parades, celebrations and street parties known as blocos across the whole country. Around two million samba enthusiasts take to the streets each day and the Sambadrome itself accommodates up to 90,000 people a night during the week of festivities. How can you take part? Other than buying tickets for the parades and soaking up the atmosphere, Carnival goers can also opt to participate themselves by joining one of the available samba schools. All they have to do is purchase one of the official costumes listed on the website. However, its worth getting in there early costumes are subject to availability and the organisers tend to sell out by mid-January. Is Rio Carnival safe for tourists? Yes, although regular safety precautions should be taken at the event. The UK government advises: If you are attending a large-scale celebration in Brazil, such as the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or other major cities, be aware that criminals target people who appear to be wealthy or easy targets, for example, those who have drunk a lot of alcohol. Be aware of your personal security and surroundings and be cautious about proposals from strangers that take you away from public areas. Visit rio-carnival.net to book tickets and for further information. Joe Biden has laughed off Donald Trumps demands for an immediate debate, suggesting the former president has too much time on his hands. Mr Trump called for a debate during a radio interview on Monday 5 February, suggesting it would be for the good of the country. Id like to debate him now because we should debate. We should debate for the good of the country, he told The Dan Bongino Show. Mr Biden was asked for his response to Mr Trumps comments soon after, during a stop in Nevada. Immediately? Well, if I were him, Id want to debate me, too. Hes got nothing else to do, the president told reporters. Humza Yousaf opened up about how he did not move from his sofa for 24 hours as he was almost in a state of breakdown when his first marriage ended. The Scottish First Minister spoke to The Rest is Politics podcast with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart about how his mental health suffered when he was transport minister and his first marriage, to SNP activist Gail Lythgoe, broke down. Mr Yousaf said he feared his career would be impacted if he opened up to colleagues about the breakdown. For a whole 24 hours I did not move didnt get up to drink water, didnt get up to go to the toilet, didnt eat anything, Mr Yousaf added. Video shows the moment Jennifer Crumbley is found guilty of manslaughter in the Oxford High School shooting by a jury in Michigan on Tuesday, 6 February. Jurors reached the verdict on Tuesday morning after deliberating for more than 10 hours. Crumbley, 45, had pleaded not guilty to four counts of involuntary manslaughter in the case. Crumbley had bought her teenage son a firearm and ignored multiple warnings regarding her sons disturbing behaviour that led to Ethan Crumbley killing four of his classmates in November 2021. The case is the first time that a parent has been charged, tried or convicted for their alleged role in a school shooting carried out by their child. Piers Morgan clashed with political correspondent Ava Santina over comments she made in relation to King Charles and cancer sick pay. Ms Santina was a guest on Piers Morgans Uncensored show on TalkTV on Monday. The presenter and Ms Santina were discussing King Charles cancer diagnosis after Buckingham Palace released a statement saying the monarch had been diagnosed with a form of cancer. Mr Morgan challenged Ms Santina for bringing up statutory sick pay during their discussion. Hes 75 years old. Why would you want to be so churlish?, he asked. This is the moment Rep. Jim McGovern scolds Republicans for their trash Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment effort, as he tells them You should be ashamed. The US House is ready to impeach the Homeland Security Secretary over border security. Republicans in the House argue that Mayorkas has refused to comply with immigration laws resulting in the record surge of immigrants at the US-Mexico border and breached the public trust by his actions and comments. The House vote on the charges, which Democrats say are untrue and hardly grounds for impeachment, is set for today (6 February). Residents in Northern California on Monday (5 February) assessed damage from a powerful storm that downed trees, caused flooding and cut off power to residents. Powerful winds knocked down a giant eucalyptus tree that landed on the home of Joyce and John Pacely, who live in the Oakland hills. They were getting ready to eat dinner on Sunday when they heard a loud rumbling sound. We just hear a big boom, and the ceiling fell down. Wires came down, beams came down, said Joyce. It was just terrible. And it was frightening. Illustration photo Once the proposal is approved. the average minimum regional wage will increase by VND200,000 -280,000 per month. Specifically, the minimum wage for Regions I, II, III and IV will respectively rise by VND280,000 (nearly US$11.5), VND 250,000, VND220,000, and VND200,000 VND to VND4.96 million, VND4.41 million, VND 3.86 million, and VND 3.45 million. In the latest adjustment of the regional wage minimum on July 1, 2022, the rate also increased by 6 percent. The regional minimum wage is the lowest level and used as the basis for businesses to negotiate and pay wages to labourers. This amount applies to individuals working under the employment contract framework of the Labor Code; working within enterprises; cooperatives, farms, households, individuals, and other Vietnamese organisations that employ staff under contracts; as well as foreign organizations and individuals in Viet Nam that employ laborers. Regionally-based monthly minimum wages vary between four different regions based on four separate benchmarks determined by living standards in each area. Region 1 covers urban Ha Noi and HCM City; Region 2 covers rural Ha Noi and HCM City along with Can Tho, Da Nang and Hai Phong cities; Region 3 applies to cities and districts of Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, and Vinh Phuc provinces; and Region 4 encompasses the remaining localities. The International Labor Organization (ILO) assesses that since 2015, Viet Nam has always increased the minimum wage stably and consistently, from US$119 per month to the current US$168 per month. Overall, in the 2015-22 period, the minimum wage in Viet Nam increased by a total of 19.8 percent. In the ASEAN region, Viet Nam is one of the few countries to maintain salary increases that help increase the real value of workers./. A California resident detailed enormous winds that toppled a tree onto a neighbours house, causing serious damage to the garage. Firefighters in Sonoma County responded to hundreds of calls from Santa Rosa, as trees fell on powerlines, cars and homes during the weekend storm. The [winds] were enormous. The trees were swaying, it was crazy, one resident, Laura Decivaux, said of the weather. It was totally unexpected, we got a call yesterday saying trees were coming down in the area, another neighbour, Jesse Jennings, added. Rishi Sunak defended accepting a 1000 bet from Piers Morgan on being able to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda before the next election. Mr Morgan told Mr Sunak he would bet 1,000 to a refugee charity that he wouldnt deport anyone to the African country before the election, before the prime minister shook his hand. Mr Sunak has faced heavy criticism for the bet, with the SNPs Westminster leader Stephen Flynn describing it as depraved. The PM told BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday (6 February) he was taken by surprise by the offer, but did not say it was a mistake to have shaken Mr Morgans hand. A Tory MP has claimed there is a direct link between drill music and young people carrying knives. Nickie Aiken urged the government to look at record labels that produce music celebrating gang culture. Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 6 February, the Cities of London and Westminster MP said: There has got to be a direct link to young people feeling encultured that its the right thing to do to carry a knife and perhaps be willing to use it. Ms Aiken also pushed the government to look at more flexible legislation around the words of blades rather than being specific about particular products. Close Related: Waves crash over runway at Shetlands Sumburgh airport as 85mph winds batter UK 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 }} Further yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, as heavy rain is set to hit large parts of the UK on Saturday evening. The forecaster expects the weather to impact Newcastle and East Anglia along Englands east coast, with a warning in place from 7pm until midday on Sunday. Another fresh yellow warning for rain for Cornwall, as well as parts of Devon and Somerset, is due to come into effect at 6pm and last until 6am tomorrow morning. This comes after an Artic blast wreaked chaos across the UK, with schools closing in north Wales and the Peak District due to snow, ice and sleet. About 10cm of snow was measured by the Met Office in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, on Thursday, while 9cm was recorded in West Yorkshire. It comes as heavy rain continues to fall across the country triggering hundreds of flood warnings and alerts across Britain. As of midday on Saturday, a total of 76 flood warnings and 275 lower level flood alerts are in place for England as heavy rain is set to hit this evening. Week Ahead: Week 6 Chambers Ireland, the business network, will today launch a manifesto for Europe, in which it calls on all Irish candidates in the EU elections this summer to heed the needs of businesses. The chamber says there has been a rapid increase in the amount of EU legislation passed over the last five years, but less effort is being made to work out the impact. This has two consequences, according to Chambers Ireland small firms are getting more entangled in regulations and huge effort is being put into policies that have only marginal benefits. Over the next five years, it says, the European Parliament needs to focus on policies that can activate the untapped energy resources off Irelands coasts, and on more supports to help small firms engage in trade within the Single Market. Today, too, EY Ireland will be releasing its quarterly survey of 1,200 CEOs from around the world, on what they see as their prospects for the year ahead. Almost half (41pc) say they will be prioritising the widespread adoption of AI technology in a bid to improve business performance, though three out of four (76pc) believe it will have little impact on revenue growth. The Department of Culture and the Department of Finance are holding a stakeholder forum for the film industry on Thursday. It will discuss how to maximise the benefits of the Section 481 tax break for film-makers. Officials from Revenue will attend. What is the richest county in Ireland? We should find out on Thursday, when the Central Statistics Office releases data on disposable incomes and regional GDP. The following day, the CSO will provide an update on the cost of a pancake vital information in advance of all the frying and flipping for Pancake Tuesday next week. Also on Friday, the Central Bank hosts an event with stakeholders to discuss the individual accountability framework signed into law last March. After hearing from Seana Cunningham, the director of enforcement and anti-money laundering, attendees will get a tour of the banks new inquiry facilities. Car-park owner calls it an elastic band around the city centre Dublin City Council has promised to meet in a collaborative fashion with businesses that have concerns about its radical new transport plan. The council is aiming to increase space for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport by making the city centre a low-traffic zone, with more streets designated traffic-free. In a new report on the public consultation process, which finished on December 1, the council says that overall there was a lot of support for the vision of the plan from businesses. Noting, however, that there were queries from specific firms, it promised to meet with them and take opportunities to discuss measures when and as they are proposed to be implemented. Among those who highlighted potential difficulties with access to their premises was the Westbury Hotel off Grafton Street. In response, the council says that the specific problems around the Wicklow Street area will be looked at to try to address the concerns. The operator of Brown Thomas and Arnotts, Dublins largest department stores, warned of a risk to jobs and investment, and said aspects of the transport plan might have a negative impact on their customers and subsequently affect our ability to continue to invest and grow employment in our city-centre stores. In its report, the council promises that further engagement will take place with the company as its proposals are developed. The intention of the plan is to remove traffic that has no destination in the city centre, it pointed out. The city centre will still be accessible by car although access to some specific locations may require a different route to the current route. Also raising concerns was Diageo, which worries that its HGVs will not be able to drive between St Jamess Gate and Dublin Port via Bachelors Walk and Aston Quay. Under the proposed plan, private cars would be banned from the north and south Liffey Quays close to OConnell Bridge. The council has promised to engage with Diageo about its submission, and about how to maintain access to its site. Whilst the role and contribution of Diageo to the city is acknowledged and it is [our] wish to ensure its role and contribution continues, maintaining a route through the very core of the city for large HGV vehicles as requested is extremely difficult, it said. Currently over 90pc of the five-axle HGVs travelling on Bachelors Walk during the permit hours are movements from Diageo. Irish Life also expressed concerns about access to its city-centre campus while Hammerson, the joint owners of the Ilac centre, raised issues about consultation, alternative route options for customers, and restricted delivery times. Apoca Parking, ParkRite and QPark and a number of individual car parks including at Christchurch, Fleet Street, Grafton Street, the IFSC and Trinity Street also made submissions relating to access. The most trenchant opposition came from Stanberry Investment Limited, which owns the former Brown Thomas car park. It claims the plan would decimate city-centre retail business and that it actively seeks to close our clients business. It described the proposals as an elastic band around the centre of the city. In response the council said: The plan does not seek to close any business and in fact the aim is to ensure the continuance of businesses in the city centre while acknowledging that changes are needed in the current traffic arrangements. The Dublin City Centre Transport Traders Alliances submission said the councils consultation survey was flawed, and suggested it would consider taking legal proceedings. The council has now prepared a final version of the plan in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and this will be unveiled to councillors later this month. Billy Kelleher says consumers are losing out due to the dominance of AIB and Bank of Ireland Mr Kelleher noted that former ECB president Mario Draghi described Ireland as a 'quasi-monopoly' in 2018 The consumer protection commission and the Central Bank should investigate the low levels of competition in banking in Ireland, according to Billy Kelleher, a Fianna Fail MEP. He believes consumers are losing out due to the dominance of AIB and Bank of Ireland, with PTSB holding a smaller market share. Mr Kelleher pointed out that former ECB president Mario Draghi described Ireland as a quasi-monopoly in 2018. Since then both Ulster Bank and KBC have left the market. He has written to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Central Bank calling on them to investigate, and claims they have been passing the buck as to which of them is responsible for ensuring there is a greater level of banking competition in Ireland. The Central Banks main concern is the prudential regulation of the banks, but it also has a consumer protection role. The CCPC is an independent statutory body that enforces competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. Mr Kelleher, a member of the European Parliaments Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, said the lack of banking competition in this market has long been acknowledged by the two bodies and by the Government. The Governments 2022 Retail Banking Review dedicates a whole chapter to competition. He said the CCPCs and the CBIs responses to the review are solution-oriented. However, when it comes to taking responsibility, each seems to pass the buck. The CCPC has not identified any anti-competitive behaviours and, so, looks to the regulator [the Central Bank] for solutions. The CBI understandably defends its position and considers the market to be open to new entrants, the MEP said. He believes Ireland has a banking sector that is overly concentrated, and therefore deprives customers of the benefits of healthy competition between the high street banks. Last year, the CCPC cleared the acquisition of Ulster Banks tracker mortgages by AIB, and of KBCs mortgages by Bank of Ireland. Some conditions were imposed on Bank of Ireland. Mr Kelleher said that by virtue of these decisions, it can be concluded the CCPC did not consider the resulting concentration in the market to be a significant risk to competition. Asked for a comment, the CCPC said it has repeatedly expressed concerns about levels of competition in the banking sector. Since the exits of Ulster Bank and KBC from the market, Irish consumers and businesses have a level of choice which compares poorly with other EU countries, it said. An effectively functioning market would facilitate new providers to enter the market and compete for consumers by offering better services at a better price. While there is evidence of entry in some markets, it is important to the Irish economy and consumers that the level of choice improves, the CCPC said. It also pointed out that Brian McHugh, the chair of the CCPC, met with Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf last month to discuss the lack of banking competition in the market. The Central Bank said it will respond to Mr Kelleher in due course. It added that, generally speaking, queries relating to competition should be directed to the CCPC, as they dont fall within the Banks remit. Partner Content: Dubai plans to consolidate its position among the top three global cities Dubai plans on doubling in size over the next nine years. Photo: Getty Over the last number of years, the Middle East and North African (Mena) region has proven to be a dynamic market and destination of opportunity for many Irish companies. Overall, Enterprise Ireland client exports to the India, Middle East and Africa region rose 13pc between 2021 and 2022. Ireland, often referred to an island of innovation, is well regarded across the Mena region for its innovative and market-focused offerings. With increased direct market accessibility from Dublin via a number of airlines, the region is becoming more attractive for Irish SMEs. Key sectors of growth include engineering and construction, aviation, fintech, life sciences and education. Last week, Enterprise Ireland led a ministerial trade visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), headed by Dara Calleary, minister of state for trade promotion. The aim of the visit was to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and explore new opportunities in medtech, aviation, AI and fintech. Calleary met with UAE ministers, heads of organisations and business leaders to discuss developments and innovations in these sectors. He also highlighted the strengths of Irish firms in these areas and their potential to contribute to UAE economic growth. In addition to the ministerial meetings, 17 Irish medical and life science companies supported by Enterprise Ireland participated in the Arab Health medical expo. This provided a platform for these companies to showcase products and services to over 50,000 global healthcare decision-makers. The Mena region is booming, with significant capital projects underway across the region. Dubai recently announced the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a plan to double the size of Dubais economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities with 100 transformational projects planned. Last week, Enterprise Ireland chief executive Leo Clancy signed an MoU between Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Dubai Chambers. This pivotal agreement is strategically designed to unlock lucrative opportunities for EI clients, especially in the areas of technology, manufacturing, ESG and clean technologies. It will further strengthen Irish investment, trade and business links with Dubai which will assist rapidly growing Irish companies to expand into the region. Locally in the Mena region, Enterprise Ireland has a physical presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. An excellent team of 10 market advisers with local experience of doing business in the region provide key insights on how to operate in the region and help clients understand the most effective route to market. In addition, EI assists clients with many lead-generation activities by providing introductions to important stakeholders in key sectors. Most Irish companies launch and scale in the region in partnership with local businesses. To survive and thrive in Mena, its important to conduct in-depth market research, understand cultural nuances and build an in-market professional network. Enterprise Ireland has had an office in the UAE for 21 years and the Mena region is increasingly presenting new business opportunities, making it an invaluable market for Irish companies with global ambition. Stephen Twomey is Mena director at Enterprise Ireland Ceroflo chief executive Chloe Brown with the company's device for the treatment and prevention of stroke Irish medical device company Ceroflo has raised 6.4m in funding to continue its development of a device for the treatment and prevention of stroke. The company, which is based in Galway city, plans to use the funding to advance its technology which improves the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), a leading cause of stroke. The disease occurs when the arteries in the brain become narrowed and blocked with plaque, with between 10pc and 50pc of strokes caused by ICAD. The Ceroflo SubMax stent has been designed to treat ICAD by increasing vital blood flow to the brain due to its structure and shape. It also reduces the risks associated with first-generation devices, including haemorrhage and stroke. The new funding will allow Ceroflo to carry out its first in-human clinical trial of 30 patients. Galway-based accounting firm DHKN led an Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) funding round for the firm, which raised 5m in a number of weeks. EIIS is a tax relief which allows individuals to provide equity based finance to trading companies. The other 1.4m was raised from Irish medtech entrepreneurs and global stroke experts. Last year, a consortium led by Ceroflo, including manufacturing firm Advant Medical and the medical and engineering technologies centre at Atlantic Technological University, secured 3.4m from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employments disruptive technologies innovation fund. Ceroflo is developing an innovative stent device to address ICAD, the next frontier in the treatment and prevention of stroke, chief executive Chloe Brown said. This 6.4m investment will enable Ceroflo to bring the SubMaxTM Stent to 30 patients in a first-in-human trial, a significant value inflection point. It will also allow us to provide a platform to support further US and Japanese regulatory studies, she added. Professor Tommy Andersson, a neurosurgeon and co-founder of the company, said that current technology and tools available are not enough to treat patients today. They are not designed to address the specific challenges associated to plaque in the brain, therefore adding to the burden of this disease, he said. Ceroflo are approaching a critical unmet clinical need for the millions of patients at risk of an acute stroke from ICAD. Gross revenue, including non-tax revenue and capital resources, amounted to 10.1bn, an increase of 4.8pc on January 2023. Stock image Tax revenues of almost 8bn were collected in January up 5pc on last year with Vat, income tax and corporation tax receipts all ahead of the same month in 2023. However higher spending on health, housing and by most other government departments including the departments of children, education and social protection shrank the budget surplus compared with last year. Finance Minister Michael McGrath said tax receipts showed the continuing resilience of the Irish economy, notwithstanding the undoubted headwinds in the global economy. But the Government had to remain vigilant on the risks of volatile corporation tax receipts, with the first significant month for it coming in March. Exchequer returns show Vat made up the bulk of receipts last month, with 3.8bn collected, up 4pc on the same month last year, or up 7pc once a technical adjustment was made. Income tax was the second-biggest tax head in the month, with 2.9bn collected, 2.9pc ahead of January 2023. January is not a significant month for corporation tax, with receipts of 57m collected. Still, that was 13.3pc ahead of last year. All other tax heads were also up on 2023, except capital gains tax. Excise duty receipts of 515m were 15.5pc ahead of last year. Stamp Duty receipts of 139m were 17.6pc ahead of last year. Capital acquisitions tax of 19m was flat on last year. Motor tax receipts of 89m were were 2.8pc ahead of last year. Capital gains tax receipts were 96 million in January, down by 16 million compared on last year. Customs receipts of 35m were 13.5pc ahead of last year, a possible indication of an uptick in global trade compared to the pharma and computer-led slowdown that plagued most of 2023. Total tax revenues of 7.8bn were collected in the month, up by 0.4bn or 4.8pc on January 2023. Gross revenue, including non-tax revenue and capital resources, amounted to 10.1bn, an increase of 4.8pc on January 2023. Total spending for January came in at 7.8bn, with gross voted expenditure money that is approved per department in the budget more than 1bn ahead of the same month last year, or up 16.6pc. Gross voted capital expenditure was 56.4pc ahead of the same period last year. Non-voted current expenditure was down by over 8pc, however, due to a decline in the contribution to the EU budget. Debt service expenditure in January was 46m, 5m down on last year. That resulted in an Exchequer surplus of 2.3bn in January, a decline of 0.6bn on the same month last year. On a 12-month rolling basis, a more appropriate measure, the Exchequer recorded a surplus of 0.6bn. Public spending minister Paschal Donohoe said the increase in capital spending reflects the continued ramp up of the National Development Plan including increased investment in retrofit and the National Broadband Plan rollout, our schools and our ambitious housing programme as well as Budget 2024 supports. Over the coming weeks households will continue to feel the impact of the Cost of Living supports with further electricity credits, Mr Donohoe said. NANJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Using spectral imaging data of China's first solar exploration satellite, Xihe, a group of Chinese physicists constructed three-dimensional velocity diagrams of two kinds of plasmas in the sun's atmosphere. The dark bands suspended in the corona are much colder and more dense than the surrounding matter, thus showing long dark bars against a bright background. When appearing in the edge of the sun's surface, they presented bright structures called prominence. Xihe, a space telescope operating in a sun-synchronous orbit, is conducting the space exploration of solar H spectral imaging of the all-sun plane. It can scan the full heliosphere within 46 seconds, obtaining spectral information at any point on the sun and enabling the mapping of dark band dynamics. Using Xihe's observations, the researchers from Nanjing University demonstrated the expansion, ejection, fallback, rotation and splitting of a dark bar and a solar prominence, according to a news release on Monday by the China National Space Administration. The erupting dark bars, if spread towards the Earth, may trigger geomagnetic storms, causing serious damage to the equipment in the near-Earth space. The accurate measurement of the three-dimensional velocity fields of those plasmas is of great significance for early warning and forecasting of catastrophic space weather, said the researchers. Editor: ZAD OSullivan Malone Accountants delivers specialised advice and services in accountancy, taxation, business, and wealth management. Its client portfolio spans various sectors, including farming, SMEs, and voluntary/not-for-profit organisations. The addition of OSullivan Malone brings Ifacs national network, to 30 offices and a dedicated team of 500 professionals. John Donoghue, CEO of Ifac, said they were delighted to welcome OSullivan Malone Accountants led by Martin OSullivan and John Malone to the ifac Group. With our growing national network, ifac is now one of Ireland's largest accounting and tax advisory firms. The integration of our highly experienced teams will strengthen our expertise and local proposition, aligning seamlessly with our goal of delivering excellence to clients across the country. John Malone of OSullivan Malone Accountants said Ifac is a leader within the accounting industry, and the company are delighted to join a group that is progressive in delivering expertise across a broad suite of services. "At OSM, we have established an experienced and valued team over the years, developing strong relationships with our clients; being part of ifac shall mean our clients can access additional resources and expertise whilst still dealing with our team; its a great move for us and for ifac. Martin OSullivan of OSullivan Malone Accountants said the development of ifac over many years makes it a natural home for OSM. "We are proud of our work in building OSM and we are delighted to join the ifac Group and looking forward to the opportunities it brings. Preventing the numbers of full-time farmers decreasing, both in Ireland and across Europe, has been an ambition of the last two CAP reforms, and is a constant rallying cry at election time. There are large tracts of land in the EU where the threat of land abandonment is of serious concern, as farmers migrate to urban areas in search of work and a better quality of life. As I felt the right wheels of the tractor lift off the ground and the whole machine started to keel over to the left, I knew, to put it mildly, that I was in trouble. Wed been cutting up trees that had blown down after the recent storms and we were at the tail end of the work, with just larger stumps to sort out and drag into a better position with some straps tied to the tractor. Estate agents around the country report that bureaucracy associated with the grant is putting many people off This 200-year-old farmhouse near Urlingford, Co Kilkenny featured in a recent episode of Dermot Bannons Room To Improve. Photo: RTE Auctioneers are not as excited as Dermot Bannon about the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant. While the availability of the grant has had some impact on the viability of derelict or vacant houses, the bureaucracy associated with drawing down the funds is putting many people off. Tullow auctioneer Matthew Conry of Dawsons says that while prices of vacant and derelict houses have gone up by perhaps 10 to 15pc, he is not sure if this is driven by the prospect of the grant or by the ongoing housing shortage. There was a demand for these houses before the grant, due to the housing shortage, he says. Im not sure the prospect of getting the grant has made that much difference, we mention it in the advertising where appropriate and people talk about it but there are as many people giving out about the grant as praising it. In Co Clare, auctioneer Noel Hogan with Brian Tuohy Auctioneers says it has made little or no difference to prices and trade. People are talking about it, they know about it, they are aware of the bureaucracy involved but it has not been a deciding factor in anyone buying a house in East Clare, he says. No ones been killed in the rush. Ballina auctioneer Karl Fox says the grant has given people a little bit of encouragement, but the bureaucracy has bamboozled them. The people I know that have applied for it describe it as a painstaking experience The people I know that have applied for it describe it as a painstaking experience, he says. I would advise anyone thinking of applying for the grant to make sure they have exceptional IT skills or have access to someone who has. Ive sold several houses to people who intend to apply for it but I warn them about the paperwork. I only know one person who completed a project and drew down the money, but it was as a result of sheer persistence. The grant of up to 70,000 is released only after the project is completed and paid for by the homeowner. The paperwork must be totally in order before a penny is paid out. Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th February 2024 Along with all building regulations, fire regulations and planning regulations being followed, the receipts and the work done in each section of the project must tally with the detail in the application and the quotations used in the application. Some of the auctioneers observed that it was easy for the participants on Dermot Bannons RTE show Room to Improve to get all this right They had a quantity surveyor on call at all times, one auctioneer remarked. According to Gordon Cobbe of GVM Tullamore, there has been a definite increase in interest in rural derelict residences and these have been made more attractive by the grant. But these vacant or derelict rural houses have always been desirable, he says. They allowed people to bypass the local needs requirement and when you have a shortage of houses, even without the grant people will be interested in them. In Cork, John Hodnett of Hodnett Forde describes the scheme as cumbersome while his colleague, Andy Donoghue, says that the grant is definitely having an impact. I have certainly had sales happen on the strength of the grant and Ive also had sales fall through when clients came up against the conditions, he says. People see the headline figure of 70,000 but when they drill down, it is a different story. One woman had bought a house and went sale agreed but when she realised she would have to keep the house for seven years or return the grant, she pulled out of the deal. The devil is in the detail. Farming in Co Meath, Paddy Mangan says the idea was initially sparked due to the loss of Ash trees on his farm to Ash dieback Meath builder and farmer Paddy Mangan is on a mission to plant 250,000 native trees by 2030 by giving them away free. After posting an offer of 1,500 trees on Facebook in December, he was inundated with requests and ended up giving away 9,000 trees before Christmas. This led to the Free Trees Ireland community being formed to give away free native Irish trees across the island of Ireland. We didnt have half enough trees in December to give out to people looking for them, says Paddy. Over new year, I set up the Free Trees Ireland Facebook page and said Id give away 35,000 native Irish trees every year for the next seven years that would bring it to 250,000 tree Over new year, I set up the Free Trees Ireland Facebook page and said Id give away 35,000 native Irish trees every year for the next seven years that would bring it to 250,000 trees. The trees are of native provenance, collected at seed and grown in Ireland. We have been way oversubscribed for trees and plan to donate 60,000 this November and December, and a further 60,000 February 2025, maintaining these figures going forward, which will very much exceed my initial pledge of 250,000. Farming in Co Meath, he said the idea was initially sparked due to the loss of Ash trees on his farm to Ash dieback. Around 90 of our hedging is Ash and they are dying out, he says. Seeing what was happening with the Ash trees I wanted to replace them; I started about seven years ago. My daughters came out and helped me over the years and I got great enjoyment seeing my young daughters planting trees and would like others to enjoy that too. Paddy is working with 30 distributors around the country, buying trees from nurseries and from Coillte, which has donated 5,400 of the 34,000 trees given out to date. At the moment the cost is all coming out of Paddys pocket; individuals and companies can donate to a Go Fund Me page on the website freetrees.ie. Initially 10 varieties of trees were on offer before Christmas, with a maximum of two bundles of 10 to each person but as things have scaled up, Paddy has narrowed it down to six varieties with a maximum of 30 trees per person due to the demand. If I had another 25,000 I would have been able to give them away too. The big three Irish milk purchasers included in the analysis have lagged at the bottom of the table for most of 2023. Global Dairy Trade is up for the fifth consecutive auction with the average price now at 3,321.62, up 4pc on 16 January. This represents an almost 8pc increase in the index in 2024, with trade having been largely positive since September of 2023. Butter is up 10.3pc, followed by cheddar (+6.3pc), skim milk powder (+4.6pc) and whole milk powder (+3.4pc). It comes as Chairperson of the ICMSA Dairy Committee, Noel Murphy, pointed out that Irish milk prices are downright poor by comparison with counterparts for 2023. According to the EDF-ZuivelNL International Milk Price Comparison, the big three Irish milk purchasers included in the analysis have lagged at the bottom of the table for most of 2023. While conceding that Irish milk prices took a cut in the first half of 2023 that reflected cuts in international markets, Mr Murphy said that Irelands export-facing dairy sector made it more vulnerable than those producers with massive domestic demand. But beyond that, he felt, a discretionary gap had opened between the prices paid by Irish processors and their mainland EU counterparts. The average milk price using European solids is at 45.27 per 100kg on a rolling 12-month average while the top Irish processor is at 40.14 per 100kg with the three included Irish milk processors occupying the bottom three positions in the league, he said. The consequence of this difference is very serious for an Irish milk supplier supplying 400,000 litres amounting to approximately 20,000 of a loss between the EU average and the highest paying Irish Co-op in the league in 2023. Thats a massive amount of money and its particularly massive when its set against the kind of exorbitant input prices we experienced last year. Bumping along at the bottom of the milk price league is bad enough; bumping along at the bottom when the farmers supplying you are paying amongst the highest inputs is an altogether different kind of failure. ICMSA has called on Irish processors to climb up the table in 2024, warning that suspicions will grow that the farmer-suppliers are subsidising everyone else in the Irish dairy supply chain, Mr Murphy said. 'In many instances contractors engage young, untrained personnel to carry out slurry spreading activities without providing adequate guidance.' A licensing system for contractors to prevent slurry pollution to water bodies was advised by local authorities two years ago, according to documents seen by the Farming Independent. A presentation to a stakeholder meeting around water quality in January 2022 showed over 50 examples and images collected by local authorities and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) of poor farm practices, including pollution from derogation dairy farms. The officials warned that reliance on contractors can lead to inappropriate slurry spreading activities. In many instances contractors engage young, untrained personnel to carry out slurry spreading activities without providing adequate guidance in relation to the requirements set out in Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) regulations, officials said. A licencing system for contractors is strongly advised. Farmyard management plans are variable in quality. They are not user-friendly and appear to be prepared for officialdom rather than for farmers understanding. "In many instances, the quality of plans is questionable. Issue of slurry exports to stay under limit for derogation. In many cases it would appear that intended spread-lands are unsuitable for land-spreading. Not sure how the new real time system for movement will operate but might help matters. One example detailed slurry export on paper only where a spring calving dairy system supposedly exported 20 weeks worth of slurry amounting to 539,000 gallons One example detailed slurry export on paper only where a spring calving dairy system supposedly exported 20 weeks worth of slurry amounting to 539,000 gallons. The local authorities involved comprise the wide range of Water Framework Directive implementing bodies with responsibility for regulating around water, managing sectors that may impact on or require clean water, or supply water for public consumption. Feedback from the agencies is that there is a need for a change in thinking to bring a more day-to-day focus on managing risk to water quality in all farm activities perhaps a greater emphasis on water stewardship in addition to compliance. An example taken from a derogation shows the result of a burst umbilical during slurry spreading. IFI commented that: These are popping up more often, possibly due to there being more in use. Incidents are never good from a fisheries perspective, usually with short term and catastrophic deleterious discharge to waters. Burst umbilical during slurry spreading. Another derogation dairy farm example shows a large cattle track with fouling which is entirely typical of whats out there, officials said. Tracks are generally laid out primarily to get herds from A to B with little else in mind. This often has them linear down a hill and up the other side of a valley, i.e. direct conduit to receiving waters. The scale of herd numbers on individual units now means cumulative fouling with episodic wash-off may dwarf yard spillage incidents or land-spreading in poor conditions in its potential to pollute surface waters. Large cattle track with fouling. A 2021 example shows sewage fungus in 3km of a stream, caused by silage effluent escaping from a large derogation dairy farm with 230 cows. It took seven days to locate the source as it was passing through underground land drains. Impact on brown trout spawning areas, officials commented. Sewage fungus in 3km of a stream. In another example on a dairy farm not in derogation, pollution took place as a result of a burst tyre on vacuum tanker when spreading slurry. Slurry was discharged to the field at one point to allow replacement of the tyre. Fortunately there was no discharge to waters, officials said. Helen with her herd of cattle. She farms with her mother outside Bantry, Cork. Helen OSullivan has announced she has resigned from the Farmers Alliance group with immediate effect and will run as an Independent candidate for west Cork. In a statement, she said, she along with other "core members" had left the group which was formed last year and is understood to have recently registered as a new political party with the Electoral Commission. "As spokesperson and co-founder of Farmers Alliance for the past one-and-a-half years, I am saddened to announce my departure from the movement that I tirelessly worked to create. However, she said that "due to fundamental disagreements at management and organisational level, it is no longer practical for me to continue with Farmers Alliance." She said safeguarding the freedom to farm and use of Irish lands to produce healthy food for the Irish population and export market along with challenging the EUs bureaucratic overreach on how we farm and use Irish lands, will also look to free farmers from the EUs "onerous net zero policies and associated harmful regulations." She said she will wants to promote food security for Ireland and protect rural communities and ways of life in Ireland. "I am not a politician by trade, I am a suckler farmer, but my experience in speaking honestly about the challenges faced by farmers in Ireland has led me to becoming a spearhead for the movement. "I have been travelling and speaking at meetings both nationally and internationally, as well as speaking to media in order to raise awareness of the death by a thousand cuts that farmers are facing here in Ireland. Our neighbours in Europe are suffering the same fate. "In my time shaping Farmers Alliance as a political group, I and my team have built the profile of the party and taken it from its infancy to the strong brand that it is now. "It is very unfortunate to have to step away from all of the tireless work that we have put in as a team." Younger builders dont want to be bothering with old homes. Theres not as much money in it James McCormack specialises in the restoration of older houses. The Donegal man says that one of the main challenges for anyone looking to take advantage of the vacant property grant is to find a builder who can handle the complex nature of these buildings Donegal builder James McCormack pictured outside of a derelict property in Letterkenny which he is currently surveying for refurbishment. Photos: Clive Wasson Andrew Hamilton Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 03:30 There is no clear roadmap for tackling vacant and derelict properties, as each house will present its own unique set of challenges and pitfalls. That is according to Donegal builder James McCormack, who is one of a handful of builders left in Ireland who specialise in the restoration of older houses. A demonstrator throws an egg towards Belgian police officers near the entrance of the European Parliament building during the farmer protest action in the European district in Brussels, to demand better conditions to grow, produce and maintain a proper income, on the day of a European Council meeting on February 1, 2024. Photo: Getty European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will withdraw a plan to halve the use of pesticides because it became a "symbol of polarization" following protests by farmers across Europe. The European Union's executive arm in June 2022 proposed a regulation to slash pesticide use by 50% until 2030 as part of a plan to make farming more sustainable, but the European Parliament voted it down. Fears over falling crop yields and doubts over the ability of farmers to find substitutes and meet targets outweighed concerns about the environmental impact of pesticides. "Only if we achieve our climate and environmental goals together, will farmers be able to continue to make a living," von der Leyen said Tuesday during a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg. The decision followed a wave of protests in France, Belgium and across Europe, with farmers arguing against proposed EU regulations, plans to cut subsidies and free trade deals with countries outside the bloc. The French government had to promise farmers more financial support and a crackdown on unfair competition as well as tougher checks on the origin of products for them to suspend further blockades. Last week, the EU delayed plans requiring farmers to reserve more of their land fallow to improve biodiversity. Farmers Bring Protests to Brussels as EU Leaders Meet Nearby The bloc's executive finds itself in a balancing act as it rolls out an ambitious climate roadmap on Tuesday to pursue a 90% net emissions reduction by 2040 that will require more sustainable consumer lifestyles and restrictions on businesses and agriculture. The move to withdraw the pesticides plan is another example of the EU backtracking on legislation aimed at greening the bloc's economy. The EU had to settle for a watered-down deal on a nature restoration law to return at least 20% of the bloc's land and sea back to its original state. The announcement on pesticides demonstrates the commission's response to criticism as the EU is heading towards elections in June. Last month, von der Leyen kicked off a strategic dialog with the agricultural sector in an effort to placate farmers and show appreciation and respect. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who during the protests had seen Brussels streets blocked and public monuments vandalized, welcomed the decision. "Crucial we keep our farmers on board," De Croo wrote in a post on social media platform X. In time, a new, more mature proposal on pesticides with more stakeholder involvement may be put forward, von der Leyen told the lawmakers, insisting that the discussion over reduced the use of the chemicals will continue. Bloomberg . This photo taken on Feb. 5, 2024 shows a scene during a flower fair at a park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) This photo taken on Feb. 4, 2024 shows a flower fair in a street in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People buy a flower-shaped knit decoration at a flower fair at a park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 5, 2024. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) A dealer introduces flowers to customers at a flower fair in a street in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) A dealer introduces flowers to customers at a flower fair at a park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 5, 2024. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) A dealer prepares a bouquet at a flower fair in a street in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People visit a flower fair at a park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 5, 2024. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) A visitor selects flowers at a flower fair at a park in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 5, 2024. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) This photo taken on Feb. 5, 2024 shows a flower-shaped installation at a flower fair in a street in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Flower-themed fairs are being held in Chengdu to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) Editor: WXL Detective found guilty of attacking man taking selfies in Cafe en Seine apologises The officer, in his statement to Gsoc, said he feared Mr Finnegan would "out" him and his colleagues The Courts of Criminal Justice in Dublin Tom Tuite Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 22:41 A judge has adjourned sentencing a Dublin-based detective garda, who attacked a man "taking selfies" in a bar, pending a probation and restorative justice report. Ryanair has said it flew more passengers in January, but revealed it had to cancel more than 950 flights due to the Israel-Hamas conflict (Niall Carson/PA) Ryanair has "sincerely and unreservedly apologised" before the High Court to a man who was wrongly banned from flying with the airline. Quantity surveyor Eoin Michael Cahill sued the airline, which he said wrongly accused him of engaging in disruptive behaviour earlier this year when he says he neither travelled on a Ryanair flight nor was he present at Dublin Airport. A woman accused of brothel-keeping has had 93 new charges brought against her over alleged prostitution activities in five counties over an eight-year period. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has accused Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary of being "personally abusive", after he called the Green minister "incompetent" and an "idiot". The Ryanair boss also called on Mr Ryan to resign over the Green Party's opposition to raising the cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport. A number of Green Party TDs, including junior ministers and MEPs, raised objections to the lifting of the 32 million passenger cap. Dublin Airport has submitted an application to Fingal County Council to expand its capacity to 40 million passengers per annum. Green Party politicians have questioned the proposals, including Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman. When Mr O'Leary was asked about the passenger cap last week, he told RTE radio that Mr Ryan is "incompetent". He also warned that if Dublin Airport is prevented from expanding its passenger numbers, this will lead to higher costs for travellers. Mr O'Leary told RTEs Today with Claire Byrne show that Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is "incompetent" and "does not want to touch Dublin Airport". Calling on the minister to resign, Mr O'Leary said the Green party leader was effectively blocking the expansion of the airport. Michael OLeary called on Eamon Ryan to resign over the Green Partys opposition to raising the cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport Asked about the comments, Mr Ryan said: "I did listen back because it was very personally abusive and to be honest I had to listen back to hear what was he saying. "I do want to set out some of the issues but not specifically on the cap as I do have to be careful as Minister for Transport. That will be decided by Fingal County Council first of all and by An Bord Pleanala and I think it's absolutely right that my colleagues, our local councillors, Green party politicians and others have raised some of the concerns they have." Asked if he agrees with the concerns, Mr Ryan said: "Yes, there are concerns about noise levels and everyone knows that around the airport. There are concerns about regional development. "We all know we are very lopsided in the country. All the development that is happening in Dublin, we need to see it happening in Shannon and Cork and elsewhere. "The really big issue here is the issue around climate change, in my mind. We are in a day when the European Commission is going to be coming out setting the European target for 2040, which is a dramatic reduction, a 90% reduction in emissions. "There is a real issue in aviation as to how we do that." He said that the aviation industry will have to play its part in reducing emissions. The Green party leader said that we have to move away from "putting all the blame and shame" on individuals. "I don't think politically and policy wise, we will address this by turning into a moral imperative that forces people to fly or not fly," he added. "The scale of change we need to make is based on the science, which is so clear, and everyone needs to play (their) part." He said that the aviation sector, including Ryanair, recognises there is a problem and has committed to being net zero by 2050. The minister said this can be done through the use of biofuels and e-fuels. "That is the way we will have to be decarbonise aviation - it is very complicated and it is only starting, but it will force the aviation industry and mandates to adopt those fuels and that is the way we can move forward," he added. Ryanair has been contacted for comment. Money could have been used to build 100 social homes, says Seanad watchdog The largest fine of 17.2m related to Derrybrien windfarms non-compliance with an environment impact assessment directive in 2019 The Government has paid fines of more than 23m to the European Commission over failures to properly roll out new EU laws. New data supplied to the Irish Independent by the Department of Foreign Affairs reveals the financial penalties imposed on the State in judgments made against Ireland in the Court of Justice. They relate to government breaches of rules relating to transposing or fulfilling its obligations under EU directives. There have been four instances where Europes highest court imposed fines on the Irish State. Most of them were due to infringements by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It was fined 2.6m after Ireland was found not compliant with a directive dealing with the disposal of waste water through septic tanks in 2012 and another 1.5m the same year in relation to environmental impact assessments for agriculture-related projects. The largest fine of 17.2m related to a wind farms non-compliance with an environment impact assessment directive in 2019. A fine of 2m related to delays implementing an anti-money laundering directive at the Department of Justice in 2020. Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, who is chairing a new Seanad Select Committee on scrutiny of EU-related statutory instruments, said the amount paid in fines would build up to 100 social houses. There is absolutely no excuse why the Irish Government should be paying any fines when it comes to transposition and implementation of directives, or the terms of the operation of directives, he said. We have enough challenges. We dont have an endless pot of money. A Department of Housing spokesman said the 17.2m fine was in relation to a judgment on Derrybrien wind farm in Co Galway over the farms non-compliance with an environmental impact assessment directive, rather than failure to transpose the directive into Irish law. A Department of Justice spokesperson said a 2m fine had been paid after the ECJ imposed it in July 2020. He said this was for failure to transpose a directive that represented a complete restatement of the EU law on money laundering. He said it is important to note that all aspects of the directive are now in place in Ireland. Cartel criminal Graham The Wig Whelan and mob money-launderer Thomas Rooney are the latest organised crime figures to be caught up in a crackdown on rogue companies. Senior Kinahan gang member Whelan is listed as a director of Eco Green Wheelie Clean Ireland a company which described its principal activity as the collection of non-hazardous waste. The company was incorporated in July of 2018 but hadnt filed accounts since January of 2020. It was listed for strike-off by the Company Registration Office (CRO) on Monday of this week. Watches seized from haulage boss Thomas Maher In December 2022, Whelan was released from prison after serving an 18-month sentence for money-laundering. The move to strike off Whelans company occurred seven days after the CRO placed a company owned by Drogheda-based criminal Thomas Rooney a man described in court as an industrial scale money launderer for an international crime gang on the strike-off list. Rooney used a car registered to the limousine company to ferry cash he was cleaning for UK based criminal Thomas Maher. Rooney incorporated the company in January of 2018 but hasnt filed accounts since September of 2019. Thomas Rooney All registered companies are obliged to filed annual returns with the CRO. As with all companies listed for strike off, Rooney has 56 days to contest the bid to strike off the company before it is dissolved and its remaining assets forfeited to the state. The mob bagman is currently serving a six-year sentence for laundering cash for the Thomas Maher mob. The 52-year-old with an address at Betaghstown, Bettystown, Co. Meath, pleaded guilty in 2021 to offences under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act 2010. He was found in possession of 289,770 and 65,025 (77,000) in crime cash in a blue Nike holdall at the Spar car park, Donore Road, Drogheda on May 11, 2020. Thomas Maher Described as a mid-to-high level member of the gang, Rooney also pleaded guilty to possessing 254,840 in a black holdall bag at Donore Road and to possessing 7,650 at North Road, Drogheda, on the same date. A subsequent search of his home uncovered an encrypted Aquarius phone along with fake designer bags, luxury watches and two signal blockers. Gardai also seized the black Mercedes S350 that Rooney used as part of his limousine business. Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th February 2024 The State confiscated the Mercedes, which was in possession of Rooneys chauffeur service company EBT Executive Travel Limited, because the defendant had admitted counting 7,650 in crime cash from an envelope in the vehicle. Counsel also said that Rooney had also sent co-ordinating texts from a phone plugged into the car. He had been part of the criminal network run by rogue haulier Thomas Maher, from Clara, Co. Offaly, who is currently serving a 14-year-sentence in the United Kingdom. Rooney set up times and locations to move huge sums of cash and had an encrypted phone only used by senior gang members. Rooney was the third person to be convicted over the cash link to Maher, who transported cocaine from the Netherlands to Ireland through the UK. Marcus Sweeney Maher, who also had an address in Warrington, ran a money- laundering and drug-trafficking operation and worked with other criminal groups, including the Kinahan cartel. He has been involved in organised crime for over two decades and was also arrested by UK police investigating the deaths of 29 Vietnamese migrants in a truck container in Essex in 2019 but was later released without charge. While being questioned after he was discovered with the cash, Rooney told gardai that Covid-19 had put his chauffeur business down the drain and that it was stupid to get his partner Catherine Dawson, a healthcare worker, also involved. Dawson, who received a suspended sentence, had nothing to do with it, he insisted. He also claimed to gardai he was to get just 1,200 for moving the money and that he was in fear of his life. The third person convicted over the cash haul, Jason Reed, was a volunteer with a Dublin soup-run, but also a trusted high-level member of the Kinahan cartel and was jailed for seven years in July of 2020. Reed (40) had pleaded guilty to money laundering and possessing the proceeds of crime of almost 400,000 in Drogheda. Rooney and partner Catherine Dawson continue to be listed as the directors of EBT Executive Travel Limited on the company register. A Facebook page for EBT Executive Travel is still live but the number listed for bookings is no longer active. Whelan and Rooney are just the latest organised crime figures to have their companies targeted for closure. The Sunday World revealed last week how Evergreen Wealth Management, a company belonging to former socialite Marcus Sweeney, has also been listed for strike-off. Sweeney was described by a judge as being up to his oxters in organised crime. Separately, we reported how Riverview Aesthetics, a beauty company run by drug dealer John Coones wife, has also been listed. The company had been described as a money-laundering vehicle in a Criminal Assets Bureau case. More than two out of three GPs in rural Ireland are not taking on new patients and some have waiting times of up to two weeks for an appointment, a study by the Irish Independent has shown. The findings, from a survey of 275 registered GPs nationwide, showed more than half of the GPs cannot currently accept new patients, with many already balancing lengthy books with long waiting lists. But this number rises in rural areas. Just 32pc of practices outside of the countrys main cities are open to taking on new patients, compared with almost half of urban practices, reflecting a clear divide in access. While exceptions can be made, many practices said they were not in the position to take on new patients unless they fell within their catchment area or fit other criteria, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis by the GP. The eastern region is the worst affected, with the vast majority of practices contacted revealing they are currently not accepting patients. Wicklow and Wexford practices appear the worst affected by full patient lists. Furthermore, waiting times for an appointment differed greatly between urban and rural areas. On average, patients in Dublin can be seen on the same day as a request for an appointment, while those looking to book a non-urgent appointment with their GP in the midlands could be waiting up to two weeks. It is most common that people across the country will see their GP within a week from their time of calling for a non-urgent appointment. Patients in Westmeath are faced with the longest average wait time for a general appointment with their GP, at one to two weeks. People in the south can expect an appointment within three days, while those in the east and west can anticipate a slot within two to three days. Patients in the border counties of Cavan, Leitrim, Donegal, Monaghan and Sligo must wait from anything between three days to one week of contacting the practice. Waiting times did vary in the midlands, with patients in Louth and Longford securing same-day or next-day appointments, while patients in Westmeath and Offaly could be waiting for up to a week or longer. When a patient called to make an appointment with their GP, they were regularly welcomed by a recorded voice message to warn them that the practice was receiving a large volume of calls and to inform them of their place in the queue. Some asked the caller to avoid becoming aggressive with staff, while others told them that during periods of high demand, they will be asked their symptoms to identify their priority for an appointment. In response, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), a trade union representing doctors nationwide, said attracting GPs to rural areas had become significantly more difficult in the past decade. They sad there were a number of obstacles to attracting rural GPs, such as a lack of sufficient supports, distances to other services and onerous hours of commitment, as well as difficulties in obtaining sick and holiday leave. The IMO has been advocating for an enhanced range of supports for rural GPs so as to make the posts attractive and sustainable for those already in situ and for new GPs establishing, the IMO said. However, it acknowledged that many GP practices throughout the country were already at or close to capacity and safe patient limits. There are not enough GPs in Ireland to meet patient numbers and in rural Ireland, the problem is even greater, a spokesperson for the IMO said. They outlined that there are seven GPs per 10,000 population, which they said needed to get to at least 12 to ensure a safe and effective service. While we acknowledge efforts have been made to fund additional training places for GPs, these are going to take some years to come to fruition in terms of available GPs, the IMO added. Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said he was being contacted every day by Meath constituents asking whether he can help them get on to GP waiting lists. He characterised it as a slow-motion car crash happening in rural areas when it comes to GP access. We are not training enough GPs for the population increase and many GPs are emigrating because pay, terms and conditions are better abroad, he said. He referenced how, in 2022, 442 Irish doctors were issued with temporary work visas for Australia, while others went to Canada, stressing that we need to compete with a better offering to doctors. Mr Toibin added: The dearth of GPs in rural Ireland has to have a material effect on health and life expectancy. Im worried the Government is so Dublin-based that they dont even recognise the problem. Additional reporting by Darragh Nolan, Tabitha Monahan, Sarah Burke and Amy Donohoe Gentle Daryl thrived as a mechanic, while kind Katie had dream to be primary teacher Mourners outside Katie Graham's funeral mass at Church of the Sacred Heart in Arles, Co Laois. Daryl Culbert's coffin is carried from St Peter's Church after his funeral service in Kiltegan. Photo: Frank McGrath Two of the victims of a road crash in Co Carlow last week were laid to rest during separate funerals in Co Wicklow and Co Laois on Monday. Friends Katie Graham (19), Daryl Culbert (21) and Michael Kelly (25) all died when the car they were travelling in collided with a tree last Wednesday night. Hundreds of mourners gathered for a Church of Ireland service at St Peters Church in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow for the funeral of Daryl Culbert. Those who came to pay their respects were told about a young man who was passionate about cars and a quiet-spoken chap, with a cheeky grin and a loveable glint in his eye. The community of Kiltegan rallied around the family, with members of the cross kart community in attendance, of which Mr Culbert was a dedicated member. When the small church in the town filled with mourners, the rest of the crowds gathered outside to pay their respects, listening to the service over the speakers placed in the chapel grounds. Mourners outside Katie Graham's funeral mass at Church of the Sacred Heart in Arles, Co Laois. With a deep breath, Mr Culberts father, Trevor delivered an emotional eulogy, in which he described his son as his best friend. Daryl was one of a kind. Such a gentle, placid, solid chap, Trevor Culbert said. He was idolised by his nanny Joan and his grandad Albert. He loved his sisters Chloe and Amy and he was always there for them and they looked up to him. Daryl was not only my son, but he was my best friend as well. We did absolutely everything together. He loved and adored his mum, Heather. Daryl, we will love you forever and we will never forget you, he said. Mr Culberts heartfelt tribute to his son was listened to quietly by the hundreds who stood in the grounds, bringing many to tears as they listened. During the eulogy, Mr Culbert spoke about his sons love of cars. Daryls passion in life was cars. He was a trainee mechanic which he started in my garage from an early age. He recently started phase two of his apprenticeship in Finglas Training Centre. Daryls knowledge as a first year trainee was second to none. His knowledge and interest was all down to his love of cars, Mr Culbert said. Daryl Culbert (21) was laid to rest in Co Wicklow. He was an accomplished autocross and cross kart driver and those who gathered heard of his many achievements and the trophies he had won, including being awarded All Ireland Junior Special Autocross Champion and Driver Of The Year on two occasions. This was a passion we both shared, and we developed an unbreakable bond. We would spend endless hours in the workshop preparing his car, Mr Culbert told mourners. Mr Culbert told how his familys thoughts were also with the relatives of Ms Graham and Mr Kelly, as well as the family of Nathan Kelly, who was hospitalised after the collision. This is a very difficult time, not just for our family, but for the families of Katie, Michael and Nathan. They are all in our thoughts and prayers, Mr Culbert said. He also thanked the emergency services and gardai for their help. He also gave his thanks to members of the clergy, neighbours and friends for their support. Earlier that day, the funeral of Katie Graham heard how the first year student teacher was just starting out in life. Mourners gathered at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arles in Co Laois for the Requiem Mass and heard how the 19-year-old had left behind a store of happy memories in all of your hearts. Tears echoed throughout the pews as the lyrics to Jealous of the Angels, Forever Young and The Scripts Breakeven rung out during the funeral service. Katie was remembered as a kind and thoughtful young girl, with a great sense of humour and fun, and an eagerness to do good and kind deeds for anyone at the drop of a hat. A photo was brought to the altar to symbolise Katies love of her family, particularly her love of heading abroad on their holiday together each year. Katie Graham (19) was laid to rest in Co Laois. Katies sister Laura brought a number plate to the altar, symbolising her love of cars and motorsports, a passion she picked up from her heartbroken father Damien and her uncles Andrew and Paul. A Kilkenny jersey was brought to the altar, symbolising her love of the Kilkenny hurling team, despite being from Laois. Mourners heard how she was a Kilkenny woman to the core. She loved travelling to hurling matches with her mother Breda, aunties, uncles and cousins, showing their strong family bond. One of Katies younger cousins Sarah brought a Stitch teddy, from the Lilo & Stitch Disney movie. Sarah and Katie had a special bond and shared several interests, including their love for teddies. In the words of Stitch Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten, mourners heard. A jewellery box was brought to the altar, reminding how Katie always had a piece of silverware for whenever family or friends needed something to match an outfit. A handbag and nail varnish were also brought up, representing her love of all things fashion having the best of style. Finally, a target shooting board was brought to the altar, to highlight Katies great passion for shooting, which she shared with her father Damien. Mourners heard how Katies love for cars knew no bounds and that the biggest attraction was the network of friends including Daryl and Michael who would regularly gather at Junction 5 in Carlow for a chat. Sharon, a friend of the family, spoke on behalf of Katies parents Damien and Breda and her sister Laura, telling mourners how her infectious smile would light up the room. Katie would spend many a night on the couch laughing with her mammy, watching TikToks, she was always in good form, mourners heard. Katie had just completed her leaving certificate at Castlecomer Community School last June and commenced her academic studies of primary school teaching at DCU in December. Her intention was to become a primary school teacher like her grandmother Sile before her, who taught in one of her local schools for 40 years, Fr Shelley said. Katie also had that kind and caring spirit and Im sure she would have made a wonderful contribution to any childs life that would have come under her care. All of those dreams were terribly cut short during the terrible accident this past week. Katies mam and dad, her sister Laura and all the family have had so much taken from them in that brief moment. There is no escaping the sadness of this great loss, Fr Shelley added. Mother-of-four diagnosed with cancer just months after her daughter I dont have time for cancer, I have a child with leukaemia to get better Margaret Walshs daughter Sinead was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 13, in June 2022. But soon after she got the news about her youngest child, Ms Walsh discovered she had breast cancer. Despite needing a double mastectomy, the mother-of-four is adamant her main focus is getting her daughter better. Sinead got sick at the end of May 2022, I brought her to hospital, but they thought she just had an infection, said Ms Walsh (48). But I kept fighting because I knew there was something seriously wrong with her. I just knew in my heart that she had leukaemia, and she was diagnosed then on Friday, June 24, in Galway, The family arrived at the St Johns Ward in Crumlin Childrens Hospital on Sunday night. She went into surgery on Tuesday to have a Hickman Line surgery to her chest so that she could have all the medication she needed administered that way. The Walsh family thought theyd gotten over the worst of it when Sinead left hospital after 10 days. However, she developed diabetes from one of the steroids and was diagnosed with sepsis. Sinead ended up in the intensive care unit in Crumlin. That had a huge impact on our family, said Ms Walsh, who lives with her husband Brendan (50) and their four children Joseph (22), Ciara (21), Sarah (17), and Sinead (14) in Cornfield, Hollymount, Co Mayo. My husband Brendan and I were at Sineads side up in Crumlin for an awful lot of the summer, and our other three children were at home, trying to keep the farm going. Ms Walsh is a member of An Garda Siochana and her husband Brendan is a farmer as well as Sineads carer. She praised her neighbours and the Cornfield community who stepped in to help them and were very good to them. We drove out the gate that Sunday evening and all our neighbours in our community organised so that the girls wouldnt be on their own at home and that they always had food and dinners. My son was working away from home at the time. They helped with all the farm work that we needed while we were able to concentrate on Sinead. But soon after, Sinead developed a spine infection. Her mobility was very poor, and they had to actually stop chemotherapy because her poor body wasnt able for it all, so our lives were just on pause for all of this. Sinead started immunotherapy in July, and it worked wonders for her, Ms Walsh said. They said Sinead was going to miss out on a year of school and that she would have mobility issues, so she was devastated over that. Sinead was adamant she wanted to go back to Ballinrobe Community School, and she did in September. She literally wobbled on to the school bus, barely able to walk, but she was quite determined that she wasnt going to let the leukaemia stop her. The teenager is still undergoing her treatment but is doing pretty good and is hoping to do her mock Junior Cert exams this week. I was administering her chemotherapy at home so that we could keep her home. She has her heart set on just being a normal teenager, and she wants to sit her exams the same as everybody else. Ms Walsh also had to deal with her own breast cancer diagnosis. I had a spot on my left breast, and I went to my local doctor, she removed it, but it came back after Christmas. Her doctor referred her to a clinic in Galway in February last year, where she had a mammogram and an ultrasound. They were actually all clear, would you believe that? But the professor did a biopsy, and as I was walking out the door that day, he said, Dont worry about a thing. Your mammogram and ultrasound are all clear, so just go and get your daughter better. One week later, my phone rang it was the clinic wanting to know if I could be down the next morning. Ms Walsh drove to the clinic with her husband without their kids knowing. We were trying to sneak out so the kids wouldnt realise we were going to a hospital for me. They would have thought I was going to work. The professor initially thought Ms Walsh had LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) and decided to do a lumpectomy on her left breast. When the results came in, he upgraded it to a PLCIS (pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ). After the second lumpectomy, the doctor told her that the left breast was gone. I had to have a mastectomy, the PLCIS was all through the tissue, that six centimetres theyd removed. They had to assume that it was in the remote area of the left breast. While there was no sign of anything on the right breast, the doctor told Ms Walsh she was at high risk and would need to come to the clinic every six months for monitoring. But I wasnt happy with that. I could leave it for now, but then down the road, Id have to do it all again. So I just said no, I want a double mastectomy. He said, Are you sure?, and I went: We have a child to get better. I dont have time for any of this. Ms Walsh acknowledged she was very fortunate the cancer was caught so early. A lot of women have dense breast tissue, thats why it often isnt caught until its too late. Somebody was looking down on me. I was caught very early by accident it turns out the spot on my left breast has nothing to do with it. Its a different type of cancer. I had no lumps, no bumps, no tumours. Its lobular, so it doesnt show up on mammograms and ultrasounds, so its shocking. The cancer is just sitting there at the moment, Im not stage three or four, but its like it could be activated anytime. Ms Walsh will have her double mastectomy next week on February 14. Theyll test the tissue after its all removed. And, please God, Id be able to draw a line under it, and I wont need chemotherapy or radiation. But were positive, its the only way to be. Ms Walsh said that her family had received great support from the Irish Cancer Society. They have support for people on St Johns Ward in Crumlin that come in because we were shell-shocked. We barely knew our own names at this stage because it was just such a whirlwind. They had all the paperwork, and we didnt have to worry about anything, and they were there to talk to us. They give us support through the family groups and the family holidays. And we were able to just be a family and forget about cancer for a little while because we knew the Irish Cancer Society had our backs. She also spoke of the financial support they received from the charity as that having a family member diagnosed with cancer is very expensive. We live in the west of Ireland, were up and down to Crumlin the whole time and between diesel and tyres, tolls and even food, its just a savage amount of money to be spent every week. The Irish Cancer Society has a fund that can provide a 3,000 grant for families going through childhood cancer. You can find out more about this years Irish Cancer Societys Daffodil Day here Joe Duffy has briefly addressed a rumour that he could be set to leave RTE when his current contract with the broadcaster expires in the middle of 2025. In an interview with the Irish Mirror, RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst said the host of Liveline had not asked for a new contract. Duffy works for the public broadcaster as a contractor through his company Claddaghgreen Ltd. "Joe Duffy has made it clear he is not looking for a new contract when he finishes this contract. You have to ask him. I dont want to start talking out of school, Mr Bakhurst told the Irish Mirror. While speaking to a contributor on Liveline this afternoon, who claimed he had been shown the door in the Savoy cinema in Dublin because he only had cash, Mr Duffy poked fun at the remark and said it has been claimed he too may be shown the door in 12 months time. "Thats the first Ive heard of it, the host said. A female caller also commented on the issue, she said: But darling we have to talk about you because if we didnt have you on the programme, you wouldnt have a bloody programme. In response, Duffy said: "I cannot allow you to talk about me on the programme. I havent made a decision, maybe others have. Duffy previously spoke about the prospect of not renewing his current deal with RTE on Liveline in June of last year, making it no surprise that he could leave the station in the middle of next year. "The way I look at it is my negotiations in 2019 which will go on now to 2025 are more than likely the last time Ill be negotiating with RTE, unless God decides otherwise or RTE decides otherwise. Im not getting any older, he told listeners. The Ballyfermot native signed a four-year contract with RTE in 2019 and agreed to a two-year extension to take his contract up to 2025 under a clause the broadcaster had inserted into the deal. Duffy said the extension involved no changes and no increases and operated under the exact same conditions. The most recent top 10 on-air earners list published by RTE revealed Duffy was the second highest earner in 2022 with 351,000, the same figure he made in 2021. He trailed only former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy who took home 515,000, including his 470,000 salary for TV and radio and the 75,000 payment he received under a sponsorship deal. Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th February 2024 In November, Mr Bakhurst announced plans for a salary cap of 250,000 at RTE, however Duffy had already agreed to his contract extension and the change will only apply to new or renewed deals. 68-year-old Duffy joined the public broadcaster as a producer in 1989 and began hosting Liveline a decade later in 1999. Duffys departure would mark a significant change at RTE as it would bring to an end to a quarter-century of his familiar voice on RTE Radio 1s afternoon call-in show. He revealed in 2016 he had gone into negotiations with Newstalk but ultimately turned down a much greater salary to remain with RTE. "I believe in RTE [and] I believe in public service, Duffy said of his decision to turn down the lucrative offer. The head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, called on the Canadian government to transfer to the Ukrainian Armed Forces more than 83,000 CRV7 missiles that have been removed from service and intended for disposal. He said this in an exclusive interview with Global News. "We hope it will be a win-win situation," he said. According to the head of the Main Intelligence Agency, CRV7 will be used both in Ukrainian attack helicopters and in ground launchers to destroy Russian tanks and artillery. According to him, Ukraine is discussing this issue with Canada, but is still awaiting a decision. Canadian officials said they were studying the request, but warned that the CRV7s are decades old and could become unstable, making them dangerous to handle and transport. If it was my child, Id be shouting for someone to help Belfast woman whose stem cells helped teen in Canada Belfast woman who donated her stem cells to help a girl living across the world not once, but twice is urging others to sign up to register Louise Banks Gillian Halliday Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 08:40 A Belfast woman who donated her stem cells to help a girl living across the world not once, but twice is urging others to sign up to register. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, centre, said more funding pledges through its Shared Island Initiative would be forthcoming (Oliver McVeigh/PA) The Taoiseach has insisted the Irish government is willing to help Northern Ireland with further financial support as ministers in the restored Stormont Executive pressed the UK for more cash. Leo Varadkar's pledge came as he and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak visited Belfast to mark the return of devolution to the region. The two leaders met for private discussions at Stormont on Monday morning, but did not conduct any joint meetings with local politicians or joint press conferences. The lack of a side-by-side public appearance fuelled talk of tensions in the Anglo-Irish relationship following Ireland's move to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government's contentious legislation to address the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Later, Mr Sunak said the "real work starts now" as he met with Northern Ireland's first ever nationalist First Minister, Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill, and her DUP counterpart, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The institutions were restored on Saturday after a deal between the UK Government and the DUP to address unionist concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements, which included passing new legislation at Westminster. The Treasury has offered a 3.3 billion funding package to support the return to powersharing. While the Prime Minister has said the offer represents a "generous and fair settlement", Stormont ministers have written to the Government insisting it is not enough to deliver "sustainable public services and public finances". Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressed reporters in Parliament Buildings in Belfast (Oliver McVeigh/PA) Mr Varadkar highlighted that the Irish government had already invested millions of euros in projects in Northern Ireland that had a cross-border element, and he said more funding pledges through its Shared Island Initiative would be forthcoming. The bulk of Irish investment in the region has focused on capital infrastructure projects. The Taoiseach, addressing reporters in Parliament Buildings in Belfast, said he was confident the new administration in Belfast would last. "I want to thank people who made today possible, to congratulate the First Minister, the deputy First Minister, the new Executive on taking up their new roles, and really pledge to do everything that we can do to help this Executive to be successful," he said. "There's a lot of everyday issues that need attention here in Northern Ireland, and I know they're going to work very hard on that. We're keen to get north-south co-operation going again and have a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in the next couple of weeks and focus on some of that practical co-operation that works well for everyone on the island. "So, very keen to work with a new executive and looking forward to doing that." Asked by reporters if his government was prepared to offer "new" money to the region, the Taoiseach said: "Yes, we are. You know the Shared Island fund is there and we would intend to make further allocations from that over the course of this year. But we're also very keen to co-ordinate that with the Secretary of State (Chris Heaton-Harris) and also with the Executive, now it is up and running." Mr Sunak said his Government's funding deal for Northern Ireland was "significant and generous" and would focus on "long-term sustainability" as well as addressing the immediate issues. He added: "I had very constructive meetings this morning with the Executive, with political leaders across Stormont, and it is a historic and important day for the country, because Northern Ireland's politicians are back in charge, making decisions on behalf of their people, which is exactly how it should be. "Now, our new deal gives them more funding and more powers than they have ever had, so they can deliver for families and businesses across Northern Ireland. And that's what everyone's priority is now." Mr Sunak also insisted that Stormont's leaders should focus on the "day-to-day" concerns of people in Northern Ireland, rather than the prospect of a poll on reunification. He made clear that "constitutional change" was not a priority in response to weekend comments from Ms O'Neill in which she claimed a border referendum could be held in the next 10 years. "It is not constitutional change, it is delivering on the day-to-day things that matter to people," the Prime Minister said. Mr Varadkar would not be drawn on the question of reunification when asked by reporters. Both the UK and Irish sides also moved to play down suggestions of a rift between them on Monday. Aside from the difference of opinion on the legacy laws, Mr Varadkar was asked to respond to the suggestion of disquiet in No 10 amid claims Mr Varadkar had "muscled in" on the prime minister's visit to the region to mark the re-establishment of devolution. "I had a very good welcome and very good meeting with the Prime Minister and then a very warm welcome from the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Executive," he replied. "And there's a long-standing tradition since the Good Friday Agreement was signed that the Taoiseach would attend events like this." Measles is on the rise what do you need to know? The Government is planning a measles vaccination programme for Leaving Cert and college students amid increasing concerns over an outbreak of the disease. New figures show almost one in five (18pc) males aged between 18 and 19 are unvaccinated against measles. Irelands MMR vaccination rate is also below the recommended target and there have been increasing reports of outbreaks in Britain and elsewhere in Europe. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is bringing a memo to the Cabinet today outlining the details of a HSE rapid risk assessment of the potential for a measles outbreak in Ireland. There have been sporadic measles cases reported to the HSE in recent years, with most confirmed cases relating to individuals travelling to a country where an outbreak was ongoing. Last year, the HSE was alerted to four cases related to one family, with the affected children aged between three and nine years old. The HSE established that the outbreak came from outside the EU. Mr Donnelly will tell cabinet colleagues the MMR vaccine is the only protection against the disease. The vaccination rate in Ireland, which has been 90pc for the last two years, is below the World Health Organisation (WHO) target uptake of 95pc. There are also significant geographic variations, with uptake rates below 80pc in Louth and Meath but as high as 94pc in Dublin south-west. A recent Irish study estimated that 11pc of adults aged 18 to 34 are non-immune to measles, while 18pc of males aged 18 to 19 are unvaccinated. Mr Donnelly will say the probable reason for this high level of non-immunity relates to misinformation in the past regarding the MMR vaccine, which falsely associated it with a risk of autism. As autism is more often diagnosed in young male children, it is likely that a cohort of now young men were not vaccinated due to parental decisions informed by this erroneous science, which has since been discredited, the cabinet memo said. To tackle the low uptake among 18 to 19-year-olds, the HSE is developing a proposal for an MMR catch-up programme for Leaving Cert students, along with a campaign in colleges and higher-educational institutions. The HSE is also looking at a bespoke approach for counties with lower uptakes. The timing of the vaccination offered in junior infants has moved from the second school term to the first, to ensure protection as early as possible. An MMR catch-up programme was also launched in November through GPs, so unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients could opt in. Eligible children include those aged between 14 months and 10 years old who did not receive the MMR vaccine when they were 12 months old, and/or when they were four to five years old in junior infants. HSE regions have been testing their response plans and systems in the event of measles cases being detected in their area. In May 2023, Mr Donnelly added measles to the list of notifiable infectious diseases, which requires doctors to immediately notify a medical officer if they encounter a case. Offaly TD Barry Cowen will be an excellent candidate for Fianna Fail in the European Parliament elections, according to Tanaiste Micheal Martin, even though he sacked him as Agricultural Minister. Mr Cowen got the party backing to run as an MEP in Midlands North West on Monday night in Mullingar, with Senators Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney losing out. Mr Cowen and Mr Martin previously crossed swords when the Tanaiste, then Taoiseach, sacked the TD from his role as Minister for Agriculture in 2020 when he refused to answer questions in the Dail over controversy involving his driving ban. Mr Cowen was sacked by Mr Martin in 2020 after he refused to address the Dail over controversy involving his drink driving ban. Mr Martin said he had extensive discussions with Mr Cowen about claims he sought to evade gardai which the Offaly TD insisted were completely untrue. In a statement posted on Twitter at the time, Mr Cowen later said he was "surprised and disappointed" to be informed by the Taoiseach over the phone of his sacking. He claimed Mr Martin's decision to remove him from office - having previously backed him- has "undermined and potentially prejudiced" his entitlement to a fair process. Fianna Fail selected Mr Cowen to run in the June European elections in a hotly contested selection convention process. Speaking in Washington, Mr Martin paid tribute to Mr Cowens experience. Barry Cowen will be an excellent candidate, he has a lot of experience, hes well liked and hes well thought of. I think he will make a very worthy representative for the North West in the European Parliament. We need to elect people who are pro the EU, who want to make the EU work and who can bring the voice of the regions and Ireland to the floor of the European Parliament. He said the parliament has a strong legislative role thanks to the Lisbon Treaty. I think Barry is well placed to fulfill that role. Minister Martin said 2,300 people turned up to Mullingar Park Hotel on a Bank Holiday Monday to vote in the selection convention. Not too many parties in the country could muster that number in just one constituency. So that was healthy, from our perspective to see that. John Bruton during a speech with then US-president Bill Clinton in Dublin in 1995. Photo: PA Friends in high places: Buddy Kiernan (centre) with Taoiseach John Bruton, and his son Mark. Photos: courtesy of Kiernan Family/Lorraine Teevan CLINTON BRUTON...Irish Prime Minister John Bruton, left, presents a bowl of shamrocks to President Clinton at the White House Friday, March 15, 1996. The presentation is a St. Patrick's Day tradition. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)...A File Photo John Bruton Has Died From left: Fine Gael leader John Bruton talks to Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Bertie Ahern before a meeting of the Council of State, at Aras An Uachtarain in Dublin, which the President convened to consult the council on her proposed Millenium address to the Houses of the Oireachtas on December 16th next. 28/10/1999 Photo: RollingNews.ie Former Taoiseach John Bruton was seen as a man of integrity and decency who set many firsts in Irish politics. His political legacy reflects his deep interest in economic affairs. He was responsible for introducing self assessment to the tax system. The 12.5pc Corporate Tax policy, which has contributed hugely to the countrys economic success, was introduced by his government. By contrast his decision as finance minister to put VAT on childrens clothing highlighted his misjudgement of ordinary people. The move collapsed the Fine Gael-Labour coalition government of the time. John Bruton was born on May 18, 1947, in Dunboyne, Co Meath, to wealthy farmers Joseph and Doris Bruton. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College, University College Dublin and then qualified as a barrister from Kings Inns but never practised law. At 22 years of age he became one of the youngest ever members of the Dail at that time, narrowly securing his seat at the 1969 General Election. Within four years he doubled his vote and when the Fine Gael-Labour coalition came to power in 1973 Mr Bruton was immediately appointed parliamentary secretary to the industry and commerce minister and the education minister. When Fine Gael lost the 1977 General Election Mr Bruton became opposition spokesperson on agriculture and later opposition finance spokesperson. This experience led to him being appointed finance minister when the 1981 General Election resulted in another Fine Gael-Labour coalition. He got a sharp taste of defeat, however, when his 1982 Budget imposed VAT on childrens clothes and shoes. The measure was a small part of an austere budget but was a big political misstep by the young minister. The budget was defeated and the government collapsed. The next Fianna Fail government lasted just months. Fine Gael was returned to power in November 1982 but Mr Bruton was judiciously moved from finance minister to become industry, trade, commerce and tourism minister. In a cabinet reshuffle four years later he was given the finance portfolio once more but never got a chance to present a budget. His proposals for this budget led to a huge row with Labour which then withdrew from government, triggering another election. Mr Bruton made an unsuccessful bid for the Fine Gael leadership after the 1987 election, in which the party had suffered a heavy defeat. He was beaten in a vote by Alan Dukes. After another disastrous Fine Gael performance in the 1990 election, Mr Dukes was forced to resign and Mr Bruton as his deputy was appointed unopposed to the post. Fine Gael lost another 10 seats in the 1992 election and Mr Bruton narrowly survived a challenge to his leadership early in 1994. John Bruton during a speech with then US-president Bill Clinton in Dublin in 1995. Photo: PA Later that year when the Fianna Fail government collapsed Mr Bruton negotiated a coalition with Labour and Democratic Left. It made him the youngest Taoiseach ever at the time at the age of 47. The government had also been put together without an election for the first time in the history of the State. During his time as Taoiseach he launched the Anglo-Irish Framework Document with British prime minister John Major, which prompted criticism of his willingness to accommodate unionist demands. Mr Bruton initially formed an uneasy working relationship with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams but this largely disintegrated when the IRA ceasefire ended with a London bomb and Garda Jerry McCabe was murdered in Co Limerick. Mr Bruton survived for 10 years as Fine Gael leader despite three votes of no-confidence being tabled against him. He eventually became the first Fine Gael leader to be voted out of that office after an emotional and tense seven-hour party debate. His failure to connect with ordinary people, especially younger people, was seen as one of the main reasons for the heave against him. He was viewed as conservative and reserved and more of a policy strategist. Immediately after his defeat he said: I did not wilt under pressure and will not wilt under pressure in any future challenges that I face in my life. Mr Bruton continued to hold a Dail seat up to 2004. He resigned in December of that year to become European Union Ambassador to the United States. His work internationally had included presiding over the Irish EU presidency in 1996. He represented the EU as president of the council at summit meetings with the US president and the prime ministers of Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Israel and chairman Arafat of the Palestinian authority. At the Dublin EU Summit he helped finalise the Growth and Stability Pact which now governs the management of the single European currency the euro. He served as a leading member of the convention that drafted the proposed European Constitution, signed in Rome in 2004. During his time in Washington from 2004-2009 he met with the US president and former presidents and had one-to-one meetings with over 250 members of Congress. On his return from Washington he took up a number of posts. He became a member of the board of directors at Ingersoll Rand; The Centre for European Policy Studies; the Irish Diaspora Loan Origination Fund; Smart Invest and the Irish Institute for International and European Affairs. He also became chairman of the Public Interest Oversight Body of Deloitte in Ireland; an adviser to Cabinet DN a Brussels-based public affairs consultancy working with EU institutions and president of IFSC Ireland, a body promoting the development of the international financial services industry in Ireland. Unlike other former Taoisigh, Mr Bruton did not go quietly into retirement. He continued to make public statements and write extensively about political and economic issues, including in the Irish Independent. In relation to the 1916 Rising commemoration, he controversially suggested that Irish independence would have been achieved without the Rising. There was probably, in my view, no need at all for the killing that took place between 1916 and 1923, he said. He also said abortion legislation should not include suicide and he called for less regulation of the financial sector and more emphasis on judgment in business. John Bruton When a video of him emerged saying that blaming bankers for austerity was almost like in the 17th century people blamed witches, he said his comments had been loosely worded. John and Finola Bruton married in 1981 and the couple had four children - Mathew, Juliana, Emily and Mary Elizabeth. His younger brother Richard has served as a TD since 1982, held three different ministries and the deputy leadership of Fine Gael. John Bruton died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin in the early hours of today surrounded by his family. They said he had a long illness. He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot. We will miss him greatly, the family said. Family statement: It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton. He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness. John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters; Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family. Tanaiste Micheal Martin will push the need to keep funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to Palestinian refugees, in meetings with Joe Biden officials in Washington today and Wednesday. Mr Martin will also emphasise the need for a ceasefire and at scale humanitarian aid as part of the four-day trip to Washington DC and Chicago. Several countries including the US, the UK, Germany and Sweden suspended their funding to the UN relief agency after Israel alleged they played a role in the Hamas attack on October 7. The Tanaiste is due to meet Senate leader Chuck Schumer, senators Chris Murphy and Jon Ossoff, as well as the Friends of Ireland Caucus today. He will also meet Congressmen Richie Neal and Brendan Boyle and Congresswoman Katherine Clark and a further 10 other cross party or party representatives on Capitol Hill. The Foreign Affairs Minister will meet officials working in US President Joe Bidens administration tomorrow. He said an independent review into UNRWA is welcome and will give donors confidence. I will be raising the situation in relation to Gaza and in particular urging humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a significant upscaling of aid and humanitarian supplies to Gaza and also will be discussing the need to maintain funding to UNRWA, said Mr Martin. Most people that are familiar with the on the ground situation in Gaza and indeed on the West Bank are under no illusions that the only effective mechanism to deliver aid at the scale that is required is through UNRWA in terms of food and in terms of education and health services. He said he has met with UNRWA commissioner general Philippe Lazzarini on several occasions. I think our challenge is to bring a European perspective but to bring the Irish perspective as well and our sense of realities on the ground. When asked if he will urge Biden officials to stop funding Israel, he said the Irish Government is under no illusions about the perspectives that inform US politicians in relation to the Middle East. But Mr Martin said the more effective tactic will be calling for a humanitarian ceasefire as well as unimpeded humanitarian aid at scale. He said he welcomed strong signals from the White House that the US may recognise Palestine and a two-state solution. The Irish Government has long advocated for a two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine. The US and the UK have signalled changes in their long-standing positions on the future of the two nations, suggesting that a Palestinian state without buy-in from Israel is now an option. Mr Martin will also give an update to US politicians and Biden officials on restoration of Stormont as well as the war in Ukraine. He said the US and the EU have to ensure they are both there for the long haul in backing Ukraine and sending strong signals to Russia. Almost a third of all garda stations recorded a decrease in the number of gardai last year, while 8pc of stations no longer have any designated garda assigned to them. Updated figures on garda staffing levels show there was a net reduction of 154 in frontline gardai across the network of almost 570 garda stations last year an overall decrease of about 1pc, which coincided with a record high of 169 resignations from the force. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar meets Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill (left) and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont. Photo: Carrie Davenport/Reuters UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has warned the DUP not to collapse the Northern Irish assembly again because it would risk the union with Britain. The DUP ended its two-year boycott of the Northern Ireland Assembly last week after accepting Mr Sunaks deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements. Stormont has not functioned for 10 of the 26 years since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement was signed because at least one half of the mandatory two-party coalition has walked out, damaging public trust in devolved government. Mr Sunak warned that proving power-sharing could work was the best argument against Irish reunification as he visited the restored Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday. As part of his deal, Whitehall officials will screen all new laws to ensure they do not harm trade between Britain and Northern Ireland. For those of us who want to see the union thrive, there is a particular responsibility to keep winning the argument for it and bringing others with us, Mr Sunak said. And the best way to do that is to show that Northern Ireland works for everyone. That means devolved government functioning at maximum capacity. Meanwhile, after Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill, the new First Minister predicted a reunification referendum within a decade, Mr Sunak advised she should focus on the day-to-day concerns of people and not constitutional change. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement states that the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, currently Chris Heaton-Harris, must call a referendum if it appears likely a majority wants a united Ireland. Mr Heaton-Harris said the conditions were definitely not met at this time. Any border poll in Northern Ireland has to be matched with a referendum in the Republic. While polls show large support for reunification in the Republic, they consistently produce a majority in favour of remaining part of the UK in Northern Ireland. As part of its agreement with the DUP to restart power-sharing, the government released a paper stating it sees no realistic prospect of a border poll leading to a united Ireland, citing recent polling. People dont want talk of a border poll, they want the Executive to deliver on issues like health, housing and childcare support, said DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also attended Stormont and met Mr Sunak as well as the Norths party leaders. He said questions over reunification were not for today. He added: I think today is really about marking the fact that the Good Friday Agreement, which we voted for in big numbers north and south, is now functioning again. At a joint press conference, Ms ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said they had asked Mr Sunak for more money to improve public services, settle long-delayed public sector pay claims and make Northern Irelands finances sustainable. If were going to be successful politically we need to also have the resources in order to deliver good public services. And I think that the prime minister heard that very loudly and clearly from both Emma and I, Ms ONeill said. Asked about her comments on Irish unity, Ms ONeill said that she would prefer to focus on the united front she and Ms Little-Pengelly had presented to Mr Sunak. The key thing here is that were only going to find resolutions for those issues by working together and working constructively together, Ms Little-Pengelly said. Mr Varadkar and Mr Sunak also played down suggestions of tensions between the two governments after they did not appear together in public to mark the return of power-sharing to Northern Ireland. While the two leaders did meet privately, they held separate engagements with Stormonts political leaders. Mr Varadkar said the day was about progress in Northern Ireland, rather than the two premiers, while Mr Sunak said Ireland would remain a close and valued partner of the UK. Speculation over a rift in the Anglo-Irish relationship has increased since Dublin launched an interstate legal challenge against the UK governments contentious legislation to address the legacy of the Northern Ireland 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. Last week, Mr Sunak used a call with the Taoiseach to describe the UKs disappointment over the legal challenge. He repeated those sentiments yesterday, saying he deeply regretted the move. Mr Varadkar said he had had a very good meeting with Mr Sunak at Stormont. He said: Theres a long standing tradition since the Good Friday Agreement was signed that the Taoiseach would attend events like this. This isnt about us, this is about Northern Ireland. Its about the major political parties here coming together, forming an executive working together on the day-to-day issues that people across the province are concerned about. So it isnt really about me or the prime minister. Its about power-sharing here in Northern Ireland, which is so important. So I think the focus will be on them rather than us. Siobhan (right) and Shane with their parents Maurice and Therese in happier times Shane MacGowans sister Siobhan stresses their father is fit and well following his much-publicised ordeal in Limericks main hospital. Author Siobhan who took part in a recent protest against overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick reveals her dad Maurices hospital ordeal actually happened six years ago. Shane MacGowan with his mother Therese and father Maurice in 1997. Photo: Getty Images I went on the protest last Sunday week because conditions havent changed, Siobhan told the Sunday World. It happened in 2018 when he was in hospital, and hes all sorted now. Hes able to get around fine, but he doesnt drive anymore as hes 94 now. Maurice attended Shanes funeral in Nenagh in December and lives near the Co. Tipperary town, as does Siobhan and her partner. Siobhan, who along with Shanes wife Victoria gave a eulogy at his funeral, was one of hundreds of people who last month took part in a latest demonstration at the overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Maurice had been brought there six years ago after he complained of a heart murmur. He was on a trolley overnight, she recalls. Nobody was coming around to him. He has slight dementia. The family were so outraged at conditions there they decided to move him to a Dublin hospital to be cared for. I had to stay with him as long as I could. I came back the next morning and had to get him out of there and drive up with him to Dublin to have him seen to, she recollects. Its like a Third World hospital. Its bloody awful. Siobhan was one of hundreds of protesters who braved wind and rain during Storm Isha in a demonstration against the conditions at the Limerick hospital. Crowds marched from the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle to the gates of the hospital as part of the protest organised by health campaigner Mike Daly. Protesters demanded the reopening of the emergency departments in Nenagh, Ennis, and St Johns hospitals and an end to chronic overcrowding at UHL, which has been overflowing with patients in its emergency department following closures of other local units. Emergency departments in these hospitals were all closed as part of a reconfiguration of hospital services in 2009, when all acute and emergency services were redirected to UHL, which has seen the facility cope with pressure by placing patients on trolleys, often for days, before being admitted to a bed. The EU Council and the European Parliament announced on Tuesday night that they had agreed on a new mechanism to support Ukraine for EUR 50 billion for the period 2024-2027. The Minister of Finance of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council, Vincent van Peteghem said that the EU is ready to support Ukraine as long as necessary. The Ukraine Fund will allow providing consistent and predictable support to Ukraine. At the same time, support will help Ukraine advance the reforms and modernization efforts it needs on its path to future EU membership, he added. A preliminary agreement has been reached by EU legislators to create a new single dedicated instrument to support the recovery, reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine while facilitating its reform efforts towards EU accession, according to a communique from the Council of the European Union. The total budget of the Ukrainian fund will be EUR 50 billion. This fund will consolidate EU budgetary support to Ukraine into a single instrument, providing consistent, predictable and flexible support to Ukraine for the period 2024-2027, tailored to the unprecedented challenges of assisting the country. The fund's total budget for Ukraine of EUR 50 billion will be divided into EUR 33 billion in loans and EUR 17 billion in grants. The preliminary agreement must be approved by the EU Council and the European Parliament before the law can be formally adopted. Once adopted, it will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force the next day, Brussels said. Gerald Kean and his daughter Kirsten pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin A message on flowers pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Gerald Kean pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Mourners arrive with floral tributes pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Michael Flatley and his wife Niamh pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Michael Flatley and his wife Niamh arriving at the funeral for Lisa Murphy (inset). The funeral of model Lisa Murphy has heard she was the most beautiful, kind soul and was like a second mother to her six nieces and nephews. Ms Murphys funeral mass took place on Tuesday morning at the Church of St John the Evangelist in her native Ballinteer, followed by a burial in Mount Venus Cemetery in Rathfarnham. She died following a battle with illness and her family thanked the staff of the St Vincents Hospital oncology department for all their care and support over the years. Devastating news Tributes paid following death of former model and TV star Lisa Murphy Eleanor McEvoy and Mary Blacks song Only a Womans Heart was played at the beginning of the service. Remembering Ms Murphy, her brother Noel said she was the perfect child and recalled how she helped her parents care for her late brother Paul, who had special needs. "In my mums own words, God love her, she always had to be good, he said. Mourners arrive with floral tributes pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin "In her 51 years Lisa lived a life so full of love and energy, that was so vibrant that everyone who came in contact with her instantly fell in love with her. "Lisa was born to be a mother, but although she wasnt blessed with her own children, she most definitely had six children in her nieces and nephews. "They absolutely adored her beyond words. Lisa was always on hand to spoil them on every occasion, from beautiful designer baby clothes and gifts, but more importantly her undivided attention, advice, love and famous auntie Lisa hugs. Lisa He recalled Ms Murphys visits to St Vincents Hospital during her battle with cancer and said though they were difficult days, she always put a smile on the faces of the staff. "Last year after a very long, hard stay in hospital, we remember a nurse who hadnt seen Lisa for a few months, worryingly telling Lisa she had lost a lot of weight. "Lisas face beamed and lit up and was quick to reply why thank you nurse, taking it as a great compliment. Kira was also quick to point out it was most definitely not a compliment. Gerald Kean pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Mr Murphy said the family was told in February 2023 she had just a couple of months to live news Ms Murphy was never told herself but she returned to her apartment and continued power walking in Marlay Park even in the weeks before her death. "Lisa, we love you and I promise you through myself, mum, dad, Kira and all your six babies, well remember and talk about you forever, he said. Mourners then heard a rendition of Dani and Lizzys Dancing in the Sky. Paying tribute to Ms Murphy, Monsignor Paul Callan said she most certainly brought very special qualities to life. "Nearest and dearest recall how Lisa brought a smile to everyones face, Msgr Callan said. "Her warmth, charm and humanity endeared her to people everywhere she went. A message on flowers pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin He said she was a kind, gentle, loving person who radiated care and goodness, bringing a positive and good-natured outlook to life. Msgr Callan said the first thing he was told by Ms Murphys mother Eileen following her death was that she had gone to Paul, her older brother who died in a car accident in 1995. He recalled a nurse at St Vincents Hospital who said its not often in the course of work people asked her how she was but Lisa did, even in her most difficult days. "Wherever and whenever you met Lisa, Lisa always had time for people and a thoughtfulness for others, Msgr Callan said. "Today we want to celebrate and give thanks for those beautiful qualities. Ms Murphys nieces and nephews brought a number of symbols representing her life to the alter, including her favourite pink hat. Gerald Kean and his daughter Kirsten pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin "Lisa loved nothing more than to wear this and even on one occasion whilst wearing it, she was asked for ID, her niece Sophia said. Her FitBit was brought by her nephew Charlie, representing her "love for exercise, tracking both her steps in Marlay Park and sometimes, even more important, her amount of hours sleep from the night before. Her "go-to comfort food, cheesy popcorn, was also brought to the altar by her nephew Josh. Her nephew Louis brought a large bar of Toblerone, the size of the bar a symbol of how much of a chocoholic Ms Murphy was. Msgr Callan joked he had his eye on it. Finally, Ms Murphys favourite Louis Vuitton handbag was brought up by her niece Alanna. "Lisa loved nothing more than getting dressed up and was always effortlessly stylish, Sophia said. 05/02/'24 The remains arrive at church pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy...Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Well-known faces Riverdances Michael Flatley and celebrity lawyer Gerald Kean both attended the mass at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer. Flatley, who shot to fame with his principal role in Riverdance, revealed last week he was aware of Murphys illness and had visited her in St Vincents Hospital in Dublin earlier this week. They were engaged for a time in the early 2000s. She was a lovely, caring person. I got the call from her father, Des, early this morning with the news. Its very, very sad. God rest her soul, he said last week. Murphy had worked as a model before becoming a TV personality on various reality programmes. She had starred in fly-on-the-wall TV series Dublin Wives. Celebrity lawyer Gerald Kean, who had a 10-year relationship with Ms Murphy and attended the funeral this morning, was another who offered sympathy to the family and friends of his former fiancee. Its devastating news, he said. She was a wonderful lady. She was a big part of my life and also in particular of my daughters. The couple parted in 2016. Devastating news Tributes paid following death of former model and TV star Lisa Murphy Niall Long (31) and Luke Taylor (26) appeared before Cork District Court today TWO men have been charged with the murder of Kieran Quilligan (47) whose skeletal remains were discovered in a shallow grave last week. Niall Long (31) and Luke Taylor (26) appeared before Cork District Court charged with the murder of Mr Quilligan who vanished without trace in Cork city centre last September. Both are charged with the murder of Mr Quilligan on a date unknown between September 1, 2023 and January 29, 2024 contrary to Common Law at an unknown location within the State. Det Garda Brian Barron gave the court evidence of arrest, caution and charge in respect of Niall Long to Judge Mary Dorgan. He said that Long, with an address at St Michael's Close, Mahon, Cork was charged at the Bridewell Garda Station on February 5. Det Garda Barron said that Long made no reply when the charge was formally put to him. Det Garda Ann O'Sullivan gave the court evidence of arrest, caution and charge in respect of Luke Taylor. Taylor has no fixed address. She said that, when the charge was formally put to him, Taylor replied: "I didn't murder no one." Both men appeared before Cork District Court amid a large Garda presence. A number of friends and relatives of Mr Quilligan were present in court and angrily shouted at the defendants before they left the courtroom. Kieran Quilligan The shouts included: "murderer and rot in hell. Several of Mr Quilligan's family and friends were visibly distraught in court during the proceedings. Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly, for Long, said his client was on social welfare and he applied for free legal aid. Judge Dorgan granted free legal aid. Solicitor Eddie Burke, for Taylor, said his client was not working and similarly applied for free legal aid. Judge Dorgan granted the application. Sgt Pat Lyons, for the State, said that, as the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by Cork District Court and any bail application must be heard before the High Court. Mr Collins-Daly said his client intended to apply for bail to the High Court in due course. Sgt Lyons said the State was applying for a remand in custody until February 13 for instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, Sgt Lyons noted that instructions are not likely to be ready by that date. Judge Dorgan remanded both men in custody to appear again by video-link before Cork District Court on February 13. The skeletal remains found in a shallow grave in east Cork on January 29 were positively identified as those of Mr Quilligan who died after being subjected to a savage assault. Dental records, DNA analysis and medical records were used to formally identify the remains as those of Mr Quilligan who vanished without trace from Cork city centre last September. Gardai immediately feared for Mr Quilligan's safety at the time given intelligence they received. The results of forensic and technical examinations are now awaited by Gardai. CCTV security camera footage is set to play a critical role in the Garda investigation. Mr Qulligan's badly decomposed remains were recovered on January 29 from a shallow grave some 80 metres off the Midleton-Whitegate road. The grim discovery followed a targeted search of the area by Gardai assisted by a cadaver dog. His body had been carefully wrapped in a heavy duty industrial bag and showed signs of a savage beating. The remains were found in a shallow trench. There are indications the victim did not die at the location near Rostellan but was likely moved there from another site where the fatal assault occurred. Mr Quilligan, who was known to the Gardai, had been battling a heroin addiction problem for over a decade. An initial examination of the scene indicated that attempts had been made to conceal the remains though they had not been buried. The skeletal remains were fully clothed and the garments involved, while badly degraded, matched those Mr Quilligan was wearing when he was last seen. Detectives admitted within 24 hours of his disappearance last September that they had major fears for the safety of the 47 year old. A post mortem examination was conducted at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on Tuesday by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster with Gardai warning that formal identification required dental records and DNA analysis. The post mortem examination was complicated by the advanced state of decomposition of the remains as well as animal activity. Members of the Quilligan family travelled to Rostellan immediately after hearing news of the discovery. Family members visited the site again last Tuesday and laid flowers near the scene. The family had also attended the previous Garda search area in Little Island last year. A Garda liaison officer has been appointed to assist the family. Since he vanished, there had been no trace of Mr Quilligan, he had not made contact with his family and his finances had not been accessed. A major search for Mr Quilligan was conducted in the Little Island area last year but concluded without anything of significance being found. His body was located on Monday almost 25km from the original search area. The last known movements of Mr Quilligan were traced from CCTV security camera footage and showed him entering St Finbarrs Place, off Probys Quay having walked across Cork city centre from Anderson's Quay. Mr Quilligan was 57" in height, of medium build and with brown/grey hair and blue eyes. He had a large and distinctive tattoo on the side of his head. When last seen Mr Quilligan was wearing an orange T-shirt, blue Under Armour tracksuit pants and black Nike runners. Funeral details Meanwhile, funeral details were confirmed for Kieran Quilligan (47) after his body was formally released back to his family. Mr Quilligan - of Togher and Knocknaheeny - will repose at Forde's funeral home at South Gate Bridge in Cork from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday evening. His Requiem Mass will take place at 3pm on Thursday at the Church of the Way of the Cross in Togher. Mr Quilligan's funeral will then conclude at The Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. The 47 year old was the beloved son of Steven Quilligan and Katheen O'Flynn and the brother of Trevor, Karen, Stephen, Roy and Pamela. His family have asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Cork Missing Persons Search and Recovery. What are Adverse Childhood Experiences and how do they affect our mental health? According to a recent study, the majority of the Irish population has suffered at least one adverse childhood event, which can have lasting effects but there are ways to reduce their impact Stay attuned and present to your childs needs. Photo: Getty Images Suzanne Harrington Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 03:30 Most of us will have experienced some kind of trauma or adversity during the course of our lives. However, when these experiences of trauma and adversity happen in childhood ACEs, or Adverse Childhood Experiences the consequences can be longer lasting, shaping our long term responses to everyday life situations. Six decades, 200 letters, and a proposal after 13 hours this incredible Irish love story will have you in tears David and Christine Mahony were forbidden from writing to each other after striking up a long-distance relationship and faced untold hardships in their decades long romance. This is their incredible story David and Christine on their wedding day Amy Donohoe Wed 14 Feb 2024 at 15:30 In a world of emails, FaceTime, DMs and voice notes, its rare we put pen to paper once we finish school. But not for David Mahony, an Essex man who is turning 85 this year. Mr Mahony wrote a letter to the Irish Independent explaining his love to his wife of 59 years. The handwritten letter was 31 pages, but it wasnt the first letter he sent to Dublin. NEWS of John Brutons death brings profound sadness because we have lost a formidable politician who devoted his life to serving our nation. He leaves a significant mark on the political landscape of Ireland, having implemented policies that shaped the trajectory of our country. Beyond our borders, he had influence too on the international stage as an EU Ambassador who operated with dignity and skill. An investigation has confirmed that former RTE director general Dee Forbes (pictured) approved a redundancy package for former chief financial officer Breda OKeeffe, without clearing it with management. Photo: David Conachy Arthur Murphys inbox would be full to the brim these days. The late broadcaster brought his dry wit to the TV programme Mailbag during the 1980s and 1990s, presenting viewers letters about RTE programmes. No holds were barred as the public fumed over whatever irked them from the previous weeks viewing. The tone of the voiceover and Murphys sarcastic response gave the impression that the armchair critics werent supposed to be taken too seriously. The hypothetical letters these days, about Dermot Bannons latest extravagant renovation on Room to Improve or the standard of some of the Eurosong entries, would test even Murphys patience. Moreover, the national broadcasters loyal viewers would be well entitled to air their grievances about the soap opera going on behind the scenes in Donnybrook. Its been another bruising week in Montrose, with a report shedding some light on the operation of voluntary redundancy programmes. The investigation by McCann Fitzgerald confirmed that former RTE director general Dee Forbes gave a golden handshake to former chief financial officer Breda OKeeffe, without the requisite approval of management. The payments to Ms OKeeffe and 10 other staff have been referred to the Revenue Commissioners as they do not appear to comply with the requirements around the granting of tax relief. RTE is facing a potential tax liability as a consequence. There was no saving to the organisation, nor was Ms OKeeffes role abolished when she was replaced both of which are necessities for a redundancy. However, the report also showed that RTEs director of human resources, Eimear Cusack who is still in the post was aware of details relating to Ms OKeeffes redundancy long before it was finalised. She raised concerns with Ms Forbes, but never brought it to the attention of her colleagues in management, leaving the director general to her own devices. When the Dail Public Accounts Committee (PAC) asked questions about Ms OKeeffes redundancy, they were stonewalled, despite the information being readily available. It is important the hearings of the Oireachtas committees proceed, and there are plenty of current or past members of the board and management of RTE who can shed light on the latest controversy. The Government is deliberating on the future of funding for public-service media. The TV licence looks to be on its last legs. Just because RTE probably wont be funded by the TV licence indefinitely, it doesnt mean the organisation can abdicate its responsibility to restore confidence. Whether funding comes from the TV licence or directly from the Exchequer, the higher echelons of RTE need to realise their remit is to serve the public. Providing answers is still an important part of the reform process at the broadcaster before the chapter on these scandals can be closed. A recent survey by BirdWatch Ireland, in partnership with Cork County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, has shown that the number of Barn Owls has significantly risen of late, with a five-fold increase witnessed since the early 1980s. The Barn Owl had a significant presence on Irish farms due to their skilled abilities as highly efficient hunters for feeding on rats and mice, lending them the title of the farmers friend. Barn Owls were widespread throughout County Cork in the late 1960s, but 20 years later their numbers had drastically reduced, and their range had contracted significantly. They became a rare sight and their infamous bloodcurdling screech went unheard for decades. A survey carried out by BirdWatch Ireland last summer, provides a glimmer of optimism though, with evidence that the presence of Barn Owls may be rising once more in County Cork. 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 The reason behind the rise in Barn Owl population is understood to be related to the continued spread of introduced small mammal species throughout Cork, which Barn Owls feed on. The Birdwatch survey enlisted the help of farmers and the general public who reported information on Barn Owls across the county, and also involved checking a wide range of ruined structures, which are typical nesting sites for Barn Owls. The results were positive, with an increase in recorded Barn Owl breeding range of 132 per cent in County Cork over the last 10 years, and an impressive increase of 480 per cent since the 1980s when the Barn Owl population of Cork was at its lowest recorded extent. In total, 114 nest sites were found in the county, with the majority of these in ruined and abandoned buildings. It is heartening to see that the Barn Owl population in Cork County is now on the increase. The next phase of this work will see the continuation of a nest box project, with suitable sites identified throughout Cork County, said Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank OFlynn. It is hoped that annual monitoring of Barn Owl nests in Cork will continue, which will contribute to an understanding of the local population trajectories and the pressures Barn Owls face. We must work to safeguard the future of this wonderful species, he added. One measure that is being put in place to continue the rise in population across Cork is the provision of Barn Owl nest boxes. These are already showing benefits, with 40 percent of recorded Barn Owl nests being found in nest boxes in 2023. A community representative said that the number of outages that have happened are not really acceptable The local community council have called for a water reservoir to be installed in the area to prevent outages. Residents, schools, and businesses in Banteer and surrounding areas have been affected by four unplanned water outages in recent months, an issue which must be sorted according to the local community council. Banteer-Lyre-Nadd & Districts Community Council told The Corkman that one unplanned outage took place in November when a turbidity instrument failed while three took place in January due to pipe damage, a turbidity problem and then a line breakage. Denis Withers, spokesperson for the Community Council, said that the outages are not really acceptable in these times, especially when you have the whole area depending on the water supply from a pumped system. 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 Mr Withers has called for new facilities to be installed in the area on behalf of the Community Council. He said that Banteer and other areas, including Dromcummer, Rathcoole and Clonmeen, are currently served by the Poulgorm water station, an old pumped system with no water storage in place to cater for planned or unplanned outages. Following research, Mr Withers said he believes that Banteer may be one of only two village areas in Cork county with no reservoir water storage system and wants to see such an amenity installed in the locality along with improvements made to piping. He said a reservoir would have prevented three out of the four recent outages, while the installation of isolation valves and piping improvements would prevent total outages when a pipe leaks. Off the back of the outages, Mr Withers contacted Uisce Eireann, who replied that the relevant department had been notified and told him he would be contacted once more information is available. Mr Withers said the water supply to the area must be improved in an urgent manner. It needs to be sorted, Mr Withers said. It covers all the Banteer village area, it covers all the way back to Rathcoole. For example, the creche and the school was closed this week in Rathcoole, and it goes over then towards Dromcommer. In a statement, St Brendans National School Rathcoole told The Corkman that it has endured constant water supply and flow issues, which has accounted in numerous full day and partial day closures over the past numbers of years including last Wednesday, January 31. The constant water supply issues are having a major impact on the overall running and functioning of the school. Also involved with Banteer Community Cafe, Mr Withers said that outages during the premises opening hours badly affects the enterprise. He called on local public representatives to help the area get the facilities it needs to avoid unplanned water outages in the future. We need support of local representatives at a higher level, Mr Withers said. Youve all the businesses, youve all the farmers, youve all the houses, the childcare centres, the schools. Theyre all without water without any notice. Local councillor Bernard Moynihan told The Corkman that the water situation in Banteer absolutely needs to be dealt with, along with water issues which have impacted Boherbue. He said that he has been in contact with Uisce Eireann and he will provide an update to Banteer Community Council on his work at a meeting next week. The problem is that that pipe is being piped back to Rathcoole and it has all the new houses and new estates that have come on to it, Cllr Moynihan said. The whole system there needs to be upgraded in Banteer. Councillor John Paul OShea said he has asked Uisce Eireann for clarity on the outages in Banteer and believes those affected should be notified when an emergency break occurs. He said that upgrades are planned for the service in Rathcoole, where 1.2km of pipe will be laid. I think thats where the breaks were previously, which do affect the Banteer area then, Cllr OShea said. Certainly I would like to see clarity on the Banteer side of it. The doctor hopes to gain HSE support to provide GP-like services at his care facility A Cork doctor who has opened a new out-of-hours clinic in Macroom believes that services like his could compliment under pressure GP practices in rural areas. Dr Rawle Maicoo, who runs a GP practice in Bandon, established SwiftDoc private practice at WorkBase at Deasys Pharmacy on Main Street last week with the aim of making healthcare accessible. Dr Maicoo told The Corkman that his interest in setting up the clinic was sparked after a patient of his with family members in Macroom told him SouthDoc had effectively withdrawn from the town and jokingly asked him if he would start a practice there. Over the course of two weeks, Dr Maicoo got his new clinic up and running and opened on February 1. Since then he has seen a steady increase in patients, many of whom are saying that they are finding it difficult to get an appointment with their GP. Dr Maicoo believes this is because doctors in Macroom, as in other rural areas, are very overworked with too many patients to see and hopes to expand his service to help ease the pressure. 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 If it was just an out-of-hours service we are not really doing much to offload the burden, Dr Rawle said. But if we were able to offer an out-of-hours service that would be able to function as a medical clinic out-of-hours as well then I think were making a difference. In normal out-of-hours services like SouthDoc, Dr Maicoo explained, a patient will see a doctor and might be given a prescription if necessary. However, he hopes to gain HSE support for his service to be able to provide bloodwork, scan referrals and minor surgical procedures for patients. The doctor, who originally studied at the University of The West Indies, said clinics like this could provide an outlet for non-EU trained doctors in Ireland who are not eligible to work as GPs and take the stress off the doctors who do run practices. I think one of the reasons why Macroom works is because its a complimentary service, Dr Maicoo said. In rural Ireland where patients have to travel into Limerick or travel into Killarney or travel into Tralee or travel into Kinsale Road Roundabout, patients dont want to do that. So, if we were able to setup a clinic like this in strategic places that provide that level of care it compliments whats already there. When it come to primary health a lot of patients just want to click a few buttons or make a phone call and see a doctor straight away so thats when were trying to do. Dr Maicoo, who has previously worked as a locum doctor for SouthDoc, believes that in addition to clinics such as the one he hopes to develop, integrating more doctors into the Irish GP system could ease the pressure that many practices are currently under. I just feel that there are a lot of non-Irish non-EU trained doctors in the country, theres a huge number of us, Dr Maicoo said. Theyre all very well qualified and what confuses me is that were fully capable of working as a locum in the same SouthDoc service where other GPs work. Im legally allowed to open my own medical practice, but were not allowed to take part in the core structure. The core structure, which is the GMS system, there is a profound lack of GPs there. Definitely the system needs adjusting and changes. Doctor Maicoos new clinic, which is seeking approval from the HSE to provide free care for medical card and GP visit card holders, is operating from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on weekends and bank holidays. Appointments, starting from 40, can be booked on the clinics website: www.swiftdoc.ie. Superintendent Michael Corbett from the Fermoy Garda District made the comments following a query from Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central Padraig OSullivan. Deputy OSullivan wondered what protections there are in place to protect members of An Garda Siochana and the general public against filming. Who would be a guard? Somebody can shove a camera in your face these days without any fear of recrimination. What are the regulations around the use of filming a guard in particular, maybe the average Joe Soap or a public rep. If you can outline the protections for your members and elaborate on the protocol around the recording of individual private citizens as well. Supt Corbett acknowledged that social media poses challenges. We are all very much aware of the challenges that social media pose in relation to putting clips up on social media and especially clips that can be taken totally out of context. I think social media, while it has some very good characteristics, it also brings with it some challenges, he said. 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 There is a downside to social media as well, Supt Corbett acknowledged. We all see the clips that are going up in relation to various different things that are happening up and down the country. Whether it is protests, the International Protection applicants, whether it is gardai lawfully carrying out their duty being recorded, the clip being edited, put up on social media and being totally out of context. You are not being given what happened 10, 20 seconds or two minutes earlier. That is a challenge unfortunately. To anybody that is being recorded, while there is no specific offence if somebody starts recording me the first thing I would be doing is making it known that I dont consent to being recorded. I would make my objections clear to that person. Depending on the circumstances then, whether there is offences around that then in relation to public order, if there is verbal abuse you may be entering into the likes of Section 6 of the Public Order Act. You might be looking at obstruction under the Public Order Act, he added. Supt Corbett accepted that until legislation is drafted to address the issue directly, it will remain a challenge going forward. It certainly is a challenge. Until such time as we have legislation to address it directly it is going to be problematic going forward unfortunately. Everybody has a phone in their pocket. It has a camara and editing tools. You can live stream individuals and follow them down the street. It is happening every day. Depending on the context of the situation there may or may not be offences there in relation to public order and other pieces of legislation. First payments under new EUR 50 bln support mechanism for Ukraine to begin in March von der Leyen Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the start of payments under the new financial instrument for Ukraine, Ukraine Facility, for March of this year. "Last night's political agreement on the EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility is a major step forward. Europe is true to its word. We will continue to deliver much-needed funding and predictability for our brave partner and aspiring member. We aim to start payments in March," von der Leyen said on the social media X on Tuesday. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithi de Roiste, has launched a new campaign, Always Brighter Stories, calling on Dubliners to be kind to each other The Lord Mayor is calling on Dubliners to be kind to each other as a new campaign aims to shine a light on local heroes who make a positive impact on the city. Daithi de Roiste, alongside Charlie Bird, James Casserly, and many others, have launched the campaign, Always Brighter Stories, which celebrates people doing kind, inclusive work in their communities across Dublin. From volunteer groups to disability activists, social enterprises, charities and so on, the Lord Mayor is shining a light on these heroes and their stories as a way to thank all Dubliners who make a positive impact in the city and county. When I was elected First Citizen, I said one of the key themes for my year in office would be kindness, Lord Mayor Daithi de Roiste said. Im using this new campaign to call on everyone, including myself, to be more kind to family, friends, neighbours and even strangers. We all know people in our community who selflessly give up their time to help others, never asking for anything in return. I want to recognise those people and encourage as many others as I can to follow their example. Its especially important, given what happened in our city last November, that we look out for each other more in 2024. The project will be presented across digital platforms throughout February with renowned journalist and broadcaster, Charlie Bird, launching the campaign, speaking about his experiences of kindness. Charlie continues to extend the hand of friendship to as many people as possible as he lives with his terminal illness. James Casserly, of Jimbos Accessible Adventures, is also taking part in the project. As a disability activist, James travels the country to see how accessible transport, hospitality and services really are, calling for any necessary improvements and raising awareness. Others participating include: - Sanctuary Runners, a solidarity-through-sport initiative to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, and Irish residents across the country, promoting social inclusion and integration. - The Forget Me Nots Choir, based in Baldoyle, which supports dementia sufferers and their families, friends, and caregivers. - Mick Cardiff, a member of St Johns Ambulance for 49 years, will tell the public about his work installing defibrillators and providing first aid training to as many people in Ballyfermot as possible. - For the last 20 years, the volunteer-led Bull Island Action Group has met monthly to clean the sand dunes, beach, and biosphere. Their work supports conservation efforts and improves the local environment. - Sinead Ryan of Little Fitness will also feature her fitness classes for children and young families experiencing homelessness. Her work combats barriers to exercise experienced by those living in emergency accommodation. From today, a new video showcasing each Always Brighter Story will be published weekly on Dublin.ie and their social platforms. Kerry Councillor cites family and work pressures as reasons for not seeking re-election this summer. Fine Gael Councillor Aoife Thornton has decided to step away from politics at the next local elections citing family commitments and the excessive expectations placed on politicians as the reason. Cllr Thornton said in the past year she found it increasingly more difficult to strike a work-life balance and spend time with her children. As well as being a councillor, she also works part time as a solicitor. The lack of structure just became too much. Working in the evening and not knowing what working day Im going to have every other day. I know that applies to other people, but trying to fit childcare around an ever-changing working day was just a real struggle. I have a child with Downs Syndrome and to him routine is everything, she said. The Lixnaw native was first elected to Kerry County Council in 2014. She polled over 2,500 first preference votes at the 2019 local elections and was widely tipped by many to run for Dail Eireann in 2025. 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 When asked what changes within political structures would make it more suitable to working mothers, Cllr Thornton feels the expectations placed on politicians could strike a balance with reality. The power is with the people to be honest. There is an expectation in politics to be at all the funerals and extra events. I think it would be helpful if people could communicate that they accepted that someone would get up in the morning and work and do their best for them, within reasonable working hours, she said. Theres always emergencies, but I think the job would be more attractive to more if that line was clarified by people. Peoples expectations in terms of time has become too difficult, Cllr Thornton added. The ugly presence of social media in politics today, and the undiluted negativity it produces, is another reason why Cllr Thornton feels it is right to step aside from politics. Her legal background means she is by no means averse to constructive dialogue, but its when social media crosses the boundary between acceptable and unacceptable interaction that there is a serious problem. It makes the job difficult. The anger vented against public representatives on social media is very concerning. Were all human beings and it affects us. As my children get older, and now that they can read what is online, it concerns me more. Does this factor into my decision in not wanting to be involved in political life? Yes, it does. She said being in politics brings different challenges at different times, be that Covid, immigration or housing. Cllr Thornton feels that social media is distorting peoples ability to discuss and deal properly with issues. I think we really need to come back to robust but respectful debate about things. That takes much more preparation but it will offer us, as a county and country, much more solutions. I think if we dont do that we will have less people going into politics, which is a shame, she said. Cllr Thornton said with politics constantly evolving there should be an opening for people to commit to politics for a short time without necessarily giving over their entire lives to the role. You can still make a difference and get things done because there are people that might have a period of time in life that they can do this, and a period in their life when they cant. This might encourage more to come into politics, she said. But like all councillors, Im concerned at the rise in anger on social media towards public representatives. I would say this: once elections happen, and once there is a team of politicians in place, I would encourage all villages and towns to engage positively with public representatives for the betterment of their area. Lastly, Cllr Thornton wishes to see funding secured for the refurbishment of Listowel Community Centre, and more GPs secured for South Doc, before she signs off in June. Unsurprisingly, her biggest accomplishment in politics was securing funding for redevelopment of the Dale/Rathscannel Road. Im from Lixnaw. It was something close to my heart to get this done. The people of Lixnaw helped hugely in creating one of the biggest petitions and delegations in the municipal district, she said. "We had the minister come and visit the road. In a promise to people five years ago, they asked me to get it done. Its done, and Im relieved more than proud that it is, Cllr Thornton said. A Dundalk family who have their hearts set on bringing a vacant property on leafy Mount Avenue back to life say they got the shock of their lives when a quote from Uisce Eireann to connect to the waste water mains dropped through the door. Last March Eamonn Matthews received permission from Louth County Council to alter and extend the property, which is located close to the Ard Easmuinn junctions on Mount Avenue. The house had been vacant for around five years and was in a poor state of repair, so Eamonn hoped to avail of the vacant homes grant to assist with the substantial cost of the renovation work. The vacant homes grant can cover as much 70,000 of the build costs, depending on the nature of the work carried out. 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 However, when Eamonn made an enquiry to Uisce Eireann, formerly Irish Water, he received a quote of 72,000 to connect to the existing mains network, which is 64 metres away. The price came as a massive shock to Eamonn, who had browsed online forums prior to contacting Uisce Eireann and estimated that it might be in the region of 200 to 300 per metre. I couldnt believe it and its prohibitive, he said. We included a septic tank and waste water treatment system in our planning application, almost as a last resort if we couldnt get a mains connection, but now it looks like we have no option but to install one. Its an urban setting, so thats not the most environmentally friendly option, but at 72,000 we will have no choice. The Mount Avenue area is currently undergoing extensive work with a new 7m link road under construction that will connect the Carrick Road to Mount Avenue, through Lis Na Dara. Fine Gael Councillor, John Reilly, has entered into discussions with Louth County Council and Uisce Eireann to connect a number of houses on the Casstleblayney Road side of Mount Avenue to the mains. He insisted at a recent Council meeting that no homes in urban Dundalk should be using septic tanks in this day and age. There are also residents closer to Eamonns side of Mount Avenue exploring the option of installing a spur at the rear of their own properties and then connecting to the mains. However, none of those solutions are possible in Eamonns case due to distance or gravity. Given that he needs a dedicated pipe run of his own, he wonders if Uisce Eireann has purposely made the price prohibitive, as he cant fathom how the bill could come in at 1,125 per metre, even in the current climate of inflated building costs. While the Government is making a big deal out of bringing vacant properties back into use and offering substantial grants, he says people should be aware of the hidden costs, such as connecting to the mains, which can wipe out a grant in one fell swoop. In response to a query on Eamonns situation, Uisce Eireann said: Uisce Eireann is committed to supporting customers who require a new or upgraded connection to the public water supply or wastewater collection infrastructure. Uisce Eireann assesses all connection enquiries on a case-by-case basis, to determine what upgrades if any are required to facilitate connections for each individual development. It is important to note we apply a least cost design solution which means that a customer will only pay for the infrastructure driven by them to service their development. If during detailed design or site investigations an alternative technical solution to support the connection or a more suitable connection point is identified, resulting in a reduced connection charge, this will be discussed with the customer. Quotable charges are applicable for additional works that are required beyond the parameters of a standard connection. Quotable charges, in cases where there is a requirement for network infrastructure upgrades or extensions, are calculated on a case by case basis using our approved regional contractor rates in an equitable manner based on the construction work required, such as ground conditions, other services or utilities in the area, traffic management requirements, materials required, health and safety considerations and road opening licences and road reinstatement requirements. The Connection Charging Policy provides for a consistent connection service and a uniform, transparent and fair charging approach to all connecting customers. It is equitable and non-discriminatory and follows significant precedence in other utilities. It also provides a safe end-to-end connection service to customers nationally. Roscommon, there are currently 475 guests living in 275 host homes. (Peter Byrne/PA) New figures have revealed the number of Ukrainians currently living in County Roscommon. In Roscommon, there are currently 475 guests living in 275 host homes. This represents 41% of the total number of Ukrainians who have arrived in the county since the invasion of Ukraine. Nationally, 25% of all arrivals from Ukraine are currently living in host homes or pledged accommodation. This week, a survey shows that 92% of people hosting Ukrainians have had a positive experience and 76% would recommend hosting to someone else. The research was presented by Helping Irish Hosts and the Irish Red Cross to Oireachtas members at a briefing in Leinster House on Wednesday, January 31. One host, Kathleen McKiernan said being a host has been one of the best things her family has done. Follow Independent Roscommon on Facebook When all this started we felt that we needed to do something and we had a spare bedroom so we contacted Helping Irish Hosts and the process was straightforward after that. "Sharing our home doesn't come without challenges but being able to give our guest a sense of security and base from which to start her journey here in Ireland has been truly rewarding, said Ms McKiernan. The Consortium of organisations responsible for activating pledged accommodation is still receiving around 300 accommodation pledges a month. The briefing to Oireachtas members also heard that the savings to the taxpayer are in the region of 386 million annually, when compared to state accommodation. At the briefing this week, the group presented recommendations to Government and offered resources to support constituents and communities that are hosting. Key asks included extending the proposed 90-day policy for new arrivals to reduce the risk of harm to already vulnerable groups, and widening the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) to include Programme Refugees who have been granted status in Ireland. Angie Gough, CEO and Co-Founder of Helping Irish Hosts said hosting is having an incredible impact - for the hosts, their guests and also their communities. While its not the right option for everyone and its not a long-term solution, it does offer a key integration opportunity for people seeking refuge in this country. "Our priority is to nurture the host response as a significant part of the refugee accommodation solution, while acknowledging its limitations and advocating for the changes needed to sustain it. We know that 76% of people were motivated to host out of solidarity, or compassion. "This is hugely inspiring but we also know that the monthly ARP is a fundamental and brilliant tool in facilitating and sustaining hosting. "From our conversations with hosts, its clear that there is a strong will in this community to extend the welcome currently being shown to Ukrainians, to all refugees. "Alongside our Consortium partners, we are ready to draw on the current frameworks in place to pilot this approach, Ms Gough. Mick O'Dea + Geraldine O'Neill opening of The Sunset Belongs to You at The Model, Sligo. Pic: Cian Flynn If youre looking for something to keep you and yours occupied this week, there are plenty of brilliant events taking place in the region. From live music, comedy and art, theres no shortage of fantastic things to do. Check out our top picks below. THEME NIGHT Kieran Quinn returns to the Hawks Well for a 33rd Theme Night - Simon & Sting running from Wed 7 Sat 10 Feb, 8pm. These shows always entertain and delight audiences and this one promises to be no different. Kieran as always will collaborate with our huge community of wonderful musicians to bring together an entertaining, energetic and fun show. THE VANBRUGH AND FRIENDS Join the Model for a wonderful classical concert by The Vanbrugh & Friends on Sunday February 11 as part of the Con Brio series, The Vanbrugh & Friends will perform Beethovens Quintet Op 4 & Brahms Sextet in G Major. Tickets 20/10 U-18s GoSee, available on the website www.themodel.ie. SINGIN IN THE RAIN On foot of last years sell-out production of The Sound of Music, the award-winning Sligo Musical Society is excited to bring yet another classic musical to the stage. Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era, Singin in the Rain runs from Tues 13 - Sat 17 Feb at the Hawks Well and ticks all the boxes to ensure a memorable musical theatre experience for all the family. 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 DEREK RYAN Irish country sensation Derek Ryans road to stardom is set to continue with his biggest concert tour to date. After the resounding success of his recent nationwide Irish tour Pure & Simple, Derek is back with a brand new concert show for 2024 in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo on Sunday February 11. CCE CONCERT This Saturday, February 10, Riverstown Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann presents Keelan McGrath, Leah Grealish, Jack McGrath and Caithlin McGrath in concert in the Morrison Cottage, Riverstown at 8.30 p.m. Admission is 15 and refreshments will be served. With special guest dancers from Broga Briomhar Dance School. RAMBLING HOUSE After the success of their first evening EEA Social Activities Group are hosting another Rambling House at the Courthouse in Easkey on Thursday, February 8. Everyone is welcome to contribute a poem, music, a song or story or just come along to listen and be transported back in time to when the people of Ireland loved to come together. JOHN COLLEARY Sligo native John Colleary takes his Loud and Colleary gig to The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon this Friday, February 9. This event kicks off at 8pm and is sure to be a brilliant night. THE SUNSET BELONGS TO YOU The Sunset Belongs to You, by Mick ODea and Geraldine ONeill continues at The Model until March. The portraits capture young people from diverse backgrounds living across County Sligo, and enable a hopeful glimpse into the Ireland of the future. This exhibition is proving hugely popular. FARMERS MARKET If youre looking for local food, arts and crafts, why not pop along to the weekly Farmers Market at ATU Sligo this Saturday. The market begins at 9am and continues until 1pm. OPEN DAY DANCE CLASSES SunDance Team invite you to this open day at Andersons on Sunday, February 11 where you can learn dances and find out more about activities you can enjoy at SunDance Club. This event is free of charge, but if you enjoy you can sign up for the next beginners course starting the week after the open day. Minister Simon Harris (centre) during visit to ATU, Letterkenny with seated Tony Canavan, CEO, of Salota University Health Care Group, Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer CH CDLMS, Dr. Orla Flynn, President ATU and Prof. Jacqueline McCormick, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, ATU. . Back; Dr. Aine McNamara, North West. Area Director of Public Health HSE , John Fitzmaurice, Chief Officer CHO 2, Virgina Reid, Senior Planner HSE and JJ McGowan, General Manager Operations NAS West. Pic: Clive Wasson Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) including Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo (CH, CDLMS), Community Healthcare West (CH W), Public Health West and North West, Saolta and National Ambulance Service have formed a new partnership aimed at advancing education, skills development, research and innovation to build a healthier future. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially launched by the Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Simon Harris at ATU Donegal, solidifying the commitment of both organisations to collaborate and address regional and national policy objectives. Strategic priorities of the partnership include regional service development, addressing health inequalities, excellence in education and training, collaboration in research and innovation, and stakeholder engagement. 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 The MoU outlines a five-year agreement between ATU and the HSE. The partnership aims to strengthen the existing relationship between the two organisations and provide a platform for development of stronger health and academic links into the future. The Minister commended the partnership, stating, I am delighted to be here in Letterkenny to formally launch this new phase of collaboration between ATU and the HSE. This new Memorandum of Understanding seeks to address two really important issues. It solidifies the partnership between ATU and the health service in the West and North West to ensure the health service has access to ATU graduates and indeed that ATU graduates can train in their own regional hospitals. This MOU also seeks to expand the relationship to developing and enhancing skills for staff through education and training, identifying areas for research and innovation, and explore funding opportunities. This partnership will be vital for both the university and the health service. Both ATU and HSE have respective organisational goals and objectives and these are embodied into the work of the partnership. This collaboration will build upon the long standing liaisons between the ATU and the HSE in the area and is an important regional development for the population. The formal partnership combined with the respective strengths of each organisation can shape the workforce and innovative agenda better able to response to health challenges of the future. Dr Aine McNamara, Area Director of Public Health, Department of Public Health, HSE West and North West said, This collaboration will build upon the long standing liaisons between ATU and the HSE in the West and North West and is an important regional development for the population. The formal partnership combined with the respective strengths of each organisation can shape the workforce and innovative agenda to better equip the region to respond to health challenges, in particular health inequalities and to promote health equity. Follow Independent Donegal on Facebook The aims of the partnership include: developing and enhancing skills through education and training, supporting clinical placements for ATU students and supporting regional diaspora to return to the area. The partnership also aims to identify areas for research and innovation, explore funding opportunities, and collaborate with other relevant agencies. Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said the partnership will have a positive impact on the region; This collaboration is a testament to the commitment and hard work of staff across all campuses of ATU and the HSE in advancing education, healthcare, and research. We are especially pleased to have our MOU signing witnessed by Minister Harris, given the focus on academic and research excellence, as well as our collaborative community focus. Matilda (Tilly) Murray from Dunmain photographed at her 100th birthday party in the Horse & Hound with her godson Dick Shannon and Sharon Hendrick niece from Campile pipe band. Photo; Mary Browne Matilda (Tilly) Murray from Dunmain photographed at her 100th birthday party in the Horse & Hound. Photo; Mary Browne Matilda (Tilly) Murray from Dunmain photographed at her 100th birthday party in the Horse & Hound with her children Martin, Eileen, Breda, Rita and Hilda. Photo; Mary Browne The celebrations are continuing for Co Wexford woman Matilda (Tilly) Murray whose active lifestyle and jolly spirit are an inspiration to family, neighbours and people near and far. Tilly turned 100 on January 26. The preceding day a mass was celebrated for her at Gusserane church, followed by a meal with her children Eileen, Hilda, Rita, Breda and Martin at The Captain's Table restaurant in the Dunbrody Experience visitor centre. The Rathimney, Gusserane woman was born in January 1924 and grew up at Ballyvelig, Campile alongside her Henrick siblings Josie, Mary, Nancy, Nellie, Mikie, Willie, Tommy, Joe, Sean and Jim, (her sister Bridie died as a child). She met Martin Murray an All Ireland winning step dancer, mummer and piper, with whom she had seven children, Eileen, Breda, Hilda, Rita, Martin, Tommy (who passed way in 2001) and Nick ( who died in 2007). Breda said the secret to her mother's longevity is her hard working and sociable nature. "Shes been a social butterfly all her life. She reared us on the knitting machine. She worked in a number of different businesses in the Campile area. She loved singing and dancing and was singing on her birthday. Tilly has great recall of events from her younger days, including the Campile Bombing and can recite the poem about the bombing word for word. Breda said her mother is an inspiration to all her family. She is very mobile, including attending bingo three nights a week and she attends the St Louis Day Care Centre in Ramsgrange two days a week. Even to us she is totally awesome. She was always there for us and is still there for us." To treat their Mam, her children took her out for a lovely meal to New Ross on Friday. A special birthday mass was celebrated for her on Saturday, January 26, in Gusserane, after which she was taken to the Horse & Hound Hotel in Ballinaboola, where her niece and nephew from the Campile Pipe Band, Sharon Henrick and Dick Shannon led her to her table in a big surprise for music loving Tilly. The fun and surprises didnt stop there with a 20 minute performance from the Magical Feet dance group and a performance from the Ballycullane Mummers, all organised by Dick Flynn from El Paso band. "She was thoroughly entertained. We finished up at 5 at the Horse & Hound and were at the church in time for 6 mass, said Breda, who is her mother's carer. Campile Bingo gave Tilly lifetime membership when she attended two nights before her birthday, as did Fethard on Sea Bingo group the previous Monday night. A further celebration has been organised for Tilly, who has been blessed with 18 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. "She is ferociously proud and ferociously independent and we are absolutely bursting with pride and gratitude for her, said Breda. Dog owners have been warned to ensure they know where their pets are at all times, particularly during lambing season Two of the 14 sheep killed in a dog attack in the Murrintown area on Friday night. Two Wexford farmers were greeted with a devastating sight early on Saturday morning as they went out to tend to their sheep. A grisly scene awaited them as they came across bloodied, heavily-pregnant sheep lying dead in the field. Overnight on Friday, the sheep had been the latest victims of a dog attack, something which is an all too common occurrence in rural Wexford and one which causes untold distress. On this occasion, on neighbouring farms in Murrintown, a total of 14 sheep were killed after two dogs went into a frenzy on Friday night. One farmer was at the loss of eight sheep, the other six, and a further seven required veterinary attention, however, even if they survive, there are major fears for what may come down the line for them as lambing season unfolds. Margo Gleeson, who runs one of the farms in Murrintown with partner Aidan Duggan, said the impact of the attack on their flock goes far beyond the financial. We had eight sheep killed with another seven seriously injured, the injured ones have been stitched up and are receiving injections to try and stop the infection. "The injuries they suffered were horrific, one had its entire rear end clawed off, its stomach ripped open with the innards spread out across the field. The ones which survived had bite marks on their rear end, had been clawed and scratched. "The repercussions will be felt for a long time, all the ewes are in lamb and we dont know how many of them end up aborting or if the lambs will be stillborn. First alerted to the attack early Saturday morning, Margo, Aidan and five others spent nine hours searching for a flock which had scattered far and wide following the attack. The emotional toll has been huge, none of those who were out searching for those sheep on Saturday slept a wink that night. At the moment we have a pile of dead sheep in the yard, and we have three children in the house, we have to try and explain to them why they cant go outside like they usually do, Margo said. Margo is hopeful the sheep which survived the attack will make a full recovery. This is the fourth attack we have suffered in the 12 years Ive been here, the previous ones werent as severe as this one. All weve heard from the guards is that the owner is apologetic, but to say were traumatised is an understatement. Calling for dog owners to receive more severe punishment in cases like this, Margo said a fine simply doesnt cut it under the circumstances. A fine is nowhere near enough punishment. these dogs are roaming free, there has to be more serious repercussions for the owners. If your dog is not locked up in a secure area or indoors at night then this is something which can happen. And dogs roam together, theyre pack animals, in their mind this was just a bit of sport. It should be noted these werent dogs that had just been left out, they were running free, no one was responsible for them, we estimate that the attack began at midnight and carried on until 4 a.m. People need to see what their dogs are capable of, realise that when they come up and lick your face in the morning they could have been out all night doing things like this. Chairman of the Wexford branch of the Irish Cattle and Sheep farmers Association (ICSA) Dessie Greene confirmed that both dogs responsible had been tracked down by Gardai and had been euthanised. It was not the only incident either. The same dogs had allegedly run through one of these flocks back in December, killing three sheep. "These dogs had come about two miles, Mr Greene explained. The gardai came out and they managed to track down the two dogs responsible and they were put down. These were both family pets and were well looked after and well fed. "Dogs are unusual like that, he said. Once they go after the sheep, you won't get them off it. There are huge consequences with this type of thing, in terms of veterinary bills and the loss of sheep, but also the impact on the poor sheep too. "The sheep are harmless animals and theyll just run and run. Sometimes the shock alone can nearly kill them. Mr Greene has warned dog owners across Co Wexford to ensure that they know where their animals are at all times, particularly during lambing season, and that even the most placid of pets can turn into a killer when it comes to worrying sheep. "People need to know the dangers," he said. When we get into lambing season it's a serious time. The advice from gardai on this is that flock owners are within their rights to shoot and kill dogs that are worrying sheep. "People just need to know where their animals are at all times, because there are very serious consequences. A live register of domestic violence offenders could save lives and provide protection for those suffering at the hands of their abusers. Thats according to Sinn Fein candidate for the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) Aoife Rose OBrien who has called on the government to introduce legislation that would allow potential victims of domestic violence the right to information regarding their preparator. People can enter into a relationship with good intent, but at times are completely unaware of previous crimes of a domestic violence nature that have been committed by a potential partner, said Ms OBrien. We are seeing thousands of cases of domestic violence that should have and could have been avoided, if the individual had knowledge of those crimes. "I believe that any person entering a relationship which poses a risk to them or their loved ones should have the right to know any criminal history of the partner in question. Current legislation does not facilitate this at present, which allows many people to unknowingly enter into dangerous, unsafe relationships, without due warning." Clarifying that, in this instance, a relationship would encompass anyone entering a romantic relationship of any kind from verbal to marriage, Ms OBrien said a garda register of previous offenders should be compiled with records preserved for future reference. Violence in the home should never be tolerated and the frightening figures show the brutal crisis that we are living with, she continued. Preventing a further escalation is an absolute must at this point and I feel that introducing a garda register for previous offenders is one step that we can take to help protect people from suffering. Along with her local Cumann in the Rosslare LEA, Ms OBrien recently passed a motion at annual Sinn Fein Ard Fheis to this effect, which will now help formulate Sinn Fein's policy on the issue. I was very happy to see this motion receive full backing of our party and to soon see it enacted into party policy. We need to ensure that we provide the greatest protections possible to reduce the critical level of domestic violent crimes across our society. Our government needs to address the lack of protective measures as a priority by legislating for this, as has already been achieved in other jurisdictions. "We have seen `Clares Law` introduced in the UK, and similar introduced in Australia and Canada. Domestic violence disclosure schemes operate on two elements: the `right to ask` and the `right to know`. Ireland needs to follow suit and ensure that gardai can and will disclose all relevant information in an instance where a person is at risk and/or where they can prevent a crime from happening." Citing the Jennifer Poole case, which saw her murdered by ex-partner Gavin Murphy in 2021, Ms OBrien said the ultimate aim was give unsuspecting victims as many safeguards as possible. Lives could have been saved if we had a garda register of this nature operating in Ireland, as we have seen in heart-breaking cases such as Jennifer Pooles. Her murderer had previously been convicted of an attack on another woman and her mother, where he had produced a knife. Jennifer and her family had expressed concerns for months previous to her brutal murder, that tore her away from two young children. According to Garda statistics, 52 per cent of murders from 2020-2022 had a domestic violence motivation. Additionally, one in four women are subjected to domestic violence in Ireland and although there are fewer cases amongst men in Ireland, domestic abuse against men is also on the rise. We must do everything we can to ensure we protect our people from acts of violence and abuse that can be avoided and I am urging the Irish government to bring forward legislation that will give the greatest safeguards for all. Calls for Bus Connects to be rolled out in Bray. Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for a detailed update on the progress of Bus Connects for towns across Wicklow, focusing on the delivery of plans for Bray and Greystones. The initial plans for new bus corridors and additional services were announced for Wicklow in 2018, and were promised as part of the Bus Connects project to become operational by mid-2023. Among the services, a new bus route, L14, would take in the full Southern Cross Road, Putland Road, Meath Road, Strand Road, DART station and out to Palermo. The L15 would come on stream to serve a route directly from Bray to Enniskerry, without diverting to Palermo. Also in the plans was a loop service to link Newtownmountkennedy to Kilcoole and Greystones. While new routes called L1 and L2 would link Greystones, Newcastle, Kilcoole, and Newtownmountkennedy. A feeder bus L12 was also mooted to take passengers from the current Ballywaltrim/Southern Cross Terminus to Bray DART station. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Deputy Whitmore said: "I am very concerned that Wicklow has fallen off the radar for the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus regarding Bus Connects. Since the initial publication and public consultation in 2018, there have only been a few meaningful updates provided, with the last one being in April 2022. "I am calling on the Minister for Transport to direct the NTA to provide a dedicated update for delivery of Bus Connects for Wicklow, focusing on our major commuter hubs such as Bray, Greystones, and Wicklow town. "I was still a councillor when this all began. Six years later, we are still waiting to see many plans delivered. Bray and Greystones were earmarked for ambitious plans such as; The E1 from Ballywaltrim through Bray Main Street, City Centre and Northwood in Dublin. The L14 around Bray taking in the Full Southern Cross Road, Putland Road, Meath Road, Strand Road, DART Station and out to Palermo. The L15 direct service between Bray and Enniskerry. The L12 feeder bus from the current Ballywaltrim/Southern Cross Terminus to Bray DART. The L1 and L2 loop services to Greystones, Newcastle, Kilcoole, and Newtownmountkennedy. The X1 and X2 are to be continuations of morning peak services similar to the current 84x. "We need an update on the progress of these routes and when people can expect them to be up and running. I am concerned that if people have been hearing about Bus Connects for so long but haven't yet been able to take advantage of it, we are wearing down support for public transport use. "It is also worth noting that in the last few years, we have seen a huge amount of development in towns like Bray and Greystones and population growth across the county. It is reasonable that these would have been developed with these proposals in mind. However, many of these estates are now complete while the bus services are still not in place. "As of the last census, 58,715 people travelled to work across Wicklow. Most of these drove to work. Only 2,568 people were travelling by bus. We need to increase those numbers and see a clear roadmap for how we can deliver that. "I have been in contact with Dublin Bus, the NTA and Bus Eireann regarding the provision of buses for Wicklow for years, and while there are always commitments to deliver in the next stage of the Bus Connects plan, it seems little progress is being made on the ground. "I will be writing to the Minister and the NTA seeking this update and will continue to raise this issue for Bray and Greystones in the coming months." The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, arrived in Ukraine on his fourth visit since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of the country. "Back in Kyiv for my fourth visit since the start of Russia's full scale invasion. Here to discuss with our Ukrainian friends the EU's unwavering support to Ukraine - on military side, on the financial side with the new Ukraine facility, as well as on the EU reform path," he wrote on X. The European External Action Service indicates that Borrell will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Perform will host nearly 70 wicklow students in performances including a piece from The Greatest Showman Pictured with their students are dance teachers Frances Ryan and Natasha Maguire from the Frances Ryan School of Dance with Kathy Ann Murphy and Alex Murphy from the Murphy Academy of Drama (MAD) in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Dance teachers Natasha Maguire and Frances Ryan from the Frances Ryan School of Dance with Kathy Ann Murphy and Alex Murphy from the Murphy Academy of Drama (MAD) in Arklow. Photo: Michael Kelly Students from two Wicklow performance arts schools based in the same studio will share the unique honour of showcasing their talents at the prestigious Perform festival at the RDS on February 10 and 11. Almost 70 students aged five and up from the Frances Ryan School of Dance and the MAD Drama School in Arklow will participate in this years festival, which is the fastest-growing performing arts festival in Europe and features performances, workshops, college auditions, competitions and exhibitions. Counted among the highlights of the year for performing arts schools across the country, for MAD Drama School founder KathyAnn Murphy and her students, their successful application will see them feature at Perform for the first time. A fixture at Perform since its inception, prolific pupils from the Frances Ryan School of Dance will be performing for the fourth successive time, with Frances application for this years festival not requiring an audition due to their stellar performances in the RDS to date. This is such a great opportunity for our students and easily one of the highlights of the year for them on what is such a massive stage in the RDS, Frances said. Well have 28 students aged from eight to 18 going from our elite performance team, which we set up about five years ago and comprises students that want to train harder and more often. She added: Most of the people taking to the main stage at Perform are from dance and performing arts schools here in Ireland, but there will also be students from performing arts colleges in the UK travelling over for the weekend to showcase to the Irish students what is available overseas at the third level. It really is a big honour to be accepted to go to Perform, but to have two schools from the same studio involved has to be pretty rare, she continued. KathyAnn and MAD started with us here a long time ago and have grown bigger and bigger ever since. I couldnt be happier for her and her students that they are going to the RDS in February its going to be some show! Established in 2016 by Arklow woman KathyAnn, the Murphy Academy of Drama (MAD) has grown steadily to include students aged five to 16 from across Arklow, Avoca, Brittas Bay and beyond, with KathyAnn expanding the school to Rathdrum and Greystones in recent years. A member of Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland who has worked professionally in the arts sector for the past ten years, KathyAnn said that being accepted to Perform represents a huge milestone for her and her talented thespians, who cannot wait to take to the big stage. Frances elite group had already been accepted for Perform, and I had expressed an interest in going too, but didnt hear anything back, so I assumed they were booked up, KathyAnn recalled. Then, just before Christmas, they said there was an opening because people dropped out. It was a bit last minute, and most people would have found out they were going in November, so trying to get everything together has been a bit mad! Perform was looking for a musical theatre number from us, which we are more than happy to do. Before, we were primarily theatre, as in drama, but I have been pushing musicals that are a bit more recent and getting people in to teach them. Its not all new to us, and we have done dance in the school before, but weve decided to do The Greatest Showman at Perform. We are starting fresh now, and I have ordered all the costumes, and were putting in extra rehearsals. We had to buy some costumes for the performance, but they will be reused repeatedly in the future. Ive expanded to open schools in Rathdrum and Greystones, where they will be used too. This will be our first year at Perform, so its a bit of a big deal for all of us, including my fantastic teacher Alex Murphy, who is working in the three locations. I am delighted to have Alex Murphy as part of my teaching team. He is such an asset to the school, bringing new ways of teaching drama and support for our students. In total, KathyAnn will have 42 students going to Perform, with the youngest aged five. Her students will perform before Frances elite squad, with some students who overlap and are on both teams performing twice. I was only meant to have 30 going, but my numbers jumped after Christmas when we told parents that we were going to Perform, Kathy Ann continued. We all cant wait for it. There will be loads of different groups from around Ireland and further afield at it, with workshops, fairs, stands, dance brands, dance academies, dance colleges, and a real emphasis on education, with people promoting bursaries and sponsorships for their college and auditions during their workshops. They have also asked me to teach at it, and Ill be doing an acting workshop as well, which Im really looking forward to. It should be an event to remember for all of us, and we really owe a big thanks to Frances for all her help and guidance in getting us to where we are today. MAD started in 2016 with the help of Frances, who has been a real support through business advice, professionalism and technique throughout the eight years MAD has been in existence. Without her help, I wouldnt be where I am today. Established in 1994, Frances teaches students aged three and up from Arklow, Avoca, Aughrim and beyond all forms of dance at her Arklow and Gorey studios, from classical ballet to pointe work and tap, modern theatre/jazz, contemporary, acro, hip-hop and musical theatre. With Frances set to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of her school in September of next year, she said that seeing her students excel at the festival and their own shows and progress their qualifications to the third level still fills her with a huge sense of pride and achievement. I went to a dance school in Arklow as a child and then attended a dance college in the UK, France explained. Once I gained my qualifications, I came home and began teaching at my old school. Eventually, when the original teacher stepped back and retired, I took the school over. It expanded from there, and we opened a branch in Gorey in 1999. Between the two, we have about 260 pupils, who perform in our own shows twice a year, and the studio is now open six days a week. We even have a few children of former students on our books, which really makes me feel old. Its heart-warming but also, theres a bit of: Oh my god, Im still here! The school is registered with the ISTD, London and Natasha Maguire and I are qualified and registered members of the organisation, she continued. Natasha is a former student of the school and, on qualifying, spent many years travelling and teaching around the world. She is a fabulous addition to the school staff, and her choreography will be on display at Perform this year a piece called It Lives in Us, based on African rhythms. Edel Quinlan is our other teacher on staff, based in the Gorey studio, and is very well-known around Wexford for her work. Its still so great to see the students progress. Through the school, they get to take exams with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, a globally recognised accreditation exam board based in London. Their individual PIN number and exam results are valid anywhere in the world and are all relevant to third-level education in dance if they wish to pursue it. Every year, we have a few leaving cert students who audition for various performing arts colleges in the UK and Ireland, and all have been successful. This year, we will hopefully have three students going to the UK to continue their performing arts qualifications and become professional teachers, dancers and performers which is just fantastic to see. Irish woman had no idea the scorpion was in her luggage and it lay undiscovered in her Wicklow bedroom for 12 days The director of the National Reptile Zoo has said the issue of animals coming back home with holidaymakers happens more than youd think. It comes after a venomous scorpion accidently travelled over 4,000 miles from East Africa to its new home in Ireland. The Fishers Fat Tailed Scorpion inadvertently travelled from Kenya to Ireland in the bag of a Co Wicklow woman. Follow Independent Kilkenny on Facebook The Wicklow woman, who was unaware she had brought home an alive and very dangerous souvenir, said the scorpion was in her bedroom for 12 days after she returned from Kenya before she spotted it. The scorpion's sting can cause breathing difficulties and severe pain. Photo: The National Reptile Zoo, Kilkenny This small creature is now secure in the venomous unit at the National Reptile Zoo in Co Kilkenny. James Hennessy told RTEs Morning Ireland this morning: Its not unusual its not common, but its not unusual. It tends to be mostly geckos and we do get quite a few scorpions. Very occasionally some frogs and sometimes some snakes. He said animals winding up in your luggage isnt really dangerous and that most animals taking an unexpected trip dont survive the journey. Most of the stuff that we see that comes in, its been really badly dehydrated, its gotten into a bag, its been thrown about in luggage, its been up in the decompressed area in the aircraft, he said. When it gets to this side its very worse for wear and doesnt tend to make it out the other side. Mr Hennessy explained that while the scorpion's sting in not deadly, it does pack a punch. "This type of scorpion is not lethally dangerous but the venom can cause breathing difficulties, severe pain and some localised swelling. Thankfully it would not be life-threatening if you got a sting. The scorpion, who managed to stay hidden and travel across the globe to its new home in Ireland, was kept alive by underfloor heating in the Wicklow woman's house. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details "The woman went to pack up her bag which had been sitting in a locker in Kenya and when she got home she unpacked and left the bag in the bedroom. "Two weeks later she moved the bag and discovered the scorpion hidden under the bag. Luckily the house the woman is living in has underfloor heating so the scorpion was nice and toasty warm on the floor, laughed James. It probably would have survived pretty well in the house due to the underfloor heating, the only issue is the scorpion might have dried out since floors like that are very dry. The scorpion has now found its new home with James in Co Kilkenny, where it will live in the National Reptile Zoo. We are going to hang onto the scorpion, he is only small and he is not a danger as we have him in venomous unit where he is nice and secure. We can use him for education for third level colleges. "He doesnt have a name yet as we don't know if he is a boy or a girl. We dont want to annoy him by checking just yet. He is only small, little under an inch long, about 2cm long. Hes already had a bit of an ordeal travelling over to Ireland so we want to leave him alone for a bit while he settles in. He said the scorpion is now doing quite well after being very dehydrated and the team in Kilkenny are hopeful its taken the food it was given overnight. As for what someone should do if they find an animal has joined them on their journey home, Mr Hennessey said misidentification is a big problem and you should get contact someone who can properly identify what type of animal it is. Firefighters at the entrance to the former St Brigid's nursing home in Crooksling, where they battled a major blaze. Photo: Frank McGrath. A local councillor, who is also a member of the Save Crooksling Hospital Action Group, has condemned Saturday mornings arson attack on St. Brigid's Nursing Home, describing it as inexcusable and disgusting. A senior officer of An Garda Siochana has been appointed to investigate the fire in the vacant nursing home at Crooksling, Brittas on the Wicklow-Dublin border, where anti-migrant protests had recently taken place. Dublin Fire Brigade were called to the scene at 7 a.m. as over 40 firefighters battled to contain the blaze. Cllr Gerry ONeill, an elected member of Wicklow County Council, is a member of the Save Crooksling Hospital Action Group and said he was sickened by the arson attack. He said: Its a disgusting act and I cant believe that someone would burn a hospital to the ground. Its disgraceful. Crooksling is such a beautiful place and there is a huge need for beds for the elderly in the area. Its a 40-acre site which was a wonderful facility for people in the autumn of their lives. This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details It closed on March 24, 2020, and has been sitting idle ever since and I was pushing to get it reopened, and over a million euro has been spent on security at the site and other issues. That money could have gone into refurbishing one of the two units at Crooksling, both of which could accommodate up to 150 people. There used to be a day care centre there as well, which was only around 20 years old. It used to be such a great asset to the people of west Wicklow. To burn a hospital to the ground is totally inexcusable. Cllr ONeill is also highly critical of the Governments handling of situation, with rumours allowed to circulate wildly over the potential use of buildings as accommodation for asylum seekers. The Government needs to be more decisive and transparent. There are rumours that different places all over the county will be accepting refugees, and the frightening part is how quickly these rumours spread. We are constantly hearing from Government sources that there is lots of misinformation out there but the fact is there is no information at all. The rumours spread and then you have gangs setting fire to places that might not even be under consideration to house refugees. You have the lunatic fringe just waiting to strike a match anywhere, and its only a matter of time until there is a fatality. A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said that while the property was being assessed, it had not been contracted to be used as accommodation. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. Very significant criminal damage has been caused in this case and An Garda Siochana will relentlessly chase down those responsible for it in the same way as they are pursuing those involved with other recent attacks. Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, Michael Jackson, also condemned the arson attack, stating: This morning we heard of another blaze at a building where protests have been taking place in recent days. The cause of the fire has not yet officially been identified. However, the building in question, a former nursing home named after St Brigid, has been rendered useless to anyone. "Nobody wins when such buildings are burned. The resources of hard pressed emergency services have been needlessly and fruitlessly depleted. Those seeking international protection in our country have a right to safety while their application is being examined. The total community in which such buildings stand is branded, by such actions, with racism and with anti-immigrant sentiment, and their place becomes a household name. The integrity and the stability of such a community are endangered by these needless actions. "History shows us that we in Ireland are no strangers to emigration or to the need to be received as graciously and as helpfully as possible wherever we have arrived across the world in order to make a fresh start. Communities throughout our country across the centuries have flourished as a result of the arrival of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Our thoughts are very much with the community of Crooksling, Brittas at this time." Yesterday was Kira Murphys birthday. It is not an exaggeration to say it was a birthday shell never forget. The body of her sister Lisa, four years her senior, lay in repose at a funeral home in Rathfarnham. Her funeral mass is to take place this morning in St John the Evangelist church in Ballinteer, Dublin. Executions and public floggings rise under Houthi reign of terror Yemenis fear for their lives as rebels have tightened grip since Red Sea attacks A Houthi tribesman shows defiance after US and UK air strikes on Houthi positions, near Sanaa, Yemen. Photo: Reuters Melanie Swan Telegraph.co.uk Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 03:30 The Houthis reign of terror in Yemen is growing ever more brutal, with executions and public floggings on the rise in the conflict-torn country, experts and civilians say. Palestinians hope US Secretary of State Antony Blinken can deliver truce before Rafah assault Impossible to say if well get a breakthrough, US official says of ceasefire talks A Palestinian man places the body of a baby with other relatives killed in Deir al Balah in central Gaza. Photo: AP Nidal al-Mughrabi and Humeyra Pamuk Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 03:30 The top US diplomat met Saudi Arabias de-facto ruler yesterday in a visit that Palestinians hope will deliver a truce before a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah, the border city where about half of the population is sheltering. A violent father and a child missing for two years: What happened to Harmony Montgomery? Five-year-old Harmony Montgomery was last seen around October 2019, but authorities only started searching for her in December 2021. Nearly a year after a horror affidavit revealed how her father allegedly murdered her, Adam Montgomery is facing trial for the little girls killing, Rachel Sharp and Andrea Blanco report Rachel Sharp UK Independent Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 09:32 Its been two years since Adam Montgomery was charged with the murder of his five-year-old daughter Harmony, and now, he is finally headed to trial over the shocking case that sparked uproar across America. I have to hold my Irish temper over Donald Trumps attitude to war dead, says Joe Biden Former president did not want to visit US military cemetery outside Paris in 2018 saying it was full of losers US president Joe Biden's late son served overseas during the Iraq war. Photo: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Andrew Feinberg UK Independent Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 03:30 US president Joe Biden told a group of donors to his re-election bid on Sunday night that the mere thought of his predecessors callous attitude towards the nations military veterans and honoured war dead forces him to expend extra energy to keep his anger in check. Maura Murray has been missing for 20 years so her sister launched a podcast to give her a voice In a new podcast Media Pressure released Monday, Julie Murray teams up with Sarah Turney, whose sister Alissa is also missing, to tell the untold story of her missing sister Maura. Andrea Cavallier reports Andrea Cavallier UK Independent Tue 6 Feb 2024 at 11:30 The story of Maura Murrays mysterious disappearance has been told countless times in the two decades shes been missing but now, her sister is telling it in her own words. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has expressed confidence that Ukraine will prevail in the war of aggression waged by Russia against it, and the European Union will support it not only in fighting but also when it is over. "Honourable Members [of the European Parliament], I remain just as convinced of one simple fact today than I was two years ago standing in front of you. And that is that Ukraine will prevail and that Europe will stand with you every step of the way, through thick and thin," she said at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday. Recalling the "historic and massive support for Ukraine," including military, financial or human assistance, sanctions policy against Russia, as well as support for Kyiv on its historic path to EU membership, von der Leyen said "it is a time to look deeper at how we have got here and where we must go." "The starting point is that Ukraine and Europe have shown that we are willing to fight and pay the ultimate price for the things that we believe in. And this was one of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's greatest miscalculations in that month of February as he amassed troops on the border and planned a quick lightning strike on Kyiv," she said. The president of the European Commission also said addressiong Putin: "Mr Putin, you made this mistake because you cannot understand what drives a human spirit when it is free to think, dream, create and prosper. Nor can you understand because you cannot bear to accept that the human desire for freedom will always win." These words were welcomed by applause. Ukrainians are fighting for liberation, von der Leyen said. "He [Putin] cannot understand that the fight of the Ukrainians is different to the fight of Russian soldiers whose lives Putin has callously churned for a past long gone and a future that could never exist. Ukraine's sacrifice is the opposite. Why do they fight? Because they are battling, toiling for something existential and inherent to the human condition. This is why Ukraine's will is not just stronger than Russia's, it is fundamentally different in nature and in character. And this is what Putin will never comprehend about us. This is why his invasion was not just morally but also strategically wrong. He cannot understand freedom and why we fight for it because his only instinct is to crush what he fears," she said, adding that this explains what has happened in the last two years. "Instead of toppling Kyiv, dividing the EU and weakening NATO, the exact opposite has happened on each and every count. [] The message Europe sent at last week's European Council was crystal clear, and let me repeat it here: Europe will be at Ukraine's side for every single day of the war, and for every single day thereafter," von der Leyen said. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Kolkata: Rural fintech company Spice Money, a subsidiary of DiGiSPICE Technologies, has launched the Spice Money Guarantee Drive in West Bengal. The initiative aims to strengthen partnerships and engage distributors across 21 cities, fostering a more interconnected ecosystem for its nanopreneur community. Nanopreneurs are micro-level entrepreneurs, running small retail or kirana shops, acting as micro wholesalers, or earning a livelihood as street vendors. In the past year, Spice Money has a gross transaction value (GTV) of 128.57 billion in West Bengal, driven by the dynamic expansion of its network. The network, comprising nanopreneurs, has grown by 12.67% from 2022 to 2023, facilitating 147.1 million such business owners overall transactions and showcasing Spice Money's pivotal role in enhancing financial accessibility. Spice Money serves around 9.54 million customers in 20,829 villages, has become a trusted partner in driving financial empowerment and inclusion. With over 1.3 million users nationwide, West Bengal contributes to about 10.16% of these nanopreneurs. It aims to create a collaborative ecosystem, providing an opportunity for the nanopreneur community to come together, share insights, and strengthen the bonds that drive the success of Spice Money's innovative financial solutions. Spice Money is expanding its services from assisted payment services to offering a comprehensive range of banking solutions. This shift includes the introduction of current and savings accounts, goal loans for nanopreneurs, and cash collection services. In tandem with this growth, Spice Money has observed significant traction in key products, with an overall 225.79 million transactions for Aadhar-enabled Payment Systems (AePS) till last year. AePS, alongside the Cash Management System, Direct Money Transfer, mini-ATMs, and Bharat Bill Payment Services, emerges as a cornerstone of Spice Money's success in the region. West Bengal has proven to be a fertile ground for Spice Money's efforts in driving financial inclusion, especially in rural areas where over 68.13% of the population resides (as per Census 2011), the company said. Zambia rushes to contain rapidly spreading cholera outbreak. Photo Courtesy: WHO Cape Town/IBNS: Over 26,000 cholera infections and 700 deaths were registered in 10 African countries in January this year alone, and the risk of further spread of the disease remains high, Fiona Braka, spokeswoman for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, said on Tuesday. "In the first four weeks this year, 10 countries in the WHO African region have reported over 26,000 cases and 700 deaths, which is almost twice the numbers reported during the same period in 2023," Braka told a briefing. A number of countries are currently facing cholera outbreaks, most notably Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mozambique, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, and Nigeria are also "reporting active outbreaks." "There is a high risk of further spread to other countries, especially during this peak transmission season. And climate change and conflict are adding fuel to the fire; floods, cyclones, and droughts further reduce access to clean water and create an ideal environment for cholera to thrive," the spokeswoman added. According to the WHO, the ongoing cholera outbreak in the African region has affected 17 countries over the past two years, with the DRC, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria accounting for 76.4% of the 303,121 cases registered from January 2022 to January 2024. To assess the cholera outbreak in Zambia's Central Province, WHO Zambia is working with the Ministry of Health at the national, provincial, and district levels, and in collaboration with the Zambia National Institute for Public Health (ZNPHI), it is mapping areas for immediate support, according to a WHO report. Ramping up response to curb Zimbabwe cholera outbreak. Photo Courtesy: WHO The Central Province recorded its first cholera case in Mumbwa district on December 15, 2023. Since then, the province has witnessed a surge in cholera cases across ten districts, with Chibombo, Kabwe, and Mumbwa being the highest case-yielding districts. Mapping out these areas across response pillars for support will not only address the immediate needs but also help us to implement targeted interventions that will build resilience against future outbreaks, said Precious Kalubula, WHO Zambia National Professional Officer for Surveillance and Team Lead. WHO and Zambia National Institute for Public Health at ground. Photo Courtesy: WHO As of Feb 4, Central Province recorded 1,146 cases with 36 deaths. Sixty-five percent of the deaths are community deaths. Preliminary assessment report findings show that high population mobility, poor water and sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure worsen the outbreak in areas like Kabwe district's Makululu, Katondo, and Nakoli compounds, as well as fishing camps in Mumbwa and Shibuyunji. The province's team has encountered certain difficulties in carrying out its response plan since the outbreak was declared, which has caused a delay in the execution of certain initiatives required to stop the disease's spread within the region. (With UNI/Sputnik inputs) Kolkata's Vivekananda Mission School and school's alumni association are all set to celebrate the 6th edition of Bani Bandana in their school campus on February 14. The students, teachers, alumni and guardians will get together to offer prayers and 'pushpanjali' (flower offering) to Goddess Saraswati. A charity drive named Amra Korbo Joy has been undertaken in association with SPCI, Vijaybhoomi to provide educational supplies and other essential commodities to 200 less privileged children. An Art and Crafts Exhibition cum Sale shall also be held in the school auditorium. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Arvind Kejriwal New Delhi/IBNS: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday raided the premises of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary and others linked to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a case related to Delhi Jal Board, media reports said. The ED raided 10 locations linked to Kejriwal's personal secretary Bibhav Kumar in connection with the case. It is alleged that Delhi Jal Board chief engineer Jagdish Kumar Arora bypassed the contract to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of electromagnetic flow meters while the company failed to meet the technical eligibility criteria. The ED probe, as Hindustan Times reported, found that the company secured the contract by submitting forged or false documents. The latest heat on the city government and AAP came amid the ED's repeated summons to Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. The probe agency is investigating the Delhi excise policy which has handed over liquor shop licences to private players. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleges that liquor companies and middlemen were "actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation" of the excise policy. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Kejriwal's colleague in the party, Manish Sisodia, is already in jail in the same case as the prime accused. Photo Courtesy: PIB I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III. https://t.co/86mKg9lE1q Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2024 In his X post, Modi wrote: "I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III." King Charles III diagnosed with cancer British monarch King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment, the Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. The palace didnt specify what form of cancer the king has, but said its not related to his recent treatment for a benign prostate condition. The statement mentioned that owing to his treatment, King Charles would have to postpone his official duties. "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," the statement read. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure," it said. The palace said that King Charles remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96. The news of the kings diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalized for about two weeks. Photo courtesy: UNI Srinagar/UNI: Police on Tuesday attached the property of a notorious drug peddler under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district. Police said a two-story residential house of one notorious drug peddler identified as Khursheed Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Sopat Devsar, was attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act 1985. Bhat is currently under detention at Kote-Bhalwal Jammu under the PIT-NDPS Act. The accused drug peddler is involved in several NDPS cases involving police station Devsar. The property was identified as illegally acquired during the course of the investigation and inquiry conducted by the police. The property was, prima facie, acquired from illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances by the drug peddler. Photo Courtesy: PIB The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The bill seeks to amend certain provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989; the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000; and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000. The legislation is also intended to provide reservations to the other backward classes in the panchayats and municipalities in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and to bring consistency in the local bodies laws of the Union territory with the provisions of the Constitution. Earlier, moving the bill, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the OBCs had been ignored so far in J&K. Describing the bill as progressive legislation, the minister said, After the abrogation of Article 370, J&K is on the path of development, and the OBC community will get reservations in local bodies through this legislation.". Initiating the discussion, Jasbir Singh Gill of Congress said the OBC quota in J&K local bodies is a good move. The Congress leader, however, demanded some provisions for the representation of minority Sikhs in local bodies in the UT. Participating in the discussion, Jugal Kishore Sharma, MP from Jammu, described the bill as "historic" and accused the Congress, NC, and PDP of not doing justice to the OBC community in the UT. Earlier, a huge ruckus broke out in Lok Sabha on Tuesday after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP TR Baalu called Union MoS L Murugan 'unfit to be a minister'. The ruckus erupted when a discussion during Question Hour on damages caused by natural disasters was underway. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party termed it an insult to the entire Dalit community. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the DMK MP cannot call their colleague 'unfit'. "Sir, it is not right to call an SC minister unfit. This is an insult to a Dalit. We want Baalu to apologize," Meghwal said. Later, not satisfied with the answer of the government on damage caused by natural calamities in Tamil Nadu, the members of the DMK and Congress staged a walk-out from the House. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: Unsplash A key accused, who was wanted in the recently busted terror module case in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district, was arrested in New Delhi, police said. Police said the key accused in the case Riyaz Ahmed, a retired soldier, and a resident of a village close to the Line of Control in Kupwara district, was arrested on Sunday at New Delhi Railway station. He was involved in hatching conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather ( both arrested by J&K Police on January 27) in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LoC by the terrorist handlers, police in Delhi said. J&K Police and Army on January 27, arrested five Lashkar-e-Toiba militant associates who were allegedly involved in the smuggling of arms and ammunition in Kupwara district. The module was being operated by two Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-based terrorist handlers Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh alias Shakoor of Gabra Karnah and Qazi Mohammad Khushal of Dhanni Karnah both at present operating from across the border. Security forces also recovered five AK rifles (short), 5 AK Magazines, 16 short AK rounds from the five arrested militant associates. In a statement, Police said on February 4 a specific information was received from investigation agencies in Jammu & Kashmir that Riyaz Rather , who is wanted in the recent terror module case busted by them, is absconding and would reach New Delhi Railway Station in the wee hours. Sensing the gravity of the matter, a police team led by Inspector Vishwanath Paswan SHO/NDRS, was immediately deployed at all the entry/exits and strategic points of New Delhi Railway Station. The alert staff acted promptly and identified Riyaz in the crowd and apprehended him, when he was trying to flee from Exit Gate no 1, of New Delhi Railway Station in the early morning hours, police said. The accused was subjected to intensive interrogation, and it was revealed that he along with his friend Altaf had boarded Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazarat Nizamuddin railway station at about 3 PM on February 3. From there they took an auto and reached NDRS. Riyaz Rather was about to go to some other hideout. Riyaz is suspected of having received a consignment of arms and ammunition from Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather both already arrested by J&K Police. Accused Riyaz Ahmad and his friend Altaf have retired from Indian Army on 31.01.2023, police said. Police said one mobile phone and one SIM card had been recovered from his possession. Riyaz has been arrested under appropriate sections of law and Police Officials of the concerned Police Station of J&K have been informed for further necessary action at their end, the statement said adding further investigation is continuing to unearth the whole conspiracy. (With UNI inputs) President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is convinced that Ukraine will soon be a member of the European Union. Speaking on Tuesday in Strasbourg as part of the plenary session of the European Parliament, she said: "The contrast [in Ukraine] with just ten years ago could not be starker. Back then, a pro-Russia regime in Ukraine was passing authoritarian laws and killing protesters on the streets. Today, the country has just given itself new legislation to expand national minority rights, to improve the judicial system, and to ensure checks and balances on power. This is what led us to launching the accession negotiations. And this progress is happening not only because Europe is asking for it. This is the deep desire of the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is Europe, because Europe is in the hearts and minds of Ukrainians. And soon enough, Ukraine will also be in our Union." Speaking about the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the President of the European Commission stated that "this is a tragic tale of human loss and suffering." "And it is all the more tragic as we know there will be more pain and suffering ahead. We know how much is at stake here for those in Ukraine and also for the rest of us in Europe. Putin's fantasy and fabricated war and Ukraine's heroic resistance has reminded us here that our freedoms and our democracy are worth fighting for. So today, we pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for something. Slava Ukraini!" von der Leyen concluded her speech. Someone from the session hall replied: "Glory to the heroes!" Photo courtesy: Videgrab of Indian student attacked in chicago Chicago/IBNS: A student from Hyderabad has received grave injuries after being attacked by four armed robbers near his house in the US state of Chicago. A video shows the student, who was bleeding profusely, stating that he was kicked and punched by the robbers. The robbers also snatched his phone. The attack has sparked concern, especially after four Indian-origin students were found dead in the United States this year. The victim-Syed Mazahir Ali, a resident of Langar Houz in Hyderabad, had gone to the US to pursue a Master's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. CCTV footage shows Ali being pursued by three of his attackers near his house on Campbell Avenue in Chicago in the early hours of Tuesday (Central Standard Time). With blood streaming down his forehead, nose, and mouth, Ali can be heard saying in a video, "Four people attacked me. I was returning home with a food packet in my hand. I slipped near my house and the four people kicked and punched me. Please help me, bro. Please help me." Last week, 19-year-old Shreyas Reddy Beniger, a student at the Linder School of Business in Ohio, was found dead. Earlier that week, Purdue University student Neel Acharya was found dead on the university campus, hours after his mother had reported him missing. Vivek Saini, from Haryana, was hammered to death by a homeless man in Georgia's Lithonia on Jan 16. Akul Dhawan, another Indian student, was found dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in January. Photo Courtesy: UNI Sanaa: Leader of Yemen's Houthi group, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, on Tuesday vowed to escalate attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden if the conflict in Gaza continues. "I warn them (the United States, Britain and Israel) that they must stop their aggression against Gaza and stop their siege, otherwise we will seek to escalate more and more attacks," al-Houthi said in a televised speech aired by his group's TV channel al-Masirah. He made the speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the killing of his elder brother, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, the founder of the armed group who was killed during clashes with the Yemeni government army in 2004 in the Houthi stronghold of northern Saada province. Earlier in the day, the group claimed responsibility for launching attacks on a U.S. Navy ship and a British commercial vessel in the Red Sea. "We will launch more," al-Houthi said, noting that his armed group has already disrupted the international shipping. The U.S. Navy said on social media platform X that they intercepted the Houthi attack, while the British commercial vessel reported to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency that a missile passed past its deck and caused slight damage to the vessel's bridge windows, while the vessel continued sailing. The Houthis have escalated their attacks in the Red Sea since mid-November last year. In response, the U.S.-British maritime coalition launched dozens of airstrikes targeting Houthi sites in several Yemeni provinces. The Houthi top officials said the U.S.-British airstrikes had no impact on the group's military capabilities and would not deter them from launching further attacks on the Red Sea shipping line. (With UNI/XINHUA inputs) Kashmir Solidarity Day banner in Islamabad Pakistan Photo Courtesy: ShareAlike 3.0 Unported/Wikimedia Commons They also protested against Pakistan for denying them rights. The Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed in Pakistan as a means to mislead and show their solidarity to people of Kashmir. Exposing Pakistans deception on Kashmir, the residents in PoK are suggesting Islamabad look at its shortcomings instead of doing propaganda on the issue, reported ANI. Toqeer Gilani, a political activist in PoK, while expressing his anger, was quoted as saying by the Indian news agency: "On one hand, Pakistan announces to express solidarity with Kashmir on February 5, on the other hand, the same dispensation denies the basic rights to the people under its control. We can see that the propaganda of Kashmir is being used rapidly this year in Pakistan to distract attention from the movement that is going on here." Shaukat Nawaz Mir, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, said in his address as quoted by ANI, We have had a dispute with Pakistan for years now that these dams are our property and we should have control over these resources. We have been fighting for our rights for the past 76 years. The politicians in PoK have failed to provide us with these rights, which have forced us to sit on the roads. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Chinese Police recently raided a gathering of Christian villagers and arrested at least 200 people for allegedly joining a church that refused to abide by a theological doctrine promoted by a state-sanctioned body, media reports said. The incident reportedly occurred in Heilongjiang Province. The arrested people are believed to be part of Sola Fide or Justification by Faith network. Local believers told Bitter Winer that they saw a suspicious car parked nearby two days before the raid. The car came very early in the morning and left late at night. About 150 officers on January 27 raided the gathering place. The arrested people were reportedly removed from the spot in buses and cars. It is still not clear where they have been taken. Even when they arrest criminals, we have never seen so many police officers, a villager told UCA News. Photo Courtesy: Wallpaper Cave Pakistani security forces have killed two terrorists in Khyber Pakhunkhwa's North Waziristan district, media reports said on Tuesday. They were reportedly killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO). During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists, as a result of which two terrorists were sent to hell, including terrorist ring leader Ayubullah Mansoor, Pakistan Army media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said as quoted by Dawn News. According to reports, weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from them. The incident occurred at a time when Pakistan is gearing up to vote on February 8 in the national polls. Image credit: Pixabay At least three children were injured in a grenade attack on the election office of a Pakistan People's Party candidate in the industrial town of Hub, media reports said. Police told Dawn News that unknown motorcyclists attacked the election office of PPPs Balochistan Assembly candidate Mir Ali Hassan Zehri near Jumma Khan Hotel. Police shifted the injured children to a nearby hospital for treatment. Zehri was not present in the office when the blast occurred. The grenade attack took place at a time when Pakistan is gearing up to vote in the general polls on February 8. Image Credit: Pixabay Over 56,000 individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activities have been arrested in 50 days during a national anti-crime operation, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Public Security announced on Tuesday. Out of the number, 49,558 suspects were arrested for drug offenses, and the others were arrested for other criminal activities, the ministry said. The total value of confiscated properties of the suspects stands at approximately 725 million rupees (about 2.3 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said. The seized drugs have an estimated market value close to 7.73 billion rupees (about 25 million dollars), the ministry added. Sri Lanka's police has launched an operation since Dec 17 to curb drug trafficking and organized criminal activities in the country. (With UNI inputs) In an alarming turn of events, two opposing groups of Sikhs involved in the Khalistan referendum clashed violently in San Francisco on January 28. Shocking videos of the incident have surfaced on social media, shedding light on the ongoing tensions within the Khalistani separatist movement in the United States. The altercation, though brief, was marked by its intensity and involved the Major Singh Nijjar gang and the Sarabjit Singh (Sabi) gang. Both Major Nijjar and Sarabjit Singh (Sabi) had previously been members of the same group, but a falling-out occurred, leading to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Pannun aligning himself with Sabi and sidelining Major Nijjar and his associates. These individuals were prominent figures representing the Sikh for Justice (SFJ) extremist movement on the West Coast. Sarabjit Singh (Sabi) had played a key role in organizing the Khalistan Referendum in Brampton, Canada, last year in collaboration with the SFJ. He was also the driving force behind the Referendum event held on January 28. The videos circulating on social media depict a chaotic scene, with members of both factions engaging in physical altercations. The clash raises concerns about the potential for further violence within the Khalistani movement, as well as the impact it may have on Sikhs living in the United States. Incidents of clashes between organized crime groups are not uncommon in the Western world. Just last year, a shooting occurred at a Gurdwara in Sacramento, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Allowing violent and extremist movements like the Khalistan movement to operate freely in Western countries poses a significant threat to local law and order. The recent scuffle in San Francisco serves as a glaring example of how such divisive ideologies can lead to violence and chaos on the streets of Western cities. Allowing these movements to flourish unchecked not only jeopardizes the safety and security of residents but also undermines the principles of peace, tolerance, and social harmony that these nations uphold. It is imperative that governments in Western countries strike a balance between respecting freedom of expression and taking appropriate measures to monitor and counter extremist activities to prevent further incidents and protect their citizens from the potential consequences of such divisive ideologies. (Image and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com) Representative image of Canada housing/ courtesy: Unsplash Ottawa/IBNS: The federal government of Canada will continue to ban foreign nationals from buying homes in the country till 2027 due to housing affordability concerns continuing to trouble cities. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in a statement has announced that Canada is extending its foreign homebuyer ban, which was set to expire on Jan 1, 2025, up until 2027. By extending the foreign buyer ban, we will ensure houses are used as homes for Canadian families to live in and do not become a speculative financial asset class, Freeland has said in the statement. First coming into effect in 2023, tha ban implies that non-Canadian people, including permanent residents, and commercial enterprises are prevented from buying homes here. Owing to Canadians dealing with a severe affordability crisis, housing has become a major political flashpoint. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) said that 3.5 million additional homes on top of expected growth need to be built by 2030 to reach affordability. Freeland said the government plans to use all tools possible and issued a statement saying the extension will ensure houses are used for Canadians and families. (Reporting by Asha Bajaj) The teaser of the upcoming drama film 'Bastar: The Naxal Story,' starring Adah Sharma, has been unveiled. This leads to the question: Are the incidents depicted in the film based on real-life stories? Is 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' A Real-Life-Based Movie? What Is The Teaser Showing? After the makers released it, the teaser for 'The Naxal Story' was also shared by Adah Sharma on her Instagram handle. After delivering a compelling performance in Sudipto Sen's 'The Kerala Story,' Adah reunites with the filmmaker for 'Bastar.' She unveiled the teaser on Tuesday, dressed in khaki pants, a brown tee, and a headscarf. Portraying herself as an IPS officer engaged in a battle against the Naxals. The film is said to have been inspired by real-life events in Chhattisgarh. In the politically charged teaser, Adah sets the stage for the film, discussing the impact of the Naxal conflict on the soldiers in Bastar. The Historical Inspiration Of The Movie: According to media reports, the movie draws inspiration from real-life events like the Bastar rebellion that erupted in 1910 in what is now Chattisgarh. This uprising was a response to the British policy of reserving forests. Various factors fueled the rebellion, including contentious proposals to reserve a significant portion of the forests and to prohibit practices like shifting cultivation, hunting, and the collection of forest produce. In the video teaser posted on Instagram, Adah is seen talking about the "reality behind the number of martyrs and exposing the influence of pseudo-intellectuals in India, conducting propaganda funded by China to sow division." Screen Grab Of Adah Sharma From Lates Teaser/Instagram Director Sudipto, while alluding to "Bastar: The Naxal Story," discussed the film, expressing to the media that audiences and cinema enthusiasts will soon experience another masterpiece from the creators of 'The Kerala Story.' He suggested that viewers will encounter a film that is likely to elicit a response akin to the acclaim received for 'The Kerala Story.' For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The Embassy of Ukraine has issued a commentary on a statement by the State Security Service of Georgia about Ukraine's alleged attempt to transport explosive devices and explosives to Russia through the territory of Georgia. "The Embassy of Ukraine is checking the information that was made public at a press briefing by the State Security Service of Georgia, clarifying all circumstances, in particular regarding the reported involvement of Ukrainian citizens in the illegal activities," it said on Tuesday. The embassy also expressed hope that the Georgia side would refrain from politicizing the case. "We express our interest in and readiness for effective cooperation with law enforcers and other competent agencies of Georgia with the aim of fair, unbiased and comprehensive investigation into all circumstances of the case, as well as identifying its real organizers," it said. As reported, on February 5, the State Security Service of Georgia announced the seizure of cargo containing six explosive devices on the way from Odesa. Part of it was allegedly supposed to be delivered to Voronezh. The explosives were allegedly carried through Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey by a minibus owned by a Ukrainian citizen. According to the Georgian investigation, the defendants in the case include seven Georgians, three Ukrainians, and two Armenians. Vikrant Massey's '12th Fail' is back on social media, stirring up more excitement after receiving praise from audiences. A new picture from the movie set is now creating buzz on the internet, which shows IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, Vikrant Massey, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, and Medha Shankr together in one frame. Picture Of Vikrant Massey taking an award for his film '12th Fail'/Twitter What Is The Latest Picture All About? Zee Studios posted the picture on Instagram featuring IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma with his wife and actress Medha Shankr posing with actor Vikrant Massey. All four posing in the picture can be seen in matching outfits. The caption challenges viewers to find a better twinning and says, "Show us a better twinning; well wait!" Certainly, '12th Fail' emerged as one of the most discussed films of the previous year, striking a chord with the audience. It has received considerable acclaim from the Bollywood industry, earning praise from luminaries such as Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, and most recently, Kareena Kapoor. About '12th Fail' Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie tells the story from Anurag Pathak's popular book about Sharma and his wife, Shraddha Joshi, who is an IRS officer. Sharma, initially facing challenges like cleaning toilets and working in the library, eventually becomes an IPS officer by overcoming various obstacles. The movie hit theatres last year. Insights Related To Vikrant Massey's Casting Vidhu Vinod Chopra recently shared that it was Rajkumar Hirani who proposed the idea of turning Manoj Sharma's book "Twelfth Fail" into a film. According to the Times of India, Vidhu mentioned that Rajkumar recommended Vikrant Massey for the lead role. Additionally, Vidhu highlighted how Vikrant's inspiration played a significant role in his decision "to direct this film." Fun Fact: Vikrant Massey, the lead actor of the film '12th Fail', clinched the Filmfare award in the Best Actor (Critics) category. For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Amidst swirling separation speculations, Tuesday brought reports of official confirmation from Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani, formally announcing their separation. In a joint statement to DelhiTimes, the couple declared their decision to part ways, emphasising that the welfare and best interests of their two children are their primary focus during this life transition. They kindly asked for their privacy to be respected during this period. Esha Deol With Husband Bharat Takhtani/Twitter The Couple Got Married In 2012 Esha and Bharat tied the knot in 2012. Their journey into parenthood began in 2017 with the arrival of their daughter, Radhya. Subsequently, in 2019, they experienced the joy of becoming parents once again with the birth of their daughter Miraya. This comes after June of last year, when Esha and Bharat marked their wedding anniversary, and Esha expressed her wishes to her husband by sharing several photos on social media. She then captioned the post, "For keeps for eternity." The Rumours Of Separation The rumours surrounding Esha and Bharat's separation have been grabbing headlines for quite some time. The speculation began when Bharat did not attend his mother-in-law Hema Malini's birthday celebration last year, and he was also conspicuously absent from Esha's birthday festivities. Esha Deol, a Bollywood actor, is Dharmendra's daughter with Hema Malini. She has a sister named Ahana Deol. Before marrying Hema Malini, Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur, and they have two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Aayi Ammal, alias Pooranam, a resident of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu has donated 91 cents of land, estimated to be worth around Rs 3 crore for the upgradation of a school. The 52-year-old, who works as a clerk with the Canara Bank donated the land to the Tamil Nadu school education department for the upgradation of the Madurai East Panchayat Union Middle School in Kodikulam. Representative image/ BCCL Donated 1.5 acres land in January This is the second time since last month that Ammal has donated her land to improve the education facilities there. Last month, she had donated 1.52 acres of land for the development of the school where she had studied. The land is estimated to be worth around Rs 7 crore and is adjacent to the present school building. In memory of her daughter Ammal made the noble gesture in memory of her late daughter, U Janani, who passed away a couple of years ago. Her daughter was a social worker and had been working for the educational upliftment of underprivileged children. In exchange for the land, Ammal had one demand -- to name the upgraded school in the name of her daughter. Honoured by Tamil Nadu government I believe that education is the only tool to change the lives of people and transform society. A high school here will uplift the lives of rural people here as their children will get a better education, Ammal had said last month. BCCL Appreciating her offer, the Tamil Nadu government had honoured Ammal on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav on Monday demanded in the Rajya Sabha that the Places of Worship Act, 1991 should be repealed. Yadav, an MP from Uttar Pradesh made the demand during the Zero Hour, alleging the law impinges on the religious rights of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists provided under the Constitution. AFP 'Places of Worship Act is unconstitutional' "Places of Worship Act is completely illogical and unconstitutional. It takes away the religious rights of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains under the Constitution. "It is also damaging communal harmony in the country. Therefore, I urge the government to immediately repeal this law in the interest of the nation," he said. This law, Yadav contended, violates the principles of equality and secularism provided in the Constitution. He also pointed out that the law prohibits judicial review. Yadav is the latest name in the growing chorus demanding the repeal of the Place of Worship Act. What is Places of Worship Act The legislation prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. REUTERS The act defines 'place of worship' as "a temple, mosque, gurudwara, church, monastery or any other place of public religious worship of any religious denomination or any section thereof, by whatever name called." The Place of Worship Act which came into effect in July 1991 was introduced by the then Congress government of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. The law was brought in the backdrop of the growing campaign for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Places of Worship Act and Ayodhya Significantly, the disputed site in Ayodhya, where the Babri Masjid then stood, was exempted from the ambit of the law. BCCL It also exempted places of worship which is an ancient and historical monuments, or an archaeological site covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Places of Worship Act in Gyanvapi, Shahi Eidgah cases In recent years, there have been several legal challenges questioning the validity of the Place of Worship Act. Both in the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi and the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah suit in Mathura, the Muslim sides have argued that the Hindu side's demand to access and right to worship there is in violation of the law. AFP Legal challenges against Places of Worship Act It should be noted that in July 2023, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine the Act and said that ascertaining the religious character of a place was not barred under the Places of Worship Act. BJP leader and SC lawyer, Ashwini Upadhyay who was one of the petitioners had argued that sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 be set aside on grounds, including that these provisions take away the right of judicial remedy to reclaim a place of worship of any person or a religious group. BCCL The petition alleged that the 1991 law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" of August 15, 1947, for maintaining the character of the places of worship or pilgrimage against encroachment done by "fundamentalist-barbaric invaders and law-breakers". For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Ukraine-born Karolina Shiino, aged 26, clinched the title of Miss Japan two weeks ago, igniting public debate owing to her heritage. Tabloid published about her affair with married man While some welcomed the crowning of the naturalised citizen, others argued that she did not embody traditional Japanese beauty ideals. Amidst the controversy, a local magazine published an expose alleging an affair involving Shiino. The article in the Shukan Bunshun reported that Shiino had engaged in a relationship with a married influencer and doctor. Initially, the pageant organisers defended Shiino, asserting that she was unaware of the man's marital status. However, on Monday, they stated that she had admitted to knowing about his marriage and family. miss japan Former Miss Japan's apology The Miss Japan Association stated that Shiino apologised for being misleading, and they accepted her resignation from the title. Shiino also apologised to her fans and the general public in a statement on Monday, where she said she had acted out of fear and panic in response to the report. "I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me," she said. The Miss Japan title will remain vacant for the rest of the year, despite having several runner-ups. Karolina Shiino was crowned on January 22, becoming the first person of European descent to receive the honor. Born in Ukraine, she moved to Japan with her mother at the age of five and adopted her step-father's Japanese last name. Fluent in Japanese, she became a naturalised citizen in 2022. Upon receiving the title, she had said in her speech: "I had not been accepted as Japanese many times, but I am filled with gratitude to have been recognized as Japanese today." For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. The hard work of delivery partners is sometimes overlooked since we are more concerned with how quickly our food or goods arrive. These people risk the weather and strange hours to ensure that our cravings are met quickly. Who is being trolled for mocking Zomato delivery agent? Woman mocked for Zomato delivery agent's tip request | Image: Quora An X post involving a Zomato delivery agent has gone viral, with the internet condemning the woman for mocking the agent's request. A social media user named @priiyyyyyy posted a screenshot of a note from a Zomato delivery partner who delivered her food late at night. The message stated, "Pls give tip after delivery," with the addition, "For late night." What did she write? The person shared this screenshot online with the remark "it's weird bro." | Image: X The person shared this screenshot online with the remark "it's weird bro," appearing amused by the request for a gratuity. How did people on the internet react? The post rapidly went viral, but the public's response was far from positive. Many people criticized the person for publishing the screenshot without the delivery partner's permission, calling it a shameful and malicious behavior. Some people complained that it was cruel to reveal the delivery person's name, as if their request for a gratuity were a crime. Tipping, especially after hours, is not just a show of appreciation but also a recognition of their extra effort. Check the post here. What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. The last minute tax saving rush is in full swing. With less than two months left for financial year 2023-24 to get over, many taxpayers must be thinking of ways to minimize their tax outgo and save their salary from getting cut massively. But seldom are salaried taxpayers aware of the simple yet not so commonly known ways in which you can save tax by paying attention to your salary structure. How You Can Save Tax By Paying Attention To Your Salary Structure salary structure/indiatimes Keep The Basic Salary Till 40% Of CTC Although there are many different parts to a salary, the basic salary is the most crucial since it is used to determine other significant tax-saving parts like the employee provident fund (EPF) and house rent allowance (HRA). It is advised that the basic salary not exceed 40% of the CTC because it is always taxable. But maintaining a low base pay will cut into other aspects of the pay. All salaried individuals are required to receive certain allowances, such as travel allowance, DA, and HRA, which are exempt at source under the Income Tax Act. Thus, one can minimize their tax liability by negotiating a lower basic salary and higher allowances. Be Aware Of Tax Exempt Expenses To lower an employee's taxable salary, employers can deduct a number of expenses from their pay, such as company-paid housing, uniform allowances, meal coupons, transportation, telecommunications (such as Wi-Fi and mobile), periodicals, car lease/maintenance, and driver's salary. Tax exemptions apply to some costs, such as internet and phone bills. As such, people can significantly reduce their tax burden by keeping track of their phone and internet expenses. In addition, there are provisions in the Income Tax Act that permit deductions for transportation expenses. Therefore, in order to effectively reduce their employees' tax liability, employers can provide a conveyance allowance. Meal allowances in the form of Sudexo Vouchers or other equivalents can be another example of how to lessen their tax burden. tax saving tips/shutterstock Also Read; PPF vs Bank Tax Saver FD-Which One To Choose For Tax Saving? Use The Flexi Benefits Smartly Many employers give their staff members the freedom to customize their pay so they can take advantage of tax savings opportunities that best suit their needs. Companies frequently provide employees with flexible benefit plans that let them select from a menu of taxable and tax-free benefits (like lunch coupons or allowances). People can customize their pay structures to match their tax preferences and financial objectives thanks to this flexibility. In a similar vein, many employers provide finance options for car leases to all or a subset of their workforce. Having a company-leased car helps save a significant amount of tax compared to buying a car on credit. Don't Forget To Compare The Tax Regimes old vs new regime/taxguru Last but not the least, it is important to figure out which of the tax regimes are beneficial as per your tax slab. There are many ways that the new tax system differs from the old one. To start with, there are more slabs with reduced tax rates. Furthermore, if the new tax regime is selected, all significant exemptions and deductions that taxpayers were able to claim under the previous (old) tax regime will no longer be permitted. The taxpayer can then select the new tax regime if the benefits of the lower rates in the new regime outweigh the benefits of the exemptions and deductions offered under the previous regime. The taxpayer should compute the income tax liability at the applicable normal tax rates, or at the old tax slab rates, after taking advantage of all applicable income exemptions and deductions in order to determine which tax regime is preferable. Also Read: List Of Tax Saving Investment Options With Totally Tax-Free Returns For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here The hostility in diplomatic relations between Maldives and India is far from over and this has affected tourism for the former. However, Sri Lanka has benefitted from this as the island has received more tourists in January 2024 than Maldives. According to Male-based news outlet Adhadhu, the tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka lagged behind Maldives for the past four years. Sri Lanka However, 2024 turned the tables as Sri Lanka surpassed Maldives in tourist arrivals. In January, 192, 385 tourists visited Maldives while 208,253 tourists visited Sri Lanka, bringing the difference of over 1 Lakh. India emerged as the top source of tourists to Sri Lanka in January 2024. Sri Lanka Tourism Adhadhu said a massive surge in Indians flocking the island was one of the major reasons behind the 100 percent increase in Sri Lankas tourist arrivals in January. In Jan 2023, 13,759 Indians had visited Sri Lanka but that number jumped 2.5 times to 34,399 this January. While the number of Indian tourists to Sri Lanka surged, Maldives recorded a significant drop from 17,029 last January to 15,006 this year. What Led To The Shift In India-Maldives Relations? agencies In January, a row broke out following some comments by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. Indian tourists reacted sharply and started a 'boycott Maldives' campaign. Maldives Witnessed A Decline In Indian Tourists This Jan twitter India topped the list of visitors to Maldives until the row broke out. From being the top tourist group visiting the Maldives, Indians slipped to fifth position in the last three weeks of January, according to the data analyzed by news agency PTI. In the last three years, over 2 lakh Indians visited Maldives annually - the highest from any country post-Covid. According to the statistics, Maldives received over 1.74 lakh tourists till January 28 this year, of which only 13,989 were Indians. Russia topped the chart with 18,561 tourists from the country visiting Maldives, followed by Italy (18,111), China (16,529), and the UK (14,588). Over 17 lakh tourists visited the island nation in 2023, of which maximum were Indians (2,09,198) followed by Russians (2,09,146) and Chinese (1,87,118). (With PTI inputs) The wife of the murdered Olukoro of Koro Ekiti in Kwara State, General Segun Aremu-Cole (retd), who was kidnapped earlier this month with two others have regained their freedom. They were said to have been released late on Monday, according to National Pilot. The Asiwaju of Koro, Chief Samuel Ayo Bola said: The news just received from home confirms that Olori and the girl have been released and have returned to Koro about 30 minutes ago. READ ALSO: Children Watched As Kidnappers Burnt Ekiti School Bus Driver Alive Parent Laments The monarch was killed by the gunmen at the palace as he prepared to have his dinner on February 1, at about 9 pm. After killing the traditional ruler, they took his wife and two others in the palace with them. The abductors had demanded a N100 million ransom, which was reduced to N40 million. The Nigeria First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has assured that the hard times facing the citizens will soon come to an end with the right policies of the Federal Government. Oluremi let this out on Monday, in the State House during a meeting with the Governors Wives on her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). She said times like this calls for sober reflection, saying that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the country overcome its challenges. Mrs Oluremi said: Times like this calls for sober reflection, hence, all hands must be on deck. Moreover, the hardship situation is temporary, it will soon fade away. READ MORE: Nigerians Have Taken Poverty Out Of Context, Were Not Poor; 2024 Will Be Glorious Oluremi Tinubu The mission of the RHI is driven by my office to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Tinubu. These farmers will get N500,000 each and a total draft of N10m will be given to five RHI states coordinators as the case may be. The National Agricultural Land Development Authority in partnership with the RHI will support an additional 80 female farmers from each state with the provision of training and capacity building and agricultural inputs. We will buy-off all produce from the farms after harvest. Not a single medicine for the treatment of adult cancer patients was purchased through the managed access agreement mechanism, CEO of the Inspiration Family foundation to support adult cancer patients Anna Uzlova has said. "An instrument such as managed access agreement can expand access for Ukrainian patients to expensive innovative medicines. The law on managed access agreements was adopted in 2021, however, according to our data, no oncology medicines were purchased through this procedure. Amendments to the law of Ukraine on public procurement and other laws on the procurement of medicines under managed access agreements were valid until the end of 2023. Consequently, it is impossible to conclude the managed access agreements in 2024, because these amendments were not extended," she said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency. At the same time, Uzlova noted that "after our appeal to the head of the subcommittee on oncology of the Verkhovna Rada, we returned to this issue again, so we hope for a shift in this process." As reported, the Health Ministry of Ukraine planned to purchase nine medicines for the treatment of serious diseases under managed access agreements in 2023, in particular drugs for rare (orphan) diseases, oncology, which are included in the priority healthcare development areas. In particular, managed access agreements on drugs for the treatment of patients with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) were concluded for three years. In September 2023, Director General of the Medical Procurement of Ukraine Edem Adamanov announced that all drugs contracted for 2023 under the managed access agreements mechanism had already been delivered. In Ukraine, managed access agreements are concluded through direct negotiation procedures between the customer from the state (the Health Ministry and the Medical Procurement of Ukraine) and the manufacturer. They provide for the confidentiality of certain conditions, in particular the final price of the item being purchased. Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen is said to be doubtful for Nigerias 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. In a statement made available to the public by the team on Monday, the Napoli forward is suffering from abdominal discomfort and has not traveled with the team to Bouake, the city of Wednesdays clash. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the 25-year-old can however, join the rest of the squad on Tuesday if he is cleared by the teams medics. The statement partly reads: Members of the team traveled from Abidjan to Bouake today via a 10 pm Air Cote DIvoire flight. READ MORE: I Just Want My Team To Win The Tournament Osimhen Replies Critics Over Goal Drought Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him. If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 pm. The 25-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist in five matches at the AFCON 2023 finals. Jose Peseiros men will take on the Bafana Bafana at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake on Wednesday. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has urged Nigerians living in the Rainbow Nation against engaging their Bafana Bafana counterparts in any confrontation before, during and after their semi-final clash at the ongoing 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast on Wednesday. The Commission, on Monday issued a statement, warning the Nigerians to be calm and silent with their celebration if the Super Eagles triumph over South Africa. The statement reads: The attention of the Nigeria High Commission Pretoria has been drawn to potentially inflammatory online comments made by a section of South African citizens against Nigerians living in host country, largely influenced by the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday 7th February 2024. Most of the comments consist of veiled threats against Nigerians cooking jollof rice before the match, and showing pepper to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles, among others. READ MORE: AFCON: South Africa Will Handle Semifinal Clash With Nigeria Differently Head Coach In this regard, the High Commission hereby advises the Nigerian community to be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win the match. Additionally, Nigerians should maintain the good conduct they are known for, and be law-abiding before, during and after the match. Should any provocations arise, they should not be reciprocated but reported to the appropriate authorities. Starting a commercial airline in the midst of a pandemic might sound crazy, but for Avelo Airlines, which has been flying out of Wilmington Airport for a year, the risk is paying off. Since launching the company in 2021, the low-cost airline has flown nearly 4 million customers on almost 30,000 flights across the country. Last year Avelo flew to 44 destinations. The company has a fleet of 16 Boeing 737s and employs 1,000 employees, including around 175 pilots and 225 flight attendants. Were just starting to hit profitability, said Andrew Levy, the companys founder, chairman, and CEO. I do expect we will continue to grow. The company has focused on operating out of some smaller secondary airports across the country. Locally, since Avelo started flying out of Wilmington Airport last February, it has flown nearly 286,000 travelers on over 2,100 flights. The company has about 40 employees based out of the airport. In January, Miss Delaware and Miss Delaware Teen took an Avelo flight out of Wilmington to the Miss America pageant in Orlando, according to a video from the company. Advertisement We are looking to build a lot of awareness and drive a lot of demand [in] airports like Wilmington, Levy said. Not the main airport, a secondary airport in a very large population center. Levy talked to The Inquirer about what Avelo offers customers out of Wilmington Airport, why it operates out of some smaller airports, and what comes next for the company. Why Wilmington? Flying out of smaller secondary airports offers some convenient aspects for customers, Levy says. At Wilmington, once an airplane lands, its a short walk for travelers of about 150 feet from the airplane to the airport to pick up luggage and be on their way, saving them time. Flying out of smaller airports like Wilmingtons also means less time sitting on the airplane while it taxis, because there are no long lines of flights waiting to take off. That, in turn, allows the company to be reliable when it comes to punctuality, he said. What we offer that is far better for a customers experience than going into Philadelphia International or LAX or LaGuardia or any of those really big airports. Its just a much easier, more pleasant, faster, and therefore convenient experience, coupled with a really great fare, Levy said. He says the idea behind their plan is to do something different: be kind of a big fish in the smaller pond. Offer customers a choice. Hundreds of dollars saved for travelers Avelos low-cost pricing model includes selling a basic ticket and then having customers pay for additional things they might want including seat assignments, priority boarding, a checked bag, a carry-on bag, and bringing a pet onboard. We do believe in an unbundled pricing approach where people can pay for the things that they care about, Levy said. A round-trip flight from Wilmington to Orlando in March can cost $281.66 with no seat assignment or extra add-ons, according to the companys booking website. A flight for the same dates at similar times on Frontier out of PHL costs $452.96 round-trip, according to the companys booking website. Were not doing accoutrements and fine china or anything like that, but what we are doing is were getting you where you want to go. Its a fair deal, Levy said. Avelo started its operations out of Wilmington with five flights to Florida last year one of PHLs most popular states for flights in 2023. Since launching, new routes on Avelo have been added out of Wilmington and today feature the following destinations: Myrtle Beach, S.C. (MYR) Wilmington, N.C. (ILM) San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (FLL) Fort Myers, Fla. (RSW) Orlando, Fla. (MCO) Sarasota / Bradenton, Fla. (SRQ) Tampa, Fla (TPA) West Palm Beach, Fla. (PBI) 2.5 million potential customers About 2.5 million people live near the airport and could be potential customers of Avelo, Levy says. The target customer is people that reside closer to Wilmington than any other airport in the region, he said. We dont need 2 million people. Thats a massive, massive market for us to be able to pull from, and we dont need that many to make it work. When asked if Avelo is taking away PHL customers, Jim Tyrrell, chief revenue officer at PHL said in January that Wilmington is at the southern end of PHLs catchment area, which means they probably do share some potential customers. Operating out of smaller airports where there hasnt been a lot of service in the past requires a certain amount of trial and error, Levy said. Avelo began operations at Wilmington with one airplane, grew to using two, and now is back at one again. A route to Melbourne, Fla., was cut when Avelo saw that there wasnt enough demand to sustain that trip. I think we just did too much too soon in a market where we had pretty limited brand awareness, he said. We want to let this thing mature and just simply be patient. Orlando has been Avelos biggest market out of Wilmington. Fort Lauderdale was expected to be a second popular destination, according to the airport, and has done well, but other Florida destinations may have done even better. More flights on the horizon No new routes are expected to be added out of Wilmington this year, but in the future, the company could bring back some seasonal destinations that could include Daytona Beach, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; and Nashville. Right now, we want to make what were doing work and work really well, he said. The airport also expects to use an additional airplane based out of Orlando this summer for some routes out of Wilmington. Beyond Wilmington, the company is continuing to grow in other geographic areas. Avelo expects to add up to five more planes to its roster in 2024 and in May will add the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) in California as one of its bases. I think the opportunities are pretty substantial in the United States for a company that offers our product, Levy said. Elon Musk has threatened to move more of his business empire's corporate legal business out of Delaware, a popular venue for management-vs.-owner disputes, after two rulings by top Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen McCormick. Read more Elon Musk wants to move more of his companies legal work out of Delaware, after a pair of decisions by the top Chancery Court judge in the state cost him $100 billion, at least on paper. Musk, a South Africa native and University of Pennsylvania grad, is stinging from last weeks 201-page ruling by Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick, derailing a $56 billion Tesla pay package. Though that fortune was approved by shareholders, the judge says they appeared to be acting with Musks interests, not the companys, in mind. The suit objecting to the pay package for Musk who until last week held the title of richest man in the world was filed in 2018 by Wilmington lawyer Gregory Varallo on behalf of Richard J. Tornetta, a Tesla shareholder and Norristown native who formerly played drums in a thrash-metal band, the Lords of Correction. McCormick is the same judge who ruled in a 2021 case that forced Musk into honoring his pledge to buy Twitter for $44 billion after he tried to back out. Now, less than a year after Musk renamed Twitter as X and moved the social media sites legal home to Nevada from Delaware, Musk posted a string of anti-Delaware messages on the site, announcing his intention to recharter Tesla from Delaware to Texas, and urging businesses to avoid incorporating in Delaware. Advertisement The state is the legal home to most of the nations publicly-traded companies, and it draws about a third of its yearly budget from corporate fees and related income. Delaware bills itself as Americas Corporate Capital. Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 30, 2024 Musk said he will call on Tesla shareholders (he is by far the largest, with Malvern-based Vanguard Groups clients a distant second) to approve moving its corporate charter from Delaware to Texas. The companys head offices relocated to Texas from California in 2021 after Musk criticized the Golden States high levels of regulation, taxes, and COVID restrictions. Last September, Texas enacted a law establishing its own separate business courts. Musk said hes not the only billionaire frustrated by Delaware cases. TripAdvisor, a large but money-losing travel company controlled by telecom baron John Malone, who also owns West Chester-based QVC and other media companies, is fighting shareholder challenges to its decision to reincorporate in Nevada. Change your state of incorporation out of Delaware before they lock the doors. They are currently blocking John Malone from changing incorporation from Delaware to Nevada. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 1, 2024 Seeking a friendly state Musk characterized the potential exit from Delaware as a pro-shareholder move, noting McCormicks decision had, effectively, overruled Tesla shareholders approval. But legal scholars say Delaware is the more obviously pro-shareholder state. Nevada has clearly tried to set itself up as pro-management, said professor Jill E. Fisch, of the University of Pennsylvania law school. Delaware has tried very hard to provide an appropriate balance of giving directors flexibility while protecting shareholder interest. Shareholders and their counsel have long appreciated the difference: Nevada has only attracted a trickle of large companies, Fisch said, and TripAdvisors attempt to move there has faced allegations of self-interest and self-dealing by the companys management, leading to the litigation that has held up the charter move. The Texas Business Court, scheduled to debut this fall, is to feature state-appointed judges, as in Delaware. But unlike Delawares Chancery, the Texas Business Court will allow parties to request jury trials. And plaintiffs who sue companies will be able to choose a venue from the states 254 counties some of which have been favored by plaintiffs lawyers for their historically antibusiness verdicts. The provision for jury trials would make the Texas court system relatively unattractive compared to Delaware, said Lawrence Hamermesh, emeritus professor at Delaware Law School. Hamermesh noted that when billionaire investor Carl Icahn (who owns Philadelphia-based Pep Boys, Cottman Transmissions, and many other companies) tried to make North Dakota an incorporation center, that went over like a frozen lead balloon. Delawares appointed judges are chosen, typically from the corporate bar, as experts in corporate law, and that means they are predictable and move quickly, said Ann Lipton, a professor at Tulane Universitys law school in New Orleans, who has written about Musks corporate travails. The Musk effect Musks casual approach to rules and precedents, his defiance of regulators, and his history of taking on outrageous challenges and impossible goals instead of warning investors away has actually boosted share prices by pleasing Musk fans, Lipton added. (Tesla shares have fallen by half since the stocks 2021 peak, but the company is still worth five times larger rivals GM and Ford, combined, because its sales are growing faster than theirs.) Still, Lipton notes that commentators worry Musks personal star power might not boost shares indefinitely. Musks high-handed ways have provoked a steady stream of challenges from dissident shareholders and outside critics for behavior including conscripting Tesla workers to other businesses he controls (at shareholders expense); alleged illegal pollution; and Musks tight, potentially controlling ties to board members. McCormick found that those ties should have been made clearer to shareholders before they voted in favor of his $56 billion in compensation. Musk is considering, not just law, but politics, in this campaign, Lipton told The Inquirer. Texas politicians have been very vocal about opposing restrictions on corporate social and environmental policies, and Musk seems to expect that appointed judge in Texas will therefore be personally sympathetic in future cases. (Musk fans, noting that Delaware is a Demoratic-run state and the home of President Joe Biden, have been quick to argue that judges in such a place could let politics trump legal principle in stymieing Musk. Delaware insists its system is nonpartisan.) Lipton concludes that Musks expensive Delaware court losses would not have happened if Tesla had at least adhered to the basic formalities and appearances of ordinary corporate governance. Most corporate executives dont have a problem with that. Jamie Dimon, longtime head of JPMorgan Chase & Co., on a 2019 visit to Philadelphia. The company's Chase consumer banking group says it will nearly double its Philadelphia-area branch network, to around 90 offices, and add more around New York, Washington, and other big East Coast cities, as other banks shut branches. Read more JPMorgan Chase & Co. said Tuesday that it plans to open another 40 Chase bank branches in the Philadelphia area by 2027, expanding from the 50 locations it has placed in the region since 2018. In pushing physical locations, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is defying the larger trend in the banking industry. As more consumers began banking online and through smartphone apps, the number of U.S. bank branches fell to under 70,000 last year from 80,000 in 2015, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data. Indeed, since pushing into Philadelphia and other markets in the late 2010s, JPMorgan has passed Wells Fargo and Bank of America and now runs the largest U.S. bank network, with around 5,000 branches. Dimon and other JPMorgan officials have said they can still make small, well-located branches profitable by using them to entice customers who use its national credit card, mortgage, student loans, and small-business loans to do more banking with Chase. Branches opening since 2017 have been bringing in an average $15 million in new deposits a year. Advertisement The company also said it plans to hire around 300 workers to staff the new Chase branches around Philadelphia, starting at more than $20 an hour, plus benefits. READ MORE: Bank branches are still hiring tellers and bankers, but the jobs look different now Reversing its own recent trend toward cutting branches, Bank of America chief executive Brian Moynihan this winter announced plans to add branches in places that form gaps between its existing markets, the Wall Street Journal reported. Philadelphia is one of several markets JPMorgan Chase has targeted for new branches over the next three years. Others include New York, Washington, Minneapolis, and Charlotte, N.C., spokesperson Jimmy Contreras said. In all, the bank plans several hundred new branches. The company says each branch will cost $2.5 million to $3 million. Our goal is to have 30% of our branches in [low- and moderate-income] communities, Contreras said in a statement. The banks current locations include five in Center City, along with multiple neighborhood branches in South, West, and North Philadelphia, and outposts in Fishtown, Germantown, Roxborough, and other city neighborhoods; suburban and South Jersey and Delaware sites; and stand-alone ATMs. The company employs around 250,000 people worldwide, including 10,000 in the Philadelphia area, mostly at its data and technology center in Fairfax, Del., and its credit card center and other branches in and around nearby Wilmington and Newark, Del. The Philadelphia region lost the major banks that once financed its industrial enterprises as executives sold them to larger out-of-town companies in the 1980s and 1990s; neighborhood banks have vanished as well. READ MORE: How Philly lost its big banks, and a little survivor thats grown in the vacuum Customers of the largest bank still based in the region, Wilmington-based WSFS, hold about 5% of the regions more than $300 billion in local bank deposits, according to FDIC data. The dominant banks in the region Wells Fargo; Bank of America; PNC, of Pittsburgh; and Canadian-owned TD Bank, which has its U.S. headquarters in Marlton each have over 100 branches and at least $30 billion in local deposits. TD, one of the banks that has consolidated some of its less-used suburban locations to cut costs, said in a recent statement that it may open a handful of urban branches in Philadelphia after further study of the market. TD in 2008 acquired the former Commerce Bancorp, whose founder, Vernon Hill, pioneered a wave of fast-serve banking among competitors as he built a network of more than 600 branches in the metro Philadelphia, New York, and Washington areas. Hills attempt to build a more recent branch empire at Philadelphia-based First Republic Bank ended in 2022 when he was forced out by directors worried the company had not been winning enough new business to cover the cost of branch expansion. Harold Staten with his son Harold DeBose and his daughter Rosa Fountain. Read more After spending nearly 40 years behind bars for murder, a North Philadelphia man was exonerated Monday and was expected to be released from prison by the end of the day. Harold Staten, 71, was convicted in 1986 of setting a fire that killed a man after his rowhouse on North Percy Street erupted in flames. Charles Harris and three others leapt from a second-floor window to escape the blaze, but he suffered severe burns and died from his injuries three days later. But the case that led to Statens conviction was based in part on flawed science and conflicting testimony, prosecutors said Monday in recommending reversal of the guilty finding. Common Pleas Court Judge Scott DiClaudio agreed and vacated Statens 1986 guilty verdict and ended his sentence of life in prison without parole. Advertisement Staten, who has been in prison for more than half his life, burst into tears, lowering his face into his hands as the judge announced the decision to set him free. His son, Harold DeBose, was overwhelmed with emotion. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah, he exclaimed, using the Arabic phrase meaning Praise be to God. The decades-old case was revived by attorneys from the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, who cited advances in fire-investigation technology that they said called the conviction into question. Nilam Sanghvi, legal director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, said the science led the lawyers to believe that the case against Staten was unjust, and they asked a judge to reverse his conviction. Were just elated that we got this outcome. Its been a long march waiting for the fire science to catch up, said Amelia Maxfield, an attorney with the Exoneration Project. At around 3:48 a.m. on Oct. 30, 1984, the rowhouse on North Percy Street caught fire while the four people inside Harris; his girlfriend, Marion DeBose; her daughter Juanita; and tenant Robert Williams were asleep. When the four realized the house was in flames, they jumped from second-floor windows to escape. When firefighters arrived, they took the four to the hospital. Three days later, Harris died from his burns. At Statens trial, prosecutors said he started the fire after a dispute over a can of missing roach spray. They said he went to the house, poured an accelerant into the vestibule, and set the building ablaze. But a chemical analysis of samples taken from the house later showed no trace of accelerant something Statens lawyers highlighted in seeking his release. The district attorneys office, in reviewing the case at the request of Statens lawyers, hired a forensics expert who concluded there was not sufficient evidence the fire had been deliberately set. Assistant District Attorney Carrie Wood, of the offices Conviction Integrity Unit, said that conclusion called the entire case into question. The commonwealth cant stand by a conviction when we have that type of evidence, Wood said after Mondays hearing. In addition to questions raised by the science, Statens attorneys pointed to testimony from a 17-year-old girl who gave conflicting accounts about what she saw the night of the fire. In an initial interview, the girl told police she did not see Staten near the house before, during, or after the fire. But in a later interview, the girl changed her story and said she saw Staten standing at the front door of the house. On Monday, Statens younger brother, Melvin Lassiter fought back tears as he left the courtroom after the judges ruling. Glad hes coming home, he said. Statens son, DeBose, said he has a long list of things he wants to share with his father, who went to prison when he was a teenager. He wants his father to hug his granddaughter and his great-grandson. He wants to carefully guide him as he adjusts to a world that has changed so much during his decades in prison. But, first, DeBose said, he wants to sit down and have a cup of coffee with his dad. Staten, he said, gave him his first taste of coffee when he was 9 years old during a Cleveland Browns game. After he picks up his father Monday night, he said, he wants to brew him a fresh pot. Ricotta cannoli at Isgro Pastries at 1009 Christian St. in South Philadelphia, which traces its history back more than a century. Read more The 20 bakeries on the James Beard Foundations list of semifinalists for 2024s outstanding bakery are all over the map, literally: Breadshop in Honolulu; Zak the Baker in Miami; ZU Bakery in Portland, Maine; and Nicholes Fine Pastry & Cafe in Fargo, N.D., among them. Theyre all newcomers when compared with Isgro Pastries in South Philadelphia. Isgro traces its roots to the early 1900s, when Sicilian immigrant Mario Isgro and his wife, Crocifissa, opened their shop in the front of their rowhouse at 1009 Christian St. Now in its fourth generation, Isgro has won numerous local awards for its cookies and cannoli. It still works out of one retail store and does mail order via Goldbelly, and wholesales its pastries to only a handful of Philadelphia restaurants and retailer Di Bruno Bros. This is years of just continuing to do what we do and maintain the quality and standards that my great-grandfather insisted upon, said A.J. Sarno, who with his brother, Michael, 46, took over Isgros day-to-day operation several years ago from their father, Gus, 75, Marios grandson. Gus is semiretired. Allegedly. Advertisement I have a camera system here that my dad watches constantly, A.J. said. He will call me 12 to 15 times a day just to make sure everything is right. Hes a perfectionist. Lucille Sarno, the boys mother and Gus wife, retired recently from her job as the bookkeeper. Isgro made the Beards radar through A.J., who sent in a nomination, as owners and chefs may do under the rules. He said he was not sure how the shop made the semifinals, but he noted that he collaborated on a crab Rangoon cannoli with Chutatip Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya, who won Beards 2023 award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. The semifinalists list will be pared to five nominees on April 3. The awards ceremony will be held June 10 in Chicago. A brief history of Isgro Mario Isgro, born in 1879, grew up in the town of Barcellona, near Messina, Sicily. As a boy, he went to work for a land baron, said Gus Sarno. He worked in the stables, one of about 300 employees. My grandfather would go sit on the roof and look down into the kitchen and watch, Sarno said. One day, the baroness said to the husband, That kids out there every day looking at the kitchen. Why dont you put him in the kitchen? He winds up having a good rapport with the executive chef, and my grandfather came up the ranks. The baron winds up sending him to Vienna for culinary arts. The executive chef was getting older and the baron had the foresight to see what would happen. Long story short, he goes to Vienna for three years and he studied culinary arts, but at a different level. He could do ice sculptures, pull sugar, anything. Mario Isgro and his wife, born Crocifissa Buzzetta, arrived in Philadelphia at the turn of the 20th century, like thousands of Italian immigrants getting on their feet, thanks to Antonio Palumbo, a South Philadelphia businessman. In 1904, according to family lore, Palumbo helped the couple buy 1009 Christian St., and the bakery joined a block of merchants then as now. The Isgros later bought the adjoining properties, 1005 and 1007. Their children Vito, Sam, and Mary were the second generation to work in the bakery. (Son Mario died as a child.) Mary Isgro married Elmo Sarno, a police officer, and had two children, Mario and Gus. Gus Sarno, born in 1948, bought the store in the 1970s. The generations keep going If you ask Gus, Michael, and A.J. Sarno how old they were when they started working at Isgro, they will answer, to a man: If you could put a cherry on a product, you were working. The previous generation slept upstairs. The back room was the dining room and kitchen. Young Gus would do his homework on his grandmothers dining room table. The store would never close, Gus said. The last person that was up at night, whatever time they went up, they would lock the door. Christmas Eve was particularly busy, Gus said. Youd be at church on Christmas [morning] and all the kids are telling you what they got from Santa Claus. I go home crying to my mom, Why didnt Santa stop at our house? She said, Its because youre special. He comes tonight. The Sarno brothers got into the business differently. When I got old enough to lift stuff, I was at the sink washing dishes, A.J. said. Michael, a decade older, said he wasnt a natural. Take that entry-level job of placing cherries. They told me to put cherries on all these 20 pans, 48 cookies to a pan, he said. Im like, thats going to take me forever. [My fathers] motivation would be like, Ill bet you you cant do it. And then it would be something like, Challenge accepted. One day, Gus and the bakers were making cannoli and called Michael over. Gus showed him how to wrap the warm dough around the stick. Boom! The first one I did perfect, Michael said. He walked away and hes like you got the rest. I did that, sat there, and pinned cannoli for four hours. As a young man, Michael worked at the bakery just to have money, but then got serious, getting a business degree. When Gus said, You should probably go to culinary school because I can only teach you what I know, Michael got a degree from the Restaurant School (now Walnut Hill College). On his days off from school, hed work at the bakery. All of a sudden, I was like a pro, like I had responsibilities, Michael said. I went from doing busy work to keeping me out of the way to something I thought was fun. He tried working for others for two years, and then I was like, All right. Thats enough, he said. A.J. said he was really not a great kid. I was pulling flowers off cakes. I was not doing any work. I did not care. I was the youngest, so they let me get away with it. If I didnt want to work, I didnt have to work. I would sit downstairs with Grandmom. READ MORE: Baking up a holy storm for Pope Francis Still, the bakery needed help and in time, A.J. did grunt stuff like sweeping and mopping. His father told him: You dont have to make this your career. He got a bachelors degree in biology followed by a masters, with hopes of becoming a doctor. After that, I was at home, I was living with Mom and Dad and I was dragging my feet, he said. I wasnt doing anything. I was sitting on the couch watching TV, and my parents were like, What are you going to do? You know, we could use a hand here at the bakery. This time, the bakery work was real: reading recipes, baking, mixing. He found that he liked it. I think having a science background helped, he said. In baking, theres no improvising. Shortly after, his father asked him what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. I said, I think I want to work at the bakery, and he was happy, A.J. said. But not his mother. He said she took his framed masters degree off the wall and threw it down the basement steps. In time, A.J. said, his mother understood. He said he gets the satisfaction of working with the people hes known his whole life. Many employees have been there for decades. The bakery was a comfort zone for me, A.J. said, but at the same time, I didnt have an appreciation for that when I was young. There is potential for a fifth generation: A.J.s daughter, Adelina, is 18 months old. READ MORE: Make Isgro's butter-pecan cookies at home The top 7 desserts at Isgro Isgros cases line the main aisle of the shop a colorful collection of cookies and pastries. We asked for their top five, and they came up with seven: Obviously, the cannoli, A.J. said. Its our No.1 seller. The cheesecake with the strawberry on it is probably our second best pastry seller, A.J. Sarno said. Pesca con crema, a sponge cake filled with peach cream and drenched in peach liqueur, is an old Sicilian wedding-table creation. Were the only ones I know who make that, Gus Sarno said. The baba rum is brioche soaked in rum syrup with ricotta in the middle. Rum cake squares are Isgros popular rum cake, scaled down for two people. It has vanilla cream inside and toasted almonds around the outside. The zeppole, or the Saint Josephs cake, is a round fritter filled with vanilla pastry cream or ricotta. Cookies are almost as big of a seller as the pastries, A.J. said. His father created the lemon ricotta and chocolate-chip ricotta cookies about 20 years ago. In December 2022, Inquirer writer Jenn Ladd described their appeal: Slicked with a powdered-sugar glaze flavored with vanilla or lemon (and flecked with chocolate chips if the former), a pound of these puppies could easily disappear in minutes. Its very light and airy, A.J. Sarno said. You feel like you can eat a thousand of them. Richard Rosenberg (left) of the National Music Festival and Mindaugus Piecaitis urge Nora to get to work at a 2012 meeting. Read more Nora the Piano Cat, one of Philadelphias first viral animal stars, has died. She was 19. We are so grateful to have had nearly 20 years with this beautiful and talented feline, Noras owners, Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow!, wrote on social media. Over the years, Nora received thousands of messages of love from you, her fans and admirers. We thank you all. Nora had been undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease over the last several years, and led a normal life for much of that time, her owners wrote. But her condition worsened in the last few weeks, and she died Monday on her favorite blanket at home, surrounded by her loved ones. At this moment, I cant imagine a world without her, Alexander and Yow! wrote. Advertisement Rescued from the streets of Camden as a kitten in 2004, Nora went viral in 2007 after Alexander and Yow! uploaded a video to YouTube of her plinking out notes on a piano at their Philadelphia home. It quickly went viral, garnering millions of views, and prompting Nora to be featured on television, including the Today Show, Late Night with Conan OBrien, and Animal Planet. Noras playing also inspired Lithuanian composer Mindaugas Piecaitis to compose a chamber orchestra piece known as CATcerto, which was first performed in 2009. That year, Nora was named ASPCAs Cat of the Year. A friend sent Piecaitis a copy of Noras initial viral video, which sparked an obsession with the cat, The Inquirer reported in 2012. The pair met that year, with Nora playing just four notes before lying back down on the pianos bench. I was so amazed, Piecaitis, a conductor with the the Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra at the time, told The Inquirer of Noras work. It had such feeling, such stimmung. Piecaitis connected with Alexander and Yow!, who are artists and musicians themselves, and the couple sent him all the video footage of Nora that they had. Out of that came CATCerto, Piecaitis first piece of music, and it was performed about two dozen times around the world. Noras playing, Alexander and Yow! told The Inquirer in 2012, came to their attention in 2005, when they heard music coming from a room in their home where Alexander taught piano students. Believing an intruder might be present, they rushed to the room only to find Nora, who glanced at them before continuing to play. Since their initial upload in 2007, Alexander and Yow! have posted a number of other videos featuring Noras musical stylings, some of which have garnered millions or hundreds of thousands of views. She brought Betsy and I so much joy, and through her we met so many wonderful folks, the couple wrote on social media. We loved her dearly. Myriam Ramirez (right) holds up a sign during a rally to raise the state and local minimum wage in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks (left) addresses the group. Read more In Philadelphia and the four Pennsylvania counties that surround it, about 399,000 people would see their income increase if the state raised the minimum wage to $15. Gov. Josh Shapiro once again proposed that change in his second budget address on Tuesday, repeating a proposal from last year and reiterating the call by his predecessor, Tom Wolf. Discussing the current $7.25 hourly minimum wage on Tuesday, Shapiro said its anticompetitive and its hurting our workers. This year, state legislators from both major political parties seem to believe a minimum-wage increase can happen. Shapiro noted that a minimum wage bill has already passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and said hes encouraged to see the comments of the leaders in the Senate who have shown a willingness to engage on this issue. If it does, the majority of workers in the Philly region who would see a pay bump are people of color. Nearly half work full time, and over a quarter are parents whose children live with them. About 40% have taken at least some college classes. Advertisement Just 14% in the region are teens. And in Philadelphia, specifically, that drops to 8%. Angela Valvano, executive director of worker-advocacy group Better PA, said that data refutes one of the oft-repeated assumptions about minimum-wage and low-wage workers: that theyre mostly teenagers working summer jobs. The data comes from the Keystone Research Center, an organization that researches economic equity issues and has been advocating for an increase in the minimum wage. The organization analyzed the likely effects of state legislation that would bump Pennsylvanias minimum wage to $15, using U.S. Census Bureau data and estimates from the Economic Policy Institute, a national think tank with a similar focus on issues affecting low-income workers. Keystone researchers announced the findings of the report this month, at an online event including state lawmakers, all Democrats, who spoke about the impact to their districts. 28% of workers who would benefit have a child of their own who is under 18 living in their household. Keystone Research Center We dispel some really persistent myths in the new report, said Claire Kovach, a senior research analyst for the Keystone Research Center. She noted that the people most affected in the state are working in industries that are expected to see increasing demand, including health care and social assistance. Some workers currently earning $15 per hour or more are also likely to be affected if the minimum wage increases, Kovach noted. These indirectly affected workers, she said, would extend out to those making about $17.25 per hour now. The researchers and legislators said thats a good thing. When folks on the middle and low end of the economy make more money, they spend it, said Rep. Justin Fleming. Its good for business owners and its good for other workers. Fleming noted that in his own House district in Dauphin County, more than 6,000 workers are making less than $15 per hour, and about 30% of them are parents of minors. Its not like these are folks who are single and trying to make it on their own, Fleming said. Theyre raising families. Pennsylvanias minimum wage is currently $7.25, same as the federal minimum wage, and it hasnt changed since 2009. The Pennsylvania House, which has a Democratic majority, passed a bill in June that would have increased the state minimum wage to $11 at the start of 2024, $13 in 2025, and $15 in 2026. A similar bill was introduced in the state Senate. While that legislation did not make it over the finish line last year, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a Republican, has said raising the minimum wage is on the table for 2024. All of the states bordering Pennsylvania have higher minimum wages. New Jersey and Delaware are among the 22 states where minimum wage increased effective Jan. 1. In Delaware, it reached $13.25 per hour (it will go up to $15 in 2025), and in New Jersey its now $15.13. The legislature in every state around us has gotten the memo, said Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of Keystone Research Center. Were actually hurting employers were losing workers because theyre going across the borders to get a living wage. Nicole Junior in the nursery inside her home in Philadelphia. Junior has not met her son. Read more Nicole Junior and Chanel Glover were ready to be mothers, so the same month as their wedding, they began pursuing IVF. The two decided early on that Glover would be the one to become pregnant. Junior didnt care about having a genetic connection either way, she figured, the baby would be theirs. Still, she was unexpectedly thrilled when she and her wife were able to find a sperm donor who shared some of her features. We felt like we would be able to see my face in our child, Junior, now 43, said. She and the donor both traced their ancestry to Benin and he was even a Sagittarius, like her. The ensuing fertility tests, medications, and procedures cost upward of $30,000, and the couple split the bills down the middle. Once Glover became pregnant, they chose a name and began planning a baby shower. Advertisement Then their marriage fell apart. Their painstaking efforts to conceive a child, detailed later in hundreds of pages of court documents, ultimately resulted in a healthy baby boy. But it has also resulted in a pitched battle between the two women with repercussions beyond their family, impacting the growing number of people in Pennsylvania who conceive using assisted reproductive technology. That encompasses everything from in vitro fertilization to donor eggs to surrogacy. Courts will now take into account all the decisions and actions leading up to a successful birth, said Helen Casale, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, who filed an amicus brief in Glover v. Junior. How did they come to this determination to plan this family together? Did they go to doctors appointments? Did they make decisions related to the type of person whos going to be the sperm donor? Casale said. At the root, Junior and Glover were effectively fighting over a basic question, and in doing so changed how the law answers it: In Pennsylvania, in modern times, what makes a parent? A test case Pennsylvania has no law on the books defining parenthood, which means the courts have long had to decide the disputed bounds of family. For generations, judges relied primarily on biology and marriage to make that determination. But now, when many more people are having children with the help of technology, and many more LGBTQ families are conceiving, biology and marriage dont cover as much ground. Many families are raising children where one or both parents dont share a genetic connection to the child. Glover and Junior became a test case for the rights of such families. That was partly because for them, the process of becoming pregnant left behind a trail of contracts and promises that could later be scrutinized in court. They are also both highly educated former attorneys; there was a considerable amount of evidence for the courts to examine. Their journey to motherhood required fortitude and patience. First, the two went through a battery of tests and consultations at their local fertility clinic. Once they signed up for IVF, Junior injected hormones into Glovers abdomen every day for two weeks, alternating between the left and right sides, to prepare her wife for her egg retrieval. She waited in the parking lot with Glovers mother during the surgical procedure. After Glover became pregnant, Junior injected her wife with progesterone shots every morning for three months, to help prevent miscarriage, rubbing her muscles afterward to dissipate any buildup. They continued to visit their fertility clinic for blood work every week, until they transferred to an ob-gyn at Jefferson. Along the way, the two signed a series of contracts: one at the fertility clinic and one at the sperm bank, where Junior was listed as co-intended parent, one with a doula, and another with a law firm in Philadelphia to establish a second parent adoption, to ensure that Junior would be recognized as the legal parent of their child, no matter where in the country they chose to live. Chanel and I are excited to share that WERE PREGNANT! the couple wrote to their friends and family in early January 2022. But at the same time, their marriage was crumbling. They wrote to therapists asking for help setting up a healthy coparenting plan if they ended up getting divorced, according to court papers. Glover later said in court testimony that Junior was emotionally abusive, impulsive, and volatile. Junior disputed that. Emotional abuse is something that would be litigated in a custody hearing, but would not have a bearing on parental rights, Casale said. Then, when Glover was four and a half months pregnant, Junior moved out of their shared bedroom and a month later left for two writing residencies on the West Coast. By that point, Glover had already stopped working on the second-parent adoption paperwork. She called her wife across the country and explained that she had decided not to go forward with co-parenting. In her view, Junior was not now, and would not be, the parent of her child. My only concern was having a safe birth and being able to give birth to a healthy child, Glover, now 41, said. I hung up the phone, relieved. In Seattle, Junior sat at the kitchen counter of a rented house, in shock. She knew her relationship was over. But she had still believed she and her ex would raise their child together. Soon after, Glover filed for divorce. Junior filed a petition as part of the divorce case, asking the court to recognize her as a parent to the baby who was yet to be born. Its a lot more deliberate At the couples first Family Court hearing in May 2022, Glover was nine months pregnant. The testimony among the estranged couple and their lawyers was contentious. Daniel Sulman, the Family Court judge assigned to the case, was vocally skeptical of Glovers claim that she was effectively a single parent. He grasped at the counterfactuals. Can my wife say, Im rejecting you as the father? Sulman asked during the hearing. Im in a heterosexual relationship. [Im] married to my spouse. My spouse gets naturally pregnant, and at some point during the pregnancy, she decides that Im no longer her spouse. Are you saying that she could then say, Im no longer a parent, when that child is eventually born? The judge seemed fixated on the fact that this was not about a child conceived during a one-night stand. Like in many LGBTQ relationships, intention and planning necessarily came before conception. In a heterosexual situation, you could say, well, Oh, it was an accident. I didnt intend to we didnt intend to become pregnant, Sulman said during the hearing. In this case its a lot more deliberate. Sulman ruled that Junior was a legal parent to the child and should be listed on the childs birth certificate and have access to him after birth. Glover appealed the decision. At the end of May, she had an emergency C-section. I, of course, dont want to disenfranchise other queer families, Glover said. I just dont want my case, specifically my son, to be an agenda. And thats what its becoming. In early June, Juniors doorbell rang. When she opened the door, there were flowers on the stoop. Glovers colleagues had sent them, along with a card congratulating the couple. Thats how Junior found out their son had been born. A new Pa. precedent In August 2023, after a series of appeals, the Pennsylvania Superior Court agreed to hear the case en banc, a rare kind of session reserved for especially significant and complex cases, where nine judges are present. It was a sign that this was a very hot issue, Casale said. Months went by. Then, in December, the Superior Court ruled unanimously. They affirmed the lower courts decision that Junior was indeed a parent for multiple reasons. The court noted that Junior had both a financial and a shared emotional role in the conception of the child, in part because she had administered daily hormone injections and accompanied Glover to some of her medical appointments. Most significantly, the majority determined that Junior was also a parent because she and Glover intended her to be one. The majority called this intent-based parentage, setting a precedent for all future cases in Pennsylvania. The decision means that both parties expressed intentions for someone to be a parent, even in lieu of a marriage or a genetic relationship to a child, matters now legally. The couple not only evidenced their mutual intent to conceive and raise the child, but they also participated jointly in the process of creating a new life, the decision said. Legal observers who focus on LGBTQ clients heralded the decision as a major victory. This is a multigenerational legal battle to confirm civil rights in the LGBTQ community, said Mark A. Momjian, an attorney who filed an amicus brief for Philadelphia Family Pride, a nonprofit LGBTQ advocacy group, in support of Juniors position. Casale, of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, also praised the decision, and said it has had an immediate impact on clients she represents. Glover is now asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hear the case. If the Supreme Court does not agree to hear it, then the Superior Court decision will stand and the couple will head to a custody hearing. By now, the experience has caused rippling anguish and heartbreak for everyone involved. To say that someone can give some money towards IVF and administer some shots is enough to show intent my mom can make a claim, Glover said, her voice low and near breaking. My mom was at the majority of my doctors appointments, majority of my sons pediatrician appointments. My mom has done more. Despite the courts decision, the only photo Junior has ever seen of her son is a sonogram. She dreams of holding him, counting his teeth, smelling his neck. But she has already missed many of the first moments in the childs life, the kinds of moments that bond a child to his mother. I want him to know that he was intentional, Junior said recently, between sobs. He was intended. We wanted him. We both did. Kuleba doesnt believe that possible personnel changes in Ukrainian govt will affect relations with partners Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba does not believe that possible personnel changes in the government of the country can affect Kyiv's relations with partners. I don't think any changes in the government can affect our relations with our partners, because our partners respect the president's authority to make the decisions I mentioned. This is a sovereign constitutionally guaranteed right of the President of Ukraine, Kuleba said, answering questions from journalists at a joint press conference with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Gomes Cravinho. Kuleba pointed out that discussions are anchored in democracy, and Ukraine is a democratic country. We can discuss tactics internally, but we are all united around our strategic goal of defeating Russia in Ukraine and restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. And there are no discussions about this strategic goal, the minister said at a press conference in Kyiv. He also stressed that the President of Ukraine, according to the Constitution, is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and also oversees the defense and foreign policy of Ukraine. Therefore, he has the full constitutional right to make decisions that he considers necessary to ensure the effectiveness of management and achieve the strategic goal that I have described, the head of the department added. Speaking about the possibility of his resignation from the post of Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Kuleba said that he would leave the post if the President asked him to, or if he disagreed with the course of foreign policy - and now neither of these two reasons takes place. As for me, I have clearly stated my position. I see two reasons why I will leave the office. First, if the President asks me to do this, because he offered me this job, and I think it's fair that if he wants to see another person as a foreign minister, then I will agree. And the second reason is if I disagree with how foreign policy is defined and implemented. Neither of these two reasons is currently the case. That's why I keep working, Kuleba said. A man identified with a first name only, Zoheir, from Bucks County, holding a Palestinian flag on Monday during a rally outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol demanding the state to stop investing public funds in Israel. Read more HARRISBURG Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators descended on the Pennsylvania state Capitol building Monday to protest the investment of taxpayer dollars in Israel Bonds, the first action in what organizers said will be an ongoing campaign to pressure lawmakers to divest from Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The rally came a day before Gov. Josh Shapiros scheduled budget address, but activists with the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace, the activist network Philly Palestine Coalition, and the Council for American-Islamic Relations came to the rally with a different target: State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Like other nations, Israel sells securities bonds to support government spending. While these mini-loans can be paid back with interest upon maturity, buying Israeli bonds is also viewed as symbolic financial investment that has long been tied to showing political support for Israel. Pennsylvania has a history of using its investment powers to make political statements, from divesting in Russian assets in response to the invasion of Ukraine or selling off Chinese assets in opposition to their communist government. Most recently, Garrity, as treasurer, invested an additional $20 million in Israel Bonds after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Activists on Monday criticized Garrity for ramping up bond purchases and bringing the states total investment in Israel Bonds to about $56.4 million a small but politically meaningful fraction of the $27.6 billion investment pool overseen by the treasurer. Garrity, a Republican, said in a statement that she supports Israel and defended Pennsylvanias 30-year tradition of investing in Israel Bonds. After the horrific and deadly attacks perpetrated against Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, I unequivocally stand in solidarity with our ally, Garrity said in a statement. Put simply: If Hamas stopped fighting today, there would be no more war. If Israel stopped fighting today, there would be no more Israel. Israel Bonds did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. Advertisement Mondays protest began outside the Capitol, with a rally and prayer of about 200 protesters calling on Garrity to invest in Pennsylvanians rather than foreign entities. Protesters waved banners that drew attention to the more than 27,000 Palestinians killed in the first four months of the war. Why are we using our money as a political tool? We should be using our money to invest in our communities, our public transit, our health care, our education systems, Dounya Ramadan, an activist from Philadelphia, said outside the Capitol. Meanwhile, about 200 other protesters who had filtered into the Capitol throughout the morning gathered in the Main Rotunda and donned black T-shirts that said divest from genocide. Crowd of about 100 pro-Palestinian protesters have now been declared as unlawfully assembling. The crowd is cheering, and said they wont be leaving pic.twitter.com/G1yzgpMlAC Gillian McGoldrick (@gill_mcgoldrick) February 5, 2024 Within 15 minutes, Pennsylvania State Police and Capitol Police warned the crowd that protesters were unlawfully trespassing and they would begin arrests and likely charge them with misdemeanors, despite an attempted intervention from State Rep. Chris Rabb (D., Philadelphia). Organizers said 186 people were detained and released by midafternoon. Capitol Police said 126 individuals were issued citations for trespassing. What are Israeli bonds? Purchasing Israeli bonds amounts to essentially floating a loan to Israel. The returns on investment are fairly low in most cases, but experts said the bonds have carried symbolic meaning for Jewish people and institutions for decades. While some bonds predate Israels founding in 1948, Israel Bonds launched its first major fundraising campaign in the early 1950s to help grow the states budding economy. Advertisement Early support came in the form of bond parties and bond dinners organized by Jewish groups in the Philadelphia region and other U.S. areas with significant Jewish populations. Over the years, the bonds grew popular among public and private institutions as an investment tool. The Development Corporation of Israel, the official name of Israel Bonds, touts over $50 billion in worldwide bond sales to date. Lila Corwin Berman, a professor of Jewish studies at Temple University who studies Jewish philanthropy, said bond purchases carry emotional power whether they be for a bar mitzvah gift or a gesture of solidarity between states. People understand that politics doesnt just happen through getting legislative action passed, Berman said. Foreign investment is a form of diplomacy. Harrisburg and the politics of foreign investment The state treasurers online dashboard does not provide a breakdown of all foreign investments, but Garrity said Israel Bonds purchases comprise less than 1% of the total investment assets managed by the treasury. Small as they may be, those investments are frequently subject to political headwinds. After the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022, Garrity sold off about $3 million in holdings from Russia. Every dollar matters, she said at the time. Advertisement Garrity also divested $394 million from China that year, leaving just $50,000 invested, while Republican lawmakers continue to press the state to break off any investments in the communist country. Meanwhile, interest in Israel appears to be booming at the state level. Pennsylvania was one of several states that purchased over $300 million in Israeli bonds during the first month of the Israel-Hamas war part of a $1 billion total investment nationwide after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. In October, Garrity invested an additional $20 million in Israel Bonds. And in December, she was appointed to a newly formed government advisory board for Israel Bonds a role that protesters also criticized on Monday. Pennsylvanias support has not gone unnoticed. Israel Bonds president and CEO Dani Naveh described Garritys purchase as an uplifting message to Israel at this exceedingly difficult time one that provides much-needed assistance on the ground, according to an October treasury news release. Advertisement Garrity in turn described Israel Bonds as both a smart investment and as a symbolic connection with Israel and the people of Israel for Jews worldwide. Why the Harrisburg protest? While the early months of the war were defined by massive demonstrations in the streets and acts of civil disobedience that sought to pressure elected officials into supporting a cease-fire, some activists have turned their focus onto Israels public- and private-sector financiers. Divestment campaigns have been central to the pro-Palestinian movement for decades, but Mondays action also highlighted the most-dramatic resurgence of this strategy in Pennsylvania as the Palestinian death toll continues to climb. Activists in Pennsylvania have also targeted private corporations over their financial ties to Israel. In January, a group of protesters staged a die-in outside BNY Mellons headquarters in Philadelphia, drawing attention to the global investment firms ties to the Friends of the IDF as well Israeli weapons manufacturers. Organizers behind Mondays protest said they will continue to campaign against government investments in Israel. We are, as Pennsylvania residents, against oppression, regardless of the identity, said Omar Mussa, 30, who lives in Harrisburg and is Palestinian. We are going to divest from oppression and occupation and genocide, no matter who is committing the oppression. We cannot divest from Russia because of occupying Ukraine, and then not divest from Israel as they occupy Palestinians in Gaza. Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his second budget address Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 in the Main Rotunda in the Capitol building in Harrisburg. Read more Gov. Shapiro on Tuesday unveiled a budget plan with a more than a $1 billion increase in basic education funding, the main pot of money for K-12 public schools. But perhaps more impactful than the amount of money is how the governor proposes to distribute it. Rather than distributing all that money through the states school funding formula, Shapiro called for putting $872 million of it through an adequacy formula steering more money to struggling school districts, in direct response to a Commonwealth Court ruling last year that Pennsylvanias school funding system is unconstitutional. The proposal appeared to satisfy lawyers who sued the state on behalf of some of those school districts, who praised Shapiros plan as a bold, historic first step toward a system that honors the limitless potential of our students and delivers the future our communities and our children deserve. But better-funded districts with high property tax rates would also see benefits under the plan, which had other notable proposals including calls to reduce how much school districts have to pay cyber charter schools, and to provide sustainable funding to fix aging school facilities. Advertisement And the Democratic governor said he considers a previous proposal to institute a voucher program that would give families money to send their children to private schools a policy embraced by Republicans and maligned by public education advocates in his party unfinished business. Heres a breakdown of the governors education proposal and what it could mean for schools if it passes the legislature and then gets signed by Shapiro: Nearly $1 billion would go toward adequacy targets. Tuesdays budget address was closely watched for how Shapiro would address last years court ruling, which said Pennsylvania had been depriving students of needed resources particularly in poorer districts that dont have as much ability to generate property tax revenue as wealthier ones. In order to ensure that schools have enough money, advocates have pressed the state to adopt adequacy targets for each district, based on a measure of what academically successful districts in Pennsylvania are spending. The legislatures Basic Education Funding Commission endorsed that approach last month and Shapiro embraced the commissions recommendations in his plan Tuesday, with proposed spending figures mirroring what lawmakers included in their report. That means distributing an additional $200 million through the states funding formula, and $872 million more through what Shapiro called an adequacy formula, designed to ensure every school has the appropriate level of resources they need to serve their students, the governor said. Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said the budget proposal, which would give the district an estimated $247 million more in funding, was an important step toward equitably and adequately funding public education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Like many districts, Philadelphia has said it will be hit hard by the end of federal COVID relief funds; absent more money from its city and state funders, it had projected a deficit of nearly $400 million next year. Shapiros proposal wont solve Pennsylvanias school funding problem. In total, the legislative commission found schools need an additional $5.4 billion, which it proposed be phased in over seven years. The governor didnt describe future plans for school funding Tuesday, though he noted that lawmakers had committed to fully fix the issue by not appealing the courts ruling. No one here, I dont care what party youre in, should be OK with an unconstitutional education system for our kids, Shapiro said. Tax equity supplements would help high-taxed districts. The new $872 million wouldnt just go to ensure that districts have enough money, however. In some cases, school districts already deemed to have adequate levels of spending that have high local tax rates would get additional money, as part of what the legislative commission described as tax equity supplements. Shapiro didnt address that aspect of the plan Tuesday, though his administration said the proposed spending includes the tax equity payments proposed by the commission. For instance, local districts that wouldnt get state money for adequacy but would qualify for the tax equity payments include Wallingford-Swarthmore, Cheltenham, and Perkiomen Valley, under the plan. School facilities would get attention. Shapiro also called for $300 million in sustainable funding for school facilities adopting another recommendation of the commission. The amount is relatively small compared with the scope of district needs; Shapiro noted how the Scranton School District alone has identified more than $300 million in necessary repairs everything from installing a new fire sprinkler to removing lead paint. In Philadelphia, facilities needs have been estimated at more than $7 billion. In his speech, Shapiro noted the citys facilities crisis, describing how Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D., Philadelphia) had brought her children to the Capitol one day because their school was closed due to asbestos. There are a lot of other families out there who would have had to miss part of a paycheck miss a days work because we didnt do our part to make our schools safer, Shapiro said. Cyber charters would get a flat rate of $8,000 a student. Shapiro also proposed what previously has been a nonstarter in Harrisburg: reducing the payments that cyber charter schools get from school districts. Rather than districts paying cyber charters a rate per student based on what the districts spend an amount Shapiros administration said ranges from $8,639 to $26,564, given how widely district spending differs the governor called for districts to pay the cyber schools a flat $8,000 rate per pupil. Logic would dictate that two students going to the same school, getting the same education, should warrant the same payment rate, Shapiro said adding that cyber charter schools also shouldnt be getting paid as much as brick-and-mortar schools, as they currently do. The plan would save districts $262 million, according to Shapiro. School superintendents and public education advocates have long described cyber charters as a drain on district budgets. The cyber schools have scored poorly on standardized tests but have continued to draw students, seeing enrollment surge during the pandemic. School-choice advocates have defended them as a needed option. The proposed cut will reduce educational options for families across Pennsylvania, said Anne Clark, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, who pledged to vigorously fight for the rights of families who have chosen to educate their children in cyber charter schools. In rare bipartisan consensus, Democrats and Republicans on the education funding commission recently agreed that districts should be reimbursed for some costs they incur from sending students to cyber charters. But it remains to be seen whether Republican leaders would agree to cuts for the charters. Private school vouchers are still on the table, but no money has been set aside. As a final budget gets hashed out between now and June, Shapiro indicated that a proposal for funding private school vouchers that stalled amid intense controversy last year is again on the table. Its something I support and consider to be unfinished business, Shapiro said, referring to scholarships that let poor families in struggling school districts put their kids in the best position for them to succeed. The comments met with pushback from the Education Law Center and Public Interest Law Center, the nonprofit legal groups representing plaintiffs in the school funding case. Funds spent on vouchers for private schools sanction discrimination against students, lead to worse outcomes by any measure, and dont bring us a dollar closer to compliance with the courts ruling, the groups said in a statement. But the mention also drew anger from Republican leaders, who pointed out that while Shapiro had spoken favorably of vouchers, his budget didnt include any money for them. I appreciate that he wants to talk the talk, but he needs to walk the walk, said Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana). Theres not one penny in there for empowering parents. And that is a glaring, glaring absence. Staff writers Kristen A. Graham and Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article. Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his budget address for the 2024-25 fiscal year to a joint session of the Pennsylvania House and Senate in the Rotunda of the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Read more Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday delivered on his promise to propose a new governance structure for state-owned colleges, additional funding to make college more affordable, and a more accountable system for distributing that funding. But many questions remain about how much impact a new financial aid proposal would have on families its meant to help and how both a performance-based funding model and new system incorporating the states four-year and community colleges would work. At least one new detail did emerge: the new financial aid for students would not become available until 2025-26. READ MORE: A plan to overhaul Pa.s higher education landscape is a long time coming, but questions remain. Advertisement The Democratic governor said committees would develop some of those answers in the coming months and emphasized that Pennsylvania cant afford to underfund its colleges any longer, noting that the state is 49th in the country in its investment in higher education. His plan for this year includes a 15% boost in funding for Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools and community colleges, and a 5% increase for state-related universities, including Temple, Pennsylvania State University, Lincoln and the University of Pittsburgh. The plan brought kudos from college officials locally and around the state. If we were to get the 5%, we would be incredibly grateful to the governor and legislature and it would help keep costs down for Pennsylvania residents, said Ken Kaiser, Temples senior vice president and chief operating officer. Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi heralded a move to performance-based funding and called the proposed increase in funding critical to help us meet rising instructional and operating expenses and contain student costs. Kaiser also said he looks forward to helping to develop the new performance funding model. READ MORE: Pa. state universities are getting a historic boost in funding with state budget deal It would just bring a little bit more clarity and certainty to the process, he said. But its uncertain whether the plan will ultimately gain bipartisan support. Were starting to hear from our local community colleges and others who have great concern over creating an even bigger system, one that I can say has the ability to shift resources around where it sees fit, said Sen. Scott Martin (R., Lancaster), who chairs the Senate appropriations committee and had previously served on the PASSHE Board of Governors. What does that mean for community colleges out there? READ MORE: Gov. Josh Shapiro proposes sweeping reform of Pa. state-funded higher education Martin also questioned the plans affordability, when the states demographic projections continue to decline. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said the state should consider encouraging more out-of-state students to attend Pennsylvanias state-funded schools. Im not sure how merging two entities with declining enrollments makes them more sustainable and efficient, Pittman added. He encouraged further negotiation on the issue. But Martin acknowledged the need for a new solution on funding higher education. I cant say we agree with different components of his plans, but we do need to change things, Martin added. A combined PASSHE and community college system Under the proposed budget, the 10 state-owned universities and the states 15 community colleges would be combined into one system and receive $975 million, up from $850 million this year. For PASSHE, that percentage rise matches a historic increase the system received in 2022. Increases in state funding over the last few years have helped PASSHE which includes West Chester, Cheyney, Kutztown, Millersville, East Stroudsburg, Slippery Rock, Shippensburg, Indiana, Commonwealth, and Pennsylvania Western universities freeze tuition for five consecutive years. Details were short on how the two systems would be combined and whether the board of governors for PASSHE, which educates 82,688 students, would remain intact. The community colleges, which enroll about 230,000, do not have an overarching board. A Shapiro administration official said community colleges will not be consumed by PASSHE and that the administration was looking to Minnesota as a model. There, the states university system, community college system, and technical colleges were combined into a single system in 1991 by the states legislature. A new way to fund state universities The increase in funding for the state-related universities would be a departure from the last five years when funding was held flat amid legislative battles over the schools transparency, research and tuition increases. The schools received more than $603 million collectively in the current year, but had to wait until November to get it. Shapiro also promised a performance-based funding system for the state-related and state-owned colleges under which schools would get money for meeting certain benchmarks, such as graduation rates and retention rates. He said the model would offer a predictable funding stream based on achievement. As part of the plan, he said state-related universities would get their funding approved by a simple majority of the legislature; it currently requires a two-thirds vote. Thats a change the legislature would have to agree to. Shapiro said in an interview last week that while criteria for the performance-based plan would be developed by a bipartisan committee, it would include a component that for the first time in Pennsylvania would award colleges money for keeping graduates in the state addressing a long-standing brain drain concern that too many leave for jobs elsewhere. There also will be incentives for producing graduates in such shortage areas as nursing, and enrolling first-generation students, he said. Performance-based funding plans arent new. About 30 states have them with mixed results. The programs that perform best limit the number of metrics so that the money has an impact, and there has to be enough money set aside to make a difference. More financial aid for low-income students Shapiro also called for a $279 million increase in financial aid to college students from families earning $70,000 or less, but that wouldnt come until 2025-26. Questions remain about what that would mean for those families. Under his plan, students who attend state-owned universities and community colleges would pay no more than $1,000 per semester in tuition and fees. Many students from those families likely already qualify for maximum federal Pell grants of $7,395 or close to it and state grants of $5,750, which already more than covers tuition and fees at those schools. Shapiros aid plan is envisioned as a last-dollar scholarship aimed at tuition and fees, which means it would be applied after other aid. While we have not done all the math, our college team certainly sees a population of students who certainly will be impacted and benefit from this, said Sara Woods, co-president and CEO of Heights Philadelphia, which helps about 3,000 Philadelphia students from low-income communities into and through college. Amy Perez, Heights vice president for college and career pathways, said family size also matters in calculating Pell grants, and there are some students who could benefit from the new aid Shapiro is proposing, particularly for smaller families, because their income threshold to get the full Pell grant is much lower. For example, youll see that for families of 2, 3, or 4, the income threshold to get the full Pell grant is far below $70,000, she said. And even the threshold to get a minimum Pell grant is under $70,000 for two parents with one child. She said students, particularly those attending PASSHE schools, have gaps in the aid they receive and the cost of their education, especially when figuring in room and board. Also under the plan, the state would increase grants through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency by $1,000, raising the maximum award to $6,750. That could have more impact at state-related universities and independent colleges, where tuition and fees cost significantly more than at PASSHE and community colleges. Pennsylvanias legal disciplinary board has accused a Philadelphia lawyer of attempting to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the father of T.J. Siderio, the 12-year-old who was shot and killed by a Philadelphia Police officer in 2022, without his permission and even going as far as to ask a judge to declare the father mentally incompetent in what the board says was an attempt to keep the case and cash in on a potential settlement. The misconduct allegations against J. Conor Corcoran, a civil litigation lawyer, were detailed in a petition filed by the states Office of Disciplinary Counsel in December and first reported by Axios. The filing says Thomas Siderio Sr. hired Corcoran in 2015 to represent him in a separate, unrelated police brutality case, and that he did not hire Corcoran to represent him after his son was fatally shot by Officer Edsaul Mendoza in March 2022. But Corcorans attorney, Samuel Stretton, says the story is more complicated, and the result of multiple lawyers competing for a stake in a high-profile case. His intentions were good and then everything becomes scrambled, Stretton said. Its a sad situation where other attorneys interfered and everything fell apart. Advertisement READ MORE: Family of T.J. Siderio, the 12-year-old shot and killed by Philadelphia police, sues the city Corcoran represented Siderio in two civil cases against the city about eight years ago both involving separate injuries Siderio said he suffered at the hands of Philadelphia police and prisons officers. Siderio had been in and out of jail for much of his sons life on arrests related to assault, theft, and inhaling toxic substances. At the time of T.J.s death, he was serving a six-to- 12-year prison sentence tied to an illegal gun possession conviction. The gun case stemmed from a 2017 shootout outside a bar in which Siderios cousin was killed. Just two days after T.J. was killed, Corcoran filed a writ of summons attempting to have Siderio named as administrator of his sons estate, according to the petition without having even met with or spoken to Siderio about the matter. The day after filing, Corcoran drove to SCI Coal Township, the prison where Siderio was serving his sentence, to attempt to meet with him but was denied entry because he was not listed on his attorney visitation list. In a response to disciplinary board, Stretton said Siderio reached out to Corcoran in the days that followed, and the two spoke about the case four times between March and May 2022. Corcoran also spoke with Siderios mother and other relatives, Stretton said, and made arrangements to get copies of photos of the childs body and his death certificate. Stretton said that, even though the two had not signed a new fee agreement, Corcoran believed he continued to serve as Siderios attorney in civil matters. In April, Corcoran sent Siderio a fee agreement, requesting a 25% cut of whatever money was collected. Siderio never signed it, saying he had other attorneys offering to take a lesser fee. Theres multiple lawyers who want this case. 1 lawyer just offered me 20%. ... If you can beat 20% let my dad know, Siderio said, according to the complaint. Siderio ended up hiring attorneys at Clearfield and Kofsky to represent him. T.J.s mother, Desirae Frame, hired the firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky. Still, Corcoran continued to claim he represented Siderio, according to the filing, and sent emails to the familys retained lawyers threatening to file complaints against them. Then, in June, Corcoran filed a petition in Philadelphias Orphans Court asking a judge to find Siderio incapacitated and to appoint a guardian to oversee his estate and civil cases, according to the filing. The disciplinary board said Corcoran lied about Siderios mental troubles, and did not attach any expert medical reports to support his claims. He also requested that Siderio and Frames attorneys be removed from the case. Stretton said he did this because he was trying to protect Mr. Siderio from the other lawyers. A judge dismissed both requests. Finally, in July 2022, Corcoran withdrew his civil action and said the family was being represented by other attorneys, according to the filing. The effort was a money grab, the board said an attempt to force his representation on Siderio, and to secure the substantial attorneys fees that a case over TJs death might bring. Corcoran is regretful of how the matter played out, Stretton wrote in response. In hindsight ... he should have approached it differently and ... acknowledges he was wrong in believing the first fee agreement covered all three cases, he said. Corcoran was just trying to help and believes some of the other attorneys had taken advantage of Siderio, Stretton wrote. A hearing in front of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvanias Disciplinary Board has been scheduled for June. The district attorneys office has launched a task force to combat organized retail and home theft in Philadelphia. The task force arrives after retail theft in Philadelphia increased last year, even as other crimes stats, such as homicide, fell. Between 2017 and 2021, reported retail theft incidents rose 21%, according to an Inquirer investigation. Last year, retail theft incidents were up 27% from the year before, according to Philadelphia Police Department data. Krasners critics have routinely scrutinized the district attorneys progressive platform, which calls for less-severe punishment for certain retail theft offenders. Krasner said during a Monday news conference that the newly formed task force, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and funded by City Council, would target prolific offenders who repeatedly steal, as well as larger-scale criminal organizations that resell stolen goods. Advertisement The practice, known as fencing, sees criminals moving stolen goods worth millions throughout the country. Aided by the internet, Krasner said, these goods often end up on the shelves of small shops such as corner grocers. Those enlisted to steal the goods are often struggling with opioid addiction, Krasner said. His offices goal is to also remove the motivation to steal by connecting offenders with addiction treatment, diversion, and restorative justice. This has to stop, Krasner said of the citys fencing operations. The retail theft task force will be vigorously going after fencing operations often that are led by people making a whole lot of money doing it, he said. Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Esack will head the team, which will also prosecute those who steal homes, commonly referred to as deed theft, a practice prevalent in Philadelphia due to its high rate of home ownership. Esack said her team includes three attorneys with track records of prosecuting prolific retail theft offenders, and two additional hires are expected. Retail theft has proliferated in Philadelphia in the aftermath of the pandemic. While homicides and gun robberies fell last year the former by 23% from the year before retail theft increases were only trumped by auto theft, which rose 70% from 2022, according to police data. Krasner was initially elected on a campaign that pledged to reduce pretrial jailings and unclog the court system, and has remained committed to that vision throughout his second term. An overwhelming majority of retail theft prosecutions during his tenure have been filed as summary offenses akin to a traffic ticket a 2022 Inquirer investigation found, unless the stolen items were worth more than $500 or the suspect was a repeat offender. Meanwhile the number of arrests and the number of charges for retail theft fell by nearly 70% between 2017 the year Krasner was elected and 2021, according to the investigation. Krasner railed against notions that he was soft on retail crime, a narrative that has always been false, he said at Mondays news conference. To underscore that point, Krasner noted that summary offenses can result in up to 90 days in jail. In turn, Krasner said the district attorneys office would soon remove language from its policy that mentions the $500 limit, to take that distraction away by not focusing on a dollar amount. With the task forces launch, Esack said that in the coming year, the public should expect spikes in retail theft statistics; those figures, she said, would stem from a rise in incident reporting, as well as collaborative efforts between the task force and the Philadelphia Police Department. [Small-business owners] werent reporting a lot of the crimes, but they are now, Esack said. It will actually look like its getting worse before it gets better. Standing alongside Krasner and Esack, community members were eager for a solution that would ease the burden of theft from beleaguered store owners. The commercial corridors with these businesses are struggling as it is, said Pete Wilson, cofounder of the antiviolence group Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee. ... They have to hire people to work in the store. ... They have to hire folks to eyeball people when they come in. That makes people feel uncomfortable that are not there to steal, but to purchase items. The "news" headlines published by Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's campaign described her first term in glowing terms. They were fake, the campaign acknowledged Monday. Read more Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilals campaign is claiming that a consultant used an artificial intelligence chatbot to generate dozens of phony news headlines articles that were posted on her campaign website to highlight her first-term accomplishments. The campaign broke its silence, releasing a statement in response to an Inquirer article published Monday morning that raised questions about the veracity of 31 favorable headlines attributed to local news organizations including NBC10, CBS3, WHYY, and The Inquirer, each with supposed dates of publication. Representatives for those organizations were not able to find any of the articles. READ MORE: Did Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilals campaign make up dozens of false news stories? Advertisement Last week, Bilal spokesperson Teresa Lundy declined to comment, referring questions to Bilals campaign manager. Lundy said she did not know who that person is. Bilal and her campaign did not respond to requests for comment, either. The article was picked up Monday by the Associated Press and New York Post. By Monday afternoon, the link that had previously directed readers to the phony headlines displayed a page not found message. After review, it has been determined that an outside consultant for the reelection campaign utilized ChatGPT in support of initiatives that were in fact completed by the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office under the administration of Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, read an unsigned statement released by Friends of Rochelle Bilal. The campaign did not respond to follow-up questions seeking the name of Bilals campaign manager or the outside consultant. It is now clear that the artificial intelligence service generated fake news articles to support the initiatives that were part of the AI prompt, the statement read. Our campaign provided the outside consultant talking points which were then provided to the AI service. Bilal was elected in 2019, vowing to reform an office that has long been susceptible to corruption and dysfunction. She was reelected last November. The headlines posted on Bilals website referred to her community outreach efforts, a program to distribute gun locks, antiviolence initiatives, and other topics related to law enforcement. But it does not appear that any of those articles was ever published. It is unclear where the publication dates originated, or how the phony headlines came to be attributed to real news organizations. The campaign, for instance, had claimed that NBC10 ran a dozen stories about the sheriff. But a station spokesperson said the digital team could not find any of them. We have one video similar to the Sheriffs Offices headline about the Sheriffs Office handing out free gun locks, NBC10 spokesperson Diana Torralvo said by email last week. However, that story was done in 2016, before Rochelle Bilal was in office. Mondays statement from the Bilal campaign said the sheriff has been the subject of many positive media articles over the past four years, and it provided links to two articles from 2021 by WPVI and Fox 29. Unfortunately, the statement said, ChatGPT did not provide a link to this and many other powerful stories of Sheriff Bilals impact on the community. Experts in media ethics said the Bilal episode, atlhough bizarre and even comical, poses a real danger: Fabricated headlines can erode trust in public institutions and the news media, and can confuse voters who are having to do more work to wade through AI-generated information and pink-slime journalism created by partisan interests. You just keep spewing stuff out and it fatigues people and they dont know what to believe, said Matthew Jordan, professor of media studies and director of Penn States News Literacy Initiative. Last week, as The Inquirer was reporting on the phony news articles, Bilals campaign had temporarily pulled down headlines from her main campaign page, then added the link back with a public disclaimer stating that it could not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information provided. Nicole Junior in the nursery inside her home in Philadelphia. Junior has not met her son. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Welcome to Tuesday! Today will be sunny, with a high near 42. A recent Pennsylvania Superior Court ruling has set a new parenthood precedent. If you and your partner intend for you to be a parent, regardless of a marriage or a genetic relationship to a child, you can be considered one. Our lead story unpacks the contentious case that brought the issue before the courts. Erin Reynolds (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Nicole Junior and Chanel Glover were ready to be mothers, so the same month as their wedding, they began pursuing IVF. Then their marriage fell apart. Glover, who was carrying the child, filed for divorce. Junior filed a petition as part of the divorce case, asking the court to recognize her as a parent to the baby who was yet to be born. Advertisement At the root, Junior and Glover were fighting over a basic question: In Pennsylvania, in modern times, what makes a parent? In May 2022, Family Court Judge Daniel Sulman ruled that Junior was a legal parent to the child, should be listed on the childs birth certificate, and have access to him after birth. He focused on the fact that this was not about a child conceived during a one-night stand. Like in many LGBTQ relationships, intention and planning came before conception. Glover appealed the decision, and the Pennsylvania Superior Court agreed to hear the case, eventually affirming the lower courts decision that Junior was indeed a parent. This decision sets a precedent for all future cases in Pennsylvania. Both parties expressed intentions for someone to be a parent, even in lieu of a marriage or a genetic relationship to a child, matters now legally. Keep reading to find out why legal observers who focus on LGBTQ clients are heralding the decision as a major victory. Americas love affair with the Kelce brothers is at an all-time high, especially with the younger of the two sibs, Travis. But there seems to be some love lost when it comes to Taylor Swifts boyfriend and his haircut. Following reports that requests for Travis drop fade have been flooding barbershops across the country, people are calling out the medias disregard for the cuts origins within Black and brown barbershops. Chester native Rob Knox said its annoying seeing outlets wrongfully credit such a common hairstyle to Travis. Its been here for generations, Knox said. Travis himself has even addressed the confusion. These headlines are wild the fade has been around long before my life even began, he wrote on Instagram. We asked Philly barbers to weigh in. What you should know today Trivia time What is the maximum authorized speed for the BSL on local tracks? A) 70 mph B) 50 mph C) 35 mph D) 15 mph Think you know? Check your answer. What we're... Touring: A 19th century Federal-style stone house thats on the market in Ambler for $659,900. Pondering: Baby perfume. Turns out, its a thing. Reviewing: According to Craig LaBan, Kiddos vegetable-forward menu makes for a promising debut. Unscramble the anagram Hint: This Philly rapper was nominated for a Grammy, but lost out to Killer Mike, who swept the rap categories with his song Scientist & Engineers and album Michael. BOUGHT KLATCH Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Stacy Stone who correctly guessed Mondays answer: Philadelphia Suns. Photo of the day Thanks for reading! Paola 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. A flare burns at Venture Global LNG in Cameron, La., in 2022. Louisiana lost more than $82 million worth of natural gas in 2019 due to leaks, venting, or flaring at production sites according to a study released in April by an environmental group and government watchdog organizations. The Environmental Defense Funds report said state fossil fuel producers wasted more than 27 billion cubic feet of gas in 2019. Read more Youre hearing a lot in this election year about the threats to American democracy especially from the GOPs Donald Trump and his talk of a kind of dictatorship but we dont talk enough about the long-term, deeper rot of big money and benign neglect that hits home in a city like Chester, the working-class, mostly Black community on the Delaware River south of Philly. In November 2022, Chester gave Sen. John Fetterman a healthy chunk of the votes he needed to defeat the GOPs Mehmet Oz in a close race. The Democrat won more than eight of every 10 voters in the city, sweeping some polling places like Ward 2s Precinct 3 with as much as 93% of the tally. Just over a year later, Chester is learning that love isnt a two-way street. The Delaware County community has been awash in controversy over a proposed $6.4 billion facility to create liquefied natural gas (LNG) largely the product of fracking in Northern and Western Pennsylvania and ship the liquefied gas overseas. The proposal played a role in 2023s ouster of an incumbent mayor who supported the scheme, and activists celebrated last weeks unexpected announcement by President Joe Biden of a federal pause in issuing permits for new LNG export facilities like the one sought for Chester, to study their impact on climate change. Thats why it felt like a stab in the back when Fetterman and Pennsylvanias other Democratic senator, Bob Casey whos in a tight 2024 reelection battle issued a statement last week that criticized their own partys president and instead supported the natural gas industry and, in essence, the kind of monstrosity that Chester activists are fighting against. Advertisement While the immediate impacts on Pennsylvania remain to be seen, we have concerns about the long-term impacts that this pause will have on the thousands of jobs in Pennsylvanias natural gas industry, the two Democrats said in their joint statement. If this decision puts Pennsylvania energy jobs at risk, we will push the Biden Administration to reverse this decision. Zulene Mayfield, a longtime fighter for environmental justice as leader of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living and a key foe of the proposed LNG export facility, told me on Saturday that the opposition from Fetterman and Casey shows why the community cant let its guard down even after the positive news from the White House. Were not going to be deceived by the pols or the promise of money, Mayfield said, referring to a pledge of multimillion-dollar civic contributions from the would-be developer. We believe these types of facilities and industries have been an economic hindrance for our community. She said Chesters waterfront already home to a controversial incinerator that burns trash from Philadelphia and elsewhere could be an economic jewel instead of officials being lazy and letting any waste-polluting, death-spilling industry into our community. A self-proclaimed savvy political observer might insist that its smart politics for Casey and Fetterman to claim a pro-jobs stance in an edge-of-the-Rust Belt state like Pennsylvania. The conventional wisdom is that voters here care more about getting new industry over protecting the environment and that its shrewd strategy for these Democrats to shield their right flank from attacks by drill, baby, drill Republicans, even if it alienates a few tree-huggers on the left. But there are two massive holes in this conventional wisdom, big enough to drive a 100-car bomb train of fossil fuels right through them. READ MORE: Does anyone care about the study linking Pa. fracking to cancer in kids? | Will Bunch The Casey-Fetterman manifesto ignores the reality that a majority of Pennsylvania voters oppose fracking, since so many of us have seen now what pollution and health risks from poorly regulated drilling have done to our rural communities, or because we dont want badly built pipelines or bomb trains passing through our towns, or because, unlike most American politicians, we think we should be doing something about climate change. A September 2021 poll by the Ohio Valley Institute found that 55% of Pennsylvanians want fracking to end now or be phased out. The other hole in the conventional wisdom is that the jobs promise of Pennsylvanias fracking boom and related gas-powered facilities have been continually overhyped, even as the very real dangers of pollution are ignored. A Food and Water Watch report noted that while 2020 was a record year for oil and gas production in Pennsylvania, jobs in the industry fell sharply that same year and accounted for less than 25,000 of the states five million workers. Another study last year found the counties with the most fracking actually lost overall jobs during the so-called boom years. The real numbers just dont comport with the politicians rah-rah, pro-gas jobs boosterism. Yet the price on Pennsylvanias public health is excruciating. A major state-funded study released last year showed that children living near fracking sites had a higher risk for lymphoma, a type of cancer, and that gas drilling is also linked to a sharp rise in asthma as well as low-birth-weight babies. The administration of newish Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, which insists that continued fracking can be made safer, essentially responded to these bombshell findings with a shrug emoji. Shapiro has yet to weigh in on Bidens pause on new LNG export plants. None of this even considers the biggest elephant in the room: climate change. The onslaught of natural disasters seems poised to continue this week. An atmospheric river packed with extra moisture from an overheated Pacific Ocean is expected to trigger catastrophic floods and mudslides as it bears down on California. The reality that humankind needs to rapidly phase out fossil fuels weighs on many voters but doesnt seem to register with our politicians. Instead, both parties continue to slip on the oil slicks of industry fantasy. The latest Pennsylvania boondoggle is the massive, $6 billion Shell plastics plant in Beaver County, which won the largest tax subsidy in state history based on grossly overstated economic estimates and began violating its mandated pollution limits from the moment it opened in 2022. But the LNG export racket is arguably worse. The reality at the core of New York-based Penn American Energys plan for a Delaware County plant is that Pennsylvanians would bear all the health risks of fracking and pipelines or rail shipments through our neighborhoods, capped by the pollution from a plant in Chester that would be a monument to environmental racism all for a product that wouldnt lower U.S. energy prices but would instead be shipped to Asia or other foreign markets, to enrich Wall Street investors. Opposing U.S. LNG exports ought to be a no-brainer. Casey and Fettermans stance might sway some labor unions who see a brief boost in construction jobs for projects like the Shell facility, but who else? Yet, theres also no alternative. For voters unhappy with Caseys stance on fossil fuels, the other choice in November will be the manufactured GOP candidacy of Dave McCormick, a hedge-fund multimillionaire whos spent most of the last decade in Connecticut and is trying to buy the Senate seat with $18 million from his rich friends like Florida billionaire Ken Griffin. Who represents the silent majority of Pennsylvanians who have real concerns about climate change and who want fracking to disappear? The same could be asked about a cease-fire in Gaza, which is also backed by a majority of voters, especially young people, yet is ignored by the same politicians extremely so by Fetterman, who waves Israeli flags at his constituents protesting the deaths of Palestinian women and children. When the choice is between Democrats who offer a kinder, gentler facade while telling a community like Chester to drop dead and a GOP that has openly embraced authoritarianism, is that really a healthy democracy? Citizen leaders like Chesters Mayfield have good reason to fear that the temporary good news of Bidens election-year pause on new LNG export facilities will be overwhelmed by the cynical inertia epitomized by the Fetterman-Casey doctrine. The chickens that have been feeding at the trough of a decaying democracy from environmental racism to the surge of billionaire money that invents a fake candidate like McCormick are coming home to roost in 2024. The climate of alienation and distrust is ideal weather for the lethal cynicism of a strongman like Trump. An unneeded pollution machine dumping on the people of Chester might only be part of the coming stench. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter The Community College of Philadelphia campus at 16th and Spring Garden Streets. Under a new proposal by Gov. Josh Shaprio, for students whose families bring in less than $70,000 per year, tuition at 10 universities and 15 community colleges would be capped at $1,000 each semester. Read more Pennsylvania students pay more for higher education than almost anywhere else. Thats primarily because the amount our state contributes to tuition is the second worst in the nation, averaging $6,100 per student compared with the national average of $10,200. Average tuition at a public institution for a Pennsylvania resident is $26,000 70% more than the national average. This is enough to discourage many Pennsylvania students from continuing their education after high school and keep older adults seeking new skills from turning to college to help. As a result, employers may struggle to find people to fit their needs. And even though theyd much prefer to work to pay their bills, far too many people (nearly 25%) have to rely on publicly funded social programs to get by. Yet education beyond high school whether that means learning a trade or working on a certificate, studying for a degree or taking classes to obtain new skills has never been more important in the lives of Pennsylvanians. Our economies, communities, and families keep changing in unpredictable ways because of layoffs, downsizing, and other sudden job changes. These realities undercut Pennsylvanias productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. Helping more adults go (back) to school would do a lot of good. Advertisement But for most Pennsylvanians, college classes cost too much, arent scheduled at the right times, or arent available near their homes. Thats largely because the General Assembly has dropped the ball for decades, offering way too little financial support to community colleges and public regional universities such as West Chester University, which are most welcoming to people who want to go beyond high school. Im glad that Gov. Josh Shapiro seems aware of this problem and interested in doing something about it. Recently, he released a proposal for reform that would lower the price of tuition at community colleges and public regional universities and bring them into a single system. For students whose families bring in less than $70,000 per year, tuition at 10 universities and 15 community colleges would be capped at $1,000 per semester. He also proposes holding Pennsylvanias institutions accountable for outcomes, like whether students graduate. Thats a start. READ MORE: A plan to overhaul Pa.s higher education landscape is a long time coming, but questions remain. Theres some evidence that this plan could work, but it isnt perfect. For instance, Shapiro should expand the proposal to make all public universities part of Pennsylvanias new public system of higher education. As it is, his proposal would not affect four public universities where many Pennsylvania residents desire to go to college yet struggle to gain access: Penn State, Temple, Lincoln, and the University of Pittsburgh. These institutions should also be governed and funded as part of a single system serving Pennsylvania students needs. He also needs to make another adjustment: help colleges and universities focus on the people who most need postsecondary education to change their lot in life. While counterintuitive, theres a lot of evidence that the people who get the biggest bump from college are the same people who are the least likely to attend and graduate. These are often the same folks who live in impoverished neighborhoods, work grueling hours at low wages, reside in rural areas, and/or suffer from health challenges. They are also more likely to have little choice but to turn to state and federally-funded public benefits programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), public housing, and/or Medicaid to survive. Pennsylvania needs to give them better choices, and a shot at a stable life, by helping them access more education and training. In doing so, the state will also help save itself money in the long run. Shapiros plan should require Pennsylvania colleges and universities to find, enroll, and graduate adults receiving public benefits. This will create more efficient use of public funds, as people with more training or education can earn more money and need fewer public benefits. Plus, if those institutions also help students on financial aid access those benefits while in college, they will produce even more graduates. Right now, as many as half of Pennsylvanias enrolled college students are at risk of dropping out because they dont have enough to eat or lack a safe place to sleep. While most received federal student aid, thats no longer enough to make college a viable financial option. They also need affordable housing, reliable jobs, childcare (one in five students has a child), health care, and/or SNAP. Bundling the states investments in public benefits and financial aid will produce more workers ready for todays economy, create more taxpayers, and eventually reduce the number of people who need public benefits. The current plan calls on creating more first-generation college graduates a nice idea, but very hard to put into practice, given how easy it is for colleges to game that metric based on competing definitions of what first-generation means. Its far better to focus Pennsylvania higher education on what matters most: helping more of its residents climb out of poverty, especially those more than two million households enduring the frustrating experience of working poverty. In addition, this approach would add billions to the state economy, reduce racial disparities, and likely ameliorate child poverty. Its an opportunity we cant afford to miss. Sara Goldrick-Rab, the author of Paying the Price, College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream, is a senior fellow at Education Northwest, an adjunct professor at Community College of Philadelphia, and the founder of the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice. Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta, has been saying hes sorry since 2007 for his company's many failures, writes the Editorial Board, but the only visible change has been a corporate rebranding. Read more How many children must die before social media companies do something about their role in the sharp rise in suicides, eating disorders, depression, and bullying that has impacted so many young people? How many more hearings will Congress hold before it acts? Executives from Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, have testified 33 times since 2017 on issues ranging from election interference and social medias role in the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Yet nothing has been done. How many halfhearted apologies will Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg offer before he actually does something about how his company harms children and damages democracy? Advertisement READ MORE: Social media companies must curtail the spread of misinformation | Editorial Zuckerbergs apology to parents received most of the attention at a congressional hearing last week about the effects of social media on the lives of young people. But Zuckerbergs mea culpa is meaningless until the billionaire takes responsibility for the damage his company has wrought. The creator of Facebook has been saying hes sorry since 2007 for the sites failures to crack down on fake news, hate speech, and lax privacy controls. Through it all, the only visible change was the renaming of the sites parent company from Facebook to Meta after the original name became so tarnished. Zuckerberg has known for years that children using Facebook and Instagram have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. An internal company presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors a day received pornographic photos and other sexually abusive content. Facebooks own internal research found that young girls, in particular, blamed Instagram for increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Those conclusions echoed the findings of other studies over the last 10 years. In 2021, a former Facebook executive turned whistleblower said the company repeatedly puts profits above safety. A second whistleblower testified last year that the company has known its social media platforms harm children. The heads of TikTok, X, Snap, and Discord also testified before Congress last week. Missing were the heads of YouTube and Apple, which have also been blamed for harming children. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel also apologized to parents whose children died from fentanyl overdoses after buying the drugs through the platform. (Like Zuckerberg, this was not Spiegels first public apology.) Despite rare bipartisan support to do more to protect children, the federal government has repeatedly failed to enact meaningful change, even after the surgeon general warned last year that social media presented a risk to the mental health of teens. Dozens of past bills have floundered after lawmakers could not agree on the details and intense lobbying by the tech industry. Even the House committee that studied the Jan. 6 insurrection found extensive evidence regarding the role social media played in stoking extremism but did not include it in the final report. Several red and blue states have introduced dozens of bills designed to rein in social media companies. But most measures have been blocked by courts. After Montana banned TikTok, a federal judge ruled the measure likely violated the First Amendment. Federal regulation makes more sense than a patchwork of state bills. The European Union enacted a landmark measure last year that forced social media companies to combat misinformation. But more must be done to protect children. READ MORE: TikTok got me through the pandemic. Then its algorithm turned on me. | Opinion As lawmakers in Washington fiddle, dozens of states including Pennsylvania and New Jersey are suing Meta, accusing Facebook and Instagram of fueling a youth mental health crisis. School districts across the country, including in Pennsylvania, have also sued Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube for allegedly harming children. Dozens of parents are suing Snapchat for enabling the sale of illegal drugs that led to the death of children. A judge allowed the case to move forward, but it remains to be seen how far it will proceed. Thats because social media companies have long hidden behind a provision in the Communication Decency Act known as Section 230, which protects platforms from legal liability for things third parties say or do. Lawmakers on the left and right have called for the repeal of Section 230. Such a move would upend the internet, and the U.S. Supreme Court recently dodged the issue. But doing nothing is not a solution. At some point, social media platforms must be held accountable. US Ambassador to Dnipro meets with local authorities, visits hospital named after Mechnikov U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink has held a meeting in Dnipro with Mayor Borys Filatov, head of the Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak, and also visited Dnipro Clinical Hospital named after Mechnikov. Today I traveled east to Dnipro, where I was inspired by the strength & resilience of Ukraines fourth largest city. I discussed challenges & opportunities w/ Mayor Filatov & Military Head Lysak. Im proud that Dnipro is a sister city to my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, she said on X Tuesday. In addition, Brink visited Dnipro Clinical Hospital named after Mechnikov and expressed her gratitude to the team of doctors. So inspiring to return to the renowned Mechnikov Hospital which I first visited in 2016 to meet its determined staff caring for Ukraines frontline heroes. It was moving to meet these brave heroes & feel their optimism. Proud that U.S. assistance is helping keep the power on, the ambassador said. Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers supporters argue that critics and journalists need to give her a chance to find her footing, writes Helen Ubinas, but a dangerous precedent is being set barely a month since Parker took office. Read more The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council was a crucial early supporter of Cherelle L. Parkers successful campaign for mayor. Now that shes in office, maybe those unions can offer some help with the information moat Parkers administration is digging around City Hall. You might recall that during her campaign, an errant email exchange between Parker staffers revealed that her team was putting off reporters from small local media outlets while trying not to get tagged as ignoring Black women journalists and truly independent media. As I wrote at the time, the only thing more certain than a politician loudly insisting theyre all about transparency is that theyre also likely doing their best to make sure that tough questions dont become, as the email put it, too much of a narrative. When the city officially transitioned from Mayor Jim Kenneys administration to Parkers, much was made about her fondness for committees and roundtables and three-person-deep leadership structures, but where her staunchest supporters see collaboration, I worry her insular style only distances City Hall from public reach and scrutiny. And then, in late January, an even bigger transparency flag was raised. Advertisement In a rather aggressive all-caps email, Managing Director Adam Thiel informed department leaders that all public statements from press releases to social media posts need to be approved by the monarchy, er, I mean, the administration. To be absolutely clear, NO MEDIA INTERVIEWS, SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, OR STATEMENTS OF ANY, KIND-UNTIL/UNLESS APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY MAYORS COMMUNICATIONS, Thiel wrote on Jan. 18. Color me NOT IMPRESSED with the former fire commissioners five-alarm approach, or this over-the-top gag order. This kind of edict usually follows an incident that has left an administration reeling from some sort of public embarrassment or controversy. And it almost always backfires. Parker and her team, however, are still in the honeymoon stage. That grace period might explain why theres been so little outcry when a Philadelphia police officer fatally shot Alexander Spencer, 28, on Jan. 26 during what police described as a scuffle inside a corner store and what witnesses described as a questionable stop-and-frisk encounter. During that interaction, police said Spencer fired a shot, hitting one of the officers in the leg, prompting the injured officers partner to return fire. Questions about the police narrative arose when a short video of the shooting was posted on social media. Police officials responded by holding a news conference and airing additional surveillance footage of the incident with the permission of Spencers family for the sake of transparency, a word that was used repeatedly. Our goal is to be transparent in this work, said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who was named by Parker to be the citys top cop. But after playing the longer video, which showed the theft of the gun that police say Spencer fired an act that was not visible in the much shorter video posted online Bethel and other officials didnt take any questions. As police walked off, one reporter could be heard saying, How is not taking questions in the vein of transparency? It was a fair point. I understand that the shooting is under investigation and that its still early in a process that includes the district attorneys office. It serves no one, least of all a grieving family that wants answers, to potentially compromise an investigation by saying or doing the wrong thing. But too often under investigation becomes code for stonewalling. On the heels of the police departments listen-but-dont-ask presser, Parkers Educational Nominating Panel, which will help choose the next school board, held its first meeting last week at City Hall. Residents who had already complained that this selection process had not been adequately advertised or explained were not allowed to ask questions or comment at the meeting. So, I couldnt help but shake my head at a telling repetition in the citys press release about the panel, presumably sent out with Thiels BLESSING. In a public meeting today, the Educational Nominating Panel appointed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker held its first public meeting If you say so ... Parkers staunchest supporters argue that critics (and journalists) need to give her a chance to find her footing, appoint her team at whatever glacial pace she chooses and try to restore a sense of functioning governance that the city seemed to lose during Kenneys second term. I can appreciate that argument to a point. But the danger of this kind of precedent being set a month into Parkers administration should be cause to sound the alarm. Questions arent attacks. The public is not the enemy neither are the journalists doing their jobs on behalf of Philadelphians who deserve more than just a promise of transparency. During her campaign, Parker was often touted as a bridge builder. But so far the irony is that her administration seems intent on sealing off City Hall from the public who elected her. Diego Castillo hit 11 home runs in 96 games with the Pirates in 2022. Read more The Phillies announced Monday that they claimed infielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the New York Yankees. The Phillies 40-man roster is now full. Castillo, 26, is a right-handed hitter who can play shortstop, second base, and right field. He signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2014, was traded to the Pirates in 2021, and dealt to the Diamondbacks in 2022. READ MORE: The Phillies will run it back in 2024. How will that play in the NL East? Lets size up the competition. The Mets selected him off waivers on Jan. 5 and the Yankees selected him off waivers from the Mets on Jan. 19. Castillo has only 97 games of big league experience 96 with Pittsburgh in 2022 when he hit 11 home runs and one with Arizona in 2023 hitting .205/.250/.380 across that span, with a 4.9% walk rate and a 26.5% strikeout rate. He has one minor league option remaining. Castillo has hit .276/.346/.373 across 716 minor league games in the Yankees, Pirates, and Diamondbacks organizations. Last season at triple-A Reno, he hit .313/.431/.410 with an .840 OPS in 124 games. He walked at a higher rate (17.4%) than he struck out (14.2%). READ MORE: Former slugger Adam Lind joins the Phillies farm system as a hitting coach Anti-abortion activist Mark Houck (right) and attorney Peter C. Breen (left) speak to reporters outside the federal courthouse in Center City, after Houck was acquitted last January of charges tied to a 2021 altercation between him and a patient escort volunteer outside of the Planned Parenthood clinic near 12th and Locust Streets. Houck is now a candidate for Congress. Read more Rumors of the death of Mark Houcks Congressional campaign have been greatly exaggerated. Houck is still in the race for Pennsylvanias 1st District, he confirmed, Tuesday, explaining how an FEC filing led to incorrect speculation on social media that hed suspended his GOP primary campaign. The anti-abortion activist challenging U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said his campaign had suspended a committee, Houck for Congress, because the language didnt match his website and campaign materials as required. The committee named Mark Houck for Congress is still alive, as is his bid. Advertisement Weve got more momentum than ever, Houck said. Houck also faced questions this week about the more than $400,000 he raised after being arrested outside of a Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia in 2021. During a Bucks County candidate forum Monday in Newtown, Houck was asked by an attendee about the money raised on GiveSendGo, a crowdfunding site favored by right-wing causes. In a video shared with Clout, Houck tells the woman, in a testy exchange, the money is now in a trust for his seven children. Whered the half million dollars go? Its in a trust fund for my children, Houck says in the video. Look at your temperament, she replies. Houck told Clout the fund, set up in his wifes name, was always intended to support his family. He faced 11 years in prison and $350,000 in fines if convicted of intimidating workers at a Philadelphia clinic. His legal fees were covered by the Thomas More Society, a conservative Roman Catholic law firm. Last January, Houck was acquitted of all charges. It was there to help ... provided I would go off to prison or the government would continue to attack me, Houck said of the fund. And those funds have gone into a trust for the children should their father continue to be persecuted. I dont know what people expect. Do they expect me to donate to a cause? After his arrest, Houck did many interviews in which he directed people interested in supporting his legal defense to go to his ministry website. His ministry, The Kings Men, convenes mens faith retreats and describes itself as authentically Catholic and unapologetically masculine. Its website includes a link to support the ministry and another to support the family fund. The family fund says money collected will go to help the family with any necessary expenses. Houck said he didnt list the trust on his financial disclosure, filed in December with the U.S. House, because its in the name of his wife and children. However, U.S. House ethics rules require candidates to disclose their spouse and dependents financial interests, except in rare circumstances. Houck, a first-time candidate who is largely running a campaign via conservative media, previously ran afoul of the FEC for not registering a campaign bank account and instead directing donors to a PayPal site. He reported raising $77,312 for his campaign since July but spent heavily and only has about $7,000 left on hand. Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics. The Philadelphia Parkway Central Library on Logan Square. Individual library branches will have to funnel their communications through Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's office, starting this week. Read more City Halls new social media crackdown appears to have caused a kerfuffle for neighborhood library branches. Nearly three weeks ago, Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration enacted a vetting process for all public information and social media posts. City departments were previously free to handle their own social media engagement with little oversight, but the new policy requires dozens of municipal agencies to send drafts of everything from Instagram posts to news releases to the mayors communication office for approval. On Monday night, a handful of Free Library of Philadelphia branches posted alarming messages for their neighborhood regulars a seemingly orchestrated push before the policy took effect Tuesday. Advertisement Updates from all 54 locations of the Free Library will not be in real time, starting today, the Cecil B. Moore branch wrote in an Instagram post. Staff are not sure how long communications delays will be or what type of digital and print content will be subject to censorship. This means our posts will be less frequent including reposting community events as theyll have to get approval first too, the Lovett Memorial Library wrote in another Instagram post. Please be patient as we try to navigate this new policy from the mayorss office. Parker spokesperson Joe Grace said library branches were recently informed via email that the new policy would take effect this week. He acknowledged the concerns, but urged librarians not to worry about censorship. Were still implementing the policy and bringing it to life, Grace said Tuesday. I believe the policy is working and theres no intention to stop library branches from notifying their customers of library hours, or programs involving seniors or families. The policy, as Clout recently reported, is meant create a unified voice within the new administration, thereby avoiding confusion and muddled messaging. So perhaps the library snafu is just a miscommunication in an attempt to end further miscommunication. Grace cited the mayors preparation for the January snowstorm with all agencies funneling their communications through the mayors office in real time as an example of the policys early success. He said it also helped stop a rumor about an escaped prisoners apprehension from percolating within the mayors office. Still, some government employees have grumbled that the policy is excessive. The rollout will also apply to offices big and small, from city health clinics to rec centers, creating worries about a potential public information backlog. Do all 54 library branches really need the mayors green-light to post updates about baby story-time or yarning club? Grace said that wont be the case in time. His team has already allowed some departments to post non-sensitive information without approval from the mayors top advisers. The Water Department puts out very technical stuff frequently, Grace said. Weve already told them to put out technical info, and keep us in the loop if something happens, but there is no attempt to slow anybody down. Weve been doing this for a few weeks, he added, and we have not to the best of my knowledge stopped or slowed or hindered any agency from getting its information out in real time. Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics. Money for K-12, recreational weed, and minimum wage: Gov. Shapiro delivers an ambitious $48.34 billion state budget Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled an ambitious $48.3 billion spending plan Tuesday that attempts to tackle decades of deferred investments in education and proposes no new tax hikes. The cornerstone of the governors budget proposal are major funding increases for the states public school and higher education systems. He proposed a nearly $1.1 billion increase in funding for K-12 public schools that includes $872 million in the next fiscal year as a down-payment to address decades of chronic underfunding and inequity. Shapiro also pitched a new system for higher education that would combine state-owned schools and community colleges under one governing body, among other efforts to make getting a college degree more affordable in Pennsylvania. Bill Felton and Susan Denby are fighting to stop development of 176 acres, which were owned by Montgomery County until the land was sold to a developer a decade ago. Read more A rolling, 176-acre, unbroken tract of privately held land off Black Rock Road in Upper Providence Township known locally as Parkhouse, looked as if it was topped with whipped cream after a recent snow. One of the last big chunks of open land in the Royersford area, it overlooks Montgomery Countys glistening Upper Schuylkill Valley Park, a bird lovers bliss. But the current landowners plans to develop the Parkhouse property has riled neighbors. Theres a value to the township and to the public of keeping the land undeveloped, Bill Felton, 70, said as he looked over the parcel. Its not just our local area that would benefit from this being saved. The region would benefit. Township officials hired Natural Lands, a large conservation nonprofit, to assess the site. Natural Lands issued a report last year calling the tract one of the last large undeveloped lands along the Schuylkill corridor in Montgomery County. In addition to being adjacent to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park, the parcel is near the Upper Providence Township Trail and across the river from the Phoenixville boat launch, Black Rock Dam, and the Black Rock Sanctuary. It contains two streams and seven seeps and springs. Advertisement Natural Lands cataloged 65 acres as a highest-priority conservation area and urged the township to preserve it. Whats Parkhouse? Montgomery County once owned the land and the Parkhouse Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, which was named after former county commissioner Russell Parkhouse. The county acquired the land in 1801. But in 2014, the county under Josh Shapiro, who was then the chair of the county board of commissioners and is now Pennsylvanias governor sold the Parkhouse complex and its surrounding land for $41 million to Mid-Atlantic Healthcare, which was led by CEO and physician Scott Rifkin until 2017. At the time, residents objected to the sale, saying they believed the land should have been saved as open space. The sale came after officials said the nursing facility was running a deficit estimated at more than $1 million a year. The county also used money from the Parkhouse sale and that of another property to pay down debt and plug holes in the general fund. One reason countys budget had taken a hit: A developers plan to convert an old shopping center in Norristown into a movie studio failed. The county, before Shapiros election as chair of the commissioners, had invested $24.5 million in that redevelopment project. Today, the land is split. Bedrock Care now owns the still-operating Parkhouse Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and its roughly 40 acres of grounds. And Maryland-based Royersford Holdings LLC owns the surrounding 176 acres that residents are fighting to preserve. Royersford Holdings submitted a plan in 2022 to build 1,203 units for a residential senior-care facility for people 62 and older. Plans called for a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, multifamily units, apartments, and assisted-living units offering different levels of care. Where the property stands now The townships zoning map shows the tract as open space, but thats a leftover designation from when the county still owned it, say township officials, who note that open space is not a zoning type that applies to private land. The land already had other zoning through whats known as an overlay. The overlay allows for development related to government, nonprofit, and other private institutional purposes such as nursing, convalescent, residential care, or assisted living for seniors. The Royersford Holdings plan fits in with that use under township zoning. But, under the zoning code, the project also requires the approval of the board of supervisors, who will assess whether it meets all the conditions of the code. Because of the recent proposal to build on it, the tract became a hot local political issue in the township. Residents created a website and social media accounts. They started a petition and GoFundMe page, saying they fear development will hurt the environment, create traffic, and burden emergency responders and police. Township officials say they dont have the money to purchase the property, which is appraised at $49 million. Back to square one As a compromise, township solicitor Joseph Bresnan submitted an ordinance in November for the board of supervisors to consider allowing Royersford Holdings to build 689 townhouses, far fewer than the original proposal. But, under the ordinance, the company would no longer have to limit sales to those 62 and over in need of assistance. But angry residents showed up in force at the boards January meeting and offered hours of testimony against the ordinance. They believed the developer really did not want to build the residential care facility and preferred the unrestricted housing. The board, siding with residents, voted against the ordinance. Bresnan, however, said that despite residents hopes, its unlikely the land would remain as open space, given its zoning. Ed Mullin, an attorney representing Royersford Holdings, said his client was away and unavailable for comment. Township officials say Royersford Holdings has notified them the original plans for 1,203 units are back on. The board of supervisors is expected to place the Parkhouse property on its Feb. 20 agenda. Residents, like Susan Denby, are planning to turn out against the plan. Its a beautiful vista. It adds a lot of quality of life, Denby said. Weve got to stop the madness. Why are developers in the drivers seat of how townships get developed, how Pennsylvania gets developed? The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is involved in the liquidation of traitor Illia Kiva, propagandist Vladlen Tatarsky, Prosecutor General of the so-called "LPR" Serhiy Horenko, deputy terrorist of the "LPR" Oleh Popov and other traitors and war criminals, an informed source told Interfax-Ukraine. According to information from the source, the fact that high-profile liquidations are the work of the SBU is evidenced by a video with unique footage of special operations, which was published by the telegram channel Blood Feud. It is indicated that, judging by the voiced details published in the video, the informant under the pseudonym "General of Blood Feud" is well acquainted with all aspects of the preparation and conduct of special operations of the security service. "The SBU issues tickets to Kobzon's hot disco dance to real scoundrels, war criminals, murderers and executioners of the Ukrainian people, various traitors, terrorists and collaborators. Because, as the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, said, death is the only prospect that we can offer to the occupiers and their accomplices," the informant notes. He also points out that the SBU actively "worked" in Zaporizhia and Kherson directions against traitors to Ukraine, criminals and collaborators who headed the authorities of the occupiers and were involved in the torture and murder of Ukrainians. The video also notes that SBU officers are behind the poisoning of the "governor" of Kherson region, Volodymyr Saldo, an attempt on the Ukrainophobe and traitor Oleh Tsariov, terrorist and murderer Zakhar Prilepin, Minister of Internal Affairs of the so-called "LPR" Ihor Kornet. At the same time, sources in the SBU confirm that special operations to eliminate the enemies of Ukraine is one of the areas of work of the Security Service. "All these war criminals, murderers, and minions of the Russians are absolutely legitimate targets. Because they are responsible for the mass killings, terror and repression that the occupiers commit in the occupied Ukrainian territories," said a source in the SBU. I am humbled and enthusiastic about this appointment to elevate our marketing initiatives in this growing region, Cheang said. With more than two decades of marketing experience, I am committed to leveraging my skills and dedication to contribute to the continued success of Allianz Trade in the dynamic markets of Asia Pacific. Together with my experienced marketing team, I look forward to bringing impactful campaigns that will resonate with our diverse audience as we embark on our organisation's next phase of growth. This indicates that the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool is successfully reducing premiums for such buildings. However, the reluctance of insurers to provide quotes for new policies, despite having access to this pool, remains a point of confusion for consumers. The pools introduction has changed the landscape of reinsurance limitations, and we are eager to understand why insurers are still hesitant to offer insurance in this new environment, he said. Furthermore, the report discusses the implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the cyber security domain. It focuses on how AI advancements are contributing to both the sophistication of cyberattacks and the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions. It mentions Microsoft Security Copilot as an example of how combining large language models with security expertise can enhance incident detection and response capabilities. Elder brings extensive experience to her new role, having previously worked in private practice in Australia and the UK, as well as holding senior in-house positions. Her areas of expertise include medical negligence, disciplinary proceedings, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Prior to entering private practice, she held key legal roles at Medical Insurance Group Australia and The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. It successfully increased its charter capital, significantly boosting its total equity by over 60% and strengthening its financial foundation. Additionally, Hanoi Re placed greater emphasis on insurance auxiliary activities and risk engineering consulting, receiving high recognition from clients for its professional services. The year also marked the companys rebranding from PVI Re to Hanoi Re, celebrated with a launch ceremony attended by numerous local and international partners. Understanding the connection between digital advancement and resilience The link between digital advancement and general resilience is clear from the outcome of using the right data in the right way, Higginbotham said, however, its not just about the data itself but also the interpretation of that data to allow companies to understand and price risk more accurately and more efficiently. Because, as an insurer or reinsurer, you have to charge for uncertainty because without knowing how a risk will perform, you need to build safety margins into your pricing and allocate more capital to that risk. In a time when insurance market prices are either going up dramatically or choices are being restricted, we felt aligning with a company that has such broad insurance company access and risk management products would allow our agency to provide what Granite-Staters would expect from their important insurance and risk protections which is exactly what HUB is able to do. I am delighted to welcome someone of Steven's calibre and experience to lead the team. His deep understanding of the trade credit insurance market and proven leadership qualities make him ideally suited to lead Xenia through the next chapter of its evolution, Brown & Brown (Europe) CEO Mike Bruce said. Rooted in the day-to-day, with coverage to match Asking the right questions is crucial and the team at Victor, who write these policies all day, every day - know what issues need to be addressed. Is the equipment purchased, rented, leased? Does the insured ever borrow a piece of equipment, or lend theirs out? Transportation of equipment can be a tricky area: if the insured is hauling equipment on the back of a trailer to the next job site, is it covered? That depends on the form language as some carriers exclude transit, while others may have small sublimits. Inaccurate racial profiling data on traffic stops made by the Connecticut State Police was largely the result of data-entry mistakes and other mishaps, not an intentional effort by troopers to submit bogus information, according to a report by independent investigators released Thursday. While investigators referred seven officers with discrepancies in their data to state police internal affairs for further review, another 74 were found not likely to have committed misconduct, the report said. They also said there was no evidence any trooper engaged in misconduct with the specific intent of skewing the states police racial profiling data. The outside review was ordered by Gov. Ned Lamont after an audit last year identified dozens of troopers who may have submitted false or inaccurate information on thousands of traffic stops believed to have never happened to the states system for preventing racial profiling. That data made it appear troopers pulled over more white motorists than they actually did, auditors said. The audit by data analysts at the University of Connecticut led to the replacement of the states public safety commissioner and state police commander. The audit sowed doubt about the accuracy of periodic reports on the race and ethnicity of drivers pulled over by police statewide, which have shown that police disproportionately pull over Black and Hispanic motorists. Inadvertent Errors The outside investigators, led by former federal prosecutor Deirdre Daly, said they found significant failures by state police in reporting accurate data because of inadvertent errors, but said the scope of potential misconduct was far smaller than the audit suggested. Many of the problems were due to a lack of training of troopers and failures by leadership, the report said. Dalys team referred six troopers and a constable to state police internal affairs investigators because it appeared the number of traffic stops they reported was higher than the ones they actually made. While no proof of misconduct was found, the reason for the overreporting could not be determined, the report said. The report disclosed that state police leadership also will refer between five and eight additional troopers to internal affairs because of problems with their data. The states new public safety commissioner, Ronnell Higgins, said all the troopers referred to internal affairs have been removed from traffic enforcement duties. If misconduct is substantiated, they could be fired and lose their police certifications. The fact that even one trooper, one trooper, has been referred to internal affairs investigation for potential falsification of traffic stop data is troubling to me, and its troubling to all the troopers who are out there doing their work each and every day. I wont tolerate it, Higgins said at a news conference with Lamont at the state Capitol in Hartford. Speaking about the officers referred to internal affairs, Lamont said, I think theres a sense that if there were some overreporting, a lot of it was done just trying to enhance the look of productivity, that they were doing more than otherwise. Higher Number In the audit released last June, UConn analysts said they found a higher number of traffic citations by state police entered into the state database that tracks the race and ethnicity of drivers than the number of citations reported to the state court system, which handles all traffic citations. The analysts reported they had a high degree of confidence that troopers submitted false or inaccurate information on citations to the database for at least 25,966 traffic stops and possibly more than 58,000 stops that may have never happened from 2014 to 2021. The audit said 130 troopers were identified as having a significant disparity between traffic stop information submitted to the database compared with the court system. Since the audit, state police have cleared nearly 90 of the 130 troopers after reviewing their data, the new report said. That review is ongoing. The UConn analysts noted, however, that they did not investigate whether any of the questionable data was intentionally falsified or the result of carelessness or human error. The audit was spurred by a Hearst Connecticut Media report that said four state troopers in an eastern Connecticut barracks intentionally created hundreds of bogus traffic stop tickets to boost their productivity numbers. After internal affairs investigations, one trooper was suspended for 10 days, another was suspended for two days and the other two retired before the probe was completed. The state police union has been critical of the UConn audit since it was released, saying it didnt go far enough to determine why there were data errors. The union leadership feels vindicated by the new report, said Andrew Matthews, the unions executive director and a former trooper. He said the UConn audit harmed the reputation of the agency unjustifiably and negatively impacted the trust the public has in law enforcement. The ticket data also is being investigated by the U.S. departments of Justice and Transportation. Ken Barone, one of the UConn analysts, said the new report largely confirms the findings of last years audit. We were very clear, Barone said in a phone interview Thursday. Our report said that there was a high likelihood that records were false or inaccurate, and we have not seen any information that has altered our conclusion. What we have seen is information that provides explanations for why some of the data may have been inaccurate. Lamont and Higgins said a number of steps have already been taken to ensure the data is entered accurately, including placing computers in all police cruisers, training for troopers and supervisors, and auditing of the data. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Connecticut During the six months of operation of the Ukrainian maritime logistics corridor, about 20 million tonnes of cargo were transported, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. "More than 660 ships have already passed through the new grain corridor, which transported about 20 million tonnes of cargo to 32 countries around the world. Some 70% of these cargoes are agricultural products of our agricultural producers. In January, we reached pre-war export volumes by sea, and in terms of total exports we are already approaching the figures that we had for a full-scale invasion," the Prime Minister said. According to him, in January, in monetary terms, total Ukrainian exports amounted to $3.1 billion, of which $1.9 billion is sea exports. "This helps us accumulate internal resources. After all, every hryvnia coming into the budget from export trade goes to defense. For the best provision of the military, drones and ammunition, innovative defense industry products and much more," Shmyhal stressed. The European Union needs to take into account its ambitious targets for solar power deployment before it considers any measures to curb imports of photovoltaic panels, wafers and other components, a senior EU official said on Monday. European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness told the European Parliament that the EU was working on a vast set of instruments to support the solar industry. Currently, 97% of the panels deployed in Europe are imported, mainly from China. Given that we currently rely to a very important degree on imports to reach EU solar deployment targets, any potential measure needs to be weighed against the objectives we have set ourselves when it comes to the energy transition, she told lawmakers. The Commission has set a target of 750 gigawatts of solar generation capacity by 2030, from 260 GW in 2023. Europes solar panel manufacturing industry has urged the EU to step in with emergency measures to avoid local firms shutting down under price pressure from Chinese imports. If these measures, including buying up excess inventories of EU solar modules, could not be done rapidly, it urged the Commission to consider safeguard measures that could include import tariffs and quotas. McGuinness said she recognized that solar panel prices had fallen by more 40% due to global oversupply. She said the EU had rules coming in designed to make public authorities consider factors other than price when holding tenders for clean-tech equipment. This would include a push to ensure that no more than 65% of supply is from a single source. Under more flexible state aid rules, she said, the Commission had approved nine initiatives with a budget of more than 12 billion euros for clean-tech equipment, including solar panels. The EU is also working with countries, including the United States and India, to reduce reliance on Chinese supply. Topics Europe Lex Greensills fraud and conspiracy with commodities tycoon Sanjeev Gupta should prevent the financiers collapsed bank from making a $400 million claim, Zurich Insurance Group said in a London lawsuit. Greensill Bank AGs administrators sued Zurich to recoup losses of about $274 million incurred on debt the bank acquired from a Credit Suisse subsidiary as well as about $127 million for non-payments by Guptas Liberty Commodities Ltd. The insurer countered in a recent court filing that Greensills almost daily interactions and business arrangements with Gupta and his companies should mean Zurich doesnt have to payout. Related: Greensill Sues Zurich Insurance for $400 Million to Recoup Losses Guptas GFG Alliance controlled companies received long term unsecured loans from Greensill, which were misrepresented as short-term financing based on accounts receivable, lawyers for Zurich said in the Jan. 26 High court filing dated. In fact, there were no genuine accounts receivable owed to Liberty and financed by Greensill, they said. Lex Greensill wholly rejects the allegations and are without any foundation and will be addressed robustly when he files his defense and any counterclaims, his spokesman said in an emailed statement. The lawsuits against the insurer came in March last year on the heels of a separate London suit by Credit Suisse against the bank and its administrator over the lost funds. GFG Alliance was not involved in any insurance arrangements, which Greensill had in place, and any attempt to link us to the Greensill insurance is misplaced, a GFG Alliance spokesperson said in a statement. Spokespeople for Greensill Capitals administrator and Zurich declined to comment. An email to spokespeople for Greensill Banks administrator remained unanswered. Photo: Lex Greensill during a live steam hearing. Photographer: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers Fraud EU countries and lawmakers on Feb 1 agreed to rules which will require Europe-based companies to prioritize production of key products to prevent a supply chain crisis such as that prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russias Ukraine invasion. The European Commission proposed the Single Market Emergency Instrument last year, following in the footsteps of the United States and Japan. The move was also spurred by the row with AstraZeneca in 2021 over delays in delivering COVID-19 vaccine doses to the 27-country European Union. The political deal reached on Thursday however watered down part of the EU executives proposal after criticism from businesses worried about requirements that would force them to break commercial contracts and expose corporate secrets, confirming a Reuters story last week. The agreement also strengthened EU countries role vis-a-vis the Commission. The new powers allow the Commission to issue so-called priority-rated requests to buy critical goods or services from companies which have the option to accept them or not. The Commission can offer companies liability waivers to prioritize its orders at the expense of the firms other contractual obligations. The new rules allow EU countries to jointly procure crisis-relevant or critical goods or services. The EU executive can request data from companies on the stock level of certain products but companies can refuse as long as they explain why. Today we made the internal market better equipped to face the future crises, said lawmaker Andreas Schwab who led negotiations for the European Parliament. The new legislation sets up a three-tier alert level, where a vigilance or emergency mode will be activated when there is a threat that will prompt governments to coordinate their response. Topics Europe A U.S. appeals court on Monday refused to dismiss a Georgia doctors lawsuit claiming that Bayer AGs Roundup weedkiller caused cancer, the latest setback in the German companys efforts to fend off thousands of similar cases carrying potentially billions of dollars in liability. A three-judge panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Bayers argument that federal regulators approval of Roundup shielded the company from being sued under state law for failing to warn consumers of the products risks. Several other appeals courts had previously reached the same conclusion in similar lawsuits. Bayer said in a statement that it disagreed with the ruling and that it continues to stand fully behind its Roundup products, which it maintains are safe. The ruling comes as some investors have been pressuring the company to change its strategy on the litigation, by pursuing settlements or breaking up its business. So far, however, the company has doubled down on continuing to fight Roundup cases in court, saying it believes it can win key victories on appeal. If the 11th Circuit had broken with those other appeals courts, it would have made it more likely for the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue. Another federal appeals court, the Philadelphia-based 3rd Circuit, is currently considering the issue in a separate case. Bayer has said that it hopes a favorable Supreme Court ruling could eliminate much of its liability from the Roundup-related litigation, but the court has so far rebuffed its appeals. Roundup-related lawsuits have dogged Bayer since it acquired the brand as part of its $63 billion purchase of Monsanto in 2018. The company settled most Roundup claims that were pending against it in 2020 for up to $10.9 billion, but still faces more than 50,000 claims over the product. David Carson, the plaintiff in Mondays case, said in his lawsuit he was diagnosed with a type of cancer called malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 2016 after using Roundup for 30 years. Much of his case was initially dismissed by a trial judge, who agreed with Bayer that his failure-to-warn claims were barred by federal law. The 11th Circuit panel in July 2022 disagreed and revived the case. Mondays ruling comes after the panel was ordered by the full 11th Circuit to reconsider its earlier decision. The panel said that a Georgia law that requires companies to warn consumers of foreseeable dangers from using their products does not conflict with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the federal law under which Roundups label was approved. The court said it would have been possible for the company to seek to put a cancer warning on Roundup to comply with Georgia law. Were gratified the court rejected Monsantos defense and upheld the validity of Dr. Carsons claims, David Frederick, Carsons attorney, said in an email. The harm Monsanto caused with Roundup is immeasurable. Bayer has won 10 of the last 16 trials over Roundup. But it has been hit in the cases it lost with more than $4 billion in jury verdicts since last October. Some of those awards are likely to be reduced on appeal because they exceed U.S. Supreme Court guidance. Most plaintiffs allege that Roundup caused a type of cancer called non-Hodgkins lymphoma, though some like Carson say it caused other cancers. Topics Lawsuits USA Georgia Executives at Elon Musks SpaceX discriminated against women, joked about sexual harassment and fired workers for raising concerns, seven former employees allege in California civil rights complaints viewed by Bloomberg. The California-based workers, who were fired in 2022 after circulating an open letter critical of Musks behavior, argue that the aerospace companys actions violated the states Fair Employment and Housing Act. The law bans sex-based discrimination and retaliation against employees who raise concerns in the workplace. Their claims were detailed in filings with the California Civil Rights Department that were sent to SpaceX last month. The filings open up a new front in a contentious legal battle between SpaceX and the workers. In November 2022, the ex-employees also brought complaints about the company to the US National Labor Relations Board, saying SpaceX violated federal labor law by firing them. Last month, the NLRBs prosecutors agreed, accusing SpaceX of illegally retaliating against the workers. In response, the Musk-led company sued the agency. SpaceX said in its suit the NLRB accusations are likely to harm the companys reputation and its ability to recruit new employees. If the company loses, it might also have to reinstate the workers with backpay. The employees were all engineers, according to their lawyer Laurie Burgess. Now, because of the new complaints in California, SpaceX faces the threat of losing to the ex-workers at the state level, too. The California CRD can seek compensatory and punitive damages. SpaceX, which didnt respond to inquiries, has denied wrongdoing in the NLRB case. Companies typically have 30 days to respond to California CRD complaints. Cases filed with the California CRD are investigated by agency staff, who can dismiss them, pursue mediation, choose to sue the company or greenlight workers to file lawsuits themselves. Ex-employees said in interviews that they hope their civil rights complaints will bring more scrutiny to the companys culture, and show current workers they arent alone in their concerns. Bringing things to light is the first step to actually make it better, said Paige Holland-Thielen, one of the complainants, in an interview. The ex-employees concerns about SpaceX stretch back to their early days at the company, according to Holland-Thielen. When she was hired in March 2018, she became a level 1 employee, despite having similar experience to men who were designated senior level engineers, according to her complaint. Even after getting promoted, Holland-Thielen was excluded from assignments, meetings and decisions because of her gender, she alleges. After she raised concerns with her manager that a male colleague was taking credit for her work, she received a performance review accusing her of being too emotional and saying she should be more humble, according to her filing. I was left out of so many meetings that I was supposed to be in; I was left out of so many decisions that were my decision to make, Holland-Thielen said in an interview. I was forgotten on projects; I was forgotten in planning. On one occasion, Holland-Thielen alleges in the complaint, she asked to talk to a manager about inappropriate behavior by a colleague. Before she could speak, she said the manager saw downward-pointing data on her computer screen, made a sexual allusion and said, How can we get it, up, up, up? Musk also frequently posted what employees in the filings call inappropriate content on Twitter, the social media platform he now owns and has renamed X, according to the California filings. The workers allege they couldnt easily avoid Musks posts because he also made important company announcements on the channel. His tweets were regularly disseminated in company venues, such as employee chat groups, according to several of the fired workers filings. It was very common for people to quote things that Elon had previously said, when it comes to engineering practices or jokes he had made, said Tom Moline, one of the fired engineers, in an interview. Basically anything that would make a freshman frat initiate laugh was fair game in large parts of the company. The workers frustrations with SpaceX became public in 2022. That year, Business Insider published an article detailing separate claims that Musk had sexually harassed a SpaceX flight attendant by touching her, exposing himself without her consent and offering her a horse in exchange for a massage. Musk denied the accusation, and made light of it on Twitter. In May 2022, he wrote to a user, Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse. Holland-Thielen writes in her filing the company was also internally dismissive of the incident. She alleged that an HR director said something to the effect of, Ive never been sexual harassed [sic], I must not be hot enough, and giggled after describing harassment claims as involving fifty shades of grey, a reference to the steamy romance novels. After the publication of the Business Insider article, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell sent an email companywide defending Musk. Anyone who knows Elon like I do, knows he would never conduct or condone this alleged inappropriate behavior, Shotwell wrote. In response, the workers penned the open letter, calling Musks behavior a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment, which was seen by the Verge and other news outlets. Several employees complaints say they were then called into meetings with executives , including Shotwell, and fired. They told me that my employment was being terminated because they had determined that I was responsible for conceiving, writing, and distributing the open letter, Moline alleges in his complaint to the California CRD. A hearing for their NLRB case is scheduled for early March, but SpaceX has asked a judge to put that proceeding on hold while considering the companys argument that the agencys structure violates the constitutions separation of powers. In a January filing seeking a court injunction that would halt the proceedings, the company cited its work for the US government as a reason it shouldnt be subjected to the burden of a labor board trial. Being subjected to the NLRB hearing, SpaceX argued, distracts from its important missions, including launching satellites critical to US defense and intelligence agencies and flying NASA astronauts to space. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics California Aerospace Bridge Specialty Insurance Brokerage (BSIB), who provides access to an extensive range of wholesale and specialty insurance solutions, announced the opening of its Dallas, Texas office. The new office will provide additional capabilities for the retail partners that currently work with Bridge Specialty Group (BSG) businesses in Texas: South & Western, Hull & Co., Texas Security General, Combined Group Insurance Services and Graham-Rogers Insurance. B SIB Dallas will not only add a national-focused brokerage capability to complement the current binding and regional brokerage capabilities for the current BSG Central Region, but they will also focus on larger complex placements in both casualty and property. The BSIB Dallas office features a team of experienced insurance professionals who are familiar with the South Central and Midwest markets providing solutions that address the specific needs of the region. With that, the team leverages the size and market clout of BSIB and has access to major markets around the globe through its network of more than 200 insurance carriers. Jim Bishop, who is currently the office leader for Hull & Co. Texas, a Bridge Specialty Group agency, is taking on the responsibility of leading the new BSIB Dallas office. Bishop brings over 30 years of experience in the Texas marketplace with extensive experience in sales and underwriting with a specific focus on growing and developing wholesale operations. Source: BSIP Topics Texas A Miami man posing as an insurance agent reportedly swindled at least eight people out of $29,000 by selling them fake auto insurance policies. That man, William Diehl, was arrested recently and charged with fraud and theft, Floridas chief financial officer said Monday. Diehl was noticed at Douglas Auto Sales in Miami late last year, approaching car buyers and offering to secure insurance on their automobiles, CFO Jimmy Patronis said. When one of the victims was involved in an accident, he discovered that the insurance coverage was bogus. The dealership alerted the Florida Department of Financial Services investigative division. Investigators found that seven others had fallen prey to the fake insurance agent scam, DFS said in a news release. One victim reportedly had his drivers license suspended for failing to carry insurance. Diehl is 39 and lives in North Bay Village, according to a local news report. He surrendered to police and was booked into a correctional facility in Miami. Diehl could face up to 30 years in prison, DFS statement noted. Topics Florida Auto Personal Auto Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Fort Lauderdale-based John Galt Insurance Agency, expanding Gallaghers presence in the beleaguered condominium and association market in Florida, the global insurance broker said in a news release. John Galt includes a commercial insurance agency and a personal lines property/casualty agency. Co-CEO Jim Rudd and the Galt team will remain at the firm under the direction of Bumpy Triche, head of Gallaghers Southeast retail brokerage operations. Illinois-headquartered Gallagher noted it continues to provide brokerage, risk management and consulting services in 130 countries. Topics Florida Mergers & Acquisitions A.J. Gallagher The preliminary total damage and economic loss from the intense storms and record rainfall in California this week will be between $9 billion and $11 billion, according to AccuWeather estimates released on Monday. The atmospheric river hit California Saturday and continued Monday, causing record rainfall, heavy snow, and high winds. The storm is still impacting the most heavily populated part of the state and has caused at least one death, as well as widespread power outages, major flooding, road closures, landslides and mudslides, downed trees, and damage to homes and businesses in highly developed and well populated areas, including some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the state, according to AccuWeather. AccuWeathers preliminary estimate may rise as the storm effects are continuing to be felt and some areas of the state have yet to report complete information about damage, injuries and other impacts. The preliminary estimate largely accounts for damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, facilities, roadways, and vehicles from both rain and snow, as well as more than 900,000 reported power outages at the height of the storm. There was also significant disruption and costs to businesses from travel impediments including blocked roads, train delays, flight cncellations, rerouting, and shipping interruptions. The preliminary AccuWeather estimates reflects damage and negative impacts to the economy that have occurred through the end storm, as additional damage is expected to accrue as southern parts of the state continue to receive an onslaught of rain tonight, with lingering rain and gusty thunderstorms tomorrow, followed by showery weather continuing through Thursday, exacerbating flooding problems. As the storm travels to Arizona and Nevada, damage from flooding is possible in those areas as well. Downtown Los Angeles, as of Monday afternoon, had already received more than 6 inches of rain from this storm with more than 10 inches in the mountains west of Los Angeles, making it one of the rainiest 2-day periods in Downtown L.A. history since 1877. High winds buffeted parts of the state, downing trees and damaging structures. In the San Francisco area and nearby lower elevations, wind gusts of 60 to 85 mph were recorded with gusts over 100 mph in the mountains. Topics California Profit Loss Windstorm Its a new year, and one thing we can look forward to is more new states bringing their cannabis markets online. For insurance professionals, new states offer the challenges of new regulations and new clients to explain the complex world of insurance to. But its not all tough sledding in these new states. There are lots of opportunities for growth, and to lay down ones roots as an insuring cannabis specialist. Thats the view of Erich Schneider, managing director at Alpharoot. Alpharoot is a sister company of Founder Shield, which was relaunched in 2020 as a standalone company. AlphaRoot has been active lately jumping into new markets. We spoke to Schneider about what AlphaRoot is doing in some of these newly legal states, querying him about the upsides and the downsides. Following are takeaways from that conversation. Schneider got into learning curves for clients since many cannabis businesses can be considered new operators, which lack the commonality and consistency with the MSOs. I think its apparent for companies that may not have been operating before in the cannabis space, they may have had some previous experience and we just see constantly that, Schneider said. The stakeholders are different. The key players are different. But a lot of the players are small businesses and whether or not theyve had cannabis experience previously, if theyve owned a business. That changes the process of explaining and helping these clients obtain insurance, putting the brokers at the firm in the position of providing the education and understanding of the process, and walking them through what information they will need, the contractual requirements, specific information required for the submission. What we really try to do as best as we can right on the front end is provide education so that when we actually do go through the process of getting quotes, so theres no sticker shock, theres no, Wait, I didnt know we were going to have to request this information, so on and so forth, he said. So, I think a lot of it just has to be really solid communication and being more proactive when markets come on. These challenges are even greater in newer states, where new ways of getting cannabis to consumers seems to be taking on a bigger role in the industry. In New York, for example, eBike delivery is posing promises and challenges for brokers like Schneider. I think eBike delivery in New York is a great example where were working with one of our really close carrier partners that we have a lot of premium on the books with and were actually leveraging the data of our sister company Founder Shield, which focuses on emerging industries and emerging technologies, and they work with a lot of eBike delivery companies on demand, food delivery, auto delivery, he said. He added: Luckily, we had that at our disposal and were working with the carrier to provide some industry standards and benchmarking as it relates to pricing and claims for this type of exposure, because theyve never written eBike delivery. They dont have that data readily available, so like in that instance its working with them to help build out a program. Related: Topics Cannabis Bulgaria does not recognize Russia's intention to hold elections in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, said Rosen Zhelyazkov, incumbent speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria. "Bulgaria unconditionally supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, does not recognize any encroachments by Russia, does not recognize Russia's intention to hold elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories," Zhelyazkov said at a joint briefing with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk on Tuesday. He stressed that Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine in various fields, including economically supporting Ukrainian refugees who are hiding from the war in Bulgaria. "Bulgaria will unconditionally support Ukraine on its path of integration into the European Union. We, the representatives of the three coalition parties in the Bulgarian parliament, are doing everything possible for this," Zhelyazkov said. According to the press service of the Verkhovna Rada, Zhelyazkov and Stefanchuk discussed Ukraine's path to the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Special attention was paid at the meeting to the issue of bringing the Russian Federation to international legal responsibility and the development of national legislation for the confiscation of frozen and sovereign Russian assets. "Russian assets should be used to compensate for the consequences of Russian aggression, defense and reconstruction of Ukraine," Stefanchuk stressed. He also noted that he expects Bulgaria's help and assistance in the process of returning illegally deported Ukrainian citizens. CoreLogic estimated that across the greater Los Angeles area, nearly 543,000 single- and multifamily homes with a combined reconstruction cost value (RCV) of more than $258 billion are at risk of flash flood damage. Reconstruction cost value is the cost to rebuild a property back to 100%, assuming complete destruction. Not all properties with elevated flash flood risk sustained flood damage. Any structures that were damaged may not have sustained 100% loss up to the full reconstruction value. The number of damaged properties will be a subset of the total 542,979 homes. CoreLogic estimated that across the greater Los Angeles area, nearly 543,000 single- and multifamily homes with a combined reconstruction cost value (RCV) of more than $258 billion are at risk of flash flood damage. Note, the reconstruction cost value in Table 1 does not represent a loss. Reconstruction cost value is the cost to rebuild a property back to 100%, assuming complete destruction. Not all properties with elevated flash flood risk sustained flood damage. Any structures that were damaged may not have sustained 100% loss up to the full reconstruction value. The number of damaged properties will be a subset of the total 542,979 homes. The CoreLogic Flash Flood Risk Score uses structure data available for the entire U.S. and watershed hydrology to extract hydrologic properties from land information datasets, incorporating probabilistic characteristics of meteorological factors to simulate precipitation impact. Flash flooding factors are then integrated to form an overall projection of flash flood risk for a specific structure or parcel. An Explanation of Flash Flooding Flash flooding occurs when precipitation rates are greater than the speed at which water drains into the ground surface. Several factors influence the ground surface penetration rates: The amount of impervious surface (e.g., pavement) Soil saturation Stormwater management system overwhelm Precipitation rates In highly developed regions like the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles area, water is unable to enter the ground and therefore flows over paved surfaces, flooding roads and sidewalks to create dangerous scenarios for travelers. In areas that are undeveloped, soil can saturate after prolonged rainfall. Saturated soil is unable to accommodate additional water, so rainfall pools on the surface and eventually becomes a flash flood. In the more mountainous regions of California, this can lead to mudslides. CoreLogic Weather Verification Captures Hurricane-Force Gusts In addition to heavy and intense rainfall, weather observation stations in the San Francisco Bay Area recorded hurricane-force wind gusts, which are capable of light to moderate property damage and severe infrastructure disruption, including widespread power outages. More than 900,000 California power customers experienced outages as the heavy rain and intense winds battered the state. CoreLogic Weather Verification Services (WVS) and the Reactor Platform captured the location of the strongest winds (Figure 2). What is a Pineapple Express? What Are Atmospheric Rivers? Atmospheric rivers transport moisture from the tropics to the mid-latitudes in long, narrow bands of water vapor. They account for most of the horizontal moisture transport in the atmosphere and can produce heavy rainfall and snowfall when they collide with landmasses. Atmospheric rivers are typically 250 to 375 miles wide and 1,250 to 1,875 miles long and can carry a quantity of water equivalent to 15 Mississippi Rivers. These systems occur in both hemispheres and in all seasons, but they are more frequent and intense in the winter. The Pineapple Express is one of the most well-known atmospheric rivers. It originates near Hawaii in the tropical Pacific Ocean and affects the West Coast of North America, especially California. Warm and moist air masses associated with the Pineapple Express can bring torrential rain and strong winds to the West Coast, sometimes causing floods, landslides, and mudslides. The Pineapple Express can also enhance the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, a vital source of water for California. Some historical examples of atmospheric river flooding in the U.S. include: The Great Flood of 1862 submerged much of Californias Central Valley and turned it into an inland sea for several months. The Columbus Day Storm of 1962, the strongest extratropical cyclone on record in the Pacific Northwest, caused widespread damage and power outages. The New Years Day Flood of 1997 affected California, Nevada, and Oregon, causing more than $1 billion in damages and 17 deaths. The December 2007 Pacific Northwest storms brought record-breaking rainfall and wind gusts to Washington, Oregon, and northern California, triggering widespread flooding and landslides. The multiple rounds of atmospheric river-induced flooding in California in 2023 when flood waters breached the levee in Pajaro, California putting thousands of homes at risk. CoreLogic Hazard HQ Command Central will continue to watch the atmospheric river flooding in California. More information may be provided if other data becomes available. Email HazardRisk@corelogic.com with questions about the atmospheric rivers, CoreLogic Flash Flood Risk Score, the Reactor platform or any CoreLogic event response notifications. Schneyer is CoreLogics director of catastrophe response. Topics California Windstorm Flood Over the past few years, the European Union has responded to increasing threats to its economic security. It has moved beyond the previous consensus that the EU is an economic power to become a player that is less naive and has the tools to deal with economic coercion, foreign investments in critical infrastructure and resource dependencies. European Commission President von der Leyen highlighted in 2019 the need for a geopolitical Commission to respond to the challenges of a more unstable international environment. European Council President Michel also made the case for European strategic autonomy in 2020. The 2021 EU Trade Policy Strategy coined the term open strategic autonomy to emphasise the need to make trade openness compatible with strategic autonomy. Since then, major strides were made, including an anti-coercion instrument and a foreign direct investment screening mechanism, and anti-dumping and subsidy investigation instruments have been sharpened. In January 2024, the European Commission unveiled five initiatives on European Economic Security. In particular, the initiatives aim to (1) strengthen the protection of EU security and public order by improving screening of foreign investment, (2) stimulate discussions for more European coordination in export controls, (3) consult on outbound investment screening to limit risks in certain technologies (4) support research and development in dual-use technologies, and (5) develop recommendations on research security. Yet, despite this substantial shift in approach as well as the welcome concrete initiatives, the EU remains vulnerable to economic security risks and still has more limited capacities to act than large countries outside Europe. Three areas deserve further attention as Europeans go to the polls to elect their new parliament and shape the new European leadership. First, the overarching topic remains institutional reform to improve capabilities to align economic and security interests better in the EU. Second, the EU is unprepared for a second Trump presidency, and when it comes to economic risks it is particularly unprepared in the digital space. Third, European production of military equipment needs to progress more rapidly, and European synergies should increase. The EUs institutional framework to deal with economic security risks does not allow the EU to be the effective player it should be given its economic size. While economic policies in terms of trade, single market and competition are clear EU competencies with decisions mostly taken by a qualified majority, questions on economic security are still mostly handled by member states. The approach so far has been to address this weakness by better coordinating action, as, for example, in the January 2024 package on export control, while also agreeing on some watering down of state aid control to reduce critical dependencies. Yet, this approach is not enough in a world in which security tensions may rise. To be an effective economic power that is proactive rather than just reactive, institutional reform that aligns decision-making across security and economic domains is needed. Take investment screening as an example. Responsibility for screening investments into the EU market still largely falls to individual countries. In 2016, the Netherlands allowed major Chinese investments into the ports of Rotterdam. In 2023, Chinas Cosco took a share in Hamburgs port, leading to substantial debates on the security implications. But neither the Dutch nor the German decisions were made at the EU level that would have accounted for cross-country security spillovers. If such investments raise security concerns, the EU must come to a shared security assessment as the single market is too integrated and goods flow unrestricted across borders. Another area concerns export restrictions and sanction policy. Take the example of sanction policy: while the EU has successfully been able to pass 12 sanctions packages against Russia, unanimity requirements have sometimes slowed decision-making. Moreover, enforcement of sanctions has been imperfect, and there are limited mechanisms to hold countries accountable. Meanwhile, weaker EU-level state aid controls without common EU resources for subsidies risk undermining the even playing field that is so central to a booming internal market. Addressing these institutional weaknesses ultimately requires treaty reform to move beyond unanimity voting requirements on security matters. Intermediate institutional steps could include the formation of an economic security committee, where top national security officials work with European economic executives to come to a shared assessment and more effective decision-making. Vulnerabilities in the digital economy stem from the EUs dependency on American and Chinese products. European countries manufacture relatively little of their own cloud-computing systems, key software, including AI, and telecommunications infrastructure. One area is the telecom infrastructure, where some European countries have a substantial share of Chinese products built into their systems. In a deepened political confrontation between China and the US, a Trump presidency could threaten major telecom operators with sanctions, with potentially major consequences for the EU telecommunications market. It is high time that EU countries reduce their dependence on Chinese telecom products to prepare for a tougher line from the White House. A bigger vulnerability comes from cloud computing, where Europe relies heavily on US capacities. The US CLOUD Act of 2018 requires cloud computing companies to hand over data to law enforcement even if data is stored in Europe with little or no regard for EU data protection laws. EU and US policymakers have made some progress in dealing with the data protection challenge. But a second Trump presidency could make cooperative solutions on data protection impossible. To prepare, it would be advisable to discuss whether cloud computing services should be provided exclusively by firms headquartered in the EU. Yet, there are risks to that strategy: new cloud service providers will be smaller and probably more expensive, and they might find it more difficult to guarantee the same level of cybersecurity. Like geolocation services and satellite communication, cloud storage services also have a military dimension after all, modern weapons often rely on data that must be stored. This is a further dimension where the EU will need to invest in its security. To prevent a major fallout in digital transatlantic relations, the EU should develop a strategy to uphold cooperation with the US. The EU-US Trade and Technology Council might be the right forum for closer cooperation, but clearly risks remain in extreme political scenarios. A final topic that has not yet received sufficient attention and deserves deeper discussions is cooperation across the EU on defence production and procurement. While some instruments exist, the EU needs a bold European defence industrial strategy. It has started the process with a consultation, and Commissioner Breton has called for a fund. In the short term, it will be crucial to enlist all EU countries to provide more military support to Ukraine to prevent a major geostrategic failure a further weakening of Ukraine. Now is also the time to develop a strategy on how the EU can sustainably and cost-effectively boost its military production capacities. It is time to move to a more proactive geoeconomic strategy. The EU should build on its strengths by deepening the single market and concluding trade agreements to boost the growth potential of Europe, the basis of its economic and military power. But it needs to go beyond a pure economic strategy by addressing institutional weaknesses, developing a more forceful digital strategy and, last but not least, boosting European military production capacity. The US Federal Aviation Administrations top official pledged to hold Boeing accountable for any quality lapses as the agency examines the US planemakers manufacturing processes following a near-disaster on an Alaska Airlines flight last month. The events of January 5 really created two issues for us, one is whats wrong with this airplane, but two, whats going on with the production at Boeing, FAA administrator Mike Whitaker told lawmakers in Washington. There have been issues in the past and they dont seem to be getting resolved so we feel like we need to have a heightened level of oversight to really get after that. He added the agency would have more boots on the ground to monitor Boeings factories, saying the FAA will consider the full extent of our enforcement authority to ensure Boeing is held accountable for any non-compliance. Mr Whitaker, who took the helm in October, testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The mid-air structural blowout on the Boeing 737 Max 9 has dominated his tenure to date, leading the agency to step up its scrutiny of Boeing and its suppliers, and to bar the planemaker from increasing deliveries until quality improves. The agency expects to have enough data from an investigation launched after the accident to make initial recommendations as soon as late February, the FAA has said. Boeing has had a series of manufacturing glitches with the Max through 2023, which culminated in the near-catastrophic panel blowout on the Max 9 on January 5. This past weekend, Boeing found more mistakes with holes drilled into the fuselage of its 737 Max jets, threatening to slow deliveries further. Shares of the planemaker have declined 21% this year. The FAA plans to expand its oversight to include both audits and inspections, and was moving inspectors into manufacturing facilities, Mr Whitaker said. He anticipates additional FAA personnel will maintain a longer-term presence at Boeings 737 Max factories, although no final decisions have been made. Mr Whitaker said he planned to hold a discussion this week with senior leadership from major US airlines on how they share information more transparently to improve our safety management system. The agency is working on how it can improve data accessibility, since it will be crucial to identifying and mitigating significant risks and emerging safety trends, he said. Bloomberg Consumer spending will help buoy the economy this year even as jobs growth slows from a "breakneck pace" and multinational exports fail to stage a strong rebound, according to Bank of Ireland forecasts. Irish GDP which contracted in 2023 will grow this year, but by the less-than-expected rate of 1.5%, as multinationals continue to face sluggish demand across Europe, but Irish-owned firms in the domestic economy will likely fare better, with consumer spending growing by 2.9%, the bank projects. Pay increases will nonetheless outpace the rise in consumer prices for the first time in a while, "The impact of the fall in GDP last year will reverberate though 2024 and hold back growth to 1.5%," said chief economist Conall Mac Coille, in his first major forecast for the lender since he joined Bank of Ireland from Davy last year. "However, with inflation falling back and real incomes growing, consumer spending should continue to expand, while continued house building should underpin domestic investment growth with both contributing to a solid rise of 2.3% in modified demand," said Mr Mac Coille. "The breakneck pace of jobs growth" won't continue, and housing output of 34,000 units will still be far short of the required number of 40,000 to 50,000 units to meet demand from a growing workforce and population, and house prices will grow by "low single-digit territory", according to the forecasts. "Bottlenecks, capacity pressures, and labour shortages are now the most pressing issue that could hold back growth in the Irish economy. Hence, effectively implementing the National Development Plan and infrastructural investment is key going forward," Mr Mac Coille said. The GDP forecasts, for the most part, reflect the sluggish demand multinationals based here are facing for their exports across Europe. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in its new outlook published on Monday pared its 2024 global GDP growth forecast back to 2.9%, confirming a wide gap between strong economic expansion in the US compared with sluggish growth in Europe. The eurozone economy is expected to grow by 0.6% this year, with German economic expansion growing tepidly, and Spain posting robust growth, while both the headline and core inflation eurozone rates are seen at 2.6%. At 0.7%, the British economy is also expected to be sluggish, according to the OECD. Separately, growth in the services part of the Irish economy slowed fairly sharply in January, according to the AIB Irish Services Purchasing Managers' Index. "Two of the four sub-sectors covered in the survey registered growth overall led by strong growth in financial services, with business services and transport tourism and leisure seeing monthly declines," according to the survey. However, "employment also continued to rise, and the pace of job creation accelerated on the month. Business sentiment about the prospects for activity over the coming 12 months remained at an elevated level, helped by increasing expectations of a recovery in the wider economy in 2024", it said. Last week seemed like 'French week' here on the farm. Ireland had a big win against France in the Six Nations in Marseille; the farm is busy during the day this time of year, so its always nice to have some of the rugby in the evenings. But most excitingly, our French veterinary student arrived from Bordeaux - she is studying in Portugal and will be with us for four weeks as part of her practical experience. She is not from a farming background, and it is her first time on a dairy farm. She will get plenty of experience handling cows which are calving; we try not to intervene too much when cows are calving but always allow the students to handle them as it is important that they get as much hands-on experience as they can. Our student, Valentine, will also be helping a lot with calves so as to be aware of what to look for if a calf is of form but also understand the basics of rearing newborn calves. French farmers also made the news with massive protests, and they united farmers right across the EU to express their frustration towards policymakers. The French know how to protest, and the farmers have huge public support, with 91% of French people believing farmers do a good job. The French farmers, like all farmers, are not happy with excessive EU regulations, imports of cheap food which are produced at lower standards are also crippling farmers. France's poultry sector is under huge pressure, especially the smaller farmers. Artic loads of eggs are being imported from the Ukraine, where they are cheaper but have less regulations. The French protests also focused on the Lactalis dairy processor, which has been one of the lowest-paying processors, and like their Irish counterparts, French dairy farmers are struggling to survive. It was welcoming to see the IFA organize a brief tractor protest in solidarity just as the French farmers started to wind down their two-week protest, but it was also a little disappointing that while the French united farmers across Europe, there is a clear lack of unity amongst Irish farmers. Divided we will fall! There are so many questions to be asked about Irish agriculture: Why were the other farm organisations not protesting? Could all the farm organizations not stand together for once? I did see a minor protest at the ICSA agm and the online videos continuously mentioned it was not an IFA protest. There was also some minor tit-for-tat online and in WhatsApp groups amongst farmers. Ridiculous, in my opinion, stand together for God's sake! One would also wonder why it took the French farmers to generate any sort of decent protest in Ireland, Irish tillage farmers are really struggling, hugely impacted by the weather, land becoming too expensive for them to rent and wheat prices are on a downward spiral. Irish dairy processors have been amongst the lowest payers in Europe over the last 12 months, and Kerry suppliers have been left to paddle their own canoe. The EU basically said to Irish dairy farmers last year, Quils mangent de la brioche [let them eat cake] when they made changes to derogation, and while Ursula Von Der Leyen claims the EU supports farmers with 387.6bn through the common agricultural policy, the reality is enough was enough 12 months ago. Protests will come and go, but the EU will have to make tactical changes and start to listen to farmers and support them instead of taking them for granted. The fastest way to reduce agricultural emissions and improve water quality is to ensure farmers are making a good living from their farms as farmers are always keen to invest and improve their farms when they can afford to. It is imperative that the EU regains some unity, it is becoming deeply divided at the moment and as we face into European elections in June of this year, perhaps the new wave of canvassers hoping to become MEP will understand the divisions in order to regain a united Europe, if they dont grasp that the need a farmer three times a day to feed them then things may not improve for the agricultural sector. As a friend in France said, Food is not expensive enough when I see the work that goes into producing what we eat. I fully understand the consumer needs cheap food, and the cost of living is a huge issue, but the common agricultural policy was designed back in the 1960s to subsidize farmers to produce cheap food, yet many consumers dont understand that and believe farmers just get handouts from the EU, now as farmers we are over-regulated with our subsidies getting smaller and food has become even cheaper in the supermarket. The supply chain says it supports the farmer, but the reality is the farmer carries all the risk, and if global markets weaken, if major weather events occur, if wars break out or if pandemics occur, the farmer is the only part of the supply chain that loses money, and every other cog in the wheel from farm to fork ensures it covers itself financially. As a person, I love being part of Europe, a common currency, ease of travel between countries, and a strong global voice, but as a farmer, I do have to wonder if my European policymakers love me or simply just take me for granted. If my week wasnt French enough, we had four Charolais calves born on the farm today, all of which were arrived 10-12 days before their due date. They are all sired by Lapon, which is a French bull available through Munster Bovine and Progressive Genetics; this was our third season using him. It is good to get beef calves born in early February, we already have surplus Holstein heifer calves, which is a nice position to be in after the first week of calving. A major role is envisaged for Irish farmers to own, operate, and supply feedstock to plants producing biomethane. But the challenges of high investment costs, regulatory and permitting requirements, and technical expertise, are emphasised in the draft National Biomethane Strategy published last week. The cost of producing biomethane depends on factors such as the scale of the plant, feedstock supply, the proximity of anaerobic digestion plants to the gas grid, and financing. Larger, grid-connected plants can produce biomethane significantly more cheaply. But smaller plants might get better buy-in from farmers, the rural community, and the agribusiness sector. According to the draft strategy, 140 larger plants producing biomethane in Ireland align closely with the successful biomethane industries developed in Denmark and the UK. They can produce biomethane significantly more cheaply than smaller plants utilising truck and trailer transport of gas and are seen as the best chance of meeting Ireland's 2030 biomethane production target (5.7 TWh) but with a smaller involvement for the farming community. Draft strategy The draft strategy, however, suggests co-ops could allow for greater farmer involvement and/or ownership in larger plants. Smaller plants processing material from farms and consuming the energy on-site (using the "raw" biogas product for heat and power) will not contribute substantially to national biomethane targets but can be important to decarbonise agriculture. They can also play a strong role in the social acceptance of the anaerobic digestion process to produce biomethane. There are 43 of these plants already in Ireland, processing materials such as landfill waste, municipal solid waste, sewage waste, and animal slurries, to produce biogas for electricity generation. These biogas plants could be upgraded to develop biomethane, which is more efficient. Biogas is now seen as an expensive way to generate renewable electricity, with a shift across Europe to instead generate biomethane for high-temperature heat, gas grids, and the transport sector. Ireland has only two biomethane facilities yet, with most of their biomethane coming from the processing of waste, and used in the transport sector. According to the draft strategy, expecting end users to absorb the full extra cost of biomethane ("the green premium") is likely to result in sub-optimal use and make achieving the full 5.7 TWh target challenging. Historically, most European governments subsidised biomethane through financial support, such as a feed-in tariff guaranteeing the biomethane developer revenue for every unit injected into the gas grid. Economic incentive However, at the demand end, Irish companies covered by the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme would have a substantial economic incentive to switch to biomethane. They normally have to purchase ETS allowances to cover gas consumption (90 per tonne in 2023), but not for biomethane, because it is a zero-carbon-rated fuel. Discussions with developers have revealed getting direct access to the national gas network is a key objective, even though the cost of connecting anaerobic digestion plants to the grid in Ireland has been shown by developers to be about two or three times more expensive than in neighbouring countries. Using gas pipelines is the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective way to get gas to end users. Trucking the gas is more expensive and less sustainable. However, due to the location of Irelands existing gas network (which does not for example extend to counties such as Kerry, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon, and Sligo), truck transport is expected to have a key role. The policy for biomethane is that the customer pays 30% of the costs for connection infrastructure. More than 75% of biomethane plants in Europe are grid-connected. The Departments of Agriculture, and Local Government will develop a standardised code of practice for local authorities assessing anaerobic digestion and biorefinery planning applications. Lengthy timelines for planning decisions are frequently highlighted by stakeholders as impeding the speedy development of such facilities. Although Europe has more than 20,000 plants in operation, it is a relatively new and unknown technology in Ireland, which could lead to confusion and inconsistent decisions by local authorities. The draft strategy envisages biorefineries co-located with anaerobic digestion plants. They would process materials such as grass and other forages to extract valuable compounds such as proteins and fibres, before the anaerobic digestion process. With the highest proportion of permanent grassland in Europe, Ireland is well-positioned for biorefineries producing, for example, protein feed for animals, or even food-grade protein. The Government will invest up to 30m in biorefinery piloting and demonstration over the next three years. Although getting involved in the ownership of the biomethane sector may be daunting for the agri-sector, it is likely to be the biggest supplier of raw material for anaerobic digestion and biorefineries, and the main user of the digestate raw material. Climate targets And, crucially, without biomethane, Ireland is unlikely to meet its legally binding climate targets, including agriculture's extremely challenging 25% emission reduction target. In Europe, 64% of biomethane is produced by agricultural plants. Other important feedstock sources include organic municipal solid waste (11%) and industrial waste (11%). Research at Teagasc Grange recommended an equal mix of grass silage and slurry (on a fresh weight basis) as a balanced feedstock. For the lowest emissions per unit of energy produced, silage should be produced with minimal chemical fertilisers, so the incorporation of legumes, such as white or red clover into perennial ryegrass, or multi-species pastures, is required. Teagasc estimates about 120,000 ha (less than 5% of available land) will produce enough silage to feed the ADs. Clover or multi-species swards will reduce the hectares required, but some displacement of livestock is a likely consequence. Slurry from 1.3 million cattle will be required to meet the 2030 target. This represents about 20% of all winter cattle slurry produced in Ireland. No-emissions all-year-round slurry storage at anaerobic digestion facilities will be crucial. Other useful agricultural feedstocks include poultry litter (producing an impressive 1.35 MWh of biomethane per tonne, compared to grass silage's 0.836 MWh). The digestate left behind after anaerobic digestion has typically been viewed as a waste product burden, with operators commonly paying farmers to take it away. However, transforming it into valuable biobased fertiliser can make it a revenue earner, according to the draft strategy. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said he looks forward to hearing people's views on the draft biomethane strategy. "This will inform the final strategy, which we will publish at the end of Q1 2024. The closing date for submissions is February 27. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said the Government was firmly behind the development of a sustainable biomethane industry of scale in Ireland, and noted increased availability of an indigenous, renewable gas in Ireland would boost the long-term security of our energy system. The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the irishexaminer.com, direct to your inbox every Friday. A report from the North Dublin Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force found that a quarter of 14- to 16-year-olds in the area drank alcohol in the last year. More than 1,200 of the 2,677 teenagers surveyed had been drunk in the previous year, with the majority drinking outdoors in fields, parks, and on the street. Most of the young people surveyed said they did not purchase alcohol for themselves by masquerading as being older or using fake identification, but their parents or other adults were the ones most likely to buy alcohol on their behalf. Adolescents want to fit in and be accepted by their peers. So when drinking alcohol is considered the norm, they are more likely to join in. Many teenagers I have spoken to see alcohol as a way to socialise or have fun during parties. They refer to the notion of Dutch courage, suggesting that alcohol helps them become relaxed socially. When they drink alcohol, they say they become more disinhibited and less self-conscious. Adolescents are naturally curious, and many are intrigued to find out what consuming alcohol feels like. They also see so many adults in their lives celebrating and endorsing it that they often form positive associations with alcohol. Some teenagers say they use alcohol to manage stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. However, in my experience, young people who seek this effect are often more likely to be drawn to smoking cannabis as opposed to alcohol. While these reasons might explain why teens are likely to drink alcohol, they are no excuse for it. I have long disagreed with teenage drinking. Many of my peers who have older children often warn me that things will change when my children are in their mid-teens, assuming I will change my mind, but I doubt it. Irish alcohol culture hides harm in plain sight. Our lenient and romanticised view of alcohol is of chronic proportions. Many will refer to how every social occasion whether a birthday, christening, or funeral involves alcohol or how every visiting dignitary is treated to a pint as the symbol of our cead mile failte. We can point to the film industry as the culprit, as it often portrays alcohol consumption as a glamorous symbol of maturity, but the true promoters of the joys of alcohol might be a little closer to home. Parents behaviour plays a more influential role than we realise. References to phrases like wine oclock and I need a drink after the week that Ive had are subtle, but impactful endorsements of alcohol use. If children grow up in an environment where regular alcohol consumption is normalised, with the adults in their lives describing it as a reward or an effective means of coping with stress, it is no surprise that adolescents want to experiment with it. Parental attitude alone is not the sole reason for teenagers alcohol use, but we tend to skim over it when explaining our attitude to alcohol consumption. Health impacts Research conducted into the impact of alcohol on the adolescent mind, brain, and body unanimously states it causes harm. Recently, American paediatrician Brenden Tervo-Clemmens and colleagues opened their 2024 paper in the JAMA Paediatric Journal with the line: Adolescents who use substances, including alcohol, have more psychiatric symptoms than peers who do not use. Teenage alcohol intake increases the risk of negatively impacting cognitive functions, such as memory and decision-making skills, and impairs their judgment. According to US neuroscientist Samuel Tetteh-Quarshie, the adolescent brain undergoes significant maturational changes necessary for effective brain development and is especially susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of alcohol. So how can we condone giving a child a substance known to cause structural brain damage and lead to risky behaviours, such as engaging in dangerous activities which may result in accidents, injuries, or placing themselves in situations where they are vulnerable to harm? Premature exposure to alcohol increases the risk of teenagers developing substance misuse disorders later in life, according to a study in the Journal of Adolescent Health. It places them at an increased risk of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders as well as exacerbating pre-existing mental health conditions. I have heard the arguments of how we all drank at their age, and we are fine. And the truth is that most probably will be fine. But in my clinic, I have met many teenagers who are not fine. For over 20 years, I have supported young people who have suffered the consequences of premature alcohol use. I have seen how it can impact their lives and lead to serious problems with relationships, school performance, and emotional well-being. Lack of law enforcement We seem to conveniently forget that underage drinking is illegal, and teenagers who are caught consuming alcohol may face legal consequences. Underage drinking, claiming to be 18 years old to buy alcohol, or allowing a child to be in a premises that sells alcohol without supervision leads to a 500 fine. However, the lack of enforcement of these laws speaks to our wider cultural leniency towards underage drinking. Some advocate allowing teens to drink at home in the hope that, like the French, their teenager will adopt a relationship with alcohol that will encourage them to drink responsibly. The problem with this philosophy is we are not French. Providing any permission to drink alcohol under-age dismisses the importance of the physical and psychological consequences of consuming it, when our brains and bodies are not sufficiently developed to cope with it. Im aware my advice to hold off allowing your teenager to drink alcohol may be akin to building sandcastles against the tide of public opinion, but I believe it is worth saying. I have yet to speak to a parent who regretted not allowing their child to consume alcohol earlier, but I have met plenty who regretted not holding off until they reached the legal age. We talk about how parenting advice can be ambiguous and a lot of it can depend on the child; however, when it comes to the critical issue of underage drinking, there is no debate. Stating clearly that alcohol is not to be consumed before their 18th birthday is not a preference or an ideology it is a central parental responsibility. Fishermen have called for more openness on Iceland's bid to fish in Irish waters amid ongoing talks in Europe. Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation chief executive Patrick Murphy said the industry first heard rumours last June about informal talks taking place about Iceland fishing in EU waters. It is not clear when Irish officials were first approached about Icelands desire for access to EU waters to fish for blue whiting and mackerel. Mr Murphy said: Right from the start, we have been kept in the dark. Since we found out, however, the back and forth with the minister and his department has been clouded in confusion. We dont know fully what is or what isnt being said on our behalf. We are afraid Iceland will get a similar deal to the one Norway already has. That deal allows Norwegian fishermen to fish for 224,000 tonnes of blue whiting here. In contrast, Ireland is only allowed to catch a fraction of this in its own water. In return for Norway fishing in EU waters, it gives about 10,000 tonnes of cod, worth about 40m to the EU Commission, as a type of toll payment. Ireland gets just 300 tonnes of cod, which is worth a little over 1m, despite the fact Norway predominantly fishes in Irish waters under the deal with the EU. When the minister and departmental officials met fishing industry representatives in a virtual meeting on October 27, they said the EU Commission was proposing to give Iceland access to stocks of mackerel and blue whiting. However, the industry was not keen at the time to do a deal involving mackerel or blue whiting. Departmental negotiators are then understood to have told the EU Commission mackerel could not be part of any deal. However, the EU Commission's proposal around blue whiting and mackerel was suddenly withdrawn after it became apparent it was not supported by other, bigger, EU states. The Irish fishing industry then changed approach and told the minister it would only now accept a deal involving mackerel. Mr Murphy said: He has told us he doesnt want to go back to Europe to do a deal involving mackerel because he has already told them mackerel is off the table. Its a complete and utter mess. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue told the Irish Examiner: "I'm working at the European level to make sure our waters are respected. "I speak on behalf of the Irish industry at the European level and only I speak on behalf of the Irish industry. "You'll find within the industry that [there] can be different views and I consult and take on board the different views and then I set the course at European level that's going to deliver the best outcome for our country and for our fishing sector. There were emotional outbursts at Cork District Court as a 31-year-old man was brought before the court charged with murdering 47-year-Kieran Quilligan. Minutes later a 26-year-old man was also charged with the same count of murder. The two Cork men were brought before Cork District Court charged with murdering Kieran Quilligan eight days after human remains were found in East Cork and more than five months since he was reported missing. Detective Garda Brian Barron arrested 31-year-old Niall Long and charged him with murder. The accused made no reply when cautioned. He was arrested at his home on Monday, February 5, and charged later in the day. He was brought before Cork District Court on Tuesday where Judge Mary Dorgan presided. There was silence as Mr Long was escorted into Cork District Court by a phalanx of garda officers. As the brief hearing ended and he was being brought back into the custodial area, members of the Quilligan family stood and shouted angrily in his direction from the body of the court You f***ing tramp, scumbag and other phrases. Luke Taylor. File picture One of the family turned briefly to the judge as they left the courtroom and said: We apologise, your honour. The charge states that on a date unknown between September 1, 2023, and January 29, 2024, at an unknown location within the state in the District Court area of Cork City he did murder Kieran Quilligan, contrary to Common Law. Niall Long of 35 St. Michaels Close, Mahon, Cork, was represented by Shane Collins-Daly, solicitor, who was granted free legal aid. Because it is a murder charge it was not open to the accused to apply for bail at district court level. Mr Collins-Daly said a high court bail application would be made in the coming weeks. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody for one week, on the application of Sergeant Pat Lyons, to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Minutes later, Detective Garda Anne OSullivan gave evidence of arresting 26-year-old Luke Taylor of no fixed address, and formerly of Cherry Lawn, Blackrock, Cork. When charged with the same offence he replied: Didnt murder no one. Like his co-accused, Mr Taylor was also remanded in custody until February 13. He was represented on free legal aid by Eddie Burke. Members of the Garda divisional crime scene investigation unit at the search site for Kieran Quilligan at Courtstown Industrial Estate, Little Island, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan Gardai confirmed last week that they had started a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains found on Monday, January 29, at Rostellan in East Cork. Later in the week assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, carried out a post-mortem examination of the remains at Cork University Hospital. Following this, there was a DNA examination of samples sent to the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory in Dublin, and confirmation that the remains were those of Mr Quilligan. A Garda liaison officer has been keeping the Quilligan family briefed on developments. The human remains were found at the bottom of an excavated ditch off the Midleton to Whitegate road past Whitewell Cross and the turn off for Rostellan, by a sniffer dog and his handlers. Meanwhile, Mr Quilligan's funeral details have been announced. His family said his remains will repose at Forde's funeral home at the South Gate bridge on Wednesday from 5pm to 6pm with Requiem mass at 3pm on Thursday at the Church of the Way of the Cross in Togher with a funeral afterwards to the Island Crematorium. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, in cooperation with the UN World Food Program, is expanding support for socially vulnerable categories of the population, in particular persons with disabilities from childhood and children with disabilities, the government's press service reports. "Within three months, monetary support will be provided to persons with disabilities from childhood and children with disabilities who receive less than UAH 3,250 in social benefits from the state, do not receive assistance from other international organizations and do not receive payments for IDPs (except for those who live in the territories of active or possible hostilities, defined by the Ministry of Reintegration)," the message says. The program will provide monetary assistance as an additional payment for state social assistance in the amount that is not enough up to UAH 3,250 (but not less than UAH 100). That is, if the assistance from the state is, for example, UAH 2,361, the UN WFP will send an additional UAH 889 to a person/child with disabilities. It is noted that since August 2023, about 400,000 pensioners living in the territories of active or possible hostilities have already received payments from the WFP every month. In total, almost $28 million has been transferred to them during this time. The Ukrainian motorist who denies dangerous driving causing the death of GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer in Innishannon at Christmas 2022 said by Google translate to gardai on the day of the crash: I am sorry I was scared. I have no excuses. However, the defence senior counsel, Seamus Roche, said during the trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that when Bohdan Bezverkhyi said this he was referring to leaving the scene and was not admitting any responsibility for dangerous driving causing Mr Palmers death. Detective Garda Manus ODonnell testified that he called to the accused and told him he was investigating the car crash and that Mr Besverkhyi made the responses via Google translate, also stating: I wanted to go to you tomorrow. Detective Garda ODonnell also testified that when he charged the accused with four counts all relating to a failure to remain at the scene of an accident he variously replied: I am guilty, I just want to apologise I am sorry, very sorry for what happened... I have no excuse, no excuse Very sorry for my actions. I want to apologise. I am very sorry for my actions. Again Mr Roche said in cross-examination that the four charges to which the defendant made those responses referred only to a failure to remain at the scene. Det. Garda ODonnell agreed. 33-year-old Bohdan Bezverkhyi, of Rigsdale House, Rigsdale, Ballinhassig, County Cork, denies the most serious charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Palmer at Dunkereen Cross, Innishannon, Co Cork, on December 29, 2022. He pleaded guilty to five other charges. He admitted dangerous driving at another time and place December 28, 2022 on the main Cork-Kerry road, the N22. In respect of the incident at Innishannon on December 29, 2022, he pleaded guilty to failing to offer assistance at the scene, failing to remain there, failing to report the incident to An Garda Siochana, and a charge of failing to stop. Paudie Palmer died on December 29, 2022. File picture: Dan Linehan The trial before Judge Colin Daly and a jury of seven men and five women continues at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Seamus Roche SC said during cross-examination of Det. Garda ODonnell: He has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and various associated actions and that is effectively what he was apologising for. The detective agreed that the accused was co-operative when questioned and was quite forthright in terms of his involvement in the accident and put forward a particular view of what happened. Detective Garda ODonnell said that in the first of three interviews he accepted he was involved in a road traffic accident earlier in the day and in the second interview he said it would have occurred whether he (the accused) was there or not. He said the Peugeot 206 (driven by the late Mr Palmer) was an unreliable car. He said he (the accused) was impacted by the other driver (the late Mr Palmer). Forensic crash investigator Garda Raymond Sweeney testified that following his examination of both vehicles there was no impact on the front of the Peugeot, suggesting it did not collide with the BMW. He said the greatest impact was on drivers side of the Peugeot suggesting that this car did not collide with the BMW. Four men entered a boys' secondary school in the middle of the school day and violently confronted a juvenile there, causing widespread fear amongst students and staff, a court has heard. Three of the men Jack Craig, Josh Neary, and Scott Purdue pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder at a boy's school in Dublin on October 13, 2022. Another man is still before the courts in relation to the matter. CCTV footage played in court showed the four men entering the school around 2pm, before confronting a teenage student who took a hammer out of his bag in self-defence and then fled. The fourth man, who is not currently before the court, then took a steel pole and threw it at the student, narrowly missing him, the court heard. Neary, 22, then grabbed the student's own bag and threw it at him. The confrontation was brought to an end by staff who ushered the men out of the school. No-one was physically injured during the incident, the court heard. Garda Aisling Halligan told Eoin Lawlor, prosecuting, that students were quite scared in the wake of the incident and one staff member retired as a result of the altercation. Sentencing the three men, Judge Martin Nolan said the men were very forceful, boisterous, and very violent and terrified students and staff when they entered the school. This was a school setting, he noted, adding: Schools are entitled to exist peacefully and not be invaded like this. He handed down sentences of 16 months for all three men, but suspended the sentence in full in the case of Craig, aged 21, whom the court heard has no previous convictions and did not play a big role in the incident. Keith Spencer, defending Craig, of Shancastle Drive, Clondalkin, said his client had no criminal history, has recently become a father for the first time and is working in a cafe. He handed in work references. Luke O'Higgins, defending Neary, with an address of Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, said his client is originally from Tullamore, Co Offaly, and came to Dublin for work, where he fell in with a bad crowd. He said Neary has since returned to Tullamore and is living with his mother. He had 500 in court for the school as a token of his remorse. He has eight previous convictions. The court heard Purdue, aged 25, also of Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, has 107 previous convictions. He is currently in custody. Jennifer Jackson, defending, said Purdue had ADHD and was expelled from school in second year. She said he suffered two significant head injuries the first at the age of 17 when he fell out of a moving car, and the second when he got a gunshot wound to the head and was in a coma for five months. He has also lost three fingers when he was the subject of an attack, the court heard. Judge Nolan said one would need perfect mitigation to avoid a custodial sentence, given the fact that a school was involved. He suspended Craig's sentence in full but handed down sentences of 16 months for Neary and Purdue. A five-year project just completed in North-West Cork has resulted in a significant improvement in water quality in its rivers and thrown a major lifeline to seriously endangered species such as the freshwater pearl mussel. The 1.47m Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP programme focused on getting about 100 landowners to help stop run-off pollution into tributaries which primarily feed into the River Blackwater. Michael OConnor, a scientist and adviser who worked on the project, said it created a blueprint of how to farm with nature to protect water quality". Farmers were given incentives to join the project, such as results-based payments determined by the quality of a measure to enhance water. They could also apply for capital funding to install measures on their farms which would reduce pollution potential, such as farm road upgrades, hedgerow planting, and alternative drinking sources for their animals. Much of the work centred on preventing farm animals from entering the rivers and preventing pollution. Entry also destroyed riverbanks, leading to increased flooding and negative impacts on flora and fauna. The project covered 19km of waterways and landowners planted 1,342 natives trees, helped preserve sand martin colonies, and built next boxes for dippers and barn owls. Impressive improvements in water quality were observed throughout the duration and conclusion of the project on the rivers Allow, Owenanare, and Owenkeal, which flow into the Blackwater. The improvement in water quality in the region is significant as under the EU Water Framework Directive, all member states must achieve "good" or "satisfactory" ecological water quality status by 2027. However, some waters such as those in the Duhallow project have been assigned a high-status objective, which means they must achieve the highest ecological water quality status by 2027. Some 27 freshwater pearl mussel populations are protected within Special Areas of Conservation across Ireland. These high-status objective waterbodies are known as blue dots. The Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP project has resulted in 81% of the catchment areas rivers now achieving their WFD status, a significant increase from the beginning of the project, as just 57% of the catchment area was meeting that status. These [Duhallow] rivers serve as an ark where sensitive species survive and can then recolonise polluted water downstream when it is restored. "A prime example of this is the freshwater pearl mussel, an endangered species whose survival is dependent on high water quality, found in one of their last strongholds within the project catchment area. "Of course, high status water bodies are also critical for maintaining overall ecosystem health as well as ensuring future availability of water for farming, fishing, drinking, and recreation among other uses, Mr O'Connor said. The freshwater pearl mussel is Irelands longest living animal, with a lifespan of up to 140 years. European freshwater pearl mussel populations are in peril throughout the continent, having declined by about 90% over the past century. Some 27 freshwater pearl mussel populations are protected within Special Areas of Conservation across Ireland. Mr O'Connor added that while the project had been a huge success for the catchment area, another important part was sharing the findings, lessons learned, and innovations with others as well as feeding into new policies and schemes. A Cork principal has criticised the Department of Education's proposal to split the development of her school, Owenabue Educate Together National School (OETNS), across two sites on either side of one of Irelands busiest commuter towns. Under the department's plan for September 2024, whilst the main school will remain in Herons Wood, two classes will move to prefabricated classrooms on the site of Carrigaline Educate Together National School (CETNS) in Kilnagleary. Clearly the people making this plan have no knowledge of the local area, says principal Trina Golden. A parent having to drop off at both sites might get across the town in 30 minutes on a good day, but they could be up to 45 minutes in traffic. The plan could see children separated from their siblings as well as the administrative and support hubs of their school community. They will also have no access to essential facilities, including support teaching spaces, sensory areas, and outdoor play spaces. The department has also been accused of refusing to address concerns around integration for autism classes, health and safety issues, and disparities in resources between the two sites. These concerns come on the back of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) landmark policy advice paper, published in January 2024, which calls for an inclusive education for an inclusive society". CEO of the NCSE, John Kearney, acknowledged the importance of adequate supports and infrastructure saying: Student outcomes are enabled with a greater availability of therapeutic and psychological supports within schools. Student learning experiences are enriched with enhanced teacher professional learning and improvements to schools buildings. Emer Nowlan, chief executive of Educate Together, said: "This cost-cutting could seriously threaten enrolment. We are here to serve a need; the population is growing, but a measure like this goes against everybodys interests. File photo: Moya Nolan OETNS opened in September 2020 as a one-classroom school in the Carrigaline Lions Club, then moved to temporary accommodation in Rosemount, Herons Wood. Permanent accommodation had been promised to the school, but this was re-allocated in 2021. An alternative permanent site was purchased in January 2023, but the department's latest interim proposal is characterised as being inadequate. It is a small piece of a much bigger picture when it comes to the fate of developing schools. Speaking to this newspaper in 2023, CEO of Educate Together, Emer Nowlan, identified that the patron has 41 out of 117 schools in temporary accommodation, about a third, and some of them for far too long". What will happen in two years time when we still have another year or two before our school is built? Where will we go then? adds Ms Golden. The project manager on the intended site sees no reason why we cant move there whilst the final build is underway. "This happens elsewhere. This cost-cutting could seriously threaten enrolment. We are here to serve a need; the population is growing, but a measure like this goes against everybodys interests. Maeve McGinn, Parent Nominee to the Board of Management said: This decision by the Department of Education is beyond comprehension. Not only is this separating friends and siblings, it is isolating a number of pupils away from the main school with almost no facilities or supports. "Furthermore, parents with siblings in the school cannot possibly get their children to school on time, given the time it will take to travel between locations. Those children will be denied the full education they are entitled to. A Department of Education spokesperson said a project to provide a new 16-classroom primary school building for OETNS is being advanced by the department and is currently at Stage 1 preliminary design. "Pending the completion of this new school building, interim arrangements for the accommodation of the school have been put in place. "In order to facilitate the continued growth of the school, additional accommodation is required for the 2024/25 school year. The department is currently engaging with the school patron, Educate Together, to put a solution in place in this regard," they said. Former taoiseach John Bruton has been remembered as a "gentleman" who was "a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace". It was announced on Tuesday that Mr Bruton had died at the age of 76 following a long illness. He died in a Dublin hospital surrounded by his family. Mr Bruton was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001 and Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997 as head of the rainbow coalition government alongside Labour and Democratic Left. Born in Dunboyne in Co Meath, he graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) before qualifying as a barrister from Kings Inns. Mr Bruton was first elected to the Dail as TD for Meath at the age of 22 and continued to rise through Fine Gael until his retirement from domestic politics in 2004. He served two terms as Minister for Finance during the 1980s and as Minister for Industry and Energy and Minister for Trade. Mr Bruton later served as the European Unions ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009. Bruton was 'a true patriot' Tributes from across the political world have poured in since his death was announced, with it being labelled a sad day for politics. Tributes were led by President Michael D Higgins who said that he had learned of Mr Bruton's passing "with sadness". He said he had seen Mr Bruton's contributions up close when he served as a minister in Mr Bruton's Cabinet. "It was a privilege to serve as a member of Dail Eireann and of Cabinet with John and, in particular, when he served as a very energetic Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997." The president said Mr Bruton was deeply committed to his work and demonstrated a life-long interest and engagement in public affairs and public service at home and internationally. His contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process during his time as Taoiseach was very significant. In this work, he brought a particular sensitivity and a generous approach to inclusion with regard to the perspective of the Other. "Together with John Major, his overseeing of the development of the Joint Framework Document in 1995 was a pivotal foundation for the Good Friday Agreement." He said that the former taoiseach "had a great sense of humour which was a great help in ensuring a sense of collegiality and that small issues would never be allowed to defeat what was important in relation to the things that mattered most". Taoiseach Leo Varadkar cited Mr Bruton as one of the reasons he entered politics and joined Fine Gael. "He was always encouraging and supportive on a personal level, from my time in Young Fine Gael to my time as Taoiseach. We kept in touch and his knowledge and experience were particularly helpful during Brexit and during coalition negotiations. "We last spoke just before Christmas when he was unable to attend the Council of State due to his illness. I spoke to his wife Finola and brother Richard this morning to pass on my condolences. John Bruton leaves Aras an Uachtarain after receiving his seal of office from President Mary Robinson in 1994. Picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie "John was a doer and a philosopher. He was passionately pro-European in Government and in Opposition, and was well-liked and respected among colleagues in Europe and in the European Peoples Party in which he served as Vice-President. He knew that Irelands place and destiny was at the heart of Europe and made the case for it eloquently." On the North, Mr Varadkar said Mr Bruton "strongly opposed violence as a means to advance political objectives and believed in unity through consent". "He made a particular effort to reach out to the Unionist community. He advocated a new patriotism and opposed narrow nationalism. While these views are now held by the majority of people, that was not always the case and he was willing to lead, even when it meant going against the grain. "John believed in an enterprise economy and responsible management of the public finances. I am convinced that the decisions made by the Rainbow Government which he led from 1994 to 1997, comprising Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left, laid the foundation for much of the economic prosperity we have enjoyed since." Mr Varadkar added: "Above all, I believe John Bruton possessed real dignity and imbued compassion and patriotism. The whole Fine Gael family mourns his loss, and he will always be remembered for his service to our Party and to the Irish State." Tanaiste Micheal Martin said Mr Bruton had "worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation". Mr Martin said that Mr Bruton was a committed politician who was always full of ideas and energy. "A passionate European and clear about Irelands place in the EU, John believed in public service and was a true patriot," said Mr Martin. Bertie Ahern, who succeeded Mr Bruton as Taoiseach in 1997, said he was one of the decent and genuine people. My view of John is that he was a gentleman, Mr Ahern told RTE after Mr Brutons death was announced. Bertie Ahern and John Bruton (right) in 1997. File picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie He was always the private man. He was leader of the House in government, and I was leader of the House in opposition, way back in the early 80s. I worked with them on so many issues over so many years. We got on very well. I considered him one of the decent people. His involvement in the North (Northern Ireland) was always genuine. He was a totally genuine person and always acted in the interests of the people of the country, of the people of need and I wouldnt have a bad word to say about John Bruton. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said it is a sad day for politics and for the Bruton family. It is very sad news. He was such a big figure for so many people but most importantly for his family, and I really want to just offer my deepest condolences to them. Hes someone that has been such a strong presence in politics for so many years, but particularly in Meath. Its something that I experienced and have witnessed over the many years, just how well he was loved and how many people knew him and how many people felt they knew him, even if they had never met him. John Bruton (left) with his brother, former education minister Richard. File picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie I think its because of the way in which he worked and the way in which he engaged with people no matter what position he was in, whether it was Taoiseach, whether it was leader of Fine Gael, or whether it was ambassador to the US, he always had time to stop and to talk to people and to talk about the big and the small issues. So its a sad, sad day for politics, most importantly for his family. Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail added: I was saddened to learn of the passing of John Bruton and on behalf of the Houses of the Oireachtas pass on my deepest sympathies to his wife, Finola, children, Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sister Mary, and his brother and our colleague in Dail Eireann, Deputy Richard Bruton. John Bruton gave nearly four decades of dedicated service to the people of Ireland as a Member of the Dail from his first election in 1969 to his retirement in 2005. As a TD, Minister and ultimately Taoiseach, John brought total commitment to democracy, absolute integrity to politics and dedication to public service. This will be his legacy." Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney hailed Mr Bruton as a giant of Irish politics. "Taoiseach, [Fine Gael] Leader, held multiple ministries, 35 years a TD, EU Ambassador. He encouraged me into politics and always lead with honesty & integrity," Mr Coveney wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Northern Ireland Mr Bruton played a role in the Northern Ireland peace talks and launched the Anglo-Irish 'Framework Document' in 1995, a document that outlined new proposed relations between Ireland, the North and the UK. His British counterpart, former prime minister John Major, said he was "shocked to learn" of Mr Bruton's death. He was a brave and talented Taoiseach who contributed mightily to the early days of the peace process," said Mr Major. John Bruton (left) in his office with Press Secretary Shane Kenny in 1995. File picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie In testing circumstances, he put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence. He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deeply saddened at his passing. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill expressed her condolences to the Bruton family. Speaking in the Assembly, she said: I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who weve just been notified has sadly passed away. To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson praised the former taoiseach for his work in the North. "John was a gentleman who as prime minister reached out to unionists to try and gain a better understanding of our position and to encourage practical co-operation," he said. Tanaiste Micheal Martin pressed US politicians and Biden administration officials on the need to continue funding a vital United Nations agency on Tuesday, as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip worsens. Kicking off a four-day trip to the US, Mr Martin met with US politicians including Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and leader of the Friends of Ireland caucus Congressman Richard Neal as part of a string of engagements in the American capital. Developments in Northern Ireland and the need to continue support for Ukraine also featured heavily, along with Irelands views on the Middle East and the funding for United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Mr Martin said the discussions would be challenging given the diversity of views on the Israel-Palestinian situation and Ireland was under no illusions in this regard. He said: But most people who were familiar with the on-the-ground situation in Gaza, and indeed in the West Bank and Jordan, are under no illusions that the only effective mechanism to deliver aid at the scale that is required is through UNWRA in terms of food and in terms of education and health services. Last week, the European Commission said it will "review" its support to UNRWA, following allegations several of its staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. Following the accusations, the British and US were among those who decided to suspend financing of UNRWA. I think our challenge is to bring the European perspective or bring the Irish perspective as well and our sense of the realities on the ground, Mr Martin said. Ive met with UNRWA. Ive met with [UNRWA commissioner general] Philippe Lazzarini on a number of occasions. It is a very large organization. I welcome the appointment of an independent review, outside of the UN, of UNRWA because I think that will give confidence to donors. The Tanaiste said Ireland needed to make the more effective argument and be persuasive in its dialogue on the need for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid at scale in the region. He added that he welcomed the strong signals from the White House that they favoured a two-State solution for Israel-Palestine, which Ireland has long supported. Mr Martin also met with Senators Chris Murphy and Jon Ossoff, as well as representatives Brendan Boyle and Katherine Clark along with the Friends of Ireland Caucus. Given the recent restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Martin said: The importance now is that the Good Friday Agreement, through all strands, is implemented fully and energetically. In terms of Ukraine, the Tanaiste said the recent breakthrough in funding for Ukraine at EU level was also emphasised. And the necessity for the United States and Europe to really ensure that we're there for the long haul in our support of Ukraine, sending very strong signals to Russia in that respect, he added. More than 20 years ago, I wrote a column in this newspaper about the shameful treatment of people with disabilities in Ireland. I had been part of a delegation to the government, campaigning for change, and we met with a minister. Among other things, she told us: Its been my experience that people involved with disabilities have difficulty understanding figures, so Ill explain them slowly. I wondered at the time which was worse, the constant neglect of people with disabilities or the way in which experts and politicians found it so easy to condescend to them. At least twice a year ever since, Ive written columns on the same subject. The bottom of every queue Ive tried again and again to argue that people with disabilities in Ireland are outliers at the bottom of every queue when it comes to essential services, and completely, utterly, out on a limb when it comes to any concept of rights. Ive failed. Everyone who believes in the rights of people with disabilities has failed. The situation has only got worse over the years. Despite our wealth, despite the power of some very large service-providing organisations. Im telling you this because its important. But also because there are people I respect and admire people like Tom Clonan and others, who are now campaigning for a no vote in the forthcoming referenda. Because they argue that the State might be using those referenda to abandon its duty to people with a disability, and instead trying to impose a duty of care within families for people with a disability. Thats not what the provision says. If we vote it down, well simply leave things exactly as they are now. This is a real opportunity to value care and to strengthen the position of carers. A united disability movement But if we vote yes as I hope we do there will still be a battle to be fought. Its the only civil rights campaign weve never taken on, the last civil rights campaign we need to fight. Before I die and Ive no intention of doing that any time soon I would love to finally be part of a united and strident disability movement, that includes every other organisation that has benefited from progressive change in Ireland, to fight that campaign. I want us to vote yes and yes in March, and then immediately resolve, all of us, that we wont rest until people with a disability, and their families, the ones who care for them, are finally respected as full and equal citizens of a republic. I honestly believe that fighting a battle over the recognition of care is the wrong battle to fight. We need to fight a long war to secure the rights of people with a disability. Of course I have to declare an interest. Or rather, two interests. Personal experience A half a century ago, my wife, a highly talented woman, gave up a career of huge promise when disability came into our family. Since then she has been a carer in the fullest sense of that term a battler against bureaucracy, an advocate for rights and dignity. Of course, our daughter was the centre of that battle, but over time it grew and grew until she involved herself in demanding but ultimately successful campaigns for education for everyone with an intellectual disability, and support for families visited by disability. (In part, Friedas campaign for educational opportunities for people with an intellectual disability was inspired by the Sinnott judgment, handed down by the Supreme Court, which sharply limited those opportunities. That judgment happened because the then attorney general, Michael McDowell, insisted on appealing a High Court ruling which broadened their rights. Were not really inclined to take his advice on how to vote in referenda now.) Because she did the work she did for a lifetime without pay, she is now, in the eyes of our State, a dependent. The unpaid and valuable work of a lifetime gives her no entitlement to a pension in her own right. Thats scandalously wrong, and something she bitterly resents. Its something that a proper recognition of care might someday fix. Constitution's insulting language But she has also resented, all her life, the archaic language of a male-dominated Constitution that has implied, pretty directly, that she mustnt neglect her duties in the home. When youre battling to balance everything and you see that written down, you can only feel deeply insulted. That language should have never been there. It has to go. I said I had to declare two interests. Im a member of the HSE board. For years before I applied to join the board I was a harsh critic of the HSE in regard to disability. Its still not getting it right. (I guess I should say we arent.) But, believe it or not, theres an enormous amount of work going on to get it right and to give it the priority it deserves, from the chief executive on down. There are two major barriers, and neither of them is money or will. HSE cannot fill all vacancies The first is the HSE, try as it might, cant fill all the vacancies it has for healthcare professionals in the disability field. In significant measure that is because Ireland isnt training enough of them. When my daughter was born 50 years ago, we trained 25 speech therapists a year. Now we train 100. We need 300 each year. And the same is true of most of the other professions. It would take five years to fix that if the country started now. The other major barrier is the appalling Disability Act of 2005. It promises families a right to an assessment, but nothing else. It encourages families to go to court if the assessment is delayed. It imposes a statutory obligation on the HSE to carry out assessments in respect of services it doesnt have the resources to provide. And the same clinical teams that should be providing the services are the ones who have to carry out the assessments that cant go anywhere. It's the ultimate catch-22, forced on families and the system by a terribly written piece of law. Get rid of the 2005 Disability Act I honestly believe well never fix this properly without getting rid of the Disability Act (and dont get me started on the Education Act thats 20 years in law some of its key provisions have never been commenced). We need a piece of legislation that says to every child born with Down syndrome that you have a legal right to speech therapy when you need it. That says to every child with a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum that you have a legal right to early intervention and supported education. We need to place the right to basic services for physical, sensory, neurological or intellectual disability in law, and end this phoney war. Yes it would cost money (though it wouldnt break the bank). Yes, we still need to train more professionals. Yes, it demands priority and political will. But the last thing a child or a family affected by disability needs is a lawyer. They need the right to an appropriate level of service, delivered as of right. Then call the lawyers if it doesnt happen. Ireland has lost two chief medical officers (CMO) in the last 18 months. The States top doctor, Professor Breda Smyth is supposed to be supported with four deputies each with a specific set of responsibilities. Currently two of those posts remain unfilled while another staff member is on sick leave. The main role of the CMO is to plan and deal with crises. Prof. Smyths predecessor, Dr Tony Holohan who led the country through the recent covid-19 pandemic, had plenty to contend with including swine flu and the CervicalCheck debacle. Prof. Smyths tenure in the CMO role has focused on Irelands preparedness for another pandemic. But is there a case to be made for the office of the CMO engaging more actively with other major crises that are less immediately catastrophic but have a massive impact at population level in the health and wellbeing of our society? At the same time the office is significantly understaffed, undermining its ability to deal with both acute and chronic medical emergencies. A critical factor in the inability to maintain and recruit deputy CMOs to the office is pay. Following the covid-19 pandemic, Irish public health doctors received overdue recognition for their role in health protection with the appointment of more than 80 public health consultants with specific responsibilities in the areas of health protection, health and wellbeing, health intelligence and health services improvement. While newly appointed consultants offer salaries of 250,000, the deputy CMO post was advertised last year at a pay band of 114,000 to 139,000 about half of what a similarly qualified public health consultant can now earn in the HSE. Is it any wonder that the deputy CMO posts remain vacant, and when advertised in 2023 received no expressions of interest? The CMO post at a salary level of just over 200,000 is also below the salary received by the freshly appointed public health consultants. Department of Health General Secretary, Robert Watt, has made a business case for addressing these discrepancies but has been unsuccessful to date. The Office of the CMO has a key strategic role in providing expert public health advice to the Minister for Health and Ministers of State, with direct responsibility for health and wellbeing and bioethics. The job specification of the Deputy CMO post advertised last year cites ensuring "robust mechanisms are in place to identify emerging threats in communicable and noncommunicable disease", and the need to "reduce health inequities by creating healthy policy to address the health needs of marginalised groups". Obesity Here are a couple of key areas where the Office of the CMO could advise the Health Minister that have the potential to have a transformative impact on the medium and long-term health of all Irish citizens including those from low-income groups. Most people live in an environment that is profoundly obesogenic. Food markets are saturated with calorie-dense food that is high in fat, sugar and salt and incessantly marketed amid physical environments where it is often impossible to walk to the local shop, school, work or even for leisure. The system is biased against children from low-income families from the very start, ensuring they have a higher lifetime risk of obesity and chronic disease including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dementia. Input from the CMO could play a key role in addressing this healthy inequity. What legislative measures would impact on improving the food environment? A ban on online marketing of junk food, a tax on junk food, a 9pm broadcasting watershed on advertising unhealthy food and drinks, a banning of price promotions and end-of-aisle and check-out positioning of junk food. In terms of physical activity, a local community group, Sporting Liberties recently brought a decades-long campaign for a playing pitch to Leinster House, as the community tries to keep youngsters out of the clutches of drug and crime lords in Dublins inner city. More than 8,000 children have no green area to play in. A huge increase in momentum is needed to ensure that citizens of all ages and income backgrounds can move about their communities safely on foot or on two wheels. Sale of Alcohol Bill The governments Sale of Alcohol Bill proposes to increase trading hours of all bars and restaurants from 11.30pm to 12.30am and facilitate late-night opening of bars to 2.30am. Recent evidence from Norway published in Health Economics (2022) adds to the mounting evidence that when opening hours are extended in areas where there is limited public transport, more drink-driving incidents will occur. Specifically, a one-hour extension in trading hours was associated with up to 30% more collisions in rural areas. The Sale of Alcohol Bill proposals will not only put increased pressure on policing resources around late-night venues for public safety management, it will further deplete the numbers available for traffic duty. All of this points to a perfect storm that will lead to more road deaths particularly on rural roads with an absence of both public transport and a dearth of policing. The CMO could play a key role in advising the Minister for Health to seek a Health Impact Assessment of the Sale of Alcohol Bill. Vaccinations Low vaccine rates post pandemic emerged because of practical difficulties in accessing vaccination clinics but also because of a more sinister factor the rise of the anti-vaccine movement that now threatens the future of childhood vaccination programmes. The CMO can provide the evidence base to the minister of how best to address vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine activities. What is needed is an effective campaign that respectfully explains the risks of vaccines and champions their safety and efficacy before another highly infectious and preventable disease outbreak sweeps the country and creates havoc. Lack of rural GPs Towns across Ireland are devoid of sufficient numbers of family doctors. An Irish College of General Practitioners paper (2022) documented the need for the primary care workforce to increase by over a third (37%) to meet demand. Factors contributing to the GP deficit include a growing population, people living longer with more complex and incremental needs and an ageing GP workforce. The paper identified key options to resolve the GP workforce and workload crises, including the expansion of multidisciplinary teams and practice nurses and provisions of suitable GP premises. Potential solutions include the support of non-EU GPs to become valued members of the workforces, guaranteed availability of locum cover, and increasing capacity for remote consulting. The CMO can provide a vital role in advocating for resources to be made available in a timely manner to ensure that vital services are maintained and expanded where they are most needed. The office of the CMO has the potential to significantly impact on health and wellbeing at all levels of society by advising the Health Minister on the urgent need to legislate and resource a healthy food and physical environment as well as robust community health services. In order to achieve that, remuneration of the chief and deputy chief medical officers must align with equivalent roles within current public health specialties, so that vital positions within the office can be filled and urgent and ongoing health crises can be effectively addressed. By all accounts, Vincent Crepel, the French chef brought to Castlemartyr Resort, in East Cork, with a brief to immediately create a Michelin two-starred restaurant, was deeply disappointed to debut last year with just one star. However, last night he was thoroughly vindicated as he and Terre restaurant received a second. The guide deemed him to have added whatever additional flourishes were required to bring his already exceptional combinations of classical French technique, and genuine empathy for Asian influences, to the next level. Co-owners of the double-starred restaurant in Baltimore Co Cork, Dede at the Customs House, executive chef Ahmet Dede and maitre d' Maria Archer. Picture: Andy Gibson Of six new restaurants accordingly accoladed in Britain and Ireland, Terres inclusion means Cork now has two two-starred restaurants. Crepel joins Dede at the Customs House, in Baltimore, in that highly exclusive band of Irish two-starred restaurants along with Chapter One, Liath, and Patrick Guilbauds, all in Dublin and, undoubtedly, Crepel will join them in pursuing the holy grail of becoming Irelands first three-starred restaurant. The identity of the three new Irish Michelin one-starred restaurants was one of the worst-kept secrets. The Buttery at the Cashel Palace Hotel in Cashel Co Tipperary, one of the Irish culinary destinations to be given the nod by Michelin. While a chef/restaurateur never truly knows their fate until the actual announcement, tension in the venue tends to derive from whether that fate is one, two or, even admittedly as rare an occurrence as encountering a hens dentist three stars. Ever since Adriaan Bartels, one of the most accomplished figures in Irish hospitality, first took over as general manager at the Cashel Palace Hotel at the end of 2018, he continued to gently insist a Michelin star was not the primary goal of the luxury hotels flagship Bishops Buttery restaurant. However, Bartels understands full well the requirements for such, having served in both Sheen Falls, Kenmare, Co Kerry, when it held a star in the 90s, and in Ardmores still-starred Cliff House Hotel. Bartels told the Irish Examiner: I love great hotels and great food, so to work in great hotels and with great chefs is a match made in heaven for me. There is a pressure to deliver, but thats the challenge that makes you want to excel and it motivates you every day. And when you get positive affirmation from your guests that you have met, or exceeded, their expectations, it is worth all the hard work. Cashel Palace director of culinary, Stephen Hayes, was very quick to identify chef Stefan McEnteers potential when he first arrived as sous chef and, as McEnteer clambered up on stage as a Michelin Star winning head chef, his career is now also elevated to a whole new level. Robbie McCauley's Homestead Cottage in Doolin, Co Clare. At first glance, Homestead Cottage, in Doolin, Co Clare, might have appeared a rather left-field choice a small and remote country venue run by a husband and wife but the real oddity was how chef-proprietor Robbie McCauley failed to get a star during his time in Gregans Castle. But McCauleys cross-county migration along with wife and co-proprietor Sophie McCauley, who runs front of house in what is effectively a very rustic and traditional Irish cottage, would undoubtedly have piqued Michelins interest, as the esteemed guide is ever partial to a good story. But a good story butters no parsnips when it comes to stars, and McCauleys exceptional cooking is further enhanced by his complete immersion in his locality, sourcing superb produce from all over Clare. DOlier Street restaurant on the corner of DOlier St and Hawkins St in Dublin, now among Ireland's Michelin-starred restaurants. Picture: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times A star for DOlier Street wasnt the greatest stretch to the imagination, as the restaurant arrived near fully-fledged with a team and concept that had coherency of ambition written all over it. The star goes to head chef James Moore, an Australian who first met co-owner Dubliner Anthony Smith when they worked together in Dublins One Pico. Moore subsequently went on to cook in top mostly starred restaurants in London and Vancouver, before re-uniting with Smith in New York. When Smith, chef-owner of Dublins Mr Fox, and his American partner Jane Frye now running DOlier Street's front of house invited Moore to join them in a gorgeous reworking of an iconic Dublin building, the stars were very much aligned. When executive pastry chef Mina Pizarro came on board sporting a CV to die for including Per Se, Daniel, and LAppart the team was complete. Previously Michelin-starred Ichigo Ichie in Cork, where chef Takashi Miyazaki has decided to pivot away from starry cuisine, but whose bistro has already been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Picture: Dan Linehan Initial reviews of extraordinarily pretty dishes, with equally powerful impact on the palate, were highly promising. The ultimate review, of course, came on Monday night with DOlier Streets first star. Youd fancy their ambition doesnt end there. These are exceedingly fraught times for global hospitality, not just in Ireland, and even the redoubtable Michelin model must be looking over its shoulder as to what lies ahead. Restaurants around the world are choosing to move away from the very costly-to-operate fine dining model, so it was unlikely that Michelin were going to shed any stars last night. The only Irish losers were Belfasts Eipic, which closed just before Christmas because of financial pressures, and Corks Hiberno-Japanese Ichigo Ichie, with chef-patron Takashi Miyazaki deciding last December to pivot away from Michelin-starred cooking. His decision was received with almost immediate local and national acclaim, that star near instantaneously swapped for a Michelin Bib Gourmand. While Miyazaki is quite delighted with his newly reinvigorated restaurant, leaving behind the world of Michelin and the amount of pressure, physical, mental, and especially financial, that comes with having to retain a star he says he will equally always treasure that moment when his first star was announced as one of the most special days of his life. There are now three more Irish chefs sharing that pleasure. When I visited Gaza in August, just six weeks before the war, it took my breath away. Having spent time working in many of Unicef's programme countries across Africa, South America, and the Middle East, I have witnessed the truly devastating impact of both manmade and climate emergencies on the lives of vulnerable children. The complexity and intensity of need across the Gaza Strip was unlike anything I had ever seen. In June 2023, four months before the outbreak of war in Gaza, Unicef published its mid-year Humanitarian Situation Report for the State of Palestine, detailing the humanitarian status of the region during the first six months of the year. The report found that 2.1 million people, including 930,000 children, were in need of humanitarian assistance, the majority of whom resided in the Gaza Strip; and this was before a bomb was dropped on Gaza. Locally referred to as an open-air prison, Gazas population of 2.2 million remained cut off from the rest of the world, squashed into a region about the size of Louth, heavily reliant on Israel and humanitarian organisations to provide basic products and services like food, clean water, healthcare, electricity, and education. It is hugely challenging to find the words to accurately describe the rapid decline of a situation when the starting point was already a humanitarian catastrophe. We have all seen the soul-destroying imagery and footage that has emerged from Gaza over the last four months. Beginning with the appalling atrocities by Hamas on October 7 to the devastating bombing campaign, children have been affected the most. Swirling dust and piles of rubble as far as the eye can see, mothers and fathers weeping over the bodies of their dead children, communities rallying in the face of relentless bombardment, using whatever they can to transport the injured to the closest hospital and praying that its still somewhat functioning, boys and girls who should be playing with friends crying out in pain as exhausted doctors try to preserve what they can of their war-wounded bodies. What these snapshots of incomprehensible horror cannot capture is the scale and longevity of suffering and injustice their subjects have borne all their lives. War-torn lives A child of 15 in Gaza has already lived through five wars and endured more pain than most of us will in our lifetime. For five wars, the children of Gaza have gone to bed hoping they will wake up in the morning, that their families and friends will still be there, and that their homes will remain intact. The loss-pain-anxiety cycle is something they have carried with them every day, manifesting in a phobia of loud noises, a wave of panic when a door is slammed or a pot dropped on the kitchen floor, bedwetting into their teens, and stunted development as their fear leaves them rooted to their parents sides. After four months of the most deadly escalation of violence in the region since 1948, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has leaped far beyond unsustainable. More than 26,000 people are reported dead, about two-thirds of whom are expected to be women and children. 65,000 people are reported injured, many of whom are fighting for their lives in the seven remaining partially functioning hospitals of which there were 36 before the war. Over one million children are displaced; their homes are a distant memory as they crowd into heaving shelters or try to stay safe in an ever-shrinking patch of land in the south of the strip. Poised on the cusp of famine, human waste flows through the streets as parents weigh the risk of dehydration against the spread of disease through dirty water. Cases of diarrhoea, the second highest killer of children under five in the world, have increased by 2000% since October 7. Unicef's mission The fabric of Gazan society is quickly unravelling to the point of irreparable damage. While both parties consider proposals for a ceasefire, our first wish for children, both the children of Gaza and of Israel, is a permanent end to the violence that has stained their childhood forever. Our second wish is for the world to stand with us as we sift through the rubble and support the children and people of Gaza to rebuild their lives from a foundation of peace. Unicef's mission is to be there for children before, during, and after emergencies. It is our experience that the after is often where the toughest work begins. In the case of Gaza, where the level of trauma and humanitarian need was already so high before the war, there is no precedent for how long this will take. The support for Gaza from the Irish people has been commendable. Unicef has been the frontrunner in fundraising and advocacy which has manifested in the almost 400 trucks of life-saving water, therapeutic food, vaccines, health and sanitation supplies, and winterisation materials we have delivered since the Rafah Crossing first opened on October 21. What we would ask at this point is that when the images slip from the headlines, when the loss, injustice, and destruction surpass the boundaries of language and comprehension, and when other nations reduce their support, that we as a people remain committed in our unique and enduring connection to the people of Gaza, and refuse to forget them when they need us the most. Peter Power is executive director with Unicef Ireland President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi on the eve of the visit of the head of the agency to the Zaporizhia NPP. "The current security situation at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and the risks posed by its occupation by Russian troops were discussed. The Head of State once again stressed that the only way to prevent a nuclear incident at the NPP is its complete demilitarization, de-occupation and restoration by Ukraine of control over the station," the press service of the head of state reports. Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for the agency's support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula and practical steps to implement its first paragraph Radiation and nuclear safety. "The participation of the IAEA in the implementation of the first point of the Ukrainian Peace Formula is important. I invite you to take part in the Global Peace Summit scheduled in Switzerland," the President said. During the meeting, the importance of Ukraine's election to the IAEA Board of Governors until 2025 was also noted. A man with a memorable laugh, John Bruton was just as comfortable in draughty local halls as he was in the gilded corridors of power. Over a lengthy political career that began when he was elected to the Dail aged 22, Bruton served in many roles from minister; to party leader; head of the opposition; architect of a rainbow coalition; taoiseach; and European ambassador to the US. But it was that unique laugh that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar remembered in describing the former Fine Gael leader following his death at the age of 76. He was a man who was great company, who had a great wit, was very funny and very self-deprecating a lot of the time. I will always remembers his big laugh, it was almost infectious. If hed laugh everyone started laughing too. Then taoiseach John Bruton and Finola Bruton at the polling booth in Dunboyne NS, Meath, for the 1996 bail referendum. Picture: Maxwells Also infectious was his ability to bring people along with him which was particularly evident in his commitment to building peace in Northern Ireland. An empathy with and understanding of the unionist and British perspective, came from a personal experience the murder of Senator Billy Fox who was shot by the IRA when visiting his girlfriend in Co Monaghan in 1974. Bruton shared an office and even a phone line with the 35-year-old Fine Gael politician. The assassination had a lasting impact on him and defined how, as party leader many years later, he would approach peace and reconciliation. Billys good nature enabled him to cross boundaries between religions and political traditions, as it was his responsibility to do as a public representative, Bruton told a memorial service in 2004. John Bruton, flanked by his wife Finola, after he was elected party leader at the 1992 Fine Gael ard fheis. As taoiseach two years later, Bruton forged an unlikely alliance with Labour and the Democratic Left to form a rainbow coalition. Picture: Rolling News That such a man would be murdered still makes me angry. If I am still angry, I can only imagine the feelings of those much closer to him than I. But he was not without his detractors and his approach led him to being dubbed John Unionist by Fianna Fails Albert Reynolds. The ability to forge political alliances was perhaps most famously borne out in the unlikely coalition with Labour and the Democratic Left. This Rainbow Government, formed in 1994, was remarkable for a number of reasons. After reaching a deal with Labour and the Democratic Left, Bruton became the first person in the history of the State to be named as Taoiseach without a general election, when the coalition was formed half-way through a Dail term. John Bruton with his wife Finola Bruton on board the Fine Gael election campaign train on its way to Cork in May 1997. Picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews He headed up a Cabinet full of big personalities including, on the Fine Gael side, his brother Richard; Nora Owen; Michael Lowry who would later defect from the party, and two future party leaders in Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan. Then Labour leader Dick Spring took up the position of tanaiste and was joined at Cabinet by current President Michael D Higgins; future Labour leader Brendan Howlin, and pioneering education minister Niamh Breathnach. Completing the three-party representation around the Cabinet table came in the form of Proinsias De Rossa. The taoiseach John Bruton, third from left, with Ulster Unionist Ken Maginnis, Democratic Left leader Proinsias de Rossa, UUP leader David Trimble, then foreign minister Dick Spring, and Ulster Unionist John Taylor in Dublin for peace process talks. File picture: PA Despite the odds and regular differences of opinion, the Rainbow Government lasted until 1997 and, in doing so, brought about significant social change through a referendum to legalise divorce. Not shy of a fight, he faced three heaves against him, the first in 1994, shortly before he became taoiseach, and the second in 2000. The final move on him in 2001 resulted in him stepping down. In 2004 he took up the role of EU ambassador to the United States. Even after officially bowing out of national and international politics, which included highs and lows, Bruton remained vocal on social and international issues, writing extensively. His service to the country continued through his involvement in the Council of State, which he sought to attend right to the end. Retirement? Its not that I dont believe in it but as long as there are opportunities to do things that I find worthwhile Ill continue to do so, Bruton told his local paper, the Meath Chronicle in an interview marking his 70th birthday in 2017. John Bruton arriving at Aras an Uachtarain in December 2015 for a meeting of the Council of State. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins His post-politics work included a stint as chair of the IFSC between 2010 and 2015 and he also sat on numerous boards including the Irish Diaspora Loan Origination Fund, the Irish Institute for International and European Affairs, and the Centre for European Policy Studies. Highly conservative, the father of four wasnt afraid to be unpopular, strongly advocating for a no vote in the historic referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment, for example. However, as another former taoiseach, Enda Kenny, who was appointed to Cabinet for the first time by Bruton, said nobody could ever fault him for his integrity, or his standing for righteousness and to do the right thing. From wealthy farming stock, growing up, the Bruton name was to be seen on the side of haulage trains transporting cattle from the west of Ireland to be finished off on the family land in Dunboyne. Then Fine Gael leader John Bruton with TDs Nora Owen, Charlie Flanagan, and Brian Hayes, at a press briefing after the Fine Gael front bench meeting in Clonmel, Co Tipperary in June 2000. Picture: Kieran Clancy/Irish Examiner Archive He attended the exclusive Clongowes Wood College and went to University College Dublin before qualifying as a barrister from Kings Inns, though he never practiced law. Instead, influenced by US president John F Kennedy, he sought out a career in politics, becoming one of the youngest TDs on his election in 1969. Remembering his colleague, former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yeats, who described Bruton as a mentor, said: He was absolutely committed to politics, long after he left politics he would write columns, he would attend events, all on a pro-bono basis. He was a very admirable man. But Bruton got as much out of his continued contributions to public life claiming: I wouldnt do it if I didnt benefit from it, I think, but I like to be busy. As his career placed him on a national and international stage, he continued to relish the local side of the job and meeting people. Tom Hayes giving then Fine Gael leader John Bruton a helping hand on the campaign trail in Cashel during the 2000 Tipperary South by-election. Hayes was pipped at the post by Independent Seamus Healy, but was elected the following year. Picture: Dan Linehan/Irish Examiner Archive And, as Kenny put it, he learned a lot from ordinary people because they were never afraid to speak their minds, just as he wasnt. Speaking about this, Bruton admitted: I always loved doing clinics, it was one of the things I enjoyed about politics. I would arrive at say 10 at night to the St Vincent de Paul hall in Oldcastle and discover there were about 10 or 15 people there to see me, Bruton told the Meath Chronicle. That didnt faze me, because it was tremendous that people would open their lives to you as a politician. You would learn more about other peoples lives through helping them with whatever small issue they had. I believe I was able to help a lot of people as much by helping them to clarify what their own problem was rather than by any string I was able to pull, if you know what I mean. Its very often a process of helping people to understand what their options are. The late John Bruton 1947 - 2024. Picture: Dan Linehan/Irish Examiner Archive Now it is true, if you are very policy-orientated and you really dont have the temperament for sitting in a draughty hall listening to peoples problems then politics will be more difficult for you. Fortunately, I never minded that, in fact I enjoyed sitting in a draughty hall. A big farmer who understood the small people, Bruton had lifelong interest and engagement in public affairs and public service locally, nationally, and internationally right up until his death. US President Joe Biden said he was concerned about the Britain's King Charle's cancer diagnosis, as foreign leaders wished him a swift recovery. Mr Biden, who is six years older than the 75-year-old King, was asked by reporters whether he had a message for Charles during a visit to Las Vegas. The President replied: Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. Ill be talking to him, God willing. His predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump, described the King as a wonderful man. The frontrunner for the Republican party posted on his Truth Social platform: King Charles has cancer. He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery! Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his best wishes. He tweeted: I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Were sending him our very best wishes and hoping for a fast and full recovery. Canada is one of the 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state. US secretary of state Antony Blinken has arrived in Cairo for a meeting with Egyptian leaders that US officials said would concentrate mainly on the task of negotiating a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages held by the militants. Mr Blinkens visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israels stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Israels defence minister has said the countrys offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gazas 2.3 million people have sought refuge and live in increasingly miserable conditions. UN humanitarian monitors said on Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two thirds of Gazas territory, driving thousands more people every day towards the border areas. Hostilities in Gaza are about to enter their fifth month. Here are FIVE facts you need to know. pic.twitter.com/4JzbCVtrrt Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 5, 2024 Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed more than four decades ago. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. Mr Blinken, who was meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has said repeatedly that Palestinians must not be forced out of Gaza. During his latest trip, Mr Blinken is seeking progress on a ceasefire deal, on the potential normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and on preventing an escalation of regional fighting. On all three fronts, Mr Blinken faces major challenges. Hamas and Israel are publicly at odds over key elements of a potential truce. Palestinians look at a house destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) Israel has dismissed the United States calls for a path to a Palestinian state, and Irans militant allies in the region have shown little sign of being deterred by US strikes. Egypt along with Qatar, where Mr Blinken will visit later today have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would lead to the release of more hostages in return for a pause in Israeli military operations. The outlines of such a deal were worked out by intelligence chiefs from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel late last month and have been presented to Hamas, which has not yet formally responded. US officials said Mr Blinken is hoping to get an update on Hamass response to the proposal in both Cairo and Doha. Mr Blinken will then travel to Israel to brief Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet on Wednesday about what he heard from the Arab leaders. As on his previous four trips to the Middle East since the Gaza war began, Mr Blinkens other main goal is to prevent the conflict from spreading, a task made exponentially more difficult by stepped-up attacks by Iran-backed militias in the region and increasingly severe US military responses in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Red Sea that have intensified since last week. US secretary of state Antony Blinken was in Saudi Arabia before heading to Egypt (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Mr Blinken met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday evening, shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. Mr Blinken underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict, and he and the crown prince discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region, the US State Department said in a statement. But any such grand bargain appears a long way off as the war still rages in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll from nearly four months of war has reached 27,478, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead have been women and children. The war has levelled vast swathes of the tiny enclave and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. UN humanitarian monitors said that Israels evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip now cover two thirds of the territory, or 95 square miles. I dont think I've ever been anywhere where I've seen such extreme suffering. In December, humanitarians coordinated a mission to #Gaza City to evacuate critically injured patients. What they encountered was deeply harrowing. Jake Morland, from our team, recounts that day. pic.twitter.com/E83oiZTJaM UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) February 5, 2024 The affected area was home to 1.78 million Palestinians, or 77% of Gazas population, before Hamass cross-border raid on October 7 that ignited the war. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its daily report that the newly displaced only have about 1.5-2 litres of water per day to drink, cook and wash. Mr Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Israel crushes Hamass military and governing abilities and wins the return of the 100-plus hostages still held by the militant group. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the attack and abducted around 250. More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a week-long ceasefire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Meeting troops on Monday, Mr Netanyahu said Israel had defeated 18 of Hamass 24 battalions, without providing evidence. We are on the way to absolute victory, and I want to tell you that we are committed to it and we will not give it up, he said. Bulgaria is ready to participate in the post-war economic recovery of Ukraine, Chairman of the Bulgarian National Assembly Rosen Zhelyazkov said. "The decision of the Bulgarian Parliament also provides support for the restoration of the economy, infrastructure, and energy of Ukraine," Zhelyazkov said at a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday. According to him, Bulgaria is seriously discussing a critically important topic - the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and, in particular, the restoration of energy infrastructure. "We will continue to contribute as much as possible to the full restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. We have identified about a hundred Bulgarian companies with extensive experience in carrying out activities such as the repair of nuclear and power plant construction, high-voltage networks and gas infrastructure," said the Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament. He also stressed that his country is ready to help in the restoration of Ukraine's transport infrastructure. "We share the opinion that the implementation of a targeted policy to restore transport links in Ukraine in the context of the development of the pan-European transport network, including with international support, will give a powerful, positive, synergistic effect. Bulgaria is ready to participate in the process of updating critical transport infrastructure," he said. The Chairman of the Bulgarian Assembly also noted that Bulgaria is ready to provide methodological and expert assistance in developing policies for the restoration of the Ukrainian economy, ecology, as well as in the field of higher education. "It is very important to increase resources to ensure the long-term democratic stability of Ukraine. Bulgaria would very much like to make its contribution in this direction," Zhelyazkov said. Tuesday, Feb 6th, 2024 (7:21 am) - Score 7,120 CityFibre has today secured another five of the UK governments Project Gigabit broadband rollout contracts, totalling over 394m. The deals will spread their full fibre (FTTP) ISP network to over 202,000 hard to reach premises across parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Sussex, Kent, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire & Milton Keynes. Project Gigabit aims to extend 1Gbps (download) capable networks to reach at least 85% of UK premises by the end of 2025, before hopefully achieving nationwide coverage (c. 99%) by around 2030 (here). Commercial investment is expected to deliver more than 80% of this, which leaves the governments scheme to focus on tackling the final 20% (mostly rural and some sub-urban areas), where the private sector alone often fails. The project is technology neutral, but Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks are strongly favoured. NOTE: 80% of UK premises can already access gigabit speeds (up from over 72% at the end of 2022), which drops to 60% when only looking at full fibre (up from 45%) 80% of UK premises can already access gigabit speeds (up from over 72% at the end of 2022), which drops to 60% when only looking at full fibre (up from 45%) detail The project uses a number of different methods to tackle this challenge (e.g. vouches and investment in dark fibre builds), but the largest part of the scheme involves a gap-funded subsidy approach the Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy (GIS). This is where smaller local or larger regional contracts are awarded to network operators and ISPs who can help to build their gigabit-capable infrastructure across the final 20%. The Building Digital UK (BDUK) agency, which manages the programme, has already awarded a string of initial rollout contracts to various operators across various different parts of the UK. CityFibre has previously won four of those (here and here) covering rural parts of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Hampshire and Suffolk (262,000 subsidised premises), which reflects a combined public investment of 387m. This is being supported by an additional private investment from CityFibre of 223m to help reach even more premises in those same regions (taking the total to 715,000 premises). The Five New Contracts By comparison, the five new contracts being announced this morning total over 394m of government subsidy to cover 202,000 subsidised premises. In line with its strategy, CityFibre will continue to expand and densify its existing network footprint in these areas alongside Project Gigabit, extending its rollout to almost 450,000 additional premises across the awarded regions within its commercial rollout programme, bringing the total premises benefiting from todays new awards to around 651,000. Detailed planning will begin immediately, with the first premises expected to be connected in early 2025. Lot Location Subsidised Premises Subsidy Value 26 Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire & East Berkshire 34,000 58m 11 Leicestershire & Warwickshire 38,000 71m 16 & 1 West & East Sussex 52,000 100m 29 Kent 50,000 112m 12 Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire & Milton Keynes 25,000 51m Alongside the previous contracts, this represents a total of over 782m in government subsidies for CityFibre and is said to unlock almost 1.2bn in combined public and private investment in rural broadband (total of 1.366 million premises). Suffice to say, CityFibre are now a major player in the Project Gigabit programme, which helps to explain all of the recent turmoil with their builds in order areas (here) they have to refocus a lot of resources toward Project Gigabit. Greg Mesch, CEO of CityFibre, said: Were thrilled to be a key delivery partner for the government on this critical infrastructure project, transforming the digital capabilities of rural homes and businesses across the country. But thats just the start. Were continuing to expand our commercial rollout alongside Project Gigabit, extending infrastructure choice, multi-gigabit speeds, and unparalleled reliability to hundreds of thousands of additional premises in these regions. Julia Lopez, Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister, said: Were wasting no time in our mission to bring lightning-fast broadband to rural areas with a billion pounds in contracts already signed with broadband companies to get our next-generation network up and running. Project Gigabit is already driving growth, creating jobs and putting an end to snails pace internet speeds, and we will continue to work rapidly to ensure people feel the benefits of our rollout to even more places across the UK as quickly as possible. The new contracts will naturally support CityFibres wider ambition of covering up to 8 million UK premises (funded by c.2.4bn in equity, c.4.9bn debt and c.800m of BDUK subsidy) across over 285 cities, towns and villages (c.30% of the UK) by the end of 2025 (here). The operators FTTP network currently covers 3.5 million UK premises (3.2m as Ready for Service), with packages available via various ISPs (e.g. TalkTalk, Vodafone, Zen Internet etc.). Just to recap, heres the list of the other Project Gigabit contracts that CityFibre have previously won. Lot Location Subsidised Premises Subsidy Value 5 Cambridgeshire 45,000 69m 2 Suffolk 80,000 100m 7 Norfolk 62,000 114m 27 Hampshire 76,000 104m Weve also pasted a general summary of previous Project Gigabit contract awards below, which covers all operators. Tuesday, Feb 6th, 2024 (9:22 am) - Score 1,120 Network operator and UK ISP Connexin has today announced that theyve secured a contract under the Governments 5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout programme, which will see them extend their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network to 34,320 hard to reach premises in parts of Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire (Lot 10). The provider, which has until now focused more on commercial builds and aims to cover 500,000 UK premises with their new fibre infrastructure (no timescale has been given), currently expects to complete its initial build (c.150,000 homes) around the city of Hull by the end of this financial year. But today marks the first time theyve secured a contract under the Project Gigabit programme. NOTE: 80m from PATRIZIA and currently has 25,000 customers (May 2023). Connexin is backed by an investment offrom PATRIZIA and currently has 25,000 customers (May 2023). The new contract is said to be worth 58.609m in public subsidy, and the first premises under this deal are anticipated to have access to gigabit-capable broadband in early 2025. Connexin has also committed support to community initiatives, such as volunteering charitable hours, and will provide career mentoring and apprenticeship programmes to a diverse range of candidates in the local communities they target. The deals will support Project Gigabits wider aim of extending 1Gbps (download) capable networks to reach at least 85% of UK premises by the end of 2025, before hopefully achieving nationwide coverage (c. 99%) by around 2030 (here). At present over 80% of premises can already access such a network (up from 6% in 2019) and the Governments subsidy is more focused on helping to upgrade those in the final 10-20% of hardest to reach premises. Furqan Alamgir, CEO of Connexin, said: Through the award of this contract, we are delighted to be able to play our part in the UK governments mission to level up and bring gigabit connectivity to our rural communities. At Connexin our mission is not just about connecting people but also about how such connectivity can improve lives. We believe that everyone has the right to the same opportunities, and we firmly believe in digital inclusion and what it can unlock. We look forward to working with BDUK to future proof the infrastructure and bring hyperfast broadband to the region. Julia Lopez, Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister, said: Thousands of people across Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire are set to benefit from connectivity fit for the future, thanks to Project Gigabit. Were making strides in connecting communities in hard-to-reach areas across the country, and this latest announcement will bring us one step closer to our digital transformation, opening up vast opportunities in rural areas. According to the announcement, some of the first locations to benefit from this build will include Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Annesley, Wragby and Market Rasen. Residential customers of the providers unlimited FTTP service tend to pay from 37.50 per month for a speed of 125Mbps (symmetric) on an 18-month term, which rises to 49.99 for their top 1000Mbps tier on a 24-month term. But various discounts are also currently running on these packages. Connexin was advised by law firm Brodies LLP, and Analysys Mason provided specialist bid support. Tuesday, Feb 6th, 2024 (10:37 am) - Score 2,680 A new project has claimed that residents and businesses across the London UK boroughs of Wandsworth, Richmond upon Thames and Merton will benefit from the rollout of a new full fibre broadband and Ethernet network, which is being supported by Boldyn Networks, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL). The project, which forms part of the Mayor of Londons long-running Connected London programme (here), will see a new high speed fibre optic network being deployed to connect 105 public sector buildings across the three boroughs. The work is expected to improve council services and boost connectivity to council housing, community centres and youth clubs. Residents will also benefit from faster connectivity within a range of public buildings, including local libraries and leisure centres. Not to mention upgrades to the image quality and reliability of 57 CCTV cameras, which will allow the footage to be accepted as evidence in court. Funding for the project appears to have come from a grant under the UK Governments wider 900m Getting Building Fund (here). As we recall, the Mayor of London was allocated 22.1m from the Getting Building Fund in 2020 for a wide-ranging package of projects. Billy DArcy, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, said: Were proud to be supporting the drive for better connectivity across the capital. Reliable connectivity creates many benefits for residents and businesses. From upgrading connectivity, improving access to education resources, and boosting safety across the boroughs, high-speed digital infrastructure will help to transform communities across the city. Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer for London, said: The introduction of the new fibre network across Wandsworth, Richmond and Merton will improve public safety and connectivity and lay the foundations to positively transform local services in the future across the boroughs. Making sure that every borough in London has access to robust and reliable digital infrastructure is crucial to the Mayors commitment to making the capital a better, safer and more prosperous city for all. The new project follows the installation of another fibre network in the boroughs of Sutton and Kingston upon Thames. These fibre networks are intended to complement Boldyn Networks existing 20-year concession with TfL to deliver a backbone of fibre connectivity across the capital and high-speed 4G and 5G mobile connectivity across the London Underground. Monday, Feb 5th, 2024 (9:17 pm) - Score 15,520 The CEO of Vodafone Group, Margherita Della Valle, has revealed that their proposed mega-merger with Three UK (CK Hutchison) is being reviewed by the Government under the National Security and Investment Act 2021, which reports suggest is linked to CKHs perceived ties to China and any potential risks of access to sensitive national infrastructure. The issue of security is one that has come up a few times before, with some MPs being particularly concerned (here), although until now there has been no solid confirmation that the merger might end up being subject to a review under the new NSIA (or NSA, as some term it). NOTE: The merger, if approved, would see The merger, if approved, would see Vodafone retain a 51% slice of the business and CK Hutchison ( Three UK ) hold 49%. But theres talk of diluting the Chinese share over time. The government has similarly been trying to avoid scenarios in which countries like China secure key positions in critical national infrastructure, such as telecoms. On the flip side, CKH may well point out that they already control some UK ports and power networks, although telecoms is generally considered to be a much more sensitive topic. According to the Telegraph (paywall), Vodafones CEO was today asked directly whether the UK Government would be reviewing the merger under the NSIA and the answer came back.. Yes, absolutely. The review is said to be progressing as planned, although what will really matter is the outcome. Margherita Della Valle said: As with all similar deals, we are engaged in the NSA process for the merger between Vodafone and Three. [Both companies have been subjected to] very strict protocol in terms of data protection law [and] telecoms security regulations I think it proves the rigorous protocols we are all under and constitutes a model that is applicable for different situations. The reality, we suspect, is that this review probably wont cause a serious obstruction to the proposed merger. In fact, the Government recently raised (here) a not dissimilar concern about the risk of a 14.6% stake in Vodafone that was being held by a United Arab Emirates (UAE) group called e& (no, thats not a typo). In response to concerns over a national security risk, the Government ordered Vodafone and e& to address the matter by establishing a special committee to oversee any work that may have a bearing on British security, as well as some additional transparency measures. Something similar may end up being expected as part of the proposed merger. 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. The amber mining company Soniachne Remeslo LLC (Solar Craft, formerly Sankamyan) of Ihor Mazepa and Yuriy Blahodyr has attracted Chinese entrepreneur Wang Zhikai to a new project - the development of Tomashgorod amber deposit in Rivne region worth several tens of millions of dollars, which is planned to begin this spring, Mazepa said on Facebook. How did we do this? Firstly, last fall, after a detailed audit, we acquired Sankamyan company, which passed all permitting procedures and received a license for amber mining back in July 2022. To understand, this path took the company more than 6 years!" he pointed out. Mazepa clarified that Zhikai is one of the main operators of the Chinese amber market, and China is the world's main consumer of this mineral. I personally consider it a real victory that an entrepreneur from the other side of the world trusted us and is ready to share with us all the challenges and risks of this difficult period, Mazepa emphasized. According to data in the state register, he and Blahodyr each control 40% of Soniachne Remeslo, while Zhikai controls 20%. It is specified that the field area is 457.7 hectares, the predicted reserves are 191 tonnes. Mazepa said that direct production is planned to begin in the spring. According to him, the project will create about 100 new jobs, and the volume of resources for the development of the new field, according to preliminary estimates, will amount to tens of millions of dollars. The projected production volumes will be plus or minus 20 tonnes per year, the businessman added. According to him, taxes on subsoil use alone will amount to about UAH 1,000 for each kg of amber, 30% of which will go to the local community. As reported, Mazepas investment company Concorde Capital, which in the fall of 2020 put up for sale Soniachne Remeslo Center LLC the Volodymyrets Skhidny amber deposit with reserves of 60 tonnes for $5 million, decided to develop this project together with partners in 2021. In 2022, it became the largest miner of amber - 8.85 tonnes of raw amber. UNHCR is working closely with local communities and authorities to support and empower Roma communities and strengthen social inclusion. Mukachevo, 6 February 2024: Today, a new Roma-led Community Centre (Roma Hub) will be officially opened in Mukachevo, Zarkapatska oblast, followed by another Community Centre to open in Berehove later this month. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its local NGO partner NEEKA have supported the renovation and refurbishment of the two new centres. The hubs will work as multifunctional spaces to support Roma communities, in particular Roma women and girls, complementing the Government of Ukraines National Roma Strategy. Building on experiences and lessons learnt from a similar Roma Hub run by UNHCR and partners in Uzhhorod since 2022 a broad range of activities will aim to strengthen Roma communities access to rights and services and reinforce their capacities and integration into local communities. The activities at the centres will be organized in strong coordination with local authorities, Roma-led community-based organizations and other partners, including other UN organizations. More than 40,000 Roma people are currently estimated to be living in Zarkapatska oblast. While the region has traditionally been home to a large part of the Roma minority in Ukraine, the population has further grown after Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, as many Roma communities were displaced to Zarkapatska from other areas of the country. Engagement and dialogue with Roma communities have emphasized that Roma women and girls face multiple risks due to poverty, discrimination and marginalization. Many families live in dire conditions without access to clean water, electricity and dignified sanitation. Some are undocumented or at risk of statelessness. Others cannot read or write, have not attended school, and only speak local dialects of Romani or Hungarian, which further limits their access to basic services, education and social protection. The Roma Hubs will serve as a unique platform for UN agencies and other humanitarian and development actors to support and empower both Roma people and their local communities and activities will include literacy and Ukrainian language classes, vocational training, child education, awareness raising on gender-based violence and response as well as on civil rights and duties. In addition, UNHCR and partners mobile teams will regularly visit the community centers to provide legal assistance on access to civil documentation, birth registration and social services as well as psychosocial support. UNHCR plans to build on the experiences from Zarkapatska oblast and expand the approach to other areas in Ukraine hosting displaced Roma populations. The official opening of the Roma-led Community Centre in Mukachevo will happen Tuesday 6 February at 9.30 with participation of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown, Deputy Head of Zarkapatska Oblast Administration Dobromilsky Petro, the UN Women Representative Sabine Freizer Gunes, UNHCRs Assistant Representative for Protection Karen Whiting, as well as other representatives from local authorities, partners and Roma-led organizations. We are here today to demonstrate our support for Roma women and girls working courageously to improve their lives and lives of those in their community. We look forward to the Roma Hub in Mukachevo serving as a platform for the critical work of Roma civil society organizations, alongside local authorities, from providing vocational training and child education, to gender-based violence response and birth registration services, says Denise Brown, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine It is important that as different members of the UN Country Team we came today to visit the Roma community, especially to hear the voices of Roma women and girls. They face many challenges, which have become even greater since the start of the Russian large-scale aggression. Women Roma leaders are organized and responding to meet the needs. UN Women is proud to support the Voice of Romni (Golos Romni) through the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) to aid Roma women from Uzhhorod and displaced women. We look forward to continuing this support and cooperating with more women from the community, says Sabine Freizer Gunes, Representative, UN Women Ukraine For a number of years, UNHCR has provided Roma communities with free legal aid to increase their access to identity documentation, and we look forward to supporting Roma community organizations and Roma mediators, to help them bring their communities out of the shadows of discrimination and marginalization. As Russias war has only exacerbated the dire situation for vulnerable groups, including Roma people, this has become even more vital. We are happy to join forces with partners, local government and the UN family in these Roma Hubs, which we hope will be the catalyst of positive change for the Roma and the communities that they live in, says Karen Whiting, Assistant Representative, UNHCR Ukraine For more information, please contact: UNHCR, Elisabeth Haslund, +380 95 239 0072 UNHCR, Alina Kovalenko, +380 50 950 45 19 UN Women, Anna Serdyuk, +380 50 343 93 04 BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov has met with the Head of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) delegation, Chairman of the Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations Osman Mesten, Trend reports. During the meeting, the CEC chairman highlighted that the election will mark the first time it is held in the liberated territories as well. He stated that voters will cast their ballots at the 26 polling stations set up in these locations. "We call this election victorious," said Panahov who provided information regarding the candidates competing in the election, along with details about the voter turnout, the establishment of polling stations in Azerbaijan, and the conditions made for both voters and observers. The CEC Chairman said that more than 90,000 observers have been registered to monitor the presidential election. Osman Mesten, the head of the TURKPA delegation and chairman of the Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, will actively monitor the election. He reiterated TURKPA's steadfast support for Azerbaijan. "It holds particular significance for us to observe the presidential election for the first time across all Azerbaijani territories. On election day, we'll monitor the election in the liberated regions. We trust that Azerbaijan, a democratic country, will conduct the elections in accordance with all legal requirements. On February 8, we'll host a press conference to announce preliminary results," Mesten added. 02/06/2024 Students rehearse Irving Berlin musical in Mason Hall. The Jax State Lyric Theatre troupe will present Irving Berlins Holiday Inn on Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 23-25 in the recital hall in Mason Hall. Based on the 1942 film from Universal Pictures starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, the musical book was rewritten by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge and premiered on Broadway in 2016. While typically viewed as a Christmas show, Holiday Inn is truly a year-round romance, celebrating everything from Valentines Day to Thanksgiving. Featuring some of Irving Berlins best-known hits including Blue Skies, Steppin Out with My Baby, White Christmas and Easter Parade the story centers on Jim, who leaves show business for a simpler life, purchasing a farm in Connecticut. When reality sets in, he is reminded of the joy brought through song and dance, and with the help of his friends, the farmhouse is transformed into an inn, open only on holidays and featuring performances to celebrate each. Jim eventually falls in love, but when the bright lights come calling again, which life will he choose? The JSU production is staged primarily by students along with local talent from Crazy About Dance studio and area community theatres. The cast and crew include Leila Acheson, Carley Brooks, Paulina Dingler, Ethan Duce, Alayna Endicott, Alex Frost, Ashanthe Gathers, Adria Hamilton, Tierra Mishael Harmon, Forrest Hinton, Alex Hosmer, Timmy Jones, Lauren Kilgore, Morgan Langley, Alexa Lusk, Esther Shull, Anna Smith, Kobe Smith, Jamey Smith, Dominque Stephens, Leah Turner, Ramsey Whitney and Amelia Wright. In rehearsals, we sought to create an environment of belonging, fun and encouragement, said Emily Duncan, show director and JSU ROC project development manager. I was once encouraged to do what you love, and like Jim, I was lucky to be surrounded by those who support every crazy idea I sought and seek to do. Thats sort of the beauty of college you get to try all the things until you discover what makes you the happiest and most fulfilled. In addition to Duncan, the show is produced and musically directed by Dr. Shellie Beeman, associate professor of voice. JSU graduate Briar Edwards serves as lead costume designer, Allison Woodward as choreographer and Jessica Gallahar as the show's scenic designer. Running over two weekends, the Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The run time is two hours, with a 15-minute intermission. The show is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $10-25. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. Azerbaijan's experience is very important for Moldova, which is also dreaming of holding elections throughout the country in the future, President of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Moldova Angelica Caraman said at a meeting with her Azerbaijani counterpart Mazahir Panahov, Trend reports. Caraman noted that she's glad to observe the election in Azerbaijan. The Moldovan CEC's head expressed confidence that the election in Azerbaijan will be held in accordance with the country's legislative requirements. 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 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. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Storrs, CT (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) The media rightly focused attention on a recent packed gathering of Israeli leaders and citizens discussing their support for returning Israeli settlers to the Gaza Strip, where they have not been since Israels disengagement in 2005. More generally, for the past four months, some ministers in the Israeli government and their many supporters have viewed the brutal Hamas attack on Israel as an opportunity to advance the Greater Israel agenda of settlement expansion and Palestinian dispossession. Successful movements, like the Israeli right, kick into high gear for those unexpected moments when dramatic political and territorial change is suddenly possible. From a Greater Israel perspective, there are at least four potential transformational aspects of this Israeli military barrage. First, Israel is making Gaza uninhabitable. Almost 2 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes. The cultural, educational, food, health care, and road systems all essential for basic life have been severely damaged. Perhaps 50 to 60% of structures in Gaza have been damaged and destroyed, including about 65,000 residential units. Thus, the damage already done could influence the post-war distribution of land and people even without further Israeli policy decisions. Second, Israel could block or drag out Palestinian return to certain parts of Gaza. For example, in mid-December, an Israeli media outlet reported the IDF would maintain a considerable military presence in northern Gaza even after the intense warfighting ended. The report did also note that that could be coupled with a gradual process to allow back some Palestinians. On January 22, a Hamas attack killed tens of Israeli soldiers as they prepared to demolish buildings to clear a future buffer zone. Third, Israel could press Palestinians to leave Gaza altogether and resettle elsewhere such as Egypt or in Arab Gulf countries. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for voluntary emigration. On X (formerly twitter), National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir endorsed, the migration of hundreds of thousands from Gaza. Some have pointed to a leaked proposal from Israels Ministry of Intelligence that would send Palestinians to Egypts Sinai. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly distanced himself from the idea but privately indicated support in a Likud meeting: Our problem is [finding] countries that are willing to absorb Gazans, and we are working on it. Relatedly, there was a report of Israeli government talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a possible destination. Democracy Now! Video: Israeli Cabinet Members Join Event Calling for Ethnic Cleansing & Resettlement of Gaza In a November 19 op-ed, the Israeli Minister of Intelligence, Gila Gamliel, openly advocated for Palestinian resettlement outside Gaza specifically in the context of this opportune moment, writing, Albert Einstein was quoted as saying: In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity. Fourth, there are the Israelis mentioned earlier who are calling for re-establishing Israeli civilian settlements in Gaza. Ben-Gvir called the return of Jewish settlement in Gaza an important thing. A coalition of 11 Israeli organizations met to rally public support for the idea and lobby political leaders. In a mid-November poll, 44% of Israeli respondents supported Israeli settlement renewal in Gaza while 39% opposed. Taken together, these steps would solidify Israeli control over additional territory and reduce the number of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories. All these measures are fully consistent with the ultimate Greater Israel objective: there should only be one state, a Jewish one, on all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. And the current Israeli effort is not only in Gaza. Since October 7, the IDF and Israeli settlers have killed about 370 Palestinians in the West Bank, including in battles between the IDF and Palestinian militants. Israeli settlers continue to attack and force out Palestinian civilians, thus seizing more land for Israeli Jews. According to BTselem, an Israeli human rights organization, since early October Israeli settlers drove out just over 1000 Palestinians, ending the presence of 16 Arab villages. In East Jerusalem, the pace of the Jerusalem Municipality demolishing Palestinian homes, already higher in 2023 than 2022, has moved even faster since October 7. In other words, Israel is not just defending itself from the Hamas attack. It could be trying to re-make the status quo to favor further Israeli demographic and territorial growth at the expense of Palestinians. Yes, Israels motivations for its military policy include factors such as self-defense, restoring deterrence, destroying Hamas, the emotional desire for revenge, and trying to forcibly turn the Palestinian public in Gaza against Hamas. But all that said, an important element in some Israeli thinking is the continuing desire to re-shape the balance of land and people in support of the maximalist Greater Israel approach. As noted already, Israels prime minister has publicly rejected some of these ideas, perhaps particularly in the face of the genocide case before the International Court of Justice. The United States government, too, has expressed strong opposition, but Israel can disregard US rhetoric as long as the flow of US arms and provision of diplomatic cover continue. At a minimum, though, the Greater Israel ideas will be better developed for when the next opportunity arises. One danger is that because members of the Israeli government, with some public support, advocate these ideas, the changes could come to fruition in whole or in part despite supposed top-level Israeli and US opposition. We have already seen the concrete impact in the West Bank. Or, if parts of Gaza already are uninhabitable for months or years due to the Israeli bombardment, that could have a similar effect on demography and territorial control. Moreover, governments do not always act uniformly, meaning factions could push non-consensual policies. Netanyahu might view some horse trading as the price for staying in power. A drawn-out war that facilitates fundamental territorial and demographic change also extends his term in office. With ongoing war, he avoids being held accountable either for his pre-existing corruption charges or for Israels massive military-security failure on October 7 and his policy choices that led up to it. If at some point staying in office means allowing the Greater Israel agenda to drive the bus, he might well allow it. The United States is already struggling to restrain Israel and that is in an environment where US officials publicly emphasize the defensive nature of Israeli policy. Were the United States to fully face up to the expansionist aspects of current Israeli policy, it might recognize that harder-edged pressure is the only way to block Israeli expansion. By Ali Iqbal, McMaster University; Aliya Khan, McMaster University; and Ben Thomson, Johns Hopkins University | More than 100 days into the brutal assault on Gaza, over 27,000 Palestinians have been killed of whom 60 per cent have been children and women and 66,000 injured, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The destruction of Gazas health-care system has been catastrophic. The WHO says that, as of Jan. 5, there have been more than 600 attacks on health-care facilities, with 26 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza severely damaged and 79 ambulances targeted. Over 300 health-care workers have been killed and over 200 have been detained by Israeli forces. In an open letter to the United Nations Security Council, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) president Christos Christou wrote: Israel has shown a blatant and total disregard for the protection of Gazas medical facilities. We are watching as hospitals are turned into morgues and ruins. These supposedly protected facilities are being bombed, are being shot at by tanks and guns, encircled and raided, killing patients and medical staff. Most of the resources within the collapsing health-care system in Gaza are directed towards treating acute trauma victims, such as the injured babies pulled from rubble, the toddlers requiring limb amputations and the civilians suffering from severe burn injuries. This leaves patients with chronic life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, heart failure and end-stage kidney disease, with severely limited access to the ongoing medical care they need to survive. Patients unable to access care for chronic conditions As nephrologists and internal medicine physicians, we are gravely concerned about patients in Gaza with chronic diseases who are unable to access care. There are more than 1,100 dialysis patients, including 38 children, in Gaza. Hemodialysis is a treatment for patients with kidney failure that involves removing blood from the patients circulation and circulating it through a dialysis machine that clears toxins and removes excess fluid. Without adequate dialysis, fluid and toxins accumulate and patients typically die within days to weeks from respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Dialysis is a resource-intensive therapy that requires a dialysis facility, dialysis machines, filters, water supply and fuel, along with a team of technicians, nurses and nephrologists. Each one of these components has been severely and directly compromised since Israels assault on Gaza. Israels complete blockade of food, fuel and water has left over 500,000 Gazans facing catastrophic hunger according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and Gazan children face a 90 per cent reduction in access to water. Several hospitals, including Al-Aqsa, reported being completely out of fuel, putting all patients in grave danger, particularly those on life support, babies in incubators and those requiring dialysis. Even before the current conflict, the 16-year blockade of Gaza put the lives of kidney failure patients at risk due to chronic shortages of fuel and medical supplies. Al Jazeera reports that since Oct. 7, the number of patients at Al-Aqsa Hospital requiring dialysis has more than doubled from 143 to about 300, including 11 children, who have just 24 dialysis machines between them. Aljazeera English Video: Kidney patients face dialysis crisis at packed Gaza hospital This has forced dialysis units to significantly cut treatments, with patients receiving two-hour sessions rather than the typically prescribed 3.5-hour treatments. Treatment frequency, typically prescribed three times weekly, are now only available one or two times per week. This decrease in treatment time and frequency is grossly insufficient to sustain life. But in a health-care system under assault, patients are fortunate to receive any dialysis at all. Patients needing life-saving treatment Ismail Al Tawil was a 44-year-old patient in Gaza who died of kidney failure after he was unable to access dialysis. In an interview with Al-Jazeeras AJ+ social media arm, his widow described desperately trying to get him to dialysis at Al-Shifa hospital, but being shot at by Israeli snipers who surrounded the hospital. She then attempted to access dialysis at Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals, but both facilities had insufficient capacity to treat him. Since Oct. 7, 1.9 million people or 85 per cent of the population of Gaza have been internally displaced, according to Human Rights Watch. This is a tremendous challenge for dialysis patients who are faced with the uncertainty of when, where or if they will access their life-saving therapy. Anssam, age 12, was displaced from Jabaliya in northern Gaza to seek treatment in Deir El Balah in central Gaza. She had gone 15 days without dialysis and had to leave with her mother to receive life-saving medical treatment. In an interview with The National News, Anssam said: I hope for this war to end and for us to go back to the way we were, happy and playing, and to go back to doing dialysis three times a week Now, without filters, I cannot have dialysis and so I will die. My life depends on dialysis. Loss of medical personnel Beyond the destruction of health-care facilities and a critical shortage of supplies, the loss of medical personnel may have the most devastating and longest-lasting impact on the health-care system in Gaza. Dr. Hammam Alloh was one of the only nephrologists in Gaza, described as a committed physician and a beacon of light by his colleagues. He was 36 years old and a father of two young children. He had hopes to expand dialysis care in Gaza and build a nephrology educational training program. He was killed on Nov. 12 by an Israeli airstrike to his familys home, where he was taking a short rest after a busy shift at Al Shifa Hospital. His loss resonated far beyond his family, patients and colleagues in Gaza. Dr. Allohs courage and dedication has become a powerful source of inspiration for physicians and health-care workers around the world. Multiple sources have reported the number of civilians who have been killed by the bombs and bullets during the assault on Gaza. We may never know how many cancer patients will die from lack of chemotherapy; or diabetics from lack of insulin; or kidney failure patients from inadequate dialysis. The consequences of the collapsed health-care system in Gaza will be felt for years to come. The attempts to silence, intimidate and smear health-care workers for calling out the atrocities in Gaza have been well documented. These efforts not only attempt to rob us of our freedom of speech, but of our professional and moral duty as physicians to promote global health and protect the vulnerable. As physicians, we will not be silent as our colleagues in Gaza are being killed, as hospitals are being targeted and attacked, and as vulnerable patients are endangered. We join the UN, the WHO, MSF and the British Medical Association, along with millions around the world, who call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid. We stand in solidarity with the true health-care heroes of Gaza who continue to work in harrowing conditions, and we honour the legacies of those like Dr. Alloh who lost their lives while upholding the highest values of our profession. Ali Iqbal, Transplant Nephrologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine, McMaster University; Aliya Khan, Clinical professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, and Ben Thomson, Masters of Public Health student, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX: MND) (OTCQB: MNDJF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 1, 2024. As previously announced, current CFO Nick Dwyer resigned for personal reasons and will be supporting the transition to Mr. Ahmed. Frazer Bourchier, President and CEO, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Hashim to Mandalay. His extensive industry experience, focus on capital discipline and strategic financial acumen make him an ideal fit for our leadership team. As we embark on our next phase of growth, Hashim will play a crucial role in steering our financial strategies and ensuring our continued financial success." Mr. Ahmed commented: "I am thrilled to be joining Mandalay at such an exciting time. The Company's commitment to growth and operational excellence aligns with my own professional values. I look forward to contributing to the financial success of the Company and working collaboratively with the talented team in place." Mr. Ahmed has a proven history of success with over 20 years of experience, with the past 15 years focused on the mining industry. He has expertise in financial management, corporate strategy, organizational restructuring, and capital markets. Mr. Ahmed has held a number of finance executive roles, most recently as CFO at both Nova Royalty and Jaguar Mining before that. Prior to Jaguar, Hashim worked with Barrick Gold for over seven years, where he held progressively senior positions in finance functions in Canada, and with site finance teams in Chile. At the start of his professional career, he obtained his CA/CPA designation with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and later worked with Ernst & Young LLP in their advisory practice. About Mandalay Resources Corporation: Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based resource company with producing assets in Australia (Costerfield gold-antimony mine) and Sweden (Bjorkdal gold mine). The Company is focused on growing its production and reducing costs to generate significant positive cashflow. Mandalay is committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, while developing a high level of community and employee engagement. Mandalay's mission is to create shareholder value through the profitable operation and continuing the regional exploration program, at both its Costerfield and Bjorkdal mines. Currently, the Company's main objectives are to continue mining the high-grade Youle vein at Costerfield, bring online the deeper Shepherd veins, both of which will continue to supply high-grade ore to the processing plant, and to extend Youle Mineral Reserves. At Bjorkdal, the Company will aim to increase production from the Aurora zone and other higher-grade areas in the coming years, in order to maximize profit margins from the mine. Toronto, Ontario February 6, 2024 Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. (Noble or the Company) (TSXV:NOB) (FRANKFURT:NB7) (OTC:NLPXF) is pleased to report that drilling has been completed on the Kidd2/Carnegie Project. Five holes (1,692 meters) were drilled with helicopter support on various targets near the Kidd Creek Mine. Noble Minerals, in a joint venture with 11530313 Canada Inc., completed the drill program with the help of a $200,000 Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) grant. Research by Noble staff identified several targets for the drill program. The Kidd2/Carnegie project is devoted to finding an extension of the Kidd Creek deposit. The program was a technical success because it identified the geological horizon that hosts the Kidd Creek mineralization and encountered massive sulphides. Analyses of core samples found that they were generally non-economic. Kidd2/Carnegie Project The Kidd2/Carnegie Project consists of a group of patented and staked mining claims located north and northwest of the Kidd Creek Mine and 24 km north of Timmins, Ontario. The Kidd deposit, owned by Glencore, is one of the world's largest volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposits that produces copper, zinc, and silver. Exploration of this area in the past has been hindered by small land packages owned by various companies. Over the years, Noble has been successful in assembling one of the largest land inventories in the vicinity of the Kidd Creek Mine. Noble Minerals has completed strategic Induced Polarization surveys within 2 km of the Kidd Creek open pit on the Fly Creek Rhyolite. The target of the program was an anticlinal structure that contained rhyolite intercalated with ultramafic rocks. It is postulated that these rhyolites are the same age as the Kidd Creek mineralized rhyolites. Bleeker* (1999) proposed that faults that slice through the Kidd Creek deposit have displaced the northern limb of the Kidd Creek Mine fold up to 2 km to the north and are interpreted to be time-stratigraphic equivalent. (See Figure 1). In addition, the Fly Creek Rhyolite might be a faulted extension of the Chance Rhyolite, where several Texas Gulf drill holes intersected lead, zinc, and silver mineralization. To the west, Noble has used Induced Polarization to investigate a property that lies 600 meters along strike from the Chance mineralization. This stratigraphic horizon also runs through the Kidd Creek Mine. Figure 1: Geological Map of the Kidd Creek Area showing the relation of Area and Kidd Creek Rhyolites Figure 2: North Facing Geological Cross Section of the Kidd Creek mine (after Bleeker et al., 1999). Figure 3: Comparable Section on Noble property (located at 5395650m N on Figure 4). The yellow Chert unit and the red Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) unit are thinner than they appear on the section. The green unit consists primarily of pillow and tuffaceous volcanic and gabbroic mafic rocks. The orange unit consists of felsic and intermediate tuffaceous and brecciated rocks. The purple units consist primarily of ultramafic rock. Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) labels indicate areas where the drill core contains more than 200 ppm of each metal over at least 1 m. Figure 4: Plan showing the location of the chargeability anomaly and the drill holes. Yellow stars indicate mineralization encountered in previous drill programs. Figure 5: Massive Sulphide section encountered in Hole CB-23-01. Figure 6: Rhyolite Flow Breccia encountered in Hole CB-23-01. Drill Program The primary target of the drill program was an Induced Polarization chargeability anomaly located on the eastern half of the Noble Project Area A (see Figure 1) located about 2000 meters north of the Kidd Creek Mine. Figure 2 is an idealized cross-section through the Kidd Creek Mine, and Figure 3 is a section showing the location of the chargeability anomaly and the location of Hole CB-23-01 of the present drill program. The near-surface geology of the Kidd Creek Mine is shown in the north-facing Geological Cross published by Bleeker, 1991 (Figure 2). A massive peridotite unit occurs at the stratigraphic base of the geological section (at the east end of the cross-section). This unit is overlain by a 250m thick rhyolite unit that contains various textures, including pyroclastic and breccia (Prior et al., 1999b; DeWolfe et al., 2018). The rhyolite unit is overlain by a sphalerite-chalcopyrite massive sulfide body up to 100m thick (on the section). The massive sulfide unit is overlain by graphite sediment, which is overlain by a silicified rock unit (bright yellow and labeled rhyolite) interpreted to be a chert unit (Figure 1). These sedimentary rocks are overlain by mafic volcanic rocks (see Figure 1 green rock unit labeled as andesite on the west side of cross-section). The location of the massive sulfide deposit at the contact between the rhyolite and mafic rocks is consistent with the geological setting of many other volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. The near-surface geology on Grid A (Figure 4) is shown in the north-facing Geological Cross constructed using the results from the Noble Minerals Induced Polarization survey (2021), Xplor Resources diamond drill hole log KC-16-04 and 3-D Borehole Pulse EM survey for hole KC-16-04, and Noble drill hole CB-23-01 (Figure 2). A massive, altered peridotite unit occurs at the stratigraphic base of the geological section (at the East end of the cross-section). This unit is overlain by a 1m thick massive sulfide unit (Figure 5), which is overlain by a 200m thick rhyolite unit that contains various textures, including pyroclastic and breccia (Figure 6). A 3 m thick rock unit overlies the rhyolite unit and is interpreted as a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) body because it contains up to 20% pyrite plus pyrrhotite (from drill log KC-16-04). The presence of the massive sulfide body is supported by a 3-D Borehole Pulse EM survey for hole KC-16-04 completed by Xplor Resources (Crone, 2016) and zinc values that average 206 ppm (between 621 to 624m) and copper values that average 125 ppm (between 585 to 588m in ddh KC-16-04). The massive sulfide unit is overlain by a silicified rock unit interpreted to be a chert (Figure 3). The chert unit was 30 m long in drill hole KC-16-04 and is overlain by mafic volcanic rocks (see Figure 3 green rock unit labeled as mafic on the west side of cross-section). The geological cross-section on Parcel A is comparable to that in the Kidd Creek mine and is interpreted to indicate that the geology of Grid A is an on-strike extension of the Kidd Creek deposit. Analyses received for Holes CB-23-01 to CB-23-03 have maximum values that are listed in the table below: Hole # Copper Zinc Lead Silver (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) CB-23-01 359 291 31 1.5 CB-23-02 155 303 58 0.2 CB-23-03 164 1380 19 0.2 Analyses for Holes CB-23-04 and CB-23-05 are still pending. The drill results will be assessed, along with additional trace elements and stable isotope geochemical analysis, and downhole EM geophysical testing, to try and identify additional exploration targets that warrant drill testing. Vance White, President and CEO of Noble, said, We are very pleased to complete this program with the support of the OJEP grant and our partners 11530313 Canada Inc. The drilling has given us important technical information that will be invaluable in the planning of future exploration programs here. *Bleeker, W., 1999. Structure, Stratigraphy, and Primary Setting of the Kidd Creek Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposit: A Semiquantitative Reconstruction. Economic Geology Monograph 10, p. 71-121 Michael Newbury PEng (ON), a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Noble. About Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company that, in addition to its shareholdings in Canada Nickel Company Inc., Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd., Go Metals Corp., and MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. It also has an interest in the Holdsworth gold exploration property in the area of Wawa, Ontario. It continues to hold ~25,000 hectares of mineral rights in the Timmins-Cochrane areas of Northern Ontario, known as Project 81, as well as an additional ~11,000 hectares in the Timmins area and ~14,400 hectares of mining claims in Central Newfoundland. Project 81 hosts diversified drill-ready gold, nickel-cobalt, and base metal exploration targets at various stages of exploration. It also holds ~14,600 hectares in the Nagagami Carbonatite Complex and ~4,600 hectares in the Boulder Project near Hearst, Ontario. In addition, Noble has ~482 hectares in the Cere-Villebon Nickel, Copper, PGM property, ~3,700 hectares in the Buckingham Graphite Property, ~10,152 hectares in a Havre St Pierre Nickel, Copper, PGM property, ~518 hectares in the Laverlochere Nickel, Copper, PGM property, all of these are in the Province of Quebec. More detailed information can be found on the Companys website at: https://www.noblemineralexploration.com Nobles common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol NOB. Cautionary Statement 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. The preceding information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Companys plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks, and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contacts H. Vance White, President Phone: 416-214-2250 Fax: 416-367-1954 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Investor Relations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drilling results from the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. These results are from 2023 drilling at the Z-T Area and are not included in the Companys May 2, 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). Expansion Drilling Highlights in the Z-T Area The Company is reporting 21 core holes at Tahonitas with the following highlights: 3.59 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (3.54 gpt Au and 4.1 gpt Ag) over 6.6 m estimated true width (etw) in hole 23TA-85, including: 6.21 gpt AuEq (6.17 gpt Au and 2.9 gpt Ag) over 1.4 m etw, and including, 12.35 gpt AuEq (12.10 gpt Au and 19.1 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw. 2.09 gpt AuEq (1.26 gpt Au and 63.9 gpt Ag) over 11.6 m etw in hole 23TA-90, including: 3.83 gpt AuEq (2.61 gpt Au and 94.5 gpt Ag) over 2.2 m etw. 3.74 gpt AuEq (0.99 gpt Au and 212.5 gpt Ag) over 5.7 m etw in hole 23TA-100, including: 10.94 gpt AuEq (2.97 gpt Au and 616.0 gpt Ag) over 1.3 m etw. 2.33 gpt AuEq (0.83 gpt Au and 115.9 gpt Ag) over 7.1 m etw in hole 23TA-91, including: 8.14 gpt AuEq (2.85 gpt Au and 409.0 gpt Ag) over 0.9 m etw. 2.21 gpt AuEq (0.69 gpt Au and 117.8 gpt Ag) over 5.0 m etw in hole 23TA-94. 6.39 gpt AuEq (4.51 gpt Au and 145.3 gpt Ag) over 1.2 m etw in hole 23TA-99. Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Scott Hicks commented, Drilling at the Z-T Area has discovered a new high-grade mineralized zone of over 350m, along strike to the southeast of the Tahonitas resource pit and has also extended two separate high-grade plunges in this area by an additional 70 to 80m down-dip. Mineralization here now continues 300m down-dip from the May 2023 resource pits. We are excited to see the potential of this expansion target evolve. Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration, added, Todays release reflects the potential for continued discovery of high-grade mineralization at Tahonitas. Additional access for drilling will enable us to further test the high potential of Z-T's open strike to the southeast. Ongoing drilling at Z-T aims to extend the high-grade shoots that remain open at depth, as well as following up on the newly discovered mineralization along strike. Figure 1: Expansion drilling update Tahonitas Drill Hole Highlights1 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 23TA-85 384.10 391.30 7.2 6.6 3.54 4.1 3.59 0.2 including 385.50 388.80 3.3 3.0 3.61 2.0 3.64 1.0 including 385.50 387.00 1.5 1.4 6.17 2.9 6.21 1.0 & including 390.25 391.30 1.1 1.0 12.10 19.1 12.35 1.0 23TA-90 334.50 346.50 12.0 11.6 1.26 63.9 2.09 0.2 including 335.90 336.80 0.9 0.9 4.45 82.7 5.52 1.0 including 337.65 339.90 2.3 2.2 2.61 94.5 3.83 1.0 including 343.50 345.00 1.5 1.5 1.32 69.6 2.22 1.0 23TA-91 180.05 182.55 2.5 2.5 0.94 57.0 1.68 0.2 including 181.30 182.55 1.3 1.3 1.21 113.9 2.68 1.0 23TA-91 190.55 197.75 7.2 7.1 0.83 115.9 2.33 0.2 including 192.00 192.85 0.9 0.9 2.85 409.0 8.14 1.0 & including 195.10 196.95 1.9 1.8 1.09 68.6 1.98 1.0 23TA-94 169.90 175.35 5.5 5.0 0.69 117.8 2.21 0.2 including 169.90 170.80 0.9 0.8 1.56 303.0 5.48 1.0 23TA-99 333.00 334.20 1.2 1.2 4.51 145.3 6.39 0.2 23TA-100 253.35 259.90 6.6 5.7 0.99 212.5 3.74 0.2 including 256.50 258.00 1.5 1.3 2.97 616.0 10.94 1.0 1) A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the Company's website. 2) Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. 3) Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars). 4) Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using an Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. INTERPRETATION The Tahonitas drill holes summarized in this news release intersected high grades at meaningful widths, continuing to build on the mineralized envelope discussed in the Companys September 12, 2023 and November 8, 2023 news releases. As Tahonitas continues to demonstrate higher silver grades compared to other zones within the Z-T area, these higher silver grades have the potential to increase the overall AuEq grades and gold-silver ounces in these areas. In this release, 23TA-85 is located 85m down dip of 23TA-71, extending the previously defined high grade shoot approximately 300m down-dip from the current resource pit bottom at a mid-intercept elevation of approximately 250m above sea level. An additional high grade shoot to the southeast has been extended by 23TA-90 located 75m down dip of 23TA-79 and 240m down-dip from the resource pit bottom at an elevation of approximately 260m above sea level. This southeastern shoot now has a modelled dip length of high-grade mineralization spanning 575m and remains open. The shallow intersections, comprised of 23TA-89, 91 94 and 97, along with 100, extend Z-T mineralization to the south-east well beyond the current pit, with the following implications: Shallow early-stage intersections that may support pit expansion to the SE near surface. Demonstrates that the Tahonitas structure continues to be mineralized for 350m along strike from the south-east pit crest. The potential to discover more high-grade plunges as we continue to drill at depth within the new southeast strike extension. High-grade plunging shoots are still open at depth and along strike in multiple areas along the Z-T area as Prime targets expansion drilling at Z-T in 2024. Figure 2: Z-T Area drilling update Figure 3: Z-T Area long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A) Figure 4: Z-T Area (Tahonitas) cross section B-B Prime is targeting 40,000 metres in its 2024 drill program and will continue to evaluate drilling plans using its success-based approach. This evaluation will also include prioritization of targets based on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential. Six drill rigs are currently active on site at Los Reyes, with 2024 exploration focused on: Extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East . . Increasing the Central Area resource through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo, Mina and others to further develop the resource potential at Los Reyes. Link 1 PDF Figures Link 2 PDF Drill Hole Tables Note 1: Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored. Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole. Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns. Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements. Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21. Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories. Additional Notes Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using an Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately CAD$48 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 168,000 metres of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see the May 2, 2023 press release for more details). May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies. Qualified Person Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Prime Mining Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development. For further information, please visit https://primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to: Scott Hicks CEO & Director Indi Gopinathan VP Capital Markets & Business Development Prime Mining Corp. 710 1030 West Georgia St. Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada +1(604) 428-6128 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines, May 2014 (the CIM Standards). The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Forward Looking Information VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Pampa Metals ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM) (FSE:FIR) (OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to report that drilling to test for lateral and depth extensions below previous high grade porphyry copper-gold intersections at the Piuquenes Cu-Au porphyry project has successfully intersected wide intervals of both secondary and primary mineralization. Excellent progress is being made and drilling is continuing. Diamond drillhole PIU-01 (refer figure 1), designed to extend Cu-Au mineralization to depth on the southwestern margin of the Piuquenes Central porphyry, intersected a 160m thick zone of supergene copper enrichment between 220m to 380m downhole, coincident and overlapping with primary mineralization from 350 meters. PIU-01 has been plotted to approximately 900 meters downhole depth, with primary mineralization continuing from 350m to the current hole depth of approximately 600m. An initial batch of core samples have been prepared and dispatched to the ALS laboratory in Mendoza, with first assay results expected shortly. Joseph van den Elsen, Pampa Metals President and CEO commented: "We are very pleased to have intersected a thick copper supergene enrichment blanket on the first hole of a multi-campaign exploration program testing the Piuquenes Project's exceptional potential. We now eagerly await our first assay results and look forward to driving shareholder value over the short, medium, and long-term as we continue to test the depth and lateral extensions of the previously reported high-grade copper-gold intervals at Piuquenes Central, and thereafter drill testing Piuquenes East and other nearby targets on the property." A Company Presentation is available at: www.pampametals.com/investor/presentations Geology and Mineralization - Diamond Drillhole PIU-01 Weak-moderate porphyry A-type quartz stockworks are present from approximately 150 m downhole, increasing in intensity from 220m depth. Supergene copper enrichment is evident from 220m to 380m depth, partially coincident (from 288 m depth) with increasing intensity of porphyry A-type quartz vein stockworks and evidence of intermineral potassic alteration. A narrow zone of copper oxides is observed from 220 - 229 meters downhole. Dense porphyry A-type quartz vein stockworks with chalcopyrite and traces of disseminated bornite mineralization hosted in potassic altered diorite porphyry were intersected from 350m to the current downhole depth of approximately 600 m. Drilling is continuing in strong mineralization. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO INVESTOR CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is a copper-gold-silver-molybdenum porphyry exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE:FIR), and OTC (OTCQB:PMMCF) exchanges. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Previous intervals of significant copper and gold mineralization at Piuquenes Central (refer 5 December 2023 News Release) include: 413.5 m (167-580.5 m) @ 0.47% Cu and 0.52 g/t Au (0.87% CuEq)*; and 558.2 m (362-920.2 m EOH) @ 0.38% Cu, 0.42 g/t Au and 2.4 g/t Ag (0.73% CuEq)* o including 130 m (362-492 m) @ 0.81% Cu, 0.6 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (1.31 % CuEq)* Qualified Person Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G. Mr. Orrego G. is a Geologist, a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego G. is a consultant to the Company. * %CuEq values are calculated based on copper and gold metal prices: Cu = US$3.20/lb, Au = US$1,700/oz and Ag = US$ 20/oz. The formula utilized to calculate %CuEq is: Cu Eq Grade (%) = Cu Head Grade (%) + [(Au Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Au Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.04) + [(Ag Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Ag Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.0. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals 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" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Canter Resources Corp. (CSE: CRC) (OTC Pink: CNRCF) (FSE: 6O1) ("Canter" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has submitted its Notice of Intent ("NOI") to the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") for planned work associated with Phase I exploration and drilling at the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project ("Columbus" or the "Columbus Basin"), located near Tonopah, Nevada. The Company's technical team recently completed a site trip that included engagement with the local BLM office as well as a field review. The field trip also included reconnaissance sampling at Columbus and the identification of a potential local gravel source that is expected to reduce road and drill site preparation costs for Phase I drilling. "The filing of our NOI marks another key milestone and step towards commencing our first drill hole and corresponding exploration well to begin testing of the prospective 5 kilometre ("km") by 2.5 km target area at Columbus," commented Canter Resources CEO and Director Joness Lang. "We are also finalizing plans to complete a shallow-grid auger drill program that will complement our exploration well drilling by providing greater lateral coverage and generate valuable near-surface data from the shallowest layer of brine in the basin." The Company is advancing its exploration within the Columbus Basin by deploying a comprehensive auger sampling grid (see Figure 1). This initiative targets the shallow brine-generating strata, where historical data indicates substantial lithium and boron concentrations. This approach allows for a broad assessment of the basin's mineral potential with minimal environmental impact and refines the geochemical profile of the near-surface brines. Concurrently, Canter Resources is launching a long-screen well program to explore deeper aquifer systems. Leveraging insights from historical drilling and geophysical data, the program aims to reach depths of up to 300 metres, targeting areas with significant potential for lithium brine deposits. The initial well (CB24-001, see Figure 1), strategically located based on integrated geophysical analysis, is designed to penetrate a multi-tiered aquifer systems. The long-screened well technique will enable discrete sampling from these aquifers, enhancing sample quality and data representativeness. Additionally, a second well location has been planned 1 km away to broaden the scope of the Company's exploration efforts. Building upon these shallow and intermediate exploration phases, Canter is considering the integration of Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) into its geophysical exploration program. ANT, capable of penetrating depths of up to 2,500 metres, will further enhance the understanding of the basin's deep structure. This deeper exploration layer aims to delineate potential structural traps for lithium-bearing brines at depths previously unexplored, thereby augmenting the precision of subsequent drilling phases at greater depths. By employing this integrated, multi-depth approach, Canter aims to thoroughly evaluate the Columbus Basin's potential across a spectrum of geological strata, from near-surface to deep-seated brine reservoirs. Dirt work and drill site preparation will commence once the Company's NOI permit is received and approved. Figure 1: Initial grid auger stations and top priority exploration well locations on HSAMT base map About Canter Resources Corp. Canter Resources Corp. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company advancing the Columbus Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA, the Beaver Creek Lithium Property in Montana, USA, and the Puzzle Lake Property in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company is preparing for a Phase I drill campaign at Columbus to test a highly prospective lithium-brine target and plans to leverage the Company's critical metals targeting database to generate a portfolio of high-quality projects with the aim of defining mineral resources that support the domestic clean energy supply chain in North America. For further information contact: Joness Lang Chief Executive Officer Canter Resources Corp. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For investor inquiries contact: Tel: 604.908.1695 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Green Bridge Metals Corporation (CNSX:GRBM) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered a letter of intent (the "LOI") with Encampment Minerals Inc., dated February 5, 2024 whereby the Company has an option to earn an 80% interest in the 8,460-hectare (84.6 square kilometre (km)) South Contact Zone Project, targeting copper (Cu), nickel (Ni)-platinum group element (PGE) mineralization. The project area is located approximately 65 km north of the city of Duluth, Minnesota (Figure 1). The South Contact Zone (SCZ) project is located along the southern basal contact of the Duluth Complex (Complex) which hosts several world-class Cu-Ni deposits. The SCZ is located immediately south of the Mesabi Range iron ore district. It is estimated that the northwestern margin of the Complex contains 4.4 billion tons of sulfide mineralization grading 0.66% Cu and 0.20% Ni1. The Complex is part of the Midcontinent Rift System, a region characterized by mafic and ultramafic hosted Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization, including multi-million-ton deposits such as Eagle (4.1 million tonnes @ 2.9% Cu, 3.6% Ni)2, Tamarack (8.5 million tonnes @ 0.9% Cu, 1.7% Ni3, and Mesaba (2.2 billion tonnes 0.4% Cu, 0.1% Ni, 0.5 ppm PGE)4 (Figure 1). In addition, the SCZ is a prime locality for Oxide Ultramafic Intrusions (OUI) which host high-grade iron (Fe) -titanium (Ti) - vanadium (V) deposits that commonly contain significant disseminated Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization (Figure 2) and are associated high grade Cu-Ni targets. Green Bridge is optioning the project from Encampment Minerals Inc., (EMI) a privately owned U.S. corporation. SCZ Project Highlights: Located in the Duluth Complex, host to world class copper - nickel deposits. Four separate projects with known copper-nickel and/or titanium-vanadium-copper mineralization Historical drilling and geophysical surveys provide clear drill ready targets across the underexplored portfolio. Plans to initiate drill program within first year of the agreement. A Message from David Suda, CEO of Green Bridge Metals "Green Bridge is focused on creating shareholder value by bringing forward exploration and development opportunities to supply critical and strategic minerals to the rapidly growing green economies and power grids of North America and the world beyond. We are pleased to have secured a rare portfolio of assets with clear mineralization in an underexplored world class region within the Duluth Complex of Minnesota. We plan to advance these underexplored properties by leveraging historical exploration data by drilling in the coming 12 months. We would like to thank EMI for the opportunity to advance upon the fine work they have completed to date." The SCZ project is comprised of multiple properties; Siphon-Wyman, Skibo, Titac, Boulder Creek, and Boulder Lake North, all with previously identified Cu-Ni-PGE, or Ti-V mineralized bodies through historical drilling (Figure 3). Most properties in the SCZ are early stage and have had limited historical exploration, however, EMI completed a VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) airborne geophysical survey from which numerous undrilled conductors have been interpreted across several of the properties. In addition to recent VTEM, historical airborne electromagnetic and magnetic surveys (AEM) provide detailed geophysical data across the whole region. These geophysical surveys provide useful targeting data for exploration by the Company. Several properties, including the highly prospective Skibo area, are drill-ready with the Company expected to begin drilling within the first year of the agreement. The SCZ project is host to multiple styles of mineralization: Disseminated Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization at the Siphon-Wyman property is similar to that at the Maturi and Mesaba deposits. High-grade magmatic Cu-Ni mineralization at Skibo is generally similar to mineralization at the Tamarack deposit. Ti-V-Cu mineralization associated with oxidized ultramafic intrusions (OUI) at the Titac area with a NI 43-101 inferred resource of 45.1 million tonnes at 15% TiO 2 5. Within the SCZ project area are a number of untested OUIs. Previous exploration suggests a spatial and genetic relationship between OUI and magmatic massive Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization. With a mix of mineralization styles spanning multiple properties, the SCZ holds significant potential for mineral resources deemed as critical by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2022. Importantly, the SCZ project is located to the south and outside of the Boundary Waters Wilderness area and watershed and no access or permitting issues of consequence have been experienced to date. Siphon-Wyman (Disseminated Cu-Ni) Target: This property spans approximately 1,360 hectares with historical drilling identifying disseminated Cu-Ni mineralization at Wyman Creek (Wyman Creek resource) and structurally controlled massive sulfide mineralization within the associated Siphon Fault Zone (Figure 4, Table 1). The property lies along the basal contact of the Partridge River Intrusion. A number of untested high-priority geophysical electromagnetic conductors have been detected within the fault zone and Wyman Creek resource area Table 1. Historic significant intercepts drilled by EMI and previous operators from the Siphon-Wyman property6 Hole ID Length (m) Cu % Ni % Wyman Upper Zone 26145 32.9 0.37 0.18 7.6 0.34 0.13 26132 27.4 0.56 0.18 13.7 0.51 0.16 26126 13.1 0.35 0.15 26153 13.1 1.39 0.13 Lower Zone 26136 94.5 0.37 0.12 26144 40.2 0.37 0.17 26132 8.8 0.37 0.12 26126 29.0 0.42 0.16 Skibo Property (Massive and Disseminated Cu-Ni): Skibo comprises 3,108 hectares and is characterized by a magnetic anomaly striking over 3.5 km north to south along with multiple, untested, geophysical electromagnetic conductors within the property associated with OUIs and providing drill-ready targets (Figure 5). Skibo OUIs are host to significant disseminated Cu-Ni mineralization that has not been assayed systematically for either Ti or V (Figure 6). Two important footwall high Cu-Ni-PGE grade massive sulfide vein stockwork zones have been identified that are related to the OUIs. These zones are considered high-priority targets. Massive sulfide veins in the northern stockwork zone (DDH-SK09-2) is shown in Figure 7. Table 2 below provides a summary of the historical intercepts. Table 2. Historic significant intercepts drilled by EMI and previous operators from the Skibo property7. Hole ID Interval (m) Cu% Ni% Co% PGE (ppm) 11547 86.5 0.32 0.27 SK09-2 101 0.31 0.18 3.7 2.96 0.81 1.19 0.4 9.85 0.36 3.93 0.6 6.91 2.38 1.24 SK15-1 2.3 6.38 1.55 4.31 SK09-3 2.3 1.87 0.75 0.15 0.31 0.4 1.4 0.67 0.13 0.3 0.3 1.41 0.78 0.15 0.33 0.2 1.26 1.29 0.12 0.41 0.2 1.19 1.1 0.12 0.39 0.3 1.01 1.21 0.09 0.59 0.1 1.19 1.72 0.14 0.58 SK19-1 34.3 0.14 0.05 0.01 0.09 2.3 2.06 1.06 0.13 0.45 SK19-2 33.2 0.22 0.11 0.02 0.12 0.4 1.39 0.88 0.1 0.35 0.1 0.79 1.01 0.09 0.3 Titac- Boulder- Boulder North Properties (TiO 2 - V 2 O 5 , Disseminated Cu-Ni): Several properties lie along the southern portion of the SCZ project: Titac, Boulder, and Boulder North (Figure 8) comprising approximately 3,992 hectares. Titac has the most advanced exploration with a NI 43-101, inferred resource of 45.1 million tonnes averaging 15% TiO 2 5. This resource correlates directly with a discrete magnetic anomaly and has excellent potential to grow to the north where there is a second similar magnetic anomaly with historical drilling demonstrating Ti-V mineralization (Figure 8). A similar magnetic anomaly is present to the southeast of Titac that has not yet been drilled. In addition, the TiO 2 mineralization at Titac contains significant disseminated Cu mineralization with the historical drill results assaying for copper presented below in Table 3. Importantly, there are three prominent electromagnetic conductors that are considered highly prospective for high-grade Cu-Ni mineralization that have not been drill tested. The Boulder/Boulder North properties have limited drill testing but contain numerous magnetic anomalies and conductors that are proposed for drilling (Figure 9). Importantly, the Boulder properties have both Ti-V and Cu-Ni exploration potential based on limited historical drilling and geophysics. This area is considered highly prospective and will be the focus of an updated VTEM survey by the Company as historical airborne surveys are from the 1960's. Table 3. Historic significant drill intercepts from the Boulder and Titac properties. Note that in some cases, elements of interest were not analyzed (Boulder drill results from EMI Internal Report, 2017, Titac results from Cardero Ni 43-101)8. HOLE ID Interval (m) Cu % Ni % TiO2 % V2O5 % Boulder IV-1 57.0 0.22 0.3 23.2 0.42 36.6 0.19 low 26.8 0.52 IV-6 15.8 0.28 0.06 16.1 0.19 IV-8 32.2 0.25 0.03 21.8 0.27 18.3 0.24 low 25.8 0.3 Titac TTC-14 571.5 0.19 14.3 0.075 including 145.1 0.4 14.9 0.073 TTC-15 199.3 0.21 10.2 0.048 TTC-19 461.9 0.37 20.6 *N/A TTC-29 247.2 0.15 17.5 *N/A *N/A indicates "Not Analyzed" The above mineralization estimates are not current and should be considered "historical estimates" under National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource or reserve, and the Company is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources or reserves. The Company would need to conduct an exploration program (including drilling) in order to verify these historical estimates as current in accordance with NI 43-101. There can be no certainty, following further evaluation and/or exploration work, that these historical estimates can be upgraded or verified as mineral resources or mineral reserves in accordance with NI 43-101. As such, these historical estimates should not be relied upon. Option Terms: Encampment Minerals, Inc. (EMI) will grant the Company a sole and exclusive option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the SCZ Properties as follows: 60% Interest Earn in. Green Bridge shall become vested with a 60% interest in the SCZ Properties (the "60% Earn In") by funding Expenditures on the SCZ Properties totaling $12,650,000 over a maximum 4 year period commencing from the Closing Date. These expenditures can be accelerated at the Company's election such that the 60% earn-in can be gained prior to the four year period. Due Date Work Expenditures (US$) Within 12 months $1,275,000 Within 24 months $2,900,000 Within 36 months $6,150,000 Within 48 months $12,650,000 80% Interest Earn In. After completing the 60% earn-in Green Bridge will have a period of 60 days provide notice of intent to earn in to 80%. Green Bridge shall then have a period of 2 years from the date of the 60% Earn In to increase its interest in the SCZ Properties to 80% by: (i) Funding an additional $10,000,000 of Expenditures on the SCZ Properties; and (ii) Completing a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate on the SCZ Properties; and (iii) Making a cash payment of $4,000,000 to EMI. Joint Venture Formation: Upon completion of the 80% earn-in a Joint Venture between Green Bridge Metals and EMI a straight-line dilution formula will apply whereby the deemed contributed initial expenditures at the date of the 80% earn-in of $22,650,000 by Green Bridge Metals and $8,000,000 by EMI. Dilution Cap and Buyout Right: EMI's interest in the SCZ Properties may not be diluted to less than 8% interest in the SCZ Properties (the "EMI Dilution Cap"). In the event that EMI's interest in the SCZ Properties reaches 8% interest, Green Bridge shall have the right, at its sole discretion, at any time, to purchase the remainder of EMI's interest in the SCZ Properties (the "Carried Interest Buyout Right") at a purchase price equal to 8% of the undiscounted net present value of the SCZ Properties (the "NPV"). Calculation of the NPV shall be carried out by a third-party independent appraiser selected by both Green Bridge and EMI, acting reasonably, and the costs of such NPV determination shall be borne by Green Bridge and EMI equally. The purchase price may be made in 50% cash and 50% cash and/or shares at Greenbridge's election. Figure 1. Regional location map showing geology (MGS State Map Series S-21 2011), infrastructure and analogous Cu-Ni-PGE (+/- TiO 2 -V 2 O 5 ) deposits. The Titac area includes the Titac North and South prospects as well as the Boulder East prospect, and the Boulder area includes the Boulder North prospect. Figure 2. Schematic exploration model for a mineralized composite oxide ultramafic intrusion (modified from Barnes et al., 2015). This general model can be applied to further exploration of OUI's in the Skibo, Titac and Boulder properties. Figure 3. Detailed geologic map of South Contact Zone (SCZ) properties along with polygons representing known styles of mineralization at each locality. Many known TiO 2 occurrences coincide with disseminated Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization. Figure 4. Copper-Nickel ore zone cross section model at the Wyman property showing significant drill intercepts with grades and representative thickness.6 Figure 5. Total magnetic intensity map at the Skibo property showing historic drill hole locations (yellow circles), property boundary (white line), and interpreted fault (dashed lines)8. Figure 6. Geologic cross-section from the Skibo property with drill holes and associated Cu-Ni assay grades through and below the OUI7. Figure 7. Core photo showing a Cu-Ni mineralized zone in drill hole SK09-2 between 372.4 to 376.1m (3.7m) which grades 2.3% Cu. 0.8% Ni and 1189 ppb PGE. Sulfide mineral assemblages include chalcopyrite, pentlandite and pyrrhotite. Hole drilled by EMI (2009). Figure 8. Summary of the magnetic anomalies that define the Titac North and South areas of the Titac property. Drill holes (red dots) have proven an economic TiO 2 bearing OUI exists, all of which are open at depth. Figure 9. Geologic and electromagnetic map of the Titac-Boulder property with structural trends (dashed black lines) and electromagnetic conductors (red lines) shown. Historic drill hole locations are also shown (Geology from MGS Miscellaneous Map Series, Map 119). Completion of the transaction of The South Contact Zone remains subject to several conditions, including the satisfactory completion of due diligence, receipt of any regulatory approvals, the negotiation of definitive agreement, other documents, and the completion of a minimum $3 million in financing concurrent with the completion of the transaction. Theodore A. DeMatties, CPG, PG, is the Qualified Person who assumes responsibility for the technical content of this press release. About Green Bridge Metals Green Bridge Metals Corporation (formerly Mich Resources Ltd.) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring battery metal' rich mineral assets and the development of the South Contact Zone (the "Property") along the basal contact of the Duluth Intrusion, north of Duluth, Minnesota. The South Contact Zone contains bulk-tonnage copper-nickel and titanium-vanadium in ilmenite hosted in ultramafic to oxide ultramafic intrusions. The Property has exploration targets for bulk-tonnage Ni mineralization, high grade Ni-Cu-PGE magmatic sulfide mineralization and titanium. ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS, "David Suda" President and Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: David Suda President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: 604.928-3101 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the exploration and development of the South Contact Zone Properties. Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the exploration and development of the South Contact Zone Properties may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Certain figures and references contain information supported by public and corporate references that may have been updated, changed, or modified since their referenced date. The Company has not reviewed any resources and cannot comment on their accuracy. References:1 Miller Jr, J.D., Green, J.C., Severson, M.J., Chandler, V.W., Hauck, S.A., Peterson, D.M. and Wahl, T.E., (2002). RI-58 geology and mineral potential of the Duluth complex and related rocks of northeastern Minnesota.2 Ding, X., C. Li, E. M. Ripley, D. Rossell, and S. Kamo (2010), The Eagle and East Eagle sulfide ore-bearing mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Midcontinent Rift System, upper Michigan: Geochronology and petrologic evolution, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 11, Q03003, doi:10.1029/2009GC002546.3 Thomas, B, Jackson, R, Peters, O., Pint, C. (2022). November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota. WSP Golder. Talon Metals Corp. https://talonmetals.com/technical-reports/4 Welhener, Cowie, (2022). PolyMet Mining releases NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mesaba copper-nickel-PGM deposit. Polymet Mining. Accessed on Yahoo finance. January 22, 2024. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/polymet-mining-releases-ni-43-123000618.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall 5 Farrow, D., Johnson, M., (2012), January 2012 National Instrument 43-101Technical Report on the Titac Ilmenite Exploration Project, Minnesota, USA. SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. SRK Project Number 2CC031.004. Cardero Resources Corp. 6 DeMatties, T.A., (2013). Encampment Minerals, Inc., 2012-13 Copper-Nickel-PGM Exploration Program, Wyman Creek Cu-Ni Resource Area, St. Louis County, Minnesota. Summary Report. Encampment Minerals, Inc. 7 DeMatties, T.A., (2013). Encampment Minerals, Inc., Copper-Nickel-PGM Exploration Program Skibo Property, St. Louis County, Minnesota, Summary Report. Encampment Minerals Inc. 8 DeMatties, T.A., (2020). Encampment Minerals, Inc., 2020 Winter Drilling Program at the Skibo (North) Property, St. Louis County, Minnesota, Technical Report. Encampment Minerals Inc. TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Collective Mining Ltd. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (FWB: GG1) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a second rig has been mobilized to the Trap target ("Trap") due to strong visual mineralization observed in follow up drilling currently underway. Trap is one of a series of porphyry targets within the Company's Guayabales Project located in Caldas Colombia. The Company's 2024 exploration plan includes up to 40,000 metres of diamond drilling with three rigs currently operating and a fourth rig anticipated to start drilling by the middle of February 2024. Trap Highlights (see Figures 1-4) The Company recently announced the discovery of a gold rich porphyry system at Trap which is located approximately 3.5 kilometres to the northeast of the flagship Apollo system. The Trap target covers a large surface area measuring approximately 2 kilometres by 2 kilometres with assay results previously announced on January 18, 2024 for the initial three drill holes as follows: 102.2 metres @ 1.53 g/t AuEq (TRC-1) 646.0 metres @ 0.81 g/t AuEq (TRC-2, bottomed in mineralization) including; 301.5 metres @ 1.01 g/t AuEq from 19.5 metres depth 159.75 metres @ 1.04 g/t AuEq (TRC-3) for the initial three drill holes as follows: Geological inspection of the initial three discovery holes plus interpretation of precious and base metal assay data suggests that the Company has only drill tested the upper levels of a porphyry system consisting of overprinting early and late-stage porphyry veins associated with a pervasive phyllic (sericite - chlorite - sulphide) alteration assemblage. On January 19, 2024 a follow up drill hole was initiated from Pad 2 to test the mineralized system at depth and is currently coring in a southeast direction at approximately 745 metres in length. a follow up drill hole was initiated from Pad 2 to test the mineralized system at depth and is currently coring in a southeast direction at approximately 745 metres in length. Visual observation of the current drill hole is showing a noticeable increase in total sulphide content and alteration in comparison to the prior holes with three overprinting styles of mineralization being observed as follows: Porphyry quartz veins containing pyrite and minor chalcopyrite Late crosscutting sheeted carbonate base metal ("CBM") veinlets enriched in sphalerite and galena Dark polymetallic sheeted veinlets with three overprinting styles of mineralization being observed as follows: Sufficiently encouraged by the deeper drill hole visuals, the Company is mobilizing a second drill to Trap with drilling anticipated to commence in the coming days. Additional assay results from Trap are expected in Q1 2024. David Reading, Special Advisor to the Company commented: "The current drill hole at Trap is very exciting as it highlights the presence of stockwork and sheeted porphyry veins which relates to pulses of mineralized fluids typical of large systems. Additionally, based on core inspection of this hole, there is a noticeable increase in total sulphide content relative to the discovery holes previously announced by the Company." Richard Tosdal, Special Advisor to the Company added: "The current drill hole appears to start at the margin of a porphyry system and then enters porphyry quartz diorite with sheeted quartz veins surrounded by pervasive phyllic alteration assemblages composed of sericite (probably muscovite), chlorite and sulphides typical of the upper parts of porphyry copper-gold systems." About Collective Mining Ltd. To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver, gold and tungsten exploration company with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines. The Company's flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo system, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper-silver-gold-tungsten Apollo porphyry system. The Company's near-term objective is to drill the shallow portions of the Apollo system, continue to expand the overall dimensions of the system, which remains open in most directions and test newly generated grassroots targets. Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 45% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CNL", on the OTCQX under the trading symbol "CNLMF" and on the FWB under the trading symbol "GG1". Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG). Technical Information Rock, soils and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at ALS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program. Information Contact: Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski73) on X Follow Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on X, (Collective Mining) on LinkedIn, and (@collectivemining) on Instagram FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative 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) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In this news release, forward-looking information relate, among other things, to: anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future recovery metal recovery rates; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated April 7, 2022. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov met with a delegation headed by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia Viktor Seliverstov, Trend reports. Panahov said that Azerbaijan had enrolled up to 6.5 million voters, who will vote at 6,537 polling places. He highlighted the placement of webcams in 1,000 spots across the country. He informed the head of the delegation about the historical significance of holding elections in Azerbaijan's newly liberated lands from Armenian domination. He stated that voters will cast their ballots at the 26 polling stations set up in these locations. Furthermore, he stated that the required voting arrangements have been made in Khojaly, Khankendi, Shusha, and other districts. Seliverstov emphasized that the presidential election is an important and accountable exercise. "I've monitored elections in Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Our objective is to assist Azerbaijan in conducting transparent elections," he added. The meeting also saw an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest. 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 of Azerbaijan (CEC) 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. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Song Ha Yoon and Jo Woo Ri sparked a debate online after netizens thought of their K-drama characters. Currently one of the most talked-about K-dramas, tvN's "Marry My Husband" continues to gain viewers' attention as the webtoon-based series delivers an interesting storyline. Headlined by Park Min Young, she plays the role of the doting wife and true friend but was betrayed by people around her while at the lowest point of her life. In the story, Song Ha Yoon takes on the role of Jung Soo Min, a manipulator who betrayed Ji Won by having an affair with her husband, Park Min Hwan (Lee Yi Kyung). Interestingly, netizens are bringing back Jo Woo Ri's character in the 2018 webtoon-based series "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty." Fans are comparing the two K-drama characters in a debate about who is the better "pick me girl." 'Pick Me' Girl Battle: Jung Soo Min Vs. Hyun Soo Ah In Gen Z and millennial slang, "pick me girl" means a woman who obsessively desires approval and validation from men. Unfortunately, there are times when people look for ways to put other girls down. That is to make themselves look better. READ MORE: Song Ha Yoon Drama: Series You Need to Watch Starring 'Marry My Husband' Star To spot this, "pick me girls" often gossip or publicly shame other women. Another warning sign that a person is a "pick me girl" is when she becomes overly obsessed with the interest of her male target for the sake of attracting attention. The definition perfectly describes Hyun Soo Ah of "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty" and Jung Soo Min of "Marry My Husband," but netizens have a different take on them. In a TikTok post, netizens debated who is the perfect "pick me girl" between the two characters. Portraying the main antagonist, Hyun Soo Ah, depicts a realistic character of a campus queen bee who always wants all the attention towards her. She may seem nice to everyone, but it was all just a show to make people around her love her. Hyun Soo Ah (My ID is Gangnam Beauty) Soo Ah is the most popular girl. She's one of my favorite antagonists. She had to fend for herself at a young age which made her project her insecurities and self-hatred onto others. She associates being loved with beauty.#JoWooRi pic.twitter.com/aFXR3gIuKE March 17, 2022 However, deep inside, Soo Ah is someone who is full of jealousy and a girl with low self-esteem. In the story, she always looks at her batchmate, Kang Mi Rae, played by Im Soo Hyan, as her competitor. Soo Ah thinks that one way to beat her is by making Do Kyung Seok, the most handsome and popular student in school, fall for her. On the other hand, "Marry My Husband" has Jung Soo Min. She envies her best friend, Kang Ji Won, who is loved by the people around her. From having a loving father to having a boyfriend, Soo Min feels like Ji Won has everything in life. This is where she feels jealousy for her and secretly plots to ruin her life. She spreads fake gossip around the campus to make Kang Ji Won the target of bullies. In addition, she seduces Kang Ji Won's longtime boyfriend, Park Min Hwan, and even plots to take her insurance claims. Song Ha Yoon's role in "Marry My Husband" is dubbed one of the most hated villains so far in K-drama. On the other hand, it only shows that these actresses are so good that they are able to garner attention because of their portrayal. So, who do you think is the better "pick me"? IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THIS 'Marry My Husband' Star is Currently the Most Hated K-Drama Villain For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. A delegation led by Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission of Moldova Angelica Caraman, who arrived in Azerbaijan to observe the upcoming February 7 extraordinary presidential election, visited the Central Election Commission (CEC) on February 6, Trend reports. According to the information, at the meeting with CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov, the guests were informed about the process of preparation for the election in Azerbaijan and the conditions created for voters and observers. Panahov noted that Azerbaijan pays great importance to relations with Moldova. Emphasizing that the election to be held on February 7 will be remembered in the country's history as the election of Victory, the CEC Chairman considered it a significant event that the citizens of the country, who were compelled to vote in different regions of the country for more than 30 years due to occupation, will finally vote in their native lands in the upcoming election. He mentioned that all conditions have been created in the lands liberated from occupation as well as in the whole territory of the country for comfortable voting of electors. Chairwoman of Moldova's Central Electoral Commission Angelica Caraman stated that she was pleased to observe the election in Azerbaijan. She added that Azerbaijan's experience is very important for Moldova and she hopes that one day Moldova will also hold election on the whole territory of the country. Karaman expressed confidence that the election in Azerbaijan will be held in accordance with the legal provisions. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. Relations with Azerbaijan, one of the closest partners of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), are based on mutual trust, the SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming said at a meeting with the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov, Trend reports. Ming stressed that Azerbaijan has achieved great success in all areas in recent years. "So far, we have observed 69 electoral processes. We believe that the election will be fair and transparent. According to the charter, the general principles of our mission are non-interference in the internal affairs of the country, identifying shortcomings and other issues. We'll publish the results on February 8, when our observation mission will be completed," he noted. "We believe that the Azerbaijani people will show their political will and vote for their worthy candidate, added Ming. 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 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. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Archbishop Christian Lepine is seen in his office Wednesday, March 27, 2019, in Montreal. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Montreal has filed a legal challenge to Quebec's end-of-life legislation, arguing it violates religious freedom. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz Tuesday, February 6, 2024 The coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has urged for dialogue with aggrieved member countries to prevent the disintegration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The groups, comprising the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), made the call at a media interactive session in Lagos on Monday, February 5. The groups also called for the restoration of democratic rule in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military took over power through coups detats. The coalition, in a communique issued at the end of the dialogue, expressed dismay at the recent announcement of withdrawal from ECOWAS by the trio of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, noting that such a threat should not be overlooked. The groups advocated the removal of sanctions imposed on the member states which has caused hardship to the people especially women and children. It is imperative to recall the commitment of member states not to attack one another through the non-aggression treaty signed in 1976. The attack may not only be in the form of military engagement. The leaders of ECOWAS in the interest of sustaining a peaceful, united, and prosperous economic bloc must continue to operate under the principles of mutual respect that made the region a template for best practice in fostering regional integration in Africa. The community must recognize the clauses that protect each member state from interference in its internal affairs. More so, in a period of growing trans-border insecurity, a more integrated ECOWAS is requisite for stemming the tides of insecurity in the region, it said. The communique was signed by CISLACs Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the General Secretary, of WACSOF, Kopep Dabugat and a representative from TMG, Najaatu Mohammed. While CSOs continue to condemn military rule in the region rather than resorting to constitutional measures, the threat of gradual disintegration of a community which had hitherto served as best practice template for regional integration in Africa cannot be overlooked. It is imperative for Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and indeed the rest of the member states of ECOWAS to have a deep reflection over the collective milestones of the regional integration, including peace missions to member states; free mobility of people, goods and services; trade enhancement through the removal of customs duties and tariffs on commodities; as well as collective infrastructural development efforts such as the West African power pool leading to the construction of Diama and Manatali dams in Senegal and Mali respectively. At a time when the region is advancing discussions of a single market to further boost trade and development, it is completely disheartening to see leaders shun the channel of diplomacy and dialogue and instead attempt to disintegrate the community, it said. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Former US President Donald Trump has sent heartfelt messages to King Charles after his shock cancer diagnosis. King Charles, whose coronation was in May, was receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate when physicians identified an issue of concern that turned out to be cancer, according to Buckingham Palace Trump has now sent prayers for a speedy recovery to the King, 75. 'KING CHARLES HAS CANCER. HE IS A WONDERFUL MAN, WHO I GOT TO KNOW WELL DURING MY PRESIDENCY, AND WE ALL PRAY THAT HE HAS A FAST AND FULL RECOVERY!' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trump's well wishes came on a day US President Joe Biden said he plans to speak to King Charles III after Buckingham Palace revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer. In his first comments on the 75-year-old British monarch's health, Biden told DailyMail.com that 'God willing' he will speak to him soon. 'I'm about to call him,' Biden said during the outpouring of support from around the world: 'Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis.' Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Homicide detectives have commenced investigations into the sudden death of Former Makutano Junction actor Charles Ouda. The team from DCI headquarters are seeking to establish whether the celebrated actor was killed or died by suicide. His family has yet to reveal the cause of his death but sources have revealed that he hanged himself using a belt on the balcony of his fiancees apartment in Westlands, Nairobi after excusing himself to go and smoke. He moved into the apartment after proposing to his fiance Ciru Muiruri, a former BBC journalist. A team from the DCI headquarters visited the scene on Monday as part of the investigations into the incident. The detectives talked to those who discovered the body as they try to establish whether there was any foul play. An autopsy is set to take place on Tuesday to establish how he died. They want to know what happened, an officer aware of the incident said. The actor was last seen attending a party for the cast of Maisha Magics Salem TV series on the day he died There are also no reports of him suffering from any known ailments, according to those familiar with him. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has been caught in another lie following his statement announcing President William Ruto's visit to Japan, a statement that left Kenyans confused. In a State House dispatch, Hussein described Ruto's visit as one of a kind by a Kenyan head of state in 20 years. He likened the visit to that of the late former President Mwai Kibaki. "This marks the first State visit by a Kenyan Head of State since President Mwai Kibaki's 20 years ago. "The visit follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's State Visit to Kenya in May 2023 and celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Japan," the statement read in part. However, immediately after Hussein shared the dispatch, a section of Kenyans shared photos of former President Uhuru Kenyatta visiting Japan in 2015. Some even shared old clips showing Hussein reading a news time on Citizen TV announcing Uhuru's visit to Japan. What happened to you Hussein? A once extremely respected journalist now a rumor monger and liar, just like your boss. You reported this, 9 years ago. https://t.co/FSyA9cowmB pic.twitter.com/unHOYyrCvA I may have (@QuincyWandera) February 6, 2024 Amidst the confusion, it has emerged that Uhuru made an Official Visit to Japan which Ruto has also embarked on. Ruto's visit to Japan is an official visit and not a State one. A state visit is a solemn ritualistic or formal visit by a Head of State at the invitation of the host president. A state visit reflects the highest level of hospitality, honour, and formality in relations between nations. It is worth noting that in a State Visit, the host nations shoulder all expenses of the visiting delegation. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - There was unrest after Multimedia University students blocked Magadi Road to protest after one of the students was attacked by a hyena. The victim, Kelvin Mwenda, was walking to the hostels on Monday evening when the hyena attacked him and left him with serious body injuries. He lost a finger and one of the fingers during the attack. Stephen Romo, a resident of Olmeut village in Ongata Rongai, rushed to rescue him and equally sustained serious injuries. The two were rushed to Wama Nursing Home Hospital where they are receiving treatment The students lit bonfires as they demanded answers from the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS). KWS said you should Talk to these Hyenas for real....these Fisi are not listening to comrades...no MMU student is badly injured cos the hyena didnt listen pic.twitter.com/ngkuw76eYR Maliks 14/09/15/21 (@maliks_88) February 6, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. The number of Azerbaijani citizens registered as voters in Ukraine and Moldova for the extraordinary presidential election in Azerbaijan has been disclosed, Trend reports, referring to the "Election 2024 Independent Media Center. According to the information, a total of 600 citizens of Azerbaijan have been registered in Ukraine and 100 citizens in Moldova. Polling stations have been set up at the Azerbaijani embassies in Kyiv and Chisinau. Voting will be held on February 7 from 8 AM to 7 PM local time. 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 Dec. 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. "Election 2024 Independent Media Center was launched by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Former Kiambu County Governor, Ferdinand Waititu, has surprised Kenyans after he claimed that President William Ruto promised him the deputy President post when he was campaigning for his presidency in 2022. In an interview with Kameme FM on Monday, Waititu, who is among political orphans betrayed by Ruto, claimed that former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and his Nyandarua counterpart, Francis Kimemia, were also among three politicians from the region, who were promised the second in command post by Ruto. However, Waititu said he was shocked that none of the three leaders made it to the final list of the persons who were considered as Ruto's running mate in the August 9, 2022 poll. He suggested that the leaders could have been left out for being 'hard-headed'. According to him, Ruto, who went on to emerge victorious in the presidential race, was keen on working with political newbies. "Ruto's strategy is to kick out politicians of the older generation. "He just wants newbies. "While Ruto was Deputy President, he called me, alongside Kiraitu Murungi and Francis Kimemia, and promised us that one of us would be his running mate. "I think he did not pick any of us since we are all hard-headed," Waititu, who lost his seat through an impeachment in 2020, said. At the same time, the former county chief faulted Ruto over unfulfilled campaign pledges, claiming the Head of State had deceived the nation. "I had so much faith in Ruto's campaign pledges but we were all deceived," he added. Waititu also distanced himself from the Kenya Kwanza government, saying he no longer considers himself a member of the ruling party. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Buckingham Palace on Monday, February 5, announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and will now be postponing his public duties to receive treatment. The British King was diagnosed with cancer after receiving treatment for a benign prostate enlargement. Doctors noticed a separate issue and undertook tests. The statement read; "During the Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. The King spent three nights undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic before being discharged last Monday.He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, when he was discharged. When asked she said the King was doing well and fine. He was seen on Sunday attending a church service in his first public outing since receiving treatment. The monarch waved to the cameras as he attended the service with Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - A mama mboga from Burma Market in Nairobi is the talk of town after she surprised Pastor Ezekiel with a whopping Sh6 million in cash. The distraught woman presented Ksh6 million cash in a sack to Pastor Ezekiel Oderos New Life Church in Mombasa. The woman sought the pastor's assistance to bless and pray for the cash, in a video that has since been circulated widely. She alleged that the amount belonged to her son, RO, who had allegedly concealed the amount in dollar denominations inside his car. The woman's concerns stemmed from her son's decision to invite officers from the 'Criminal Investigation Department (CID)' to her residence along Jogoo Road. The son claimed that the detectives were his longtime friends. The officers then stumbled upon the amount, Ksh10 million in total before they drove with his son to a nearby bank and exchanged the cash in dollars for Kenyan currency. According to the woman, the officers claimed a share of Ksh4 million and drove the son back to his home with over Ksh6 million. The detectives then instructed the mama mboga to board the vehicle before handing over the ksh6 million cash in six piles. A few minutes later, they dropped her off at Burma Market before disappearing with her son. "I don't know whether to cry or to laugh because I am so confused," she stated while questioning the source of the funds as her son works as a taxi driver. The mama mboga noted that she failed to understand whether the amount was a reward or proceeds of crime. She requested the pastor to pray for and sanitise the money. While responding to her plea, pastor Ezekiel noted that he would provide security for the woman until she located her son. "I will give you a place to stay until we know the truth. You will be accompanied by my security to record a statement. "When the police want to know more details, we will comply so that the money can get back to its rightful owner," Pastor Ezekiel added. Shock as Mama mboga carries Ksh 6 million Cash and takes them to Pastor Ezekiel for help. Weuh! pic.twitter.com/6TAuo8VkKi Omwamba (@omwambaKE) February 5, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Former model Courtney Clenney, who is currently awaiting trial on charges she murdered her boyfriend, had threatened to burn down a teens home after he rejected her advances, according to a report. Courtney Clenney remains behind bars as she awaits trial for fatally stabbing Christian Obumseli in their luxury Miami apartment in April 2022 after a heated argument. Courtney claimed she plunged a knife into Obumseli in self-defense. She wasnt arrested until August of that year. Clenney moved to her parents home in Austin soon after the bloody killing and later bought a million dollar home for herself down the street. A resident of the area told NBC Miami how Clenney threatened his teen son after he spurned her request to kiss her. Just two months after fatally stabbing Obumseli, Clenney allegedly spotted the victim while out on a walk in the quiet Travis County neighborhood. She asked the teen to walk her home and he obliged, the mans father told NBC. They sat down at some point during the stroll and Clenney repeatedly asked the teen to kiss her but he declined. Clenney was visibly intoxicated at the time, the teen's father said. Im going to burn your house! the enraged model threatened, according to the outlet. Im going to burn that st down! The frightened teen then called his father, who arrived at the scene. Then she freaked out, he said. She approached me. She started slapping me as I was standing between her and my son. The man said they had no idea at the time that Clenney had killed someone weeks prior and that they would have filed a police report if they had known her history. I will tell you that that person is aggressive, the dad said. That person is inclined to hurt somebody. Especially when she is under the influence. Im not a judge or a jury, but I can tell you this person is disturbed. Shes a menace. Tuesday, 6 February 2024 - A mama mboga from Burma Market in Nairobi has left tongues wagging after she went to Pastor Ezekiel Oderos New Life Church in Kilifi and presented Ksh 6 million in cash to him. The distraught trader sought the pastors assistance to bless and pray for the cash which she claimed belonged to her son. He had allegedly concealed the amount in dollar denominations inside his car. The woman's concerns stemmed from her son's decision to invite officers from the 'Criminal Investigation Department (CID)' to her residence along Jogoo Road. The son claimed that the detectives were his longtime friends. The officers then stumbled upon the amount, Ksh10 million in total before they drove with his son to a nearby bank and exchanged the cash in dollars for Kenyan currency. According to the woman, the officers claimed a share of Ksh4 million and drove the son back to his home with over Ksh6 million. They reportedly instructed her to board their vehicle before handing over the Ksh 6 million cash in six piles to her. They dropped her off at Burma Market a few minutes later and disappeared with her son. I don't know whether to cry or to laugh because I am so confused, she stated while questioning the source of the funds as her son works as a taxi driver. She failed to understand whether the money was a reward or proceeds of crime and requested the pastor to pray and sanitise the money. Pastor Ezekiel said he will provide security to the woman until she locates her son. I will give you a place to stay until we know the truth. You will be accompanied by my security to record a statement, he said. When the police want to know more details, we will comply so that the money can get back to its rightful owner, he added. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Police on Monday, February 5, arrested a 59-year-old man for frequently defrauding members of the public. A statement released by the police spokesperson, SP Nguroje, says the suspect Muhammad Abubakar aka Malam Sabo is said to be a habitual 419 who specializes in defrauding Members of the public in a disguised manner. The suspect hides his identity pretending to be a Ghost talking to his Victims with different voices. The suspect, at times, changes his voice to sound like that of a woman or child to dupe his victims. Recently he tricked and duped one Abba Bale of Demsawo the sum of three Hundred thousand (300,000)'' the police spokesperson said Nguroje said the case is under investigation and that the suspect will be charged in court as soon as possible. This happened in Nigeria Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Prince Harry has reportedly taken off from LAX for London to be with King Charles after he was diagnosed with cancer. Harry's father called him personally to tell him the devastating news and the Duke of Sussex has jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today. But his wife Meghan, and children Archie and Lilibet are staying at home. A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night and there are claims he boarded the earliest flight and could be in London by lunchtime. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'I'm sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family - including the Sussexes - it's so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction'. The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains 'hugely positive' following his bombshell diagnosis. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today that he was 'shocked and sad' to hear about the King's cancer diagnosis but revealed: 'Thankfully this has been caught early'. Harry could be in the UK as early as lunchtime but it is not known if he will see his brother Prince William or the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from serious abdominal surgery at their home in Winsor Castle. But experts have said they hope that the Duke of Sussex's last-minute trip could finally bring Harry, Charles and William closer together. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Kiara Danielson, baby mama of Rae Sremmurd's Slim Jxmmi has been arrested by the police over alleged domestic violence. It was gathered that after cops were called to Jxmmi's home in Florida on January 22 for a domestic disturbance, he told them Kiara Danielson hit him. TMZ reported that officers said Slim told them the dispute started with an argument over social media, and while trying to get Kiara to leave his place, things allegedly spiraled from there. Slim told cops he threw Kiara's belongings into the yard and that's when she got aggressive, punching him in the face three times. Kiara however told the police that she whipped out her phone to record Slim during the dispute and he reached for it; they struggled and she scratched his eye. She told them Slim grabbed her at one point during the fight. It was gathered that Slim had a scratch on his eye, and Kiara who had no visible injuries was deemed the primary aggressor and arrested her for domestic violence. She was hauled off to jail and booked for misdemeanor battery. The domestic violence arrest comes about 2 years after Slim was arrested for battery. he allegedly attacked Kiara during a fight that also started over social media. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Azimio One Kenya Alliance party leader, Raila Odinga, has challenged the government to resettle and compensate the victims of the gas explosion that occurred last Friday in the Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi. Speaking at the scene of the tragedy on Tuesday, Odinga said the government should give Sh.500,000 to each of the affected families to cushion them from the misery brought upon them by the fire incident. "We want every family here given Sh.500,000. That is what will enable them to begin a new life. "I want to tell President Ruto to address this issue and ensure every family gets Ksh.500,000," Further, Mr Odinga demanded that the displaced families be resettled in the already constructed houses under the government's affordable housing project. He faulted the government for allowing the plant to operate in a residential area which was bound to cause harm to citizens. "People are sleeping on their jobs while the lives of Kenyans are in danger. "If it was the Azimio government in place right now things would be very different. "Those culpable for this incident should have already faced action. "Investigations should not take more than 48 hours. We already know where the mistake was," said Odinga. Raila further cast doubt on the ongoing investigations into the explosion, saying it would not be a surprise to see the owner of the plant walking scot-free. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 American rapper and activist, Killer Mike has spoken out over his arrest at the Grammy Awards ceremony on a night in which he swept three major rap categories. The Los Angeles police department said he had been taken into custody in relation to a physical altercation inside the event venue on Sunday. The 48-year-old, real name Michael Render, was booked on a misdemeanour battery charge, police added. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court later this month. "We hit a speed bump and then we head back to the party, man," the rapper told an Atlanta-based radio show in his first comments after his release. "We partied all night. Ain't nothing had happened, man. But we winners. That's it," he said as the show's host pressed him for details on Monday morning. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the rapper blamed "overzealous security" for the incident that led to his detention. Video from the scene appeared to show the Run the Jewels rapper being escorted by police officers out of the Crypto.com arena in downtown Los Angeles. The arrest took place shortly before the prime-time Grammys broadcast began. Before the televised portion of the event, the outspoken rapper and political activist swept all three awards for which he had been nominated. His song Scientists & Engineers, featuring Andre 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane, won awards for best rap song and best rap performance. beating out top stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj. He also won a third award for best rap album with his album Michael. "You cannot tell me that you get too old, you can't tell me it's too late, you can't tell me dream don't come true!" he said as he picked up his third Grammy of the night. "It is a sweep! It is a sweep! It is a sweep!" Though he won a Grammy in 2003 for a song he made with Outkast, Sunday's awards were Killer Mike's first as a solo artist. The Georgia native has been vocal about issues facing black Americans, including police brutality and systemic racism. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. Resident of Azerbaijan's Khojaly district, first-year student of the Mingachevir Medical College Sabuhi Gumbatov expressed proud of the first presidential polling to be held with his participation in his native Karabakh, Trend reports via "Election-2024" Independent Media Center. I have just turned 18 years old, and I'll vote for the first time in the presidential election on February 7. I am so glad that my dream of voting came true. Therefore, this election will forever remain in my memory. I was born far from my native land - Khojaly. However, my greatest desire was liberation of our lands from Armenian occupation and our return there, he added. 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. "Election 2024 Independent Media Center was launched by the CEC of Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Former BBC journalist, Namukabo Werungah, has recalled an incident in which she and her four colleagues nearly lost their lives after being accosted by rowdy youth armed with crude weapons when they were on an assigement. Werungah, who had a stint at NTV, was in the company of her driver, a fixer, and two other individuals. Read her long Facebook post narrating the harrowing experience in the hands of the rowdy youth. On Thursday, I travelled out of town (Nairobi) on a work assignment. There were five of us. Driver, fixer, and two DOPs. I had done some groundwork (including informing all relevant authorities) and assessed the risks, or so I thought. We left Nairobi at 4:30 a.m., and after a few hours, we were almost there, so we decided to start filming. We got out of the car at a small center and began filming. There were only two or three people because it was early in the morning. We exchanged greetings and moved to an isolated location to film. Within five minutes, we were surrounded by approximately 20-30 people. Initially, it was curiosity, but one person appeared agitated and suspicious of us. We explained why we were there, but he didn't believe us and started making serious accusations. Suddenly, everyone in the crowd believed him, and things quickly became violent. We offered to leave, but they would not let us. They barricaded the car tyres with massive stones and threatened to burn it. At this point, there were hundreds, angry and armed with various weapons. Only one of us (the fixer) could understand and speak one of their languages. The rest of us relied on him to get us out of that situation. I could see he was struggling. Diplomacy was obviously not working. There were several suggestions of how to kill us. The options were by burning us, stoning us, or using crude weapons. This is a remote location with a decades-long history of conflict, so the lack of trust is enormous. They didnt believe a word we said and even after supplying all the documents they demanded, they still had doubts. While pleading for our lives (at this time, we were surrounded by hundreds of people), we requested that they take us to the police rather than kill us. This aggravated them even more because it confirmed their suspicions that we were working with authorities. Our request to be taken to the area chief was met with the same hostility. Almost 20 minutes in, I realized that we might not make it out of there alive. I remembered the young bikers who were killed in Kajiado (NB: We were not in Kajiado), and I was almost certain we would go the same way. I prayed that they use one of the crude weapons for a quick death. Not fire please, I told God. I zoned out and began to reflect on my life, making peace with my God, etc, etc,. Long story short, we lived. I must mention and thank the Media Council of Kenya, Boniface Mwangi, my colleague Patrick Gathara, and the local police, who all responded with unimaginable speed. Most importantly, God. I surely saw his goodness! The Kenyan DAILY POST. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - President William Ruto is hell-bent on deploying the Kenya Police Officers to the troubled Haiti despite the court order barring him from sending Kenyan troops to the Caribbean nation. So determined is the president that he is willing and ready to deploy the officers as early as in the next two weeks. This was confirmed by the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'oei. During an interview with the New York Times, Singoei revealed that the troops will be deployed after a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Haiti is reached, emphasising that the deployment will be immediate. He further noted that the deployment will not wait for another court order lifting the deployment ban even though the State had filed an appeal to the ruling. Sing'oei hinges the government's decision to deploy the troops on the condition (provided by the court ruling) that the mission could continue if there is a reciprocal arrangement with Haiti. "The deployment does not have to await the conclusion of this appeal," the Foreign Affairs PS told the outlet. The PS's statement came roughly a week after President William Ruto told international media outlets that he would ignore the court order and push forward with the mission despite the court setback. The President argued that Haiti had asked for help and that a bilateral agreement was already in the works to pave the way for the mission. Kenya has committed to leading other countries in fighting deadly Haitian gangs. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate closure of gas businesses operating within residential estates in Nairobi. Speaking in Mradi estate in Embakasi on Tuesday, the governor warned sub-county administrators against allowing such operations. "I have directed all the 17 sub-county administration officers to ensure all gas businesses operating within residential areas are closed with immediate effect," Sakaja said. The county boss said that a list of the targeted premises will be released today and have the premises shut down immediately. Sakaja assured the victims of the tragedy that the owners of the premises where the incident took place shall be held responsible and accountable. He was accompanied by his deputy, Njoroge Muchiri when he visited some of the bereaved families of the Mradi estate fire incident that happened last week Thursday. Sakaja and Muchiri were accompanied by county executives, chief officers, and county staff. "I want to assure Nairobians that the owners of the premises where the incident took place shall be held responsible and accountable," he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 6, 2024 A crowd gathered outside the mortuary at CEBEC hospital in Douala, Cameroon, after a teenager whose body had been deposited there was found sitting outside over a week later. According to reports, the 17-year-old had gone to swim at Bellevue Hotel in Douala and he drowned in the pool on Sunday, Jan. 28. His body was then deposited in the mortuary. Eight days after he drowned, mortuary attendants found him sitting in a chair outside the mortuary on Monday, Feb. 5. The deceased who had been naked when placed in the mortuary was seen wearing a white robe and underwear. This discovery sent shockwaves around the hospital and caused a crowd to gather outside the mortuary. The body of the deceased teen has now been sent back to the mortuary. The head mortician, Louis Maries Mbella, told reporters that he was alerted by the security guard at the mortuary section of the Cebec hospital in Bonaberi Douala that the young man brought in the week before has left the mortuary and was now sitting outside. Mbella said: It was around 3am (Monday) when the security guard knocked at my door to inform me that someone had taken a chair to sit outside. I approached the young man and asked him, Why did you take this chair outside, and when they asked you refused to react? He said nothing. Mbella said he asked the teen the question again and received no response. I now put on my phone's torch light and pointed at him, that is when I discovered that it was the young man who died last Sunday. I went inside to check if truly he was the one and I discovered that he was not where we had embalmed and left him. All those inside were naked but he was outside, eyes closed, but he was smiling, Louis Mbella narrated. Born in 2006, 17-year-old Poupog Kevin is said to have murmured the words, Anne you promised me, according to an eye witness at the scene. However, the deceased boy's mother, Catherine Kouete, refused to believe the story and she asked how her dead son could move or speak after spending one week in the mortuary. How can a dead body move like that and sit on a chair? It doesn't sound well to me. I think it is a setup. I don't know we have never seen this, the grieving mother told reporters. But the Chief Mortician said this is not the first time they have seen strange things happen to bodies under their care. He said they sometimes discover bodies have moved from the positions where they were left. The clothes, underwear, and socks worn by Poupog Kevin after he was found outside have been set on fire and his body returned to the mortuary after traditional rites were performed in the presence of his family. Watch the video from the scene below. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - President William Ruto left the country on Monday night for Japan, where he will engage in several bilateral meetings with Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kushida. State House spokesman, Hussein Mohamed, revealed that during his visit to Japan, Ruto will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Kushida, with a focus on economic cooperation in key sectors such as health, ICT, infrastructure, energy, and financial services. "Consequently, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed, covering defence cooperation, public-private partnerships on road construction, and the KEMRI Laboratory Expansion Project," he stated. "President Ruto and Prime Minister Kushida will also address multilateral issues of mutual interest, including the reform of the United Nations Security Council and climate change." Ruto is also scheduled to meet the Japan-Africa Parliamentary Association to advocate for Japanese investments in Kenya, address a Kenya-Japan business forum, and hold meetings with the leadership of prominent Japanese companies. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Keter has predicted doom for President William Ruto, suggesting that he may never succeed, no matter how hard he tries. Speaking during an interview, Keter hit out at Ruto, accusing him of double-speak. He affirmed that Ruto was heedless and that he often surrounded himself with people who only said yes to him and thats why he will never succeed as president. The former legislator went on to state that the president often perceived himself as a 'know-it-all' regardless of whether his policies were reasonable or not. "He cannot take advice from anybody and the day he will change maybe and from the look of things I don't see him changing. You cannot advise him, he is an expert in economics, health issues, security matters, loans, infrastructure, transport, every sector," Keter said. He, at the same time, poked holes into Rutos affordable housing project, which he says is a sham project that should not be implemented. The vocal politician underscored that taxing someone for a project that he/she will not benefit from was unrealistic. "The housing issue is a scam, you cannot tax someone and then someone else benefits from it, this houses mnajenga kwa shamba ya public, it has never been de-gazetted from public land to private because individuals who are buying these lands are buying on their capacities as private," he added. Further, Keter wondered why the government is focused on demolishing houses while insisting that it wants to build houses for Kenyans. The politician wondered what was so special about the houses that the president was hesitant to let go of the project. "Mbona unabomoa manyumba za watu na unataka kutujengea nyumba? "Is there a better way? Why don't you look for land somewhere? "What is affordable about these affordable houses? "Cause they are expensive kushinda hizi private and you are using my money and land and it's still expensive," he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST I have long held the conviction that pediatricians, either in unison or in partnership with hospitals, have the potential to catalyze positive transformation within health care. The vision is clear: pediatricians leading the way, safeguarding health care from detrimental influences and steering it towards a brighter horizon. Yet, despite the rallying cries for innovationbe it through maintaining private practices, embracing direct primary care, or advocating for physician-owned hospitalsthere is an undercurrent of escalating costs, declining outcomes, and growing disillusionment among both patients and clinicians. As someone who has served as the chairman of a physician-hospital organization, who has tirelessly championed clinical integration, and who has taken on academic roles to foster alignment across service lines, Ive confronted the primary obstacle firsthand. The challenge lies within us, the physicians. Too often, we find ourselves entrenched in a blame game, eroded by mistrust, and resistant to the notion that our professional landscape is shifting. The stark truth is that the largest barriers to scalable success in any of these collaborative health care models often stem from our own ranks. It is incumbent upon us, the doctors, to bridge divides, foster trust, and coalesce around shared goals if we are to reshape the future of health care. In this issue, we delve into the alphabet soup of health care organization models that many of our adult colleagues have ledCIN, ACO, PHO, and IPAdissecting their structures, benefits, and the barriers to their success, all while emphasizing the pivotal role of physician behavior in determining their outcome. Heres an overview that includes the financial impact, detailing both the financial upside potential and the downside risks associated with clinically integrated networks (CINs), physician-hospital organizations (PHOs), independent practice associations (IPAs), and accountable care organizations (ACOs): Financial implications: a comparative analysis Understanding the financial landscape is critical when considering clinically integrated networks (CINs), physician-hospital organizations (PHOs), independent practice associations (IPAs), and accountable care organizations (ACOs): Clinically integrated networks (CINs): Structure: A network of providers sharing data to improve care and reduce costs. Risks: High startup and operational costs, potential financial losses. Benefits: Potential for improved care coordination and reimbursement rates. Financial upside: Shared savings and performance bonuses. Downside risk: Financial losses from unmet cost reductions. Physician-hospital organizations (PHOs): Structure: Collaborations between hospitals and physicians. Risks: Risk of hospital interests overshadowing physicians, high integration costs. Benefits: Increased negotiating power, integration of services for billing. Financial upside: Enhanced reimbursement through service integration. Downside risk: Financial losses from inefficient integration. Independent practice associations (IPAs): Structure: Independent physicians grouping for collective payer negotiations. Risks: Decreased individual bargaining power, antitrust law challenges. Benefits: Enhanced contracting power, preservation of autonomy. Financial upside: Improved contract rates from collective bargaining. Downside risk: Reduced income due to administrative costs. Accountable care organizations (ACOs): Structure: Providers jointly accountable for quality and cost of care for a population. Risks: Financial risk from shared savings/losses, potential penalties. Benefits: Shared savings, improved patient outcomes. Financial upside: Retention of savings, bonuses for quality care. Downside risk: Penalties for not meeting benchmarks. Physician behaviors and organizational success For any of these models to succeed, physician engagement is crucial. Heres how physician behaviors can influence outcomes: Behaviors for success: Commitment to shared protocols and data sharing. Active participation in quality improvement initiatives. Adaptability to changing health care landscapes. Behaviors leading to failure: Resistance to data sharing and clinical integration. Lack of commitment to collective decision-making. Prioritizing individual practice goals over group objectives. Health care models making a difference Examples of success in a variety of physician-led health care models that rival traditional acquisition routes by private equity or hospitals: 1. Clinically integrated networks (CINs). Advocate Physician Partners (APP) in Illinois exemplifies the success of CINs with its renowned clinical integration, improving care quality and managing costs effectively. 2. Physician-hospital organizations (PHOs). Billings Clinic in Montana demonstrates a PHOs ability to offer comprehensive care and financial stability by integrating services across various domains. 3. Independent practice associations (IPAs). Jefferson Physician Group in Texas is a testament to IPAs power in fostering physician autonomy and enhancing patient-centered care through collective bargaining and care coordination. 4. Accountable care organizations (ACOs). Atrius Health in Massachusetts, as an ACO, has realized the benefits of coordinated care, achieving financial savings and boosting patient outcomes under value-based care frameworks. The physicians role in shaping health care Physicians hold the keys to health cares future. Yet, it requires a concerted effort to align, share insights, and forge a path that deviates from established practices. The division in the ranks, much like an orchestra out of sync, can only lead to dissonance. The crossroads of physician practice futures Physicians today face a crossroads: Here are the most common paths. Selling to larger entities. Private equity and hospitals offer financial relief, regulatory support, and promise better work-life balance. Closing practices or early retirement due to unsustainable operating costs, retirement without succession plans, and overwhelming market pressures. Maintaining the status quo to uphold autonomy, patient relationships, and explore innovative care models like direct primary care. Forming or joining organized groups like IPAs, CINs, or ACOs to harness the power of collective resources, all while maintaining at least an illusion of independence. Conclusion: Embracing change for future success The decision for pediatricians whether to sell, close, or persist independently will be influenced by their unique circumstances. Yet, its evident that those who are willing to embrace change, consider new models of care, and even consider joining may well find better ways in this evolving landscape. Is more unity on the table? Is it an option? Or are we missing other paths that could redefine progress? Could we ponder innovative strategies for practices to unite, spearhead transformation, and enhance health care delivery. Can we think creatively to not only enhance outcomes but also drive down costs? Mick Connors is a pediatric emergency physician. 46 Shares Share The average medical student spends anywhere from 40 to 80 hours a week studying to become the future of health care, not to mention the hours outside of work that include family, community, jobs, volunteering, research, and day-to-day necessities. The average student goes to class, studies, goes home and studies some more. However, this is not the reality for many Native medical students. We crave the ability to wake up, go to school, and have nothing but studying and getting through medical school on our minds. Instead, we wake up every day and are told our existence does not matter. We wake up to COVID-19 wiping out our elders and memory keepers, even though our communities have impressively high vaccination rates despite the medical distrust. We wake up to hear that yet another pipeline project was approved and will soon be running through our lands which hold our ways of knowing and living. We wake up to frantic texts asking if anyone has seen our missing cousin, with the all too familiar situation that keeps repeating itself. We wake up hearing that more tiny bones have been unearthed from secret graves underneath residential schools and see the lack of recognition of the ongoing genocide of Native American people. We wake up to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) being challenged by the Supreme Court and sigh in relief with it being upheld despite all of our work to make sure this would never happen in the first place. We wake up to states challenging our sovereignty as Tribal nations and having power over our Nations. It all sums up to the message that our land, sacrifices, and stolen relatives dont matter. Our aunties that carry on our teachings, language, and culture dont matter. That our people dont deserve clean water, education, or health care. Despite everyone else benefiting from our stolen land, culture, and ways of healing, our communities live in poverty and dont have the autonomy or capital to make it matter. As Native medical students, the most underrepresented group in health care, we are constantly confronted by the news and the heavy consequences of this kind of messaging, making it exceptionally difficult to simply go to class and study. We dont have the privilege to learn while shutting out the news/current events in our communities across the nation. Instead, we go to school and occupy what is often a hostile space in an effort to not feel invisible and advocate for our people, which often ends up with us crying on each others shoulders in between didactic sessions. We have become so hardened in order to survive that if one of us bursts out in tears from sheer anger, we find ourselves not blinking an eye. We console ourselves and then proceed to the anatomy lab as if its not against our teachings, and dismembering a body doesnt trigger the mental images of the horrors our women and children endured. We have exhausted ourselves by fighting our schools and systems and asking for them to take a stand and show that they care about us and our communities, but with the answer usually being no. Its hard to be tokenized and praised at an institution of higher education while your relatives at home fight for their treaty rights. What a lot of people dont realize is that Tribal nations are just that, Nations. We are a political entity commonly misidentified as a racial category. We have treaties that trade our homelands for economic stability, education, and health care to ensure the prosperity of our future populations. Although, what has happened after those treaties has been quite the opposite. We have and continue to undergo genocide at the hands of the federal government. We still live with the scars of our immediate relatives being dehumanized in boarding schools and having culture violently ripped from their lives. We scrape the Earth and our memories bare for an ounce of our teachings and language. And yet, when we find a song, or a piece of traditional knowledge, we are told that were not Native enough to have something sacred like that. Or, if we show up in regalia or ribbon skirts for a special day, suddenly we are too Native. We were not given the lives that we were once promised despite our sacrifices. In our circles, we have discussions about just how vital the social determinants of health are when considering illness. While we understand that the root cause of many ailments like hypertension is racism, it appears to be a difficult word for our administration to choke out while we are choked by it. Our reality is this: we have willingly signed up to be a part of a system founded upon racism, genocide, and entitlement of colonialism. Most medical systems and educational institutions refuse to acknowledge their own foundational values and how their legacies impact the health of everyone in the U.S. When someone asks, whats it like being a Native medical student, or whats it like being a brown Native student? Whats it like being a light or white-skinned Native student or a multicultural Indigenous student? We will tell you that we are burdened with the responsibility for the health, wellness, and future of our communities. And although all that pressure exists on our shoulders, what people perceive of us is that we are angry and problematic students. We are often told we are wrong about our own communities needs. We are told to stop being inflammatory and worrying about these little things. We cant concentrate when our communities cant have clean water. We cant keep the Anki streak going when our sovereignty is threatened. As Native medical students, we tirelessly pursue opportunities in advocacy and policy because we must, not because its a passion project. In order to maintain our humanity, we share our cultural teachings with each other and with our patients. We carry our history and medicines with the same importance that we carry our medical knowledge so that Native kids can see their futures clearly. We wear our intergenerational trauma on our white coats as well as our hearts. We say that we matter loudly because we are here to stay. We are here because of the sheer power, bravery, and resilience of our ancestors. We are the answers to their prayers theyve spoken for generations. And we will not be silenced. Katlin Wilson and Cailean MacColl are medical students. Amanda Dionne is assistant director, Center for American Indian and Minority Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. The polling station at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Belarus is fully ready for voting in connection with the extraordinary presidential election scheduled for February 7 in Azerbaijan, Trend reports, referring to the ''Election-2024'' Independent Media Center. The voting at the polling station 38 of Narimanov First Election District 19 established at the Embassy will start at 08:00 local time (09:00 Baku time). The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Belarus has taken appropriate organizational and technical measures to ensure the right of citizens living outside the country to vote in the presidential election. All conditions for free, fair, democratic, and transparent voting have been created. To note, 37 polling stations established at the embassies and consulates of Azerbaijan in 49 countries are fully prepared for the voting process. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel KFMs Patrick Kamara hosts Dr. Fred Muhumuza, a development consultant on the Hot Seat show for a conversation about the rationalisation of government agencies. President Museveni recently encouraged National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs to back the merger of over 30 government agencies. He argued this strategic move could save at least Shs1 trillion annually. Listen to the podcast below; By Anthony Wesaka President Museveni last evening pledged to defend the Judiciarys independence, a vow that came as the Uganda Law Society (ULS) seeks a meeting to discuss his interference in the affairs of the third arm of government. The High Court yesterday reserved for midnight its ruling on whether or not to allow ULS to hold the extraordinary general meeting to discuss what they describe as the Presidents interference in the affairs of the Judiciary. But Mr Museveni used the 25th annual judges conference to assure the courts of support from the Executive. I take this occasion to remind the people of Uganda that courts are independent in their preparations and must be allowed to function as such, the President said in his remarks read by Vice President Jessica Alupo during the conference at Serena Hotel in Kampala. He added: Recently, I read a press release by the Honourable Chief Justice where he was reminding the public about the independence of the Judiciary to the execution of its mandate. Speaking at the same event, Justice Minister Norbert Mao regretted Mr Musevenis letter to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo regarding the then looming sale of the Muslim prime properties, including the land on which the national mosque at Old Kampala sits. More details in todays Daily Monitor. Read here Justice Musa Ssekaana, the head of the High Courts Civil Division has issued a temporary injunction restraining Uganda Law Society from calling, convening, and arranging an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the Judiciarys independence. The meeting was scheduled to take place today, February 6. This is after a member of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Mr Brian Kilima filed an application for judicial review of ULSs action of issuing notices and calling its members for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss what he called unlawful matters. The applicant says that the ULS governing council does not have the mandate to hold the said meeting. The lawyer explains that according to the ULS Act, it would be illegal if ULS acted outside its legal mandate. In his ruling, Justice Ssekaana observed that Lawyer Kilima had proved a prima facie case that must be investigated to determine the legality of the proposed meeting by ULS. This application raises serious issues to be tried in the main cause and or a prima facie case. The court should always be willing to extend its hand to protect a citizen who is being wronged or whose rights are being violated or when there are illegalities which are about to be committed against the law, Justice Sekaana ruled. Justice Sekaana dismissed submissions from the ULS defence team advising the court to pick what would be illegal and allow the members to proceed on legal matters BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Zhang Ming, who is on a visit to our country in connection with the observation of the extraordinary election of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the SCO, as well as issues related to the extraordinary presidential election were discussed. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that Azerbaijan's current cooperation with SCO members determines the activity of our country within the organization, as well as contributes to mutual dialogue. It was noted that our country, as a dialogue partner of the SCO, fruitfully cooperates with the organization in regional security issues, including in promoting communication projects such as East-West and North-South transport corridors. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, which has a special position and weight in the Eurasian space, attaches great significance to cooperation with the SCO, and the importance of assessing the current prospects of cooperation in the spheres of economy, trade, energy, investment, humanitarian activities, tourism, etc. was also emphasized. Wide opportunities for cooperation in the field of ecology were emphasized, considering that 2024 has been declared the 'Year of Solidarity for a Green World' in Azerbaijan, as well as the holding of such a prestigious event as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in our country. Bayramov emphasized the importance of holding an extraordinary presidential election on February 7, which will be held for the first time in the whole territory of Azerbaijan, including the liberated territories that were under occupation for almost 30 years. The Minister also noted the importance of this election from the point of view of realization of voting rights for the first time by our citizens in their native lands liberated from occupation, where they were able to return as a result of reconstruction and construction works carried out in these territories. The Minister also informed us about the work done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan in organizing the election process for our citizens who currently live and work in foreign countries. Secretary General Zhang Ming expressed his gratitude for the invitation to observe the extraordinary presidential election and wished our country success in the organization of the election. The Secretary General stressed that the high level of organization of the preparatory process for the election was very satisfactory. The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A section of members of parliament is concerned over the proposed merger of government agencies as the state focuses on saving Shs1 trillion from the rationalization. Ntenjeru South Member of Parliament, Mr Patrick Nsanja, is opposed to the merger, saying services will not easily reach the grassroots because of bureaucracy in ministries During the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus, President Museveni urged members of parliament to support the merger of more than 30 government agencies, saying the strategic move will result in significant savings of at least Shs1 trillion annually for the nation. However, Nsanja said the issue is not about heavy expenditure by the agencies, advisisng government to invent means of curbing corruption through which a lot of funds are lost. He added the funds saved from corruption can easily be used to pay workers in the agencies instead of laying them off. However, Dokolo South MP, Felix Okot Odongo, says the rationalization is curing redundancy, giving an example of the Ministry of Transport and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), which he says are doing the same thing. When they created these agencies, there was no proper analysis of the advantages and the disadvantages. What was very clear is that there was a lot of duplication, Odongo said. The decision by Bukoto South Member of Parliament, Twaha Kagabo, has left legislators from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party divided, with others welcoming his meeting with President Museveni while others said the move is detrimental to Ugandas democracy. Kagabo, who enjoys a close relationship with First Son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba is a member of the Bobi Wine-led National Unity Platform. He is among the MPs who joined the NRM legislators for the partys parliamentary caucus at State House Entebbe last week. He defended his meeting with President Museveni, describing it as a privilege for any MP or politician to meet the President, explaining that he has not crossed from opposition to NRM. However, Kagabos decision gathered mixed reactions from NRM MPs like Dokolo South MP Felix Okot Ogong who warned that the crossing of opposition MPs to NRM spells doom for Ugandas democracy as it works against the multiparty democracy motives. I dont like people who betray their own system. You have to be straight because you are in a multiparty dispensation. You have to serve the nation. When in opposition, you have to come out with a clear policy statement to do what Ugandans will benefit, Ogong said. Arua Central MP, Mr Jackson Atima said Kagabos move is a testimony that NUP is losing popularity and phasing out. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has distanced itself from alleged plans to levy taxes on Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi IIs donations. Last year, Buganda Kingdom Premier, Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed concern over the said allegations. Speaking from Bulange Mengo on Tuesday, the URA commissioner-general, Mr John Musinguzi, clarified that they dont have any plans of levying Kabakas donations except for businesses and property. Musinguzi further announced the purchase of a Buganda Kingdom certificate at Shs5 million. Information in the media that Uganda Revenue Authority was planning to tax Kabakas donations, was not true and we have discussed it at length. URA only taxes income which can be either employment income for those of you who pay Pay As You Earn or it can be business income or property income, Musinguzi said. Meanwhile, Mayiga commended URA for their gesture towards supporting Bugandas efforts and appealed to them to use tax payers money responsibly. KFM understands that Buganda Kingdom collected Shs1.5 billion from Kabakas donations last year. KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, February 6. The city of Khankendi is fully prepared for the early presidential election to be held in Azerbaijan on February 7, Trend reports. All preparatory work has been completed at polling stations No. 14 and No. 15 of the Khankendi electoral district No. 122. There are 15 polling stations in constituency No. 122. Two of them are located in the city of Khankendi, and the remaining 13 are in other regions of the country. At all polling stations, including polling stations No. 14 and No. 15 in the city of Khankendi, the necessary conditions for free and democratic voting have been created. Kilkenny artist Daithi Holohan and writer Jim Murray have their hands firmly on their pens at present as they continue to produce material for a collaborative new book of poetry. Set to be released in the coming months, both men will be contributing new and original material to the project. Daithi will also be using his artistic talent to draw some accompanying illustrations, as well providing the cover. Daithi and Jim are no strangers to each other. They have been friends for years, have shared a great wealth of experiences together and are well known for their work locally. Both have also used their artistic talents as a creative outlet during the most challenging times in their lives and careers. Murrays most recent release, Orchestra of Poems, is a wonderful compilation of work. Both Murray and Holohan have an unmatched ability to document human struggle and the unconquerable human spirit. They both also have a keen eye for the lighter side of humanity, nature, history and folklore. This upcoming publication will be Daithi Holohans first formally published poetic project, but he is no stranger to the written word. I always write when I get the chance to, he told the Kilkenny People. Below is a segment from Daithis poem Perhaps, set to feature in the upcoming publication: Perhaps, she will come again when leaves are turning brown or when the soft, white, gentle snow lingers on the ground ------------- Sometimes, by chance, sometimes choice, she comes into my mind, vague, elusive, moments seem, Tis all she left behind ------------- As like a Celtic, fairy queen, the web she wove was fine, of lace in jeweled, silken thread, my spirit was entwined. No documents did seal our fate, no mutual mumbles made; She loved, and left, and will return, she says. Perhaps fittingly, the publications cover will be a portrait that Daithi painted of Jim, based on a sketch from many years ago. It signifies their shared vision, experiences and struggles as artists. It would be difficult to think of a more fitting duo to join forces on a collaborative project such as this. Watch this space. Release details to be announced. Maram Salah, a resilient Palestinian student from Gaza City, embarked on a remarkable journey to Ireland in September, courtesy of a prestigious scholarship program from the Irish Government. Out of numerous applicants, Maram was among the ten exceptional individuals selected for this scholarship. She arrived in Ireland days before the war broke out. Currently she is in the second semester in the masters program for Digital Marketing & Analysis at SETU Carlow. However, the challenges faced by Maram's family back in Gaza are constantly on her mind. The current death toll is 31,000 lives, 1.9 million people are displaced and homeless, 55% facing acute hunger and there are absolutely no functioning hospitals in Palestine. Tragically, her brother, Ammar, experienced the devastating impact of conflict when the IDF bombed his university. This grim event abruptly halted his educational journey, leaving him at a crossroads with no chance to continue his studies. In a glimmer of hope, SETU Carlow extended a lifeline with a compassionate offer for Ammar to begin an undergraduate programme with them. Normally the college for non-EU would cost in the region of 40,000, but SETU Carlow have kindly waived the fees. Additionally, the visa costs at the border crossing with Egypt add an extra layer of complexity. Back in September when the war started, Egypt was charging $7,000 or 6,389.95 for the Visa crossing. Now they have increased it to 10,000. It is also a journey that should take a couple of hours to get from Gaza to Egypt but with all the complexities of war it takes days to make the crossing. Nevertheless, Maram is determined to bring her brother to Ireland. In time he can then bring his parents over, something Maram cannot do because she is a woman. As Maram endeavours to excel in her studies and secure a promising future in Ireland, her family grapples with the harsh realities of life in Gaza. Marams story of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of education against the backdrop of the harrowing crisis in Palestine. Here is a glimpse into Marams world... Maram, how has your experience in Ireland been shaped by the challenges your family is facing in Gaza, especially considering your original plans for pursuing a master's degree? Ireland was supposed to be a place of academic growth and the pursuit of my master's degree. However, the unexpected events in Gaza have cast a shadow over my experience. The initial excitement of studying in Ireland has been replaced with the constant worry and stress of the situation back home. It's a constant struggle to balance personal aspirations with the harsh reality my family is enduring. How do you manage to stay focused on your studies with such distressing events unfolding back home? Initially, it was incredibly difficult. I am physically in Ireland but mentally I am back home with my family. I've always been closely connected to my family, and the distance makes it incredibly challenging. The worry for my family's safety is overwhelming. However, I realized that focusing on my studies and dedicating my energy to academic pursuits was a way to cope. there's a sense of responsibility, a need to be a source of strength for them, even if it's from a distance. The library became a refuge, and the supportive environment at school played a crucial role in helping me channel my emotions into my studies. You mentioned your efforts to bring your brother to Ireland. What are the complexities involved in his journey? My brother's journey is fraught with challenges. The destruction of universities in Gaza has not only disrupted his education but also left him with an uncertain future. The bombing of his university was more than an attack on a building; it was an assault on the dreams and aspirations of many young minds. Bringing him to Ireland involves overcoming financial barriers, and dealing with the logistical difficulties of travel during a conflict. We set up this GoFundMe to Fund Ammar with the relocation from Gaza to Ireland, school Tuition for the first year, housing per arrival, travel expenses, health insurance, and necessities since he will ONLY have the clothes he is wearing as we arent allowed any luggage, besides the Egyptian permit to cross the border which costs 10,000 euro as for now. He is due to arrive in Ireland in April. This journey from Gaza to Ireland is not just a geographic shift; it represents a transition from despair to hope, from uncertainty to opportunity. This is where Maram's family of 11 people are now living Could you provide more details about the living conditions your family is currently facing in Gaza? We are originally from the north where the worst of the war is. My family has moved to the South, but its just as dangerous there. I have only been able to contact them ten times since October and each time I can hear bombing in the background. Currently, they are residing in a small warehouse, a makeshift shelter with only three walls, no door and minimal protection from the elements. Its completely inhuman, but at least they are alive and have a roof over their head. The overcrowded space, coupled with the scarcity of resources, paints a grim picture. The recent weather conditions have further exacerbated their challenges, making it a constant struggle. There are 11 of them living in this small space all my immediate family and our in-laws. They have three mattresses which they take turns sleeping on. My sister-in-law gave birth to her first child there during the war. She refused to go to the hospital when she was due for her baby, that same day the hospital was bombed. Thats God's plan. Our family found a bench that has been used as a crib but the worry is how they are going to provide for that baby. They have no protection from the elements With the fundraising efforts underway, how have people responded, and what impact has it had on your goal? The response has been heartening. People have shown tremendous support, both emotionally and financially. The goal of 20,000 euros seemed insurmountable, but with sponsorship and the generosity of those who have contributed, the burden has significantly lessened. We've raised around 8,000 euros, and while there's still a way to go, the progress is encouraging. Looking ahead, do you envision staying in Ireland after completing your studies, and what challenges might you face in the aftermath of the conflict? The situation back home makes an immediate return challenging. While the plan was always to return after completing my studies, the current circumstances have meant a revaluation. Staying in Ireland provides stability and safety, allowing me to find a job and support my family from afar. It's a difficult decision, but one that seems increasingly inevitable. How can people, both in Ireland and globally, contribute to the ongoing crisis in Gaza? There are several ways to contribute. Supporting organizations involved in foreign policy and those working on the ground, such as NGOs and medical institutions, is crucial. Financial contributions can make a significant impact, but equally important is raising awareness. Understanding the deep-rooted issues in the region is the first step toward finding sustainable solutions. Is there anything else you would like to convey to our readers about the ongoing situation and the resilience of the people in Gaza? It's essential to recognize that the conflict in Gaza is not a recent development but a culmination of years of struggle and oppression. Every individual can play a part in making a difference, no matter how small. Spreading awareness, showing empathy, and acknowledging the resilience of the people in Gaza are critical in fostering understanding and support during these challenging times. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, February 6. The city of Shusha is fully prepared for the early presidential election to be held in Azerbaijan on February 7, Trend reports. 1,189 voters are registered at polling station No. 105 in the building of secondary school No. 1 in Shusha. Voter activity is expected at this polling station in Shusha-Aghdam-Khojaly-Khojavand constituency No. 124. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 6. Bulgarian gas transport operator Bulgartransgaz, which has a 20 percent stake in the first phase of the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Alexandroupolis, will analyze the possibility of acquiring a stake in the second phase of the terminal as well, CEO of Bulgartransgaz Vladimir Malinov says, Trend reports. "Thanks to Bulgartransgaz's investment in the Alexandroupolis terminal (first phase), significant additional LNG flows from the US, Qatar, and other countries will soon enter the Bulgarian market," he said. According to Malinov, this has increased competition in terms of prices and supply assurance. The first phase of the 5.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year LNG terminal in Greece's Alexandroupolis could be officially commissioned on March 10. "The Bulgarian Gas Transmission Operator will analyze the potential of acquiring a stake in the second liquefied natural gas terminal (second phase) in Greece (capacity of five bcm per year) in search of the most efficient investments," Vladimir Malinov added. He noted that the growing demand for LNG and natural gas from alternative sources in the region should be taken into account. To continue supply and access to sufficient gas in the context of steadily growing market integration in the countries of Southeast Europe, it is necessary to increase LNG regasification and South-North transportation capacities. Partnerships with gas transportation operators in Eastern and Southeastern Europe are even more important for the realization of the strategic Vertical Gas Corridor project. Malinov recalled that on January 19, 2024, in Athens, a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the initiative was extended, which was joined by gas operators from Ukraine, Moldova, and Slovakia. To note, Bulgaria has been receiving Azerbaijani gas since 2021, which currently covers more than a third of the country's demand for 'blue fuel'. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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. JEFFERSON CITY Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, consul general of Israel in Miami, was interrupted by protesters while addressing a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly Tuesday morning. Protesters screamed "cease-fire now." The upper galleries were cleared of protesters soon after the disruption. 2:15 WATCH: Capitol Police escort protestors out of House gallery during Israeli diplomat's speech Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, consul general of Israel in Miami, was interrupted by protesters while addressing a joint session of the Missouri Genera Protester Sarah Bannoura, 28, was arrested for failure to leave the gallery, according to a Capitol Police spokesperson. Bannoura has since been released. Elbaz-Starinsky spoke about United States-Israeli relations and the ongoing war following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. "Our soldiers are fighting for the entire free world," Elbaz-Starinsky said. "...This is a war between evil and good." One of the protesters, Nick Clement, drove from St. Louis to be at the Capitol Tuesday. He said he can't stand idly by while a genocide happens. "I am so angry at this body for allowing this person, representing the Israeli government [to speak]," Clement said. Clement said he thinks it was appropriate for protesters to disrupt Elbaz-Starinsky's speech. "Half of that body, they should have walked out when that guy got on the stage," Clement said. Daniel Swindell said he drove to the Capitol from Columbia to support Israel. "I believe Israel has a moral and legal right to defeat Hamas, so I support them in the war against Hamas," Swindell said. Swindell said America and the American people should help support Israel's fight against Hamas. "I believe America should play a role," Swindell said. "I think everyone should play a role. I think Hamas is everyone's problem." Crowds also came to the Capitol Tuesday to testify about a resolution that expresses support for Israel. The resolution is sponsored by Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher. It commends Israel for its "cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America and Missouri." It says that the General Assembly supports Israel's right to exist, and recognizes Jerusalem as the eternal capitol of Missouri. Plocher submitted amendments during the hearing, changing the wording of the bill, replacing "General Assembly," with "Missouri." Emotional testimony was heard from those who support the bill and those in opposition. Those in support spoke about the longstanding relationship between Israel and the U.S. "Most importantly, Israel is the only democracy in an unstable, and often unfriendly region. Israel is a consistent long-term ally who shares our value and beliefs," Brian Herstig, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, said. "They are reliable, transparent, and have been there for us. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Naveen Ayesh testified against the bill. She said she condemns what happened on Oct. 7, but says the bill fails to acknowledge the history of the conflict. She also said it doesn't acknowledge the thousands of civilians who have died in Gaza. But you all need to understand history did not begin on Oct. 7," Ayesh said. "It is not fair for you guys to legislate, it's not fair for you guys to make these statements about my people. As if we are barbaric, as if we are animals. We are not. Protests take place at American Israel Public Affairs Committee Later, around 3 p.m., those in support of Israel gathered outside the statue at the Capitol. At 4 p.m., people who stand in solidarity with Palestine gathered on the south lawn. Those in support of a ceasefire in Palestine chanted "Joe Biden and Josh Hawley, you can't hide, we charge you with genocide," as well as, "free the people!" On the Israel side, they chanted, "Bring our hostages home!" Adam Schwadron, a house republican from St. Charles, said, "It was nice to reaffirm Missouri's support for Israel and their right to exist." Around 6 p.m. Palestinian supporters moved into downtown Jefferson City to protest outside a location hosting the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which is a bipartisan, political action committee. According to AIPAC, it is the largest pro-Israel PAC in America and contributes more resources directly to candidates than any other PAC. Protestors held signs that said, "Each child of Gaza is our own," and "AIPAC out of Missouri." Demonstrators expressed opposition to AIPAC's financial support for what they perceive as the continuation of genocide in Gaza. This protest is separate to the rally that happened at the Capitol earlier Tuesday, although many of the protestors attended both. Missourians for Palestine said they plan to continue their initiative in getting Americans to understand their side. Ashcroft involved in physical altercation with protester Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft was involved in a physical altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester Tuesday. The moment was caught by Columbia Missourian photographer Cara Penquite. Ashcroft reportedly approached the protesters in downtown Jefferson City, at the intersection of Jefferson and High Streets, before walking behind the line of protesters. The protester involved was apprehended following the altercation. KOMU 8's Kate Devine and Missourian photographer Cara Penquite contributed to this report. Biotricity, Inc. (OTCMKTS:BTCY Get Free Report) shares dropped 6% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $0.84 and last traded at $0.84. Approximately 12,223 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 26% from the average daily volume of 16,551 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.89. Biotricity Stock Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average of $1.03 and a 200-day moving average of $1.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.20 million, a P/E ratio of -0.53 and a beta of 1.39. Get Biotricity alerts: Biotricity (OTCMKTS:BTCY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.44) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.34) by ($0.10). The company had revenue of $2.89 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.30 million. Equities analysts anticipate that Biotricity, Inc. will post -1.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Biotricity A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Biotricity in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its stake in Biotricity by 53.7% in the first quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 57,305 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 20,024 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in Biotricity in the first quarter valued at $50,000. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Biotricity during the 1st quarter valued at $77,000. Finally, State Street Corp raised its holdings in Biotricity by 586.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 135,295 shares of the companys stock worth $307,000 after purchasing an additional 115,595 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 32.46% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Biotricity, Inc, a medical technology company, provides biometric data monitoring solutions in the United States. The company focuses on delivery of remote monitoring solutions to medical, healthcare, and consumer markets, including diagnostic and post-diagnostic solutions for lifestyle and chronic illnesses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Biotricity Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Biotricity and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CTT Correios De Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CTTPY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $7.35 and last traded at $7.35, with a volume of 75 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.35. CTT Correios De Portugal Price Performance The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $7.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.31. About CTT Correios De Portugal (Get Free Report) CTT Correios De Portugal, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CTT - Correios De Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CTT - Correios De Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Malvern International Plc (LON:MLVN Get Free Report) traded down 3.9% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 24.38 ($0.31) and last traded at GBX 24.50 ($0.31). 25,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 43% from the average session volume of 17,470 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 25.50 ($0.32). Malvern International Price Performance The businesss 50 day moving average price is GBX 25.48 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 23.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.89. The company has a market cap of 5.99 million, a PE ratio of -2,450.00 and a beta of 0.73. About Malvern International (Get Free Report) Malvern International Plc provides educational services in the United Kingdom. The company operates Malvern House London; Malvern House Brighton; Language in Action; Communicate School in Manchester; International Study Centres; and Malvern Online Academy. Its colleges offer English language courses, juniors and summer camps, and bespoke group courses; and university pathway programs, such as pre-university, foundation year, year one, graduate diploma, and pre-master's program; and in-sessional and pre-sessional English programs. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Malvern International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Malvern International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shangri-La Asia Limited (OTCMKTS:SHALY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $12.57 and last traded at $12.57, with a volume of 2 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $12.57. Shangri-La Asia Price Performance The stocks fifty day moving average is $12.71 and its 200-day moving average is $13.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.92. Shangri-La Asia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Shangri-La Asia Limited, an investment holding company, develops, owns/leases, operates, and manages hotels and associated properties. It operates through Hotel Properties, Hotel Management and Related Services, Investment Properties, and Property Development for Sale segments. The company develops, owns, and operates office and commercial properties, and serviced apartments/residences; and operates restaurants and amusement parks. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Shangri-La Asia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shangri-La Asia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSE:TMQ Get Free Report) shares shot up 9.1% on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$0.74 and last traded at C$0.72. 7,886 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 63% from the average session volume of 21,189 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.66. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on TMQ. Raymond James reduced their target price on Trilogy Metals from C$1.75 to C$1.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. National Bankshares dropped their price objective on shares of Trilogy Metals from C$1.00 to C$0.75 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Get Trilogy Metals alerts: View Our Latest Report on TMQ Trilogy Metals Stock Performance Insider Activity at Trilogy Metals The firm has a market cap of C$112.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.50 and a beta of 1.18. The firms 50 day moving average is C$0.61 and its 200-day moving average is C$0.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 5.25 and a current ratio of 6.23. In other news, Senior Officer Elaine Sanders sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$0.42, for a total value of C$41,700.00. 17.47% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Trilogy Metals (Get Free Report) Trilogy Metals Inc, a base metals exploration company, explores for and develops mineral properties in the United States. It principally holds interests in the Upper Kobuk mineral projects that include the Arctic, which contains polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits; and Bornite that contains carbonate-hosted copper cobalt deposits covering an area of approximately 448,217 acres located in the Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Trilogy Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trilogy Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited (CVE:WI Get Free Report)s share price dropped 1.3% on Monday . The company traded as low as C$0.39 and last traded at C$0.39. Approximately 30,400 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 72% from the average daily volume of 17,652 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.39. Western Investment Company of Canada Trading Down 1.3 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 48.18, a current ratio of 0.05 and a quick ratio of 0.07. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$0.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$0.41. The stock has a market cap of C$11.63 million, a P/E ratio of 7.70 and a beta of 0.78. About Western Investment Company of Canada (Get Free Report) The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited, is a private equity firm specializing in buyout and middle market investments. It seeks investments in retail and distribution, human services, agriculture and related services and special situations. The firm prefers to invest in USA and Canada with a focus in companies which are headquartered in Western Canada like Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Western Investment Company of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Investment Company of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team plans to participate in air shows in Singapore in February and the Philippines the next month, the Air Force said Tuesday. The team will perform at the Singapore Airshow, a biennial air show to be held at Singapore Changi Airport from Feb. 20-25. It will then join an air show to be held at Clark International Airport in the Philippines from March 3-5, which was arranged to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the forging of bilateral diplomatic ties. During the bilateral event, the Black Eagles plan to perform a special friendship flight alongside the Philippine Air Force's FA-50 PH aircraft, the Air Force said. In 2014, the Philippines bought 12 FA-50 PHs from Korean Aerospace Industries. The Air Force will dispatch nine T-50Bs and a C-130 transport aircraft for the events. They are set to depart from an air base in Wonju, 87 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Feb. 11. (Yonhap) The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska celebrates her 46th birthday on February 6. She is the right-hand woman of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and has introduced many beneficial changes in the cultural space and in society. The First Lady used to try to work in the rear, but the times of the full-scale invasion forced her to represent Ukraine internationally, to demand weapons from her partners, and this is why she was included in the list of the most influential people in the world. ADVERTISIMENT Olena Zelenska has all the resources to influence, she breaks stereotypes, and introduces changes for the convenience and healthy life of Ukrainians. Although the first lady has acquired a nervous system of steel and courage due to the full-scale invasion, her heart is still sensitive to human problems. OBOZ.UA has collected 10 interesting facts about Olena Zelenska that make her deserving of respect. 1. The first lady to address the US Congress. Olena Zelenska became the first wife of a foreign president in the history of the United States of America to address Congress. On July 20, 2022, she demanded an air defense system to protect the Ukrainian population from Russian shelling. However, the first lady also expressed her gratitude to the American authorities. ADVERTISIMENT "Usually, presidential wives are involved in peaceful causes: education, human rights, equal opportunities, barrier-free access. But how can you talk about them when there is an unprovoked, invasive terrorist war against your country? I am asking you for weapons. Weapons not to carry the war to a foreign land. But to protect your home and the right to wake up alive in it," Olena Zelenska called for help. 2. One of the most influential people in the world in 2023 According to TIME magazine, Olena Zelenska was named one of the 100 most influential people of 2023 due to her endurance and concern for the citizens of her country. ADVERTISIMENT 3. Fighting the enemy not from abroad The First Lady had the opportunity to go abroad for her own safety, but she decided to stay in Ukraine to have an impact on citizens: to provide psychological and physical assistance. Even before the full-scale invasion began, Olena Zelenska had been promoting the importance of mental health, but after February 24, 2022, her work became more active. 4. Creating a barrier-free system Olena Zelenska started this project even before the outbreak of a full-scale war. Its purpose is to create equal conditions for all segments of the population: the elderly, people with mobility disabilities, parents with children, and young people. Small steps are being taken to implement it: people with disabilities are being hired, ramps and infrastructure are being created for easy wheelchair access, education is being made accessible to all, etc. ADVERTISIMENT 5. The most powerful woman in the world Olena Zelenska was named one of the top 25 most influential women in the world by the British newspaper Financial Times. "Like her husband, Zelenska has become a global symbol of resilience. Her leadership in addressing the mental health of Ukrainians during the war is vital. Her work highlighting the suffering and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia brings back memories of my family's history: the Russians took my mother to Siberia when she was a baby," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas commented to the newspaper. 6. Spreading the Ukrainian language abroad Since 2020, Olena Zelenska has been actively working on a project to introduce audio guides in Ukrainian in the world's largest museums. As part of the initiative, more than eight historical monuments were translated into Ukrainian last year, and later this project was launched in seven more countries. ADVERTISIMENT 7. One of the 100 most prominent women according to the BBC The BBC, the world's most respected media outlet, has recognized Olena Zelenska as one of the 100 most influential women in the world for her determination and commitment to fighting for freedom. 8. The First Lady is a mother and a wife Although the First Lady tries to pay maximum attention to her public work, her family is the most important thing. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, she rarely sees her husband Volodymyr Zelenskyy because of their busy schedules. The children of the presidential family are also in Ukraine, studying in Ukrainian educational institutions and are not going to go abroad. ADVERTISIMENT 9. Reform of school meals Together with chef Yevhen Klopotenko, Olena Zelenska developed a new school menu to ensure healthy eating for children. Together, they created a list of dishes from which educational institutions could choose the ones they liked best. 10. The standard of beauty The First Lady wears new incredibly stylish looks that attract attention at almost every event. Elegance and quiet luxury are Zelenska's main "friends" at social events. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Angola, IN (46703) Today Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High 36F. 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 26F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. 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. Another win for #SaHyo shippers! On X, a video of TWICE Sana and Jihyo kissing sent ONCEs into a frenzy! On February 3-4, TWICE visited Mexico as one of their destinations for their 5th world tour, "READY TO BE." The popularity of TWICE was felt during the encore concert, attracting over 110,000 spectators throughout the two-day event. TWICE Jihyo, Sana Kiss Goes Viral + ONCEs Are Wildin' Online Among the numerous impressive stages and acts presented by TWICE, one fan service from Sana and Jihyo made the internet buzzing. In particular, as soon as the concert ended, ONCEs (fandom) who attended the two-day event took to the X platform to share their fancams and photos. Just then, a picture shocked the whole internet as it shows members Sana and Jihyo kissing! SANA AND JIHYO KISSING I FUCKING WIN pic.twitter.com/7LMtCwg9mq kim momo (@anataeasia) February 5, 2024 ALSO READ: TWICE Jihyo Confesses She Personally Contacted THIS Junior to be Her Friend As of writing, the post has over 7.9M views, with both ONCEs and other K-pop fandoms fact-checking if the photo was real or edited. Just then, one fan uploaded an actual clip of when the two idols KISSED and the whole K-pop community is wildin'! In the video, Jihyo was seen sending flying kisses at the camera amid the performance of their hit, "Signal," when Sana approached her and kissed Jihyo on the lips! The latter didn't even flinch and hugged Sana as well, making the whole viewers cheer for the extreme fan service! Here Are ONCEs' Hilarious Reactions to TWICE Jihyo, Sana's Kiss As soon as the members' kissing video spread online, there were various reactions to it, mostly ONCEs expressing their fluttering hearts to the video. Sana was on the opposite side, but ran as fast as she can when she saw the perfect opportunity to accomplish her plan on Jihyo. And the way Jihyo was so ready for it as if she already expected it will happen?! pic.twitter.com/Vpo0NzIPqL Chien (@Chienmyoi) February 4, 2024 Now this is what fanservice is. REAL K-POP IS SO BACK https://t.co/NMoC3Rwl0e pic.twitter.com/YPsu2d6np3 shahmazing (@shahmayzing) February 5, 2024 winrina girlfriends...sana and jihyo kissing....WHAT A GREAT START TO THIS WEEK MAY IT BE FILLED WITH EVEN MORE YURI pic.twitter.com/2jsxFJ3D5K February 5, 2024 i cant get over how sana held jihyos jaw and jihyo wrapping her arms around sana TILTING HER HEAD?? LIKE?!:!: HELLO? WHATS GOIN AWN pic.twitter.com/1jtRPgyMRT (@yeoginajeong) February 4, 2024 walked into the office earlier today and the first thing my friend said to me was so did you see sana and jihyo kissing??? pic.twitter.com/tfJf24EWKm (@cryingforhyo) February 5, 2024 TWICE To Release Voyager Version of 'I GOT YOU' On the other hand, following the introduction of original English single "I GOT YOU" on February 2, TWICE will release their single, "I GOT YOU (Voyager ver.)," worldwide at 2 p.m. KST on February 6. The voyager version of "I GOT YOU" features the world-renowned pop star Lauv, who has many hit songs such as "Paris in the Rain," "I Like Me Better," and "Steal The Show," the OST of the movie "Elemental." The pre-release single album is comprised of 12 songs including the instrumental sound source of all the track's versions, which became more special with the participation of global artists to present other versions such as Original, Lo-Fi, Hyper, Garage and Sped Up. "I GOT YOU" is a song depicting the brilliant friendship and love of TWICE members for each other. Even in vague and reckless moments, the song expresses the desire to be happy with "you" and to overcome everything 'together' as always. READ MORE: TWICE Chaeyoung Breaks Internet with Gorgeous Visuals & Fan Service in 'READY TO BE' Mexico Concert For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dawson. The renowned K-pop sensation TVXQ has once again sent waves of excitement through their global fanbase with the announcement of expanded tour dates for their highly anticipated '2024 TVXQ! ASIA TOUR [20&2].' Responding to overwhelming demand and fervent support from their dedicated audience, TVXQ is set to take the stage in Macau on March 30 and Jakarta on April 20, marking these performances as exclusive and eagerly awaited events that only TVXQ can deliver. The addition of these cities further solidifies the tour's status as a monumental cultural event poised to make a lasting impact across Asia. An Unforgettable Musical Journey With a promise to showcase a repertoire of timeless hits including classics like 'Rising Sun,' 'MIROTIC,' 'Wrong Number,' and 'Keep Your Head Down,' TVXQ's '2024 Asia Tour [20&2]' guarantees an unforgettable musical journey for fans. Renowned for their unparalleled stage presence and dynamic performances, TVXQ continues to captivate music enthusiasts with a diverse setlist, featuring tracks from their 9th full-length album, including the standout song 'Rebel.' READ ALSO: Where are TVXQ Members Now? The 'Emperors of K-pop' Involved in One of the Industry's Biggest Controversies A Resounding Start and Continuation TVXQ's Asian tour commenced on a triumphant note with a sold-out concert in Hong Kong earlier this year, setting the stage for a series of exhilarating performances. Following a highly acclaimed show in Bangkok that garnered enthusiastic praise from local fans, TVXQ is poised to extend their electrifying presence to Taipei, Macau, and Jakarta, spreading excitement and anticipation with each stop along the way. Netizen's Reaction Here are reaction to the announcement of TVXQ's Asia tour expansion dates: "ICE BSD? ICE BSD? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? " "Please do the show on the afternoon for JKT" "YES JAKARTA! THANK YOU" "PLEASE COME TO MALAYSIA" "Anyone in Indonesia want to go with me? Please find my best friend." "Omg, finally~ " "The money will finally be happily spent" Anticipation Builds for Taipei Spectacle As anticipation mounts, fans eagerly await TVXQ's upcoming spectacle at the NTSU Arena in Taipei on February 24. YOU MIGHT BE ALSO INTERESTED IN: Interview with TVXQ: Thoughts Regarding Comeback and Love Life Revealed For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. Following the backlash ZEROBASEONE's Kim Jiwoong received after swearing at a fan during a fan call, a TikToker is recalling a rude encounter with a Wanna One member. Keep on reading for all the details. TikToker Calls Out Wanna One Member For 'Rude' Behavior On February 4, 2024, TikToker Jang Hongan recalled a rude encounter one of his students had with a Wanna One member. @janghongan_tiktok Dao nay idol goi cho fan ma la qua Stealthy mischief(1088178) - KBYS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Hanteo Music Awards 2023 1st Artist Lineup Revealed: VIVIZ, PLAVE, More to Perform at Ceremony Earlier this month, Kim Jiwoong of ZEROBASEONE garnered backlash after a fan shared a video of the male idol during a fan call. During the end of the call, a hand is seen covering the camera to indicate the call is over. Not knowing the fan was still on the line, Kim Jiwoong is heard swearing. The idol has since garnered backlash for his attitude, with many stating that it is his job as an idol to live up to fans expectations and to cater to their wants and needs during fan calls. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Nominees Revealed: NewJeans, Stray Kids, BTS Jungkook, More! Following the backlash, Jang Hogan revealed that a Wanna One member also acted rudely during a fan call. According to the influencer, a student of his had spent a considerable amount of money to score a fan call with their idol, who was a former member of Wanna One. After the call, Jang Hogan received a video of the fan in tears. CHECK THIS OUT: TWICE, SEVENTEEN, More Take Over List of Best-Selling CDs in 2023 - See Full List Here! However, there were no tears of joy. Instead, the fan was crying over the rude behavior she endured from her favorite idol. The fan entered the call happy and excited to meet her idol. However, the Wanna One member appeared uninterested. He looked groggy, as if he had just woken up, and appeared both bored and annoyed as the fan struggled to communicate in broken Korean. FOR YOU: Circle Chart Music Awards 2023 Winners: NCT Dream, NewJeans, MAMAMOO Hwasa, More! As the fan continued to express her love for the idol, the Wanna One member hastily replied, "Okay, thank you. I'll see you later." After that, the call abruptly ended. It is unknown which Wanna One member the fan communicated with. ALSO READ: 38th Golden Disc Awards Winners (2024): SEVENTEEN & NewJeans Win Daesang As Jang Hogan reflected on the incident, he commented on the different attitudes he experienced from idols throughout his career. Some were friendly and kind, while others were arrogant due to the level of fame they had. What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below! Wanna One Last Activities On December 11, 2021, the group reunited for the first time in over three years. Sadly, Lai Kuanlin was not part of the reunion. IN OTHER K-POP NEWS: 33rd Seoul Music Awards Winners Announced: SEVENTEEN, Sandara Park, NCT Dream, More Secure Major Wins from Yearly Hallyu Event! The group performed a special reunion stage in 2021, performing hit songs "Energetic" and "Burn It Up." They also performed a new song, "Beautiful (Part 3)," which served as the lead single of their album "B-Side." The album was released on January 27, 2022. Lai Kuanlin took part in the recording. KpopStarz Owns This Written by Alexa Lopez In the ever-evolving landscape of global fashion, the recent appearance of BLACKPINK's Jisoo at Incheon Airport has sent shockwaves through social media platforms worldwide. The carefully orchestrated ensemble sported by the international sensation has ignited conversations, trending across the internet and leaving an indelible mark on the collective fashion consciousness. Redefining Airport Elegance: Jisoo Elevates the Bar with Impeccable Style Jisoo, renowned for her multifaceted talents within BLACKPINK, has transcended her status as a K-pop royalty to assert herself as a bona fide fashion icon. In a departure from the commonplace, her recent Incheon Airport appearance wasn't merely a departure but an elevation of airport fashion standards. The artist skillfully wielded fashion as a form of self-expression, setting a new benchmark for elegance amid the hustle and bustle of airport terminals. YOU MIGHT ALSO INTERESTED IN: BLACKPINK Lisa Spotted With Rumored Boyfriend & His Family in the US Decoding Jisoo's Designer Delight: Unraveling the Secrets of a Show-Stopping Look Delving into the nuances of Jisoo's ensemble reveals a meticulously crafted narrative of high fashion. 240206 #JISOO at Incheon Airport leaving to Paris, France. Safe skies chu! pic.twitter.com/8ciTzodZiU FOREVER KIM JISOO (@ForeverKimJisoo) February 6, 2024 From the deliberate selection of renowned designer labels to the meticulous pairing of accessories, each element contributes to an ensemble that not only radiates sophistication but also sets the stage for a new era of trendsetting allure. #JISOO at Incheon Airport today, headed to Paris for an overseas schedule. Have a safe Journey girl I hope she is not overworking herself, if any sooya meets Jisoo in Paris, just tell her to take care of herself first, not to overwork herself pic.twitter.com/edznSrpgAT February 6, 2024 Unraveling the secrets of Jisoo's designer delight unveils a masterclass in curating an unforgettable fashion moment. Social Media Frenzy: Fans and Fashionistas Alike Can't Get Enough As the lens of social media focused on Jisoo's captivating airport couture, a collective sense of awe swept through both dedicated fans and seasoned fashion enthusiasts. The online community buzzes with fervent discussions, dissecting every nuance of Jisoo's ensemble. NETIZENS COMMENTS Here's what BLINKs are saying: I never knew I would miss airport jisoo this much The airport goddess #JISOO Love JISOO's airport style Jisoo on her way to attend a Cartier event but made sure to include her other brands on the airport appearance. Hair: styled with Dyson Outfit and bag: Dior/Dunst Staff bag: Alo jisoo with her alo bag (literally and figuratively) This is why she is the best ambassador. She always finds ways to promote her brands. All of them. Our Jisoo is so hardworking. In the middle of filming a movie and a series but still doing her GA duties. Have a safe flight, Jisoo! I missed seeing our airport goddess. Safe trip Jisoo JISOO made sure to include all her brands while she was leaving for Paris Dior outfit glasses and bag Cartier jewelry Hair by Dyson Alo bag carried by the bodyguard and fan gifts such as Hello Kitty and Turtle plushies thats how you leave Seoul pic.twitter.com/sQGo2z3WWJ February 6, 2024 From the meticulous choice of accessories to the seamless integration of high-end labels, the BLACKPINK star's fashion moment continues to resonate, leaving an indelible imprint on the intersection of celebrity, style, and social media. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: K-Netz Wonder Why THIS 4th-Gen Group Isn't Popular Despite Top-Tier Visuals, Skills For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. Former US First Lady Melania Trump made her first public appearance after her mother's funeral on January 18. She was spotted at a party at Mar-a-Lago, a resort villa in Palm Beach, Florida. ADVERTISIMENT The photo with Donald Trump and his wife was posted by Israeli model Noah Tavil on her Instagram page. In the photo, she was smiling next to the famous couple. Melania wore a navy blue long-sleeved dress and a silver necklace, while the former president wore a black tuxedo with a bow tie. This is her first public appearance after saying goodbye to her mother. The former first lady of America was even absent from the campaign of her lover, who is aiming for a second term in office. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA told about how Melania Trump missed her family's Christmas party for the first time. She was absent from the traditional card, which worried Americans. As it turned out, the woman was spending time with her sick mother. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Speech by the President: European Parliament Plenary President Metsola, Honourable Members, In any fight, it is always the side fighting for something that has a higher power on its side. It is the one who believes in what they are fighting for that will sacrifice and do what it takes to prevail. And, conversely, it is the side who fights against something that will always be scared. Scared to lose, scared to think of the future, scared to speak out. Two years ago, Putin and Russia started a war against something, a war against Ukraine and its territory but also against a people and a nation with an iron will and hope for a better future. Against their European aspirations. Against the values they share with us. Quite simply, against both modern reality and the strong tides of European history. And in doing so, Putin started a fight against all of us and against freedom, self-determination and democracy at large. Against everything that we have stood for more than 70 years. Ukraine has proven the power of a nation and a people fighting for something. For themselves first and foremost. But also for us and for everything that we believe in. Our freedoms, our democracy, our hard-fought rights and aspirations. Some were surprised by Ukraine's heroic action. But no one should have been surprised that when faced with oppression, subjugation and tyranny, they chose resistance. And that is why, Honourable Members, I remain just as convinced of one simple fact today than I was two years ago standing in front of you. And that is that Ukraine will prevail and that Europe will stand with you every step of the way, through thick and thin. Honourable Members, We have spoken in great detail over the last two years on the EU's historic and massive support for Ukraine be it military, financial or human. Be it on sanctions, security or the Single Market. Be it on the historic path of Ukraine to our Union that this House has been such a strong supporter of. But today, on this poignant anniversary ceremony, it is a time to look deeper at how we have got here and where we must go. The starting point is that Ukraine and Europe have shown that we are willing to fight and pay the ultimate price for the things that we believe in. And this was one of Putin's greatest miscalculations in that month of February as he amassed troops on the border and planned a quick lightning strike on Kyiv. Mr Putin, you made this mistake because you cannot understand what drives a human spirit when it is free to think, dream, create and prosper. Nor can you understand because you cannot bear to accept that the human desire for freedom will always win. Ladies and gentlemen, Putin cannot understand that if you give people a choice, they choose liberty. And in Ukraine's case, they fight for liberation. He cannot understand that the fight of the Ukrainians is different to the fight of Russian soldiers whose lives Putin has callously churned for a past long gone and a future that could never exist. Ukraine's sacrifice is the opposite. Why do they fight? Because they are battling, toiling for something existential and inherent to the human condition. This is why Ukraine's will is not just stronger than Russia's, it is fundamentally different in nature and in character. And this is what Putin will never comprehend about us. This is why his invasion was not just morally but also strategically wrong. He cannot understand freedom and why we fight for it because his only instinct is to crush what he fears. And this explains what has happened in the last two years. Instead of toppling Kyiv, dividing the EU and weakening NATO, the exact opposite has happened on each and every count. With the support of the EU and our allies, Ukraine has not only held firm against a bigger country, bigger army and bigger economy. But it has retaken more than half of the territory that Russia occupied from the start of this conflict. They have knocked back Russian offensives last winter and are doing the same now. And this indomitable spirit is what we have to keep in mind here in Europe and right across the democratic world at this juncture of the war. There is no time for wavering or navel-gazing. The message Europe sent at last week's European Council was crystal clear, and let me repeat it here: Europe will be at Ukraine's side for every single day of the war, and for every single day thereafter. This is what it means to be European and believe in a destiny that is built on the everyday desire to leave behind a future in which our children flourish. Honourable Members, We must keep up our momentum to support Ukraine and to protect our own future. That means thinking about reconstruction, about security commitments, about strengthening the international system to avoid any repeats or reruns. It also means continuing to support in every way we can. Take military support. So far, we have trained over 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Our Union and Member States have mobilised EUR 28 billion worth of military equipment. The European defence industry has increased its production capacity for ammunition by 40%. We will have delivered over half a million rounds of artillery shells by next month. More than 1 million by the end of the year. But this is certainly not enough. Not only must we accelerate the delivery of ammunition to Ukraine. As we look to the future, we must think of Ukraine's defence capabilities as part of our own defence capabilities. We must think of Ukraine's defence industry as part of our own defence industry. This is why we have involved Ukraine in the preparations for our own Defence Industrial Strategy. It is a first step, which should lead to integrating Ukraine in some of our defence programmes, with the agreement of the European Parliament and Council, where necessary. This would not only help us cater for Ukraine's defence needs, it would also encourage convergence and joint planning between our militaries and defence industries. Ukraine is a future member of our European Union. So it must get much closer to us also in the field of defence. This leads me to my third point, on Ukraine's path towards our Union. The contrast with just ten years ago could not be starker. Back then, a pro-Russia regime in Ukraine was passing authoritarian laws and killing protesters on the streets. Today, the country has just given itself new legislation to expand national minority rights, to improve the judicial system, and to ensure checks and balances on power. This is what led us to launching the accession negotiations. And this progress is happening not only because Europe is asking for it. This is the deep desire of the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is Europe, because Europe is in the hearts and minds of Ukrainians. And soon enough, Ukraine will also be in our Union. Honourable Members, The anniversary that we mark today is a tragic tale of human loss and suffering. And it is all the more tragic as we know there will be more pain and suffering ahead. We know how much is at stake here for those in Ukraine and also for the rest of us in Europe. Putin's fantasy and fabricated war and Ukraine's heroic resistance has reminded us here that our freedoms and our democracy are worth fighting for. So today, we pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for something. Slava Ukraini, and long live Europe. Commission appoints a new Head of Representation in Bulgaria Today, Yordanka Chobanova has been appointed as new Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria. In this function, she will act as the official representative of the European Commission in Bulgaria under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The date of effect of her appointment will be determined later. Yordanka Chobanova, a Bulgarian national, has extensive diplomatic, negotiation, representation as well as political communication skills honed over a 15-year tenure in the Bulgarian and European public service. The roles she assumed in the Bulgarian national administration consistently centred around EU-related matters, providing her with an in-depth understanding of various EU policy areas and the institutional architecture. Her knowledge of EU policies and functioning of the Commission was reinforced further through her current role as Policy Officer in the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. From 2016 to 2021, she was Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Slovak Republic, accumulating highly valuable experience in diplomacy which will serve her well in her new capacity. Prior to that, she served in several key roles in Bulgaria including adviser on European Affairs to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works. Earlier, she also worked as a regional policy attache at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU in Brussels from 2008 to 2012. Ms Chobanova holds a Ph.D. from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Background The Commission maintains Representations in all capitals of EU Member States, and Regional Offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Marseille, Milan, Munich and Wroclaw. The Representations are the Commission's eyes, ears and voice on the ground in EU Member States. They interact with national authorities, stakeholders and citizens, and inform the media and the public about EU policies. Heads of Representations are appointed by the President of the European Commission and are her political representatives in the Member State to which they are posted. For More Information Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria hile King Charles III of the United Kingdom is determined to fight cancer, which was detected at an early stage after prostate surgery, he still needs the help of his sons. During his hospitalization, Queen Camilla and Charles III's son, Prince William, will perform the king's duties. However, even Prince Harry will come from California, USA, to support his father, though he will be alone, without his children and wife Meghan Markle. ADVERTISIMENT It isunclear where the Duke plans to live in the UK when he arrives, as the Prince was expelled from his Frogmore House estate in 2020 because he did not want to fulfill his royal duties, the Daily Mail reports. This time, Harry will probably have to spend the night in hotels. However, during the treatment of Charles III, the brothers, Prince William and Harry, were personally urged by their father to forget about the enmity and make peace for a while. "The Duke did talk to his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to the UK in the coming days to see His Majesty," the Office of Prince Harry of Sussex reported. ADVERTISIMENT Interestingly, after the diagnosis was announced, the king was determined that he did not want anyone else to officially lead the country during his treatment, so His Majesty plans to do so remotely, the Mirror reports. However, the candidates for the interim position of the king include Queen Camilla, Princes William and Harry, sons of Elizabeth II, Prince Edward and Andrew and his wife Beatrice, and the late Queen's daughter, Princess Anne. Having canceled all his public appearances, Charles insisted on continuing his royal work. Despite his treatment, he still hopes to hold several personal meetings with Rishi Sunak and regular meetings of the Privy Council. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: - On February 5, Buckingham Palace announced the diagnosis of cancer in King Charles III. The type of the disease was not disclosed, it is only clear that it is related to a recent surgery and is not prostate cancer. Doctors noticed it when he was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. - On January 25, the King was hospitalized with a benign tumor in a private London hospital, where Kate Middleton had abdominal surgery . 4 days later, on January 29, Charles III was discharged home on the same day as the princess. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 6: For the first time Post-Covid, Indian devotees were (especially the elderly ones) able to embark on a holy pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, thanks to a unique Aerial Darshan. The initiative is the brainchild of Indian travel company, called Trip to Temples. The Aerial Kailash Mansarovar Yatra marks a new chapter in pilgrimage experiences where the pilgrims who were unable to undertake the traditional Yatra due to COVID-19 restrictions and visa complexities. Also Read | Global 6G Connections To Reach '290 Million' in First Two Years of Service, Operators Need To Solve Network Interference Problems Due to High-Frequency Spectrum: Report. Prior to the pandemic, approximately 20,000 Indians undertook the arduous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra annually. However, recent years have seen no opportunities due to travel restrictions. The Aerial Darshan offered by Trip to Temples bridges this gap, providing a safe and accessible alternative for devotees, particularly senior citizens who may find the traditional trek challenging. The inaugural flight took off on 29th Jan '24, from Nepalgunj, carrying 39 excited pilgrims from various parts of India. Soaring at an altitude of 27,000 feet, the aircraft offered breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Kailash (21,000 feet) and the serene Mansarovar Lake. This innovative program offered Indian citizens a unique opportunity to witness the sacred Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake from the comfort of an airplane. To ensure an unparalleled experience, the flight circled the Nepal-Tibet border thrice, allowing for multiple darshan opportunities. Also Read | CCL 2024 Full Schedule: Get Time-Table With Date, Match Timings in IST, Fixtures and Venue Details of Upcoming Celebrity Cricket League Tournament. Trip to Temples hired a Nepalese airline, to successfully conduct the inaugural aerial yatra with support of the Nepal government, carrying a group of enthusiastic pilgrims on a breathtaking journey. The pilgrims journey started from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh followed by air travel from Nepalgunj, 200 km away from Lucknow, in Nepal. To enhance the spiritual experience, a group hawan was organized for the pilgrims at the Bageshwari Devi Shakti Peeth Temple in Nepalgunj by onlinepathpuja.com, specializing in Hindu rituals, provided each devotee with Mansarovar Jal, prasad, and souvenirs. Vijay Kumar Sharma, a pilgrim from Rajasthan, expressed his gratitude: "Seeing Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake together in this one-and-a-half-hour flight was the greatest privilege of my life. I feel incredibly blessed and thankful to the organizers." This unique pilgrimage offers several advantages: * Accessibility: No visa, Passport or permit required, making it easier for all age groups.* Cost-effective: Priced at approximately INR 50,000, it's significantly cheaper than other options.* Time-saving: The entire pilgrimage can be completed in three days, starting from Lucknow.* Comfort: The comfortable flight eliminates the physical rigors of the traditional trek The successful aerial Darshan marks a significant development in pilgrimage tourism. It opens up new possibilities for devotees who yearn for the spiritual experience of Kailash Mansarovar but face limitations due to various factors. As Trip to Temples CEO Vikash Mishra states, "This mountain flight has given Shiva devotees a new way to fulfil their desire for darshan." The first aerial darshan to Kailash and Mansarovar has been a resounding success, offering a glimpse of hope and fulfilment for countless devotees. This innovative approach paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible future for pilgrimage journeys. Please find the link to all the documents & images herewith. Documents & Images of Trip To Temples Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2335049/Trip_To_Temples.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) (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], February 6 (ANI): With the aim of achieving universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India has implemented several schemes and initiatives. According to a release from the Ministry, these endeavors focus on improving health infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring the availability of adequate human resources, and enhancing access to quality healthcare, especially for underserved and marginalized groups. Also Read | Realme 12 Pro Plus Featuring Transparent Back Panel To Launch Soon, CEO of Realme Europe Teases Launch of New Transparent Mid-Range Smartphone. Among the key schemes being implemented are the National Health Mission (NHM), Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), and Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). These initiatives receive technical and financial support from the Union Government to bolster healthcare infrastructure across the nation. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Slashes Friend's Throat With Broken Glass Bottle in Vasant Vihar Over Rs 1,500 Debt. Under the National Health Mission, significant allocations have been made for infrastructure strengthening in rural areas. The State-wise data for SPIP (State Program Implementation Plan) approvals and expenditure for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24 highlights the substantial investments made to enhance healthcare facilities at the grassroots level. States like Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra have witnessed substantial allocations to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services. Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure with a total outlay of Rs 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26). SPIP approvals and expenditure under PM-ABHIM for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24 demonstrate the concerted efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities and services across various states and union territories. Additionally, the government has undertaken initiatives like the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Packages (ECRP-I and ECRP-II) to combat the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These schemes focus on accelerating health system preparedness, including infrastructure development for pediatric care, to effectively respond to the pandemic. Furthermore, the Fifteenth Finance Commission (FC-XV) has recommended grants amounting to Rs. 70,051 crores for specific components of the health sector through local governments. These grants aim to strengthen the health system at the grassroots level over a five-year period, facilitating equitable access to healthcare services. The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) focuses on correcting regional imbalances in the availability of tertiary healthcare services and augmenting facilities for quality medical education. Similarly, efforts are underway to establish nursing colleges and increase MBBS seats in existing medical colleges, further enhancing the healthcare infrastructure and human resource capacity in the country. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, highlighted these initiatives in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring universal access to quality healthcare for all citizens. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) VMPL Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], February 6: Sailors Union of India's West Bengal State Chapter, under the guidance of General Secretary Swarup Roy, successfully organized the Seafarer Awareness Conference-24 at Press Club Kolkata. The conference aimed to raise awareness among the public about the crucial role of Merchant Navy personnel and sailors in our society. Also Read | Google To Face Antitrust Trial in Virginia Over Digital Ads Monopoly in US. The event witnessed a significant turnout, with around three hundred sailors and representatives from Sailors Union of India actively participating. The conference commenced with a grand inauguration by Union Minister of State for Shipping, Shantanu Thakur, who hoisted the national flag and lit the lamp to symbolize the enlightenment and unity the event sought to foster. Swarup Roy, as the host of the program, ensured a warm and welcoming atmosphere, setting the tone for an engaging and informative day. Notable attendees included RP Veetil, All India President of Sailors Union of India, Pradeep Singh, All India General Secretary, Ripon Tarafdar, Joint Secretary, Suman Sarkar, Organizing Secretary, and MMD Sujit Kumar Das, Engineer cum Ship Surveyor from Kolkata. The presence of dignitaries such as Deputy Shipping Master SEO Vijendra Kumar Choubey, Indian Army Colonel Sumit Randive, Pradeep Kumar Bijli, President of Indian Port and Dock Labor Maha Sangh, and Captain Satyendra Kumar further added charm to the conference. The event called for sailors, union representatives, and industry experts to discuss and address important issues faced by seafarers. The conference also shed light on the efforts undertaken by Sailors Union of India to advocate for the welfare and rights of sailors. Also Read | Delhi Weather Update: Minimum Temperature Dips to 7.2 Degrees Celsius in National Capital, Two Notches Below the Seasonal Average. The Seafarer Awareness Conference 2024 was made possible through the sponsorship of Trident College of Marine Technology, Sensea Maritime Academy, Great Ship Management, Wisdom Institute of Management Studies, and Maritime Education Training & Research Institute. Swarup Roy, General Secretary of Sailors' Union of India West Bengal state, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors for their valuable contributions. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including maritime education, safety at sea, and the evolving landscape of the shipping industry. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and discussions that aimed to encourage all to share experiences and knowledge. The Seafarer Awareness Conference 2024 stands as a testament to the commitment of Sailors Union of India and its partners in promoting awareness and advocating for the well-being of seafarers. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. 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) NewsVoir Mangalore (Karnataka) [India], February 6: Dr Rekha T, Head of the Department of Community Medicine and the organizing chairperson informed that the Department of Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore will be organizing the 51st Annual National Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON-2024) from 8th February 2024 to 10th February 2024 at Dr. T.M.A Pai International Convention Center, Mangalore, with 2 days of pre-conference workshops on 6th and 7th February 2024. Also Read | Google To Face Antitrust Trial in Virginia Over Digital Ads Monopoly in US. This is the first time Mangalore is hosting this prestigious conference. Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Dr B Unnikrishnan shared the importance of the conference theme "Transformations for achieving SDGs: Innovate, Integrate, implement". Dr B Unnikrishnan mentioned that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, with the aim of addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges by the year 2030. However, the progress towards achieving these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been uneven, and various challenges have contributed to the slow pace of advancement. The theme encapsulates a strategic approach to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by emphasizing three key elements: innovation, integration, and implementation. This threefold approach emphasizes the need for continuous innovation, integration of sustainable practices into various aspects of society, and effective implementation of strategies to realize the SDGs. By adopting this transformative mindset, stakeholders can work collaboratively to overcome challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and make meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. He also announced that this conference is organized to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. T.M.A Pai. Also Read | Delhi Weather Update: Minimum Temperature Dips to 7.2 Degrees Celsius in National Capital, Two Notches Below the Seasonal Average. Dr B Unnikrishnan informed that Dr R Balasubramaniam, Member - Human Resources, Capacity Building Commission of India, Government of India, will be the chief guest for the inaugural ceremony, which is scheduled on 8th February 2024, at 5:30 PM. He will also deliver the prestigious Dr. T.M.A. Pai oration during the conference. Dr Ramesh Holla, organizing secretary stated that the conference will be attended by over 1200 delegates from across the country and abroad, and feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops from prominent National and International Organizations including ICMR, WHO, and UNICEF. Dr Holla stated that the conference will feature over 700 scientific presentations, 75+ plenary sessions, and a dynamic pre-conference program comprising 20 + workshops and 70+ facilitators. In a bid to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle, a walkathon under the theme, "Say Hi to Life, No to Drugs" has been organized as a special event, in the 51st Annual National Conference of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON 2024) on 9th February at 6:30 AM. The walkathon will commence from KMC Hospital, Ambedkar Circle and conclude at Dr. T.M.A Pai International Convention Center. Nearly 400 registered delegates will be participating in this event. We invite you, esteemed members of the media, to join us at the 51st IAPSM CON 2024 and help us spread awareness about the importance of sustainable development and the transformative actions needed to achieve our shared goals. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to your presence at this remarkable event. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. 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) The Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank, has voiced five scenarios of what the aggressor country Russia could look like in six years, in 2030. Dictator Vladimir Putin could remain in power, and if his regime is ousted, events could develop in very different ways. The complete collapse of Russia and a "parade of sovereignties" are also possible. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Voice of America. The author of the report, Casey Michel, emphasized that even though this list of scenarios for the future of the Russian Federation is not exhaustive, these are the most likely ones. Scenario #1: Putin remains president of the Russian Federation Russia may lose hundreds of thousands of its military and fail to achieve its goals in the war against Ukraine. This will lead to an overheating of the Russian economy and the destruction of trade in all directions, from the Caucasus to Central Asia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine will be Russia's biggest geopolitical mistake. In such circumstances, frightened Russians will refuse to protest and oppose the Putin regime, and a significant part of his electorate will continue to support the war. Meanwhile, the president of the aggressor country will move towards direct dictatorship and totalitarianism, continue to imprison oppositionists and destroy opposition media. ADVERTISIMENT In this scenario, Russia will continue its war against Ukraine, hoping for the collapse of the Western alliance that supports our country. The Atlantic Council emphasizes that in this case, the current and next US administrations should restrain the Kremlin's attempts to expand its dominance. Ukraine will need to be provided with an accelerated path to membership in the European Union, and it will be necessary to expand security cooperation with Kyiv and the supply of weapons necessary to deter Russian aggression. "This implies the need for assurances from Ukraine's partners that they will continue to support Ukraine until sovereignty over every inch of Ukrainian territory is restored," the report says. Scenario #2: Nationalists come to power in Russia The removal of Putin and the rise to power of far-right nationalists in Russia is not ruled out. It is noted that the attempted coup by the leader of the Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on June 24, 2023, adds to the likelihood of this scenario. ADVERTISIMENT Given the lack of resources, such a nationalist regime might prefer to freeze the war against Ukraine. Moreover, it could avoid escalation with Kyiv and the West altogether, and blame Putin for strategic failures in Ukraine. In this case, the West should persist in maintaining and expanding sanctions against Russia, and use the seized assets of the Russian central bank to rebuild Ukraine. Scenario #3: The establishment of a technocrat regime A new regime led by a small number of Western-trained technocratic elites could begin implementing a post-Putin strategy. They would try to open diplomatic channels with Washington, London, Brussels, and even Kyiv. Analysts also believe that technocrats would reverse some of Putin's decisions to extend presidential terms and release some political prisoners. ADVERTISIMENT Such a regime, according to the forecast, would abandon nationalist rhetoric. At the same time, while refraining from direct criticism of Putin, they would point out the mistakes that Russia has made in previous years. Such a government could decide to retain control of Crimea but withdraw from the rest of Ukraine, rejecting the dictator's announcement of annexation in September 2022. Such a change in Russia's plan would be welcomed by many in the West, and some might even call for a second chance for Moscow, the Analytical Council believes. However, Casey Michel emphasizes that optimism about such a government should be tempered as this scenario does not necessarily imply the victory of the West's strategy, the abandonment of the annexation of Crimea, or democratic reforms within Russia itself. ADVERTISIMENT Scenario 4: Democratization of the Russian Federation This scenario could be triggered by shifts in Russia after Ukraine's victories, a cascade of Putin's failures, and general economic collapse. Russian defeats in the war could lead to mass protests both in Moscow and in the regions. The protesters would focus on decentralization of power and restoration of local sovereignty, withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, and democratization at both the local and federal levels. According to the scenario, all these changes should happen quickly and build on the failures of neo-imperial Russia. "This outcome is one of the best the West could have imagined, and it should stimulate, encourage, and accelerate it," the article says. In this case, it is imperative to ease sanctions, especially those related to domestic political and economic reforms, provide investigative resources so that the new Russian government can investigate the crimes of the Putin regime and its allies, and possibly return the frozen assets of the Russian central bank if Moscow pays reparations to Kyiv. At the same time, the West should be vigilant about possible neo-imperialist and revanchist rhetoric. ADVERTISIMENT It is emphasized that, no matter how good this scenario may be, it is unlikely in the short and medium term. Scenario 5: Russia's collapse In the short term, the collapse of Russia is also unlikely. However, the likelihood of such a scenario may increase over time if Putin remains in power and the Russian economy continues to degrade. A number of factors could lead to the collapse of the Russian Federation, from setbacks in Ukraine to economic decline and oppression of minorities. The process could begin in Chechnya if the internal struggle for Ramzan Kadyrov's successor escalates into a third Chechen war. Another option is protests in Tatarstan against attempts to suppress Tatar identity. Such movements could lead to a "parade of sovereignties" in Russia. However, the author of the report emphasizes that this scenario with the collapse of Russia is dangerous not only for Russia itself but also for the West, which is concerned about the safety of Russia's nuclear arsenal. In this scenario, the West should focus on building multilateral and multinational coalitions to manage not only nuclear stability but also Russian instability more broadly. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, it is stated that such concerns should not hinder efforts to help Ukraine ensure Russia's defeat in the war, "The West should not refrain from supporting Ukraine because of excessive fears of Russian instability," the article says. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Actor Manoj Bajpayee is keen to explore shooting the next episodes of his hit web series The Family Man in Arunachal Pradesh and other states in the region, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said. Mein said that he met Bajpayee at the Jaipur airport recently, and while interacting with the National Award-winning actor, he came to know about his willingness to visit Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeastern states to explore sites for shooting. Silence 2: Manoj Bajpayee To Return As ACP Avinash, Says 'I Always Seek To Explore Diverse Characters'. "During our interaction, Manoj ji expressed his willingness to visit Arunachal and other Northeastern States to explore sites for shooting the next episodes of his popular series on Amazon, the Family Man. He also expressed his genuine interest in promoting tourism of the State," the deputy CM posted in X. "I extended a warm welcome and invited him to be my guest, recognizing the potential for his visit to showcase the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of Arunachal Pradesh to a broader audience. Looking forward to (to) his visit to my home State," he added. Manoj Bajpayee Goes SHIRTLESS To Flaunt His Toned Body, Says Ekdum Killer Look Hai Na (View Pic). Manoj Bajpayee Keen on Shooting The Family Man in Arunachal Pradesh #ArunachalPradesh | Actor Manoj Bajpayee is keen to explore shooting the next episodes of his hit web series The Family Man in Arunachal Pradesh and other states in the region, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said. Read more..https://t.co/EBuTIxTB4H pic.twitter.com/kkGCbpoypC NORTHEAST TODAY (@NortheastToday) February 6, 2024 Bajpayee had earlier shared that shooting for the much-awaited third season of the series will begin in February-end and will be mostly shot in the Northeast. New Delhi [India], February 6 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh was unable to take the oath as a Rajya Sabha MP for the second term due to cases of breach of privilege pending before the Committee of Privileges of the Upper House, sources in the Vice President's office said on Monday. Despite the Rouse Avenue court granting permission to Singh to take the oath as a Rajya Sabha MP, he was denied summons to take the oath because of four cases of breach of privilege pending before the upper house privileges committee. Also Read | Assam Government Introduces Bill Imposing Rs 10 Crore Fine, 10 Years Jail if Found Cheating in Public Recruitment Exams. According to sources in the office of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the four cases pertain to Sanjay Singh's previous tenure and are pending before the Committee of Privileges. These cases include -- 'Alleged deliberate disregard of directions of the Hon'ble Chairman Rajya Sabha by Shri Sanjay Singh, MP; (Referred on18.02.2023)', 'Alleged deliberate disregard of direction of Hon'ble Chairman by 12 Members during 259th Session;(Referred on 17.02.2023)', Allegedly making wilful misleading statement in the House and casting aspersions on the Leader of House, Rajya Sabha by Shri Sanjay Singh, Member; (Referred on 23.05.2023), and 'Motion moved by Shri Piyush Goyal, Leader of the House for Reference of an alleged question of privilege against Shri Sanjay Singh, Member. (Referred on 16.08.2023).' Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Four-Year-Old Girl Raped by Private School Watchman in Kandivali; Accused Held. Singh had been suspended in July last year for not obeying the directions of the Rajya Sabha chairman. As per sources, Sanjay Singh would remain suspended until the Privileges Committee disposes of the matter against him. His suspension was effected on July 24, 2023, and on August 11, 2023, the House passed an order continuing his suspension until the privilege committee gives him a clean chit. "That the Council disapproves the repeated violation of rules, directives of the Chair and unruly conduct of hon. Member, Shri Sanjay Singh, as the same are not in conformity with the rules to be observed by the Members of the Council, as the same lowers the dignity of the Council, and as the same are in violation of the framework of code of conduct for Members of Rajya Sabha, as prescribed by the Committee on Ethics and thus approves the continuation of suspension of Shri Sanjay Singh till the Committee of Privileges submits its findings on cases of breach of privilege pending against him," sources in the VP Office said while quoting the order passed by the upper house. Earlier, the Rouse Avenue court on Saturday allowed Singh to take oath as MP Rajya Sabha in custody. The court also extended the judicial custody of Sanjay Singh till February 17. He was produced physically before the court. Special Judge MK Nagpal allowed Sanjay Singh's request to allow him to take oath in judicial custody. He withdrew the plea, seeking interim bail to attend the ongoing Parliament session and to take the oath. Singh was earlier granted permission to file his election nomination and to collect his membership certificate from the returning officer. However, his regular bail was dismissed on December 22, 2023. His bail is pending before the High Court. In its reply filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), the probe agency has opposed the bail petition of Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh and alleged that he was involved in creating a special purpose vehicle to launder the proceeds of crime that would have been generated from the business arising out of the policy changes as conspired by him and his co-conspirators. Sanjay Singh was then involved in acquiring, possessing, concealing, dissipating and using proceeds of crime generated from the Delhi Liquor Scam during the policy period of 2021-22, ED said. He was arrested on October 4, 2023, by the ED in the Delhi Excise Policy case. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 6 (ANI): The Allahabad High Court will hear today an appeal moved by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee challenging the Varanasi District Court order that allowed the Hindu side to offer prayers in the southern cellar of Gyanvapi mosque. The court granted time to the Masjid Intezamia Committee of Gyanvapi mosque to amend its pleadings to include a challenge to a January 17 order consequent to which the January 31 order was passed, which permitted Hindus to conduct prayers within the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque. Also Read | Gujarat Man Files FIR Against Himself After Accident Caused by Stray Dog Leads to Wife's Death in Narmada District. Referring to this, Hindu side lawyer, Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi said, "Opposing the 'puja' (in Vyas Ji Ka Tehkana), Anjuman Intezamia headed to the High Court. There is a hearing again today. There will also be arguments on the ASI surveys. The Supreme Court is also hearing the arguments regarding the 'tahkhana'..." Another Hindu side lawyer, Anupam Dwivedi said that an application for the survey of the basements that are left has been submitted to the court, regarding which the hearing will be held tomorrow. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 19-Year-Old Boy Rapes and Murders Minor Sister After Watching Porn Clip in Mobile in Kasganj, Arrested. "ASI survey is already done...ASI has said that a total of 12 basements are there, but they couldn't access some of them. We have given applications for the survey of the basements that are left. Regarding this, a hearing will take place tomorrow," Dwivedi said. Meanwhile, after the order of Varanasi District Court on Gyanvapi Mosque, the petitioner and devotees have demanded to install bell and other puja materials in the Vyas ka 'Tehkhana' where prayers are being performed. Sanchit Rastogi, a textile businessman from Kashi bought bell and other puja materials and as per the legal procedure, through his lawyer Sudhir Tripathi, he will meet the receiver of Gyanvapi i.e., the District Magistrate and demand to install the puja material in the temple. "After the puja started, we will hand over the bell and arti materials to the District Magistrate. Since he is the receiver, he should get these things installed as per the right arrangement so that they can be used daily during the puja. We believe that when the Aarti is being performed, then it is important to have proper materials," he told ANI. Hindu side's lawyer Sudhir Tripathi said that after the DM's approval, we will install the bell in the complex. "The receiver is the District Magistrate and on his orders, the bell will be hung there. We have prepared the application on behalf of the devotee for installing the bell. I will give the application before the magistrate, after that, we will install it," he said. On January 31, the Varanasi district court allowed the Hindu side to offer prayers in the southern cellar of Gyanvapi mosque. The court directed the Varanasi district magistrate to make arrangements within seven days for 'puja' to be performed by the Hindu side and a pujari (priest) nominated by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. After the order of the court, "puja" and "aarti" were performed in the early hours on Thursday. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gurdaspur (Punjab) [India], February 6 (ANI): The Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended two illegal intruders along the Indo-Pakistan border in Punjab in two separate incidents. In the first incident, the BSF Public Relations Officer, Punjab Frontier, said in a statement that on February 5, its troops apprehended an Afghan national crossing the International Border into Indian territory near a village in Gurdaspur district. Also Read | Lakshgriha-Mazar Dispute: Baghpat Court Rules in Favour of Hindu Side, Gives Ownership Rights of Over 100 Bighas of Land and Tomb in Uttar Pradesh. "Nothing objectionable has been recovered from his possession. The intruder was apprehended and handed over to the police for further investigation," added the PRO statement. In the second incident, a Pakistani national was apprehended near the international border in a village in Tarn Taran district. Also Read | Pushkar Singh Dhami to Present Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024 Bill in State Assembly Today: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, February 6, 2024. "The intruder (16) identified himself as a resident of Punjab's Kasur in Pakistan," the PRO added. One mobile phone and one Pakistani currency note of Rs 100 have been recovered from the accused, it added. A day ago, BSF troops foiled a smuggling bid and apprehended one woman narcotics smuggler with prohibited Yaba tablets on the Indo-Bangladesh international border. BSF, in a press release on Monday, said, "Acting on reliable input, on February 4 a special operation was launched. Vigilant troops of 90 Bn BSF apprehended one woman narcotic smuggler with 1000 Yaba tablets worth Rs 5 Lakh in the area of responsibility of BOP Gitaldah under Coochbehar district in West Bengal. The BSF further said that the woman smuggler was apprehended when she was trying to smuggle prohibited Yaba tablets from India to Bangladesh. On February 3, the BSF Meghalaya thwarted attempts to smuggle sugar across the Indo-Bangladesh border and recovered over 50,000 kgs of sugar intended for smuggling into Bangladesh, as per officials. Keeping in view the vulnerability of the border and the heightened activities of drug traffickers and anti-national elements on the border, BSF troops are always on the alert to thwart trans-border crimes, including drug trafficking, and are making all-out efforts to prevent the commission of such crimes, the BSF 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) New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) The ongoing Budget session of Parliament is being extended by a day till Saturday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said here. The government plans to table a 'white paper' comparing the state of the Indian economy before and after 2014, sources said. Also Read | Pakistan Spy Arrested in Rajasthan: Indian Army Nabs Man in Pokhran's Army Cantt Area for Sending Sensitive Information to Pakistan. The session, which began on January 31, was otherwise slated to end on February 9. In her interim budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the central government would release a 'White Paper' comparing the state of the Indian economy before and after 2014. Also Read | Australia: In a First, Indian-Origin Australian Senator Varun Ghosh Takes Oath on Bhagavad Gita (See Pics). "The crisis of those years has been overcome, and the economy has been put firmly on a high sustainable growth path with all-round development. "It is now appropriate to look at where we were then till 2014 and where we are now, only for the purpose of drawing lessons from the mismanagement of those years. The government will lay a White Paper on the table of the House," the finance minister had said in her speech on February 1. Parliament usually does not function on weekends but there have been instances in the recent past when the Houses have met on Saturdays. (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], February 6 (ANI): In reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win 370 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Malook Nagar said that the Congress would be responsible for Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory. "Congress is responsible for this. Such statements are coming because of the Congress," Nagar said speaking to ANI. Also Read | Delhi Weather Update: Minimum Temperature Dips to 7.2 Degrees Celsius in National Capital, Two Notches Below the Seasonal Average. The BSP MP claimed that in Rajasthan, nine per cent of the Gurjar votes left the Congress as Sachin Pilot was not projected as the Chief Minister's face, which in turn led to the BJP's victory. "In Rajasthan, the BJP won because Sachin Pilot was left betrayed and was not made the Chief Minister's face. Hence the nine per cent Gurjar vote left the Congress and the BJP won," Nagar said. Also Read | ED Raids Arvind Kejriwals Personal Secretary: Enforcement Directorate Conducts Searches at Residence of Bibhav Kumar, Other AAP Leaders in Money Laundering Case (Watch Video). Nagar also claimed that eight per cent Yadav votes left the Congress as Kamal Nath did not leave seats for Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, which in turn led to the BJP's victory. "In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath deceived Akhilesh Yadav. So eight per cent Yadav votes left. Hence BJP won there," he said. Speaking about the INDIA bloc, the BSP MP said that the alliance is in turmoil as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banejee and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar left it. "In the so-called INDIA bloc, Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee left in anger. It is facing problems with Akhilesh, in Maharashtra, in Punjab and Delhi with the AAP. There is no leadership in Congress; there is confusion. They want to create pressure even if they do not have the same stature as before. They should show humility," Nagar said. The BSP MLA further said that had the Congress apologised to his party for breaking away their MLAs in four-five states and declared party chief Mayawati as the Prime Minister's candidate then the Prime Minister would not have made such a statement. "If they had taken us along, apologised to us for breaking our MLAs off in the four-five states, and declared behenji (Mayawati) as the Prime Minister candidate (of the opposition bloc), then the Prime Minister would not have said this in Parliament today. The elections would have been fought on an equal footing," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday used his reply during the motion of thanks on the President's address to launch one of the strongest attacks on Congress as he also hit out at INDIA bloc over its "disturbed alignment" while expressing confidence that people will give BJP a renewed mandate of over 370 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls on the basis of the work done for all sections of society. "Only 100-125 days remain to go...I don't go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will definitely get 370 seats...The third term will be about taking very big decisions," he said. PM Modi's mentioning of 370 seats is his reference to the BJP-led government at the Centre scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution early in its second term in office. BJP leaders have been talked about it in election rallies. (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, February 6: Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva flagged off a special train, heading to Ayodhya, from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in the presence of BJP MP Harsh Vardhan on Monday night. Around 1400 devotees boarded the train from Delhi, and the departure of the devotees from Hazrat Nizamuddin Station was accompanied by resounding chants of 'Jai Shree Ram.' "People are very happy, everyone is thanking and giving their blessings to PM Modi. I want to especially thank the Railway Ministry for making such beautiful arrangements," BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said while speaking to ANI. BJP MP Harsh Vardhan said, "Among these devotees who have left Delhi today, include so many workers of my Lok Sabha, so I feel more happy. This first group is very lucky. I will also visit Ayodhya to see Lord Ram, by travelling in a similar train." Union Minister Anurag Thakur Flags off 'Aastha Special Train' from Himachal Pradesh to Ayodhya Dham (Watch Video). Another train, called Astha Special, carrying the first batch of Ram devotees to Ayodhya, left from Mumbai Railway station on Monday. A devotee, on his way to Ayodhya for the first time, said, "I am excited, can't express the happiness because I did not believe that I would get a chance to visit. Devendra Fadnavis also greeted us with 'Jai Shree Ram'." Virendra Sachdeva Flags off Special Train to Ayodhya: VIDEO | Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva (@Virend_Sachdeva) along with BJP MP Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) flagged off a special train to Ayodhya from Delhis Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station earlier today (Monday). pic.twitter.com/zHbu7smTZt Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 5, 2024 Another devotee, Suman Maurya, said "We are very lucky that we are getting a chance to witness Ram Lalla." Maharashtra Cabinet Minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, while speaking to ANI, said, "Everyone in the country is excited, thousands of people are going to visit the Ram Lalla temple along with their families." Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi Flags Off 'Shri Ramayan Yatra' Train From Safdarjung Railway Station (Watch Video). The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's historic temple was held on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the rituals, led by a group of priests. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present inside the sanctorum during the rituals. The event saw the participation of about 8,000 invitees, including 1,500-1,600 eminent guests. New Delhi [India], February 6 (ANI): The second edition of the prestigious energy event, India Energy Week (IEW) 2024, is set to kick off in Goa on Tuesday. Organized at the IPSHEM-ONGC Training Institute in the southern part of the state from February 6 to 9, the event will bring energy ministers from across the world and key decision-makers in the oil and gas market under one roof. Also Read | Assam Government Introduces Bill Imposing Rs 10 Crore Fine, 10 Years Jail if Found Cheating in Public Recruitment Exams. The IEW platform will serve as a conducive space for collaboration on policies, based on the exchange of experiences, to usher the world into a cleaner future. Prominent foreign-government functionaries speaking at the event include petroleum ministers from Libya, Nigeria, Sudan, and energy ministers from Ghana, Djibouti, and Sri Lanka, among others. The top decision-making body for oil-exporting countries, OPEC, will be represented by its secretary-general, Haithan Al Ghais. Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Four-Year-Old Girl Raped by Private School Watchman in Kandivali; Accused Held. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Goa on Tuesday to inaugurate India Energy Week 2024. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, will chair multiple conferences and sessions at IEW. To provide a 360-degree perspective on the global energy scenario, IEW 2024 will also feature speakers from regulatory bodies, renewable and alternate fuel associations, companies, policy researchers, and consultants. IEW 2024 will feature strategic conferences with global decision-makers deliberating over the future of sustainable energy. These sessions will include ministerial panels featuring energy ministers and policymakers from around the world, leadership panels involving global business leaders and industry experts, fireside chats, and expert interviews led by Indian policymakers and energy leaders, as well as executive sessions with global leaders at the forefront of business operations. Some of the sessions include "India's Oil Market 2030" and "Energy Supply Chain of the Future and the Impact of the Choices of the current fuel mix" on February 8. "Seismic shifts - harnessing new exploration technology to develop deepwater frontiers" on February 9 and "Ensuring energy security for nations and industry in a VUCA world" on the opening day, among many more. Organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum [FIPI] Industry under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, India Energy Week 2024 will catalyze meaningful discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry experts, policymakers, academia, and entrepreneurs. The event is expected to draw over 35,000+ attendees, 350+ exhibitors, 400+ speakers, and 4,000+ delegates from over 100 countries. The event will host an extensive array of exhibitors, spanning core oil field services, lending dynamism to the atmosphere. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dewas (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 6 (ANI): Continuing their actions against illegal constructions of criminals, district administration authorities on Monday razed down a residential-cum-commercial structure of an online gaming scammer in Bagli area of Madhya Pradesh's Dewas. The accused gaming scammer has been identified as Zakir Pathan, a resident of Hatpipliya town. Also Read | Assam Government Introduces Bill Imposing Rs 10 Crore Fine, 10 Years Jail if Found Cheating in Public Recruitment Exams. Officials said that the action was taken after the occupant failed to produce valid documents of the construction. Bagli SDM Anand Malviya, told ANI, "There were no valid documents of the structure which housed residence and a cafe. The residential-cum-commercial structure was done without permission, and on the basis of which it was removed." Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Four-Year-Old Girl Raped by Private School Watchman in Kandivali; Accused Held. "In the coming days as well, a notice will be issued for the illegal construction in the market area, and similar action will be taken," he added. As per officials, the gang led by the accused Zakir Pathan, duped people through illegal online gaming websites, and the gang was active for a long time. Recently, the son of a businessman allegedly hanged himself after being duped by the accused gang. A case was also registered against the accused at Hatpipliya police station in this regard, they 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) New Delhi, February 6: India has decided to fence the entire 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday. The move could virtually put an end to the Free Movement Regime (FMR) prevalent along the porous border. The FMR allows people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without any document. The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, which passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, currently has FMR. It was implemented in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy. Fencing along the border has been a persistent demand of the Imphal Valley-based Meitei groups which have been alleging that tribal militants often enter into India through the porous border. India Myanmar Border: After Mizoram, NSCN-IM Opposes Centres Move to Boundary Fencing, Scrap Free Movement Regime The Meitei groups also allege that narcotics are being smuggled into India taking advantage of the unfenced international border. In a post on X, Shah said the Narendra Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. "It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved," he said. Manipur Government Suspends Free Movement Regime Along Myanmar Border, Asks Center To Close It Permanently India Decides to Fence Entire Border with Myanmar The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved. Out of the total border length, Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 6, 2024 The home minister said a 10-km stretch of the border in Moreh in Manipur has already been fenced. Furthermore, two pilot projects of fencing through a hybrid surveillance system are under execution. "They will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Additionally, fence works covering approx 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, and the work will start soon," 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) On the morning of Tuesday, February 6, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, arrived in Kyiv. The purpose of his visit is to discuss the current elaboration of security commitments for Kyiv by the EU. ADVERTISIMENT He made the announcement the day before during his visit to Warsaw. From there, the head of European diplomacy arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train. "I arrived in Kyiv on the day when the US representatives decided to "throw Ukraine under the bus"... Glory to Ukraine!" Borrell's special adviser, political analyst Zaki Laidi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in the morning, posting the following photo against the backdrop of an Ukrazaliznytsia train. It is known that Borrell made a stop in Warsaw on his way to Ukraine to "consult with Polish friends in order to better understand" what is happening in Ukraine and how they can continue their support. Thus, during meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of Poland, he discussed all forms of assistance provided by the EU to Ukraine, including military, financial, reconstruction assistance, restrictive measures against Russia and international solidarity, the use of frozen Russian assets, etc. ADVERTISIMENT The EU member states agreed that they should support Ukraine. According to him, it is not only a matter of time, quantity and quality of supplies. He emphasized that the EU must do more and faster because Ukraine must win the fight for European security, among other things. "I am going to Ukraine to discuss the ongoing elaboration of security commitments by the EU. We have already had many consultations with Ukraine on this issue," the EU High Representative said. He also added that the EU should continue to supply ammunition to Ukraine. Borrell expects to reach a final agreement on an aid fund for Ukraine under the European Peace Fund by early March. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Betul, February 6: India is likely to sign on Tuesday a multi-billion dollar deal to extend import of 7.5 million tonne of LNG per year from Qatar for another 20 years beyond 2028 at rates that are lower than current prices, sources said. US-India Drone Deal: Joe Biden Administration Approves Four Billion Dollars Arms Package Sale to India. Petronet LNG Ltd will sign the deal to extend import contract with Qatar Energy on sidelines of India Energy Week here. Sources said the price will be "significantly" lower than current price. Mangaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 6 (ANI): Four people have been arrested for allegedly harrasing a couple at Panambur beach in Mangaluru, police said. The four individuals have been identified as Prashant (38), Umesh (23), Sudhir (26) and Kirtan (20). Also Read | Race for Bihar Speaker Post: Five BJP Leaders in the Fray for Assembly Speaker's Position; Nand Kishore Yadav, Nitish Mishra and Former Dy CM Renu Devi Top Contenders. According to police, the incident pertains to February 4 when a 28-year-old woman filed a compaint in the matter. "In the complaint, the woman said that she was working in Bengaluru and was on her way to Malpe for some work. Enroute, she met her friend who had won a literary award recently and after wishing him success the duo arrived at the Panambur beach," said police. Also Read | Double Death Rocks Navsari: 90-Year-Old Woman Collapses and Dies After Hearing of Grandsons Demise in Mumbai. "When the duo were at the beach, a few youths intercepted them and allegedly scolded them for being together. Some even recorded a video of the incident," said police. Immediately, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control by taking the youths into custody. The woman urged the police to ensure that her privacy was not affected and demanded legal action against the suspects. Based on the woman's complaint, police have booked a case under IPC Sections 143, 341, 504 and 149 against the group of youths. Police said that additional police personnel have been deployed at Panambur beach, Tannirbavi beach and tree park area to ensure that such incidents do not recur. (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], February 6 (ANI): Seventeen organisations are currently named in the list of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared the details in a written reply, naming Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI); United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA); National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB); Meitei Extremist Organizations, namely--(i) Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) (ii) United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing, the Manipur Peoples' Army (MPA); (iii) Peoples' Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its Armed wing, the 'Red Army'; (iv) Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing, also called the 'Red Army'; (v) Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL); (vi) Coordination Committee (CorCom); and (vii) Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK) among those 17 organisations declared as unlawful associations under the UAPA. Also Read | Appointment of Election Commissioner: PM Narendra Modi-Led Panel To Meet on February 7 To Select New Election Commissioner. Besides, the MoS said, the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF); National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT); Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC); Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE); National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) [NSCN (K)]; Islamic Research Foundation (IRF); Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu and Kashmir; Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd, Yasin Malik faction); Sikhs for Justice (SFJ); Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates or affiliates or fronts including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala are other organisations declared as unlawful associations by the MHA. Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) (MLJK-MA), and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH) are among other organisations listed as unlawful associations under UAPA, said Rai, citing data collated by the MHA. Also Read | Govt Engaged With RBI To Control Fake Apps: MoS Finance Bhagwat Karad Tells Parliament Google Suspended 2,200 Fraudulent Loan Apps from Play Store Between 2022-23. In exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the central government can declare any organisation as unlawful association, which will be applicable for the entire country, the MoS further 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) Nagpur, Feb 6 (PTI) Naxals are trying to expand their urban footprint in Maharashtra by roping in youngsters from poor sections in slums in big cities like Mumbai and Pune for military tasks and setting up safe havens, according to police. Naxals are trying to direct the discontent among youngsters from low-income groups living in urban slum pockets against the government, a senior police officer disclosed while talking to PTI. Also Read | 'Encouragement Money': Bihar Government Will Provide Rs 10,000 to Engineering Students of State, Says Nitish Kumar. "In their documents, Naxals have mentioned that their 'urban network' is quite strong in cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Nasik, Pune and Gondia," said Special IG, anti-naxal operations (Maharashtra) Sandip Patil. Naxalites are targeting youngsters from lower socioeconomic groups living in slums for spreading the Maoist ideology and for (engaging them in) military tasks, he added. Also Read | Dognapping in US: Amazon Driver Fired for Trying To Steal Customers Dog in Georgia. "They are trying to rope them in for logistical tasks involving ordnance, arms and ammunition, medical help, and for building safe havens in forest and urban localities," he said. Naxals mentioned in their secret documents that their network is quite strong in slum areas in Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur and Gondia, Patil said. "They are trying to attract youngsters from lower socioeconomic groups living in slums. They want to capitalize on the negative mentality among these youngsters struck by poverty and domestic problems. They want to turn this sentiment against the government," the police officer said. Explaining how Naxalites are playing on the psychology of target groups and trying to fish in troubled waters, Patil said their organisations pretend that they are fighting in the interest of the people but their real motive is to spread Maoist ideology. Queried on the counter-strategy by the police, Patil said such organisations are on the radar of the police and certainly action will taken against them. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], February 6 (ANI): Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik attended the valedictory function of the first Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani (World Odia Language Conference) in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The three-day conference, inaugurated by CM Patnaik on February 3, saw the participation of more than 10 thousand Odia scholars, including linguists, researchers, and students. The Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, ministers, and MLAs also took part in the conference held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Also Read | Assam Government Introduces Bill Imposing Rs 10 Crore Fine, 10 Years Jail if Found Cheating in Public Recruitment Exams. "The Odia language is our future," said the Chief Minister during his address. BJD MLA and Vice-President Debi Mishra expressed, "This is a moment of pride for Odisha. Language determines the future of the state." Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Four-Year-Old Girl Raped by Private School Watchman in Kandivali; Accused Held. Industry and Energy Minister Pratap Dev remarked, "This language conference showcases our art and culture." Earlier, on Sunday, the Odisha government and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) signed an MoU for the establishment of the Biju Patnaik Special Centre for Odia Studies at JNU. With a generous contribution of one-time non-recurring corpus money from the state government amounting to Rs 10 crore, the proposed Biju Patnaik Special Centre aims to delve into the leadership, governance, and contributions of the visionary leader Biju Patnaik. He was not only a leader of India but also the Bhoomiputra of Indonesia and the former Chief Minister of Odisha. The centre plans to initiate a Master's Program covering various facets of Odia Studies, strengthen cultural bonds with the Odisha Diaspora, and promote contemporary Odia literature and art. The MoU signing took place in the presence of Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Minister of Higher Education, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Development Commissioner-cum-ACS Anu Garg, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary OLLC Sujata R. Karthikeyan. Commissioner-Secretary Higher Education Department Arabind Agrawal and Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit from JNU, New Delhi, signed the MoU on behalf of the Govt. of Odisha. The focus areas of this special center include international teaching and research in Odia language and literature, exploring historical maritime linkages of the Kalinga Empire with Southeast Asia, diasporic connections, and promoting contemporary Odia culture through publications and collaborative research. (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, February 6: The High Level Committee on 'One Nation One Election' held its meeting with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation on Tuesday. TMC's Sudip Bandopadhyay and Kalyan Banarjee attended the meeting on behalf on the party. Earlier on Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that she would be unable to attend the 'One Nation, One Election' meeting in Delhi. The chief minister was expected to attend a meeting in Delhi called by the Central government to discuss the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal. "I have cancelled my trip to Delhi because the state's budget is on February 8...and because I have only 2 days left, I have cancelled my trip to Delhi due to an emergency... I am sending Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kalyan Banerjee on behalf of my party," CM Banerjee said. Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Begins Shortlisting Candidates for Upcoming Polls Due on February 27, Likely To Field Fresh Faces. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the high-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election', saying that she does not agree with the concept of simultaneous polls as the Indian Constitution does not follow the concept. "Does the Indian Constitution follow the concept of 'One Nation, One Government? I am afraid it does not. Our Constitution conceives of the Indian nation in a federal manner. Therefore, the Indian nation has been given a Union Government and several State governments. If the framers of the Indian Constitution did not mention the concept of 'One Nation, One Government, how have you arrived at the concept of 'One Nation, One Election'?" the Trinamool Congress supremo said in her letter. On February 2, the High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation One Election, chaired by Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India, held a consultation round with a delegation from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) comprising Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, R Dinesh, President, Sanjiv Puri, President Designate, Marut Sen Gupta, Deputy Director General, Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General, Binoy Job, Executive Director, and G Srivastava, Chief Economic Strategy and Project Coordination. One Nation One Election To Improve Government Efficiency, Foster Economic Development, Says CII TMC Delegation Meets High Level Committee on 'One Nation One Election' #WATCH | Delhi: On 'One Nation, One Election', TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee says, "Today we appeared before the committee headed by our ex-president... We oppose this idea of 'One Nation, One Election'. There is a hidden agenda to form a dictatorship government, a presidential form pic.twitter.com/6FvEKeIrfL ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 The delegation made a presentation before the committee in which the views of the industry on ONOE and its impact were highlighted, after which they presented a formal memorandum. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Feb 6 (PTI) The total outstanding liabilities of the Assam government currently is over Rs 1.15 lakh crore, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog informed the state Assembly on Tuesday, while affirming that the debt to GSDP ratio of the state is within prescribed limits. She also maintained that the government has been repaying debts as per schedule while it has become self-reliant in paying for its salary, pension and loan interest from its own resources. Also Read | Indian Smartphone Market Grows 19% in Q4 2023, Xiaomi Leads Overall Market Followed by Samsung: Report. Replying to a question by Independent legislator Akhil Gogoi, Neog said the total outstanding liabilities of the state as on March 31, 2023, is Rs 1,15,751.32 crore. The amount was Rs 82,741.09 crore as on the same day in 2021, she added. Also Read | Central Government Decides to Fence Entire 1643 KM-Long India-Myanmar Border, Announces Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She maintained that the debt to GSDP ratio was at 23.47 per cent till 2022-23, which was within the permitted limit of 32 per cent as per the Assam Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act. Claiming robust financial health of the state, Neog said, While the previous governments used loan amounts to pay salaries, we are using it for infrastructure building and precisely that is why we dream of being in the top five states of the country soon. She said capital expenditure in the state has gone up from Rs 4,543 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 16,338 crore in 2022-23. As data laid by the minister, total debt taken by the state government in 2016-17 was Rs 5649.45 crore, followed by Rs 10476.2 crore in 2017-18, Rs 14003.88 crore in 2018-19, Rs 16634.53 in 2019-20, Rs 19256.59 in 2020-21, Rs 17148.41 in 2021-22 and Rs 25902.16 in 2022-23. The minister said total outstanding liabilities on March 31, 2016, was Rs 35,690.22 crore. The state government availed loans amounting to Rs 35,433 crore from 2001-02 to 2013014, while an amount of Rs 22,790 crore was repaid till 2022-23. She added that the process to repay the loans on time was going on. Expressing concern over growing debt, Gogoi said that even as states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have more debt burden, revenue from their own sources was multiple times more than Assam's earnings. Congress MLA Bharat Chandra Narah also said that since the interest payment by the state cannot be more than 10 per cent of the total revenue received, the government must inform the House as to what the total interest payment and revenue received were in the year 2022-23 and 2023-24. Neog replied that the latest data from January 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 will be available at the end of 2023-24 fiscal. She maintained that all loans were taken as per rules, adding that availing loans is not a bad thing as it is essential for infrastructure development. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranga Reddy (Telangana) [India], February 6 (ANI): Sleuths of the Special Operation Team (SOT), Shamshabad Zone, along with the Shamshabad Police arrested two people for allegedly selling mephentermine sulfate vials and injections in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana. The two accused were identified as Mohammed Ajaz Mohiuddin and Mohammed Akram. Also Read | Indian Enterprise Fintech Industry Posted To Reach Estimated Size of Nearly USD 20 Billion by 2030: Report. Acting on specific information, the sleuths of the Special Operation Team (SOT), Shamshabad Zone and Shamshabad Police arrested two people on Monday for illegally selling mephentermine sulphate injections without a valid license at Sangi Guda 'X' Road in Shamshabad area. The police also seized 30 mephentermine sulphate injections, four syringe needles, three phones, cash worth Rs 3,950, and a bank-frozen amount of Rs 27,000, all worth about Rs 2,41,000, from their possession. The key accused, Mohammed Ajaz Mohiuddin, is a resident of the Pahadishareef area of Hyderabad and earns his livelihood as an AC technician. Also Read | Delhi Weather Update: Minimum Temperature Dips to 7.2 Degrees Celsius in National Capital, Two Notches Below the Seasonal Average. According to the police, the prime accused, along with his accomplice Mohammed Akram, ordered mephentermine sulphate injections online and devised a plan to sell them at a high price in the market for profits. Both accused thereafter procured injections for Rs 200 and sold them for a price of Rs 1,500 to 2,000 each. On February 5 noon, the Shamshabad SOT along with Shamshabad PS raided Sangi Guda 'X' Road under the limits of Police Station Shamshabad and arrested the accused. Mephentermine sulphate injections are often used as performance enhancing drugs. (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, Feb 6 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday attacked the government over the demand for a caste census and asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "running away" from the issue. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posed "direct questions" to the prime minister over the issue of caste census. Also Read | Mufti Salman Azhari Hate Speech Case: Islamic Preacher Faces Legal Heat; Second FIR Lodged in Gujarat's Kutch. He asked why is the prime minister running away from a caste census and so confused on this issue. "Sometimes he says that there is no caste in India. He says that he knows only two castes, the rich and the poor. Sometimes he starts calling himself the biggest OBC?" Ramesh said. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Slashes Friend's Throat With Broken Glass Bottle in Vasant Vihar Over Rs 1,500 Debt. Is it not true that in the year 2011, the UPA government had conducted the socio-economic and caste census of 25 crore families of the country, but the Modi government has not yet published the data, he asked. "Is it not true that despite repeated demands by people from different regions, the Modi government is not publishing the caste census data? Is it not true that the Modi government has kept pending the census of the entire population of the country including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities from the year 2021?" Ramesh said. "Modi ji, why are you afraid to tell the country's truth? Daro mat (Do not fear)," he said. With the Congress and other parties raising the OBC pitch, Modi said they question about the number of backward officials in different posts but cannot see the biggest OBC, referring to himself. (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, Feb 6 (PTI) Veteran Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla and celebrated Malayalam author-filmmaker MT Vasudevan Nair will be conferred with the 'Aakashdeep Sanman' --a lifetime achievement award, media group Amar Ujala announced on Tuesday. The awards, instituted by Hindi media group Amar Ujala, include a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a certificate of commendation, and a statue. Also Read | Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Akhilesh Yadav Gets Invitation for Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra, Says Will Join. Both the literary luminaries, according to the organisers, will be honoured for their "exceptional contributions to literature, culture, and society", the media group said. While Nair, 90, is known for his profound impact on modern Malayalam art and literature, Shukla's unparalleled insights and literary prowess have made a lasting impression on the literary landscape. Also Read | Murder of Democracy, Decision Taken Under Pressure: Sharad Pawar Group on ECI Order As Election Commission Decides NCP Symbol Goes to Ajit Pawar Faction. The 87-year-old Shukla is also the recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award. He received the award in 1999 for his book, "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi". The 'Aakashdeep' award was previously bestowed upon luminaries in Kannada (Girish Karnad), Marathi (Bhalchandra Nemade), Bengali (Shankh Ghosh), and Oriya (Pratibha Rai). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The European Commission has put forward a proposal to integrate Ukraine's defense sector into the European system, emphasizing the need to consider it an important component of the pan-European defense infrastructure. The European Union should take practical steps toward this initiative. ADVERTISIMENT This statement was made by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. She said this on Tuesday in Strasbourg at the European Parliament session during a key debate on the need for unwavering support for Ukraine after two years of Russian aggression. "We must not only speed up the delivery of ammunition to Ukraine. When we look to the future, we have to think about Ukrainian defense capabilities as part of our defense capabilities. We have to think about the Ukrainian defense industry as part of our own defense industry," Ursula von der Leyen said. In this context, she noted that the European Union has included Ukraine in the formation of the European Strategy for Defense Production . This step is aimed at ensuring Ukraine's integration into a number of European defense initiatives, taking into account the need for prior agreement with the European Parliament and the European Council. ADVERTISIMENT According to the EC President, this will ensure compatibility and joint planning between our military and defense industries. "Ukraine is a future member of our European Union. Therefore, it should become much closer to us in the defense sector," she stated. She emphasized that now is a historic moment when the European Union must stand up for Ukraine and secure the future for all European countries. This means that it is time to take care of Ukraine's recovery, our security commitments and strengthen the international security system to prevent any future aggression. Von der Leyen called on the EU to continue to support Ukraine in all possible ways. The President of the European Commission noted that the EU countries are actively supporting Ukraine, in particular, they have already provided training for more than 40 thousand Ukrainian servicemen. The efforts of the European Union and its members have helped to attract 28 billion euros for the supply of military equipment to Ukraine. The EU defense industry has significantly expanded its ammunition production capabilities, so European countries plan to deliver more than 500,000 artillery shells to Ukraine next month and more than a million more by the end of this year. ADVERTISIMENT "A lot has been done, but it is certainly not enough," von der Leyen summarized. As a reminder, the European Council supported the plan under the Ukraine Facility program to provide the EU with a record economic assistance to Ukraine of EUR 50 billion over 4 years, provided that Ukraine implements a number of reforms. Earlier it was reported that the United States plans to double the production of 155-mm artillery shells used in Ukraine by October 2024. However, to achieve this goal, Congress will need to approve a bill to help Ukraine. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Tuesday said it has bagged a large project to construct a bridge across the Brahmaputra in Assam. As per L&T classification, contracts worth Rs 2,500-5,000 crore fall in the category of large orders. Also Read | Motilal Nehru Death Anniversary 2024 Date: Know All About the Day That Marks the Punyatithi of One of the Great Leaders of India. "The transportation infrastructure business of L&T Construction has won a project contract, to construct the Palashbari to Sualkuchi cable-stayed bridge across the river Brahmaputra in Assam," the company said in a filing to BSE. The project has been awarded by Public Works Roads Department (PwRD), Assam. The 12.21-km bridge will directly connect Palashbari and Sualkuchi towns. Also Read | Assam Teacher Recruitment 2023: Registration Date for Assistant Teachers Posts Extended Till February 13, Apply Online at dee.assam.gov.in. Sualkuchi is one of the world's largest weaving centres where traditional Assamese garments are made with indigenous materials like Muga, the golden silk, which is only produced there. The bridge will also directly connect Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Assam. The project is scheduled to be completed in four years. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, Feb 6 (PTI) The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday arrested two alleged members of a gang involved in smuggling fake Indian currency notes brought from Bangladesh to various districts of the state. Counterfeit currency of face value Rs 45,000 was allegedly seized from their possession. Also Read | Union Bank of India Recruitment 2024: Applications Invited for 606 Specialist Officer Posts Till February 23, Apply Online at unionbankofindia.co.in. In a statement, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said that the ATS team arrested Ankur Maurya and Vipin Gupta alias Avneesh, residents of Chintaura area in Ambedkar Nagar district,with fake currency from Varanasi this afternoon. The ATS had received information that the two had come to Varanasi with fake currency smuggled from Bangladesh by their accomplice from Farakka in West Bengal. Also Read | Motilal Nehru Death Anniversary 2024 Date: Know All About the Day That Marks the Punyatithi of One of the Great Leaders of India. "The two arrested were members of a gang involved in supplying fake Indian currency notes brought from Bangladesh to various districts of the state," the statement said, adding, "Rs 45000 in fake currency notes was seized from their possession". (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, Feb 6 (PTI) Welspun Corp Ltd (WCL) on Tuesday posted a multi-fold jump in its consolidated net profit to Rs 293.70 crore in the quarter ended December 2023. It had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 23.22 crore during the October-December period of preceding 2022-23 financial year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Also Read | Union Bank of India Recruitment 2024: Applications Invited for 606 Specialist Officer Posts Till February 23, Apply Online at unionbankofindia.co.in. The company's total income doubled to Rs 4,758.17 crore over Rs 2,410.33 crore in the same quarter a year ago. Expenses were at Rs 4,438.79 crore as against Rs 2,386.80 crore in the third quarter of the last fiscal. Also Read | Motilal Nehru Death Anniversary 2024 Date: Know All About the Day That Marks the Punyatithi of One of the Great Leaders of India. In a statement, B K Goenka, Chairman of Welspun Group, said, "Operational and financial performances continued to remain strong for Q3 and 9MFY24. As per our planned strategy, we have finalised our foray into the plastic pipes segment, which provides us with a huge opportunity to leverage Sintex brand value." The company has also finalised an investment in ductile iron (DI) pipes in the Middle East region, he said. According to the statement, the company's order book for line pipes in India and the US stands at Rs 7,200 crore. The company's board also approved an investment not exceeding Rs 44.25 crore in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the supply of 42 MW renewable energy on a round-the-clock (RE-RTC) basis at the most competitive rates with a reduction in the cost of power. The company would hold a 21.54 per cent equity share capital of SPV viz. Mounting Renewable Power Ltd (MRPL). The board has also given its approval for a capital expenditure of up to Rs 35 crore for land acquisition, bay at sub-station, erection of transmission line, inner connectivity ring changes etc. for transmission of RE power to Anjar facility in Gujarat. Besides, the board has approved a plan to set up a DI pipes manufacturing facility in the Middle East region with an investment of around Rs 500 crore spread over the next four to six quarters. The investment will be made by the company/subsidiary through a combination of debt and equity. The plant is expected to commence commercial production by H1 CY2025 (the first half of the calendar year). "Water infrastructure development has been a key focus both in India and the Middle East region. In India, our DI pipes business has been ramping up steadily and within a short span of time, we have established ourselves as a credible player. DI Pipes will continue to remain a strong focus area for us," Vipul Mathur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Welspun Corp, said. Welspun Corp Ltd (WCL), the flagship firm of Welspun Group, is one of the largest manufacturers of large-diameter pipes globally and has established a global footprint across six continents and 50 countries. (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, February 6: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a Bill which seeks to decriminalise minor offences related to water pollution, enable the Centre to prescribe service conditions of chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards, and exempt certain categories of industrial plants from statutory restrictions. Piloting the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill 2024 in the Upper House of Parliament, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that development and environment protection must go together. There should be harmony in ease of living and ease of doing business, he added. Replying to a debate on the Bill, the minister said its provisions will lead to greater transparency in dealing with various issues related to water pollution. The Bill, which seeks to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, was approved by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, the amendment proposes to rationalise criminal provisions and ensure that citizens, businesses and companies operate without fear of imprisonment for minor, technical or procedural defaults. Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Begins Shortlisting Candidates for Upcoming Polls Due on February 27, Likely To Field Fresh Faces Also, the nature of penal consequence of an offence must be commensurate with the seriousness of offence, it added. According to the Bill, the central government will be empowered to exempt certain categories of industrial plants from the application of section 25 relating to restriction on new outlets and new discharges. "This will reduce the duplication of surveillance and unnecessary burden on regulatory agencies," Yadav said. According to the proposed law, the central government will prescribe the manner of nomination of chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards. It also empowers the central government to issue guidelines on the matters relating to the grant, refusal or cancellation of consent by any state board for establishment of any industry, operation or process, or treatment and disposal system or bringing into use of new or altered outlets. The Bill also seeks to decriminalise minor offences and replace it with monetary penalty in case of continuation of contravention. Introducing the Bill earlier, the minister said it would not only give impetus to industries but also help in environmental protection. It will streamline the appointment of chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards and allow the central government to prescribe the manner of nomination and the terms and conditions of service. Sanjay Singh Denied Oath As Rajya Sabha MP: Delhi Court Permits AAP Leader Second Time To Go to Parliament To Take Oath As MP This amendment will provide certain mandatory qualifications, experience and procedure to ensure fair appointment of chairpersons, Yadav said. Parliament has already amended the Air Act, incorporating provisions similar to the proposed bill. "Amendments in the Water Act are also necessary to make in line with the Air Act, as both laws contain similar provisions," he said. As water is a state subject under the Constitution, hence it was not considered in the Jan Vishwas Bill 2022, through which the Air Act was amended. The current proposal with regard to water requires the consent of two states, which is already there, the minister said. The proposed law stipulates that the central government shall be authorised to prescribe guidelines on matters relating to "grant, refusal or conciliation of consent by a state board" for establishing or operating any industrial unit. This will universalise the procedure and fulfil the long-standing demand of industries and also protect the environment and ease of doing business. Initiating the debate on the Bill, Lakshmikant Bajpai of the BJP said this is a step towards ease of doing business. It would free the businesses from the inspector raj and provide a better mechanism. It will allow the government to provide certain exemptions to green industries. Jawahar Sircar of the Trinamool Congress criticised the government over the bill, saying "this is just an act to legitimise offences." This Bill also seeks to centralise all powers and is against the principle of federalism. "Without some amount of stringent fear, you cannot tackle a subject like environment," he said. Sulata Deo of the BJD supported the Bill and said a better mechanism for monitoring of wastage of water is required. Subhashh Chandra Bose Pilli of the YSRCP, V Sivadasan of the CPI(M), and M Thambidurai of the AIADMK also participated in the discussion on the Bill. Santiago [Chile], February 6 (ANI): More than 120 people have died as a result of the devastating wildfires that are ravaging large areas of Chile, according to authorities, who have issued a warning that the death toll is likely to rise, reported CNN. According to the city of Valparaiso's Legal Medical Services, at least 122 persons have passed away as far as of Monday. Also Read | UK: King Charles III Diagnosed With 'Form of Cancer', Says Buckingham Palace. On the other hand, the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has noted that 161 active fires are raging nationwide right now. A state of emergency was declared by President Gabriel Boric when smoke smothered coastal communities including Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, claiming lives. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells Israeli Soldiers 'No Substitute for Total Victory'. Central region residents were also compelled to leave their houses. Speaking at a news conference on Sunday following his tour of the devastated districts, Boric expressed concern that the death toll might "increase significantly." Boric, in a televised address last week said that the defence ministry would send additional military personnel to the impacted areas and would provide all required supplies. He announced Monday (February 5) and Tuesday (February 6) to be national days of mourning in honour of the fire victims. The fires triggered evacuations in several regions of central Chile. In February 2023, fires in the country swept through more than 400,000 hectares and killed more than 22 people. Though this year's fires have not spread as widely, Toha said they are "multiplying rapidly" and are spreading closer to urban areas, so the potential to affect more people and structures is "very high", as per NBC News. The fires broke out as Chile faces a heat wave that has affected other Latin American countries as well. Boric declared a state of emergency, and red alerts were issued for at-risk areas. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Streaks of Light Seen in California. (Photo Credits: Video Grab) New Delhi [India], February 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met a Thai Senate delegation led by Senator Pikulkeaw Krairiksh in the national capital on Tuesday. He appreciated the 'warm sentiments' towards the India-Thailand relationship and affirmed commitment to strengthening bonds of culture, connectivity and trade. Also Read | Turkey: Three People Killed in Alleged Extremist Attack on Largest Courthouse in Istanbul (Watch Videos). "Glad to meet Thai Senate delegation led by Senator Pikulkeaw Krairiksh in New Delhi today. Appreciate their warm sentiments towards India-Thailand relationship and aspiration to grow it further. As civilizational partners, committed to strengthen bonds of culture, connectivity, trade and beyond," Jaishankar posted on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1754860458782396802?s=20 Also Read | Federal Court Rules Donald Trump Not Immune From Prosecution in Election Subversion Case. Earlier in the day, the EAM also met British Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the national capital. He also discussed bilateral cooperation between the two nations and other crucial regional and global developments. "Delighted to welcome British Shadow Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy and Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade @jreynoldsMP this afternoon. Enjoyed our conversation that covered bilateral cooperation as well as important regional and global developments," Jaishankar stated. Notably, 'Shadow Secretary' is a position held by senior members of the opposition party in the UK who act as party spokesperson in specific policy areas. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar visited the United Kingdom last November, during which he met several high-profile leaders including PM Rishi Sunak and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The EAM also held telephonic conversation with his Polish counterpart Radek Sikorski and discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and situation in Europe. "Good to speak to Poland Foreign Minister @radeksikorski. Discussed the Ukraine conflict and the situation in Europe. Look forward to working with him on deepening our bilateral ties," he posted. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Argentinian Ambassador to India, Hugo Javier Gobbi, as he bid farewell following his tenure. He acknowledged Ambassador Gobbi's tireless efforts in enhancing the bilateral relations between India and Argentina over the past three years. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will arrive in India on Wednesday at EAM Jaishankar's invitation. Notably, this is Mahmud's first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh government after Sheikh Hasina registered a historic victory, clinching a consecutive fourth term as the Prime Minister. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Canberra [Australia], February 6 (ANI): The Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay called on the Australian Member of Parliament and chair of the India-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Andrew Charlton on Tuesday and discussed multifaceted bilateral ties between the two countries. During their conversation, both leaders also discussed India-Australia cooperation in education, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Also Read | Turkey: Three People Killed in Alleged Extremist Attack on Largest Courthouse in Istanbul (Watch Videos). The leaders also exchanged views on further enhancing parliamentary interaction between the two countries and appreciated the role of the Indian diaspora in cementing bilateral relations. Taking to X, the Indian High Commission in Australia said, "High Commissioner called on @Charlton_AB, Chair of India-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group and MP for Parramatta. They discussed multifaceted bilateral ties, including cooperation in education, trade & investment, people to people ties and sports.@DrSJaishankar." Also Read | Federal Court Rules Donald Trump Not Immune From Prosecution in Election Subversion Case. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green and discussed the bilateral partnership between the two countries. The EAM will also be heading to Perth for the Indian Ocean Conference 2024 later this year. "Glad to meet Australian High Commissioner Philip Green this afternoon. Spoke on the next steps in the India-Australia partnership. Look forward to my forthcoming visit to Perth for the Indian Ocean Conference 2024," Jaishankar posted on X. The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, announced last year that Australia will host the Indian Ocean Conference 2024 and will be an opportunity to discuss practical solutions for the key challenges facing the region. Last year, the two countries also held the India-Australia 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministerial Dialogue. It was co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Panaji (Goa) [India], February 6 (ANI): A long-term contract for LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement was signed on Tuesday between India's state-run oil and gas company 'Petronet LNG' and Qatar's 'Qatar Energy'. The agreement was signed between Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of Qatar Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. Also Read | Iran Waives Visa Requirement for Indian Tourists Starting February 4, Know All About It. The agreement will facilitate the purchase of around 7.5 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum (MMTPA) of LNG between the two companies. Union Minister Puri said the contract will provide momentum to India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency as it aims to increase the share of gas in energy mix from 6 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. Also Read | Australia: In a First, Indian-Origin Australian Senator Varun Ghosh Takes Oath on Bhagavad Gita (See Pics). "I was very happy to join HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Deputy Chairman and President & CEO @qatarenergy for the signing of a long-term contract for LNG Sale & Purchase Agreement (LNG SPA) for purchase of around 7.5 MMTPA LNG between @PetronetLNGLtd & QatarEnergy today," Puri posted from his official X handle. He added, "This contract will provide momentum to India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency under the farsighted leadership of PM@narendramodiJi as India is transitioning into a gas-based economy by increasing the share of gas in energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030." https://x.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1754828261996232871?s=20 After signing the agreement, the Union Minister said India is looking around the world for collaborations and partnerships in the energy sector. "Across sectors, we are exploring energy equations, exploration and production. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened 1 million sq km of no-go area that will take our sedimentary basin under exploration from 8-9 per cent to 15 per cent. We are looking around the world for collaborations and partnerships," Puri told reporters. Qatar MoS Al-Kaabi said India has a lot of potential for green energy especially under PM Modi's plan of enhancing infrastructure. "Gas is a very important growth fuel, it is the cleanest fuel and helps in the energy transition plans of the country. We think gas has a lot of potential in India, especially after Prime Minister and honourable minister have put up a plan to promote and enhance the infrastructure. Also, the plan is to increase the percentage of gas in energy mix to 15 per cent," the CEO of Qatar Energy said. https://x.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1754831151729164780?s=20 Union Minister Puri stated further in a press conference said the 'India energy story' is a part of the global story. "The India energy story is actually very much part of the global story. The Indian story is a fascinating one for a variety of reasons, unlike some other models that say that capital will respond to return. We are actually carrying out energy transition," Puri said on Tuesday. He also participated in the Ministerial Panel on 'Ensuring Energy Security for Nations and Industry in VUCA World' Islamabad, Feb 6 (PTI) Pakistan's electioneering would end Tuesday night for a mandatory cool-down period ahead of the February 8 polls to let the voters think deeply before exercising their franchise for their favourite candidates at the national and provincial legislatures. According to election rules, the campaigning would end at the stroke of midnight between February 6 and 7, meaning no political rally is allowed and candidates can only use closed-door meetings and face-to-face contact with the voters. As per the rules, those violating the law may face imprisonment of up to two years. Also Read | Microsoft Announces Its Partnership With Media Platform Semafor and Other News Organisations for AI-Assisted Stores. Ahead of the mandatory moratorium, all major parties have plans for using the last day to hold rallies across the country with top leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Reham and other addressing rallies in various cities. The triangular contest involves the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of imprisoned Imran Khan. Due to the absence of former prime minister Khan, who is in jail after being convicted of corruption charges, the PTI's fate is difficult to gauge at this point but it may still stage an upset. Also Read | US Shocker: In Exchange For Cigarette, New York Man Admits to Killing Sex Offender During Dispute Over Drugs, Hiding Severed Head In Fridge For Two Years. But several smaller parties with sizeable vote banks, including the Mutahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl, the Awami National Party, the Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam, the Balochistan National Party are also poised to make gains and play a role in case no major winner emerges. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that it had delivered more than 260 million ballot papers across the country despite time constraints and weather-related challenges. Delivery of ballot papers has started to the respective returning officers, who have been tasked with preparing packets for delivery to the concerned presiding officers a day before polling. The caretaker information minister, Murtaza Solangi, launched an online platform to facilitate and address media complaints during the elections. Addressing the launch event, he said the application would be accessible through any browser and had been launched for the convenience of local and international journalists and media persons. A large number of foreign journalists and observers have arrived in Pakistan to monitor and cover the election exercise. The application will help journalists lodge complaints related to coverage of election activities quickly and efficiently through their mobiles, laptops or other devices. The elections are set to be held on February 8 and polling would start at 8:00 am and would continue non-stop until 5:00 pm. Elaborate security measures have been taken, including the deployment of regular army troops, to maintain peace. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Feb 8 (PTI) Only if a district or a province makes a request in view of the security situation, the government will consider shutting down the internet connections on February 8, the polling day, caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz said on Tuesday. So far, there has been no decision made regarding the suspension of internet services at any place. The caretaker government will consider shutting down the internet connections only if there is a request, The News International newspaper said quoting Ejaz. Also Read | Tragic Incident at Hong Kong Airport: Man Falls Out of Truck, Dies After Being Hit by Plane. Ejaz was addressing a press conference along with the caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi. Ejaz's announcement is important as just a day earlier, Solangi had turned down the possibility of an internet shutdown on February 8. Also Read | Global 6G Connections To Reach '290 Million' in First Two Years of Service, Operators Need To Solve Network Interference Problems Due to High-Frequency Spectrum: Report. Local administrations have the authority to decide on an internet shutdown in light of the law and order situation, however, no such situation has so far been reported, Solangi had said on Monday. Earlier on Sunday, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai had announced that the internet service will remain temporarily restricted in the sensitive polling booths in the province on the polling day. Ejaz, while talking about the law and order situation on Tuesday, said that the government was making efforts to hold peaceful elections without any loss of lives. The election atmosphere in Sindh is full of excitement and it does not seem that any political party has enmity with another, the newspaper quoted Ejaz as saying, and added that he did not see any tension between the candidates in Balochistan during his visit. The interior minister said that the government will provide security in three layers police, civil armed forces and the army. The commandos will be deployed in Balochistan to respond in the shortest possible time, 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) The Canadian government intends to spend millions of dollars to dispose of tens of thousands of CRV7 air-to-ground missiles. However, Ukraine's military leadership is asking the Canadians to transfer these weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. ADVERTISIMENT According to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, CRV7 missiles would not only help Ukraine fight off Russian troops but also save Canadian taxpayers the cost of destroying them. OBOZ.UA found out what these missiles are and how Ukrainian troops can use them in combat. During a debate in the House of Commons on the bill to update the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said that the Canadian Armed Forces have a stockpile of more than 83,000 CRV7 missiles that were decommissioned in the early 2000s. Three years ago, the federal government signed a contract to dispose of the missiles over several years. However, Poilievre said Ukraine asked Canada to transfer the CRV7s instead of destroying them. ADVERTISIMENT Budanov, in turn, explained that Ukraine urgently needs the CRV7 missiles due to a shortage of ammunition. The lieutenant general clarified that CRV7s will be used both in Ukrainian attack helicopters and in ground launchers to destroy Russian tanks and artillery. This means that the CRV7 missiles can be used as projectiles for multiple launch rocket systems. The Defense Express portal clarified that the CRV7s are not missiles but 70 mm unguided rockets based on the American Hydra 70. Military experts consider the CRV7 to be a very successful unguided missile. Due to a more powerful engine and other changes, it was possible to achieve a greater range and accuracy than the original Hydra 70. Canada has developed special warheads for the CRV7, designed to hit protected objects such as aircraft shelters and can penetrate up to 4 meters of ground or 1 meter of concrete. In addition, there is a specialized Canadian warhead, the WDU-5002/B FAT, for destroying tanks with tungsten-steel elements. ADVERTISIMENT The missile was used in the early 1970s. It remains one of the most powerful unguided assault missiles to this day, having become the de facto standard aircraft missile of Western countries (except the United States) and their allies. According to Magellan Aerospace, a Canadian manufacturer of aerospace systems and components, the CRV7 features longer range, shorter time to target and superior accuracy. The CRV7 system includes composite rocket engines, launchers, and various training and operational warheads to reach targets. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Muzaffarabad [PoK], February 6 (ANI): The journalists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) vented their anger and resentment over the alleged malpractices in journalism in the occupied region. Citing growing insecurity over their future, the journalists in Muzaffarabad city held demonstrations over many days. However, their protests failed to elicit the desired response from the PoK administration and media outlets. Also Read | Australia: In a First, Indian-Origin Australian Senator Varun Ghosh Takes Oath on Bhagavad Gita (See Pics). The demonstrators participating in the protest are employed journalists from various media organisations based in Pakistan. These PoK journalists have put forward several demands that have yet to gain any traction from their employers. Also Read | ChatGPT Used by Russian Man To Find His Life Partner After Eliminating More Than 5,000 Matches on Dating Site Tinder. These demand that channels and newspapers must issue them appointment letters, provide a fixed and reasonable salary, and stop firing them without prior notice. Ishtiyaq Mir, a protesting journalist, said, "Several newspapers and channels in the area have been treating journalists wrongly. In the name of employment, they have been pushing us towards economic hardships. They have been firing us daily, without giving any adequate notice." He added that "no letters are issued to journalists at the start of their employment and neither there is no assurance of timely salaries." Talking about the ongoing issue Mir added that "despite the presence of minimum salary laws in POK, under which we must be paid PKR 32000. It is shameful that any such law is not being followed by our employers." Another employed journalist, Tahir Farooqui raised the issue of the economic condition of journalists in the area. "Whenever, fellow journalists are fired without any warning, our self-respect is hurt, and the only source of revenue generation comes under danger," he said. Farooqui further added that "several of our journalist friends have fallen ill because of mental tension or pressure, and several of them have passed away. Many of us are now unemployed and have no other source to feed our families. And many of us are not even assured that the organization that we are working within the morning will keep us till the day's end. This has caused them to compromise the principles and ethics of journalism. And they are forced to surrender their morals to avoid economic losses". The journalists also demanded that Pakistan's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and other concerned departments provide them with their basic rights. (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], February 6 (ANI): Police officers from Sri Lanka visited the Delhi Police training centre on Monday and engaged in an insightful interaction with the local officers to understand the functioning of the system. A discussion ensued between the Sri Lankan delegation and Delhi Police officials, delving into the intricacies of the police functions in India. Also Read | UK: King Charles III Diagnosed With 'Form of Cancer', Says Buckingham Palace. During their visit to the Specialized Training Centre at Rajinder Nagar, Chhaya Sharma, Special Commissioner of Police (Training) extended a warm welcome to the delegation. The senior officer provided insights into the operations of different districts and units of Delhi Police, emphasizing the significance of training within the force. Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells Israeli Soldiers 'No Substitute for Total Victory'. Uma Shankar, Deputy Director (Training) at Delhi Police Academy, further interacted with the Sri Lankan delegation, providing a detailed overview of the organizational structure and the training programmes for female officers at various campuses. The delegation was also shown movies related to police and the historical evolution of policing. In a related development, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People's Power (NPP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Sri Lanka, on Monday in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed Sri Lanka's economic challenges and the way forward. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared on X, "Pleased to meet @anuradisanayake, leader of the NPP and JVP of Sri Lanka, this morning." He continued, "A good discussion on our bilateral relationship and the mutual benefits of its further deepening. Also spoke about Sri Lanka's economic challenges and the path ahead." The EAM added, "India, with its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, will always be a reliable friend and trusted partner of Sri Lanka." (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, February 6: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday approved a fund of Rs 2,248.94 crore for the construction of the Lada-Sarli section of NH-913 Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh on EPC mode, spanning 105.59 km across packages 1, 2, 3 & 6. The minister said that this vital greenfield project, dedicated to providing swift communication network for the security forces, is poised to stimulate economic activities, and foster reverse migration towards the vibrant border areas. Arunachal Pradesh: Pema Khandus Cabinet Gives Nod to Formation of Two New Districts for Ease of Administration. Additionally, it will establish essential road infrastructure, connecting crucial river basins and facilitating the development of numerous hydropower projects in the state, he added. Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu Visits Uttar Pradsh, Offers Prayers at Ram Temple Along With Cabinet Colleagues (See Pics and Video). Gadkari also said that this new road holds promise for tourism, catering to the sparsely-populated areas of upper Arunachal, and anticipating increased traffic in the future. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2024 05:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, February 6: The government on Tuesday informed Parliament that Google has suspended or removed more than 2,200 fraudulent loan apps from its Play Store between September 2022 and August 2023. The government is constantly engaged with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other regulators and stakeholders concerned to control fraudulent loan apps, Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat K Karad said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. Google Bans Fake Loan Apps: List of 17 SpyLoan Apps Removed From Play Store, Know How To Protect Yourself Against Malicious Applications. "As per the information received from MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), during April 2021-July 2022, Google had reviewed approximately 3,500 to 4,000 loan apps and suspended/removed over 2,500 loan apps from its Play Store," he said. Similarly, he said, during September 2022-August 2023, over 2,200 loan apps were removed from the Google Play Store. "Further, Google has updated its policy regarding enforcement of loan apps on the Play Store and only those apps are allowed on the Play Store which are published by Regulated Entities (REs) or those working in partnership with REs. It has also deployed additional policy requirements with strict enforcement actions for loan apps in India," he said. Google Has Suspended 2,500 Fraudulent Loan Apps From Its Play Store: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Reserve Bank has issued regulatory guidelines on digital lending, which aims at firming up the regulatory framework for digital lending, while enhancing customer protection and making the digital lending ecosystem safe and sound, he said. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been proactively analysing the digital lending apps on a continuous basis, he said. In order to facilitate the citizens to report cyber incidents, including illegal loan apps, he said, MHA has launched a National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) as well as a National Cybercrime Helpline number '1930'. To spread awareness against cybercrimes, he said, the government has been taking various initiatives from time to time which include cyber safety tips through social media accounts, publishing of handbook for adolescents/students, publishing of 'Information Security Best practices' for the benefit of government officials, organising cyber safety and security awareness weeks in association with states/Union Territories etc. In addition to these, he said, RBI and banks have also been taking cybercrime awareness campaigns through dissemination of messages on cybercrime through SMS (Short Messaging Service), radio campaigns, and publicity on prevention of 'cybercrime'. Further, RBI has been conducting electronic banking awareness and training (e-BAAT) programmes, which focus on awareness about frauds and risk mitigation, he said. In a reply to another question, Karad said, JanSamarth Portal was launched to provide a common platform for availing loans under credit-linked government schemes. A total of 1,83,903 beneficiaries have availed loans under the said schemes linked to the JanSamarth portal since its launch till December 2023, he said. Karad, in a separate reply, said 7.25 cases of fraud related to UPI were reported during 2022-23. The amount involved in these fraud cases was Rs 573 crore. Ahmedabad, February 6: Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari has become embroiled in a fresh controversy as the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against him in Kutch, Gujarat. This was the second FIR lodged against Azhari in Gujarat. Following his arrest on February 4, Azhari was interrogated by the ATS before being handed over to the Junagadh Police for further investigation. The Junagadh Police presented Azhari before the court, seeking a 10-day remand to probe the allegations against him. The court's decision regarding the remand request is awaited. The catalyst for Azhari's arrest was a viral video that showed him delivering a speech on January 31 that was deemed inflammatory. The Gujarat ATS detained Azhari in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, in response to a complaint filed by the Junagadh Police. Mufti Salman Azhari Hate Speech Case: Gujarat ATS Brings Islamic Preacher to Its Office in Ahmedabad From Mumbai (Watch Video) Amidst these legal proceedings, Azhari addressed his supporters at the Ghatkopar police station, urging calm and asserting his cooperation with the authorities. Wahid Sheikh, Azhari's lawyer, raised concerns about the lack of transparency during the polices initial visit to question Azhari. Sheikh said Azhari cooperated with the police and the lawyer highlighted a communication gap on the part of the authorities regarding the details of the case. Mufti Salman Azhari Hate Speech Case: Three Held For Staging Protest Outside Ghatkopar Police Station Against Preachers Arrest In a related incident, Junagadh police arrested two individuals in connection with a video that showcased inflammatory remarks, believed to be made by Azhari. Officials confirmed the police's ongoing efforts to apprehend Azhari, a Mumbai resident. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2024 08:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Kolkata, February 6: Two men have been arrested for allegedly raping a woman tourist and assaulting her male friend in a forest near Digha, a popular beach town in West Bengals East Midnapore district, on February 3. A case has been registered against the accused duo under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC0. According to an India Today report, the woman and her friend, both residents of the Mahisadal area in the same district, were looking for a hotel when the accused offered to help them find cheap accommodation. They lured the couple to their motorbikes and drove them to a secluded spot where they robbed them of their valuables and then raped the woman. They also tied the man to a tree and beat him up until he lost consciousness. West Bengal Shocker: Man Arrested for Raping Minor, Sharing Video of Heinous Act With Victims Mother in Durgapur. Woman Dragged to Forest, Raped The next morning, the woman managed to get help from some locals and reached the Digha police station, where she filed a complaint. The police launched a search operation and nabbed the two accused within four hours. They were booked under sections 376 (rape), 379 (theft) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The accused were produced before the Kanthi sub-divisional court on Monday, where the judge ordered a test identification parade and remanded them to judicial custody for 14 days. The victim also recorded her statement in court. West Bengal Shocker: Minor Rape Victim Sets Herself on Fire in Murshidabad, Dies; Accused Absconding. Uproar After Incident The victims brother demanded strict punishment for the culprits and said his sister showed courage to come forward. He said this was not the first time such a heinous crime had happened in the busy tourist spot of West Bengal. The incident sparked outrage among the opposition parties in the state, who slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress for the deteriorating law and order situation. BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said the system has collapsed and the state government had failed to protect the women. The BJP womens wing also announced a protest at the state assembly during the upcoming budget session. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2024 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). There was major ruckus in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday after Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay turned down the Adjournment Motion brought by BJP legislators seeking a discussion on recent CAG findings that dont reflect well on the state government. Pune, February 6: Unidentified men allegedly stole the control unit of an electronic voting machine (EVM) and some stationery from the office of a revenue official in Maharashtra's Pune district, police said on Tuesday. A CCTV footage of the theft has surfaced on social media. Madhya Pradesh: Congress MLA Phool Singh Smears Black Ink on Poster Showing EVM, Blackens His Face Outside Raj Bhavan (Watch Video) EVM Machine Theft in Pune The incident occurred at the office of a tehsildar in Saswad on February 3, an official said. "The control unit of an EVM machine and some paper reels were stolen. We have deployed teams to nab the three men involved in the theft," Superintendent of Police Pune Rural Pankaj Deshmukh said. A case has been registered at Saswad police station, he said. There seems to be a nationwide outage affecting the banking industry as well as the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI. Many customers have complained that using UPI-enabled applications like Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, and others to make payments are not working. Users are mass reporting problems with UPI payments on the microblogging site X, indicating that the problem has been ongoing for some time. UPI Down: Social Media Flooded With Complaints as Users Unable to Make Payments. Online Payments Fail for UPI Users Breaking | Servers across major banks in India down. Unable to make payment through UPI through G-pay, Phone pay other apps. Customers of HDFC, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank, Kotak Mahindra complain online of 'server down' situation. pic.twitter.com/U4hCEhs5lt MUMBAI NEWS (@Mumbaikhabar9) February 6, 2024 Users Report Outage Across Several Bank Servers (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.) Geraldo Rivera may be getting a lot of attention for tweeting a half-nude selfie, but fans of the 70-year-old Fox News personality know that was a mere blip in a long and colorful career. Some might call it self-aggrandizement, others might question his journalism, but we prefer to think of Rivera as a giver, someone who puts others first in his never-ending effort to entertain and enlighten. Just pause to reflect on a few of his greatest moments: 1. The Capone vault. In 1986, Rivera promised viewers he would crack open a vault he believed belonged to Chicago crime boss Al Capone. But once inside, Rivera found nothing except some broken bottles. The mustachioed newsman claimed to have been humiliated by the anti-climactic find, but then had the last laugh when The Mystery of Al Capones Vault delivered the highest ratings ever for a syndicated special. Advertisement 2. The skinhead brawl. Rivera made national headlines again in 1988, when his talk show Geraldo featured a debate among white supremacists, black leaders and Jewish activists that included derogatory language. A chair-flinging brawl broke out on the set and Rivera wound up with a broken nose. Critics ripped him for leading a push toward trash TV, but strong ratings kept the show on the air until 1998. 3. The Trayvon Martin hoodie flap. Shortly after the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, Rivera claimed on Fox News that the Florida teens death may have been attributable to his fashion choice. I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martins death as [the shooter] George Zimmerman, Rivera declared. The comments stirred outrage, but Rivera refused to back down, later saying: I was right about the hoodie, wasnt I? 4. The Willowbrook documentary. Lest you think Rivera is just a clown, we offer this as counter-evidence, Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace, a 1972 documentary that exposes horrifying conditions at the Willowbrook State School for mentally challenged children in New York. Some of the disturbing images show naked and nearly naked children in an institutional setting. Rivera, then at WABC-TV in New York, ended up winning a Peabody for the film, which helped establish his reputation and led a few years later to a gig on ABCs 20/20. What do you think of Geraldo? ALSO: True Blood will be back for a seventh season Emmys 2013: Netflixs 14 nods still cant touch HBO, at 108 True Blood actor Robert Kazinsky talks genre, Pacific Rim role Advertisement Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT Today, one of the most important partners of Ukraine's defense industry as a supplier of military equipment is the German concern Rheinmetall, based in Dusseldorf. The concern promises to supply the Ukrainian army with a large amount of ammunition and armored vehicles this year and next year. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in a press release on the manufacturer's website . The concern summarized its progress and outlined plans for the future. Rheinmetall plans to supply Ukraine with ammunition of various calibers, armored vehicles, trucks, Leopard tanks and air defense systems. Ammunition Today, Rheinmetall is the only defense contractor capable of supplying the Ukrainian military with a large number of new medium and large caliber ammunition, including 20 mm for Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 40 mm and 105 mm for Leopard 1 and 120 mm for Leopard 2. Last year, Rheinmetall also supplied the Ukrainian Armed Forces with 40,000 rounds of 35 mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the German concern is an important strategic partner of Ukraine in the supply of 155-mm artillery ammunition. Rheinmetall plans to supply tens of thousands of these shells this year. In addition to Germany, another NATO member state has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply Ukraine with a large number of 155-mm ammunition. These rounds will be produced by Rheinmetall's Spanish manufacturer Expal Munitions and delivered to Ukraine in 2025. Marder infantry fighting vehicle By the end of 2023, Rheinmetall had supplied more than 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. Further deliveries in the "double-digit range" will take place in 2024. ADVERTISIMENT Leopard tanks Rheinmetall has signed a contract to supply 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine, as well as five armored recovery vehicles and two Leopard 1 tanks for training. Delivery is scheduled for 2024. On behalf of the governments of the Netherlands and Denmark, Rheinmetall is supplying 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. Two of these battle tanks have already been delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for training. The rest will be delivered this year. ADVERTISIMENT Skynex air defense system Rheinmetall's state-of-the-art Skynex system is designed for very close-range air defense operations where guided missiles are ineffective. Last year, the first Skynex system was delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The supply of Skynex systems will continue through 2024. The 35-mm ammunition developed by Rheinmetall for this particular air defense system is unique, as it cannot be defeated by electronic countermeasures, the company emphasizes. Skynex systems are installed on the new Rheinmetall HX trucks with a variable body. HX trucks Manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, HX trucks are among the most widely used military vehicles in the world, with a global reputation for durability, off-road mobility, ease of use and modularity that sets them apart from industry competitors. ADVERTISIMENT There are currently about 100 Rheinmetall trucks in operation in Ukraine, and recently another 26 brand new HX trucks were delivered directly from the factory. As reported by OBOZ.UA: German concern Rheinmetall has established a joint venture with the Ukrainian Defense Industry (formerly Ukroboronprom). The joint company will be engaged in the maintenance and repair of equipment that Ukraine has received from its partners. Rheinmetall will also 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 Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The death toll from rampant Chile wildfire has surged to at least 122 people, with hundreds still missing, according to authorities per Al Jazeera. President Gabriel Boric issued a grim warning, stating that casualties would likely rise significantly as fires continue to rage in the central region of Valparaiso. President Boric addressed the nation on Sunday, expressing grief over the devastating situation. "It is Chile as a whole that suffers and mourns our dead," Boric said, emphasizing the widespread impact of the Chile wildfire while acknowledging the enormity of the tragedy. "We are facing a tragedy of very great magnitude," he added. Authorities reported many people missing in and around the popular beach resort of Vina del Mar, one of the areas most severely affected. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency on Friday, underscoring the severity of the crisis. He pledged support for those grappling with the aftermath, stating, "We are together, all of us, fighting the emergency. The priority is to save lives." READ NEXT: Chile Forest Fires Take 99 Lives Chile Wildfire: Vina del Mar's Devastation Vina del Mar's Mayor Macarena Ripamonti revealed that at least 370 people were reported missing in the city, which has around 300,000 residents, AP reports. The fires particularly ravaged neighborhoods perched precariously on mountains to the east of Vina del Mar, a popular beach resort known for its annual international music festival. Officials raised concerns that some wildfires around Vina del Mar may have been intentionally provoked. Dry weather, strong winds, and low humidity exacerbated the fire's rapid spread. The affected regions, including Santiago, are now utilizing schools and public buildings as depots for donations of water, food, candles, and shovels. Police in Vina del Mar and nearby towns have urged unaffected residents to stay at home to facilitate the movement of rescue crews. Hundreds of affected individuals returned to their homes on Monday, sifting through debris. Many expressed a preference to stay near their homes to prevent looting and safeguard what remains of their belongings. Ongoing Fires and Climate Factors Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve reported 165 active fires on Sunday, up from 154 the previous day, Reuters noted. Hardest-hit regions are under curfew, and the military has been deployed to aid firefighters. Monsalve expressed hope that slightly lower temperatures and cloud cover might assist firefighting efforts in the coming days. Authorities are investigating the potential intentional start of fires, and the Chilean investigative police force (PDI) is actively involved in the inquiry. The region, facing a severe heatwave, is also grappling with the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon, contributing to extreme weather conditions. Jesica Barrios, who lost her home in Vina del Mar, described the rapid escalation of the fire. "The fire reached the botanical park, and then, in ten minutes, it was already on us. There was smoke, the sky turned black, everything was dark. The wind felt like a hurricane. It was like being in hell," she said. The situation remains critical as rescue efforts intensify and Chileans mourn the lives lost in this catastrophic Chile wildfire. READ MORE: Maui Island Fire Kills 6 This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Deadly wildfires burn across Chile - From ABC News US rapper Killer Mike, born Michael Render, downplayed his recent detention at the 2024 Grammys, calling it "a speed bump" on a triumphant night where he clinched three major rap categories, according to BBC. Despite a brief encounter with law enforcement, the 48-year-old artist remained upbeat, emphasizing that the incident did not overshadow the celebratory occasion. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Killer Mike's detainment, citing a physical altercation within the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. The rapper, recognized by his real name, faced a misdemeanor battery charge, subsequently being released with a court appearance scheduled later this month. In his initial comments after release, Killer Mike shared, "We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party, man. We partied all night. Ain't nothing had happened, man. But we are winners. That's it," addressing an Atlanta-based radio show on Monday. Attributing the incident to "overzealous security," Killer Mike dismissed allegations of wrongdoing. Video footage depicted the Run the Jewels rapper being escorted by police officers from the arena, with onlookers reportedly chanting "Free Mike." READ NEXT: 2024 Grammys: Karol G Makes History Killer Mike Arrest: Security Guard Allegations and Denial A senior law enforcement source revealed that a female security guard accused Killer Mike of injuring her during a confrontation inside the Crypto.com Arena. The guard alleged that after the rapper's 2024 Grammys wins, he encountered her near an entrance, Rolling Stone reports. Requesting Render's tickets and directing him to a security checkpoint, the guard claimed he attempted to circumvent her, resulting in a push that caused her to fall, injuring her hand and fingers. In response, Killer Mike denied the allegations, describing the situation as confusion about which entrance to use. He expressed confidence in being cleared of any wrongdoing, asserting that the incident had been overblown. "As you can imagine, there was a lot going on, and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an over-zealous security guard, but my team and I have the utmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing," Render says. "The situation has been overblown, but we are confident that the facts of the case when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offense, and he will be exonerated," a source in the artist's camp added. Grammy Wins and Longstanding Career With a career spanning over two decades, Killer Mike's impact on the music industry has been significant, People noted. At the 2024 Grammys, he nearly swept all four rap categories, securing awards for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. Despite the controversy, Killer Mike expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. The rapper, known for his debut on Outkast's 2000 album Stankonia, has consistently spoken out about the challenges faced by hip-hop. In a candid interview with GQ in December, he highlighted the tendency to criticize hip-hop, considering it "low-hanging fruit." He urged a deeper understanding and appreciation for the genre's growth. In addition to his musical achievements, Killer Mike has been an outspoken activist for his community. During the riots following George Floyd's killing in May 2020, he delivered a tearful address, calling for strategic action and civic engagement to bring about positive change. In the aftermath of the 2024 Grammys incident, Killer Mike remains focused on his music and the broader issues affecting the hip-hop community, reiterating his commitment to both artistic expression and social advocacy. READ MORE: Grammy Awards: Over 17 Million People Tuned In to Historic Night for Women This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Killer Mike arrested by LAPD after altercation at the Grammy Awards - From ABC7 Because a border deal would have made his opponent for this year's presidential election look good, Donald Trump once again poured water against a Senate border compromise that would have given additional funding for border security in exchange for aid for Israel and Ukraine. During his latest tirade in an effort to pressure Republican senators to back out from the border deal they had originally wanted, the former president claimed it was a "great gift to the Democrats and a Death Wish for The Republican Party." Originally, the Senate border deal would have tightened "asylum standards and automatically shut down the southern border to illegal crossings if encounters reached a certain daily threshold," according to Politico. Instead, Trump is claiming, "Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill, which only gives Shutdown Authority after 5000 Encounters a day when we already have the right to CLOSE THE BORDER NOW, which must be done," even though the bill would have done so. Trump previously pledged to fight the bill "all the way" as he continued to bash the border deal. "As the leader of our party, there is zero chance I will support this horrible, open borders betrayal of America. It's not going to happen, and I'll fight it all the way," Trump previously said, beginning a pressure campaign against Senate Republicans who are working to make the happen. This was the very deal Trump and the senators have been wanting last year, as it included shutting down the border when the threshold is breached. However, he and his allies are now working to scuttle it because Joe Biden and the Democrats would have gained politically from the bill's passage. READ MORE: Donald Trump Prepared To Cry Foul and Repeat His Debunked Voter Fraud Claims Should He Lose Fox News Host Confronts Donald Trump Over Mistakes; He Struggles To Answer Them Meanwhile, as Trump is sabotaging his own party's agenda so his opponent can look bad, Trump was asked on Fox News, an outlet usually friendly to him, about his mistakes in hiring personnel to serve him. Fox News's Maria Bartiromo directly confronted him about this, asking, "Your critics say you had plenty of personnel mistakes," questioning Trump's claim of only hiring the "best people." "No, of course, but everybody does," the ex-POTUS deflected. "Obama had. What about Biden? Look at the people running this Biden thing. The difference is I fire people," in an effort to shift the blame on his bad personnel decisions to the Democrats. However, Bartiromo pressed him, asking, "How do you know, if you get back in, you don't have a network of people around you working against you?" To this, Trump answered, "I will, and so will anybody else that gets in as a Republican, these people are sick, these are sick people." Joe Biden Derides Donald Trump in Scathing Speech Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, fresh off from winning South Carolina in a major landslide, took aim at his presumptive Republican rival in his victory speech, according to the Guardian. "In 2020, it was the voters of South Carolina who proved the pundits wrong, breathed new life into our campaign, and set us on the path to winning the presidency," Biden stated. "Now in 2024, the people of South Carolina have spoken again and I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the presidency again - and making Donald Trump a loser - again." 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: Trump and MAGA Allies Sabotage Border Deal, Sparking GOP Backlash, Infighting: A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers The bang-clang of an excavator tearing at steel and concrete echoed around Center City Bethlehem on Monday, as demolition continued on the Walnut Street Parking Garage. A few blocks away in its ground-floor offices at the North Street garage, the Bethlehem Parking Authority Board of Directors was holding a special meeting. The board without dissent approved a letter to the city council outlining its opposition to rebuilding another Walnut Street garage the same size as the one being torn down. A video of U.S. Rep. Susan Wild expressing dismay over having the Republican-leaning Carbon County added to the 7th Congressional District in 2022 has drawn criticism from Republican contenders running in the April 23 primary and led to an apology from the three-term lawmaker. The video is of a Zoom call featuring Wild and fellow Democrats U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, U.S. Rep. Chris DiLuzio and former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb. It is unclear when it occurred. Laois villagers that rely on old septic tanks despite the construction of a modern sewage pumping station, have been given a glimmer of hope for future growth. Ballybrittas next to the M7 Motorway has been described in the past by councillors as being prevented from job creation, over the lack of a public sewage system. The village is home to a Celtic tiger housing estate with a pumping station large enough to cater for the village, built by a developer to fulfil a council planning condition. However it was never connected due to a disagreement over costs. Now the village is being proposed for a major investment by Laois County Council to Uisce Eireann (Irish Water). Director of Services Simon Walton confirmed their application, speaking at the January council meeting. "The problem is that the pumping station has significant capacity. What's required is a collection network that would make all tanks redundant. Uisce Eireann is solely responsible to do this. There is a prioritised area programme. Ballyroan is the priority now, next is Ballybrittas. We assessed the need, from our perspective and we put forward Ballybrittas," Mr Walton said. He spoke in answer to concerns by Cllr PJ Kelly who said Ballybrittas residents are "afraid" to apply for the new 12,000 septic tank replacement grant. "In Ballybrittas people are afraid to have their tank inspected, if they don't get the full grant will they have to pay for an upgrade? In a lot of places there is no space for percolation. If they get a new tank, it will still fill and have to be emptied. "One tank flooded onto the Dublin road. People there are very embarrassed. They since put in a new tank and had to pay to get it emptied just three weeks later which is expensive," Cllr Kelly said. Back in 2018, Cllr Kelly's predecessor Cllr Tom Mulhall had described the problem. This is a serious issue for a number of years. Boderg Developments built 100 houses in Graigueavern. It is complete for the council to take in charge. The developers of a pumping station put it in to serve 300 houses. Houses in the older part of Ballybrittas have individual septic tanks. There was an agreement that the older part would be connected. This would save Irish Water money. There is potential for Ballybrittas, with land zoned, for more employment. We have to keep pushing this. Whatever the differences are, I want to see it brought to a close," he had said. The Government has introduced a new Domestic Wastewater Treatment System grant of up to 12,000. Householders must first ask for an inspection by the council and the tank must be found in need of replacement. "If there is a maintenance related issue, those costs are not eligible. This grant is for tanks that are broken, malfunctioning. It is solely for tanks that are contaminating the local water," Mr Walton further explained. A Laois Offaly TD has said that many rural residents are witnessing what amounts to an effective collapse in local health services. Independent Deputy Carol Nolan was speaking after a survey of 275 registered GPs nationwide conducted by the Irish Independent, revealed more than 50% of GPs cannot accept new patients. The survey also found that the situation was significantly worse in rural Ireland where more than two out of three GPs are not taking on new patients and some have waiting times of up to two weeks for an appointment. There is no doubt that right across the country, but particularly in rural communities we are watching the slow demise of health services, despite hundreds of millions being added to the national health budget every year, said Dep Nolan. This clearly points to what I have been saying for some years now; that there is a work and practice culture within the HSE and within the regulatory environment more broadly that is simply making it impossible to retain and attract staff. Many of the GPs speak about the cost of insurance, the cost of over-heads and dealing with an overly bureaucratic system that is taking them away from what should be their patient-centred role. Many of these things are within the gift of government to address, said Dep Nolan. What really alarms me is that these findings compound the already existing emergency with the provision of dental care. I know from my own engagement with the Irish Dental Association that children are waiting up to ten years for treatment and that last year 99,367 children had been seen under the school screening programme, which is less than half of those who were eligible. I am also aware that of the particularly severe shortage of dentists offering treatment to medical card holders for a number of years now. The Chief Officer of the HSEs Midlands Louth Meath Community Health Organisation, Des OFlynn, previously confirmed to me that the number of dentists registered to treat patients under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) scheme is 10 in Co Offaly and just one in Co Laois. All of this points to an extremely grim picture for rural health services of the most basic kind. This is a national health emergency, and it is time the government started treating it as such, concluded Dep Nolan. A suspended sentence was imposed on a County Dublin man on Thursday, February 1 last for being in possession of crack cocaine. The verdict was made by substitute Judge Fiona Brennan at Naas District Court, in the case of one Thomas Hanrahan, with an address listed as 4 Kilmahuddrick Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The court was told that on February 21, 2019, the 31-year-old was seen residing in a car in Newbridge by gardai . He was charged in court on Section 3 and Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977. The first section relates to alleged simple possession, while the second section relates to alleged drug-dealing offences. Garda Detective Seamus Doyle said that the man was in the middle of a 'drug exchange' with the driver. He added that the driver was caught with 12 deal bags on his person, while Mr Hanrahan was caught with one deal bag. Defending barrister Sarah Connolly told the judge that her client pleaded guilty to the offence, and had previously 'been in the throes of drug addiction.' Barrister Sarah Connolly. File photograph. She also pointed out that the driver 'was more of the mastermind or ringleader of the operation,' and that he has since been dealt with separately by the courts. Ms Connolly added that her client has sought treatment for his addiction and has suffered 'significant' health problems as a result of his previous drug usage. Gardai told the court that Mr Hanrahan has 81 previous convictions, 75 of which are for road traffic offences, and has three for trespassing. He also has one previous conviction for simple possession of drugs. After consideration, Judge Brennan said that she noted Mr Hanrahans personal circumstances and also noted his number of previous convictions, in addition to his health issues. She imposed a three-month custodial sentence on Mr Hanrahan for the Section 15, to be suspended for 12 months. The judge said that she took the Section 3 offence into consideration as part of her verdict. Kildare TD and Ceann Comhairle of Dail Eireann, Sean O Fearghail TD, has expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the former Taoiseach John Bruton on his death today aged 76. The Ceann Comhairle said: I was saddened to learn of the passing of John Bruton and on behalf of the Houses of the Oireachtas pass on my deepest sympathies to his wife, Finola, children, Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sister Mary, and his brother and our colleague in Dail Eireann, Deputy Richard Bruton." Mr Bruton was born in Dublin on 18 May 1947 and was elected to the Dail to represent Meath in 1969. He was Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 when he led the Rainbow Coalition government of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left. He was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 31 January, 2001. He was re-elected to the Dail in May 2002 and resigned his seat on 31 October, 2004, and was appointed as the EU Ambassador to the United States the following month. The Ceann Comhairle added: John Bruton gave nearly four decades of dedicated service to the people of Ireland as a Member of the Dail from his first election in 1969 to his retirement in 2005. "As a TD, Minister and ultimately Taoiseach, John brought total commitment to democracy, absolute integrity to politics and dedication to public service. This will be his legacy. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. The hacker group Prana Network hacked the mail servers of the Iranian company IRGC Sahara Thunder. In this way, cyber specialists obtained data on the production of Shahed-136 attack drones for Russia, the negotiation process, and the cost of the drones. ADVERTISIMENT All the information was published on the ICNA website. The documents do not directly name the type of product, but all drones are codenamed "Dolphin 632 motorized boat". According to the data obtained, in 2022, Russia planned to produce 6000 Iranian drones within 2.5 years. Iran wanted 375 thousand dollars for one UAV. But in the end, Russia managed to bring down the price: - 193 thousand dollars for an order of 6000 units; - 290 thousand dollars for an order of 2000 units. Thetotal price of the production contract, including the transfer of technology, equipment, 6,000 UAV kits, and software, is $1 billion 750 million. Also, according to the documents, Russia paid for it at least partially in gold. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, Russia has launched the production of Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones. The invaders are promoting a modification of these Iranian jet-powered drones on the global arms market as their own development. The price for someone else's invention was set by the Russians at $ 1.4 million per drone. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - Radio technology expert Serhiy Beskrestnov said that the Russian terrorist army has once again changed the tactics of using Shahed-type kamikaze attack drones. In particular, the enemy is now more carefully considering UAV flight routes, which allows the invaders to bypass potential locations of mobile fire groups. - The United States has imposed sanctions on companies that supply materials and sensitive technologies for Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs. This includes Shahed UAVs, which Russian troops use to attack Ukrainian cities on a daily basis. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Health Service Executive (HSE) has commented on the reopened investigation into convicted rapist Emmanuel Adeniji. The Irish Independent reported on Sunday, February 4 last, that the HSE will resume an investigation into the alleged rape and abuse of nursing home residents by the former healthcare assistant. In 2020, Mr Adeniji, who lived in Royal Canal Court in Kilcock, was sentenced to serve 11 years in jail for the rape of a nursing home resident during the Covid-19 lockdown. He is also also suspected of allegedly abusing 21 other women at the HSE-run community nursing home. When asked to comment on the reopened investigation by the Leinster Leader, a spokesperson for the HSE said: "The HSE is currently undertaking the preparatory work necessary for the next phase of the file review as recommended by Jackie McIlroy in her review published in 2023. "In parallel, the team established to support residents and their families is continuing to provide support to those people." The spokesperson added that work underway currently includes: tendering for the external expert support necessary to undertake the file review, going through the file retrieval process, and ensuring the appropriate legal framework is in place to support this work including managing issues relating to probate and appropriate next-of-kin identification. They continued: "This preparatory work is complex and time-consuming... We expect it to be completed in the coming weeks, and the process of reviewing identified files will then begin. "The will and preference of the relevant person will be central to this work and we will engage with residents and/ or next of kin as appropriate throughout this process." "Separately, Jackie McIlroy has completed her report on the safeguarding process and this is currently being considered by the CEO with a number of other stakeholders," the spokeperson concluded. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact: One in Four (oneinfour.ie), the Rape Crisis Helpline (1800-778888), the Samaritans (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) and HSE counselling services (1800-235234). In addition, if you have been affected by elder abuse or if you suspect someone you know may be the victim of elder abuse, you can visit the official Citizens Information website. A new hospital injury unit has opened in Naas. The announcement was made by Naas Hospital and the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group. It will be located at Vista Primary Care, Ballymore Road. It is a pilot project, funded by the HSEs winter plan. People from Kildare and West Wicklow from the age of 16 and will now be able to attend the unit seven days a week: Monday to Sunday from 10am 8pm (including bank holidays). It opened on January 29 for an initial six week period. Read more Kildare news Patients can walk-in to this public service for a fee of 75, which is less than the 100.00 fee charged if they were to attend an emergency department. There is no charge for patients who have a medical card or who have a referral letter from their general practice, KDoc or from the ED. the HSE said in a statement. It added that waiting times for patients who attend injury units are significantly less than those who may have to wait in busy EDs while more acutely ill patients are triaged as a priority. According to the HSE the average time to be seen and discharged in an injury unit is under two hours. A broad spectrum of issues will be dealt with including broken bones, sprains and strains, from knees to toes; broken bones, sprains and strains, from collarbone to fingertips; minor facial injuries (including oral, dental and nasal injuries); minor scalds and burns; wounds, bites, cuts, grazes and scalp lacerations (cuts); small abscesses and boils; splinters and fish hooks; objects stuck in eyes, ears or nose; minor head injuries (fully conscious patients, who did not have a loss of consciousness or vomit after the head injury). The unit also provides full imaging and x-ray facilities in order for patients to be fully diagnosed and treated onsite. Naas Hospital Manager Kieran McDonald said: We are delighted with this pilot service development and extension to our hospital services and more importantly for our patients presenting with minor injuries who previously found themselves waiting for longer periods of time in the ED. The new unit is a walk-in service with no referral necessary and full diagnostics are available on site. The development of an injury unit will also benefit our ED staff who continue to provide a valued emergency service to our patients. 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. Efforts to recruit gardai are quite strong as the current drive to boost numbers in the force is due to come to a close this week. This is the third year in a row that an annual Garda recruitment drive has been carried out as the Government pushes to increase numbers in the force. Ads in newspapers, on television and on social media have taken place to push recruitment with efforts being made to target Irish people living in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The last campaign, which closed in April 2023, received approximately 5,000 applications and at the end of 2023 there were 13,998 gardai in the service more than 1,000 below the Governments target of 15,000. Superintendent Liam Geraghty, of the Garda Press Office, said the current recruitment drive is quite strong and that they intend to continue to carry out recruitment drives every year. Speaking to reporters at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, for a media day, he said they had seen good evidence that people are choosing to become gardai. Supt Geraghty said: At the end of the year, we had just under 14,000 guards in the organisation. Yes the number of retirements has increased, but in addition to us going out there trying to recruit into An Garda Siochana, lots of different companies in the private sector and in the public sector are also recruiting. But we see good evidence that people are coming and choosing An Garda Siochana to have a career of choice. Weve seen teachers coming to us, doctors, medical students, we have people coming back from Australia, Canada and the UK, and from other police forces to come here to join An Garda Siochana because it is a job worth doing. The maximum age for applicants has been increased from 35 to 50 during this recruitment round in an effort to boost numbers. Supt Geraghty said that of those taking part in the fitness test on Tuesday as part of an open day for the media, one of the best performers on the bleep test was a 51-year-old man. He said that though there is a failure rate of around 30% on the fitness test, it is mostly among those aged under 30. He said: We had people last year and in 2022 who were 35 and 36, very, very young fit men who couldnt join us because of the age limit at 35. They can now come and join us and give 20-plus years of service to An Garda Siochana and to their country. People in the older age bracket come with an awful lot of life skills, common sense, knowledge and skills from the private sector that once they get past the probation stage in An Garda Siochana, might well stand to them in getting into detective units or scenes of crime units or economic crime units. Supt Geraghty said there are a lot of rumours and myths around about the Garda fitness test. Its a basic fitness test that we would expect anyone who wants to become a member should be able to pass the test, he said. There is a basic level of fitness needed (for somebody) coming to do what is an outdoor operational job. You will be required for long tours of duty even just standing on your feet, maybe as we saw yesterday in relation to protest marches, you will be on the beat for long periods of time, and yes there will be occasions where you will be required to run after a criminal or run to help somebody who might be in difficulty. Sinead Roche, who began at the Garda College at the end of July, was among those taking part in the fitness test on Tuesday. The 24-year-old former SNA and personal trainer advised people to keep doing sit-ups and push-ups, and to extend their runs in preparation for the bleep test. She said: For the bleep test, even extend the runs. I know the bleep test is only a 20-metre shuttle run, but to extend them so maybe a fast 500 metres or a fast 1km and just to keep it up. Asked why she wants to become a guard, Ms Roche said: I think the mental side of the job and the physicality of it, its always something Ive wanted to do and they always say no day is the same. The deadline for this recruitment drive ends at 3pm on Thursday February 8. Sean Haughey, the son of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, has announced he will not contest the next general election. The Dublin Bay South TD said he informed the Fianna Fail organisation in his constituency on Tuesday evening. Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin paid tribute to Mr Haughey as a man of great integrity and a fine parliamentarian. Mr Haughey has served as a councillor, Dublins Lord Mayor, a senator, a TD and a junior minister for education. He said in a statement on Tuesday: Having devoted all my adult life to public service, I have come to the view that now is the right time for me to step down from frontline politics. Following my first election to Dublin City Council in 1985, it was a tremendous honour to go on to serve as a senator, a Dail deputy, a minister of state, and as Lord Mayor of Dublin. I am extremely grateful to my constituents for their loyal support down through the years and wish to thank them for the trust they placed in me to be their representative in Dail Eireann. Over the course of my time in politics, I found it enormously fulfilling to be able to give advice and assistance to hundreds of individuals, groups and organisations in helping them secure the benefits and services to which they were entitled. I am also proud that I could carry on a family tradition of public service in the constituency dating right back to the 1950s. I am deeply grateful to my wife Orla, my four adult children, my extended family, as well as the many loyal party members and lifelong friends for their unfailing help and encouragement in all my election campaigns. I remain fully committed to Fianna Fail as a democratic party, at the centre of Irish political life, advancing a caring social philosophy, and capable of resolving the many and varied problems that now we now face. Paying tribute to the TD, who is the partys spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Martin said he had demonstrated a deep commitment to the wellbeing of those he represents. Whether advocating for their needs in Dail Eireann, addressing their concerns, or working tirelessly to enact positive change, Sean has always placed the interests of his constituents at the forefront of his efforts. He possesses a deep understanding of the weight of the responsibility entrusted upon him and his dedication to serving his community has been unwavering. Sean fully recognises the importance of fostering understanding and co-operation on the international stage and has always maintained a deep interest in global affairs, particularly in the Middle East. His commitment to hard work and upholding strong European values has been central to his approach. It has been a great honour to work alongside him, and I would like to extended my sincere thanks and best wishes to Sean on my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fail organisation, as he embarks on a new chapter. Mr Haughey is the son of Charles Haughey and the grandson of Sean Lemass, both former taoisigh. He is the third politician from the Dublin Bay North constituency to announce they will not contest the next general election after Fine Gaels Richard Bruton announced he would step down and Labours Aodhan O Riordain announced his candidacy for the European Parliament elections in June. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has travelled to Washington to update US Congress members on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Mr Heaton-Harris will also use the trip to update US politicians on the implementation of the Governments controversial new Legacy Act. The powersharing institutions were restored on Saturday after a deal between the UK Government and the DUP to address unionist concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements, which included passing new legislation at Westminster. The newly formed Executive held its first meeting on Monday. Mr Heaton-Harris said he would use the trip to champion Northern Irelands economic potential as a great place to trade, invest, visit and study. He will also brief members of the State Department and the National Security Council, US businesses and the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement. He said: With the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored and working for the people of Northern Ireland, I am pleased to be updating our US stakeholders, whose steadfast support has been invaluable, at this important moment for Northern Ireland. This is an exciting time, with local, elected representatives in place at Stormont to help Northern Ireland realise its full potential as a fantastic place to live, work and invest. The Northern Ireland Secretary said he would discuss progress over the implementation of the Legacy Act. Laws enacted by the UK Government strive to provide a limited form of immunity to those accused of Troubles-related offences. He said: The UK Government remains absolutely committed to addressing the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This visit provides a timely opportunity to discuss these important matters, including progress in the implementation of the Legacy Act by the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, and in finalising the terms of reference for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry which we hope to announce shortly. I look forward to continuing to work with our US stakeholders to progress our shared commitment to transform Northern Ireland for the better. Ryanair has "sincerely and unreservedly apologised" to a quantity surveyor who claimed that he had been wrongly banned from flying with the airline. Eoin Michael Cahill sued the airline which he said had defamed him after it wrongly accused him of engaging in disruptive behaviour on a date earlier this year. At the High Court this Tuesday, the plaintiff said he neither travelled on a Ryanair flight nor was he present at Dublin Airport on the date in question. He also claimed that he had been defamed by Ryanair after it wrote to his employer informing it of the ban. On Tuesday, Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy was informed that Ryanair wished to apologise to Mr Cahill and that the flight ban that was "incorrectly imposed" on him "has been withdrawn." The airline said that Mr Cahill had been "mistakenly identified" as a disruptive passenger alleged to have been involved in an altercation with the airline's staff, which required the assistance of Airport Police, on January 2, last. Represented by Martin Hayden SC, Ryanair said it accepts that Mr Cahill was not this passenger, has offered to make amends to him and to correct the record with his employer. It has offered to write a letter stating that the (original) message it sent to Mr Cahill's employers was inaccurate and that all the allegations it made against the plaintiff were "fully withdrawn." It has also offered to pay Mr Cahill 10,000 in compensation plus his legal costs, as may be agreed. In his action Mr Cahill said he is employed by the Jones Engineering Group, and is currently working on a project in Copenhagen, Denmark and that the flights he takes between Denmark and Ireland are purchased by his employer. The court heard he was due to fly with Ryanair from Dublin to Copenhagen on January 2, but after extending his leave did not travel on that date. The following day (January 3) he claims he was defamed in an email sent to his employer by Ryanair's customer services. The email, he claimed, contained a false and untenable allegation that he was "disruptive" on his journey through Dublin Airport and that he was prohibited from flying with Ryanair again. He claimed that what had happened to him would have disastrous implications on his professional reputation, especially as has to travel to Denmark as part of his job. Represented by Paul O'Higgins SC, instructed by solicitor CW Ashe and Company, Mr Cahill brought proceedings seeking an injunction requiring Ryanair to correct the record with his employer, and to lift the travel ban placed on him. In his proceedings against both Ryanair DAC and Ryanair Holdings PLC, Mr Cahill, with an address at Carrigban, Killarney Road, Macroom, Co. Cork also sought damages, including aggravated damages for the alleged defamation. In correspondence with Mr Cahill, the airline also said that it had asked for time to complete an investigation into the allegations before seeking an injunction. It claimed that Mr Cahill had not given the airline ample time to fully investigate the matter, and disputed the plaintiff's claims that the matter was urgent. While it accepted Mr Cahill's annoyance and upset, the airline said that it takes the issue of disruptive passengers very seriously given the impact such incidents have on passengers and staff, Mr Cahill's lawyers rejected Ryanair's arguments and said that the airline has had ample time to address his complaints, but had failed to do so. Ryanair, they submitted, had known about his complaints about the ban and the message to his employer since early January, and had not addressed his concerns. After hearing arguments from both sides Mr Justice Mulcahy agreed that the airline had known about Mr Cahill's complaint for some time before it completed its investigation and said that the plaintiff was entitled to his legal costs of the injunction proceedings against the defendants. NUS research develop AI-powered 'eye' for visually impaired people to 'see' objects SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopping for groceries is a common activity for many of us, but for visually impaired people, identifying grocery items can be daunting. A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore's School of Computing (NUS Computing) introduced AiSee, an affordable wearable assistive device that helps people with visual impairment 'see' objects around them with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Individuals with visual impairment face daily hurdles, particularly with object identification which is crucial for both simple and complex decision-making. While breakthroughs in AI have dramatically improved visual recognition capabilities, real-world application of these advanced technologies remains challenging and error-prone. AiSee, which was first developed in 2018 and progressively upgraded over a span of five years, aims to overcome these limitations by leveraging state-of-the-art AI technologies. "With AiSee, our aim is to empower users with more natural interaction. By following a human-centred design process, we found reasons to question the typical approach of using glasses augmented with a camera. People with visual impairment may be reluctant to wear glasses to avoid stigmatisation. Therefore, we are proposing an alternative hardware that incorporates a discreet bone conduction headphone," said lead researcher of Project AiSee Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, who is from the Department of Information Systems and Analytics at NUS Computing. The user simply needs to hold an object and activate the in-built camera to capture an image of the object. With the help of AI, AiSee will identify the object, and it will also provide more information when queried by the user. How does AiSee work? AiSee comprises three key components: (1) The eye: Vision engine computer software AiSee incorporates a micro-camera that captures the user's field of view. This forms the software component of AiSee, also referred to as the 'vision engine computer'. The software is capable of extracting features such as text, logos, and labels from the captured image for processing. (2) The brain: AI-powered image processing unit and interactive Q&A system After the user snaps a photo of the object of interest, AiSee utilises sophisticated cloud-based AI algorithms to process and analyse the captured images to identify the object. The user can also ask a range of questions to find out more about the object. AiSee employs advanced text-to-speech and speech-to-text recognition and processing technology to identify objects and comprehend the user's queries. Powered by a large language model, AiSee excels in interactive question-and-answer exchanges, enabling the system to accurately comprehend and respond to the user's queries in a prompt and informative manner. Compared to most wearable assistive devices which require smartphone pairing, AiSee operates as a self-contained system that can function independently without the need for any additional devices. (3) The speaker: Bone conduction sound system The headphone of AiSee utilises bone conduction technology, which enables sound transmission through the bones of the skull. This ensures that individuals with visual impairment can effectively receive auditory information while still having access to external sounds, such as conversations or traffic noise. This is particularly vital for visually impaired people as environmental sounds provide essential information for decision-making, especially in situations involving safety considerations. "At present, visually impaired people in Singapore do not have access to assistive AI technology of this level of sophistication. Therefore, we believe that AiSee has the potential to empower visually impaired people to independently accomplish tasks that currently require assistance. Our next step is to make AiSee affordable and accessible to the masses. To achieve this, we are making further enhancements, including a more ergonomic design and a faster processing unit," explained Assoc Prof Nanayakkara. NUS student Mark Myres, who helped to test AiSee as a visually impaired user, commented, "A lot of time, assistive devices seem very targeted at totally blind people or visually impaired people. I think AiSee is a good balance. Both visually impaired and blind people could get a lot of benefits from this." User testing and further enhancements Assoc Prof Nanayakkara and his team are currently in discussions with SG Enable in Singapore to conduct user testing with persons with visual impairment. The findings will help to refine and improve AiSee's features and performance. In addition, B.P. De Silva Holdings Pte Ltd has made a generous gift of S$150,000 to support the project. BPH's decision to contribute towards the development of AiSee is rooted in its commitment to corporate social responsibility and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society with a broader mission of fostering inclusivity and accessibility. Its philanthropic endeavour also reflects its belief in the transformative power of technology to address societal challenges and create a more equitable and inclusive world. Ms Ku Geok Boon, Chief Executive Officer of SG Enable, said, "Innovative solutions enabled by assistive technologies can change the lives of persons with disabilities, whether in supporting them to live more independently or lowering barriers to employment. As the focal agency and sector enabler for disability and inclusion in Singapore, SG Enable is happy to work with partners like NUS and B.P. De Silva Holdings Pte Ltd to leverage technology to empower persons with disabilities." Beyond this project, SG Enable also seeks to collaborate with NUS to explore how AI, human-computer interface and assistive technology can give persons with disabilities more technological options. Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/ai-powered-eye-for-visually-impaired-people/ SOURCE National University of Singapore 5 february 2024 at 21:50 News published onand distributed by: "Eddid ONE USA": New Stock Trading App Debuts in the UK, USA, and Canada, Unlocking US Stock Market Opportunities for Global Investors HONG KONG , Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eddid Financial ("the Group") is proud to announce the international launch of its premier US stock trading application developed by the Group member Eddid Securities USA Inc., "Eddid ONE USA", cross the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Now available for download on Google Play and the App Store in these regions, the App offers local investors with a one-stop US stock trading experience designed to meet the demand for intelligent, efficient, and comprehensive trading tools. As the world's largest economy, the US stock market represents over 30% of the global market capitalization and is home to over ten thousand listed companies that are crucial to the global financial ecosystem. It remains a magnet for global investors. "Eddid ONE USA" is specifically tailored for U.S. stock trading, integrating features such as comprehensive search function, personalized watchlists, and real-time market data. This empowers clients effortlessly navigate the US stock market and capture every investment opportunity. Users can customize their stock tracking lists, monitor market movements at any time, and eligible customer can even access initial public offerings (IPOs). Rooted in Hong Kong with an office in New York, Eddid Financial has always been committed to expanding its international presence. Its subsidiaries hold multiple financial licenses in Hong Kong and the US. Over the past year, the Group has successfully orchestrated several US IPOs, significantly aiding a multitude of high-caliber companies in their journeys to go public on US exchanges. The introduction of "Eddid ONE USA" marks a pivotal expansion of the Group's service offerings, expanding its reach to cater a diverse clientele, including corporate, institutional, and individual clients, and further sharpening the Group's edge in the overseas market. Looking ahead, the Group will further leverage its advantages in financial technology, strive to boost the app's functionality, and commit to providing customers with more comprehensive, efficient, and secure financial services. Investment involves risks, trade with caution. SOURCE Eddid Financial 5 february 2024 at 22:03 News published onand distributed by: Main construction works commence at The EDGE, Business Bay, as Select Group awards the AED 655 million contract to Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) DUBAI, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Group, a leading real estate developer renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation, is pleased to announce that it has awarded Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) the 655 million Dirhams ($178.32m) contract for its sold-out development, The EDGE, Business Bay. A dual tower development designed by Killa Design, the mastermind designer behind Museum of the Future, The EDGE introduces an eclectic urban vibe to the city with its modern architecture and signature interior design of bold, contrasting colour palettes, complemented by state-of-the-art amenities and spectacular views. Boasting a prime location at the intersection of Downtown Dubai and Business Bay, The EDGE is a testament to modern living, reflecting Select Group's commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value in its real estate offerings. The development occupies an impressive built-up area of 1.423 million square feet, providing a combined total of 1,030 units across its two towers. "We are delighted to partner with Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) once again for the construction of The EDGE", said Rahail Aslam, founder and Group CEO at Select Group. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality and innovation, and we are confident that together we can deliver an exceptional development that surpasses industry standards." Following the completion of the enabling phase led by Pinnacle International Piling Foundation, Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) commenced primary construction works on January 25th, 2023, marking a pivotal stage in the project's progression, reinforcing Select Group's unwavering dedication to timely delivery at every stage of development. With a renowned reputation for delivering high-quality projects, Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) has been one of the region's most established and diverse contracting companies since 1975. With a track record of innovative and challenging projects, ECC will play a significant role in bringing the development to life. The awarded contract promises to set new benchmarks in architectural brilliance and quality craftsmanship, seamlessly aligning with the vision of Select Group. Mr Hatem Farah, Chairman of Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC), stated: "We are thrilled to have been selected as the construction partner for Select Group's project, The EDGE. Partnering with Select Group on this pioneering property development is a clear affirmation of our dedication to delivering excellence in construction. We aim to ensure that each project reflects our values and skills and contributes to advancing a more sustainable world." Anticipated for completion in Q4 2026, The partnership between Select Group and Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) cements the commitment to elevate The EDGE to new heights, delivering an exceptional residential experience and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Business Bay and Downtown cityscape. About Select Group: Based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Select Group is an award-winning real estate development and investment firm specialising in a selection of verticals, including real estate development, investments, hospitality, and retail. Select Group's development portfolio comprises over 20 million square feet of award-winning residential, commercial, hospitality and retail developments, delivering over 7,000 homes, with another 5,000 units in the pipeline, a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of over AED 20 billion. https://select-group.ae/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2332117/Select_Group.jpg 6 february 2024 at 00:00 News published onand distributed by: Russian occupants attacked Marhanets in Dnipropetrovs'k region again: they hit the peaceful Ukrainian town with an Iranian kamikaze drone. Two people were injured. ADVERTISIMENT Private houses and cars were also damaged as a result of the Shahed attack. The details were provided by the head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration, Serhiy Lysak. "Two people were wounded in Marhanets. These are the consequences of another attack on the city. The enemy used a kamikaze drone. A 50-year-old woman will be treated at home. A 63-year-old man is hospitalized in moderate condition," he noted. In addition, an enemy drone damaged four private houses and a car. ADVERTISIMENT According to Lysak, information about the damage is currently being investigated. Meanwhile, the Prosecutor General's Office announced the launch of a pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings over violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). "Prosecutors, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, are recording the consequences of the shelling," the statement said. ADVERTISIMENT Residents of Marhanets were warned about the threat of a Shahedi attack around 11:40. Soon after, the townspeople heard a loud explosion. "There is information about the victims. Russians are monsters who fight civilians! We are waiting for official information," wrote one of the city's publics at 12:26. Earlier it was reported that on February 5, Russians struck 302 times in Sumy region . One civilian was reported dead and several wounded. ADVERTISIMENT Also at night, the invaders fired missiles at Zolochiv in Kharkiv region, hitting a hotel . The attack killed a two-month-old baby and injured three other women, including the baby's mother. In addition, rescuers were looking for another person under the rubble. Microbix Unveils Test Control for Gastric Ulcer Disease Pathogen MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX: MBX, OTCQX: MBXBF, Microbix), a life sciences innovator, manufacturer, and exporter, announces that it is presenting results of a Quality Assessment Product ("QAPtm") for supporting the clinical use and accuracy of molecular ("MDx") tests for infection with Helicobacter pylori ("H. pylori"), the bacterial cause of stomach ulcers, at Labquality Days, a lab diagnostics conference taking place in Helsinki, Finland from February 8 to 10, 2024. H. pylori infection was discovered to be the cause of stomach (gastric) ulcers in the 1980's, in what became a Nobel Prize winning health discovery. The bacteria impact about half of the world's population and, due to untreated infections and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, poses serious health risks. It is difficult to culture this pathogen, leading to the use of MDx methods for rapid diagnosis. However, it has been a challenge to ensure accuracy and reliability of MDx testing for H. pylori infection, as existing liquid matrix test-controls have been found unstable and therefore especially unsuited to point-of-care tests. Labquality Days is an annual international congress focusing on quality in laboratory medicine and medical devices. It is sponsored by Labquality Oy, a well-established Scandinavian clinical-lab proficiency and accreditation authority that is a Microbix customer and collaborator (https://www.labquality.com). At Labquality Days, Microbix will present a poster titled " A New External Quality Assessment Program for Laboratories that Detect H. pylori and Antimicrobial Resistance Markers Using Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Methods. " The poster details the results of a collaboration with Labquality, within which Microbix developed highly-stable QAPs for H. pylori and Labquality created a pilot external quality assessment ("EQA") program, each to support labs running MDx tests for the pathogen. Microbix developed its H. pylori QAP to resemble patient specimens, support the whole testing process, and contain all possible MDx test targets ? stabilized and dessicated onto a Copan FLOQSwab to ensure stability at room temperature. The pilot EQA program confirmed the performance of these QAPs within 13 laboratories running seven different assays/platforms. These H. pylori QAPs are now being made available on a research-use-only (RUO) basis from Microbix as part of its PROCEEDxFLOQ catalogue of products. Pavel Zhelev, lead author of the poster and Microbix's Director of Product Management, commented, "Our growing catalogue of whole-genome and room-temperature stable FLOQSwab-formatted QAPs continue to demonstrate their ability to support quality management on a wide range of molecular assays and instrument platforms ? for validation, verification, and training, as external quality assessment samples, for lab QMS support, and as in-kit controls. We're pleased to now add a product to support both lab-based and point-of-care molecular diagnostic tests for infection with H. pylori." Purchase enquiries for these and all Microbix QAPs can be e-mailed to [email protected]. About Microbix Biosystems Inc. Microbix Biosystems Inc. creates proprietary biological products for human health, with over 100 skilled employees and annualized sales targeting C$ 2.0 million per month. It makes a wide range of critical ingredients and devices for the global diagnostics industry, notably antigens for immunoassays and its laboratory quality assessment products (QAPstm) that support clinical lab proficiency testing, enable assay development and validation, or help ensure the quality of clinical diagnostic workflows. Its antigens drive the antibody tests of approximately 100 diagnostics makers, while QAPs are sold to clinical lab accreditation organizations, diagnostics companies, and clinical labs. Microbix QAPs are now available in over 30 countries, supported by a network of international distributors. Microbix is ISO 9001 & 13485 accredited, U.S. FDA registered, Australian TGA registered, Health Canada establishment licensed, and provides CE marked products. Microbix also applies its biological expertise and infrastructure to develop other proprietary products and technologies, most notably viral transport medium (DxTMtm) to stabilize patient samples for lab-based molecular diagnostic testing and Kinlytic urokinase, a biologic thrombolytic drug used to treat blood clots. Microbix is traded on the TSX and OTCQX, and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Forward-Looking Information This news release includes "forward-looking information," as such term is defined in applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, discussion of Labquality or its conference, the Poster, the H. pylori QAPs, or their relevance, Microbix's or others' products or services, business and business results, goals or outlook, risks associated with financial results and stability, development projects such as those referenced in its presentations, regulatory compliance and approvals, sales to foreign jurisdictions, engineering and construction, production (including control over costs, quality, quantity or timeliness of delivery), currency exchange rates, maintaining adequate working capital or raising new capital on acceptable terms or at all, and other similar statements about anticipated future events, conditions or results that are not historical facts. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Microbix cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond its control. Accordingly, actual future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and represent Microbix's judgement as of the date of this new release, and it is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking information. Please visit https://microbix.com or www.sedar.com for recent Microbix news and filings. For further information, please contact Microbix at: Cameron Groome, CEO (905) 361-8910 Jim Currie, CFO (905) 361-8910 Deborah Honig, Investor Relations Adelaide Capital Markets (647) 203-8793 [email protected] Copyright 2024 Microbix Biosystems Inc. Microbix, DxTMtm, Kinlytic, PROCEEDx, and QAPstm are trademarks of Microbix Biosystems Inc. PROCEEDxFLOQ is a trademark of Microbix Biosystems Inc. in collaboration with Copan Italia S.p.A. Copan, FLOQ, and FLOQSwab are trademarks of Copan Italia S.p.A. Other companies' names and products are protected by their respective trademarks. 6 february 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Spearmint Energy Secures $47.5 Million Project Finance Term Loan from Manulife for Battery Energy Storage Project in ERCOT Spearmint Energy ("Spearmint" or the "Company"), a next-generation renewable energy company enabling the clean energy revolution through battery energy storage, today announced it has successfully closed a $47.5 million project finance term loan from Manulife, a global financial services provider. The term loan will support the commercial operation of Revolution, Spearmint's 150 MW, 300 MWh battery energy storage system ("BESS") project located in West Texas' ERCOT power market. Cory Magnuson, Chief Financial Officer of Spearmint, said, "We are proud to partner with Manulife, globally recognized for its strong track record of identifying key market leaders and providing capital with meaningful outcomes, for one of its first ever investments in standalone battery storage. Our successful closing of this loan amidst a highly competitive bidding process reflects Spearmint's leading position within Texas' fast-growing energy storage market as well as Revolution's success to date in supporting grid stability throughout ERCOT." Michael Switt, Vice President, Global Power & Infrastructure Debt, at Manulife, said, "We are excited to participate in Revolution's financing and support the deployment of grid-scale battery storage across ERCOT and the US broadly. Spearmint has distinguished itself from peers through its efficient operation, innovative approach, and diversified pipeline in key energy markets, and we look forward to the long-term positive impact our investment will have on enabling the renewable energy transition in the United States." The close of the project finance term loan follows the successful completion and launch of commercial operations of Revolution announced earlier this year, as well as Spearmint's prior securing of $92 million in tax equity financing from Greenprint Capital Management as well as $200 million in term loan financing from Aiga Capital Partners and Nuveen. Javelin Capital supported Spearmint as financial advisor on the transaction and Paul Hastings LLP served as legal counsel to Spearmint. The Paul Hastings team included partners Luis F. Gomar and Jason H. Busch with assistance from Elena Rodriguez and Vanessa Parada. Manulife was supported on the transaction by Day Pitney LLP as legal counsel. The Day Pitney team included partner Paul Belval with assistance from Samantha M. Regan, Gemma R. Cashman and Sarah Thompson. About Spearmint Energy Spearmint is a next generation renewable energy company enabling the clean energy revolution through battery energy storage. The Spearmint platform is comprised of three distinct strategies, including battery and solar project development, energy storage offtake, and renewables power trading. For more information, please visit: https://www.spearmintenergy.com/ About Manulife Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2022, we had more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 34 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com. 6 february 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: IONIX ??Completes $42M Financing Round to Expand Threat Exposure Management Across the Entire Attack Surface IONIX, a leader in Attack Surface Management (ASM), today announced it has completed its $42 million A Round financing by securing $15 million in additional funding from new investors Maor Investments along with participation from existing investors Hyperwise Ventures, Team8 and U.S. Venture Partners (USVP). Total funding to date is $50.3 million. In addition, cyber veteran Chad Kinzelberg will be joining IONIX's Board of Directors. IONIX will use the funds to accelerate go-to-market activities, development of its product roadmap and to expand the Threat Exposure Management capabilities of its industry-leading Attack Surface Management solution. This will further advance the company's platform and give enterprises a unified view of critical exposures from the complete enterprise attack surface across cloud, on-premises, SaaS and digital supply chains. "Security leaders at global companies recognize that more digital assets mean more security risks, and it's impossible to fix everything," said Marc Gaffan, CEO of IONIX. "Our mission is to give them the widest possible view of their attack surface looking from the outside in, like an attacker would. Then we focus on their critical exposures to help them effectively prioritize. The strong market uptake we have experienced underscores both the important nature of this problem and the value our solution brings to our customers." Using the IONIX platform, security teams can visualize and prioritize hundreds of attack surface threats ? even deep into their digital supply chains ? into a manageable set of specific, actionable insights. One-click workflows enable clear next steps, greatly simplifying and accelerating remediation, while also improving cost and efficiency for security teams. Customers of IONIX discover up to 50% more assets and greatly reduce MTTR (Mean Time to Resolution) of threats. The company's new board member Chad Kinzelberg has extensive experience in cybersecurity. He was senior vice president of Corporate and Business Development at Palo Alto Networks from pre-IPO to 2018. Previous roles at Verisign's cybersecurity business and as CEO of Santa Cruz Networks make him an ideal candidate to help support IONIX's success. "The Attack Surface Management market holds immense potential, and I see IONIX as an innovator within it. As ASM shifts from niche to mainstream, IONIX is leading the next generation by focusing on what customers really need ? advancing from simple asset discovery to exploitability-based prioritization ? using proprietary technologies like their ?Connective Intelligence'," said Kinzelberg. "I have a lot of confidence in the product, the team and the market opportunity." Learn more about IONIX continuous Threat Exposure Management online. About IONIX IONIX - a leader in attack surface management - uses Connective Intelligence to shine a spotlight on exploitable risks across the entire attack surface ? including its digital supply chain. Only IONIX monitors every internet-facing asset and connection, delivers laser focus into the most important risks to your business, and provides recommendations to rapidly remediate exploitable threats and reduce attack surface risk. Global leaders including Lexmark, Warner Music Group, Infosys, The Telegraph and E. ON depend on IONIX's machine learning-powered discovery engine, contextual risk assessment and prioritization, and end-to-end remediation workflows to go on the offensive in managing their complex and ever-changing attack surfaces. www.ionix.io About Maor Investments Maor Investments is a Luxembourg-based venture capital fund that exclusively invests in Israeli Technology companies. Maor's mission is to build a business bridge between Israeli startups that want to penetrate the European market and European companies that want to leverage Israeli technology and bolster innovation. With close to $300m AUM across two flagship funds, and a total of 22 investments made to date, Maor has become a leading growth investor in the Israeli tech ecosystem. Notable investments include companies such as Aidoc, Coralogix, WSC Sports, Silverfort, Medigate and Minute Media. For more information, visit https://maorinvestments.com/ 6 february 2024 at 08:10 News published onand distributed by: Research Finds America's Biggest Cities Are Holding on to Reminders of Ex Lovers, But Toilet Paper Brand Who Gives A Crap Offers a Way to Flush Them for Good This Valentine's Day, eco-friendly toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap has uncovered the post-heartbreak habits of Americans in the Top 10 most populous cities, revealing that more than 63% of people hold on to relationship relics after a breakup. With the study revealing 7-in-10 agree that physically removing reminders of their ex-partner helps them move on, Who Gives A Crap is offering the heartbroken a chance to relieve themselves of the past and "flush" their exes to find the perfect closure in time for Valentine's Day. The Flush Your Ex initiative invites the public to send in old love letters and cards which will then be turned into the brand's sustainable, 100% recycled toilet paper that supports the reduction of deforestation. With it, the brand provides a cathartic way to dispose of mementos ahead of a holiday that can pull at the heartstrings and leave the brokenhearted ruminating on the past. Who Gives A Crap surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and Austin, who are either currently single or have entered a relationship in the last six months and found that, despite the belief in the benefits of discarding keepsakes, almost one-third (29%) have held onto items for more than one year. Some cities proved to be more nostalgic than others, with one in five (17%) Chicagoans admitting to keeping relationship relics for more than three years, more than any other city and almost twice the number of Angelenos (9%). More than any other city, San Diegans are most likely (24%) to hold onto love letters or cards, compared to items like photos, gifts or jewellery. It is no surprise that there could be consequences to holding onto those reminders, as almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents believe that keeping items from past relationships can impact future ones. In fact, 41% of respondents expect a partner to dispose of old letters and notes from their ex with no questions asked. About half (49%) of respondents in Houston, more than any other city, expect a new partner to dump those mementos. Flush Your Ex offers an alternative to simply tossing keepsakes in the trash, the method 40% of respondents have used in the past. Fourteen percent have burned old letters and photos as a symbolic way to move on. By turning their cursed correspondence into 100% recycled toilet paper, jilted exes can put heartbreak to the good use of helping the planet while healing their hearts, all while knowing someone somewhere will wipe their bum with those sweet nothings. This initiative has never been so important, as 42% of respondents experienced heartbreak in 2023. The younger generations had the worst of it, 51% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials reporting a wounded heart. And everything really is bigger in Texas, including heartbreak. San Antonio (53%), Houston (49%) and Dallas (47%) showed out as the top 3 brokenhearted cities. Who Gives A Crap Head of Brand Management Maria Chilewicz is hopeful the Flush Your Ex initiative will give people the closure they need to move on. "We know breakups aren't easy, but we know finding a way to laugh can soften the blow. By bringing back our Flush Your Ex initiative for a second year, we hope we can help the heartbroken roll into a happier Valentine's Day ? all while doing something good for the planet with our 100% recycled toilet paper." Those looking to flush their ex can visit flushyourex.whogivesacrap.org to find out where to send their love letters, notes, and cards. Notes to editors: This random double-opt-in survey was composed of 2,000 U.S. adults, 100 men + 100 women who are either currently single or have recently gotten into a relationship in the last 6 months in each of the TOP 10 US Cities by population: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and Austin. It was commissioned by Who Gives A Crap between Jan 11 and Jan 26, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR). Full research is available on request. About Who Gives A Crap Who Gives A Crap is a B Corptm certified business, recognised for the highest levels of environmental and social impact. All of their products are plastic-free, made with sustainable materials and delivered to nearly 40 countries with complimentary carbon-neutral shipping. The business launched in 2012 when co-founders Simon Griffiths, Danny Alexander and Jehan Ratnatunga learnt that billions of people do not have access to a toilet. From the beginning, the company has donated 50% of its profits to clean water and sanitation non-profits worldwide. To date, Who Gives A Crap has donated over AU$11 million to partners around the world that work with local communities to improve access to water, toilets and hygiene solutions. The company strives to continually reduce its environmental footprint whilst helping billions of people in need. 6 february 2024 at 09:10 News published onand distributed by: ClearGen and King Energy Join Forces to Power Solar Progress in Multi-Tenant Real Estate ClearGen LLC, a prominent provider of flexible capital to development partners in the clean energy sector, and King Energy, an innovative leader in delivering commercial-scale solar energy solutions for multi-tenant properties, are pleased to announce an industry-leading collaboration. In this transformative partnership, ClearGen has committed over $150 million to fund King Energy's ongoing solar projects. Unlocking Solar Potential: A Win-Win Collaboration King Energy's proven business model brings benefits to all stakeholders. Real estate owners receive rent for their rooftops, while tenants and common areas enjoy clean power at discounted rates. Leveraging ClearGen' s partnership, King Energy's projects eliminate the need for upfront funding from property owners or tenants. Utilizing King Energy's proprietary billing software, OneBill, the benefit of solar energy is provided to tenants, often small business owners, at significant cost savings. This unique model not only generates a new revenue stream for property owners, enhancing long-term property value, but also delivers cost savings crucial to the local economy. King Energy's commitment to provide sustainable, locally generated energy contributes to environmental conservation and economic vitality. Strategic Advancements in Renewable Energy: ClearGen's Vision ClearGen views this collaboration as a strategic move to advance its presence in the renewable energy sector. Rob Howard, CEO of ClearGen, remarked, "At ClearGen, we are more than financiers; we are catalysts for growth. Empowering partners with efficient capital to source new customers and aggressively grow their business is our goal. King Energy's ability to overcome historical challenges in multi-tenant assets showcases their market leadership. We are grateful to John and the King Energy team for choosing ClearGen as their financing partner." John Witchel, Founder of King Energy, on the Power of Partnership Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, John Witchel, Founder of King Energy, stated, "ClearGen is a leader in this space. This partnership will fuel our growth and set the standard for multi-tenant commercial renewable financing. This is a huge win for the property owners and tenants we serve." A Pivotal Moment for Sustainable Energy Solutions This joint collaboration marks a pivotal moment in both companies' commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. ClearGen remains dedicated to its role as a driving force in the clean energy sector, ushering in a future of innovation, growth, and environmental stewardship. About King Energy: King Energy manages over 125 energy programs at multi-tenant commercial properties, serving more than 10 million square feet of tenant space. Their vision is to see solar on every commercial rooftop, ensuring that property owners and tenants reap financial benefits. About ClearGen LLC: ClearGen LLC, a portfolio company of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, is a leading provider of flexible project financing solutions to developers in the clean energy sector. Presently, ClearGen owns a diverse and growing portfolio of investments that involves nearly 200 operating assets across the United States. Our mission is to enable energy users' transition to more efficient and lower cost outcomes by being the nexus of innovation and scale capital. 6 february 2024 at 10:05 News published onand distributed by: Public Notice - Alternating lane closure on Chaudiere Crossing GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists that there will be an alternating lane closure on the Chaudiere Crossing for repair work during the following period: Wednesday, February 7 , to Friday, February 9 , from 9 am to 3 pm During this period, only 1 lane will be open to traffic in alternating directions. Road signage will be in place, and flag persons will direct traffic. Motorists can expect delays. The sidewalk will remain open. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount their bicycles when crossing the bridge. The schedule may change depending on weather conditions. PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling on the crossing and thanks them for their patience. Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada 6 february 2024 at 14:00 News published onand distributed by: The Thai government will urgently move a bill to ban the recreational use of cannabis, the health minister said on Tuesday, February 6, after the kingdom decriminalized the drug in 2022. Cannabis was taken off the list of banned narcotics in June 2022 under the previous government, which included the pro-legalization Bhumjaithai party. The move prompted hundreds of cannabis shops to sprout around the country, particularly in Bangkok, provoking concern from critics who urged the need for tighter legislation. The kingdom's health minister on Tuesday said the new bill which bans the recreational use of cannabis will be proposed to the cabinet meeting next week. "The new bill will be amended from the existing one to only allow the use of cannabis for health and medicinal purposes," Chonlanan Srikaew told reporters. "The use for fun is considered wrong." Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who took office last August, has frequently voiced his opposition to the recreational use of the drug and said it should only be allowed for medicinal use. Srettha warned in September that recreational cannabis use could cause "wider narcotic drug problems." There was fresh pressure from the public last weekend after attendees of British rock band Coldplay's shows in Bangkok complained on social media saying "the entire concert smelled like marijuana." Thailand was once notorious for its tough drug laws, and people found with cannabis on them could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine. But the kingdom has sought in recent years to cash in on the global boom in medical marijuana. In 2018, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to approve cannabis which grows easily in its climate for medical purposes. Decriminalization was touted as a lucrative move for the tourism-heavy economy badly dented by the pandemic, with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce predicting the market may be worth $1.2 billion by 2025. The 2022 changes to the law opened the way for a legion of cannabis "dispensaries" to open, capitalizing on confusion about the precise legal status of the drug. A rooftop cafe in Bangkok even hosted the inaugural Cannabis Cup Thailand, a joint-rolling competition. Police investigators work inside the Gare de Lyon station after an attack, Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Paris. CHRISTOPHE ENA / AP A Mali-born man suspected of injuring several people with a knife and hammer at a Paris railway station on Saturday, February 3, deliberately sought French people to attack, the Paris prosecutor said. On Tuesday, the 32-year-old was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a weapon, prosecutors said. An investigating magistrate questioned the suspect earlier Tuesday. He was set to appear before another judge who will decide where he should be remanded in custody. The man went on a stabbing spree early on Saturday morning, injuring at least three people at the Gare de Lyon station, which operates suburban, national and international routes to Switzerland and Italy. French anti-terrorism prosecutors are not getting immediately involved. Prosecutors are instead treating the case as attempted murder, suspecting that the man selected targets on the basis of their "race, ethnicity, nation or religion," Beccau said, adding that the charge can be punished with life imprisonment. A psychiatric evaluation has not shown any diminished criminal responsibility, the prosecutor said. Prosecutors have said the suspect was to appear before an investigating magistrate Tuesday to potentially be charged with attempted murder. One 66-year-old man remained in critical condition after the suspect stabbed him in the abdomen and hit him twice on the head with a hammer, Beccuau said. Two other people, one 57, the other in their 20s, were also injured when they intervened. Officials said two other people were affected a young woman whose bag was set on fire by the attacker and a security guard who also intervened. Read more Subscribers only Paris police investigate motive behind train station knife attack Legal resident in Italy The suspect had been a legal resident in Italy since 2016 and had traveled legally to France on February 1, the prosecutor said. According to Italian investigators, until 2021 the suspect lived in a center run by a Catholic association in Montalto Dora, northeast of Turin. The man had been monitored for psychiatric problems but never showed any violent tendencies, they told Agence France-Presse. Officials said a TikTok account had been opened in the name of the attacker. In a video dated December 2, 2023, the author of the account wrote: "RIP in three months. May Allah welcome me into his paradise." In other videos, the author expressed hostility towards France, referring to the French military operation in Mali to fight jihadists that ended in 2022. Senegalese police stand guard outside the National Assembly in Dakar, Senegal, Monday, February 5, 2024. SYLVAIN CHERKAOUI / AP Senegalese lawmakers voted late Monday, February 5, to delay this month's presidential election until December, an unprecedented move that has sparked international concern over a country normally seen as a beacon of stability in West Africa. The bill was passed nearly unanimously, with 105 votes in favor and one against, after opposition deputies were forcibly removed from the chamber. It paves the way for President Macky Sall to remain in office until his successor is installed, despite growing concern about the erosion of democracy. "The situation is completely catastrophic, Senegal's image is ruined, and I don't think we'll be recovering from this democratic bankruptcy, this tsunami in the rule of law, any time soon," opposition deputy Ayib Daffe said after the vote. Earlier, security forces outside used tear gas to disperse small groups of opposition protesters, with demonstrators chanting "Macky Sall dictator." The atmosphere in Senegal has been tense since Saturday when Sall announced a delay to the February 25 vote, just hours before campaigning was officially set to begin. "Let's not be an assembly of shame. Let's make sure that when we leave here we can look at our children with pride and say that we were the last wall, the last bulwark," said opposition MP Abass Fall during the debate over the postponement. Adopted a day earlier by a preparatory committee, the proposal for the election delay was supported by MPs from Sall's party, which has been unable to fully coalesce around the president's favored successor. "President Macky Sall said he would serve two terms. He has kept his word," said MP Moussa Diakhate, chairman of the pro-government law committee. Read more Subscribers only Senegal: Protests repressed after postponement of presidential election Violence has previously broken out in Senegal over fears Sall would try to extend his tenure beyond the end of his second term, and he has previously insisted he would not. A powerful storm lashing California on Monday, February 5, has left at least three people dead and caused devastating mudslides and flooding, after dumping months' worth of rain in a single day. More than ten inches (25 centimeters) of rain was recorded in one part of Los Angeles County in 24 hours of downpour, with no letup forecast in the coming days. Mountainsides collapsed in the Hollywood Hills area, burying cars and damaging houses, while in nearby Beverly Glen, a mudslide knocked one home off its foundation. The house's contents including a piano were swept onto the road in the swanky neighborhood, where homes routinely change hands for millions of dollars. "It sounded like lightning," resident Dave Christensen told broadcaster KTLA. "When I went out to... see what was there, I thought I saw a water heater where the house used to be and sure enough it was because the house had slid off the hill and into the road." An aerial view of a home destroyed by a mudslide as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, continues to impact Southern California on February 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. MARIO TAMA / AFP The remains of a home destroyed by a mudslide caused by the ongoing rain storm in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 5, 2024. AUDE GUERRUCCI / REUTERS The Los Angeles Fire Department said it had recorded 130 floods and 39 debris flows, with the risk of more to come as Monday's rain ramps back up. The precipitation comes from a line of moisture rolling in from the Pacific Ocean, a so-called atmospheric river dumping billions of gallons (liters) of water. Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) said much more rain was expected, and warned of "life-threatening flash flooding." "An ongoing atmospheric river event will continue to produce multiple rounds of heavy rainfall to parts of southern California including the Los Angeles Basin through Tuesday," the agency said. "Dangerous small streams, urban and river flooding, mudslides, strong winds and high surf will all be possible." Up to eight more inches of rain could fall, the agency said, taking the running total in some areas to 14 inches. Read more Subscribers only The American West faces a new frontier: Climate change The extreme weather led California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for a large part of Southern California. "This is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts," he said. Downtown Los Angeles saw one of its wettest days ever on Sunday, with more than four inches of rain, according to the local NWS office. "It is vital now more than ever, stay safe and off the roads," Mayor Karen Bass said. "Only leave your house if it is absolutely necessary." Travel was tricky throughout the region, with highways jammed and city streets flooded. Problems with drainage regularly leave intersections flooded in Los Angeles, where infrastructure struggles to cope with even moderate amounts of rain. The weather was causing difficulty for air travel, with flights canceled and delayed out of Los Angeles Airport, according to Flightaware.com. The Russian occupation forces continue to bring their reserves to the Kupyansk direction to replenish their losses. However, the number of Russian occupation troops in the Kupyansk sector remains within 40 thousand. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Ilya Yevlash, head of the press service of the Eastern Military Group, on the air of the national telethon "United News". He noted that the total number of Russian troops in the Liman-Kupyansk direction is 110 thousand. "If we can divide this by direction, it is in the Kupyansk direction that the number remains plus or minus constant. Moreover, I want to emphasize that if we are talking about personnel, it does not mean that all these 42 thousand are simultaneously involved in the front line," noted Yevlash. He added that this includes not only combat units, but also support units, repair battalions, rear services, medical teams and others. Yevlash also noted that Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the Khortytsia Joint Forces Operation Center, is actively coordinating the work in this area, personally interacting with the commanders of the units involved in repelling the enemy's offensive and providing all the necessary supplies to the personnel. ADVERTISIMENT In total, the enemy has 533 tanks, 650 armored personnel carriers, 430 artillery systems and 160 multiple launch rocket systems in this area. However, not all of these weapons are in good condition. "We know that the barrels in the guns are wearing out, they cannot provide the amount of ammunition and shots," said the spokesman. In addition, the occupants are experiencing a shortage of ammunition, so they are using North Korean and Iranian ammunition. "After Iranian ammunition, there is a large amount of soot, which increases the frequency of maintenance of these guns, as there may be malfunctions, explosions inside the barrel channel. Of course, all of this has an impact. Moreover, I would like to emphasize to those who are spreading panic that the enemy is pulling up reserves. Yes, they are pulling up reserves, but they are pulling up these reserves to replace the previously destroyed ones," emphasized Yevlash. ADVERTISIMENT He also noted that the duration of training for mobilized soldiers has been significantly reduced - from 3-4 months to 2-3 months. Earlier, the commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, spoke about the successes in the Tavria sector. In the operational area of the Tavria Joint Forces Operation, Ukrainian defenders neutralized or destroyed 190 UAVs of various types and 34 pieces of enemy equipment. In addition, 3 enemy Harpy electronic warfare stations were eliminated. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Ukrainian military shot down a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber over Luhansk region. These aircraft are actively used by the occupiers to launch missile and bomb attacks on Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! COMMUNITIES across east Limerick are set to benefit from the news that Uisce Eireann has secured planning permission for an extensive upgrade at Castletroy Wastewater Treatment Plant. Working in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, Uisce Eireanns substantial upgrade will support existing and future population growth as well as improving and increasing the performance of the plant. Castletroy Wastewater Treatment Plant has been serving the east Limerick suburbs of Castletroy, Annacotty, Mountshannon, Castleconnell as well as the University of Limerick and other local industry since the early 1990s. The plant is currently operating at the upper limits of its capacity and Uisce Eireann has prioritised this upgrade, which will increase the plants current capacity by over 70% as well as providing stormwater storage for heavy rain events. Programme Manager with Uisce Eireann, Seamus Glynn, is looking forward to this vital project progressing. "We are delighted to have secured planning for this very important project for businesses and communities in East Limerick. "These works will ensure wastewater is treated appropriately now and into the future, supporting economic and population growth in these suburbs of Limerick. "Among the host of benefits of this project is modernising and improving the performance of the existing plant, protecting the water quality in the Lower River Shannon and conservation habitats, protecting recreational waters for fishing and boating activities. "Crucially, this upgrade will improve the health and integrity of the environment and ensure compliance with Irish and EU legislation now and into the future, outlined Seamus. A tender for the construction works will be issued to the market early this year. FORMER Taoiseach John Bruton has been remembered as a "great leader and a great patriot" by former Limerick TD Michael Noonan. The family of the former Fine Gael leader announced this Tuesday morning that he had passed away aged 76 following a long illness. He served as his party's leader between 1990 and 2001, including a stint as Taoiseach in the rainbow coalition 1994 to 1997, which saw Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left coalesce. Mr Bruton was replaced as Fine Gael leader by Mr Noonan, who said: "He is gone before his time. He was a great Irishman, a great leader and a great patriot." "He was excellent to work with. Especially during his period as Taoiseach. He set in train a lot of the prosperity the country now enjoys," the former Finance Minister added. The former Taoiseach, who died peacefully in Dublin's Mater Private Hospital surrounded by his family, represented the Meath constituency from 1969 to 2004 when he resigned his seat to take up a role as EU ambassador to the United States. In her early years as a member of the old Limerick City Council, Senator Maria Byrne sat on committees in Brussels, and recalls how welcoming Mr Bruton was to her. "He always went out of his way to ensure you were not lost, that everything was ok. He really was a gentleman," she said, "He did so much for the country. We were going into a recession when he was in power, and he started the job of bringing the country back." One thing she remembers is his "great hearty laugh." Fine Gael's Limerick TD Patrick O'Donovan was national president of Young Fine Gael when Mr Bruton was party leader. "We often had a bit of argy bargy with, but I had huge respect for him. He led the party at a time when there was difficulty on the island. I think his tenure as Taoiseach will be remembered for the work he did with [former British Prime Minister] John Major in advancing a settlement in Northern Ireland," he said. "History will be very kind to him as a decent person who had a fundamental commitment to democracy and the rule of law," Mr O'Donovan added. Fine Gael Mayor of Limerick Gerald Mitchell also picked up on his work which paved the way for the Belfast Agreement, signed on Good Friday 1998. "He left a lasting legacy in the Good Friday Agreement. He represented the true qualities of decency within the Fine Gael party. A very sound man. An excellent leader as far as I was concerned, and he had big support in rural Ireland," he said, "He was very approachable, very sound, and would give you great advice." "Very pragmatic, very sound, a genuine leader. He was well respected from top to bottom," the mayor concluded. THE FAMILY of a Limerick man have travelled to his bedside in Australia following a road traffic incident that has left him with what is understood to be serious injuries. The collision which occurred in Sydney at approximately 3.45am on Sunday (4.45pm on Saturday, Irish time), involved a Subaru and an e-bike. The man, aged 29, originally from Foynes, was travelling on the e-bike when the collision occurred, leaving him with serious injuries. According to the NSW Police Force, the female driver was under the influence when the incident occurred. It is understood that the man's family have travelled to be with him with more of his extended family expected to make the journey to Australia. According to the Australian police, he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene of the incident before being transferred to St Vincents Hospital in New South Wales, Sydney. Limerick and Fianna Fail Minister of State Niall Collins said the family of the man has been in touch with him and the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the incident. His extended family and community are very upset and shocked. The Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting them, Mr Collins said. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs commented: The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case. The 27-year-old female driver of the Subaru was arrested and taken to a local police station where she underwent a secondary breath analysis and was later transferred to St Vincents Hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine testing. The woman was reportedly scantily-clad and wearing leather lingerie at the time of the incident. She has been issued with a court attendance notice for a mid-range drink driving offence. A crime scene was established with specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit based in Sydney attending to examine the scene. Irish president Michael D Higgins has led tributes to former taoiseach John Bruton, who died on Tuesday aged 76. The former Fine Gael leader from 1990-2001 has been described as passionately pro-European, a committed politician full of ideas and energy, and a good man. Expressions of sympathy for Mr Bruton were issued from across the political spectrum in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK for his contributions to the peace process. Mr Bruton served as taoiseach from 1994-1997 as head of the rainbow coalition government alongside Labour and Democratic Left. He was taoiseach when Ireland voted by a slim margin to lift a ban on divorce and for the first official royal visit to Ireland since the foundation of the state. He died following a long illness in a Dublin hospital surrounded by his family, a statement released by Fine Gael confirmed. Three hours have been set aside in the Dail the Irish parliaments main chamber from 2pm on Wednesday to hear expressions of sympathy, with all other legislative business postponed. Mr Brutons younger brother is Richard Bruton, who is also a Fine Gael heavyweight and a former communications minister. Family statement on the death of former Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, John Bruton. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.https://t.co/lkFIRD0nhY pic.twitter.com/jBBlxER7aa Fine Gael (@FineGael) February 6, 2024 A statement from the Bruton family, released by Fine Gael, said: It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former taoiseach John Bruton. He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness. He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot. We will miss him greatly. John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard, and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family. Mr Bruton was first elected to the Dail as TD for Meath at the age of 22 and continued to rise through Fine Gael until his retirement from domestic politics in 2004. He served two terms as minister for finance during the 1980s and as minister for industry and energy and minister for trade. Mr Bruton later served as the European Unions ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009. Born in Dunboyne in Co Meath, he graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) before qualifying as a barrister from Kings Inns. After he became taoiseach, one of Mr Brutons first policy initiatives was to call for a referendum to change the constitution and allow for couples to divorce in Ireland. The country voted by a slim margin of less than 10,000 votes to end its ban on divorce in the 1995 referendum. Later that same year, he welcomed the then-Prince of Wales to Dublin. Charless trip marked the first official visit from a member of the royal family since the founding of the state. He was pivotal in establishing the Northern Ireland peace process alongside then-UK prime minister John Major, with the pair launching the Anglo-Irish Framework document. Mr Bruton has also long been praised for work within the unionist community. But at the general election in 1997, Mr Bruton lost to Bertie Aherns Fianna Fail. He stayed as leader of Fine Gael for another four years until he was succeeded by Michael Noonan. Representatives from across the political landscape have paid tribute to political giant. Mr Higgins described him as a deeply committed politician, who demonstrated a lifelong interest and engagement in public affairs and public service. Sorry to hear about the passing of former Taoiseach John Bruton. He positively impacted Anglo-Irish relations, and the Framework he agreed with John Major in 1995 was a crucial step in the road to the GFA. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) February 6, 2024 His contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process during his time as taoiseach was very significant, Mr Higgins said in a statement. In this work, he brought a particular sensitivity and a generous approach to inclusion with regard to the perspective of the Other. Together with John Major, his overseeing of the development of the Joint Framework Document in 1995 was a pivotal foundation for the Good Friday Agreement. It was a mark of John Brutons interest in politics that while his term as taoiseach included an emphasis on the local, and in particular the ongoing issues with regard to Northern Ireland, he was always a strongly committed promoter of politics in the European Union. Very sorry to learn of the death of John Bruton. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 6, 2024 He added: Very open and forthright in his opinions, John had a great sense of humour which was a great help in ensuring a sense of collegiality and that small issues would never be allowed to defeat what was important in relation to the things that mattered most. Irish premier Leo Varadkar was also among those to pay tribute to the former taoiseach, saying he was devastated by the news of Mr Brutons death. The Fine Gael leader said Mr Bruton was one of the reasons he became involved in politics. He was always encouraging and supportive on a personal level, from my time in Young Fine Gael to my time as Taoiseach, Mr Varadkar said in a statement. We kept in touch and his knowledge and experience were particularly helpful during Brexit and during coalition negotiations. We last spoke just before Christmas when he was unable to attend the Council of State due to his illness. It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of John Bruton. A committed politician full of ideas and energy, John worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. (1/2) Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024 I spoke to his wife Finola and brother Richard this morning to pass on my condolences. John was a doer and a philosopher. He was passionately pro-European in government and in opposition, and was well-liked and respected among colleagues in Europe and in the European Peoples Party in which he served as vice-president. He knew that Irelands place and destiny was at the heart of Europe and made the case for it eloquently. Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said Mr Bruton was a committed politician full of ideas and energy. In a statement, Mr Martin said: It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of John Bruton. A committed politician full of ideas and energy, John worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. A passionate European and clear about Irelands place in the EU, John believed in public service and was a true patriot. My deepest sympathies to his wife Finola and all the Bruton family. Former taoiseach Mr Ahern said Mr Bruton was one of the decent people. My view of John is that he was a gentleman, Mr Ahern told RTE. He was always the private man. He was leader of the House in government, and I was leader of the House in opposition, way back in the early eighties. I worked with them on so many issues over so many years. We got on very well. I considered him one of the decent people. His involvement in the North (Northern Ireland) was always genuine. He was a totally genuine person and always acted in the interests of the people of the country, of the people of need, and I wouldnt have a bad word to say about John Bruton. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said he was sorry to hear about the death of the former Irish premier. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he said of the former taoiseach: He positively impacted Anglo-Irish relations, and the Framework he agreed with John Major in 1995 was a crucial step in the road to the (Good Friday Agreement). My thoughts are with his family and friends. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill expressed her condolences to the Bruton family. Speaking in the Assembly at Stormont, she said: I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who weve just been notified has sadly passed away. To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also expressed her condolences, while speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots said he will write to the Bruton family to express his condolences. Former UK prime minister Sir John Major paid tribute to the brave and formidable Mr Bruton. I was shocked to learn of the loss of John Bruton, Sir John said. He was a brave and talented Taoiseach who contributed mightily to the early days of the peace process. In testing circumstances, he put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence. He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deeply saddened at his passing. Stock Market News LAND News - Murray Stahl's Firm Reduces Stake in Texas Pacific Land Corp 06-02-2024 02:04 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk In a transformative shift for India's financial landscape, the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending industry has rapidly evolved from a recently regulated space to becoming a driving force in the country's digital lending space. Just a few years after the introduction of RBIs regulatory measures, P2P lending has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of India's lending ecosystem. Lendbox , which received its NBFC-P2P license in 2019, has reported an exponential year-on-year growth of 300% in its disbursement value since 2022, reaching over 6,500 Crores in cumulative loan disbursement as of December 2023. Founded in 2015 by Ekmmeet Singh, Bhuvan Rustagi, and Jatin Malwal, this Delhi-based P2P lending platform is now managing a portfolio of more than 25 million active loans. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Lendbox's growth trajectory, as the platform has recently expanded its workforce by 3x to boost its operational capabilities. In December 2023 alone, Lendbox facilitated 700 Crores worth of loans across all lending products. Understanding India's growing demand for credit, Lendbox has transitioned from simple unsecured personal loans to crafting a suite of credit options that cater to different levels of borrowers' needs. The platform's loan portfolio showcases adaptability, featuring a diverse range of options, from the recently established 'Buy Now Pay Later' (BNPL) segment to shopaholics favorite Zero Cost EMI, while still processing traditional personal loans. This approach effectively addresses the changing demands of the market. According to the platform, the introduction of different loan categories was met with a positive response from investors as well since it enabled a higher level of diversification. These tech-enabled modern credit options have helped fintech platforms like Lendbox reach a wider user base that avails short-term credit on a daily basis, playing a key role in its loan book growth. This success has also been attributed to its robust lending mechanism, fine-tuned over the last eight-year period. Central to this performance is the adaptation of advanced AI and machine learning technologies, which play a crucial role in screening and processing thousands of loan applications on a daily basis. This technological prowess allows for meticulous credit checks across various parameters, enabling Lendbox to cater to a diverse range of borrowers belonging to every age group and income bracket without compromising its portfolio quality. The average credit score of an active borrower as per the platform is more than 720. Another key factor impacting growth at Lendbox has been its well-timed strategic partnerships. Through collaborations with some of Indias leading fintech players such as Khatabook, Cashe, and Snapmint, Lendbox timely entered the app-enabled credit era and expanded its reach across different demographics. These partnerships not only helped Lendbox create a well-diversified loan portfolio for its investors but also established a pan-India presence, serving users across 75+ cities in India. In addition to the substantial numbers on the borrower's side, Lendbox significantly expanded its investor base as well, boasting an active investor count of more than 4.5 Lakh users and achieving a total AUM exceeding 2600 Crores in December 2023. Looking forward, Lendbox aims to disburse over $1 billion in loans by the end of 2024. This objective is underpinned by the platform's robust lending algorithm, strategic partnerships, and a diverse portfolio of credit products tailored to address the unique needs of a broad demographic. 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! The U.S. Department of State does not believe the statements of the aggressor country, Russia, about the causes of the crash of the Russian IL-76 aircraft in the Belgorod region, which allegedly carried prisoners of war. They also believe that the statements of the Russian occupiers about the shelling of a bakery in Lysychansk should be carefully checked. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Deputy U.S. Representative Vedant Patel at a briefing in Washington on Monday, February 5, Ukrinform reports. He noted that many stories about the spread of disinformation and lies are associated with the Kremlin. "It's the same level of credibility as when Russia claimed that Crimea was its or that all the territory it occupied in Ukraine belonged to it," Patel said. He was responding to a request from journalists to comment on Russia's version of the Il-76 plane. As for Lysychansk in the Luhansk region, the State Department spokesman said that Russia's claims about the alleged shelling of the city with HIMARS missiles, which killed civilians, also cannot be independently verified, given Moscow's constant lies. The downing of the Il-76 in Russia A Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft crashed near the village of Yablonovo in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation on January 24. The aggressor country's Ministry of Defense claims that the plane was allegedly carrying 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers who were being transported for an exchange, as well as six crew members and three escorts, but has not yet provided any evidence. ADVERTISIMENT The DIU confirmed that 65 defenders from the list published by Russian propagandists were indeed planned to be returned to Ukraine as part of the January 24 exchange. However, there is no reliable evidence that the prisoners were actually on board and died as the aggressor does not provide photos of the bodies and does not hand them over to Ukraine. Strike on Lysychansk On February 3, Leonid Pasechnik, the leader of the LPR terrorists, announced the shelling of a "bakery" in Lysychansk, blaming the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He claims that 28 people were killed, all of them allegedly civilians. According to media reports, it was not a bakery but a cafe. ADVERTISIMENT As it became known later, after the capture of the city, the occupiers used this place for their own purposes: they held meetings there. They also set up a bakery there to bake bread for the invaders. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Hundreds of branches at rival banks are being closed each year, and customers are shunning the teller and choosing the mobile app. But at the nations biggest bank, old-fashioned bricks-and-mortar locations are part of the secret sauce. The bank Tuesday is expected to announce plans to double down, continuing a yearslong strategy. JPMorgan plans to build 500 new branches in the next three years, filling out cities it has recently entered such as Boston, Philadelphia and Charlotte, N.C. For context: Only 17 banks have more than 500 branches today. JPMorgan has close to 5,000. It is a love affair with branches, just to be totally clear," Jennifer Piepszak, a top JPMorgan executive, told analysts last year. It was 2018 when JPMorgan first announced that it would open hundreds of branchesa plan that was met with skepticism by analysts. After all, branches seemed passe even then. But JPMorgan wasnt kidding. In the six years since, it has opened more than 650 new branches and entered 25 new states. It is the first bank with branches in all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Executives say the payout has exceeded expectations. JPMorgan now has more than $2 trillion in deposits, nearly double what it had a decade ago. In 2021, it surpassed Bank of America as the biggest total deposit holder, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data. Executives have a target of gathering 20% of the entire countrys deposits, up from 12% today, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Really every metric that we evaluate when we do investments, all of them are pointing in the right direction," Jennifer Roberts, chief executive of the Chase consumer bank, said in an interview. All of them are indicating that our investment has been a positive choice, and we are doubling down." JPMorgan isnt alone. Its top consumer rival, Bank of America, has been counting on branches for its own market expansion and renovating others to defend its turf. After seeing early gains, it announced a new stage last summer. It plans to enter nine new markets and four states in the coming years, which would bring its total to 39 states. It has 11% of all deposits today and ranks in the top two deposit holders in 23 of the 30 biggest markets. Were only just beginning to see the benefits of national scale," Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said in an interview. Branches? Really? JPMorgan and Bank of America arent looking to put a branch on every corner. While building shiny new ones, they have also been shutting plenty of storefronts, especially older locations, and combining others they deem too close to each other. Branches have less traffic than a decade ago, and customers now do most transactions online or in mobile apps. For the total industry, thousands of branches have been closed in the past decade. Both JPMorgan and Bank of America operate fewer locations than they did six years ago. But leaders at the big banks believe branches remain the key ingredient to drawing in new consumer and small-business clients, even in an increasingly digital world. Most customers still use a branch at some point during the year. Even college-age kids and tech-obsessed Gen Z choose their bank based partly on whether they can get to a branch easily, the banks say. Small-business clients are core users and still bring wads of cash to branches weekly. That said, the banks arent building for people to come to the teller line for simple tasks that could be done via an app. Instead, they want the branch to be a place where customers come for financial advice or to get a loan. They have turned some branches in lower-income neighborhoods into community centers, where they offer financial-literacy classes and spaces for gathering. Aron Levine, Bank of Americas president of preferred banking, says more people than ever are now booking appointments to come to the branch. The primary reason for a financial center 10 years ago was transactions," he said. Now the primary reason is for guidance." The scientific method The process to determine where a branch will be most profitable is as much science as the banks can figure. Bank of America kicked off its expansion in 2014, searching for new cities where it could put down stakes. To figure out where to begin, staffers looked for overlap with its Merrill brand, which serves a wealthy bunch who typically have more than $1 million in investible assets. Hawaii had a lot of Merrill clients, but its distance from the mainland was unworkable. Denver and Minneapolis were next on the list. A team evaluated hundreds of demographic variables and zeroed in on those that best predicted success: how many residents live nearby and household income growth, among them. A lower homeownership rate was desirable, they found, because renters were more likely to switch banks. Executives settled on Denver. In a storefront across the street from a Hermes shop in the upscale Cherry Creek shopping district, they opened their first Colorado branch. Turnout exceeded expectations. JPMorgans expansion started in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Staffers ran a block-by-block analysis of credit-card data to figure out where customers swiped and what they purchased, where they lived and their travel patterns throughout the city. Their ideal pins kept landing on Lululemon and Starbucks. Among the first new locations: an outpost in the wealthy Northern Virginia neighborhood of Clarendon, around the corner from one of each. In particular, the big banks want more clients who give them their direct deposits and would also use credit cards, wealth management and other products. A 2013 report from consultants at PwC found that mass-affluent customers were as much as 10 times more profitable than mass-market customers for banks. JPMorgans new build-out will add a branch style aimed at winning those wealthy clients. It will rebrand many of the branches it acquired with the failed First Republic Bank as J.P. Morgan branches, not Chase. They will include more amenities, private offices and libraries and a focus on wealth management. Executives havent yet determined if they will serve First Republics famous cookies. Trying to get the hometown feel JPMorgan is still calibrating how many branches it needs in new markets. It has different branch designs depending on whether customers are more likely to be wealthy users who want investment and planning advice, or small businesses that need to deposit piles of cash every Friday. The struggle for national banks entering a new geography has long been the loyalty of customers to the hometown bank, but the big guys are learning. One tactic: JPMorgan hires locals to staff up the branches. The local community bank feel, the big banks are getting better at it," said Peter Pollini, head of banking consulting at PwC. JPMorgan aims to put 70% of the U.S. population within a 10-minute drive of a branch. At Bank of America, the goal is 80% of the population within a 15-minute drive. That also means the banks have to learn new ways to capture customers at various income levels. Federal law requires banks to do business in low-income areas, and both JPMorgan and Bank of America say they are committed to having 30% of branches in those tracts. After the 2020 murder of George Floyd created a national conversation about race, JPMorgan rethought some of its expansion, executives say. They grasped onto a branch they had opened in the heart of Harlem in 2019 as a model. The Harlem branch was the first of what JPMorgan calls community center branches, built in minority and low-income areas. Harlems branch is an open space, with teller lines off to the side. Murals are painted by local artists. A pop-up space lets local entrepreneurs sell their wares. An old bank vault serves as a meeting room, with a mantelpiece that belonged to jazz legend Billie Holiday. Since its transformation, the Harlem branch has outperformed Chases goals for deposit growth and customer metrics, executives say. Three new community center openings are planned this year, bringing the total to 19. New openings draw a crowd of Chase executives and occasionally Chief Executive Jamie Dimon, plus pledges to help communities grow. At the opening in West Philadelphia, a phalanx of Chase employees greeted Dimons entrance with high-fives and cheers, a tradition known across the bank as the tunnel of love." People look at JPMorgan as some large, faceless company with a CEO up in some skyscraper," Dimon told the crowd. But this is what we get to do." Coulter Jones and Rachel Louise Ensign contributed to this article. Write to David Benoit at David.Benoit@wsj.com Biscuit manufacturer Britannia revealed its quarterly results ending on December 31, 2023 on Tuesday. The company posted a 40 percent year-on-year decline in its consolidated net profit, which stood at 556 crore, in contrast to 937 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, missing market estimates. In sequential terms as well, Britannia's profit experienced a 5 percent decline, amounting to 587 crore. Also read: Nykaa Q3 Results: Net profit up 106% to 17.5 crore, revenue up 22% YoY; 5 key highlights "In a progressively recovering demand environment with heightened competition, our performance this quarter reflects our resilience and competitiveness. Over the last 24 months, we achieved a robust 19 percent growth in revenue, coupled with a commendable 52 percent increase in operating profit," said Varun Berry, vice-chairman & MD, Britannia. The subdued growth observed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including a challenging comparison base, price reductions, intensified competition, and modest single-digit volume expansion. Despite these challenges, revenue from operations saw a slight increase to 4,256 crore from 4,196 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Analysts' projections had anticipated a year-on-year revenue growth of 3 percent, reaching 4,303 crore for the quarter. Also read: Godrej Properties Q3 Results: Net profit rises 6% to 62 crore, revenue jumps 68% YoY The company disclosed an EBITDA of 821 crore for the quarter, with margins registering at 19.29%. We continued to expand our direct reach and accelerate our rural journey, partnering with more than 29,000 rural distributors during the quarter. As a result, our focus states outperformed other regions in terms of growth, despite a generally subdued rural demand. Our new offerings viz. BeYou Bars, Makhanas, Jim Jam Pops and unique cheese formats continued to excite & delight our consumers. Our international business performed extremely well with robust double-digit growths across key markets," Berry said. Britannias consolidated sales for the quarter ended 31st December 2023 stands at 4,192 crore, growing 2 percent over last year and operating profit stands at 743 crore. For the nine months ended 31st December 2023, consolidated revenue stands at 12,532 crore, growing 3.6 percent over previous year and operating profit stands at 2,162 crore, growing 15.6 percent over previous year. Also read: Q3 results today: Godrej Properties, Britannia Ind, Reliance Capital, Tata Teleservices, and 158 more to post earnings On Cost & Profitability front, we will stay vigilant of the commodity prices & evolving geopolitical situation. We will continue to invest behind our brands and stay price competitive with a clear objective of driving market share while sustaining profitability. We remain committed to the ESG framework of People, Growth, Governance and Resources to build a sustainable and profitable business," he 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! Q3 results today on February 5: Godrej Properties Ltd, Max Financial Services Ltd, Navin Fluorine International Limited, Redington Ltd, Reliance Capital Ltd, Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd, and many other stocks will be in focus today as they will declare their Q3 results. During the trading session on February 5, the benchmark indices initially showed positive momentum from the opening. However, bears became active in the final hour of trade, leading to a downturn in the market. The BSE Sensex witnessed a decline of 354 points, closing at 71,731, while the Nifty 50 also experienced a decrease of 82 points, settling at 21,772. Also Read | BLS E-Services IPO listing date today. GMP, experts signal multibagger return for allottees Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said, Sluggish mood in global markets contributed to the overall weakness in local shares, as investors booked profit in select stocks amid dimming hopes of a rate cut in the near term. With the US Fed indicating that a rate cut may not happen immediately, RBI is also expected to follow suit and maintain the status quo. Besides, a rise in the US bond yields, persistent geopolitical tensions, and China's economic woes added to existing woes. Technically, Niftys biggest support is placed at the 21407 mark, and the landscape will be positive as long as Nifty trades above the 21137 mark with aggressive targets at the 22127 mark." Around 160 Companies to post their Q3 results 2024 today Britannia Industries Ltd, Godrej Properties Ltd, Max Financial Services Ltd, Navin Fluorine International Limited, Redington Ltd, Reliance Capital Ltd, Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd, Trident Ltd, Action Construction Equipment Ltd, Akzo Nobel India Limited, Aptech Ltd, Brigade Enterprises Ltd, Birla Corporation Ltd, Continental Securities Ltd, Cigniti Technologies Ltd, Disa India Ltd, Ducon Infratechnologies Ltd, Endurance Technologies Ltd, Eveready Industries India Ltd, Fiem Industries Ltd, Go Fashion (India) Ltd, Indraprastha Medical Corp. Ltd, J.K. Tyre & Industries Ltd, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, NLC India Ltd, Procter & Gamble Health Ltd, PNC Infratech Ltd, S Chand and Company Ltd, Sheela Foam Ltd, Timken India Ltd, and more companies to post their earnings today. NAVIN FLUORINE INTERNATIONAL 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! Tech-stock valuations in the U.S. are beginning to look rich again. One likely consequence is the U.S. tech frenzy starting to spread to certain emerging markets. It is probably a good thing, then, that global investors are getting a timely reminder of what can happen when they rush into what looks like the next big thing without doing their homework. Byjus, the education-technology company that was once Indias most valuable startup, is planning to raise funds at an implied valuation of $250 million or lessroughly 99% lower than the $22 billion it was valued at as recently as late 2022. The companys existing investors, including heavyweights such as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, are furious. But it isnt totally clear what they can do. Byjus problems have been obvious for quite some time. The company delayed releasing its audited results for the 2021 financial year for 18 months due to a dispute over revenue accounting and other practices with Deloitte. Nonetheless, it managed to raise another $250 million just a few weeks after finally releasing its results in September 2022, at the same $22 billion valuation as it had notched in its previous funding round. A few months after that, it was raided by Indias financial crimes agency on suspicion of violating foreign-exchange regulations. The new rights issue would raise $200 million on an implied valuation of $220 million-$250 million, according to the company, meaning that many existing investors would essentially be wiped out if they dont participate in the new round. Last week, a group of investors that own about 35% of the company, including Dutch investment firm Prosus and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, called for a special shareholders meeting to replace the chief executive and reconstitute the board. Byjus, however, said the existing shareholders agreement doesnt give investors the right to vote on a management change. The matter most likely will end up in courts, where cases can languish for years. Beyond the obvious lessons regarding due diligence and not throwing good money after bad, Byjus struggles could have a dampening effect on the plans of several other Indian tech companies eyeing public markets. According to Kotak Investment Banking, about 15 to 20 Indian internet companies with a valuation over $1 billion, including electric-scooter maker Ola Electric and e-commerce company FirstCry, will go public in the next two years. V Jayasankar, managing director at Kotak, notes that markets today are much kinder to internet companies than they were two years ago. With the Federal Reserve done increasing rates and U.S. markets already in full party mode, it is probably only a matter of time until some emerging tech markets start feeling tipsy, too. A little sobriety on investors part goes a long way. Write to Megha Mandavia at megha.mandavia@wsj.com Emirates, one of the flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, has announced a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders in partnership with VFS Global. The service is exclusively available to Indian passport holders who have a valid six-month visa for the US, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency and have booked their travel with the airline. Weve partnered with VFS Global to introduce a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders who have booked their travel with us. The new process will help customers skip queues when arriving in Dubai," Emirates said in a post on X (formerly called Twitter). The initiative, which started on February 1, allows travellers to bypass the visa-on-arrival queue upon arriving in Dubai. The 14-day single entry visa service is fulfilled by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC). The issuance of visas remains at the absolute discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, the Dubai-based airlines said. Dubai continues to be the top destination of Indian travellers, offering an array of attractions and accommodation options suitable to meet every taste, age and budget. Its also home to a vibrant Indian community that frequently welcomes family and friends from India and around the world. Dubai Tourism statistics indicate that the city witnessed an impressive influx of 2 million overnight visitors from India. The Emirates currently serves nine destinations in India with 167 weekly flights, connecting travellers to Dubai and onwards to a global network of more than 140 destinations. The airlines network in India includes Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Emirates operated its inaugural flight to India on October 25, 1985 as it touched down at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from the Dubai International Airport. Also Read | Indians DO NOT need visas to travel to Iran starting February 4 Passengers can book their flights through Emirates' website, where they have the option to manage an existing booking, which will take them to the apply for a UAE visa section. After being redirected to the online UAE Visa application site powered by VFS Global Services, all the terms and conditions to facilitate the visa application process are stated. 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! Paytm founder-CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma is facing a severe crisis as his brainchild and India's beloved unicorn success story, Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) navigates stringent directives issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). PPBL, an affiliate of One97 Communications Limited, is 51 percent owned by Sharma. Commencing operations in 2017, it offers various digital banking services, including savings accounts, current accounts, and FASTag. The RBI recently instructed PPBL to cease further deposits, credit transactions, and top-ups on customer accounts after February 29. This move raises concerns about the bank's future viability. According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), PPBL led UPI transactions in December, with 283.5 crore received and 41 crore remitted. In the same month, the PPBL app recorded 144.25 crore transactions amounting to 16,569.49 crore. So, here's a lowdown on the latest developments in the start-up's existential threat. What led to RBI's Intervention? The RBI cracked the whip over irregularities in KYC (know your customer) norms, compliance issues and related party transactions. The intervention stems from concerns about money laundering and questionable transactions involving crores of rupees. Non-KYC-compliant accounts and instances of single PANs used for multiple accounts raised red flags. As per a Reuters report, PPBL came under RBI scrutiny as hundreds of thousands of accounts were found to be created without proper identification. The RBI alerted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other government agencies regarding the irregularities in PPBL accounts. Red flags were also raised as there were instances where the total value of transactions in PPBL accounts exceeded crores of rupees, surpassing regulatory limits in minimum KYC pre-paid instruments, PTI reported. Sources told the agency this raised concerns about potential money laundering. Sources also told the Economic Times that there was a case where an account linked to one Permanent Account Number (PAN) operated more than 1,000 wallets. The major irregularities in KYC procedures have exposed customers, depositors, and wallet holders to serious risks. As part of a significant regulatory action, the Reserve Bank of India directed Paytm Payments Bank to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in various instruments after February 29. On its part, in response to the situation, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra told Reuters that the ED will investigate PPBL if evidence of illegal activities is found. "If there are any fresh charges of money laundering against Paytm by RBI, those will be investigated by the ED as per the law of the land," said Malhotra. He later also clarified that no law enforcement agencies have taken any action against Paytm yet, the company told Mint. How has Paytm Responded? Responding to the developments, Paytm's founder-CEO reassured users about the app's functionality beyond February 29. In a post on February 2nd, he appreciated the support and commitment of Paytm users, emphasising the company's dedication to serving the nation in full compliance with a focus on payment innovation and financial inclusion. In multiple statements, the company said Paytm's management continues ongoing discussions with the RBI to comply with directives. On the ED investigation, Paytm said that they operate with the highest ethical standards and have not been the subject of an investigation regarding money laundering, PTI reported. The company on February 5 rejected reports of investigation or violation of foreign exchange rules by the company or its associate PPBL and termed the recent media reports as entirely misleading, baseless and malicious. The company in an exchange filing said, The company filed a specific clarification yesterday, categorically denying any investigation by the ED on OCL, our associates and our management. We have since seen additional media reports making baseless speculations about investigations of the Company or its associate PPBL for violation of foreign exchange rules". We would like to reiterate that the Company and its associate Paytm Payments Bank Limited are not the subject matter of any such investigation. Such media reports are entirely misleading, baseless and malicious, which harm the interests of all our stakeholders," the company said. Financial Troubles: Company Takes Hit-After-Hit Paytm share price recovered sharply on February 6 after a 9 percent fall in early trade amid heavy volumes traded on the stock exchanges. Paytm shares were trading over 5 percent higher on the BSE. In the opening trade, Paytm shares plunged as much as 9.77 percent to a record low of 395.50 apiece on the BSE. However, it saw a steep recovery of over 19 percent from the low and was trading in the green. As per reports, more than 68 lakh equity shares of One 97 Communications, the parent company of fintech giant Paytm, or 0.1 percent of equity, worth 269.4 crore change hands at an average price of 394 per share on the stock exchanges today. Paytm stock price has fallen 39 percent in one week. The RBI crackdown caused Paytm shares to plummet. A sharp decline in Paytm parent One97 Communications Ltd shares saw the company shed 36 percent from January 31 to February 2, 2024. The freefall eroded market capitalisation by 17,378.41 crore in two days. Paytm d it anticipates an annual operational profit impact of 300-500 crore. One 97 Communications (Paytm) share price extended losses for the third straight session, hitting its 10 percent lower circuit on February 5 at 438.35, also its record low on BSE. This came after the stock already crashed 36 percent in the previous 2 sessions. The stock was 56 percent away from its 52-week high and almost 80 percent below its IPO price of 2,150 on February 5. Meanwhile, the stock shed over 42 percent just in the 3 sessions of February after an almost 20 percent rise in January. In the last year, the stock has declined by over 7 percent. Most notably, Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, which exited the listed fintech company One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm in an open market transaction last year seems to have made bank. The transaction which happened via a bulk deal, was two months before the RBI's action. In November 2023, Berkshire Hathaway sold its residual 2.46 percent stake in Paytm (it had sold some stake during the companys IPO in 2021) for 1,371 crore to Ghisallo Master Fund and Copthall Mauritius Investment. Ghisallo purchased 4,275,000 shares, and Copthall had 7,575,529 shares. The deal was struck at 877.2 per share. Global investment bank JP Morgan helped execute the deal. During One97s IPO, Berkshire Hathaway had pocketed 301.70 crore, selling at 2,150 per share. Put together, the company has made a total of 1,672.7 crore from its investment in Paytm, essentially booking a loss of about 507 crore, Mint reported. Some of the marquee backers of Paytm, such as SoftBank and Ant Group, among others, had cashed out of the company in recent times. Customer side: Issues, alternatives and deadlines While users can shift to other wallets, services such as loan distribution, insurance, and equity broking are deemed unaffected. Paytm's offline merchant offerings will continue as usual. Paytm assured users that its UPI service will operate without disruption, collaborating with other banks to implement backend changes for uninterrupted service, following the recent restrictions the company assured that users need not take additional actions. Paytm said that the RBI order also does not impact user deposits in their savings accounts, wallets, FASTags and NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) accounts, and they can continue to use the existing balances. However, Paytm's top management during an earning call on Thursday said they are working on a migration plan for PPBL, wallet, FASTag etc users with other banks. Customers can use their Paytm Wallet balances until exhausted after February 29, with no option to add funds. The same restriction applies to PPBL accounts, FASTags, and other linked services. Withdrawals and transactions are permitted without restrictions. With over 20 banks and non-banking entities providing wallet services, users can explore alternatives such as Mobikwik, PhonePe, SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC, and Amazon Pay. Additionally, 37 banks offer FASTag services, including popular choices like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Airtel Payments Bank. Ambani's Jio to takeover Paytm? Not for sale, say sources Fintech giant Paytm, on February 5, clarified that it is not in talks with any company to sell its wallet business. Amid media speculations about the sale of the Paytm wallet business to Mukesh Ambani's Reliance-owned Jio Financial Services, a Paytm source has confirmed that the company is not in consultation with anyone for the sale. According to a Hindu BusinessLine report, the troubled fintech was in exploratory talks with a few companies, including HDFC Bank and Jio Financial Services. So far, there has been no official statement by Paytm on the matter. Mint couldn't independently verify the claims. Meanwhile, a PPBL spokesperson refused to give an official statement. We do not comment on any market speculation. We completely abide by the direction of the regulator, and the teams effort is to ensure a smooth customer experience with the products offered by PPBL," INC 42 quoted a company spokesperson as saying. Political Noise Joins Chorus Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate on February 5 questioned the ED's "inaction" PPBL despite negative observations by RBI, ANI reported. What is the Centre's stand on the issue? Why did the Paytm Payments Bank get a long rope for the past seven years? The founder of Paytm Payments Bank is a bhakt of PM (Narendra) Modi, gets selfies with him and publishes ads in the PM's favour. PM Modi backs Paytm in his election rallies. Why do the agencies stay mum when allegations are levelled against PM Modi's associates? Why is the ED silent?" the Congress leader told ANI. The RBI has restricted Paytm Payments Bank and there will be no existence of it after February 29...There are very serious charges levelled by the RBI. The irregularities started in 2017...Why is the CBI silent when the RBI talks about money laundering in this case?" Shrinate asked. Earlier Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Digital India Future Labs in New Delhi on February 3 said that being a fintech or a technology company does not exempt any entity from regulatory oversight. According to ET Now, the Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology said the regulator has absolute authority to regulate an entity. He was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Digital India Future Labs in New Delhi on Saturday. "A sectoral regulator has an absolute authority to regulate every entity within the sector. The RBI has done so and this is within their purview to do so. Being a FinTech or being a tech company doesn't absolve anybody from regulatory oversight," Chandrasekhar was quoted by Moneycontrol as saying. 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! WeWork may be forced to take on a new bankruptcy loan to make up for slower-than-expected progress on rent negotiations, said an attorney for the shared office space provider on Monday as quoted by Reuters. According to attorneys for WeWork and its landlords who spoke at a bankruptcy court hearing in Newark, New Jersey, the company's post-bankruptcy business plan is premised on a significant reduction in future rent costs from its landlords and is at a crossroads in that effort. Several landlords decried the company's "hardball tactics", saying that US bankruptcy law requires companies to keep up with rent for properties that they continue to use. Kris Hansen, an attorney representing WeWork creditors, said that WeWork has shown "painfully little progress" in its discussions with landlords, raising doubts about the company's long-term ability to pay its debts. WeWork attorney Steven Serajeddini acknowledged that the company's initial round of negotiations had been headed for "certain failure," but he said WeWork has had more success after withholding as much as $33 million in January rent from certain landlords. The message was clear - you're either with us or against us. If your focus is on one month's rent, instead of saving this company, you're on the wrong side and your lease will be rejected," Serajeddini told US Bankruptcy Judge John Sherwood, who is overseeing the company's Chapter 11, Reuters reported. WeWork initially believed it could make it through its bankruptcy case using the $164 million of cash it had on hand in November, but it now believes that amount to be insufficient and is considering taking out a new bankruptcy loan, Serajeddini said. A new loan would likely be converted into WeWork equity after the company emerges from bankruptcy, he said. WeWork, once valued at $47 billion, filed for bankruptcy in November. The Softbank-backed company expanded at breakneck speed but racked up losses on its long-term lease obligations as more people began working from home during the pandemic and demand for office space plunged. The company is free to reject leases, but it cannot have it both ways by failing to pay rent while continuing to occupy the property, landlord attorney Ivan Gold said. "Withholding rent, or to quote a few of my clients, 'taking hostages,' is not conducive to negotiations," Gold said as quoted by Reuters. Sherwood will consider the legality of WeWork's January rent withholding on February 20, when he will hear three landlords' demands for payment of over $4 million in withheld rent. (With Reuters 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! Could UBS come to lookand be valuedlike Morgan Stanley? Yes, but the aftermath of a megadeal isnt the ideal time to get a celebrity makeover. The Swiss banks annual accounts, published Tuesday, show the challenges inherent in its deal last year to acquire Credit Suisse. UBSs assets increased by 56% in 2023 compared with 2022, but its revenues were only 18% higher. A net loss of $279 million for the final quarter mostly reflected a $1.8 billion expense from the continuing integration of its unprofitable former rival. After an initial period of doubt, investors came to embrace the transaction. UBS shares have delivered a 36% total return since it closed in June, compared with roughly 5% for the Stoxx Europe 600 index. Now that the $29 billion one-off windfall from a discount deal price has already been recorded, though, overcoming skepticism might prove harder. Two-thirds of the integration costs are still due. They will come in the form of mammoth quarterly bills between now and 2026. Investors need a longer-term story to get excited. Luckily, UBS has one: In December, Cevian CapitalEuropes largest dedicated activist investortook a $1.3 billion stake in the company, highlighting how the Swiss bank trades at half the valuation of Morgan Stanley. The U.S. bank has captured the markets imagination by setting a companywide goal of 20% return on tangible equity. Under Chief Executive James Gorman, who took over in 2010 and stepped down from the role at the end of last year, it went from an embattled investment bank to a wealth-management powerhouse, recently helped by a string of acquisitions including asset manager Eaton Vance and online broker E*Trade. Servicing the ultrarich is a desirable business for financial firms in the post-2008 era. Compared with investment banking, it generates higher returns while requiring less capital, and usually locks in clients for years. Cevian makes the compelling case that UBS already has this prized business mix in place: 52% of its revenues in 2023 came from wealth management, compared with 49% for Morgan Stanley. One difference is that the U.S. bank extracted a 33% return on tangible equity from wealth management in 2023, whereas UBS said Tuesday that it only got a 16% return. But a lot of this has to do with the Credit Suisse integration, as well as a one-off hit from UBSs stake in financial-services firm SIX Group. In 2022, the number was 25%. Yet Morgan Stanleys high valuation isnt just predicated on it making fat margins from existing wealthy clients. It also prices in a lot of growth. Wealth management needs scale to truly unlock its earnings potential. Indeed, the U.S. bank has targeted client assets of $10 trillion between its wealth and asset management arms, from $6.6 trillion at the end of 2023. Analysts expect it to come close by the end of 2027, data by Visible Alpha shows. Meanwhile, they predict only modest growth in UBSs client assets. The Swiss bank seems to be increasingly aware that it needs to address those low expectations. On top of reiterating their target of a 15% return on equity for 2026, executives on Tuesday added an 18% goal for 2028. They also want to hit $5 trillion in wealth-management assets that year, from $3.9 trillion now. We are not just a restructuring story, we will grow again," UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti told analysts Tuesday. Trying to shrink the bank while also expanding in the right places is a difficult balancing act. UBSs intention to increase dividends and buybacks could also come at the expense of required investments. Ermotti wants wealth management to reap $100 billion in net new money this year and the same again in 2025. That could mean battling it out in the U.S., Morgan Stanleys cutthroat home market. Costs there are higher because financial advisers play a more prominent role. UBS remains one of the most interesting investment opportunities in European banking. Narrowing the gap with its closest U.S. peer, however, will require a lot of multitasking. Write to Jon Sindreu at jon.sindreu@wsj.com Raghuram Rajan, former governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), recently called upon emerging market economies, including India, to build up foreign exchange reserves as protection against the populist and extreme" policies in advanced countries. As of 26 January, the central bank boasted $616.7 billion in reserves, a figure that has impressively doubled over the last decade, positioning India among the world's top 10 countries in terms of reserve holdings. How much more does it need to accumulate? Is there a level that is enough to insure against external crises? Understanding the optimal level of reserves begins with recognizing their significance. Historically, reserves were primarily accumulated to finance imports. The "import cover" ratio, which compares reserves against monthly imports to gauge how many months of imports can be sustained solely on reserves if other foreign exchange inflows cease, has traditionally served as a key macroeconomic benchmark. Although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests a three-month import cover as a baseline, most countries aim to maintain reserves well beyond this minimum. Over the years, however, the import cover measure has become less relevant with greater access to alternative forms of international capital beyond forex reserves. For instance, Germany imported twice as much as India in 2022, but held half the reserves, confident that imports would be comfortably financed through forex flowing in from exports and foreign capital investment. Debt + imports rule The Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s highlighted that import cover alone is not sufficient to assess whether reserves are adequate. In the years preceding the crisis, import covers for Thailand and Indonesia were above the three-month accepted threshold, but short-term external debt ballooned to exceed reserves. The resulting panic about repayment capacity led to large capital outflows and culminated in a currency crisis. To counter this problem, the Greenspan-Guidotti rule recommends that a nations reserves should at least equal its short-term external debt. For emerging markets, an expanded version of the rule, which requires reserves to cover the total of short-term debt and current account deficit, is more suitable. In other words, forex reserves should be enough to meet a countrys foreign exchange financing needs for the year. This metric is reasonably good at predicting currency crises: note how its gap with actual reserves dipped in 2012-13, when a surging current account deficit pushed India to the brink of an external crisis. Cover all BoP drains Given the limitations of these thumb rules, the IMF goes one step ahead and adds two more indicators that impact balance of payments (BoP): non-debt external liabilities and broad money. These, too, dictate how much of reserves an economy needs to protect itself: a decline in non-debt liabilities (such as foreign portfolio inflows) calls for more reserves to compensate for low dollar inflows on the capital account; more of broad money needs more reserves to cover the increased risk of outflows of residents deposits. Combining the four metrics (the other two being exports and short-term debt), the IMF calculates a threshold ratio. The more the actual reserves exceed that threshold (ideally by 1-1.5 times), the better-insured that economy is. Reserves of most Brics and the once-called Fragile Five" countries exceed this range. Indias have improved since 2013, but Chinas have worsened despite holding over $3 trillion in reserves: the reason is its large domestic deposit base that increases broad money. Cost-benefit analysis The fact that countries hold reserves in excess of these thresholds shows a clear preference for precautionary buffers. Unfortunately, holding surplus reserves has costs. There are opportunity costs, as reserves are usually parked in relatively safe and lower-yielding assets. There may also be sterilization costs if the purchase of dollars for reserve accumulation releases excessive rupee liquidity. Yet nations prefer to insure themselves against forex drains experienced in past currency crises. Indias recent external stress episodes were caused by demand shock (2008), fuel price shock (2013, 2022) and US rate hikes (2018, 2022). A simple scenario analysis suggests that reserves are fairly adequate, with a cushion of around $150-275 billion. For central banks, thats not small change, but its not big bucks either. While accumulating a large "war-chest" of reserves may seem prudent given economic uncertainties, the benefits must be weighed against the costs, particularly when reserves exceed certain levels. The author is an independent writer in economics and finance. With the proposed India-UK free-trade agreement (FTA) in the last leg of discussions, Indian negotiators proposed to allow Scotch whisky import in barrels and bottles, but will bargain for mobility and migration related issues, two officials who are part of the negotiating team said. The 14th and final round of discussions for the India-UK FTA, which started on 10 January, is still on and India is hoping that FTA will fructify with positive commitments, the first official said. India and the UK have held 14 rounds of negotiations for the FTA, and both sides are keen to conclude the agreement soon. A delegation of high-ranking officials from the UK arrived in India on 22 January to discuss remaining aspects of the free-trade agreement negotiations. On the issue, a British High Commission spokesperson said, The UK and India continue to work towards an ambitious trade deal." While we do not comment on the details of live negotiations, we continue to actively engage with India and are clear that we will only sign a deal that is fair, balanced and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy," the British High Commiss-ion spokesperson said. Emailed queries sent to the commerce secretary and the ministrys spokesperson remained unanswered. The issue of liquor import is under consideration stage. We have proposed import of spirits in both bottles and barrels," the second official said. We are also hoping FTAs terms of reference on similar lines in the matters related to mobility and migration," the second official added. A majority of the issues in the proposed FTA between India and the UK are either finalized or at an advanced stage of talks.The FTAs are on the right track. There are some issues with mobility, but we have put a strong stand on it. Indians should get full mobility for doing businesses in the UK," the first official said. On the visa issue, the second official said, We have proposed granting relaxations in the visa regime and make it in favour of Indian service companies operating in the UK under FTA provisions, so that Indian firms should be able to hire manpower easily." The FTA will become a tool of facilitation for both nations. Wait till February-end, there will be a positive development in India-UK FTA," the official said. The UKs delegation of about a dozen members are negotiating to resolve the sticky issues in the final deliberations. On the liquor import issue, Vinod Giri, who heads Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), said, Our demand is very simple. We want the government to propose a tax reduction on bottled liquor from current 150% to 100% now and then to 50% over a period of 10 years. This offer is progressive, fair and will ensure the domestic industry is not unduly impacted. We also acknowledge that whisky imported in bulk is also used as a raw material and hence are fine with more concessions on it by reducing duty to 75% now and then to 25% over 10 years." The other pertinent issue that we have raised is removal of the maturation condition of 3 years for a spirit to be called whisky in the UK. In warm Indian weather conditions, whisky matures 3-5 times faster than in cold Scotland. It also evaporates 10-15% every year during maturation in hot India and so in 3 years more than one-third of the whisky is lost which would make Indian products just uncompetitive. If this condition is not removed the deal would be one sided with no gain to Indian industry," Giri said. In terms of sales value for Scotch whisky, India stands at fifth position in the world. As per industry data, sales of Scotch whisky in India increased by 93% to $340 million in 2022. 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. The mobility issue has become a bone of contention for UK as ending free movement of people and taking back control of its borders were key factors leading to Brexit in 2016. 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 head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, asks Canada to transfer tens of thousands of CRV7 missiles. They are currently awaiting destruction at a military base in Saskatchewan. ADVERTISIMENT Budanov said this in an exclusive interview with Global News. According to the head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, this would help Ukraine fight back against Russian troops and save Canadian taxpayers the cost of destroying them. "We hope that this will be a win-win situation for everyone," he emphasized. More than 83,000 CRV7 surface-to-air missiles are stored at the Canadian Forces' Dundurn munitions depot. While Canada no longer needs them and has chosen a private contractor to destroy them, Ukraine urgently needs them due to ammunition shortages. Lieutenant General Budanov clarified that the CRV7s will be used in both Ukrainian attack helicopters and ground launchers to destroy Russian tanks and artillery. He said Ukraine has discussed the issue with Canada but is still awaiting a decision. ADVERTISIMENT Canadian officials said they were considering the request but also warned that CRV7s have been in storage for decades and could be unstable and dangerous to use and transport. A spokesman for Defense Secretary Bill Blair said the government is "conducting tests to ensure that this equipment is safe to transport to Ukraine." According to experts, since the CRV7s use solid fuel, they may be safe, provided they have been stored properly and not exposed to moisture or contamination. Budanov says that due to the difficult situation at the front, Ukrainians are ready to take risks. According to him, they are used to working with old ammunition such as CRV7. "We are not worried," the general said. The Ukrainian Armed Forces believe that about 8,000 Canadian missiles are in pristine condition, and some are still equipped with warheads. ADVERTISIMENT The Canadian military representative admitted that most of the 83,303 missiles are awaiting disposal by the contractor and that transferring them to Ukraine would mean terminating the contract with the company that is building a special facility for this work. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Luxury retailers, flush with cash, are spending big on real estate in the worlds most expensive and exclusive shopping corridors. In New York City, Prada recently agreed to buy the building that houses its Fifth Avenue store as well as the building next door for more than $800 million. Guccis parent company, Kering, is also paying nearly $1 billion for a 115,000-square-foot retail space a few blocks south. Luxury behemoth LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, meanwhile, is in discussions to purchase the Fifth Avenue retail space occupied by Bergdorf Goodmans mens store, according to a person familiar with the matter. This activity follows a flurry of purchases in Europe, where high-end retailers have snapped up real estate on high streets including Avenue Montaigne in Paris and Londons New Bond Street in recent years. Luxurys real-estate shopping spree shows that retailers are using their considerable cash to free themselves from the control of landlords and plant their flags on streets where they want a long-term presence. The rents that the luxury retailers were paying on Fifth and in other prime locations were simply astronomical," said Eric Menkes, co-chair of leasing for the New York-based law firm Adler & Stachenfeld. There comes a point in time when these retailers looked in the mirror and said, Why am I making my landlord rich? " Retail rents on upper Fifth Avenue havent surpassed prepandemic levels, but they averaged $2,000 a square foot over the past year, making the corridor the most expensive retail destination in the world, according to real-estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. High-end retailers renewing their leases are often subject to the biggest rent increases, because they dont want to leave well-known, successful addresses and pay for expensive build-outs at new stores. You dont want to give up that location," Menkes said. And your landlord knows that." While the most recent eye-catching deals have been signed in New York and Europe, luxury companies are also buying buildings elsewhere. The French fashion house Chanel paid $63 million for a building on Post Street in San Francisco in 2021, the same year LVMH bought a hotel in Beverly Hills. Chanel selectively acquires real estate to protect its long-term presence in key cities around the world, and secure prime locations for luxury retail," a spokesperson said in an email. While real-estate purchases so far appear concentrated in the most exclusive shopping corridors, luxury retailers are also signing leases in new markets and for bigger footprints to accommodate their swelling collections as well as new offerings such as restaurants and bars. A surge in shopping for luxury goods powered the worlds largest luxury retailers to record profits in recent years. Sales growth has since slowed, but LVMH, which owns 75 brands including Dior and Hennessy, still reported nearly $94 billion in sales in 2023, beating analysts forecasts and sending the companys stock price soaring in European trading. The premium luxury groups have so much cash on their balance sheet," said Eric Le Goff, vice chairman and head of luxury for the brokerage Retail by Mona. For companies not contemplating acquisitions, why not deploy the cash into real estate where you know youre going to be there, hopefully for the next 100 years?" In addition to cash, well-performing retailers have the option of floating corporate bonds to pay for their real-estate purchases at a lower rate than the traditional real-estate investor could get for a bank mortgage, according to Will Silverman, a managing director at Eastdil Secured, a real-estate investment-banking firm. The spread between where they can borrow and where a traditional real-estate investor can borrow, might be several percentage points apart," Silverman said. That spread has never been wider in memory, he added. This dynamic could mean luxury retailers are competing mainly against each other for real estate at the most desirable locations. Luxury companies tend to cluster, so once one deal is signed, usually that causes others to all jump in and want to be in the market, which then causes demand to increase and prices to rise," said Andrew Goldberg, vice chairman at real-estate brokerage CBRE. Write to Kate King at kate.king@wsj.com Amid a global lookout for natural gas supplies, state-run energy majors ONGC and GAIL are exploring the possibility of setting up strategic gas reserves in the country, said two people in the know. The two options available are old oil wells and salt caverns, and whenever reserves are set up, old wells would hold most of the gas, they said. "ONGC and GAIL are currently looking at the possibility. When talks go ahead, ISPRL (Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd) is expected to collaborate in the process," said one of the people mentioned above. The gas reserves are likely to be set up in the western coast of the country, the person said, adding that a team from India visited Europe to understand the technical knowhow and its application in Indian conditions. Mint earlier reported that India is setting up a strategic gas reserve on the lines of its strategic petroleum reserve (SPR). Queries sent to ONGC, GAIL and ISPRL were not immediately responded. The government has been considering the plan to set up strategic gas reserves over the past few years. However, given the critical technical and infrastructure issues involved, the plans have so far not taken a concrete shape. The process has gained momentum with prospects of higher demand going ahead and a steep fall in gas prices over the past one year. India is a net importer of natural gas and the expansion in the city gas distribution sector, fertilizer manufacturing among others, the consumption of gas is expected to grow. During the current financial year (April-December), India's import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) stood at 22.85 billion metric standard cubic meter per day, against 20.01 billion metric standard cubic meter per day during the same period of the last fiscal. The Centre has set a target of increasing the share of gas in the energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6%. India already has strategic petroleum reserves and ISPRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) under the ministry of petroleum & natural gas, manages 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT) of strategic crude oil storages in three locations in Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur. The Vishakhapatnam facility with 1.33 MMT capacity was commissioned in June 2015, while Mangalore (1.5 MMT) and Padur (2.5 MMT) were commissioned in October 2016, and December 2018. Further, ISPRL is preparing to lease out one of the 0.75 million tonnes-capacity storage caverns it operates in Mangalore, said the second person mentioned above, adding that foreign players are interested. With this, the whole of the Mangaluru strategic petroleum reserve, which includes two caverns of 0.75 million tonne capacity each, will be leased out. UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has been storing crude in one of the caverns since 2018 and has signed an agreement to use the Padur facility as well. ISPRL would soon issue expressions of interest for leasing out the cavern, the person added. It is also constructing two other reserves under Chandikhol, Odisha (4MMT) and is expanding the Padur facility by 2.5 MMT. A parliamentary standing committee in December last year had suggested setting up of more strategic petroleum reserves. "The ministry may provide funds for creation of storage caverns to oil PSUs through ISPRL, while the oil PSUs can store and maintain the caverns for their usage," the committee said in its 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! Universities have boomed in recent decades. Higher-education institutions across the world now employ on the order of 15m researchers, up from 4m in 1980. These workers produce five times the number of papers each year. Governments have ramped up spending on the sector. The justification for this rapid expansion has, in part, followed sound economic principles. Universities are supposed to produce intellectual and scientific breakthroughs that can be employed by businesses, the government and regular folk. Such ideas are placed in the public domain, available to all. In theory, therefore, universities should be an excellent source of productivity growth. In practice, however, the great expansion of higher education has coincided with a productivity slowdown. Whereas in the 1950s and 1960s workers output per hour across the rich world rose by 4% a year, in the decade before the covid-19 pandemic 1% a year was the norm. Even with the wave of innovation in artificial intelligence (ai), productivity growth remains weakless than 1% a year, on a rough estimatewhich is bad news for economic growth. A new paper by Ashish Arora, Sharon Belenzon, Larisa C. Cioaca, Lia Sheer and Hansen Zhang, five economists, suggests that universities blistering growth and the rich worlds stagnant productivity could be two sides of the same coin. To see why, turn to history. In the post-war period higher education played a modest role in innovation. Businesses had more responsibility for achieving scientific breakthroughs: in America during the 1950s they spent four times as much on research as universities. Companies like AT&T, a telecoms firm, and General Electric, an energy firm, were as scholarly as they were profitable. In the 1960s the research and development (R&D) unit of DuPont, a chemicals company, published more articles in the Journal of the American Chemical Society than the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Caltech combined. Ten or so people did research at Bell Labs, once part of AT&T, which won them Nobel prizes. Giant corporate labs emerged in part because of tough anti-monopoly laws. These often made it difficult for a firm to acquire another firms inventions by buying them. So businesses had little choice but to develop ideas themselves. The golden age of the corporate lab then came to an end when competition policy loosened in the 1970s and 1980s. At the same time, growth in university research convinced many bosses that they no longer needed to spend money on their own. Today only a few firms, in big tech and pharma, offer anything comparable to the DuPonts of the past. The new paper by Mr Arora and his colleagues, as well as one from 2019 with a slightly different group of authors, makes a subtle but devastating suggestion: that when it came to delivering productivity gains, the old, big-business model of science worked better than the new, university-led one. The authors draw on an immense range of data, covering everything from counts of phds to analysis of citations. In order to identify a causal link between public science and corporate R&D, they employ a complex methodology that involves analysing changes to federal budgets. Broadly, they find that scientific breakthroughs from public institutions elicit little or no response from established corporations" over a number of years. A boffin in a university lab might publish brilliant paper after brilliant paper, pushing the frontier of a discipline. Often, however, this has no impact on corporations own publications, their patents or the number of scientists that they employ, with life sciences being the exception. And this, in turn, points to a small impact on economy-wide productivity. Why do companies struggle to use ideas produced by universities? The loss of the corporate lab is one part of the answer. Such institutions were home to a lively mixture of thinkers and doers. In the 1940s Bell Labs had the interdisciplinary team of chemists, metallurgists and physicists necessary to solve the overlapping theoretical and practical problems associated with developing the transistor. That cross-cutting expertise is now largely gone. Another part of the answer concerns universities. Free from the demands of corporate overlords, research focuses more on satisfying geeks curiosity or boosting citation counts than it does on finding breakthroughs that will change the world or make money. In moderation, research for researchs sake is no bad thing; some breakthrough technologies, such as penicillin, were discovered almost by accident. But if everyone is arguing over how many angels dance on the head of a pin, the economy suffers. When higher-education institutions do produce work that is more relevant to the real world, the consequences are troubling. As universities produce more freshly minted PhD graduates, companies seem to find it easier to invent new stuff, the authors find. Yet universities patents have an offsetting effect, provoking corporations to produce fewer patents themselves. It is possible that incumbent businesses, worried about competition from university spinoffs, cut back on R&D in that field. Although no one knows for sure how these opposing effects balance out, the authors point to a net decline in corporate patenting of about 1.5% a year. The vast fiscal resources devoted to public science, in other words, probably make businesses across the rich world less innovative. If youre so smart, why arent you rich? Perhaps, with time, universities and the corporate sector will work together more profitably. Tighter competition policy could force businesses to behave a little more like they did in the post-war period, and beef up their internal research. And corporate researchers, rather than universities, are driving the current generative AI innovation boom: in a few cases, the corporate lab has already risen from the ashes. At some point, though, governments will need to ask themselves hard questions. In a world of weak economic growth, lavish public support for universities may come to seem an unjustifiable luxury. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 5 approved HDFC Bank Group's proposal to acquire "aggregate holding" of up to 9.50 percent in six banks including Axis Bank, Bandhan Bank , ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank , and Yes Bank . The approvals were issued following applications made by HDFC Bank (acting as a promoter/sponsor of the Group) to RBI on December 18, 2023. The RBI's approval is valid for one year from the date of the RBI's letter, expiring on February 4, 2025. HDFC Bank is required to ensure that the "aggregate holding" in the aforementioned banks does not surpass 9.50 percent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the respective banks at any given time. The approvals are for HDFC Bank Limited, including its group entities such as HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, and others. The RBI approval is subject to compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, RBI's Master Direction and Guidelines on Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies dated January 16, 2023 (as amended), provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, regulations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and other applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines, the filing noted. Stock market moves Despite the RBI's approval of the HDFC Bank Group's plans to acquire aggregate holding of up to 9.50 percent in the IndusInd Bank, shares of IndusInd Bank and HDFC Bank are trading flat in the early morning session. IndusInd share price today opened upside and went on to touch an intraday high of 1548.90 apiece level on BSE, logging a marginal rise against Monday's close of 1539.25 per share on BSE. However, HDFC Bank's share price is trading red after touching an intraday low of 1438.85 per share on BSE. On why the market remained non-reactive to this big corporate development, Saurabh Jain, Vice President Research at SMC Global Securities said, This non-reaction of the Indian stock market to this institutional buying can be attributed to three major reasons weakness in the market, IndusInd Bank shares already near record high, and speculative buying ahead of the RBI's nod." Saurabh Jain of SMC Global Securities maintained that the market was well aware of the institutional buying and speculative buying that had already taken place in both stocks. So, further appreciation in IndusInd Bank shares is limited. The rest of the reason lies with the weak stock market sentiments in which investors avoid shares that are not at a discounted price. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts, and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making 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! After two Boeing 737 MAX crashes five years ago that killed everyone aboard both jets, air-safety regulators cranked up the heat on the plane maker. The Federal Aviation Administration, under fire for being too soft on Boeing, assigned more people to oversee the companys production. FAA inspectors, not Boeings own employees, would now do the final safety check on each 737 MAX. Boeing would add back quality inspections it had stopped doing. Two FAA inspectors would keep tabs on Spirit AeroSystems, Boeings troubled supplier of door plugs and other equipment. When the problem-plagued 737 MAX was finally cleared to fly again in 2020, the FAAs then chief Steve Dickson called it the most heavily scrutinized transport aircraft in aviation history," telling reporters: I am fully confident that the aircraft is safe, and I would put my own family on it." Those comforting words look a lot less reassuring after a door plug blew out midair on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX on Jan. 5, and it emerged that the plane likely had rolled off the factory floor weeks earlier without the bolts necessary to hold it in place. That cant happen," Dickson, now a consultant, said on Saturday about the blowout. He still believes the aircraft is safe, he said, but that assumes theyre put together properly." On Sunday, Boeing said it would have to rework 50 undelivered 737 MAX jets because of newly discovered misdrilled holes. Now the same old questions are resurfacing about the effectiveness of the FAA and its largely hands-off regulatory system for overseeing Boeing.The agency has so few people watching over Boeing relative to the size of its production operations that a former government official familiar with the oversight likened the process to looking through a keyhole. Boeing employs more than 12,000 in Renton, Wash., where 737s are assembled. The FAA had eight inspectors assigned to the plant there late last year, up from two in 2018, according to the former government official. Thats not enough people to monitor the restaurant operations at the site," said Ed Pierson, a former senior Boeing production manager who raised concerns about quality problems at the 737 factory after the crashes. On Tuesday, current FAA chief Mike Whitaker is scheduled to testify before a U.S. House panel about the agencys oversight of Boeings manufacturing. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal last month, Whitaker said: Were going to be looking at the entire production process, the quality assurance process, try to understand where these breakdowns have occurred, and what are the levers that we have to fix that." View Full Image An Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet being inspected in San Diego following the Jan. 5 incident. PHOTO: TOBY HARRIMAN FAA deputy safety chief Jodi Baker said on Monday that the agency was still figuring out its reimagined oversight" of Boeing, but that it would include more agency personnel on the factory floor to talk to employees and better assess the safety culture. Boeing Chief Executive David Calhoun said last month: This increased scrutiny that comes from us or our regulator or from third parties will make us better. Its that simple." Already, the FAA has sent more inspectors to monitor Boeing, launched an enforcement probe and begun a broader audit of the companys manufacturing. It has imposed new limits on 737 MAX production, which could delay when airlines get new jets. I thought I fixed the system, but clearly, I didnt," said former U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, who led a congressional probe beginning in 2019 into the 737 MAX crashes. That investigation led to new protections for the Boeing employees who work on behalf of the FAA, aiming to shield them from management pressure. The system still relies on Boeing, not the FAA, to ensure that planes are produced properly. FAA inspectors have only a small presence in Boeings factories. Were not their quality department," said a former senior agency official. Boeing employees working on behalf of the FAA are supposed to make sure the company adheres to federal safety rules. Those company-employed inspectors are supposed to answer to the FAA, but some of them have reported that they have felt pressure from their Boeing bosses. Boeing has said it tells employees that their colleagues who answer to the FAA should be treated with the same respect and deference as the regulator. Much of FAA inspectors job nowadays involves reviewing paperwork and analyzing Boeings quality-control system, not physically inspecting aircraft. At the Renton factory, Boeing employees who represent the FAA are performing nearly all the checks to determine whether new aircraft meet federal safety standards, current and former government officials said. FAA rules require inspectors to announce many audits of the companys production systems months in advance, allowing Boeing time to prepare. Baker said announced audits can be helpful so Boeing has the right people and documents available. The agency can conduct unannounced audits as well. Last summer, the FAA assigned two senior inspectors to keep tabs on Spirit AeroSystems, a Wichita, Kan.-based supplier that initially installed the plug door on the Alaska jets fuselage. Spirit has been the source of various Boeing production problems in recent years. A Spirit spokesman said the supplier welcomes FAA oversight and is focused on the quality of its products. For decades, the FAA has delegated certain responsibilities to the aerospace manufacturers it oversees, often with the support of lawmakers. In the early 2000s, the agency began giving companies such as Boeing an even bigger role. Some FAA employees worried that the new system would reduce the role of agency engineers in Boeings work to design and build new aircraft, said Stan Sorscher, a former Boeing physicist who later worked for the union representing the companys engineers in the Seattle area. The new structure established what is now known as the Organization Designation Authorization, or ODA. Boeings ODA unit employs about 250 inspectors who represent the FAA on Boeing factory floors and at suppliers. The FAA inspectors union, now known as the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, warned in a 2004 public letter that delegating more authority to manufacturers would effectively let the fox guard the henhouse. It allows them to have planes going out the door without an actual FAA person ever looking at it," Jim Pratt, a retired FAA inspector and former union official, said in a recent interview. The 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 exposed flaws in the regulatory approach. Accident investigators blamed a faulty flight-control system known as MCAS for sending the planes into fatal nosedives. Boeing engineers had developed the system with little FAA input or review. In response to those crashes, the FAA took steps to tighten its oversight of how Boeing assembled the aircraft. It revoked Boeings authority to conduct final safety checks on newly produced 737 MAX jets and to issue airworthiness certificates on the agencys behalf. The FAA has held on to those tasks since then. The agency staffed up its Boeing oversight office. The FAA said it has pushed the company to stop using statistical sampling methods called process monitoring" and process surveillance." At one meeting, FAA officials told Boeing representatives that they wouldnt be allowed to continue the practice because they couldnt do it right, according to the former government official. The FAA ordered Boeing to restore the quality inspections it had discontinued. Separately, FAA officials worked with Boeing to start a voluntary reporting system aimed at addressing emerging safety problems. Similar systems at airlines are credited with reducing accidents. The FAA has had difficulty gauging whether its oversight has worked. According to an internal 2022 survey reviewed by the Journal, 83% of responding FAA employees said they couldnt determine whether their actions prevented repeat violations of federal safety rules. The FAA said it has told managers to follow up with employees on compliance actions. Problems with Boeing manufacturing continued after the 737 MAX crashes. The 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body aircraft produced in South Carolina, had numerous production flaws that FAA officials worried might result in safety problems. Boeing halted delivery of those jets for nearly two years and took some jets out of service briefly while defects were addressed. FAA officials discussed whether to use its control of Boeings production certificate to limit how many planes it could produce a month, but decided not to do so. Signs later emerged that production was improving. The Alaska Airlines accident has prompted the FAA to once again stiffen its public posture amid an investigation into the accident. It has capped Boeings production to 38 MAX jets a month, and said it wont approve an expansion of a fourth production line to a factory in Everett, Wash., until it is satisfied the companys quality-control system has improved. The FAA said it is sending 20 more inspectors to Boeings Renton factory and six more to Spirits facility in Wichita, and that it could add more as needed. Whitaker, who became the FAA chief last fall, said in the interview that the manufacturing problems had gone on for too long, and I think we need to have a more intensive effort to get this resolved, immediately." Boeing said it has increased its number of inspectors in its commercial-jet unit by 20% since 2019. Calhoun, the CEO, said the company has begun conducting more inspections at its Renton factory since the Alaska accident and already is learning from its mistake. Airlines have said they are sending their own inspectors to the 737 factory, a sign they dont fully trust Boeings pledges to improveor the FAAs oversight. The agency also has increased monitoring of problems with 737 MAXs currently flying passengers. Industry and former government officials wonder whether other defects might have slipped through. What about all those hundreds of planes that left the factory without those inspections?" Pierson said. Theyre out there." Alison Sider contributed to this article. Write to Andrew Tangel at andrew.tangel@wsj.com Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO subscription status: The issue has been fully subscribed to by retail and non-institutional investors. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO subscription status is 2.53 times. The retail portion of the Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO was entirely booked within an hour of taking off. On day 1, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO's retail investors portion has been subscribed to 5.74 times, Non Institutional Investors (NII) portion is subscribed to 3.24 times, and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) portion is booked 1.17 times. Also Read: Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO: From price band to GMP - here are 10 things to know before subscribing to the issue The Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO has opened for subscription today (Monday, February 5), and will close on Wednesday, February 7. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO price band has been fixed in the range of 147 to 155 per equity share of the face value of 1 each. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO raised 409 crore from anchor investors on Friday, February 2. The Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO lot size is 96 equity shares and in multiples of 96 equity shares thereafter. Also Read: Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO opens today: GMP, review, subscription status, other details. Buy or not? Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO has reserved not less than 75% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not more than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not more than 10% of the offer is reserved for retail investors. Tentatively, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO basis of allotment of shares will be finalised on Thursday, February 8, and the company will initiate refunds on Friday, February 9, while the shares will be credited to the demat account of allottees on the same day following refund. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels share price is likely to be listed on BSE and NSE on Monday, February 12. View Full Image Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO details. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO Subscription Status Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO has received bids for 8,78,61,600 shares against 3,47,61,903 shares on offer, according to data from the BSE. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO retail investors' portion received bids for 3,55,23,456 shares against 61,90,476 shares on offer for this segment. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO's non-institutional investors' portion received bids for 3,01,05,600 shares against 92,85,714 on offer for this segment. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO's QIBs portion have received 2,16,92,256 bids against 1,85,71,428 shares on offer for this segment. Also Read: Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO: Price band set at 147-155 per share; details here Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels IPO details Apeejay Surrendra Park IPO, which is worth 920 crore, consists of fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to 600 crore and offer-for-sale (OFS) aggregating up to 320 crore. The company plans to use the net proceeds to fund general corporate operations as well as the return or prepayment, in full or in part, of any outstanding borrowings that the company has taken out. Apeejay Private Ltd, promoter group selling shareholder, would be offloading shares worth 296 crore, RECP IV Park Hotel Investors Ltd will be selling shares worth 23 crore, and RECP IV Park Hotel Co-Investors Lts will be offloading shares worth 1 crore. The registrar for the Apeejay Surrendra Park IPO is Link Intime India Private Ltd, and the book running lead managers are JM Financial Limited, ICICI Securities Limited, and Axis Capital Limited. Apeejay Surrendra Park IPO GMP today Apeejay Surrendra Park IPO GMP, or grey market premium, is +60, similar to the previous session. So far, the GMP has been rising. This indicates Apeejay Surrendra Park share price were trading at a premium of 60 in the grey market, according to investorgain.com. Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of Apeejay Surrendra Park share price was indicated at 215 apiece, which is 38.71% higher than the IPO price of 155. Based on the last ten sessions of grey market activity, today IPO GMP points upward and expects a strong listing, as per analysts at investorgain.com. The lowest GMP is 0, while the highest GMP is 70. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decision. BSE 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! Information and communications technology products distributor for global technology brands company Rashi Peripherals, on Tuesday, said that it has garnered 180 crores from anchor investors ahead of its initial public offering that opens for public subscription on Wednesday, February 07, 2024. The company informed the bourses that it has allocated 57,87,780 equity shares at 311 per share on Tuesday, February 06, 2024, to anchor investors. Also read: Rashi Peripherals IPO opens tomorrow: GMP, issue details, 10 key things to know before subscribing to 600-crore issue Foreign and Domestic Institutions who participated in the anchor were White Oak Capital, Ashoka India, ICICI Prudential, Volrado Ventures, Bajaj Alliance Life Insurance, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, SBI General Insurance, BCAD, Singularity Growth Opportunity Fund and Authum Investments. Out of the total allocation of 57,87,780 equity shares to the anchor investors, 19,61,472 equity shares were allocated to 3 domestic mutual funds through a total of 8 schemes amounting to 61 crore approx i.e. 33.89 percent of the Total Anchor Book Size. JM Financial Limited and ICICI Securities Limited are the book running lead managers to the offer. Prior to submitting its IPO paperwork to the Registrar of Companies, the Mumbai-based company had secured 150 crore through private placement from Volrado Venture Partners Fund-III-BETA and notable investor Madhusudan Kela's spouse, Madhuri Madhusudan Kela, on January 17 of this year. Also read: Jana Small Finance Bank IPO: From price band to GMP - here are 10 things to know before subscribing to the issue Initially, the planned issue size stood at 750 crore, yet it was subsequently trimmed down to 600 crore, particularly following the successful pre-IPO placement fundraising. Currently, the promoters hold a majority stake of 89.65 percent in the company, while Volrado and Kela stand as the sole public shareholders with a combined stake of 10.35 percent. Rashi Peripherals IPO details The issue is entirely a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating to 600 crore with no offer for sale component. The issue will open for subscription on Wednesday, February 07, 2024, and close on Friday, February 09, 2024. The price band for the offer has been determined at 295 311 per equity share. Also read: Apeejay Surrendra Park IPO: Check out 10 key things to know from RHP before investing The IPO will fetch 600 crore at the upper end of the price band. Investors can bid for a minimum of 48 equity shares and in multiples of 48 equity shares thereafter. The offer is being made through the book building process, wherein not more than 50 percent of the offer shall be available for allocation to Qualified Institutional Buyers, not less than 15 percent of the offer shall be available for allocation to Non-Institutional bidders and not less than 35 percent of the offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual bidders. ICICI SECURITIES 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! In the opening chapters of 2024, the Indian market has embarked on a journey marked by volatility, presenting investors with a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. The landscape has been shaped by various factors, including a noticeable slowdown in Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows into Indian stocks in January, volatile crude oil prices, the Interim Budget 2024-2025, a delay in Fed rate cuts, and the impact of higher bond yields. These factors have collectively contributed to an environment of heightened uncertainty, forcing investors to navigate through complex market terrain. Amid this backdrop, some stocks have managed to sail through these waves and deliver healthy returns to their investors so far. Among these, PSU stocks stand tall, making them one of the hot choices among investors. Also Read: Also Read: LIC shares surge to new heights, breach 1000 mark with a 8.8% jump Following the interim budget, PSU stocks sustained their winning momentum as the government increased capital expenditure by 11.1% for FY25. PSU companies stand as primary beneficiaries of government capex initiatives, leveraging this boost to their advantage. In addition, the government set a fiscal deficit target of 5.8% for FY24 and 5.1% for FY25. An even bigger positive was gross borrowing, coming at 14.13 lakh crore. This led to a decline in 10-year Indian government bond yields, benefiting PSU banks, which hold a greater proportion of government bonds compared to private sector banks. In the current year so far, 66 stocks from the Nifty 500 index have showcased returns ranging from 20% to 104%. Leading the pack is NBCC (India), with an impressive 104% return, marking its most significant yearly gain since 2014. Also Read: FPIs find stability in Indian debt amid equity challenges; what's behind the inflows into bonds? The surge in NBCC's stock was particularly notable on February 1 and February 2, with gains of 10% and 19%, respectively. This surge was triggered by the government's budget announcement, outlining an ambitious plan to construct 20 million new houses over the next five years under the PM Awas Yojana, a housing scheme initiated by the Government of India in 2015. Following closely, Infibeam Avenues stood as the second-top gainer, with its share delivering a return of nearly 70% in CY24 so far. The sharp rally in shares came after the release of the company's Q3 FY24 earnings report on January 23, posting a strong set of numbers. The robust numbers significantly boosted investor confidence, triggering a sharp upward movement in the company's shares. On similar lines, IRB Infrastructure has also delivered robust performance with a return of 69%. The stock witnessed a substantial surge from 41.55 to the current trading price of 70, with the majority of gains realised after the release of the company's Q3 FY24 results, showcasing a significant 33% YoY increase in its consolidated net profit. Also Read: Nifty 50 may hit 23,400 in a pre-election rally, says ICICI Securities Another noteworthy performer in CY24 is SJVN, a Mini Ratna, Category-I, and Schedule-A CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. The company's shares have been performing well on exchanges, driven by securing multiple solar power projects. In the most recent trading session (Monday), the stock surged nearly 20%, achieving an all-time high of 170.50 per share. Overall, in the current year so far, the stock has delivered a return of 63%. Additionally, various other PSU stocks, including IRFC, NHPC, HUDCO, Rail Vikas Nigam, MMTC, RITES, MRPL, UCO Bank, IOB, Engineers India, IDBI Bank, NMDC Steel, IOC, Indian Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, General Insurance, BEML, Cochin Shipyard, Ircon, and Central Bank of India, have also posted noteworthy returns ranging from 20% to 60% in CY24. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making 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! The earnings for the December quarter (Q3FY24) so far have been in line with estimates for the most part and grew 34 percent YoY (vs estimate of 28 percent YoY). Once again, the earnings growth was fueled by domestic cyclicals, such as BFSI (bank, financial services, and insurance) and Auto, stated a report by domestic brokerage house Motilal Oswal (MOSL). As of February 1, 2024, 33 companies within the Nifty announced their Q3FY24 results. These companies constitute a) 73 percent and 74 percent of the estimated PAT for the MOFSL and Nifty Universe, respectively; b) 48 percent of India's market capitalisation; and c) 77 percent weightage in the Nifty, informed the brokerage. 33 Nifty stocks have reported sales, EBITDA, and PAT growth of 6 percent, 15 percent, and 21 percent YoY versus estimates of 7 percent, 14 percent, and 20 percent, respectively. Of these, 9 companies have surpassed profit expectations, 8 missed and the remaining 16 were in-line, highlighted the brokerage. Meanwhile, on the EBITDA front, 9 companies have exceeded estimates during the quarter whereas 7 missed, added MOSL. Stocks Earnings of the 33 Nifty companies that have declared results so far jumped 21 percent YoY, propelled by HDFC Bank, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, JSW Steel, and Reliance Industries. These five companies contributed 57 percent to the incremental YoY accretion in earnings. Conversely, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and Wipro contributed adversely to Nifty earnings, said MOSL. Among the Nifty constituents, ITC, HCL Tech, Wipro, Adani Ports, JSW Steel, Asian Paints, Dr Reddys Labs, Cipla, and Tata Steel exceeded MOSL's profit estimates. Conversely, Kotak Mahindra Bank, L&T, HUL, Ultratech Cement, Titan Company, Tech Mahindra and SBI Life Insurance missed profit estimates for Q3FY24, it informed. Sectors According to the brokerage, BFSI clocked a 26 percent YoY growth, while Auto registered a growth of 40 percent YoY (in line with estimate of +40 percent), driven by Maruti Suzuki and Bajaj Auto. OMCs profitability surged to 12,000 crore in Q3FY24 from 2600 crore in Q3FY23, owing to strong marketing margins. Ex-OMCs, MOFSL/Niftys earnings grew 28 percent/20 percent YoY, it informed. The metals sector reported a healthy growth of 234 percent YoY (vs. estimate of 133 percent YoY), primarily fired by Tata Steel, which clocked a profit of 850 crore in 3QFY24 (vs a loss of 2,380 crore in Q3FY23). Excluding Tata Steel, the MOFSL Metals Universe grew 62 percent YoY during the quarter, it added. Meanwhile, the IT services companies (within MOFSL Universe) reported relatively healthy performance (beating its estimates) despite having seasonality and furlough impact in Q3FY24, with a median revenue growth of 1 percent QoQ CC. Upgrades/downgrades As per the brokerage, until now, 28 companies within MOFSL Coverage Universe have reported an upgrade while 48 have witnessed a downgrade of over 3 percent each, leading to an adverse upgrade-to-downgrade ratio for FY24E. Within the MOFSL Universe, Healthcare/Logistics/Cement/Tech recorded an FY25E earnings upgrade of 3.3 percent/2.4 percent/1.4 percent/1 percent. Conversely, Real Estate, Retail, and Consumer registered an earnings downgrade of 15.2 percent/5.1 percent/4.1 percent. Top FY25E upgrades: Cipla (8.2%), Dr Reddys Labs (4.6%), HCL Technologies (3.8%), Sun Pharma (3.7%), and Adani Ports (3.5%). Top FY25E downgrades: LTIMindtree (-8.3%), ITC (-6.2%), HUL (-4.6%), Axis Bank (-4.2%), and IndusInd Bank (-3.4%). View The Q3FY24 corporate earnings scorecard has been in line so far, with heavyweights such as HDFC Bank, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, JSW Steel, and Reliance Industries driving the aggregate. As per the brokerage, the earnings spread has been decent, with 64 percent of MOSL's Coverage Universe either meeting or exceeding profit expectations. However, growth has primarily been led by the BFSI, metals, O&G, and auto. Nifty is trading at a 12-month forward P/E of 19.4x, at a 4 percent discount to its own long-period average (LPA). The brokerage prefers PSU banks, industrials (capital goods, cement), real estate, consumer discretionary, and NBFCs, while is underweight on IT, and metals. It recently upgraded energy to neutral and downgraded auto and pharma to neutral in its model portfolio. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decision. JSW STEEL 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! The 600 crore initial public offering (IPO) of Rashi Peripherals will open for subscription on Wednesday, February 7 and remain open till Friday, February 9. The company has fixed the IPO price band at 295 to 311 per equity share. The issue is entirely a fresh issue of 1.93 crore equity shares with a face value of 5 each. There is no offer-for-sale component in the Rashi Peripherals IPO. Retail investors have the option to bid for a minimum of 48 shares, constituting a single lot, and can bid for a maximum of 13 lots. The minimum investment required by retail investors would be 14,160. The IPO reserved 50% of the issue for QIB, 35% for retail investors, and 15% for NII investors. About Rashi Peripherals Rashi Peripherals is among the national distribution partners for global technology brands in India for information and communications technology (ICT) products such as PCs, components, peripherals and accessories, servers, enterprise, and embedded solutions and services. With the liberalisation of the Indian IT sector in 1991, the company transitioned to the distribution of ICT products of global technology brands in India. The company has been instrumental in facilitating the entry of several global technology brands and was among the select players that led the formalisation of fragmented and unorganised ICT product distribution in India. Between fiscal 2002 and the six months ended September 30, 2022, the company distributed 293.63 million units of ICT products. It has expanded its distribution network across India and, as of September 30, 2022, had one of the largest ICT product distribution networks in India, according to the company's RHP report. Business verticals Rashi Peripherals primarily operates two business verticals: Personal Computing, Enterprise, and Cloud Solutions (PES") and Lifestyle and IT Essentials (LIT"). It distributes products primarily through three channels, including general trade, modern trade, and e-commerce. Diverse global partnerships As of September 30, 2023, the company was a national distribution partner for 50 global technology brands that including ASUS Global Pte. Ltd., Dell International Services India Pvt Ltd, HP India Sales Pvt Ltd, Lenovo India Pvt Ltd, Logitech Asia Pacific Ltd, NVIDIA Corporation, Intel Americas, Inc., Western Digital (UK) Ltd, Schneider Electric IT Business India Pvt Ltd, Eaton Power Quality Pvt Ltd, ECS Industrial Computer Co., Ltd., Belkin Asia Pacific Ltd, TPV Technology India Pvt Ltd., LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., and Toshiba Electronic Components Taiwan Corporation. Market opportunity India has a large addressable market for the personal computing segment, including peripherals, storage, tablet PCs, mobile phones and accessories, cloud services, and server businesses. The market was approximately 3,450 billion in 2020, which is projected to grow to approximately 6,379 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by several key factors, including increasing usage of technology in general, a focus on e-governance and digitization, increasing data volume, efficient supply chain solutions, and e-commerce platforms, which are enabling the growth of the industry. Business strengths The company stands out as a leading and rapidly expanding distribution partner for information and communications technology products in India. Its extensive and multi-channel distribution network covers the entire nation, supported by robust in-house infrastructure. It has established enduring relationships with renowned global technology brands, fostered by a committed engagement strategy with customers. Additionally, it boasts a diversified and comprehensive product portfolio, offering value-added solutions, as highlighted by the company in its RHP report. Objectives of the issue Out of the net proceeds from the fresh issue, the company proposes to utilise 326 crore for prepayment or scheduled repayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed of, up to 220 crore for funding working capital requirements, and the balance amount from the net proceeds will be utilised for general corporate purposes. Book-running lead managers JM Financial and ICICI Securities are the book-running lead managers for the Rashi Peripherals IPO, while Link Intime India is the IPO registrar. Financial performance and return metrics From fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2022 and the six months ended September 30, 2022, the company demonstrated consistent growth in revenue from operations, EBITDA, and restated profit after tax. The revenue from operations followed an upward trajectory, reaching 39,344.82 million, 59,250.48 million, 93,134.38 million, and 50,238.09 million in Fiscal 2020, 2021, and 2022, and the six months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. Notably, it registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53.85% between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2022. The restated profit after tax exhibited growth from 382.31 million in Fiscal 2020 to 1,363.50 million in Fiscal 2021, 1,825.11 million in Fiscal 2022, and further to 673.75 million in the six months ended September 30, 2022. Simultaneously, EBITDA increased from 938.58 million in Fiscal 2020 to 2,152.27 million in Fiscal 2021, 3,052.17 million in Fiscal 2022, and further to 1,365.12 million in the six months ended September 30, 2022, its RHP showed. Key risks The company, while excelling in distribution, does not manufacture the information and communications technology (ICT") products it sells. These products, sourced from global technology brands, are distributed through general trade, modern trade, and e-commerce channels. The company said it has significant credit exposure to its channel partners and other customers, and it said that any negative trends in their businesses could cause the company significant credit losses and negatively impact the company's cash flow and liquidity position. Additionally, dependence on third-party transportation providers for product delivery and warehousing services in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, introduces operational vulnerability. Allotment details Rashi Peripherals IPO allotment is likely to be finalised on February 12, while the company will initiate refunds on February 13. It will credit the shares to the demat accounts of the eligible allottees on the same day. Rashi Peripherals shares will be listed on both the stock exchanges, BSE and NSE, on February 14. Should you subscribe to the IPO? Leading domestic brokerage firm Sushil Finance has recommended investors "subscribe" to the issue with a long-term view. "The company is asking for a PE multiple of 10.54x on the upper end of the price band and using diluted EPS for FY23 ( 29.5) and a PE of 8.53x annualizing diluted EPS for H1FY24 ( 18.24). The industry average is 9.92x. The issue seems fully priced," said the brokerage. Another domestic brokerage firm, Swastika Investmart, also recommended a "subscribe" rating to the IPO, citing the company's future growth potential and the positive industry outlook. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making 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! The West is concerned about the possible resignation of Valerii Zaluzhnyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine's allies are convinced that if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does make such a decision, it may have a "backfire." ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Financial Times, citing Western officials. One of the officials of the Group of Seven countries, which provides weapons to the Ukrainian army, said that Zaluzhnyi is very popular among the military. "They (Western officials - Ed.) are afraid because of Zaluzhnyi's popularity among Ukrainian ordinary soldiers, as well as among the population in general, which could lead to negative consequences at a time when unity is crucial," the media outlet writes. Retired Major General Mick Ryan of the Australian Armed Forces believes that Zaluzhnyi's dismissal could negatively affect aid to Ukraine, particularly from the United States. Congress could use this resignation as evidence that Washington should not allocate further aid packages to Kyiv, Ryan said. According to the FT, Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi and the head of the Intelligence Service Kyrylo Budanov may be candidates for the post of commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The latter's well-known "brazen tactics" also make Kyiv's Western partners nervous, one official told reporters. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! It has been a season of milestones, highlighted by India's ascent to the fourth largest stock market by market capitalization. In a similar vein, auto major Tata Motors has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Maruti Suzuki to become India's most valuable auto manufacturer. Reports indicate that the combined market capitalization of Tata Motors and its DVR (Differential Voting Rights) shares has reached 3.24 trillion, edging slightly above Maruti Suzuki's 3.15 trillion. While market positions can fluctuate, with Maruti possibly reclaiming its lead, the essence remains that Tata Motors is now on par with Maruti after a long seven years. Seven years ago, Maruti Suzuki took the lead over Tata Motors, widening their market cap gap significantlyat one point, Maruti was valued six times more than Tata Motors. However, this gap has not only narrowed but reversed, with Tata Motors now holding a slight advantage. This shift is attributed to Tata Motors' impressive turnaround in profitability. After experiencing a substantial loss of 287 billion in FY19, Tata Motors rebounded with record profits of 157 billion in the trailing twelve-month period, transforming the stock into a 12-bagger since its lows in March 2020. In contrast, Maruti Suzuki's value increased 2.5 times during the same period. Despite Tata Motors achieving a valuation comparable to Maruti Suzuki, the latter maintains superior fundamentals and a stronger long-term performance. Maruti's profits, although slightly lower than Tata Motors', were achieved with a significantly smaller revenue, indicating higher margins. Additionally, Maruti boasts a better average return on equity (RoE) of 12% over ten years, compared to Tata Motors' 5%, and maintains a debt-free balance sheet, unlike Tata Motors, which has a higher debt-to-equity ratio. The market valuation of Tata Motors, nearly on par with Maruti, reflects investor optimism about Tata's future performance, possibly even surpassing Maruti. However, while Tata Motors has made significant improvements, value investors should be cautious about paying too much for this potential growth. Historically, Tata Motors traded at an average price-to-book value of around 2x ((PE is not a good valuation indicator for Tata Motors as its earnings have been all over the place), but it's currently at a 5.5x multiple, a 175% premium over its historical average. Maruti, on the other hand, trades at a price-to-book value consistent with its long-term average, offering a more attractive risk-reward proposition without requiring a premium over historical valuations. In summary, while both Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki have their strengths, from a risk-reward perspective, Maruti Suzuki appears to offer a more balanced investment opportunity at current prices. Investors should weigh how much future potential is already reflected in stock prices and consider the risk of overpaying for anticipated growth, keeping in mind that even slight disappointments can lead to significant price corrections. Happy Investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country's largest IT firm, achieved a historic milestone in today's trading session by reaching a market capitalisation of 15 lakh crore, a first-time achievement for the company. The Tata Group is the second-most valuable Indian firm. In today's trading session, TCS shares gained 4% to achieve a new peak of 4,135 apiece, surpassing their previous best of 4,043. Notably, the stock crossed the 4,000 mark after 12 months. From the October low of 2,926, the stock has seen a sharp recovery, and it is up by nearly 40% to date. Taking the stock's all-time high price into account, the company's m-cap touched 15.13 lakh crore. Also Read: The Paytm saga so far from RBI action to stock crash & sale speculation Today's rally came after the company informed investors through an exchange filing on Monday that it won a new deal from Europ Assistance, a leading global assistance and travel insurance company, to help reimagine its global IT operating model for enhanced resilience, scalability, and user experience. "The new deal will see Tata Consultancy Services provide end-to-end enterprise IT application services, leveraging its delivery centres in Europe and across all geographies where Europ Assistance operates," the company said in its exchange filing. "The companys AI platform, ignio AIOps, will be used to transform Europ Assistances IT operations, enhancing resilience, scalability, and agility. Powered by AI and ML, the solution will provide Europ Assistance with actionable insights into its technology stack, improving productivity and availability," TCS further said. Also Read: Reliance, BPCL, HPCL, IOC in a multi-year re-rating and earnings upgrade cycle, says Morgan Stanley In January 2024, the company announced a 15-year expansion of its partnership with Aviva, the UKs leading insurance, wealth, and retirement provider, to transform Avivas UK Life business and enhance the customer experience by leveraging the TCS BaNCS-based platform. Looking at the company's financials, the company posted a 2.48% QoQ drop in its consolidated net profit to 11,097 crore in Q3 FY23. In the preceding quarter (Q2 FY24), it reported a net profit of 11,380 crore. Comparing the year-on-year (YoY) performance, there was a 2% improvement in net profit. In the same quarter a year ago, the company recorded a net profit of 10,883 crore. During the quarter, the company's net profit was affected by a one-time charge of 958 crore, allocated towards the settlement of a legal claim. Also Read: 66 Nifty 500 stocks rallied between 20% and 104% in CY24 so far; NBCC, SJVN, UCO Bank among top performers TCS reported a TCV of $8.1 billion in Q3, marking a decline from the $11.2 billion reported in the preceding quarter (Q2FY24) and missing the company's quarterly guidance range of $910 billion. Other rising stars in the group Tata Group stocks are currently witnessing a notable upswing, with several major companies showing robust performance alongside TCS. Tata Motors, in particular, stands out. After concluding CY23 with a multi-bagger return of 101%, making it the only Nifty 50 stock to achieve this feat in the year, the positive momentum continues into CY24, with the stock already delivering an impressive return of nearly 20%. Also Read: Tata Motors drives past Maruti, becomes most valued automaker Marking a significant milestone, Tata Motors' market capitalisation has recently crossed 3 lakh crore, surpassing Maruti Suzuki's and reclaiming its position as the countrys most-valued automotive company after seven years. Additionally, other Tata Group stocks, including Trent, Titan, Tata Power, and Tata Consumer Products are also performing well on exchanges and these four companies achieved market capitalisation of one lakh crore in the last one-year period. Disclaimer: We advise investors to check with certified experts before making 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! Ramayana actor Arun Govil has suggested that Ramayana must be included in curriculum". The suggestion comes weeks after the Pran Prtistha ceremony of Ram Lalla was held at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Arun Govil used to play the role of Lord Ram in the Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. "Ramayana must be included in our curriculum because there is no justification in calling Ramayana religious. Ramayana is our philosophy of life. Ramayana tells us how everyone should live, how relationships should be, how much patience one should have and how can a person attain peace? This is for everyone, it is not just for Sanatani people, Ramayana is for everyone and hence it should definitely be there in our curriculum..." Arun Govil had earlier said Lord Ram is an integral part of India's culture and its identity". The actor, who became a household name after essaying the role of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's "Ramayan", had been invited for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony along with his co-star Dipika Chikhlia, who portrayed Goddess Sita in the 1987 TV serial. The 66-year-old actor said he was not the first choice to play Lord Ram in the classic show. "I had told Ramanand Sagar ji in the beginning itself that I only wanted to play the character of Lord Ram... When I was rejected, the role was offered to somebody else. But, I was brought back for the role," he recalled. While "Ramayan" brought Arun Govil love and adulation, roles also dried up for him as it was difficult for filmmakers to imagine him in any different avatar. "Even if I had done 500 films, the love and respect, which I get today, would be missing. Today, the respect that I get for immortalising the role of Lord Ram on screen is unparalleled. People still say 'Humare Ram toh aap hee hain' (You are our Lord Ram)" Govil had said. The actor, however, said no other character would have earned him this level of respect. His latest film "695", based on the Ram temple movement, released in theatres last month. Ramanand Sagar was a film director known for movies such as "Ankhen", "Baghavat" and "Prem Bandhan". 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 Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday declared Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led faction as the real" Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and directed the Sharad Pawar group to take a new name and logo for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from the state. Reacting to the verdict, Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter and Baramati MP, said there is an 'adrishya shakti' in the country which is doing all this. Allotting the NCP symbol Wall Clock to the group led by Ajit Pawar, the EC said in case Sharad Pawar's faction fails to do as directed by 4 pm on February 7, 2024, all the MLAs claiming allegiance to the former Union minister will be treated as independents. Also Read | Ajit Pawar's faction is real Nationalist Congress Party, declares EC Reacting to the verdict, Ajit Pawar said, We humbly accept the order of the Election Commission of India. The ECI has accepted the submissions made by our counsels and we thank the ECI." Reacting to the verdict, Supriya Sule said the party would definitely go to the Supreme Court against the verdict. "...Our documents were fine. The founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar...But the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an 'adrishya shakti' in the country which is doing all this. We will fight...We will definitely go to Supreme Court...," Sule said. "...I think what happened with Shiv Sena is what is happening with us today. So, this is not a new order. Just the names have been changed but the content is the same..." she said. Sule further said,"...The 'tod-mod' politics that is going on in this country is beyond the Constitution. What is happening is not good for democracy...ICE - Income Tax, CBI, ED - is being used by this government and parties and families are being broken. This is an ongoing trend in this country. This will have to be fought against," the MP from Baramati stated. Also Read | India issues advisory against travel to Myanmar's Rakhine amid security concerns When asked about an alternate name and symbol that has to be submitted by the Sharad Pawar faction to the EC, Supriya Sule said, "We will do that tomorrow..." Reaction of Shiv Sena UBT over EC decision Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Anand Dubey said, First the EC said that the Shiv Sena belongs to Eknath Shinde... Now they have said that the NCP belongs to Ajit Pawar... The whole nation knows that NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999... We already knew this would happen... Sharad Pawar will go to the Supreme Court... The democracy is finished in this country... We have faith in the Supreme Court..." After Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state Assembly, Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan on Tuesday said the bill is against the tenets of the Quran, the holy book of the Muslims, and they won't abide by it (UCC Bill) if it is against the 'hidayat'. "We won't abide by it (UCC Bill) if it is against the 'hidayat' (instructions) given to Muslims in the Quran. We don't have any issue if it is as per 'hidayat'," news agency PTI quoted the Samajwadi Party MP as saying. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has also criticised the bill. According to reports, an executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, said that a few communities would be exempted from it (Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code). Also Read | Rahul Gandhi clarifies on 'dog biscuit' row: 'Nervous dog ate from owner's hand' "As far as UCC is concerned, we are of the opinion that uniformity cannot be brought in each and every law and if you exempt any community from this UCC, how can it be called a uniform code?... There was no need for any such uniform civil code. After the draft is presented before the Assembly, our legal team study this and then the further course of action will be decided...," Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said. Reacting to the Uniform Civil Code bill in Uttarakhand Assembly, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) president Maulana Badruddin Ajmal said the bill should be dumped in the dustbin. "India is a colourful garden. However beautiful a garden is, if it has just one flower, you will not be able to look at it for long. In India, people of all faiths, culture live. That is our beauty...If anything is done against nature, it won't continue for long...State Assemblies have to bring something shiny when the government becomes a failure. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma too does this from time to time...They want to please PM Modi as they want to continue as the CM for some time. This Bill should be dumped in the dustbin," the MP from Dhubri (Assam), said. Congress not against the Uniform Civil Code Meanwhile, the state Congress unit today said the party is not against the Uniform Civil Code but the manner in which the bill is being tabled in the Assembly. We are not against it (Uniform Civil Code). The House is governed by the rules of conduct of business but the BJP is continuously ignoring it and wants to suppress the voice of the MLAs based on the strength of numbers. It is the right of the MLAs to express their views in the House, during Question Hour, whether they have a proposal under Rule 58 or under other rules, they have the right to raise their voices on various issues of the state in the Assembly," Yashpal Arya, leader of Opposition in the Assembly, said. Also Read | Uttarakhand UCC Bill bans bigamy, polygamy Harish Rawat, former chief minister of Uttarakhand, said the state government and Chief Minister Dhami are not following the rules in eagerness to pass the bill. The former chief minister said the members dont have the draft copy of the bill and the government wants an immediate discussion on it. "No one has the draft copy and they want an immediate discussion on it. The central government is using a sensitive state like Uttarakhand for tokenism, if they want to bring UCC, it should have been brought by the central government," he told ANI. It is important to note that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised the Uniform Civil Code bill during the 2022 Assembly elections in the state. After becoming a law, the bill will replace the personal religious laws that govern marriage, divorce, inheritance etc. 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! Former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamys son Vetri Duraisamy, a film director, is reportedly missing after the car in which he was travelling along with other passengers, fell into the Sutlej river in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. A total of three people -- Vetri, his friend Gopinath, and driver Tanjeev -- were there in the vehicle that skidded off the road and rolled into the Sutlej river on Sunday. The vehicles driver Tanjeev was killed in the accident, while Vetris friend Gopinath suffered injuries, according to a report by The Hindu, citing the police. Tanjeev, a resident of Tabo in Himachal Pradesh, was swept away in the river. Gopinath was rushed to the hospital and currently undergoing medical treatment. The accident occurred around 1.30 pm on Sunday, near Kashang Nala on National Highway 5 (NH5), while the vehicle was on its way to Shimla from Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti district, said Naveen Jalta, Kinnaurs Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), as per the report. The vehicle fell in Sutlej river. There were three people in the vehicle, two of them were tourists from Tamil Nadu. Vetri Duraisamy, a resident of CIT Nagar, Nandanam, Chennai, is missing, while Gopinath, 32, a resident of Palayam in Vellakovil (Tiruppur), was injured and referred to a hospital in Shimla," Jalta was quoted as saying by The Hindu. Search operations were on to trace Vetri Duraisamy. Vetri Duraisamy had directed the film Endraavathu Oru Naal starring Vidharth and Remya Nambeesan. The film had a festival run before its theatrical release, winning 43 awards across various film festivals. The movie Endraavathu Oru Naal revolves around a farmer named Thangamuthu and his wife Rasathi, who live a happy life with their cattle. Apart from Remya Nambeesan and Vidharth, the film also featured Ilavarasu, Master Raghavan, Diana Vishalini, Rajesh Balachandran and many more in prominent roles. 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 Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the Centre will bring a 'White Paper' on the economic mismanagement in the country before 2014 during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The current Budget session of Parliament has also been extended for one day for this very reason, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Earlier on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamanduring her Interim Budget speech also said the central government would release a White Paper comparing the state of the Indian economy before and after 2014. "It is now appropriate to look at where we were then till 2014 and where we are now, only to draw lessons from the mismanagement of those years. The government will lay a White Paper on the table of the House," the finance minister said. In a post-budget interaction with Network 18, the finance minister said that the White Paper would focus on the mismanagement of the economy during the previous regime. "We lost 10 glorious years... Every area of the economy was ridden by problems from banks to minerals," Network 18 quoted FM Sitharaman as saying. Why is the White Paper coming now? It is important to note that the upcoming general elections are expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha is scheduled to end on June 16, 2024. The BJP-led NDA government's track record looks impressive at present, according to many economists. The country is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $5 trillion in the next three years and touch $7 trillion by 2030 on the back of continued reforms. Ten years ago, the country was the 10th largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $1.9 trillion at current market prices. Today, it is the 5th largest with a GDP of $3.7 trillion (estimate FY24), despite the pandemic and despite inheriting an economy with macro imbalances and a broken financial sector. "The strength of the domestic demand has driven the economy to a 7% plus growth rate in the last three years...in FY25, real GDP growth will likely be closer to 7%," said a review released by the Finance Ministry ahead of Interim Budget 2024. It further said there is considerable scope for the growth rate to rise well above 7% by 2030. The central government's confidence was reflected in the finance minister's Budget speech. The economy has got a new vigour. The fruits of development started reaching the people at scale. The country got a new sense of purpose and hope," FM Sitharaman said during her speech. 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! Amid the tense situation in Myanmar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday advised Indians not to travel to the Rakhine state. The MEA also advised Indian citizens currently living in the Rakhine state to immediately leave the state. Also Read: India to fence Indo-Myanmar border, says Amit Shah; work underway in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur Given the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine state of Myanmar. Those Indian citizens who are already in Rakhine state are advised to leave the state immediately," the MEA said in an official release. Also Read: Ghost of partition past lingers as Delhi mulls fencing British era India-Myanmar border Last week, India expressed concerns over the deteriorating" situation in Myanmar and called for an early resolution to the conflict. The Myanmar crisis also found its mention in the MEA's weekly press briefing where it urged for the "complete secession" of violence and Myanmar's transition towards inclusive federal democracy." Myanmar crisis Notably, there has been a significant rise in violence in Myanmar over the past few months. To what can be termed as junta rule's biggest challenge since 2021, three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive against the military regime in October last year. The ethnic forces captured some towns and military posts as well. In December last year, at least 151 Myanmarese soldiers fled to Mizoram to escape an armed ethnic group. They entered India after their camps in Myanmar were attacked by a pro-democracy ethnic group. The incident was among multiple cases when Myanmar soldiers entered India to save themselves from the attacks of ethnic minority forces. In November 2023, as many as 104 soldiers crossed the India-Myanmar border and fled to Mizoram after their camps were overrun by pro-democracy militia- People's Defence Force (PDF). The present situation in the country also led to a huge influx of people from Myanmar into Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border. It's been three years since the military seized power in Myanmar in a coup in February 2021. 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 final-year MBBS student was found hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room in the Maulana Azad Medical College here on Monday, police said. The information about the incident was received at 1.30 pm, following which a team reached the spot and recovered the body, they said. "We have taken custody of the body and sent it for autopsy. No suicide note was found," a senior police officer said. The deceased's friends and family members are being questioned to ascertain the reason behind the alleged suicide, the officer said. The student's name is not being disclosed to respect the privacy of his family, the officer added. The police said the deceased was 23-year-old woman studying in the final year of the MBBS course at the college. A police source said the victim is a resident of Delhi and had gone to her house on Sunday and returned to the hostel the same day. The student had food with her hostelmates and returned to her room late night. On Monday morning, her hostelmates knocked her room's door repeatedly and informed the warden after she did not respond, the source said. The door was latched from inside, which was broken open by the police team and the body was found hanging, the source said. "We got to know that she had no enmity with anyone," the source added. "We are checking her call details and WhatsApp record to know why the woman took this extreme step," said the source. 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! This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) razed a 600-year old Akhoondji Masjid in Mehrauli, following which the Delhi High Court has asked authorities to maintain status quo. When was Akhoondji Masjid built? The DDA has called the Akhoondji Masjid an illegal construction", however, claims have been made the the Sanjay Van mosque is at least 600 years old. A document by an Archeological Survey of India (ASI) official from 1922 claims that the structure was repaired in 1853-54 AD. The ASI document also recorded the location of the mosque saying it lay west to an Idgah. What did DDA demolish? The Akhoondji mosque as well as the Behrul Uloom madrasa was demolished by the DDA on January 30 for being an "illegal structure" in Sanjay Van. What did Delhi High Court say? The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to maintain status quo with respect to the land in Mehrauli where a mosque, stated to be over six centuries old, was demolished last month. The DDA has defended its action before the high court on the ground that the demolition took place pursuant to the recommendations of the Religious Committee dated January 4. The court, while listing the matter for further hearing on February 12, stated that the DDA shall maintain status quo over the site where the Akhoondji mosque was located. Regarding the recommendation from the Religious Committee, Siddiqui said the (DDA) should have gone to the court for a decision on the matter. What do Mehrauli residents say? The residents claimed a cemetery was also demolished during the drive. Locals have demanded that the agency rebuild another mosque at the same site. Fauzan Ahmed Siddiqui, a member of the management committee of Dargah Qutub Sahan in Mehrauli, said that nobody the area where the mosque, madrasa and cemetery were demolished has been barricaded and no one is allowed to go inside. He demanded that people be allowed to enter the cemetery area. "If someone dies today, where do we take him? There is already a lack of a cemeteries. The madrasa, graveyards and the mosque were demolished without giving any prior intimation," he said. "It is being told that a notice was received from the revenue department on January 2. The religious committee meeting was held on January 4 and later no one received any notice. They came and gave a notice one hour before the demolition and told the people present there to remove their belongings," he added. Israr Ali, general secretary of Akhoondji mosque, said the property is in the gazette of Waqf board. Siddiqui added that the Akhoondji mosque was very old and renovated around 100 years ago. 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! On Tuesday, February 6, the U.S.Federal Court of Appeals ruled that Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity from prosecution in the 2020 election interference case, namely, his involvement in the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Accordingly, Trump may be prosecuted. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by CNN. If the decision is upheld, it will allow the criminal case against Trump to continue. In its opinion, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit stated that it upheld the lower court's decision, which deprives Donald Trump of absolute immunity from prosecution. "For the purposes of this criminal case, former President Trump has become a citizen of the United States with all the protections of any other defendant. But any immunity that may have protected him when he was president no longer protects him from this prosecution," the court said in its opinion. The decision of the federal appeals court is a serious blow to the key positions of Trump's defense in the case of undermining the federal elections brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith, the newspaper notes. ADVERTISIMENT The court noted that if Trump's guilt is proven, his efforts to usurp the 2020 presidential election will be "an unprecedented attack on the structure of our government." Trump is expected to appeal the decision either to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or to the Supreme Court. Earlier, a federal judge suspended the trial of former President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election because his lawyers invoked Trump's presidential immunity. As reported by OBOZ.UA, representatives of Colorado called on the US Supreme Court to uphold the court decision that bans odious American politician Donald Trump from participating in the state's Republican primaries. The reason was the storming of the Capitol in January 2021 by supporters of former President Trump. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Weeks after the grand opening of Ayodhya Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14. He will also address the Indian community event, Ahlan Modi (Hello Modi) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in UAE on February 13. In an official statement, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said, As construction of the religious campus nears completion, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to inaugurate the Mandir on 14 February 2024." The spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday ahead of the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple. He reached the Gulf nation as a state guest to preside over the historic inauguration of the UAE's first Hindu temple. Here's a 10-point guide on Abu Dhabi's first BAPS Hindu temple 1) The BAPS Hindu Temple is set to become the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. 2) The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 to construct the mandir. 3) PM Modi and the BAPS Swami Ishwarcharandas met at the Prime Minister's residential office in December. PM Modi graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple. 4) A registration portal has been set up to smoothen the process and transport is being arranged from all emirates for participants to reach the venue. The event is being organized collaboratively by 150 Indian community organizations in the UAE. 5) Standing on top of a hillock on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the temple will be a testimony to the enduring tradition of peace and tolerance as inspired by our forefathers Mahatma Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed 6) A cultural programme involving 400 local talents has been put together to add colour to the show. During the last 3 years, over 2,000 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat have carved the 402 white marble pillars for the temple. 7) The foundation for the first traditional BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was laid on April 20, 2019. Later, in May 2023, diplomats from over 30 countries visited the under-construction temple site. 8) PM also appreciated the efforts of key individuals, volunteers and supporters, involved in the BAPS Hindu Mandir project in Abu Dhabi, including those present before him such as Chairman Ashok Kotecha, Vice Chairman Yogesh Mehta and Director Chirag Patel, recognizing their contributions as significant sources of pride for India. 9) An "unprecedented euphoria" has been witnessed for the event in UAE with almost 12, 000 registrations received within 24 hours of announcement. 10) India and the UAE solidified their collaboration by signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements were finalised during talks between PM Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. (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 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government will table the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the state legislative assembly today, followed by a debate. The final draft of the UCC, which proposes uniform civil laws for all communities in the state, was approved on Sunday. What are the key features of this bill? Speaking about the bill, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said on Monday that the Uniform Civil Code is in the consultation process and being reviewed by the Law Commission of India. This is not just the issue of the Centre; the makers of the Constitution had discussed this even when the Constitution was being made...Right now, this matter is under consideration with the Law Commission of India and is in the consultation process," said Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The states can fix it or improve it, and the government of Goa has already worked on UCC. The Uttarakhand government has approved this in the cabinet and as soon as we get a report by the Law Commission, we will inform you..."" A draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was presented to the Chief Minister by a five-member committee led by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The UCC aims to establish a consistent legal framework for marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws, regardless of religious affiliation. The passage of the UCC Bill fulfills a significant promise made by the BJP during the 2022 Assembly polls. Opposition Congress walks out of the Assembly Opposition Congress MLAs on Monday walked out of a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of Uttarakhand Assembly in protest against its decision to waive the Question Hour in the special assembly session to table a bill on the UCC. Asked about the protest by the opposition members, Speaker Ritu Khanduri said, "UCC is a going to be a very important law, not just for Uttarakhand but for the whole country. The Question Hour is important too but sometimes things are so significant that take precedence over routine procedures of the House," Khanduri said. In March 2022, the Dhami government decided to constitute a committee to prepare a draft for the UCC. 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 governments hoping more people will take to co-owning and flying by private jets once it frames clearer, and friendlier, rules on fractional ownership of aircraft. Why? One primary aim seems to be to help a nascent industry take off. While demand for private jets and helicopters surged during the covid years, it reversed thereafter. The civil aviation ministry, hoping to revive interest in the sector, is now fine-tuning its policy on fractional ownership of aircraft to strengthen the ecosystem for private charters, said Shankhesh Mehta, director, ministry of civil aviation. ... we believe there are passive investors who would want to acquire an aircraft but are waiting for clarity," Mehta said. The idea is to have as enabling a legislation as possible in place so that we have a NetJets coming out of India." NetJets Inc., an Ohio-based company owned by Warren Buffets Berkshire Hathaway, is a global leader in the fractional ownership space, and currently has more than 750 fractionally owned business jets. The company has created a program that allows flexibility in the ownership and operation of aircraft by individuals and corporations. We have to have two major entities in this programme. One would be owners or the fractional owners, who would bring in the money, and the other would be an entity or an operator who would acquire and eventually operate the aircraft for the fractional owners," said Mehta. We want to insulate the fractional owners from the regulatory compliances as far as possible, and therefore the pivot of this programme is the operator," he said. Fractional ownership, a concept still gaining traction in India, allows an entity to buy a stake in an aircraft and share its flying hours and crew with other part-owners. As per Indias draft framework, a part-owner must hold a certain minimum stake, which is likely to be set at between 5% and 10%, Mint had reported in December. Mehta said the civil aviation ministry has broadly outlined the policy requirements and is working on addressing the taxation implications for investors buying a stake in an aircraft. How this transaction would be structured? That is still in the works as there are taxation implications," he said. The ministry is also working on defining the entity that would operate the aircraft on behalf of the fractional owners. The entity would acquire the aircraft locally or import it, then sell it fractionally to various owners. And thereafter, once the possession and control of that aircraft is assigned back to the entity that originally acquired the aircraft, it operates this aircraft for the use of those fractional owners," Mehta said. He added that the operator could also offer the aircraft for hire to third parties by obtaining a non-scheduled operator permit, which allows carriage of passengers on charter flights on per seat-basis or by way of chartering the whole aircraft, or both. In 2022, there were 95 non-scheduled operator permit holders in India, collectively owning a fleet of 330 charter aircraft, show the latest data available from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Depending on size, range, model, and features, a private jet can cost from $2 million to over $100 million. Indias aviation industry is optimistic that a model similar to that of Netjets would work in the country. Netjets started as Executive Jet Aviation in 1986 and created a program offering aircraft owners increased flexibility in operations and ownership by individuals and corporations. Once the final policy comes up, it would be the responsibility of the industry to make it a success," said Group Captain Rajesh K. Bali, managing director, Business Aircraft Operators Association, which counts more than 80 members, including operators, support services, and maintenance companies. The association is involved in the draft policy formulation stage as a stakeholder. Bali added that the ministries of finance and corporate affairs are also being consulted in the fine-tuning of the policy on fractional ownership of aircraft. In India, movement of private jets and helicopters fell by around 8% year-on-year during April-December 2023 to about 168,200 flights, show data from the Airports Authority of India. Private jet usage is measured in terms of aircraft movementone take-off and landing equals two aircraft movements. However, fractional ownership as a concept is gaining traction in a more grounded spaceIndias real estate sector. According to a report by consultancy Knight Frank, the market size of fractional ownership in Indian realty was $5.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. Top business schools have put placement jitters behind with their graduating batches scooped up by recruiters, in a year startups and fintechs have gone missing, and the number of offers per recruiter has fallen. To plug the deficit, placement teams at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have tapped a wider net of companies, while insisting that joining dates being offered to students should remain unchanged. According to the placement teams in IIMs at Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Udaipur, Indore and Shillong, companies from FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), consulting and banking sectors have offered compensation and joining bonuses almost on par with last year. Some of the recruiters include Microsoft ( 70 lakh for Hyderabad posting); Accenture ( 60 lakh), Asian Paints, and Emami Group ( 15-18 lakh). Amongst banks -Axis, ICICI, HDFC and IDFC have rolled out offers for 20-24 lakh. Titan and ITC ( 24-33 lakh), Arthur D Little ( 24-45 lakh), and Mamaearth ( 15-18 lakh) are amongst others .Compensation from the same company may vary for different job profiles. Companies like Air India said they have made a strategic comeback" to B-schools after a hiatus of over two decades". The airlines is hiring through a case study competition, named Spirit Of Aviation Reimagined (S.O.A.R.) Historically, the aviation sector has not been the first choice for management graduates fresh from the countrys leading business schools," said an Air India spokesperson in response to Mints queries. S.O.A.R. aims to change that narrative by positioning the company, and the industry at large, as a top employer for emerging talent". According to placement teams at IIMs, the students had to devise ways for the airlines to optimization spends, improve supply chain gaps, and branding. The selected students were called for interviews and offered positions in the now Tata-owned airline. However , consulting firms remain the top draw despite their lesser than usual hiring mandates. Thus far, we have hired 30 graduates from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Lucknow," said Brajesh Singh, president of Arthur D Little, India. These hiring are for business analysts across different grades. Average compensation for these cohorts is 30 lakh, which is on par with other leading consulting firms." IIMs have noted that firms still prefer students with work experience, or at least those who have interned with them. They also prefer to recruit via the pre-placement offer (PPO) route. A placement team in one of the younger IIMs said that out of a batch of 280, 85 PPOs were rolled out. Another IIM with 320 students in its batch had 95% of the group placed and 25% of the offers were PPOs. Barely a clutch of startups have made the cut for the IIMs as many have gone on a hiring freeze. We continue to invest in building a diverse pipeline from campuses across the country," said Rajkamal Vempati, president and head-HR, Axis Bank, adding that the bank would place its hires in both core banking and transformation areas. An IIM-Shillong placement member said placements are beginning to look better now after starting slowly. Our average salaries should hover around 18 lakh like last year." Anand Mahindra has posted his message on X (formerly Twitter) as the world started reacting to the news of King Charles suffering from cancer. The Indian billionaire wished the British monarch a speedy and complete recovery" while calling him His Majesty". To His Majesty King Charles III On behalf of all the members of the India Council of your Sustainable Markets Initiative, I extend to you our heartfelt wishes for a speedy and complete recovery," Mahindra wrote. Also Read: King Charles cancer: 10 things to know You have demonstrated great courage, patience and fortitude throughout your life. Those qualities will ensure that you swiftly overcome this current challenge," he added. His post on the micro-blogging platform attracted reactions. Users had different things to say about his message. Get well soon Charles but why need these type of official statements for the peoples who ruled on us and ruined our millions of year old values and systems," wrote one user. Prayers for his speedy recovery! But what about Kohinoor?" wrote another. Buckingham Palace earlier said that the monarch had started regular treatments. During this time, doctors have advised King Charles to postpone public-facing duties". "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual," the palace said. World leaders react US President Biden earlier told reporters that God willing" he would speak to King Charles soon. Im concerned about him," he said. Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery," he later posted on X (formerly Twitter). Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," wrote UK PM Sunak on the micro-blogging platform. Wishing His Majesty King Charles III a speedy recovery," French President Emmanuel Macron said. 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 death toll from the central Chile wildfires reached 122 on Monday as emergency crews discovered more bodies in the aftermath of the fires that began three days ago. As reported by Reuters, helicopters are dropping water on the blazes, while residents, firefighters, and the military worked swiftly to clear debris in Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar, where homes were rapidly engulfed by fireballs, marking Chile's most severe natural disaster in years. The number of casualties was anticipated to rise as the cleanup and search for victims continued, the report noted. Meanwhile, the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) reports a staggering 161 active wildfires spreading across the country. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency as coastal communities like Valparaiso and Vina del Mar were engulfed in smoke, resulting in casualties. View Full Image A view of neighborhoods burn during forest fires in Vina del Mar, Chile, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. Areas around Vina del Mar were among the hardest-hit by fires that broke out in central Chile three day earlier, resulting in the deaths of more than a hundred people. (AP Photo/ Esteban Felix) (AP) In a post on X, Boric said, I have instructed the Minister of Social Development and Family Javiera Toro Caceres to lead the reconstruction tasks of the areas affected by the fires in the Valparaiso Region. Furthermore, in the coming days, the technical manager of the reconstruction process will be announced. With joint work, we will carry out this task!" Residents in the central region were forced to evacuate their homes. After touring the affected areas, President Boric, in a Sunday news conference, voiced apprehension about the potential for a significant increase in the death toll. In a televised statement last week, President Boric said that the defense ministry would deploy extra military personnel to the affected regions, ensuring the provision of essential supplies. Also Read: Chile Wildfires: Death toll rises to 112; 40 fires still active. 10 points to know The ongoing fires have forced evacuations across various areas in central Chile. Notably, in February 2023, the country witnessed fires that consumed over 400,000 hectares and claimed the lives of more than 22 individuals. Chile, Argentina, and other regions in the southern cone of South America are currently grappling with an intense heatwave, a phenomenon anticipated to become increasingly frequent during the southern hemisphere's summer months, attributed to climate change, as stated by experts. View Full Image A firefighter looks up as flames spread by a forest fire engulfs buildings in Vina del Mar, Chile, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristobal Basaure) (AP) The challenging weather conditions in Chile are further intensified by the El Nino weather phenomenon, characterized by the warming of the Pacific Ocean. Jesica Barrios, who lost her home in Vina del Mar, told Reuters over the weekend that the fire had arrived from one moment to the next". The fire reached the botanical park and then in ten minutes it was already on us," she said. There was smoke, the sky turned black, everything was dark. The wind felt like a hurricane. It was like being in hell." (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! Hong Kong airport authorities Tuesday said a ground worker was killed when he was hit by an aircraft, a rare incident that prompted an arrest for dangerous driving, news agency AFP reported. Hong Kong police said the victim, a 34-year-old Jordanian national working in Hong Kong, is believed to have been riding in the passenger seat of a tow truck when he fell out of the vehicle and was hit by the plane being pulled behind it. Also Read | Uttarakhand UCC Bill proposes registration of live-in relationships The man was found lying on a taxiway with multiple serious injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, the Hong Kong police said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle's 60-year-old driver had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death, Hong Kong police said. Hong Kong's airport authority said the man was an employee at ground support and maintenance firm China Aircraft Services. "It is suspected that the seat belt was left unfastened while the staff was working on the (vehicle)," the authority said. The vehicles driver has been detained pending an investigation, the police said 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 US on Thursday approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion, an acquisition that will bolster Indias capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. The proposed mega drone deal was announced during the historic State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in June 2023. The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said here in a statement. The Agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Thursday. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region," the agency said. The proposed sale will improve Indias capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation," it said. India is procuring the long-endurance drones to bolster the surveillance capabilities of its armed forces, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Under the deal, India will get 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, of which the Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the land version SkyGuardian. Applauding that India has demonstrated a commitment to modernising its military, the DSCA said, the South Asian country will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it said and added, There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale." The principal contractor will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Earlier on Wednesday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, Congress plays an important role in the US arms transfer process. We routinely consult with members of Congress on the foreign affairs committees before our formal notification so we can address questions that they might have, but I dont have any comment on when that formal notification might take place." His comments came in response to a question on the timeline for the US Congressional approval as well as a media report that said Washington had blocked the drone sale to India until New Delhi carried out a thorough probe into an Indian link to the failed plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. American and Indian government officials have been holding a series of negotiations on the proposed procurement after Washington responded to New Delhi's Letter of Request for the acquisition of the drones from US defence major General Atomics. The proposed procurement had also figured in US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin's talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Delhi in November. The Defence Acquisition Council headed by Singh on June 15 last year accorded the Acceptance of Necessity or initial approval for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US under the foreign military sale route. The SeaGuardian drones are being procured for the three services as they can carry out a variety of roles including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and over-the-horizon targeting, among others. The High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones are capable of remaining airborne for over 35 hours and can carry four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kgs of bombs. In 2020, the Indian Navy had taken on lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics for one year for surveillance in the Indian Ocean. The lease period has been extended subsequently. 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 Israel-United States relationship courted new controversy when a far right minister in the Benjamin Netanyahu government claimed that US President joe Biden was not fully supporting" their war in Gaza. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister said that having Donald Trump in power would allow more freedom to fight Hamas. As Anthony Blinken embarks on his fifth visit to the war torn region in the four months since Israel began bombarding Gaza, the remark by Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked outrage among other Israeli officials highlighting the sensitivity of relations between Israel and its biggest ally-US. The Joe Biden-led administration has skirted US Congress to rush weapons to Israel and shielded it from international calls for a cease-fire in the four months since Hamas 7 October attack. However, the White House has also urged Israel to take greater measures to avoid harming civilians and allow more aid to besieged Gaza. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that Biden was hindering Israel's war effort. Instead of giving us his full backing, Joe Biden is busy with giving humanitarian aid and fuel (to Gaza), which goes to Hamas," Ben-Gvir said. If Trump was in power, the US conduct would be completely different." His remarks drew fire from Benny Gantz, a retired general and member of Netanyahu's three-man War Cabinet, who said Ben-Gvir was causing tremendous damage" to US-Israeli relations. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Ben-Gvir's comments as racist" and called for international sanctions against him, saying he threatens the regions stability. Benjamin Netanyahu without naming Ben-Gvir said, I am not in need of any assistance in navigating our relations with the US and the international community". Ben-Gvir, along with other far-right figures, has called for voluntary" mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the return of Jewish settlements, which Israel dismantled when it withdrew troops from the territory in 2005. The Joe Biden administration opposes any such scenario. Ben-Gvir and other key members of Netanyahu's governing coalition have threatened to bring down the government if they believe he is too soft on Hamas. Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was carrying out very aggressive raids" in northern and central Gaza while dealing with remaining Hamas battalions around Gazas southernmost city of Rafah. The war in Gaza has leveled vast swaths of the tiny enclave, displaced 85% of its population and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the overall death toll has now climbed to 27,365. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people, in the 7 October attack in Israel. They abducted around 250 people. More than 100 captives were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. (With inputs from AP) 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, 75, has been diagnosed with cancer , Buckingham Palace said in a statement on February 5. During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the Palace said in a statement. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," it added. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," the palace said. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual." King Charles cancer: 10 things to know Buckingham Palaces announcement comes less than a year and a half after King Charles became the king. Charles' reign began in September 2022, following Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year rule. The Palace has not disclosed what type of cancer it is. However, it's confirmed to be unrelated to his recent benign prostate treatment. A health concern emerged during Charles' prostate treatment in January, leading to the discovery of his cancer. Charles earlier started a regimen of routine treatments. On medical advice, he postponed public-facing duties while continuing state business and paperwork. Despite his diagnosis, the king is receiving treatment as an outpatient and remains optimistic about his recovery and return to full public duties. The king's transparency aims to curb speculation and foster understanding among those impacted by cancer globally. The Royal Family faces operational challenges with Charles and Kate, the Princess of Wales, both being temporarily inactive. Other senior Royals are also unavailable for various reasons. The king personally informed close family members, including Prince William and Harry, about his health situation. Leaders worldwide, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed support and wished for Charles' swift recovery. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will travel to the UK to his King Charles, their office informed as per the Associated Press. The celebrity couple quit their Royal responsibilities in 2020. They have reportedly had a bitter-sweet relationship with the monarch in the last few years. World leaders react US President Biden earlier told reporters that God willing" he would speak to King Charles soon. Im concerned about him," he said. Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery," he later posted on X (formerly Twitter). Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," wrote UK PM Sunak on the micro-blogging platform. Wishing His Majesty King Charles III a speedy recovery," French President Emmanuel Macron said. 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! Press Release February 6, 2024 Bong Go lauds DOH's plan to enhance healthcare in communities through Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service facilities Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his support for the Department of Health's (DOH) plan to build 28 Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) nationwide by 2028. This, he said, aligns with his advocacy to help improve healthcare in communities and bring government services closer to the people. BUCAS is a primary health hub offering services similar to those offered by Super Health Centers that Go has been advocating for. These facilities will offer outpatient consultations, laboratory tests, minor surgeries, and emergency care. However, unlike Super Health Centers, which are run by local government units, BUCAS will be operated by the DOH and act as extensions of DOH hospitals. "I commend the DOH led by Sec. Ted Herbosa for this initiative to improve our health care system and provide more accessible and affordable health services to our fellow Filipinos. BUCAS will reduce the burden on our hospitals and ensure that no one is left behind in our quest for universal health care," Go said. Go added that BUCAS may partner with state universities and colleges (SUCs) for personnel and training, creating more opportunities for health workers and students. "BUCAS can also serve as venues for our health professionals and students to hone their skills and gain experience. This will also address the shortage of health workers in the country and encourage more Filipinos to pursue careers in the health sector," Go said. Meanwhile, Go highlighted the synergy between BUCAS and his other health priorities such as the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers, establishment of more Super Health Centers, and the enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act in bridging the gap between government health services and Filipinos in need particularly poor and indigent patients. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the DOH, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to support impoverished patients in covering hospital costs to reduce out of pocket expenses to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos. On the other hand, Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and PhilHealth through its Konsulta program. Through the collective efforts of the DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for the construction of over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. "By integrating BUCAS with the services provided by Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers, we are creating a more cohesive and efficient healthcare system nationwide. We aim to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles for Filipinos seeking medical help and ensure that healthcare is a seamless, stress-free experience for everyone," Go said. In confronting the ongoing challenges and crises in the country, Go assured that his efforts, fueled by deep compassion for fellow citizens, especially the poor and needy, will persist. "Sa gitna ng mga hamon at krisis na ating kinakaharap, hindi po tayo nagpapabaya. Patuloy po tayong nagtatrabaho at nagmamalasakit sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga mahihirap at nangangailangan. Hindi po tayo titigil hanggang makabangon at makabawi ang ating bansa mula sa mga pagsubok na pinagdaraanan nito," Go concluded. Men with Ukrainian citizenship of military age should be deported from Poland, says retired Polish Army Lieutenant General Waldemar Skrzyczak. In his opinion, this way Warsaw will help Kyiv in its confrontation with the Russian occupiers. ADVERTISIMENT The military officer expressed his opinion on the air of TOK FM radio. Responding to Onet Wiadomosci 's request for comment, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the best solution would be to "resolve the issue at the European level." The former commander of the Polish Army believes that not only Warsaw, but also Paris and Prague, i.e. the governments of other European countries, should facilitate Kyiv's contact with Ukrainian conscripts abroad. "As for the issues related to the conscription of Ukrainians abroad, including in Poland. We are aware of the situation and the problem it poses for the Ukrainian side. We are considering how we can support the Ukrainian side," the Polish Foreign Ministry responded. The journalists learned from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland that "no work is being done in this direction in the Ministry of Internal Affairs". ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported: - On February 6, members of the Verkhovna Rada voted by a majority to support bills No. 10456 and No. 10457 on the extension of martial law and general mobilization. These regimes will be in effect at least until May 13, 2024. - Draft Law No. 10449 of January 30, 2024, contains new provisions that apply to Ukrainians abroad. Thus, the authors of the document propose to introduce a new mechanism for clarifying the military registration data of citizens of military age. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Google Doodle on Tuesday celebrated Waitangi Day, marking the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, or the Treaty of Waitangi, in 1840. According to the description, during this event, representatives of the Maori chiefs and the British Crown came together to sign the treaty, which was a crucial document to promote peace in the region. This pivotal event has played a crucial role in shaping the history of New Zealand, with the Treaty Grounds remaining a central location for annual Waitangi Day commemorations. Also Read: Google Doodle celebrates Mexican archaeologist and anthropologist Alfonso Caso's 128th Birthday The festivities commence at dawn with a ceremony at Te Whare Runanga, a traditional Maori meeting house in Waitangi, where people from diverse backgrounds come together. A lively celebration of Maori heritage follows at the Waitangi Day Festival, showcasing captivating cultural performances and food stalls filled with traditional delicacies like rewana (sweet bread)," the description added. Also Read: Google Doodle celebrates Mexican artist and lithographer Jose Guadalupe Posada on his 172nd birthday For many, Waitangi Day serves as a unifying force, bringing together individuals from various walks of life to celebrate and reflect on the shared history of the nation. Nga mihi o te wa. 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 UK's Labour Party has alleged Infosys received "VIP access" and has been promised to get help to expand in Britain due to familial connection between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the cofounder of the India-based software services major. Sunaks wife, Akshata Murty, has a 0.91 per cent stake valued at around GBP 500 million in the IT business co-founded by her father and received millions in dividends in the past financial year. A 'Sunday Mirror' report, based on a freedom of information request, claims Trade Minister Lord Dominic Johnson discussed the UK operations of Infosys during a meeting at the companys offices in Bengaluru. The report said, Lord Johnson made clear that he was keen to see a bigger Infosys presence in the UK and would be happy to do what he could to facilitate that". Meanwhile, Labours shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth told the newspaper, After the Tories handed billions in taxpayers cash to cronies for duff PPE (personal protective equipment), the public will wonder why an outfit so personally close to Rishi Sunak appears to have been granted this VIP access. There are serious questions to answer. Lord Johnson is said to have outlined to the Infosys executives, whose names were redacted in the FOI documents, the advantages for the multinational as a result of the UKs high-potential individual visa scheme. The investment minister regularly meets businesses and international investors, including a range of Indian businesses, to champion the UK as an investment destination and secure commitments worth billions of pounds. That engagement drives investment across the UK, creating thousands of high-quality jobs and boosting the UK economy," said a DBT spokesperson. Infosys has been approached for a reaction over these latest claims, coming in the wake of some Opposition murmurings around Infosys seeking visa benefits to accrue from the proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). 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 Master and Commander," the 2003 movie based on Patrick OBrians extraordinary historical novels, reminded us, the key to victory in the Age of Sail was to have an advantage that sailors called the weather gage." Thanks to the winds direction, one side could dictate the timing and pace of the battle. When you wanted to engage the enemy fleet, the wind allowed you to approach. When you wanted to back off, the wind prevented the enemy from closing in. Whats clear in the Middle East these days is that Iran has the weather gage. Iran can spark a crisis whenever and wherever it wants and can also de-escalate at will. From Iraq to Lebanon and Gaza to the Red Sea, Iran and its proxies can create an instant crisis anywhere, forcing the U.S. to respond on Irans timetable. Even when, as over this weekend, Team Biden responded to Iranian attacks with force, Tehran was essentially in control. Rather than thinking about how to deliver an unmistakable message that will restore deterrence across the Middle East, the administration struggled to find a Goldilocks retaliation strategy: strong enough so centrists dont call it weak at home, weak enough so that Iran wont escalate in return. If the U.S. cant seize the political and military initiative from Team Tehran, Iran will continue playing the Middle East like a piano, and President Biden will keep dancing to Tehrans tune for the rest of his time in office. Literature offers another useful image to capture the state of American Middle East policy in this new era of tension and war. Think of the elderly King Theoden in J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings," staring into his memories as the shadows gather around his endangered realm. The counselors of decline whisper the logic of despair into his aging ears. Saruman, they say, referencing the dangerous wizard building armies and fortifications near Theodens frontiers, has limited goals and you can work with him. Besides, Saruman is irresistible, and you cant defeat him. Yes, his warg and orc allies can be a little rough around the edges, but at the end of the day, detente with Saruman offers your best hope for regional peace. Throughout the Obama era, and again during the Biden years, the defeatists and Iran apologists whispered and spun. At the same time, the bloody-fingered allies of the ayatollahs wrought havoc across the Middle East, subjugating Lebanon, subverting Iraq, wrecking Syria, immiserating Yemen and equipping Hamas for its ruinous war. Meanwhile, the mullahs continued their drive for nuclear weapons and missiles. According to one prominent analyst, they could make a bomb within days and a respectable nuclear arsenal within a few weeks or months. In Tolkiens world, King Theoden woke up from the spell he was under in the nick of time, dismissed his turncoat counselor, Wormtongue, and led his country back into the light. Will Mr. Biden wake up and realize how much danger the U.S. and our allies face in the Middle East? Does he realize that the newly energized and rallying forces of radical jihadist ideology and international terror are aligned with Iranian state power? And that unless they are definitively defeated, they will boil out across the region and the world, endangering Americans at home and further diverting resources and attention from our struggles against the growing ambitions and capabilities of great-power rivals like Russia and China? At the moment, Mr. Biden seems half-awake. Yes, he has banished many of the phantoms and fantasies that the Washington Wormtongues once declared to be obvious truths. He now realizes that Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arent pariahs. The Houthis are bad actors whom Washington and its allies need to restrain. The energy transition isnt making Middle East oil and gas irrelevant to world politics. Hamas is an ISIS-class terrorist group whose existence threatens regional peace. Iran isnt interested in serious talks with the U.S. and is the chief force behind the regional crisis. But this is only the beginning. As long as Iran thinks it can provoke crises and wars across the region without risking a devastating American response, the mullahs will make Mr. Biden dance to their tune. Until the president realizes he needs to gain the weather gage in the contest with Iran, the awakening process is only half complete. This isnt just a Middle East problem. Great powers, lesser powers and terror groups are watching Americas response to the escalating series of aggressive moves by Iran and its axis of resistance." If stability is ever to return, it must begin with a psychological revolution in the Middle East. Iran must learn to fear Mr. Biden more than he fears Iran. This is the standard by which we should measure the success of the presidents retaliatory strikes in the Middle East. Did the strikes restore Americas power to deter? Have they changed the balance of fear in the Middle East? If so, then peace and calm might begin to return. If not, Team Biden is merely pounding sand. Why do bad things keep happening to customers of alternative energy? The obvious answer is that producing power with only wind or the sun is not efficient. But the fleecing of electricity customers is getting increasingly creative, even in a market thats been hailed as a model for the future of green power. As alternative energys era of reality checks continues to unfold, it turns out that some customers have been forced to write much larger checks than expected. In the windy United Kingdom, it may have seemed that a future beyond fossil fuels had already started to arrive. Anmar Frangoul reported for CNBC last year: Wind power was Britains biggest source of electricity in the first quarter of 2023, overtaking natural gas and highlighting the increasingly important role renewables are set to play in the years ahead. According to researchers at Imperial College London, wind turbines provided 32.4% of Britains electricity in the first three months of the year. Gas, a fossil fuel, was responsible for 31.7% of the electricity fuel mix. Many other media folk joined the celebration. Now comes news of the hangover, and unfortunately the pain is borne by average citizens. Gavin Finch, Todd Gillespie, Eric Fan, Jason Grotto and Sam Dodge reported last week for Bloomberg: Dozens of British wind farms run by some of Europes largest energy companies have routinely overestimated how much power theyll produce, adding millions of pounds a year to consumers electricity bills, according to market records and interviews with power traders. These extra costs are linked to a growing problem with Britains outdated electricity network: On blustery days, too much wind power risks overloading the system, and the grid operator must respond by paying some firms not to generate. This curtailment" costs consumers hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Adding to that expense, some wind farm operators exaggerate how much energy they say they intend to produce, which boosts the payments they receive for turning off, according to nine people traders, academics and market experts most of whom agreed to discuss this controversial behavior only on condition of anonymity. In effect, they said, the grid has paid some wind farms not to generate power that they wouldnt have produced anyway. One might reasonably ask, if a policy is crazy enough to pay people for not supplying a commodity, why should a non-supplier not charge for the largest possible volume of nothing? In any case, the British regulator called Ofgem now claims that its on the case. Emma Powell reports for the Times of London: The energy watchdog is investigating claims that wind farm operators have overestimated the amount of energy they are set to generate, saddling customers with millions of pounds in extra costs... A spokesman for Ofgem said: Ofgem is investigating the alleged behaviour and has already asked the Energy System Operator to look into this. How about looking into the behavior of politicians around the world who have been selling expensive political fantasies about wind energy for decades? *** The Most Expensive Political Fantasy of All Our president has succeeded in ruling out of Beltway discussion any reform of the major programs driving federal spending and debt into the stratosphere. But at least one Beltway eminence is willing to acknowledge the financial burden being inflicted on Americas future taxpayers. In a Sunday interview with Scott Pelley on the CBS program 60 Minutes," Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powellsaid: In the long run, the U.S. is on an unsustainable fiscal path. The U.S. federal governments on an unsustainable fiscal path... Its probably time, or past time, to get back to an adult conversation among elected officials about getting the federal government back on a sustainable fiscal path. Thats the understatement of the year. But unlike Mr. Biden, who tells one whopper after another about his fiscal frenzy, at least his Fed chair is willing to acknowledge that its an urgent problem. Mr. Powell added that were borrowing from future generations. And every generation really should pay for the things that ... it needs... and not hand the bills to our children and grandchildren." *** Speaking of Burdens on Our Children and Grandchildren Jill Tucker reports for the San Francisco Chronicle: A Hayward elementary school struggling to boost low test scores and dismal student attendance is spending $250,000 in federal money for an organization called Woke Kindergarten to train teachers to confront white supremacy, disrupt racism and oppression and remove those barriers to learning... But two years into the three-year contract with Woke Kindergarten, a for-profit company, student achievement at Glassbrook has fallen, prompting some teachers to question whether the money was well spent given the needs of the students, who are predominantly low-income. Two-thirds of the students are English learners and more than 80% are Hispanic/Latino. English and math scores hit new lows last spring, with less than 4% of students proficient in math and just under 12% at grade level in English a decline of about 4 percentage points in each category. Efforts to reach the organization were not successful, with an automated response saying the founder, who also provides the training, was recovering from surgery. Lets wish the founder a speedy recovery. Lets also wish the schools curriculum a speedy recovery from this disaster. Ms. Tucker adds: Teacher Tiger Craven-Neeley said he supports discussing racism in the classroom, but found the Woke Kindergarten training confusing and rigid. He said he was told a primary objective was to disrupt whiteness" in the school... He said he questioned a trainer who used the phrasing so-called United States," as well as lessons available on the organizations web site offering Lil Comrade Convos," or positing a world without police, money or landlords. Craven-Neeley, who is white and a self-described gay moderate," said he wasnt trying to be difficult when he asked for clarification about disrupting whiteness. What does that mean?" he said, adding that such questions got him at least temporarily banned from future training sessions. The end of all such training sessions would be a good start on the path to educational revival. *** Democracy Dies in Five-Minute Meetings Last week this column noted the effort by Team Biden to keep Rep. Dean Phillips (D., Minn.) off the Democratic presidential primary ballot in Wisconsin. But the power play was deemed too egregious even by the states left-leaning Supreme Court. Todd Richmond reports for the Associated Press from Madison: The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered state elections officials Friday to include U.S. Rep Dean Phillips on the states Democratic presidential primary ballot, finding that Democrats on a bipartisan presidential selection committee who left him off the ballot without a discussion should have at least talked about him... Phillips argued in his lawsuit that he met the test in Wisconsin law for gaining ballot access that says a candidate must be generally advocated or recognized in the national news media." State Justice Department attorneys representing the elections commission countered that the committee has sole discretion to decide who gets on the ballot. The court found that the committee failed to properly exercise any discretion. Democrats listed Biden as their only candidate and approved adding him to the ballot without any discussion during a meeting that last [sic] only five minutes. *** James Freeman is the co-author of The Cost: Trump, China and American Revival" and also the co-author of Borrowed Time: Two Centuries of Booms, Busts and Bailouts at Citi." WASHINGTONFour years ago, when President Biden clinched the Democratic nomination, he aggressively courted progressives, forming an alliance that helped propel him to the White House and has largely stayed intact. Now, deep cracks between him and the left are emerging that threaten his chances of re-election in 2024. The presidents handling of the war in Gaza has strained his relationship with progressives over the last three months. His push for a bipartisan plan that would severely restrict migration at the southern border has further jeopardized his standing with the constituency, which includes young voters and minority voters. The Biden team is counting on the presidents ability to reassemble the 2020 coalition, meaning he needs to maintain his level of backing from progressives. For some on the left, however, the extent of his support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas and his recent backing of the border-policy overhaul, including his push for restricting asylum in a way that breaks a core campaign promise, might be too much to overcome. Several progressive advocates and lawmakers say they feel the president is now taking them for granted. A lot of people in our base are feeling really hesitant about supporting Joe Biden," said Stevie OHanlon, spokesperson for climate-focused youth group Sunrise Movement. Joe Biden needs the young generation in order to win and that is going to require him doing a lot on climate, on Gaza, on immigration, to try and regain trust thats been broken." A recent NBC News poll found 15% of voters under 35 approved of Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war and 70% disapproved. The poll found Bidens approval rating overall to be the lowest of his presidency; additionally, the share of respondents who said Biden would do a better job than former President Donald Trump of treating immigrants humanely and protecting immigrant rights declined by 9 percentage points compared with September 2020. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D., Wash.), who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, noted that Biden in 2020 benefited from the momentum of presidential bids made by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) A lot of times, presidential campaigns become very insular, and what we need is to remember that we lost in 2016 and we won in 2020 because we had a very different approach to partnership with progressives and with the base," Jayapal said. Theres always a tendency to move to the right or to the center and forget." After the release Sunday of the details of the border deal, Jayapal said the proposal was evidence that Biden and Senate Democrats were declining to stand up and defend immigrant communities." The Senate deal would establish a new asylum process at the border to deliver fast case resolutions and swift deportations for migrants who dont qualify. It also would set a higher bar for those claims and establish new limits on the number of immigrants claiming asylum to prevent the system from getting overwhelmed. Bidens alliance with progressives could still improve by November, people familiar with his campaigns thinking said, depending on the duration of the conflict in Gaza and whether the immigration proposal actually makes it through Congress. After Biden navigated a crowded Democratic primary in 2020 and defeated more liberal candidates, he and his aides reached out and sought the support of his progressive primary opponents, along with liberal lawmakers and groups. Biden, a longtime centrist, adopted aspects of Sanderss policy proposals and formed task forces with experts representing both moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party. On immigration, in particular, Biden campaigned heavily against former Trumps hard-line policies and proposed an agenda considered to be the most liberal plan put forward by any mainstream Democratic nominee in history. He continued to maintain his relationship with progressives while in office, signing bills that touched on their concernssuch as climate-related investments and $1.9 trillion in Covid relief. His former chief of staff Ron Klain made outreach to progressives a priority. Even when some decisions frustrated progressives last yearapproval of a federal drilling project in Alaska, implementation of a set of tougher border policies and opposition to Washington, D.C.s crime codethey remained largely supportive of the president. Biden also handed progressives a win when he said in August 2022 he would cancel up to $20,000 for borrowers below a certain income threshold. Although the Supreme Court overturned his plan, the administration has used other tools to cancel student debt. But the presidents refusal to back a cease-fire in Gaza, despite the high death toll and humanitarian crisis, has for many progressives overshadowed his previous efforts. More than 25,000 people, the majority women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of hostilities, according to Palestinian authorities. Those figures dont distinguish between combatants and civilians. Biden also didnt support progressive lawmakers efforts to pass legislation conditioning military aid to Israel doing more to avoid civilian casualties, though he said it was a worthwhile thought." The Gaza-related protests and heckling of Biden at his campaign events has worried the presidents senior aides, but his advisers are divided on the seriousness of the political threat. Some still think progressives will ultimately back Biden over risking another Trump administration. They are making a similar calculation on immigration. Bidens support for the plan comes after a record number of illegal crossings at the southern border made him come to view the issue as a political liability with swing voters and more moderate Democrats, according to people familiar with his thinking. Several recent polls have shown voters roundly disapprove of Bidens handling of the issue, including a CBS News survey that found 63% of respondents said they wanted the president to be tougher on the border. Rep. Greg Casar, a progressive Texas Democrat, said leaders should be able to make Trump vs. Biden comparisons to voters on economic equality, climate and foreign policy. Trump would be terrible across allthose issue areas, and that on a couple of those issue areas, President Biden has actually been excellent in my view, and then in a couple, hes been sorely lacking," he said. Write to Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com and Katy Stech Ferek at katy.stech@wsj.com Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday presented CCTV footage as proof to claim that BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes in the Chandigarh Mayor polls. Sharing the video, AAP wrote in X, "Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is a living proof of BJP's dictatorship." Supreme Court Slams Civic Poll Officer This comes after the Supreme Court on Monday rebuked the civic poll officer who held the Chandigarh Mayor elections stating it is obvious that the returning officer has "defaced" the ballot papers. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who heard the matter, said, "Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is a murder of democracy. We are appalled. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the Returning Officer?" The top court additionally mandated the preservation of the complete election process record, comprising ballot papers, videography, and other relevant material, under the supervision of the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. BJP messes up in elections: Arvind Kejriwal Earlier, during a protest against the BJP over the Chandigarh mayoral elections, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal claimed EVM and vote tampering. During the protest, CM Kejriwal said, "BJP messes up in elections; there were often allegations that BJP wins elections by messing up; BJP steals election votes, tampers with EVMs gets names removed from the voter list, and adds fake names, we heard. We used to hear that fake votes were cast but never found any proof. There is a verse written in the Gita, Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Bharata: whenever too much sin is committed on this earth, then the God above will come to the earth." "This election in Chandigarh shows that they are the pot of sin. How did it get filled? When the pot of sin gets filled too much, then nature moves its broom, and God moves its broom and corrects things. The Chandigarh election was a small one. The world's biggest party was caught stealing votes in the Chandigarh elections; it was caught red-handed." he added. ARVIND 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 Mallikarjun Kharge sent an invitation letter to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to join Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra after it enters Uttar Pradesh on February 16. In addition to the invitation sent to the SP chief, the grand old party, on Sunday, said that yatra's programme in Uttar Pradesh will be shared with INDIA bloc constituents after the finalisation of its route in a day or two. The party also asserted that their participation would strengthen the alliance. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi clarifies on 'dog biscuit' row: 'Nervous dog ate from owner's hand' The development has come after the Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, claimed of not receiving an invitation for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Disapproving the poor communication about the Bharat Jodo Yatra among INDIA bloc members, Akhilesh Yadav said, The problem is that many big events take place, but we don't get an invite." Also Read: 'PM should decide first': Rahul Gandhi bats for caste census after Modi's 'biggest OBC' remark Soon after he remarked on Rahul Gandhi-led foot march, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the detailed route and programme of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Uttar Pradesh is being prepared and will be finalised in the coming days. Also Read: Is Rahul Gandhi using body double? Assam CM Himanta Sarma claims, identified him, will disclose after "After this, it will be shared with the constituent parties of INDIA bloc in the state. Their participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will further strengthen the INDIA bloc. The Yatra is expected to enter UP in the afternoon of February 16," Ramesh said in a post in Hindi. This is not the first time when Congress has faced criticism from INDIA alliance parties for not inviting them to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Earlier, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee took a swipe at the Congress for not inviting her to Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. In one of her media briefings, the TMC supremo said that she was not informed about Rahul Gandhi's foot march route and schedule in Bengal. As a result, she stayed away from the yatra while it was in her state. During Yatra's course in Jharkhand, JMM leader and the newly-elected Chief Minister of the state Champai Soren participated in the foot march on Friday. 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 Energy Week 2024: During the inauguration of the second edition of India Energy Week 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is set to witness an investment of USD 67 billion in the energy sector over the next 5 to 6 years. He emphasized India's robust economic growth, surpassing 7.5 per cent, and projected India to become the world's third-largest economy shortly. He said, In the next 5-6 years, the investment of USD 67 billion is going to be done in the energy sector in India." Modi extended an invitation to global investors, urging them to actively participate in India's energy sector expansion. He highlighted plans to significantly enhance India's refining capacity, aiming to increase it from 254 MMTPA (million metric tonnes per annum) to 450 MMTPA by 2030. Also Read: India mulls curbing ethanol production to fight sugar shortages Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's significant progress in renewable energy and ethanol blending. He highlighted that India's solar installed capacity has increased by more than 20 times over the past decade. Additionally, he mentioned the remarkable rise in ethanol blending, which has surged from a mere 1.5 per cent to over 12 per cent. Also Read: WEF Davos: India to keep diversifying oil supply, accelerate energy transition, says Hardeep Singh Puri Amidst the increasing energy demand, India is also ensuring affordable energy in every corner of the country. India is a country where despite many global factors, the prices of petrol and diesel have come down in the last two years. Apart from this, India has achieved 100% electricity coverage," PM Modi added. India is building a modern infrastructure of the 21st century, we are working on the infrastructure-building mission, in this financial year we are investing about 10 lakh crore on infrastructure," the Prime Minister said. Also Read: No proposal to reduce ethanol production yet, say government sources: Report Talking about India's energy demand, PM Modi said that it will double to about 38 million barrels by 2045. Experts across the world believe that India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. The energy sector is important in this growth story of India. India is already the third-largest energy consumer in the world. India is the third largest oil consumer and the third largest LPG consumer. We are the world's fourth largest importer of LNG, fourth largest refiner and fourth largest automobile market. Today, new records are being made in the sales of two-wheelers and four-wheelers in India. Demand for EVs is continuously increasing, it is also estimated that India's primary energy demand will double by 2045," the PM said. Also Read: Budget 2024: Rooftop solar, green hydrogen push experts discuss initiatives to charge up renewable energy sector Speaking about diversification of energy sources, the percentage of natural gas in the overall energy mix is being raised from 6 to 15 per cent. In the next 5 to 6 years, PM Modi said about USD 67 billion investment will be made. As part of his government's waste-to-wealth management programme, as many as 5,000 compressed biogas plants are being worked upon," he said. Also Read: Ethanol blending save 24,300 crore foreign exchange, 509 crore litres petrol in 2022-23, says Hardeep Puri India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, is dependent on crude oil from various sources in the global market to meet its domestic demand. India's carbon emission share is just 4 per cent globally, but still we are improving on our energy mix for a sustainable future. India is emphasizing the development of environmentally conscious energy sources to enhance our energy mix. Our goal is to achieve Net Zero Emission by 2070," he said. (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! Rejecting claims of internal dispute inside the INDIA bloc, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is very much part of the INDIA alliance". He also mentioned Nitish Kumar and his exit from the bloc and said that the whole INDIA bloc would fight elections together in Bihar. Also Read: 'Nitish Kumar did his 'Palti'. Now, Mamata Banerjee...': Jairam Ramesh rebukes TMC chief's 40 seat jibe Mamata (Banerjee) is very much part of the INDIA alliance and most of the other members who are part of the INDIA alliance are still members of the INDIA alliance. Nitish Kumar has left the alliance and he's gone to the BJP. You can guess as to what the reasons are for him leaving. That's fine. We'll fight in Bihar as the INDIA alliance. So I don't agree that lots of our partners are not part of the alliance..." He also added that the member parties are carrying forward their negotiations for the seat-sharing arrangement. He termed disagreements among the parties over seat-sharing as normal". Earlier, the West Bengal chief minister had expressed her displeasure over the Congress party's lack of communication on seat-sharing negotiations. She also claimed that the party leadership didn't inform her about the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entering West Bengal. Later, she declared that her party wouldn't fight the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Congress in West Bengal. She also accused the grand old party of joining hands with the CPI (M) to assist the BJP in the elections. I have not spoken to anyone in the Congress (on seat-sharing), let the Congress fight 300 seats on its own. The regional parties are together and can contest the rest. However, we will not tolerate any interference by them (Congress)," said Mamata Banerjee. The INDIA bloc suffered another setback after Nitish Kumar dumped Mahagathbandhan and joined hands with the BJP-led NDA to form a new government in 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! The BJP has released a short film highlighting guarantees fulfilled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure ahead of Lok Sabha polls. The development came mere hours after the senior politician assured Parliament that the NDA bloc would win 400 seats this time. The newly released videos in a multitude of Indian languages highlight several initiatives under the Sapne Nahi Haqeeqat Bunte, Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai campaign. The BJP is highlighting several policies introduced during the past 10 years: Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, UPI-digital public infrastructure and the PM Awas Yojana. A film highlighting the Mudra Yojna was shared on the BJP's social media accounts on Tuesday afternoon. The clip has been dubbed in eight languages Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Assamese, Odia, Bengali and Hindi. Mudra Yojana has not only promoted entrepreneurship but has also brought about amazing changes in the lives of crores of people. I am also very satisfied to see that in this scheme, along with our mothers and sisters, SC, ST and OBC communities have the highest number of beneficiaries," the PM wrote on X. Prime Minister Modi launched a scathing attack against the Opposition on Sunday, insisting that the BJP alone would secure 370 seats in the upcoming elections. The Congress and its allies, he opined, had resolved to sit for a long time in the opposition". "...On the basis of the experience of 10 years of governance, looking at today's strong economy and the rapid speed with which India is progressing today, I can confidently say that in our third term, India will be the third largest economic power. This is Modi's guarantee," the PM added. The budget session of parliament began on January 31 and is the last before Lok Sabha elections expected in April-May. (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! Almost any country can face such a large-scale problem as armed aggression, natural disasters, epidemics, or economic crisis. Since regaining its independence and before Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been an active participant in international humanitarian missions and peacekeeping operations. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainer project writes about this. As of December 2022, Ukraine was a member of 81 international organizations, where, along with other countries, it addressed global political, environmental, humanitarian, economic, law enforcement, and other important issues. It is noted that about 45,000 Ukrainian military personnel have participated in at least 27 international peacekeeping and security operations since the restoration of independence. Ukraine helped other countries long before a full-scale invasion, both within the framework of international organizations and on its own. Here are some of the missions: Ukraine's first peacekeeping operation in Yugoslavia From 1992 to 1995, Ukraine participated in the UN peacekeeping operation in Yugoslavia. At that time, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina sought to secede from Yugoslavia, thereby becoming independent countries. This decision received international support: The UN recognized it as the right of nations to self-determination. However, a war then broke out between the former Yugoslav republics and Serbian troops to preserve the state in its then existing form. ADVERTISIMENT On July 11, 1995, Serbs killed 8,000 Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica. They planned another mass ethnic cleansing in Zepa, where many members of the Muslim community also lived. With only nine armored personnel carriers and light firearms, 79 soldiers of the 240th Separate Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine defended the city from 2,000 Serbs for two weeks. This forced Serbian General Ratko Mladic to demand negotiations with the Ukrainians. Colonel Mykola Verkhoglyad managed to ensure the safe passage of the residents. The evacuation began on July 25. Ukrainian peacekeepers were assisted by the French. More than 60 buses were involved, transporting more than 5,000 people. This operation was considered the most successful in the history of the modern Armed Forces of Ukraine until 2014. In total, the peacekeeping mission in Yugoslavia lasted three years and during this time about 1300 Ukrainian servicemen took part in it, 15 of whom were killed. Their main tasks were to facilitate the cessation of hostilities and help stabilize the situation by patrolling the streets, maintaining public order and escorting humanitarian aid. ADVERTISIMENT Humanitarian Mission of Ukraine in Sakartvelo (Georgia) In 1993, Ukraine first took part in a peacekeeping mission independent of international organizations. An armed conflict broke out on the territory of Sakartvelo (the correct name of Georgia). It involved Abkhazian separatists seeking independence with the support of Russia and militants from the North Caucasus, and was opposed by the government of Sakartvelo. By the end of the acute phase of the conflict, the self-proclaimed Abkhaz Republic was established. As a result, thousands of people became refugees due to ethnic persecution. Many tried to reach the center of the country through the mountain passes of Svaneti, but due to sudden cold snaps and severe snowstorms, people suffered from hunger, injuries and frostbite. At the time, the government of Sakartvelo did not have enough helicopters for evacuation, so it asked for help from partner countries. ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine sent a detachment of 15 Mi-8 helicopters and 106 crew members. On the first day of the evacuation, 570 people were rescued. The next day, the number reached 2,162. Up to six flights were made daily, even under fire. From October 10 to 14, 1993, about 8,000 people were rescued. In addition, in August 2008, when Russia deployed its troops to Sakartvelo, Ukraine sent air defense systems, Buk and Osa anti-aircraft missile systems, along with combat kits. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili acknowledged that deterring aggression in the early days was an exceptionally difficult task, but it proved to be effective, especially with the help of Ukraine. Despite repeated support provided by Ukraine, after the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, Georgia refused to return the Buk anti-aircraft missile systems it had previously provided. ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainian military support to Macedonia In 1991, Macedonia (officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia since 2019) declared its independence from Yugoslavia and became the only former Yugoslav republic to achieve independence peacefully. In North Macedonia, Albanians represent the second largest ethnic community after Macedonians themselves. They formed political parties and took an active part in solving various political issues. However, by 2001, the situation began to deteriorate due to restrictions on the use of the Albanian language in official institutions and education, as well as the ban on the Albanian flag. ADVERTISIMENT The conflict began on January 22, 2001, when armed Albanian rebels from the National Liberation Army attacked a police station in the village of Terse, killing one policeman and wounding three others. In March 2001, Macedonia turned to partner countries for help. Ukraine signed a bilateral agreement with the Macedonian government to sell weapons at lower prices. In the same month, the first batch of Ukrainian helicopters arrived: four Mi-8MT helicopters with machine guns and two Mi-24 helicopters. Later in June, four more Mi-24 helicopters and four Su-25 attack aircraft were delivered. Despite the dissatisfaction of NATO countries seeking a political solution to the conflict, Ukraine continued to supply weapons to Macedonia. In early August 2001, up to 30 tanks and 20 armored personnel carriers modernized at Ukrainian factories were sent. The conflict ended on August 13, 2001, when the Macedonian government and Albanian political forces signed the Ohrid Agreement. ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainian peacekeepers in Iraq After the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, the UN called on a number of countries to restore stability in Iraq through joint efforts. In May 2003, Ukraine sent the 5th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of the International Coalition Forces. After the mission was completed in the spring of 2005, the United States offered Ukraine to continue the operation in Iraq as military advisors and observers. The military operation in Iraq is one of the largest foreign missions in the history of independent Ukraine. Over five years, until 2008, more than 1,600 Ukrainian servicemen took part in it, 18 of whom were killed and 40 wounded. ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine in the fight against coronavirus During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the disease was gradually spreading around the world, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree to send a team of doctors and medical equipment to help Italy, one of the first countries to face mass infections. A total of 20 medical workers of various specialties, including infectious disease specialists, intensive care physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and paramedics, arrived in Italy. In addition, during the coronavirus pandemic, Ukraine transported medicines from China to various Western countries. Using the world's largest transport aircraft at the time, the An-225 Mriya, which was later damaged during the Russian invasion of Gostomel, Ukraine delivered medicines around the world. ADVERTISIMENT Ukrainian rescuers in Turkey Ukraine first provided assistance to Turkey during severe forest fires in July 2021. Two An-32P firefighting aircraft arrived in the province of Mugla to help prevent the spread of the fire. In 2023, southern and central Turkey was hit by a powerful earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people. Ukraine sent a search and rescue team of 87 rescuers. In ten days, they rescued a woman and pulled the bodies of 58 people, including nine children, from the rubble. In addition, Ukrainian experts inspected about 500 buildings, helped to clear the rubble and provided medical care to the victims. ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine's last mission in the Congo On April 6, 1994, the genocide in Rwanda broke out when the Hutu people began exterminating the Tutsi population. Within three months, 800,000 people died, both Tutsis and Hutus who refused to participate in the massacres. The perpetrators of the crime fled to the eastern provinces of Congo, where they regrouped into armed groups and continued to attack the civilian population. Since 2012, the 18th Separate Helicopter Unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been part of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The unit has provided 156 servicemen, with Ukrainian helicopters accounting for one third of the UN's deployed assets. The main tasks included evacuation of the wounded and sick, reconnaissance and patrolling. Over the past ten years, Ukrainian helicopters have logged more than 22,473 hours in the air, transporting more than 116,280 passengers and cargo weighing 5,600 tons. During this period, 12 rotations of Ukrainian military personnel took place. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainian peacekeeping mission in the Congo was curtailed due to the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. According to the decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they left the Congo in 2022. Despite the difficulties and confrontation with the enemy, the Ukrainian state not only receives international assistance, but also acts as a committed member of the international community, ready to help countries facing difficulties. As a reminder, the European Council has supported the plan under the Ukraine Facility program to provide the EU with a record economic assistance to Ukraine of EUR 50 billion over 4 years, subject to Ukraine's implementation of a number of reforms. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that the United States plans to double the production of 155-mm artillery shells used in Ukraine by October 2024. But to achieve this goal, Congress will need to approve a bill to help Ukraine. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated calls for a caste census on Monday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that he was the biggest OBC. The Wayanad MP currently travelling through Jharkhand for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra said the PM appeared to get confused during his address in Parliament and urged him to decide first. Gandhi said that it was necessary to count members of the community if the administration wanted to give them participation. The question is in front of everyone. PM calls himself OBC. In between he got confused and then started saying that there are only two castes in the country rich and poor. So he should decide first...We want caste census to be done" Gandhi said. Prime Minister Modi had come down heavily on the Congress and other Opposition parties during an address in Parliament on Sunday, accusing the UPA government of not delivering justice with OBCs. Congress can't tolerate OBCs...They keep counting how many OBCs are there in government. Can't you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here (pointing towards himself)?" PM Modi said during his reply to the 'Motion of Thanks' on the President's address. This question is not just of one person but of the people of India. As an example, there are only three OBCs out of 90 IAS in Delhi. You will not find Dalits and tribals in the health and education system. Name any OBC owner among the top 100 corporate companies in India. You might have heard the names of Adani, Tata, and Birla but there is no name of any OBC. What kind of country would there be in India of injustice?" he added. PM Modi however laid the blame squarely with the UPA government. "During the UPA Government, an extra-constitutional body was formed. The government could not have its way before that body. National Advisory Council - did it have any OBC members? Find out," he added. (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 NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar is set to approach the Supreme Court after the Election Commission allocated the party name and symbol to rebel group led by Ajit Pawar. The development came some seven months after the senior politician split the NCP to join the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra. Party MP Supriya Sule said the group would also look into alternate names and symbols in the coming days. Our documents were fine. Founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar...But now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an 'adrishya shakti' in the country which is doing all this. We will fight...We will definitely go to Supreme Court...Sharad Pawar will rebuild party," said Sule. Will approach Supreme Court, it is our last hope," added NCP MLA Jayant Patil. According to the EC, the decision was taken after the laid-out tests of maintainability of such a petition which included tests of aims and objectives of party constitution, test of party constitution and tests of majority both organisational and legislative. Meanwhile the Sharad Pawar faction has termed the EC's decision as murder of democracy". Party spokesperson Clyde Crasto however insisted that the news did not come as a surprise. Ajit Pawar faction leaders had been continuously saying that they would get the name and the symbol, with date... In 1999, NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar... Everybody knows that the NCP belongs to Sharad Pawar... A few months they claimed the party and the EC gave it to them... Sharad Pawar is the chief of the NCP which is there in 28 states... 25 out of them backed Sharad Pawar. Now the Supreme Court has to tell what the truth behind all of this is..." he added. Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of NCP MLAs in July last year and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra. He had submitted the petition with the EC two days before he and eight other MLAs took oath as ministers in the Shinde government. (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! LONDONPrince William, the youngest and most high-profile member of the working royals, is now tasked with being the public face of the British monarchy after his father King Charles IIIs cancer diagnosis. Polls show that the Prince of Wales, 41, is the kings immediate heir and is already the most popular member of the royal family. Over the years, the prince has built up a reputation of being a steady pair of hands who rarely causes controversy and is an adept practitioner of the House of Windsors well-tested formula of polite neutrality. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Tuesday that the monarchs cancer had been caught early, raising hopes that the king would make a complete recovery and return to public duties in the coming months. Meanwhile, Prince William will gain experience at being the House of Windsors public face, even if his role is symbolic and his father remains head of state. f The 75-year-old kings diagnosis came less than a year after he was crowned and 17 months after his mother Queen Elizabeth II died, making Charles the oldest British monarch to accede to the throne after a record seven decades in waiting as heir. He has proved surprisingly popular as monarch, developing himself into a grandfather-of-the-nation figure while quietly pushing issues he cares about such as the environment. While Charles is known for being emotive, William appears to be closer in personality to his more reserved late grandmother Queen Elizabeth. He is married to his childhood sweetheart Catherine, and is seen to be a present father to his three children. The princes royal journey has in many ways been forged by repeated regal crises, from the death of his mother Princess Diana in 1997 to a very public fallout with his younger brother Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex was expected back in the U.K. later Tuesday to visit his father. When the king received his diagnosis last week, William was off duty looking after his wife who had just spent nearly two weeks in hospital after an operation on her abdomen. William was at Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Castle estate, with their children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. He was regularly pictured driving himself to visit Catherine in the hospital and had been expected to remain off work until she was well on the way to recovery. The announcement of the kings ill health saw him rushed back to the royal front line. On Wednesday, he will attend an investiture, where he will be dressed in his Royal Air Force uniform handing out dozens of awards and medals to people who have served the nation and their communities. Then, on Wednesday evening, William will attend the annual fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance. Royal watchers expect he will make an after-dinner-speech where he can reassure the nation and publicly wish his father well. The heirs return was part of a carefully choreographed announcement by Buckingham Palace about the kings ill health. Charles received the diagnosis last week. He informed his sons and siblings of the diagnosis personally. The palace then informed the prime minister, and other Commonwealth heads of state, and then finally the public. A few hours before the public statement, the heads of various British media outlets, including the BBC, were briefed and given a 6 p.m. local embargo time for the news. The public was left wondering about the exact prognosis. Some looked to Prince Harrys decision to visit his ill father quickly as a possibly ominous sign that the cancer might be serious. But others were cheered by news from the prime minister that the cancer was caught early as well as the carefully-worded statement from the palace saying that the king remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible." The Prince of Wales fronts a fast-shrinking clan of 11 working royals. William is the youngest of those tasked with representing the crown at hundreds of events each year. More than half of them are now aged 75 or more. As a result, William has already started experimenting with undertaking fewer events but making them more effective, for instance accompanying a visit with efforts to raise cash for charity. He has also taken on his fathers interest in protecting the environment, launching the Earthshot Prize, to fund inventions which can tackle climate change. For over 50 years, in every corner of the U.K., across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected," William said of his father after his coronation last year. The prince followed the well-trodden path of male British royals for much of his life. He went to Eton, completed service with the military for a period and often socialized with aristocrats. As a teenager, he exchanged emails with Britney Spears. And in 2013, he was dragged on stage by Taylor Swift to sing the Bon Jovi song Living on a Prayer," a moment he later described as excruciating. His blond hair and shy nature saw him compared with his mother, Princess Diana. Although he lacked his younger brother Harrys fun-loving common touch, his popularity rocketed after he wed Kate Middleton, who wasnt of royal lineage. Later, his relationship with his brother Harry collapsed, after the latter quit royal duties. Perhaps as a result of these events, the future king has been open about issues around mental health. He has spoken numerous times of the pain of losing his mother. In a podcast, he also spoke of falling into a deep depression during his work in air ambulances after seeing the effects of a car accident on a young boy. When Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle alleged that there was racism in royal ranks, it was William who went public to deny the family was racist. Among the many barbs that Harry threw at his family, he once wrote that William had pushed him to the floor during an argument and had become his archnemesis" as the family gave priority to protecting the monarchy over looking after each other. William didnt respond to these criticisms but aides say the relationship with his brother is now unsalvageable. Traditionally, the monarchy has kept the royal familys health a closely guarded secret with moments of occasional transparency. As the late Queen Elizabeths health declined in later years, the palace said it wouldnt provide a running commentary on her health. Just weeks before she died, the palace said she was having mobility issues" in explaining her absence from public events. Her cause of death was listed on her death certificate as simply old age." Charles has taken a slightly more transparent approach. He shared his initial diagnosis of an enlarged prostate in January, leading to a rise in appointment requests for prostate checks among British males. But the cancer diagnosis has been far more vague, leading some to worry that the public may start to speculate and assume things might be worse than the palace has said. More mystery surrounds Williams wife, who is likely to be recuperating until after Easter. The palace declined to say what her illness was, except that it wasnt cancer related. Write to Max Colchester at Max.Colchester@wsj.com and David Luhnow at david.luhnow@wsj.com The great auction houses of America and Europe often sell masterpieces by long-dead artists to a grey-haired crowd. They also serve the booming demand for actual fossils. In 2020 Christies sold Stan"one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever discoveredfor a record-breaking $31.8m. In April Trinity", a composite of three T. rex specimens, fetched $6.1m at the Koller auction house in Zurichone of six dino-lots to have breached the $6m threshold since Stan" was sold. At the end of July Sothebys is due to auction off another nearly complete specimen. The buyers are typically rich collectors (Leonardo DiCaprio, a Hollywood actor, has an interest in dinosaur skulls). That alarms many palaeontologists, who fear that museums and other scientific institutions are being priced out of the market by individuals who will lock their collections away. Even when scientists are granted access to specimens held privately, many journals have in recent years refused in protest to publish the resulting research. The antagonism of these scientists towards commerce is misplaced. A thriving market for fossils should lead to more discoveries thatif the trade is appropriately regulatedwill benefit science and the public. Palaeontology has always leaned heavily on prospectors and private collectors. Mary Anning, one of the fields pioneers, attained celebrity status in Victorian England after she discovered the first fossil specimens of ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs (marine contemporaries of the dinosaurs) eroding out of the fragile coastal cliffs of Dorset in south-west England, known as the Jurassic coast". The tongue-twister She sells sea shells on the sea shore" is supposedly a reference to Annings prolific collection and sale of marine fossils. Today most fossils sold at auction come from America. Once discovered there, they belong to the landowner and can be legally traded. In many other countries, fossils automatically become the property of the state. The advantage of encouraging the dinosaur cowboys" of Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotaswhich share a big geological depositto get digging is that once fossils are exposed, they are as vulnerable to wind, rain and tide as they once were to being munched by a theropod. As Dorsets cliffs collapse, for example, new fossils constantly appear, but can be lost as erosion continues. Scientists often lack the resources to find, collect and preserve every fossil with scientific value before it is destroyed by nature. The private sector plugs the gap by responding to price signals. Prospecting first boomed after Sue", another famous T. rex specimen, was sold to Chicagos Field Museum for $8.3m in 1997. The recent spate of sales is prompting another rush for bones today. It is not always true that the resulting hoards end up out of sight. Stan" was bought by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and is due to go on display in 2025. From Tampa to Copenhagen, many privately owned fossils are on show at museums or soon will be, much as the worlds best art galleries often hang privately owned pieces on loan. Fears of crowding out scientists and the public are not entirely without merit. Sometimes specimens do vanish after being bought anonymously. But nationalising the ownership of fossils does not make the desire to buy and sell them disappear. Instead, it pushes the trade underground. The black market is a bigger threat to science than legitimate trade. Smugglers have much lower standards than auction houses, frequently damaging or destroying specimens, and stolen fossils are even less likely to end up in museums. T. rent There are ways to preserve the value to the public of privately owned fossils. Governments could write rules insisting that the discovery of fossils and who owns them is catalogued. They could require specimens to be made available for study, or ensure that museums can make casts. Andalthough auction houses already demand assurances regarding the provenance of fossilsthey could set in stone minimum standards for excavation and handling, to allay fears that prospecting might become a Wild West. It is better to regulate the market and let it thrive than to force it towards extinction. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com The semiconductor industry is using generative artificial intelligence to accelerate chip designa process that has become more time-consuming and complex, even as the need for advanced chips has grown. By using the AI systems that power ChatGPT, researchers hope to speed up hardware designwhich can take half a year or more for the most complex microchipsto a matter of one month or less, said Siddharth Garg, an institute associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at New York Universitys Tandon School of Engineering. In the past year, chip maker Nvidia, chip design companies Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems, and a host of researchers have developed AI tools designed to speed up engineers work by automatically writing hardware code and verifying it, and helping large teams of designers work together by summarizing notes and status updates. Moves to quicken the pace of design come as supplies of specialized AI chips have been tight since last years AI boom kicked off a run on Nvidias graphics-processing units, or GPUs. At the same time, the anticipated end of Moores Law, which posits that roughly every two years the number of transistors in a chip doubles, has led companies to explore new chip architectures and the production of more specialized chips. Experts say there arent enough U.S. engineers who can design these advanced chips for AI and specific applications like self-driving cars and dronesall of which are growing in demand. Synopsyss AI tool, called Synopsys.ai Copilot and announced last fall, was built with Microsoft using OpenAIs large-language models and is intended to help engineers collaborate, said Shankar Krishnamoorthy, general manager of the companys electronic design automation group. Microsofts in-house silicon team is using the tool to support its engineering needs, the company said. The Synopsys AI tool answers questions about how to use the companys design tools and can create workflow scripts. It can also generate RTL, a form of chip design language that specifies chip architecture, just by having a conversation in plain English. Owing to their ability to process thousands of tasks at the same time, chips like GPUs require nearly 1,000 people to build, and each must understand how pieces of the design work together as they work to continuously improve them, said Bryan Catanzaro, Nvidias vice president of applied deep learning research. To help, Nvidia developed ChipNeMo, an AI system customized with its own data to perform tasks like respond to questions about GPU architecture and generate chip design language code. The company trained its system on top of models including Meta Platforms open-source Llama 2, and the system is designed to be used with existing design automation tools like those from Synopsys. In the year since Nvidias engineers began using ChipNeMo, Catanzaro said they have found it to be most useful in training junior engineers and summarizing notes and status updates for what can be 100 different teams. Alphabet research lab Google DeepMind developed an AI system to improve logic synthesis, a chip-design phase that involves turning a description of a circuits behavior into an actual circuit. Google said those techniques may be used to improve its own custom AI chips, called Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs. Multiple research efforts at universities including New York University are also under way to determine other ways generative AI can speed up chip designsome of which is funded by companies including Synopsys and mobile-phone chip giant Qualcomm. A team at NYUs Tandon School of Engineering designed a chip over the course of about a month by conversing with ChatGPT. The technique, dubbed Chip Chat," allowed the researchers to automatically write Verilog, a chip design language that describes a chips functionality, just by talking with the chatbot, said NYUs Garg. But AI-based tools cant do it all. Right now, they are mostly helpful for things like training younger chip designers, writing hardware languages and reporting bugs, said David Pan, a professor in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Texas at Austin who has advised some of the researchers involved in building such AI tools at companies and universities. Current tools have other limitations: Human engineers must carefully validate AI-generated output, and there is not yet a solution that can automate the full chip design process, from design to verification, implementation of the designs transistors and checking the designs electrical properties. Synopsyss Krishnamoorthy estimated that the ability to autonomously create a functional chip using generative AI is about five years away, especially taking AIs hallucinations," or misfires, into account. Write to Belle Lin at belle.lin@wsj.com In India, there's no shortage of top AC brands, many of which have stood the test of time. When it comes to home appliances like air conditioners, trust and a wide customer base are paramount. Yet, with technology evolving constantly and a large variety of models to choose from, finding the right AC can be daunting. To ease your buying journey, we've sifted through the offerings of the best AC brands in India to present the 10 top options for your consideration. Our guide explores the functions and features of each product, ensuring you're well-informed before making a purchase. From Voltas and Carrier to Lloyd and more, we've included models from renowned brands to ensure you get the best value for your money. Our selection spans various capacities and features, catering to every need, whether it's cooling a small room or entertaining guests in the living room. Explore the models from India's best AC brands to uncover their offerings, pros, and cons before making your decision. 1. Lloyd 1.0 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC Experience optimal cooling with the Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC. Its 5-in-1 convertible feature adapts to your needs, while the copper build ensures durability. With an Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 filter, it keeps your air clean and healthy. The sleek 2023 model, in white with Chrome Deco Strip, adds a touch of sophistication to your space - whether it's your room or the living area. Look no further and say goodbye to discomfort and hello to comfort with this reliable AC unit from Lloyd. Specifications of Lloyd 1.0 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC: Brand: LLOYD Capacity: 1 Tons Cooling Power: 3.5 Kilowatts Product Dimensions: 20.5D x 87W x 30H Centimeters Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Golden Fins Evaporator Coils Installation may require professional help Eco-friendly R32 refrigerant 2. Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC The Lloyd 1.5 Ton Inverter Split AC is a versatile and energy-efficient choice for medium-sized rooms up to 170 square feet. Its 5-star energy rating and ISEER Value of 5.06 signify exceptional annual energy savings. The AC's standout feature is its 5-in-1 convertible cooling capacity, offering flexibility for different cooling needs. Equipped with Golden Fins Evaporator Coils, it promises enhanced cooling performance and durability. Additional benefits include a PM 2.5 Air Filter for cleaner air and rapid cooling, ensuring comfort even at 52-degree Celsius. However, the initial installation process might be cumbersome, and the noise level could be a concern for some users. Specifications of Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC: Capacity: 1.5 Ton Energy Rating: 5 Star ISEER Value: 5.06 Key Features: 5-in-1 Convertible, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, Golden Fins Evaporator Coils Special Features: Cools at 52-degree Celsius, 10m Long Air Throw, Rapid Cooling, Turbo Cool Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Versatile cooling options Cumbersome installation process Energy-efficient with 5-star rating Noticeable noise level 3. Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC This Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AC offers versatile cooling capabilities with its Flexicool Convertible 4-in-1 inverter technology, providing up to 50% energy savings. It's suitable for mid-sized rooms and boasts a high-density filter, Turbo Cool for rapid cooling, and Aqua Clear Protection for durable, rust-free performance. The AC also features a refrigerant leakage detector and auto cleanser. This air conditioner remains operational even at temperatures as high as 52-degree Celsius. It comes with a great two-way air directional control and has a good class cooling capacity. Not only that it comes with the ADC sensor, smart CRF technology and HD filter technology that lowers dust entering the room. However, it has a relatively high annual energy consumption, which might affect long-term operating costs. Nevertheless, it is extremely durable. In fact, you get a 120 months warranty on the compressor itself. Specifications of Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC: Capacity: 1.5 Ton Energy Rating: 3 Star Copper Condenser Coil 10-year compressor warranty Key Features: Flexicool Inverter Compressor, Convertible 4-in-1 cooling, HD Filter, Turbo Cool, Hydro Blue Coating Special Features: Stabilizer Free Operation, Hidden Display, Auto Restart, Follow Me Function Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Versatile cooling options with Flexicool technology Relatively higher annual energy consumption Durable, rust-free copper condenser 4. Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC The Daikin 1.5 Ton 5-Star inverter split AC offers efficient cooling with its high ISEER rating of 5.2. Ideal for medium-sized rooms, it boasts a copper condenser coil for effective cooling. With a 10-year compressor warranty and Triple Display feature, it provides reliable and convenient cooling, making it a solid choice for most households.With an operational noise level of 38 DB, it is virtually silent. It can carry out its cooling effect even when the external temperature is 54 degrees Celsius. It comes with the dew clean technology that cleans up the internal coils with just the press of a button. Not only that, this split air conditioner comes with a swing compressor that carries out efficient cooling. Moreover, the refrigerant gas used in this technology is R32 which is non-harming to the environment. It is highly durable and comes with a year-long warranty. Specifications of Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC: Capacity: 1.5 Ton Energy Rating: 5 Star Copper Condenser Coil Key Features: High ISEER, Dew Clean Technology Special Features: Triple Display, Ambient Operation up to 54 degrees C Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid High ISEER rating for energy efficiency Lacks some advanced features Copper condenser for better cooling Also read: Best air conditioner in India: Choose from best models 5. Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC The Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC offers advanced features like 7 in 1 Convertible Modes with True AI, which adjusts cooling performance based on room temperature and occupancy, saving energy. It has a 5-star energy rating and an ISEER of 5.10, making it energy efficient. The smart AC can be controlled via the Miraie Mobile App and supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant. It features a copper condenser coil for better cooling and durability, along with a PM 0.1 Filter for clean air. Overall, it's a smart and efficient choice for medium-sized rooms. Specifications of Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC: Brand: Panasonic Capacity: 1.5 Ton Energy Rating: 5 Star Features: 7 in 1 Convertible Mode with True AI, Smart AC with Miraie Mobile App control Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Energy efficient with 5-star rating May be expensive compared to non-smart ACs Advanced AI features for optimal cooling Requires stable Wi-Fi connection for smart features 6. Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC The Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC offers efficient cooling with its patented inverter Swing compressor and Dew clean technology for healthy air. With a capacity suitable for small rooms, it features a 3-star energy rating, a copper condenser coil for better cooling, and low maintenance. It comes with a 1-year warranty on the product, 5 years on PCB, and 10 years on the compressor, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. Specifications of Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC: Brand: Daikin Capacity: 1 Ton Energy rating: 3 Star Features: Patented inverter Swing compressor, dew-clean technology Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Efficient cooling Higher initial cost Healthy air with Dew clean technology May require professional installation 7. Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC The Voltas 1.5 Ton Inverter Split AC is designed for efficiency and comfort, making it an ideal choice for medium-sized rooms. Its 5-star energy rating ensures low annual energy consumption, while the 4-in-1 adjustable cooling mode provides flexible operation. The copper condenser coil enhances cooling efficiency and requires minimal maintenance. Features like the anti-dust filter and antimicrobial protection ensure a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. The AC operates stably within a wide voltage range, negating the need for a separate stabilizer. While its cooling prowess is commendable, the noise level might be slightly higher than expected, and some users might find the digital display too bright for dark rooms. Specifications of Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC: Capacity: 1.5 Ton Energy Rating: 5 Star Annual Energy Consumption: 4900 Units Key Features: Copper Condenser Coil, 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode Special Features: Anti-dust Filter, Antimicrobial Protection, LED Display Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Low maintenance & better cooling Higher noise level Enhanced air quality with filters Bright digital display might be intrusive 8. Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC The Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star window AC offers an economical cooling solution for small rooms. With a 3-star energy rating and a copper condenser coil, it delivers efficient performance. The auto swing feature ensures even cooling throughout the room. It comes with useful features like a timer, sleep mode, and self-diagnosis. However, the noise level could be lower, and the cooling capacity may not be suitable for larger rooms.This product can perfectly operate at temperatures as high as 48 degree Celsius. The condenser coils are made of copper that will ensure a better cooling and higher durability. The auto swing feature distributes cool air to every corner of the room. Overall, it's a budget-friendly choice for compact spaces and comes with a trust for being one of the top 5 AC brands in India. This product comes with a warranty of one year. Specifications of Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC: Capacity: 1 Ton Energy Rating: 3 Star Annual Energy Consumption: 3100 Units Warranty: 1 Year Comprehensive, 5 Years on Compressor Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Economical and easy to install Higher noise level Copper condenser for better performance Also read: 10 best window ACs to tackle summer heat efficiently 9. Samsung 2 Ton 3 Star Wi-fi Enabled Inverter Split AC The Samsung 2 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi enabled inverter split AC offers both convenience and efficient cooling. Its inverter compressor adjusts power based on heat load, while the Convertible 5-in-1 modes provide versatility. With Wi-Fi capability, you can control it remotely and via voice commands. The 3-star BEE rating and copper condenser ensure energy efficiency and effective cooling. While it has impressive features, like Fast Cooling and AI Auto Cooling, it consumes relatively more electricity.However, it is ideal for a large room. And has a three step auto clean feature that makes cleaning very easy. Additionally, it comes with the digital inverter technology and easy to clean antibacterial copper filter. The digital inverter technology operates with 40 percent less noise and 73 percent less energy than the ordinary products. Overall, a reliable choice from one of the top 5 AC brands in India. Specifications of Samsung 2 Ton 3 Star Wi-fi Enabled Inverter Split AC: Capacity: 2 Ton Energy Rating: 3 Star Annual Energy Consumption: 1145.22 Units Warranty: 1 Year Standard, 10 Years on Digital Inverter Compressor Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Wi-Fi enabled for remote control Relatively higher electricity consumption Effective cooling with a copper condenser 10. Samsung 1 Ton 3 Star Wind-Free Technology Inverter Split AC Looking for a cooling solution that's both powerful and gentle? The Samsung 1 Ton 3 Star AC with wind-free technology has you covered. With a variable speed compressor and 23,000 microholes, it delivers efficient cooling without the discomfort of direct airflow. The Convertible 5-in-1 modes offer versatility, while the copper condenser ensures effectiveness.The product should be ideally used for small rooms but comes with an incredible cooling power. The copper condenser coils ensure this while allowing proper function with minimum maintenance. Apart from these it comes with features like windfree cooling, windfree deep sleep and most importantly comes with the digital inverter technology that allows it to operate with minimum noise consuming the minimum amount of energy. The four-way air flow ensures a good cool air circulation throughout the room. While it's energy-efficient, the 3-star rating could be improved. Overall, a solid choice for a comfortable living space. Specifications of Samsung 1 Ton 3 Star Wind-Free Technology Inverter Split AC: Capacity: 1 Ton Energy Rating: 3 Star Annual Energy Consumption: 628.48 Units Warranty: 1 Year Standard, 10 Years on Digital Inverter Compressor Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Wind-Free Technology for gentle cooling 3-star energy rating Convertible 5-in-1 modes Best 3 features for you Product Name AC Type Star Rating Colour Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC Split 3 Star White with Chrome Deco Strip Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC Split 5 Star White with Chrome Deco Strip Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC Split 3 Star White Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC Split 5 Star White Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC Split 5 Star White Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC Split 3 Star White Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC Split 5 Star White Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC Window 3 Star White Samsung 2 Ton 3 Star Wi-fi Enabled Inverter Split AC Split 3 Star White Samsung 1 Ton 3 Star Wind-Free Technology Inverter Split AC Split 3 Star White Best value for money Among these models, the Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC offers a good balance of features and affordability. Its Flexicool technology and convertible cooling modes provide versatility and energy savings at a reasonable price. A flagship feature of this product is its Flexicool Hybridjet Inverter Compressor technology. This 4-in-1 convertible air conditioner is good for a mid-sized room and its copper condenser coil ensures added durability and adds on to its functionality. Other key feature of this product is the anti-viral guard filter, turbo cool feature and hydro-blue coating for a prolonged durability. Apart from that it has an intelligent CPF alert feature and also comes with the auto-cleanser and refrigerant leakage detector. It is extremely durable and long-lasting and comes with a year-long warranty on the entire product and 10 year warranty on the compressor. This piece of marvel is currently available on Amazon for Rs. 70,290. Best overall product The Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC stands out as the best overall choice. Its 5 in 1 Convertible feature offers flexible cooling options, while the copper construction ensures durability and efficient heat transfer. Equipped with an Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, it ensures clean and healthy air circulation. The sleek 2023 Model, finished in White with Chrome Deco Strip, adds a touch of elegance to any space. With its reliable performance and advanced features, the Lloyd GLS18I3FWAGC promises to deliver optimal comfort and cooling, making it the ideal choice for discerning consumers. How to find the best air conditioner from top 5 AC brands in India Buying an air conditioner can be difficult since you will always have multiple options at various price ranges. However, keeping few things in mind can help you purchase the ideal air conditioner for yourself: Brand reputation: Start by considering reputable brands like Voltas, Daikin, LG, Samsung, and Carrier. These brands are known for their quality and reliability. Capacity: Determine the AC capacity based on your room size. Make sure it's neither too small nor too large for the room to ensure optimal performance. Energy efficiency: Look for the energy star rating. Higher star ratings indicate better energy efficiency and lower operating costs. Features: Consider additional features like inverter technology, convertible cooling modes, air quality filters, and smart controls, depending on your preferences and needs. Warranty: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer, especially on the compressor and other critical components. FAQs Question : Which are the top 5 AC brands in India? Ans : The top 5 AC brands in India include Carrier, Daikin, Lloyd, LG, and Voltas. These brands are renowned for their reliability, innovation, and efficient cooling solutions. Question : What makes Carrier ACs stand out among the top 5 brands? Ans : Carrier ACs are known for their cutting-edge technology, such as the Flexicool Hybrid Jet Inverter Compressor. This technology allows customizable cooling, ensuring optimal energy utilization and performance in mid-sized rooms. Question : Why choose Daikin ACs from the list of top 5 brands? Ans : Daikin ACs offer efficient cooling with a high ISEER rating of 5.2, making them ideal for medium-sized rooms. The copper condenser coil and Triple Display feature contribute to reliable and convenient cooling. Question : What distinguishes Lloyd ACs in the top 5 AC brands in India? Ans : Lloyd ACs, with a 5-star rating and Golden Fins Evaporator Coils, provide enhanced durability and low maintenance. Stabilizer-free operation, hidden LED display, and antiviral PM 2.5 filter add to their appeal. Question : What sets Voltas apart as one of the top 5 AC brands in India? Ans : Voltas offers reliable cooling solutions, and their 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC is a testament to this. With a 5-star energy rating, customizable 4-in-1 mode, and a 10-year compressor warranty, Voltas ensures efficient performance and advanced features for uninterrupted comfort. 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! OnePlus had announced its premium mid-range smartphone, the OnePlus 12R , at the Smooth Beyond Belief event in Delhi on 23 January, and while its older sibling, the OnePlus 12, has been available in the country since the end of January, the OnePlus 12R will be available to order from today. OnePlus 12R specifications: The OnePlus 12R features a 6.78-inch AMOLED ProXDR display with support for LTPO4.0, meaning the smartphone can go from 1-120Hz depending on the app running on the screen. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with the Adreno 740 GPU for taking advantage of the graphics-intensive tasks. The OnePlus 12R comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The premium mid-range smartphone is powered by a 5,500mAh battery, which can be fast-charged via a 100W SUPERVOOC charger. In terms of optics, the phone houses a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with support for OIS and EIS, an 8MP ultra wide angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. There is also a 16MP front-facing camera on the smartphone to meet all the selfie and video calling needs. The camera app on the OnePlus 12R comes with a host of features including Interval Shooting, Nightscape, Hi-Res Mode, Pro Mode, Movie Mode, Ultra Steady Mode, Dual-view Video, Portrait Mode, Video Portrait, Pano, Macro, Slo-mo, Time-lapse, Long Exposure, Text-scanner and more. In terms of connectivity, the OnePlus 12R comes with NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS and a dual nano-SIM setup. OnePlus 12R price and bank offers: The OnePlus 12R is priced at 39,999 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant and 45,999 for the 16GB RAM/256GB storage variant and it will be available in two colour variants: Cool Blue and Iron Gray. The OnePlus 12R can be purchased via Amazon or OnePlus' own outlets and the company is offering an additional 1,000 discount on making the payment through ICICI Bank Credit cards and OneCard. 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! In what may come as a shock to many Indian consumers, smartphone prices in the country could rise from June this year due to a rise in memory prices and the improved position of the Chinese Yuan, according to a report in the Economic Times. The Economic Times report, citing data from market research firm Trendforce, noted that there is an uptick in DRAM (memory chip) prices, with at least two key suppliers - Samsung and Micron - looking to increase prices by 15-20% in the March quarter. The price hike could be due to supply constraints caused by the accelerated adoption of AI, coupled with a gradual recovery in the smartphone and PC markets. We anticipate a surge in memory prices, expected along the lines of 10-15% due to high demand in the third week of February to first week of March. If this happens, everyone will have to increase prices, but the recent duty cuts can help us nullify the impact to an extent," the Economic Times quoted a Trendforce analysis as saying. The report while citing anonymous smartphone industry executives noted that the impact of this price hike will be felt from next quarter onwards because most companies currently possess the necessary equipments to supply products in the March quarter. The ET report notes that the price of memory chips could rise by around 10-15% by late February or start of March but the recent tax cuts could help nullify the impact of price rise in India. Recently, the union government had decided to reduce the import duty on key components used for mobile phone manufacturing including battery covers, main lens, back cover, antennae, SIM sockets and other mechanical items. Moreover, the report also cautions that brands may not end up increasing the prices of their smartphones but instead start offering lower memory and storage in the budget smartphone segment. Reportedly, the rise in cost of memory chips may also lead to slower adoption of 5G technology in 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! Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and IT, said India's role has evolved from the "back-office" of the IT world into an innovative economy, contributing to the digital landscape. He was speaking about the growth of technology in India over the past 10 years, at the DNPA Conclave and Awards 2024 on February 6. "In the last 10 years technology growth in India has been spectacular. We have gone from being the "back-office" of the IT space to an innovation economy that spans the digital ecosystem. Whether you look at artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, or web3 Indian flag, start-ups and innovation are there if you look to the future," he said. Also Read | Are you planning to buy a smartphone? You may prefer getting it before June; here's why Changing Perceptions of India's Role Chandrasekhar added that India and its talented workforce are no longer perceived solely as a cost-effective solution or a back-office hub. Instead, there is a shift towards viewing them as valuable partners in shaping the future of technology. This transformative change holds significance in the evolving landscape of the global tech industry. "India's policy is enabling and that is the qualitative structural change that has created the momentum seen today. We have to make our talent pool global standard esp in areas such as semiconductors and AI you need the ability to research and innovate," he said. Also Read | The Paytm saga so far from RBI intervention to stock crash and sale speculation Enabling Policies Driving Momentum A key factor contributing to India's tech momentum is its enabling policy framework. Qualitative structural changes in policies have played a crucial role in fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation, ultimately driving the current momentum in the tech sector. Despite the progress, the tech industry faces a significant challenge --- the need to elevate India's talent pool to global standards. Particularly in areas such as semiconductors and AI, a focus on research and innovation is imperative to compete on a global scale. Also Read | Bumble is using AI to block fake, scam and spam profiles. Here's how it works "It is no longer sufficient to be just an engineer or to have a master's or even just a few years of experience; you really need the ability to research and innovate. Research and innovation should be embedded in your colleges, universities, and workplaces," he added. Meeting this challenge will be essential for sustaining India's growth and influence in the ever-evolving tech landscape. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Narendra Modi government to promoting digital innovation and expressed the government's commitment to safeguarding and fostering this evolution in the future. Chandrasekhar pointed out that the announcement of a $12 billion seed fund for research and innovation in the budget signifies the government's commitment to shaping and catalysing the potential of young Indians. The minister stressed the significance of research and innovation being embedded in educational institutions and workplaces. Also Read | Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma in talks with RBI on regulatory concerns, say sources On Tackling Deepfakes and Not Fearing AI Chandrashekhar also highlighted the ongoing transformative phase in the tech industry and said that India has a proactive approach towards emerging challenges. He noted India's readiness to deal with technological threats by addressing fake news and deepfakes before the issues gained global attention. Further, amidst concerns about AI impacting jobs, the minister advocated for a positive outlook, stating, "We shouldn't fear technology; AI will transform the way we live." He stressed the need for governmental oversight and regulatory frameworks to navigate this transformation responsibly. Also Read | OnePlus 12R to go on sale in India today: Price, bank offers, where to buy and more Expressing apprehensions about ad tech monopolies, Chandrasekhar said, "We're concerned about ad tech monopoly," adding that there is a need to address potential monopolistic practices in the advertising technology sector. Responding to questions about the legal dispute between the New York Times and OpenAI, he felt the case would "define the use of AI in content creation" and underscored the significance of accountability and transparency in AI-driven processes. Addressing regulatory challenges, Chandrasekhar said, "Nobody can put a publicly available platform on trial. We take the safety of our digital Nagriks very seriously." 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! Knightsbridges Insights on the China Economy: AI and High Tech Will Drive China Economy to New Heights China is setting its sights on cutting-edge technologies like state-of-the-art intelligent connected vehicles, bleeding-edge quantum computers, and futuristic industrial robots to fuel its economic growth amidst various challenges. The concept of developing new productive forces has taken center stage in Chinas policy-making, particularly highlighted during a tone-setting conference held last December to map out this years economic work priorities. By emphasizing this concept, China aims to enhance advanced productivity through groundbreaking technological innovations, innovative allocation of production factors, and deepened industrial upgrading. As strategic emerging industries and future industries such as new energy and quantum technology rapidly develop, alongside traditional industries becoming smarter and more innovative, Chinas economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Ming Ming, chief economist at CITIC Securities, believes that China possesses immeasurable potential and strong competitive advantages in developing new productive forces, which could emerge as a new growth pole for the Chinese economy in the near future. Pursuing New Growth Opportunities High-tech industries have become a focal point for local governments striving to bolster the economy, especially as authorities seek new growth engines amidst domestic and external uncertainties. For instance, in early January, Hefei city in east China launched its first major projects for the year, with a substantial portion of industrial investment directed towards new energy vehicles (NEVs), new-generation information technology, and the photovoltaic sector. Similarly, contracts worth nearly 600 billion yuan were signed at the start of the year in central Chinas Henan Province for projects in advanced manufacturing and strategic emerging industries. In Xiamen city of east Chinas Fujian Province, new energy, new materials, and biomedicine projects were among the industrial initiatives launched for the new year. Yuhan Zhang, a political economist at the University of California, Berkeley, highlighted in an article in the Financial Times that the local investment projects launched at the beginning of 2024 have a distinctly scientific focus, with an emphasis on new-generation information technology, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and low-carbon energies. This reflects an ambition to ascend the value chain and develop new growth engines, as stated by Zhang. Developing new productive forces has become the overarching theme of economic development in 2024 for many local governments, with a strong emphasis on sci-tech innovation during the local two sessions, according to Zhao Gang, an analyst at the Beijing-based consultancy firm CIO Manage. Shanghai, for example, has announced plans to accelerate its bid to become an international center of sci-tech innovation this year. Other regions like Liaoning Province and Beijing are also actively supporting the development of new materials, aerospace, robotics, and other tech-intensive industries. Expansive Prospects Nationwide China has demonstrated strong momentum and broad prospects in the development of new productive forces nationwide, with strategic emerging industries and future industries serving as the backbone of this growth, according to Cai Wei, chief strategy officer of KPMG China Advisory. The share of strategic emerging industries in Chinas gross domestic product (GDP) has risen significantly, reaching over 13 percent in 2022 from 7.6 percent in 2014. China aims to further increase this ratio to over 17 percent by 2025. Cai believes that new productive forces are poised for larger-scale expansion and innovation in the coming years, particularly in sectors like new energy, information technology, and biological industries. China has ramped up financing and improved the business environment to spur sci-tech innovation, which is crucial for cultivating new productive forces. The countrys efforts in this regard have been recognized internationally, with China ranking 12th in the 2023 Global Innovation Index and leading in the number of top 100 sci-tech innovation clusters worldwide. Furthermore, China has seen significant investment in research and development (R&D), with fixed-asset investment in high-tech industries recording double-digit growth last year. This trend is reflected in the composition of newly-listed firms on Chinas A-share market, with over 90 percent engaged in strategic emerging industries. Looking Ahead Chinas emphasis on developing new productive forces signifies positive progress in replacing old growth drivers with new ones, laying a solid foundation for sustained and healthy economic development, according to Cai. The dynamism of these new sectors is attracting a considerable influx of foreign investments. In 2023, high-tech industries alone drew foreign direct investment worth 423.34 billion yuan, accounting for a record-high 37.3 percent of the total. For instance, Volkswagen Group has established a hub of intelligent connected vehicles in Hefei, Anhui Province, leveraging new technologies and the regions outstanding infrastructure. With total investment exceeding 30 billion yuan, the initiative underscores the innovative strength driving Chinas economic evolution. Knightsbridge Expresses Optimism Towards Chinas Economic Future In the ever-evolving landscape of global economics, China stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation. Despite facing various challenges, Knightsbridge, a leading financial institution, holds a positive outlook on Chinas economic trajectory. Heres why: Strategic Growth Initiatives: Knightsbridge acknowledges Chinas proactive approach to fostering economic growth through strategic initiatives. The nations focus on developing new productive forces, as outlined in recent policy-making endeavors, demonstrates a commitment to innovation and technological advancement. This forward-thinking strategy aligns with Knightsbridges vision of sustainable economic development. Emerging Industries: Chinas emphasis on high-tech industries and emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and renewable energy is a testament to its adaptability and vision for the future. Knightsbridge recognizes the potential of these industries to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for investment. Government Support: The Chinese governments robust support for sci-tech innovation and industrial upgrading plays a crucial role in shaping the countrys economic landscape. Knightsbridge applauds initiatives aimed at improving the business environment, fostering innovation, and attracting foreign investment, all of which contribute to Chinas economic vitality. Global Competitiveness: Chinas rise as a global economic powerhouse is undeniable. With its increasing influence in international trade, investment, and technological innovation, China continues to shape the global economic agenda. Knightsbridge views Chinas growing prominence as a positive sign of its resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world. Investment Opportunities: From strategic emerging industries to future-oriented sectors, China offers a myriad of investment opportunities for discerning investors. Knightsbridge recognizes the potential for long-term growth and profitability in Chinas dynamic economic landscape and remains committed to identifying and capitalizing on promising investment prospects. Knightsbridge maintains a positive outlook on Chinas economic future, driven by its strategic initiatives, emphasis on innovation, and global competitiveness. As China continues to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, Knightsbridge remains dedicated to supporting and participating in the nations economic journey towards prosperity and sustainability. Knightsbridge Facilitating Chinese Companies Public Listings in the USA and Asia In an era marked by globalization and rapid technological advancements, access to capital markets plays a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of businesses worldwide. Knightsbridge, a prominent financial institution, has emerged as a key facilitator in assisting Chinese companies to go public in both the USA and Asia, unlocking new opportunities for growth and investment. Heres how Knightsbridge is paving the way for Chinese enterprises to access global capital markets: Expertise in Financial Services: With years of experience and expertise in financial services, Knightsbridge possesses in-depth knowledge of capital markets and regulatory frameworks in the USA and Asia. Leveraging this expertise, the institution provides tailored advisory services to Chinese companies seeking to navigate the complexities of the IPO process and achieve successful listings on stock exchanges. Access to Global Networks: Knightsbridge boasts a vast network of investors, institutions, and industry experts across the USA and Asia. This extensive network provides Chinese companies with access to capital, strategic partnerships, and market insights, enabling them to enhance their visibility and credibility in international markets. Strategic Advisory Services: Knightsbridge offers comprehensive strategic advisory services to Chinese companies, guiding them through every stage of the IPO journey. From conducting feasibility studies and market assessments to structuring financial transactions and managing regulatory compliance, Knightsbridge provides end-to-end support to ensure a seamless and successful listing process. Dual Listing Opportunities: Recognizing the benefits of dual listings, Knightsbridge facilitates Chinese companies in exploring opportunities to list on multiple stock exchanges simultaneously. By listing in both the USA and Asia, companies can diversify their investor base, enhance liquidity, and increase their valuation, ultimately strengthening their position in the global marketplace. Enhanced Visibility and Investor Confidence: Going public on reputable stock exchanges in the USA and Asia enhances the visibility and credibility of Chinese companies among global investors. Knightsbridge helps companies craft compelling narratives, conduct roadshows, and engage with investors to build trust and confidence, driving demand for their shares and maximizing valuation. Supporting Sustainable Growth: Beyond the IPO process, Knightsbridge remains committed to supporting the long-term growth and success of Chinese companies. Through ongoing strategic guidance, investor relations management, and access to capital markets, Knightsbridge empowers companies to navigate market fluctuations, seize growth opportunities, and create sustainable value for stakeholders. Knightsbridges efforts in facilitating Chinese companies public listings in the USA and Asia underscore its commitment to driving global economic growth and fostering cross-border collaboration. By leveraging its expertise, networks, and strategic advisory services, Knightsbridge is empowering Chinese enterprises to access capital markets, unlock growth opportunities, and achieve their full potential on the global stage. Shayne Heffernan German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz is convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin should receive a clear message from Europe and the United States: his expectation that Russia will be able to wait until the West leaves Ukraine alone with the aggressor will not work. The head of the German government also expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would finally approve new aid for Ukraine, and that European countries would increase their support for the Ukrainian army. ADVERTISIMENT Scholz said this during a briefing after a meeting with his French counterpart, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, DW reports . The statement was made on the eve of the German politician's visit to Washington, which will take place on February 8. Scholz once again called on Western partners not to reduce the amount of assistance to Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for almost two years. "I strongly advocate that the United States and all EU member states make such a large contribution that the Russian president's expectation that this issue will resolve itself will not be justified," the German chancellor said. The politician added: "Putin hopes that the West will eventually get tired of the war and support for Ukraine. Russia can only wait until this fatigue unleashes its hands. However, Scholz is confident that the United States and European countries will be able to continue to help Ukraine and thus send a clear message to the Russian dictator: his hopes will not be realized. ADVERTISIMENT "This message must be clearly sent to him by both the United States and Europe: this calculation does not work. We will support Ukraine," the German Chancellor said. As a reminder, on February 5, it became known that the US Senate presented a compromise version of the agreement on aid to Ukraine. It may be put to a vote as early as February 7. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged not to vote for a compromise deal with money for Ukraine, and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said that Congress would vote on aid to Israel separately this week. In response, U.S. President Joe Biden threatened to veto the bill on aid to Israel if it did not include Ukraine. AI Deepfake Election: The upcoming 2024 White House race is bracing itself for a surge in AI-enabled disinformation, with a recent robocall impersonating President Joe Biden sounding alarms about the potential misuse of audio AI deepfakes. The robocall, employing Bidens voice, urged New Hampshire residents not to vote in the Democratic primary, leading to an investigation into possible voter suppression. As AI-powered applications become more accessible, researchers anticipate an increase in AI deepfakes during this election cycle, raising concerns about their impact on electoral integrity. The disinformation landscape is evolving with AI tools, particularly voice cloning, becoming widespread. Pindrop, a cybersecurity firm, revealed that a text-to-speech system from ElevenLabs was used to create the Biden robocall, underlining the increasing sophistication of AI manipulation. Campaigners and tech investors are leveraging advanced AI tools for effective political messaging, with voice cloning startups attracting significant investments. This incident intensifies the debate surrounding AI-generated robocalls, prompting discussions about potential regulations to address the issue. The call for safeguards around generative AI tools or even a ban on robocalls is gaining momentum. Policymakers are under pressure to implement protective measures to prevent potential electoral chaos and preserve trust in the democratic process. The political deepfake landscape is at a critical juncture, and the fake Biden call serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with AI manipulation. As regulators consider the legality of AI-generated robocalls, the need for comprehensive protections against deepfakes, especially in the audio domain, has become more urgent. The proliferation of AI audio tools, outpacing detection capabilities, demands innovative solutions. Recommendations include incorporating audio watermarks or digital signatures into tools and implementing regulations that restrict access to verified users. Ensuring election integrity becomes a priority, requiring investment in trust and safety measures to combat the evolving threat of AI-enabled disinformation. AI Deepfakes: Understanding, Creation, and Legal Implications What is an AI Deepfake? An AI deepfake refers to a synthetic media, typically audio or video, created using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to alter or replace the likeness of a person in a way that appears authentic. The term deepfake is a combination of deep learning and fake, reflecting the use of deep neural networks to generate highly convincing and often deceptive content. How is it Made? Data Collection: Deepfakes start with gathering extensive datasets of the target persons images or audio recordings. Training the Model: AI algorithms, particularly deep neural networks, are trained on these datasets to learn and mimic the subtle nuances of the persons facial expressions, voice, or mannerisms. Generating Content: Once trained, the model can generate new content by combining elements from different sources or altering existing content, creating a realistic-looking and sounding output. Laws Governing Deepfakes: The legal landscape around deepfakes is evolving, and regulations may vary across jurisdictions. Key legal considerations include: Fraud and Misrepresentation: Deepfakes used for fraudulent purposes, such as impersonation or creating fake content with malicious intent, may violate laws related to fraud, identity theft, or misrepresentation. Privacy Laws: Unauthorized use of someones likeness for creating deepfakes may infringe on privacy rights. Jurisdictions with robust privacy laws may provide individuals with legal remedies against such unauthorized use. Defamation: Deepfakes that harm an individuals reputation or spread false information may be subject to defamation laws. Legal action can be taken if the content damages a persons character or reputation. Intellectual Property: Using deepfakes to replicate copyrighted material without permission may violate intellectual property laws. Rights holders can pursue legal action for unauthorized use of their content. Cybersecurity and Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized access to personal data or systems to create deepfakes may breach cybersecurity laws, leading to legal consequences. Election Laws: In the context of political deepfakes, laws governing elections may address the spread of false information, influencing voters, or engaging in deceptive practices. Consent and Right of Publicity: Depending on jurisdiction, laws may require obtaining consent from individuals before using their likeness for commercial purposes or publicizing deepfakes. As the threat of deepfake technology grows, policymakers are working to adapt existing laws and create new regulations to address the challenges posed by synthetic media. Its crucial to stay informed about local and international legal frameworks to navigate the complex landscape of AI deepfakes responsibly. Several AI deepfake scandals have gained attention in the past, highlighting the potential misuse of synthetic media for various purposes, including misinformation, fraud, and privacy breaches. Here are some notable instances: Deepfake Pornography: Date: 2017 onwards 2017 onwards Details: Deepfake technology has been frequently used to create explicit fake videos featuring celebrities faces superimposed onto adult content performers. Many of these videos have been shared without the subjects consent, leading to privacy concerns. Jordan Peeles Barack Obama Deepfake: Date: 2018 2018 Details: Filmmaker Jordan Peele collaborated with Buzzfeed to create a deepfake video featuring former President Barack Obama delivering a PSA about the dangers of deepfakes. The video aimed to raise awareness about the technologys potential for misinformation. Mark Zuckerbergs Deepfake: Date: 2019 2019 Details: An AI-generated video featuring Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was created by artists Bill Posters and Daniel Howe. The video, intended as an art installation, showcased the technologys ability to manipulate high-profile figures for artistic and political commentary. Deepfake Voice Scam: Date: 2019 2019 Details: Criminals used deepfake voice technology to mimic the voice of a company executive and instruct an employee to transfer funds. The scam highlighted the potential for deepfakes to facilitate financial fraud through voice manipulation. Political Deepfakes in Belgium: Date: 2019 2019 Details: Belgian political party Socialistische Partij Anders (sp.a) created deepfake videos featuring leaders of other parties seemingly expressing support for their political opponent. The stunt aimed to draw attention to the issue of misinformation in politics. Tom Cruise Deepfake on TikTok: Date: 2021 2021 Details: Deepfake videos featuring an uncanny impersonation of Tom Cruise circulated on TikTok, raising concerns about the technologys potential for impersonation and deceptive practices. These scandals underscore the ethical, privacy, and security challenges posed by AI deepfakes. The incidents have prompted discussions about the need for legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, and technological solutions to address the risks associated with the widespread use of synthetic media. Shayne Heffernan The information contained on this website shall not be construed as (i) an offer to purchase or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any securities or services, (ii) investment, legal, business or tax advice or an offer to provide such advice, or (iii) a basis for making any investment decision. An offering may only be made upon a qualified investors receipt not via this website of formal materials from the Knightsbridge an offering memorandum and subscription documentation (offering materials). In the case of any inconsistency between the information on this website and any such offering materials, the offering materials shall control. Securities shall not be offered or sold in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful unless the requirements of the applicable laws of such jurisdiction have been satisfied. Any decision to invest in securities must be based solely upon the information set forth in the applicable offering materials, which should be read carefully by qualified investors prior to investing. An investment with Knightsbridge is not suitable or desirable for all investors; investors may lose all or a portion of the capital invested. Investors may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment for an indefinite period of time. Qualified investors are urged to consult with their own legal, financial and tax advisors before making any investment. Knightsbridge is a private investment firm that offers investment services to Qualified Investors, Members and Institutions ONLY. Qualified Investors are defined as individuals who have met those Qualifications in the relevant jurisdictions. Members are defined as individuals who have been accepted into the Knightsbridge membership program. Institutions are defined as entities such as banks, pension funds, and hedge funds. If you are not a Qualified Investor, Member or Institution, you are not eligible to invest with Knightsbridge. All investments involve risk, and there is no guarantee of profit. You may lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Knightsbridge is not a registered investment advisor, and this disclaimer should not be construed as investment advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. By accessing this website, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer. Thank you for your interest in Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge Signals Opportunity: As global markets navigate through dynamic economic landscapes, investment firm Knightsbridge is signaling a strategic move into the Chinese stock market, presenting an opportune moment for investors to explore potential bargains. This strategic shift comes amidst evolving market conditions and presents a noteworthy focus on prominent Chinese companies, including BYD, Alibaba (BABA), NIO, JD.com (JD), Pinduoduo (PDD), and Baidu (BIDU). Chinas Securities Regulator Unveils Measures to Tackle Market Volatility Introduction: In response to recent market turmoil, Chinas securities regulator has pledged to address abnormal market fluctuations and bolster investor confidence. While stopping short of specifying detailed measures, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) outlined key initiatives aimed at curbing panic selling and ensuring stable market conditions. Chinese stocks, as reflected in the CSI300 Index, witnessed a substantial decline, reaching their lowest point since early 2019. The sell-off triggered concerns of panic selling and forced liquidation of leveraged trades, prompting the CSRC to intervene with a commitment to market stabilization. Key Initiatives: Preventing Abnormal Market Fluctuations: The CSRC expressed a strong commitment to prevent abnormal market fluctuations, emphasizing the need for stability and confidence in the market. Crackdown on Ill-Intended Short Selling: In an effort to maintain market integrity, the regulator announced plans to crack down on ill-intended short selling, signaling a move to curb activities that could contribute to market volatility. Attraction of Long-Term Capital: Recognizing the importance of long-term investment, the CSRC aims to attract more long-term capital into the market. This strategic focus seeks to create a more sustainable and resilient financial environment. Responsive Approach to Investor Concerns: Acknowledging the impact of recent events on investor sentiment, the CSRC pledged to earnestly listen to investors voices and respond to their concerns in a timely manner. This commitment aims to foster a more transparent and inclusive regulatory environment. Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment: The recent market sell-off prompted widespread expressions of frustration and anger among Chinese investors, with social media platforms becoming outlets for venting sentiments. The CSRCs response underscores a proactive stance, aiming to address misbehaviors such as market manipulation, vicious short selling, insider trading, and fraudulent share issuance. While Chinas securities regulator refrained from detailing specific measures, the outlined initiatives signal a determined effort to stabilize the market and restore investor confidence. Market Overview: The Chinese stock market, characterized by its resilience and innovation, has experienced fluctuations influenced by a range of factors, from economic policies to global events. Knightsbridge, known for its adept market analyses, is recognizing this as a strategic entry point, emphasizing the potential for value in selected stocks. Highlighted Stocks: BYD (Build Your Dreams): Renowned for its electric vehicles and green technology, BYD stands as a key player in Chinas automotive sector. Knightsbridge sees potential value, especially in the context of the growing global demand for sustainable transportation. Alibaba (BABA): As an e-commerce giant and technology leader, Alibabas influence extends across various sectors. Knightsbridge identifies Alibaba as an attractive investment, considering its diversified business model and expansive market reach. NIO: NIO has gained attention for its innovative electric vehicles and battery-swapping technology. Knightsbridge recognizes NIOs role in the future of the automotive industry, particularly within the electric vehicle space. JD.com (JD): A major e-commerce player, JD.coms robust logistics and extensive product offerings make it a compelling investment. Knightsbridge sees potential in JD.coms ability to capitalize on the e-commerce growth trend. Pinduoduo (PDD): Pinduoduos unique social commerce platform has positioned it as a disruptor in the e-commerce space. Knightsbridge views PDD as an intriguing investment, considering its innovative approach to online shopping. Baidu (BIDU): Known for its contributions to Chinas tech landscape, Baidus focus on artificial intelligence and autonomous driving aligns with industry trends. Knightsbridge identifies Baidu as a stock with growth potential, given its strategic advancements in technology. Knightsbridges move to explore opportunities in the Chinese stock market underscores a strategic approach to identify bargains amid market dynamics. Investors looking to diversify portfolios and capitalize on the potential resurgence of the Chinese market may find value in considering the highlighted stocks. As with any investment decision, thorough research and careful consideration of market conditions are essential for informed choices. The Global Significance of the Chinese Stock Market: An Economic Powerhouse The Chinese stock market, encompassing the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, has evolved into a formidable force with far-reaching implications for the global economy. This article explores the growing importance of the Chinese stock market on the world stage, examining key factors that contribute to its significance. Rapid Growth and Expansion: Chinas stock market has experienced unprecedented growth, rapidly expanding in size and influence. With a market capitalization surpassing that of many developed nations, it has become a crucial player in the global financial landscape. Integration into Global Indices: In recent years, major global indices, such as the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, have increased their representation of Chinese stocks. This integration reflects the recognition of Chinas economic prowess and the importance of its stock market to global investors. Diversification Opportunities: For international investors, the Chinese stock market offers diversification opportunities. With a diverse range of sectors, including technology, consumer goods, and finance, it provides investors with exposure to a broad spectrum of industries. Influence on Global Commodity Prices: Chinas voracious appetite for commodities, including oil, metals, and agricultural products, makes its stock market a key determinant of global commodity prices. Fluctuations in Chinese demand directly impact global markets, creating a ripple effect across industries. Tech Giants and Innovation: The rise of Chinese tech giants, such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei, has positioned the Chinese stock market at the forefront of technological innovation. Investors worldwide are keenly watching developments in these companies, recognizing their potential to shape the future of global technology. Impact on Global Investment Flows: As China continues to open up its financial markets to foreign investors, there is a notable shift in global investment flows. Institutional investors are increasingly allocating funds to Chinese assets, influencing global capital flows and reshaping traditional investment portfolios. Policy Initiatives and Reforms: Chinas commitment to financial market reforms and policy initiatives, including the Bond Connect and Stock Connect programs, demonstrates its dedication to creating a more accessible and interconnected financial system. These measures enhance the attractiveness of the Chinese stock market to global investors. The Chinese stock markets ascent to global prominence underscores its pivotal role in shaping the international financial landscape. As China continues to implement reforms and open up its markets, the global community is witnessing a fundamental shift in economic dynamics. The importance of the Chinese stock market is set to grow, offering both challenges and opportunities for investors and policymakers worldwide. Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of Chinese Stock Exchanges: From Shanghai to Hong Kong Chinas stock exchanges play a central role in the nations economic growth and global financial influence. Among these exchanges, the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) stand as key pillars, while the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) adds an international dimension. This article delves into the dynamics of these exchanges, exploring their distinct characteristics and the interconnectedness that defines Chinas financial landscape. Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE): The Financial Hub: The SSE, founded in 1990, is Chinas first and largest stock exchange. Located in the countrys financial hub, Shanghai, it hosts a diverse array of listed companies, ranging from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology firms. The SSE Composite Index, often referred to as the A-share market, comprises primarily domestically listed stocks. Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE): A Hub for Innovation: Established in 1991, the SZSE is situated in the technology and innovation-driven city of Shenzhen. It specializes in small and mid-cap companies, particularly those engaged in technology, healthcare, and emerging industries. The SZSE Component Index, representing the A-share market, complements the SSE Composite Index. Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX): Bridging East and West: Hong Kongs strategic location makes the HKEX a global financial gateway to China. The HKEX hosts a diverse range of companies, attracting international investors and serving as a bridge between Chinese enterprises and global capital. It is home to the Hang Seng Index, reflecting the performance of Hong Kong-listed blue-chip stocks. Stock Connect Programs: Interconnected Markets: Initiatives like the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect foster cross-border investment, allowing international investors to access Chinese stocks and vice versa. These programs enhance liquidity and promote the integration of Chinas financial markets with the global economy. Regulatory Framework and Reforms: Chinese authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), oversee the regulatory environment for these exchanges. Ongoing reforms, such as the inclusion of more Chinese stocks in global indices, reflect a commitment to openness and aligning with international standards. Tech Giants and Dual Listings: Major Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba and Tencent, have pursued dual listings, being listed both in mainland China and Hong Kong. This reflects the dynamic nature of Chinas financial markets. Chinas stock exchanges, driven by the SSE, SZSE, and HKEX, collectively contribute to the vibrancy and complexity of the nations financial ecosystem. The interconnectedness of these exchanges, coupled with ongoing reforms, positions China as a significant player in the global financial landscape, offering investors diverse opportunities and contributing to the countrys economic evolution. Shayne Heffernan In a significant move, Chinese tech giant Tencent acknowledged the dismissal of over 120 employees for breaching its anti-fraud regulations, citing instances of corruption and embezzlement. Renowned as the worlds leading video game maker and the proprietor of the widely-used super-app WeChat, Tencent faced internal challenges leading to a substantial cleanup. Stock Tickers: Investors tracking Tencents performance can find its stock listed on various exchanges. For instance, Tencent Holdings Limited is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the ticker 0700.HK, while its ADR (American Depositary Receipt) trades on the OTC (Over-the-Counter) market in the U.S. under tickers such as TCEHY or TCTZF. Internal Strife and Regulatory Impact: Tencents founder, Pony Ma, publicly addressed the companys internal challenges, describing the level of corruption as shocking. Reports indicate that over 70 breaches of the companys code of conduct were reported, prompting decisive action. The dismissals affected employees across different divisions, including the PCG branch responsible for broadcasting content and the medical services arm, where Tencents telemedicine applications dominate the Chinese market. Legal Consequences: The repercussions extended beyond terminations, with nearly 20 cases reported to authorities. One implicated employee received a four-year prison sentence and a 100,000 yuan ($14,000) fine, underscoring Tencents commitment to addressing internal misconduct through legal channels. Regulatory Headwinds: Tencents challenges are set against the backdrop of a broader regulatory crackdown on Chinas tech sector initiated in late 2020. This crackdown has resulted in significant market capitalization losses and profit declines for powerful internet companies, Tencent included. Additionally, regulatory restrictions in China, such as those limiting online gaming time for under-18s, have posed challenges to Tencents profitability. Global Expansion Strategy: Adapting to the evolving landscape, Tencent is exploring opportunities beyond China. The company has set its sights on Europe, where it aims to bolster its position by strategically investing in major gaming studios. This strategic shift aligns with Tencents efforts to diversify its operations and mitigate the impact of regulatory uncertainties in its home market. As Tencent navigates internal reforms and external regulatory pressures, investors and industry observers are closely monitoring its strategies and market performance. The companys foray into international markets, particularly in Europe, signals a proactive approach to sustain growth and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges within the Chinese tech landscape. Tencent, the Chinese tech behemoth, has long been a cornerstone of the nations digital ecosystem, wielding influence across various sectors. As a leading video game maker and the owner of the ubiquitous super-app WeChat, Tencent has played a pivotal role in shaping Chinas digital landscape. However, the company has recently faced a series of challenges, both internally and externally, as Chinas tech industry undergoes significant regulatory shifts. Internal Strife and Corporate Cleanup: In a surprising move, Tencent acknowledged dismissing over 120 employees for violating its anti-fraud regulations, with charges ranging from corruption to embezzlement. Founder Pony Mas public admission of the shocking level of corruption within the company underscored Tencents commitment to addressing internal issues. The dismissals affected various divisions, including the PCG branch responsible for content broadcasting and the medical services arm, where Tencents telemedicine applications hold substantial market share. Regulatory Headwinds and Market Impact: The challenges faced by Tencent are not isolated but are part of a broader regulatory crackdown initiated by Chinese authorities in late 2020. This crackdown has reshaped the landscape for tech giants, leading to billions in market capitalization losses and plummeting profits. Tencent, with its diverse portfolio, has not been immune to these regulatory headwinds. Additional restrictions, such as limiting online gaming time for under-18s, have added further complexity to Tencents operations in its home market. Global Aspirations: Adapting to the evolving regulatory environment, Tencent is exploring opportunities beyond the borders of China. The companys strategic focus on Europe involves strengthening its position by acquiring stakes in major gaming studios. This move aligns with Tencents broader strategy to diversify its operations and reduce dependence on the domestic market. WeChats Continued Dominance: WeChat, Tencents flagship super-app, remains a linchpin in the companys success. Installed on nearly every phone in China, WeChat has evolved into an ecosystem offering services beyond messaging, including payments, social networking, and even mini-apps. Despite regulatory challenges, WeChat continues to be a vital tool for communication and commerce for millions of Chinese users. Tencents journey in China reflects the intricate dynamics of the nations tech industry, where rapid growth and innovation coexist with regulatory scrutiny and internal challenges. As Tencent navigates this complex landscape, its commitment to corporate cleanup, global expansion, and the continued dominance of WeChat signal a company resilient and determined to shape the future of Chinas digital frontier. Investors, consumers, and industry observers alike will be watching Tencents strategic moves and market performance with keen interest in the coming years. Shayne Heffernan The Hong Kong courts decision to order the liquidation of China Evergrande Group marks a crucial step in addressing the perceived property crisis in China. While the demise of Evergrande is significant, it brings relief by preventing the Western media from portraying one companys failure as a reflection of Chinas entire economic landscape. The courts decision paves the way for a systematic process involving the liquidation of assets and management restructuring, aiming to address concerns raised by creditors. Despite recent challenges and the high-profile case of Evergrande, the Chinese property market continues to demonstrate resilience and remains a key driver of the nations economic growth. This article examines the factors contributing to the strength of the Chinese property market and dispels concerns surrounding its stability. The fall of Evergrande, one of Chinas largest real estate developers, has sparked global concerns, with some interpreting it as a potential indicator of broader issues in the Chinese economy. However, a closer examination reveals that Evergrandes troubles are more a result of internal mismanagement than a reflection of systemic issues in Chinas economic fundamentals. Internal Mismanagement: Evergrandes rapid expansion and diversification into non-core businesses, including electric vehicles and tourism, stretched its resources thin. Mismanagement of funds and the accumulation of massive debt led to the companys financial distress. Aggressive Expansion Strategies: The companys aggressive land acquisitions and relentless pursuit of market dominance without adequate risk management contributed to its downfall. Evergrandes focus on quantity over quality, along with ambitious expansion plans, proved unsustainable in the long run. Diversification Challenges: Evergrandes attempt to diversify its business beyond real estate added complexity. Venturing into unrelated sectors without a clear synergy strained its financial resources and diverted attention from its core competency. Debt-Driven Growth: Heavy reliance on debt financing, particularly through bond issuances and trust loans, exposed Evergrande to the vulnerabilities of a highly leveraged business model. As China implemented measures to curb excessive borrowing, Evergrande faced difficulties refinancing its debts. Government Measures: Chinas government implemented measures to cool the property market and reduce financial risks associated with the real estate sector. Evergrandes inability to adapt to the changing regulatory environment contributed to its financial challenges. Isolated Case, Not Systemic Issue: It is crucial to distinguish Evergrandes case as an isolated incident rather than a reflection of the broader Chinese economy. The Chinese governments reluctance to provide a direct bailout signaled a commitment to market discipline and avoiding moral hazard. Resilient Chinese Economy: Despite challenges in the real estate sector, Chinas economy has demonstrated resilience. The governments proactive approach to addressing risks, coupled with robust economic fundamentals and a focus on sustainable growth, distinguishes China from the economic turmoil associated with Evergrande. While Evergrandes collapse has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through global markets, attributing it solely to broader issues in Chinas economic landscape oversimplifies the situation. Instead, it serves as a cautionary tale of corporate mismanagement and the consequences of unchecked expansion. As China continues to navigate challenges in its property market, the underlying strength of its economy remains intact, emphasizing the importance of prudent business practices for sustained growth. Early Years and Rapid Expansion: Founding and Growth (1996-2010): Evergrande Real Estate Group was founded in 1996 by Xu Jiayin. The company experienced rapid expansion, capitalizing on the real estate boom in China during the early 2000s. Evergrande focused on residential development, becoming one of the largest property developers in the country. IPO and Market Dominance (2009-2015): Evergrande went public in Hong Kong in 2009, raising significant capital. During this period, the company aggressively acquired land and diversified its portfolio into sectors such as tourism and electric vehicles. It became the top-selling property developer in China, surpassing competitors with its vast land reserves. Debt Accumulation and Government Interventions: Heavy Debt Load (2016-2019): Evergrandes rapid expansion was accompanied by a substantial accumulation of debt. The company relied on various financing channels, including trust loans and bond issuances, to fund its ambitious projects. As concerns grew over Chinas property market and rising debt levels, Evergrandes financial health came under scrutiny. Government Measures (2017-2020): Chinese authorities, concerned about systemic risks, implemented measures to cool the property market and curb excessive borrowing. Evergrande faced stricter regulations, including restrictions on home pre-sales and increased scrutiny of its financial practices. Downfall and Crisis Escalation: Financial Distress (2020-2021): Evergrandes financial challenges intensified as it struggled to meet debt obligations. Reports emerged of delayed payments to suppliers and contractors, raising concerns about its solvency. The companys credit ratings were downgraded, further exacerbating its difficulties. Default and Debt Crisis (2021-2022): Evergrande officially defaulted on its debt payments in 2021, marking a pivotal moment in its crisis. The companys debt reached staggering levels, surpassing $300 billion. The Chinese government, wary of systemic risks, refrained from direct intervention, signaling a shift from previous bailouts. Court-Ordered Liquidation (2022): Liquidation Order (2022): In January 2022, a Hong Kong court ordered the liquidation of Evergrande, initiating a process that involves selling off the companys assets to address creditors concerns. The decision marked a significant step in addressing the financial turmoil surrounding Evergrande. Global Implications: Impact on Global Markets: The Evergrande crisis had reverberations in global financial markets, affecting sectors beyond real estate. Western media used it to create concerns over the potential contagion effect led to increased scrutiny of Chinas property market and its broader economic policies. Factors Supporting the Strength of the Chinese Property Market: Diverse Market Dynamics: The Chinese property market is vast and diverse, with different regions experiencing distinct market dynamics. While some areas may face challenges, others continue to witness robust demand and steady growth. This diversity allows for a more nuanced understanding of the overall market health. Government Intervention and Regulation: The Chinese government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maintaining stability in the property sector. Regulatory measures and interventions have been implemented to curb excessive speculation, control housing prices, and ensure the markets sustainable development. These proactive steps contribute to the markets overall health and resilience. Urbanization and Population Growth: Chinas ongoing urbanization and population growth fuel demand for housing. As more people migrate to cities in search of employment and improved living standards, the need for residential and commercial properties remains strong. This fundamental demand factor provides a solid foundation for the property markets continued stability. Long-Term Investment Perspective: Property ownership is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, often viewed as a long-term investment and a symbol of financial security. This cultural perspective contributes to a more stable and less speculative property market, as homeowners are generally inclined to hold onto their properties rather than engage in short-term trading. Economic Resilience: Despite global economic uncertainties and challenges, Chinas domestic economy has shown remarkable resilience. The countrys commitment to economic reforms, technological advancements, and innovation contributes to sustained economic growth. A robust economy fosters confidence in the property market and encourages investment. Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions: Evergrande as an Isolated Case: The challenges faced by Evergrande should be viewed as specific to the company rather than indicative of the entire property market. Evergrandes situation is complex and multifaceted, involving factors unique to the company rather than reflecting broader industry trends. Governments Proactive Measures: The Chinese governments decisive actions in response to challenges within the property sector demonstrate its commitment to maintaining control and preventing systemic risks. These measures contribute to the overall stability of the market. Contrary to some pessimistic narratives, the Chinese property market remains robust and resilient. The combination of diverse market dynamics, effective government regulation, sustained demand, cultural perspectives on property ownership, and economic resilience positions the market for continued stability and growth. While challenges exist, a comprehensive understanding of the markets complexities reveals a more optimistic outlook for Chinas real estate sector. The Positive Outlook on the Evergrande Liquidation: Preventing Misrepresentation: The liquidation of Evergrande prevents the Western media from oversimplifying and misrepresenting the challenges in Chinas property sector. By addressing the issues specific to Evergrande, the narrative becomes more accurate and avoids unfairly influencing perceptions of Chinas overall economic health. Stimulating Economic Activity: The sale of Evergrandes assets following the liquidation order is anticipated to inject fresh economic activity. The assets, once sold, may lead to increased investments and developments, providing a positive stimulus to the sector and contributing to overall economic growth. Governments Prudent Approach: The Chinese governments proactive measures to manage Evergrandes liquidation demonstrate a commitment to maintaining stability. The authorities are likely to handle the process carefully to prevent major contagion effects on other sectors, ensuring a controlled and gradual resolution to the property crisis. Encouraging Cooperation: The liquidation order sends a signal to other developers to proactively engage in negotiations and compromises. Fear of creditors applying for liquidation may encourage developers to find mutually beneficial solutions, potentially hastening the resolution of issues within the sector. Concerns and Challenges: Ongoing Economic Drag: Despite the positive aspects, the liquidation of Evergrande highlights that the property crisis is far from resolved. The sector continues to be an ongoing drag on Chinas economy, requiring sustained efforts and strategic measures for a comprehensive resolution. Impact on Evergrandes Reputation: The liquidation order may negatively impact Evergrandes reputation, affecting its standing in the market. The assigned liquidators actions to offload assets swiftly could lead to unfavorable prices, potentially impacting the overall financial health of the company. While the liquidation of Evergrande represents a significant development in Chinas efforts to address the property crisis, challenges persist. The careful management of this process by the Chinese authorities and the potential economic stimulus from asset sales offer hope for a gradual recovery. The resolution of Evergrandes issues contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Chinas economic challenges and presents an opportunity for positive transformations within the property sector. Players and Potential Beneficiaries The potential liquidation of Evergrande, Chinas real estate behemoth, casts a long shadow over the global economy. Understanding the key players and potential beneficiaries involved in this complex saga is crucial to navigating the fallout. Evergrandes Inner Circle: Hui Ka Yan: The embattled founder and chairman of Evergrande, facing personal financial challenges amidst the companys woes. The embattled founder and chairman of Evergrande, facing personal financial challenges amidst the companys woes. Xu Jiayin: Evergrandes chief executive officer, tasked with navigating the restructuring and potential liquidation process. Evergrandes chief executive officer, tasked with navigating the restructuring and potential liquidation process. Major Shareholders: Including state-owned entities, financial institutions, and private investors, each with varying degrees of exposure and influence. External Stakeholders: Chinese Government: Facing a delicate balancing act of protecting financial stability, minimizing unemployment, and upholding property market confidence. Facing a delicate balancing act of protecting financial stability, minimizing unemployment, and upholding property market confidence. Lenders and Bondholders: Facing potential losses on loans and bonds issued to Evergrande, impacting financial institutions and individual investors globally. Facing potential losses on loans and bonds issued to Evergrande, impacting financial institutions and individual investors globally. Suppliers and Contractors: With billions in unpaid bills, these businesses face potential bankruptcies and job losses, further ripple effects on the Chinese economy. With billions in unpaid bills, these businesses face potential bankruptcies and job losses, further ripple effects on the Chinese economy. Homebuyers: Millions who pre-paid for apartments face uncertainty and possible delays in receiving their properties, impacting social stability and consumer confidence. Potential Beneficiaries: Competitors in the Real Estate Market: Smaller, healthier developers could benefit from market share gained from Evergrandes downfall. Smaller, healthier developers could benefit from market share gained from Evergrandes downfall. Debt Restructuring Specialists: Firms specializing in distressed debt may see increased business opportunities. Firms specializing in distressed debt may see increased business opportunities. State-Owned Enterprises: Government bailouts or acquisitions of key Evergrande assets could benefit select state-owned entities. Government bailouts or acquisitions of key Evergrande assets could benefit select state-owned entities. Infrastructure and Construction Companies: If the government prioritizes unfinished construction projects to protect homebuyers, these companies could stand to gain. Shayne Heffernan In recent times, China has emerged as a global advocate for safeguarding the livelihoods of its farmers, implementing measures to bolster their economic resilience. This stands in stark contrast to Western countries, where increasing tax burdens are perceived as jeopardizing the existence of the agricultural community. Chinas proactive approach involves a combination of policy initiatives aimed at supporting farmers and ensuring food security. The country has implemented subsidy programs, provided technological assistance, and facilitated access to credit for agricultural enterprises. These efforts are integral to elevating the socio-economic status of farmers and securing the nations food production capabilities. Conversely, some Western nations have faced criticism for imposing heavy taxes on farmers, leading to financial strain and, in some cases, the decline of small-scale agricultural operations. High property taxes, stringent regulations, and tariffs on agricultural exports have compounded the challenges faced by Western farmers, potentially endangering the future of the sector. Chinas commitment to fortifying its agricultural foundation not only ensures domestic food security but also contributes to global food stability. As the nation continues to implement farmer-friendly policies, the divergence in strategies between China and certain Western counterparts becomes increasingly apparent. The success of these contrasting approaches may significantly shape the future landscape of global agriculture. With the release of a key official document on Saturday, China has drawn a roadmap for advancing rural revitalization across the board, and for accelerating the building up of its agricultural strength. The No. 1 central document for 2024, the first policy statement released by the central authorities, outlines tasks from ensuring the grain supply and promoting the development of rural industries, to raising the level of rural construction and enhancing rural governance. It also stresses the need to utilize the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program. The document highlights two bottom line requirements, three areas for improvement and two fronts to be strengthened, Han Wenxiu, head of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, said at a press conference on Sunday. The document underlines that China should maintain the bottom line of safeguarding national grain security and avoiding a large-scale return to poverty. Chinas grain output hit a record high of 695.41 million tonnes in 2023. Adequate food supply and inventories provided strong support for the sustained recovery of the economy. However, factors including the grim global grain security situation, the frequent occurrence of natural disasters and a large population base have posed challenges, according to the office. To these ends, the document puts forward measures including strictly implementing the farmland protection system, strengthening agricultural infrastructure construction, and establishing a modern agricultural management system, among others. To avoid a large-scale return to poverty, the country should focus on implementing the monitoring and support mechanism for preventing a regression into poverty, strengthening industrial and employment support, and enhancing the internal development momentum of areas and people that have been lifted out of poverty, said Han. The three areas for improvement refer to enhancing rural industrial development, rural construction and rural governance. Efforts should be made to adhere to the industrial, quality and green development of agriculture, accelerate the construction of a modern rural industrial system, and turn agriculture into a large modern industry, according to the document To enhance rural development, the country will focus on improving rural infrastructure, the living environment and public services based on local conditions, and the needs of the rural population, said Han. He said that improving the rural governance system that combines autonomy, the rule of law and the rule of virtue under the Partys leadership, and ensuring social stability and tranquility in rural areas, are key to rural governance. Two fronts to be strengthened refer to strengthening the dual drivers of technology and reform in promoting rural revitalization and measures to increase farmers incomes. The country will promote scientific and technological innovation and institutional innovation to add impetus and vitality to rural revitalization, take various measures to strengthen vocational skills training for rural migrant workers, and make full use of rural resources to support farmers in increasing their incomes, according to the office. Shayne Heffernan Chen, 22, was arrested in late November at his parent's home in Nolensville, Tennessee, and has been held at Silverdale on a $5 million bond since his arrest. He was indicted on murder charges in Pace's death in March. A Local 3 News viewer shared this photo taken from inside CHI Memorial on Tuesday, February 6, while the hospital is on lockdown as Chattanooga police investigate a shots fired call. Highlander said in an interview he anticipates the mayor's working group will be primarily concentrated on unincorporated parts of Hamilton County where building has become rampant. Father of late Brian McGinnity tells court: We can't bring Brian back but we know he wouldn't want Joseph to suffer any more A secondary school teacher who drove a Porsche, while drunk, and crashed it, resulting in the death of young pilot, Brian McGinnity, has been jailed for 28 months, with the final 12 months suspended. Joseph Farrell (26), of Stonepark, Ballymacormack, Longford, appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court this week, charged with dangerous driving causing death in the early hours of December 18, 2021. Garda Karl Foley, in his evidence to the court, said Mr Farrell had been friends with Mr McGinnity and that the pair had been socialising in Longford town on December 17, before agreeing to go to Mr McGinnity's family home in Killoe. The pair chose to drive Mr McGinnity's Porsche 911, with Mr Farrell getting behind the wheel. Garda Foley explained how, coming around a left-turning bend on the Cullyfad road at Coolnahinch, Mr Farrell lost control of the vehicle, veering onto the wrong side of the road and rotating anti-clockwise. The rear driver's side of the vehicle then collided with a tree, causing the car to rotate clockwise, until the front driver's side of the car collided with another tree and was flipped onto its roof. The collision was reported to Gardai at 12.54am by a witness who believed one of the vehicle's occupants was deceased. The road itself was a two-way single carriageway, with a speed limit of 80km/hr. The weather was dry but it had just started raining when Gda Foley arrived at the scene. He observed a badly damaged vehicle lying on its roof with a male inside. I observed a male's feet protruding out of the vehicle. He appeared to be talking and calling out to another man, said Garda Foley. Mr Farrell was hysterical, crying and unsteady on his feet, the court heard, and there was a smell of alcohol coming from him. He appeared in some pain and discomfort, said Garda Foley, adding that Mr Farrell immediately admitted I was driving, it was my fault. At 1.22am, Mr Farrell complied with an alcohol test and failed. Later, a blood sample was taken in the context of providing medical assistance, but it was taken outside of the time limit for a road traffic prosecution. However, the court heard that Mr Farrell had been more than three times over the limit on the night he drove, with 166 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Before being questioned, Mr Farrell told Gardai, I want to say how deeply sorry I am for what happened that night and I want to express my sympathies to the McGinnity family. He also pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and took full responsibility for what happened on the night of the incident. He told Gardai his memory of the night was hazy and that he had very little recollection of what happened. He remembered he'd had seven pints, maybe more, and that he and Mr McGinnity had decided to go to Mr McGinnity's home house. He said he remembered getting into the Porsche at Provider's carpark and that he was the driver. He also remembered the car being on its roof. He told Gardai that was his first time driving the vehicle and that he wouldn't have been used to a car like that and that it was a powerful car. He also said he had a vague recollection of the lights of a car and of crawling out the window and calling to Mr McGinnity. Garda Foley told the court that there was no evidence of speeding or joy riding on the night of the incident. A victim impact statement, read in court by Owen McGinnity, the father of the victim, stated that this was not the first time he and his family had experienced loss. In fact, Brian's mother had passed away when Brian was just eight years old. He said he and his family had spent the following years putting the pieces together and that he had been so proud to see his son and three daughters excel in their lives. Brian was our only son and our first born, he said, stating that Brian had a depth of knowledge beyond his years. At 17, he acquired his pilot's licence and excelled in his education, getting a Masters in Aviation at UCD and had bright and promising career prospects. Mr McGinnity told the court that, from an early age, Brian's three sisters, Aileen, Katie and Jane, always said he was the most intelligent person they had ever met. We can't understand the senseless decision he made that night, he said, adding that, after they had shut the family business for the night, they had gone for a drink afterwards. As I said goodbye at 7pm, expecting to see him the next morning at the shop, I never thought it was the last time I'd see him alive. The sight of two Gardai in his house the next morning and the sounds of his daughters crying as they heard the news of their brother's passing are things he said he will never forget. There are no words invented yet which come close to describing the feelings we've had over the last two years, he said. However, he added, the family did not want any severe punishment inflicted on Mr Farrell. We can't bring Brian back but we know he wouldn't want Joseph to suffer any more, he said. Mr Farrell, taking to the witness box, said he was deeply sorry for the events of that night and that his life has changed in the absence of his friend. I frequently thought it would be preferable if I had died instead of him, he said. He told the court he doesn't drink anymore and that he wonders if he'll ever come to terms with what happened. The court also heard that Mr Farrell has ongoing guilt and feels he deserves to be punished. It is very clear that both Mr McGinnity and Mr Farrell were in the car voluntarily, but only one of them committed a crime, said Judge Kenneth Connolly during the sentence hearing. The main aggravating factor in the case was the amount of alcohol consumed before Mr Farrell got into the car. However, he noted, there were no charges of no insurance as he was insured to drive his friend's Porsche. He must live with the dread and devastation of losing his friend, said Judge Connolly. A very charitable approach was adopted by the McGinnity family, asking the court to deal leniently with him and that is a testament to what a decent and respectful family they are. He proceeded to sentence Mr Farrell to 28 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years. Mr Farrell was also disqualified from driving for seven years from the date of sentencing. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: February 06 2024 Francis A. Garzon, 35, conspired and attempted to extort a resident of Monmouth County, New Jersey, and the residents son, who resided in Brooklyn, New York. A Brooklyn man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison for conspiring with others in a week-long strongarm extortion scheme in 2019, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced. Francis A. Garzon, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and one count of attempt to commit Hobbs Act extortion. U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi sentenced Garzon today in Trenton federal court. Garzons codefendant, Endrit Kllogjeri, was found guilty following a jury trial in June 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2024. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From Dec. 1, 2019 through Dec. 9, 2019, Garzon and Kllogjeri conspired and attempted to extort a resident of Monmouth County, New Jersey, and the residents son, who resided in Brooklyn, New York. The victim was allegedly threatened with physical harm if the victim did not recover a bag containing property allegedly valued at $100,000 from the victims son. Garzon and Kllogjeri further demanded an additional payment of $100,000 as interest for the sons possession of the bag. Garzon admitted that he brandished a revolver at the victim in an effort to intimidate the victim. Over the ensuing week, Garzon and Kllogjeri communicated regularly with the victims telephone, continuing to threaten the victim and the victims family. Garzon and Kllogjeri were arrested together in a vehicle on Dec. 9, 2019 in Brooklyn. Moments before the arrest, Garzon had attempted to send the victim a text message confirming the victims plan to pay the demand. In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Garzon to three years of supervised release following Garzons release from prison. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to todays sentencing. He also thanked the Marlboro Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Pezzullo; and the New York City Police Department for their assistance. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: February 06 2024 Terence Wolffe Mandated to Undertake Environmental Improvement Initiatives. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Terence Wolffe, 42, of Mastic, pleaded guilty to Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and related charges for intentionally damaging parkland in the undeveloped wilderness of Walter S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park. He is now mandated to contribute socially, physically, and financially towards the countys efforts to improve the environment. This is the perfect balance of what we believe is the future of combatting environmental crimes. Not only will this defendant have to pay for the damage he has done, but he is also mandated to be a part of the solution or face jail time, said District Attorney Tierney. Beyond simple remediation, this court-mandated comprehensive plan develops, cleans and adds stewards of environmental care in Suffolk County. According to court documents and the defendants statements during his plea allocution, Wolffe damaged county parkland within the confines of Walter S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park. Beginning in April 2023, Wolffe travelled to an off-trail area in the interior of the park to clear and excavate a personal hang-out spot in the woods. Using machetes, axes, and shovels, Wolffe chopped down native trees, removed native vegetation, and dug up ground-brush, thatch, soil, dirt and earth from an area approximately 1,150 square feet in dimension. Wolffe then piled the displaced brush, soil, and tree limbs upon adjacent park land (smothering other native vegetation). While some trees around the periphery were left standing, Wolffe had allegedly hacked and sectioned their roots, causing severe and fatal damage that, in turn, jeopardized those on trails from falling timber. The depth of Wolffes excavation caused the adjacent wetland to flood into the pit. Wolffes conduct was detected in November 2023 by Suffolk County Park Rangers. He was confronted at the scene and ultimately arrested on December 5, 2023, after a full site investigation was completed. He was also cited for having a machete on county parklands. In December, District Attorney Tierney announced his Evergreen Initiative, a broad-based enforcement, awareness, and legislative plan to counter-act destruction of Suffolks natural environment. A component of this initiative is the DAs commitment to incorporate environmental stewardship into plea agreements. As an illustration of this plan in action, the conditions of Wolffes plea require him to accumulate a total of 100 Green Points. A complete list of how Wolffe may accumulate Green Points is as follows: Activity Type Minimum Quantity Points Incarceration in Local County Correctional Facility A 1 & 1/3 day 1 Participation in Re-Foresting Initiative organized by municipal, academic, or non-profit organization B 4 hours 2 Participation in Beach Clean-up or restoration initiative organized by municipal, academic, or non-profit organization B 4 hours 2 Participation in County Parks Stewardship Program[1] B 4 hours 2 Self-organized beach/park/trail clean-up event (with proper permits secured) (attendance greater than 5) C 4 hours 4 Self-organized beach/park/trail clean-up event (with proper permits secured) (attendance greater than 10) C 4 hours 6 Self-organized beach/park/trail clean-up event (with proper permits secured) (attendance greater than 20) C 4 hours 8 Direct Restitution to County Parks Department (cap of $19,000) D $1,000 1 Finance extra park maintenance shift for municipal clean-up (2 person crew) (any Suffolk municipality) D $1,000 1 Raise funds through organized fundraiser targeting a Suffolk County environmental 501(c)(3) C $1,000 (net) 4 Volunteer Participation in Suffolk County Endangered Species Program[2] B 7 hours 2 Other form of environmentally-focused community service for municipal, academic, or non-profit organization[3] B 14 hours 4 Wolffe is mandated, under terms of his plea, to accumulate his points through a combination of Green Point types, rather than focus purely on just one avenue. Wolffe must achieve at least 50 Green Points within seven months of his entering a guilty plea. Wolffe then must acquire any outstanding points within six months of his sentencing. Any unearned points will convert to jail-time. Additionally, Wolffe will also have to file monthly reports to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office on his progress and submit a personal statement describing, at a minimum, his experiences in undertaking the activities, a review of the organizations he came into contact with, ideas for future environmental endeavors and lessons learned from his experiences. On February 2, 2024, Wolffe pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro to Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and eight counts of Suffolk County Parks violations. He is being represented by Steven M. Politi, Esq. His next court date is September 3, 2024. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jed L. Painter of the District Attorneys Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) with investigative assistance from the Suffolk County Parks Department. Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law. IDF troops of the 162nd division operate in northern Gaza on February 5. (IDF) Israeli political leadership says it is beginning to see signs of victory in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told troops on February 5 that 75% of Hamas battalions have been defeated in Gaza. Given that Hamas had approximately 24 battalions at the onset of the war, this statement implies that 18 of them no longer function. We are on the path to total victory, Netanyahu said. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also portrayed Hamas as being on the verge of defeat. The IDF is operating with great intensity and precision, as ground operations advance and achieve their objectives. Hamass battalions have been dismantled and are no longer functioning within their military framework, with over half of Hamas terrorists being either injured or killed. He said Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, was on the run and having trouble communicating with what remains of Hamas forces. In addition, Benny Gantz, a political party leader and former Chief of Staff of the IDF who is part of the War Cabinet, also discussed the path to success in Gaza during a press conference on February 6. Describing Israels more focused and precise form of fighting, he explained that the IDF is continuing to operate in northern Gaza but could soon reach Rafah, a city still controlled by Hamas on Gazas southern border with Egypt. Gantz added that humanitarian aid should reach Gaza without having to go through the hands of Hamas. He hinted at a Gaza without Hamas, a claim that Israeli leaders have made since October. He did not mention who might be in power in the absence of Hamas. This and other key questions surrounding the future in Gaza remain unanswered. The IDF has encircled Khan Younis and defeated most of the above-ground terrorist elements therein. A Hamas stronghold, it took the IDF more than two months to defeat terrorists here. This due was in part to Israels new phase of lower-intensity fighting which consists of fewer airstrikes and more precise maneuvers going neighborhood-to-neighborhood. The IDF says it has eliminated dozens of terrorists and detained 80 Gazans between February 5 and 6 in Khan Younis. After Khan Younis, all eyes will be on the one major urban area where the IDF has not yet operated: Rafah. At the same time however, there are increasing reports about Hamas fighters resurfacing in northern Gaza and policing the area, paying salaries, and other activities related to controlling internal civil affairs. The IDFs 162nd division, which is responsible for much of northern Gaza and has been fighting there since October 27, returned to Shati near the coast to fight terrorists. The IDF also said the Nachal Brigade and 401st Brigade combat teams returned to areas where IDF troops had previously operated, in order to act against terrorist targets. The concept of the operation is for the division to conduct a thorough and comprehensive raid in a selected area. Although the raids netted terrorists, this raises questions about how Hamas has been able to return to these areas. The commander of the 162nd, Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen, said on February 5 that the division is currently in the midst of an operation in Al-Shati, operating against strategic Hamas targets above and below ground. This is an area that initially required three divisions and three days to reach. Now, two combat teams reached the same area within an hour and a half. The forces operating under the division are preventing Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities, killing hundreds of terrorists and arresting dozens of others. One soldier was killed in fighting in northern Gaza, bringing the total IDF losses since October 7 to 563 soldiers, 226 of which have been killed since ground operations began. The IDF Chief of Staff spoke at a conference of the Israeli Air Force the ability to hold such a conference speaks to at least some reduction in tempo after almost four months of war at which he said the IDF would eventually investigate the failures of October 7. Why have we not investigated yet? We are in a very intense war, dealing with many fronts, as I previously mentioned, with intense operations also inside the Gaza Strip itselfour intention is very clear. To investigate, and to learn, and to get to the bottom of things, and to leave no stone unturned. We want to learn, understand what worked, understand what didnt work, what we could have done differently, he said. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post. Xavier Bettel meeting with Nigers prime minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou in 2022. Mahamadou was deposed in a coup detat in 2023 led by a military junta Xavier Bettel meeting with Nigers prime minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou in 2022. Mahamadou was deposed in a coup detat in 2023 led by a military junta Photo credit: SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Xavier Bettel meeting with Nigers prime minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou in 2022. Mahamadou was deposed in a coup detat in 2023 led by a military junta Photo credit: SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen Luxembourg will not sign new development cooperation projects with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger once the current programmes run out, foreign affairs and development cooperation minister Xavier Bettel said on Tuesday. Bettel in a press briefing during his visit to Laos told journalists he would not sign renewals for development cooperation programmes with the three African countries, due to a series of coups detat that have rocked the Sahel region in recent years. I have decided that we would not extend our bilateral collaboration with the Sahel countries - with Mali, Burkina [Faso] and Niger - because I believe that there are issues with security there, the minister said. The three countries were among Luxembourgs six development cooperation countries - which also include Senegal, Cape Verde and Laos. Also read: With pledge to uphold aid, Bettel heads to Laos for first overseas visit Some of the projects signed in the Sahel regions have yet to run their course, and Bettel said Luxembourg would not drop them immediately. Local civilians will be impacted by the changes and the Grand Duchy does not want to let them down, said Bettel, but we have to show politicians that were not just bystanders. The safety of Luxembourg agents in the field as well as locals working with the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev) also need to be taken into account. I feel responsible for their safety, said Bettel. Improvements to the political situation in the three states could lead to new agreements but, for now, only projects organised with the EU, UN or partner NGOs will continue running, he said. Bilateral agreements with Senegal, where presidential elections were postponed by the current president, are also up for debate. It would be difficult for me to sign a partnership with a country where the person in power took that position forcefully, said the minister. Also read: 500m a year from Luxembourg to cure the sick, feed the hungry The development cooperation ministry is on the lookout for new partner countries, Bettel confirmed, although he would not name potential candidates for future agreements. Luxembourgs government dedicates 1% of gross national income to public development aid and in 2022 was the biggest donor among the OECD countries, followed by Sweden (0.89% of GNI) and Norway (0.86%). (Tracy Heindrichs is reporting from Laos on a government co-funded mission to the country) LIVONIA, MICH. Hussein Tarraf, associate professor of accounting and director of the accounting and finance program in Madonna University's School of Business, has been selected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as one of 12 new members of the IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC). A certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner, Tarraf is president of Tarraf & Associates, PC, in Dearborn. He has been working in public accounting for more than 20 years, providing tax advisory and assurance services primarily to small-to medium-sized businesses and high-net-worth individuals. He also has worked in the areas of accounting audit, consultation, business planning, and taxation within several firms. The IRS strives to appoint members to the IRSAC who represent the taxpaying public, the tax professional community, small and large businesses, tax exempt and government entities, and information reporting interests. "I am delighted to have been appointed by the commissioner of Internal Revenue Service with the concurrence of the secretary of the Treasury to the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council," Tarraf said. "I look forward to working with the IRSAC's very select group of accountants, lawyers, academics, and economists from around the country to advise the commissioner and recommend administrative and policy changes for the service." Established in 1953, the IRSAC is an organized public forum for IRS officials and representatives of the public to discuss a broad range of issues in tax administration. The Council provides the IRS and agency leaders with relevant feedback, observations, and recommendations. It will submit its annual report to the agency at a public meeting in November. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. The Celtics have a unique tool ahead of Thursdays trade deadline with the Grant Williams TPE. The team acquired the $6.2 million exception back in July when they dealt their former power forward to the Mavericks in exchange for two second-round picks in a sign-and-trade. Since Boston took back no salary in the deal, they created the trade exception, allowing them to take back any player earning $6.2 million or less in a trade with no outgoing salary necessarily. Normally, a trade exception would last a full year since its creation, giving the Celtics to use the Williams TPE until the summer. However, the new provisions of the CBA will change the dynamics on that front for Boston starting this offseason. The Celtics are currently a second-apron team, meaning they are spending over the $182.7 million threshold, which will put several restrictions on them in future seasons. Those limitations will begin on the first day of this offseason though, specifically with the use of TPEs. Essentially, any previously created TPE will no longer be able to be used for teams in the second apron. The Celtics will also no longer be allowed to take back any more salary in a trade, aggregate contracts or send out cash in any deal. BetMGM BET $5, GET $158! BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER Promo code: MASS158 STATES: MA, KY, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21 years of age or older to wager. MA Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days from issuance. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. All of these trade tools will be challenging for Bostons front office to navigate in the future but the biggest one for the present is the new TPE rule. Given that Boston wont be allowed to use the mid-level exception this offseason either as a second apron team, this weeks trade deadline will be Bostons last chance to add a smaller to mid-level salary above the minimum without having to touch their current roster. Even acquiring a player on an expiring contract with Bird Rights could be a valuable tool for Bostons future this week since the Celtics will have no way of signing a free agent of that ilk this summer unless they are willing to sign for the veterans minimum. Boston has many ways to try to improve in the next week before the deadline. They can try to pile up multiple salaries in a deal to land a player that wouldnt fit in the TPE ($6.2 million) or simply try to trade away draft assets and/or salary filler to take someone into the TPE. There has been a lot of talk downplaying the importance of the trade deadline this season given the unlikelihood of the Celtics making a major splash to their rotation. However, dont underrate the importance of Bostons chance to tweak the back end of their roster for both the present and the future under the current CBA rules. Life will get far more challenging for the front office with team building starting this summer so look for the Celtics to get their final swings in this week. Ben Affleck might not only be a coveted actor and Dunkins official brand ambassador. Now, hes stepping into is pop star persona. The Mass. native appeared in a new commercial for the coffee chain that premiered during the Grammy Awards Sunday. The ad poked fun at Affleck after he was in the spotlight during the 2023 Grammy Awards. Affleck garnered viral attention on social media after he was shown in the crowd looking expressionless alongside his wife Jennifer Lopez. His newest Dunkin ad begins highlighting his deadpan expression alongside Lopez with the headline The Boredest Man in the World. As this plays out, Affleck watches the scene on his TV. Keep laughing, he says in the commercial watching the TV. Hes bored? No, studying. Always watching. I could do that. How hard can it be? The commercial then cuts to the next scene of Affleck talking on the phone, energetically explaining the crazy dream he had about his pop star career. I had come up with some beats, he began. I even had like a persona like J.Lo or B.Lo. Thats the bad version obviously, he added. He then seems to be rejected by the other end of the phone. But that doesnt stop him. After garnering up enough elements for his new pop persona, Affleck recruits famous TikTok figure, Dunkin lover and Connecticut native, Charli DAmelio. He hilariously confides in her for tips on dance moves. He then awkwardly asks the 19-year-old social media star, Who is TikTok? The last few scenes of the Dunkin commercial show Affleck fully embracing his new career, with a gold chain around his neck and a giant doughnut. They tell you youre no good, he narrates. Youre a goofy, middle-aged, clumsy white guy with no rhythm and you cant sing on key. Youre not coordinated. That means I cant be a pop star? Underestimate Boston at your peril. This is me now, he said. The commercial ends by saying To be continued. Watch the full commercial here. A local fast food chicken chain is offering guests free waffles alongside its insanely good chicken at the grand opening of their new Massachusetts shop this week. Yas Chicken will open its Burlington store on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m., the food chain said in an Instagram post. Chicken lovers can get a little more bang for their cluck with a free waffle if they place an order of $20 or more from Feb. 8-11, Yas Chicken wrote on Facebook. Guests must mention the promotion to get the handout. The new store is located at 90 Middlesex Turnpike in Burlington. Guests can skip the grand opening rush and order by phone at (781)359-4000 or online. With sauces made in-house and its famous parmesan fries, Yas Chicken was founded with the mission of providing insanely delicious chicken, the food chains website reads. Yas Chicken has three other locations in Lynn, Lawrence and Providence, Rhode Island. A Pennsylvania-based brewing company is about to bring its award-winning beer, locally inspired menu and events to Massachusetts for the first time ever this year. Voodoo Brewing Company has already captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide and has proven itself as the fastest-growing brewpub franchise in the world, a press release sent to MassLive reads. The beer-focused business is now on track to open its first Massachusetts location this summer, thanks to local IT professional and beer connoisseur Aarthi Umapathy. While an exact location is still in the works, the brewpub will open about 30 minutes outside of Boston, Umapathy told MassLive. Im very excited to open it as soon as possible, she said. They are just finalizing between two/three locations, which we have. Theyre not putting [it] in the Seaport Boston area. Were just going [to] a little suburb, but not [much] farther away from Seaport. Umapathy, who lives in Walpole, has worked in the software industry for nearly 15 years but said she always wanted to work in the hotel industry. Umapathy and her husband became big beer fans after they started trying many brews as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic. We used to go beer hopping and we used to go for beer tastings, Umapathy said. So we thought, like, OK, why dont we start a kind of a brewery? Voodoo Brewing Company is bringing its award-winning beer, catered menu and more to Massachusetts for the first time this year.Courtesy of Voodoo Brewing Company Umapathys research on franchises led her to Voodoo Brewing Company. She wanted to work with the company because Umapathy appreciated how Voodoo lets franchisees take the lead on opening new locations. Its not like a regular franchise. Voodoo gives the franchise owners the opportunity to bring their own states taste and what the local people like here, she explained. We dont have to sell just the Voodoo beers in the restaurant. That part I liked it very much. Founded in 2005 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Voodoo Brewing Company prides itself on being a community of passionate beer lovers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer, the press release said. The companys first taproom opened in 2012, and has since added 18 locations across multiple states including Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. The companys award-winning craft beers are offered year-round, during certain seasons or are spontaneously released. Voodoo Brewing Company is bringing its award-winning beer, catered menu and more to Massachusetts for the first time this year.Courtesy of Voodoo Brewing Company Each Voodoo location has its own unique logo, local events and food menu that will be evident at Voodoos first Massachusetts location. Umapathy said people can expect a different unique experience of beer and food and that itll be a different one for Boston. The food menu will be crafted specifically to Boston with bar bites reflecting the citys popular seafood scene as well other staples like nachos and pizza. Voodoo also prides itself on offering drink and food pairings, so Umapathy said guests can expect guidance on which pizza tastes best with which brew, for example. The Boston brewpub will also feature Voodoos hard seltzers, cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. Umapathy hopes these touches, along with Voodoos aesthetic and space, will appeal to people off all backgrounds. Its going to be not selling just Voodoo, its gonna be for even for the kids, for the family, she explained. Im looking at it to be not like a brewery brewery. I want it to be like a hangout, chillout place for everyone. Once the brewpub officially opens, Umapathys next major challenge will be balancing her day job with running the business. More information about Voodoo Brewing Company can be found online. Rose Dugdale, who received a masters degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, was big news in Ireland. An English heiress who was born into wealth and status, she gave away her inheritance to the poor and later joined the Irish Republican Army, a paramilitary organization seeking the establishment of a republic, the end of British rule in Northern Ireland and the reunification of Ireland. During her stint with the paramilitary organization, she was involved in a major art heist, participated in a bombing raid, and helped with the IRAs bomb-making operation during the final years of The Troubles, an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998. A new book, Heiress, Rebel, Vigilante, Bomber by Sean ODriscoll, is both the biography of Dugdale and an account of the inner workings of the IRA. Because of her background, all of her court appearances received extensive news coverage at a time when there were hundreds of cases going through the terrorist court, said ODriscoll, a Newsweek Senior Crime and Courts Reporter based in Ireland. I remember when I was about 5 years old passing the prison where her partner, Eddie Gallagher, was imprisoned and my parents telling me about her. Most IRA prisoners came from the Catholic ghettos of Belfast or Derry or the country areas along the border, so, as an upper-class London heiress, she really stood out. Born into a wealthy English family, Dugdale led a privileged life; she divided her childhood between a Chelsea townhouse and an estate in Devon and was enrolled into private schools. In 1958, she was presented to Queen Elizabeth II as a debutante. It was during her time at Oxford training to be an academic economist that she began her career in political activism. She was a London society debutante who joined a terrorist group fighting everything she was raised to believe in, ODriscoll said. This she did through a combination of personality and circumstances. She was caught up in the radicalism of the 60s, and there was something about her personality that found it intoxicating and even addictive, he said. She moved through ever more extreme politics from giving away to inheritance to the poor of London, through the radical left and eventually to the IRA, which was killing thousands of people in an attempt to remove Britain from Northern Ireland. As part of his research for the book, ODriscoll visited Mount Holyoke. I think it had a huge influence on her and probably marked the point of no return for her radicalization, he said. He expressed gratitude to Deborah Richards, college archivist at Mount Holyoke, who helped him with that part of the story. It helped me understand that Rose felt quite isolated in Mount Holyoke, despite reporting for the college communications office on a visit by Martin Luther King and other important U.S. leaders. He noted that Barbara Lloyd, who was a student at Mount Holyoke, helped explain that the college was quite closed off at the time with very little radicalism. It became the point when Rose finally decided she could not live in regular society and would take a radical path, no matter where it took her, he added. Research for the book was a long process. ODriscoll interviewed Dugdale at a Dublin nursing home: She was far better on her earlier years and her life as a mother, he said. She would forget, or choose to forget, some parts of her IRA days. Other parts she couldnt talk about because she feared prosecution but overall, she was compelling. He also interviewed and her son, Ruairi, as well as her former partner, Eddie Gallagher who kidnapped a businessman to get her released from prison and served 20 years in prison. Every chapter had to be its own book with its own setting. Some people really helped with that, especially Roses former schoolmates in her private school in London, and women who were in prison with her, as well as IRA supporters who worked with her on weapon development, said the author whose first book, The Accidental Spy, was about an American trucker named David Rupert who became an FBI and British MI5 spy within the IRA. Asked about Dugdales legacy, ODriscoll responded: She saved many lives by giving away her fortune to the poor of north London, but she also took away many lives through her weapon development and bomb making for the IRA. When peace came in Northern Ireland, she sided with the peacemakers, but I think its a stretch to say that she was a peacemaker. She was a radical and IRA killings didnt bother her. The IRAs political wing, Sinn Fein, is now the largest political party in Ireland, both north and south, and I think she had a significant role in shaping the partys direction towards democratic politics because that was the only direction it could take. He lamented the saying that when an old person dies, a library burns down. ODriscoll said that was a major reason for recording the life of Rose Dugdale. I would ask/beg readers to record the older members of their families because they have so much social history that could be lost and know so much about living, he said. Its the most important family heirloom you can leave your children. Heiress, Rebel, Vigilante, Bomber is out now from Penguin. The paperback has 368 pages and retails for $18.99. WESTFIELD Thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission, author Renata Bowers has been teaching Franklin Avenue Elementary Schools third grade how to be effective storytellers. She, staff, students, and parents celebrated their progress in an hour-long ceremony before the end of the school day on Feb. 1. In the lesson, Bowers said, students were asked to identify everyday heroes, who help them with their problems. Identifying those people helped them become part of telling more good stories, she said. They were also asked to identify the good things that can come from a problem. Bowers said this helped them not be scared of their problems but start thinking about solutions. Half the people who responded to a national poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst believe that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people living in Gaza, according to the recently released poll results. The poll, which used a sample of 1,064 U.S. adults, was split exactly in half on the question 50% said Israel was probably or definitely committing genocide and 50% said Israel was probably or definitely not committing genocide. Below is the full breakdown, according to the poll: Definitely committing genocide - 18% Probably committing genocide - 32% Probably not committing genocide - 24% Definitely not committing genocide - 26% Respondents also answered questions on their support for Israels military operation in Gaza following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, and about $10 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel in support of their war against Hamas. A plurality of respondents supported Israels military operation 43% in support, 26% opposed and 32% said neither but respondents were more evenly divided on the question of U.S. aid: 36% supported aid and 35% opposed aid, with 29% undecided. Rallies on both sides of the question have been active since the Oct. 7 attack and subsequent Israeli military operation, including a large rally in Massachusetts in support of Israel shortly following the attack. At UMass Amherst, a rally in support of Palestinians led to more than 50 arrests and additional consequences for individuals arrested, including not being allowed to study abroad. The war in Ukraine Regarding Ukraine, support has ebbed among Americans in the past two years to support the war in Ukraine, according to the poll results. Whereas 56% of people supported providing more weapons and military assistance to Ukraine in May 2022, the recently-released January 2024 poll showed support had dropped to 46%. While support for cyber attacks against Russia was 44% in May of 2022, support had dropped to 36% in the recent poll. Support for a U.S. military attack on targets within Russia remained low. It was 14% in May of 2022 and stood at 13% in January 2024. Editors note: This story contains a description of the abuse and death of a child and could be disturbing to some readers. The murder trial of Adam Montgomery, the father of missing daughter Harmony Montgomery, begins on Tuesday, Feb. 6 with jury selection. (Manchester, N.H., Police Department) Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Tuesday morning in the murder trial of Adam Montgomery, a New Hampshire father charged in connection with the death of his daughter, Harmony. CHICOPEE U.S. Sen. Ed Markey is learning more about the newly released $118 billion bipartisan border security bill that would also send aid to Ukraine, Israel, Gaza and allies in the Asia-Pacific region. But he knows what he thinks of House Speaker Mike Johnsons reaction. Within hours of the bipartisan compromise, Johnson said the bill would be dead on arrival if it reaches the House. HOLYOKE Rafael Fernandez, a Puerto Rican migrant who, with his wife, Ada, ran Fernandez Family Restaurant of Holyoke for 34 years, died last week. He battled esophageal cancer, his family said in its announcement Tuesday. The family closed Fernandez Family Restaurant in July 2022 after decades of food and philanthropy. The city renamed the intersection of High and Hampden streets as Fernandez Way to commemorate the contributions that Rafael Fernandez and his family made to the city over more than three decades. Fernandez left his home in Puerto Rico in 1971, coming to Holyoke to work at American Pad & Paper, aka Ampad. His wife, Ada, followed. Rafael Fernandez, a local philanthropist and businessman who ran the Fernandez Family Restaurant in Holyoke for 34 years. (Contributed photo)The Republican In 1988, using the severance he received from the closing of the Ampad plant, he launched his restaurant at a location on Suffolk Street. Together, Ada and Rafael Fernandez ran the establishment. They moved to 111 High St. after their restaurant sustained water damage when the old Knights of Columbus building burned. Eventually, they relocated to 161 High St. Offering traditional Puerto Rican foods like pork shoulder, the restaurant was a political gathering spot, host to a bustling daily lunch crowd. It also took care of city police working the midnight to 8 a.m. shift who were looking for a late-night meal. Philanthropy stretched from helping the homeless to sponsoring countless softball teams, an important part of the social fabric in the Latino community. Thank you for the immense love, prayers and support we have received during this difficult time, the family said in its statement. In his honor, please do something kind for anyone that may be in need, as this is what he enjoyed to do the most. His niece, Madeline Fernandez, said he lived in Holyokes Flats neighborhood. He had the money. He could have lived anywhere he wanted, she said. But it gave him the opportunity to interact with people on the street. He would bring food, such as pizza, to young people hanging out in the neighborhood. Hed tell them not to litter the street. She said. Hed remind them they have neighbors, and be respectful. Hed also feed the hungry, walking up to people asking for change on the street. Knock on my back door and Ill give you something to eat, she recalled him saying.He made sure they could have dignity. He assisted everybody. He also said Dont forget where you came from. Fernandez also hosted a dominos club at his restaurant. Everything was about coming together, she said.We grew up watching that. It was bittersweet closing the restaurant in 2022. But we knew it was time to let another family take over, she said. Today, its La Isla Restaurant. Rafael Fernandezs wake will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St., Holyoke. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Jeromes Parish, 169 Hampden St., Holyoke, followed by burial at Saint Jerome Cemetery on Northampton Street. A 56-year-old Lynn man was sentenced to almost two decades in prison for invading a Boston home in broad daylight in October 2022, then strangling and sexually assaulting a woman in the house. Washington Pearson, 56, of Lynn, was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 16 to 18 years in state prison the morning of Feb. 6, the office said. On Oct. 24, 2022, Pearson used a screwdriver to break into an apartment on the Arborway in Jamaica Plain where two women lived, the district attorneys office said. One of the women was home at the time of the break-in and discovered Pearson in her living room. A special U.S. House committee focused on U.S.-China relations will hold a series of events in Boston and Cambridge next week, shining a spotlight on the commonwealths biotech and life sciences industry. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., also will focus on questions of economic competitiveness and national security, as relations between the United States and China, who are both trading partners and geopolitical rivals, have grown increasingly tense. Two Massachusetts lawmakers, U.S. Reps. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, and Seth Moulton, D-6th District, both former Marines, also serve on the committee. In an op-Ed published by the Boston Globe on Tuesday, Auchincloss noted that the Chinese Communist Party is investing big in biotech. Some elements are salutary, like more funding for medical research. Some are nefarious, like the global harvesting of genetic data without consent. The committee wants to study how Congress should respond. With its major life-science and biotech sector, the commonwealth can show policymakers the way, Auchincloss wrote. The USA and China are competing for life sciences leadership, and Massachusetts is the best player on the field, Auchincloss said in a statement exclusively obtained by MassLive. With such impact on jobs, cures, and national security, Im excited to show the committee what the Bay State has built. The committee will hold a series of public and private events on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 that include a biotech ecosystem science fair, a luncheon roundtable with experts, a tour of a local life sciences company, and a fireside chat at according to a schedule exclusively obtained by MassLive. The committee will hold its actual field hearing with Gallagher, Moulton, and Auchincloss, along with U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., the panels ranking Democrat. Other lawmakers also may attend, MassLive has learned. Biotechnology is going to transform the world. And thats why we need to ensure that its not used to malign ends. The Select Committee is traveling to Boston to learn from and with Bostons unparalleled biotech industry about the threats posed by the CCP in this space, from IP theft to the accumulation of genetic data, Moulton said in a statement. The Democrat said he believes its important that our colleagues on the Select Committee hear directly from our industry leaders themselves so that we can craft policy that protects our research interests and ensures that biotech is used to do good. A special election is coming up in one part of Massachusetts, but the party options are virtually nil. Two Republicans are running in a special primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 6, for the 6th Worcester Districts House seat vacated by Peter Durant after was sworn in to join the state Senate on Nov. 29. Voters can expect Dudley Selectman John Marsi and Southbridge Town Councilor David Adams, for the short timeline for Democrats yielded enough room for a candidate to join the race, according to Politico. Marsis been involved in local politics for 12 years, while Adams has for about 18 years, their respective campaign websites said. Both candidates towns are part of the district they hope to represent. The 6th Worcester District is comprised also parts of both Charlton and Spencer. The candidates share mirroring views on several issues, including support for public infrastructure, law enforcement and first responders, ending blindly spending on immigration (as Adams website reads) and keeping housing affordable because roughly 1,100 people leave the Commonwealth of Massachusetts due to affordability, Marsis website claims. Given these similarities, both show differing approaches to why voters should support them. Marsi uses his collaboration and cross-functional leadership skills to ensure that whatever he puts his mind to will be moving forward, according to his website. John has always run positive, issues-based campaigns. Adams outlook on his community is described on his campaign website as an expansive vision for not only his immediate community, but the surrounding communities as well. He is firmly focused on revitalizing local businesses and entrepreneurs, eager to enhance the districts appeal and economic prospects. Dave drives for change. The district was once a haven for Democratic politicians until Durant won in 2011 over then-incumbent Geraldo Alicea. Democrats stopped intervening in the 6th Worcester District race after two more attempts to reclaim it from Durant. Given Democrats status as the party with a supermajority on Beacon Hill, letting Republicans keep the district wont change the balance of power, Politico reported. The deadlines for this race have come and gone, with the voter registration deadline on Jan. 27 and the vote-by-mail deadline on Jan. 30, according to Secretary of State William Galvins website. Polls will be open for the special primary election between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Read more: Republican politicos push Nikki Haley to drop from 2024 primary election But isnt there a proper primary election just under a month later? Indeed. Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. is the last day and time for filing withdrawals of or objections to nominations made at the state primary and for filing written acceptances by write-in or sticker candidates who won in the state primary with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Anyone still not registered to vote can do so before Feb. 24, and they have until 5 p.m. on Feb. 27 to apply for a mail-in ballot. The primary itself comes on March 5. For 6th Worcester District voters, head over to Galvins website to find the nearest election office and dropbox. A Springfield man was charged in connection with a stolen wedding ring that belonged to a dead, disabled veteran, Massachusetts State Police said. Antonio Bell, 53, was charged with larceny of a person over 65, larceny from a building and receiving stolen property, State Police said in a statement on Tuesday. Like every year, Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Cancer Day 2024 themed Close the care gap together with Africas First Ladies and Ministries of Health through their Cancer Access Program to build quality and equitable cancer care capacity in Africa with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists and develop the first multidisciplinary cancer care teams across the continent. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, highlighted, We mark World Cancer Day together with Africas First Ladies, not just on a specific day, but every day and every year through transforming and advancing cancer care in Africa by enhancing professional capacity and improving access to high-quality and equitable cancer care throughout the continent. I am proud to share that Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies is successfully increasing the limited number of Oncologists in Africa by providing 140 scholarships to young African doctor from 28 countries. We are making history together by providing these important scholarships for the first oncologists and /or the first cancer care teams in many countries across Africa. Merck Foundation in total provided more than 1700 scholarships to doctors from over 50 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties. Launched in 2016, the Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program provides One, two- and three-years fellowship, Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of oncology for doctors from Africa. The clinical training has been conducted in India, Egypt and Kenya. Additionaly, Merck Foundation also provides scholarships for 2 years online PG Diploma in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, 01 year online PG Diploma in Medical Oncology and 1 year online PG Diploma in Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, Cardiff University and The University of Edinburgh. Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of clinical training in Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopaedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Surgical Oncology Genital Urinary System, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing. Merck Foundation through its Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program has provided 141 scholarships of Oncology to doctors from 28 countries which are: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In some of these countries, there was not even a single Oncologist, therefore, we are proud that we are making history in Africa through training the first Oncologists and First Cancer Care teams in many countries such as; The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, and Niger. Merck Foundation is committed to leading Africa to a better future through transforming the landscape of Cancer care in the continent, explained Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej. As per WHO data, every year, Africa records around 1.1 million new cases of cancer, resulting in up to 700,000 deaths. The mortality rate cancer patients is very high in Africa, as compared to the rest of the world. One of the key reason is also the late diagnosis of the disease. Moreover, Africa has only 3% of the worlds cancer treatment facilities. Therefore, through their Cancer Access and Oncology Fellowship Program, Merck Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people and has been transforming the cancer care landscape and making history together with its partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond. Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Dr. Mahamat Saleh Mahamat Baldass, Merck Foundation Oncology Alumni from Chad says, I am the first Chadian Medical Oncologist of the country. I have benefitted from the One-year Oncology Fellowship training conducted at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India, offered to me by Merck Foundation. Two of my colleagues have benefitted from the three-month hands-on training in Oncology Nursing and Onco-pathology. The training I received has helped me in treating cancer patients in my country who either had to travel abroad for treatment (often very expensive), or simply gave up the hope to live. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Merck Foundation for giving me this opportunity. Dr. Sylvestre Bazikamwe, Merck Foundation Alumni from Burundi shares, I have completed One-year Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology from the prestigious Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, offered to me by Merck Foundation. I am now working towards a new Gynae-Oncology operating room and am also training my entire team so that we can offer various surgical treatments at the earliest possible. We intend to focus on early detection and optimum management of gynaecological cancers. I am spreading awareness about gynaecological cancers and their possible therapies amongst all my colleagues at the University of Burundi. I am very grateful to Merck Foundation for their priceless contribution towards cancer care. AN Independent councillor has described as pathetic comments by some sitting Castlebar councillors who criticised him for his comments on their handling of the Castlebar Local Area Plan. The war of words between Harry Barrett, a former Castlebar Town Councillor and an Independent candidate in Junes local elections, and current councillors has started over the handling of the Castlebar Local Area Plan. In January, Mr Barrett accused the current councillors in the Castlebar Municipal District of a shocking dereliction of duty after the Office of The Planning Regulator (OPR) asked for a number of adjustments to the Castlebar Local Area Plan after councillors zoned extra land for housing. At last weeks monthly meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District, some councillors took exception to these comments, with one councillor accusing him of engaging in fake news. In response, Mr Barrett said he was being factual and honest and the councillors were attacking him because they know they messed up the plan. They are attacking me because they got it completely wrong on the eve of a local election. Their absolute abject failure to put together a proper strategy for Castlebar in the middle of a major housing crisis. When the OPR says that it is a failure in a housing strategy, that is a damning indictment for sitting councillors in the Castlebar Municipal District. Best practice I am saying do the right thing for Castlebar and develop from the town centre out. We want the local businesses to thrive and people to have access to services and that is the best practice. I am being honest and factual. They are now using Trumpian language to attack me which says a lot. What does fake news mean now? I just want to be honest and factual and I am quoting from the report and giving instances where the report says they messed up and they have messed up, he told The Mayo News. Mr Barrett said the councillors zoned land in excess of what is required regarding the housing targets as set out in the Mayo County Development Plan which he says the same councillors voted for. The thing is this Minister, who Fine Gael and Fianna Fail councillors support, said the report is a failure due to its non-adherence to the county development plan and local planning. Their own minister said it doesn't cut the mustard. The people of the town want housing but they dont want their families pushing buggies into town where there is no footpath. I quoted from the report at all times and I am being branded as a fake news merchant. I am the only candidate calling for a town centred approach which needs to be done for Castlebar and what proper planning would say, he added. The Office of The Planning Regulator had taken issue with a number of sites in Castlebar zoned as new residential in peripheral and non-sequential locations, and predominantly outside the CSO boundary of the town. Ministerial letter IN a letter to the Castlebar Municipal District, Minister for Local Government, Darragh OBrien TD, has said that the local area plan is not compliant with national guidelines or the existing Mayo County Development Plan. The Minister issued a draft direction in relation to the plan on January 16 and the public have until February 13 to make submissions on the plan. The municipal district meeting heard that Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council will then report on the submissions received and this will be issued to the OPR and the Minister on March 12. The OPR then has until April 2 to make recommendations to the Minister who in turn will have until May 14 to issue a direction on the plan. Speaking at last weeks meeting, Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere said he took exception to comments made by a former councillor and a potential candidate regarding the plan and that all the councillors had come up with the best plan we could. His party colleague Donna Sheridan agreed, saying that as councillors they tried their damndest to ensure land was zoned for housing and accused Mr Barrett of engaging in fake news. Disingenuous To have a big headline and rubbish like this and it is not the first time we have seen it. I have seen a lot of fake headlines from people who try to get themselves airtime and it is really disingenuous to the general public. It is very disingenuous to the work we do here and the work we do collectively as a group for the positive development of this town, she said. Fianna Fail councillor Blackie Gavin described how frustrating it is for councillors to put long hours into the plan and for the planning regulator to throw the lot to one side. Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne said that the public can now make submissions and commented that some people who are very fond of writing and making statements have the opportunity to have their say. Cllr Kilcoyne added that the process showed that the power has been taken away from local councillors and mandarins in Dublin have the final say. MAYO-based Fianna Fail senator Lisa Chambers has lost out to TD Barry Cowan in her bid for partys nomination to stand in the upcoming European elections. Senator Chambers must now await a decision from her party whether they will add a second candidate to their ticket for the Midlands North West constituency. The former TD and county councillor received 570 votes from her fellow party members, finishing third behind Senator Niall Blaney and Deputy Cowan. Following her elimination, her votes distributed almost evenly between the two remaining candidates, with Deputy Cowen winning an extra 248 votes to finish with 1,140 compared to 1,070 votes for Senator Blaney who received 268 transfers. Voting took place across four polling stations in Galway, Sligo, Meath and Mullingar, with the selection convention held in the Mullingar Park Hotel. Donegal-based former MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher had earlier withdrawn his name from the process. Commenting, Fianna Fail Director of the European Elections, Minister Darragh O'Brien TD, said paid tribute to Senator Blaney and Senator Chambers for running excellent campaigns. The Midlands North West constituency - which is due to become a five-seater - is currently represented by Luke Ming Flanagan (Independent), Chris McManus (Sinn Fein) and Colum Markey and Shrule native Maria Walsh (both Fine Gael). Fianna Fail has not held a seat in the Midlands North West constituency since Pat The Cope Gallagher lost his seat in the 2014 election. A meeting regarding the Fleadh is set to take place in Ballina this month. Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann representatives and Mayo County Council will meet on Thursday, February 22, in an effort to bring the All-Ireland Fleadh back to the town of Ballina after a lapse of 26 years. Mr Joe Connaire, Chairman of the Mullingar All-Ireland Fleadhanna, will address the meeting and outline the benefits the All-Ireland Fleadh has brought to Mullingar and the wider region over the past two years. The All-Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar attracted 600,000 people over the ten-day event and generated in the region of 120 million to the local economy over 2023 and 2024. RTE and other TV stations from around the globe cover the annual major cultural event, providing a huge tourism boost to the host town and county. Former chairman of the Connacht Council of Comhalta, Michael Brennan, headed the venues for Sligo and Mullingar festivals, and will advise the meeting on the number of venues required in Ballina. Head of Aviation Business Development, Marketing and Communications, at Ireland West Airport, Donal Healy, has confirmed he will attend and represent the airport at the meeting. Eamonn Walsh, a spokesperson for the local Comhaltas groups, described the meeting as hugely significant and the start of the campaign to bring the Fleadh back to Ballina for the first time since 1998. He paid tribute to the work of Mr Billy Lewis, former CEO of Moy Valley resources, as well as Mr Oliver Rouse and Mr Paddy OHora, former executive members of the Ballina Chamber of Commerce who made the 1997 and 1998 All-Ireland Fleadhanna in Ballina possible. Mr Walsh is calling on all Mayo business people throughout the world to back the Fleadh and provide sponsorship in order to fund the festival. Ballina was awarded its first Connacht Fleadh in 2023 to coincide with Ballina 300 celebrations. The event was a resounding success and lauded by the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas in Dublins HQ. Mr Walsh said that the entirety of Mayo county would benefit from an All-Ireland Fleadh and urged the whole County to get behind this mammoth event. Ballina is currently going through an impressive transformation, with the opening of the Military barracks at the Market Square with its huge outdoor performance area, two new schools, and a number of additional venues in the construction stages. Dr Labhras O Murchu, Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, who officially opened the Connacht Fleadh in the town last year, said it ticks all the boxes to host the All-Ireland event. A lot of big towns dont have the atmosphere required, but Ballina has it everywhere. The 97 and 98 Fleadhanna in Ballina are a part of Comhaltas Folklore he concluded. MAYO Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has hailed the late John Bruton as a thorough gentleman and a man of great vision. The former Taoiseach, who was in office from 1994 to 1997 and served as Fine Gael leader from 1990 to 2001, passed away today (Tuesday) following a long illness. He was 76 years old. Speaking to The Mayo News following his passing, Deputy Ring described Mr Bruton as was a tremendous politician and a man of great vision. Mr Bruton was married to a Westport native, Finola (nee Gill), and owned a house in the West Mayo town to which he was a regular visitor over the years. He had a great love for Westport, a great love for the county but he was just a thorough gentleman, Deputy Ring told The Mayo News. He was a nice man. He had a great understanding, he had great vision, he had a great heart, great spirit, and he is somebody that will really really be missed in Irish politics. Deputy Ring added that Mr Bruton never got the credit he deserved for his role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He always believed their couldnt be a settlement without bringing the unionists with you. He was right, and is still right, said Deputy Ring, who also described the former Taoiseach as a man with a great sense of humour. Deputy Ring spent seven years as TD under Mr Brutons leadership after following his election to Dail Eireann in 1994. He extended his sympathies to his wife Finola, son Matthew, daughters- Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, Johns grandchildren, sons-in-law, Johns brother- Richard and sister-Mary and extended family and friends. Fine Gael led the government for the next three years as head of the rainbow coalition government alongside Labour and Democratic Left. John Brutons funeral details have yet to be announced. Local election candidate Harry Barrett is shocked by the high trolley numbers at Mayo University Hospital. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) trolley watch revealed that this past January saw 338 patients go without a bed in the hospital, just a marginal improvement on last years 349. Today's trolley watch reported 19 people on trolleys in Mayo University Hospital. Mr Barrett called on councillors and TD's to 'do more' to help solve the issue. He said the 'numbers are not improving and people are still suffering'. "Why is it accepted as normal that 19 sick patients, many of them frail and elderly, are left waiting for hours and hours on trolleys to access healthcare? said the former Castlebar Town Councillor. Last week, Independent Local Election candidate Michael Kilcoyne said the HSE had not taken adequate steps to tackle the bed availability crisis, and shared his concerns over the hospital's ability to cater for possible illness outbreaks. Mr Barrett said our health system must give elderly people a level of dignity, and this ongoing chaos in A&E does not provide dignity in any sense. Mr Barrett pledged to stand for the Dail to campaign against these conditions, should they not improve. St Tiernans College have been crowned the winners of Environmental Innovators programme. Rian Reilly, James Carson and Heidi Verry, alongside their teacher Mr Flynn, from the Crossmolina secondary school were named the winning group today at a ceremony in the Bord Bia Head Office in Dublin. They previously had presented their propositions, but today they walked away National Champions and received a prize of 250 each. Environmental Innovators is a nationwide transition year programme set up by Agri Aware and supported by BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre. Students are invited to investigate solutions to the various challenges that our global food system faces. The programme consists of the four main chapters: Waste, Climate, Biodiversity and Land Use with interactive video, mapping and debate tasks offered throughout. The end-of-programme project task is for students to propose their own ideas for the worlds future food system. Alan Jagoe, Agri Aware Chairman, said: Ireland is a world leader in sustainably farmed food. Through this programme, Transition year students will have the opportunity to seek out further sustainable food solutions as the world changes. The five finalists attend the BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre at University College Dublin to tour the facilities and to present their idea to agri-food stakeholders. The programme ran for the first time last year, and despite it being a pilot year, over 7,500 students participated from 169 schools across Ireland. FORMER Taoiseach Enda Kenny and public representatives in Mayo have paid tributes to the late former Taoiseach John Bruton, who passed away earlier today. Enda Kenny, who served as a TD alongside Mr Bruton for several years, said that: Ireland has lost a true patriot; and we have all lost a good friend. The former Taoiseach went on to describe his Fine Gael colleague as a distinguished parliamentarian who became a great Taoiseach, always guided by his passion for social justice. Mr Bruton served as Taoiseach between 1994 and 1997 as part of the Fine Gael-led rainbow coalition government alongside Labour and Democratic Left. He later served as the EUs ambassador to the US between 2004 and 2009. Over the years, Mr Bruton was a frequent visitor to Mayo, particularly to his wife Finolas native town of Westport, where he owned a house. As Taoiseach, he laid much of the groundwork for future positive progress in the Northern Ireland peace process, Mr Kenny stated. John will be remembered by most as an honourable person with great resilience and a wonderful sense of humour, who always put his country first. He was outstanding in his commitment to the European Union and excelled in explaining the EU to American politicians from both parties. Mr Kenny and Deputy Michael Ring have expressed their condolence to Mr Brutons wife Finola, his daughters, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, his sons Matthew and Richard and his sister Mary. A minutes silence in Mr Brutons memory was held at todays (Tuesday) monthly meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District after cross-party tributes from local representatives. Fine Gael councillors Michael Burke, John Cribbin, and Tom Connolly all paid their tributes, with Cllr Burke describing him as a statesman who served people extremely well. Cllr Tom Connolly noted that the Meath native was a devoted Catholic who made frequent visits to Knock Shrine. Cllr Cribbin and Cllr Patsy OBrien (Independent) said that the Bruton family had been synonymous with the cattle trade, with Cllr OBrien describing him as a very ordinary man who lived an ordinary life. Fianna Fail councillor John Caulfield said Mr Bruton had been a wonderful ambassador for the country when he was abroad. His Fianna Fail colleague, Cllr Adrian Forkan, also offered his condolences. His international work was also noted by Cllr Richard Finn (Independent), who said he did his best under all types of circumstances for the nation, country and for Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein councillor Gerry Murray, Cathaoirleach of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, then led a minutes silence his memory. Mother and daughter Margaret and Sinead Walsh have urged communities across Ireland to go all out on this Daffodil day to raise funds for cancer patients. Just eight months after her 13-year-old daughter, Sinead, was diagnosed with leukemia, Margaret Walsh from Hollymount received her own breast cancer diagnosis. The pair had urged communities from every county in Ireland to turn daffodil yellow on Daffodil Day, March 22nd and go all in to raise vital funds and give hope to cancer patients. Speaking at the Irish Cancer Societys Daffodil Day launch on Friday, cancer survivor Margaret Walsh said she had a motherly instinct and knew in her heart of hearts that her daughter had leukemia, even before the doctors confirmed it. Ms Walsh said telling the rest of the family about Sineads diagnosis was just heartbreaking. Speaking upon her own diagnosis, which came shortly after Sinead began treatment, she said: I just remember thinking I dont have time for cancer, I have a child to get better. Ms Walsh sang praise for the Irish Cancer Society, and said her and her family wouldnt be where [they] are today without them. Pictured at the launch of Daffodil Day 2024 were, from left: MC Brendan Courtney, Sinead Walsh, Joseph Walsh, Margaret Walsh, Brendan Walsh, Sarah Walsh, Ciara Walsh and Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society CEO. Daffodil Day means that families like mine have invaluable help in carrying the weight of a cancer diagnosis, and in our case two cancer diagnoses she explained. The Hollymount woman describe the free support they received as a lifeline. Supports include free counselling, grants to help with the diagnosis, and an incredible family camp, which Ms Walsh said allowed her family to park cancer for a weekend and concentrate on being together as a family. Ms Walsh said none of these incredible, vital supports would exist without the publics generosity on Daffodil Day. She said she cannot fathom how different their experience would have been without them. CEO, Irish Cancer Society, Averil Power explained that all of these essential services are fueled by fundraising and could not be provided without the publics generosity. She said: Every three minutes someone in Ireland hears the words youve got cancer. There isnt a family that hasnt felt the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis. But no matter what cancer brings, the Irish Cancer Society is here to help. Ms Walsh pleaded with the public to go all in against cancer this Daffodil Day to give hope to every family facing this disease in Ireland. "The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do. said Ms Power. Ms Power asked the public to donate this Daffodil Day so that the organisation can fund life-saving research and ensure all cancer survivors have the support they need to live life to the full. Daffodil Day takes place on Friday, March 22. You can learn more on the Irish Cancer Society website. The motorcyclist in his 60s who tragically died following a collision in Limerick has been remembered as a "decent, nice and kind" man. Dan Curtin lost his life when the motorbike he was driving was involved in a collision with a car on the R515 at Kilmallock on Friday afternoon. He lived near Mallow in Cork, but he was raised in Tournafulla in west Limerick where he and his family remain in high esteem. Local Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin said the family would be one of the most respected in the west of the county. "The family is steeped in the GAA, music and all parish activities. The community of Tournafulla will rally around them at this terrible time. It's another tragedy to hit Tournafulla," he said. Details of the father-of-three's funeral have not yet been published, but are expected to be made available this Tuesday afternoon. Dan worked at Dairygold, and tributes have been paid to him from both sides of the Limerick/Cork border. "Dan was a very nice and kind man who helped so many time in Dairygold," one person wrote in a tribute on www.rip.ie. "He was great company, sincere and a true friend," another added. And a third wrote: "What a sad loss of a beautiful man, a decent man. He was always kind and helpful may God cherish his soul. May his family friends and colleagues be comforted by his very presence. May he always be with us. So hard to accept such a loss - look after us Dan." Jim Lane, who runs Lane's Stores in Abbeyfeale paid his tributes, as did Patsy and Brid Hartnett, who run Tournafulla post office. "May you have the best bet in heaven Dan, reunited now with all your family gone before," the sub-postmasters wrote. Former Cork Fianna Fail TD Ned O'Keeffe described Dan as: "A wonderful employee of Dairygold and had a great approach in dealing with farmers when he worked in the lab in Mallow." In words also posted to www.rip.ie, Adare man Liam Woulfe, who founded Grassland Agro, joined his wife Marguerita in paying tribute to Dan, who studied together in Pallaskenry and University College Cork. "Since then as our careers separated, our pursuit for the success of Limerick hurling was our common cause. Dan was a gentleman and a true friend always," Liam added. Following Friday's incident, the R515 was closed for a technical examination by Garda forensic collision investigators. An appeal has been issued for any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam pictures, who were travelling in the area between 1.30pm and 2.15pm on Friday last. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street garda station on 061-212400, the garda confidential line on 18--666111, or by visiting any garda station across the State. Dan is the beloved husband of Marion, and adored father to Eoin, Ruth and Brian. The eldest son of the late Sean and Wily Curtin, and a much loved brother of Maurice, Breda, Miriam and Gerard. His family have asked if any donations are made, they go to suicide prevention charity Pieta. His funeral arrangements are due to be released on Tuesday afternoon. May he rest in peace. Press Release February 6, 2024 Bong Go's Malasakit Center initiative gives hope to leukemia patient and father The Malasakit Center initiated by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go continues to play a crucial role in providing medical assistance to underprivileged Filipino families. A poignant narrative comes from James Santiago, a thirty-year-old resident of Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan, whose daughter, Quianna Santiago, has been battling leukemia. In a heartfelt account, James expressed the gravity of the situation faced by his family. "Kung wala po 'yung Malasakit Center, hindi ko po mapapatuloy 'yung pagpapagamot sa anak ko. Baka po lumala pa po 'yung sakit niya," he stated. His words underscore the dire circumstances his family was in before they received assistance from the Malasakit Center. Five-year-old Quianna's health ordeal began subtly with paleness and unexplained bruises, leading to a devastating diagnosis at a hospital in Roxas City in Capiz. The family, already strained financially, was on the brink of despair. James recounted, "Humingi po kami ng tulong sa mga social welfare, kasi naubos na po 'yung ipon namin. Hindi na po namin kaya 'yung pagpapagamot sa kanya." At this critical juncture, the Malasakit Center at the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City intervened, providing a lifeline for Quianna's dialysis and chemotherapy treatments. The Malasakit Center, a collaborative effort among various government agencies, has been pivotal in easing the burden of medical expenses for countless Filipinos. The centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), aiming to support underprivileged patients in covering their hospital costs and reducing it to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos. James and Quianna's story is a testament to the center's significant impact. Expressing profound gratitude, the father said, "Sa Panginoon po, marami pong salamat dahil ginabayan niya si Senator Bong Go, 'yung Malasakit (Centers) para matulungan kami." Go reassured Filipinos of the unwavering support provided by these Malasakit centers as he continues to monitor its implementation as part of his oversight functions as Chair of the Senate Health Committee. According to Go, Malasakit Centers represent hope, ensuring no Filipino is left behind in accessing necessary medical care. As families like the Santiagos navigate their most challenging times, the Malasakit Centers' support illuminate their path to recovery and resilience. "Lapitan n'yo lang po ang Malasakit Center. Para po 'yan sa Pilipino," Go stated, adding: "tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. 'Yan po ang pwede kong ialay sa Pilipino. Ang aking serbisyo at pagmamalasakit po sa inyo." Aside from Malasakit Centers, Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law on August 24. The law mandates the establishment of specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals which will provide specialized healthcare to all regions. Call for Submission. IPAS is recruiting a consultant or consulting cabinet to conduct an endline evaluation of one of its projects on sexual reproductive health supported by the Swedish government with objectives to reinforce health systems work funded by other donors, converging to increase womens and girls access to high-quality, non-judgmental safe abortion care services in Ipas-supported facilities. The scope focuses on activities around political support and leadership, policy, and community support for abortion access. I. Context Unsafe abortions are a serious public health issue around the world. Globally, unsafe abortions account for approximately 1 in 7 deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth. This problem is most acute in Africa, which bears the greatest burden in terms of maternal deaths compared to other regions of the globe. According to data published by Guttmacher Institute in 2018, the abortion rate for the Africa zone is apparent at 34 per 1000 women of reproductive age (15-44). In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a 2016 study on abortion in Kinshasa, revealed that the abortion rate was revealed at 56 terminations per 1,000 women aged 15-49. According to the survey on emergency obstetric and neonatal care conducted by the National Program for Reproductive Health, 14 women die per day because of unsafe abortion. The DRC therefore continues to be among the 6 countries in the world contributing to 50% of the global maternal mortality rate. In addition, access to safe abortion responds to the rights that every woman and girl have to dispose of their bodies, without discrimination (see Maputo protocol). As such, one of the strategies for effectively combating unsafe abortions is legal access to abortion care in safe conditions. In 2008, the DRC ratified the Maputo Protocol (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa). In Article 14, the Protocol specifically addresses the right to safe abortion care and the need for governments to take administrative and regulatory steps to make abortion available. The Protocol allows for abortion in cases of rape, foetal anomaly, incest, and danger to the mother or babys health, including mental health. The evaluation shall be carried out from 15th february to 28th March 2024. The timing of any field visits, surveys and interviews needs to be settled by the evaluator in dialogue with the main stakeholders during the inception phase. The table below lists key deliverables for the endline evaluation process. Deliverables Participants Deadlines 1. Draft inception report Evaluators Tentative, 15th february 2024 2. Comments from intended users to evaluators and inception meeting in Kinshasa Embassy of Sweden, Ipas, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender and Evaluators Tentative, 20th February 2024 2. Data collection, analysis, report writing and quality assurance Evaluators 20th February to 15th March 2024 3. Draft evaluation report Evaluators Tentative, 20th March 2024 4. Comments from intended users to evaluators Embassy of Sweden, Ipas, and Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender Tentative, 23rd March 2023 5. Final evaluation report Evaluators 28th March 2024 6. Final report dissemination Swedish Embassy, Ipas DRC 30th March 2024 The inception report should be written in English and cover evaluability issues and interpretations of evaluation questions, present the evaluation approach/methodology, methods for data collection and analysis as well as the full evaluation design, including an evaluation matrix and a stakeholder mapping/analysis. A clear distinction between the evaluation approach/methodology and methods for data collection shall be made. All limitations to the methodology and methods shall be made explicit and the consequences of these limitations discussed. The final report shall be written in English and be professionally proofread. It should have clear structure. The report should be as concise as possible elaborating on the main midterm evaluation questions. The inclusion of personal data in the report must always be based on a written consent. II. Evaluation team qualification In addition to the qualifications already stated in the framework agreement for evaluation services, the evaluation team should include the following competencies: Knowledge and experience working with sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people including experience working with abortion and extensive/in-depth experience in conducting evaluations covering this area. Knowledge and experience working with gender equality and womens rights. Knowledge and experience with the use of mass and interpersonal communication for social change and as a tool for enhancing governance and social development. Experience with the DRC health landscape Fluency in French and English III. List of Documents to provide: 1. CV or CVs of members that compose the consulting cabinet. 2. Cover letter 3. Legal Documents of the cabinet or consultant 4. Tax number and others that apply. All these documents are to be sent by email to Procurementdrc@ipas.org by 09th February 2024 at 17H00 Kinshasa local time. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 5, 2024 Google must address the recent concerns raised around its proposed Privacy Sandbox changes before it can move forward to deprecate third-party cookies from Chrome in the second half of 2024, according to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA published a report stating "Google cannot proceed with third-party cookie deprecation until our concerns are resolved." It called this time of review a "standstill period," where it will work with Google to assess the changes. Once resolved, Google can move forward and "deprecate third-party cookies in the second half of 2024." The assessment will combine all available testing results provided by Google and third parties, along with any assurances that Google will resolve any remaining competition concerns. Concerns and potential impacts are outlined in the latest report from the CMA, which will work with Google to resolve any concerns related to the design of the Privacy Sandbox tools and to ensure that Google does not use the tools in a way that self-preferences its own advertising services. advertisement advertisement Other concerns include the potential for Google to benefit from user-activity data while limiting competitors access to the same data, and controlling the inclusion of ad-tech rivals on this list could provide an advantage its ad-tech services. In addition, there may be issues arising from the more limited ability of publishers and advertisers to effectively identify fraudulent activity Privacy Sandbox was introduced as an alternative to third-party cookie tracking in the Chrome browser. It aims to minimize cross-site and cross-app tracking. Google had proposed Privacy Sandbox changes based on the framework and commitments in February 2022 to address competition concerns relating to its proposals to remove third-party cookies from Chrome. Anthony Katsur, CEO of IAB Tech Lab, expects the advertising industry to go through a radical period of transformation through 2025. There will be major ramifications around "signal loss," as Katsur refers to it, as major companies strip information from browsers. Privacy Sandbox is one initiative that is driving the change. "Youre going to hear the term 'signal loss' frequently this year, Katsur says. He explains that the term drove much of the 2024 road map for IAB Tech Lab. Its all tied into the deprecation of cookies, protecting IP address and continued development on the regulatory landscape worldwide. By 2025, 11 U.S. states will have privacy regulations, he said. The CMA may require a delay to resolve its concerns, which may become a blessing for brands falling behind in implementing the processes. IAB Tech Lab has been working with agencies and brands to help them operate in a world without browser cookies. Katsur said in late January that the IAB Tech Labs Privacy Sandbox working group will review learnings for accuracy with Google, and plans to publish the analysis in early February. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 5, 2024 Siding against mobile data broker Kochava, a federal judge has ruled that the Federal Trade Commission can proceed with a lawsuit alleging the company harmed consumers by selling precise geolocation data. The FTCs claim is legally and factually plausible, U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill in Idaho wrote in a ruling issued Saturday. He essentially found that the FTC's allegations, if proven true, could support the agency's claim that Kochava engaged in an unfair business practice -- meaning it engaged in activity that could cause substantial injury to consumers, and isn't reasonably avoidable or outweighed by benefits. Kochava allegedly provides its customers with vast amounts of essentially non-anonymized information about millions of mobile device users past physical locations, personal characteristics (including age, ethnicity, and gender), religious and political affiliations, marital and parental statuses, economic statuses, and more, he wrote. advertisement advertisement This alleged invasion of privacy -- which is substantial both in quantity and quality -- plausibly constitutes a 'substantial injury' to consumers, he added. Kochava founder and CEO Charles Manning stated Monday that the company is confident it will prevail on the merits. Kochava has always operated consistently and proactively in compliance with all rules and laws, including those specific to privacy, he stated. Never in a million years did we imagine that as a small, law-abiding company wed find ourselves in the ring on behalf of an entire industry, Manning added. The new ruling comes shortly after the FTC announced that two other companies -- Outlogic (formerly X-Mode) and InMarket Media -- agreed to resolve charges that they sold sensitive location data. Winmill's ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by the FTC in 2022, when it claimed Kochava engages in an unfair business practice by selling the kind of precise geolocation data that could expose sensitive information, such as whether people visited doctors' offices or religious institutions. Among other allegations, the FTC said Kochava sells precise geolocation data as well as mobile advertising IDs -- unique, 32-character identifiers that persist, unless consumers proactively reset them. Kochava countered that the data it sells isn't personally identifiable, and that the agency's allegations -- even if proven true -- wouldn't amount to unfair conduct. Manning repeated portions of that argument Monday, stating that the FTC's lawsuit represented an attempt by the agency to make an end-run around Congress to create data privacy law. Winmill acknowledged in the ruling that Kochava disputes the FTC's key allegations, but noted that his ruling dealt only with legal issues, not factual disagreements. In May 2023 Winmill dismissed the FTC's initial complaint, ruling that the allegations, even if proven true, wouldn't show that Kochava created a significant risk of harm to consumers. At the time he allowed the FTC to beef up its allegations and bring the claims again. The FTC did so in June, when it alleged in an amended complaint that in many cases Kochava provides data that directly links this precise geolocation data to identifying information about individual consumers, such as names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. The amended complaint also cited marketing materials that, according to the FTC, highlight Kochava's ability to connect each individual consumer to multiple 'data points' in order to ensure that its customers are able to continuously track consumers and connect consumers activities with historic and new data. The FTC additionally alleged that Kochava directly links mobile ad identifiers with other identifying information, such as names, email addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers. The company's marketing materials elaborate that it determines people's home locations by looking at the resting lat/lon of a given device between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and omit known business locations, the FTC said in its amended complaint. Winmill effectively held in his new ruling that the allegations in the amended complaint, if true, could show that Kochava violated consumers' privacy and also exposed them to secondary harms -- such as stigma or emotional distress. His new ruling points to some specific allegations -- including that Kochava itself makes inferences about consumers, rather than simply providing raw data from which its customers could make inferences. Those inferences are generally more reliable than inferences drawn solely from geolocation data, Winmill wrote. For example, data revealing a device users daily use of an app specifically designed to track and manage cancer treatments leaves little to the imagination. By contrast, when Winmill dismissed the original complaint he wrote that inferences based solely on raw location data were unreliable. For instance, he wrote last year, geolocation data showing a device user visited an oncology clinic twice in a week could reveal that the user has cancer, or that a friend or family member of the user has cancer. Manning reiterated Monday that before the FTC sued, Kochava announced a privacy block feature that removes known health services locations from its marketplace. He added that Kochava's privacy block has been blocking over 2.1 million locations from its data products on an ongoing basis. Privacy advocate Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at Consumer Reports, cheered Winmill's new opinion upholding the complaint. It's a somewhat surprising course correction, but from my perspective, a welcome one, he said. He added that a judicial ruling in a contested matter could have a bigger impact on the industry than the voluntary settlements the FTC entered into with InMarket Media and Outlogic. by Ray Schultz , February 5, 2024 The Anamosa Journal-Eureka, a weekly that seemed headed for closure only last week, may survive. Nelson Media Company, which owns a video production unit and marketing agency, has reached a tentative agreement to acquire the Iowa paper from Woodward Community Media. Last Thursdays edition was to be its final one unless a buyer came forward. This was an acquisition I wanted to get done as soon as I could, says Chris Nelson, president and CEO of the Nelson Media Company. The Anamosa Journal-Eureka has a long-standing relationship with the community, and frankly, with the state of Iowa. We stepped in to help save a newspaper which predated the Civil War. The newspaper will continue to run as is pending the transfer. Nelson hopes to retain as many employees as possible. We want to dive head first into the community and make this paper shine, Nelson says. Our commitment is always to journalism; telling great stories in the community, being a partner to businesses and organizations, and making sure we have a viable product to share to our subscribers, customers, and citizens of Anamosa and Jones County. advertisement advertisement Financially, weve also lost a significant amount of money, so it was not in a sustainable situation, said Bob Woodward, recently vice president of Woodward Community Media, last week, according to cbs2Iowa.com. by Teresa Buyikian , February 5, 2024 Consumers searching for Valentines day dining suggestions have a new source of info. Chipotle just released a list of its top-10 most interesting locations sure to impress any burrito-loving date. The chain's Must-Visit Restaurant list features restaurants around the world (out of Chipotle's 3,400+) that offer a little more than a burrito bowl. The selected spots feature views of more than a parking lot, interesting history or unusual architecture. For the outdoorsy types, the Chipotle in Sedona, Arizona boasts views of the tourist destinations red rock buttes, also providing a post-meal hiking destination. Those whose significant other enjoys history will want to visit the Boston location in a 300-year-old former bookstore, also Bostons oldest commercial building. For those seeking an otherworldly experience, Chipotle recommends a visit to the St. Louis store located within the Flying Saucer Building, with historic mid-century modern UFO-esque architecture that gives off alien vibes. advertisement advertisement New Yorkers wont have to go very far for their Valentines Day burrito fix, as theres a Chipotle on the bottom floor of the Empire State Building, where diners can pick up burritos before heading to the observation deck. For the civic-minded, theres the Chipotle Congress in Austin, Texas, in a historic building, blocks from the states capitol. Train enthusiasts can visit Chipotle's West Dickson Street restaurant in Fayetteville, Arkansas, located in the historic Frisco Depot train station, a National Register of Historic Places-listed train station. And theres more for architecture aficionados across the pond in London, where the St. Martins lane store features a Victorian and Edwardian influenced facade. Paris isnt only the city of love; it also boasts one of the largest Chipotles. With three floors of dining space, theres plenty of room in the Montmartre location for those who made it to Paris for Valentines Day, but perhaps forgot to make fancier dinner plans. Those who want to dine alfresco can head to Atlanta, where Buckhead North has the largest patio of any Chipotle location. Finally, Chipotle superfans can make the pilgrimage to the original first Chipotle location in Denver. "We hear from countless fans who have found love while bonding over Chipotle's real food," said Chipotle Chief Brand Officer Chris Brandt in a release "With Valentine's Day around the corner, we wanted to make it easy for guests to find a dynamic date destination." Speaking of finding love in real life at Chipotle, the chain also reported that fans of the chain connect online as well. People using the word "Chipotle" in their dating profile were 2.4 times more likely to strike up a conversation with a potential match, the company claims. by Ray Schultz , February 5, 2024 Amazon and Reach, said to be the UKs largest publisher, are partnering on an effort to drive online advertising with customer data to compensate for the loss of third-party cookies. Reach will provide Amazon with contextual first-party data to help place ads near content preferred by audiences, working with Mantis to do so, according to Financial Times (FT). As the industry shifts towards an environment where cookies are not available, first party contextual signals are critical in helping us develop actionable insights that enable our advertisers to reach relevant audiences without sacrificing reach, relevancy or ad performance, says Frazer Locke, director of EU adtech sales for Amazon Ads, FT reports. Mantis works with several publishers, FT continues. Publishers see cookie loss as one of the biggest changes to the advertising market in the digital age, says Jon Steinberg, chief executive of Future, FT continues. Steinberg predicts that advertisers, agencies, and quality publishers [will work] even more closely together to reach audiences that drive outcomes for brands, FT adds. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, February 6, 2024 Havas management and business transformation consultancy Gate One has announced that Ben Tye has been elevated to lead the firm as managing partner. Tye succeeds Tim Phillips, who co-founded Gate One in 2013. Havas acquired the firm in 2019. advertisement advertisement Havas said Phillips would shift to a new position in the Havas network but provided no details on the new role. As co-founder, Phillips helped Gate One grow from a four-partner start-up to an international practice with over 270 consulting personnel across the UK, Ireland and the US. Advertisement RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a major scientific breakthrough, a research team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), working alongside researchers from the UK, the US, and India, discovered a vital gene instrumental in combating malaria. This gene, termed PfAP2-MRP, is essential in the replication process of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most lethal strain of malaria. Advertisement CONTACT INFORMATION For more information please contact: Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Media Affairs Head, 0555254429 Mr. Abdullah Al-Awn, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232 WASHINGTON A Senate deal on border enforcement measures and Ukraine aid suffered a swift and total collapse Tuesday as Republicans withdrew support despite President Joe Biden urging Congress to show some spine and stand up to Donald Trump. Just minutes after the Democratic president's remarks at the White House, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell emerged from a GOP luncheon at the Capitol and acknowledged that the deal was dead. It looks to me and to most of our members that we have no real chance here to make a law, the Kentucky Republican told reporters. The split-screen moments in Washington represented a rapid turn of events that showed McConnells slipping control of his GOP conference, Trumps growing influence, and Bidens ability only to look on as a cornerstone of his foreign policy halting Russian President Vladimir Putins advance into Europe crumbled in Congress. Biden had engaged for months with Senate leaders on a carefully negotiated plan to pair policies intended to curb illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border with $60 billion in wartime aid for Ukraine. The bill was intended to exhibit American strength around the world and would also have sent tens of billions of dollars more for Israel, other U.S. allies in Asia, the U.S. immigration system and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. But after Republicans rejected the compromise, the president and Senate leaders are now stranded with no clear way to advance aid for Ukraine through Congress. They have run into a wall of opposition from conservatives led by Trump who reject the border proposal as insufficient and criticize Ukraine funding as wasteful. Biden laid blame for the bill's demise squarely on Trump his likely Republican opponent in the November presidential election. For the last 24 hours hes done nothing, Im told, but reach out to Republicans in the House and the Senate and threaten them and try to intimidate them to vote against this proposal, Biden said. "It looks like theyre caving. Frankly, they owe it to the American people to show some spine and do what they know to be right. Democrats in the Capitol vented frustration at their colleagues as it became clear that the deal was done. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer cast Tuesday as a gloomy day here in the United States Senate during a floor speech in which he scolded Republicans for backing away from the deal. He still dared them to vote against border security an issue they have long championed. After months of good faith negotiations, after months of giving Republicans many of the things they asked for, Leader McConnell and the Republican conference are ready to kill the national security supplemental package even with border provisions they so fervently demand, Schumer said. After McConnell insisted that border policy changes be included in the package last year, the White House worked for months with senators on a compromise. They hoped it would unlock Republican votes for Ukraine aid in the House where scores of GOP lawmakers have come out against funding Kyiv's fight against Russia. Out of funds, the Pentagon is sending no more arms shipments to Kyiv just as the war entering its third year reaches a critical juncture. Ukraine is struggling with ammunition and personnel shortages while Russia is on the offensive, mounting relentless attacks. Every week, every month that passes without new aid to Ukraine means fewer artillery shells, fewer air defense systems, fewer tools for Ukraine to defend itself against this Russian onslaught, Biden said. Just what Putin wants. Senators have been floundering for a way to get Ukraine funding through the Republican-controlled House. And after the border compromise collapsed Tuesday, some suggested jettisoning that portion from the package and advancing the aid for U.S. allies on their own. But that idea also faces resistance in the Republican-controlled House, where House Speaker Mike Johnson is under pressure from hardline conservatives not to bring any Ukraine funding up for a vote. When asked about wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel Tuesday, he told reporters, We have to deal with these measures and these issues independently and separately. The House was scheduled to vote on a $17.6 billion package of military aid for Israel, but hardline conservatives have signaled opposition because the funding would not be offset with budget cuts in other areas. Democrats were also largely opposed to the bill because it undermined the push for a comprehensive package that would include Ukraine and other allies in Asia. The lack of a national security deal will loom large over Bidens Friday meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Biden plans to underscore to Scholz that he remains committed to providing Ukraine the funding it needs to continue to repel the nearly two-year-old Russian invasion. McConnell said in an earlier floor speech that it was essential to assert American strength in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, yet also blamed Biden for not responding sooner to threats from rival powers. Either we confront challenges we face with clear strategy and firm resolve or we lose, McConnell said. But the longtime Republican leader has not been able to convince his conference to warm to the compromises on border security after Trump excoriated it. Within hours of the bill's release Sunday, Johnson said he would not support it, and even GOP senators who had been supportive of the border policies under discussion came out against the bill on Tuesday. The politics of this were a big factor, said Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican. When the speaker said basically the Senate bill is dead on arrival. And then President Trump weighs in and discourages Republicans from voting for it. In light of their refusal to support the bill, some congressional Republicans have shifted to blaming Biden, suggesting that he already has the authority to halt the flow of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, a vast oversimplification of the matter. The border proposal represented one of the most conservative and comprehensive proposals in decades to emerge from a bipartisan negotiation in Congress. It would seek to tamp down the historic number of illegal border crossings by making the asylum process tougher and faster. Presidential administrations would also be given authority to deny migrants from claiming asylum at the border if the number of migrants claiming asylum becomes unmanageable for authorities. Biden called the proposal the most fair, humane reforms in our immigration system in a long time, and the toughest set of reforms to secure the border ever. But Republicans have largely heeded the wishes of Trump to reject the bill because it would show that Biden could act to address problems at the border, which is seen as one of his largest vulnerabilities in his reelection campaign. Americans will turn to the upcoming election to end the border crisis, said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming in a statement. But Biden too suggested he would make the Republican rejection of border policies a campaign issue, saying, Ill be taking this issue to the country and the voters are going to know that. ___ Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed. After a cockroach infestation was found at a North Carolina barracks, the Marine Corps said that it moved some troops out of the building and called in pest control, according to the installation and images reviewed by Military.com. A spokesperson for the installation said that one barracks in the French Creek area of Camp Lejeune was affected and that at least one room of Marines was displaced from their housing after the discovery. Images of the barracks showed what appeared to be cockroaches and bug feces, some of which lined drapes and splattered the areas behind appliances. Troops were called in over the weekend to clean the affected barracks, according to a service member there. They described the cockroach issue as an "invasion" and "infestation." Read Next: As US Troops Take Fire in Middle East, Lawmakers Consider Billions in New Funding "According to the unit, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, they are aware of a barracks in the French Creek area where service members identified, reported and requested assistance on pest mitigation in their rooms," Nat Fahy, a spokesperson for Camp Lejeune, told Military.com on Monday. Marines at the barracks reported a cockroach issue three weeks ago, Fahy said. Troops were given household sprays and traps to mitigate the issue, but a week later, the facilities manager requested formal pest control, which prompted the service to move some Marines out. "While these barracks are the only ones we are aware of at this time, we also know this area is conducive to roaches and mold, so it's not unusual for our facilities maintenance work reception personnel to receive work tickets requesting more comprehensive pest treatments, especially in chow halls and other areas where food is prepared," Fahy said Monday. The cockroach discovery comes after a spate of Marine barracks issues has garnered attention over the last few months and as top Corps leaders work to resolve housing issues by 2030, including lobbying Congress for more money to tackle outdated and substandard living conditions for Marines. In the last two months, Military.com has reported on moldy showers at Camp Lejeune, as well as a Marine facility in California that had dead vermin, flooded washers and apparent mold. Marine Corps Times reported Friday that some troops at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a West Coast installation, lacked consistent hot water in their barracks for months. At Camp Lejeune, a service member described several instances of cockroaches in living quarters across multiple barracks there. They also said they were cognizant of the fact that food attracts bugs and would take garbage out to a nearby dumpster in an attempt to keep the cockroaches at bay. "It was very early in the morning," they said of one encounter. "The alarm didn't wake me up. I didn't wake me up. There was a cockroach that crawled up my back and onto my shoulder that woke me up." Humidity -- especially in the Southeast -- presents a problem for the decades-old barracks around the Corps. The service member described some living spaces at Camp Lejeune as "typically uncomfortably warm." Some Marine Corps installations across the force have had difficulty maintaining livable temperatures in facilities, which can lead to increased instances of mold and pests. Cockroaches, which are attracted to warm, food-rich environments, can pose health issues if not exterminated, according to the American Lung Association. According to the association, allergens can be found in cockroach saliva, body parts and feces that can be kicked up while cleaning and exacerbate lung issues like asthma. "It's practically a perfect breeding ground for [them]," the service member said. Fahy, the spokesperson, agreed that cockroach and mold problems are common in eastern North Carolina, where the base is located. "Most cockroach problems can be prevented by putting exposed food in containers, regular cleaning, and using sprays and traps in areas where they're known to exist," Fahy said. "Major infestations are typically dealt with using contracted exterminators." The affected barracks belongs to the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, a unit that falls under II Marine Expeditionary Forces, or II MEF. Military.com reached out to II MEF Friday morning with a series of questions, but did not hear back. Instead, the publication was contacted by Camp Lejeune's installation public affairs, several echelons above the affected unit, which said that Marines and sailors are responsible for cleaning mold and cockroaches until it "exceeds their ability to handle it," according to Fahy. "If a mold or infestation problem exceeds their ability to handle it, they are directed to contact their facilities manager, which is typically a unit-designated NCO assigned to handle maintenance issues in that building," Fahy said. Those requests then go to the unit's logistics leadership "who will inspect the problem area and determine whether it is an issue that can be mitigated at the unit level or requires a formal work request to the installation." Meanwhile, top Marine Corps officials have rolled out Barracks 2030, an effort to knock down and refurbish living facilities in the service. As of March, there were 17,000 Marines who lived in substandard housing, according to a Government Accountability Report released last year. One effort under the program is to phase out barracks managers like the one Fahy referenced in favor of contracted civilian managers -- something that current and former service members have told Military.com they believe is a good idea. "I don't want to put a corporal or a sergeant who's not a barracks manager in charge of that barracks," Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith told reporters in October. "That's how you fix the public works -- with a professional to a professional." Amid the images and reports of squalid facilities, Corps officials have testified in front of Congress about quality-of-life issues; shown pristine, new barracks on social media; and embarked on a robust information campaign to describe what improvements the service is working on and will work on in the future to handle housing problems. Service leaders, like Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz, the top enlisted leader, have conceded that some troops coming into or leaving the service now might not see new barracks. Smith said it could take a decade to fix the problem. "I clearly see things are moving in the right direction due to this taking wind," a service member told Military.com of the cockroach issue. But "new barracks won't be until at least 2030." Related: Marine Corps Plans Resident Advisers in Barracks and Other Fixes as Gross Facility Photos Surface Online Two soldiers were arrested Friday and accused of stealing LGBTQ+ Pride flags at least three times from a house just outside the gates of Fort Myer, Virginia. Local authorities with Arlington County announced the arrest of Spc. Matthew Henshaw, 20, and Pfc. Joseph Digregorio, 23. Both soldiers are with the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, the Army's premier ceremonial unit tasked with burials at Arlington National Cemetery. The two were arrested after an investigation into a series of thefts targeting the house from September to January. The Pride flag is a universal symbol used by gay, lesbian, transgender and other people to show pride and support of related social movements. Some of the alleged thefts were captured on video, which was reviewed by Military.com. Read Next: New Tricare Contracts to Kick Off in 2025, Promising Improved Quality and Service for Beneficiaries Michelle Logan lives with her girlfriend at the house where police say the suspects stole the flags. She said five flags were taken since September, with three of the incidents captured on her Ring security camera. "We know that, in Arlington, there are a lot of queer people and allies in the area," she told Military.com in an interview. "But it's still really hard to fit in when you're queer, and this was a stark reminder for us." Military.com reviewed Logan's Ring security footage and saw at least three instances of a man snatching the pride flag and then quickly running away. Those incidents took place between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.; in two of them, the suspect was wearing a cowboy hat. Police say Henshaw was charged with three counts of "unlawful entry -- bias motivated," which according to Virginia law is when a person intentionally selects a property based on someone's identity, such as race, gender or sexual orientation. Each misdemeanor count carries up to 12 months in prison and/or a $2,500 fine. Henshaw faces three additional counts of petit larceny, which carries the same penalty. Digregorio was charged with one count of petit larceny for one of the incidents that occurred Jan. 21. Both soldiers have been released from jail. It was unclear as of Tuesday whether they have hired lawyers, or if the pair will face any military judicial or administrative punishments. Military.com could not reach either for comment ahead of publication. "As this remains an active investigation, it would be too early to speculate on what repercussions the soldiers might face," Bernhard Lashleyleidner, a service spokesperson, told Military.com in a statement. "We recognize the value of diversity and equality, and the actions of those involved do not represent the values and character of The Old Guard or our Army. "We will continue to work with the Arlington County Police Department throughout this ongoing investigation," he said. For Logan, there was a positive outcome to the incidents, she said. Close to a dozen neighbors are now flying Pride flags to show solidarity after the soldiers were arrested. "We're calling it Rainbow Road now," she said. -- Patricia Kime contributed to this report. Related: Most of the Military Not Tracking Number of Families Relocated Due to Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Air Force officials are considering bringing back warrant officers and may start creating a training program this year, reversing a decision from 65 years ago when the service ended that grade, according to a planning document obtained by Military.com. The three-page planning order says that "great power competition" -- Defense Department lingo for escalating defense spending and resources against adversaries such as China -- is underscoring the need to resurrect warrant officers, the corps of highly technical service members who are above the enlisted ranks but below the commissioned officer ranks. "The service must examine new ways to develop and retain a highly capable, technologically capable corps of air-minded warfighters," the document says. "To fully leverage the technical depth and breadth of talent of our airmen and cultivate the strategic advantage USAF technicians have historically provided, we will make the necessary preparations to re-establish a WO [warrant officer] corps and deliver foundational training for designated WO-1 candidates." Read Next: New Tricare Contracts to Kick Off in 2025, Promising Improved Quality and Service for Beneficiaries The planning order, which originated from Air University and was dated Jan. 26, was marked controlled unclassified information, a term used for unclassified but protected information. Rose Riley, a Department of the Air Force spokeswoman, declined to comment on the document but noted that next week is the Air and Space Forces Association's Warfare Symposium in Colorado, a conference where Air Force officials often make policy announcements and speak with members of the press. "There's nothing we have to offer on that," Riley said. "Anything related to the [secretary of the Air Force's] plans for re-optimizing for great power competition will be announced next week." Warrant officers are used by the other service branches as highly technical subject matter experts and single-track leaders. They typically come from the enlisted ranks. The Air Force had warrant officers when it spun off into a separate service branch in 1947, a role it had inherited from the Army. According to the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation, the Air Force discontinued the grade in 1959. "They determined that structure, training and retention needs were best served by eliminating their warrant officer program," the Warrant Officer Historical Foundation said on its website. "There were approximately 4,500 Air Force warrant officer authorizations when this decision was made." The last active-duty Air Force warrant officer was CWO-4 James H. Long, who retired in 1980, according to the foundation. The last Air Force Reserve warrant officer, CWO-4 Bob Barrow, retired from the ranks in 1992, and was honorarily promoted to CWO-5. He is still the only person in the Air Force ever to hold that grade. It does not appear, per the document, that the new warrant officer program would be producing pilots. The Air Force's January planning document details what it will take "to develop a concept of operations (CONOP) to establish a training pipeline to reintroduce a USAF non-aviation warrant officer (WO) program as a technical corps NLT October 2024." The Air Force has previously shot down the idea of using warrant officers as a way to fill the ongoing pilot shortage with aviators. In 2018, Air Force officials said at a conference that the Rand Corp. think tank was tasked with looking at the idea but its study did not recommend it, Military.com reported. If the training program is successful and occurs, it would be "effectively delivering foundational training for up to 200 junior WO-1s per year and up to 50 senior warrant officers WO-2s -- WO-5s with officer's commissions per year to build and sustain a WO corps." Candidates to become warrant officers could come from the active-duty, Air National Guard and reserve, according to the pre-decisional document. Related: Air Force Again Shoots Down Proposal to Make Warrant Officer Pilots WASHINGTON Build more wall. Reinstate Trump-era immigration policies. Or simply shut down the U.S.-Mexico border. Congressional Republicans argue that President Joe Biden already has all the authority he needs to halt the flow of migrants through the U.S.-Mexico border. They're making the claim as a bipartisan deal that the president negotiated with senators to expand his authority is facing near-certain defeat. The reality about Biden's powers to control migration is far more complicated. Without changes to immigration laws or more funding to manage the growing number of migrants arriving at the Southern border, not much of what Biden can try will stick just as was the case for presidents before him. President Biden needs Congress to be able to address the situation at the border, said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a lawyer and policy analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. That is the simplest way to put it. The $118 billion bipartisan proposal in Congress would overhaul the asylum system to provide faster and tougher enforcement, as well as give presidents new powers to immediately expel migrants if authorities become overwhelmed with the number of people applying for asylum. It also would add $20 billion in funding a huge influx of cash. The package, which pairs border enforcement policy with wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, would be the most significant immigration legislation in a decade. It has the potential, for better or worse, to transform some of the most vexing border problems. And up until recently, it appeared to have a chance at passing. Donald Trumps allies are looking to sink the deal in large part because the Republican presidential frontrunner is loathe to give Biden a win on immigration. Trump wants to hammer the president on the issue during the campaign. Just months ago, Republicans were asking for this exact bill to deal with the border, to provide support for Ukraine and Israel. And now it's there. And they're saying, 'Nevermind. Nevermind," Biden said Tuesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he would not put the bill on the House floor in its current form, saying it would act as a magnet" for illegal immigration, the authority to shut down asylum was riddled with loopholes and that the release of migrants into the U.S. would only continue. If you give extraordinary authority to the very architect of the catastrophe, it will do no good, Johnson said. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican posted on X, formerly Twitter: Biden has the power to end the border crisis without Congress. He just doesnt want to. But immigration officials do not have expanded detention capability unless they get more funding for detention. They also can't hold families in detention longer than roughly three weeks under a longstanding policy, and they can't mix together single adults and family units for safety reasons under law. Biden already has flexed his unilateral powers to address the border in multiple ways. The Biden administration has taken more than 500 executive actions on immigration since he took office, according to the Migration Policy Institute, more than Trump did in four years as president. Some policies have been successful, but the number of crossings has continued to rise to record numbers. His administrations approach has been to pair new humanitarian pathways for migrants with a crackdown at the border to try to discourage migrants from making the dangerous journey to the U.S.-Mexico border on foot. He also has tried to make the issue more global, using his foreign policy experience to broker agreements with other nations. And the administration has worked to restrict asylum through a proposed federal rule. But that policy is currently tied up in litigation, much like what stymied Trump during his tenure. A law change by Congress would make those lawsuits less frequent and less successful, and an infusion of cash would make it possible to hire more employees to dig out from the backlog. Just point blank, that Biden could do this on his own is just not true. There's simply not enough asylum officers," said Taylor Levy, a longtime immigration attorney who has spent years at the U.S.-Mexico border. Biden could say he was going to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border entirely, but there would be billions of dollars lost or delayed in trade, and the U.S. would be in violation of international laws that govern what a country must do with refugees. As for some of the other policies, they're also not likely to be easily reinstated even if Biden wanted to, which he doesn't. The Title 42 policy rolled out by Trump relied on special powers granted a president during a public health emergency. It allowed border agents the ability to turn away many asylum seekers immediately. Those powers went away when the national emergency over the pandemic was ended by Congress last May. The so-called Remain in Mexico policy put in place by the Trump administration forced asylum seekers to wait out their claims in Mexico in squalid camps riddled with crime and sickness. But that agreement relies on cooperation from Mexico, and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is hinting that talks with the U.S. on migration could suffer after reports of a U.S. investigation into suspected drug money donations for his 2006 campaign. On Tuesday he said he finally agreed to meet with a top White House adviser only after he got a call from the president. As for the border wall, Trump tried to build some without Congressional approval. He declared a national emergency so that he could divert billions of federal dollars from military construction and other purposes after Congress approved only a fraction of the money he had demanded. The issue was challenged in court almost immediately and went all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. Anna Cabot, immigration clinic director at the University of Houston Law Center, said reimposing Title 42 rules would require action by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and some sort of justification, like the coronavirus. Even then, it would face litigation. As for the Remain in Mexico policy and emergency border wall construction both would "immediately be tied up in most likely losing litigation, she said. The bipartisan bill has earned a wide range of support, including from the Border Patrol union, though some Democrats and immigrant advocates say it's far too restrictive and would change the U.S. role as a haven for refugees. But Biden has said it was the best effort so far to stop the continued flow of migrants that are straining an already broken system. He went so far as to adopt Republican language, saying he'd shut down the border when he was given the authority to do so. And on Tuesday, he questioned why it appeared Congress was not willing to give him the tools to manage the growing numbers at the border and accused Republicans of being too afraid to stand up to Trump on an issue critical to the country and also to the world. "Republicans have to decide. Who do they serve? Donald Trump or the American people? he asked. Associated Press Writer Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report. The Navy has fired the commanding officer of the Japan-based destroyer USS Howard who has been at the post less than six months and came after another fired commander. The Navy "relieved the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard, Cmdr. Cameron Dennis, Feb. 6, 2024, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties," the Navy said in its statement Tuesday. The statement added that Capt. Dave Huljack will be assigned as commanding officer until a permanent relief is identified. Read Next: 2 Fort Myer Soldiers Arrested and Charged with Stealing LGBTQ+ Pride Flags from House Beside Base The Navy's statement did not offer any more information about why Dennis was removed from leadership, outside of the boilerplate "loss of confidence" remark. Dennis appears to be the second Navy commander relieved this year. Navy officials have said that in 2023 the service relieved 15 commanding officers. The officer, who according to his service biography, began his Navy career as an undesignated sailor in 1993 before commissioning in 2006, took over commanding the Howard in September after the Navy relieved his predecessor -- Cmdr. Kenji Igawa -- in August. Igawa himself had been at the post only about eight months before he was abruptly relieved. A Navy official confirmed to Military.com that Igawa was relieved over a "soft grounding" incident that the USS Howard experienced on Aug. 10 as the ship was pulling into Bali, Indonesia, for a port visit. Military.com reached out to the Navy for more details on Dennis' firing but did not immediately receive a reply. Dennis previously served as the executive officer of the destroyer USS Higgins as well as the chief engineer onboard the mine countermeasures ship USS Gladiator. According to the Navy biography dated September 2021, Dennis also served on the staff of the Commander, Naval Forces Europe, in Naples, Italy, as the maritime fires chief -- a position in which he managed target lists and helped plan Tomahawk cruise missile strikes, among other duties. The Navy's statement said that Dennis will be reassigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet staff and that "there is no impact to the ship's mission or schedule." Related: USS Georgia Submarine Commander Arrested in Georgia and Relieved of Duty Due to 'Loss of Confidence' New Tricare contracts are now slated to start at the beginning of next year, and beneficiaries should see improvements in provider network flexibility and choice; broader access to telehealth; faster response times for calls; and easier transfers of specialty care during permanent change of station moves, defense officials said. The new program is expected to begin Jan. 1, 2025, and the companies awarded the contracts to manage Tricare over the next nine years, as well as the Defense Department, are now preparing for the transition, according to the Defense Health Agency. Under the new contracts, the Tricare West Region, which currently serves nearly 2.8 million beneficiaries, will be managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. That region covering the western U.S. also will expand by 1.5 million beneficiaries with the addition of six states that are currently in the Tricare East Region: Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. Read Next: Some Marines Evacuated over Cockroach Infestation at Camp Lejeune Barracks Facility Humana will remain as the health benefits management company in the Tricare East Region, covering the eastern half of the U.S., overseeing health services for more than 5 million beneficiaries under a contract worth up to $70.8 billion over nine years. The changes in the new contracts include "innovations that will drive improvements in military readiness, health care delivery, clinical quality, patient safety, beneficiary access to health care and beneficiary experience," Defense Health Agency spokesman Peter Graves said in an email to Military.com. The contracts, held by Humana Government Business in the East Region and TriWest in the West, include changes aimed at improving health care and services "while containing costs for the department," Graves said. With the legal battle ended over the award of the Tricare West Region management contract to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the Defense Health Agency has started the transition to the new contracts, he said. According to Graves, defense officials held transition meetings with TriWest and Humana in January. A U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge ruled Jan. 31 in favor of TriWest in a lawsuit filed by Health Net Federal Services, the current regional manager for Tricare West, in a dispute over the award of the next-generation contract, worth more than $65 billion over nine years. Until the turnover on Jan. 1, Health Net Federal Services and Humana will manage Tricare in their respective regions. "We remain dedicated to providing exceptional health care to the people we proudly serve through the end of our current contract," Health Net President and CEO Kathleen Redd said in a statement last week. The contract decisions do not affect most Medicare-eligible Tricare beneficiaries who utilize Tricare for Life, managed by WPS Military and Veterans Health. Related: In Reversal, Defense Department Now Wants to Bring Tricare Beneficiaries Back to Military Health System WASHINGTON Senate Democrats are pushing to prevent the Biden administration from bypassing Congress when approving weapons sales to Israel as the Jewish state continues its war against Hamas under increasing scrutiny. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia will be introducing an amendment Tuesday that if passed would strike language in the $118 billion national security supplemental allowing for the administration to send any future arms sales to Israel without first notifying Congress. The larger border legislation is increasingly at risk of dying in the Senate amid bipartisan opposition, making it unlikely that the Israel provision will see a vote. Yet the push from Kaine and the majority of the Senate Democratic caucus is the latest example of the growing critique from those in President Joe Biden's party regarding his handling of the bloody, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and America's increasing role in it. Congress and the American people deserve full transparency about military assistance to all nations, Kaine said in a statement to The Associated Press. No president of any party should bypass Congress on issues of war, peace, and diplomacy. The amendment, which has the backing from the chairmen of the Senate Foreign Relations, Armed Services and Intelligence committees, comes after Biden went around lawmakers twice in December to send more than $250 million of weaponry to Israel. Bypassing Congress with emergency determinations for arms sales is an unusual step that has in past administrations been met with resistance from lawmakers who normally have a period of at least 15 to 30 days to weigh in on proposed weapons transfers and, in some cases, block them. The State Department sought to counter potential criticism of the sales on human rights grounds by saying it was in constant touch with Israel to emphasize the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, which have soared to more than 25,000 since Israel began its response to the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7. The Biden administration has also justified the recent sales by citing emergency determinations. It is a rare but not unprecedented move the State Department makes when it sees an urgent need for weapons to be delivered without waiting for lawmakers approval. But Kaine and a growing number of Democrats are calling for the administration to adhere to a more deliberative process as escalations in the Middle East continue with more involvement by U.S. troops in the region. Thats why Im introducing a commonsense amendment, backed by dozens of my Senate colleagues, to ensure that we maintain full congressional oversight for U.S. aid to Israel, just as we do for every other nation we support, he said. "The same standard should apply to every country receiving U.S. military assistance. ___ Associated Press writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report. A plan to give Afghans evacuated to the U.S. in 2021 a pathway to getting green cards -- a top priority for many veterans since the messy end of the war in Afghanistan -- was included in an immigration and foreign aid bill the Senate is considering this week. The inclusion marks the first time the Afghan proposal has been part of a bill guaranteed to get at least a procedural vote on the Senate floor. But veterans' joy at the progress of one of their priorities is muted as the larger bill appears headed toward defeat over partisan disputes on immigration policy. "I don't love that Afghans are being tied with the border because these are separate issues, and the border's a political hot potato right now," said Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and president of the #AfghanEvac coalition, an umbrella organization for hundreds of nongovernmental groups that helped with the evacuation. Read Next: Some Marines Evacuated over Cockroach Infestation at Camp Lejeune Barracks Facility "Of course, I'm stoked to see this language in a bill that's going to get a floor vote," he added in a phone interview with Military.com. "But the reality is the Afghan Adjustment Act has the votes to pass if it was put on a stand-alone vote. What it doesn't have is congressional leadership caring enough about it." Veterans have been pushing for nearly two years to get a vote on the legislation, known as the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would create a process for those evacuated to the U.S. during the military withdrawal to become legal permanent residents. The measure also seeks to help Afghans who helped the U.S. military but are still stuck in Afghanistan with reforms to the Special Immigrant Visa program. Veterans' efforts to get the proposal attached to a must-pass bill included a round-the-clock protest outside the Capitol building in fall 2022. But despite bipartisan support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, opposition from immigration hard-liners had blocked the measure from being included in any larger legislative package until now. Most Afghans who were evacuated in 2021 were brought into the country under a temporary legal status known as humanitarian parole. The parole was originally set to expire last year, but because of congressional inaction, the Biden administration is allowing Afghans to apply to extend their parole for up to two more years. Parole does not provide a pathway to apply for legal permanent resident status, commonly known as green cards. Parolees can apply for asylum, but asylum claims can take years to process under the already taxed U.S. immigration system, leaving Afghans in an indefinite state of limbo. In addition to those living in that legal limbo, Afghan allies who couldn't get on an evacuation flight in 2021 remain in danger of retribution by the Taliban. "Our allies are now paying for their service with bloodshed," Elizabeth Lynn, a veteran of the Air Force and the Navy Reserve who is now the director of government relations at Operation Recovery, said at a recent roundtable hosted by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Lynn described for the committee text messages and videos that veterans have received from Afghan allies documenting public executions, including one instance in which a former Afghan commando was beaten to death with rocks and his brother was forced to drink acid. "The special operations veteran who received these videos, and who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, describes this retaliation as the most horrific carnage he has seen in his life," Lynn said. "What will this veteran tell his children when they ask him if they should follow in his footsteps and join the military?" With the uncertainty and danger Afghan allies are facing, veterans are urging support for the Senate bill that includes provisions of the Afghan Adjustment Act. "It's critical that Congress uphold our nation's word to our Afghan allies and continue to defend democracy across the globe," Rye Barcott, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of With Honor Action, a political action committee, said in a statement Monday. But veterans and Afghans will likely have to continue waiting for the Afghan Adjustment Act to become law. Despite the Senate bill being negotiated by a bipartisan group, senators now expect a procedural vote scheduled for Wednesday to fail after multiple Republicans came out in opposition to the package because they believe it does not go far enough to crack down on illegal immigration. Even if the bill clears the Senate, House Republican leaders have called the legislation "dead on arrival." While failure is likely this time, veterans are vowing to continue the effort to get the bill passed by Congress. "Advocates for the Afghan Adjustment Act are going to keep pushing and pushing and pushing until it passes, whether it's in this bill, whether it's in another vehicle," VanDiver said. "Congress has abdicated all of their responsibilities. We need to see them take it more seriously." Related: 'We Need Our Voice to Be Heard': Afghan Resettlement Efforts Unfinished 2 Years After Withdrawal On a late September day in 1931, more than 150,000 people flocked to Akron Municipal Airport to witness a spectacle. The air was abuzz with excitement as the USS Akron -- a 785-foot-long airship that was about 20 feet shorter than the Hindenburg -- flew for the first time. More than 100 passengers, including Navy Secretary Charles Francis Adams, were afforded a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscape in northeast Ohio as the rigid airship reached an altitude of about 1,000 feet during the four-hour tour. "With the completion of the Akron, the United States resumes world leadership in lighter-than-air craft," said Rear Adm. William Moffett, the first chief of the Navys Bureau of Aeronautics who was onboard. "I feel sure she will demonstrate the great value of airships, not only for the Navy but for commerce." Developed by the Navy's lighter-than-air program, the Akron and its sister ship, the USS Macon, were filled with helium and capable of becoming airborne without assistance from outside mechanical or technological systems, such as an engine. The program developed airships from 1915 until 1962, but what made these two dirigibles unique was that they represented the Navy's foray into the realm of flying aircraft carriers. Not long after the Navy developed its first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, in 1922, the military was eager to advance that concept into the skies to further assist its warships at sea with scouting and reconnaissance. Instead of taking off from the deck of a ship, aircraft would literally drop from above. Attached to a skyhook mechanism under the hangar, the aircraft would be lowered and released, and then when the plane's mission was complete, the skyhook would retrieve it in mid-air. The first test flights occurred with a nonrigid dirigible, such as a blimp, in April 1917, the same month the U.S. entered World War I; one of those tests resulted in the airship being damaged beyond repair. That hardly swayed the programs brain trust, though, as the Navy went on to commission four rigid airships of note. All made history. The USS Shenandoah became the first rigid dirigible to fly across the U.S. and back in October 1924, and the USS Los Angeles made a record 331 flights and even once performed a handstand. Then came the Akron and Macon, and Americans were kept abreast of their happenings through front-page stories and other news reports. When the Akron, which had a crew of 60 sailors and weighed 110 tons, went on a transcontinental adventure -- a journey that was tinged with tragedy when two sailors fell to their deaths while trying to dock the airship -- the country took note, as it did when the carrier went on patrols to Florida, Cuba and the Panama Canal. There were other mishaps, too, and the Akron's service was interrupted by periods of downtime because of them. Eighteen months after its maiden voyage, the airship went down off the New Jersey coast during a violent storm. Moffett, the admiral responsible for the program, was among 73 killed in a tragedy that President Franklin D. Roosevelt termed a national disaster. The USS Macon is viewed from a camera inside a hangar in 1934. (U.S. Navy photo) One of the three survivors, Akron executive officer Lt. Cmdr. Herbert Wiley, went on to lead the Macon's crew. Less than three weeks after the loss of the Akron, the Macon flew for the first time. Test flights in the South followed before the dirigible moved to California for fleet scouting tests and hooked up with the USS Houston as it transported Roosevelt from Panama to Hawaii. The Macons upper fin was ripped off by excessive winds on Feb. 12, 1935, causing it to descend slowly into the waters off California. Because the Macon was equipped with life jackets and rafts -- potentially lifesaving items not onboard the Akron -- only two sailors died in the incident. A view of the wreckage of the USS Macon, with a Curtiss Sparrowhawk F9C-2 cockpit with a telescopic gun site in the center of the fuselage right above the cockpit. (Wikimedia Commons) The sinking of the Macon ended the Navy's experiment with flying aircraft carriers, but not the service's work with dirigibles. During World War II, the Navy boasted five airship classes that operated in the Pacific, Mediterranean, and the north and south Atlantic. While those numbers dwindled after the war, the military still maintained two squadrons. The Navy announced it was closing its lighter-than-air program in 1961, which became official the following year. Even as researchers have scoured the final resting places of the Akron and Macon in the decades since they went down, the idea of launching aircraft from the skies is not dormant. In the late 1940s, the Air Force conducted tests to launch the smallest fighter jet ever, called the Goblin, from a bomber but scuttled those efforts after a year. In 2019, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, and defense technology company Dynetics announced the successful test of a drone that potentially could take off from and land in a plane such as the C-130 Hercules. While flying aircraft carriers may have seemed futuristic at the time, they likely will remain relegated to U.S. military history and in the imaginations of Hollywood scriptwriters. Want to Know More About the Military? Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. The Giants have acquired left-hander Ethan Small from the Brewers for cash, the team announced. Milwaukee had designated him for assignment last week after acquiring Joey Ortiz and DL Hall for Corbin Burnes. Small was a somewhat surprising DFA who always looked likely to attract interest from another team. He was Milwaukees first-round pick in 2019 and initially perceived as one of the better pitching prospects in their organization. While Smalls place in the farm system had fallen in recent years, hes coming off a reasonably promising showing for their top affiliate in Nashville. Working as a full-time reliever for the first time in his career, Small pitched to a 3.18 ERA over 51 Triple-A innings a year ago. He punched out an impressive 28.5% of opposing hitters. He paired that with a concerning 11.2% walk percentage. That surely played a part in Milwaukee deciding not to give him much of a shot at the MLB level. Small has only pitched in the big leagues four times, twice apiece in each of the last two years. The Mississippi State product doesnt throw especially hard. His fastball averaged 92 MPH in his limited MLB look last season. An atypical over-the-top arm slot adds some deception to his delivery, though, and prospect evaluators have credited him with a plus changeup. San Francisco had an opening on the 40-man roster after last weeks Bay Area swap sending Ross Stripling to Oakland. Theyll use that to take a flier on Small, at least for the time being. The Giants are reportedly in talks with Jorge Soler and would need to create a roster spot if those discussions result in an agreement. Small has one minor league option remaining, so the Giants could keep him in Triple-A for the upcoming season if he holds his spot on the 40-man. MANISTEE, MI This mans passion for the U.S. Coast Guard began when he was 4 years old. He just celebrated 55 years of volunteer service. Michael Scott recently celebrated 55 years of volunteer service with the USCG Auxiliary, including standing the watch, teaching boater safety, conducting courtesy boat examinations and safety demonstrations, and more. Scotts dedication to the Coast Guard cannot be overstated as he paved the way for the future of the Auxiliary, said officials with USCG Station Manistee in a congratulatory post on Facebook. Scotts love for the Coast Guard began when he visited a station in Wilmette Harbor, Ill., when he was 4. During the tour, he accidentally set off a search-and-rescue alarm, spurring the crew to respond with urgency until they realized it was a false alarm. During his sophomore year of high school, he joined the Sea Scouts and was invited for active-duty work, including mess cooking, swabbing the deck and cleaning the boat. He was then invited to observe communications watch, which was not generally permitted for non-active-duty personnel. Scott joined the USCG Auxiliary in 1969, at the age of 17. During the past 55 years, Scotts duties have expanded to performing harbor checks for overdue vessels, searching for vessels on fire, training on USCG vessels, providing refreshments for USCG vessels working long hours on missions, shoreline assistance, becoming a qualified Officer of the Day, and more. In 1971, he was one of the first people to be allowed to stand communications watch for the USCG after he volunteered to take the watch for a search and rescue case that lasted more than 12 hours. Since then, he has been standing the watch for units all over the Great Lakes region. Scott has devoted his entire life to supporting the Coast Guard, from standing over 1,000 hours of watch each year, to providing refreshments and treats to the crew, to participating in community events and educating the public about boating safety, officials said. We thank you for your continued service and for everything that you do every single day! AUBURN HILLS, MI Authorities are looking for an infant and her mother and the two of them went missing after an altercation on Friday in Auburn Hills. The infant is reported to be missing and endangered due to her mothers history of mental illness and lack of means to care for the child, according to a news release from the Auburn Hills Police Department. On Friday, police received a report that Amanda Rose Prowell-Smith, 32, had assaulted a family member at a home on the 2300 block of South Boulevard in Auburn Hills. Prowell-Smiths 6-week-old daughter, Eliza Prowell-Smith, was in the apartment at the time of the incident. Amanda and Eliza were reported missing by family on Monday. They had not been seen or heard from since the incident. When the mother and daughter were reported missing, police learned that the infant was not born in a hospital, had no documented birth record and has never been seen by a doctor. Detectives were later informed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that Amandas two older children had previously been removed from her care due to her mental state. At this time, it has been determined that Amanda is incapable of caring for herself or her child, police said. Amanda does not have a cellular phone, a vehicle, or any means of providing care for herself or Eliza. Police are asking for the publics assistance. Anyone with information related to Amandas or Elizas whereabouts is asked to call 911. PONTIAC, MI -- In a first-of-its kind case, the Michigan mother of a school shooter has been convicted of manslaughter for killings committed by her child. After about 11 hours of deliberations spanning two days, a jury on Tuesday, Feb. 6, found Jennifer Crumbley, the 45-year-old mother of Oxford High shooter Ethan Crumbley, guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter. If sentenced consecutively, Jennifer Crumbley faces up to 60 years in prison when she is sentenced at 9 a.m. on April 9. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years on prison. Upon hearing the first guilty verdict, Jennifer Crumbley bowed her head forward and shook her head slightly. Jennifer Crumbleys son, who murdered four classmates when he was a 15-year-old sophomore at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, is serving a mandatory life prison sentence. Jennifer Crumbley and her husband, 47-year-old James Crumbley, have remained jailed since their arrests on Dec. 3, 2021. Jennifer Crumbleys trial lasted two weeks. James Crumbley is scheduled to have a trial in March. He is also charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors say Jennifer and her husband were grossly negligent and could have prevented the four deaths had they tended to their sons mental health or ensured he didnt have access to a firearm kept in the home. Attorney Shannon Smith stands next to Jennifer Crumbley in court, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Pontiac, Mich. The jury received instructions from a judge and begin deliberations in an unusual trial against a school shooter's mother. The deliberations which began Monday could send Crumbley to prison if she is convicted of contributing to the deaths of four students in 2021. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, Pool) APAP Photo/Carlos Osorio, Pool James Crumbley purchased the eventual murder weapon for his son as an early Christmas gift the week prior to the shooting. Jennifer Crumbely visited a gun range to practice firing it on the Saturday preceding the shooting. It was for him to use at the shooting range, Jennifer Crumbley testified when she took the stand in her own defense. We didnt just hand out the gun as (if we were saying), Here you go, son. It was something (Ethan Crumbley and his father) could use when we went to the range as a family. Its unclear if the gun was locked, based on the testimony of Jennifer Crumbley, which conflicts with what the prosecution has claimed. Jennifer Crumbley said gun storage was her husbands responsibility, but it was locked in its gun case with a cable lock. The key to the cable lock was kept in one of the many decorative German beer steins Jennifer Crumbley collected. She testified she didnt know which one. During closing statements, Prosecutor Karen McDonald told the jury the cable lock was found in a separate gun box in the kitchen, while the gun case that stored the firearm used in the shooting was discovered in the parents bedroom. Testimony also revealed the Crumbleys had two other guns kept in a gun safe with a combination of 0-0-0-0, a temporary combination often used by manufactures when a gun safe is sold. McDonald believes the teen had the gun in his possession on the night prior to the shooting when he made a video manifesto forewarning of his plan. I will open fire on everyone in that hallway ... " Crumbley said in the video. Im going to try and get as many people as I can and then I will reload and I will find people hiding, and Im going to teach them a lesson on how theyre alone, on how theyre being brainwashed. Related: I am the demon Jennifer Crumbley said shes examined the events leading up to the shooting. Ive asked myself if I would have done anything differently, she testified. I wouldnt have. Her attorney, Shannon Smith, then asked if she would reverse the tragedy if she could. Absolutely, the mother said. I wish he would have killed us instead. PONTIAC, MI -- After the jury found her guilty, bailiffs latched and locked 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbleys handcuffs. They returned her to jail. The mother was found to be grossly negligent in her parenting of Ethan Crumbley, who is serving life in prison after killing four classmates at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. Jennifer Crumbley, whos been jailed for two years and two months awaiting trial, is set for an April 9 sentencing on four counts of involuntary manslaughter. Each count carries a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison. However, legal experts who spoke to MLive dont believe shell spend the maximum amount of time behind bars. The guidelines, I think at the top end, are close to five years, but guidelines are only advisory, said attorney Todd Flood, who represents a 16-year-old Oxford High student in a pending civil lawsuit. You have four children who are gone, so I can imagine a substantial and compelling reason that the judge would go over the guidelines in this case. Flood said the recommended sentencing guidelines for Jennifer Crumbley are lower because she doesnt have a significant criminal history. Attorney Shannon Smith stands next to Jennifer Crumbley in court, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Pontiac, Mich. The jury received instructions from a judge and begin deliberations in an unusual trial against a school shooter's mother. The deliberations which began Monday could send Crumbley to prison if she is convicted of contributing to the deaths of four students in 2021. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, Pool) APAP Photo/Carlos Osorio, Pool Cooley Law School Lansing campus Professor Lewis Langham, a former state police detective and defense attorney, said its technically possible but totally unlikely Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews would sentence Jennifer Crumbley consecutively, meaning the prison sentence for one count would have to be served before the next begins. The judge is going to get information on her entire background, Langham said. Shes going to be interviewed, theres going to be a pre-sentence report and the judge is going to go over the recommendation within that. Langham said under no scenario does he believe Jennifer Crumbley will be released on time served, although the nearly 800 days shes spent in the Oakland County Jail will be subtracted from her sentence. Langham and Flood said they expected guilty verdicts. Jennifer Crumbleys 47-year-old husband, James Crumbley, purchased their son the eventual murder weapon days prior to the shooting, and Jennifer Crumbley visited a shooting range with her son where he practiced firing it. In addition to communicating to his parents that hed had delusions, including seeing demons, potentially indicating mental health issues, school officials on the day before the shooting and the day of reported concerns to the parents. The first incident involved the then-15-year-old sophomore being caught by a teacher looking at bullets on his cell phone. When Jennifer Crumbley found out, she texted to her son, LOL Im not mad. You have to learn not to get caught. On the day of the shooting, both parents were called to the school for an emergency meeting when a teacher discovered concerning violent drawings and statements scrawled on a geometry assignment. The teen wrote, Blood everywhere, My life is useless, and The world is dead, near drawings of a gun and a bleeding body with two bullet holes. She knew her son had been gifted a gun, but she didnt notify school officials at the meeting, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said during closing statements in Jennifer Crumbleys trial. She knew that gun looked identical to the one in the drawing, she knew that gun was accessible to him, she knew it wasnt stored properly, she knew that he was proficient with the gun, she knew he had access to ammunition and she knew that her son was upset the night before, (but) she doesnt acknowledge that. Hours after leaving that meeting, during which the parents said they would seek mental health counseling for their son, he pulled the gun from his unsearched backpack and opened fire. Jennifer Crumbley testified the firearm was purchased for her son to use at the gun range. She said storage was her husbands responsibility, but it was locked in its gun case with a cable lock. The key to the cable lock was kept in one of the many decorative German beer steins Jennifer Crumbley collected. She testified she didnt know which one. Langham said this was not a case about gun safety. This case was about negligence of the parents in purchasing the gun and not taking proper steps to make sure their child was the appropriate person to be in possession of a firearm, he said, and not addressing all of the other issues, the mental health issues, the school issues. Because they bought if for him as an early Christmas gift, Langham said, there was intention, obviously, to keep him from getting it. Attorney Flood said this case is not a policy case. Its not novel from the standpoint of a parent being held accountable for leaving out a gun and a kid shooting somebody; weve had cases like that, he said. However, this is the first time in history that weve ever had a mass shooting case. He said the facts of the case make it clear Jennifer Crumbley was grossly negligent. Take it from the day of Nov. 30, when this mother went into the school and saw the most disturbing rendering that the shooter put in front of everybody, Flood said. How could you not say ... timeout, I need to speak with my son. I need to find out because this picture depicts a gun identical to the one I bought him. How the conviction of Jennifer Crumbley impacts her husbands prosecution remains uncertain. James Crumbley is scheduled to go on trial before the same judge March 5. I mean, a jury could do something totally different in his case, said Langham. They probably wont, but the evidence could come out in a different way and they may have a different result. Jennifer Crumbleys outcome doesnt directly impact his case, but youve got to think about it: how many people will not have heard about her conviction. If shes guilty of this, then hes the one that actually purchased the handgun. Flood theorized the only way James Crumbleys case wont go to trial is if he pleads guilty to gain favor with the judge. You have to pay for the dance floor, if youre going to go to trial, he said. And judges dont look kindly on having someone having to prove water is wet, but they do look kindly and favorable if you dont waste time, you dont waste court resources ... " Flood said the outcome does provide some precedent increasing the accountability and liability for parents, hopefully in a way that makes them more proactive dealing with their childs behavior and mental health. Everything starts within the home, he said. You dont supply someone who is seeing demons or spiraling out of control a deadly weapon. Following Jennifer Crumbleys verdict, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the trial tore wider a wound that has yet to heal. If among a parents first thoughts when you hear word there is an active shooter at your childs school isnt to wonder if my child hurt but is my son the gunman, that tells me you saw the signs and did nothing, Bouchard said. Accountability and responsibility matter. " " TRAVERSE CITY, MI - A man who allegedly kidnapped, and then raped and tortured a woman while holding her captive for 13 hours has been sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison, WPBN/WGTU reports. Christopher Thomas was sentenced on Monday related to the October 2022 incident, the report said. In December, he accepted a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, torture and aggravated stalking. Thomas had been stalking the victim, whom he knew from college, for more than a decade, MLive previously reported. RELATED: Man who allegedly raped woman, held her captive for 13 hours knew victim from college A personal protection order against him expired in 2020, the TV station reports. The victim filed for a new PPO in July 2022 but was denied. Prior to the kidnapping, Thomas placed a tracker on the victims vehicle, MLive previously reported. He then kidnapped the victim from her home in Blair Township and took her to a storage unit that he had soundproofed. There, he shackled her in place, tortured and allegedly raped her for 13 hours. She eventually convinced him to let her go. RELATED: Northern Michigan man allegedly held woman hostage in soundproof bunker, raped her Thomas was initially also charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of first-degree home invasion. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help pay for the victims medical expenses, mental healthcare and legal counsel. More than $27,000 has been raised. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Refill station and zero waste shops in Ann Arbor and Plymouth are in store for a change as their owner is looking to sell the business. BYOC Co. Owner Emma Hess recently announced shes ready to make a transition in her career and hopes she can find new owners for her sustainable business. BYOC Co., which stands for bring your own container, lets customers fill their own containers with eco-friendly, ethically produced products like dish soap, laundry detergent, body wash and shampoo. The companys mission is to reduce single-use plastic consumption by allowing people to refill the same containers over and over again. Hess said she hopes she can find a new owner for the business who shares her passion for protecting the environment and serving BYOCs loyal customers. BYOC Co. is very personal to me and my zero-waste journey, I hope the next owner will personalize it and take it to the next level, Hess wrote in an email. Read more: Bring Your Own Container store coming to downtown Ann Arbor Hess began BYOC Co. shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan in spring 2020 as a pop-up shop before signing a lease at 255 E. Liberty St., Suite 215, in Ann Arbor in 2021. She opened a second location at 550 Forest Ave. Suite 4, in Plymouth in 2022. Read more: Owner of Ann Arbor refillery hopes new Plymouth location will spark conversation The business and its assets are listed for $99,900, Hess said, adding anyone interested in taking over the business is encouraged to email hello@byocco.com. Hess said she is not extending BYOC Co.s Ann Arbor lease which ends in April in hopes this will give new ownership the flexibility to take the business where they want. Hess wrote the business has grown immensely during the past few years in Ann Arbor, which has made it abundantly clear the business is ready for a more suitable space. Plymouths location still has an active lease and will be able to remain in its current space, Hess wrote. My intention is to see BYOC Co. continue in Ann Arbor with new ownership, she wrote. Weve gotten many requests over the years to move to a more accessible location, which I agree with completely. Im hoping by not extending our lease downtown, it allows for this transition sooner than later. While Hess is hopeful someone new will come along, she said if that doesnt happen then both locations will close when the lease ends in April. Her passion project (has) exceeded expectations in every way possible, Hess said, and she has felt embraced by the Ann Arbor and Plymouth communities. BYOC Co. would never have grown from pop-up shop to one shop to two shops without the loyal customers who remain committed to shopping this way, Hess wrote. Thank you for sharing your lives with me these past few years. Im blown away by your kindness and support. Learn more about BYOC Co. online or on social media. 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. ANN ARBOR, MI Ann Arbors new police chief will take the oath of office later this month, officials announced Tuesday. Andre Anderson, approved as the citys new police chief in December, will be sworn in at noon Feb. 21 at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., according to release from the city. The Ann Arbor City Council formally approved Anderson on Dec. 18 after a hunt for a chief lasted more than a year. His exact start date was unclear until now. Read more: Ann Arbor confirms Andre Anderson as new police chief He will be the first permanent police chief since former Chief Michael Cox stepped down from his job in July 2022. The position was previously filled by former Interim Former Interim Chief Aimee Metzer previously filled the position. Metzer retired in October 2023, and Interim Chief Patrick Maguire has been filling the role since. Anderson, a veteran, served as the assistant police chief of Tempe, Arizona, from 2021 to 2023. He also previously served as the executive deputy chief in Rochester, New York, from 2020 to 2021 and as a commander in Glendale, Arizona, from 2012 to 2020. During his tenure in Glendale, Anderson took unpaid leave as commander to serve as the interim chief of the Ferguson Police Department in Missouri. Anderson stepped in after a federal investigation determined Fergusons police department was frequently violating the rights of Black residents in the area. The investigation came after a white officer fatally shot Michael Brown, an 18-year-old unarmed Black man. The case received national attention. Anderson has a bachelors degree in public safety administration and a masters degree in education leadership. Executive search firm Baker Tilly led the executive search. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Grand Rapids students, parents and staff urged the school board to make improvements in key areas like school lunches, busing issues and teacher pay during a lively meeting Monday night, Feb. 5. The school board meeting was standing-room only as over 200 community members packed into the Franklin Administration Building at 1331 M.L.K. Jr St. SE to ask the Grand Rapids Board of Education to prioritize the communitys concerns in next years school budget. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Ottawa Countys ultra-conservative 2023 leadership spawned legal action not seen in years for a county perhaps known better for beaches and farmland. As of today, the county is battling four separate lawsuits at once. They involve claims of wrongful termination, age discrimination, religious discrimination and the state Open Meetings Act. KENT COUNTY, MI A teacher is on administrative leave after criminal charges were brought against him that allege he sexually assaulted a student over a five-year period two decades ago. James Patrick Christians, 50, was arraigned Tuesday morning, Feb. 6, on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, a potential life offense, in Kent Countys 63rd District Court. ZELLAND, MI Lakeshore Advantage, an economic development group serving Ottawa and Allegan counties, says last year it assisted 285 employers with retention and expansion services, announced 26 business expansion projects, and helped create or retain 1,091 jobs. The accomplishments were detailed in a new report by Lakeshore Advantage. Lakeshore Advantage had a remarkable 2023, Neil Boehm, board chair of Lakeshore Advantage and chief technology officer at Gentex Corporation, said in a statement. From breaking ground on a regional innovation hub that will pay dividends for startup growth, to spearheading collaborative initiatives that will make this area an even greater place to live, work and do business, this organization continues to raise the bar. Lakeshore Advantage provides a host of support services to non-retail employers, from manufacturers and energy storage to food processing and technology companies, that are based in Ottawa and Allegan counties. It also partners with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which provides grants and other assistance to businesses that are expanding in the region. Other highlights in the report: Lakeshore Advantage broke ground on a new building , known as the Next Center, at 65 East 7th Street in downtown Holland. The building will serve as an incubator with space for startups and other businesses, as well as office space for Lakeshore Advantage. Twenty-six business expansion projects were announced that are expected to result in $3.2 billion in private investment and 1,091 new or retained jobs in the region. It worked with economic development organizations in Kent and Muskegon counties to secure $6.1 million in revitalization and placemaking projects in Ottawa, Kent and Muskegon counties. Collaborated to identify high-priority sites for potential industrial development. Its clear that companies recognize the immense potential and outstanding workforce this area has to offer, Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage, said in a news release. More on MLive: Teacher told police he sexually assaulted student during school year, records show Meteorologist George Lessens plans retirement after 44 years at 13 ON YOUR SIDE See what voters named new robot librarian in Grand Rapids area MUSKEGON, MI -- One of Grand Rapids largest hospitality companies is enlarging its footprint in Muskegon. AHC Hospitality, which runs the Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott and others downtown Grand Rapids, announced it will take over management of Muskegons convention center along with six hotels and restaurants in the city. BAY CITY, MI Police are investigating the armed robbery of a convenience store on Bay Citys South End. About 9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, a masked person entered the 7-Eleven at 1500 Columbus Ave. and brandished a firearm, said Bay City Public Safety Lt. Todd Armstrong. The clerk handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, with the robber then fleeing on foot. No shots were fired and no one was injured, Armstrong said. The lieutenant could not immediately provide a description of the robber. This marks the first armed robbery of a business in Bay City this year. Police are actively investigating the holdup, with Armstrong encouraging anyone with information to call 989-892-8571. BAY CITY, MI Last month, a northern Michigan man allegedly went on a vitriolic screed online, posting that U.S. President Joe Biden and myriad other officials had been condemned and would face execution. Other posts indicated nuclear war was on the horizon, with government buildings, theme parks, and national monuments being targeted. Though the FBI arrested the man and considered his threats credible, a federal magistrate judge disagreed and has dismissed the case against the man. Former Detroit Tigers left-handed reliever Chasen Shreve has signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers. The team said Monday that hell be in camp as a non-roster invitee. Shreve, 33, signed with the Tigers as a minor-league free agent and won an Opening Day roster spot last spring. He posted a 4.79 ERA in 41 2/3 innings with the Tigers, striking out 42 and walking 12. The Tigers released him on Aug. 11, clearing a spot for newly acquired lefty Andrew Vasquez. Shreve signed with the Cincinnati Reds on a minor-league deal seven days later and was selected to the big-league roster on Sept. 2. He was released again 10 days after that, just as the Reds were opening a series at Comerica Park. Shreve has played parts of 10 seasons with seven big-league teams, including four years with the New York Yankees, a few months with the Tigers and a few days with the Reds. We usually do have a day or two in most early Februarys that warm up into the 30s or 40s. This warm-up is much more remarkable, however. One way to quantify the extent of a warm-up is by comparing the average temperature in this warm spell to the long-term normal temperature. The long-term normal temperature is 23.5 degrees. Our next five days will average over 40 degrees at most Lower Michigan cities, putting this warm stretch at least 17 degrees warmer than normal. That is very significant. Lets look at some individual cities. Grand Rapids is going to average 43 degrees from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9. You can see on the right side of the graph below that the warmest Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 period averaged 44 degrees in 1925. This will be the second-warmest stretch of those dates. Average temperature for past February 5 to February 9 periods for Grand Rapids.NOAA Ann Arbor is going to average 40.6 degrees from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9. You can see on the right side of the graph below that the warmest Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 period averaged 41.10 degrees in 1938 and 40.60 degrees in 1925. This warm stretch we are in will tie for the second-warmest stretch of those dates in Ann Arbor. Average temperature for past February 5 to February 9 periods for Ann Arbor.NOAA Flint is going to average 41.4 degrees from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9. You can see on the right side of the graph below that the warmest Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 period averaged 40.80 degrees in 1938. This will be the warmest Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 period on record for the Flint area. Average temperature for past February 5 to February 9 periods for Flint.NOAA Moving north into northern Lower Michigan, it is going to be very warm compared to last early February periods. Traverse City is going to average 41.3 degrees from yesterday to Feb. 9. You can see on the right side of the graph below that the warmest Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 period averaged 38.70 degrees in 1925. Traverse City is going to shatter the previous record by over 3 degrees. Average temperature for past February 5 to February 9 periods for Traverse City.NOAA These simple numbers should convince you this isnt just our ordinary winter thaw. This is a warm stretch for the record books. Sen. Tolentino program sends local executives to Hague Academy for 5-day study mission THE NETHERLANDS -- Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino, through his Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Executives (AGILE) Program, sent local government unit (LGU) officials to Hague Academy of Local Governance at the Netherlands for a five-day study mission on local governance and innovation for local economic development. In partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the program aims to keep Philippine LGU officials to stay abreast with the innovations and strategies implemented by local governments around the world. The AGILE Program Hague delegation is composed of 28 participants who are vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, and representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DAP. At the sidelines of the program's kickoff, Sen. Tol spoke with Makati Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo who lauded the program for helping LGU executives learn many aspects on governance. "Very interesting po dahil lumalabas ang parallel sides of local government dito sa Netherlands and sa atin. Napag-aaralan din natin kung ano pa ang pwedeng i-improve, kung mayroon man," Lagdameo said. Meanwhile, Tolentino praised the City of Makati for its commitment to not only keep on improving itself but helping out its nearby areas through mentorship programs on digitization and streamlining of processes. The Senator further commended the Local executives who enthusiastically joined the AGILE Program delegation to the Netherlands. "Patuloy pa rin ang pag-aaral nila, pag-upgrade sa services. Sana ay magsilbing aral ito sa local government units to keep on learning," Sen. Tol said. Launched in 2021, Senator Tolentino's AGILE Program aims to enhance the skills of LGU officials necessary for them to cope with the demands and challenges of governance by bringing them to world-class public policy schools. Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Tuesday . 6,383,840 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 149% from the previous sessions volume of 2,565,506 shares.The stock last traded at $82.84 and had previously closed at $82.91. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have commented on IR shares. Cfra upped their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $73.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $73.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $75.27. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Ingersoll Rand Ingersoll Rand Stock Up 0.4 % Insider Activity The firm has a 50 day moving average of $76.37 and a two-hundred day moving average of $69.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.70 billion, a PE ratio of 44.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a current ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. In other Ingersoll Rand news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of Ingersoll Rand stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total transaction of $934,570.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 45,263 shares in the company, valued at $3,253,957.07. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.83% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ingersoll Rand Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd purchased a new stake in Ingersoll Rand in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new position in Ingersoll Rand in the third quarter valued at $25,000. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. purchased a new position in Ingersoll Rand during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in Ingersoll Rand in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 1,566.7% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 450 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 423 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.54% of the companys stock. Ingersoll Rand Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle, and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PWZ Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 396,789 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 120% from the previous sessions volume of 180,372 shares.The stock last traded at $25.05 and had previously closed at $24.90. Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF Stock Performance The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $24.19. Get Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 15.8% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 223,295 shares of the companys stock worth $5,502,000 after buying an additional 30,432 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Inc acquired a new stake in Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,680,000. Pure Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 78.9% in the third quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 135,467 shares of the companys stock worth $3,179,000 after acquiring an additional 59,762 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. grew its position in Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 40.9% in the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 10,856 shares of the companys stock worth $267,000 after purchasing an additional 3,150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Advisory Inc. increased its stake in Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 51.4% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 13,682,286 shares of the companys stock valued at $321,123,000 after acquiring an additional 4,647,696 shares during the period. About Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF The Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF (PWZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks an index of insured investment-grade, tax-exempt debt issued by California or any US territory with at least 15 years remaining to maturity. PWZ was launched on Oct 11, 2007 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:RYT Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $32.85 and last traded at $33.17, with a volume of 592588 shares. The stock had previously closed at $33.17. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $3.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.16 and a beta of 1.18. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $41.95 and a 200 day simple moving average of $35.16. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 2.5% in the first quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,717 shares of the companys stock worth $474,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares during the period. Equitable Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 1,774 shares of the companys stock worth $513,000 after acquiring an additional 47 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 10.8% during the 2nd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,003 shares of the companys stock worth $237,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 8.3% during the 3rd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,300 shares of the companys stock worth $294,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 4,393 shares of the companys stock worth $1,270,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF (RYT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in information technology equity. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of S&P 500 technology companies. RYT was launched on Nov 1, 2006 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:JHEM Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 60,536 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 129% from the previous sessions volume of 26,464 shares.The stock last traded at $25.16 and had previously closed at $24.75. John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance The companys 50 day moving average price is $24.75 and its 200 day moving average price is $24.37. The company has a market cap of $680.94 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.49 and a beta of 0.76. Get John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Jane Street Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 25.1% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 46,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,283,000 after buying an additional 9,330 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 136.9% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 708,472 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,568,000 after buying an additional 409,447 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF in the second quarter valued at about $591,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF by 2.1% in the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 59,057 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,284,000 after buying an additional 1,238 shares during the last quarter. John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a multi-factor weighted index of large- and mid-cap stocks from emerging markets. JHEM was launched on Sep 27, 2018 and is managed by John Hancock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Roots Co. (TSE:ROOT Get Free Report) shares were down 1.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$2.30 and last traded at C$2.32. Approximately 5,730 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 40% from the average daily volume of 9,618 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.35. Roots Stock Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$2.45 and a 200 day moving average price of C$2.68. The firm has a market capitalization of C$93.38 million, a PE ratio of 61.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.54 and a beta of 2.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.49. About Roots (Get Free Report) Roots Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and sells apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories under the Roots brand in Canada and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Direct-To-Consumer, and Partners and Other. The Direct-to-Consumer segment sells products through the company's corporate retail stores and ecommerce. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Roots Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Roots and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suruga Bank Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SUGBY Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $52.10 and last traded at $52.10, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $52.10. Suruga Bank Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $49.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.65. Get Suruga Bank alerts: Suruga Bank (OTCMKTS:SUGBY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported $2.02 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $156.88 million for the quarter. About Suruga Bank Suruga Bank Ltd. provides various banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate customers in Japan. The company offers deposit products, such as time, ordinary, savings, foreign currency, and other deposits, as well as current and general accounts; card, housing, second house, startup, and business up term loans, as well as loans by purpose; credit and debit cards; overdrafts; and other financing products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Suruga Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suruga Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Voestalpine AG (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report) fell 2.8% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $5.65 and last traded at $5.65. 2,458 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 284% from the average session volume of 640 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.81. Voestalpine Trading Down 2.8 % The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $5.79 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.75. Get Voestalpine alerts: Voestalpine (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported $0.12 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $4.43 billion during the quarter. Voestalpine had a net margin of 3.70% and a return on equity of 8.82%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Voestalpine AG will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Voestalpine Voestalpine AG processes, develops, manufactures, and sells steel products in Austria, European Union, and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Steel, High Performance Metals, Metal Engineering, Metal Forming, and Other. The Steel division produces hot and cold-rolled steel strips, as well as electrogalvanized, hot-dip galvanized, and organically coated steel strips; and heavy plates for the energy sector, as well as turbine casings for automotive, white goods/consumer goods, building/construction, energy, mechanical engineering, and others. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Voestalpine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Voestalpine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Siddharth Upasani is a Special Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He has been covering the Indian economy, economic data, and monetary and fiscal policies for nine years. He tweets at @SiddharthUbiWan. Contact: siddharth.upasani@nw18.com Rachita Prasad heads Moneycontrols coverage of conventional and new energy, and infrastructure sectors. Rachita is passionate about energy transition and the global efforts against climate change, with special focus on India. Before joining Moneycontrol, she was an Assistant Editor at The Economic Times, where she wrote for the paper for over a decade and was a host on their podcast. Contact: rachita.prasad@nw18.com Meghna Mittal MEGHNA MITTAL is Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com February 06, 2024 / 07:03 PM IST Long-term agreements, such as the deal inked between state-run Petronet LNG and QatarEnergy, bring stability to the domestic market, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. Earlier in the day, Petronet LNG announced the extension contract with QatarEnergy for the supply of7.5million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for another 20 years beyond 2028. 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 Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning Souptik Datta Reports real estate, infra and city in Bengaluru. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat. Mehul R Thakkar is Special Correspondent, Moneycontrol, Indias leading financial news platform, based in Mumbai where he is focussed on covering the real estate sector. 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 Tim Culpan is a technology columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. Based in Taipei, he writes about Asian and global businesses and trends. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication Saloni Roy is Partner, Deloitte India. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Shamsher Chandel is an independent journalist based out of Chandigarh. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Sohil Sehran is a journalist with 10 years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital media. He covers politics and national affairs at Moneycontrol. He tweets @SohilSehran When Lily Gladstone (Kalispell, Montana, 37 years old) was a little girl, her father made her believe he had powers. He used to play jokes on me. For example, that he had control over the clouds because he was a magician. He played tricks that I didnt catch at the time. He still has that playful spirit. Nowadays, he takes care of my dog when I travel. And since we share location by cell phone, when Im 400 meters from our house, hell open the window and shout my name, as if he were summoning me. Of course, my dog is convinced that I show up at the door because he called me, laughs the actress. But he is also the father who gave me the courage to go out into life, and a deep respect for my roots [which come from the Blackfeet and Nez Perce peoples]. He gave me the name of his grandmother, Lily. I even got to know her younger brother, my great-grand uncle. My father insisted that I not lose connection with either family, or my community. When I was bullied in school, he always reminded me that I was better, and said, Theyll want to be your friend when you win the Oscar. Which is to say, hes got some kind of power. Who knows? she says, with a hint of irony. Gladstone, the protagonist of Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon, came to Madrid on Friday for a press junket sponsored by the Academy. While the director spoke at an event hosted by Madrids School of Cinematography and Audiovisual, the actress, who is nominated for Best Actress, sat down with EL PAIS for an interview and photoshoot. In contrast with her character Mollie Burkhart, Gladstone talks a lot. What she and Mollie have in common is a certain calm demeanor, a sense of being in control of the situation, albeit that this is a quality that does not help Burkhart, an Osage woman, to pump the brakes on the misfortune that surrounds her. They call it the reign of terror, an era (which took place in the 1920s) in which whites who had already forced the Osage to leave their home, in what is known as Kansas, for the Oklahoma wastelands spirited away the tribes wealth, which they had earned in the wake of the unexpected appearance of oil reserves on their adopted lands. How did they carry off this theft? Through murder and the evils of inheritance. That genocide was the basis for the book Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann, and eventually, the Scorcese film by the same name, which was presented at the last Cannes Film Festival and can now be seen on Apple TV+ after a successful run in movie theaters. I knew of this story as a teenager, because I did ballet and admired Marie Tallchief [the first great U.S. ballerina, who was an Osage and married legendary choreographer George Balanchine], before I moved on to acting, Gladstone remembers. But at the time, neither I nor anyone around me know how brutal the story was. It sounded like people were stealing from Natives to get rich. It was only after the publication of Granns book that we understood the seriousness and its strange relationship to the beginning of the FBI. When I read it, I understood that this was another example of racism and systematic corruption. The actress breathes deeply and continues her story: That message that the Osage needed guardianship over their lives, the whole protection program that declared them incapable, for their own good, of managing their earnings, has been painfully steeped into every Native American. Starting in the mid-1990s, and continuing for a decade, there was a Blackfeet lawyer, Elouise P. Cobell, who took the U.S. government to court for malpractice over the guardianship program, whose very existence was brutal. There had been absolutely no compensation. In 2010, both sides reached an agreement that did not involve the restoration of what was stolen only a part of it but which has served in the negotiation of subsequent agreements. Even today, there are churches, congregations, banks and oil companies that own the rights of the Osage. Their struggle to get back what is theirs, what is right, continues. Actress Lily Gladstone, on Friday in Madrid. Moeh Atitar Landing directly in the path of this ongoing struggle is the possibility that, in November 2024, Donald Trump will once again become president of the United States. It doesnt just frighten my community, the world has to start worrying about this. The injustice of U.S. policies, not only those that come from Trump, has a global impact. Now, we as Native Americans have survived every wave of colonization. And were still here. Many things survived his first presidency. Our communities continued to take care of themselves, we found support in each other. I am more concerned about the worldwide rise of authoritarianism. Never in history has there been a time like the present, with such a large collective movement in pursuit of censorship and prohibition. I, at least, have confidence in the new generations. Community spokesperson Killers of the Flower Moon has made this actress, who was on the brink of looking for another job, the global spokesperson of an entire community. I do indeed feel the weight. There have been a lot of performers who, have suddenly become famous, and they dont have to worry about anything but their art. I am the first Native American and the third Indigenous person to be nominated for an acting Oscar [preceded by Keisha Castle-Hughes for Whale Rider in 2004 and Yalitza Aparicio for Roma in 2018]. I have become a kind of ambassador for a community of very diverse people, who, yes, have a certain common past, but in the end, we have lived through very different situations, given each tribes relationship with the U.S. government. Its an enormous burden for one person, she says. For a few moments, Gladstone holds her gaze steady, then focuses on a pen, as if it were another tool to help her articulate her thoughts. Then, she continues: My friend Sterlin Harjo decided to end his series Reservation Dogs [on which Gladstone has worked] because of these issues. As representatives of a community, our art carries a social burden. Sterlin, despite his success, chose to end it when he wanted to end it, to not be canceled. We owe it to those children, to ourselves, who grew up watching Westerns in which the Indians were the villains. Do you understand how we felt? How we thought the rest of society saw us? Thats why its so important to see Indian women on screen in real, honest stories. Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, in Killers of the Flower Moon.' Gladstone dreams that young girls around the world will see her work and know that they can achieve their dreams, too. I was in high school, I think, when Whale Rider came out. And I felt like it spoke to me, it inspired me. Then I was hurt by the cynicism that surrounded Aparicio throughout her awards season, about how she wasnt acting, when she had constructed such a superb performance I want to see her again, as any character. After studying acting, Gladstone turned to teaching, and became interested in the Brazilian movement of the Theatre of the Oppressed. Little by little, she began finding roles, particularly with director Kelly Reichardt, in Certain Women and First Cow. That cinema, and its size, is what I adore. With Kelly, I got to know the festival circuit, and filming for the love of this art. Thanks to those roles I met Marty [Scorsese], she says. She was signing up for a data analysis course, in the middle of the pandemic in 2020, in Montana, at her parents house, where she had moved to help them take care of her grandmother, when she received an email announcing Zoom auditions for Killers of the Flower Moon. I never imagined what a blast it would be working with Marty, she says. Gladstone remembers the back-and-forth over wanting to be an actress that she was experiencing when that email arrived: her need for a stable income, caring for her father, who had a heart condition After several video call interview, which included a try-out with Leonardo DiCaprio, she was offered the role on December 1, 2020, Mollie Burkharts birthday. For me, it was a sign. Her spirit chose me I mean, she was Catholic, I dont think her spirit is just wandering around. Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio, in Cannes last May. Guillaume Horcajuelo (EFE) Now, shes facing the final days of the wait for the Oscars, where her primary rival is Emma Stone, who is nominated for Poor Things. At first, it was rumored that Gladstone would be nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category. Those were early speculations, because it was not a supporting role, because the role of the most important Osage in the film should not be considered a filler character, she says. It would have meant going backwards, to the spirit of that reign of terror, it would have been a disservice to Mollie and to the Osage who worked so hard on this film. Would she have been a safer bet, nominated in the supporting actress category? Maybe, but its not about me. Its about them. Competing as lead actress means respecting Mollie. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) has directed the sessions court at Gurugram to decide, within two weeks, on a pending petition filed against PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)'s former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Deepak Kapoor and others. In an order last week, the bench of justice Pankaj Jain said, "...this Court finds that it will be in the interest of justice and both the parties that the revision petition pending before the sessions court be adjudicated before this Court decides the present petition. Resultantly, the revisional Court is directed to decide the revision petition within two weeks from the date already fixed before the Court. The order is being passed with the consent of the complainant. Parties shall appear before the sessions court on the next date of hearing i.e. 12 February 2024." Mr Kapoor had filed the petition in the HC seeking to quash the complaint and summons order issued on 9 October 2019. On 9 October 2019, Madhur Bajaj, judicial magistrate (1st class) at Gurugram, issued a summons to Mr Kapoor in a case filed by Sarvesh Mathur, former chief finance officer (CFO) of PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt Ltd (Pwcpl) who had blown the whistle on several malpractices in PwC and was victimised as a consequence. However, in September 2021, the sessions court ruled that it would decide on the case after the HC decided on the petition filed by Mr Kapoor. The petition filed in the HC has been pending since the past two and a half years. Mr Mathur approached the Supreme Court, which directed the HC to decide on the pending petition within one month. "...we request the high court, upon a certified copy of this order being produced before it, to consider taking up the petition for early disposal preferably within a period of one month from the date on which the present order is placed before it," the apex court says. The Punjab and Haryana HC, in turn, directed the sessions court to decide the pending revision petition filed by Mr Mathur. Mr Mathur, who was PwC's chief financial officer (CFO) from March 2008 to December 2011, had accused it of 'wilful falsification of accounts, evasion of income tax and service tax, and violations of various other statutes'. According to reports, Mr Mathur was forced to stop attending work in September 2011 and later forced to resign in December. Since then, he has been involved in a long battle to bring PwC to justice. In a judgement that would be an eye-opener for health insurance policy buyers, the national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) rejected a claim due to the wrong date of birth and suppressing of pre-existing ailments while buying the health insurance policy. In an order last month , the NCDRC bench of Dr Inder Jit Singh (presiding member) says, "Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd contends that wrong date of birth was deliberately given in the proposal form to avoid pre-insurance medical examination, which is mandatory for persons of above 50 years of age. Further, the insurance company contends that there was material suppression of fact relating to pre-existing ailments...we are in agreement with the contentions of the insurance company that there was a material suppression of fact with respect to pre-existing ailments." Ajmer, Rajasthan-based Anita Kumar had filed the revision petition challenging an order passed by the Rajasthan state consumer disputes redressal commission. In March 2010, Ms Kumar and her husband bought a family health optima insurance policy from Star Health and Allied Insurance. Additionally, the insurance company did a top-up with another Star Super Surplus (Floater) policy. The top-up policy covered excess expenditures up to Rs10 lakh in case of illness. While filing the proposal form, Vinay Kumar the husband of Ms Kumar, wrongly mentioned his wife's date of birth as 17 December 1960, while her actual date of birth mentioned in her passport was 6 December 1957. After three years of having the policy, Ms Kumar experienced symptoms such as loss of appetite, swelling on her face, and discolouration of urine (yellow), along with yellowing of the skin. On 16 December 2013, she underwent a check-up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi, which revealed that she was suffering from chronic liver disease (CLD), jaundice, hypertension, and other diseases. She was admitted and underwent treatment at the hospital from 16 December 2013 to 4 January 2014. Following a recurrence of her illness, she sought treatment again at the same hospital from 17 January 2014 to 28 January 2014, incurring Rs2,57,589 in expenses. After completing all formalities, Ms Kumar submitted a claim of Rs4,97,376 to Star Health and Allied Insurance. However, the insurer denied the claim, asserting that Ms Kumar had been suffering from these illnesses since 2009, before obtaining the policy, and had continuously received treatment. Ms Kumar filed a complaint before the Ajmer district consumer disputes redressal forum. While allowing the complaint, the district forum on 26 October 2017 directed Star Health and Allied Insurance to pay Rs4.97 lakh with an interest of 9%pa (per annum) and compensation and litigation costs of Rs10,000 to Ms Kumar. Aggrieved by the district forum order, Star Health and Allied Insurance filed an appeal before the state commission. On 14 August 2018, the state commission set aside the district forum's order and allowed the appeal. Ms Kumar then approached NCDRC with her revision petition. Her counsel contended that the state commission failed to recognise that the Kumars had sent a letter to Star Health and Allied Insurance, informing them about the correction of her age during the policy renewal on 26 March 2013. "Star Health and Allied Insurance did not object then, accepted the premium amount, and subsequently renewed the policy. This amounts to acceptance, and the grounds for repudiation on 12 August 2014 cannot be valid after more than a year." "...the discharge summary from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences does not mention any occurrence of the disease in 2009, and therefore, there was no basis for the state commission to assume that the complainant had the disease before obtaining the insurance policy from Star Health and Allied Insurance," he added. The counsel for Star Health and Allied Insurance contended that "Failure to disclose such material facts may empower the insurer to repudiate the claim. In the present case, the first insurance policy, obtained by Mr Kumar for himself and Ms Kumar, the complainant, involved a deliberate attempt to mislead insurers. The proposal indicated Mr Kumar's age, triggering a pre-insurance medical examination as per the insurer's norms for individuals over 50 years. However, Ms Kumar's date of birth was misrepresented to avoid her examination, constituting a breach of utmost good faith. This intentional misrepresentation renders the policy void ab initio, making the current complaint non-maintainable." The counsel further argued that the deliberate suppression of the patient's actual age, history of CLD, and past medical conditions constitutes fraud under section 17 of the Contract Act. "Such fraudulent actions, including the breach of conditions specified in the policy, render the insurance contract unenforceable. Star Health and Allied Insurance's invocation of condition no13 of the policy in cancelling it for the patient's name is justified under these circumstances," he added. After going through the orders of the state commission, district forum, other relevant records of the case and the rival contentions of the parties, NCDRC observed that, as per the date of birth shown in the proposal form, Ms Kumar is shown as under 50 years (49 years 3 months and 13 days). It says, "Had her date of birth been correctly shown, which is above 50 years as on the date of filling up the proposal form, the insurance company would have made her undergo for a pre-insurance medical examination. In fact, her husband, Mr Kumar who had shown himself above 50 years even as per the wrong date indicated in the proposal form (1 February 1956), while as per passport his date of birth is 1 February 1953, he being above 50 years, as on the date of proposal form, did undergo such a medical examination." "It was only on 26 March 2013 i.e. after three years that the Kumars intimated the insurance company for correction in the dates of birth based on their passports. Star Health and Allied Insurance contends that wrong date of birth was deliberately given in the proposal form to avoid pre-insurance medical examination, which is mandatory for persons of above 50 years of age. Without a satisfactory medical report insurers would not have given insurance," Dr Singh from NCDRC says. After careful perusal of the documents produced by the insurance company, NCDRC says it is in agreement with the contentions of the insurance company that there was a material suppression of fact with respect to pre-existing ailments. "Hence, they have rightly relied upon the various judgements of the Supreme Court and this Commission that in the case of suppression of material facts by the insured, the insurance company is well within its rights to repudiate the claim." (Revision Petition No3204 of 2018 Date: 24 January 2024) The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has released a draft aimed at regulating retirement homes across the state, aligning with the model guidelines issued by Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) for the development and regulation of retirement homes. This move follows concerns about misleading advertisements and inadequate facilities for senior citizens within such housing developments. MahaRERA has become India's first and only housing regulatory body to disseminate guidelines for retirement housing projects. The genesis of these guidelines trace back to a comprehensive study conducted by Moneylife Foundation , which highlighted the need for regulation in the retirement home sector. In 2019, MoHUA, under the leadership of Union minister of state Hardeep Singh Puri, had acknowledged the significance of the study and released the model guidelines to address the issues faced by senior citizens residing in retirement homes. These model guidelines issued by MoHUA aimed to promote a higher quality of life for elderly citizens while ensuring the protection of their rights. They were designed as a framework for states and Union Territories (UTs) to establish transparent and accountable regulatory mechanisms tailored to the specific needs of retirement home residents. However, implementation of these guidelines across each state and union territory has been delayed due to various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. By setting standards for service-providers and developers, the guidelines issued by MahaRERA aim to enhance the overall quality of retirement homes and ensure a dignified living experience for senior citizens. Their draft order mandating several key requirements that every retirement home project in Maharashtra must adhere to before being advertised as a "Retirement Home/Senior Home" has been published on the MahaRERA website Briefly, the key provisions outlined in the draft guidelines include specifications for building design, green building principles, lifts and ramps, corridors and essential services such as medical, safety and security facilities. 1. Building Design: Installation of lifts equipped to accommodate users requiring assistance and wheelchair access. Design considerations for free movement of wheelchairs. Door openings width not less than 900mm, with easy-to-grip door knobs and lever type handles. Ergonomic furniture design specific to the needs of senior citizens, emphasising lightweight, sturdy, and rounded-edge furniture. 2. Green Building Principles: Maximum utilisation of non-polluting and renewable energy sources. Compliance with building bylaws to minimise exposure to fumes and exhaust. 3. Lifts and Ramps: Lifts with audio and visual signage and signalling systems. Mandatory incorporation of ramps for wheelchair access throughout the building. 4. Staircase: Clear width of not less than 1,500mm. Installation of handrails on both sides, appropriate tread and riser dimensions, and provision of adequate lighting and ventilation. 5. Kitchen and Bathrooms: Compliance with national building code (NBC) standards. Installation of gas leak detection systems in kitchens. Bathrooms equipped with grab rails, anti-skid tiles, and outward-opening doors for emergency access. 6. Lighting and Ventilation: Power backup facilities in each apartment, compliant with NBC standards. Uninterrupted power supply for common areas. 7. Safety and Security: Incorporation of alarm systems with emergency controls. Deployment of properly trained security personnel at entry and exit gates, with access to intercom and basic telephone facilities. Installation of CCTV cameras for surveillance, emergency firefighting services, and provision of disaster preparedness measures. MahaRERA's draft order seeks to enforce these guidelines within Maharashtra, requiring promoters to comply with minimum physical specifications before advertising their projects as retirement homes. Once the guidelines are implemented, the developers will have to include some of the special provisions in the sale agreement and other relevant documents. Essentially, implementation will ensure that all senior citizen housing projects in Maharashtra are built as per guidelines. Sarah Codd Montana State University has announced Sarah Codd, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, is the winner of the Presidents Award for Gender Equity. The award recognizes recipients who have an established record of working to improve issues related to gender equity. It carries a $2,000 honorarium. In Codds capacity as a faculty adviser and as a leader in the college, she has long advocated for women in STEM and advised them on ways to be impactful members of the engineering community. Sarah has been the glue that has held the community of female engineering faculty together since I got to MSU's campus in 2014, said Stephanie McCalla, associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. She goes above and beyond to mentor junior faculty, build community and make important connections. She would plan social events at her house for female engineering faculty and postdocs, and she went through great efforts to make sure everyone felt included. She also advocates for female colleagues to upper administration. Sarah came to MSU when very few women faculty were in the College of Engineering, and I can't imagine that we would have the gender equity weve become known for in our college without her. Flower markets bursting with Chinese Lunar New Year cheer in SE China's Xiamen People's Daily Online) 13:47, February 05, 2024 A mother and her daughter are attracted to colorful Moth orchids at a flower market in Xiamen city, southeast China's Fujian province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo) As the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, approaches, flower markets across Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian province, are overflowing with festive atmosphere. Fresh flowers have become a must-have Spring Festival decoration for some families. Many citizens are carefully selecting flowers at flower markets, ready to add a pleasant scent and festive vibe to their homes. "These flowers carry my wish for a good start to the Year of the Dragon," a citizen surnamed Yang told People's Daily Online while selecting flowers at a bird and flower market on Xi'an road in Xiamen. The blooms help create a joyful Spring Festival atmosphere and symbolize auspicious meanings, she explained. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee, Irakli Beraia, met with the United States Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan. The meeting, as reported by the Parliament's press service, focused on strategic cooperation directions between the two countries and addressed American support in defense and security matters."The role of the United States of America in strengthening Georgia's security and defense capabilities is special. The strategic partnership between the two countries is of great importance, not only for the protection of our national interests but also for the enhancement of regional security as a whole. Further deepening and strengthening these relations with the United States is of particular interest to us. During the meeting with the ambassador, we discussed the existing strategic partnership between the two countries, with a focus on cooperation in the field of defense and security," said Beraia.According to the assessment of the US ambassador, a productive and interesting meeting took place with the chairman of the committee."We discussed the US-Georgia strategic partnership, with a specific focus on our existing relations in the field of security. I believe our security relations represent one of the strongest pillars of our strategic partnership. Additionally, we explored how the United States can continue supporting Georgia's accession to NATO and the European Union. I hold great respect for our partnership and highly appreciate the role that Committee Chairman Irakli Beraya has played in strengthening our defense and security relations," said Robin Dunnigan.In parallel with the committee meetings, where ministers presented the government plan, representatives from the cultural sphere and scientists organized a protest at the parliament opposing Tea Tsulukiani's appointment as the Minister of Culture in Georgia. Rally participants demanded that the committee refrain from expressing confidence in Tea Tsulukiani."On February 5, the Parliament of Georgia will once again listen to Tea Tsulukiani's strategy of culture management, which, in reality, is the destruction of culture, in order to once again express confidence in her for the post of Minister of Culture on February 8.The representatives of the cultural sphere express no confidence in Tea Tsulukiani! Tsulukiani is destroying Georgian culture! Tsulukiani cannot be the Minister of Culture! Culture is alive, independent and political!" the protest organizers stated. Israel is one of the few countries where women are required to serve in the military. The duration of their service is 24 months, which is one year shorter than that of men. Paulina Tuchschneider was born in Zabrze, Poland in 1987, and moved with her family to Tel Aviv at the age of two. She underwent training in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), but failed to complete her service and deserted. Tuchschneider said she felt like an outsider. I felt like an alien. The army just wasnt where I belonged. This experience inspired her to write a story about a soldier engaged in a different sort of battle a feminine one where she was surrounded by people, yet never truly one of them. During a video call from her apartment in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, she shares her story while her husband and cats occasionally drift into view. A video editor of the investigative journalism television program Hamakor (The Source, in English), Tuchschneider published her debut novel in 2022, Girl Soldier (recently translated into Spanish by Esther Cross and titled La Soldada). Its semi-autobiographical fiction that sparked conversations in Israel, revealing the absurdity of war and the mental toll on young recruits who find themselves holding an M16 in one hand and shampoo in the other as they wait in line at the communal showers. Tuchschneiders biting style takes readers on a rollercoaster of laughter and horror. Inspired by her own life, she weaves a fictional tale of an 18-year-old soldiers psychological deterioration who has lost comrades-in-arms and more during the 2006 Lebanon War. Assigned to a military base in northern Israel, she despises the compliant young women wearing beaded berets who never question the forced military sisterhood and their destiny. Question. Your novel sparked a lot of debate. How was it received? Answer. In Israel, many men disliked it, while others loved it. A lot of men criticized me, calling me hysterical and whiny for talking about the anxiety of being a soldier. I received similar comments from men in Argentina, where its available in Spanish. But it doesnt have to be like that. Many Israeli women reached out to me, sharing their experiences of feeling alone and scared in the army. They too felt like they didnt belong. Despite all the pointed criticism, it has been incredible to discover that there are many other women who feel the same way. Q. The story isnt always about bombs and gunfire. It also talks a lot about the womens blemishes, cellulite and fear of wetting the bed. Why does the body play such a big role in setting the tone of your novel? A. Because not enough has been said about those things. We have plenty of books about war, but I wanted to explore anxiety the battle within the struggle to contain emotions and survive. The soldier does everything she can until war ultimately overwhelms her. Her body betrays her, revealing insights beyond the reach of the mind. Q. Shame is another character in the novel. The heroine of your story realizes that some of the female soldiers she trained with no longer say hello. A. I live in a country that has a big challenge during times of war. If youre a soldier, its expected that you fulfill your duty. I wanted to write about people who struggle as soldiers, particularly when military service is compulsory for everyone. The feeling of shame is a crucial part of these situations. They may have failed as soldiers, but not as individuals. When you no longer fit in a group and get kicked out, you feel shame about not having the strength to keep going. I dont want to pass judgment on whether this is right or wrong, but it does make you feel like youve failed. Q. In the novel, the protagonist feels its unfair that people in Tel Aviv are making decisions for her during the war. A. Its written from the perspective of a really young woman. Its about what youre thinking when youre 18 and all you really want to do is party, drink and have a good time. Even though you know youre supposed to be a soldier, you secretly hope you never have to go to war. Its totally normal to wonder, Are they really doing whats best for us? And when that thought keeps popping up, its really hard to be a good soldier because fear creeps in and you start getting all cynical. Q. At one point during the war, she starts wondering: Does anyone actually have a plan? A. Yeah, that was a major criticism of the Second Lebanon War [in 2006]. And now, were feeling the same way with this war. Does anyone even have a plan for what comes next? Are they really doing everything they can to keep us safe? Sometimes it just feels like everything is so complicated. Paulina Tuchschneider; photo provided by Editorial Periferica. Q. Whats different now? A. Ive never been as scared as I have been since October 7 [the date of the Hamas attack]. I think this is the end of the nation of Israel. Hamas is at my door and I feel like they could just kidnap or kill me. This is the end. Back in 2006, it wasnt this bad. Sure, there were missiles, but now those missiles are hitting Tel Aviv. This is the worst thing that has happened to us since the Holocaust. Its a whole different kind of war now. Q. What do you think the female soldiers are thinking about now? A. I think about them a lot. These women are so brave, and I actually get to connect with them through my work. The stories they share leave me speechless. For the first time ever, women in Israel are fighting in tanks. Thats always been such a huge deal and people used to say they couldnt do it. On one hand, Im in awe of these incredible women, fighting for their country during such a tough time. But on the other hand, I cant help but wonder... are there women who are scared? Women who just want to go home? I keep picturing those women saying to themselves, I dont want to fight. Im afraid. Q. Do you think its a feeling that people still have nowadays, where the protagonist admits that she never really thought about the enemy or the lives of the Palestinians? A. Weve got a problem here in Israel that were not really facing. I mean, Hamas is just horrible. But lets not forget about the two million people living in Gaza. Their leaders are the absolute worst, and so are ours. Both Israel and Palestine have the worst governments right now because nobody cares about finding a solution. But that doesnt mean we have to be cruel to Palestinians. Sometimes we just ignore the problem. We just want to live our lives like the main character in my book and avoid all the drama. But you cant ignore something that blows up in your face. You cant ignore whats happening in your neighborhood, when its all around you. Q. What can be done about it? A. This situation is a ticking time bomb. Ive never been this sad. I used to believe that there were good people on both sides and that we could find a solution. But now, all I can think about is how the violence will escalate and this war will continue to expand. Q. Your novel is going to be made into a movie. How do you picture it? A. Remember Saving Private Ryan with all those dramatic battle scenes and grenades exploding? Well, its not going to be like that. I want scenes like the one in the shower, you know, with women taking out tampons, trying to find a place to dry their towels, and lathering shampoo into their hair. Ive already written the screenplay and my husband will direct it, so itll be perfect. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The logo of Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in New York City, U.S., January 20, 2023. Anyone passing by the Tower Bridge on January 31 can be forgiven for ignoring any of the famous monuments in the vicinity, no matter how historically significant they might be. They were dwarfed by Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Not because she was visiting London, but because Boss projected a 10-meter-high (33 feet) hologram of her there to present its new spring-summer 2024 campaign. Every season, we want to do something bold and impactful and disruptive, Nadia Kokni, senior vice president of global marketing and brand communications at parent company Hugo Boss, told Vogue Business. Holograms make you do a double take; its familiar but a little disconcerting. To achieve this hyper-augmented reality, the three-dimensional holograms were created by capturing Bundchen on a set and with a turning platform. The figures are then transmitted using 10-meter transparent LED screens with technology designed so that weather conditions do not affect the image. These screens were placed on platforms in Potter Fields Park near Tower Bridge. Smoke and perfectly choreographed lighting did the rest and the magic was made real. The Brazilian model is the face of the 2024 Boss collection. Dan Kitwood (Getty Images) Although in terms of magic, its hard to beat the numbers generated by the latest Calvin Klein campaign. Jeremy Allen White eclipsed the skyscrapers of New York, his image bringing in $12.7 million in media impact in 48 hours, according to Launchmetrics. Allen White was a trending topic on X the day after the campaign was launched and a companion video published on TikTok reached more than 4.5 million views in a week. Calvin Klein didnt need a hologram of its new brand ambassador to get people talking: the actor himself had to clarify, in the face of constant questions on the subject at the Golden Globes gala, that he had been more excited to receive an award for his role in The Bear than to have starred in the campaign. But the brand famous for its white briefs is also a benchmark in stealing the limelight from the tallest buildings in the Big Apple with its XXXL campaigns. Back in the 1990s, giant billboards on the most imposing buildings in Manhattan featuring Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg were the strategy to capture the publics attention. You couldnt help but look at the [Calvin Klein] billboard, Allen White said in an interview with the American edition of GQ. Its so massive. I always associated it and still associate it with New York City itself. He also admitted that he felt intimidated and suffered from imposter syndrome before the photo shoot, as he couldnt see himself on one of those giant billboards. Jeremy Allen White in Calvin Klein's campaign. Cortesia de Calvin Klein This need to impress an audience increasingly accustomed to advertising and the constant stimuli received through cell phones forces brands to find new ways to surprise consumers. The bottom line is that in this age of TikTok you need to create moments, as Matt Kissane, CEO of marketing agency Landor, responsible for Calvin Kleins successful campaign, told Business of Fashion. This is why we are seeing an upsurge in massive billboards and technological resources are becoming more and more spectacular, forcing people to stop, get out of their bubble and look, and then share what they are seeing on their social networks, hopefully making a campaign go viral. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Guam Police Department vehicles parked at the central precinct in Sinajana on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, in Sinajana. Two workers walk under the wing of a 737 Max aircraft at the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington, U.S., March 27, 2019. Boeing discovered another problem in some of its 737 fuselages that may delay deliveries of about 50 aircraft in the latest quality gaffe to plague the manufacturer. Improperly drilled holes were discovered by Spirit AeroSystems, a major supplier that provides Boeing with fuselages, according to a letter from Stan Deal, CEO of Boeings commercial airplanes division. While this potential condition is not an immediate safety issue and all 737s can continue operating safely, we currently believe we will have to perform rework on about 50 undelivered planes, Deal said in a letter to employees that was shared Monday. Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems are facing intense scrutiny over the quality of their work after an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 was forced to make an emergency landing on Jan. 5 when a panel called a door plug blew out of the side of the plane shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. The NTSB is investigating the accident, while the Federal Aviation Administration investigates whether Boeing and its suppliers followed quality-control procedures. Shares of the The Boeing Co., already down 20% this year, slipped another 3% at the opening bell Monday. Problems with Boeing jets have opened a potential rift with some of its biggest customers. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said last month that the carrier will consider alternative aircraft in the future, and Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci told NBC Nightly News that I am more than frustrated and disappointed. I am angry. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the only other U.S. airline flying the Max 9, reported finding loose hardware in door plugs of other planes they inspected after the accident. The FAA grounded all Max 9s in the U.S. the day after the blowout. Two weeks later, the agency approved the inspection and maintenance process to return the planes to flying. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have begun returning some to service. Boeing, based in Arlington, Virginia, said last week it was withdrawing a request for a safety exemption needed to certify a new, smaller model of the 737 Max airliner. Boeing asked federal regulators late last year to allow delivery of 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce View Photo Sonora, CA The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce has announced a series of upcoming events and significant changes to its board of directors. In a departure from tradition, the Chamber will host a special mixer event instead of its Annual Community Awards Gala, responding to evolving post-pandemic community needs. Co-hosted with Adventist Health Sonora, the event will take place at the Primary Care Pavilion, 900 Mono Way, Sonora, on Thursday, February 15th, from 5 pm to 7 pm. The mixer will not only serve as a networking hub but also as a platform to honor the winners of the Annual Community Awards for 2022 and 2023. Recognizing local luminaries in categories like Entrepreneur of the Year, Excellence in Government, Citizen of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, and Business of the Year, the awards ceremony will be complemented by an informative presentation from Adventist Health in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month, contributing to the communitys health and wellness. New leadership within the Chambers Board of Directors has been announced. Mathew Galvan, the current Marketing Manager at Chicken Ranch Casino, is elected as the new Chairperson. With expertise in marketing and a deep connection to the local community. James Hanson, Business Services Manager for Motherlode Job Training, will serve as the new Treasurer, bringing extensive experience in workforce development and financial management. In 2024, the Chamber aims to drive growth in education, community advocacy, and new economic innovations for Tuolumne County businesses. These changes signify more than a new chapter; they represent our renewed dedication to invigorating Tuolumne Countys business environment and community engagement, said Mathew Galvan, the new Chairperson. The Chamber is committed to its mission of fostering a vibrant and prosperous business environment in Tuolumne County and is enthusiastic about the future. Were looking at new initiatives and repeating past successes like Leadership Tuolumne County, a program where both owners and staff of local businesses can learn and build relationships with other businesses in the county. For more information visit the Chamberss website here U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks yesterday on the Senate floor regarding national security priorities. McConnell was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: Four years ago, as a candidate for the Democratic nomination, President Biden promised his base functionally open borders. Quote: I would in fact make sure that we immediately surge to the border, all those people who are seeking asylum. That was President Biden as he took office. Three years ago, as people surged to the border, they insisted that the President had told them to come. And by his actions, we know that they were exactly right. The Biden Administration invited a crisis at our southwest border. In the tradition of Washington Democrats dating back decades, they chose an issue over its solution. And then, they made it worse. The President of the United States threw out essential border security tools like Remain in Mexico, froze new funds for commonsense measures like border wall construction, and abandoned the brave men and women of CBP and ICE to clean up his mess. resident Bidens border crisis has upended life in communities across America. Flows of deadly fentanyl have snuffed out precious lives in states like Kentucky. Catch-and-release has confronted even the bluest so-called sanctuary cities with the harsh realities of unchecked illegal migration. And for three years, the President and his Administration have tried to convince the American people not to believe their own eyes. They tried in vain to pretend that we werent facing a crisis. But the country knows better. This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions. And Senate Republicans have insisted not just for months, but for years that this urgent crisis demanded action. Three months ago, we asked our colleague Senator Lankford to lead that action. In just the time since Washington Democrats finally decided to join him at the negotiating table, the Presidents border crisis made history all over again. December saw the highest daily and monthly tallies of illegal border crossings ever on record. The crisis had literally never been worse. This is the reality as the Senate begins careful consideration of the border security agreement announced last night. The gaping hole in our nations sovereign borders on President Bidens watch is not going to heal itself. And the crater of American credibility after three years of the Presidents foreign policy will not repair itself, either. Today, our adversaries are emboldened. As terrorists and authoritarian thugs challenge the strongest military in the world, our Commander-in-Chief is hesitant and self-deterred. Its long past time for the President to demonstrate more resolve and start imposing decisive costs on those who dare to attack America. And its now time for Congress to take action on supplemental national security legislation that finally meets those challenges head-on. Ive spoken at length for months about the urgent need to invest in American hard power, stand with our allies, and start showing our adversaries that the worlds foremost superpower intends to start acting like one, again. My colleagues know where I stand. They know as well as I do that Americas adversaries in Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran are working together to undermine us. And they know that the time has finally come for the Senate to respond with strength. The national security legislation were preparing to take up will invest heavily in the capabilities and capacity America and our allies need regain the upper hand over this emerging axis of authoritarians. Make no mistake: the gauntlet has been thrown. And America needs to pick it up. 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. Sonora Police Department logo View Photo Sonora, CA A step toward building a new police station, and an effort to boost officer recruiting, were approved by the Sonora City Council on Monday evening. The first item, passed 4-0, approved a contract with the company Vanir for $50,000 to conduct a needs assessment and management services for the construction of a new police facility. City leaders noted that the existing building is insufficient in size and lacks room for expansion. All of the PD operations are housed at 100 South Green Street in the 2,418-square-foot facility. The building was constructed to be an auto repair shop in the 1950s and later remodeled to house the PD in 1994. Addressing the cost of hiring the consultant, Mayor Mark Plummer indicated it was a needed step on the path to eventually acquire construction grant dollars, adding, To the ordinary person, it seems an outrage, and very hard to stomach ($50,000). But, what our staff can probably in 10 minutes come up with is probably half of the issues, and is not going to have any weight when we go to ask for $10 million, for example, to maybe build a new station. Councilmember Suzanne Cruz added, Consultants, their opinion carries weight when you go to ask for money down the road. The process has to begin somewhere. It has to begin today, and if it does take 5-10 years out, this is a first step forward. Separately, the council voted 4-0 to approve a $200,000 contract with the company Epic Recruiting to help attract new police department recruits. City Administrator Melissa Eads stated, When we look at what we are currently investing in our recruiting efforts, and we are not getting the candidates that we need, we look at the money that we are investing, and over time, the burnout, employee well being, and the risk that we have, those numbers far outpace this $200,000 investment in the tools that we need to attract those qualified and capable sergeant and police officers. Both votes gained the support of all council members in attendance (Matt Hawkins was absent). Fear is not the word Id use to describe my feelings, says Carlos Rospide, but there is an anxiety. Youre always on the watch for something. You hope it doesnt happen, but you know it can. At the age of 60, two months before retiring, Rospide was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was the first in a list of bad news. Shortly afterward, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Then, prostate. Meanwhile, three of his five siblings were facing similar situations: one of his brothers was treated for a tumor in his appendix, another developed prostate cancer and his sister was found to have breast cancer. The pattern clearly responded to that of a familial cancer, but genetic testing was inconclusive. Only a minimally suspicious variant was detected in the DNA of one of the genes studied, which was classified at the time as of uncertain significance, although it has practically been ruled out as the cause. The situation puts them, like many other families in these circumstances, in a limbo of knowledge and information. They know that something abnormal is happening, but not what alteration causes it or who carries it in their DNA. Now, a project in which nine Spanish research centers are involved, funded with more than $3 million by the Precision Medicine Infrastructure of the Carlos III Health Institute, is looking for the cause in approximately 300 families in this situation. To do this, they will not only study the most common genes, but the entire DNA, using computer tools to sift through the abundance of information and conducting specific laboratory experiments for each alteration. Carlos Rospides is among those 300 families. The Spanish National Health System offers a genetic diagnosis to families who clearly have a hereditary cancer pattern, but many remain unresolved, explains Mercedes Robledo, head of the Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), which is participating in the project, named IMPaCT-VUScan, with four groups. Now we want to go far beyond the diagnostic routine to help some of them, but also to develop tools that help the doctors decision making in the future, says Robledo. A familial component Between 10% and 15% of tumors have a familial or inherited component, explains Maria Curras, head of the Familial Cancer Clinical Unit at the CNIO, who in addition to participating in the project is in charge of the Rospide family. This component may be suspected when more cases than usual accumulate within the same family, if tumors develop in different organs, or if they appear at a very early age. Although adapted care and follow-up can reduce mortality, in many cases the cause is not known with certainty. In the case of breast cancer, for example, known predisposition genes only explain between 30% and 40% of cases with hereditary influence, says Curras. Suspicion does not necessarily imply a family pattern, but overall, if all suspected cases are taken into account, in more than 80% of cases the responsible mutation is not found, acknowledges Conxi Lazaro, head of the Hereditary Cancer Research Group at the Catalan Institute of Oncology-IDIBELL and leader of the IMPaCT-VUScan project. Moreover, variants of uncertain significance are increasingly common in tests, DNA changes for which there is insufficient information to determine if they are responsible for the risk. This is precisely what happened in the initial diagnosis of the Rospide family, with the added predisposition that the specific variant was present in four siblings, all of whom had developed some tumor, while the only one who had not suffered from any tumor did not inherit this variant. Maria Curras, head of the CNIO Familial Cancer Clinical Unit. Laura M. Lombardia/ CNIO Although the vast majority of these uncertain variants are ultimately benign (the change they produce is harmless), they represent a nightmare for geneticists, explains Robledo. The rule is that no clinical decision should be made based on their presence. However, they do increase the uncertainty; it has been said that, more than limbo, they put the carrier in a genetic purgatory. Curras stresses the importance of the way these results are communicated; although the reactions vary, she says, people usually take it as something negative. They sense that something strange has been found in them, something they dont know what to tell them about, and in the end they feel the same or worse than before. The appearance of this type of changes is rising, as the extent of testing and the genetic data received increases. It is a paradox: the more data is gathered, the more likely they are to obtain an answer, but also the more likely it is that uncertainties will appear. That will also happen with the IMPaCT-VUScan project. By sequencing the entire genome, lots of variants of uncertain significance will appear, Lazaro explains. But unlike what happens in clinical routine, here they will be prioritized and studied in depth, seeking to reach a conclusion. I volunteered to seek knowledge and to help tackle the problem of familial cancer and improve survival, explains Rospide. Even if its a slow process, he adds almost instantly. Aiming for equity The vast majority of the changes that they will find in the DNA of families will be harmless and, to some extent, common. In order to filter and prioritize through all the noise, they designed bioinformatics tools that factor in how these variants in the genes affect the proteins they give rise to, how their shape changes in space, their position in the dense cellular network, or how evolution has preserved them. With all this, they will select specific candidates in each family and carry out absolutely individualized experiments for each variant, which will allow us to know if they really have an effect, explains Robledo. Conxi Lazaro, head of the Hereditary Cancer Research Group at the Catalan Institute of Oncology-IDIBELL and leader of the IMPaCT-VUScan project. raquelgrafic (Idibell) The information obtained will return to the bioinformatics tools to feed real data to the artificial intelligence and what the prediction had told us, continues the researcher, with the ambitious but complex goal that, in the future, it will help make decisions directly in the doctors office. Because these experiments are not only usually unavailable in clinical routine; in addition, they can take years, and even be unsuccessful, says Robledo, for whom this project is quite unique and pioneering due to the level of resources, tools and studies planned. The value of information Rospide admits that a situation like his completely changes the structure of life. When youre healthy or you think you are life goes by without paying much attention to time. With something like this, your perspective changes. It becomes more short-term. The distance of worries becomes shorter: the next visit. The next test. I find it amusing when they say in the news that someone has beat cancer. You beat cancer when they stop testing you. Although no mutation has been found to explain the Rospide familys cases of cancer, all siblings must follow a schedule of visits and medical examinations tailored to their situation, a much more exhaustive series of measures than usually recommended. Clinical trials exist for some preventive therapies against familial cancer, but there is none officially approved as such (excluding preventive surgery for certain cases of breast cancer predisposition). There are also some specific drugs to treat tumors with mutations in the BRCA1 and 2 genes (the most common in familial breast cancer) or for patients with colon cancer and changes that make them more sensitive to immunotherapy; however, the mutation does not usually dictate the treatment. Identifying new responsible variants could serve to use or develop new drugs, even for people where these changes take place in an isolated, non-familial way, explains Lazaro, but it will be difficult, among other things because the proportion of patients for each of them It will be small. What can be the use, then, of finding the responsible mutation? On one hand, to rule out an increased risk in those family members in whom it is not present, relieving their anxiety. This also includes sons and daughters, a primary concern in these situations, in addition to the possibility of offering genetic counseling if they decide to procreate. On the other hand, to personalize the care and diagnoses. This is what allowed, for instance, to do a multi-year investigation carried out by Robledos group in three families with a high risk of pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands. They found that in those three cases the cause was in a gene that had never been linked to the disease before, shared the information with an international consortium and located other families with the same mutations. That led them to infer that they had a specific clinical profile, explains Robledo. They had a higher risk of metastases, so closer monitoring was advisable, and these tended to appear in certain places, so now we know where to look. Faced with the limbo in which they find themselves, the information gives these families an answer to one of their questions: why me? highlights Lazaro. In addition, it is a tool that allows them to empower themselves in the face of many vital decisions and adapt the care they receive, which after all is what we mean when we talk about personalized medicine. It gives them the power to control some aspects of their life. Im not interested in being the center of attention, reflects Rospide. If I tell my story, its because I think it can help. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition It is the chronicle of a death foretold. Although the intention with which many invest time and money in going to a couples therapist is to fix a marriage or a relationship that hangs by a thread, and there is a widespread belief stoked by popular culture that this is actually possible, the reality is that this is not always the case. You dont do couples therapy to save the relationship at all costs, says psychologist Angel Guillen. However, sometimes the relationship is so destroyed, or there is so much resistance on the part of one or both members, that it becomes very difficult to settle, says psychologist specializing in couples therapy and sexologist Silvia Cintrano, who explains that therapy often serves as a means to take the final step to a breakup, as this is something that people do as a last resort. This is known as the last-ditch effort: if it does not work, everything is over. The problem, says Cintrano, is that this last solution usually arrives too late. Psychologist Maria Moragon explains that throughout her career she has seen many couples for whom therapy was a way to end their relationship, and that this is not bad by any means. They are relationships that hadnt been working for a long time, neither party was happy, but they were not capable of finishing it by themselves, she says. Psychoanalyst Bruno Betelheim agrees: The couple sometimes goes to therapy so that the therapist gives them permission to carry out a decision that they have already made. There are many reasons why a couple may go to therapy, but most, experts say, revolve around one thing: they want to stop being unhappy. This lack of harmony in a relationship can be the result of infidelities, differences in sex drive, problems with their families, big decisions or a conflict, explains Moragon. Psychologist Patricia Gutierrez expresses herself along the same lines, stating that some of the most common variables she has treated are a deficit in communication and a lack of expressive resources and skills to solve problems. The final goal in couples therapy, the specialists point out, is that both members of the couple manage to connect with their own individual well-being and emotional stability, and that they do so by either rebuilding their bond or ending it for good. Health psychologist and psychotherapist Raquel Tome Lopez explains that the key to therapy, on the other hand, is to create a safe space to explore and understand a little better what happens to patients as a couple. Thus, she explains, they gain the ability to reflect on themselves and their psychological mechanisms. They learn to put some thought into what was initially only emotional, especially when the feelings are as uncontrollable as they can be in a relationship, she says. Although it is understandable that couples only seek this type of external help when problems arise between them and they are not able to solve them, it is also common for them to stop going once the situation is resolved. However, experts recommend considering occasional reinforcement sessions. This helps to consolidate goals in a more favorable emotional situation, which is much more effective, or to seek individual therapy to face the breakup. Because, no matter what the popular stories say, nowhere is it written that the best thing that can always happen to two people is to stay together forever. American scientists have demonstrated a certain effectiveness of couples therapy in those relationships for whom it is not too late for another chance. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, three out of four couples who attend therapy admit improvement in their relationship; specifically, the report states that between 70% and 73% of couples recover from the unease that makes them go to therapy, and they usually do it in the first 10 to 12 sessions. One must not forget, of course, that these data come from institutions interested in demonstrating the effectiveness of couples therapy. Tragic Incident: Mentally ill man sets hut on fire, throws juvenile inside, resulting in fatality In a distressing turn of events, a mentally ill man from Zaka in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, went on a rampage, setting a grass-thatched hut ablaze and tragically throwing a young boy into the inferno. The incident, which occurred last Tuesday at around 4 pm, resulted in the child succumbing to severe burns. Confirming the incident, Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa provided details of the horrifying event. The suspect, identified as Trust Masara, a 58-year-old resident of Machaya Village in Chief Nhemas area, went to Sakina Nguruves homestead, where three children aged nine, seven, and five were playing. According to Inspector Dehwa, Masara set fire to the grass-thatched hut and then attempted to force the three minors inside. While the two older children managed to escape, the youngest, a five-year-old, fell victim to the suspects horrifying actions. Eyewitnesses reported that Masara, who is known to be mentally challenged, entered the hut with a burning log from a fireplace, ignited the structure, and quickly exited. He then ordered the children to enter the burning hut, but only the youngest child remained. The suspect grabbed the boy and callously threw him into the raging flames. The child suffered severe burns, but his grandmother rushed to his aid and rescued him from the burning hut. He was immediately taken to Manjoro Clinic, where medical professionals assessed his condition and subsequently referred him to Musiso Mission Hospital. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the young victim succumbed to his injuries. Following the devastating incident, a report was filed with the police, leading to Masaras subsequent arrest. Inspector Dehwa took the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of seeking medical attention for mentally ill individuals and ensuring they receive proper care. We implore members of the public staying with mentally ill persons to ensure that they are taken to hospital and also assisted to take their medicines according to directives by the health personnel, Inspector Dehwa emphasized. Breaking News via Email Yves here. This post is a useful antidote to the generally terrible reporting on why a Delaware court overturned a Tesla compensation package that would have resulted in Elon Musk receiving an unseemly $56 billion. It was pretty evident, if one read the coverage in the major financial outlets, that no reporter bothered running down the shareholder filing and the courts ruling, or if they had, they could not be bothered to incorporate what they said in their stories. It is hard to work up any sympathy for Musk, even before reading the explanation for the decision below. He is still the third richest person in the world. Importantly, Delaware is a favorite jurisdiction for big company incorporation precisely because it is so executive and board friendly. But you do have to observe some minimal forms, and Musk could not be bothered to do so. Or worse, he might have had to limit his wealth extraction. Recall this is not the first time that Musk sloppiness has cost him bigly. Recall that Musk tried to back out of his agreement to purchase Twitter and failed. Even though Twitter shares are at higher levels than they were most of last year, the total market cap, and with it, Musks roughly 79% share, are below his $44 billion purchase price. Remarkably, Musks purchase agreement failed to include either due diligence rights or a breakup fee. By Justin P. Klein, Director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, University of Delaware. Originally published at The Conversation Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick has blocked Elon Musks US$55.8 billion pay package, which Teslas board of directors approved in 2018 through a process she found to be deeply flawed. No CEO of a publicly traded U.S. company has ever been paid this much for one years work, according to Equilar, which tracks corporate leadership data. Pay for the 10 highest-paid executives, including Googles Sundar Pichai and Apples Tim Cook, reportedly maxed out at around $250 million in 2022. The Conversation asked Justin P. Klein, the director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, to explain McCormicks reasoning. Why Did the Judge Block Musks Pay Package? McCormicks opinion began with a good question: Was the richest person in the world overpaid? She concluded, in this reference to Musk whose fortune was estimated to be worth $205 billion before the ruling and consists largely of his Tesla shares and stock options, along with his SpaceX stake that he was. This legal defeat may have knocked Musk out of his perch atop the Forbes list of the worlds richest people, making him the second-wealthiest, the media outlet calculated. McCormick ruled against Musk in Tornetta v. Musk, a lawsuit filed on behalf of an investor who owned only nine Tesla shares and by extension virtually all of the companys stockholders. Ultimately, she determined that Musks compensation plan was considered and approved by a board of directors that was not sufficiently independent or objective. The compensation plan was subject to a vote by the rest of Teslas shareholders. But the information they received left out key details and contained inaccurate statements. This pay package deserved close scrutiny because of its enormity, McCormick observed. She called it the largest potential opportunity ever observed in public markets by multiple orders of magnitude. What Was Wrong with Teslas Board? McCormick concluded that many of Teslas board members, including his brother Kimbal Musk, had close financial and social relationships with Elon Musk and that they were beholden to him due to these ties. The board approved this compensation plan without following commonly accepted norms, according to the ruling. Further, McCormick found that the directors allowed Musk to control the process for approving the compensation plan, dictating the terms, amount and timing. Board members apparently made no efforts to benchmark the plan as compared to compensation paid to executives of comparable companies, a critical and typical step in any situation like this. Musk was in control of Tesla, a publicly traded company, that should have standard protocols in place regarding its compensation practices. There was no negotiation between Musk and the compensation committee or the board regarding the amount and terms of the plan, the chancellor found. This is both inconsistent with widely accepted compensation setting practices and striking due to the scale of the pay package. Musk launched a self-driving process, recalibrating the speed and direction along the way as he saw fit, McCormick wrote. The process arrived at an unfair price. And through this litigation, the plaintiff requests a recall. What Factors Are Boards Supposed To Consider in Setting CEO Pay? In deciding what CEOs should earn, boards or compensation committees should consider the companys performance under the leadership of the CEO and the executives own personal performance. They should also review what comparable companies take into consideration when making decisions about their own CEOs compensation. Other metrics or considerations may be taken into account, too. These may include whether the company has made progress in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion, employee retention, sustainability and environmental performance, worker safety practices, risk management and compliance with laws and regulations. Around the time of this compensation decision, Musk was the subject of a Securities and Exchange Commission probeover alleged fraud stemming from what the SEC said were misleading statements regarding his plans to take Tesla private at $420 per share a part of a tweet widely regarded as a cannabis joke. The settlement Musk reached with the SEC forced him to pay a $20 million fine and step down as the companys chairman for at least three years. It also required the appointment of two new independent Tesla board members and a requirement that he preclear certain public statements. The company was not taken private. In 2023, a jury found Musk not liable for related losses by Tesla investors who sued over the incident. Tesla shares closed at $187.91 on Feb. 2, 2024, far below that $420 price that unleashed litigation. The companys share prices closed at $409.97 in November 2021 the highest point to date. The board could have considered this incident a negative factor when making its decisions about Musks compensation. What Process Are Boards Supposed To Follow in Setting CEO Pay? In setting CEO compensation, all members of boards or compensation committees should be truly independent and objective, with no interest in the outcome. They should consider engaging compensation experts and benchmark or seek information on executive compensation at comparable companies. These decisions require careful consideration of all components of the CEOs compensation and how the pay package should be structured. That includes how much of the pay should be provided as cash, restricted stock, which may not be sold for a period of time, and stock options, which provide the right to purchase stock at a predetermined price before a particular time in the future. When stock prices rise a great deal, stock options soar in value. Thats what happened with Musks colossal pay package. What Happens Now? Musk may decide to appeal to the Supreme Court of Delaware. On the other hand, Musk could ask Teslas board, its compensation committee or both of them to revisit and revise his compensation plan, taking into account the objections spelled out in the ruling. That would include both the amount $55.8 billion and the process by which it was set. Musk, however, appears to be seeking a third option. Tesla will move immediately to hold a shareholder vote to transfer (the) state of incorporation to Texas, he posted on X, his social media platform previously known as Twitter. Even if Musk were to prevail and change Teslas jurisdiction of incorporation, it would not be likely to affect this decision. The public vote is unequivocally in favor of Texas! Tesla will move immediately to hold a shareholder vote to transfer state of incorporation to Texas. https://t.co/ParwqQvS3d Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 1, 2024 Is Delaware Particularly Tough on Corporate Leaders? Delaware is the corporate home of more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies even though its the countrys second-smallest state. One reason for its popularity with businesses of all kinds is that Delawares courts are quite experienced, with a great deal of expertise in considering business matters and cases of this kind. Musks court case was heard in its Court of Chancery, a system that primarily decides corporate legal matters. Although Musk suggested that standards in Delaware are overly strict in another message he posted on X after the ruling, this kind of case is very rare. One of few similar lawsuits was filed against former Disney CEO Michael D. Eisner over his $140 million severance package. In 2005, Chancellor William B. Chandler III of the Delaware Chancery Court let it go, while acknowledging the apparent impropriety of paying an executive so much. Despite all the legitimate criticisms that may be leveled at Eisner, especially at having enthroned himself as the omnipotent and infallible monarch of his personal Magic Kingdom, Chandler wrote, I nonetheless conclude, after carefully considering and weighing all the evidence, that Eisners actions were taken in good faith. For years, Jonathan Metzl and other public health professionals have been on the losing side of Americas gun debate. Despite marshaling mountains of evidence linking permissive gun laws to increased gun-related deaths, advocates of gun violence prevention have failed to keep red states from diluting reforms or passing legislation that makes deadly weapons easier to purchase and carry. Clearly, its time for a new strategy. In What Weve Become, Metzl makes the case that gun reform advocates need to reframe the issue by envisioning a new social contract. What Weve Become: Living and Dying in a Country of Arms By Jonathan M. Metzl W.W. Norton & Company 384 pages, $29.99 Gun violence is a local matter for Metzl, a Vanderbilt professor and director of the universitys Department of Medicine, Health and Society. He was horrified by the 2018 Waffle House shooting in Nashvilles Antioch neighborhood, when a man carrying an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle entered the restaurant at 3:40 a.m. and opened fire, killing four people and wounding four others before being disarmed. The shooter, Travis Reinking, was captured the following day. Two troubling details about the shooting grabbed Metzls attention: Reinking, a tall, skinny white man, was naked during the shooting, and all of his victims were people of color. Metzls book closely examines the Waffle House shooting as a way of illustrating the social context of Reinkings actions, the devastation experienced by the victims and their families, and the callous reaction from Tennessee politicians. A white man killed young adults of color using guns, Metzl writes. In turn, the states response would arm the next perpetrator, at the expense of the community at whom he shot. Metzl, who in 2019s Dying of Whiteness explored the self-destructiveness of racist politics, illuminates the rhetoric that extreme gun rights supporters deploy in response to mass shootings. First, they announce that the tragedy is the result of a mental health issue; then, after the afflicted community (Columbine, Parkland, Sandy Hook, Aurora, Uvalde, Nashville ) calls for common-sense gun control, they squawk that liberals are trying to turn a tyrannical government against law-abiding gun owners. So, they conclude, now is the time to protect the Second Amendment by expanding the rights of gun owners to acquire and wield lethal weapons. The problems with such rhetorical sleight-of-hand, as Metzl details, go beyond logical incoherence and brazen hypocrisy. By labeling mass shootings as mental health problems, they imply that mental health professionals should be able to supply the solution. They push duty to warn statutes that require mental health practitioners to report to police any patient who poses a threat of violence. In reality, though, Metzl notes that only about 4 percent of violence in the United States is attributed to people diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. The sane are, statistically, far more dangerous than the mentally ill. Metzl demonstrates that the mental illness explanation of shootings is a dodge to justify inaction. If politicians truly believed that the solution to gun violence is taking weapons out of violent hands, they would support red-flag laws, which allow citizens to report to police concerns about dangerous friends or family, leading to the confiscation of guns. But red-state Republicans have repeatedly resisted such legislation, arguing that it would impinge on the rights of lawful gun owners, thereby reducing their ability to protect themselves from homicidal madmen exactly the people that red-flag laws are meant to identify. The case of Travis Reinking illustrates how red-flag laws should work, but also how Americas legal inconsistency undermines our attempts to prevent gun violence. While living in Illinois, Reinking lost his gun permit and had his weapons taken by local police, who immediately turned them over to Travis father for safekeeping. When Travis decided to move to Tennessee, where the gun laws were exponentially more permissive, his father gave him back his guns, a decision Metzl describes as a catastrophic personal choice and, more importantly, as a system failing, an American failing. In addition to analyzing the political dialectic surrounding guns, Metzl assesses the economics of the gun industry. When mass shootings occur, Americans buy guns for protection; when reformers announce campaigns to restrict gun sales, buyers stockpile them against possible future prohibitions. As Metzl puts it, Trepidation is big business. Metzls book offers positive directions for America to pull out of this death spiral. To move forward, gun control advocates must find common ground with gun owners by linking gun safety reform with housing, health care, education, voting rights, transit, crime reduction and economic betterment. Among the interventions Metzl prescribes (expand the public health framework, improve the social safety network), the most important, and difficult, is to develop a better Southern strategy that is, to be realistic about the stranglehold of gunpower in the South and how it might be challenged with an alternate long-term vision. What Weve Become paints a dark picture of the hole we have dug for ourselves, but also offers a set of tools for how to climb out of it. For more local book coverage, please visit Chapter16.org, an online publication of Humanities Tennessee. Irma Castro hugs a baby next to an incubator, in the intermediate care room of the Provincial Maternity Hospital of Cordoba, Argentina, on January 14, 2024. Irma Castro, 60, sits in the neonatology room of the Provincial Maternity Hospital of Cordoba, in Argentina, with a premature baby pressed to her chest. The childs face touches the skin of the woman, who looks down at him in silence. As he listens to her heartbeat, the little one sighs, letting out the stress that living in an incubator causes him. He will remain like this, calm, for the next two hours, feeling Irmas healing heat, until its time to return to the apparatus, where he receives intensive care. Irma is one of the hospitals volunteer huggers. She offers her embrace to enhance the neurodevelopment of premature or underweight babies, whose mothers are absent because they have passed away, have limited economic resources, live far from the ward, have other children, are incarcerated, are victims of domestic abuse, or are addicted to substances. There are 50 volunteers 49 women and one man who donate their time to accompany the newborns. And there are more than 200 applicants on the waiting list. I want [the babies] to be certain that, since they were born, theyve been loved and accepted. Its amazing how [valiant] they are, they have such a desire to live, Castro sighs. A retired teacher, she has been a volunteer for more than two years. Nancy Sanchez Zanon head of the Maternity Neonatology Department explains that the average period of intensive care in an incubator lasts around 12 days, but can be extended for months, depending on the pathology and prematurity of the baby in question. In this hospital, about 1,500 babies of the approximately 5,200 born each year require intensive care. And about 15% of these little ones need to be hugged. A one-month-old baby clings to the hand of volunteer Irma Castro. RAMIRO PEREYRA Ana Maria Rognone head of intermediate care at the Maternity Hospital and coordinator of the program explains that the project was born within the framework of volunteering in safe and family-centered maternity wards, key to perinatal care in the public hospitals of Cordoba. It began in 2010, replicating a strategy promoted in Buenos Aires by the Ramon Sarda Mothers and Childrens Hospital, together with UNICEF. This approach seeks humanized care, with a focus on the rights of the mother and child. This occurs by improving the quality of care and reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Ideally, parents and families assume a leading role in care. For instance, they learn about the benefits of breastfeeding. For their part, the institutions offer residences, so that mothers can remain close to their babies. They also invite members of the community to get involved in volunteer activities. The healthcare team cannot do it alone. With families, it adds up, and with the community, it adds up even more, Rognone affirms. In 2017, the huggers were incorporated, thanks to the information provided by a volunteer about the infant cuddler programs that are carried out in Canada, with the children of mothers who are addicted to heroin. This format was adapted to Argentina. A comprehensive health strategy The volunteers support the healthcare team: they detect if a baby doesnt receive visitors, learn about the difficulties that the mothers are facing and replace any maternal absence with their own bodies. For this to take place, the mothers written consent is requested. Hugging helps the babies grow faster and gain weight. This is a health strategy, with a supportive health team, with a scientific basis and with a training process [required to be able to] volunteer, Rognone emphasizes. To join the program, you must be over the age of 18, have no criminal record and go through an extensive screening process. Then, the selection depends on the availability of time and expectations. Ana Maria Rognone the head of intermediate care at the Maternity Hospital and volunteer coordinator checks on a baby inside an incubator. RAMIRO PEREYRA Nancy Sanchez Zanon insists that the function of the huggers is to be at the service of the mothers and be the link with the healthcare team. But, without a doubt, the value of a human embrace is significant. Its very good to know that, for two hours, the baby will be in contact with a person and not assisted in an incubator. The hug relieves tension and calms anguish, Paula Yacante explains. The 50-year-old Spanish-to-English translator was one of the first to join the volunteer program. The head of Neonatology explains that its scientifically proven that babies develop better and faster when they have physical contact with their mother. In the event that the parent is absent, the link with a third person is also effective. Skin-to-skin contact helps the child grow and regain weight faster. [This contact] promotes neurodevelopment, protection, care and growth. [A child] is less stressed, because theyre in someones arms. Theyre supported emotionally, they can regulate their temperature more easily [The infants are less prone to sleep apnea] and gain weight faster compared to if they werent linked to anyone, the doctor details. Pierina Vans a 52-year-old interior designer and volunteer adds that, upon being hugged, the baby displays his or her primary survival instinct: they relax and feel protected. They stop consuming their own energy. When you hug them when the baby has skin-to-skin contact they sigh and the color of their skin begins to change, she says. When you take the baby, you can see that their hands are clenched, but then they relax and their heart rate drops, the doctor notes. In the event that the babies cannot be hugged due to the impossibility of disconnecting their intravenous lines or tubes, the volunteers reach into the incubator and hold the babys hand, or rest theirs on the childs legs or chest. You are filled by feeling how in that small body theres so much desire to live. Theres an attachment to how beautiful life is, Irma Castro says. She believes that helping a child have a better beginning is a way of contributing to humanity. While doing her volunteer shift as a cuddler, Irma enjoys the baby's company. Skin-to-skin contact improves the neurodevelopment of premature or underweight infants. RAMIRO PEREYRA Maria Cristina Nieva a 45-year-old educational psychologist feels privileged to fulfill this task as a volunteer. I feel peace, love, satisfaction. When theyre discharged, its a great joy, especially [when theyve] been there for a long time and have passed through the arms of everyone. We celebrate it, she remarks. The word love is often repeated by the women, with moist eyes. We offer the baby a moment of emotional fusion, tranquility, security, comfort, warmth. I feel that Im adding my grain of sand, says volunteer Paula Otto, 52. Healing with affection Cuddling babies for a couple of hours begins after theyve been changed and fed. Nurses are our guides, because babies arent always in a position to be hugged. Sometimes, they have to undergo medical [treatment]. The professionals guide us, Pierina clarifies. They take them out of the incubator while carefully following a protocol. They then rest the babies on their chests, trying to be as calm as possible. This way, the babies can relax. If the mother or father shows up at that moment, the infant is handed over to them immediately. Were a substitute for that absence, Vans points out. The volunteers also tour the wards, noting down the needs of the mother. Marcela Mancardo a 59-year-old housewife and volunteer says that the first baby she hugged hadnt had contact with her mother due to a health problem. The baby went from the delivery room to the incubator. I was the first to hug her: it was my first time as a volunteer. It was an explosion of love. I cried at home, she recalls. Volunteer Susana Sassy an 82-year-old retired architect says that, when she holds a newborn, she touches the sky with her hands. Its wonderful to hear that little heart beating. Many of us have been mothers, but this is different: youre committed to a different love. It is giving light, life and love, she says. Part of the team: Susana Sassy, in the middle, along with Eugenia Lucca, Marcela Mancardo, Veronica Conci and Pierina Vanz. RAMIRO PEREYRA Veronica Conci a 52-year-old therapeutic companion and one of the newest volunteers remembers that, during her training, she was struck by a phrase uttered by Ana Rognone, who was quoting the French gynecologist Michel Oddent: To change the world, we must first change the way the babies are being born. We can change the way a baby comes into this world: [the process] can be more humane, and they can be more content, more loved. [The baby] should feel like shes important, Conci affirms. Being in an incubator for 24 hours, or for three days, isnt the same as someone picking you up, hugging you and giving you their heart and skin, which is what we give, she points out. She thinks that, perhaps, when she lends her chest and arms to a child, she affects their future. The work of the huggers has become better known in recent times. At the end of last year, they were given an award and publicly-recognized by the city of Cordoba. [It was important to show that], from the outside, you can be in a neonatology room. Its important to cover for vulnerable populations who cannot be with their baby at that time, Rognone emphasizes. For her, all maternity hospitals should incorporate the community to accompany families. [Caring isnt possible] with medicine alone, but with affection. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Gov. Bill Lee on Monday delivered his annual State of the State address to gathered lawmakers, with his 2024-25 budget proposal defined by more than $1 billion in planned tax refunds for corporations and a projection that years of annual revenue growth have come to an end. The governor's most significant policy proposal for the year is his Education Freedom Scholarship Act, unveiled late last year. The program would fund voucher-like scholarships for up to 20,000 Tennessee students next year, with unlimited growth planned for the years to follow. The program is expected to trigger substantial debate among lawmakers and could see changes from Lee's initial proposal. The overall spending plan totals $52.6 billion, down from $62.5 billion in the current year. State officials said the decrease was due to expiring federal funds stemming from COVID-19 response and infrastructure spending, plus a drop in one-time state funds. Ive got three years left, and yet there is a lot to do," Lee said. "Were not slowing down not for a second. ... So, in 2024, and frankly for the remainder of my time in office, I believe our job is to fortify that which has been built over the years, and to remember the work it took to get here. Jim Bryson, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, said Monday that the state has gone "from high growth to basically no growth" and is "facing significant financial challenges." He credits "conservative fiscal management" for helping the state stave off unplanned budget cuts or deployment of reserves. "This budget is more challenging than previous budgets and in many ways a lot less exciting," Bryson said, while adding that the budget continues to increase funding for key priorities like education and law enforcement. The tax refunds are a preemptive effort to avoid a lawsuit from companies that could challenge the state's franchise tax regime. The refunds would go back up to four years and are expected to cost the state more than $1 billion the coming fiscal year. Foregone revenue from changes to the tax will cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars more annually. The budget includes no grocery sales tax holiday, though Democrats have proposed eliminating the tax entirely. Our members are having a very favorable reaction to the governors franchise tax proposal, said Jim Brown, state director for the National Federation for Independent Business. We also are gathering feedback from the tax practitioner community and sharing with state leaders to ensure the proposals implementation would go smoothly. State of Play: What to Expect From the Tennessee General Assembly State leaders return to Nashville to consider laws related to abortion, education and the ongoing culture wars As proposed, the budget includes $6.8 billion for K-12 education, the most ever. That figure represents an increase of nearly $500 million from the current year, Bryson said, and includes funding for ongoing priorities like the progressive increase of teacher salary floors to $50,000. The education budget proposal also includes $15 million for charter school facility support and more than $140 million for the first year of the education freedom scholarships. A few dozen mostly student protesters gathered outside the state Capitol ahead of the speech, rallying against the voucher-like expansion proposal and for gun safety measures. Opponents of the private school scholarships in the audience interrupted Lee's speech at times to voice their criticisms. We the students are here to say we are unsatisfied with the state of the state and were ready to make a change," said Emmie Wolf-Dubin, a sophomore at Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville. "The status quo is fundamentally un-maintainable as we whitewash our history and cleanse our books of the American wrongs." Various interest groups also weighed in. "We will always seek to find common ground with policymakers as long as the policy aligns with the needs of children and educators in our public schools," said JC Bowman, executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee. "The concept of universal vouchers would be costly to the state, and we urge the Tennessee General Assembly to move slowly. In particular, we have concerns over the lack of income-eligibility requirements and accountability. Our state must avoid any program viewed as a tax subsidy for existing private school families or a tax bailout for struggling private schools." Said Lee: "We can give parents choice and support public schools at the same time." Lee also highlighted a proposed investment in rural health initiatives, TennCare growth and support for behavioral health care. The governor is also asking for more than $17 million in order to add 60 troopers to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Lee is also proposing an additional $71.5 million for the Heritage Conservation Trust, $25 million for the Farmland Conservation Trust, $20 million for river access and $10 million for a Bill Dance Signature Lakes Fishing Trail. Though he offered few details, Lee also said he would push statewide permitting reform "to accelerate building times, lower costs and safely streamline construction in Tennessee." The effort is designed to make it easier to build homes, businesses and child care facilities, he said, and comes as Metro councilmembers begin a campaign for zoning and codes reforms in Nashville with similar aims. Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis), chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, offered a "prebuttal" to Lee's State of the State on behalf of Tennessee Democrats, confined to the superminority in both the House and the Senate. "Instead of working on the issues holding us back, Republicans have used their power to seize wealth for their campaign contributors and made cuts that hurt working people," she said. "Theyve wasted years of our time and tax dollars in pursuit of a trickle-down agenda that serves billionaires and big corporations while literally undermining our personal prosperity, our safety and our freedom." Hamilton Matthew Masters contributed reporting. From 31st January to 2nd February 2024, the Interallied Confederation of Medical Reserve Officers (CIOMR) organised their Mid-Winter meeting at NATO HQ, in Brussels. The meeting was not only a showcase of technological advancements; it was a testament to the Alliance's commitment to embracing innovation for the betterment of allied military medical services. The overarching theme of the CIOMR Scientific Committee was the exploration of telemetry, AI, and 'big data' in enhancing military medical capabilities. As the field of military medicine continues to evolve with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing operational capabilities, the work of the Scientific Committee, under the leadership of Surgeon Commander Stuart A. G. Roberts (UK) as Chair and Major Paul Dhillon (CAN) as Vice-Chair, sets a high standard in the field of military medicine. The recent Mid-Winter meeting of CIOMR marked a significant milestone, with the committee presenting and leading sessions focused on the integration of telemetry, artificial intelligence (AI), and 'big data' in military medicine. The Scientific Committee's work emphasized the transformative potential of these technologies in streamlining medical logistics, improving patient care, and facilitating real-time decision-making in the field. The journey of integrating telemetry, AI, and big data into military medicine is just beginning, and the insights gained from this meeting will undoubtedly pave the way for further advancements. As we move forward, the focus will remain on harnessing these technologies to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and reach of military medical services, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of those who serve, noted Surgeon Commander Roberts in his remarks. The event, which for the first time saw Australia participating remotely, also brought together junior medical officers from the UK, USA, and France, through the CIOMR Junior Medical Reserve Officer Committee, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The participation of international partners such as Australia highlighted the global dimension of the committee's efforts. This collaborative approach not only enriches the pool of knowledge and expertise but also ensures that the benefits of technological advancements in military medicine are shared widely across the NATO alliance and its partners. The sessions underscored the committee's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance medical support in military operations. A highlight of the meeting was the augmented reality (AR) demonstration by the Kognitiv Spark Team, which showcased the potential of AR in transforming military medical training and field operations. The AR round robin featured three different scenarios centred on: wound care ability to guide field medics through complex wound care procedures in real-time, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of battlefield medical interventions; remote care facilitation of remote medical consultations, allowing specialists to provide guidance and support to medics in remote or inaccessible locations; and surgery glimpse into the future of military surgery, where AR can assist medics in performing intricate procedures with augmented precision and information. These demonstrations not only highlighted the practical applications of AR in military medicine but also underscored the importance of immersive technologies in training and operational support. Alberta Health Services suspends policy change that blocks parents from accessing their childrens medical records The Alberta Health Services (AHS), health agency in the Canadian province of Alberta, has temporarily suspended its proposed policy change that would prevent parents from accessing the medical records of their children as soon as they turn 12. The initial changes, announced in February 2022 through a letter, seek to withdraw parental proxy access to MyAHS Connect accounts for children aged 12 and older to protect patients "in vulnerable situations." This online patient portal allows Alberta residents to access their health records, including test results, immunization records, medications and appointment history. This portal also facilitates communication between patients and their healthcare teams. In the letter sent to physicians and posted on the AHS official website, parents could only access the medical information of their children through proxy up to the age of 11. After the child turns 12, access will be restricted, except for those with a developmental age of eight years or younger. Personal access to the MyAHS Connect account is only granted to the child at the age of 14, provided they have an Alberta ID. In their experience, it is at approximately age 12 when at-risk populations may begin to access or require healthcare independent of their parents or guardians. Limiting access to information for parents and guardians when a youth turns 12 is designed to protect vulnerable youth while continuing to enable MyAHS Connect proxy access for families in situations where it is most valuable," the letter reads. (Related: Victory for parental rights: California school district agrees to pay family $100,000 settlement after teachers "transitioned" student to LGBT behind parents' back.) However, on Jan. 29, AHS decided to pause the restriction on proxy access through a notice posted on the AHS official website. "There was a planned temporary change in Connect Care to limit how youth accounts in MyAHS Connect can be accessed by another individual (e.g., parent or authorized representative), known as proxy access. MyAHS Connect proxy access gives a parent or authorized representative access to a youths entire health record. This may be a risk for some youth who are accessing sensitive health services. "With recent engagement sessions and feedback about this upcoming proxy change, and on closer review, on Friday, January 26, the decision was made to pause and revisit these changes to proxy access for youth. As a result of this pause, no changes will be implemented to those with existing proxy access to youth accounts aged 12-17 at this time. AHS is working to identify potential solutions that would strike a better balance between the needs of maturing youth and the ability of their parents or authorized representatives to support them with ongoing healthcare needs." Alberta premier vows to protect parental rights A few days before the suspension of proxy access, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith revealed that the United Conservative government is all set to introduce parental rights legislation. "Parental rights," a term used to limit sex education and discussions of gender identity in schools, has a contentious history in both the United States and Canada, particularly concerning LGBTQ issues, religion, and language in schools. In the radio show "Your Province, Your Premier," on 630 CHED and QR Calgary, Smith tackled the importance of finding a balance between parents' concerns about the innocence of their children and the need to support them in forming their own identities. "I don't think that there's anything wrong with parents wanting to protect their child's innocence as long as possible on issues of sexuality. Kids do get to a point where they start making their own decisions. Weve been having a lot of conversations about this as a caucus. We've consulted very broadly about it. We'll be releasing policy on this next week," said Smith during the Jan. 27 broadcast. She further highlighted the necessity of allowing children to develop their identities while ensuring parents are informed about what is being taught in schools. "I am really hopeful that we can depoliticize the discussion and be thinking about the kids who are listening to us as adults talking about these issues that are impacting them and make sure that we get the right balance," she said. Learn more about health systems around the world at HealthCoverage.news. Watch this Jan. 26 episode of "A Warrior Calls" discussing the grave corruption within the Alberta Health Services. This video is from the channel A Warrior Calls on Brighteon.com. More related stories: AOCs rant against parental rights shows the pro-LGBT left really is after your kids. Startling video exposes how aggressive trans ideology has taken over American lives. Not just public schools: Ohio PRIVATE school reports mothers to FBI for questioning leftist curriculum. Parents rally against Planned Parenthood and California school district for trying to infringe on their parental rights and pushing WOKE ideologies onto students. After southern California school district decided to inform parents of LGBT students about their gender transitions, trans mob responds with DEATH threats. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com ACFP.ca GlobalNews.ca Brighteon.com WOKE TYRANNY: Aspiring foster parents could be prohibited from adopting children if they dont push gender ideology at home Aspiring foster parents who do not support teaching gender ideology at home will be prohibited from adopting children based on the new proposed policy of the Biden administration. The policy, also known as "Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements," seeks to ensure that LGBTQ children are placed in environments "free from hostility or discrimination." The guidelines call for potential foster parents to undergo training and develop knowledge and skills to support the needs of LGBTQ children. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) cited multiple surveys supporting the idea behind this policy. In one of the surveys, 32 percent of foster kids aged 12 to 21 have a diverse sexual orientation or gender identity. The NPRM cites another study from 2019 conducted by a group of psychology professors that LGBTQ youth are almost 2.5 times more likely than heterosexual youth to end up in foster care. The Biden administration also points to The Trevor Project surveys, showing LGBTQ foster kids are 50 percent less likely to face issues like suicide, drug use or mental health problems if they can openly talk about their sexual identity with caregivers. In other words, applications of aspiring foster parents who do not support teaching gender ideology due to religious beliefs may be rejected. Some states have already done that. For instance, in Oregon, a widowed mother of five was barred from adopting two siblings because she did not support teaching alternative sexual orientation to children. Similarly, a Massachusetts Catholic couple is suing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after being rejected despite passing a home study and undergoing extensive training. Despite their willingness to care for hard-to-place children with special needs, Mike, an Iraq War veteran, and Kitty, a special education assistant, were rejected due to their responses on gender dysphoria and the sexual orientation of children. "After months of interviews and training, and after years of heartbreak, we were on the verge of finally becoming parents. We were absolutely devastated to learn that Massachusetts would rather children sleep in the hallways of hospitals than let us welcome children in need into our home," the couple said. Policy is unconstitutional and may be against the law Critics, including Republican lawmakers and Christian organizations, argue that the policy oversteps boundaries by compelling foster parents to embrace specific ideologies. In a letter addressed to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, six Republican senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Michael Lee (R-Utah) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) argued that the proposal will "alienate, if not exclude," many faith-based families. "All children in foster care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve a safe and proper placement. However, this proposal goes beyond statutory requirements to force states to adopt extreme gender ideology in their placement decisions," the senators wrote. The senators accused the Biden administration of using the LGBTQ foster care policy to undermine faith-based child welfare providers, while pretending to advance equity. Nineteen state attorneys general backed the argument that the policy is unconstitutional and may be against the law, referring to the decision of the Supreme Court in the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case. The court ruled that the government can't stop a religious organization from allowing same-sex couples to become foster parents in that case. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention accused the administration of creating a "false assumption" and insisted that foster parents should not have to agree with every belief of a child to provide a safe home. "A foster parents biblical belief regarding sexuality and gender identity does not detract from their ability to warmly welcome a vulnerable child into their home. Inevitably, there will be many beliefs on which the child and family disagree," the group wrote. The group said implementing the mandate could substantially reduce the already deficient number of foster homes in the United States. Sam Whiting, a staff attorney at the Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI), raised concerns that the policy could label foster parents who do not support gender ideology as abusive, potentially leading to the state attempting to take custody of their children. Read more stories about LGBTQ at Gender.news. Watch this episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses Biden's decision to adorn the White House with the LGBT Pride flag. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: WHITE HOUSE DOWN: Biden unveils Progress Pride flag during LGBTQ event held at South Lawn. Clown show: Biden national security spokesman John Kirby claims LGBTQ rights a core element of American foreign policy. Woke United Airlines puts rainbow on San Fran-to-Sydney jetliner with all-LGBTQ crew, gets ripped on social media for no emphasis on safety or skills. Backlash as Air Force tweets image of soldier SALUTING LGBTQ+ flag. Democrats float bill to allow LGBTQ migrants to walk into U.S. unrestricted. Homosexual teacher caught bullying his students, threatening them to comply with LGBTQ agenda. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com COVID-19 was genetically engineered in a lab as a bioweapon, new smoking gun evidence shows After more than three years, yet another piece of incontrovertible incriminating evidence has come out proving that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) was created in a laboratory and not "from a pangolin courting a bat." Emily Kopp from the nonprofit public health research group The US Right to Know just obtained additional details about the "Defuse" proposal that is far more than a smoking gun. In fact, it is more analogous to finding the gun, fingerprint and confession note in one place, writer Kevin McKernan, who goes by the name Anandamide on Substack, wrote. According to McKernan, Kopp found evidence that the said proposal on "Defusing the Threat of Bat-borne Coronaviruses" led by the EcoHealth Alliance, in cooperation with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIH) and others, requesting $14,209,245, listed the very restriction enzyme (BsmBI) that molecular immunologist Valentin Bruttel and his co-authors claimed could build the virus in "Endonuclease Fingerprint indicates a synthetic origin of SARS-CoV-2." Not only did Bruttel et al. notice that BsmBI sites were conveniently evenly spaced throughout the viral genome and this spacing was not only not observed in other coronaviruses, but that this approach made complete sense as a logical path to manually assembling the genome. The said proposal was reported to actually contain NEB R0580S part numbers to order these very enzymes to construct the virus in the manner Bruttel et al. predicted. "This is a case-closed event! There is no more debate. C19 [COVID-19] was made in a lab. Which lab and when is still a hot topic," McKernan said in his newsletter dated Jan. 19. He also cited a thread on X, formerly Twitter, where Nick Hudson, chairman of Panda, a multidisciplinary organization with a mission to uphold open science, summed up the real story with the most clarity. What has beating this drum for 3 years accomplished? My experience with the whole qPCR fiasco is people dont care if you claim its all ghosts. They got sick and witnessed transmission through their house and friends. Your definition or the WHOs definition they dont even know Kevin McKernan (@Kevin_McKernan) January 17, 2024 "Congrats to Bruttel et al. You have been vindicated and hopefully, your work manifests in some accountability for this cover-up. Now that we know it is lab-made, the next question is by who, when and how was it disseminated? Was it a simple employee infection or something more deliberate and nefarious?" McKernan said as part of his conclusion. And for those asking if viruses can spread around the world, he said yes, they can and they do every year with traditional coronaviruses. "They spread very well COVID-19 may have happened six months before December 2019. The synchronicity reported by Rancourt et al. is merely the qPCR pipeline being turned on to find it everywhere once pandemic declarations demanded everyone pay attention to it. The jurisdictional segregation of PCR positivity could be the result of many iatrogenic confounders from testing frequency to hospital protocols." Fauci met with Wuhan GOF scientist in 2017 In the Hill's "Rising," it was reported that the scientist at the center of the lab leak, WIH Senior Scientist Shi Zhengli passed a security screening to visit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) staffers, including its Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and EcoHealth Alliance's Dr. Peter Daszak back in June 2017. Zhengli gave a presentation about the novel coronaviruses and the meeting was arranged by EcoHealth Alliance, as per Kopp's report. Kopp also discussed the most notable takeaway during Fauci's two-day, closed-door testimony at the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which included his admission that the lab leak theory is not a conspiracy theory. This contrasts with many of his other public statements as well as some virologists in the previous years. (Related: Fauci admits social distancing has no basis; Wuhan lab-leak hypothesis is not conspiracy theory.) "He also said 'I don't recall' 100 times, of course, this follows him saying 'I don't recall' nearly 200 times in another sworn testimony in 2022 before the Attorneys General," Kopp said of the live interview. She further tackled her report on the grant proposal proposed by the EcoHealth Alliance, an intermediary between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and WIH to the Pentagon, saying that it intended to do research in the United States under a relatively rigorous biosafety level. However, she said that notes she obtained on earlier drafts showed that this was a lie. "It was meant to mislead the U.S. government into thinking that the research would be more safe than it really was and they in fact intended to do it in Wuhan at a lower biosafety level in which respirator masks are not required and ventilation conditions are not as rigorous, essentially to save on costs," she further revealed. "But they wanted to make the grantmakers more comfortable so they misled them in their grant application." Visit Pandemic.news for more news related to the true origin of SARS-CoV-2. Sources for this article include: RWMaloneMD.substack.com DocumentCloud.org BioRxiv.org Entire districts appear to be taken over by Arabs, says German billionaire about his hometown of Berlin The billionaire co-founder of software giant SAP, Hasso Plattner, said in a new interview that parts of Berlin have been taken over by Arabs and that he now prefers to stay in Potsdam, a smaller neighboring city. (Article by John Cody republished from RMX.news) During his interview with the Swiss newspaper NZZ, the 80-year-old spoke of his hometown of Berlin, saying, entire districts appear to be taken over by Arabs, and that Germans have a penchant for self-destruction. Im a Berliner, but I dont go to Berlin anymore, I stay in my Potsdam. The fact that entire parts of the city have apparently been taken over by Arabs and that their ethics and understanding of the law are practiced there is not good. Behind closed doors, everyone says that something went wrong, he said. ???Hasso Plattner, the billionaire co-founder of software giant @SAP, says that entire districts in the capital city of Berlin "appear to have been taken over by Arabs." Plattner, a famed entrepreneur in Germany and the head of the Hasso Plattner Institute, shows Germany's pic.twitter.com/iXBSuhM9E4 Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) February 1, 2024 In the interview, he said that Germany has developed self-doubt to the point of self-destructiveness. He claimed it is unique to Germany, and this attitude weakens its position both economically and internationally. Plattner is one of the richest men in the world, with an estimated net worth of approximately 20 billion. His criticism represents a growing unease within Germanys business elite towards the policies of the left-liberal government. He says he spends most of his time in the United States and lives in San Jose, the hometown of Silicon Valley. Despite Plattners criticism of migration policy, he said he is opposed to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and worries that they will gain more power. However, he is opposed to a ban on the party. That would only make them even stronger because there is a strong group in the population that is very close to the AfDs ideas. The feeling that we as Germans are superior to others, that we do best when we are left alone, is strongly present in Germany. The jump from 33 to over 50 percent of the vote can easily come in a crisis, he said. Plattners views on the AfD stand in sharp contrast to another billionaire, Theo Muller who owns some of the most popular food brands in Germany, including Mulllermilch, Weihenstephan, and Landliebe. Muller recently praised the AfD and said that he has met with the partys co-leader Alice Weidel a number of times and sees nothing wrong with her stances. However, in a warning shot to wealthy businessmen who may consider supporting the AfD, the countrys left launched a boycott campaign of Mullers products, which may serve to stifle open support of the party in the future. Plattner also discussed politics in the United States. Despite many Americans voting for Donald Trump due to his immigration policies, Plattner says he does not understand how Americans would vote for him either. Then, even 75 years of democracy doesnt help much, as you can see in the USA. How can Americans in such large numbers follow this Pied Piper Trump? he asked. In the interview, Plattner described a lavish lifestyle, saying he was recently visiting his daughter in Aspen, Colorado, and mused over how many more billions he could have made if he had taken certain steps, such as purchasing Apple shares earlier or merging his company with Microsoft. He also touched on the economic troubles facing Germany. Yes, the auto industry is facing major challenges. China is stepping into this uncertainty with a massive range of electric cars. Germany also needs to do more in our industry. In terms of the economy as a whole, we are currently on the decline, then things will start to look up again. Does it have so much to do with the government, with taxes? I dont know. Read more at: RMX.news Farmer rebellion spreads to PARIS where tractors are creating blockades to protest climate insanity All major highways in and around Paris were shut down this past week as farmers from all across the European Union (EU) descended on the capital city of France to initiate a "siege" against the climate tyranny of the Macron regime. Upset about all of the costly and ridiculous climate policies coming from President Emmanuel Macron and his colleagues, who aim to destroy the farming sector in order to "save the planet," European farmers drove their tractors to the city center in Paris to stage demonstrations. Unfair competition from more lightly regulated countries is one of their complaints, as are the subsidy cuts and tax hikes that threaten to put many farmers out of business. Some of the protests are more demonstrative than others, you might say, with some of the tractors dumping piles of manure in front of government buildings. Others are blocking traffic to get the attention of authorities who are now attempting to clear the roads to maintain commerce. In response to the protests, Macron and his new prime minister, Gabriel Attal, are trying, but failing, to quell the protests by promising certain concessions. Farmers, responding back, say the concessions are simply not enough to fix the problems they face from the global warming brigade. (Related: Check out our earlier coverage to learn more about the growing farmer rebellion across Europe and what it aims to achieve.) Populist parties winning in Germany, the Netherlands as citizens defy globalist agenda It is primarily EU-wide climate policies that the farmers are protesting, hence why most of them hail from France, Germany and the Netherlands, all nations that are heavily regulated and controlled by climate-obsessed globalists. In Germany, the economic powerhouse of Europe and the EU, the globalist government, which is a coalition of socialist, green and neoliberal parties, there are "fears the protests are being hijacked" and "exploited" by what it described as the "far right." The claim comes as the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surges both in national and regional polls. In the Netherlands, farmers there are furious that their government is trying to force them off their land, in part to make way for more illegal "migrants" who are being brought in from the Middle East and North Africa to settle there. Last year, the populist-driven Farmer-Citizen-Movement won both regional and senate elections. The anti-mass migration Geert Wilders also won the national legislative election. Dubbed the "siege of Paris," the farmer protests there are being primarily driven by concerns about falling incomes, escalating environmental regulation and red tape, and growing competition from imports. Some 15,000 police officers have been mobilized to try to stop more tractors from entering Paris and other larger cities. "We can't do cheap farming," one of the protesters told the BBC. "We need to be able to make a living from our trade." Many of the farmers have explicitly said that one of their goals with these protests is to stop food deliveries from reaching supermarkets, which officials are warning them not to do. At the same time, law enforcement was given orders not to intervene, with no signs of disorder. Arnaud Rousseau, head of France's largest farmers' union, the National Federation of Agricultural Holders' Unions (FNSEA), added that another goal is to force the government to come up with a quick resolution to the stand-off. The protest movement will continue everywhere in France, Rousseau added, "with the very concrete objective of having emergency measures announced." Ordinary people all around the world are fuming mad about the tyrannical oppression of their green-loving governments. Learn more about the growing rebellion at GreenTyranny.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com BBC.com Frances new prime minister announces new measures in effort to calm farmer protests France's new prime minister has promised emergency cash aid and controls on imported food to calm the anger of protesting farmers camped out around Paris. The farmers, who brought heavy-duty tractors to highways in and around Paris as part of their protest, have been seeking better pay, fewer restrictive agricultural regulations and protection against unfair competition from abroad. Protesters labeled the government's so-called pro-agriculture measures as "insufficient." French farmers say their incomes are still getting squeezed due to increasing costs of fertilizer and energy, which are necessary for growing crops and taking care of animals. They have threatened the government with moving into the capital in six months if their demands are not met. (Related: French farmers dump manure on government buildings to protest climate hysteria.) In response, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged the challenges and central demand of the protesting farmers during the policy speech at the National Assembly on Jan. 30. Attal promised emergency aid for struggling wine producers and expedited payments of European Union (EU) subsidies to farmers. "We need to listen to the farmers, who are working and are worried about their future and their livelihood. The goal is clear: guaranteeing fair competition, especially so that regulations that are being applied to [French] farmers are also respected by foreign products,'' he said. Attal assured the farmers that no new pesticide ban would be implemented "without a solution." He also announced an immediate ban on imports of fruits and vegetables treated with thiaclopride, an insecticide banned in the EU. He also proposed the creation of a "European control force" to combat fraud, particularly regarding health regulations and to prevent the import of food products that do not meet European and French health standards. Attal also reiterated France's opposition to the EU signing a free-trade deal with the Mercosur trade group. Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau also announced the inclusion of a 150 million euro ($162 million) aid package for livestock farmers, a reduction in taxes on farms being transferred between generations, and a 2 billion euro ($2.16 billion) package for loans to new farmers. Moreover, he announced immediate fines for food industrial groups and supermarkets that violate a 2018 law intended to ensure fair prices for farmers. Fines of up to two percent of sales revenues can now be imposed on companies that fail to comply. These promises seem to have worked, as two major farmers' unions in France have decided to suspend protests and lift road blockades across the country after the announcement. Arnaud Gaillot, the president of the Young Farmers Union, and Arnaud Rousseau, the head of the umbrella organization the National Federation of Agricultural Holders' Unions, jointly declared on Feb. 1: "We call on our members to suspend the blockades. We have been heard on a number of points, with tangible progress." New measures may not be the answer However, not all farmers, particularly those camping out on highways near Disneyland, are convinced of the new measures. Stephane Chopin, an organic Charolais beef farmer, expressed frustration at the bureaucratic challenges and costs associated with sustaining organic practices while facing tough competition from countries with lower labor and living costs. "We have been trying [to] make an effort for local produce, for the environment, for 20 years. We are trying, we are trying. Now we say stop," he said. President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with the European Commission chief on Feb. 8 in Brussels to discuss the ongoing farming crisis. However, Macron has already defended the farm policy of the EU, stating that it is essential to sustaining European agriculture in a globalized economy. Without a common agricultural policy [in the EU], our farmers wouldn't have revenue. Many of them would not be able to survive,'' Macron said. But this is not what the public is seeing in the EU, as protests have not been limited to France. Farmers in neighboring Belgium, Spain and Italy have also taken to the streets, demanding less bureaucracy and more financial support for their produce. Follow Revolt.news to read more news about farmer protests around the world. Watch this report warning about the disastrous state that Paris is in. This video is from the PureTrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hundreds of German farmers set up disruptive road blockades to protest punitive taxes. German truckers, factory workers join farmers protest against incumbent left-cult government thats trying to DESTROY FARMS and the food supply. Over 55,000 companies shut down in France as countrys economy implodes. Socialists in Argentina PROTEST against Mileis proposed austerity measures. Top brass military officers give Macron ULTIMATUM to end riots in France. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com MSN.com Brighteon.com RIGGED: Germanys left-wing government expedites citizenship process for immigrants in anticipation of upcoming elections Germany's left-wing federal government, powered by the increasingly unpopular liberal coalition, has been pushing to naturalize 2.5 million foreign nationals so that they can be eligible to vote in the country's upcoming elections in 2025. The country's parliament voted in favor of the new citizenship law on Friday, a move that will reduce the time migrants must reside in the country before receiving voting rights. The previous law indicates that foreigners living in Germany can obtain citizenship after eight years. But provisions of the new legislation include that they would just need five years, and in some cases, migrants who can show "special integration performance" will be instantly naturalized after just three years of residing in Deutschland. It also loosens the requirement for elderly migrants to be proficient in the German language. Also, children of foreigners who have lived in Germany for five years or more will be automatically naturalized. German weekly newspaper Junge Freiheit reported that experts said that the move will immediately enable more than two million foreign nationals to apply for a German passport, including those who entered the country illegally at the peak of the migrant crisis in 2016. "The new law aims to further increase naturalization figures regardless of the benefits for society," the paper reported. The left cult federal administration reportedly complains that the number of naturalizations in Germany has been "stagnating at a low level" for many years and is relatively low compared to other European countries. According to Eurostat surveys, Germany is below the average for naturalization rates in the European Union. "It is in the interest of society as a whole, that as many foreigners as possible who meet the legal requirements choose to naturalize," the federal government said in the statement released. However, for analysts, the timing of the move is convenient and suspiciously close to election dates. Of course, naturalized foreigners would be grateful to the left-leaning government and thus, vote for them in the next federal polls. Also, the administration is said to be nosediving in the surveys and losing ground to the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) because of its failing immigration policy. "This is probably the traffic light law with the most far-reaching negative consequences for our society," said Alexander Throm, CDU's domestic policy spokesman. According to Remix, the "traffic light" is a colloquialism for the coalition federal government comprising the SPD (red), the FDP (yellow) and the German Green Party. "The traffic lights have lost all sense of the situation in the country," added Mario Voigt, the CDU's leader in the state of Thuringia. "The discussion shows that the Reds and Greens envision a different society. In the largest wave of illegal migration, the traffic light fails to limit it. There needs to be an order back in our migration policy. Naturalization can only be the result of successful integration, not the beginning. True integration takes time," he added. The more radical anti-mass migration AfD accused the federal government of effectively "selling off German passports," with MP Dr. Christian Wirth telling the Bundestag that the government is seeking to "use citizenship to defend its failed migration policy." Approximately 170,000 foreigners were granted citizenship in 2022, the vast majority of whom originated from Islamic nations. A total of 50,000 Syrians were naturalized, while Afghans, Turks and Iraqis featured heavily. (Related: More than 7,000 German women have been raped or assaulted by migrants since 2015.) Germany may struggle with surge in Turkish applications Germany's interior minister said the change would help attract much-needed skilled workers as the country struggles with labor shortages. "We have to keep pace in the race to attract skilled labor," said Nancy Faeser. "That means we need to make an offer to qualified people from the world over, just as the United States and Canada do. German citizenship is part of that." The move would allow tens of thousands of Turks, including third-generation immigrants whose parents and grandparents arrived from the 1950s to 1970s as "guest workers," to become citizens and voters. The Turkish community said that some 50,000 people with Turkish roots were expected to make naturalization applications in the coming years following the passing of the citizenship law reform. "And I assume that, in the long term, all 1.5 million citizens of Turkish origin in Germany who do not yet have German citizenship will acquire dual citizenship," Gokay Sofuoglu, the head of the Turkish Community in Germany organization, told the media group Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, addressing concerns over the far right's stance on immigrants, said in a video message, "We are telling all those who often have lived and worked for decades in Germany, who keep to our laws: You belong in Germany." He highlights that the reform ensures that individuals do not have to "deny their roots." The first wave of Turkish migration to Germany took place in the 1960s when German companies recruited workers from foreign countries to help with its post-war reconstruction. Today, an estimated three million people of Turkish heritage live in Germany, which has a total population of around 83.3 million. Out of three million Turkish people in Germany, nearly 1.5 million still have Turkish citizenship. Head over to Migrants.news for stories related to immigration policies of various nations. Sources for this article include: RMX.news JungeFreiheit.de DW.com The US Govts desperation to keep the truth hidden reveals how treacherous our own government has become and why 2024 will be the most dangerous election in our lifetimes Its election season and the talking heads are all singing thechorus -- for real this time. While this years election will certainly be important, Id argue that 2008 was the most important election in our lifetime. Thats the year in which we were offered a fork in the road, and we chose theleft turn. Weve just been looking for theoff-ramp ever since. However, I am willing to say that (Article by John Green republished from AllNewsPipeline.com) We got a glimpse of how our bureaucratic overlords view the voters in 2016 when the DoJ, FBI, and CIA worked to influence the election. When their gal failed to win, they continued their efforts to unseat our electoral choice. But all of that was just a warmup for January 6, when they took things to a whole new level. When pipe bombs were discovered outside the Democrat and Republican headquarter buildings in Washington D.C., it triggered a nationwide investigation. Thousands of MAGA supporters were intimidated interviewed by FBI agents for the suspicious behavior of being in the same zip code as the bombs on January 6 -- oh, and attending a Trump rally. Also on January 6th, an unarmed insurrection nearly took down our government, at the encouragement of undercover federal assets planted in the crowd (snark intended). Our federal criminal justice system has subsequently imprisoned hundreds, for little more than trespassing and taking selfies -- many at the invitation of Capitol police. Now the DoJ has announced plans to prosecute thousands more for daring to cross an unmarked line on the Capitol lawn that their taxes pay for. After the Republicans took control of the House, the stop MAGA operation seems to have moved into the coverup stage. The Swamps desperation to keep something hidden reveals just how dangerous our own government has become. The bomb threat that triggered the nationwide interrogation of MAGA supporters is starting to look fishier than a Wuhan wet market. The device found outside the DNC headquarters was found by a person in civilian clothes (who many believe was a Capitol police officer). He reported the device to a uniformed police officer, who showed no sign of alarm, and even allowed civilians to continue walking within feet of the bomb. Security video of the location where the DNC bomb was found shows a hooded person of interest sitting on a bench while using a phone. The FBI was able to use security video to track this person of interest throughout the Metro subway system and back to an automobile in Virginia. Investigators also tied the hooded person to a Metro transit card and license plate owned by a retired Air Force chief master sergeant who was working as a contractor with a security clearance. Former FBI agent and current whistleblower Kyle Seraphin led a team surveilling the contractor who owned the license plate and transit card. Yet his team was denied permission to interview the contractor, and the matter was handed over to counterintelligence investigators -- the same FBI division in which Peter Strzok (of the stop Trump insurance policy) had been the deputy assistant director. Seraphin has since gone public with his concerns about the investigation. Then head of the FBIs Washington field office, Steve DAntuono, was not happy about Seraphin coming forward with his concerns. In his congressional testimony he said: People like Kyle Seraphin and others that are not a case agent, have no knowledge of the case, have no knowledge of what happened in the case, he also made another accusation too that there was an individual with a Metro card. My understanding is all that was chased down. But when asked what the FBI had discovered when it chased down the lead, he said he didnt know the details -- for the most important investigation under his supervision at the time. Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com With the Middle East conflict at its most dangerous point in five decades and as Washington warns that it will continue its retaliatory strikes against pro-Iranian militias, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a new tour of the region in the hopes of achieving a pause in Israels military campaign in Gaza. Blinken arrived Monday in Saudi Arabia on a visit that will also take him to Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank, to press for an agreement between Hamas and Israel to exchange the hundred hostages still held in Gaza for the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners and a truce of at least six weeks. The Biden administrations hope is that such a lull in hostilities could lead to a permanent ceasefire. Its no coincidence that were going to the three countries that are involved in those talks: Egypt, Qatar and Israel, although its impossible to know if and when well get any progress, a senior State Department official assured before Blinkens arrival in Riyadh. It is Blinkens fifth visit to the area since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7. And it comes at what he himself has described as the most dangerous and volatile moment in half a century in the Middle East, since the Yom Kippur war between Arab countries and Israel in 1973. The Israel-Hamas conflict has spread and the United States is currently engaged in retaliatory operations against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria, and against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have been harassing ships passing through the Red Sea. In another diplomatic gesture, the U.S. envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderkin, is traveling to the Gulf this week to meet with partners in the region to discuss the urgent need to reduce regional tensions, which escalated further on Monday after a drone attack on a base in Syria killed six U.S.-allied fighters. The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a generic denomination that groups different armed factions supported by Tehran, has claimed responsibility for the attack and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have already defended their right to respond. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has assured that the dozens of strikes U.S. forces carried out on Saturday against militia facilities in Iraq and Syria in response to an enemy drone strike that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan are only the beginning of the U.S. response. There, but also against the Houthis in Yemen, where this weekend U.S. forces launched a new round of bombing raids to eliminate the rebel groups radar and missile arsenals. Washington, Sullivan argues, will respond if attacked, but it does not want an escalation of the war or a direct conflict with Iran, which would not benefit either government and could trigger unpredictable consequences. He does not believe that the weekend bombings will aggravate the crisis in the region. This is also something Blinken will try to make clear during his tour. We want to send a direct message to the countries in the area that the United States does not want to see the conflict escalate and is not going to take steps to escalate the conflict, according to the senior official accompanying the U.S. Secretary of State. Among other things, the United States has so far avoided attacking targets on Iranian territory. Republican opposition lawmakers are demanding this of President Bidens administration, but the White House is resisting, believing that it would inevitably drag Tehran into a direct confrontation. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Sullivan avoided commenting on the possibility of such a step in the future. Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Blinken met on Monday for two hours with the Saudi Crown Prince and de facto leader of the country, Mohammed bin Salman, though the State Department has thus far not provided details on the course of the conversation. The United States is trying to mediate a normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia as one of the major pillars of the geostrategic architecture in the Middle East for when the war between Israel and Hamas is over. Another key piece of the puzzle is the implementation, 30 years after becoming official U.S. policy, of the two-state solution: Israel and the creation of a Palestinian state. A step forward The establishment of the humanitarian truce in exchange for the exchange of hostages would represent an important step forward in the negotiations towards normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. A dialogue that was interrupted after October 7, but that has regained momentum in recent weeks. For Israel, it is the goal, the crown jewel in its diplomatic pacts with Arab countries known as the Abraham Accords. As custodian of Islamic holy sites, Riyadh is the spiritual leader of the Muslim world. It is also the great Arab economic engine, which, just as Israel does, views Iran as a regional rival. Last month, Blinken assured in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos that a new equation is emerging in the Middle East, in which the Arab countries are willing to integrate Israel, provided that a path for the creation of a Palestinian state is established. The government of Benjamin Netanyahu is strongly opposed to this and insists that it must maintain control over the security of all the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Part of Blinkens discussions during his tour will be devoted precisely to figuring out what foundations such a future state might have; how to reform the Palestinian Authority so that it can, at a later date, return to governing Gaza; and what security guarantees Israel would receive. If we achieve a humanitarian pause, we will be in a position to move as quickly as possible on the various pieces [of the puzzle] of Gaza reconstruction, reform of the Palestinian Authority, Gaza government, the two states, normalization... Some of these are obviously quite complicated and difficult, the senior State Department official said. Blinkens tour also comes in the wake of comments made by the Israeli Minister of National Security, the ultra-right-wing Itamar Ben Gvir, against the U.S. president. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, published last Sunday, Ben Gvir assured that Biden who has been supporting the invasion of Gaza with arms, his veto in the United Nations and an economic aid package is busy with giving humanitarian aid and fuel [to Gaza], which goes to Hamas. If [Donald] Trump was in power, the U.S. conduct would be completely different, he added. The Israeli opposition came out in a storm to criticize Ben Gvirs statements, while Netanyahu took advantage of the controversy to put cast himself as a responsible leader who only thinks of what is best for his country. There are those who say yes to everything in places where they must say no. They receive applause from the international community but endanger our national security. And there are those who say no to everything, receive applause at home, but they too jeopardize vital interests, he said the same day. The vast majority of House Democrats have opposed the deportation of migrants found guilty of committing Social Security fraud and driving under the influence (DUI) in the United States. The bills, known as H.R. 6678 (Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act) and H.R. 6976 (Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act), were introduced by Republican Representatives Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Barry Moore (R-AL). H.R. 6678, which deports or bars a non-U.S. national who committed a Social Security or identification document fraud from admission into the U.S., saw opposition from 155 Democrats. Meanwhile, H.R. 6976 faced opposition from 150 Democrats. The legislation sought to create grounds for inadmissibility and removability for aliens convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). The current lack of explicit provisions in immigration law allows criminal aliens to evade accountability for DUI offenses, potentially posing risks to communities. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) could not help but express his disappointment with Democrats. "I am appalled to see a majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives voting to prevent illegal aliens who endanger the lives of American citizens by drunk driving from being deported. Americans deserve leaders who put their safety and prosperity first," he said. Even the House Judiciary Committee expressed their disappointment with the decision on X. "They'd rather protect illegal aliens than our seniors," the House Judiciary Committee posted on Feb. 1. Despite Biden claiming otherwise, majority of Americans still view China as the GREATEST THREAT to the U.S. President Joe Biden's administration decided after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit last November where the U.S. president met Chinese leader Xi Jinping that communist China is no longer an adversary Strengthening the ties of the two "superpower nations" reportedly dominated the entire conference. Meeting face-to-face for the first time in a year, Biden and Xi discussed issues regarding military and trade relations, signaling a willingness to bring a degree of stability to the rocky U.S.-China bilateral relations. The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated due to tensions, including those in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, disputes about technology competition and the February 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident. According to analysts, the move to "bridge gaps" was beneficial to both parties, especially since the U.S. elections are just around the corner. For Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) fellow Thomas Fingar, China's "economic difficulties and their implications for social stability and regime legitimacy have made Beijing more eager to improve relations with countries important to its economy than was the case six to 12 months ago." So, both nations could be trying to present to the rest of the world that they have things under control. Despite all the regime's efforts to assure the public that China and America are on good terms, negative views of the communist country are still rampant. In fact, a recent Pew Research Study of American voters concluded Beijing is viewed by the public as the top threat to the United States. In an open-ended question allowing Americans to name which country they see as the greatest threat to the U.S., 50 percent of the respondents named China, which is almost three times the number of those who named Russia (17 percent). Another four percent said no country poses the greatest threat to the U.S. while only two percent named North Korea. The same share described the U.S. itself as the greatest threat. The survey also measured responses based on partisanship. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are more likely than Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents to name China as the greatest threat to the United States, which is 63 percent vs. 40 percent. And conservative Republicans are much more likely than moderate and liberal Republicans to say this (74 percent vs. 47 percent). Moreover, among those who named China as the greatest threat facing the U.S., nearly all see the Asian nation as posing at least a fair amount of threat to both Americas economy and its national security. In fact, around three-quarters say China poses a great deal of threat to both. (Related: China is triggering CONFLICTS around the world, alleges Col. John Mills.) Regarding the question of which country is Americas top ally, around a fifth of Americans (22 percent) cited the United Kingdom. This is nearly four times the number of those who named Americas northern neighbor, Canada (six percent). Fewer shares named Israel (four percent), Germany (three percent), China and Japan (two percent) and the EU, France, Mexico and Russia (one percent). Think tank: U.S., China will continue interdependence across all aspects of their economies An analysis of the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies indicated that the Biden administration's path forward for America is to engage in "de-risking and not decoupling" with China. This is in line with the Biden administration's belief that China is not a strategic threat anymore to the United States or its allies. According to the think tank, the two nations will continue to be "embedded in an extensive web of complex interdependence across all aspects of their economies and broader societies." This interdependence is viewed as a stabilizing factor that raises the costs of conflict for both nations, but its a formula for accelerating U.S. decline in the world and inviting CCP aggression. Critics are bringing up further concerns as to why Biden is being this "friendly" to China. Beijing's intellectual property theft in technology across numerous areas is a major threat to the United States and the West. Even before the APEC Summit, "Five Eyes" (intelligence leaders from the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand) met and warned about this. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray warned that this kind of theft from U.S. companies ranges "from Fortune 100 companies down to small startups ... in the fields of agriculture, biotech, health care, robotics, aviation and academic research." Wray also noted that there are about 2,000 active investigations into China's technology theft efforts in the United States and that Chinese entities, private and state-owned, pose national security concerns by acquiring or attempting to "acquire businesses, land and infrastructure" in the United States. Visit CommunistChina.news to read more about the real ties of America with China. Watch the video below that talks about the "crucial talks" between Biden and Xi during the APEC Summit. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Taiwan: China may not be ready to invade by 2027. U.S. to deploy previously banned missiles against China as a deterrent. Israel REMOVED from major map platforms in China; Beijing denies doing so. War between the U.S. and China over Taiwan could cost the global economy a staggering $10 TRILLION. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FSI.Stanford.edu PewResearch.org Brighteon.com Speaker Johnson backtracks on his word, introduces bill to send $17.6 billion to Israel (gets nothing in return) This guy has really become a huge disappointment. (Article by Noah republished from WLTReport.com) Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? It seems like it. Because they all do the same thing. They talk a big game up front, promise a lot, and then at the last minute renege on their word and do the exact opposite usually handing Democrats and Deep Staters a huge win. And thats exactly what just happened here: ?BREAKING NEWS -- IN A REVERSAL, @SpeakerJohnson will put a bill on the floor to send $17.6 billion to Israel with no corresponding spending cuts, a reversal meant to preempt the Senate's border-and-national-security supplemental. Here's a letter from Johnson to the House GOP: Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) February 3, 2024 Laura Loomer is all over it: JUST IN: @SpeakerJohnson just announced his plans to put a bill on the floor next week to send BILLIONS in supplemental aid to Israel. Meanwhile, the Southern border is still open, and we cant seem to get a standalone border bill. More failed leadership from the @HouseGOP. pic.twitter.com/tcl9pFRmHu Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 3, 2024 Here is a Zoom in on the letter: Newt Gingrich thinks Speaker Johnson is doing a good job and likes the move. Newt always was part of the Establishment. Sad to see. Speaker Johnsons decision to bring up a free standing bill on aid to israel strips the Democrats of all their maneuvering. Will they vote yes. If it passes the House will Schumer support passing it in the Senate. Will Biden sign aid to Israel? Good move by the Speaker Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) February 3, 2024 Why can every other country have a border but not us? Why do we send BILLIONS to secure their borders before securing our own? Wake up Newt, youre washed up! Here are more details from Fox News: Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is putting legislation on the House floor next week to give Israel $17.6 billion in emergency funding. The timing is notable given that Senate and White House negotiators are expected to release legislative text this weekend for a border security compromise in addition to President Bidens $106 billion supplemental funding request for Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian causes and other issues. In a letter sent to Republican colleagues on Saturday, Johnson criticized the House GOP majoritys exclusion from those talks and argued they were not moving fast enough to help Israel in its war against Hamas. While the Senate appears poised to finally release text of their supplemental package after months of behind closed doors negotiations, their leadership is aware that by failing to include the House in their negotiations, they have eliminated the ability for swift consideration of any legislation, Johnson warned. Given the Senates failure to move appropriate legislation in a timely fashion, and the perilous circumstances currently facing Israel, the House will continue to lead. Next week, we will take up and pass a clean, standalone Israel supplemental package. One of the first House votes Johnson held as speaker was a standalone Israel funding bill for roughly $14 billion, the amount requested by Biden in his supplemental aid package. However, that bill would have offset the funds by taking them from money allocated toward the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) a move lauded by GOP hardliners. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., refused to take the bill up and accused Johnson of mixing a poison pill with Israel aid. During debate in the House and in numerous subsequent statements, Democrats made clear that their primary objection to the original House bill was with its offsets, Johnson wrote on Saturday. The Senate will no longer have excuses, however misguided, against swift passage of this critical support for our ally. He said the legislative text would be released on Saturday afternoon by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., chairman of the House Appropriations Committees subcommittee on defense spending. Republicans have demanded strict border and immigration policy changes in exchange for supporting funds for Ukraine, an issue a growing number of GOP lawmakers have been wary of. Bidens supplemental funding request includes roughly $60 billion to help Kyiv fight off Russias invasion. What do you think? Read more at: WLTReport.com U.S. medical schools defy Supreme Court ruling, say theyll continue to teach anti-white HATE to the next generation of doctors Despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering them to stop discriminating against light-skinned people of European and Asian descent, America's medical schools say they will continue to promote racism by admitting primarily blacks and Hispanics, even if they are wholly unqualified to be doctors. Newly uncovered documents obtained through a public records request by the medical advocacy group Do No Harm show that faculty at the nation's medical schools plan to keep intact their "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI) programs for admissions in violation of the SCOTUS ruling on Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. "There is no evidence that any qualified minority student is being denied entrance to medical school based on their racial characteristics," stated Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, Do No Harm's chairman. "The idea that they need to attract more black applicants to their medical schools is not based on the presence of any barriers to their admission." "They neglect that admission to medical school not only involves the school and the prospective student but also the potential patients that that student will care for. Those patients need the most qualified individuals that are available for their care." (Related: The same kind of thing is happening in Canada as medical schools there shift from teaching "medical expertise" to brainwashing students into the doctrines of "anti-racism" and "social justice.") Unqualified blacks, browns to rule medicine Almost immediately following the SCOTUS ruling, medical school faculty all across America busied themselves scheming up a plan to circumvent it and continue their illegal discrimination policies. The University of Houston College of Medicine (UHCM), for instance, hired a "legal team" to "advance affirmative action" at the school in spite of the Supreme Court ruling. The medical school "held a joint event with the university's law school in which they highlighted DEI in healthcare and described avenues left open by the Supreme Court's ruling to achieve diversity goals." More concerned with being "woke" than with providing excellent patient care, UHCM's Jessica Mantel, a law professor, wrote in an email that the top priority at her medical school is "to reduce health disparities by increasing the diversity of the healthcare workforce." Some of the potential topics of discussion that Mantel laid out in the same email include things like "how affirmative action in higher education has promoted greater diversity in the healthcare workforce," and "whether the new affirmative action legal doctrine announced by the Supreme Court permits consideration of race and ethnicity in admissions to higher educational programs preparing the future healthcare workforce." Mantel also wants to push more "racial concordance" in medicine, meaning that patients should be the same race as their doctors in order to receive optimal care. According to Goldfarb, this idea is a "false assumption." "What black patients need is optimum healthcare, not racial concordance," Goldfarb argues. "They, too, want the best physicians to treat them, unrelated to their racial characteristics." The University of Toledo (UT) in Ohio has much the same agenda. The school's vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, told Christopher Cooper, the medical school dean, that he is "trying to assist and encourage and provide ideas and tools to help increase the diversity of COMLS's student body, which has now been made much more difficult by the SCOTUS decision," to which Cooper responded that he has already met with lawyers about the matter. In an email to The Washington Examiner, UT suggested that it will fully comply with the SCOTUS decision using "concrete steps." Will it even be safe for a white person to see a doctor in the future? Find out more at RaceWar.news. Sources for this article include: TheNewAmerican.com NaturalNews.com California plans to give unemployment benefits to ILLEGALS, while their own citizens foot the bill California reportedly plans to extend current unemployment benefits to illegal aliens entering the country unlawfully, but some say this could increase the potential for fraud. Senate Bill (SB) 277, dubbed the "Safety Net for All Workers Act," seeks to extend uemmployment benefits to illegals. Under the measure, the Excluded Workers Program (EWP) will be established to the tune of huge amounts of money. A substantial $270.7 million will be earmarked to set up an IT system exclusive to the EWP from the ground up, while its maintenance cost would range between $39.3 million to $53.8 million annually. EWP claimants, meanwhile, will receive benefit payments but taxpayers will be shouldering between $330 million and $2 billion. California State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, the bill's author, claimed in June of last year that her proposal "would address a longstanding racist exclusion." She continued: "Millions of undocumented immigrant workers work in jobs that help California prosper; they are unable to access unemployment benefits when they experience job loss." But veteran opinion writer John Seiler expressed opposition to the bill. In an op-ed for the Epoch Times, he warned that giving unemployment benefits to illegals will just increase the potential unemployment benefits fraud within the system. The Employment Development Department (EDD), an office under the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, is in charge of unemployment benefits in the Golden State. "Giving unemployment benefits to illegal aliens would make the EDD system even more ripe for fraud than it already is," wrote Seiler. "Many illegal immigrants pay into the system now. But how do we know theyre actually doing the work claimed? What if they're laid off officially [and] collect EDD benefits, but then are hired back unofficially for the same jobs?" Aside from the fraud risks, Seiler claimed that the potential $2 billion impact on the state budget may lead to detrimental consequences for all residents irrespective of race, creed, or color. SB 227 packed with opportunities for FRAUD Meanwhile, a separate article by the Bailey Law Corporation expounded on SB 277. It zoomed in on the bill's relatively low benefit threshold and lack of employer verification. If the bill is signed into law, the EWP to be established will provide $300 weekly monetary assistance for a maximum of 20 weeks. This would sum up to approximately $6,000 annually in "unemployment benefits." Unemployed illegals ineligible for state or federal unemployment insurance due to their immigration status will be receiving this payment. "The threshold for undocumented workers to receive these 'unemployment benefits' is quite low. In essence, the undocumented workers are entitled to $6,000 if they are willing to say they worked 93 hours or earned $1,300 in the preceding year and, where they have no documentation, [if] they are able to convince the EDD through a credibility interview that they worked 93 hours or earned $1,300 in the preceding year," the law firm stated. "The EDD has subjective authority to determine whether or not an undocumented worker is entitled to receive 'unemployment benefits.' To make matters worse, the EDD is not allowed to call the employer to verify the undocumented worker's employment." The law firm ultimately commented that SB 277 will be bad news for employers if it becomes law. "It is likely that employers will be required to pay higher taxes to cover the increase in unemployment benefits being paid out." Head over to CaliforniaCollapse.news for more stories related to the Golden State. Watch this Next News Network report discussing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's $25 million taxpayer-funded plan to cover rent for illegal immigrants. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 60% of recipients of Swedens unemployment benefits are IMMIGRANTS, and slightly under half are of non-European origin. Christian trucking company fined $700k for refusing to hire illegal immigrants. REPLACEMENTS: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to issue work permits for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Chicago officials refuse to disclose how they spent $120M in taxpayer money on ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Bailey.law EU agrees to provide $55 billion aid package for Ukraine as U.S. aid stalls The European Union has approved a support package for Ukraine totaling $55 billion that was previously held up by objections from Hungary. Under the deal, funding from the EU for Ukraine will be locked in for the next four years. In a post on X, European Council President Charles Michel announced that an agreement had been made that he says locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine and shows that the EU is taking leadership and responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake. The agreement came after lengthy delays resulting largely from a stalemate that arose when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the aid package; it could only pass with a unanimous agreement among all 27 EU member countries. Orban, who is considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putins closest allies within the EU leadership, vetoed the package toward the end of last year as the EU froze Hungarys access to billions of euros in joint funds. He threatened to block it again in recent days, and the current lifting of Hungarys veto that allowed the deal to go through came as a surprise to many. Orban has also criticized EU sanctions on Russia. The deal will be good news for Ukraine as the push by President Joe Biden to replenish America's financial assistance for Ukraine is currently stalled in Congress. After the European Parliament endorses the deal, Ukraine could receive the first set of funds as early as March. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the deal, tweeting: Continued EU financial support for Ukraine will strengthen long-term economic and financial stability, which is no less important than military assistance and sanctions pressure on Russia. Ukraine is struggling to keep up with Russia As the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, Kiev is finding itself lacking in both finances and weaponry. The funding from the EU will cover salaries and pensions, as well as weapons. Meanwhile, Russia has been forming weapons deals with countries such as North Korea and continues to replenish its own weapon and ammunition production at a rate that well outpaces that of Ukraine. Even with the new funding and restocked weaponry, some experts think Ukraine will not be able to gain an edge over Russia. For example, Russian military expert Lyle Goldstein, a professor at Brown University, maintains that Russia's more sophisticated air force and weaponry give it a clear advantage. He said: A weapons system is unlikely to change the fundamentals, and that's proven true again and again. One example of this is the failed Ukrainian counteroffensive last year, which initially picked up some steam after getting tanks and other weapons from Western nations before ultimately stalling. Ukraine continues to push U.S. to provide more aid The EUs support to Ukraine since fighting with Russia began totals $92 billion so far, including more than $43 billion to support the Ukrainian army, $29.2 billion for military assistance and $18.4 billion to help EU countries supporting Ukrainians who are fleeing the war. Ukrainian officials continue to push the U.S. to hand out more aid, with Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasizing the importance of EU and U.S. aid in an interview with Reuters. Partners aid is critically important to maintain this stability, she said, adding that she hopes the U.S. will follow the EUs lead. The U.S. has already sent more than $75 billion in assistance, including military, financial and humanitarian support, and many are wary of sending more as the country deals with other pressing issues that require resources, such as border security. Sources for this article include: News.Yahoo.com APNews.com THEY KNEW: The FBI was aware of coronavirus engineering and a potential lab leak for SARS-CoV-2 in March of 2020 The U.S. Right to Know (USRTK) released a trove of documents that detail a sophisticated collaboration between U.S. scientists and Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Back in 2018, Ralph Baric from the University of North Carolina and Peter Daszak from EcoHealth Alliance worked together to patent coronavirus genomes that were less than 2% different than SARS-CoV-2. These SARS-like chimeras were denoted as 293 and HK3 In the year leading up to SARS-CoV-2, the U.S. and Chinese research teams were developing novel coronaviruses as part of Project DEFUSE. of which Baric and Daszak were a part. These engineered coronaviruses share many similarities with the genome of SARS-CoV-2, which was never isolated from the bat caves in Wuhan China. These details were shared with the FBI in March of 2020, but the federal government covered up valuable intel pointing to a lab leak. FBI had credible evidence of lab leak in March 202o According to an investigation by Public, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) received credible intelligence in March 2020 that SARS-CoV-2 was engineered and had leaked from the WIV. Public reporters Michael Shellenberger and Alex Gutentag claim that multiple sources reveal that a Chinese national from Wuhan, working as a confidential human source for the FBI, told their handler at the FBIs Chinese Intelligence Squad. The wet market and bat soup narratives were cover stories. The FBIs entire 25-person unit that monitored Chinese intelligence knew that SARS-CoV-2 came from a lab back in March 2020. After the FBI contacted Public, the agency let it be known that they, the FBI, trusted the individual who provided the intelligence. They had corroborated the persons information at least three times and it was considered good intel. However, government officials continued to downplay and censor any mention of coronavirus gain-of-function and the very real potential of a lab leak. Baric, Daszak, Shi Zhengli et al. worked to enhance coronavirus transmissibility and lethality In the latest documents from USRTK, scientists at the WIV had a recipe for assembling SARS-type viruses from six synthetic pieces of DNA. These six pieces of DNA were designed to be a consensus sequence that are genetically altered to be the most infectious pieces related to SARS-CoV-1, which was a bat virus that caused a localized epidemic in 2002. EcoHealth Alliance conducted furin cleavage site insertions on these consensus sequences, enhancing the lethality of the strain. As part of the DEFUSE project, EcoHealth Alliance actually submitted a proposal to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to move forward experiments that increase the transmissibility of bat coronaviruses to humans. Their proposal asked DARPA for $14 million to fund the experiment. The grant proposed to introduce appropriate human-specific cleavage sites into SARS-related viruses, a procedure that could have led to the creation of SARS2, with its distinctive furin cleavage site, depending on the starting virus used for the manipulation, wrote Nicholas Wade, former science editor for The New York Times. The proposal also allowed Baric to engineer twenty or more chimeric SARS-related viral spike proteins every year. The proposal also gave him permission to engineer two to five full length engineered SARS-related viruses. According to the USRTK documents, EcoHealth concealed their plans to conduct this unethical research at the WIV. They left out the name of a Chinese research Shi Zhengli who was a major part of the research. The new drafts show the authors planned to synthesize eight to 16 strains of SARS-type bat viruses, selected for their likely ability to infect human cells, Wade said, to make a vaccine to immunize bats in regions that military troops might have to enter. USRTK wrote that the genome of SARS-CoV-2 matches the viruses described in the research proposal. Wade says the original outbreaks of covid-19 had all the unique properties that were being engineered in the DEFUSE recipe for coronaviruses. Instead of slowly evolving the ability to attack human cells, as natural viruses must do when they jump from animals to humans, SARS2 was immediately infectious to people, possibly because it had already been adapted in humanized laboratory mice to the human cell receptor, Wade said. Sources include: Patents.google.com DrasticResearch.Files.Wordpress.com [PDF] ChildrensHealthDefense.org Public.substack.com USRTK.org [PDF] Archive.md Jewish nonprofit HIAS accused of using $105 million in taxpayer money to import huge numbers of non-White immigrants to America A Jewish nonprofit organization has been accused of receiving over $105 million in taxpayer dollars in 2023 to import massive numbers of non-White immigrants to the United States The Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS), a Jewish-American nonprofit established in 1881, has a history rooted in aiding the resettlement of Russian Jewish immigrants fleeing antisemitic persecution. Over the years, the organization has expanded its mission to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees of all backgrounds globally. According to an investigation conducted by Red Ice and published on Telegram, the $105 million that HIAS received contributed to the "invasion" and will help turn White Americans into a minority in their own country. "HIAS received $105 million of US taxpayer money in 2023 alone. This is how they are funding the invasion that is turning European-American children into a minority in their own country," the multimedia company posted on Jan. 23. HIAS and other globalist NGOs contribute to the "Great Replacement" Jose Nino wrote for Big League Politics that HIAS is one of the many international nonprofits and non-government organizations actively working to speed up the "Great Replacement" and the introduction of a new non-White majority population in the United States. "In a proper nationalist polity, such NGOs must have their power and influence greatly reduced. Their very presence allows for the political class to continue to import millions of foreigners to the West and predominantly European polities on an annual basis," he argued. "Great Replacement," a theory that can be traced back to the early 20th century through French writer Renaud Camus, argued that leftist and Jewish elites are orchestrating the ethnic and cultural replacement of White populations with non-White immigrants, ultimately leading to the displacement and "genocide" of White people. According to the theory of Camus, immigration from Africa and the Middle East will lead to the extinction of the native White European race. The narrative is considered antisemitic by mainstream academia. A study conducted by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) backed his claim when it found that the foreign-born population in the U.S. has reached an all-time high of 49.5 million since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. Immigration from South America (28 percent increase), Central America (25 percent increase), Sub-Saharan Africa (21 percent increase), the Caribbean (20 percent increase) and the Middle East (14 percent) has surged. The CIS estimates that over half of this increase, around 2.5 million, can be attributed to illegal immigration. (Related: Theyre taking over: IMMIGRANTS now make up 15% of total U.S. population.) "The scale of immigration is so high that it appears to have made the new Census Bureau population projections, published on Nov. 9 of this year, obsolete," the report stated. CIS Director of Research Steven A. Camarota and CIS Demographer Karen Zeigler suggest that if current immigration trends persist, the foreign-born population could reach nearly 59 million, exceeding 17 percent of the total population by the end of Biden's second term in December 2028, if he were re-elected. This trend contributes to the controversial ideology of "The Great Replacement." Visit InvasionUSA.news for more updates on illegal immigration in America. Watch the video below as Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) decries the Biden administration's new migrant policies. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: MOBS of Chinese illegal immigrants SWARM California border. INVASION USA: Swarm of military-aged immigrants arriving in Texas, citizen journalist warns. Texas Gov. Abbott begins flooding sanctuary cities with chartered flights of illegal immigrants. DHS Secretary Mayorkas: Biden administration releasing over 85% of illegal immigrants directly into America. Shocking video shows waves of illegal immigrants streaming into the U.S. via Lukeville, Arizona. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.com Reuters.com NewYorkPost.com NYPD Chief laments total breakdown of justice after illegals assault police officer, then get RELEASED from jail without bail Civil society is rapidly deteriorating in New York City, which is experiencing a "total breakdown" of civility and criminal justice due to the city's open borders-supporting policies. Illegal alien "migrants" are reportedly flooding the Big Apple by the thousands as Texas continues to send them up there from the southern border for "sanctuary." All the while, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is allowing migrants to commit crimes without punishment, which is putting officers' and civilians' lives at risk. "Well, the consequences that's the issue in the city right now," commented NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell to NTD's "Good Morning" program after his department released, without bail, five illegal aliens who allegedly assaulted two police officers. Chell says that more than 2,000 police officers were assaulted or faced attempts on their life in the last year. And because there are "no consequences" for such actions due to New York City's leftist, soft-on-crime policies, more illegals are being emboldened to attack police officers and commit other crimes because they know they can get away with it. Check out the video below, captured on January 27 showing a group of illegal aliens allegedly attacking two NYPD officers who were trying to break up a disorderly crowd of people in Midtown Manhattan. Two of the officers at the scene had to be treated for minor injuries, including facial cuts and bodily bruises: "Disgusting event," Chell commented about what is depicted in the above video. "This should not happen in our society." (Related: Recently, after the Biden regime ordered Texas to remove all the razor wire barriers it set up in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Gov. Abbott decided to add more of it in defiance of the federal edict.) Criminal alien flips off America while strolling out of courtroom with no punishment At the scene of the crime, NYPD officers arrested four people, followed by a fifth arrest two days later on January 29, and two more after that on January 31. Their charges include second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of governmental administration, attempted assault on a police officer and gang assault. The suspect in the fifth arrest that occurred on January 29 was arraigned and released without bail the very same day. Upon leaving the courthouse, the illegal was seen giving the middle finger to cameras, almost to say that he knows he will never actually be punished for his crimes. Of the seven illegal alien arrests that occurred in conjunction with the incident, only one suspect was remanded to jail with bail. "The judge had an opportunity to step in and use her power and say, 'No, I'm going to remand them,'" Chell said. "But they walk out the door, and they add insult to injury. You saw a couple yesterday who were arrested, who literally gave us the finger to our city, our country, our community." Chell added that this type of thing "has to end," and that elected officials and the judicial system at large need to start taking the matter seriously and "set consequences" for these criminal illegals to deter others like them from doing the same thing. According to Fox News, citing unnamed police sources, four of the suspects who were released without bail boarded a bus to California, compliments of U.S. taxpayers who are forced to foot the bill. "We have three or four of them on a bus somewhere driving around this country," Chell explained. "So, this is a total breakdown in the system. This should not happen." Open borders mean no more America. Find out more at InvasionUSA.news. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com Portland declares fentanyl state of emergency as overdose deaths skyrocket Just three years after decriminalizing the possession of all drugs, Portland has declared a 90-day state of emergency over its fentanyl crisis. Following recommendations from the Portland Central City Task Force, officials from the city, county and state have declared a tri-governmental emergency, citing deaths and overdoses as reasons for the declaration. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson made the declaration. Governor Tina Kotek said: "Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly addictive and all are grappling with how to respond." She added: The Chair, the Mayor and I recognize the need to act with urgency and unity across our public health and community safety systems to make a dent in this crisis. We are all in this together. The emergency order will enable the city, county and state to allocate more resources for responding to the crisis and establish a command center, which will be headed up by the director of Portlands Community Safety Division. Individuals who are addicted to fentanyl who interact with first responders in the city during the next 90 days will be triaged by the command center. Officials will also launch public health campaigns and improve outreach to help people with treatment and recovery. In addition, Portland Police will join forces with the Oregon State Police to patrol the streets of the city's downtown area for sales of fentanyl. Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards explained that fentanyl use is everywhere. She said: If you go to any neighborhood, whether its near a school, inside the bathroom at a public library, at a bus shelter, all over the city, you will see that fentanyl has a grip on our neighborhoods. Decriminalization measure could be rolled back In 2020, voters in Oregon passed Measure 110. This decriminalized the use of some hard drugs, including fentanyl. However, opioid overdose deaths have risen considerably since then, and the measure has come under fire. In 2019, the state had 280 opioid overdose deaths; the number climbed to 956 in 2022. Oregon is grappling with the biggest increase in fatal overdoses of synthetic drugs in the nation and ranks third in overall overdose deaths, according to CDC data. A proposal to roll back some parts of Measure 110 has attracted bipartisan support in the Oregon legislature; the new measure will see some hard drugs being recriminalized and require people who are arrested for possession to undergo counseling for addiction. Much of the fentanyl in U.S. originates in China and is smuggled across Mexican border Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that is deadly even in very small amounts. The synthetic opioid is said to be 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of acute pain. Mexican cartels have been playing a central role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis, importing the drug from China and then pressing it into pills or mixing the drug into other pills that are made to look like less dangerous drugs, such as Adderall and Xanax, to get people addicted. This week, American and Chinese officials resumed discussions on how to deal with illicit fentanyl trafficking. Last fall, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China was instructing chemical companies to restrict shipments of materials used to make fentanyl to Latin America, where the drug is typically finished before being smuggled across the border. The fentanyl crisis, which killed 70,000 Americans in 2021, is yet another reason stricter controls are needed at the U.S.-Mexico border. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com CNN.com APNews.com KGW.com TheHill.com Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne take seats as they meet in Jerusalem on February 5, 2024. Frances new foreign minister on Monday used his first visit to Israel to urge the government to allow an " immediate cease-fire " and a massive influx of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, who became Frances top diplomat last month, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem during his trip. Speaking later at a news conference, Sejourne said it was Frances role as a friend to tell Israeli leaders some truths they may have difficulties hearing. For four months now, the people of Gaza have been living under bombs and an almost full siege. They are being deprived of the minimum aid they need to treat their wounds, protect against epidemics and feed themselves, he said. Sejourne stressed that France strongly supported Israels right to defend itself after the Hamas-orchestrated attack in southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. At the same time, he called the death and destruction in the Palestinian territory a tragedy. The tragedy in Gaza must end, he said. We call for international humanitarian law to be respected by all and for an immediate and lasting cease-fire and a massive influx of humanitarian aid. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a Mideast trip that also will take him to Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank this week. Blinken hopes to make progress on a potential cease-fire deal. Sejourne also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Three French nationals are believed to be among them, he said. A French top official, speaking about sensitive information on the condition of anonymity, said Monday that France was working with Qatar and other partners in the region to get proof that medicines shipped to Gaza for dozens of hostages have been delivered. France and Qatar last month mediated the first agreement between Israel and the militant group since a weeklong cease-fire in November. The deal authorized supplying medicines for both hostages and for use by Palestinian civilians. As he greeted the visiting foreign minister, Netanyahu praised Frances stalwart and consistent support from Day 1 and said they planned to discuss issues related to Lebanon, from where the militant group Hezbollah has fired at targets in northern Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. Lebanon is a former French protectorate. Sejourne said France is committed to preventing any escalation of regional hostilities. The ministers first trip to the Middle East since his appointment started with stops in Egypt on Saturday and Jordan on Sunday. Sejourne was scheduled to meet later Monday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah and to travel to Lebanon on Tuesday. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Russia begins construction of prison-style 15-MINUTE CITIES Russia has started the construction of a prison-style 15-minute city (FMC), with more to come. The Daily Expose reported on this development, citing the new city of Dobrograd in Russia's Vladimir Oblast (province). According to the outlet, construction in the city located east of the capital Moscow has been ongoing for a year. But Dobrograd is not the only FMC to be built in Russia. The website of the state-owned financial services firm Sberbank features a detailed presentation of another "smart city" with its title hinting at the same FMC model espoused by the globalist World Economic Forum (WEF). (Related: The globalist vision: 15 Minute prison cities and the end of private property.) In August 2021, the 15-minute triangle project of the Moscow city plan was included in the Top 30 of the FMC international "Urban Design Competition." This triangular FMC, which measures three by three kilometers, is in the form of a polycentric urban planning system. The main transport networks are located underground, with only bicycle and pedestrian routes at surface level. Meanwhile, the buildings are raised on supports. Much detail is on energy efficiency, with the FMC intending to use renewable sources such as solar, water and wind. Edward Slavsquat expounded on this triangular FMC, dubbed "SberCity." He remarked that this area "will one day be home to more than 65,000 lucky residents." "The 'smart city' was initially reserved for [Sberbank] employees. But now, anyone insane enough to want to live in [Sberbank Chairman and CEO] Herman Gref's ant farm is welcome to do so." FMCs are PRISON CITIES to round up people The idea of an FMC, in which residents live within a short walk or bike ride of all their daily needs, has been embraced by many mayors around the world during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as a central planning tenet. But it is not without its drawbacks, According to Bloomberg, urban experts warn that a popular post-pandemic design principle may not translate well from Europe to North America and could exacerbate inequality. Toronto-based urban designer Jay Pitter is one of them. During the CityLab 2021 conference, he warned that transplanting the FMC template across the Atlantic could be "presumptive and colonial." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a member of the Conservative (Tory) Party, hit out at the FMC concept. According to him, there was a "relentless attack" on motorists who "depend on their cars to get to work, take their kids to school, do their shopping [and] see the doctor." British Transport Secretary Mark Harper, a fellow Tory, agreed with Sunak. He continued by saying that the FMC concept was a movement backed by the U.K. Labor Party "to remove your freedom to get from A to B how you want." "What is sinister and what we shouldn't tolerate is the idea that local councils can decide how often you go to the shops, and they can ration who uses the roads and when. They police it all with CCTV," said Harper. He added that the government would look into ways to stop "overzealous" councils restricting road use "if they don't follow the rules." Head over to Enslaved.news for more stories about FMCs. Watch this video that discusses why FMCs are "prison cities" and "death cities." This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Are Canadians being FORCED by planned ARSON into dystopian 15-minute cities by Trudeau the Tyrant? Rosemount, Minnesota trying to establish 15-minute city with the help of Zuckerbergs Meta. Future Americans will be prisoners of the state living in open air jails, full government control of everything, no privacy or freedom to move about, literally becoming techno zombies! What life is really like in Americas hellish inner cities. Fear of the walking dead: The American Police State takes aim. Sources include: Expose-News.com Brighteon.com South Carolina poll: Trump leads Haley by 35 points in her own backyard A recent poll reveals that former President Donald Trump has emerged with a commanding 35-point lead over his last remaining Republican primary opponent, former Gov. Nikki Haley, in her home state of South Carolina The poll, conducted by Fabrizio, Lee and Associates for the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. PAC and published by The Messenger, shows that Trump enjoys a strong 66 percent support among likely South Carolina Republican primary voters, more than doubling the 31 percent of Haley. The support for Trump is a combination of 59 percent of respondents who will "definitely" vote for him and six percent who "probably" will. Meanwhile, support for Haley comprises seven percent of those who "probably" will and 24 percent who "definitely" will. The remaining four percent are undecided, and even if they all vote for Haley it is unlikely to change the outcome of the primary. However, when voters are informed that former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) endorsed Haley, her support drops to 29 percent, while support for Trump remains unchanged. The poll also explored the impact of an anti-Trump ad from the Haley campaign, but it appears to have little sway over voters. Even among those who viewed the ad, 64 percent expressed support for Trump, while 33 percent backed Haley. (Related: Nikki Haley moves up, now behind only Donald Trump in New Hampshire poll; DeSantis lands at third place.) The poll, sampling 600 likely primary voters from Jan. 28 to 29, with a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points, further highlights that over two-thirds of all respondents approved of Haley's performance as governor. However, even among those who gave her positive marks, Trump still leads 56 percent to 40 percent. "Despite her positive job approval and millions in attack ads against President Trump, Republican primary voters in South Carolina remain unswayed by Haley's weak attempts to change their minds. South Carolina solidly remains Trump country," noted the memo accompanying the poll results. Haley determined to stay in GOP primary Trump has already secured victories in Iowa and New Hampshire for the Republican nomination. The GOP field has witnessed rapid consolidation, with prominent party figures advocating for unity behind the 45th president. On Jan. 31, Haley only received 43 percent of the vote in New Hampshire, compared to 54 percent for Trump. The Iowa caucuses on Jan. 22 also showed similar results, with Trump receiving 51 percent and Haley 19 percent. Despite this, Haley has declared her intention to stay in the Republican primary race through Super Tuesday on March 5. "The political class and the media want to give Donald Trump a coronation. That isn't how this works. While members of Congress, the press and many of the weak-kneed fellas who ran for president are giving up and giving in we aren't going anywhere," said Betsy Ankey, Haley's campaign manager. However, political analysts, including Northeastern University associate professor Nick Beauchamp, suggest this strategy may be a mistake. According to Beauchamp, the decision to persist in the race might damage the long-term reputation of Haley, especially considering that polls show her trailing Trump in her home state of South Carolina. The state is known for its conservative stance, with fewer moderate and independent voters compared to New Hampshire. "Staying on until Super Tuesday might be kind of just foolish in terms of maintaining your long-term reputation. Theres so little chance of [Trump] not being the nominee, that sort of 'wait-and-see' strategy just doesn't work very much," Beauchamp said. Follow VoteRepublican.news to learn more about the candidates in the GOP presidential primary. Watch this clip from Fox Business discussing how Haley could get disastrously defeated in South Carolina. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump gains 9-POINT LEAD over Biden in Pennsylvania poll. Trump LEADS among Hispanic and under-35 voters in new poll. Poll: Trump LEADS Biden in five key swing states Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Mainstream media DISMAYED by poll result showing Trump leading Biden by 9 points in hypothetical head-to-head matchup. Poll: 55% of independents find Trumps indictment politically motivated because IT IS. Sources include: Breitbart.com News.Northeastern.edu Brighteon.com U.S. State Dept. supports death squads, war crimes and soldiers dressed as medics who are executing patients in hospitals The U.S. Department of State is supporting death squads executing helpless patients while disguised as medical personnel Max Blumenthal, editor-in-chief of the Grayzone, remarked on X that the State Department backs "apartheid death squads which disguise themselves as doctors and nurses to execute comatose teens at point blank range, so long as they operate within the laws of war." Blumenthal made the comment in response to a post by author Dr. Assal Rad who, in turn, referenced remarks made by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. The spokesperson reportedly said during a Jan. 30 press briefing that "Israel has the right to carry out anti-terrorism operations to bring members of Hamas to justice." "We want them to be carried out in full compliance with international humanitarian law," Miller continued. When asked by a reporter if such brutal conduct was befitting a state that controls every single person in a whole territory, he replied: "We think it is appropriate that they have the ability to bring members of Hamas to justice, but as I said it needs to be done in compliance with international humanitarian law." Israelis kill 3 Palestinian militants in undercover operation The Guardian reported on Jan. 30 that Israeli soldiers dressed in doctors' scrubs and women's clothes killed three Palestinian militants in a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin. The attackers were from a border police counter-terrorism unit and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). CCTV footage of the operation's aftermath revealed that the soldiers entered the Ibn Sina hospital during the early hours of Jan. 30. Israeli media said the units made their way to a room on the third floor and shot all three men in the head using pistols equipped with silencers in an attack that took less than 10 minutes from beginning to end. (Related: MORE WAR CRIMES: Israeli soldiers dressed up as fake MEDICS to kill Palestinian patients at hospital in West Bank) A staff member who witnessed the attack told the Israeli daily Haaretz that only a few of the 12 or so special forces entered the room and shot the wanted persons. The others spread out over the hospital and the main entrance to prevent any trouble. Israel's military did not give details on how the three were killed. Tel Aviv said the dead men were Mohammad Jalamana, a spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades; Basel Ghazawi of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ); and Basel's brother Mohammed Ghazawi. All three were supposedly active in the umbrella force named the Jenin Battalion, a newly created group that has engaged Israeli forces in intense fighting during raids in the city over the past two years. The PIJ said the Ghazawi brothers were indeed part of the Jenin cell, while Hamas confirmed that Jalamana was indeed a member. "[This is] a vile crime that will not go without response," Hamas said in a statement, adding that "The resistance forces, who have sworn to fight the occupation until it is expelled, are not afraid of the assassination policy." Meanwhile, officials at the Ibn Sina hospital said Basel was being treated after being partially paralyzed in an Israeli airstrike on a Jenin cemetery. The November 2023 attack at a cemetery in the West Bank city killed four, including a 15-year-old boy. However, Palestinian media dubbed all four casualties of the attack as members of the PIJ's Jenin battalion. Hospital spokesperson Tawfiq al-Shobaki said that while there was no shooting during the raid, the Israeli operatives assaulted doctors, nurses and hospital security. Security footage attested to al-Shobaki's statement, with one clip showing one of the undercover agents searching a man against a wall with his hands above his head. Lots of Israeli attacks on struggling hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been denounced as a breach of international humanitarian law. However, Israel said Hamas' use of medical facilities to cover up or initiate operations makes them legitimate targets. Follow WWIII.news for more news about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Watch this clip of the Jan. 30 raid by Israeli operatives at the Ibn Sina hospital in the West Bank. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel lays siege to Gazas largest hospital, claims it houses Hamas HQ. Those hidden tunnels underneath al-Shifa hospital in Gaza where Israel says Hamas militants are hiding? Israel BUILT them in 1983. Hospitals in Israel told to prepare for thousands of casualties, and other alarming developments with global implications. Sources include: Twitter.com State.gov TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com U.S. carries out AIRSTRIKES in Syria and Iraq but Iran remains untouched for now The U.S. has carried out airstrikes in Syria and Iraq , but has not yet put Iran in the crosshairs. According to ZeroHedge, substantial airstrikes have been carried out in eastern Syria and western Iraq. These strikes, characterized by their scale, targeted assets and personnel associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. A statement from U.S. Central Command said the initial wave of airstrikes included over 85 targets, some of which were struck multiple times. These include command and control centers; intelligence facilities; rockets and missiles; unmanned aerial vehicle storage warehouses; and logistics and munition supply chain facilities utilized by militia groups and their IRGC sponsors in attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces. B1 bombers were reportedly utilized in the operation, flying a single non-stop flight from the United States. The timing of the strikes considered favorable weather conditions to ensure accurate targeting. ZeroHedge added that the airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions. The Syrian state-run news agency SANA reported that the airstrikes targeted areas on the Syria-Iraq border including Deir Ezzor, Al-Bukamal, and Al-Mayadeen. Meanwhile, Iraq said the strikes killed at least 16 people including civilians and injured 25 others. It also destroyed facilities used by the Iranian-linked Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Al-Qaim. The PMU, which is backed by Tehran, is associated with the Iraqi government and closely aligned with Iran-backed Shiite blocs that historically dominated Iraqi politics. CNN has not independently verified the casualties or their nature. Meanwhile, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Washington did not have precise information on the number of militants killed or wounded. Nevertheless, both Baghdad and Damascus condemned the U.S. attacks, viewing them as violations of sovereignty that could escalate regional conflict. Washington: No plans to attack Iran yet The Syrian Arab Armed Forces confirmed that the strikes caused casualties among civilians and soldiers, along with significant damage to infrastructure. The mayor of Al-Qaim meanwhile stated that the strikes hit houses used as weapon warehouses by the PMU. Meanwhile, Iran criticized the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, international law and the United Nations Charter. It also predicted increased tension and instability in the region. Despite the absence of U.S. airstrikes within Iran itself, the Biden administration has conveyed that these actions mark just the beginning, and the campaign may extend for days or longer. Officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) have also claimed that Washington does not have plans to target locations within the Islamic Republic. (Related: Iran declares RED LINE: If U.S. strikes Iranian soil over three soldier deaths, Iran will strike numerous American targets throughout Middle East.) However, there is some ambiguity regarding the initial strikes in eastern Syria, with the DOD suggesting the involvement of a partner air force, potentially Israel. Simultaneously, the Biden administration's messaging has been met with confusion and contradictions in mainstream reports. In a separate development, French container shipping company CMA CGM has announced the suspension of all Red Sea transit due to security risks, joining a growing list of major firms avoiding the area. The decision underscores concerns about the safety of the region, particularly in light of the almost daily missile and drone attacks by Houthi forces. The vulnerability of maritime traffic in the Red Sea is becoming increasingly apparent, with numerous container ships, oil tankers, and commodity carriers choosing to steer clear of the region. Visit WWIII.news for more stories about the growing instability in the Middle East region. Watch Rachel Blevins compare the recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Iraq to Ukraine's bombing of innocent civilians in Russia below. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Iran launches missiles targeting alleged Israeli spy centers in northern Iraq. Iran just proved it can hit Israel with Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles. US launches retaliatory strikes against Iranian proxy forces in Syria. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Edition.CNN.com Brighteon.com A 1,000-year-old medieval sword in "near perfect" condition has been discovered while dredging a muddy riverbed in Poland. 9th Century AD Sword Workers discovered the weird oblong metal object earlier this month among the retrieved dirt during dredging operations and felt it had a good possibility of becoming a "national sensation." The sword believed to be older than Poland was discovered in the depths of the Vistula (sometimes spelled Wisa) River, which runs through Wocawek, a city in northern Poland. Experts then tentatively dated the sword to approximately the ninth century AD. "Today, during works restoring the original floor in the marina pool at the street, Piwna was excavated, an object that has a great chance of gaining unique status," the city's Center for Sport and Recreation said on January 12. The sword's inscriptions read "Ulfberht," a designation found on a set of 170 medieval swords discovered primarily in northern Europe. Each dates back to the ninth, tenth, or eleventh century, and some scholars believe the word is a Frankish personal name, which could indicate the weapons' origins. However, much remains unknown about the weaponry and their origins, and not everyone believes the sword previously belonged to the Vikings. Sambor Gawinski from the Polish conservatory said this is a really valuable find. He stressed that these so-called Ulfberht swords were produced somewhere in Central Europe, but it's not certain where. Experts identified the weapon as a "type S" sword, distinguished by its straight metal cross guard that widens at the end. The amount of carbon steel in the sword made it incredibly powerful and flexible when wielded, according to researchers. Read Also: Scientists Unearth Legendary 14,000-Year-Old Village in Canada That Could Rewrite North American History Speculations of Viking Provenance A previous study has shown that the location where the sword was discovered was part of an important medieval commerce route connecting the city to the Baltic Sea. However, it is unclear who created the sword, with some speculating that it is of Viking provenance. While various theories have been put online, experts believe conclusive assertions can only be made after extensive research. Additionally, during a highway building project in 2007, workers unearthed a neighboring cemetery dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. "During research, many artifacts of Scandinavian origin were found, allowing us to assume that in the necropolis people from Scandinavia were buried there, who may have been in the service of the first Piasts, who were establishing their state in this area at that time," said Mateusz Sosnowski, a specialist with Wda Landscape Park who was involved in the sword survey. However, not everyone involved believes the sword is Viking in origin. Polish archaeologist Robert Grochowski said that this style of blade is typically referred to as a "viking sword," despite the fact that it was fashioned in what is now France. Many of these weapons were moved to Central Europe via trade, he continued. Researchers at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun will continue to research the ancient sword. It will eventually be conserved and displayed at a historical museum in Wocawek. Related Article: Archaeologists Unearth 2000-Year Old Greek Temple Filled With Gold And Jewels The European Parliament's decision to vote against curbing the use of these chemicals in November 2023 is highlighted. These chemicals, designed to protect crop yield from pest insects and other organisms, can contaminate the water and air and threaten the people and wildlife that maintain the vitality of our landscapes. The Silent Fields In this silent war against nature, bumblebees are unsung victims. Their buzzing is drowned out by the clamor of industrial progress and economic gains. Yet their role as one of the most important pollinators of crops and wildflowers cannot be overstated. According to a study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, bumblebees are exposed to a cocktail of pesticides that stunts their growth and reproduction. The researchers placed more than 300 commercially-reared bumblebee colonies at 106 sites on farmland in eight European countries. They found that the pollen that bumblebees collected and stored in their nests was contaminated with multiple pesticides, an average of eight different compounds per colony-the most contaminated colony contained 27 different compounds. The researchers calculated the risk posed by pesticides to each colony by accounting for the amount and toxicity of different pesticides found in their pollen. They discovered that the higher the pesticide risk, the lower the colony growth and reproduction. This means that bumblebees exposed to multiple pesticides produce fewer workers and offspring, which could lead to population declines and extinctions. Also Read: Brazil's Bioluminescent Beetles Have Declined in About 30 Years Due to Pesticides, Artificial Lightning, Report Shows Lab Results vs The Real World While research underscores the efficiency of pesticides in farming as essential to maintaining crop health, there's a disconnect when these findings are juxtaposed with real-world implications. The article points out that Europe leads in setting sustainability goals but paradoxically fails to restrict pesticide use-a contradiction that undermines international pledges. Bumblebees are caught in this crossfire between scientific research advocating for pesticide use and observable adverse effects on their colonies. Their decline signals an urgent need for reconciling lab results with ecological preservation imperatives. One of the pesticides that poses a serious threat to bumblebees is the neonicotinoid chemical thiamethoxam, which is widely used in agriculture. A study published in the journal Nature Communications showed that thiamethoxam dramatically reduces egg-laying by queen bumblebees, which could potentially wipe out common bumblebee populations. The researchers exposed queen bumblebees to thiamethoxam in the lab and then released them in the field. They found that the treated queens were 26% less likely to lay eggs than the untreated one. Another study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that bumblebees exposed to a combination of a neonicotinoid and a pyrethroid, two commonly-used pesticides, had impaired natural foraging behavior and increased worker mortality. The researchers monitored the behavior and survival of bumblebee colonies in the field and found that the pesticide-exposed colonies had reduced pollen collection, lower worker retention, and higher worker death rates than the control colonies. These studies demonstrate that the effects of pesticides on bumblebees are not only lethal but also sublethal, affecting their behavior, physiology, and reproduction. These effects could have cascading consequences for the ecosystem and the food security that depends on pollination services. In conclusion, while silent fields burgeon with crops protected by pesticides, they simultaneously echo the diminishing buzz of bumblebees-a sound that heralds ecological balance and biodiversity. This dichotomy necessitates urgent discourse and action towards harmonious coexistence where both agriculture and wildlife flourish side by side. Related article: Belgian Researchers Develop Electronic Nose Capable of Detecting Low Concentrations of Pesticides and Nerve Gas An atmospheric river has brought dangerous flash flooding, mudslides, and heavy mountain snow in several parts of California, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Amid torrential rain, the weather hazards affected central and southern California, where a total of 800,000 people have been reported to incur power outages as of Monday, February 5. The atmospheric river had moved into the Golden State on Sunday, February 4, when it dumped heavy rain and snow, threatening low-lying areas and even coastal communities, according to local reports. The weather service stated that coastal flooding and high surf conditions will remain a concern until Monday evening. This means that strong winds and large waves could lead to flooding. Furthermore, strong rainfall and hazardous wind led to flight disruptions across California, including delays and cancellations at the San Francisco International Airport. Last week, US meteorologists issued a forecast that looming atmospheric rivers could fuel two of the largest storms for the current winter season in California, which heightens flood risk and snowy weather. Atmospheric River Forecast The atmospheric river event will continue to impact and bring life-threatening flooding rain, strong winds, heavy snow, coastal erosion, and high surf to California this week. This is according to the latest forecast of the NWS through its Weather Prediction Center (WPC) at 3:00 a.m. EST (local time) on Monday. In its short-range outlook, the WPC warned that raging floodwaters will continue for southern California on Monday. The atmospheric river, also called the "river in the sky," is accompanied deep upper-level trough or Pacific storm system, which causes flash flooding to be focusing on southern California. This weather system will eventually move along the West Coast and move further inland, according to the NWS. In the coming hours, flooding rain is expected to continue in several counties across the state. Also Read: New Storm Train to Hit California, Pacific Northwest with Heavy Rain and Mountain Snow [Weather Forecast] California Flooding and Disruption The intense atmospheric river brings a rare high risk for flooding, including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Oxnard in southern California. This comes after the WPC issued a rare Level 4 of 4 severity of excessive rainfall. This weather alert comes as the US weather authorities expect a man's worth of rainfall in Los Angeles, with a total of 3 to 6 inches of rain in central and southern California. Mandatory evacuation orders have also been imposed for communities in the counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Jose, and Ventura. Amid the atmospheric event, local authorities issued a warning to residents regarding deadly floods and landslides. California's inclement weather is also expected to disrupt road traffic movement and public transport. A strong atmospheric river or "Pineapple Express" is capable of transporting moisture from the tropics near Hawaii and over to the US West Coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Although known for carrying large volumes of water vapor and dumping heavy rain, atmospheric rivers can also be beneficial to the local water supply, the NOAA says. Related Article: Atmospheric River Responsible for Extreme Heat Wave Detected in East Antarctica [Study] Giant tortoises, that disappeared before dodo birds, are set to return in Madagascar 600 years after they were hunted to extinction in the East African island country. The comeback of the large tortoise species called Aldabrachelys gigantea or the Aldabra giant tortoise is part of a six-year-old project to return megaherbivore reptile back to the wild habitats of Madagascar. The Aldabra giant tortoise species received its name from another place it inhabited millions of years ago. Their species were once called Aldabrachelys abrupta and lived in Madagascar for 15 million years, but migrated to the island of Aldabra 4 million years ago. Aldabra is located 1,000 kilometers southwest of Seychelles, another island nation off East Africa and an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The A. abrupta giant tortoise is one of the two giant tortoises that inhabited Madagascar, as mentioned earlier. Eventually, they moved to Aldabra and evolved into a third species that we know today. Their migration somehow helped the preservation of their species even if millions of years of evolution transitioned them to become the A. gigantea tortoise species. Giant Tortoises Return to Madagascar The project of returning giant tortoises to Madagascar has already started in 2018, when the first batch of Aldabra giant tortoises were brought into the country from Seychelles. Since then, the animals have been reproducing on their own and without any human intervention. The move can also be called a reintroduction to restore the local giant tortoise population in Madagascar. Aldabra, being the world's second-largest coral atoll Seychelles, is witnessing the dissemination of its giant tortoise inhabitants to their initial home in Madagascar. Scientists believe that tortoises can help vegetation in the country. During the 16th century, hunters caused all of the endemic extinction of the Aldabra giant tortoise. Also Read: Dodo Might Be Resurrected After Scientists Examine Extinct Bird's Dna For the First Time Hunted to Extinction For a long time, wildlife and conservation experts have believed that humans played a major role when it comes to the extinction of Madagascar's giant tortoises, as well as the now-extinct dodo bird endemic in Mauritius. The latter is located over 1,100 kilometers east of Madagascar. This means that the arrival of humans during the 16th and 17th centuries disrupted the natural habitats of these animals. Despite their decimation in the past, the Aldabra giant tortoises could thrive this time amid the strong conservation effort towards the species. Aside from the reintroduction of these animals, the giant tortoises are also expected to restore the island's forests and even prevent forest fires and other wildland fires, according to ecologist Gran Joseph, as cited in a report on Sunday, January 4. The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the Earth's largest land tortoises, second to the Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). These gargantuan animals can live for 100 years and are known for possessing a social behavior. This is evident as they have been observed to gather in large numbers to forage and sleep together. Related Article: DNA Study Led to Discovery of New Giant Tortoise Species in Galapagos Chile is a country known for its diverse and stunning landscapes, from the arid Atacama desert to the lush Patagonia region. But in recent weeks, the nation has been facing a different kind of scenery: one of fire and smoke. A series of devastating wildfires have swept across parts of central and southern Chile, leaving behind a trail of destruction and death. The fires have been fueled by a combination of factors, including drought, high temperatures, strong winds, and human activity. A Landscape Transformed President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency as fires raged uncontrollably across parts of central and southern Chile. The catastrophe was unprecedented; arid conditions and soaring temperatures exacerbated the crisis. Residents were forced to flee, leaving behind their homes that would soon be consumed by an insatiable inferno. Rosana Avendano was one such resident who found herself amidst this chaos. She was away from home when flames began to sweep through El Olivar, an area in Vina del Mar where she lived with her husband. She received a frantic call from a neighbor, urging her to return as soon as possible. But by the time she arrived, it was too late. Her house was already engulfed by fire, and there was nothing she could do but watch helplessly as her belongings and memories turned to ashes. "I felt like I was in a nightmare. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Everything was gone. Everything we worked for, everything we loved, everything we had. It was heartbreaking," she said. Rising from Ashes: Stories Of Resilience Yet amidst this desolation lies untold stories of resilience and human spirit. Communities ravaged by fire are not defined by destruction but by their indomitable will to rebuild and recover. As international aid pours into the nation, citizens unite in solidarity - their spirits unbroken despite witnessing unspeakable horrors. They sift through ashes not just in search for remnants of their past lives but seeds for new beginnings. Though scarred, these lands are not forsaken; they bear witness to human resilience that rises phoenix-like from ashes - testament that even amidst devastation lies hope for renewal and rebirth. Also Read: US Costly Wildfire Reaches Between $394 to $893 Billion Yearly, Report Shows Update: Death Toll Rises to 99 According to the latest reports, the death toll from the Chile wildfires has risen to 99, making it the deadliest fire event in the country's history. Officials have warned that the number is likely to increase as rescue teams reach the harder-hit areas. Residents in Vina del Mar spoke of their despair as they witnessed their city being consumed by the flames. President Boric has vowed to provide all the necessary support to the affected communities and to investigate the possible causes of the fires. He said some of the fires could have been intentionally set, as they started simultaneously in four different locations. He also thanked the international community for their assistance and solidarity in this difficult time. While nature's fury is mercilessly depicted in images like these - charred remains standing amidst dense smoke - it also unveils stories waiting to be told: tales not just of loss but remarkable resilience; narratives where every ash-covered relic is testament to enduring human spirit awaiting dawn after darkest nights. Related article: Canada's Wildfire Releases Record-High 2 Billion Tons of Carbon Dioxide The UK is facing a dual assault of snow and rain, as winter unleashes its fury on the country. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for parts of England and Wales, where heavy snow is expected to cause travel disruption and power cuts. Meanwhile, Scotland is dealing with torrential rain, which has triggered flood alerts and warnings. Snow Forecast: Where and When to Expect the Icy Blast The UK is bracing for a significant snowfall in the coming days, as a blast of cold air from the Arctic sweeps across the country. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow for parts of England and Wales, where up to 10 cm of snow could fall in some areas. The snow warning covers parts of the Midlands, East Anglia, the South East and the South West, and is valid from 9pm on Thursday to 3pm on Friday. The Met Office warns that the snow could cause travel delays, power cuts and icy conditions. It is expected to arrive from the east, as a low pressure system moves in from the North Sea. The system will bring a mix of rain, sleet and snow, which will turn increasingly to snow as it encounters the cold air over the UK. The heaviest snow is likely to fall over the hills and mountains, especially in the Pennines, the Peak District and the Chilterns. However, some lower-lying areas could also see a few centimetres of snow, especially in the east of England. According to the forecast, the snow will gradually ease and clear from the south on Friday, but some showers could linger in the north and east. The weekend will see a brief respite from the wintry weather, as milder air moves in from the west. However, another cold spell could return next week, bringing more snow and frost to the UK. Also Raed:UK Weather Update: Met Office Warns of Dangerous Snow, Ice Conditions; Flood Warnings Reported Rain Alert: How to Cope and Stay Informed Scotland is facing a different but equally challenging weather situation, as heavy and persistent rain continues to batter the country. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued 14 flood alerts and 32 flood warnings, covering most of the country. The rain could cause flooding of homes, businesses, roads and farmland, as well as landslides and disruption to transport and utilities. Rainfall is predicted to range from 40 to 80 mm (1.6 to 2.4 in), with the wettest regions-which might include portions of Argyll, Lochaber, and Wester Ross-possibly seeing overnight totals of 120 to 170 mm (4.7-6.7 in). There will also be strong winds. The Met Office cautioned that in areas where flooding happens, there may also be poor driving conditions and delays or cancellations of bus or train services. The warning extends as far south as the outskirts of Glasgow, but it mostly covers the Scottish Highlands. Scotland had six flood warnings and ten flood alerts as of Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. Throughout the UK, there will be wintry weather and a lot of rain later in the week. SEPA advises people to stay away from flood water, as it could be fast flowing, deep and contaminated. It also recommends people to prepare for flooding, by moving valuables and important documents to a safe place, and having a flood kit ready. Related article: UK Weather: Heavy Rain Triggers More Than 150 Flood Alerts Lawmakers from the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban boycotted an emergency session of parliament on Monday where a vote was scheduled to place Swedens bid to join NATO on the legislative agenda, adding to 18 months of delays that have angered Hungarys allies. The governing Fidesz party, which holds an absolute majority in parliament, has stalled Swedens bid since July 2022, alleging that Swedish politicians have told blatant lies about the condition of Hungarys democracy. After Turkeys parliament voted to approve Swedens accession in January, Hungary became the last of the military alliances 31 members not to have done so, leading its allies to pressure the nationalist government to hold a vote without delay. Orban told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last month that he would urge his party to ratify the bid at the first possible opportunity. Mondays session in parliament was supported by six opposition parties, but Fidesz lawmakers didnt attend, scuttling the attempt to place a vote on the legislatures schedule. Several ambassadors from NATO member countries attended the proceedings, including U.S. Ambassador David Pressman. In brief comments to the media following the session, Pressman said that the United States looks forward to watching this closely and to Hungary acting expeditiously. Swedens NATO accession is an issue that directly affects the United States national security and affects the security of our alliance as a whole, he said. The prime minister pledged to convene parliament to urge parliament to act at its earliest opportunity. Today was an opportunity to do that. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers last week called on Orban to immediately ratify Swedens bid, saying patience with Hungary is wearing thin as it continues to delay its approval. In a separate statement, U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat and chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, raised the prospect of imposing sanctions on Hungary for its conduct, and called Orban the least reliable member of NATO. Following the session on Monday, Agnes Vadai, a lawmaker with the liberal Democratic Coalition party, said that Orbans conduct has put Hungary into a very humiliating position, and that there was no reason for his government to have blocked Swedens NATO membership. I think that its very personal for Orban, and its also very irrational what is he doing despite all the pressure thats coming, she told The Associated Press. He himself should understand that (Swedens membership) is going to serve the interests and the security of the Hungarian society. Hungarian officials have indicated that Fidesz lawmakers wont support holding a vote until Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson accepts an invitation by Orban to visit Budapest to negotiate on the matter. Kristersson has said that he will make the trip, but only after Hungary approves his countrys NATO membership. Fidesz said in a statement on Monday that ratification of Swedens NATO accession can take place during a regular session of parliament, but we are expecting the Swedish prime minister to visit Hungary first. If this is an important issue for the Swedes, the Swedish prime minister will obviously come to Budapest, the party said. Hungarys parliament is scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 26. But Vadai, the lawmaker, said that there was no guarantee that Orbans party would commit to a swift approval. Im not sure whether the opening session will start with the Swedish ratification, unfortunately, she said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ice sheet melt has been a significant problem due to the potential impact on ecosystems, biodiversity and low-lying communities due to the sea-level rise. However, the latest research found that climate change and ice sheet melting could cause the land uplift of Greenland bedrock. Climate change can bring intensifying heat and extreme weather events. Rising temperatures can become disastrous to the ice sheet, which is vulnerable to decline. Melting can lead to rapid sea level rise that could threaten communities, or bring more flooding concerns. Intense heat can also cause devastating effects on wildlife and sensitive animals. Polar bears and species in cold regions can be at risk of population decline due to climate change. However, the latest report found that climate change could help to uplift the bedrock in Greenland. The research findings were published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal. Climate Change-Driven Ice Sheet Melt Impacts Researchers raised concerns about the ice loss in Greenland's bedrock due to climate change. Long-term effects can have widespread impacts on wildlife and people's safety. According to the report, the ice melt in the Greenland Ice sheet contributes to the sea-level rise problem. In the latest report, the study discovered that Greenland's bedrock managed to rise in the region with noticeable elevation. Researchers claimed that the land rise could continue. With the recent changes, it can likely affect the region's map. The research findings were measured by the Greenland's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Network (GNET). On the region's coast, there is a network of 61 measurements that help the researchers. The monitoring system can significantly contribute to discovering potential changes in the area and bedrock movement as Greenland shows signs of rapid rise. As a result, the reduction of greenhouse gas could mitigate the climate change effects, and extreme weather events, including heatwaves and drought conditions. More Facts About Greenland According to recent reports, 80% of Greenland has been covered by ice with a large ice sheet. Due to extreme cold and dangerous road conditions, the Greenlandic Sled Dog helps communities travel around and transport goods. When people looked around, they could most ice and a few trees. In terms of the Northern Lights, it is home to amazing views of the night sky. Also Read: Climate Change 'Deniers' Use Motivated Reasoning To Justify Behavior, Study Says Climate Change And Global Extreme Weather Events In the recent NWN report, climate change can influence global extreme weather events, including droughts, rising temperatures, heat waves, and storms. Extreme weather could impact communities and habitats of many species. For example, extreme drought could affect the food and water security of animals. Deadly wildfires are also possible. Related Article: Mountain Glaciers in China are Melting Faster Than Previously Thought Due to Global Heat Wave [Study] For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World New A chance of rainfall is forecast from Los Angeles to San Diego, according to the latest forecast. Flooding concerns are also likely, especially in flood-prone areas. Americans traveling this midweek should watch out for heavy rainfall and flooding risk in parts of California. The beginning of February brought rounds of rain, including in the Northwest. Here are our latest Key Messages for the ongoing atmospheric river that is causing heavy rain, heavy mountain snow, high surf, and gusty winds across portions of California today. Expect impacts to linger across Southern California into Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/NOCVo1KV02 NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 5, 2024 In Las Vegas, the latest advisory warned of heavy rainfall due to the atmospheric river event. Homeowners should stay alert for wet conditions and record-breaking rainfall. The forecast warned of dangerous weather conditions, and residents should keep updated with the weather. Recently, the NWS weather warned of rainfall concerns over the Central and Northern CA Coastal Ranges. In this week's weather, the main concerns are flooding, flash floods and heavy rain. Power outages and slower commutes could happen. Los Angeles to San Diego Weather: Where Will Heavy Rain Unload? The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that heavy rain could emerge in southern California on Tuesday. Meanwhile, heavy snow could spread over the Central Rockies and Sierra Nevada. The forecast warned of life-threatening weather, including from Los Angeles and San Diego. Mudslides are also likely, especially in areas near rivers and streams. In addition, the stormy outlook could unload in southwestern Utah, southern Nevada and western Arizona. Heavy snow could unfold in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho. In Los Angeles, the forecast warned of flooding risks. Chance of rain is also likely in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Meanwhile, moderate to locally heavy rainfall could emerge in Ventura County. Homeowners should check for Flood Advisory and Flash Flood Warning. Motorists should also monitor the road conditions due to the rapid flow of water. Slippery commutes and foggy conditions are also likely. Flooded roads could lead to widespread travel disruption. In San Diego, the weather forecast monitors the development of widespread rain in the region. According to the report, rain could continue in the following areas: Western Riverside Counties San Bernardino Orange County San Diego County Homeowners are advised to purchase or install bags in their communities to deal with the flooding threat. Flood water and inches of water could cause loss of control of vehicles. Limiting unnecessary travel is also advisable due to the weather conditions. Flooding Preparedness in San Diego County and Los Angeles A life-threatening flood is forecast in Los Angeles and San Diego. Weather preparedness is crucial, especially during flooding and rainfall. Homeowners should anticipate inaccessible and flooded roads. In addition, emergency kits are helpful for many residents. It is best to store the following: a flashlight, medicine kits, battery-powered radio, food packs and bottled water. Related Article: California NWS Latest Forecast: Dangerous Flooding, Flash Flood Likely Early Next Week For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World New Roads in California turned into rivers as a strong storm hit the state and brought massive floods. Weather experts said that a deadly and extreme atmospheric river overtook California beginning weekend, causing record rainfall, heavy snow and high winds. These circumstances had shut down power to nearly a million people while snarling travel. State Of Emergency In California Counties The National Weather Survey predicted that a slow moving and relatively narrow axis of anomalous moisture would continue to focus across Southern California over the next 12 to 24 hours. This weather condition will then maintain a significant risk for life threatening flash flooding across the Transverse Ranges and adjacent locations. Officials said that areas of moderate to heavy rain are expected to remain in place near a cold front crossing the southern coast of California, just ahead of an upper level trough axis. On the other hand, additional rainfall totals through Tuesday of 1 to 3 inches are expected for the urban corridor from Los Angeles to San Diego and into the foothills of the Transverse Ranges, with locally higher rainfall totals in areas of higher terrain. This will fall on top of the 5 to 10+ inches of rain which has impacted Southern California over the past 48 hours. Meanwhile, flooding of streams and rivers along with mudslides are expected to remain a threat. While rain will continue for Southern California on Tuesday, the intensity is expected to be lighter than what occurred over the weekend as the storm system moves east into the Desert Southwest. Winds were not as extreme but were unusually high across a wide area, which resulted in falling trees and knocking out power to nearly 900,000 customers on Sunday evening. Due to the bad weather, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for eight California counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego. Read Also: Central and Eastern US forecast: Mild Conditions Expected to Continue in February Flash Floods, Higher Rainfall Rates Meteorologists also said that the potential for flash floods and higher rainfall rates would expand into western Arizona, southern Nevada and southwestern Utah. Meanwhile, heavy snow and strong winds will continue to generate near impossible travel conditions for elevations at/above 5000-7000 ft for southern portions of the Sierra Nevada into the mountains of central Nevada. As the upper trough and surface cold front shift eastward through mid week, heavy snow will spread eastward into the higher elevations of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. The central and eastern portion of the United States will remain fairly dry after a powerful storm system exits from the Southeast into the western Atlantic tonight. Upper level ridging over the central US will continue anomalously warm for the Northern/Central Plains and Upper Midwest through Wednesday, according to meteorologists. High temperatures in the 40s and low 50s are expected for the Upper Midwest on Tuesday and Wednesday, 20-30 degrees above average. This will likely break daily record high temperatures. Meanwhile, high temperatures generally from the Rockies to the Northeast will be above average and mild. Related Article: Los Angeles to San Diego Weather: Heavy Rainfall, Flooding Concerns Likely This Week A pigeon suspected of spying for China and detained for eight months was released by Indian officials this week. The bird was taken in May of last year near a Mumbai port, with two rings linked to its legs that appeared to contain Chinese characters. The police held the pigeon, suspecting espionage, and eventually transported it to Mumbai's Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals. Open-water Racing Bird A three-month police inquiry revealed that the pigeon was an open-water racing bird from Taiwan who had escaped and flown to India. Ravindar Patil, the assistant Mumbai police sub-inspector assigned to the case, claimed he submitted one of the rings on the bird's legs for testing and discovered a chip with geographical information on where it came from. The inscription on the ring was worn and illegible. "Nothing else turned out suspicious. It may have been weak and injured, and boarded the ship and off-boarded here," he added. The bird was released from the hospital on Tuesday. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals, persuaded police to release the bird. "PETA India handles 1,000 calls a week of animal emergencies, but this was our first case of a suspected spy who needed to be freed of wrongful imprisonment," said Meet Ashar, an official from PETA. Read Also: Thousands of Pigeons from France Go Missing After being Released into a Stormy Weather Animals Use For Espionage It is not the first time a bird has sparked police suspicion in India. In 2020, police in Indian-controlled Kashmir released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after an investigation determined that the bird, which had flown across the heavily militarized border between the nuclear-armed states, was not a spy. In 2016, another pigeon was apprehended when it was discovered with a message threatening Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pigeons have been the most well-known animal employed for espionage. According to the International Spy Museum, during World War I, pigeons were equipped with small cameras and released over enemy territory. The small camera snapped as the bird soared through enemy territory. Because of their speed and ability to return to base in any weather, they were also in charge of delivering communications beyond enemy lines. The success rate of this strategy meant that 95% of pigeons completed their deliveries, and they were used for espionage until the 1950s. Cher Ami was a legendary pigeon whose final mission was on October 14, 1918, when it helped save 194 soldiers from an encircled battalion in a battle against the Germans. Cher Ami was injured in the leg and breast by enemy fire, yet he managed to return the message to its loft while it dangled from his wounded leg. The pigeon died on June 13, 1919, as a consequence of injuries incurred during the mission. In recent years, other animals, besides pigeons, have been used for espionage. During the Cold War, numerous governments attempted to recruit multiple animals into their espionage programs. Dolphins have been trained by the US Navy to detect submarines and underwater explosives since the 1960s. Related Article: Extinct Passenger Pigeon to Make a Comeback A study recently found out that blue whale hybrids in Atlantic Ocean are more reproductively viable. Genetic Diversity Experts said that whale hybrids are much more reproductively viable than previously realized. They said that knowledge of genetic diversity and structure is essential for developing conservation strategies for endangered species. Blue whales were hunted to near extinction in the mid-twentieth century. Not-withstanding almost 380,000 animals killed globally, much remains unknown about their population structure and migration patterns. In the study, experts utilized whole genome sequencing to elucidate the poorly understood population genetics of North Atlantic (NA) blue whales. They generated a de novo genome assembly for a NA blue whale to analyze 19 other whole genomic sequences and 31 complete mitochondrial genomes. Present-day and historical samples (earliest from 1876) from the Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans were included to understand the impact of whaling on the genetic diversity of this species. Scientists had found low but statistically significant population structuring and high genetic diversity. Demographic modeling using fastsimcoal2 rejected an absence of gene flow between eastern and western NA blue whales and suggested an asymmetric west to east gene flow. Introgression estimated using D-statistics between blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), was observed in all present-day samples. This gene flow was found to be unidirectional from fin whales to blue whales and accounts for ~ 3.5% of the NA blue whale's genome. Experts said that sequencing and population structure analyses provided a genomic baseline to inform ongoing conservation strategies for this iconic species. The results of the study had indicated recent introgression observed in NA blue whales took place after the separation between NA and Antarctic subspecies. Hybridization between species can occur naturally or result from breeding disruptions promoted by anthropogenic activities and effects. While the abundance of fin whales was negatively impacted by whaling, their numbers still greatly exceed that of blue whales globally. Hybridization can, in some cases, lead to the extinction of distinct species through introgressive swamping of the genome. The relatively small sample sizes from early whaling and post-whaling blue whales preclude drawing conclusions on whether hybridization rates are changing. Further, while male fin whales are smaller than their blue whale counterparts, they have comparable cruising and sprinting speeds, which could make male fin whales competitive during courtship chases where blue and fin whales are sympatric. Read Also: Blue Whales Are the Biggest Microplastic Consumer Victims, Eating an Estimated 10 Million Pieces of Microplastic Daily Fast, Powerful Whales The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal that has ever lived, with individuals reaching 30 m in length and weighing up to 150 tonnes. They are usually found in oceans across the globe but were historically most abundant in the Southern Ocean. These whales were too fast and powerful for early whalers to catch using traditional methods and it was not until technological advancements in the 1860s that commercial exploitation of the large "rorqual" whales became possible. Whaling for blue whales began in the Northeast Atlantic (NEA) and subsequently spread rapidly to all other oceans on an industrial scale. Related Article: Blue Whales Return to Indian Ocean Decades After Being Driven Out by Whaling Brazil's army moves armored vehicles from Manaus to Boa Vista to reinforce the border with Venezuela and Guyana, in Manaus Brazil, February 2, 2024. The U.S. government is increasing its urgent military assistance to Guyana, officials said Monday, as neighboring Venezuela threatens to seize a large part of the countrys territory it has long claimed. The U.S. is pledging to help Guyana buy new aircraft, helicopters, a fleet of military drones and, for the first time, radar technology. The details were not immediately clear, and Guyanese officials declined to say how much they expect to pay. Confirmation of the plan came a day after the U.S. deputy national security advisor, Jon Finer, and Western Hemisphere senior director Juan Gonzalez met with authorities in Guyana about improving defense capabilities. Their visit was the latest engagement by top defense and administration officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on improving Guyanas ability to defend itself from external threats. That cooperation is fundamentally defensive in nature and grounded in our desire for Guyana to be able to defend its territorial integrity against any possible threats, Finer told reporters late Sunday. He added that we do not think that it is appropriate for countries to make threats or to contemplate publicly the use of force against another country. It was a veiled reference to Venezuela, which amassed a small number of troops along its eastern border late last year and threatened to annex Guyanas mineral-rich Essequibo region after holding a referendum to approve the annexation. Tensions between the countries have cooled following talks mediated by Brazil and Caribbean leaders in December. A second round of talks involving foreign ministers was held in Brazil in late January to prepare for an upcoming summit between Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. At the height of tensions, the U.S. military assisted Guyana with overflight surveillance flights, and military advisers were present to help the Guyanese military, which is poorly equipped and has fewer than 5,000 troops for a country of some 800,000 people. Guyanas president has said his administration would soon buy a fleet of at least four U.S. helicopters along with drones, fixed-wing planes and other equipment. Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Omar Khan told The Associated Press on Monday that officials also would buy radar systems to improve air and sea domain awareness and capabilities. Like institutions, a capability cannot be bought. It has to be built, he said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Reuters: Guatemalas Foreign Minister told Reuters on Monday that the country plans to reach out to China to develop formal trade ties, although it plans to maintain its existing relations with Taiwan. Would such an approach by Guatemala be agreeable to the Chinese side? Wang Wenbin: There is but one China in the world, the government of the Peoples Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. The one-China principle is a prevailing international consensus and a basic norm governing international relations. It is also the fundamental prerequisite and political foundation for China to conduct cooperation with all countries including Guatemala. One hundred and eighty-three countries in the world have established diplomatic ties with China, which fully shows that supporting the one-China principle is where the public opinion trends and the arc of history bends. We hope that the new government of Guatemala will follow the general trend and make the right decision as early as possible which will serve the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and the people. CNR: Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as Namibias new President on February 4. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: We congratulate President Mbumba on taking office. I believe that under President Mbumbas leadership, Namibia will continue to enjoy sound momentum of steady development and achieve new success in national development. China and Namibia share a deep and strong traditional friendship. China highly values its relations with Namibia and stands ready to work with Namibia to deepen exchanges and cooperation across the board and to elevate the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level. Reuters: Chinas Xiang Yang Hong 03 research ship is due to make a port call in the Maldives later this week. Please could you elaborate on the type of work Chinese research vessels have been carrying out in the Indian Ocean? Wang Wenbin: Chinas scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanitys scientific understanding of the ocean. The activities are in strict compliance with the terms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. For years, China and the Maldives have maintained close cooperation in marine scientific research. China appreciates the facilitation and assistance extended by the Maldives to Chinese research vessels entering its port on the basis of sovereignty and China-Maldives friendship and in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law. Phoenix TV: Its reported that US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink met with four anti-China rioters who fled overseas, namely Anna Kwok, Elmer Yuen, Frances Hui and Joey Siu. He said on social media X that he was honored to meet with advocates for Hong Kongs democracy and human rights. Whats your comment? Wang Wenbin: We deplore and firmly oppose the blatant action of US senior officials involving themselves with anti-China rioters who have fled Hong Kong. These rioters are suspected of endangering national security. The Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants in accordance with the law. This is necessary and legitimate and in line with the international law and customary practice. National security legislation of the US are applied extraterritorially as well. By bolstering those jeopardizing order and stability in Hong Kong, the US is not only trampling the principle of the rule of law but also laying bare its long-standing double standards on human rights and the rule of law. Hong Kong affairs are purely Chinas internal affairs that brook no external interference. We urge the US to reflect on what it has done and fully respect Chinas sovereignty and rule of law in Hong Kong. The US should not become a haven for criminals. China has firm resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests. Any attempt to meddle in Hong Kong affairs and undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong will be met with Chinas resolute response. AFP: Australia said today that it had expressed outrage to China over the suspended death sentence handed to a Chinese-born Australian. Whats Chinas comment on this? Wang Wenbin: We shared information yesterday about the sentencing of Australian defendant Yang Juns espionage case. I would like to stress that China is a country that upholds the rule of law. Chinese judicial authorities handle cases in accordance with the law. We urge Australia to fully respect Chinas judicial sovereignty. CCTV: We noticed that across the world, more and more people are celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is also called the Spring Festival. To celebrate this traditional festival has become quite fashionable these days. What is your comment? Wang Wenbin: The Spring Festival is a time for family reunion, seen by many as the Chinese moment on every years calendar. It is also celebrated globally as a public holiday. You just asked a very good question. We have prepared some slides to show you how the Spring Festival is celebrated globally. This years Spring Festival will be the first one since the UN General Assembly decided to list the Lunar New Year as a UN floating holiday. The Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN Office at Vienna and other organizations recently officially celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year for the first time. The Lunar New Year is a public holiday in more than 20 countries and celebrated in various forms by about one-fifth of people on Earth. From East to West, in both northern and southern hemispheres, countries around the world light up in Chinese red and people share the joyful atmosphere and feel the richness and vibrancy of the Chinese culture. At the UN, diplomatic envoys experience Spring Festival traditions such as making dumplings, calligraphy and paper-cutting. The New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined thousands of overseas Chinese at the Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day in Auckland to welcome the Year of the Dragon. Belarus held the Embracing the Chinese New Year symphony concert with musicians from the two countries bringing the great enjoyment to the audience. Temple fairs were held in Heidelberg, Germany, which showcased traditional customs to tourists such as diabolo, Spring Festival couplets and writing the character Fu which means good fortune. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York organized an exhibition called Celebrating the Year of Dragon, which brought out dragon dance performance, woodblock printing and other brilliant activities. Lanterns hung high on the streets in Malaysia, and youngsters performed the impressive dragon dance with a dragon nearly 200 meters long. A grand celebration event was held on Marco Zero Square, a famous landmark of Recife in Brazil. A spectacular light show of twelve mascots of the Chinese Zodiac was staged and people sang and danced. The Spring Festival embodies the traditions and values of harmony, love and peace in Chinese culture. The fact that the festival is celebrated elsewhere around the world is a vivid example of mutual learning between different civilizations and how they flourish together. We hope people everywhere will share the joy of the Spring Festival, feel the warmth of the coming spring, and together usher in an auspicious lunar new year. AFP: Russia and China criticized the US yesterday at a UN Security Council meeting for stoking tensions in the Middle East. Can you provide more information on that? Wang Wenbin: We have repeatedly said that the situation in the Middle East is highly complex and delicate. We urge relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, earnestly abide by the UN Charter and international law, respect other countries sovereignty and territorial integrity, and prevent the situation in the region from further escalating or even getting out of control. The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, greeted his supporters Sunday on the presidential balcony after his landslide victory in the elections and spent the following hours sharing congratulatory messages from around the world on social media. Bukele, 42, has become a global phenomenon for dismantling El Salvadors powerful gangs and broadcasting his achievements live on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. This has earned him the nickname of the millennial president, an image he likes to cultivate. Nobody imagined five years ago, when he won the elections for the first time, that he would become an all-powerful leader who would govern under a state of emergency, a radical measure he has used to deploy the army in the streets, fill the jails with tattooed youths and pacify neighborhoods that for decades had been controlled by the gangs. Now he has once again revalidated his mandate until 2029, crushing the opposition in the process. Power in El Salvador has six letters: Bukele. The truth is that he enjoyed a placid electoral night. The polls forecast he had an overwhelming majority and so it was. He raised some suspicions by announcing the results before the Supreme Electoral Tribunal did so, but when the counting of ballots began, it was corroborated that El Salvador has once again thrown itself into his hands. With 70% counted on Monday, he had received 1.6 million votes, eight times more than the next two parties, FMLN the traditional left-wing and Arena, the lifelong right-wing. His party, Nuevas Ideas, also won in the Legislative Assembly, where it is predicted it will have 58 of the 60 deputies. Bukele said that it was the first time that a single party in a democracy had been established. If these elections were a plebiscite on his policies, he has more than won it. He has already announced that he will continue with the state of emergency given the results it has yielded, despite the criticism of human rights organizations which say there have been many arbitrary arrests and some international institutions that have expressed concern for what they consider an autocratic drift. At this point, many are wondering what Bukeles next steps will augur. In the previous legislature he confronted a National Assembly that was in the hands of the opposition, going so far as to storm into the chamber in February 2020 flanked by police and military troops. Bukele sat in the National Assembly presidents chair and called the session to order. Now I think it is very clear who is in control of the situation, he said. Then he closed his eyes and covered his face with his hands. And he prayed. After the midterm legislative elections he took control of the assembly. He removed the members of the Constitutional Court and installed like-minded jurists, and dismissed the previous attorney general. The path was clear. He installed the state of emergency, which has been renewed 24 times. Bukele, however, has not been able to reduce poverty and the economic indicators are not very encouraging. He blames this on the country recovering from a shock and says the reduction of violence is accompanied by a drop in extortion and other illegal businesses that has had an upward impact on the countrys GDP. Analysts foresee that reviving the labor market will be one of his main tasks. The security that now prevails can improve tourism, attract international investments, and immigrants who have historically lived in the United States. A number of international leaders congratulated Bukele, although some did so with ulterior motives. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he hopes good governance, inclusive economic prosperity, fair trial guarantees, and human rights " will continue to be prioritized. Bukele maintains an ambiguous relationship with Washington. He has responded angrily to comments about his alleged authoritarian drift and has reached out to China, which has financed the construction of a spectacular, modernist-looking National Library, lit up at night on the San Salvador skyline. The president has said that the policies of the United States and Europe to reduce violence have proven a failure and only made organized crime expand. Here, he repeats, neither the NGOs, nor the media, nor foreign institutions are in charge. He congratulates himself for having taken the helm by applying a Salvadoran recipe. The state of emergency has allowed Bukele to completely dismantle the gangs, or at least reduce their hold over the citizenry to a minimum with a wave of arrests. Many of those detained have been held in the Cecot, a prison built from scratch to house alleged terrorists, where gang members from the two main gangs, Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18, are held in apparently hygienic conditions. It has an air of U.S. penitentiaries. Youtubers with ties to the government have been granted access and have shared videos of inmates in silence, their heads shaved, sitting in their cells like birds on a tree branch. These videos portray them doing gymnastics and receiving therapy from what appears to be a psychologist or a pastor. When they are moved, they wear shackles on their hands and feet. Salvadorans breathed a sigh of relief see the gangs subdued and not on the streets, imposing terror. Many of them recognize that judicial guarantees have been violated, that there are innocent detainees, but it seems to them that the benefit has been greater than the cost. This view of things prevails even among family members of prisoners, with whom they are permitted barely any contact. The Bukele effect has permeated everything. His power today is immense. The era of the single party and the single leader has been born in El Salvador. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The path is clear. Four months before the election that will allow him to retire to his ranch, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday unveiled at the National Palace a package of constitutional reforms that represent both a legacy and an electoral program. The package includes policies that he believes in and those that he never got around to or did not want to enshrine in the Mexican Constitution when he had a majority to do so. The move comes during the final stretch of his term of office, with the electorate waiting for a message to go out and vote, because no matter how much it would like to push through the changes, the presidents party, Morena, will have to negotiate with the opposition unless it wins two-thirds of the seats in Congress on June 2. The Morenistas will be satisfied when they hear the presidents arguments in favor of the poor and the Indigenous population, of raising the salaries of teachers, doctors and police officers, of ensuring a daily wage for the peasants and guaranteeing an annual minimum wage for the training of young people who are not studying and cannot find work; to return to the Federal Electricity Commission its role as a strategic public company, and to grant the people the possibility of voting for judges, as well as enshrining social and educational aid in the Constitution. That is, to redirect public life along the path of freedom, justice and democracy. They are grandiose words for voters who were expecting them. Lopez Obrador also gave a nod to environmentalists with a proposal to restrict the use of water to domestic use only in areas with shortages. He also addressed commuter concerns, talking about the need for 18,000 kilometers of railways to make travel easier. Other items in the reform package seemed more populist, such as reducing the number of politicians in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate or not allowing any government official to earn more than the president. And so on up to 20 measures with which the outgoing president is approaching the end of his journey and laying the groundwork for his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum. The campaign will be defined by an intense parliamentary debate that will play to the benefit of the governing party, leaving the opposition with the dilemma of whether to bow to negotiations in search of a position that will not affect their interests on the way to the polls. A few minutes after the presidents speech, the leader of the National Action Party (PAN), Marko Cortes, announced that they will analyze the proposals responsibly but also criticized the president for avoiding the most serious issue facing the country: security. Indeed, Lopez Obrador barely made a passing mention when he talked about severely penalizing the crime of extortion carried out by organized crime. Violence is the great failed subject of this six-year term that the opposition clings to again and again, as they did this Monday. That and the elimination of autonomous agencies like the INAI, which oversaw administrative transparency, or the Cofece, in charge of economic competition, among others. These will be the shields protecting the right in its fight against a government that seems intent on seeing out the term with the same vigor as it started it. The negotiations in Congress will capture the publics imagination before they make a decision on who to vote for. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) said it was nonsense that certain reforms which they defined as attacks against the institutions were announced precisely on the day of the Mexican Constitution. The veteran party also saw electoral intent behind the presidents announcement: Morena seeks to engage the opposition in a sterile and aimless discussion. They know that they do not have the votes to carry out this assault on democracy. The PRI announced their red lines: they will not vote against the elimination of independent agencies or the weakening of the judiciary. Do not count on the PRI to destroy the country. Immersed in the celebration of the 1917 Constitution, Lopez Obrador resorted to a patriotic speech, very much to the liking of Mexicans, in which all the heroes of the past were mentioned, including the martyrs of Independence and the Revolution, the makers of a great Mexico that, the president said, did away with more than 40 years of neoliberalism. And it was within that historical framework that he placed his own legacy. Lopez Obrador hoisted himself onto that podium of illustrious Mexicans as the architect of a change in the mentality of the people, what he himself terms the revolution of consciences. But it would be a mistake to get overly confident and miss this historic opportunity to reinforce our values and give the Constitution its democratic and social character, he said. The opportunity has already passed, in fact, and now he can only rely on a strong result at the ballot boxes or else on reaching agreements with the opposition. The message, therefore, was electoral in nature. What is not achieved in Congress may only be achieved by citizens by voting for Lopez Obradors successor, Sheinbaum, who has guaranteed ideological and political continuity to everyone who cared to listen to her. And everyone shall be listened to, Lopez Obrador told potential voters: The students, the young people, the women, the elderly, the Indigenous people, the peasants, the workers, the artists, the teachers, the merchants, the small and medium-sized businesses, he said, sounding as though he was at a campaign event. There was, however, no trace in his speech of politically sensitive issues that might have caused him problems, such as the economy. The president mentioned the important task of combating inequality with a better distribution of wealth, income and the budget, but among the reforms he sent to Congress there was no mention of a tax reform, even though this remains a major unaddressed issue of his term in office. The presidents proclamations were the same ones that he has been introducing into the public debate for weeks from his morning conferences, attracting criticism from the opposition, because they consider that Lopez Obrador is overstepping his executive role and getting dangerously close to the electoral arena. Adding his policies to the Constitution from a ban on consuming fentanyl to the use of vaping devices is not just a way to enshrine himself as a historical leader, but can also be viewed as campaign gestures and even simple decoys to bring the negotiations to good port. You cannot govern based on the impulses of a capricious will, he said, quoting Benito Juarez. It certainly does not seem like its a whim that is driving the president to propose these large-scale reforms, but rather a very calculated shot. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Snapchat's parent company lays off 10% of global full-time workforce New Delhi, Feb 5 Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, on Monday announced to lay off approximately 10 per cent of its global full-time employees. We currently estimate that we will incur pre-tax charges in the range of $55 million to $75 million, primarily consisting of severance and related costs, and other charges, of which $45 million to $55 million are expected to be future cash expenditures, the company said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The majority of these costs are expected to be incurred during the first quarter of 2024. Potential position eliminations in each country are subject to local law and consultation requirements, which may extend this process into the second quarter of 2024 or beyond in certain countries, said Snap. The company said the job cuts were meant to best position our business to execute on our highest priorities, and to ensure we have the capacity to invest incrementally to support our growth over time. This layoff followed a smaller headcount reduction late last year when Snap reorganised its product team. The company is set to report its earnings after the markets close on February 6. (IANS - Posted on 06 February 2024) Snapchat's parent company lays off 10% of global full-time workforce Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Deepika Padukone gave a 'pep talk' to 'non dancer' Mahesh Shetty before filming a song Mumbai, Feb 6 Actor Mahesh Shetty recalled how "sweetheart" Deepika Padukone gave him a pep talk before filming 'Sher Khul Gaye' from 'Fighter' as being a "non dancer" he was very nervous to shoot for it. He then recalled: "I clearly remember the day we were filming 'Sher Khul Gaye'. I being a non-dancer was a little petrified since I was dancing along with none other than Hritik and DP themselves but she took me aside, gave me a much-needed pep talk and put all my inhibitions at ease. "I will never forget and will always cherish that day and how she helped me and got me rolling with the thought that I'm doing well and 'jo hoga dekha jayega'. In the Hrithik Roshan-starrer, Mahesh Shetty stars in the role of Squadron Leader Rajan Unninathan, a wingman to Patty (portrayed by the former). Helmed by the acclaimed Siddharth Anand, the film co-stars Deepika in the lead, in addition to others. Up next on the work front, he will be seen in a web show titled 'Kan Khajura', an adaptation of the Israeli series 'Magpie', alongside Mahesh Shetty. The cast of the show also include Mohit Raina and Roshan Mathew. (IANS - Posted on 06 February 2024) Deepika Padukone gave a 'pep talk' to 'non dancer' Mahesh Shetty before filming a song Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Yogesh Tripathi says Maths degree helps him play his parts with accuracy Mumbai, Feb 6 Actor Yogesh Tripathi, who is seen in the sitcom 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' has opened up on his academic experiences, and said whether dealing with intricate equations or portraying complex characters, his education moulds the accuracy and enthusiasm. "Whether dealing with intricate equations or portraying complex characters, my education moulds the accuracy and enthusiasm I infuse into every performance. Mathematics and acting come together in a harmonious blend of calculated expression on the stage," added the 'Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai' fame actor. In 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan', Yogesh plays the character of Daroga Happu Singh. The current storyline of the show is revolving around Happu (Yogesh Tripathi) who ridicules Hritik (Aryan Prajapati), Chamchi (Zaara Warssi), and Ranbir (Somya Azad) when they inform him about a friend's father behaving strangely as a dancer's spirit has possessed him. Happu boasts that if any spirit has courage, it must possess a brave person like him. That night, he dons a mask and scares Rajesh (Geetanjali Mishra) and the kids, causing panic before he bursts into laughter. The following day, the kids challenge Happu to spend a night in a cemetery. He agrees and brings along Beni (Vishwanath Chatterjee). Instead of staying the night, Happu records a video at the cemetery gate and then heads to the police station to sleep, oblivious to Shakal's death there. Manohar (Nitin Jadhav) tricks Shakal into eating biryani containing a cockroach and dies. Upon reaching the police station, a mysterious hand touches Happu. When Happu wakes up, Shakal's spirit enters his body, leading to bizarre behaviour. Shocked by Happu's strange behaviour, Rajesh discovers the presence of someone else's soul in his body through the mirror. The show airs on &TV. (IANS - Posted on 06 February 2024) Yogesh Tripathi says Maths degree helps him play his parts with accuracy Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Don Cheadle joins cast of Kevin Hart starrer series 'Fight Night' Washington DC, February 6 Hollywood actor Don Cheadle is the new addition to the star cast of the upcoming series 'Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist'. The series is based on the podcast 'Fight Night,' which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell "the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali's (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man's life, but an entire city's destiny," as per Variety. Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of JD Hudson, described as "one of Atlanta's first Black detectives assigned to Ali's security detail and the robbery." Cheadle is known for his role in as War Machine in 'Iron Man' and 'Avengers'. Apart from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is also known for performances in films like 'Hotel Rwanda', for which he received an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination and the 'Ocean's 11' franchise, reported Variety. (ANI - Posted on 06 February 2024) Don Cheadle joins cast of Kevin Hart starrer series 'Fight Night' Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! The overwhelming victory of Nayib Bukele, 42, at the presidential elections this Sunday in El Salvador, which he won with a percentage that is close to 85% and a completely broken opposition, is a warning for all of Latin America. The politician who once defined himself as the coolest dictator in the world will renew his term in office thanks to the immense popularity obtained through the dismantling of the maras, the bloodthirsty gangs that terrorized the small Central American country and which has led to a drastic reduction in crime and violence in the streets. The homicide rate down from more than 106 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015 to 7.8 in 2022 and extortion have plummeted. To achieve this, Bukele has imposed a state of emergency that already seems inherent to his term; he has co-opted the judiciary (which allowed him to run again despite the Constitutions ban), trampled on human rights and harassed media outlets and activists who do not agree with his security policy. Under these conditions, El Salvador has not only become the country with the highest incarceration rate in the world (prisoners have gone from 35,000 to 110,000 during his presidency), but also a nation where the drift towards authoritarianism is increasingly evident. These are dangers that will not go away after the crushing electoral victory. On the contrary, Bukeles success at the polls has elevated him to a beacon of the Latin American far right. From Chile to Mexico, voices are asking to follow his example to achieve power. It is an attractive and easy rhetoric, which offers a supposedly quick solution to one of the continents greatest scourges, although in reality it neither ends the problems of misery and lack of opportunities that are at the origin of crime, nor are its methods acceptable to a democracy unless one is willing to enter a permanent state of emergency. Another very worrying sign is the attacks on voices that are critical of the Bukele government. The mockery of his adversaries, the attacks against international bodies and the harassment of media outlets that disagree with his ideology were already a daily occurrence during his last term in office. On Sunday, the president-elect exhibited his intolerance in the middle of his victory speech, dedicating three minutes to attacking EL PAIS. It is an attitude that demonstrates his very low resistance threshold to questions from the independent press. Given this deterioration of democratic coexistence, it is necessary for the international community to maintain and increase pressure on Bukele. Only the denunciation of abuses by independent organizations and the surveillance of the great democracies can stop the drift that El Salvador is experiencing. It is necessary, on the other hand, for the opposition parties, whose poor results speak for themselves, to break with corruption and become capable of attracting voters with credible solutions. El Salvador, after decades of violence and mismanagement, is going to begin a second Bukele presidency without having resolved its serious problems of development and inequality. Its economic policy, which presents El Salvador as the paradise of cryptocurrencies, has failed to the point that extreme poverty has increased (it has gone from 5.6% to 8.7%, according to the most recent ECLAC report). Addressing these challenges requires much more than resuming indiscriminate raids. Filling prisons should never be an end in itself of a state policy; rather, it should be to fight poverty, improve education and reduce inequality. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. We sifted through every area high schools past five state report cards in search of the best one at graduating seniors year after year after year. Finishing at No. 1 over the long haul was the same school that led the area in 2023: Monticello. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child sexual exploitation at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, U.S., January 31, 2024. An Oversight Board is criticizing Facebook owner Metas policies regarding manipulated media as incoherent and insufficient to address the flood of online disinformation that already has begun to target elections across the globe this year. The quasi-independent board on Monday said its review of an altered video of President Joe Biden that spread on Facebook exposed gaps in the policy. The board said Meta should expand the policy to focus not only on videos generated with artificial intelligence, but on media regardless of how it was created. That includes fake audio recordings, which already have convincingly impersonated political candidates in the U.S. and elsewhere. It also said Meta should clarify the harms it is trying to prevent and should label images, videos and audio clips as manipulated instead of removing the posts altogether. The boards feedback reflects the intense scrutiny that is facing many tech companies for their handling of election falsehoods in a year when voters in more than 50 countries will go to the polls. As both generative artificial intelligence deepfakes and lower-quality cheap fakes on social media threaten to mislead voters, the platforms are trying to catch up and respond to false posts while protecting users rights to free speech. As it stands, the policy makes little sense, Oversight Board co-chair Michael McConnell said of Metas policy in a statement on Monday. He said the company should close gaps in the policy while ensuring political speech is unwaveringly protected. Meta said it is reviewing the Oversight Boards guidance and will respond publicly to the recommendations within 60 days. Spokesperson Corey Chambliss said while audio deepfakes arent mentioned in the companys manipulated media policy, they are eligible to be fact-checked and will be labeled or down-ranked if fact-checkers rate them as false or altered. The company also takes action against any type of content if it violates Facebooks Community Standards, he said. Facebook, which turned 20 this week, remains the most popular social media site for Americans to get their news, according to Pew. But other social media sites, among them Metas Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, as well as X, YouTube and TikTok, also are potential hubs where deceptive media can spread and fool voters. Meta created its oversight board in 2020 to serve as a referee for content on its platforms. Its current recommendations come after it reviewed an altered clip of President Biden and his adult granddaughter that was misleading but didnt violate the companys policies because it didnt misrepresent anything he said. The original footage showed Biden placing an I Voted sticker high on his granddaughters chest, at her instruction, then kissing her on the cheek. The version that appeared on Facebook was altered to remove the important context, making it seem as if he touched her inappropriately. The boards ruling on Monday upheld Metas 2023 decision to leave the seven-second clip up on Facebook, since it didnt violate the companys existing manipulated media policy. Metas current policy says it will remove videos created using artificial intelligence tools that misrepresent someones speech. Since the video in this post was not altered using AI and it shows President Biden doing something he did not do (not something he didnt say), it does not violate the existing policy, the ruling read. The board advised the company to update the policy and label similar videos as manipulated in the future. It argued that to protect users rights to freedom of expression, Meta should label content as manipulated rather than removing it from the platform if it doesnt violate any other policies. The board also noted that some forms of manipulated media are made for humor, parody or satire and should be protected. Instead of focusing on how a distorted image, video or audio clip was created, the companys policy should focus on the harm manipulated posts can cause, such as disrupting the election process, the ruling said. Meta said on its website that it welcomes the Oversight Boards ruling on the Biden post and will update the post after reviewing the boards recommendations. Meta is required to heed the Oversight Boards rulings on specific content decisions, though its under no obligation to follow the boards broader recommendations. Still, the board has gotten the company to make some changes over the years, including making messages to users who violate its policies more specific to explain to them what they did wrong. Jen Golbeck, a professor in the University of Marylands College of Information Studies, said Meta is big enough to be a leader in labeling manipulated content, but follow-through is just as important as changing policy. Will they implement those changes and then enforce them in the face of political pressure from the people who want to do bad things? Thats the real question, she said. If they do make those changes and dont enforce them, it kind of further contributes to this destruction of trust that comes with misinformation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Sleep apnea, which involves recurring, temporary interruptions of breathing during sleep, can disturb regulation of blood lipid levels, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. A University of Ottawa research team has shown that the impact of sleep apnea on the metabolism of blood lipids differs by sex, with women regulating their blood lipids better than men. The study was conducted by Nicholas Goulet, Caroline Marcoux, Renee Morin, Jean-Francois Mauger and Vincent Bourgon, under the supervision of Pascal Imbeault, full professor in the School of Human Kinetics of uOttawa's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Institut du savoir Montfort, in collaboration with Dr. Ruwan Amaratunga, a pneumologist with the Montfort institute. In a randomized cross-over trial including subjects of both sexes, the research team measured the impact of consuming high-fat meals and intermittent exposure to oxygen-deficient air, leading to low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), a key characteristic of sleep apnea. Various physiological measurements were taken during the study, including triglyceride levels, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. We achieved our findings by measuring lipids in the bloodstream after a lipid-rich meal, with men and women in good health exposed to ambient air (normal oxygen levels) or oxygen-deficient air intermittently (the latter simulating sleep apnea)." Pascal Imbeault, full professor in the School of Human Kinetics of uOttawa's Faculty of Health Sciences The results suggest that there are significant differences between men and women in triglyceride response after a meal under conditions of intermittent hypoxemia. The study provides detailed information on the interaction among biological sex, intermittent hypoxemia and triglyceride response after a meal, with potential implications for future research and clinical applications in the area of physiology. "Our work shows that women present a metabolic advantage in managing blood lipids, protecting them from the disruptive effects of sleep apnea. This could potentially explain why women living with sleep apnea present a lower prevalence of co-morbidities (Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease) than men," says Imbeault. The study took place from 2018 to 2023 at the University of Ottawa. "To our knowledge, no study to date has investigated the contribution of biological sex to blood lipids during exposure to intermittent hypoxemia, a condition that simulates sleep apnea," Imbeault says. The findings therefore add a new dimension to our understanding of the way blood lipids are managed and highlight the importance of considering the difference between the sexes in future research and clinical interventions. Doctors have nearly a dozen new targeted drugs to treat patients with acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, yet three of four patients still die within five years. Some patients succumb within just a month or two, despite the battery of drugs used to treat the aggressive blood disease, where blood cells don't develop properly. A new study draws on a field of science known as proteogenomics to try to improve the outlook. In a paper published Jan. 16 in Cell Reports Medicine, scientists report new findings about how drug resistance in some AML patients develops and how doctors might someday stop or slow the process. The research comes from a team of researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon Health & Science University. For nearly a decade, OHSU and PNNL researchers have worked together to fill a critical gap in our knowledge of how cancer and other diseases happen. At one end of the spectrum, our body's genes can go awry, creating mutations that can be harmful or deadly. At the other end of the spectrum is a real person whose life is affected or even ended as a result. What happens in the middle, between the genes and the person's health? The answer: a dizzying number of complex molecular processes that scientists are grappling to understand. At the center are the body's proteins and a field of study known as proteogenomics. Sorting the data with machine learning The PNNL-OHSU team is studying thousands of proteins that could play a role in AML. Proteins are the body's molecular workhorses, ferrying nutrients and other supplies back and forth between cells, turning genes on or off, and maintaining dozens of basic body processes. Even though genes get the glory, they do little directly to keep our bodies going. That's the job of proteins. For nearly 20 years, study author Karin Rodland of OHSU, formerly of PNNL, has been a pioneer exploring the role of proteins in health and disease, building a program with OHSU and PNNL colleagues to study AML. In the latest study, a team led by Sara Gosline, a data scientist and computational biologist at PNNL, did an exhaustive study of the protein activity in 210 patients with AML. Altogether, the team measured levels of nearly half a million pieces of proteins from more than 9,000 proteins in patients' blood samples. The team combined those findings with extensive data already known about the disease-;the genes and mutations involved, the molecular messengers that indicate which genes are active, and the effects of 46 drugs on AML patients, along with information about how the disease progressed in those patients. We were able to look at patterns of drug responses in hundreds of people by including protein and gene measurements together, and this gave us a level of detail that hasn't been possible in prior studies. This is a great example where we are able to put our growing knowledge of protein signaling and machine learning models to benefit patients in the future." Sara Gosline, data scientist and computational biologist at PNNL Gosline and colleagues, including first author James Pino of PNNL, deployed artificial intelligence, using several machine learning algorithms to make sense of the data. Beating drug resistance While the study yielded a load of data about what happens in the body of an AML patient, one finding stood out, pointing to a possible way to sidestep or delay drug resistance for some patients. The team showed that treatment with quizartinib, approved last year to treat AML, can shift how cancer cells respond to other drugs often used in combination to treat patients. Specifically, the team found that when patients on quizartinib stop responding to venetoclax, doctors might consider switching to another drug, panobinostat. It's an example of how proteogenomic information could alter the roadmap that doctors use to navigate which medications patients receive at different stages of the disease. "The difficulty is that cancer keeps evolving," said Gosline. "You hit the tumor with one drug and the tumor changes. This is what happens when patients experience drug resistance and the medicines stop working. Our study helps us understand exactly how this happens and what might be done in response. Which medication is best to turn to?" AML poses a particular challenge, said study author Cristina Tognon at OHSU. "When you treat a tumor with a drug, you are putting pressure on the tumor cells as they try to figure out a way to escape that pressure and survive. It's a big problem in AML patients. What's even more difficult is that in AML, there are many mutations at work; the disease doesn't come in just one flavor," said Tognon, who is an associate research professor and scientific director of the Druker Laboratory at OHSU. Ultimately, the team focused on 147 proteins and specific molecular locations known as phosphosites that play a key role in determining which proteins are turned on and which are off. Using just the protein data, the team sorted the samples into four distinct groups that predicted how the patients fared. Patients whose samples placed them in one of the groups had a better prognosis than the others, surviving far more than five years. Doctors hope that this type of information will eventually become available in the clinic. That would allow some patients who do not need aggressive therapies with severe side effects to avoid them while assuring that patients who have the worst prognosis are treated as aggressively as possible. "There is potential for clinical applications to be derived from this work, for example, diagnostics, such as protein biomarkers to predict responses to therapies, and the design of new drug combinations that might outperform current ones," said OHSU's Jeff Tyner, professor of medicine at the OHSU School of Medicine and Knight Cancer Institute. The work is the latest of more than 200 studies that have looked at protein activity in many forms of cancer, including colon, brain, endometrial, brain, blood and ovarian cancers. An OHSU-PNNL team discussed the emerging role of proteins for treating patients with precision medicine in a recent article in the Annual Reviews of Pharmacology and Toxicology. More and more, scientists are using proteomics-;the study of proteins-;to bridge the gap between genomics (the study of genes) to phenomics (phenotypes or observable characteristics). PMedIC: an OHSU-PNNL collaboration OHSU and PNNL scientists work collaboratively on many projects. OHSU brings outstanding clinical expertise about disease as well as extensive laboratory knowledge and is a world-class center for new treatments of leukemia. PNNL offers an unparalleled ability to measure tiny amounts of important molecules in great detail. Much of this work happens through the Pacific Northwest Biomedical Innovation Co-Laboratory, or PMedIC, a joint research collaboration between the two organizations. Through PMedIC and other collaborations, the institutions have made discoveries about several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, COVID-19, and the Zika virus. At PNNL, additional authors include Camilo Posso, Michael Nestor, Jamie Moon, Joshua Hansen, Chelsea Hutchinson-Bunch, Marina Gritsenko, Karl Weitz, Jason McDermott, Tao Liu and Paul Piehowski. Other authors from OHSU include Sunil Joshi, Kevin Watanabe-Smith, Nicola Long, Brian Druker, Anupriya Agarwal and Elie Traer. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research (CPTAC U01CA271412), the ARCS Scholar Foundation, a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship, the National Cancer Institute (F30CA239335, R01 CA229875-01A1), the American Cancer Society (RSG-17-187-01-LIB), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01 HL155426-01), the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation/RUNX1 Research Program, and the EvansMDS Foundation. # # In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, researchers examined the evidence on the health effects of the use of gaseous fuels for heating and cooking in various countries. They found that transitioning from polluting fuels to gaseous fuels for household purposes may reduce health risks, particularly in low-income countries. Background Household air pollution from solid fuel combustion causes 3.2 million preventable deaths annually. Transitioning to clean liquid and gaseous fuels, crucial for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is recognized to address this burden. The present study synthesizes evidence on the health effects of domestic use of liquid and gaseous fuels, emphasizing the urgent need for a clean transition to meet Sustainable Development Goals. Despite electricity being the cleanest, its limited accessibility in LMICs necessitates scalable alternatives. This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the health impacts of gaseous and liquid fuels, excluding polluting liquid fuels (solid fuels, kerosene) for lighting, and highlights the potential respiratory effects of gas usage, informing global policies for a swift transition to cleaner household energy. About the study For the systematic review, major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Environment Complete, Web of Science, GreenFile, Wanfang DATA, Google Scholar, and CNKI were searched. Studies published between 1980 and 2021 focusing on the health effects of cooking and heating with liquid and gaseous fuels (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas) were selected. Studies related to lighting or specific pollutants with no health outcome were excluded. A total of 216 studies were included in the systematic review, while 116 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Data was extracted using an Excel form refined over 15 rounds, capturing study details, fuel types, comparators, population characteristics, health outcomes, and results. Liverpool Quality Assessment Tools (LQATs) assessed study quality, considering aspects like selection, response bias, exposure measurement, and confounding. Quality scores (as percentages) were categorized into at least moderate quality (>60%) and poorer quality (60%). This approach aimed to evaluate the potential impact of methodological quality on pooled effect estimates in meta-analyses without assuming a hierarchy of evidence. Meta-analyses focused on five health effects: asthma (child and adult), acute lower respiratory infections, chronic lung disease, respiratory symptoms, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Studies with consistent definitions for health conditions and exposure to any gaseous fuel for household energy were pooled for analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis was employed, and adjusted estimates were preferred. Funnel plots and statistical tests assessed publication bias. Forest plots were stratified by age group and condition. Separate analyses compared gaseous or liquid fuels to clean (electricity) and polluting (wood, charcoal, kerosene) reference groups, with sensitivity analyses for studies with unclear reference groups. Results and discussion As per the study, gaseous fuels demonstrated a 35% lower risk of asthma in adults compared to polluting fuels. However, no significant difference was observed in asthma risk for children. For acute lower respiratory infections or pneumonia, cooking with gas lowered the risk by 46% when compared to polluting fuels but increased the risk by 26% compared to electricity. Gaseous fuels were associated with a significant 64% lower risk of chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchitis. Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight showed lower risks (34% and 30% reduction, respectively) when using gas for cooking compared to polluting fuels. Further, gaseous fuels were linked to a 58% lower risk of wheezing but exhibited a non-significant increase in the risk of cough compared to electricity. Breathlessness risk was significantly lower with gas use compared to polluting fuels. This is the first study to systematically review the global health effects of gaseous fuels (for household cooking and heating. Unlike previous reviews, it comprehensively considers various health outcomes and assesses both polluting and clean (electricity) reference options. Conclusion In conclusion, switching from solid fuels or kerosene to clean gaseous fuels for cooking or heating is associated with a significantly lower risk of key health outcomes, contributing to a reduction in the global disease burden from pollution. In low- and middle-income countries, where the burden is highest, gaseous fuels (particularly LPG) represent an effective short-to-medium-term option for scalable adoption. However, theres a slight increase in risk when using gaseous fuels compared to electricity. Electricity may remain the priority for clean cooking where feasible, emphasizing the transitional role of gaseous fuels in regions without access to renewable electric alternatives. The findings contribute crucial evidence for informing clean-energy policies at the national level, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, to address the health burden associated with household air pollution effectively. In a move to improve air travel and connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, the state is gearing up to launch direct flight service from Delhi to Jabalpur and Mumbai to Jabalpur. It has been reported that the flight operation will kickstart from next month. Interested flyers will be able to board the direct flight on above mentioned route from March 1 and 2 respectively. The service will be operated by one of the largest budget airlines SpiceJet. Amid this, the airline also announced the weekly flight from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport to Jabalpur. The flight will be operated via layer at Mumbai Airport, starting from March 2. Heres What Union Minister of Civil Aviation Says While confirming the news Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia said, I am delighted that with the support of SpiceJet, Jabalpur will get additional connectivity to Mumbai and Delhi. In addition, he said, This will not only ensure an easy and time-saving travel experience for the people of Jabalpur but also enhance trade, commerce and employment opportunities. He also informed that Jabalpur Airport is set to have a new Terminal Building, which will be built at the cost of Rs 412 crore. Upcoming Terminal Building The upcoming building will be equipped with multiple advanced facilities, allowing the passengers to have a seamless travel experience. The move will improve the states travel chart and contribute a big hand in economic growth. To embrace cutting-edge technologies, TVS Motor Company recently made an announcement that it will be investing Rs 5,000 crore for the design, development and deployment of future technologies across its product range, according to the report by PTI. The Indian automaker, a prominent player in the two and three-wheeler segments, disclosed that the substantial investment would be allocated to both categories, with a keen focus on both domestic and international markets. TVS Motor Company, a key player in the Indian automobile market, has a robust global presence, spanning over 80 countries. The investment plan aligns with the automotive industrys global trend towards adopting cleaner and connected technologies. The company aims to integrate advanced mobility solutions into its product lineup, emphasising cleaner, connected and technologically advanced offerings. With the infusion of Rs 5,000 crore, TVS Motor Company is gearing up to enhance its production capabilities and accelerate the development of innovative products. Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, highlighted the companys dedication to engineering and research and development, stating, Our core is engineering and R&D, driven by over 2,000 engineers with solid design and development capabilities. Our vision is to transform the quality of life of our customers and redefine the future of mobility with technology, connectivity, and cutting-edge design, as reported by HT. The move comes as the company aims not only to strengthen its market share in India but also to increase its export shares, with an ambitious target of reaching 50 percent in the coming years. While the automaker has not disclosed a specific timeline for achieving this export goal, the commitment to expanding its global footprint underscores its confidence in the potential of international markets. Meanwhile, the company experienced notable sales growth in January 2024, with a significant uptick in the two-wheeler segment. The company disclosed an overall growth of 23.41% in the combined sales of both two and three-wheelers, including domestic and export markets, reaching a total of 3,39,513 units in January 2024. This marked a year-on-year increase compared to the 2,75,115 units sold in January 2023. Additionally, month-on-month sales showed a positive trend, with a 12.46 percent improvement over the 3,01,898 units sold in December 2023. The ICAI CA Foundation result 2024 date and time have been announced. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will likely declare the result today, February 7. The ICAI CA Foundation December exam took place between December 31 and January 6. In addition to the result, the institute is expected to release the list of toppers and cut-off marks at the official website at icai.org. The result of the Chartered Accountants Foundation Examinations held in December 2023/January 2024 is likely to be declared on Wednesday, the 7th February 2024 and the same can be accessed by candidates on the website icai.nic.in, reads the official notice. To successfully clear the ICAI CA Foundation exam, candidates must secure a minimum of 40 per cent marks in each paper. Furthermore, a cumulative aggregate of 50 marks across all four papers is mandatory for qualification. The four papers include Principles and Practice of Accounting (Paper 1), Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting (Paper 2), Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning & Statistics (Paper 3), and Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge (Paper 4). ICAI CA Foundation Exam Result 2024: How to Apply Step 1. Go to the official website at icai.org. Step 2. On the homepage, locate the result link related to the ICAI CA Foundation 2024 exams. Step 3. Click on the result link and enter your credentials, including roll number, registration number, and the provided captcha code. Step 4. After a successful login, submit the required details to proceed. Step 5. Once logged in, you will be able to download your scorecards. Individuals who have successfully passed Class 10 are eligible to register for the CA Foundation course. Additionally, candidates who have completed their Senior Secondary education (10+2) or are in their final year can also register with the Board of Studies of the Institute. ICAI conducts the CA Foundation exam biannually, with sessions in May/June and November/December. This exam serves as the initial phase of the prestigious Chartered Accountancy course. To be eligible for the CA Foundation examination scheduled in May/June or November/December of the same year, such candidates must complete their registration on or before January 1 or July 1, respectively. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar will launch its transformative 100-CUBE Startup initiative on February 11 at its research and entrepreneurship park, institute director Shreepad Karmalkar said here on Monday. This initiative aims to create 100 startups, each with a valuation of Rs 100 crore, by the 100th anniversary of Odishas formation in 2036, Karmalkar said. He emphasized that the park would provide essential resources, mentorship, seed capital, and access to potential investors to achieve this goal. With generous support from the Ministry of Education, the park will expand from 20,000 square feet to about 80,000 square feet over the next two years, he added. This initiative aligns with the mandate of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startup incubation, he said. Karmalkar highlighted that the next 25 years will be driven by startups, building upon Indias substantial improvement in the global innovation rank from 76 in 2014 to 40 in 2023. The 100-CUBE Startup initiative aims to further enhance this rank by nurturing startups across gender, sector, and geography using a mind-to-market strategy, he added. The event on February 11 will feature parallel technical workshops for faculty and startups, conducted by faculty heads of research parks of IITs, industrialists, and venture capitalists. This will be followed by the signing of MoUs with nearly 20 industries, 30 startups, and 30 venture capitalists to build strategic collaborations for achieving the 100-CUBE objective, he added. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will officially open the 1500-seat auditorium hosting the event and lay the e-foundation for infrastructure projects worth Rs 450 crore, officials said. Overall, the initiative marks a significant milestone in IIT Bhubaneswars journey towards establishing Odisha as a hub of entrepreneurship and nurturing the startup culture in the country, he added. The Jharkhand General Graduate Qualified Combined Competitive Examination (JGGLCCE) has been decided to be postponed by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commissions Examination Controller. On January 28, the JGGLCCE 2023 examination was abruptly cancelled in all three shifts. This decision was made by the government even though several students had already appeared for the recruitment test. Following this, the examination that had been originally scheduled for February 4 has also been postponed until further notice. The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission is now soon expected to release new dates for the JGGLCCE examination. The primary reason leading to the abrupt cancellation of the JSSC CGL exam was a paper leak incident that occurred on January 28. This led to a ruckus, resulting in several candidates questioning the administration as to why the paper was leaked. The administration soon responded by saying that a First Information Report (FIR) would be filed for the examination question paper leak. The commission also specified that a thorough review of the security arrangements will now be required, leading to the scheduled exam for February 4 also being postponed. Once the new dates are decided, the commission will promptly publish them on its official website. The official notification from the Jharkhand Staf Selection Commission stated on their website, It is necessary to organize the examination scheduled on February 4, 2024, under JGGLCCE-2023 after a thorough and complete review of all the security arrangements related to the said examination, for which the examination scheduled on February 04 under JGGLCCE-2023 (three shifts) will be conducted is postponed. The rescheduled date of the said examination scheduled on February 4 will be published on the website of the Commission as soon as possible. A total of around 2017 posts were announced by Jharkhands Staff Selection Commission for the JSSC CGL exam. This included around 863 posts for the position of Assitant Branch Officer, around 335 posts for Junior Secretariat Assistant, 252 posts for Block Supply Officer, five posts for planning Assistant, 182 vacancies for Labour Enforcement officer, 195 for Block Welfare Officer and 185 posts for Circle Inspector Cum Kanugo. Clearing the to-be-announced written exams would see the candidates go through the process of document verification after which a merit list would be released for the ones who get selected. Candidates should keep an eye out for the revised dates by frequently visiting the official website of Jharkhands Staff Selection Commission. Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday said his party is striving to win a majority of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, including the Hyderabad constituency held by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, in the coming parliament elections. Reddy, who visited Ameerpet village in Ranga Reddy district here as part of BJPs Gaon Chalo (go to villages) campaign said the party has undertaken the programmme in about 12,000 villages in the state. The BJP is getting an encouraging response from people in Telangana in support of the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. I am fully confident that we will give tough contest in 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. We are making efforts to take on AIMIM candidate Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad parliamentary constituency. In the recent assembly polls, our voting percentage increased considerably in the Hyderabad parliamentary constituency and the Majlis (AIMIM) vote percentage has declined, he told reporters. In the last Lok Sabha election, the BJP won four out of the 17 seats in Telangana. Elaborating about the Gaon Chalo campaign, Reddy, who is also union minister, said the BJP activists will stay for 24 hours in about 12,000 villages, meet people from all sections of society and would make efforts to secure their support by explaining to them as to why the PM Modis leadership is required for the country once again. Reddy said many voters, during the recent Telangana assembly polls, expressed their support for BJP and Modis leadership in the Lok Sabha elections. With the consecration of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, all sections of society, especially women and youth, are coming forward to support the BJP, he claimed. During his visit to the Ameerpet village, Reddy interacted with self-help groups (SHG) women, farmers and youth, a release said. When farmers told him that fertilisers are being sold at a price higher than what is printed on the bag, he spoke to the state agriculture secretary and asked him to ensure that the dealers follow the prices mentioned, it added. Isha Malviya was one of the strongest contestants of Bigg Boss 17. The young actress captivated audiences not just with her strategic gameplay, but also with the intense relationship dynamics she shared with Abhishek Kumar throughout the show. Recently, the diva graced Faisal Shaikhs talk show, Long Drive, where she revealed her past attempts at dance reality shows like Dance India Dance (DID), Dance Deewane, and Lil Champs before making her mark on the big screen. The episode began with Isha sharing with Mr. Faisu how her life underwent a significant transformation after leaving the Bigg Boss house. She mentioned enjoying the fame shes received but also admitted it was tough to keep up with the maturity of her older co-contestants because shes younger than them. During an engaging segment, the YouTuber delved into some of the circulating rumours surrounding the Udaariyaan actress. Dismissing the speculation surrounding her audition for Boogie Woogie, Isha clarified, Boogie Woogie to nai, par maine DID, Dance Deewane aur Lil champs ke liye audition diya hai. Maine bahut saare dance shows ke liye audition dia hai (Not Boogie Woogie but I have given auditions for DID, Dance Deewane, and Lil Champs among a lot of other dance competition shows)." Isha also addressed the buzz surrounding her relationship dynamics within the house. She spoke about her boyfriend, Samarth Jurels concerns regarding her friendship with fellow contestant Abhishek Kumar. She revealed that Samarth had contemplated entering the Bigg Boss house to address the issue but underwent his journey before eventually stepping in. When questioned about the speculation of her, Abhishek, and Samarth setting up a love triangle as part of a strategy, Isha responded, Wow! We would make strategies just to mess up our own lives?" Faisal interjected, suggesting that initially, it seemed planned, but no one could fake it for long. In response, Isha explained, If I had known Samarth was entering the show, I wouldnt have made the mistakes I did because I would have known he was coming after two weeks. There wouldnt have been any drama between me and Abhishek, nor any fight between Samarth, Abhishek, and me." Isha Malviyas journey commenced with her foray into the realm of beauty pageants. She won Miss Madhya Pradesh in 2017 and later earned the title of Shaan of Madhya Pradesh in 2018. In 2019, she won the prestigious Miss Teen India Worldwide and represented India on the international stage. In 2021, she made her television debut with Colors TVs romantic drama Udaariyaan. This combination of photos shows logos of X, formerly known as Twitter, top left; Snapchat, top right; Facebook, bottom left; and TikTok, bottom right. The owner of Snapchat is cutting approximately 10% of its worldwide workforce, or about 530 employees, the latest tech company to announce layoffs. Snap Inc. said in a regulatory filing that it currently estimates $55 million to $75 million in charges, mostly for severance and related costs. It expects the majority of the costs to be incurred in the first quarter. This isnt the first time Snap has eliminated jobs. The Santa Monica, California-based company announced in August 2022 that it planned to cut about 20% of its global workforce. In the third quarter of 2023, it began winding down its AR Enterprise business, which included reducing its global employee headcount by approximately 3%, according to a regulatory filing. There are 406 million daily average users that use Snapchat every day, on average, according to Snaps website. It has more than 7 million Snapchat+ subscribers. Snap is among several in the tech industry announcing layoffs. Microsoft is laying off some 1,900 employees in its gaming division, according to an internal company memo. Online retailer eBay Inc. will cut about 1,000 jobs, or an estimated 9% of its full-time workforce. And Google has said that it was laying off hundreds of employees working on its hardware, voice assistance and engineering teams. Other companies that have announced layoffs include TikTok, Amazon divisions Twitch and Audible and Riot Games. Snap is expected to report its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results on Tuesday after the market close. Its stock declined more than 3% in Monday afternoon trading. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition With King Charles III diagnosed with cancer, the immediate question that comes to mind who will be the next in charge if the monarch is unable to fulfil his constitutional duties. Buckingham Palace, however, has issued a statement, saying King Charles will continue to perform formal constitutional affairs of state, the paperwork and private meetings such as weekly meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. While there are reports that quote health experts and Toronto-based royal author, Carolyn Harris, who say that the King has been advised by his medical team to avoid public meetings and engagements during the course of the treatment. King Charles news comes as his daughter-in-law and Princess of Wales, Catherine, recovers from an abdominal surgery last month. She may not resume public appearances until Easter. In this situation, other members of the Royal Family will have a larger role to play in the public eye. Lets see what could other members of the Royal Family, thus, Counsellors of State, can perform while King Charles, 75, may be temporarily discharged from making public appearances. Focus on Prince William King Charles eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince William, and Queen Camilla, can perform royal exercises such as jointly assent to laws, receiving ambassadors and holding Privy Councils. While they may carry out most of the sovereigns functions while he is ill, but they cannot dissolve Parliament, except on his instruction. Prince Harry, however, is exempt from performing any such duty as he lives outside of the UK, in California. It should be noted that the Counsellors of State have previously performed royal functions when King Charles was travelling overseas. Prince William, 41, will reward some of the members of the public with special honours on behalf of the King in Windsor on February 7. He will be seen in public after he took a months off for his wifes, Catherine, surgery, and to take care of his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Counsellors of State were appointed when Charles mother, Queen Elizabeth, was on an overseas visit. Regency The role of a regent comes into play if the King is by reason of infirmity of mind or body incapable for the time being of performing the royal functions. In this case, Prince William will assume this role as he is the next adult (older than 21 years) in the line of succession to the Crown. The Regent enjoys the power of the King, but cannot change the order of succession to the Crown. What about Abdication? When King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 by signed instrument of abdication and the enactment of legislation, its effects were seen in different realms, including Australia. In the present circumstance, however, this rule is not applicable considering the constitutional hotchpotch it would create in the 14 realms beyond the United Kingdom. For example, if King Charles were to abdicate now, he will not be able to appoint a new Governor-General in Australia, and current Governor-General David Hurley will continue in office till no formal termination of his role. Impact on UK Government? While the monarchs role is largely symbolic in the UK, he has a few responsibilities in the government. He is expected to formally approve the piece of legislation passed in Parliament, he can dissolve Parliament after a general election, and meet the Prime Minister every week to discuss the current government affairs. According to the royal family website, King Charles generally [acts] as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognizes success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service. The nuns and priests, who work in Christian missionary schools as teachers, will have to pay income tax if the Supreme Court decides against the pleas of several congregations and dioceses from Tamil Nadu and Kerala who have requested for an urgent hearing in the matter. But why is there a hue and cry now about the nuns not paying taxes? Several ecclesiastical bodies have challenged the December, 2014 Income Tax departments order to educational authorities and district treasury officer to deduct TDS (tax deducted at source) from members of religious congregations receiving salaries from the government. Christian missionaries have argued in courts that nuns who enter civil death, and take three vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience, need not pay the taxes. The income they earn is received by the congregations, who submit income tax, if necessary. The pleas have contended that the IT exemption was being enjoyed by government-aided missionary schools from 1944 till the Union government decided to impose tax deduction at source in 2014. Key Kerala HC and Madras HC Orders In 2021, the Kerala High Court had ruled that the concept of civil death is alien to the income tax, and it cannot be incorporated into a statute book through any kind of interpretation. Article 25 of the Constitution, freedom of religion, does not provide any immunity from taxation on the basis of religion. The canon law cannot precede over the Income Tax Act under any given circumstances, the court held. The Madras High Court in 2019 held that salaries received by missionaries and nuns of Catholic Church as teachers should be liable to TDS under Section 192 of the Act. Canon Law and Civil Law The Kerala High Court said that the tenets of canon law such as a religious congregation has overriding title over its members, but cannot prevail over civil law. The plea in the Supreme Court has argued that those who have entered civil death cannot earn an income. While the high court said they cannot carry on regular activities and enjoy fundamental rights. According to the Hindu, The High Court has wrongly mixed up civil death and suspension of fundamental rights Civil death only means the assessee cannot earn any income and she loses proprietary rights. Civil death does not mean suspension of fundamental rights or to lead a cloistered life. The point is not whether she can practice any profession but whether she does it as a part of charity without earning an income for herself, countered the special leave petition filed in the Supreme Court. The 1944 Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) circular had said, No I-T should be levied on fees received by the missionaries for their services rendered by them, which by the conditions of their service and the rules of their society, they are required to make over to the society. A 1977 order was on the same lines. The I-T department, however, asked the educational authorities to effect TDS from members of religious congregations receiving salaries from the government, which was challenged before the Madras and Kerala High Courts. The Karnataka government led by Congress Siddaramaiah is up in arms against the Centre, this time, for reduced share in the tax revenue pie, which, he claims, has resulted in a loss of over Rs 45,000 crore to the state in the last four years. The chief minister also brought in the north-south divide debate to highlight how the Centre was being generous to the Northern states in the budget, while injustice was being done to Karnataka in tax devolution. First, lets understand what is tax devolution. It is the distribution of net proceeds of Union taxes and duties by the Centre to the states on 10th of every month. It helps states carry out spending on development, welfare and priority-sector projects and schemes. At present, 41% of taxes collected by the Centre is devolved in 14 installments among states during a fiscal year. The funds are allocated to the states based on a pre-defined formula, which considers factors such as population, area and fiscal capacity. Uttar Pradesh received the highest grants from the Centre at Rs 13,088 crore, while Bihar was second at Rs 7,338 crore out of an additional installment of tax devolution of Rs 72,961.21 crore. Karnataka Protests Siddaramaiah has alleged step-motherly treatment meted out to Karnataka by the Centre in terms of granting funds in the Interim Budget 2024-25, and has called for a protest in New Delhi on February 7. We stand united in demanding fair treatment and justice for Kannadigas to secure our states welfare The northern states, which are indebted to taxes paid by southern states, can never be a model for us. Everyone should get over this false idea. Karnataka, which is building a strong nation with hard work, is a model for India, he said. The Karnataka government claims that of the 61 projects that the Centre had promised for Karnataka under 23 ministries, funds have not been released for even one. The Union government had said in the last Budget that it would release funds for the suburban rail, peripheral ring road in Bengaluru, and Rs 5,300 crore for the Upper Krishna project. We have not seen a penny, said Congress chief spokesperson Natraj Gowda. The Karnataka government argues that in the 14th Finance Commission the state received 4.71% of total taxes, while it has been reduced to 3.64% in the 15th Finance Commission. The reduction of 1.07% has resulted in a Rs 45,000 crore loss to Karnatakas share over the last four years. If this years estimates are taken into account, then this deficit will be Rs 62,098 crore for the five-year period. The 15th Finance Commission recommended special grants of Rs 5,495 crore to Karnataka in its interim report. Additionally, the final report also recommended Rs 6,000 crore for Bengalurus peripheral ring road and the rejuvenation of water bodies. The overall special grant recommended by the 15th Financial Commission totals to Rs 11,495 crore. FM Cites Finance Commission Recommendations Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clarified that the tax devolution of some states was based on Finance Commissions recommendations, and she lacks the discretion to manipulate them. She also referred to Goods and Services Tax (GST), and clarified that State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) goes entirely to the states, while Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is collected due to interstate payments and is subject to periodic review. She added that CGST is divided as per the commissions advice, and rate fixation is unrelated to the Centre. Other States Cry Too Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal, while presenting the state budget, impressed upon growth in tax revenue from Rs 47, 661 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 71,968 crore in 2022-23. He said the revenue growth is anticipated to rise to more than Rs 78,000 crore in the current fiscal. The minister stressed that Kerala lost tens of thousands of crores due to the decreasing share of the divisible pool of tax collected by the Centre and the share was reduced from 3.87% in the 10th Finance Commission to 1.925% in the 15th Finance Commission. The LDF government expects a revenue of Rs 1,38,655 crore, while the expenditure is pegged at Rs 1,84,327 crore. The revenue deficit stands at Rs 27,846 crore (2.12 percent of the states GDP), while the fiscal deficit is Rs 44,529 crore (3.4 percent of GDP), according to the budget document. In the interim Budget estimates for 2024-25, Tamil Nadus share of Central taxes is estimated to be Rs 49,754.95 crore, which is 11.2% higher than the revised estimates for 2023-24. The actual devolution of Central taxes to Tamil Nadu for 2022-23 stood at Rs 38,685.47 crore, according to the Union Budget documents. The DMK government, however, had said it is receiving much lower share. Finance minister Thangam Thennarasu last month explained that the state received only 29 paise for every rupee it gave to the Centre. He told The Hindu that while Tamil Nadu accounted for 6.1% of the countrys population, its share in the pool of taxes had reduced from 5.30% under 12th Finance Commission to 4.07% in the 15th Finance Commission. Tamil Nadu is expected to present the state budget for 2024-25 on February 19. With Uttarakhand paving the way for Uniform Civil Code (UCC) just ahead of the mega Lok Sabha elections in a few months, states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam are quite keen on implementing the common law. The BJP had said in its manifestoes for the 2014 and 2019 elections that it will implement the UCC in order to empower women and for gender justice. Recently, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that other states had reached out to him over the UCC draft. He did not elaborate much on the names of the states, but it is learnt that the Gujarat government has shown interest in looking at the UCC draft, as told to Times of India. Now the question arises if the Uttarakhand UCC will be the template for the Centres law. Dhami indicated that Uttarakhands UCC will be studied from a national perspective since the state was the first one to come up with the draft, as told to Times of India. Gujarat Ahead of the assembly elections, Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi had in October, 2022 announced that the state will form a committee to implement UCC. He also stressed that the decision was made in accordance with Article 44 of Part 4 of the Constitution to apply a common law for all citizens. Minister Parshottam Rupala had asserted that the proposed UCC will not violate any fundamental rights, and will cover the Hindu Marriage Act and Muslim personal laws. Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in January that Assam will be the third state, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to implement the UCC. He highlighted that the Assam UCC will not be applicable to the tribal communities, but it will have innovative points" against child marriage and polygamy. He further stressed the need to end polygamy, for which, his government is planning to bring a Bill in the budget session of the assembly this month. An expert committee had submitted a report on the assemblys competence to end polygamy, following which 150 suggestions were received regarding the proposed Bill to end the social menace in the state, he said. Uttar Pradesh Another BJP-ruled state is likely to follow the UCC suit. Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya hinted that Uttar Pradesh is not in disagreement with UCC, will implement it at the right moment". Haryana Haryana home minister Anil Vij had said in 2022 that the implementation of UCC is being studied in the state. Although every citizen is equal for a government, UCC will be considered at some places, he pointed out. Maharashtra Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT) will apparently support Centres push for UCC in the country. Last year, Maharashtra Congress formed a nine-member committee headed by former Mumbai university vice-chancellor Bhalchandra Mungekar to study the proposed UCC. Madhya Pradesh Chief minister Mohan Yadav had this month said in an TV interview that his government will implement UCC. He stressed that he will follow what the Centre will say. Madhya Pradesh follows the rule of land", he added. Former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said a committee will be formed in MP to look in the issue. Southern States Oppose UCC The Kerala Legislative assembly last August had passed a resolution unanimously against the UCC, calling it unilateral and hasty". The resolution, presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed concern and dismay at the central governments move to impose the rule. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has strongly opposed the UCC. DMK general secretary Duraimurugan had said the common law would wipe away the personal laws of each religion in personal matters". Uttarakhand UCC Highlights The 800-page final report submitted by the five-member committee to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommends exempting tribal communities from its purview, focusing on women empowerment, including banning polygamy and forming a uniform marriage age across religions. Age for marriage: The age of girls for marriage to be increased to 21 years from present 18 years. Marriage registration: The UCC will make the registration of marriages mandatory. Live-in couples: It will be mandatory for live-in couples to inform their parents. Halala and iddat: The UCC draft mentions discontinuing the practice of halala and iddat terms commonly used while settling marriage disputes among Muslims. Polygamy: The UCC bans the practice of polygamy under Muslim personal law. Divorce rights: The draft gives equal grounds and rights to both man and woman, irrespective of the faith, to seek divorce. Population control: The draft has reportedly recommended putting a cap on the number of children. The Central government has taken serious view of states that dont follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court (SC) in appointment of director general of police (DGP), said sources. ALSO READ | Prashant Kumar to Take Charge as UP Top Cop in Fourth Acting DGP Appointment Instead of Regular According to the SC guidelines, a panel has to be sent to Delhi and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has to give three names for the appointment. The selected officer should have a minimum tenure of at least two years irrespective of the date of superannuation. The DGP may, however, be relieved of responsibilities by the state government in consultation with the State Security Commission, consequent upon any action taken against the DGP under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules or following conviction in a court of law in a criminal offence or in a case of corruption, or if the officer is otherwise incapacitated from discharging the duties. For appointment of their choice and to avoid seniority, state governments have come up with the formula of acting DGPs. Among the recent examples is Uttar Pradesh, where 19 officials superseded to appoint DGP Prashant Kumar. This is the fourth acting DGP in the state. Currently, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Odisha and West Bengal has acting DGPs, including one in UT of JK UPSC sources told News18 in this case, they are only an advisory body and cant write to anyone It is the state government which has to comply with the SC guidelines, not us. Once they send a panel, we are supposed to review and give names for appointments, they said. According to top government sources, acting officials cant become a trend. We are in the process of asking state governments to comply with the norms set by the apex court, they said. Over 3 million people have visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in the first two weeks of the temple opening for public darshan. Nearly 2.5 lakh people visit the temple daily, which is a record for devotees consistently at any religious site in India or in the world. ALSO READ | Homework | 5L on Day 1, Ayodhya Ram Mandir Could Get More Pilgrims Than Vatican or Mecca Annually The rush at the Ayodhya temple is not expected to subside any time soon and is only expected to increase in the lead-up to Ram Navami in April and summer vacations. If you are planning to take a trip to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, here are the five things to keep in mind: Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on Tuesday dismissed allegations that the central government was discriminating against non-BJP-ruled while disbursing funds for disaster relief. Replying to a question on flood relief to Tamil Nadu, Rai dismissed the allegations that the non-BJP-ruled states were being discriminated against while disbursing disaster relief funds. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very sensitive to the need of the state governments during any natural disaster and the central government provides all kinds of help during any crisis, he said, dismissing the allegation that Tamil Nadu was being discriminated against. He also informed that Rs 2013 crore was still lying with the Tamil Nadu government under SDRF which it is free to spend for flood relief. He said under the present government, inter-ministerial central team is being dispatched even before a request from the state government comes. Rai said a total provision of Rs 33581 crore was made in 2010-15 in the State Disaster Response Force. The amount went up to Rs 61220 crore between 2015 to 2020 and to Rs 138122 crore in 2021-26, which is 282 per cent increase. The central government has given an additional Rs 198173 crore to the National Disaster Response Fund between 2014-24, which is three times more than the previous decade, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The minister of state for home said Rs 65346 crore had been given by the central government as additional funds to the NDRF between 2004-14 while Rs 198173 crore has been given between 2014-24, which is three times more than the previous period. Rai said the Modi government is working for a robust disaster mitigation initiative under which its aim is to ensure zero casualties of both life and properties. Ahead of major protest demonstrations by farmers in Noida and Greater Noida, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police on Tuesday said restrictions under CrPC section 144 will be in effect on February 7 and 8. Police also issued a traffic advisory, cautioning commuters against diversions on some routes in the twin cities in view of the farmers movement on tractors. Farmers groups in Noida and Greater Noida have been protesting since December 2023 with demands for hiked compensation and developed plots against their land acquired by the local development authorities in the past. The farmer groups have called for a kisan mahapanchayat on Wednesday and a protest march to Parliament in the national capital on Thursday to press for their demands. Programmes are proposed by farmers for holding a mahapanchayat on February 7 and a march to Parliament in Delhi on February 8. Some other demonstration programmes by various organisations are also proposed during the period, Additional DCP (law and order) Hridesh Katheriya said. In view of the above, the possibility of disturbing peace by anti-social elements cannot be ruled out, Katheriya said in the order announcing the restrictions. The restrictions include a ban on unlawful assembly of more than five people and unauthorised processions, including religious and political, according to the order. The traffic department cautioned the public about diversions in Dadri, Tilapata, Surajpur, Sirsa, Rampur-Fatehpur, and other routes of Greater Noida. Use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. For traffic-related information, contact traffic police helpline number 9971009001, it said in a statement. Seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) have been constituted to safeguard digital territories of Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatnam and Guwahati and prevent cybercrimes. Armed with cutting-edge technology, these teams under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) covering the whole country based upon cybercrime hotspots/ areas having multi-jurisdictional issues by on boarding States/UTs to enhance the coordination framework among the Law Enforcement Agencies of the States/UTs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a reply in the Lok Sabha. The Home Ministry said that a series of workshops were held in strategic locations such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow, Ranchi, and Chandigarh in 2023. Each workshop served as a crucible, forging unity among diverse law enforcement agencies to tackle the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime. The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, under I4C, has been launched for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, an amount of more than Rs 1,200 crore have been saved in more than 4.7 lakh complaints. A toll-free helpline number 1930 has been operationalised to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints, the MHA said. The Union Home Ministry, in the reply, said that National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation) in New Delhi trained Investigating Officers (IOs) in grappling with the complexities of cyber investigations. With over 9,000 cases assisted, ranging from mobile forensics to Call Data Record (CDR) analysis, the laboratory emerged as a bastion of justice in the digital realm. Till date, more than 3.2 lakh SIM cards and 49,000 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by the Government of India. viii. I4C has imparted cyber hygiene training to 6,000 officials of various Ministries/ Departments of Government of India. I4C has imparted cyber hygiene training to more than 23,000 NCC cadets, the MHA said. The Ministry also said that the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) platform, namely CyTrain portal has been developed under I4C, for capacity building of police officers/judicial officers through online course on critical aspects of cybercrime investigation, forensics, prosecution etc. along with certification. More than 76,000 police officers from states/UTs have been registered and more than 53,000 certificates have been issued through the portal. On a day the Uniform Civil Code Bill is set to be tabled in the Uttarakhand Assembly, the Qureshi household in Dahanwala locality of Dehradun is the centre of activity. Muslim women from the neighbourhood have come to ask about the well-being of an injured Rubina Qureshi, but the discussion veers towards the contentious bill. Rais Fatima, a social worker, thinks the bill is only meant to alienate Muslims further. If they really cared about empowerment of Muslims, they should have made provision for maintenance of divorced women. At the root of all problems that women face is their economic dependence on men, she says. Rubina Qureshi, an IT professional based in Delhi, argues that the debate around UCC has unnecessarily been made Muslim-centric. Wont UCC affect Adivasis, Hindus in Rajasthan, Northeast, South India? Why is this being spoken about as a target Muslims project? she asks. Direct questions about the practices of polygamy, halala, iddat, that the UCC bill seeks to outlaw, are met with justifications about why these provisions were made part of the Muslim Personal Law. Teacher Faitma Qureshi is a young Muslim woman who claims shes neutral on the question of polygamy. I understand the opposition to polygamy. As an educated Muslim woman, I would want my husband to be married only to me, but I also understand why polygamy is part of my religion. There are economic reasons behind it, she says. Polygamy has been misunderstood. Earlier, women, in terms of sex ratio and economic dependence, were dependent on men and so polygamy provisions were made. Today, I am taking a neutral stance on this. If economics is the reason (some women cant sustain themselves), then polygamy can be allowed, she adds as her peers nod in agreement. Ruksana Qureshi, a homemaker, claims polygamy in any case is a waning phenomenon. I agree that polygamy should not be allowed, but look around. How many men these days have multiple wives? Women themselves are more aware of their rights now, she says. But the group refuses to concede that a law that bans practices like halala and iddat is the need of the hour. Halala is being misused by some and misunderstood by other communities. Shariat doesnt prescribe halala as bedding another man before remarrying your first husband. This misuse is haram, she says. Naeem Qureshi, president of Muslim Seva Sanghatan, says: Iddat was meant to be a 40-day period to check if the widowed or divorced woman is pregnant or not. Why is there a problem with this? A pre-arranged halala as a means to marry the first husband is haram. The way forward is to spread awareness about what is right and wrong by educating the community, not by forcing a law from above, he says. Mufti Shamum Qasmi, head of the Madrassa board, supports the governments move to bring in a common civil code. Speaking to News18, he says most community members are ignorant about the law or their rights. Their ignorance is being misused by some who call themselves Islamic scholars. An atmosphere of fear is being created unnecessarily. The proposed law is in no way un-Islamic. The Pushkar Singh Dhami government is aiming to get the bill tabled and passed in Uttarakhand Assembly on Tuesday amidst stiff opposition from the Congress and Opposition parties. Leader of Opposition Pritam Singh has resigned from the Business Advisory Committee in protest. The CM, however, has maintained he is firm on passage of the bill, calling it a historic day not just for Uttarakhand, but also for India. President Joe Biden recently traveled to North Carolina to promote his goal of affordable internet access for all Americans, but the promise for 23 million families across the U.S. is on shaky ground. Thats because a subsidy that helps people with limited resources afford internet access is set to expire this spring. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides $30 a month for qualifying families in most places and $75 on tribal lands, will run out of money by the end of April if Congress doesnt extend it further. I think this should be high priority for Congress, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat who has worked with a bipartisan group of governors to promote the program, said in a phone interview. To many families, $30 a month is a big deal. It matters a lot to Shirleen Alexander of Charlotte, who said the money she saves through the ACP goes toward her grocery bills. It also offsets some of the stress she feels over medical bills. If they took (ACP) away, it would be like taking food out of my mouth, said Alexander, a senior citizen on a fixed income. I need the service, and some of my senior citizen friends need it, as well. The program is key to the Biden administrations plans to make the internet available to everyone, which the president has touted repeatedly as he has ramped up his reelection campaign. He has likened it to the Rural Electrification Administration, the New Deal program that delivered electricity to much of rural America in the 1930s. Our goal is to connect everyone in America to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet by the year 2030, everyone in America, just like Franklin Roosevelt did a generation ago with electricity, President Biden said in Raleigh last month. So far, only 43% of eligible households nationwide have signed up for the ACP subsidy. But the program has enabled people who have signed up to avoid the kinds of financial trade-offs Alexander described, said Brian Vo, chief investment officer of Connect Humanity, a nonprofit promoting widespread internet access. It also gives them access to vital services such as telehealth, remote schooling and work, he said. If you put ACP and affordability in the context of the social determinants it drives and the economic value created, the benefits far outweigh the cost of $30 per household, Vo said. If the program expires, participating families, including nearly 900,000 in North Carolina, will either lose internet access or have to pay more to stay connected. North Carolina is among the top states in the country when it comes to taking advantage of the ACP, according to an AP analysis of the program. More than 50% of eligible households in the state are enrolled in the program. A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently proposed a bill to sustain the ACP through the end of 2024 with an additional $7 billion in funding one billion more than what Biden asked Congress to appropriate for the program at the end of last year. However, no votes have been scheduled to move the bill forward and its unclear if the program will be prioritized in a divided Congress. In the meantime, the Federal Communications Commission has already taken steps to wind the program down. It has instructed internet providers to send notices about the projected end of the program and announced that it will stop accepting new enrollees after February 7. Nate Denny, the deputy director for broadband for North Carolina, said hes extremely worried about the winding down of the subsidy program, especially as the state is set to receive a total of $1.5 billion from the federal government. Most of that money will be awarded to internet providers to build internet infrastructure in areas that need it most. The ACP has a tremendous effect on adoption, but it also has a huge impact on the states ability to stretch available infrastructure funding, Denny said. The ACP reduces the amount of grant money an internet provider needs to build into lower-income communities because it provides the assurance of a steady customer base, according to state broadband leaders the AP spoke with and an analysis from nonprofit Common Sense Media and consulting firm Boston Consulting Group. With the ACPs help, internet providers are seeing more willing subscribers, more beneficiaries of their investments that then help them stretch their capital further, and thusly stretch state investments, as well, Denny said. The infrastructure money comes from a pot of $42.5 billion allocated for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the cornerstone of the Biden administrations efforts to close the digital divide for good. In December, states submitted draft plans detailing lower-cost plans that providers who build networks using BEAD money will be required to offer qualifying families. Several states incorporated the ACP subsidies into those draft plans in ways that would lower the cost for internet access to zero for some customers. Though those lower-cost plans wouldnt work as designed without support from the federal subsidy program, a spokesperson for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said BEAD will still connect everyone in America and ensure that newly connected households have access to affordable plans. Several Biden administration officials, including Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, have highlighted the need for more funding for the program during trips across the country in recent months. The state of North Carolina will do what it can to maintain affordable internet no matter what, the governor said, but he hopes Congress will keep the subsidies coming to those who need them. We want to try to keep this program alive, and I still think the chance to do that is still there, Cooper said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A 23-year-old woman tourist was allegedly sexually assaulted by two men while her male friend was tied to a tree and thrashed in West Bengals Digha town on Saturday, police said. Two people have been arrested in connection with the crime. According to an Indian Express report, the victim and her friend reached Digha on Saturday where they were trying to find a hotel when they met the accused. The two men took them to a remote place on the pretext of finding them a hotel room and allegedly committed the crime. The accused then dragged the woman and her friend forcefully and then tied the man to a tree after beating him up. The woman was taken to another forest where she was allegedly sexually assaulted, the publication quoted a senior police official as saying. After the crime, the accused fled the spot. The woman and her friend sought help from locals and reached the nearest police station. Based on the womans written complaint, Digha police conducted raids and arrested the two accused from a village in the coastal town on Sunday in connection with the case. The accused were nabbed hours after we received the complaint. We are investigating the case. Prima facie, it appears that two people were involved in the incident, Additional SP (Rural), Purba Medinipur told the publication. A complaint was filed against the accused under sections 376, 379, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The accused was presented before the local court have been remanded in police custody for 14 days. The crime sparked some sharp criticism of the TMC-ruled state government from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which announced that all its woman MLAs would be taking out a protest against the incident in Kolkata. A Varanasi court on Tuesday fixed February 15 for the hearing of a petition seeking a survey of all closed cellars of the basement in the Gyanvapi mosque complex by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). According to the petition, there are secret cellars inside the basements and it is necessary to survey them to reveal the entire truth of the Gyanvapi mosque, which Hindus claimed was built on the remains of a pre-existing temple. The counsel for the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav, said acting District Judge Anil Kumar has fixed February 15 as the next date of hearing on the petition. He said that on the petition of Rakhi Singh, lawyers said that there are eight basements in the Gyanvapi complex which have not been surveyed earlier. He claimed that the high court had earlier ordered in a 1991 case that the remaining survey be conducted. The lawyers for the Gyanvapi mosque management committee expressed their objection to the demand for a survey and said that there was no such order of the high court. There is no basis to order a survey of the remaining basements, they said. After hearing both sides, the district court gave the next date. The petitioner, Rakhi Singh, is a founding member of the Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and is one of the parties in the Maa Shringar Gauri case, which led to the survey of the complex by the ASI. In the petition, she asked for all closed cellars in the Gyanvapi mosque complex, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, to be surveyed by the ASI, her advocate Anupam Dwivedi said. A map of the closed basements has also been included in the petition. Last Friday, the Allahabad High Court refused to grant an interim stay on the Varanasi court order that allowed Hindu prayers before idols in Vyas Ji ka Tehkhana a cellar in the basement of Gyanvapi mosque. The court said that unless the January 17 order is challenged, nothing can be done. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by the committee. Days after Hindu prayers were at the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi Masjid for the first time in three decades a day after a local court gave the go-ahead for it at the 17th-century mosque complex, the Hindu side on Monday filed a fresh plea in the court demanding ASI survey of the rest of the basements in the mosque premises. LATEST UPDATES IN GYANVAPI ROW India on Tuesday advised its citizens not to travel to Myanmars Rakhine state in view of deteriorating security situation. In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked Indian citizens who are already in Rakhine state to leave it immediately. In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar, it said. Those Indian citizens who are already in Rakhine State are advised to leave the State immediately, the MEA said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced Indias plan to build a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance just like it has barricaded the border along with Bangladesh According to Shah, who posted about this major development on X, said that India will construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. A patrol track along the border will also be paved for better surveillance. The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders.It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved.Out of the total border length, Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 6, 2024 Out of the total border length, a 10 km stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced. Furthermore, two pilot projects of fencing through a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are under execution, Shah added. The home minister also announced that the fencing work covering approx 20 km in Manipur has also been approved, and the work on the same will start soon. Manipur shares around 390 km of border with Myanmar, but only about 10 km has been fenced so far. In July last year, the state government shared data that around 700 illegal immigrants entered the state. Besides, Mizoram has seen an influx of anti-Junta rebels in thousands since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. According to government estimates, several thousand refugees have been living in different parts of Mizoram since the coup. Mizoram shares a 510-km-long border with Myanmar. Shah announced the fencing plan around the Myanmar border last month adding that the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each others territory without a visa, will end soon. Meanwhile, in another major update, India on Tuesday asked its citizens to leave Rakhine in Myanmar immediately due to ongoing security concerns. In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar, the government stated in its advisory. The Indian mission in the US has assured assistance to an Indian student who was attacked in the city of Chicago by four armed robbers. Syed Mazahir Ali, who hails from Hyderabad, was attacked this week near his house in a chilling video that has since gone viral. Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi and assured all possible assistance. Consulate has also contacted the local authorities who are investigating the case, the Indian mission said in a post on social media platform X. Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi and assured all possible assistance. Consulate has also contacted the local authorities who are investigating the case. @IndianEmbassyUS @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @meaMADAD India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) February 6, 2024 Please help me In the video, Mazahir Ali was seen bleeding profusely as he narrated how he was kicked and punched by the robbers who also snatched his phone. Four people attacked me. I was returning home with a food packet in my hand. I slipped near my house and the four people kicked and punched me. Please help me, he said. After the news about the attack broke, Mazahir Alis wife wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, expressing concern about her husbands wellbeing. After some time I got in touch with him but he was in shock and unable to talk to me and his entire face was bleeding. I am very much worried about the safety and security of my husband in Chicago, USA. I request you to kindly help him in getting the best medical treatment and if possible kindly make necessary arrangements so that I can travel to the USA along with my three minor children to be with my husband, she wrote. In 2 weeks, India lost Vivek Saini who was hammered down, lost Neel Acharya inside Purdue University, and now we were about to lose Syed Mazahir Ali, another student in Chicago.Indian students are being attacked in USA. @IndianEmbassyUS need to raise this as a serious concern. pic.twitter.com/kx7w03sMII Karthik Reddy (@bykarthikreddy) February 6, 2024 Attack on Indian students A resident of Langar Houz in Hyderabad, Mazahir Ali had gone to the US to pursue a Masters degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. The recent attack comes on the heels of four Indian-origin students being found dead in the United States this year. Last month, an Indian student Vivek Saini, who was employed in part-time work at a convenience store in the state of Georgia, was killed by a homeless man for whom he provided health and shelter for many days. The homeless man killed the Indian student on January 16. Witnesses told US local news media outlet WSB-TV that Faulkner attacked Vivek with a hammer late at night after he asked him to leave the store. Quota activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday appealed to members of the Maratha community to submit memorandums to MLAs in their areas, asking them to raise their voices to strengthen the law for reservation when a special session of the state legislature is convened. Jarange was speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarati village before starting his four-day tour, during which he will interact with people in parts of Ahmednagar, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. People from the Maratha community should present memorandums to MLAs in their respective areas and appeal to them to raise their voice as and when a special session of the state legislature is convened to strengthen the law for reservation, he said. The 40-year-old activist said he would hold a meeting with members of the community at Antarwali Sarati on February 10, and then commence his hunger strike. Jarange, who has been spearheading the agitation for reservation since August last year, has been demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas to enable them to avail the benefits of quota in government jobs and education. Kunbi, an agrarian community, falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. I will start fasting on February 10, as the government has not given details of the caste certificates it has distributed. It also appears that the committee is not doing its work in Marathwada, where records are found in large numbers, Jarange claimed. While the government had agreed to take into consideration the data from the gazettes of Satara, Mumbai and Nizam state to grant Kunbi caste certificates, the status of this is not known, he alleged. Jarange had marched to Mumbai and reached the city on January 26, following which the Maharashtra government issued a draft notification to recognise as Kunbis all blood relatives of the Maratha community members whose Kunbi caste records have been found. KERALA LOTTERY STHREE SAKTHI SS-401 RESULT ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Sthree Sakthi SS-401 lucky draw for Tuesday, February 6. Check the full list of winning numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Win-Win W-756 WINNERS for February 12, 2024; First Prize Rs 75 Lakh! FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR STHREE SAKTHI SS-401 LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE SA 206642 SB 206642 SC 206642 SD 206642 SF 206642 SG 206642 SH 206642 SJ 206642 SK 206642 SL 206642 SM 206642 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 75 LAKH IS SE 206642 (KANNUR) Agent Name: JIJITH M K Agency No: C 6104 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS SF 250105 (PALAKKAD) Agent Name: NOUSHAD N Agency No: P 4176 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE 0261 0459 0555 1348 1580 2093 2241 3857 3990 4098 5343 5534 6560 6907 7655 7931 8226 9705 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE 0118 0739 2295 5489 5558 5585 6271 6687 7643 8195 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE 1098 1126 2050 3137 3165 3785 5090 5683 6043 6777 7510 7843 8146 8325 8433 8566 9242 9578 9655 9913 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE 0140 0419 0427 0477 0585 0649 0863 0947 1115 1405 1759 2003 2032 2216 2424 2470 2525 2710 2870 3070 3281 3531 3596 3938 4269 4297 4549 4668 5093 5131 5867 5949 6068 6079 6139 6144 6245 7042 7095 7164 7219 7276 7396 7527 7584 7620 8352 8431 8635 8952 9007 9702 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 200 ARE 0606 0716 0734 0771 0784 0824 0924 1550 1598 1712 1802 1853 2201 2210 2314 2786 3097 3169 3340 3468 4587 4623 4954 4997 5357 5835 5865 6003 6135 6154 6295 6326 6421 6484 6563 6896 6957 7084 8672 8920 9011 9177 9313 9382 9462 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE 0073 0225 0317 0334 0398 0407 0485 0524 0788 0905 0973 1050 1159 1229 1369 1381 1465 1601 2008 2180 2262 2332 2390 2421 2518 2578 2581 2620 2645 2718 2739 2896 2903 3057 3187 3368 3459 3513 3524 3569 3632 3699 3894 3912 3941 3961 3987 4066 4173 4191 4342 4543 4599 4600 4680 4794 4845 4855 4863 4888 4889 5016 5035 5106 5172 5346 5393 5853 5920 5926 5939 5942 6054 6148 6159 6171 6251 6344 6396 6507 6667 6766 6774 6883 6893 6908 6918 6986 7010 7086 7157 7290 7296 7508 7511 7533 7592 7791 7805 7886 7926 7938 7966 7990 8162 8411 8446 8548 8585 8625 8627 8656 8712 8767 8816 8939 9001 9272 9416 9481 9560 9590 9671 9798 9950 9966 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT: STHREE SAKTHI SS-401 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-401 LOTTERY RESULTS? To confirm their winning numbers for the Sthree Sakthi SS-401 lottery results, participants can choose between two methods. They have the option to either visit the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department at www.keralalottery.info or make a personal visit to the designated location. HOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE MONEY? To verify their winning status, individuals should cross-reference their ticket numbers in the Kerala Government Gazette with the announced winning numbers. Upon confirmation of a match, winners are required to claim their prizes within 30 days of the results announcement by personally visiting the Kerala lottery office in Thiruvananthapuram. As part of the verification process, they must present the winning ticket along with appropriate identification for authentication. Delhi Police has arrested an alleged member of Lashkar-e-Taiba module operating in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara, officials said on Tuesday. The accused has played an instrumental role in receiving arms and ammunition from across the Line of Control (LoC), they said. According to police, the accused is a retired army personnel. Further details are awaited. Police have arrested a Kolkata couple for killing a Pune businessman at a posh hotel in Guwahati over the possession of intimate pictures on Monday. The incident came to light after 42-year-old Sandip Kambli, a trader from Pune, was found dead at a posh hotel in Guwahati. Police investigation revealed that Kambli had engaged in an altercation with 25-year-old Anjali Shaw, who works at a restaurant in the Kolkata Airport, and her boyfriend Rakesh Shaw at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati on Monday afternoon. Police said the altercation was the result of a complex relationship dynamic. Kambli had developed a relationship with Anjali and pressured her to marry him. Kambli allegedly possessed Anjalis intimate photos, too. Anjali, who already had a boyfriend (Rakesh Shaw), confided in him about Kamblis advances and the existence of intimate photographs taken by Kambli. Concerned about the potential repercussions of the images, the couple devised a plan to confront Kambli and retrieve the photos. Kambli and Anjali agreed to meet at the Kolkata airport, but Kambli redirected Anjali to Guwahati, where he had booked a room at the Radisson Blu Hotel for the duo. Meanwhile, Rakesh also booked a separate room at the same hotel. Upon Rakeshs arrival at the hotel room, a confrontation ensued between the trio, resulting in a physical altercation that left Kambli unconscious and injured. Anjali and Rakesh fled the scene, leaving behind Kamblis belongings. Upon being informed about the dead body of the Pune man in the hotel room by staffers, police reached the spot and reviewed the CCTV footage, guest lists, and airport passenger manifests. The police were able to locate and arrest Shaw and Anjali, who were preparing to leave for Kolkata, near Azara, bringing the incident to a close. In a first for a housing regulator in India, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has floated draft model guidelines for housing projects for retired and senior citizens. The aim is to ensure that senior citizens have the required facilities after they move into the retirement housing projects. ALSO READ | One Project, One Registration: MahaRERA Brings New Rule to Protect Interest of Homebuyers Against Builders Once the guidelines are implemented, the developers will have to include some special provisions in the Agreement for Sale and other relevant documents. The draft, Regulation of Retirement Homes, is available on MahaRERAs website. Suggestions and views can be sent to suggestions.maharera@gmail.com by February 29. The model guidelines were drafted after MahaRERA received feedback that developers are wrongly advertising their real estate projects as retirement homes, misleading prospective allottees. It has also been brought to MahaRERAs notice that several projects do not adhere to the bare minimum standards and specifications required for senior citizen residences. Earlier, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had issued Model Guidelines. The Ministry had suggested that the respective State Regulators should take appropriate steps to introduce the regulations. Accordingly, MahaRERA has formulated a draft regulation on retired homes. KEY PROVISIONS The draft also details the minimum physical criteria that every project must meet, including the buildings construction norms. The minimum physical specification includes Building Design, Green Building Principles, Lifts and Ramps, Staircase, Corridors, Lighting and Ventilation, Safety and Security. The said draft has important provisions such as: A building of more than one floor should have an elevator All lifts should have audio visual system Easy wheelchair access to enter and exit the lift Mandatory ramps for unhindered wheelchair access Doors should be larger than 900 mm, preferably, sliding doors Furniture provided should be light in weight, sturdy and without sharp edges Width of stairs should not be less than 1500 mm Handrails should be fitted on both sides of the staircase There should not be a fully open and spiral staircase Staircase should not have over 12 steps Building corridors should not have any steps Ramps should also be provided wherever necessary Handles should also be placed at a specific height for convenience Wherever there is a difference in the level, there should be an indication in easily noticeable bold colour Kitchen should have gas leak detection system Bathroom should have a wash basin with provision for grab rails Bathrooms must have anti-skid tiles Toilet door should open outwards There should backup arrangement for electricity. OFFICIALSPEAK MahaRERA Chief Ajoy Mehta said, Retired, senior housing projects are necessity for a changing society. Many developers launch such projects given the rising demand, but these constructions do not seem to take into account the basic needs of this segment. To avoid possible fraud and disappointment of retirees/senior citizens, MahaRERA has issued Draft Model Guidelines for this emerging segment of housing projects. MahaRERA is endeavouring towards finalising the framework and implementing them at the earliest. Donald Trump is not legally immune from prosecution for acts committed during his presidency. That was the unanimous decision of a three-judge federal appeals court panel, which issued their ruling on Tuesday and to which the former president had turned after U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan who is presiding over the case against the Republican for trying to alter the results of the 2020 elections also rejected Trumps argument that he cannot be held accountable for actions undertaken while in the White House. The former president, who is charged in this case with four counts, can still appeal to the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and, later, to the Supreme Court, which would have the last word. For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution, the panel wrote in its 57-page ruling. At the hearing before the Court of Appeals, which Trump voluntarily attended, his lawyer went so far as to argue that, unless Congress itself convicted him, the president should enjoy immunity from prosecution for all crimes committed while in office. Even for assassinating political rivals. The judges believe that Trumps alleged efforts to remain in power despite losing the 2020 election would represent, if proven, an unprecedented assault on the structure of American government. We cannot accept former President Trumps claim that a President has unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralize the most fundamental check on executive power the recognition and implementation of election results. Nor can we sanction his apparent contention that the Executive has carte blanche to violate the rights of individual citizens to vote and to have their votes count, the ruling states. There exists a relative legal consensus on the broad immunity of sitting presidents, but Trump tried to argue that such immunity could also be applied to former presidents, who are already out of office, for actions taken while they were in the White House, unless they have been impeached and convicted of a crime. Though Trump was impeached for inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the Senate later acquitted him. Thus, his lawyers argue that he is being charged twice for the same act. No other U.S. president sitting or former had ever been indicted before Trump, so there is no legal precedent in this regard. The judges also rebutted Trumps argument that the lack of criminal immunity will subject future presidents to politically motivated prosecutions as soon as they leave office. Although Trump has promised a retaliatory presidency if he returns to the White House, the judges point out in their ruling that prosecutors have ethical obligations not to initiate unfounded prosecutions. Moreover, they highlight that there are additional safeguards in place to prevent baseless indictments, including the right to be charged by a grand jury upon a finding of probable cause. The ruling goes beyond simply rejecting the former presidents immunity claim. In fact, in their legal reasoning, the judges go so far as to consider that Trump violated his presidential duty to safeguard and enforce the results of an election. The President has a constitutionally mandated duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. [...] The President, of course, also has a duty [...] to faithfully enforce the laws. This duty encompasses following the legal procedures for determining election results and ensuring that executive power vests in the new President at the constitutionally appointed time. To the extent former President Trump maintains that the post-2020 election litigation that his campaign and supporters unsuccessfully pursued implemented his [presidential] duty, he is in error, the document states. Former President Trumps alleged conduct conflicts with his constitutional mandate to enforce the laws governing the process of electing the new President. The public has a strong interest in the foundational principle of our government that the will of the people, as expressed in the Electoral College vote, determines who will serve as President, the judges add. Among its legal reasoning is a charge of depth, as the judges rule that Trump violated his duties to enforce the law in connection with the election. This duty includes following the legal procedures for determining the election results and ensuring that executive power devolves to the new president at the constitutionally designated time. To the extent that former President Trump contends that the 2020 post-election litigation that his campaign and supporters unsuccessfully pursued implemented his duty of care [to follow the law], he is in error, they sentence. Former President Trumps alleged conduct conflicts with his constitutional mandate to enforce the laws governing the process of electing a new president. The public has a strong interest in our governments founding principle that the will of the people, as expressed in the Electoral College vote, determines who will serve as president, they add. The ruling notes that immunity for former President Trump would break the separation of powers system by placing him beyond the reach of all three. Presidential immunity against federal indictment would mean that, as to the President, the Congress could not legislate, the Executive could not prosecute and the Judiciary could not review, the judges point out. The judges also look back to the Watergate scandal to reject Trumps claim of near-absolute immunity. Recent historical evidence suggests that former Presidents, including President Trump, have not believed themselves to be wholly immune from criminal liability for official acts during their Presidency. President Gerald Ford issued a full pardon to former President Richard Nixon, which both former Presidents evidently believed was necessary to avoid Nixons post-resignation indictment, the ruling states. Criminal case postponed Even though Trumps appeal has been rejected, his lawyers have managed to gain time for the time being. Last Friday, Judge Chutkan indefinitely postponed the election interference criminal trial against the former president, which was scheduled for March 4. The Republican faces four criminal cases, for a total of 91 charges. Back in December, Judge Chutkan had already refused to dismiss the case on immunity grounds in a harsh opinion that said the office of the president does not confer a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free pass. Trumps legal team then appealed to the D.C. appeals court, which is now rejecting their appeal. Normally, an appeal does not paralyze a case altogether, but in this case it did, because what is at stake is the very essence of whether or not the former president can be indicted and tried. Special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to take up the matter and issue a speedy ruling, but the court declined to get involved at least for now, letting the case make its way through the appeals court. Trump can still go to the full Court of Appeals and if he loses, take his case to the Supreme Court, which is expected to accept it. All of this would delay the process even more. In this particular case, Smith has indicted him on four counts, relating to conspiracy to defraud the United States, efforts to obstruct the vote certification proceedings and conspiracy to violate civil rights. Trump maintains that the election was stolen from him, though he is not specifically being charged for that lie. Rather, the indictment is based on the actions Trump took to alter the outcome of the 2020 election and to prevent the certification of Joe Bidens victory. Trump is trying to delay his criminal cases, while Smith wants to get him before a jury before the November election. If Trump gets elected while the Washington case is pending, he could order the Justice Department to drop it or pardon himself. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Following the massive fire that broke out at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradeshs Harda on Tuesday, police have taken two persons into custody, while a third is being interrogated in connection with the case. As many as 11 persons lost their lives and 200 others sustained injuries in this terrifying incident. SP (Harda) Sanjeev Kanchan said, We have taken two people Rajesh Aggarwal and Somesh Aggarwal into custody from Sarangpur, adding that, Another accused, Rafiq Khan, is being questioned. The fire led to several explosions while also triggering panic among locals in the nearby areas. The incident occurred in the Bairagarh locality on Magardha Road, on the outskirts of Harda town, approximately 150 km from the state capital, Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased while the injured will be provided free treatment. Latest Updates in the Harda Fire Incident- More than 100 people injured in the blast incident on Tuesday are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in MP, while two other persons are missing. Rescue operations were on throughout the night at the site of the incident. SP (Harda) Sanjeev Kanchan on Wednesday said that now two persons Rajesh Aggarwal and Somesh Aggarwal have been taken into custody from Sarangpur, while another accused, Rafiq Khan is being questioned. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met the injured people admitted to Bhopals Hamidiya Hospital. #WATCH | Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan met the injured in the Harda fire incident, admitted to Bhopals Hamidiya Hospital pic.twitter.com/fO7Qha2KNk ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Out of the 12 patients brought here, one has lost life. There are 11 patients as of now. Two are undergoing an operation. I met 9 patients The rescue operations are underway I have asked for an inspection report of similar places from all the districts I will go to the spot tomorrow after the assembly session We have ordered an inquiry. We will take an action which they will remember CM Yadav said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased from PMNRF. Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said in a social media post. One person was detained in connection with the tragic incident that claimed 11 lives. One person has been detained and an FIR registered, Inspector General (IG), Narmadapuram, Irshad Wali was quoted by PTI as saying. The identity of the person taken into custody was not immediately clear. The Madhya Pradesh government formed a three-member committee to be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to conduct a detailed investigation into the explosion at the firecracker factory. Other members of the committee include Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Intelligence, Jaideep Prasad and Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary RK Mehra. Earlier in the evening, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra noted that a 20-km long green corridor was created to ensure no inconvenience in the local traffic system while efforts were underway to bring the injured persons to the hospitals. #WATCH | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: On Harda fire incident, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra says, Efforts to bring the injured as soon as possible are underway To make sure that there is no inconvenience in the local traffic system, a 20-km long green pic.twitter.com/2yXEdWMxZN ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 A special sacred brick, made of black soil and bearing aayats (couplets from the holy Quran) in gold would be brought all the way from Mecca to lay the foundation of the Ayodhya mosque, to be named after Mohammed Bin Abdullah. Office-bearers of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), the trust formed by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board (UPSCWB) to oversee the construction of the mosque on the five-acre land allocated in lieu of Babri Mosque in Ayodhyas Dhannipur village, said the brick is already on its way, being brought by a few office-bearers from Mecca. It would reach Ayodhya by April after which the much-awaited construction of the mosque would start. Its Allahs work; nothing is better than starting his work from his own will and from the holiest city of Islam. Hence, we decided to start our journey from Mecca itself, I took the freshly baked brick from Maharashtra to Mecca, gave it a gusl (full ablution) by Zam Zam water. We then took the brick to Madina Sharif and gave it another gusl with Itra and offered prayers, Haji Arafat Sheikh, the chief of the mosque development committee and a member of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), told News18. On February 2, the brick was brought back to Maharashtra. Then, the brick would be taken to Ajmer Sharif and after offering prayers it would be taken to Ayodhya. We are still planning how to taken the brick to Ayodhya, some people are saying to take it on foot, which will take 30 days, while some are saying to take it by road or take it by train since there will be thousands of people who would be accompanying us on our journey to Ayodhya, said Sheikh. He said the entire journey would be planned in a way that the brick reaches Ayodhya by April so that the foundation of the mosque could be laid. After the grand consecration ceremony of Lord Rams idol and the inauguration of the much-awaited Ram Temple, Uttar Pradeshs temple town Ayodhya would witness the construction of Mohammed Bin Abdullah mosque from April 2024. As per the new blueprint of the mosque, it will be the countrys first mosque with five minarets soaring to a height of 340 feet. The minarets will highlight the five tenets of Islam Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer or Namaz), Sawm (fasting or Roza), Zakat (charity) and Hajj. The entire mosque has been divided into two parts the basement area and the ground floor. The basement area is a multipurpose hall, whereas the ground floor will have an expansive Namaz Hall with the capacity to accommodate more than 9,000 Namazis at a time. There will be five entries to the Namaaz Hall and it will be solely meant for offering prayers. There are also special arrangements for women Namazis. Central Waqf Board officials further said that the towering minarets, with interior staircases and a small window, will be an essential part of the new design of the mosque. Domes, another essential feature of Islamic architecture, will be a part of the proposed mosque as per the new design. Officials said that the mosque would be a major attraction among tourists too since it will house the worlds largest Quran measuring 21 feet by 36 feet, a grand aquarium or underwater zoo will be another unique feature. The aquarium will be bigger than Dubais famous aquarium and will house more than 400 species of aquatic animals. The design of the mosque, a grand library and other features will make Mohammed Bin Abdullah mosque a major attraction. The minarets are being designed in such a way that the Azaan would trigger a fountain from all five minarets. Other than the mosque, the entire complex would also house a grand pure vegetarian kitchen, 500-bed multi-speciality hospital that would offer free cancer treatment. It would also have a law college, engineering college, dental college, architectural college and an international school in order to spread education in society. The Samyukt Kisan Morch and the joint platform of central trade unions have written to political parties from the INDIA coalition urging them to back a nationwide strike and rural bandh on February 16. A letter has been sent to all opposition parties urging them to extend support to the strike which has been called on issues of minimum support price, Rs 26,000 minimum wage per month, abolition of the new labour codes, among other things, sources said. Sources in the SKM said they have received support from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of India, and the DMK so far. This is the last push before the polls. We have written to all non-NDA parties, and are seeking their support since they have also been raising these issues. If they support our strike, people will also know whom to vote for instead of BJP, an SKM leader said. They said the Industrial/Sectoral Strike and Grameen Bandh is being supported by trade unions and different mass organisations of students, youth, women and other sections including teachers and transport operators. In order to ensure greater impact of the strike and bandh action across the country, both the platforms have come to a consensus to send the Joint Declaration and the Demand Charter of the 16th February 2024 Industrial/Sectoral Strike and Grameen Bandh to all the non-NDA political parties, the letter sent to the parties said. After the 2020-21 farmers protest, the SKM expressed its opposition to the BJP in the subsequent elections but did not support any other political party. The farmers stir led by SKM was held on Delhi borders in 2020-21 against the three farm laws, which were later repealed by the government. The protesting outfits had kept opposition leaders away from their agitation. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is compiling and integrating a comprehensive database encompassing URLs, phone numbers, Telegram contacts, and email IDs from websites associated with cyber frauds, specifically phishing and smishing, News18 has learnt. A high-ranking official told News18 that this data is pivotal in combating cybercrime as it paves the way for the establishment of a depository. This depository is anticipated to aid both the public and law enforcement agencies in identifying and addressing cyber threats. Under the proposed plan, individuals will have the capability to verify the legitimacy of any contact, URL, or email ID by utilising the I4C website. When reporting a cybercrime, individuals can now complete a form detailing information such as the website, phone number, bank account number, UPI ID, and social media accounts involved in the fraudulent activity. The citizen-provided information is then incorporated into a depository. Another feature allows users to input a mobile number, website, UPI ID etc. to ascertain if they are associated with any cybercrime. This will help citizens check instantly if any number or account is involved in cyber frauds. Asked about concerns of potential misuse of the data, an official emphasised that the data is backed by multiple complaints, not isolated incidents. Additionally, provisions are in place to address instances where false details are intentionally provided, allowing individuals to file requests if they believe someone has maliciously submitted incorrect information. The Integrated Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) clarifies that it does not certify the authenticity of complaints under investigation by local police authorities. Users who disagree with specific identifiers on the database can send an email to address discrepancies. According to the data, cybercrime trends show that, on an average, more than 5,000 cyber complaints were registered per day. It also revealed spike of 13.7% from 2021 to 2022, while the spike was 60.9% in the last one year. The number of complaints have increased at least 500% from close to 2.57 lakh in 2020 to 15.56 lakh in 2023. The MHA data also revealed that states like Haryana, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Goa top in reporting cybercrime complaints, while Chandigarh reported the highest number of cases among Union Territories. The data given by the MHA says around 50,000 citizens facing financial frauds in India are being assisted. Around 4.3 lakh victims saved Rs 11.27 crore with the help of I4C, an increase of almost 800%. A 19-year-old brother has been arrested for allegedly raping his minor sister and then strangulating her to death in Uttar Pradeshs Kasganj. The accused, Sanju Kumar watched porn on his mobile phone on the night of February 3 and then raped his 17-year-old sister. Fearing that she would inform the family members of his misdeed, he strangled his sister to death, quoted news agency IANS as saying police. After the arrest, the accused during police interrogation revealed the details of his crime. Patiali Kotwali in charge Inspector Govind Ballabh Sharma said that the uncle of the girl filed a complaint against Kumar on February 4. Since then, the police have been searching for the accused. The accused was arrested by the police on Monday evening, said the police officer, adding that Sanjus father had died a year ago and he lived with his mother and sister in another house in the village. His mother had gone to his uncles house on the day of the incident and he was alone in the house with his sister. He watched porn on his mobile and then raped her, the police officer said. Police have recovered the mobile from the accused and the porn clips he watched on it. The accused has been sent to jail. In another unrelated incident, the police arrested a man from Navi Mumbai township in Maharashtra for allegedly raping his 15-year-old niece following which she became pregnant, an official said. The 34-year-old accused, hailing from Nerul in Navi Mumbai, is the maternal uncle of the girl. He allegedly raped the girl in his house on October 4, 2023, the official from Nerul police station said. The girl later complained of some health issues and she was admitted to a hospital in the Govandi area of neighbouring Mumbai where it came to light that she was pregnant, he said. The hospital authorities reported it to the Nerul police following which the accused was arrested on Sunday and booked under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the official said. (with inputs from IANS) With a copy of the Constitution of India in hand, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami entered the Assembly on Tuesday to table the Uniform Civil Code Bill. The moment was hailed as historic by supporters of the bill and #UttarakhandCreatesHistory trended on social media. Treasury benches welcomed the tabling of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) of Uttarakhand, 2024 Bill with thumping of desks and chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Mataram and Jai Shri Ram. When passed, the 192-page bill will be the first such legislation to be implemented in any state after Independence. The bill proposes a common law on marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for all citizens irrespective of their religion in Uttarakhand, excluding the Scheduled Tribes. It stipulates registration of live-in relationships in the state and imprisonment of three months for failure to do so within a month. Any child born out of such a relationship will be considered legitimate. Heres a look at the bills highlights: Polygamy Banned Under Section 4(i) of the bill, polygamy and polyandry has been disallowed. Defining who can marry, the section says: Neither party has a spouse living at the time of the marriage. Sub-section (iii) of the above section fixes the age of marriage at 18 years for girls and 21 for boys. It also disallows marriage with individuals whose relationship has been mentioned in the exception list. This includes people who have common ancestors, or relationship between a man and his widowed daughter-in-law. Halala Banned Section 30 of the UCC Bill bans the practice of halala, or marrying and divorcing a second man before remarrying the first husband. Section 30(ii) states: The right to remarry includes the right to remarry the divorced spouse without conditions, such as getting married to a third person before such remarriage. Tribals Exempted Section 2 of the Bill grants exemption to tribals. Nothing contained in this code shall apply to the members of any Scheduled Tribes within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 142 of the Constitution of India and the persons and group of persons whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution of India. Live-In Registration The Bill makes it obligatory for partners of a live-in relationship within the state, whether they are residents of Uttarakhand or not, to submit a statement of their relationship under sub-section (1) of Section 381 to the Registrar within whose jursidiction they are living in a prescribed format. It also says any child of a live-in relationship shall be a legitimate child of the couple. Live-in relationships in which at least one partner is a minor will not be registered. Live-in relationships where the consent of one of the partners was obtained by force, coercion, undue influence, misrepresentation or fraud concerning the identity of the other partner will also not be registered. The registrar will examine the content of the statement of live-in relationships to ensure that they are not of such a kind as mentioned under Section 380. Anyone staying in a live-in relationship for more than a month without getting it registered will be punishable with an imprisonment up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or both, the bill says. A higher fine apart from an imprisonment of up to three months can be imposed on any person who provides false information in his or her statement on a live-in relationship to the Registrar. If a woman in a live-in relationship gets deserted by her partner, she will be entitled to claim maintenance from him for which she may approach a competent court having jurisdiction over the place where they last cohabited. Reactions to the UCC Bill Uttarakhand Waqf board chairman Shadab Shams welcomed the legislation. Speaking to News18, he said: Why should a Muslim woman who cant bear a child be exempted from the option of adoption? Shams welcomed the provision in the bill to give equal inheritance rights to men and women. Ruksana Qureshi, a homemaker, however, disagreed. Shariat says we can go for Haj only with Mehram, which can only be my biological son. An adopted or surrogate son doesnt meet that requirement. This is not in sync with my faith, she said. Shams, however, pointed out that now the government is allowing Haj without Mehram. I agree it will be tough to implement this provision. But just as change can be seen after Triple Talaq law, I am hopeful this too can be implemented, he said. Passing a legislation on the UCC will fulfil a major promise made by the BJP to the people of the state in the run-up to the 2022 Assembly polls, which saw the saffron party storm to power with a landslide victory for the second consecutive term. Several BJP ruled states in the country, including Gujarat and Assam, have expressed their keenness to follow the Uttarakhand UCC as a model. Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttarakhand tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the state Assembly on Tuesday (February 6). With the aim of giving equal rights to the citizens of Uttarakhand, a Uniform Civil Code bill will be introduced in the Assembly today. It is a moment of pride for all the people of the state that we will be known as the first state in the country to move towards implementing UCC. Jai Hind, Jai Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X. Uttarakhand government called a special four-day session of the Assembly from Monday to table the legislation, setting off intense debate across the state about the impact of the civil code. With Valentines Day just around the corner, love is in the air, and the stars might have a sweet surprise waiting for you. Lets take a look at the love horoscopes for each zodiac sign and discover what the cosmic forces have aligned for your romantic journey, according to the insights of Pandit Jagannath Guruji. Aries (March 21 April 19): Aries, known for their boundless energy, is ready for an exciting Valentines Day. Theyre all about high-adrenaline activities. Expect them to plan an adventurous travel expedition or dive into a sporting activity that tests their daredevil spirit alongside their partner. Taurus (April 20 May 20): Taureans prefer a relaxed pace in life. For Valentines Day, they opt for quality time spent at home. Their sensual nature leads them to enjoy a romantic date in a cozy setting, reveling in the warmth of their partners company. Gemini (May 21 June 20): Geminis, the social butterflies of the zodiac, break away from the norm on Valentines Day. Instead of seeking privacy, they thrive in social settings. Youll likely find them at a party or part of an extended friend circle, engaging in lively conversations, animated discussions, and a bit of gossip. Cancer (June 21 July 22): Cancerians, always eager to shower care and affection, seize Valentines Day as an opportunity to deepen their romantic bonds. Unlike the outdoor types, they may choose a cozy night at home, purposefully cooking a meal or baking a cake to make their partners feel cherished. Leo (July 23 August 22): Leos, natural-born stars, aim to take center stage on Valentines Day. Living life to the fullest, they plan grand getaways and picturesque venues. Their regal plans include nothing less than a gourmet meal followed by a champagne celebration. Virgo (August 23 September 22): Practical Virgos stay true to their nature on Valentines Day. Rather than getting lost in a cloud of romance, they focus on the betterment and wellness of their partners. Expect healthy meals and detox drinks as gestures of care. Libra (September 23 October 22): Ruled by Venus, Librans are inseparable from love and romance. Valentines Day is their time to shine. Using their charming charisma, they plan surprises like well-wrapped presents, booked movie tickets, or reservations at a fancy restaurant, all meticulously thought out in advance. Scorpio (October 23 November 21): Passionate Scorpios embrace the opportunity of Valentines Day to intensify their romantic pursuits. Sensual experiences take center stage, with activities like listening to love poems or diving into a mystifying novel to set the mood. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): Travel enthusiasts of the zodiac, Sagittarians, wont miss the chance to pack their bags for Valentines Day. They may spring a surprise by booking a resort and making all necessary arrangements for a special celebration with their loved ones. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): Capricorns bring practicality to their love relationships. Valentines Day, for them, is more than a romantic sojourn. They showcase their hard-working instincts with efforts like cooking a meal, creating art, or buying practical items for their partners. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): Known for their somewhat distant demeanor, Aquarians put earnest efforts into making Valentines Day special. Despite their non-emotional reputation, the Water Bearer expresses uniqueness and creativity, undertaking activities that showcase love for mankind and aiming to win their partners hearts. Pisces (February 19 March 20): Pisceans, often lost in their fantasy world, dream of romantic pursuits. Highly empathetic and caring, they go all out on Valentines Day. Their creativity shines through activities like painting a romantic canvas or writing beautiful lines in honor of their loved ones. Coldplay, the renowned British rock band currently immersed in their extensive 2023-2024 Music of the Spheres World Tour, has time and again displayed their affection for the globally acclaimed Korean boyband BTS. Coldplay is led by the lead vocalist, pianist, rhythm guitarist, and co-founder of the band, Chris Martin meanwhile, RM leads the K-pop group. The connection between the two musical powerhouses was displayed during a recent Coldplay concert. While performing in Bangkok, Thailand, during the ongoing tour, Chris Martin pleasantly surprised the audience by concluding their popular hit Fix You with a rendition of BTS Jins popular track, The Astronaut. The Astronaut in the setlist added an element of delight for all the concert-goers, especially the ARMY, as it was not initially planned. Take a look at the fans reactions below: Chris Martin thanked Armys for attending the coldplays concert. BTS made us so loved by other artist too..Im so emotional, I miss BTS so much, if jin was there, he would greet us the same, wrote a fan. Chris Martin thanked Armys for attending the coldplay's concert. BTS made us so loved by other artist too I'm so emotional, I miss BTS so much, if jin was there, he would greet us the same pic.twitter.com/AmL1oN3rjn D (@joonstalk) February 4, 2024 Omg Coldplay performed The Astronaut in their Bangkok concert pls Seokjin willl be so happy, commented another viewer. Omg Coldplay performed The Astronaut in their Bangkok concert pls Seokjin willl be so happy pic.twitter.com/hd8ivo9Xhp Heartman Jin (@Akjinbts) February 3, 2024 In addition to this, Coldplay has been incorporating the Jin-created character, Wootteo the astronaut, into their performances regularly. Chris Martin proudly displays a Wootteo button or patch on his jacket during shows, and a plushie of the cosmic character often graces the stage, reports Koreaboo. The connection deepened when Jin, a dedicated Coldplay enthusiast, joined the band during one of their shows in Argentina before his enlistment, singing a heartfelt rendition of The Astronaut alongside Chris. The song in discussion, The Astronaut, itself holds significance as a solo single by Jin, released on October 28, 2022. The collaborative effort involved not only Jin but also Coldplay, building on their past collaboration with My Universe. The songs creation saw contributions from Norwegian DJ Kygo and Chris Martins son, Moses Martin, who co-wrote and produced the track with Bill Rahko. Released as a pre-enlistment gift to fans, the digital and CD format single explores themes of connection and love, delving into Jins profound relationship with his supporters through a cosmic motif. Accompanied by a visually striking music video, the song portrays Jin as an extraterrestrial astronaut who, after an accidental crash-landing on Earth, faces the emotional dilemma of choosing between staying with his newfound Earthly family or returning to his celestial home. As of now, while Coldplay is on its world tour, all members of the BTS, including the eldest Jin, are currently serving in the military. Jacob Elordi is currently under police investigation following allegations of assaulting a radio producer in Australia over a Saltburn joke. The Euphoria star was reportedly at a hotel in Sydney when he was approached by Joshua Fox, a producer on KIIS FM. The incident happened when Fox jokingly asked Elordi if he could have some of his bathwater for his co-hosts birthday, referencing a viral scene from the movie. Elordi, unhappy with the question, requested the producer to stop the filming and instructed the team to delete the footage. Allegedly, when Fox refused due to safety reasons, Elordi pushed him against the wall and placed his hands on his throat, leading to a police investigation. While talking about the incident on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, the producer claimed, Im backed against this wall. Hes right in my face and his two boys are now on either side of me. Its like a switch went off and hes becoming quite aggressive, and Im feeling intimidated. The way theyre surrounding me, Im thinking somethings going to happen here. Someones going to jump me or something. So I say no, Im not deleting that. I refuse to, because I feel uncomfortable right now and this is the only evidence. The producer, Joshua Fox, further stated that the alleged incident left him deeply disturbed, causing stress and sleepless nights. The circumstances surrounding how the police became involved remain unknown, as Fox claimed that he initially wanted to leave the incident alone. However, someone at the location may have spoken to the media. Meanwhile, in a statement to Variety, the New South Wales Police said, Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating after a man was allegedly assaulted outside a hotel in Sydneys Eastern Suburbs. Police were told about 3:30 PM on Saturday 3 February 2024, a 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a 26-year-old man. The man did not sustain any injuries. Inquiries into the incident is continuing. As of now, only one side of the story is making headlines, as Jacob Elord is yet to release a statement regarding the alleged incident. Meanwhile, the actor is living his best life, as he recently hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live and earned praise for his performances in Saltburn and Sofia Coppolas Priscilla. The Australian actor is gearing up to turn into Frankensteins monster in an upcoming Guillermo del Toro adaptation. In 1865, Confederate Brigadier-General Joseph O. Shelby threw his flag into the waters of the Rio Grande, near the small present-day border town of Eagle Pass, and crossed into Mexico rather than surrender. Today Eagle Pass has become the epicenter of a tough battle with constitutional implications that pits the federal government against Texas over immigration control; the Texas National Guard against the federal Border Patrol; Republicans against Democrats. And all these clashes come together in one spot: a 19-hectare park on the banks of the Rio Grande whose name honors the secessionist officer. Shelby Park used to be a place where the residents of Eagle Pass, a town of 28,000 residents that votes Democratic and lives off trade with Mexico two bridges connect it with Piedras Negras and where Spanish is spoken as much or more than English, once came to fish, gather for picnics and celebrations, and to go for strolls. This past weekend, a poster announced a concert for February 28 by the association led by the late pastor Billy Graham, spiritual advisor to several presidents. As things stand, however, it is unlikely that the event will be held. Barbed wire and a wall of cargo containers now prevent access to the river. The entrances from the street are fenced and blocked by military vehicles. National Guard soldiers, armed with automatic rifles, control the access points and the only existing ramp for boats and kayaks to the river. Residents cannot access the park, and by order of the Texas governor, the Republican Greg Abbott, neither can Border Patrol officers, who until last month had used it as a processing area for immigrants crossing the river. The decision has canceled the longstanding collaboration between both agencies. And we are caught in the middle of all this, sighs Juan Hernandez, who runs a clothing and footwear store a few feet away. The blockade of the city park has turned that area until recently very busy due to its proximity to Shelby and the border post into something of a ghost area, where this weekend there were more local police officers and patrol cars than civilian traffic. This is harming our economy, laments the store owner, who is offering drastic discounts on his products. But what scares us even more is that there could be an incident where someone loses control. The confrontation broke out last month, when Abbott gave the order to the Texas National Guard to take control of Shelby Park, following a surge in undocumented arrivals in December. The Biden Administration appealed to the courts against that decision, arguing that it prevented the Border Patrol from doing its job. In mid-January, barbed wire fences and other obstacles prevented these agents from rescuing a family of three migrants who ended up drowning, the government said. The Supreme Court agreed and ordered that the razor wire be removed. But the Texas governor has interpreted the ruling in the most limited way possible: that border agents may cut the wire only to help a migrant in danger. In the meantime, he promises to reinforce the fences and the wires. His argument: that the federal governments policy favors migrants to the point of endangering Texas, and that the state has the right to defend itself against what it defines as an invasion. The case has generated a political standoff that goes beyond the mere clash between federal and state authorities. Other states such as Florida have sent soldiers from their own National Guard to reinforce the Texas agency. This weekend, a convoy of supporters of Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump arrived near Eagle Pass after traveling halfway across the country to express their support for anti-immigration policies. Abbott himself showed up this Sunday in Eagle Pass to defend his policies at a news conference, along with 14 of the 25 Republican governors who have expressed their support for him. The event caused some discomfort among part of the population. As a longtime resident, I have never been more upset with a leader than with our governor, and what he is doing, and how he is using our community in particular for political theatrics, said the businessman and educator Jessie Fuentes at a news conference of community leaders. They have appropriated a public park, our park, our history, our culture. This is where we gather, its our green space, where we are connected to the river, and now we dont have access to it. And if you take a walk and look, you can see that it is becoming a military base. Local police blocked the access road to Shelby Park for fear of riots this past weekend. Macarena Vidal Liy Others in Texas think otherwise. We are here to support this cause and Governor Abbott. We believe you are doing the right thing. We have to regain control of our borders. We dont have to let millions of migrants come in. When we go to vote in November, immigration will be our top priority. The second, the right to bear arms, say David and Sandy, a couple who drove three hours on Saturday to take part in the rally to welcome the anti-immigrantion caravan. That day, the Mission: Border Hope immigrant shelter temporarily closed its doors. It had moved its occupants to other places due to fear of possible incidents. The transfer was not difficult, as the shelter only accommodated a handful of people. The number of migrants coming to the shelter in search of help, once the Border Patrol has released them with a summons to appear in court to decide on their asylum applications, once reached as high as 1,200 a day, but is currently only around 20. The decrease is in line with the drop in irregular arrivals recorded in January, which Abbott attributes to his tough policy, while the federal government and non-profits claim it is a seasonal oscillation. Abbotts defiant stand comes while in Washington a group of Republican and Democratic senators agreed on a bill that would reform the current immigration system to introduce tougher measures. Among other things, they would give Biden the authority to close the border, as he himself has declared, if encounters exceed 8,500 in a single day, or reach a daily average of 5,000 in a week. The measure would also make it more difficult to apply for asylum, which is what most migrants who arrive irregularly do. But whether the bill will clear Congress remains to be seen. In the Senate it will require the affirmative votes of nine Republicans. And in an election year, Republican lawmakers are reluctant to approve anything that could be construed as a success for Biden. Donald Trump opposes the measure and intends to make migration the main issue of the presidential campaign. House Speaker Mike Johnson has already asserted that the bill will be dead on arrival in the lower house. House Republicans have already taken steps to try to open an impeachment trial against the Secretary of Homeland Security and head of immigration policy, Alejandro Mayorkas. The conversations continue, and diplomatic negotiations are intensifying. On Saturday, Biden spoke by telephone with the president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, to discuss immigration and challenges at our shared border, according to a White House statement. The conversation, in which the American leader thanked his counterpart for Mexicos operational support and for taking concrete steps to deter irregular migration while expanding lawful pathways, took place after representatives of both governments met in Mexico and Washington over the last two months to delve deeper into this matter. Meanwhile, Eagle Pass residents hope the standoff between the federal and state governments will be resolved as soon as possible. We would like to carry on with our lives, says Juan Hernandez with a half smile, while urging his clients to take advantage of his stores sales. Jio Studios and Aamir Khans Productions Laapataa Ladies is gaining momentum as the film is nearing its release. While the trailer has introduced the audience to the humoristic world created by director Kiran Rao, it has piqued the excitement to witness this comedy-drama starring Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Nitanshi Goel. As the makers are leaving no stone unturned to keep the audience drenched in the fervour of the film, they will be going to Bhopal for the special premiere of the film. Interestingly, the producer of the film, Aamir Khan will also be attending it. The special premiere of Laapataa Ladies will be held in Bhopal and will also see the presence of Aamir Khan. As the superstar is fully packed with the shoot of his other films, he will be especially taking the time to attend the premiere in Bhopal. Recently, Aamir and Kiran also graced the stage of News18 India Chaupal when they opened up on their film Laapata Ladies and talked about working with Rao after the divorce. Has a doctor said that when a divorce happens, you immediately become enemies? I consider myself fortunate that Kiran came into my life, and our journey has been very fulfilling for me. We have created a lot together, both personally and professionally, and we will continue to move forward together. We are connected on a human and emotional level, and we will always be. We are like a family, he said. The film was extensively shot in the Sehore village of Madhya Pradesh. The director Kiran Rao will also be inviting the entire village people to the premiere. 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. Netflix has provided an exciting glimpse into the upcoming live-action series, Parasyte: The Grey, which marks a fresh chapter in the popular Parasyte: The Maxim franchise set against the backdrop of Korea. Hailing from the original manga comic penned by Hitoshi Iwaaki in 1989, whose creation has seen adaptations into anime and multiple live-action films, this latest iteration is under the direction of Yeon Sang-ho, renowned for his directorial work in Train to Busan and Hellbound. Officially confirmed for production last year, Parasyte: The Grey promises an innovative storyline that digs into the exploits of parasitic life forms seeking power to disrupt society. Simultaneously, a group of humans rallies in a fierce battle against this encroaching malevolence. It is also a collaboration between director Yeon Sang-ho and screenwriter Ryu Yong-jae. While the release date of the drama has still not been confirmed, Netflix has already released the list of essential cast members. According to the official statement from the OTT giant, Jeon So-nee plays the lead role of Jeong Su-in, a character entangled with an alien parasite, navigating a situation when the parasite fails in its attempt to dominate her mind. Koo Kyo-hwan takes on the character Seol Kang-woo, described by Netflix as an individual fervently pursuing parasites in a quest to locate his missing sister. The trio is completed with Lee Jung-hyun portraying Choi Jun-kyung, touted as the leader of Team Grey, a dedicated task force combating parasites following the loss of her husband to these invasive creatures. Lee Jung-hyuns portrayal of Choi Jun-kyung sheds light on the organised resistance against the invasive life-forms, reports Comicbook. The personal loss suffered by Choi Jun-kyung adds an emotional element to her character, deepening the emotional stakes in the battle against the parasites. As Netflix teases, Having lost her husband to these invasive life-forms, she devotes herself to their demise, informs Comicbook. Heres the first look of the much-anticipated drama: Along with the photo, Netflix wrote, Parasyte: The Grey brings the beloved manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki to life in an all-new setting and story: Korea. Parasitic life-forms that live off of human hosts strive to grow their power and disrupt society. A group of humans wage war against the rising evil. Coming soon. Parasyte: The Grey brings the beloved manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki to life in an all-new setting and story: Korea.Parasitic life-forms that live off of human hosts strive to grow their power and disrupt society. A group of humans wage war against the rising evil. Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/66Ibs3IC2y Netflix (@netflix) February 6, 2024 Netflix had officially confirmed the production on August 23, 2022. The comic it is based on was published by KODANSHA Ltd and has achieved remarkable success with over 25 million copies sold across 20 territories and countries. Rakul Preet and Jackky Bhagnani are soon going to get married in Goa. The preparations are full swing in these days. On Tuesday, both were spotted donning casual attire. The duo caught the attention of onlookers as they stepped out together ahead of their wedding. The couple have chosen to tie the knot in an intimate two-day celebration set to conclude on February 21 in Goa. In the video, shared by Snehzala, we can see Rakul wearing a blue colour crop top paired with white colour pants. Jackky Bhagnani is wearing a white colour tee with denim. Both were seen coming out of the videographers office. Fans have also dropped heart emojis in the comment section. Ahead of their big day, the lovebirds, along with their close friends and family, jetted off on a bachelor trip to Thailand. A couple of photos from their yacht party recently went viral. Pragya Jaiswal, who accompanied them, shared the photos on her Instagram handle. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snehkumar Zala (@snehzala) Rakul and Jackky have been dating for a few years now, leading to this joyous moment of matrimony. From their first few encounters to the love they share today, their journey has captivated fans and set the stage for a heartwarming celebration. Contrary to speculations, we hear that Rakul and Jackky will have an intimate wedding in the presence of their family and close friends in Goa only. There will be no extended celebrations or a reception in Mumbai or anywhere else after. It looks like it is going to be a 3-4 day affair like most weddings usually are, an insider shared earlier. A source close to the soon-to-be-married couple had earlier revealed, Rakul and Jacky had initially planned for their wedding to take place in the Middle East. After nearly six months of meticulous planning, everything was pretty much in order. However, following the call from the Indian PM in December urging rich and influential families to choose India as the venue for their big life events, Rakul and Jackky reconsidered their original plans and relocated the wedding to India. Their decision, made in mid-December, necessitated a complete reset, involving the destination, rest, and accommodations. Despite the considerable changes, the couple embraced the overhaul, driven by their love for the country and desire to contribute to its growing economy. Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal was released earlier in December last year. The film became a superhit soon after its release and fans appreciated the stellar acting of the films cast. Animal was headlined by Ranbir Kapoor and featured Rashmika Mandanna as his wife, Geetanjali. Rashmikas performance in the film was greatly appreciated by the audience. There were also rumours that the actress had increased her fee after Animals success. However, she has denied these claims. A post on the microblogging site X, formerly Twitter, claimed, BUZZ #RashmikaMandanna Increased her Remuneration again after #Animal success From inside reports, Currently shes charging around 4Cr 4.5cr per film. The actress took to the comments section to deny this. Says who I wonder .. after seeing all of this I think I should actually consider it.. and if my producers ask why.. then Ill just say media out there is saying this sir.. and I think I should live up to their words.. what do I do? , she wrote. See the post here: Says who I wonder .. after seeing all of this I think I should actually consider it.. and if my producers ask why.. then Ill just say media out there is saying this sir.. and I think I should live up to their words.. what do I do? Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) February 6, 2024 After Animal became a massive blockbuster hit, Rashmika took to her Instagram handle and spoke about her character in the film. She also expressed her gratitude to the audience. Gitanjali If I were to describe her in a sentence it would be the only force at home holding her family together. She is pure, real, unfiltered, strong and rawAt times as an actor, I would question some of Gitanjalis actions And I remember my director telling me this was their story Ranvijays & Gitanjalis.. it was their love and passion, their families and their lives this is who they are, Rashmika wrote. Mike Schur, the mastermind behind the beloved police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, is joining forces once again with actress Stephanie Beatriz, known for her role as the tough-as-nails detective Rosa Diaz. After their successful collaboration on the Fox comedy, which aired from 2013 to 2021, Schur and Beatriz are reuniting for a fresh project on Netflix. The upcoming series, titled A Classic Spy, is set to bring a blend of comedy and intrigue to the streaming platform. Also starring Ted Danson from The Good Place as Charles, a retiree-turned-mole in a covert investigation, the show promises to deliver an entertaining tale on the spy genre. According to TVline, Beatriz will portray Didi, the astute managing director of Charles retirement facility in San Francisco. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed documentary, The Mole Agent which was nominated for an Oscar in 2021, A Classic Spy will explore Charles undercover adventures among the residents of the retirement home. The ensemble cast of the series boasts familiar faces from Schurs previous projects, including The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Joining Beatriz and Danson are Eugene Cordero as Joel, Charles son-in-law; Jama Williamson as Beatrice, the energetic activities director; and Marc Evan Jackson, who also appeared in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as Evan, the client who hires the investigator that Charles infiltrates. Netflix recently announced the full lineup of actors for A Classic Spy, revealing a reunion of sorts for Schur and his former colleagues. Alongside Beatriz and Danson, the series features Eugene Cordero, Marc Evan Jackson, and Jama Williamson, all familiar faces from The Good Place. Additionally, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, known for her role as Emily, portrays Charles daughter, adjusting to her fathers unexpected career change. The diverse cast further includes acclaimed performers such as Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, and Clyde Kusatsu, each bringing their unique talents to the vibrant community of the Pacific View Retirement Residence. With its stellar ensemble and intriguing premise, A Classic Spy promises to be an interesting addition to Netflixs lineup, offering viewers a fresh take on espionage with a healthy dose of humor and heart. Fans eagerly await the reunion of Schur and Beatriz, expected to deliver another hit series sure to leave audiences entertained as well as thrilled. An air of the surreal dominates the discourse in Pakistans February 8 elections. The campaign has been lacklustre, with the absence of a level playing field and expectations of a pre-determined outcome, favouring a weak PML-N coalition. This impression was strengthened with three quick judgments in succession by courts last week, imposing long incarcerations against former prime minister Imran Khan. This seemed a brazen message from the powerful military establishment to the latters die-hard fan club that he would not be allowed to play any political role in the foreseeable future. The electorate comprises 128.5 million registered voters, out of a total population of 241.5 million. This includes almost 57 million young voters between the ages of 18 and 35, comprising 47 percent of the electorate. The strength of the national assembly (NA) is now 336, comprising 266 general seats. Sixty seats are reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslims. These are allotted to political parties based on proportional representation. The magic numbers for forming the government are 134 and 169, after the addition of reserved seats. Of the 266 general seats, Punjab has 141, Sindh 61, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 45, Balochistan 16 and the Federal Capital area of Islamabad three seats. Punjab has more seats than the other three provinces combined. The party, which controls Punjab, controls Pakistan. Provincial assemblies (PA) will also be elected simultaneously. Punjab has 371 members (MPA), Sindh 168, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 145 and Balochistan 65 seats. A total of 5,113 candidates are contesting the NA elections while 12,638 candidates are in the fray for the PA elections. After the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was denied the bat symbol, it will not be in a position to claim its proportion of reserved seats for women and minorities. At least 63 percent of Independent candidates are contesting the NA elections and 66 percent remain in the PA field. After the army blessed thrice elected former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs return from almost four years of exile in the UK and the judiciary followed suit, giving quick relief in cases against him, reducing also a life disqualification to five years, the PML-N seems poised to recover lost ground in its main bastion, Punjab. Despite this boost, Nawaz seemed rather listless in the election campaign, obsessing mainly on past injustices against him. He did not attack the military establishment. His dilemma has been to search for a counternarrative to offset Khans persisting popularity. He also has to decide who should inherit his mantle, whether charismatic daughter Maryam or docile brother, Shehbaz Sharif, who remains more acceptable to the army. The Peoples Party of Pakistan (PPP) retains its main political base in Sindh, depending on support from rural landlords. It has lesser control in urban areas of Karachi and Hyderabad. After performing creditably as foreign minister in the last coalition, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been trying hard to enhance his acceptability to the army as a young, articulate and balanced leader. Choosing to contest from Lahore, he has also tried to wrest back an erstwhile vote bank in Punjab. His father, Asif Zardari is a more experienced and wily political leader. These two have been playing good cop and bad cop, occasionally criticising past allies. The latter has tried hard to stitch support from motley feudal in Balochistan and South Punjab. This may stand him in good stead in the presidential election stakes, which must follow the senate elections in March 2024. The present president, Arif Alvi, who was elected with PTI support is holding on to his post. His term ran out in August 2023. The PTI has its main stronghold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has held government reins there since 2013. It made sizable inroads in Punjab after Khan was thrown out of power by a vote of no confidence in the NA in April 2022 by launching a narrative of foreign conspiracy, unfair martyrdom and desertion by the military establishment, as reasons for his ouster. After the Punjab bypoll in 2022, he seemed electorally invincible. In a series of public meetings, senior military officers were disparaged by name. Though later exposed as false, this narrative has been fanned by an army of besotted, young social media trollers, who have now become a headache for army censors! Despite several derogatory audio and video disclosures, Khans popularity has not been affected by attempts to besmirch his character. This is a new phenomenon, emerging as a political idea, especially with unemployed youth and women voters in urban areas, which reflects growing distaste for the reality of the armys extra-constitutional control of power in Pakistan, instead of elected politicians or Parliament. There are other smaller parties like the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JuI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), which have pockets of strength in southern KP and northern Balochistan. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), a faction of the old PTI with sugar baron Jehangir Tareen as its leader, could win a few seats in Punjab, as may Pervez Khattaks PTI (Parliamentarians) in KP. The Karachi factor will come into play too. This time, of Karachis 21 seats, the Muhajir Quami Movement (MQM), which had pockets of strength in Greater Karachi in the past, is aiming for 12 to 14 seats to offset the PTIs gains in 2018. Factions led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamals Pakistan Sarzameen Party (PSP) were herded together under the armys none-too-gentle prodding. However, this union has yet to be blessed from London by exiled MQM imam Altaf Hussain. The Jamaat e Islami (JeI) could also try to build on its strong showing in the local body elections to win back a few of its traditionally held seats. Two Islamic fundamentalist parties are also in the fray, furthering the military establishments past plans of mainstreaming them, the Markaz-e-Muslim League (MML) backed once by Hafiz Saeed of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fame, and the Tehrik-e-Labaik (TLP) led by Saad Rizvi, son of late Khadim Rizvi, who had organised the Faizabad crossing agitation in 2017 at the armys behest to destabilise the Nawaz Sharif-led government. Saad galvanised the TLP to emerge a credible third in all 14 seats in Lahore in 2018. He condemns the anti-army May 9 violence from last year but does not support the mass arrests that followed. This time, while he may not win much in Punjab, he could make inroads in Greater Karachi. Electable feudals from southern Punjab usually go with the wind. This time, the perception in Pakistani political circles initially suggested that the PML-N was being favoured by the army. However, with many Independents now in the fray, bets may be hedged. Voter turnout will be a crucial factor on February 8. Turnouts in the last two elections in 2018 and 2013 remained around 52 percent. In earlier elections, it was lower at 44 percent in 2008 and around mid-40s generally. One view is that given the strong signals from the army, the PTI voter will be discouraged that his vote will go to waste. A contrarian view suggests there is perceptible anger against such measures, which may add a sympathy wave in the PTIs favour. This could be channelised effectively enough by PTIs social media trollers, to correctly advertise the symbols allotted to its candidates left in the fray. Its supporters still hope for a landslide turnout in PTIs favour on election day. Army chief Gen Asim Munir will seek to ensure that the PTI does not win a majority. It may be recalled, in June 2019, he was removed as director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) after a mere eight months on the job, when he complained to then prime minister Imran Khan about corruption by his wifes relatives and friends. Khans entire strategy in the build-up to the army chiefs succession in November 2022 focused on making it controversial, in the hope of getting his favourite, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Munirs successor as D-G ISI to become the new chief. As chief of army staff (COAS), Gen Munir inherited a divided senior army leadership. His retirement date as lieutenant general had to be extended by two days to keep him seniormost among contenders. Two of his peers, Lt Gen Azhar Abbas and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed took premature retirement. Gen Bajwa promoted and posted 12 new lieutenant generals just before he retired. Over the next 12 months, Gen Munir has had to bide his time, to slowly get his officers into plum positions. This included giving an extension to the current D-G ISI, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum. Sensing the persisting sympathy among youth for Khan, both Munir and Nadeem Anjum have addressed gatherings of university students recently, responding rather candidly to questions about civil-military conflict and the inability of civilian governments to complete their tenures. They have tried to explain this fragility as misgovernance, which did not give them a licence to continue in office. Whether these efforts will hold water remains to be seen. The post-election scenario will be of interest, as to how the army cobbles together what is being referred to as by Pakistani journalists as another hybrid pro-max dispensation. If the PML-N wins between 90 to 110 seats only and the PPP about 40 from Sindh, a bloc of about 20 to 30 Independents, some with secret leanings towards the PTI could play an important role. If elected Independents affiliated with the PTI switch allegiance after being elected to any one of the registered political parties, they could pose a problem and claim representation also to a share of the reserved seats for women and minorities. They will be subject to immense pressures, both of lucre and the rod. Whatever civilian dispensation is finally entrusted reins of power, its legitimacy will remain doubtful in an election that is seen as lacking credibility. Challenges faced by it will be complex, including a difficult economic situation and a rising wave of terrorism, especially in parts of KP and Balochistan. The army would like to continue interfering in economic management, after the role given to it in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) by the last PDM coalition government. Instead of a broad-based political consensus, domestic polarisation between PML-N, PPP and PTI will intensify, not reduce. All this does not augur well for a stable Pakistan or a full tenure of the new government. (The writer is a former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) Hyderabad has become a hotspot of resort politics after the Congress came to power in Telangana last year. On Friday, 39 MLAs from Jharkhand arrived in the city and spent the weekend at a luxury resort. They went back on Sunday just before the crucial floor test in the Jharkhand assembly. On the same day, 16 MLAs from Bihar arrived in the city and were whisked away to a resort in Ibrahimpatnam on the outskirts. All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary SA Sampath Kumar and Ibrahimpatnam MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy were entrusted with the responsibility of looking after these legislators. They were flown in among rumours that the ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar was trying to poach MLAs from the Congress. Sources say that these legislators will stay in the city till February 11. Chief minister Nitish Kumar faces a floor test in Patna on February 12. The Congress wants to keep its flock together and Telangana is a safe haven for it after coming to power here with a thumping majority. These developments have attracted criticism from opposition parties in the state. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) spokesperson Dasoju Sravan slammed the Congress for hosting these MLAs at the cost of the exchequer. Under the leadership of Revanth Reddy, the Telangana government has become an ATM for the Indian National Congress. They are using taxpayers money for their political conspiracies, he said. When asked about this comment, Kiran Kumar Chamala, vice president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, told News18 that his party was trying to save democracy. How do they know we are spending taxpayers money on hosting these MLAs? It might be funded by their state governments too. We are trying to save democracy by preventing the poaching of legislators by the BJP, he said. BRS is frustrated and has been making senseless comments from the day we came to power. If any public money has gone towards this, we will not hide it. BRS is just trying to divert peoples attention by making baseless allegations. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rachana Reddy too had lashed out at the Congress for its desperate attempts to prevent poaching. She had also alleged that the Congress was wasting taxpayers money on resort politics. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recognized the Ajit Pawar-led faction as a real Nationalist Congress Party and granted them NCPs clock symbol ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The poll bodys ruling in favour of the Ajit Pawar-led faction after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months came as a big blow to the Sharad Pawar faction. The Election Commission said the test of the legislative majority helped the Ajit Pawar faction clinch the NCP symbol in view of disputed internal organisational elections. NCP vs NCP: Identity Crisis for Sharad Pawar Faction as ECI Gives Party Name, Symbol to Ajit Camp It also provided Sharad Pawar with a one-time option to claim a name for its new political formation and provide three preferences to the Commission by 3 pm on February 7. Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of NCP MLAs in July last year and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra. AJIT PAWAR FACTION ENJOYED MAJORITY SUPPORT: EC The Commission examined the affidavits of support filed by both factions and concluded that the group led by Ajit Pawar enjoyed majority support among the legislators. In view of the aforesaid findings, this Commission holds that the faction led by the Petitioner, Sh. Ajit Anantrao Pawar, is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol clock for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, the poll body said. WHEN DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS GET REPLACED BY OPAQUE ONES: EC The Election Commission said a party becomes a private fiefdom of a single person or group of select individuals and the party is run like a private enterprise when democratic elections get replaced by appointments or when the elections are held contrary to the provisions of the Party Constitution or when the elections are held in an opaque or obscure manner without disclosing the notifications, the electoral college, the place of election, etc. Such situations also lead to the party workers, who are at the bottom of the pyramidal hierarchy, to lose touch with the apex level representatives. The political parties form an important pillar on which our democratic governance stands and when this pillar is afflicted by undemocratic way of functioning, there will be reverberations in the national polity, it said. IN ABSENCE OF INTERNAL DEMOCRACY, INTERNAL DISPUTES LIKE THESE ARE BOUND TO HAPPEN: EC The poll body said in absence of democratic internal structures, internal disputes are bound to create rifts and factions leading to the determination of the question by the Election Commission under the Symbols Order. Ajit Pawar Welcomes EC Ruling NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said the Election Commission has ruled in our favour after listening to the arguments of our lawyers. We welcome this humbly, he said. Ajit Pawars Supporters Celebrate EC Ruling Ajit Pawars supporters celebrated after the ECI ruling in the NCP vs NCP case. They raised slogans in support of Ajit Pawar. #WATCH | Ajit Pawars supporters celebrate as ECI rules the NCP name and symbol matter in favour of their faction.Visuals from Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/u6CyHMod5h ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Murder Of Democracy: Sharad Faction On ECs Decision On Ajit Pawar getting the NCP name and symbol, Maharashtra leader Anil Deshmukh said, Today the Election Commission has given Sharad Pawars partys name and symbol to Ajit Pawar. A similar decision was taken in the case of Shiv Sena. NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar. He had been the president of the party for years. The Election Commissions decision under pressure is the murder of democracy. This is unfortunate. Sharad Pawar Will Go To SC: Shiv Sena UBT On Ajit Pawar getting the NCP name and symbol, Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Anand Dubey said that democracy is finished in this country but his party has faith in the Supreme Court. First the EC said that the Shiv Sena belongs to Eknath Shinde Now they have said that the NCP belongs to Ajit Pawar The whole nation knows that NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 We already knew this would happen Sharad Pawar will go to the Supreme Court The democracy is finished in this country We have faith in the Supreme Court, Dubey said. Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said his party could have won the Rajasthan Assembly polls if they had made some more efforts, adding that differences between him and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot had been ironed out and they did not impact the poll results. Speaking at the Lokmat National Conclave here, Pilot said the Congress gave a good fight in Rajasthan. However, he regretted that they did not win. I felt in Rajasthan we had a very good chance. We made a lot of effort. But if we would have done a bit more, like changed the tickets 17-18 out of 25 sitting ministers lost the election. If we would have picked different candidates, perhaps the performance would have been better, he said. Pilot, who was the deputy chief minister in Rajasthan and was removed from the post after a fallout with Gehlot, said he and the former chief minister have discussed the issues that were there, and they did not affect the election. Asked if Gehlot needs to be changed as a face for the next election, he said, Next election is five years away. He also said the party may have failed to take care of its workers. I felt we needed some course correction. If we have taken a stand on an issue while in the opposition, can I change it after winning? Our party workers worked hard for five years, which made the party win If we would have given them more respect , a stakeholdership Its the energy of a worker that makes a party win, he said. Asked about Congress leaders having not attended the Ram temple consecration, he said religion and practising religion is a personal choice. This is a religious country. Everyone should be proud of practising their religion. But getting political gains out of it is wrong State must be removed from religion, he said. The Ram temple was constructed after a Supreme Court decision. Everyone is happy that a Ram temple was made But who will invite people, how many will be invited, who decides that? Are we not Ram bhakts? I did not get an invitation, he said. I can worship how I want and when I want. You cannot mandate it. It is a personal decision Ram is everywhere, he said, adding that there is no discomfort in the Congress over the Ram temple, adding that the Constitution is the biggest scripture. On Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks on dynastic politics in Congress, he said, the PM is obsessed with Congress. It was his last speech of the present Lok Sabha. We were hoping that he will give a message to the world. Unfortunately, it was about the Congress and not women and youth, he said. The BJP should introspect how many MLAs and MPs they have whose parents are in politics The BJP and the PM have no issues. Theyre not talking about issues. They only want to do character assassination of the Congress, he said. He also said the Congress has a democratic election to choose its president as in the case of Mallikarjun Kharge. However, he questioned whether the BJP held an election to elect JP Nadda as its president. No one from the Gandhi family has been a CM or a PM for the last 30 years, he added. Stepping up the attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre, the ruling Congress in Karnataka led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will stage a protest in New Delhi on Wednesday, alleging injustice to the State in tax devolution and grants-in-aid over the past few years. The protest by all Congress legislators and MPs from the state, including Ministers that comes ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha polls will begin at 11 am tomorrow at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. The protesters would demand Centre set right the losses allegedly incurred by the Karnataka to the tune of Rs 1.87 lakh crore, during five years under the 15th finance commission. Incidentally, CPI (M) veteran and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his Cabinet colleagues will stage a protest in the national capital against the Centres alleged negligence towards the southern state on February 8. Elsewhere, in Kolkata TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will stage a protest on Friday against the Centre for allegedly withholding her states dues, particularly under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Siddaramaiah had said the protest was aimed at attracting the attention of the central government and the people of the country towards the states concerns. So far the state had never staged a protest in Delhi, but due to unavoidable reasons, a situation has come now, for it to do so. He also urged the opposition BJP and its lawmakers, especially MPs from the state to join the agitation in the interest of Karnataka, as the struggle was against the injustice caused to the state, and not against the saffron party. He has written to to all MPs from Karnataka including those from the BJP requesting them to join the protest. Central ministers from the State including Nirmala Sitharaman (Rajya Sabha member) and Pralhad Joshi have also been invited. The protest comes amid Congress efforts to justify the concerns articulated by its MP from Bangalore Rural D K Suesh, who claimed last week that taxes collected from the south were being distributed to north India and that the former were not getting their due share. The southern states will be compelled to demand for a separate nation if the injustice was not rectified. Clarifying that he or his government were not against the Centre giving more funds to northern states that are poor or lacking development, the CM sought no injustice should not be done to states like Karnataka. This move of staging a protest in Delhi has come amid a section within the ruling Congress in Karnataka proposing that Siddarmaiah take a lead in forming a forum of southern states to ensure equitable distribution of resources from the Centre, including devolution of taxes from the divisible pool. However, there seems to have been no serious discussion or decision yet on this proposal, which also aims to strengthen the federal fabric while ensuring that southern states have their say, party and official sources said. The agitation is also aimed at countering the BJP by raising the issue of regional pride and injustice to the state by the party led NDA government, Congress sources added. While accusing the central government of step motherly treatment to Karnataka and disrespecting federal structure, Siddaramaiah has repeatedly attacked BJP leaders in state and its past government of not doing anything to address the injustice caused to the state due to Centres policies. Despite BJP having 27 Lok Sabha MPs (including one independent and one from JDS) on its side, they have not opened their mouth either in the Parliament or with the government, he had said. The Ministers who are representing Karnataka in the NDA government have also not spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah about the states concerns. However, BJP leaders including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have come down heavily on allegations that the Centre is withholding funds meant for non-BJP governed states including Karnataka, saying it is a politically-vitiated narrative that vested interests are happy to go about saying so. This apprehension that some states are being discriminated against is a politically-vitiated narrative which, I am sorry to say, vested interests are happy to go about saying, she said on Monday, adding that no Union finance minister can play with the Finance Commissions recommendations. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the protest is a political stunt aimed at diverting attention from the mistakes of the state Congress government. Reacting to the Finance Ministers statement in the Parliament, Siddaramaiah questioned whether the Finance Commissions autonomy is merely a facade under the BJP. The rejection of Rs 5,495 crore in special grants for Karnataka, despite the Commissions advice, the dwindling grants-in-aid, and the glaring absence of budgeted funds such as the Rs 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra project, all lead to the question: Is the Finance Commissions autonomy merely a facade under BJP?, the CM asked. KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 08:35 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni agreed Monday to work together toward the success of the Group of Seven summit in June, with Italy taking over the presidency from Japan this year. During their talks in Tokyo, the two leaders discussed the achievements of the G7 summit that was held in Kishida's home constituency of Hiroshima in May 2023, including the establishment of rules to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence technology. Kishida and Meloni also reconfirmed their cooperation in supporting Ukraine, which has been under Russian invasion for the past two years, while exchanging views on how to tackle China's growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. In Hiroshima, the G7 leaders pledged "unwavering support" for Ukraine amid the war, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participating in sessions on the closing day of the three-day gathering. Meloni told Kishida that Italy is planning to focus at the upcoming summit on how to grapple with climate change and energy security as well as how to collaborate with emerging and developing economies in the "Global South." At a joint press appearance after their talks, Meloni praised Kishida, saying he successfully concluded the G7 summit in 2023, which she called very complex. Kishida said, "I welcome Italy's commitment" to hosting the G7 summit while "building upon the results of the Hiroshima summit." This year's G7 summit is scheduled to take place on June 13-15 in Apulia, southern Italy. On the defense front, Kishida and Meloni discussed their three-way joint project to develop a next-generation fighter jet with Britain as they face increasingly severe security challenges, such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Late last year, the defense ministers of Japan, Italy, and Britain agreed to set up a coordinating body to proceed with the project, a key step in putting their plan into practice. The G7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union. Related coverage: Biden to host Japan PM Kishida in Washington on April 10 Japan, Britain, Italy agree to set up fighter jet plan liaison body Japan to host online G7 summit later Dec. 6, Zelenskyy to join The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced the Ajit Pawar faction as the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) while asking the partys founder Sharad Pawar to look for a new name for his outfit ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls in Maharashtra. The ECI said that the constitution of the apex representative bodies of NCP the Working Committee and the National Committee were shrouded with doubt in view of the disputed organisational elections held in 2022. In the absence of any coherent and substantial document brought on record which would have shown that these bodies were constituted as per the Party Constitution and thus undisputed, the Commission proceeded to determine the present dispute case on the basis of test of majority in the legislative wing, it said. The commission examined the affidavits of support filed by both factions and concluded that the group led by Ajit Pawar also the nephew of party patriarch Sharad Pawar enjoyed majority support among the legislators. In view of the aforesaid findings, this Commission holds that the faction led by the Petitioner, Ajit Anantrao Pawar, is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol clock for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, it said. In a 141-page order, the poll body said that it is providing a one-time option to Sharad Pawar to claim a new name for his new political formation and provide three preferences for the Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra. The applications for the same must be received in the Commission latest by 4 pm February 7, failing which, the MLAs claiming allegiance to the Sharad Pawar faction will be treated as independent for the purpose of Rule 39AA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, the order said. It was in July 2023 that rebel Ajit Pawar took the party battle to the ECI when he filed a petition. In September, the poll body registered that there were two divisions in the Maharashtra-based party, and personal hearings started in October. The numbers As per the ECI order, Ajit Pawar had the support of 41 MLAs from Maharashtra, seven from Nagaland, one from Jharkhand, as well as two MPs from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha. He also enjoyed the support of one MLC from Maharashtra. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar had the support of 15 MLAs from Maharashtra and two from Kerala. He also got support from four Lok Sabha and three Rajya Sabha MPs along with four MLCs from Maharashtra. Birth of NCP The party was formed by Sharad Pawar in 1999 after his exit from the Congress. His political career dates back to the late 1950s when he joined the Congress. In 1999, he was expelled from the party after Sonia Gandhi became its president and he raised the issue of her foreign origin. The NCP became a national party in 2000. However, in April 2023, it lost this status. In May 2023, Sharad Pawar stepped down from the party presidency. Days later he reversed his decision and withdrew his resignation. Things started going downhill after that. After Janata Dal United (JDU) Chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is Uddhav Thackeray also tilting towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? This question has arisen in the minds of citizens and party workers after his recent statements in Konkans Sawantwadi. ALSO READ | Businesses from Maharashtra Being Snatched to Strengthen Gujarat: Uddhav Thackeray Thackeray, while addressing PM Modi, said: Even today, we are not your enemy." Kumars exit was a big blow to the Opposition alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The discussion in the political corridors of Delhi is that a few other alliance partners may also take the same stand just before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing seat-sharing or leadership issue. Given the scenario, in Maharashtra, all are banking on Thackeray, who is the only leader from the state taking an aggressive stand against PM Narendra Modi and the BJP. According to Maharashtras political circles, the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are depending on the sympathy wave for Uddhav Thackeray. THE STATEMENTS This statement has given rise to speculation over whether he is again tilting towards the BJP. At the same rally in Malvan, Thackeray said, We were with you (BJP) Shiv Sena (UBT) was with you. We campaigned for Yuti (Mahayuti), Vinayak Raut (from Shiv Sena UBT) and all (got) elected that time (2019 Lok Sabha polls) and only because of that you became Prime Minister. But later you distanced us from yourself." Although these statements look aggressive and one may say that Thackeray is still attacking the BJP and PM Modi, a few in the state think that Thackeray may be giving hints to the BJP leadership as there is no unity in the INDIA alliance and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the Congress is not ready to compromise on seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha elections. ALSO READ | Why Did EC Waste Our Time & Money? Uddhav Shows Video Proofs Against Narwekars Verdict NUMBERSPEAK In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, of the total 48 seats, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) won 5, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 41, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) alliance won one seat. The party-wise share was the BJP at 23, Shiv Sena 18, NCP 4, Congress 4, AIMIM 1 and Independent 1. The state saw assembly elections the same year, in which the BJP won 105 seats, Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44. The Sena then allied with the NCP and Congress to form the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). However, now the Sena and NCP have split, with the factions joining the BJP to form the state government. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction has 13 MPs and 40 MLAs with it, while the rest are in the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction. In case of the NCP, the Ajit Pawar faction has the support of 1 MP and 41 MLAs. THE PARTY & POTSHOTS Shiv Sena MP from South Mumbai Arvind Sawant dismissed the narrative. We have to understand that what Uddhavji said is true. We never distanced ourselves from them. We have to remember two statements regarding our past alliance with the BJP. Uddhavji had said, We wasted our 25 years in the alliance with BJP." And BJP chief JP Nadda had said, There will be only one party in the nation." So in such a scenario, whatever assumption the media is trying to build is incorrect. Uddhavji has neither softened his stand nor does he want an alliance with the BJP again." Thackeray, in his speech, also took potshots at PM Modi. PM Modi didnt come to Konkan during natural calamities which happened in the recent past. The Centre gave no help to Konkan." He further criticised PM Modi who visited Malvan Fort last year in a submarine project went to Gujarat from Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. He has been frequently visiting Maharashtra. I fear, whenever he comes, he will take something from that place to Gujarat." Although Thackeray had made a few statements that may sound like he has softened his stand towards PM Modi, Shiv Sena (UBT) is confident that there will be no alliance with the BJP in the current scenario. ALSO READ | Let People Take Call On Who To Bury: Uddhav Dares Eknath Shinde, Narwekar To Meet In Front Of Public Many Shiv Sena UBT leaders who dont wish to come on record said the BJP broke the Shiv Sena, personal allegations were levelled against Thackeray, and even his son Aaditya is being harassed by making false allegations against him. Still, Thackeray has not kneeled in front of the Central government. During the Covid-19 situation, Thackeray took care of the Maharashtra as the head of the family, when no great help was received from the Centre. So it is not possible for a person who is vocal against the BJP, to join them. As they say, it is difficult to predict anything in politics, especially after Kumars exit proved that one plus one is not always two. Shopping is the latest avenue where artificial intelligence (AI) is ready to make its presence felt and Amazon is bringing the feature for its customers. In fact, you now have an AI chatbot called Rufus that can help buyers pick the right product for their needs and budget. Amazon claims Rufus will improve the shopping experience and we expect nothing less from an AI chatbot that seemingly has access to Amazons shopping content. Amazon has also trained the AI chatbot on its product catalogue, customer reviews and more details available on the internet. The company is going slow with its availability and in beta version. People in the US using the mobile app try out the AI chatbot and in the coming months Amazon will increase its reach to other countries. Amazon AI Chatbot For Shopping: What Is It Amazon has developed a large language model (LLM) which has played a big part in the origin of Rufus. Like we said, the company has used its existing content, including customer reviews to train Rufus which should make it good enough to help you with issues and details on any product available on the platform. AI has advanced beyond a regular chatbot but Amazons integration of Rufus feels dated as you dont get a dedicated tab/button to activate the chatbot, let alone command it to open using voice control. Being available on the mobile app should have made it possible but it seems Amazon wants to be careful with how its AI model operates. Amazon Rufus AI Chatbot: How It Works Amazon says its customers can summon Rufus to ask questions like, Which headphone to buy and the factors to consider. The AI touch from the company means the details shared by Rufus will sound like a conversation. The chatbot will then use its trained knowledge to give you in-depth details about the product and which one would be ideal for the buyer. They can even get a comparison done if you have two options and find it hard to choose. These queries can be made in text or audio format but Rufus is only capable of responding in text form as of now. You can enable Rufus by typing in the search tab and dismiss the AI chatbot by tapping anywhere on the screen. It goes without saying that AI has a big potential in the e-commerce segment and Amazon will be hoping to bank on the popularity of the tech to get more people to sign up for Rufus and eventually give it a wider availability. An incredible tale of fate unfolded as a message in a bottle, initially part of a classroom assignment over 30 years ago, played a pivotal role in bringing solace to a grieving family. Last Thursday, Adam Travis, intending to tidy up his duck blinds along the Southampton coast, stumbled upon an old bottle that had eluded his notice multiple times. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a piece of paper enclosed within. Unable to remove the paper due to the bottles small opening, he took it home to investigate further. Adam attempted to extract the paper with tweezers, but it began tearing. As a last resort, he crushed the bottle over a cardboard box, revealing a surprisingly well-preserved postcard. The postcard, written in pencil and dated October 1992, turned out to be part of an earth science project from Mattituck High School. The assignment, orchestrated by teacher Richard E Brooks, involved students sending messages in bottles to study ocean currents. The message inside read, Dear Finder, As part of an earth science project for 9th grade, this bottle was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean near Long Island. Please fill in the information below and return the bottle 2 us. Merci, Gracias, Danke, Thank you, Sean and Ben. The letter was sent by students Shawn McGill and Ben Doroski, who had travelled the ocean for three decades before reaching the Southampton coast. After sharing his discovery on social media, Adam Travis embarked on a quest to find the original students and eventually located the Mattituck High School Alumni page. The story gained immense attention and it was on this platform that the family of Mr. Brooks connected with Travis. Richard Brooks, a beloved teacher who had passed away in September, was the mastermind behind the project. Upon sharing the letter on the schools Facebook group, former students of Brooks enthusiastically responded. John Brooks, a former soldier and son of Brooks, expressed that his father was a phenomenal teacher and destiny led him to become one as well. Through Facebook, Travis connected with the Brooks family. He plans to personally return the letter to them. This heartwarming discovery not only reunited a long-lost message with its senders but also provided the Brooks family with a poignant connection to their late father and teacher. The persistence of complaints regarding the quality of food on Indian trains continues to resonate across social media platforms with disgruntled passengers airing their grievances about the subpar quality and questionable hygiene of the meals provided. In a recent incident, a passenger from Madhya Pradesh, travelling from Rani Kamlapati (RKMP) to Jabalpur Junction (JBP) on February 1, 2024, encountered a shocking discovery when he found a dead cockroach in the meal served aboard the Rewa Vande Bharat Express (20173). Turning to X to voice his complaint, @iamdrkeshari shared images revealing the presence of the cockroach within the non-vegetarian thali that was part of his booked meal. Labelling the experience as nothing short of traumatic, the OP supplemented his post with an image of the complaint form he promptly filled out at Jabalpur station, detailing the contaminated food and providing pertinent personal information. Check it Here: The post didnt go unnoticed by the powers that be, as the IRCTC extended a formal apology to the aggrieved passenger via its official handle. Acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, they stated, Sir, our sincere apology for the experience you had. The matter is viewed seriously, and the hefty penalty has been imposed on the concerned service provider. Moreover, monitoring has been strengthened at the source. Sir, our sincere apology for the experience you had.The matter is viewed seriously, and the hefty penalty has been imposed on the concerned service provider. Moreover, monitoring has been strengthened at the source. IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) February 3, 2024 Meanwhile, the comment section saw a mix of reactions, with some users finding humour in the situation due to the commonplace nature of such occurrences on Indian trains, leading them to be less alarmed and more amused by the lack of change. Thats so traumatic. Imagine the pain the cockroach must have gone through, remarked one user. Another quipped, It was a Chicken recipe with a pinch of Cockroach, while a third joked, Dont worry, they wont charge you for extras. Also Read: Vande Bharat Passenger Upset Over Now vs Then Quality of Food, IRCTC Responds to Viral Tweet Since its circulation, the postcomplete with tags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and various other pertinent railway handleshas garnered over 34K views on the platform. Russia and China accused the United States during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday of stoking already high tensions in the Middle East with its recent retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. The US military struck dozens of targets in Syria and Iraq overnight on Friday into Saturday, in retaliation for a January 28 drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three US soldiers. The strikes, which targeted elite Iranian units and pro-Iranian militant groups, have led to fears that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza could spiral into a regional conflict. Its clear that American airstrikes are specifically, deliberately aimed to stoke the conflict, said Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzia, whose country had called for the emergency meeting. Chinas ambassador Jun Zhang similarly claimed that the US actions will certainly exacerbate the vicious cycle of tit-for-tat violence in the Middle East. Anger over Israels devastating campaign in Gaza which began after an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. A UN official called for all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict. I appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security, said Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs. The American strikes have drawn criticism from the governments of Iraq and Syria, and also from Iran, which denies any role in last months drone attack. Any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its armed forces is misleading, baseless and unacceptable, Iranian ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Council on Monday. He pledged that if Iran faces any threat, attack or aggression affecting its security, it would not hesitate to exercise its inherent rights to respond firmly. The White House said Sunday it plans more retaliatory action. Let me be clear, United States does not desire more conflict in a region when we are actively working to contain and deescalate the conflict in Gaza, said deputy ambassador Robert Wood. He added: We are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran, but we will continue to defend our personnel against unacceptable attacks. Period. Former US president Donald Trump denounced an appeals court ruling on Tuesday that he is not immune from prosecution, calling it nation-destroying. A President of the United States must have Full Immunity in order to properly function and do what has to be done for the good of our Country, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. A Nation-destroying ruling like this cannot be allowed to stand. Donald Trump has no immunity from prosecution as a former president and can be tried on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said Trumps claim that he is immune from criminal liability for actions he took while in the White House is unsupported by precedent, history or the text and structure of the Constitution. The ruling is a major legal setback for Trump, 77, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and he is expected to appeal it to the full DC appeals court and potentially the US Supreme Court. A spokesman for Trump said the former president would appeal. Trump had been scheduled to go on trial on March 4 on charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election won by Democrat Joe Biden but the district judge overseeing the case was forced to postpone the start of the trial pending a ruling on the immunity issue by the appeals court. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is to preside over Trumps election interference trial, rejected Trumps immunity claim in December and the three judges who heard his appeal last month were also unconvinced by his arguments. For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant, the judges said in a unanimous ruling. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution, they said. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the election conspiracy case against Trump, had been trying to keep the March start date for Trumps trial on track while lawyers for the former president have sought repeatedly to delay it until after the November presidential election. A British-owned cargo ship was damaged in a drone attack off rebel-held Yemen, a maritime security firm said on Tuesday, the latest in dozens of incidents in the Red Sea. The Barbados-flagged ship reportedly incurred minor damage on the port side in an attack west of Hodeida, British firm Ambrey said, adding that there were no injuries. The ship speeded up and performed evasive manoeuvres before continuing south toward the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the firm said. Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control much of the war-torn country, have been harassing Red Sea shipping for months in protest against the Israel-Hamas war. Their attacks have triggered reprisals by American and British forces, including a wave of air strikes that hit dozens of targets late on Saturday. Indian tourists will no longer require a visa to enter Iran. The Iranian government has abolished visa requirements for Indians visiting the country for short durations. In a decision made applicable from February 4, Indians with ordinary passports will be allowed into Iran without a visa once every six months, with a maximum stay of 15 days. The new rule will apply to Indians entering Iran for tourism purposes only. Commenting on the visa-easing regulation for Indians, the Iranian ambassador in Delhi, Iraj Elahi said, In order to facilitate the relations between the two nations, as well as to deepen and expand the economic relations between the two countries, the Iranian government has decided to cancel visas for Indian passport holders. This action can strengthen the relations between New Delhi and Tehran. The Iranian ambassador, however, also hoped that the Indian government would reciprocate in easing the visa norms for Iranians coming to India. We hope that the Indian government will consider appropriate initiatives for Iranian citizens so that Iranian businessmen can travel to India more easily, Elahi said. Former Diplomat, Sanjay Bhattacharya said that India-Iran ties are friendly and rooted in history. Many have family connections and close cultural bonds. Indias economic growth and outbound tourism potential have encouraged several countries to relax visa requirements for Indian tourists and this trend is likely to grow further. Iran has lifted Visa requirements to boost tourist inflows, from countries with high potential; and support the economy, Bhattacharya stated. Moreover, Iran is now a permanent member of BRICS. It will promote people-to-people exchanges and have a positive impact on other aspects of cooperation, including trade, economic cooperation and connectivity, Bhattacharya added. In recent years, Indians have emerged as big spenders in foreign tourism. Dr Subhash Goyal, Chairman, the Aviation & Tourism Committee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, noted that Indians are among the number one spenders in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Dubai, Switzerland, and the UK. Iran has realised the spending power and importance of Indian tourists and the visa-free policy for Indians in Iran is going to suddenly increase tourism to Iran and they will benefit in many ways because of the close proximity to India, Dr Goyal said. Data released by the Iranian government suggested a notable growth in travel from India to Iran, with 31,000 visitors in the first six months of 2023, experiencing a 25% growth compared to the same period last year. Overall, tourism in Iran experienced a growth of 48.5% in the first eight months of 2023. Indian pilgrims visit the Shia pilgrimage circuit in Iran (Qom, Mashhad, Hamedan) and Iraq (Najaf and Karbala) every year. In 2020, more than 1100 Indian pilgrims visited Iran including more than 900 pilgrims from Ladakh and over 100 from Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian community in Iran comprises around 5000 Indian nationals including around 80-100 families in Tehran and 15 families in Zahedan. There are around 3000 Indian nationals in Qom, Mashhad and Esfahan consisting of students and their family members. A substantial number of Indian fishermen, seafarers, workers, university students and professionals also reside in Iran. Annually, more than 20,000 Iranian tourists visit India, with Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, Mumbai-Pune-Goa and Hyderabad being the most preferred destinations. A large number of Iranian students pursue higher studies in medicine, pharma, engineering, humanities and other courses in India. The Iranian government has been keen on abolishing visa requirements for passport holders from 68 countries aiming to encourage overseas travellers. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said Monday that Israeli settler violence must stop against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under no circumstances can there be forced displacement of Palestinians, neither out of Gaza nor out of the West Bank, Sejourne said during a Middle East tour aimed at securing a truce between Israel and militant group Hamas in Gaza. The French minister denounced anti-Palestinian rhetoric and even calls to commit war crimes by Israeli officials, after some Netanyahu allies have appeared to endorse Jewish re-settlement of the Gaza Strip after the war. Sejourne called for supporting the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority of president Mahmud Abbas. The future of the Gaza Strip is inseparable from the future of the West Bank, we must prepare for this future by supporting the Palestinian Authority, Sejourne said. It must renew itself and redeploy as soon as possible in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas seized power in 2007, he added. I repeat: Gaza is Palestinian land, the top French diplomat said on his first tour of the region since taking office in January. The Palestinian militant group Hamas in 2007 ousted Gaza forces loyal to the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited autonomy in parts of the West Bank. Israel in 2005 withdrew troops and settlers from Gaza, but in the West Bank there are around 490,000 Israelis living among approximately three million Palestinians in settlements that are considered illegal under international law. Since the October 7 attack triggered war between Israel and Hamas, at least 381 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah. Israeli rights group Yesh Din dubbed 2023 the most violent year on record for settler attacks. Sejourne called for a comprehensive political solution, with two states living in peace side by side, urging the resumption of the peace process without delay. Israel and the Palestinians have not held substantive peace talks in more than a decade. Without a political solution, there will be no just and lasting peace in the Middle East, Sejourne said. Later on Monday, Sejourne met his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki as well as Abbas in Ramallah. I reiterated the (French) demand of a durable ceasefire (in Gaza) for humanitarian reasons, Sejourne said after the meetings, adding that the questions of the hostages still held in Gaza, among them three French nationals, remained a priority for diplomatic action by France. KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 19:20 | All, Japan Japan's education minister, who is also responsible for religious issues, admitted Tuesday to having received a recommendation letter from an affiliated group of the controversial Unification Church for an election campaign. A major newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported earlier in the day that Masahito Moriyama participated in an event hosted by the Federation for World Peace and accepted a recommendation letter ahead of a general election in October 2021. Opposition parties intensified their offensive against Moriyama, saying that if the report is true, he should step down as his purview includes oversight of the Unification Church, which fanned controversy through a scheme involving "spiritual sales" in the 1980s. At a parliamentary session, Moriyama said, "If there happen to be photos, I think I must have received the recommendation letter" as the daily Asahi Shimbun published photographs. But he said he has no intention of resigning, citing no recollection of the event. Moriyama added that he did not seek support from the affiliated group of the Unification Church, which has been criticized over its aggressive fundraising tactics and cozy ties with ruling party lawmakers, for the House of Representatives election. While Moriyama, who assumed his current post in September 2023, said his office has no record of his attendance at the event, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called at the session on the Cabinet member to "continue to perform his duties." Katsuya Okada, secretary general of the leading opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said if Moriyama is "really connected to the religious organization, he lacks credibility" and Kishida "should consider replacing him." Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, said, "This is an issue that has attracted the attention of the whole country and caused a stir. If he cannot provide a sufficient explanation, he should step down." In October 2022, Daishiro Yamagiwa, who served as economic minister under the Kishida administration, was forced out of the Cabinet after a flurry of revelations of his relations with the Unification Church emerged. The Unification Church has been under scrutiny in Japan since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot in July 2022 by Tetsuya Yamagami, whose mother made massive donations to the group that were ruinous for his family. Yamagami was quoted by investigative sources as saying that he targeted Abe as the politician's grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, helped establish the religious corporation in Japan in the 1960s. In the wake of Abe's assassination, connections between many lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, headed by Kishida, and the Unification Church have been revealed, raising concerns about the religious organization's influence in the political arena. Amid growing criticism of the group, Kishida's government filed a request with a court in October for an order to dissolve the Unification Church, which could deprive the religious corporation of its tax benefits. Related coverage: Law enacted to monitor asset shielding by religious corporations Unification Church to allocate up to 10 billion yen for compensation Unification Church to meet press Nov. 7 over donations complaints Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a speedy return to wellness to King Charles III on Tuesday after the latters cancer diagnosis. In a post on social media site X, PM Modi wished the UK monarch a speedy recovery. I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III, PM Modi said in a post on social media site X. I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III. https://t.co/86mKg9lE1q Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2024 PM Modi joined world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden and others in wishing the UK royal a quick recovery from cancer. During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual, the Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. Buckingham Palace did not elaborate on what kind of cancer the UK royal was suffering from but said that the UK king shared his cancer diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Earlier on Monday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron wished the UK royal a quick and speedy recovery from the illness. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also sent messages of support and said he and his wife are wishing Charles a quick and speedy recovery. Sara and I send our heartfelt well wishes to King Charles III and our prayers for his good health, Netanyahu said. Prince Harry on Tuesday arrived here from the USA to be at King Charles side after his father told him about his cancer diagnosis, raising hopes of a royal truce. The Duke of Sussex flew by a British Airways flight to London Heathrow alone leaving wife Meghan and children Archie and Lilibet at home in California. Harry boarded the 11-hour flight hours soon after Charles, 75, revealed he was ill, media reports said. Charles is believed to be resting at Clarence House ahead of treatment, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi seen leaving after a visit in the morning. It is not known if Harry will stay in central London to be close to the King or stay at Windsor, most likely at the empty Frogmore Cottage. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that the King has begun outpatient treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. It was found during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate but is not connected to that condition, the palace said. Harrys transatlantic dash has raised hopes that his return to Britain can heal wounds with King Charles and a chance to reach out to his brother Prince William, the BBC reported. It will be seen as building bridges but that was already in process, with the prince calling his father for his 75th birthday in the autumn. The tension always seemed to be more with his brother and the tabloid press, rather than his father, it said in an analytical piece. The Duchess of Sussex is believed to be at their Montecito mansion with children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, despite the threat of floods due to extreme weather in California this week. Prince Harry will return to the UK to meet his father UKs king Charles after the latter was diagnosed with cancer. Buckingham Palace released a statement on Monday announcing that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer but did not specify what kind of cancer the monarch was suffering from. During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer, the Buckingham Palace said. Messages of support and strength poured in from all over the world after the news of the monarchs cancer diagnosis broke. World leaders sent messages to Charles and prayed for his speedy recovery. People familiar with the developments told news agency Reuters that Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days. A Reuters report pointed out that this could be the first sign of a sort of rapprochement between Harry and the King following a very public family fallout with his Netflix documentary and his memoir and other TV interviews. Prince Harry has been very critical of the royal family. The health of his father trumps any kind of falling out they may have had over other matters, the Reuters report said. Before Charless cancer diagnosis, the ongoing fallout between Harry and Charles and his brother William and the rest of his family was the biggest shadow over the UK royals. We do know that King Charles personally informed both of his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about the cancer diagnosis. And we also know at this point that Prince Harry is planning to go to the UK obviously, he lives in California at this point but hes planning to go to the UK in the coming days to visit his father, which is a sign of how serious this is, but its also hopefully a sign that they can put things aside and really focus on whats important and maybe mend some bonds, Stephanie Petit, royals editor of the People Magazine, was quoted as saying by the news agency. Ahead of the grand opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, has arrived in the UAE. He was welcomed by UAE President HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) Al Nahyan and Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. ALSO READ | Preparations in Full Swing Ahead Of PM Modis Mid-Feb UAE Visit On February 14, PM Modi, along with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, will inaugurate the grand BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, a landmark temple spread over 27 acres. On January 29, India invited ambassadors of 42 countries for a tour of the temple and the Indian ambassador in UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, hosted the diplomatic corps from across the globe for the special tour. The envoys were awed by the temples unique architecture, intricate motifs and its message of unity, peace and harmony, the Indian embassy later said in a statement. The temple, adorned with intricate hand-carved stone sculptures, is expected to draw crowds. #WATCH | UAE: Drone visuals of the construction work of BAPS Hindu temple that is underway in Abu Dhabi"PM Narendra Modi accepted the invitation to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2024", said BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi yesterday pic.twitter.com/xDEF1abdwu ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2023 DECISION TO ALLOT LAND TAKEN in 2015 The visit by Modi will further signify the close ties between India and the UAE. This will be Modis seventh visit to UAE as the prime minister. Last December, he went to Dubai for a day to attend the COP28 Summit. In January, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was in India as chief guest for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and the two leaders also held a road show in Ahmedabad. PM Modi, in 2015, became the first Indian prime minister to visit UAE after Indira Gandhi in the 1980s. The President of UAE has visited India four times in Modis tenure so far. During PM Modis first visit to the UAE in 2015, the UAE decided to allot land for building a temple in Abu Dhabi. The PMs visit was crucial diplomatically as he became the first Indian Prime Minister after Indira Gandhi to visit this strategic Gulf nation in 34 years. ALL ABOUT BAPS BAPS stands for the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The organisation is named after Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a religious leader who lived in the late 1700s. It is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the vedas and was pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951), according to the BAPS website. ALSO READ | BAPS Hindu Temple: All About Abu Dhabis First Temple to be Inaugurated by PM Modi The BAPS runs over 3,850 centres across the world and 1,100 temples. KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 09:28 | All, World Britain's King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and will refrain from public duties, Buckingham Palace said Monday, without revealing the type and stage of the disease. "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," the Royal Household said in a statement. It made the announcement after the 75-year-old king underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate at a hospital in late January. The king has chosen to share his diagnosis "to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," the statement said. He will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual, it added. Charles became king after his mother Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022. Related coverage: Japan's crown prince, princess arrive in Vietnam Japan's crown prince, princess to officially visit Vietnam in September Japan crown prince says review of official royal duties required Two women were killed "in the same manner," on the same road, within days of each other in Indianapolis, police announced Friday. On the morning of January 27, Shannon Lassere, 58, was found dead in a dentist office's parking lot in the 2200 block of N. Mitthoeffer Road; her family says she'd been fatally stabbed. On the morning of February 1, Marianne Weis, 52, was found dead behind a strip mall in the 2100 block of the same street, Fox 59 reports. Police have so far only revealed that her body had signs of "trauma." The women, both of whom lived in or were linked to the city's east side, were found about 150 yards apart from one another, CBS 4 Indy reports. Even so, police say so far no evidence directly connects them, CBS News reports. Former President Trump has refused to debate Nikki Haley or any of his other, now-vanquished, rivals in the GOP race, but it's a different story when it comes to President Biden. Trump said on Dan Bongino's radio show Monday that he wants to debate the president "immediately," NBC News reports. "I'd like to debate him now because we should debate. We should debate for the good of the country," said Trump, who told another conservative radio host, Hugh Hewitt, in December that he would be up for 10 or 20 debates with Biden, even if they were organized by the "terrible" and "totally corrupt" Commission on Presidential Debates. When Biden was asked about Trump's remarks by reporters in Las Vegas, he quipped: "If I were him, I would want to debate me, too. He's got nothing to do." Biden and Trump debated twice in 2020. The third debate was called off after Trump tested positive for COVID. Haley's campaign said Trump is "too chicken" to debate her, report Reuters. "Now it's time for Trump to man up and agree to debate Nikki Haley. Nikki is ready to put her conservative record and vision for a strong and proud America up against Trump's campaign of chaos and vendettas," campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said. Trump also discussed what he called the "very bad" border bill with Bongino and slammed Republican Sen. James Lankford for his role in brokering it, the Hill reports. Trump, who gave Lankford his "Complete and Total Endorsement in 2022," per CNN, denied that he had endorsed Lankford and suggested the Oklahoma senator could face a primary challenge. "I won in Oklahoma," Trump said. "I know those people. They're great people. They're not going to be happy about this. Nobody's going to be happy about this, but the people in Oklahoma are, these are serious MAGA, these are serious people." (More Election 2024 stories.) Protests shut down major cities in Haiti on Monday as demonstrators clashed with police and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Banks, schools, and government agencies closed in Haiti's northern and southern regions while protesters blocked main routes with blazing tires and paralyzed public transportation, according to local media reports. In Hinche, a city in Haiti's central region, protesters celebrated the arrival of heavily armed state environmental agents and their commander, Joseph Jean Baptiste, who demanded that Henry resign, the AP reports. "I want Ariel to stand in front of my bullets, so they go through him," the commander said as someone filmed him while the crowd cheered. "We're the ones who have the support of the population," he said. The agents, who belong to the Security Brigade for Protected Areas, have come under government scrutiny following recent clashes with police in northern Haiti. Smaller demonstrations took place in the capital of Port-au-Prince, where dozens of protesters gathered in front of Henry's office before police fired tear gas, dispersing the crowd. Among the protesters was presidential candidate and former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who was seen in a video wiping his face as supporters yelled, "We are not stopping!" At least three days of protests culminating on Wednesday are expected across Haiti, with Feb. 7 considered the supposed deadline for Henry to resign. The date is significant in Haiti, per the AP: Feb. 7, 1986, marked the day that former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier fled for France, and Feb. 7, 1991, marked the day that Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti's first democratically elected president, was sworn in. (More Haiti stories.) KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 09:04 | All, World, Japan The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opened a regional office in Tokyo on Monday, aiming to enhance cooperation with Japan and other Asian countries to better handle possible future pandemics following COVID-19. Mandy Cohen, chief of the U.S. public health agency, and Japanese health minister Keizo Takemi attended the opening ceremony of the CDC East Asia and Pacific regional office held at the official residence of U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. The CDC has previously opened regional offices in countries including Brazil, Oman and Vietnam. U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned a plan to launch a CDC regional office in Japan when he visited the country in May 2022. "International collaboration, transparency, and science, especially among partner countries like Japan, are key," Emanuel said in a statement, noting the opening of the new office in Tokyo "brings together American, Japanese, and regional expertise to track, respond to and defeat diseases." Related coverage: Heart stimulants saw biggest 2023 Japan sales rise on tourist demand Bedbug consultations surge in Tokyo, Osaka as pests see resurgence Japan's flu cases surge to warning level at fastest pace in 10 years People reports that Prince Harry will return to the UK within the next few days as his father, King Charles, is undergoing treatment for cancer. Charles is understood to have personally informed both Harry and his brother, Prince William, of his diagnosis, as well as his three siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Since stepping back from roles as working members of the royal family in 2020, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have lived in California with their two children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2. He has been back several times, however, including for the funerals of his grandfather and grandmother and his father's coronation. More coverage related to the king's cancer diagnosis: What does it mean for the rest of the royals? Per the BBC, William "will now be expected to play a bigger role in terms of public appearances and covering for official duties," but he is likely under quite a bit of stress considering not only his father's diagnosis but his wife's unspecified health ailment. (Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, also revealed a recent cancer diagnosis.) Queen Camilla, the outlet notes, is "now center stage, carrying out a series of solo engagements last week, as a senior member of a shrinking group of working royals." The next round of voting in the 2024 primaries takes place in Nevada this week. But it's a strange stew of primaries and caucuses, even if the big-picture outcome is not in doubt: Meaningless primary: The state is holding a GOP primary Tuesday, but it will not count for the nomination in terms of delegates, reports the AP. Nikki Haley is running, but Donald Trump is not on the ballot. The state is holding a GOP primary Tuesday, but it will not count for the nomination in terms of delegates, reports the AP. Nikki Haley is running, but Donald Trump is not on the ballot. Meaningful caucus: The state also is holding Republican caucuses on Thursday, and those will count. Trump is the only major candidate participating, and he is therefore expected to receive all 26 of the state's GOP delegates. The state also is holding Republican caucuses on Thursday, and those will count. Trump is the only major candidate participating, and he is therefore expected to receive all 26 of the state's GOP delegates. The loophole at play: If the above two things sound confusing, the Washington Post explains: A new state law requires a primary when more than one candidate is running, but there's a loophole: "There has to be a primary, but the law doesn't say how the party allocates their delegates," UNLV professor Rebeca Gill tells the Post. The state GOP, under heavy lobbying by the Trump campaign, exploited the loophole to stage the caucuses as well. And yes, many voters are bewildered, as NPR reports. With an unprecedented vote, lawmakers will decide Tuesday evening whether Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas becomes the first Cabinet member impeached by the House in nearly 150 years. The House will vote on two articles of impeachment advanced by the Republican-controlled House Homeland Security Committee. Here's what to know: The charges: Republicans say that in failing to prevent illegal entries, Mayorkas willfully violated immigration laws requiring him to maintain "operational control" of the border. He's accused of allowing migrants to roam free, breaching the public trust by misrepresenting the state of the border, and of evading congressional efforts to investigate him. Republicans say that in failing to prevent illegal entries, Mayorkas willfully violated immigration laws requiring him to maintain "operational control" of the border. He's accused of allowing migrants to roam free, breaching the public trust by misrepresenting the state of the border, and of evading congressional efforts to investigate him. The defense: Democrats say Mayorkas has the right to set immigration policies, including to allow certain migrants into the country temporarily. They also say Mayorkas has been forthcoming, producing tens of thousands of pages of documents for the Homeland Security Committee and offering to testify before the panel in person. A Haitian prosecutor has accused former President Jovenel Moise's widow, who was seriously injured during her husband's 2021 assassination , of involvement in the killing. In a criminal complaint, Port-au-Prince public prosecutor Edler Guillaume recommends charges against 70 people, including former First Lady Martine Moise, reports the New York Times . The complaint doesn't accuse her of any planning but suggests she was complicit. It says a key suspect in custody in Haiti claimed the first lady wanted to take over her husband's role. Her Florida-based lawyer, Paul Turner, has denied "that she is or could ever be a suspect in the case," instead calling her "a victim, just like ... her husband." There's no evidence to suggest the US Department of Justice, which is separately investigating the case, believes Martine Moise was involved. Named in an October arrest warrant out of Haiti and now in hiding, she's expected to testify at the trial of six defendants in South Florida later this year. Though it's ultimately up to the investigating judge, not the prosecutor, to press charges, some onlookers believe the new complaint shows Haiti's judicial system is being weaponized to distract from senior government officials' own ties to the assassination. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was appointed days before Moise's murder and went on to seize power, spoke "to a key conspirator by phone shortly before and after the killing," the Times reports. "The fact that this government is running the investigation is bad enough," Dan Foote, a former US special envoy to Haiti, tells the outlet. "It's not even close to independent." Henry fired another Port-au-Prince prosecutor who accused him of complicity in 2021. Despite the new report, protesters took to the streets in major cities across the country Monday to demand Henry's resignation, per the AP. In the city of Hinche, a crowd cheered as the commander of the Security Brigade for Protected Areas, a group of heavily armed state environmental agents, said, "I want Ariel to stand in front of my bullets, so they go through him." The government is trying to crack down on the splinter group, whose members have exchanged fire with police, per the AP. (More Jovenel Moise stories.) Six years after Scotland brought in the first minimum alcohol price measure in the UK to curb heavy drinking, the government is planning to hike the price per unit from 50 pence to 65 pence, around 82 cents. Researchers say the measure has been effective over the years but inflation has started to soften its impact and 50 pence in 2018 is the equivalent of around 41 pence today, the BBC reports. According to the NHS , a small shot of spirits is one unit, and a pint of strong beer is around three units. Under the planned change, the minimum cost of a standard bottle of whisky would rise from around $17.60 to just over $23. Alcohol-related deaths in Scotland have surged 25% over the last three years, while the number of people using alcohol treatment services has fallen 40% over the last 10 years, the Guardian reports. Health campaigners have been pushing for the minimum price to go up, while alcohol industry groups are calling for the system to be scrapped, saying it is ineffective and unfair to responsible drinkers. But the industry hasn't done badly out of it: Researchers estimate that retailers make almost $40 million a year in excess profits from minimum pricing. In a report last year, the World Health Organization praised Scotland's policy, saying there is a "direct connection between the affordability of alcohol, how much alcohol is consumed, and the harm it causes to individuals, families, and society." The WHO said the system helped to prevent deaths and hospitalizations by raising the prices of "the cheapest, strongest products, which heavier drinkers tend to purchase." (More Scotland stories.) A woman with a lengthy criminal history got into a truck with a man who'd picked her up for a "date" near downtown Anchorage, Alaska. When he left her alone in the vehicle, the AP reports that she stole a digital memory card from the console. Now, more than four years later, what she found on that card is key to a double-murder trial set to begin this week: gruesome photos and videos of a woman being beaten and strangled at a Marriott hotel, her attacker speaking in a strong accent as he urged her to die, her blanket-covered body being snuck outside on a luggage cart. "In my movies, everybody always dies," the voice says on one video. "What are my followers going to think of me? People need to know when they are being serial-killed." A week after she took the SD card, the woman turned it over to police, who said they recognized the voice as that of Brian Steven Smith, now 52, a South Africa native known to them. Smith has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges, including first- and second-degree murder, sexual assault, and tampering with evidence, in the deaths of Kathleen Henry, 30, and Veronica Abouchuk, who was 52 when her family reported her missing in February 2019. Both were Alaska Native women who'd experienced homelessness. Authorities say Henry was the victim whose death was recorded at a hotel in Anchorage. Smith was registered there from Sept. 2 to Sept. 4, 2019; the first images showing her body were time-stamped at about 1am on Sept. 4. The last images were taken early Sept. 6 and showed Henry's body in the back of a pickup. Location data showed that at the time the photo was taken, Smith's phone was in the same area where Henry's body was found weeks later. As detectives interrogated Smith about the Marriott case, he offered up more: He went on to ID another victimAbouchukand provide the location of her remains. "With no prompting, he tells the troopers ... 'I'm going to make you famous,'" DA Brittany Dunlop said in court last week. Smith attorney Timothy Ayer unsuccessfully sought to have the memory card's evidence excluded at trial, arguing that prosecutors wouldn't be able to show the provenance of the 39 photos and 12 videos, establish whether they were originals or dupes, or prove they'd been tampered with. A judge ruled against him. Several outlets, including the AP, have contested prosecutors' moves to close the court in an effort to prevent the gruesome images from being seen by the public. More here. (More murder trial stories.) A handful of super powerful tropical storms in the last decade and the prospect of more to come has a couple of experts proposing a new category of whopper hurricanes: Category 6. Studies have shown that the strongest tropical storms are getting more intense. Thus, the five-category Saffir-Simpson scale, developed more than 50 years ago, may not show the true power of the most muscular storms, two scientists suggest in a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They propose a sixth category for storms with winds that exceed 192mph. Currently, storms with winds of 157mph or higher are Category 5. The study's authors said that open-ended grouping doesn't warn people enough about the higher dangers from monstrous storms that flirt with 200mph or higher. Since 2013, five storms had winds of 192mph or higher that would have put them in the new category, per the AP: 2013's Typhoon Haiyan, which hit 195mph and killed more than 6,300 people in the Philippines. 2015's Hurricane Patricia, which hit 215mph before weakening and hitting Jalisco, Mexico. 2016's Typhoon Meranti, which reached 195mph before skirting the Philippines and Taiwan and making landfall in China. 2020's Typhoon Goni, which reached 195mph before killing dozens in the Philippines as a weaker storm. 2021's Typhoon Surigae, which also reached 195mph before weakening and skirting several parts of Asia and Russia. As the world warms, conditions grow more ripe for whopper storms, the study authors said. "Climate change is making the worst storms worse," said study lead author Michael Wehner of the Lawrence Berkley National Lab. If the world sticks with just five categories "as these storms get stronger and stronger it will more and more underestimate the potential risk," said study co-author Jim Kossin. But Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, said when warning people about storms his office tries "to steer the focus toward ... storm surge, wind, rainfall, tornadoes and rip currents. Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale already captures 'catastrophic damage' from wind so it's not clear there would be a need for another category even if the storms were to get stronger." (More hurricanes stories.) Toby Keith was "misunderstood," says Elaine Schock, longtime rep and friend of the country singer, who died Monday night after a long battle with stomach cancer. "He was brilliant, fun to be with, and we would have some robust discussions," Schock tells People . "Plus, he could write and sing his ass off." Schock was Keith's publicist for more than 20 years. "Toby was kind," she says. "I think he was misunderstood because he was painted a certain way but that was an incorrect portrait. He was so much more. He was certainly one of the most courageous men I knew." Fellow country musicians including Dolly Parton shared tributes to the 62-year-old Tuesday, the Tennessean reports. "It is always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music," Parton said in a post on X. "Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on." Keith "was big, brash, and never bowed down or slowed down for anyone. He relished being an outsider and doing things his way," Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said. "For three decades, he reflected the defiant strength of the country music audience." Keith was known for patriotic songs including the post-9/11 "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," but he remained "fiercely independent" and often described himself as a conservative Democrat, "confounding critics with seemingly contradictory statements expressing admiration, for example, for the ideologically divergent likes of Donald Trump and Barack Obama," the New York Times reports. He performed hundreds of shows for troops overseas, including some in Afghanistan and Iraq. "There's not one single thing political about supporting the troops," he told CNN in 2010. (More Toby Keith stories.) 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. KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 23:49 | All, Japan Over 140 people were taken to hospitals in Tokyo through Tuesday after many slipped and fell due to heavy snowfall in eastern Japan, the Tokyo Fire Department said. The injured were aged 4 to 92 and none were in a life-threatening condition, it said. In neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, more than 30 sustained injuries, while more than 70 were slightly hurt in Saitama Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency lifted its heavy snow warnings across nine prefectures, but snowfall and rain continued in some areas through the morning. Sections on East Japan Railway's Chuo Line and Ome Line that had been temporarily halted were back in operation by Tuesday. JR East said the disruptions, including a few other lines in the metropolitan area, had affected a total of more than 190,000 people. According to JR East, six express trains were stuck at stations for over 10 hours overnight, forcing over 1,600 passengers to spend the night onboard. One was taken to hospital after feeling unwell. All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines canceled around 30 domestic flights, mostly to or from Tokyo's Haneda airport. Many passengers in Tokyo's Shinjuku Station could be seen asking for refunds and changing to other train lines. "The train was already canceled when I arrived at the station. Business negotiations will have to be postponed to another day," said a 32-year-old woman who had planned to go to Kofu Station in Yamanashi Prefecture for work. Through Monday evening, Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture recorded the highest amount of snowfall at 11 centimeters, while central Tokyo and the city of Saitama saw 8 cm each, according to the weather agency. Related coverage: Heavy snowfall hits Tokyo area, traffic disrupted Sapporo Snow Festival opens with all COVID restrictions removed TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, yesterday inaugurated the AH1-Z Cobra, the newly introduced attack helicopters into the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) as part of the Bahrain Shield project. The inauguration, coinciding with the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the BDF, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. His Majesty the King was received at the venue of the event by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Commander-in-Chief of the BDF. His Majesty was accompanied by Lieutenant-General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander; and Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guards Special Force. HM the King was presented with a memento from HRH Prince Salman. The BDF Commander-in-Chief also presented mementos to HM the King and HRH Prince Salman. His Majesty congratulated all officers and personnel of the BDF and citizens on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the BDF. He expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of BDF affiliates to safeguard the kingdom, safety of citizens and national unity. HM the King said that they will always be a source of pride, and that the establishment of the force will remain as a memorable moment in the progress of the kingdom. HM King Hamad thanked HRH Prince Salman for the follow-up and support of the development of the armed forces. His Majesty also thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for his distinguished efforts in leading the force. He recounted the role of founding officers, expressing appreciation for their valuable contributions. His Majesty hailed the significant progress made by the BDF in developing its capabilities, as well as in making landmark contributions in a number of areas, including health, housing, sports, humanitarian and relief aid efforts and organising key events, including the Bahrain International Air Show. HM the King also commended the people of Bahrain for their constant keenness on serving its country and contributing to its prosperity with their will and determination to achieve success. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) held an introductory workshop to enhance collaboration between government entities and raise their awareness of the most advanced technologies available to them. The event focused on areas experiencing significant innovation and technological advancements, such as security, health, education, traffic, labor, and sustainable development. These efforts are in line with digital transformation initiatives of the Government Plan (2023-2026). iGA Chief Executive, His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, started the workshop, welcoming the attendees and highlighting the importance of such programs, which provide opportunities to share knowledge and experience, and to stay abreast of the latest ICT innovations. He provided an overview of the strategic objectives followed by the Directorate of Innovation and Advanced Technologies, which were introduced recently by Royal Decree No. (84) of 2023, in line with the senior leaderships directives to adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence in government operations to enhance the quality of services. Al Qaed praised H.E. Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT) for his support of the Kingdoms digital transformation. Technical challenge He highlighted the role of the Directorate of Innovation and Advanced Technologies in fostering a digitally advanced culture by tackling technical challenges on both the international and regional stages, engaging with research centers, and collaborating with major corporations to deploy solutions that benefit governmental sectors. He thanked the concerned team for its pursuit of these strategic objectives. iGA Director of Innovation and Advanced Technologies, Latifa Al Abbasi, discussed mechanism for implementing various initiatives, including evaluation criteria for idea submissions and the exploration of appropriate options for their execution. The workshops main goals include knowledge exchange and raising awareness about developments contributing to the evolution of various sectors, as well as the streamlining of government procedures for citizens, residents, and visitors to the Kingdom. Main themes The workshops main themes included the process of studying and implementing innovations, starting from understanding user needs and expected challenges to finding suitable solutions, along with the creation and evaluation of both simple and complex prototypes ahead of final implementation. It also focused on the adoption of advanced technologies in government, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual reality (VR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics. In attendance were senior officials from government entities, including the Ministry of Sustainable Development; the Ministry of Health; the General Directorate of Traffic; government hospitals; the Higher Education Council; the National Health Regulatory Authority; the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training; the Ministry of Interior; the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism; the Ministry of Labour; the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture; and the Ministry of Education. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A heated debate is brewing in Bahrains legislative chambers as the Shura Councils Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has firmly rejected a draft law aiming to blur the lines between public and private sector employment. The proposed addition to the Civil Service Law, championed by the Council of Representatives (CoR), has hit a brick wall with the Shura Council, raising concerns about the potential erosion of public service integrity. The Shura Councils Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, led by Dalal Jassim Al Zayed, stands resolute in its opposition, citing the fundamental principle of public employment as a national service dedicated to the public good. Equating public and private sector roles, they argue, undermines this core value and risks compromising the crucial role public servants play in implementing policies, managing public funds, and delivering essential services. The Constitution is clear, the committee emphasizes, public service is a national duty, not a springboard for private pursuits. They highlight the existing legal framework that safeguards this distinction, ensuring public employees remain free from any suspicion of divided loyalties. Public service This firm stance comes after the Council of Representatives, frustrated by the initial rejection, sent the bill back for reconsideration. However, the Shura Council appears unwavering, determined to uphold the sanctity of public service. The debate hinges on a fundamental question: can public servants dabble in private ventures without jeopardising their core responsibilities? The Shura Council believes the answer is a resounding no, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries to maintain public trust and ensure the smooth functioning of government services. With both sides digging in their heels, the fate of the draft law hangs in the balance. Will the Shura Council prevail, or will the Council of Representatives manage to bridge the divide? Only time will tell how this tug-of-war between public service principles and private enterprise aspirations unfolds. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber Sameer Nass, announced the launch of nine initiatives aimed at expanding the range of services provided by the Chamber to its members, and facilitating their business endeavor. He stressed on the Chambers commitment to improving its performance, offering quality services, and meeting the aspirations of the private sector. This came during the Customer Service Excellence Forum held at the Chambers premises on Monday 5th February 2024 in the presence of the Chambers board members, experts, and members of the business community. Speaking at the forum, quality management expert Dr. Khaled Bu Mutaea shared insights on Customer- Centric Culture, while Director of Service Evaluation at the Prime Ministers Office in the United Arab Emirates Salem Balyouha, shared the UAEs experience in implementing the star rating system. The event also included a panel discussion, where customer service experts from the public and private sector shared their experiences and insights. The Chambers set of initiatives includes the E-Tadreeb learning platform, the Market Place initiative, website updates, the opening of a customer service center, quality additional services for people with disabilities, the launch of a business establishment guide, the Secret Shopper program, the Train With Us program, and launching the Jadara Award. By Keiichiro Otsuka, KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 09:58 | All, World Norman Mineta, who became the first Japanese American member of a U.S. Cabinet in 2000, declined an earlier offer to serve under President Bill Clinton as he preferred to continue working as a lawmaker, according to his wife. Mineta passed up Clinton's call to become transport secretary shortly after the president's inauguration in early 1993, saying, "I can do more for you" as chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Works and Transportation, Danealia Mineta said in a recent interview with Kyodo News. Seven years later, the Democratic congressman assumed the post of commerce secretary in July 2000 after his predecessor William Daley joined Al Gore's campaign for the presidential election in November that year. Gore lost to George W. Bush in the election but the new Republican president nominated Mineta for transport secretary, the only Democrat in his Cabinet. "He didn't jump on and say yes" when he got the call from Vice President-elect Dick Cheney, Danealia Mineta, 78, said, quoting her late husband as responding, "I can't give you an answer. I have got to talk to people within my own (Democratic) party." She said, "The first person he talked to was Clinton, and he said to Norm(an) that he should do it. The second person he talked to was Vice President Al Gore and he said that Norm should do it." Mineta called all the people that were in leadership with him and "there were a few, but very, very few, who said don't do it," she said. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, the Bush administration tightened aviation safety measures and security checks on passengers. While pushing such measures, Mineta asked all U.S. airlines to ensure passengers of Middle Eastern or Muslim background were not subjected to racial or religious profiling. As a U.S. citizen of Japanese descent, Mineta was taken to the Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming from his home in San Jose, California, following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and fought against discrimination when he entered politics after World War II. Danealia Mineta, a former United Airlines cabin attendant, said she is convinced her husband's decision after the 9/11 attacks was "absolutely right" and he "never allowed discrimination against others." Mineta worked passionately to restore the honor of Japanese Americans who were sent to the wartime camps. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 2006 and died in 2022. Related coverage: Museum names plaza after 1st Japanese American member of Cabinet U.S. author of World War II-related book urges youth to learn war history Bell collaborates with Microsoft to bring Bell's high-quality voice network to Microsoft Teams through Bell Operator Connect. Bell selects Microsoft 365 as its strategic cloud collaboration solution to drive internal workforce modernization and enhance customers' digital experiences. MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Bell today announced a collaboration with Microsoft to bring new solutions that will help Canadian businesses modernize their communications platforms and better collaborate in the new world of work. Bell Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, is now available to Canadian enterprises, enabling them to extend their Teams collaboration capabilities to employees, regardless of their location. Bell is also advancing its company-wide digital transformation and workforce modernization through cloud collaboration investments with Microsoft. Bell collaborates with Microsoft to bring Bells high-quality voice network to Microsoft Teams through Bell Operator Connect. (CNW Group/Bell Canada) With Bell Operator Connect, a cloud-based Bell solution that enables business-grade voice calling on Teams, Canadian organizations can now add Bell's high-quality voice network to Teams without additional phone equipment, hardware, or upfront investment. By integrating the capabilities of Teams with the reach and reliability of Bell's network, customers can simplify the management and administration of voice services and access high-quality nationwide voice calling. These capabilities are backed by end-to-end support from Bell's Microsoft-certified experts with Professional and Managed Services in Teams and Microsoft 365 solutions. Bell has also selected Microsoft 365 as its cloud collaboration solution as part of the company's own digital transformation. Bell will adopt the Microsoft 365 collaboration suiteincluding Teams Premium and Teams Room Proto foster greater collaboration and productivity within their own team. This adoption will bring together communications, collaboration, and business processes built on a foundation of security and privacy. These investments will also lay the foundation for Bell to use Microsoft AI solutions. Expanding its use of Microsoft modern work solutions with its own workforce will also set the stage for Bell's Professional and Managed Services teams to further enhance customer support through their own transformations to the cloud with the latest Microsoft 365 innovations. "We're excited to continue our relationship with Microsoft as we further our transformation journey and modernize our workforce at Bell, while delivering on our purpose to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world. With Bell Operator Connect, we're enabling enterprises across Canada to take advantage of our outstanding network through a seamless Microsoft Teams voice solution. We see this as the next step and foundation for future telephony and mobile solutions innovations that we're excited to bring to market soon for Canadian customers." - John Watson, Group President, Business Markets, Customer Experience and AI, Bell "Microsoft and Bell share a vision of empowering Canadian businesses with enterprise-grade collaboration solutions that are seamless, cost-efficient and enable teams to stay connected, and work effectively from any environment. We are delighted to work with Bell to support Operator Connect and Microsoft 365 in the Canadian market and to support Bell's internal modernization with our productivity tools. This is just the start of an exciting, shared journey of innovation and collaboration that will shape the future of the workplace in Canada." - Chris Barry, President of Microsoft Canada Serving most large enterprises in Canada, Bell provides reliable network and leading security1 combined with Microsoft's Modern Work and Cloud solutions. With FX Innovation (a Bell company) a designated Microsoft Azure Managed Service Provider, Bell provides comprehensive service to enterprise cloud and modern work transformation. About Bell Bell is Canada's largest communications company,2 providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media, and business communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca. Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. 1 Bell has been recognized as a leader in cybersecurity for 5 years in a row by IDC MarketScape. 2 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections Media Contacts: Audrey Hood, Bell [email protected] Investor relations, Bell Richard Bengian [email protected] SOURCE Bell Canada Kruger Products is embracing messy love with its lineup of household paper products and a chance for newlyweds to win a romantic getaway to Messy, France TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Kruger Products, Canada's leading paper manufacturer of Cashmere, Purex, Scotties, and SpongeTowels is commemorating the spills and stains of the first year of marriage, otherwise known as the "paper anniversary." Today, the brand launched limited-edition Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Boxes comprised of Kruger Products' full line of household paper products to help newlywed couples celebrate the milestone and enter to win a romantic trip for two to Messy, France. Kruger Products Introduces Paper Anniversary Gift Boxes for Newlyweds to Celebrate the Messiest Year of Marriage. (CNW Group/Kruger Products Inc.) Traditionally, couples may choose to follow a list of anniversary gifts, with each year associated with a specific material or theme. For the first anniversary, the custom entails the exchange of paper-themed gifts, symbolizing the delicacy and strength of the new marriage. The first year together is often also the messiest year of marriage, not unlike the messiness that Canadians rely on Kruger Products to clean up every day. Kruger Products is breathing new life into the "paper anniversary" tradition by inviting Canadian newlyweds to go online and sign up to send their spouse a Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Box inspired by memorable moments from their first year of marriage. By registering for a Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Box, they are entered for a chance to win romantic trip for two to the aptly named Messy, France. According to relationship expert, Shan Boodram, the first year of marriage, regardless of whether a couple has been together for multiple years or has lived together, is the messiest for a few reasons. "Marriage is different from being committed or cohabiting because both people have just made an official declaration to do life together as one unit. There are naturally new expectations within the dynamic and perceptions from outsiders that must be understood and managed," explains Boodram. "With it, the stakes will feel higher: the common challenges that get re-introduced in marriage can feel more significant." A recent Maru Public Opinion survey commissioned by Kruger Products revealed that managing money (27 per cent), adjusting to living together (25 per cent), and communication (22 per cent) are the top three challenges couples say they faced in their first year of marriage, followed by work-life balance (20 per cent), house chores (17 per cent) and getting along with their partner's family (13 per cent), according to Canadians surveyed. The survey also revealed that managing finances is a greater challenge among married couples (29%) within their first year of marriage than unmarried couples (21%).1 "Marriage can alleviate a lot of stress about the other's commitment to the partnership, but it can also spark new worries of 'Oh no, this is the rest of my life!' in the face of everyday stressors," Boodram explains. "But luckily, this phase doesn't last if the couple is committed to creating a framework for what a progressive marriage looks like to them and assigning responsibilities evenly to execute on that vision, every day. In success of this discovery period, most go on to have many easier, less messy years. I say less messy and not squeaky clean, because love, like life, is bound to get messy at times!" The Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Boxes are inspired by three common messy moments, including: 'Finally Learning How to Share the Bathroom', 'All the Messiness of the First Year of Marriage', and 'The Time You Tried to Cook for the In-Laws'. These curated boxes encapsulate the essence of every couple's initial year of marriage. "With Valentine's Day approaching soon, we think it's important to shine a light on the realities of married life and embrace the not-so-ugly truth that love can be messy at times," said Susan Irving, CMO at Kruger Products. "The Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Box is meant to commemorate the unapologetically human and messy moments that newlyweds have overcome during their first year of marriage, while staying true to the tradition of the paper anniversary gift exchange in a fun and refreshing way." The Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Box serves as an extension of Kruger Products' 'Love is Messy' campaign introduced in 2023 under the award-winning "Unapologetically Human" platform. The campaign explores how life can be messy, offering Canadians an opportunity to embrace the ups and downs that come with love. Canadians can sign up for a Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Box and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Messy, France until February 22, 2024. For more information, please visit www.paperanniversary.ca. About Kruger Products Kruger Products is Canada's leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household, industrial and commercial use. Kruger Products serves the Canadian consumer market with such well-known brands as Cashmere, Purex, SpongeTowels, Scotties, White Swan and Bonterra. Kruger Products has approximately 2,200 employees and operates nine FSC COC-certified (FSC C-104904) production facilities in Canada. For more information, visit mykrugerproducts.ca. Methodology This Maru Public Opinion survey conducted on behalf of Kruger Products was undertaken by the sample and data collection experts at Maru/Blue. 1,026 randomly selected adult Canadians who are either married, living in a common law relationship, in a civil partnership, separated, divorced, or widowed and are Maru Voice Canada online panelists were surveyed from January 8th to January 9th, 2024. The results of this study have been weighted by education, age, gender and region (and in Quebec, language) to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Canada. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. ------------------ 1 This Maru Public Opinion survey conducted on behalf of Kruger Products was undertaken by the sample and data collection experts at Maru/Blue. For further details, please see the methodology section located at the end of this press release. SOURCE Kruger Products Inc. For further information: Alyssa Tria, North Strategic (for Kruger Products), [email protected], 647-385-7120 The Government of Canada hosts a reception in honour of Black History Month 2024 OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, will host the official Government of Canada celebration for Black History Month 2024 on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. This year's theme, "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build," celebrates the rich contributions and accomplishments, past and present, of Black people in Canada, while also aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future. The evening will feature performances and inspiring speeches, paying tribute to the achievements and outstanding contributions of Black communities across Canada. Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local. The details are as follows: DATE: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 TIME: 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.) Journalists who wish to attend this event must confirm their participation by sending their full name and the name of their organization to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, February 7. Details on how to attend will be provided afterward. SOURCE Canadian Heritage For further information: (media only) Laurent de Casanove, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, [email protected], 819-360-0693; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected] KYODO NEWS - Feb 6, 2024 - 22:19 | Others, All, Japan Japanese telecom operator KDDI Corp. said Tuesday it plans to acquire a 50 percent stake in convenience store operator Lawson Inc., taking it private with trading house Mitsubishi Corp., which owns the other 50 percent. The telecom company plans to launch a tender offer worth around 500 billion yen ($3.4 billion) around April to purchase shares from general shareholders at 10,360 yen each, with the process expected to be completed around September. The move comes as KDDI, which currently has a 2.1 percent stake in Lawson, seeks to strengthen its consumer-oriented business outside the telecommunications industry by using the purchasing data of convenience store customers and using it for its financial and other services. KDDI intends to leverage Lawson's approximately 14,600 stores nationwide to promote its banking and insurance products, a business area it has focused on in recent years amid intensifying competition in the mobile phone industry. The telecom carrier also envisions providing smartphone support services remotely at the stores and is considering offering Lawson's products and services at its some 2,200 "au" mobile phone outlets nationwide. Lawson will implement KDDI's technologies to improve the efficiency of its distribution network and strengthen its store functions during disasters. The convenience store operator, which became a partially owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi in 2017, aims to gain a competitive advantage by developing new digital services amid challenges in increasing its number of stores. "Convenience stores are extremely important as social infrastructure. We will fully utilize the power of telecommunications to build future stores," said KDDI President Makoto Takahashi at a joint press conference in Tokyo. Lawson President Sadanobu Takemasu and Mitsubishi President Katsuya Nakanishi also welcomed the utilization of KDDI's technologies and strong customer base, citing their potential in developing future services. Veteran Yoruba actor, Olaiya Igwe, has tender a public apology to Nigerians for going naked to pray for president Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections. This is coming amid the current hardship faced by Nigerians following the economic policies of President Tinubu. Olaiya has been receiving backlash since he went unclad at the beach in 2023 to pray for Tinubus victory. Speaking in a video titled apologies to all my fans, and shared on his YouTube page, the actor attributed his actions to a divine revelation he claimed to have received. I went naked at the beach to pray for Tinubu based on revelation. I supported him as payback because he is my benefactor. Nigerians, please dont be angry. You see me as one of those who brought this hardship to the country. I accept. You are raining curses on me because you felt my going to the beach influenced you to vote for him. Im sorry. Had it been that things turned out good in the country since Tinubu assumed office, those insulting me would have stopped. Nigerians are crying. Even those in diaspora are angry with the present situation of the country. I want to talk to our father, Tinubu that Nigerians expectations are not met. Theres a need for you to appoint a monitoring team to ensure your appointees deliver on your plans and promises to citizens. Igwes comment comes days after a well-known Tinubus supporter and musician, Kwam 1, expressed displeasure with the current hardship in Nigeria. There are concerns about the availability of striker, Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against South Africa. According to a statement by the team on Monday, the Napoli striker is suffering from abdominal discomfort and has not traveled with the team to Bouake, the city of Wednesdays clash. The 25-year-old can however join the rest of the squad on Tuesday if he is cleared by the teams medics. Members of the team traveled from Abidjan to Bouake today via a 10 pm Air Cote DIvoire flight. Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him. If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 pm, the statement read. Despite scoring only one goal in the tournament so far, Osimhen has been one of the strong performers for the Eagles. His partnership upfront with Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon has been one of the reasons the team has qualified for their 16th AFCON semi-final. Nigeria will face South Africa at the Stade De La Paix, Bouake at 6 pm. Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been cleared by medical doctors to play against South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, semi-final. Sources in Abidjan have confirmed that Osimhen is expected to be fit for Wednesdays game. The Napoli hitman has now travelled to Bouake, where he will join up with the rest of the squad. Doubts over his involvement arose on Monday after the team sent out a statement revealing that Osimhen was dealing with abdominal discomfort. Osimhen, who has scored only once at the tournament, was left behind as the rest of the players travelled for the match. News of his wellbeing will come as a big boost for Jose Peseiro. Anambra South Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, has vowed to defeat Governor Charles Soludo in the states governorship election in 2025. Uba said he possesses the capacity to defeat Soludo because hes a professor of street politics, unlike the governor who is a professor of economics. He declared that Anambra cant continue as a one-party state, stressing that the people are craving for change within the political system. Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, the lawmaker said: Im not a Professor of Economics, but Im a Professor of street politics. Anambra cannot continue to be a one-state party. The people are tired and angling for change and we know Mr President knows the potential in Anambra too. We need a governor whose primary reason for running for the governorship seat of the state is to make our state a secure place for human development. We need a governor who will not only ensure the security of lives and property but will also, make life meaningful for our people so that every person can realize and maximize his or her potential. We need a governor that will match words with action, for without action, words will surely be a ploy to deceive our people. Our people have been deceived long enough. They need action now. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has warned critics against damaging political activities that paint the state in bad light. Governor Fubara said such actions are capable of destroying the states economic fortunes. He gave the warning while inspecting the work done at the ongoing Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery link road project on Tuesday. In a statement signed by Boniface Onyedi, his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Fubara stated that those who truly love the state will not engage in damaging political activities that will chase away investors who are expected to add to the economic prosperity of the state. Whatever we are doing or whoever is sponsoring anything negative is not doing it to the person of Governor Fubara, they are using it to run down the state. I feel that it shouldnt always be bad news from the state. People should see the good part of our state and promote the image of our state. Economically, no sound and serious investor will hear all these stories and feel comfortable coming here to invest. So, we will try our best to continue to project the good side of our state, he said. Speaking on the ongoing project, Governor Fubara said the contractor, Raffoul Nigeria Limited had increased its pace. We were here about two months ago to follow up on the commitment of the construction firm and we decided to visit again today to see what they have done and I can say that we are impressed, he said. The governor added: You know, the most critical part of the project is the bridge. If you have a video of what we saw last time compared to what we have on the ground now, it shows theyre doing everything to make sure that the project is completed within the timeframe. They have promised that it will be delivered in the next three months. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that President Bola Tinubu is behind every development he is bringing to the nations capital Wike said this during the flag-off of the construction of a 5km dual carriageway in Kuje Area Council of the FCT. The former Rivers helmsman said the road project was part of efforts to rekindle the hope of the people and reassure them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for the FCT. He said the FCT Administration has been lucky to have the support of the President, who is sparing nothing to ensure that all residents reaped the dividends of democracy, adding that the FCTA has no excuse not to perform. According to the Minister, I want to say that Mr. President is fully in support of us and his mandate is very clear to the Hon. Minister of State and my humble self. When you people are saying that the Minister of State and my humble self are working, its because we have a President who gives us anything we want. He has given us the support and so we have no excuses to give but to let the people know that Mr. President is behind everything we are doing. Every request we have made, Mr. President has always given to us. So, for us, we dont have any excuse not to do what we are supposed to do. Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has urged parents and guardians across the nation to protect the rights, vulnerability and well-being of the girl child in the country. Tinubu stated this in a statement signed on Tuesday in commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), under the theme Her Voice, Her Future: Investing in Survivors Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation. She noted that the FGM commemoration is another reminder to parents and guardians of their responsibility to protect the rights of every girl child in Nigeria. The First Lady also raised concern about the hazards and health implications of FGM among girlchild, while calling on the wife of governors across Nigeria to continue to support the fight against the FGM. We are once again reminded of the responsibility we bear to protect the rights, vulnerability and well-being of the girl child. Today, I call upon parents, particularly mothers, traditional leaders, and community leaders, where Female Genital Mutilation persists to consider the damage and irreversible health implications inflicted on our daughters. While acknowledging the progress made in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria, we must confront the practices that still persist, causing irreparable harm to our girls. Tinubu, Shettima's wives visit Akeredolu's family in Ibadan Tinubu hailed non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and healthcare professionals for lending their voices to the fight against FGM across the entire nation. I commend all our First Ladies of States, other Non Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Health care professionals for lending their voices to the fight against Female Genital Mutilation across the entire nation. As we collectively strive for the full eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria by 2030, let all hands be on deck and let us continue to speak up against this injustice done to our girls, Tinubu said. Female genital mutilation, according to the World Health Organisation, is a traditional harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. In addition, every year an estimated 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation, the majority of whom are cut before they turn 15 years old. FGM is said not to have any health benefits. It can however lead to immediate health risks, as well as long-term complications to womens physical, mental and sexual health and well-being. DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Overseas Chinese in Tanzania celebrated the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, at a reception on Monday night. The reception was held at the Chinese embassy in the port city of Dar es Salaam, where invited Tanzanians mingled with their Chinese friends, reflecting the long-standing friendship between the two countries. Chen Mingjian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said the Lunar New Year, an important family reunion occasion, is a common memory of Chinese people at home and abroad and an important part of traditional Chinese culture. "It carries peace, friendship, harmony and other concepts of Chinese civilization, as well as the common expectations of all humanity for reunion, happiness, contentment and well-being," said Chen. Chen paid tribute to all overseas Chinese in Tanzania for firmly supporting the great cause of peaceful reunification of the motherland, promoting the building of a powerful country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, boosting local economic development, and making positive contributions to promoting China-Tanzania friendship and practical cooperation. Anna Makakala, Tanzania's commissioner general of immigration, thanked the Chinese government for assisting Tanzania in building the capacity of the immigration services and providing technological support to enable the immigration services to meet the required standards. Albert Chalamila, Dar es Salaam regional commissioner, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese community in Tanzania for their long-term contribution to the economic and social development of the Dar es Salaam region and Tanzania as a whole. The reception was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps from various countries, senior government officials, and academicians. The 2024 Spring Festival will fall on Feb. 10, kicking off the Year of the Dragon. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has explained the cause of the long queues in some filling stations in Lagos State. The NNPCL said the tightness was a result of what it called a brief distribution issue. Earlier, we gathered that there were long queues in some filling stations in Lagos on Monday, as residents feared there might be a fresh scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit. The queues were noticeable at filling stations along the Ikorodu Road. Also, the Total Filling Station at the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way had queues which led to traffic jam around the Ikeja axis. Our correspondent also observed that many of the filling stations along the Ikeja axis, through Obafemi Awolowo Road in Ikeja, were shut. One of our correspondents also reported that all the filling stations along Ogunnusi Road, inbound Berger, did not sell petrol to customers. It was gathered that filling stations owned by the NNPCL along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway did not dispense fuel as of Monday evening. Speaking to our correspondent in a chat on Tuesday morning, the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, dismissed insinuations of fresh fuel scarcity. Soneye disclosed that the NNPCL did not have supply issues, saying its products remained readily available. He added that the distribution issue in some areas had been resolved. We are pleased to confirm that there are no supply issues, and our products remain readily available. The recent tightness experienced in certain areas was due to a brief distribution issue in Lagos, which has since been resolved, Soneye told our correspondent. Similarly, the National Vice Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, said he was aware of the queues in some filling stations in Lagos. However, Fashola said the queues might be due to panic-buying on the part of customers. I am not in Lagos as we speak. But I heard about it too that there are queues in Lagos. It may just be panic buying. I am not sure there is fuel scarcity. People are just panicking. However, I will find out what the problem is, Fashola said. The Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, said he was not aware of the situation as he was not in Lagos at the time of filing this report. The Police Command in Anambra has declared Insp Audu Omadefu, with force number AP No. 362178, wanted for murder. DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra Command, stated this in a statement in Awka on Tuesday. Ikenga said that the command urges any member of the public who sees the fugitive or has information on his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station. The police spokesperson published some telephone numbers of the police in the state, with an appeal to Nigerians to report to the police whenever they see the wanted inspector. The command assured the public that any information given in this regard would be treated with utmost confidentiality. The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is currently meeting behind closed doors with the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and some ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting which began at about 05:30 pm also has in attendance the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, Ministers of Education, Dr Tahir Mamman; Finance, Wale Edun; Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari and State for Agriculture, Sabi Abdullahi. Although the agenda of the meeting is not yet made public, presidency source told Vanguard that it was not unconnected with food security, especially the rising prices of food items that is causing unrest in some states. It was reliably gathered that the meeting was for the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, convened by the Chief of Staff to the President. The meeting is coming on the heels of the protests by women in Minna, Niger State and that of the angry youths in Kano over the rising cost of living in the country. Recall that a group of women in Minna, Niger State had on Monday blocked the ever-busy Minna-Bida Road at the popular Kpakungu Roundabout and called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to address the problem of hunger in the land. Attempts by security operatives to quell the protest by firing tear gas cannisters into the crowd and making some arrests were rebuffed by the mob. The youths in Kano also protested over the hardship in the country and the state governor, Abba Yusuf assured them that he would take their complain to the President. Details later The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Tinubus intervention has made the executive, legislature, and judiciary work independently in Rivers State. Wike declared that peace has been restored in the state with the working of the three arms of government. He spoke while addressing journalists on his political tussle with Fubara. According to Wike: The Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary are all functioning independently. All thanks to the President. A heated political face-off broke out between Wike and Fubara over the leadership of the state. The face-off led to the burning of the state legislative chambers three months ago by some lawmakers believed to be Fubaras loyalists. Some commissioners and lawmakers loyal to Wike had resigned from the state executive council and defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. But, President Tinubu had intervened in the rift and compelled them to sign a peace pact. As part of the peace pact, Fubara had renominated and sworn in the commissioners. No one has a crystal ball to see what New Jersey will look like 80 years from now, but one study suggests that dozens of places could turn into virtual ghost towns by the turn of the century. A study conducted by experts at the University of Illinois Chicago found that 15,000 cities nationwide will see significant population drops by the year 2100, including 36 in New Jersey that could see populations drop by at least one-third. The study, and the possibility for ghost towns, was first reported by Scientific American. Belleplain, a Census-designated place within Dennis Township in Cape May County, could see the steepest population decline. The current 614 residents in the 7.4-square mile area could decline by nearly half by 2100, the study says. On the other end of the spectrum, 47 New Jersey towns could see populations increase by more than 50%. Union City in Hudson County topped the list with a projected 65.1% increase to nearly 114,000 residents. Newark, currently the states most populous city, is expected to remain in the top spot by 2100 with a 44.5% increase. The study used population data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau from 2000 and 2020 to identify current population trends. They then ran those projections through five different possible futures, each with a different level of climate change impact. The authors used the middle-of-the-road scenario to present their findings. They also factored in income level, vehicle ownership, and how city-like a town was. The areas used by researchers are a combination of municipalities and Census designated places, accounting for 702 unique areas in New Jersey, many more commonly referred to by local names rather than incorporated municipalities. These 16 New Jersey locations could see population declines of more than 40% by 2100: Belleplain (Cape May County): 48.9% Vernon Valley (Sussex County): -46.95% Woodbine (Caep May County): -46.30% Vernon Center (Sussex County): -46.22% Layton (Sussex County): -45.44% Ross Corner (Sussex County): -45.05% Avalon (Cape May County): -44.36% Marshallville (Cape May County): -43.49% North Wildwood (Cape May County): -42.67% Diamond Beach (Cape May County): -42.08% Alloway (Salem County): -42.08% Wildwood Crest (Cape May County): -41.55% Ocean View (Cape May County): -41.27% Andover (Sussex County): -40.82% Sea Isle City (Cape May County): -40.18% North Cape May (Cape May County): -40.05% A note about this data: The list includes several Jersey Shore towns that often see big population swings through the year due to seasonality and whether homeowners declare properties as year-round residences. Its hard to say how exactly population shifts will impact areas around the county, but changes could be seen in all facets of daily life. The implications of this massive decline in population will bring unprecedented challenges, possibly leading to disruptions in basic services like transit, clean water, electricity and internet access, the study authors wrote in the paper. Simultaneously, increasing population trends in resource-intensive suburban and periurban cities will probably take away access to much needed resources in depopulating areas, further exacerbating their challenges. Experts who spoke to Scientific American warned that the projection is not written in stone, and a lot could change in the next 80 years. One went so far as to call specific population projections made this early pretty reckless, despite having solid methodology. Curious to see what the future might hold for your neighborhood? Use the chart below. Make sure to search both the name of your town, and any other local names used for your area, as Census Designated Places tend to reflect smaller sections of larger towns. Cant see the chart? Click here. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. When he unexpectedly resigned last year as president of Seton Hall University, Joseph Nyre gave little explanation as to why he was abruptly leaving. But in a stunning lawsuit filed late Monday night, Nyre took aim at the private Catholic university in South Orange and its Board of Regents, claiming retaliation, misconduct, as well as sexual harassment of his wife, for his early exit. A Bloomfield man who conspired with two others to kill a father-to-be working at a gas station has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, according to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. Lamar Sommers, 36, was sentenced for the murder of Jahque Benbow, 23, of Irvington, whose baby was born several hours after his death, prosecutors said in a statement. Sommers was found guilty on Oct. 10, 2023, following a jury trial of murder and conspiracy, both first-degree crimes, along with two second-degree weapons charges. Prosecutors said Sommers and two men who have not been caught conspired to shoot Benbow at the gas station in Irvington where he worked. Sommers drove the two men to Irvington, where he dropped them off a block from the station, said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II. The two men, who remain unidentified, shot Benbow five times while Sommers waited in the car. After the shooting, Sommers drove the men from the crime scene. Sommers fled New Jersey and was arrested in North Carolina on June 16, 2022. Mr. Benbow was hunted, then executed in a public place where innocent bystanders ran for their lives when shots rang out, said Assistant Prosecutor F. Garnes. Garnes tried the case with Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Jenna Ventola. The fact that Mr. Benbows baby, born hours after his death, will never know him, further compounds this tragedy, Ventola said. 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. Florence Holmes, director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Senior Center in Jersey City, has been named the recipient of the Hudson County 2024 Black History Month Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award, one of five people to be celebrated by the county this month. The honorees, announced Wednesday by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, are Holmes, Demetrius Terry of Kearny, Jovina Johnson of Jersey City, Steven Rhodes of Bayonne and Joan Dublin of Jersey City. The honorees were nominated by community members and selected by the Hudson County Black History Month Committee for their service to the community and achievements in keeping with the theme of the annual celebration. This years theme is African Americans and the Arts. Coinciding with the announcement, Hudson County Board of Commissioners District 3 member Jerry Walker will lead a Pan-African flag raising Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the historic Brennan Court House in Jersey City. Understanding who we are as individuals requires each of us to understand and appreciate our heritage, Walker said. The Pan-African flag symbolizes African-Americans unique place in American history, and our Black History Month honorees remarkable stories of courage, creativity, and compassion remind us how that place is shaped and re-shaped for the better everyday right here in Hudson County. Holmes, also the vice chairwoman of the Hudson County HIV/AIDS Planning Council, a member of the Jersey City Parks Coalition, a member of the Jersey City Golden Door Rotary Club and a eucharistic minister, was nominated by the county executive. I (am) pleased that the Hudson County Black History Month Committee confirmed the nomination, Guy said. I look forward to joining ... Jerry Walker as we raise the Pan African Flag on Wednesday and salute all our Black History Month honorees. The 2024 Hudson County Black History Month Celebration Dinner will be held at the Hudson County Schools of Technologys High Tech High School in Secaucus Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. Terry was named the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award honoree. He is a former aide to two New Jersey state legislators and served as the Executive Director of the Greenville Health Access Coalition, a non-profit organization that fought to expand health care access for local residents. He now works in property management for a real estate development company and remains active in local community affairs with a focus on bipartisanship and encouraging more participation by younger and LGBTQ voters in local politics. Johnson, the first Black woman to lead the Journal Square Community Association as president, and active in community redevelopment in the Journal Square area, was named the Rhudell Snelling, Sr. Community Service Award honoree. Rhodes, a sergeant in the Bayonne Police Department, was named the Hudson County Public Service Award honoree. Rhodes has been on the force 25 years and has worked as a member of the Detective Bureau, the Narcotics Unit, and the Juvenile Aid Bureau. He is a member of the Bayonne Branch of the NAACP, Bayonne PAL and the Bayonne Community Center. Dublin, president and CEO of Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City, was named the Outstanding Hudson County Healthcare Award honoree. She has increased the number of patients served and created health provider partnerships to expand access to better and more affordable care for local residents. Dublin has served as chairwoman of the New Jersey Primary Care Association, Jersey City Medical Centers Senior Director of Patient Care Services and as Executive Director of Jersey City Family Health Services. This years Black History Month Celebration Dinner will include oratory and musical performances from Hudson County Schools of Technology students and an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Chester Banks of Jersey City. A Jersey City man with a violent past was indicted by a grand jury Tuesday on charges he fatally ran down his ex-girlfriend the mother of two children with him and dumper her body in a wooded area after a night out last year. The indictment against Gregory Mallard, 35, in connection with the death of 32-year-old Norelis Mendoza, of Lindenwold, charges him with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon (vehicle), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (vehicle), failing to dispose of human remains in a manner prescribed by law; desecration of human remains, hindering and tampering with physical evidence. Mallards post-indictment arraignment is tentatively scheduled for Monday. Surveillance video from Burma Road in Jersey City at 4:31 a.m. on May 14 last year, Mothers Day, showed Mallard striking Mendoza, who grew up in Jersey City, twice with a Dodge Ram pickup truck and then placing her body in the passenger side of the vehicle. More video footage from Kennedy Boulevard showed the pickup truck in the area of the rail road parallel to Route 440 South between 5:22 a.m. and 5:43 a.m., the complaint said. Mendozas body was found three days later, May 17, off Route 440 near the Jersey City border the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Homicide Unit, with assistance from the Jersey City Police Department, Bayonne Police Department and New Jersey State Police. 7 1 / 7 Police investigate body found in area of Route 440 near Jersey City-Bayonne border Mallard served 10 years in prison for a 2008 manslaughter, according to electronic court records and the state Department of Corrections. A reputed member the 52 Hoover Street Crips gang, Mallard was in state prison from Feb. 20, 2009 to June 7, 2020 in connection with the 2008 murder of Lawrence Robertson. Mendoza and Mallard had been estranged and at some point Mendoza had filed for a restraining order against him, family members have said. The defendant has a history of stalking, harassment, or terroristic threats (toward any victim), the criminal complaint said of Mallard, the father of Mendozas 2- and 4-year-old daughters. After a night that started with a trip to the American Dream mall, followed by drinks at a Jersey City bar, and then an early morning meal at McDonalds on Communipaw Avenue, Mallard drove Mendoza to the area of Burma Road and Thomas McGovern Avenue, near Liberty State Park, at 4:20 a.m. on May 14 and struck her twice with the pickup truck, the complaint said. A retired deputy police chief and his wife, also a retired police officer, will receive more than $57,000 to settle a lawsuit that claimed the deputy chief was defamed by a fellow high-ranking officer one of four settlements totaling nearly $3.3 million the city council is expected to approve Wednesday. In addition to the $57,500 for David Goldrich and Toni Wilczewski and a whopping $3 million settlement for a man struck by a police car, Jersey City will also be handing out $145,000 to a former city tax collector and $67,500 to a resident whose vehicle was allegedly struck by a police officer. ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Anti-narcotics authorities in Tanzania's Zanzibar said on Monday that they had seized 125 kilograms of different types of illicit drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis, and arrested 19 suspects in connection with the drugs. A statement from the Zanzibar Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority said the seizure of the 125 kilograms of drugs, which was made in a special crackdown in January this year, was the largest since 1964, adding that the drugs were seized in the Mjini Magharibi Region on Unguja Island. The statement said authorities also seized seven motor vehicles, two boats, two satellite phones, a laptop computer, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) device used in trafficking the drugs overseas. In June 2023, anti-narcotics authorities warned drug traffickers to stop the illegal drug business, saying their days were numbered, according to the statement. A Superior Court judge on Tuesday ordered the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office to compile a list of all evidence collected during its investigation into the fatal shooting of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour and turn it over to defense attorneys to move the case toward trial. At a brief hearing in the case against Rashid Ali Bynum in New Brunswick, Judge Joseph Paone gave the prosecutors office until Feb. 20 to produce the list of all the surveillance videos, cell phone records, and investigative reports. Bynum, 29, of Portsmouth, Virginia, listened intently while the judge hammered out a deadline for the state to turn over the list of evidence. After the 10-minute hearing ended, Bynum was led out of the courtroom and back to the Middlesex County jail, where is he is awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder and weapons possession. Hes due back in court on March 4. The headstone marking the grave of Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was unveiled on 2/1/24, a year to the day after she was murdered.Richard Cowen It has been more than a year since Dwumfour was gunned down outside her Sayreville townhome. She was recalled by family and friends during a graveside service Thursday, on the one year anniversary of her killing. Bynums father-and-son defense team, Thomas and Michael Ashley, filed a motion in December to compel discovery in the case. Michael Ashley said following Tuesdays hearing that the defense had already received 6,000 pages of documents, but needs to make sure it has everything the state has to build its case. We went through these 6,000 pages and found that, frankly, there were voluminous materials that we are not in possession of and we feel is important to our case, Michael Ashley said following the hearing. Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot to death Wednesday night, Feb. 1, 2023, in her car outside her home in the Camelot at La Mer luxury rental complex. Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Pridgen said the state would comply with the request. She declined to comment on the case. One of the reports the defense hasnt received are the results of a DNA swab that Bynum submitted following his indictment on the murder charge in August. The state could attempt to match DNA with evidence found at the crime scene, but if there is no match, then the defense could use that information at trial, Thomas Ashley said following the hearing. Bynum, was arrested on May 30 in Virginia, where he was living with his mother. Prosectuors contend that Dwumfour, 30, met Bynum when she lived in Virginia and recruited him into the Fire Congress Fellowship, a Bible study group. According to the arrest affidavit, investigators pieced together surveillance videos, cell phone records, texts, and E-ZPass data that led them to conclude Bynum was behind the wheel of a white 2017 Hyundai that left Virginia on Feb. 1, 2023, the day of the murder. Rashid Ali Bynum, accused of killing Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, appeared before Judge Joseph Paone in the Middlesex County Courthouse in New Brunswick, NJ on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Using cell tower data, investigators determined Bynums electronic device was in the vicinity of the Camelot at La Mer townhouse complex around 7:20 p.m. that night, when Dwumfour was shot multiple times by an assailant who approached her car, authorities have said. Prosecutors have offered no motive in the killing. Dwumfour grew up in Newark, and at the time of her death was the pastor of the Champions Royal Assembly, a church in Newark that is an offshoot of an evangelical church based in Nigeria. Investigators interviewed numerous members of the church, some of whom had lived with Dwumfour as roommates. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. Eight dogs were rescued from a suspected dog-fighting ring at the Jersey Shore after authorities were led to a backyard by an anonymous tip. Six dogs were found inside a garage in Embery Avenue in Neptune Township, according to the Monmouth County SPCA on Monday. Two others were heavily chained to a pair of dog houses on the property. A resident was arrested for disorderly behavior, the SPCA said. Their information was not released by the agency. Charges have not been filed directly in connection to discovery, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said Tuesday. Both Neptune Township police and the prosecutors office are conducting an active investigation. Authorities were led to the garage by a trail of fresh blood and the dogs barking from inside the garage. The six dogs housed inside the garage were found in cages lined with wood chips and soiled with feces, the SCPA said. Several dogs had scars or open wounds on their ears and mouths. The agency believes some of the animals were used as bait dogs for the ring. All of the dogs are being cared for by our compassionate staff and can finally be free of fear and pain, Monmouth County SPCA Executive Director Ross Licitra said. Authorities also found paraphernalia tied to the alleged ring, including syringes and IV bags. Medications believed to be animal steroids were also seized. Donations were being sought to help care for the animals, which officials can be placed for adoption once their health improves. 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. To many people in New Jersey, it is an article of faith that every town is a castle, that home rule gives more than 600 local governments the unassailable right to control their own turf. And if the locals want to build a park, fine. If they want to shape their own school curriculum, fine, or hire more cops. Home rule has its place. This week, more than 800 serving officials in Europe and the US released a statement claiming their own governments were pursuing policies on Israel-Gaza which could amount to grave violations of international law. And its not hard to understand why. The war in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. More than half of Gazans are facing catastrophic hunger, 26 out of 36 hospitals are inoperable, and more people have died per day in Gaza than in any other conflict in the 21st century. As someone who works in the medical field and humanitarian space - notably by providing medical relief and resources to underfunded countries through Health4Peace - I feel compelled to explain that without an urgent shift in US policy, we wont only be seen as passive observers in this conflict but we could also pay the price for our complicity. After all, human lives are not the only thing at stake; how this war plays out and how we respond - could permanently erode trust in our democracies, Western institutions, and each other. I recently came across a piece in the Economist penned by the head of the Muslim World League (MWL), Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who notes that the conflict has created fissures in the wider global community. Israels stated commitment to continue its military action, despite international calls for a ceasefire, has divided global opinion and paralysed the United Nations Security Council. But at home in the US, this global shakiness is contributing to the breakdown of hard-earned trust between our Muslim and Jewish communities. After all, there has been an unprecedented rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks in the US. For example, over the past year anti-Muslim sentiment has risen over 200% and antisemitism has skyrocketed 400%. Dr Al-Issa, who has made his name as one of the most prominent and respected Islamic leaders worldwide, becoming the most senior Islamic leader to visit Auschwitz alongside senior Muslim and Jewish leaders in 2020, claims that a crisis of this nature calls for a new kind of diplomacy - one that transcends traditional politics and is rooted in moral leadership and interfaith dialogue. And I have to say I agree with him. The loss of trust between Jews and Muslims, exacerbated by the events of October 7th and Israels disproportionate response, is alarming. The U.S. government in particular does not seem set on practical policy solutions but inflaming rhetoric and deepening social divides, as evidenced by decisions that are only contributing to this trust deficit. For example, U.S., Representative Brian Masts who recently compared Palestinian civilians to Nazis, even as young Muslim boys were being stabbed to death. This polarizing trend could escalate even further in the upcoming election year and the potential re-election of Donald Trump who was infamous globally for his Muslim travel ban. The stakes could not be higher. And U.S. policymakers must understand that their decisions reverberate far beyond the immediate context, influencing social dynamics in schools, universities, and communities across the globe. This reality is why it is so important to foster policies that discourage the polarization that will eventually feed extremism and a breakdown of our societies. To do this, the US government must immediately address the rise of Islamophobia and antisemitism. This could mean strengthening hate crime laws, improving reporting and data collection, and implementing anti-bias training. Education must also play a vital role. For example, Columbia Universitys International Interfaith Research Lab founded by Dr Al-Issa and the MWL has been implementing programs that promote resilience to hate across schools in America. Research has shown time and again that change happens in the minds and hearts of people - which is why the U.S. should also invest in and support initiatives and events that foster understanding between Muslim and Jewish communities. This involves embracing grassroots method of interfaith dialogue can call upon the readily available moral leadership that already exists in the fabric of our communities. For example, more and more faith leaders across the US have been expressing disdain towards the US response and urging Biden to consider a ceasefire. This echos calls from Dr Al-Issa and the MWL who have called not only for the immediate release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but also a ceasefire. These statements may seem like soundbites but there is historical precedent behind the power of moral leadership and the role of faith leaders in conflict. For example, the Good Friday Agreement and the reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Serbia used the power of interfaith dialogue to broker peace deals when politics had failed. As Dr Al-Issa states, the stance of Israels leadership challenges the very principles of international cooperation and peace something that all faith leaders should get behind. And when it comes to politics, the West was built on ideas of human rights, dignity, and freedom which is why the US must stop taking sides in this conflict and instead bet on itself and its own rulessomething all sides have flouted. Because the world is not just witnessing regional conflict but a global moral crisis. The United States, a longstanding leader on the world stage, can no longer afford to be a passive observer. About the author: Nathalie Beasnael Diplomatic Envoy for the Republic of Chad to the USA, is also founder of NGO Health4Peace which provides essential medical supplies to hospitals in Chad, Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria. She is one of the leading recovery nurses at the California Surgical Institute in Beverly Hills and has received several recognitions for her outstanding efforts in the health unit across the USA. The last time I spoke to political prognosticator Reid Holloway was just after the election of 2016. That turns out to have been the last election Donald Trump won. There probably wont be another one, Holloway predicts. Federal prosecutors hit back at assertions by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez that they failed to show any crime had been committed, calling the New Jersey Democrats efforts to dismiss the corruption indictment against him a heads-I-win tails-you-lose argument. In a new filing late Monday night, the U.S. Attorneys office rejected defense claims that the political conduct at issue could not be subject to criminal prosecution, urging the judge hearing the case to deny a Menendez motion to throw out the case. Gov. Phil Murphys job approval remains mostly positive among New Jerseyans, but some of that support shows signs of dropping off because of First Lady Tammy Murphys U.S. Senate bid, a new poll shows. The governors job approval is at 46% compared to 40% who say they disapprove, according to the Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll released Tuesday. His approval has fluctuated between 44% and 48% in other FDU polls. The attorney for a Salem County police officer accused of severely injuring his girlfriends child is seeking dismissal of the case, arguing that prosecutors ignored evidence that would have cleared his client and accusing the investigating officer of having a vendetta. Penns Grove Police Sgt. Anthony J. Minguez, 38, of Carneys Point, was off-duty and looking after the 2-year-old boy at his residence on Feb. 12 of last year when he called 911 to report the child had fallen and needed an ambulance, according to court documents. Doctors evaluating the boy found a serious head injury and concluded he was the victim of child abuse, police stated. A grand jury indicted Minguez in December on charges of second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Hes suspended from his police job pending the outcome of the case. After Minguez called 911, the boy was taken to Nemours Childrens Hospital in Delaware, where doctors determined he suffered a severe injury that caused brain swelling, and a portion of his skull was removed to alleviate that swelling, Carneys Point police wrote in the affidavit of probable cause. On the skull, a neurosurgeon noticed a cluster of bruises which in his words resembled fingers or knuckles, police stated in the affidavit. Other bruises on the toddler were noted as areas of concern and the doctor believed they were caused by a blow, pinch or pull, authorities said. Another doctor found broken blood vessels in the childs retinas, which would be caused by violent shaking of the victim, authorities said. In a motion seeking dismissal of the indictment, Minguezs attorney, Richard F. Klineburger III, argues the child had a prior history of broken blood vessels in his eyes and banging his head during tantrums, but that this evidence was not presented to the grand jury. Both parents told the police and medical professionals that he had a habit of throwing himself to the ground and banging his head, but this was ignored, Klineberger wrote. In a letter to the prosecutors office last summer, the defense attorney described the childs prior eye injuries, saying that on one occasion the boys primary care doctor told his mother something as small as a sneeze could cause his eyes to hemorrhage. Minguez was caring for the child while his mother handled chores at her home, according to court documents. He had the child on his shoulder when the boy began to wiggle and move in an awkward manner and fell to the ground, according to his attorneys filing. Minguez immediately called 911, began life-saving techniques, cooperated with police and doctors, and remained in contact with the childs mother, his attorney stated. In a statement provided by the childs mother and included with the dismissal motion, she termed the incident a tragic accident and called Minguez a trusted long-term friend and new boyfriend of mine. She described the childs habit of throwing tantrums, including while being held. Bruises on the childs body likely resulted from him running and bumping into furniture, she said, adding that his medical records noted that he bruises easily. She accused police and doctors of mishandling the case and mistreating her family. I do not support these charges and know and understand that the process to detect real child abuse must be followed, she stated. This time though, they got it all wrong. I truly feel that exculpatory evidence was ignored and the lack of investigation really caused all of this. We just want our lives back. A letter from the state Department of Children and Families that was included in support of the defense motion states that an investigation by its office found an allegation of child abuse in the case was not established. Klineburger also accused the Carneys Point officer handing the investigation of having what seems to be a personal vendetta against Minguez related to prior incidents involving my clients family and friends. The defense attorney noted that the investigating officer was the only one to provide testimony to the grand jury, that his testimony did not include conversations with the childs parents, and that his remarks about interviews with medical professionals who evaluated the child amounted to hearsay. Klineburger called the prosecutions presentation to the grand jury flawed and negligent and pointed to comments made by a member of the grand jury, who stated that she worked for an ophthalmologist and went on to describe the conditions necessary to cause the eye injuries described. And I know for retinal hemorrhages it would have to be an awful hard fall. And it would have to be placed at just the right spot for that to happen, especially for a child, the juror said, according to a portion of the transcript included with the motion. So thats something that maybe you could discuss in your deliberations, Assistant Prosecutor Marianne Morroni responded to the juror. Klineburger questioned why the jury wasnt told to ignore these remarks, since the juror was not a witness and did not have firsthand knowledge of the incident. It boggles the mind as to how and/or why the Grand Jury was not instructed to ignore such statements, he wrote. Instead, the state said that this was something they could deliberate about! In her response to the defense motion, Assistant Salem County Prosecutor Meghan O. Price said her office was not provided with complete medical documentation from the defense, but a handful of selectively chosen pages that didnt adequately explain any prior diagnosis and treatment. The defense did not turn over complete records or any information surrounding the alleged prior diagnosis, Price wrote. Without knowing any additional information, there was nothing for the State to present to the Grand Jury. The excerpt of medical documents provided by the defense establishes nothing. On the investigating officer presenting hearsay testimony, The State did nothing improper in having the investigating officer testify as to the contents of the victims medical records for injuries sustained while in the care of the defendant, the prosecutor stated. On the issue of a grand jury member referencing her professional background while discussing the case before her, The Grand Jury does not check their life experience at the door, Price wrote. Rather, they are called upon to use their common sense and logic when determining whether a crime has been committed. A hearing on the dismissal motion is scheduled for Feb. 16. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. The Somerville man charged with stabbing a 27-year-old borough woman to death last week allegedly had a manifesto in his apartment laying out a step-by-step plan to kill her, authorities said. Investigators also found blood in the entrance and bathroom of David C. Shroitmans apartment, and his car doused in bleach prior to arresting him and charging him with murder, authorities said in an affidavit of probable cause filed in support of the charges. Police identified Shroitman as a suspect in the killing of Maryrose Fealey by word of mouth after the 27-year-old woman was found stabbed to death Tuesday outside her residence on North Bridge Street, authorities said. The Somerville woman was returning home from a business in Bridgewater that wasnt named when she was killed. Fealey was found stabbed to death around 10:20 p.m. by a relative. Her car door was open and some of her belongings were strewn across the front yard, authorities said. On Thursday, police obtained surveillance footage that showed a man matching Shroitmans description wearing a gray sweatshirt, a black face gaiter and cushioned sneakers standing at the corner of North Bridge and Cliff streets at about 9 p.m., authorities said. The next day, investigators found Shroitman at a business in Bridgewater, but he wouldnt speak to them. Detectives saw a white garbage bag over the drivers seat of his car. A black gaiter was in the front seat and duct tape in the rear seat, authorities said. The break in the case came Sunday, when authorities got surveillance footage from a home on East Cliff Street showing a man matching Shroitmans description running up and down East Cliff Street at about 9 p.m. on the night Fealey was killed, authorities said. The man then ran out of view of the camera a short time before a vehicle that resembled his traveled along East Cliff Street, authorities said. On Sunday, Somerville police were called to a business and found Shroitman wearing clear latex gloves cleaning his car, authorities said. Officers said they smelled bleach in a puddle near the drivers side of the vehicle. Minutes later, police found a discarded latex glove that had blood on it along East Cliff Street, authorities said. When investigators got a search warrant and entered Shroitmans Brookside Avenue apartment they found the clothes matching those worn by the man on the surveillance footage in addition to the manifesto. Some of the clothing was covered in bleach. His car was also doused in bleach, authorities said. Shroitman is also charged tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension and a weapons offense. An attorney wasnt listed for him on Monday afternoon. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. 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. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that facts have fully proved that strengthened cooperation between China and Britain not only serves the fundamental interests of both sides, but also contributes to world peace and prosperity. Li made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the "Icebreakers" 2024 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by Britain's 48 Group Club. Camel breeder Zhao Wenlong takes care of his camels in Yueya Spring Village of Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 24, 2024.(Xinhua/Jia Zhao) by Xinhua writers Yuan Quan and Jia Zhao LANZHOU, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Against the sunset backdrop on the snow-covered dunes, a line of camels stood as silhouettes, their bells reverberating through the desert, evoking the grandeur of the ancient Silk Road from 2,000 years ago until the illusion was shattered by a traffic signal featuring a camel symbol. Red camel signifies "stop," while green indicates "go." The installation of a dozen "camel traffic lights" at the Mingsha Mountain and Yueya Spring, a scenic spot surrounded by sand dunes in northwest China's Gansu Province, garnered widespread media attention in 2023. Originally designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the desert, these unique traffic lights have unintentionally become a popular tourist attraction as visitors are fascinated by how camels adhere to "traffic rules." Wang Youxia, deputy general manager of the company responsible for the scenic spot's operations, said that last year, the tourist influx at this place exceeded 3.7 million, with 42 percent opting for camel rides. Since December 2023, visitor numbers have witnessed a notable surge of 22.6 percent compared to the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak. The substantial increase in tourist arrivals has resulted in significant revenue for local camel herders, and Zhao Wenlong is among those who have benefited from this tourism growth. The 42-year-old Zhao is an experienced camel breeder from the Yueya Spring Village, who currently has 21 camels. In the 1990s, before the establishment of the scenic area, only a few farmers in the village were engaged in camel husbandry. Locals used to rely on apricot cultivation as their main source of livelihood. However, due to the village's proximity to the desert, farmland would often be engulfed by sandstorms, resulting in bad harvests and low income. "Our village was so poor that there was barely any girl willing to marry young men from here," the village head Qin Zuotao recalled. Today, the rapid development of tourism has sparked hope for prosperity among local villagers. They are venturing into the camel walking business in the scenic spot. Recreational activities for tourists initially revolved around photography on camelback but gradually included short camel rides. They have now transformed into one-hour camel trekking in the desert. A regular camel trek is priced at 100 yuan (about 14 U.S. dollars), with the camel owner earning 70 yuan. In the peak season of summer, the scenic area can accommodate approximately 2,000 camels dedicated to tourism, with each camel undertaking three treks. The camel ride has gradually emerged as the pillar industry in the village. Qin said that 80 percent of the village's 274 households are involved in camel-related tourism. In a way, locals have turned their camels into cash cows and the competition has intensified as well. To ensure fair working and resting time for each camel, the village has decided to issue camel licenses. The scenic area has offered camel herders training on visitor reception protocols and emergency handling procedures. They also learn to speak basic English for better communication with foreign tourists. Over the years, Zhao has accumulated valuable experience in sustaining and growing his business. For example, he bought two rare camels from the market; one white and the other exhibiting variegated colors. He made the decision to purchase them after discovering that some visitors were drawn to taking camelback selfies with the animals boasting beautiful fur. Besides, concerned that the vivid colors of tourists' clothing might startle the camels, Zhao often hangs bright banners in the camel enclosures to acclimatize the animals to these hues. "The safety of camels ensures the safety of tourists," Zhao explained. His family earns an annual income of 500,000 yuan through camel riding, but the amount of money he spends on his camels exceeds 100,000 yuan per year. He never compromises when it comes to taking care of these animals. In the summer months, Zhao provides camels with nutritious feed and fresh fruit to help them cool down. He also takes them to the vet for annual physical examinations. "They are like family to me," Zhao said. Kevin Belton is resident chef of WWL-TV and has taught classes in Louisiana cooking for 30 years. The most recent of his four cookbooks, "Kevin Belton's Cookin' Louisiana: Flavors from the Parishes of the Pelican State," was published in 2021. Email Chef at chefkevinbelton@gmail.com. The latest round of New Orleans street flooding Saturday night resulted from a familiar combination of overwhelming rainfall and failure of the Sewerage & Water Boards archaic system of supplying power to drainage pumps. But the S&WB also pointed toward another chronic problem, one that hasnt gotten quite as much attention in recent years: a failure of the city's Department of Public Works to unclog catch basins so that storm water can be collected from the street and then pumped out of the city. On Sunday morning, as residents in portions of the Central Business District, Treme and other areas dealt with flooded cars and wet floors, the S&WB said it received reports of standing water in areas where canals had already been drained a sign that water hadn't been able to enter catch basins and then flow into the canals. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (R, Front) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L, Front) in Cairo, Egypt, on Feb. 6, 2024. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians on Tuesday, the Egyptian presidency said. (Egyptian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) CAIRO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians on Tuesday, the Egyptian presidency said. Blinken, who arrived in Cairo as part of a regional tour to consolidate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, also expressed U.S. support for the strategic partnership with Egypt and its role in promoting peace and stability in the region, presidential spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said in a statement. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and intelligence chief Abbas Kamel attended the meeting, which also addressed the need for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue that ensures lasting stability, Fahmy said. Blinken praised Egypt's efforts to promote stability in the region, adding the U.S. is keen on continuing coordination with Egypt to prevent the conflict in Gaza from expanding. Sisi highlighted Egypt's efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza in cooperation with the United Nations and other relief agencies, and stressed the importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Blinken's visit to Cairo followed a stop in Saudi Arabia on Monday. He is also expected to visit Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank during his tour. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (R, Front) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting in Cairo, Egypt, on Feb. 6, 2024. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians on Tuesday, the Egyptian presidency said. (Egyptian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) By Azernews Qabil Ashirov Turkiye and Russia are planning to establish a joint bank to overcome the problems they face in trade and payment transactions between the two countries. This issue has also been brought up before, but no concrete progress has been made. A Turkish banking industry source stated that this issue is still being discussed, but no clear decision has been made yet. It is known that Turkish banks have recently started to close the accounts of Russian companies. This situation negatively affects economic relations between the two countries. The Russian-Turkish Dialogue Association, on the other hand, stated that they had no information that Turkish banks were following a policy of collectively closing the accounts of Russian companies. Establishing a joint bank between Turkiye and Russia could be an important step to increase the trade volume between the two countries and provide ease of payment. The correspondent of Azernews learned the opinion of the MUSIAD board member and former banker, Unsal Sozbir, on the issue. The expert noted that the practice of countries with strong trade establishing joint banks to increase trade further and enhance their cooperation is a structure that has many examples in the world. The most important previous example of Russia and Turkiye establishing a joint bank is the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (https://www.bstdb.org/index.htm). Not only two countries, but 11 countries, including Azerbaijan, came together here to set up a joint bank. "These countries are Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkiye and Ukraine This bank, which was established with the intention of creating a regional power, has made significant contributions to its member countries so far," Unsal Sozbir pointed out. He said that according to the report prepared by the Turkish Embassy in Moscow, the trade volume between the two countries has increased. The former banker noted that Russia's exports to Turkiye amounted to 16.2% of total imports (according to 2022 data), and the share of exports from Turkiye to Russia is around 3.7%. "The commencement of the Russia-Ukrainian war significantly impacted this trade, and Turkiye was the country most affected by the restrictions imposed on Russia by Western countries. Reasons such as removing Russia from the SWIFT system, closing local credit cards to international payments, and removing it from the money transfer system apparently targeted Russia, but they affected Turkiye the most negatively. It is based on extremely reasonable justifications for Turkiye to take steps to minimise this impact," he said. Unsal Sozbir also noted that it is a fact that one of the efforts to increase trade and prevent existing commercial relations from being negatively affected will be solving the problems experienced in payment systems. The development of trade with local currencies and the creation of a banking infrastructure to mediate this will ensure it. He added that, despite the fact that there has not been enough official explanation about what stage the negotiations are at, it would be in the favour of both countries if such a thing were considered and designed. As for the benefit of this bank to the economies of neighbouring countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, and so on, Sozbir pointed out that Turkiye and Russia are the two major countries and economies of the region. "Strategists predict that local economic cooperation will increase as a trend within the developments that are likely to take place in the next 10 years. Within the framework of this assessment, the economies of Turkey and Russia have a total size approaching 4 trillion US dollars. Both countries have an active and decisive role in their environment. These two large economies have very important effects not only on themselves but also on countries such as Azerbaijan and Georgia, which are in their natural hinterland, and they will continue to do so. It is also very clear that financial cooperation, which will improve trade and economic cooperation, will also accelerate this effect, and this will also benefit the surrounding countries," Unsal Sozbir concluded. The UN political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, speaks at an emergency session focused on the escalating conflict in Gaza at the UN headquarters in New York on Feb. 5, 2024. The UN Security Council on Monday convened an emergency session to address the escalating conflict in Gaza, a situation that is exacerbating tensions throughout the Middle East and posing significant risks to regional peace and security. (Evan Schneider/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday convened an emergency session to address the escalating conflict in Gaza, a situation that is exacerbating tensions throughout the Middle East and posing significant risks to regional peace and security. The UN political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, said that as everyone in the diplomatic world is all too aware, "the tensions that have engulfed multiple countries in the Middle East continue to rise." On Jan. 28, a drone attack killed three U.S. service members and injured 40 others at a U.S. base in northeast Jordan, she said, adding that on Feb. 2, the U.S. carried out 85 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against reported Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Forces and affiliated groups. DiCarlo described the febrile situation elsewhere in the region, including the tensions between Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, the continued exchange of rocket fire over the Golan Heights occupied by Israel, alongside airstrikes conducted by Israel in various parts of Syria, as reported by Damascus. DiCarlo also noted the Houthi drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea and the retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Britain. "I reiterate the secretary-general's call on all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict," she urged. "I appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security," she said. Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said the U.S. actions in the region were just the latest in a litany of unlawful and irresponsible attacks against the backdrop of an unprecedented escalation of violence. Massive airstrikes by the U.S. once again demonstrated to the world the aggressive nature of U.S. policy in the Middle East and Washington's complete disregard for international law, he continued. Britain's participation should not create the illusion of some kind of "international coalition," he said. Nebenzia said the U.S. was deliberately trying to drag the largest countries of the Middle East, including Iran, into a regional conflict. He strongly condemned the U.S. aggression against sovereign nations, which has increased the level of instability in an already "burning" region. He called on the international community to unconditionally condemn the reckless actions of Washington and its allies in the Middle East, which have violated the sovereignty of both Syria and Iraq. China's permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, said that action taken by the U.S. was creating new turmoil in the Middle East. History has shown that using military means would not solve the problems roiling the Middle East. He said U.S. action would only exacerbate a vicious tit-for-tat cycle. Zhang urged the various parties to remain calm, abide by the Charter and international law, cease illegal military operations and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. He said that the fundamental reason for the current situation is the failure to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, which is a prerequisite for any progress, calling on all countries concerned to stop acting out of self-interest. "We are standing at a critical crossroads" and should not forget that "we are all in the same boat," he said, noting that all nations must remain committed to the common goal of regional stability. Syria's permanent representative to the UN, Koussay Aldahhak, said the arguments heard at the meeting were the "same flimsy pretexts and misleading claims the U.S. administration is promoting to justify its repeated attacks." This included presenting a "distorted and wrongful interpretation" of the provisions of the Charter, especially Article 51, and that the root causes of conflicts, suffering and instability in the Middle East region are the "wrongful and destructive policies" of the U.S., he said. This includes Washington's "blind and unlimited" support for the Israeli occupation and the atrocities Israel is committing against the Palestinian people, he added. The ambassador stressed that Syria completely rejects all the "pretexts and lies" that the U.S. administration is trying to use to justify its aggression, which aims to protect its agents in the region. Syria also categorically rejects that the territories of member states become a platform for U.S. election campaigns and for displaying a brute force that undermines the principles of collective security on which the UN was founded, he said. A panoramic view of the UN Security Council is seen as it convenes an emergency session to deliberate on the escalating conflict in Gaza at the UN headquarters in New York on Feb. 5, 2024. The UN Security Council on Monday convened an emergency session to address the escalating conflict in Gaza, a situation that is exacerbating tensions throughout the Middle East and posing significant risks to regional peace and security. (Evan Schneider/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Hundreds of the lowest-paid healthcare workers at North Devon District Hospital are set to stage a two-day strike later this month, according to UNISON. The union claims that these workers, employed by private contractor Sodexo, have been denied a pay rise of at least 1,655, leading to dissatisfaction and a call for fair treatment comparable to their NHS counterparts. The dispute has stemmed from Sodexo's alleged refusal to honour a one-off payment, part of a deal agreed upon in June for staff on NHS contracts under Agenda for Change pay scales. Scheduled for Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 19, the strike aims to showcase the workers' demands for fair compensation and recognition. The deal, which included a minimum one-off payment of 1,655 for the year 2022/23, has become a point of contention as Sodexo employees claim exclusion from the agreed-upon bonus. UNISON has argued that Sodexo's denial contradicts a longstanding agreement with the union, ensuring equality between Sodexo staff and their NHS colleagues. Porter and UNISON representative at North Devon District Hospital, Nick Moore, expressed the frustration of Sodexo employees and said: "Sodexo should do the decent thing and pay its staff fairly. All they are asking for is to be given the same as other health staff working for the NHS." Mr Moore also explained the financial impact of the bonus, stating that it would make a real difference to staff and prevent many from considering leaving the company. In response, a Sodexo spokesperson said: "We acknowledge the right of our employees to participate in industrial action. The continued care of patients at the hospital is our topmost priority. We are currently in discussion with both the Trust and the Department of Health to resolve this matter." If the pay rise is not granted, UNISON has warned that Sodexo's employees will earn significantly less than their NHS counterparts doing similar work. With Valentines Day approaching, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe has sent out a heartfelt plea to potential adopters: consider giving larger dog breeds a forever home. Situated in Ilfracombe, the charity is home to several larger breeds, including Greyhounds and Lurchers, eagerly awaiting their chance at a loving family. Dogs Trust, the UKs largest dog welfare charity, normally cares for around 14,000 dogs across its network of 21 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin. Committed to its non-destruction policy, Dogs Trust ensures that no healthy dog is ever euthanised. Additionally, the charity focuses on understanding dogs' behaviours to prevent issues that could lead to relinquishment or abandonment, striving towards a future where all dogs can enjoy a happy, fulfilling life. Elise Watson, the Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, explained the importance of finding homes for these big-hearted canines. "We want all our dogs to find a forever home, but recently weve noticed bigger dogs, such as Greyhounds and Lurchers, are remaining at the centre for a long time, or being passed over," Ms Watson said. "These big dogs deserve a chance at love and companionship." One such dog longing for a permanent home is Bean, a cheerful eight-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback. Described as a "puppy in an adult dog's body," Bean is eager to meet his human companions and delights in playful interactions. Despite his size, Bean is gentle and enjoys leisurely walks and the occasional splash in water. He's seeking an adult-only home where he can be the sole pet, but wouldn't mind some canine company during outdoor adventures. For those considering adoption, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe has several other larger dogs awaiting their forever homes, including Dash, a nine-year-old Greyhound, Nero, a three-year-old Cane Corso, Tara, a three-year-old German Shepherd, Matilda, a nine-month-old Lurcher, and Ru, a four-year-old Lurcher. For more information on adoption or to inquire about giving a forever home to Bean or any of the other dogs mentioned, visit the Dogs Trust Ilfracombe website. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations security force has intensified its ground and aerial patrols in Abyei -- a region straddling Sudan and South Sudan -- in an effort to prevent additional violence following a weekend of fierce clashes in the oil-rich region that resulted in the loss of lives, according to UN News on Monday. Heavily armed assailants attacked civilians in the villages of Malual Aleu, Banton, Awolnhom, Abathok, Majbong, Awal, and east of Rumamier, using rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, reportedly over a land dispute. According to UN News, the conflict resulted in at least 37 fatalities and multiple injuries among civilians, including women and children. Additionally, several villages were torched, and thousands of cattle were reportedly stolen. The Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) "strongly denounces the ongoing violence, which is escalating intercommunal tensions and threatening the fragile peace," the mission said in a statement on Monday. UNISFA is making all efforts to restore calm, protect civilians, and engage with local authorities, community leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders to prevent retaliatory attacks, it added. According to UNISFA, peacekeepers serving with the mission were also targeted during the clashes. An armored personnel carrier came under heavy fire during an ambush, and UN "blue helmets" at a base in Marial Achak were fired upon before the attackers were repelled. The bloodshed came a week after more than 50 people, including two UN peacekeepers, were killed in similar attacks on civilians over land disputes. UNISFA peacekeepers are currently sheltering and providing basic support to more than 2,000 of those displaced in its bases. "Among the displaced are hundreds of children, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities," Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at the regular press briefing. "Humanitarian teams continue to carry out assessments in villages impacted by those hostilities. A health team also carried out medical consultations," said the spokesperson. In June 2011, the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN peacekeepers to the disputed Abyei Administrative Area. The council's action came in response to rampant violence and population displacement in the region as South Sudan was preparing to formally declare independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, culminating in the 2005 peace accord. The resource-abundant region of Abyei experienced numerous fatal confrontations, displacing over 100,000 individuals from their homes in the weeks leading up to the Security Council's decision. Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent in much of the Christian world, fall on the same day this year. Valentines Day is always February 14 regardless of the day and Ash Wednesday, the official start of the Lenten season, is always on a Wednesday but the date is cyclical and can vary by as much as a month. Ash Wednesday is always immediately preceded by Shrove Tuesday. The name Shrove comes from the old middle English word Shriven meaning to go to confession and repent for wrongs committed. Lent, always being on a Wednesday, people went to confession the day before. This became known as Shriven Tuesday and then Shrove Tuesday. The other name for this day, Pancake Day, comes from the old English custom of using up all the fattening ingredients in the house before Lent so that people were ready to fast during Lent. The fattening ingredients that most people had in their houses in those days were eggs, butter, and milk. A very simple recipe to use up these ingredients was to combine them with some flour and make pancakes. The custom of making pancakes still continues today, and in many U.K. towns and villages pancake races (where people race with a frying pan while tossing a pancake in it) and pancake tossing competitions are held on Shrove Tuesday. In other countries Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras. This means Fat Tuesday in French and also comes from the idea of using up food before Lenten fasting. Many countries round the world have Mardi Gras celebrations and carnivals. Some of the more notable are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New Orleans, Venice, Italy, and Sydney, Australia. The Church of The Transfiguration in Sisters is celebrating Mardi Gras with a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and has invited anybody of any faith or none to join in the festivities. Running from 5 to 7 p.m. on February 13, the event menu consists of plain and blueberry buttermilk pancakes, sausage, a variety of syrups, homemade applesauce, orange juice, milk, coffee, and tea. Gluten-free pancakes by request. While free, especially to the homeless or otherwise vulnerable, suggested donations from those who can afford it are $5 for adults, $3 for kids 4 to 12, $12 for a family of four. Kids under 4 eat for free. The supper takes place at the churchs community hall located at 121 N. Brooks Camp Rd. The Seed to Table Farm team is looking forward to the year ahead, especially after the farm was buried under deep snow and ice these past few weeks. Seed to Tables 10th anniversary brought an abundance of firsts, including record-breaking harvests feeding hundreds of Central Oregonians weekly and the greatest community engagement yet across Sisters Farmers Market visitors, produce share members, and student field trips. With a strong foundation beneath them, theyre looking ahead to another fantastic year. On January 4, Holly Haddad began her new position as executive director, working closely with Founder and now Farm Director Audrey Tehan. With the Board and Tehans guidance, Haddad is digging into the organizations culture, relationships, past accomplishments, and future goals. Haddads first days on the job were spent with Program Director, Hannah Joseph helping students explore flavors of curry made with carrots and squash. The winter cooking classes are some of Seed to Tables newest extensions into school programming for more year-round programming. The non-profit organizations expanded capacity will allow it to sustain and deepen programs. Community offerings tripled over the past three years to better meet demands for fresh food and education. The farm has grown into one of the larger diversified production veggie farms across Central Oregon, which required additional leadership critical for sustainability. Tehan is excited to stay involved with organizational leadership while having the necessary space to focus on the complex and expanding farm operations. The Board and staff are beyond grateful for everything Tehan has done and continues to do for Seed to Table - grounded by her steadfast dedication to the community. The Seed to Table team of nine staff and six board members are eager to make 2024 the best year ever. With strong community support, theyre thankful to have met their fundraising goals for 2023. We are so grateful for the investment that our donors, businesses, and foundations are making. With this critical support, we will continue to be a sustainable, successful example of whats possible with farming, partnerships with food banks, public education, and building community. We are honored to serve and work alongside our community each day, said Tehan. Seed to Table invites the community to join them by signing up for a produce share (which opens on February 15), stopping by the Sisters Farmers Market, volunteering, or bringing students to the Summer Farm Camp and Little Farmers. Seed to Table is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, tax ID number 82-3795618, with a mission to increase health and wellness of the Central Oregon community through providing equitable access to locally grown, farm fresh produce and offering opportunities in farm-based education. For more information visit http://www.seedtotableoregon.org or contact Audrey Tehan at [email protected]. New EV chargers will soon be in place at Three Wind Shopping Center in Sisters. Within weeks Tesla will have seven of its Superchargers operational at Three Wind Shopping Center on North Arrowleaf Trail at the north end of the parking lot. Incorporating its Magic Dock connectivity, drivers will be able to charge not only Teslas but any EV with a CCS plug (nearly all EVs made after 2019). Tesla already has two mapped chargers in Sisters, which are obscure from passing traffic. One is at FivePine Lodge, open for public use, and the second, according to its map, is at Sisters Bed and Breakfast on East Jefferson available for customers, neither of which is a fast charger. A Supercharger's output is 250 kW, meaning you can charge your vehicle to at least 80% capacity, about 200 miles range, in 15 minutes. If you charged at Eagle Crest Resort or Black Butte Ranch by comparison at 13 kW could take as long as 6-10 hours for an 80% charge. Tesla has about 50,000 Superchargers (individual charging docks, not locations) of which some 18,000 are here in the U.S. Charging is not free. It costs $15.52 on average to charge an EV depending on the model, according to Texas A&M. You can't roll in and say "fill'er up" nor expect to pay with cash or even a credit card. You will need a Tesla app on your phone to get charged. The charging station will be well lighted and available 24/7/365. The cost of installing a Tesla Supercharger is about $43,000 per dock, placing the value of the station in Sisters at around $300,000. It operates without employees. Unlike slower charging stations such as the free one at City Hall, drivers will not have time to shop or dine in Sisters, as they will be on their way quickly. It may seem counter intuitive to put seven fast docks in Sisters the same month that Ford, GM and Volvo have all announced major pullbacks in EV production. Rental firm Hertz Global Holdings is selling about 20,000 electric vehicles, including Teslas, from its U.S. fleet about two years after a deal with the automaker to offer its vehicles for rent, in another sign that EV demand has cooled. Hertz will instead opt for gas-powered vehicles, it said on Thursday, citing higher expenses related to collision and damage for EVs, even though it had aimed to convert 25 percent of its fleet to electric by 2024 end. Tesla is not waiting for federal funding to grow its charging network. According to a December 5 report from Politico, Congress at the urging of the Biden administration agreed in 2021 to spend $7.5 billion to build tens of thousands of electric vehicle chargers across the country, aiming to appease anxious drivers while tackling climate change. Two years later, the program has yet to install a single charger. One of the goals at Sisters High School is to have each and every graduate have a plan for what they will be doing after graduation. Students can turn to parents, school counselors and teachers for help along the way, but there is an additional place to find assistance: the ASPIRE program. ASPIRE, which is an acronym for Access to Student Assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone, has been available throughout Oregon for many years, including at Sisters High School. Recently, Jessica Sampson took over as the ASPIRE coordinator and her primary goal in her first full year is to replenish the number of volunteer mentors working in the program. In the past, nearly thirty mentors made themselves available to seniors and juniors for assistance in scoping out post-high school plans. That number has fallen significantly, in part since the pandemic, and Sampson is working hard to get four to eight new mentors in place this school year. School counselor Rick Kroytz worked for seven years as the ASPIRE coordinator, and believes firmly in the model. The role of our mentor is to work one-on-one with students to develop and encourage students to think about their future. They are a peer, guide, and cheerleader depending on what is being talked about or worked on, he said. Mentors are the core of the ASPIRE program, and what makes Sisters High School college and career program so amazing is the relationships mentors form with students as they help the students begin to take charge of their own futures. The ASPIRE program provides training for mentors to help familiarize them with their role and boundaries. Mentors are not equated with being professional college consultants, but rather serve as adults who come alongside students to help discuss ideas, do introductory research on colleges and careers, and help kids manage deadlines and more, according to Kroytz. The ideal mentor is someone who cares about kids and wants to help them form viable plans for post-high school education and training, he said. It is important for kids to know that ASPIRE is not just about applying to four year colleges. Mentors can help support students seeking all kinds of post-high school learning. Shaina Ross is among the newest mentors for ASPIRE and is motivated by what the program offers students. I never had anyone sit down with me at this age and explain how to manage applications and deadlines, she said. Its so important to have someone on your side because the process can be intimidating. I really enjoy getting to know the students and I am hopeful I am making a positive impact. In addition to the mentor program, ASPIRE helps host a college planning event for juniors and their parents each year and works closely with the local scholarship program for graduates, Sisters GRO, which administered over $250,000 in scholarships last year to SHS students (see sidebar). Sampson encourages anyone who is interested in joining the ASPIRE team to contact her via email at [email protected] . From what I have witnessed already, students truly appreciate the work the mentors do and the mentors get a great deal of satisfaction getting to know the kids and helping them. Its a win-win, she said. On Saturday, January 27, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District paramedics assisted in delivering a baby during a transport to the hospital. Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews were dispatched with lights and sirens to a medical call for a woman in labor. Upon arrival, ambulance crews quickly confirmed the patient was in active labor with just a couple of minutes between contractions. The patient and her significant other were assisted to the ambulance and crews began to transport the couple to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. While enroute to the hospital, it became evident that the delivery was imminent and the ambulance crew prepared accordingly. After a few rounds of pushing with the support of paramedics Pat Burke and Cody Meredith, the mother delivered a healthy baby girl with no complications. The ambulance pulled over along the highway and the father was able to come into the back of the ambulance to help cut the umbilical cord and meet his baby girl. The transport was continued to the hospital for postnatal care for the family. Our paramedics train for this type of scenario, but labor and delivery are not routine calls for service for our ambulance crews, said Chief Johnson. Captain Cody Meredith said, The crew considers it an honor to have been part of this special moment for this family. The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District congratulated the family on their new addition. Have you ever considered running for a local leadership position, but havent yet taken the plunge? Do you care deeply about your community, but arent sure how to give back? Are you interested in learning more about how your local government works? If so, a new initiative from the City of Sisters might be for you. This spring, the City is partnering with Citizens4Community to launch the Sisters Civic Leadership Academy. The academy is a civic leadership training model, designed to build a broader, stronger pool of talented future leaders for Sisters local committees, boards, and organizations. The City is now accepting applications for the academy. Community members over the age of 16 who reside within the Sisters School District boundary or Camp Sherman can now learn more and apply at citizens4community.com/academy. Applications are due by March 8; participants will be selected the following week, and the Academy will begin on April 15. The Academy will be facilitated by staff from Portland State Universitys National Policy Consensus Center (NPCC). The Center has partnered with the City of Hillsboro on a similar program over the past eight years, with numerous program graduates going on to serve in local leadership roles. The Sisters academy will be the first one launched in rural Oregon, with another in Hermiston soon to follow. We are thrilled to be bringing this impactful, proven model to Sisters Country. Our community is rich in talent, but we know that much of it remains untapped. Were excited to help bring new voices and perspectives into local decision making and leadership positions, said Sisters City Manager Jordan Wheeler. Ten to 12 community members will be selected for the 2024 academy, with priority given to individuals who are new to civic leadership and live within Sisters city limits. The academys curriculum focuses on practical skills and knowledge crucial for effective leadership in Sisters Country. Over the six-week period, group members will receive a crash course in local government operations while honing their listening, collaboration, community engagement, and decision-making skills. A group project will be a core part of the academy experience. Participants will work together to research a city-selected topic of local importance, produce a report, and present their findings and recommendations to Sisters City Council. The academy is also benefiting from strong regional philanthropic support. The Roseburg-based Ford Family Foundation, and Sisters-based Roundhouse Foundation awarded grants to the City of Sisters and C4C, respectively, to help cover program expenses. That funding will help ensure that the Academy is accessible to all community members, explained Kellen Klein, C4C executive director. We dont want financial, physical, or other barriers to get in the way of anyones participation. To achieve that goal, participants will be offered complimentary meals, free on-site childcare, transportation stipends, translation and interpretation services, and ADA-accessible meeting locations, amongst other accommodations. There are so many opportunities to get involved in our community and local government, Klein said. But taking that first step can be intimidating. Its our hope that those who have felt excluded or stuck on the sidelines will see the Academy as a safe, fun, and easy way to dip their toes in the civic engagement pool. It all began in 1911 as a schoolhouse followed by a stint as the Hitchcock family residence and later to be occupied by the Barclay family. The old white house just north of East Barclay Drive on the west side of Camp Polk Road has had a history of ups and downs. Its last life came to be in the 1980s when Frank and Marie Conklin turned it into a quaint bed-and-breakfast. It was described then in travel guides as "Country elegance in a serene pastoral setting. Perfect spot for romantic getaways and weddings. Walking distance to Sisters and local airport. The home is a remodeled 1910 Craftsman style farmhouse with wrap-around porch and deck nestled amid beautiful manicured grounds and stately pines. Entering the house is like stepping into the pages of Country Living and delightful country decor, old-fashioned warmth, a cozy fireplace and soft music." As time passed, the Conklins ended their run, and the building and grounds went into decline. In 2006 Dutch Pacific Partners planned to revive it as an 85-seat restaurant with panoramic views to be surrounded by 25 rental bungalows. The plan never came to fruition. The 4.6-acre property was sold in 2004 for $800,000, sold again in 2017 for $1.675 million and is currently on the market for $2.95 million Now a new vision for the storied property is coming into focus. Developers are keen to turn the space into a boutique RV park. They held a neighborhood meeting on January 10 for any property owner within 500 feet of the proposed development, as well as any interested member of the community. Jon Skidmore, a planning consultant hired by the prospective developers, told The Nugget, "The intent of the neighborhood meeting was to explain the proposed changes to the zoning code, discuss a potential concept for the property, and gather public feedback. This text amendment application will need to be considered by the Planning Commission in a public hearing with a recommendation to the City Council who will also hold a public hearing(s) prior to issuing a decision. No specific development project would be approved through the text amendment application. Future applications would need to be filed with the City to review a specific development project on site." Skidmore is optimistic that the project will be met with acceptance both by the community and city planners. "This is a landmark property and has a vibrant future," Skidmore said. "It has all sorts of potential, not just this one concept, to be a gathering space and tourism enhancement for Sisters." The project could come onstream in 2025. The Oregon Department of Forestry needs more and consistent funding to fight wildfires. That much was clear following the 2020 Labor Day fires that burned nearly 850,000 acres of forests and became the states most expensive disaster in history. But lawmakers are split on how to pay for it. Two Democratic senators recently unveiled competing proposals to address long-term wildfire funding. Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, wants a tax on the value of industrial timber harvests to pay for protection that he says disproportionately benefits private forest owners. There is a segment of the timber industry thats more than able to shoulder more of the load, and when we think about the protection that they get from ODF, they should be picking up more of the baggage here, Golden said. Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, wants to charge every property owner in the state an annual fee to pay for what she sees as a statewide issue. This is an all-Oregon problem now, and thats different from where we were 10 years ago, Steiner said. Both will introduce their proposals during the short legislative session in February. Golden will seek a vote for a ballot referral, which would allow him to avoid a constitutional requirement that three-fifths of the House and Senate approve any new or increased taxes. Steiner will need the three-fifths vote in both chambers for her proposal to pass. Funding woes In 2021, the year after the historic fires, the Legislature allocated $220 million for wildfire prevention and response. Two years later, after a couple of mild fire seasons, they approved just $87 million. The part of the budget meant to help Oregonians harden their homes and neighborhoods against wildfires went from $35 million in 2021 to $3 million in 2023. Its very clear to me we are stumbling into the future without an adequate source of funding for wildfire, Golden said. Wildfire protection on private land in Oregon is generally split between landowners and the states General Fund. But in the case of catastrophic fires, like those seen in 2020, its the General Fund that covers the bulk of catastrophic costs. Golden and Steiner say General Fund money is needed for other pressing statewide priorities such as housing and substance abuse response, and both senators want to find other less competitive funding sources for wildfires. About 30 percent of the 16 million acres of land that the forestry department protects is privately owned by industrial timber companies, according to Joy Krawczyk, a public information officer with the agency. The rest is owned by ranchers, rural residential homeowners and state, federal and tribal governments, all of whom pay varying fees per acre of land for the departments fire protection. Between 2023 and 2024, the average per-acre price of that wildfire protection went up 29 percent, Krawczyk said. Increases were highest for eastern Oregon landowners and grazers, according to Steiner. Everybodys problem Steiner argues that everyone should chip in more for the forestry departments wildfire fighting budget because wildfires are becoming everyones problem. Its an issue that no longer just affects the people in the immediate area of the fire but rather an issue that affects every single Oregonian, one way or another, she said. She recently convened a group mainly of large private landowners from around the state, including timber companies, ranchers and the nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, to discuss rising wildfire protection costs on private lands and the concerns of landowners. This is an all Oregon problem now, and thats different from where we were 10 years ago. Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland Steiner said large landowners in the eastern part of the state are most concerned about the rising per-acre costs of fire suppression. They feel theyre paying a premium for protection thats more valuable for counterparts in the western part of the state, who have timber holdings worth billions. But rather than shifting more of the per-acre costs on large timberland owners, Steiner is proposing a communal solution: A $10 annual fee added to the 2 million property owners in the state, sending an additional $20 million to the forestry department each year for wildfire suppression. She also proposes bringing up-to-date for the first time in 15 years two fees that private landowners pay to the state as well as the timber harvest tax. This would bring in an additional $4 million each year. This additional $24 million would allow the forestry department to cut almost in half the per-acre fees forest and grazing landowners pay for their wildfire protection each year. Sara Duncan, a spokesperson for the Oregon Forest Industries Council, said in an email that Steiners proposal is welcome, but that most other Western states do not directly charge private landowners for additional wildfire protection like Oregon does. Other states instead rely more heavily on their General Funds. We appreciate Senator Steiners thoughtful proposal to address the wildfire funding affordability crisis, Duncan said in an email. Currently, Oregon private forest landowners directly pay more for fire protection than in any other state, and will continue to do so under Sen. Steiners proposal. While other states do rely more heavily or entirely on General Funds for wildfire response on private lands, private landowners in many Western states pay higher property and harvest taxes, and severance taxes, into those General Funds. Jody Wiser, founder and president of the nonprofit tax watchdog group Tax Fairness Oregon, said Steiners proposal continues a long-term trend of shifting costs from forestland owners to the public. Theyre not paying for my property insurance, so why should I be paying for theirs? she asked. Its shifting the burden of fire protection off of timber land owners who already pay extremely low taxes to the state and who have forest products and homes that need protecting to people who do not. Forestland owners as a group paid property taxes last year on less than 17 percent of their properties Real Market Value, according to Tax Fairness analysis of Oregon Department of Revenue property tax data. Large portions of private forestland in Oregon are now owned by timber and real estate investment trusts, Wiser added, which do not pay corporate taxes and where investments can be kept in untaxed pension funds. These and other large private landowners hold assets worth millions, if not billions, of dollars. They should pay the bulk of the cost of their protection, she said. Steiner could not guarantee under her plan that large industrial timber companies would get a discount on fire prevention costs at the expense of all Oregon property owners. I really believe this is a communal problem, she said. Timber tax Golden would like a greater portion of forestrys wildfire budget to come from industrial timber companies with forestland in Oregon. He says these companies disproportionately benefit from publicly funded wildfire protection. He and Wiser of Tax Fairness point to the financial losses counties and the forestry department experienced when the states severance tax was eliminated in 1999. Some of that money was formerly used to fight wildfire, Golden said. To this day, no one in state government or the forestry department can provide a clean figure for how much revenue has been lost since the tax was ended. But, reporting from the Oregonian, Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica found counties lost at least $3 billion in revenues in the three decades since. Golden said its time for private companies that benefit from the forestry departments firefighting work to pick up a larger share of the cost. He will propose the Legislature approve a ballot measure to go to Oregon voters. If passed, it would impose a percentage tax on the value of timber harvested on private lands, much like the former severance tax. The tax percentage would be higher depending on the acreage that each company holds, so a small timber operation isnt paying the same rate as a company like Weyerhaeuser, among the worlds largest international real estate and timber holding companies. Golden is still working through the details, but he said there would be zero tax for those with less than 500 acres, gradually increasing to up to 6 percent on companies and individuals holding 5,000 acres or more. Golden said imposing a timber value tax could bring the forestry department tens of millions of dollars annually for fighting wildfire and responding to threats from climate change. Hed also propose a discount on the timber taxes if a forestland owner gets certification from the nonprofit Forest Stewardship Council. Such certification requires the guarantee that companies will meet certain sustainability requirements. Ideally, Golden said, hed like to see 25 percent of the tax revenues go to the forestry department for fire suppression, another 25 percent to the state fire marshals office to help Oregonians protect their homes and reduce wildfire risks. Another 40 percent, he said, should be directed for firefighting resources to the counties where the timber is harvested, and the remaining 10 percent should go to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to help improve drinking water supplies in the Coast Range, where wildfires and logging are posing greater threats to water sources. Golden said hes open to feedback and adjustments during the short Legislative session in February, but that lawmakers should not leave that session without a blueprint for a long-term solution to the forestry departments budget needs. The one non-negotiable point is establishing a reliable source of wildfire funding, he said. Republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 courtesy of https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Paul David Weston, 47, of Sisters, pleaded guilty in Deschutes County Circuit Court to a single felony count of possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail, but has already served 11, and so will not serve any additional time. A second larger and more serious case involving drugs and equipment theft is still pending. Judge Beth Bagley reset the trial date for that case to July 22, but both prosecutor and defense anticipate that the case will be resolved before trial. The case that was resolved January 30 stemmed from Westons arrest in November of 2022, after a brief Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team investigation that found Weston in possession of commercial quantities of fentanyl defined as five grams or more. The second case developed from Westons December 28, 2022, arrest in connection with a series of thefts of construction equipment. After receiving several community tips and a report from a Deschutes County Sheriffs Office Deputy, CODE detectives identified Weston as a suspect in a series of construction and heavy equipment thefts around the Portland and Vancouver, Washington areas. The initial investigation alleged that Weston stole dump trailers, a car trailer, side-by-side ATVs, a skid-steer loader, a bucket loader, and a tractor from various locations around the Portland and Vancouver area over a two-month period. Weston then brought the stolen property to his home on Peterson Ridge Road near Sisters, where he obliterated serial numbers and painted the equipment to disguise it. Law enforcement reports that it appears he was later selling or renting the equipment for profit. Estimated value of recovered equipment was $225,000. Deputy District Attorney Andrew Doyle indicated at the January 30 hearing that he plans to resolve the second case before trial. That resolution may not include jail time. Doyle noted that Weston has no prior convictions, and will now have a felony conviction. The collateral consequences from that are quite severe, he said. He will now be a convicted felon for the rest of his life. Critical infrastructure is vulnerable in Sisters as it is elsewhere - and local authorities are alert to threats and attentive to security. In testimony to Congress last week - described as chilling - FBI Director Christopher Wray said that China's hackers are targeting American critical infrastructure, including water treatment plants, pipelines and the power grid, to be able to "wreak havoc" in the U.S. if Beijing ever decides to do so. Testifying before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Wray also warned that there has been too little public attention on the threat that he says China's efforts pose to national security. "China's hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if and when China decides the time has come to strike," Wray told lawmakers. The Nugget asked Sisters Public Works Director Paul Bertagna to assess the threat posed to Sisters. "An advantage to being small is we don't have complex treatment systems that use a lot of chemicals and controls. We are also able to respond to any disruption quickly and we have manual capabilities to override our minimal automation," Bertagna said. The Nugget asked Brent ten Pas, vice president of member & public relations at Central Electric Cooperative (CEC), what this threat might mean for Sisters power. He answered: "FBI Director Chris Wray testified before the House Committee that the Chinese are focused on disrupting a range of critical infrastructure, which includes cyber and the electrical grid - potentially posing a threat to Central Electric's electric system and members in Sisters." Ten Pas added, "Securing and protecting CEC's members' data and electric grid is a top priority. Over the years, our information technology team has implemented multiple layers of security to protect the co-op and members' information. Just over 85 percent of data breaches involve a 'human element,' as cyber hackers prey on individuals using phishing emails as the primary tool. Our information technology team has implemented extensive technological controls that scan and filter out malicious emails. If a phishing email breaks through, our employees - the human firewall - are trained year-round to recognize them and report them immediately to our IT personnel. "CEC's electric grid covers 5,300 square miles of service territory and numerous substations, making physical security more challenging. The federal Bonneville Power Administration's infrastructure, which delivers power to the co-op and other utilities in Central Oregon, poses another layer of complexity. "CEC continually monitors, evaluates and prepares for threats to the grid. We have long-standing layers of security across our system to help protect critical infrastructure from threats. Those efforts are routinely assessed and improved upon where and when possible. "BPA has also intensified its security state, leading its security officers and field staff to increase patrolling of its facilities." Representatives with TDS Telecommunications, formerly Bend Broadband, who provide roughly 90 percent of all internet to Sisters Country, would not respond directly to our questions, citing security concerns, and not wanting to reveal any defensive measures. "Over the last two years, we have become increasingly concerned about a strategic shift in PRC (People's Republic of China) malicious cyber activity against U.S. critical infrastructure," Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the U.S .Department of Homeland Security, stated in written testimony as she appeared alongside Wray. She added, "We are deeply concerned that PRC actors - particularly a group referred to in industry reporting as Volt Typhoon - are seeking to compromise U.S. critical infrastructure to pre-position for disruptive or destructive cyberattacks against that infrastructure in the event of a conflict, to prevent the United States from projecting power into Asia or to cause societal chaos inside the United States." He Lifeng, Chinese vice premier and Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, meets with a delegation led by Jay Shambaugh, under secretary for international affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- He Lifeng, Chinese vice premier and Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, met with a delegation led by Jay Shambaugh, under secretary for international affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, on Tuesday in Beijing. He Lifeng noted that the two sides should work together to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state at the San Francisco meeting, continue to make good use of the working group channel, deepen exchanges and cooperation, build up consensus, stabilize and develop China-U.S. economic relations, and bring more benefits to the enterprises and people of the two countries. Shambaugh is in China to attend the third meeting of the China-U.S. economic working group. Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the China-U.S. economic working group is an economic exchange mechanism established with the joint promotion of the two countries' lead persons overseeing economic and trade affairs and led by vice-ministerial officials from China's Ministry of Finance and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Years ago, while working as a reporter in Oregon, I was tasked with covering the county commissioners. At the time, I had very little understanding of who the county commissioners were or what their jobs entailed. Probably like a lot of voters, I trusted that these public servants were doing their best on the publics behalf. As a reporter, I learned that is not always the case. Some used the position to enrich themselves or their friends. One commissioner I reported on was investigated by the state ethics board for such violations. Following the money trail is the best way to know if county commissioners are doing their job. Commissioners have oversight to a sizable budget, even in rural areas. Here in Deschutes County the adopted budget for the 2024 year is over $700 million. Thats a lot of money to keep tabs on and to be held accountable for, should some county employee decide to go rogue, which does happen from time to time. Providing better oversight of the countys budget is just one of the reasons why Commissioner Phil Chang believes the voters of Deschutes County would be better served with a five-member board. While we work with a budget committee, ultimately it is the three of us who make the final decisions. We would have better oversight control of the budget with a five-member board, he said. Commissioners make all sorts of decisions that affect our daily lives: everything from our county roads to our county fair, to our county jails, to our county courts. One recent example of their power has to do with the control they have over whether we have sufficient water to survive. Enough water to survive has been a point of contention since a mere two-to-one vote approved plans for another Destination Resort in a semi-arid region where declines in ground water have been well-documented. Citing climate change, water deficits, and the impacts on the Tribes cultural resources, The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs opposed the resort. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also voiced their opposition to the resort, as did hundreds of Deschutes County citizens. All to no avail. Commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone sided with the developer of the controversial resort, stating that citizens concerns the people commissioners are elected to represent have no bearing on how the resort mitigates its own water use to ensure no net loss or degradation of habitat. You dont realize the power the county commissioners hold over your daily life until you turn on your spigots and no water flows out. The commissioners could have expanded the board by their own vote, but failed to do so. DeBone argued that if voters want better representation among their county commissioners, let them collect the signatures to get it on the ballot and vote for it themselves. That effort is currently underway, and the League of Women Voters is in full support of that expansion. The bottom line for the League of Women Voters goes back to the core of who we are and what we always focus on voter representation. When Deschutes County was first formed in 1916, the countys population was 5,000. Todays population is 210,000. All indications are that Deschutes County is going to continue to grow and our water systems are going to suffer the impact of that. Our current board of three commissioners is simply incapable of mitigating the demands of our growing population. We at the League believe voters would be much better served by a five-member county commissioner board, with designated population zones assigned to three commissioners and two at-large commissioners. If you, too, would like to see that happen, head over to representdeschutes.com and sign the petition to put it on the ballot for November. When elected officials ignore, or worse, seek to silence the voices of voters, and make decisions that are detrimental to those citizens, voters need to raise their voices even louder at the ballot box. Karen Spears Zacharias is the president of League of Women Voters Deschutes County. Hometown heros To the Editor: Heres a much-needed piece of good news! Pat Burke and Cody Meredith, two of our Sisters-Camp Sherman paramedics, had an unexpected and special moment last weekend. On a call to help a woman in labor they found themselves in the ambulance assisting with the delivery of the baby when she was ready to give birth before they reached the hospital. The end of the story is the best possible outcome: mother and child are healthy, dad was there, and able to cut the cord, the paramedics were trained and ready. Anyone who can save a life in a pinch and also help to bring in a new life is a hero to me! Candace Brey Fish for roundabout To the Editor: I read with interest Bill Bartletts story about the delightful fish artwork on the Sisters Elementary School fence being moved to a temporary location because of the roundabout construction (The Nugget, January 31, page 1). How about moving it back when the roundabout is finished and making it the artwork in the center? I can see a mound in the middle with a fountain spurting up water at the top representing Whychus and the Metolius waters, lots of river rock for the water to fall down on, and the fish swimming around the center supported on stakes which sink down into the rocks. Plants representing the riverbanks could be placed around the base of the perimeter. It would be a nice representation of our Sisters riparian features and the fish could happily return to their original habitat. Let Brad Tisdel know if you think this is a good idea! Sue Anderson We are living in a different age To the Editor: In response to Mr. Campbells letter Whos Dangerous?: Sir, I did not label my article (must have been the editor). What I wrote was not disinformation, everything can be proven. I know exactly what ANTIFA stands for and I also know that they have done nothing but cause harm and destruction. The Republican Party inherited a lot of things, so has the Democrat Party. Yes, President Johnson did sign the civil rights bill, however he did not want to, he had no choice. And Senator Biden voted against it every time it came up for a vote. I, too was a Democrat until after I retired from the Navy (1992) and I didnt like the way the party was headed. Ever think why we do not hear that much from the American Communist party any more? It seems that the Democrat party has pretty much taken their platform. We are living in a different age. It is not the south or the north that want to destroy all of the statues or rewrite history, its people promoting socialism. Lastly, if Paul Harvey told all the folks that Biden won the election fairly, would they believe him. Thomas Nitcher Might makes right To the Editor: They say dont discuss religion or politics with friends. But Im going to do both, in response to a previous letter to the editor. (The Nugget, January 17, Israel History). The author of the letter bases much of his history on the Bible. Mixing religion and history together. Making his point that much of the Mideast once belonged to the Jewish people. And using their religion to justify their permanent right to the holy land. The author saying, This (land) is forever (given) to the Jews and Israel is (for) Gods people for eternity. Suppose you applied that logic to the USA? Then its time for nearly all of us to climb back into the boats and leave. Using the authors logic, Native Americans were here long before the arrival of us foreigners. And therefore they have a permanent right to this land for eternity. And all Indian groups had religious reasons for their claim to their homelands, too. Even attaching their creation beliefs to the landscape and landforms. Very similar to the Jewish peoples claim, but based on their own, Indian religious beliefs. Simply put ...this land is their land forever. The Native Americans! But we took it and have no intention of ever returning it. Its the height of hypocrisy to say a certain rule only applies to other countries, such as Israel and not to ourselves. But its even far more complicated than that. Many, if not all, Indian tribes took land from each other through the centuries. (See Utes, Navajo, and Apaches.) How far back do we want to go? Whos claim to the land is more valid? It soon gets incredibly complicated and hard to justify ownership. I can see no alternative to might makes right, in the Mideast and in America. The way the world has always worked. Simply put, Israel belongs to the Jewish people ...for as long as they can keep it. The same goes for the Palestinians. Barry Clock No to Trump To the Editor: It is time to let the facts and the truth speak. We have a choice as to who we will vote for in the upcoming election, and, for me, it wont be Trump. The reason is simple, as follows: 92 criminal charges; twice impeached; business found guilty of financial crimes; his foundation found guilty of illegally using funds, fined $1 million; his now defunct university was closed due to lawsuit by students and had to pay $25 million; he is indicted for stealing classified documents from the government; he is indicted for trying to steal 11,000-plus votes in Georgia; he abused power by taking in $7.8 million from foreign entities while President. He was recently found civilly liable for sexual abuse, owes $5 million to E. Jean Carrol (judge confirmed he committed rape), and found guilty of defamation, owes $83.3 million to E. Jean Carrol; he is accused by NY DA of paying hush money to Michael Cohen (who served time for helping Trump) described as legal fees, when in fact, they were campaign expenses meant to keep his campaign untarnished (first criminal case); he reveres fascists Putin, Orban, and Jong Un; he cheated on all of his wives (three) and he has lied over 30,000 times, confirmed, and continues to lie. He belittles and demeans anyone who challenges him. Now, if that doesn't bring you some pause as to who you want in the White House, then remember what our Democracy stands for no one is above the law. The Constitution comprises the law of the U.S. Federal Government, it describes the three branches of government and their jurisdictions and lays out the basic rights of U.S. citizens. Trump has mocked our legal system, our judges, our voting system, and our country he mocks our country! Our allies have continued to remind us of how ashamed we should be to have put him in the White House and how the GOP and some religious groups blindly continue to support him. Wake up, America, the country we love and support needs you. If you want to know what the current administration has accomplished, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov. Diane L. Hodgson Celebrating the wolves return To the Editor: Five groups of wolves are now living within Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes County, and the Warm Springs Reservation. When Wolf Welcome Committee began, in early 2021, none of these wolves called Central Oregon home. Our ongoing commitment has been to promote co-existence. We have hosted events with biologists and authors, helped organize the 2023 Oregon Rewilding Conference and an educational workshop for the ranching community. Currently, two of our members serve on the Deschutes County Wolf Depredation and Financial Assistance Committee. Under Oregon Wolf Plan rules, non-lethal deterrents should be undertaken before livestock producers are awarded compensation for any depredation. Wolf Welcome Committee actively supports proactive, non-lethal methods to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts. Guard dogs, fencing, fladry, motion-triggered devices, and range riders are some effective methods. Wolves are smart. When they get used to one type of prevention method, they can become desensitized and a new approach must be implemented. Wolf Welcome Committee does not support lethal control of wolves. Contrary to anti-wolf mythology, wolves are extremely wary of humans and are opportunistic only hunting the most vulnerable prey. The best available science also indicates that, when a wolf is removed from its pack, there is a negative impact on the remaining family members. That pack is less able to successfully hunt and provide food for its pups and more likely to target livestock. Wolf Welcome Committee strives to shift obstructive views about wolves through education and advocacy. Wolves were exterminated from Oregon in 1949. We arent practiced in co-existing, yet the recent presence of wolves in our area has been largely non-eventful. Our wilder landscapes are benefiting from having them back since wolves and healthy ecosystems are inextricably linked. Thousands of people have attended Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan, at the High Desert Museum. The majority of Oregonians are celebrating wolves! Susan Prince & Jennie Sharp After concluding three months as managing editor of the The Leader newspaper in Port Townsend, Washington, Im confronted with an uncomfortable realization: I did the best I could, but could have done better. Getting old offers many chances for denial. Or embarrassment, when denial doesnt suffice. And frustration, when opportunities recede. Disappointment lurks at every staircase, doctors visit, encounter, and challenge. Getting old also teaches there is value in experience, that continuity is underrated in a world that seems to tack without thought to the new direction. Under my watch at The Leader we changed the look and feel of the newspaper to a more traditional format. We increased type size to make the newspaper easier to read for those who, like me, found small type a challenge. We added stories and photos to the front page to give readers more reason to look inside. The community approved. That felt good. But providing support for employees who felt beleaguered took more than Id anticipated, as did realigning some staff. Perhaps I should have let those issues resolve themselves. To efforts of an exceptional staff writer, we added five or so freelancers with a variety of voices, including an experienced journalist who returned to the fold and a couple of new reporters with fresh points of view. I wrote as little as I could, not wanting the paper to depend on the editor for content. I hoped to develop a team that would continue easily after I was gone. Perhaps I should have written more and put more effort into design. I should have been better organized, and put more focus on local government. But we were improving every week and I had priorities. And I was hobbled by what I first thought was age. My left eye stopped focusing with my right eye at any distance. This sudden degradation made reading difficult and proofreading almost impossible, which was frustrating and embarrassing. Words still play hide and seek. A third eye appointment is set for next week. A fog of dullness suffused far too many days. Nothing sharpened my edge, from gallons of caffeine, 5K or 10K walks, nor time in the gym. I was always behind and not catching up, unable to see either forest or trees. It was like walking along a beach of dry soft sand. Far too many inaccurate details and outright errors slopped through on my watch. A friend who holds the managing editor job at a different paper suggested my fatigue was due to stress, but even he notices its getting harder to do what somewhat defines who he is. In late November I notified the owners that I would depart by February. They found an extremely capable replacement while I was in Denmark over Christmas. The new managing editor took over in the middle of January. She brings experience, energy, intelligence, and will excel. Thats how evolution works. New blood solves challenges that were daunting for the old, even while the old can still make a contribution. While much was left undone, work which was done still had value. A week after I left Port Townsend, I planned to return to look at a piece of real estate that caught my interest. While shaving on the morning I was to travel, I felt dizzy, then dropped to the floor. Long story short, I was provided an ambulance ride to the emergency room, treated for atrial fibrillation, then released on my own recognizance with a couple of new medications. Its difficult to hear that your heart isnt working the way it should, especially having not felt any symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, or pressure in the chest. But in answering doctors questions, I realized there was an overlap with my job. At first I was relieved: what I regarded as short comings could be blamed not on advancing age or lack of talent, but on A-Fib! Then I realized that A-Fib was probably as clear a demonstration of advancing age as any other new infirmity. Even if it had a role in the unfinished work, A-Fib couldnt shield me from knowing that at one time, I was better at getting that work done. My friend the editor offered that when we can no longer do what we once did, which has long been part of who we are, it can cut pretty deep. In addition to work, Ive lived part time on an old sailboat, which can demand my maximum physical effort. Until recently, I raced cars and planned to do so again. Neither hobby is enhanced by a heart that flutters like a flag in a stiff breeze, though Ive been told by a number of friends whove had A-Fib that it can be serious or not, with treatment options that are usually effective, and life goes on. Which leads to what I call the Ice Cream Dilemma: After being informed by his doctor that his previous four or five heart attacks had destroyed more than 60 percent of his heart muscle, my father barked at the doctor: A man cant live with a third of a heart! On his way home from the hospital, he bought two quarts of ice cream. A week later my stepmother called to tell me I think your father is in trouble. I heard him bellow from the couch, Dont tell him that! Tell him Im just relaxing! Those were his last words. Ive still not decided if the ice cream was selfish, honest, or just desserts. For now, Ive decided to eat less ice cream. After all, I had my share, long ago. Ive also been told not to slam my head hard while on blood thinners prescribed in case A-fib left a clot behind. So I may postpone my next unicycle ride. Long boat voyages and car racing are open to question. But only because Im curious about whats next in the here and now, whenever it arrives. For more from Erik Dolson, visit erikdolson.substack.com. BEIRUT, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday called on donor countries to reconsider their decision to stop funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Lebanon. "Lebanon is an exceptional case in light of the current economic crisis, which must be taken into account," Mikati said when meeting with Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon Dorothee Klaus. Lebanon has been in the throes of an unprecedented financial crisis since 2019 and is already hosting the largest number of refugees per capita in the world, with the government's estimation of 1.5 million to over 2 million Syrian refugees. "Currently, 19 donor agencies have stopped or suspended grants; we can provide services until the end of March, but after this date, we do not know what will happen with our services," said Klaus. "If this funding is not restored, all Palestinians in Lebanon will be affected, and this includes a large number of children, 2,000 patients in our clinics, and 50,000 patients who need hospital support every year in addition to a large number of patients who depend on medications," she said. Klaus added that she is aware of the Lebanese government's efforts to host many refugees in Lebanon, noting that her agency will continue to try to persuade donors about the need to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. As of March 2023, the total number of UNRWA-registered Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon was 489,292. EAST CHICAGO The Lake County Coroner's Office said late Tuesday morning it is working with a family as part of efforts to identify human remains discovered Sunday evening along railroad tracks in East Chicago. The office is reportedly seeking dental records. "We are not releasing sex, or age until we have more information," the coroner's office said. "We do not want to give any family members false hope." The discovery comes about a week after police discovered a badly decomposed body in the basement of an East Chicago home. That body discovered Jan. 30 has since been identified as 30-year-old Clarissa Victoria Almodovar, whose family had not heard from in a year, authorities confirmed. On Sunday, a person walking in the area of 149th Place and Parrish Avenue in East Chicago reported finding what looked to be a human skull in a grassy area near the tracks, police said. Teacher's aide pleads guilty to punching mentally challenged student VALPARAISO A 54-year-old man, who was charged nearly five years ago with punching a mentally challenged student in the classroom, has pleade Officers arrived around 5 p.m. and confirmed the presence of the skull and contacted the Lake County Coroner's Office and Lake County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force. "A further search of the area was conducted, and the bottom jaw of the skull was also located," police said. Investigators reportedly returned to the site Monday to search further and located a jacket and part of a vertebrae. The search was assisted by a drone and police dog. "The Coroners office is working on identifying the remains," police said. "At this time, it appears the remains might have been there for quite some time. A more accurate timeline and cause of death will be determined at a later date." The Gary Community School Corp. is seeking the input of residents as they're undergoing their search for the district's next superintendent. Gary schools are holding two community forums one in-person and one virtual as well as conducting a survey for residents to fill out. The in-person forum will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Gary Area Career Center, 1800 E. 35th Ave. The virtual community will take place later at 7 p.m. Those who wish to participate virtually must register by Thursday by emailing epatton@garycsc.k12.in.us. The online survey, available for all Gary residents, will be open through Feb. 17 and is available on the district's website. Gary schools is currently searching for its next schools chief as the district is set to exit state control in July. Last month, the Gary School Board contracted BWP & Associates, a firm based in Libertyville, Illinois, to lead the superintendent search. Prospective candidates will have until March 9 to apply, as the school board looks to have a superintendent selected by the next school year, if not earlier. 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 The state of Indiana soon may permit prosecutors to file charges for certain rape and child molesting offenses no matter how long ago the crime allegedly occurred. Hoosier senators recently voted 48-0 to eliminate the statute of limitations on rape and child molesting when charged as a level 3 felony, making them akin to murder, and all level 1 and level 2 felonies, for which charges may be filed at any time. Under current law, prosecution for nearly all other felony crimes must begin within five years of the date the offense allegedly occurred. Though a prosecution for child molesting also can start at any point before the victim turns 31 years old. State Sen. Scott Alexander, R-Muncie, the sponsor of Senate Bill 151, said eliminating time limits for level 3 rape and child molesting prosecutions will give victims of those crimes the opportunity to still pursue justice, especially if they were unable or unwilling to do so immediately after the crime occurred. "This crime is different. The victim of this crime gets a life sentence when this happens, no judge or no jury. Many times, if this does go to court, the victims are the ones that are put on trial," Alexander said. State Sen. Michael Crider, R-Greenfield, agreed. He said the trauma from these two crimes is so significant legislators should do everything they can to offer survivors a chance at justice. "It will help individuals who have been impacted very deeply have an opportunity for their day in court," Crider said. "They don't really recover from this crime." State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton, joined his colleagues in supporting the legislation. But Pol also cautioned them about the risks of continuing to extend or eliminate the statute of limitations, particularly for crimes where there may be no physical evidence available. "We've got to draw the line at some point," Pol said. "We do this with the intent of, obviously, convicting guilty people. But when you do repeal the statute of limitations you make it harder for an innocent person to try and prove their innocence years later." "And when you're dealing, particularly, with crimes for which the conviction can be based simply on testimony, that's proving a negative, and that's (a situation) I don't think anybody ever really wants to find themselves in, particularly as an innocent person." The proposal next goes to the House for a decision on advancing it to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law. Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park Gov. Eric Holcomb joined a caravan of Republican governors who traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border this weekend to back Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as he continues defying a U.S. Supreme Court order to remove unlawful razor wire fencing from the border. Last month, the nation's high court reaffirmed that the federal government has sole responsibility for border security, and the justices directed Texas officials to permit U.S. border agents access to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, where state agents have installed razor wire on the border in response to Abbott's claim that Texas is under "invasion." Shortly after that ruling, Holcomb signed on to a statement penned by the Republican Governor's Association declaring the GOP governors "stand in solidarity with our fellow governor, Greg Abbott, and the state of Texas in utilizing every tool and strategy, including razor wire fences, to secure the border." "The authors of the U.S. Constitution made clear that in times like this, states have a right of self-defense, under Article 4, Section 4 and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. Because the Biden Administration has abdicated its constitutional compact duties to the states, Texas has every legal justification to protect the sovereignty of our states and our nation," Holcomb said in the letter. The governor was somewhat less combative following his visit to the border. Instead of leaning into state's rights claims already rejected by the Supreme Court, Holcomb called on Democratic President Joe Biden, the Republican-controlled U.S. House and the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate "to stop talking and start acting." "Its time for results, not more rhetoric. One of the few basic constitutional duties of the federal government to set critical immigration policy, yet they continue a two-decade practice of kicking the can down the road leaving in their wake long lasting adverse impacts on our nation, states, cities and communities," Holcomb said. "The only way to resolve this is to first stop the historically high flow of illegal migrants crossing the border, and then get to work on passing a legal efficient immigration policy that actually will contribute to a needed and healthy workforce." Members of the U.S. Senate unveiled a bipartisan border security measure Sunday that, among other provisions, limits asylum claims, funds 77 repatriation flights a day, and authorizes the president to shut down the border entirely if too many migrants attempt to cross seemingly in alignment with the border priorities of the term-limited Hoosier chief executive. But the proposal faces an uncertain fate as Republican former President Donald Trump repeatedly has suggested he'd rather campaign on the nation's immigration problems than see Biden get credit for solving them. In that vein, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., the Trump-endorsed candidate for Indiana governor, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to denounce the border legislation Monday as "a bogus bill" that's only "pretending to close the border." "Close the border now!" Braun demanded. Gallery: Indiana historical markers in the Region First Physician Great Sauk (Sac) Trail St. John's Lutheran Church Tolleston Dutch in the Calumet Region St. John Township School, District #2 The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section Froebel School - side 1 Froebel School Stewart Settlement House Stewart Settlement House Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Bailly Homestead Iron Brigade Willow Creek Confrontation Ogden ski jump.jpg Teale 1.jpg Teale 2.jpg Steel 1.jpg Steel 2.jpg Civil War camps.jpg Old lighthouse.jpg Railroad.jpg Camp Anderson.jpg Boundary line 1.jpg Boundary line 2.jpg LaPorte courthouse 1.jpg LaPorte courthouse 2.jpg Carnegie 1.jpg Carnegie 2.jpg Rumely Co 1.jpg Rumely Co 2.jpg Lincoln train 1.jpg Lincoln train 2.jpg LaPorte university 1.jpg Laporte university 2.jpg Gary Roosevelt 1 Gary Roosevelt 2 Air China flight 818, operated by a Boeing 777 jet, is seen at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, the United States, on Sept. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) They still hold a dim hope, together with their American colleagues, that geopolitical tension and securitization will one day step out of the way of academic and educational cooperation between the two peoples. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Gazed by two armed inspectors, Fiona Meng had to sign a document before she was allowed to read it. After eight hours at the secondary inspection, a pat-down, and a forcible payment of 3,700 U.S. dollars for her deportation trip, she was escorted to the detention room, stripped of her coat, sweater, shoes, cough medicine, and any means of communication with anyone. She had no idea how long she had to stay there, in the company of three thin sheets, a bunch of surveillance cameras, and an open toilet, in the chilly North Virginia cell, December night. It turned out to be 12 hours. "The inspectors said they would detain me in a certain room, I can't remember its name. My ears were not capable to listen, nor my brain to remember it," said the final year biology PhD candidate. Meng's experience of unwarranted interrogation, harassment, and deportation was regretfully not a rare case for Chinese students at the U.S. border. At the San Francisco Summit in November, heads of state from China and the United States pledged to enhance and facilitate cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges. During the meeting between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok, Thailand last month, both sides reiterated their commitment to taking further steps towards such a vision. A half-hour drive away from the West Wing, however, the enthusiasm was somehow not shared by customs and border protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport. Since the historical summit, at least 11 Chinese students with a valid visa and travel documents were deported or canceled visas on-site at the airport by U.S. authorities. Eight cases at Dulles alone. Some victims found their questioning records distorted. One student, for example, found false content about China's talent programs and military industry enterprises added to her record. The Chinese Embassy on Jan. 29 warned Chinese students not to enter from Dulles Airport and has lodged a solemn representation to the United States. Meng recalled two plain-clothed female inspectors who went through her phone thoroughly, and interrogated whether she received scholarships, was funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), or participated in confidential research. She was granted a university scholarship during her undergraduate study. No CSC funding. No confidential research. Still, she was banned from entering the United States for five years, with her dissertation defense one semester away and a pile of supplementary experiments pending. Despite constant efforts from her supervisor, the international student office, and graduate student union of her university, and the Chinese Embassy, Meng's case is stagnated, like the lives and careers of many Chinese students pursuing study in the United States. "This is absolutely unacceptable," Xie Feng, the Chinese ambassador in Washington, said on Jan. 28 at an event at the embassy on student exchanges. "The U.S. likes to portray itself as open, inclusive and a place advocating academic freedom and 'no border in science,' but what it does is politicizing and weaponizing academic research, and overstretching the concept of national security to wantonly suppress and ill-treat Chinese students," said the Chinese Embassy in the United States on social media. "WATCH YOURSELF WHILE IN THE UNITED STATES" The harassment of Chinese students at Washington Dulles International Airport was new, but not alone. In the summer of 2023, the first post-pandemic Tsinghua University overseas study trip group arrived at Boston Logan International Airport, greeted by hours of interrogation. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Sam Yin, a quantum information major student, recalled his questioning by two customs officers. "Why are you not a CPC member? That was the first question they asked me," Sam said. "I didn't see it coming." Other students were asked similar questions on party affiliation. Sam told the customs officer that each Chinese person could choose whether to join the CPC or not. "You are lying. How can you represent Tsinghua if you are not a CPC member?" Sam recounted the response from the U.S. officer. "Isn't that the meaning of representation? That we would have both party members and non-party members?" he said. Sam said in hours of interrogation he was accused of lying multiple times, and the U.S. officers seemed to hold a guilty-until-proven-innocent mentality. "According to their logic, because I study physics and physics is an advanced discipline, it must serve the Chinese military, and therefore I must be associated with the Chinese military, and that everything I said must be lies," Sam said. According to the students, another logic that the U.S. officers seemed to hold was that because the group's itinerary included meeting with some U.S. think tanks and some of the think tanks had close relationships with the U.S. government, the students are suspected of being after U.S. government secrets. Some of the students were also asked why they looked nervous, and the students answered, that if you are held up by a police officer without committing any wrongdoing, you'd think something's wrong too. Students recalled toward the end of the questioning, one of the U.S. officers warned them: "Don't think that you are so skilled in answering questions, we are proceeding in a professional manner, you need to watch yourself while in the United States." Travelers wearing face masks are seen at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, the United States, on Nov. 25, 2020. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua) In January, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the study trip group led by Xie Tao, professor and dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University was greeted with similar paranoia. "All the six students plus myself were guided to the other side of the counter. I was questioned, or you could use the word interrogated, for nearly three hours." "I know far more cases of Chinese scholars and students being questioned for extended hours by U.S. immigration officers than the reported case of American scholars and students questioned by Chinese authorities. I got the affirmation from my American counterparts. They felt very outraged and upset at my experiences." "Buy a ticket and come over to China. See with your own eyes," Prof. Xie replied when asked for his message to American students who want to know what is happening in China. He was gravely concerned with U.S. authorities' unwarranted harassment of Chinese students as such behaviors "are actually decoupling the most important ties between the two countries, that is people-to-people exchanges." "GUILTY WITH WHATEVER ANSWERS" Chinese-born researchers and tech industry professionals are in an even more delicate position, as profiling, interrogation, and aggressive or passive repulsion are haunting every aspect of their careers and private lives. Right before being granted tenure, Hannah Hu decided to quit her job as a faculty member at the University of North Texas in September 2020. "One day in August, the university repelled overnight dozens of visiting researchers from China and demanded them to leave within days," Hu recalled the unprecedented incident. Such decisions require consultation and authorization of all deans as per procedure, yet the two deans of the College of Engineering and the College of Science, both of Chinese descent, were excluded from the meeting. "So the whole thing is about China?" Asked a participant at an international faculty member meeting afterward. The answer was a blunt and brazen "Yes." "At the end of the meeting we concluded that it's better not to cooperate with researchers from China for a while," said Hu. "And I am Chinese." Into the fall semester, Hu found she no longer had access to the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP), an indispensable database in her field of research. "Although since 2018 we have been hearing about researchers taken away by FBI or labs shut down because of connection with China, I didn't expect it would happen to me," Hu said. Christopher Zhang, a physicist then working at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, ran into a snag departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York in the same month. "They (customs officers) took out a list and started interrogating every person who's called," recalled Zhang. Two officers came to him, one went through his luggage without consent, while the other questioned his work, field of research, families, political identity in China, and other social relations. "They asked trap questions, like why did you join CPC, and you can easily be found guilty with whatever answers," Zhang said. After the last boarding broadcast, the officers forcibly dug through his digital devices' contents, and he was finally allowed to board. Meng is now contacting her colleagues in the lab to help her complete the experiments. Hu is working for a Swiss pharmaceutical company in China. Zhang found a faculty position at a Chinese university. They still hold a dim hope, together with their American colleagues, that geopolitical tension and securitization will one day step out of the way of academic and educational cooperation between the two peoples. Enditem (P.S. All names in the story are pseudonyms as required by sources out of security concerns. More victims we contacted did not speak to us for their fear of retaliation.) Linda Felinski forced a polite smile to the cheerful restaurant server despite the emotional anguish she was feeling at that moment. Just after the chatty server walked away from our table, Felinski continued our somber conversation about her daughter, Tracy Lynn Martin, who was among several women murdered by serial killer Darren Deon Vann in 2014. I attended a private memorial service for Martin at a Portage cemetery before meeting with Felinski at a nearby restaurant. I remember how polite she was to everyone although it was one of the most painful days of her life. None of those strangers knew what she was dealing with, yet she remained cordial to everyone, including me. Ive never forgotten our encounter and her gracious behavior amidst such deep despair. This is what most of us try to do while struggling with a crisis in our life. We put on a brave face and carry on. Nonetheless, other people dont know what were going through and too often dont respond with the kindness needed in these social interactions. Conversely, we simply dont know what other people are going through at any given time. They could be struggling to care for a loved one with cancer. Or worried about their aging parents with slipping abilities. Or their teenage children with serious troubles. Or a marriage that is crashing onto the beach of divorce. Most of us face an exhaustive list of crises in our lives if we live long enough each time forcing us to politely smile at the world while we deal with our pain, grief, anxiety or confusion. This kind of social behavior is instinctive to most people, though its difficult for others to interpret whats taking place behind the scenes. We should give strangers the benefit of the doubt. This can be too challenging on social media, which continually stokes the fires of anger, apathy and unkindness. Making things worse, we live in a drive-thru, disposable, attention-deficit McCulture that too often substitutes sound bites for substance, quantity for quality, and emoticons for emotions. We tend to forget there are actual humans behind their user names and profile pictures. Over the weekend, I visited a friend at her recently opened place of business. She was funny and charming as usual while giving me a tour. It was only near the end of my visit that she asked me to pray for her seriously ill mother. I had no idea about the severity of her mothers illness until that moment. I felt badly about my lame jokes and casual chattiness earlier in the visit. Oh, thats OK, she replied. But its really weighing on my mind. At various points in our lives, all of us have something heavy weighing on our mind. However, not many of us confess this to others, let alone strangers. Its a game of pretend that many of us perform without actually thinking about. On the surface we look calm, like graceful ducks swimming across a tranquil lake. But underneath the water, were frantically paddling to stay afloat and keep moving forward. We have no idea what others are going through behind their cordial smiles, nervous laughs or mindless chit-chat. Maybe theyre struggling financially. Or suffering from depression. Or having a difficult time as a young adult. In most situations, we just dont know what people are dealing with. Should I kill myself or have a cup of coffee? a teenage boy once asked me at a coffeehouse. He was quoting a famous query often attributed to French author Albert Camus to illustrate his suicidal thoughts. He pondered taking his own life, not strictly from depression or desperation, but from a philosophical stance summed up by that absurdist quote. I had been raised Christian, but after losing my faith, I took a sharp turn into philosophy, the teenager told me. I started as somewhat of a pessimistic nihilist, and I was in deep with existential angst and depression amongst other things. I had no idea about his mindset until that moment. He appeared jovial and lighthearted. Not anxious and heavyhearted. You would never have known by looking at him. He appeared to be just fine. Millions of people at this very moment are just fine despite the reality of their troubles. Theyre all dealing with something. The rest of us see only the tip of the iceberg for their stressors. Its only when theyre drowning in the icy waters of emotional pain or grief or hardship when we realize the rest of that iceberg existed. Were all flawed or damaged in some way. We carry around emotional baggage like a circular conveyor belt at an airport baggage claim. Too often we stumble to get a handle on it as it circles around our mind again and again. It may disappear from view but it always comes back to us, sometimes in even worse condition. Life is complicated. It can be messy. Some days it can be merely difficult. Other days it can be overwhelming. New obstacles seem to arise every morning. Anxiety lurks behind the corner of too many decisions. On good days, it gently taps us on the shoulder, reminding us its there. On bad days, it slaps us across the face, demanding action of some kind. Meanwhile, we feel compelled to smile politely and trudge on, just as Linda Felinski did at that restaurant after her daughters memorial service. Strangers had no idea about her situation at that time. But I did and Ill never forget how she treated everyone with kindness, including me. If she could demonstrate kindness in that tragic moment of her life, whats stopping us from showing it to others when they may need it most. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week Some of the banking industrys most powerful trade groups sued the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on Monday, claiming that the regulators overstepped their authority in updating a law meant to reverse the effects of redlining. In October, the regulators imposed new frameworks for assessing whether banks are abiding by the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act, which requires banks to do business in neighborhoods made up largely of racial minorities or low-income households that they typically shunned. The lawsuit said the rule was a complicated and burdensome regime and might ultimately result in reduced lending to the very populations that the C.R.A. was designed to benefit. The suit was filed by the American Bankers Association, the Independent Community Bankers of America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, trade groups that represent virtually all U.S. banks. Several Texas groups joined as plaintiffs, allowing the Washington-based groups to sue in federal court in that state, where they have already won favorable rulings against the regulators. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen will tell lawmakers on Tuesday that the United States has had a historic economic recovery from the pandemic but that regulators must vigilantly safeguard the financial system from an array of looming risks to preserve the gains of the last three years. Ms. Yellen will deliver the comments in testimony to the House Financial Services Committee nearly a year after the Biden administration and federal regulators took aggressive steps to stabilize the nations banking system following the abrupt failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. While turmoil in the banking system has largely subsided, the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which is headed by Ms. Yellen, has been reviewing how it tracks and responds to risks to financial stability. Like other government bodies, the council did not anticipate or warn regulators about the problems that felled several regional banks. Our continued economic strength depends on a solid and resilient U.S. financial system, Ms. Yellen said in her prepared remarks. A day after Mayor Eric Adams repeated his message that the migrant crisis would destroy New York City, he seemed intent on proving his point. Mr. Adams, a former police captain, put on a bulletproof vest with a Fendi scarf tucked underneath it on Monday and accompanied an early-morning police raid in the Bronx, tied to a major robbery ring where many of the participants were believed to be recent migrants. Police officials called it the largest robbery pattern plaguing the city, with a group of thieves on mopeds or scooters snatching cellphones and purses in at least 62 incidents, most involving female victims. The police said the thieves were migrants who have recently arrived in the United States, and who predominantly live in the migrant shelter system. You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. renters The Five Brooklyn Roommates Who Merged Two Households Into One In Bushwick, the neighborly hello in the hallway led to hanging out in each others apartments, and spirited theater-karaoke nights singing show tunes. Share full article Jinn Liu, Emily Zaboski, Sam Jaffe (crouching), Matt Scaptura and Parade Stone, in the entryways of their respective apartments in the same house in Bushwick. The five roommates first bonded over their creative pursuits and became close during the pandemic. Credit... Katherine Marks for The New York Times Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host who now has a show on the social network X, has been spotted in Moscow in recent days, leading to speculation in Russia and the United States that he is about to achieve his long-stated goal of interviewing President Vladimir V. Putin. If so, Mr. Carlson would be the first American media figure to land a formal interview with the Russian leader since he invaded Ukraine nearly two years ago. Mr. Putins spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, has indicated that Mr. Putin was denying requests from Western new outlets because their countries had been stupefied by anti-Russian propaganda. But Mr. Carlson has been a defender of Mr. Putin while attacking his Western critics, placing him at the vanguard of a pro-Putin wing of the American conservative movement. In a call with reporters on Monday, Mr. Peskov said: Many foreign journalists come to the Russian Federation every day. Many continue to work here, and we welcome this. He added, As for possible interviews with the president, including with foreign media, we have nothing to report at the moment. Yes, he replied. If you could just say a word, I know Angelenos would really appreciate hearing that, the mayor said. Look, first of all, I think you guys are undergoing one hell of an operation here, Mr. Biden said, adding that he had just gotten off the phone with Gov. Gavin Newsom. The president continued: Well get any help on the way as soon as you guys request it, so just let me know. Thats why Im calling. The sudden call came as Los Angeles city officials were providing an update on the record-breaking rainfall that had triggered more than 120 mudslides and damaged 25 structures, after an atmospheric river deluged wide swaths of the state. Lindsey Horvath, a Los Angeles County supervisor, said the region avoided the sort of extreme flooding that emergency workers and rescuers had prepared for. Instead, she said during the news conference, the damage has been more like 1,000 cuts sinkholes, downed trees, areas of erosion. A former church day care director in Indiana has been sentenced to six months in jail after admitting that she had fed melatonin gummies to more than a dozen young children without their parents consent, court records show. The former director, Tonya Rachelle Voris, 53, was arrested last year after the churchs pastor notified police that she had handed out pediatric strength melatonin to children ages 1 to 4 who were under her care at Kidz Life Childcare Ministry in Cumberland, Ind., according to the documents. Ms. Voris pleaded guilty in January to more than a dozen charges of neglect and reckless supervision and was sentenced on Friday to six months in jail, and about 18 months of probation. Neither her lawyer nor the prosecutor could be immediately reached for comment on Monday afternoon. According to court documents, Ms. Voriss use of melatonin began in December 2022, after a parent gave the day care center permission to give the sleep aid to their child during the scheduled daily two-hour nap. Ms. Voris then began administering melatonin to other children, without their parents consent, the documents show. President Biden is pleading with Congress for new authority to shut down the nations overwhelmed southern border, declaring that he has done all I can do and urging lawmakers to give me the power to fix it. We dont have enough agents. We dont have enough folks. We dont have enough judges, Mr. Biden said on Monday. Why wont they give me the help? A Senate bill introduced over the weekend tries to do just that. But it is fiercely opposed by House Republicans, who insist the president has simply failed to wield the power over immigration that he already has. Whos right? While it is true that there are some steps Mr. Biden could take without Congress, the idea that he has unfettered power to seal the country off is far too simplistic. The United States also has laws that require the government to consider asylum claims from people fleeing persecution. Any attempts to circumvent that would almost certainly face legal challenges. Nikki Haley, who has been the target of at least two hoax calls that have sent the authorities rushing to her home, has applied for Secret Service protection as the number of threats against her has increased, a campaign spokeswoman confirmed Monday. After losses in Iowa and New Hampshire, Ms. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and a United Nations ambassador under former President Donald J. Trump, is now his only rival left in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. The two have been clashing fiercely on the campaign trail and are headed into a heated primary in her home state on Feb. 24. Mr. Trumps supporters have been known to attack his political opponents with racist messages, death threats and swatting calls, or fake reports of emergencies at their homes. But officials with Ms. Haleys campaign would not release any more information about the number or kinds of threats she has received. Ms. Haley could also be a target because of her work in Iran as a United Nations ambassador. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the move, Ms. Haley said only that her team had seen multiple issues. Its not going to stop me from doing what I need to do, she said. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Officials from the Pakistani navy and Maritime Security Agency rescued nine Indian nationals stranded in the open sea in the Arabian Sea, a statement released by the country's military said on Monday night. The Indian citizens had been stranded in a boat in distress for 24 hours in the open sea when the Pakistani security agencies reached out to them and conducted the successful rescue operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in the statement. Upon receiving information about the stranded people, a search and rescue operation was launched and the Pakistani navy officials resolved technical issues of the Indian boat, the ISPR added. The Pakistani team also provided medical assistance to the affected individuals and ensured the safety of the distressed boat, the statement said. Republicans in Congress who have spent months demanding that any aid to Ukraine be paired with a crackdown against migration into the United States got what they asked for when a bipartisan group of senators released a $118.3 billion agreement that would provide both. On Monday, many of them rejected it anyway. It was the latest indication that the political ground for any agreement on immigration particularly in an election year when it is expected to be a central issue of the presidential campaign has vanished. With former President Donald J. Trump eager to attack President Bidens record on the border and right-wing Republicans in Congress falling in line behind him, a compromise was always going to be a long shot. The long-awaited release on Sunday night of the text of the 370-page bill only served to inflame Republican divisions on an issue that once united them. Even as Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the minority leader and a champion of funding for Ukraine, took to the floor to push for action on the bill, many of his fellow Republican leaders were savaging it. Speaker Mike Johnson denounced the measure as even worse than we expected and, in a joint statement with his leadership team, repeated what had become his mantra about the deal that it would be dead on arrival in the House. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken began a diplomatic push in the Middle East on Monday for a deal that would pause the war in the Gaza Strip and release the hostages there, even as a drone struck a military base used by American troops and allied forces in eastern Syria. Mr. Blinken, making his fifth trip to the region since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, met in Riyadh with Saudi Arabias crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the first stop on a trip that will also include meetings in Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank. Speaking with the crown prince, the kingdoms de facto ruler, Mr. Blinken underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict, the State Department said. It added that they discussed an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the main aid agency in Gaza, is set to lose $65 million by the end of February as donors funding cuts begin to kick in, according to internal accounting documents reviewed by The New York Times. At least 18 states or institutions, including many of the agencys biggest funders, announced they were suspending their donations to the agency, known as UNRWA, after accusations emerged last month that several employees participated in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Some of those suspensions will take time to take effect. Countries deliver their donations at intervals throughout the year, and some of the countries were not scheduled to make their payments for several months. For example, the United States had already made the first of its three installments in January, and the second U.S. payment is not due until May, according to the documents. But Finland missed a payment of $5.4 million in January, and three more countries Germany, Japan and Sweden are set to miss payments throughout February that are collectively worth almost $60 million. It is important to note right from the beginning that Toby Keith, when presented with the opportunity to become the music industrys jingoist-in-chief, leaned in. At the turn of the millennium, just after the Sept. 11 attacks, Keith, who died Monday at 62, released a string of songs that were notable for their political stridency, commitment to American exceptionalism and flexed-bicep threat. Keith had a three-decade career in country music, selling more than 20 million albums and releasing 20 No. 1 Billboard country singles. But he will indisputably be remembered first and most intently for this era of songs: Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (the Angry American), a thunderstorm of pro-war propaganda peaking with the exclamation Well put a boot in your ass, its the American way; American Soldier, a warm hum of bombastic treacle; and even The Taliban Song, a cheeky ditty in the Jimmy Buffett mold aiming to satirize, if not quite sympathize with, life in Afghanistan under the repressive Taliban regime. These songs, released in 2002 and 2003, made Keith a culture-war champion. He understood instinctually that culture is politics, and politics is theater, and for this fraught period in American history, he was determined to provide the soundtrack. Nonetheless, Keiths career was also an object lesson in how one incandescent and hard-to-ignore moment can shine so brightly that it obscures more nuanced truths below. For most of the rest of his career, Keith was a sly humorist, a good-natured blowhard, a chronicler of what really happens below thick skin. Last years Ukrainian counteroffensive was a failure. Russias defenses in the territory it has captured look impenetrable. Republicans in Washington are blocking further Ukraine aid. President Volodymyr Zelensky is on the precipice of firing his top general who may well become his chief political rival. Its a difficult moment for Ukraine. And another year of frontal assaults on the trench lines could make 2024 look like 1916, a year in World War I that brought harrowing loss of life but few battlefield gains. The question now is what Ukraine can reasonably still hope to achieve. In todays newsletter, Ill explain what a negotiated settlement might look like whenever it comes and what a better and worse version might look like. Its still possible that either Ukraine or Russia will mount a more successful military drive this year than experts expect. But the most likely outcome of this years fighting is a continued stalemate. That impasse will shape how the war ends. A bleak picture Ukraine wants all its territory back. That is not likely to happen. Ukrainians believe in their ability to fight back. They defended Kyiv, retook Kherson and pushed Russia away from Kharkiv in 2022. Their military is more battle-hardened than anything else in Europe, made more sophisticated by its adoption of American and allied technology. They have avoided the worst outcome: an outright defeat, an overthrow of their democratic government, the installation of a Russian puppet. Many Ukrainians now believe concessions to Russia would mean their compatriots had died in vain. WeWorks founder is trying to buy it Adam Neumann shot to fame by turning WeWork into a cultural and business phenomenon, before being ousted from the work space operator in dramatic fashion. But for the past several months, he has been trying to buy the now-bankrupt business with the help of the hedge fund mogul Dan Loeb, DealBook is the first to report. Neumanns new real estate company Flow Global is pushing WeWork to consider its takeover approach, according to a letter his lawyers sent to WeWorks advisers on Monday. Flow which has already raised $350 million from the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, disclosed in the letter that Loebs Third Point would help finance a transaction. (Read the letter.) Flow has sought to buy WeWork or its assets, as well as provide bankruptcy financing to keep it afloat. Mary Kay Henry, the president of the Service Employees International Union, one of the nations largest and most politically powerful labor unions, announced Tuesday that she would step down after 14 years in her position. Ms. Henry was the first woman elected to lead the union, which represents nearly two million workers like janitors and home health aides in both the public and private sectors. Under her leadership, it launched a major initiative known as the Fight for $15, which sought to organize fast-food workers and push for a $15 minimum wage. Winning over skeptics in the ranks, Ms. Henry argued that the union could make gains through a broad-based campaign that targeted the industry as a whole rather than individual employers. Labor experts and industry officials cite the campaign as a major force behind significant minimum-wage increases in states including California and New York and cities like Seattle and Chicago. It also pushed a recent California law creating a council to set a minimum wage in the fast-food industry, which will become $20 an hour in April, and to propose new health and safety standards. The steps in front of Low Memorial Library at Columbia University have been the site of major campus protests since the 1960s. But when pro-Palestinian demonstrators tried to organize a rally there last Thursday, the area was barricaded off. When the students instead joined a rally on the streets outside of campus the next day, they were greeted by rows of police officers. The scene was heated; 15 people were taken into custody. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, Columbia has been under intense pressure to rein in pro-Palestinian protests that accuse Israel of genocide and call for a cease-fire. The protests have not been violent, but some donors, trustees and students say they reflect and foment antisemitism. In response, Columbia and Barnard, the universitys sister school, have sought to enforce rules requiring extensive advance notice and barring anything that might disrupt campus activities. The measures have reduced protests. But, some students say, they have also violated free speech rights, and challenged long traditions of political protest on campuses that were historically the scenes of raucous rallies about everything from the Vietnam War to South African apartheid. Adam Bodnar, Polands new justice minister, recently explained to me the immense challenge of rebuilding liberal democracy in his country after an eight-year slide toward authoritarianism. Imagine, he said, that Donald Trump had won the last election and been in power for two terms instead of one. What would be the damage? he asked. After only four years of Trump, President Biden inherited a furiously divided nation, its courts seeded with right-wing apparatchiks and the nature of reality itself in deep dispute. But as even MAGA die-hards will acknowledge, Trump often failed to bend the state to his will, which is why his allies have a plan to do things differently next time, purging civil servants and replacing them with loyalists. Poland is a country that has just gone through something like what Trumpists hope to impose on us in a second term. Its institutions have been hollowed out. Many experienced technocrats and neutral judges have been replaced by lackeys and ideologues. And now its trying to repair itself, which is why I flew there last month. In a world where liberal values seem to be in retreat almost everywhere, Poland is a rare bright spot, a place where voters especially women and young people rebelled against a punishing religious nationalism to demand the restoration of their rights. The parallels to the backlash against the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, were impossible to miss. But while being in Warsaw was inspiring, it was also sobering, because it quickly became clear to me just how complicated it is to fix a modern democracy thats been systematically undermined, a lesson we might someday have to learn in America. Poland, said the Harvard professor Daniel Ziblatt, a co-author of the 2018 best seller How Democracies Die, is a good news story about how electoral authoritarianism can be dislodged and then the limits of what happens next. It seems to be quite the year for third-party presidential candidates. Theres Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent alternative to President Biden and Donald Trump. There is Cornel West, a professor of philosophy at Union Theological Seminary, who is also running as an independent. And there is Jill Stein, running again for the Green Party nomination. And later we may have another entrant: Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who will retire from the Senate in January at the end of his term. Privately, reports Edward-Isaac Dovere for CNN, the West Virginia Democrat has told people that a Joe Biden health scare or a Donald Trump conviction could give him an opening to run as an independent this year. If Manchin runs, he would probably do so under the banner of No Labels, the centrist political group devoted to bipartisan political activism. No Labels whose backers, according to a 2023 report in Mother Jones, are donors who contributed millions of dollars to Republican causes, including groups supporting Trumps re-election in 2020 has been promoting a unity ticket for the upcoming presidential election. Manchin, a conservative Democrat, seems to think hed be the perfect standard-bearer should the effort materialize. VIENTIANE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has urged the Lao Red Cross (LRC) to campaign more actively in seeking blood donors so that a constant supply of blood is available for hospitals. Speaking at the annual meeting of the LRC to review the progress made in 2023 and discuss plans for 2024, Sonexay stressed the need for the LRC to review its plans to source more blood so that its humanitarian work can continue to be effective, Lao national TV reported on Tuesday. He called on LRC authorities and officials nationwide to ensure that the organization takes the best steps for the benefit of the whole population. Also speaking at the meeting on Jan. 31, President of the LRC Phouthone Muongpak underlined the important achievements made in the provision of relief aid to people affected by natural disasters, and the poor, needy and disadvantaged in remote areas. The LRC has taken extensive measures to source more blood to meet the needs of hospitals and patients, he added. The Lao Red Cross is a leading humanitarian organization in Laos dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of vulnerable people. This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions. astead herndon So, historically, out of the four early voting states in the presidential nominating process, Nevada often gets the least amount of attention. Its way out in the West, far from Washington, DC. In the recent history, the state has voted by caucus, a method that has long been criticized for limiting who can vote because, generally, people have to show up in person at a specific time. So after 2020 and more of that criticism, state officials decided to scrap the caucus and hold a primary. The Democrats complied, and President Biden is expected to win that primary today without much competition. On the Republican side, however, the Trump campaign exerted pressure on Republican officials in the state to hold a separate caucus, a method thats seen as more beneficial to Trump. And the state party decided to do that and to make the caucus winner, not the primary winner, the official recipient of the states presidential delegates, effectively making Nevadas switch to a primary meaningless and guaranteeing that Trump would leave the state one step closer to the nomination. So when Trump said this in New Hampshire archived recording (donald trump) Next week, its Nevada. Its not South Carolina. We love South Carolina, but next week, its Nevada. And Im pleased to announce we just won Nevada. We just won 100 percent. astead herndon He was basically right. From The New York Times, Im Astead Herndon. This is The Run-Up. To understand that more, I called up my colleague, Jenny Medina. Jenny, its good to see you. Can you tell me where you are right now and then tell me where you were four years ago with me at this time? jenny medina Right now, Im in my house in Los Angeles, but around this time four years ago, we were definitely in Las Vegas. astead herndon Shes based in California and reports on politics and voters with a specific focus on the West. jenny medina Combing the Strip and really combing off the Strip, looking for election stories. astead herndon Right, right, right. We were doing journalism by day and hanging at the Cosmo by night, if I remember correctly. [LAUGHS] jenny medina Peak campaign trail fun. It doesnt get any better. astead herndon So in todays Republican primary, its Nikki Haley and a whole bunch of randoms. Wheres Donald Trump? jenny medina Donald Trump does not come until Thursday. On Thursday, the state party will have a caucus, and people who want to vote will show up in gyms and in ballrooms across the state and say they support Donald Trump. But hes the only player there. And that caucus is arguably the election that really matters because all the delegates will be decided based on what happens there. astead herndon So what Im hearing from you is that Trump kind of went through a whole separate process and is now virtually guaranteed to win all of the states delegates when it relates to the Republican nomination. jenny medina Thats right. astead herndon How did he pull that off? jenny medina Trump has got a lot of allies, and he certainly has a lot of allies in the state party. The Nevada party has been sort of on his side and loyal to him for a long time. He cultivated that. His campaign created these conditions long ago, kind of before most people, certainly most of the national press was paying attention. He just made it happen. astead herndon Weve talked to some of our colleagues, including Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, about how this version of the Trump campaign might be a little more organized than the previous version of the Trump campaign. What I hear from you is kind of another example of that. It sounds like the Trump campaign virtually bullied the state party into doing exactly what it wants, and frankly, the other candidates couldnt stop him. jenny medina Thats right. I mean, Ron DeSantis, when he was still in the race, had said he was going to participate in the caucus. Nikki Haley had always said that she was going to participate in the primary. But yes, Trump got exactly what he wanted. And even the governor, who is a Republican and is a Trump supporter, has endorsed Trump, has voiced his disappointment with the way that this is how its playing out. astead herndon Wow. OK, since Donald Trump is kind of correct and this caucus does have a result where we know who the winner is, lets focus on some different things we can think about when it relates to Nevada. Of course, this is a different type of state than we saw earlier in Iowa and New Hampshire and places that I had spent a lot of time reporting. I havent been out to Nevada, so you tell me, whats the difference between the Nevada voter and an Iowa, New Hampshire voter? jenny medina I think the biggest difference is that both Iowa and New Hampshire are overwhelmingly white voters. And Nevada is a much more diverse state. More than 20 percent of voters there are Hispanic. Theres a significant Black voting population, a significant Asian population, and a very significant young population. And even more than young, people move in and out of Nevada very quickly. So astead herndon A transient state. jenny medina Very transient. And one of the things you always hear when you talk to political organizers and strategists is that they dont know who their body of voters is. Voters who voted in 2020 are very different than voters who voted in 2016 and will be very different than voters who vote in 2024. astead herndon Another difference that jumps out to me is that Nevada is a battleground state when we think of the general election, whereas Iowa and New Hampshire are less so. What clues do we have right now about who the most important voting bloc would be come November, when it comes to a presidential contest, which is likely to be a rematch between Trump and Biden? jenny medina Yeah, I mean, Nevada, for a while Obama won Nevada, and for a while, people thought of Nevada as being a blue state. But anybody who spends time there really does think of it as a purple state and a constant battleground state. And I think thats even more true this year. astead herndon Hm, why? jenny medina I would say the two big populations are Latino voters and working class voters. And theres a really big overlap between those two. Nevada is a place that has a lot of people who arent college educated, who consider themselves working class, who vote. The unions play a huge role in that and Hispanic voters. We already know that Democrats have lost ground with Hispanic voters over the last several election cycles. And this is a big test. Sort of, how much ground can they make up? Can they gain ground, or are they going to lose more ground? astead herndon That gives us two good populations to look for. I mean, remember the importance of appealing to working class Latinos that both Democrats and Republicans have put a focus on in the state, but youve uniquely focused on Latino voters in the last couple of years. What questions do you have at the start of this race when it comes to that population in the general election? What should we be looking for when it comes to the very broad, very unnuanced term of the Latino vote? jenny medina I mean, I think theres a few different things. One that constantly comes to mind is gender. You know, how much of this is going to be driven by men, and how much do women also get on board on Trump board or on Bidens board? I think young people, how much young people are enthusiastic or not, and do they want to stay home or not. I think sort of overall, Im really wondering, like, Whats the level of enthusiasm for politics now? And one of the things we know is that Trump activated Latino voters who had not voted previously and who just decided for the first time, heres a guy who looks interesting enough that I want to vote for him. astead herndon Yeah, so lets talk about some of the specific reporting youve been doing around these questions. I know that you recently made a trip to Nevada with our colleague, Elisa Gutierrez, to talk with some Latino men specifically about how theyre feeling around the question around Trump and Biden. Can you tell me about that reporting? jenny medina Sure. I first came across a barber shop in East Las Vegas when I was out in the area in 2022, trying to understand this very question, how endangered were Democrats in the state. And I met these two guys who had owned a barber shop for more than 20 years together. One of them considered himself a pretty diehard Democrat, although he had a lot of frustrations with the party. And the other guy had voted for Democrats in the past, but had become pretty devoted to Trump. And these were two guys who I just thought were pretty fascinating and interacted and sort of debated and sparred with each other about their politics all the time. And I, when given the chance, wanted to go back to their place and see what the atmosphere of the shop was like. jenny medina Where am I going? speaker 1 Youre on here for 1.7 miles, taking exit 73. jenny medina Thank you. Let me just say logistics really quick. speaker 1 Yes, please. jenny medina The shop caters entirely to men and mostly Hispanic men. speaker 1 Yeah, I wonder how busy they are today. jenny medina He said Thursday, Friday, Saturdays are the biggest day. So that was part of [INAUDIBLE]. speaker 1 Makes sense. People are trying to look good for the weekend. jenny medina And on the front window of the barber shop, it has a painting of the old barber pole. jenny medina Oh, thats interesting. The working class on their speaker 1 Oh, yeah, and the classic barber shop, sort of like spinning jenny medina A painted spinning. speaker 1 That says the working class. jenny medina And most of these guys, a lot of them work as cops, a lot of them work in the casinos, a lot of them work as servers. And theyre all there to kind of, yes, get their hair cut, but also relax. And part of relaxing is like shooting the shit. And politics comes up basically all the time now. danny No, but [INAUDIBLE]. speaker 2 [INAUDIBLE] how are you guys doing today? jenny medina And part of that is Danny. Danny is one of the owners, who is a Trump guy. And Danny really has a good time. speaker 2 And hes a conspiracy theorist. So you might get some real crazy deep whats it actually called, the dark internet? danny No, I just question everything. speaker 2 Yeah, the dark you might get some really dark web answers. jenny medina Like entertains himself by being provocative, by kind of teasing people and talking about what he thinks might offend or shock or just things that he thinks people will enjoy. danny Thats why I think a lot of the Black Lives Matter, a lot of the political sociological problems that are happening, we dont have that happen here. Everybody here is the main color is green, money. Every shop astead herndon Every barber shop has one barber who is purely there to start stuff. [LAUGHS] jenny medina That is definitely Danny. So Danny, he does it all the time. And he kind of has really taken great pride and joy in being the Trump guy now. And it turns out, as we found, most of the guys in there actually agree with him, or at least, most of the guys who are talking about politics agree with him. The people who told us they plan to vote this year, most of them said they plan to vote for Trump. astead herndon Hm, interesting. Why? jenny medina The whys are pretty complicated. speaker 3 Its tough to see whats going to happen in everything, right? In just the world in general, theres a lot of things going on that we have no control over. So its tough. jenny medina I mean, a lot of these guys have pretty dark visions of what the world looks like now, of what the United States looks like now. george My youngest daughter, she didnt want kids. She said she aint bringing no kids in this damn world. Good for her. jenny medina They feel like theres nothing in it for them. Theres no way for them to get ahead. Theyre very worried about their kids being able to achieve or to get the same kind of things that they had in terms of a house or trappings of the middle class. jenny medina So does she have a better economic opportunity than you did? george Absolutely not. No one does right now. No one does. We got actors jenny medina They also feel very attacked. I mean, one of the things that kept coming up again and again is how woke our society is now. danny You say the wrong thing right now george No, theyre not even woke. danny What does that mean? That means everybodys looking to be offended. Everybody wants jenny medina If they say something to their kids, their kids will be offended. This sort of feeling that the ground is changing underneath them and theres nothing they can do to stop it, and this feeling of that Trump is somehow an avatar for what is possible in this country. speaker 4 These are little things that the regular person has not the financial means to do. jenny medina You said regular person. You guys were both like, yes, Im so glad Trump is running. Trumps not a regular person. speaker 4 But he is a regular person. The fact that you can, as an individual, become successful, just like he did, if you know how to. jenny medina That his success is their success, that he shows anybody can do it, theres just a lot of excitement. Theres a lot of desire for, What do we have to lose? Lets blow up the system isnt working for us. Lets blow it up with this guy anyway. danny Shake up America. Thats why you can get it. All these ones that are softer out there, shake them up. You better act right because Uncle Trump might be coming back. jenny medina And these are guys, Danny included, who really believe in the lift yourself up by your bootstraps, who think their parents did it. speaker 5 My grandfather was an attorney during the [? Embarcadero ?] program, the [INAUDIBLE] program. He would come pick fruit for three months and made more during that time than an attorney in Mexico. jenny medina Who think theyve basically done it for their kids. jenny medina Do you think your kids are having a better life than you had? Do you think your grandkids will have a better life? george Yeah, because of me, though. Because of me and my wife. jenny medina And who want their kids to be able to do it for their grandkids. Like, they really truly believe it. And thats what they are most concerned with. One of the first times I ever talked to Danny, he made it clear, like, we live in Vegas. We know better than anybody money is what makes the world go round. astead herndon Yeah, I think that was one of the big takeaways in the 2020 election, when you did see Trump improve his numbers, specifically with some portions of the Latino electorate. Their concerns actually pretty much aligned things like a loss of American dream or a focus on the economy or even some concerns about changing language and culture. That all sounds kind of Trumpy, even if its coming from an unexpected source. jenny medina Yeah, and these guys, just to be clear, most of these guys who Im talking about in this shop, for example, are not red hat MAGA wearers. They are not people who are super devoted to the Trump cause. Theyre not going to rallies. Theyre not flying flags off the back of their truck. But they are people who just feel the political system doesnt speak to me, doesnt speak for me or speak to me. And this guy does. And they dont see him as attacking them at all. They dont feel attacked. Theyre like, oh, hes just saying what he knows will work. danny I like Trump. You got to admit, Trump keeps you entertained. For entertainment value, I mean, it was fun to just see what this fools going to say today. I mean, now did he have good policies? Of course. But he had bad ones, he had good ones. But a lot of women dont like him because of the dumb shit he said, grabbing the whatever by whatever. I mean, women he just met, Im gonna grab him by his pussy. I mean, it is what it is. Its nothing its a man thing. And he said the wrong thing at the wrong time, and [CHUCKLES]: astead herndon I mean, its interesting because in that clip, you hear someone who is not only entertained by Trump, but likes the way that Trump offends people who he thinks are too sensitive. And the quote they quote, its a man thing, I mean, it cant get more literal than that. How much are you when you were there, how much of it was what we would call maybe like traditional, maybe masculine identification with Trump versus more policy stuff, like the economy or other things that you had mentioned previously? jenny medina I think its both. I think its both. And Ive talked to a lot of men in the past who have some version of it. Dannys a little bit more colorful and straightforward in how he says it, but there is not an insignificant number of men, of Hispanic men who speak that way, who talk that way about Trump. I think it would be wrong to say that it is only about masculinity. I think it is also about something slightly deeper, which is this feeling of like, I want to provide for my family. Hes going to help me provide to my family. You know what I mean? I would link those two things. I think the economy or the perception of the economy and the masculinity thing goes hand in hand. astead herndon Right. It strikes me that Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolina, the early states that get the most kind of attention, play into the traditional kind of American dichotomy of really black and white electorate, that when we talk about race or when we talk about people of color or we talk about new demographics, that, really, its often the kind of Democratic party leading with Black people, which had traditionally been the largest section of its base when it comes to racial minorities. Some of that is changing, and its been a thing that we have covered for a while. Did anyone there speak to the kind of changing face of America and whether they feel theyre included in that? jenny medina Yeah, its really interesting. I think the way that a lot of these guys think about this, even if they dont see it exactly this way, is, were here, get used to it. They really conceive of themselves as being Mexican or Hispanic or Latino, whatever the label they use. Thats an important part of their identity. And they totally think of themselves as American. And George talked about this and how he thinks the party should be thinking about Latinos, who are the largest non-white voting group in America. george I think the Democrats are letting us down, and they let us down. jenny medina Why do you think that? george Oh, well, its obvious, whats been going on over the years. Theyre not doing nothing for us. Everything they do is for the Blacks and the white people, and thats it. If you let the news tell it, if you let the papers tell it, its a Black and white world. And were not OK with that. And the reason were not OK with that, because were the biggest group in America. Were the biggest voting group if we stick together. Were the biggest voting group. We dont need to cater to nobody. We can determine who becomes president or not. But were not united. astead herndon The numbers dont lie. I mean, the last time you were on this show, we were talking about how the rise in terms of numbers of Latinos were reshaping the political landscape and the interests of both parties. There does seem to be a kind of growing understanding that that political power can be exerted, both to influence Democrats and Republicans. jenny medina Absolutely. I think this person absolutely understands that, in a way that I dont know that every voter does, but certainly, some people do. And thats where you get to this what do we have to lose attitude. They havent done anything for us. How can we exert this power that we have? Lets try anything. What can we possibly do? What George shows, I think, is, yes, there is definitely an element of anti-wokeism and pro-machismo or hypermasculinity. There is definitely that. And there is definitely the economic stuff as well. But what George says so clearly is, like, Who is looking out for us? Like that big question, Whos looking out for us? And he doesnt see it in either party. But he goes to, What do we have to lose? Let me just try these Republicans and see what they can do for me. astead herndon So we know how Trump may try to appeal specifically to groups like Latino men. But when we look ahead to the other side on what Democrats might do, what is the strategy to undo the feelings of abandonment that you heard in the barbershop? jenny medina I mean, the Democrats have taken what seems to be a pretty straightforward approach of trying to remind people how terrible Trump is and trying to remind people what Biden has done, but more of an emphasis on how terrible Trump is. And I think what you see in these men is, like, that may not be enough. That may not be effective. I think Democrats are going to spend a lot of money on this group. I think one of the big questions is, is spending money to message and do outreach in an election enough, or is it something deeper than that? Is it some real change in policy, a change in how the government approaches dealing with what these kinds of voters want? astead herndon So Nevada feels like a window into what we should expect as this race between Biden and Trump begins. But is there anything that we should be thinking about in the short-term in regards to the state or this electorate that we might get more clues at either Tuesday or Thursday? jenny medina I mean, I think the question of who votes on Tuesday and Thursday is an interesting one and what are the demographics of those voters. I mean, the thing that we heard a lot in the barbershop from these Republican voters is just this nihilism, this feeling of like nothing is going to get better. And when I was asking these guys I was there more recently. I was asking these guys, hey, are you voting in the caucus or primary? Most of them looked at me blankly. They had no idea it was even happening. So theyre not feeling particularly reached out to or tied into the Republican Party or even to Donald Trump. But they all feel pretty obligated or pretty committed, at least for now, of voting in November. So seeing how that pessimism works out is something Im very curious about. astead herndon Well, youll be tracking it, and well be tracking you, so thats helpful. Jenny, have a great rest of your day. jenny medina Thank you. You, too. [MUSIC PLAYING] astead herndon Last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta, called a nascent effort to detect artificially generated content the most urgent task facing the tech industry today. On Tuesday, Mr. Clegg proposed a solution. Meta said it would promote technological standards that companies across the industry could use to recognize markers in photo, video and audio material that would signal that the content was generated using artificial intelligence. The standards could allow social media companies to quickly identify content generated with A.I. that has been posted to their platforms and allow them to add a label to that material. If adopted widely, the standards could help identify A.I.-generated content from companies like Google, OpenAI and Microsoft, Adobe, Midjourney and others that offer tools that allow people to quickly and easily create artificial posts. While this is not a perfect answer, we did not want to let perfect be the enemy of the good, Mr. Clegg said in an interview. Sandra Tamari, a Palestinian American, mourned the deaths of Michael Brown, killed in Ferguson, and Muhammad Abu Khdeir, killed in Jerusalem. She saw them both as teenagers stolen from their families by racially motivated violence, and joined protests in Ferguson. Credit... Michael B. Thomas for The New York Times Michigan jurors, after 11 hours of deliberations, found Jennifer Crumbley guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday for the gun rampage committed by her teenage son, who carried out the states deadliest school shooting more than two years ago. The trial became a lightning rod for issues of parental responsibility, in a time of frequent cases of gun violence carried out by minors. It was the most high-profile example of prosecutors seeking to hold parents responsible for violent crimes committed by their children. Ms. Crumbley, 45, was convicted on four counts of involuntary manslaughter, one for each of the four students who were shot to death by her son at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. The son, Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 at the time, used a pistol to kill Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Justin Shilling, 17; and Hana St. Juliana, 14. Seven other people were injured. The gun was a gift from his parents. We all know that this is one of the hardest things youve ever done, Judge Cheryl Matthews of the Oakland County Circuit Court told jurors at the courthouse in Pontiac, Mich., immediately after the verdict was read. The United States House of Representatives on Tuesday defeated impeachment charges against Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, after a small group of Republicans broke with their party and refused to support what amounted to a partisan indictment of President Bidens immigration policies. The failure of the effort was a stunning setback for Speaker Mike Johnson, who had vowed to indict Mr. Mayorkas and expressed confidence that he had the backing to charge him with high crimes and misdemeanors for failing to lock down the United States border with Mexico amid a migrant surge. House Republicans have been promising to do so for more than a year. In an extraordinary and chaotic scene on the House floor, Republican leaders at first seemed to have clinched a victory, despite three G.O.P. defections by Representatives Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California only to have it slip through their grasp when Representative Al Green, a Texas Democrat recovering from abdominal surgery, showed up in his hospital garb to vote. Mr. Whitaker, who took the helm of the aviation regulator in October, told lawmakers that the incident raised two issues for his agency. One, whats wrong with this airplane? he said. But two, whats going on with the production at Boeing? And there have been issues in the past, and they dont seem to be getting resolved, so we feel like we need to have a heightened level of oversight to really get after that. Separately on Tuesday, after the hearing had concluded, the National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report about the Alaska Airlines flight. The report said that four bolts used to secure the door plug were removed at Boeings factory in Renton, Wash., and it suggested that the bolts may not have been replaced before the plane left the factory. Over the past month, the F.A.A. has staked out a hard line against Boeing, barring the company from expanding production of the 737 Max series until it addresses quality control issues. It also opened an investigation into the plane makers compliance with safety standards, and it began an audit looking at the companys production of the Max. During his testimony on Tuesday, Mr. Whitaker said the audit would take six weeks. He said the agency had deployed about two dozen inspectors at Boeing and around half a dozen at Spirit AeroSystems, which makes the Maxs fuselage, or body, in Wichita, Kan. A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected former President Donald J. Trumps claim that he was immune from prosecution on charges of plotting to subvert the results of the 2020 election, ruling that he must go to trial on a criminal indictment accusing him of seeking to overturn his loss to President Biden. The unanimous ruling, by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, handed Mr. Trump a significant defeat. But it was unlikely to be the final word on his claims of executive immunity: Mr. Trump, who is on a path to locking up the Republican presidential nomination, is expected to continue his appeal to the Supreme Court. Still, the panels 57-page ruling signaled an important moment in American jurisprudence, answering a question that had never been addressed by an appeals court: Can former presidents escape being held accountable by the criminal justice system for things they did while in office? A Haitian prosecutor has recommended charges against 70 people for the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Among the former Colombian soldiers and Haitian government officials accused in the case is one unexpected name: former First Lady Martine Moise, who was seriously injured in the attack. A copy of a criminal complaint filed by a public prosecutor and submitted to a Haitian court that was obtained by The New York Times does not accuse her of planning the killing or offer any direct evidence of her involvement. Instead, it says that she and other accomplices gave statements that were contradicted by other witnesses, suggesting that they were complicit in the attack and notes that one of the main suspects in custody in Haiti claimed Mrs. Moise wanted to take over the presidency. The complaint did not provide any more details about Mrs. Moises statements. Her lawyer denied the accusations. Russia has allowed the release of millions of dollars in frozen North Korean assets and may be helping its isolated ally with access to international banking networks, assistance that has come after the Norths transfer of weapons to Moscow for use against Ukraine, according to American-allied intelligence officials. The White House said last month that it had evidence that North Korea had provided ballistic missiles to Russia, and that the North was seeking military hardware in return. Pyongyang also appears to have shipped up to 2.5 million rounds of ammunition, according to an analysis by a British security think tank. While it is unclear whether Russia has given North Korea the military technology it may want, new banking ties would be another sign of the steady advancement in relations between the two countries. The expanding partnership has most likely emboldened the North, as it has issued a stream of belligerent threats in recent months, U.S. officials say. Russia has allowed the release of $9 million out of $30 million in frozen North Korean assets deposited in a Russian financial institution, according to the intelligence officials, money that they say the impoverished North will use to buy crude oil. A court rejected Trumps immunity claim A federal appeals court rejected Donald Trumps claim of absolute immunity in a criminal indictment accusing him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election. The court ruled that he was subject to federal criminal law like any other American and must stand trial. The ruling is unlikely to be the final word. Trump, who is on track to win the Republican presidential nomination, is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. But it is an important moment in American law. The ruling answered a question that an appeals court had never addressed: Can former presidents escape being held accountable by the criminal justice system for things they did while in office? For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant, the panel of judges wrote. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- With the Spring Festival around the corner, gold sales continued to boom despite the soaring price. At a well-known gold retailer in the city of Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, consumers were snapping up New Year-themed gold products, including bars, necklaces and lucky beads. "Buying gold jewelry for the Spring Festival is my family tradition," said a mother surnamed Zou. "I bought my son a necklace with elements of both dragon and gourd, hoping to bring him good luck and fortunes in the Year of the Dragon," she added. Meanwhile, in Beijing Guohua Jewelry store a salesman said that their newly released dragon-themed zodiac gold bars had already sold out, with replenishment of stocks underway. In the Xi'an Tumen branch of China Minsheng Bank, sales of gold bars increased by 50 percent in January 2024 compared with the monthly average of the second half of 2023. "Gold bars are selling like hotcakes," a staffer told Xinhua. Chinese people traditionally open their wallets before or during the Spring Festival, buying costly items such as gold to convey good wishes for the new year. Sales figures indicate that the gold consumption frenzy has not been prevented by gold price hikes. RMB-denominated gold prices have firmed at a high level in 2024, following a hike of 17 percent in 2023. Latest data from the China Foreign Exchange Trade System showed that the price of gold that is 99.99 percent or more pure stood at 479.11 yuan (about 67.4 U.S. dollars) per gram on Tuesday. Zhang Yongtao, vice chairman and secretary general of the China Gold Association (CGA), said that during previous years, the majority of Shenzhen's gold manufacturers had already closed for the Spring Festival two weeks ahead of the festival. However, this year the situation is different, with many factories planning to operate until only three days before Chinese New Year's Eve, while planning to resume operations on the fifth or sixth day of the first lunar month. "This indicates that an increasing appetite for gold persists around the Spring Festival, and this trend is expected to extend throughout the first quarter of 2024," said Zhang. According to Zhang, the zeal for gold purchases has prompted gold jewelry producers to innovate in terms of design and craftsmanship, making gold products more attractive. "China has become a key innovator in gold jewelry manufacturing," said Wang Lixin, the World Gold Council's managing director for China, adding that heritage gold and "China-chic" jewelry are gaining popularity among consumers. According to data released by the CGA, gold consumption in China had reached 1,089.69 tonnes in 2023, up 8.78 percent year on year. Specifically, consumption of gold jewelry expanded 7.97 percent compared with the previous year, while that of gold bars and coins surged 15.7 percent year on year. Jason Liu, head of the Chief Investment Office Asia Pacific, Deutsche Bank Private Bank, remains bullish concerning the gold market in China, despite concerns that the high price may reduce demand. Many countries and regions are expected to hold elections in 2024, adding further uncertainty to the global geopolitical situation. "Gold is expected to perform well in such a scenario as it is a relatively good safe-haven asset," Liu explained. On Monday night, Buckingham Palace made a sudden announcement that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer, less than 18 months after beginning his reign. He is receiving outpatient treatment in London. The British monarchs diagnosis prompted an outpouring of sympathy from leaders around the world, with President Biden saying that he was praying for a swift and full recovery, and the British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, describing himself as shocked and sad at the news. Hell just be in our thoughts and our prayers, Mr. Sunak told BBC radio on Tuesday. Many families around the country listening to this will have been touched by the same thing. Here is what to know about the kings condition and its implications for Britains monarchy. What do we know about the kings diagnosis? Not very much. Buckingham Palace said on Monday night that a form of cancer had been diagnosed, but did not state what kind, and asked that reporters not try to contact those involved in Charless care. The palace said that doctors had identified an issue of concern while treating Charles, 75, last month for an enlarged prostate. They confirmed cancer though not prostate cancer with subsequent tests. Tucker Carlson said late Wednesday that his much-anticipated interview with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would be broadcast on Thursday night, even as a bill to send tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine remains hung up in Congress. Mr. Carlson, the former Fox News host, made the announcement in an Instagram post, which said the interview would be broadcast on tuckercarlson.com at 6 p.m. Eastern time. It would be Mr. Putins first formal interview with a Western media figure since the start of his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, despite multiple requests from a variety of news outlets. The interview was conducted on Tuesday, said the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov. Mr. Carlson has spent several days in Moscow, according to Russian state media, which has delivered a blow-by-blow account of his visit, raising anticipation of a potential interview. He confirmed on Tuesday night that there would be one. Were here to interview the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Mr. Carlson said in a video apparently shot from a high-rise building in central Moscow and posted to X, the social media platform. Well be doing that soon. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with leaders in Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday, the second day of a Middle East tour aimed at preventing an exchange of attacks with Iran-backed militias from spiraling into a broader regional war and to rally allies around a proposed cease-fire agreement for Gaza. Mr. Blinken, on his fifth trip to the region since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, visited Cairo to meet with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt before traveling to Doha for discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the countrys prime minister and foreign minister. Mr. Blinken began the trip a day before by meeting in Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing how to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza, as well as the need to reduce tensions across the region, according to Mr. Miller. He is also scheduled to hold meetings with leaders in Israel and the West Bank during the trip. All are key players in negotiations over a potential pause in the fighting in Gaza. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have presented Hamas with a proposal, backed by the United States and Israel, that would pause the fighting between Israel and Hamas for the first time since a one-week cease-fire in November during which more than 100 hostages were freed. The Biden administration and its Arab allies are still awaiting a response from Hamas to a framework for the deal, which would involve the exchange of more than 100 additional hostages held in Gaza for a pause in fighting and the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli jails. Mr. Blinken and Mr. el-Sisi also discussed that proposal during the meeting on Tuesday. Palestinians sheltering in crowded tent cities along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt were fearful on Tuesday after a senior Israeli minister reiterated that Israels ground invasion would extend to Rafah, the southernmost city in the enclave where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have ended up. The statement by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has left Palestinians many of whom are exhausted from relocating multiple times and sleeping in tents in cold and rainy weather uncertain about where to seek safety. It was at least the second time in recent days that Mr. Gallant vowed to make such an advance. Were terrified, said Rajab al-Sindawi, a 48-year-old secondhand clothing salesman from Gaza City. Weve been running away from death, moving from place to place, but now were at the border. Where should we go? Mr. al-Sindawi, his wife and their seven children arrived in Rafah in early January after moving several times in search of safety. While the army considers Rafah its next operational target, the security establishment needs to complete more planning before sending ground forces into the area, said an Israeli official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to communicate with the media. Entering Rafah will be extremely complicated, the official said, noting that security officials were taking into account Egyptian sensitivities about Israeli forces operating near the border, as well as the enormous civilian population. At 4:17 a.m. on Tuesday, thousands of people in cities across southern Turkey gathered to cry, light candles and chant against the government, marking the moment a year ago that a powerful earthquake devastated the region. The 7.8-magnitude quake, and a second violent tremor hours later, damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings, killing more than 53,000 people in southern Turkey and another 6,000 people in northern Syria. It was the areas broadest and deadliest earthquake in hundreds of years. The scale of the destruction, and the failure of emergency services to reach many people buried in the rubble until days later, angered survivors. Many accused building contractors of cutting corners to increase their profits and the government of failing to enforce safe building standards. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised in the disasters aftermath to build large numbers of new homes in a year. That vow remains only partly fulfilled, and efforts to hold people accountable over faulty constructions are proceeding slowly. For nine years, Yemen was torn by a war that erupted when the Houthis, a Yemeni militia supported by Iran, ousted the government and took control of the countrys northwest. Alarmed by an Iran-linked group taking control across the border, Saudi Arabia assembled a military coalition and launched a bombing campaign, backed by American weapons and support, in an attempt to reinstate the government. Instead, hundreds of thousands of people died from fighting, starvation and disease, and the coalition pulled back under international pressure, leaving the Houthis in power. When 2023 dawned, it looked as if the Houthis and the Yemeni factions they had been fighting were finally ready to sign a peace deal. But then the war in Gaza began, and now the prospect of peace is unraveling. The Houthis launched a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea, a U.S.-led military coalition began pounding Yemen with airstrikes including an intensive barrage on Sunday and a U.S. decision to designate the Houthis a terrorist group temporarily blocked a crucial element of the peace process. Read the Articles of Impeachment Against Alejandro N. Mayorkas The Republican-led House is poised to vote on Tuesday on whether to charge Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, with two counts of high crimes and misdemeanors, which would make him the first sitting cabinet member in United States history to be impeached. Legal experts have questioned the grounds for taking the action, arguing that the accusations against him do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. But Republicans are pushing forward anyway in what is essentially a bid to indict Mr. Mayorkas for President Bidens immigration policies, which they argue have fueled a wave of illegal migration. The first article of impeachment accuses Mr. Mayorkas of refusing to enforce a law that mandates the detention of migrants who lack authorization to enter the United States, and of exceeding his authority to parole those people into the country, allowing them to live and work temporarily while they wait for their immigration claims to be processed. The second article accuses the secretary of breaching the public trust by misrepresenting the state of the border to lawmakers and hampering the Republican-led investigation into his conduct. The following is the impeachment resolution that the House Homeland Security Committee approved last week, annotated with context and analysis. Download the original PDF. Number of small donors in 2023 668,000 564,000 Trump Leads Biden in Number of Small Donors Former President Donald J. Trump was trailing President Biden in overall campaign cash on hand at the end of 2023, but he dominated fund-raising last year by at least one critical measure: his number of small donors. An analysis of Federal Election Commission data by The New York Times shows that about 668,000 donors gave less than $200 to Mr. Trump, compared with 564,000 for Mr. Biden. More Trump Small Donors Battleground states States TRUMP DONORS BIDEN DONORS Pa. 23,000 20,000 N.H. 4,000 4,000 Wis. 9,000 8,000 N.C. 20,000 16,000 Iowa 5,000 4,000 Mich. 20,000 15,000 Ohio 21,000 15,000 Mo. 12,000 7,000 Ky. 7,000 4,000 Ind. 12,000 7,000 Ga. 21,000 13,000 Kan. 6,000 3,000 Fla. 69,000 39,000 Neb. 4,000 2,000 Utah 7,000 3,000 Ariz. 24,000 12,000 Mont. 3,000 2,000 Alaska 2,000 1,000 W.Va. 3,000 1,000 Tenn. 16,000 7,000 Nev. 10,000 5,000 Texas 67,000 30,000 S.C. 13,000 6,000 Ark. 6,000 2,000 S.D. 2,000 1,000 N.D. 1,000 1,000 Idaho 6,000 2,000 Okla. 9,000 3,000 Ala. 10,000 4,000 La. 9,000 3,000 Wyo. 2,000 1,000 Miss. 5,000 1,000 More Biden Small Donors States TRUMP DONORS BIDEN DONORS Colo. 13,000 14,000 N.J. 17,000 18,000 Va. 16,000 17,000 Ill. 18,000 20,000 Minn. 9,000 10,000 Hawaii 2,000 2,000 N.M. 5,000 5,000 R.I. 2,000 2,000 N.Y. 30,000 40,000 Wash. 16,000 22,000 Calif. 72,000 99,000 Ore. 9,000 13,000 Conn. 6,000 9,000 Maine 3,000 4,000 Del. 2,000 4,000 Md. 9,000 15,000 Mass. 11,000 20,000 Vt. 1,000 2,000 D.C. <1K 4,000 Bars show the number of individual donors who gave less than $200 to either candidate in 2023. Numbers are estimates because of potential duplicate names or donations within the data. Small donors have always been intrinsic to Mr. Trumps political momentum. Not only have they powered his three presidential bids, but they are also a vital measure of his broad appeal to an immovable grass-roots base. Most large donors have so far kept their distance from Mr. Trump this cycle. Mr. Biden, in contrast, has drawn ample support from big donors, who are not reflected in this dataset. One measure of voter enthusiasm is strong support from small donors. Individual donors can give repeatedly, up to $3,300 to a candidates campaign fund for a primary, and another $3,300 for the general election. Mr. Trump also has more small donors than Mr. Biden in the critical battleground states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, The Times analysis shows. There are a few factors that could help explain Mr. Trumps lead. First, Mr. Trump started his presidential bid in late 2022, and had a running start into 2023, while Mr. Biden did not formally declare that he was seeking re-election until April. First-time small donors in 2023 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 daily donors Jan. 2023 April Aug. Dec. Trump arraigned in Manhattan criminal case Biden announces campaign Trump booking and mug shot in Georgia inquiry Lines show the number of unique individual donors each day who gave less than $200 to either Trump or Biden for the first time in 2023. Mr. Trump has also benefited from an unusual set of circumstances: His two biggest fund-raising moments of 2023 came on the days that state officials in New York and Georgia charged and booked him, in April and in August. The criminal cases against him have served as catalysts for his fund-raising operation. A Russian man vacationing in Pattaya, Thailand has been caught on camera shaving a local barbers head in revenge for the disatisfactory haircut he had received. The shocking footage that has been doing the rounds online for over a week shows a Caucasian man getting a haircut at the Salute Barbershop in Pattaya. According to eye witnesses, he walked into the venue and explained to one of the barbers there how he wanted his hair cut using hand gestures because he allegedly didnt speak very good English. At one point, the man, who was later identified as a Russian tourist, looked into the mirror and flew into a feat of rage over the botched haircut. He started slamming his fists on the table and swearing at the barber, before picking up the shears and shaving part of his fringe as revenge. Photo: Michael DeMoya/Unsplash You crazy mother f*****, the unnamed man can be heard shouting in the video. I showed you. What the f***. Where are my bangs? What the f***. Following the angry tirade, the Russian man grabs a pair of clippers and shaves part of the Thai barbers fringe before quickly storming out of the barbershop without paying for his haircut. The whole scene left both the staff and the other clients speechless. After he slammed the table, he grabbed my head, pulled it down, then trimmed my hair with a clipper, Suphachai, the 32-year-old barber, told reporters. I didnt retaliate, but I felt angry. I thought about several potential consequences if I fought back. I was afraid of facing legal repercussions or losing my job. So I chose to do nothing. Suphachai was forced to shave his whole head, as the deep hole in his fringe was impossible to hide. He also filed a complaint with the local police and is hoping to receive an apology from the Russian man. That is going to be tough to get, considering the man has already left Thailand. Ketner Group Communications CEO and president Catherine Seeds shared her experience attending the National Retail Federations annual trade show Jan. 14-16 at New York Citys Jacob Javits Convention Center during an ODwyers webinar Feb. 1 moderated by Researchscapes Tony Cheevers. Seeds, an NRF conference regular for the past 20 years, discussed the latest high-tech offerings designed to improve not only operational efficiencies for retailers and brands, but also the shopping experience for consumers. Generative AI is everywhere, and retailers are jumping on the bandwagon using it to write better product descriptions for their e-commerce websites, develop more engaging and helpful customer service chatbots and provide a reservoir of easily accessible knowledge to help employees quickly and effectively get answers for customers. Companies like Digital Wave Technology are leading the charge, helping retail clients bolster marketing and digital team productivity to the point of saving them 200,000 in labor hours in just the first year through gen AI, according to Seeds. Loss Prevention An NRF report in Dec. 2023 found that returns abuse and fraud contributed to $101 billion dollars in losses for retailers in 2023 alone. Wherever theres retail, theres always going to be loss prevention, Seeds noted. Retailers are using solutions such as sophisticated video surveillance systems with facial recognition capabilities or RFID (radio frequency identification) tags that emit signals to quickly track items on the loose, Seeds explained. RFID tags are a godsend to retailers for accurately keeping up with inventory and quickly adjusting production based on demand, according to Seeds. I've shoped at Uniqlo, a casual wear retailer using RFID tags, where all you do is drop your items in a bin at checkout. No need to do any manual bar code scanning like at a supermarket Sustainability and the circular economy A 2023 study by data firm NIQ found 70 percent of US consumers say that sustainability is more important to them when selecting products than it was two years ago, Seeds noted. Theres a big interest in second-hand clothing and gently used items, according to Seeds. Patagonias worn wear program lets customers trade in clothing that is re-sold for credit toward new items. Grocery stores are employing new tactics, such as electronic shelf labels, to help prevent food waste and minimize energy consumption, Seeds explained. Seeds pointed out that when it comes to pitching retail tech to the media, it is important to remember that trends dont necessarily equal stories. "PR pros must craft stories that show an impact on business strategies overall," Seeds said. An example is a US News and World Report piece focused on the circular economy phenomenon that included commentary from a vintage boutique from Kansas City, call outs to major apparel brands that have launched resell programs, and a comment from Max Retail on why tag-on clothes have the best resale value in the resale marketplace, according to Seeds. "This is a perfect example of taking a big trend, like sustainability, and creating a story around circular economy, specifically around clothes that have the highest resell value," Seeds concluded. Ketner Group offers a PR handbook written specifically for retail technology vendors that shares key PR tactics to build brand, drive demand and increase shareholder value. Download it here. View this full discussion and other webinars moderated by Researchscape on ODwyers YouTube page. Contact John O'Dwyer at [email protected] if you'd like to suggest a topic, be a panelist or are interested in sponsoring a webinar. JERUSALEM, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel has resumed battles in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday amid growing international calls for a ceasefire. In its latest operational update, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its troops have returned to areas where they previously operated. Over the past few weeks, attacks in the north of the strip have decreased following Israel's assertion of gaining control over the area, fostering hopes that displaced civilians could return to their homes -- a prospect the Israeli army has indicated that it will not permit at this stage. "The forces operating under the division are preventing Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities," Itzik Cohen, the commander of IDF's 162nd Division, said in the update, stressing the forces were "intensifying operations against and pressure on Hamas remaining in the area." Israeli bombardment persisted throughout the enclave, including in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Over the weekend, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Rafah, a city previously designated as a safe zone by the Israeli army. More than half of Gaza's over 2 million population have fled to Rafah, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories. At least 133 Palestinians were killed and 205 injured in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run Health Ministry reported earlier Monday. The ministry said more than 27,478 Palestinians have been killed and 66,835 others injured from the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which were triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that Israel said killed about 1,200 people. On Monday morning, a food aid convoy was struck by Israeli gunfire while waiting to move into northern Gaza, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "Thankfully, no one was injured," Tom White, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, wrote in a post on the social media platform X. Photos circulating on X showed that damage was caused to the shipping. An Israeli security source told Xinhua that the army was checking the report without providing more information. Also on Monday, speaking at a press conference during his first official visit to Israel, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne called on the Israeli government to facilitate an "immediate ceasefire" and a "massive influx" of aid into Gaza. As Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators were waiting for a reply from Hamas to a ceasefire offer, which includes hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his right-wing Likud party that the war is not near ending. "Our goal is a complete victory over Hamas. We will kill the Hamas leadership. Therefore, we must continue to act in all areas of the Gaza Strip," he said. BIRR man Mark Lyndon has released a stunning single which displays his various talents, including his excellent songwriting ability, pleasant voice and skilled guitar playing. First Light is the second release by the native folk artist. It follows on from the positive response to his first track The Last 35. First Light offers a more laid-back vibe than Mark's first single. The new song has an acoustic folk sound which is echoed by Richie Delahuntys bouzouki playing and Adam Taylor on double Bass. This track, Mark told the Midland Tribune, is part of a selection of tracks recorded and produced by Davie Ryan (who also features on percussion), mixed by Alex Borwick and mastered by Sam Proctor of Lismore Mastering. The new song has a great melody and is very pleasant to listen to. It's the kind of enjoyable, acoustic, folk song which should appeal to a wide group of people of differing musical tastes. Mark explains that First Light is a personal piece that reflects on the positive impact of the growing and changing light on our collective outlook during the dark weeks post-winter solstice. In his own words: I always experience a period of reflection at this time of year. It can be a blue time for many, with the death of the Christmas period and the warmth that it entailed, surrounded by family and friends. We are then forced to emerge from this softness, and it can feel hard, cold, and lonely. Its important to remember that this too is a natural state and to embrace it as part of a cycle of rebirth. As natural light increases, and nature slowly responds we must embrace the importance of the fallow period. This release is available on all streaming sites and is accompanied by a stunning video by talented Birr artist artist/filmmaker Nicky Larkin. For more information see www.marklyndonmusic.com or info@marklyndonmusic.com or on 0851559161. Locals will be able to hear Mark's considerable talent for themselves on Saturday February 10 in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre when two giants of the Irish trad scene, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny, will be uniting for an evening of great music, a mixture of traditional songs, and originals composed by Andy. Mark will be a support act for the concert. The show starts at 8pm. Fianna Fail has selected Barry Cowen TD to represent the party in the Midlands-North-West constituency for the upcoming European elections. The Laois-Offaly TD was voted by party members to run for the June elections at a party convention in Mullingar, Co Westmeath on Monday evening. Senator Niall Blaney, Senator Lisa Chambers and Pat The Cope Gallagher had been nominated for selection. On close of nominations Pat The Cope Gallagher had withdrawn. Last month sitting Dublin MEP Barry Andrews and Cork MEP Billy Kelleher were selected to run for the party in the Dublin and Ireland South constituencies respectively. Speaking following his selection, Barry Cowen TD said: It is a great honour and privilege, and Im most delighted, to be endorsed by this organisation to fight to win back a seat that has been out of this constituency for too long. We will work as hard as we possibly can to ensure Fianna Fail wins back a seat in the Midlands-North-West. Im delighted that party members have seen fit to endorse me. Deputy Cowen added: In the coming weeks and months we will make a huge effort to take the seat. It will be the precursor possibly for a general election in the autumn or next spring. It is imperative we create the sort of momentum that will allow us to be in a position to make an impact, to make a mark, locally, nationally and in Europe. Commenting, Fianna Fail Director of the European Elections, Minister Darragh O'Brien TD, said: Fianna Fail members have tonight voted to select Barry Cowen as their candidate for the European Elections in the Midlands-North-West constituency. Deputy Cowen has a proven track record as a dedicated and committed Parliamentarian and will, if elected, represent Fianna Fail as a strongly pro-European candidate in the Parliament. I look forward to canvassing with Deputy Cowen over the coming weeks and months. I also want to pay tribute to both Senator Niall Blaney and Senator Lisa Chambers who put themselves forward for convention and ran excellent campaigns. As torrential rain lashes much of the country today, there is a big change coming in the weather with snow, wintry showers and freezing temperatures forecast. According to Met Eireann, over the next few days temperatures will drop below freezing at night leading to icy stretches on roads. The drop in temperatures will also see possible wintry showers which will turn to snow in places. The Met Office in the UK has issued a Status Yellow Snow Warning for all of Northern Ireland from early Thursday through Friday but, as of yet, Met Eireann has not issued any warnings or advisories. According to Met Eireann, rain will continue to gradually clear southwards during this afternoon and evening with clear but locally icy conditions into the evening. It will turn colder through the day with highest afternoon temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees generally, milder in southern parts until later in the day. Fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds will veer northwest to north and ease as the rain clears. Most areas will be dry and clear tonight but some wintry showers are possible near northern coasts. It will be cold with frost and ice as temperatures fall to between -2 and +2 degrees, in a light west to northwest wind. According to Met Eireann, Wednesday morning will be cold with frost and icy stretches. It will be mostly dry apart from the chance of isolated showers in the northwest. Otherwise there'll be hazy sunny spells at first, but cloud will spread from the south through the day and patchy rain will develop in the south and southwest. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in a light and variable wind. Rain or sleet will extend across Munster, Connacht and Leinster on Wednesday night and snow is possible on higher ground. Lowest temperatures of -3 to +2 degrees in a light to moderate east to northeast wind, freshening later. According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, rain and sleet will move further north on Thursday, clearing to scattered showers in the south later. Snow is possible in northern areas, especially on higher ground. Cold and breezy, with highest temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees, milder further south in a moderate to fresh northeasterly wind. Rain and sleet will continue over the northern half of the country on Thursday night, with scattered showers further south. Further falls of snow are possible on higher ground in the north. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with a moderate to fresh east to northeast wind. The weather will stay unsettled on Friday with showers or spells of rain or sleet. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees generally, milder in the south, with a moderate to fresh northeasterly wind. Friday night: Showers or spells of rain and possible sleet will continue into Friday night. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees with a light northerly or variable breeze. Saturday: Current indications suggest Saturday will be a mainly cloudy and wet day with further spells of rain or showers. Highest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees with a mainly light cyclonic variable breeze. An Irish man who was allegedly left for dead following a road traffic crash in Australia over the bank holiday weekend is being treated in hospital for serious injuries. The incident, which happened in Sydney during the early hours of Sunday (4.45pm on Saturday, Irish time), resulted in a 29-year-old Irish man being left with severe injuries. According to New South Wales Police, emergency services rushed to the scene at South Dowling Street, Moore Park in the city - around 7km south of Sydney Opera House. "About 3.45am (Sunday 4 February 2024), emergency services were called to South Dowling Street following reports a Subaru and e-bike had collided near the intersection of Devonshire Street. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the cyclist a 29-year-old man before he was taken to St Vincents Hospital in a serious condition," said a spokesperson. The driver of the Subaru a 27-year-old woman was subject to a roadside breath test which returned a positive result. According to police, she was subsequently arrested and has been charged with a mid-range drink driving offence and will appear in court on March 14. The full statement from New South Wales (NSW) police can be found here. It's understood relatives of the injured man, who is from County Limerick, are currently travelling to Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the incident. "The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case," said a spokesperson. Uisce Eireann, Ireland's national water authority, has today announced it will be recruiting for 700 new jobs across the country. These opportunities will be available in the next year, with positions ready to be filled immediately. The roles span a range of disciplines, offering a chance for professionals, tradespeople at all levels, recent graduates, and skilled workers to contribute to their local communities while building rewarding careers. Uisce Eireann is committed to providing ongoing training, and attractive compensation and benefits packages to ensure a secure and fulfilling work experience. Speaking at the announcement, Uisce Eireanns People and Safety Director, Dawn ODriscoll said: "As we continue our development as Ireland's national water authority with responsibility for the delivery of public water and wastewater services nationwide, we are delighted to be announcing 700 new jobs for candidates across the country. Were filling an exciting range of roles in all counties, including front-line operations, science and engineering, administration, communications, management and IT. This is the largest recruitment announcement made by Uisce Eireann to date and reflects the scope and scale of the activities we are carrying out nationwide. These new positions will not only offer a chance to make a tangible difference to your community but will provide plenty of opportunities to develop your career in a growing organisation. We are looking for people with diverse skillsets to play their part in delivering transformative water services that enable their local communities to thrive. You can apply via www.water.ie/careers "Unbelievable" and "such a bad service" were just some of the comments left under a post on X, formerly twitter, today as user Charlie Weston (@CWeston_Indo) posted a photo of a takeout box of chips with the caption, "Hi @IrishRail, are the trains not cleaned ahead of the morning commute? It smells so bad it is probably there all night." Hi @IrishRail, are the trains not cleaned ahead of the morning commute? It smells so bad it is probably there all night. pic.twitter.com/HeAyJNNC9B Charlie Weston (@CWeston_Indo) February 6, 2024 The photo was of course taking on board an Irish Rail train service this morning in which the railway network were tagged, in hopes for a response. A spokesperson for Irish Rail did indeed respond to the user asking could the user confirm which service they were travelling on, to which the user responded that it was the 9.02am from Donabate to Connolly. Irish Rail then responded again to say that they would report the matter to the relevant department. Comments from other users then started to pour in including several from Rail Users Ireland, an organisation that was established in 2003 that campaigns for improved services and conditions on Ireland's rail infrastructure. Their comment said: "Breach of customer charter here, no excuses train spent the night at Drogheda depot. No apology either." Breach of customer charter here, no excuses train spent the night at Drogheda depot No apology either Rail Users Ireland (@RailUsersIe) February 6, 2024 Other comments such as "Why why why is the rail service in Ireland so lacklustre from start to finish. Small wealthy country and such a bad service", from user Estebantz (@ActingTheGom) and "Unbelievable. @IrishRail have you seen the trains in Japan - you need to go over with your managers and bring a notebook with ye", from user Mandy Gall (@TheMandyGall) Why why why is the rail service in Ireland so lacklustre from start to finish. Small wealthy country and such a bad service. Estebantz (@ActingTheGom) February 6, 2024 A man with several fraud-related convictions has apologised to people still waiting for money they paid to him to be returned in his latest business venture. A mother from the South-East contacted the Kilkenny People after her son paid over 2,565 to Niall Minogue from Kilkenny of Agriglobal People as proof of funds in October and was told that the money would be repaid in full by November 16. In December 1,000 was repaid and a further 1,000 was repaid on January 11 and then the final 565 was repaid just last Wednesday the same day Mr Minogue was featured on Joe Duffys Liveline, after numerous contacts were made by the young mans family. Niall Minogue now operates Agriglobal People, which is aimed at young farmers seeking work abroad, and according to Mr Minogue there are over 100 people working globally. Mr Minogue told the Kilkenny People that the person in question has been reimbursed in full. I will put my hands up, I am wrong, I shouldnt have done it, he said adding that he was struggling with the whole thing. The lady in question, her family have been reimbursed in full the amount that was outstanding and we are in the process of paying back funds that are due to a small number of individuals. A number of comments are published on Agriglobal Peoples Facebook page claiming that they are owed money. Apology We apologise for any inconvenience caused to any individual or family. Agri Global People have placed hundreds of people successfully in the agricultural industry globally over the last number of years, said Mr Minogue. The mother from the South-East, Dawn said she contacted the Kilkenny People to highlight the issue. I just want to stop him from doing this to young lads stuck on the other side of the world with no money, what good are your funds if they are in someone elses account, the woman said. The woman said that her 21-year-old son had seen a job advertised in New Zealand last year on the Agriglobal People site and applied. Mr Minogue asked the young man for 1,000 in the end of September as proof of funds. The work visa was delayed and Mr Minogue said that a total of 4,500 New Zealand dollars would be required as proof of funds for the visa. It subsequently transpired that there was an error in the visa form was it was inaccurately completed and it was returned. The visa application was subsequently correctly filled out and the visa issued and the young man booked his flights and went to New Zealand where he is now working. The young man googled Mr Minogue and then contacted his parents and said that he was in a bit of bother and that he had contacted Mr Minogue on several occasions to try and get his money back. After numerous contacts were made by family members 1,000 was transferred on December 22 and another 1,000 was paid over on January 11 and the remaining 565 was repaid last week. Convictions Niall Minogue, Barna, Woodsgift, Co Kilkenny was convicted in November 2016 for numerous deception-type offences and was sentenced to six years. The final two years of his sentence was suspended on condition that he be of good behaviour and keep the peace. He also was sentenced to nine months in 2017 for deception type offences dating back to 2015 when he was in custody and serving his six year sentence. In January 2018, Niall Minogue was sentenced to ten months in prison for defrauding the injured party out of 1,600. His solicitor told the court that his client has a gambling addiction. Garda comment A garda spokesperson said that they cannot provide information regarding named individuals. We strongly advise anyone affected by financial fraud to report all incidents to their local Gardai and to follow our guidance available online, he added. "I am also very interested in traditional Chinese medicine." A lecture given by a Chinese medical team dispatched to the Central African Republic was well received by local students. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has accused Ryanair boss Michael OLeary of being personally abusive, after he called the Green minister incompetent and an idiot. The Ryanair boss also called on Mr Ryan to resign over the Green Partys opposition to raising the cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport. A number of Green Party TDs, including junior ministers and MEPs, raised objections to the lifting of the 32 million passenger cap. Dublin Airport has submitted an application to Fingal County Council to expand its capacity to 40 million passengers per annum. Green Party politicians have questioned the proposals, including Minister for Children Roderic OGorman. When Mr OLeary was asked about the passenger cap last week, he told RTE radio that Mr Ryan is incompetent. He also warned that if Dublin Airport is prevented from expanding its passenger numbers, this will lead to higher costs for travellers. Mr OLeary told RTE radio that Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is incompetent and does not want to touch Dublin Airport. Calling on the minister to resign, Mr OLeary said the Green party leader was effectively blocking the expansion of the airport. Asked about the comments, Mr Ryan said: I did listen back because it was very personally abusive and to be honest I had to listen back to hear what was he saying. I do want to set out some of the issues but not specifically on the cap as I do have to be careful as Minister for Transport. That will be decided by Fingal County Council first of all and by An Bord Pleanala and I think its absolutely right that my colleagues, our local councillors, Green party politicians and others have raised some of the concerns they have. Asked if he agrees with the concerns, Mr Ryan said: Yes, there are concerns about noise levels and everyone knows that around the airport. There are concerns about regional development. We all know we are very lopsided in the country. All the development that is happening in Dublin, we need to see it happening in Shannon and Cork and elsewhere. The really big issue here is the issue around climate change, in my mind. We are in a day when the European Commission is going to be coming out setting the European target for 2040, which is a dramatic reduction, a 90% reduction in emissions. There is a real issue in aviation as to how we do that. He said that the aviation industry will have to play its part in reducing emissions. The Green party leader said that we have to move away from putting all the blame and shame on individuals. I dont think politically and policy wise, we will address this by turning into a moral imperative that forces people to fly or not fly, he added. The scale of change we need to make is based on the science, which is so clear, and everyone needs to play (their) part. He said that the aviation sector, including Ryanair, recognises there is a problem and has committed to being net zero by 2050. The minister said this can be done through the use of biofuels and e-fuels. That is the way we will have to be decarbonise aviation it is very complicated and it is only starting, but it will force the aviation industry and mandates to adopt those fuels and that is the way we can move forward, he added. Ryanair has been contacted for comment. Carlow car crash victim Michael Kelly was laid to rest today in Co Carlow. The 25-year-old from Nurney, Co Carlow, was buried today in Hacketstown Cemetery. A requiem mass took place at 1pm, after which Michael was laid to rest with his grandparents in the cemetery. Michael is predeceased by his loving dad Michael, grandparents Mick (Kelly) and Peg and Bill (Byrne). Sadly missed by his heartbroken mother Rita, brother Jordan, girlfriend Sasha, uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends. Yesterday, his two friends who also died in the crash, Katie Graham and Daryl Culbert, were laid to rest. The three friends tragically died in a road traffic collision in Carlow last week. Prior to the funeral, Carlows Michael Davitts GAA Club paid tribute to their former player. The whole County and beyond have been in shock since the news broke of the horrific accident on the Wexford Road on Wednesday night that claimed three young lives. But the whole of the Michael Davitts community have been heartbroken since discovering that our former player, Michael Kelly, was one of the lives to be lost so tragically. Our thoughts and condolences are with Michael's mother Rita, his brother Jordan, girlfriend Sasha, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends, as well as all of those affected by this tragic accident. May he rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to Rita, Jordan and Sasha on the heartbreaking pain of Michael's passing. There are no words, I hope however everyone's thoughts and prayers along with the eternal presence of Michael's soul and spirit will help you through these dark days, someone wrote in tribute. Sincere sympathy to Mrs Kelly, Nathan & Sasha on the loss of your lovely Michael.. thinking of ye all at this heartbreaking time, May he rest in peace with his Dad by his side, a friend wrote in tribute. The family of a Limerick man have travelled to his bedside in Australia following a road traffic incident that has left him with what is understood to be serious injuries. The collision which occurred in Sydney at approximately 3.45am on Sunday (4.45pm on Saturday, Irish time), involved a Subaru and an e-bike. The man, aged 29, originally from Foynes, in the west of the county was travelling on the e-bike when the collision occurred, leaving him with serious injuries. According to the NSW Police Force, the female driver was under the influence when the incident occurred. It is understood that Mr Cliffords family have travelled to be with him with more of his extended family expected to make the journey to Australia. According to the Australian police, he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene of the incident before being transferred to St Vincents Hospital in New South Wales, Sydney. Limerick and Fianna Fail Minister of State Niall Collins said the family of the man has been in touch with him and the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the incident. His extended family and community are very upset and shocked. The Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting them, Mr Collins said. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs commented: The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case. The 27-year-old female driver of the Subaru was arrested and taken to a local police station where she underwent a secondary breath analysis and was later transferred to St Vincents Hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine testing. The woman was reportedly scantily-clad and wearing leather lingerie at the time of the incident. She has been issued with a court attendance notice for a mid-range drink driving offence. A crime scene was established with specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit based in Sydney attending to examine the scene. LOCAL property developer Seamus Kane has said Tullamore will bustle with life once more if his ambitious residential and commercial complex gets the go-ahead. Mr Kane this week unveiled the plans for a massive mixed-use project off Patrick Street on the former Tesco/Quinnsworth site. His family company, Cayenne Holdings Ltd, is heading up the development which is earmarked for what Mr Kane says is a key brownfield site in Tullamore town centre. He says the project is set to be an exemplar of urban regeneration. It has already received the backing of local Fianna Fail TD, Barry Cowen, who said it is an exciting application. Mr Kane said: Like many town centres in Ireland, the former market town has been subject to falling footfalls and general decline in recent years. People are not living in the town centre. In a move that will strengthen Tullamores existing offerings, this mixed-use development will combine new high quality public realm with streets and squares. Building on the historic yards that were a hive of activity we have envisaged event space, flexible retail spaces, exercise space, shops and restaurants to complement what is on offer already. An area equivalent to OConnor Square as one the largest pedestrianised places in Tullamore is envisaged as part of the plan and to enable these activities. With over 400 residents it will be possible to enhance the retail and leisure offering. This in turn helps with dwell time and gives the local community reasons to stay later in the town centre as well as helping to encourage a new town centre community. The development has been named Distillery Yard and DE Williams House, a landmark stone-faced building fronting onto Patrick Street, will play a key role in it. About 200 apartments and 45,000 sq feet of retail space will be developed on land between Patrick Street, Kilbride Street and close to William Street. The mixed use development of residential and commercial, including retail, cafe and restaurants, will be in six blocks from two to 13 storeys. There will be 204 apartments in four buildings, including 102, one-beds, 91 two-beds and 11 three-beds. The blocks will be five, six, eight, and between 11 and 13 storeys high. A two to three-storey block will be partly contained within the former De Bruns public house, with a change of use to two cafes or licensed restaurants. DE Williams House, which is a protected structure, will have five cafes/restaurants to its rear. Access for traffic will be both from O'Connell Street (which is off Kilbride Street), as well as Offaly Street and William Street. The developer said the complex represents an exciting redefinition of the town centre through a series of new buildings and reinvigorated network of public spaces defined by contemporary buildings, along with the integration of existing historic buildings and networks that bring new life and activity to this underutilised part of the town centre. It is described as a well-connected, permeable, and fully accessible town centre that will link through to existing streets and shops making the town centre easier to walk through. It will use the latest thinking in urban and sustainable development, encompassing residential, community, leisure, retail, and public amenity. It will seek to boost footfall during both daytime and evening. The 204 new town centre homes will be within a substantial public realm development of pedestrianised public squares and streets. There will be a community creche, and heritage will be protected. Needless to say it will be a low carbon sustainable development connecting the other shops and spaces within Tullamore through the streets and yards that have existed for centuries. The developer said the proposal was designed to meet the objectives outlined in Offaly County Councils Development Plan 2021-27 which has identified the land as a key town centre site for regeneration, local economic growth, and significant residential development. Deputy Cowen said the council's plan recognised the need and ambition to regenerate and reinvigorate the town centre. It sought developments that sparks life and vitality. It encouraged the provision of civic space in addition to residential and commercial proposals, said the Fianna Fail TD. This project certainly meets such criteria and the planning application is the next step in the process which I understand has involved detailed negotiations and consultations with relevant officials in Offaly County Council. It is always a difficult balance when aspiring to the demands of such town development plans while also meeting the commercial realities of such a multi million investment. Ive no doubt townspeople and the business community alike will be excited with this proposed project. It will of course maybe most importantly provide a housing option for many whether first time buyers or downsizing options to avail of town centre living. Deputy Cowen also pointed out that some social housing will be provided as a result of the development in line with the Government's Housing for All policy. He said he understood the application will be available on the applying company's website in addition to Offaly County Council files. A planning notice for the development refers to a website, www.thedistilleryyard.ie BDP Masterplanning & Architecture are leading the design team and the developer said they were brought on board because of their expertise in masterplanning and success in delivering key town and city centre regeneration such as Victoria Square in Belfast, plus schemes in Edinburgh, Oxford and Toronto. More recently, they were involved in the masterplan development at Ceannt Station in Galway and projects across many towns in Ireland including Dundalk, Sligo and Roscommon. A full team of environmental, planning, visual impact, landscape and engineering consultants have contributed to the planning application. New businesses have started operating in the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park in Lachin. As a result of the opening of production facilities, 60 more local people were employed. Thus, the number of Lachin residents working in the park has reached 500, Azernews reports, citing Azertag. According to Nasimi Asadov, Director of the "Lachin Improvement Service," OJSC, the production of high-quality roofing materials started in Lachin in January. Unlike iron roofing, which is subject to corrosion for 15-20 years, Lachin produces coatings on modern Italian equipment, which also have a service life of more than 100 years. "In Lachin, reconstructed by Baku Improvement Service LLC, all construction materials, including roofing materials, meet the highest standards. Transportation and delivery costs will also be significantly reduced as a result of the launch of the local enterprise. The roofing enterprise in Lachin is also able to partially satisfy the needs of construction companies involved in construction works in Garabagh liberated from occupation," Nasimi Asadov said. In general, all enterprises operating in the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park in Lachin are equipped with the latest global technologies. Lachin residents get jobs and acquire professional skills by learning from specialists invited from abroad. In this sense, each enterprise operating in the Agro-Industrial Park can also be considered a training centre. At the courses organised in the agro-industrial park, specialists invited from abroad spend several months teaching the correct handling of innovative technologies and methods of increasing production capacity. According to Baku Improvement Service LLC engineer Fuad Mammadov, another innovation will be the launch of Schuco School in Lachin, which is considered a world brand in the production of plastic doors and windows. First, experience will be gained in this direction, and then the products of the famous brand will be manufactured in Lachin. The latest technological equipment from Germany has already been purchased for the establishment of the production site. At the first stage, workers will be trained with the involvement of German specialists, and the primary production will be carried out under the control of specialists. It should be noted that Zerti agro-industrial park, in which many enterprises, including breeding centres for the development of animal breeding, organic greenhouses, Ayd?noglu furniture factory, meat cutting shop, are functioning in a short period of time, is rapidly developing due to new production areas - shoe factory, large workshops for the production of bras with Philips lamps (wall light) and ekood, which is expanding. Currently, the park, which employs Lachin residents, has the potential to create 1,200 jobs in the future with all the businesses up and running. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Britain Saturday night launched joint airstrikes on Houthi militia targets in Yemen, the third time in two weeks. Just the day before, the U.S. military also carried out airstrikes on over 85 targets in Iraq and Syria related to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militia groups in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan on Jan. 28. WHY SO MANY U.S. STRIKES? Since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Palestine conflict, Houthi militias, demonstrating their support for Palestine, have frequently attacked Israeli vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes. On Jan. 26, the Houthi armed group claimed it had launched a missile attack on a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, setting it on fire, and fired one anti-ship ballistic missile toward the U.S. destroyer USS Carney in the Gulf of Aden, leading to subsequent retaliation from the United States and Britain. Frequent attacks on ships in the Red Sea have led several international shipping companies to announce the temporary suspension of this route, opting to navigate around the southern tip of Africa. This could lead to delays and additional costs, thereby increasing shipping expenses. On Jan. 28, a U.S. military base near the northeastern Jordanian border with Syria was attacked, resulting in the death of three U.S. soldiers and over 40 people injured. This marks the first time since the current Israel-Palestine conflict erupted that the U.S. military has reported soldiers being killed. The United States attributes the attack to the pro-Iran group "The Islamic Resistance in Iraq," which uses Iranian-manufactured drones to target the U.S. military in Jordan. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden and several senior U.S. government officials have repeatedly warned of phased retaliatory measures against armed groups attacking U.S. forces, starting from airstrikes on over 85 targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday. John Kirby, the National Security Council's coordinator for strategic communications, said that the U.S. airstrikes on military targets in Iraq and Syria, which lasted about 30 minutes, "were carefully selected and based on clear, irrefutable evidence that they were connected to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region." Douglas Sims II, the director of the Joint Staff, said that the U.S. military was confident that it had hit targets that were associated with continued attacks against Americans. WILL IT ESCALATE? Analysts suggest that the U.S. military may continue to expand the scope of retaliation in the coming days, but a direct conflict between the United States and Iran is unlikely. In a statement issued on Friday, Biden said that "the United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world, but let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond." For potential U.S. military actions against Iran, Kirby declined to reveal any specific plans when asked. However, he emphasized that the U.S. goal is "to degrade and disrupt the capabilities of the IRGC and the groups that they sponsor and support." Since the death of U.S. soldiers in the Jordanian attack, Biden has faced significant pressure to retaliate against Iran. Some Republicans have called for strikes on Iranian targets, but this could potentially escalate into a full-scale war, a scenario Biden wishes to avoid. Professor Ding Long of Shanghai International Studies University believes that the U.S. policy may not be effective, and a protracted tug-of-war will likely continue in the Middle East. Ding further believes the situation is expected to remain volatile, but that a direct conflict between the United States and Iran is unlikely. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE BEHIND IT? Analysts argue that such chaos reflects the confusion, contradictions, and divisions within U.S. Middle East policy. This approach not only fails to bring an end to the current Israel-Palestine conflict but also exacerbates tensions in the region. Tarek Fahmy, professor of political science at Cairo University, said that while the U.S. government seeks a ceasefire in Gaza, it continues to launch attacks on Houthi militias and targets in Iraq and Syria which indicates confusion in U.S. Middle East policy. Not only does it weaken the United States' credibility in the Middle East, but also demonstrates its inability to address the current challenges in the region. Regarding U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's fifth visit to the Middle East, the United States is adopting a posture of mediating a ceasefire to appease allies and ease anti-American sentiments in Arab countries, said Liu Xinlu, dean of the School of Arabic Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Bassam Salhi, general secretary of the Palestinian People's Party, also believes that the United States has never seriously considered a ceasefire in the conflict, Blinken's frequent visits to the Middle East are simply to prevent Biden from losing votes due to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Gaza conflict during his reelection campaign. Mohammed Omari, a Syrian expert on international relations, believes that the United States' aggressive actions in an already tense Middle East exacerbate the situation, pushing the region into a highly unstable state, adding that a confrontation is imminent, and any miscalculation could push the region to the brink of conflict. To resolve the challenges and crises in the Middle East, it is necessary to address the root cause of the current turmoil -- the Israel-Palestine conflict. Achieving a permanent ceasefire in the conflict is the first step to solving the dilemma, said Ding. Villagers perform at a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) by Zhang Xuan, Xu Jiayao and Zhao Yang TAIYUAN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- What magical sounds can be made with only soybeans and dustpans? No one is more familiar with the answer than a rural band consisting of 20 older men, of which the oldest member is 77 years of age. Located about 260 kilometers from the city of Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Bozhuang Village has showcased a unique type of Spring Festival gala. With all performers coming from surrounding villages and playing their handmade musical instruments, the gala has generated nearly 8 million views on the livestreaming platform Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Every year around the time of the Spring Festival, these 20 performers, who are normally cattlemen, tilers or cooks, temporarily put down their usual tools and pick up their instruments to join the biggest event of the year in their hometown -- performing for hundreds of villagers and many more online. Zhang Yong, 46, organizer of the "village gala," is also a provincial inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage known as "Gong and drums in southern Shanxi." Knowing his friends to be skilled folk art performers, from playing the suona to performing the dragon and lion dance, he organized the gala to give them a chance to show their talents. "With millions of viewers watching in our livestream room, we're not worried about there being no one in the audience!" said Cheng Beicheng, 65, who leads the band. "While inheriting traditional culture, we must also incorporate innovative methods," Zhang said. Statistics from Douyin showed that from December 2022 to December 2023, about 5,000 village-gala-themed livestreaming shows were broadcast on the platform, with views totaling 22.97 million. The country's "No. 1 central document" for 2024, which outlines the priorities for comprehensively promoting rural revitalization, calls for the prosperity and development of rural culture and strengthening the protection, inheritance and innovative development of fine traditional culture in rural areas. People perform during the "village gala" at a scenic spot in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Feb. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Lu Boan) In many of China's rural areas, this kind of "village gala" has gradually become a common occurrence in recent years. Such performances have become platforms for villages around China to share and promote unique features and demonstrate the fruits of their development. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 20,000 model village galas were held around China in 2023, amounting to about 130 million instances of participation. For China's vast rural areas, these galas are more than just a stage. Ke Wenping, Party secretary of Kecun Village in east China's Anhui Province, knows personally how the "village gala" has become a powerful force in generating rural development. During a single livestream event, this small village with around 1,200 residents generated 30,000 yuan (about 4,168 U.S. dollars) by selling local agriculture products. "We have also sold 330,000 yuan worth of other goods by livestreaming!" Ke said. As the Spring Festival draws near, more "village gala" stories are sure to be told, whether on or off the stage. WELLINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand marked Waitangi Day, which laid the country's bicultural foundation, on Tuesday to commemorate the 184th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the country's founding document. A public holiday was taken and various events were held nationwide to celebrate the country's founding day, with the centerpiece being a dawn service in Waitangi, one of New Zealand's most significant historic sites where the Treaty was signed on Feb. 6, 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs, which allowed then British government to gain the sole right to purchase land in New Zealand. "Waitangi Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the foundations of our nation, our history, and to look forward," Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in his speech after arriving at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Monday. The Treaty has shaped the country, Luxon said, adding New Zealanders must aspire to go forward not as two sides, but together as New Zealanders "because there is more that unites us than divides us." However, protests participated by thousands of people started on Monday on the Treaty Grounds to challenge the coalition government's proposed Treaty Principles Bill, which was thought to degrade Maori's self-determination. Luxon called on people to look beyond the protests and find common ground. The Treaty of Waitangi takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed in 1840. Students take part in a lecture at the Confucius Institute of Bangui University in Bangui, Central African Republic, Feb. 5, 2024. The 20th Chinese medical team dispatched to the Central African Republic gave a lecture on cholera prevention and acupuncture for students at Bangui University on Monday. (Xinhua/Han Xu) A student asks questions during a lecture at the Confucius Institute of Bangui University in Bangui, Central African Republic, Feb. 5, 2024. The 20th Chinese medical team dispatched to the Central African Republic gave a lecture on cholera prevention and acupuncture for students at Bangui University on Monday. (Xinhua/Han Xu) A student experiences acupuncture treatments during a lecture at the Confucius Institute of Bangui University in Bangui, Central African Republic, Feb. 5, 2024. The 20th Chinese medical team dispatched to the Central African Republic gave a lecture on cholera prevention and acupuncture for students at Bangui University on Monday. (Xinhua/Han Xu) A student experiences acupuncture treatments during a lecture at the Confucius Institute of Bangui University in Bangui, Central African Republic, Feb. 5, 2024. The 20th Chinese medical team dispatched to the Central African Republic gave a lecture on cholera prevention and acupuncture for students at Bangui University on Monday. (Xinhua/Han Xu) HARBIN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- In Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, where winter's crisp air sets the scene, a group of passengers, bundled up and brimming with excitement, boarded the train heading for the tropical destination -- Hainan Province. The journey would pass through 28 stations and two ferry ports, covering 4,300 km and extending over 46 hours. Known as the "Four Seasons Express," it exhibits the window scenery from the chill of winter to the bliss of summer. A passenger surnamed Li, aged 74, booked a suite on the train for him and his three grandchildren, who often expressed awe while gazing out of the window. "These kids are on vacation, so I decided to take them to Hainan for a break," Li said. "The train provides a convenient space for their activities, and the scenic journey, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the changing seasons, will create lasting memories for them." Currently, there is a growing demand for train tickets, especially during the travel rush being experienced as a result of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, said Liu Chaoquan, the train captain. Since the beginning of winter, there has been a surge in "seasonal passengers" heading from the north to the south, predominantly comprised of senior citizens and children seeking a warmer winter, Liu added. "This emphasizes the need for our train crew to always be on high alert, particularly in prioritizing the well-being of both the elderly and young passengers," he said. Throughout the journey, Liu mentioned that the attendants in each carriage would double-check passengers' sleeping arrangements and, if necessary, modify them, especially for individuals with either health or mobility issues. This particular train had a considerable number of elderly passengers, including some in their 60s who accompany their parents in their late 80s or 90s for a relaxing getaway in Hainan, "so there is a high demand for lower berths, and we try our best to meet their requests," said Liu. Even though the train is equipped with emergency medical supplies, the crew members have also been trained to handle various situations, reassuring passengers traveling across a 50 degrees Celsius temperature difference. As the train travels southward, the scenery beyond the windows transforms from icy landscapes to lush greenery. Responding to the shifting climate, the crew members change from their long-sleeved shirts to their short-sleeved shirts. The highlight awaits as the train gears up for a unique experience -- crossing the sea. At Yuehai Railway Beigang Wharf, the train is split into four sections, precisely aligning with the ferry's rails for a smooth transition onto the main deck. Passengers would witness the marvel of traveling by train across the sea as the ferry navigates the Qiongzhou Strait, finally reaching its destination in Hainan. On the upcoming Lunar New Year's Eve, Liu and his team are committed to serving passengers on their southbound journey. "Even though we can't share the big dinner with our families to celebrate the Lunar New Year, safeguarding passengers is our duty, and ensuring every passenger arrives safely at their destination is our greatest New Year's wish," Liu said. Beijing: China on Tuesday defended the increasing forays by its research vessels into the Indian Ocean as well as to the Maldives, saying these were for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanity's scientific understanding of the ocean. The Maldives had on January 23 permitted China's Xiang Yang Hong 03, equipped to carry research and surveys, to dock at Male port, saying the halt was for replenishment and that the research vessel would "not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters. The permission for the Chinese vessel to dock at Male port was given by the recently elected pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu. The Indian defence establishment said New Delhi is keeping a close watch on the movement of the Chinese ship. On Tuesday, when asked for his comments at a media briefing here, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the ship's activities complied with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China's scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanity's scientific understanding of the ocean, Wang said. For years, China and the Maldives have maintained close cooperation in marine scientific research. China appreciates the facilitation and assistance extended by the Maldives to Chinese research vessels entering its port based on sovereignty and China-Maldives friendship and by the relevant provisions of international law, he said. According to Marine Traffic, a private website keeping a watch on the movement of ships, the eight-year-old Chinese ship is likely to dock at a Male port on February 8. Earlier, Sri Lanka had banned the repeated visits of Chinese research vessels to its Hambantota port following concerns expressed by India about their nature of research, especially the mapping of the Indian Ocean floor for military purposes besides spying on India's defence facilities. he permission to allow the Chinese ship comes after Muizzu's state visit to China last month during which the two countries announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership besides signing 20 agreements to assist infrastructure construction in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. China also announced a USD 130 million grant, besides promising to send more Chinese tourists to the tourism-dependent Maldives. An American think-tank has alleged that a massive fleet of China's scientific research ships is collecting data from the oceans, including in the Indian Ocean, for military purposes, especially for submarine operations, a charge denied by Beijing. While permitting the Chinese research vessels, the Maldives Foreign Ministry said last month that it is only for rotation of personnel and replenishment not for research. Observers say that it is to be seen whether Maldives will stick to its stand of not permitting Chinese vessels to conduct research in the waters close to the proximity of India, considering the deepening economic dependence of the Muizzu government on China. After assuming office, Muizzu struck anti-India posturing calling for the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives, and also said Maldives would not renew the hydrography agreement with India. In his first speech to the Maldives Parliament on Monday, Muizzu, while articulating the need to bolster the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation's military capabilities, said the first group of Indian military personnel will be sent back from the island nation before March 10 and the remaining manning two aviation platforms will be withdrawn before May 10. The Maldives has traditionally been India's key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in its initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy' of the Narendra Modi government. "There was no such thing as Palestinians," said Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, in an interview with The Sunday Times on June 15, 1969. In March 2023, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denied the existence of a Palestinian people or nationhood just weeks after calling for a Palestinian town to be "erased". 137 countries worldwide (70%) have recognized Palestine. In 2014 the EU voted to 'Recognize Palestine in principle'. Within Europe as a whole, only the Czech Republic, Iceland, Malta, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Ukraine have recognized Palestine. We know that the US supports the genocide in Gaza, but what do the Europeans think? In an effort to answer that question, Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed the Norwegian expert on the Middle East, Kari Jaquesson. #1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): EU foreign affairs council held a Peace Summit in Brussels on January 22, chaired by EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell. The EU presented a proposal, which some have called bizarre, to create a framework for a Peace Plan, with the ultimate goal of a two-state solution by 2025. It ignores the genocide being committed in Gaza today, and fails to call for a ceasefire. How is this proposal being viewed in Europe? Kari Jaquesson (KJ): Before we start, I just want to let your readers know who I am, Steven, and also that we know each other from when I first visited Syria in 2017 as an independent journalist and I did an interview with you on my stop-over in Beirut. It is a great pleasure to follow your work. So, I am a Norwegian national, and Norway is not a member of EU, though much of our legislation is being dictated by EU-mandates. Much of our political cast is very pro-EU, even though Norwegians have twice voted not to become members. I am a private citizen, do not belong to any political party, and participate in public discourse representing only myself. As more or less a household name in Norway, both because of a 20+ year-long TV career as a fitness and health expert, later as a presenter in different TV-shows, and a debater and op-ed author of so-called controversial issues, I have been able to lift non-mainstream perspectives into the public eye. My profession is still in fitness and health, and in addition I work as a researcher, translator and occasional writer for steigan.no, the only truly independent major Norwegian non mainstream news portal, so I process daily a lot of news, discussion and commentaries from European, American, African and Arabic sources, as well as historical files. I just want to make it clear that I only speak for myself, I do not represent any organization or company. The distance between the non-elected officials in the EU-administration and the peoples of Europe could hardly be greater. This has been ongoing for years, and the heads of state in West European countries have hardly any popular support at all. The people in Western Europe, and let me include Norway are in great numbers demoralized and struggling to make ends meet. The NATO proxy war against Russia is draining the state coffers, and even in a should-be wealthy country like Norway, we have long lines in the food banks, energy costs have gone through the roof, and the general cost of living is not sustainable for an increasing part of the population. The state is extremely wealthy, but people's wallets are getting slimmer by the day. Most people have little or no time or interest in politics, and most people get their so-called news from the state-subsidized media, which includes not only the big newspapers and TV channels, but also former so-called independent outlets. So, quite frankly, most people do not know about nor care about, nor have the energy or will to reach out to more in-depth coverage of such events as the announcement of EU's proposal. But, on the other hand, there is an impressing engagement against both the genocide going on as we speak, and the occupation of Palestine as such. "From now on I will not talk about the peace process, but I want a two-state-solution process," Borell said to journalists ahead of a EU foreign ministers' meeting. This concept of two states has been dangled in front of the Palestinian people for decades, but I can't see how anyone who has followed the history of the occupation for one minute can take such a stand seriously. The Zionist entity has made it perfectly clear, not only now, but through their actions since 1948, that they want all of Palestine, and more. Furthermore, the occupiers deny the mere existence of Palestine, and even of a Palestinian people. The EU do not use the correct terminology, which is a sure give-away on the partiality. They keep saying conflict, but avoid at all cost the true description. The true description is occupation. #2. SS: The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, showed EU foreign ministers a video about creating an artificial island next to Gaza to house Palestinians. Various Israeli plans to deport Gazans to the Sinai desert in Egypt, and the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank to Jordan, have been openly discussed. How do Europeans view the ethnic-cleansing of Gaza? KJ: In all European cities there have been, and are, still huge demonstrations against the ongoing genocide. I am not sure all are aware of all the indecent remarks and proposals for "final solution" the occupiers are announcing. The news coverage is biased, and a notable part of the public are easy targets for the type of shock and awe reporting that dominated the news right after the October 7th incident. Their mind is still fixed on what has long since been debunked as flat-out lies. But even so, an engagement not seen since the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) in France is keeping its momentum, and some admissions are being made by some Western-European leaders. According to a poll in Norway's biggest newspaper earlier this month, almost every second Norwegian thinks it would be right to boycott Israel, but the government has no such plans. Minister of foreign affairs Espen Barth Eide has previously called Gaza "hell on earth", but has been adamant that Norway cannot implement its own national sanctions. We have no tradition in Norway of unilateral sanctions, he said, adding that Norway would do it if the Security Council agrees. Norway has since 2011 been practicing the same sanctions against Syria as the EU, although we are not a member. #3. SS: The EU is planning to impose visa bans on 12 or so of the most violent Israeli settlers soon, according to French foreign minister Ste'phane Se'journe'. However, many of the 700,000 illegal settlers in the West Bank are US citizens, so the ban would likely be meaningless. Why would the EU propose something so insignificant, instead of calling for the end of occupation in the West Bank? KJ: First of all, what difference would this make? What is the purpose? And what is this other than a pathetic symbolic suggestion? As you point out, they have dual citizenship, and though the numbers vary, it is reason to believe that hundreds of thousands of dual citizenship-holders have returned to their country of origin. Which is a harsh contrast to the situation of the Palestinians who have no citizenship at all, and who know that if they leave, they will never be able to return. After this week's ruling there is a legal ground to accuse Europeans who have been fighting with the IDF to be prosecuted and punished for having participated in a genocide. And there are many who are doing this. #4. SS: The US Biden administration refuses to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. They are prevented in doing so, even though the majority of Americans are in favor of a ceasefire, because of the Israel lobby, AIPAC, which exerts overwhelming pressure on the politics in the US. Does Europe have a similar Israel lobby that prevents EU leaders from demanding a ceasefire in Gaza? KJ: It is almost impossible to understand to what extent France and Britain is controlled by Jewish Zionist groups, but you may get an impression if you try to make count of who is allowed on the TV debates and the biased perspective from the TV presenters and who they invite for interviews and for commenting. However, this is a complete taboo and you will not find any serious discussion about this in any major news outlet. No mainstream politician will touch the issue, well knowing it would be political suicide. Years ago, the former Israeli Minister Shulamit Aloni was a guest on the American channel Democracy Now, and she explained the inability for the Zionists to accept criticism without resorting to false accusations of antisemitism and the second world war. She called it "a trick that we always use". Most of the Western European countries, including Norway, may be described as 'vallas', in other words, satellite states of the United States of America. We have no independent foreign policy. #5. SS: The German government has been supporting the revenge killing of 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza at the hands of the Israeli government. They keep reiterating the mantra, "Israel has the right to defend itself." Many experts have characterized Germany as a country held hostage to the holocaust, as they have refused to call for a ceasefire. Isn't it time that Germany divorce itself from the crimes of Adolf Hitler, and be allowed to treat Israel like any other country? KJ: First of all, Israel is not a country, let me make that clear. It is an occupation. Secondly, the occupation is expanding with an insatiable appetite for more land; therefore this supposed country has no borders. Also, it has no constitution. Is it really the alleged guilt from the second world war that is making Germany so docile vis-a-vis the genocidal Zionist? Maybe there is another reason, less noble. Unfortunately, this is verboten territory. Germany and many other countries have made research and revisions of that period illegal, even for historians, and even if the number of alleged victims have been significantly reduced, yet, officially, it is forbidden to say so. Even the plaque at the most infamous concentration camp has been drastically revised, something few are aware of. If the German leadership truly believed in their country's history and crimes, wouldn't they be the first to recognize and oppose new genocides? Yes, but they don't. Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist The 2024 United States presidential election is about ten months away and anything, and I mean ANYTHING, can happen. Especially when the most likely scenario is a rematch between two old white men - one an octogenarian - and the other, 77 years old, and in an obvious state of cognitive decline manifested by the fact that he's found it difficult to remember who he's running against, and other very simple, recent happenings. Not that the sitting United States president, Joe Biden, is a shining example of cognitive brilliance. He routinely mumbles his words in public and seems lost at other times. And while the polling industry is now the addictive go-to toy of the mainstream media and political pundits it's not that they always get it wrong. For example, recent polling results show the Republican frontrunner, former president Donald Trump, beating Biden in a match up (if the election was to be held in February) and holding a lead of nearly 10 points. But this is February - not November. Moreover, Donald Trump is banking on his ability to delay the myriad legal problems that he faces even as his MAGA base still fanatically supports him - for the time being . However, there is a significant - over 40 percent - segment of the overall Republican electorate that does not support the rambunctious, deeply flawed and chronic loser of a former president who has an adversarial relationship with the truth. The MAGA base, made up of largely older white Americans, is a fickle, ignorant ilk that is angry and scared of the changing demographics in America, and nostalgically yearn for the era of the 1950s when Black, Brown and Asian people "knew their places." Equally problematic for the Republican Party and Donald Trump is the herculean challenge in wooing enough independent and women voters to his column to form a broad-based winning coalition. For Joe Biden the existential threat to his winning a second term is the steady stream of voters expressing angry dissatisfaction with the POTUS's "blinkers on" obscenely loud jingoistic support for Israel's genocidal pogrom in Gaza. To date, its either the United States and President Biden are unable to stop the daily mass slaughter that is now approaching 30,000 dead, including nearly 10,000 children and women, or he does not want or care to stop the killing. Both are morally reprehensible. Either way Joe Biden now owns the Genocide in Gaza and is enjoined and indicted by the ruling of the International Court of Justice that has ruled positively on South Africa's complaint that there is, what the legal people call, a prima facie case of unfolding genocide in Gaza, and that Israel is directly responsible. And if ever there was any doubt that the U.S. president now dubbed "Genocide Joe" (How many children did you kill today?) is doing Israel's bidding and appears blinded to facts and global protests calling for a ceasefire, is that the United States was the FIRST western nation to suspend aid to the UN agency providing humanitarian aid to desperate Gazans ONE DAY after the ICJ ruling and Israel ALLEGING - not offering proof - that seven or 12 workers at this agency with a staff of over 30,000 were suspected Hamas sympathizers. The U.S. and its allies and eager water-bearers for Israel rushed to suspend aid even BEFORE an official inquiry and after the UN IMMEDIATELY fired the workers and opened an investigation into the allegations. The suspicious thing is that the UN has always sent its staff list to Israel for vetting and background checks and until the ICJ ruling Israel NEVER complained or accused the agency of wrongdoing. Distraction and political deflection 101. Today, young Black, white, Jewish. Muslim and Latino voters that traditionally vote Democratic are having second thoughts about this presidential election. That's great news for Donald Trump even though the Republican Party's election machine, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is cash-strapped and nearly broke with the lowest levels of fundraising cash on hand since the early 1970, while the DNC is flush with cash, and raking in even more. Perhaps this is reassuring to Joe Biden because right now Democrats are on track to outspend Republicans in a big way especially in battle ground "must win" states. But, gobs of cash are not all and mass Democratic voter dissatisfaction, disillusionment, and Biden's difficulty to inspire, mobilize and energize the party's base is another serious issue. The existential threat for him is if a large enough segment of the party's base angry and frustrated at being ignores decides to stay home - that's essentially voting for Donald Trump. Or young Democrats and others in the base will hold their noses and vote for Biden - the real or perceived lesser of two evils - to prevent another even catastrophic Donald Trump 2.0. This is a the very sad state of American democracy in 2024 when the political choices are limited to two old, deeply flawed white men that have the backing of their respective political parties both out of touch with reality. It's no wonder that over 40 percent of voting age Americans never do. The corporate duopoly has successfully rigged the electoral system in their own interests and benefits; they have made it so that the chance of picking a presidential candidate not acceptable to both party's elite grandees is impossible. Just Senator Bernie Sanders. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). No matter how idealistic it sounds, no democratic society can rule out the concept that media freedom is instrumental to ensuring a healthy democracy in the modern world. Nepal is no exception to this fact. That transparency, accountability and the rule of law, the vital principles of democracy, require media freedom cannot be sidelined as a stereotyped slogan. The utilization of media freedom involves the task of supplying accurate and unbiased information to people, who need to select right leadership for public positions. The notion of media freedom, in a broader sense, concerns mainly journalistic freedom as well as the freedom that public media outlets exercise for higher purposes of democracy and people's progress. Ideally, we expect the utilization of media freedom to contribute to the evolution of an effective, transparent and accountable government in Nepal. While the mere trumpeting of media freedom does not ensure a better quality of journalism potentially capable of revolutionizing the dull mindset into a critical and analytical one, journalists require an appropriate atmosphere for carrying out their public responsibilities in an independent and dignified manner. For this, high quality responsible journalism must be the widely held principle, with no space for trivial plays under the disguise of journalism. Nepali political stakeholders have almost confined themselves to majority game, jeopardizing the very spirit of democracy itself. Democracy, in a genuine sense, means more than just the majority rule. It is a tool for change at grassroots levels. Democratic leaderships must come up with transformative policies as well as a keen mindset to implement them. Democracy is a soil for the cultivation of a healthy society to be founded on social justice and social harmony. In this respect, our journalistic practices deserve insight-building and growth opportunities. We need to wholeheartedly internalize media freedom not with a partisan mindset but with a catalyzing positive intention in the process of nurturing democratic culture capable of intrinsically combating corruption culture. It is extremely important to utilize media freedom as a crucial element for good governance. This is a process fraught with tough challenges, especially for journalists as self-conscientious individuals who are willing to practice pro-public journalism despite their having to get through severe economic constraints. Bargaining and lingering attitudes at political levels and the multiplication of structurally organized corruption have decelerated Nepalis' progress, with the level of mass frustration going up. Within historical political parties, intra-party revolution has to happen in ideological and cultural terms. The reason is clear: the Nepalis have the right to see their political parties equipped with a scientific leadership that can de-addict party politics from individual-centrism, chief-orientedness and leaders' subconscious lustfulness given to corruption. The Fourth Estate faces a grand challenge of maximizing the utilization of media freedom toward promoting ideologically guided policy-oriented and merit-oriented party politics in Nepal. Quality journalism entails understanding the contemporary issues in-depth. For instance, more youths have been forced to swarm to Gulf countries for bread after 2006 because the dominant political forces have failed to prove their worth in implementing the transformative principles accepted in the Comprehensive Peace Accord signed between the then Maoist rebels and the Seven-Party Alliance. Likewise, market prices have skyrocketed anarchically, with no moral courage and political willpower seen in addressing them for regulating daily public life in a just and democratic manner. Never was such a devastating moral downfall of Nepal's dominant political parties seen before. Due to the ever continuing moral degradation of political leaderships, people have begun to lose trust in them. In this situation, practicing journalism with independence and self-conscience involves a tough challenge amidst the emergence of new political forces, ideologically and epistemologically unidentified yet. Nevertheless, seeking political insight through media freedom could be a positive method for improvement. The Nepali Fourth Estate was subject to heavy censorship and attacks in the past. However, there have been recent improvements in media freedom, following the adoption of a new constitution that enshrines freedom of expression and media freedom values in the Preamble itself. The Freedom House yearly report 2023 has scored Nepal's media freedom status as 58/100. It has been rated as partly free in terms of media freedom. In the light of this report as well as from our general observations, it is obvious that financially fragile journalism is subject to uncalculated self-censorship and demoralization from other possible manipulative forces. However, there needs to be a constant practice of a free and responsible press for the democracy to thrive in a real sense. Despite some visible deviations even in the journalistic domain affected by the all-pervasive corruption and other conditions of ill-governance in the country, well-principled journalists should not lose their heart and self-conscience. Combating the rising fake journalism and yellow journalism in various disguised forms is a serious challenge not to be ignored by morally bold and well-principled journalists. Low media literacy among Nepalis can have a negative impact on media freedom in the country. More gullible masses, unable to critically differentiate between truthful and fake information, are likely to be added vehicles to spread false propaganda. This will result in the loss of media credibility in general. In the same way, those in power have an opportunity to suppress analytical and critical reporting while manipulating information. Moreover, audiences with little media literacy cannot even complain to media outlets for failing to report adequately and meaningfully on vital issues such as the prolonged severe scarcity of drinking water in the Kathmandu valley and the deaths of thousands under the age of 50 due to widespread alcoholism across Nepal. Therefore, stakeholders should be serious enough to take steps for promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills to better equip Nepalis to evaluate and engage with the news media and hold public stakeholders accountable. Concerning the productive utilization of media freedom, conditions for pure journalistic practices must be desired and sought in order to practically demonstrate the genuine commitment to the recognition of the value of the Fourth Estate in the democratic system. Following the end of 10-year armed insurgency in 2006, Nepalis did expect qualitative changes in their lives through a transformed political leadership. But it has been more than apparent that the Nepalis will still need to work hard to acquire a transformed political leadership. With the same conventional and individual-centric political leadership in active positions, no qualitative changes have occurred. Utilizing media freedom, the Fourth Estate needs to dynamize the Nepali minds toward constructing a social psychology of good governance and qualitative transformation. It has now been essential for the Nepali Fourth Estate to combat post-truth effects (corporate influences included) mainly visible in social media networks on the one hand and to sustain a principled media stance in favor of public wellbeing on the other. A more verifying, critical and analytical media approach is the need of the day toward utilizing media freedom for building a healthy democracy in Nepal. Is this the dilemma the world is faced with today? Paul Craig Roberts has long been a critic of Vladimir Putin's policy towards the United States. He stigmatizes his pusillanimous reactions to American provocations, such as NATO's on-going move East, the seizure of Russian Consular property in San Francisco, the freezing of about $300 million of Russian financial assets, and economic sanctions imposed on Russia that are a case of war absent a U.N. Security Council's approval. In today's editorial, Gilbert Doctorow joins Roberts in his criticism of Putin (see articles below). As pertinent as their opinion might be, I respectfully disagree. Here is why. Vladimir Putin is an intelligent, rationale and knowledgeable person. The United States are led by neocons - a bunch of people who are overwhelmed by their emotions and could - one thing leading to another - start World War III.* Bombing Yemen is ineffective. Joe Biden knows it but vowed to continue anyway! The situation in the Middle East is extremely unstable, and the war in Ukraine shows no sign of abating. Taiwan is an enigma. The world is unsettled. Vladimir Putin knows it, so does Xi Jinping. Neither one wants to face another Cuban crisis, not even a situation that would be close to it. Both follow a policy aimed at protecting their country's respective interests while avoiding anything that could make it worse or be viewed as provocative by the United States and increase tension. The United States never, ever declared war with the exception of World War I, and the Iraq invasion of 2003. All the wars fought by the United States were provoked by Washington. The war in Ukraine is a case in point, but so is the war against Mexico, the war against Spain, Vietnam, not to mention the attrition of Indian tribes through repeated treaties Washington knew very well Indians could not abide by, etc. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping know that and act accordingly. The danger, of course, and this is what worries Paul Craig Roberts and Gilbert Doctorow, is that Vladimir Putin's and Xi Jinping's rational, controlled attitude may backfire, and lead to their defeat - a prolonged Ukraine war would do Russia in. A weakened Russia would give China no choice but surrender. Indeed, the risk exists. The question then becomes: What's preferable? WWIII or subjugation? Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are desperately trying to find a middle way. Will they succeed? As for the neocons, one wonders whether they are aware of the dilemma. *According to The Royal Institute of International Affairs (April 2014), on thirteen occasions the world came close to a nuclear war due to human errors or technical deficiencies during the Cold War. Will War result from the ever-hesitant Putin Paul Craig Roberts - Jan. 22, 2024 Click Here Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). No one (except the Palestinians) has any idea what 35,000 corpses look like--the scale of the slaughter is hard to imagine. BUT we must make clear the scope of genocidal slaughter by Israel. Note: this figure includes bodies decomposing under the rubble and it is growing with each passing day. So here are some ideas: 1. Arrange a 35,000 people die-in at your favorite park or parliament. Plenty of children would be helpful. This isn't an angry protest it should be quiet and thoughtful; like visiting a graveyard. 2. 35,000 Palestinian corpses laid end to end would stretch for at least 30 miles! Pick any two cities 30 miles apart and make drivers aware of this sick fact (your tax dollars at work) as they drive between those cities so they get the scale of the carnage. Adjust figures for the current death toll. Reminders along the way would be helpful. As would sharing this information with local press. 3. Locate and picket any company producing components for the Israeli and American defense (sic) industries. Demand an embargo of components and materials produced or exported to the US and Israeli defense industries. 4. Install and maintain a death and injury counter in key locations next to major highways and busy intersections. Include a separate counts for children. Even signs held by people would be very helpful. It need not be complicated and do be caring and peaceful not angry. 5. Hold your politicians to account for failing to stand for ending the Gaza genocide. They are on the wrong side of history. The indoctrinate murder of mostly women and children IS NOT DEFENSE. 6. Submit op-eds to local newspapers and volunteer to be interviewed by local news stations. 7. Highlight the hypocrisy and lies of the politicians who repeat Israel's (and American) talking points. Genocide is not defense. It is not possible to murder your way to peace. 8. Support the BDS movement. Additional thoughts: Always, always maintain a peaceful demeanor. Never allow anger to enter your head or language. Peace begins at home and in the heart. If you don't understand what the roots of the current slaughter (as told by Rabbi Weiss, Robert Fisk and others) then you can not possibly understand what is behind the genocide in Gaza. Sadly i can use the Z word in this article. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A growing number of voters now register as independents, apparently not feeling that either party is satisfactory. Nevertheless, third party efforts still fail. Some blame this on the difficulty of gaining ballot access. But so, why not just make it easier to get on the ballot? A compelling reason not to make it easier is that plurality voting easily leads to disaster when there are more than two candidates. But we still take that chance quite often. The difficulty with plurality voting (often called the spoiler effect) is that when there are three or more candidates, voters must choose, sometimes arbitrarily, only one of two very similar candidates. The more unique candidate gains advantage and so may win the election. Is it wise to maintain the two-party system just to help plurality voting perform better? Might it be more sensible to adopt an improved method of voting? But if so, what system would be best? The alternative that jumps to mind is ranked-choice voting. This is because there is a well-funded organization with the mission of promoting ranked choice voting. There is little awareness other alternatives or of the fact that ranked choice voting has serious flaws, including even that it fails to avoid the spoiler effect. Despite being less familiar, approval voting might seem a better choice. With this system, the ballot lists the candidates, and the voter indicates which ones the voter supports. The candidate with the most support wins election. This system avoids coercing voters to choose among similar candidates so the spoiler the effect is eliminated (well, maybe not entirely, but the spoiler effect does seem much less likely). In evaluating the merits of approval voting, we should pay attention to why a voter might fail to support a candidate. True, it could mean that the voter opposes that candidate. But it could as easily mean that the voter is ambivalent about the candidate; perhaps the voter does not even recognize the candidate's name. Though this will happen only rarely for a famous candidate, (such as the nominee of a major party) an independent candidate or one from some small fledgling party, it could be more the rule than the exception. A famous candidate will likely collect extra votes of support, merely because so few voters lack an opinion. But by the same token, there will be more voters who oppose the famous candidate. But with approval voting, opposition (just like indifference) is simply ignored. We see that counting only votes of support and ignoring opposition gives an advantage to famous candidates. In this way, like so many other voting systems, approval voting disadvantages less-known candidates and consequently we maintain the two-party duopoly. But this is an oversight. It is not a law of nature and It is not necessary. A voting system called balanced approval voting corrects for this oversight. As with approval voting, the ballot provides the list of candidates. But with balanced approval voting, the voter is given a choice of showing either support or opposition (or neither) for each candidate. When votes are tallied for a candidate, the number of opposition votes is subtracted from the number of support votes to get the net vote. The candidate with the largest net vote wins election. One voter's opposition to a candidate cancels another voter's support and the result is that the famous candidate's structural advantage over the less known candidate vanishes. The polarization of the two-party duopoly is leveraged to give a popular third-party candidate more plausible prospects. Suppose one of our elections used this system. Democrats would likely vote both support for the Democratic nominee while also voting opposition to the Republican nominee. Likewise, Republicans would vote for the Republican candidate and against the Democratic candidate. To the degree that there are roughly equal numbers of Republican and Democratic voters, neither of these candidates would accumulate more than a small positive net vote. And yes, some candidates would have a negative net vote. The embarrassment of having more opposition than support would be exposed. But a popular candidate from a minor party would gain an opportunity to compete and even win election. It seems likely that a more competitive multi-party system would evolve, and polarization would diminish. With more political parties, the goal of one party taking complete control of government would seem impossible and politicians would find it more important to compromise and cooperate. And suppose one of our primary elections used balanced approval voting. As with approval voting, voters would no longer need to guess which of several candidate is most electable. Voters could instead focus only on clarifying their judgements about the candidates, no longer distracted by worries of wasting their vote on some attractive but hopeless cause. Even candidate attitudes will likely change. Candidates will learn the danger of antagonizing voters, say with negative advertising. The costs of running campaigns may even diminish. Balanced approval voting promotes candidate moderation while facilitating compromise. It is a promising option if we want improvement in our politics. As a final comment, Latvia has taken the step of adopting balanced approval voting, though they have chosen a variant that disguises the negative net votes. Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of a secular India, and a multinational, multiethnic, multireligious, pluralistic democracy hit a new low this week. The Babri Mosque in Ayodhya built on the site of an earlier mandir (Hindu Temple) was in Babur's vision intended to bring members of the two faiths together. In Hindu mythology the location is the birthplace of the god Rama. Babur had defeated the Muslim pathan sultan Ibrahim Lodhi, at Panipat but that did not eliminate all pathans who had ruled India then for several centuries. Thus Babur's natural allies became the Hindu rajas heretofore subservient to the Delhi Sultans. In this construct the Ayodhya Mosque makes sense, not in Narendra Modi's version. So here we are five centuries later, and a triumphant Modi trumpeting a final Hindu freedom. Certainly not freedom from poverty or even hunger as the stark statistics point out. More than a fifth (21 percent) of Indians (250 million) survive on less than $2 a day. And the screaming crowds lauding Modi's Ayodhya are hardly representative of India's place on the 2023 Happiness rankings where India at #126 just behind Liberia and Ethiopia and not far from Lebanon and Afghanistan (also near the bottom) who have been suffering civil wars. India is also far below arch rival Pakistan who at #108 is closer to Turkey (#106) a middle income country. The remaining country on the subcontinent, Bangladesh, at #118, is also happier than India despite its own tumultuous journey to freedom. There are critics of the report who point out its emphasis on economic factors while ignoring cultural aspects of life where India could excel. But then why is it so far behind Pakistan and Bangladesh also part of the culture of the subcontinent, one would have to ask. Spearheading a colossal fundraising effort, Mr. Modi has raised 3,500 crore rupees (35 billion) for the building of a temple complex spanning some 70 acres. Still under construction it is to date nowhere near completion, and that is also why some Hindu priests and Brahmins refused to attend the elaborate inauguration ceremony led by Mr. Modi. Four key Hindu religious authorities warned that consecrating an unfinished temple goes against the scriptures. By the way, in these 70 acres was it impossible to cordon off a historic building almost five centuries old and save it? Leaders from the Congress Party, now Modi's main opposition, also boycotted the event accusing him of trying to score political points ahead of the election this year (2024) -- to be held over several weeks during April and May. Modi is ahead in the polls but an extra margin of safety never hurt anybody. The trouble with Modi is a tendency to exceed limits that a responsible leader or politician would not. Moreover, his focus almost in its entirety is on India's 80-plus percent Hindu vote. With a 1.4 billion population, however, the remaining 20 percent still amounts to nearly 300 million people. These are the Muslims 14.2 percent, Christians 2.3 percent and Sikhs 1.7 percent. The rest are an assortment of religions from Zoroastrianism to Jainism. One would expect the opposition Congress Party to woo and grab these voters. Not so far, and how well it succeeds will be reflected in how well it does in the elections. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). In the Gaza case brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague (Netherlands), the court has ruled that Israel must do all in its power to prevent genocide against the Palestinian people. On the emergency measures requested by South Africa, the ICJ has ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide. Phrased that way, acts that could lead to genocide are enjoined and the ruling thus puts Israel under the gun tying Netanyahu's hands. He of course has called the ruling "outrageous". The ruling should also be a wake-up call for the somnambulistic US president who has sleep-walked through the whole affair holding Israel's tail. He says the ruling is consistent with his administration's approach to the war (only latterly however) and will not change US policy. Meanwhile, the Palestinians have charged genocide in a US court and sued Biden and Blinken, the US Secretary of State, and Lloyd Austin the Defense Secretary. They are all accused of "failure to prevent and complicity in the Israeli government's unfolding genocide." The ICJ will continue to study Israeli actions and will rule on the genocide question at a later date. The ICJ judges voted 15 to 2 for the ruling with only the Israeli judge and one other abstaining. It means in reality a sort of probationary status for Israel while the court observes, studies actions, and renders its final decision. Former top Israeli security officials have now entered the fray. Unwilling to wait for the international court's verdict on the genocide question, they are demanding Netanyahu's removal from office. They have sent a letter to Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, and to Amir Ohana the speaker of Parliament saying Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed an "existential" threat to the country. This they contend is due to the effect on the country of his controversial focus on changing procedures as to how judges are appointed, and on curbing their power to review parliamentary decisions. The signatories have a point because the so-called judicial reform proposals have caused massive, regular demonstrations that eventually led to security lapses, which could only have aided the Hamas attack. Returning to the ICJ and the genocide issue, should the court rule against Israel, it would be a terrible irony, given the suffering of Jews under a Nazi occupied Europe and the horrors of the concentration camps. Names like Auschwitz now evoke the worst of horror and brutality. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "If I had the money to move, you think I'd stay here?". That rhetorical question is how one resident stuck in East Palestine expressed his frustration on a petition demanding Norfolk Southern fully compensate victims of its devastating derailment and detonation last year. The petition with its thousand signatures fell on deaf ears at Norfolk Southern corporate headquarters. Maximizing corporate profit took precedence over minimizing human suffering in East Palestine, at least in principle. In practice, however, Norfolk Southern failed miserably at both outcomes in 2023. That fateful year was not only an unmitigated disaster for East Palestine, but also for Norfolk Southern's bottom line. As reported in its recently released 4th Quarter Report, quarterly profits fell by 33% and derailment costs soared by $150 million. For the year, expenses associated with the February catastrophe totaled over $1.1 billion, and counting; railway operating revenues were $12.2 billion, down 5% from the previous year; income from railway operations was $2.9 billion, down 41% from 2022; and diluted earnings per share came in at $8.02, far below expectations, and down 42% compared to 2022; profit estimates were missed for three consecutive quarters; and, to help cut costs, about 7% of its management and staff are to lose their jobs in 2024. Not mentioned anywhere in that dismal report is the $6 million invested by Norfolk Southern into fooling voters in the Queen City to sell off the Cincinnati Southern Railway, the last publicly owned railway in the nation. The sale, projected to be closed in March, carries a $1.6 billion price tag. "This sale represents a brutal kick in the teeth for residents in East Palestine", said Werner Lange, Chair of the Ohio Peace Council and an active participant in the Derail the Sale effort, "It reveals the utter moral depravity of this greedy corporation willing to spend $6 million on pro-sale propaganda rather than invest those badly needed funds into compensating victims of its derailment disaster." In July and August, as its East Palestine victims struggled with deep anxiety and various health problems, Norfolk Southern sunk $3.5 million into "Build Cincinnati's Future", its pro-sale PAC; and then in mid-October, when polls showed a close election on the railroad sale, it dumped another $2.4 million into its propaganda machine rather than pump those funds into East Palestine. Despite its massive pro-sale funding, Norfolk Southern only won the election by the skin of its teeth; and its corporate clients, not its East Palestine victims, cashed in handsomely on the hefty campaign treasury. Foremost among the benefactors was SKDknickerbockers, a national media consultant favorite of Democratic politicians, which received $5.4 million for its production and purchase of massive amounts of deceptive ads and slick mailers flooding every Cincinnati household; $139,000 went to EMC to test effectiveness of ads; and Jens Sutmoller, a local campaign strategy guru as well as the Mayor's campaign treasurer, raked in $345,900 for his firm on consulting services, printing, election day staffing and robo calls. Had those expenditures been driven by minimizing human suffering rather than maximizing corporate profit each East Palestine man, woman and child would have received a $1,304 check. In reality, very little compensation went directly to East Palestine residents. Of the $100 million in "commitments" touted by Norfolk Southern to East Palestine, only about $2 million actually went to or are earmarked for residents instead of infrastructure, equipment and remediation. That includes the $1000 "inconvenience fee" offered select residents; a $400,000 scholarship endowment fund for high school seniors; and relocation fees of about $500 per week for those who chose to temporarily leave their toxic cages. The relocation program ends completely in early February, leaving some 50 households without resources to live in a safe environment. $6 million would allow those 50 families to receive the standard subsidy in relocation assistance for 20 years. Scores, if not hundreds, of residents in greater East Palestine would leave if they could afford it. But rather than simply buy properties of East Palestine residents who wish to escape their toxic cages, Norfolk Southern developed a convoluted sale subsidy called Value Assurance Program (VAP), which compensates sellers of eligible properties for the difference between the sale price and market value. However, sellers must use NS-approved agents and appraisers as well as sign a "release of property claims", which frees NS for any liability forever. Little wonder that of the 92 properties sold in greater East Palestine since the derailment, only 9 sellers subjected themselves to VAP's onerous conditions. VAP, a thinly disguised scheme to escape liability claims against Norfolk Southern, is a well-deserved flop. There are currently some 22 homes for sale with an asking price under $400,000 in greater East Palestine. Purchasing them all would cost Norfolk Southern $3,442,000, far less than the $6 million spent on its pro-sale propaganda. According to Zillow rental analysis, median monthly rent in East Palestine plummeted from $1200 in July 2023 to $800 by October. Assuming there are some 660 occupied rental units in East Palestine, $6 million would cover the rental cost of all of them somewhere safe for 11 months. As another petition signer stated as his reason for signing: "This is what most people want: full market value, paid in full immediately, so they can move out of this hellhole, courtesy of Norfolk Southern." Not a single residential property in East Palestine was purchased by Norfolk Southern. Instead, ignoring the plight of its victims in East Palestine, it shamelessly bought another railroad for $1.6 billion and spent $6 million fooling voters into selling it in 2023. Placing profit before people elevates corporate greed over human need, a formula for inevitable disaster, like the one which exploded in East Palestine last February and continues to leave residents uncomfortable and uncompensated. High time for Norfolk Southern to put its money where its mouth is and really make things right in East Palestine. Visitors paint Chinese opera masks during the opening of the Happy Chinese New Year event at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) The Spring Festival event, organized by the Embassy of China in Myanmar at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, was adorned with red lanterns, couplets and various styles of Chinese calligraphy. YANGON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China Cultural Center in Myanmar's commercial hub Yangon, adorned with vibrant red cultural decorations, bustled on Sunday with visitors enjoying the Year of Dragon Spring Festival. Phoo Pwint Khine, 32, said, "This is my first time attending such a New Year celebration event at the cultural center. I'm experiencing their traditional culture and admiring their calligraphy and paper cutting works." "I came here at the invitation of my Chinese language teacher. I have been learning Chinese for over three years now," she said. "This kind of event serves as a platform for fostering friendship between the two countries," the Myanmar resident told Xinhua on Sunday. "I enjoy the dragon dances and Chinese songs, especially those accompanied by the Chinese zither," she said, adding that despite not being a Chinese, she had participated in Spring Festival celebrations with her Chinese friends in the past years. Fifteen-year-old Zeyar Naing, a Chinese boy from Bago region, expressed his excitement about attending the Spring Festival celebrations in Yangon with his elder brother. "This is my first time joining such a New Year celebration at the cultural center. However, I have previously participated in the celebrations in my hometown Thone Sal," he said. "Dragon dance performances are the things I like most in the Spring Festival celebrations," he said. "I also enjoy the traditions like receiving red envelopes and New Year Eve's dinner." "I got a lot of cultural experience by participating in the event," he said, adding that he would share this experience with his friends. Visitors learn paper cutting during the opening of the Happy Chinese New Year event at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Thet Htar San, an eight-year-old girl who entertained visitors with Wushu performances during the event, said, "I'm in Grade two. My teacher brought me here." "I'm happy. I also played with toys and enjoyed going around with my friends," the Myanmar girl in a traditional Chinese dress told Xinhua. The Spring Festival event, organized by the Embassy of China in Myanmar at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, was adorned with red lanterns, couplets and various styles of Chinese calligraphy. Chen Hai, Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, said that the Happy Chinese New Year event has served as a platform for friends from China and the world to celebrate traditional festivals and share Chinese culture. At the event, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein extended wishes for happiness and peace to Chinese people residing in Myanmar, as well as to Chinese citizens in China and around the world on this Chinese New Year occasion. The event, which included a Spring Festival bazaar, a dragon eye-dotting, Myanmar traditional dance performances, dragon and lion dance performances, Wushu performances and cultural booths among other activities, attracted over 200 people. The 2024 Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of Dragon, falls on Feb. 10. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, said "We are not looking for a war with Iran." He added, "What we want is a stable, secure, prosperous Middle East, and we want these attacks to stop." Kirby was referring to the January 28 drone attack on Tower 22, killing three US troops and wounding at least 34 at their living quarters in a secretive outpost on the Jordan-Syria border near Iraq. Kirby forgets the White House policy on the Middle East promotes chaos and death. The 350 US Army and Air Force troops there provide logistics support to the nearby US Al-Tanf base, which is an illegal occupation of Syria. Over 150 attacks by Iranian-based militias on American bases in Iraq and Syria have occurred since October 7, but this attack is the first resulting with American deaths. Why are these attacks happening? US President Joe Biden's unwavering support for the genocide in Gaza since the October 7th attack on Israel has elicited attacks by the resistance groups in the region. Biden refuses to call for a ceasefire, even as the UN, France and Spain call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel's attack on Gaza has killed over 26,422 Palestinians and injured 65,087, with the majority being women and children. Much of Gaza has been leveled by the Israeli onslaught, and more than 80 percent of the population is homeless. Biden has taken no action to ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, including drinking water, food and medical supplies, while Israel continues to target hospitals, and kill doctors and ambulance drivers. The Israeli military escalation in Gaza threatens regional security, including the security of US interests and military assets, but Biden refuses to work to protect Americans in the area, while protecting and defending the Netanyahu government who have called for Gaza to be emptied and annexed into Israel. Biden blamed the attack on Iran-backed militants operating in Syria and Iraq; however, Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks. Islamic Resistance in Iraq have claimed responsibility to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, that only Biden can deliver. "Regional resistance factions do not receive orders from Iran, and Iran does not interfere in the decisions of the resistance to support Palestine or defend itself," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said. Why do US youth support Gaza, not Israel, and what is the role of the US media? Younger Americans equate the racial injustice in the US with the situation of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Freedom and equality are American values and the US youth feels passionately about the right for every person to have human rights, which the Israeli government denies all Palestinians. Cliff Albright, co-founder of "Black Voters Matter" told CNN's Poppy Harlow, Black voters in general are disappointed with Biden's policy in Gaza, but the majority of the younger Black voters are "outright mad about it." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The term "sacred cow" comes from India and the old Hindu belief that white cows were sacred, and as it applies today it describes a concept or idea being held as so sacred that it is above reproach, and beyond questioning or criticism. Israel has become a sacred cow in our national politics. Not only is the nation of Israel held in such high regard as to be above criticism or questioning, but there are also significant consequences for not treating Israel with the proper respect. These consequences include ostracism, job loss, or cancelation of position or restriction of access. The same seems to be true of even voicing humanitarian concerns about Israel's enemies, in this case the citizens of Gaza. What's going on? We can criticize American policies, we can criticize democracy, or even capitalism (but be a bit careful there), we can criticize our allies and certainly our enemies. We can criticize ideologies and even religions. We can criticize ethnic groups and immigrants. We can criticize the government and the administration that is in power. We can criticize Congress, the Supreme Court, the court system, the prison system and justice itself. We can criticize the military and the police (but be a bit careful there, too). Presently, in this nation, almost nothing is sacred. But when it comes to questioning Israeli policy, or Netanyahu, or the military plan in Gaza everything seems to change. One appears to be at great risk to even question the Israeli approach to the civilian population of Gaza, let alone voicing any humanitarian concerns. It appears to be nearly blasphemy to put the entire 75-year conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people into some historical context. Even questioning the Biden administration's economic and military support of the recent destruction of Gaza is risky. So, what's the problem? At the heart of democracy in this nation are the principles of free speech, the importance of debating issues openly and the right to peaceful protest as a citizen. When these things are discouraged, especially when they apply to our policy regarding a foreign nation and the humanitarian needs of a population, it becomes most troubling, if not downright undemocratic. This does not even take into consideration our traditional stance on human rights and humanitarianism. The policies of this administration seem counter to so much or our democratic tradition that it needs to be confronted and debated, openly. At question is the heritage of democracy and the inspiration of valuing human lives and ordinary citizenship that our revolution demonstrated to a world previously dominated by top-down leadership. To walk away from that heritage is nearly unthinkable. And to do it by creating a sacred cow of a foreign nation is quite beyond belief. Time to break down that barrier and have an open, democratic debate about our policies concerning Israel, and especially Israel's handling of the population of Gaza. Can this all be happening without any accountability? Much of the rest of the world's population seems to be saying "No!" This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. The Last Superpower? And the Longest Paragraph By Tom Engelhardt I was born on July 20, 1944, almost two years after Joe Biden arrived on this planet and almost a year before You Know Who, like me, landed in New York City. The United States was then nearing the end of the second global war of that century and things were about to look up. My dad had been the operations officer for the 1st Air Commandos fighting the Japanese in Burma and, by that July, the tide had distinctly turned. The era that Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and I would enter feet first and naked would quickly become an upbeat one for so many Americans -- or at least so many white Americans in the midst of a war economy that would, in some sense, carry over into a growing peacetime economy. Of course, World War II would end dramatically with the dropping of two new weapons, atomic bombs, on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, signaling, though few fully grasped it at the time, that we humans would soon be capable not just of making war in a big-time fashion, but of all too literally destroying humanity. The "peacetime" that followed the devastation of those two cities and the killing of at least 100,000 Japanese civilians in them would, for the next 46 years, be stoked by what came to be known as the Cold War. In it, a nuclear-armed America and a soon-to-be-nuclear-armed Soviet Union, as well as its "commie" -- the term of the time -- allies, faced off against each other globally. (Estimates done for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1961 suggested that a full-scale U.S. nuclear attack on the Soviet Union and Communist China would then have killed between 200 million and 600 million people.) Both sides would rush to create vast nuclear arsenals able not just to obliterate the United States and the Soviet Union, but the planet itself, while, in the course of the next three-quarters of a century, seven other countries would, cheerily enough, join the nuclear "club." Two of the countries waging war at this moment, Russia and Israel, are nuclear powers. And today, more than 78 years after those atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with perhaps 1,700 nuclear weapons deployed (most of them staggeringly more powerful than those first atomic bombs), the U.S. is in the midst of a multi-decade "modernization" of its nuclear arsenal to the tune of at least $1.5 trillion and possibly far more. All in all, consider that quite an inheritance from that childhood of mine. We kids grew up then amid what I came to call a "victory culture" -- and what a potentially devastating culture that proved to be! Doesn't the very thought of it leave you with the urge to dive under the nearest desk (something that, in my youth, was called "duck and cover" and that we kids practiced at school in case a Russian nuclear bomb were to go off over New York City)? Yes, there would indeed be a certain amount of ducking and covering of all kinds during that 40-odd year-long Cold War with the Soviet Union. After all, for the U.S., it involved a deeply unsatisfying war in Korea in the early 1950s and a bitter disaster of a war in Vietnam in the 1960s and early 1970s, fearsome anti-communist crusades at home, and Washington's support across the planet not just for democracies but for quite a crew of autocrats (like the Shah of Iran). Still, domestically the U.S. became a distinctly well-off land. In the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement grew to challenge the racial hell that was the inheritance of slavery in this country and, by the end of the Cold War, Americans were generally living better than ever before. Of course, a grotesque version of inequality was already starting to spiral out of control as this country gained ever more billionaires, including a fellow named -- yes! -- Donald Trump who would be no one's apprentice. But in all those years, one thing few here would have imagined was that American-style democracy itself might, at some moment, prove increasingly out of fashion for a distinct subset, if not a majority, of Americans. If I Had Told You" Now, let's take a leap from the end of the Cold War in 1991 to the present moment and the question is: What are we headed for? Sadly, the answer (no given, but certainly a possibility) could indeed be an all-American version of fascism, brownshirts included, should Donald Trump be reelected in a chaotic November to come, including -- absolutely guaranteed! -- a contested election result (and god knows what else) if he isn't. Honestly, tell me that you even believe this world we're supposedly living in exists! As I approach 80, I find just being in it increasingly unnerving. Wherever I look, nothing seems to be faintly working right. It doesn't matter whether you're talking about our secretary of defense disappearing as this year began (yes, at my age I can empathize with an older guy who doesn't want to share information about his prostate cancer, but still"); the increasingly extreme and disturbingly fascistic -- a word I once reserved for Francisco Franco, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and the war my father fought in -- bent to what's still called the "Republican" Party; the utter madness of one whale of a guy, Donald Trump, and the possibility that such madness could attract a majority of American voters in 2024; the urge of "my" president, that old Cold Warrior Joe Biden, to bomb his way into a larger, far more disastrous war in the Middle East (and who cares whether that bombing is faintly "working" or not?); oh, and (to make sure this is my longest paragraph ever) when some of that bombing is being done to "protect" American troops in Iraq and Syria (not to speak of those who recently were wounded or died in -- yes! -- Jordan), who cares why in the world our soldiers are stationed there in the first place; not to speak of the all-too-unstoppable human urge to set parts of our globe aflame with war after war (and don't forget the way those wars throw staggering amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, so that it isn't just Afghanistan, or Iraq, or Ukraine, or Gaza burning but, in some sense, our whole planet); and, of course, the fact that we humans seem bent on all too literally heating this world to the boiling point in a fashion that, historically speaking, should (but for all too many of us doesn't) seem beyond devastating. I mean, give us credit, since 2023 was the hottest year by far in human history and yet, some years down the line, it may seem almost cool in comparison to what's coming. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). JUSTICE SYSTEM ALLOWING DELAY, DELAY, DELAY CALLED "HUGE FAILURE" Article originally published in the Detroit News By Robert Weiner and Ting Cui Amid legal challenges, former President Donald Trump finds himself entangled in a web of indictments that may hamper his general election prospects. Detroit's and America's voters deserve a timely court decision. Despite his Republican frontrunner status, recent Supreme Court cases examining Trump's role in the January 6th Capitol insurrection could jeopardize his election campaign, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers he poses to democracy. In July 2023, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her prosecutor team unveiled criminal charges against 16 Republicans who had acted as fake electors in the 2020 election to prevent President-elect Joe Biden from assuming office. Hearings, evidence, and witnesses for the 91 felony charges against Trump pending in at least 4 trials - plus the sex abuse and defamation lawsuit from alleged victim E. Jean Carroll, and the business fraud trial prosecuted by NY state Attorney General Leticia James - remind Americans of the facts, not his spin. Since the onset of these legal cases, Trump has consistently resorted to deliberate delay, delay, delay tactics to avoid prosecution. Despite the public's expectation of an honest trial, Trump's relentless delays raise significant concerns. Rob Kall, publisher and editor of Op-Ed News, emphasized to us that it would be a, "huge failure of the justice system," if Trump manages to evade a trial before the election. Trump's federal election interference case with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on absolute presidential immunity is scheduled for trial on March 4. The case will most likely end up at the Supreme Court, but the process could take months and a decision may not be made before November. Concurrently, the Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments regarding Trump's Colorado ballot eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment on Feb 8th - unless push backed by delays. Trump's strategic maneuvers encompass witness obstruction, evidence tampering, and interference with media coverage, alongside courthouse steps bluster and propaganda, casting doubt about the timeline of the legal proceedings. The American public deserves a resolution before they cast their ballot. The court, currently deliberating the immunity question, faces the delicate task of balancing justice and political bias. It is crucial to recognize that the call for accountability is not a politicized witch hunt unique to Trump. Rather, a fundamental aspect of justice, and essential to reinforcing the foundations of our democracy. The public has a history of convicting corrupt politicians. Past cases involving Dan Rostenkowski (D-IL), Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Corrine Brow, Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Rick Renzi (R-AZ), and William Jefferson (D-LA) demonstrate that political accountability crosses party lines. If they were held accountable, why can't Trump be as well? Senator Mitch McConnell emphasized, at the Senate impeachment trial, "We have a criminal justice system in the country, we have civil litigation, and former Presidents are not immune from being held accountable by either one." There is substantial, well-documented evidence of Trump's attempts to undermine the 2020 election. He disseminated false information about voter fraud, urged Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger to "find 11,780 votes," and incited violence to a crowd of protesters, culminating in the January 6 attack. Additionally, several key figures from Trump's administration testified before a grand jury, providing crucial evidence on Trump's role in the insurrection. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). U.S. Should Recognize a Palestinian State By Joel D. Joseph, author of Solomonic Justice: How the Israeli Supreme Court has Become a Beacon of Justice in the Middle East Palestine should draft a Declaration of Independence like the United States and Israel did. The United States should then immediately recognize Palestine as an independent state. The United States and Israel declared their independence without waiting for other nations to give their approval. The United States did not ask Great Britain for permission to become an independent national and neither should Palestine. The first nation to recognize the United States was Morocco in December, 1777. France recognized the United States two months later and fought side-by-side with us against Great Britain. When Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948, President Harry Truman recognized Israel as a nation on that same day. Three days later, the Soviet Union recognized the State of Israel. Palestine will be recognized by most nations in the world in a short period of time. Declaration of Independence Palestine's Declaration of Independence should provide for the following: 1. Palestine should declare that it is the homeland for the Palestinianpeople and that all Palestinians from all over the world, have the right to become citizens there. Israel similarly allows Jews from all over the world to become citizens of Israel. 2. Palestine shall declare that Israel has the right to exist, and that the Palestine will not invade Israel. 3. Palestine should declare that because Hamas murdered 1,200 innocent Israeli citizens in October, 2023, in violation of international law, Hamas is not permitted to be part of the ruling coalition for the new country. 4. Palestine should declare that there will be no religious discrimination. Currently 50,000 Christians live in the West Bank and 1,300 live in Gaza. PalestinianChristians trace their history back 2,000 years to the beginning of Christianity. Palestine is the home of many Biblical sites and is considered the birthplace of Christianity. Nazareth and Bethlehem, Jesus's birthplace, are in the West Bank. Approximately 11,000 Druze now live in the West Bank. The Druze religion branched off from the religion of Islam and is now considered its own religion separate from Islam. The Druze religion was created in the 10th and 11th centuries in Egypt, with aspects of Hindu and Greek philosophy incorporated into the tenets of Islam. 5. The 500,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank should be allowed to stay and be allowed to become citizens of Palestine. After Palestine becomes an independent state, no additional Israelis will be allowed to move there. 6. Palestine will be a democracy and will establish a constitution defining rights and responsibilities of Palestinian citizens. 7. Palestinians will have freedom of speech and assembly. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Nearly every day, I hear about another corporation's proposal to build a new mine, a new large-scale solar facility, a new wind facility, a new battery storage system, a new data storage system, a new generation of wireless access networks, new transmission lines, a new smart metering system or new electric vehicle charging stations-- in order to transition to a greener future. During their manufacture and operation, each of these technologies ravage ecosystems and engage the global super factory. Their fossil fuels, extracted ores, smelters and refineries, extraordinary water consumption, toxic waste, radiation emissions and international shipping are mostly invisible. At end-of-life, they do not biodegrade. Most people don't know about our devices and infrastructure's cradle-to-grave impacts-- whether marketers call it "green" or not. Our society prioritizes technology and capitalism. Corporate proposals for new projects create divisions between people who aim to protect the Earth from techno-industrial damage and people who simply aim to survive. I wonder what options any of us have. Decades ago, the late ecological economist Herman Daly advised, "Don't take from the Earth faster than it can replenish; and don't waste faster than it can absorb." Challenges to First Nations I keep hearing that First Nations are under siege from corporations offering millions of dollars if the tribe does not oppose mining, wind or solar projects. Learning about the tribe's rights in these cases is not easy. It's challenging to find and fund staff who can properly handle the paperwork. People are often unaware of mining, wind and solar projects' far-reaching damages (toxic runoff, extraordinary water use, hazardous waste, wildlife habitat loss, destruction of cultural sites, sexual abuse of Native women by workers, etc.) until after these damages occur. In a rare case, a judge recently ordered Italy's Enel Corporation to remove 84 wind turbines from Osage Nation land. The 10thCircuit ordered Enel to remove the turbines when it determined that excavation involved in constructing the turbines constituted mining. The wind project therefore required a federally-approved mining lease, which Enel failed to obtain. Environmental lawyer Will Falk (who explained in my January 25th Substack how mining and other corporations can 'take' endangered species legally) told me, "The Osage Nation case illuminates common First Nations issues. While many tribes struggle for basic necessities like electricity, plumbing, and keeping schools and clinics funded, casinos, leasing mineral rights, or leasing land for solar PV or wind facilities can provide substantial income. First Nations might well perceive that they must choose between their economic survival and permitting a corporation to ravage their homeland. Permitting projects-- and taking money from corporations-- often appears as the path of least resistance. "Enel Corporation lost its case with Osage Nation when it gambled that its project's excavation requirements (crushing rocks) would not meet the pertinent definition of 'mining.' The federal government designated Osage Mineral Council (OMC) authority to exercise 'tribal sovereignty' over Osage Nation's mineral rights. The 10th Circuit judge explained that, 'In [the original, 2017 case], OMC did not claim that (Enel's) excavation of solid mineral resources required a federally approved lease under 25 C.F.R 214.7. Instead, OMC alleged that the planned wind farm would unlawfully deprive OMC's oil-and-gas lessees of reasonable use of the surface estate.' "Here," Will continued, "the judge recognizes that over the last century, Osage Nation has earned hundreds of millions of dollars from leasing mineral rights to oil companies. The judge's comment suggests that Osage Nation opposes Enel's wind facility because the project prevents oil companies from accessing oil. "The case illuminates so many layers of complexity. First, since it depends on the federal government's discretion for its exercise, tribal sovereignty doesn't actually exist. 2) Tribal sovereignty might be a euphemism for allowing tribes to lease land for economic benefit. 3) If we didn't use fossil fuels, most people would starve now." Options for protecting the Earth Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). A Portland childrens book author, whose stories emphasized the importance of courage and inclusivity, was fatally shot after allegedly getting into an argument with a man inside a Southeast Portland bar Friday night, police said. Portland police said Montrell Goss, 37, was allegedly arguing with an unidentified man inside The Lariat Lounge near Southeast 174th Avenue and Division Street around 8 p.m. Goss left the bar to get a gun from his car, walked back inside and confronted the man, who shot him, police said. To Parkrose High teacher Moe Yonamine, knowledge is a source of power. Knowledge can give students a more inclusive understanding of history, she said, and help them advocate for themselves and their communities. Her goal as an ethnic studies teacher is to help arm students with knowledge that they can spread around the Parkrose neighborhood and beyond. This is Yonamines eighth year teaching ethnic studies and first teaching the course at Parkrose High. The class centers around the perspectives of communities of color, as well as those of women, people with disabilities, immigrants and individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. A new state ethnic studies requirement will mandate that all Oregon schools weave similar teachings into social studies and other courses by fall 2026. Yonamine came to Parkrose this year after teaching at Roosevelt High School. She said she was attracted to Parkrose because of the districts equity work. Over the last five months, students in her ethnic studies class say the course has helped them learn more about their heritage and feel more represented in school. Ethnic studies isnt the type of class you go into and dont want to be in, said sophomore Qme Mazawa, 16. Its the type of class that makes school and education fundamental. Culture Maps made by previous students line the walls of ethnic studies teacher Moe Yonamines classroom at Parkrose High, featuring facts about their heritage and their personal goals.Angie Diaz, Youth Voices The Parkrose School Districts student body is composed of just over 70% students of color and 29% white students, making it one of the most diverse districts in the state. Through the halls of Parkrose schools, students speak more than 40 languages. Parkrose Principal Molly Ouche said having an ethnic studies class just made sense. Before Yonamine began her work this year, there had been other culturally-oriented social studies courses, such as history of hip-hop which was highly requested by students, said Ouche. Ouche recognized that students wanted more classes centered around the cultural expression and history of marginalized communities. But, until Yonamine arrived, the school lacked a teacher with the skills necessary to teach ethnic studies, Ouche said. It has always been one of our goals to have the curriculum match our students and that their needs are met. Im really happy that Yonamine brought her expertise, Ouche said. Yonamine encourages students to discover perspectives beyond the sometimes narrow confines of regular history classrooms. She emphasizes that opportunity is available to every student, regardless of their ethnic background. Ethnic studies is about including communities who have been left out of traditional textbooks and traditional history curriculums. Yonamine says. Yonamines classroom is decorated with colorful cultural maps, displaying countries such as Cuba, Laos, and Tonga. Vivid indigenous art pieces and paintings of civil rights activists are hung up on the walls, inviting students to learn about the disregarded facts of the past. In addition to cultural history, Yonamines class touches on topics such as environmental issues facing communities and around the globe, the legal system and what to do when encountering police. During the Black Lives Matter week of action, students studied the long history of activism for abolition and racial justice. Students in her past ethnic studies classes have created banners from what theyve learned to further educate their school communities. My hope is that in the ethnic studies classroom we can model what a more just world should look like, Yonamine said. Even if its not out there once you leave this room, we can try to model it here what we think (the world) should be like by the way we talk to each other, the way we share stories the way we lift up each others culture. Posters created by Moe Yonamines previous ethnic studies students for community projects and organizing during Black Lives Matter week of action hang on the walls of her Parkrose High classroom.Angie Diaz, Youth Voices Oregons House Bill 2845, passed in 2017, established a requirement for ethnic studies to be included in K-12 schools social studies curriculum. Lawmakers decision to set that requirement was largely influenced by student and teacher-led activism. Oregons law defies trends at a time when many students across the nation are experiencing more censorship surrounding education about race and gender. In 2021, 44 states had begun initiating steps to restrict teachers from discussing topics such as racism, sexism, and critical race theory, according to an Education Week analysis. Jenoge Khatter, president of the Oregon Council for Social Studies, said that watering down and censoring information presented to students can be harmful. People will be more likely to have an inaccurate understanding of reality, Khatter said. One of Yonamines students, Kolotita Mosaati, a senior at Parkrose, said her ethnic studies class is one of the few she actually enjoys. I think its crazy how Ive grown up my entire life only learning about a certain group of people, but in her class, we learn about the whole history, she said. Since taking Yonamines class, Mosaati has been able to discover more about her own heritage as well as the heritage of her peers, through class projects like culture maps. Students in the class wrote their names on a poster paper and facts and images about their culture. Then they displayed these posters all around the classroom. Mosaati describes the struggle of having to explain to people that she was Tongan when people would often assume she was Hawaiian. It felt nice because in all the schools Ive been in before, nobody really knew about my culture, Mosaati said. Every time somebody would ask me what my ethnicity was and I said that I was Islander, they would just assume that I was from a certain island because thats the only one they know. The class has also been able to help students including Mosaati become more aware about false ideas they may have unconsciously adopted. For instance, Mosaati explains, she felt limited in career prospects because she grew up believing that higher paying jobs were exclusive to white people. I think its important to take the class because some people grow up believing that their own culture may not be able to do certain things, she said. Mazawa said Yonamines class has given her knowledge about her rights and ways to stand up for herself when facing law enforcement. She also learned about the Marshall Island bombings, during which the US military ran tests during the Cold War and the effects it had on the people there. This was meaningful to Mazawa because her ancestors were from the Marshall Islands. I would for sure recommend this class to a student who hasnt taken it yet, Mazawa said. Theyre gonna learn things they wish they knew. This story was written by Angie Diaz, a junior at Parkrose High School and a student reporter for Youth Voices. Her goal is to attend a four-year university, majoring in literature with a minor in journalism. King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said Monday. Less than 18 months into his reign, the 75-year-old monarch will suspend public duties but will continue with state business, and wont be handing over his constitutional roles as head of state. The palace didnt say what form of cancer the king has, but said its not related to the kings recent treatment for a benign prostate condition. The palace said a separate issue of concern was noted during Charles treatment for an enlarged prostate last month, when he spent three nights in a London hospital. Diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer, it said in a statement. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties, the palace said. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The king is being treated as an outpatient, the palace said. It said Charles remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. The palace added that the king has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96. News of the kings diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalized for about two weeks. Kate is still taking a break from royal duties as she recovers. Her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the throne, also took time off to help look after the couples three children, but is due to preside over an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. The king personally called both the Prince of Wales and his second son, Prince Harry, as well as his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward to share news of his health. Harry, who quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to California, has spoken to his father about the diagnosis and will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days, said the office of Harry and his wife, Meghan. U.K. political leaders sent messages of support. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt hell be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. U.S. President Joe Biden, traveling in Las Vegas on Monday, said he had just learned about Charless diagnosis and said he hopes to speak with him, God willing. Im concerned about him, Biden told reporters. Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. For centuries Britains royal family remained tight-lipped about health matters. When U.K. monarchs had real power, news of illness was withheld for fear it might weaken their authority. The habit of secrecy lingered after royals became constitutional figureheads. The British public wasnt told that Charles grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56. Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said millions shared the collective concern for the kings health. The Kings openness about his battle with cancer is a powerful reminder that one in two of us may face cancer at some point in our lives, Price said. U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas asked the Oregon Court of Appeals on Monday to throw out an $800,000 lawsuit alleging that she defamed opponent Mike Erickson over drug possession charges during their 2022 contest for Congress. Salinas appealed to the state appeals court after a Clackamas County judge ruled that Erickson provided sufficient evidence to support allegations that Salinas made a false statement and acted with knowledge or reckless disregard when she ran an advertisement saying that Erickson had been charged with felony drug possession. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that facts have fully proved that strengthened cooperation between China and Britain not only serves the fundamental interests of both sides, but also contributes to world peace and prosperity. Li made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the "Icebreakers" 2024 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by Britain's 48 Group Club. For a long time, the 48 Group Club has actively fostered economic and trade exchanges as well as people-to-people exchanges between China and Britain, which has promoted mutual benefit and win-win results and deepened mutual understanding, Li said. The historic contribution made by the older generation of British friends will always be remembered, he added. Li said he hopes that visionary people from all walks of life in China and Britain will carry forward the "ice-breaking spirit," continue to take action actively and vigorously, and make new contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples, promoting bilateral friendly cooperation, and achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes at a higher level. To open the 2024 legislative session, House Speaker Dan Rayfield told a story about his mother, who is in long-term recovery from addiction. One of his childhood memories, the Corvallis Democrat told lawmakers gathered in House chambers Monday morning, was watching his mother ingest drugs off a framed flier urging Americans to rally to impeach President Richard Nixon. Bolts vital to keeping in place an Alaska Airlines airplanes door plug may have been missing before the chunk of fuselage flew off the plane above Portland and forced an emergency landing on Jan. 5, federal officials said in their preliminary report on the shocking air mishap. Photo documentation obtained from Boeing shows evidence of the left-hand (door plug) closed with no retention hardware, the National Transportation Safety Board wrote in its 19-page report, released Tuesday. The findings have been highly anticipated since the door replacement came off minutes after Alaska Airlines flight 1282 departed from Portland International Airport at 5:07 p.m. for Ontario, California. A passengers video showed a harrowing scene as the plane returned to PDX with a gaping hole in its side. The sudden decompression tore a shirt off a passenger but did not cause any serious injuries. The captain circled back to the airport and landed. The NTSBs report is intended to summarize what the agency has found so far in reviewing documents, interviewing staff and analyzing plane parts. It is not intended to render judgment on who, if anyone, made mistakes that may have led to the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines incident over Portland indicated bolts holding the door plug in place may have been missing. This photo, included in the report, shows the door plug with missing bolts. National Transportation Safety Board Investigators found that soon after the planes fuselage was delivered to Boeings manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, the company discovered several damaged rivets near the planes left door plug. To fix them, the door plug had to be removed. The company that manufactured the fuselage, Spirit AeroSystems, replaced the rivets Sept. 19, the NTSB learned in a review of engineering records. A photo taken after the rivet work was finished showed that bolts necessary to hold the door in place were missing. A Boeing employee took the photo of the door plug with missing bolts and sent it to a colleague. Its unclear whether the Boeing employee who took the photo noticed the missing bolts. These Boeing personnel were discussing interior restoration after the rivet rework was completed, the report said. After the airborne near-disaster, public scrutiny turned almost immediately to Boeing. The company manufactured the 737-9 MAX airplane for Alaska Airlines just months before the door plug came off. Alaska and other airlines have since said theyve found loose bolts on other planes door plugs after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all airplanes of the same model to be grounded and inspected. Door plugs seal an opening in the fuselage that can be converted into an exit door depending on the seating configuration for the plane. Door plugs slide on to hinges on the fuselage, and are secured with four bolts that keep them from sliding off the hinges. That, in turn, ensures that 12 fasteners keeping the door plugs in place laterally remain sealed. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com Portland Audubon has officially dropped Audubon as well as Portland from its name. The local bird conservation and education organization will now be known as Bird Alliance of Oregon, it announced Tuesday, following a year of work to replace its problematic namesake. Its really an exciting opportunity for us an organization for us to reintroduce ourselves to the community, executive director Stuart Wells said. I also say that you cant tell the whole story about the organization with the name. Of course, they did try. After announcing its intention to change the name last February part of a national movement among Audubon Society chapters to create distance from their namesake, John James Audubon, an American naturalist who also enslaved people and was an avowed supporter of slavery the organization fielded suggestions from the public and conducted internal discussions about what a name should ultimately say. The name should nod to their work in conservation, Wells said, and should include a sense of unity, especially since reaching out to marginalized communities was a major impetus behind making the change. They also wanted to note the organizations work beyond the Portland area, with so many programs in places like the Oregon coast and southern Oregon. Wells said the organization also wanted a name that indicates it works with birds, which Portland Audubon doesnt necessarily do. Theres nothing in that name Audubon that says anything about birds, except for folks in the know, so in and of itself its sort of exclusive and restrictive, he said. In the end, it all came together as Bird Alliance of Oregon. Stuart Wells, who became the new executive director of Portland Audubon in 2022, stands in the organizations wildlife sanctuary in Portlands Forest Park. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian This will be the fourth name for the organization since it was founded in 1902. It was previously known as Oregon Audubon Society, Audubon Society of Portland and Portland Audubon. The ultimate goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming organization and community for everyone, the organization said in its announcement Tuesday. Retaining the name of Audubon was determined to be a major obstacle to that work. We heard from many staff, volunteers, and community members who are people of color, specifically Black, that its painful to bear the name of a slaveholder at the place where they work or volunteer, or to wear a shirt with our name on it, the organization said in a news release. The movement to drop Audubon was first sparked in 2022 by the Seattle chapter of the national organization, which is now known as Birds Connect Seattle. The national Audubon Society also considered changing its name, but ultimately backtracked, announcing last March that while it condemned Audubons actions, the organization transcends one persons name. Wells said Bird Alliance of Oregon will still work with the Audubon Society as an affiliate organization, though he acknowledged that the name change inherently creates some distance between the two, even if its implied. And while he said he anticipated some pushback, Wells said the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. The communitys willingness to adapt to change was not only heartening, he said, it reminded him, naturally, of the creatures he works to protect. As a Black man, I recognize that theres times when you want to be able to extricate yourself from an uncomfortable situation, Wells said. Having the versatility, that flexibility to be able to maneuver, birds have that. Jamie Hale 503-294-4077; jhale@oregonian.com; @HaleJamesB Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Amanda the husky mix didnt have much to say after her performance in the Sunriver Keg Pull, but her sister Alice howled at their owners, Susan Kubota and Jim Lundblad, as the pair left the snowy racecourse on Saturday. She impressed us last year because she broke the top 10, Lundblad said of Amanda. Its hard because shes at the bottom of her weight class but we trained for a couple weeks just to get her off the starting block. Dogs like Amanda train for weeks, if not all year, for the annual Sunriver Brewing Company K9 Keg Pull. A winter fixture in Sunriver, the competition is open to dogs of all breeds and sizes, which are sorted into different weight classes. Amanda, as a large dog, pulled a full-size keg, but smaller dogs pull anything from a beer can to a pony keg. And yes, theyre empty. Shortly after Amanda cleared the course, Dale the chocolate lab approached the starting line. But when the bell rang, he concluded fame was more important than glory, and walked the fence line of adoring fans. Once he had received enough satisfactory pets, Dale strutted down the course toward his brother Boris. This is Boris and Dales first year competing in the keg pull, but their sisters are former champions. Their owner, Michael Mike Gardelius, said its all the different types of dogs and all the different types of owners that keep them coming back year after year. Besides, the entire event is a good laugh. I think the most fun thing about this is watching the owners because the dogs never do what you think theyre going to do, said Lauren Olander, the chief development officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Its one of those clean family events that people can come out to and do what we all love. After Boris and Dale, dog after dog ran down the track. Some were enticed by owners, some by balls and one pup was even coaxed across the finish line with a hot dog. The whole time, spectators cheered and their furry companions howled as every breed from Chihuahuas to Bernese Mountain Dogs made their way across the snow. Theres a little tiff here and there, but we all get along. Its a fun event, especially since its for charity, said Ashley Mahoney, after her golden retriever Huxley had been released from his keg. The entry fee for the keg pull is $25 per dog and all proceeds go back to the Bend Ronald McDonald House. The event has grown over the years from a handful of dogs to nearly 200, said Lauren Olander, the chief development officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. The Ronald McDonald House in Bend is near the St. Charles Bend campus, and acts as a home away from home for families of children being treated at the hospital. The families are invited to stay there for free for as long as their child is receiving care. Most of those who stay at the house are families with a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit, Olander said. Most of the families who stay with us have to leave their home while their babies are in the hospital. So we want to provide everything we can for them so the only thing they have to think about is caring for their child, said Olander. Even though the keg pull has worked with different charities over the last decade, the event has always been run by Olander. Before she partnered with the Ronald McDonald House, proceeds went to the American Cancer Society. And Sunriver Brewing Company has been the keg pulls main partner every year, she said. I always say its the most fun event we do because we combine all the favorite things in Central Oregon: dogs, beer and snow, said Olander. Morgan Owen, mowen@bendbulletin.com, 541-633-2185 PHNOM PENH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia (FTB) on Tuesday joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) to boost trade finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia. FTB Chief Executive Officer Dith Sochal and ADB Country Director for Cambodia Jyotsana Varma signed the deal in Phnom Penh. "The agreement is part of the ADB's private sector development initiative to promote the sector's participation in Cambodia's economic diversification," Varma said at the event. "It will fill market gaps by providing financing through partner banks to support trade and MSMEs, representing about 99 percent of all enterprises in Cambodia," she added. As a partner bank of the TSCFP, the FTB will provide support to corporate and MSME clients in Cambodia by allowing trade finance instruments issued by the FTB to be covered by TSCFP credit guarantees, she said, adding that this assistance is expected to help increase the number of international banks engaged in the Cambodian market. Sochal said the FTB has already been working with the ADB program to boost its knowledge and skills in trade facilitation, he said, adding that the program has helped build capacity within the FTB on report preparation, good practices, innovative strategies, training modules, and performance measurement. The TSCFP has provided loans and guarantees to more than 200 partner banks in many countries to support trade, boosting imports and exports that foster growth, according to the ADB. Since 2009, the TSCFP has supported 57 billion U.S. dollars in trade in more than 45,000 transactions in emerging markets, the lender said. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The world observed the International Day of Zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM) amid calls for the protection of survivors of the traditional practice, which is deeply rooted in some cultures Photo: (Photo : RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images) Jandaris, Syria - A festivity, a commemoration of existence for numerous children and young individuals who endured one of the most severe natural disasters in decades. New beginning for the people in Jandaris Syria The large white structure was adorned with balloons and streamers, featuring vibrant games on the floor and a variety of hula hoops changing hands. Among those being honored at the World Vision event was little Afraa, the baby born as her parents perished beneath the debris of the massive earthquakes that struck northwestern Syria and southern Turkey on February 6 last year, claiming 4,500 lives in Syria and around 50,000 in Turkey. She turns one on Tuesday. "Since I was a child, people would say 'Hope is born from suffering,'' remarked Khalil Shami al-Suwadi, Afraa's uncle by marriage. "On the day of the earthquake, seeing Afraa born beneath the rubble of her home made me realize how true that was," he added. An entire family wiped out Jandaris, in the countryside of Aleppo, was one of the areas most affected by the earthquake, with more than 510 people killed and at least 810 injured, according to the Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets. The day of Afraa's birth was when her parents and four brothers were killed when their house in Jandaris collapsed in the earthquake. After being rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital for treatment, she was named Aya by the medical staff. Later, her aunt, Hala, who was the sister of Afraa's 26-year-old father Abdullah, and uncle, Khalil, changed her name to Afraa to honor her late mother. Afraa with her adoptive family She lives with her aunt and uncle and her six new siblings. Eleven-year-old Mal al-Sham is the eldest, and the youngest is Ataa, another little girl who was born two days after Afraa and is also turning one soon. In March last year, Hala told Al Jazeera over the phone, "I would have never given up Afraa. She's my niece, my blood. Many people wanted to adopt her, but we would not have it. We will take care of her just like our own children." Read Also: Miracle Child Defies the Odds: The Inspiring Journey of 'Baby Hulk' with Rare Condition She is still nursed by her aunt, alongside her cousin Ataa, and has recovered from the rib fractures and bruising she suffered under the rubble last year. Not only that, she has also taken her first steps and is babbling away. "When she took her first step, I was immensely happy. But I remembered her parents and how they would have been over the moon if they were with us," said al-Suwadi. 'Baba' and 'Mama' "My heart has eight compartments for my wife and my seven children [including Afraa]," said al-Suwadi. "She is a trust left to us by her parents, may they rest in peace." Afraa has started saying a few words and has called out "Mama" and "Baba" to her aunt, Hala, and uncle, Khalil. "It wasn't the first time I've heard the word 'Baba', but for some reason, when Afraa said it, I felt a strange, indescribable sensation," al-Suwadi added. Because she spends all day with her big cousins, Afraa is also constantly trying to talk to them, making demands and telling stories that nobody is sure they understand completely. The children play, argue, and sleep together, and there is an especially strong bond between her and her eight-year-old cousin, Doaa. "I love all my siblings, but Afraa is my favorite," Doaa confided. "I love playing with her and being close to her," she said, adding that it goes both ways, with Afraa preferring to be with Doaa at all times, including playtime and bedtime. "When she cries, my mom will hold her. But it doesn't work, she keeps crying. But when I pick her up, she stops crying immediately," Doaa said. The al-Suwadis are hopeful and looking forward to the future with their seven children, but sometimes that sunny outlook is clouded over by the occasional aftershocks that remind him of what happened a year ago. Celebrating life together "What happened to us in Jandaris was a disaster in every sense of the word, and I pray that it never happens again," he added. But for an afternoon, in that lively, decorated tent, children and their carers were able to get together and talk about their experiences, celebrate being there together, and marvel at how much the nearly-one-year-old Afraa had grown. Malik Abdulghani, a World Vision education programme officer, told Al Jazeera: "Having Afraa with us for this event, which is near her birthday and the anniversary of the earthquake, symbolizes that in the heart of every hardship, there is hope." Related Article: How My Baby's Near-Death Experience with Sepsis Taught Me the Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know Photo: (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Brianna Ghey's mother, Esther, is calling for smartphones for individuals under 16 to be devoid of social media applications. She is also pushing for a system that flags inappropriate content searches to parents. Brianna Ghey's Mother Calls for Law for Age-Restricted Phones Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, both 15 at the time, murdered Brianna, 16, after enticing her to a park near Warrington, Cheshire. Esther Ghey believes that implementing a law for age-restricted phones without certain social media apps and parental monitoring could have prevented the tragic outcome. She also highlights her daughter's exposure to harmful online content, emphasizing the need to protect young individuals from such influences. During the 18-day murder trial of Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, the mother of the victim, Brianna Ghey, Esther, endured distressing details about her daughter's final moments and the elaborate plot to kill her. Despite feeling empathy for the families of the 16-year-old perpetrators, Esther observed a lack of remorse from Jenkinson and Ratcliffe, who denied murder and pointed fingers at each other. Prosecutors presented hundreds of WhatsApp messages outlining the cold-blooded planning of Brianna's murder, revealing that the defendants had a hidden "thirst for killing." Brianna, a transgender teenager, was fatally stabbed 28 times after being lured to a park in Warrington. Despite initially considering rehabilitation for the perpetrators, Esther lost sympathy upon realizing the calculated nature of the crime. One of the most challenging aspects for Esther was discovering that one of the killers was someone Brianna considered a friend. The trial uncovered disturbing details, including a handwritten note outlining the murder plan. The judge sentenced Jenkinson and Ratcliffe to at least 22 and 20 years, respectively, citing their "brutal and planned murder." Despite the revelations, Esther maintains compassion for the perpetrators' families but acknowledges the ongoing pain of knowing what their children have done. Esther Ghey, along with Birchwood Community High School head teacher Emma Mills, is now advocating for mindfulness in schools through the Peace in Mind campaign. Two documentaries exploring the complete story behind Brianna's murder will be released on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. "So if a child is searching the kind of words that Scarlett and Eddie were searching, it will then flag up on the parent's phone." She said if the searches her daughter's killers had made had been flagged, their parents would have been "able to get some kind of help". Read Also: Brianna Ghey Murder Case Breakthrough: Convicted Teenagers Found Guilty in Northwest England Parental Monitoring on Children's Social Media Needed Esther Ghey said her transgender daughter had accessed pro-anorexia and self-harm material online and been "very protective" over her phone, which had caused arguments. "If she couldn't have accessed the sites, she wouldn't have suffered as much," she said. Describing the internet as the "Wild West", she said the focus of technology had been on making money rather than "how we protect people or how we can necessarily benefit society". The killers were identified for the first time as they were sentenced on Friday after the judge lifted a ban on the press naming them. In a statement to the Warrington Guardian, Jenkinson's family said: "All of our thoughts are for Brianna and her family. Esther Ghey is urging for age-appropriate phones connected to parents' devices to monitor suspicious activity and searches. This call follows the revelation that one of the killers, Scarlett Jenkinson, developed an unhealthy fixation on Brianna, who was transgender, and had explored disturbing content on the dark web. Brianna's mother is pushing for a change in the law and the implementation of software that automatically alerts parents to inappropriate material. During the trial, it emerged that Jenkinson took pleasure in the act of killing, finding violence sexually arousing. Esther Ghey is proposing legislation for mobile phones tailored for under-16s, excluding certain social media apps, and linking them to parents' phones with monitoring capabilities. The Manchester Crown Court sentenced Jenkinson to a minimum of 22 years and Ratcliffe to 20 years for their brutal crime. The Ghey family expressed gratitude to Esther for her selflessness and empathy, acknowledging the turmoil in their lives over the past year. They apologized to everyone affected by the tragedy and supported the jury's verdict, the judge's sentence, and the decision to reveal the culprits' identities. Related Article: Justice for Brianna Ghey: Teen Killers' Life Sentences Revealed After Gruesome Stabbing Photo: (Photo : MICHELE EVE SANDBERG/AFP via Getty Images) In Augusta, Georgia, following a morning incident where gunshots were reported in a restroom at Lucy C. Laney High School, it took nearly two hours for either involved agency to release information. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but a bullet did strike a toilet during the incident reported just before 10 a.m. Authorities detain at least two students - one with a gun and the other with a knife. RCSO Responds To Laney HIgh School Gunshot Incident The police response was evident, with approximately a dozen patrol cars from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office arriving at the school. However, the public disclosure was less transparent, leading to rumors circulating online and through more traditional channels, causing concerned parents to flock to the school on Laney Walker Boulevard. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office received information about at least one gunshot in a restroom and has detained multiple students as part of their ongoing investigation. Deputies and patrol cars from Richmond County are currently present at Laney High School. The school has been confirmed to be on lockdown, with nearby A. R. Johnson and C.T. Walker Magnet School was also placed on lockdown until 11:35 AM. Although the reason for the lockdowns has not been confirmed by RCSO or Richmond County School Police, Augusta University has informed students about a disturbance near its Health Sciences campus, citing "claims of shots fired" at Laney High School. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office, however, asserts that there is no present threat and no reported injuries at the scene. Several students were apprehended following a Monday morning shooting incident at Lucy C. Laney High School in Augusta. The release mentioned that deputies were informed of at least one gunshot originating from a restroom within the school. After reviewing surveillance footage from the school premises, deputies successfully identified and detained the students responsible for the shooting. One of them was reportedly in possession of a gun, while the other had a knife on the school premises. In a communication addressed to the school staff, Superintendent Kenneth Bradshaw disclosed that a toilet had been struck by gunfire. Read Also: California Teen Behind Nationwide Swatting Spree Arrested for Targeting FBI, Florida Mosque Laney High School Lockdown When News 12 arrived shortly before 11 a.m., officers assured that no one had been injured, the situation was under control, and the school was on a soft lockdown. Attempts to obtain information from the Richmond County School System and the Sheriff's Office during the unfolding situation yielded no response from the school district. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office finally communicated with us at 11:55 a.m., nearly two hours after the incident occurred. The first public acknowledgment from the school district consisted of letters posted online for parents of students at Laney, A.R. Johnson, and Charles T. Walker at about 12:10 p.m. on the district's open records portal, although parents claimed they received the letter at 11:22 a.m. - earlier than the general public but still well after the incident had started. According to online rumors, a gun had been fired in a restroom, and that turned out to be true. An email reportedly from Superintendent Kenneth Bradshaw to teachers at Laney at 11:16 a.m. stated the incident involved shots fired in a restroom, with a student found with a gun and another with a knife, but it was meant for employees only. Ironically, the earliest accurate information about the incident came from an agency not directly involved: Augusta University. At 10:34 a.m., it sent an alert to the AU community, stating that the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to claims of shots fired at Laney around 10 a.m. The alert confirmed there was no active threat to the community upon their arrival. Richmond County School District spokeswoman Keisa Gunby directed News 12 to file an open records request when asked about the public notification protocol. However, Richmond County Board of Education President Charlie Walker provided a rough outline on the protocol in notifying the public in similar situations, indicating that the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responds to the scene, establishes a "shout point" for gathering and confirming information, and handles the situation. Then, the parents should be notified first, followed by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and the rest of the school system. If the situation is contained, normal school operations should resume the next day. Related Article: Five Teenagers Face Charges for Recorded Assault at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Photo: (Photo : JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images) The ongoing storm in Los Angeles is impacting schools district-wide, particularly in terms of student attendance. Since February 4, the city has been experiencing continuous rain and strong winds. The rain is expected to persist until Tuesday, with a flash flood warning in effect on Monday, February 5, from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. Los Angeles Unified School District Kept Schools Open Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has chosen to keep schools open, except for those in highly affected areas. Individual school closures, if necessary, will be determined based on safety and guidance from City and County Response teams, according to a statement on the school's Instagram account. Families are advised to assess the safety of commuting to school in their areas, and students who stay home are assured access to resources on Schoology for online learning. Despite the majority of LAUSD campuses being open, student attendance experienced a significant decline, with only 63% of students present compared to the usual 92%. During a mid-morning press conference with LA Mayor Karen Bass and other officials, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho explained that the drop in attendance was anticipated after advising parents on Sunday to assess the safety of sending their children to school based on local road conditions. Carvalho highlighted that around 90% of LAUSD teachers and staff reported to campuses. While most school bus routes experienced delays under 30 minutes, one route encountered a 90-minute delay due to a breakdown. School Superintendent Defends Keeping Schools Open Carvalho emphasized the importance of keeping schools open, citing the gratitude of parents, including a single mother who needed to work. Apart from academics, Carvalho underscored the crucial role of schools in providing meals, particularly for the 80% of LAUSD students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. He defended the decision to keep schools open, stating it was "the right call." Carvalho emphasized the decision by stating that, considering the nutritional reliance of students on school, the choice was made to maintain regular operations, with the possibility of reassessment based on changing conditions. All but two LAUSD schools operated on Monday, redirecting students from Vinedale College Preparatory Academy and Topanga Elementary Charter School to alternative campuses due to evacuation warnings and safety considerations. Read Also: Newton Teachers' Historic Victory: 11-Day Strike Ends with Tentative Deal, Schools Set to Reopen For students unable to travel to school due to unsafe road conditions, the district advised accessing educational materials through Schoology, the online learning system. Simultaneously, several Cal State University campuses, including Cal State Northridge, Cal State L.A., and Cal State San Bernardino, canceled in-person classes, with alternative arrangements communicated to students by their instructors. While some CSU campuses like Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Cal State Long Beach partially closed, UCLA and USC maintained regular classes on Monday, as announced on Sunday. While students can complete missing work on Schoology, the school emphasizes that absences due to weather conditions will not be excused. Nevertheless, a considerable number of students have opted not to attend school due to the rain. Teachers and students alike have observed a significant decrease in class attendance, with multiple students absent. Some classes have experienced a noticeable decline, prompting teachers to adapt lesson plans to accommodate the situation. Students, Teachers Face Challenges Junior Elizabeth Castillo feels that the widespread absence of students disrupted the flow of instruction unnecessarily, stating that many teachers showed up despite the rain, and indoor rooms were available. However, sophomore Christine Coronel holds a different view, suggesting that school should have been canceled considering the city's recommendations to stay home and the declared state of emergency. Biology teacher Ms. Peggy Shim acknowledges the challenges, understanding the potential danger in commuting for students coming from far away. She notes the importance of schools being open for families in need of childcare and food services. Despite the differing opinions, LAUSD's decision to keep schools open during the storm is acknowledged and understood by educators like Ms. Shim. Carvalho emphasized the decision by stating that, considering the nutritional reliance of students on school, the choice was made to maintain regular operations, with the possibility of reassessment based on changing conditions. During a news conference on Tuesday, Carvalho disclosed that approximately 63% of students attended school on Monday, acknowledging the district's anticipation of lower attendance. Notably, all schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu School District were closed on Monday. A flash flood warning continued in effect in Los Angeles County early on Monday. Related Article: Elon Musk Joins NYC School Closure Online Debate: Migrants Sheltered, Students Shift to Remote Learning BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's securities regulator on Tuesday announced an array of measures aimed at encouraging the merger, acquisition and restructuring among listed companies. These measures include enhancing the inclusiveness in pricing restructuring and diversifying the methods for overseeing performance commitments, said the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Industry leaders with high market values will enjoy a fast-tracked approval process, enabling them to acquire quality assets more efficiently, according to the CSRC. For startups and innovative companies, the mergers and acquisitions will be particularly supported within their respective sectors or industrial chains, the CSRC said. Efforts are also underway to explore approaches to delisting and ramp up the crackdown on financial irregularities, the regulatory commission said. Photo: (Photo : John Moore / Getty Images) A North Houston fire claims the lives of a mother and infant baby boy after trying to save her other two children. In the early hours of Saturday, the Cabrera family home became a battleground of flames, where, amidst the chaos, a tale of extraordinary maternal valor unfolded. Giovanna Cabrera, a 31-year-old mother, found her home caught in a blazing fire and tried to save her three little children, including her 1-year-old baby boy. North Houston Fire Claims a Mother and Infant Baby The tragedy commenced shortly before 5 a.m., shattering the stillness of the night with the ruthless grip of a house fire. North Houston's fire department rushed to the scene, facing the daunting challenge of quelling a blaze that had already devoured a significant portion of the Cabrera residence. The structural integrity was compromised, and power lines were strewn across, making it a perilous environment for any rescue attempts. Giselle Bueno, Cabrera's sister, recounted the heart-wrenching saga as Giovanna Cabrera, driven by an indomitable maternal instinct, embarked on a perilous mission. With Gabriel cradled in her arms, Cabrera navigated through a tempest of smoke and searing heat, her intent clear: to save her youngest from the clutches of the merciless flames. The battle against nature's fury proved formidable, and tragically, Cabrera succumbed to the elements while attempting the heroic rescue. The Houston Fire Chief, Samuel Pena, addressed the distressing incident and referred to the deaths as "heartbreaking." Pena emphasized the standard advice given by authorities for individuals to remain outside once they escape a structure fire. However, he acknowledged the profound challenge of imparting such advice to a mother facing the heart-wrenching situation of her child being inside the home. Read Also: California Teen Behind Nationwide Swatting Spree Arrested for Targeting FBI, Florida Mosque Community Solidarity Amidst Grief As the news of the tragedy reverberated through North Houston, the community responded with an outpouring of grief and support for the grieving Cabrera family. Pastor Jaime Garcia, representing Bethel Baptist Church and neighboring congregations, spearheaded efforts to provide emotional solace and practical aid for the surviving children now under the care of their father. The genuine compassion and financial assistance flowing in underscored Cabrera's profound impact, transforming her into a selfless heroine cherished by those she touched. In response to the Cabrera family's immediate needs, a GoFundMe initiative took root, symbolizing the community's collective commitment to easing the burdens imposed by funeral expenses and supporting the surviving children and other family members. The generosity witnessed in the donations echoed the love and gratitude felt towards Giovanna Cabrera, turning a tragic incident into an opportunity for communal resilience. In a statement on social media, Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed deep sympathy for the families struck by the tragedy. Whitmire acknowledged the mother's heroic efforts to rescue two of her children from the house fire, ultimately succumbing while attempting to save her infant son. The mayor assured us that efforts are underway to ensure the grieving family receives the necessary support during this challenging time. As investigative efforts unfold to discern the cause of the North Houston fire, the community remains united in grief, leaning on the enduring strength forged through solidarity. This tragic episode stands as a poignant testament to the fragile nature of life and the unparalleled depths a mother will plunge to shield her children from harm. Related Article: Tennessee's One-Year Federal Child Nutrition Stint Sparks Advocacy Concerns: Kids' Food Aid Program at Risk This service is a courtesy for our print subscribers to give them access to our online edition at no additional cost. If you haven't registered on the new site, you must do it now before you do anything else. A colleague of mine has just retired as a Unitarian Universalist parish minister. He had what some would call a storied career, serving our denomination at every level. Me, I personally consider him a good friend, as well as just being a wise and generous human being. What people today mostly wouldnt know is that he had a rocky start into ministry. Toward the end of seminary, he had a rough time passing the fellowshipping process. He was young, and perhaps if were being completely truthful a bit young for his years. Smart, smart as a whip. Always. But, not yet fully grown into who he would become. The various problems came to a head when he preached his sample sermon for the Fellowship committee. Fellowshipping is shorthand for our institutional structure of ministerial formation and licensing. Ordination is held exclusively by our congregations. But this official fellowshipping process is, what can we say, our quality control. And noting it is, of course, flawed in various ways, it is nonetheless what pretty much all our congregations require of anyone who wishes to be called as their minister. The Fellowship committee which consists of ministers and lay leaders, all volunteers, meet with the candidate at the end of a long process of formation. This included sponsorship by a congregation, seminary, which is a three-year graduate school, as well as various internships, and psychological evaluations; then writing up a summary of all these experiences which is handed over to the committee. When my friend and I were going through the process the committee gathered at different places around the country three times a year. At these venues they met the candidates, possibly a dozen people a day for several days running. In that meeting each candidate was expected to start off with a ten-minute worship experience featuring a homily. You know a short sermon, emphasis on brevity. If it went seconds past those allotted ten minutes the chair would stop the service cold. My friend gave it his all. He lit a chalice, said an opening word or two, and then threw himself into it, Expounding upon the nature of love. Ten minutes of love. Top to bottom, love. He ended on time. Then. When that part was over, after the anxious waiting silence as the committee gathered itself, came the first question. It was a hardball. What about when you run out of sermons on love? It was downhill from there. He ended up with a three. A numbering system we no longer use, I understand. It wasnt exactly being thrown into the outer darkness, but it meant at least a year before he could come back to the committee and try again. Well, that and he was giving a list of things he had do with documentation before returning. Now my friend was and is gutsy as well as smart. He took his wounds home, licked em a bit, as they say put on his big kid pants, and then did what needed doing. Mainly he got a little more life experience. A powerful thing that. And it all turned out well. As I said, a storied career. Over the years Ive thought about that question. What about when youve run out of sermons on love? I mean love is a Unitarian Universalist ministers stock in trade. Heck, youre getting a month of sermons on love here at Neighborhood right now. And not just because of article two. There are abiding questions at the front end. How do we define love? Love turns out to be a slippery beast. And. If were not about love, what are we about? And. After all that can be said about love has been said, what then? Now, one of my Zen teacher friends heard this story and quick as a heartbeat replied, Why preach a sermon on love. She might have added, for clarification, of course. Her suggestion reminded me of my preaching life and those relatively few occasions that we visit a theme every year. Like MLK day, or Christmas. Ive found in most cases it was only after Id exhausted all the conventional things to say, you know visiting the dictionary, telling my personal stories, the more obvious analysis of whatever, and finally was faced with a void, a rather daunting silence; before things actually started getting interesting. As to love, Ive discovered over the years it really is an endless reservoir of hope for us all. That strange word love is a pointer to something as important as life itself. And definitely, returning to love over and over, is a worthy enterprise. Even when we are pretty sure weve said it all before, heard it all before. In this month of love, especially today, when this afternoon if were not all washed away in the rains, this congregation and the Reverend Dr Omega Burkhardt are going to make explicit a covenant of relationship. This covenant moves us into what I actually think of as a ministry of love. So, what a great time to visit the mystery once again. I suspect youve heard definitions enough for a bit. And really, I find the juice is in the illustrations. With that I found myself thinking of Robert Fulgum. Fulgum, as he prefers to be called, is a UU minister. You may remember him. Back in the 1980s he was working as a parish minister in the Pacific Northwest. Someone took one of his newsletter columns, something about finding a rule for life in kindergarten, photocopied it and passed it around to friends. That little list ended up posted on refrigerator doors all around the country. Eventually a literary agent discovered it and that led to a series of books, nearly all hitting the New York Times Best Seller list. I understand he now lives on a small island somewhere off the coast of Greece. In the heyday of his writing life, we, his colleagues, pretty much all of us would-be authors, took comfort in sharing among ourselves how Fulgum may have hit the literary big time; but you know, he really is pretty shallow. I mean do you really learn everything you need in kindergarten? Well, maybe. The catch is that the surface of things is in fact where the action usually is. You want to know about living life as it is, you want to find depth, well, you can do worse than look at some of his little vignettes of very ordinary life. For instance. It turns out one day Fulgum decided to collect stories about love. It would be for his eighth book. And last, I believe. In preparation he went to his favorite Seattle coffeehouse. There he took over a small table and set up a sign. It read Tell me a love story and Ill buy you a cup of coffee and make you famous. The hard requirement was that the stories had to be short. And those stories had to be true. True as in factual. There are, as we know, other truths out there. Which are also valuable. But here he wanted the flesh and blood of it. As Fulgum reported it, at first there was hesitation. He noted some of the people would roll their eyes and laugh and say they had a love story all right, but it wasnt short, and it wasnt sweet. He persisted and finally people began telling their stories. A small band began to circle around listening and sometimes joining in. The shortest story came from a four-year-old girl. She was sucking her thumb while clinging to a yellow blanket. Fulgum asked, Do you love your blanket? The little girl nodded an affirmative. Then he asked, Does your blanket love you? She shook her head and replied, No, silly! Me, Im half an animist. So, Im not sure she was right. Still, I love four-year-old wisdom. Rita from Denver shared a story that I found especially helpful. She was somewhere in her thirties and just escaped an abusive relationship. She told how she felt unattractive and unlovable. She recounted how one day on my way to work, I pulled up at a stoplight and a gray car pulled up to the right of me. In the car was the most handsome man I have ever seen no one has ever looked that good. I looked at him to see if he was going to turn at the red light. He didnt. He looked back at me and smiled as though looking at me had made his day worthwhile. I was instantly in love with this gorgeous gray-haired man a minute later he turned right, and I turned left. But I knew then that there was life after divorce, even if for only a moment at the stoplight. In the Hindu and Sufi traditions theres a lot made of the power of glance. Clearly, we speak of love, and we speak of many things. Ministry, and blankets, and passing glances barely start a list. This word love is a complex and, we need always to recall, sometimes its a terrible term. Lots of lies in love. I think it is important to recall how in George Orwells 1984, theres another ministry of love, literally the Ministry of Love, which is charged with controlling the populace. So, love can speak of horrific wounds, of betrayal and degradation. It can be about cruel parents or lovers singing a dark melody of abandonment. It can be about estrangement or resentment or jealousy. That word love can hint of hurts so deep no one can ever fully plumb their depths. Love as good, love as ill, love on the surface of things, love as a force holding the world together and tearing it apart. As we all know many say love is God. Now for me, having the brain I have, I have to pick and poke and try and be as accurate as I can. Even when things are slippery. Maybe most so at such times. So, I have problems with the word God when it is meant to stand for a consciousness separate from us, from you and me and the world that somehow plans and directs things. I find scant evidence for that kind of God. But there is image and dream. Reverend Omega in one of her sermons tells us What would Love do here? Here. This place. The messy place. This moment. The messy moment. And she answers, I think love would sing. The harmony presents and it invites. Love has many melodies, some harsh and dissonant. Some astonishing and subtle and beautiful. And always with invitations. No wonder people might witness this many splendored thing which rises singing among and within us and call it God. So, what does all this mean? For us here? For us as this afternoon some commitments are being made? As promises are being promised? As a song of call and response is sung? Last week Reverend Omega spoke of covenants. Our gatherings are covenants of presence. And they are informed, at their best, by a willingness to be of service as much as to be served. As Omega said in another of her sermons Here, now, we gather, not independent, but interdependent I suggest the whole project for us here is a matter of clarification. Clarification of our lives. Clarification of how we live together, symbolled and lived within our shared lives in this congregation. It is within this profound intimation of interdependence we can find pointers to what love is when lived. The worthy love. The god love. The dream of human possibility love. But not ignoring the lesser or more shadowed loves, either. It all has to come along, the broken and the healed. Were not complete unless we bring it all. But, with attention and care the right harmony is found, and the several truths of love are revealed as divine. This project is about the loves that are, and the Love that can be. The love that is found with care and attention and action. So, a path of clarification. A path of song writing, of hearing the ancient melodies more clearly; and out of that co-creating this world. I think of my ministerial colleague. In both his incarnations, young and callow and older and venerable. I think of Robert Fulgum. I think of blankets and glances. I think of songs. I think of that covenant into a ministry of love that many of us will be attending with Reverend Omega this rainy afternoon. If you are wondering what follows when we run out of sermons on love, I suggest you come this afternoon. It will reveal a lot of what that is and can be. Some laughter. I bet some tears. I hear there will even be some jokes. And maybe cake. But most of all it will be people who promise things, and who try to live into those promises. Love on full display. There is always a next step. Of course. But thats for tomorrow. And, you know, love will show the way. Amen, friends. Amen. The former Minister for Finance in the erstwhile Mahama administration, Mr. Seth Terkper, has expressed hard feelings about the tax situation in Ghana describing it as severe and punitive in the history of Ghana. According to the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, has alleged that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has introduced over 50 taxes since resuming office in 2017. The continuous foisting of taxes on Ghanaians have erupted massive conversation amongst the public. Speaking in an interview on Citi News, he insisted that Ghanas current rates are extremely high. He further revealed that such high rates could eventually lead individuals to seek ways to evade these taxes. Seth Terkper said, I think we are seeing the worst of the tax system It is the most punitive and worst tax structure that we have had. And as with every tax that is punitive, you will end up not collecting, or generating as much revenue as possible. He further pointed out that But more importantly, when you begin to introduce punitive taxes, taxpayers find ways and means of evading and avoiding the tax. So if you have a simplified tax regime it is better and compliance increases. And the evidence is that if you look at our tax-to-GDP ratio well until recently as GRA is claiming, the highest point at which revenue was collected was 2015 per the percentage of GDP, not nominal terms. 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 Ghana Police Service has interdicted a Police Chief Inspector, Benjamine Doe Kuwornu, stationed in the Central Region, for misconducting himself in a video which has been sighted by the Police Administration. This is to allow for a thorough investigation into his conduct in line with Police Service Regulations. "We would like to reiterate our assurance to the general public that the Police Service will continue to ensure that professionalism is maintained at all times in the discharge of our mandate." The police said 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 Chief of Kwahu Bepong in the Eastern region Nana Nyarko Bawuah II has commended the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism in the handling of the incident involving a murder suspect at his palace. According to the chief, but for the professional conduct of the police personnel, the situation could have escalated and gotten out of control. The youth stormed this palace determined to lynch the suspect here. They were throwing everything they could get into the palace when the police prevented them from attacking the suspect. It was the women among them who were supplying the stones for the men to throw in here. But the police were so professional with their approach to the incident. They showed that they were well trained, and they shielded the suspect from any attack. The angry youth didnt realise when the police took the suspect from the palace. And when they realized he was no longer at the palace they turned their anger at the police attack them and their motorbikes and others, the chief made the remarks when the Eastern regional Minster Seth Kwame Acheampong visited the troubled area today. Meanwhile, more than 40 people have been arrested and are being prosecuted by the police following the incident. The violence erupted following the alleged rape and murder of a 45-year-old woman, Akua Kyerewaa, by a 23-year-old ex-convict, Kwasi Tenkorang. 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 An Italian mafia boss who escaped from a Sardinian prison using bed sheets has been recaptured in France. Marco Raduano, who was on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Corsica, officials in France and Italy confirmed. He had been serving a 24-year sentence for drug trafficking and other crimes, according to Europol. Raduano fled the high-security jail in February 2023 using knotted bed sheets to scale down the walls. Footage from the time of his escape showed Raduano gripping sheets that were dangling against the wall before he quickly plunged to the ground and ran away. Also apprehended was his right-hand man, Gianluigi Troiano, who fled house arrest in 2021 after detaching his electronic bracelet. He was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 1, in Granada, Spain while picking up a parcel from a service point. "The carabinieri's (police's) capture abroad of two dangerous fugitives, Marco Raduano, and his right-hand man, Gianluigi Troiano, represents another major blow to organised crime," Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said. Raduano, 40, is said to be a boss of the Foggia crime syndicate, which is sometimes described as Italy's fourth mafia - after the more famous organisations in Sicily, Calabria and Naples. He was arrested on Thursday in Aleria while he was dining in a restaurant with a young woman, a source told AFP news agency. Watch the video of his escape below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BBC News (@bbcnews) 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 Villagers prepare for a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Villagers perform dragon dance at a parade to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Henglongqiao Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A villager performs at a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A villager records a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) An aerial drone photo shows villagers performing dragon dance at a parade to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Henglongqiao Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Villagers perform at a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Villagers perform at a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Villagers perform at a parade to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Henglongqiao Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A villager promotes local specialty during a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) An aerial drone photo shows a "village gala" held in Hualin Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) An aerial drone photo shows villagers performing at a parade to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Henglongqiao Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Children are seen at a parade to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Henglongqiao Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Villagers perform dragon dance at a parade to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Henglongqiao Village of Henglongqiao Town, Yiyang City, central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 4, 2024. Local villagers in Henglongqiao Town participated in celebrations including the "village gala" and parade performances to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the global availability of the new Galaxy S24 series, which has received an impressive number of pre-orders thanks to its transformational Galaxy AI capabilities. Following the announcement, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series achieved a double-digit increase in pre-order sales compared to its predecessor with above 65% of consumers opting for the most premium Galaxy S24 Ultra. The launch of the Galaxy S24 series demonstrates our initial step toward a new era of AI phones that go beyond the current smartphone, said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. Designed to be an essential part of our daily lives, Galaxy AI will permanently change the way people interact with the world. We cant wait to see how our users enhance and empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up endless possibilities Galaxy AI delivers innovative and practical AI features to help transform the way we communicate, create and discover the world. From barrier-free communication through features like Live Translate and Chat Assist to a new standard for search provided by Circle to Search with Google, AI will improve nearly every experience that Galaxy S24 users can enjoy. The new ProVisual Engine, a suite of AI-powered camera tools, maximizes creative freedom, from image capturing with new zoom capabilities to editing with the help of generative AI. Samsung goes even further to democratize these latest innovations so more users can enjoy these enriched experiences. More language options will be available for AI features, in addition to the current 13 languages. Lastly, in Samsungs commitment to a longer and reliable product lifecycle, Galaxy S24 series now offers seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. From February 2, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 will be available at all Samsung authorised retail stores. The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet and Titanium Yellow. The Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 are available in Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet and Amber Yellow. Customers, who pre-ordered the Galaxy S24 Series, are encouraged to redeem their purchase by 14 February to guarantee timely delivery. 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 Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has returned the assets and cash seized from Cecilia Abena Dapaah, bringing an end to a long-standing legal battle. Mrs. Dapaah, a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has reclaimed custody of $590,000 and GHC2,730,000 that were initially confiscated from her residence. The High Court, Economic and Financial Division, ruled in favor of Mrs. Dapaah, ordering the release of her assets and the de-freezing of her bank accounts. Justice Nana Brew, who presided over the case after relieving Justice Edward Twum, issued the ruling on January 25, 2024. The court stipulated that the OSP must return the seized assets within 72 hours, a deadline that was promptly met. Within 24 hours of the courts decision, Mrs. Dapaahs legal representatives visited the OSP offices to collect the funds that had been held in custody. Unlike previous incidents where the OSP re-seized the money after a court order for its release, this time the funds were handed over to Mrs. Dapaah without any further complications. Additionally, The Law Platform reported that the Office of the Special Prosecutor issued a letter to Prudential Bank and Societe General, requesting the de-freezing of bank accounts under Mrs. Dapaahs name. It has been confirmed that one of the banks received a cheque from Mrs. Dapaah, which was duly honored. This resolution marks a significant victory for Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who has endured a lengthy legal process pertaining to the seized assets. With the return of the funds and the unfreezing of her bank accounts, Mrs. Dapaah can now move forward without the restrictions imposed by the asset seizure. However, the conclusion of this case raises questions about the initial legal basis for the seizure and subsequent actions by the OSP. It is expected that further scrutiny will be directed towards the circumstances surrounding such cases, with the aim of protecting the rights of individuals involved in the future. 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 General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has urged the people of Northern Ghana to bank their hopes on John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming 2024 elections, since "he is a son" they can "trust". He emphasized that individuals with small businesses cannot rely on the Nana Addo-Bawumia government, as they are likely to impose burdensome taxes that could harm their enterprises. Mr. Kwetey urged voters to make informed decisions during the December polls, prioritizing candidates who genuinely prioritize their welfare, regardless of their geographical location. Speaking during the "Building Ghana Tour" in Tamale, in the Northern Region, he admonished party members and sympathisers to entrust Ghana into the hands of the party flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama. He said, Northern Region, you have produced a person that we can be proud of, a genuine son of the region, a genuine son of Ghana. He tells the truth. When he speaks, dont you trust him? Yes, you can trust him. He told Ghana that even though dumsor was not caused by me, I will fix dumsor. And what did he do? He fixed it. So you can commit your business into his hands because he is a man that can be trusted. You can commit your farms into his hands; he is a man that can be trusted. You can commit Ghana and the resources of Ghana and the destiny of 30 million plus Ghanaians into his hands because he can be trusted. The same cannot be said of the other son that came from your region. That other son that comes from the Northeastern part of this region of yours cannot be trusted. So you have produced two sons, one can be trusted, the other one you cannot even give your small business into his hands. Comrades, you owe it to Ghana to ensure that the son who can be trusted rises again to the leadership of this country. 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 Nana Akomea, the Chief Executive Officer of the State Transport Corporation (STC), says the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia cannot be blamed for the woes of the economy on Ghanaians. The Vice President, who is the flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party, is set to deliver a nation address where he will outline his vision for the nation, however the opposition National Democratic Congress and their leader, John Dramani Mahama, have linked him to the bad living conditions of the citizenry, hence rubbishing Dr. Bawumia's presidential candidacy. Mr. John Mahama and critics are of a strong opinion that Dr. Bawumia cannot be absolved when it comes to the economic burdens which have aggravated the livelihoods of Ghanaians. In calling for the Ghanaian electorate to vote against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party, former President Mahama and his party believe the Vice President is equally guilty as President Nana Addo is to fully blame for the plight of the citizens but Nana Akomea has refuted these claims. Responding during Peace FM's panel discussion programme "Kokrokoo", Nana Akomea argued that though Dr. Bawumia is the Vice President, he is not in charge of the economic affairs, so what Ghanaians are experiencing isn't his fault. "The campaign of the NDC is that the current economic woes are Bawumia's fault. Is Bawumia the President?", he replied. "Bawumia hasn't said he is not a part of the government. He admits he is part whether good or bad but if you say every bad thing is Bawumia's fault, it is laughable", he asserted. He further questioned; "As Vice President and President, who has the bigger responsibility?" and answered; "The President, of course, has the bigger responsibility". To Nana Akomea, the Vice President deserves a chance to showcase what he is capable to do to better the lives of Ghanaians. 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 Explaining the phenomenon of the dark skin human, including where and how this unique colouration was born, has been visually illustrated using modern animation and artificial intelligence with production over a 4 and a half year period by Ghanaian filmmakers Socrates Safo and Michael Tettey Narh. The movie carefully inculcates vivid illustrations, symbolism and a voice over in English using simple diction, to carry the story through, thereby making it easy for any viewer to comprehend the film. Nevertheless, 'Tun Tum' meaning 'black' referring to 'dark skin' (in popular Ghanaian dialect 'Twi') in this movie, is suspense filled and likely to glue one's eyes till the end. But, what is most captivating about 'Tun Tum' is the message and it's different perspective on the 'Origins of the African'. The movie first offers its own opinion of how the African was brought into existence. Contrary to the evolution of man's theory by Charles Darwin and the ape's sequential transformation, it shows how the African was selectively moulded by the hands of God; he is shown as the creator using water, fire and earth to gradually form the shape of the African, and breathing into the moulded object life as the final ingredient. Then, as the story progresses, the movie takes a very controversial turn when the 'intruder' arrives. A biblical and to some extent historical reference, can be made when the 'intruder' arrives as a fallen star engulfed by a fiery explosion when impact is made with earth. The intruder embodies a white angelic image of a handsome man; some might attribute to the fallen angel 'Lucifer' who later became the devil and also the colonial masters of old. But, the movie again, takes another turn which drifts away from the religious 'lucifer' character when the object of deceit later used to infiltrate the African's paradise and destroy all that he loved, was a separate serpent which was not embodied by the fallen angel and was already present on the earth before the arrival of the fallen angel; this was contrary to the Bible which merged both Satan and the serpent as one. In the movie 'Tun Tum', we see the further selfish activities of the fallen angel in the camp of the African, which resulted in the deterioration and distruction of the African's environment and cultural structure; which also introduced detrimental factors which brought pain and harm to the African. This was an intelligent use of symbolism and can be likened to the real life situation of the island Haiti and some many African nations which became worse off after colonialism. Some may also refer to pre- colonial times when the African lived happily according to African culture and norms until the exploration visits and invasions by Europeans. History has it that many of the Europeans who visited Africa had children with African women and in many cases, left them fatherless when they returned to Europe. Thereby, causing a new offspring with a different skin color to rise but in neglect and in some cases rejection by Africans. The end result, was a once united community now divided. The never ending journey of the African in search of a new home begins. After having paradise destroyed by the activities of the intruder, we see how the African struggles to find a lost paradise through a forced weary journey and migrates to different parts of the world. This can be interpreted as the current situation experienced by many Africans living in the diaspora who are descendants of ancestors who once walked the African continent but, eventually left on a journey due to unpleasant circumstances induced by the infiltration of the 'intruder' (the fallen angel). Finally, in the concluding part of the movie, a massive journey is made by many Africans from across the globe to Africa, specifically Ghana. This symbolizes the massive return by many Africans born of African heritage who lived outside the African continent but now, desire to discover their roots and take part in their African heritage hence, visit their original home. In conclusion, the movie 'Tun Tum' doesn't just tell the African story from an African perspective, but also offers hope to the massive nation of Africans both living on the African continent and abroad in the possibility of rebuilding what was once paradise; even in today's new age of cultural diversities, eurocentrism towards Africa, lack of proximity and the impediment of geographic boundaries. Its ending suggests the return of these scattered sons and daughters of Africa to their original home not as the concluding chapter to a journey began centuries ago, but as a new chapter of a destination of peace and happiness. 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 African music will receive recognition at Sunday's prestigious Grammys with its own category, as it has become a "part of pop music", the man behind the awards told the BBC. Harvey Mason Jr said he is "excited" at the inclusion of the Best African Music Performance category. Tyla, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy and Davido are among the nominated artists. While their work is celebrated some critics say an award for African music should have been included long ago. Ian Brennan, a Grammy award-winning record producer, who has worked with several African artists, told the BBC that while all this was "progress" it was "long overdue". Africans artists have won Grammys in the past. South African Miriam Makeba was the first in 1966 when she picked up the prize for Best Folk Recording for her collaboration with Harry Belafonte. There have been several others including Nigerian Burna Boy, who won in 2021 for Best Global Music Album. But for Mr Brennan, the Grammys have long had a blind spot for music from the continent. "There are no African artists in the Lifetime Achievement Award area of the Grammys," he said. The decision to include an Africa-specific award came about because music from the continent is now "prevalent everywhere in the world", Mr Mason Jr, who is CEO of the Recording Academy, told the BBC's Newsday programme. He became the first black person to be in charge of the Grammy awards in 2021 and has been working to better represent the breadth of popular music. He admitted that the Grammys, considered to be among the most prestigious music awards, typically honours American music. But he added that the awards are "fluid, adjusting, and pivoting" and they are trying to include music outside of the West. This year's Grammys ceremony in Los Angeles will also feature a performance from Burna Boy, who will be the first Afrobeats performer ever to do so. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A US-based Guinean lady has given reasons why she has stopped sending money to her family in Africa. In a video that has gone viral, the lady said she visited her home country eight years ago and discovered she had been funding the lavish lifestyle of many of them. She said she realized that her folks back home are living a life she who works for money in the US does not live. Every time I go to Africa, especially lately, the lifestyle they are living there is just ridiculous. These are the people that you basically feed, pay their rent, and when they get sick you pay for that but these people are living their best life out there. They go to the most expensive hair salons, the most expensive nail salons. They are living large. They are out there drinking juices all day. They are going clubbing, buying Shisha, spending $15 on Shisha, living this glamorous lifestyle that you don't even have in America..and I just sit there and I am like I am the one funding this lifestyle. I don't even have this lifestyle.'' She said unlike her who cut down expenses when times are rough, those in Africa have no need to cut down on expenses as they believe they have folks in the US who will send them money to continue their luxurious lifestyle. She said for her now she only sends money when it is an emergency. Watch the video she shared below-
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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The United States Bureau of Prisons said it will probe convicted internet fraudster, Ramon Hushpuppi Abbas, after a video purportedly showing him holding a feast in jail went viral. Hushpuuppi, who is currently serving an 11-year sentence, is alleged to have held a feast with others at his detention facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The feast was alleged to be in honour of his friend, social media influencer, Tunde Adekunle, a.k.a Tunde Ednut, who celebrated his birthday on January 22, 2024. We take these matters seriously, the prison facility told Nigerian online newspaper, Peoples Gazette, Thursday night, Feb. 1, adding that the investigative department would take charge of the inquiry to ascertain the facts or lack thereof about the viral video. The viral video of the feast purportedly shows a lavish spread of different foods, including jollof rice, pasta and soda drinks, in what appeared to be a prison facility. Tunde Ednut, you can see that we are celebrating you in our own little way o, said a voice alleged to be Hushpuppi's. Fried rice is ready, Tunde Ednut birthday celebration. Jollof loading, pasta is here as you can see, the voice continued as the person, who hid his face behind the camera, displayed a variety of delicacies on a white table. The video also shows a grey double bunk and a bed covered in white sheets, furthering the speculations that the feast was held in a US jail. Hushpuppi, 41, was convicted for his role in a multimillion-dollar international fraud scheme in 2022. He was arrested in Dubai and extradited to the US to answer for his crimes. In the first few years of his incarceration, Abbas reportedly enrolled in prison educational courses and also took an active role in cleaning prison facilities in a bid to earn a lighter sentence. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Los Angeles on January 19 dismissed Abbass appeal to review and reduce his 11-year sentence on the grounds of his good behaviour during his stay so far in jail. Watch the video of the feast below. Hushpuppi celebrating Tunde Ednuts Birthday from his cell in the U.S Ramoni never change. pic.twitter.com/PIxg3ZuOJz Ikponmwosa (@EGHO231) January 22, 2024 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 Services on Pennsylvanias online court portal are operational and accessible to the public as of 3 p.m. Tuesday despite an ongoing battle with a cyberattack, Debra Todd, Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, said. We remain in a virtual battle with an unknown opponent who continues to target our online platform through what federal law enforcement has deemed a significant and serious denial of service attack. Rest assured that our information technology and executive team along with the guidance and support of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are well equipped to meet these challenges head-on while developing a strategic plan to permanently restore all of our systems in a safe and effective manner, Todd added. The Tuesday release said there is no indication that any court data has been compromised. Courts have remained in service during the attack. A former worker at a Pittsburgh-area McDonalds who was sexually assaulted by her manager when she was 14 has settled a lawsuit against the franchise owner for $4.35 million. The manager, Walter Garner, raped the teen inside a bathroom in the Bethel Park restaurant in 2021, according to reports from WPXI and TribLive. He pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault and other offenses and was sentenced in October of that year to up to 10 years in prison. However, it was later revealed that Garner had been a registered sex offender at the time of the assault, having pled guilty to sexually assaulting a 10-year-old in the 1990s. How does a known sex offender get hired and be permitted to manage underage girls between 14 and 17 years of age? Alan Perer, the victims attorney, said during a news conference. This question is especially pertinent since McDonalds markets itself to young people as Committed to Being Americas Best First Job. Rice Enterprises, which owns eight McDonalds restaurants in Allegheny County, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, TribLive said, and is, in turn, suing the company it used to run a background check on Garner. The stores are being sold to pay for the settlement. The company said that the search it did on Garner via Backgroundchecks.com LLC, an online company that performs background checks and claims to have a database of 650 million records, did not show that he was on the states sex offender list. As soon as we were made aware of the complaint against Garner in 2021, we terminated his employment and offered our full support to the impacted employees and law enforcement investigating this case. Rice Enterprises said in a statement. Since then, weve redoubled our efforts to ensure a positive and respectful experience for all employees in our restaurants, and our organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Another teenager has also filed suit against McDonalds and Rice Enterprises, saying they had been sexually harassed by Garner. This is the largest known settlement for a McDonalds worker in a rape or sexual assault case. Abbas Ganbay A delegation headed by First Deputy of Azerbaijan Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev visited China. Within the framework of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation held a meeting with the leadership of Chinese enterprises engaged in the production of vehicles and got acquainted with the production activity of the plants, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Economy. At the meetings, detailed information was provided about the favourable business environment in our country and the opportunities created for investors. Besides, the possibilities of establishing joint production enterprises in Azerbaijan were discussed. Representatives of Chinese companies were informed about measures implemented in the sphere of the application of "green" technologies and the use of environmentally friendly transport in Azerbaijan. Issues of promotion of Azerbaijani products on Alibaba's electronic trading platform were discussed at a meeting with the management of Alibaba's globalisation office. The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the Azerbaijan Trade House in Beijing, where "Made in Azerbaijan" brand products were presented. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday met with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing, calling for enhanced bilateral relations. Han said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China and Switzerland have established an innovative strategic partnership, which has set a fine example of friendly cooperation between countries of different social systems and different sizes at different development stages. Noting that next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Han said the two sides should carry forward the fine tradition of friendship and cooperation, adhere to mutual respect, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and push for continuous development of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Switzerland to build a community with a shared future for humanity and make the global governance system more just and equitable, Han added. Cassis said that Switzerland always attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to actively carry out exchanges at all levels, deepen practical cooperation in various fields and push bilateral relations to a new level. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Gov. Josh Shapiro is calling for a restructuring of Pennsylvanias higher education system with an eye toward addressing college access and affordability and providing accountability for the public investment made in it. At a glance: The governor laid out a blueprint for his vision for the states public higher education system that combines the 10 Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education schools, such as Shippensburg and Millersville, with the 15 community colleges under a new governance structure and increase the funding for that system by funding by 15%. He also wants to see these schools lower their tuition to $1,000 a semester for students from median-income families, or those with incomes of less than $70,000. Seeking to address inequitable education funding, Gov. Josh Shapiros proposed 2024-25 budget makes a significant investment in public schools. At a glance: The budget calls for a more than $1 billion investment in funding for basic education the lifeline to state aid for school districts bringing the state aid to nearly $9 billion. The bulk of that, $872 million, would address funding inequities among the states 500 school districts raised in a 2023 court ruling that found the funding disparities were unconstitutional. While his budget doesnt include funding for a school vouchers, Shapiros support for such a program remains strong as he indicated in his budget speech to give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. Its been a rollercoaster of emotions for rapper Killer Mike this week. From experiencing great highs to sudden lows, on Feb. 5 on X, it was revealed that the rappers son had finally found a donor match for a new kidney and was undergoing a transplant that same day after being placed on the donors list for 3 years. God is Good, the rapper tweeted, quoting XXL Magazine, which covered the great news. This all comes after the Atlanta-based rapper was dramatically led out of the 2024 Grammys and arrested Sunday after winning three awards during the ceremony in Los Angeles. The arrest and investigation led to a misdemeanor charge, which the rapper blamed on an overzealous security guard. Video captured of the incident showed Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, 48, being led away in handcuffs from Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department. Render was arrested after being accused of being involved in a physical altercation during the pre-televised portion of the show. After being placed under arrest, Render was questioned at the arena and was then transported to LAPD Central Division, where he was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. He was then released at 8:37 p.m. PT, NBC News reported. In a statement late Monday to media outlets, Render addressed the incident and said fans had been in touch to offer their support. To Render, the situation all boils down to a big misunderstanding. I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK, he said. As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an overzealous security guard, but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to Michael, and keep going after your dreams. An additional statement from the rappers team said the altercation was hyped: The situation has been overblown but we are confident that the facts of the case, when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offense and he will be exonerated, The Hollywood Reporter quoted. Render is due in court on Feb. 29, jail records show, per NBC News. That evening, the now Grammy award-winning rapper -- best known as one-half of the duo Run the Jewels -- had just won best rap performance, best rap song and best rap album for his sixth album Michael, released in 2023. His statement also recognized the Grammy voting committee for his big win. We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment, he said, per NBC News. Obviously, we are elated. Democratic U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Bob Casey endorsed a bipartisan deal Monday that would revamp immigration over the southern border and allocate billions in foreign aid, while Caseys GOP challenger Dave McCormick called it a capitulation. U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a York County Republican, joined McCormick in rejecting the plan, calling it an American sellout. The $118 billion package hammered out by Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona was unveiled Sunday. NBC News reported that the deal would implement actions to reduce immigration at the U.S.-Mexican border, streamline the asylum process and provide $60 billion to help Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces and $14 billion for Israel to augment its security. According to NBC News, the southern border could close if the U.S. Border Patrol encounters 4,000 or more migrants on average over seven days, and it would have to shut down if encounters reached a seven-day average of 5,000 or topped 8,500 in a day. In a statement, Casey said the agreement provides critical steps towards securing our southern border, stopping fentanyl from coming into our nation and destroying Pennsylvania communities, and cracking down on the trans-national criminal organizations in the fentanyl supply chain, as well as give assistance to Ukraine and Israel. Caseys office said the deal includes provisions addressing the flow of fentanyl over the border that were included in two bills introduced by him. Our border and our national security are too important to not get this done, he said. On X/Twitter, McCormick expressed his opposition to the agreement. This not a compromise, its a capitulation, he said, criticizing the border-crossing provisions and insisting the border must be closed to illegal immigration to stop fentanyl smuggling. McCormick did not mention the aid for Israel, which he has visited and strongly supported in its fight against Hamas. This is not a compromise, its a capitulation. This bill does not secure the border it allows 4000 migrants to cross illegally every. single. day. To protect Americans & fight the scourge of fentanyl, we need to CLOSE the border to illegal immigration. I oppose this deal. https://t.co/j6M9yBB2Bp Dave McCormick (@DaveMcCormickPA) February 5, 2024 Fetterman also went to X/Twitter, but it was to share his support for the deal. Back in 1998, (Wyoming Republican) Sen. (Alan) Simpson said that well never have any meaningful immigration legislation because it will forever be a useful political weapon. Here we are more than a quarter century later, Fetterman said. I hope my Senate Republican colleagues dont prove him right. Lets PASS THIS BILL. A Maryland man will spend 14 years behind bars after robbing five banks in Cumberland, York and Adams counties, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. James H. Bryant III, 46, of Westminster, robbed banks located in Hanover, Gettysburg, Spring Grove, and Dillsburg in 2021 just months after he spent 13 years in state prison, according to a news release sent out Monday from U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam. Bank robbery charges were brought against Bryant in December of 2021, and he pleaded guilty in January 2023. Authorities said Bryant stole more than $3,000 from a BB&T Bank branch in Hanover using a demand note in July 2021. By Maryclaire Dale and Ali Swenson, The Associated Press PHILADELPHIA The campaign team behind Philadelphias embattled sheriff acknowledged Monday that a series of positive news stories posted to their site were generated by ChatGPT. Sheriff Rochelle Bilals campaign removed more than 30 stories created by a consultant using the generative AI chatbot. The move came after a Philadelphia Inquirer story on Monday reported that local news outlets could not find the stories in their archives. Experts say this type of misinformation can erode the public trust and threaten democracy. Bilals campaign said the stories were based on real events. Our campaign provided the outside consultant talking points which were then provided to the AI service, the campaign said in a statement. It is now clear that the artificial intelligence service generated fake news articles to support the initiatives that were part of the AI prompt. Large language models like OpenAIs ChatGPT work by repeatedly predicting the most plausible next word in a sentence. That makes them good at completing challenging prompts in seconds, but it also causes them to make frequent errors known as hallucinations. Many Americans have started using these tools to write work emails, website copy and other documents more quickly. But that can lead to trouble if they dont prioritize accuracy or carefully fact-check the material. Two lawyers had to apologize to a judge in Manhattan federal court last year, for example, after they used ChatGPT to hunt for legal precedents and didnt immediately notice that the system made some up. Mike Nellis, founder of the AI campaign tool Quiller, called the campaign consultants use of AI completely irresponsible. Its unethical, he said. Its straight up lying. But he said OpenAI is responsible for enforcing its policies, which currently dont allow politicians to use ChatGPT for campaigning. OpenAI didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Nellis said local, state and federal regulation of AI tools in politics is also needed as the technology advances. Though bipartisan discussions in Congress have stressed the need for such legislation, no federal law has passed yet. The Bilal story list, which the site dubbed her Record of Accomplishments, had ended with a disclaimer which the Inquirer called new that the information makes no representations or warranties of any kind about the accuracy of the information. Some, including a fired whistleblower in Bilals office, fear such misinformation could confuse voters and contribute to ongoing mistrust and threats to democracy. I have grave concerns about that, said Brett Mandel, who briefly served as her finance chief in 2020 and spoke before the campaign issued the statement. I think we have seen at the local and national level, not only a disregard for truth and the institutions we have thought of as being the gatekeepers to truth, he said, but I think we have eroded all trust in this area. Mandel filed one of several whistleblower suits lodged against the office. He alleged he was fired for raising concerns about office finances. Bilal has been criticized during her tenure over office spending, campaign finance reports, the reported loss of hundreds of weapons and other issues. The list of news stories, which includes purported publication dates, attributed four news stories to the Inquirer, none of which are in the papers archives, spokesperson Evan Benn said. The others were attributed to three local broadcast stations WHYY, WCAU and KYW. Swenson reported from New York. The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Paramount Plus will be premiering a new three-part docuseries #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders on Tuesday, February 6. In this new docuseries, filmmakers will be examining the impact of TikTok detectives on the case and ask the question of whether or not they helped. The series will focus on the horrific murders of four University of Idaho students who were fatally stabbed in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho in November of 2022. A community of online investigators rallied to the case in hopes of finding the killer, or at least uncovering clues to help in the case. The new series will premiere exclusively on Paramount Plus. When will #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders air on Paramount Plus? The series premiere, #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders went live on Tuesday, February 6. The docuseries will be broken up into three episodes, all of which will be available on February 6. How to watch #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders docuseries on Paramount Plus You wont be able to find #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders on regular television channels. Its only streaming on Paramount Plus. The only way to stream this series is to sign up for Paramount Plus on the streaming services website. Currently, the service features two subscription plans: a limited commercials option for $5.99 per month and a premium no commercials option for $11.99 per month. Can I stream #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders for free? #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders is a Paramount Plus exclusive. New subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial of the service, before the regular monthly fee starting at $5.99/month kicks in. More about #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders According to Paramount Pluss official synopsis, A group of true crime sleuths on TikTok sift through clues, explore leads, and try to unravel the brutal murders of four students at the University of Idaho. The case has gripped public attention since they were found stabbed and slashed to death in a blood-soaked off-campus house on November 13th, 2022. Struggling to solve its first homicide case in nearly a decade, the small-town police department of Moscow, Idaho has shared very few details of its investigation as media from around the world packed its press conferences. It created an information vacuum that the TikTok sleuths are only too happy to fill, serving up a stew of fact and rumor to a curious and even ravenous public. Not obliged to act as official investigators accruing evidence for a criminal prosecution, these amateur detectives do digital deep dives seeking out unfound video and audio, point fingers at potential suspects, and speculate about inconsistencies the police wont or cant discuss. They visit the crime scene, interview victims families, and dig up potential witnesses.And as weeks pass without a suspect, the TikTok community explodes with theories. Everyone has their own. Was it a roommate? Was it a jealous ex-boyfriend? Was it a stranger? Was there more than one killer? And if it wasnt a crime of passion, can the frenzy of stab wounds be explained?Some of these TikTok sleuths have millions of followers. The Idaho killer may be one of them. As the speculation goes into overdrive and potential suspects are rumored and then discarded, innocent lives are upended. No matter, for many, TikTokers are a trusted news source. Do the TikTokkers do more harm than good? Either way, they are here to stay, a digital army ready to deploy and spin headline-grabbing crimes in whatever way intrigues them and their fans.#CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders takes a deep dive into this new trend and its impact on crime, justice, and public opinion. SANAA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's armed Houthi group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for launching attacks against U.S. and British vessels in the Red Sea. "We carried out two military operations in the Red Sea, the first targeting an American ship (Star Nasia) and the other targeting a British vessel (Morning Tide). Both ships were targeted with appropriate naval missiles, and the hits were accurate and direct," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement broadcast by the group's al-Masirah TV. "We will carry out more attacks against all hostile American and British targets in the Red and Arabian Sea," he said, claiming their attacks came in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva celebrated the upcoming Spring Festival recently, gathering about 300 diplomats and representatives from 51 countries and 15 international organizations. The Year of the Dragon has a positive symbolism, Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the UN Office in Geneva, said in front of a red backdrop adorned with the Year of the Dragon design at the Palais des Nations. "The dragon brings us a lot of positive things, it brings us hope, it brings us prosperity." Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, said the festivity is a celebration of more solidarity, fraternity and a better world for all. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Rachel Maddow noted that the Republican Party under Donald Trumps leadership appears to be dissolving itself. Transcript via MSNBC/The Rachel Maddow Show: So to recap, its a political party with no party platform, no normal nominating process for its nominees, no primary debates, and no general election debates. Theyre just coming off the worst back-to-back electoral performance by any party since before FDR, and its all because its what Trump wants. And, of course, why would anything else matter? Because who could doubt the political instincts of a man with this kind of a track record, right? With this kind of an electoral track report. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. A man who handed out fake Im an autoworker signs in Michigan at a fake union event and then filed the receipts for it publicly. Who could doubt a man with political instincts of that level of genius? Why have a political party when you can just follow wherever hes leading? Political parties are not the most important institutions in a democracy. But they are part of it. And right now, in our country, one of our two major political parties is dissolving itself. And just tonight, potentially preparing to oust yet another of its top leaders, all in the service of just doing stuff for their great leader instead of doing normal party stuff and normal democracy stuff anymore. And I dont know how many of you watching this tonight, you know, are mourning the illness and potential demise of the Republican Party as an institution, I understand. But if we are going to stay a democracy with a two-party system, there do need to be two-parties of some kind, or were not kind of system anymore. Were going to have to develop into something else. I mean, right now, what were very fast becoming is one party on one side and just a guy on the other a guy who this week is going before a United States Supreme Court that is going to decide if maybe he might be ineligible to ever hold federal office ever again. What do you call that kind of a system? What could possibly go wrong? Videos: .@Maddow on the state of the GOP: Right now, in our country, one of our two major political parties is dissolving itself If we are going to stay a democracy with a two-party system, there do need to be two parties of some kind. Watch via @MSNBC. pic.twitter.com/tu1ih4fZ8u MSNBC Public Relations (@MSNBCPR) February 6, 2024 .@Maddow on the state of the GOP: Right now, in our country, one of our two major political parties is dissolving itself If we are going to stay a democracy with a two-party system, there do need to be two parties of some kind. Watch via @MSNBC. pic.twitter.com/tu1ih4fZ8u MSNBC Public Relations (@MSNBCPR) February 6, 2024 What is happening within the Republican Party is what Trump wants to do to America. Donald Trump wants to get rid of institutional structures and democracy. The replacement will be doing what the leader wants. Trump has hollowed out the Republican Party and turned it into an organization that serves the interests of only one person. Mitch McConnell killed the bipartisan border bill because Donald Trump is the leader and he wanted it dead. Rachel Maddow was correct. Trumps destruction of the Republican Party has an impact on democracy, not because of the loss of the GOP, but it shows what can happen when democracy is replaced by an authoritarian model. Aiken Standard Reporter Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County. Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Legal action by the Alison South Marketing Group, which included allegations of client poaching and the misappropriation of confidential information, has been resolved for the most part. The plaintiffs in addition to Alison South, which has offices in Aiken and Augusta, were Xiingo.com Inc. and Full Circle Holdings LLC. Michael Thomas, Ashley Thomas, Wesley Roberts, Kathleen Sanders and the Next Marketing Group Inc. were the defendants. The lawsuit was filed last year in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Augusta Division. Following a court-facilitated mediation session Jan. 23, the plaintiffs and defendants Mike Thomas, Ashley Thomas, Roberts and Next Marketing reached a settlement in the case. All I can tell you is that it is a confidential settlement, and were just not allowed to make any comments on it at all. And thats it, the attorney for those four defendants, Charles George of Goose Creek, said in a telephone interview Jan. 31. The Aiken Standard didnt receive a response from a Jan. 31 phone message left for one of the plaintiffs Augusta-based attorneys, John Price, prior to the deadline for the publication of this story. The plaintiffs and the remaining defendant, Sanders, were nearing a settlement as of Feb. 5, according to her Georgia-based attorney, F. Adam Nelson. "The parties have agreed in principle and are exchanging written agreements to memorialize the same," he wrote in an email to the Aiken Standard. "We don't have a final yet, but I anticipate we will in the very near future." Alison South, Xiingo and Full Circle originally sought a temporary restraining order, preliminary and permanent injunctions, and monetary relief. They also requested a trial by jury. In January 2023, Mike Thomas and his partner, Sanders, sold the ownership interests of their business, Full Circle, including its subsidiary Alison South, to Xiingo for a substantial sum of money, the lawsuit stated. Aiken Standard reporter Bianca Moorman is a public safety and courts reporter for the Aiken Standard, with the occasional coverage of other community news and features. She can be reached at @biancarmooman or bmoorman@aikenstandard.com. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers ISTANBUL, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The two attackers who were captured dead in the gun attack on a courthouse here on Tuesday were members of the outlawed Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. "At 11:46 a.m. local time (0846 GMT) today, an attack was attempted against the checkpoint in front of Gate C of Istanbul Caglayan Courthouse," Yerlikaya said on social media platform X. Two attackers were captured dead, Yerlikaya said, noting that six people, including three police officers, were wounded in the attack. The NTV broadcaster put the death toll at three after a wounded citizen died. Many police and special operation teams rushed to the area, blocking the entrance and the exit of the courthouse, located on the European side of the city, NTV said. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated a judicial investigation of the attack. A fire report has provided more details after a man was found dead inside a residence following a Feb. 3 fire in North Augusta. North Augusta Department of Public Safety fire crews found a man's body after they extinguished a blaze at a residence in the 100 block of Tiger Lily Circle in North Augusta. Fire crews were called to the area for the report of a structure fire with an unknown entrapment, according to a fire report from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety. When police arrived on the scene, a mobile home was on fire and exterior siding was damaged from exposure to heat, the report said. After the fire was extinguished, a victim was found dead near the middle of the structure, the report said. The victim was burned to the extent that it prevented investigators from identifying the victim and no identifying documents were found, the report said. The report lists the victim as around 50 years old. The Aiken County Sheriffs Office, the South Carolina State Fire Office and the Aiken County Corners Office responded to the fire, the report said. An autopsy is planned to identify the person and determine the cause of death. The Aiken County Sheriffs Office is investigating. A 3-year-old found unresponsive in a Jackson residence in September died of a drug overdose, according to arrest warrants released Tuesday. The child's mother, 26-year-old Carolyn Paige Scott, was arrested Feb. 5 and charged with homicide by child abuse and two counts of unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person, according to jail records. An autopsy and toxicological analysis determined Scotts daughter, Riley Scott, had overdosed on fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to warrants. Police were called to the Ellen Drive residence Sept. 10, 2023 after family members couldnt wake the child up and first responders were performing CPR on the child. Scott told deputies with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office she had been doing homework while the child was asleep in the bed and the child had been asleep for two hours when another child came into the room and tried to wake her. The mother saw vomit on the bed, rolled the child onto her back and noticed the child turning blue. Carolyn Paige Scott told police her child had no medical problems and no one at home knew why the child had gotten sick. She was taken to the Childrens Hospital of Georgia where she was pronounced dead. According to warrants, she had a body temperature of 86 degrees, which indicated a more than hour-delay in seeking medical assistance. Narcan, which is used to treat overdoses, was present in her blood, indicating someone administered it while she was still alive, warrants noted. The residence didnt have running water and had electricity in an illegal and unsafe manner, according to warrants. The charging documents also said the residence had evidence of drug use with uncapped syringes, foil and suspected drugs within reach of a minor child. Carolyn Paige Scott is listed as an inmate at the Aiken County detention center and has no bond. Scottie Scheffler has become the first player in the 50 years of The Players Championship to win back-to-back. This was the hardest. Not only was he dealing with neck pain all week, he started the final round five shots behind. Scheffler closed with a 64. That matches the lowest final round by a winner. He also tied a Players Championship record with a five-shot comeback. U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, British Open champion Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele all finished one shot behind. All of them had their chances over the final three holes to force a playoff. Read moreScheffler goes back-to-back in Players Championship in Sunday thriller at Sawgrass In the 2010 gubernatorial election, Haley received 48.9 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. McMaster received 16.9 percent and failed to advance to the runoff. Haley said the reporter also asked about remarks Taylor made during a news conference at the South Carolina Statehouse last week. Bill Taylor, who I know is one of yours, said that I only had five friends when I was governor in Columbia, Haley said. He might be right. Haley provided three reasons why shes not liked by the states political establishment. First, she signed a bill requiring members of the General Assembly to cast more roll call votes. In 2011, Haley signed a bill requiring roll call votes on each bill on second reading, all sections of the state budget and when the House and Senate consider compromise legislation. Second, Haley signed the South Carolina Ethics Commission into law. She said the commission requires General Assembly members to disclose their sources of income. Third, Haleys vetoes of several projects in the state budget drew the ire of legislators across the state. Blackwell introduced Haley, and he estimated an attendance of nearly 700. Douglas Hudock of Aiken said he hadn't made a decision but wanted to hear comments from Haley to make up his mind. However, Kim Newcomb of Graniteville said she was supporting Haley. She said she believes in what Haley says. Cyndy Ledbetter of North Augusta added that she intended to vote for Haley because she believed Haley could win the general election. Ballie Conway of Augusta also said he hadn't made up his mind on who to support in the Republican race. Haley also acknowledged she doesnt have the support of the states federal elected officials either. Trump has the support of U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and five of the six Republicans representing the state in the U.S. House, including Congressmen Joe Wilson and Jeff Duncan. The Berkeley County Library System (BCLS) is hosting a Spotlight on Local Women of Note from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Moncks Corner Library, 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner. Read moreBCLS hosting Spotlight on Local Women of Note A large Charleston technology business is settling a Federal Trade Commission complaint over a 2020 data breach that has cost the company tens of millions of dollars in litigation costs and other expenses. Under the terms of the deal, Blackbaud Inc. will delete all personal information about customers that it no longer needs. The Daniel Island-based firm also must develop a cybersecurity program that addresses all the issues the FTC raised and agree not to misrepresent its data security and retention policies. The agency announced the details of the 14-page settlement Feb. 1. Blackbaud is among the world's largest providers of software and financial analytical services designed to help philanthropic organizations, from private schools to large charities, raise money. The start of the breach was traced to four years ago this week. The Feb. 7, 2020, cyberattack wasn't detected until more than three months later. During that period, the thief, who hasn't been caught or identified, gained access to unencrypted information about donors and other individuals with ties to numerous philanthropies. It included Social Security and bank account numbers. Blackbaud misled its customers and investors about the extent of the incident. The company paid a ransom that the FTC said was equal to about $250,000 in bitcoin for assurances that the data would be deleted. Blackbaud has said that it doesn't believe any information "went beyond the cybercriminal, has been misused or has been disseminated or otherwise made available publicly," but it hasn't been able to verify whether it has been destroyed, according to the commission. The federal agency said the company "failed to implement appropriate safeguards to secure and protect the vast amounts of personal data it maintains as part of the services it provides to its clients." It also noted that the firm kept information "far longer than was necessary," including details about former customers. ORANGEBURG A South Carolina State University sophomore was arrested Feb. 6 after reports of gunfire on the Orangeburg campus triggered an hourlong lockdown. Orangeburg police charged Rolando J. Ifill, 19, of Charleston, with carrying a firearm on school property, according to a university statement. S.C. State campus police "immediately subdued the suspected shooter in a foot chase," the statement read, after they received a report of shots being fired in an academic building. A university spokesman said he could not provide any additional additional details about the reports of a shooting. S.C. State's statement said that no injuries were reported. A statement from neighboring Claflin University's president said that a South Carolina State student who fled into Claflin's dining hall suffered "minor injuries" from broken glass, but is "safe and receiving care." Claflin's campus was also locked down Feb. 6. "I want to reassure you that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our highest priority," Claflin President Dwaun Warmack said in the statement. "Our quick response and the measures we have implemented are part of our ongoing commitment to maintain a safe and secure campus environment." This is a developing story. A Charleston-based nonprofit battling addiction in the hospitality industry has a new partnership that hopes to embed its resources in restaurants nationwide. Ben's Friends, an addiction support group with dozens of chapters in cities across America, is working with international table reservation platform OpenTable. The partnership involves OpenTable sharing resources and guides on seeking help for substance abuse with the online service's tens of thousands of restaurants. OpenTable will also promote the nonprofit's daily Zoom meetings for people who struggle with substance abuse. The new alliance also represents a greater focus from OpenTable to support employees in the restaurants that it does table bookings with, according to its resource guide announcing the partnership. "That is going to open the door to countless thousands," said Mickey Bakst, co-founder of Ben's Friends. "I can't imagine how many employees are going to know about Bens Friends." Bakst said the nonprofit has seen an influx of new faces during its Zoom meetings since the partnership launched in December. To help those people, Ben's Friends works with regional partners across the country that reach out and offer support to attendees. Those partners were an outgrowth and a silver lining of a pandemic that left people isolated from other people for weeks or months at a time and challenged their sobriety, said Bakst. With the Cooper River Bridge Run mere weeks away, two of the thousands of contributors who chipped in on the building of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from 2001-2005 hearkened back to the efforts that went into making the structure an iconic masterpiece. Read more'Built to last forever': Workers recall Ravenel Bridge construction MYRTLE BEACH A Myrtle Beach Middle School student who brought a gun to school on Feb. 6 has been detained, city police confirmed. The student brought the gun inside the school building in the early morning hours, according to a news release from the Myrtle Beach Police Department. At 8:07 a.m., the school's resource officer learned about the gun, according to the release. The officer made contact with the student and found the firearm. No one was harmed during the incident. "There is no threat at this time, but we will have additional officers on the scene while the investigation continues," the police department's release said. "This is an example of someone stepping up to report a threat to our community. We encourage all members of our community when you see something, say something." Myrtle Beach Middle School officials sent an advisory to parents to notify them of the incident. The discovery of a gun at an Horry County school comes just days after a shooting at a Conway school bus stop. The Feb. 1 shooting killed 18-year-old Carolina Forest High School student Ja'Mir Johnson. Conway police said that shooting happened around 7:30 a.m. as children gathered at the bus stop to wait for their ride to school. Investigators have released few details about what led to the killing, but school district officials confirmed many students in the area witnessed it. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified. The Feb. 1 shooting prompted the Conway Police Department to increase its presence at Conway High School while the investigation continues, a city spokeswoman confirmed. Conway High School Principal Tanika McKissick sent an email to students and their families on Feb. 6 informing them of the reason for the additional officers. MANILA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three passenger buses were buried after a massive landslide occurred on Tuesday in the southern Philippines, local media reported. The landslide took place around 7:50 p.m. near a mining site in Maco town of Davao de Oro province, a local disaster agency said. The passenger buses were ferrying workers from the mining site when the disaster struck, with several people buried alive in the landslide. The local disaster agency has yet to determine how many people were affected by the landslide. Local authorities have mobilized their personnel to rescue the victims and evacuated villagers from the affected town. Davao de Oro is one of the provinces in the Davao region hit by floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in recent days. 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 Its not uncommon for South Carolina's school boards and local governments to give meaninglessly vague reasons for kicking the public out of their public meetings to discuss the publics business. Its illegal, as courts make clear every time someone files a lawsuit, but the boards keep doing it because most people arent willing to spend the time and money it takes to fight a taxpayer-funded attorney whose goal often is to drag out the case. Its not uncommon, either, for governing boards to vote to give away special tax breaks and even spend money on infrastructure to recruit businesses that are identified only by a code name; its irresponsible and insulting to the public, but its legal because we know theyre spending our money on an economic development project, even if we dont know yet who the recipient is. Whats not common is coming out of those secret executive sessions and taking official actions without giving us a clue what theyre doing. We cant figure out any way to read the S.C. Freedom of Information Act to allow that. But thats what the board of Richland County School District One did Thursday, voting unanimously to approve the recommendation as outlined in executive session concerning the $30 million Vince Ford Early Learning Center, on which work was halted last month amid concerns by the state Education Department. A district spokeswoman said the board doesnt have to say what it voted to do because its covered by attorney-client privilege. And it is true that a loophole in state law does allow but does not require governing boards to keep secret the advice their attorneys give them on well, on just about anything, at least in the eyes of the attorneys who assure them they can. But that secrecy allows the precise legal strategy to be kept secret; its always been understood that public bodies have to define what it is theyre doing when they take official action, whether its to raise taxes or to carry out a legal strategy recommended by their attorney. Thats why the next recommendation from the attorney to hire a prominent outside law firm to handle the state inspector generals investigation of the Vince Ford Early Learning Center was spelled out, rather than being identified simply as approving the recommendation as outlined in executive session. COLUMBIA A South Carolina woman who was unable to receive an abortion in September after the state's "heartbeat" law took effect is suing in state court seeking to clarify whether the law bans abortion within six weeks or nine weeks of pregnancy. The lawsuit, filed Feb. 5 in conjunction with Planned Parenthood, asks a judge to interpret the law as banning abortion at the nine-week mark, which would constitute a major expansion of abortion access in South Carolina. The state's Republican leadership, which has defended the ban in court, has said the Legislature clearly intended to ban abortion at about six weeks of pregnancy. The plaintiff, South Carolina resident Taylor Shelton, said her intrauterine contraceptive device failed and she discovered she was pregnant Sept. 7, 2023 two weeks after the S.C. Supreme Court allowed the state to enforce the abortion ban. Shelton immediately determined she did not want a child and sought an abortion at about four weeks of pregnancy but could not obtain one in South Carolina due to the ban, the suit said. The complaint does not elaborate on why Planned Parenthood was unable to provide Shelton an abortion in South Carolina at four weeks, when it remains legal to do so. Vicki Ringer, Planned Parenthood's director of public policy in South Carolina, said in a statement to The Post and Courier the ban directly contributed to Shelton's situation by creating legal ambiguity and "the growing demand on providers as patients are forced to find available appointments on very short timelines." Shelton, after three trips to North Carolina and more than 20 hours of driving, received an abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Wilmington, N.C., on Sept. 23 just after six weeks of pregnancy. Abortion is legal until 12 weeks of pregnancy in North Carolina. MOUNT PLEASANT Republican Catherine Templeton cast herself as the "adult in the room," alluded to her enduring support for Donald Trump and described incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace as a fame-seeking flip-flopper when she declared her candidacy for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. Templeton formally launched her campaign Feb. 5, kicking off what is expected to be the most closely watched Republican primary race in the state. "It's our responsibility to send an adult who can get results to Washington," Templeton said. "We have serious problems, and we need serious people to solve them. We need a trusted leader who values service over celebrity." More than 100 people attended the event inside Water's Edge restaurant, where Templeton added, "We need a consistent conservative who doesn't flip-flop for fame." After joining a GOP-led revolt last year to oust Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, Mace was expected to draw a Republican challenger as she seeks a third term. She has sought to downplay Templeton's entrance into the race, blasting out an image on social media minutes before the announcement depicting Templeton as a puppet with McCarthy pulling the strings. "Im too busy working for the Lowcountry and helping elect President Trump to worry about Kevin McCarthys puppet," Mace told The Post and Courier. "We need to secure the border, fix the economy and put Donald Trump back in office to restore strength around the world. The D.C. swamp doesnt want me back too bad. I dont work for them, I work for the people of the 1st Congressional District and no one else." Templeton pushed back on the McCarthy tie-in, saying she was the one who sought a December meeting with top McCarthy ally Brian Walsh not the other way around. "I decided to run for Congress before Brian Walsh decided to run anybody for Congress," she said, adding that she began seriously considering challenging Mace in August. HEADLINES FOR REPUBLICANS Nikki Haley got a lot a mileage out of her surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend but is shutting down questions on how her cameo came about. During a Post and Courier Pints and Politics interview Feb. 5, Haley declined to give details of how her role in the show's opening sketch came about. That included questions about which side contacted the other first (hers or the show's), whether she was involved in crafting the jokes and how much rehearsal she was a part of before the 11:30 p.m. airing. "There will be a time and place that I talk about that, and that's not today," Haley said at Palmetto Brewing Co. in Charleston. She added "it's quite the story" and "it was just fun." Haley's segment came in the opening moments of the show during a mock CNN town hall. She queried cast member James Austin Johnsons portrayal of Donald Trump as to why Trump won't debate her. Haley has increased her attacks on the real Donald Trump in recent weeks as South Carolina heads toward its Republican presidential primary Feb. 24. During her Pints and Politics interview, Haley also had some pointed comments about U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, two fellow South Carolina Republicans she has supported in the past but who are backing Trump for president. What has she learned about their pick? "That they have to sleep with their decision," she said. Haley's schedule turns to California, a Super Tuesday state, for a couple of days of campaigning and fundraising events. HEADLINES FOR DEMOCRATS The final results for the Feb. 3 S.C. Democratic primary gave President Joe Biden 96.22 percent of the turnout, or 126,321 votes total. Marianne Williamson had 2.08 percent, or 2,726 votes. COLUMBIA South Carolina's Supreme Court heard arguments Feb. 6 over the constitutionality of the firing squad and electric chair as death penalty methods with some justices indicating discomfort with the procedures, especially the firing squad. Four death row inmates, all convicted murderers, are suing the state Department of Corrections arguing the electric chair violates the state constitutions prohibition of cruel punishment. They also contended the firing squad violates prohibitions against unusual or corporal punishment. During the hearing, the justices additionally seemed to be seeking a middle ground on how much information the department must give to death row inmates, the courts and the public about the drugs used in lethal injection under a recently signed Shield Law. Thirty-two men are on death row in South Carolina, the corrections department said. Though South Carolina now has the drugs to carry out a lethal injection execution, the dispute over the other two methods stems from the 12-year period after its last execution in 2011 when the state was unable to obtain them, creating a de facto moratorium. Drug companies will not sell death penalty drugs to states if their identities could be revealed, fearing public backlash, though South Carolina moved to change that thanks to a 2023 law protecting a company's identity. Since 1995, the states default method of execution had been lethal injection, though inmates could choose electrocution. In 2021, the governor signed a bill that made electrocution the default death penalty method but gave inmates the choice of firing squad or lethal injection if the drugs were available. People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) GAZA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. In a press statement, the ministry said Israeli forces killed 107 Palestinians and wounded 143 others in the past 24 hours. Some victims remain under the rubble because of heavy bombardment and lack of civil defense and ambulance crews, the ministry added. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli forces blew up a residential square and destroyed a house near Nasser Governmental Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Palestinian factions said in separate statements that their members clashed with Israeli forces in Khan Younis. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that it evacuated about 8,000 displaced people from Al Amal Hospital and its headquarters in Khan Younis after a 10-day siege. Only 40 displaced elderly people, about 80 sick and wounded people and 100 administrative and medical staff remained inside, the statement said. Palestinian paramedics said Israeli forces killed four Palestinians in a raid on a house in the Al-Salam neighborhood of Rafah, southern Gaza. Rafah is the last refuge for about half of the 2.3 million people in Gaza who have been displaced in search of a safer place. Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces shelled and clashed with gunmen in several areas and neighborhoods of Gaza City, including Sheikh Ajlin, Tal al-Hawa and Sheikh Radwan. People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People gather around a destroyed vehicle after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 6, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 27,585 with 66,978 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 15:34:25 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 / February 6, 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, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 25, 2024 Case information: lieffcabraser.com/securities/admContact 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.Contact:Sharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 13:01:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1028 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V:CMB)(Frankfurt:ZM5P)(CMCXF:OTCQB) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the final payment on the Silverknife and Amy Properties and also acquired an additional Mineral Tenure at Amy. The deal was completed on February 1, 2024 with the Optionor, Mr. Steven Scott a businessman and prospector. As a result, CMC is now a 100% owner of the aforementioned Properties as of the effective date of the Agreement. The original final payment of the option agreement was amended and subsequently a payment of 2,000,000 common shares, subject to a four month hold period from the effective date, was provided to Mr. Scott as the final payment.The Silverknife Property is located immediately west of Coeur Mining Inc. very high-grade silver-lead-zinc-critical minerals carbonate replacement deposit (i.e the "Silvertip mine") located in the emerging Rancheria Silver District in north-central British Columbia. CMC has only conducted preliminary exploration at the Silverknife Property and intends to focus future exploration efforts on the North Tootsee area of the Property. North Tootsee is underlain by limestones assigned to the McDame unit which are the host rock to the Silvertip mine located less than 2 kilometers to the east. CRD style deposits typically form in clusters, along structural corridors, and adjacent to intrusives such as granites/granodiorites which provide the heat source for the movement of mineralized fluids into overlying sediments such as limestones. Tootsee North is areally larger in size than the current footprint of the Silvertip mine, is located proximal to the heat source proven by CMC's small 2023 drilling program, and McDame is locally noted to be mineralized in showings just north of Silverknife. Future exploration efforts will include completion of road access to the Tootsee North area, trenching and ground geophysics to pinpoint structural zones that are highly prospective and would merit drilling.Amy is another high-grade silver-lead-zinc CRD target located just 8 kilometers to the west of the Silvertip mine. The property has a small non-compliant NI 43-101 high grade resource, which cannot be relied to any degree, but maybe an indicator of potential mineralization. High grade silver-lead-zinc mineralization within a limestone unit has also been verified in preliminary sampling efforts at surface by CMC. CMC intends to conduct a detailed mapping of the property and ground geophysics to pinpoint drill targets potentially for a winter drilling program.As previously stated, this deal also provides 100% rights to an additional mineral tenure located in the center of the Amy Property. The assignment of this tenure to CMC in essence removes the "hole of the donut" that existed at the Amy Property. The new tenure now results in total hectares at Amy of 1,038.51 hectares. Mr. Scott retains a 2% Conventional Royalty on the properties which is subject to a $1,000,000 buyout for a 1% interest of the Royalty that can be exercised at any time by CMC.Mr. John Bossio, Chairman of the Company noted "These acquisitions are culminating our efforts to build a strong portfolio of properties in the emerging Rancheria Silver District. Recent exploration efforts in the Silvertip area, especially those by Coeur Mining the owner of the high-grade Silvertip mine immediately proximal to the east of the Silverknife property, demonstrate the significant potential for additional discoveries of CRD deposits in the area. The mineralization model postulated for the region supports this assertion. We have barely scratched the surface on both the Silverknife and Amy Properties. We have a lot more work to do on these lands and we intend to do it." Mr. Kevin Brewer, P.Geo. and President and CEO of the Company noted that "Acquiring 100% ownership marks a significant milestone for CMC as it advances exploration on its properties. In a similar arrangement on our Bridal Veil late in 2023, we are now solidifying and gaining full control of our property portfolio which is now quite diverse. In particular, fully acquiring the highly prospective Silverknife and Amy properties is an exciting development as there is still considerable exploration upside on both of these properties in the emerging Rancheria Silver District in south central Yukon and Northern British Columbia. We remain highly committed to further advancing exploration in the near future for high grade carbonate replacement style silver-lead-zinc deposits on both of these properties preferably through a joint venture arrangement or a strategic partner." Qualified PersonQualified Person Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company's President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information pertaining reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.About CMC Metals Ltd.CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Mexico, Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our new flagship project is the Gavilanes Silver-Gold Project, San Dimas, Durango, Mexico. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silverknife and Amy projects (British Columbia) and the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil (Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon).On behalf of the Board:"John Bossio" John Bossio, ChairmanCMC METALS LTD.For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B. Sc.(Hons) , Dip. Mine Eng.President , CEO and DirectorTel: (+52) 669 198 8503kbrewer80@ hotmail.comSuite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email toinfo@ cmcmetals.caor contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly.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."This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interp PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 19:15:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 696 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Corrections have been made to more precisely reflect SYS Labs entrance as the majority stakeholder and core contributor of the DAO guiding the evolution of the Uno Re Insurance protocolDUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / SYS Labs, a venture studio dedicated to delivering value to the blockchain industry and a key proponent in expanding the Syscoin & Rollux ecosystems, proudly announces the strategic acquisition of Uno Re, a prominent player in decentralized finance (DeFi) insurance coverage. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in enhancing security and interoperability by diffusing the benefits of Syscoin and Uno Re ecosystems, and helping each grow to attract new clients outside their own ecosystems.Jagdeep Sidhu, CEO of SYS Labs, commented, "Acquiring a majority stake in UNO RE DAO is a pivotal moment for SYS Labs. This move not only strengthens our commitment to secure, scalable, and interoperable blockchain solutions but also brings Uno Re's expertise in DeFi insurance into our fold. This strategic step fortifies our Layer 2 offerings, ensuring unparalleled security for our users." Uno Re has carved its niche in DeFi insurance, with a suite of coverage options exceeding $15 million in on-chain policies. Integrating Uno Re's expertise into SYS Labs' ecosystem will provide top-tier security solutions, boosting the insurance capacity including significant funds from partner DeFi projects and substantial physical policies.This move is expected to significantly enhance the insurance capacity of the ecosystem, including the >$100 million from partner DeFi projects and over $10 million from physical policies through our legal cell in Bermuda.This non-cash acquisition event is facilitated by the SYS Labs team replacing the core team and primary contributors to the Uno Re DAO (decentralized autonomous organization), which governs the development of the protocol. This emphasizes SYS Labs' dedication to strengthening the security framework within its ecosystem, and will leverage their industry experience and relationships to expand Uno Re's offerings onto additional layers and blockchains, creating new capital channels. The integration of Uno Re's coverage products with SYS Labs' blockchain solutions will create a robust, secure environment for DeFi participants, and bolster the greater SYS Labs ecosystem by adding capacity for securityaudits and insurance within its diverse range of products and services, including Rollux, SuperDapp, Camada, and Pachira.SYS Labs and Uno Re are broadening their reach with this strategic move, enhancing security, building trust, and driving innovation. We invite the crypto community to experience the growth and opportunities that this new chapter unlocks.About SYS LabsSYS Labs is the crucible where cutting-edge technology and financial revolution converge, building the fundamental layers of true Web3, and connecting users, dApps, and assets to create seamless flows between ecosystems. SYS Labs is a venture builder that creates the infrastructure, dapps, and tools necessary to meet the needs and desires of a global population, all backed by Bitcoin's security and enhanced by Syscoin's finality and groundbreaking L1 data availability solution, Bitcoin DA. Website | X | Syscoin | RolluxAbout SyscoinCelebrating its tenth year at the forefront of blockchain innovation, Syscoin has been a pioneer in harnessing Bitcoin's proven security for scalable blockchain solutions. With the development of Rollux, an OPStack EVM Layer 2 solution, and the Bitcoin Data Availability protocol (formerly PoDA), Syscoin stands as a testament to blockchain's evolution. Syscoin's modular design philosophy emphasizes specialized security, performance, and cost efficiency to provide the most robust result with the fewest number of trade-offs. Syscoin's decade of innovation has now culminated in the integration of zkDA-the master key to unlocking Bitcoin's ultimate potential by sharing its unmatched Proof-of-Work security and data availability solution with any rollup on any chain. Website | Discord | Telegram | News | Github | YouTube | Facebook | X | InstagramAbout Uno ReUno Re is building a fully secure decentralized insurance ecosystem to serve institutional and individual Web3 participants. The protocol's insurance platform has sold over $15 million in coverage across various crypto protocols, with risk underwritten for over eighty-five different protocols and six stablecoins on our B2C Insurance Sales dApp - The Cover Portal. Website | X | Telegram | Instagram | Github | Discord | Medium | DocsRead more about the SYS Labs & Uno Re deal by visiting the blog on Rollux.com Media Contact:Dylan StewartEmail -Dylan@ syscoin.orgPR -info@ cryptoshib.com SOURCE: SYS Labs SANAA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's armed Houthi group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for launching attacks against U.S. and British vessels in the Red Sea. "We carried out two military operations in the Red Sea, the first targeting an American ship (Star Nasia) and the other targeting a British vessel (Morning Tide). Both ships were targeted with appropriate naval missiles, and the hits were accurate and direct," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement broadcast by the group's Al-Masirah TV. "We will carry out more attacks against all hostile American and British targets in the Red and Arabian Sea," he said, claiming their attacks came in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Hours earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization said it received a report of a projectile attack targeting a British vessel off Yemen's Houthi-held Hodeidah port city. The attack incurred slight damage to the vessel's bridge windows, it said, adding that the vessel continues sailing. In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command said on Monday afternoon its forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). It said that its forces identified the explosive USVs in the Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. The U.S. Central Command also said its forces conducted a strike in self-defense on Sunday against four Houthi land-attack cruise missiles after the Houthis prepared them to launch against ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis have escalated their drone and missile attacks against U.S. and British navy ships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since mid-November 2023. In response, the United States and Britain launched dozens of retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi targets in an attempt to deter the group from attacking the shipping vessels in the international waters. The Houthis said the airstrikes would not stop them, vowing to launch more attacks. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 13:00:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 552 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CNSX:ER)(OTC PINK:ERYTF), or "Eagle Royalties") has been informed that Fathom Nickel Inc. has recently commenced diamond drilling activity on their100% owned Albert Lake property. According to a news release issued by Fathom on January 16th, 2024, Fathom intends to complete ~2,000m of drilling in 6-7 holes, with the majority of the target area located on mineral dispositions subject to a 2% net smelter royalty (the "Royalty") held by Eagle Royalties (see location map, following). The Royalty may be reduced to 1% upon payment to Eagle Royalties of CDN $1,000,000. The current drill program will focus on the Tremblay-Olson Claims area, approximately two km southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine, where Fathom has identified a very robust time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) conductor occurring on the eastern flank of a multi-element-in-soil anomaly.Tremblay Olson Claims area highlights*:The Tremblay-Olson Showing, located 2.5km southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine, is defined by a lens-shaped ultramafic body exposed on surface through trenching. Recorded trench values range from 0.16% Ni - 3.11% Ni; 0.06% Cu - 0.91% Cu; and 0.30 g/t - 1.01 g/t Pd+Pt1. Drilling completed in 1987 in an area northeast of the Tremblay-Olson showing returned multiple intervals of anomalous Ni-Cu and Pd-Pt hosted in metasedimentary rock. A soil geochemistry program covering the Tremblay-Olson Claims area was completed in Q4-2022. This program identified a very robust multi-element-in-soil anomaly measuring approximately four-square kilometers. The anomaly is centred 2.0 kilometers southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine. *source: fathom Nickel Inc. news release January 16th, 2024See target area location and summary map hereTechnical information in this News Release has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Royalties, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101.About Eagle Royalties Ltd.Eagle Royalties was previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. ("EPL":TSXV), incorporated in late 2022 to manage the diverse royalty holdings of EPL. In May 2023, ER was spun out to Eagle Plains' shareholders on a 1:3 basis by means of a plan of arrangement. Eagle Royalties was listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") on May 19th, 2023.Eagle Royalties benefits from having over 50 royalty interests in western Canada covering a broad spectrum of commodities including critical metals, precious metals, uranium, industrial minerals and diamonds. Projects subject to royalties in favour of ER are controlled by companies including Cameco Corp., Iso Energy Corp., Denison Mines Corp., Skeena Resources Ltd. and Banyan Gold Corp., among many others.On behalf of the Board of Directors"Tim J. Termuende" President and CEOFor further information on ER, please contact Mike Labach at1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673)Email: info@ eagleroyalties.com or visit our website at https://www.eagleroyalties.com/ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsNeither the CSE nor any other regulatory body has reviewed or approved the contents of this news release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming financings, 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.SOURCE: Eagle Royalties Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 10:01:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 609 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against GrafTech International Ltd. ("GrafTech" or "the Company") (NYSE:EAF) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired GrafTech securities between February 8, 2019 and August 23, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/EAF Case Details:The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, GrafTech made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:(1) GrafTech's 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) GrafTech's 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) GrafTech's 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) GrafTech's capital expenditures and/or related operational projects were woefully insufficient to adequately address the harm that GrafTech's 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 GrafTech's 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 GrafTech's business, operations, reputation, and financial results.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/EAF or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in GrafTech you have until March 25, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 15:01:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 485 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Rancho Biosciences, a globally recognized Data Science Services company headquartered in San Diego, California, is pleased to announce its partnership with EMD Serono, Takeda and a top 10 pharma company as charter members of the groundbreaking Spatial Innovation Initiative.SII Logo The Spatial Innovation Initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at advancing the field of spatial transcriptomics and its applications in drug discovery and development. By bringing together leading organizations, the initiative seeks to harness the power of spatially resolved gene expression data to drive innovation in the life sciences. The initial work performed as part of this initiative aims to deliver harmonized and analysis-ready spatial transcriptomic datasets in the hands of its membership.Rancho Biosciences, The Data Science Services company is committed to revolutionizing research in the life sciences and is excited to join forces with EMD Serono and Takeda in this visionary project. As charter members, these organizations will work together to:Advance Scientific Knowledge: By pooling resources, talent, and expertise, the Spatial Innovation Initiative will accelerate scientific understanding of spatial gene expression patterns, shedding light on complex biological processes and disease mechanisms.Drive Drug Discovery: The initiative aims to support translational biology and deliver spatial transcriptomic insights into novel therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and drug development strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.Foster Collaboration: By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and technology innovators, this initiative will create a network of knowledge sharing and innovation in the field of spatial transcriptomics.Dan Rozelle, Director of Analytics at Rancho Biosciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "We are proud to announce the Spatial Innovation Initiative and look forward to welcoming our charter members. We are looking to build on our success of the current Single-Cell Data Science Consortium by supporting this new initiative. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing data-driven cutting-edge solutions in the life sciences. Together, we have the potential to transform the landscape of drug discovery and development." The Spatial Innovation Initiative represents a significant milestone in the field of life sciences, uniting organizations at the forefront of innovation. Rancho Biosciences, EMD Serono, Takeda and our other members will embark on this journey together, with a shared vision of improving human health through the power of spatial transcriptomics.For more information about the Spatial Innovation Initiative, please visit [Initiative Website Link].For press inquiries or additional information, please contact:Julie Bryant, CEO Julie.bryant@ranchobiosciences.com (760) 717-7881About Rancho Biosciences:Rancho Biosciences is a leading Data Science Services company headquartered in San Diego, California. With a deep commitment to data-driven solutions, Rancho Biosciences partners with organizations in the life sciences industry to accelerate research, drug discovery, and development efforts. For more information, please visit https://ranchobiosciences.com Contact InformationJulie Bryant CEOjulie.bryant@ranchobiosciences.com 760-717-7881SOURCE: Rancho BioSciences, LLCView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 02:10:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 596 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 5, 2024 / In a bold move towards reshaping the future of social interaction through augmented reality (AR) technology,MARKis excited to announce the appointment of Ryan Horn as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ryan's impressive track record in tech innovation and leadership positions him perfectly to lead MARK's innovative journey. This appointment coincides with an exciting new collaboration that underlines MARK's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AR technology.Ryan Horn: A Seasoned LeaderWith a career marked by success stories, Ryan Horn steps into the role of CEO at MARK, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking mindset. His previous roles as the Director of NFT at Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, and as the co-founder of N3ON, are testament to his innovative spirit and profound understanding of the tech industry. Horn's vision aligns tightly with MARK's mission to revolutionize the AR landscape.During his time at Binance, Horn played a pivotal role in the rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), which have become a cornerstone of the digital asset industry. Horn led the launch of the first Web3 Fan Token in the English Premier League in collaboration with Arsenal FC. His contributions extended to the successful delivery of major IPs, influencers, and superstars for Binance, catalysing exponential growth in digital assets and interactive platforms. Ryan Horn's achievements underline his leadership and innovation in the tech world.Speaking about this exciting development, Ryan Horn shared his enthusiasm:"Joining MARK is a momentous step towards a future where AR seamlessly integrates into our daily lives. I am thrilled to lead a team at the forefront of this technological revolution, especially as we embark on exciting collaborations." MARK's New London OfficeIn addition to this exciting development, Mark is pleased to announce the opening of its first office outside Saudi Arabia in Canary Wharf, London. This strategic move provides MARK with a physical footprint in London, the UK, and Europe, opening up opportunities covering over 730 million potential users and establishing a closer link to the Americas.This expansion reinforces MARK's commitment to global innovation and positions the company at the heart of one of the world's leading tech hubs. MARK's presence in London is a significant milestone in the company's journey, allowing it to better serve users on a global scale.MARK at LEAP 2024: RiyadhWith the appointment of Ryan Horn as CEO and the opening of a new London office, you would think the MARK team has done their job for Q1 2024 however, MARK's founder, Ziad Jarrar, and his executive team will not only be at LEAP 2024 but will be presenting MARK to the world's most attended tech event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. LEAP is an innovative technology conference for pioneers to showcase their innovations and share insights into the future of the industry.As part of the conference, Ziad Jarrar & Ryan Horn will officially launch MARK to the world with a cutting-edge presentation showcasing its AR technology and its potential to revolutionize social media, while offering valuable insights into the AR industry's future.The AR industry, the social media industry and users all over the world can anticipate a host of new and exciting initiatives from Ryan Horn and his team atMARK . Horn's journey serves as a testament to the idea that the tech landscape is in a constant state of evolution, and individuals of his calibre leave not one but many marks on our world and the digital realm.Media Details:Website URL: https://markmetaearth.io/Company Name: MARKEmail address: ryanhorn@ markmetaearth.io SOURCE: MARK PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 13:00:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 967 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Fury Gold Mines Limited (TSX:FURY)(NYSE American:FURY) ("Fury" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the final set of results from the 12,000 metre (m) 2023 drilling program at the Hinge Target, part of the high-grade Eau Claire gold project located in the Eeyou Istchee Territory, in the James Bay region of Quebec. The Hinge Target comprises a series of stacked gold-bearing quartz tourmaline veins concentrated within a 200m wide structurally controlled corridor. Highlights from these last five drill holes include 17.62g/t gold over 3.50m (including 29.80g/t gold over 2.00m), and 22.20g/t gold over 0.50m from 23EC-082; 3.35g/t gold over 8.50m (including 5.70g/t gold over 3.00m), and 2.24g/t gold over 7.50m from 23EC-079; and 5.49g/t gold over 3.50m from 23EC-078 (Table 1; Figure 1). The reported intercept from drill hole 23EC-082 of 17.62g/t gold over 3.50m is within 135m of surface and is completely open to surface and to the west, above the rest of the Hinge Target."We remain encouraged by the final set of results out of the Hinge Target from our 2023 exploration program, as they continue to demonstrate the growth potential at Eau Claire and will be incorporated in our upcoming updated mineral resource estimate," commented Tim Clark, CEO of Fury. "Notably, these results are near surface which easily opens the target for further expansion. With just five holes still pending from the Percival Prospect remaining, we look forward to reporting the final results from our 2023 drilling program in the coming weeks." Table 1: Current Eau Claire Drill ResultsHole ID From To Length (m) Au (g/t) Te (g/t) 23EC-078348 349 1.00 2.29 2.03 354 355 1.00 4.26 3.60371.5 375 3.50 5.49 7.01399 400.5 1.50 1.57 1.79 457 459 2.00 2.47 4.51 580 582 2.00 3.09 4.14 650 651 1.00 3.78 34.18697 706.5 9.50 1.88 3.01Incl. 703.5 705 1.50 6.31 8.6623EC-079 271 279.5 8.50 3.35 5.71 Incl. 275 278 3.00 5.70 10.70298 299.5 1.50 2.16 2.91321 328.5 7.50 2.24 2.85 23EC-081103.5 105 1.50 1.89 0.14 142.5 143.5 1.00 2.83 4.39 166.5 169.5 3.00 1.34 2.06 219.5 221 1.50 1.41 5.0023EC-082172.5 174 1.50 4.56 5.02182.5 186 3.50 17.62 27.51 Incl. 182.5 184.5 2.00 29.80 46.53273 274.5 1.50 1.75 0.21366.5 367 0.50 22.20 2.77 Main intervals - Au grade*thickness no less than 2 g/t*m with grade is no less than 1 g/t, maximum consecutive dilution 2mSub-intervals - Au grade*thickness no less than 7 g/t*m with grade is no less than 3.5 g/t, maximum consecutive dilution 2mDownhole thickness was used due to the unknown zone orientationsWestern Hinge TargetDrilling in 2023 has confirmed that the Hinge Target is the direct westerly extension of the high-grade Eau Claire gold deposit extending the mineralized footprint by over 400m. Drilling to date has identified a series of discrete sub-vertical quartz tourmaline veins concentrated in two, 100m wide, structurally controlled corridors with vertical continuity now demonstrated over 400m. The Hinge Target remains open up dip, down dip and to the west (Figure 1). The 12,000m of drilling completed at the Hinge Target in 2023 were designed to tighten up the drill hole spacing to a nominal 60-80m for use in an updated independent mineral resource estimate, which is now underway."This latest round of drill results have clearly demonstrated that the Hinge Target connects with and will extend the defined Eau Claire gold resource. More importantly, we have intercepted high-grade gold over good widths near surface and the potential up dip continuation of the mineralization is a compelling target for Fury to pursue. Now that all of the 2023 results for the Hinge are finalized, the technical team is working hard on updating the mineral resource estimate," stated Bryan Atkinson, SVP of Exploration at Fury.The Company is also pleased to announce that Fury will be participating in the upcoming BMO Global Metals & Mining Conference to be held in person from February 25th to February 28th, 2024. Tim Clark, CEO and Director, will be in attendance meeting with investors to discuss the Company's high-grade gold projects in Canada. The BMO Global Metals & Mining Conference connects mining companies with institutional funds, private equity groups, family offices and sector analysts. For more information on this conference visit https://capitalmarkets.bmo.com/en/industries/global-metals-mining/ Figure 1: Eau Claire Resource Long Section Looking North showing the location of the reported drill intercepts and the overall scale potential of the Hinge Target.Sampling and Assaying Disclosure Analytical samples for the Drill Program were taken by sawing HQ diameter core into equal halves on site with one half sent to ALS Chemex in Val D'or, Quebec, Canada for preparation and analysis. All samples were assayed using a 50 g nominal weight fire assay with inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry finish (Au-ICP22) and multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). Where Au-ICP22 results were greater than 0.5 ppm Au the assay was repeated with a 50 g nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption finish (Au-AA24). Samples containing more than 10 ppm by Au-AA24 were re-assayed with 50 g nominal weight fire assay with gravimetric finish (Au-GRA22). QA/QC programs using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates and blanks indicate good overall accuracy and precision.David Rivard, P.Geo, Exploration Manager at Fury, is a "qualified person" within the meaning of Canadian mineral projects disclosure standards instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this press release.About Fury Gold Mines Limited Fury Gold Mines Limited is a well-financed Canadian-focused exploration company positioned in two prolific mining regions across Canada and holds a 59.5 million common share position in Dolly Varden Silver Corp (22% of issued shares). Led by a management team and board of directors with proven success in financing and advancing exploration assets, Fury intends to grow its multi-million-ounce gold platform through rigorous project evaluation and exploration excellence. Fury is committed to upholding the highest industry standards for corporate governance, environmental stewardship, community engagement and sustainable mining. For more information on Fury Gold Mines, visit www.furygoldmines.com For further information on Fury Gold Mines Limited, please contact: Margaux Villalpando, Manager Investor RelationsTel: (844) 601-0841Email: info@ furygoldmines.com Website: www.furygoldmines.com Forward-Looking Statements and Additional Cautionary LanguageThis release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applica PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 14:01:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 479 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 JACKSON CENTER, PA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Halberd Corporation's (OTC PINK:HALB) and Athena GTX's executives interviewed on "The Street Reports," discuss the relationship between Halberd and Athena and why that relationship is going to advance Halberd's breakthrough technologies toward government contracts.Listen here: https://thestreetreports.com/halb-ceo-william-hartman-cto-dr-mitchell-felder-and-ceo-of-athena-gtx-mark-darrah-discuss-company-partnership-and-optimistic-2024-on-the-street-reports-podcast-listen-now/ To get the latest on Halberd's exciting developments, subscribe by submitting this form.(https://halberdcorporation.com/contact-us/) For more information please contact:William A. Hartman w.hartman@ halberdcorporation.comsupport@halberdcorporation.comwww.halberdcorporation.com Twitter:@HalberdCAbout Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).Established in 1974, the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) comprises six locations, catering to all 82 counties in Mississippi and the broader Southeastern United States. The primary campus, situated in Starkville, encompasses the Wise Center, home to the main teaching hospital known as the Animal Health Center. The faculty and staff of the MSU CVM Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences cover fundamental scientific disciplines essential for veterinary education. MSU CVM is dedicated to an ethical approach in the treatment of animals, demonstrating a sincere passion and commitment.About Athena GTX, Inc.Athena GTX is a certified DoD small business with Corporate Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. Athena focuses development on wearables and highly mobile, wirelessly connected monitoring technologies, and transitioning those to key markets to meet unmet needs of first responders worldwide. Wireless Patient Monitoring - Athena GTX connects patient and provider About - Athena GTX Inc.Youngstown State University.Youngstown State University is a public university in Youngstown, Ohio, and is composed of 5 undergraduate colleges. The University has over 150 undergraduate degree programs and 50 graduate degree programs serving over 12,000 students in studies up to the doctoral level. Beyond its current student body, the university has more than 125,000 alumni across the country and around the world.About Halberd Corporation.Halberd Corporation (OTC PINK:HALB), is a publicly traded company on the OTC Market, and is in full compliance with OTC Market reporting requirements. Since its restructuring in April of 2020, Halberd has obtained exclusive worldwide rights to three issued patents and has filed 22 related provisional, PCT, or utility patent applications to enhance its value to its stockholders and to attract the interests of potential development partners.Safe Harbor NoticeCertain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). The Company' cautions our readers that statements, and assumptions made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and makes no guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. These statements may address issues that involve significant risks, uncertainties and associated estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. Halberd Corporation undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this news release.(C) 2024, Halberd CorporationSOURCE: Halberd Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 16:04:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 487 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Senior Executive brings commercial expertise to drive early-stage company growthHOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / InnoVent Renewables announces the addition of senior leader Gerardo (Gerry) Trevino in support of InnoVent's corporate mission to drive renewable energy forward by mitigating the global environmental challenge of waste tires. InnoVent Renewables launched as a U.S.-based technology and operations company with a proprietary continuous pyrolysis technology that converts waste tires, plastics, and biomass into valuable fuels and chemicals. As Commercial Director, Supply, Trading, Logistics and Business Services, Mr. Trevino will lead InnoVent Renewables' early-stage growth through his focus on commercial activities, including supplier, partner and customer relationship management.Gerardo (Gerry) Trevino Gerardo (Gerry) Trevino headshot"We are thrilled to have Gerry join InnoVent Renewables at this strategic point in our development," noted InnoVent Renewables CEO Vibhu Sharma. "Gerry brings us proven success in the Mexico tire industry and his deep commercial expertise will be essential to helping InnoVent Renewables achieve both our near-term and long-term company objectives." "I am excited to support InnoVent Renewables and the visionary leadership team led by CEO Vibhu Sharma in its mission to solve the global environmental challenge of waste tires," said Mr. Trevino. "This is a unique opportunity to have a substantial positive impact on our environment, and I am excited to support the early-stage growth of InnoVent Renewables." Mr. Trevino brings over 30 years of commercial sales, account management, and logistics expertise in the Mexico tire industry. He joins InnoVent Renewables from JK Tornel, a leading tire manufacturer in Mexico. Mr. Trevino was the National Manager of Truck, Farm, Industrial and OTR Sales. Prior to JK, Mr. Trevino held senior commercial, account management, and sales leadership roles with Group Serna Michelin, Bridgestone Mexico, MN Grupo Comercial, S.A. DE C.V., and Grupo Llanti Systems, S.A. DE C.V.With a solution to the global environmental challenge of waste tires, InnoVent Renewables has assembled a team of world-class executives each with more than 25 years of energy and chemical industry experience to drive early-stage growth. With current operations in Houston (USA), Pune (India), and Monterrey (Mexico), the company has aggressive growth plans across North America and Latin America, with future expansion opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.About InnoVent RenewablesInnoVent Renewables is a U.S.-based technology and operations company with a proprietary continuous pyrolysis technology that converts waste tires, plastics, and biomass into valuable fuels and chemicals. InnoVent's corporate mission is to drive renewable energy forward by addressing the global environmental challenge of waste tires. With operations currently in Houston (USA), Pune (India), and Monterrey (Mexico), InnoVent has aggressive international expansion plans. More information on InnoVent Renewables can be found at innoventrenewables.com Contact InformationMatt FlanaganMedia Contactmatt.flanagan@innoventrenewables.com 713-927-6136SOURCE: InnoVent RenewablesView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 04:50:37 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 / February 1, 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: 2024-02-06 20:45:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 472 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / In a striking revelation underscored by the Agoyu article, ' Moving Scams: Confronting Ongoing Consumer Hardships Amidst Token Federal Crackdowns ,' a comprehensive investigation into the moving industry has unveiled a critical issue plaguing American consumers: the unchecked prevalence of moving scams. Despite the Federal Government's recent initiative, Operation Protect Your Move, which promised a rigorous crackdown on unethical players in the moving industry, the effort has proven to be woefully insufficient.The investigation, detailed in an insightful article available on the Agoyu platform, underscores the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) limited scope of action. Their efforts, confined to a mere three-week enforcement sweep across just 16 states, have been deemed a token gesture in contrast to the scale of the crisis at hand. The FMCSA's commitment to addressing this widespread issue, affecting countless Americans with financial losses and emotional distress, has been questioned, considering the brevity and limited reach of their campaign.Reports and studies, including the extensive investigation by Newsweek, have highlighted a disturbing trend of moving scams. Tactics such as price gouging, bait-and-switch maneuvers, and outright fraud have seen a worrying increase, exploiting the trust of unsuspecting customers. The FMCSA's own records have shown a dramatic rise in complaints, more than doubling between 2015 and 2022 from 3,030 to 7,647, signifying the growing severity of the issue.The shortcomings of federal efforts have raised concerns about the need for a more robust and comprehensive approach to protect consumers. Amidst this troubling backdrop, the Agoyu initiative, spearheaded by ARC Relocation, emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation. Agoyu offers comprehensive protection and resources to consumers at no cost, utilizing advanced technology and industry best practices to address key challenges such as lack of price transparency and the need for reliable mover verification.Agoyu's cutting-edge AI technology provides accurate cost estimates, countering traditional, less reliable methods that often lead to inflated prices or unexpected charges. The platform emphasizes 'bound/not to exceed' quotes and implements a rigorous vetting process for movers, significantly reducing the risk of falling prey to moving scams.As the moving industry confronts these challenges, Agoyu's innovative approach offers a promising path towards a more trustworthy and reliable moving experience. The platform embodies the principles of integrity, transparency, and consumer protection, essential in reshaping the moving industry.This news release aims to shed light on the inadequacies of federal efforts in addressing the crisis of moving scams and highlights the crucial role of platforms like Agoyu in protecting American consumers. For further insights into the prevalence of moving scams and the inadequacy of federal responses, readers are encouraged to visit Moving Scams: Confronting Ongoing Consumer Hardships Amidst Token Federal Crackdowns ,' where the detailed article is available for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.For more information, please contact:Support@ agoyu.comwww.agoyu.com SOURCE: Agoyu PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 13:01:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 765 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTH PALM BEACH, FL and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Nascent Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:NBIO) ("Nascent Biotech", "Nascent"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of various cancers and viral infections, announced today it has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Manhattan BioSolutions, Inc. (Manhattan Bio), an emerging biotech company focused on precision biologics, to explore antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) using Nascent's lead clinical candidate pritumumab (PTB) as the tumor-targeting antibody element.Pritumumab (PTB) is a natural human antibody. This monoclonal antibody targets extracellular form of vimentin, a protein that has been linked to cancer growth and metastasis and is overexpressed in both brain and pancreatic cancers as well as other hard tumor cancers. PTB is a targeted immunotherapy that binds to vimentin in tumors and recruits the immune system to eliminate cancer cells. PTB has demonstrated a promising safety profile and preliminary efficacy in completed Phase I study in glioblastoma patients. Nascent has been recently cleared by the FDA to begin Phase II clinical trials for brain cancer.In preclinical experiments, PTB antibody has shown the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier with the additional potential to transport conjugated drugs into brain tissues, and Nascent holds a patent covering this specialized delivery mechanism. Under the terms of the agreement, Manhattan Bio will perform PTB conjugations to industry standard linker-payloads and will evaluate the resulting ADCs in the in vitro cell assays. The most promising candidates will be prioritized for further development for the treatment of vimentin-positive and potential secondary targets in advanced or metastatic tumors.Nascent CEO, Sean Carrick, commented: "We are thrilled to unlock the full disruptive potential of pritumumab against cancer by collaborating with Manhattan Bio's world-leading scientists. This collaboration serves as an exciting first step in uncovering the possibilities of better targeted cancer therapies." "Pritumumab offers unexplored potential as an ADC vector, and we are excited to test that promise leveraging our expertise in ADC discovery and development. This could pave the way for applying our newest linker-payload innovations to pritumumab in the future" said Dr. Borys Shor, CEO of Manhattan Bio.About Nascent BiotechNascent Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:NBIO) is a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering the development of human monoclonal antibodies to be used in the treatment of various cancers, helping people worldwide. Its products are not yet commercially available. The Company's lead candidate, Pritumumab (PTB), is a human monoclonal Antibody (Mab) that has progressed to Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of Brain Cancer. For further information please visit our website www.nascentbiotech.com Forward Looking Safe Harbor StatementStatements in this press release about our future expectations constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time and our actual results could differ materially from expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, Nascent Biotech Inc's ability to target the medical professionals; Nascent Biotech Inc's ability to raise capital; as well as other risks. Additional information about these and other factors may be described in the Nascent Biotech Inc's Form 10, filed on May 2, 2015, and future subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.Corporate Contact:Sean Carrick sean.carrick@nascentbiotech.com About Manhattan BioSolutionsManhattan BioSolutions, Inc is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of biologic immunotherapies targeting host defense pathways for the treatment of advanced cancers. The company advances two technology platforms for drug discovery: RNA-degrader proteins, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) - through collaborations with leading academic institutions. Manhattan Bio has established partnerships with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Stony Brook University, The University at Buffalo, Binghamton University, INSERM, Nascent Biotech, EVQLV, and has been awarded grants by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT), the New York State Center For Biotechnology and the University at Buffalo Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (UBCAT). Learn more at manhattanbiosolutions.com and follow Manhattan BioSolutions on LinkedIn or Twitter.Contact for investor inquiries:Borys Shor, Ph.D. ir@ manhattanbiosolutions.com SOURCE: Nascent Biotech Inc. CHENGDU, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-four giant panda cubs were gathered at two breeding bases in southwest China's Sichuan Province for a Chinese New Year greeting on Sunday. All the cubs were born in 2023 -- 10 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and 14 at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. Amid festive decorations at the Shenshuping breeding base and at the second location in Chengdu's Beihu area, the cubs were held by their caretakers and posed for cameras to delight people around the world as Chinese New Year approaches. Over the years, the two organizations have been cooperating on giant panda breeding, genetic preservation, and disease prevention and control. They have also assembled expert panels to support the Giant Panda National Park, which was established in 2021. Covering an area of more than 22,000 square kilometers, the park plays a crucial role in safeguarding about 72 percent of China's wild giant pandas. There are approximately 1,900 giant pandas living in the wild in China today, and the global captive population of giant pandas has climbed to 728, with 46 pandas successfully bred in captivity last year, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 15:01:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 478 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Report explores and analyzes the cyber threat landscape created by IABs on the Russian-language hacking forum ExploitMONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 /Flare, the leading Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solution provider, has released a new report that explores and analyzes the cyber threat landscape and threats to NATO countries created by initial access brokers (IABs) on Russian-language hacking forums.IABs are key players in the cybercrime landscape. They infiltrate systems and gain unauthorized access through various techniques, including spear-phishing, exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, and leveraging leaked and stolen credentials, with the primary goal of establishing persistence in these environments.For this report, Flare analyzed hundreds of IAB posts on the Russian-language hacking forums, and discovered recent activity in 21 out of the 31 NATO countries - confirming the extensive reach and consistent potential threat IABs pose to national security and economic stability.One of the key findings of the report is the threat actors' preference for targeting critical infrastructure sectors in NATO member states - their strategic value allows IABs to demand higher prices in the cybercrime market. The report also highlights the anonymized nature of IAB posts and the careful efforts of threat actors to conceal sensitive details, which poses challenges in identifying victims.The analysis indicates a clear trend toward targeted cyberattacks on the U.S. defense sector and a higher price point for access to U.S. defense contractors. This reflects the high value of these targets and suggests that threat actors recognize the significant impact of infiltrating defense-related systems."Geopolitics are no longer isolated from cybercrime," said Eric Clay, VP Marketing at Flare. "As global tensions have increased we've seen a spillover where nation-states may directly leverage cybercrime groups to further their aims." To better understand the IAB threat landscape targeting entities in NATO member states, Flare presents a snapshot of recent IAB sales from the Exploit forum in the report. These sales, involving entities in 21 NATO countries and primarily from the years 2023 and 2024, represent just a small sample of the multitude of IAB listings.To explore this research and the significant impact of IABs gaining unauthorized access to the sensitive information of NATO member states, please read the full report at https://flare.io/learn/resources/initial-access-broker-landscape-in-nato-member-states-on-exploit-forum/ About FlareFlare provides the Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solution for organizations. Our AI-driven technology constantly scans the online world, including the clear and dark web, to discover unknown events, automatically prioritize risks, and deliver actionable intelligence you can use instantly to improve security. Our solution integrates into your security program in 30 minutes to provide your team with actionable intelligence and automated remediation for threats across the clear & dark web. Flare is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. For more information, visit https://flare.io/ Contact InformationChloe MartineauMarketing Specialistpress@ flare.io 1-833-486-3527SOURCE: FlareView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 14:35:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1015 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 QUEBEC, QC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR) (OTCQB:NRRWF) (FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the receipt of a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") from another Development Financial Institution (DFI) for up to US$15M debt financing.This LOI is subject to the satisfactory completion of a due diligence process and the finalisation of all terms between the parties. The proposed debt financing is for a 7-year period which includes a 2-year grace period to complete the construction of new sites. These funds are proposed to enable NuRAN to build an additional 800 sites within Africa.US$5M Loan Mandate LetterNuRAN is also pleased to report that the Mandate Letter previously announced on January 3rd, 2024, has now transitioned into a term sheet which will form the basis of definitive loan documentation. The operational, business, and commercial due diligence has already been satisfactorily completed, leaving only the environmental and legal due diligence outstanding. These funds provided to NuRAN Africa would essentially be used to build more rural and remote mobile sites within Africa."We have been looking for alternative sources of financing our site build in Africa since we launched this initiative. With over 4600 sites currently under contract, having access to various capital sources is imperative. With the recent stats form our current 79 live sites in Cameroon, NuRAN is gaining more confidence in the financing process with the expectation that site deployment will accelerate throughout 2024 and beyond" states Francis Letourneau, CEO of NuRAN Wireless Inc.About NuRAN Wireless:NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information:For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Letourneau,Director and CEO Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com Tel: (418) 264-1337Frank CandidoInvestor relations Frank.candido@nuranwireless.com Tel: (514) 969-5530Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the signing and closing of the DFI loans, statements with respect to the number of live towers to be installed and proposed revenues over 2023, 2024 and 2025, statements with respect to financing at the NuRAN Africa intended to be complementary to the DFI loans and if completed is intended be used to accelerate growth in other markets, including recent contracts signed in Ivory Coast and Madagascar, statements with respect to the future conversion of sites in inventory to live sites as the Company secures additional financing to support the conversion, statements with respect to proposed debt settlements with management and short term and long term lenders including any potential restructuring of debt and that the execution of the loan agreement with the DFIs will propel NuRAN to build towers at an aggressive pace and fulfil our 2024 and 2025 expectation. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. 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, such as the uncertainties regarding include risks such as the uncertainties regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and measures to prevent its spread, risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to refinance its long term and short term debt; NuRAN's ability to adequately restructure its operations with respect to its new model of NaaS service contracts; NuRAN's ability to complete the DFI financings, our ability to collect fees from our telecommunication providers and reliance on the network of our telecommunications providers, the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; effects of the global supply shortage affecting parts needed for NuRAN's sites and site installations; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in applicable telecommunications laws or regulations or changes in license and regulatory fees, downturns in customers' business cycles; and insurance prices and insurance coverage availability, the Company's ability to effectively maintain or update information and technology systems; our ability to implement and maintain measures to protect against cyberattacks and comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements; the Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategies or realize expected cost savings and revenue enhancements; business development activities, including ac PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 15:26:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 454 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CORAL SPRINGS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 /One Firefly, a digital marketing agency that caters to technology professionals in the residential and commercial custom integration markets, is proud to announce that its CEO, Ron Callis, has been selected as a featured speaker at Social Media Marketing World 2024.Social Media Marketing World, organized by the renowned marketing experts at Social Media Examiner, is one of the most prestigious events in the marketing industry. It brings together top professionals, thought leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends and strategies in social media marketing. The event is known for its high-quality speakers and cutting-edge content.Ron Callis, a forward-thinking thought leader in artificial intelligence and marketing, will share his insights and expertise at this renowned conference, which will take place in San Diego, California, from February 18-20, 2024. His participation underscores One Firefly's commitment to staying at the forefront of marketing advancements and providing clients with the latest marketing strategies.Ron Callis has made significant contributions to the Social Media Examiner community, having previously appeared as a guest on two of their podcast series. In his episodes, Ron delved into valuable insights on adopting AI within your business, preparing your team for transformative changes, and our agency's future and AI's transformative power. From being a podcast guest to becoming a speaker at this prestigious event, this remarkable journey underscores his continuous dedication to thought leadership within the marketing industry."I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Social Media Marketing World and share my expertise with fellow professionals," said Ron Callis, CEO of One Firefly. "This invitation is a testament to One Firefly's dedication to innovating in the changing digital marketing landscape and pushing the boundaries of AI-driven marketing." Ron's presentation at Social Media Marketing World, "Adopting AI Inside Your Business: Getting Your Team Ready for Change," will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 2:45 p.m.To see Ron's appearance on the Social Media Examiner podcast, please visit here.For more information about Social Media Marketing World 2024, please visit here.About One FireflyOne Firefly is an award-winning marketing agency specializing in custom-tailored marketing solutions and recruiting and hiring growth solutions for technology professionals in residential and commercial markets. The company was founded in 2007 to help businesses in the AV and integration industry grow and succeed through effective branding, digital marketing, and web development. A four-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S., One Firefly is proud to have built a reputation for delivering purposeful marketing solutions to the niche audio-visual space. For more information, visit www.onefirefly.com Contact InformationRebecca Sternlichtrsternlicht@ onefirefly.com 954-921-2393SOURCE: One FireflyView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 23:17:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 718 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSXV:PX)(OTC PINK:PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") pursuant to the release on July 11, 2023, the Company has agreed to issue 500,000 (C$10,000) common shares in the capital of Pelangio at a deemed per-share price of $0.02, which is equal to the end of the day price of Pelangio Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The shares for debt settlement remain subject to approval by the TSXV. The Pelangio Shares will be subject to a four-month hold period which will expire on the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.Under the terms of the settlement agreement Pelangio will be required to issue a final C$30,000 of common shares in the capital of Pelangio on the twelve-month anniversary of the settlement agreement. The common shares will be priced based upon the closing price on the respective anniversary dates. The second and final share issuance will be subject to approval by the TSXV.About PelangioPelangio acquires and explores world-class land packages on strategic gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is exploring its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo property, the site of seven near-surface gold discoveries, and the 284 km2 Obuasi property, located four km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as its Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. See www.pelangio.com for further detail.For additional information, please visit our website atwww.pelangio.com , or contact:Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEOT: 905-336-3828 / TF: 1-877-746-1632 / Email:info@ pelangio.com Forward Looking StatementsCertain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the satisfaction of the conditions of the Obuasi litigation settlement and Pelangio's proposed payments and share issuances pursuant to the settlement, and TSX Venture exchange approval of such share issuances. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made numerous assumptions, including assumptions about applicable court and regulatory approvals for the settlement and the proposed share issuances. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include our ability to conduct our exploration programs as planned, changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.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.SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 16:02:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 314 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Additional Premium Capabilities Include: Full PTCA and PTA catheter assembly, World-Class Balloon Development - Mr. Doug Wilkins, Textile reinforced balloon expertise, Complex shaft and catheter design & Expanded balloon extrusion capabilityFLAGSTAFF, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Poba Medical Inc. (POBA) announced today that we have purchased the assets and created a strategic partnership with Byond Medical (BYOND), Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and Waco, Texas. This acquisition finally brings together two long-time friends and respected medical device leaders in Doug Wilkins and Dan Kasprzyk.Dan Kasprzyk Poba Medical CEO at Byond Medical FacilityThe acquisition of BYOND continues the growth and expansion efforts underway at Poba Medical in Flagstaff, Arizona. These efforts include Class 100,000 cleanroom expansion, global customer expansion, world-class capabilities in extrusion, blow molding, braiding, balloon folding, and complex catheter process initiatives.Daniel J. Kasprzyk, President & CEO, commented: "The obvious synergy with our individual brands and 35 years of blow molding, extrusion, and catheter experience made this transaction a no-brainer. Doug's classic hands-on balloon and catheter expertise will augment the young and ambitious team at Poba Medical. This will create seamless business integration for Poba Medical and BYOND's global customers that we both presently serve." Doug Wilkins, founder of BYOND Medical, adds: "I am very excited about the opportunity to build onto the strong foundation that Poba Medical has created within the contract manufacturing space. The immediate opportunity in catheter and complex device assemblies within Poba's current infrastructure is enormous." Both companies have forged long-lasting customer relationships with strategic OEMs and world-class contract manufacturers around the globe. With our unique presence on the chamfr Marketplace, we will leverage the speed and quality that our customers have grown to expect.BYOND is Poba Medical's first acquisition.For more information: Whitney Cunningham (928) 774-1478, Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, PLLCContact InformationDan KasprzykPresident & CEOsales@ pobamedical.com (928) 569-6630SOURCE: Poba MedicalView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 16:02:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 471 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Premier Radiology Services (Premier), a leading teleradiology provider in the U.S., recently announced its long-term contract with Concentra, the nation's largest and leading occupational medicine provider, has been extended through the end of 2030. Through ongoing collaboration, the companies aim to leverage the strengths of two industry leaders to address the increasing need for fast and accurate radiology interpretations for patients accessing urgent and occupational health care services.Premier delivers high-quality and timely reads enabling clinicians to more quickly see and deliver results for all services, including general X-rays, NIOSH B-reads, TB screenings, pre-employment screenings, cardiac screenings, and musculoskeletal and general ultrasound interpretations.Mike Kosuth, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer-East at Concentra, expressed excitement about the continued relationship with Premier. "Premier's commitment to providing top-notch health care solutions and an outstanding patient experience aligns perfectly with our goals and supports our ongoing efforts to positively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Concentra remains at the forefront of the occupational health services industry and this relationship demonstrates our commitment to continually working to meet the evolving needs of employers and their employees." For Premier, flexibility and scalability in integration are vital when working with Concentra's network of more than 540 medical centers nationwide. This ensures speed in receiving the radiology exams, timely results reporting, and a coordinated and collaborative care plan for patients. Premier's strategic investments in technology have significantly contributed to its rapid growth.Drew Gaudet, co-founder of Premier Radiology Services, highlighted the importance of scalability. "Handling thousands of patient scans daily requires a flexible system. Our advanced technological integrations ensure we always have the necessary resources, regardless of demand. This allows us to focus on providing targeted care to our occupational health patients quickly without being bogged down by technological concerns." About Premier Radiology Services Teleradiology Solution Founded in 2006, Premier Radiology Services is one of the top independent teleradiology solutions in the United States. Formed by bringing together U.S. board-certified, fellowship-trained teleradiologists and cutting-edge technology, Premier serves healthcare providers and patients by solving the gaps and inefficiencies that have long been persistent in the field of radiology. Premier's teleradiology solution is an efficient, secure, and highly accurate system for reliable readings. With Premier's continuity of care and less than one-hour average turnaround times, doctors can deliver "direction of care" quickly to patients. Premier earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization's commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. To find out more, visit our website at www.pradiology.com Contact Information Mark StevensCOO, Presidentmark@ pradiology.com (866) 957-1106SOURCE: Premier Radiology ServicesView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 14:17:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 573 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The latest edition of the Green Quadrant: ESG & Sustainability Services report by independent research firm Verdantix, ranks SLR in the Leader Quadrant.NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / SLR is recognised for its strong capabilities across the spectrum of ESG and Sustainability services, including strategy, reporting and disclosures, financial advisory and notable strength in operational transformation.The latest edition of the Green Quadrant: ESG & Sustainability Services report by independent research firm Verdantix, ranks SLR in the Leader Quadrant.The Green Quadrant is a premier quantitative assessment methodology by Verdantix, used to assist buyers in selecting vendors across multiple sustainability consulting services. This latest report recognises SLR's strong capabilities and wealth of expertise to deliver sustainability solutions with local context for global organisations.Research carried out by Verdantix shows that firms are updating their sustainability strategies and balancing multiple priorities as they improve sustainability performance. ESG-related regulations are putting substantial pressure on organisations worldwide, as are changing stakeholder preferences and leadership vision. Organisations are realising that internal expertise and bandwidth are not enough to navigate a quickly evolving sustainability landscape. Working with an ESG and sustainability consulting partner can enable organisations to move faster along their sustainability journeys and take advantage of best practices.SLR's operational transformation capabilities, backed by science and engineering, were highlighted by the report as particularly strong across climate resilience, net zero, nature, social and community impact, energy transition and circularity. Additionally, our digitally enabled services across net zero strategy, climate risk quantification and strategy, and climate adaptation, planning, and design were commended within the report.Paul Wilkinson, Chief Growth Officer at SLR says: "We're delighted to be once again recognised in the Green Quadrant report, this time for our global capabilities across the full spectrum of ESG and sustainability services. SLR has nearly three decades' experience Making Sustainability Happen through supporting clients in tackling some of the biggest sustainability challenges the world of business is facing today, and we do this by combining our advisory expertise and technical capabilities to enable them to succeed. Our One Team' approach brings together global specialists utilising their deep pool of expertise across a wide range of disciplines to deliver value-added solutions and build trusted long-term partnerships with our clients. It's a real credit and testament to be named a Leader in this report." - Ends -For further information on how we can support you with your sustainability goals, please contact:Europe: Sue Swain: sswain@ slrconsulting.comAfrica: Andrew Bradbury: abradbury@ slrconsulting.comAsia-Pacific: Miles Lockwood: mlockwood@ slrconsulting.comCanada: James Hartshorn: jhartshorn@ slrconsulting.comLatin America: Ana Amar: aamar@ slrconsulting.comUS: Ian Todreas: itodreas@ slrconsulting.comAbout SLRSLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, with a team of 3,000+ talented professionals operating from a network of offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa.With the purpose of Making Sustainability Happen', SLR's One Team' of environmental and business consultants, engineers and scientists partner with clients throughout their project life-cycle, from strategy and design, through compliance and operations, to end-of-life and remediation.Working on diverse and challenging projects, SLR specialises in the built environment, finance, industry, infrastructure, mining & minerals, and power & renewables sectors. Operating across more than 45 technical disciplines, SLR staff help a growing base of business, regulatory and government clients navigate the ever-shifting context of sustainable business.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SLR on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: SLRWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/slr Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: SLR PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 17:30:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 483 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Southern Company and Samsung SmartThings have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on a number of innovative projects that explore the intersection of consumer energy management and smart-home automation.This strategic relationship is designed to advance and unlock residential flexible load and grid benefits by providing customers with personalized, automated solutions. Among other goals, the collaboration is intended to demonstrate quantifiable reduction in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.SmartThings is Samsung's global connected living platform for smart homes, with users in more than 200 countries. The app allows users to control their connected devices in the home from a smart device and was certified by the EPA as the first commercial Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS).Samsung is the market leader in refrigerators, televisions and display monitors in the United States, holding the largest market share. Some 71% of U.S. households currently own at least one Samsung device.The engagement will encompass the following initiatives:Creation of an Innovation laboratory and test site where testing can take place for integrations and demand response simulations prior to customer implementation. Design and implementation of a custom Southern Company user experience on SmartThings to help recruit, enroll and engage users during a Mississippi Power energy efficiency battery pilot scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. Participating customers will be able to view their usage data in a SmartThings app. SmartThings will support Mississippi Power's Smart Neighborhood project with customer education and engagement, data and analytics.Southern Company and Samsung SmartThings will continue to explore ways in which the two entities can work together across the larger Southern Company footprint."We are excited to engage with Samsung SmartThings," said Hank Adams, Southern Company's senior vice president of customer solutions. "By combining our energy expertise with Samsung's smart home technology, we aim to deliver personalized, automated solutions that enhance the lives of our customers while advancing energy efficiency." "Mississippi Power's pipeline of innovative projects, including our Smart Neighborhood and demand response initiatives, are the perfect place to begin this new collaboration," added Mississippi Power Marketing and Sales Director Giff Ormes. "This collaboration will allow Mississippi Power and Southern Company to better understand how new technologies can help our customers manage their energy usage." "Here at SmartThings, sustainability is at the core of everything we do," commented Mark Tekippe, vice president of product and growth. "We could not be more thrilled about this collaboration with Southern Company, and we look forward to being able to engage, educate and empower customers to take control of their home energy usage, save money, reduce carbon emissions and support a cleaner, more efficient power grid." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Southern CompanyWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-companyEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Southern Company PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 13:30:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 876 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Toggle3D.ai (the "Company") (CSE:TGGL)(OTCQB:TGGLF)(FSE:Q0C), a revolutionary AI solution harnessing the power of generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and seamlessly publish superior 4K 3D models is set to redefine the 3D texturing landscape with its unparalleled speed and user-friendly interface. The Company is using Toggle3D to texture 3D models for Amazon as well as other customers, and is increasing artists productivity by 100%, providing tangible benefits by reducing the time and cost of 3D model production.Watch a demo video of AI-powered 3D model texturing in the Toggle3D platform: click here or view belowToggle3D's internal artists, who have been testing on both Toggle3D and comparable 3D painting applications, attest to the remarkable efficiency of Toggle3D. What would typically take 30-45 minutes to texture in other applications is completed in just 15 minutes with Toggle3D, showcasing an astonishing increase in speed and productivity.The speed is attributed to Toggle3D's web-based platform and its intuitive user interface, coupled with an ever-expanding library of textures and materials. The application boasts a pre-built material library featuring over 1000 4K PBR materials, including metals, woods, plastics, marble, and more. The extensive collection allows users to create rich, photorealistic 3D product experiences quickly and effortlessly.What sets Toggle3D apart is its user-friendly approach. With a 'point & click' interface, users can seamlessly apply high-fidelity PBR materials, customize colors and properties with intuitive editing knobs, and add stickers to enhance the product vision. The online texture creator provides additional flexibility for users to modify and tailor materials to their specific needs.If a designer cannot find the material or texture they are looking for, Toggle3D also has an AI Texture Generator to address the need for diverse textures. If a desired material is not available in the library, users can generate PBR materials using the AI texture generator. Transforming images into PBR materials or generating new textures from a text prompt is made easy, ensuring a seamless texturing process that elevates 3D models to new heights.Upon completing the texturing process, Toggle3D enables users to preview their designs in augmented reality (AR). With webAR functionality, users can experience real-time previews of 3D model designs, allowing them to assess texture, color, and finish in a dynamic and immersive manner. This feature ensures that designers and artists can showcase their creations anywhere, anytime. Toggle3D.ai is set to be a game-changer in the world of 3D texturing, providing a faster, more intuitive, and immersive experience for digital artists and designers. As the demand for high-quality 3D models continues to grow, Toggle3D.ai emerges as the go-to solution for efficient and stunning 3D texturing.Recent Toggle3D.ai News Toggle3D.ai Reports 75% Usage Growth in Q4, New Release With AI Search Engine Integration Set for Q1 Toggle3D.ai Grows Userbase by 70% and Unveils Groundbreaking AI Tool Transforming Doodles into 3D Models Toggle3D.ai's AI Lab Announces Breakthrough With Generative AI Photo Rendering Toggle3D.ai CEO Evan Gappelberg Buys 15,000 Shares of Company Stock In Open Market PurchasesAbout Toggle3D.ai Toggle3D.ai (CSE:TGGL)(OTCQB:TGGLF)(FSE:Q0C) is a groundbreaking SaaS solution that utilizes generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and enable seamless publishing of superior 4K 3D models, serving various industries within the $160 billion CGI market. With its Augmented Reality-based rapid prototyping web app, Toggle3D empowers designers, artists, marketers, and eCommerce owners to effortlessly convert, texture, customize, and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences, regardless of technical or 3D design expertise. Toggle3D.ai Investor Relations Visit the Toggle3D Investor Relations website and sign up for the investor mailing list to receive the latest news, press releases, investor presentations, CEO interviews, financial information and more.Sign up for the investor mailing list -click hereFollow Toggle3D.ai on Social Media Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toggle3D Insta: https://www.instagram.com/toggle3d.ai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Toggle3D LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toggle3d-ai/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Toggle3Dai For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Contact(s) Julia Violainvestor.relations@toggle3D.ai Toggle3D.ai Evan GappelbergCEO and Director866-ARITIZE (274-8493)Forward-looking StatementsThe CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.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, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as 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. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.SOURCE: Toggle3D.AI Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 14:31:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 294 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Kelley | Uustal proudly announces the addition of Charles L. Scott, Jr. to its team. Scott assumes leadership of our National Tobacco Litigation Department.Charles Scott, Jr. Attorney Charles Scott, Jr. is a partner with Kelley | UustalScott has worked in tobacco litigation for over a decade. He brings extensive experience from his tenure at the Willie Gary Law Firm, where he managed tobacco litigation for seven years. During his tenure, Scott and his team successfully resolved over 500 Tobacco Product Liability lawsuits (Engle progeny lawsuits), securing settlements exceeding $50 million for victims of the Big Tobacco fraud and conspiracy."Charles boasts an exceptional courtroom record," remarked founding partner John Uustal. "We are thrilled to welcome him aboard." In addition to his tobacco litigation expertise, Scott has handled catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across several of Kelley | Uustal's practice areas."I am delighted to collaborate with such a talented group of attorneys," said Scott.Scott earned his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law in Davie and pursued international law studies at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky, with additional coursework at the Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Scott is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.Kelley | Uustal ( www.kelleyuustal.com) , a national law firm based in Fort Lauderdale, is focused on catastrophic injury, wrongful death cases, and complex commercial litigation. The firm can be reached at (954) 522-6601.Contact Information:David BloomMedia Relations Managerdave.bloom@ournewsroom.com 954-334-5822SOURCE: Kelley | UustalView the original press release on newswire.com SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- One worker died and six others were injured while cleaning waste tanks in South Korea's steel mill, Yonhap news agency said Tuesday citing the fire authorities and police. Seven workers collapsed at about 11:02 a.m. local time (0202 GMT) while cleaning the waste treatment tank at the Hyundai Steel factory in the country's western port city of Incheon. One of the workers in cardiac arrest was taken to a hospital under cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but the 34-year-old passed away. Six other workers received treatment for symptoms such as clouded consciousness and respiratory difficulty. It was confirmed that the workers were removing the sludge of hydrofluoric and nitric acids left in the tank with no gas masks. The police were investigating the exact cause of the incident. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 17:16:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 392 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / As the world grows increasingly interconnected, understanding and appreciating different cultures and traditions has become more crucial than ever. Beyond the diverse cuisines, languages, and landscapes, one aspect that unites people worldwide is the celebration of holidays. From colorful festivals to solemn religious observances, holidays offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of global customs."I think the most interesting part for me was understanding how different calendar types work - especially lunar calendars. It reminds me of learning a new language, where direct word-for-word translation often fails because the process is more complex. Looking at holidays from different calendar bases is similar. For example, the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. This date does not correspond to a specific day in the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, leading to a shift in the Gregorian date of Eid al-Fitr each year. This distinction highlights the challenges of making a global calendar that captures the important dates across the world, like languages," Jill Berry, digital solutions team, Antea Group USA.Here at Inogen Alliance, and in our globalized work environment, acknowledging and respecting holidays can foster stronger relationships, enhance cross-cultural communication, and ultimately help us navigate the intricacies of international collaborations. So, enjoy going through a journey with us to explore holidays around the world and uncover the significance of embracing these cultural treasures to manage our work effectively across borders.You can view overall trends (guess which month has the most holidays - it's not one that you would think!), search by upcoming weeks or months, or in the final tab search by specific holiday, month, date or country. This enables global teams to be aware of holidays and out-of-office dates to help with scheduling purposes and to foster better international relationships. Wish your colleagues a Happy Lunar New Year in February across many Asian countries, Anzac Day in April in Australia and New Zealand, and Eid al-Adha across numerous countries in June.Click here to gain access to our comprehensive International Holiday Dashboard showing all major global holidays across the Alliance for 2024.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Inogen Alliance on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Inogen AllianceWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/inogen-allianceEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Inogen Alliance PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-06 12:30:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 284 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ANN ARBOR, MI / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 /Zomedica Corp. (NYSE American:ZOM) ("Zomedica" or the "Company"), a veterinary health company offering point-of-care diagnostic and therapeutic products for equine and companion animals, today announced that it will be hosting a Virtual Investor Day event on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET.The virtual-only webcast event will feature presentations from select members of the management team. The event will provide an overview of Zomedica's portfolio of innovative products, world-class manufacturing facilities, recent business developments, and scientific and information technology capabilities. In addition, key drivers of future growth and commercial execution along with the broader animal health addressable market opportunity and financial position will be discussed.A live question-and-answer session will follow management's webcast presentation.Event: Zomedica Virtual Investor Day 2024Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern TimeWebcast:Zomedica Virtual Investor DayFull replay of the webcast will be available on Zomedica's website at Events & Presentations | Zomedica Inc.About ZomedicaBased in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zomedica (NYSE American:ZOM) is a veterinary health company creating diagnostic and therapeutic products for horses, dogs, and cats by focusing on the unmet needs of clinical veterinarians. Zomedica's product portfolio includes innovative diagnostics and medical devices that emphasize patient health and practice health. Zomedica's mission is to provide veterinarians the opportunity to increase productivity and grow revenue while better serving the animals in their care. For more information, visit zomedica.com Follow ZomedicaEmail Alerts: http://investors.zomedica.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zomedica Facebook:https://m. facebook.com/zomedica Twitter: https://twitter.com/zomedica Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zomedica_incInvestor Contact:Zomedica Investor Relations investors@ zomedica.com 1-734-369-2555SOURCE: Zomedica Corp. Ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has disclosed the bank is revamping its communication strategy. The bank had on 19 January announced its first MPC meeting, six months after its last one. The meeting is scheduled to be held between 26 and 27 February. Speaking Monday in an exclusive interview with Arise Television, Mr Cardoso said he recognised the pivotal role of communication in conveying complex monetary policy decisions. Communication we know is key with respect to monetary policy and we understand that the decision that comes from monetary policy can be a little bit complicated at times but the idea is to ensure that moving forward our communication strategy is able to give the right messages depending on the different segments that we are trying to address. READ ALSO: We are revamping the whole communication strategy for the CBN, and I am hoping that as we move forward particularly as the monetary policy committee engagement takes place, you are going to see the way and manner in which we try and get out the messaging, he said. He also said the CBN is engaging various financial and economic actors to ensure that they understand the mode of operations. We are going to strengthen the process of getting out and receiving feedback because the worst thing you want to do is to make communication a one-way traffic, he added. To achieve open and constructive communication in navigating the intricacies of monetary policy, Mr Cardoso said the bank intends to get feedback on all policies implemented. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Last month, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu following public outrage over the disclosure that she authorised the payment of N585.2 million public funds into a private account in violation of financial transparency laws. However, PREMIUM TIMES findings show that the crime she is accused of is prevalent across several ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). At least N159.6 billion (N159,626,619,959) was paid into private accounts by MDAs in six years, a review of data published by Govspend, a platform tracking government spending, show. The findings do not exonerate Ms Edu but show that the problem is not peculiar to her and is widespread within the Nigerian government. The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta tops the list of MDAs making such controversial payments with a total payment of N8.3 billion in 130 transactions to Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, an ex-Niger Delta militant. The Nigerian office of the New Partnership for African Development, a pan-African poverty-eradication programme funded by member states, comes next having paid N1.5 billion in 111 tranches to one Afangekung Mfon Okon. Other MDAs that made multiple transactions into private accounts include the Ministry of Information and Culture, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Women Affairs, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Over N13bn public funds paid into private accounts in 2023 Last year, more than N13.6 billion was paid into private accounts in violation of the countrys Financial Regulations 2009. The violators include the Office of the SGF, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and many parastatals. Findings showed that the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta paid N4.72 billion into individual accounts of some camp leaders in the Niger Delta where the struggle for oil wealth and agitation against environmental hazards have propelled ethnic militias to pick arms against the state. For instance, in a total of 10 transactions, Mr Victor-Ben, the ex-militant also known as Boyloaf, received N564.7 million from the office between July and November 2023. According to the transactions descriptions, the money was meant for delegates of Boyloaf camp. His counterparts also benefited, having received N3.5 billion collectively. Despite its oversight functions, the SGF office was also caught in the web. It paid public funds amounting to N3.1 billion into 15 private accounts between March and December 2023. The scandal-ravaged Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development paid at least N918.5 million public funds into private accounts. This is in addition to other scandalous payments in the ministry as seen in the cases of the pioneer minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq and her successor, Betta Edu. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning paid N1.5 billion in tranches to 16 individuals for various projects and services between February and December last year. In other suspicious transactions, the Ministry of Women Affairs paid N1.6 billion into the accounts of vaguely identified individuals for travel purposes, palliative for widows, and monitoring and evaluation of capital projects among others. Between March and September, NEPAD paid N1.67 billion into the accounts of two individuals, Bello Nagwaggo and Afangekung Mfon Okon. EFCC, Police, Human Rights Commission, AGF office, others complicit While five parastatals paid billions into private accounts, 12 others paid in millions with the lowest being N17.6 million. The MDAs that paid millions into individual accounts include, the EFCC, Police Formations and Commands, Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano, National Directorate of Employment, National Commission for Refugees, Auditor General for the Federation, National Commission for Persons with Disability, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Budget Office of the Federation and National Human Rights Commission. Others are the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult & Non-formal Education, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Ministry of Niger Delta. The EFCC in two transactions between May and October last year, paid a total of N211.7 million into two private accounts; one for Aliyu Naibi (N154,974,745.00) and the other for Abdullahi Mohammed (N56,767,056.83). In total, the police (police formations and commands and Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano) paid N173.8 million into five individual accounts. Prominent Nigerians as beneficiaries Some of the payments made into individual accounts could be explained. For example, former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former SGF Boss Mustapha and many ministers and aides who served in the Buhari administration were paid their severance allowances. One notable controversial payment made to a known public official was the N89.8 million that the police paid to the then-police spokesperson, Frank Mba, in 2019. The official records show that the payment was for issues such as the production of presidential portraits to be used by the police and the cost of airing a police programme on TV; payments the police could have made to the service providers directly. What the law says Chapter Seven, Section 713 of Nigerias Financial Regulations 2009 states that Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account. It also added that: Any officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention. Commenting on our findings, Joe Abah, a former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, said: Things like that should not be paid into personal accounts but should be transparently procured. He added that the financial regulations condemn paying project activity money into private bank accounts, like was alleged to be done in the Betta Edu case. However, the Deputy Director of Fiscal Accounts in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, James Abalaka, said that the Financial Regulations 2009 recognises circumstances in which public money can be paid into private accounts. Chapter 10, Section 1001 of the regulations sheds light on what it described as imprest, which is applicable to all sums advanced to a public officer to meet expenditure under current estimates, for which vouchers cannot immediately be presented to a Sub- Accounting Officer for payment. Imprests are issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Accounting Officers of Self-Accounting ministries/extra-ministerial offices and other arms of government, section 1002 explains further. The authority for issuing Imprests is conveyed in the Annual General Imprest Warrant issued by the Minister of Finance to the Accountant-General. According to the financial regulation, there are two types of imprest namely: standing imprest and special imprests. The latter which is granted for a particular purpose must be retired in full when the purpose has been achieved. The former may be replenished from time to time during a financial year by the submission of paid vouchers to Sub-Accounting Officers for reimbursement. Mr Abalaka noted that MDAs are responsible for money paid into private accounts. According to him, the accountant generals office through the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System (GIFMIS) only facilitates payments of vouchers raised by MDAs. Mr Abalaka told PREMIUM TIMES that there are three layers initiator, reviewer and final approval of payments in every MDA. The initiator is someone who initiates payment after a permanent secretarys approval, he explained. The reviewer then reviews it and checks whether there are adjustments to be made before passing it for final approval where the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) makes the payments. The accountant generals office, he explained, only makes the governments daily expenditures open through the open treasury portal and is not responsible for any payment made except the one made within the AGF office. He, however, declined comment on the N11.5 million paid to one Lanre Gbajabiamila by the accountant-generals office. On 25 September 2023, N5.7 million was paid to Mr Gbajabiamila as Payment of furniture allowance to 19 political office holders. The same amount was in 2018 paid into his account for a similar purpose. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias security chiefs will appear before senators on Wednesday to discuss the worsening insecurity across Nigeria. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Adetokunbo Abiru, disclosed this on Tuesday. Mr Abiru said the service chiefs will appear before the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the possible solutions to the security challenges facing the country. Those expected to appear include the heads of the army, navy, air force and the police. Last Tuesday, the Senate summoned service chiefs to appear before the lawmakers over the rising case of insecurity in the country. PREMIUM TIMES has reported almost daily cases of killings and kidnappings by different armed groups across the country. Last week, a lawmaker burst into tears while lamenting the insecurity in Ekiti State that led to the killing of two traditional rulers. Apart from the meeting with the security chiefs, the senators also plan a separate one with the central bank chief. The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, over the state of the nations economy. Mr Cardoso was supposed to appear before the Senate committee today but the meeting was postponed till Friday. The bank chief, instead, appeared before the House of Representatives today. Mr Abiru who announced the postponement of the meeting said it was postponed because the CBN governor had spent most of the time addressing members of the House of Representatives. After waiting for close to two hours for the CBN governor on the planned interface, we have resolved to postpone it to Friday this week by 9:00 a.m. prompt. Postponement of the interface between our committee and the CBN Governor arose from the fact that he and other managers of the nations economy have been interfacing with our colleagues in the House of Representatives since morning without knowing when exactly the session would end. We would have fixed Wednesday or Thursday this week as a new day for the interface but the Senate as a whole has fixed the two days for very critical and constructive engagement with the service chiefs. This made us eventually settle for Friday this week for interface with the CBN Governor by 9 a.m. prompt. Communication to this effect would be forwarded to the CBN Governor today (Tuesday) and possibly other government officials managing the economy, Mr Abiru said. During his appearance at the House of Representatives, Mr Cardoso lamented the huge amount Nigerians spend on foreign education and healthcare. He said the high number of Nigerians in foreign schools and medical tourism are two of the major factors putting pressure on the naira. over the past decade, foreign exchange demand for education and healthcare has totalled nearly $40 billion, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The ECOWAS Commission, on Tuesday, urged the political class in Senegal to urgently respect the countrys constitution and allow elections to hold in line with the electoral calendar. The commission made the appeal in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. The statement said that the commission was concerned about the unfolding events in Senegal and cautioned against any action or statement that may contravene the countrys Constitution. It reminded the people of Senegal and the political class of their responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the country. The ECOWAS Commission encourages the political class to take steps urgently to restore the electoral calendar in accordance with the provisions of Senegals Constitution. In these trying times for the country and the region, the Commission calls on all stakeholders to shun violence and all other actions that may further disturb the peace and stability of the country, it added. Furthermore, the bloc urged law enforcement agencies of the country to exercise utmost restraint and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens. The Commission said it would continue to monitor the unfolding events and take all necessary steps to support the government and people of Senegal in their efforts to sustain the countrys democratic tradition. Senegals parliament on Tuesday voted to delay the presidential election to 15 December in a chaotic vote that took place after opposition lawmakers were forcibly removed from the chamber as they debated President Macky Salls earlier decision to delay the crucial election. Mr Sall announced on Saturday the postponement of the election slated for 25 February, thereby triggering violent protests across the country. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has identified poverty and unemployment as the root causes of the prevailing security challenges of banditry and kidnapping in the North-west region of Nigeria. The governor highlighted the importance of good governance in effectively addressing these security concerns. Mr Sani also acknowledged the ongoing military actions against banditry, with the Defence Headquarters supporting the establishment of two Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) in key locations. He further highlighted the importance of a non-kinetic approach, emphasising the role of good governance in addressing the economic problems leading to insecurity. The governor announced that the state government has received a $28 million in support from Kuwait to tackle the menace of out-of-school children in Kaduna State. READ ALSO: He stressed that a holistic approach, including educational reforms, support for farmers, and increased productivity, is essential for eradicating poverty and insecurity in the region. Besides military interventions, Mr Sani revealed plans to establish a security trust fund, allowing private-sector collaboration to enhance security efforts. He underscored the need for good governance, citing the high number of out-of-school children in the state as a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. Meanwhile, the Kaduna Elders Forum, led by Zamani Lekwot and Abubakar Mustapha, congratulated the governor on the judicial affirmation of his electoral victory. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, have protested the hike in the institutions tuition fees. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately get details of the alleged fees hike in the university. The students, who moved around the university premises, could be seen chanting songs and waving different placards in a video clip uploaded on X on Tuesday. We no go gree o, we no go gree, the students chanted. In another clip, some of the students were dressed in black, while protesting the hike in the tuition fees. Chasing students out of exam halls An X user @Aniezeofor, who claimed to be a student in the institution, uploaded a separate video clip which showed some university authorities chasing students out of an examination hall. This is a video of (officials) of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State chasing the students out of examination (hall) for not paying school fees, he wrote. Please, we need help in this school. In the clip, some officials of the university, accompanied by armed security operatives, were seen entering examination halls in the institution, apparently to chase students who had not paid their fees out of the halls. In a yet another clip, uploaded by an X user, Blessing Oluwayemi, some students could be seen being chased out of an examination hall. Most of the students had what looked like examination answer sheets in their hands as they ran out of the hall. Protest ongoing in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. The vice-chancellor (of the school) is literally walking round exam halls to chase out people that are yet to pay school fees, Ms Oluwayemi wrote on the microblogging platform at about 10:14 a.m. on Tuesday. University speaks When contacted on Tuesday afternoon, the spokesperson of the university, Patrick Oparah, told PREMIUM TIMES that the students were given adequate time to pay the increased fees but because some of them could not meet up they began to make wild allegations against the management. They were fully aware of the consequences of failing to pay their fees, Mr Oparah said. READ ALSO: Heavy security at FUTA as management reduces disputed school fees You know in an establishment like this, you cannot please everybody. Not everybody will be satisfied with your policies, he added. The spokesperson promised to provide details of the increase in the fees, but did not as of the time of filing this report. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some residents of the Enugu metropolis have expressed discontent over the scarcity and rising cost of drinking water in the state capital despite the state governments promises. The residents in separate interviews told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that tanker drivers had increased the price of drinking water in the city likewise the price of sachet water, popularly known as pure water. They said the impact of the government water project was yet to reach most of the areas. A resident of Meniru in the Awkunanaw area of Enugu, Simon Umeadi, said that he bought a 500-gallon tank of water for N7,000 last year. But the price increased to N8,000 in January and at midday, I bought it at N9,000, and the water will not even last up to one week, Mr Umeadi said. Honestly speaking, the rising cost of water is giving me serious concern. Whether the tanker drivers are just increasing the prices on their own or there is a problem somewhere I dont really know, he said. On the state government water project, Mr Umeadi said he had yet to see water in the area from the government. He said if the government provided water, there would be no need for anyone to buy water, saying that initially there were signs of the government doing something but right now nothing is happening. Grace Ezeani, a resident of Achara Layout, said that she filled her overhead water tank every month for N25,000 previously, but now it costs N35,000. Mrs Ezeani, however, wished that the state government would extend the water project to Achara Layout areas. For now, I have not really seen much, especially in the Achara Layout area. It will be good if they extend the project here because we are already suffering for water, she said. Raphael Orizu, a resident of Ologo in the Coal Camp area said although he did not buy drinking water from tankers, the cost of sachet water which he used with his family had gone high. I buy bags of sachet water for my family, which has also gone up from N200 a bag to N300, he said. He said the government water project in the vicinity has no head taps and has not worked for over five months. Obstacle against government efforts Meanwhile, an official of the Enugu State water project, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the government was eager to provide drinking water to the populace but lack of funds was hampering the work. The government is really serious about this water issue but funds have been part of the problems, he said. READ ALSO: How bad road aid kidnap attacks in Enugu community Monarch NAN recalls that on 19 January 2024, 19 directors were sacked by the state government for not meeting their N100,000 weekly targets for revenue generation from water consumers. Governor Peter Mbah had, last November, told tanker owners and drivers in Enugu to look elsewhere for something to do as his administration was determined to end water scarcity in the metropolis. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday sealed three alcoholic beverage-producing factories in Jos, for not complying with good manufacturing practices and operating without NAFDAC certification. The Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer of the Federal Task Force Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC, Umar Suleiman, disclosed this when he led a team on the raid in Jos. Mr Suleiman said that one of the factories was also sealed for producing banned alcoholic beverages, adding that it also produced other products without the agencys registration. He said that Bemag Industries Nigeria Ltd. and Good Life Global Beverages Ltd. were sealed for non-adherence to good manufacturing practices. He revealed that Stevenson Multi Global Ltd. was sealed for producing banned alcoholic beverages in sachets worth N6 million, adding that the agency sealed it for non-adherence to good manufacturing practices and for producing without the agencys registration. Mr Suleiman said that the raid was conducted nationwide following the 31 January 2024 deadline given by the agency in 2018 to producers of alcoholic beverages to desist from producing alcohol in 100ml, 20ml, 30 ml and in sachets. He said the move was to help reduce the menace of alcohol abuse in the nation especially among the youth. Mr Suleiman cautioned producers of alcoholic beverages to desist from producing what had been banned by the agency as the raid was continuous. He cautioned sellers to desist from selling alcoholic beverages in sachets, small volume plastic and glass bottles from 100ml and below. Mr Suleiman also warned the public to desist from purchasing products without NAFDAC certification, as most of the products without NAFDAC certification were not good for human consumption. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency has stopped the registration of alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and Glass bottles below 200ml amidst other stringent regulatory measures. This followed the recommendation of the committee of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in December 2018, to reduce the availability and curb abuse of alcohol in the country. NAFDAC In Osun Also, NAFDAC officials, on Tuesday, began enforcement of the ban on sachets of alcoholic drinks in Osun. NAN reports that the NAFDAC officials visited some of the factories where the alcoholic beverages were being produced in sachets, pets and glass bottles of 100ml and below in Osogbo, Ilesa and Ile-Ife. Speaking during the enforcement operation, the Assistant Director of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Lagos, Dare Moses, said that the licences for the production of sachet alcoholic drinks of 100ml and below had expired since 31 January. Mr Moses said that the ban had become necessary due to the abuse of alcoholic drinks by Nigerians, especially the youth. He said due to its low quantity and affordability, many young Nigerians were in the habit of abusing it, which was affecting their mental health. This enforcement is a nationwide thing and that is why we are here in Osun to sensitise the companies producing this sachet alcoholic bitter. The deadline had been given for producers of alcoholic beverages to phase out 100ml and those in sachets and the rest so that we reduce the menace of abuse of alcohol by the youth and the general public. NAFDAC has stopped the registration for the manufacturing of alcoholic bitter drink that is below 200ml; this is due to the abuse of the drink by Nigerians. Due to its small size and affordability, even primary school pupils buy it to drink, and this is affecting their mental wellbeing. Also, most drivers at motor parks buy this sachet alcoholic drink and consume it before embarking on their journey, thus putting the lives of passengers at risk. That is why we are here to tell the manufacturers to stop producing it. Once we are able to stop production from the source, people will not have access to it again, he said. Mr Moses urged Nigerians to desist from the excessive consumption of alcohol due to its adverse effect on the brain and human behaviour. He said NAFDAC would not rest on its oars to mop up the sachet of alcoholic drinks of 100ml and below from the Nigerian market. NAN reports that the sachet drinks were confiscated in some of the manufacturing companies in Osogbo, Ilesa and Ile-Ife. NAN also reports that NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, had recently announced the commencement of the enforcement of the ban on importation, manufacturing, distribution, sales and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, pet and glass bottles of 200ml and below. According to her, as of 31 January, there is no alcoholic beverage in these categories that are registered by the agency. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- In a significant legal development, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Tuesday delivered a ruling denying Donald Trump broad immunity from federal prosecution. This ruling represents a notable setback for the former president, who is highly likely to pursue an appeal in response. The decision follows arguments made by Trump's legal team a month prior, where they asserted sweeping claims of immunity from federal prosecution in the 2020 election interference case. These claims were vehemently opposed by lawyers representing the special counsel, who warned that granting such broad immunity would effectively grant presidents impunity to engage in criminal activities while in office, such as accepting bribes for influencing government contracts or clandestinely selling sensitive information to foreign adversaries. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this decision are expected to reverberate across the political and legal landscape, shaping the 2024 presidential election. Republicans kicked off their voting season with the Iowa caucus in January, followed by the primary in New Hampshire. Trump won both contests, leaving Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador and onetime South Carolina governor, as his lone challenger in the GOP race. The police in Akwa Ibom State, South-south Nigeria said they have arrested 22 suspects allegedly involved in the killing of a police officer in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Odiko Macdon, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. The slain officer, Usang Egbe, an inspector of police, was killed on Wednesday in Uyo. PREMIUM TIMES reported how gunmen stormed the residence of the operative in Afaha Ube, off Ikot Ekpene Road, and fired sporadic shots to scare away residents and passersby before hacking him to death with a machete. The police had launched an investigation into the killing of the operative, the police spokesperson said in a previous comment on the incident. In a statement on Sunday, Mr Macdon, a police superintendent, said the suspects were arrested between the 31 January and 2 February. He said, For the avoidance of doubt, the command will intensify its onslaught against criminal elements in the state and wishes to inform Akwa Ibomites that perpetrators of heinous crimes will be brought to book. Arrest of serial murderer Mr Macdon said the Anti-Cultism Unit of the police in Akwa Ibom, on 30 January arrested a serial murderer, otherwise known as Barracks. The suspect, Emem Friday hails from Mbiaso in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state. He allegedly masterminded the Inen cult war that resulted in the killing of several persons. In 2022, he orchestrated the gruesome murder of Inen Clan Youth President, Hezekiah Adaidem, beheaded him and severed his manhood and then fled to Rivers State. In 2020, he allegedly murdered Ufot Unwana on 8 August, Udeme Unwucha and Okon Ubok Udom on 16 September. Other victims on 24 November were Ntiedo Sambo, Eferemfon James and Gilbert Akpan, according to Mr Macdon. READ ALSO: Gunmen kill police officer in Akwa Ibom The police spokesperson also announced the arrest of a suspect, Emmanuel Daniel for shooting dead a pastor, Emmanuel Udoh in the church. Mr Danile, 33, in company with others at large, shot dead Mr Udoh, 58, a pastor of Jesus Power Ministry in Ikot Esu village, Ika LGA area of the state. Mr Macdon said the police are intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria broke new ground in the global mining industry on Monday, clinching the chair of the newest mining pressure group, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. Nigerias Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, was unanimously elected the pioneer chairperson of the group. Speaking at the signing of the resolution, Mr Alake charged African leaders to forge a common front to get maximum benefits from the mineral resources on the continent. The event which was held on the sidelines of the 30th edition of Investing in Africa Indaba, Cape Town, South Africa, was attended by ministers of mineral development of Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Chad, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia. More than 15 countries have pledged support, with the list expected to grow as the AMSG under Nigerias leadership swings into action. Mr Alake stressed that the era of carting away solid minerals is over, charging countries on the continent to speak with one voice on value addition as a prerequisite for investment in the mining sector. Today, there is an economic scramble for Africa. The critical metals needed for the energy transition are in Africa. Therefore, if we do not come together this time around and take our destinies into our own hands, we will go through the same harrowing experiences of the past. That is why we formed this body. It will be recalled that Nigeria and Uganda in January rallied African Ministers of Solid Minerals/ Mineral Resources on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, on the need to unite and champion value addition in the mining sector to boost the economy of African countries. Let those who want our minerals know that if you go to country A, you have the same regulations and laws guiding the sector. You go to country B, you find the same. So, there is no divide and rule anymore. That is when we can show sincerity of purpose, and the world will begin to take Africa seriously. On behalf of our president, I pledge our full support to achieve our objectives, the Minister asserted. *Segun Tomori* Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. 6th February, 2024. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ifeanyi Ubah says he will take advantage of the rich diaspora community of Anambra and the media to put the state on the global map if the people elect him as governor in 2025. Mr Ubah, a senator, said this in Nnewi on Tuesday while addressing reporters. He took the reporters on a tour of his six-storey media/event centre, christened Nnewi Heights, which is still under construction. Mini nation inside a nation Mr Ubah represents Anambra South District at the Senate on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). He said Anambra has a rich intellectual and entrepreneurial presence in many parts of the world which could be tapped into for external inflow of investment. He promised to run a government that would not rely on federal allocation or on revenue from petty traders or truck pushers who are struggling to survive. According to him, I will run Anambra as a mini nation inside a nation. I am talking about a governance model that 80 per cent of the content has not been discussed anywhere. It is not rocket science, we have Anambra communities in many major cities of the world, and we can formalise bilateral relationships with these cities by having state representatives there. We will have a global image that will make mayors of major cities our friends and want to have investment interest in Anambra. Anambra has the network of human resources we can leverage on Our development will be data-driven and anybody anywhere can get information about Anambra because we will use the media and ICT to put it on the global map, he said I have street wisdom Mr Ubah said he has the influence and ingenuity to transform the infrastructures and lives of the Anambra people without inflicting pain on them. He urged the citizens not to judge every politician with the kind of leadership they have had over the years. The senator said he would empower people such that it would not be attractive for youths to engage in crime and that he would use technology to combat insecurity if given the opportunity. He said security would be a priority if he is elected governor. We have a working system in Nnewi and I can replicate it in Anambra. We still conduct marriages in Abuja, Lagos and other areas outside Anambra because of insecurity. I have street wisdom, I live with the people, and my investments are everywhere for people to see. I created wealth and empowered people as a private person, I want to impact society on a larger scale, he said. The senator said he hopes to complete his media and event centre before the end of the third quarter of 2024 and that no fewer than 400 jobs would be generated. He said the centre would house radio and TV stations, cinema, conference halls and event centres. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) has apprehended a vessel, MT Habour Spirit, laden with an estimated 88,000 litres of stolen products suspected to be crude oil. Warriedi Enisuoh, the executive director of Operations and Technical of TSSL disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta. Mr Enisuoh said that the ship was apprehended in the early hours on Sunday in Bayelsa and conveyed to Oporoza. According to him, the vessel with IMO Number: 8226272 was caught while loading crude oil from the Segana Oil Field on the coast of Bayelsa. Mr Enisuoh said that TSSL in synergy with the other government security agencies, had been on the trail of the vessel for some months before its final arrest. Immediately we found it loitering on Sunday about 1:00 am, we swung into action and discovered that it tapped into one of the oil platforms loading crude oil. We arrested the ship with 12 crew and three community persons on board the vessel, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the second vessel the private security outfit had arrested within three weeks. Mr Enisuoh said that a few weeks ago, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, gave a strict instruction on how to deal with crude oil theft. One of his watchwords is that we are working in synergy with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Service. What we are seeing today is the result of the instruction which was supported by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla that led to the arrest, he said. Mr Enisuoh said that the vessel was a Moldovian registered while the crew were Nigerians. He said that the ship had been specifically monitored by the Nigerian Navy and officials of the TSSL. We appreciate the synergy and cooperation we have with the security forces particularly the support from the CDS and CNS. More of the arrest is taking place in Bayelsa probably because the perpetrators have found a porous ground. Probably the synergy between TSSL and the military has pushed them out of the land, though not totally eroded of the problem in the land, he said. Speaking with journalists, the captain of the ship, Shittu Joseph, said that there were 15 crew members and three of them jumped into the sea. According to him, those who jumped into the sea had not been found. He said that the vessel belongs to Joju Oil and Gas based in Lagos State. We were instructed to go and load sludge and crude oil from a barge. On our way going, they told us that one person will come on board. We were not pleased with the arrangement, we wanted to leave but while waiting for a boat to take us away, the NSCDC and TSSL officials came to arrest us, he said. In his remark, CSP Omar Sini, the Head of Investigation, Police Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, said an investigation had since begun. He said that the outcome of the investigation would be made public through the office of the Force Public Relations Officer in Abuja. A robust investigation will be conducted to track the actual culprits behind the crime, Mr Sini said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured the partys nine protesting governorship aspirants in Edo that their protests would not go in vain. This was contained in a statement signed by Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman, PDP, South-South, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday. Mr Orbih gave the assurance while addressing nine out of the 10 aspirants who visited him in his Benin City residence to protest the conduct of Saturdays delegate election. He also flayed the alleged role played by the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, in what he described as a Nollywood movie that was presented as an ad-hoc delegate election in the state. He commended the aspirants and other party officials for their courage in standing against the might of the Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki. I salute your courage, I salute your commitment. We appreciate you all. Your struggle and effort are not personal but for our collective interest and dream of a better Edo State. READ ALSO: What took place on Saturday was the governors ad-hoc delegate election and not PDP. I have listened to the position of the aspirants who disassociated themselves from Saturdays show of shame purportedly supervised by the governor of Enugu state who flew into Benin, And after meeting with his Edo counterpart in Government House went with him to George Idah collation centre to record a television scene to justify the illegalities carried out across the state, said the PDP official. Let me join all of you in condemning and rejecting the shameless show, and I am happy the aspirants are taking steps to set aside the sad Nollywood event of Saturday. Be assured that like Liverpool fans, you will never walk alone, and the cry that a stranger will not fly the ticket of the party will not end in vain. I appeal to all party faithful to remain calm. I will once again declare that Edo PDP will not support a stranger for the 2024 Guber election, Mr Orbih stated. He noted that all sorts of write-ups were being sponsored on social media, adding that but like they say a ripe fruit attracts stones and arrows. We shall overcome. NAN gathered that the protest of the nine aspirants was not unconnected to reports of the adulteration of the election officers for the ward ad-hoc election. The nine aspirants, except Asue Ighodalo, had earlier petitioned the National Working Committee (NWC), alleging that the list of election officers had been muddled. Mr Ighodalo is the anointed candidate of Governor Obaseki. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some Nigerians from Niger Delta on Monday called on President Bola Tinubu to compel Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) to pay $3.6 billion awarded to them as compensation for the 2011 Bonga oil spill. The group staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, demanding the enforcement of the award. The protesters led by Federal Johnson implored the government to intervene and ensure Shell was made to fulfil financial obligations before leaving the country. The Bonga oil spill occurred on 20 December 2011, during Shells exploration activities in OML 118, located 120 kilometres off Nigerias coast in the Gulf of Guinea. The rupture of Shells export line connected to the Float Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel led to the release of approximately 40,000 barrels (6.4 million litres) of crude oil into the sea, as reported by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). Over communities across Niger Delta states, particularly, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta were said to be affected by the oil spill. In response to the spill, NOSDRA imposed a $1.8 billion compensation for environmental damages and loss of income on affected communities, and another $1.8 million as a punitive penalty. The liability totalled $3.6 billion. Shell contested the award at the Federal High Court in Lagos, arguing that NOSDRAs enforcement encroached on judicial and legislative powers. But despite Shells objection, the court in its judgement, delivered on 24 May 2018, upheld NOSDRAs authority to impose fines, rejecting the companys claims of constitutional violations. The judge, Mojisola Olatoregun, said in the judgement that Shells preference for litigation over compliance with court orders was evident. The judgement affirmed NOSDRAs duty to assess damages and enforce penalties. The Federal High Court in Lagos directed SNEPCo to pay, but they prefer litigation as this strategy would enable them to utilise the money they collected from the insurance company and subject us to perpetual abject poverty, Mr Johnson, the leader of the protesters, said on Monday. Protest The protesters, during their peaceful procession at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Monday, carried placards with messages urging Shell to respect the courts decision and compensate them before exiting Nigeria. We believe that either the government agencies purporting to deal on our behalf have been compromised or they are deliberately conniving with SNEPCo to frustrate payment of our compensation to us. We therefore call on policy and decision makers and in particular our dear president, Chief Bola Tinubu to come to our aid for a quick resolution of this matter which has lingered since 2011, Mr Johnson said. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, was not available to address the protesters. But a woman, presumably an official of the ministry who refused to identify herself, received a signed protest letter from the protesters on behalf of the minister. Health risks, destruction of livelihood Mr Johnson later, in a telephone call with our reporter, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the EFCC on the outcome of its investigation. According to him, the oil spill has devastated their livelihoods, rendering fishing impossible due to environmental damage and exposing them to various forms of health risks. The oil spill has destroyed many livelihoods. We cant go fishing, even though we do use the water a times to bath, but the oil spill has destroyed everything. So we cant fish because fishes cant survive the oil spill. Spill occurrences do bring different diseases like cough, catarrh and malaria which are affecting our people. We have been fighting them to pay compensation since 2012 but nothing has been done even after the judgement of the federal high court, he said. EFCC accused of cover-up Among their grievances, they said the refusal of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to disclose the findings of its investigation into the insurance funds released to SNEPCo for compensation. The EFCC invited the valuer and some other people as they investigated the payment, but since then, we have not heard anything from them. The valuer is from the government We are now begging the government to use their office to call them to order so that they can pay the money to us, because is the authority of the country. Now SNEPCo are planning to leave the country, but before they leave, they should pay us our money, Mr Johnson said. When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to speak on the issue raised by the protesters. But another top official of the agency who asked not to be named to speak on the issue without authorisation said there is a limit to what EFCC can do concerning the issue because it is a civil matter. The source recalled that the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom had in May 2023 delivered a ruling in favour of Shell concerning the matter. However, the substantive claim of the affected communities is said to still be pending in a UK court. The matter brought to EFCC by the host communities does not involve allegations of financial crime, the source stated. It is a civil matter that should ideally be resolved directly between the parties involved. The source reiterated that the commissions mandate primarily encompasses matters related to financial crimes. The matter they brought to EFCC is a civil matter, which respectfully, should be resolved between the host communities and the affected oil company. They never brought up any issue of financial crime. Its not everything you bring to the EFCC. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, have declared a police inspector wanted over alleged murder in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a short statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday identified the inspector as Audu Omadefu. The (Anambra Police) Command urges any member of the public who sees the fugitive or has information on his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or call the command control room number, Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said. The police spokesperson published some telephone numbers of the police in the state, with an appeal to Nigerians to report to the police whenever they see the wanted inspector. Any information given in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality, he assured. Mr Ikenga also uploaded the photograph of the inspector on various social media handles of the police in the state. The police spokesperson did not, however, give details of the alleged murder. Not the first time Cases of police brutality, extortion and harassment of Nigerians are not new, but that of murder is rare. In October 2020, Nigerian youths protested against police brutality across the country and called for the disbandment of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS) of the police. Despite the ban on SARS, the cases of police brutality have persisted across the country. The police authorities have continued to punish police operatives for various acts against Nigerian citizens. READ ALSO: Six officers, for instance, were caught in a viral video, in April 2023, using a machete to smack two unidentified people in Imo State. The police in the state would later begin an orderly room trial of the officers. Another police operative, Ubi Ebri, within the same period allegedly shot dead a young man in Delta State for reportedly refusing to give N100 bribe. PREMIUM TIMES reported how youths in Delta State protested with the victims corpse along major roads in Asaba. Mr Ebri, the operative, was immediately arrested, dismissed from service and later arraigned. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, quashed a criminal charge preferred against a former Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosu, and two others, over alleged N21.5 billion money laundering. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) first arraigned Mr Amosu, a retired air marshall, alongside two other military officers: Jacob Adigun, and Gbadebo Olugbenga, before Justice Mohammad Idris, on 29 June 29 2016, on a 26-count charge. The defendants had respectively pleaded not guilty and were each granted bail. Delivering his judgment, Justice Chukwujeku Aneke upheld the defendants preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case on the grounds that they were serving officers of the military at the time the case was instituted. The court noted that as of 23 June 23 2016 when the original charge was filed before the court, one was not sure whether the first defendant was still a serving officer of the armed forces, since his exact date of retirement was not stated. The court, however, held that the proof of evidence filed by the prosecution in paragraphs 1688 and 1695 contained letters written by the prosecution to First City Monument Bank dated 30 January 2015. The court held that the letters showed that investigations into the instant charge had already begun as of 30 January 2015, by which time the affidavit evidence proved that the first defendant was still in service of the armed forces Reiterating the decision of the apex court in the case of Jafaru Mohammed, the court held that the investigation of the first defendant was null and void. Therefore, the investigation of the defendant, the original charge, the amended charge and the arraignment, which are all based on the illegal, null and void investigation, are equally null and void. Accordingly, prayers one, two and three sought by the first defendant in his motion on notice dated May 21, 2023, and filed June 1, 2023, are hereby granted, he held. The court also reached a similar decision for the second and third defendants, and accordingly, quashed the charges. In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offence on 5 March 2014 in Lagos. The prosecution alleged that they conspired to convert N21.5 billion belonging to the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) to their use. The commission said that the defendants reasonably ought to know that the funds formed part of the proceeds of their unlawful activities namely criminal breach of trust. The offence, it said, contravened the provisions of section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that shortly after the trial commenced, Justice Mohammed Idris was elevated to the appellate court and the case was transferred to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The defendants were consequently, re-arraigned in 2018, on an amended 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and money laundering. They had each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail. On 1 June 2023, the first defence counsel, Bolaji Ayorinde, filed a notice of preliminary objection and an affidavit of six paragraphs, challenging the jurisdiction of the court and urging it to quash the amended charge. Defence counsel had first argued that the grounds upon which the defendants were charged took place in Abuja, and so, the court lacked the requisite territorial jurisdiction to hear the charge. He had cited the Supreme Courts decision in the case of Dele Belgore and others. The defence had also argued that the first defendant was at all times material to the trial, a serving officer of the armed forces, who is subject to the trial by a court martial. Besides, he had argued that sections 16 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering Act 2011 (as amended), did not create the offence of criminal breach of trust for which the defendants were charged. Also relying on an appeal court decision in the case of Brigadier General Jafaru Mohammed vs EFCC Chairman and others, the defence had argued: That the court had held that the said offences in that case, were triable by a court martial by virtue of section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, as they formed part of other civil offences prescribed for persons subject to service law. He had argued that the first defendant was at all times material to the instant trial, not just a serving officer but also the Chief of Air Staff and was subject only to the provisions of the service law, with regards to arrest, invitation, interview or investigation. He also argued that section 123 of the Armed Forces Act 2004 was elucidated upon by the Supreme Court in the case of Sogbesan where the court held among others, that : A report of an allegation of an offence against an officer of the Armed Forces must be made to his commanding officer, who must investigate it in the prescribed manner, before the allegation is further proceeded on. He had argued that the above, are steps that ought to be first taken before the other legal steps. The defence had, therefore, raised a sole issue for determination: Whether the EFCC can arrest, arraign, and prosecute the first defendant, who was at all times material to trial, a serving military officer, without first complying with the provisions of section 114, 121, 123, and 270 of the Armed Forces Act, 2004. If the answer to the above is in the negative, the defence had then prayed the court to determine, whether the prosecution of the defendant is not ultra vires the powers of the EFCC and therefore, null and void. He had also urged the court to determine whether it is properly clothed with the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the charge. The other defence counsel, Norrison Quakers, had also made similar submissions before the court in urging it to quash the charge against the defendants. On 3 July 2023, the EFCC filed a counter affidavit against the defendants objection and raised an issue for determination as to whether the defence was entitled to the reliefs sought. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A man at Kabeama coastal settlement in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, South-south Nigeria, has allegedly beheaded his girlfriend. The suspect has been identified simply as Tony, while the slain woman is Ebibraaladei Maxwell. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the slain woman lived with the man and that both had a child together. According to the neighbours, the sad incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, at about 3 a.m., with the severed head of the victim discovered at dawn. The residents apprehended Tony as he attempted to flee the scene and handed him over to the police. Musa Mohammed, the police spokesperson in Bayelsa, who confirmed the incident, said the victim was in police custody and undergoing interrogation. Police operatives from Sagbama evacuated the remains of the victim and deposited them at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. Bayelsa Government reacts Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government, on Tuesday, called for calm over the incident. The call came amidst reported tension between members of the Kabeama and Amatolo communities where the woman and the boyfriend hail from. The Deputy Governor of the state, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his media aide, Doubara Atasi, urged the two communities to allow the police to handle the matter. He cautioned the womans community against reprisal, saying the government was taking appropriate measures to ensure justice for the deceased and her family. READ ALSO: Police operative shot dead by girlfriend Mr Ewhrudjakpo condemned the killing, saying it was an unacceptable sad development. Security agencies have since swung into action in line with government directives on the matter, he added. He urged traditional leaders and people of the two communities to avoid utterances and actions that could escalate the matter. The deputy governor also appealed to both communities to cooperate with government and security agencies to ensure amicable handling of the matter. He expressed the condolences of the state government to the family of the deceased and assured them of justice. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print There was chaos on the floor of Senegals parliament on Monday as lawmakers voted to extend the tenure of President Macky Sall until a new presidential election is held in December. Mr Sall was due to leave office on 2 April, following a failed move to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally permitted limit. However, a few weeks before the scheduled 25 February presidential election, Mr Sall announced the postponement of the election, PREMIUM TIMES reported. On Monday, the Senegalese parliament voted in support of Mr Salls bill and announced a new date of 15 December for the presidential election, AP is reporting. The decision to postpone the West African nations election from 25 February to December took place in a chaotic voting process after opposition lawmakers were forcefully removed from the chambers as they debated Mr Salls earlier decision to postpone the election. According to AP, security forces stormed the legislative building. They forcefully removed several opposition lawmakers who were trying to block the voting process. The adopted bill also extends Mr Salls tenure which was due to end on 2 April until a new election. AP also reported that mobile internet access was restricted amid growing protests by opposition supporters against the delay. While lawmakers debated the bill, thousands of Senegalese gathered outside the legislative building protesting. Security officials tear-gassed and arrested many protesters. Two opposition parties filed a court petition challenging the election postponement. The development in Senegal is happening when the West African region is faced with growing coups and threats to democracy. Mr Sall who in July said he would not seek a third term in office following local and international calls on him not to do so had cited an electoral dispute between the parliament and the judiciary regarding some presidential candidates as a reason for the postponement. But opposition leaders and candidates rejected the move, calling it a coup. The African Union and ECOWAS urged the government to organise the election as soon as possible and called on everyone involved to resolve any political dispute through consultation, understanding and civilised dialogue. A private TV station, Walf television network, had its signal cut off as they were broadcasting the protests on Sunday and their broadcasting licence was revoked. The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy said mobile internet services were cut Monday due to the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks in the context of threats and disturbances to public order. The governments abrupt shutdown of internet access via mobile data and Walf TVs broadcasting constitutes a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression and press rights protected by Senegals constitution, Amnesty Internationals regional office for West and Central Africa said in a statement. Political tensions have run high in Senegal for at least a year. Authorities also cut internet access from cellphones in June 2023 when supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko clashed with security forces. Mr Sonko is one of two opposition leaders whom election authorities disqualified from the final list of presidential candidates this month. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall always supports young talents through multiple projects and initiatives. The Philharmonic Hall creates all necessary conditions to unleash the creative potential of the young musicians. At the initiative of the director of the Philharmonic Hall , People's Artist of Azerbaijan, Professor Murad Adigozalzade, the young talents were awarded diplomas for their creative activities, Azernews reports. Among the recipients are Rifan Gahramanov, Ilkana Jafarova, Sharif Baghirov, Nazrin Aslanli, Nurlana Abdullayeva, Rufat Khalilov, Firdovsi Eyvazov, and Jamala Abdinzade. Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History Ayla Karimova-Zakariyya congratulated the talented youth on the holiday and wished them creative success and achievements in the musical field. Note that Azerbaijan annually celebrates National Youth Day on February 2. The public holiday takes its origin from the First Youth Forum, which was held in 1996. A year later, national leader Heydar Aliyev signed a decree according to which February 2 was declared the Day of Azerbaijani Youth. From that time on, Azerbaijan became the first country among the CIS and Eastern European states to solemnly celebrate this day. Photo Credits: Kamran Bagirov DAMASCUS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. forces have ramped up their operations to "steal Syrian national wealth," particularly oil and grains, the state news agency SANA said on Tuesday. SANA accused U.S. forces of smuggling oil and grains out of the country through illegal crossings, saying they transported 160 tanks and tankers loaded with the stolen resources to Iraq in the past 24 hours. Citing local sources in the northeastern province of al-Hasakah, the news agency said a convoy of 84 tanks carrying oil from the al-Hasakah fields crossed the al-Mahmoudiyah border point to U.S. bases in northern Iraq. Another convoy of 76 tankers carrying wheat and barley from grain silos seized by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces militia, backed by the U.S., crossed the al-Walid border point to Iraq, SANA said. The Syrian government denounced the U.S. operations as a violation of its sovereignty and an exploitation of its national wealth. Syria has been struggling with the impact of war and the theft of its vital resources worsens its economic woes. The government has repeatedly questioned the role of the U.S. forces in Syria, saying they violate international laws and norms. Farhan Jamil Abdullah, head of the state-run Syrian Oil Company, said last July that U.S. sanctions and military presence in Syria had reduced oil production by his company from 385,000 barrels per day to 15,000 barrels, and gas production from 30 million cubic meters per day to 10 million cubic meters. He said the government had lost control of most of the energy fields because of the U.S. presence in oil-rich areas in northern and eastern Syria. Syrian Oil Minister Firas Hassan Kaddour said last July that the U.S. presence in the country had caused economic losses of about 100 billion U.S. dollars in its energy sector. The Bauchi State Government has filed fresh charges against a popular Islamic cleric, Idris Abdulaziz, who campaigned against Governor Bala Mohammed in last years governorship election in the state. Mr Abdulaziz supported Mr Muhammads main opponent, Abubakar Sadiq of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 18 March 2023 election. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Abdulazizs lawyer, Ahmad Musa, said the cleric fled into exile after security agents raided his Dutsen Tanshi residence in the Bauchi metropolis on 24 January to execute a search warrant. Abdulaziz left Bauchi State to flee persecution and arbitrary arrest and detention by the Bauchi government following trumped-up charges accusing him of committing blasphemy against religious creed. He has successfully left Bauchi to a safe place, the lawyer earlier told PREMIUM TIMES. On Monday, the state government through the office of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, filed fresh charges at a chief magistrates court in Bauchi, against Mr Abdulaziz. The fresh charges accused Mr Abdulaziz of Inciting disturbances, insulting or inciting contempt of religious creed. The cleric has denied any wrongdoing. The hearing notice for the fresh case against Mr Abdulaziz was pasted at his residence situated at Dusten Tanshi, in the Bauchi metropolis. According to the court documents, the case was coming up on Tuesday (6th February). Mr Abdulazizs lawyer, Ahmad Musa, on Tuesday, said the new charges contain the same allegations being tried at the Upper Sharia Court 1, Bauchi after Mr Abdulaziz was first arraigned last April. The case went from the Upper Sharia Court 1, Bauchi state to High Court, Bauchi and now it is properly before the Court of Appeal, Jos Division, Mr Musa said. The lawyer alleged that the new twist in the case against his client has allegedly exposed the political witch-hunt of the state government using the state judicial branch to persecute Mr Abdulaziz. But a state counsel on the case, UB Babayo, said the state was still prosecuting Mr Abdulaziz because he was yet to move a motion concerning an appeal he claimed to have filed in Jos. The state government has not received any notification from Mr Abdulaziz that he has appealed his case, thus, the state is continuing with the prosecution of Mr. Abdulaziz like any other Nigerian, Mr Babayo said. It is public knowledge that the case of our client Dr. Imam Idris AbdulAziz of Dutsen Tanshi, Bauchi was filed initially at Chief Magistrate Court 1, Bauchi state by the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi before it was later taken over by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, SAN. To diligently pursue his appeal and save himself from the political witch-hunt of the state governor using the state judicial branch to execute, we filed, on behalf of our client, a motion for a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal (Jos Division). The process aimed to stop the judge of the Upper Sharia Court 1, Bauchi, Hussaini Turaki from continuing with the case pending determination of the appeal at the Court of Appeal, Mr Musa said. Mr Musa said the case also suffers delay at the Appeal Court in Jos. The date for the motion was set for Wednesday 7th February, 2024 and all the parties involved were duly served with the hearing notices. However, late on Friday 2nd February 2024, I received a notice of cancellation of the hearing of the motion from an official of the Court of Appeal with no other scheduled date for the hearing of the motion for now. This brings the cancellations of the hearing of the motion to the 4th time. In an egregious case of abuse of judicial process and show of desperate effort to further flout the constitutional rights of our client in serving the dirty political interest of the governor, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, SAN filed yet another frivolous criminal complaint against Dr Imam Idris AbdulAziz at Chief Magistrate Court, Bauchi. How this case is being handled; the level of abuse and politicization of judicial processes in Bauchi state is quite alarming and embarrassing for a state claiming to be democratic. It is more alarming that the scenes of the abuses are being directed by a learned silk, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who must uphold the principles of human rights and help in the development of legal systems! Mr Musa said. Mr Abdulazizs ordeals began last April when he told a gathering that he does not need the support of any person when in difficult times, not even Prophet Muhammad, but only God. In difficult times I dont need the support of Ibrahim Niase, Abdulkadir Jelani, Ahmad Tijjani (Sufi scholars), and even Prophet Muhammad except for Allah, Mr Abdulaziz, a strong Sunni Muslim said in his lecture on the oneness of God. The comments generated controversy in the state and beyond. While his brethren in the Sunni sect supported him, some of his rivals from the Sufi sect have called for his prosecution, accusing him of disrespecting a religious creed. The state government subsequently took over the case and prosecuted Mr Abdulaziz. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Normal activities have returned to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) with workers and patients having free entry and exit. This followed police disruption of the indefinite protest embarked on by the sacked workers of the hospital. Recall that the sacked workers, numbering over 1500, shut the gates of the hospital last Thursday in protest against their disengagement. They had vowed that the protest would continue indefinitely unless the institutions management reverses their sack. But as the protest entered Day 5 on Monday, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that men of the Nigeria Police Force invaded the protest arena, shooting into the air and throwing tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters. The security personnel later forced the shut gates open and stationed their patrol vehicles nearby to prevent further protest. Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has intervened in the lingering industrial crisis. A statement by the palace media office on Tuesday, stated that during a meeting with leaders of the sacked workers on Monday, the monarch donated a sum of N10 million and one thousand bags of rice to pacify them. The statement added that the monarchs gesture was to ameliorate their suffering, which was occasioned by the non-payment of their salaries for 14 months. Ooni Ogunwusi assured the aggrieved workers that he was working with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, among others, to resolve the crisis. I am dedicating myself and the ancient throne of Oduduwa to fight this fight to a logical conclusion, he said. The monarch noted that the workers had the right to protest if they feel injustice has been meted out to them, but he urged them to apply wisdom in order to achieve desired results. ALSO READ: Sacked OAUTH employees shut down hospital in protest I am happy that you all have demonstrated core Omoluabi ethos of descendants of Oduduwa by allowing operations to resume at the hospital upon receiving my message. You have honoured me and I pray that God will honour you all. Beyond that, I wish to assure you that the Palace will support your dreams and aspirations in life even beyond the OAUTH. I believe that most of you have big dreams and you are only looking for how to achieve them, I am calling on you all to use me as a ladder to reach your peak in life, he added Spokesperson for the disengaged workers, Samson Falope, expressed gratitude to the monarch for his donations and intervention. He, however, insisted that their disengagement was not justified. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Charles Idahosa, member, Board of Trustees (BoT), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused some national officers of the party from APC-controlled northern states of fueling the crisis in the party in Edo. He said this in Abuja at a meeting hosted by the partys National Vice-Chairperson, Dan Orbih, on Tuesday. Mr Idahosa alleged that the leaders were acting as mercenaries bent on selling the soul of the party in Edo to the highest bidder. He spoke against the background of controversies that trailed the recent election of ward ad-hoc delegates in Edo. The governorship election in Edo is scheduled to be held on 21 September. Mr Idahosa said the issues raised by the nine aspirants who had protested Saturdays election were serious. He, therefore, warned that if they were not immediately resolved the PDP would be good as dead and buried in Edo. Mr Idahosa, a former political adviser to then Governor Adams Oshiomhole, alleged that what led to the crisis in the party was fueled by PDP officials from core northern states currently controlled by the APC. He claimed that having failed to deliver their states to the PDP they were now on a mission to cash out in Edo. I want to make a prediction and I am directing this to our national vice-chairman to carry it to the NWC (National Working Committee of the party). The people who are doing whatever they are doing are from Yobe, Sokoto, all northern states, they will collect what they want to collect and let all of us die here. They dont care because they are not from here. But I want him to carry this message that I, Charles Idahosa, say if they dont do the right thing, and correct this anomaly, PDP is dead in Edo, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has returned to the country after a two-week private visit to France. The president arrived Abuja aboard the presidential flight at about 9:0O p.m. on Tuesday. He was received by top government officials led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The president left Abuja on 24 January for his first break since assumption of office on 29 May 2023. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct our error that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was charged. We have since been informed that his name was only featured in a new count introduced in the case and not charged as a co-defendant. The error is regretted. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has named a former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in an ongoing corruption case, but has yet to formally charge him. Mr Bello handed over to his successor, Usman Ododo, after eight years in office on 27 January. EFCC named Mr Bello in the corruption case following a fresh amendment introducing a fresh count to the case that has been going on in court since 2022. Mr Bellos nephew, Ali Bello, and his associate, Dauda Suleiman, the two defendants in the case, were accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi State. But in the newly introduced count, the two defendants in the case were accused of conspiring with Mr Bellow to convert the total sum of N80.2 billion (N80,246,470,089.88) belonging to Kogi State Government to personal use. The commission also named in the count alleged co-conspirator, Abdulsalami Hud, (Kogi State Government House Cashier), who it described as being at large. Kogi State Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement condemning the amendment carried out by the EFCC, on Tuesday, said the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022 is already before James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mr Fanwo, who served in the just-ended Bello administration, said the count ridiculously stated that the offence took place around September 2015 at a time Mr Bello had yet to assume office. He added the count indicated that Mr Bello, was at large. He said this is ridiculous, laughable and portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria. Being at large of course means that a person is evading arrest or is on the run and cannot be found after an attempt to arrest, the statement stated. In the EFCCs desperation to nail H.E Yahaya Bello, they forgot their thinking hammer at home. Read the Kogi State Governments statement in full below: KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA PRESS RELEASE EFCCS POLITICAL AGENDA EXPOSED AS COMMISSION DESPERATELY CHARGES YAHAYA BELLO FOR DIVERTING KOGIS FUNDS MONTHS BEFORE HE ASSUMED OFFICE SAYS ROGUES POLITICIANS CONNIVING WITH COMMISSION TO TARNISH COUNTRYS ANTI-CORRUPTION IMAGE . ..INSISTS KOGIS MONEY WORKING FOR ITS PEOPLE, NOT MISSING The Kogi State Government has raised the alarm over what it described as a desperate attempt by criminals masquerading as politicians to tarnish the image of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, HE Yahaya Bello, for selfish reasons, through Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The state government said, in its desperation, which would leave Nigerians wondering who exactly is afraid of Yahaya Bello, the EFCC has, in an amended charge, accused the former Governor of diverting Kogi State Government funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed the position of a Governor. It said this was not only laughable but portrayed the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, said, The fact that the EFCC, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V. 1. Ali Bello 2. Dauda Suleiman, currently pending before Honorable Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division further amended the Amended Charge to include in the count, the name of H.E Yahaya Bello, describing him as being at large, is ridiculous, laughable and portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria. Being at large of course means that a person is evading arrest or is on the run and cannot be found after an attempt to arrest. For the sake of clarity, the original charge is against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, Alis associate. The offence which H.E Yahaya Bello is alleged to have committed upon which he has been named in the count is conspiracy to convert the total sum of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo) which offence is said to have occurred on or about September 2015 in Abuja. His co-conspirators according to the Count are Abdulsalami Hudu (Kogi State Government House Cashier) described as being at large too, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman. In the EFCCs desperation to nail H.E Yahaya Bello, they forgot their thinking hammer at home. The Count of the offence is most laughable as the election that produced H.E Yahaya Bello, CON, as Governor of Kogi was only conducted in November 2015. Indeed, H.E. Captain Idris Wada of the PDP held sway as Governor of Kogi State at the material time until he handed over to H.E Yahaya Bello on the 27th day of January 2016. H.E Yahaya Bello could therefore not have as of September 2015 conspired with anyone, including Abdulsalami Hudu, a Kogi Government House Cashier to convert any money belonging to the Kogi State Government. It is to be noted that H.E Yahaya Bello before becoming the Governor of Kogi State had no financial dealings with the Kogi State Government which could have permitted him to convert monies belonging to the Kogi State Government, hence, ones dismay at the allegation. The state government warned political actors to steer clear of Kogi State affairs and desist from their campaign of calumny as the state government has not said its money is missing, and has been adjudged, both locally and internationally, as top in the area of transparency and accountability. The state government asked: Why should Nigerians trust the leadership of the agency that made such a ridiculous, shameless and indefensible allegation? The Chairman of the Commission should tender unreserved apologies to the Nigerian people for making us a laughing stock in the comity of nations. It called on the President to step in to save the integrity of the EFCC from those pushing the Commission into a fight that should be left to politicians. The Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo will continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. We will also continue to promote probity, accountability and transparency and open our books to agencies and institutions constitutionally empowered to look into them. We will continue to win awards in transparency and accountability, the state government added. The journey did not begin today, according to Fanwo. He said, In 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a desperate bid to embarrass the Government of Kogi State then under the leadership of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, came out with a false claim that it had uncovered over N20 billion Naira of the states bail out fund in a Fixed Deposit Account in Sterling Bank. Emboldened by its innocence, the Kogi State Government wrote a letter to Sterling Bank for clarifications. The Bank came out clean that the State Government had no such account with it, rubbishing the blatant falsehood of the EFCC in a manner that was so embarrassing to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But rather than apologize to the Government of Kogi State and the general public, the EFCC chose to harass the officials of Sterling Bank, coercing them to do everything possible to achieve the aim of roping tue Kogi State Government into their ignominy ring. It ended with a conspiratorial exchange between the EFCC and the CBN. Today, Nigerians are not confused about the personae of Bawa and Emefiele. The sack of Bawa and the startling revelations that followed threw Nigerians into jubilation. Their hope was that EFCC will birth a new era of separating political vendetta from the actual fight against corruption. But recent happenings have shown that it isnt war against corruption anymore but a clear manifestation of hired gun approach to hack down political opponents by certain elements within and outside the anti graft agency. This betrays the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to retool the agency and make it more vibrant in preventing and fighting corruption in a genuine and objective manner within the ambit of the rule of law. According to him, the current leadership of the EFCC has now continued to tow the path of the leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa who woke up one day in August 2021, decided in his mind that the Kogi State Government had Twenty Billion Naira in an account, secured ex-parte, an Order of the Federal High Court, Lagos empowering him to direct the Manager of Sterling Bank Plc to freeze Account No. 0073572696 with the name Kogi State Salary Bail Out Account pending the conclusion of investigation or possible prosecution. They went on even when Sterling Bank through a letter addressed to the Kogi State Government dated 1st September, 2021 confirmed that the Kogi State Government does not currently operate or maintain a Fixed Deposit Account with Sterling Bank There is no mandate letter from the Kogi State Government to open account number 0073572696 with Sterling and that Sterling Bank account 0073572696 is an internal (mirror) account operated by the Bank for purposes of managing the Kogi State salary bailout facility, he said. The state government added, While the EFCCs suit was withdrawn and the Order of Court vacated upon a challenge by the Kogi State Government, the EFCC continued to issue press statements on all its social media platforms, attaching the pictures of H.E Yahaya Bello to those statements and insisting that the factual basis of their claim was genuine. To cover up the falsehood and their shame, the EFCC under Bawa compelled Sterling Bank Plc and the CBN under its embattled Governor Emefiele, to write letters confirming the return of funds belonging to the Kogi State Government to the CBN, when no such funds existed. The EFCC has since refused to answer to the suit filed against it since 2021 by the Kogi State Government and its officials challenging the falsehood on the issue of bailout funds. The EFCC has continued to maintain frivolous appeals even when the Court of Appeal had confirmed that the trial Court had the jurisdiction to entertain the suit. A similar modus operandi was employed by the EFCC with respect to the former first lady of Kogi State, Rashida Bello. She was named in the counts of offence and described as being at large in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/573/2022: FRN V. (1) ALI BELLO (2) ABBA ADAUDU (3) YAKUBU SIYAKA ADABENEGE (4) IYADI SADAT and was alleged to have conspired to criminally misappropriate over Three Billion Naira, funds allegedly belonging to some Local Government Areas of Kogi State. It is noteworthy that she was never invited by the EFCC or arrested before branding her as being at large. As usual, the EFCC employed rogue news platforms who sensationalized the issue, claiming that the then First Lady has been charged to Court and was running from justice! The Kogi Government said the current leadership of the EFCC seemed to have picked up the gauntlet from where Bawa left it. They have started using their media cronies and other faceless blogs and rogue media handles to spread lies about H.E Yahaya Bello. The purpose of the current amendment of Charge No. 550/2022 is no doubt to allow their irresponsible bloggers gleefully but erroneously claim that Yahaya Bello has been charged to Court for the conversion of over 80 Billion of Kogi money, an offence which was allegedly committed when he was not yet a Governor. The unprecedented extent to which the EFCC is ready to go to tarnish the image of the Kogi State Government and also the image of the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Alh Yahaya Bello, has left much to be desired. It is in our character to fight in defence of the integrity of the Government and over 5 million Kogites whose common patrimony the Government allocates on their behalf. We are prepared to use the instrumentality of law to defend the integrity of the State Government. We urge the people of Kogi State to remain calm and law abiding in the face of relentless provocation by EFCC who is insisting that the money we used to build infrastructure in the state is missing. We will never lose a just battle. Signed: Kingsley Femi Fanwo Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications 6th February, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Concerned Nigerians in their hundreds under the auspices of the Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employee NUFBTE on Tuesday held protests in Lagos calling on the Federal Government to save over 500,000 Nigerians who would face job loss as a result of the phase out of production, sale and consumption of alcohol in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently announced the ban with a vow to clampdown on individuals or companies flouting the directive. But on Tuesday, protesters who stormed the Lagos office of National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), reeled out various economic disadvantages of the proposed ban and appealed to the Government to reconsider the stand. According to a joint statement by the protesting unions, this singular action has sent over 500,000 breadwinners out of jobs and into the oversaturated Nigerian labour market. The associations complained that this new policy would further pile more problems on the Nigerian economy as it may lead to the eventual shut down of the industries producing these products. Most of our jobs are at stake Comrade Emmanuel Idogien, Vice Chairman, Trade Union, Lagos Council stated while highlighting the potential impact on employment within the industry. Many companies will fold up, especially those local industries that serve as raw materials to the producers, he added. The unions asserted that their employers have been law abiding and socially responsible citizens who dutifully pay their taxes which runs into several billions of naira thus contributing to economic growth. Rather than embark on outright ban, they advised the government to work together with stakeholders and embark on advocacy initiatives to advise the public on the dangers of over consumption and underaged drinking. They pleaded with NAFDAC and the Federal Government to lift the outright ban on the products. They enjoined the Agency to implement regulation of the products as well as utilise public enlightenment option instead of throwing the baby with the bath. With this ban, counterfeiters and moonshiners will have a field day which will give rise to various health problems, they warned. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Imagine that one man set out to visit a hundred schools across Lagos State. Imagine he is doing that to get a factual assessment of the state of things and to help policy formulation in the primary education sector. Come out of the realm of imagination for a bit this is reality and that is why the OJ Falana journey is inspiring: the youngest permanent board member at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He embarked on an extraordinary mission a quest to visit 100 primary schools in Lagos. But this wasnt merely a perfunctory check; it was an immersive journey, a genuine exploration of the educational terrain that would shape the future policies of SUBEB. Mr Falana, armed with an unwavering belief in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus education-centric policies, spearheaded the meticulously planned #100SchoolsVisit. It was an arduous journey that spanned rivers, seas, and diverse local government areas, showcasing a dedication to leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of educational excellence. The grandeur of the initiative reached every nook and cranny of Lagos, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on each visited local government. Falana led by example, ensuring the tour was not just a perfunctory exercise but an immersive experience. From traditional leaders visits to engaging in assemblies, he demonstrated a commitment to understanding the nuances of each educational hub. Mr Falana did not embark on this monumental task alone. The success of the #100SchoolsVisit was a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives within Lagos. The Lagos Waterways and Ferry Services played a pivotal role, ensuring the team crossed aquatic boundaries safely. The media, both external and internal teams, added flair to the initiative, broadcasting the journey and its impact far and wide. This wasnt just an administrative tour; it was an expedition into the heart of education. Mr Falana, defying the traditional roles of a board member, actively engaged in the classrooms. He didnt just observe; he taught classes, gauged student strengths through on-the-spot assessments, and fostered a connection with students, teachers, and non-teaching staff alike. Special thanks to Schools Online and LTV for their media coverage of the various visits. Radio Lagos, Eko FM and Bond FM also beamed special highlights of the #100SchoolsVisit over their air waves, all of these efforts were what made the entire process successful. Lessons across Lagos: A holistic perspective As Mr Falana crisscrossed Lagos, the lessons gleaned from these diverse school visits became the building blocks of future policies. Conversations with administrators provided insights into the challenges faced by schools, while interactions with teachers and students shed light on the triumphs and tribulations within the educational ecosystem. From the riverine areas of Epe to the urban landscapes of Ikeja, Mr Falanas journey painted a comprehensive picture of education in Lagos. Having all of the eclectic mix of schools across the state must have presented Falana with the unique opportunity to capture needs and geographic differences that play in the different schools visited. These schools will serve as the sample space for all other primary schools in the space. Indeed, 100 is the perfect scientific sample to use for a large randomized sample. It also points out how diverse policies and regulations have to be for the different institutions, seeing that pain points are as varied as the environment. The journey unfolded unexpected narratives, such as the inspiring story of Temitope Batula at Oki Primary School. Mr Falana, while visiting the special needs school in the complex, noticed Batula, an N-Power volunteer living with a disability, diligently at work. Impressed by her consistency, he recommended her to the Board on the spot, leading to her immediate appointment. This simple occurrence serves as a reminder of diligence, teaching pupils that through hard work, they can enlarge their luck surface area. Weathering the storms: Resilience in pursuit of education The #100SchoolsVisit was not without its challenges. Adverse weather conditions on the waterways tested Mr Falanas resilience. Undeterred, he navigated through storms, symbolizing the unwavering commitment to providing quality education for Lagos primary students. For a programme that spanned months of planning and execution, the success of #100SchoolsVisit bodes well for the future of Lagos SUBEB. The insights gained, the connections forged, and the commitment demonstrated by Mr Falana and his team lay the foundation for transformative policies that will shape the destiny of education in Lagos. With dynamic individuals like OJ Falana at the helm, optimism radiates through the educational corridors of Lagos. His unwavering commitment and hands-on approach signal a promising future for the schools touched by the #100SchoolsVisit initiative. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has declared Wednesday, 7 February, a work-free day to mark three days of prayers for the late former governor of the state, Bukar Ibrahim. The Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the governor, Mamman Mohammed, said this while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Damaturu. He said the day was set aside to offer prayers for the former governor who died in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. The three-day prayers, according to him, would be offered at the Government House Mosque, Damaturu. Mr Mohammed said the Yobe government had officially taken over the funeral rites to honour the late governor. READ ALSO: Outrage over gruesome murder of housewife in Yobe State He also explained that Governor Buni, in the company of government officials and the family of the late governor, has been receiving condolences from sympathisers from within and outside the state at the Government House, Damaturu. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Umar Nadada, has said that the vigilante group recently inaugurated by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani socio-cultural association in the state, is not recognised by the police. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Fulani socio-cultural group unveiled the vigilante group on 18 January in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The Commissioner of Police said this when members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him on Tuesday in Lafia. According to the commissioner, no formal letter was written to inform the police of the group`s intention to register any vigilante group. It is our duty to attend any gathering to provide security and ensure that hoodlums did not hijack the event or the organisers themselves will not do anything illegal. Even when they came to our headquarters, I addressed them outside the headquarters of the command because there was no formal notification, he added. Mr Nadada said that the police had been working with vigilante groups that were recognised, and would not work with any group not recognised by the state, he said. On the synergy with NUJ, Mr Nadada said that the police were ready to work with the media for proper policing in the state. The commissioner said that the contributions of journalists to the development of any society, and of course policing of the society cannot be undermined. Media practitioners in the state have proven to be true professionals in their reportage, and have always contacted us to get clarification before publishing or airing their reports. The coverage of police activities in the state has been unprecedented and we need to commend you and appeal that it should be sustained. Without the coverage of our activities the public will not know the efforts we are making in fighting crime, and the feat we have achieved, he said. He said that the command had concluded plans to expand the anti-kidnapping unit of the police from two to five for more efficiency. Earlier, Salihu Alkali, NUJ chairperson in the state, congratulated Mr Nadada on his posting as the commissioner of police in the state and promised to support him to succeed. He commended the police for their relentless effort toward fighting crime and appealed that patrol should be stepped up at Nasarawa State Polytechnic Lafia and the Federal University of Lafia. The chairman said that this would tackle the increasing robbery in the area. He said that the people in the state were not happy with the formation of the vigilante group, and urged the police to address it before it got out of control. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Despite the pessimism among some Western economists regarding the Chinese economy, entrepreneurs like Jon Moeller, CEO of consumer products company P&G, are optimistic about future business opportunities in China. The reason for this disparity is straightforward: While many Western economists rely on Excel spreadsheets and rigid models for their flawed projections, entrepreneurs with firsthand experience in the Chinese market tell a different story. Moeller said a visit to China last month had bolstered his view that there would be opportunities to expand the company's business in the years ahead. During a recent earnings call, Moeller said he spent six days in China, meeting the company's local employees and government officials and visiting residents' homes. "The long-term China opportunity remains intact," he said after his visit. Seeing is believing. The best way to understand the Chinese economy is to visit China for a firsthand experience. This is crucial to businesses and investors: Knowing China well benefits investments. Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, provides a good example. Despite widespread negative sentiment towards China's financial market, the hedge fund performed exceptionally well in China last year. The performance of Bridgewater China Investment Management surpassed many local and other foreign funds and is set to grow to some 5.6 billion U.S. dollars at the end of 2023, according to the Financial Times. Analysts attributed the hedge fund's outstanding performance to its investment strategy and the full experience gained from long-term research into the Chinese market. Some Western economists who are indulged with rigid models may never accurately understand China's economy. Not only have these economists failed in their predictions about China, but their estimates of the global economy have also been proven incorrect. "Many economists are actually a tribal clique," said Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank president, who joined the chorus of criticism at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month. "They quote each other... They don't go beyond that world because they feel comfortable in that world," Lagarde said. In 2023, China maintained the top position for growth among major economies, with a GDP expansion of 5.2 percent. Innovation-driven development, vibrant services spending and vigorous investments provided robust momentum for the country's economic growth. As 2024 begins, booming consumption and vibrant tourism markets are a reality in China. Harbin, capital of China's northernmost province of Heilongjiang, attracted some 3.05 million tourists during the three-day New Year holiday thanks to its snowy landscapes and warm hospitality. The country is also increasingly becoming a magnet for foreign visitors. "When in Shanghai, I saw the most magnificent displays for Year of the Dragon," Maye Musk, mother of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, said on a social media post Saturday. "More people should visit China," her son followed the next day on X, formerly Twitter. As a thousand-year-old Chinese poem puts it, "If the waters of the spring river are warm, the frolicking ducks will be the first to know." To better know China, come see it for yourself. Several bandits, two soldiers and a mobile police officer were killed on Monday during a fight that ensued after the outlaws attacked a security camp in Zamfara State. The terrorists had attacked security personnel stationed at the Government Day Secondary School, Dauran in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state. Multiple sources from Dauran and Zurmi towns told PREMIUM TIMES that the attack, which began around 9:30 a.m., was launched by the terrorists to avenge the arrest of one of them by the soldiers on Sunday after being identified by locals. Some residents who were once kidnapped spotted a bandit in the market on Sunday and alerted the soldiers that were stationed in the community. The soldiers came and arrested the suspect and took him away, a community leader in Dauran, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told PREMIUM TIMES Monday evening. That was what caused the attack. Two groups of terrorists were said to have stormed the camp, a government secondary school now being used by the soldiers. Most of the soldiers were inside the classrooms that now serve as their rooms when they started hearing gunshots, a youth leader in Zurmi, Abubakar (surname withheld), said. The two soldiers killed and the mobile policeman were the ones on duty outside so they fired back. They exchanged fire for some time before the other soldiers joined. He said several terrorists were killed by the soldiers but only two bodies were recovered as the bandits retrieved and withdrew with the others. Terrorists dont leave behind dead bodies of their friends. They try as much as possible to take away all dead bodies. Yesterday, they left behind two dead bodies and went away with others. Several of them also got bullet wounds. I believe if the soldiers had more numbers, they would have killed all the terrorists, Mr Abubakar said. Another resident of Dauran, Ahmad Muhammad, told PREMIUM TIMES over the phone that the terrorists entered through Marakkai forest. The soldiers are trying but they are not enough honestly. We are happy that there are soldiers and mobile policemen here but they need to bring more security agents, he said. He said even before the attack on Monday, the terrorists abducted a local trader, Shafiu Musa, his wife and a friend. Ibrahim Yahaya, the spokesperson for Operation Hadarin Daji, 1 Bridge Nigerian Army in Zamfara State, and the police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, did not respond to calls and SMS sent to them by this reporter over the attack. Most of the communities in local government areas sharing a border with the Niger Republic like Zurmi (Zamfara), Jibia and Batsari (Katsina), Gada, Sabon Birni and Isa (Sokoto) have in recent weeks witnessed the resurgence of terrorist activities. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Specialty food and beverage industry professionals from around the world gathered at the Specialty Food Association's (SFA) 48th Winter Fancy Food Show, January 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 domestic and international companies across 40+ specialty food and beverage categories exhibited at the Show. In addition to makers and buyers, the show attracted industry affiliates, press, influencers, investors, and trendspotters. Specialty Food Association 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show "As the kick-off event of 2024, this year's Winter Fancy Food Show gave us so much to be excited about. As always, the energy and passion from our exhibiting members was palpable. I particularly loved meeting with entrepreneurs in the incubator village and from the (included) cohort, one of whom won the Fancy Face-Off pitch competition," said Bill Lynch, SFA President. "The Meet Suites on the Show Floor were buzzing with productive conversations, as were the interactive sessions at our Pavilion Pop-Ups. Thank you to all the SFA members who showcased the best in specialty products, to all the attendees who came to discover their next best-sellers, and to the SFA team for another incredible Show." Exhibitors and Attendees Love the Winter Fancy Food Show "As expected, the show was well executed and extremely productive for us. We had the opportunity to sit with key partners as well as to meet new players in the specialty world. Plus, we loved the cheese-related presentations--very engaging and fun." Zoe Brickley, Director of Communications & E-Commerce, Jasper Hill Farm "The Fancy Food Shows are always the most productive shows we attend and the 2024 Winter show was the best one yet. There was a plethora of high quality, serious buyers attending. It was the best show yet and we're excited for the next one." Dina DiCenso, Co-Founder, RIND LLC "This year's Winter Fancy Food Show was an amazing showcase of the diversity and innovation in the specialty food space. We were able to connect with existing customers and encounter new opportunities for growth. And on top of all that it was a blast! A great event and time well spent!" Chris Mattera, Culinary Innovation & Sales, North Country Smokehouse, LLC "Winter Fancy Food Show was the perfect opportunity for an emerging brand like ourselves. We are absolutely thrilled to receive a ton of great feedback and network with other emerging brands that we can potentially collaborate with." Myles Powell, Co-Founder and CEO, Myles Comfort Foods "The (included) and SFA Diversity Pavilion for BIPOC-founded brands was a huge highlight of the show that brought attention from key buyers for small up-and-coming brands. Between the new visibility and winning the Fancy Face-Off Pitch Slam competition, it was a very successful showcase for my business." Jocelyn Ramirez, Chef and Founder, Todo Verde "The show presented the opportunity to see a variety of innovative items from around the world. I appreciated the forward thinking on the small business side and the representation of a diversity, equity and inclusion aisle." Cathy Strange, Ambassador of Food Culture, Whole Foods "The backdrop of Las Vegas mixed with the energy of the New Year helps reinvigorate us as Buyers in January. The twinkling lights, architectural novelties, and the strong passion from the hospitality industry serves as extra inspiration when sourcing new products. It is also a great playground for us to reconnect with our favorite producers or distributors and debrief before heading into our next sales strategy. This year, I loved the community at the press office as well as in the key buyer's lounge. The one thing that does not stay in Vegas is my imagination about showcasing brands after I fly back home." Summer Thompson, Senior Buyer, Market Hall Foods "We were delighted to exhibit at the Winter Fancy Food Show this year, and we are already looking forward to this summer's event. It is always a highlight for us to attend and have the opportunity to connect with several of our key buyers, media and partners. The Specialty Food Association has a longstanding reputation for driving the trends of the specialty food categories and spotlighting innovations which is something we at The Republic of Tea are proud to support and be a part of." Kristina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment and Commerce, The Republic Of Tea "I would like to express our sincere appreciation for Japan being selected as the partner country at the 48th Winter Fancy Food Show. This was the first time for an Asian country, and it was a great honor. Approximately 100 Japanese-related exhibitors were taking part this year throughout the Japan Pavilion. Many unique Japanese foods; including those that were organic, gluten-free, and low-carb, were exhibited and we had a special booth dedicated to Japanese seafood. Also, Celebrated star chefs demonstrated classic and innovative seafood dishes using excellent Japanese ingredients, such as scallops. I am sure that many visitors had the opportunity to enjoy and sample Japanese ingredients. We hope that this Winter Fancy Food Show will lead to the further spread of Japanese food and the development of business between the United States and Japan." Takuro Wanami, Executive Director, JETRO Los Angeles Winter Fancy Food Show Highlights NEW NOW NEXT featured Startups (up and coming makers in business for less than a year and with under $1 million in sales) and Incubators+Accelerators. Global Flavors: Canada, China, Italy, France, Greece, Morocco, Spain, and partner country, Japan. Diversity Pavilion, with a nine-company cohort from (included) : Barlow's, Frescos Naturales, Funky Mello, Grumpy Ginger, Krack'd Snacks, Myles Comfort Foods, Sobo, Todo Verde, TUYYO. Category-Specific Food and Beverage Pavilions: Plant-Based, Deli, Beverage, Bakery/Confectionery/Snacks & Sweets. The Specialty Food Association Trendspotter Panel: 10 professionals from diverse areas of the culinary world scouted the show floor for the latest innovations. The panel consisted of Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo , food and sustainability consultant, PG Consulting Group, LLC; Jenn de la Vega , chef, stylist, cookbook author, trends expert, Randwiches; Jonathan Deutsch , professor and director, Drexel Food Lab; Jeanette Donnarumma , producer, cook, recipe developer/tester, food lover, content creator, party-planner; Sarah Lohman , culinary historian, author, and public speaker; Chef Clara Park , claraparkcooks.com, chef, teacher, consultant and writer; Wendy Robinson , program manager and senior buyer, Market Hall Foods; Kantha Shelke , Ph.D., CFS, IFT Fellow, Corvus Blue LLC; Cathy Strange , Ambassador of Food Culture, Whole Foods, V. Sheree Williams , publisher, Cuisine Noir, and founder, Global Food and Drink Initiative. Specialty Food Association Junior Trendspotter Panel: UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality under the guidance of Joseph Lema, Ph.D. Professor/Ph.D. Coordinator, Seyhmus Baloglu, Ph.D. Professor/Associate Dean of Research. Fancy Face-Off Pitch Competition : Entrepreneurs representing four brands pitched their products to a panel of industry experts and audience members during this fast-paced competition. Todo Verde was crowned the Grand Prize winner by judges Gary FX LaMorte, Cathy Strange, and V. Sheree Williams, while Tilden Cocktails won Fan Favorite. Pop Up Pavilions including the Confectionery, Snack, and Bakery Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?, and the Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy invited attendees to go hands-on with interactive sessions focused on trends, food-focused holidays and events, and more. Giving Back: At the end of the show, exhibitors continued their long tradition of giving back by donating tens of thousands of pounds of unopened meat, cheese, produce, confections, and snacks to Three Square . 23,784 pounds of food were donated. The next Fancy Food Shows are the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show , June 23-25 in New York, and the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show , January 19-21 in Las Vegas. About the Specialty Food Association The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $194 billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 3,800 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by developing resources, information, education , and events that celebrate innovation and inclusivity. SFA owns and operates the Fancy Food Shows which are the largest specialty food industry events in North Americaas well as the sofi Awards which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. The SFA also produces the e-newsletter SFA News Daily , the Trendspotter Panel annual predictions and Fancy Food Show reports, the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report, Today's Specialty Food Consumer research, and the Spill & Dish podcast. Find out more online and connect with SFA on Facebook , X , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok . SOURCE Specialty Food Association New five-year initiative will support student parents by bringing more Head Start centers to community college campuses throughout the country. WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), along with partner National Head Start Association (NHSA), announce the launch of the Kids on Campus initiative. For the next five years, NHSA and ACCT will provide technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start programs and community colleges, bringing them from introduction to open child care classrooms on campus. The launch takes place during the 2024 Community College National Legislative Summit at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. ECMC Foundation, Imaginable Futures, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Trellis Foundation, Crimsonbridge Foundation, and Seldin / Haring-Smith Foundation have joined together to provide funding for this five-year project. "Bringing Head Start centers to more community colleges is a solution to address completion." Post this "Insufficient child care and early learning opportunities are significant barriers for the 1.7 million parentsmainly momsin college," said ACCT Board of Directors Chair Jay Nardini. "Nearly all of these students have incomes at or near the poverty line." Nardini, who also serves as chair of Iowa's Hawkeye Community College board, added that "few community colleges currently offer on-campus child care, and many centers that did exist permanently closed during the pandemic. Most single parents in college have children under age five and would be eligible for Head Start." "Head Start and community colleges are two perfectly matched pieces of a complex puzzle, coming together to complete the picture of what comprehensive education canand shouldlook like," said Yasmina Vinci, executive director for the National Head Start Association. "Co-locating Head Start's high-quality early childhood education programs on campuses will bring the Head Start model to more families who are working to get ahead. NHSA is thrilled to join this effort to support student parents and, as a result, to unlock the full potential of two generations of learners at once." ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake this important work. "We're grateful to have found partners in NHSA and the philanthropic community who share our vision for improving student outcomes by supporting students' needs," he said. "Students who are parents face enormous life challenges that compete with their abilities to thrive in college. Bringing Head Start centers to more community colleges is an elegant solution to address one complexity of the long-standing problem of student persistence and completion." More information is available at: https://www.acct.org/center-for-policy-practice/kids-on-campus. The Community College National Legislative Summit is the premier community college advocacy event. This year's Summit brought 1,300 education leaders to the nation's capital. ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern approximately 1,100 community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. For more information, go to www.acct.org. Follow ACCT on Twitter @CCTrustees. CONTACT: Carrie Warick-Smith EMAIL: [email protected] SOURCE ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES NEW ALBANY, Ind., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ActZero , a leading cybersecurity provider for small and medium-sized organizations, announced its strategic expansion into the K-12 education market in collaboration with Five Star Technology Solutions . Based in southern Indiana, Five Star has been supporting the unique technology needs of K-12 schools across the US since 2005. This partnership aims to address growing cybersecurity challenges faced by Indiana and Illinois school districts. By combining their expertise, ActZero and Five Star will offer school districts a full-stack and fair-priced Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Service, including a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report , the loss of learning following a cyberattack ranged from three days to three weeks, and recovery time can take anywhere from two to nine months. In addition, school districts may lose between $50,000 to $1 million per cyber incident. School districts, especially smaller and rural school districts which make up more than 70 percent of US districts, often lack sufficient resources, making their student data more vulnerable. According to a CoSN Survey , only one-third of districts allocate a full-time employee to network security, leaving two-thirds feeling inadequately equipped to tackle cyber threats. "Attackers are becoming increasingly more targeted and sophisticated. Districts shouldn't be left trying to figure out the latest attack strategies in order to protect their students," said co-founder and VP of Partnerships Hal Libby. "ActZero is thrilled to partner with Five Star Technology Solutions to bring cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to Indiana and Illinois school districts to prepare for the future. Our joint efforts aim to strengthen schools and districts ensuring a secure learning environment for everyone." ActZero provides security coverage of a district's entire IT environment and combines its AI, expert threat hunters, and 24/7 protection across endpoints, mobile devices, network, identity, cloud, and email accounts all conveniently bundled into one service contract. Schools and districts report less noise and false alerts for their teams to investigate at a cost-effective price point for smaller teams. "The threat landscape has rapidly evolved and expanded to specifically target student data in K-12 schools. Five Star is excited to partner with ActZero to provide a solution that offers the protection schools need along with the staffing necessary to render 24/7 surveillance of the key areas of vulnerability," said Nathan Davidson, Vice President of Technology Services. "ActZero is the ideal strategic partner to help Five Star best secure the systems and data that are crucial to maintaining continuity of learning." About ActZero ActZero is a Managed Detection & Response (MDR) service providing a powerful full-stack cybersecurity solution at a fair price. Cybersecurity shouldn't be complicated. We combined our patent-pending AI technology with expert threat hunters into a service with 24/7 protection across endpoints, network, mobile devices, cloud, identity, and email accounts. Our AI works across disparate data sources providing auto-blocking and high-fidelity detections meaning fewer alerts and false positives while taking action at machine speed on your behalf. For more information, please visit actzero.com. About Five Star Technology Solutions Five Star Technology Solutions has been helping K-12 school districts meet the unique technology needs of their students and staff since 2005. We believe that technology should amplify students' learning experiences. From professional learning & technical services to data analytics & cybersecurity solutions, our team has the specific experience to support K-12 school districts of all shapes & sizes. Learn more at fivestartech.com . PR Media Contact Linda Kerr Director of Marketing, ActZero linda.kerr@actzero.ai (571) 455-2604 SOURCE ActZero NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner of Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are now investigating: Everbridge, Inc. (Nasdaq: EVBG ) , relating to its proposed sale to Thoma Bravo . Under the terms of the agreement, EVBG shareholders will receive $28.60 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/everbridge-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. , relating to its proposed sale to . Under the terms of the agreement, EVBG shareholders will receive in cash per share they own. Catalent, Inc. (NYSE: CTLT ), relating to its proposed sale to Novo Holdings. Under the terms of the agreement, CTLT shareholders will receive $63.50 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/catalent-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. relating to its proposed sale to Novo Holdings. Under the terms of the agreement, CTLT shareholders will receive in cash per share they own. Haynes International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAYN ), relating to its proposed sale to North American Stainless. Under the terms of the agreement, HAYN shareholders will receive $61.00 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/haynes-international-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. relating to its proposed sale to North American Stainless. Under the terms of the agreement, HAYN shareholders will receive in cash per share they own. Science 37 Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNCE ), relating to its proposed sale to eMed, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, SNCE shareholders will receive $5.75 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/science-37-holdings-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: Do you recover money for shareholders? Do you litigate and go to Court? Do you even go to the office and wear a suit? About Monteverde & Associates PC Juan Monteverde is a Spaniard and a born fighter. Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC The partnership focuses on streamlining laboratory operations with the potential future benefit of optimizing the embryo selection process SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alife Health ("Alife"), a fertility technology company building AI tools to advance in-vitro fertilization (IVF), announced today that it has partnered with Ovation Fertility ("Ovation"), a US Fertility company and national network of laboratories to pilot the world's first embryo image cataloging software. This software could enable future AI-powered embryo selection. Alife's Embryo Assist software enables embryologists to seamlessly create digital records of every embryo, with the added benefit of leveraging Alife's Clinical Decision Support (CDS) algorithm to determine the best embryo for transfer. Embryo Assist enables IVF clinics to digitally catalogue embryo data, leading to improved quality control and data transparency. "At Ovation, we strive to discover and leverage the most state-of-the-art technologies available to us in order to better improve patient outcomes," says Matthew "Tex" VerMilyea, PhD, HCLD/CC, vice president of scientific advancement at Ovation. "The Alife Embryo Assist software provides our laboratories with a structured digital approach to a rather manual and cumbersome process. I believe that by implementing Alife's technology, we will see an improvement in lab efficiency and performance, which ultimately will help our network provide the best possible outcomes for every individual hoping to grow their family." The Embryo Assist software is microscope- and EMR-integrated, allowing embryologists to easily capture images of each embryo and streamline the embryo reporting process by eliminating the need to manually transcribe information between systems. Alife expects this tool to elevate laboratory quality-control measures by providing an activity and audit trail for every embryo, viewable in real-time. The software also boasts an AI embryo ranking feature, which utilizes machine learning to help embryologists determine which embryos have the highest likelihood of success. Earlier this fall, Dr. VerMilyea and Alife co-authored an award-nominated scientific abstract based on a retrospective analysis of 12,626 IVF cycles, which demonstrated that Alife's model had non-inferior performance to manual embryo grading by five highly experienced embryologists. This implies that the machine learning model can offer laboratories a new level of standardization for embryo selection, especially in cases where embryologists might vary in selecting the top embryo for transfer, which occurred in up to 44% of the cases presented during the study. Upon successful completion of regulatory approval, the embryo ranking feature will be available for future use in clinical decision making. "We're thrilled to join forces with Ovation, a leading laboratory network in the country, to showcase the transformative impact of Alife's technology," says Paxton Maeder-York, CEO and founder of Alife. "Through this partnership, we aim to demonstrate how Alife's advanced technology, powered by AI, can not only optimize clinic workflow, but also set a new standard in the precision and consistency of embryo selection. We look forward to contributing to Ovation's commitment to excellence in fertility care." About Alife Health Alife's mission is to personalize and modernize the IVF process with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to improve outcomes and care for all. The company has built a consortium of partnerships with the top clinics and most renowned physicians to bring significant clinical improvements to patients globally. Founded by Paxton Maeder-York in 2020, the company is based in San Francisco and backed by top-tier venture capital investors including Lux Capital, Union Square Ventures and Maveron. To learn more visit www.alifehealth.com. Contact Info Alife Health: Jamie Gray, [email protected] SOURCE Alife Health SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking move for the beauty industry, AXIS-Y, the Korean skincare pioneer known for its commitment to inclusivity, has not only spotlighted its diverse global team but also celebrated the opening of its flagship offline store in the vibrant heart of Seoul's Gangnam district. This announcement highlights the brand's dedication to creating skincare solutions that resonate with a broad audience, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural insights. Cheongdam Store: A Beacon of Beauty Innovation and Inclusivity AXIS-Y Unveils Cheongdam Flagship Store: A New Era of Inclusive K-Beauty The newly opened Cheongdam store, situated in the upscale Cheongdam district, serves as a tangible representation of AXIS-Y's ethos. Beyond a retail space, it stands as a destination for beauty enthusiasts worldwide to explore the brand's innovative products. This expansion signifies the brand's rapid growth and commitment to making beauty accessible to all. Nestled in a prime location known for its dynamic atmosphere, the store is conveniently located on the first floor of our headquarters building, offering an unparalleled shopping experience in a lively, upscale neighbourhood. It's more than just a store; it's a place for connection and celebration. A Global Team Crafting Universal Beauty Narratives At the core of AXIS-Y's success is its multicultural team, whose diverse backgrounds empower the brand to authentically connect with a global audience. Every step, from product formulation to marketing, is shaped by a wide range of cultural perspectives, ensuring inclusivity and resonance with people from all walks of life. Shaping the Future of Skincare with Open Doors and Open Minds AXIS-Y's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of inclusivity in its internal practices and community engagement. The brand values feedback from its diverse user base, fostering a dialogue that shapes future products and campaigns, thereby positioning AXIS-Y as a leader in promoting representation within the beauty industry. Creating Memorable Experiences: Our Store and Cafe Our flagship store extends into a cozy space, embodying more than a place for shoppingit's a venue for brand events and parties held at our cafe. This ideal setting fosters making memories, sharing joy, and inspiring a life filled with love, embodying our vision of beauty and connection. A Vision for an Inclusive Future Looking forward, AXIS-Y reaffirms its dedication to expanding its inclusive approach. With a team and consumer base as diverse as the world itself, the brand is poised for continued growth, driven by the belief that beauty knows no boundaries. Join the AXIS-Y Community Experience the future of inclusive skincare with AXIS-Y. Visit our flagship store in Gangnam or explore our offerings online at www.axis-y.com . Follow us on Instagram @axisy_official for the latest updates and become part of a community where diversity is celebrated, and beauty is for everyone. SOURCE AXIS-Y ALGIERS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday discussed with his U.S. counterpart Anthony Blinken the situation in the Gaza Strip, Algeria's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Attaf received a phone call from Blinken, during which they exchanged perspectives on the ongoing developments in the Gaza Strip. Their discussions predominantly centered around the draft resolution submitted by Algeria to the UN Security Council urging a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, according to the statement. The statement underscored the mutual commitment of the two officials to enhance communication based on real-time developments both in the Gaza Strip and within the UN Security Council. Algeria presented the draft to the 15-member council on Jan. 31, following a deliberation on the International Court of Justice ruling that directed Israel to take urgent measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. Algiers said the primary objectives of its draft resolution include "establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians, facilitating unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, and affirming the UN Security Council's rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands." Since taking on non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in January, Algeria has consistently advocated for the passage of a resolution aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza. Last Friday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed concern that Algeria's proposed Security Council resolution urging a Gaza ceasefire could potentially undermine "sensitive negotiations" aimed at achieving a pause in a truce between Hamas and Israel. DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Birch Gold Group, a leading gold IRA company, honored America's wounded warriors and first responders with a second annual donation of $25,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation. VP of Marketing and Communications Cristin Bartter said, "On behalf of Gary, we are so grateful for Birch Gold's support of our mission to honor and uplift our Nation's defenders and their families." Birch Gold staff vote annually to choose a recipient for the company's donation, explained Andy Klein, Chief Marketing Officer at Birch Gold. "But the team was so moved by the incredible work the Gary Sinise Foundation does, they overwhelmingly voted to support them again in 2024." The connection between the two organizations goes beyond admiration. "Here at Birch Gold, we're all about safe havens. Veterans and first responders give so much to keep us all safe. We do the same, in a financial sense," Klein said. He highlighted Birch Gold Group's work on financial literacy for veterans and financial health . "What we do takes a lot less courage, of course." Birch Gold Group is proud to be a part of the Gary Sinise Foundation's mission. About Birch Gold Group Founded in 2003, Birch Gold Group is a leading dealer of precious metals for customers nationwide. With a strong commitment to educating Americans on the benefits of precious metals, Birch Gold Group has earned an exemplary reputation as the gold backed IRA experts. Learn more at https://www.birchgold.com or (800) 355-2116. About the Gary Sinise Foundation The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, a 40-year advocate of our nation's defenders. The foundation's mission is to serve our country by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. As Founder and Chairman Gary Sinise says, "While we can never do enough for our defenders and their loved ones, we can always do a little more." That spirit of service is the bedrock of all of the Foundation's programs. Learn more at GarySiniseFoundation.org . SOURCE Birch Gold Group The Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Bret Baier, chief political anchor at FOX News and anchor and executive editor of Special Report, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Mr. Baier joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Mr. Baier spent his early childhood years in Rumson, New Jersey and was raised in the Catholic faith. He credits his parents his mother was an accountant, and his father was an oil broker for Sunoco for instilling a strong work ethic in him, having led by their own examples. As a young entrepreneur, Mr. Baier started his own grass-cutting business as a teenager that eventually was so popular, he was booked every weekend. Mr. Baier attended DePauw University, graduating in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in political science and English. Mr. Baier began his celebrated television career working for local stations in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Rockford, Illinois and Raleigh, North Carolina. He sent an audition tape to FOX News in 1998 and was hired as an Atlanta based correspondent, where he covered the southeast as well as Central and South America. On September 11th, he traveled from Atlanta to cover the terrorist attacks from the Pentagon which then led to his extensive career in Washington. During that time, Mr. Baier took 13 trips to Afghanistan and 12 trips to Iraq. His trusted reporting earned him the positions of national security correspondent from 2001 to 2006 and chief White House correspondent covering President George W. Bush from 2006-2009. Most recently Mr. Baier has been the anchor of Special Report on FOX News since 2009, when he took over for the legendary Brit Hume who created and launched Special Report in 1998. In 2023, the program averaged 2.1 million viewers and 214,000 in the 25-54 demographic, making it a top five show in cable news. Additionally, he hosts The Bret Baier Podcast, which encompasses the Common Ground and All-Star Panel audio offerings under one umbrella. Mr. Baier and his wife, Amy, have two sons, Paul and Daniel. His eldest son Paul now 16 was born with five serious congenital heart defects that necessitated an eight-hour open-heart surgery when he was 12 days old and several subsequent open-heart surgeries in the years that followed. Today, Paul is healthy and active, and the family credits their Catholic faith for getting them through the most challenging moments of his health battles. "Bret Baier has reported on some of the most critical stories of our time while simultaneously navigating his son's arduous, years-long health battles," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "We are so proud do induct one of our country's most respected journalists as a 2024 Member and I know that the empathy he displays from his own life experiences will be a gift to many of our Scholars." Mr. Baier has conducted numerous interviews with world leaders, sitting presidents, politicians and celebrities throughout his 27-year tenure with FOX News, including former President Trump, then-President Barack Obama, then-President George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Dalai Lama and many others. In total, he has reported from 74 different countries. In August 2023, he co-moderated the first Republican Presidential Primary Debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was watched by 13 million viewers making it the highest-rated non-sports telecast of the year. In the current 2024 election cycle he has interviewed Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as current and former Republican candidates, including Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Mr. Baier is the author of six New York Times bestsellers and released his latest book "To Rescue the Constitution: George Washington and the Fragile American Experiment" in 2023. "I am deeply honored to become a Horatio Alger Member and join such a tremendously successful and philanthropic group of people," said Mr. Baier. "I've had the privilege of spending time with some of the Scholars over the past few years and am constantly in awe of their resilience, strength and determination. I look forward to supporting the Association's mission and amplifying the voices of these inspiring young people." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own businesses, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Mr. Baier and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024, during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X, LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: McKenna Young [email protected] SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As a consequence of SKF accelerating its strategic transformation to drive profitable growth, the leadership in two of the industrial regions, Americas and India and Southeast Asia, will change with immediate effect. "In times of transformation, adding new perspectives is sometimes necessary. Americas and ISEA have accomplished a lot, but with new leadership in both regions, we aim to find new opportunities and to become even more competitive and increase speed in our journey," says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO. Manish Bhatnagar, the current President, Industrial Region India and Southeast Asia (ISEA) is appointed the new President, Industrial Region Americas. Manish will be located in Landsdale, USA, and begin his new position as of today. As a consequence, Fredrik Hallen, Director Finance, Controlling, IT & Digitalization in Industrial Region ISEA, will take interim charge as President for the ISEA region. A permanent successor is expected to be in place during the spring. John Schmidt, the current President, Industrial Region Americas, will leave SKF to continue his career outside SKF. He will remain in an advisory role during a brief transition period. "On behalf of SKF I would like to thank John for his valuable contribution during many years of employment and I wish him all the best in future. I also take the opportunity to welcome Manish to his new role," says Rickard Gustafson. 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: CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Career Education Review (CER) recently named Kevin Quinn , Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts chef instructor as a recipient of its Exceptional Educator Awards. The Award recognizes outstanding career college faculty, administrators, and leaders who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, commitment, and excellence in teaching and learning. Chef Kevin Quinn Honored as a Recipient of Career Education Review's Exceptional Educator Awards Post this Kevin Quinn, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts chef instructor holds his Career Education Review (CER) Exceptional Educator Award. The Award recognizes outstanding career college faculty, administrators, and leaders who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, commitment, and excellence in teaching and learning. After a rigorous evaluation process, the CER Editorial Board meticulously reviewed more than 150 nominations, ultimately selecting Chef Kevin Quinn as one of the 25 remarkable individuals to receive this prestigious accolade. The profiles of winners are prominently featured in the latest edition of Career Education Review , providing a comprehensive look at their achievements, and serving as a source of inspiration for educators throughout higher education. "Chef Kevin's genuine passion for educating others inspires students to explore, question, and discover while learning," said Kathleen Ahearn M.Ed., CEC, CCE and Escoffier's vice president of academic affairs. "His sense of humor engages students and encourages them to understand the "why" behind lessons. This Exceptional Educator Award is a tribute to his remarkable dedication to his students," added Ahearn. "The Exceptional Educator Awards serve as a tribute to educators who consistently surpass expectations, leaving a lasting impact on students' lives," said Jenny Faubert, Editor of Career Education Review. "These awardees have not only inspired and empowered their students but have also made significant positive contributions to the field of career education." Career Education Review is a leading publication dedicated to providing insightful and relevant information about career colleges and the broader landscape of higher education. With a focus on higher education trends, best practices, and impactful stories, CER is a trusted resource for educators, administrators, and leaders. For more on Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS) . Escoffier's Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships. Escoffier's Austin, Texas and Boulder, Colorado campuses (Boulder includes online programs) were ranked number one in the U.S. by Chef's Pencil , the school's accredited programs offer the combination of a classic and contemporary approach to industry skills training as well as sustainability-centered and business-focused curriculum. Both Escoffier campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified institutions, and are designated as Military Friendly Schools , and Boulder was named a Newsweek Top Online Learning School . Escoffier in Austin offers diploma programs in culinary arts, and pastry arts, as well as Associate of Applied Science degrees in culinary arts and pastry arts. Escoffier in Boulder offers diploma programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, food entrepreneurship, and plant-based culinary arts as well as Associate of Occupational Studies degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, plant-based culinary arts, hospitality and restaurant operations management, holistic nutrition and wellness, and food entrepreneurship. Click for more information on Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts accreditations and degree and diploma programs . Media contact: Patti Thomas, [email protected] SOURCE Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Programming, Panelists and Job Fair Set to Take Place on Feb. 13 CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producers of the Chicago Auto Show, will host "Driving Future Leaders: Automotive Career Day" at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show on Tuesday, Feb. 13. This educational event is geared towards students, primarily in secondary education, and aims to highlight the vast career opportunities available across the dynamic auto industry. Programming will feature engaging speakers from a variety of backgrounds within the auto industry including marketing, sales, technology, STEM, dealership operations, technicians, and more. A special ticket price of $10 will be granted to Automotive Career Day attendees; pre-registration is required. The event is geared towards students & will highlight the vast career opportunities available across the auto industry. Post this "The 'Driving Future Leaders' Automotive Career Day was born out of a need to shine a spotlight on the vast careers that are available within the automotive industry," said Chicago Auto Show Co-General Manager Jennifer Morand. "The Chicago Auto Show serves as the perfect backdrop to introduce this kind of event and we're excited to see how this first-year event performs." The day will kick off with Teen Innovation Summit, powered by Toyota and Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association, featuring a fun and interactive format including a DJ to highlight the variety of careers within the industry. The Teen Innovation Summit is produced by an award-winning educational nonprofit organization that helps students from diverse backgrounds to discover and navigate career pathways in creativity, technology, and business. "We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Auto Show," said Teen Innovation Summit Founder Alissa Constable. "Together we are creating a dynamic environment to learn from leaders and be immersed in innovations in the automotive industry." Students will also be able to join sessions with speakers from Northwood University and Women in Automotive. The program will conclude with a panel discussion "Career as an Automotive Technician" with representatives from Apple Chevrolet, BMW and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show. Following the sessions, students can enjoy the show, participate in interactive exhibits including test tracks, and speak to representatives from the auto manufacturers and related exhibitors. Students will also be able to participate in structured networking sessions with the participating organizations and representatives onsite. For more information on Automotive Career Day, visit https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/news/automotive-career-day/. Special pricing for students can be arranged by contacting Roxanne Sammarco at [email protected]. For more information on the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. About the Chicago Auto Show First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2024 public show is Feb. 10-19 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com. About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info. SOURCE Chicago Auto Show NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The commercial aircraft PMA market by type (engine, component, and others), application (small widebody, medium widebody, and large widebody), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America) - Forecast and Analysis 2024-2028" report has been added to technavio offering. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio has proudly partnered with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. The potential growth difference for the commercial aircraft PMA market between 2024 and 2028 is USD 227.19 million. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Commercial Aircraft PMA Market 2024-2028 Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy the full report here The relatively low cost of PMA-made parts is the key factor driving market growth. The only companies offering commercial aircraft parts to service providers were original equipment manufacturers of commercial aircraft. Their monopoly of the industry has been caused by this. Nevertheless, the commercialization of PMA components has encouraged a variety of service providers to buy parts from PMA companies in the Commercial Aircraft Parts Manufacturers' Approval Market. Therefore, PMA enterprises are offering lower-cost components that don't compromise on quality. Market Challenge The rigorous standards set by aviation authorities is a significant challenge restricting market growth. To obtain a PMA certificate, manufacturers must comply with rigorous standards set by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In addition, to establish credibility and sustain the growth of the approval market for aircraft parts made by manufacturers, successful navigation of regulatory obstacles plays a key role. Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read a Free Sample PDF Report Now The commercial aircraft PMA market is segmented by type (engine, component, and others), application (small widebody, medium widebody, and large widebody), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The market share growth by the engine segment will be significant during the forecast period. Businesses involved in the production of modifications or replacement engine components to be installed and sold on type-certificated engines shall require a PMA. To decrease engine weight and production costs, these engine manufacturers are adopting a variety of technologies like the manufacture of additives. Such factors are driving the growth of the engine segment of the market during the forecast period. APAC is estimated to contribute 43% to the growth by 2028. View the Free Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report. Key Companies in the Commercial Aircraft PMA Market: ADPma LLC, Aero Brake and Spares Inc., Airforms Inc., AirGroup America Inc., AMETEK Inc., Aviation Component Solutions, BAE Systems Plc, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Fluid Components LLC, General Electric Co., HEICO Corp., Kellstrom Aerospace, Parker Hannifin Corp., Raytheon Technologies Corp., RBC Bearings Inc., Safran SA, Spirit AeroSystems Inc., The Timken Co., Triumph Group Inc., and Wencor Group LLC Related Reports: The Commercial Aircraft Aviation Fuel Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.65% between 2022 and 2027, and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 49.5 billion. The commercial aircraft passenger service unit (PSU) market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.35% between 2022 and 2027, and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 319.97 million. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Type Market Segmentation by Application Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio Electric Grid Upgrades Shorten Outages; More Work on the Way This Year JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that nearly 9 in 10 customers who lost power in 2023 were restored in less than 24 hours -- the result of the company's major upgrades to strengthen Michigan's electric grid. Michigan's largest energy provider last year unveiled its Reliability Roadmap a long-term commitment to improve reliability and restore all customers in less than 24 hours, even after severe storms. Consumers Energy put that plan into action, reducing the length of the average customer outage last year during normal weather to 176 minutes, or under three hours a 20-minute improvement over the average for the previous five years. "We are trimming trees, using technology and burying more power lines to build a power grid that is reliable in all weather," said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric distribution engineering. "We all saw the threat from severe weather, in the form of intense back-to-back storms just last month, where we restored power to most customers in less than 24 hours, which makes us even more determined to make outages as infrequent and as short as possible." "Michiganders are expecting us to provide energy even more dependably than ever, and our performance last year shows we're able to follow through on our plan," said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations. "We're going to continue following our Reliability Roadmap to ensure the power stays on for homes and businesses that count on us." Consumers Energy operates close to 100,000 miles of electric lines and serves nearly 2 million homes and businesses. In the past year, Consumers Energy continued to innovate with new technology and upgrades to its electric system across the entire Lower Peninsula. That work included: Carrying out 150 major upgrades across Lower Peninsula communities. Clearing tree branches from over 7,000 miles of power lines, addressing the No. 1 cause of power outages in Michigan . . Upgrading, rebuilding and expanding over 100 substations. Added smart technology including nearly 100 Automatic Transfer Reclosers (ATRs) that help limit the number and length of power outages. Strategically burying electric lines in areas that would receive the greatest benefit for less cost. Consumers Energy expects to make even more investments in the electric grid this year, helped by a $100 million federal commitment to its Reliability Roadmap. The company will start spending those funds, focusing on upgrades to the grid in disadvantaged communities. Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job No. 1 is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com. Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy SOURCE Consumers Energy HOUSTON, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Machinery Services ("Cooper") today announced the acquisition of Tucker Valve Seat Company. This action advances Cooper's position as the leading manufacturer and service provider of mission-critical compression and engine systems. Cooper Machinery Services Acquires Tucker Valve Seat Company Founded in 1957 and based in Odessa, Texas, Tucker Valve Seat Company is a manufacturer of superior industrial alloy valve seats for critical applications such as LP, gas, diesel, natural gas, and unleaded fuels. "We are excited to become a member of the Cooper family.," said Phillip Carrasco, Tucker Valve Seat Company's leader. "Together, we will strengthen Tucker's commercial efforts and improve customer relationships." "The Tucker Valve Seat Company is a great addition to the Cooper organization. Like Cooper, Tucker is a mainstay in our industry having served our customer base for nearly 70 years. Tucker's strategy is based on high quality products and strong customer service, so they fit perfectly with the Cooper culture.", said Cooper CEO, Scott Buckhout. About Cooper Machinery Services Cooper Machinery Services, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, is the original equipment manufacturer ("O.E.M.") and supplier of parts and after-sale services, and emissions reduction technologies to a large installed base of highly respected engine-compressor brands. The company's O.E.M. brands include AJAX, Cooper-Bessemer, Enterprise, Gemini, Superior, TSI, and TXC. They are also a major supplier of after-sale support for non-Cooper engine-compressor brands such as Clark, CAT (3600 engines), Ingersoll Rand, Waukesha (VHP engines), and Worthington. Manufacturing is conducted in its facilities in Houston, Texas, Salina, Kansas and McPherson, Kansas, while on-site services are delivered through its extensive network of field technicians operating out of fully equipped repair and overhaul shops strategically located around the world. Press Contact: Jeremy Holberg 713-354-1900 http://www.cooperservices.com SOURCE Cooper Machinery Services As-a-Service tools proliferating with malware loaders, cryptomining and botnets dominating attacks 10.4 million phishing emails detected between September and December, but novel attack techniques emerging as greater risk Rapid growth of threats such as ScamClub and AsynchRAT CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Darktrace, a global leader in cyber security AI, has today released its 2023 End of Year Threat Report, identifying the key threats and attack methods facing businesses observed across the past 6 months. These insights, observed by Darktrace's unique Self-Learning AI across its customer fleet, shed light on rapid shifts in the cyber security landscape and new techniques adopted by attackers attempting to sidestep traditional defences. The findings show that as-a-Service attacks continue to dominate the threat landscape, with Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) tools making up the majority of malicious tools in use by attackers. As-a-Service tools can provide attackers with everything from pre-made malware to templates for phishing emails, payment processing systems and even helplines to enable criminals to mount attacks with limited technical knowledge. The most common as-a-Service tools Darktrace saw in use from July to December 2023 were: Malware loaders (77% of investigated threats 1 ), which can deliver and execute other forms of malware and enable attackers to repeatedly target affected networks. ), which can deliver and execute other forms of malware and enable attackers to repeatedly target affected networks. Cryptominers (52% of investigated threats), which use an infected device to mine for cryptocurrency . (52% of investigated threats), which use an infected device to mine for . Botnets (39% of investigated threats), enrol users in wider networks of infected devices, which attackers then leverage in larger-scale attacks on other targets. Information-stealing malware (36% of investigated threats), malicious software like spyware or worms, designed to secretly access and collect sensitive data from a victim's computer or network. Proxy botnets (15% of investigated threats), more sophisticated botnets that use proxies to hide the true source of their activity. The report also reveals a changing of the guard. In its First 6: Half-Year Threat Report, Darktrace identified Hive ransomware as one of the major Ransomware-as-a-Service attacks at the beginning of 2023. With the dismantling of Hive by the US government in January 2023, Darktrace observed the rapid growth of a range of threats filling the void, including ScamClub, a malvertising actor notorious for spreading fake virus alerts to notable news sites, and AsyncRAT, responsible for attacking US infrastructure employees in recent months. Attackers shift to advanced solutions to bypass conventional security measures As businesses continue to rely on email and collaboration tools for communication, methods such as phishing continue to cause a headache for security teams. Darktrace detected 10.4 million phishing emails across its customer fleet between the 1st September and the 31st December 2023. But the report also highlights how cybercriminals are embracing more sophisticated tools and tactics designed to evade traditional security parameters. One example is the rise of Microsoft Teams phishing in which attackers contact employees through Teams, posing as a co-worker and tricking them into clicking malicious links. In one case in September 2023, Darktrace identified a suspected Teams phisher attempting to trick users into clicking a SharePoint link that would download the DarkGate malware and deploy further strains of malware across the network. Another new trend identified is the growth of malware developed with multiple functions to inflict maximum damage. Often deployed by sophisticated groups like cyber cartels, these Swiss Army knife-style threats combine capabilities. For example, the recent Black Basta ransomware also spreads the Qbot banking trojan for credential theft. Such multi-tasking malware lets attackers cast a wide net to monetise infections. "Throughout 2023, we observed significant development and evolution of malware and ransomware threats, as well as changing attacker tactics and techniques resulting from innovation in the tech industry at large, including the rise in generative AI. Against this backdrop, the breadth, scope, and complexity of threats facing organizations has grown significantly," comments Hanah Darley, Director of Threat Research, Darktrace. "Security teams face an up-hill battle to stay ahead of attackers, and need a security stack that keeps them ahead of novel attacks, not chasing yesterday's threats." Download the 2023 End of Year Threat Report at darktrace.com/threat-report-2023. ABOUT DARKTRACE Darktrace (DARK.L), a global leader in cyber security artificial intelligence, is on a mission to free the world of cyber disruption. Breakthrough innovations in its Cyber AI Research Centre have resulted in over 165 patents filed and research published to contribute to the cyber security community. Rather than study attacks, Darktrace's technology continuously learns and updates its knowledge of your business data and applies that understanding to optimise your state of optimal cyber security. Darktrace's cyber AI technology provides a full lifecycle approach to cyber resilience across the entire organisation that can autonomously spot and respond to novel in progress threats within seconds. Darktrace employs over 2,300 people around the world and protects approximately 9,200 customers globally from advanced cyber threats. Darktrace was named one of TIME magazine's 'Most Influential Companies' in 2021. To learn more, visit http://www.darktrace.com. 1 The percentages above represent more than 100%, as customers are categorised into more than one threat type based on infections within each category. SOURCE Darktrace Expansion in Adoption Among Overseas Services Operating in Japan TOKYO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Inc., part of the ELEMENTS Group, is pleased to announce that the cumulative number of KYC checks conducted through "LIQUID eKYC", an online identity verification service, has now achieved 40 million cases. LIQUID eKYC is an online identity verification service that completes the process either by scanning an identification document or reading an IC chip, and matching the person's self-taken facial photograph, or by using public personal authentication methods. Its unique features include the application of biometric recognition and image processing technologies, resulting in a low drop-off rate during the process, a small proportion of unclear images, and a high level of accuracy in automatic facial recognition. In addition to being adopted in a variety of industries such as finance, telecommunications carriers, second-hand shops, sharing economy-related services, dating apps, cryptocurrency trading services, and Web3-related services such as blockchain game guild services, the increase in adoption by overseas services operating in Japan has contributed to reaching over 40 million cases. Furthermore, the number of subscribers has exceeded 200 companies. Case Study (Overseas Services Expanding in Japan): Supporting Identity Verification in Compliance with Japanese Laws and Regulations The introduction of LIQUID eKYC has been expanding among overseas services entering the Japanese market due to its highly accurate and speedy identification verification in a method compliant with laws and regulations. In Japan, depending on the content of the services provided, it is legally mandatory to verify the identity of users in a prescribed method. Leveraging the extensive implementation experience in industries with legal obligations, we provide support to overseas companies, including organizing applicable legal regulations. Some of the companies implementing our services [FinTech] Paidy Inc. (PayPal Holdings, Inc.), pring Inc. (Google International LLC), Rakuten Wallet, Inc., RECRUIT MUFG BUSINESS Co., Ltd. [Cryptocurrency exchange] Binance Japan, Inc., BitTrade Inc., bitFlyer, Inc., Coincheck, Inc. [E-Scooter/Bike] Luup Inc., OpenStreet Co. [Matching Technology] Eureka, Inc.(Match Group) , Omiai, Inc. [Web3] SAKURA UNITED PLATFORM Pte.Ltd. [Bank] Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, JAPAN POST BANK Co., Ltd., SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd., SBI Shinsei Bank, Limited, Seven Bank, Ltd. [Credit Card Issuer] TOYOTA FINANCE CORPORATION, Credit Saison Co., Ltd., JCB Co., Ltd. [Fashion eCommerce] ZOZO, Inc. [Telecom] NTT DOCOMO, Inc., KDDI Corporation Reference: Recent Trends of "LIQUID eKYC" Achievement of 100% service uptime for three consecutive years The system is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without service outages, including during system maintenance. In 2023, the service continued without interruption, achieving 100% uptime for the third consecutive year. This achievement is underpinned by a common cloud infrastructure provided to implementing businesses, allowing concentrated investment in security measures for enhanced security and performance. Additionally, we have continuously improved our development and operation processes based on ISMS and FISC safety standards to meet the strict security standards required by industries such as financial institutions and major telecommunication carriers. Approximately 300 functional improvements and developments annually. Based on dozens of KPIs (e.g., face identification rate) measured monthly, we are making functional improvements and developments for smoother identity verification for both users and businesses. Our focus is on finding the right balance between the high image quality demanded by businesses and the ease of photographing for users, as well as ensuring a user experience that prevents user drop-off. With a flexible development structure that allows for short release cycles, we quickly provide functions based on the needs of implementing businesses and business trends. In 2023, we accomplished approximately 300 functional improvements and developments. In addition to these improvements, we are also engaged in foundational enhancements in image recognition technology from R&D. This includes improving the ability to detect facial forgeries and enhancing the accuracy of AI-based quality judgment of captured images, using user data accumulated in a common infrastructure. "LIQUID eKYC" with the largest share of the eKYC market for four consecutive years1 The service provides online completion of identity verification required for online contracts, account registration, and account opening. We offer a method that takes a picture of an identification document or reads an IC chip and matches it with selfies, as well as a method that utilizes public personal authentication (JPKI / Smartphone JPKI). We can also support age verification for student discounts. Our proprietary AI, biometric, and OCR technologies have enabled us to maintain a low drop-off rate from the start to the end of the photo shooting process and the cumulative number of identity verification cases has exceeded 40 million. Web site: https://liquidinc.asia/global/kyc-application/ 1 ITR "ITR Market View: Identity Access Management / Personal Authentication Type Security Market 2023" eKYC Market: Sales Value Share by Vendor (FY2019-FY2022 Forecast) About Liquid Liquid aims to create a seamless world where all of the world's approximately 8 billion people can easily and safely use all services as they are by automatic and ubiquitous authentication. We provide our own Digital ID, KYC and Authentication service, where users can prove their identity anytime, anywhere in the world with their smartphone or face. We are expanding our service globally and use the know-how accumulated under the Japanese strict law and rule. We adapt our operations and services flexibly and quickly to changes in the required legal and security framework. For more information, visit: https://liquidinc.asia/global/ SOURCE Liquid, Inc. BEIRUT, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel has threatened war with Lebanon to enable the return of some 100,000 displaced Israeli settlers to border areas, Lebanese Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said on Tuesday. Bou Habib made the remarks to reporters after he met with visiting French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne. He said the top French envoy "carried an Israeli warning about the possibility of escalation on Israel's northern border with Lebanon to return its (Israel's) displaced settlers," according to the official National News Agency (NNA). Bou Habib said he informed Sejourne that Lebanon does not want war but rather an agreement on the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, including Israel's complete withdrawal from all Lebanese lands. "If this is achieved, our security problems with Israel will end; our only problem with the Israelis will be the Palestinian issue," Bou Habib said. Lebanon's army commander Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati also met with Sejourne, who claimed to visit the country to "stop military operations" and to foster peace in the southern Lebanese border region. Also on Tuesday, Hezbollah and the Israeli army continued their military clashes in border areas, with the Israeli forces carrying out air strikes against the villages of Tayr Harfa and Houla and the town of Marwahin, according to the NNA. Hezbollah said its fighters attacked the Ramim barracks and the Israeli sites in al-Marj, Kfarchouba, and Shebaa Farms in addition to attacking spy equipment in Rowaisat al-Alam. The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension since Oct. 8 after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 250 on the Lebanese side, including 179 Hezbollah members and 39 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. The Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. , a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Dale LeFebvre, Founder and Executive Chairman of 3.5.7.11 Investments, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Mr. LeFebvre joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Raised in Beaumont, Texas, Mr. LeFebvre learned from a young age that he'd have to work for every penny he earned. He started his first business at age nine, cutting grass for neighbors. Along with his entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. LeFebvre had a passion for learning, which he attributes to his great-grandmother. Against the odds, Mr. LeFebvre attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he excelled, earning an internship with Senator Edward Kennedy, and later graduating with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. After graduating from MIT, he joined McKinsey & Company as one of the first MIT graduates to be hired as a business analyst. Focused on continuing his education, however, he returned to school to concurrently pursue his Juris Doctor and MBA from Harvard Law and Harvard Business School. Leaving graduate school with $250,000 in debt, Mr. LeFebvre faced new financial pressures but believed in himself, the strength he witnessed in his great-grandmother, and the power of education and entrepreneurship. After receiving his graduate degrees and spurred by his gift for creative problem-solving and entrepreneurship, Mr. LeFebvre became the managing partner for a private equity firm, and subsequently became the co-founder and managing partner for AIC International Investments, where he led fundraising efforts for a $230 million fund. After continued success, in 2006 Mr. LeFebvre founded 3.5.7.11, his privately owned equity investment firm. Today, Mr. LeFebvre has raised more than $1 billion in institutional capital for businesses specializing in transportation, infrastructure, energy, financial services and technology. He holds dozens of issued patents, and the 3.5.7.11 portfolio operates nationally, employing more than 1,000 team members. Mr. LeFebvre has been awarded the National Bell Labs Fellowship at MIT, the Traphagen Fellowship from Harvard Law, and the Aspen Institute's Henry Crown Fellowship. He serves on the Board of Directors for Lincoln Financial Group, the National Smithsonian Board, and the Board of Trustees for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "Hailing from humble beginnings, Dale LeFebvre understood the value of education from a young age," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "To him, a college degree was a ticket to a brighter future, and he saw firsthand where that ticket took him. I'm certain that Mr. LeFebvre's story will resonate with our Scholars and provide our Association with another stellar example of what the American Dream represents." Mr. LeFebvre generously gives to many education, civil rights, arts, culture and humanities causes. He is a patron of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution, and the University of the Virgin Islands. In 2014, Mr. LeFebvre was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Advisory Committee on the Arts at the Kennedy Center. An avid art lover, he was named a founding Milestone Donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture after donating $1 million in 2016. "Throughout my career, I've been asked to share my story and let others know, especially the younger generation, that your adversities do not define you and instead can motivate you," said Mr. LeFebvre. "I'm honored to join an Association that empowers students to overcome challenges and build their dreams, no matter how daunting they may at times seem." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own endeavors, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Mr. LeFebvre and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024, during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X, LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: Carly Colombo [email protected] SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. In a first for the brand, Din Tai Fung releases a Lunar New Year short film that highlights the intention of togetherness inspired by the holiday and the company's purpose of inspiring appreciation of culture. Dine-in guests at participating Din Tai Fung locations will be gifted lucky red envelopes containing good fortune, including a gift of Soy "longevity" Noodles appetizer and a Golden Ticket surprise. The Michelin-recognized brand curates a delectable line-up of its classic dishes that symbolize well-wishes for Lunar New Year. ARCADIA, Calif., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Din Tai Fung, the globally beloved restaurant brand known for the art of the Xiao Long Bao and hospitality excellence, is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with in-store gifts of luck and prosperity coupled with its classic menu filled with auspicious dishes for Lunar New Year. Din Tai Fung also brings the rich traditions of the holiday to life through its first short-film about celebration, connection and culture. In a first for the brand, Din Tai Fung releases a Lunar New Year short film that highlights the intention of togetherness inspired by the holiday and the brands purpose of inspiring appreciation of culture. Din Tai Fung dine-in guests will receive red envelopes with an insert calendar providing fun background on Lunar New Year and the lucky foods found on Din Tai Fung's menu. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9250251-din-tai-fung-celebrates-lunar-new-year/ Red Envelopes of Lucky Gifts: A nod to the traditional custom of Lunar New Year, red envelopes (also known as hongbao) will be distributed to every guest that dines in beginning Feb. 8 thru Feb. 12, while supplies last, at all Din Tai Fung U.S. locations, except for Las Vegas.* Inside each envelope is a gift of a Soy Noodle appetizer, symbolizing long life, that can be redeemed during a future visit, and a February calendar insert highlighting the lucky dishes loved by Din Tai Fung guests. Din Tai Fung reservations are known to be difficult to come by, let alone during the holidays! Now, one guest per restaurant will have the chance to win extra good fortune in the form of a Golden Ticket within their red envelope. The Golden Ticket grants access to the restaurant's VIP Reservation Concierge Service, which allows guaranteed and easier access to reservations for parties up to six through the end of the year.** "Lunar New Year is a significant holiday for Din Tai Fung, as it honors our heritage and gives us an opportunity to share our culture and story with more people," said Jessica Chao, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications, Din Tai Fung North America. "It is not only a time for gathering with family and friends, but also a holiday that celebrates generosity wishing prosperity for all in the new year. We are looking forward to sharing this sentiment in fun ways to surprise and delight the guests dining in with us this season." The Stories We Tell: Din Tai Fung has crafted a video-driven marketing campaign, a first-ever for the brand, inspired by the restaurant company's cultural roots and purpose to bring people together to inspire appreciation of culture. The short film follows a young woman's story of gratitude and creating new traditions through celebrations of old traditions with her best friend's family. A Menu of Auspicious Foods: Din Tai Fung will share with guests a selection of menu items with special meaning for the New Year period that impart prosperity, longevity, laughter, growth and treasure. "Food plays an important role in how we connect with one another and show our appreciation to one another while sharing a meal," said Corporate Chef James Fu, Din Tai Fung North America. "Several symbolic dishes can be found on Din Tai Fung's menu, including dumplings for prosperity, wontons for treasure, rice cakes for growth, noodles for longevity, and shrimp for laughter. We hope our guests will come partake in the Lunar New Year tradition with us and spread well-wishes of the Year of the Dragon to others as well." * Valid for one (1) time use at participating Din Tai Fung locations, except for Las Vegas, with a minimum table purchase of $20 for dine-in only. Offer expires March 31, 2024. Offer cannot be copied or transferred, cannot be redeemed for cash, and may not be combined with other offers. Void where prohibited. Consumer responsible to pay all applicable tax. Copying or altering in any way constitutes fraud. Terms are subject to change. ** Valid for all participating U.S. Din Tai Fung locations for dine-in only. Service offer expires December 31, 2024. Reservation requests subject to availability and limited to two requests per month. Instructions for redemption included on each golden ticket. Offer cannot be copied or transferred and are not redeemable for cash. Copying or altering in any way constitutes fraud. Terms are subject to change. About Din Tai Fung Din Tai Fung, a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a mission to create first-class dining experiences through its unwavering commitment to excellence in food, service and ambiance. Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958 by Bing-Yi Yang and his wife, Pen-Mei Lai, Din Tai Fung was reborn into a humble dumpling and noodle shop in 1972. Today, the Michelin-recognized restaurant brand continues to be family-owned and passed down through generations, with more than 170 locations in 13 countries worldwide. Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become synonymous with quality and consistency and known for its warm hospitality and delicacies with authentic flavors. Entering the North America market in 2000, Din Tai Fung opened its first U.S. location in Arcadia, California and has 14 locations to-date, offering an upscale yet inviting cultural dining experience. With each restaurant, each interaction, and each bite, Din Tai Fung aims to bring people together to inspire appreciation of culture. For more information, please visit www.dintaifungusa.com , Facebook , and Instagram . SOURCE Din Tai Fung North America LOS ANGELES, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent addition of industry-leading attorneys Gregg Lander and David Yeremian is contributing significantly to D.Law's vision of becoming the biggest and most innovative employment law firm in California. D.Law's diverse team of skilled attorneys has been growing and evolving while strategically building a full range of legal capabilities focused on employment law. Litigation Manager Gregg Lander joined D.Law as part of the January 2023 acquisition of Kevin T. Barnes's law offices and staff following the culmination of a successful 35-year litigation career by Barnes. Then, the acquisition in August 2023 of employment law firm David Yeremian & Associates brought Managing Attorney David Yeremian and his team on board at D.Law. With the inclusion of Lander and Yeremian, D.Law now has 30 passionate, focused attorneys dedicated to the field of employment law. "Working to defend our fellow workers is as much a calling as it is a profession," says Yeremian, who has been championing the rights of California employees for nearly two decades in the areas of wage-and-hour class action suits, Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) actions, and more. "Now, as part of D.Law, my team and I can take our passion for serving workers to an even higher level." Lander, too, credits a passion for helping workers as the motivating force driving his commitment to employment law. "Before I became a lawyer, I managed nightclubs, which gave me valuable insights into the needs and rights of hardworking employees. For over 22 years I have litigated for employees' rights, almost exclusively in the area of complex wage-and-hour class and representative action litigation." Yeremian and Lander have joined D.Law's diverse team of skilled attorneys at an especially exciting time, as D.Law has been growing and evolving while strategically building a full range of legal capabilities focused on employment law. They have also been establishing a corporate philosophy and culture that values strong ethical principles, community engagement, student outreach, and compassion for their clients: the workers of California. "Our stellar team of D.Law attorneys is the most dedicated and diverse group I've ever had the pleasure of working with," says Lander. "This is especially important because employing lawyers who reflect the varied demographics of California and beyond provides important insights into our clients' specific needs." Yeremian adds, "The diversity of our attorneys goes beyond ethnic and cultural distinctions. We have lawyers with many different types of legal experienceand backgrounds at both small and large law firms. Some are young, at the beginning of their careers. Others have been practicing over 20 years. The wealth of knowledge they bring to D.Law and the range of legal issues they have experienced is a key factor in our success." As Founder and Managing Attorney Emil Davtyan expressed, "The image we project through our brandprofessional yet personable, established yet innovativeis a true expression of who we are and who we continually strive to be. We are fully committed to redefining the concept of what an employment law firm can be, and that begins with creating a collaborative environment that helps our team work together more effectively while pursuing their full potential. Gregg Lander, David Yeremian, and all of our top-notch attorneys serve as outstanding role models for other D.Law employees who have been inspired to become lawyers themselves. We see our junior attorneys as a key part of our future, and we are so proud to be able to inspire and nurture them to achieve their professional goals." Davtyan also notes that the opportunities for all D.Law team members are reflected in the firm's continuing achievements. "We see all of our successes to date as just a preview for what is to come. The new year is already on track to be our most exciting ever, with the anticipation of our new Pasadena headquarters reflecting the amazing changes taking place throughout our company. We envision continued growth, more cases, and an even greater level of service and justice for our clients." CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE D.Law, Inc. Whistleblowers International Debuts Enhanced Online Platform WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a noteworthy advancement for whistleblower advocacy, Dr. Joseph Piacentile has been officially admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, a significant expansion of his esteemed legal career, which has been marked by a steadfast dedication to combating fraud against the U.S. government. This development coincides with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art website by Whistleblowers International, providing a pivotal resource for individuals worldwide committed to transparency and ethical corporate conduct. Dr. Joe Piacentile headshot Dr. Piacentile's induction into the DC Bar is not just a personal milestone but a strategic enhancement of his ability to impact key legal discussions and policies in whistleblower law at the national level. His new standing in the heart of the nation's legal epicenter amplifies his capacity to advocate for justice in high-profile cases of corporate and governmental malfeasance. Simultaneously, the launch of Whistleblowers International's innovative website (https://www.whistleblowersinternational.com) reflects the firm's dedication to empowering whistleblowers. This modern platform offers in-depth resources, guidance, and support, paving the way for courageous individuals who seek to expose wrongdoing and champion integrity. With a dual background as a licensed physician and attorney, Dr. Piacentile brings a unique perspective to the legal realm. His expertise, particularly in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, has been pivotal in guiding numerous whistleblower cases, contributing to over $8 billion in recoveries for the U.S. government. His inventions in pharmaceutical marketing and compliance, underscored by several U.S. patents, demonstrate his commitment to innovative solutions in the industry. Reflecting on his career and the new developments, Dr. Piacentile emphasizes a principle that has guided his endeavors: "Dr. Joe has been active in his messianic, Jewish congregation, and a believer in Jesus the Messiah for over 30 years and is guided by those principles in his work and life." This ethos encapsulates his approach to legal advocacy a blend of ethical commitment and strategic action. Whistleblowers International, co-founded by Dr. Piacentile and represented by Piacentile, Stefanowski & Malherbe LLP, stands at the vanguard of legal advocacy against corporate and governmental fraud. The firm's enhanced digital presence reaffirms its mission to support whistleblowers in their pursuit of justice, providing an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to make a significant impact in the fight against corruption. For additional information about Dr. Joseph Piacentile, Whistleblowers International, and to explore the new website, please visit [https://www.whistleblowersinternational.com/] For media inquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] SOURCE Whistleblowers International The Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. , a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Dr. Robert D. Ballard, distinguished explorer, discoverer, and historian, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Dr. Ballard joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Dr. Ballard grew up in San Diego and lived only a short walk from the Pacific Ocean where he spent most of his free time walking along the beaches, learning to swim and then later to scuba dive. He attributes his interest in underwater exploration to watching Walt Disney's movie "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." While he was in high school, his father connected him with oceanographers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and he participated in several short research expeditions. He first went to sea on an oceanographic cruise at 17 years old, which catapulted his interest in the field of oceanic exploration. Dr. Ballard received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara in geology and chemistry. He was working towards a PhD in marine geology at the University of Southern California in 1967 when he was called to active duty. At his request, he was transferred from the Army into the U.S. Navy as an oceanographer. The Navy assigned him as a liaison between the Office of Naval Research and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where he went on to spend 30 years of his career after entering the Naval Reserve in 1970. He also received a PhD in marine geology and geophysics at the University of Rhode Island. Best known by the public for his 1985 discovery of the RMS Titanic, Dr. Ballard has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier Yorktown (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway), and John F. Kennedy's boat, PT-109. Dr. Ballard also led the important discoveries of hydrothermal vents and "black smokers" in the Galapagos Rift and East Pacific Rise in 1977 and 1979. A pioneer in the development of deep-sea submersibles and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, Dr. Ballard has taken part in more than 165 deep-sea expeditions throughout his career. Throughout his early life and career, Dr. Ballard was acutely aware that the ways he learned and saw things around him were different from others. However, it wasn't until the age of 72 that he was formally diagnosed with dyslexia. With that new piece of information, many events from his past suddenly made sense. Dr. Ballard now credits his dyslexia for fostering the skills and the innovation that were needed to make some of the biggest discoveries in maritime history. The heightened visual and spatial awareness that comes naturally to people with dyslexia played a significant role in his celebrated career. Dr. Ballard is now a vocal advocate for people with dyslexia, seeking to ensure that younger generations know it's possible for them to do amazing things and have the careers that they want despite this adversity. "We couldn't be prouder to welcome Dr. Robert Ballard as a 2024 Horatio Alger Member," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "He overcame early challenges with dyslexia to become one of the most accomplished and well-known deep-sea explorers in the world. His passion for constantly learning and embracing complex challenges will greatly benefit the Scholars we serve." In 2008, Dr. Ballard founded the Ocean Exploration Trust and acquired the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, which continues to explore the world's oceans with the Nautilus Corps of Exploration. In addition, Dr. Ballard is a National Geographic Society Explorer-at-Large and a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. He is also a Senior Scientist Emeritus in the Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Ballard has 22 honorary degrees and six military awards. He received the National Geographic Society's prestigious Hubbard Medal in 1996 for "extraordinary accomplishments in coaxing secrets from the world's oceans and engaging students in the wonder of science," and was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2014. "Becoming a Horatio Alger Member alongside such a brilliant roster of Americans is a true honor," said Dr. Ballard. "I look forward to furthering the Association's important mission and encouraging the Scholars to fiercely pursue their passions even if they must overcome challenges in the process a lesson that I've learned many times in my life." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own businesses, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Dr. Ballard and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024, during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X , LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: McKenna Young [email protected] SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. A groundbreaking milestone sets the stage for a series of trade and consumer events scheduled to take place over the course of 2024 to usher in the next twenty-five years. RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emeritus Vineyards, a family-owned, estate winery in Russian River Valley, commemorates a quarter century of growing and crafting elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noirs from their renowned Hallberg Ranch and Pinot Hill Vineyards. Following an accomplished tenure at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyardswhere he built one of California's most iconic Chardonnay wineriesin 1999 vintner and founder Brice Cutrer Jones sold Sonoma-Cutrer and acquired Hallberg Ranch, 125 acres of apple orchards that would become Emeritus Vineyards. Since then, Brice, his family, and his partners have exclusively produced Pinot Noir to be distinctive reflections of the unique soil, climate, and people behind this special place. At the time of founding of Emeritus Vineyards, Brice was at the forefront of a meteoric rise in demand for California Pinot Noir that has tremendously impacted the American wine industry over the past two decades. Taking inspiration from the great vineyards of Burgundy, the two estate vineyards Hallberg Ranch and Pinot Hill were planted using "close spacing," with vines predominantly trained and pruned according to the Burgundy AOC Guyot model. Today, the stellar reputations of Hallberg Ranch and Pinot Hill have garnered such interest amongst renowned wineries that there is a waiting list to purchase the meticulously farmed Pinot Noir. The combined 140 acres at the two vineyards make Emeritus the largest dry-farmed estate in Sonoma. Post this "We are producing the best wines of my life right now," says founder Brice. "When I'm asked why I established Emeritus instead of retiring, the answer is easy: I couldn't pass up Hallberg Ranch and the opportunity to plant Pinot Noir here. I can't thank all of our partners, employees, customers, and friends enough for supporting my vision and company. The proof is in the bottle, and I could not be prouder to have my daughter carry on this legacy and tradition." Since the beginning, vineyard managers and father-son-duo Kirk and Riggs Lokka have planted and cared for both estate vineyards. Together, they steward several sustainability practices at Emeritus, including implementing the pilot USDA Climate Adaptation Program at the estate, effectively sequestering more carbon in the land than emitting through farming. Kirk also converted both vineyards to dry-farmingHallberg in 2011 and Pinot Hill in 2013a feat that now results in incredibly vibrant and energetic wines. The combined 140 acres at the two vineyards make Emeritus the largest dry-farmed estate in Sonoma. Riggs recently joined the new Dry-Farming Advisory Board, a part of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. With the help of Brice's daughter, and now president, Mari Jones, Emeritus has expanded market presence to over 35 states and 15 international markets and has developed and built their renowned tasting room at Hallberg Ranch. The wines were featured in Wine Spectator's "The Best of 2020 Vintage" report, an honor made even more special because of the difficulties the 2020 vintage presented. Through her work as president at Emeritus and board member of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers, Mari remains dedicated to the environment, the employees, and the legacy of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley: "Celebrating this milestone with our extended Emeritus family is the greatest honor. I have inherited an unwavering commitment to quality farming and winemaking that drives every decision I make as president. The dedication and passion of our team is my greatest inspiration; I am proud to carry their legacy forward." The anniversary year will be celebrated with an End of Frost Pinot & Pigs party on April 27th and the annual Harvest Trail on October 19th, as well as a series of wine club events, intimate trade and media tastings, educational seminars, festivals, and more. To learn more about Emeritus Vineyards and the upcoming anniversary events please visit emeritus.com. To stay updated on upcoming news and events, follow via Instagram @emerituswines, LinkedIn @emeritus-vineyards, and Facebook @emeritusvineyards. About Emeritus Vineyards Founded by vintner Brice Cutrer Jones in 1999, Emeritus Vineyards is dedicated to making America's finest Pinot Noir. Guided by a philosophy that great wines are shaped by three factors: soil, climate, and people, Emeritus established a grand cru-caliber estate program featuring 140 acres of dry-farmed Pinot Noir at two vineyards: Hallberg Ranch in Russian River Valley and Pinot Hill on the Sonoma Coast. Today, Emeritus is stewarded by second-generation President Mari Jones, Winemaker Keith Hammond and Vineyard Manager Kirk Lokka, who along with the experienced Emeritus team, craft Pinot Noirs of unparalleled elegance, integrity, and purity. Media Contact: Ella Winje, O'Donnell Lane +1-916-599-9415 [email protected] SOURCE Emeritus Vineyards The Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market is all about making electric cars better. Imagine a cozy jacket that keeps you warm in winter electric cars need something similar to stay cool and efficient. This market focuses on creating smart materials and systems that help electric vehicles work smoothly. It's like giving these eco-friendly cars a high-tech shield to perform at their best, making the world of electric transportation even more awesome. BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "According to the latest research study, the demand for Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market grow from $3.1 billion in 2023 and is estimated to increase from $9.1 billion in 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.4% from 2023 to 2028." Embark on a journey into the future of electric vehicles with our insightful report, using 2022 as a launchpad to forecast trends until 2028. We navigate through the twists of events like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a deep dive into what drives and hinders the market's growth. Unveiling emerging technologies, ESG considerations, and regulatory landscapes, our report is your guide to understanding the electric vehicle insulation market. Presented in an easily digestible format with tables and charts, the report explores global and regional markets, studying product types, propulsion methods, vehicle categories, insulation types, and applications. Dive into qualitative and quantitative data for each segment, evaluating current market sizes and predicting future growth rates with compound annual growth rates (CAGR). Get to know the major players in EV insulation through detailed profiles and explore the competitive landscape with rankings of key providers in 2022. Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive and accessible report on the electric vehicle insulation market. Ensuring the safe operation and longevity of electric vehicles is inherently reliant on insulation. As reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA), around 4,125 electric vehicles experience fires annually, posing a significant worry for potential EV owners. Insulation plays a crucial role in safeguarding the vehicle's electrical components and wiring against potential harm or short circuits resulting from moisture, debris, or physical contact. Additionally, it serves as a protective barrier, preventing electric shocks to both passengers and maintenance personnel by isolating high-voltage components that are not easily accessible. Therefore, effective insulation is paramount in enhancing the safety and reliability of electric vehicles, mitigating the risks associated with fires and electrical malfunctions. Driving forces behind the global electric vehicle insulation market's growth comprise: Investments in EVs-have witnessed a substantial uptick as the world pivots towards sustainable mobility. From major automotive players to venture capitalists, there's a notable surge in funding directed towards the development, production, and infrastructure of electric vehicles. This influx of capital is driving innovation, fostering advancements in battery technology, range efficiency, and charging infrastructure. Governments globally are also incentivizing the shift to EVs through financial support and policy initiatives. The robust investments in EVs signify a collective commitment to cleaner and greener transportation, positioning electric vehicles as pivotal players in the future of mobility. Favorable Government Subsidies and Programs have become instrumental drivers in promoting sustainable practices across various industries. In particular, these initiatives have been pivotal in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and environmental conservation. Governments worldwide are offering financial incentives, tax credits, and grants to encourage businesses and individuals to adopt eco-friendly technologies and practices. In the realm of electric vehicles, such subsidies play a crucial role in making electric cars more affordable and accessible, thus accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation. These proactive governmental measures not only benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions but also stimulate economic growth by fostering innovation and job creation in emerging green industries. Growing Demand for Clean Energy signifies a global shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly power sources. With increasing awareness of climate change and the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, there is a heightened emphasis on adopting clean and renewable alternatives. Solar, wind, hydro, and other green energy solutions are gaining prominence as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. This demand surge is driven not only by environmental concerns but also by economic considerations, as clean energy technologies become more efficient and cost-competitive. Governments, businesses, and individuals are actively investing in and supporting clean energy initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and build a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Thermal Runaway in Batteries is a critical safety concern characterized by an uncontrolled temperature increase within a battery cell. This potentially hazardous situation can be triggered by factors like overcharging, internal defects, or external damage. As the temperature rises, it accelerates chemical reactions, creating a self-reinforcing loop of heat generation. Thermal runaway poses risks such as fires, explosions, and the release of hazardous gases. Ongoing research and safety measures aim to minimize these risks and enhance the safety of battery technologies, crucial in applications ranging from electric vehicles to portable electronics. Request a Copy of the Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market Report Synopsis Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2022 Forecast Period considered 2023-2028 Base year market size $2.6 billion Market Size Forecast $9.1 billion Growth Rate CAGR of 24.4% for the forecast period of 2023-2028 Segment Covered Product Type, Propulsion Type, Insulation Type, Vehicle Type, Application Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World (RoW) Countries covered Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Norway, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, GCC countries Key Market Drivers Investments in EVs Favourable Government Subsidies and Programs Growing Demand for Clean Energy Thermal Runaway in Batteries The Rising Demand for Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market: The Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market is experiencing a surge in demand, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric vehicles. With a growing emphasis on sustainable transportation, this market addresses the critical need for insulation technologies. These innovations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of electric vehicles, responding to the dynamic landscape of environmental consciousness and technological advancements. Trends and Innovations: Trends and Innovations in the Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market are shaping the future of eco-friendly transportation. As electric vehicles gain traction, this market is at the forefront of pioneering technologies and materials. From advanced thermal management systems to cutting-edge insulation solutions, the industry is evolving to enhance the performance and safety of electric vehicles. This introduction provides a snapshot of the dynamic trends and innovations propelling the Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market forward. Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating a landscape of Challenges and Opportunities, the Global Electric Vehicle Insulation Market stands at the crossroads of innovation. While facing hurdles like emerging technologies and geopolitical events, it also opens doors to growth through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. This brief introduction highlights the industry's resilience in addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities for a sustainable and efficient electric vehicle future. This report on the global electric vehicle insulation market provides comprehensive insights and analysis, addressing the following key questions: 1. What is the market's expected size and rate of growth? With a compound annual growth rate of 24.4%, the global market for electric vehicle insulation is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2028 from its $2.6 billion valuation in 2022. 2. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market? Huge investments in electric vehicles. Growing demand for clean energy. Favourable subsidies and programs from the government 3. Which market segments are covered? Based on product type, propulsion type, insulation type, vehicle type, application, and geography, the electric vehicle insulation market is divided into segments. 4. By kind of propulsion, which market category will be the most dominant by the end of 2028? By 2028, the battery electric vehicle (BEV) category will control the market. 5. Which geographic area dominates the market in terms of market share? With respect to the global market, Asia-Pacific has the largest share. Some of the Key Market Players Are: 3M ADLER PELZER HOLDING GMBH AUTONEUM HOLDING AG BASF SE DUPONT DE NEMOURS INC. ELMELIN LTD. ITW FORMEX MORGAN ADVANCED MATERIALS PLC PYROPHOBIC SYSTEMS LTD. SAINT-GOBAIN TECMAN ADVANCED MATERIAL ENGINEERS UNIFRAX VON ROLL HOLDING AG ZOTEFOAMS PLC Directly Purchase a copy of the report with BCC Research. For further information or to make a purchase, please get in touch with [email protected]. About BCC Research BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: BCC Research LLC, 49 Walnut Park, Building 2, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA Email: [email protected], Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC DUBLIN, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market: Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Europe's battle against infectious diseases is getting a strategic boost with the emergence of advanced diagnostic solutions. The fresh analysis of the Europe emerging infectious disease diagnostics market predicts a robust growth trajectory, with projections from $4.70 billion in 2023 to the heights of $7.85 billion by 2033, advancing at a CAGR of 5.28%. This noteworthy expansion is driven by pivotal variables like the hefty economic toll of infectious diseases, substantial governmental backing, the call for point-of-care testing and escalated advancements in molecular diagnostics technology. Understanding the Marketplace: The substantial market report sheds light on the high-stakes environment of infectious disease diagnostics. A meticulous breakdown of market segments by application, technology, type of infection, disease type, end user, and regional analysis underscores an array of diagnostic methods from traditional laboratory testing to innovative point-of-care solutions that efficiently address public health concerns across Europe. The formidable realm of polymerase chain reaction, isothermal nucleic acid amplification, next-generation sequencing, and immunodiagnostics, signifies the report's emphasis on top-tier technological advancements. Key Segments Highlight Unmet Needs and Growth Opportunities Laboratory vs. Point-of-Care Testing: Scrutiny of current infrastructure and potential growth areas. Scrutiny of current infrastructure and potential growth areas. PCR, INAAT, NGS, and Others: A focused look at technological drivers in the landscape. A focused look at technological drivers in the landscape. Pathogen Types: Trends in the diagnosis of bacterial, viral, fungal, and other infections. Trends in the diagnosis of bacterial, viral, fungal, and other infections. Disease-Specific Insights: Incisive statistics on respiratory, sexually transmitted, gastrointestinal, and other infections. Incisive statistics on respiratory, sexually transmitted, gastrointestinal, and other infections. End User Preferences: Data reflecting demand across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. Data reflecting demand across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. Geographical Refinement: Analyses that drill down on the market's progress from Germany to the broader Rest-of- Europe . Strategic Significance: This analysis plays a cardinal role for stakeholders across the industry providing them with in-depth understanding to finesse product strategies and carve formidable competitive tactics. The elucidated market scenario is poised to guide health care providers, diagnosticians, and policymakers in navigating through Europe's infectious disease challenges and shaping a proactive future in diagnostics. As Europe grapples with maintaining optimal public health, the upsurge in the emerging infectious disease diagnostics market represents the union of innovation with prudence, setting the stage for impactful health outcomes in years to come. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Scope of the Study Research Methodology 1 Markets 1.1 Market Outlook 1.1.1 Product Definition 1.1.2 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria 1.1.3 Key Findings 1.2 Industry Outlook 1.2.1 Market Overview 1.2.1.1 Timeline of Emerging Technologies for Infectious Disease Diagnostics 1.2.1.2 Advantages and Limitations of Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technologies 1.2.1.3 Advantages and Limitations of Point-of-Care Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics 1.2.1.4 Current Market Landscape of Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics 1.2.1.5 Future Potential 1.2.1.5.1 CRISPR 1.2.1.5.2 NGS 1.2.1.5.3 INAAT 1.2.1.5.4 Digital PCR (dPCR) 1.2.2 Patent Analysis 1.2.2.1 By Year 1.2.2.2 By Country/Organization 1.2.3 Pipeline Analysis 1.2.4 Impact of COVID-19 on Infectious Disease Diagnostics 1.2.4.1 Post-COVID-19 Scenario: A Paradigm Shift to Home-Based Testing 1.2.5 Supply Chain Analysis 1.3 Market Dynamics 1.3.1 Impact Analysis 1.3.2 Drivers 1.3.2.1 Economic Burden of Infectious Diseases 1.3.2.2 Government Support to Advance Research and Facilitate Early Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases Through Funding and Collaboration 1.3.2.3 Increasing Demand for Point-of-Care (POC) and Syndromic Testing 1.3.2.4 Technological Advancements in Molecular Diagnostics 1.3.2.4.1 Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (INAATs) 1.3.2.4.2 Digital PCR 1.3.2.4.3 CRISPR Technologies 1.3.3 Restraints 1.3.3.1 Poor Reimbursement for Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Infectious Diseases 1.3.3.2 Erratic Trend in Infectious Disease Epidemic Outbreaks Globally 1.3.3.3 Lack of an Established Framework for NGS-based Tests for Infectious Diseases 1.3.4 Opportunities 1.3.4.1 Potential of Molecular Diagnostic Tests in Low-Resource Settings 1.3.4.2 Potential of Rapid Point-of-Care Tests in Managing Antimicrobial Resistance 2 Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market (by Region) 2.1 Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market 2.1.1 Regulatory Framework 2.1.2 Market Dynamics 2.1.2.1 Impact Analysis 2.1.3 Market Sizing and Forecast 2.1.3.1 Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market (by Application) 2.1.3.2 Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market (by Technology) 2.1.3.3 Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market (by Type of Infection) 2.1.3.4 Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market (by Disease Type) 2.1.3.5 Europe Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market (by End User) 2.1.3.5.1 Germany 2.1.3.5.2 U.K. 2.1.3.5.3 France 2.1.3.5.4 Italy 2.1.3.5.5 Spain 2.1.3.5.6 Rest-of-Europe 3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles 3.1 Competitive Landscape 3.1.1 Overview 3.1.2 Corporate Strategies 3.1.2.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 3.1.2.2 Synergistic Activities 3.1.2.3 Business Expansions and Funding 3.1.3 Business Strategies 3.1.3.1 Product Launches/Upgradations/Approvals 3.2 Market Share Analysis 3.3 Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Ecosystem Active Players 3.4 Company Profiles 3.4.1 bioMerieux S.A. 3.4.1.1 Company Overview 3.4.1.2 Role of bioMerieux S.A. in the Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market 3.4.1.3 Financials 3.4.1.1 Recent Developments 3.4.1.2 Analyst Perspective 3.4.2 DiaSorin S.p.A. 3.4.3 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd 3.4.4 QIAGEN N.V. 3.4.5 Tecan Trading AG 3.4.6 Siemens Healthineers AG 3.5 Company Snapshots 3.5.1 En Carta Diagnostics 3.5.1.1 Company Overview 3.5.1.2 Role of En Carta Diagnostics in the Emerging Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/oxte2m About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Global Demand for Air Fryer Products and Technologies to Grow at a 7.9% CAGR, Rising from $916.5 Million in 2023 BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Experience a culinary revolution with the innovative Air Fryer Convection Oven a countertop marvel that transforms your cooking experience. Bid farewell to oil-drenched pots and pans as this versatile device creates irresistibly crispy and golden-fried delights without the guilt. Perfect for steaming and cooking veggies, it's a game-changer for health-conscious food enthusiasts, allowing them to savor favorites like chicken, steak, pork chops, fish, and vegetables with just a dash of salt and preferred herbs. What sets it apart? The magic lies in using less oil, making it an ideal choice for those mindful of their well-being. Not only does it offer a hygienic cooking solution, but the results are an exquisite fusion of crunchy exteriors and juicy interiors, all while retaining essential nutrients. The swift and mess-free operation of an air fryer, coupled with easy cleaning and maintenance, makes it a must-have for every kitchen. Say goodbye to conventional cooking woes as this culinary companion not only reduces fat consumption but also ensures a speedy, hassle-free, and safe cooking journey. Embrace a healthier lifestyle without compromising on taste, making the air fryer a trusted ally for your culinary adventures. "According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for Air Fryer Products and Technologies: Global Markets is estimated to increase from $916.5 million in 2023 to reach $1.34 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2023 through 2028." This comprehensive report meticulously dissects the global air fryer products and technology markets, employing a thorough segmentation strategy based on function, fryer type, capacity, distribution channel, end user, and region. By delving into the realms of manual and digital air fryers under the function category, and further categorizing fryer types into basket, oven, and hybrid, the report offers a nuanced understanding of market dynamics. Capacity-wise, segmentation ranges from less than 1 quart to 5 quarts, 5 quarts to 10 quarts, and over 10 quarts, providing insights into varied consumer needs. The distribution channel is dissected into online and offline, while end users are categorized as residential and commercial. Geographically, the report explores North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW (Africa, South America, and the Middle East). Utilizing 2022 as the baseline, the report forecasts market data from 2023 to 2028, offering a glimpse into the anticipated growth trajectory. Vital information on the market's current size, leading companies, end-user preferences, and geographical opportunities enriches this insightful analysis, making it an indispensable resource for industry stakeholders. Air fryers have emerged as a revolutionary kitchen appliance, significantly reducing oil consumption by utilizing a mere 5% or sometimes no oil in comparison to traditional deep-frying methods. This not only promotes healthier eating habits but also aligns with environmental consciousness by consuming only 15-20% of the energy used by deep fryers, contributing to reduced electricity consumption. The versatility of air fryers is evident in the coverage of Flex basket air fryers, designed to accommodate larger quantities of a single food variety or smaller quantities of two varieties simultaneously. The report also highlights key players offering Flex basket, single, and dual basket air fryers globally, providing valuable insights into regional preferences and market leaders. Air fryers, unlike conventional ovens and deep-fried appliances, come in various sizes, catering to different family needs based on their regular food preparation capacities. The coverage extends to different capacities and major players in top countries worldwide, offering a comprehensive guide for consumers. Additionally, the report delves into the rising popularity of Hybrid air fryers, combining air frying capabilities with other cooking options such as pressure cooking and grilling. The inclusion of players in different countries and region-wise leaders for hybrid air fryers, along with top countries information, enhances the understanding of this evolving market segment. Explore the full report on the burgeoning Air Fryer Products and Technologies market for comprehensive insights and forecasts click here to Learn More. Key Drivers of Air Fryer Products and Technologies: Global Markets Convenient and Time-Saving Air Fryers: The surge in the popularity of air fryers can be attributed to their unmatched convenience and time-saving features. As modern lifestyles become increasingly hectic, consumers are drawn to kitchen appliances that streamline the cooking process. Air fryers, with their quick and efficient cooking capabilities, provide a convenient solution for individuals seeking to prepare delicious and healthy meals without compromising on time. Increasing Use of Advanced Technology by Consumers: A pivotal driver in the air fryer market is the growing adoption of advanced technology by consumers. As technology continues to evolve, consumers are inclined towards kitchen appliances that integrate smart features, user-friendly interfaces, and innovative functionalities. The incorporation of cutting-edge technology in air fryers enhances their performance, making them more appealing to tech-savvy individuals who prioritize efficiency and ease of use in their culinary pursuits. Rapid Expansion of E-commerce Worldwide: The global proliferation of e-commerce channels plays a significant role in propelling the air fryer market forward. The ease of online shopping, coupled with the availability of a diverse range of air fryer models, has contributed to the rapid growth of e-commerce sales in the kitchen appliance sector. Consumers now enjoy the convenience of researching, comparing, and purchasing air fryers from the comfort of their homes, fostering the market's expansion on a global scale. Request a Copy of the Air Fryer Products and Technologies: Global Markets Report. Report Synopsis Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2022 Forecast Period considered 2023-2028 Base year market size $858.4 million Market Size Forecast $1.34 billion Growth Rate CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2028 Segment Covered By Function, Product Type, Capacity Range, Distribution Channel, End-user, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and RoW (Africa, South America and the Middle East) Key Market Drivers Air Fryers are Convenient and Time-saving Increasing Use of Advanced Technology by Consumers Rapid Expansion of E-commerce Worldwide Segmentation Analysis: By Function Segmentation Analysis: The report categorizes air fryers based on function into two distinct types Digital and Manual. Digital air fryers are equipped with advanced technological features, often including programmable settings and precision controls, catering to users who appreciate automated cooking processes. On the other hand, Manual air fryers offer a more hands-on approach, providing users with direct control over the cooking process. This segmentation allows consumers to choose air fryers that align with their preferred level of technological involvement in the kitchen. By Fryer Type Segmentation Analysis: The market segmentation based on fryer type encompasses three key categories Basket type fryer, Oven type fryer, and Hybrid type fryer. Basket type fryers are designed for simplicity, offering a compact solution for frying with a basket-style container. Oven type fryers provide a spacious cooking environment, resembling traditional ovens but with air frying capabilities. Hybrid type fryers, a rising trend, combine air frying functionalities with additional cooking options such as grilling or pressure cooking, offering versatile solutions to culinary enthusiasts. By Capacity Segmentation Analysis: The report further segments air fryers based on capacity into three ranges 1 quart to 5 quarts, 5 quarts to 10 quarts, and Over 10 quarts. This classification addresses the diverse needs of consumers with varying cooking requirements. It enables individuals or families of different sizes to select air fryers that best suit their regular food preparation quantities, providing a tailored approach to kitchen appliances. By Distribution Channel Segmentation Analysis: The distribution channel segmentation includes Online and Offline categories. The Online channel reflects the growing trend of e-commerce, offering consumers the convenience of browsing, comparing, and purchasing air fryers through online platforms. In contrast, the Offline channel encompasses traditional retail outlets, ensuring accessibility for consumers who prefer a hands-on shopping experience or immediate product availability. End User Segmentation Analysis: The segmentation by End User distinguishes between Residential and Commercial users. Residential users include individuals and families seeking air fryers for home kitchens, emphasizing factors like convenience and family meal preparation. Commercial users, on the other hand, cater to businesses and professional kitchens where larger capacities and durability are paramount considerations. Regional Segmentation Analysis: Geographical segmentation covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. This segmentation acknowledges regional variations in consumer preferences, market trends, and economic factors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the global landscape for air fryer products and technologies. This report on the Air Fryer Products and Technologies: Global Markets provides comprehensive insights and analysis, addressing the following key questions: 1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the market? Global air fryer products and technology markets is projected to grow from $858 million in 2022 to $1.3 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during the forecast period 2023 to 2028. 2. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market? The key factors driving the growth of the global air fryer products and technology markets include air fryers are convenience and time saving, increasing use of advanced technology by the consumers, rapid expansion of e-commerce worldwide. 3. What segments are covered in the market? Function Type Fryer Type Capacity Distribution Channel End User 4. By function type of air fryers, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2028? Digital type air fryers segment is already dominating and is likely to continue its dominance till 2028. 5. Which region has the highest market share in the market? North America holds the highest share of the market. Some of the Key Market Players Are: AGARO AROVAST CORP. (COSORI) BREVILLE GROUP LTD. CHEFMAN CUISINART EMPOWER BRANDS LLC GOURMIA INC. INSTANT BRANDS INC. KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. NUWAVE LLC PIGEON APPLIANCES PRIVATE LTD. RUSSELL HOBBS LTD. SALTER SHARKNINJA INC. STOREBOUND LLC TEFAL SAS TOWER Browse More Related Reports: Global Digital Food Management Market: This comprehensive report navigates the dynamic landscape of the global digital food management market, employing a meticulous segmentation strategy based on application type and geographical regions. Using 2022 as a reference point, the report forecasts market data from 2023 to 2028, offering valuable insights into the industry's evolution. The segmentation based on application type encompasses inventory management, product development, marketing, and other key aspects of digital food management. Geographically, the report explores North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW (South America, the Middle East, and Africa), recognizing the diverse regional dynamics at play. Revenue forecasts for the specified market segments are provided, with estimated values derived from the total revenue of solutions and service providers. This analysis equips stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the global digital food management market, allowing them to navigate emerging trends and make informed decisions in this rapidly evolving sector. Global Kitchen Robotics and Automation Market: This insightful report meticulously dissects the global kitchen robotics and automation market, employing a strategic segmentation approach based on product type, component type, end user, and region. Utilizing 2022 as the benchmark, the report forecasts market data from 2023 to 2028, providing a comprehensive analysis of emerging trends. The market is categorized by product type into collaborative, cylindrical, articulated, and others, showcasing the diverse range of kitchen robotics and automation solutions. Further segmentation by component type includes hardware and software, while automation levels are divided into fully automatic and semiautomatic, catering to varied user preferences. The end-user classification spans both commercial and residential sectors, acknowledging the broad applications of kitchen robotics. Geographical regions studied encompass North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world (RoW), consisting of South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Revenue forecasts for each segment from 2023 to the end of 2028 are provided, with estimates derived from the total revenues of industry providers, offering stakeholders valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the global kitchen robotics and automation market. Directly Purchase a copy of the report with BCC Research. For further information or to make a purchase, please get in touch with [email protected]. About BCC Research BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: BCC Research LLC, 49 Walnut Park, Building 2, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA Email: [email protected], Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- F-Prime Capital today released its 2024 State of Fintech Report. This annual report offers an in-depth look at the private and public fintech sector's performance derived from the F-Prime Fintech Index , capturing trends, challenges, and opportunities that shaped the industry in 2023. The report indicates the public fintech correction found its floor in 2022 and began to recover in 2023. However, that correction is still rippling through the private markets. In 2023: The F-Prime Fintech Index market cap reached $573B by year-end 2023, up from a $389B trough in 2022 but down from a $1 .3T peak in 2021. by year-end 2023, up from a trough in 2022 but down from a .3T peak in 2021. The F-Prime Fintech Index performance was up 114% in 2023, but is still 60% off its 2021 peak. Public fintech enterprise-value-to-revenue multiples also began to recover, up from 3.7x at the end of 2022 to 4.8x by the end of 2023. Private market investment volume fell by nearly 50% and valuations trended down at most stages. High-performing companies continue to raise, but other startups delayed financings and we expect challenging fundraises, distressed sales, and shutdowns in 2024. M&A activity fell to its lowest level in five years - 2023 M &A volume was 72% less than 2021, and the largest fintech acquisitions of 2023 indicate lower overall valuation. &A volume was 72% less than 2021, and the largest fintech acquisitions of 2023 indicate lower overall valuation. Billion dollar revenue plus fintech companies are just getting started and are growing on average 45% annually and more than three times the rate of public incumbents. We expect the IPO window to open in 2024 for high-performing scaled fintech companies like Stripe, Klarna, Circle. "2023 was a year of recovery in the fintech landscape. The public fintech correction has largely played out and most sectors are showing signs of recovery. While regulatory pressures and market corrections posed challenges, they also prompted fintech companies to innovate and prioritize sustainable growth," said David Jegen, Managing Partner of F-Prime Capital's Technology Fund. "Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we are optimistic. A decade into the fintech era, it has become clear where startups have disrupted existing financial services and where they have been outmaneuvered or outlasted by incumbents. Whether they were introduced or popularized by startups or incumbents, innovations such as mobile banking, open data, software-based payments, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), and commission-free trading have all reshaped business models and customer expectations. The impact of emerging technologies like crypto, real-time payments, and generative AI remains to be seen, but also holds the potential to disrupt the status quo." Launched in 2022, The F-Prime Fintech Index tracks the performance of publicly traded fintech companies across payments, banking, lending, insurance, proptech, wealth and asset management, and B2B SaaS. In 2023, there were six delistings from the index and no new additions. As of January 1, 2024, the F-Prime Fintech Index comprises 49 companies, with a number of potential additions on the horizon for 2024. Access our full listing criteria here . The F-Prime Fintech Index and the full 2024 State of Fintech Report are available for access https://fintechindex.fprimecapital.com/ . About F-Prime Capital F-Prime Capital is a global venture capital firm investing in technology and healthcare. For over 50 years, we have had the privilege of partnering with great entrepreneurs building groundbreaking companies. In technology, we focus on enterprise software, fintech and frontier tech. While we are early-stage investors by choice, we back exceptional teams at any stage. F-Prime Capital has over $4.5 billion under management and a global portfolio of more than 300 companies including Alibaba, Toast, Flywire, Quovo, Kensho, Vestwell, iCertis, Even Financial, Paidy, FutureAdvisor, Snapdocs, Canary Technologies, Recurly, Fireblocks, Canoe Intelligence, and ConnexPay. F-Prime has offices in Cambridge, MA, San Francisco, CA, and London, UK. Please visit fprimecapital.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn . F-Prime is not offering investment advisory services nor is it offering to sell securities. Media Contact: Liang Zhao Vansary for F-Prime Capital [email protected] 505-720-6933 SOURCE F-Prime Capital ROME, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Italy's two major banks have reported record profits in 2023, signaling the recovery of the country's banking sector from recent difficulties. On Tuesday, Banca Intesa Sanpaolo -- Italy's largest bank by total assets -- reported a net profit of 7.7 billion euros (8.3 billion U.S. dollars) for 2023, a year-on-year increase of 76.4 percent. A day earlier, Unicredit revealed a record net profit of 8.6 billion euros for last year, 51 percent higher than in 2022. Both exceeded market expectations. The two banks rank among the world's 50 largest banks, according to Standard & Poor's ratings. Over the past three years, Italy's banking sector faced multiple challenges due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis stemming from the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, four months ago, the Italian parliament passed a one-time tax of 40 percent on excess profits for banks. The measure was expected to raise around 1.8 billion euros for the Italian Treasury. The tax sent bank stocks reeling in October, but Banca Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit, alongside most other major Italian banks, navigated around the one-time levy by putting excess profits into special reserve funds, thus preserving the record-setting level of profit for the full year. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar) LAS VEGAS, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GBank Financial Holdings Inc. ("GBank" or the "Company") (OTCQX: GBFH), the parent company for GBank (the "Bank") is pleased to announce that it recently presented to investors at the Janney CEO Forum held in Scottsdale, AZ, on January 31st and February 1st. The Investor Presentation is available through the following link: GBFH Investor Presentation Janney CEO Forum Other Recent Company Highlights January 2024 GBFH Celebrates Consecutive Recognition on 2024 OTCQX Best 50 GBFH Celebrates Consecutive Recognition on 2024 OTCQX Best 50 December 2023 GBFH Confirms Agreement to Merge GBank with BankCard Services LLC GBFH Confirms Agreement to Merge GBank with BankCard Services LLC November 2023 GBFH Announces Potential Merger of BankCard Services LLC and GBank About GBank Financial Holdings Inc. GBank Financial Holdings Inc. (the "Company") (GBFH), a bank holding company with approximately $917.0 million in assets at December 31, 2023, conducts business through its wholly owned subsidiary, GBank (formerly known as "Bank of George") (the "Bank"). Founded in 2007, the Bank operates two full-service commercial branches in Las Vegas, Nevada, with primary lending activities focused on engaging clients in Nevada, California, Utah, and Arizona. GBank has key businesses in three prominent divisions: SBA Lending, Gaming FinTech, and Commercial Lending. The Bank conducts business nationally through its SBA lending activities (ranked 6th in the nation by the U.S. Small Business Administration for SBA 7(a) dollar loan volume through December 31, 2023) and its BankCard Services, LLC ("BCS") partnership. GBank's Gaming Fintech Division was launched in 2016 with the GBank/BCS Agreement. BCS provides not only Sightline Payments Play+ Prepaid Card Programs for gaming operators, but also prepaid access programs granting GBank use and access to the BCS proprietary Player/Consumer Information Management System ("PIMS/CIMS"). PIMS/CIMS provides custodial accounts for the benefit of the player/consumer managed by GBank and insured by the FDIC. The Bank also provides general commercial banking services with an emphasis on serving the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses, high net worth individuals, professionals, and investors. The Bank offers a full complement of consumer deposit products and is focused on delivering a premium level of service. For more information about GBank, please visit its website at www.g.bank. The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the US OTCQX Market under the symbol GBFH. Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning potential or assumed future results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. Such statements are made based on management's beliefs and assumptions, and words like "believes," "expects," "anticipates," or similar terminology indicate forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the financial performance of the Company include, but are not limited to, ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, credit risk, market interest rate changes, competition, economic downturns, or regulatory supervision. GBank Financial Holdings Inc. is under no obligation to revise these forward-looking statements. SOURCE GBank Financial Holdings Inc. Strategic Insights by Ken Research GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ken Research, a globally acclaimed market research firm, unveils its latest findings on the Germany Fitness Services Market, forecasting an impressive growth to EUR 6.5 billion by 2027, from EUR 4.9 billion in 2022. This projection, representing a CAGR of 5.72% from 2022 to 2027, marks a significant rebound and growth within the sector, driven by heightened health consciousness, digital innovation, and evolving lifestyles. Market Rebound and Strategic Growth Drivers After a slight contraction, the market is poised for substantial growth, fueled by government fitness campaigns and the evolving value chain of gym operators and fitness professionals. The fitness ecosystem, enriched by diverse options including traditional gyms, outdoor activities, and digital platforms, is experiencing growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, signaling a dynamic phase of market consolidation. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Technological Innovations Spearheading Market Evolution The German fitness market is at the forefront of adopting VR technologies, AI/ML for personalized fitness experiences, and wearable tech, revolutionizing customer engagement and setting new benchmarks for service delivery within the industry. Navigating a Highly Competitive Landscape With key players like RSG Group, FitX, and Clever fit shaping the competitive dynamics, the market is witnessing intensified competition. Success in this landscape is increasingly defined by the ability to offer unique, technologically integrated fitness solutions that align with consumer expectations. Future Market Outlook: A Vision of Holistic Growth The future of Germany's fitness services market is bright, with employee wellness programs, potential government initiatives, and technological innovations acting as key growth catalysts. As Germany aligns with global fitness trends, the market is set to diversify, attracting a wider audience through specialized classes and holistic wellness services. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Why Partner with Ken Research? For stakeholders looking to navigate the complexities of the Germany Fitness Services Market, Ken Research offers unparalleled analytical depth and strategic insights. Our comprehensive market reports, grounded in exhaustive research methodologies, provide actionable intelligence to inform your strategic decisions. Explore our offerings at Ken Research's Germany Fitness Services Market Analysis for a deep dive into the market's potential. Taxonomy Germany Fitness Services Market Segmentation By Subscription 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months 24 months Request free 30 minutes analyst call By Service Type By Number of Fitness Centers Micro Single Chains By Number of Active Members Micro Single Chains By Area East West North South For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: Germany Fitness Services Market Related Reports by Ken Research: KSA Fitness Services Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Rise of Boutique Gyms offering Special Services and the Government Initiatives to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle Personal training studios, boutique studios, and new gym models are predicted to help accelerate the commercial gym industry rapid expansion Riyadh is expected to have around 50% of the gyms in KSA whereas 1- & 3-Month subscription is expected to generate around 45% of the revenue by 2027. France Fitness Services Market Outlook to 2027F driven by increase in health & fitness consciousness & the rise of boutique fitness According to Ken Research estimates, the France Fitness Services Market which grew at a CAGR of ~% from 2017-2022 & is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of ~% from 2023-2027F driven by increase in health & fitness consciousness. Focus on growing health and fitness consciousness, increasing obesity and lifestyle are major factor contributing towards development of Fitness Service Services in France. Market Growth is driven by increase in number of clubs all over the country, driving a total increase in members. Belgium Fitness Services Market Outlook to 2027F By Type of Market (Organized Market, Unorganized Market), By Source of Revenue (Membership Fee, Personal Training), By Payment Method (Card, Cash, Bank Transfer, Digital wallet, others), By Subscription Period (1 Month, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month) According to Ken Research estimates, the Belgium Fitness Services market which grew from approximately ~% in 2017 to approximately ~% in 2022P is forecasted to grow further into ~% opportunity by 2027F. The Belgium Fitness Services market contributed to a global growth rate of ~%. The Euorpean Fitness Services market has recorded robust growth over the last few years, offering exciting opportunities for fitness companies. Bahrain Fitness Services Market Outlook to 2027F By Type of Market (Organized Market, Unorganized Market), By Source of Revenue (Membership Fee, Personal Training), By Payment Method (Card, Cash, Bank Transfer, Digital wallet, others), By Subscription Period (1 Month, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month) According to Ken Research estimates, the Bahrain Fitness Services market which grew from approximately ~% in 2017 to approximately ~% in 2022P is forecasted to grow further into ~% opportunity by 2027F. The Bahrain Fitness Services market contributed to a global growth rate of ~%. Bahrain Fitness Services market has recorded robust growth over the last few years, offering exciting opportunities for fitness companies. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/3782349/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research DUBLIN, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Autonomous Trucks Outlook: Technology, Regulation and Market Landscape" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Autonomous trucks, or Level 4 Robo-trucks, will revolutionize the transportation industry by enhancing road safety and meeting the rising demand for transport of goods and services from the boom of in e-commerce amid a driver shortage. The trucking and commercial vehicles industry is facing an increasing shortage of truck drivers. What's more, there is a need to mitigate road accidents and improve the efficiency of fleets, especially since the boom in e-commerce increases the need for the transport of goods and services. This in-depth analysis equips stakeholders with the critical knowledge and foresight needed to navigate the burgeoning world of self-driving trucks. This report provides an analysis of the Technological landscape in Level 2-Level 4 Autonomous Driving technology: Unveiling the cutting-edge sensor suites, software and connectivity solutions powering autonomous commercial vehicles. How to overcome the Regulatory hurdles: Demystifying the complex global regulatory landscape in the U.S, China and Europe , highlighting key developments and potential roadblocks. and , highlighting key developments and potential roadblocks. Market outlook: Providing insights into regional adoption trends, key players, and investment opportunities. Challenges and opportunities: Identifying the critical challenges and potential benefits, including job displacement and infrastructure adaptations. The "Autonomous Trucks Outlook" is a must-read for the Automotive industry, regulators, investors and other truck stakeholders Truck manufacturers and technology providers: Gaining invaluable insights into market trends and technological advancements to inform strategic decision-making. Logistics companies and shippers: Understanding the potential impact of autonomous trucking on their operations and supply chains. Investors and venture capitalists: Identifying promising investment opportunities in the rapidly evolving autonomous truck market. Policymakers and regulators: Informing policy decisions to ensure safe and responsible deployment of robotrucks. Uncertainty and misinformation: Auto2x cuts through the hype surrounding autonomous vehicles, providing clarity and reliable data. Lack of comprehensive insights: This report offers a holistic view, delving beyond technology to encompass regulations, market dynamics, and societal implications. Investment decision paralysis: Auto2x empowers stakeholders to make informed investment decisions with actionable insights and market forecasts. By 2030, there will be a rise in demand for mobility services due to urbanization & e-commerce growth Rises in capacity of freight loads due to e-commerce growth: 20.7 billion tons of freight will be moved by trucks by 2028, a 36% increase from what was projected for 2017 Shortage of drivers, aging driver workforce push for automation: In 2019, the U.S. had a shortfall of nearly 60,000 truck drivers Emissions: Need for De-fossilization of truck powertrains to meet strict emission regulations Fuel efficiency is a key factor for viability. By 2030, hydrogen and fuel cells could fuel approximately 3.0 million to 4.0 million delivery trucks and vans globally Safety: Towards zero-road deaths An automated system needs 0.1 seconds to react, compared to a professional truck driver who needs 1.4 sec, said Volkswagen. Highway autonomous driving is less complex to automate but the impact of an accident is more severe Consumer confidence in Autonomous Driving is higher than in cars: 1 in 4 Germans surveyed by Bosch and Innofact say that they have more confidence in an autonomous truck than in a human driver Operating costs are crucial to viability Labor currently accounts for an estimated 35% to 45% of operating costs of road freight in Europe . The cost savings derived from a switch to driverless trucks are of keen interest Market Landscape TuSimple has raised recently $350M to accelerate its Level 4 autonomous driving solution for the logistics industry and expand its autonomous freight network. Total funding raised to date $648 Million . has raised recently to accelerate its Level 4 autonomous driving solution for the logistics industry and expand its autonomous freight network. Total funding raised to date . Waymo has signed an exclusive deal with FCA on self-driving commercial vehicles. Waymo has even partnered with Daimler trucks to build self-driving semi-trucks. has signed an exclusive deal with FCA on self-driving commercial vehicles. Waymo has even partnered with Daimler trucks to build self-driving semi-trucks. Plus.ai will produce up to 1,000 intelligent trucks within the next 18 months and they are the first company to finalize an agreement with the Transportation Research Center to conduct rigorous safety testing of their Automated Driving System. will produce up to 1,000 intelligent trucks within the next 18 months and they are the first company to finalize an agreement with the Transportation Research Center to conduct rigorous safety testing of their Automated Driving System. Torc Robotics to scale self-driving fleet with Daimler Trucks North America test trucks in early 2021. This new generation of Freightliner Cascadia test trucks bolsters Torc's capability to develop and test its Level 4 self-driving technology. to scale self-driving fleet with Daimler Trucks North America test trucks in early 2021. This new generation of Freightliner Cascadia test trucks bolsters Torc's capability to develop and test its Level 4 self-driving technology. Volvo Trucks has been working on a self-driving platform "Vera" that could be used for short-haul trucking, it has no provision for a human driver. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive summary 1.1. Market Trends 1.2. Key Player strategies 1.3. Attractive opportunities in Autonomous Trucks & Commercial vehicles 2. Regulation 3. Technology & innovation 4. Investments Landscape 5. Business Landscape Companies Mentioned Plus.ai Torc Robotics TuSimple Vera Volvo Trucks Waymo For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/56bg2l About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing Market 2023-2035: Services and Technologies - Distribution by Type of Lipid Nanoparticle, Type of Molecule Delivered, Company Size, Target Therapeutic Area, Type of End-user and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global lipid nanoparticle manufacturing market was estimated to be worth USD 0.66 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% during the forecast period 2023-2035. Over the past few years, there has been a substantial growth in the pharmaceutical industry; this is evident from the growing pipeline of drugs that are either approved or being investigated in different preclinical studies/clinical trials. However, poor water solubility and bioavailability are longstanding challenges in the drug development process. Around 90% of the drug candidates in the current development pipeline and close to 40% of the marketed pharmacological products are associated with concerns related to solubility and / or permeability. These poorly soluble drugs tend to get eliminated from the body (before their absorption into the systemic circulation), impacting their therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies are actively looking for strategies to overcome this challenge. Amongst the various approaches for enhancing solubility / bioavailability of therapeutic agents, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and other lipidic excipients have garnered significant interest of drug developers. In addition, LNPs are known to be a versatile nanomedicine delivery platform owing to their ability to encapsulate a wide range of molecules and provide controlled drug release. Given the extensive research activity in this industry, the intellectual capital related to the use of LNPs in drug delivery has also grown over time. However, lipid nanoparticle manufacturing is a cost-intensive and complex process that requires multidisciplinary expertise. Consequently, drug developers are increasingly relying on contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) with specialized equipment and expertise to deal with the technical and routine operations-related challenges. Further, contracting a service provider enables sponsors to leverage innovative and advanced LNP technology (available with the service provider) and achieve greater operational flexibility. Owing to the inherent properties of LNPs, such as small size, multifunctional behavior and surface functionalization, the market for LNP-based therapeutics is likely to grow, in the foreseen future. This in turn will drive the market growth of lipid nanoparticle manufacturing market during the forecast period. Key Market Insights The report features an extensive study of the current market landscape, market size and future opportunities within the lipid nanoparticle manufacturing market, during the given forecast period. Further, the market report highlights the efforts of several stakeholders engaged in this rapidly emerging segment of the pharmaceutical industry. Key takeaways of the lipid nanoparticle manufacturing (services and technologies) market report are briefly discussed below. Competitive Landscape of Lipid Nanoparticles Manufacturer The current market landscape features the presence of around 45 lipid nanoparticle contract manufacturers, spread across the globe. Overall, the market seems to be well-fragmented, featuring the presence of very large, large, mid-sized and small companies, which have the required expertise to offer LNP manufacturing services (across different scales of operation). Majority (60%) of the facilities manufacture LNPs for encapsulating and delivering different types of nucleic acids, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA). Examples of some key lipid nanoparticle manufacturers include (which have been profiled in the report) BIOVECTRA, Curapath, Curia, Emergent BioSolutions, EUROAPI, Evonik and Precision NanoSystems. LNP Technology Developers Landscape Presently, more than 30 companies are engaged in the development of LNP technology; these companies operate through different business models, including fee-for-service / collaborative research, in-house product catalog and technology / product licensing. It is worth mentioning that most (93%) of the LNP technologies support the delivery of formulations through injectable route; some examples of such technologies include GalNAc-LNP (developed by Verve Therapeutics), ONCOPREX Nanoparticle Delivery System (developed by Genprex) and ScaffoLD Lipid Technology (developed by Integrated Nanotherapeutics). Further, the companies engaged in developing LNP technology include (which have been profiled in the market report) Acuitas Therapeutics, Ascendia Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Nanotherapeutics, leon-nanodrugs, Matinas BioPharma, Pantherna Therapeutics and TLC Biosciences. Competitive Landscape of Lipid CMO The current market landscape features the presence of over 55 companies involved in other types of lipid manufacturing, including ionizable lipids, liposomes, neural lipids, PEGylated lipids, phospholipids, sphingolipids and triglycerides. Further, over 80% of the facilities manufacturing other types of lipids offer formulation development services, followed by those providing process development / pre-formulation services (65%) and analytical method development (60%). Some examples of prominent players engaged in manufacturing other types of lipids include (which have been profiled in the market report) Avanti Polar Lipids, CordenPharma, Creative Biolabs, Formumax Scientific, Fresenius Kabi, Fujifilm and Merck. Market Trends: Partnerships and Collaborations on the Rise for Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing In recent years, several partnerships have been established by industry stakeholders, in order to consolidate their presence in this field, and enhance their capabilities and product portfolio to meet the growing demand for LNP-based drugs. It is worth highlighting that over 50% of these partnerships have been inked in the past two years. Interestingly, most of the agreements were research and development agreements, followed by product / technology licensing agreements and product development agreements. In April 2023, Moderna entered into an agreement with IBM in order to explore cutting-edge technologies, including quantum computing and artificial intelligence model (MoLFormer) to optimize LNPs and propel mRNA therapeutics research. In March 2023, Acuitas Therapeutics signed a licensing agreement with Athebio for the latter company's Athebody DARPin technology. The partnership aims to combine this technology with Acuitas' LNP technology to enable targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. Such partnerships will foster the increase in application of LNP technology to support the delivery of novel drugs, increasing the demand for lipid nanoparticle manufacturing during the forecast period of this market report. Market Analysis: Global Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing Market Size The global lipid nanoparticle manufacturing market is estimated to be worth USD 0.66 billion in 2023. Driven by the increasing need for novel LNP formulation, along with the ongoing advancements in the LNP technology, the lipid nanoparticle manufacturing market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period. Additionally, in terms of type of LNP, the LNP manufacturing market is currently dominated by the revenues generated by solid lipid nanoparticles. Market Segment Analysis: Within Nucleic Acids Segment, mRNA Vaccines to Drive Market Growth The research and development efforts being undertaken in the mRNA vaccines domain have evolved substantially over time, owing to their various advantages, including higher biological efficacy, enhanced immunogenicity and versatile vaccine delivery platforms, over other therapeutic modalities. Recent reports highlight the potential benefits of mRNA; for instance, no undesirable risk of inadvertent infection and insertional mutagenesis. In February 2022, Merck acquired Exelead, a CDMO capable of lipid nanoparticle manufacturing; through the acquisition, the company aims to enhance its capabilities and accelerate innovation in the mRNA vaccine domain. Further, in the same month, Curia acquired LakePharma and Integrity Bio to offer comprehensive mRNA based solutions to its clients. In addition to linear mRNA, circular RNA (circRNA) and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine platforms are now being acknowledged by the researchers. Owing to its closed-ring structure, circRNA demonstrates enhanced biostability and resistance towards exonuclease-mediated degradation, when compared to linear RNA. Further, saRNA facilitate large production of antigens (at low doses) and triggers an extensive immune response. As such, mRNA vaccines and mRNA therapeutics, along with other novel RNA therapeutics like circRNA and saRNA will drive the market growth for lipid nanoparticle manufacturing market during the forecast period. Key Topics Covered: 1. PREFACE 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3. ECONOMIC AND OTHER PROJECT SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS 4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5. INTRODUCTION 5.1. Chapter Overview 5.2. Overview of Lipids 5.3 Introduction to Lipid Nanoparticles 5.4. Challenges Associated with Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing 5.5. Need for Outsourcing Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing 5.6. Concluding Remarks 6. LIPID NANOPARTICLES: SERVICE PROVIDERS LANDSCAPE 6.1. Chapter Overview 6.2. Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing: List of Service Providers 6.2.1 Analysis by Year of Establishment 6.2.2 Analysis by Company Size 6.2.3 Analysis by Location of Headquarters 6.2.4 Analysis by Company Size and Location of Headquarters 6.2.5 Analysis by Location of Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing Facility 6.2.6 Analysis by Scale of Operation 6.2.7 Analysis by Type of Molecule Delivered 6.2.8 Analysis by Therapeutic Area 6.2.9 Analysis by Type of Additional Services Offered 7. LIPID NANOPARTICLES: TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE 7.1. Chapter Overview 7.2. Lipid Nanoparticle: Technology Landscape 7.3. Lipid Nanoparticle Technologies: List of Technology Developers 8. OTHER TYPES OF LIPIDS: SERVICE PROVIDERS LANDSCAPE 8.1. Chapter Overview 8.2. Other Types of Lipids: List of Service Providers 9. COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS 9.1. Chapter Overview 9.2. Assumptions and Key Parameters 9.3. Methodology 9.4. Lipid Nanoparticle Manufacturing Service Providers: Company Competitiveness Analysis 10. TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS 10.1. Chapter Overview 10.2. Assumptions and Key Parameters 10.3. Methodology 10.4. Lipid Nanoparticle Technologies: Competitiveness Analysis 11. COMPANY PROFILES: SERVICE PROVIDERS OF LIPID NANOPARTICLES 11.1. Chapter Overview 11.2. Curia 11.3. Emergent BioSolutions 11.4. EUROAPI 11.5. Evonik 11.6. Ardena 11.7. BIOVECTRA 11.8. Precision NanoSystems 12. COMPANY PROFILES: LIPID NANOPARTICLE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPERS 12.1. Chapter Overview 12.2. Ascendia Pharmaceuticals 12.3. leon-nanodrugs 12.4. Pantherna Therapeutics 12.5. TLC Biosciences 12.6. Acuitas Therapeutics 12.7. Integrated Nanotherapeutics 12.8. Matinas BioPharma 13. COMPANY PROFILES: SERVICE PROVIDERS OF OTHER TYPES OF LIPIDS 13.1. Chapter Overview 13.2. Avanti Polar Lipids 13.3. Corden Pharma 13.4. Fujifilm 13.5. Merck 13.6. FormuMax Scientific 13.7. Creative Biolabs 13.8. Fresenius Kabi 14. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS 14.1. Chapter Overview 14.2. Partnership Models 14.3. Lipid Nanoparticles Services and Technologies: List of Partnerships and Collaborations 15. LIKELY PARTNER ANALYSIS 15.1. Chapter Overview 15.2. Methodology 15.2. mRNA Drug Developers: Potential Strategic Partners in North America 15.3. mRNA Drug Developers: Potential Strategic Partners in Europe and Asia-Pacific 16. MAKE VERSUS BUY DECISION FRAMEWORK 16.1. Chapter Overview 16.2. Assumptions and Key Parameters 16.3. Lipid Nanoparticle Service Providers: Make versus Buy Decision Making Framework 17. CAPACITY ANALYSIS 18. MARKET IMPACT ANALYSIS: DRIVERS, RESTRAINTS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES 19. GLOBAL LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET 20. LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET, BY TYPE OF LIPID NANOPARTICLE 21. LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET, BY TYPE OF MOLECULE DELIVERED 22. LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET, BY COMPANY SIZE 23. LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET, BY TARGET THERAPEUTIC AREA 24. LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET, BY TYPE OF END-USER 25. LIPID NANOPARTICLE MANUFACTURING MARKET, BY KEY GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS Companies Mentioned 2seventy bio ABITEC Acuitas Therapeutics ADM Afrigen Biologics AIM Vaccine Aragen Life Sciences Arbor Biotechnologies Arbutus Biopharma Arcturus Therapeutics Ardena Arranta Bio Ascendia Pharmaceuticals Ascension Sciences AskBio Astellas Pharma Athebio B. Braun Baseimmune BASF Pharma Beam Therapeutics BeiGene Bio-Serv BioNTech Biopharma PEG Scientific BIOVECTRA BOC Sciences BSP Pharmaceuticals CanSino Biologics Carisma Therapeutics Catalent Cayman Chemical CD Bioparticles Celonic Cone Bioproducts ConserV Bioscience CordenPharma Creative Biolabs Creative Biostructure Croda CSL Seqirus Curapath CureVac Curia Cytiva Daewoong Pharmaceutical Daiichi Sankyo Dalton Pharma Services Danaher DIANT Pharma DSM Emergent BioSolutions Empirical Labs Encapsula NanoSciences Endo International Entos Esco Aster eTheRNA EUROAPI Evonik ExploRNA Therapeutics ForDoz Pharma FormuMax Scientific Fresenius Kabi Fujifilm Gattefosse GC Biopharma Generation Bio Genprex GP Pharm GreenLight Biosciences Gritstone bio Harro Hofliger Helix Biotech HTD Biosystems IBM IMUNON InnoRNA Integrated Nanotherapeutics KD Pharma Kernal Biologics Korro Bio Lead Biotherapeutics leon-nanodrugs LGC Axolabs Lipid Systems Sp. Lipidome Lifesciences Lipoid LIPOSOMA Lonza Matinas BioPharma Merck Metagenomi Micro-Sphere Moderna MyBiotech Myeloid Therapeutics Nabros Pharma NanoVation Therapeutics National Resilience NeoVac NextPharma Nippon Fine Chemical NOF Corporation Omega Therapeutics Oncorus Orna Therapeutics OZ Biosciences Pantherna Therapeutics PCI Pharma Services Pfizer Phosphorex Piramal Pharma Solutions Polymun Scientific Precigenome Precision NanoSystems ProMab Biotechnologies Providence Therapeutics PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies Quay Pharma QurCan Therapeutics Recipharm ReCode Therapeutics Replicate Bioscience Sanofi Sarepta Therapeutics SciTech Development ST Pharm STA Pharmaceutical StaniPharm Takeda Pharmaceutical Tergus Pharma TLC Biosciences TTY Biopharm Company Turn Biotechnologies Valimenta Labs VAV Life Sciences Vaxinano Vernal Biosciences Vertex Pharmaceuticals Verve Therapeutics ViiV Healthcare VLP Therapeutics ZoneOne Pharma For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/455hgv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets BEIJING, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for efforts to accelerate the development of new productive forces and firmly promote high-quality development, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday, further highlighting China's heightened focus on new growth drivers based on scientific and technological (sci-tech) breakthroughs and innovation. The growing emphasis China's top leader has placed on developing new productive forces signals that even more resources will be directed toward making sci-tech breakthroughs in critical areas, boosting China's sci-tech self-reliance and self-strengthening, and spurring high-quality development - a top priority for China's policymaking, experts said. Coming at a critical time for the Chinese economy, which is undergoing a profound transformation, developing new productive forces is China's clear answer for tackling those challenges and ensuring long-term sound development, experts noted. Growing emphasis While presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Xi stressed that high-quality development is an unyielding principle in the new era, according to Xinhua. "Developing new productive forces is the intrinsic requirement and an important focus of promoting high-quality development, and it's necessary to continue to well leverage innovation to speed up the development of new productive forces," Xi said. The phrase "new productive forces" has become a buzzword recently. First put forward by Xi during his inspection tour in September 2023 to northeast China, it refers to a new form of productive forces derived from continuous sci-tech breakthroughs and innovation that drive strategic emerging industries and future industries in a more intelligent information era, according to Xinhua. Underscoring its growing importance, various top meetings have put emphasis on developing new productive forces. The Central Economic Work Conference in December 2023, a top meeting that sets economic priorities for 2024, also pledged to promote industrial innovation through technological innovation, especially by using ground-breaking and cutting-edge technologies to foster new industries, new models and growth drivers, and develop new productive forces. It is also significant that developing new productive forces was a focus of the first group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in 2024. The previous group study session was held in November 2023 and focused on foreign-related legal system development. These all highlighted the growing emphasis China's top leadership put on developing new productive forces, which portends greater efforts and policy support for sci-tech innovation in 2024 and beyond, according to experts. "Sci-tech innovation can give birth to new industries, new business models, and new kinetic energy, and is the core element of developing new productive forces," Wang Peng, an associate researcher from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday, noting that China has already taken a slew of policy measures to support the development of new productive forces. "Looking forward to the future, with the continuous deepening of scientific and technological innovation and the continuous advancement of industrial transformation and upgrading, new productive forces will play a more important role in the Chinese economy," Wang said, adding that the Chinese government will continue to strengthen policy guidance and support to create a better environment and conditions for the development of new productive forces. Steady progress Various Chinese government departments have already highlighted China's steady progress in sci-tech breakthroughs and innovation and pledged to step up efforts to accelerate the development of new productive forces. At a news conference on Thursday, Wang Dongwei, vice minister of finance, said that in recent years, finance departments of all levels have prioritized fiscal spending in sci-tech fields. Between 2018 and 2023, national fiscal expenditure in sci-tech grew from 832.7 billion yuan ($115.94 billion) to about 1.06 trillion yuan, with an annual growth rate of 6.4 percent on average. With fiscal and other policy support, "a number of innovative achievements have emerged in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and bio-manufacturing," said Wang Dongwei, vowing to better support innovation in key areas such as new generation of information technology and integrated circuits and help tackle difficulties in areas such as basic products, core technologies and key software. Various indicators have also shown that China has become a top innovation powerhouse globally. Between 2020 and 2022, China's total social expenditure in research and development jumped from 2.44 trillion yuan to 3.08 trillion yuan, ranking second in the world for many consecutive years. In 2022, China contributed nearly one-third of the academic papers published in the most influential international journals, surpassing the US for the first time to secure the world's leading position. Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, said that while China has become a world leader in sci-tech innovation, China's pursuit of high-quality development and the arrival of a new technological revolution means that China must also continue to step up innovation to stay ahead. "We must rise up to the competitions in the new sci-tech revolution and we must aim at strategic emerging industries and future industries," Cong told the Global Times on Thursday, noting the importance of developing new productive forces in China's high-quality development. Highlighting the great contribution made by new productive forces to economic growth, China's world-leading 5G industry is estimated to have directly driven a total economic output of 1.86 trillion yuan in 2023, an increase of 29 percent from that of 2022, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. As China's economic development faces challenges arising from its internal economic transition, developing new productive forces has also become an urgent matter, in order to both tackle risks and challenges and to ensure long-term high-quality development, experts said. "The weak global economy has impacted traditional export markets, and the Chinese economy needs to find new growth drivers. The development of new productive forces can cultivate new economic growth drivers and competitive advantages, and provide new impetus for the Chinese economy," Wang said. Moreover, the development of new productive forces, especially the strengthening of sci-tech innovation, can reduce reliance on external technologies and markets and enhance the independence and security of China's economy, Wang added. SOURCE Global Times EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To help address a state shortage of healthcare workers, Goodwin University recently applied to the Connecticut Department of Public Health Board of Examiners for Nursing for approval to offer a new Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program. The Board has accepted the application, and a hearing date is scheduled for March 20. (l to r) Senator Saul Anwar, Dr. Vivienne Friday, Karyn Therrien, Dr. Michael Pardales Students in the program can earn their certificates in as few as 16 months, full time, and will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). LPNs find work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics and rehabilitation centers. The Goodwin program will be offered at its East Hartford campus as well as at the University of Bridgeport campus. Goodwin responded to a similar shortage in 2004 by launching its first nursing program. Twenty years on, the school is widely recognized for its offerings in nursing and other health-related fields. With 3,754 graduates, the nursing department encompasses programs including Associate Degree in Nursing (RN), Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, APRN Family Nurse Practitioner, and APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. On January 30, Dr. Michael Pardales, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Vivienne Friday, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, and Karyn Therrien, Director of the LPN program, welcomed State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) to Goodwin's East Hartford campus to tour the new educational and clinical facilities. "There is a such a wide spectrum of career opportunities in healthcare right now," explained Dr. Pardales. "The addition of the LPN program will help ensure that our academic offerings are in sync with the workforce needs." Senator Anwar, who is also a medical doctor specializing in lung diseases, critical care medicine, and occupational and environmental medicine, is co-chair of the Public Health Committee and a vocal advocate for healthcare careers in Connecticut's workforce, calling for an improved pipeline to jobs to be among the state's critical priorities for 2024. "It was a pleasure to tour Goodwin's new laboratory location and learn more about the new offerings it will provide for its students and our state," he said. "It reaffirms the school's commitment to producing trained and prepared professionals ready to meet healthcare needs in demand now more than ever. I will continue to lend my support to Goodwin and its hundreds of annual graduates who play a vital role in our communities protecting public health, and I look forward to its application being heard by the state Health Department and Nursing Board." Media Contact: Philip Moore Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Goodwin University pmoore@goodwin.edu SOURCE Goodwin University New website for Best Law Firms honoree reflects firm's ethos: focused, effective, creative, and efficient SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Holcomb LLP, a Seattle-based law firm that focuses exclusively on solving problems for government contractors, continues to grow in stature with notable wins for its clients and the launch of a new website and brand identity. Ranked by Best Lawyers in its Best Law Firms list, Jackson Holcomb specializes in subjects essential for businesses to secure and perform government contracts, helping them to avoid negative outcomes, reduce risk, and succeed in a highly competitive environment. Jackson Holcomb maintains a broad reach in the field of government contract law, achieving successful outcomes for clients with offices or projects in more than two dozen states and 9 foreign countries involving 37 executive branch entities. As an example of the types of victories for which Jackson Holcomb is known, the firm recently settled four separate cases involving fixed-price ship repair contracts with the US Navy. The client sought to recover the increased costs it incurred both to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to perform ship repair during the pandemic. Jackson Holcomb recovered a total of $1.65 milliona rare feat, given that the government routinely denies similar claims under fixed-price contracts. In recent months, the firm welcomed a new Senior Associate, Stuart Denton, who brings a background both as a prosecutor and US Army JAG officer. The firm also rolled out a distinctive new website inspired by the proposals the firm's clients regularly submit to the government. "Our rebranding was prompted by the firm's 10th anniversary," said partner Mark Jackson. "With our new website, we aim to showcase the solutions we've provided for clients and our value proposition, which can be summed up with the words that define our team: focused, effective, creative, and efficient." "The entire Jackson Holcomb team is proud of our successes in 2023," said partner Stowell Holcomb. "We look forward to making the firm's presence more widely known and are excited about the new opportunities and challenges coming in 2024." As part of its busy year ahead, Jackson Holcomb will serve as a co-sponsor of Pub K's Government Contracts Annual Review 2024, the premier event in the government contracts field. The conference will be held February 13-14, 2024, at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., where Mark Jackson will speak on a panel about Prime/Sub Relationships. About Jackson Holcomb LLP Jackson Holcomb LLP, is a Seattle-based law firm focusing on matters that are essential for businesses to secure and perform government contracts, helping them to avoid negative outcomes, reduce risk, and succeed in a competitive environment. For more information, visit https://jacksonholcomb.com/. Contact: FEAREY for Jackson Holcomb jacksonholcomb@fearey.com SOURCE Jackson Holcomb LLP NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hach & Rose, LLP, one of New York's leading personal injury firms, is proud to announce that our attorneys have eclipsed the $1 billion mark in total recoveries secured on behalf of our clients. This accomplishment is a major milestone in the history of our firm and cements our status as a top choice for New Yorkers who have been injured by the negligence or recklessness of others. "I'm proud of this accomplishment and what it says about the attorneys and staffers who made it possible," says partner Michael A. Rose. "But I'm prouder of the difference we've been able to make in the lives of ordinary people who needed our help. One billion dollars is an impressive number, but behind it are thousands of real people for whom we've recovered the financial means to move forward with confidence and dignity." Here are a few of the recent settlements that helped us reach this achievement: $1.25 million for a city ambulance driver who was injured while working $725,000 for a woman who suffered a back injury in an automobile accident for a woman who suffered a back injury in an automobile accident $450,000 for a woman who needed surgery for a wrist fracture after she tripped and fell on a sidewalk for a woman who needed surgery for a wrist fracture after she tripped and fell on a sidewalk $300,000 for a woman injured in an auto accident for a woman injured in an auto accident $400,000 for a man injured by negligently placed equipment while making a delivery for a man injured by negligently placed equipment while making a delivery $275,000 in an under-insured motorist claim for a man injured in an automobile accident in an under-insured motorist claim for a man injured in an automobile accident $250,000 for a man injured in a motorcycle accident for a man injured in a motorcycle accident $450,000 for a construction worker who tripped and fell on a worksite for a construction worker who tripped and fell on a worksite $210,000 in an under-insured motorist claim as the result of an auto accident in an under-insured motorist claim as the result of an auto accident $1.9 million for a person who suffered a neck injury in an elevator accident Hach & Rose, LLP, was founded nearly 25 years ago by attorneys Gregory Hach and Michael Rose. At the time, Michael was a respected speaker for the New York Bar known for the many million-dollar verdicts he had secured on behalf of injury clients, while Gregory was a lifelong advocate of labor unions who consulted for unions across the country. Together, they've grown our firm to include more than 20 attorneys and a highly trained support staff committed to fighting on behalf of injured New Yorkers. "The billion dollars we've recovered to date is both a testament to how far we've come and a benchmark for what we aim to do in the future," said Michael Rose. About Hach & Rose, LLP Hach & Rose is rated as one of the top plaintiff's firms in New York, having recovered over $1 billion for their clients. They handle a wide range of litigation, from traffic accidents and workplace injuries to toxic substance exposure and class action suits. Learn more about the firm and its services by visiting their website at www.unionlawfirm.com. Media Contact: Jenn Brown, [email protected] SOURCE Hach & Rose, LLP Just 18% of fincrime compliance leaders are using AI and automation but anticipate a 70%+ adoption over next two years to scale amid more sophisticated criminals and growing regulatory requirements. The top three fincrime compliance investment priorities are partnering with peer institutions to drive fincrime compliance impact, systems modernization, and setting up fincrime compliance for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies . Areas having the biggest impact on fighting financial crime are growth in digital volumes of transactions, use of emerging tech by criminals, growth of regulatory requirements, and delivery models supporting fintechs like banking-as-a-service (BaaS). Talentgetting it and keeping itranked #1 challenge for fincrime compliance programs. NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- While financial services firms have been some of the earliest and most extensive adopters of cutting-edge technologies, a scarcity of skilled talent, organizational silos, and lack of C-suite support remain significant barriers to AI and automation in financial crime (fincrime) programs. According to a new study, Driving the Evolution of Financial Crime Compliance: The People and Tech Imperative, released by HFS Research in partnership with AML RightSource, only 18% of fincrime compliance leaders are using AI and automation today. With planned adoption expected to increase by more than 70% in the next two years, fincrime compliance leaders now face a new people and tech imperative. HFS Research, in Collaboration with AML RightSource, Releases Study Revealing the People and Tech Imperative Driving a New Era of Automation in Fincrime Compliance "Amidst expanding regulatory requirements, compliance functions are under tremendous pressure to adapt to the risks of today's ever more interconnected and digitized landscape at speed and scale," said Frank Ewing, Chief Executive Officer at AML RightSource. "Financial services firms are showing a greater willingness than ever before to invest in regulatory risk and compliance programs." Other insights from the study include: Talent, organizational silos, and lack of C-suite support are the biggest internal challenges for fincrime compliance programs amid burgeoning innovation, smarter criminals, and rapidly changing financial transaction models. Compliance leaders expect their budgets to increase by 9.5% in 2024. Many regulatory compliance leaders (41%) believe the easiest path to AI and automation adoption is through their existing platforms and systems. Using service providers and building in-house are viable alternatives. While the most typical model of working with third-party service providers today is on a project basis, in two years, this will shift to tech-enabled managed services. There is broad consistency around what regulatory compliance leaders want to outsource and what they want to apply AI and automation to. This alignment is at the heart of tech-enabled managed servicesthe perfect match of humans augmented by tech. Over half of respondents support cannabis-related businesses today (56%) and banking-as-a-service (supporting fintechs or other non-bank entities with banking services) (60%). Both business lines are driving a nearly 7% expected increase in fincrime compliance headcount in 2024. Tech-enabled fincrime compliance workloads will grow 31% over the next two years compared to more modest growth in human-led work. "The imperative for advancing tech enablement is a focus on AI and automation to help augment fincrime resources. It's about leveraging emerging technologies to help make humans better at fighting financial crime, scaling the focus on judgment and specialized skills over rote documentation and manual tasks," added Brad Breslin, Chief Delivery Officer of AML RightSource. According to the study's author, Elena Christopher, Chief Research Officer at HFS, "There aren't enough fincrime professionals to meet new requirements, let alone manage remediation or enforcement. These resources need to be amplified and augmented by AI and automation to help increase time spent on judgment-based requirements and strategic decisions, and minimize time spent on routine repetition and documentation." HFS Research CEO and Chief Analyst Phil Fersht, agrees, "Fincrime leaders need to be willing to change, consider partnering with third-party providers, and cultivate innovation with industry peers to effectively manage risk and compliance." The survey-based study of 500 fincrime compliance professionals across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia-Pacific creates a definitive baseline and clear vision of wants and needs of financial services fincrime leaders for automation, AI, and outsourcing. About AML RightSource, LLC AML RightSource is the leading technology-enabled managed services firm focused on fighting financial crime for our clients and the world. AML RightSource provides custom solutions to financial institutions, FinTechs, money service businesses, and corporations. Using a blend of highly trained anti-financial crime professionals, cutting-edge technology tools, and industry-leading consultants, AML RightSource assists clients with their anti-money laundering, fraud and transaction monitoring, client onboarding (Know Your Customer), enhanced due diligence, and risk management needs. AML RightSource supports clients in meeting day-to-day compliance tasks, urgent projects, and strategic changes. With a global staff of more than 4,000 highly trained analysts and subject matter experts, it is the industry's largest group of full-time compliance professionals. AML RightSource is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. With their clients around the world, they are Reimagining Compliance. For more information, visit www.amlrightsource.com. About HFS Research HFS is a leading global research and analysis firm trusted at the highest levels of executive leadership. Our mission is to help our clients tackle challenges, make bold moves, and bring big ideas to life by arming them with accurate, visionary, and thought-provoking insight into issues that impact their business. HFS analysts and strategists have deep, real-world experience in the subjects they cover. They're respected for independent, no-nonsense perspectives based on thorough research, demand-side data, and personal engagements with industry leaders. Visit www.hfsresearch.com. AML RightSource Media Contact: Mila Che, Havas Red [email protected] HFS Media Contact: Hilary McCarthy, Clearpoint Agency [email protected] SOURCE AML RightSource This state-of-the-art facility is the inaugural installation in HNO International's Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEP) , a modular and scalable hydrogen energy system designed to efficiently produce, store, and dispense green hydrogen from water using a 1.25MW electrolyzer. SHEP is crafted with versatility in mind, catering to the diverse needs of developers, companies, communities, and municipalities. SHEP's remarkable scalability allows it to produce beyond 5,000 kg of hydrogen per day with additional electrolyzers and other integrated components, making it an ideal solution for various industrial and commercial applications. The modular platform's adaptability ensures it can meet the evolving demands of hydrogen production and usage across a spectrum of applications. An additional advantage of SHEP is its compact footprint, requiring less than 3,000 sqft, providing flexibility in installation across diverse locations. Furthermore, SHEP offers users the choice of power sources, allowing for utilization of grid or renewable power, presenting a 100% green, off-grid option. "This collaboration represents a major milestone in our commitment to sustainable energy solutions," stated Donald Owens, Chairman at HNO International. "The development of the 500kg per day green hydrogen production facility in Houston is a testament to our dedication to advancing sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. This facility is just the beginning, as we have plans for additional installations in 2024, 2025, and beyond, further solidifying our position as leaders in the hydrogen energy infrastructure sector." HNO International invites stakeholders, investors, and industry partners to stay informed about this transformative project and the broader impact SHEP is poised to make in the global transition towards sustainable energy. For more information about HNOI and its innovative SHEP technology, please visit www.hnointernational.com or contact us at [email protected]. About HNO International, Inc HNO International (HNOI) is a company specializing in the design, integration, and development of green hydrogen-based energy technologies. With over 13 years of experience in green hydrogen production, HNOI and its leadership team are on a mission to help lead the renewable energy transition by making energy accessible to businesses and communities worldwide. Their pioneering solutions, including the Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEP) and the Compact Hydrogen Refueling Station (CHRS), are setting new standards for green hydrogen production. About Element One Energy Element One Energy , a U.S. based expert in the design and manufacturing of electrolyzers and solid-state hydrogen storage systems, develops technology to meet the need for Ultra Low-Cost Green Hydrogen (ULGH) production and storage. Having over 20 years of engineering experience with cryogenic storage and high pressures, Element One Energy brings unique solutions to facilitate the domestic energy transition. By internally executing the design, manufacturing, and construction of hydrogen projects, Element One Energy efficiently collaborates with customers to meet their green energy cost and production targets. Their focus is developing comprehensive, low CAP-Ex and OP-Ex electrolysis-based hydrogen facilities. Element One Energy serves industries such as hydrogen production, heavy haul, power generation, and aerospace. About Pneumatic and Hydraulic Company Pneumatic and Hydraulic Company , a leader in the compressed gas industry for over 60 years, along with their hydrogen division Total Hydrogen Solutions , is the largest North American distributor for Haskel and serves a broad range of industries, including notable aerospace clients like SpaceX , Blue Origin , NASA, and with their affiliate company provides power distribution technology to the majority of major data centers in the United States with clients such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. Their extensive experience in fluid power solutions and high-pressure systems, along with their distribution lines of over 40 industry-leading brands of related equipment will be instrumental in this project. PHC has the capability to provide all aspects of hydrogen creation, compression, and distribution processes through its Total Hydrogen Solutions division. To learn more about PHC visit www.pneumaticandhydraulic.com . Forward-looking statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", intend", "believe", "estimate", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news 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. 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, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov . SOURCE HNO International Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) attends a housing delivery ceremony in Kahramanmaras, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. Erdogan on Tuesday announced new infrastructure plans in the quake-stricken areas to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ANKARA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday announced new infrastructure plans in the quake-stricken areas to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. "We are not just constructing houses, streets, or squares in the earthquake zone," said Erdogan, announcing the launch of a project that would attract defense industry investments in the earthquake-affected provinces. The new project, according to Erdogan, will not only provide housing for locals, but also support economic activity by creating job opportunities. "We have launched a housing and employment project that would intensify defense industry investments, our country's locomotive sector, in our quake-hit cities. With the plans made by the Directorate of Defense Industry, we are building an industrial zone for Roketsan in Kirikhan, Hatay province. We are putting into service a carbon fiber facility in Gaziantep with the support of TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Industries)," Erdogan said. The government already built a facility in Kahramanmaras province to produce aerospace structural materials with the support of TUSAS, Erdogan said. "Many aviation parts, including those of our unmanned aerial vehicle Anka, will be produced here from now on. In other words, we are making Kahramanmaras our second defense, aviation and space industry hub after Ankara," said Erdogan. One year ago, two powerful earthquakes struck southern Turkiye, claiming the lives of over 53,000 people and leaving thousands homeless. The twin earthquakes were the deadliest disaster in modern Turkish history. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) hands a key to a woman at a housing delivery ceremony in Kahramanmaras, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. Erdogan on Tuesday announced new infrastructure plans in the quake-stricken areas to mark the first anniversary of the disaster. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Christoph Eigenmann joins icotec Medical with an impressive track record in the medical technology industry. With over two decades of experience, including significant roles at Johnson & Johnson, Christoph Eigenmann brings extensive expertise in commercial organizations in both Europe and the United States, particularly in the spine business. His appointment is expected to drive substantial growth and innovation for icotec Medical's US operations. Carter Lonsberry who led icotec US successfully in the first couple years, is appointed to become the US executive Chairman of the Board. His promotion is a testament to his invaluable contributions to the company's future in the US. In his new role, Carter Lonsberry will continue to shape the strategic initiatives. A New Era of Innovation and Growth With these key leadership changes, icotec Medical is poised for a new era of growth and innovation. The company, renowned for its BlackArmor Carbon/PEEK implants, is at the forefront of spinal care, offering groundbreaking solutions to complex spinal conditions. Roger Stadler, Group CEO of icotec ag, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to welcome Christoph Eigenmann as our new US CEO. His leadership and experience are exactly what we need to expand our presence in the US market. Additionally, Carter Lonsberry's promotion to the Executive Board reflects our commitment to internal talent development and strategic leadership." Christoph Eigenmann, on his new role, stated, "I am very excited to join icotec Medical. icotec is a clear innovation leader in the spine space, and I am looking forward to leading their US team and to contributing to the company's global success." Carter Lonsberry commented, "I am honored by this promotion and excited to contribute to the company's strategic direction at the executive level." icotec Medical Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of icotec ag, Switzerland. icotec is the leading company for the treatment of spinal tumors with a new generation of high-tech implants. With its BlackArmor Carbon/PEEK implants, icotec combines cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise to deliver innovative and reliable solutions for spine surgeons and their patients and is dedicated to advancing the field of spinal implantation. With a track record of clinical success and a commitment to continuous innovation, icotec is poised to shape the future of spinal surgery. The comprehensive product portfolio has received FDA approval and is supported by numerous Key Opinion Leaders and Cancer Therapy Centers worldwide. More information can be found at www.icotec-medical.com. Contact Information Remo Keller, Group CFO, [email protected], +41 71 757 00 96 SOURCE icotec ag ALTSTAETTEN, Switzerland and EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- icotec ag, the leading company in the field of innovative spinal tumor implants is pleased to announce the appointment of Christoph Eigenmann as its new CEO for the United States. The company also proudly announces the promotion of Carter Lonsberry to become the Executive Chairman of the Board, signaling a significant strengthening of its leadership team. Christoph Eigenmann, New US CEO Carter Lonsberry, Executive Chairman of the Board Christoph Eigenmann joins icotec Medical with an impressive track record in the medical technology industry. With over two decades of experience, including significant roles at Johnson & Johnson, Christoph Eigenmann brings extensive expertise in commercial organizations in both Europe and the United States, particularly in the spine business. His appointment is expected to drive substantial growth and innovation for icotec Medical's US operations. Carter Lonsberry who led icotec US successfully in the first couple years, is appointed to become the US executive Chairman of the Board. His promotion is a testament to his invaluable contributions to the company's future in the US. In his new role, Carter Lonsberry will continue to shape the strategic initiatives. A New Era of Innovation and Growth With these key leadership changes, icotec Medical is poised for a new era of growth and innovation. The company, renowned for its BlackArmor Carbon/PEEK implants, is at the forefront of spinal care, offering groundbreaking solutions to complex spinal conditions. Roger Stadler, Group CEO of icotec ag, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to welcome Christoph Eigenmann as our new US CEO. His leadership and experience are exactly what we need to expand our presence in the US market. Additionally, Carter Lonsberry's promotion to the Executive Board reflects our commitment to internal talent development and strategic leadership." Christoph Eigenmann, on his new role, stated, "I am very excited to join icotec Medical. icotec is a clear innovation leader in the spine space, and I am looking forward to leading their US team and to contributing to the company's global success." Carter Lonsberry commented, "I am honored by this promotion and excited to contribute to the company's strategic direction at the executive level." icotec Medical Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of icotec ag, Switzerland. icotec is the leading company for the treatment of spinal tumors with a new generation of high-tech implants. With its BlackArmor Carbon/PEEK implants, icotec combines cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise to deliver innovative and reliable solutions for spine surgeons and their patients and is dedicated to advancing the field of spinal implantation. With a track record of clinical success and a commitment to continuous innovation, icotec is poised to shape the future of spinal surgery. The comprehensive product portfolio has received FDA approval and is supported by numerous Key Opinion Leaders and Cancer Therapy Centers worldwide. More information can be found at www.icotec-medical.com. Contact Information Remo Keller, Group CFO, [email protected], +41 71 757 00 96 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2335363/Christoph_Eigenmann_May2023_icotec_ag.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2335364/Carter_Lonsberry_icotec_ag.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/945083/Icotec_Medical_Logo.jpg Spin-off of Encore Technologies helps clients solve IT, accounting, and financial services staffing challenges CINCINNATI, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jason McCaw and Greg Vollmer have become majority stakeholders in Encore Talent , a divestiture of Cincinnati-based technology company Encore Technologies' staffing business. McCaw and Vollmer will serve as CEO and President, respectively, of Encore Talent. John Burns, founder and CEO of Encore Technologies, retains a meaningful stake in the new company. Encore Talent helps clients meet the unique demands of today's corporate environment, delivering exceptional contract, contract-to-hire, and permanent talent in IT, accounting, and finance. "Encore Talent grew organically under Encore Technologies to meet increasing customer demand for flexible IT talent solutions," said Encore Technologies Founder and CEO John Burns. "With that strong foundation, we decided to spin off our talent solutions business into a separate entity that can focus on its next phase of growth while we focus on our core IT solutions business. We are thrilled to welcome Jason McCaw and Greg Vollmer as stakeholders and executive leaders of Encore Talent. They have the ideal blend of staffing experience and expertise guiding and scaling businesses in our region." Through its various solutions offerings, Encore Talent provides clients with the ultimate flexibility in solving their talent challenges. The company's expert recruiters bring the human touch to the ever-widening gap between talent and growing industries along with an extensive network of talent and industry partnerships. More than 50% of the candidates submitted by Encore Talent are selected for an interview, and 75% of those are hired. As CEO of Encore Talent, Jason McCaw leads the strategic direction and operations of the company, along with Intellex, another family-owned provider of consulting solutions to the CPG industry. Says McCaw, "Under John's leadership, Encore Talent has created a robust groundwork driven by a commitment to streamlining the recruiting process and relentless attention to the client experience. Greg and I look forward to leading the company into the future." Greg Vollmer brings 18 years of leadership experience in banking, corporate finance, and capital markets. His background assisting corporate borrowers and private equity firms in analyzing financial risk and developing corporate growth strategies positions him well in his role as President of Encore Talent. Says Vollmer, "Jason and I are excited to build on the strong culture John and his team have cultivated at Encore Talent. In addition to leading day-to-day operations, I am working closely with our leadership team to craft and execute multi-year strategic growth plans." From temporary help desk talent to executive management roles, Encore Talent can successfully solve any staffing challenge. More than 95% of Encore Talent's clients rely on the company for recurring placements because Encore Talent quickly understands and delivers on their staffing needs. The organization's recruiters immerse themselves in their clients' businesses, delivering only the candidates who have the unique attributes required for each role. To learn more, please visit us at helloencore.com . About Encore Talent Encore Talent uses deep recruiting expertise to fuel unsurpassed success in unearthing and placing exceptional talent with success rates far beyond the industry standards to help dynamic businesses run more efficiently and effectively at their core. Learn more at helloencore.com SOURCE Encore Talent Solutions, LLC Complementary Deal Benefits Both Agencies' Clients, Further Expands JSA's Tech and Telecom Expertise DALLAS and LAS VEGAS, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaymie Scotto & Associates, LLC (JSA) , the preeminent provider of brand strategy, public relations (PR), digital marketing and event planning services for global data centers, real estate companies and network operators, has completed the acquisition of the assets of Forward Vision LLC, a women-owned, Dallas-based, full-service B2B marketing communications agency specializing in technology and network infrastructure companies with a global outlook. The acquisition is highly complementary to both agencies' tech and telecom clients. The addition of the Forward Vision team, including its top executives, creatives and digital, social and PR professionals, will allow for the same seamless dedication to customer service that Forward Vision customers have come to depend upon. Additionally, these accounts now have access to additional tools, global reach and immediate brand exposure across JSA's established educational channels that it has been fostering over the past 19 years. These channels include its Amazon best-selling book series Greener Data , its highly-read industry blog , newsletters , podcasts , its virtual executive roundtables broadcasting every six weeks, and perhaps most notably JSA TV , which broadcasts live from key industry events around the world and now has more than 175,000 subscribers and over 1 million views on its YouTube channel. In addition, JSA clients and partners can now leverage another layer of industry expertise and client focus, particularly in wireless infrastructure and network technology. With the addition of 13 prestigious industry brands, the acquisition further increases JSA's roster of clients driving digital transformation and network infrastructure, security and sustainability, including telecom, data centers, IoT, energy companies and green tech. The combined entity's reach now includes more than 65 team members spanning multiple continents and time zones for a global network of client and partner influence. "We have had the pleasure of working with the Forward Vision team on digital marketing and PR services over the past three years. Through that partnership, it has become clear how well aligned our companies are, especially in terms of our commitment to our core values, customer success, industry focus and greener data best practices," says JSA Founder and CEO Jaymie Scotto Cutaia . "Our core values inform every decision we make, including the one to bring Forward Vision into the JSA family. Together, we offer unparalleled brand positioning, PR, digital marketing and event management for our digital infrastructure industry." "It's an exciting time for our companies to come together and become the definitive choice for marcomm strategy, including brand positioning, thought leadership and lead nurturing, in our network infrastructure industry," states Kelly Stark , former Principal at Forward Vision Marketing LLC and now Executive Vice President of Account Management at JSA. "With the rising needs of bandwidth capacity for AI, IoT and additional new applications across our industry's 5G plus networks, now is the time to tell our industry's story, build stronger collaborations and shape the way the world communicates." "With our newly combined JSA, we have even more talent, tools and global reach at our fingertips to get that industry message heard," continues Dyanne Williamson , former Principal at Forward Vision and now Executive Vice President of Account Management at JSA. "This is not just an exciting time here at JSA, but also for our combined clients, for our innovative industry and with our Greener Data movement, for our industry's united goal for a more sustainable planet." To learn more about our collective JSA team, clients and services, visit our newly launched site jsa.net and follow JSA's LinkedIn page to stay up to date on the latest industry news, live broadcast interviews and virtual roundtables. Interested in scheduling a complimentary brainstorming session? Reach out to [email protected] . About JSA Celebrating over 19 years of success, Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) is the preeminent provider of Brand Strategy, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and Event Planning services to data centers, network operators, technical innovators, sustainability companies and global commerce & real estate organizations. An Inc. 5000 company in 2021, 2022 & 2023, JSA has also been named to the PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 100 list for 2022, 2023 & 2024, 'Best Industry-Focused Agency' of 2021 & 2023 by the Bulldog PR Awards and Inc's Best Workplaces in 2022 & 2023. Our success is attributed to our skilled JSA team, our shared core values, our innovative tools, and our established media and industry relationships. Combined, these allow us to deliver the industry's gold standard in content creation, media outreach, digital marketing and brand strategy services available, orchestrated in a timely, integrated marketing plan customized for each client, to offer optimal and measurable ROI. To learn more about how JSA can elevate your brand, visit www.jsa.net . Join the conversation: Follow JSA on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) . For media inquiries, please contact: JSA +1 866.695.3629 ext. 6 [email protected] SOURCE Jaymie Scotto & Associates, LLC Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. , a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Kenneth A. Hersh, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Mr. Hersh joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Hersh's early life was marked by the challenging aftermath of his parents' divorce when he was 12. Responding to this difficult period as a teenager, he realized the importance of self-sufficiency in navigating life's toughest moments. This resilient mindset proved invaluable as he co-founded an investment firm in 1988, leading it through financial storms and significant volatility over the following decades. Mr. Hersh's strength extended beyond his professional life as he guided his family through turbulent times while continuing to grow his business. Despite enduring a heart attack in 2020 that necessitated a quintuple bypass operation, Mr. Hersh's unwavering determination showcased his self-made strength in overcoming life-threatening adversities. After graduating from St. Mark's School of Texas in 1981, he earned a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University in 1985 and then completed an MBA from Stanford University in 1989. His career began with a two-year stint as an Analyst at Morgan Stanley & Co., specializing in oil and gas financing and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Hersh co-founded and served as CEO of NGP Energy Capital Management from 1988 through 2015. Under his guidance, NGP became one of the nation's leading investment firms, managing over $12 billion with a remarkable 27-year gross IRR of 30%. Today, Mr. Hersh is the president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center where he focuses on executing a long-term strategic plan of promoting policy solutions and public engagement to ensure opportunity for all, strengthen democracy, and advance free societies around the world. Simultaneously, he leads Hersh Family Investments, his private family office and is Chairman of the Hersh Foundation. He recently released his book, "The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I Knew Nothing About," which shares insights from his diverse business and personal experiences. "Kenneth Hersh's unwavering commitment to educational, social and humanitarian causes, coupled with his remarkable career, make him a natural choice for the Horatio Alger Award," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "As the Chairman of the Hersh Foundation, his work with renowned academic and civic institutions underscores his dedication to shaping a brighter future for young minds. We are proud to induct him as a lifetime Member." Mr. Hersh focuses his philanthropy on organizations and initiatives that make a meaningful impact. In 2006, he donated to St. Mark's School of Texas to build the Robert K. Hoffman Center, honoring the memory of the philanthropist and long-time Trustee, Robert K. Hoffman. Mr. Hersh's contributions extended to the Alcuin Montessori School in Dallas as well as numerous cultural and educational institutions in North Texas. He is also active with our nation's veterans, serving as vice chairman of the board of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. His work has not gone unnoticed, earning him prestigious awards in the civic and professional realms. In 2014, he was recognized as the Master Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southwest Region by Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year program. His contributions to the oil and gas industry were acknowledged in 2017 when he received the Oil & Gas Council's Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2020, he received the L. Frank Pitts Energy Leadership Award presented by SMU for demonstrating leadership and innovation in the energy field. Notably, in 2019, the Texoma region of the Anti-Defamation League honored Mr. Hersh with the Henry Cohn Humanitarian Award for his work in advancing human rights, dignity and equal opportunity. In 2023, Mr. Hersh received the Ernest C. Arbuckle Award, the highest honor presented annually by Stanford's Graduate School of Business, recognizing excellence in management leadership. Also in 2023, he was recognized with the H. Neil Mallon Award presented by the World Affairs Council for his contribution to the region's global presence. "I am truly honored and grateful to join the Horatio Alger Association," said Mr. Hersh. "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the next generation. I hope to inspire these wonderful young people to face challenges with determination and to never let adversity stop them from making a positive impact." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own endeavors, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Mr. Hersh and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024, during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X , LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: Carly Colombo [email protected] SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lanvin Group (NYSE: LANV, the "Group"), a global luxury fashion group, today opened registration for its 2023 revenue results conference call. The Group will release its unaudited revenues for the full-year 2023 on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. On the same day, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (9:00 p.m. China Standard Time), the Group will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the released results and provide an outlook for 2024. Management will refer to a slide presentation during the call, which will be made available on the day of the call. To view the presentation, please visit the "Events" tab of the Group's investor relations website at https://ir.lanvin-group.com Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: United States Toll Free: 1-888-346-8982 International: 1-412-902-4272 Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-201203 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-905945 Hong Kong-Local Toll: 852-301-84992 Singapore Toll Free: 800-120-6157 A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the live call until February 28, 2024, by dialing the following numbers: US Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 International Toll: 1-412-317-0088 Canada Toll Free: 855-669-9658 Replay Access Code: 9156719 Additionally, an archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Group's investor relations website at https://ir.lanvin-group.com. About Lanvin Group Lanvin Group is a leading global luxury fashion group headquartered in Shanghai, China, managing iconic brands worldwide including Lanvin, Wolford, Sergio Rossi, St. John Knits, and Caruso. Harnessing the power of its unique strategic alliance of industry-leading partners in the luxury fashion sector, Lanvin Group strives to expand the global footprint of its portfolio brands and achieve sustainable growth through strategic investment and extensive operational know-how, combined with an intimate understanding and unparalleled access to the fastest-growing luxury fashion markets in the world. For more information about Lanvin Group, please visit www.lanvin-group.com, and to view our investor presentation, please visit www.lanvin-group.com/investor-relation/. Enquiries: Media Lanvin Group Miya He [email protected] Investors Lanvin Group James Kim [email protected] SOURCE Lanvin Group LUBBOCK, Texas, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark shift towards energy deregulation, the citizens of Lubbock are at a crucial juncture with the deadline to choose a new residential electricity provider set for February 15, 2024. This pivotal move empowers consumers with the freedom to select their electricity supplier, a change aimed at fostering competition, enhancing service quality, and potentially lowering costs. Residents who have not made a selection by the deadline will be automatically assigned to a default provider. Residents will also be enrolled in a default plan, specifically a month-to-month plan. While the automatic assignment ensures continued electricity supply to homes in Lubbock, the default month-to-month plans might not be the most advantageous for consumers. These plans, although flexible, do not offer the price security of a long-term fixed rate plan. Under a month-to-month arrangement, the energy charge is liable to vary each month, reflecting changes in the market. Historically, these plans tend to be more expensive over time compared to their fixed-rate counterparts, where the rate remains constant for the contract's duration, offering predictability and often lower electricity bills. BKV Energy offers a simple and affordable fixed rate plan: Bluebonnet. Try for 30 days risk-free. This plan has no base charges and no usage fees. Plus, enjoy Premier+, our power-packed benefits program. ElectroShare Rewards: Annual customer payout Annual customer payout Blend & Extend: Opportunity to reduce your rate mid-contract Opportunity to reduce your rate mid-contract Save Now, Pay Later: No interest deferred payments No interest deferred payments And more! Lubbock's residents are strongly encouraged to proactively choose their electricity provider and plan. Making an informed decision not only secures a potentially more favorable rate but also aligns with individual consumption patterns and financial planning, ensuring a choice that best fits the customer's needs and budget. Choosing a provider and plan that matches personal and financial preferences can lead to significant savings and a more satisfying customer experience. For assistance in comparing providers and plans, Lubbock residents can contact BKV Energy. With the deadline fast approaching, the time to act is now to avoid being placed into a potentially less desirable month-to-month plan. For more information on how to make an informed choice, visit https://bkvenergy.com or call 855-258-4797. BKV Energy is committed to providing Texans with simple, affordable, and transparent energy solutions. Our number one goal is to help Texans save on electricity. PUCT #10323 Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE BKV Energy DENVER, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has named Dave Ward as its new Chief Technology Officer. Ward will lead the development and integration of Lumen's global network and the disruptive technologies the company is deploying to expand the power of its network for customers. He will report to Lumen CEO Kate Johnson starting next week and serve as a member of the executive team. "Dave is a pioneer in networking technology and his experience will be a critical asset for Lumen," said Johnson. "Throughout his impressive career, he has built network architectures that have advanced the capabilities of the Internet, with a focus on delivering significant customer value. In particular, Dave's deep knowledge of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) technology will accelerate Lumen's NaaS platform as we disrupt the telecom industry with new digital experiences for enterprise customers." Ward joins Lumen from PacketFabric, an innovative company in the NaaS sector, where he was the chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded its portfolio and customer base, and grew its network to make the company among the largest fully automated network providers on the internet. Ward scaled the company's technology to connect customers to a vast ecosystem of cloud service providers and data centers, while simplifying customers' network connectivity. Prior to leading PacketFabric, he was a Senior Vice President, CTO-Engineering and Chief Architect at Cisco Systems, and served as a Fellow at both Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks. "My entire career has been committed to inventing the capabilities and improving the experience of the Internet," said Ward. "Lumen's unmatched network and innovative technologies will help drive that reinvention for businesses and I'm looking forward to joining this impressive team, and great culture, and helping the company deliver new capabilities that will give its customers unparalleled simplicity and connectivity." About Lumen Technologies: Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers' needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies, and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. SOURCE Lumen Technologies WOODINVILLE, Wash., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Highland Arms Enterprises ("HAE" or the "Company"), one of the largest franchisee operators within Neighborly, has taken on a strategic growth investment from Main Post Partners ("Main Post"), a leading private equity investment firm with deep experience partnering with multi-location consumer service platforms. Founded in 2003 by Kevin Spratt, HAE has grown both organically and through acquisitions into one of the largest franchisee operators within the Precision Garage Door Service ("Precision") system, operating in 11 markets across Washington, California, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. The Company has completed two acquisitions over the last four months and, with its new partnership, is actively looking to invest further into additional Precision franchise locations and additional Neighborly brands. "We are thrilled about our partnership with Main Post. Main Post was the clear choice in a partner due to their expertise in consumer services and successful track record of scaling franchise platforms. Their partnership approach and enthusiasm for scaling best-in-class brands set them apart from other groups. I am confident that, with Main Post, HAE is in an excellent position to seize the numerous growth opportunities ahead," said Kevin Spratt, CEO of Highland Arms Enterprises. Kevin will remain actively involved in the Company and is currently on the Franchise Advisory Committee for Precision Garage Door Service. The existing management team will continue to lead HAE, including Ashley Owen as President. "We are very excited to partner with the teams at HAE, Precision Garage Door Service and Neighborly, who have built industry leaders in both garage door repair and within home services. We see a substantial opportunity to support the team to build a premier operating platform within residential services as they accelerate their growth within the Neighborly system," said Aaron Garcia, Partner at Main Post. With more than 100 locations nationwide, Precision Garage Door Service is the leading residential garage door service franchise. Since being acquired by Neighborly in late 2020, Precision has grown considerably under its ownership. Precision has developed a competitive advantage through its commitment to best-in-class service, superior lead generation, and differentiated labor model. "This new partnership, along with the investment by Main Post in HAE, validates the strength and growth opportunities of the brand," said Mike Brickner, President of Precision Garage Door Service. "We are fortunate to have owners like Kevin Spratt, who have played a fundamental role with the brand for many years, now carry that to new heights with the support of the team at Main Post." Jon Shell, the interim Chief Executive Officer at Neighborly, expressed anticipation for the enhanced collaboration with HAE to bolster the growth of Precision Garage Door Service in new and existing markets. He highlighted the significance of the partnership to the growth potential in the residential services market, the robustness of the company's home service brands, and the overall strength of the Neighborly system, acknowledged by discerning investors like Main Post. Main Post looks forward to continuing to expand its partnership with Neighborly and building a leading multi-brand residential services platform. HAE is actively seeking to acquire other Precision franchises as well as franchises of other Neighborly brands along the West Coast. Boxwood Partners, a leading boutique middle-market investment bank known for its deep experience with entrepreneur and family-owned businesses, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to HAE. Moore & Van Allen served as legal advisor to Main Post. In partnership with ECS Debt Advisory, East West Bank provided debt financing in support of Main Post's acquisition of HAE. About Main Post Partners Main Post Partners is a consumer growth equity firm focused on investing in founder-owned, high-growth consumer companies. Main Post invests in both majority and minority positions primarily in first institutional capital situations where founders, entrepreneurs and management teams are looking for an experienced partner to help build their companies to full potential. With a "Partnership, not Ownership" approach, Main Post Partners works closely with a network of successful executives to provide operational and strategic support to its partner companies. For more information, please visit: mainpostpartners.com. About Precision Garage Door Service Precision Garage Door Service, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading residential garage door repair company. Precision Garage Door Service provides consumers with the highest levels of customer service and value for all garage door needs, specializing in garage door repair, new garage door installment, and repair of garage door openers from more than 100 locations in North America. Acquired in 2020, Precision Garage Door Service is part of Neighborly, the world's largest home services company with more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchises in six countries that have collectively served 14 million+ customers by repairing, maintaining, and enhancing their homes and businesses. Through Neighborly.com and the Neighborly mobile app, we connect consumers to local service providers that meet rigorous franchisor standards across 19 service categories. For more information about Precision Door Service, visit PrecisionDoor.net. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly, click here. About Neighborly Neighborly is the world's largest home services company with more than 30 brands and 5,500 franchises in six countries that have collectively served 14 million+ customers by repairing, maintaining, and enhancing their homes and businesses. Through Neighborly.com and the Neighborly mobile app, we connect consumers to local service providers that meet rigorous franchisor standards across 19 service categories. More information about Neighborly, and its franchise concepts, is available at Neighborlybrands.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly, click here. Contact: Chris Tofalli Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC 914-834-4334 SOURCE Main Post Partners TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX: MND) (OTCQB: MNDJF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 1, 2024. As previously announced, current CFO Nick Dwyer resigned for personal reasons and will be supporting the transition to Mr. Ahmed. Frazer Bourchier, President and CEO, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Hashim to Mandalay. His extensive industry experience, focus on capital discipline and strategic financial acumen make him an ideal fit for our leadership team. As we embark on our next phase of growth, Hashim will play a crucial role in steering our financial strategies and ensuring our continued financial success." Mr. Ahmed commented: "I am thrilled to be joining Mandalay at such an exciting time. The Company's commitment to growth and operational excellence aligns with my own professional values. I look forward to contributing to the financial success of the Company and working collaboratively with the talented team in place." Mr. Ahmed has a proven history of success with over 20 years of experience, with the past 15 years focused on the mining industry. He has expertise in financial management, corporate strategy, organizational restructuring, and capital markets. Mr. Ahmed has held a number of finance executive roles, most recently as CFO at both Nova Royalty and Jaguar Mining before that. Prior to Jaguar, Hashim worked with Barrick Gold for over seven years, where he held progressively senior positions in finance functions in Canada, and with site finance teams in Chile. At the start of his professional career, he obtained his CA/CPA designation with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and later worked with Ernst & Young LLP in their advisory practice. About Mandalay Resources Corporation: Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based resource company with producing assets in Australia (Costerfield gold-antimony mine) and Sweden (Bjorkdal gold mine). The Company is focused on growing its production and reducing costs to generate significant positive cashflow. Mandalay is committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, while developing a high level of community and employee engagement. Mandalay's mission is to create shareholder value through the profitable operation and continuing the regional exploration program, at both its Costerfield and Bjorkdal mines. Currently, the Company's main objectives are to continue mining the high-grade Youle vein at Costerfield, bring online the deeper Shepherd veins, both of which will continue to supply high-grade ore to the processing plant, and to extend Youle Mineral Reserves. At Bjorkdal, the Company will aim to increase production from the Aurora zone and other higher-grade areas in the coming years, in order to maximize profit margins from the mine. SOURCE Mandalay Resources Corporation RAMALLAH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least one Palestinian man was killed by Israeli army gunfire near the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Tuesday. The ministry said in a press statement that it was informed by the General Authority for Civil Affairs of the death of Mohammed Saud Abdullah Tayyti, 18, after he was shot by the Israeli army at the Beit Furik checkpoint east of Nablus. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that the army prevented ambulance crews from reaching the detained man. The Israel Defense Forces said that an armed Palestinian approached a military site near Nablus and opened fire, prompting their soldiers guarding the area to neutralize him. It noted that there were no casualties among the Israeli forces. Jones Soda Cannabis Brand to Bring 10MG THC-Infused Sodas to Ontario, Additional Products and Canadian Provinces to Follow After Rapid Success in U.S. SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA) (OTCQB: JSDA), the original craft soda known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted photo labels, today announced that its top-selling cannabis brand Mary Jones has been approved to operate in Ontario, Canada, with additional provinces to follow. Starting with their THC-infused beverages, the products are currently slated for Ontario availability in Q1 24. An expansion into other cannabis categories is currently in development with Tilray Brands for the Canadian Market. The award-winning brand will launch in Ontario with its 10MG THC-sodas in a variety of Famous Jones flavors, including Berry Lemonade, Boot Rear (Root Beer) And Col.Ahhhhh (Cola), uniquely labeled for Canadian cannabis packaging and naming requirements. The sodas use the same pure cane sugar recipe as mainline Jones, adapted for cannabis. Cannabis consumers in Canada can enjoy Mary Jones THC-infused sodas alone, mixed in craft cocktails, floats and much more. Mary Jones is also exploring future expansion into other cannabis categories in the Canadian market, bringing the beverage flavors into other product formats. Manufacturing and distribution in Canada is through Tilray Brands, one of the leading companies in the cannabis market worldwide. Top firm Green Hedge will support sales and field marketing in Canada for Mary Jones. "Jones was originally founded in Vancouver, BC. Canada and Tilray are a natural fit for our first international expansion for Mary Jones following the incredible success we've had in our U.S. markets," said David Knight, CEO of Jones Soda. "Canada's recreational cannabis sales increased $466.1M CAD in July, up 1.9 % from June this year. We're looking forward to bringing Mary Jones to Canada's THC retailers and consumers." "We are excited to partner with Mary Jones and to be produce their one of kind beverages at our state-of-the-art London, Ontario facility," said Blair MacNeil, President, Tilray Canada. "The Mary Jones brand has seen enormous success in the United States and we look forward to being a part of their rapid growth in Canada." "Infused Beverages are growing at a rapid pace in Canada and around the world, including an increasing number of consumers who are shifting to it over alcohol," said Andrew von Teichman, CEO of Green Hedge. "It creates a highly lucrative opportunity specifically for Mary Jones craft sodas and syrups. Cannabis consumers in Canada are going to love Mary Jones!" Powered by Jones Soda's reputation for flavor innovation and iconoclastic brand persona, Mary Jones was the first non-alcoholic CPG brand to crossover into cannabis with its 2022 debut in California. It is the #1 ranked seller in the cannabis-infused carbonated beverage format in California, where it is carried in more than 350 dispensaries with more to come. The brand was also named Best Cannabis Soda and twice Gold Medal winner of the 2023 High Spirits Awards. Recent U.S. expansions have included Washington, Nevada, and Michigan with other U.S. markets to follow. About Jones Soda Co. Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA ) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a subsidiary dedicated to cannabis products. The company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones Soda and Lemoncocco brands, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand. Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com , www.myjones.com , www.drinklemoncocco.com or https://gomaryjones.com SOURCE Mary Jones DUBLIN, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Microfluidic Immunoassay Market by Product, Technology, Application, and End User - Global Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global microfluidic immunoassay market is expected to reach $1.47 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2030. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing use of microfluidic immunoassays in drug discovery & development and biomarker detection, the advantages of lab-on-chip immunoassays over conventional immunoassays, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies' increasing focus on research & development, and the miniaturization of biological and chemical assays. However, bubble formation and dead volume in microfluidics devices restrain the growth of this market. Moreover, the increasing demand for point-of-care diagnostics and recent advancements in microfluidic immunoassay technology are expected to generate market growth opportunities. However, the selection of suitable substrate materials for designing microfluidic chips and product design and cost-related limitations in developing countries are major challenges for market stakeholders. The report offers a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the product portfolio offerings, geographic presences, and key strategic developments adopted by leading market players in the industry over the years (2020-2023). The key players operating in the global microfluidic immunoassay market are Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), Nanomix Corporation (U.S.), Micropoint Biotechnologies Co., Ltd. (China), Biosurfit SA (Portugal), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherland), NanoEnTek Inc. (South Korea), and QuidelOrtho Corporation (U.S.). Among all the products studied in this report, in 2023, the consumables segment is expected to account for the largest share of the microfluidic immunoassay market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the repetitive use of kits, the growing portfolio of disease-specific kits for early diagnosis of diseases, and the increasing product approvals. The continuous advancements in reagents and kits, the development of user-friendly diagnostic kits, and the adoption of microfluidic immunoassay cartridges in clinical and research laboratories are positively impacting the demand for consumables used in microfluidics. Among all the technologies studied in this report, the electrochemical detection segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Electrochemical detection is increasingly used in the microfluidic immunoassay owing to benefits such as low cost & power requirements, low sample & reagent consumption, portability, and short response time, contributing to the highest CAGR of this segment. Among all the applications studied in this report, in 2023, the cardiology segment is expected to account for the largest share of the microfluidic immunoassay market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to increasing applications of microfluidic cartridges in biomarker profiling of cardiovascular diseases and understanding disease mechanisms. The demand for microfluidic immunoassay is increasing in biomedical and clinical fields for research on cardiac biomarkers, contributing to the largest share of the market. Among all the end users studied in this report, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The highest CAGR of this segment is attributed to factors such as the increasing R&D investments by pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, the widespread utilization of microfluidic immunoassay in drug discovery & development, and a growing emphasis on personalized medicine research. The rising spending on R&D by pharmaceutical companies is also contributing to the largest share of this segment. In 2023, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the microfluidic immunoassay market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America's large share is attributed to the region's high R&D spending by the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies for the development of drugs and biomarker identification, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising healthcare expenditure, presence of leading market players in the region, and favorable government initiatives for research & development. According to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, U.S. pharmaceutical R&D expenditure increased from USD 91.1 billion in 2020 to USD 102.3 billion in 2021. Market Insights Factors Affecting Market Growth Impact Analysis of Market Dynamics Increasing Use of Microfluidic Immunoassays in Drug Discovery & Development and Biomarker Detection Driving Market Growth Bubble Formation and Dead Volume Limiting the Adoption of Microfluidics Devices Increasing Demand for Point-of-Care Testing Generating Growth Opportunities for Market Players Selecting Suitable Substrate Materials to Design Microfluidic Chips to Remain a Major Challenge for Market Players Technology Trends Multiplexed Panel Detection Paper-Based Microfluidics Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Snapshot, Product Portfolio, and Strategic Developments) Becton Dickinson and Company (U.S.) and Company (U.S.) Revvity Inc. (U.S.) Abbott Laboratories (U.S.) Siemens Healthineers AG ( Germany ) ) Nanomix Corporation (U.S.) Micropoint Biotechnologies Co. Ltd. ( China ) ) Biosurfit SA ( Portugal ) ) Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherland) NanoEnTek Inc. ( South Korea ) ) QuidelOrtho Corporation (U.S.). Scope of the Report: Microfluidic Immunoassay Market Assessment, by Product Consumables Cartridges Polymer Glass Silicon Reagents Systems Microfluidic Immunoassay Market Assessment, by Technology Electrochemical Detection Optical Detection Microfluidic Immunoassay Market Assessment, by Application Cardiology Single Biomarker Detection Multiplexed Biomarker Detection Infectious Diseases Oncology Other Applications Microfluidic Immunoassay Market Assessment, by End User Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Diagnostic Laboratories Hospital Other End Users Microfluidic Immunoassay Market Assessment, by Geography North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe (RoE) (RoE) Asia-Pacific (APAC) (APAC) China Japan India Rest of Asia-Pacific (RoAPAC) (RoAPAC) Latin America Middle East & Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/njvvk0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The mining drills market size is set to grow by USD 5.26 billion between 2022 and 2027 and register a CAGR of 7.61%, according to Technavio's latest market research report estimates. The report is segmented by Product, Application, and Geography. This report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Technavio offers in-depth market insights that assist global businesses in obtaining growth opportunities. Read Free Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Mining Drills Market 2023-2027 The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Atlas Copco AB, Boart Longyear Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., FLSmidth and Co. AS, FURUKAWA Co. Ltd., Geodrill Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Komatsu Ltd., Matrix Design Group LLC, Metso Outotec Corp., Murray and Roberts Holdings Ltd., Robit Plc, ROCKMORE International Inc., Sandvik AB, Sulzer Management Ltd., TEI Rock Drills, and Universal Field Robots are some of the major market participants. The increase in demand for precious metals, the rise in demand for housing projects globally, and growing mineral and metal exploration activities will offer immense growth opportunities. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The report also covers the following areas: The mining drills market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate. The increase in demand for precious metals will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the Increasing popularity of rental and leased mining equipment will hamper the market growth. Mining Drills Market 2023-2027: Segmentation Product Hydraulic Breakers Rock Breakers Crawler Drills Rotary Drills Application Surface Mining Drills Underground Mining Drills Geography APAC North America Europe South America Middle East And Africa The hydraulic breakers segment will account for a major market growth share during the forecast period. Hydraulic breakers, or hydraulic hammers, serve as specialized attachments utilized in diverse mining and construction applications to fracture resilient materials like rock, concrete, and asphalt. Indispensable in construction and demolition tasks, these hammers play a crucial role in breaking concrete and rock. Receive our market sample report now to gain access to a detailed analysis of the mining drills market: Mining Drills Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis and Scope To help businesses improve their market position, the mining drills market provides a detailed analysis of around 15+ vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include Atlas Copco AB, Boart Longyear Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., FLSmidth and Co. AS, FURUKAWA Co. Ltd., Geodrill Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Komatsu Ltd., Matrix Design Group LLC, Metso Outotec Corp., Murray and Roberts Holdings Ltd., Robit Plc, ROCKMORE International Inc., Sandvik AB, Sulzer Management Ltd., TEI Rock Drills, and Universal Field Robots. Atlas Copco AB - The company offers mining drill services such as instrument air, drilling air, and electricity supply. Market Dynamics Driver The rise in demand for housing projects globally is notably driving the market growth. Mining drills are indispensable tools in meeting the demand for minerals and raw materials driven by the construction and real estate sectors. The swift pace of urbanization fuels the construction of residential buildings, commercial complexes, and public utilities, all necessitating the extraction of materials through drilling. Trends An increase in environment-friendly mining equipment and processes is an emerging trend shaping the market growth. The attainment of environmental friendliness in mining is achievable through the formulation and implementation of innovative mining strategies and methods. Integrating these approaches directly into mining sites is crucial for mitigating the adverse environmental impact associated with mining activities. Challenges Stringent environmental regulations on mining activities are a significant challenge hindering market growth. Mining operations generate numerous adverse environmental impacts, including the formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, pollution of both soil and water and the erosion of exposed slopes. Mining Drills Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist mining drills market growth during the next five years Estimation of the mining drills market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour The growth of the mining drills market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of mining drills market vendors Related Reports: The connected mining market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.44% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 28.44 billion. The construction and mining equipment market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 62.13 billion. Table of contents 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Product 7 Market Segmentation by Application 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Vendor Landscape 12 Vendor Analysis 13 Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio News of the construction project comes one year after devastating warehouse fire CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Morgan Li , a custom manufacturer offering innovative fixtures, furniture and graphics solutions, announced today that site plans have been finalized and construction will soon be underway on a new facility in Chicago Heights. The 240,000 square foot, energy-efficient facility will feature 20+ loading docks plus an additional 40,000 square foot building dedicated to a new paint line. The goal of the new construction is to consolidate operations while increasing organization efficiencies. The Class A building is expected to open in the spring of 2025. Exactly one year ago to the day, Morgan Li experienced a devastating warehouse fire at the company's 1001 Washington Avenue location. While the facility itself was destroyed, luckily, no one was injured. The Morgan Li team quickly pivoted to their other manufacturing facilities to avoid disruption to their customers, and immediately started planning for a rebuild. When selecting a location for this new facility, it was crucial to the Morgan Li team that the project remained in the Chicago Heights area where it can aid in job creation and other positive benefits for the community. "It's hard to explain the feeling of watching a place you've poured your blood, sweat and tears into go up in flames - but I'll say it's been equally hard to put into words what the outpouring of support and generous contributions we've received from the Chicago Heights community has meant to us this last year," said Andy Rosenband, CEO of Morgan Li. "There is no other place we would have considered to build our new facility and continue the legacy we are growing in this community." For more than 80 years, Morgan Li has been a leading fabricator of custom contract quality fixtures, furniture, and graphics that combine experience, determination, and unique manufacturing options to transform empty spaces into unforgettable experiences. As a third-generation family-owned and operated business, Morgan Li is passionate about continuing to foster its longstanding relationship with the local Chicago community. "We can't stress enough how impossible this journey would have been without our community behind us," said Jon Rosenband, president of Morgan Li. "People like Jack Hynes, Chicago Heights economic development consultant, and so many others have been with us since day one. Not only have they championed our past success, they embrace our vision for the future." For more information on Morgan Li and developments on this facility project, visit morganli.com . About Morgan Li: Morgan Li is a Chicago-based company specializing in retail solutions. They offer a wide range of products and services to enhance retail spaces, helping businesses create a memorable experience. With a passion for quality and innovation, Morgan Li has become a trusted partner for businesses across various industries. Media Contact: Taryn Parker [email protected] 847-3800375 SOURCE MORGAN Li ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new partnership with International Samaritan, a select group of Trinity Health doctors and residents will be traveling to care for patients at a hospital in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, as part of the Trinity Health Ann Arbor residency program. A new partnership is being formed that brings Trinity Health physicians and residents to the capital city of Ethiopia for month-long rotations at Alert Hospital. Dr. John Watt, MD, Director of Medical Education for Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Livingston, is coordinating the partnership after traveling with International Samaritan to Ethiopia this past October. "This is a unique triple winfor people in Ethiopia, the doctors serving them, and our Samaritan Scholars who are working to make the world better," said International Samaritan President Mike Tenbusch. International Samaritan has been working in Addis Ababa since 2014, offering a scholarship program (recipients are called Samaritan Scholars) and helping families that depend on the city's garbage dump for their survival and livelihood. A team of Trinity Health doctors traveled with International Samaritan to Addis Ababa this past October to visit the area and explore the idea of a partnership for Trinity Health residents. This spring, eight physicians and residents will be doing their first month-long rotation in Addis Ababa. The team from Trinity Health will be stationed at Alert Hospital. Trinity Health plans to send small teams six times per year on rotations in the years ahead. "We'll be providing extra people power for their overworked health system," said John Watt, MD, Director of Medical Education for Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Livingston. Watt visited Alert Hospital with International Samaritan last fall. He said the partnership will allow his residents "to learn things they only see in textbooks." "It was eye-opening for me," Watt said. "It will give our residents a new perspective on what the world is like and not just what we regularly see in America." For example, Watt explained that in Ethiopia, the Trinity Health residents may see patients with typhoid fever, leprosy, measles, malaria, and much more that they don't regularly see during a rotation in America. "When you don't regularly see it and care for it, you don't remember it as well," Watt said. "This experience will be very beneficial educationally for our residents and it will also help the people in Addis Ababa, who often have to wait in a giant line to be seen by a doctor." Along with working at Alert Hospital, during their rotation, the Trinity Health physicians and residents will spend a day caring for the people that International Samaritan works with. These are people who live in or near the city's garbage dump and who make their living by picking through trash for recyclables. "Sixty International Samaritan families underwent comprehensive check-ups when three generous doctors from Trinity Health visited last October," said Selam Kahsay, International Samaritan's Health and Wellness Specialist in Ethiopia. "One of them, the mother of one of our young Samaritan Scholars, received a timely diagnosis that likely saved her life." Kahsay explained that access to health care is one of the most pressing needs of the people she regularly works with near the garbage dump in Addis Ababa. This partnership enhances the foundation built when International Samaritan teamed up with the local health authority to build two wells, bringing fresh water to that community in 2020. "I was really impressed with the International Samaritan team in Ethiopia," Watt said. "They are incredibly talented, and they work out of love for a community of some of the most resilient people I have ever met." About International Samaritan Founded in 1994 in Ann Arbor, Mich., International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Its mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people in communities surrounding the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty. It provides holistic scholarships for 950 students from kindergarten through college, supporting scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa. To learn more, visit intsam.org . SOURCE International Samaritan ROSLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Bariatric Group proudly announces that 17 of its distinguished physicians have been honored as Top Doctors by Castle Connolly, a leading healthcare research and information company. Castle Connolly is a distinguished healthcare research and information company renowned for its commitment to identifying and recognizing top medical professionals across various specialties. With a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations and meticulous screening, Castle Connolly ensures that only the most exceptional physicians receive their coveted designations. The company's comprehensive approach to evaluating healthcare providers has made it a trusted resource for patients seeking the highest quality of care. Castle Connolly's Top Doctors designation is a prestigious acknowledgment that reflects the dedication, expertise, and outstanding contributions of physicians who consistently deliver excellence in patient outcomes. As a trusted authority in the healthcare industry, Castle Connolly plays a crucial role in guiding individuals toward the best medical practitioners and institutions, promoting a standard of excellence in healthcare delivery. The following New York Bariatric Group doctors have earned this esteemed recognition: New York Bariatric Group Celebrates 17 Doctors Named Top Doctors by Castle Connolly Post this Dr. Spencer A. Holover Dr. Eric A. Sommer Dr. Nikhilesh R. Sekhar Dr. Jeffrey W. Chiao Dr. Pankti Patel Dr. Nirav Desai Dr. Sherard Chiu Dr. Channing Chin Dr. Elizabeth Godshall Dr. Cynthia Weber Dr. Kartik Gohil Dr. Edward Cussatti Dr. Harvey Rainville Dr. Naveen Ballem Dr. Glenn Forrester Dr. Kevin Small Dr. Paul Enochs The doctors at New York Bariatric Group express deep gratitude for this esteemed honor. Recognizing the significance of being named Top Doctors, each physician is humbled and appreciative of the acknowledgment of their commitment to excellence in patient care. This prestigious distinction not only validates their tireless efforts to advance weight loss solutions but also serves as a testament to the collaborative and patient-focused ethos embedded in the New York Bariatric Group. The doctors extend their heartfelt appreciation to Castle Connolly for recognizing their dedication to providing the highest standard of healthcare and reaffirm their commitment to continuing the pursuit of innovative and compassionate medical solutions for individuals on their weight loss journeys. New York Bariatric Group remains at the forefront of advancing weight loss solutions, and the acknowledgment from Castle Connolly reinforces the group's dedication to excellence in healthcare. Continuously pioneering innovative research and patient-centered approaches, New York Bariatric Group strives to empower individuals on their weight loss journeys, setting a standard for exceptional care in bariatric medicine and surgery. New York Bariatric Group New York Bariatric Group (NYBG) is a nationally renowned bariatric practice. NYBG consults with patients on medical weight loss using GLP-1 agonists and performs a variety of weight loss procedures including gastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, LAP-BAND adjustable gastric band, revisional bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, and gastric bypass. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques, technology, talent, and experience, New York Bariatric Group is the elite institution for the treatment of obesity. NYBG has 26 offices and 3 ambulatory surgery centers throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Many patients can have same-day surgery in one of our bariatric specialty surgery centers. The only ambulatory surgery centers offering same day bariatric surgery in the tristate area. NYBG accepts all major insurances. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 800-633-8446 or visit stopobesityforlife.com. SOURCE New York Bariatric Group SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc . (NYSE: JWN) announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Geneva, Illinois in spring 2025. "We look forward to being a part of the Geneva community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices," said Gemma Lionello, President of Nordstrom Rack Stores. "We're excited to grow our footprint in the region and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience." Lionello added that in this location "customers will be able to take advantage of our convenient services such as online order pick up from both Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, and they can make returns easily." The 25,000-square-foot store will be located in Randall Square, a popular shopping center that includes Marshall's, Ulta, Old Navy, PetSmart and Michael's. Randall Square is owned and managed by Viking Partners and is ideally located off of Randall Road and Fabyan Parkway. "We were elated at the opportunity to add Nordstrom Rack to the retail mix following our recent acquisition of Randall Square. Nordstrom's presence will add loads of value for patrons of the already dynamic and diverse destination shopping center," said Jeff Sluzala, Director of Asset Management, Viking Partners. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc. and plays a critical role in the company's Closer to You strategy, which focuses on delivering customers a more convenient and interconnected experience across its stores and digital platforms. Nordstrom Rack offers customers up to 70 percent off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty, home and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores as well as core services like online order pickup for Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, easy returns and alterations at select stores. Nordstrom Rack is the largest source of new customers to Nordstrom. With the addition of this new location, Nordstrom expands its physical footprint and economic impact in Illinois. The company operates four Nordstrom stores and 17 Nordstrom Rack stores in Illinois, generating nearly 3,000 jobs statewide. Nordstrom is committed to investing in the diverse communities where it operates. Over the past four years, Nordstrom, with its customers, has donated nearly $2 million in support of its long-term partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the United States. These proceeds support the recruitment, training and engagement of adult mentors and mentorship moments between Bigs and Littles, including preparing for an interview, learning to tie a tie and helping with homework. About Viking Partners Viking Partners is a vertically integrated commercial real estate platform focused on the acquisition, improvement, and management of value-add and core-plus real estate. Founded in 2008, Viking has acquired assets in excess of $1.4 billion representing more than 10 million square feet of retail, office, industrial/flex, multifamily, development and more. Viking currently owns and operates a portfolio of direct ownership and limited partner investments in value-add, core-plus, and development projects primarily located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Mountain West. Viking is actively seeking investments for our Value-Add Fund V and Income Plus Fund I. For more information, visit https://www.vikingprt.com/. About Nordstrom At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our digital-first platform enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it . MEDIA CONTACT: Sepeedeh Hashemian Nordstrom, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc. SAN DIEGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) and North Island Credit Union have extended their partnership for a fourth year, offering scholarships and financial literacy programming to college-bound female students of African American descent in North County San Diego. Four $2,500 NCAAWA/North Island Credit Union scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, current ROP, trade school, college and/or graduate students in Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Dieguito, San Marcos and Vista. Special consideration will be given to students pursuing degrees in education. In addition to the North Island Credit Union scholarships, NCAAWA is providing multiple scholarship programs to qualified North County students. Applications and more information about all NCAAWA scholarships can be found at ncaawa.org/scholarships. Online applications will be accepted through March 31, 2024. "We are profoundly grateful to North Island Credit Union for their steadfast support in our efforts to provide educational scholarships to deserving scholars in North County San Diego," said NCAAWA President Linda Simpkins Berry. "Their partnership has been instrumental in empowering these students to pursue their academic ambitions and create a brighter future for themselves and our community." North Island Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell added, "We are honored to once again support NCAAWA and its programs to inspire and support the education of young women in San Diego. From scholarships to mentoring programs, NCAAWA is providing essential services to our North County communities. We look forward to helping these students take the next step in their educational journey and providing financial literacy courses to set them up for lifelong success." The two organizations also are partnering to provide financial literacy training for upper class high school girls in NCAAWA's Global Ambassadors Mentoring Program. The program empowers young women with leadership skills, understanding in-depth financial literacy and global issues that impact their social and career mobility. North Island Credit Union is providing participants with interactive financial programs and mentoring to teach budgeting, money management, savings, and practical financial life skills, among other topics. The NCAAWA Vision is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in North San Diego County. To date, NCAAWA has provided over $447,000 in scholarship awards and grants to help young women further their education. About North County African American Women's Association Established in 1995, the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) is an all-inclusive non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization located in North San Diego County. Its mission is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in San Diego's North County to increase their self-sufficiency. Maintaining its charitable, educational, and recreational objectives, the organization, through its mission, has opened support to all women in San Diego's North County, celebrating ethnic and racial pride. About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets over $4.5 billion, nearly 200,000 members and 24 retail branches. The credit union serves community members and businesses in the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura as well as school employees throughout the state. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu. SOURCE North Island Credit Union Ontra leverages million-contract expertise and new AI integrations to supercharge private markets contract negotiation and collaboration. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontra, the leader in AI-powered contract automation and intelligence, today celebrated its milestone achievement of processing over one million contracts for its customers, while concurrently announcing new GPT-4 enhancements to its Contract Automation platform. Ontra celebrates million-contract milestone with new OpenAI integrations. Since its launch in 2014, Ontra's Contract Automation platform has helped more than a thousand global private markets firms, including 9 of the top 10 PEI-ranked investment firms and nearly 50% of the PEI 300, negotiate routine contracts across a broad range of private capital investment strategies. Contract Automation is also used by dozens of prominent investment banks and offered through partnerships with AM Law 100 firms and service providers. The platform streamlines processes for a variety of M&A and private deal document types, including non-disclosure agreements, non-reliance letters, vendor contracts, and engagement letters, and continues to expand. Designed to help private capital markets firms accelerate the negotiation of key contracts and dealmaking, Ontra's Contract Automation offers an end-to-end platform solution that is powered by industry-leading AI. It is an integral part of Ontra's Legal Operating System, purpose-built to automate legal workflows for the private investment industry. Ontra first integrated AI capabilities into Contract Automation in 2016. Adding OpenAI's GPT-4 will allow Ontra to leverage its deep private markets expertise to accelerate expansion into more document types, and power several new and upcoming features to increase the speed of contract negotiations, including: Digital Playbooks : The digital source of truth for negotiation preferences to ensure seamless collaboration across legal and business teams with data-driven insights into positions' market alignment. : The digital source of truth for negotiation preferences to ensure seamless collaboration across legal and business teams with data-driven insights into positions' market alignment. Markup Builder: AI-enabled markup tool that surfaces precedent, automates redlines, offers side-by-side document comparisons, and generates suggestions at the clause level that are aligned with a customer's digital playbook, substantially reducing editing time. AI-enabled markup tool that surfaces precedent, automates redlines, offers side-by-side document comparisons, and generates suggestions at the clause level that are aligned with a customer's digital playbook, substantially reducing editing time. Automated Summaries: Fully automated, AI-generated summaries of key legal and business terms that can also accommodate additional customer-specific requests. "Reaching our millionth document is an exciting milestone, and one that reflects the deep private markets legal experience embedded across our Legal Operating System," said Troy Pospisil, Ontra's CEO and founder. "We've saved our customers countless hours to date, and on the heels of this achievement, we are excited to integrate additional AI capabilities that further Ontra's mission to accelerate routine contract negotiations, reduce friction in the dealmaking process, and expand to additional document types to save our customers even more time." "One million contracts processed marks a historic moment for Ontra, and it's just the beginning," said Frank Giovinazzo, Ontra's GM of Contract Automation. "Now, after a decade of handling routine contracts, integrating GPT-4's advanced capabilities means we can reach the next million exponentially faster and usher in a new era of contract management and collaboration." For private investment firms, managing routine contract negotiations in-house stretches the limits of even the most talented and sophisticated legal teams, diverting attention from sourcing deals, managing investments, and operating the business. Contract Automation solves this challenge by combining an innovative and collaborative AI-powered software platform with a global network of highly trained legal professionals so teams can focus on strategic work. "The ability to move efficiently is key to being competitive in private markets, and NDAs are a critical component of the investing process," said Jon Korngold, Global Head of Blackstone Growth. "Ontra's AI-powered solution has helped us reduce significant friction in our processes this has given our deal teams leverage so we can focus on conducting diligence, building deeper relationships with founders, and being a trusted partner during the next chapter of their growth journeys." For more information about how Ontra transforms routine contracting for the private capital markets, visit www.ontra.ai . About Ontra Ontra is the global leader in contract automation and intelligence for private capital markets firms. Ontra's Legal Operating System combines AI-enabled software with a worldwide network of highly trained professionals to digitally transform recurring legal workflows across the full fund lifecycle and comprises Ontra Synapse, Contract Automation, Insight, and Ontra Atlas. Ontra works with the world's leading investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, direct lenders, and asset managers to reduce the time, expense, and risk associated with contract management. Ontra is headquartered in San Francisco, with global operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at www.ontra.ai . SOURCE Ontra ATLANTA, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OTR Solutions has acquired Epay Manager, a carrier payments platform which allows freight brokers to reduce costs and increase efficiencies of their back-office operations, while providing a new level of transparency to their carrier, factor, and shipper partners. Epay Manager offers its broker customers increased control of financial transactions through its innovative "Audit Proof Invoicing" system, which automates carrier document collection to ensure a seamless and accurate customer billing experience. Epay's solution for freight brokers joins an already robust suite of logistics-focused fintech products offered by OTR Solutions, furthering the company's mission to create exceptional value for its customers through industry leading financing and back-office solutions. "The acquisition of Epay Manager reflects our commitment to our ongoing mission of bringing value-enhancing solutions to the logistics industry," said OTR Solutions CEO, Fritz Owens. "We are extremely excited about both the talented team and best in class back-office automation and carrier payments technology that will now be part of OTR's suite of offerings to brokers." OTR Solutions will leverage Epay Manager's robust portfolio of valuable integrations with transportation management systems (TMS), which allow brokers to implement back-office automation with unrivaled transparency for their carrier partners. This in turn significantly reduces the cost associated with processing carrier invoiceseliminating carrier payment discrepancies, minimizing the freight bill audit process, and improving the overall productivity of broker back-office teams. The acquisition combines Epay Manager's revolutionary approach to carrier relationship, invoice, and payments management with OTR Solutions' robust working capital and suite of solutions. Epay Manager gives brokers opportunities to cultivate more positive connections with their carriers through prompt and undisputed payments. "With this new offering, freight brokers will not only boost operational efficiency but will also foster more positive, collaborative relationships with carriers and factors" said OTR Solutions Chief Operating Officer, Grace Maher. "At OTR, we recognize the pivotal role of robust carrier relationships in accessing capacity, and the acquisition of Epay Manager gives brokers opportunities to cultivate these connections." Epay Manager reduces broker operating costs by processing invoices with more efficiency and accuracy. Its existing integrations with widely used TMS platforms like McLeod, Aljex, and others, enable streamlined AR and AP processes between brokers, carriers, factoring providers, and shipper customers. The acquisition provides brokers with capabilities unrivaled by others in the market today. "What is truly unique about the Epay platform is that it has been hardened by decades of customer feedback and iteration, the result of which is a robust, scalable, and highly efficient product that provides tangible cost savings and new revenue opportunities for freight brokers," said OTR Solutions EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Clayton Griffin. "Epay was founded and built by front-line industry participants, forged from the pain of real-world experience, and it shows. Trucking and logistics is in Epay's blood, and we can certainly relate to that." Brokers seeking to optimize and scale their back-office operation without spending excessive amounts of time and money on technology and personnel can schedule a demo and begin processing invoices in as little as two weeks. TMS providers interested in building an integration with Epay Manager can do so in as little as 30 days with the platform's advanced open API's. Carriers and factoring providers seeking a broker on the Epay Manager platform can simply create an account to take advantage of the available offerings. "Combined with our existing cash flow and AI-driven freight audit products, the solution is now the most complete and compelling back-office automation and carrier payments platform in the industry," said Owens. Brokers, carriers, and factoring providers can learn more about the advantages of Epay Manager Powered By OTR Solutions at www.epaymanager.com or call (470) 924-2894 to speak with a representative. Argonite Partners served as sell-side financial advisor and Armstrong Teasdale LLP as sell-side legal advisor. Harris Williams LLC served as financial advisor and Eversheds Sutherland LLP served as legal advisor to OTR Solutions. About OTR Solutions Founded in 2011, OTR Solutions is a full-service freight factoring and transportation technology company that leverages easy-to-use systems to provide reliable cashflow, back-office support, and operating solutions to U.S. based carriers and brokerages of all sizes. OTR has over 350 employees, headquartered in Roswell, Georgia. To learn more about OTR Solutions' portfolio of fintech solutions, please visit www.otrsolutions.com. SOURCE OTR Solutions ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated by al-Qaeda militants killed two government soldiers in Yemen's southern Abyan province on Tuesday, a security official said. The security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the government forces were raiding the Omayran Valley, a hotbed for terrorist activities, when the device exploded. The explosion hit one of their military vehicles, killing two soldiers on the spot. Six other people sustained varying injuries and were receiving treatment currently, he added. The source said the explosion disrupted the operation, forcing the government troops to halt their advance against the al-Qaeda positions in the area. It is the latest in a string of IED attacks by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), al-Qaeda's Yemeni faction, to target government and coalition forces over the past few months in Abyan. The province has seen intensified fighting as security forces seek to dismantle remaining al-Qaeda strongholds, but the terrorist group continues to deploy homemade bombs and landmines across the region. Yemen has witnessed an uptick in attacks by al-Qaeda and other militant groups in recent years, as they have exploited the ongoing conflict between the Houthi group and the government forces that has ravaged the country for nearly a decade. World's Largest Philly-Style Pretzel Franchise Spreads Seeds for Growth in the Heart of the Midwest ST. LOUIS, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Philly Pretzel Factory is about to become a household name in the St. Louis market. The nation's largest Philly-style pretzel brand announced that 11 Pretzel Pretzel locations throughout the region will be converting to Philly Pretzel Factory within the next month. Having always seen St. Louis as an ideal market for expansion due to its population of pretzel-loving residents, Philly Pretzel Factory CEO and co-founder Dan DiZio met with Pretzel Pretzel franchisees, sharing his humble founding story, mission, and explaining the strengths of the Philly Pretzel Factory franchise support system. The message resonated as all 11 Pretzel Pretzel franchisees opted to convert their stores to Philly Pretzel Factory. The consistency and reliability of Philly Pretzel Factory's 25+-year-old franchise process will help make the former Pretzel Pretzel locations the best they can be moving forward. DiZio noted that within the next month, each Pretzel Pretzel location will receive upgraded kitchen equipment and convert to fully functioning Philly Pretzel Factory locations. The owners and employees at each location will remain the same with hopes that each location will have to hire even more employees to help make even more Philly-style pretzels. "Since I began selling pretzels on the streets of Philadelphia when I was 11 years old, I envisioned bringing the joy of Philly style pretzels to every corner of the country," DiZio said. "The only people who can rival Philly in their love of pretzels is the St. Louis community, so when I had the opportunity to expand into the area, I jumped at the chance to share our menu with this pretzel-passionate community." Each pretzel, made from a mix of only the finest and freshest ingredients, is hand twisted to ensure quality and authenticity. Party trays come in a variety of options with customers being able to choose from rivets, mini pretzels, and mini dogs. Some of the dip choices include Cinnamon, Buttercream, Brownie Batter, Nacho Cheese and a flavor-explosion of mustards including Yellow, Honey, Spicy Brown, and more. "My goal has always been to deliver delicious pretzels to my community and joining the Philly Pretzel Factory franchise will only further that," said Ryan Lawton, owner of Philly Pretzel Factory Ellisville and Ballwin. "My community can look forward to more flavors, options, and an even better experience heading their way!" A customer-first brand, Philly Pretzel Factory is always working to find new ways to reward its loyal customers. For example, the newly introduced Very Important Pretzel (VIP) Club is a free subscription-based platform that allows Philly Pretzel Factory and its customers to connect using text messages. VIPs receive exclusive deals, pop-up giveaway opportunities, menu updates, and more. Anyone can sign up to be a VIP online by visiting phillypretzelfactory.com. With over 150 franchised locations, both traditional and nontraditional, Philly Pretzel Factory is currently the largest Philly-style pretzel franchise in the world and is continuing to grow its footprint across the country. ABOUT PHILLY PRETZEL FACTORY: Philly Pretzel Factory offers consumers a fresh, satisfying snack with their fresh-baked pretzels that are served "hot outta the oven." Philly Pretzel Factory was founded in 1998 by college buddies Dan DiZio and Len Lehman and has grown into the largest Philly style pretzel bakery in the world, feeding customers at over 150 franchised locations spreading across the country out of Philadelphia. Philly Pretzel Factory's menu offers the traditional Philly style pretzel and also includes pretzel twists, mini pretzels, rivets, pretzel dogs, cheesesteak pretzels and a variety of mustards. These products can be found in a stand-alone bakery, transportation and entertainment venues, and in the nation's largest retailer, Walmart. Philly Pretzel Factory is also a proud partner of the Philadelphia Eagles. SOURCE Philly Pretzel Factory The growing trend of user-generated content and the need for authentic visuals enhance the market potential. Advanced technology, including high-quality cameras and editing tools, further fuels the market growth. Moreover, the shift toward remote working culture and online communication increases the reliance on stock photos for captivating presentations and virtual content. With more businesses using visuals to tell their stories, the photo market is growing rapidly. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Photo Market by Type (Stock Photography, Theme Park & Cruise Line, Schools & Colleges, Sports, Conferences, and Events & Weddings): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032." According to the report, the global photo market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2032. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A290366 Prime determinants of growth Technological advancements propel the photo market by enhancing image creation, editing, and distribution. In addition, innovations in photography tools as well as integration of artificial intelligence and image recognition contribute to improved quality and efficiency. Advanced platforms, augmented reality, and virtual reality applications further expand the market's growth. The seamless integration of advanced technologies makes stock images more accessible, versatile, and appealing, meeting the evolving needs of digital content creators and businesses in an increasingly tech-driven landscape. Increase in trend of content creation, especially in digital marketing and online communication, is the major factor propelling the growth of the photo market. As businesses and creators generate more content for websites, social media, and advertising, the requirement for diverse, high-quality visuals intensifies. Stock images offer a convenient and cost-effective solution, providing ready-made, licensable content that meets the rising demand for compelling visuals. This surge in content creation needs stock images as a crucial resource for enhancing visual storytelling across various platforms. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2021 $4.8 Billion Market Size in 2031 $9.2 Billion CAGR 6.7 % No. of Pages in Report 300 Segments Covered Type and region Drivers Expansion of the e-commerce industry Increase in digital media campaigns Creative entrepreneurship and social media proliferation Opportunities Increase in internet penetration rate Technological advancements Restraints Free images availability and changing consumer preferences Procure Complete Report (300 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://bit.ly/42BqPiX The stock photography segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Depending on type, the stock photography segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the global photo market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. In the photo market, current trends in stock photography emphasize authenticity, diversity, and sustainability. Authentic representations of real people, experiences, and emotions are gaining traction, moving away from overly staged and posed visuals. However, the events & weddings segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2032. This is attributed to the fact that event and wedding photo trends highlight a shift toward candid and authentic captures, emphasizing genuine emotions and moments over posed shots. In addition, there is a growing demand for diverse and inclusive representations, reflecting the multicultural nature of celebrations. North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 Region wise, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global photo market revenue. This is attributed to the fact that the The trend toward authenticity and inclusivity photos is increasing in North America, with a strong demand for diverse and culturally representative visuals. Lifestyle photography and minimalistic compositions are popular, reflecting a preference for genuine and relatable content. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2032. The expanding digital marketing landscape and robust growth in e-commerce within Asia-Pacific propel the growth of the photo market. Moreover, businesses engaged in online promotion and e-commerce activities require compelling visuals for advertisements and product presentations. Leading Market Players Shutterstock, Inc. Getty Images Holdings, Inc. Dreamstime LLC Pexels GmbH Inmagine Lab Pte . Ltd. Pte Alamy Limited Footage Firm, Inc. Eezy LLC Envato Pty Ltd. Freepik Company, S.L. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A290366 The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global photo market. These players have adopted different strategies such as collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, and agreements 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. Read More Trending "AMR Exclusive Insights: 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. Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. 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. 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. USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com/consumer-goods Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Deal brings Molecular Pixelation kits to region to meet growing customer demand for spatial analysis of proteins in single cells STOCKHOLM and WANGARA, Australia, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pixelgen Technologies announced today a non-exclusive agreement with leading distributor Australian Biosearch . The partnership will bring Pixelgen's Molecular Pixelation (MPX) kits for high-multiplex spatial analysis of membrane proteins to the Australian and New Zealand markets. "Australia Biosearch is well regarded for its commitment to bringing the most innovative tools for scientific research to industry and academia, and we look forward to a successful collaboration," said Pixelgen Chief Commercial Officer Annika Branting. "The Australasian biotech market is rapidly growing, and this agreement will help ensure our products reach this important region as we expand globally." The Pixelgen Single Cell Spatial Proteomics Kit, Immunology Panel I, Human (Pixelgen SCSP Kit), launched last year, is the first product to convey spatial polarization and co-localization of proteins on the cell surface at high-multiplex, in 3D, to offer new biological insights into health and disease. The kit is based on Pixelgen's proprietary MPX technology, an advanced barcode-based method for high-multiplex spatial analysis of membrane proteins. MPX generates high-resolution information for thousands of single cells in solution for applications in immunology, hematology, immunotherapy, drug development, and translational research. "As a leading distributor to life sciences companies in Australia and New Zealand, we strive to offer the most innovative technologies to help industry and academic scientists advance their basic research and discovery of new therapeutics," added Mark Adams, Director at Australian Biosearch. "We're looking forward to working with Pixelgen to make its products easily accessible to the market and providing the technical support required for our customers' success." Ankur Sharma, laboratory head at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth, Australia, and an early adopter of the Pixelgen Single Cell Spatial Proteomics Kit added, "Our knowledge of the origins of cancer, how tumors grow within their microenvironments and how they respond to therapeutics is rapidly advancing. New technologies such as MPX are critical to building on this knowledge and translating discoveries into therapeutics and diagnostics for disease. The ability to see how proteins interact and the spatial dynamics of the proteome on the surface of single cells could lead to important insights." The new agreement builds on Pixelgen's global distribution and sales expansion. Earlier this month, Pixelgen announced a distribution agreement for Japan and launched a sales team in the U.S. with a new global sales position in Boston. About Pixelgen Technologies Pixelgen Technologies AB was founded in 2020 by a team of passionate, experienced innovators and entrepreneurs with a vision to bring a new spatial understanding to biology by mapping cell surface proteins and their spatial inter-relationships. The company has developed Molecular Pixelation, a DNA-based visualization technology for analyzing cell surface proteins, to gain novel insights into cellular activity that will advance better medicines and diagnostics. Pixelgen is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. About Australian Biosearch Australian Biosearch is a life sciences company that supplies, supports, and services leading agencies to today's research, life science, teaching, clinical & diagnostic laboratories. These products include consumables, biological and chemical reagents and kits. The company is based in Western Australia, with selected products marketed throughout Australia and New Zealand. Contacts Corporate: Annika Branting [email protected] +46 762-69 68 46 Media: Susan Thomas [email protected] +1 (619) 540-9195 SOURCE Pixelgen Technologies NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seizures by law enforcement officials of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, have increased by 369% since 2017, a new study shows. The authors say their findings may signal growing availability and public awareness of the hallucinogenic drug, along with possible heightened risks associated with recreational and unsupervised use of the drug. The study was led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and other members of the National Drug Early Warning System, an organization that conducts surveillance of shifting drug trends. Their analysis of national and state-level trafficking data revealed that across the country, seizures of psilocybin rose from 402 confiscations in 2017 to 1,393 confiscations in 2022. The amount of the seized drugs nearly quadrupled, from 226 kilograms to 844 kilograms in the same time frame. "Our findings, which uncover an increase in confiscations of psilocybin, suggest that popularity and availability of this psychedelic may be increasing," said study lead author Joseph Palamar, PhD, MPH. "Although psilocybin is by no means the most dangerous drug, adverse effects do happen, so heightened prevention efforts and harm-reduction education may be necessary," added Palamar, an associate professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone Health. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound derived from fungi with mind-altering qualities similar to those of LSD and mescaline. The drug has become the topic of media attention recently as research trials have explored, in closely supervised clinical settings, its potential to treat conditions such as alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress, and major depression tied to cancer. At the same time, restrictions around psilocybin, which is a controlled substance under federal law, have loosened in a number of American cities, particularly in the Midwest and West, says Palamar. However, little is known about its popularity as a recreational drug or how these factors may be contributing to its rising use. Palamar says the new study, publishing online Feb. 6 in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, is believed to be the first of its kind to examine trends in psilocybin seizures across the U.S. For the research, the team analyzed data from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress to measure and help reduce illegal drug trafficking and production. The program oversees 33 regional areas throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and collects data on reports of drug seizures made by thousands of federal, state, and local law-enforcement groups. As part of the study, the team analyzed 4,526 psilocybin seizure reports from January 2017 through December 2022. They categorized the annual number of confiscations and the total weight of seized drugs by state. Then, they organized the data into four main census regions in the country: the Northeast, West, South, and Midwest. Among the findings, the analysis revealed that the highest number of psilocybin seizures occurred in the Midwest (36% of confiscations), with the West following closely behind (33% of confiscations). In terms of overall weight, 4,380 kilograms of psilocybin were captured within the study period, with the greatest proportion (43%) coming from the West. Palamar notes that the West's environmental conditions, which are well suited for growing the mushrooms from which the compound is derived, may help explain this finding. "These results highlight the need to better understand not only how the availability and popularity of psilocybin is changing and why, but also how the drug affects those who use it recreationally," said Palamar. Palamar says that more research is needed to specifically examine whether decriminalization efforts around psilocybin and other drugs may be affecting both use and the number of seizures. Palamar cautions that law-enforcement seizures are not a perfect indicator of drug availability or use. In addition, just because a confiscation occurred in a particular state does not mean that the psilocybin was intended for use in that area. For example, some of the reports in the data reference large shipments that may have been headed to other states for sale. Funding for the study was provided by National Institutes of Health grants U01DA051126, T32DA035167, R01DA044207, and R01DA057289. Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, served as study senior author. Other investigators involved in the study are Nicole Fitzgerald, BS, at the University of Florida; Caroline Rutherford, MS, and Katherine Keyes, PhD, MPH, at Columbia University in New York City; and Thomas Carr, at the Office of National Drug Control Policy's Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, in Baltimore, Md. Media Inquiries: Shira Polan Phone: 212-404-4279 [email protected] SOURCE NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, the #1 cruise line in Alaska, announced today that it achieved an all-time high in Alaska bookings for the month of January, surpassing any previous January in the cruise brand's history by more than 20%. Princess Cruises Sets New Record for Alaska Bookings in January, with Over 20% Surge Compared to Prior Years "With its jaw-dropping landscapes, unspoiled natural beauty and incredible wildlife, Alaska is so much more than a once-in-a-lifetime trip," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "This is our 55th anniversary of taking guests to the great land, and this soaring interest underscores the importance of securing an Alaska adventure for the upcoming summer season while availability still remains." A range of options exists to explore the wonders of Alaska in both 2024 and 2025, spanning from 4- to 22-day cruises as well as cruisetours. Guests can choose from an array of breathtaking experiences, including: Exploring the spectacular Inside Passage and embarking on the renowned Voyage of the Glaciers. Visiting the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park, the 6th biggest national park in the United States offering views of majestic glaciers, mountain peaks, and more than 600 species of wildlife, from brown bears to bald eagles and harbor seals. offering views of majestic glaciers, mountain peaks, and more than 600 species of wildlife, from brown bears to bald eagles and harbor seals. Unique experiences to see authentic Alaska including Denali National Park , Fairbanks , and Anchorage through cruisetours that feature five exclusive, custom-built Princess Lodges, located on the doorsteps of celebrated national parks. Exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service takes Princess guests between the ship in Whittier to the Denali area the very same day. Voyages conveniently depart from homeports in San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier (for Anchorage), and even Los Angeles, offering attractive air service and driving options for guests. Guests looking for the best pricing and stateroom selection should book right now for departures in 2024 and 2025 to enjoy the very best savings. Enhancing the value of an Alaska vacation, Princess Plus and Premier inclusive packages allow guests to save over 65% on essentials such as gratuities, Wi-Fi, beverages, and more, providing added convenience and enjoyment for an Alaska journey. With demand surging, the time to book a 2024 or 2025 Princess Alaska vacation is now. Rates start as low as $399 for a value-packed, 7-day vacation unlike any other. About Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). SOURCE Princess Cruises Emerging Functional Fitness Brand to Make Market Debut in Bethesda with Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Hitesh Amin BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pvolve , the omni-channel fitness company with an innovative, clinically-backed method that pairs functional movement with proprietary equipment, has announced news of their latest franchise agreement, intended to bring Bethesda their first studio location in the fall. This agreement marks the franchise's official debut in Maryland, and is being spearheaded by Dr. Hitesh Amin, a local bariatric surgeon and entrepreneur. Dr. Amin has owned and operated a private practice for 18 years. His passion for helping patients along their health journeys motivated his search for an additional business opportunity that allowed him to further support his patients in sustaining their weight loss naturally post-surgery. Eventually, that search led him to Pvolve. "Functional fitness is a unique concept," said Dr. Amin. "Most workouts are intent on redlining you, encouraging you to push yourself to a physiological level that depletes you. What I love about the Pvolve Method is that it is intended to be sustainable for the human body, accessible to all people regardless of where they stand on the health continuum." Dr. Amin hopes to open his first studio in Downtown Bethesda in the Fall of 2024, citing the area's passion for health and wellness. "We are humbled to be working with Dr. Amin on our Washington D.C. area expansion," said Pvolve President Julie Cartwright. "Dr. Amin's work in the medical field as a bariatric surgeon uniquely positions him for this opportunity and is also a testament to the efficacy of this method. We are excited to see how his studio transforms the lives of both his patients and community." Cartwright credits Pvolve's innovative approach to functional fitness and its recent partnership with world-renowned actress, producer, and director, Jennifer Anisto n, as the reason the brand has experienced explosive growth this year. In addition, the franchise offers a multi-revenue stream business model, proprietary equipment, and hybrid class experiences that further fuel its expansion. For more information on Pvolve and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://pvolvefranchise.com/ . About Pvolve Pvolve is an omnichannel fitness company with a science-led method that pairs low-impact, functional movement with patented resistance equipment to sculpt, strengthen, and restore the body while enhancing mobility and flexibility. After being introduced to functional fitness in 2017, founder Rachel Katzman was determined to help others experience an approach that respects the body's holistic needs while making you look and feel great. The Pvolve Method is supported by a Clinical Advisory Board of doctors, as well as highly credentialed trainers, to offer effective workouts that help you break a sweat, not your body. In June 2023, world-renowned actress, producer, and director, Jennifer Aniston , officially partnered with Pvolve after falling in love with the method as a member. Through its hybrid fitness model, Pvolve can be experienced through a streaming membership that offers over 1,300 on-demand classes, a two-way, live virtual studio, and targeted series, all available via the web and mobile apps. Additionally, Pvolve has physical studio locations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and franchises across the US and Canada, with more than 35 locations in development. For more information, please visit https://www.pvolve.com/ . Media Contact: Conner Gossel, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or (937) 545-9812 SOURCE Pvolve Leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant recently surveyed Gen Zers, finding more than half are open to foregoing the fancy dinner to instead dine at their favorite quick service restaurant on Valentine's Day SAN DIEGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This Valentine's Day, QDOBA is celebrating with fans, whether their relationship status is single, in a situationship or relationship, or simply those looking to grab lunch with a friend! According to a recent survey of the Gen Z demographic issued by QDOBA, only 11% of people believe Valentine's Day is strictly for romantic relationships, further underscoring the brand's invitation to celebrate yourself, friends, work bestie or anyone you fancy on the upcoming holiday. In the spirit of love and like for one day only on Valentine's Day (Wednesday, Feb. 14), QDOBA will offer their Rewards members a free entree when you buy an entree and a drink. This offer is available in-restaurant, on the app or online at www.qdoba.com/valentines-day-food-deals. It's never been easier to share the love and treat your special someone to a tasty burrito, bowl or chef-crafted entree! QDOBA celebrates Valentine's Day with a special deal. "Food is a universal love language and 76% of GenZers we surveyed say it's the key to their heart! Knowing Valentine's Day can bring societal pressures to people in various stages of a relationship, we want to take the guess work out of plans and invite guests to grab a meal at QDOBA with friends, colleagues and loved ones," said Kim Zamir, Vice President of Marketing at QDOBA. "We are excited to offer guests this deal and make Valentine's Day even sweeter." With 51% of people saying they were open to celebrating Valentine's Day at their favorite fast casual restaurant, run don't walk to QDOBA to grab a Valentine's Day lunch or dinner. Anyone can sign up to be a QDOBA Rewards member, even on Valentine's Day, to take advantage of this offer and bonus perk, anyone that does sign up gets a free side of chips and queso! The deal will automatically be loaded into Rewards members' wallets and can be redeemed in-restaurant or online. For more information about QDOBA and its flavorful, chef-crafted menu, please visit www.QDOBA.com . About QDOBA QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with approximately 750 locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Committed to bringing flavor to people's lives, QDOBA uses ingredients freshly prepared in-house by hand throughout the day to create a variety of flavorful menu options. Guests can experience QDOBA's delicious offerings by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrees at no extra charge, including signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole. For five years running, QDOBA has been voted the "Best Fast Casual Restaurant" as part of the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. Backed by over 25 years of proven success in the United States, and recently Canada and Puerto Rico, QDOBA is prioritizing franchise growth in key markets such as Arizona, Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. For additional information about the QDOBA franchise opportunity, visit www.qdobafranchise.com . Discover more at www.QDOBA.com or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play . Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and TikTok . 1Pollfish survey data, January 2024. SOURCE QDOBA WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Qorvis announces the appointment of Dr. Colleen Pietras, M.D., to the position of Chief Medical Officer. A cardiac surgeon with experience at institutions including Yale and the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Pietras will enrich the communications support Qorvis provides to clients in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and medical device sectors, among others. Dr. Pietras has been a cardiac surgeon and assistant professor of cardiac surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine. She has received comprehensive training in cardiothoracic surgery at Penn Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic Rochester, with a focus on advanced cardiovascular surgery and heart and lung transplantation. Qorvis Appoints Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Colleen Pietras, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer Post this "In 2024, health and life sciences companies confront a landscape marked by regulatory uncertainty and an election cycle in which misinformation may find its way into the discourse," explains Qorvis CEO Matt J. Lauer. "Qorvis is uniquely positioned to offer strategic counsel, guiding companies in their engagement with policymakers, ensuring robust regulatory compliance, and skillfully managing public relations and reputations. The addition of Dr. Pietras ensures that health and medical messages not only remain scientifically rigorous but also resonate with diverse audiences." "Miscommunication and misinformation in healthcare and the sciences can have far-reaching consequences," says Dr. Pietras. "I'm committed to helping organizations effectively communicate in a scientifically sound yet accessible waywhich is critically important for companies seeking to uphold public trust, navigate regulatory intricacies, and convey their offerings in evolving and uncertain times." Dr. Pietras earned her Bachelor's in Biology/Pre-Med from Russell Sage College in New York and a Master's in Physiology from Boston University before earning her M.D. at the Medical University of the Americas. Based in the Washington, D.C., hub, Dr. Pietras will work with teams across the agency's strategic communications, market intelligence, and compliance practice areas to support clients in global life sciences capitals with public relations, reputation management, and premium editorial content and news platforms. For more information on Qorvis or how we can help you navigate the year ahead, visit www.qorvis.com. SOURCE Qorvis Holding Inc. Rainbow PUSH Coalition Also Hosted the Inaugural President's Social Justice Conference One Day After the Installation DALLAS, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the first day of Black History Month, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III was formally installed as the President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 7 PM at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. The sold-out installation event featured VIP program participants and attendees from all over the country, including Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN), Shavonne Arline-Bradley (NCNW), Dr. Michael Sorrell, Dr. Amos Brown, and Dr. Ron Daniels, among others. Tashara Parker, 4X Emmy award-winning journalist, served as the mistress of ceremonies. A livestream is available to watch on YouTube , courtesy of Roland Martin Unfiltered, a Black-owned media network. Both the installation ceremony and the President's Inaugural Social Justice Conference were presented by Sound Design Studios, a Dallas-based Black-owned production company. DR. FREDERICK D. HAYNES, III FORMALLY INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF RAINBOW PUSH COALITION While Rev Al Sharpton delivered the keynote speech, nearly every speaker echoed his sentiments in favor of Dr. Haynes' selection, his previous work in the community, the role of the Black church in the fight for social justice and the need for community support. Sharpton, however, explicitly called out the issues at hand, connecting the Civil Rights Movement to Dr. Haynes' existing work as a social justice pastor. "Look at the time we are in: everything that was gained in the '60s is now under threat," said Sharpton. "They talk about affirmative action, women's rights, diversity, inclusion, voting rights, like somebody woke up and gave us that. Nobody donated anything to us. We fought for everything we got and we need to get back to fighting right now. And that's why I've come to celebrate Freddy, because we need fighters in the pulpit We need a fighter like Freddy Haynes." Many speakers also shared their gratitude for the work that Dr. Haynes has already done, as well as their high hopes in his ability to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition and serve as an example for the next generation. In doing so, each speaker ultimately connected the work from the Civil Rights Movement to the work being done today. Several speakers also expressed the importance of community support, when speaking in favor of Dr. Haynes' elevation and the formal work ahead of him in this new role. "I'm here to tell you that the transformation is up to all of us," expressed Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is a member of Dr. Haynes' congregation at Friendship-West Baptist Church and represents Texas' 30th District. "There is no movement that doesn't take all of us." Award-winning journalist Roland Martin, who, like Dr. Haynes, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, particularly emphasized the need for Black businesses, churches, organizations and press to all work together. "This is an opportunity for us to say we are going to create an ecosystem that speaks for us, that represents us, that is going to stand for us, that is going to fight for us," said Martin. The role of the Black church was a continued theme, further connecting the work Dr. Haynes has previously done as a social justice pastor to the agenda he has set for Rainbow PUSH Coalition. While Rev. Sharpton described the installation as "providence," referencing the protective care of God, Dr. Amos C. Brown, who was Dr. Haynes' pastor at the historic Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, Calif. and ordained him as a pastor, referred to him as "the one on whom the prophetic mantle would fall." Dr. Haynes was sworn in by Paul Quinn College President, Dr. Michael J. Sorrell. "How appropriate it is during Black History Month, that we look back but we look forward to a great future," said Dr. Haynes immediately after taking the oath at the sold-out installation. Dr. Haynes also thanked every person who mentored, worked with or otherwise supported him in his work, particularly Rev. Jesse Jackson, who he compared to Jackie Robinson in opening doors for those who came after him. The day after the installation, Friday, February 2, 2024, Rainbow PUSH Coalition hosted the President's Inaugural Social Justice Conference from 9 AM - 4:30 PM at Paul Quinn College. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition President's Inaugural Social Justice Conference was a call to action as well as a reminder that the fight for social justice is far from over and requires the collective effort of every individual to bring about meaningful change. Among the speakers were author and activist Tamika Mallory; lead pastor and executive director Pastor Mike McBride; preacher, scholar and researcher Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker; pastor, author, and activist Rev. Tisha Dixon Williams; civil rights and social policy advocate, attorney, and CEO Mrs. Jennifer Jones Austin; author, activist, and educator Former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.; and Dr. Haynes himself. Sessions included the Social Justice Master Class, Creating Economic Structures that are Just, the Disinherited Conference, and Curriculum for the 2024 Election, the last of which is applicable for churches, organizations, and individuals. The installation's location in Dallas holds great significance not just to Dr. Haynes, but the greater Dallas community which he has faithfully served and poured into for decades. In addition to this new role at the helm of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Dr. Haynes is the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, with more than 13,000 members. The location of the conference at Paul Quinn College also holds significance for Dr. Haynes. He teaches college courses and workshops at several institutions of higher learning, including Paul Quinn College. Dr. Haynes also serves on the Board of Trustees for Paul Quinn College as well as various other boards, particularly those in underserved and minority communities. Additionally, he is the namesake of the Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory School, located on the campus of Paul Quinn College, which serves students grades 6-12 who seek to enter the International Baccalaureate program. B-ROLL/PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES Please see official event photos from the installation here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tj84kjskttoszib32g6mu/h?rlkey=zoar47dp8q06rdve181vitjz5&dl=0 Please see official event photos from the President's Inaugural Social Justice Conference here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a6vrcddex36buz375n051/h?rlkey=8bkrxxwjagecw4jvxd2bxqtbs&dl=0 Photo credit: Chris Norman (Photo file Name: CNO) Normanology https://www.normanology.com/ Jack Akana Jr. (Photo file Name: RHD) Reflections HD https://www.reflectionshd.com/ To request interviews. please contact Kayla Tucker Adams, KTA Media Group, at [email protected] or 214-403-9852 SOURCE Rainbow PUSH Coalition The Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. , a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Ramola R. Motwani, chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, a South Florida-based real estate development and investment firm, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Ms. Motwani joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Ms. Motwani was born in undivided India as one of seven children. When she was young, India gained independence from Great Britain and Ms. Motwani's home state became a part of Pakistan. Due to differing politics, her parents were forced to move their family to new India, leaving everything they had built behind. Despite challenging times, Ms. Motwani's parents encouraged her to pursue higher education. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Jai Hind College in Mumbai, and then a law degree from Government Law College, also in Mumbai. In 1969, Ms. Motwani's then future husband, Ramesh "Bob" Motwani, immigrated to the United States to complete his MBA. She joined him six years later, and the couple soon married and moved to Missouri where they launched Sona Enterprises, a retail and wholesale import business. They later relocated to Florida and bought Merrimac Hotel. Together they worked tirelessly to purchase and manage several other inns and resorts. Sadly, in 1994, Bob passed away suddenly at the age of 47, leaving Ms. Motwani to raise their teenage sons and manage their growing business on her own. Determined to succeed, she was able to hold onto their portfolio and continued to expand it significantly by acquiring additional properties. Ms. Motwani led the initiative to rezone Fort Lauderdale Beach for high-rise luxury development, paving the way for the neighborhood's first luxury hotel the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. Today, as chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, Ms. Motwani's family-owned and operated real estate management, investment and development company, she has successfully completed more than $3 billion in various projects with another $3.7 billion in the works for the near future. "A generous philanthropist whose giving centers around education, Ramola Motwani embodies the characteristics shared amongst Members of the Association," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "Hard working, compassionate and resilient, Ms. Motwani grew the business she started with her late husband into a leading hotel management and development company. She's a strong female leader and we're proud to welcome her to the Association and look forward to the impact she will surely make." Ms. Motwani's philanthropic giving centers around education. In 2019, she and her two sons launched the R. Motwani Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, which is the first-named academy at Broward College to encourage local young people to pursue a career in the hospitality field, many of whom are first-generation college students. She is involved in many community organizations including the United Way of Broward County, the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County and the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Motwani was inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, the Nova Southeast University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame and has received dozens of awards for her inspirational leadership. She was honored by the United States House of Representatives for excellence in developing the City of Fort Lauderdale, received the Founder's Award from the City of Fort Lauderdale and received a tribute from the Florida House of Representatives for her community involvement and business success. "I've faced challenging times throughout my life, but I've always pushed myself to never give up hope," said Ms. Motwani. "It's when things get tough that it is most important to stay positive and keep going. That is a message I hope to share with Horatio Alger Scholars, and I look forward to working with my fellow Members to ensure the young people who are a part of this Association feel supported as they continue on their own individual paths to college and beyond." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own endeavors, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Ms. Motwani and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024, during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X, LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada, and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: Carly Colombo [email protected] SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. CHICAGO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 12-member jury on Tuesday found the mother of the shooter at a high school 45 miles north of Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter. This marks the first time in the United States that a parent has been held criminally responsible for children's actions, local media reported Tuesday. Ethan Crumbley, then 15 years old, opened fire inside his school, the Oxford High School, on Nov. 30, 2021, killing four students and injuring 7 others. His parents were arrested after days of chase by the police. The jurors in Oakland County Circuit Court deliberated for 11 hours before arriving at the verdict. Jennifer Crumbley will be sentenced on April 9 and may face up to 15 years in prison. The conviction also sets the stage for her husband, James, whose trial is scheduled to start March 5. Their son, Ethan, is now serving a life sentence for the deaths of four students who were killed in the shooting. Michigan prosecutors portrayed 45-year-old Jennifer Crumbley as a negligent mother who ignored signs her teen son was in crisis, never got him help and bought him a 9mm gun anyway. The guilty verdict means the jury found Jennifer Crumbley stored the firearm and ammunition in a way that allowed the shooter to have access to it and was grossly negligent in her actions, local media reported. Klub will invest in credit for the growth of SMEs and startups, boosting the region's GDP DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Klub, India's largest platform for Revenue Based Financing (RBF) announced its expansion to the Middle East. Klub has received the relevant permission (Category 3C) to manage private credit funds under the newly instituted credit fund regime by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM). Ishita Verma and Anurakt Jain, founders of Klub This regulatory approval marks a pivotal moment in Klub's journey, granting them the distinction of being the first Revenue Based Financing focused credit fund to expand in the Middle East region. One of the key strategic advancements is the establishment of an AED 1 billion credit umbrella focusing on investing in credit products for the growth of SMEs and startups in the region. Klub's pioneering technology platform offers a speedy and fully digital application and assessment process for the provision of flexible credit to digital SMEs and democratises seamless access to a wide range of financing products. This licence will allow Klub to collaborate with regulated banks in the region. Anurakt Jain, Co-Founder and CEO at Klub, said, "As a company, we have consistently embraced the mission of driving growth for local businesses. Our expansion to the Middle East, starting with the UAE, is the first step in this direction. 60% of the region's GDP is driven by SMEs which are starved for fast and flexible financing solutions. Klub will bridge this gap." Co-Founder and COO Ishita Verma echoed Jain's sentiments, adding, "Since inception, Klub has deployed over AED 400 million to digital businesses in India. We're thrilled to bring our technology and e-commerce financing expertise to a new region in the Middle East, contributing to its entrepreneurial ecosystem." ADGM, the international financial centre (IFC) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates is globally recognised for its regulatory environment that fosters financial innovation and collaboration. Klub's establishment in ADGM amplifies its capacity to facilitate investments and offer financial expertise to emerging businesses across the GCC and beyond. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM said, "We are delighted to welcome Klub to ADGM and confident that ADGM's dynamic ecosystem and progressive credit fund regime will reinforce Klub's proven track record as a leading revenue based financing player in India. Their commitment to financial innovation is aligned with ADGM's vision and we look forward to providing the best platform that supports them in developing their offering and efficiently contributing to the continuous development of Abu Dhabi's vibrant financial landscape and its strategic value to global finance." Klub's expansion into the Middle East signifies a transformative moment in the landscape of Revenue Based Financing. Klub's technology suite paves the way for more accessible and innovative AI-enabled financing solutions, and the platform remains dedicated to supporting the growth and success of businesses on an international scale. The Klub Group brings deep expertise and established credentials. The Group has deployed more than AED 400+ million in 1600 investment rounds, enabling growth for 600+ digital businesses. In 2022, Klub closed its maiden AED 100 million SEBI-registered credit fund in India, which is now fully deployed. Klub's technology arm has raised more than AED 80 million in funding from Peak XV's Surge, Alter Global, Japan-based GMO Venture Partners, and 9Unicorns. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2335099/Klub_founders.jpg Contact: Rishita Singh, +91 8904089556, rishita@klubworks.com SOURCE Klub Rao brings more than 35 years' experience in AI research and consulting to evolve Roots Automation's industry-leading AI For Insurance. NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roots Automation creator of the AI-powered Digital Coworker and the Roots Autonomous Workforce Platform announces the appointment of Anand Rao, PhD MBA as Non-Executive Board Member. Rao, a distinguished Services Professor of Applied Data Science and AI at the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, brings deep industry and consulting experience, collaborating with senior executives to structure, solve and manage critical issues facing their organizations. Through his leadership, Rao will play a key role in unlocking these technologies to deliver outstanding value for Roots' business and customers. The focus of his current research includes operationalizing AI, responsible AI, systems thinking, ROI of AI, theory and practice of building agent-based models and digital twins, behavioral economics, and human decision-making all areas that help lead Roots Automation's evolution of its InsurGPT generative AI product as a foundation for the company's industry-leading Digital Coworkers. Formerly a Global Artificial Intelligence Leader for PwC, a Partner in their Data, Analytics, and AI practice, and the Innovation lead for AI in PwC's Products and Technology segment, Rao led a team of practitioners advising C-level executives to develop and implement advanced analytics and AI-based solutions across several industry sectors. His deep business domain knowledge, software engineering, statistical, and modeling expertise will deliver unique insights into the practice of 'data science' and artificial intelligence as they mainstream into the insurance business' ongoing digital business transformations. John Cottongim, Roots Automation Co-Founder and CTO, added: "We are extremely excited to have Anand join our board as an independent director. Anand brings a unique depth of practical and academic AI experience having held leadership positions within AI and Insurance at PWC and now as a Distinguished Service Professor of Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Anand's experience, along with his role at Carnegie Mellon University, will provide thought leadership from one of the top minds and top universities focused on AI today. We look forward to our partnership with Anand and the guidance he will provide as we deliver the future of Insurance via our Digital Coworker Platform." Anand Rao is one of the world's foremost InsurTech researchers and practitioners. Named one of today's Top 25 Technology Leaders in Consulting, Rao received his PhD from University of Sydney (with a University Postgraduate Research Award-UPRA) in 1988 and an MBA (with Award of Distinction) from Melbourne Business School in 1997. He has also co-edited four books on Intelligent Agents and has published more than fifty papers on Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in major journals, conferences, and workshops, as well as more than 100 articles in the business and trade press, including work for Insurance Thought Leadership (ITL) and Carrier Management. About Roots Automation Roots Automation brings together machine intelligence and human ingenuity in the form of advanced, AI-powered Digital Coworkers. Digital Coworkers can think, read, and intuit like a human. They are pre-trained to understand and interact with documents, systems and processes commonly found in Insurance. Their knowledge base is perpetually expanding with learning federated across Customers. They are always on, ultra-secure and deliver ROI from day one. Digital Coworkers liberate people of inefficient, repetitive, soul-destroying work enabling them to be more creative, collaborative, and innovative. Roots Automation is based in New York and was founded in 2018. Learn more at www.rootsautomation.com Media Contact Chris Gayner, VP Marketing [email protected] SOURCE Roots Automation Inc NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE: BTI) between February 9, 2023 and December 6, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased British American Tobacco 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 British American Tobacco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20894 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. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) British American Tobacco materially understated the risks and potential likelihood of an impairment to its Premium American Cigarette Brands as a result of longstanding headwinds and; (2) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the British American Tobacco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20894 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 investor's 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 or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. 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. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm's attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. 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 SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: EAF) between February 8, 2019 and August 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. 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 [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. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) GrafTech's 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) GrafTech's 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) GrafTech's 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) GrafTech's capital expenditures and/or related operational projects were woefully insufficient to adequately address the harm that GrafTech's 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 GrafTech's 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 GrafTech's 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 [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 investor's 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 SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Lindt LINDOR invites people to express their love and indulge in sweet moments this Valentine's Day with a pop-up poet experience and new "Love Language" creative campaign STRATHAM, N.H., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This Valentine's Day, Lindt LINDOR is making it effortless for lovebirds to convey their emotions with both words and premium chocolate. Accompanying the release of their new television commercial featuring the brand's seasonal theme: "I Get You" Lindt LINDOR will host a two-day pop-up in New York City where chocolate lovers and those still searching for the perfect gift can savor decadent Valentine's Day truffles. At the pop-up, Lindt fans are welcomed into a branded glass house and receive a personalized poem by a professional speed poet to gift to someone special-- demonstrating "I Get You" in a unique way. Lindt LINDOR will host an exclusive two-day Valentines Day Pop-Up on Tuesday, Feb. 13 and Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 1:30-7:30 pm at Gansevoort Plaza under The High Line in NYC. Consumers can stop by to receive a custom poem from a professional speed poet and choose from a selection of truffles. The Lindt LINDOR Valentines Collection is the perfect way to show that special someone, I Get You this season. Pop-Up Details The pop-up is open on Tuesday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 14 in Gansevoort Plaza at The High Line from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Set in a stunning glass house, consumers can escape the winter chill into a velvety, chocolate-filled Lindt LINDOR Valentine's Day haven. Adorned with abundant displays of Lindt LINDOR truffles and cozy decor, expert poets will craft bespoke poems for attendees as gifts to their loved ones along with premium chocolate. For those outside New York City, the celebration extends on Lindt's Instagram. Starting on February 13, visit @Lindt_USA to submit your own poem request via their Instagram Stories. Limited Edition Seasonal Offerings Renowned for their decadent, smooth-melting chocolate truffles, Lindt LINDOR truffles have become a cherished gift during the romantic season. Elevating the Valentine's Day experience, the brand offers delightful seasonal flavors including LINDOR Strawberries and Cream and LINDOR Dark Strawberry truffles. The limited-edition flavors join the timeless appeal of LINDOR Classic Milk and Assorted truffles, now presented in seasonal packaging. To complete the ensemble, consumers can select heart-shaped boxes in both LINDOR Classic Milk and LINDOR Strawberries and Cream varieties. "This Valentine's Day, with our Lindt Lindor truffles, we want our consumers to know that when you give just the right chocolate, it triggers a moment of meaningful connection that says, 'I get you'" said Melissa Mendoza, VP of Marketing. "Whether people join us in person at our immersive pop-up in New York City or choose to participate online, we want to ultimately elevate the art of expressing love, making it as sweet and unique as our LINDOR truffles." To savor Lindt LINDOR truffles in classic and seasonal flavors, visit retailers nationwide or shop online at www.LindtUSA.com. About Lindt & Sprungli Lindt & Sprungli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 175 years. The traditional Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate sector. Today, Lindt & Sprungli produces quality chocolates at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 32 subsidiaries and regional offices, in around 500 of its own shops as well as via a network of more than 100 independent distributors around the globe. With more than 14,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprungli Group reported sales of CHF 5.2 billion in 2023. Lindt & Sprungli USA operates more than 40 of its own Lindt shops in the U.S. and maintains a wide distribution network through extensive retail and wholesale channels. SOURCE Lindt & Sprungli (USA) Inc. On February 9th, the brand is partnering with NYC-based pizzeria, Double Zero, to give away free pizzas made with GOOD PLANeT's first-ever olive oil cheese. NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GOOD PLANeT Foods, maker of the first ever olive oil cheese, is gifting New Yorkers free pizzas to celebrate the city's most beloved food on the most delicious holiday, National Pizza Day. GOOD PLANeT Foods is teaming up with East Village vegan pizzeria, Double Zero, and offering one pizza per customer, while supplies last and first come, first serve. Customers will choose from two pizza variations made with GOOD PLANeT Foods' Mozzarella Olive Oil Cheese Shreds: white truffle mushroom or pepperoni wood-fired pizza (chef's kiss)! GOOD PLANeT Foods When: February 9, 2024, starting at 4p.m., while supplies last Where: Double Zero NYC 65 2nd Ave. New York, NY 10003 The event celebrates the launch of GOOD PLANeT Foods' Olive Oil Cheese. The product was crafted with two goals in mind: 1.) Maintain the joy, versatility, and flavor of cheese in a dairy free option, and 2.) Disrupt the cheese industry with the only non-dairy cheese made with olive oil and with zero to no saturated fat as it's made with heart-healthy olive oil. "National Pizza Day is one of many reasons to celebrate the joy of cheese," said Bart Adlam, NYC based co-CEO of GOOD PLANeT Foods. "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Double Zero, a renowned NYC based pizzeria. This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to deliver extraordinary taste experiences without meat or dairy. Together, we are excited to celebrate this special day by treating our community to the finest pizzas featuring our signature Olive Oil Cheese. It's a testament to our dedication to making dairy free options not just accessible but a delightful choice for everyone." Celebrity plant-based chef and founder of Double Zero, Matthew Kenney, says "I'm thrilled to partner with GOOD PLANeT to be the first restaurant offering pizzas made with Olive Oil Cheese. The product is a game changer in the vegan cheese world- offering a stellar melt and taste plus the health benefits of olive oil." Kenney adds, "When made with high quality and wholesome ingredients, pizza can be a healthful everyday food." On that note, here are three tasty, simple, and healthy ways to celebrate National Pizza Day at home (or every day). Build a pizza on a whole wheat English muffin! GOOD PLANeT's Olive Oil Cheese melts perfectly for this mini pizza and adds heart healthy fats to snack time. Craft a pizza bowl with a quinoa base. Quinoa offers both fiber and antioxidants to boost the nutrition of your pizza. Microwave a base of quinoa with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings and voila- pizza bowl in minutes! Make a pizza-pasta bake with high protein pasta. A pizza-pasta bake is a savory dream combining two delicious Italian staples. Use GOOD PLANeT's Mozzarella Olive Oil Cheese shreds for a joyful and satiating meal. GOOD PLANeT Foods Olive Oil Cheese is available at stores nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, and Wegmans. High-res product images can be found here. About GOOD PLANeT Foods With the mission to be better for people and the PLANeT, GOOD PLANeT Foods has created the revolutionary, first-ever olive oil cheese. Their olive oil cheeses are made from simple, high-quality ingredients that create a superior taste, texture, and melt. GOOD PLANeT Foods provides a healthy alternative to dairy cheese without compromising on the joyful experience. All products are free from the eight primary allergens including dairy, nuts, soy, eggs, and wheat. GOOD PLANeT Foods are also gluten-free, vegan, certified kosher, and non-GMO Project verified. GOOD PLANeT Foods is available nationwide at grocery retailers, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Wegmans, Giant, Giant Eagle, Woodman's, Price Chopper, Misfits Market, and more. For more information and to find the closest retailer to you, please visit www.goodplanetfoods.com and follow @goodplanetfoods on social media. Media Contact: Bianca Tamburello, RDN [email protected] (617) 913-9948 SOURCE GOOD PLANeT Foods HOUSTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityGate, Inc., the leading SaaS platform provider for OT/ICS cyber improvement, announces a strategic partnership with MicroSec, an innovative zero-trust platform solution. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as SecurityGate expands its offerings to include MicroSec's innovative product suite, further enhancing its commitment to delivering cybersecurity solutions to the growing critical sector markets. Under this partnership, SecurityGate will be the exclusive North American reseller and promote and sell MicroSec's advanced cybersecurity products. MicroSec's Asset Inventory, Intrusion Detection, Threat Management, and adaptive cybersecurity technologies will complement SecurityGate's existing suite of SaaS platform value, providing CISOs and OT Directors with a complete, holistic way to evaluate, categorize, and action on cyber strategies. "We are excited to offer US industrial customers a truly remarkable solution. MicroSec is already delivering at scale in Europe and Asia," CEO and Co-Founder Ted Gutierrez said. "This technical collaboration expands our product portfolio to meet the growing demand of asset owners that want recommendations to solve cyber solutions post assessment. The partnership between MicroSec and SecurityGate is set to revolutionize the cybersecurity industry in the US. By combining MicroSec's proficiency in threat intelligence and incident response with SecurityGate's all-encompassing risk management platform, the two companies will provide organizations with the necessary tools to confidently handle the ever-changing threat landscape. This will enable them to make well-informed decisions to safeguard their digital assets." Dr. Vishram, CEO of MicroSec, shared his vision for the partnership: "Joining forces with SecurityGate marks a pivotal moment in our journey to transform cybersecurity delivery in North America. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to delivering top-tier cybersecurity solutions, leveraging SecurityGate's innovative platform to provide unparalleled insights and operational efficiencies. It's a testament to our dedication to equipping businesses with the means to thrive securely in the digital age. Together, we're establishing a new benchmark for cybersecurity resilience and strategic business growth." For more information about SecurityGate and MicroSec's partnership or to inquire about MicroSec's products in the U.S. market, please visit https://securitygate.io/partner-program/microsec/ or contact [email protected]. About SecurityGate SecurityGate is an innovative software company that has built the leading SaaS platform to enable cyber teams to secure the world's critical infrastructure. With SecurityGate's critical infrastructure expertise, simplified dashboards, and actionable data workflows, asset owners and consultant partners are empowered to collaborate and mature cyber programs faster and easier than traditional manual methods. To learn more about SecurityGate, visit www.securitygate.io About MicroSec A deeptech cybersecurity company headquartered in Singapore, MicroSec is the first in the world to achieve Security-by-Design & Zero-trust for constrained IoT devices. It is a global market leader in IoT security for OT environments, enabling end-to-end security from the Edge. MicroSec's industry expertise includes critical infrastructure, Industry 4.0, smart cities, and OEMs, providing Zero-trust security from the device layer to the cloud. To learn more about MicroSec, visit www.usec.io or contact [email protected] Media Contact: Sean Haynes +1 (713) 702-7723 [email protected] SOURCE SecurityGate Steve Youngwood Steps Down as CEO and Member of Board Industry Veteran and Sesame Workshop President Sherrie Westin Appointed Interim CEO NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, today announced that Steve Youngwood has decided to step down as CEO and a member of the Board of Trustees, in concurrence with the Board. The Board has appointed Sesame Workshop President Sherrie Westin as Interim CEO. Mr. Youngwood will remain available to the organization in an informal advisory role for a period of time to help ensure a smooth transition. The Board is engaging a leading executive search firm and has initiated a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Gabrielle Sulzberger, Chair of the Sesame Workshop Board of Trustees, said, "Under Steve's leadership, Sesame Workshop has expanded its reach and impact globally, and is well positioned for ongoing success. On behalf of the Board, I thank Steve for his commitment to Sesame Workshop, our mission, and people and wish him the best in his next chapter." Mr. Youngwood commented, "It has been a highlight of my professional career to work alongside the talented and creative individuals on the Sesame Workshop team. I look forward to watching Sesame Workshop's immensely positive social impact continue long into the future." Ms. Westin has held leadership positions in the media, nonprofit, and public service sectors and possesses a deep understanding of Sesame Workshop. She is a 25-year Sesame Workshop veteran and one of the world's leading creative executives. In her role as President, Ms. Westin has led the organization's efforts to serve vulnerable children through mass media and targeted initiatives in the United States and around the world. In December 2017, the Workshop was awarded the MacArthur Foundation's inaugural $100 million grant from its 100&Change competition for the partnership Sherrie spearheaded with the International Rescue Committee to bring critical early education to children in the Syrian response region, creating the largest early childhood intervention in the history of humanitarian response. Ms. Sulzberger added, "Sherrie is a highly regarded executive who knows Sesame Workshop well and has played an important role in advancing our mission. The Board is incredibly grateful to Sherrie for stepping into the Interim CEO role. We are confident that with her unique mix of skills, experience, and insight, Sherrie is the right interim leader to drive the organization forward while we work to identify our next permanent CEO." Ms. Westin commented, "Sesame Workshop's mission has never been more critical and I am honored to step into this role on an interim basis. We are fortunate to have an incredibly deep bench of purpose-driven individuals, and I look forward to working closely with the entire team as we advance the important work underway to meet the needs of young children in an evolving media and education landscape. We will continue investing in our best-in-class programming and launching new resources to provide access to quality early learning to children around the globe." For more than 50 years, Sesame Workshop has served as a leader at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Sesame Workshop's beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities and more, bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries. A well-capitalized, innovative and evolving organization rooted in deep expertise and designed to meet children's most pressing needs, Sesame Workshop is poised to continue its mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder for generations to come. About Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok. SOURCE Sesame Workshop NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are now investigating: Ambrx Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAM ), relating to its proposed sale to Johnson & Johnson. Under the terms of the agreement, AMAM shareholders will receive $28.00 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/ambrx-biopharma-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. relating to its proposed sale to Johnson & Johnson. Under the terms of the agreement, AMAM shareholders will receive in cash per share they own. Transphorm, Inc. (Nasdaq: TGAN ), relating to its proposed sale to Renesas Electronics Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, TGAN shareholders will receive $5.10 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/transphorm-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. relating to its proposed sale to Renesas Electronics Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, TGAN shareholders will receive in cash per share they own. CapStar Financial Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTR), relating to its proposed sale to Old National Bancorp. Under the terms of the agreement, CSTR shareholders will receive 1.155 shares of Old National per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/capstar-financial-holdings-inc . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. relating to its proposed sale to Old National Bancorp. Under the terms of the agreement, CSTR shareholders will receive 1.155 shares of Old National per share they own. Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: THRX), relating to its proposed sale to Concentra Biosciences, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, THRX shareholders are expected to receive between $3.90 and $4.05 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/theseus-pharmaceuticals-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: Do you recover money for shareholders? Do you litigate and go to Court? Do you even go to the office and wear a suit? About Monteverde & Associates PC Juan Monteverde is a Spaniard and a born fighter. Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ShiraTronics, Inc., a pioneering clinical-stage medical device company, today proudly announced the successful conclusion of enrollment in their pilot study conducted in Australia for their minimally invasive, implantable migraine therapy. ShiraTronics' implantable migraine therapy demonstrates promise, showcasing encouraging results in pilot study. Post this ShiraTronics device (PRNewsfoto/ShiraTronics, Inc.) Migraine, recognized globally as a significant cause of disability, particularly among pre-menopausal women, poses a substantial health challenge. For around 2% of the world's population, migraine headaches escalate to chronic attacks, leading to debilitating symptoms such as intense headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light for a minimum of 15 days each month. Existing treatments often fall short, highlighting the critical need for innovative solutions. In response, ShiraTronics has developed a system specifically engineered to address the debilitating symptoms faced by these patients. The ShiraTronics System delivers precise electrical pulses tailored to disrupt migraine pain signals. This fully implantable, programmable device aims to offer patients and physicians a novel and potentially more effective treatment option. About the RELIEV-CM Pilot Study The RELIEV-CM pilot study, conducted at five centers in collaboration with leading Australian neurology and pain management researchers, is evaluating the performance of the ShiraTronics System and has yielded encouraging early data on the potential efficacy of ShiraTronics' innovative migraine therapy. Early Clinical Indicators In the pilot study's initial stages, the data unveiled promising results indicating a substantial decrease in both headache and migraine days, as well as notable reductions in headache duration and severity. Preliminary outcomes demonstrate meaningful headache day reduction after four weeks of therapy and completion of a 28-day headache diary. The outcomes correlate with improvements in participants' Quality of Life Scores and Patient and Clinician Global Impression of Change scores. These early findings not only highlight the potential effectiveness of ShiraTronics' approach but also its potential positive impact on participants' overall well-being. "We are grateful to our dedicated investigators and patients whose invaluable contributions have propelled our research forward," said ShiraTronics Vice President of Global Clinical Affairs, Fred Ecklund. "As we embark on the next phase of clinical trials with our upcoming pivotal study, we eagerly anticipate continued partnerships that will help us make meaningful strides in advancing therapy options for these patients." The promising results of the pilot study set the stage for the next phase of research, with the RELIEV-CM2 pivotal clinical study scheduled to take place in both the United States and Australia later this year. Co-principal investigators Dr. Brian Grosberg, and Dr. Samer Narouze, will lead the RELIEV-CM2 study, building on the positive outcomes observed in the pilot study. Brian Grosberg, M.D. is the Director of the Hartford Healthcare Headache Program in Connecticut and Professor of Neurology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He expressed his anticipation for the upcoming study, stating, "The positive results from the Australian pilot study indicate the potential impact of ShiraTronics' treatment on chronic migraine sufferers. I am excited to co-lead the pivotal clinical study advancing migraine treatment options and further explore the benefits this technology could offer to patients dealing with chronic migraine." Comments Samer Narouze M.D., PhD, "I would like to congratulate the ShiraTronics team on their groundbreaking research. This pilot study is truly commendable and is poised to make a substantial contribution to ShiraTronics' future research as they continue to strive to address the unmet needs of chronic migraine patients." Dr. Narouze, an expert consultant in headaches and pain medicine, is currently the chairman of the Center for Pain Medicine at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. About ShiraTronics ShiraTronics, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a privately held, venture-backed medical device company committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with chronic migraine disease. By harnessing the potential of neuromodulation and pioneering innovative technology, ShiraTronics is at the forefront of the migraine industry, dedicated to improving the well-being of chronic migraine sufferers. For more information about ShiraTronics, please visit www.shiratronics.com. SOURCE ShiraTronics, Inc. JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa announced Tuesday that a total of 27.4 million South African citizens have registered to vote in the upcoming elections this year. The IEC has added 1.2 million citizens to the voters' roll since November 2023, said IEC's Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo at a press briefing. However, according to Mamabolo, there are 14 million young people in South Africa who are eligible to vote but have not yet registered to do so. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape were the provinces that recorded the highest number of people registering to vote and checking their registration status, said Mamabolo, who added that the IEC is now focusing on ramping up preparations for the 2024 national and provincial elections. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a recent interview with local media that he will announce the election dates soon. BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons Bank celebrated the grand opening of the new financial center located at 201 Franklin Road. Simmons Bank operates two full-service branches in the Brentwood area. Simmons Bank operates twelve full service branches in the Nashville metropolitan statistical area and ranks as the 9th largest bank in the state of Tennessee based on deposit market share. Simmons Bank associates at the Brentwood branch grand opening. "For 120 years Simmons Bank has connected customers with the financial solutions that meet their needs and financial goals," said Dan Choate, market retail manager of Simmons Bank. "With our new location, we look forward to continuing to serve the financial needs of friends and neighbors in and around Brentwood." The 3,153-square-foot financial center features a full-service branch with an ATM with deposit capabilities. The branch hosts four associates onsite to serve customers financial needs including personal and mortgage lending. ASD I Sky served as the architect and MTLC Building Group served as the contractor on the project. Simmons Bank Simmons Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC), a Mid-South based financial holding company that has paid cash dividends for 115 consecutive years. Simmons Bank operates 234 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank oers comprehensive financial solutions delivered with a client-centric approach. In 2023, Simmons Bank was recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best Midsize Employer" and among the "World's Best Banks" for the fourth consecutive year. In 2022, Simmons Bank was named to Forbes' list of "America's Best Banks" for the second consecutive year. Additional information about Simmons Bank can be found on our website at simmonsbank.com, by following @Simmons_Bank on X (formerly Twitter) or by visiting our newsroom. SOURCE Simmons Bank Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone will open their mobile networks to developers worldwide, enabling the creation of safer digital services MADRID, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spain's leading mobile operators Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone today announced the launch of two new services designed to help developers tackle online fraud and protect the digital identities of mobile customers. As part of the global GSMA Open Gateway initiative, the operators have announced the launch of two network API (Application Programmable Interface) services focused on improving digital security: Number Verification and SIM Swap. These APIs will allow developer teams and partners to create new intelligent layers of customer authentication, verification, and security within mobile phone networks. This will help businesses, such as financial institutions and online retailers, tackle identity fraud by enhancing user authentication and improving security. These new services will be available at Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Barcelona, Spain, from 26-29 February. The latest figures from Spain's Interior Minister show that reported cases of cybercrime increased by 72% in 2022 compared to 2019, with almost 90% of them being related to online fraud. Cybercrime now accounts for around a fifth of all offences registered in the country. Launched one year ago at MWC Barcelona, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative represents a paradigm shift in the way the global telecoms industry designs and brings to market new mobile apps, and immersive and digital services. The new Number Verification and SIM Swap services will also make online authentication simpler and faster for online customers, as mobile applications, cloud services and connectivity networks will all be accessible through the APIs. GSMA Open Gateway is a common and open framework between operators to make it easier for developers and cloud providers to build safer apps and services that seamlessly communicate with each other. This is done through single, programmable, access points to mobile networks known as APIs. From Argentina to China, the USA to Australia, 42 mobile operator groups worldwide, representing 237 mobile networks and 65% of global connections are already part of the initiative. To continue reading the full press release please follow this link. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1882833/4439377/GSMA_Logo.jpg SOURCE GSMA CHISINAU, Moldova, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Moldova, a small Eastern European nation, is quietly emerging as a hub for startups and investors in the tech ecosystem. With a population of 2.45 million and a GDP of $45.02 billion , this nation is making significant strides in rebuilding and prospering since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. One key indicator of its growth is the remarkable surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which reached $264 million in 2021 , constituting about 35% of the country's GDP . This growing interest from global investors highlights Moldova's potential on the international stage. Startup Moldova Summit on March 14th: A Growing Tech Ecosystem to Watch What sets Moldova apart are its distinctive qualities, including the presence of Europe's first e-park, the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) . Established in 2018, MITP boasts 1200 active residents and 200 companies with foreign capital from 40 countries. It offers startups in Moldova access to a highly skilled IT workforce, competitive labor costs, favorable visa options , and one of the lowest taxes in Central and Eastern Europe - a flat 7% tax on revenue. Moldovan startups are increasingly realizing the benefits of collaborating with neighboring Romania, fostering a mutually beneficial business dynamic. Shared language and proximity facilitate cross-border ventures, providing Moldovan startups with access to the broader European market through Romania. Successful examples like Fagura and Planable demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy, while Romania benefits from Moldova's innovation and skilled talent pool. Overview of Moldova's Startup Scene: Number of Startups: Moldova currently boasts 82 startups , spanning various industries from AgTech and InsureTech to WineTech, all contributing to the nation's growing entrepreneurial spirit. Startup Funding: In 2022, 11 Moldovan tech startups raised a total of $11 million in funding, a significant increase in confidence from both local and international investors. These startups secured investments from VCs worldwide, with the average deal amount standing at 865k. - XOR AI ($2.7M) - Brizy.io ($2.4M) - Greeno (2M) - ENABLD ($1.4M) - Bloomcoding (1.1M) - Fagura (786,845) - SelfTalk (150k) - EdooSitter (120k) - EasyPlan (90k) - Doctorchat.md (50k) - UNDE.io (10k) Financing Landscape: Moldova's startup ecosystem enjoys support from various investor groups and organizations. Business Angels Moldova, Mozaic, investitii.md, XY Partners, Startup Moldova, Moldovan Association of ICT Companies, Orange Moldova, Orange Systems, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Western NIS Enterprise Fund all play crucial roles in supporting startups in their investment journey. Additionally, CEE VCs like Gapminder, Credo, Fuel Ventures, Inovo, and others frequently explore opportunities in Moldovan startups. Tech Talent and Workforce: The Moldovan startup scene benefits from a pool of over 20,700 IT specialists proficient in Romanian, Russian, English, and often French. This talent pool covers various domains, including data analytics, UI/UX design, software development, application development, and game development. The 7% flat tax rate for employers further incentivizes hiring IT professionals in Moldova. Ecosystem Initiatives and Support: The Moldovan government and various organizations actively promote the startup environment through initiatives such as conferences, incubators, and mentorship programs. Ecosystem builders like Startup Moldova , Dreamups , Yep Moldova , Technovator , XY Partners , Moldova Innovation Technology Park , and others create an enabling atmosphere for startups. The upcoming Startup Moldova Summit on March 14th is an excellent opportunity to explore the thriving Moldovan startup ecosystem. The event will bring together startup enthusiasts, IT professionals, businesses in search of innovation, investors, and industry experts. It will feature knowledgeable speakers and investors, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. Additionally, a pitch competition will offer startups a platform to present their ideas to potential investors. As Moldova continues to grow its tech startup landscape, it's a country worth watching for both investors and entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities in the dynamic Central and Eastern European region. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROwdQ95WmW0&t=49s SOURCE Startup Moldova TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Knix, the global intimates and apparel brand, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of their newest Knix and Kt by Knix Swim Collections. With an array of vibrant colors, captivating prints, and innovative Leakproof technology, this collection is set to revolutionize the swimwear experience. Step into Spring Break with the New Leakproof Swim Collections from Knix and Kt by Knix (PRNewsfoto/Knix) At Knix, the mission has always been to empower individuals and make them feel comfortable in their own skin. Recognizing the challenges faced by teens, they are determined to address a significant issue - the impact of periods on swimming activities. In a recent Knix consumer survey, 51% of teens stated that they miss out on swimming because of their menstrual cycle, leading to body anxiety and a lack of confidence. Knix and Kt by Knix believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the water without any worries. Knix's patented and groundbreaking Leakproof swimwear is designed to alleviate the stress associated with swimming while menstruating. This innovative Leakproof Swim technology ensures maximum protection, absorbing about 1.5 - 3.4 teaspoons of liquid which is the equivalent of about 1 - 3 regular tampons, providing standalone protection on lighter period days or backup protection on heavier days. Leakproof swimwear helps give you the confidence to dive into the water without worrying about embarrassing mishaps. Be prepared to discover an extensive range of stylish swimsuits, available in new colors and prints. Whether you prefer a classic one-piece or a trendy bikini, the collection offers something for everyone and launches in stores and online on February 6th. To view the new Swim Collection, please click here. About Knix Knix is a direct-to-consumer intimates and apparel brand. Through innovative products and a community-first approach, Knix is on a mission to empower people everywhere to live unapologetically free. Every product, campaign and image that Knix puts into the world is tied to this mission that has been embedded in the company's DNA since day one. Founded in 2013, by Joanna Griffiths, Knix is one of the fastest growing DTC brands in North America and is globally recognized as an innovator and disrupter within the apparel space. SOURCE Knix MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV: SR) (the "Company" or "Strategic") announces that it has executed a collaboration agreement (the "Collaboration Agreement") with Levidian, a British climate technology firm, to study supplying the BlackRock Project's metallurgical facility (owned by Strategic), located in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada with the Levidian's patented LOOP decarbonization technology. This Collaboration Agreement enables Strategic to accelerate its hydrogen development roadmap and move towards producing near emissions free iron products for use in electric arc furnaces and steel plants. Levidian's LOOP system captures the carbon from methane to produce hydrogen and has a unique net cost advantage over other hydrogen production technologies due to graphene, a valuable by-product that can be used to boost the performance of batteries, superconductors, solar cells, and electronics. The Collaboration Agreement sets the path towards Levidian providing the design for the LOOP system and the LOOP modules as well as the strategic plan for the marketing of the graphene via offtake. The LOOP system was commercialized out of Cambridge University (UK) and is already being deployed to multiple locations globally, across a number of industries. The BlackRock Project's leased industrial site at Port Saguenay, Quebec provides an ideal location to deploy LOOP. Strategic can utilize hydrogen to significantly reduce GHG emissions in the event the Company moves forward with plans to install a 4 million tonne iron ore pellet operation as the first phase of the BlackRock Project. Additional modules of the technology could also be deployed in subsequent phases of the BlackRock Project. Strategic has an established business footprint in Quebec and Levidian's supply of LOOP for the BlackRock Project is well-suited for all stakeholders and the North American market. About Levidian Levidian is a British climate technology business that is on a mission to decarbonise the world's hardest to abate sectors. Underpinned by its patented LOOP technology, Levidian offers a unique decarbonization service that captures the carbon from methane gas and creates a new source of clean hydrogen and solid carbon (graphene) that can be used as an additive to further decarbonise major industries as far ranging as batteries, thermoplastics, tyres and construction. The solution can be deployed anywhere with a methane source and is designed to function as a self-contained modular system that can quickly and easily be retrofitted to existing infrastructure. Further details are available on the Levidian's website at www.levidian.com. About Strategic Resources Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV:SR) is a critical mineral exploration and development company focused on high-purity iron and vanadium projects in Canada and Finland. The Company is developing its flagship BlackRock Project, which is a fully permitted and ready to construct mine, concentrator and metallurgical facility located at a seaport in Quebec with full access to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Company's Head Office is in Montreal, Quebec. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://strategic-res.com/. To follow future news releases, please sign up at https://strategic-res.com/contact/. Follow us on: Twitter or Linkedin. STRATEGIC RESOURCES INC. Signed: "Sean Cleary" Sean Cleary, CEO 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 Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future study and deployment of the LOOP technology and potential development of the BlackRock Project. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "will" or "projected" or variations of those words or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "could", "are proposed to", "are planned to", "are expected to" or "are anticipated to" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by all forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. Strategic does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Strategic Resources Inc. Lavior, experts in natural diabetic solutions, improves the quality of life for those living with diabetes. MIAMI, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lavior Pharma is on a mission to address health disparities affecting African Americans, who are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and three times more likely to undergo amputation as a result. As the only company with a comprehensive over-the-counter diabetic wound and skin care product line, Lavior is committed to offering safe, effective, affordable and accessible solutions to provide life-saving treatment at home. Lavior products are available at Walmart and on Walmart.com for less than $20 for a 30-day supply. Post this Lavior is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is now available at Walmart and on Walmart.com. Lavior products are available at Walmart and on Walmart.com for less than $20 for a 30-day supply. Lavior's extensive research harnesses the power of nature of the Inula AGS-RIED botanical, a unique plant species with remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-fungal capabilities. It has led to an effective suite of products that are designed to heal wounds, not just manage them. "We are committed to providing our research-driven, FDA-registered products into the hands of minority populations facing the challenges of diabetes," said Gilad Savion, CEO and Co-Founder of Lavior. "While we set out to make all-natural diabetic treatments for everyone who is dealing with this difficult disease, we felt a deep desire to work with retailers like Walmart to make it accessible to more of the U.S. population. Making our affordable products available at the store or online will allow us to make an impact on millions of lives." The American Diabetes Association (ADA) endorses Lavior's Diabetic Hydrogel Wound Dressing with its Better Choices for Life mark for its efficacy, evidence-based research and ability to manage the side effects of diabetes in the initial stages. "Combined with retailers and the ADA's endorsement, we're drawing attention to the importance of addressing potential diabetic complications early to treat challenging wounds, including ulcers, abrasions, lacerations and skin irritations, and to provide an optimal environment for skin regeneration," added Savion. "We are here to heal." Lavior is Woman-Owned Certified by WBENC. For more information, visit www.lavior.com. About Lavior: Lavior is the only company exclusively dedicated to the therapeutic diabetes skincare market. The Lavior skincare product line soothes and heals some of the most widespread and challenging skin problems diabetic ulcers, wounds, burns, eczema/atopic dermatitis, bacterial and fungal infections, skin irritations and cracked skin. Lavior's line of products is based on the proven efficacy of the Inula AGS RIED botanical species. They are developed using the highest quality, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, manufactured and tested to deliver safe, effective and compliant products. Backed by over 13 years of extensive research and clinical trials, proven clinical safety and efficacy, they consistently outperform conventional treatments. SOURCE Lavior Pharma WACO, Texas, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suzanna Summers, a nurse of over 30 years, has filed suit for retaliatory termination against her former employer, Wesley Woods Health & Rehabilitation. According to the petition, Ms. Summers was terminated within 10 days of reporting that the Assistant Director of Nursing, Ms. Garcia, was mishandling prescribed medications. Ms. Summers' actions were taken to protect the facility's patients, as well as the facility. Ms. Summers' termination violates the Texas Health & Safety Code. Nurse of Over Three Decades is Retaliatorily Terminated Post this The petition reveals that Ms. Garcia launched a baseless, retaliatory "investigation" against Ms. Summers immediately after Ms. Summers' protected report. A Certified Nurse Assistant apprised Ms. Summers of the "investigation." When Ms. Summers confronted Ms. Garcia about it, Ms. Garcia did not deny it. Rather, Ms. Garcia demanded that Ms. Summers identify the person who had told her about it. About a week after Ms. Garcia's pretextual investigation began, the Director of Nursing, Crystal Herring, and facility administrator, Maranda May, terminated Ms. Summers' employment. The facility cited to alleged family complaints against Ms. Summers. However, as the petition details, Ms. Summers was never, ever informed of any family complaints prior to her termination, nor was she aware of any conflicts with any patient family. The cause number is 2024-254-3. Ms. Summers is seeking lost wages and compensatory damages. Ms. Summers is represented by Rachel Bethel of Wiley Walsh, P.C. Related Links https://www.wileywalsh.com SOURCE Wiley Walsh, P.C. Keith Sikes Brings Passion, Expertise to Member Assistance WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 357 pilot Keith Sikes has been appointed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee (ARC). The FAA ARC is a collaborative body tasked with developing regulations and guidelines related to mental health assessments and medical clearances for individuals in the aviation industry. "Keith Sikes has a passion for addressing the unique stresses that aviation personnel face," said Joe Ferreira, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. "He is committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of aviation professionals, which embodies the values of our union. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on this new role." Sikes is a pilot for Republic Airways, having worked for the airline since April 2003. He has served as a Captain, a First Officer, a Line Check Airman, and a Ground Instructor in human factors-related classes. He joined the Safety Committee for Local 357 in 2019 and worked with a team to develop a Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) for pilots. CIRP is a peer support program created to help aviation workers and their family members recover from stressful situations. "I've been a Teamster for more than 20 years, and it's an honor to serve my union brothers and sisters in this capacity," Sikes said. "At the peer support program for Republic Airways, we got more than 100 calls in less than two years. Many of these were about stress on the job, but a lot of them involved issues outside of work. The CIRP is essential for ensuring pilots have the tools and support they need to overcome challenges and thrive throughout their careers." Keith earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while working at Republic and is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina. He is currently a Doctor of Education candidate at Liberty University, with a specialty in Community Care and Counseling with a Trauma cognate. While he works one day a week in a private counseling agency, his passion is first and foremost, the aviation community. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 357 BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Velico Medical is proud to announce the company's collaboration with the American National Red Cross in its technology development initiative, the Blood Center Education Program (BCEP). Velico's BCEP is designed to provide strategic blood center partners the opportunity to get hands-on experience with its FrontlineODP system for spray drying plasma, evaluate potential integration into blood component production operations and provide critical feedback on the commissioning and operational aspects of the system. American Red Cross Collaborates with Velico Pictured (L-R) are Bethany L Brown, PhD, MSCS, Senior Director, Transfusion Innovation and Product Development, American Red Cross, Richard Meehan, President & Chief Executive Officer, Velic, Pampee P. Young, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Biomedical Services, American Red Cross, Bill Skillman, Senior Vice President,Velico and Tim Washburn, Vice President, Product Strategy & Management, American Red Cross. "This collaboration reflects the shared vision of Velico and the Red Cross of advancing life-saving blood products with the goal of improving patient care in the United States and around the world," says Richard Meehan, President, and CEO of Velico. "The Red Cross has built a time-honoured legacy of leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to patients as reflected in its mission of ensuring that everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products," says Pampee P. Young, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer Biomedical Services with the Red Cross. FrontlineODP is expected to be an easy to produce, easy to use, point-of-care dried plasma product for transfusion in settings where current plasma products (most often frozen) are unavailable or inconvenient to use because of challenging cold chain logistics and short dating. With FrontlineODP, plasma could become more readily available to first responders such as ground or air ambulances, in rural hospitals where plasma is typically not stocked, for the military, and during mass casualty events. "The Red Cross is committed to advancing novel blood and plasma products which are designed to extend care to the point of injury," says Tim Washburn, Vice President, Product Strategy & Management with the Red Cross. "The collaboration will create the foundation for advancing dry plasma research opportunities between our organizations," adds Bethany L Brown, PhD, MSCS, Senior Director, Transfusion Innovation and Product Development with the Red Cross. Velico's development program has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under contract number 75A50121C00059. 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. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334425/American_Red_Cross_collaborates_with_Velico.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334424/Velico_Red_Cross_SIgning.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2152986/4530752/Velico_Medical_Logo.jpg BOSTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brattle Group is pleased to share that 10 experts were recently promoted to Principal: Dr. Can Celiktemur, Dr. Charlie Gibbons, Dr. Lucrezio Figurelli, Dr. Yingzhen Li, Mame Maloney, Dr. Nguyet Nguyen, Ilinca Popescu, Dr. Shastri Sandy, Chris Wall, and Jake Zahniser-Word. "In the past year, these nine individuals have gone above and beyond in cultivating their expertise and providing exceptional client service on matters related to financial services, utility regulation, antitrust and competition, corporate governance, and more," said Brattle President & Principal Torben Voetmann. "Further, they embody Brattle's four foundational principles development, collegiality, quality, and sustainability in all that they do, and they represent the outstanding leadership pipeline we have at the firm. We look forward to the contributions these experts will make in the years ahead!" Our new Principals: Can Celiktemur | London Dr. Celiktemur specializes in competition economics, with expertise in statistical analysis and economic modeling. He supports clients in all stages of litigation and arbitration, and his recent work has been focused on competition litigations involving cartel follow-on damages and abuse of dominance matters in the UK. He also has experience in merger control and market investigations. Charles Gibbons | Practice Leader: Environment & Natural Resources | San Francisco Dr. Gibbons provides sophisticated econometric and statistical analysis for legal, regulatory, and policy matters. His experience includes major natural resource damages cases and a variety of other litigation matters including in consumer protection and antitrust as well as survey development and assessment. Lucrezio Figurelli | Rome Dr. Figurelli specializes in the analysis of regulation and antitrust matters in industrial, digital, and telecommunications markets. He has authored expert reports and supported expert testimony in numerous regulatory proceedings, antitrust investigations, and international arbitrations . Yingzhen Li | Washington, DC Dr. Li is an expert on issues related to financial derivatives, capital markets, corporate governance, and venture capital. He has consulted on several high-profile cases and has led project teams through all stages of regulator investigations, litigation, and arbitration. Mame Maloney | Chicago Ms. Maloney has a broad range of expertise in disputes involving market manipulation, securities fraud , and consumer protection. She has helped both plaintiff and defense clients undertake investigations and build compelling arguments rooted in economic principles and supported by empirical evidence. Nguyet Nguyen | Practice Co-Leader: Alternative Investments | New York Dr. Nguyen has expertise in financial valuation and modeling, equity markets, and trading behavior. She has consulted on several private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund disputes and has helped grow Brattle's work in the credit, derivatives, and structured products space, as well as in securities class actions. Ilinca Popescu | London Ms. Popescu is an expert in corporate finance and valuation, particularly in damages assessment in the context of complex arbitrations and litigation. She has worked on both investor-state and commercial arbitrations and has testified in multiple languages. Shastri Sandy | Chicago Dr. Sandy has 15 years of experience as a financial economist. He works on white collar investigations, financial fraud protection disputes, corporate governance matters, and unintended consequences of artificial intelligence/machine learning, including high-profile, multi-billion dollar cases. Christopher Wall | Boston Mr. Wall specializes in public utility regulatory economics, with expertise in cost of capital, ratemaking , valuation, and demand forecasting. He has helped natural gas, electric, and water utility clients prepare expert testimony in over 100 regulatory proceedings and testified in front of various state regulatory commissions. Jake Zahniser-Word | Boston Mr. Zahniser-Word is an expert in corporate finance and regulatory matters in the natural gas, oil, and electricity industries. He specializes in advising his clients on economic and financial issues in commercial disputes across the energy industry. ABOUT BRATTLE The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has 500 talented professionals across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For more information, please visit brattle.com. SOURCE The Brattle Group Laman Ismayilova The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has hosted a literary evening for the People's Writer, playwright, statesman, and public figure of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Imanaliev. The main goal of the event was to familiarise the Azerbaijani intelligentsia and youth with the creativity of the modern Kyrgyz writer, as well as strengthen friendly bridges in the Turkic world, Azernews reports. Addressing the event, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, noted the further expansion of the organization's cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic in recent years. Aktoty Raimkulova stressed the importance of the participation of Azerbaijani literary and cultural figures, as well as youth, in the event dedicated to the representative of modern Kyrgyz literature, Kairat Imanaliev. The president of the foundation emphasised that holding such events serves to bring the intelligence of the Turkic states together as well as to preserve and transfer from generation to generation the values inherited from the ancestors. Renown writer, statesman, and public figure of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Imanaliev, noted the historical and spiritual closeness of the Turkic peoples. He underlined the words of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, on the 1000th anniversary of the epic "Manas," the spiritual pride of the Kyrgyz people. Stressing that the memory of Heydar Aliyev is always honoured with great respect by the Kyrgyz people, K. Imanaliyev spoke about the solemn celebration last year of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader in Kyrgyzstan. Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov outlined the significance of preserving the common historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples in the modern era. He emphasised that holding such events contributes to the further strengthening of literary and cultural exchange in the Turkic world. The Chairman of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union, Anar Rzayev, said that the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz peoples have a common culture, ancient history, traditions, language and folklore. He noted that the field of literature plays an important role in increasing the integration process of the Turkic peoples. In their remarks, Expert of the Committee on Culture of the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis), acclaimed writer and publicist Akbar Goshali, Secretary of the Department of International Relations of the Azerbaijani Writers' Union Salim Babullaoglu, and famous scientist, poet, and manaschi Adil Jamil stressed the importance of the active participation of intelligentsia and youth of the Turkic peoples in the realisation of the material and spiritual values of the Turkic world. The event was followed by a video presentation about Kairat Imanaliev and the artistic part. Actors of the Baku Municipal Theatre, including Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan Husniyya Murvatova, well-known actor Tural Ahmad, as well as the representative of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, young writer Vafa Murshudlu, performed excerpts from the works of the national writer of Kyrgyzstan, Kairat Imanaliev. The event was also attended by figures in literature, culture, and science, turkologists, students of Baku State University, as well as representatives of the media. Initiated in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations. The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs. The organisation carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy. DODOMA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday pledged to support Tanzania in improving nutrition and subsequently ending child stunting. Elke Wisch, UNICEF's country representative in Tanzania, pledged when she held talks with the Deputy Minister for Finance Hamad Hassan Chande, in the capital of Dodoma. Wisch said UNICEF will collaborate with Tanzania in investing towards ending child stunting which refers to a child who is too short for his or her age and is the result of chronic or recurrent malnutrition. According to the Ministry of Health, at least 3 million children aged below five in Tanzania are stunted due to poor nutrition. In pivotal year of global elections, international conflict, and economic uncertainty, the Elevate Prize Foundation invests in critical issues areas to drive world change MIAMI, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Elevate Prize Foundation announced today the winners of the fourth annual Elevate Prize , which grants more than $5 million in unrestricted funding and supportive services across a group of diverse social changemakers working to solve pressing issues around the world. In the face of growing conflict and uncertainty around the world, this year's 10 recipients champion innovative solutions across a spectrum of pressing global issues, including sustainable development, nutrition, education equity, social justice reform, domestic/intimate partner violence, refugee rights, and representation of the Deaf community. The Elevate Prize Foundation Recognizes 10 Social Changemakers Driving World Change "This year's winners embody the essence of our foundation's commitment to pushing boundaries and broadening the impact landscape. These remarkable individuals represent an expanded scope of social change a pivotal shift in what is expected to be a pivotal year for the world," said Joseph Deitch, founder of the Elevate Prize Foundation. "We are excited to join forces to amplify their impact and catalyze a positive ripple effect that goes beyond borders and disciplines, recognizing that their stories will motivate others to join the journey toward a better future." Founded in 2019 by Deitch, the Elevate Prize Foundation is on a mission to "Make Good Famous" by bringing visibility to the work of changemakers, creating a fanbase for social good, and helping create a world where more are inspired to take action. The foundation will partner with these rising activists and social entrepreneurs, providing them with resources to raise visibility of their work and multiply their impact. This year's Elevate Prize winners will each be awarded an unrestricted grant of $300,000. They will also receive tailored services, which include communications and content strategy, branding, social media training, and leadership development all designed to help them amplify their stories, broaden their reach, and deepen their impact in making a positive difference in the world. "This year is a watershed moment for us. In a world where burnout is a real concern for the non-profit sector, we are committing ourselves to supporting whole leaders acknowledging the myriad of challenges changemakers face and providing them with the tools and resources they need to drive impactful change sustainably," said Carolina Garcia Jayaram, CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation. "We approach this work in humble partnership with these visionary leaders so that they may flourish personally and professionally, ensuring their lasting impact in the world." This year's Elevate Prize winners are: Zarlasht Halaimzai, Founder of Amna , which aids individuals, organizations, and refugee communities by establishing secure spaces for rejuvenating group activities and mental health support while rekindling a sense of joy and belonging among forcibly displaced persons. Gayatri Datar , Co-Founder & CEO of EarthEnable , which creates healthy and environmentally-friendly homes in rural Africa by using natural materials and green building techniques for those in need of rebuilding. Wawira Nijiru, Executive Director of Food for Education Foundation , which provides subsidized nutritious meals to primary school children, improves nutrition outcomes, ends classroom hunger, and improves school attendance and performance. Sonya Passi , Founder & CEO of FreeFrom , which is building an ecosystem of support to ensure that survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence have the resources to get safe, heal, and prevent future harm. Mpindi Abaas, Co-Founder & CEO of Media Challenge Initiative , a youth-driven organization building the next generation of journalists in Africa through training, mentorship and experiential peer-to-peer learning models. Melissa Malzkuhn , Director of Motion Light Lab , an award-winning creative lab focusing on creating an equitable world through immersive content, literacy-based activities, and other initiatives that advances Deaf representation and competency across different sectors of society. Daniel Forkkio , CEO of Represent Justice , an organization using the power of media to engage audiences in reimagining the justice system and creating real demand for anti-carceral change and solutions. Isabelle Kamariza , President & Founder of Solid' Africa , which aims to preserve dignity, accelerate the recovery process, and promote health equity for vulnerable patients in public hospitals by supplying them with nutritious, healthy meals. Sam Bencheghib, Co-Founder of Sungai Watch , which protects and helps restore Indonesia's rivers by developing and designing simple technologies to stop the flow of plastic pollution from going into the ocean. Dr. Kwan Stewart , Co-Founder of Project Street Vet , which provides medical care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Stewart was also named the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year. As part of the foundation's second year collaborating with CNN Heroes, Dr. Kwan Stewart was named an Elevate Prize winner, receiving a grant of $300K. Additionally, as part of the collaboration, the Elevate Prize Foundation matched donations up to $50K for all of the Top 10 CNN Heroes and will provide them with organizational capacity-building and tailored resources to bring visibility to their work and maximize their impact. This year's Elevate Prize winners, as well as last year's cohort of winners and the Top 10 CNN Heroes, will gather in Miami in May 2024 for the second annual Make Good Famous Summit to examine ways to put media, content, and creators to work to challenge inequitable systems and inspire lasting change. About the Elevate Prize Foundation Founded in 2019 by businessman and philanthropist Joseph Deitch, the Elevate Prize Foundation is a global non-profit that empowers social entrepreneurs and activists by providing them with the resources they need to amplify their impact. The foundation's signature program is its annual Elevate Prize, which is awarded to 10 global leaders tackling pressing issues in innovative ways. The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, another one of the foundation's programs, recognizes prominent individuals for their commitment to inspiring global social action and using their influence for the good of humanity. In 2022, the foundation launched the Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award, a monthly grant to fuel grassroots movements and organizers on the frontlines committed to collective action and building power among communities. For more information, visit www.elevateprize.org and follow @ElevatePrize on Instagram , Twitter , LinkedIn , and Facebook . Contact: Erin Mulholland, 484.753.4384, [email protected] SOURCE The Elevate Prize Foundation The brain monitoring market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, propelled by the healthcare industry's focus on early detection and prevention of neurological disorders. This report by Future Market Insights, Inc. unveils the key trends shaping this market and the opportunities they present for stakeholders. NEWARK, Del., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The brain monitoring market size is poised to cross US$ 6.7 billion in 2024 and is likely to attain a valuation of US$ 12.5 billion by 2034. The sales of brain monitoring systems are projected to develop at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2034. Request Exclusive Sample Report: Brain Monitoring Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-18931 The industry's growing emphasis on timely detection and avoidance of neurological illnesses is redefining business approaches in the brain monitoring sector. Businesses prioritizing research and development to enhance early detection skills are positioning themselves as industry leaders in a market driven by an increasing consciousness of proactive healthcare. By forging partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and healthcare systems, this trend gives businesses a competitive advantage in the market and establishes them as leaders in preventive neurology. As consumer interest in cognitive health and performance enhancement grows, consumer-grade brain monitoring gadgets are emerging to take advantage of this trend. Businesses that provide easy-to-use at-home monitoring systems are capitalizing on the growing number of people concerned about their health. This trend helps organizations navigate the competitive environment of consumer-oriented neurotech by fostering relationships with fitness and wellness brands, direct-to-consumer sales methods, and subscription-based revenue models. These initiatives create a diverse income stream. The inclination towards amalgamating several modalities for brain monitoring, such as merging EEG with fMRI or NIRS, denotes a tactical transition towards all-encompassing data gathering. Businesses using multi-modal techniques are positioned as pioneers in offering a comprehensive understanding of brain function, which is crucial for use in clinical and research contexts. With the help of this trend, companies may set themselves apart from the competition, work together with suppliers of imaging technology, and meet the increasing need for integrated solutions that provide deeper insights into neurological health. "Successfully navigating the changing brain monitoring market requires a deep grasp of the numerous healthcare demands, constant innovation, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships that align with new health trends. A comprehensive approach that prioritizes adaptation, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability is essential for successfully navigating this volatile environment." Says Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). Key Takeaways from the Market Report The global brain monitoring market size expanded at an 8.1% CAGR through 2034. The devices segment is projected to rise at a 6.3% CAGR through 2034. The invasive procedure segment is expected to develop at a 6.1% CAGR through 2034. The brain monitoring industry in Japan is anticipated to develop at a 7.6% CAGR through 2034. is anticipated to develop at a 7.6% CAGR through 2034. The market size in the United Kingdom is estimated to surge at a 5.1% CAGR through 2034. is estimated to surge at a 5.1% CAGR through 2034. The market for brain monitoring in South Korea is expected to thrive at an 8.3% CAGR through 2034. is expected to thrive at an 8.3% CAGR through 2034. The market size in the United States is projected to rise at a 6.8% CAGR through 2034. Competitive Landscape An active rivalry distinguishes the brain monitoring market between well-established industry leaders, cutting-edge startups, and multinational healthcare technology conglomerates. With a broad range of brain monitoring systems, leading companies like GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips, and Medtronic dominate the industry owing to their global reach and strong R&D departments. These market leaders frequently establish industry standards, engage in strategic partnerships, and keep a strong supply of cutting-edge technology on hand to remain ahead of the curve. Key Players in the Brain Monitoring Market Natus Medical Incorporated Medtronic plc Koninklijke Philips N.V. GE Healthcare Siemens Healthineers Compumedics Limited BrainScope Company, Inc. NeuroWave Systems Inc. Nihon Kohden Corporation Cadwell Industries, Inc. Elekta AB Advanced Brain Monitoring CAS Medical Systems, Inc. NCC Medical Co., Ltd. Neurosoft Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis. Recent Developments In January 2024 , researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) developed a brain implant that can provide high-resolution insights into deep cerebral function without invasive procedures. The finding, reported in Nature Nanotechnology, is a significant step toward constructing a minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that can reveal new insights into the brain's workings. , researchers at the (UCSD) developed a brain implant that can provide high-resolution insights into deep cerebral function without invasive procedures. The finding, reported in Nature Nanotechnology, is a significant step toward constructing a minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that can reveal new insights into the brain's workings. In September 2023 , NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the NTT group's ICT solutions and international communications division, announced the beginning of a trial of 'Brain Health Check Plus,' 1 a dial-up navigation service that leverages AI capability to identify early indicators of cognitive impairment. Brain Monitoring Market Segmentation By Products: Devices Melectroencephalography (EEG) Devices Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Devices Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Devices Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitors Cerebral Oximeters Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Devices Computerized Tomography (C.T.) Devices Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Devices Sleep Monitoring Devices Electromyography (EMG) Devices Accessories Electrodes Sensors Pastes & gels Caps Cables Batteries Others By Procedure: Invasive Non-invasive By Application: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Stroke Dementia Headache disorders Sleep disorders Parkinson's disease Epilepsy Huntington's disease disease Other diseases By End User: Hospitals Neurology Centres Clinics & ASC By Region: North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific The Middle East and Africa Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here! About the Author: Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher. Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation. Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Lifescience & Healthcare Domain: About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and market analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg SOURCE Future Market Insights CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the global home energy management system market is growing at a CAGR of 15.23% during the forecast period. To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/4035 Home Energy Management System Market Research Report by Arizton Browse In-depth TOC on the Home Energy Management System Market 326 Pages 146 - Tables 92 - Figures Home Energy Management System Market Report Scope Report Scope Details Market Size (2029) USD 9.41 Billion Market Size (2023) USD 4.02 Billion CAGR (2023-2029) 15.23 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029 Market Segmentation Component, System, Technology, Deployment Type, Residence Type, Application, and Geography Geographical Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Market Dynamics Rising Housing Investments Rising Emergence of New Technologies (IoT and AI/ML) Surge in Adoption of Electric Vehicles Increasing Investment in Residential Construction Projects Boosts Home Energy Management System Market The demand for smart home technologies will grow rapidly over the next few years. A significant share of expenditure on smart homes comprises IoT and networked appliances in homes. However, with the rising adoption of AI and networking within the house, the demand for wireless access control is expected to rise globally. Millennials are strongly willing to adopt smart home technologies as the number of millennial homeowners has increased rapidly. In 2022, millennials accounted for the largest population, adopting smart home appliances at 43%, followed by Gen X at 33% and baby boomers at 24%. In the same year, about 38% of the millennials within the age group of 2736 years owned smart technology products. Among the remaining millennials, 58% are highly interested in smart home technologies. The main challenge for implementing smart homes is their high cost. However, approximately 72% of tech-savvy millennials are willing to spend $1,500 for a home equipped with smart technology, and 45% are willing to pay $3,000 more. Thus, the increasing demand for smart home appliances is expected to increase the demand for home energy management systems. There has been a new trend in urbanization recently, with more people moving into metropolitan cities and urban and semi-urban towns to find better job openings and a high standard of living. This rising trend will likely persist, driving the demand for housing property in urban areas. This shift encourages the key real estate players to invest in residential building construction projects in urban cities. Hence, booming housing investments will gradually drive the demand for home energy management systems. On the other hand, one of the major reasons for the high adoption of new and innovative home energy management systems among developing countries' households is the rising per capita disposable income. The improving economy in many European, North American, and APAC countries increased the disposable income among the population. Apart from macroeconomic indicators that have affected the customer base by making them more price-sensitive, regulations in countries continue to become more stringent. This has pushed stakeholders in the housing sector, including new constructions and renovations, to adapt to the regulatory aspects of the market and comply with stringent regulations that require high investment in product development. These factors have made the market complex to maintain profitability. However, the rise in new constructions in the residential sectors is underpinning the growth of the home energy management system market in Europe. In 2022, over 75% of the European buildings were found to be energy inefficient, and this building stock accounted for close to 40% of the total energy consumed in the region. Although renovation activities in the housing sector witnessed a slight decline, the increasing age profile of a large building stock presents an underlying need among consumers to invest in renovating buildings or at least their apartments. According to the stalwarts of the construction sector, renovation activities can upsurge energy efficiency and attain nearly zero-energy building status, presenting long-term growth opportunities for the market. Recent Developments In 2023, Schneider Electric launched home energy management systems that integrate EV charging, storage, solar, and appliances. This Schneider Home platform is the consumer energy management system (EMS) that incorporates all household appliances and energy endpoints in one interface that can be monitored through a single smartphone application. In 2023, Enphase Energy launched its new home energy management system in Austria and Germany . It introduced its IQ Energy Router family of devices to allow the integration of select third-party heat pumps and electric vehicle ( EV ) chargers into its solar and battery systems. The IQ Energy Router incorporates EV chargers, whereas the IQ Energy Router+ works with both heat pumps and EV chargers. EV EV EV In 2023, at the 16th SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai , Huawei launched its brand new FusionSolar strategy and all-scenario Smart PV +Energy Storage System ( ESS ) solutions. These solutions show the company's obligation to compel global transformation toward carbon neutrality. FusionSolar PV ESS At CES 2023, Samsung unveiled a technology that places sustainability at the core of user experience. Its efforts to expand and enrich SmartThings Energy have propelled the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to award Samsung the industry's first mass-market Smart Home Energy Management Systems ( SHEMS ) certification. APAC to witness Fastest Growth Rate in the Home Energy Management System Management System Market The home energy management system market in APAC is expected to witness a CAGR of 16.23%, buoyed by spiking demand from the residential sector. The major economies in APAC, including China, Japan, and India, are witnessing increasing construction activities. In the region, the increasing demand for energy-efficient systems is growing and will offer enormous growth opportunities. The market is shifting toward eco-friendly products with a minimum Global Warming Potential (GWP) rate. The adoption of this energy-efficient technology in developed economies in the region is increasing the system demand. In Asian countries, the circular economy is a business model that has essential and broad effects on the home energy management system industry. The circular economy helps people to shift to more eco-friendly technologies, lowers GWP worldwide, and reduces energy consumption. However, rising global warming and other issues are the key factors creating the major environmental concerns in APAC countries. For instance, government bodies constantly boost the regulation of manufacturing standards for home energy management systems. The primary aim of these regulations is to make energy-efficient and eco-friendly products. The end-users indirectly benefit from these regulations as their overall energy spending is extensively reduced. For instance, there has been an increased demand for residential construction in countries such as China, Japan, and India. Therefore, construction activities across residential infrastructure are expected to strengthen the home energy management system market. Vendors Strategize Expansion into New Geographies Amidst Growing Competition in Home Energy Management System Market The large number of players characterizes the global home energy management system market. Honeywell, General Electric, Panasonic, Comcast Cable, and Bosch are a few prominent players in the market. Several players focus on developing innovative products and investing in R&D initiatives to expand their product portfolios. Although established players dominate the market, there are tremendous growth opportunities for new entrants that produce low-cost products to target the developing end markets. The developments, especially some precipitating to local levels, will create some demand for innovative products. Vendors always try to keep in tandem with ongoing trends and have catered to domestic and international markets. The market competition will intensify further due to product line extensions and technological innovations. Vendors compete in factors such as brand, geographical presence, product portfolio, quality of products, cost differentiation, and others. The scope for product differentiation is low in the market, and quality, price, and after-sales services are decisive variables affecting the sales of home energy management systems. The growth of vendors also depends on their financial well-being, impacting technological advances and investment in various projects in the home energy management system market. The US and Europe have a large penetration of home energy management systems in adoption in the residential sector. The competition among companies has strengthened, establishing many innovative and advanced solutions over the next few years. Moreover, price is set to become a significant factor for competition among players to gain an edge over other vendors. Therefore, vendors need to expand into other geographies to attain sustainability and revive domestic demand. The Home Energy Management System Market Report Encompasses Crucial Data, Including: CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period: This metric provides insights into the annual growth rate of the home energy management system market over the specified time frame. Detailed information on growth drivers: The report offers in-depth information on the factors that will propel the home energy management system market growth from 2024 to 2029. This includes an analysis of various market influences. Precise estimation of market size: Accurate assessments of the home energy management system market size and its contribution and focusing on key market segments. Predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior: The report offers insights into anticipated trends and shifts in consumer behavior that are likely to impact the home energy management system market, helping businesses prepare for future market dynamics. Geographical market growth: The report covers the development of the home energy management system market across different regions, including North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the market's global landscape. Competitive landscape analysis: A thorough examination of the market's competitive landscape is presented, including detailed information about companies operating in the home energy management system market. This includes an overview of key players, their market share, strategies, and key developments. Analysis of growth challenges: The report includes a comprehensive analysis of factors that may pose challenges to the growth of companies in the home energy management system market, providing a well-rounded view of the market dynamics. About the Report The global home energy management system market is provided for 2024 to 2029 and the base year of 2023. The market is segmented by component, system, technology, deployment type, residence type, application, and geography. The report provides a holistic approach to the global home energy management system market, enabling customers to analyze the industry thoroughly. Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/home-energy-management-system-market Post-Purchase Benefit 1hr of free analyst discussion 10% off on customization Key Company Profiles Honeywell International General Electric Robert Bosch Panasonic Comcast (Xfinity) Alphabet ecobee EnergyHub Vivint (NRG) com EcoFactor Johnson Controls Schneider Electric LG Hitachi Toshiba Xiaomi TP-Link Netatmo Centrica Efergy FIBARO ABB Geo (Green Energy Options) Smappee Iltron Landis+Gyr tado Amazon Belkin Inavitas Market Segmentation Component Hardware Software Services Hardware Smart Meters Smart Thermostats Lightning Controls Smart Plug Others Technology Wireless Protocols Wired Protocols Hybrid Wireless Wi-Fi Zigbee Z-wave Bluetooth Others Residence Type Single-family Multi-family Application New Construction Retrofit Geography North America The US Canada Europe Germany The UK France Italy Norway Sweden Spain APAC China Japan India South Korea Australia Singapore New Zealand Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia The UAE South Africa Check Out Detailed TOC @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/home-energy-management-system-market?details=tableOfContents Key Questions Answered in the Report: How big is the home energy management system market? What is the growth rate of the global home energy management system market? Which region dominates the global home energy management system market share? What are the significant trends in the home energy management system industry? Who are the key players in the global home energy management system market? 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Contact Us Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Mail: [email protected] Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us Blog: https://www.arizton.com/blog Website: https://www.arizton.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2335137/HOME_ENERGY_MANAGEMENT_SYSTEM_MARKET.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The radiopharmaceuticals market is expected to increase by USD 4.61 billion, at a CAGR of 10.22% from 2023 to 2027. North America is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The growth is primarily driven by increased investment in research and development within the healthcare sector, notably in the US market. The radiopharmaceutical market has experienced significant expansion, driven by the growing reliance on diagnostics for comprehensive disease identification. "The proven effectiveness of early and precise detection, particularly in chronic conditions like cancer, has heightened the demand for diagnostics employing radioisotopes. Beyond cancer, disorders such as thyroid and cardiology are also increasingly utilizing radiopharmaceuticals, contributing to heightened demand in the region," says a Senior Analyst at Technavio. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Radiopharmaceuticals Market 2023-2027 Download a Free Sample Report Minimal side effects of radiopharmaceuticals is a key factor driving growth. Radiopharmaceuticals offer significant benefits with few side effects, making them recommended for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Long-term side effects from low-dose exposure are unknown. Rare side effects include soreness, bleeding, and swelling at the injection site. Adverse reactions occur in approximately 1-6 cases per 100,000 injections, with low rates attributed to small drug amounts and localized action. The report provides complete insights on key companies including Bayer AG, Bracco Spa, Cardinal Health Inc., Curium Pharma, Eckert and Ziegler AG, General Electric Co., IBA Radiopharma Solutions, Jubilant Pharma Ltd., Lantheus Holdings Inc., Mallinckrodt Plc, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes LLC, Novartis AG, NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd., PharmaLogic Holdings Corp., Positron Corp., Radiomedix Inc., Siemens AG, Sinotau Pharmaceuticals, Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Sotera Health Co. Download a Free Sample Report The competitive scenario provided in the report analyzes, evaluates, and positions companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered for this analysis include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, growth, etc. By Source, the market is classified into cyclotrons and nuclear reactors. The growth of the cyclotrons segment will be significant during the forecast period. A cyclotron is a particle accelerator that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles to high speeds and energies. It is used to produce radioisotopes for radiopharmaceuticals, which are widely used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cyclotrons are advancing rapidly and are crucial in healthcare for their efficient production of radiopharmaceuticals, particularly in advanced cancer imaging. Subscribe Now Radiopharmaceuticals play a crucial role in nuclear medicine Radiopharmaceuticals play a crucial role in nuclear medicine, where they are used for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes. These pharmaceuticals contain radioactive tracers that enable medical imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In diagnostics, radiopharmaceuticals help visualize internal structures and functions, aiding in the detection of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are used in targeted radionuclide therapy for cancer treatment. The production of these radioisotopes is essential for medical applications, and ongoing developments in radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical development contribute to advancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. The nuclear medicine market is influenced by trends in isotope production, innovative imaging agents, and the broader field of molecular imaging. Related Report The global plasma protease C1 inhibitor market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.00 billion, at a CAGR of 7.55% between 2023 and 2028. The Global Nuclear Medicine Market size is estimated to grow by USD 8,057.89 million at a CAGR of 16.48% between 2022 and 2027. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Sizes Five Forces Analysis Segmentation by Source Segmentation by End-user Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential areas and assess their competitive positions within changing scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grindr, the world's largest dating app for the GBTQ+ community, has appointed creative agency The Romans New York as its retained consumer PR agency of record. Eric White for Grindr The appointment comes a year after the brand went public and has experienced impressive growth, with a new marketing and communications leadership now in place. Boasting over 13 million monthly active users, the dating app has always been at the forefront of GBTQ+culture, and is set to develop new ways to penetrate interesting avenues to engage existing and new consumers with the new team at the helm. Working hand in hand with Grindr leadership, The Romans will be responsible for leading the charge on creative PR campaigns, events, stunts, and ongoing press office activities. The Romans will focus on shifting outdated perceptions of what the brand is/isn't, and getting consumers excited about gagworthy initiatives that celebrate all things gay through a fresh lens powered by consumer insights. Of the appointment, Tristan Pineiro, VP of Brand Marketing and Comms at Grindr said, "We're running a comms first approach to brand marketing - Grindr has huge awareness with our audiences; the task is to increase brand love. We are doing this with a strong narrative and content led approach, and this is where the Romans excel, placing their clients at the heart of cultural conversations. They push boundaries to make work that's exciting and will move the needle on our business objectives. We're thrilled to team up with them to deliver some seriously cheeky and sexy work we have in store!" Sarah Jenkins, Partner at The Romans New York said, "Grindr is iconic. As a brand, they intrinsically understand what their consumers wantand it's REAL connection without judgment. Last year alone, they had more than 100 billion chats, 13 billion taps, and 1 billion private albums sent. They're helping people express themselves, their wants, their needs, their opinions (and there are lots of opinions, just check out the recent annual Grindr Unwrapped Report ), in a safe space that truly showcases global queer culture. That focus on inclusivity resonates with us, as it's something we prioritize as a diverse company. We're honored to get to work with them to take Grindr to new, fun and sometimes kinky or even serious places, to serve up what the community wants and deserves - exciting campaigns relevant to all aspects of their lifestyles." The account will be led by Maryanne Milano, Senior Vice President, out of the agency's Brooklyn office. About Grindr With more than 13.5 million monthly active users in virtually every country in the world, Grindr has grown to become a fundamental part of the LGBTQ+ community since its launch in 2009. The company continues to expand its ecosystem to enable gay, bi, trans, and queer people to connect, express themselves, and discover the world around them. Since 2015 Grindr for Equality has advanced safety, health, and human rights for millions of Grindr users and the global LGBTQ+ community in partnership with more than 100 community organizations in every region of the world. Grindr is headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with offices in the Bay Area, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. The Grindr app is available on the App Store and Google Play. For more information on Grindr for Equality, please visit https://www.grindr.com/g4e About The Romans Founded in 2015, The Romans has been named 'Agency of The Year' at a major awards show every year for the past six years and is PRWeek UK's Mid-Sized Agency of The Year 2022 and Creative Agency of the Year 2023. It has offices in New York, Dubai, Amsterdam and London and its clients include Candy Crush, Snapchat, Ben & Jerry's, Dove, Unilever, StockX and Heineken. For more information, visit www.wearetheromans.com. SOURCE The Romans Calico engineers and leadership team will provide attendees with education, training, and best practices for Kubernetes networking, security, and observability SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tigera , the creator of Project Calico, the most adopted technology for container networking and security, today announced CalicoCon 2024 , an in-person summit for security, DevOps, site reliability engineering (SRE) teams and platform architects. CalicoCon 2024 is co-located with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2024, taking place on March 19 at the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Porte de Versailles. CalicoCon 2024 is an immersive event led by the Calico team that will explore the trends, strategies, and technologies making waves in the Kubernetes networking, security, and observability world. At the event, attendees will: Learn how to holistically secure their cloud-native applications following today's best practices Learn how to include security and observability in their CI/CD pipeline to enable security, observability and troubleshooting Learn architecture patterns and best practices to secure and troubleshoot cloud-native applications Calico engineers will also cover the state of Project Calico and dive deep into eBPF, Windows HNS, multi-cluster mesh, best practices for network policies, egress gateway, scale, performance, encryption, and compliance. The event will include workshops, trainings, and discussion on the following key topics: eBPF-based Networking and Security with Calico Project Calico Past, Present, and Future Calico eBPF: Security and Performance in Production IPv6 for Calico eBPF: How We Got There Best Practices: Using Calico Policies to Secure Kubernetes Traffic Implementing Calico BGP for Enhanced Multi-Cluster Connectivity across Cloud Environments Network Policy at Scale: Scaling Calico to 15k+ Nodes and 10k Network Policies "CalicoCon 2024 will provide a platform to discuss the challenges our industry faces in securing cloud-native infrastructures, and explore solutions that can help overcome these challenges," said Ratan Tipirneni, President and CEO of Tigera. "We are excited to host this event where our community can learn about technologies and strategies to secure, observe and troubleshoot cloud-native applications through real-world stories and best practices." Click here to register to attend CalicoCon 2024. Attendees can register by adding it to their existing registration using the CNCF portal. CalicoCon 2024 will take place on March 19, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CET at the Courtyard by Marriott, Hall 78, Paris Porte de Versailles, at 5 Rue Ernest Renan 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Visit Tigera at KubeCon Europe at Booth K17. Click here to learn more about Tigera's solutions or request a free trial . About Tigera Tigera provides the industry's only active security platform with full-stack observability for containers and Kubernetes. The company's platform prevents, detects, troubleshoots, and automatically mitigates exposure risks of security breaches. Tigera delivers its platform as a fully managed SaaS (Calico Cloud) or a self-managed service (Calico Enterprise). Its open-source offering, Calico Open Source , is the most widely adopted container networking and security solution. Tigera's platform specifies security and observability as code to ensure consistent enforcement of security policies, which enables DevOps, platform, and security teams to protect workloads, detect threats, achieve continuous compliance, and troubleshoot service issues in real time. Powering more than 100M containers across 8M+ nodes in 166 countries, Calico software is supported across all major cloud providers and Kubernetes distributions and is used by leading companies including AT&T, Discover, Merck, NBCUniversal, HanseMerkur, Allstate, Box, Siemens Healthineers, Playtech, Royal Bank of Canada, and Bell Canada. Contact Katherine Benfield ICR Lumina for Tigera [email protected] SOURCE Tigera New international report also shows 138 countries and territories now require graphic picture warnings on cigarette packages TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - An international report released today by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) reveals ongoing advancements in tobacco plain packaging worldwide. Presently, 42 countries and territories are actively moving ahead with plain packaging, with 25 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation. The CCS report, titled Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report, details global progress on plain packaging, ranks 211 countries and territories on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists the 138 countries and territories that now require graphic picture warnings. The report also features the new Canadian requirement for a warning directly on every individual cigarette. This world precedent setting measure will start to appear on cigarettes in Canada by April 2024. Australia is in progress to become the second country to adopt the measure. progressing Plain packaging global progress "There is a strong global trend for countries to implement plain packaging," says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, CCS. "Australia was the first country to implement plain packaging in 2012, followed by France and the U.K. in 2016, and now more and more countries are implementing the measure. These developments are very encouraging as plain packaging is a key measure to protect youth and to reduce tobacco use." There are now 25 countries and territories that have adopted plain packaging, up from only 9 countries in 2018 and 21 countries in 2021. Guidelines under the international tobacco treaty, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), recommend that countries consider implementing plain packaging. Plain packaging includes health warnings on packages and prohibits tobacco company branding such as colours, logos and design elements. It also requires the brand name to be a standard font size, style and location on the package and the brand portion of each package to be the same colour, such as an unattractive brown. Finally, the package format is standardized. Plain packaging regulations put an end to packaging being used for product promotion, increase the effectiveness of package warnings, curb package deception and decrease tobacco use. Plain packaging has been implemented in Australia (2012), France (2016), United Kingdom (2016), Norway (2017), Ireland (2017), New Zealand (2018), Saudi Arabia (2019), Turkey (2019), Thailand (2019), Canada (2019), Uruguay (2019), Slovenia (2020), Belgium (2020), Israel (2020), Singapore (2020), Netherlands (2020), Denmark (2021), and Guernsey (2021), Hungary (2022), Jersey (2022), and Finland (2023), with implementation in progress or pending in Mauritius, Myanmar, Oman and Georgia. Plain packaging has been implemented in practice in 3 countries where packages are imported from a country with plain packaging: Monaco (from France), Cook Islands (from New Zealand), and Niue (from Australia). Plain packaging is currently under formal consideration in at least 14 countries: Armenia, Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Czechia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Russia and South Africa. Graphic picture warnings continue to increase The report reveals there are now 138 countries and territories that require picture health warnings on cigarette packages, an increase from 117 in 2018 and 134 in 2021. This represents 66.5% of the world's population. Canada became the first country in the world to require picture health warnings in 2001. "There is continuing progress for countries to use graphic pictures on cigarette packages to show the lethal health effects of smoking," says Cunningham. "It is extremely positive for global public health that more than 130 countries and territories have required picture health warnings and have increased warning size, and that so many are moving toward plain packaging. The international trend will reduce global tobacco industry sales and will save lives lost to cancer and other tobacco-related diseases." In total 127 countries and territories have required warnings to cover at least 50% of the package front and back (on average), up from 107 in 2018 and 24 in 2008. There are now 76 countries and territories with a size of at least 65% (on average) of the package front and back, and 11 with at least 85%. The top countries ranked by warning size as an average of the front and back of the package are: 1. 92.5% East Timor (Timor-Leste) (85% of front, 100% of back) 1. 92.5% Turkey (85%, 100%) 3. 90% Maldives (90%, 90%) 3. 90% Nepal (90%, 90%) 3. 90% Vanuatu (90%, 90%) 3. 90% Benin (90%, 90%) 7. 90% Mauritius (80%, 100%) 8. 87.5% New Zealand (75%, 100%) 9. 85% Hong Kong (S.A.R., China) (85%, 85%) 9. 85% India (85%, 85%) 9. 85% Thailand (85%, 85%) The United States ranks 173 in the world, tied for last. Cigarette package warnings are a highly cost-effective way to increase awareness of the negative health effects of smoking and to reduce tobacco use. Picture-based warnings convey a more powerful message than a text-only warning and their effectiveness increases with size. Guidelines under the FCTC recommend that warnings should: be as large as is achievable; include a rotated series of graphic pictures; be at the top of both the front and back of packages. Picture warnings are especially valuable for low- and middle-income countries where there are higher rates of illiteracy and where governments may have few resources. Health departments determine the content of warnings and the tobacco industry is responsible for printing the warnings on packages. Examples of graphic picture warnings include a diseased lung or mouth, a patient with lung cancer in a hospital bed and a child being exposed to second-hand smoke. The release of today's report aligns with the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC, taking place February 5-10 in Panama City, Panama. The report supports the FCTC's implementation, which mandates that all parties have health warnings covering at least 30% of the principal display areas and should cover at least 50% of the display areas, and may include picture warnings. Currently, the FCTC has 183 parties. This marks the 8th Canadian Cancer Society international report on cigarette package health warnings, following previous publications in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2021. Cigarette Package Health Warnings report in English Cigarette Package Health Warnings report in French Cigarette Package Health Warnings report in Spanish About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today. SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking report from Ken Research unveils the UK Agri-Equipment Market is on the brink of a technological revolution, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% leading up to 2027. Driven by advancements in farming practices, government policies, and a heightened focus on sustainability, the UK is paving the way for a new era in agriculture. Market Overview: The UK boasts a well-developed agricultural sector, renowned for its high-tech and efficient farming practices. The market for agricultural equipment, crucial to this industry's success, is witnessing a transformative phase with the integration of smart farming solutions and digital platforms, enhancing the precision and sustainability of farming activities. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Key Market Trends and Dynamics: The shift towards smart farming solutions, incorporating sensors, data analytics, and automation, is at the forefront of market trends. These innovations are enabling more precise resource allocation, reduced waste, and the development of digital platforms that offer comprehensive support and e-commerce options for equipment and services. Market Players and Competitive Landscape: The UK's Agri-Equipment Market is characterized by a mix of global brands and local manufacturers, all contributing to a vibrant competitive landscape. Companies are increasingly focusing on introducing innovative products and novel technologies to meet the growing demand for agricultural mechanization. Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faces challenges such as economic fluctuations and the need for technological adaptation, it also presents numerous opportunities. Initiatives like the Positive Agriculture project aim to enhance sustainability in the agricultural supply chain, reflecting the market's potential for growth and innovation. Forward-Looking Insights: With the adoption of energy-efficient agricultural equipment and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, the UK's Agri-Equipment Market is poised for significant growth. The increasing population and the subsequent need for agricultural mechanization further fuel this expansion. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Conclusion: The UK's Agri-Equipment Market is at a pivotal point, with technological advancements and government support driving a shift towards more efficient, sustainable farming practices. This evolving landscape offers substantial opportunities for stakeholders within the agricultural sector. Taxonomy UK Agri-Equipment Market Segmentation By Type of Agriculture Machinery Agriculture Tractor Combine Harvester Rice Transplanters Agriculture Implements Agriculture Tractors Market Segmentation By Type of Agriculture Tractors 2WD 4WD Request free 30 minutes analyst call By Power of Agriculture Tractors 2 WD Farm Tractors < 40 HP 40 < 100 HP 100-150 HP 150-300 HP 300+ HP 4 WD Farm Tractors 40 < 100 HP 100-150 HP 150-300 HP 300+ HP By Region East West Central North South Combine Harvester Market Segmentation By Power of Combine Harvester Below 100HP 100 - 200 HP 200 - 400 HP 400 - 500 HP Above 550 HP By Region East West Central North South Rice Transplanters Market Segmentation By Power of Rice Transplanters 4 row RT 6 row RT 8row RT By Region Northeastern North Central South Agriculture Implements Market Segmentation By Type of Implements Cultivators and Tillers Plough Planters and Harrows Fertilizer Spreaders Others For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: UK Agri Equipment Market Related Reports by Ken Research: Italy Agriculture Equipment Market Outlook to 2027 Unleashing Innovation and Growth: Exploring Italy Thriving Agriculture Equipment Market The market will grow at a CAGR of 13.3% during 2022-2027 due to increase of mechanized farming & supportive government policies. Mechanized farming allows higher levels of efficiency and precision in various agricultural tasks, leading to increased productivity. Modern machinery, like advanced tractors, harvesters, and planting equipment, can perform tasks more quickly and accurately than traditional manual methods. Vietnam Agricultural Equipment Market Outlook to 2027 Rising Food Demand, Government Support and Advances in Mechanization in the Country The market will grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during 2022-2028 owing to factors such as Rising Food Demand, Government Support and Advances in Mechanization in the Country. The government aims to achieve 70% mechanization in agricultural production by 2030 as a result the government has launched several initiatives in the country including financial assistance to the small farmers for the purchase of tractors. Netherlands Agriculture Equipment Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by the countries focus on high-tech and sustainable agriculture The Netherlands Agriculture Equipment Market is projected to show a significant growth of CAGR ~6.1% in the forecasted period of 2022-2027, with introduction of smart farming techniques such as precision farming and digital farming, rising disposable income, the country's increasing urbanization, rising standard of living and rising labor costs. USA Agri Equipment Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by the technological advancements, mechanization, and favourable governmental policies, subsidies, and incentives The USA Agriculture Equipment Market is projected to show a significant growth of CAGR ~10.5% in the forecasted period of 2022-2027, driven by technology integration, sustainability, and data-driven practices. Automation and autonomous machinery adoption will increase, optimizing tasks and addressing labor shortages. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/3782349/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research DALLAS, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Civitas Capital Group, a Dallas-based alternative investment manager offering niche opportunities in U.S. real estate, today announced that its Bishop Arts (Dallas, Texas) Mezzanine project has received Form I-956F approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirming that Civitas' policies and procedures with respect to this project are considered compliant by USCIS. An approved Form I-956F is a vital first step to the approval of each investor's I-526E petition. "Securing I-956F approval for a project we believe so firmly in is a momentous occasion." Post this Rendering of the Bishop Arts project that received I-956F approval. The Form I-956F is designed to prove to USCIS that the project is compliant with program requirements. The adjudication of the I-956F for the Bishop Arts project is exciting news, as it offers those investors looking to take advantage of targeted employment area ("TEA") offerings an opportunity to invest right away. The approval covers the ongoing construction of a 169-bedroom suite multifamily development in the Bishop Arts District, approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown Dallas, Texas. The project has been under construction since 2022. The Bishop Arts District is one of Dallas's most walkable urban environments, and it is easily accessible by trolley, bicycle lanes, and other public transit. The Project will provide quality housing in this popular location to post-college renters with furnished units and included utilities provide further ease of living. Common amenities include a clubhouse, an outdoor turf area, grilling area, a fitness facility, a podcast studio, a co-working space, and wellness/personal workspace on each floor. Civitas Capital Group has experience managing more than 35 assets in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. "Securing I-956F approval for a project we believe so firmly in is a momentous occasion," said Jeff Kiser, Director and Head of EB-5 Investor Relations at Civitas. "Civitas' core purpose is to create opportunities that enrich, and this includes enriching the city we call home. It's one reason that seeing construction already underway in our own community fills us with immense pride." ABOUT CIVITAS CAPITAL GROUP Civitas Capital Group is a nimble alternative investment manager offering compelling, niche opportunities in U.S. real estate. Civitas exists to create opportunities that enrich our communities, investors, and employees alike. Driven by relentless creativity, Civitas digs deeper to uncover opportunities that others miss. Follow Civitas Capital Group on LinkedIn. Learn more at civitascapital.com. SOURCE Civitas Capital Group CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Mergers & Acquisitions is excited to announce the successful acquisition of Advanced Concrete Cutting & Coring Inc. (ACCC) by new owners Jim James and Garrett Little. Founded in 2000 by Greg Lynch, ACCC has established itself as a leader in concrete-cutting services across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The company has played a significant role in major projects like the Boeing Dreamliner Plant and the Georgia Ports Authority. Under Lynch's guidance, ACCC has grown to over 70 employees, standing out in the industry for its commitment to hard work, exceptional customer service, and a skilled workforce. The company has always focused on continuous improvement and growth while staying true to its core values of client success and service, achieved through innovative technology and ongoing employee development. As Lynch steps into retirement, the company transitions into the capable hands of Jim James and Garrett Little. James, with a background of notable corporate success, was eager to own and manage his own business. Little, his brother-in-law, saw this as an opportunity to return to the Carolinas and contribute to the family business. Their partnership promises to uphold and build upon the legacy established by Lynch, maintaining the high standards of service and expertise ACCC is known for. Ben Knight, Viking M&A's Managing Partner in Charleston, facilitated the acquisition. "Ben demonstrated extreme patience during a long drawn-out process," James said. "His ability to navigate the demands of both us, the buyer, and the seller enabled the deal to get done." Knight had been collaborating with Lynch for about five years, closely monitoring the company's valuation. After connecting with James and understanding ACCC's values and operational model, Knight recognized this partnership as an ideal match for all parties involved. James and Little are well-prepared to continue the ACCC legacy. About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions Viking provides exit strategies and M&A services to middle-market business owners. In business since 1996, 70% of Viking's advisors are former business owners. Viking has an 85% close rate, representing over 850 successful transactions. SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions A woman mourns by the coffin of former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera at the former National Congress building in Santiago, Chile, Feb. 7, 2024. Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua) SANTIAGO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. "It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the former president of the Republic of Chile, Sebastian Pinera Echenique," his office said in a statement released to the press. Minister of the Interior and Public Security Carolina Toha confirmed the news, and announced that the former president, 74, "will have all the republican honors and recognitions he deserves." In the commune of Futrono, "a helicopter crashed with four crew members. Three of them were able to reach the shore through their own means, they are out of danger, but that was not the case with the fourth crew member, who was the former president," the minister said. Toha said Chile's President Gabriel Boric "has instructed that a state funeral be held, that national mourning be declared." The Navy reached the site of the accident and recovered the body of the former president, she added. The crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time in a rural sector of Ilihue, in the southern Los Rios region, where Pinera spent the summer with his family, about 920 kilometers from the capital Santiago. Local media reported the helicopter was flying over the lake on a rainy day with poor visibility, and sank when it crashed. Military personnel carry the coffin of former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera as they arrive at the former National Congress building in Santiago, Chile, Feb. 7, 2024. Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua) People mourn by the coffin of former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera at the former National Congress building in Santiago, Chile, Feb. 7, 2024. Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua) People mourn by the coffin of former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera at the former National Congress building in Santiago, Chile, Feb. 7, 2024. Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua) Military personnel carry the coffin of former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera as they arrive at the former National Congress building in Santiago, Chile, Feb. 7, 2024. Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua) This file photo taken on March 3, 2020 shows former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera attending a news conference in Santiago, Chile. Sebastian Pinera, who was Chile's president in 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, died on Tuesday when his private helicopter crashed on the shores of Lake Ranco, in southern Chile, according to his office. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua) The virtual currency market has rapidly expanded as a result of increase in global wealth, growth in retirement savings, a shift toward professional management, and the need for investment diversification in a complex financial landscape. NEW CASTLE, Del., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Virtual Currency Market by Type (Centralized Virtual Currency, and Decentralized Virtual Currency), Usage (Trading, E-commerce, and Retail, Remittance, Payment, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032. According to the report, the global virtual currency industry generated $2.4 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $9 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 14.3% from 2023 to 2032. Prime Determinants of Growth Widespread adoption and acceptance of virtual currencies by businesses, consumers, and financial institutions play a crucial role in market growth. Increased acceptance fosters a positive ecosystem for virtual currencies. Furthermore, clear and supportive regulatory frameworks contribute to market growth by providing legal certainty and reducing uncertainties for investors and users. Regulatory clarity attracts institutional investors and mainstream users. Moreover, innovations in blockchain technology and the underlying infrastructure of virtual currencies are expected to drive market growth. Improvements in scalability, security, and speed of transactions enhance the appeal of virtual currencies. In addition, the development of robust and user-friendly infrastructure, including cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, and payment systems, is essential for market growth. A well-established infrastructure encourages more participants to enter the market. Moreover, ensuring the security of virtual currency transactions and building trust among users is critical. High-profile security breaches and fraud can hinder growth, while robust security measures can instill confidence in the market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2840 Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $2.4 Billion Market Size in 2032 $9 Billion CAGR 14.3 % No. of Pages in Report 316 Segments Covered Type, usage and region. Drivers Rise in digitalization and tech adoption Surge in interest from institutional investors Blockchain technology advancements Opportunities Integration of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Restraints Regulatory uncertainty and compliance challenges Security concerns and cybersecurity risks Buy this Complete Report (316 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/virtual-Currency-market/purchase-options The decentralized virtual currency segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of type, the decentralized virtual currency segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for around two-thirds of the global virtual currency market revenue. This is attributed to the fact that most decentralized virtual currencies operate on blockchain technology, which is a distributed and transparent ledger that records all transactions. Blockchain technology enhances security, transparency, and trust in the system, making it attractive for users and investors. However, the centralized virtual currency segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 17.2% from 2023 to 2032, This is attributed to the fact that the increased involvement of major corporations and financial institutions in the centralized virtual currency space could boost market share. Developments such as the issuance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) or partnerships between traditional financial institutions and blockchain projects could contribute to this trend. The trading segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of usage, the trading segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global virtual currency market revenue. This is attributed to the virtual currency market offers a variety of trading instruments, including spot trading, futures contracts, options, and other derivatives. This diversity allows traders to implement various strategies on the basis of their risk tolerance and market outlook. However, the remittance segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 18.3% from 2023 to 2032, This is attributed to the fact that virtual currencies can offer cost-efficient solutions for cross-border remittances. Traditional remittance methods often involve high fees and exchange rate costs. Cryptocurrencies provide a more affordable alternative, especially for international money transfers. Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032 On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global virtual currency market revenue. This is attributed to the thriving fintech ecosystem of this region, with many startups and established financial institutions exploring blockchain and virtual currency solutions. This ecosystem supports the development and integration of virtual currencies. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2840 Leading Market Players: - Binance Bitstamp Block.one. Coinbase Cointelegraph Gemini Space Station HTX Global iFinex Inc. Payward, Inc. Robinhood The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global cross-border payments market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion and product launch 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. 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 [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Webull Corporation ("Webull"), the owner of the popular Webull trading platform, today announced its launch into the Brazilian market. With over seven years of global market experience, more than 40 million downloads globally, and brokerage services in ten other countries, Webull will offer Brazilian investors a new option and approach for accessing the stocks, ETFs, and other investment opportunities available in the U.S. market. Brazilian investors are increasingly interested in investment opportunities in U.S. and global markets, and Webull Brazil will meet this demand by providing advanced trading technology that has essential features for efficient decision-making and a user-friendly interface. The Webull platform delivers affordable transaction costs and advanced functionalities to help users maximize their trading potential by giving them easy and direct access to the U.S markets. To be closer to its customers, Webull has established a local office in Sao Paulo offering specialized staff and support in Portuguese. Ruben Guerrero, CEO of Webull Brazil and Head of Latin America for Webull, stated, "Our entry into the Brazil market follows the successful launch of the Webull platform in a number of global markets during the last three years. With a latent market interested in investing abroad, we have designed Webull's Brazilian platform locally to consider the needs and preferences of Brazilian retail investors that will be using our app. We are confident of Brazil's significant potential and expect to expand our product offerings to meet the needs of Brazilian investors." Anthony Denier, Webull's Group President, added, "We are excited to introduce the Webull Brazil app to Brazilian investors and build on our success in other global markets. The app is designed to meet the needs of investors who require more comprehensive and in-depth analytical capabilities without compromising reliabile and efficient transaction execution. Webull's Brazilian retail investors will now have the opportunity to experience a truly new way of investing." Brazilian clients will have access to the U.S. markets through Webull Financial LLC, a subsidiary of Webull and a member of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). In a show of its long-term commitement to the Brazilian market, Webull recently signed an agreement to acquire the Brazilian brokerage firm H.H. Picchioni S/A Corretora de Cambio e Valores Mobiliarios, a trusted name on the Brazilian financial scene for over 50 years. Completion of the acquisition is subject to approval by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN). The Webull Brazil app is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. About Webull Webull is a leading digital investment platform built on next generation global infrastructure. The Webull Group is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida and backed by private equity investors located in the United States, Europe and Asia. Webull serves tens of millions of users from over 180 countries, providing retail investors with 24/7 access to global financial markets. Users can put investment strategies to work by trading global stocks, ETFs, options and fractional shares, through Webull's trading platform, which is currently available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong S.A.R., Singapore, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico. Webull also offers investment education services, with lessons covering a wide range of topics. For more information about Webull, visit Webull's corporate website at https://www.webullcorp.com. SOURCE Webull Corporation BEIJING, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexiang Insurance Brokers, a subsidiary of Yiren Digital, has been officially included in the Approved Supplier List (ASL) of Beijing Foreign Enterprise Human Resources Service Co., Ltd. (FESCO), marking a milestone in Hexiang's expansion into the domain of human resources services for foreign enterprises through its bespoke commercial insurance solutions. For over four decades, FESCO has been a leading force in China's human resources industry, providing unmatched service and expertise. Recognized for its rigorous selection criteria for partnerships, FESCO's collaboration with Hexiang is attributed to Hexiang's innovative approach to tailoring insurance products and its strategic partnerships with top-tier insurance providers. This endorsement highlights Hexiang's capabilities in meeting FESCO's high standards and contributing to the advancement of the industry. Currently, FESCO serves tens of thousands of corporate clients, covering millions of employees across sectors such as information technology, new energy, aerospace, and biopharmaceuticals. This presents a vast market opportunity for Hexiang in employee insurance solutions. Established in 2011, Hexiang Insurance Brokers has developed into a respected national insurance brokerage firm, with 32 branches across China and partnerships with over 100 insurers, including industry giants like Ping An and China Life. This robust network enables Hexiang to offer a comprehensive suite of insurance services, catering to both corporate and individual clients. In collaboration with FESCO, Hexiang is well-equipped to deliver high quality insurance solutions to address the needs of corporate employees in areas such as medical, accidental injury, and critical illness coverage. Hexiang has exhibited significant growth both in business volume and financial performance since its acquisition by Yiren Digital in 2020. The brokerage firm reported a gross premium of RMB 3.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, marking a 42% increase year-over-year, alongside a 62% surge in revenue to RMB 866 million. Within the Yiren Digital ecosystem, Hexiang Insurance Brokers distinguishes itself as a pivotal player. Unlike its counterparts, Hexiang actively explores both life and property insurance sectors, fostering innovation to expand its market footprint. Its life insurance offerings are comprehensive, spanning from health and accident insurance to annuities, thereby addressing a wide spectrum of client needs for financial security, educational savings, retirement planning, and wealth succession. This approach not only diversifies the insurance and financial planning solutions available to Yiren Digital's clientele but also enhances their value proposition. On the property insurance front, Hexiang showcases a versatile portfolio. It caters to both individuals and businesses with a variety of products, including corporate, home, and liability insurance, as well as sector-specific offerings like cargo, engineering, agricultural, and auto insurance. This extensive range empowers Hexiang to support corporate clients in employee benefits, risk management, and business continuity planning, while also aiding families in safeguarding their assets. This broadens Yiren Digital's service capabilities and market opportunities. Hexiang Insurance Brokers is on a mission to establish itself as the preeminent brokerage in China's insurance market by delivering an extensive and varied range of brokerage services. This commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, including the 'High Networth Life Insurance Service of the Year in China' award from The Asian Banker in 2021 and the 'Outstanding Insurance Brand Award' from Jin Rong Jie, a celebrated Chinese financial media outlet, in 2022. About Yiren Digital Yiren Digital Ltd. is an advanced, AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in China. Our mission is to elevate customers' financial well-being and enhance their quality of life by delivering digital financial services, tailor-made insurance solutions, and premium lifestyle services. We support clients at various growth stages, addressing financing needs arising from consumption and production activities, while aiming to augment the overall well-being and security of individuals, families, and businesses. SOURCE Yiren Digital Limited-Edition Packaging and Special Events Support Texas Beautification Initiatives POTTSVILLE, Pa., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Yuengling Company announced a 2024 partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) a nonprofit organization that empowers Texans to keep our communities clean and beautiful. To celebrate the second year of working together, Yuengling is donating $1 per Yuengling Traditional Lager case sold, up to $50,000, to KTB. Yuengling and Keep Texas Beautiful Renew Partnership For 2024 (PRNewsfoto/D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc) Now through March 2024, Texans can purchase Yuengling Lager in special promotional packaging on 12-pack, 12-ounce cans throughout the state. Emblazoned with the Lone Star State's symbol, each can includes a unique QR code that, when scanned, will immerse consumers in a digital Keep Texas Beautiful experience, inclusive of details for a second annual Yuengling Beautification Day, and how to make a donation: Yuengling.com/KeepTexasBeautiful "We are grateful to continue our partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful, an organization that shares our devotion to enriching the communities we operate in, to deepen our relationship with Texans and keep our communities clean," said Debbie Yuengling, 6th generation family member, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. To kick off the second year of Yuengling's Keep Texas Beautiful campaign, the brewery will be hosting exclusive sampling events at fans' favorite stores, restaurants, and bars, where the limited-edition cans will be available for purchase. "We are honored to have Yuengling as a partner, committed to showcasing KTB through high visibility packaging and promotions," said Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of Keep Texas Beautiful. "For over 50 years, we've pledged to make Texas a better place to live, work, and play, and this campaign helps bring our mission to life." As part of the campaign, Yuengling and KTB will host a community beautification event on March 2nd in San Antonio to celebrate the history of Texas' independence and inspire Texans to keep the community clean. Chris Flores, a full-time social media content creator (@eatmigos) and Yuengling Brand Ambassador, will be engaging his followers throughout the campaign to promote involvement within the San Antonio region. "The Yuengling Company has established a strong partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful and we are excited to continue the momentum," said Pat Pikunas, General Manager of The Yuengling Company. "We are proud to brew locally in the country's largest beer market and are looking forward to advancing our work to give back to the community here in Texas." For more information about Yuengling, fans are encouraged to visit www.Yuengling.com/KeepTexasBeautiful. About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the oldest brewery in America, is family-owned and operated since 1829. Principal beer brands include Yuengling Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, Premium, Light, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale, Oktoberfest, Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter, FLIGHT by Yuengling, and Bongo Fizz. Production is supplied by two breweries in Pottsville, PA and one in Tampa, FL. A separate joint venture called The Yuengling Company was recently established with Molson Coors Beverage Company to expand production and distribution further west. Yuengling beer is currently available in 26 states. You can experience Yuengling in Pottsville, PA, by taking a free tour of America's Oldest Brewery and visiting our Museum & Gift Shop. Also, dine, shop, and enjoy our year-round and seasonal-selection of beers at the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen in Tampa, FL. For more information about Yuengling, fans are encouraged to follow the Yuengling Facebook page, follow Yuengling on Twitter and Instagram, or visit www.Yuengling.com. About Keep Texas Beautiful Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a network of dedicated Texans working together to make our state the best place to live, work and play. KTB equips local partners and affiliates with the tools they need to build vibrant, engaged communities. KTB sponsors and coordinates education, cleanup programs, and provides recycling access to rural and underserved communities across the state. A 501(c)3 nonprofit, KTB leads nearly 300 affiliates and reach 17 million Texans annually. SOURCE D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc WINDHOEK, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba on Tuesday urged lawmakers to prioritize legislation that boosts the national economy, particularly in sectors like mining, agriculture, services and value addition to natural resources. Speaking at the official opening of the 9th session of the 7th parliament in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, Mbumba underscored the importance of enacting laws that promote economic development and social equity. "All three organs of the state are required to redouble efforts to realize more inclusive economic growth, equality, equity, and shared prosperity across all spheres of our society. Parliamentarians have an important role to play in ensuring that the work of the legislature positively impacts livelihoods, especially for underserved Namibians in remote areas of our country," he said. Mbumba highlighted the government's commitment to developing green energy resources, as well as the oil and gas industries, as part of its efforts to diversify the economy, while urging parliamentarians to reflect on their performance in executing their mandate of enacting transformative legislation. He appealed to lawmakers from both houses to prioritize completing all outstanding business, including passing critical bills before the year-end deadline. The country will table 13 bills this year, including the Health Professions Bill, the Namibia Energy Regulator Bill, the Electricity Bill, as well as the Child Justice Bill. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has called on external actors to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Libya so as not to affect peace and stability in the North African country. The call was made by the AU High-Level Committee on Libya, which held its meeting at the level of African heads of state and government Monday to consider the status of Libya's national reconciliation process, according to a meeting outcome statement issued late Monday. "The committee reiterated its appeal to all external actors to cease and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Libya, as it undermines the fundamental interests of the Libyan people and their legitimate aspirations for stability, peace, prosperity and development," read the statement. It stressed the need for all foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries to withdraw from Libya in line with AU and international resolutions. The AU high-level committee further reiterated the call for all Libyan stakeholders to fully embrace the reconciliation efforts inclusively and constructively, highlighting the essential aspect of transitional justice to promote national consensus, healing, unity and social cohesion. Commending the agreement of the Libyan parties on the convening of the National Reconciliation Conference in April, the committee requested the AU Commission to continue supporting Libyans to ensure the successful conduct of the reconciliation process in a timely and effective manner. Libya has been suffering from escalating violence and political instability ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Washington, Feb 6 : US President Joe Biden, known to be soft-spoken, went raging and stated he had to hold back his "Irish temper" when his predecessor Donald Trump reportedly described fallen soldiers in unseemly words. Hitting out at Trump for purportedly calling fallen soldiers "suckers and losers", Biden told a wealthy donors fundraising dinner at Las Vegas in Nevada that he did not know what he would have done if he had been around Trump in Washington that day. Biden had lost his son in the war against Iraq. "I have to hold my Irish temper. I'm glad I wasn't with him. I'm not sure what I would've done. He had said they're all suckers and losers," Biden said addressing wealthy donors at the fundraiser in Las Vegas on Sunday ahead of the Nevada primaries. Mentioning his son Beau, who served in the Delaware National Guard in Iraq before he died in 2015, the President got animated: "My son was not a sucker nor were any of yours. Who does this guy think he is talking about Americans?" During a rally in Las Vegas' Historic Westside, Biden repeated a similar version of the speech, telling the crowd: "This is the guy, when he was in France; they asked him to go to an American cemetery in France for World War II, where Americans were buried. You know what he said? He said those folks were suckers and losers." "Called my son and your sons and daughters who gave their lives in this country suckers and losers. That's how this guy thinks. Who the hell does he think he is?" Biden said. Ayodhya: A view of Ram temple ahead of the consecration ceremony. Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, Feb 6 : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his cabinet colleagues will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to offer prayers at the newly opened Ram temple. The Chief Minister will be accompanied by a delegation of 70 persons including ministers and officials. The information was given by the Office of Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, who is also the minister in charge of Ayodhya. Baghpat, Feb 6 : The five-decade-old Lakshgriha-Mazar dispute in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat has finally been decided in favour of the Hindu side. Pronouncing its verdict, the ADJ court in Baghpat on Monday gave ownership rights of over 100 bighas of the disputed land and tomb to the Hindu side. More than 10 witnesses from the Hindu side had testified in this case. Civil judge Shivam Dwivedi rejected the suit of the Muslim side. The lawsuit was going on between the Hindu side and the Muslim side for more than 50 years over the matter. The Mahabharata-era Lakshgriha, constructed in Baghpat's Barnawa, became a focal point of a prolonged dispute between Hindu and Muslim factions. The legal battle, initiated with a case filed in a Meerut court in 1970, concluded with the Baghpat District and Sessions Court ruling in favour of the Hindu claimants. CAIRO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- In a sprawling pavilion adorned with vibrant Chinese motifs, translated Chinese literature drew a lot of attention at the 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF). The CIBF, the nation's premier literary event, commenced on Jan. 24 and is slated to conclude on Tuesday, boasting the participation of 1,200 publishers and 5,250 exhibitors hailing from 70 nations. At the heart of the fair stood the pavilion of Bayt Al-Hekma Cultural Group, also known as the "Wisdom House for Cultural Industries," a publishing powerhouse specializing in Arabic translations of Chinese literary works, alongside Chinese language learning materials and courses. According to Ahmed al-Saeed, chairman of the group, the pavilion showcased an unprecedented collection of 1,000 book titles during the fair. "We present a repertoire of 1,000 books, spanning 300 titles for children, 200 for Chinese language acquisition, and 500 encompassing various general fields," al-Saeed said to Xinhua. He elaborated that the exhibited volumes covered 14 diverse branches, including politics, economics, history, literature, sociology, and criticism, providing a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted aspects of Chinese culture. Al-Saeed attributed the heightened interest in Chinese literature to the burgeoning influence of Chinese culture, despite the prevailing economic challenges in Egypt. He underscored a notable 20 percent surge in sales compared to the previous year. "This growing appetite for translated works on China underscores the pervasive spread of Chinese cultural influence in Egypt," he emphasized, noting the pavilion's additional displays featuring Chinese decorations for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Amr Mogith, the chief editor of the publishing group, commended the remarkable turnout of Chinese language enthusiasts, children, and adolescents purchasing literary and historical works, attributing it to the burgeoning affinity between the Egyptian populace and Chinese culture, coupled with the diverse array of available editions. Mogith also underscored the escalating translation efforts, emphasizing the wealth of knowledge embedded within Chinese civilization. "We have translated a pivotal work detailing poverty alleviation in Chinese villages, offering invaluable insights applicable to Arab nations," he remarked. Among the throngs of visitors, Shiamaa Kamal, a student at the Egyptian Chinese University in Cairo, perused a selection of books on Chinese heritage and art, citing them as essential references for her academic pursuits. "The allure of Chinese culture resonates deeply with Egyptians, who exhibit a fervent desire to explore its nuances," she observed. Meanwhile, 17-year-old student Gana Wael, who purchased a book on learning the Chinese language, expressed her enthusiasm for delving deeper into Chinese culture, revealing plans to enroll in one of Cairo University's translation departments next year. Washington, Feb 6 : US President Joe Biden's team fears that the results of a classified documents investigation could lead to embarrassing information, and possibly photos, that could hurt his re-election campaign, media reports said. Biden's aides believe that though special counsel Robert Hur's investigation won't lead to any criminal charges, as per Axios, unflattering details and photos could still lead to political fallout. Former President Donald Trump is facing felony charges related to his handling of classified documents that he took to his Florida home on the last day of his office in the White House. Soon after Trump's Mar-a-Lago home was raided by the FBI in August 2022, Biden weighed in by asking aloud how "anyone could be that irresponsible". But Biden soon found himself at the receiving end of the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s case on the classified documents scandal, when documents from his eight-year term as Vice President were found in his Wilmington home and at the Penn Biden Center think tank in Washington. Biden's campaign fears Trump could use the report and any accompanying photos to create equivalency with his charges, Axios reported. Hur's investigation is believed to be finished and could be released as soon as this week, the Washington Examiner reported. Jerusalem, Feb 6 : Israel has resumed battles in the northern Gaza Strip amid growing international calls for a ceasefire. In its latest operational update on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its troops have returned to areas where they previously operated. Over the past few weeks, attacks in the north of the strip have decreased following Israel's assertion of gaining control over the area, fostering hopes that displaced civilians could return to their homes -- a prospect the Israeli army has indicated that it will not permit at this stage, Xinhua news agency reported. "The forces operating under the division are preventing Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities," Itzik Cohen, the commander of IDF's 162nd Division, said in the update, stressing the forces were "intensifying operations against and pressure on Hamas remaining in the area." Israeli bombardment persisted throughout the enclave, including in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Over the weekend, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Rafah, a city previously designated as a safe zone by the Israeli army. More than half of Gaza's over 2 million population have fled to Rafah, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories. At least 133 Palestinians were killed and 205 injured in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run Health Ministry reported earlier Monday. The ministry said more than 27,478 Palestinians have been killed and 66,835 others injured from the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which were triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that Israel said killed about 1,200 people. On Monday morning, a food aid convoy was struck by Israeli gunfire while waiting to move into northern Gaza, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "Thankfully, no one was injured," Tom White, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, wrote in a post on the social media platform X. Photos circulating on X showed that damage was caused to the shipping. An Israeli security source told Xinhua news agency that the army was checking the report without providing more information. Also on Monday, speaking at a press conference during his first official visit to Israel, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne called on the Israeli government to facilitate an "immediate ceasefire" and a "massive influx" of aid into Gaza. As Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators were waiting for a reply from Hamas to a ceasefire offer, which includes hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his right-wing Likud party that the war is not near ending. "Our goal is a complete victory over Hamas. We will kill the Hamas leadership. Therefore, we must continue to act in all areas of the Gaza Strip," he said. Israel to appear at ICJ over accusation of 'genocidal acts' in Gaza. Image Source: IANS News Ramallah, Feb 6 : The Palestinian presidency has called on the US to force Israel to stop its "aggression and war" against the besieged coastal enclave of the Gaza Strip. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, said in a press statement on Monday that the US must "pressure Israel to stop its war in Gaza" to prevent the conflict from further affecting regional security, Xinhua news agency reported. Countries around the world should adopt practical and quick steps to save the region from the mire of the Gaza conflict, he noted. The steps must be taken under resolutions affirming the international legitimacy to end Israel's occupation and establish the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders, Aby Rudeineh added. He urged the United States to establish a clear mechanism and commit to specific steps and international guarantees within a specific time frame to recognize the Palestinian state. "The positive statements alone are no longer enough, and this is the appropriate and decisive moment to spare the region from the scourge of endless wars," the spokesperson said. New York, Feb 6 : An Indian-American man in Florida has pleaded guilty to procuring citizenship unlawfully, misusing evidence of naturalisation, and making false statements in a passport application. Jaiprakash Gulvady, 51, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a release by the US Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida, announced last week. According to court records, Gulvady, an Indian national, came to the US in 2001 on a temporary business visa. In August 2008, less than two weeks after divorcing his wife, a US citizen whom he had married the year before, Gulvady married another US citizen. Based on that marriage, Gulvady was able to adjust his status and became a lawful permanent resident in June 2009. Two months later, in August 2009, Gulvady travelled to India for the first time since he had arrived in 2001, and married an Indian woman before returning to the US. On a subsequent visit to India, Gulvady and his Indian spouse conceived their first and only child, born in January 2011, and in August 2013, Gulvadyas marriage to his US citizen wife was dissolved. The following year, Gulvady filed an Application for Naturalisation in which he falsely stated under penalty of perjury that he was not currently married; that he did not have any children; and that he had never been married to more than one person at the same time. Based on that application, Gulvady became a naturalised US citizen in August 2014, a probe by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, found. Using his fraudulently obtained Certificate of Naturalisation as evidence of US citizenship, Gulvady applied for a US passport, in which he falsely omitted his Indian spouse. The Department of State issued Gulvady a US passport, which he then used to reenter the US on at least three occasions. While his sentencing date is not yet set, Gulvady's conviction for unlawfully procuring citizenship results in the automatic revocation of his US citizenship at the time of sentencing. Lucknow, Feb 6 : The Uttar Pradesh government will be introducing an amendment to the UP Lokayukta and deputy-Lokayukta Act 1975 in the state Assembly, proposing that against a tenure of eight years, the tenure of the Lokayukta and deputy Lokayukta should be five years or till they reach the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. Earlier, the Yogi government had reduced the term of information commissioners from five years to three years. The proposal was cleared by the state cabinet late on Monday. The cabinet also cleared the opening of a centre for distance learning of the GLA University, Mathura at Greater Noida by issuing a letter of intent (LoI). The cabinet also approved setting up of a private university, Radha Govind University, Chandausi, Sambhal; Bodhisattva University in Barabanki and Chandigarh University in Unnao. Directives were also given to issue LoIs to all the three varsities. It approved a proposal to include offices of other departments in the new collectorate building that will be constructed in Gorakhpur. This will include offices of departments like SSP office, district Ayurveda, homoeopathy and Unani, district milk development, district education department, irrigation, Jal Nigam, education. The Cabinet also approved the UP tourism department land lease policy 2024. The policy will allow UP govt to lease out its land for development of tourism economy in the state and take up proposals with investors on public private partnership mode. Officials said that the land would be leased out for a minimum of 30 years. The duration may be increased on certain terms and conditions. Experts are of the view that the policy would also enable the state tourism department to generate finance to fund future projects. In another decision, the state tourism department entered into an arrangement with the state irrigation department to transfer its unused/unutilised properties for tourism development. Prayagraj, Feb 6 : A criminal was injured and later arrested in an encounter with a joint team of special operation group (SOG) and Sarayakil police station near Nanda Ka Purwa roa in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, said officials. The encounter took place on Monday night. The criminal was accused of mowing down a constable near Patel crossing while trying to escape after stealing goats in Kaushambhi district on January 29. The arrested criminal has been identified as Rajesh Kesarwani, resident of Prayagraj. Kesarwan also confessed that he had mowed down the constable. Police said he had three criminal cases registered in different police stations of the state, including Chitrakoot and Kaushambhi. Lucknow, Feb 6 : The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, while hearing a suo motu petition filed in the case of gang-rape of a woman on a running train and throwing her from the train in 2016, has issued a notice to the railway ministry. The court has asked the ministry to explain steps it has taken to prevent such incidents. A division bench of Justice A.R. Masoodi and Justice B.R. Singh passed the above order on Monday on the suo motu petition filed on the said incident that took place in Mau. During the hearing, the high court was told that out of the compensation of Rs 4 lakh, Rs 2.81 lakh had been given to the victim of the said incident. At this, the court asked why the remaining amount had not been given to the victim till now. The next hearing of the case will be held in the first week of March. Chennai, Feb 6 : Five people have been arrested for impersonating as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, conducting fake raid at a businessman's office and looting Rs 1.69 crore. Two luxury cars and a couple of costly mobile phones were also taken away by the culprits. The accused have been identified as Vijay Karthick (37), Narendra Nath (45), Rajasekar (39), Loganathan (41), Gopinath (46). The arrrests were made following a complaint from a person Anguraj and his partner Durai, both cotton yarn merchants in Tiruppur. The duo, according to the police complained that they were looted by certain people posing as ED officers. The complainants said that they received a phone call from a private company in Hyderabad claiming that they were planning to execute a construction project in Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode. The callers, according to Anguraj and Durai requested investments from them and assured them that they would be paid double the amount within a short time. Police said that the duo believed the callers and managed to arrange Rs 1.69 crore. The callers then asked for the photograph of the money which both Anguraj and Durai sent immediately to the callers. After sometime a group of five men reached Angurajas office who claimed to be ED officials. Anguraj and Durai in their complaint said that the five took away the cash and drove away with the two luxury cars and mobile phones. They also took away the CCTV camera footage and fled the scene. The cotton yarn merchants grew suspicious after the CCTV footage was taken away and lodged a complaint with the Tiruppur city police. The police immediately constituted four special teams who traced the culprits and arrested them. San Francisco, Feb 6 : Microsoft has announced its partnership with media platform Semafor and other news organisations to help journalists work with generative artificial intelligence (AI) to produce content. Microsoft said that collaboration with these organisations will help them responsibly use AI in their news gathering and business practices by identifying and refining procedures and policies. "Semafor will work with us to harness AI tools to assist journalists in their research, source discovery, translation, and more with Semafor Signals, helping journalists provide a diverse array of credible local, national, and global sources to their audience," Microsoft said in a blogpost on Monday. The company has also announced its collaboration with news organisations, such as the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, the Online News Association and the GroundTruth Project, in order to integrate generative AI into their work and newsrooms. According to the company, each organisation will have access to Microsoft experts, technology, and support this year, and has committed to sharing the results of their projects with the wider industry to teach, inspire, and innovate the way news will be produced in the future. "Working directly with newsrooms, universities, journalists, and industry groups, we will help these organisations use AI to grow audiences, streamline time-consuming tasks in the newsroom, and build sustainable business operations," Microsoft said. The tech giant also noted that their goal is to find ways to support journalists in this mission, not replace them. Chittoor : , Feb 6 (IANS) Red sander smugglers killed a constable in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district when police were conducting a search operation. Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 6 (IANS) Red sander smugglers killed a constable in Andhra Pradeshas Annamayya district when police were conducting a search operation. The incident occurred on Monday night in Cheenepalli village in KV Palle mandal when Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force was conducting a search operation following information about smuggling of red sander in the area. According to police, when a constable spotted a car carrying red sander, he signalled the driver to stop. However, the smugglers hit him with the car and escaped. The critically injured cop died while being shifted to a hospital at Pileru. The constable was identified as Ganesh, belonging to 14th battalion of Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP). Following the incident, the Task Force intensified the search operation and nabbed two smugglers along with a car and seized red sander. The search was on for three other smugglers. The Rayalaseema region bordering Tamil Nadu is notorious for smuggling of red sander, a rare wood with huge demand globally. Seshachalam forest, which covers undivided Chittoor and Kadapa districts, is the target of inter-state smugglers. Also called red sandalwood, the precious wood is used in traditional medicines and woodcraft across China, Myanmar, Japan and other countries of East Asia. In 2022, the Task Forced had arrested 73 smugglers and seized 50 tonnes of red sander. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Lemi National Cement Factory in Ethiopia, the country's largest of its kind once completed, will commence production soon, company officials said on Monday. The factory is expected to be completed in March, according to its constructor, Sinoma International Engineering Company. Once fully operational, the factory is expected to boost the East African country's annual cement production capacity by 8 million metric tons, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate quoted company officials as saying. Abebaw Bekele, deputy manager of the factory, said the plant will help alleviate Ethiopia's incessant cement shortage, which is currently affecting the country's booming construction sector. The mega cement production factory is also expected to create employment opportunities for some 20,000 Ethiopians, according to company officials. Owned by a joint venture of West International Holding, the African arm of West China Cement, and East African Holding Company, the Lemi National Cement Factory is under construction at a cost of 600 million U.S. dollars at Lemi Building Materials Industrial Park, some 150 km north of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Company officials have recently announced the completion of installing huge preheater frames and rotary kilns, structures in which big rocks are decomposed under high temperatures to produce cement, marking a major milestone in the construction of the factory. Mumbai, Feb 6 : A man, who promised railways jobs and thugged over 300 persons of around Rs 21 crore, has been nabbed by the Western Railway (WR) Vigilance Department, officials said here. Following a tip-off, the vigilance sleuths lay watch and detected the fake jobs racket going on for more than three months, with likely further ramifications. WR Chief Spokesperson Sumit Thakur said the vigilance team laid a trap to nab the suspect with help from an outsider and two aproxy candidatesa seeking rail jobs. An amount of Rs 20,000 was also transferred as part payment to the fraudsteras account through Gpay, as part of the trap to call him for a meeting at Mumbai Central Station to collect the balance amount. As expected, the suspect came to the designated location at 2 p.m. on Friday and was caught when he came to take the remaining amount against a job. The WR vigilance probe has revealed that the accused -- whose identity has not been disclosed -- had allegedly collected Rs 9-10 lakh per candidate, and used to make forged documents with the assistance of a Kolkata-based associate. Thakur said that a total of 180 blocked numbers were found in the smartphone of the accused, probably belonging to the victims who had paid him huge amounts to get a lucrative railway job. The investigation also detected about 120 chats of the duped victims demanding their money back, ranging from Rs 5-8 lakh, which were paid to him for the jobs. All the fake documents, chats and videos of recruited staff have been recovered and further investigations are into the scam in which more than 300 job aspirants were duped of an estimated amount of over Rs 21 crore. The accused was handed over to the Government Railway Police at Mumbai Central and booked under various sections of IPC, said Thakur. Jaipur, Feb 6 : The BJP is trying to implement a fresh strategy of fielding local faces as against the older practice of fielding any candidate from any state in the Rajya Sabha elections, sources said. The Election Commission has announced the date of Rajya Sabha elections in 15 states which will be held on 56 seats, including three in Rajasthan. Voting for these Rajya Sabha seats will be held on February 27. It needs to be mentioned here that there are ten Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan, out of which six are with Congress and four with BJP. Voting will be held on the three seats represented by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and present minister in Bhajan Lal government, Kirori Lal Meena from Rajasthan. The tenure of these three Rajya Sabha seats ends on April 3. Kirori Lal Meena had won from Sawai Madhopur during the Rajasthan Assembly elections. After becoming MLA, he resigned from the post of Rajya Sabha MP. Hence, voting will be held on this seat too. From the Congress-held six seats only one MP is from Rajasthan while five are from other states. While Neeraj Dangi is from Rajasthan, other MPs including former PM Manmohan Singh, Pramod Kumar, Mukul Vasnik, K.C. Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala are all outsiders but continue to be Rajya Sabha MPs from Rajasthan. Sources said that top leadership is discussing fielding candidates from the same state for the Rajya Sabha polls. The policy of fielding some leaders from one state in another stateas Rajya Sabha polls wonat be followed if all leaders give their consent on this proposal, said sources. Top leaders in the state have been indicated about this and discussions are on to decide which candidate will be fielded from which seat. Party sources said that former leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore and deputy leader of opposition Satish Poonia, who lost the Assembly polls might be given a chance in these polls. Also, veteran leader Alka Gurjar and Om Mathur can also be sent to Delhi via these polls. However, discussions are in this context. Fielding of outsider candidates on local seats has been a debatable subject since the last many years. It is being said that the outsiders who go to Rajya Sabha polls lack the knowledge of issues of these states and hence fail expectations of local public in the long run and hence the change in strategy, said party leaders. Seoul, Feb 6 : A growing number of North Koreans have negatively assessed Kim Jong-un as a political leader and harboured doubts about whether the Kim family's hereditary power succession is legitimate, a report showed on Tuesday. Seoul's Unification Ministry released the 280-page report on North Korea's economic and social situation for the first time on Tuesday. The report is based on in-depth interviews with 6,351 North Korean defectors conducted between 2013 and 2022, Yonhap news agency reported. It showed 43.8 per cent of the North Korea's defectors said they thought Kim Jong-un taking power was inappropriate when they lived in North Korea. For those who fled North Korea between 2016 and 2020, some 56.3 per cent gave a negative assessment of Kim as a leader. "Negative public sentiments toward the 'Paektu bloodline'-based leadership system have been increasing and this perception appears to be gaining traction since Kim Jong-un assumed power (in late 2011)," the report showed. North Korean propaganda has idolised the ruling family as the "Paektu bloodline," claiming that Kim's late father, former leader Kim Jong-il, was born on Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, despite the fact that he was born in the far eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk. Nearly 55 per cent of the North Korea's defectors who fled the North Korea between 2016 and 2020 said they had a negative opinion of the Kim family's power succession. Some 42.6 per cent held such a view among those who escaped the country between 2011 and 2015. Kim Jong-un has brought his teen daughter, Ju-ae, to public events since late 2022 in an apparent bid to demonstrate his commitment to the third hereditary power succession. The National Intelligence Service, Seoul's spy agency, said it sees Ju-ae as the "most likely successor". Amid a sluggish economy, more North Koreans have been doing various activities in the "private" economy, including selling goods at markets, cultivating unauthorised lands, smuggling and engaging in housing construction projects. Markets are playing a critical role in the livelihoods of North Koreans, as the food rationing system has collapsed. Around 91 per cent of the North Korea's defectors said life was not sustainable without markets, and for those who fled the North Korea after 2012, some 68.1 per cent of their income came from "non-official" income sources. "The influence of markets has been expanding to healthcare, education, transportation and information infrastructure from the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as energy, water and sewage," it said. North Korea has been suffering from a chronic food shortage amid prolonged UN sanctions on Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes. The North Korean economy probably contracted 0.2 per cent on-year in 2022, marking the third straight year of falls, according to data from the Bank of Korea. Amid market-based economic activities, "non-socialist" acts banned under North Korean law have also risen, including hiring contracts between individuals and sales of houses and land, the report showed. Among defectors who fled the North Korea between 2016 and 2020, 46.2 per cent said they have purchased or sold homes, compared with 10.7 per cent among defectors who fled the country before 2000. The status of women in North Korea, a male-dominant society, has changed as more North Korean women have engaged in economic activities in marketplaces. The proportion of women who delay marriage or get divorced has increased, and North Korea's fertility rate has declined. Despite the change in the economic status of women, the report said overall gender equality in the North Korean society remains little changed, with the regime encouraging women to raise children and wear traditional attire in their daily lives. Touching on inflows of outside information, 36.4 per cent of the defectors said they possessed mobile phones in North Korea, but access to the internet was almost impossible. Despite North Korea's stepped-up surveillance, North Koreans have been watching movies or dramas produced by South Korea and other countries via USBs and other devices. Some 83.3 per cent of the North Korea's defectors who fled the country between 2016 and 2020 said they watched videos originating from other countries, compared with 8.4 per cent of those who escaped the North Korea before 2000. North Korea has tightened its grip on inflows of outside information as it views them as a source of major threats to the regime. In 2020, North Korea adopted a new law that bans people from distributing or watching videos originating from South Korea, the US and other countries. "Under the Kim Jong-un regime, North Korea has been strengthening its control of society and discipline," the report said. A Ministry official said the report "clearly" shows that the livelihoods of the North Korean people have worsened since Kim came to power. "There have been assessments that the livelihoods of the North Korean people have improved since Kim came to power, but this is somewhat an illusion," the official told reporters, when speaking about the North Korea's push to build more homes and buildings. "If people's livelihoods appear to have improved, it is not the result of the regime's policy efforts but because North Koreans went to markets to earn money and produced agricultural goods," the official said. Of the surveyed defectors, 81.8 per cent were women and 82.1 per cent hailed from four northern provinces bordering China. People in their 20s and 30s accounted for 54.8 per cent of the North Korea's defectors. The report did not include North Korea's situation in the wake of Pyongyang's border closure over Covid-19 as it was written based on information collected from the North Korea's defectors who fled their home country in the period up until 2020. Lucknow, Feb 6 : The BJP is all set to shortlist candidates for the upcoming biennial elections, due on February 27, keeping in mind the caste factors relevant in the Lok Sabha elections and also the organisational importance of candidates. The names will be shortlisted soon and then sent to the partyas central leadership for final approval. In Uttar Pradesh, 10 Rajya Sabha seats are falling vacant in April and elections for these are being held this month. Of the ten seats, the BJP holds nine and its retiring members include Anil Jain, Anil Agarwal, Ashok Bajpai, Kanta Kardam, Sakaldeep Rajbhar, GVL Narsimha Rao, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, Sudhanshu Trivedi and Harnath Singh Yadav. Sources said that the BJP was likely to field some fresh faces for the Upper House this time and also accommodate some veterans. Jaya Bachchan is the sole Samajwadi Party MP who will retire from the Upper House of Parliament. Given its strength in the Assembly, the BJP-led NDA is expected to win seven seats and the SP-RLD combine could win three seats. The BJP will be backed by its three allies, the Apna Dal-S, Nishad Party and SBSP. The BJP will also receive the support of Raja Bhaiya led Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik) which has been leaning in favour of the ruling party. The SP-RLD combine will face the test of solidarity from the Congress which has two MLAs in Uttar Pradesh. These three parties are also the key constituents of the Opposition bloc INDIA. This way, the strength of the NDA in the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh is expected to go down from 25 to 23 seats, while the strength of the Opposition bloc will go up from three to five. At present, Uttar Pradesh has 31 MPs in the Rajya Sabha a" 25 from the NDA, three from the SP, one each from BSP (Ramji Gautam) and RLD (Jayant Chaudhary), and one Independent Kapil Sibal. Both, BJP and SP, will try to make deft electoral moves while nominating candidates. Sources said there is a possibility of the BJP accommodating its allies in the Rajya Sabha to cement support from their voter base for the Lok Sabha elections. While the RLD and Congress will go with SP in these polls, the BSPas stand will be made clear by Mayawati after all candidates are announced. Mumbai, Feb 6 : Congress' Leader of Opposition (Assembly) Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the ruling Mahayuti government of 'recruiting gangsters' and baddies in its grand coalition ahead of the elections, here on Tuesday. "Before the elections, the recruitment of gangsters in the grand coalition! All the three parties in power have a fierce competition to strengthen their own gangs," said Wadettiwar, referring to the ruling trio of Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party-Nationalist Congress Party (AP). "The rule of gangsters continues in Maharashtra MLAs of the ruling party shoot inside the police station. Why did the gangsters become so strong? Who is responsible for this state of affairs," demanded Raut of the MVA bloc. Reacting to the MVA charges, Shiv Sena Minister Deepak Kesarkar said that many people call on the CM daily. "We cannot stop them from meeting the CM or clicking pictures with him. The allegations have no basis," said Kesarkar. Citing examples, Wadettiwar said that the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's son, Dr. Shrikant E. Shinde held a meeting with a known gangster Hemant Dabhekar -- an aide of the slain Pune don Sharad Mohol. Pictures of Dabhekar allegedly visiting the CM's official residence 'Varsha' to felicitate Dr. Shinde on his birthday are viral on the social media. Another Pune baddie Nilesh Ghaiwal called on the CM at 'Varsha' and photos of that trip are also doing the rounds on social media, embarrassing the ruling coalition. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's son created waves when he wittingly or unwittingly called on a notorious history-sheeter Gajanan Marne in Pune, leading to many red faces in the breakaway NCP (AP) last month. Even as a much-concerned father, he pulled the ears of his son for the indiscretion, Ajit Pawar himself came under a cloud when a purported shady element, Asif Mohammed Iqbal Shaikh, alias Asif Dadhi, allegedly having links with the banned SIMI terror outfit, called on him. "How can people expect law and order from rulers who entertain goons?" demanded Wadettiwar sharply, adding that the mafia is getting the full backing of the Mahayuti regime. Raut said that gangsters are roaming around freely with the blessings of the state government, and asked "who is feeding them". The MVA's hit-list came just a day after a worried group of ruling Shiv Sena Ministers called on Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and complained to him about the allegations hurled against the CM by a BJP MLA Ganpat Kalu Gaikwad. The Kalyan East MLA Gaikwad is charged with shooting a Shiv Sena Kalyan chief Mahesh Gaekwad and his aide Rahul Patil inside the Hill Lines Police Station in Ulhasnagar on February 2, shocking the state and sparking a huge political row. "Shinde is trying to establish a kingdom of goons in the state. He deceived Uddhav Thackeray, he will betray the BJP also. He owes me crores of rupees. Shinde should quit if Maharashtra has to be administered well. This is my humble plea to Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gaikwad blurted out before he was whisked off by the Thane Police, early on Saturday. Rattled by the political ramifications of Gaikwad's allegations, which the Shiv Sena has termed as 'baseless and unwarranted', the ministers sought Fadnavis' action in the matter. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Los Angeles, Feb 6 : Streaming giant Netflix on Tuesday confirmed expansion of starry Korean cast in the popular Korean series 'Squid Game' Season 2. The second season sees Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun and Gong Yoo reprise their roles as protagonist and antagonist survivors of the bloody elimination game, reports 'Variety'. The new story "will follow Gi-hun as he abandons his plans to go to the US and starts a chase with a motive", said Netflix in Korea. Earlier photographs from Season 2 showed Lee's Gi-hyun character with hair dyed beetroot red, reports 'Variety'. The company confirmed that Hwang Dong-hyuk, who became the first Asian to win outstanding directing for a drama series at the Primetime Emmyas, is also re-set as director, writer, and producer and that production is through Firstman Studio. New cast members include Yim Si-wan 'The Attorney', 'Emergency Declaration', Kang Ha-neul 'Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet', Park Gyu-young 'Attack the Gas Station', Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim 'Kim Ji-young: Born 1982', Lee David 'The Terror Live', Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yuri, and Won Ji. "Some time in 2024," the company reiterated as it revealed a huge slate of new Korean films, series and reality shows. The nine-episode first season of Dong-hyuk's 'Squid Game' launched in 2021. The drama about a deadly contest among poor competitors to win KRW45.6 billion became a phenomena for Netflix and was nominated for 14 Emmys, including best drama series (a first for a non-English-language series), winning six. "The 'Squid Game' universe has just begun," said Netflix co-chief last month on a conference call with financial analysts. The 'Squid Game' universe has already been expanded to include an unscripted competition series, 'Squid Game: The Challenge' and an upcoming video game. New Delhi, Feb 6 : Former Indian Army man, retired since January 31 last year, was nabbed by Delhi Police for his alleged involvement as an active member of Lashkar-e-Taiba module operating in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. Accused of conspiring with fellow members, the wanted alleged terrorist identified as Riyaz Ahmad Rather, a resident of district Kupwara, stands accused of receiving arms and ammunition from across the Line of Control (LOC) under the guidance of terrorist handlers in PoK. Police said that on February 4, Riyaz was arrested by the staff of New Delhi Railway Station police station. "Specific information was received from investigation agencies in Jammu & Kashmir. Riyaz Ahmad was wanted in the terror module case in which five persons were arrested and incriminating material including five AK rifles (short), five AK magazines, 16 short AK rounds were recovered," said a senior police officer. The officer said that these arms and ammunition were sent by PoK based LeT terrorist handlers namely Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh a.k.a Shakoor, a resident of Gabra Karnah and Qazi Mohammad Khushal, a resident of Dhanni Karnah. "Both were operating from across the border. It was also informed that the alleged Riyaz Ahmad is absconding and would shortly reach New Delhi Railway Station in the wee hours," said the officer. The police team tasked to nab him -- identified the alleged Riyaz in the crowd and apprehended him -- when he was trying to flee from Exit Gate no 1, of New Delhi Railway Station in the early morning hours. "He was subjected to intensive interrogation, and it was revealed that he along with his friend Altaf had boarded Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazarat Nizamuddin railway station at about 3:00 p.m. on February 3. From there they took an auto and reached NDRS. Riyaz was about to go to some other hideout," said the officer. The officer said that Riyaz Ahmad is suspected of having received a consignment of arms and ammunition from Khursheed and Ghulam, both already arrested by J&K Police. "Riyaz Ahmad and his friend Altaf retired from the Indian Army on January 31, 2023. One mobile phone and one SIM card has been recovered from his possession," said the officer. Bengaluru, Feb 6 : Karnataka High Court on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders in connection with blocking the road during a protest, and also said that the act of "blocking the road because one is a representative of the people cannot be accepted". The bench headed by Justice Krishna S. Dixit set aside the petition of CM Siddaramaiah seeking quashing of trial proceedings in the Special Court. The bench also ordered CM Siddaramaiah to be present before the Special Court for Peopleas Representatives on March 6. The court also asked the AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala to be present before the court on March 7, Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy on March 15, and Minister for Large and Medium M.B. Patil on March 11. All leaders have been fined Rs 10,000 each. The fine has been imposed for dragging a police sub-inspector Zaheeda attached to High Grounds police station in Bengaluru into the case and making her a party. The counsel for CM Siddaramaiah requested for a stay on the order until the appeal was made. The bench refused to heed and maintained that if representatives of people follow the law, the people would also follow them. If the protests are held on streets, the people would suffer, it stated. The city life is a torture, the protests further worsen the situation in cities and for the same reason the act of blocking of roads canat be acceptable, the bench said while rapping the Congress leaders. The FIR was booked against CM Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders with the High Grounds police station on April 14, 2022. The Congress party had organised a protest over a suicide case of a contractor Santhosh Patil and had demanded the resignation of then Minister K.S. Eshwarappa. During the protest traffic was thrown out of gear on the busy Race Course Road. The traffic had come to halt for several kilometres causing severe inconvenience to the public. The police had lodged an FIR on charges of blocking roads causing traffic jams, affecting the law and order system. The CM and others had approached the High Court seeking quashing of the NBW issued by the special court and proceedings against them in the lower court. Kolkata, Feb 6 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday approached a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court seeking fast-tracking of the hearing seeking an independent CBI probe into the attack on its sleuths at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on January 5. The Division Bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya assured the central agencyas counsel that the matter would be taken up for hearing on Wednesday. Originally, the single-judge Bench of Justice Jay Sengupta had ordered a probe by a joint team of West Bengal Police and CBI in the matter. However, the ED challenged that order at the said Division Bench seeking an independent CBI probe into the matter. However, according to sources, ever since the appeal for an independent CBI probe was filed, there was not much progress in the hearing and hence the ED counsel has moved a plea for fast-tracking of the hearing in the matter. The ED's argument is that on previous occasions central agencies have faced immense non-cooperation from the state police in relation to many cases under investigation. So ED sleuths fear that the joint probe by the CBI and state police will actually delay the investigation process, especially as regards to tracking the absconding Trinamool Congress leader and mastermind behind the attack Sheikh Shahjahan. Already 32 days have passed since the attack and Shahjahan has managed to remain underground. The ED has issued a lookout notice against him fearing that he might escape to neighbouring Bangladesh. London, Feb 6 : The Dutch owner of Yandex which is touted as "Russia's Google" has announced to divest its Russia-based businesses for $5.2 billion. London, Feb 6 (IANS) The Dutch owner of Yandex which is touted as "Russia's Google" has announced to divest its Russia-based businesses for $5.2 billion. Yandex NV, the Dutch parent company of the Yandex group has entered into a definitive agreement with a purchaser consortium to sell all of the Yandex group's businesses in Russia and certain international markets. The total consideration for the sale will be 475 billion ruble (around $5.2 billion) and at least 50 per cent will be paid in cash. "Since February 2022, the Yandex group and our team have faced exceptional challenges. We believe that we have found the best possible solution for our shareholders, our teams and our users in these extraordinary circumstances," said John Boynton, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yandex NV. "The proposed transaction will allow shareholders to recover some value for the businesses that we are divesting, while unlocking new growth potential for the international businesses we will retain and enabling the divested businesses to operate under new ownership," Boynton said in a statement. Following the successful completion of the transaction, in full compliance with international sanctions where applicable, the company will hold no interest in its businesses in Russia. The Russian government welcomed the deal. "This is exactly what we wanted to achieve a few years ago when Yandex was under threat of being taken over by Western IT giants," said Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the Russian parliament's committee on information policy. "Yandex is more than a company, it is an asset of the entire Russian society," he added. Launched in 1997, the firm is the largest technology company in Russia. It had more than 30 offices worldwide in 2018. Its main competitors in the Russian market are Google, Microsoft, VK, and Rambler. On May 17, 2023, Yandex launched its YaGPT neural network, like the ChatGPT AI model. This photo taken on Feb. 6, 2024 shows the facilities of the Chinese-built Karuma Hydropower Plant in Kiryandongo, Uganda. Uganda on Tuesday successfully launched the last unit of six turbines at the Chinese-built Karuma Hydropower Plant and synchronized it on the national grid, the country's electricity generation agency said. (Photo by Wang Jian/Xinhua) KAMPALA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Tuesday successfully launched the last unit of six turbines at the Chinese-built Karuma Hydropower Plant and synchronized it on the national grid, the country's electricity generation agency said. Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), a state-owned enterprise, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the unit, which can generate 100 megawatts (MW), was successfully synchronized to the national grip Tuesday morning. "This makes it the sixth and last generating unit to undergo all the operational tests for readiness," wrote UEGCL. The electricity generation company said the first unit of the power plant completed its trial run and grid connection tests on March 21, 2023. The power plant, constructed both on the surface and underground below the River Nile in northern Uganda, is expected to generate 600 MW, with each turbine generating 100 MW, according to the Ministry of Energy. The Karuma Hydropower Plant is one of Uganda's flagship projects financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, which financed 85 percent of the project and the remaining 15 percent was from the Ugandan government. The plant, according to experts, is critical in meeting the East African country's increasing electricity demand in efforts to accelerate industrialization. Karuma is the second power plant financed by China after the 183 MW Isimba Hydropower Plant commissioned in 2019. New Delhi: AAP leader Sanjay Singh arrives to files his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 6 : A Delhi court on Tuesday granted permission, for the second time, to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, to attend Parliament in police custody and take oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. Sanjay Singh was arrested and chargesheeted in the alleged excise policy money laundering case. The development comes after Singh was not allowed to take oath on Monday. A source from Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar's office had said, "Proceedings of Rajya Sabha are regulated by the listed business which is notified in the bulletin. The oath taking of Sanjay Singh wasn't listed in the business of the House and no communication from Rajya Sabha on this matter ever came for consideration of the Rajya Sabha Chair." Special Judge MK Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court, on Tuesday, allowed Singh to go to Parliament on either February 8 or February 9. The Judge directed the jail authorities to take Singh to the Rajya Sabha under judicial custody and appropriate security for the oath administration process. Singh's lawyer has been allowed to visit Tihar Jail to meet him and obtain his signatures on relevant documents required for the oath-taking ceremony. Singh's counsel informed the court that certain documents need to be signed by him and submitted to the Rajya Sabha office to finalise the oath-taking date. Notably, some matters concerning Singh are pending before the Committee of Privileges, including the alleged deliberate disregard of directions of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Singh on October 4, 2023 after carrying out searches at his residence in the North Avenue area. His suspension was ordered on July 24, 2023, and on August, 11, 2023, the House passed the order. As per that, his suspension continues. On February 1, the court had issued a notice to the ED on Singh's application seeking interim bail from February 4 to 10 to attend the ongoing Parliament session. Judge Nagpal had also extended till February 17 the judicial custody of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Singh, who appeared physically before the court. The judge had allowed Singh's request to take the oath in judicial custody, withdrawing his above-mentioned application for interim bail. Singh had also cited a court appearance in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on February 7 as the reason for his request. The Delhi High Court had on January 31 reserved its judgment on Singh's bail plea. Singh had moved the High Court seeking bail on January 4 after Special Judge Nagpal dismissed his plea on December 22. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma reserved the order after hearing arguments from both the sides. New Delhi, Feb 6 : The Delhi High Court has said that the right to further investigation by the police does not entail starting afresh with reinvestigation. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta clarified that the purpose of further investigation is not to establish the defence of the accused but to uncover the truth and gather evidence for a fair trial. The court said that the jurisdictional court retains the discretion to direct further investigation based on the circumstances of each case, even after taking cognizance. However, it stressed that this discretion should be exercised judiciously before the trial commences. "While the objective of further investigation remains to find the truth and gather evidence for substantial justice, it does not warrant a mere reinvestigation or fresh investigation from scratch," the court stated. These observations were made in response to a plea filed by an accused challenging a trial court's dismissal of his application for further investigation in a rape case. The complainant alleged that she was promised marriage by the accused, with whom she entered a sexual relationship via a dating app. Subsequently, she claimed to have become pregnant, after which the accused cut off contact. The accused sought further investigation into the possibility of the complainant being involved in honey trapping and extortion. However, the court found no evidence to support these claims. Despite the absence of extortion allegations or substantial evidence linking the complainant to a honey trapping gang, the court concluded that no grounds existed to warrant further investigation as requested by the petitioner. Consequently, the court set aside the imposed cost on the petitioner and disposed of the petition accordingly. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 6 : A controversy has broken out after the Kerala Police failed to take appropriate action against the son of a senior CPI(M) couple who drove his car into the convoy of Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai. Pillai was in his home town, Kozhikode in Kerala on Sunday. Julius Nikithas, son of top CPI(M) leader -- P. Mohanan, present party Kozhikode district secretary and his wife former party legislator K.K. Lathika, was apprehended by the Kerala Police after he drove his car into the convoy of Pillai. Even though the security personnel of Pillai alerted the local police, all they did was to levy a fine on Nikithas and no case was registered. While the Kerala Police were in a mood to hush up this serious breach of security, the issue surfaced after the media on Tuesday came out with the receipt of the fine levied by the Police. The Goa Raj Bhavan has alerted the Centre over the breach of security. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has also stepped into the issue now. Meanwhile, there are reports that Nikithas is believed to have mistaken the convoy of Pillai to that of Khan, who is having a feud with the CPI(M)-led Left government on a few issues. Wellington, Feb 6 : A 33-year-old technician charged with stabbing a 28-year-old Indian to death appeared before a New Zealand court and has been remanded in custody without a plea. Appearing before Justice of the Peace, Helen Meiklejohn, at Dunedin District Court on Monday, the man, who was arrested on the same day, was granted interim name suppression. He was ordered to appear at the High Court on February 27 in connection with the murder of Gurjit Singh, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported. Police said they were called to a Dunedin address on January 29 after Gurjit's body was found outside his home covered in blood and glass. Hailing from Pamal village in Ludhiana, newly-married Gurjit was working as a technician with the telecom company Chorus and was waiting for his wife to join him at the Hillary Street house that he had been renting. Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis confirmed pathological findings indicate Gurjit died as a result of multiple stab wounds inflicted by a sharp instrument, the Herald reported. Croudis confirmed a homicide investigation was continuing into his death. In a statement released on Monday, the New Zealand Police said that a team of 25 Dunedin-based investigators and Christchurch-based ESR scientists were tasked with investigating his death. In addition, they are assessing CCTV footage provided by the public and interviewing Gurjit's family, friends and colleagues to try to establish his movements before his death. "Singh's father is in Dunedin today (February 5) and is being supported by Police and the Punjabi community. Our thoughts remain with the family at this extremely difficult time," the police statement said. "A large team of investigators have worked extensively on this case, but there is still work to do." The Otago Punjabi Foundation Trust has set up a 'Givealittle page' to support the family that lost its only son. Narindervir Singh, a Foundation member and a friend, told the Herald that Gurjit never had an argument or any ongoing issues with anyone. He said that about two weeks ago, Gurjit suspected somebody had tried to break into his house and had purchased security cameras but did not get a chance to install them. Mumbai, Feb 6 : The usually stern-looking Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray was seen beaming here on Tuesday, when he got an unusual gift from a senior party leader -- a brick from the ruins of the Babri Mosque, felled on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya. Former MNS MLA Bala D. Nandgaonkar, a member of the undivided Shiv Sena and one of the 'Kar Sevaks' from Mumbai, formally presented the brick to Raj Thackeray at the latter's home in Dadar. For 32 years, he had carefully preserved the two bricks he had managed to bring back with him to Mumbai, and one brick he handed over to a thrilled Raj Thackeray this morning. "I had gone to Ayodhya for Kar Seva then Those were difficult times. We did not know if we would return alive. After the Babri Mosque was demolished, I had brought a couple of bricks with me here," Nandgaonkar told IANS. Nandgaonkar said that after the demolition of the structure, he had taken a vow "to gift the brick as a souvenir to the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray", but only after the Lord Ram Temple would actually be constructed at the site in Ayodhya, as per his cherished desires. However, the Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeray passed away in November 2012, and the Lord Ram Temple came up only in January 2024, so he decided to present it to his nephew, Raj Thackeray. "As far as we are concerned, Raj Thackeray is our Balasaheb Raj Saheb is Balasaheb's ideological heir So I have fulfilled my promise today," Nandgaonkar smiled with pride, pointing out that the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Lord Ram Temple was completed in Ayodhya on January 22. Accepting the brick, Raj Thackeray said Nandgaonkar was among the Kar Sevaks who had gone to Ayodhya and proof of the Shiv Sena's contribution to that event when the structure finally crashed down. "Look at this brick It's very heavy Gives us an idea of the excellent constructions then," commented the MNS chief, staring, closely examining the heavy and centuries old brick coming from the rubble of the demolished structure. Taking a potshot at the practices in modern times, Raj Thackeray asked: "Why was the construction of that era very good and strong? Because they did not award 'building contracts' in those days!" He sighed and added that if his uncle Balasaheb had been around, "he too would have been extremely overjoyed" by this. On the fate of the second relic, Nandgaonkar smiled and said that he had kept it in the Shiv Sena office in Mazagaon, which he had handed over to the party after he quit to join the MNS. "Now that office has been grabbed by Yashwant Jadhav, a ruling Shiv Sena (led by CM Eknath Shinde) MLA But I have no grudges, he is my old friend," chuckled Nandgaonkar. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Hyderabad, Feb 6 : Telangana State Narcotics Bureau (TSNAB) has arrested a Nigerian and seized drugs valued at Rs 8 crore from his possession. Acting on a tip-off, sleuths of TSNAB along with Panjagutta police arrested Iwuala Udoka Stanley (43), a resident of Goa, near Irrum Manzil Metro Station on Monday and recovered drugs. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) M. Vijay Kumar told media persons on Tuesday that he was bringing drugs from Goa and selling them in Hyderabad. Police seized 557 grams cocaine, 902 ecstasy pills weighing 390 grams, 105 LSD blots, 215 gram charas, 21 gram heroin, seven gram of Amphetamine, 45 grams of OG weed, 190 grams of weed and eight cell phones -- all worth Rs 8 crore from his possession. The arrest was made during investigations based on the confession of one Hanumant Babuso Divkar who was earlier arrested by S.R Nagar police. The TSNAB team consisting of one sub-inspector and six head constables were in Goa for more than one month to identify the accused Stanley. With the help of technical evidence and tower locations the accused was identified and they were able to trace his location. The team leant that the accused is going to visit Hyderabad to supply drugs to his known customers and also to do some drug dealings in Hyderabad. According to police, the accused came to India in 2009 on business visa and was residing at Andheri, Mumbai. He lived with his friend Jewel and started doing readymade garments business in Mumbai. After a year he moved to Candolim, Goa and started a garment business. He came in contact with some Nigerian drug peddlers and joined them to make quick money. The accused was arrested by Goa police in 2012 for illegal stay and was in prison for six months. After coming out from jail, he developed friendship with Usha Chandel, a native of Rajasthan. They married in 2014 and opened a grocery shop in Candolim. When the business was shut and he was facing financial problems, he came in contact with two Nigerian drug peddlers and started working with them. The DCP said in 2017 the accused was arrested by NCB, Goa for drug peddling. After release from jail, he continued his drug business and started procuring drugs from various persons and selling them to the customers in Goa. The police investigations revealed that Stanely was procuring drugs from many suppliers and he also had more than 500 customers of which seven are from Hyderabad. The investigation is on to identify the drug peddlers, transporters, financial supporters, other associates and also the consumers who are purchasing drugs from him. Lucknow, Feb 6 : Uttar Pradesh Congress Minority Cell Head Shahnawaz Alam on Tuesday said that the party is working hard to consolidate the Muslim and Dalit votes in the state to touch the 'Target 41'. The Uttar Pradesh sends the highest numbers of MPs -- 80 -- to the parliament and consists of 20 per cent Muslims and 21 per cent Dalits Alam said that more than two hundred Maulanas in every district of the state and about 10,000 Maulanas in the entire state have been contacted. He said that the party has urged them to improve social relations with the Dalit community so that a bond can develop between the two communities. "We are trying to convince both of the dangers looming over the Constitution. We are telling Dalits and Muslims that if they vote together, they can prove to be a game changer. Put together, they account for 41 per cent votes in the state," Alam said. He said that the BJP got 31 per cent in 2014 and 37 per cent in 2019. He said to raise awareness among the two communities they are also distributing pamphlets as part of the campaign. "Till 1989, Muslims and Dalits used to vote together for the Congress. In those years, BJP had only 2 MPs in the entire country. If Muslims and Dalits come back and vote for Congress again then BJP will reach back again to the 1980s position," reads the pamphlet. Alam said that 272 seats were needed to form the government. "If we will be able to get 30 seats from UP then BJP will not be able to form the government because its constituent parties will also leave it," Alam said. Alam said that the pamphlet also mentions that in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra, there are 180 Lok Sabha seats, out of which NDA will lose 20 seats. Los Angeles, Feb 6 : 'House Of Dragon' star Matt Smith has confessed he has a bizarre ritual that's ruled his life over the last 20 years. He says he has to touch something red every time he sees a Royal Mail van. "I have to touch something red every time I see a Royal Mail van... (it's been going on for) 20 years - and there are a lot of Royal Mail vans," Smith told The Guardian newspaper. The actor may be spending a lot of his time carrying out the ritual as he's going to be working in central London for the next few weeks while he stars in the play 'An Enemy of the People', reports femalefirst.co.uk. He went on to say that he hopes the price of theatre tickets isn't putting off younger audience members. Smith said of the production: "I hope were not pricing young people out. I mean, the theatre is so much money, for all of us. You sort of go: I could fly to Milan or Amsterdam (for that). That's not to say: don't come. Please do come. But it is true." Smith also has the second series of his 'Game of Thrones' prequel series coming out. He finished filming season two of 'House of The Dragon' last year and recently revealed it's likely to come out in the late summer. Lucknow, Feb 6 : The Yogi Adityanath government is focusing on the enhancement of the 'EV Upyog' portal. The government intends to engage a software development agency in order to get several attractive features added to the portal, in line with its commitment to promote the use and manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (EV) in Uttar Pradesh. According to the government spokesman, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wants the process of hosting of the EV Upyog portal on cloud server and integrating it with the official website of Invest UP. Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDSCL) has started the process of hiring a software development agency for one year to carry out the upgradation of the portal. It is noteworthy that a cloud server is a pooled, centralized server resource that is hosted and delivered over a network -- typically the Internet -- and accessed on demand by multiple users. Cloud server is much better than traditional dedicated server hardware because cloud servers can be located anywhere in the world and deliver services remotely through a cloud computing environment. In contrast, traditional dedicated server hardware is typically set up on premises for exclusive use by one organization. In some cases, however, cloud servers can also be configured as dedicated servers by a cloud provider. The EV Upyog portal will boast various features, such as cloud storage, database capabilities, networking options, and specialized software. Cloud servers prove to be better from a cybersecurity point of view, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, integration, API convenience, and reliability. This is the reason that Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Ltd. has started the process to equip the EV Upyog portal with these facilities. A detailed action plan has been prepared by UPDESCO to host the EV Upyog portal on a cloud server along with being integrated with the Invest UP website. According to this, the software development agency will be entrusted with the task of doing this for one year. This cloud server and integration process will be carried out by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and IT) Empaneled Service Provider. This cloud will be done through 12 units with 4 cores, 32 GB RAM, 50 GB SSD, Window Server 2019, 1 static IP and 1 TB bandwidth and technical support. The software development agency to be hired will develop and operate this infrastructure and complete technical processes along with taking care of its maintenance for one year. Kanpur : , Feb 6 (IANS) An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a shopkeeper who had rented a shop outside the minor's house. The incident took place in Sanigawan in Kanpur, where the girlas father had rented out the shop to the accused, Mukesh Gupta, who ran a bicycle repair shop. Gupta allegedly raped the girl inside her house when she was alone, police officials said. The victim did not reveal anything to her parents. Instead, she narrated her ordeal to her maternal grandmother. When her parents came to know about it on February 1, they dialed the emergency number, 112. The parents alleged that the police did not register an FIR in the first four days when they reported the matter. They said the station in charge asked them to keep quiet. The family then reached out to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kanpur, SK Singh, on Monday. On hearing the matter, the senior police official immediately ordered the police to register an FIR. The police also conducted a medical examination on the girl and started the hunt for the accused, Mukesh Gupta, who is absconding. --IANS amita/dan An injured Palestinian is seen in an ambulance at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Feb. 5, 2024. More than 2,200 Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip have crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border since Nov. 1, 2023, the Egyptian presidency said Monday. The statement said 47 hospitals in eight Egyptian provinces treated the wounded and performed more than 1,200 surgeries. (Photo by Mohamed Ahmed/Xinhua) CAIRO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,200 Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip have crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border since Nov. 1, 2023, the Egyptian presidency said Monday. The statement said 47 hospitals in eight Egyptian provinces treated the wounded and performed more than 1,200 surgeries. During a meeting to review the progress of some national medical projects with the prime minister and the health and population minister, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that Egypt would continue to support Gazans and ease the humanitarian consequences they faced. The state-run Middle East News Agency said on Monday that 199 people, including 40 injured Palestinians, entered Egypt from Gaza through the Rafah crossing earlier in the day. Israel has been waging a massive military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, after the group's surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 Israelis. The Israeli blockade and bombardment of Gaza have killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said. An injured Palestinian is seen in an ambulance at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Feb. 5, 2024. More than 2,200 Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip have crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border since Nov. 1, 2023, the Egyptian presidency said Monday. The statement said 47 hospitals in eight Egyptian provinces treated the wounded and performed more than 1,200 surgeries. (Photo by Mohamed Ahmed/Xinhua) Injured Palestinians are seen in an ambulance at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Feb. 5, 2024. More than 2,200 Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip have crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border since Nov. 1, 2023, the Egyptian presidency said Monday. The statement said 47 hospitals in eight Egyptian provinces treated the wounded and performed more than 1,200 surgeries. (Photo by Mohamed Ahmed/Xinhua) Medical workers and ambulances are seen at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Feb. 5, 2024. More than 2,200 Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip have crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border since Nov. 1, 2023, the Egyptian presidency said Monday. The statement said 47 hospitals in eight Egyptian provinces treated the wounded and performed more than 1,200 surgeries. (Photo by Mohamed Ahmed/Xinhua) Medical workers and ambulances are seen at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Feb. 5, 2024. More than 2,200 Palestinians wounded in the Gaza Strip have crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border since Nov. 1, 2023, the Egyptian presidency said Monday. The statement said 47 hospitals in eight Egyptian provinces treated the wounded and performed more than 1,200 surgeries. (Photo by Mohamed Ahmed/Xinhua) Kolkata, Feb 6 : There was major ruckus in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday after Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay turned down the Adjournment Motion brought by BJP legislators seeking a discussion on recent CAG findings that don't reflect well on the state government. On Thursday, six BJP legislators led by the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, submitted the Adjournment Motion seeking discussion on the state government's non-submission of utilisation certificates worth over Rs 2 crore for funds released under various centrally-sponsored schemes. However, the Speaker refused to accept the motion and turned down the plea for discussion. The refusal irked the BJP legislators and led by Suvendu Adhikari they started protesting and trooped into the Well of the House shouting "thieves, thieves." However, despite the pandemonium, the Speaker decided not to suspend a single legislator from the ongoing Budget Session. The state's budget will be presented on Thursday and for the following two days there will be discussions on it in the House. As the ruckus within the Assembly continued endlessly on Tuesday the Speaker adjourned the House. The BJP legislators then started protesting in the Assembly lobby shouting slogans and waving posters with anti-government slogans written on it. "The CAG report has clearly indicated irregularities in the use of funds under the centrally- sponsored schemes. The ruling party has denied the irregularities highlighted there. Now my question is if they are innocent, why are they avoiding discussions on the floor of the House? The Speaker of the House is supposed to be neutral. So he should have given the permission for discussion," said BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul. Pakistan's woes unlikely to end as budget contours may not please IMF.(photo:IN). Image Source: IANS News Islamabad, Feb 6 : The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not immediately endorsed Pakistan interim government's proposals to reduce industrial electricity prices, settle over one-fifth of the circular debt and make the Rs 268 billion debt of the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) part of the public debt, media reported. Islamabad, Feb 6 (IANS) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not immediately endorsed Pakistan interim governmentas proposals to reduce industrial electricity prices, settle over one-fifth of the circular debt and make the Rs 268 billion debt of the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) part of the public debt, media reported. The IMF also asked as to why the interim government is showing haste when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already barred it from taking any decisive action on the privatisation of PIA, according to government sources, Express Tribune reported. The global lender sought more details about the economic and legal viability of the three major proposals. The IMF held two back-to-back virtual meetings but their outcomes were below the expectations of the Pakistani authorities. The next round of discussions on these proposals would take place after the Pakistani authorities provide additional information and the global lender reviews it internally. The IMF neither rejected nor accepted the three proposals. It emerged from these two meetings that the IMF would give more serious thoughts to them once an elected government takes charge, Express Tribune reported. The caretaker government is keen on getting the three proposals implemented before leaving the office. The meetings took place on the request of Pakistani authorities just three days before the general elections scheduled for this Thursday, Express Tribune reported. Patna, Feb 6 : Bihar Police has booked a Station House Officer (SHO) over rape charges against his own colleague under relevant IPC sections of SC ST Act. The accused SHO has been identified as Sudama Singh and the complaint against him was filed by a sub-inspector rank officer. The victim officer has alleged that she was raped by Sudama when both of them were posted at Jakkanpur police station in Patna, last year. As per the complaint, Sudama Singh used to ask the victim to come to his residence for official works. When she went to his house one day, Singh offered tea mixed with sedatives. After consuming the tea, she fell unconscious and the accused raped her and also made a nude video. On the basis of the video, Sudama Singh allegedly blackmailed her and forced her for sexual advances. He raped her several times and also threatened to upload the video on the social media if she narrate it to anyone. The accused also forced her to undergo an abortion after she became pregnant in September, last year. On Monday, after going through the trauma for nearly a year, the victim officer filed a complaint in SC ST police station of Patna. Sudama Singh was recently transferred to another district. Bharat Soni, City SP of Patna district (East) said that an FIR has been registered against Sudama Singh in SC ST police station. He said that the case is under investigation. "We have registered an FIR Number under IPC sections of 376, 313 SC ST acts against Sudama Singh. The matter is under investigation and will take action," Soni said. --IANS ajk/dan Lebanon: Army does not have capacity to deploy on Israel border in potential Hezbollah deal. Image Source: IANS News Beirut, Feb 6 : Lebanon's interim Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib told the media on Tuesday that the Lebanese army does not have the capacity to deploy on the border with Israel, the media reported. Bou Habib cites "a shortage of equipment" as reason for his opposition to the idea, which is reportedly part of the diplomatic solution the US is pushing to keep the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah from expanding into a full-blown war, The Times of Israel reported. The plan, according to Hebrew-media reports, would see Hezbollah withdraw 8-10 km from the border, and would have UN and Lebanese forces move into the area in greater numbers. Bou Habib says that he is against the withdrawal of Hezbollah to the Litani river, as Israel has demanded, "as this will lead to the renewal of war." The Foreign Minister has said that he is against "partial solutions" and will only accept a final settlement with Israel that solves all border disputes. US special envoy Amos Hochstein was in Israel over the weekend to discuss an emerging diplomatic solution with Israeli officials. Bengaluru, Feb 6 : BJP Karnataka unit President B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday said that a prosperous and flourishing Karnataka has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priority. "The Chief Minister is frustrated as he is unable to implement promised guarantees. We are staring at bankruptcy due to his inept handling of state finances. The Congress government has resorted to an unfair campaign against the Central government under the false pretence of pending tax dues," Vijayendra said while reacting to the invitation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to join the 'Chalo Delhi' programme in the national capital on February 7. He said that providing false information and to divert peoples' attention is another face of the Chief Minister. "BJP in Karnataka will soon expose the duplicity of Congress government with evidence," he said. He said that Congress which ruled the country for over 60 years has been following the policy of discrimination against Karnataka and had a step-motherly attitude towards the state. "When a prosperous and flourishing Karnataka has been Modi's priority, Congress instead of having a 'Chalo Delhi' should have initiated "Chalo Halli" (go to villages) program to wipe the tears of farmers who are in great distress due to the severe drought. We would have then joined the Congress programme as well," he said. Karnataka government has called for a protest demonstration in New Delhi on February 7 against the alleged step-motherly treatment meted out to the state and non-releasing of funds to drought hit states. Karnataka Chief Minister has also invited all the stakeholders of the state to join the protest in New Delhi. Astana, Feb 6 : Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed a new Prime Minister to the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to a presidential decree signed on Tuesday. Kazakhstan's ruling Amanat Party proposed the candidacy of Olzhas Bektenov, who previously served as the head of the presidential administration, Xinhua news agency reported. Tokayev discussed Bektenov's candidacy with leaders of party factions during a plenary session of the Mazhilis, or lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament. Tokayev later appointed Bektenov as the country's new Prime Minister. Kazakhstan's government resigned on Monday. Bhubaneswar, Feb 6 : Two hardcore women Maoist cadres of the banned CPI-Maoist surrendered before police in Odisha's Boudh district on Tuesday, police said. The surrendered militants were identified as Manisha Thati, 21, member of 8th company and Champa Koram alias Sajanti, 22, member of Mahanadi Area Committee of Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the CPI-Maoist. Both the surrendered Maoist cadres who hail from Chhattisgarh surrendered before Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Jay Narayan Pankaj. "Their task was to reactivate the North-South corridor from Jharkhand to Chhattisgarh through south-central Odisha. They were working in the CPI-Maoist organisation since 2018 and were involved in several violent incidents both in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. They have surrendered to live a normal life," an official source said. The surrendered ultras have reportedly told police that they were disturbed and frustrated by the continuous unethical activities in Maoist organisation like sexual harassment of female cadre, extortion of funds through intimidation, induction of young boys and girls in the organisation by false promise and propaganda, encouraging cannabis cultivation and trade, and unruly behaviour of senior leaders towards lower ranks cadre. They also alleged that around 10 to 12 Chhattisgarh cadre militants have fled away from the camp in the last two months. They were assured all possible assistance under the rehabilitation scheme of the state government. Chandigarh, Feb 6 : In a big relief to residents of the state, the Punjab government has decided to do away with the clause of no objection certificate (NOC) for registration of any land and property. Divulging details, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the decision has been taken in larger public interest to ensure that people do not face any sort of inconvenience. He said the legal mechanism for this decision has already been worked out and details will be shared soon. Mann said this decision has been taken in due consultation with the public and is aimed solely at ensuring their benefit. He said the people in both from urban and rural areas were facing problems due to non-availability of NOC. This resulted in non-execution of registration of land, thereby creating a lot of problems for the common man. Mann said now this problem will be solved as the requirement of NOC for the registration of land and property has been abolished by the government. Panaji, Feb 6 : The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday quashed summons issued to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal over his speech during the 2017 Assembly elections. Speaking to IANS, AAP Goa President Amit Palekar said, "The Election Commission had registered a complaint at Mapusa police station in 2017. The Goa High Court has set aside the summons issued by the JMFC, Mapusa." On November 28, last year, the local court in Goa issued summons to Arvind Kejriwal to remain present on November 29 in connection with the alleged violation of code of conduct. The lawyer, representing Kejriwal, had sought time from the court to study the documents. Judicial Magistrate First Class, Mapusa had issued summons to Kejriwal to answer alleged violation of Section 123 (1) of Representation of People's Act and Section 171 B, 171 (E) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Palekar said that the matter was fixed before the JMFC, Mapusa on February 12. Brothel customer can be booked under ITP Act for 'procuring person for prostitution': Kerala HC. Image Source: IANS News Kochi, Feb 6 : The Kerala High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of Sandeep, accused of murdering 23-year-old house surgeon, Dr. Vandana Das, during a medical examination. He stabbed Das to death while she was medically examining him after he was brought to the hospital by the police. The court also rejected a plea by the doctoras parents for a CBI probe in the case as they were not happy with the police probe. They pointed out that the attack on her daughter took place while the police officials were present as it was they who bought the accused for the medical examination. The gruesome incident took place early on May 10 last year at the state run clinic at Kottarakara in Kollam district. Counsel for Sandeep on Tuesday had filed a bail plea which said he was of unsound mind and under the influence of sedatives when the incident occurred and he had no intention to cause the death of the woman doctor. --IANS sg/vd New Delhi, Feb 6 : The number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that are operating in the country has gone up to 12,146 as of February 2 this year, Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The data provided by the minister shows that Maharashtra leads with 3,079 EV charging stations followed by Delhi with 1,886, while Karnataka is at the third spot with 1,041 charging stations. The top three states are followed by: Kerala (852), Tamil Nadu (643), Uttar Pradesh (582), Rajasthan (500), Telangana (481), Gujarat (476) and Madhya Pradesh (341), making up the top 10 list. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has been making consistent efforts for facilitating the promotion of EVs in India. The FAME-II scheme inter-alia included financial support in the form of subsidy for setting up of public charging infrastructure to instill confidence among the EV users, the minister said. Further, the Ministry of Power has taken several initiatives to accelerate the deployment of public EV charging infrastructure in the country. The government has issued guidelines and standards for charging infrastructure, which enable the owners of EVs to charge their vehicles at their residence/office using their existing electricity connections. A revenue sharing model for provision of land at promotional rates for public charging stations has also been introduced and provision has been made for providing electricity connection to Public Charging Station (PCS) within stipulated timelines. The government has also prescribed the single part EV tariff for public charging stations, This amount cannot exceed Average Cost of Supply (ACoS) till 31.03.2025. The guidelines specify a ceiling of Rs 2.50 per unit and Rs 3.50 per unit of electricity used for slow AC charging of EVs at PCS during the solar and non-solar hours, respectively. Additionally, a ceiling limit of Rs 10 per unit and Rs 12 per unit of electricity used for DC fast charging of EVs at PCS during the solar and non-solar hours, respectively, has also been specified. Average cost of supply (ACoS) by DISCOMs to PCSs during solar hours shall have a rebate of 20 per cent and a surcharge of 20 per cent during all other times. The Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022, has been notified with the objective of further accelerating renewable energy adoption, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all, the minister added. Mumbai, Feb 6 : The recently released Hrithik Roshan-starrer action film 'Fighter' has landed in legal trouble. The makers of the film have been served a legal notice over a kissing scene between the film's lead pair of Hrithik and Deepika Padukone both of whom essays Indian Air Force officers in the film. Mumbai, Feb 6 (IANS) The recently released Hrithik Roshan-starrer action film aFightera has landed in legal trouble. The makers of the film have been served a legal notice over a kissing scene between the filmas lead pair of Hrithik and Deepika Padukone both of whom essays Indian Air Force officers in the film. As per reports, the notice against the makers of the film has been issued by an Air Force officer from Assam, Saumya Deep Das. Saumya Deep Das has claimed that the scene was an insult to the Indian Air Force as the lead characters are seen kissing while donning their IAF uniforms. In his complaint, the officer has said that the IAF uniform is a powerful symbol of commitment to duty, national security and selfless service. He further said that the film misrepresents its inherent dignity by utilising the uniform for a scene promoting personal romantic entanglements. aFightera, which was released a day prior to the Republic Day in India, follows the dramatised events after the Pulwama attack on CRPF personnel, and how India retaliated by conducting an airstrike at a terrorist camp. The story develops through the events following a terrorist attack. As the story progresses, they fall in love. The film is written by Ramon Chibb, who was commissioned in the Indian Army in 1990 and is the son of an Air Force Officer. He served in the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army until 1995. Jaipur, Feb 6 : A Pakistani spy has been nabbed from Army Cantt in Pokhran, Jaisalmer area which borders Pakistan, officials said. Jaisalmer Kotwali police station officer Satyaprakash Vishnoi said that the accused -- Manu Bhil (24) -- was working as a laborer at the fuel depot in the Army Cantt area -- a sensitive area -- since January 2024. "He is a resident of Bahawalpur in Punjab province of Pakistan. He came to India along with his family in 2014 on a long term visa," Vishnoi said. He said that the army caught him from Army Cantt on Monday night and handed him over to Kotwali police. "He was caught while talking to someone in Pakistan over the phone. Security agencies are investigating the matter thoroughly," Vishnoi said. He said that when the army officers searched the accused, they found a phone. "He was in contact with many people in Pakistan through social media as well. He was also connected to people in Pakistan via audio-video calls," Vishnoi said. SP Vikas Sangwan said that initial investigation has revealed that the accused is a resident of Pakistan. "The phone found from him will be sent for forensic investigation. The Joint Interrogation Committee (JIC) team will conduct further investigation," Sangwan said. Mumbai, Feb 6 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday imposed a penalty of Rs 8.80 lakh on Power Finance Corporation Ltd for breach of norms related to 'Liquidity Risk Management Framework for Non-Banking Financial Companies and Core Investment Companies'. The statutory inspection of the company conducted by the RBI revealed, inter alia, that the company had not maintained the prescribed Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 60 per cent as on March 31, 2022 as a result of inclusion of ineligible assets as High Quality Liquid Assets for the computation of the LCR. Consequently, a notice was issued to the company advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for failure to comply with the RBI directions, as stated therein. After considering the companyas reply to the notice, examination of additional submissions made by it, and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, the RBI came to the conclusion that the charge of non-compliance with the RBI directions was substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty. However, the RBI said that this action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the company with its customers. New Delhi, Feb 6 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched an aggressive social media campaign to impress upon the public about the flagship schemes of the Modi government while boasting about their popularity and acceptance among the public. A feature film highlighting various popular and ground-breaking schemes of the Modi government launched during the last 10 years has been released by the BJP's social media handles. The video was also shared on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal X handle. The film has been made in eight languages -- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Assamese, Odia, Bangla and Hindi -- and aims to cater to people in the Hindi heartland and also down South. A total of films were released in eight languages. These policies are highly-successful schemes of the Modi government, namely Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, MUDRA Yojana, UPI, and PM Awas Yojana. The theme of these films revolves around BJP's campaign song for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 'Sapne Nahi Haqeeqat Bunte, Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai'. The theme song, launched a few days ago, highlights Modi govt's achievements in the last 10 years and how PM Modi has been turning dreams and aspirations of crores of Indians into reality. The theme song resonates with the promises of BJP and shows how Modi has been going the extra mile to fulfil all those promises, one after the another. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Mudra Yojana is a transformative initiative, empowering millions, promoting entrepreneurship. It is also noteworthy that the largest number of women, SC/ST and OBC people have benefited." New Delhi, Feb 6 : Three-term MP Veena Verma passed away in Delhi on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. Her family said that she passed away in Max Hospital, Saket at 3.14 a.m. after a courageous battle with age-related multiple illnesses. She was a former member of the Parliament from Madhya Pradesh and was elected to the Rajya Sabha for three consecutive six year terms, from 1986 to 2000. She has also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language and was a member of Indian Council for World Affair too. Born on September 1, 1941, Veena Verma lived a life of remarkable dedication to public service. In 1967, she married famous writer and poet Shrikant Verma, and together they embarked on a distinguished career as Members of the Indian Parliament, serving the nation for decades. Her colleagues -- from different parties -- said that Veena Vermaas unwavering commitment to the well-being of constituents has left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Beyond her political achievements, Veena Verma was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished her family above all else, and her warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her family has informed that the cremation will take place on February 7 in the second half in Delhi. New Delhi, Feb 6 : All four Kalinga Literary Awards for the year 2024 have gone to women writers, informed Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder and Director, Kalinga Literary Festival. Kalinga Literary Awards will be conferred on Hindi Novelist Nasira Sharma and Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, former assistant secretary-general at the United Nations, Diplomat, writer, novelist. Nepalese writer Prof. Beena Poudyal will receive the Kalinga International Literary Award for her contribution to literature, art and culture while young writer Radhika Iyengar will receive the Kalinga Literary Award (Youth). KLF-Publishing House of the Year Award will be conferred on Penguin Random House and HarperCollins Publishers India. The awards will be conferred to the winners at the inaugural Ceremony of the 10th Kalinga Literary Festival on February 9 at Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar. Nasira Sharma is an acclaimed Hindi writer who has published 10 Hindi-language novels including aParijata, aMere Priya Kahaniyaana and aAjnabi Jajiraa. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri has been an Indian Foreign Service diplomat for 28 years. She served in leadership positions at the United Nations for 15 years. She is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, among others. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri's debut novel is aSwallowing The Suna Professor Bina Paudyal lives in Kathmandu, Nepal. In her 40 years of teaching and researching, she has published more than 100 research articles so far in the field of culture, and 19 books, including the history of Nepali culture. Radhika Iyengar is an Indian journalist, writer, and recipient of the 2018 Red Ink Awards in the category of human rights. After eight years of research on the Dom community of Varanasi, she wrote aFire on the Ganges: Life among the Dead in Banarasa, published in 2023 by HarperCollins India. The festival will run from February 9 to 11 in Bhubaneswar and will host over 400 speakers from across a vast array of nationalities. It will feature a range of themes including the ongoing climate justice debate under the urgency of borrowed time theme; the great women writers and artists focusing on the female voice and identity, crime fiction, memoir, translation, poetry, economics, tech morality, and Artificial Intelligence, the global crisis, cutting-edge science, India and the World, art and photography, health and medicine, amongst others. ---IANS/ sukant/uk New Delhi, Feb 6 : All four Kalinga Literary Awards for the year 2024 have gone to women writers, informed Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder and Director, Kalinga Literary Festival. Hindi novelist Nasira Sharma and former assistant secretary-general at the United Nations, Diplomat, writer, novelist, Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, will be conferred Kalinga Literary Awards. Nepalese writer Prof. Beena Poudyal will receive the Kalinga International Literary Award for her contribution to literature, art and culture while young writer Radhika Iyengar will receive the Kalinga Literary Award (Youth). KLF-Publishing House of the Year Award will be conferred on Penguin Random House and HarperCollins Publishers India. The awards will be conferred to the winners at the inaugural Ceremony of the 10th Kalinga Literary Festival on February 9 at Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar. Nasira Sharma is an acclaimed Hindi writer who has published 10 Hindi-language novels including aParijata, aMere Priya Kahaniyaana and aAjnabi Jajiraa. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri has been an Indian Foreign Service diplomat for 28 years. She served in leadership positions at the United Nations for 15 years. She is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, among others. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri's debut novel is aSwallowing The Suna Professor Bina Paudyal lives in Kathmandu, Nepal. In her 40 years of teaching and researching, she has published more than 100 research articles so far in the field of culture, and 19 books, including the history of Nepali culture. Radhika Iyengar is an Indian journalist, writer, and recipient of the 2018 Red Ink Awards in the category of human rights. After eight years of research on the Dom community of Varanasi, she wrote aFire on the Ganges: Life among the Dead in Banarasa, published in 2023 by HarperCollins India. The festival will run from February 9 to 11 in Bhubaneswar and will host over 400 speakers from across a vast array of nationalities. It will feature a range of themes including the ongoing climate justice debate under the urgency of borrowed time theme; the great women writers and artists focusing on the female voice and identity, crime fiction, memoir, translation, poetry, economics, tech morality, and Artificial Intelligence, the global crisis, cutting-edge science, India and the World, art and photography, health and medicine, amongst others. ---IANS/ sukant/uk Hyderabad, Feb 6 : Hyderabad police issued a lookout notice for former BRS MLA Shakeel Aamir in connection with the December 24 BMW accident case involving his son. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), M. Vijay Kumar, revealed on Tuesday that the lookout notice has been issued against the former MLA from Bodhan as he allegedly helped his son escape to Dubai. Police had already issued a lookout notice against Raheel Aamir and both father and son are reported to be in Dubai. The DCP said they gathered evidence that while in Dubai, the former MLA allegedly helped his son come out of police custody and implicated an unrelated person in the case. Raheel was driving the BMW which rammed into the barricades in front of Praja Bhavan, the official residence of Telangana Deputy Chief Minister. No one was injured but the barricade and the front portion of the car were damaged in the incident. The person driving the car and three others travelling with him escaped leaving behind the car. Later, a person came to the spot to claim the abandoned car. A case of rash driving was registered against him. However, subsequent investigation revealed that Raheel, son of the former MLA from Bodhan, was driving the car. The police officers allegedly let off Raheel and booked a person who works as a driver at the former MLAas house. The DCP said a total of 16 people were booked and five were arrested including Inspectors of Panjagutta and Bodhan police stations for helping the accused. Suspended Inspector of Panjagutta police station, Durga Rao was arrested at Guntakal in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on February 4. He was evading arrest since January 27. Vijay Kumar said Durga Rao, who is accused Number 13 in the case, was produced before the court, which granted him bail. The court directed him to cooperate in the investigation. The DCP said the suspended Inspector appeared before the Investigation Officer in the case. Durga Rao allegedly let off Raheel from police custody and within a few hours the accused left for Dubai to join his father. The inspector then implicated the MLAas driver in the case and misled the entire investigation. On January 28, police arrested Circle Inspector of Bodhan Police Station, Prem Kumar and former MLAas aide Abdul Wasey. Hyderabad Police Commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy, in an unprecedented action on January 31, transferred the entire staff of the Panjagutta police station and shifted them to police headquarters. Meanwhile, the DCP also said that the police were also investigating the fatal road accident which took place in Jubilee Hills in March 2022. Raheel was allegedly present in the SUV which hit street vendors crossing the road, resulting in the death of a two-month-old child and injuries to four others. There were allegations that the MLAas son was driving the car. He, however, had denied this and clarified that the car belonged to his cousin. Shakeel, who was then an MLA, stated the son of his cousin was at the wheels at the time of the accident and he escaped as some people present there had started beating him up. The DCP said a charge sheet has been filed in the case and the trial was pending. Stating that there are some similarities in both the cases, Vijay Kumar said they have decided to thoroughly investigate it. Pune, Feb 6 : Signalling the resolve to crack down on growing incidents of crime in Pune, newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar on Tuesday resorted to an unprecedented "black parade of goons" to restore peoples' faith in the law-enforcers. Cracking down on crime and those who perpetrate it, Kumar summoned more than 200 notorious gangsters or mafiosi on police records to report to his office for first-hand information of their antecedents and activities, with the Lok Sabha elections round the corner. Many of the dreaded goons who marched to the Commissionerate office are reputed to flaunt political connections, including the likes of Gajanan Marne, Nilesh Ghaiwal, Baba Bodke, bigwigs of the Andekar gang, Mohol gang and other known police history-sheeters. Ghaiwal shot to prominence for recently meeting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his photos have gone viral on social media, prompting sharp attacks from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Last fortnight, Parth A. Pawar, the son of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, had dropped in to meet Marne, sparking a political uproar, and ultimately Papa Pawar had to own up the blame for sonas indiscretion. On January 5, dreaded mafia don, Sharad Mohol was shot in a public spot outside his home, igniting apprehensions of a possible big gang-war erupting in the city. A majority of those who joined the parade have various big and small crimes lodged against them ranging from kidnapping to extortion to dacoity to murder attempts, rape and murders, Waiting to "welcome" the baddies was Kumar, along with a posse of police personnel in what was seen as an attempt to reassure the people that the law-enforcers were seriously going about their prime duty a" enforcing the law. An IPS officer of 1995 batch, Kumar, who took over as Pune top cop on Feb. 1, was earlier the Commissioner of Nagpur, the stateas second capital, where he meticulously ensured that the underworld remained, well underground, or behind bars. According to officials, over 200 of the notorious underworld figures emerged into the public and police spotlight, with the media present to click the goonsa "black parade", and were made to cool their heels in the blazing sun for several hours before they were allowed to go. In a bid to keep tabs on them, the mafiosi have been asked to report daily to the nearest police stations and give their daily time-table of activities to the police. Since the past two days, MVA leaders like Congress state President Nana Patole and the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar, and Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut, among others have accused the MahaYuti government of hobnobbing with and "hiring" gangsters ahead of the parliament polls. The new police chiefas move was lauded in various quarters and seemed to instill confidence among the people who have been terrorised by crime and criminals in what is the stateas cultural, academic and IT capital. On Monday, Kumar cracked down on various clubs and pubs that flouted rules and remained open beyond the stipulated hours, some till as late as 4 am, and he ordered that they must down shutters at 1.30 a.m. and has many more aces up his khaki sleeve. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows the construction site of new houses for quake-affected families in Herat province, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has constructed 387 houses for quake-affected families in west Afghanistan's Herat province, Provincial Director for Information and Culture Ahmadullah Mutaqqi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has constructed 387 houses for quake-affected families in west Afghanistan's Herat province, Provincial Director for Information and Culture Ahmadullah Mutaqqi said. "A total of 387 houses have been built in 13 villages for 120 million afghanis (about 1.62 million U.S. dollars) from the caretaker government's budget," local television Tolonews quoted Muttaqi on Tuesday as saying. Devastating tremors struck Herat last October, which killed thousands of people and rendered numerous families homeless. In the meantime, Mohammad Rafi Shayan, head of the construction company that built the houses, said that each house built for the quake-affected victims has two rooms and a hallway. Nevertheless, a beneficiary of the accommodation has complained that the lack of health clinics, schools, mosques, bathrooms and kitchens would remain a problem for the recipients. Around 4,000 houses have been built for the quake-affected families in 85 ruined villages by the establishment, charity entities and individuals across Herat over the past three months, according to local officials. Workers are seen at the construction site of new houses for quake-affected families in Herat province, Afghanistan, Dec. 13, 2023. The Afghan caretaker government has constructed 387 houses for quake-affected families in west Afghanistan's Herat province, Provincial Director for Information and Culture Ahmadullah Mutaqqi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 13, 2023 shows a new house under construction for quake-affected families in Herat province, Afghanistan. The Afghan caretaker government has constructed 387 houses for quake-affected families in west Afghanistan's Herat province, Provincial Director for Information and Culture Ahmadullah Mutaqqi said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Agartala, Feb 6 : Twelve Bangladeshi nationals, including six women, were repatriated to their country on Tuesday, a year after they entered into India illegally 'in search of jobs', officials said. Agartala-based Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) coordinated with the Indian officials to repatriate the 12 Bangladeshis, who entered into Tripura separately between 2022 and 2023 in search of jobs. Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner Arif Mohammad said that one of the 12 Bangladeshi nationals is a minor girl, who was brought by their relatives to Tripura to perform domestic work six years ago. "The girl was tortured by her relatives in Tripura before she escaped from her employers' home and went to the police seeking help. The girl was in a government home before Tuesday's repatriation," he told the media after the repatriation of the 12 Bangladeshis through the Agartala-Akhaura check-post. He said the 11 adult persons entered Tripura illegally in search of jobs. After completing the legal and diplomatic formalities, they were handed over to the Bangladeshi officials and family members on Tuesday. Indian and Bangladeshi officials, including Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) officials, were present at the Agartala-Akhaura check-post during the repatriation process. Many Bangladeshi nationals, including women, children and mentally challenged individuals, are often apprehended by the BSF and other security forces after they inadvertently cross the international border. After medical treatment, they are handed over to their families in their country. In the past two to three years, around 20 Bangladeshi citizens, including women, who had accidentally crossed the international border into India in a mentally sick condition, were handed over their families after completion of medical treatment and a lengthy legal and diplomatic process. Tripura, which is surrounded by Bangladesh on almost all four sides, shares an 856 km international border with the neighbouring country. New Delhi, Feb 6 : As the policy-makers deliberate over how to curb deepfakes and AI-generated content in a year when the India and the US go to elections, Meta on Tuesday said that in the coming months, it will label images that users post to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads that are AI-generated. Meta is adding a feature for people to disclose when they share AI-generated video or audio so the company can add a label to it. "Weall require people to use this disclosure and label tool when they post organic content with a photorealistic video or realistic-sounding audio that was digitally created or altered, and we may apply penalties if they fail to do so," Nick Clegg, President, Global Affairs, said in a statement. If the company determines that digitally created or altered image, video or audio content creates a particularly high risk of materially deceiving the public on a matter of importance, "we may add a more prominent label if appropriate, so people have more information and context". Meta's family of apps, which includes Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, are now being used by 3.19 billion people daily, up from the 3.14 billion. The social networking platform said that it is also working with industry partners on common technical standards for identifying AI content, including video and audio. "Weave labeled photorealistic images created using Meta AI since it launched so that people know they are aImagined with AI,a" said Clegg. "Weare taking this approach through the year, during which a number of important elections are taking place around the world," said the company. Since AI-generated content appears across the internet, Meta is working with other companies in the industry to develop common standards for identifying it through forums like the Partnership on AI (PAI). "The invisible markers we use for Meta AI images a" IPTC metadata and invisible watermarks a" are in line with PAIas best practices," Clegg noted. "Weare building industry-leading tools that can identify invisible markers at scale so we can label images from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Adobe, Midjourney, and Shutterstock as they implement their plans for adding metadata to images created by their tools. "These are early days for the spread of AI-generated content. As it becomes more common in the years ahead, there will be debates across society about what should and shouldnat be done to identify both synthetic and non-synthetic content. "Industry and regulators may move towards ways of authenticating content that hasnat been created using AI as well as content that has," Clegg said. --IANS na/vd Patna February 6 : The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on Tuesday announced the third phase teachers' recruitment. Confirming the development, Atul Prasad, the Chairman of BPSC, said that some changes may be made in the third phase of recruitment, examinations for which will be held in March this year. "The aspirants can apply from February 10 to February 23 for classes 1 to 12. The exams are divided into four segments -- from classes 1 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 10 and 11 to 12 -- which will be held from March 7 to March 17," Prasad said. "The aspirants can apply for all four segments as BPSC will release multiple results. For example, if one candidate is applying for all four segments and passes in three of them, BPSC will issue results in all three segments. However, the recruitment will be made for only one post," Prasad added. Sources said 70,000 posts are coming up in the third phase and if the posts remain vacant, a fourth phase of teachers' recruitment is expected to be conducted in August this year. The teachers' recruitment process in the first and second phases was completed during the Mahagathbandhan's regime. It is an issue for which all the three major political parties in the state -- RJD, JD-U and BJP -- are trying to take credit. With the third phase coming up, it seems Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is trying to send a message that it was his vision to provide jobs to the common people, and not that of Tejashwi Yadav. On the other hand, the RJD is claiming that the recruitment process started after the arrival of the Mahagathbandhan government, especially due to the vision of Tejashwi Yadav. Bengaluru, Feb 6 : Karnataka unit BJP General Secretary P. Rajeev on Tuesday said that the Chief Minister has remained silent on the farmer deaths in the state. "More than 850 farmers have committed suicide in the state and the Chief Minister has remained silent over these deaths. Minister Shivanand Patil has in an uncivilized manner said that farmers are ending their lives to get compensation for their families," Rajeev said during a protest at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru. The protesting BJP workers had also brought cows to the protesting site against the alleged failure of the government to release the subsidy of Rs 715 crore on milk from July 2023 to Jan 2024. "Did you stop the milk subsidy so that farmers commit suicide?" Rajeev asked. He said that the Chief Minister travels in a chartered plane with Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan to New Delhi but does not have the humanity to release the subsidy on milk for farmers. "Even the livestock are against the government. The veterinary hospitals of Bengaluru city and Bengaluru Rural have also been transferred to other districts. The government seems to be pursuing the policy that there should not be any cows or the farmers who rear them," Rajeev said. He said that the government is pursuing an anti-cow policy. "Rs 4,000 subsidy given by former Chief Minister Yediyurappa has also been stopped. The funds given for the diesel to farmers has also been stopped. The Vidya Siri programme scholarship for the children of farmers has also been stopped," Rajeev said. State President of Raitha Morcha A. S. Nadahalli said that the Congress government has stopped all pro-farmers programmes launched by the previous BJP government. Chandigarh, Feb 6 : Eyeing the Lok Sabha polls, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday launched the "Aap Di Sarkar, Aap De Dwaar" scheme that stipulates holding of more than 11,600 camps at village and locality level to benefit the people. Addressing the gathering near Mohali, the Chief Minister described it as a "red letter day" in the history of the state as people will no longer have to rush to government offices for their routine administrative works. Rather, he said, the government officers will come at their doorsteps and offer services to them, thereby immensely benefitting them. Mann said this is the real empowerment of people where government will wholeheartedly work for the wellbeing of the masses. The Chief Minister envisioned that Punjab will once again lead the country as this citizen-centric initiative will be replicated in various other states in the coming times. He said the government had, in December 2023, started a flagship scheme regarding doorsteps delivery of major government services by starting delivery of 43 important services to citizens. Now going beyond that, the government has taken other important initiative aAap ki Sarkar, Aap Ke Dwara to reach out to the citizen by organising camps, he said. He said more than 11,600 camps will be organised across the state in this month covering rural and urban areas of the state, adding four camps will be organized in every tehsil of the state daily. Mann said that all types of measures have been taken for public awareness about information about camps like venue, date, time and others, adding the public can view todayas camps and forthcoming camps on the portal too. The Chief Minister said the BJP had "murdered" democracy during the elections for the Mayor in Chandigarh but the intervention by the Supreme Court is the triumph of democracy. He said the AAP would fight against all sort of high handedness by the BJP and they would not be allowed to undermine the democratic process. Mann said intervention of the apex court is the victory of the people and democracy. --IANS vg/vd Gurugram, Jan 6 : Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday directed the officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to open the Gurugram sections on the Dwarka Expressway for traffic. Minister and Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit Singh held a meeting with the Road and Transport Minister and demanded the opening of the Dwarka Expressway in the Gurugram section. Rao told the Minister that work on the Gurugram portion of Dwarka Expressway has been completed and it should be opened for traffic. He said that it may take another four-five months to complete the work on the Delhi portion, in such a situation, the people of Gurugram should be given relief by opening the Gurugram portion. While discussing with Gadkari about making an elevated road from Hero Honda Chowk to Umang Bhardwaj Chowk in Gurugram, the Minister said that as per the notification of 2017, Hero Honda Chowk to Umang Bhardwaj Chowk was a part of NHAI but despite that, the authorities had decided not to make it elevated. Rao said that in the meeting held with you in December 2022, it was also agreed to make this road elevated and it was agreed that the expenditure on this would be borne by NHAI. Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) officials present in the meeting said that the land acquisition work from Hero Honda Chowk to Umang Bhardwaj Chowk is almost complete and encroachments are also being removed rapidly. GMDA officials told Gadkari that the work of utility shifting is also done by the NHAI while the amount will be deposited by GMDA. While discussing the removal of the Khedki Daula toll plaza, the MP informed the Minister that the period for the toll collection had expired. He said that the Haryana government has also provided another place to shift the toll hence the toll should be shifted as soon as possible. Gadkari told Rao that a new plan has been prepared for toll collection and the toll plaza will be removed soon. --IANS str/dan New Delhi : People from Manipur stage a protest against the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. Image Source: IANS News Imphal, Feb 6 : A nine-member delegation of various tribal organisations from Manipur under the banner of 'Zo United' is in Delhi to meet Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials on Wednesday. The delegation will discuss the current situation in the northeastern state, which has been devastated by ethnic violence for over nine months. The tribal leaders' delegation comprises leaders of Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), Committee on Tribal Unity, Kuki Inpi Manipur, Zomi Council, Hill Tribal Council and all tribe councils. The delegation is also trying to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to apprise him of the situation in Manipur and present their unfulfilled demands, which include promulgation of the (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act) in the remaining parts of the state. The ITLF and other tribal organisations have been demanding imposition of President's Rule in Manipur and creation of separate administrations (equivalent to separate state) for the tribals. Ten tribal MLAs of Manipur, including seven from the ruling BJP have also been demanding a separate administration for the tribals. The demand was on a number of occasions rejected by the Union Home Minister and Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh. Meanwhile, the ITLF on Tuesday alleged that since May 3 last year, the Meitei community has blocked all goods-laden vehicles from entering Kuki-Zo tribal areas, including essential commodities and life-saving drugs. Since February 1, the only power line that supplies electricity to Churachandpur and Pherzawl, two Kuki-Zo tribal districts, has been sabotaged, leading to a complete blackout of electricity. "It is pertinent to note that before the ethnic violence, there were three lines which supplied power to Churachandpur and Pherzawl Districts, but two were destroyed by miscreants in June last year. The remaining line was also sabotaged on two previous occasions before the February 1 incident," the ITLF claimed. An ITLF statement said, "We want to remind the people of valley areas that power lines for the capital Imphal run through tribal hills, National Highway 2 - the main supply line for all goods entering the valley - goes through Kuki-Zo areas, and most of the source of water for the valley comes from the hills. We have not taken any drastic action -- despite being repeatedly attacked by militants -- because of humanitarian considerations and to avoid a further escalation of the conflict which could cause a humanitarian disaster. But we have reached a point where any further instigation will be met with a befitting reply." New Delhi, Feb 6 : A man allegedly slashed the throat of his friend with a broken glass bottle after consuming liquor, all over a mere Rs 1,500, a Delhi Police official said on Tuesday. The incident came to light after the body of 35-year-old Ashwani, a resident of Kusumpur Pahadi, with throat slit, was found in south Delhi at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Southwest, Rohit Meena said that a caller told Vasant Vihar police station that his brother has been murdered at Kusumpur Pahari near Madrasi Mandir, Vasant Vihar. A police team reached the scene and secured the area. "Akash, the caller, was present and informed the authorities that his brother, Ashwani, had been murdered, his throat gruesomely slit. Ashwani's body was found in the parking area, surrounded by a pool of blood. Forensic experts and the Crime Team were summoned to conduct investigations," the DCP said. After inquiry, a suspect, Sanjay, a resident of the same locality, was identified and apprehended for interrogation. During grilling, Sanjay admitted to consuming alcohol with the deceased in the parking area around 1/1.30 a.m. "An inebriated Sanjay demanded Rs 1,500 from Ashwani, which he owed. Ashwani's refusal led to a quarrel, during which Sanjay broke a glass bottle and used a shard to fatally wound Ashwani," the DCP said. Subsequently, Sanjay confessed to hiding Ashwani's mobile phone near the garbage bin and disposing of a blood-stained slipper from his house, where he had changed into shoes post the incident. "Acting on Sanjay's revelation, police recovered the phone near a garbage bin and the discarded slipper. Sanjay stands arrested in connection with the case, while further investigations are underway," the DCP added. Former ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar arrive to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Rs 1,875-crore Videocon loan case in New Delhi. (File Photo: IANS). Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Feb 6 : The Bombay High Court on Tuesday termed the arrests of ex-ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar and her businessman husband Deepak Kochhar as "illegal" and confirmed the 2023 interim bail order. The Kochhar couple was arrested in the ICICI Bank-Videocon loan fraud case, and in January 2023, a bench of Justice Revati Mohite-Dere had granted them interim bail order. A division bench of Justices Anuja Prabhudesai and Nitin R. Borkar confirmed the January 2023 interim bail order on Tuesday, after they completed the hearing last month and reserved the verdict. Last year Justice Mohite-Dere had questioned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) why the investigation into the case took so long while the FIR was lodged in 2019, while granting the interim bail to the Kochhars who were arrested on December 23, 2022, pending their plea. The court held in its interim order that the Kochharas arrests were not in accordance with the relevant laws, and the reason to arrest them four years after the probe was launched was "not spelt out" in the arrest summons. At that time, Chanda Kochhar's lawyer, senior advocate Amit Desai had informed the court that his client had fully cooperated with the CBI but no investigations took place for over three years till the first half of 2022, and that her arrest was illegal and violated provisions of the CrPC. He also argued that no woman police officer was present at the time of Chanda Kochharas arrest, while her husband was an independent businessman and she had not shared any details pertaining to the bank with him. CBI lawyer Kuldeep Patil argued that the interim bail order only considered the arrest memos but not the case diaries and remand applications that proved the Kochhars were not cooperating with the probe agency. The CBI had challenged the interim bail order in the Supreme Court which directed the agency to argue the matter before the Bombay HC. In January 2018, the CBI launched its probe against the Kochhars following an expose that Videocon Groupas chief Venugopal Dhoot had allegedly diverted loan amounts he got from the ICICI Bank in 2012 to a company he had formed with Deepak Kochhar and others. The alleged irregularities pertained to granting six high-value loans worth around Rs 1,575 crore to five Videocon Group companies between June 2009-October 2011, reportedly flouting the rules and policy of the bankas sanctioning committee. Later, the loans became NPAs and resulted in a huge loss of over Rs 1,730 crore to the ICICI Bank by April 2012. Mumbai cops cane crowds protesting arrest of Mufti by Gujarat ATS for hate speech'. Image Source: IANS News Ahmedabad, Feb 6 : Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari has become embroiled in a fresh controversy as the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against him in Kutch, Gujarat. This was the second FIR lodged against Azhari in Gujarat. Following his arrest on February 4, Azhari was interrogated by the ATS before being handed over to the Junagadh Police for further investigation. The Junagadh Police presented Azhari before the court, seeking a 10-day remand to probe the allegations against him. The court's decision regarding the remand request is awaited. The catalyst for Azhari's arrest was a viral video that showed him delivering a speech on January 31 that was deemed inflammatory. The Gujarat ATS detained Azhari in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, in response to a complaint filed by the Junagadh Police. Amidst these legal proceedings, Azhari addressed his supporters at the Ghatkopar police station, urging calm and asserting his cooperation with the authorities. Wahid Sheikh, Azhari's lawyer, raised concerns about the lack of transparency during the policeas initial visit to question Azhari. Sheikh said Azhari cooperated with the police and the lawyer highlighted a communication gap on the part of the authorities regarding the details of the case. In a related incident, Junagadh police arrested two individuals in connection with a video that showcased inflammatory remarks, believed to be made by Azhari. Officials confirmed the police's ongoing efforts to apprehend Azhari, a Mumbai resident. Abbas Ganbay A serious behind-the-scenes struggle has unfolded between Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan and Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, according to the Zhoghovurd newspaper, Azernews reports. The clash of personalities and ambitions, reinforced by the upcoming elections in 2026, has led to a fierce confrontation between the two iconic figures of the Velvet Revolution, as well as other contenders for the role of Nikol Pashinyan's successor. According to the newspaper, the struggle took the form of open attacks and accusations of corruption. Simonyan tried to belittle Grigoryan's role before Pashinyan, while the latter drew attention to the involvement of Simonyan's family members in the tender purchases of the Synergy company, which drew the attention of law enforcement agencies. Simonyan found himself at the centre of a corruption scandal due to the arrest of his brother's wife. The newspaper quoted sources as saying that some members of the ruling party directly or indirectly demand Simonyan's resignation and have put the issue to Pashinyan. All this raises serious doubts about the speaker's political future. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Some 12 million people, or 70.5 percent of Cambodia's total population of 17 million, have benefited from the clean-up of landmine and explosive remnant of war (ERW) contaminated land in the last 31 years, a senior official said on Tuesday. Ly Thuch, senior minister and first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authorities (CMAA), said the Southeast Asian country had cleared 3,024 square km of landmine and ERW contaminated land from 1992 to 2023. "Seventy-six percent of the cleared land has been used for agriculture, five percent for social infrastructure and 19 percent for housing, villages, schools, and health centers, among others," he told Xinhua. Thuch said nearly 1.18 million anti-personnel mines, 26,339 anti-tank mines, and 3.1 million ERWs were found and destroyed in the last 31 years. He added that the number of landmine and ERW casualties had declined from 4,320 in 1996 to 32 in 2023 and below 100 a year in the last 10 years. According to the senior minister, 14 of 25 provinces in Cambodia have been declared mine-free, and four other provinces are also expected to be announced mine-free this year. "We are on track to achieve our mine-free target by 2025," he said. Speaking of China's assistance to Cambodia's landmine and ERW clearance operations, Thuch said China is one of the key contributors to this humanitarian mission. He said the China-Aided Cambodia Landmines Elimination Project, which has been carrying out in three phases from 2018 and 2025, has cleared more than 107 square km land contaminated with mines and ERWs, destroying about 78,000 pieces of landmines and ERWs. "A total of 1.5 million Cambodian people have benefited from the China-aided project so far," Thuch said. "One landmine can destroy a whole family, so the support from China has saved a lot of lives from these silent killers, the landmines." He said the mine-cleared land has become permanently safe for villagers, farmers, children and households to build houses, schools, playgrounds, and temples, among others. Cambodia is one of the countries worst-affected by landmines and ERWs. An estimated 4 million to 6 million landmines and other munitions had been left over from three decades of war and internal conflicts that ended in 1998. From 1979 to October 2023, landmine and ERW explosions had killed 19,822 people and either injured or amputated 45,212 others, said a Cambodian government report. According to Thuch, currently, around 1 million people in the kingdom, particularly in rural areas, still live in fear and work in areas suspiciously contaminated by landmines, ERWs and cluster munitions. Hyderabad, Feb 6 : On his return to active politics after losing power to Congress recently, BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday decided to launch a movement to protect Telangana's rights over Krishna river water. KCR, as Rao is popularly called, has worked out a strategy to corner the ruling party over handing over management of Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar irrigation projects to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB). Amid the ongoing war of words between Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress over irrigation projects, KCR held a meeting with BRS leaders from Krishna basin. He also decided to hold a public meeting at Nalgonda on February 13. KCR had discussions with party leaders at Telangana Bhavan, the BRS headquarters. He received a warm welcome by the party leaders on his first visit after three months. The BRS chief told the party leaders that the decision of the new government to hand over management of the KRMB would damage the stateas interests. Even permission to maintain the reservoirs will have to be taken from the KRMB, he added. Stating that the struggle for Telangana is not new for BRS, he asked the party leaders to gear for another movement to protect the stateas interests. The BRS chief alleged that with its ill-advised approach the Congress government was jeopardising the stateas rights over irrigation and drinking water. Dismissing the allegation of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, KCR claimed that BRS government did not agree to surrender the projects. He asked BRS leaders to organise the meeting involving people from Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Khammam districts and explain the damage the Congress governmentas decision would cause to the stateas interests. Later, addressing a news conference BRS leaders and former ministers S. Niranjan Reddy, Jagadish Reddy and others said that a public meeting will be held in Nalgonda town on February 13 to protect Telanganaas rights over Krishna waters. They made it clear that their movement will continue till Telangana gets its due share in Krishna river waters. Niranjan Reddy slammed the Congress government for agreeing to hand over the projects to the Centre without even consulting the opposition. Demanding that the Congress government should apologise to the people of Telangana, the former minister said it should also take an all-party delegation to Delhi. The BRS leaders demanded that the Krishna Tribunal should pronounce its order in six months. They asked if the tribunal takes decades for allocation of water share, how will the state build the projects. They claimed that despite blackmailing by the Centre, the KCR government did not agree to handover the projects but the Congress surrendered the projects within two months of coming to power. Recalling that the Telangana movement was for the water, they said if the Congress government comes forward to protect the stateas interests, the BRS would cooperate with it. The BRS leaders said while BRS overcame electricity, drinking water and irrigation water shortage and gave assurance to farmers for the last 10 years, the Congress surrendered the stateas interests. They alleged that handing over Krishna projects to the Centre amounts to handing over to Andhra Pradesh and the Congress government here is doing what Andhra Pradesh wants. "This is an issue of life and death of people of Telangana," said Niranjan Reddy. He stated that making public a temporary agreement entered a year ago reflects the state governmentas ignorance and recalled that after this the state had gone to the Supreme Court. He termed as a lie the statement made by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and dared the Central minister and Chief Minister to make public any record which shows that KCR government had agreed to handover projects to the KRMB. The BRS leader said the minutes of the meetings of October 22, 2020 and May 27, 2022 clearly show the state did not give its consent. The state did not agree even during the May 19, 2023 meeting. He alleged that the Centre is trying to help the state government and that the BRS will mount pressure on both the central and state governments at the Nalgonda meeting. Simdega: Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur hands over the national flag to Odisha Congress President Sarat Patnaik in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 6 : Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday announced a new financial model for the small and medium businesses and industries with special focus on backward classes, Dalits, Adivasis and the poor, who will benefit by it. He also said if the Opposition alliance government comes to power, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be modified. Addressing a press conference on the 24th day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Jharkhand's Gumla, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the INDIA bloc is intact, adding that seat-sharing formulas are being discussed and will be resolved soon. Replying to a question on removing the 50 per cent cap on reservation, the former Congress President said that it was an artificial and unfair cap. He maintained that while protecting reservation rights of the Dalits and Adivasis, the 50 per cent cap will be removed. Rahul Gandhi also said that caste census would be conducted in the country to find out the exact status of various castes. He informed mediapersons that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who participated in the Yatra recently, had told him that it will soon be started in his state. Meanwhile, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered Odisha on its 24th day on Tuesday. The national flag was handed over to the Odisha unit at a ceremony. The Yatra completed its first phase in Jharkhand and will return to the state on February 14 for the second phase. "Today, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra bid goodbye to Phase I of its Jharkhand leg," party General Secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said. Mumbai, Feb 6 : Food products major Britannia Ltd on Tuesday reported a 40 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit at Rs 556 crore for the October-December quarter of the current financial year, against a net profit of Rs 937 crore in the same period of the previous year. Revenue from operations during the third quarter of the current fiscal rose by a marginal 1 per cent to Rs 4,256 crore. Britannia reported an EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation amortisation) of Rs 821 crore for the quarter, while the margin was 19.29 per cent. For the first nine months of the current financial year, the companyas consolidated revenue works out to Rs 12,532 crore, which is 3.6 per cent higher than the previous year while the operating profit increased 16 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2,162 crore. "In a progressively recovering demand environment with heightened competition, our performance this quarter reflects our resilience and competitiveness. Over the last 24 months, we achieved a robust 19 per cent growth in revenue, coupled with a commendable 52 per cent increase in operating profit," said Britannia Managing Director Varun Berry. New Delhi, Feb 6 : The Government of India will construct a fence along the entire 1,643 km stretch of India-Myanmar border. Commenting on the development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday, "It has been decided to construct a fence along the entire 1,643 km India-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved." Shah said the Narendra Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. "Out of the total border length, a 10 km stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced. Also, two pilot projects of fencing through a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are under execution. They will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Additionally, fence works covering approx 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, the work for which will start soon," Shah said. The government has also launched the 'Vibrant Village' programme for the border villages of India. An official said that earlier, villages situated in the border areas were considered the last villages of the country, but that perception has changed. Now, as per the policy of Government of India, these villages are not the last villages but the first villages near the borders. Prime Minister Modi has already said that when the sun rises in the east, its first ray touches a border village and when the sun sets, the village on this side derives benefit of its last ray. The latest move is considered significant given the vulnerability and threats of the 1,643 km unfenced India-Myanmar border spanning Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram. In fact, apart from a 10-km stretch in Manipur, the India-Myanmar border through difficult terrains like hills and forests is unfenced. The Indian security forces face a tough time dealing with the challenges resulting from the extremist groups carrying out hit-and-run operations from their hidden bases in the Chin and Sagaing regions of Myanmar. The inward trafficking of drugs and outward trafficking of wildlife body parts across the borders with Myanmar has also been one of the major concerns for India. The trigger for the decision to put up fencing is also the conflict that broke out between the majority Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur on May 3, 2023. Also, over the past decade, the Manipur government has been expressing concern over the "influx" of Myanmar nationals. Amid the violence in Manipur, a few hundred Myanmar nationals were found taking refuge in the state to escape a civil war back home. In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had blamed the ethnic violence on the free movement of Myanmar nationals into India and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which had been suspended on April 1, 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. The suspension was extended after the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021. New Delhi, Feb 6 : , The Election Commission on Tuesday accorded recognition to the Ajit Pawar faction as the "real" Nationalist Congress Party and allotted it the party's "clock" symbol. The decision is seen as major blow to veteran leader Sharad Pawar and his supporters. However there is a little relief for Sharad Pawar faction as the pall panel has given it an option to name his faction in view of imminent Rajya Sabha elections. It can furnish three choices for the name till 3 p.m. on Wednesday, an official added. According to the sources at EC, the test of legislative majority helped Ajit Pawar led group to win the fight for the NCP's name and symbol. This decision came almost after 10 hearings which lasted for over 6 months. The NCP split in July last year, with a faction led by Ajit Pawar rebelling against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra. After that, both sides laid claims to the party name and symbol. --IANS gcb/vd Amaravati, Feb 6 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday dismissed the allegation of opposition that his government made the state debt-ridden. Replying to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the Governor's address in the state Assembly, he claimed that his government implemented welfare schemes and took up development activities with financial discipline despite adverse situations like Covid and inheriting 'strained' and 'complex' status from the previous TDP rule. He said the debt of residual Andhra Pradesh which stood at Rs 1, 53,000 crore, including all types of loans at the time of bifurcation, had gone up to Rs 4,12,288 crore in 2019 when the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) came to power. "Now, the total debt stands at Rs 7, 03,000 crore which clearly indicates that the growth rate of debt during the TDP rule stood at 21.87 per cent, while it stands at 12.13 per cent during the last five years," he said. He mentioned that the YSRCP government rolled out DBT (direct benefit transfer) welfare schemes worth Rs 2,55,000 crore and non-DBT welfare schemes worth Rs 1.07,000 crore. The previous government too had the same budget but it could not deliver welfare as the difference speaks in the commitment of the Chief Ministers then and now, he remarked. Jagan Reddy also dismissed former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's tall promises ahead of the elections, saying the leader of opposition carries the blemish of dumping manifesto into the dustbin while YSRCP treats it as a holy book. "Braving the odds of reduction in devolution of Central funds and reduced tax revenues during the last five years due to several reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic that resulted in Rs 66,116 crore revenue loss, the state government has excelled in fiscal discipline, debt management, and planning and implementation of slew of welfare schemes transparently," he claimed. The Chief Minister recalled that the state was bifurcated in an 'unjust' manner, allocating 50 per cent of the revenues to Telangana that represented 42 per cent of the population and the remaining 50 per cent to residual Andhra Pradesh that has 58 per cent population, causing the state a yearly revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore. Coming down heavily on Chandrababu Naidu for making 'false' election promises for political gains, he said fulfilling the promises will require more than Rs 1,26,000 crore annually. "When we are striving hard to implement DBT and non-DBT welfare schemes worth around Rs 70,000 crore annually, how can Chandrababu Naidu mobilise Rs 1,26,000 crore on his false promises," he asked. "Like a copycat, Naidu made a mix of six election promises, picking them up from the election manifestos of other parties that won in other states with a view to cheat the people again," the Chief Minister said. Debunking the theory of wealth creation advocated by the 'TDP-friendly media' for implementing the 'impractical promises', the Chief Minister asked why Naidu failed in creating wealth during his earlier tenures. "While Naidu stands for lies, this government stands for credibility," he said, adding that the TDP was shown the door in 2019 with just 23 seats as people understood his (Naidu's) nature of telling lies and cheating the people. Asserting that Naidu only pursued the policy of plunder, stash and devour during his rule, the Chief Minister appealed to the people to think over why the TDP leader failed to implement even a single welfare scheme during his rule even though the budget was the same. "Like a old hungry tiger, Naidu has been throwing the bait to the people with false promises to cheat them once again," Jagan Reddy said, adding that people still remember how Naidu defaulted on the loan waiver of Rs 87,612 crore. "I sat in the Opposition for five years for not making the false promise of farm loan waiver prior to the 2014 elections, but I have no regrets for that. I only make promises that can be fulfilled for the benefit of the people," he said, asserting that YSRCP has won a permanent place in the hearts of the people with its credibility. "Despite the heavy financial odds, we have implemented more than 99 per cent of our election promises, and our credibility will ensure that YSRCP makes a clean sweep in the elections and introduces the full-fledged budget in the Assembly after three months," the Chief Minister said. New Delhi, Feb 6 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction with lengthy prosecution arguments opposing the bail plea of Khalid Saifi, an accused in a UAPA case related to the alleged larger conspiracy in the 2020 Delhi riots. A division bench directed the Special Public Prosecutor to file a concise compilation defining the role of the accused and to confine arguments to the same. The court said that it wouldn't read the extensive charge sheet at the bail stage, as doing so would effectively start a trial, which is not permissible. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 12, along with the bail plea of co-accused Gulfisha Fatima. The bench remarked that protesting is a right and requested the prosecution to present evidence demonstrating a clear case of violence rather than narrating a lengthy story. It asked the prosecution to focus on showing the accused's specific role in the events. Previously, in December 2022, a division bench had reserved judgement on the bail pleas of Saifi, Fatima, and other co-accused persons. These pleas are being reheard following the elevation of Justice Siddharth Mridul, who had initially presided over the case. Saifi's bail was denied by the trial court in April 2022. Bhopal, Feb 7 : The budget session of Madhya Pradesh Assembly will commence with the address of Governor Mangubhai Patel on Wednesday and continue till February 19, said a notification issued by the Assembly secretariat on Tuesday. A total of nine sittings are proposed during the 13-day long session. The vote on account for the financial year 2024-25 is likely to be introduced in this second session of the 16th Assembly. Finance Minister Jagdish Devda, who is also one of two Deputy CMs in Chief Minister Mohan Yadavas Cabinet, will present the interim budget, while the complete annual budget will be presented during the monsoon session in July. To ensure that the session meets its purpose and for the utilisation of maximum time, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar has conducted a two-day training session for all the elected members of the state Assembly. The Assembly secretariat has received a total 2,303 questions from the legislators from both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress for the session, while 233 attention seeking proposals are put up before the Assembly. While the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government is prepared to set its mark with several public interest Bills to be presented during the session, the opposition Congress is also set to corner the government on various matters, including farmers issues and the law and order situation in the state. On the eve of the session, the Congress led by its state unit chief Jitu Patwari and leader of opposition (LoP) Umag Singhar, chalked out a plan during a meeting with party legislatures on Tuesday. Veteran leader and former CM Kamal Nath also attended the meeting. New Delhi/Aizawl, Feb 6 : Amid objection from different northeastern states, including Mizoram and Nagaland, and many other organisations, the Centre on Tuesday reiterated that the Indian government is committed to fence the entire 1,643 km-long India-Myanmar border. Commenting on the development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday, "It has been decided to construct a fence along the entire 1,643 km India-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved." Shah also said the Narendra Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. aOut of the total border length, a 10 km stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced. Also, two pilot projects of fencing through a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are under execution. "They will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Additionally, fence works covering approx 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, the work for which will start soon," Shah said. After the Mizoram government, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) has also opposed the Centre's move to fence the India-Mayanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries. The FMR allowed citizens residing close to both sides of the border to move 16 km into each other's territory without passport or visa, The NSCN-IM said it is totally against boundary fencing "in our lands that violates our rights as one family". Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had said the decision of the Centre to fence the India-Myanmar border needs thorough discussion before implementation. Rio said that if the fencing along the India-Myanmar border is urgently required, awe have to work out a formula on how to solve the issue for the people and prevent infiltration as well, because Nagaland is bordered by Myanmar, and on both sides there are Nagas". Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, hours after the Home Minister's first announcement in this regard on January 20, had said in Aizawl that his government does not have the authority to stop the Centre from erecting border fencing along the India-Myanmar border and scrapping the FMR between the two countries, but it would oppose both the moves. Lalduhoma had said that the border with Myanmar in Mizoram was "unilaterally imposed" by the British without consulting the people and the Mizo-Zo-Chin community people living on both sides of the border do not accept the boundary. Mizoramas most influential civil society body, Young Mizo Association, and more than a dozen organisations in Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur are vehemently opposing both the proposed fencing and the scrapping of FMR. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, however, had earlier thanked the Home Minister for his announcements, saying that these assurances are the biggest gifts for the people of the state. Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar with NCP MLA Rohit Pawar and party MP Supriya Sule before they appeared at the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) office. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Feb 6 : The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, on Tuesday slammed the Election Commission decision to hand over the party name and 'clock' symbol to the breakaway faction of Ajit Pawar and said that it will move the Supreme Court challenging the move. NCP Working President Supriya Sule said that this is "a murder of democracy" as the EC has given its ruling based on the strength of MLAs, "with the presence of an ainvisible powera behind it". aWe are not at all surprised by the EC decision. It has unjustly taken away the party (NCP) from its founder-member (Sharad Pawar). We shall challenge the ECI ruling with full vigour in the Supreme Court to get justice," she said. Maharashtra NCP-SP President Jayant Patil said that the party will challenge the EC ruling in the apex court mostly by Wednesday. "Wherever Sharad Pawar goes, NCP goes with hima This (EC) decision is not correct. The EC ruling will not stand in the apex court, we are confident of getting a stay," he saidl. Patil alleged that the "body language" of the EC officials during the hearings had made it amply clear which way the decision would go, despite the NCP-SP being formed by Sharad Pawar 25 years ago and now it has grown into a national party with presence in 28 states. "However, the decision is taken only on the basis of the strength of MLAs which is sheer injustice done to us and Sharad Pawar. We are moving the apex court and expect its verdict before the Lok Sabha elections are announced," said Patil. NCP-SP national General Secretary Dr Jitendra Awhad said that "this decision was expected, and I have been saying this for the past several weeks". "Treachery is not in our blooda This is unfair and we shall fight it out. I have been saying for the past so many weeks what the EC decision would be," he said, adding that "for us, Sharad Pawar Saheb is the party name and symbol". Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance constituent Congress's leader Nana Patole said that the EC ruling was written by the Central government and the EC merely read it out, and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is finishing off Opposition political parties and democracy in India. "A few months ago, Bharatiya Janata Party President J.P. Nadda had said that no regional parties would exist in the country. After that the central investigation agencies and the EC have started eliminating regional parties at the behest of the Centre. What happened earlier with Shiv Sena and now with NCP is another form of killing democracy," he said. Shiv Sena-UBT national Spokesperson Kishore Tiwari said that the BJP has perfected a new art of breaking off established political parties by taking away MLAs-MPs with either threats or bribes or false cases or jail. "The EC is putting its stamp of approval on such shameless goings-on. It appears that democracy is now at peril from the very constitutional institutions that are intended to safeguard it, and all are trying to please one individual and one political party," he said. Targetting her cousin without taking names, Sule said that aits regretful that the house belongs to Sharad Pawar Saheb, and 'he' (Ajit Pawar) has ousted him from his own home". Britain's King Charles III visits the Transylvanian village of Viscri, central Romania, on June 6, 2023. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) The diagnosis came shortly after the 75-year-old monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate. LONDON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Britain's King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has started receiving treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The diagnosis came shortly after the 75-year-old monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate. "His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement. It was during this intervention that the separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer," a Palace spokesperson said. A statement from Buckingham Palace said the King has "today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties." According to the statement, throughout the period, the King will continue to "undertake State business and paperwork as usual." A picture of Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on July 19, 2022. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua) The monarch "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," it said. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," it added. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a statement, saying he wishes "His Majesty a full and speedy recovery." "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," he said. The King traveled from Sandringham in Norfolk to London on Monday morning to begin treatment as an outpatient. He was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds. The monarch is at home in London this evening, according to Sky News. No further details are shared on the stage of the cancer or a prognosis. Britain's King Charles III departs Buckingham Palace for his coronation at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, May 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Hyderabad, Feb 6 : A student from Hyderabad was injured when four armed robbers attacked him in Chicago, as per his family here. Syed Mazahir Ali, pursuing Masters in information technology from Indiana Wesleyan University, was attacked and robbed by three men at Campbell Avenue on Sunday morning (local time). Alias wife Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, who lives in Langar Houz area in Hyderabad, on Tuesday appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to help in ensuring best medical treatment to him. In a letter to the minister, she requested that arrangements be made for her travel to the US along with their three minor children. She said she received a call from her husbandas friend that he was attacked and robbed at Campbell Avenue when he was near his apartment. He was taken to a hospital. Fatima said she got in touch with her husband after some time but he was in shock and was unable to talk to her. She wrote that she was worried about the safety of her husband. Video footage of the incident shows Ali walking on a road and three masked men chasing him. Another video clip shows the profusely bleeding victim narrating the incident. With blood oozing out from his forehead, nose and mouth, he said he was returning home with a food packet when four men chased and attacked him. "I slipped near my house and they punched and kicked me and snatched my mobile phone," he said pleading for help. The incident comes in the wake of four Indian-origin students being found dead in the US during the last one month. Hyderabad, Feb 6 : Reputed companies from all over the world have evinced interest in executing the prestigious Musi Riverfront development project conceived by the Telangana government, it was announced on Tuesday. Officials of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and the Musi River Front Development Corporation are holding talks with various companies. As part of these meetings, top officials of Meinhardt Group, a global planning, engineering and project management company, called on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the Secretariat on Tuesday. According to the Chief Ministeras Office (CMO), the company officials made a powerpoint presentation on the project designs they have undertaken in different countries as well as the models of the projects to be adopted for Musi development in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister suggested the company representatives to design the models to suit the future needs of the city. He mentioned that the outline of the Hyderabad city will change with the expansion of Outer Ring Road (ORR), Regional Ring Road ( RRR) and the upcoming railway lines around the city. The CM suggested the companies develop the Musi riverfront development model in accordance with the expansion plans. A delegation of Singapore-based Meinhardt led by CEO Omar Shahzad and Suresh Chandra met the Chief Minister. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Authority Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Joint Commissioner and Musi River Front Development Corporation MD Amrapali also participated in the meeting. During his recent visit to London and Dubai, the Chief Minister inspected the riverfront projects and held special meetings with representatives of many foreign companies, design, planning, architecture firms and consultancy experts in Dubai. --IANS ms/vd New Delhi, Feb 6 : The infamous Vikas Lagarpuria gang's second-in-command, who was wanted in six cases registered in Delhi and Haryana, was nabbed from Delhi's Khajuri Khas area, a Crime Branch official said on Tuesday. The gangster was identified as Dara Singh aka Dhare, a resident of Najafgarh, and previously involved in 19 cases including murder, extortion, abduction, under the Arms Act, and others. The officials said that Singh was also involved in theft of Rs 40 crore in Gurugramas sector 82 in 2021. Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime, Sanjay Bhatia said that considering the rise in cases in Delhi/NCR, a team was constituted to nab the gangsters who are involved in armed robbery, murder and attempt to murder incidents. "Information was received that a gangster namely Dara Singh, sharpshooter and close associate of Vikas Lagarpuria gang is wanted in several cases of Delhi and Haryana and evading his arrest. The team was tasked to work on the case with the direction to trace the wanted gangster. On analysing voluminous data, it was revealed that Singh frequently changes his location. "On January 28, specific input was received regarding Singh in the area of Delhi near Khajuri Khas. aThe team laid a trap near the place of information. At about 3 pm, he came near Khajuri Khas and was eventually nabbed by the team. On his search, a loaded sophisticated revolver (.32 bore) and five live cartridges were recovered from his possession," he said. The Additional CP further said that Singh came in contact with Vikas Gulia a.k.a Vikas Lagarpuria through Dhirpal a.k.a Kana in 2013 and next year, committed three murders in Karnal, Hisar and Jhajjar (Haryana), several car robberies/dacoities and other crimes on the instruction of Lagarpuria. "In 2014, he was arrested and was out on bail in 2016. In 2017, he committed another murder in Haryana and other criminal acts in Delhi. In the same year he was again arrested and was out on bail in 2021," said Bhatia. In 2021, Singh along with his associates was involved in the infamous Rs. 40 crores cash theft/Burglary case of Gurugram (Haryana). aIn the said case, Singh along with others, rented a flat at Sector-82, Gurugram and stole 40 crore cash from two flats in the society, on the directions of Lagarpuria. At the time of this incident Lagarpuria was in Dubai on a fake passport after jumping parole," the official said. Patna: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav being garlanded by Shri Krishna Chetna Samiti members during an 'abhinandan' programme. Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Feb 7 : Vice-Chancellors of universities in Madhya Pradesh will now be called 'Kulguru'. A proposal in this regard was approved by the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday. The Cabinet approved the proposal to amend the Madhya Pradesh University Act, 1973 through the Madhya Pradesh University (Amendment) Bill 2024, which will be presented before the Assembly for approval. "According to the amendment in the Bill, approval has been given to change the designation of Vice-Chancellor in universities with Kulguru," the MP government said in an official statement on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the excise policy for 2024-25 in relation to the disposal of liquor shops, local/foreign liquor supply system, and retail shops selling 'bhang'. Accordingly, the MP government has decided to increase the annual rate for liquor shops by 15 per cent for 2023-24. Mohan Yadav's Cabinet also gave approval for continuing a short-term scheme for interest-free loan for 2023-24 to encourage farm productivity. "Crop loans will be provided to the farmers through cooperative banks. Due date for the Kharif 2023 season has been fixed as March 28, 2024 and for Rabi 2023-24 season, it is June 15, 2024," the statement said. The state government said it will give 1.5 per cent (general) interest subsidy to all the farmers availing crop loan and 4 per cent incentive (additional interest subsidy) to the farmers who repay the loan amount timely for Kharif and Rabi seasons. In another important step, the Cabinet approved an amendment in the department order for smooth and efficient operation of the Child Help Line in Mission Vatsalya. According to the amendment, a helpline unit will be operated by the district child protection unit at the district level. New Delhi, Feb 6 : A woman, hailing from West Bengal's Darjeeling, was allegedly raped, physically assaulted, and also sustained over 20 burn injuries after a vessel of boiling dal was poured on her by a man in south Delhi, who had asked her stay with him after luring her for a job and marrying her, police sources said. The incident had came to light on January 30, when at around 4 p.m. a police control room (PCR) call was received regarding a man beating his wife. Sources said that when the woman resisted pressure to marry after getting no job, the accused identified as Paras, a native of Uttarakhand and resident of Raju Park, brutally beat her and threw hot dal on her, causing severe burns to her face and hands. "He then locked her in a room, where she suffered for approximately four to five hours. Eventually, someone informed the police, and officers from the Neb Sarai police station immediately arrived, opened the room, and took the woman to AIIMS hospital," a source said. "On enquiry, it was revealed that she hails from Darjeeling and she further stated that she came into contact with the accused Paras through mobile phone for the last 3-4 months and they became friends and they are not married," a senior police official said. In the first week of January, she was scheduled to go Bengaluru via Delhi by train for a job of housemaid, and there was a halt of one day in Delhi. "When she came to Delhi, Paras asked him to stay with him and assured her a job in Delhi only. On his assurance, she stayed with him in a rented accommodation in Raju Park," said the official. "She further alleged that after sometime, he started beating her and she was also sexually assaultedfor the last one week and he also threw hot dal on her on one instance. "A case under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 376 (rape), and 377 (unnatural sex) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered and no physical assault by rod, danda etc was revealed in medico-legal case (MLC) report," the official added. Patna, Feb 6 : A drug smuggler was arrested in Bagaha area of Bihar's West Champaran district on Tuesday and 35 kg charas seized from his possession, police said. SP, Bagaha, Sushant Kumar Saroj said that the accused, identified as Retesh Patel, a native of Sikta block in Bettiah, smuggled the contraband from Nepal and was on the way to Gorakhpur in neighbouring UP to deliver it. "The SHO of Dhanha police station received an input about a person travelling on the bus with contraband. Accordingly, he intercepted the bus and arrested the accused," he said. "The accused Ritesh Patel had concealed the charas in a special jacket with big pockets which he was wearing.The value of seized charas is over Rs 7 crore in the international market. During brief interrogation, the accused also revealed the identities of his handlers. We are making efforts to nab them as well," the SP added. Patna, Feb 6 : A Home Guard constable in Bihar's Sitamarhi was stabbed five to six times by a youth on Tuesday but held on to the assailant till a police team arrived, police said. The victim Ramshrestha Shah, a native of Riga village in the district, was deployed at Ambedkar Chowk under town police station and on duty when Ankit Kumar approached him and attacked with a knife. Shah, despite sustaining multiple stab wounds, managed to hold the accused and handed him over to a team of the town police station. "We have arrested the accused for attacking a government employee with an intention of murder. The victim is admitted in the Sadar hospital and is critically injured," SDPO, Sadar, Gautam Kumar said. "The interrogation of the accused is underway. The reason of the attack has not been ascertained yet," he said. Bhubaneswar, Feb 6 : A special court in Odisha's Nayagarh district on Tuesday sentenced, to 20 years rigorous imprisonment, the convict in the sensational rape and murder case of 5-year-old girl that had triggered huge uproar in the state in 2020. The state government had also come under attack by the opposition following the self-immolation bid of the deceasedas parents before the Assembly on November 24, 2020, alleging police apathy. Following the controversy, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team led by IGP, Crime Branch-CID Arun Bothra to investigate the case. "The court held the accused guilty and convicted him under Sections 363, 376AB, 302, 201 of the IPC and Section 6 of the Pocso Act. He has been awarded 20 years RI for rape under sections 376AB IPC and 6 of Pocso Act and 20 years punishment for murder under section 302 IPC. Similarly, he is convicted for three years under section 363 and 201 of the IPC. Conviction terms shall run concurrently. His Under Trial Prisoner (UTP) period will be set off," a Crime Branch source said. Meanwhile, Deputy Director, Prosecution, Chita Ranjan Kanungo, who was conducting the case on behalf of the state, termed the judgment as the victory of truth. He also commended the efforts of the Crime Branch in collecting adequate evidence for the successful detection of the case. "As the accused was under 18 years of age, he couldnat be awarded capital punishment according to law," he added. The five-year-old minor girl had gone missing on July 14, 2020 while playing outside her house in Jadupur village in Nayagarh. Her skeletal remains were found concealed under the bushes near a pond on the backside of the house of the accused on July 23, 2020. Nayagarh police initially investigated the case which was later handed over to Crime Branch on November 25, 2020. Later, an SIT was constituted on November 28, 2020. The accused, a neighbour of the victim, was arrested by police on December 20, 2020. "The investigators conducted thorough investigation using all scientific methods like layered voice analysis test, phycological assessment test, polygraph test, DNA test and forensic examination of blood, semen stain and other available evidence including digital evidence. Some of these tests were conducted by experts from Central Forensics Science Laboratory, New Delhi and State Forensic Science Laboratory, Gandhinagar, Gujarat," a Crime Branch source said. Mumbai, Feb. 6 : The Indian Navy has intercepted a small vessel reportedly originating from Kuwait after it entered into Indian territorial waters, officials said here on Tuesday. The vessel was noticed by a patrolling unit, which escorted it to the Gateway of India where it's currently anchored. The vessel has been identified as 'Abdullah Sharafat'. There were at least three persons on board who are being questioned by a team of the Indian Navy and the Coastal Police. Chennai, Feb 7 : Chennai's Principal Sessions Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of DMK MLA I. Karunanithi's son Anto Mathivanan and daughter-in-law Merlin in a case relating to assault and physical abuse of their housemaid. Principal Sessions judge S. Alli heard the affidavit of the petitioners as well as the police version and testimony of the victim and then rejected the bail application of the MLAas son and daughter-in-law. The 18-year-old housemaid, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, had in a video narrated her ordeal at the residence of Mathivanan, detailing how she was physically assaulted. In the video, the victim also said that she was forced to work for more than 16 hours a day, alleging that the MLAas daughter-in-law used to mentally and physically abuse her. The girl also accused the couple of not paying her salary properly, adding that she didn't go back to work after she came home during the Pongal holidays. She had also alleged that the MLAas daughter-in-law used to tell her that she would not be able to do anything against them as they were very powerful people. It may be recalled that the opposition parties in Tamil Nadu had raised a hue and cry against the state police for not arresting the MLAas son and daughter-in-law. However, later the Tamil Nadu police arrested the couple from a relativeas place in Andhra Pradesh on January 25. The couple then moved a bail plea in the Madras High Court, which transferred the case to the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai. MOSCOW, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia may leave the Arctic Council if Moscow's interests are not met, local media cited Nikolai Korchunov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, as saying on Tuesday. In an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti, Korchunov said that the council functions "at the lowest level." Norway, which is currently the organization's chair, is trying to resume its work but is still seeking support from other council members. Moscow's participation will depend on how well the council's activities align with Russia's interests. "We proceed from the fact that we should have all options for foreign policy maneuver, including leaving the Arctic Council if its activities do not correspond to Russian interests," said Korchunov. The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high-level intergovernmental forum that facilitates cooperation in the region, especially in environmental protection. The council comprises Denmark (representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the United States, Finland and Sweden. The chairing countries rotate every two years. Russia took over the chairmanship in May 2021. In March 2022, Western countries in the council announced the suspension of their participation in any forum activities in protest against events in Ukraine. In May 2023, the chairmanship of the council was passed to Norway. Bhopal, Feb 6 : At least 11 people died while around 200 were injured, with many of them battling for their lives, in Tuesday's fire incident which was triggered by a blast at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Harda district. Police arrested the two owners of the factory in the evening, hours after the tragic incident. The severity of the blast was captured in a video, showing debris striking people filming the incident, highlighting the chaotic aftermath of the explosion. Two youths capturing the blast on their mobile phones were seen running away, saying that they made a "big mistake" by arriving there. The fire that broke out in the factory quickly engulfed several houses located in the surrounding area. The fire was doused jointly by the SDRF and firefighters after hours of effort. The rescue teams are still searching for bodies amid the debris and the number of causalities may go up further as many have received severe burn injuries and are being treated at different hospitals. Those who received critical burn injuries were taken to AIIMS Bhopal through a green corridor set up by the police. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav after inspecting the situation and meeting with persons admitted in the AIIMS said that 10 bodies were recovered till 5 pm. However, the toll that was reported late at night has gone up to 11. Factory owners Rajesh Agrawal and Somesh Agrawal were arrested and interrogated by the police. Harda district administration sealed that firecracker factory in September 2022 following a relentless protest from villagers. However, later Agrawal brothers (owners) got a stay against the sealing order from the District Commissioneras office. The factory was spread on two acres of land in Bairagarh village in Harda district; around 150 km from the state capital Bhopal. At least 300 people used to work in the factory. As per the information, around 40 families, of those working in the factory, were living within its campus. Chief Minister Yadav sent three senior bureaucrats, including the Home Secretary, and a cabinet minister to the spot for inspection on Tuesday evening. Later, he formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. After meeting with people admitted with severe injuries at a hospital in Bhopal, the Chief Minister said he would visit the spot on Wednesday. Since the incident was reported, Yadav chaired a series of meetings with officials and gave several instructions to the administration, including seeking reports from all cracker factories operating across the state. All District Collectors have been asked to submit their reports within the next 24 hours. The Opposition Congress expressed grief over the incident and raised several questions on the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government. State Congress President Jitu Patwari along with the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umag Sighar met the people admitted at Hamidia Hospital. During the budget session of the state Assembly which will begin on Wednesday, the Opposition is likely to corner the ruling BJP with allegations of negligence. Ruth Behar, author of the Pura Belpre Award-winning Lucky Broken Girl, interweaves the lives of four Sephardic Jewish 12-year-olds across generations as they navigate cultural, familial, and societal upheaval in her latest middle grade novel, Across So Many Seas. Drawing inspiration from her own familys history, Behar follows Benvenida fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 to what is now Istanbul; descendant Reinas banishment by her father from Turkey to Cuba in 1923; Reinas daughter Alegras immigration from Cuba to Miami in 1961; and Alegras Afro-Cuban daughter Paloma who, in 2003, takes a trip to Spain during which she learns about her ancestors history. Behar spoke with PW about how she stays connected to her ancestors, how her work as an anthropologist informs her writing, and how her desire to learn inspires her stories. Each of your protagonists rely on music and poetry to connect with their heritage. How important have music and poetry been in your life and in relating to your family history? Ive always loved music and poetry. That lyrical side of life was always very important to me. It really goes back to my youthful days. We had a lot of music at home. I played the guitar and the violin, and my brother is actually a musician now. I was also very lucky to have a Cuban teacher in high school. I was writing poems at the time, and she really encouraged me to write in Spanish as well as English. In Across So Many Seas, I wanted to weave it in because I think, particularly for Sephardic Jews, that one of the ways that we connect with our heritagewhich is very old and goes all the way back to Spainis through music and through song: beautiful love songs and lullabies, sad songs of saying goodbye to people and to places. All of that is just as important to my heritage as food and proverbs and stories. Where did this story originate? How do you decide what youre going to work on next? It has to be a story thats tugging at my heart in some way. Having written my autobiographical-type novel [Lucky Broken Girl], and then having written about Baba, my beloved maternal grandmother [in Letters from Cuba], it just seemed like now was the time to consider my other grandmother, Abuelastill beloved, but someone I knew less well. I wanted to honor her memory. Twenty years ago, I made a documentary about Sephardic Jews in Cuba, so I had been thinking about Sephardic topics for quite some time. Still, I thought, Can I write a Sephardic novel? Would it just be about my grandmother? Or would it have other aspects to it? I was also very curious about the expulsion in 1492. Somehow, all of that started to come together for me. But the question was, How can I weave the past and the present together? Usually, something has to have affected me in some way. I do get very inspired by things that have happened in real life that Im trying to understand, or Im trying to expand upon, or trying to imagine how things might have been or what could have happened. So, I just start with real life and memory and things Ive heard about, but maybe only half know about, and fill those gaps with fiction. With Letters from Cuba, I was thinking about how my Polish Jewish grandmother made it to Cuba and helped bring the rest of her family to the island and saved them from certain death during WWII. I thought that was so heroic. How could she have done that? What kind of young person was she? A similar feeling inspired this story about my abuela. She got sent to Cuba all by herself and we dont exactly know why. When theres a mystery or a conundrum, Im like, Im going to try to figure out how this happened and tell the story. Did your desire to imagine how things might have been or what could have happened influence how you wrote Palomas experiences? Paloma is a very unique and dreamy character; her name means dove in Spanish, and doves symbolize peace. Shes the one who flies back and forth and brings people together. In trying to understand where she comes from as an Afro-Cuban child with Sephardic Jewish heritage, shes bringing together the stories of her mother and her grandmother. I thought about her story as an interesting comparison to Benvenidas, Reinas, and Alegras because their stories are all about departure, displacement, going to a new place or a new country, a new land. Paloma is the one who returns. In your authors note, you write that for many people who have a Sephardic heritage, there is this vast gap of time; only a few of us have been able to trace our lineage that far back. Can you elaborate on how you included this gap in Across So Many Seas? When I first outlined this book, I knew that the three final characters would be grandmother, mother, and daughter, and that they would be connecting to a distant ancestor in some way. When there's a mystery or a conundrum, I'm like, 'I'm going to try to figure out how this happened and tell the story.' Im fascinated that to this day, Sephardic Jews feel that they have this connection to 15th-century Spain, or further back even. How is it possible that after so many years, you can still feel this connection? Whats so interesting about Spain and Europe, in general, is that people coexist between the present and the distant past. The Sephardic Museum in Toledo, Spain is a former 14th-century synagogue that somehow managed to be preserved through being used in all these different ways throughout the centuries. But when they restored it, they found all these inscriptions in Hebrew from the 14th century that somehow managed to stay there and not be destroyed or bulldozed or something. I feel when Im in Spainand particularly in cities like Toledo that are just so incredibly rich with historythat the past isnt something quite so distant. It doesnt feel distant there in the old cobblestone streets that were once the Jewish quarter. It felt right to me somehow that the three newer generations would still be able to connect with that past of 500 years ago. The gap is something that we all kind of live with. I know my genealogy up to my great-grandparents, but I dont know further back than that. Yet Im certain that we descend from Spain and from the Inquisition and from the expulsion. I dont necessarily have all the proof or the genealogical evidence but given that we spoke Ladino and that our last name is Beharwhich is from a town in Spain called Bejarall these things connect us to this heritage. Is it difficult for you to create narratives for characters from times and places you havent been? Creating any kind of narrative is difficult. How are they going to speak? What do their speaking voices sound like? What do their interior monologues sound like? Whats going to happen to my characters? What scenes are going to be interesting? All of that is a challenge. I sit down to write, and I go, Will I be able to do this? That happens to me with everything I write, word by word, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph. But its not that different for me from my work as an anthropologist. When youre an anthropologist, youre listening to peoples stories, and then youre writing them down and figuring out how to represent them in a text. With fiction, its similar in that youre listening to the character. These are some things I know about Paloma; these are the things that seem natural for her. With Reina, I had the sense that she was going to be a very melancholy character. She was inspired by my abuela, who Ive always thought of as a little melancholy. She had a distant look in her eyes and so I asked myself, What would she do? How would she think? How would she react to things? Having spent decades as an anthropologist listening to peoples stories, and traveling to so many places, and spending a lot of time with strangers who I came to trust completely and who were so incredibly kind and generous to me, its kind of the same with my fictional characters. They start off as strangers and then by the time Im done with writing, its like, Oh. Now I know who you are. Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar. Penguin/Paulsen, $17.99 Feb. 6 ISBN 978-0-593-32340-3 In an era that has seen many publishers pull back significantly on large-scale book tours, Zibby Owens, founder of Zibby Media, is doubling down. Later this month, Owens will start a 24-state book tour to support the publication of Blank, her debut novel, coming from Amazon's imprint Little A. The events, which will collectively feature more than 40 other authors, span a wide variety of experiences, from a reading for librarians at a Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams location in Columbus, Ohio, to an interview with Arianna Huffington in New York City. I'm embarking on the tour to open up the Zibby-verse community to readers all over the country, Owens said. Being face-to-face: theres nothing like it. Im really just trying to get back to the way publishing used to bepersonalminus the three-martini lunches. The tour is only one piece of the live event programming aspects of the Zibby-verse, a name bestowed upon the wide range of activities tied to Owens by the Los Angeles Times. It began with a podcast, Moms Dont Have Time to Read Books, launched in March of 2018, which has since broadcast more than 1,600 interviews. Owens's influence has grown rapidly since, as has her business, including the launches of her eponymous publishing house, a series of classes on a variety of subjectsincluding booksand a bookstore, Zibby's Bookshop, in Santa Monica, Calif., last year. The full range of Owens's projects fall under the umbrella of Zibby Media, which is run out of an office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The companys stated mission is to create a community of readers, authors, and book lovers who share their stories and support each other. This often means meeting in person, with Owens at the center of the experiencetaking interviews, socializing, and talking books. In addition to her forthcoming tour, Owens has also begun holding its own mini book fairs. On January 20 in New York City, Zibby Media hosted a New Year, New Chapter event for more than 170 people at the Whitby Hotel in Manhattan to promote 23 Zibby Books authors and showcase a further 19 featured as Zibby Book Club Picks. The day offered panels, breakout sessions, and drinks, and author Anna Quindlen gave a keynote speech. The cost was $175 a ticket, and included swag from a dozen name-brand sponsors including Book of the Month Club, Ingram's Two Rivers Distribution, the fashion companies Citizens of Humanity and Faherty, drinks purveyors Une Femme Champagne and Strala Vineyards, cosmetics company Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford, and stationary shop Felix Doolittle, among others. While the glam nature of the event may surprise some book industry veterans, who have seen publishing parties devolve over the years into infrequent and often sad affairs with box wine, Owens came to books well connectedand, one can only assume, with an ability to marshal resources when necessary. Her father, Stephen A. Schwarzman, the book-loving Wall Street financier, is the namesake of the main branch of the New York Public Library, to which he donated $100 million in 2008. At a time in which publishers are constantly seeking outside-the-box marketing strategies and new ways to reach readers, Owens has leaned heavily on a proven template, one that worked for Oprah, Gwyneth, and Reese: relying on personal brand and personality. Despite an august pedigree, Owens comes across as relatable to many of her fans and readersher first book, the memoir Bookends, recounts how she, as a mother of four children, used reading and writing to help her recover from several painful losses. And while Owens has had a rapid rise in the industry, it has not come without criticism, including over her sudden withdrawal of sponsorship for the 2023 National Book Awards after learning that some authors were planning to use the event to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Still, the gatherings have proven popular, and Zibby Media continues to expand its events business into differing formats. In addition to daylong events and readings in New York and L.A., the company also hosts weekend retreats around the country. So far, these have taken place in Charleston, S.C., Solvang, Calif., Miami, and in Austin this past weekend. The Miami event in November coincided with the Miami Book Fair, where Zibby Media was a main sponsor, and drew some 47 people to the Betsy Hotel in South Beach. There, they mingled with Zibby Media authors including Alisha Fernandez Miranda, author of My What If Year; Brittany Means, author of Hell If We Don't Change Our Ways; and Meghan Riordan Jarvis, author of End of the Hour, among others. Attendees also joined the exclusive authors party at the fair, with several hundred A-list names and book celebsincluding Justin Torres, winner of the 2023 National Book Award for Fiction; Clay Smith, director of the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.; and Mitch Kaplan, owner of Miamis Books & Booksat the Standard Hotel. All participants in the retreat in Miami were women, ranging widely in age, from the late 20s to the early 70s. Some came with family, others with friends; several were self-published writers looking for insight, and others were still aspiring to become writers. All were book lovers who had been drawn into the Zibby-verse, often through the podcast. The retreat in Austin, Tex., featured visits to First Light Books, an independent bookstore that opened last year, and BookPeople bookstore, along with writing workshops with Wendi Aarons, author of Im Wearing Tunics Now, and meetups, meals, and experiences with another eight authors, including Chandler Baker, Elizabeth Crook, and Amanda Eyre Ward. Whereas the Miami event primarily focused on Zibbys own authors, the Austin event showcased authors published by a wide array of houses, including Andrews McMeel, Flatiron, and HarperCollins. The cost for the Austin retreat was $750, plus housing at the boutique Ella Hotel, with roughly 60 people in attendance. The next retreat is planned for Asheville, N.C., in April. "The whole mission of our company is bringing book people together, Owens said. The retreats demonstrate the hunger we all feel for deep, real connection to other people who we share interests with. Theyre a time out of the craziness of life and an opportunity to think, feel, meet new people, and get inspired. Even our New Year, New Chapter event, which was only eight hours, allowed people to be and feel seen, to make lasting relationships, and to dive deep into the fun of writing and reading. Its like the difference between a day spa and going away for a spa weekend. They both do the job, but you know youll leave the weekend feeling totally rejuvenated. Sabrina McCarthy has been appointed president of Bloomsbury US. She will also join Bloomsbury's global executive committee, reporting to CEO Nigel Newton. McCarthy will step into both roles at the beginning of April. McCarthy joins Bloomsbury from Ingram Publisher Services, where she is v-p and general manager. Over her eight-year tenure at Ingram, she has overseen six distribution brands as well as the domestic and international print and digital sales teams and business operations team. Prior to Ingram, McCarthy worked for 19 years at Perseus Books Group, where she held positions in publicity, sales, marketing, and business development before taking the helm of the company's client services business beginning in 2006. McCarthy left the company when it was sold in 2016. "I am thrilled to now be at the helm of Bloomsbury US, a publisher I have admired since my very first visit to their London offices in 2002," said McCarthy in a statement. "A publisher who has a gift for finding incredible authors, while also helping to move the world forward through important academic and trade books. Nigel Newton is a publishing legend, and I am honored to be joining his leadership team. I look forward to working with the hugely talented Bloomsbury US team to bring great books to life, to lead our US ambitions and to continue to grow Bloomsbury US." Former Bloomsbury USA president Adrienne Vaughan died tragically in August 2023, after a fatal boating accident during a vacation in Italy. No interim president was named following her death. Above, Reid J. Epstein of the New York Times, target of the first known instance of the Department of Homeland Security attempting to silence a social media account tied to a national newspaper. Related: House Testimony of Lee Fang, RCI Journalist. By Lee Fang, RealClearInvestigations and LeeFang.com February 5, 2024 As the 2020 Election Day count dragged on into the next morning in the crucial swing state of Wisconsin, the New York Times campaign reporter Reid Epstein reported a hiccup at 4:52 a.m.: Green Bays absentee ballot results are being delayed because one of the vote-counting machines ran out of ink and an elections official had to return to City Hall to get more. Eight minutes later Epstein sent a follow-up tweet giving the all-clear: Clerk has returned with printer ink! This tiny drama from Wednesday, Nov. 4, would be lost to history but for the deep consternation it ignited among influential members of the government and tech industry. Details uncovered in the Twitter Files and revealed here for the first time show that Epsteins tweet prompted immediate and mostly successful speech suppression efforts by the Department of Homeland Security and others who were intent on undermining any facts or claims that might possibly be used to question the integrity of the 2020 election. The episode is of more than passing historical note because it is the first known case of the agency attempting to silence a social media account associated with a national newspaper and because the Times, which has long professed to report the news without fear or favor, did little to push back against the censorship, even though nothing has emerged to invalidate Epsteins reporting. Above, the original, evidently accurate tweet on the Wisconsin election count, which even now still carries a warning. Epsteins tweet set off immediate alarm bells in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. At 5:11 a.m., 19 minutes after Epsteins first tweet, an election clerk from another part of the state, Rachel Rodriguez, disputed the Times reporting on Twitter: Im very familiar with the ballot scanners Green Bay uses, wrote Rodriguez. Theres no ink involved. Within minutes of the Epstein tweet, an election clerk disputed it on Twitter ... Four minutes later, at 5:15 a.m., the official Twitter account of the Wisconsin Elections Commission retweeted Rodriguezs post commenting, Rachel is correct. Except she was not. Although most of Green Bays voting machines did not use ink the DS200, the primary vote-counting machine, relied on thermal tape that year, there was another machine involved. Local officials, in expectation of higher turnout for the heated presidential race and newly eased rules concerning absentee ballots, opted to additionally use the DS450, a high-speed tabulator that prints results through an external ink-jet printer. ... and minutes after that the state elections commission backed her up. Rodriguez recently told RCI that her 2020 tweet was based on the mistaken understanding that Green Bay used only DS200 machines for the election. She also confirmed that if the city had indeed used a high-speed tabulator, like the DS450 or its variation, the DS850, then her tweet would have been mistaken, because that system uses ink cartridges through an external printer. She explained over phone that her tweet fact-checking Epstein got way more traction than I thought. Rodriguez added that it was 3 a.m. and I was just being sarcastic. "This is false." Next, the head of the National Association of State Election Directors, Amy Cohen, above, endorsed the growing erroneous consensus about the Epstein tweet. Her tweet did, indeed, set off a chain reaction at the highest levels.. This is false, Amy Cohen, the executive director of the National Association of State Election Directors wrote at 7:45 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 4, linking Epsteins tweet. There is no ink involved in the machines used in tabulation of the ballots, a fact confirmed by the state. Cohens email was addressed to the election consortium organized by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), a contractor tasked with facilitating misinformation reports from a variety of stakeholders to DHS and private social media firms. CIS quickly elevated the tweet in a Misinformation Report sent to officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the DHS sub-agency with a focus on policing social media. Brian Scully, a DHS official with CISA who then led a task force on countering foreign influence, attached a screenshot of the Epstein tweet and sent it to Twitter along with a note that claimed the tweet alleges tabulation machine ran out of ink which caused delay in counting absentee ballots there is no ink involved in tabulation machine (Green Bay, WI). The tweet was quickly elevated to a national alert, above, and forwarded to Twitter by DHS official Brian Scully. Stacia Cardille, then a senior Twitter legal executive, thanked Scully for the alert and told the DHS official, We will escalate. She then forwarded the email on to a team devoted to site integrity. Hi GETSupport, can you please review this report from the National Association of State Elections Directors by way of DHS? wrote Cardille in an email time-stamped 8:30 a.m. Please note the rebuttal information from the official handle of the state election director. After the email from Scully of DHS, Twitter action was promised ... ... and Twitter action was delivered. By 9:27 that morning, Cardille wrote to inform Scully that the social media platform had labeled this Tweet. Scully emailed back to convey his appreciation. Brian Scully, DHS official: 'Thanks Stacia," he emailed (screenshot below right). The label action appears to refer to whats known as a shadow ban. After receiving significant attention, the Epstein tweet disappeared for most users. The tweet became invisible for those who had quote-tweeted it and users could no longer reply to it. The public metrics of the tweet, with over 1,000 retweets and 3,180 likes, as well as all reply tweets, vanished. Any user attempting to view the Times reporters tweet via direct link was greeted by a warning label that it might contain misinformation. Adding to the uncertainty around the issue, the Green Bay Press Gazette, the local newspaper, also criticized Epsteins tweet as inaccurate. Sandy Juno, who oversaw the 2020 election ballot count as the Brown County Clerk, told RealClearInvestigations that she may have also contributed to the misunderstanding about the voting machine issue and printer ink. I got a call from the media about the ink situation, said Juno. I said, What do you mean, these machines dont use ink? But she misunderstood that the questions revolved around the count at the convention center using DS450 tabulators, not the sites using DS200 machines. So I might have started the confusion, added Juno. The former clerk, who has since resigned and openly criticized Green Bay over its management of the election that year, said she is confident that the ballot certification numbers were correct. Juno confirmed that the high-speed tabulation machines, like the DS850 and DS450, use an attached ink-jet printer. Juno also noted that the KI Convention Center vote-counting site had photocopiers, which also use an ink cartridge, another possible explanation for the ink cartridge issue. Questions swirling around the integrity of the 2020 Wisconsin vote have led to official court challenges and probes by Republicans. Those investigations, while failing to overturn the result, further confirmed the likely accuracy of the Epstein tweet. Simple Explanation Dismissed Observers note that neither the state commission nor CIS disputed or even addressed the root issue the pause in vote counting but refocused the discussion on the reason why it had occurred. The effort to dismiss the simple explanation the printer ran out of ink may have increased skepticism about the results. Wisconsin local officials whom RCI contacted for this story said they remembered questions concerning why one election official left and returned to the KI Convention Center during the count and recalled rumors that an official was seen carrying a thumb drive that could have been used to tamper with the results. But the probe revealed that the clerk was carrying an ink cartridge. It seems likely that the cartridge was the same one referenced by Epstein. In response to concerns around the election process that year, the city of Green Bay commissioned a study. The report, overseen by city attorney Vanessa Chavez, confirmed the use of a DS450 high-speed vote tabulation machine at the offsite WI Convention Center, a few blocks away from city hall. Adam Candeub, free speech expert: "One has to get the feeling that institutions that traditionally have been pro-free speech have retreated from that. NASED, the election official group that reported the Epstein tweet to the DHS consortium, did not respond to a request for comment. The New York Times also did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Epstein declined to comment, as well even though he could help resolve the matter by identifying the source for his tweet. The Times has not corrected the tweet and, notably, referenced the Green Bay ink delay issue in a Nov. 6 article. Nevertheless, neither Epstein nor the Times appear to have pushed back against the shadow-ban on the tweet. Even today, the message is still throttled and carries the warning label: Some or all of the content shared in this Post is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process. Adam Candeub, professor of law at Michigan State University and an expert on free speech issues, said he could not comment specifically on decisions made by the New York Times, but noted there has been a sea change among major organizations on speech issues. Institutions with a left of center, left-wing perspective have usually been associated with free speech, said Caneub. The most important First Amendment case is New York Times v. Sullivan. But one has to get the feeling that institutions that traditionally have been pro-free speech have retreated from that, he said. There could be political or cultural reasons. The federal agency declined to take responsibility for censoring the Times journalist. Journalists and media organizations should be deeply concerned about the government using backchannels to pressure social media companies to censor reporting, especially given that half of Americans get their news on social media, said Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. CISA released a statement noting that its misinformation reports relied upon state and local election officials and other election infrastructure stakeholders. CISA, through a spokesperson, declined to address the accuracy of the Epstein tweet or the allegation that led to the suppression. The spokesperson noted that the agency would not continue the misinformation reporting program for the 2024 presidential election. The agency declined to take responsibility for the censorship of the Times journalist. Social media companies, as always, made their own decisions regarding the content on their platforms, the spokesman said in an email. Whether the agency intended to pressure Twitter to censor the tweet is open to interpretation. The email chain obtained by RCI and other documents from the Twitter Files and recent congressional investigations strongly suggest that CISA sought action on the Epstein tweet, as it had sought action on other instances of alleged misinformation. The backend system used by the Election Integrity Project, CISAs stakeholder partner for its 2020 program to report misinformation, gave explicit censorship demands, according to records released by the House Judiciary Committee last year. We recommend you label or reduce the discoverability of the post, noted one EIP request. Other tickets similarly asked that Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit remove social media posts and suspend certain users. Often, tweets singled out by watchdog groups as misinformation contained lawful speech that was either accurate or areas of intense scientific debate with no clear answer. The Virality Project, a successor group to the EIP, flagged a tweet from Rep. Tom Massie, R-Ky., that cited research showing that natural immunity provided the same effectiveness as the Pfizer vaccine. Another tweet from Massie flagged by the Virality Project was a message that the vaccine is likely to harm young children more than the COVID-19 virus is likely to harm young children, a claim that has been largely substantiated by government research. Government encroachment on the free press and on social media has raised increasing concerns for civil liberty groups. The government should never ask platforms to remove journalists truthful reporting, said Seth Stern, director of advocacy the Freedom of the Press Foundation. If the government is going to be in the business of flagging misinformation for social media platforms it has an obligation to do its homework and make sure it gets it right. Government officials leaning on social media platforms to suppress so-called misinformation is dangerous because it inevitably denies Americans access to truthful information, noted Terr. The government itself often gets things wrong or makes politically motivated decisions about what speech to purge from public discourse. The history of the development of CISA as a misinformation-fighting government agency, with sprawling influence within multiple social media platforms, is detailed in investigative reporting I published in October 2022. The story revealed whistleblower documents that show the agency had planned to widen its reach to counter the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, racial justice, U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the nature of U.S. support to Ukraine. Many of the censorship plans were intentionally concealed through third parties. Documents released by court order showed that Geoff Hale, the director of the Election Security Initiative at CISA, said that the agency should use nonprofit groups as a clearing house for information to avoid the appearance of government propaganda. The legality of such measures is now under Supreme Court review. The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Missouri v. Biden, retitled Murthy v. Missouri, which challenges the constitutionality of government social media interventions as a form of censorship, beginning next month. Property details: THIS PROPERTY IS OWNER FINANCED DOWN PAYMENT: $ YOUR BIDMONTHLY PAYMENTS: $39.00 @ 0%TOTAL SALE PRICE: $2,809.00FOR EXAMPLE: YOU BID $500.00, Your Down Payment will be $500,Then $39 a Month Until the Balance is paid off. 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Price: $ 30 Seller State of Residence: Florida Zoning: Residential State/Province: Arkansas Location: 334**, Boynton Beach, Florida You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Arkansas TLC / Reality TV World By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/05/2024 ADVERTISEMENT GINO and JASMINE ADVERTISEMENT CLAYTON and ANALI ADVERTISEMENT ROB and SOPHIE ADVERTISEMENT SAM and CITRA ADVERTISEMENT ASHLEY and MANUEL ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. featured Sam converting to Islam, a Florida hurricane threatening Ashley and Manuel's wedding, Jasmine winning over Gino's family, Clayton lashing out at Anali for strippers at her bachelorette party, and Rob and Sophie making up during Sunday night's Season 10 broadcast on TLC.'s tenth season stars returning cast members Gino, a 52-year-old from Michigan, and Jasmine, a 36-year-old from Panama.The season also stars Sophie, a 23-year-old from the United Kingdom, and Robert, a 32-year-old from California; Manuel, a 34-year-old from Ecuador, and Ashley, a 31-year-old from New York; Justin, a 36-year-old from Moldova, and Nikki, a 47-year-old from New Jersey.In addition, features Nick, a 30-year-old from Australia, and Devin, a 23-year-old from Arkansas; Anali, a 26-year-old from Peru, and Clayton, a 29-year-old from Kentucky; and Citra, a 26-year-old from Indonesia, and Sam, a 30-year-old from Missouri.features Americans who have fallen in love with foreigners bringing their fiances to the United States on K-1 visas.However, once the couple is in America together, the American must marry their overseas partner within the 90-day period allowed by the visa or the foreigner has to return to his or her home country."These long-distance, international couples go the distance as they navigate cultural differences, discover surprising personality traits, and process lingering tensions brought on by doubtful friends and families," TLC teased of the new season.Below is what happened on Episode 16 of 's tenth season.Gino took Jasmine shopping for a wedding dress after she had spent his money for a dress on butt implants in Panama City. The pair had returned to Michigan from Miami about two weeks prior, and Gino said they were in a good and happy place while they were planning their wedding.Jasmine acknowledged it's unusual for a woman to bring her fiance to a wedding dress store but she needed Gino to drive her and also pay for the dress.Gino asked the saleswomen at the store to find a dress that cost $1,000, but Jasmine noted how a nice dress didn't exist at that price point. The saleswomen, however, said they could figure something out with the finances and Jasmine should just enjoy herself.Jasmine felt like a goddess in one strapless, mermaid-style lace dress that showed off her figure, but it ran up the bill to $5,000.Jasmine therefore tried on a less expensive dress, and Gino told her that she looked like a queen in it. The dress was $2,000 and Jasmine felt beautiful in it, and Gino was happy with that number. The pair then popped champagne and left the store feeling emotional and excited.Later on, Gino took Jasmine to look at possible wedding venues. Jasmine wished she could get married on a beach in a modern ceremony with a lot of flowers, but Gino wanted a more old-fashioned and antique wedding with his family present.Jasmine and Gino first looked at a beautiful rustic red barn, and while she loved it, Jasmine played it cool because she didn't want to make the process that easy for him.Gino thought the venue was beautiful and perfect, but Jasmine said she was afraid about Gino's family potentially ruining their special day by judging her or coming at her with questions.Jasmine had promised Gino that she'd try to get along with his family, but she said, "I know they don't like me, and I don't think there is a way I can be accepted by them... I don't want anyone to say anything that will make me feel bad."Gino insisted that his relatives wanted to make Jasmine feel good on her wedding day, but Jasmine pointed out how they had already brought up a prenuptial agreement to her. Jasmine said she didn't want to cry on her big day, especially because she was so far away from home and her kids.Gino comforted Jasmine and assured her that she was going to feel loved. Gino was convinced that his family was going to become Jasmine's family.Prior to the wedding, Jasmine and Gino had a big lunch out with Gino's relatives. Jasmine cried and expressed how she needed support and comfort from them all because she missed her family a lot.Jasmine opened her heart to Gino's family, saying it was important for her to feel welcomed and like she belonged with them. As she spoke, Gino's loved ones were very quiet, but they thanked her for being straightforward with her feelings.Gino's family was clearly concerned because Jasmine is beautiful and could've found any man in Panama City, but Jasmine reiterated how she truly loved Gino and thought he's incredible.Gino's loved ones didn't want Gino to get his heart broken, but they shared some laughs and let Jasmine know that they liked her a lot and they were starting to believe their romance was genuine and real."I told you that you have nothing to worry about. My family loves you. My family is your family," Gino told his future bride.The day before Clayton's wedding, all of the details were coming into place. Not only was Anali going to have a makeup and hair artist, but Clayton had also hired a wedding officiant.Clayton was shown exercising before the big day, and Anali complained about how he had waited until the last minute to get into shape.But Clayton wasn't happy either after he found out there had been strippers at Anali's bachelorette party. Anali said Clayton was making her feel like "the worst person" in the world when Clayton's sister Brandi had actually planned the party and she just went along with the fun as to not waste Brandi's money.Anali also said the experience was embarrassing for her and she thought Clayton was being silly and jealous.Clayton accused Anali of wanting another man, but she thought that was ridiculous. When Clayton asked Anali if a stripper had touched her, she said there was dancing and moving around."How would you feel if I did that to you? You would probably cry," Clayton said.Anali broke down into tears because of their fight, and she asked him what the solution was going to be. Clayton said she could simply never do something like that again, and then Anali went into their bedroom and cried.Anali even took out her suitcase, acting like she was about to leave.Clayton scolded Brandi on the phone for having the stripper at Anali's party as well, and Brandi didn't know how to fix the situation.Clayton admitted he was more angry about the party than angry at his fiancee, but Anali decided to sleep in a different room that night.Clayton didn't want a stripper to break up his relationship, but the couple was struggling to get over this hurdle. Anali suddenly started second-guessing her relationship because of how Clayton had treated her.Rob and Sophie reunited after Sophie had slept in a hotel room with her mother. Rob asked Sophie if she and her mom had spent the whole night talking about how "terrible" he is and how his apartment sucked, but Sophie promised that she had her fiance's back."Where was that energy when we were all together?" Rob asked. "It was unnecessary, period, for you to even agree with her. You left me down... I felt like you were not on my team.""I'm sorry for making you feel alone," Sophie replied.Sophie went back to Rob's place, and she was ready to fight for their relationship. However, she didn't like how Rob was treating her."He's just sitting there feeling bad, trying to make me feel bad," Sophie lamented to the cameras.Sophie also noticed Rob had posted some things on social media that appeared to be digs at her, mentioning how he'd be good alone and how a woman buys a man one meal and thinks she takes care of him. Rob didn't deny his posts were relatable to their situation, but he also didn't apologize for them.Rob told Sophie that he was feeling a certain way and she didn't need to look at his Facebook.Sophie then yelled at Rob and said she was sick of putting all the effort into their relationship. Sophie couldn't believe that Rob couldn't take accountability and at least apologize for what he had done wrong amid their conflict.Rob told Sophie that he was trying to be a better man and stay calm. Rob also insisted that he was trying not to be selfish and argumentative.Sophie asked Rob if he was going to be able to change, and Rob reiterated, "I am trying to do that for us."Sophie could tell that Rob cared that she was upset and was being sincere and genuine, and so the couple dropped their fight and decided to move forward together. Rob said he wanted to make Sophie happy and improve their relationship, and they both believed they could have a successful future together.Rob said he appreciated Sophie's ability to let things go and work things out with him, and Sophie noted how she really loved Rob and wanted to be with him forever.Sam and Citra were shown checking out their wedding venue and imagining their ceremony. There were still a lot of moving parts that needed to come together, including Sam converting to Islam, and Citra even noted her skin had broken out due to all the stress."Sam is very excited about the bang, bang part after we get married, but I am a little bit scared. I don't know how it's going to feel... and if it's going to hurt. I'm nervous!" Citra admitted in a confessional.After Sam converted and became a Muslim, they were going to have their American wedding in a farmhouse on a beautiful green pasture.Citra wore a long green dress and a hijab to the religious ceremony, and Sam admitted he felt a little awkward when praying on his knees.Sam insisted to Citra's father that he was ready to be a married man and he was so happy to have her family present for the big event. Sam's father asked Sam to cherish Citra and hopefully give him grandchildren one day.Unfortunately, Google translator changed the exact messages between the men, but it was a sweet pre-wedding moment and exchange. Sam also told Citra's father that he had set an example of the kind of husband and father he'd like to be one day.Sam ultimately received the blessing he needed to marry Citra, and Sam promised to be responsible and take care of Citra no matter what.The men had developed a special father and son bond, and Sam gushed, "I can't believe I'm about to be a married man!... It's crazy! But honestly, I don't know a whole lot about being a Muslim. I just hope I don't make a fool out of myself at the mosque."Sam acknowledged he could still lose Citra if something went wrong at the conversion ceremony, so he was nervous.Sam then went through the conversion at the mosque with Citra's sisters and father in attendance. Sam's father decided to show up, but his mother opted not to attend.Sam thought he was able to pull it off, even though he had been "winging it" a little bit. Sam wished his mother could've been present, but he said he'd just take whatever he could get.Sam said he was super nervous about living up the expectations of Muslims and his wife considering his lifestyle was going to be so different from how he used to live.Sam and Citra got married at the mosque, and they were totally thrilled, but they still had a big American wedding ahead of them.Ashley and Manuel were on a beach where the couple was going to get married. Manuel thought the location was beautiful, but he really missed his family in Ecuador.Ashley therefore set up a Zoom call so they could touch base with his mom. Ashley said she cared about the fact Manuel's family couldn't attend their wedding and that there was a piece of her heart missing."I know this isn't the way we dreamed of doing it," Manuel told his mother, who cried during the conversation, adding, "I'd like for you guys to share this happiness."Manuel's mother was clearly hurt, and she said it broke her heart that she wasn't going to be able to attend the wedding. But she wished only the best for the couple, including a lifetime of happiness.Ashley promised Manuel's mother that she was ready to be a wife and would take care of her son.Ashley then learned there was a storm on the horizon, which made Ashley nearly hyperventilate. Ashley hadn't taken "hurricane season" into account when she picked her wedding date, and so she was freaking out."This is my dream wedding, and I can't even think about bad weather ruining it... What happens if it rains -- or even worse, if there's a hurricane? I'm going to die," Ashley complained in a confessional.Ashley was afraid her wedding -- and everything she had worked for -- was going to be ruined or go to waste. She sobbed and expressed fear and worry, but the weather was going to be out of her control.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! People mourn their relatives who died in the earthquakes at a cemetery in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ISTANBUL, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. As the country commemorates the tragedy, many Turks still remember the heroic work of the Chinese search and rescue teams that came to their aid. The Chinese teams, comprising 82 members of the China Search and Rescue Team, volunteers from the Blue Sky Rescue Team, and other civil relief squads, worked tirelessly to save lives under the rubble. Their valiant efforts earned them the respect and gratitude of the Turkish people and government, who awarded them a state medal for their outstanding sacrifice. Esma Durak, a 50-year-old woman who lives in the quake-hit Hatay province, recounted some moments of profound humanity when the Chinese rescuers celebrated each life salvaged with cheers and embraces. "The citizens supported them with applause," she said, praising the Chinese rescuers' professionalism and commitment to saving lives. She also remembered a video that went viral online last year, showing the Chinese rescuers receiving incessant applause when they visited Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar after completing their mission. "Turkish shopkeepers gave them gifts, and restaurant owners did not charge them for meals as a sign of thankfulness," she said. "It was a very moving moment for me." Tuncay Taymaz, a professor of seismology and geophysics at Istanbul Technical University, praised the disciplined and scientific approach of the Chinese teams. He spent nearly three months in the earthquake zone conducting research and analysis and had the chance to observe their operations. "Chinese teams have done a commendable job in working under the rubble, pulling the bodies out while paying utmost care to the surrounding environment," he said. "We have a lot to learn from China, especially about earthquake seismology, mitigation of earthquake damages, creating earthquake-resistant cities, conducting search and rescue missions, and equipment use in the field." He added that the Chinese teams had shown the value of human life and solidarity in times of crisis. "We have all watched together the heroic work they have done," he said. A woman mourns her relative who died in the earthquakes at a cemetery in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn victims of the earthquakes in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 5, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) A woman mourns her relative who died in the earthquakes at a cemetery in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn victims of the earthquakes in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn victims of the earthquakes in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 5, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn victims of the earthquakes in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn their relatives who died in the earthquakes at a cemetery in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn victims of the earthquakes in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 5, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn their relatives who died in the earthquakes at a cemetery in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) A woman mourns her relative who died in the earthquakes at a cemetery in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) People mourn victims of the earthquakes in Hatay, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2024. A year ago, Turkiye suffered the worst disaster in its modern history when twin earthquakes rocked its southern region, killing more than 53,000 people and displacing millions. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) The US-based investment management firm Vanguard has adjusted the valuation of the mobility company Ola to $1.88 billion. Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters This represents the third markdown in the valuation of the firm led by Bhavish Aggarwal by Vanguard since February 2023. According to regulatory filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Vanguard has revised Olas parent company, ANI Technologies, to $1.88 billion as of November 30, 2023. This is a 29 per cent decrease from its previous fair value of $2.65 billion as of August 31 last year. Vanguards latest fair value of $1.88 billion is 74 per cent lower than the last valuation at which the company raised funds. In February last year, Vanguard marked down the valuation of ANI Technologies by about 34 per cent to $4.8 billion from $7.3 billion. Later, Vanguard further reduced its holding by another 52.7 per cent to $3.5 billion in its July disclosure. Vanguard holds about a 0.7 per cent stake in the ride-hailing firm. The company did not comment on the valuation slash by Vanguard. In December 2021, the mobility platform raised about $139 million from a few investors, including IIFL, Edelweiss, and Sunil Munjal-led Hero Enterprise. This information is based on regulatory documents sourced from the business intelligence platform Tofler. Ola had been valued at about $7.3 billion at that time. Ola recently announced that its India mobility business turned earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) positive in 2022-23 (FY23), making it one of the few Indian internet companies to achieve this feat. For the consolidated entity, revenue from operations and other income for FY23 stood at Rs 3,000 crore compared to Rs 2,120 crore in 2021-22 (FY22). The Ebitda loss for the consolidated entity, excluding discontinued business, was reduced to Rs 29 crore in FY23 from Rs 291 crore in FY22. ANI Technologies standalone (Olas India mobility business) total revenue has gone up by 48 per cent in FY23 to Rs 2,135 crore from Rs 1,350 crore in FY22. Total revenue includes revenue from operations and other income. It achieved segment-adjusted Ebitda of Rs 250 crore in FY23. This is not the first time Vanguard has marked down the valuation of the Bengaluru-based firm. In 2017, Vanguard marked down Olas valuation by 40 per cent, indicating a valuation of about $3 billion, down from the companys $5 billion when it last raised $500 million in November 2015. Vanguard later marked up the valuation in subsequent months. The firm reportedly cut the value of its investment by 45 per cent between December 2019 and June 2020 and 9.5 per cent in 2021, reducing Olas valuation from over $6 billion to around $3 billion. In 2022, Ola shut down its in-cab infotainment service. The same year, it also closed its used vehicles business Ola Cars and its quick-commerce unit Ola Dash, which promised 10-minute food delivery. It repurposed the infrastructure and capabilities of the Ola Cars business towards boosting the Ola Electric sales and service network. The company shut down Ola Cars within a year of its launch as it shifted focus to its electric two-wheeler and car verticals. Ola shut down Ola Cafe, Foodpanda, Ola Foods, and Ola Dash. The Delhi high court on Monday told low-cost carrier SpiceJet Ltd to pay Rs 50 crore to former promoter Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways within six weeks, as part of an arbitral award of 2018. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters The court said the payment shall be made subject to the outcome of SpiceJet's appeal challenging the interest amount awarded by the arbitral tribunal. The matter will now be heard on May 14. A single judge of the court on July 31 last year refused to interfere with the 2018 arbitral tribunal award that asked SpiceJet to refund Rs 579 crore with interest accrued to Maran in the share transfer dispute. SpiceJet had last year told the Delhi high court that it was struggling to stay afloat after the low-cost carrier was ordered to make a payment to its former owner Kalanithi Maran over money owed. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Maran and KAL Airways, told the court that the carrier would pay Rs 194 crore but has not done so, and now the amount with interest is Rs 250 crore. Singh sought an attachment of Rs 194 crore lying in SpiceJet's YES Bank account. The court refused to pass any attachment order and said, Today, they (SpiceJet) are a running company, this will sink them. "I know that money needs to be paid, I am giving them breathing space. "I can order payment of Rs 194 crore, but it will sink them. SpiceJets appeal against the interest payable to Maran is pending before another bench of the high court. The case relates to a share transfer dispute between SpiceJets chairman and managing director Ajay Singh and Maran and his KAL Airways. The matter was referred to arbitration. After dropping a Rs 5,000 crore plan to fill parts of strategic oil storages, the government will lease out space in the underground rock caverns to domestic and international firms to store oil, a top executive said on Tuesday. Photograph: Drone Base/Reuters India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd has built underground storages at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Mangalore and Padur in Karnataka to store 5.33 million tonnes of oil that can be used in any emergency situation like supply disruption or war. UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has already hired half of the 2.5 million tonnes storage capacity at Padur and 1.5 million tonnes facility at Mangalore. While the remaining 1.25 million tonnes at Padur has been filled by ISPRL, 0.75 million tonnes of vacant storage at Mangalore will be leased out, ISPRL CEO and managing director LR Jain told reporters on the sidelines of India Energy Week. Out of the 1.33 million tonnes of storage built at Visakhapatnam, 0.33 million tonnes was a space that was built for the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). Of the remaining, HPCL has hired 0.3 million tonnes more, and the rest of the storage will be leased out, he said. "We will shortly be floating an expression of interest for leasing out of the storages," he said. The government in the 2023-24 Budget provided Rs 5,000 crore for filling the vacant slots in the caverns, but by the mid-year that plan was deferred. In the interim Budget for 2024-25 presented in Lok Sabha last week, no allocation has been made for the purpose. Jain said companies like Adnoc can store oil in the storage but India will have the first right to use the oil. "So, India can call for the reserves in any emergency situation," he said. Companies like Adnoc use such storage to hold oil for further sale to users. Jain said ISPRL is also looking at building 5 million tonnes of additional storage in the second phase on a public-private model. Land acquisition is being done for the second phase of storage, he added. India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, imports more than 85 per cent of its oil needs and is looking to expand the strategic storage to protect against supply disruptions. Investments worth more than Rs 80 trillion are expected in roads, railways and urban infrastructure between now and FY30 and the supply chains helping to build this core infrastructure are also readying to cash in on the growth. In the first half of the current financial year, orders worth more than Rs 2.6 trillion were tendered in the roads and railways segment alone, according to data sourced from ICRA Ratings and Research. "Indias transportation infrastructure sector is in high gear, and we enjoy a sizable share of it, said S V Desai, whole time director and senior executive vice president (Civil Infrastructure) for Larsen & Toubro. Desai expects this transport-related boom to continue at full throttle. The company is executing orders worth Rs 4.5 trillion, of which, said Desai, a fair amount comes from transport-related infrastructure. Though Desai did not reveal the exact percentage, one third of Tata Projects total order book of Rs 48,000 crore was in transport-related infrastructure as of March 2023, company executives said. Besides big players such as L&T and Tata Projects, a host of smaller construction companies also have orders that will keep them busy. In its December 2023 note, ICRA said its sample of construction companies (which includes realty exposure and excludes L&T) were executing orders worth more than Rs 2 trillion, almost three times their operating income combined. Within transport infrastructure, the awarding of road-related projects slowed in the current financial year but they still remain a significant contributor to the overall order book. The growth in other segments such as metros and railways has also attracted interest from a host of smaller companies. C G Power and Industrial Solutions, for instance, in a call with analysts this month noted that it plans to tie up with partners, including a tech tie-up with a Korean company, to qualify for certain train set orders in India. For those already present in the railways segment, order book growth has been rising. In the current financial year, Titagarh Rail Systems added close to Rs 19,500 crore worth of fresh orders related to Vande Bharat, metros and wheel set manufacturing, according to Crisils latest note on the company released this month. An additional focus on metro systems and other tunnelling projects has also shown a trickledown impact on those supplying to the construction companies. Tunnel boring machines are in huge demand in India and several manufacturers are considering setting up manufacturing plants in India to cater to this demand because, till now, only refurbishment or re-manufacturing facilities have been available in India, noted Raman Kapil, president and chief operating officer, buildings and infrastructure, Tata Projects. Kalpataru Projects International marked its entry into the electric mobility business in December with an order for building an underground metro project. The company has indicated that it has plans to procure tunnel boring machines for a capex of up to Rs 100 crore in the next financial year. The infrastructure boom has prompted others, such as UAE-based Ducab India, to tie up funds locally as they go about catering to Indias appetite for infrastructure-related wires and cables solutions. We work with different engineering companies in India as suppliers to them and the growth in infrastructure projects over the last couple of years has made us take note of this market and, with our latest announcement, look to expanding through tie-ups of local currency funding, said Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Mutawa, group chief executive officer for the Ducab group. Mutawa was recently in India to tie up the local currency funding facility with Emirates NBD. Sharad Agarwal, CEO for Emirates NBD also commented on India's expanding infrastructure attracting considerable attention from global companies. The sector is poised for substantial international investment, mirroring the interest witnessed in the Indian consumer segment, said Agarwal. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is considering segregation of settlement for proprietary trades and retail trades to avoid misuse and circumvention by certain brokers, its chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said recently. Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters Proprietary trading refers to trades done by brokers and other financial institutions using their own capital. There are some people who are permitting access to their clients through prop accounts for a variety of reasons, including wanting to fund their margins. "The industry has made a representation to us that there are different revenue models that brokers have and that some of those models may look like a misuse but it is not. "We will analyse all of that in a very balanced way to separate wheat from the chaff, said Buch. That is something we can look at. "We can also look at segregation of settlement so that there is no netting between client and proprietary, she said at the launch of brokers standards forum. The forum has been formed as a pilot project with members from three broker associations the association of National Exchange Members of India (Anmi), Bombay Stock Exchange Brokers Forum (BBF), and Commodity Participants Association of India (CPAI). The standard setting body also comprises members from the stock exchanges, depositories, and domestic and foreign custodians. The forum, which sets implementation standards for various new and past Sebi regulations, was first formed in September 2023. Sebi chairperson said that the Industry Standards Forum will become a permanent feature and will be embedded in the regulations. We have briefed our board that from the various pilots that we are running, we see tremendous benefits. Therefore, it is our desire that it should become a permanent feature in the regulatory architecture, said Buch. On market hour extension proposal by the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the Sebi chair said there are very divergent views amongst the brokers. The brokering community itself is a divided house (on this). "There is a lot of discussion and deliberation going on. "They will be reaching a conclusion in some reasonable timeline, said Buch. 'You can attack and conspire to weaken us, but you cannot destroy the Congress permanently.' IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Godda, Jharkhand, February 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo On a rainy and cold day in Dehradun, the colony road leading to former Uttrakhand chief minister Harish Rawat's residence is fairly quiet in the evening. A prominent board in Hindi by the roadside indicates the double storied house where we are to meet him. One the other side of the black gate, a few men are gathered, some huddled over a fire. A man steps out and ushers us to a small sitting room on the first floor. A large framed picture of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi embracing Rahul Gandhi as a boy taken at former prime minister Indira Gandhi's funeral is hung above the door. From inside, the closed door of a room, Harish Rawat can be heard dictating a tweet on the political events taking place in the Uttarakhand assembly. The dictation is interrupted to answer calls from a couple of Congress state politcians. As we wait for the seventy-five-year-old former five-time MP, ginger tea with Good Day biscuits and namkeen is served to us. Mr Rawat comes out half an hour later wearing a Pahadi topi over a coat and trousers and settles down to discuss the challenges faced by the Congress party, the impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatra and why the INDIA alliance will remain intact despite the tugs and pulls. The first part of a detailed interview with Rediff.com's Archana Masih in Dehradun. Having been in politics for such a long time, both at the Centre and in the state, in what ways would you say the politics of today has changed from what it was in the past? The nature of politics has changed. Earlier, politics was inclusive and there was space for healthy criticism. There was no personal anger or enmity between politicians on opposite sides of the political spectrum. All these qualities are absent from the politics of today. Today, if you are in power, then all your wrongs are forgiven and if you are in the Opposition, you will be destroyed. Those who hold power want to demolish and wipe out the Opposition. Democracy consists of the ruling party and the Opposition, but if the party in power is unwilling to accept criticism and deprive space to the Opposition, then what kind of Constitutional democracy are we? The Constitution lays down the rules of parliamentary democracy which lies in tatters and has lost its meaning. The majority is bulldozing the foundation of parliamentary democracy. You say that the majority wants to demolish the Congress, can the BJP destroy the Congress? Does it have that capacity, and can the Congress withstand this onslaught? The BJP can never do that. Absolutely not because this is India where Sanatan Dharma and democracy are synonymous with each. There were many attempts to destroy Sanatan Dharma, there was criticism from within and outside, but it could not destroy it because Sanatan Dharma is generous and bountiful, it will continue to flow like the Ganga. The Congress is also generous, it has the capacity and capability of taking others along and moving forward. So even if attempts are made to destroy the Congress, the party will not be destroyed and will maintain its space in India's politics. The Congress is neither extreme left or extreme right. We steer clear of any extreme position; we are the nation's middle path and India's nature is to take the middle path. Even the provisions of the Constitution speak of this middle path -- it does not tilt towards a region, religion, culture, language. Similarly, the Congress has taken the middle path, therefore, the space of the Congress will always remain in India's politics. At this particular moment, you can attack and conspire against it to weaken it, but you cannot destroy the Congress permanently. IMAGE: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and others during the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha addressed by President Droupadi Murmu on the first day of the Budget Session, January 31, 2024. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo The INDIA alliance is confronted with many problems pertaining to seat sharing with its partners in various states and seems to be imploding. How do you think it will be able to survive? We alliance partners are competitors in state elections and have been so for years. Many of these parties have come into being by taking the Congress' traditional space. Their aim was to weaken the Congress in those states, but today we have come together because we believe that India's core values that formed the basis of India's fight for Independence are disappearing. The ideals of Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar are being destroyed. We have come together on a common platform to save those ideals. The Constitution and Constitutional institutions are being destroyed. Democracy is in danger and we are standing up against this danger. Today's political dispensation is attacking Constitutional safeguards and institutions. Our fight is against the thought process behind this. In West Bengal, the Communists, TMC and Congress fight the assembly elections separately, therefore, seat sharing poses some challenges in certain states and we have to overcome this challenge. There will be difficulties is seat adjustments, there could be states where we cannot arrive at an understanding till the last minute, but despite that the alliance will hold on. It will remain intact because we are united on the principle of fighting against the thought process espouse by the opposite side. These alliance partners are drawn from the thought process that emerged from Gandhian values while the opposite side follows the thought process of the RSS. The RSS did not accept India's Constitution in the beginning and today's government reflects that thought process. We are working on the nitty gritty of seats sharing and solutions are emerging. In the states where we can't decide on seat sharing agreement, we will fight it alone and come together after the election. Photograph: Seema Pant for Rediff.com IMAGE: A large framed picture of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi embracing Rahul Gandhi as a boy taken at former prime minister Indira Gandhi's funeral hanging on the wall of Harish Rawat's residence. Mamata Banerjee has said that the Congress will not even win 40 Lok Sabha seats which is indicative of how angry she is with the Congress. Politicians have a lot of work and are pressed for time and sometimes say such things. We should not give it much attention. We know our purpose, our goal and we have to stand together to defeat this adverse/opposite thought process which poses a danger to our Constitutional democracy. We have to fight them hard and defeat them in 2024. You are sure that this alliance will not collapse? Absolutely! No one has the power to say that this alliance is no more. The person who said 'no more' had to go to the other side -- Nitish Kumar. No one will refuse/refute our alliance. They all accept it. The seat sharing difference could be tactical or due to other reasons -- we may have to have a friendly fight on some seats in Punjab because we would not like to give the anti-incumbency space to the BJP alone, we may want that vote to come to us. These are my personal thoughts, I don't know what the leadership thinks. Photograph: Seema Pant for Rediff.com IMAGE: A photograph of Harish Rawat at a temple. You participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. It is being said that Rahul Gandhi should have been in Delhi just now, not on the current yatra and the timing of the yatra is not right. In today's time, no place is far off. Technology and connectivity has bridged distance. Discussions that can be held in Delhi can happen anywhere, there is no obstacle in that. The work has been allocated within the party leadership. This yatra is also important, jan sampark [contact with the masses] is very important. The BJP's stranglehold over democracy has to be broken. It is not as if the BJP only has the right to democracy in India. It needs dedication and hard work to regain our space and Rahul Gandhiji's yatra is doing just that. The yatra is bringing out the real issues of the people and highlighting our issues. The yatra is such an important event that even the helpless, powerless media -- I don't call it Godi media -- is being compelled to show it. Photograph: Seema Pant for Rediff.com IMAGE: A prominent board in Hindi by the roadside indicates where Harish Rawat lives in Dehradun. But wherever the yatra has gone there have been problems -- Nitish left, Jharkhand, West Bengal... You can analyse it both ways. The yatra drew such a response in Assam that the state and central governments put their full might behind disturbing the yatra. This shows that the yatra is having the right impact. The Mahabharat was fought to give justice to a woman's honour; Lanka was destroyed in the battle for a woman's honour. Similarly, Manipur is also about the battle to give justice to women and that is why the Nyay yatra started from Manipur, but it ruffled the feathers of the government to such an extent that the whole Centre and state put their entire might behind disturbing the yatra. In Bihar, the NDA alliance is completely defensive and we may pose a danger to the government of Paltu Kumar who is trying his best to save his government. Photograph: Seema Pant for Rediff.com IMAGE: Harish Rawat. And your MLAs have been shifted to Hyderabad. That is because we want to be cautious. Why should we give them the opportunity to attack us? At present, the NDA in Bihar is trying to save itself. They are under pressure because of the impact of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, therefore, they opened another front in Jharkhand which was foiled. Champai Soren was successful in proving his majority after the whole central government put all its power to dislodge an Adivasi chief minister, but they failed in Jharkhand. It is a big loss for the NDA and credit to Rahul Gandhi's yatra. It is how you perceive it -- and this is another perception regardless of whether you agree or disagree. Part 2 of the Interview: 'Lord Ram Will Protect The Constitution' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com KIEV, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday extended the current martial law and the general mobilization of troops for another 90 days, said parliament member Yaroslav Zheleznyak. Both restrictive measures were prolonged till May 13, Zheleznyak wrote on Telegram. The extension of the martial law and that of the general mobilization were endorsed by 335 and 323 lawmakers respectively in the 450-seat assembly. The Ukrainian parliament imposed martial law and declared mobilization in the wake of the conflict with Russia, and has extended the two restrictive measures several times. Previously, the Ukrainian authorities announced plans to mobilize between 450,000 and 500,000 new troops. A woman from Chhattisgarh working in Oman has been accommodated in the Indian embassy shelter in Muscat after she requested repatriation to the country, a government official said on Tuesday. IMAGE: A view of the Indian embassy in Muscat, Oman. Photograph: Courtesy Indian embassy in Oman on X Notably, the husband of Dipika Jogi on Monday claimed in Durg that she was held captive by her employer in Oman. He also claimed that her employer had demanded money for her release and approached local police for help. Durg Collector Richa Prakash Choudhary said Dipika Jogi approached the Indian Embassy (in Muscat) on February 1 urging repatriation to India. "She has been accommodated in the Embassy shelter there," she added. Dipika's sponsor and local authorities in Muscat were approached (by Indian Embassy officials) to explore an amicable settlement and swift repatriation, the collector said. "The Indian Embassy has assured to provide assistance for the woman's repatriation to India after resolving legal issues," she said. The collector said Dipika went to Oman on a tourist visa and later got it converted to employment (work visa). "She worked for 8 months with her sponsor. The sponsor and local authorities in Muscat have been approached (by the Indian Embassy officials) to explore amicable settlement and early repatriation," Choudhary added. The Embassy spoke to the woman's husband on February 1 and informed him that his wife was being accommodated in the Embassy shelter, she said. "The Mission has said it will extend the possible assistance for Dipika's repatriation after resolving legal issues involved in the matter," the collector said. Dipika's husband Jogi Mukesh, a resident of Bhilai, on Monday claimed his wife, working as a cook in Oman since March, is held hostage by her employer. He also shared a video of his wife who claimed a sum of Rs 2 lakh-3 lakh was being sought for her release. Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said his party could have won the Rajasthan assembly polls if they had made some more efforts, adding that differences between him and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot had been ironed out and they did not impact the poll results. Speaking at the Lokmat National Conclave in New Delhi, Pilot said the Congress gave a good fight in Rajasthan. However, he regretted that they did not win. "I felt in Rajasthan we had a very good chance. We made a lot of effort. But if we would have done a bit more, like changed the tickets... 17-18 out of 25 sitting ministers lost the election. If we would have picked different candidates, perhaps the performance would have been better," he said. Pilot, who was the deputy chief minister in Rajasthan and was removed from the post after a fallout with Gehlot, said he and the former chief minister have discussed the issues that were there, and they did not affect the election. Asked if Gehlot needs to be changed as a face for the next election, he said, "Next election is five years away". He also said the party may have failed to take care of its workers. "I felt we needed some course correction. If we have taken a stand on an issue while in the opposition, can I change it after winning?... Our party workers worked hard for five years, which made the party win... If we would have given them more respect , a 'stakeholdership'... It's the energy of a worker that makes a party win," he said. Asked about Congress leaders having not attended the Ram temple consecration, he said religion and practising religion is a personal choice. "This is a religious country. Everyone should be proud of practising their religion. But getting political gains out of it is wrong... State must be removed from religion," he said. "The Ram temple was constructed after a Supreme Court decision. Everyone is happy that a Ram temple was made... But who will invite people, how many will be invited, who decides that? Are we not Ram bhakts? I did not get an invitation," he said. "I can worship how I want and when I want. You cannot mandate it. It is a personal decision... Ram is everywhere," he said, adding that there is no "discomfort" in the Congress over the Ram temple, adding that the Constitution is the "biggest scripture". On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on dynastic politics in Congress, he said, the PM is "obsessed" with Congress. "It was his last speech of the present Lok Sabha. We were hoping that he will give a message to the world. Unfortunately it was about the Congress and not women and youth," he said. "The BJP should introspect how many MLAs and MPs they have whose parents are in politics... The BJP and the PM have no issues. They're not talking about issues. They only want to do character assassination of the Congress," he said. He also said the Congress has a democratic election to choose its president as in the case of Mallikarjun Kharge. However, he questioned whether the BJP held an election to elect JP Nadda as its president. "No one from the Gandhi family has been a CM or a PM for the last 30 years," he added. Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday raised concern about opportunistic politicians wanting to remain associated with the ruling party of the day and said such "deterioration in ideology" was not good for democracy. IMAGE: Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari hands over the 'Best Newcomer MP 2023' award in Rajya Sabha to CPI-M's John Brittas (left) during the 'Lokmat Parliamentary Awards 2023', at Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, February 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo He also said there are leaders who stand firm in their ideology but their number is gradually declining. "I always say this jokingly that no matter which party's government it is, one thing is sure that the one who does good work never gets respect and those who do bad work are never punished," Gadkari said, without taking names. The minister was addressing an event organised by the Lokmat media group here to present awards to parliamentarians for their exemplary contributions. "In our debates and discussions, differences of opinion are not our problem. Our problem is lack of ideas, the senior BJP leader said. "There are people who stand firm with conviction based on their ideology but the number of such people is declining. And deterioration in ideology, which is happening, is not good for democracy," he said. "Neither rightist nor leftist, we are known opportunists, some people write like this. And all want to remain associated with the ruling party," he added. Gadkari said India is the world's largest democracy and in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words, India is the mother of democracy. "It is because of this speciality, our democratic governance system is an ideal for the rest of the world, he added. Gadkari said politicians come and go but it is the work they have done for the people of their respective constituencies that eventually matters and bring them respect. "Publicity and popularity are necessary but how they work for the people in their respective constituencies is more important than what they speak in Parliament, he said. Gadkari praised RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's oratory and said he has also learnt a lot from former defence minister George Fernandes' "behaviour, simplicity and personality." "After Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the person I was impressed with a lot was George Fernandes," he said. Gadkari also praised former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, who was recently conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously, and said such people have made the country's democracy strong. "After stepping down as chief minister, he (Thakur) travelled in an auto-rickshaw and his condition was very ordinary," he said and suggested that political leaders should take inspiration from such people. "Today I feel that our democracy is going to be very strong after so long.... We all have the responsibility to raise the dignity and respect of Parliament," he added. Addressing the event, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said that in politics leaders keep switching parties. "It is not known which MP will move to which party and when," he said. "I am going to remain in power. I know which party is going to form its government," Athawale, whose RPI (Athawale) is an NDA ally, said in lighter vein. Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor of the Congress and Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra of the BJD were conferred the best parliamentarian of the year awards at the event. Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, who has been suspended by the Bahujan Samaj Party, and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of the Communist Party of India-Marxist received the best debutant parliamentarian awards. BJP MP Maneka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav were conferred lifetime achievement awards at the function. Akali Dal MP Harshimrat Kaur and BJP MP Saroj Pandey received the best woman parliamentarian of the year awards. The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday carried out simultaneous raids at multiple places in West Bengal, including residences of some state government officers, in connection with its probe into alleged embezzlement of MGNREGA funds, officials said. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo The raids continued for nearly seven hours during which the ED sleuths seized a number of documents. The ED was conducting searches at the residence of a West Bengal Civil Services officer in Salt Lake. He was earlier posted as a block development officer at Dhaniakhali in Hooghly district, they said. An ED officer said that he was not in his residence when they reached there. "We are trying to locate him," he said. Searches were also conducted at the government accommodation of a WBCS officer in Jhargram district, officials said. He was questioned by officers of the agency. Raids were also being conducted at a property linked to a state government employee in Baharampur in Murshidabad district. He was posted with the panchayat department, they added. "An amount of Rs 4.5 crore was detected in his sister's account. The money is suspected to be from MGNREGA funds," an officer said. ED officers, after reaching the wrong person's home at Chinsurah in Hooghly district, went to the residence of the accused businessman in the same town. The ED officers summoned the businessman to appear before them at its Kolkata office next week, he added. The searches were being conducted after evidence of their involvement was found in the "irregularities", he claimed. The alleged irregularities relate to about 25 lakh "fake" job cards issued under MGNREGA in the state, officials said. The ruling Trinamool Congress denounced the searches as "vendetta politics" and a "desperate manoeuvre" by the BJP to divert attention from the TMC's ongoing dharna demanding clearance of the state's dues. The saffron party, on the other hand, asserted that central agencies such as the ED act independently but it welcomes the action. Senior TMC leader Shashi Panja said, "This is an attempt to divert public and media's attention from the TMC's ongoing dharna. This is a clear example of vendetta politics." Bharatiya Janata Party leader Samik Bhattacharya stated, "The reality is that the TMC is deeply mired in corruption, with nearly every leader facing corruption allegations." Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari told reporters, "The ED intervention took place after the state police failed to file a single charge sheet on more than 100 FIRs registered against some district officials and panchayat members over the issuance of fake job cards. Now, the net has been widely cast to book every wrongdoer." "To our knowledge, a large number of BDOs, MGNREGA supervisors and TMC panchayat members are involved (in the irregularities)," the BJP MLA of Nandigram alleged. To the TMC's allegation that the raids were "engineered" by Adhikari, he said, "I echo what the PM had said yesterday... central agencies such as the ED work independently. They took up the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. We don't have any control over it but we want all thieves to be punished." Senior TMC leaders Partha Chatterjee, Jyotipriyo Mallick and Anubrata Mondal have been arrested by the central agencies in various corruption cases. Recently, the central agencies have also conducted searches at various locations, including the residences of food and supplies minister Rathin Ghosh and urban development minister Firhad Hakim, in connection with recruitment in municipalities. The Delhi police has arrested an alleged member of Lashkar-e-Tayiba module operating in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara, officials said on Tuesday. The accused, who is a retired army personnel, has played an instrumental role in receiving arms and ammunition from across the Line of Control (LoC), they said. The accused, identified as Riyaz Ahmad Rather and is a resident of Kupwara district, was arrested on Sunday from New Delhi Railway Station, the police said. Riyaz was a havildar in Indian Army and retired last year, the police said. He was involved in hatching a conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LoC by the terrorist handlers, a senior police officer said. The investigating agencies in Jammu and Kashmir received an information on Sunday that one Riyaz Ahmad Rather was wanted in the recent terror module case busted by them in which five people were arrested and incriminating material, including five AK rifles (short), five AK magazines and 16 short AK rounds, were recovered, he added. These arms and ammunition were sent by Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) based LeT terrorist handlers Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh alias Shakoor, a resident of Gabra Karnah; and Qazi Mohammad Khushal, a resident of Dhanni Karnah, the officer said, adding that both were operating from across the border. It was informed that Riyaz was absconding and would reach New Delhi railway station in the wee hours. A team was constituted and deployed at the railway station. They identified Riyaz and apprehended him when he was trying to flee from exit gate number-1 in the early hours, the officer said. It was revealed that he, along with his friend Altaf, had boarded the Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazarat Nizamuddin railway station around 3 pm on Saturday, the police said. They took an auto-rickshaw and reached New Delhi railway station. Riyaz was about to go to some other hideout, they said. Riyaz is suspected of having received a consignment of arms and ammunition from Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather -- both already arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police. Riyaz and his friend Altaf retired from the Indian Army on January 31, 2023, the police said. One mobile phone and one SIM card have been recovered from Riyaz's possession, they said. Riyaz has been arrested under appropriate sections of law. The Jammu and Kashmir Police officials have been informed for further necessary action at their end, the police said. The Centre has disallowed installation of mobile towers in core or critical tiger habitats in the country, according to new guidelines by the environment ministry. IMAGE: An Indian Royal Bengal tiger at the South Khairbari nature park near Siliguri. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters In an order issued in January, the ministry highlighted that the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) has been receiving a large number of proposals for erection of mobile towers and laying of optical fibre cables in national parks, sanctuaries, and tiger reserves and corridors. It said while providing connectivity to the people residing within or near wildlife-rich areas should be taken up on priority, "the protection and conservation of wildlife habitats should not get affected" by such installations. The ministry also expressed concern that the mobile connectivity could be misused by offenders of forest and wildlife laws. "The core/critical tiger habitat, notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, should be avoided for installation of the tower," read the order issued to the chief wildlife wardens of all states and Union territories and the ministry of communications. The ministry said any proposal seeking recommendation of the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife for 4G connectivity in such areas must be accompanied by an undertaking from the district magistrate concerned indicating non-availability of alternate revenue/private lands. It should also include drawings/sketches of the location of various components of the proposals within the required land and a plan for movement of the equipment and men for erection of towers and their maintenance, the order said. The user agency will be required to provide an undertaking that call data records of suspected persons for contravention of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 will be provided when requested by the officer not below the rank of deputy conservator of forests having jurisdiction over the area. The ministry also said new towers should not be installed within a radius of one kilometre of the existing towers to prevent overlapping of high radiation fields. "If new towers are required to be built, these should be erected with utmost care and precautions so as not to obstruct the flight path of birds, and also not to increase the combined radiations from all towers in the area," the ministry said. It said the location and frequencies of cell phone towers and other such installations emitting electromagnetic radiation should be made available in the public domain. Location wise GIS mapping of all cell phone towers should be maintained which would inter alia help in monitoring the population of birds and bees in and around the mobile towers and also in and/or around protected areas, it said. Jose Louies, the chief of enforcement at the Wildlife Trust of India, said: "Installing mobile towers in core tiger habitats would mean laying power cables, deploying generator sets and movement of people which could disturb the wildlife. Mobile towers outside the tiger reserves also provide good connectivity." A tiger reserve includes two parts: core or critical tiger habitat and buffer or peripheral area. According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the critical tiger habitats are core areas of the tiger reserves meant to be kept inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation". The buffer area surrounds the core habitat and serves as a transition zone. While the core habitat remains intact, the buffer area allows for sustainable human activities and coexistence with wildlife. The number of tigers in India have increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of 6 percent, according to latest government data. India has decided to fence the entire 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday. IMAGE: Myanmar nationals, who fled from their country in the 2021 military coup and the recent violent incidents, take shelter in the Zokhawthar area in Champhai, Mizoram, November 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The move could virtually put an end to the Free Movement Regime prevalent along the porous border. The FMR allows people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without any documents. The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, which passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, currently has FMR. It was introduced in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy. Fencing along the border has been a persistent demand of the Imphal Valley-based Meitei groups which have been alleging that tribal militants often enter into India through the porous border. The Meitei groups also allege that narcotics are being smuggled into India taking advantage of the unfenced international border. In a post on X, Shah said the Narendra Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. "It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved," he said. The home minister said a 10-km stretch of the border in Moreh in Manipur has already been fenced. Furthermore, two pilot projects of fencing through a hybrid surveillance system are under execution. "They will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Additionally, fence works covering approx 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, and the work will start soon," he said. Manipur shares around 390 km of border with Myanmar, but only about 10 km has been fenced so far. In July last year, the state government shared data that around 700 illegal immigrants entered the state. Besides, Mizoram has seen an influx of anti-Junta rebels in thousands since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. According to government estimates, several thousand refugees are living in different parts of Mizoram since the coup. Mizoram shares a 510-km-long border with Myanmar. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had also said that several persons from Myanmar tried to enter into his state but returned on seeing the presence of a large number of security personnel. Apart from Manipur and Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-km border with Myanmar and Nagaland shares a 215-km border with the country. On February 3, after meeting Shah, the Manipur chief minister said the Centre is set to take "some important decisions" in the interests of the people of the state. Singh had also held a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the North Block and had "a productive discussion on the strategic measures undertaken for fostering peace in Manipur". Manipur has been witnessing sporadic violence. Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 after a tribal solidarity march was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. More than 200 people have been killed in the violence. While a section of Kukis has demanded a separate administration or separation from the Manipur government, the Meitei groups are dead against it and warned legislators against any such design and asked them to foil such attempts. Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent and reside mainly in the hill districts. The rest belong to other communities. Shah paid a four-day visit to the state as part of his efforts to calm down the warring communities. However, intermittent violence continued. Intolerance to cultural and artistic expressions does not befit a civilised country like India, the Kerala high court has said. IMAGE: A view of the Kerala high court. Photograph: ANI Photo The court made the observation while hearing a plea which claimed that the depiction of a gun concealed inside a Bible in the Malayalam action movie Antony denigrates Christianity. Justice Devan Ramachandran said that the production and creation of a cinematographic movie were guided by imagination and real-life experiences. "The liberty of a team, while creating a cinematographic movie, certainly has to be respected, provided they do not trample upon or infringe the rights of individuals or society," the court said. It further said that in the instant matter, the petitioner's complaint, that the scene in question was an affront to the religious faith of Christians, was rather "uncharitable", because the censor board did not find the scene to be contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups. The court also said that during the review screening, the members of the committee concerned of the censor board did not even notice the Bible, because the scene was a fleeting one, without any reference to any particular scripture. "I propose not to say anything further, but deem it necessary to add that intolerance to cultural and artistic expressions is not something that behooves well for a civilised country like ours." "But if any particular scene is established to be violating the unexpendable respect required to racial, religious or other groups, certainly, it is for the 'Board' to intervene and take necessary action," Justice Ramachandran said. In this matter, the movie producer had already moved the Board, during the pendency of the petition, to blur the scene to avoid any further controversy. The Central government lawyer, appearing for the Board, said that the producer's application has already been allowed and the scene blurred so that the book cannot be identified. The court said that since the Board had already taken action on the request of the producer, it was closing the petition without issuing any orders or directions. The petitioner, in his plea moved on December 18 last year, wanted to injunct release of the film till the allegedly objectionable scene was removed. A committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet in New Delhi on Wednesday to select a candidate for the post of election commissioner, sources said. Photograph: ANI Photo A vacancy will arise in the three-member poll panel when Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey demits office on February 14. According to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, a search committee headed by the law minister and comprising two Union secretaries will short-list five candidates for the consideration of the prime minister-led selection committee. A Union minister nominated by the prime minister and Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury are part of the selection committee. The selection panel has the power to consider even those not short-listed by the search committee. Pandey will retire on attaining the age of 65 and days before the Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections, due in April-May. Before the new law came into force, the CEC and ECs were appointed by the President on the recommendation of the government. Besides Pandey, Arun Goel is an election commissioner. Rajiv Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner. Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar on Tuesday said the Election Commission of India ruling underlined the priority assigned to the majority in democracy, whereas MP Supriya Sule termed the decision as a victory of "invisible power" and conspiracy against the people of the state. IMAGE: Sharad Pawar with his nephew Ajit Pawar before the split in the NCP. Photograph: ANI Photo The Sharad Pawar camp described the ruling as a "murder of democracy" which would be challenged in the Supreme Court. In a setback to Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission recognised the faction led by his nephew Ajit Pawar as the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and also allotted the party's poll symbol 'Clock' to the Ajit Pawar group. "In a democracy, priority is given to the majority which is why the poll commission has allotted the party name and symbol to us," Ajit Pawar said. He said, "50 MLAs are with us (NCP) besides most of the district presidents in the state and chiefs of the party cells (frontal organisations)." Senior NCP leader Praful Patel said the EC ruling proves that the majority of party workers and elected representatives are with Ajit Pawar. Sharad Pawar's daughter and NCP MP Supriya Sule said the ECI ruling is the victory of the invisible power. "This is a huge conspiracy against Maharashtra and Marathi people. However, I am not at all surprised by this decision," she said. Sule said Sharad Pawar is currently busy in a get-together with some Rajya Sabha members who are retiring. "BJP leader Prakash Javdekar, who is also retiring, has come to our place. My father is busy with them. I can not tell you everything now. The new names and symbol as asked by the ECI will be submitted tomorrow and then you will come to know about it," she told reporters in New Delhi. Sule also said Sharad Pawar had contested elections on five different symbols in his political career when there was no social media. "With the help of this media, we can easily communicate our new name and new symbol to the entire world within a second," she said without elaborating. Both parties (the NCP and undivided Shiv Sena) were born in Maharashtra and led by Marathi people. This is one more example of how the invisible powers make decisions that would hurt the Marathi people and the state, Sule added. Sharad Pawar loyalist and former state minister Anil Deshmukh dubbed the decision a "murder of democracy". "What happened is unfortunate. The poll panel gave this ruling under pressure from above, Deshmukh told a TV channel. He referred to the strictures passed by the Supreme Court in the Chandigarh mayoral election. Maharashtra NCP president (Sharad Pawar group) Jayant Patil said the Supreme Court is the "last hope" for them and they are expecting a stay on the ECI ruling. He said the NCP was founded by Sharad Pawar who developed it from the grassroots and also helped many leaders grow in their political careers. Another Sharad Pawar loyalist and former minister Jitendra Awhad said, "Sharad Pawar is our party and the symbol that enjoys the backing of people". Awhad said Sharad Pawar will rise as a proverbial phoenix bird. "The ECI exercise was a circus. It was pre-decided who would get the NCP name and symbol," he alleged. Targeting Ajit Pawar and other MLAs who sided with him, Awhad said he felt sad as those who enjoyed the fruits of Sharad Pawar's efforts to expand the NCP are now trying to "politically strangle" the veteran. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy from BJP, Devendra Fadnavis, welcomed the poll body's decision. "The Election Commission has given the verdict based on merit and majority. The majority has an important role in democracy. The ECI has taken a similar decision during our case as well," said Shinde, who heads Shiv Sena. He said the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP led by Ajit Pawar will win more than 45 LS seats in Maharashtra and the assembly elections as well. " I congratulate the member party of Mahayuti, Ajit Pawar, and his colleagues over the election commission of India's Decision to allot the NCP party name and clock symbol with him (sic)," Fadnavis posted on X handle. When asked whether Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar would benefit from sympathy and emotional appeal in upcoming elections, Shinde said, "People vote for those who undertake developmental works. Maharashtra ranks top in infrastructure development. PM Modi and the Centre are firmly standing behind the state government". In Pune and Baramati, the pocket borough of the Pawars, supporters of Ajit Pawar broke into celebrations by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets. "The common people of Baramati feel that since the decision has been made about the party and symbol, all should forget the old things and work together as a party," a local leader said. Ankush Kakade, a senior NCP leader from Pune and Sharad Pawar supporter said we will work towards taking the new name and party symbol to every household. KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkiye, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A year after twin earthquakes devastated southern Turkiye, which left more than 53,000 dead and millions homeless, the struggle for normalcy continues. In the rubble-strewn city of Kahramanmaras, one of the worst-hit areas, residents cling to hope as reconstruction efforts inch forward. For Ahmet Albayrak, a 47-year-old butcher who lives in Kahramanmaras, the trauma of that day remained raw. He recounted the loss of life, the collapsed buildings, and the months spent struggling to rebuild his business. Despite the hardships, Albayrak underscored the importance of maintaining hope and summoning the strength to move forward. "We need a little patience and gratitude," said Albayrak, adding, "These are difficult times, but we will get through them." Albayrak acknowledged the plight of others worse off, particularly the hundreds of thousands languishing in temporary container camps. The government's ambitious reconstruction efforts, fueled by billions of dollars, have yet to translate into concrete timelines for their return home. The twin quakes, measuring 7.7 and 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck Turkiye on Feb. 6, 2023, marking the deadliest disaster in its modern history. The vast scale of destruction and the estimated 100 billion U.S. dollar reconstruction bill further strained the country's already fragile economy. However, despite the difficulties in Kahramanmaras, Albayrak refused to leave his hometown. He said he learned to appreciate life and the things he used to take for granted, such as electricity and water, when everything collapsed. "After the quake, we realized how valuable these things are, how valuable even a pair of socks and hot water are," he said. Similar unwavering hope inspires Cuma Kayan, a 51-year-old appliance dealer. "We cannot abandon our city... We must revive Kahramanmaras," he declared. He said he is satisfied with the pace of rebuilding and the rescue and relief efforts by the Turkish government. "The government supported us with food after the earthquake and forgave taxes on us," he said, adding the government has also been providing financial aid. However, he also expressed hope for more coordinated demolition work to plan for the future of his neighborhood and town. Thousands of government-backed housing units are under construction in Kahramanmaras and neighboring cities, with a commitment from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to deliver 319,000 new homes by February 2024. On Saturday, some evacuees were given the keys to over 7,000 newly completed houses in Hatay, another province hard hit by last year's quakes. "Just as our ancestors built these places, we will too. We will raise it," he added. An explosion and subsequent blaze at a firecrackers factory in Madhya Pradesh's Harda town killed 11 people and left 174 others injured on Tuesday, officials said. IMAGE: Firefighting operation underway after a massive explosion at an illegal firecracker factory, in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, February 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo A person has been detained in connection with the incident, a senior official said. The incident occurred in the Bairagarh locality on Magardha Road, on the outskirts of Harda town, approximately 150km from the state capital, Bhopal, prompting the state government to seek Army's helicopters for evacuation. "So far, 174 people have been rescued from the incident site -- 34 were referred to Bhopal and Hoshangabad, while 140 were undergoing treatment in district hospital. One death has been reported from among the people who were referred, and 10 deaths have been reported from the district hospital," Narmadapuram commissioner Pawan Sharma told reporters. IMAGE: Smoke billows out after a massive explosion at the firecracker factory. Photograph: ANI Photo "The fire has been doused, and debris is being removed from the site. Investigation into the matter is underway, but currently, the rescue mission is our priority," he added. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal to meet the injured persons. "Twelve injured were brought here, one of them is no more. I have met the injured persons and the government is making all the necessary arrangements for them. Eleven people have died in the incident and rescue operation is still underway," Yadav told reporters. "We have evacuated everyone from the site. The FSL team is here to investigate; JCBs are working to remove debris, and a rescue mission is underway. We have called in additional machines also as the work will continue overnight. One person has been detained and an FIR registered," inspector general, Narmadapuram, Irshad Wali said. Photograph: ANI Photo The cause of the blast was not yet known, a senior official earlier said. The Madhya Pradesh government constituted a three-member committee to be headed by the additional chief secretary (home) to conduct a detailed probe into the explosion at the cracker unit. The other members of the high-powered committee are -- additional director general of police, intelligence, Jaideep Prasad and public works department secretary RK Mehra. IMAGE: People react after a massive explosion. Photograph: ANI Photo The panel is also mandated to fix the responsibility of those officials who were supposed to prevent such incidents. Chief Minister Yadav immediately convened a meeting and announced plans to engage the Army for helicopter support in evacuation. The sound of the explosion was heard 25 kilometres away and eyewitnesses said body parts were scattered at a distance from the site and vehicles on a nearby road were hit by splinters. A factory worker's eight-year-old son was unaccounted for after the blast. "The explosion occurred even as my son Ganesh delivered tiffin to me. He ran ahead of me, but I have not been able to find him so far," the worker, identified only as Raju, said in an emotionally choked voice. An aerial image shot from the helicopter carrying state Cabinet Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh to Harda showed the ill-fated factory building being reduced to rubble. Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the fire and chaotic scenes as people ran for safety. The incident, captured in viral videos, depicted a massive fire with intermittent blasts at the site. Condolences poured in from across the country led by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The news of the death of many people due to fire in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," Murmu said in a post on X in Hindi. Prime Minister Modi, while announcing an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured, said he was distressed by the loss of lives. "Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected," Prime Minister's Office posted on X. Meanwhile, efforts were underway to ascertain the exact number of people feared to be trapped in and around the factory. Additionally, the state government announced a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased and said it will bear the entire cost of treatment of the injured individuals. Responding to the tragedy, Chief Minister Yadav directed senior minister Uday Pratap Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajit Kesari and director general (Home Guards) Arvind Kumar to travel to Harda by helicopter to take stock of the situation and oversee relief and rescue operation. Burn units in hospitals in Indore, Bhopal, and AIIMS-Bhopal were instructed to make necessary arrangements for any emergencies. Fire brigades from Indore and Bhopal were dispatched to combat the inferno. A report from Indore said four injured women were admitted to the government-run MY Hospital in Indore, a health official said. Meanwhile, Congress leader and former chief minister Kamal Nath demanded a thorough probe into the tragedy and stern action against those responsible for it. State Congress president Jitu Patwari constituted a two-member party-level committee comprising former ministers PC Sharma and Ramu Tekam to probe the incident. In the Interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that a high power committee would be set up to consider the challenges arising from 'fast population grown and demographic changes.' 'But who wants data? It pays to feed people's fears, insecurities and apprehensions. If such fears don't exist, they must be created,' her husband Parakala Prabhakar says in this fascinating excerpt from his book, The Crooked Timber of New India: Essays on a Republic in Crisis. Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters It is not difficult to see that most families are limiting the number of children. We only need to look around. Or look back to our own families or the families in our neighbourhood. Let me tell you about my own family. My wife had only one delivery. All my siblings had only one delivery in their families. I can see that 90% of my friends and classmates have two children. But you could, justifiably, accuse me of thinking that the world comprises only my family, friends and social class. So I took a kind of dipstick survey of lower income groups. Over four of five days, I talked to some people who haven't had even a fraction of the opportunities and advantages that people like me have had. Construction workers, domestic helps, women who work as ayahs in a nearby school, a middle-aged man who was minding his herd of sheep. Of the 15 people I spoke to who had children, 12 had only two. One had three, and two had one child each. I was prepared for a complete refutation of this dipstick survey finding. For, unless the larger trends are showing a totally different picture, why would the prime minister speak of his worry about population 'explosion' on a momentous occasion like the 2019 Independence Day speech? I began by looking at the total fertility rate. I looked at data from 1950 to 2021. Total fertility rate (TFR) is the average number of children delivered by women in their reproductive age. The TFR was 5.9 from 1950 to 1956, declined slightly in 1957, then stayed at 5.7 till 1965. The TFR declined consistently after that, dropping to 2.9 by 2002. In 2021 it came down to 2.179. This is just a tiny bit above replacement level, which is 2.1. This is considered the ideal level. If the TFR is under 2, the population begins to contract and that creates huge problems -- reduction in workforce; fewer younger, productive people who can earn to feed and help sustain the growing number of elderly; economic slowdown; rising healthcare costs. Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives Our country is already almost at the replacement level. Is our prime minister unaware of this? Did he say what he said in his Independence Day address without looking at the data? Or did he simply ignore the data? Both possibilities should worry us. The first government-level concern about population growth was expressed in Assam. The BJP government there came up with a Population and Women Empowerment Policy in September 2017 to deal with the 'problem'. But Assam had reached near replacement level in 2011 itself. The TFR in Assam was 3.2 in 2001. It declined to 2.2 in just a decade without any such a policy. The present chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was finance minister in 2017, moved a resolution in the state assembly and said, 'Census data shows that the Hindu population has declined while the minority has witnessed a sharp increase... The change in Assam's demographics is a matter of concern.' After he became chief minister, Sarma asked Assam's Muslims to adopt 'decent' family planning measures. He predicted conflicts over living space if their population continued to 'explode'. The target, in other words, is not the general population stabilisation of the state, but to reduce the growth rate of the Muslim population. But what did data from the then latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), released in December 2020, tell us about the scene in Assam? Did the figures give the chief minister cause for worry? The Muslim community's TFR in Assam according to NFHS-5 is at 2.4. It is indeed higher compared to 1.6 for Hindus and 1.5 for Christians. However, the significant point is that it is not increasing -- neither 'sharply', as the chief minister wants us to believe, nor even modestly. In fact, the fertility among Muslims has witnessed a sharp decline. It dropped from 3.7 in 2005-06 to 2.4 in 2019-20. That's just 0.3 short of the replacement level! But who wants data? It pays to feed people's fears, insecurities and apprehensions. If such fears don't exist, they must be created. Indeed, the strategy appeared to have paid off in the 2021 Assam elections, when the BJP returned to power with a higher number of seats in the assembly. And after the elections, the scare-mongering finance minister was promoted to chief minister. The message was not lost on other state governments run by the BJP. What the Assam BJP began doing three years before elections in that state, UP begins six months ahead of the state election. Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Yogi Adityanath's UP government claims that the draft bill announced on 9 July 2021 was in the making for about three years. On World Population Day, 11 July, he announced the objectives of the new population policy of the state for the decade 2021-30. The chief one was 'reducing the fertility rate and ensuring population balance among various communities'. The trend in the state as well as in the entire country is anyway a steady decline in the TFR. Therefore, it looks more like an attempt to bring about a 'balance between different communities', meaning religious groups. In the chief minister's words, 'Yeh prayas bhi kiya jayega ki vibhinn samudayon ke madhya jansankhya ka santulan bana rahe.' ('Effort will be made to ensure a balance in population among various communities.') Now let's see if there is indeed such a worrying imbalance in UP. Let's examine the TFR gap between Muslim and Hindu women and see if that warrants a policy like this. Between 2001 and 2011, the Hindu TFR declined by 1.5, from 4.1 to 2.6. In the same period, the Muslim TFR declined by 1.9, from 4.8 to 2.9. It shows clearly that the gap between Hindus and Muslims in TFR is rapidly closing. In 2001 it was 0.7 and by 2011 the gap came down to 0.3. Without any incentives and disincentives. In any case, the latest survey has shown that in every state, the TFRs of both Hindus and Muslims are steadily declining. No state, without exception, has shown either a stagnation or a reversal of the declining trend. Looking at the data from NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, we see that all but five states have already achieved replacement level of fertility. And even in these five -- Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Manipur and Meghalaya -- the TFR has been dropping consistently. But again, who wants data? What is needed is fear, apprehension, insecurity among communities, a feeling that 'our' poverty is because of 'them'. 'Our' unemployment is because of 'their' numbers. Such policy consolidates 'us' against 'them'. When it paid in Assam, it will pay in UP. But the formal position of the Government of India remains a shining example of an enlightened and data-driven policy. Contrary to what the leader of the same government says in his Independence Day address to the nation. In response to a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking implementation of a two-child norm to check the country's population, the Union government said in its affidavit that India's population policy is 'unequivocally against coercion in family planning', and that the country's TFR is 'witnessing a constant decline'. This was said to the Supreme Court by the Union government in an affidavit a year and a half after the prime minister's address to the Nation on Independence Day in 2019 in which he expressed concern about our growing population. More than two years after the Assam population policy. And eight months after that submission to the Supreme Court by the central government, the Uttar Pradesh draft bill was announced. So what is policy and what politics? What the government tells the Supreme Court on population is policy. What the PM says on Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort is politics. What the BJP does in the states it rules is exactly the same politics. The politics of 'us' versus 'them'. So that 'us' feel insecure. So that 'us' fear 'them'. And then 'us' reject 'them'. 'Us' don't want 'them'. So 'us' vote for the BJP. For the religion of 'us'. For the language of 'us'. For the identity of 'only us'. Excerpted from The Crooked Timber of New India: Essays on a Republic in Crisis, by Parakala Prabhakar, with the kind permission of the publishers Speaking Tiger. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 44F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A few flurries are possible. Low around 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Gazed by two armed inspectors, Fiona Meng had to sign a document before she was allowed to read it. After eight hours at the secondary inspection, a pat-down, and a forcible payment of 3,700 U.S. dollars for her deportation trip, she was escorted to the detention room, stripped of her coat, sweater, shoes, cough medicine, and any means of communication with anyone. She had no idea how long she had to stay there, in the company of three thin sheets, a bunch of surveillance cameras, and an open toilet, in the chilly North Virginia cell, December night. It turned out to be 12 hours. "The inspectors said they would detain me in a certain room, I can't remember its name. My ears were not capable to listen, nor my brain to remember it," said the final year biology PhD candidate. Meng's experience of unwarranted interrogation, harassment, and deportation was regretfully not a rare case for Chinese students at the U.S. border. At the San Francisco Summit in November, heads of state from China and the United States pledged to enhance and facilitate cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges. During the meeting between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok, Thailand last month, both sides reiterated their commitment to taking further steps towards such a vision. A half-hour drive away from the West Wing, however, the enthusiasm was somehow not shared by customs and border protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport. Since the historical summit, at least 11 Chinese students with a valid visa and travel documents were deported or canceled visas on-site at the airport by U.S. authorities. Eight cases at Dulles alone. Some victims found their questioning records distorted. One student, for example, found false content about China's talent programs and military industry enterprises added to her record. The Chinese Embassy on Jan. 29 warned Chinese students not to enter from Dulles Airport and has lodged a solemn representation to the United States. Meng recalled two plain-clothed female inspectors who went through her phone thoroughly, and interrogated whether she received scholarships, was funded by China Scholarship Council (CSC), or participated in confidential research. She was granted a university scholarship during her undergraduate study. No CSC funding. No confidential research. Still, she was banned from entering the United States for five years, with her dissertation defense one semester away and a pile of supplementary experiments pending. Despite constant efforts from her supervisor, the international student office, and graduate student union of her university, and the Chinese Embassy, Meng's case is stagnated, like the lives and careers of many Chinese students pursuing study in the United States. "This is absolutely unacceptable," Xie Feng, the Chinese ambassador in Washington, said on Jan. 28 at an event at the embassy on student exchanges. "The U.S. likes to portray itself as open, inclusive and a place advocating academic freedom and 'no border in science,' but what it does is politicizing and weaponizing academic research, and overstretching the concept of national security to wantonly suppress and ill-treat Chinese students," said the Chinese Embassy in the United States on social media. "WATCH YOURSELF WHILE IN THE UNITED STATES" The harassment of Chinese students at Washington Dulles International Airport was new, but not alone. In the summer of 2023, the first post-pandemic Tsinghua University overseas study trip group arrived at Boston Logan International Airport, greeted by hours of interrogation. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Sam Yin, a quantum information major student, recalled his questioning by two customs officers. "Why are you not a CPC member? That was the first question they asked me," Sam said. "I didn't see it coming." Other students were asked similar questions on party affiliation. Sam told the customs officer that each Chinese person could choose whether to join the CPC or not. "You are lying. How can you represent Tsinghua if you are not a CPC member?" Sam recounted the response from the U.S. officer. "Isn't that the meaning of representation? That we would have both party members and non-party members?" he said. Sam said in hours of interrogation he was accused of lying multiple times, and the U.S. officers seemed to hold a guilty-until-proven-innocent mentality. "According to their logic, because I study physics and physics is an advanced discipline, it must serve the Chinese military, and therefore I must be associated with the Chinese military, and that everything I said must be lies," Sam said. According to the students, another logic that the U.S. officers seemed to hold was that because the group's itinerary included meeting with some U.S. think tanks and some of the think tanks had close relationships with the U.S. government, the students are suspected of being after U.S. government secrets. Some of the students were also asked why they looked nervous, and the students answered, that if you are held up by a police officer without committing any wrongdoing, you'd think something's wrong too. Students recalled toward the end of the questioning, one of the U.S. officers warned them: "Don't think that you are so skilled in answering questions, we are proceeding in a professional manner, you need to watch yourself while in the United States." In January, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the study trip group led by Xie Tao, professor and dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University was greeted with similar paranoia. "All the six students plus myself were guided to the other side of the counter. I was questioned, or you could use the word interrogated, for nearly three hours." "I know far more cases of Chinese scholars and students being questioned for extended hours by U.S. immigration officers than the reported case of American scholars and students questioned by Chinese authorities. I got the affirmation from my American counterparts. They felt very outraged and upset at my experiences." "Buy a ticket and come over to China. See with your own eyes," Prof. Xie replied when asked for his message to American students who want to know what is happening in China. He was gravely concerned with U.S. authorities' unwarranted harassment of Chinese students as such behaviors "are actually decoupling the most important ties between the two countries, that is people-to-people exchanges." "GUILTY WITH WHATEVER ANSWERS" Chinese-born researchers and tech industry professionals are in an even more delicate position, as profiling, interrogation, and aggressive or passive repulsion are haunting every aspect of their careers and private lives. Right before being granted tenure, Hannah Hu decided to quit her job as a faculty member at the University of North Texas in September 2020. "One day in August, the university repelled overnight dozens of visiting researchers from China and demanded them to leave within days," Hu recalled the unprecedented incident. Such decisions require consultation and authorization of all deans as per procedure, yet the two deans of the College of Engineering and the College of Science, both of Chinese descent, were excluded from the meeting. "So the whole thing is about China?" Asked a participant at an international faculty member meeting afterward. The answer was a blunt and brazen "Yes." "At the end of the meeting we concluded that it's better not to cooperate with researchers from China for a while," said Hu. "And I am Chinese." Into the fall semester, Hu found she no longer had access to the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP), an indispensable database in her field of research. "Although since 2018 we have been hearing about researchers taken away by FBI or labs shut down because of connection with China, I didn't expect it would happen to me," Hu said. Christopher Zhang, a physicist then working at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, ran into a snag departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York in the same month. "They (customs officers) took out a list and started interrogating every person who's called," recalled Zhang. Two officers came to him, one went through his luggage without consent, while the other questioned his work, field of research, families, political identity in China, and other social relations. "They asked trap questions, like why did you join CPC, and you can easily be found guilty with whatever answers," Zhang said. After the last boarding broadcast, the officers forcibly dug through his digital devices' contents, and he was finally allowed to board. Meng is now contacting her colleagues in the lab to help her complete the experiments. Hu is working for a Swiss pharmaceutical company in China. Zhang found a faculty position at a Chinese university. They still hold a dim hope, together with their American colleagues, that geopolitical tension and securitization will one day step out of the way of academic and educational cooperation between the two peoples. Enditem (P.S. All names in the story are pseudonyms as required by sources out of security concerns. More victims we contacted did not speak to us for their fear of retaliation.) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday said China deplores and firmly opposes the blatant action of U.S. senior officials involving themselves with anti-China rioters who have fled Hong Kong. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks in response to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink's recent meeting with four anti-China rioters who have fled overseas. "These rioters are suspected of endangering national security," Wang told a regular news briefing. The Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants in accordance with the law. This is necessary and legitimate and in line with the international law and customary practice, said Wang. National security legislation of the United States are applied extraterritorially as well. By bolstering the rioters from Hong Kong, the United States is not only trampling the principle of the rule of law but also laying bare its long-standing double standards on human rights and the rule of law, he added. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no external interference, said Wang, adding that China urges the United States to reflect on what it has done and fully respect China's sovereignty and rule of law in Hong Kong. The United States should not become a haven for criminals. China has firm resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, said Wang, adding that any attempt to meddle in Hong Kong affairs and undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong will be met with China's resolute response. Experts say the heavy sentence, while rare, serves as a warning to others. File photo: People walk past one of the entrances of Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court where Yang Hengjun was given a suspended death sentence, accused of spying for Taiwan. The Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun given a suspended death sentence in China for espionage on Monday had spied for Taiwan, according to the verdict. Legal and academic experts said that cases of suspended death sentences for espionage crimes are rare in China, but they believed it was Beijings move to punish one as an example to scare others. Yangs friend, Feng Chongyi, associate professor of Chinese studies at the University of Technology Sydney, told Radio Free Asia that a Beijing court publicly announced the verdict on Monday. The verdict was announced at the Beijing Second Peoples Court at nine or ten o'clock today [Feb. 5]. Yang Hengjun attended the court in person to hear the verdict, Feng said. Yangs wife, Australian consulate personnel, the ambassador to China, counselors, and his lawyers were all present. According to the verdict, the court found Yang guilty of providing intelligence to Taiwans intelligence agency while working in Hong Kong in 1994, sentencing him to death, convertible to life imprisonment after two years, and depriving him of all his personal property. The 58-year-old Yang, detained since January 2019, is understood to have worked at Chinas foreign ministry and the Hainan provincial government. He was transferred to a state-owned enterprise in Hong Kong in the 1990s, and then relocated to the United States. In 2000, he emigrated to Australia and obtained citizenship. He is also a writer and commentator. He was detained five years ago after arriving in Guangzhou on a flight from the United States. Yangs friend, Feng, lambasted the espionage charge as absurd. In fact, what he really did was write articles online to promote democracy, freedom and the rule of law, he said. If you commit a crime, you would run, not return [to China]. Logically, you should appeal because this is an unjust case, but he is currently in very poor health. We hope that after he is transferred to prison, he will have a greater chance of applying for medical parole. It is unknown at this point if Yang, who had a cyst in his kidney during his detention, will appeal. Warning to others Feng described the sentence as having no bottom line, but it was slapped on Yang because of his past public criticism of China on social media, intended to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys alluding to the Chinese idiom of punishing one as an example to scare others. Zhang Dongshuo, a criminal lawyer in Beijing, pointed out that suspended death sentences for espionage cases are rare. In recent years, very few people have been sentenced to death or suspended death for such a crime, Zhang said. This verdict would be the most severe in recent years. The crime must endanger national security, and the circumstances must be very serious, the damage enormous to warrant this sentence. For example, he stole and provided a lot of national secret information, top secret information, and confidential information to the outside world. Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday that the government was appalled by the decision and had summoned the Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian to lodge its objection in the strongest terms. Wong said they had repeatedly raised Yangs case with China in different high-level meetings, requesting that Yang be treated humanely and that the case be heard fairly and impartially. But Feng criticized the Australian government for putting economic and trade interests above safeguarding citizens rights. The Australian government should have responded very strongly. It cannot just do business as usual, he said. In its regular press conference on Monday, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the court fully protected Yangs litigation rights, respected and implemented Australias consular rights such as visitation and notification. Translated by RFA staff. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. N Korea has recalibrated its relations with Seoul, effectively treating the South as an enemy state. China has reaffirmed its stance that it would consistently support the improvement of inter-Korean relations amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has recently ramped up military provocations against South Korea and its allies with multiple missile launches and nuclear tests, labeling Seoul as a primary enemy. South Korea, under the conservative Yoon Suk Yul administration, has been implementing a hardline policy towards Pyongyang, with his government openly vowing to respond to the Norths military provocation. When asked by a reporter about Chinas stance on inter-Korean relations during a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China noted the situation, adding that Beijing always supports the DPRK and the ROK in improving their relations. DPRK, or the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, refers to North Korea, while ROK, or Republic of Korea, is the South. The situation on the Korean Peninsula has come to where it stands today for a reason. Tensions on the Peninsular do not serve the common interests of relevant parties, said Wang. Relevant parties need to work towards the same direction, keep to the major direction of political settlement and jointly safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula, Wang added, while noting that Pyongyangs statement on its policy is a sovereign matter. Wangs remarks came a few days after the South Korean government reaffirmed its position on respecting Beijings One China principle. Under this principle, the Chinese Communist Party asserts sovereignty over the democratic island of Taiwan. Our government will continue to promote practical cooperation with Taiwan in various fields based on its stance of respect for One China [principle], said Chung Jaeho, South Koreas ambassador to China, speaking to South Korean correspondents at the embassy in Beijing last Friday. We hope that peace and stability will be maintained across the Taiwan Strait and cross-Strait relations will develop peacefully, he added. The Taiwan issue has emerged as a source of conflict between China and South Korea in recent years, as the current Yoon administration has been more vocal than in the past in opposing Chinas unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the Taiwan Strait. Chung added that South Korea was making necessary communications to ensure that the trilateral summit agreed to last year among South Korea, Japan and China could be held in the first half of this year in South Korea. Separately, Chung also called on China to play a more active and responsible role, emphasizing that North Koreas threats to the South and its nuclear and missile development are adversely affecting not only the situation on the Korean Peninsula, but also global stability and peace. Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn. Fellow activists say Li was jailed for supporting her partner, the jailed fellow dissident Xu Zhiyong. Feminist labor rights activist Li Qiaochu was detained after posting details of torture allegations by her partner, Xu Zhiyong, and by jailed rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi. A court in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong has handed down a three-year, eight-month jail term to feminist activist Li Qiaochu after finding her guilty of incitement to subvert state power, rights groups have reported. The Linyi Municipal Peoples Court announced the sentence on Monday, the Weiquanwang website reported, citing the China Human Rights Lawyers Group. Li was detained in 2021 after posting to social media the details of torture allegations by her partner, the jailed rights activist Xu Zhiyong, and by fellow jailed rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi. Xu is currently serving a 14-year jail term for subverting state power, while Ding is serving a 12-year sentence. According to the court judgment handed down following a closed-doors trial in December 2023, the case against Li was based on her relationship to jailed New Citizens Movement rights activist Xu Zhiyong, and was immediately criticized by rights groups as a case of guilt by association. Detained human rights defenders Xu Zhiyong, left, and Ding Jiaxi, are seen in an undated photo. (China Human Rights Defenders) According to the court, Li was in a relationship with Xu and had been deeply influenced by his ideas. The court said she set up a blog and uploaded a number of his articles there in September 2019, which the prosecution said had helped to spread and disseminate ideas that subvert state power and were an attempt to overthrow the socialist system. At her trial at the Linyi Economic and Technological Development Zone Peoples Court on Dec. 19, 2023, Lis defense lawyers argued that there was no subversive intent behind the blog. Outraged activists But rights activists have said Lis detention came after she publicly shared details of her husbands torture by state security police while in detention. Li has been ruthlessly targeted for expressing views the Chinese authorities would prefer to suppress on the premise that her speech could somehow topple the government, Amnesty International China director Sarah Brooks said in a statement on Monday. It is shameful that the Chinese authorities have jailed Li for speaking out against torture and ill-treatment rather than properly investigating the allegations she made, Brooks said, calling for Lis immediate and unconditional release. Ding Jiaxis wife, Luo Shengchun, said she was angry, and having trouble sleeping or eating after hearing the news of Lis sentence. Even a days sentence would be criminal, Luo said. The only evidence was that they were lovers. She did a small favor for Xu because of that relationship she shouldnt have to take responsibility for his words, and which of Xu Zhiyongs words subvert the power of the Chinese state? she said. Chinas laws arent worth the paper theyre written on, because nobody abides by them, she said. They use illegal proceedings to suppress law-abiding citizens. U.S.-based rights lawyer Wu Shaoping said the sentence was outrageous, and that Li had committed no crime at all. The civil rights advocated by Li Qiaochu are behaviors that are encouraged, supported and advocated by any good society, Wu said. In a normal society, nobody gets prosecuted for such things. U.S.-based rights lawyer Wu Shaoping called the sentence of Li Qiaochu outrageous. (Provided by Wu Shaoping) He said the ruling Chinese Communist Party is obsessed with maintaining its grip on power, and will suppress any dissenting opinions to protect the regime. The likelihood of a fracture in this brittle Communist Party regime is only going to get higher and higher in future, he said. It could completely disintegrate and collapse overnight at any time. Dutch award In December 2022, the Netherlands honored Li Qiaochu with the 2022 Embassy Tulip award in recognition of her dedication to womens rights and labor rights. Li has been held in Shandongs Linyi city since her initial detention on Feb. 6, 2021, on suspicion of subverting state power. Her lawyer raised concerns over her mental health after being permitted a rare visit with her in August 2021. Li, who was diagnosed with depression before her arrest, needs long-term medication. The Dutch award came amid international calls for Lis release, including from European Union officials attending the United Nations Human Rights Council in September 2022. Li, now in her early 30s, is a long-term campaigner against gender-based violence and for labor rights. In 2017, she volunteered to provide information and resources to affected migrant workers when Beijing authorities forcibly removed them from the city, and boosted the visibility of Chinas #MeToo movement by compiling data on sexual harassment. She also campaigned against a culture of long hours in the workplace. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Some drivers are trapped for days on highways as temperatures plummet and emergency relief supplies are sent out. People wait in a departure hall at Chinas Wuhan Railway Station after some trains were suspended due to freezing rain and snow, Feb. 4, 2024. Freezing wintry weather across central and eastern China is putting a damper on the mass Lunar New Year travel rush, as hundreds of millions of people take to the roads, railways and air to make it home in time to welcome the Year of the Dragon on Feb. 9. Highway traffic in the central provinces of Hunan and Hubei slowed to a crawl as freezing rain, snow and ice lashed the region, with hundreds of trains canceled and flights delayed, state media reported. The weather comes at the peak of the New Year travel rush, with an estimated nine billion journeys predicted by transportation authorities over the 40-day Lunar New Year holiday period. Jiemian News reported that Wuhans Tianhe Airport was only operating at 20% of capacity on Feb. 4, with hundreds of flights delayed at short notice. At least two people have died in accidents due to the snowy conditions, according to state media cited by Reuters. Both were crushed under market awnings that collapsed under the weight of recently fallen snow. Social media users uploaded video clips of conditions as people tried to make it home for family reunions on Lunar New Years Eve, with one clip showing passengers trapped on a train for hours after it suffered a power outage in freezing temperatures. Its snowing harder now, and Im stuck in the highway service area on my way home, said one driver in a clip uploaded to the Zhangwen Video channel on the video-sharing platform Bilibili. Cars are stuck on a highway due to heavy snow in Wuhan, in central Chinas Hubei province on Feb. 6, 2024 (AFP) The driver, who was making an 800-km (500 miles) trip from Wuxi back to his family home in Henans Puyang, said a trip that should only have taken 10 to 11 hours wound up taking 17 due to the weather. A driver surnamed Wang on the Jingzhou section of the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway told The Paper news site that he had been stuck there for 18 hours. I got here at 5 p.m. [on Feb. 3] and it hasnt moved at all since then, the driver said. In terms of fuel, Im not doing too badly, with three-quarters of a tank left in a car like mine. I still have a small amount of snacks, but no water. Stranded for several days A truck driver surnamed Kang told the Home of the Webmaster social media account that he had started boiling snow after being stranded on the Jingshan section of the Xuguang Expressway for more than 30 hours. The Ministry of Transport said that more than 200 stretches of highway had been shut down across 16 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities as of 8 p.m. on Feb. 4, affecting more than 13,800 kilometers of highway. The China Youth Daily reported on the plight of Li Ke, en route from Shenzhen for Hubei who had been stuck on the highway for nearly 70 hours, until late on Feb. 4. I didnt expect the freeze to be so serious this time, she told the paper. Another driver was reportedly trapped in a car for three days amid the travel chaos, according to the Yicai news service. Chinas Ministry of Emergency Management has called for all-out efforts to deal with sudden disasters and prevent casualties and major property losses due to the weather, the Global Times newspaper reported. Workers clear ice and snow off the tracks along Lianyungang East railway station, during the Spring Festival travel rush ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China on Feb. 5, 2024. (China Daily via Reuters) The National Meteorological Center issued an orange blizzard warning on Saturday, warning of heavy snow and freezing rain in some parts of southeastern Henan, most of Hubei, central and northern Anhui, central Jiangsu, northern Hunan, eastern Chongqing, and northern Guizhou. It followed that up with warnings of strong winds, heavy fog and freezing temperatures on Sunday, according to the agencys official social media accounts. The authorities have shipped out 40,000 items of central disaster relief materials including padded coats and quilts, to Hubei and Anhui provinces to help those affected by the sudden drop in temperatures, the paper said, adding that the weather conditions are the worst in around 15 winters. [The weather] is likely to place extra strain on travel for millions over the next few days during the Spring Festival travel rush, it said. Almost total paralysis U.S.-based current affairs commentator Tang Jingyuan said the government needs to do more to warn people of the dangers of traveling in extreme weather. There are huge issues with public management in China, Tang said. If theres a snowstorm, or freezing rain, they should limit the flow of traffic at highway intersections to stop cars from getting onto the highway, while those already on the highway should be diverted or an emergency lane opened for them as soon as possible. The [government] response is almost total paralysis when it comes to large-scale and serious disasters like this, both also previous responses to the pandemic, or to flooding, he said. Meanwhile, food prices were rising ahead of the New Year celebrations, residents of Beijing, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Hebei told RFA in recent interviews. A resident of Beijings Fangshan who gave only the surname Tang said money is tight for a lot of people, who cant afford too much festive cheer this year due to unpaid wages and other economic woes. Taxi passengers haul luggage through thick snow plowed on the side of a road in Beijing on Dec. 14, 2023. (Ng Han Guan/AP) Our landlord was saying that the Beijing police haven't had last months salary yet, she said. Theres no festive atmosphere this year its very depressing, and nobody is out buying stuff in the supermarkets. I went to the supermarket the day before yesterday and bought seven catties of pork at eight or nine yuan a catty (0.6 kilograms), but I didnt see anyone else buying it, Tang said, adding that more expensive cuts of meat cost 15 yuan (US$2.11) a catty. A resident of Wuhan surnamed Ge said things were similar where he lives. There are fewer people out shopping now, unlike before, when they would be laying a lot of New Year supplies, he said. Pork prices used to be 12-13 yuan/catty, but now theyve risen to 15-16 yuan/catty. I came back [from working elsewhere] 20 days early this year, and I didnt make any money, so its impossible to have a good New Year. Its good that Im able to survive, Ge said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Village leaders and residents barged into a private home in southern Laos to stop several families gathered there from holding a Christian worship service on Sunday, several eyewitnesses told Radio Free Asia. The incident was the latest in a string of similar assaults and legal moves against Christians in the one-party communist state with a mostly Buddhist population despite a national law protecting the free exercise of their faith. The village authorities came here and tore down our home at around 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning, a person who attended services at the makeshift church in Kaleum Vangke village in Savannakhet provinces Xonboury district, told RFA Lao, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons like all other unnamed sources in this report. The authorities, including the village chief, village security guards and senior members of the village attacked us suddenly and destroyed our place of worship, the eyewitness said. The mob burned Bibles and other documents during the attack, the eyewitness said. They tore down our home because they dont want our Christian brothers and sisters to worship God, a second eyewitness said. Weve reported the attack to the district authorities who said that theyre trying to solve the conflict. Xonboury district police confirmed to RFA that they were addressing the incident. A third believer said that prominent members of the village last month summoned the six Christian families that lived there and told them to stop practicing their religion, or more specifically, to stop holding Sunday services. If they refused to comply then authorities would tear down their building. Harassed again The Lao government recognizes only four religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai. The house church in Kaleum Vangke is affiliated with the Lao Evangelical Church, the only Christian denomination recognized by the government but it was still attacked. Its sad seeing our fellow Christians being harassed again, a member of the denomination told RFA. The church member explained that on the day of the attack, several Chrisitan families from a neighboring district were visiting the church to hold services together with the families in Kaleum Vangke. Kaleum Vangke is not new to religious conflict. In March 2020, RFA reported that Pastor Sithong Thipphavong was arrested from the village and forced to denounce his Christian faith. When he refused, he was charged and found guilty of causing a social disorder and breaking up the village unity. He was jailed for a year and fined 4 million kip (US$200) and he was freed in April 2021. Crackdowns like Sundays are happening more often in Savannakhet, another member of the denomination said. At the district and provincial levels, our party and government allow us to believe or not to believe in any religion. But at the village level, its the opposite, the second church member said. For example, those who believe in spirits say that the Christian faith is against their tradition and culture, the member said. They dont want Christians to bury their dead bodies in their cemetery. Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. The group was arrested for multiple charges, including possessing illegal weapons and online fraud. Suspects accused of online fraud were arrested in Laukkai city on Feb. 3, 2024. An armed resistance group in northern Myanmar handed over nearly 60 Chinese nationals accused of online fraud and owning illegal weapons, according to the armys statement on Monday night. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which occupies Kokang region on the countrys border with China, deported 59 Chinese citizens between Sunday and Monday, the armys information department said. One group of 36 people was arrested on Sunday and another 23 were captured on Monday. The army announced it had investigated the Dong Chein and Swan Hauw Chein neighborhoods of Shan states Laukkaing city during a crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal weapons. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Armys Special Police Department seized mobile phones and weapons from the 36 suspected of online fraud, according to a statement from the Kokang Information Department. Mondays suspects were arrested in relation to online money laundering. All those arrested were handed over to Chinese authorities at an internally displaced persons camp called BP-125 on the China-Myanmar border in Laukkaing, according to Kokang Police. The arrested Chinese nationals were transferred to Chinese authorities by Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army forces on Feb. 5, 2024. (The Kokang) Security forces have been conducting daily inspections in the city to combat drug and weapons smuggling, as well as online scam groups, a Laukkaing resident told RFA on Tuesday. Now the forces conduct searches of homes and people every day, he said. People who work for a money scamming gang were arrested. The rest of the people were suspected [gang] leaders. Theyve also been arrested. In Kokang region, local resistance forces have encouraged residents to report illegal online activities since Feb. 1. They are also registering foreigners residing in the area legally and allowing them to obtain temporary residence permits. Since the launch of Operation 1027 at the end of October, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, has committed to fighting online fraud in Kokang region. In late January, China issued arrest warrants for 10 people believed to be gang leaders, including the former chairman of the Kokang regional junta administration group. From September to December 2023, more than 44,000 Chinese nationals were deported by both the junta and the United Wa State Army. More than 50,000 foreigners who entered Myanmar illegally from Oct. 5, 2023 to January 2024 have been sent back to their respective countries, regime leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing announced during a security and defense meeting on Jan. 31. Of those who were returned, 48,120 were Chinese nationals and 1,810 were from other countries, he added. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Updated Feb. 06, 2023, 11:05 p.m. ET. Tongas monarch has withdrawn confidence and consent in two members of the cabinet, according to a letter circulating online, in a move that could overstep reduced royal powers outlined in the countrys 2010 constitution. King Tupou VI withdrew confidence in Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni to serve as armed forces minister, and for the countrys foreign affairs minister, according to the letter from the monarchs advisory council, which gives the date of the decision as Feb. 2. Tongan news site Matangi Tonga reported Monday that Tongas deputy prime minister had confirmed the letter was authentic. In the ornate language of the palace, the letter says, His Majesty, was pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to withdraw His confidence and consent to the appointment of Sovaleni as armed forces minister and Fekita Utoikamanu as foreign affairs and tourism minister. Utoikamanu, Tongas only female cabinet minister, is one of four ministers who can be nominated by the prime minister without being an elected representative. Tongas constitution says that cabinet ministers can be removed by the king on the prime ministers recommendation or a vote of no confidence in Parliament. Tonga in 2010 amended its constitution to remove many of the monarchys powers and allowed elections after more than 150 years of absolute rule, a change that occurred with the cooperation of the monarch at the time, Tupou V. Some analysts have said the reforms were incomplete as the monarch, defined as a sacred person in Tongas constitution, retains significant authority such as a veto over government legislation. About a third of Parliaments members are nobles elected by the small group of Tongans who have noble titles. King Tupou VI of Tonga (second from right) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (second from left) pose for pictures with Tonga Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni (right) at the Royal Palace in Nukualofa, May 31, 2022. [AFP] The shift of powers to an elected Cabinet followed riots in 2006 that devastated the capital Nukualofa and were sparked by frustration at lack of economic and democratic progress in the country of 100,000 people. Chinese-owned businesses were a particular target during the unrest. Tongas government hasnt publicly responded to Tupou VIs letter. On Tuesday, the website of the prime ministers office posted a 40-minute video from Sovaleni in which he discusses progress the government has made in various areas. Sovaleni, who survived a no-confidence motion in Parliament in September 2023, is reportedly overseas for medical treatment. Tongas small economy, reliant on aid from Australia and New Zealand and one of the most indebted to China in the Pacific, is still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and a tsunami in 2022. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. The headline of this story has been amended to reflect that the king is not authorized by Tonga's constitution to remove cabinet members. Human Rights Watch says auto manufacturers must do better job of minimizing this possibility. An attendee passes a model standing next to a car manufactured by China's BYD on display at the Shanghai Auto Show, April 18, 2023. (Ng Han Guan/AP) Major automakers including Toyota, General Motors, Tesla, BYD and Volkswagen may be using aluminum made by Ugyhur forced labor in China and have failed to minimize this possibility, Human Rights Watch said in a report. Nearly 10% of the worlds aluminum is produced in Xinjiang, in Chinas northwest, where Uyghurs and other minorities are subjected to forced labor in detention centers or through Chinese government-backed labor transfer programs that Beijing says are to alleviate poverty, according to the 99-page report, Asleep at the Wheel: Car Companies Complicity in Forced Labor in China. Engine blocks, vehicle frames, wheels, lithium-ion battery foils and other components may contain aluminum from these facilities or joint-ventures that these major carmakers have with Chinese companies, said New York-based Human Rights Watch, or HRW. The rights group acknowledged that the origins of aluminum from Xinjiang are difficult to trace because the metal is sent to other parts of China, where it is melted down and made into alloys that enter global supply chains undetected. Aluminum from Xinjiang ends up being mixed in larger quantities of aluminum, where then you can no longer trace the origin, and that makes traceability extremely difficult, said Adrian Zenz, director of China Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington. He was not involved in producing the HRW report. What the report indicates is that carmakers need to really consider divesting from China a lot of their production and sourcing because the Chinese supply chains are inevitably tainted, he said. The report indicates that carmakers are not taking not even close to taking the steps that are necessary to reduce the exposure to Uyghur forced labor. Caved in HRW said despite the risk of exposure to forced labor through Xinjiangs aluminum, some car manufacturers in China have given in to government pressure to apply weaker human rights and responsible sourcing standards at their Chinese joint ventures than in their global operations. Most companies have done too little to map their supply chains for aluminum parts and identify and address potential links to Xinjiang, The rights group said. Confronted with an opaque aluminum industry and the threat of Chinese government reprisals for investigating links to Xinjiang, carmakers in many cases remain unaware of the extent of their exposure to forced labor. Toyota said in an email to Radio Free Asia that its core value of respect for people permeates all that we do, including deep regard for human rights and how we conduct business as a global enterprise. It said it expects its suppliers to follow its lead to respect human rights, and that it would closely review the HRW report. GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., based in Guangzhou, and FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., based in Tianjin, are Toyotas auto manufacturing joint ventures in China. A SAIC Volkswagen plant is seen in the outskirts of Urumqi, capital of northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, April 22, 2021. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) General Motors, which produced 2.1 million vehicles in China in 2023, told RFA that it recognizes the importance of responsible sourcing practices, as outlined in its Supplier Code of Conduct. GM remains committed to conducting due diligence and working collaboratively with industry partners, stakeholders and organizations to continuously evaluate and address any potential violation in our supply chain, the statement said. The U.S. carmaker has 10 joint ventures, two wholly-owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. The joint ventures sell passenger and commercial vehicles under the Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Wuling and Baojun brands. Genocide The United States and other Western countries have determined that China is committing genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples who live there. As a result, the United States, the European Union and other countries have enacted or are considering laws banning the import of products linked to forced labor. Because of the size of Chinas domestic auto market and the need to compete, the five named carmakers have succumbed to Chinese government pressure to apply weaker human rights and responsible sourcing standards at their Chinese joint ventures than in their global operations, increasing the risk of exposure to forced labor in Xinjiang, the report said. HRW mined open-source, online materials, including company reports, Chinese government documents, state-run media reports and social media posts to find links between Xinjiang, aluminum producers and labor transfers. Rush hour traffic in Beijings central business district, June 13, 2023. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) China, the worlds largest car exporter in 2023 and a manufacturing and supplier base for domestic and global car brands, produced and exported more cars than any other country in 2023 as well as made and exported billions of dollars of parts used by international carmakers. Volkswagen, which has a 50% stake in a joint venture with Chinese carmaker SAIC and operates a distribution center in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, said in an email statement to RFA that it takes its responsibility as a company in the area of human rights very seriously worldwide including in China. The Volkswagen Group adheres closely to the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, it said. These are part of the company's Code of Conduct. Volkswagen takes a firm stand against forced labor in connection with its business activities worldwide. Seeks compliance The automaker also said it works to ensure compliance with these values along the supply chain and has a careful global partner and supplier selection process and monitoring measures in place. Suppliers in the People's Republic of China that are commissioned directly by the Volkswagen Group are already in the scope of sustainable procurement measures and are committed to complying with our Code of Conduct for Business Partners, the company said. Serious violations, such as forced labor, can lead to termination of the contract with the supplier if no remedial action is taken, it said. We are therefore actively reviewing and using our existing procedures and looking for new solutions to prevent forced labor in our supply chain. Electric cars recharge their batteries at Tesla charging stations in Beijing, Jan. 4, 2022. (Ng Han Guan/AP) Tesla, whose factory in Shanghai produces vehicles for the Chinese market and for export, told the rights group that it had mapped its aluminum supply chain in several cases but had not found evidence of forced labor. However, the company did not specify how much of the aluminum in its cars remains of unknown origin. Unlike other foreign carmakers that operate in China, Tesla wholly owns its Gigafactory in Shanghaithe first such arrangement allowed by the Chinese government. The company has land-use rights for an initial term of 50 years. Neither Tesla nor Chinas BYD, headquartered in Shenzhen, replied to RFAs requests for comment. Companies involved in joint ventures have a responsibility under the U.N. Guiding Principles to use their leverage to address the risk of forced labor in the joint ventures supply chain, HRW said. The responses by the car manufacturers are very inadequate, said Maya Wang, the associate director in HRWs Asia division. Because of the environment of political intimidation and harassment and surveillance, its really difficult to conduct due diligence because [if] you talk with the workers [about whether or not they are subjected to forced labor, could they possibly respond without fear? Wang asked. What we want to see are laws and regulations from governments like the EU, which currently has due diligence legislation to exactly deal with state-sponsored or state-organized forced labor, she said. With reporting from Jilil Kashgary for RFA Uyghur. Edited by Malcolm Foster. UPDATED at 3:35 P.M. ET on 02-06-2024 An ethnic Hmong preacher and human rights activist released on bail from Bangkoks Immigration Detention Center said a Vietnamese official threatened him when he refused to return to Vietnam, where he would likely face persecution. Lu A Da, who was arrested and detained at the center in December on the charge of illegally entering and residing in Thailand, told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday that an official named Hai from the Vietnamese Embassy visited him at the facility on Dec. 28, where he issued the threat. The case is an example of Vietnamese authorities harassing ethnic Hmong many of whom are Christians for their beliefs. In Vietnam, the minority group often faces social exclusion, discrimination and even attacks. When the two of them met, Hai said that he would complete documents to send Lu home prior to the Lunar New Year, Lu said. But when Lu did not agree to return to Vietnam, Hai threatened to harm his relatives. He learned that I am an activist, so he said to me, You are in Thailand, so you can do whatever you like, but you should think about your relatives in Vietnam. Lu said. Hai used my relatives in Vietnam as a threat for me to not [engage in] activism. Lu said he did not know Hais position at the embassy, but that Hai and another official named Linh sometimes went to the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok to work with Vietnamese detainees. The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok did not respond to RFAs email request for comment. Arrested after denunciation Lu, a former missionary and preacher at the Northern Evangelical Church of Vietnam and head of the Hmong Human Rights Coalition, fled Vietnam with his family in 2020 to escape ethnic and religious persecution and entered Thailand illegally to seek official refugee status. The latter group collects evidence of the Vietnamese governments discrimination of Hmong on issues such as language, religion, land and identification. It provides support to Hmong people so they can learn Vietnamese law through lessons given by Boat People SOS, a U.S.-based organization. Thai police arrested Lu at his rental home in Bangkok on Dec. 7. His arrest occurred two weeks after he publicly denounced the Vietnamese governments systematic suppression of Hmong communities in Vietnam. Lus lawyer paid 6,000 Thai baht (US$170) to bail him out of the detention facility on Feb. 2, and the Boat People SOS provided Lu with 50,000 baht (US$1,400) in support. The U.N. High Commission for Refugees, or UNHCR, in Thailand previously rejected Lus application for refugee status, but granted it to him while he was in the immigration detention facility. Lu told RFA that because of his activism in Thailand, Vietnamese authorities have made life difficult for his brother who lives in Vietnams Lai Chau province. His brother, chief of San Phang Thap commune in a village in Tam Duong district, had an opportunity to be promoted to village officer, but after Lu and his family fled to Thailand, local residents did not trust his brother, and he had to move to Quang Ninh to make a living, Lu said. Lu said he suspects that the Thai police who arrested him may be working with officials at the Vietnamese Embassy. Prior to his arrest, Lu appeared in a video presented during a Boat People SOS session about Hanois repression of ethnic minority communities. In the clip, Lu said Vietnamese authorities do not issue identification papers, birth certificates or marriage certificates to many Hmong. They also prevent them from accessing education, official employment and health care programs that the ethnic Kinh majority enjoys, he said. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. Updated story headline and teaser. TBILISI -- Out with friends at a bar in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in January, Elmaddin Shamilzade said he was approached by a group of men. Shamilzade, a reporter who fled to Georgia to escape the harassment he said he faced for his independent journalism back home in Azerbaijan, said he was lured outside by one of the men who had a "Baku accent." Things quickly escalated, Shamilzade told RFE/RL's Georgian Service. "He took out a knife and demanded money from me. My friend came out, and he suddenly ran away," he recalled. Shamilzade is convinced it wasn't a random attack. He and other journalists who fled to Georgia from Azerbaijan to escape persecution for their work fear that the safety they sought here is evaporating. Several complain of being harassed, including beatings, and they suspect elements linked to Azerbaijani security forces of involvement. For independent journalists and media, Azerbaijan is not a particularly welcoming place. The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) media watchdog ranks Azerbaijan 151st of 180 countries in its latest World Press Freedom Index. Late last year, several independent journalists were detained, including eight from Abzas Media, one of the few remaining independent news outlets inside Azerbaijan. Abzas is known for its coverage of corruption on its website and YouTube channel, including allegations that touch on the ruling family of President Ilham Aliyev. Aliyev has ruled energy-rich Azerbaijan with little regard for democratic norms since 2003, when he took over as president from his father, Heydar. Azerbaijan is holding a snap presidential election on February 7, with Aliyev widely expected to win. Threats, Harassment, And Imprisonment For Shamilzade, who published his independent work on TikTok and Facebook, the decision to get out of Azerbaijan came shortly after he was arrested and beaten in June 2023 for covering local protests in Soyudlu, a village in western Azerbaijan where residents had protested against toxic waste from a gold mine operated by a British company. Reporters Without Borders noted that reporters were banned from covering the protests, which were often put down by police with violence. Like Shamilzade, other Azerbaijani journalists who fled to Georgia told RFE/RL they were feeling less safe. In Azerbaijan, Nurlan Gahramanli, a journalist and blogger who writes under the pen name Nurlan Libre, said he had faced threats, harassment, and imprisonment for spreading "forbidden content." But the recent wave of arrests launched in November 2023 prompted the 27-year-old Azerbaijani journalist to flee his homeland. Teymur Karimov, the founder of Kanal 11, an independent news channel on YouTube where Libre also worked, was among those rounded up in the crackdown. When Karimov's arrest was officially announced by Azerbaijani authorities on December 12, 2023, Gahramanli was already in Georgia. "I was informed that I would be the next person who would be arrested," Gahramanli told RFE/RL. And while Georgia has often proved a popular destination for fleeing Azerbaijani journalists, it's also proved a risky one as well. In 2017, Afgan Mukhtarli was abducted in Tbilisi -- where he and his family had fled in 2014 -- and turned over to Azerbaijani authorities, who later charged him with crossing the border illegally and sentenced him to six years in prison, three of which he served before being freed in 2020. Since that incident, Azerbaijani reporters in exile in Georgia have not felt as safe. According to Gahramanli, Aliyev's government is doing its best to make sure members of the Azerbaijani opposition do not "gather in Tbilisi." "I don't feel safe in Tbilisi," he said, pointing to the recent bar incident involving Shamilzade. It wasn't the only such attack. In September 2023, journalist and activist Gurban Mammadli said he was beaten in a restaurant in Tbilisi. He claimed one of his attackers was an Azerbaijani national. Mammadli, who first arrived in Tbilisi in 2017, told RFE/RL he is convinced the attack wasn't random. With a long history of political activism, Mammadli was a blogger and reporter for Kanal 13, an independent online news channel. The executive director of Kanal 13, Aziz Orujov, and Rufat Muradli, a host on the channel, were arrested in December 2023. Mammadli's reporting and ties to independent media often landed him in trouble with the authorities in Azerbaijan, including a crackdown in 2014 on the independent Free Newspaper. "It was a very difficult period, just like now," Mammadli said. "I bought tickets and left for Georgia." Media Under Fire For years, experts and rights activists have warned about Azerbaijan's dire media landscape. Despite opposition from the few independent publications and journalists still operating in the country, as well as criticism from the West, Aliyev approved a new media law in February 2022. In its latest index, watchdog RSF wrote that there are "no independent television or radio broadcasts from inside the country, and all print newspapers with critical positions have been closed." On January 24, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which was established to promote democracy and human rights, voted to effectively suspend the body's Azerbaijani delegation, citing, among other things, the country's human rights violations and persecution of the opposition and media. After he arrived in Tbilisi in 2017, Mammadli said he quickly connected with other Azerbaijani activists and journalists, including Mukhtarli, with whom he worked on journalistic investigations. Shortly after Mukhtarli's abduction that same year, Mammadli moved to Turkey for several years to study. Up until the September 2023 incident at the Tbilisi restaurant, Mammadli said he felt relatively safe in the Georgian capital. The attack, however, not only led to a change in attitude but also prompted Mammadli to find a new apartment. Among his friends on Facebook, there is a strong suspicion that Azerbaijani security services have agents among the Azerbaijani businesses operating in Georgia, Mammadli said. That suspicion leaves many Azerbaijanis wary about any contacts with compatriots in Georgia who they don't know, said Aytan Farhadova, an investigative reporter in Georgia who has cooperated with Abzas Media. "That's why I often just don't communicate with Azerbaijanis," Farhadova said. International press freedom groups have demanded the release of the Abzas Media journalists, describing the arrests, which began in November 2023, as an attempt to silence their anti-corruption reporting. Farhadova has been living in Georgia since 2019, fleeing Azerbaijan, she said, because it was "mentally difficult" there. "Not only because of the pressure. I was losing myself. The way we speak has changed. We use code words for everything. We think that they are listening to us everywhere, watching us everywhere," Farhadova recounted, even saying that taxi receipts could be used by the authorities to track the movement of what it considered its opponents. The early days in Tbilisi were difficult, Farhadova said, particularly finding a job. Few organizations were willing to hire an Azerbaijani journalist, she said, the fate of Mukhtarli serving as a warning to others. Nurana Ashurova, who fled with her children to Georgia, has been fighting for the release of her husband, Samir Ashurov, a political activist who was detained in Baku in April 2022. The family had been deported that year from Germany, where their asylum request was denied. On returning to Baku, Ashurov was detained on a knife attack charge that he and his defenders say is bogus. From Tbilisi, Ashurova has campaigned for his release, activities she said led to her being followed, including an incident in October 2023 at an open-air market in Marneuli, southern Georgia, where she lives. "At one point, I noticed that a man was following me. He was getting closer, and I tried to take a picture of him, but he fled," she said. Ashurova also received threats online, warning her not to meet with Avtandil Mammadov, a rights activist and founder of the Committee for the Protection of Victims of Cross-Border Persecution and Repression, which organized from Tbilisi protests in Baku to demand the release of Ashurova's husband. For Mammadov, his work to free Ashurov and other activities on behalf of other victims of the Aliyev regime led to unwanted attention. "I noticed it even before Nurana [Ashurova's] arrival. But after her arrival, [the tracking] became clearer. In the last two years, I have been doing more work, I am more visible, and I engage in more public advocacy," explained Mammadov, who has been living in Georgia since 2017. Mysterious Deaths According to Mammadov, he often notices people suspiciously taking photos in public places or a person who was sitting next to him in a cafe later running into him on the street. "They never come into contact, but they always seem to let us know that they are following us," he said. "The worries and anxieties of these people are very real," says Natia Tavberidze, a coordinator at Human Rights House Tbilisi, an NGO with offices in both Tbilisi and Baku. "We have the experience of the Mukhtarli case, where questions still remain unanswered and the investigation has not been finished. Also, the recent trend in Georgia has been to harass the local civil sector. Moreover, there is close cooperation between the two countries," said Tavberidze. For opponents of the Aliyev regime, the recent deaths -- all ruled suicides -- of three activists, including Husein Bakikhanov in Tbilisi, have had a chilling effect. According to the Azerbaijani authorities, Bakikhanov, an opposition blogger who sought asylum in Georgia, jumped from the roof of the Rooms Hotel under unclear circumstances on July 14, 2021. Just days earlier, on July 12, Bakikhanov published his final video on YouTube, filmed on Freedom Square in Tbilisi. In the video, he describes how he had been violently attacked earlier by a group whom he described as Azerbaijanis. "I knew him personally. He thought he was in danger," said Mammadov. "I'm afraid that something similar might happen to me." Written by Tony Wesolowsky based on reporting in Tbilisi by Tornike Mandaria 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." Kosovo authorities have begun closing down the headquarters of municipalities that receive financial support from neighboring Serbia. The move targets the parallel institutions run by Belgrade -- considered illegal in Kosovo -- to support the ethnic Serb minority. At the start of February, Kosovo took aim at Serbian financial support for ethnic Serbs by banning the use of foreign currency in the country, including Serbian dinars. PRISTINA -- Pranvera Selimi treads carefully atop the frost-kissed pavement as she sets out for a 5 a.m. run through the dark and wintry landscape of Pristina's Germia Park. The routine, undertaken at least four times a week, started nine years ago when Selimi discovered the joy and health benefits of running. "I noticed that after running, I felt very good, and later it became a part of my life," the 30-year-old economist told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. However, Selimi's transition from fitness centers to outdoor running has brought about a new set of concerns: a fear for her safety. "I wake up super early, and you never know who might be out there," Selimi said before adding, "the possible attacks, whether verbal, physical, or sexual, are the dangers you always think about when you leave the house before sunrise." 'From Verbal To Physical Assault' Even though Selimi rarely made eye contact and often looked down to avoid the gaze of others, the verbal harassment she received became 'normal.' She still vividly recalls an event from a few years ago in Peja, where she was out for a run when a car full of young boys screeched to a stop next to her. "They stopped the car, opened the door, and said something... I was so frightened that I ran as fast as I could with my heart pounding against my chest. It wasn't a good feeling." Selimi now makes sure that her phone location is active and informs someone where she plans to run before leaving. For safety reasons, she has also joined a group of runners for her early morning run. How Safe Are Kosovo's Public Spaces? Besarta Breznica from the Kosovo Women's Network, an organization that deals with women's rights, acknowledges the widespread fear that women have to endure. This often results in their options being limited and their freedom of movement being reduced. She noted that "women are always more inclined to use different types of transport in order to avoid walking and to avoid some public spaces because of what they can face." "It can be very heavy," she says Breznica. The safety of women in public spaces remains a complex issue, influenced by factors such as lighting, security cameras, and the presence of institutions. According to a SpaceSyntaks analysis from 2022, nearly 25 percent of registered street lights in Pristina were found to be nonfunctional, resulting in dark and potentially "unsafe" locations. The research also noted the lack of lighting along the main road in Germia Park. Almost ninety percent of the approximately 7,000 surveillance cameras that monitor Pristina's public areas are privately owned. By law, public security cameras are controlled by the Kosovo Police; however, authorities refused to answer RFE/RL's queries on the number of cameras in use as well as the number of patrols they regularly undertake. "I feel good when I notice that there are police on the street in the morning hours," says Selimi, who also feels that patrols should be as frequent as possible. Eurisa Rukovci, an activist and leader of the feminist organization Grazeta, acknowledges that despite efforts to draw attention to public safety concerns, the reality for many women is that "it is still challenging." According to Rukovci, women often must resort to "being accompanied by someone, or plan on going through more populated and illuminated streets" to ensure their safety. "Insecurity can prevent women from participating in activities such as running, recreation, etc. in public spaces, especially during the late evening or early morning hours," she adds. The extremism case against Leonid Rybakov, an activist in the western Siberian city of Tomsk, stretches back more than a year. And there is no end in sight. Handling the case should have been a matter of a day, two at most, Rybakov told RFE/RLs Siberia.Realities. We arent talking about a murder or even robbery. This is about a post on the Internet. But Judge Maria Tynyanaya has stretched it out over a year and now has postponed it for another month, until February 26. In an interview in January, Investigative Committee head Aleksandr Bastrykin described the fight against terrorism and extremism as one of the foundations of the work of our agency. Concerning extremism, he said, we sent 430 cases to court [in 2023], which is 62 percent more than in the previous year. That spike comes on the heels of a comparable increase in 2022, the first year of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when 264 people were sentenced in Russia under the extremism and terrorism laws. Moreover, some 1,100 individuals and organizations were added to the governments register of terrorists last year. One of the last of these was 67-year-old writer Grigory Chkhartishvili, aka Boris Akunin, who was put on the list in mid-December. Although not directly related to the apparent spike in extremism, the governments list of individuals designated as foreign agents reached some 13,700 in 2023. Yet very few of these extremists are prosecuted for something they did, according to Yevgeny Smirnov, a lawyer with the legal-aid organization First Department. Instead, he said, the statistics indicate a tendency toward the mass persecution of people for speech. The majority of the cases are for activity on social media or for public statements, usually about political matters, Smirnov said. There are laws against extremism in all developed countries and they are accepted under various international conventions. But they have nothing in common with Russias legislation. Prosecutions under such laws in Western countries amount to just a handful each year, primarily for those who commit violent hate crimes on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation, Smirnov added. In Russia, the laws against extremism are used against those who disagree with the government, he added. 'The FSBs Revenge' Tomsk activist Rybakovs case seems to fit that pattern. His ordeal began on June 15, 2022, at 6 a.m. There was a knock at the door, he recalled. The police. I was caught unawares and let them in. Five guys rushed in some in uniform and some in plainclothes. When he asked them what the search was about, an officer showed him a social media post from March 13 in which he expressed support for Ukrainian defenders of the city of Kharkiv, where he studied for five years in a military academy as a youth. Take them prisoner if you can, Rybakov said, quoting his post urging the Ukrainians to capture the attacking Russian troops. It was a totally pacifist post. I was talking about taking them prisoner. That visit was followed by several summonses to be questioned by prosecutors. By the time he was fined 10,000 rubles ($110) over the post on an administrative conviction for discrediting the armed forces, the Federal Security Service (FSB) had already opened a case over the same social media post on more serious charges of extremism. I asked the FSB prosecutor to close the case since the constitution says you cant be convicted twice for the same act, and I had already been fined, Rybakov said. He went off somewhere and consulted for a while and then came back and said they cant close the case. And, at the same time, they opened two more criminal cases against me for discrediting. The first hearing in his extremism case was held on February 6, 2023. He faces up to five years in prison. This is the FSBs revenge for my past, for my activism, for the denunciations they have received, he said. It has nothing to do with the law. The case has been made up out of thin air. 'Enemies Get The Law' Lawyer Smirnov also echoed activists and others who say that the laws on extremism and the other laws being used in Russia to suppress political dissent are selectively enforced. Friends can do anything, he said, quoting a Russian maxim. Enemies get the law. In response to complaints that arose when RT editor in chief Margarita Simonyan publicly called for a nuclear weapon to be detonated over Siberia in October 2023, officials ordered an expert analysis of her statements and found no violation of the law on extremism. The same month, Russian lawmaker and General Andrei Gurulyov, who has openly called for a return to Stalinist repressions, took to the airwaves of Channel One state television and called for the destruction of what he described as the 20 percent of the Russian population that does not support President Vladimir Putin. Again, law enforcement officials found no evidence of a crime in Gurulyovs statements. Some people face long prison terms for posting an image on social media, while others face no consequences for advocating mass murder or even genocide, Smirnov said. This has nothing to do with the law. It is about their attitudes toward the states policies. One expert carrying out an analysis of statements made by a lawmaker or by an activist might come to diametrically opposed conclusions. While the overall policy on the application of the laws on extremism is directed from Moscow, local officials can influence the local implementation of those directives to settle political scores, he added. They have the opportunity to pressure law enforcement to open criminal cases against political opponents in their regions, Smirnov said. A Blogger's Tale In the spring of 2023, prosecutors filed a case against Yevgeny Brigida, a blogger from the Krasnoyarsk region settlement of Glyaden, on charges of calling for extremism. He faces up to five years in prison for a video he posted on social media that approvingly quoted a statement made on national television by militant pro-Kremlin television personality Vladimir Solovyov. Since 2017, Brigida said, he has been blogging about local affairs -- and officials dont like it. I have never hidden behind someone elses social media page or anyone elses back, he told RFE/RL. I have always argued with those who came and wrote nasty things. I have always spoken openly, sometimes using harsh language. Law enforcement authorities began pursuing Brigida after a regional lawmaker and former top local official, Galina Ampilogova, denounced him in complaints to police and prosecutors in the summer of 2022, he said: She had been a constant star in my videos and after she moved on to Krasnoyarsk, she decided to get even with me. Those complaints led to months of summonses and questioning. In April 2023, prosecutors charged him with extremism. After that, he said, he and his relatives were questioned repeatedly. He believes his phone was monitored and that he was often followed. The case against him centers on a video he made after a local military recruiter, Oleg Tikhonchuk, garnered national headlines for an interview in which he said his office was mobilizing everyone it could get ahold of without even conducting medical examinations. The interview came in the wake of national criticism of how Putins September 2022 mobilization order was being implemented and accusations that many men who should have been excused for medical or personal reasons were instead being sent to Ukraine. Tikhonchuks interview was discussed on Channel One by Solovyov and Simonyan, and Solovyov asked whether such recruiters should be shot. Simonyan replied that she didnt think so, while Solvoyov said: I would shoot them. In my video, I asked: Isnt it time, as Solovyov said, to shoot such recruiters, Brigida said. The trial began in December 2023, he added. Judge Irina Ivanova decided that in the indictment there wasnt a clear description of the intent, motives, and goals of the crimeand sent it back to the prosecutor. Now we are waiting. I am not under any restrictions except for an obligation to appear when summoned. As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its third year and Russia carries out a noncompetitive March presidential election in which, barring an extraordinary development, Putin will win a fifth term in office, politically motivated prosecutions under the extremism laws will continue to be used to stabilize the political situation and restrict the criticism of the Russian authorities online, Smirnov said. The number of people charged under them is determined artificially, he added. If the order is given from above, the number of such cases will increase, just as it is increasing now. It is all explained by the desire of the authorities to create a regime of fear in Russia so that people are afraid to discuss the governments actions online or elsewhere, he said. Written by RFE/RLs Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RLs Siberia.Realities. This story is based in part on reporting by correspondents on the ground in Russia. Their names are being withheld for their protection. In this article, we will take a look at 20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World. You can skip our detailed analysis of permanent residency and go directly to the 5 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World. This vast world is filled with places of wonderment. Many of us love to travel and experience the diversity in nature and culture that has spread out to nooks and corners around the globe. Additionally, there are those who choose to settle down permanently in a country other than their birthplace. In the latter case, the idea behind the visit is to simply explore new experiences and spend some vacation time in a pleasing manner. However, in the former, practicality takes precedence, and numerous variables are considered before a final decision is reached. The aim is to choose the best permanent-residency country in the world. According to the IOM UN Migration Report 2022, the majority of people worldwide still reside in their countries of origin. Only one in thirty individuals falls into the immigrant category. In 2020, it was estimated that approximately 281 million international migrants existed globally, constituting about 3.6% of the total world population. Notably, this figure marked an increase of 128 million people compared to the 1990 figure and was three times higher than the estimated figure for 1970. Thus, this indicates a burgeoning desire in people to move, sparking the search for the best country in the world to settle permanently. What is Permanent Residency? Permanent residency, often referred to as a PR visa, denotes a resident status in a country other than one's country of origin, granting individuals the right to live, work, study, and even establish a business in that country. Holders of a PR visa may also be entitled to social security, healthcare, and various financial benefits. Additionally, the visa may permit individuals to bring their families, including parents, and children may qualify for free schooling. It is important to note that these benefits can vary across countries. The residency permit, which is issued to legally ensure these activities, is usually renewed after a specific time period. During this time, individuals are free to enter or leave the country, but it's crucial to keep in mind that maintaining residency status typically requires a minimum physical presence. Continuar leyendo la historia Types of Permanent Residency Visas There are various types of permanent residency visas, including skilled immigration, state/territory/province-sponsored immigration, employer-based immigration, family migration, and investment migration. While certain general requirements apply to all PR visas, specific details can vary from country to country. In fact, some countries do not even permit permanent residency, and the necessary physical presence requirement also differs across nations. Hence, before uprooting one's life to move elsewhere, it's essential to ensure that the chosen destination is the best fit for permanent residency. The Country with the Highest Immigrants Over the past decade, a significant number of individuals have been seeking settlement or acquiring second citizenship in European nations. This trend has been further fueled by European countries easing their immigration processes, largely in response to labor shortages within the union. However, it's noteworthy to highlight the permanent immigrant inflow figure of the United States for the year 2022, standing at 1.05 million--the highest compared to other countries. The U.S. has consistently ranked as the top country for accepting immigrants, with the 2021 figure reaching 833,900, as reported by US News. This trend is unsurprising, given the country's generous approach to immigration through various channels. One notable method is employer-based immigration, where companies sponsor employees for green cards. Tech giants like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ: ADBE), among others, have actively sponsored their employees for green cards. PUBLICIDAD Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is an American multinational technology company that has employed a substantial number of overseas workers over the years. In the fiscal years 2020 to 2022 alone, the company submitted 13,381 labor condition applications for H-1B visas and 3,412 labor certifications for green cards. Notably, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) recently reached a $25 million settlement with the U.S. government concerning the hiring of immigrants. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), another American multinational technology company, has employed a significant number of foreign workers. From 2020 to 2022, the company submitted 26,695 labor condition applications for H-1B visas and 9,920 labor certifications for green cards. Barbara Leen, Senior Corporate Counselor at Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), remains an advocate for immigrants, actively urging for reform in the U.S. immigration policy. Lets take a look at our list of 20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World. 20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World 20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World Methodology To determine the top 20 countries for permanent residency, our focus centered on the key reasons people move, such as improved work opportunities and a better quality of life, encompassing health and education. Our methodology relied on data from the Migrant Integration Policy Index 2020, considering metrics like security of permanent residency, labor market mobility, education, and health integration for each nation. By averaging these scores, we identified countries facilitating smoother relocation while meeting these key objectives. In the case of tied averages, the cost of living index served as a tie-breaker. For instance, if three places had the same scores, 0.2 points were awarded for the highest cost of living index, and 0.1 points for the second highest. A higher average score indicates a more favorable ranking. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years ( see the details here ). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World 20. Japan Permanent Residency Score: 63 Labor Market Mobility Score: 59 Health Score: 65 Education Score: 33 Insider Monkey Average Score: 55 In the Asian region, Japan stands out as one of the best countries for permanent residency. As a developed nation, it ensures a high quality of life for its residents. Geographically well-positioned, Japan provides strategic access to other Asian countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands, offering immigrants diverse opportunities. The country's high permanent residency score, coupled with robust health integration and labor mobility prospects, emphasizes the favorable conditions for immigrants to settle comfortably. Notably, Japan's permanent residency is granted indefinitely, in contrast to the continuous renewals or predetermined time limits associated with other visas. 19. United Kingdom Permanent Residency Score: 58 Labor Market Mobility Score: 48 Health Score: 75 Education Score: 40 Insider Monkey Average Score: 55.25 The United Kingdom remains one of the most favored destinations for expatriates. As a developed nation with high-quality amenities, particularly in education, many individuals aspire to secure permanent residency in the UK. Those with this status can enjoy various benefits, including the right to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, certain situations, such as spending more than two years outside the country or being convicted of a criminal offense, may nullify this right. The overall scores for the country present a positive picture, with a particularly favorable outlook on the health integration of immigrants-- a key incentive for those willing to go through the process of moving abroad. 18. Czechia Permanent Residency Score: 50 Labor Market Mobility Score: 54 Health Score: 61 Education Score: 60 Insider Monkey Average Score: 56.25 The Czech Republic stands out as one of the greatest countries in Europe, offering a safe, stable, and culturally diverse life while maintaining a high standard of living. With a lower cost of living compared to some other European nations and a business-friendly environment, it presents a prosperous outlook. Obtaining permanent residency status in the Czech Republic allows individuals to work and conduct business like citizens, with easy access to the labor market. The country's high scores in labor market mobility, health, and education further indicate favorable conditions for immigrant integration, making Czechia one of the best countries for permanent residency worldwide. 17. South Korea Permanent Residency Score: 60 Labor Market Mobility Score: 65 Health Score: 40 Education Score: 72 Insider Monkey Average Score: 59.25 In recent years, South Korea has not only gained popularity as a tourist destination but has also become a favored choice for expatriates. The country offers a high quality of life with a reasonable cost of living and competitive salaries. Immigrants can find a conducive environment for settlement with a notably high security of permanent residency. The educational prospects for children are promising, and the labor market mobility score supports individuals moving there for job or business purposes. Overall, South Korea is well-positioned to accommodate immigrants, making it one of the best countries for permanent residency in the world. 16. Netherlands Permanent Residency Score: 52 Labor Market Mobility Score: 65 Health Score: 65 Education Score: 57 Insider Monkey Average Score: 59.75 Bike enthusiasts may find the prospect of permanently settling down in the Netherlands particularly exciting, but the country boasts many other advantages as well. With a high standard of living offering excellent access to healthcare, education, and a robust labor market, the Netherlands provides a quality lifestyle, even though it may not be as affordable as some other European countries. Notably, the country secured the seventh position in the 2022 InterNations Working Abroad Index, with impressive scores in working culture and satisfaction. The permanent residency score further indicates a secure status for immigrants, solidifying the Netherlands as one of the best countries for permanent residency worldwide. 15. Australia Permanent Residency Score: 46 Labor Market Mobility Score: 37 Health Score: 79 Education Score: 79 Insider Monkey Average Score: 60.25 With a thriving economy, the Australian government actively promotes permanent residency, granting individuals the right to work and access the labor market. While the integration score may be somewhat lower, job opportunities are still available in the market. The allure of a high-quality life in Australia is a significant driver for the increasing interest in permanent residency. This status not only provides the right to work but also includes access to Medicare and free government primary and secondary school education. Integration scores further indicate the ease with which immigrants can enjoy these facilities. Australia unequivocally stands as one of the best countries for permanent residency, offering a high quality of life and essential amenities at a reasonable cost. 14. Estonia Permanent Residency Score: 75 Labor Market Mobility Score: 69 Health Score: 29 Education Score: 69 Insider Monkey Average Score: 60.5 For those seeking European permanent residency, Estonia emerges as a viable option. Especially attractive to tech individuals and entrepreneurs looking to leverage benefits from start-ups, Estonia is a favorable place to settle. Boasting a business-friendly environment, the country offers numerous tax benefits, making it an asset for foreign investors. The high labor market mobility score indicates a strong likelihood of immigrant integration into society. Estonia's permanent residency procedures are also conducive to securely settling immigrants in the country. Heading into 2024, it remains one of the cheapest countries to obtain permanent residency. 13. Austria Permanent Residency Score: 50 Labor Market Mobility Score: 59 Health Score: 81 Education Score: 52 Insider Monkey Average Score: 60.6 When you think of Austria, Vienna immediately comes to mind. This renowned city is synonymous with an excellent quality of life, offering exquisite food and wine. Affordable and high-quality healthcare and education further contribute to the appeal. Austria has earned a reputation for maintaining an exceptional work-life balance and has successfully accommodated over 1 million expats from around the world. The scores indicate that immigrants are likely to encounter few hurdles when putting down roots in this European country. Hence, Austria rightfully earns its place on our list of the best countries for permanent residency worldwide. 12. Switzerland Permanent Residency Score: 48 Labor Market Mobility Score: 63 Health Score: 83 Education Score: 48 Insider Monkey Average Score: 60.7 Switzerland, among European countries, stands out for its exceptionally high quality of life for residents. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, individuals can capitalize on abundant work opportunities and access top-notch health and education facilities. The labor market mobility score reflects the ease with which immigrants can integrate into the job market. With competitive salaries and high satisfaction among immigrants, Switzerland truly excels in offering a superior quality of life. 11. Germany Permanent Residency Score: 54 Labor Market Mobility Score: 81 Health Score: 63 Education Score: 55 Insider Monkey Average Score: 63.25 German permanent residency ranks among the favorites for expats worldwide, and rightfully so, as Germany stands among the strongest economies in Europe. Residents enjoy a very high quality of life at an affordable range. The country's excellent education and health facilities serve as major attractions for those looking to settle. The permanent residency score emphasizes a relatively secure route for immigrants. Furthermore, international high-skilled workers can greatly benefit from the job market, which includes access to the European Union work market. The labor market mobility score provides evidence of the easy integration immigrants can achieve in this country. 10. Italy Permanent Residency Score: 67 Labor Market Mobility Score: 67 Health Score: 79 Education Score: 43 Insider Monkey Average Score: 64 As one of the world's largest economies, Italy ranks among the best countries for permanent residency. The nation offers a high quality of life, particularly in healthcare, and serves as a gateway to the European market. With a comparatively low cost of living and encouraging permanent residency policies, Italy stands as an attractive destination for immigrants. 9. Spain Permanent Residency Score: 75 Labor Market Mobility Score: 67 Health Score: 81 Education Score: 43 Insider Monkey Average Score: 66.5 As one of Europe's countries with the lowest living costs, coupled with excellent public healthcare and education, it's no surprise that this nation is among the best for permanent residency worldwide. The stable political and economic environment ensures easy integration for immigrants. This is further evidenced by the country's high permanent residency score, providing security for the minds of new settlers. 8. Belgium Permanent Residency Score: 75 Labor Market Mobility Score: 56 Health Score: 73 Education Score: 74 Insider Monkey Average Score: 69.5 Belgium is one of those countries where individuals seeking permanent residency can greatly benefit from policies geared towards ensuring their easy integration into society. The country not only provides access to the large European market but also facilitates easy integration for immigrants. With excellent health and education facilities, new residents can maintain their objective for a high quality of life. Moreover, the cost of living is affordable. Consequently, Belgium holds the 8th place on our list of the best countries for permanent residency worldwide. 7. New Zealand Permanent Residency Score: 63 Labor Market Mobility Score: 59 Health Score: 83 Education Score: 76 Insider Monkey Average Score: 70.25 Known for its family-friendliness and high-quality education and healthcare, this country offers quick and affordable access to these facilities for those qualifying for permanent residency. Abundant work opportunities and a conducive labor market mobility score make it an attractive option for immigrants. For those seeking permanent residency in a developed nation to enjoy various perks, New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the best countries. 6. United States of America Permanent Residency Score: 63 Labor Market Mobility Score: 69 Health Score: 79 Education Score: 83 Insider Monkey Average Score: 73.5 The 'land of opportunity' indeed offers an easy and comfortable high standard of life for those seeking permanent settlement. Known for its robust economy, new residents have numerous work options to explore and build upon. The high labor market mobility score indicates ample access for immigrants. The United States is renowned for providing the best international education, including institutions like Harvard, the worlds top university. Permanent foreign residents can benefit from this without incurring the international costs of higher education, ensuring a superlative experience. Thus, the United States is undoubtedly one of the best countries for permanent residency in the world. Click to continue reading and see our 5 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 20 Best Permanent Residency Countries in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey. Over 100 people gathered in Belgrade on February 5 to protest Serbia's Court of Appeals decision to acquit four former state security officials in the killing of Slavko Curuvija, a well-known journalist who was shot dead in April 1999. Demonstrators, some of whom held up mirrors in a symbolic call for the court to critically examine itself, observed 25 minutes of silence after what they said was 25 years of waiting for justice. In the winter of 1973-1974, gasoline was so scarce that American truckers short of fuel blocked highways in protest and in Europe the horse and cart returned to some city streets. Such was the squeeze on consumers that one New Jersey woman warned that the people are on the verge of revolting. The cause was an oil embargo imposed by several Middle Eastern petro-states targeting Western countries that were supporting Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The solution, it seemed, was to urgently develop electric vehicles (EVs) that could run without the gasoline that had quadrupled in price in the space of a few months. Electric cars were not a new concept in the 1970s. At the beginning of the 20th century, around one-third of vehicles driving on American roads were battery-powered. The first generation of electric vehicles were easy to start and quieter and cleaner than their steam- and gasoline-powered counterparts. But early EVs were expensive to produce and, critically, limited in range. As the gasoline engine evolved past the cumbersome crank-handle era, and networks of new roads beckoned drivers to go on long-distance adventures in the early 1900s, the gasoline-powered car began to pull ahead as the favored consumer choice. When automotive producer Henry Ford opted for a gasoline motor in his revolutionary Model T, electric and steam-powered cars were left behind. For the next 50 years, the EV remained a largely obsolete technology. In 1973, Arab oil-producing countries launched an export embargo in response to U.S. support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War. The subsequent energy crisis sparked a burst of development that led, briefly, to the return of the EV in 1974. Several photographs held in U.S. and Russian archives and reproduced in this gallery demonstrate the year battery-powered vehicles zipped unexpectedly back into view. An electric car proponent explained the return of the EV to a U.S. journalist in April 1974: The energy crisis has turned on the electric vehicle... he said. People realize there is not an unlimited supply of oil, and they are going to stay scared. The U.S.S.R. openly supported the 1973 Arab war on Israel, and the Soviet economy was relatively unscathed by the oil shock. But as Western countries raced to develop EVs, the future of transport looked increasingly likely to be electric. In April 1974, the Kremlins automotive ministry decreed that electric vehicle development was a priority. Pavel Bludenov, a Dubai-based Russian automotive journalist, says that the Soviet Union was in some ways well-placed to push the development of electric vehicles in the 1970s. The big difference between Western and Soviet cars (electric or gasoline), he says, was that the U.S.S.R.s engineers didnt need to think about efficiency and commercial profitability. Unlike Western engineers who needed to tick every conceivable box to appeal to the free market, their Soviet counterparts had only to impress a small panel of bureaucrats for success. But although several Soviet prototype EVs were rolled out amid the 1970s oil crisis, none ended up being approved for mass production. Bludenov says Soviet engineers soon arrived at the same problems as electric vehicles in other countries: The technology didn't allow for these models to be accessible and practical. Engineers of the 1970s were hitting the roadblocks their predecessors had faced 50 years before when designing EVs: short driving ranges, high production costs, and the hefty weight of batteries. Electricity was so stringently allocated that at least one Soviet EV had its own autonomous combustion engine to fuel its heating system. In March 1974, Arab governments ended the oil embargo that had shaken up the world and prices soon fell. Although further oil shocks would come in the 1970s, electric car production returned to being a tiny niche industry. It had become clear that battery technology simply hadn't come far enough in the previous half century to avoid the original pitfalls of electric vehicles. It would take the groundbreaking development of powerful and comparatively lightweight lithium-ion batteries to convince engineers, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, to once more explore the possibility of powering cars with electricity. The first lithium-ion battery was introduced in 1991, the same year the Soviet Union collapsed. Automotive manufacturers in Russia and elsewhere in the former Soviet Union were focused on survival at the time rather than expensive innovation. Abbas Ganbay Representatives of Turkish organisations and the OSCE PA, who will observe the extraordinary presidential elections to be held in Azerbaijan on February 7, visited the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan, says Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Jahit Bagci, Azernews reports. According to him, the Turkish Embassy was visited by deputies of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkish States (TURKPA), the OSCE PA, and the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, who will participate in the presidential election as observers. "We provided information about bilateral relations and the work done," he emphasised. MAM | Marketing Infobells announces the launch of a new children's book collection in multiple Indian languages Infobells, a leading publisher renowned for its commitment to educational excellence, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest collection of children's books. Read More... MAM | Media And Advertising American Oncology Institute launches #VoiceofVictory campaign on World Cancer Day On the occasion of World Cancer Day, American Oncology Institute (AOI) South Asia's chain of cancer hospitals launches its campaign, #VoiceofVictory, echoing the theme "Close the Care Gap". Read More... Restaurants in Cork, Clare, Dublin and Tipperary have added to Ireland's haul of Michelin star establishments at a ceremony in England on Monday evening. Terre in Cork's Castlemartyr Resort was awarded a second Michelin Star after getting its first just last year. The Michelin Guide commended chef Vincent Crepel for his "powerful and sophisticated cooking". Speaking after the announcement, Mr Crepel said it had been a "lifelong dream" to win a second star. "Being awarded the second Michelin star is wonderful elevation to receive from the inspectors. I am so proud of the team and what we have achieved. "We have had a fantastic year and are looking forward to welcoming guests again in 2024. We aim to make a visit to Terre accessible to diners and we are fortunate to work with great local and international suppliers who help inspire and shape our menus. Receiving the second star is a tribute to the creativity and standards we aim to reach and maintain." Terre has joined dede at the Customs House in Baltimore as one of Ireland's five two-star restaurants, while three further businesses were awarded their first Michelin Star during Monday's announcements. The Bishop's Buttery in Cashel, Homestead Cottage in Doolin and D'Olier Street at D'Olier Chambers in Dublin all received nods at the awards in Manchester. Receiving Two MICHELIN Stars, Terre provides original, modern cooking worthy of its setting inside the breathtaking @CastlemartyrRes#MICHELINGuideGBI #2MICHELINStars pic.twitter.com/Q7X6CbH6Zu The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 5, 2024 Last week, six new Bib Gourmand awards were announced for Ireland, which commend "good food at moderate prices". Winners included Solas Tapas in Dingle, Dublins La Gordita and Corks Ichigo Ichie. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of The Michelin Guide, said the dining scene in Ireland was both "innovative and impressive". "There are enormously talented chefs turning their hands to anything from wood-fired sharing plates to finely tuned sushi," she said. "To have so much positive news to share with the industry, at a time when restaurants are facing so many challenges, gives me great pride". By David Young, PA Gardai in Cork investigating the murder of Kieran Quilligan have charged two men in connection with the case. The 47-year-old was reported missing from Cork city centre last September. His remains were discovered in Rostellan last week. Gardai have not disclosed information in relation to the cause of death. They said two men arrested as part of their investigation in recent days have been charged in connection with the case. The men, one aged his 20s and the other in his 30s, are expected to appear before a sitting of Cork District Court at Anglesea Street Courthouse on Tuesday morning. Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has launched a new national recruitment drive to hire 52 temporary staff. IFIs Seasonal Fisheries Officers and Seasonal Fisheries Assistants are to be deployed across 15 counties from April to September. Starting salaries of 29,053, per annum pro rata, are on offer, and Fisheries Officers can also earn up to 3,639 extra via an unsocial hours allowance. Barry Fox, Head of Operations at IFI, commented: As a key State environmental agency, enforcement of the law regarding illegal fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, are a key focus for Inland Fisheries Ireland. We require additional temporary contract staff to support our busy annual programme of work on Irelands rivers, lakes and coastlines. We are seeking male and female Seasonal Fisheries Officers from diverse backgrounds for a six-month period. People who enjoy nature and working outdoors, in all types of weather, are likely to find these jobs very appealing and rewarding. Cathal Gallagher, Head of Research and Development at IFI, added: Our Seasonal Fisheries Assistants will conduct applied research of fish stocks, and explore environmental issues that impact on fish and their habitats. They will work with an experienced team of scientists and researchers in the collection, ordering, and analysis of relevant biological and physical data in the aquatic environment. The roles will be mainly based at IFIs headquarters in Citywest, Dublin. Members of the public enquiring about the posts can email info@fisheriesireland.ie for more details. Local GP Dr Martin Daly has spoken out about the significant challenges facing general practice, particularly in rural and deprived areas. According to the Irish College of General Practitioners, more than three quarters of the approximately 2,500 GP practices in Ireland have closed their lists to new patients. Speaking to RTE as part of a piece on this issue, GPs from around the country said they being overrun by heavy workloads, with many practices struggling to attract younger GPs. As well as a global shortage of doctors, the number of GPs that are trained or recruited in Ireland has not been increased in line with Irelands population, which has grown by around 50% over the last 30 years. In July 2022, Dr Martin Daly and his wife nearly closed their GP practice in the town of Ballygar in County Galway, the report said. They had not been able to take a family holiday in three years because they could not get temporary cover. When Dr Daly qualified as a GP, it was normal for a rural doctor to work 60 or 70 hours per week. "The younger GP will not do that and rightly so," Dr Daly told RTEs Eithne Dodd. "They have an entitlement to have time off for their families, for education, for sick leave, for maternity leave and also to take holidays like anyone else in society." "Weve been very lucky to recruit a young partner in the last year," Dr Daly said, "that has saved this practice." Dr Daly stressed that the demand for a GP also impacts on reception and nursing staff within the practice "Ultimately it impacts on our patients who don't understand why 10-15 years ago they were able to turn up to our surgery on the same day without an appointment and be seen, whereas now they may have to wait for a routine appointment up to two weeks to be seen and that is a change in culture and it is something that people find difficult." Roscommon TD Denis Naughten has paid tribute to former Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach John Bruton following his death at age 76. The deputy stated: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, earlier today. "John was a politician who proudly wore his principles on his sleeve, never hesitating to stand by them, even when it was not politically expedient. He passionately believed that politics should be a tool for delivering social justice to every individual within this State and to society at large. "It was John who encouraged me to enter politics in 1997, and I was honoured to be appointed by him to the Fine Gael Front Bench three years later as the Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. John was a man brimming with ideas and energy, imparting his passion to many of the younger members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party during his leadership. "A staunch European, John relished his role as Europes first Ambassador to the United States, embodying the values and aspirations of our continent on the global stage. "In rural Ireland, we would say John was a 'decent, hardworking man'thoughtful, with a keen interest in agriculture, and his hearty laugh, synonymous with his good-natured spirit, resonated with all who knew him. "To Finola, Matthew, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, to his brother Richard, and sister Mary, I extend my deepest sympathies on his passing. "John's legacy as both a statesman and a sincere, compassionate individual will undoubtedly endure. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam." A young Roscommon woman was among a group of just 21 people selected for a prestigious activist bootcamp that took place in recent weeks. Latisha McCrudden, from Lisacul was selected to participate in the Alice Academy for Activists due to her work on social justice campaigns. Latisha advocates for women and children who experience domestic abuse. As a member of the Irish Traveller community, Latisha has spoken on panels as a Traveller youth changemaker, and highlighted the need for better supports for the community. She is currently studying law at the University of Galway. The Alice Academy for Activists was established and run by Alice Public Relations, a communications agency that works to create positive change across Ireland and further afield. The agency brought together 21 activists from across the island of Ireland to improve their skills and knowledge in areas such as campaign strategy, polling and research, fundraising, coalition-building, political engagement, media relations, and digital communications. The academy took place in Dublin over the course of four days last week. Several well-known campaigners appeared as special guests over the four days, including Ailbhe Smyth, who led Irelands campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment; human rights lawyer and social justice campaigner Noeline Blackwell; migrant rights activist Teresa Buczkowska; and Senator Lynn Ruane. The Alice Academy for Activists was the brainchild of Martina Quinn, CEO and founder of Alice Public Relations. Reflecting on the event, she said: Alice Public Relations works to create change that makes Ireland and the world a better place. Since we were established in 2015, weve worked on campaigns on gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, healthcare, access to education and training, childrens rights, integration, and lots more. Unfortunately, in recent years, issues such as polarisation, disinformation and misinformation, and the rise of the Far Right have increasingly impacted on our clients and wider networks. There are negative forces in the world today that are seeking to sow hate in communities across Ireland and further afield. Against that backdrop, I believe it is crucially important that we have a vibrant activist community and that progressive campaigners have access to the skills and information they need to run effective campaigns to stop this tide of hate and negativity. And thats what the Academy is all about. We had an incredible time over the four days of the Academy. We learned as much from the group of activists including Latisha - as they learned from us. The passion and commitment from Latisha and the 20 others who joined her have left me with renewed hope for the future. These are people who are committed to working to make sure Ireland is a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and fair society for all. In this article, we will take a look at the 15 highest-quality bed sheets of 2024. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the textile home decor market, you can go directly to the 5 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024. High-quality bed sheets can play a crucial role in improving sleep quality and reducing stress and anxiety. Bed sheets can be essential for a good night's sleep and overall well-being. Home furnishings also play a vital role in improving the comfort, aesthetics, and functionality of living spaces. Home textiles and furnishings can contribute to a visually appealing interior design, reflecting personal style and taste while also increasing the overall value of the home. You can also take a look at the highest quality furniture brands in the world. Global Textile Home Decor Market: An Analysis Home textile is a rather important part of the home furnishings industry. It can include carpets, rugs, curtains, bedsheets, cushion covers, napkins, towels, and blankets, among other things. According to a report by Data Bridge Market Research, the global textile home decor market was valued at $105.27 billion in 2022. The textile home decor market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during 2023-2030, pushing the market to reach a value of $175.53 billion by the end of the forecasted period. The report mentions that the North American region dominates the textile home decor market. Increasing urbanization, growing real estate, and fast-changing lifestyles are all key factors that are driving market growth. Previously, in our piece about the cities where you can buy a home for under 300K, we briefly discussed that home prices are projected to fall modestly and new home sales are expected to rise. The growing demand for housing is also positively influencing the textile home decor market. Driven by rising consumer disposable income, especially in developing and emerging markets, the global textile home decor market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Story continues E-commerce and online retail stores are providing consumers with a convenient and accessible way to purchase home decor goods. With the rise of online shopping, consumers can easily scroll and review products, compare goods, and make purchases from the comfort of their own homes. Moreover, there is an increased demand for eco-friendly home decor goods, which is further augmenting market growth. A Look at Leading Home Decor and Furnishing Companies Some of the most prominent names in the home decor and furnishing market that are making moves include The Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE), Tempur Sealy International Inc. (NYSE:TPX), and Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG). Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) is a bedding and furniture company. It is a major supplier of bedding components, private-label finished goods, home and work furniture components, and flooring underlayment, among other things. On January 16, Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) announced that it is implementing a restructuring plan to advance its product strategy, improve manufacturing and distribution efficiency, and support customer needs. The plan primarily focuses on the bedding products segment and to a lesser extent, the furniture, flooring and textile products segment. Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) plans to consolidate certain locations across the bedding products segment, reducing its manufacturing and distribution footprint from 50 facilities to approximately 30 to 35 facilities. The company also plans to consolidate a small number of production facilities in the furniture, flooring and textile products segment to better align capacity with regional demand and drive operating efficiencies. Major companies in the bedding products space are launching new and innovative products to cater to the changing needs of consumers. Tempur Sealy International Inc. (NYSE:TPX) is an American company that designs, manufactures, and distributes mattresses and bedding products. It has more than 650 company-owned stores in over 100 countries. On January 29, Tempur Sealy International Inc. (NYSE:TPX) reported that it has launched a new TEMPUR-Adapt mattress collection, which includes Adapt, ProAdapt, and LuxeAdapt models. The collection combines the latest advancements in the company's one-of-a-kind TEMPUR-Material with proprietary material and ergonomic innovations to deliver exceptional, body-conforming pressure relief for aches and pains. The collection includes soft, medium, and firm models, as well as all-new hybrid models, including a LuxeAdapt Medium Hybrid. The new TEMPUR-Adapt mattress collection by Tempur Sealy International Inc. (NYSE:TPX) features cool-to-the-touch covers and Tempur-Pedic's renowned motion cancellation, to minimize disruptions caused by movements from partners, pets, or kids. The Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE) is an American furniture retailer that is best known for its Sactionals and Sacs, which are comfortable and adaptable couches and seats. On December 15, 2023, The Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE) announced that it has partnered up with Swarovski to offer a luxurious and remarkable gift, the Footsac. Swarovski is an Austrian company that designs, manufactures, and sells crystals and jewelry. The Footsac is a one-of-a-kind blanket in limited edition white faux fur that is decorated with Swarovski Crystals. Made up of soft and durable materials, the Footsac is built to last for cozy winter nights and it also features a built-in pocket for feet. Founder and CEO of The Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE), Shawn Nelson, said: "At Lovesac, we are always aiming to push the boundaries of comfort and style through our innovative products and unique partnerships". Now that we have looked at whats going on in the textile home decor market, lets take a look at the 15 highest-quality bed sheets of 2024. 15 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024 Methodology For this article, we compiled a list of the 15 highest-quality bed sheets of 2024. Firstly, we gathered a list of the highest quality bed sheets listed on multiple vendors such as Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy. We sourced the average ratings and the number of reviews from these sources for each bed sheet. However, for our list, we only considered the bed sheets listed on these sources that had at least 5,000 reviews. We chose average rating as the primary metric to rank the highest quality bed sheets of 2024. The number of reviews is our secondary metric. In the case where multiple bed sheets had the same average rating, tie-breaking was done on the basis of the total number of reviews. The 15 highest quality bed sheets of 2024 are listed below in ascending order of their average ratings and number of reviews. Please note that for bed sheets that were listed on multiple sources, we determined the average rating by averaging the individual ratings across the sources. A total number of reviews for such bed sheets was calculated by adding up the individual number of reviews from each source. 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. 15 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024 15. CGK Unlimited 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets Average Rating: 4.5 Number of Reviews: 305,507 CGK Unlimited 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets had an average rating of 4.5 and over 305,500 reviews. These lightweight, comfortable, extra soft, and wrinkle-free sheets have made it to our list of 15 highest-quality bed sheets of 2024. CGK Unlimited 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets featuring deep pockets are available in a variety of colors and sizes. These microfiber bed sheets by CGK Unlimited can fit mattresses that are up to around 16 inches deep. 14. Mellanni Sheet Set - 4 Piece Iconic Collection Bedding Sheets Average Rating: 4.5 Number of Reviews: 351,189 Mellanni Sheet Set - 4 Piece Iconic Collection Bedding Sheets offer ultra-soft bedding at an affordable price. As one of the highest quality bed sheets of 2024, these sheets are wrinkle, fade, and stain resistant. Mellanni Sheet Set - 4 Piece Iconic Collection Bedding Sheets are extra soft, cooling bed sheets with up to 16 inches deep pockets. These bedding sheets are available in a variety of colors and sizes. With more than 350,000 total reviews, Mellanni Sheet Set - 4 Piece Iconic Collection Bedding Sheets had an average rating of 4.5. 13. Amazon Basics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.5 Number of Reviews: 484,680 Amazon Basics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheets are available in different styles, colors, and sizes. Made up of 100% polyester microfiber, which offers strength and durability with exceptional softness, these bed sheets create a comfortable sleeping space and cozy bedroom environment. The all-around elastic allows for a snug, secure fit for most mattress sizes. Amazon Basics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheets had over 484,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5. 12. ILAVANDE - Luxury Super Soft 1800 Series Microfiber Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 7,310 With an average rating of 4.6, ILAVANDE - Luxury Super Soft 1800 Series Microfiber Bed Sheets rank 12th on our list of the highest quality bed sheets of 2024. These bed sheets are made up of extremely soft and durable double-brushed microfiber. Additionally, these bed sheets are wrinkle-free, breathable, and available in a variety of colors and sizes. 11. Pure Bamboo - 100% Organic Bamboo Viscose Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 8,834 Pure Bamboo - 100% Organic Bamboo Viscose Bed Sheets are luxuriously soft and cooling sheets. These bed sheets are made from 300 thread count sateen weave fabric for a softer, smoother, and more silky feel. These are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Pure Bamboo - 100% Organic Bamboo Viscose Bed Sheets had more than 8,800 total reviews and an average rating of 4.6. 10. JSD Floral Printed Soft Microfiber Botanical Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 9,753 JSD Floral Printed Soft Microfiber Botanical Bed Sheets are crafted from double-brushed microfiber fabric, which makes them durable, soft, and wrinkle-resistant. These bed sheets are available in unique floral prints, colors, and beautiful patterns. With 9,753 total reviews and an average rating of 4.6, JSD Floral Printed Soft Microfiber Botanical Bed Sheets rank among the top 10 on our list of highest-quality bed sheets of 2024. 9. Bedlifes - 1800 Thread Count Percale Egyptian Microfiber Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 10,651 Bedlifes - 1800 Thread Count Percale Egyptian Microfiber Bed Sheets are wrinkle, fade and stain resistant. The high-quality Egyptian microfiber used has good wrinkle resistance and shape retention, as well as high strength. Available in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, Bedlifes - 1800 Thread Count Percale Egyptian Microfiber Bed Sheets have an average rating of 4.6 and over 10,600 total reviews. 8. Modern Threads Soft Microfiber Rose Printed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 16,769 Modern Threads Soft Microfiber Rose Printed Sheets had 16,769 reviews and an average rating of 4.6. These luxurious bed sheets are made with 100% microfiber polyester and are incredibly soft. Available in a variety of sizes as well as colors and designs, Modern Threads Soft Microfiber Rose Printed Sheets are compatible with all seasons as they boast a tough cotton and polyester blend. 7. DREAMCARE 100% Fine Brushed Microfiber - Cooling Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 29,747 DREAMCARE 100% Fine Brushed Microfiber - Cooling Bed Sheets feature a bonus side pocket where you can keep a phone, a book, or the TV remote. Made from 100% fine brushed microfiber, these bed sheets are wrinkle and fade-resistant. DREAMCARE 100% Fine Brushed Microfiber - Cooling Bed Sheets had nearly 30k reviews and an average rating of 4.6. 6. Shilucheng - Breathable & Cooling Bed Sheets Average Rating: 4.6 Number of Reviews: 48,791 Shilucheng - Breathable & Cooling Bed Sheets are 100% polyester luxury bed sheets that are easy to care for. These bed sheets are available in a variety of sizes and colors. With 48,791 total reviews and an average rating of 4.6, Shilucheng - Breathable & Cooling Bed Sheets rank 6th on our list of highest quality bed sheets of 2024. Click to continue reading and see 5 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024 is published on Insider Monkey. Irma "Betty" Zoanni, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at the Sidney Health Center with family by her side. Betty was born March 11, 1930, to Ingvald and Ethel Iverson on their homestead near Comertown, MT. She attended school in Comertown before transferring to Culbertson High School for her senior year. She attended Eastern Montana College and the University of Montana, earning a teaching certificate. Betty married John "Jack" Zoanni on June 4, 1952. They raised five children on a farm and ranch in rural Culbertson. After Jack passed in 2001, she moved to Sidney. Betty taught fifth grade and music in Culbertson and Sidney. She later taught music for many years at rural schools and East Fairview Elementary School. She gave piano and accordion lessons to numerous family members and neighborhood children. Music was a large part of Betty's life. She had perfect pitch and taught herself piano on an old pump organ. She accompanied family and community groups in talent shows and at other area functions. She was frequently heard playing "old time music" in community centers and nursing homes. She enjoyed being a member of Sweet Adelines in Culbertson and Sidney. Betty was a devout Lutheran, attended Bible study, and often played organ or piano for services. Betty was also very artistic. She sewed many of her childrens' clothes and hundreds of quilts. She loved to draw and paint, including charcoal, oil, and acrylic mediums. She won numerous awards, including the Richland County Fair Best of Show. Other hobbies included photography with which she preserved precious family memories and stories. Betty had a work of poetry published. She participated in community groups and clubs such as the Sioux Pass Homemakers and C'DARS. She loved to play Scrabble with anyone who would challenge her, usually winning! Betty is survived by her children Robert "Bob," Jerry, and Rita (Marc); daughters-in-law Brenda and Darla; grandsons Tyler (Sandra), Chris, Brad (Karli), Derek, Ryan, Matt (Sharlene), and Kenny; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Noah, Paisley, Addison, Paxton, Matthew, and Marc. She is preceded in death by her husband John "Jack"; children Linda and Loren; grandson Mark; and siblings Pearl, Howard, and Rodney. Memorial gifts may be made to BrightFocus Foundation for macular degeneration research or to a local school or community music group of your choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date. India demands evidence in Nijjar killing investigation, stalls Canadian probe collaboration India-Canada Row over Hardeep Singh Nijjar case india demands evidence India-Canada Row over Hardeep Singh Nijjar case: In a recent developement surrouding the Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing case, India has taken a firm stance, refusing to assit Canada in its probe until concerete evidence is shared. The investigation into the tragic incident involving the death of a person named Hardeep Singh Nijjar has hit a roadblock as Indian emphasizes the importance of a collaborative exchange of evidence. The diplomatic impasse stems from India's commitment to due process and the need for a transparent investigation. Indian authorities argue that without the essential evidence from the Canadian side, meaningful cooperation is challenging. The demand for evidence sharing is seen as a crucial step to ensure a fair and comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Nijjar's death. Advertisement The Canadian authorities, on the other hand, have expressed their readiness to collaborate but have yet to fulfill India's request for pertinent information. The delay raises questions about the challenges in international cooperation and the complexities involved in cross-border investigations. As both countries navigate the diplomatic intricacies of this case, the quest for justice remains at the forefront. The Nijjar Killing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of effective communication and cooperation between nations to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of such incidents. The global community watches closely as India and Canada work towards resolving the impasse and moving forward in the pursuit of truth and justice. India Woman Robot Vyommiitra into space ISRO Gaganyaan Mission news India Woman Robot 'Vyommiitra' to fly into space, ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission news India Woman Robot 'Vyommiitra' to fly into space, ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission news: ISRO's female robot astronaut named 'Vyommitra' is set to fly into space before the ambitious "Gaganyaan" mission with human astronauts. The launch of this humanoid mission is planned for the third quarter of this year, as shared by Space Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday. The minister also made it clear that the ultimate mission, where three astronauts will spend seven days in space to understand space effects and conduct experiments in zero gravity, is scheduled for next year, in 2025. This mission marks a significant step in India's space exploration, with Vyommitra paving the way for the subsequent manned mission. Advertisement The development showcases India's progress in space technology and its commitment to exploring new frontiers. Vyommitra's space journey ahead of the manned mission underlines the preparation and advancements made by ISRO in the field of space exploration and research. The upcoming launches are anticipated with excitement and reflect India's aspirations in the realm of space exploration. (For more news apart from India Woman Robot 'Vyommiitra' to fly into space, ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission news, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Groww App Down Again: Netizens report 'technical snag' People took to X, formerly known as 'Twitter', to express their disappointment after 'Groww App' went down again. Groww App Down News Today: One of India's financial services apps 'Groww' witnessed a technical snag on Tuesday causing panic among the people who have invested money via the Groww app. People were wondering why the Groww App was not working. In the meanwhile, people took to X, formerly known as 'Twitter', to express their disappointment after 'Groww App' went down and the news hit headlines. One of the users wrote, "Groww App is not working again. Same error as we got in Jan. Balance is not visible." One another wrote: "Groww, worse brokerage services. ?" Advertisement Similarly, one user said, "Groww is not working again! Is it causing a loss to you? Groww, Fyers, 5 paise, and Kotak with the highest downtime." "As problems surface again today for those using #Groww during mkt hours, will Sebi & Finance Ministry please come to the aid of retail investors as tech glitches seem to be happening too frequently at various trading apps?" wrote another. "Is there anyone facing a problem with the Groww app? My wallet not working and not showing my balance. How can it frequently happen with brokers?" wrote another user. "Why is my wallet balance showing zero even after having the amount? What is wrong with the app?" said one another. However, the services of the Groww App started to resume partially. Despite this, the users are feeling frustrated to see technical snags again and again. Advertisement (For more news apart from Groww App Down News Today, Why Groww App is not working? stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Madhya Pradesh Blast: 3 killed, 40 injured in Harda firecracker factory explosion Several fire department vehicles rushed to the scene to contain the blaze. Madhya Pradesh Harda firecracker factory blast news: In a shocking incident, a devastating explosion occurred at a firecracker factory located in Harda town, Madhya Pradesh. The incident resulted in a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. As per official reports, three individuals lost their lives in the incident, while at least 40 others suffered injuries. The explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Harda resulted in significant damage to the factory premises. Advertisement Several fire department vehicles rushed to the scene to contain the blaze. Authorities fear that various individuals may be trapped within the factory premises following the blast. According to information, the blast ignited a fierce fire and affected the surrounding buildings as well. The thick smoke and flames were seen billowing into the sky and even raised concerns about the safety of nearby residents. Given the tragic incident, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav held a meeting and directed Minister Uday Pratap Singh, IPS Ajit Kesari, and DGP Home Guard Arvind Kumar to visit the site to assess the situation promptly. Advertisement Furthermore, directions have been issued to medical colleges in Bhopal and Indore, along with the Burn Unit at AIIMS Bhopal, to make necessary preparations to handle the potential casualties. (For more news apart from Madhya Pradesh Harda firecracker factory blast news, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Iran announces 'visa cancellation' for Indian citizens, details inside Indians do not need visa to travel to Iran. Iran announces 'visa cancellation' for Indian citizens: In a major development, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday announced that the visa for citizens of India will be abolished starting from February 4, 2024, subject to the following conditions. These conditions are: Advertisement Individuals holding ordinary passports will be allowed to enter the country without a visa once every six months, with a maximum stay of 15 days. It is important to note that the 15 days cannot be extended. The visa abolition only applies to individuals entering the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran for tourism purposes. If Indian nationals wish to stay for a longer period or make multiple entries within six months or require other types of visas, they must obtain the necessary visas through the respective representations of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India. The visa abolition outlined in this approval specifically applies to Indian nationals who enter the country just through the air border. This is going to help those Indians who look forward to visiting Iran. (For more news apart from Iran announces 'visa cancellation' for Indian citizens, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) King Charles III Suffering from Cancer British King is Under the Observation of Doctors for Surgery King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished speedy recovery for King Charles III or Charles Philip Arthur George who has been diagnosed with the Cancer and is currently under the observation of doctors. PM Narendra Modi said, "I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III." Advertisement King Charles III or Charles Philip Arthur George was born on 14 November 1948. He is the King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. During the medical examination of King Charles III, who was admitted in the hospital, it was revealed that he has been suffering from cancer. The royal residence, Buckingham Palace gave this information in a statement issued on Monday. Statement issued by the Buckingham Palace: The 75 year old British king is under the observation of doctors for surgery for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace also said that during the treatment process, a thing of worry came to the notice of the doctors that a form of cancer has been identified during tests conducted before the surgery. However, the statement did not provide detailed information about the type of cancer he has. Advertisement After the updates related to King Charles's health came out, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished for the speedy recovery of King Charles. He said that he has full confidence that the King of Britain will recover soon. Sunak said that the entire country is praying for the speedy recovery of King Charles. Britain's opposition party, Labor Party, has also wished King Charles a good health. In this article, we will look into the 15 states with the most EV chargers per person. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person. US Boosts EV Infrastructure In the third quarter of 2023, the sales of electric vehicles in the US surged to over 300,000 for the first time, according to an article published by Reuters, on October 12, 2023. The article cites a report by Cox Automotive, which states that the sales in 2023 were reported to be nearly 2 times more compared to 2022. Electric vehicles accounted for 7.9% of the industry sales in the US in 2023. However, multiple challenges hinder the growth of the EV market including high prices and restricted charging infrastructure. On January 19, Reuters reported that the US Department of Transportation and Energy will be making a $325 million investment across three different programs, aiming to advance EV technologies, repair chargers, and cut battery costs. Moreover, it awarded nearly $150 million for repairing and replacing around 4,500 existing electric vehicle charging ports in 20 states. The new funds for electric vehicle chargers are a part of the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The program is funded by a $1 trillion 2021 infrastructure law, which says that the states must employ federally-funded EV charging ports for a minimum of 5 years operating 97% of the time. These efforts are expected to contribute positively to the US EV market. Key Players in the US EV Market Some of the major companies in the electric vehicle market include Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID), and General Motors Company (NYSE:GM). On January 31, Reuters reported that Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) has decided to expand its battery production to Nevada. The company aims to bring cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) to the US. This strategic move by Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) will reduce reliance on foreign sources for raw materials such as Nickel and Cobalt. The company will buy the equipment from Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (SHE:300750). The new plant in Nevada will have an initial capacity of nearly 10 gigawatt-hours. Story continues Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID) is a leading EV manufacturer in the US. On November 16, 2023, the company announced the launch of its new electric SUV, Lucid Gravity luxury electric SUV. The high-performance vehicle will accommodate up to seven adults and will feature a driving range of 440 miles. Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID) will start the production of the Lucid Gravity SUV in late 2024. Talking about the Lucid Gravity SUV, CEO and CTO of Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID), Peter Rawlinson said: The Gravity SUV represents a significant leap forward for Lucids world-leading technology and design. Customers will find an unprecedented combination of space and maneuverability, luxury, and versatility, all seamlessly integrated into one remarkable vehicle with the driving experience and range of a true Lucid. Lucids innovative proprietary EV powertrain technology and our holistic approach to vehicle engineering already enabled the Air sedan to redefine what was thought possible from a luxury sports sedan. With Gravity, these innovations evolved and our next generation technology is applied with even greater effect, resulting in an electric SUV that can achieve over 440 miles of range with a battery pack a little more than half the size of some of our battery-hungry competitors. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is a leader in the EV market in the US. On January 30, the company announced its earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $1.20 and beat estimates by $0.10. The company reported a revenue of $42.98 billion for the quarter and outperformed estimates by $3.51 billion. Here are some of the comments from General Motors Company's (NYSE:GM) Q4 2023 earnings call: "At GM we expect healthy industry sales of about 16 million units. We have an unmatched ICE portfolio in North America, rising EV production on the LTM platform and GM Financial continues to perform well. We're building on a foundation of products that our customers love. In 2023, GM sold more vehicles in the US than anyone else. All of our US brands grew their sales year-over-year and gained US market share with healthy margins, thanks to stable pricing and incentives that were more than 20% below the industry average. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV had record sales. We led the industry in initial quality for the second year in a row according to J.D. Power. And we now have led the industry in combined pickup, full-size van, and full-size SUV sales for 10 consecutive years, making us the leader in the highest ATP quadrant of the market and helping us lead the commercial fleet market. And we have passed Honda and Toyota in the most affordable quadrant, thanks to attractive and profitable vehicles like the Chevrolet Trax, which is one of Car and Driver's 10 best trucks and SUVs, and the Buick Envista, which is winning with younger buyers. In fact, more than one in four Envista customers are between the ages of 18 and 35. The broad-based momentum we have today is important for our future because our customers are the most loyal in the industry." On November 8, 2023, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) announced that it had partnered with Niron Magnetics, a pioneer producer of low-cost and high-performance permanent magnets free from critical materials. The partnership aims to develop rare earth-free magnets for EV motors. The cheap and environment-friendly magnets will enable General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) to create a sustainable and affordable supply chain for an all-electric future. The company had also invested in Niron Magnetics to help them commercialize their sustainable magnets. With this context, let's have a look at the 15 states with the most EV chargers per person. 15 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person 15 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person Methodology To compile our list of the 15 states with the most EV chargers per person, we sourced the data for EV charging ports from the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the US Department of Energy. We then sourced the 2023 estimated population data for each state from the US Census Bureau and divided it by the total number of EV charging ports to obtain the number of EV chargers per person for each state. Our list ranks the states in ascending order of number of EV chargers per person. 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. 15 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person 15. Virginia Number of EV Chargers: 4,625 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00053 Virginia is ranked 15th among the US states with the most EV chargers per person. The state has a total number of 4,625 chargers at 1,568 locations across the state. The number of EV chargers available per person in the state is 0.00053. 14. Hawaii Number of EV Chargers: 849 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00059 Hawaii ranks 14th on our list. According to the US Department of Energy, Hawaii has a total of 849 EV chargers located at 377 stations across the state. The state has 0.00059 electric vehicle chargers per person. 13. New York Number of EV Chargers: 11,587 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00059 New York is ranked 13th among the US states with the most EV chargers per person. The state has 11,587 chargers at 3,982 locations across the state. The number of EV chargers available per person in the state is 0.00059. 12. Nevada Number of EV Chargers: 2,013 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00063 Nevada ranks 12th on our list. According to the US Department of Energy, the state has 2,013 EV charging ports at 593 stations across the state. The number of electric vehicle chargers per person in the state is 0.00063. 11. Utah Number of EV Chargers: 2,157 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00063 Utah is ranked 11th among the states with the most EV chargers per person. The state has a total number of 2,157 chargers at 877 locations across the state. The number of EV chargers available per person in the state is 0.00063. 10. Connecticut Number of EV Chargers: 2,584 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00071 Connecticut ranks 10th on our list. According to the EV charging ports data from the US Department of Energy, Connecticut has a total of 2,584 electric vehicle chargers located at 872 stations across the state. The number of EV chargers per person in the state is 0.00071. 9. Rhode Island Number of EV Chargers: 821 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00075 Rhode Island is one of the top states with the highest number of EV chargers per person. The state has 821 EV chargers located at 320 stations. The number of EV chargers per person in the state is 0.00075. 8. Oregon Number of EV Chargers: 3,202 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00076 Oregon is ranked among the US states with the most EV chargers per person. The state has a total number of 3,202 chargers at 1,264 locations across the state. The number of EV chargers available per person in the state is 0.00076. 7. Washington Number of EV Chargers: 5,910 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00076 Washington ranks 7th on our list. According to the US Department of Energy, Washington has a total of 5,910 EV chargers located at 2,230 stations across the state. The number of electric vehicle chargers available per person in Washington is 0.00076. 6. Maine Number of EV Chargers: 1,106 Number of EV Chargers per Person: 0.00079 Maine is ranked 6th on our list of the 15 US states with the most electric vehicle chargers per person. The state has a total number of 1,106 chargers at 494 locations across the state. The number of EV chargers available per person in the state is 0.00079. Click to continue reading and see the 5 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person is published on Insider Monkey. Genesis Global Trading, the cryptocurrency lending division of the Digital Currency Group, has filed a request to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York to authorize the sale of its trust assets, consisting of Bitcoin, Ether, and Ethereum classic held in Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) valued at around $1.6 billion. Genesis had approximately $1.4 billion of its assets in GBTC, $165 million in Grayscale Ethereum Trust, and $38 million in Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust. The bankrupt company plans to sell these assets to facilitate in-kind distributions to creditors. A portion of the GBTC shares were used as collateral by Genesis at the crypto exchange Gemini under the Gemini Earn program. Genesis is seeking to retrieve an additional 31 million GBTC shares pledged to Gemini but not yet transferred. Gemini, the primary creditor of Genesis, estimates that over 100,000 of its users are impacted by the bankruptcy, owed between $1 billion and $10 billion in total. In a recent court filing, Genesis emphasized the need for approval to sell the trust assets quickly to avoid any potential fluctuations in the underlying asset prices. If the sale is approved, the market could experience a significant increase in selling pressure on Bitcoin. The potential liquidation of a considerable amount of GBTC, which is equivalent to about 3.2% of Bitcoin's total circulating supply, is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences for the broader market. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Finland-based telecommunications company, Nokia (NOK) on Monday announced that it has entered into a multi-year 5G patent agreement with China's Vivo, after signing similar deals with Apple, Samsung, OPPO, Honor, and Huawei in the past 13 months. Under the agreement, Nokia would receive royalty payments and catch-up payments from Vivo. Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies, said, "We have now almost completed our smartphone license renewal cycle. We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Vivo, which reflects mutual respect for each other's intellectual property rights". Nokia anticipates generating around 1.4 billion euros, equivalent to $1.51 billion, through its intellectual property licensing . On the other side, Vivo also stands to gain from this agreement, since it can return to the German market after losing the lawsuit to Nokia. Earlier, the license agreement between Nokia and Vivo had expired in 2021 and was not renewed, which led to a legal battle between the companies in Germany. "The agreement resolves all pending patent litigation between the parties, in all jurisdictions. The terms of the agreement remain confidential as agreed between the parties," Nokia confirmed. Xianwen Xu, General Manager of Legal Affairs Department at Vivo, stated, "We are pleased to have reached a global cross-license agreement with Nokia. Signing the agreement reflects the mutual recognition and respect for each other's patent value in cellular and it also plays a significant role in fostering a positive development environment within the industry. We are dedicated to investing in R&D of smart devices and intelligent services, providing extraordinary hi-tech products and services for users worldwide". For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News McDonald's Co. (MCD) recently released its financial results for the quarter, and they were mixed. The fast-food giant faced a decline in sales in the Middle East following boycotts that were initiated by an announcement from McDonald's Israel, a local franchisee, about providing complimentary meals to Israeli soldiers. The boycotts, which led to customer protests, affected sales in nations with sizable Muslim communities like France, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Some franchisees, like McDonald's Oman, pledged donations to Gaza relief efforts in response to the boycotts. To ensure employee safety, McDonald's had to adjust store hours or close certain outlets temporarily due to protests. The impact of the boycotts on the company's finances in the quarter was not clarified by McDonald's, but CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted their significant impact in the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries. During the earnings call, McDonald's CFO Ian Borden stated, "We do not expect to see meaningful improvement until there is a resolution in the Middle East." McDonald's disclosed providing minimal financial aid to franchisees affected by the Middle East conflict. However, sales in its licensed , which predominantly includes Middle Eastern entities, grew only by 0.7% in the previous quarter due to the tensions - far below the over 4% growth in the United States and other global markets. The company's stance against violence and hate speech, emphasizing inclusivity, was also expressed by Kempczinski in a LinkedIn post. It's worth noting that McDonald's was not the only U.S. company to face repercussions from the Middle East conflict. Starbucks revealed last week that it also faced boycotts in the region and other areas due to perceived support for Israel. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A food convoy waiting to move into Northern Gaza was hit by Israeli naval gunfire, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees says. This was reported by Thomas White, the Director of UNRWA Affairs - Gaza. "Thankfully no one was injured," he wrote on X, and posted the picture of a loaded truck that was hit by the gunfire. The attack comes at a time around two million people in Gaza are hungry and desperate for food as Israeli raids targeting Hamas continues aggressively in the Palestinian enclave. Forty percent of the population are at risk of famine, according to UNRWA. He stressed the need for more regular supplies, and called for safe and sustainable humanitarian access everywhere including to the North of Gaza. As the war has left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and on the brink of famine, UNRWA, as the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza, has been providing food, shelter and protection, even as its own staff members were being displaced and killed. But major donors have frozen funding UNRWA after accusations that many of its staff were involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel. The UN had warned last week that aid operations in Gaza are at risk as 16 donor countries have slashed support to the agency. Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee said last week that this decision will have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza. No other entity has the capacity to deliver the scale and breadth of assistance that 2.2 million people in the region urgently need. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday appointed an independent panel to conduct an inquiry into the accusations. The independent Review Group, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, will work with three research organizations from February 14. It will take place in parallel with?an investigation currently underway by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) into allegations of the involvement of 12 UNRWA personnel in the attacks. "The accusations come at a time when UNRWA, the largest UN organization in the region, is working under extremely challenging conditions to deliver life-saving assistance to the two million people in the Gaza Strip who depend on it for their survival amidst one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world," the Secretary-General said in a statement. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The UN Security Council held an urgent meeting at the request of Russia, as the war in Gaza continued to fan tensions across the Middle East, with potentially dramatic consequences for regional peace and security. The UN Political Affairs chief appealed for the Council to help prevent further escalation and ease tensions across the region. Briefing ambassadors, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo warned that escalating attacks were fueling chances of miscalculation. "We have witnessed near daily incidents in the region. These include some 165 attacks on United States facilities in Syria and Iraq, prompting US strikes in the two countries," DiCarlo said. The UN official described the febrile situation elsewhere in the region, including between Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah across the Blue Line, which separates the armed forces of Israel and Lebanon. Repeated rocket fire also took place over the occupied Golan between Israel and militias reportedly linked to Iran, as well as airstrikes attributed to Israel by Damascus on multiple locations in Syria, she added. She also noted the Houthi drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea, and the retaliatory strikes by the US and UK. "I reiterate the Secretary-General's call on all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict," DiCarlo said. She appealed to the Security Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security. Iran's Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani strongly condemned the US strikes against Iraqi and Syrian territories. The Deputy Permanent Representative of Iraq Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi said American attacks are not in line with Iraq's relationship with the US, adding that Iraq condemns and categorically rejects any attack on its territory based on futile and illogical pretexts. Syria's UN Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak said the arguments heard at the meeting were the "same flimsy pretexts and misleading claims the US administration is promoting to justify its repeated attacks". Robert Wood, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the US to the UN, said his country's "necessary and proportional" actions on February 2 in Iraq and Syria against Iran's Islamic Republic Guards Corps and affiliated militia groups was taken in exercise of the US's inherent right to self-defense. China's Ambassador Zhang Jun said that action taken by the US was creating new turmoil in the Middle East. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The 51K bookings bagged in 1 month is a huge flex over Seltos, Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Elevate, Kushaq, Taigun, Astor and C3 Aircross The compact SUV segment (marketed as mid-size SUV) is among the most competitive and cutthroat spaces in Indian automotive industry. Latest offering in this segment is the facelift of Hyundai Creta. The car has been a hot-seller since its inception close to a decade ago. Hyundai celebrates a major milestone with Creta facelift. 51K Bookings In 1 Month Huge Milestone For Hyundai Creta Recently launched Hyundai Creta facelift demonstrates its popularity by bagging 51K bookings since a month of commencement of booking portal. This is a huge milestone and really shows the sales potential of Hyundais best-seller in India. The car has been a staple offering in India and often tops the best-selling SUV charts too. We have driven the new Creta and you can read our first-drive review here. Hyundai Creta is among the very few cars on sale in India that gets customer perceptions right. Hyundai has understood what customer needs and offers a curated package with the right set of features for the respective price bracket. The 51K bookings bagged in one month, shows buyers fidelity towards Creta. The car is on sale in six monotone and one dual-tone exterior paint scheme. These include Fiery Red, Ranger Khaki, Abyss Black, Atlas White, Titan Grey and the new Robust Emerald Pearl. Only Atlas White gets a black roof option. Hyundai Creta gets in a Royal Rumble match with fellow compact SUVs like Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, MG Astor and Citroen C3 Aircross. Except for Citroen C3 Aircross, all other contenders are 5-seater vehicles. Specs and Powertrains With a larger sample size, Hyundai might reveal buyer trends and booking preferences in the future. Something similar to what Kia did when Seltos hit 1 lakh bookings milestone recently. This data reveals buyer trends, ratio of petrol and diesel variant bookings, customer preference in trim levels and more. Currently, Creta is offered in E, EX, S, S (O), SX, SX Tech and top-spec SX (O). Newest powertrain offered with Creta is also the sportiest, which is Hyundai/Kias 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo petrol GDI engine that generates 160 PS of peak power and 253 Nm of peak torque. This engine gets a sole 7-speed DCT gearbox and this powertrain combo is bundled only with top-spec SX (O) trim. Other two options include the same 1.5L NA petrol and 1.5L diesel engines. Prices for Hyundai Creta start from Rs. 11 lakh (ex-sh) and goes till Rs. 20.15 lakh (ex-sh). Hyundai is on the verge of launching Creta N Line. Launch may happen any day now. Along with that, there will be an electrified version of Creta soon. Kia Seltos achievement in bookings resonates with the companys efforts in design, aesthetics and packaging departments Seltos has always been a paramount offering for Kia Motors. The South Korean brand made its India debut with Seltos and has been riding a wave of success ever since. The badass Seltos has played a pivotal role in Kia Indias journey in the Asian subcontinent. New Seltos popularity is demonstrated by 1 lakh+ strong bookings, which is a major flexing point for Kia India. Kia Seltos Achieve 1 Lakh+ Booking Milestone Operating in cut-throat compact SUV segment (marketed as mid-size SUV), Kia Seltos has been a prominent name for Indian car buyers. In December 2023, sales charts positioned Kia Seltos as Indias best-selling compact SUV, surpassing the all-time best-seller, Hyundai Creta. Seltos is easily Kias best-seller among its Indian lineup. Kia launched New Seltos last year (a.k.a. Seltos 2.0) and revamped its interiors and featured a prominent new exterior design. Since its launch in July 2023, New Seltos has bagged over 1 lakh bookings. The car was priced with a starting price of Rs. 10.99 lakh (ex-sh), which was a tempting proposition for prospective buyers. On average, Kia received 13,500 bookings every month, post launch in July 2023. If we take Seltos overall sales endeavour since its inception in 2019, Kia mentions that they have manufactured over 6 lakh units of Seltos in India. Nearly 75% of these 6 lakh Seltos manufactured in India, were sold in the domestic market. Customer preferences and buying trends If we take Seltos sales performance in the year 2023, Kia sold 1.04 lakh units of its compact SUV offering. Now that Kia has clocked over 1 lakh bookings for the new Seltos, this is a good place for the company to analyse buying trends of customers with a large sample size. Nearly 50% of total bookings are for automatic variants. This indicates that Seltos is popular among city dwellers, first-time car buyers and new-age customers. Diesel still garners a strong demand among Seltos buyers accounting for 42% of total Seltos bookings, while petrol variants accounted for 58%. Kia highlighted that 80% of Seltos buyers opted for sunroof-equipped variants and 80% of buyers inclined towards top variants. The 80% figure is identical for both because Kia bundles a panoramic sunroof with top variants as standard. If a buyer opts for a top variant, he is stuck with a sunroof. Seltos Facelift offers Level-2 ADAS tech with 17 features. This safety suite proposition has attracted 40% of total Seltos bookings. Words from the manufacturer Commenting on Seltos success, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales & Business Officer, Kia India, said, We are excited about the market success of the new Seltos. Undoubtedly, it stands out as one of the smartest SUV choices available, and the response from our customers resonates with this sentiment. The New Seltos is helping us consolidate our market leadership consistently in the mid-SUV segment. We are actively realigning our manufacturing processes to ensure that our customers gain access to their favourite SUVs as swiftly as possible. We are thankful to all Seltos and Kia fans in India who support and inspire us to do better with every product. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, reacts to a video at his keynote address at CES in Las Vegas. Rick Wilking/Reuters Nvidia stock surged 4% on Monday to a record high, and Goldman Sachs thinks the gains could continue. Goldman increased its Nvidia price target to $800 on Monday, representing potential upside of 21%. Here are the 6 reasons that give Goldman Sachs increased confidence in its bullish outlook of Nvidia. Nvidia's 218% rally over the past year isn't stopping Goldman Sachs from increasing its price target on the semiconductor company. In a Monday note, Goldman Sachs raised its Nvidia price target from $625 to $800, representing potential upside of 21% from Friday's close. Nvidia stock jumped as much as 5% on Monday to a record valuation of $1.7 trillion. Goldman Sachs analysts believe that Nvidia's Data Center revenue won't "drop off" in the second half of 2024 as it previously forecast. Instead, according to Goldman Sachs, Nvidia will consistently increase its Data Center revenue through the first half of 2025 thanks to "continued spending on generative AI infrastructure by the large cloud service providers, a broadening customer profile, and multiple new product cycles." Recent commentary from last week's earnings reports of the major cloud providers, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet, suggest to Goldman Sachs that Nvidia still stands to benefit from accelerated spending on AI-enabling GPU chips, like the H100. "We are encouraged by various data points from the broader eco-system that point to sustained strength in demand for accelerated computing," Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari wrote. These are the six reasons Goldman Sachs is growing more bullish on Nvidia. 1. "Early evidence of AI monetization at the likes of Microsoft (6% point contribution toward Azure growth in the December quarter + Copilot adoption) and Meta Platforms (increased monetization across Reels, messaging and commerce)." 2. "Constructive commentary on AI-related capital spending by the hyperscalers (note Meta increased its 2024 capex guidance from $30-35bn prior to $30-37bn)." Story continues 3. "Super Micro's forward guidance that implies an acceleration in its sequential revenue growth rate from 7% qoq in 1QCY24 to 24% qoq in 2QCY24 at the midpoint of guidance." 4. "AMD's positive revision to its 2024 Data Center GPU revenue outlook to ~$3.5bn from $2bn+ as of three months ago." 5. "Marvell's recent upbeat comments regarding its optical DSP and custom compute businesses (note that we revised up our FY2025-26 Data Center segment revenue forecasts by 5%)." 6. "Nvidia's reiteration at CES of its conviction in growing Data Center revenue beyond CY2024 a view predicated on strong visibility as it pertains to capital spending patterns at the large cloud service providers." And while Nvidia does face growing competition from AMD, Hari believes Nvidia will remain "the industry gold standard for the foreseeable future" thanks to its powerful hardware, complementary software products, and its rapid pace of innovation. Hari wrote that based on supply chain feedback, he expects Nvidia to ramp up production of its next-gen H200 hyperscaler in the second quarter of 2024, the B100/B40 to enter production in the second half of 2024, and the X100/X40 to be launched in 2025. "Our recent conversations with companies throughout the supply chain suggest that GPU manufacturing capacity will increase on a sequential basis throughout 4QCY24, with a potential acceleration in sequential growth in 3QCY24," Hari said. Goldman Sachs isn't alone in its thinking, with Bank of America increasing its price target on Nvidia to $800 last week based on the idea that demand for AI is still in its infancy. Read the original article on Business Insider Twice this ridiculously wet winter several homes in northern Escondido along Vista Avenue have been damaged when flood waters overtook their homes. After the first flood in January, Michael Sucharda began repairs to the home where he lives with his wife and in-laws. Then came a record storm on Feb. 27 that dropped more than four inches of rain on Escondido, causing a new round of flooding worse than the first. City officials are trying to get to the root of the problem before the next storm moves in, but have so far declined to say what theyve learned. Advertisement Surcharda has said he believes the culprit is a graded property about a block to the east, where KB Homes plans to build 40 homes. The site includes a holding pond where water spilled out, he said. A report on the incident filed by Escondido Fire Capt. Derek Chapman confirmed that runoff from the excessive rain breached the holding pond and flooded three homes. The developer released a statement this week denying any fault, however, and said the problem was caused by another neighbor who filled in a drainage channel which serves the area. This compromised the water management systems capacity and caused flooding during the recent record rainfall. As the drainage channel is not located on our property, we do not have the authority to address the issue without permission from the homeowner, KB Homes spokeswoman Susan Martin said in the statement. We have notified the neighboring property owner and their counsel of the drainage issues and have even offered to shoulder the costs of restoring the drainage channel to its prior and intended condition. After the first incident, a claim was filed against the city by Ruben Cruz, another resident of the area, that simply stated: Drain plugged and house is flooded, need help! Julie Procopio, Escondidos engineering services director, said this week the city is looking into the problem. She declined to comment beyond that because of possible pending litigation. Chapman, the fire captain, said some of the rain came from the holding pond but more came from the sky. Ill discuss only facts as I saw them, he said. Look, there was too much rain. The water overflowed and it came into the back yards. Evan Walker, an attorney for Surchardas in-laws Ellen and Ron Ewertz who own the Vista Avenue home said the courts may have to ultimately figure out what happened. Were trying to figure out who is really responsible here and we may not know until we file suit and have flushed it out that way, said Walker, who specializes in flood litigation. He said he doesnt yet know if the city will be included in the list of defendants. He said the last time the Ewertzs home flooded was in the 1970s. Sucharda said hes been told by a contractor the damage will will cost between $80,000 and $130,000 to repair. Meanwhile, he said, he doesnt know if he should start repairs. Do I wait to rebuild? Is this going to happen again? Sucharda said. Who do I need to talk to at this point to get it squared away? jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones People are talking about Diamond Jims, again. And not in a good way. Chula Vista Councilwoman Patricia Aguilar called a meeting Jan. 18 at the Chula Vista Police Department to hear complaints about the bar at 773 Third Ave. Advertisement During my entire time Ive been on the council Ive heard complaints, issues surrounding bars in the city, but its mostly been about Diamond Jims, Aguilar said. She was first elected in 2010. The problem of rowdy bar patrons has been persistent since at least November 2009. A community meeting was held then at police headquarters when the bar was under different ownership. Fast forward to 2017, the same complaints by some of the same people. Pandra Boyle, who has lived nearby on Church Street since 1985, said she wanted to give the current owners a chance with the idea that you dont put a past behavior against a new owner. However, she said after a while it was back to business as usual. Boyle said every night between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., patrons pull up and park in the residential area of Kearney Street, Del Mar and Church avenues and yell, urinate, drink in their car and on the street and blast their music. Theres a pre-party and post-party, Boyle said. Were up all night...Theres is no quality of life in this neighborhood. Other speakers on Jan. 18 cited trash, public intoxication, drug use and illegal activity they said spills out into their streets. Police Department officials said the meeting about the problem bar was the first step in finding a solution for residents and the owners, Veronica and Cesar Aguilera. In 2016, the bar received 120 calls for service, 86 of which were police initiated. Repeated calls included disturbances, extra patrol, stakeouts, petty theft, assault, incident follow up and traffic stops, according to a public records act request. These are police initiated calls because we perceive other problems, not with the bar per se, but a problem surrounding the bar, said Chula Vista police Lt. Eric Thunberg. Diamond Jims was acquired by the Aguileras in September 2015. Police Department officials said there have been issues surrounding the transfer of license since then and they have operated off of several temporary licenses but didnt know the details as to why. Veronica said her biggest concern in taking over the bar had to do with making it a better business for Chula Vista. She said the bar came with a bad reputation and they knew coming in things needed to change. She said the clientele consists of teachers, principals and law enforcement officers of all types. Theyve come in and enjoy themselves and feel comfortable. These issues have become an embarrassment for the patrons and us. The Aguileras say theyve put a lot of time and money into the bar and just want a clean slate. We thought the community would be excited, its disappointing that despite all this that weve done, were still being judged on the past. Their application is pending approval from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control as they negotiate conditions of operation. They are currently operating on a temporary license. Several solutions were presented during the meeting, including a valet service, restricted permitted parking district for residents and changing the bars name. This is where we see what we can do to craft something, a set of guidelines amenable to all that allows the owner to operate a profitable business but alleviates neighbor concerns, Thunberg said. He said the most viable solution is a combination of responsible ownership, an engaged community willing to work with each other, and Police Department involvement. At the end of the meeting, the Aguileras expressed their appreciation to the people voicing their concerns. If theres something that doesnt fit with the community, well change it, Cesar Aguilera said. You want your family to be safe and we feel the same way. But he asked for patience, saying the changes will take time. Talk to us, well work with you. Give us a year, then judge us by that. Aguilar said she would schedule follow up meetings with the city, owner and Police Department to explore realistic solutions. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript February 5, 2024 Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. misses on earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $2.73 EPS, expectations were $2.99. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. isnt one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here). Operator: Good morning, and welcome to the Air Products' First Quarter Earnings Release Conference Call. Today's call is being recorded at the request of Air Products. Please note that this presentation and the comments made on behalf of Air Products are subject to copyright by Air Products and all rights are reserved. Beginning today's call is Mr. Sidd Manjeshwar. Please go ahead sir. Sidd Manjeshwar: Hi, thank you, Jenifer. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Air Products' first quarter 2024 earnings results teleconference. This is Sidd Manjeshwar, Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Treasurer. I'm pleased to be joined today by Seifi Ghasemi, our Chairman, President and CEO; Dr. Samir Serhan, our Chief Operating Officer; Melissa Schaeffer, our Chief Financial Officer; and Sean Major, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. After our comments, we will be pleased to take your questions. Our earnings release and the slides for this call are available on our website at airproducts.com. Today's discussion contains forward-looking statements, including those about earnings and capital expenditure guidance, business outlook and investment opportunities. A line of workers in a refinery wearing protective suits and masks, overseeing the production process of specialty gases. Please refer to the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements that is provided in our earnings release and on slide number two. Additionally, throughout today's discussion, we will refer to various financial measures including earnings per share, operating income, operating margin, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, the effective tax rate and ROCE both on a total company and segment basis. Unless we specifically state otherwise, statements regarding these measures are referring to our adjusted non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these measures to our most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found on our website in the relevant earnings release section. Now with that, I'm pleased to turn the call over to Seifi. Story continues Seifi Ghasemi: Thank you, Sidd, and good day to everyone. Thank you for taking time from your very busy schedule to be on our call today. As always, I would like to begin with the slide number three, our safety performance, which is our number one priority at Air Products. I'm very pleased to share that our employee recordable injury rate in first quarter was 78% than in 2014, and our employee lost time injury rate was at a record row, the best in the industry. Our ultimate goal will always be zero accidents and zero incidents. Now, please turn to slide number four, which summarizes our management philosophy. These principles remain fundamental to how we manage and grow our company. Now please turn to slide number five. I would like to take a few minutes to discuss the results for this quarter. Our first quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.82 was 7% higher than last year. Our business performed well and we are moving forward. There were several positive contributions to this result that included strong conversion margins, robust on-site activities in Americas and Europe, and higher quality affiliate income globally. Despite the year-to-year improvement that I just mentioned, our results diverged from the guidance range that we have given you due to several items that they're not factored in our first quarter 2024 outlook. We have given you a forecast and we are delivering less than the forecast, but again Id like to express that we are 7% higher than last year. These factors that affected our guidance are: number one, larger than anticipated volume headwinds from weak economic growth in China. See also Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia and 15 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) has spent about eight years focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), a market forecast to soar in the double digits this decade. This technology may revolutionize everything from work to daily life, making it an area tech companies can't ignore. Late last year, Alphabet took a particularly big step forward in the area of AI. The technology giant introduced Gemini, its strongest AI model yet and one that could help the company progress across its businesses, from Google Search to cloud computing. In fact, Alphabet says it's integrating Gemini in all of its products and services. Gemini can indeed do a lot -- from powering features in the company's Pixel 8 Pro smartphone to offering developers a building platform. But, for Alphabet, Gemini and the company's overall AI work may be most valuable in one particular area. Image source: Getty Images. The search market leader As mentioned above, Alphabet has more than one business. The company offers clients cloud computing services through Google Cloud and also sells hardware such as phones and watches. But Alphabet's biggest business of all -- and the one most people are probably familiar with -- is Google Search. Google holds a 91% share of the worldwide search market, leaving even its closest rival, Microsoft's Bing, in the dust with a share of less than 4%. This leadership isn't likely to end thanks to Alphabet's solid moat, or competitive advantage, which is its comfortable position in our daily routines. Proof of that is its entrance into our language -- when you don't know something, the common reflex is to say, "I'll Google it." Now, let's get back to Gemini and where it could be most valuable for Alphabet -- and that's in the area of search. The company has made the smart decision to aggressively work to improve its search engine and not just ride those waves of success. Alphabet has started to experiment with Gemini in search, and the result is it's speeding up the company's Search Generative Experience (SGE). With Gemini on board, search latency has dropped 40% in the English language, and that means searches are considerably faster. Story continues The tech giant has been developing SGE as a search platform using generative AI -- so that when you search for something, you're immediately served a general overview of the particular topic, along with links to find more in-depth information and different perspectives. All of this offers you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge of the topic you're interested in and discover a wider range of content related to it. Google advertising revenue Today, Alphabet generates most of its revenue through Google advertising, with businesses aiming to sell their products or services to users as they use the search engine. In the most recent quarter, Google advertising represented 75% of total revenue. AI, by making searches faster and better, will keep users loyal, ensuring advertisers will keep coming back. Gemini is also directly helping advertisers build better ad campaigns through an AI-powered chat experience. Of course, this new AI model also may help Alphabet score wins across its businesses and lift revenue in both its cloud and hardware segments. But considering the company's leadership in search and the ad revenue linked to that, search is where Gemini truly could make its mark, becoming a key element to drive future revenue growth. What does this mean for investors? Alphabet has a solid track record of earnings increases and has displayed dominance in the search business and growth in its other businesses over time. GOOG Revenue (Annual) Chart And even in difficult economic environments, such as the past two years, revenue has gained. At the same time, the shares trade for only 21x forward earnings estimates, down from 30 a year ago, a bargain considering the whole picture. And that's why today is a great time to buy Alphabet -- and benefit as Gemini makes the company's top business even better. Should you invest $1,000 in Alphabet right now? Before you buy stock in Alphabet, 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 Alphabet wasnt 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 February 5, 2024 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Alphabet's AI Model Gemini Can Do a Lot. Here's What Could Be Most Valuable. was originally published by The Motley Fool Shopping for groceries is a common task for many people, but identifying grocery items can be challenging for visually impaired individuals. In a groundbreaking development for assistive technology, a team of experts introduced AiSee, an innovative wearable assistive device designed to help people with visual impairments. What is AiSee? Visually impaired people face daily hurdles, such as object identification, vital for simple and complex decision-making. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence have dramatically improved visual recognition capabilities, but the real-world application of these technologies is still challenging and prone to errors. AiSee aims to overcome these limitations by utilizing state-of-the-art AI technologies. First developed in 2018, this tool has been progressively upgraded over five years. Its main goal is to empower users with more natural interaction. Following a human-centered design process, the researchers question the typical approach of using glasses augmented with a camera. Visually impaired people may be reluctant to wear glasses to avoid stigmatization. Because of this, the research team led by National University of Singapore's (NUS) School of Computing associate professor Suranga Nanayakkara proposed an alternative hardware that incorporates a discreet bone conduction headphone. In using AiSee, the user will only need to hold an object and activate the built-in camera to capture an image of the object. The device will identify the object using AI and provide more information when queried by the user. READ ALSO: New Experimental Wearable Device Could Generate Power From User's Bending Finger; Create, Store Memories How Does AiSee Work? AiSee comprises three major components: the eye, brain, and speaker. The eye is a vision engine computer software incorporating a micro-camera to capture the user's field of view. The software can extract features from the surroundings, like text and logos, which will be labeled from the captured image for processing. The brain serves as an AI-powered image processing unit and interactive Q&A system. After the user takes a photo of the object of interest, the tool utilizes sophisticated cloud-based AI algorithms to process and analyze the images for object identification. The user can also ask questions to find more information about the object. AiSee uses advanced text-to-speech and speech-to-text recognition and processing technology to identify objects and understand the user's queries. A large language model enables AiSee to excel in question-and-answer interactions. This allows the system to understand and respond to the queries promptly and informally. Unlike other wearable assistive devices that need smartphone pairing, AiSee works as a self-contained system that can function independently without the help of other additional devices. Meanwhile, the speaker serves as the bone conduction sound system. This technology allows sound transmission through the bones of the skull, ensuring that auditory information is effectively delivered while still having access to external sounds like conversations or traffic noise. This is very important for visually impaired individuals since sounds provide vital information for decision-making, particularly in situations that involve safety considerations. The researchers believe that AiSee can be a handuseful tool for visually impaired and blind people. Most of the time, assistive devices seem very targeted at totally blind or visually impaired individuals, and AiSee could be a good balance. RELATED ARTICLE: Calico Robot Assistant: The Tiny, On-Cloth Wearable Device That Can Zip Around Your Clothing Check out more news and information on Wearable Devices in Science Times. Over the past several years, Michigan's community mental health agencies have been stepping up with a number of initiatives to help fill the gap in mental health services for youth. Workers at Anheuser-Busch Cos., the producer of Bud Light and other top-selling beers, are on the brink of striking, demanding significant wage increases, job security and enhanced retirement and benefits. The potential strike, involving 5,000 workers represented by the Teamsters at 12 U.S. breweries, underscores the first significant union contract dispute of 2024. The Teamsters, expressing their readiness for action, highlighted their stance through a decisive vote, with 99% in favor of strike authorization if a fair contract is not reached by Feb. 29. Without a contract by Feb. 29, there won't be any beer come March, the Teamsters posted on X, signaling the gravity of the situation. The contract battle marks a pivotal moment under the leadership of Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien, who emphasized the unions commitment to securing a contract that acknowledges the workers contributions. Our members' labor, talent and sacrifice are what put Anheuser-Busch products on the shelf, and we are committed to getting a contract that rewards and recognizes their hard work, O'Brien said. Don't Miss: Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100. Passive income investments are one of the most trusted methods for riding out a recession, so it's no surprise that people are turning to high-yield real estate notes that pay a fixed 7.5% to 9%. Jeff Padellaro, director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, underscored the urgency, noting the lack of progress in negotiations and the potential for strike action. Anheuser-Busch can't kick this can down the road much longer ... we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn't get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good union jobs, Padellaro said. The standoff has led to rallies by Anheuser-Busch Teamsters in states like New Hampshire, California, and Florida with more planned across the country. Workers like Josh Blanton of Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida, have voiced their determination, emphasizing unity and readiness to strike for fair treatment. Story continues The dispute has been intensified by Anheuser-Buschs proposals, which the Teamsters claim threaten job security by suggesting brewery closures and layoffs. O'Brien criticized the companys approach during negotiations, accusing Anheuser-Busch of prioritizing marketing and investor interests over fair labor practices. As the deadline approaches, the Teamsters have made it clear that any contract not meeting their expectations will not be accepted. Amid the backdrop of labor tensions at Anheuser-Busch, the beer industry faces broader challenges, with the past year marking the lowest level of beer consumption in the U.S. in decades. Industry analysts, including Beer Marketers Insights (BMI), highlight a significant shift in consumer preferences, as reported by NBC News. It was a tough year for beer, said David Steinman, BMI vice president and executive editor, noting a move away from traditional beer toward alternative alcoholic beverages and an increasing inclination towards nonalcoholic options. For the first time since 1999, beer shipments were poised to dip below the 200 million barrel mark, showcasing a widespread downturn within the industry. Anheuser-Busch was at the forefront of this decline. Despite capturing media attention for a controversial sponsorship agreement with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which sparked a boycott of Bud Light among some of its consumer base, Steinman emphasized that this event alone does not account for the broader trend of decreasing beer consumption. Read Next: "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 'Anheuser-Busch Can't Kick This Can Down The Road Much Longer' Workers Threaten To Strike Warning No Beer Supply Come March originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Bioplastics and radiofrequency company Biome Technologies said in an update on Tuesday that it recorded total revenue of 7m for 2023, meeting market expectations and marking a 13% increase over the prior year's outturn of 6.2m. The AIM-traded firm said that at the end of the year, it held a cash balance of 0.6m, slightly down from the prior year's 0.8m. Additionally, it had 0.85m worth of outstanding 2026 convertible loan notes, with no bank debt reported. The bioplastics division generated revenue of 6m for the year ended 31 December, marking a substantial 36% increase compared to the prior year's revenue of 4.4m. Biome said the growth was fueled by larger orders from existing customers and an expanded customer base in North America. The division's success was particularly evident in its production of bioplastic polymer grades suitable for crafting home compostable filmic materials. It said the growing market for home compostable materials was expected to continue its upward trajectory. Biome said it had committed to further developing its range of home compostable materials, and was granted a European patent early in 2024 to support those efforts. To continue capitalising on the North American market, Biome had bolstered its customer-facing team in Canada, enhancing its brand presence and customer awareness. On the other hand, the Stanelco RF technologies division reported revenue of 0.9m for 2023, down from 1.8m in 2022. The decline was put down to the timing of contract receipts and revenue recognition. In a previous trading update in November, the division disclosed ongoing negotiations with several potential customers regarding contracts with significant revenue and profit recognition potential for 2024. The board said the negotiations had progressed substantially in recent weeks, instilling confidence that they would be successfully concluded in the near future. The board is pleased with the strong progress of the bioplastics division throughout 2023, which continues to grow strongly in the face of some global headwinds, evidencing the division's resilience, the board said in its statement. It is encouraging to see the ongoing diversification of the customer base that will provide a broader platform for further growth in due course, in line with our stated strategy. Whilst there have been timing delays in progressing some of the RF division's projects of scale, negotiations in relation to two of these are now progressing well and the board remains confident that these should successfully complete in the relatively short-term. Biome said it expected the current financial year to build on the trading momentum being established in both divisions. It said it would announce its financial results for the 2023 financial year on 29 April. At 1235 GMT, shares in Biome Technologies were up 16.1% at 119p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Xi extends condolences over death of Namibia's Geingob Xinhua) 08:09, February 06, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolences to Namibia's newly sworn-in President Nangolo Mbumba over the death of former Namibian President Hage Geingob. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi extended profound condolences and expressed sincere sympathy to the Namibian government and people, as well as Geingob's family. In his message, Xi pointed out that President Geingob, an outstanding leader of Namibia, had promoted the in-depth development of the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation during his lifetime and made important contributions to boosting China's friendship with Namibia and Africa. His death is a great loss to the Namibian people, and the Chinese people also lost a good friend, Xi said. He added that China cherishes the profound traditional friendship between China and Namibia and is ready to work with the Namibian side to push forward the continuous development of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) By Alimat Aliyeva With the support of the Uzbekistan Embassy, a video broadcast was held, during which representatives of the Agency for External Labor Migration of Uzbekistan and Masahiro Ando, director of the Japanese company Business Plaza Cooperative, met, Azernews reports. According to the information, issues of developing mutually beneficial cooperation were discussed, in particular, attracting labor resources from Uzbekistan to Japan within the framework of the technical internship program for qualified workers. The director of the Japanese company stressed that currently citizens of several countries are successfully employed in various fields of construction and manufacturing in Japan under the technical internship program. It was also announced the intention to temporarily employ Uzbek specialists in Japan within the framework of this program. As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached on the upcoming trip of representatives of the Business Plaza Cooperative company to Uzbekistan to familiarize themselves with opportunities in the field of labor migration and discuss prospects for cooperation. Hip-hop artist and cheese cake baker Nony1 poses for a photo with some of his favorite cheese cakes in Athens, Ga., on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Nony1 started baking with his great grandmother at age 8 and now runs Nony's Cheesecakes which delivers cheesecakes all across Georgia. Back in September, when Nony1 performed during the closing number at the Athens in Harmony concert, the sold-out crowd stood up in their seats. Most likely didn't know that the gifted hip hop artist was also a talented baker and business owner, but if given the chance to sample one of his signature desserts, their response would likely have been equally as enthusiastic. When not cooking up beats and rhymes as Nony 1, Marcus Lawrence can be found in a kitchen in Athens or Augusta filling orders for Nony's Cheesecakes, the business that has earned the Athens-born artist a stellar reputation outside of the local music scene. And though he originally kept his creative passions separate, Lawrence said he recently made the decision to merge the two. Nony1's red velvet and turtle cheesecake. "I wanted to kind of be anonymous with the cheesecake at first," said Lawrence, who does most of his baking in the kitchen at the Aaron Heard Resource Center. "I wanted to know that people were buying it because it was good and not because of my hip hop persona." Lawrence's love of baking comes from his grandmother, who had multiple sclerosis. She taught Lawrence how to make rice pudding when he was just 8 years old, and as one of the oldest grandchildren, Lawrence spent a lot of time helping around the house. Later, as a 13-year-old student at Coile Middle School, Lawrence became obsessed with lyrics, and began writing rap songs about food. But it was in the break room while working third shift at Walmart that things for Lawrence's business were set in motion. One of Lawrence's co-workers, a pregnant woman, expressed a craving for cheesecake. Lawrence said that he knew how to make it, and the woman said that she'd pay him for the dessert if it was good. Lawrence ended up making $20, and began taking suggestions on creative flavors to experiment with. Eat Athens: These local restaurateurs are going to cook a different cuisine every week (L-R) Nony1 and Bart King perform at the 6th annual Athens in Harmony concert at The Foundry in Athens, Ga. on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. "I saw baking the same way I saw music," said Lawrence. "You start with a blank canvas, and every ingredient is like a musical note, or a different layer that you add to your composition. Once it's done, you distribute it to the masses and let them tell you if they like it or not." Lawrence's most popular cheesecake flavors include Pecan Pie and Red Velvet. Story continues Originally called Cheesecaketopia back in 2012, Lawrence's business eventually merged with his Nony1 stage name to become Nony's Cheesecakes. Through online ordering and pop-up events at local businesses, Lawrence has developed a steady clientele in Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Albany and West Point, and is able to hire drivers to make deliveries outside of the Athens area. Visitors to the Nony's Cheesecakes Instagram page can watch videos of Lawrence baking while his music plays in the background, and can view the full menu and place orders via nonys.square.site/s/shop. Lawrence said that his eventual goal is to open a brick-and-mortar store. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens musician entrepreneur mixes hip hop and cheesecake On February 6 at 8:15 AM, GIFT Nifty futures traded 9.05 points or 0.04 percent higher at 21,812.5, suggesting a muted start for domestic equities today. Bharti Airtel: Bharti Airtel, a telecom company, has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 2,442 crore in the quarter ending December 2022, which is nearly 55 percent higher than the same period last year. The increase in profit was due to the addition of new subscribers and an increase in average revenue per user. The company's revenues for the quarter stood at Rs 37,900 crore, a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year. However, the African business experienced a 92 percent fall in net profit, with finance costs more than doubling to $352 million. The average revenue per user (ARPU) was Rs 208 per month, which is a key metric of profitability and bettered market expectations. The ARPU was up by 7.7 percent year-on-year and also higher than the Rs 203 reported in the previous quarter, which ended in September 2022. Ashok Leyland: The commercial vehicle manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, has reported a significant YoY rise in its standalone net profit to Rs 580 crore for the quarter ending December 2023, which is a 60.5 percent increase from its net profit of Rs 361.34 crore in the same period last year. The company's net standalone revenue also increased by 2.7 percent YoY to Rs 9,273 crore from Rs 9,029.7 crore in the previous year. During the quarter under review, the Hinduja group firm's EBITDA stood at Rs 1,114 crore, marking an increase from Rs 797 crore (8.8%) in the December quarter. In addition, Ashok Leyland has secured orders for more than 3,800 buses from State Transport Undertakings in the December quarter. Life Insurance Corporation of India: According to an exchange filing by the company on Monday, it will announce its third quarter financial results on February 8, and may also declare an interim dividend for FY24. The Board of Directors of the Corporation is scheduled to meet on February 08, 2024, to consider and approve the Unaudited Financial Results (Standalone and Consolidated) for the quarter and nine-month period ended on December 31, 2023. In this meeting, the Board of Directors will also consider a proposal for the declaration of an Interim Dividend for the Financial Year 2023-24. On Monday, LIC shares reached their 52-week high of Rs 1,027.95 per share on BSE. The company's stock closed 5.90 percent higher at Rs 1000.35 per share today. Over the past six months, LIC's share value has increased by 51.90 percent. Adani Total Gas & INOX India: Adani Total Gas has entered into a mutual support agreement with INOX India under which both will get a preferred partner" status for the delivery of LNG and LCNG equipment and services to identify and explore possible collaboration opportunities with an aim to strengthen the LNG ecosystem in the country. As preferred partners, ATGL will get certain project-level benefits, which include preferential treatment to ATGL and access to advanced scheduling, and consideration for collaborative opportunities for establishing LNG/LCNG stations, LNG satellite stations, transitioning to LNG as a transport fuel, LNG logistics, as well as developing small-scale liquid hydrogen solutions for the industry. JSW Infrastructure: The private port operator has earmarked about Rs 6,000 crore for acquiring strategic assets, with an aim to bolster its presence in an industry dominated by the Adani Group. The firm is exploring a stake acquisition in a government-owned port slated for privatization, a senior executive of the company said. Arun Maheshwari, joint managing director and chief executive of JSW Infra, said the company has one of the strongest balance sheets in the ports sector and the headroom is good enough to expand aggressively, as long as the opportunity is value accretive. JSW Group is evaluating all privatization prospects offered by the government, including the ambitious trans-shipment port project at Galathea Bay in the Great Nicobar Island. Britannia Industries: The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) major is expected to announce its Q3FY24 results on Tuesday, February 6. Analysts predict a 2-percent YoY increase in the company's consolidated net profit, with an estimated amount of Rs 566 crore compared to the previous year's Rs 556.8 crore. However, due to various factors such as high competition, anniversarisation of price hikes, some price cuts, and low single-digit volume growth, the Q3FY24 growth is expected to be muted. As a result, revenue growth is likely to be restricted to 3 percent YoY, amounting to Rs 4,303 crore for the quarter. Jio Financial Services: The NBFC clarified on Monday night that it hasn't been in any negotiations to acquire Paytm's wallet business. The financial services provider led by Mukesh Ambani issued a statement to the exchanges to clear up news reports that suggested it is in talks to acquire Paytm wallet. On January 31, the Reserve Bank of India barred Paytm Payments Bank from undertaking any banking activities after February 29, citing non-compliance with KYC guidelines and other issues. Tata Consultancy Services: On February 5th, TCS, an IT services company, announced that it has been chosen as a strategic partner by Europ Assistance, a leading global assistance and travel insurance company. The partnership is multi-year and aims to transform Europ Assistance's global IT operating model for better resilience, scalability, and user experience. TCS will be using its ignio AIOps offering to enhance the operational resilience and business agility of Europ Assistance. Ideaforge Technology: The manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems has made a net profit of Rs 14.8 crore during the October-December period of FY24, compared to a loss of Rs 7.8 crore in the same period last year. This improvement was due to strong revenue and operating numbers. Revenue from operations increased significantly to Rs 90.9 crore for the quarter, up from Rs 7.8 crore during the corresponding period last fiscal year. The Conference is focused on the Theme of Empowering India's legal leaders to bridge innovation and legal acumen in the evolving corporate landscape. With General Counsel being the Focus The sessions emphasizes on Legal considerations to ensure seamless mergers and acquisitions from due diligence to post merger integration. 50+ General Counsel Officers will share their Journey of Impact and strategies to navigate the potential legal challenges. Top 5 Influenencers Speaking: Anubhav Kapoor - Director of Legal Affairs - FORD, INDIA Amit Gaurishankar Pandey - Executive Vice President Legal & General Counsel - GSK Pharmaceuticals Limited Manjaree Chowdhary - Senior Executive Director (Legal and Realty & Infrastructure Development) & General Counsel -Maruti Suzuki India Limited Damandeep Kaur - Head of Legal, Risk and Corporate Law - Teleperformance Isha Rathnam - Vice President- Legal Affairs (CLO) South Asia & Networks - Emerging Markets Asia Lionsgate South Asia Join the Exclusive gathering of 100+ General Counsel Leaders General Counsel Awards - A platform for honouring and acknowledging the brilliance of General Counsel Summit. Nominate your Team and Organizations to Highlight the Impact created by your Innovative excellence to the industry Community. Save the Date. Nominate Now!!! Stay Tuned: For more details, please visit www.transformanceforums.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 20-year-old Stapleton man is facing multiple charges after he was caught with an illegally loaded ghost gun, police allege. Prince Aneke of Tappen Court was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, according to online court records. Aneke was arrested around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, according to an NYPD spokesperson. An image of the gun allegedly found on Aneke was posted to the official NYPD News account on X, formerly known as Twitter. Recently, your @NYPD120Pct Neighborhood Safety Team apprehended a man with an illegally loaded ghost gun after a brief foot chase in Staten Island. Thanks to their coordination and bravery, the individual was arrested, and the dangerous weapon was taken out of circulation. pic.twitter.com/vyZaaI04sB NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 6, 2024 The post states that Aneke was apprehended by a 120th Precinct Neighborhood Safety Team after a brief foot chase in Staten Island. It is not immediately clear where the pursuit took place. Aneke has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bond has been set at $150,000/$75,000 cash. Anekes defense attorney was not immediately available for comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A pair of Staten Island lawmakers called for more action from City Hall Tuesday as crime concerns grow in relation to the ongoing migrant crisis. Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn) had the chance to question Mayor Eric Adams in Albany about the citys relationship with federal immigration authorities, and cooperation limits on deportation proceedings. The subject has been brought to the forefront in recent weeks following a Jan. 27 assault on two NYPD officers in Times Square. Reilly asked the mayor directly if he would take executive action to allow New York City law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD and Department of Correction (DOC), to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). What weve seen recently with the attack on the New York City police officers in Times Square, I think that was the major concern that many of us had, Reilly said. I point blanked asked him Would you take action? and he did not commit to it. Sanctuary city policies, which limit the citys cooperation with the federal government on immigration issues, have been in place since the late 1980s, but Adams has consistently pointed to a pair of laws that passed under his predecessor, Mayor Bill de Blasio, as cause for why city agencies did not notify ICE in relation to the Jan. 27 incident. The mayor, who visited Albany Tuesday as state lawmakers hash out the annual budget, said he would need the Council to change those laws before he could change city policy. I believe if you create repeated felonies in our city, the federal government should do its job and have that individual deported, Adams said. There is a privilege to be here and participate in the American Dream. According to information the NYPD released Jan. 31, officers attempted to disperse a disorderly group in Manhattans Times Square Saturday, Jan. 27 around 10 p.m. when a physical altercation started with multiple individuals punching and kicking the officers when they tried to take a member of the group into custody. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell identified some of the people connected to the incident as migrants, and lamented some of the alleged perpetrators release without bail, according to reporting from NBC 4. During a Monday press conference in Times Square, Kenneth Genalo, ICE director for the New York City field office, also pointed to the laws passed under de Blasio for the constraints his agency faces in the five boroughs. Unfortunately, a lot of the way that we have to do our intelligence in ICE is the same way that you find out about cases. Its through the media, he said. Were no longer contacted. Were no longer called. City Police Commissioner Edward Caban sounded an alarm Monday about a wave of migrant crime [that] has washed over our city, but like other members of the Adams administration made sure not to paint the more-than 170,000 new arrivals with the broad criminality brush. Tannousis said Tuesday that he would still like to see the city and state take more action when members of the immigrant community commit crimes. Im sure the vast majority of people who come here, come here with good intentions, just like my parents did...but some of them do not come here with good intentions, he said. Those people should be deported. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police in Secaucus, New Jersey, are acting to protect residents from the scourge of car thefts by having cameras installed at every location in and out of the town, NBC4 reported. According to town police, 39 cars were stolen last year, and 23 were taken the year before. The cameras that are usually found mounted to patrol cars will be used to catch car thieves before theyre able to get out of the town, the report said. Police will monitor the cameras, which will only be used to capture license plate numbers and not the identity of the person behind the wheel, the report said. A STRATEGIC SHIFT Staten Islanders themselves are no strangers to auto theft, which is why the NYPD began an information exchange program with New Jersey police. Local authorities believe many of the car thieves operating on the Island are originating from and escaping to New Jersey with stolen vehicles that are then used for parts or shipped overseas. Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta recently told the Advance/SILive.com that the NYPD has made it a mission to get in contact with New Jersey officials and establish a system to exchange intelligence. In dedicating a task force of individuals to monitor the collected intelligence, alerts were placed on specific vehicles, according to Gulotta. If New Jersey has a stolen car, or if people come here stealing cars, or doing burglaries over there, they input that information into our systems, Gulotta said. If that vehicle pops here in Staten Island or anywhere in the city, were moving. Were making phone calls to the other boroughs. In Staten Island, if that car comes over, instantly were getting on the radio; were closing off the bridges, were putting mitigation points in places with our Community Response Team in coordination with (the Highway Unit). Gulotta said he is also hoping to continue the interstate intelligence sharing to aid in identifying any vehicle involved in a crime, regardless of whether its retail theft or burglary. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. To help combat New Yorks emergency-level blood shortage, the Forest Regional Residents Civic Association is asking Staten Islanders to give blood with the one you love' during a community blood drive this weekend. In cooperation with the New York Blood Center, the drive will take place Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Freedom In God Church, 549 Bard. Ave., West Brighton. The entrance is on City Boulevard. As part of its civic responsibility, the Forest Avenue group has held CPR classes and performed community beautification projects, but this is the civic associations first blood drive, said Neil J. Anastasio, club president. But now is the perfect time to start, he said, because of the dire need for blood. We just thought this was a great way to support the community, and there is a pressing need for blood, he said, adding he hopes other civic associations will do the same. Anastasio also said he hopes this blood drive will become an annual event. It typically takes about one hour to donate blood, and you get free cookies, Anastasio said. Those concerned about medications they take or medical conditions that may preclude them from donating shouldnt worry, he said. Medical professionals from the New York Blood Center will be on hand to test donors and answer any questions, he added. Walk-ins are welcome at the event, but registration is encouraged. Currently, there are 55 people signed up to give blood that day, Anastasio said. Those interested in donating should visit westbrightonsi@yahoo.com or https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/319897. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Kathy Hochul has released initial recommendations from the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group, which was formed six months ago to outline safety standards for the growing number of battery energy storage systems (BESS) cropping up across New York state. If adopted, the changes will enforce a peer review for each project, remove the fire code exemption for sites owned or operated by electrical utilities and mandate local first responder training for every BESS installation. The battery energy storage industry is enabling communities across New York to transition to a clean energy future, and it is critical that we have the comprehensive safety standards in place, Hochul said in a press release, referring to the working groups findings. Adopting the Working Groups recommendations will ensure New Yorks clean energy transition is done safely and responsibly. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Thanks to the kindnesses afforded by the friends and family of the late Eric Gene Garvin, a scholarship has been established in his name at the University of Maryland Law School. Professor Larry Gibson, who once taught Eric; Andrew Altshuler, deputy director of development for the University of Maryland Law School, and the Garvin family created an endowed scholarship fund in Garvins honor at the university, where Garvin, an attorney, obtained his masters degree. The fellowship will award $2,500 yearly to two civic-minded students who plan to study abroad, according to a spokesman for the university. Garvin, whose commitment to family and community was unwavering, died while on vacation in Chile a little over a year ago, after being shot while going to dinner a few blocks away from his accommodations. He was 38. An avid traveler and lawyer who had visited more than 40 countries, Garvin was targeted because the assailants likely believed he was working with police, according to previous reports. University of Maryland Law Schools goal is to make this fellowship endowment permanent, said Erics dad, Eric D. Garvin. His son was committed to travel and exploration, and this scholarship affords graduate students the opportunity to live it up the Gene way, by allowing them to expand their law expertise in a global context, the elder Garvin further explained. By establishing an endowed scholarship in his name, the college can ensure his impact will be felt in perpetuity, those involved in the scholarship said. One of Erics classmates reached out to professor Gibson to say that the Garvin family was interested in starting some sort of endowment to create a lasting legacy for him, said Altshuler. His devotion and passion for the anti-gun violence movement served as a guiding light to others, including young adults in New York, where he dedicated himself to improving the lives of all citizens, those close to him recalled. The Eric E. Garvin 10 Student Fellowship is important to the longevity of the universitys travel program, according to Altshuler. He made it clear to me that he wanted to see the world and try to make it a better place, Gibson said. The late Garvins endowment is the first of its kind for students enrolled in the law school. It is now available to students here, permanently, at the law school, explained Altshuler. Now that it is established, it will be here for the rest of time. Donations may be made through www.law.umaryland.edu/garvinfund. IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Notre Dame Academy helped support local animals during a fundraiser last month. The schools Animal Rights Club hosted the fundraising event, Paws for a Cause, on Jan. 16 at its Grymes Hill campus with support from Happy Homes Inc., Near and Far Animal Foundation and the Staten Island Zoo, West Brighton. The club is moderated by Jennifer Flynn, a teacher at Notre Dame Academy. Proceeds went to the Staten Island Zoos veterinary care services. Ken Mitchell, executive director of the zoo, and Tiffany Feo, executive services administrator of the zoo, surprised club member Gianna Capasso with a recognition award for her hard work, dedication and outstanding contributions to NDA, the Staten Island Zoo, and the community at large. The pair said her fundraising efforts in support of animal rights will help the zoo continue to provide the utmost veterinary care for its animals. Student Gianna Capasso, center, received an award from Ken Mitchell, executive director of the Staten Island Zoo, center, and Tiffany Feo, executive services administrator of the zoo. (Courtesy/Kim Capasso)Kim Capasso The fundraising event was a shining example of Notre Dame Academys theme for this year, Coming Together in Community. Staten Islanders can visit the NDAs Animal Rights Clubs Instagram page, @nda_animal_rights_club, for more information. SCHOLARSHIP High school seniors impacted by Alzheimers disease can earn up to $5,000 for college through the Alzheimers Foundation of Americas (AFA) Teen Alzheimers Awareness Scholarship Contest. College-bound students can apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (four minutes in length or less), describing how Alzheimers disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimers. Entries can be submitted by visiting www.alzfdn.org/scholarship. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. Youre never too young to make a difference in the lives of others, and teens are showing that every day in the fight against Alzheimers disease, said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., AFAs president and CEO. Teens across the country are helping to care for loved ones with Alzheimers, volunteering at care settings, raising awareness, and even conducting scientific research. We encourage them to share their stories through this scholarship contest. Experiences that students can write about include: Having a loved one with Alzheimers disease or another dementia-related illness Helping care for someone with Alzheimers disease or another dementia-related illness Volunteering or working in a care setting that serves individuals with dementia Raising Alzheimers awareness in their school or community Conducting Alzheimers research The first-place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes are awarded for runners up and honorable mentions. More than $428,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the programs inception. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate. 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. Net Sales Growth : Consolidated Net Sales rose by 11% year-over-year to $240.4 million. Net Income Surge : Net Income soared to $25.7 million, a significant increase from the previous year. Profit Margin Expansion : Net profit margin expanded impressively to 10.7%. EBITDA Growth : Adjusted EBITDA increased by a remarkable 269% year-over-year. Earnings Per Share : EPS grew to $0.17, reflecting a substantial year-over-year increase. Outlook Raised: Full-year fiscal 2024 Net Sales and Adjusted EBITDA outlook raised, indicating strong performance and confidence. The AZEK Co Inc (NYSE:AZEK), a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, has released its 8-K filing on February 6, 2024, showcasing a strong start to fiscal 2024. The company's portfolio, which includes brands like TimberTech, AZEK, Versatex, Ultralox, StruXure, and Intex, primarily caters to the Residential segment, which has been a significant revenue driver this quarter. AZEK Co Inc (AZEK) Posts Robust Q1 Fiscal 2024 Results; Upgrades Full-Year Outlook Performance and Challenges AZEK's performance this quarter was marked by an 11% increase in consolidated net sales year-over-year, reaching $240.4 million, with the Residential Segment contributing a 24% increase to $223.0 million. The company's net income increased to $25.7 million, inclusive of a $38.5 million gain from the sale of Vycom. Excluding this gain, the adjusted net income still showed a robust increase of $29.5 million year-over-year. The net profit margin expanded significantly to 10.7%, and the Adjusted EBITDA Margin grew to 23.2%, indicating strong operational efficiency and cost management. Despite these achievements, the company faces challenges such as managing the balance between production and inventory levels to maintain high service levels and navigating the uncertainties of the building season. These challenges, if not addressed, could impact the company's ability to sustain its growth trajectory. Story continues Financial Achievements and Industry Impact The company's financial achievements, particularly the expansion of net profit margins and Adjusted EBITDA, are critical in the construction industry where cost management and operational efficiency are key to maintaining competitiveness. AZEK's focus on margin expansion initiatives and its ability to drive double-digit Residential sell-through growth demonstrate its strong position in the fast-growing Outdoor Living market. Financial Metrics and Importance Key financial metrics from the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement underscore the company's financial health. The Adjusted EBITDA increase to $55.7 million and the Adjusted EBITDA Margin expansion are particularly important as they reflect the company's ability to generate profits from its core operations. The balance sheet shows a healthy cash and cash equivalents position of $274.8 million, providing the company with financial flexibility. However, Free Cash Flow decreased to $(34.0) million, which could be a point of focus for future improvement. "The AZEK team delivered strong results ahead of plan this quarter... Our Residential segment grew net sales 24% year-over-year driven by strong underlying sell-through growth," said Jesse Singh, CEO of The AZEK Company. "We are raising our full-year 2024 outlook driven by our first quarter results as well as our increased visibility and confidence in our margin drivers." Analysis of Company's Performance AZEK's performance this quarter reflects the company's strategic initiatives, including material conversion, channel expansion, and new product innovations. The company's ability to execute these initiatives has led to significant growth in net sales and profitability. The raised outlook for fiscal 2024 further indicates management's confidence in the company's continued growth and margin expansion. The company's focus on sustainability and its recognition in Newsweeks 2024 list of Most Responsible Companies and Real Leaders 2024 list of Top Impact Companies for the second consecutive year also highlight its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, which is increasingly important to investors and consumers alike. For a detailed analysis of AZEK's financials and future prospects, investors and interested parties are encouraged to visit GuruFocus.com for comprehensive investment insights and tools. Investor Relations Contact: Eric Robinson, 312-809-1093, ir@azekco.com Media Contact: Amanda Cimaglia, 312-809-1093, media@azekco.com Source: The AZEK Company Inc. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from The AZEK Co Inc for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. 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 San Mateo, CA (94402) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 49F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Training schools for pilots have warned they cannot afford the cost of shifting their operations to make way for Western Sydney International Airport in 2026, which could put further strain on the already depleted supply of pilots. Aeria Management Group which operates Camden and Bankstown airports and provides the bulk of pilot training in NSW has warned the federal Department of Transport that its draft environmental impact statement for the new airport substantially underestimates the costs for the existing airports in the congested Sydney Basin. Basair Aviation College chief executive David Newton. Credit: Janie Barrett The two airports cumulatively train 600 pilots across 10 schools. But many of the training facilities, which are based at the two airports, have told Aeria their operations will not be able to afford the increased fuel bills, staffing costs and aircraft maintenance caused by having to conduct their training further away. Basair Aviation College is based at Bankstown Airport and is one of the biggest pilot training schools in NSW. It also has the third-biggest fleet in the country, behind airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia. It felt like being there with Emily, McAlister said. Everything about her physicality and her performance is on the money. They have a similar intellect as well. Emily is very methodical. She worked very hard on every interview; she trains, she studies. And my impression of Gillian was exactly the same. She was studying the material, she was studying Emily, and she was working on that project in an intellectual way as well as a dramatic way. Philip Martin, Scoops director, said of Sewell: Rufus spent about three hours in the make-up chair. He started really early in the morning and had to go through this strange process of putting a bald wig on before the other stuff went on. We worked very hard to make all of the prosthetics flexible and light enough so that he could act through it all. To look like the Duke of York, Rufus Sewell had to spend three hours a day in the make-up chair. Credit: Getty With Gillian, there are no prosthetics its make-up and a wig and mannerisms, said Martin Both actors spent hours watching the interview as part of their preparation, and Anderson also studied Maitlis presenting style on Newsnight. Sometimes people can do a really brilliant impersonation but not capture something about the person. What Gillian and Rufus have done so brilliantly is get the spirit of the people that theyre playing, so that it feels real, said Martin. The room at Buckingham Palace in which the interview took place is also recreated in minute detail, and the camera angles from the original BBC interview are matched exactly. Gillian Anderson stars as Emily Maitlis (left). Credit: Getty The film, with a script by Peter Moffat, will not be a hatchet job on the duke. We dont take a side were not saying, Oh, isnt he great, or, Oh, isnt he evil. Its for the viewer to draw their own inferences, said McAlister. Martin, who also directed the first two series of The Crown, said: I think lots of people would tie themselves up in knots because they didnt want to appear to approve of Andrew, or to disapprove of him. Rufus wasnt afraid of that. Andrew was slightly the Harry of his era. He was seen as a great communicator with great people skills in his 20s and 30s, a person who could get things done. I think Rufus really understood that side of things, and the sense that Andrew is older now but has a sparkle and a kind of charisma to him. Prince Andrew answered questions regarding his association with Jeffery Epstein during the BBC interview. Credit: BBC It doesnt feel like were pointing an arrow at him and saying, This is a bad guy. Youre seeing a person, and thats a real tribute to Rufus take on it. The duke was pilloried for his answers to Maitlis, which included a claim that he was physically unable to sweat and an alibi placing him in the Woking branch of Pizza Express. Martin said the tone of the film would reflect the absurd elements of the interview as well as the serious issues at hand. There was something slightly surreal about the whole process. So weve tried to make it have a bounce and a bite to it. It moves fast and its absorbing to watch. McAlister, a criminal barrister before joining the Newsnight team, left the BBC to write her book and said it felt bonkers for her behind-the-scenes producer role to be the subject of a Netflix film. Loading Scoop is one of two dramatisations in the works. Maitlis is making her own three-part drama covering her career and culminating in the Newsnight interview. Its nice that theres so much interest in the story and Im really looking forward to watching Emilys, McAlister said. She lamented the cuts to Newsnight, which will see the BBC Two show curtailed to a half-hour slot with fewer staff. Its a real shame. This story changed the course of journalistic history. It was a huge thing, and where do you get that kind of journalism? The places that you get it now are diminishing by the second, so to see Newsnight culled is painful because the powerful will sleep more comfortably in their beds at night. Its a very important type of journalism and its disappearing before our eyes, McAlister said. The Baltimore County Fire Departments response to a massive fire last summer at an auto parts store lacked cohesive communication and effective leadership and failed to follow safety procedures, putting firefighters in harms way, according to a review by The Baltimore Sun of the departments incident report, an anonymous complaint to authorities that resulted in a state investigation, and audio from the countys dispatch center. The first calls about the fire at Advance Auto Parts in Reisterstown came in at 9:36 p.m. on July 18. Twenty minutes after first responders arrived, a firefighter radioed: Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Im stuck in a storeroom. The ceilings fallen on me. A second firefighter went into the building to rescue him, but he lacked essential rescue equipment like an oxygen mask, according to the report released by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). Nine minutes later, the rescuer radioed to his colleagues that he, too, was lost, saying, Youre going to have to send someone in to find us, A third responder radioed at 10:14 p.m. that he had found the pair and led them out of the building. The second rescuer had to hook the injured firefighter, now disoriented, to his own oxygen mask via a buddy breathing system. The MOSH documents offer a look into a county department that has been plagued for years by staffing shortages, which firefighters say hamstring the departments ability to effectively fight fires. The agency oversees around 1,100 paid firefighters and 2,500 volunteers. They responded to 150,000 calls for service in 2022, according to the most recent data. The county told the state in a Jan. 31 letter that it held additional training in the months after the fire and convened an internal panel to investigate the departments response. An after-action report is pending, which will provide detailed insights, actionable steps to rectify the identified issues, and additional training initiatives, according to fire department spokesperson Lt. Travis Francis. Story continues In a statement, County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., a Democrat, said he supported Fire Chief Joanne Rund and her departments efforts to strengthen and modernize itself, alongside our partners in labor and valued community stakeholders. The MOSH report characterized the Reisterstown incident as a near-miss that exposed responders to serious injury and/or death. The report came in response to the anonymous complaint by a firefighter to state Labor Secretary Portia Wu. In November, a 19-year-old pleaded guilty to arson charges for starting the fire and was sentenced to five years of probation, according to court records. On the night of the fire, dispatchers notified the area battalion chief at 9:36 p.m. about a fire in the two-story building at Reisterstown and Cherry Hill roads. However, they said there were several EMS calls to address before they could alert fire units, according to audio logs, which they did at 9:44 p.m. The significant delay between when the first calls came in and when dispatch sent units out gave the fire an opportunity to grow because it went unchecked, said John Sibiga, the president of the county firefighters union. Dispatchers typically send out units between one or two minutes after the first calls are received, he said. Francis said 911 calls are prioritized by severity, and dispatched as quickly as possible. However, an engine crew and medic unit from the fire station in Reisterstown responded without being dispatched and arrived at the store around 9:40 p.m. They spent seven minutes fighting the fire by themselves. The battalion chief arrived and assumed control at 9:50 p.m., but didnt get a briefing from firefighters who were already there, creating confusion on the ground about who was in charge and the status of the rapidly growing fire, according to audio and the MOSH complaint. The function of a battalion chief is to be calling the shots on an incident, said retired county Division Chief Jonathan Hart. Battalion chiefs being at a scene ensure that firefighters are setting up hoses where theyre supposed to be, following policies, and ensuring operational discipline. The battalion chief radioed 10 minutes later, at 10 p.m., to say he had designated a fire marshal as safety officer, the person in charge of ensuring firefighters follow procedures that dont put them at risk of injury or death. The county does not have stand-alone safety officers; instead, the command officer often designates a safety officer on a scene. However, Hart said, this sacrifices manpower because it takes the officer away from supervising firefighters on their crew. The situation appeared to worsen at 10:07 p.m., as a higher-ranking deputy officer took over from the battalion chief, then issued an order for everyone to evacuate the building, unaware of the mayday alert or ongoing rescue effort, according to the complain to MOSH. Per policy, this development should have resulted in a second mayday, and deployment of a second rescue team, the complaint read. Instead, the rescuing officer was left to spend several minutes in the building with an injured firefighter, while low on air and without the benefit of a [rescue kit] bag or a coordinated response from the incident commander, risking multiple fatalities. Three battalion chiefs per shift oversee the countys 25 career stations and 29 volunteer stations. Baltimore City has six, and began assigning them assistants after a 2022 fire that claimed three firefighters lives. Baltimore County previously had six battalion chiefs per shift, but scaled back to three beginning in the 1990s and 2000s, Francis said. Two reports from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released after the on-duty deaths of volunteer firefighters Mark Falkenhan in 2011 and Gene Kirchner in 2013 recommended adding more battalion chiefs. Baltimore County Fire Department regularly evaluates resources to ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations and have proposed plans to increase the number of on-duty battalion chiefs, Francis said. Our focus remains on providing effective emergency response services while balancing resource allocation across all areas of need. In response to the NIOSH reports, the fire department provided portable radios and automatic emergency alarms and acquired remote monitoring software, while increasing code enforcement to ensure fire safety in apartment complexes, according to Francis. These initiatives collectively demonstrate the departments commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the community, he said. Sibiga said the Reisterstown fire response was chaotic, but expected in light of the departments shortcomings. A 2022 report from an outside consultant retained by Baltimore County said the department lacks sufficient fiscal, physical, and human resources to accomplish its core mission. Im hopeful, but Im also a realist, Sibiga said. What are we waiting for? Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Unsurpassable quality: Australian chef awarded three Michelin stars Brett Graham (The Ledbury, London) is the first Aussie-born owner-chef to receive the accolade. Bianca Hrovat February 6, 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 Newcastle-born Brett Graham has become the first Australian chef and restaurant owner to be awarded three stars from the prestigious Michelin Guide, receiving the accolade for his London restaurant, The Ledbury, during a ceremony in Manchester overnight. Brett Graham at The Ledbury restaurant in London. Helen Maybanks Michelin Guide inspectors said Graham received the highest of gastronomic honours for his technical mastery across dishes that deliver sublime flavours using ingredients of unsurpassable quality, noting theyd never eaten better at his 19-year-old Notting Hill restaurant. Each mouthful provides considerable depth of flavour, with the consistently harmonious combinations showcasing a streak of originality, the inspectors said. The Ledbury takes reservations up to three months in advance for its 210 ($A406) dinner tasting menu, which at times includes dishes such as mushrooms from the cabinet. Mushrooms are a noted culinary obsession for Graham, who cultivates lions manes, shiitakes and reishi varieties in a large moisture-controlled fungarium in the restaurant. Advertisement It was introduced to The Ledbury during its post-COVID revival. In 2020, the restaurant closed indefinitely due to the impracticality of social distancing measures, dealing a heavy blow to the UK restaurant industry. At the time, The Ledbury held two Michelin stars and appeared on The Worlds Best 50 Restaurants list. The closure allowed time for a complete refit and gave Graham a new sense of direction and purpose. UK media outlets such as Restaurant Online predicted The Ledburys new, modern look signalled Grahams push for a third star. Graham, born in 1979, began his career in hospitality aged 15 at Newcastle seafood restaurant Scratchleys on the Wharf before moving to influential Sydney restaurant Banc. In 2000, the then-20-year-old was awarded The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year award (then called the Josephine Pignolet award) and scored a return flight to London. Brett Graham at Banc in 1999. Simon Alekna Advertisement I was really shocked to win, Graham told Good Food at the time. The young chef said a moment with an old bloke and a chicken set him on his path to the kitchen. When I was about 14, an old bloke showed me how to butcher, pluck and gut a rooster, he said. I did what he told me, then cooked it. I knew then that I wanted to be a chef. While Graham is the first Australian owner-chef to obtain the coveted three stars, fellow Australian chef Matt Abe has been awarded the accolade at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay each year since he took over the kitchen in 2020. The restaurant has maintained its three-star status since 2001. The Ledbury was the only newcomer to the Michelin Guides list of three-star restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland during the February 5 ceremony. Six restaurants were elevated to two stars (including Gymkhana in London, one of two Indian restaurants to receive such an accolade for the first time) and 18 received their first star. Nothing beats beetroot from top of the world Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Any dermatologist or skincare fanatic will tell you to wear sunscreen every day. Applying an SPF should always be the last step in your skincare routine, before makeup or the only step if you dont have a routine. Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a regulated sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays. And formulas have also come a long way from the thick pastes of your childhood, with a host of new options that include hydrating SPF serums, sprays, colourless gels, tinted mousses and even sunscreen foams. Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer, so its no surprise there is demand for high performing sunscreens. Credit: Getty Images To help make the decision of what sunscreen to choose a little easier, dermatologist Dr Leona Yip and chair of Cancer Councils National Skin Cancer Committee Professor Anne Cust are here to help break down all the options, and share what makes a good facial sunscreen. Chemical v physical 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 For more than 25 years I taught with pictures of famous economists above the black/whiteboard to inspire my students. They were: Adam Smith, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman. Guess who completed the row? On behalf of economics HSC students and teachers, thanks, Ross, for being enlightening and critical reading. Neal Townley, Lewisham Ross Gittins Credit: Cathy Wilcox Since 1978, Ross Gittins has delivered a lecture for western Sydney HSC students, organised by the Western Sydney Social Sciences Teachers Association. Ross has been the headline act at these days for more than 20 years and has expressed his determination to continue to support the less advantaged students of western Sydney. The association has been able to keep student lecture prices low because of his commitment. A big thank you to Ross from teachers and students of Western Sydney. Steve Etheridge, Mt Riverview As a teacher and member of the Western Sydney Social Sciences Teachers Association we felt our students would benefit from HSC economics lecture days. Ross was invited to speak and he eagerly accepted. It was a Saturday and a hush fell over the 300 students and teachers gathered in the St Marys Senior High School hall as Ross was introduced for the first time. His presentation was brilliant and we knew we had a winner at engaging students and improving economic literacy for the HSC. Thank you Ross for all the help to teachers and especially HSC students over the years. Robert Mulas, Corlette The Hunter Valley Social Science Teachers Association of the 1980s will be forever grateful to Ross. For years, he would outline the federal governments macroeconomic and microeconomic policies to the Year 12 economic students in the Hunter region. And who could forget the signature ties he wore? Thanks again Ross, for your services to the students of the Hunter. Michael Perkins, New Lambton Heights At university, I was a below-average student of economics and gave up in second year to study politics. In my second year of teaching I was handed a year 12 economics class and without Ross it would have been a disaster. His clear, concise and wonderfully written analyses of economic policy, trends and outcomes enabled my long-suffering students to not only survive that year but to achieve very good results. Peter Cooper-Southam, Frenchs Forest Quite a few years ago I was given a year 9 commerce class to teach. My knowledge of commerce was mainly confined to that gained from writing one essay on the economics of education at university. So I read the textbook the nights before class and I gratefully read everything Ross Gittins wrote. His writings were both educational and really entertaining and my commerce classes and I got to know him quite well during that one year. I still read his work and that hasnt changed. Mary Billing, Allambie Heights Advertisement The members of a small but enthusiastic economics class at Guyra Central School banded together, wrote to Ross Gittins and requested an appropriately inscribed glossy photo which they handsomely framed and presented to me. I still have it. Gus Plater, Saratoga I was an economics teacher for many years and one of the best teaching aids I ever had was Ross Gittinss column. For a student aged 15 to 19 who basically had little knowledge of the economy it gave simple, concise information in a language they could understand and relate to their experience. I used his column many, many times as part of an exam paper and as stimulus for a class discussion. I have continued to read his column in the many years since I retired and I think the same can be said for many past students I met up with in various situations. Judy Urquhart, Kyle Bay As a teacher of economics, I was greatly indebted to Ross Gittins for his lucid and relevant articles in the Age and the Herald. I first used his articles in the early 1980s in Victoria - nearly every part of the syllabus was able to be referenced by one of Rosss articles. I took my portfolio of articles with me when I moved to Canberra in 1985 where I taught economics for 13 years for the HSC. The advances in technology enabled me to provide my classes with photocopies of articles pertinent to a particular part of the syllabus. Michael Bright, Moss Vale Fifty years of wisdom for teachers and students Ross, if only you knew the loyalty and fervour that you inspired in my (then) 15-year-old daughter. While most teenage pin-ups were Ryan Adams or Noel Gallagher, you were her pick. She travelled from the country to Mosman Library to hear you talk, she cut out your articles, read your books and quoted your words. She is now a successful criminal defence lawyer who calls out inequity and seeks to redress injustice. I know you played a part in that. Sonia Berry, Neutral Bay Ross Gittins Credit: Steven Siewert I wanted to say thank you for contributing to my education many years ago. I remember pouring over Ross Gittins articles in my economics class in high school with the teacher expanding on every sentence. The articles I had ended up full of annotations and made me more confident and more interested in economics, and always keen to read any article by Ross Gittins. Paridhi Garg, Baulkham Hills Advertisement An economics essay submitted by our son in the lead-up to the 1990 HSC earned a very high mark. Even more prized was the teachers comment that it was an analysis worthy of Ross Gittins. High praise indeed. Bernadette Astill, Manly In 1979, my four HSC economics essays were predicated on my interpretation of what would Gittins say? Forty-five years on, that principle continues to keep me in excellent stead. Kris Gale, Pyrmont As HSC economics students, it was our weekly task to present an annotated scrapbook of Gittins magnificent articles to our teacher for review. Since then, working as a high school economics teacher and undertaking doctoral studies, I still regularly refer to his wisdom. Caroline David, Mount Pleasant Ross Gittins has had a huge influence on my thinking and interest in economics and public policy. I completed a degree in economic geography, then a PhD in transport and environmental economics, and a masters in public policy. I cannot express my appreciation enough to Ross Gittins for his writings and his social justice perspective. Rhonda Daniels, Sutherland In the late 80s I was fortunate to have an inspiring HSC economics teacher who happened to author the textbook that all schools used. He brought the subject to life and he made it compulsory for us to read every Ross Gittins article. I still do. Aside from Gittins similar gift for making economic theory accessible, his most vital contribution is to centre economic rationalism within an ethical imperative to improve the quality of life for all people. Matthew Flattery, Middle Cove My first memory of reading Ross Gittins articles was when I started studying HSC economics in 1983. My teacher advised the class that reading him was better than any textbook. He was absolutely right and the class results proved this. Since then I have always read Gittins wise, thoughtful, compassionate pieces. A stellar career and one that has really made a difference. Sarah Johnson Sandy Bay (Tas) Ross Gittins, my HSC economics classes saviour in the 1980s; we read your articles daily. Thanks to you, my class scored wonderfully. Nothing has changed your articles are still read with great insight for the layman. Evelyn Palmer, Vaucluse Advertisement When challenged that his economics student lectures were providing further advantage to those students who were already advantaged, Ross embarked upon a series of lectures for teachers and students in regional NSW to ensure greater equity of access to his unique insights and observations about government policy and the economy. Now that is smart economics - a more equitable distribution of a very scarce resource. Thank you, Ross. Bronwyn Hession, Waitara True pro deserves all the plaudits Ross has a trick he uses to sail through federal budget lockups. Before going in and being presented with mountains of documents with few hours to go through them, he pre-writes a piece based on what he thinks the documents will say. Then while all the journalists (including me) are sweating, he flips through the documents and tweaks a word here and a paragraph there, seeming to enjoy himself. One year, it was genuinely impossible to know what would be in the budget. I confronted Ross as the lock-up began and told him that this year his system wouldnt work. He couldnt have pre-written a piece because no one knew the direction the treasurer was going to jump. Ross told me he had pre-written two. Peter Martin, Canberra Ross Gittins celebrates covering his 50th federal budget. May 9, 2023. Credit: Brook Mitchell In the 80s when my daughter was in year 12 her economics teacher referred to Ross Gittins so often and with such enthusiasm, my daughter thought they must have been married. Tom Duley, Bronte Happy 50th anniversary Ross! I will never forget the kindness and generosity you showed me when, as an extremely nervous journalism student in 1986, I sat down to interview you about economics reporting. You were already a legend back then, hence my anxiety! I learnt so much from our chat and have been a dedicated reader of your commentary ever since. Michael Rowland, Yarraville (Vic.) Im concerned one of Ross major contributions to Australian life will be overlooked: his sense of fashion. Hes played no small part in making the Dunlop KT26 shoe the icon it is today. I recall him shambling into a business black-tie affair with a pair below his rumpled suit. A starstruck banker begged an introduction but was so taken with the KT26s that all the speech he could muster was theyre not very businesslike. Ross replied, rather gently, but then, Im not in business, am I? Ian Cassie, Elizabeth Bay Advertisement As a musician rather than an economist, I would like to thank Ross Gittins for writing about economic matters in language I can understand, always flavoured with a social justice viewpoint. Imagine my delight when I also spied him singing in the Sydney Philharmonias Chorus Oz! So not only is he a caring, articulate economist, but he also enjoys singing beautiful music - a very well-rounded, sensitive human being. Megwenya Matthews, Nth Turramurra I recall in 1984 being encouraged by my economics teacher to read Ross Gittins. Alas, I paid her no heed. However, one of her students did take her advice, a certain Philip Lowe, and he went on to become governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia. If only Id taken Mrs Kings advice I too could have understood the subtle difference between a soft landing and a high-jump mat. Stephen Driscoll, Castle Hill Congratulations, Ross, on 50 years of effective writing and social advocacy. Never content to stay in his lane, and fortified by his innate decency and real-world experiences, Mr Gittins has consistently identified what economic changes or policies will most benefit the nation and very particularly those without a voice. Stephanie Dowrick, Darwin (NT) As a Herald business sub-editor in the mid-80s, I recall occasions when Ross would bail up me, and others, seeking clarification or debate on the right words to explain particular concepts. Such was his determination to make his world truly accessible. A wordsmith for the people, that one. Long may he reign, and continue to serve as an example of how great journalism is done. Bradley Wynne, Croydon A toast to Mr Gittins, for his years of insightful and compassionate articles about economics, politics and society. His perceptive analyses of how the workers bear the burden of political decisions that favour capital are always instructive, and his ability to make economic theories accessible to those of us who are unversed in this area of study is remarkable. Lets hope Mr Gittins keeps writing to help keep the balance in an area of discussion that is too frequently dominated by theory, and by writers who fail to acknowledge that the economy should serve the many, not the few. Patricia Lowson, Strathfield Apart from Ross Gittins being the guru of the economics teacher who taught my sons in the 1990s, theres another reason I hold him in extra-high esteem. That is the daughters of Gittins, first Jessica Irvine and now Millie Muroi; both have written insightful, balanced articles and share his values of social equity. Valerie Reynolds, Greenwich Ross Gittins and Millie Muroi Credit: Wolter Peeters Advertisement Turncoat barrister Nicola Gobbo encouraged Antonios Tony Mokbel to flee the country to avoid prosecution over three murder charges, the former drug kingpin has claimed in court in his first public appearance in more than a decade. Mokbel, one of the most prominent and recognisable figures in Melbournes infamous underworld war of the early to mid-2000s, is appealing his conviction for drug-trafficking offences, arguing that as a supergrass police informant, Gobbo contaminated the case. Tony Mokbel in a prison van after his court appearance on Tuesday. Credit: Jason South Taking the witness box on Tuesday morning in the Victorian Supreme Court, an energetic Mokbel stood as he gave evidence. He said that while he was on trial for another case, Gobbo his former lawyer told him that he was facing several murder charges and should consider fleeing. [Gobbo] told me that Im going to be charged with three murders and I should seriously think about absconding, he told the court. It is the longest and harshest sentence for espionage against a foreign citizen by a Chinese court in memory, said John Kamm, the founder of the Dui Hua Foundation, which has been advocating for prisoners rights in China since 1972. Its unheard of. Yang is not just any other foreigner. Kamm believes the Chinese justice system is probably giving him especially harsh treatment because he was born in China, worked at the Ministry of State Security, and then went on to become one of its loudest critics. The deck is stacked against Dr Yang It fits the general pattern of Chinese sentences getting harsher, longer, and more severe. John Kamm, Dui Hua Foundation They dont like that, said Kamm. The relationship between Yang and his birthplace is complicated, as it is for many Chinese living abroad. The 57-year-old has oscillated between admiration for a country that has grown faster than almost any other over the past 70 years, and despair at the freedom it has cost its people to get there. Yes, the country and the nation will have a bright future, but the premise is that so many passionate young people have sacrificed their future and lives and cannot see the day when the light will come, Yang wrote in 2010. I believe China has two choices now: political reform and democracy, or cultural revolution. The first is a path of life. The latter may be a path of life for some, but for the nation, it is a road to death. Yang was prolific, writing more than 10 million words online. He hated then US president Donald Trump, saying hes got water in his brain; accused men of being indifferent to womens emotional world; and the Chinese political elite of throwing the working class a few bones after eating soup and meat. But just as his writing veered from topic to topic, so did his career. Yang finished his PhD at the University of Technology, Sydney, in 2009 on the impact of internet bloggers on Chinese politics. By 2014, he would become the chairman of the Chinese state-linked bloggers group, the International New Media Co-operation Organisation. The critic had become part of the machine. The party man: Yang Hengjun in his Ministry of State Security uniform. The reason was simple. He wanted to survive in China and have his books published in China, said his friend and PhD supervisor, Feng Chongyi. He needed to pretend and to have a very close connection with the propaganda department. Yang and the Chinese state have a long history. Before he was a daigou entrepreneur (buyers agent) and pro-democracy writer, Yang worked for the Ministry of State Security in Hong Kong in 1994. It was here, the closed court claimed, that his crimes were committed, according to those briefed on the proceedings. The judgment has yet to be officially released by Chinas opaque judicial system. For national security reasons, it may never be. Yang, then in his 20s, was sent from Hainan to Hong Kong and put in a taskforce charged with guaranteeing the smooth transition of Hong Kong from Britain to China. Loading The goal was to collect information from foreign governments about the handover. The higher-ranked officers handled the United States and Britain. Yang, as a lower-ranked officer, handled Taiwan. Part of his job was to build trust with the Taiwan intelligence agency to understand the attitude or the policies of the Taiwanese government with regards to the Hong Kong transition, said Feng. To build trust, he sent them some guidance documents from the Hainan government. Now the Ministry of State Security has turned all those activities against him and accused him of selling those secrets for money and sex. Yang travelled to and from China dozens of times between the alleged crimes and his eventual arrest in January 2019. He described himself as a nationalist and a patriot who obviously loves Chinese people more than Westerners. Australian ambassador to China Graham Fletcher was denied access to Yangs trial in 2021. Credit: AP It is ridiculous, said Feng. Why would you keep going back to China if you actually did commit those crimes? Its entirely implausible. In between trips, Yangs blog and his three spy novels about a Chinese-US double agent flew increasingly close to the sun. For more than a decade, he skirted around revealing some elements of spycraft while professing his loyalty. I also once had tea with a heavyweight political counsellor of a foreign embassy, but I said straight to the point that since I have worked in the Chinese government, I will not discuss any issues in certain areas, he said in 2014. Loading When Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wenzhou in October 2018, Yang urged Canadian and American authorities to show evidence of her crimes after she was charged with conspiracy to defraud multiple international institutions. If the United States really thinks you have committed a crime, [they] have every right to arrest you in your own territory or in the territory of the allies. The same is true in China. Criminals who violate Chinese laws are fine if they do not enter the Chinese border, Yang said. Six weeks later, Canadas Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were arrested by China in retaliation. Yang was intrigued. Its getting more and more fun! he said in December 2018. Little did he know that just over a month later he would end up in the same Beijing detention facility. Like the two Michaels, Yangs detention has been tied to wider retribution against Australia. Michael Kovrig embraces his wife, Vina Nadjibulla, after arriving home from China in 2021. Credit: AP Just weeks earlier, at the height of concerns about Chinese government interference in Australia, Canberra cancelled a visa issued to billionaire and key United Front figure Huang Xiangmo (the United Front is a Beijing influence network operating abroad). Chinese agents were also operating in Australia at the time, including as journalists, who were raided by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in September 2020. Weeks later, Australian journalist Cheng Lei was arrested in Beijing. She was convicted of breaking a media embargo and released three years later. Yang now faces the ultimate punishment of the Chinese justice system. United Front figure Huang Xiangmo and Labor politician Bill Shorten in 2013. Credit: James Brickwood The jails where detainees are held before their verdicts are far worse than the prisons they are transferred to once it is delivered. There is little sunlight, no visitors, no books, and, crucially for a man of letters like Yang, no pen and paper. They are a form of torture designed to extract a confession and discourage an appeal. Yang has already spent five years in these conditions after having his verdict delayed more than seven times. His health has deteriorated rapidly as he grapples with a 10-centimetre cyst on one of his kidneys. Now his family fears he will die in jail their best hope is medical parole. Loading The first thing to do is to get a hold of the judgment, said Kamm. We need to know what happened. Why was Dr Yang treated like this? Then they can file a petition with the Supreme Peoples Court. The second thing is to get the info on the medical tests. You cannot get medical parole for a condition that you had when you entered the prison. They need to show the medical test before he entered China where theres no cyst. London: King Charles has been briefly reunited with his estranged son, Prince Harry, as the extended royal family rallied around the monarch a day after Buckingham Palace announced he had begun treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. The 75-year-olds shock diagnosis, announced in a statement on Monday evening (UK time), triggered a flood of well-wishes from world leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Commonwealth world leaders, US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump. King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House in London on Tuesday. Credit: PA Charles was pictured for the first time leaving Clarence House for Sandringham, wearing a purple tie and dark suit, smiling and waving from his car to people gathered near Buckingham Palace with Camilla seated beside him. Little is known about the type of cancer the King has, but the palace said it was discovered when he was being treated for a benign enlarged prostate at the London Clinic last month. This story has lowered the temperature, and helped to shift the attention from the gloom, like the horrors of the war and rising food prices, said Volkov, the Levada Centre director. A cemetery in Ulan-Ude, Russia, where an entire section has been designated for casualties from Russias war on Ukraine. Credit: Nanna Heitmann/The New York Times The story of how a local pet tragedy came to dominate the national conversation is a case study in how information spreads in modern Russia. Kudriashova, the volunteer, said Twixs owner, Edgar Gaifullin, contacted her through social media on January 12, and asked for help finding the cat, who was travelling on the state-run train with one of Gaifullins relatives. An attendant on the train mistook Twix for a stray and threw the cat from a passenger carriage while the train stopped in Kirov, in Russias northwest, according to Gaifullin and Russian Railways. Kudriashova began posting about the missing cat in local animal chat groups. The search effort mobilised hundreds of volunteers from across the Kirov region, drawing coverage from local news media outlets and eventually attracting the attention of state television. Cats tend to dominate the internet everywhere, but feline content is particularly popular in Russia. Under Russian President Vladimir Putin citizens cannot express their true opinions. Credit: Kremlin/AP Nearly half of Russian households own a cat, one of the highest rates in the world. The exploits of cats are prominently covered in national news media, and a new Russian television series called Catastrophe is not about the war, as some might assume, but about a free-spirited ginger cat that talks. The discovery of Twixs dead body after a week of searching added an emotional element that catapulted the furry victim into a cause celebre, with an online petition calling for the punishment of the offending attendant rapidly gathering 380,000 signatures. The propaganda machine responded. People walk past a billboard honouring a Russian serviceman and reading Our country, our victory! in Saint Petersburg last month. Credit: AFP Ruling party MPs formed a congressional committee to overhaul animal transportation rules. A public prosecutors office announced that it was looking into a possible case of animal cruelty. A conservative activist proposed erecting a statue to Twix in Kirov. And dozens of pro-government commentators issued hot takes about Twixs role in Russias zeitgeist. What Is Known About the Death of Twix the Cat: Main Developments, read the headline of an article by a state-affiliated newspaper, Izvestia. Reporters pressed the head of the state-run Russian Railways about the episode, using a hardball style rarely seen in the questioning of a senior official. People on a bridge over rail tracks in Kaliningrad, Russia. Twix was thrown out of a train by an attendant. Credit: AP I have two dogs and a cat at home, the railways executive, Oleg Belozerov, who runs the countrys largest employer and oversees nearly 160,000 kilometres of rail track, told state journalists. Loading Could anyone compensate me for their loss? Im not sure, he added. He described the cats death as force majeure, a legal term for an unforeseeable catastrophe usually reserved for natural cataclysms and terrorist attacks. Russian Railways suspended the attendant, opened an internal investigation and changed its animal handling guidelines just days after Twixs death. (The attendant, whose name has not been made public, has not commented on what happened.) In a statement, the company apologised to Gaifullin, Twixs owner, but blamed the person who accompanied the animal for letting him out of sight. Loading The state news media has helped to turn Gaifullin into a minor media personality. He has hired a lawyer to handle a compensation claim against the train company, made an official account on Telegram for Twix, and is regularly interviewed by state news media. Volkov, the poll centre director, said most of the respondents in his survey blamed the person accompanying Twix for his death. Volkov said the Twix scandal turned much of the national conversation away from discontent over shortages of eggs, heating failures in a cold winter and other negative quality-of-life issues. State-approved public outrage is often directed at what the government frames as inappropriate, or immoral behaviour, which in turn supports Putins larger effort to present himself as a global champion of what he calls traditional values. But the governments rapid, and seemingly disproportionate, response to viral phenomena has also allowed it to create a sense of accountability at a time when genuine political expression is increasingly criminalised. Loading The countrys chief federal investigator personally announced a criminal case against Sergei Kosenko, the influencer who threw his baby into the snowbank. Kosenko, who has 7 million Instagram followers, had titled the video Leos First Flight, before deleting it. During the nightly hours of today, Sunday, February 3rd, a fight broke out between a number of people in an establishment on St. Eustatius. Two KPCN officers who were there in their free time tried to stop the fight but were attacked. As a result, the officers had to use physical force to defend themselves. One of the suspects then pulled out a stabbing weapon and tried to stab one of the officers. The officer ran backward to create distance between him and the suspect after the suspect tried to stab him with the knife in his hand. The suspect again approached the officer with the knife, after which the officer verbally threatened to use his firearm. The officer who threatened to use the firearm did not have a firearm with him. The other officer who was also involved was armed but had not drawn his firearm at any time. In an effort to protect those present and maintain public order, these officers acted in their free time. The police expose themselves to danger 24/7 to protect and serve the community of the Caribbean Netherlands. The Dutch Caribbean Police Force urges the public to comply with laws and regulations, treat each other with respect, and obey the enforcement of the law. Collaboration to promote mutual trust between the police and the community will ensure safe and livable communities for all residents of the Caribbean Netherlands. Fort Bay Road Alcohol Check On Friday, February 2nd , an alcohol check was held at Fort Bay on Saba from 7:15 PM. During this check, 5 vehicles were stopped and 2 drivers received a fine; 1 for not having a valid driver's license and 1 for not having valid insurance. During the inspection, the 'drager' was also used for the first time on 3 people. These three people received a warning and were reminded that it is a criminal offense to drive under the influence. PHILIPSBURG:--- Marie Genevieve de Weever (MGDW) Primary School is proud to announce its partnership with The Green Dream Project, a sustainability initiative aimed at fostering a greener future for St. Maarten. This collaboration marks a significant stride for MGDW Primary School as it commits to integrating sustainable practices into its educational framework, nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Stuart Johnson, School Manager of MGDW Primary School, expressed gratitude to Mr. Claude Javois, UNESCO, and EPIC for spearheading this initiative. Johnson emphasized the importance of instilling environmental awareness in students and acknowledged the opportunity for the school to contribute to a more sustainable community. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainability education, the school has enthusiastically joined forces with The Green Dream Project to implement innovative solutions for waste management and environmental conservation. The Green Dream Project was founded by Claude Javois in 2018 and has since been dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development in St. Maarten. Mr. Javois said, Mr. Stuart Johnson, School Manager at MGDW Primary School, along with the dedicated teachers, students, and staff, deserves commendation for embracing the Green Dream Projects ethos. Their commitment signifies the school's transition to becoming a "Green School" dedicated to sustainable practices. Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of UNESCO, St. Maarten, has been instrumental in driving the waste management cause forward, earning heartfelt appreciation from Mr. Javois and the entire Green community. "The partnership between MGDW Primary School and The Green Dream Project underscores a shared commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices, setting a precedent for positive change within the local community," Johnson concluded. Yellow's estate still has a number of claims outstanding. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Bankrupt Yellow Corp. said it repaid the $700 million COVID-relief loan it received from the U.S. Treasury in 2020. In addition to the principal amount, it repaid more than $151 million in interest, a late Monday statement read. The controversial loan was viewed as an unwarranted bailout by some and outside the scope of the CARES Act, which established a lending program to help companies fund near-term liquidity needs associated with lost business from COVID-related lockdowns. The defunct less-than-truckload carrier qualified for the loan on a carveout provision, allowing companies critical to maintaining national security to participate. Shortly after the loan was made, lawmakers and the Treasury and Defense departments squabbled over which party was ultimately responsible for blessing the transaction. A congressional oversight commission would conclude in 2023 that the loan to Yellow (YRC Worldwide at the time) should not have been made and that it brought undue credit risk to taxpayers. It was the $400 million second tranche of the loan package that drew the ire of some officials. The first $300 million was set aside for the company to catch up on delinquent pension and health care payments to its Teamsters workforce. However, the second portion of the loan allowed the company to make capital investments by replacing older tractors and trailers. Treasury did receive a 29.6% equity stake in Yellow, which is currently worth more than $60 million, as part of the collateral agreement. This repayment demonstrates Yellows absolute commitment to fulfilling its promise to the American taxpayers that its CARES Act loan would be repaid in full with interest, said Matthew Doheny, Yellows chief restructuring officer, who is tasked with unwinding the companys assets through a Chapter 11 proceeding. The estate recently auctioned off 153 owned and leased terminals, roughly half of the companys real estate portfolio, for $2 billion. Most of the buyers were former Yellow competitors. Story continues A Delaware bankruptcy court is overseeing the liquidation, which also includes the sale of 12,000 tractors and 35,000 trailers. That process remains ongoing. Roughly $900 million in other secured debt and debtor-in-possession financing remains outstanding. The estate will also have to address numerous unsecured claims, including potential withdrawal liabilities from multiemployer pension funds, penalties for potential WARN Act violations and more than 200 personal injury claims, among other items. The company said it is still pursuing a $137 million breach of contract lawsuit against Teamsters for blocking proposed changes to modernize how the carrier operates. More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden The post Bankrupt Yellow repays principal, interest on COVID loan appeared first on FreightWaves. AI reads ancient scroll buried by Vesuvius eruption Washington, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2024 Three researchers on Monday won a $700,000 prize for using artificial intelligence to read a 2,000-year-old scroll that was scorched in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The Herculaneum papyri consist of about 800 rolled up Greek scrolls that were carbonized during the 79 CE volcanic eruption that buried the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, according to the organizers of the "Vesuvius Challenge." Resembling logs of hardened ash, the scrolls, which are kept at Institut de France in Paris and the National Library of Naples, have been extensively damaged and even crumbled when attempts have been made to roll them open. As an alternative, the Vesuvius Challenge carried out high-resolution CT scans of four scrolls and offered one million dollars spread out among multiple prizes to spur research on them. The trio who won the prize was composed of Youssef Nader, a PhD student in Berlin, Luke Farritor, a student and SpaceX intern from Nebraska, and Julian Schilliger, a Swiss robotics student. The group used AI to help distinguish ink from papyrus and work out the faint and almost unreadable Greek lettering through pattern recognition. "Some of these texts could completely rewrite the history of key periods of the ancient world," Robert Fowler, a classicist and the chair of the Herculaneum Society, told Bloomberg Businessweek magazine. The challenge required researchers to decipher four passages of at least 140 characters, with at least 85 percent of characters recoverable. Last year Farritor decoded the first word from one of the scrolls, which turned out to be the Greek word for "purple." Jointly, their efforts have now decrypted about five percent of the scroll, according to the organizers. The scroll's author was "probably Epicurean philosopher Philodemus," writing "about music, food, and how to enjoy life's pleasures," wrote contest organizer Nat Friedman on X. The scrolls were found in a villa thought to be previously owned by Julius Caesar's patrician father-in-law, whose mostly unexcavated property held a library that could contain thousands more manuscripts. The contest was the brainchild of Brent Seales, a computer scientist at the University of Kentucky, and Friedman, the founder of Github, a software and coding platform that was bought by Microsoft. The recovery of never-seen ancient texts would be a huge breakthrough: according to data from the University of California, Irvine, only an estimated 3 to 5 percent of ancient Greek texts have survived. "This is the start of a revolution in Herculaneum papyrology and in Greek philosophy in general. It is the only library to come to us from ancient Roman times," Federica Nicolardi of the University of Naples Federico II told The Guardian newspaper. In the closing section, the author of the scroll "throws shade at unnamed ideological adversaries -- perhaps the stoics? -- who 'have nothing to say about pleasure, either in general or in particular,'" Friedman said. The next phase of the competition will attempt to leverage the research to unlock 85 percent of the scroll, he added. Taiwan chip giant TSMC announces second Japan plant Taipei, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 TSMC will build a second foundry in Japan, the semiconductor giant and its local partners announced Tuesday, weeks before its first in the country officially opens. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company -- which counts Apple and Nvidia as clients -- controls more than half the world's output of silicon wafers, used in everything from smartphones to cars and missiles. It has had to navigate geopolitical tussles between the United States and China in recent years as the two face off over technology import restrictions, trade and Taiwan -- its primary manufacturing base. The second factory "is scheduled to begin operation by the end of the 2027", TSMC said on Tuesday in a statement jointly issued with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, DENSO and Toyota. "Together with JASM's first fab, which is scheduled to begin operation in 2024, the overall investment in JASM will exceed US$20 billion with strong support from the Japanese government," the statement said. Joint venture JASM, or Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, is TSMC's majority-owned manufacturing subsidiary in Kumamoto prefecture, where both factories will be based. "In response to rising customer demand, JASM plans to commence construction of its second fab by the end of 2024. The increased production scale is also expected to improve overall cost structure and supply chain efficiency for JASM," the companies said. Company chairman Mark Liu said last month the first foundry's opening ceremony would be on February 24. Total production capacity at both plants is expected to reach more than 100,000 12-inch wafers per month. The sites will add more than 3,400 high-tech professional jobs, they said. TSMC said in a separate statement on Tuesday that its board of directors had approved a capital injection of up to $5.26 billion into JASM, without elaborating. Japan's government said last year it planned to spend $13 billion to boost domestic production of strategically important semiconductors and generative AI technology. Part of that spending would be to support the construction of a second TSMC plant in Kumamoto, a Japanese trade ministry official said in November. The company said its board also approved on Tuesday capital injection of up to $5 billion into its wholly-owned subsidiary TSMC Arizona, without elaborating. Global worries about Taipei's plummeting relations with Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory, have fuelled a US push to successfully woo TSMC into building the Arizona plant, one of the largest foreign investments in the country. Meta wants industry-wide labels for AI-made images San Francisco, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 Meta on Tuesday said it is working with other tech firms on standards that will let it better detect and label artificial intelligence-generated images shared with its billions of users. The Silicon Valley social media titan expects to have a system in place in a matter of months to identify and tag AI created images posted on its Facebook, Instagram and Threads platforms. "It's not perfect, it's not going to cover everything; the technology is not fully matured," Meta head of global affairs Nick Clegg told AFP. While Meta has implemented visible and invisible tags on images created using its own AI tools since December, it also wants to work with other companies "to maximize the transparency the users have," Clegg added. "That's why we've been working with industry partners to align on common technical standards that signal when a piece of content has been created using AI," the company said in a blog post. This will be done with companies Meta already works with on AI standards, including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Midjourney and other firms involved in the fierce race to lead the nascent sector, Clegg said. But while companies have started including "signals" in images made using their AI tools, the industry has been slower to start putting such identifying markers into audio or video created with AI, according to Clegg. Clegg admits that this large-scale labeling, using invisible markers, "won't totally eliminate" the risk of false images being produced, but argues that "it would certainly minimize" their proliferation "within the limits of what technology currently allows." In the meantime, Meta advised people to look at online content critically, checking whether accounts posting it are trustworthy and looking for details that look or sound unnatural. Politicians and women have been prime targets for so-called "deepfake" images, with AI-created nudes of superstar Taylor Swift recently going viral on X, formerly Twitter. The rise of generative AI has also raised fears that people could use ChatGPT and other platforms to sow political chaos via disinformation or AI clones. OpenAI last month announced it would "prohibit any use of our platform by political organizations or individuals." Meta already asks that advertisers disclose when AI is used to create or alter imagery or audio in political ads. (Bloomberg) -- An AI-generated cloned audio message of President Joe Biden that attempted to dissuade registered Democrats from voting in the New Hampshire primary election was traced to a Texas company and its owner. Most Read from Bloomberg Attorney General John Formella said on Tuesday the audio deepfake was tracked back to Life Corporation, a Texas company owned by Walter Monk, who also owns companies which provide political robocall and phone polling services. The deepfake sounded like Biden it even used a favorite catchphrase, What a bunch of malarkey and urged New Hampshire voters not to cast their ballots in the states Jan. 23 primary election. The people responsible for the fake audio could face criminal and civil charges, Formella said, citing laws that prohibit voter suppression and displaying inaccurate caller ID with the intent to cause harm. He described the episode as a real-life example of using AI in an attempt to interfere with an election. AI-generated recordings used to deceive voters have the potential to have devastating effects on the democratic election process, he said in a statement. Formella didnt say who created the audio deepfake. His office is continuing to investigate whether Life Corporation worked with or at the direction of any other persons or entities. AI Election Fears Monk didnt immediately respond to an email message seeking comment. Monk is also the owner of PollMakers, a company that creates over-the-phone surveys for political campaigns, and Voice Broadcasting, which creates a powerfully persuasive set of prerecorded phone messages for customers and then uses advanced technology to deliver these compelling messages to a targeted list of your prospects, according to his LinkedIn profile and company websites. Story continues The fake robocall of Biden alarmed disinformation experts and elections officials alike as US authorities grapple with how best to stave off the potential for AI-enabled electoral interference ahead of Novembers presidential vote. The call circulated over the weekend prior to the primary election. Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday, the phone message said. In reality, the president wasnt on the ballot in the New Hampshire race and voting in the primary didnt preclude people from participating in Novembers election. The deepfake didnt dampen turnout from Democrats, who showed up in droves to give Biden a big victory as a write-in candidate. Read More: Deepfake Biden Audio Alarms Experts in US Election Lead-Up New Hampshire authorities traced a select group of calls with the help of the Industry Traceback Group, which works to find the origin of illegal robocalls, back to the source, Formella said. The calls went to mostly registered Democrats and was spoofed to appear to come from a former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair, officials said. A call monitoring service, Nomorobo, estimates between 5,000 and 25,000 calls were made, according to Formella. Cease and Desist Formella urged greater education about the risks of AI-based election interference and said New Hampshire authorities are working with the Federal Communications Commission among others on its investigation. The FCCs Enforcement Bureau issued a cease-and-desist letter against Texas-based Lingo Telecom, which authorities said was the service provider for the calls and which has now suspended services to Life Corporation, according to Formella. Lingos Chief Compliance Officer Alex Valencia said that the company immediately conducted an investigation into the calls after receiving an inquiry from authorities. On the same day we were contacted by the Task Force, we quickly identified and suspended the involved account, and will continue to cooperate with federal and state investigators to bring a resolution to this matter, Valencia said in a statement. Consumers deserve to know that the person on the other end of the line is exactly who they claim to be. Thats why were working closely with state attorneys general across the country to combat the use of voice-cloning technology in robocalls being used to misinform voters and target unwitting victims of fraud, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. After the deepfake episode in New Hampshire, Rosenworcel called to make AI voice-generated cloned robocalls illegal. Lingo was provided with supporting data for the calls and identified Life Corporation as the party that initiated them, according to the FCC. New Hampshire has issued document preservation notices and subpoenas for records to Life Corporation and to multiple other entities, including Lingo Telecom, according to officials there. In a related action, the North Carolina Department of Justice, which co-leads the 51-member Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, said in a Feb. 6 letter addressed to senior officers at Life Corporation that some of the 20,000 illegally spoofed calls it reviewed were consistent with a Telephony Denial of Service. Thats an intentional attack on the voice service communications system of an organization intended to disrupt service by flooding the network with multiple and malicious inbound calls. It isnt the first time Lingo and Life were the subjects of an illegal robocall investigation, according to the FCC. Since 2021, the Industry Traceback Group has identified Lingo as the gateway provider responsible for 61 suspected illegal calls originating overseas that entered the US. In 2003, the FCC issued Life a citation for delivering apparently illegal prerecorded and unsolicited advertisements to residential lines. The FCC received close to 30,000 complaints in the first 11 months of the year about misleading or inaccurate caller identification information, down from a high of nearly 71,000 in 2019, according to a December 2023 annual report to Congress on robocalls. The report highlighted what it said was a new concerning trend in the evolution of illegal robocallers including voice phishing attacks that use AI-powered robocalls that mimic a real conversation. Monks Voice Broadcasting says it has phone numbers of every single business entity in the country, according to its website. A customer service representative at Voice Broadcasting told Bloomberg News that they were aware of the Biden deepfake call and its link to the company but declined to answer further questions. PollMakers says it is able to send 3,000 calls per minute, at 2-7 per call or 30-70 for every completed survey, according to its website. Examples of survey questions, provided on the website, include: Is global warming a reality or a hoax? What do you think of Donald Trumps performance? and What do you think of the bathroom bill? (Updates to add Lingo comment starting in 12th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Blinken seeks 'enduring end' to Gaza war in latest Mideast tour Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2024 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off Monday a Middle East tour seeking a new truce and "an enduring end" to the Israel-Hamas war, as Gaza saw no let-up in fighting. On his fifth trip to the region since Hamas's October 7 attack that triggered the war, Blinken met Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler in Riyadh and was later expected to visit Israel and mediators Egypt and Qatar. Blinken and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed "regional coordination to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza", said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. They also spoke of "the urgent need to reduce regional tensions", Miller said, referring to a surge in attacks across the region by Iran-backed Hamas allies that triggered counterattacks by the United States and its partners. Ahead of the trip, Blinken stressed the need for "urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza", after aid groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the devastating impact nearly four months of war have had on the besieged territory. Palestinian man Said Hamouda, who fled his home to the southern city of Rafah on the border with Egypt, said "the situation is indescribable." Rafah now hosts more than half of the Gaza Strip's population, displaced due to the fighting. Over the weekend, Israel pressed further south towards the densely crowded border city, warning that its ground forces could advance on Rafah as part of the campaign to eradicate Hamas. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "a complete victory will deal a fatal blow" to Hamas but also to other Iran-backed militant groups across the region. Witnesses reported shelling around Khan Yunis, where Israel believes high-ranking Hamas officials are hiding. The militant group's Gaza chief, Yahya Sinwar, was "moving from hideout to hideout", said Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, without elaborating on his presumed current location. - Hostage negotiations - "Sinwar does not lead the campaign, does not command the forces," Gallant told a televised briefing, claiming the top Hamas leader was strictly concerned with "his personal survival". As bombardment and battles keep raging across Gaza, Blinken is expected to discuss during his visit a truce framework not yet signed off on by either Hamas or Israel. The war was sparked by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel says 132 remain in Gaza -- including 28 believed to have been killed, according to updated figures from the prime minister's office. Israel launched a massive military offensive that has killed at least 27,478 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the territory's health ministry. The proposed truce would pause fighting for an initial six weeks as Hamas frees hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and more aid enters Gaza, according to a Hamas source. Netanyahu, who has faced divisions within his cabinet and public fury over the fate of the remaining hostages, said Israel "will not accept" demands made by Hamas for an exchange. The premier's Likud party quoted him as saying the terms "should be similar to the previous agreement", which saw a ratio of captives exchanged for Palestinian prisoners during a November truce. - 'Tragic' conditions - As Gazans have suffered dire humanitarian conditions, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is facing a major controversy after accusations that 12 staff members were involved in Hamas's attack. More than a dozen countries, led by top donor the United States, suspended their funding to the aid agency after the claims surfaced. Spain however said it would give an additional 3.5 million euros ($3.8 million) "so that UNRWA can maintain its activities in the short term", said Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres announced the creation of an independent panel to assess UNRWA and "whether the agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality", a UN statement said. Jordan's King Abdullah II urged donors to maintain support for the agency "to allow it to provide its vital humanitarian services... particularly in light of the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza", a royal statement said. In a meeting with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Amman, the two leaders urged the protection of civilians in Gaza and called to intensify efforts towards a lasting ceasefire and a "political solution" to the conflict, the statement said. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, on his first visit to the region since taking office, said peace will only be achieved through diplomacy, urging the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks "without delay". German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a phone call told Netanyahu -- who had come under fire for rejecting Palestinian sovereignty -- that "only a negotiated two-state solution would open up the prospect of a sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict". In Riyadh, Blinken also discussed "building a more integrated and prosperous region", spokesman Miller said, alluding to negotiations cut off by the Gaza war for a landmark Saudi normalisation with Israel. burs-jd/ami/spm US says it did not give Iraq advance warning of air strikes Washington, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2024 The United States did not notify the Iraqi government in advance of recent strikes against pro-Iranian targets in the country, the State Department said Monday, clarifying White House statements suggesting otherwise. "There was not a pre-notification, we informed the Iraqis immediately after the strikes occurred," State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. The United States carried out strikes in Syria and Iraq on Friday against targets of elite Iranian forces and pro-Iranian armed groups. The strikes were in retaliation for an attack on January 28 that killed three American soldiers in Jordan, near the Iraqi and Syrian borders. Washington has blamed the attack on forces aligned with Tehran. "The Iraqi government, like every country in the region, understood that there would be a response after the deaths of our soldiers," Patel added. Regional tensions are already running high in the face of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and both Iraq and Syria condemned the strikes, with Baghdad denouncing "a violation of Iraqi sovereignty" and warning of "disastrous consequences" for the country and beyond. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had told reporters on Friday evening that Washington "did inform the Iraqi government prior to the strikes," angering Baghdad. "I responded with information that I had been provided at the time," Kirby said on Monday. "It was not as specific as it could have been, and I regret any confusion caused. "That said, we had made no secret -- both to Iraqi officials and in public channels -- that we would respond to the attacks on our troops. And, we did, in fact, officially notify Iraq, as appropriate with standard procedure," he added. Anger over Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza -- which began after an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 -- has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Tensions between the US and Iraqi governments have deepened in recent months after Washington carried out previous strikes in response to a flurry of attacks on US-led troops since the Israel-Hamas war began. US and allied troops in the region have been attacked more than 165 times since mid-October, mostly in Iraq and Syria, but the Jordan deaths were the first from hostile fire during that period. A US-led coalition was set up in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group after it seized swaths of Iraq and Syria, with roughly 2,500 troops in Iraq and about 900 in Syria as part of the effort. Washington and Baghdad opened talks on the future of the US-led troop presence late last month after repeated demands from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani for a timetable for their withdrawal. Black travelers want to see the travel industry embrace their full identities. AzmanL/ Getty After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, when travel brands including Delta Air Lines, Hilton and Enterprise pronounced their support for diversity and the Black Lives Matter movement, our research group was motivated to conduct a study that collected data of the travel experiences of more than 5,000 Black people and people of color. Our work, published in Afar magazine and Tourism Geographies, found that Black travelers expressed dissatisfaction with how the travel industry promotes itself as inclusive. Authenticity matters Black travelers want more genuine and authentic engagement and representation, we found, that showcases an investment in the Black community by partnering with Black-owned travel businesses, guides and experiences. We conducted in-depth interviews with several of the people who provided data to us. Those we interviewed told us plainly that they are weary of being perceived as a single, uniform entity. They want more attention paid to their intersecting identities. First coined by Law professor Kimberle Crenshaw back in 1989, intersectionality has come to mean that all oppression is linked to peoples complex identities related to their gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability and more. Joshlyn Crystal Adams, CEO of Urbanista Travel, told us, Its definitely more than being Black. Its also as a woman, where do I feel safe going if you go to this country as a gay person, just be mindful that if youre caught doing this or that, you can be arrested. So it spins far beyond race. Its definitely about gender and sexuality. We also found that Black travelers notice the small things that add up to an experience of feeling valued and seen or not. Some companies support Black-owned businesses by buying their products in limited amounts. For example, JW Marriott sells Diamonds Body Care in their spas. But the people in our study emphasized the need for brands and destinations to make a greater effort. Story continues What do you know about my hair? Nothing, travel media personality, pilot and avid adventurer Kellee Edwards said about hotel shampoo. Until they go ahead and mix that pot up and sprinkle some salt and pepper in it this is what were going to be dealing with. Diversity is not a box to check In the Jim Crow era, Black travelers were regularly denied access to crucial services such as gas, food, restrooms and lodging. Stopping in unfamiliar locations posed the threat of humiliation, threats or worse. While its true that race relations and access to travel by Black people have improved in the United States since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, generational trauma has left a mark on Black travelers, affecting how and why they choose to travel. Edwards shared that identifying as a Black woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry is exhausting. Diversity is a lot of things, but as women, we are very much underrepresented, Edwards said. While we need to focus on inclusion when it comes to race, we also must focus on gender. Travel often reinforces entrenched power dynamics, noted Christopher Carr, one of our study participants and an associate dean at George Mason University. Carr said that destinations often engage in rainbow washing superficial LGBTQ-friendly gestures meant to elicit positive feelings about a brand in order to sell something with no real support going to the community, such as promoting pride flags while passing anti-LGBTQIA corporate policies. That leaves him to wonder if the attention that Im receiving is genuine or is it because Im somebodys box to tick? Our interviewees called for actions beyond symbolic gestures and real effort to engage the community. If companies want to understand how to be appeasing to our communities, they should go directly to us, study participant and AfroBuenaventura Transformative Travel founder Ronnell Perry said. Change the industry from within Black individuals hold fewer than 1% of top leadership roles C-suite, director, CEO/president in the U.S. hospitality industry, according to a report by Castell Project. Over the past decade, consultancies such as McKinsey have made it increasingly clear that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially. In our recent publication Black Travel Is Not Monolithic, we proposed a road map to help guide the travel sector toward authentic inclusion. However, change requires taking power from the hands of dominant white, heterosexual, nondisabled and first-world nation groups. One of our top suggestions is to diversify human resource departments so that individuals from diverse identities and backgrounds can actively participate in the hiring process. From there, they can address culturally sensitive issues on a daily basis. Of course, this is true not just in travel but across industries. Fostering an inclusive workplace also requires nurturing diverse leaders, inclusive of intersecting marginalized identities. Until you get people in who can represent us to say, Hey, this is my community and I know something about this and we can represent this, Edwards said, its not going to change. 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: Alana Dillette, San Diego State University and Stefanie Benjamin, University of Tennessee Read more: The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Russia, China accuse US of stoking Mideast tensions United Nations, United States, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 Russia and China accused the United States during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday of stoking already high tensions in the Middle East with its recent retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. The US military struck dozens of targets in Syria and Iraq overnight on Friday into Saturday, in retaliation for a January 28 drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three US soldiers. The strikes, which targeted elite Iranian units and pro-Iranian militant groups, have led to fears that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza could spiral into a regional conflict. "It's clear that American airstrikes are specifically, deliberately aimed to stoke the conflict," said Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzia, whose country had called for the emergency meeting. China's ambassador Jun Zhang similarly claimed that the "US actions will certainly exacerbate the vicious cycle of tit-for-tat violence in the Middle East." Anger over Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza -- which began after an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 -- has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. A UN official called for "all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict." "I appeal to the Council to continue to actively engage all concerned parties to prevent further escalation and the worsening of tensions that undermine regional peace and security," said Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs. The American strikes have drawn criticism from the governments of Iraq and Syria, and also from Iran, which denies any role in last month's drone attack. "Any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its armed forces is misleading, baseless and unacceptable," Iranian ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Council on Monday. He pledged that if Iran faces "any threat, attack or aggression affecting its security," it would "not hesitate to exercise its inherent rights... to respond firmly." The White House said Sunday it plans more retaliatory action. "Let me be clear, United States does not desire more conflict in a region when we are actively working to contain and deescalate the conflict in Gaza," said deputy ambassador Robert Wood. He added: "We are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran, but we will continue to defend our personnel against unacceptable attacks. Period." Russia stops Ecuador banana imports after US arms deal Moscow, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 Russia is suspending imports of bananas and flowers from Ecuador, weeks after Quito agreed to a US weapons deal that will result in Ukraine receiving Soviet-era military equipment from the South American country. The Russian agriculture watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said in a statement that authorisations for five Ecuadoran exporters were suspended from Tuesday due to the detection of pests. Nine out of 10 bananas imported by Russia come from Ecuador, according to Russian media. The restrictions on certain flower imports will come into force on Friday. Ecuador is one of the world's top exporters of flowers, mainly roses. The decisions come in the wake of Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa's announcement on January 10 that he had accepted a US offer to exchange the Soviet-era equipment for modern US weapons in a $200 million deal. The United States has said that the Ecuadoran equipment would be shipped to Ukraine to help Kyiv in its conflict with Russia. The deal has angered Moscow, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saying last week that Ecuador had made a "reckless decision under serious pressure from external interested parties". Zakharova added that Ecuador had a contractual obligation to not transfer such equipment to a third party without Russia's consent. Noboa has said that Quito had every right to conduct the deal because it involved "scrap". The Ecuadoran leader spoke with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky during the swearing-in of Argentina's new President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires. Georgian President denounces Russian plan for navy base in breakaway region Tbilisi, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili on Tuesday denounced a reported Russian plan to set up a navy base in the breakaway Abkhazia region as a threat to security in the Black Sea. Last October, as Ukraine stepped up attacks on Moscow's Black Sea fleet, Abkhazia's separatist leader Aslan Bzhania said he has signed an agreement with Russia to establish a Russian naval base at the Black Sea town of Ochamchire "in the near future." "Russia's plan to transform the Ochamchire port into its navy base is aimed at shifting the confrontation into the Black Sea, into our territorial waters, and at creating a threat to the strategic perspective of the Black Sea," Zurabishvili said during an address to parliament on Tuesday. Zurabishvili -- who has repeatedly clashed with the Georgian government and accused it of being too close to Moscow -- also warned Russia had "begun fresh attacks in its hybrid war on Georgia." Her role is largely ceremonial, though she has been a staunch backer of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. Russia already has permanent military bases in Abkhazia and another Moscow-backed separatist region, South Ossetia -- both of which it recognised as independent states in the wake of its war with the Caucasus country in 2008. Ochamchire is a seaside town located near Georgia's key maritime location of Anaklia on the Black Sea. It has been a base for Russian patrol vessels operating in the Black Sea since 2009. Ochamchire port is too shallow to receive major ships and transforming it into a significant naval base would require massive renovation of its obsolete infrastructure. Ukraine's defence intelligence service said in October that Russia was actively "reconstructing the (Ochamchire) port infrastructure in some places to ensure that warships can be based there." Despite its stalled counter-offensive on the land, Ukraine has had more success fighting Russia in the Black Sea, sinking several Russian warships and being able to operate an export corridor for commercial ships along its southern coast. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the Russian navy "is no longer capable of operating in the western part of the Black Sea and is gradually retreating from Crimea." Ukraine last year struck the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet on the annexed Crimean peninsula in a missile attack, marking a major blow for Moscow. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday that the Senate will vote next week on a bill funding the war in Ukraine and addressing border security. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 Israel's defense minister said Thursday that ground forces have officially routed Hamas from Gaza's Khan Younis. Washington (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 American forces shot down a drone off Yemen on Thursday and later destroyed an explosives-laden uncrewed surface vessel that threatened ships in the Red Sea, the US military said. Beijing (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The United States has said it successfully dismantled a China-based hacking network known as "Volt Typhoon", accusing it of infiltrating critical US infrastructure networks with the goal of disabling them in the event of conflict. Beijing (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 China said Thursday it was seeking "continuous improvement" of ties with the Vatican, after the Church announced the ordination of its third Chinese bishop in one week. Sarajevo (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana on Thursday reaffirmed the Alliance's support for Bosnia during a visit to Sarajevo, condemning the "secessionist policies" of Bosnian Serb leaders. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 A former Central Intelligence Agency programmer convicted of stealing and sharing classified information is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. On Board The Uss Carl Vinson (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The US and Japanese navies held joint exercises in the Philippine Sea this week, in a show of force as tensions with China and North Korea rise. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 The United Nations Security Council reported this week that Al-Qaeda established eight new training camps and maintains several safe houses in Afghanistan, but the Taliban rejects the claim. Rafah, Palestinian Territories (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 Gazans released from Israeli detention on Thursday displayed injuries at a hospital in Rafah and told AFP they had been abused by their jailers. Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 Teledyne e2v HiRel, a division of Teledyne Defense Electronics, has announced the release of the TDLNA0430SEP Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). This state-of-the-art device is specifically designed to meet Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 A U.S. F-16 fighter jet stationed in South Korea crashed in the Yellow Sea on Wednesday, the U.S. Air Force said, with the pilot ejecting safely. Adelaide, Australia (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 In a significant development for the Australasian space sector, SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat), Australia's leading space research centre, has entered into a formal partnership with Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 Four Chinese nationals have been charged with providing U.S. technology to Iran, according to the Justice Department. Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 The Biden administration has sanctioned three alleged supporters of the Islamic State, including two accused of providing the terrorist organization with cybersecurity expertise. Washington (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 NATO's chief on Wednesday told US conservatives that the alliance was a "good deal" for the United States and created jobs, as likely presidential candidate Donald Trump fuels doubts about assisting Ukraine. Washington (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 American forces carried out strikes in Yemen against 10 attack drones and a ground control station belonging to the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, the US military said Wednesday. Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 SpaceFund, Inc., a leading player in the space venture capital arena, recently welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors - the internationally renowned business leader, Leonardo (Leo) A. Rodri Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 China has 46 military companies plus subsidiaries operating within the United States while disguised as civilian entities, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday. Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR), a leader in delivering space-based data and analytics services, has successfully launched the first commercial satellite constellation for Space Situational Awarenes Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 Starlab Space, which is creating a commercial space laboratory that hopes to replace the International Space Station, signed a deal with SpaceX on Wednesday to put it into low-Earth orbit. Sanaa (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Yemen's Huthi rebels fired "several" missiles at a US warship in the Red Sea, they said on Wednesday, hours after the US military reported shooting down a missile. New York (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 Finally, some good news? Pennsylvania's primo prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow during annual Groundhog Day celebrations Friday meaning that, according to legend, there will be an early spring. Zurich, Switzerland (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 Beyond Gravity, Europe's leading space supplier, has been selected by NASA to provide crucial navigation technology for a new climate satellite, the PACE mission, set to launch on February 6, 2024. Portland (AFP) Feb 4, 2024 American Amber Pearson used to wash her hands until they bled, terrified by the idea of contamination from everyday items, a debilitating result of her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Marseille (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 A man was brought before a judge in southern French city Marseille Friday on suspicion of stealing 14 endangered squirrel monkeys from a zoo, judicial sources said. London (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 A London court threw out a public order case on Friday against climate activist Greta Thunberg and four other protesters, with the judge criticising "unlawful" conditions imposed by police when they were arrested. Paris (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 France's government was on the defensive on Friday after environmental campaigners and opposition politicians accused it of having scrapped a key green policy to appease protesting farmers. Istanbul (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 Turkey on Tuesday holds pre-dawn vigils for the loss of more than 50,000 people - and parts of entire cities - in the earthquake-prone country's deadliest disaster of modern times. Washington (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 The United States has seen important action by China on curbing fentanyl, a senior official said Friday after talks in Beijing, but he acknowledged the risk that friction between the two powers could "blow up" progress. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 2, 2024 Two French citizens volunteering aid to Ukraine were killed Thursday in a Russian drone attack on the city of Beryslav, according to Kherson region military administration head Oleksandr Prokudin. Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 02, 2024 Over a span of 10 days in November 2023, Eglin Air Force Base was the scene of a remarkable demonstration of the pivotal role that deployable scientists and engineers (S&Es) can play in enhancing th Huntsville AL (SPX) Feb 02, 2024 Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has achieved a significant milestone in the advancement of U.S. Army's air and missile defense capabilities by delivering the first production Integrated Bat Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 01, 2024 BAE Systems (LON: BA), a leader in defense and aerospace technology, has reached a pivotal phase in its development of an advanced military Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a cutting-edg Berlin, Germany (SPX) Feb 01, 2024 In a significant advancement for small satellite capabilities, the NorSat-TD microsatellite, developed by the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) for the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), has successfully es Seoul (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected warships at a shipyard in a renewed drive to bolster his naval forces as his country ramps up "war preparations", state media said Friday. Seoul (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles Friday, Seoul's military said, continuing a fresh streak of weapons testing as Kim Jong Un's regime ramps up what it calls "war preparations". Washington (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The United States on Thursday approved a $4 billion sale of state-of-the-art drones to India, eager to modernize its military in the face of China, after a delay following an alleged assassination plot on US soil. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for building up the country's naval forces in order to intensify war preparations, state-run media reported Friday, as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain at their highest in years. Kyiv, Ukraine (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 Ukraine said Thursday it had destroyed a Russian warship in the Black Sea off the Crimean peninsula, which has come under increasing Ukrainian attacks. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 Israel's defense minister said Thursday that ground forces have officially routed Hamas from Gaza's Khan Younis. Washington (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 American forces shot down a drone off Yemen on Thursday and later destroyed an explosives-laden uncrewed surface vessel that threatened ships in the Red Sea, the US military said. Beijing (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The United States has said it successfully dismantled a China-based hacking network known as "Volt Typhoon", accusing it of infiltrating critical US infrastructure networks with the goal of disabling them in the event of conflict. Washington (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 NATO's chief on Wednesday told US conservatives that the alliance was a "good deal" for the United States and created jobs, as likely presidential candidate Donald Trump fuels doubts about assisting Ukraine. Washington (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 American forces carried out strikes in Yemen against 10 attack drones and a ground control station belonging to the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, the US military said Wednesday. Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 SpaceFund, Inc., a leading player in the space venture capital arena, recently welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors - the internationally renowned business leader, Leonardo (Leo) A. Rodri Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 China has 46 military companies plus subsidiaries operating within the United States while disguised as civilian entities, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday. Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR), a leader in delivering space-based data and analytics services, has successfully launched the first commercial satellite constellation for Space Situational Awarenes Washington DC (UPI) Jan 31, 2024 Starlab Space, which is creating a commercial space laboratory that hopes to replace the International Space Station, signed a deal with SpaceX on Wednesday to put it into low-Earth orbit. Sanaa (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Yemen's Huthi rebels fired "several" missiles at a US warship in the Red Sea, they said on Wednesday, hours after the US military reported shooting down a missile. Washington DC (UPI) Jan 28, 2024 Iran has launched three satellites into space with a rocket that had failed multiple times before, Iranian officials announced Sunday. Western authorities have said the move improves Tehran's ballistic missile capabilities. Melbourne, Australia (SPX) Feb 02, 2024 In a pivotal study published in Science, researchers have presented a cautionary perspective on the global reliance on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies, shedding light on the significant chal Via Del Mar, Chile (AFP) Feb 5, 2024 The death toll from central Chile's blazing wildfires climbed to at least 112 people on Sunday, after President Gabriel Boric warned the number would rise "significantly" as teams search gutted neighborhoods. Vina Del Mar, Chile (AFP) Feb 5, 2024 Within minutes his world erupted in a hellish fire: Abraham Mardones, with just the clothes on his back, miraculously managed to escape the epicenter of the deadliest wildfires in Chile's recent history. Kahramanmaras, Turkey (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 Cansu Gol lost her baby in the rubble of Turkey's massive earthquake a year ago. Now she spends her time trying to heal the mental scars of her two surviving children. Boston MA (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 Coastal cities and communities will face more frequent major hurricanes with climate change in the coming years. To help prepare coastal cities against future storms, MIT scientists have developed a Paris (ESA) Feb 05, 2024 A groundbreaking study that combines satellite data and Artificial Intelligence has thrown new light on the number of vessels at sea. Astonishingly, the study reveals that around 75% of the world's Santa Barbara CA (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 Groundwater is rapidly declining across the globe, often at accelerating rates. Writing in the journal Nature, UC Santa Barbara researchers present the largest assessment of groundwater levels aroun Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday that the Senate will vote next week on a bill funding the war in Ukraine and addressing border security. London (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 More than 80 percent of rivers in England have been polluted by phosphates, according to a study published Tuesday that's likely to focus more criticism on British water companies for their wastewater discharges. Gerlache Strait, Antarctica (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 In remote Antarctica, Colombian marine biologist Paulo Tigreros dips a net into the icy waters in his hunt for microplastics in what should be one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the world. New York (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 Finally, some good news? Pennsylvania's primo prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow during annual Groundhog Day celebrations Friday meaning that, according to legend, there will be an early spring. Four bolts were missing from a door panel that blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight last month while the Boeing 737 Max 9 plane was flying over Oregon, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The bolts are there to prevent the non-operational panel, known as a door plug, from moving upward, the NTSB said. But last year, before the plane was delivered to Alaska Airlines, the door panel had to be opened and four bolts removed at Boeing's Renton, Wash., factory to replace damaged rivets nearby, the report says. As part of the investigation, the agency found that the "absence of contact damage or deformation" around holes associated with vertical movement bolts indicates that four bolts of the door panel were missing before the panel moved up off the stop pads, according to the report. It's unclear why the bolts were missing. Records show that the rivets were replaced, but photos obtained from Boeing Co. by the NTSB show that the door panel was put back without bolts in three visible locations. The fourth location is obscured in the photo by insulation, the NTSB said. The photo of the door panel came from a text message between Boeing employees who were discussing "interior restoration after the rivet rework was completed during second shift operations that day," the NTSB's report says. Boeing said in a statement that the company would review the NTSB's findings "expeditiously" and will continue to "fully and transparently" cooperate with this investigation as well as a separate investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. "Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened," company Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said in the statement. "An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers." Read more: Alaska blowout Q&A: Whats a door plug? How does an iPhone survive a 3-mile fall? Story continues Boeing said it has implemented a quality control plan to ensure all 737 Max 9 midexit door plugs are installed "according to specifications," including new inspections of door plug assembly at both suppliers' factories as well as in-house, and the addition of "signage and protocol" to fully document when the door plug is opened or removed in the Boeing factory. Tuesday's NTSB preliminary report is the latest blow to Boeing and its reputation. On the same day the report was released, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker testified before a House subcommittee and suggested that the agency might need to take a heavier-handed approach to monitoring Boeing after the door panel incident. One, what is wrong with this airplane? But two, whats going on with the production at Boeing? Whitaker told a House subcommittee, according to the Associated Press. There have been issues in the past. They dont seem to be getting resolved, so we feel like we need to have a heightened level of oversight. Adding to the company's problems, on Sunday, the aircraft manufacturer said major fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems reported that two holes were incorrectly drilled into the window frames of some 737 Max planes. Boeing said that it was finalizing "rework instructions" for affected planes and that it would make sure that any planes not yet delivered to customers would be in line with specifications. Read more: 'Everything was rushing out': Riverside couple describe harrowing midair blowout on Alaska Flight 1282 Boeing said the issue did not have an "immediate safety-of-flight impact" and that the planes could continue to operate safely. Last week, Boeing reported a quarterly loss of $30 million, which was less than analysts had expected for the three months that ended Dec. 31, before the door plug blowout. The company said it would not offer a planned forecast of revenue for this year. While we often use this time of year to share or update our financial and operational objectives, now is not the time for that, Calhoun said during a conference call with Wall Street analysts. He added that he was focused on quality control after the door plug incident. These recent incidents come just a few years after two crashes of 737 Max 8 planes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people. The crashes were largely caused by a faulty automated flight control system. Read more: Must Reads: How a 50-year-old design came back to haunt Boeing with its troubled 737 Max jet Although the NTSB's preliminary report does not reach conclusions about what caused the door plug failure, former Boeing senior manager Ed Pierson, who retired in 2018 from the aircraft giant's 737 factory, said investigators need to focus on whether there are systemic problems with Boeing's manufacturing procedures. It isn't somebody missing a bolt," he said. "It's typically a breakdown in processes, or it could be just human error. But I would argue that the most likely scenario is that employees felt rushed, and employees were feeling rushed because the corporation is pressuring the factories to produce these planes and pump them out the door." Pierson, who also serves as executive director of the watchdog group Foundation for Aviation Safety, said Boeing's promises to fix the door panel problems ring hollow because he views them as reactive, rather than proactive, measures. "All of that should have happened a long, long time ago," he said, referring to the earlier problems with the 737 Max line. "They're not getting any credit for doing what they should have done years ago." The NTSB said its investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which was traveling Jan. 5 from Portland International Airport to Ontario, is ongoing. The plane's cabin suddenly depressurized as the door plug blew out, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the plane as the aircraft was 16,000 feet in the air. (The door plug was later found in the backyard of a Portland teacher.) After the door panel was blown out of the plane, the aircraft made an emergency landing back in Portland. Seven passengers and one flight attendant had minor injuries, the NTSB said. The FAA grounded all of the Max 9 planes for nearly three weeks after the incident. The FAA then grounded all 171 Max 9 aircraft with door plugs, forcing airlines such as United and Alaska to make changes to their flight schedules. The FAA said Monday that United and Alaska have now inspected and returned to service almost 94% of the two fleets' Max 9 aircraft, according to Reuters. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. It is worth remembering too that our armed police are not out pursuing the average Londoner, but instead usually dealing with highly dangerous criminals with a propensity to use violence. Mark Duggan, for example, whose fatal shooting by a Met officer in Tottenham prompted the London riots of 2011, was known to the police as a violent gangster, as a subsequent investigation by the policing watchdog showed. The later conviction of another criminal for selling Duggan a gun only minutes before he was killed shows the nature of who the armed officers were dealing with that day and why they were tracking him in the first place. Its the same with the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker. He was not shot while enjoying an innocent stroll, but because he was involved in an operation with two other criminals to spring a senior gang member from a prison van near Wood Green crown court. This concert chant is one of the most popular and the most fun. Make sure you sing as loud as you can. Just before the and that made me want to die lyrics, shout how did that make you feel? By Ron Bousso and Deep Kaushik Vakil LONDON (Reuters) -BP posted forecast-beating earnings of $3 billion for the fourth quarter and boosted share repurchases as its recently appointed CEO vowed to make pragmatic investments in an effort to allay investor concern over its energy transition strategy. The company's shares were more than 5% higher by 1200 GMT on Tuesday following the unexpected acceleration of the buyback programme. The quarterly results, lifted by strong gas trading, took the energy giant's 2023 profit to $13.8 billion, although that was half that of a year earlier as oil and gas prices cooled and refining profit margins weakened. The earnings come as a relief to CEO Murray Auchincloss after the company substantially missed forecasts in the previous two quarters. Auchincloss became permanent CEO in January after being named interim CEO on Sept. 12 when Bernard Looney abruptly stepped down for failing to fully disclose details of past personal relationships with colleagues. Auchincloss told Reuters that BP remains committed to its strategy to reduce oil production by 25% from 2019 levels by 2030 to 2 million barrels per day while growing its renewables and low-carbon businesses by the end of the decade. But at the same time he said BP could grow its oil output beyond its 3% target for 2022 to 2027, depending on returns, in a nod to investors concerned that the British company's energy transition will destroy value. "As we drive towards 2025 we are going to focus on simplifying the business," he said. "We will pragmatically adapt to what's happening with demand in society...We will go for the highest return and highest value projects." BP has 12 to 16 oil and gas projects that could potentially get the green light over the next two years, he said. BP's shares have underperformed rivals in recent months amid the concerns over its strategy and the leadership upheaval. The company said it was committed to repurchasing $3.5 billion of shares in the first half of 2024 and expects to purchase $14 billion over 2024-2025. Story continues "BP delivers what investors were asking for: higher distributions and more visibility," Jefferies analyst Giacomo Romeo said in a note. STRONG TRADING BP's fourth-quarter underlying replacement cost profit, the company's definition of net income, reached $2.99 billion, exceeding forecasts of $2.77 billion in a company-provided survey of analysts. BP said the results reflected strong gas trading and higher oil and gas prices which were nevertheless offset by significantly lower refining margins amid sluggish global economic activity, weak oil trading and exploration impairments. Rivals Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Shell last week also beat profit expectations on a mix of strong trading results and higher oil and gas production. BP maintained its dividend at 7.27 cents per share and increased the rate of its share buybacks to $1.75 billion over the next three months from $1.5 billion in the previous three. Capital expenditure in 2023 was unchanged from a year earlier at $16.3 billion, and is expected to dip to $16 billion this year and next. BP generated more than $32 billion of cash last year, compared with $41 billion in 2022. It reduced net debt to $20.9 billion by year-end, the lowest in a decade, from $21.4 billion 12 months earlier. (Reporting by Ron Bousso and Deep Vakil, Editing by Louise Heavens, Kirsten Donovan) He explained that Starmer was probably thinking about his relationship with Joe Biden. Does he really want to use up political capital now with the Americans in a way that would make your friends feel a bit better for a few days? he added. He also said it was "not true" that British Muslim support for Labour has halved since the war in Gaza, as recent polls have recorded. At the peak of the Brexit wars, when he served as Theresa Mays Brexit adviser, Robbins was described as the bete noire of Brexiteers. Some hardliners accused him of pro-EU or Remain bias because of his role in pursuing a Brexit deal that was not, in their opinion, sufficiently Brexit-y. Robbins was at Mays side as she negotiated her Brexit deal, but when it failed to win the support of the Commons and she resigned as prime minister, Robbins also left government. The Europeans are always so worried about people coming across the Mediterranean. Well, I have a warning for them that if they dont support more refugees coming out of Sudan, even displaced people inside Sudan, we will see onward movements of people towards Libya, Tunisia and across the Mediterranean, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said. There is no doubt. "So they no longer admit that they are collectivists but that is what their ideology is about. It's all about taking power away from people and families and giving power to the state or unaccountable bodies." The Prime Minister met with the sister of one British citizen still being held by Hamas as well as the aunt of another British hostage. The relatives and friends of two other hostages with close ties to the UK were also at the meeting. It's been almost 10 years since Scotland put a referendum to its people about independence from the UK, with 55.3 per cent voting against it. However, a lot has changed in the UK since then, and there's still a possibility that a second referendum could be put forward in the future. He said: His Majesty the King is very well known and liked in this community and in common with many people across the UK and the Commonwealth, we were sad to hear that he has been diagnosed with cancer. Meanwhile, the Prince of Waless return to official duties this week, in the aftermath of the Princess of Waless abdominal surgery, was announced just hours before news of the Kings diagnosis, suggesting William is stepping up while his father is unwell. The King is on his usual good form in every way after his first treatment, a royal source told the Telegraph on Tuesday, adding he is "just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not just his own plans but impacted on others. It is not known how long Harry will stay in Britain, but it has emerged he and his brother William have no plans to meet. "I know the King will recover from this, but it shows he is in a fragile condition, and if the King can't make the meeting in Samoa later this year, and he can't go to New Zealand for the tour, then it's going to fall back on William to do his responsibilities and to step up for the King. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$45.0b (down 2.5% from FY 2022). Net income: US$8.03b (up 27% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 18% (up from 14% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was driven by lower expenses. EPS: US$3.88 (up from US$2.97 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Bristol-Myers Squibb EPS Beats Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) surpassed analyst estimates by 3.5%. The primary driver behind last 12 months revenue was the United States segment contributing a total revenue of US$31.6b (70% of total revenue). The largest operating expense was Research & Development (R&D) costs, amounting to US$9.11b (34% of total expenses). Explore how BMY's revenue and expenses shape its earnings. Looking ahead, revenue is expected to decline by 1.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, while revenues in the Pharmaceuticals industry in the US are expected to grow by 8.7%. Performance of the American Pharmaceuticals industry. The company's shares are down 2.9% from a week ago. Risk Analysis Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Bristol-Myers Squibb that you should be aware of. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Israel occupies the West Bank and has built scores of Jewish settlements there. It withdrew soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but along with Egypt imposed a blockade on the territory after Hamas seized power there two years later. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its annual Black History Month campaign, designed to honor and uplift the contributions of Black Illinoisans, business owners and leaders. As part of the month-long celebration, DCEO launched a webpage featuring events and resources, including resources to support Black-owned businesses, a social media toolkit, proclamation and more. The 2024 theme, Knowing the Past Opens Doors for the Future, pays homage to Illinois rich Black history and celebrates the economic contributions of Black Illinoisans. Blac... 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According to the cited source, 207 infections with the BA.2.75 COVID-19 sub-variant have been confirmed so far, as well as 567 cases of the BQ.1 infection, 406 cases of the XBB sub-variant, 484 cases of the XBB.1.5 sub-variant and 169 cases of the XBB.1.5+F456L sub-variant of Omicron. As many as 9,994 cases have been confirmed with the Omicron variant (variants of concern, VOCs) as of February4. Of these, 3,073 cases have been detected with the BA.2 sub-variant (31%), 62 cases with the BA.4 sub-variant (0.62%) and 3,481 cases with the BA.5 sub-variant (35%). According to INSP, 21,221 sequences have been reported until February 4. The Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu, appreciates the decision announced by the head of the European Commission, to withdraw the bill on the reduction in pesticide consumption, which put Romanian farmers at a disadvantage. "I am glad that the president of the European Commission came to the conclusion that the SUR Regulation was totally wrong and took the decision to withdraw the provisions regarding the limitation of plant protection products. I have argued in every AgroFish Council and in all my public appearances that the reduction in terms of percentages, without taking into account the specifics of each member state, cannot help either the environment or the farmers! I thank my fellow PSD MEPs who rejected by vote the proposal for a Regulation that put Romanian farmers at a disadvantage!" the minister of agriculture wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. "We have the duty to listen to the voice of the farmers, to support them and to make the best decisions for the future of agriculture in each member state," Barbu also wrote on the social media page. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed on Tuesday the withdrawal of a bill intended to halve the use of pesticides in the EU, which was blocked by MEPs and criticized in the recent agricultural protests. A central element of the European Green Pact, the legislative project on pesticides proposed in June 2022 by Brussels planned to halve the use and risks of phytosanitary chemical products at the EU level by 2030 (compared to the period 2015-2017). The proposal, which was rejected at the end of November in the European Parliament, while the negotiations between the states were deadlocked, "has become a symbol of polarization", she declared in the EP plenary session in Strasbourg. "I will propose that commissioners withdraw this proposal", added Ursula von der Leyen, without excluding a future "much more mature version, with the participation of the interested parties." The President of the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca, highlighted, on Tuesday, in the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration from Chisinau, Mihai Popsoi, that Romania and the Republic of Moldova have succeeded, in the last two years, in obtaining "historic decisions" so that the Republic of Moldova connects to Europe. The historic decisions regarding the European agenda of the Republic of Moldova that Nicolae Ciuca referred to are obtaining the status of a candidate state for the EU, in June 2022, respectively the decision to open the negotiations for accession to the EU, in December 2023. "Together, in the last two years, we managed to obtain historic decisions regarding the European agenda and I trust that the Romanian MEPs will continue to be extremely vocal in supporting the Government in Chisinau at European level. In the context of the war in Ukraine, the authorities in Chisinau have professionally managed the many challenges of destabilizing the state and I assured the minister that the security of the Republic of Moldova remains a priority for Romania. At the same time, we remain committed to completing the important joint energy and transport projects that help the Republic of Moldova to connect to Europe", Ciuca wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. The high Romanian dignitary appreciated the fact that the first official foreign visit of Mihai Popsoi is to Bucharest, expressing his desire to continue the "special dialogue" between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, to the deepening of which the Moldovan deputy prime minister "contributed significantly" from the position he held previously that of the first vice-president of the Parliament in Chisinau. According to a statement from the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca expressed his conviction that the Romanian parliamentarians will continue to be "extremely convincing and engaged" in supporting the Republic of Moldova, the immediate objectives being the preparation of the ground for the official launch of accession negotiations, the organization of the first Intergovernmental Conference and the active maintenance of the theme of the Republic of Moldova on the EU agenda. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration from the Republic of Moldova, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi, paid an official visit to Romania, on which occasion he also met with the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, and with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Design Space AlUla, a dynamic space promoting collaboration across the design spectrum, opens next month during the arts festival in AlUla. Located in the AlJadidah Arts District, it is a focal point for showcasing the ancient Saudi city's wide ranging design initiatives contributing to the vision for AlUla, said a statement from Design Space AlUla. It provides exhibition, workshop and archive space, and is designed to foster collaboration among design professionals, students, and design enthusiasts, whilst strengthening AlUlas legacy across the cultural sphere as a catalyst for creative inspiration and design. Design Space AlUla is a contemporary building made of corten steel, glass and polished concrete. The architecture, designed by Gio Forma Studio, is a homage to the breezeblock used widely across buildings in the surrounding AlJadidah Arts District, it stated. Shaped around a plaza, the luminous courtyard design is complemented by the exposed geometrical brickwork, taking the form of an intricate lattice facade, bringing further light and natural ventilation throughout the building, said the statement. Design Space AlUla provides exhibition, workshop and archive space, and is designed to foster collaboration among design professionals, students, and design enthusiasts, whilst strengthening the ancient citys legacy across the cultural sphere as a catalyst for creative inspiration and design, it added. According to experts, the new space will open with its inaugural exhibition Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design. It will introduce the design thinking process behind 10 recent AlUla-inspired designs across design, architecture and urban planning. It will be the first in an ongoing expo programme, launching on February 15 and running until June 1. Through its series of exhibitions, workshops and archive, under the direction of Sara Ghani, the Curator of the gallerys inaugural exhibition, Design Space AlUla aims to engage with emerging and established design professionals, regionally and internationally, to explore design principles and creative design processes through the lens of the citys natural and cultural landscape. "The space will be inclusive of all design disciplines from architecture and urban planning, to product and graphic design. It will support and engage with the design community, whilst highlighting the wider role of design in the regions character, quality of life and wider economy," stated Ghani. Projects explored in the exhibition include Gio Forma Studio/Black Engineerings Maraya, a 9,740 sq m mirror-clad venue that blends with its awe-inspiring surroundings, echoing the natural textures and colours of AlUla; the plans for the renovation of Madrasat Addeera, AlUlas first arts and design centre, by UK-based Hopkins Architects; Roth Architectures Azulik Eco Resort which draws inspiration from the stories of wind and erosion, ensuring the project seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings; SAL Architects renovation of the historic Ammar Bin Yasser Mosque, which collaborated closely with the community to ensure a respectful and harmonious transformation; and AlUlas Cultural Oasis District Masterplan, guided by Prior + Partners in collaboration with Allies and Morrison, each driven by the mission to cherish and protect the cultural and natural landscape that has made AlUla a place where communities, travellers, traders and pilgrims have, for millennia, wanted to live, pass through, rest, and exchange cultural traditions. Other exhibitors include finalists from the second edition of AlUla Design Awards namely Imane Mellah, Teeb, Sara Kanoo and Shaddah Studio, and representation from the first edition of the AlUla Design Residency, a five-month programme in AlUla that brings together designers and experts on-site to work across multiple disciplines such as infrastructure development and architectural design. The five design practices engaged in the residency are: Bahraini Danish from Bahrain and Denmark, Hall Haus from France, Studio Leo Orta from France, Studio Raw Material from India, and Leen Ajlan from Saudi Arabia. "Design Space AlUla commits to celebrating AlUlas natural history, its cultural heritage, and vernacular materials - inspiring sustainable futures that are rooted in place," noted Ghani. "Our ambition is to fuel the design economy, provide resources to designers to explore and experiment, and be a place for visitors to research, explore and connect with the processes behind AlUlas design journey," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The speech that President Klaus Iohannis will give on Wednesday to the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg is an opportunity for Romania to strengthen what it has set to at the level of the European Union, MEP Victor Negrescu said on Tuesday. "I hope Romania takes advantage of this opportunity to profile itself at the European level, to voice its expectations as a state at the level of the European Union, to talk about the problems Romanian farmers have and what we expect from the European Commission, to talk about the Romanians abroad and how we want to amend the European legislation in such a way that they enjoy more rights and opportunities and also talk about the situation in the region, Ukraine, Moldova, and also about how we can make sure that the European funds reach us faster in the country, whether we are talking about structural funds or the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)," the MEP told Romanian journalists at a meeting in the EP, in Strasbourg. "This is an opportunity for us to strengthen what we have set to at the level of the European Union and I hope that the president will do these things in this address to the European legislature." Iohannis will address the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday, during the "This is Europe" debate on an invitation received from the president of the EU legislature, Roberta Metsola. According to the Presidential Administration, on his trip to Strasbourg, Iohannis will also have consultations with Metsola on EU current affairs and priorities for 2024. In his speech, the Romanian president will unveil his vision of the solutions to the main challenges that the EU is currently facing and will emphasise the joint actions that have to be undertaken to defend and promote the interests of European citizens, as well as their well-being and security. The "This is Europe" debate series at the European Parliament started in 2022, shortly after the outbreak of the war against Ukraine. In 2022-2023, 12 such meetings with European leaders took place, with the aim being to reaffirm European values and unity, to strengthen the democratic debate on current affairs and to generate a consistent vision regarding the future of the European design. Romania will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in its EU accession negotiation process, prime minister Marcel Ciolacu said during his meeting with the Moldovan deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Mihai Poposoi, who is currently paying an working visit to Bucharest. "I've had an excellent meeting with the deputy PM and minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Moldova. I wish Mihai Popsoi good luck. Romania will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in its accession negotiation process. We are determined to further develop together projects to the benefit of our citizens," Ciolacu said in a post on the Government's X (former Twitter) platform. President Klaus Iohannis wished King Charles III, diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, a full recovery. "Our thoughts go to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family, as well as to the United Kingdom people in these difficult moments. We wish His Majesty a full recovery," the Romanian head of state on Tuesday wrote on X, formerly Twitter. King Charles III's cancer was discovered as he recently underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate. Nine months since his coronation, the 75-year-old sovereign does not intend to completely step back from his activities as head of state of the United Kingdom, but also of 14 Commonwealth countries, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The palace stated that the King's health problem is not prostate cancer. The Republic of Moldova is "in the front line of the hybrid war orchestrated by the Kremlin," stated, on Tuesday, the minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, in a joint press statement with her counterpart from Chisinau, Mihai Popsoi, visiting Bucharest. "The Republic of Moldova is in the front line of the hybrid war orchestrated by the Kremlin. The last two years have been extremely difficult for the administration in Chisinau, faced with an unprecedented wave of destabilizing actions and provocations. We see attempts at manipulation and various visibly orchestrated actions from outside. Unfortunately for those who finance such plans and fortunately for the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau has resisted and will resist. It is strengthening its institutional capacities, it is in full process of reforms and, above all, the country is firmly anchored in its European path," Odobescu said. The head of Romanian diplomacy showed her conviction that Minister Mihai Popsoi will act "decisively" to strengthen the resilience and security of the Republic of Moldova. She emphasized that the neighboring country "enjoys the strong, sustainable and multidimensional support of Bucharest". Luminita Odobescu assured Mihai Popsoi of the efforts made for the Republic of Moldova to remain a priority on the European Union's agenda and pleaded for a sustainable and lasting accession process. "Romania will continue to support Chisinau, firmly, throughout this process," the Romanian minister added, highlighting that the reform efforts of the Republic of Moldova are "visible" and "appreciated". According to Luminita Odobescu, unfortunately, Russia continues the war of aggression against Ukraine and the "regional destabilization" actions. "Ukraine's victory is indispensable for the security and stability of the Black Sea region. The support of the international community does not only support Ukraine, but defends the principles and norms of the rules-based international order," she explained. "The Republic of Moldova will never be alone, including at the European and international level," the Romanian Foreign minister also pointed out. In his turn, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi, thanked his Romanian counterpart for the decision of the European Council last December to start EU accession negotiations with Chisinau. He stated that, in the current international context, there is a "close", "intense" communication between Chisinau and Bucharest. "The last two years have been a great challenge for the Republic of Moldova, but also an opportunity to transform positively, on the path of European integration. In this process, we have benefited from massive assistance from Romania in the development, modernization and resilience of our state. We appreciate the solid, permanent support of the Romanian diplomacy, the Government, Parliament, the Presidency, including the MEPs who helped us to obtain this important decision of the European Council of December 14," he said. The head of diplomacy in Chisinau recalled that this year marks ten years since the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. "We continue to strongly condemn the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which represents a serious violation of international law and the commitments assumed by the Russian Federation. The victory of Ukraine is indispensable for the security and stability of the Black Sea region. The support of the international community does not only come in support of Ukraine, but in defence of international law-based principles and norms," said Mihai Popsoi. The discussion on military service should have had a natural order, from the president of Romania, then to Parliament and then General Gheorghe Vlad should come up with arguments, Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) Chairman Kelemen Hunor said on Tuesday. According to him, everything must be placed in the current context, "when there is this war in the vicinity of Romania that shows no signs of ending very soon." "Romania has gone through and continues to go through a modernisation of the Army. Of course, the discussion is with this voluntary service, because otherwise we would have to amend the Constitution and I don't think we would have support for a solution where we would go back to the compulsory service. (...) Maybe it would be better if this statement was made by the President of Romania, who is also the commander of the Army, and then it would probably be understood differently. But the Chief of General Staff is right when he says that Romania must prepare for anything - that's what everyone in Europe is doing, without panicking, without creating panic, without saying that war is imminent. It is not, there is no such danger and this must be stated again. If we have created the context we can discuss the details. (...) So this would have been the natural order, a political discussion, a discussion from the President of Romania, then in Parliament and then of course General Vlad and those who are in charge of the army will come with their arguments and support from that area," said the UDMR leader on Digi24 tv private television broadcaster. He added that there is no imminent danger, but at the same time it must be seen that the world has not changed for the better. "We must calm down. First of all there is no imminent danger, but it must be seen that the world has changed and not for the better. And if we look at everything that is happening and what the forecasts are for this development in our area, I am not very optimistic either. Romania and any state invests in security, in the safety of its citizens, this is what happens in Poland and Slovakia and Hungary and the UK, so Romania is no exception, only our approach is a bit unusual. (...) If society is not prepared and there is no calm approach, then immediately people panic and this must be understood by General Vlad and by politicians and by some who support it and by others who do not," said Kelemen Hunor. The UDMR leader drew attention to the fact that there is a responsibility both at the Army level and at political level. "Whether we like it or not, there is a responsibility both at the level of the Army and at the political level when you have to approach any such problem in context and with arguments and first of all with responsibility and you have to reassure the population. If we do something, and it is long term, and the investments in the Army and the Army's equipment, we must do it with arguments and over a longer period of time. It cannot be done from one day to the next, that is clear," Kelemen Hunor said. (...) I see the polls and it is absolutely not attractive for young people to join the Army. No, it is a different generation, with different desires, with different values. (...) President Iohannis should probably talk to the Romanian Parliament at some point," Kelemen Hunor said. Updated at 1 p.m. Tuesday with the name of one of the victims. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Two teenagers were killed in a triple shooting near an apartment complex in the Oakville area of south St. Louis County on Monday, putting several schools on a heightened security status. The shooting happened about 1:50 p.m. near an apartment complex. Officers were called to the 5600 block of Chalet Hill Drive, St. Louis County police spokeswoman Vera Clay said. They found three people who had been shot. One was shot in the parking lot of the Black Forest Apartments, which is just west of Chalet Hill Drive. A man and a male teenager were taken to a hospital. Another teen was pronounced dead at the scene. St. Louis County Police on Tuesday identified one of the victims as Colin Courtwright, 15, of the 1000 block of Wachtel Avenue in the Lemay area. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. Police had said another teenager died at the hospital. Investigators said they do not think the shooting was random. Parts of Chalet Hill Drive and Baumgartner Road were blocked off as police investigated. Oakville High School and Oakville Middle School were dismissed with extra supervision. Oakville Elementary and Wohlwend Elementary remained on a secure status until dismissal, which also had extra supervision. A secure status means all students and staff are brought into the building and all exterior doors are locked. Classes continued uninterrupted inside the building. All of the schools are about a mile from the scene. JEFFERSON CITY A proposal to create a cyberstalking task force is before state lawmakers for the third year in a row. The Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force would be charged with developing best practices for preventing cyberstalking and harassment and for treating victims. It would also recommend law-enforcement training and tools, coordination between police departments, victims rights and services and public education on the issue. This issue is extremely complex, with cases often crossing state lines, said bill sponsor Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, at a Senate committee hearing Monday. McCreery said she chose to continue work started by her predecessor, former state Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, after meeting with several cyberstalking survivors. The task force would consist of at least 16 members, including law enforcement, prosecutors, victims advocates and state lawmakers. Angela, a cyberstalking victim who asked that her surname not be published, and Mark Kurkowski, a retired St. Louis Police detective who owns a harassment-prevention consulting business, are advocating for the proposal and spoke at the Monday committee hearing. Anglea said she crossed paths with her stalker, who was and still is a complete stranger, at a public discussion and didnt share personal information or meet with him privately. A month later, she started getting multiple, explicit rape threats. Only five years after the first threats did she receive a protective order, she said. The stalker was eventually sentenced to nearly six years in prison for harassing and threatening multiple women. Kurkowski said he has more than 30 years of experience related to domestic violence and stalking. I saw first-hand how Angelas stalker affected her physically, psychologically and emotionally, he said. Stalking is a perpetual victimization, said Kurkowski. The majority of stalkers use and manipulate technology to monitor, watch, contact, control, threaten, sabotage, isolate and frighten victims. This legislation is Senate Bill 1070. COUNTRY CLUB HILLS At least one recent criminal case in this north St. Louis County suburb was dismissed because newly hired police officers were acting as law enforcement without active licenses. Country Club Hills, a city of a little more than 1,000 residents, hired five new officers in mid-December to rebuild the department after its last two remaining officers abruptly retired. But those hires including new police Chief Jerry F. Griffin began working before they were accredited by the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, which issues officer licenses and ensures standards and training for police. As a result, the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office dismissed a first-degree burglary case on Jan. 17 because the Country Club Hills officer who worked on the case wasnt licensed. You cannot act as a police officer for one minute until you have that POST certification in your hands, said Tim Fitch, a former St. Louis County police chief from 2008 to 2014 who pushed a crackdown on small police departments using unlicensed officers. The public expects police officers to have at least basic training required by the state, Fitch said. And if they dont, theyre not real police officers. The issue grabbed headlines in 2011 when an unlicensed Uplands Park officer pursued a speeding motorist into St. Louis, where the motorist crashed and killed a mother of four. An investigation found the officer was hired by Uplands Park two months before the chase despite his criminal record, which included two felonies. The officer was charged with a misdemeanor for performing police duties without a valid license, and the acting chief was charged with commissioning the officers. Both were acquitted. A St. Louis jury awarded the family of the crash victim $3.1 million in a wrongful death suit. A team of experienced police officers Country Club Hills began last year with five officers: One retired in June, another departed in September because of health concerns, and a third had a planned retirement Dec. 11, said Derek Owens, one of the two officers who left in December. Owens, who served as interim chief, said he warned the city for months that the last two officers needed help, but it wasnt until his and the other officers last day that they were told a new officer was coming on board, he said. Wed been telling the mayor that they needed to get some more people, Owens said. He was aware. Griffin, the police chief, was hired Dec. 15. The other four officers Capt. Irene M. Stamps, Anita Veasley, Denise Sanders, and Duncan E. Shanklin were hired two days later, according to city records. At least three of the five officers have had previous police experience. But, based on Missouri public police rosters, none of the five had worked for any department in the St. Louis area between November 2020 and January 2024. As of Monday, Shanklin was the only officer with an expired POST license. The certification process was still underway for Shanklin, said Country Club Hills Mayor Bender McKinney Jr. Griffin did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Shanklin and the other officers could not be reached. Country Club Hills officials did not discuss the police turnover at public meetings until Jan. 10, when Griffin and three other officers were introduced at a monthly aldermanic meeting, according to meeting minutes. The board voted 3-0 to approve the officers. To make sure the residents of this city were fully protected, we were able to secure a team of experienced police officers within a very short time, the minutes said. Mayor denies hires were improper Minimum requirements to obtain a license through the state POST commission, a part of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, include graduating from basic training and passing an exam. Officers are then required to undergo 24 hours of continuing education each year. Licenses expire after five years without completing the annual requirement. Missouri law says anyone enforcing laws as an officer without proper certification can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine up to $500. Chris King, spokesperson for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys office, said the attempted home burglary case from Country Club Hills was dismissed after KMOV (Channel 4) reported Jan. 10 that the citys officers did not have valid licenses. The conduct of the police officer who brought the case Dec. 31 is under review, he said. In an interview last week, the mayor denied that the officers work was improper. They were all licensed, McKinney said. He said the last two longtime police officers retired in December without giving adequate notice, and he declined to answer other questions. Im not getting into all of that, McKinney said. The residents here know who I am and they know that I dont do anything wrong so they have no concerns with it. Owens said he left only after the city didnt hire more officers. Me and the other officer would have been working 12-hour shifts, 24/7, without a day off, Owens said in an interview last week. That was not going to work. They didnt tell anybody On a recent day, Country Club Hills handful of tree-lined streets of mid-century homes near Lucas and Hunt Road and West Florissant Avenue were quiet. Speed bumps and bright yellow signs warned drivers to slow down. On some corners, signs prohibited fireworks and loud music within city limits. Three residents said they werent aware of the recent turnover in their police department or questions of officer licensing. They didnt tell anybody about the meeting to vote in new police, said one resident, Surettia Henderson, 56, who has lived in a home near city hall for 30 years. Why wouldnt you let residents know? The suburb, near Jennings, is among a handful of small cities that retain their own police department. Several other north St. Louis county suburbs have disbanded their police departments, and contracted with either St. Louis County Police, the North County Police Cooperative, or larger municipal departments like Normandy. Jennings, a city of about 12,800 residents, disbanded its police force and contracted with the county in 2011. A city that cant properly maintain its police force shouldnt have one, said Fitch, the former county police chief. If you cant afford to have a professional police department, you should look to your neighbors or county to contract, Fitch said. Get out of the policing business if you cant do it right. Josh Renaud of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. JEFFERSON CITY One state senators plan to eliminate 61 seats in the Missouri House could save taxpayers close to $10 million per year, according to a nonpartisan fiscal analysis. The proposal by Sen. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, would reduce the size of the House from 163 members to 102. The Senate Rules Committee held a public hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday. If approved by the House and Senate, voters would get the final say on the proposed changes. The new Missouri House makeup would take effect after the 2032 elections. A nonpartisan fiscal analysis said the proposal could save the state $2.4 million annually in lawmaker salaries and another $1.8 million in fringe benefits. Taxpayers could save an additional $1.4 million in per diems, mileage reimbursement and expenses, the analysis said. With no lawmakers to work for, dozens of legislative assistants could lose their jobs. That could save taxpayers more than $4 million annually in salaries and fringe benefits. All told, Fitzwaters plan could mean a more than $9.6 million savings for taxpayers. Thats a small portion of the overall state budget, which could surpass $50 billion next fiscal year. Fitzwaters proposed constitutional amendment would also alter state legislative term limits that voters overwhelmingly ushered in in 1992. Lawmakers currently may serve eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate. Under Fitzwaters proposal, they would be able to serve 16 years in one chamber. The legislation is Senate Joint Resolution 70. JEFFERSON CITY Missouris attorney general says his office will fulfill a more than year-old backlog of requests for public records sometime in May. Republican Andrew Bailey, who was appointed to the post by Gov. Mike Parson one year ago, told members of a House budget panel Tuesday that his office has hired four employees to help process hundreds of Sunshine Law requests he inherited from his predecessors, U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. The office has cleared 779 requests, while 275 are still in the queue. Our anticipated date is no longer than May, Bailey said. The slow pace of compliance with open records law has put a spotlight on Baileys management of the office as he runs for a full term. The former general counsel to Parson faces an August primary challenge from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Scharf, who previously worked for former Gov. Eric Greitens. Attorney Elad Gross is seeking the Democratic nomination. As attorney general, Bailey is supposed to enforce Sunshine Law violations by state and local governments. But, in an example of how the backlog has caused a logjam for the public seeking records, the Post-Dispatch requested office organization charts last year. In a June 2 letter, the attorney generals office told the newspaper that the earliest possible date for the records to be made available was Dec. 5, 2023. As of Tuesday, more than two months later, the records have still not been turned over. Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, who is the ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee, credited Bailey for responding to old cases, but suggested he may need to hire more people to get the job done. Its taking longer than a year to get a response for public records, Merideth said. In the private sector, you have deadlines so you have to hire up. It feels like were slacking on the job. Bailey said each Sunshine request is different, with some being easy to fill and others resulting in searches of thousands of documents. It takes time to find the records that are responsive, Bailey said. Merideth said he is concerned that the office has spent time clearing off the old requests at the expense of leaving new requests unfulfilled. In November, his office told the Missouri Independent that the there were about 300 requests filed in 2023. The delays in Baileys office come after actions by Hawley to limit the release of records cost taxpayers more than $256,000 last year. During Hawleys 2018 campaign for U.S. Senate, his office knowingly and purposefully violated public records laws when officials failed to release emails between Hawleys taxpayer-funded staff and his political consultants during his 2018 campaign for U.S. Senate, a Cole County judge found. JEFFERSON CITY A Republican state legislators plan to stop Missouri plant nurseries from selling five invasive species is moving forward in the Missouri House. The House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved legislation Monday seeking to end the sale of some species starting in 2026. Species that Rep. Bruce Sassmann, R-Bland, is zeroing in on include well-known invaders such as the Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), also known as the Bradford pear. The remaining targets: Burning bush (Euonymus alatus), Climbing euonymus (Euonymus fortunei) and Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). The ban on Climbing euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle and Sericea lespedeza would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The ban on Burning bush and Callery pear would take effect Jan. 1, 2028. An affidavit nursery dealers would sign as part of their applications for an annual Department of Agriculture registration-inspection certificate would state that the dealer shall not knowingly and intentionally sell the plants in question. Sassmann said he had been working with the Department of Agriculture for more than a year on ending the sale of nonnative invasive plant species. It is the Missouri Department of Ag that has the statutory authority to license the nursery industry that sells these invasive plants, Sassmann said. The legislation is House Bill 2412. JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Mike Parson is recommending lawmakers earmark money to investigate areas of the state exposed to radioactive waste. After declining to ask for the money over the past five years, the governor signed off on a $221,000 plan designed to boost surveillance of radioactive sites left over from the St. Louis regions role in creating the nuclear bomb. We would seek to make those funds available for communities or local units of government or school districts to support any testing they would seek to do, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin said Tuesday. Under the plan, which is undergoing review by House and Senate budget writers, state environmental regulators could field requests from local officials who want more information about potential nuclear waste in their communities. Budget materials show there would be enough money in next years budget to conduct three studies. Due to the increased interest in the radiological remediation projects currently underway and numerous issues that have drawn the public interest, it is anticipated that the department will receive numerous requests for investigations, the request said. In an interview Tuesday, Buntin told the Post-Dispatch that the number of studies will depend on how extensive each site was contaminated. It obviously is going to depend on the extent of what is the nature of the testing needed, Buntin said. Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, said she will spread the word about the program in her north St. Louis County district, which comprises a number of sites where waste was dumped. But, she was disappointed it took five years to get funding for the program. At any point the department could have come before us and requested it, Proudie said. I cant say Better late than never. Im going to be on the department like white on rice. Proudie said there are at least 10 suburban cities that could request the funding, meaning the money might run out quickly. Rep. Darin Chappell, R-Rogersville, said Missouri taxpayers should not have to spend state tax dollars to clean up material that is primarily the responsibility of the federal government. I find it absolutely outrageous, Chappell said. If approved, the money would be placed in the state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Last year, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources told the Post-Dispatch the agency did not request funding in previous years because the states hazardous waste fund had been experiencing severe fund solvency issues. But, pressure on state and federal officials has been ramping up in recent years as more people living near the radioactive waste dump sites are expressing concern about the health effects and the lack of action. Missouri politicians, including U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of St. Louis, Attorney General Andrew Bailey and a host of state lawmakers from the areas affected by the cancer-causing material, have been holding meetings and press conferences to put the problem in the spotlight. At issue is radioactive waste from the processing of uranium ore by Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in St. Louis in helping develop the atomic bomb, beginning in the 1940s. The waste contaminated areas in north St. Louis County along the Coldwater Creek watershed, and some waste was buried at West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton. While much of the focus in recent years had been on those areas, state Rep. Tricia Byrnes, R-Wentzville, and others have been pushing to compensate people in the Weldon Spring area who developed cancers associated with Mallinckrodts uranium processing there from 1957 to 1966. Surface remediation there concluded with completion of a 41-acre, on-site disposal cell in 2001, visible from Highway 94 just west of Francis Howell High School. The radioactive waste investigation fund was created in 2018 as part of legislation sponsored by former Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City. In its request, DNR said securing the money will ensure the state can respond to requests by local governments to perform or oversee radioactive waste investigations. These investigations would alleviate public concerns and provide protection of human health and the environment, the request notes. Due to the increased interest in the radiological remediation projects currently underway and numerous issues that have drawn the public interest, it is anticipated that the department will receive numerous requests for investigations. JEFFERSON CITY Two proposals aimed at addressing Missouris child care provider shortage moved forward on Tuesday. The House gave initial approval to a package of tax credits meant to expand child care options. And a House committee advanced a separate property tax exemption for child care providers. Both measures are repeats from last years legislative session, and lawmakers and business groups are renewing an effort to get them across the finish line. Its part of a broader push to address the states child care needs that also includes child care subsidies for low-income families and increased state funding for preschool. Gov. Mike Parson, like last year, is pushing for a trio of tax credits meant to expand child care options for Missouri workers. The tax credit package fell short of final legislative approval last year, though it enjoyed bipartisan support. Under the proposal, tax credits would be available to employers who help cover child care costs, for child care providers to improve or expand their facilities, and to individuals or organizations that make charitable contributions to child care providers. It is innovative because business, government and parents will all participate in the cost of care, making it affordable for families, stable for child care providers and creating a reliable workforce for business, said bill sponsor Rep. Brenda Shields, R-St. Joseph, on the House floor Tuesday. Shields is again partnering with Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, to champion the governors plan. Arthur last month said she thinks that, this year, theres more awareness and support from lawmakers for the tax credits. I think many people who didnt think much about this issue last year heard from their small businesses, heard from their community organizations, heard from their child care providers in their districts. Shields and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, which is spearheading a campaign by business groups to pass the measure, have billed child care as critical infrastructure, like utilities, transportation and natural resources. Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a south St. Louis County Democrat, on Tuesday said the bill addresses a desperate need within the state. We want people working. We want people to come here and expand their businesses, she said. And this is one of the main things that needs to get done. The proposal on Tuesday won easy first-round approval in the House on a voice vote. It needs one more vote to pass the House and move to the Senate. Child care provider property tax exemption A plan to exempt child care providers from paying property taxes was heard by the House Children and Families committee on Tuesday. Voters this year will decide if lawmakers can zero out property taxes for child care providers. If the decision is yes, a plan by state Rep. Wendy Hausman, R-St. Peters, could detail how the tax breaks would work. In Missouri, any property tax exemption must first be added to the state constitution, which requires voter approval. Once approved, lawmakers can then put the exemptions into law. Under Hausmans proposal, licensed or unlicensed but registered child care facilities would be exempt from paying state and local taxes on real and personal property, including supplies, used primarily by a child care facility for child care. Home-based child care providers would be exempt from paying 50% of taxes. Last year, lawmakers on the final day of the legislative session signed off on putting the property tax exemption idea to voters with a ballot measure. But the Legislature still needs to work out and approve a plan to implement the child care provider tax break. Hausman said the measure is not a fix for the larger problem of the states worker shortage. Instead, its just one of the little drops in the bucket to help address the shortage and child care needs. JEFFERSON CITY A group of protesters temporarily shut down business in the Missouri House on Tuesday as an Israeli diplomat attempted to address a joint session of the Legislature. Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Israeli consul general in Florida, was speaking to House and Senate legislators Tuesday morning when a group in the upper House gallery began yelling. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe banged his gavel and the area where more than a dozen demonstrators had gathered was cleared. A spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety later said one person was arrested during the disruption. Elbaz-Starinsky spoke of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, in which some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed. About 250 hostages were taken to Gaza. The Palestinian death toll from nearly four months of war has reached 27,585 according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory, the Associated Press has reported. Protesters in the Missouri House on Tuesday held up black and white scarves as Elbaz-Starinsky spoke. Securing our nation has been a persistent challenge for Israel, marked by ongoing conflict including ... gruesome war with Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, mutilated, maimed, tortured more than 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped hundreds of others including babies, toddlers, elderly and Holocaust survivors, Elbaz-Starinsky said. After he said that, someone yelled cease-fire now! from the upper gallery. Murder! someone shouted. Shame on Missouri! Neveen Ayesh, government relations coordinator for the Missouri chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, said one protester was arrested during the demonstration. Katy Linnenbrink, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, said in a statement that Sarah Bannoura, 28, was arrested for trespassing after failing to leave the gallery and has since been released. Americans want a cease-fire, Ayesh said. They dont want their tax dollars going towards war. They dont want their tax dollars going towards, you know, killing innocent children and women. Meanwhile, Daniel Swindell, of Columbia, Missouri, wore a black sweatshirt that said ZIONIST on it and sat near the protesters. The people who came to protest today claim that theyre calling for a cease-fire, Swindell said. I believe that theyre trying to keep Hamas in power and a cease-fire allows Hamas to stay in power. The Israeli diplomats speech came on the same day a House committee was to consider a resolution by House Speaker Dean Plocher declaring the General Assemblys support for Israel and recognizing the countrys mutually beneficial relationship with Missouri. ST. LOUIS A group of former residents at Heritage House Apartments allege in a lawsuit filed here Monday that owners and management firms knowingly withheld information from tenants about deferred maintenance while accepting their rent money. Specifically, a reasonable person would not have entered into the 2023 lease had they known the extent of the failure of the Defendant Heritage House to properly maintain the building, attorney Thayer Weaver Jr. argued in the lawsuit. He described the Midtown high-rise as a house of horrors starting in 2019. He alleged there was mold, asbestos, unsafe and unsanitary conditions and a history of inadequate heating and plumbing that ultimately led to a water main burst on Jan. 14 and subsequent evacuation of residents. The property manager previously said that more than 200 people lived at Heritage House, 2800 Olive Street, under 164 leases. Most of them were elderly. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of five plaintiffs Anita L. Davis, Lettie Moore, Monica Bohlen, Judith Pruitt and Joanne Adams. Named defendants are nonprofit Heritage House Redevelopment Corporation, and its affiliates, and Robert M. Evans, also listed as an owner. Sansone Group, which took over from Sentry Management in September, are both named as management firms for the property in recent years. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages and habitable housing through the end of the year for plaintiffs and all others similarly situated. Representatives of the Sansone Group didnt respond to a request for comment to the lawsuit. Bradley Pomp, president of Sentry Management, said Monday that he wasnt ready to speak about specifics in the lawsuit but that the local ownership board of directors called the shots on what work needed to be done. Our role was to work at their direction, Pomp said by telephone from Orlando, Florida. JoWanda Bozeman, Heritage House Redevelopment Corp. board president, winced at the finger-pointing. You gotta blame somebody, especially if a lawsuit has been filed, Bozeman said Monday in an interview at the Hilton near St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Dozens of displaced residents have been temporarily staying at the hotel. Bozeman said she hadnt yet read the lawsuit. Asked if the board deceived tenants, she said: Thats ludicrous. We are volunteers. We have stayed here because we care about that miracle on Olive Street, she said. We are trying to do the right thing. She has acknowledged that insurance took a while to pay for repairs from a previous pipe burst in December 2022. The work was ongoing when the building was evacuated in mid-January. Bozeman previously said Heritage House was like many other aging buildings that require a lot of maintenance. But tenants said there were also cuts to security and other services. A lot of things we couldnt afford, Bozeman said Monday. And a lot of people were behind on their rent. COVID was not good to us. Evans, also listed in ownership records, couldnt be reached for comment. Heritage House records list a Florissant home for Evans. Last week, no one answered the door. Nor did anyone call back. Heritage House was built in the 1960s for retired teachers. There are 19 floors. It used to have a restaurant, Yummies, and a gift shop on the ground level. Displaced residents have been scrambling to find new places to live. According to the lawsuit, the city of St. Louis and an anonymous donor paid for initial emergency accommodations. The St. Louis City Senior Fund was to pay for many of them to stay the past week at the Hilton. They now have a new deadline to move out of the Hilton on Tuesday. Dozens of residents are supposed to be bused to three different hotels the CozySuites in the Central West End, the Westin in Downtown and the Cheshire in Richmond Heights. We arent paying for it because we cant, said Bozeman. The city told us not to worry about it. Cleveland Sims, a military veteran, who has lived most of his life in St. Louis, said he wont be going to the next hotel. Hes decided to move to Fulton, where his daughter lives. I cant wait to get out of here and get settled, said Sims, 68. Updated at 5:30 p.m. Missouri once held the shameful distinction of being among Americas top havens for child marriages, drawing statutory rapists and their underaged victims from around the country to take advantage of lax marital laws here. That changed six years ago, when the state finally set a minimum marital age of 16. Thats still too young, but is in line with most states in the nation. Missouri now has an opportunity to stand out nationally once again on the topic of marriage, this time with pride instead of shame. Pending bipartisan legislation would set a minimum age of 18 for marriage. It would put Missouri near the forefront of a small but growing trend among states declaring that marriage is for adults only. Until 2018, Missouri allowed kids to legally marry before they were old enough to legally drive, under some of the most lax marital laws in America. At the time, 15-year-olds could marry in the state with the permission of just one parent, even if the other parent objected, and kids even younger could marry with a judges order. As the Kansas City Star found in an extensive investigation at the time, the situation made Missouri the go-to state for couples around the country seeking marriage before adulthood. Among the stories the newspaper highlighted was that of a pregnant 15-year-old girl from Iowa who traveled to Missouri with her 21-year-old boyfriend to quickly marry before he could be arrested on statutory rape charges. The situation finally changed in 2018, when the Missouri Legislature set 16 as the minimum marital age with parental consent and outlawed marriage of anyone 21 or older to anyone under 18. It borders on surreal that, in 2024, a minimum marital age at 16 qualifies as an improved situation. Clearly, its not improved enough. According to the anti-child-marriage advocacy group Unchained At Last, every state in America allowed marriage before the age of 18 until just a few years ago. Even today, 40 states still allow it. Over the past two decades, the organization reports, more than 300,000 Americans entered marriages while they were under 18, including more than 8,000 in Missouri. Among the problems with allowing such young marriages, the organization notes, is that people under 18 generally have limited legal rights, making it far more likely they can be forced into marriages against their will. In fact, a human rights project under the United Nations categorizes all child marriages as forced marriages. Statistics show that girls in particular who marry as children struggle with lifelong disadvantages in education, finances and physical health. In Missouri as in the rest of the country, the overwhelming majority of child marriages historically have involved underage girls marrying adult men. Nationally at least 60,000 American child marriages between 2020 and 2018 involved age differences that, absent a marriage license, would have been considered sex crimes, according to data gathered by Unchained. As the organization puts it, that situation makes a mockery out of statutory rape laws. Missouri last year was held up for special and well-deserved mockery nationally, when state Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, approvingly mentioned during floor debate a marriage between an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old that he said he was personally aware of: And guess what? Theyre still married. Were confident that most state lawmakers of both parties today recognize that situation as one that should prompt disgust and distress rather than pride. Two identical bills filed by Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, R-Scott City, and Sen. Lauren Arthur, D-Kansas City, would make Missouri the 11th state to limit marriage to those 18 and older. In committee testimony last month, Thompson Rehder told of marrying her 21-year-old boyfriend when she was 15. [A]t the time, I was operating in what I thought was an adult mindset, said Thompson Rehder, as reported by the Missouri Independent. She said she realized only much later that at 15 years old, you really dont have the mental capacity to make those types of decisions. Thats why society makes adults responsible for certain decisions affecting kids including the passage of laws. The adults in Jefferson City should pass this one promptly. Regarding Drone company pulls plug on Gravois Park plan, will pick another St. Louis neighborhood (Jan. 13): The ill-timed and ill-planned attempt by Joe Johnson of SMS Novel to use drones for neighborhood watch has created quite an issue for St. Louis drone owners. But the proposed law by Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier apparently would not only violate the FAAs sole authority to control the airspace and anyone who flies in it, it would literally make it illegal for anyone who owns even a small toy drone to fly in their own backyards. The FAA does not allow any political subdivision to create laws that interfere with legal flights, drone or otherwise. Sonniers bill would make it illegal to fly within certain distances of many areas, and actually create no-fly zones. All of this is federally preempted. If this passes, and the city cites anyone, it will embroil St. Louis in a federal court case it is bound to lose. Ask the good folks of Newton, Massachusetts, who tried to do the same thing. They lost in federal court. I know of no one in the drone community who supports Johnsons tactic used to push his very unpopular plan upon the fine folks of your city. But I know of many in my industry who have reached out to Sonnier and the entire Board of Alderman with offers of assistance. We are being flatly ignored. St. Louis elected officials are going down the wrong path. Vic Moss Lakewood, Colorado Re. Josh Hawley gets Meta CEO to apologize for youth sexually exploited online (Feb. 1): Our senior senator puts on a show any time cameras are nearby, recently eliciting an apology from Mark Zuckerberg for the harm social media has inflicted on children. Great. To be consistent, the senator should continue the crusade and support common sense measures to reduce the leading cause of death among children: firearms. Shouldnt gun manufacturers also be accountable for their role marketing ever more deadly weapons to cosplay commandos, and for quelling any attempt to enact common sense gun safety measures? Like universal background checks that save lives without affecting law abiding gun owners. Hawley and his colleagues rightfully condemn the recent beatings of two New York City cops. Then they should condemn the savage beatings of Capitol police on Jan. 6, 2021, if reason trumps the ideologically driven revisionist history of the event. Then there was the Senate fast-tracking Amy Coney Barretts appointment to the Supreme Court while stonewalling Merrick Garlands. Hawley has expressed no regrets about supporting Jan. 6 rioters and the bogus lawsuits challenging the 2020 election, despite the mountain of evidence that fraud played no role in its outcome. History has no shortage of examples of the harm done to societies when governments abandon reason for ideologically driven magical thinking to serve political ends. Woe unto democracy if ideologues like Hawley have more success determining the outcome of the election this time. Thomas Tierney OFallon, Mo. Cisco (CSCO) is rolling out new security products that it says aim to improve protection against hackers that manage to break into companies using employee credentials. The service, called Cisco Identity Intelligence, is designed to recognize inconsistencies in how a user is moving through a companys network and alert security personnel, allowing them to track, block, and kick out intruders from their networks. By analyzing the entire attack surface of an organizations users, machines, services, apps, data and their behaviors, Cisco Identity Intelligence bridges the chasm between authentication and access, Jeetu Patel, Cisco executive vice president and general manager of security and collaboration, said in a statement. We are the first vendor bringing together identity, networking and security into a complete solution to address the largest cyber challenge of modern times, he added. The Cisco logo is displayed during the GSMA's 2023 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2023. (Nacho Doce/REUTERS) (REUTERS / Reuters) According to Patel, hackers are using increasingly sophisticated means to get a hold of employees login credentials. In some instances, he said, attackers will call up a companys internal help center and, using a deepfake of an employees voice, gain access to login credentials via help center workers who believe they're interacting with a legitimate employee. This is the kind of high-level attack that hackers could use to target important infrastructure and major corporations. So dont expect someone to use it to get into your Facebook account. But in instances where an attacker is able to break a corporate network using stolen credentials, Patel says Cisco Identity Intelligence will continue monitoring their actions for any suspicious activity. If, for instance, a person logs in from a location they dont normally log in from, uses a new device, or starts trying to escalate their network privileges, Identity Intelligence will fire off an alert to the companys cybersecurity professionals who can take action against the intruder. In addition to tracking usage patterns, Patel said Identity Intelligence can also determine if its been a long time since a user has logged into specific apps or tried to access a corporate network from certain devices. Story continues If a company believes that the employee no longer needs access to those apps, or that those devices are outdated, cybersecurity workers can restrict access to the apps and cut off those old devices. The thinking is that by eliminating unnecessary access points to corporate networks, hackers will have fewer avenues to attack companies. Subscribe to the Yahoo Finance Tech newsletter. (Yahoo Finance) While cybersecurity measures like multifactor authentication, which requires you to log in via a username and password as well as a secret code generated by an app or sent to your device through a text, have made it more difficult for hackers to break into companies networks, there are still plenty of ways to sneak in unnoticed. There are plenty of companies with employees that dont abide by proper cybersecurity protocols, such as reusing usernames and passwords for multiple accounts, that hackers can exploit with ease. But if companies can see if someone who logged in should be allowed on a network, they might be able to keep hackers out before they do major damage. Daniel Howley is the tech editor at Yahoo Finance. He's been covering the tech industry since 2011. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielHowley. 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 Swisscom chooses the Bitmovin Player to accelerate the reach of blue TV Bitmovin has announced Swisscom is using the Bitmovin Player for its blue TV service to ensure it can deliver a high-quality viewing experience for its customers. Swisscom will leverage the Bitmovin Player to deliver flawless playback across the most devi Vienna( ) Vienna, Austria February 5, 2024 Bitmovin, a leading provider of video streaming infrastructure, announces that Swisscom (SMI: SCMN) will deploy Bitmovin Player for its blue TV service to ensure a superior viewing experience for its audience. The Bitmovin Player will guarantee flawless playback on the most devices possible, ensuring Swisscom can scale the reach of its service. Swisscoms blue TV is available with the operators Swisscom Box and its also available over the top through apps and as a premium service on other networks as blue+. Deploying the Bitmovin Player aligns with Swisscoms strategy of making its blue TV offering as accessible on as many devices and platforms as possible due to the players proven experience to guarantee flawless playback on the most extensive range of devices. Additionally, the Bitmovin Player will ensure Swisscom can launch blue TV on new devices and platforms as soon as they are available. "Every decision we make for blue TV revolves around delivering an unparalleled experience for our viewers, from its compelling programming slate to the robustness of our video streaming infrastructure, said Simon Maurer, Head of TV and Smart Products at Swisscom. The Bitmovin Player mirrors our commitment to technical excellence and it quickly became our first choice for a video player. With the Bitmovin Player, we will unlock the power to reach the widest audience possible and bring blue TV to audiences across Switzerland and beyond. The Bitmovin Player supports device compatibility across Web, Android, iOS, Roku, and major smart TVs, so users can have the same immersive viewing experience irrespective of the device they are using at any given time. Based on an API approach, Bitmovins Player offers several features that can be selected and adjusted to workflow needs. Were incredibly excited and proud to be joining Swisscom on its quest to bring blue TV to an even wider audience, said Stefan Lederer, CEO and co-founder of Bitmovin. The Bitmovin Player will help Swisscom power streams that are unrivaled in quality and deliver them to the most devices available on the market today at speed and scale. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Aldebaran Resources Inc. ("Aldebaran" or the "Company") (TSXV:ALDE)(OTCQX:ADBRF) is pleased to report results from the first four drill holes of the 2023/2024 field campaign at the Altar copper-gold project in San Juan, Argentina. Due to snow constraints at the time of commencing the current field season, three of the holes (ALD-23-162EXT, ALD-23-166EXT, and ALD-23-194EXT) were significant step-outs to test for the southern extension of mineralization within the large, conductive geophysical anomaly at Altar. As expected, those three holes did not intersect the porphyry intrusive rocks typically associated with the higher-grade mineralization at Altar United, however, they did intersect low- to moderate-grade mineralization in wall rocks (andesites and rhyolites) that will add resources to a previously undrilled area. Hole ALD-23-234 was designed to test an area in the current resource model that was defined as waste due to lack of drilling. Hole ALD-23-234 successfully hit mineralization and will likely convert waste to resources in the upcoming mineral resource update for the project. Highlights ALD-23-194EXT 878.80 m of 0.32% CuEq from 296.00 m depth Including 180.00 m of 0.42% CuEq from 454.00 m depth Including 36.00 m of 0.77% CuEq from 324.00 m depth ALD-23-162EXT 923.10 m of 0.26% CuEq from 356.00 m depth Including 431.50 m of 0.31% CuEq from 747.00 m depth ALD-23-166EXT 773.80 m of 0.24% CuEq from 364.00 m depth ALD-23-234 177.10 m of 0.21% CuEq from 83.40 m depth 728.00 m of 0.20% CuEq from 305.00 m depth John Black, Chief Executive Officer of Aldebaran, commented as follows: "These first four holes add valuable information to our geological understanding of the Altar project. Holes ALD-23-162EXT, ALD-23-166EXT and ALD-23-194EXT have helped define the southern extents of the Altar United trend, while still adding substantial mineralization to Altar. Hole ALD-23-234 intersected a long run of mineralization in an area previously thought to be waste. This should add substantial value when we transition to a resource update later this year. When we commenced the field campaign in late 2023, our options for drill pad locations were restricted by several areas of the project still having substantial snowfall. We now have access to the entire project and we are currently drilling from more opportune locations to test the extent of the higher-grade mineralization previously encountered in the Altar United Trend and to continue growing the overall mineralized footprint of the Altar project." Dr. Kevin B. Heather, Chief Geological Officer of Aldebaran, commented as follows: "The results reported here are important as they show that the Altar mineralized footprint is much larger and extends mineralization into areas previously not drilled. These drill holes will contribute valuable supporting mineralized blocks to help capture better mineralized drill holes, drilled last year, in the upcoming mineral resource update slated for H2 2024." Table 1 below shows detailed assays for all holes. Figure 1 displays a plan map of the completed and ongoing drill hole locations, while Figures 2, 3 and 4 display cross-sections of the holes reported herein. Table 1 - Drill Hole Results From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) As (ppm) CuEq (%) ALD-23-234 Interval 83.40 260.50 177.10 0.20 0.03 0.48 9 44 0.21 Interval 305.00 1,033.00 728.00 0.19 0.02 0.45 22 134 0.20 ALD-23-162EXT* Interval 356.00 1,279.10 923.10 0.23 0.05 1.39 33 188 0.26 Incl. 747.00 1,178.50 431.50 0.27 0.06 2.22 32 155 0.31 ALD-23-166EXT* Interval 266.00 324.00 58.00 0.13 0.03 0.45 14 80 0.15 Interval 364.00 1,137.80 773.80 0.21 0.07 0.96 15 179 0.24 ALD-23-194EXT* Interval 296.00 1,174.80 878.80 0.29 0.08 1.64 13 145 0.32 Incl. 304.00 484.00 180.00 0.37 0.10 2.12 10 254 0.42 Incl. 324.00 360.00 36.00 0.72 0.13 0.95 11 231 0.77 Incl. 731.50 1,155.10 423.60 0.34 0.08 1.82 15 100 0.38 The grades are uncut. CuEq values were calculated using copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum. Metal prices utilized for the calculations are Cu = US$3.00/lb, Au = US$1,400/oz, Ag = US$18/oz, and Mo = US$10/lb. Recoveries used for the supporting metals found in the CuEq equation are as follows: Au = 50%, Ag = 51%, (based on historical metallurgical test work) and Mo = 70% (benchmarking from similar deposits). The formula utilized to calculate equivalent values is CuEq % = Cu % + (Au g/t * 0.34025) + (Ag g/t * 0.00446) + (Mo ppm * 0.00023). *Extension of previously drilled hole, portions of the hole may have been previously reported Discussion of Results ALD-23-162EXT ALD-23-162EXT (Figure 2) is a vertical hole originally drilled to 522.70 m in 2012. This hole was extended during the current campaign to a final depth of 1,279.10 m. The goal of this hole was to test the southern extent of the Altar United trend, within the large conductive geophysical anomaly, and fill a gap in drilling for the upcoming resource update. Lithology : From surface to 260 m depth the hole intersected a package of fragmental and porphyritic volcaniclastic rocks before intersecting a long run of a massive rhyolite of early Miocene age, which extends to a depth of 911 m and is followed underneath by intermixed andesitic and rhyolite units until the bottom of the hole. Alteration & Mineralization : Moderate to strong oxidation occurs up to 360 m depth. Alteration assemblages over the upper portion of the hole are characterized by the occurrence of discrete, pyrite-enargite high sulfidation structures and weak to moderate quartz-sericite-pyrite-tourmaline, overprinting weak k-feldspar-(biotite-magnetite) potassic alteration. Continuous, moderate copper and molybdenum mineralization occurs below 360 m depth and to the bottom of the hole. Mineralization is mostly associated to the occurrence of increasing magnetite-biotite-k feldspar alteration, quartz-magnetite-chalcopyrite, quartz-pyrite-molybdenite-chalcopyrite, and quartz-green sericite-chalcopyrite veining. ALD-23-166EXT ALD-23-166EXT (Figure 2) is a vertical hole originally drilled to 401 m in 2012. It is collared 200 m south from ALD-23-162EXT. This hole was extended during the current campaign to a final depth of 1,158.50 m. The goal of this hole was to test the southern extent of the Altar United trend, within the large conductive geophysical anomaly, and fill a gap in drilling for the upcoming resource update. Lithology : From surface to 307 m depth the hole intersected a package of fragmental and porphyritic volcaniclastic rocks before intersecting a long run of a massive rhyolite to a depth of 802 m and followed underneath by andesite, which is crosscut over the last 100 m of the hole by a series of narrow, late-mineral porphyry dykes. Alteration & Mineralization : Rocks are partially oxidized on the upper portion of the hole and up to 401 m depth. This drill hole displays moderate copper and molybdenum mineralization to the bottom, mostly associated to the occurrence of increasing magnetite-biotite-k feldspar alteration, quartz-magnetite-chalcopyrite veining, and quartz-green sericite-sulfides veining. Discrete, pyrite-enargite high sulfidation structures were also intersected. ALD-23-194EXT ALD-23-194EXT (Figure 3) is a vertical hole originally drilled to 530 m in 2013, collared 200 m west from ALD-23-166EXT. This hole was extended during the current campaign to a final depth of 1,174.80 m. The goal of this hole was to test the southern extent of the Altar United trend, within the large conductive geophysical anomaly, and fill a gap in drilling for the upcoming resource update. Lithology : The hole intersected 80 m of fragmental and porphyritic volcaniclastic rocks before intersecting a long run of massive rhyolite. The rhyolite continues until 880.00 m depth, but it is crosscut by several narrow, late mineral porphyry dykes from 484 m to 635 m depth. The drill hole continues below 880 m into andesitic units until the bottom of the hole. Alteration & Mineralization : Rocks are strongly fractured and oxidized from surface and up to 305.00 m of the hole. From 305.00 m to 380.00 m a well-defined secondary copper enriched zone was intersected. This zone is characterized by the occurrence of secondary chalcocite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. The hole displays moderate copper and molybdenum mineralization to the bottom of the hole, mostly associated to the occurrence of increasing magnetite-biotite-k feldspar alteration, quartz-magnetite-chalcopyrite veining, and quartz-green sericite-sulphides veining. Discrete, pyrite-enargite high sulphidation structures were also intersected throughout the hole. ALD-23-234 Drillhole ALD-23-234 is collared to the south of the Altar Central zone, located 200 m south from the last fence of holes in this area. It was drilled at -78 degrees dip towards the north, to a final depth of 1,033 m. The main objective of this hole was to test the extension of the mineralization towards the south and targeted an area in the 2019 resource model that was defined as in-pit waste due to a lack of drilling. Lithology : The hole intersected a fragmental rhyolite unit starting from surface to 260 m depth, before intersecting a long interval of rhyolite followed underneath by a mix of porphyritic and fragmental andesitic units from 712 m until the bottom of the hole. Alteration & Mineralization : Strong oxidation occurs over the first 74 m of the hole. Alteration is weak to moderate over the upper half of the hole. Dominant assemblages include white sericite-quartz-pyrite-(chalcopyrite) associated with hairline veins displaying wide halos overprinting tourmaline-quartz-pyrite-(chalcopyrite) which is widely distributed along the hole, coming in veins and associated locally with strong silicification. Relicts of earlier magnetite-hematite alteration occur from the top of the hole and increase at depth. From 390 m depth, traces of k feldspar-biotite alteration start to occur. This alteration coincides with the occurrence of increasing quartz-pyrite-molybdenite-chalcopyrite and green sericite-quartz-chalcopyrite veining until the bottom of the hole. Project Update The Company is actively drilling with four rigs. Holes ALD-23-235, ALD-23-236, ALD-23-237, ALD-23-238, and ALD-24-239 are completed and were terminated at 1,221.50 m, 1,346.70 m, 1,040.00 m, 1,201.50 m, and 1,049.00 m depths respectively: all pending final assays. Holes ALD-24-240, ALD-24-074EXT, ALD-24-241, and ALD-24-242 are active and currently at 756 m, 1,262 m, 588 m and 90 m depth, respectively. ALD-24-074EXT is an extension of a historic hole, completed by a previous operator and originally terminated at 607.60 m depth. Webinar For more context, please join the Company in a live event on February 6 at 11:00 am EST / 8:00 am PST. Q&A will follow the presentation. Click here to register: https://events.6ix.com/preview/aldebaran-resources-presents-corporate-and-exploration-update. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Kevin B. Heather, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc, Ph.D, FAusIMM, FGS, Chief Geological Officer and director of Aldebaran, who serves as the qualified person (QP) under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE ALDEBARAN BOARD (signed) "John Black" John Black Chief Executive Officer and Director Tel: +1 (604) 685-6800 Email: [email protected] Please click here and subscribe to receive future news releases: https://aldebaranresources.com/contact/subscribe/ For further information, please consult our website at www.aldebaranresources.com or contact: Ben Cherrington Manager, Investor Relations Phone: +1 347 394-2728 or +44 7538 244 208 Email: [email protected] About Aldebaran Resources Inc. Aldebaran is a mineral exploration company that was spun out of Regulus Resources Inc. in 2018 and has the same core management team. Aldebaran holds a 60% interest in the Altar copper-gold project in San Juan Province, Argentina and can earn an additional 20% interest in the project by completing a further $25 million in expenditures at Altar over the next three years. The Altar project hosts multiple porphyry copper-gold deposits with potential for additional discoveries. Altar forms part of a cluster of world-class porphyry copper deposits which includes Los Pelambres (Antofagasta Minerals), El Pachn (Glencore), and Los Azules (McEwen Copper). In March 2021 the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate for Altar, prepared by Independent Mining Consultants Inc. and based on the drilling completed up to and including 2020 (independent technical report prepared by Independent Mining Consultants Inc., Tucson, Arizona, titled "Technical Report, Estimated Mineral Resources, Altar Project, San Juan Province, Argentina", dated March 22, 2021 - see news release dated March 22, 2021). Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements regarding Aldebaran, including management's assessment of future-plans and operations, may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond Aldebaran's control. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Specifically, and without limitation, all statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Aldebaran expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the proposed exploration and development of the Altar project described herein, and management's assessment of future plans and operations and statements with respect to the completion of the anticipated exploration and development programs, may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond Aldebaran's control. These risks may cause actual financial and operating results, performance, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Although Aldebaran believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Aldebaran does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities law. Disclaimer 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. Figure 1 - Plan map showing drill holes from the 2023-2024 drill program Figure 2 - Cross-section displaying CuEq (%) values in ALD-23-162EXT and ALD-23-166EXT Figure 3 - Cross-section displaying CuEq (%) values in ALD-23-194EXT Figure 4 - Cross-section displaying CuEq (%) values in ALD-23-234 SOURCE: Aldebaran Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTH PALM BEACH, FL and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Nascent Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB: NBIO) ("Nascent Biotech", "Nascent"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of various cancers and viral infections, announced today it has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Manhattan BioSolutions, Inc. (Manhattan Bio), an emerging biotech company focused on precision biologics, to explore antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) using Nascent's lead clinical candidate pritumumab (PTB) as the tumor-targeting antibody element. Pritumumab (PTB) is a natural human antibody. This monoclonal antibody targets extracellular form of vimentin, a protein that has been linked to cancer growth and metastasis and is overexpressed in both brain and pancreatic cancers as well as other hard tumor cancers. PTB is a targeted immunotherapy that binds to vimentin in tumors and recruits the immune system to eliminate cancer cells. PTB has demonstrated a promising safety profile and preliminary efficacy in completed Phase I study in glioblastoma patients. Nascent has been recently cleared by the FDA to begin Phase II clinical trials for brain cancer. In preclinical experiments, PTB antibody has shown the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier with the additional potential to transport conjugated drugs into brain tissues, and Nascent holds a patent covering this specialized delivery mechanism. Under the terms of the agreement, Manhattan Bio will perform PTB conjugations to industry standard linker-payloads and will evaluate the resulting ADCs in the in vitro cell assays. The most promising candidates will be prioritized for further development for the treatment of vimentin-positive and potential secondary targets in advanced or metastatic tumors. Nascent CEO, Sean Carrick, commented: "We are thrilled to unlock the full disruptive potential of pritumumab against cancer by collaborating with Manhattan Bio's world-leading scientists. This collaboration serves as an exciting first step in uncovering the possibilities of better targeted cancer therapies." "Pritumumab offers unexplored potential as an ADC vector, and we are excited to test that promise leveraging our expertise in ADC discovery and development. This could pave the way for applying our newest linker-payload innovations to pritumumab in the future" said Dr. Borys Shor, CEO of Manhattan Bio. About Nascent Biotech Nascent Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB: NBIO) is a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering the development of human monoclonal antibodies to be used in the treatment of various cancers, helping people worldwide. Its products are not yet commercially available. The Company's lead candidate, Pritumumab (PTB), is a human monoclonal Antibody (Mab) that has progressed to Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of Brain Cancer. For further information please visit our website www.nascentbiotech.com. Forward Looking Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release about our future expectations constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time and our actual results could differ materially from expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, Nascent Biotech Inc's ability to target the medical professionals; Nascent Biotech Inc's ability to raise capital; as well as other risks. Additional information about these and other factors may be described in the Nascent Biotech Inc's Form 10, filed on May 2, 2015, and future subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Corporate Contact: Sean Carrick [email protected] About Manhattan BioSolutions Manhattan BioSolutions, Inc is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of biologic immunotherapies targeting host defense pathways for the treatment of advanced cancers. The company advances two technology platforms for drug discovery: RNA-degrader proteins, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) - through collaborations with leading academic institutions. Manhattan Bio has established partnerships with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Stony Brook University, The University at Buffalo, Binghamton University, INSERM, Nascent Biotech, EVQLV, and has been awarded grants by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT), the New York State Center For Biotechnology and the University at Buffalo Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (UBCAT). Learn more at manhattanbiosolutions.com and follow Manhattan BioSolutions on LinkedIn or Twitter. Contact for investor inquiries: Borys Shor, Ph.D. [email protected] SOURCE: Nascent Biotech Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / The T7.270 Methane Power CNG Tractor, a product of New Holland (a brand of CNH) is a winner at the Lamma Show 2024 Innovation Awards, taking home honors in the Future Farming Innovation category. The awards were announced at LAMMA 2024 in Birmingham, UK, on January 17th, 2024. For years the LAMMA Innovation Awards have rewarded innovation and advances inside the agricultural industry. The New Holland T7.270 Methane Power is the world's first production intent high horse Methane Powered Tractor. It represents the culmination of years of development to create and bring to market a tractor over 250hp specifically aimed to biodigester businesses and large farms who need greater power and the most advanced technology and comfort available. There are over 600 biogas plants in the UK, of which 126 already produce biomethane, with a Total Industry Volume of around 300 units only in the UK. The New Holland T7.270 Methane Power CNG was created with these key customers in mind, as a primary target in the UK market, with further units to be sold in other relevant markets such as France, Germany, Norway, and Italy. Winning this award is a testament to CNH's continued commitment to designing innovative products that support a more sustainable future for farming. Winning this award is a testament to CNH's continued commitment to designing innovative products that support a more sustainable future for farming. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CNH Industrial Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial Email: [email protected] SOURCE: CNH Industrial View the original press release on accesswire.com QUEBEC, QC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR)(OTCQB: NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the receipt of a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") from another Development Financial Institution (DFI) for up to US$15M debt financing. This LOI is subject to the satisfactory completion of a due diligence process and the finalisation of all terms between the parties. The proposed debt financing is for a 7-year period which includes a 2-year grace period to complete the construction of new sites. These funds are proposed to enable NuRAN to build an additional 800 sites within Africa. US$5M Loan Mandate Letter NuRAN is also pleased to report that the Mandate Letter previously announced on January 3rd, 2024, has now transitioned into a term sheet which will form the basis of definitive loan documentation. The operational, business, and commercial due diligence has already been satisfactorily completed, leaving only the environmental and legal due diligence outstanding. These funds provided to NuRAN Africa would essentially be used to build more rural and remote mobile sites within Africa. "We have been looking for alternative sources of financing our site build in Africa since we launched this initiative. With over 4600 sites currently under contract, having access to various capital sources is imperative. With the recent stats form our current 79 live sites in Cameroon, NuRAN is gaining more confidence in the financing process with the expectation that site deployment will accelerate throughout 2024 and beyond" states Francis Letourneau, CEO of NuRAN Wireless Inc. About NuRAN Wireless: NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information: For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Ltourneau, Director and CEO [email protected] Tel: (418) 264-1337 Frank Candido Investor relations [email protected] Tel: (514) 969-5530 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the signing and closing of the DFI loans, statements with respect to the number of live towers to be installed and proposed revenues over 2023, 2024 and 2025, statements with respect to financing at the NuRAN Africa intended to be complementary to the DFI loans and if completed is intended be used to accelerate growth in other markets, including recent contracts signed in Ivory Coast and Madagascar, statements with respect to the future conversion of sites in inventory to live sites as the Company secures additional financing to support the conversion, statements with respect to proposed debt settlements with management and short term and long term lenders including any potential restructuring of debt and that the execution of the loan agreement with the DFIs will propel NuRAN to build towers at an aggressive pace and fulfil our 2024 and 2025 expectation. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. 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, such as the uncertainties regarding include risks such as the uncertainties regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and measures to prevent its spread, risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to refinance its long term and short term debt; NuRAN's ability to adequately restructure its operations with respect to its new model of NaaS service contracts; NuRAN's ability to complete the DFI financings, our ability to collect fees from our telecommunication providers and reliance on the network of our telecommunications providers, the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; effects of the global supply shortage affecting parts needed for NuRAN's sites and site installations; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in applicable telecommunications laws or regulations or changes in license and regulatory fees, downturns in customers' business cycles; and insurance prices and insurance coverage availability, the Company's ability to effectively maintain or update information and technology systems; our ability to implement and maintain measures to protect against cyberattacks and comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements; the Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategies or realize expected cost savings and revenue enhancements; business development activities, including acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; the Company's expansion into markets outside of Canada and the operational, competitive and regulatory risks facing the Company's non-Canadian based operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis that is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The estimates included in this news release relating to the calculation of the gross revenue of the agreements with Orange and MTN are based on multiplying an average population per site by the expected penetration rate which yields the number of mobile customers. This is then multiplied by the average revenue per customer per month (ARPU) to derive total revenue. Orange and MTN's direct costs associated with this revenue are deducted and the resulting amount is shared by both parties. The revenue share only applies to revenue in excess of a guaranteed amount which is the minimum paid to NuRAN. A penetration rate reduction factor has been used to mitigate risk. The base data used to calculate the total potential revenue of this agreement was provided by Orange and MTN based on average population, penetration rate and ARPU. Management of the Company believes that the estimates have been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting best estimates and judgments, and based on a number of assumptions management believes are reasonable as well as information provided to the Company by Orange and MTN. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, including the risks discussed above, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FUTURE ORIENTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION This press release may contain future oriented financial information ("FOFI") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, about prospective results of operations including projected revenue, financial position or cash flows, based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action, which FOFI is not presented in the format of a historical balance sheet, income statement or cash flow statement. The FOFI has been prepared by management to provide an outlook of the Company's activities and results and has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed under the heading above entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and assumptions with respect to the costs and expenditures to be incurred by the Company, capital expenditures and operating costs, taxation rates for the Company and general and administrative expenses. Management does not have, or may not have had at the relevant date, firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or other financial assumptions which may have been used to prepare the FOFI or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and, accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs, expenditures, prices and operating results are not, or may not have been at the relevant date of the FOFI, objectively determinable. The FOFI contained in this press release are, or may be, based upon certain additional assumptions that management believes to be reasonable based on the information currently available to management, including, but not limited to, assumptions about: (i) the future installation and funding of towers under the Company's NAAS agreements in Africa, (ii) continued revenue generation by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) over our NAAS infrastructure in line with our projections as well as the continued viability of these MNOs given the concentration of our operations on few key customers, (iii) no adverse changes in exchange rates our the ability to transfer currency in countries with foreign currency denominated NAAS contracts or economies, (iv) the future viability and competitiveness of our RAN solutions which are sold under traditional equipment sale contracts and provide a source of additional cashflow, (v) the future market demand and trends within the jurisdictions in which the Company may from time to time conduct the Company's business, (vi) the continuation of our NAAS agreements beyond their current contractual minimum periods to assure long term revenue, (vii) on-going costs of operating our NAAS towers including maintenance, repair, replacement of damaged or stolen equipment as well as VSAT and other input costs in line with our expectations, (viii) the Company's ongoing inventory levels, build and other operating cost estimates, (ix) no adverse factors in the political and regulatory regimes in which the Company operates, (x) no significant competitive threat from alternative rural connectivity solutions such as low-earth orbit or other technologies as well as alternative NAAS providers, (xi) availability and net proceeds from the Company's proposed loans with DFIs and other alternative financings, including, without limitation the equity financing of the parent company and the Company's subsidiaries; (xii) the ability to successfully extend maturity dates and obtain bridge capital when needed for working capital purposes, (xiii) the ability to continue to source products and services from critical outsourced providers including producers of its Radio-Access Network (RAN) equipment and construction and maintenance of NAAS sites, (xiv) assurance of supply from critical third party providers of technical equipment for our NAAS sites including solar and satellite equipment and terminals, (xv) access to qualified staff in new markets we are entering and in markets where we are growing, and (xvi) risks from the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health epidemics which could affect our staff but especially in African countries which are more vulnerable to these outbreaks. The FOFI or financial outlook contained in this press release do not purport to present the Company's financial condition in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and there can be no assurance that the assumptions made in preparing the FOFI will prove accurate. The actual results of operations of the Company and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in the analysis presented in any such document, and such variation may be material (including due to the occurrence of unforeseen events occurring subsequent to the preparation of the FOFI). The Company and management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments as at the applicable date. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks including the risks discussed under the heading above entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosures, FOFI or financial outlook within this press release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the FOFI, or financial outlook contained in this press release. Except as required by Canadian securities laws, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update such FOFI. SOURCE: NuRAN Wireless Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIR)(OTCQB: PMMCF) is pleased to report that drilling to test for lateral and depth extensions below previous high grade porphyry copper-gold intersections at the Piuquenes Cu-Au porphyry project has successfully intersected wide intervals of both secondary and primary mineralization. Excellent progress is being made and drilling is continuing. Diamond drillhole PIU-01 (refer figure 1), designed to extend Cu-Au mineralization to depth on the southwestern margin of the Piuquenes Central porphyry, intersected a 160m thick zone of supergene copper enrichment between 220m to 380m downhole, coincident and overlapping with primary mineralization from 350 meters. PIU-01 has been plotted to approximately 900 meters downhole depth, with primary mineralization continuing from 350m to the current hole depth of approximately 600m. An initial batch of core samples have been prepared and dispatched to the ALS laboratory in Mendoza, with first assay results expected shortly. Joseph van den Elsen, Pampa Metals President and CEO commented: "We are very pleased to have intersected a thick copper supergene enrichment blanket on the first hole of a multi-campaign exploration program testing the Piuquenes Project's exceptional potential. We now eagerly await our first assay results and look forward to driving shareholder value over the short, medium, and long-term as we continue to test the depth and lateral extensions of the previously reported high-grade copper-gold intervals at Piuquenes Central, and thereafter drill testing Piuquenes East and other nearby targets on the property." A Company Presentation is available at: www.pampametals.com/investor/presentations Figure 1: Piuquenes Central Schematic Cross Section Geology and Mineralization - Diamond Drillhole PIU-01 Weak-moderate porphyry A-type quartz stockworks are present from approximately 150 m downhole, increasing in intensity from 220m depth. Supergene copper enrichment is evident from 220m to 380m depth, partially coincident (from 288 m depth) with increasing intensity of porphyry A-type quartz vein stockworks and evidence of intermineral potassic alteration. A narrow zone of copper oxides is observed from 220 - 229 meters downhole. Dense porphyry A-type quartz vein stockworks with chalcopyrite and traces of disseminated bornite mineralization hosted in potassic altered diorite porphyry were intersected from 350m to the current downhole depth of approximately 600 m. Drilling is continuing in strong mineralization. Image 2: PIU-01 drill core displaying strong Porphyry qtz vein stockworks overprinting potassic altered diorite porphyry intrusion. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO INVESTOR CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | [email protected] ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is a copper-gold-silver-molybdenum porphyry exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE:FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Previous intervals of significant copper and gold mineralization at Piuquenes Central (refer 5 December 2023 News Release) include: " 413.5 m (167-580.5 m) @ 0.47% Cu and 0.52 g/t Au (0.87% CuEq)*; and " 558.2 m (362-920.2 m EOH) @ 0.38% Cu, 0.42 g/t Au and 2.4 g/t Ag (0.73% CuEq)* o including 130 m (362-492 m) @ 0.81% Cu, 0.6 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (1.31 % CuEq)* Qualified Person Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G. Mr. Orrego G. is a Geologist, a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego G. is a consultant to the Company. * %CuEq values are calculated based on copper and gold metal prices: Cu = US$3.20/lb, Au = US$1,700/oz and Ag = US$ 20/oz. The formula utilized to calculate %CuEq is: Cu Eq Grade (%) = Cu Head Grade (%) + [(Au Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Au Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.04) + [(Ag Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Ag Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.0. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals 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" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com CHICAGO, IL and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / The Planting Hope Company Inc. (TSXV:MYLK)(OTCQB:MYLKF)(FRA:J94) ("Planting Hope" or the "Company"), a dynamic Foodtech innovation company dedicated to creating breakthrough delicious, sustainable food and beverage solutions through cutting-edge ingredient, formulation, and packaging technology, is pleased to announce that it has launched its Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk in 20 select Costco Warehouse Stores across the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. This rotation program will be in the store for approximately 12 weeks or while supplies last. Future and expanded distribution opportunities with Costco are dependent on many factors, including sales velocity during this initial program. Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk is packaged in a special 6-pack unit of six 32 oz cartons just for Costco warehouse members at $18.99/6-pack (equivalent to $3.19 per carton). Costco distribution is done on shoppable pallets' of a single selected product, in this case the top seller in the Hope and Sesame product line, the Barista Blend, which specially formulated to froth, foam, steam, and perform like a dream in hot and iced beverages, from coffee to teas and bubble teas, to matcha and smoothies. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is a breakthrough in plant-based milks, offering a quantum leap forward in sustainability: a 6-pack of sesamemilk saves 582L of water over the same size 6-pack case of almond milk. Cradle-to-grave, Hope and Sesame Barista Blend uses 54% less water than oat milk, 75% less than almond milk, and 84% less than dairy milk, per a study conducted in partnership with Planet FWD. Sesamemilk is packed with nutrition, supplying 2x the protein of comparable oat or almond barista-style milk products. The rest of the sesamemilk line provides 8x the protein in almond milk and 3x the protein in oat milk. Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk delivers more protein versus common plant-based milk alternatives, with dramatically lower water usage per liter! "We are thrilled to introduce our Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk across the Pacific Northwest, ostensibly the seat of coffee innovation in the United States and an area that has been the incubator for great cafes from Starbucks to Stumptown to Caffe Umbria," said Julia Stamberger, CEO and co-founder, Planting Hope. "By switching to sesamemilk, Costco members are able to upgrade the deliciousness of their plant based milk, plus double up their protein and save a substantial amount of water over most barista almond and oat milks." "Fittingly, Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is being introduced to Costco members during the Lunar New Year season, where sesame is part of many traditional foods served to celebrate the new year across Asia," continued Ms. Stamberger. "We're excited to celebrate 2024, the Year of the Dragon!" Hope and Sesame Barista Blend floor display at Costco Wholesale in Eugene, OR. Washington: Bellingham, WA | 4125 Arctic Ave, 98226 Issaquah, WA | 1801 10th Ave NW, 98027 Kennewick, WA | 8505 W. Gage Blvd, 99336 Seattle, WA | 4401 4th Ave S, 98134 Shoreline, WA | 1175 N 205th St, 98133 Silverdale, WA | 10000 Mickelberry Rd NW, 98383 Spokane N, WA | 12020 N Newport Hwy, 99218 Spokane, WA | 5601 E Sprague Ave, 99212 Tukwila, WA | 400 Costco Dr Ste 150, 98188 Oregon : Bend, OR | 2500 NE Highway 20, 97701 Central Point, OR | 3075 Hamrick Road, 97502 Clackamas, OR | 13130 SE 84th Ave, 97015 Eugene, OR | 2828 Chad Dr, 97408 Hillsboro, OR | 1255 NE 48th Ave, 97124 Portland, OR | 4849 NE 138th Ave, 97230 Salem, OR | 4885 27th Ave. SE, 97306 Tigard, OR | 7850 SW Dartmouth St, 97223 Idaho Couer D'Alene, ID | 355 E Neider Ave, 83815 Alaska: Anchorage, AK | 330 W Dimond Blvd, 99515 NE Anchorage, AK | 4125 Debarr Rd, 99508 About The Planting Hope Company Inc. Planting Hope is reimagining and reinventing food today so that our planet can feed 10 billion people tomorrow. A Foodtech-driven company at the forefront of sustainable consumer food and beverage evolution, Planting Hope transforms nutrient-dense, widely cultivated crops into innovative, nutrient-rich products that reimagine pantry staples in the largest, fastest growing global food categories. Our award-winning breakthrough brands, including Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk, RightRice High-Protein Veggie Rice, and Mozaics" Real Veggie Chips, are not only disrupting global markets but also significantly reducing environmental footprints. Available across the US and Canada in grocery retailers (Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Markets), through foodservice operators (CAVA Mediterranean restaurants - NYSE: CAVA), and e-commerce and alternative retail channels (Amazon, QVC), our products blend culinary innovation with advanced technology, offering breakthrough products with wide moats. Our products are poised to disrupt global food and beverage categories, make a positive impact on the world, and provide investors with valuable opportunities in the growing sustainable food market. This is the food that Gen Z is demanding and that Gen Alpha will grow up with: this is the future of food. Explore more at plantinghopecompany.com, sign up for Planting Hope news emails HERE and follow us on LinkedIn. For Planting Hope product sales and distribution opportunities, please contact James Curley, EVP of Sales, at [email protected]. Contacts Company Contact: Julia Stamberger CEO and Co-Founder (773) 492-2243 [email protected] Investor Relations + Media Contact: Corinn Williams (773) 492-2243 [email protected] 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. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to hereafter as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, including, but not limited to, statements about the Company's ability to execute on its goals, the timing pertaining to these goals the potential demand for the Company's products, the timing and success of anticipated product launches and distribution of the Company's products, the Company's business prospects, future trends, plans, scalability and strategies, that the Company will achieve profitability in the next few years, the timing of the Company's implementation of NetSuite, and the Company's key growth priorities for 2023 . In some cases, forward looking statements are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as "may", "will," "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "continues", or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. In preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumption that demand for the Company's product will be sustained or increase in accordance with management's projections, that the Company's internal research and analysis is indicative of broader market trends and the Company's anticipated future demand for its products, that changes in consumer preferences in the plant-based food industry will continue in accordance with the Company's expectations, that the Company's current business objectives can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement herein will prove to be accurate. 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 be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company, as well as trends identified by the Company affecting its industry can be found in the Company's annual information form dated January 6, 2022 and the Company's continuous disclosure record available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements made in this news release. The Company 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 by applicable law. SOURCE: The Planting Hope Company Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Premier Radiology Services (Premier), a leading teleradiology provider in the U.S., recently announced its long-term contract with Concentra, the nation's largest and leading occupational medicine provider, has been extended through the end of 2030. Through ongoing collaboration, the companies aim to leverage the strengths of two industry leaders to address the increasing need for fast and accurate radiology interpretations for patients accessing urgent and occupational health care services. Premier delivers high-quality and timely reads enabling clinicians to more quickly see and deliver results for all services, including general X-rays, NIOSH B-reads, TB screenings, pre-employment screenings, cardiac screenings, and musculoskeletal and general ultrasound interpretations. Mike Kosuth, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer-East at Concentra, expressed excitement about the continued relationship with Premier. "Premier's commitment to providing top-notch health care solutions and an outstanding patient experience aligns perfectly with our goals and supports our ongoing efforts to positively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Concentra remains at the forefront of the occupational health services industry and this relationship demonstrates our commitment to continually working to meet the evolving needs of employers and their employees." For Premier, flexibility and scalability in integration are vital when working with Concentra's network of more than 540 medical centers nationwide. This ensures speed in receiving the radiology exams, timely results reporting, and a coordinated and collaborative care plan for patients. Premier's strategic investments in technology have significantly contributed to its rapid growth. Drew Gaudet, co-founder of Premier Radiology Services, highlighted the importance of scalability. "Handling thousands of patient scans daily requires a flexible system. Our advanced technological integrations ensure we always have the necessary resources, regardless of demand. This allows us to focus on providing targeted care to our occupational health patients quickly without being bogged down by technological concerns." About Premier Radiology Services Teleradiology Solution Founded in 2006, Premier Radiology Services is one of the top independent teleradiology solutions in the United States. Formed by bringing together U.S. board-certified, fellowship-trained teleradiologists and cutting-edge technology, Premier serves healthcare providers and patients by solving the gaps and inefficiencies that have long been persistent in the field of radiology. Premier's teleradiology solution is an efficient, secure, and highly accurate system for reliable readings. With Premier's continuity of care and less than one-hour average turnaround times, doctors can deliver "direction of care" quickly to patients. Premier earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization's commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. To find out more, visit our website at www.pradiology.com. Contact Information Mark Stevens COO, President [email protected] (866) 957-1106 SOURCE: Premier Radiology Services View the original press release on newswire.com. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Q Battery Metals Corp. ("Q Battery Metals" or the "Company) (CSE:QMET)(FRA:0NB)(OTC PINK:BTKRF) is pleased to announce that permitting is underway for Phase II of diamond drilling on the McKenzie East gold property located north of Val d'Or, Quebec. Q Metals geological consultants concluded that the results from the 2020-2021 drilling program warrant continued exploration on the property. A permit to allow for the construction of 15 drill pads with supporting access is now in process. This current permit application is a renewal of a permit that was obtained in 2022 for drilling on the property, drilling that was never completed, with the permit expiring in 2023. From 2020 to 2021 Q Metals completed an Induced Polarization (IP) electrical survey, a MMI soil sampling survey, and a drone-supported airborne magnetic survey, outlining drilling targets on the McKenzie East. In early 2021, Q Metals completed an eight-hole diamond drilling program as an initial testing of targets on the property. A total of 548 core samples were shipped to ALS Lab in Val d'Or, Quebec, for analysis. Results included 1.185 grams per tonne gold (gpt Au) over 1 metre from hole MKE-21-01. As well, several Intercepts containing > 0.5 gpt were returned from holes MKE-21-03, MKE-21-06 and MKE-21-08 (see news release dated July 13, 2021). Q Metals geologists note that the style of mineralization intercepted in holes MKE-21-03, 06, and 08 showed the most promise during the drilling campaign. Geologic observations of hole MKE-21-03 indicated a section of core that contained a visible gold grain of approximate 1mm by 2mm size, as well as veining, alterations and associated sulphide minerals over a wide interval. The section containing the visible gold returned a weighted average 0.61 gpt Au. However, metallic assay provided that the coarse fraction contained 8.01 grams per tonne, indicating that coarse gold was a significant part of the overall content. Drill holes MKE-21-03, MKE-21-04, and MKE-21-08 were all designed to test a geophysical anomaly of primary interest. These holes returned a total of 17 core analysis that contain over 0.1 gpt Au, and is considered a target worthy of continued exploration. The results of the early 2021 eight-hole diamond drilling program indicate that gold is present within veins and altered rock cored on the McKenzie East claims. A Phase II program, currently in the permitting process, will continue to test the zone cored by holes MKE-21-03, 04, and 08, as well as testing other targets delineated from ground and airborne surveys conducted on the property from 2020 to 2023. The Q Metals team is also preparing to return to the southern claim block of the McKenzie East property in order to follow-up potential for narrow high grade gold-bearing quartz veins aa sampled at the adjacent Maruska mineral showing (see Q Battery news release dated November 28, 2023). While at the Maruska, Q Battery Metals obtained a rock sample that included chips from a number of the exposed quartz-pyrite veins. The sampling was taken to verify the presence of gold and silver in the veins. The sample returned 3.41 grams per tonne gold and 2.58 grams per tonne silver, confirming the presence of precious metals in the Maruska vein system. Q Battery Metals is very interested in this high grade gold showing due to its location very near to the south block of the company's McKenzie East claims. However, the reader is warned that results obtained from adjoining properties are not direct indications for potential on the Q Battery Metals claims. The McKenzie East Gold property is located adjacent to the McKenzie Break Project. Monarch Mining Corporation completed a gold resource estimate for the McKenzie Break in February 2021 with open pit and underground indicated resource of 145,982 ounces and inferred resource of 250,593 ounces gold. (NI43-101 Technical Evaluation Report on the McKenzie Break Property, February 11, 2021). Readers are warned that resources estimated on an adjoining property do not imply that similar resources or mineralization exist on the Black Tusk - McKenzie East property. Q Battery Metals exploration programs undertaken in Quebec are supervised by Dr. Mathieu Pich, PhD, OGQ, with office located north of Val d'Or. He is also a Q Battery Metals company director. The company has 100% interest in mineral claims within Quebec, targeting critical and precious metals. Projects include the McKenzie East Gold property and the La Corne South precious and strategic metals property, both located near Val d'Or, Quebec. Perry Grunenberg, P.Geo, a "Qualified Person" as that term is defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release Cautionary Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. On behalf of the Board of Directors Richard Penn CEO (778) 384-8923 SOURCE: Q Battery Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / South Star Battery Metals Corp. ("South Star" or the "Company") (TSXV:STS)(OTCQB: STSBF), is pleased to announce that the environmental permits for Santa Cruz Graphite Mine Phases 2 and 3 have been approved for up to 50,000 tonne per annum ("tpa") of concentrate for eight mining claims. Following approval of the environmental permits, five of the principal claims were approved by the regional office of the National Mining Agency ("ANM") and forwarded to the Ministry of Mines and Energy ("MME") in Brasilia for final review of the life-of-mine permit applications. The Phases 2 and 3 environmental permits were approved with conditions generally in line with the Phase 1 permit and are consistent with the current environmental and community engagement programs already underway. South Star President, Richard Pearce, commented, "This important approval is another big achievement for Santa Cruz and is a key step forward in derisking our future operations and scaling our production at a critical time for battery metals. Once the full mining concessions incorporating Phases 2 and 3 are approved by the MME, we will be able to increase our Phase 1 production to name plate capacity of 13,000 tpa from 5,000 tpa and deliver more high-quality Brazilian flake graphite to our clients. Our goal is to have all permits/licenses in hand shortly for 50,000 tpa of production and advancing the Santa Cruz feasibility study so we are ready to make an investment decision shortly after delivery of the report in December 2024. Up to US$18M is available through our agreement with Sprott Streaming for Phase 2 production expansion upon delivery of the FS. I would like to sincerely thank our team, the Municipality of Itabela and all stakeholders for their continuing support of Santa Cruz as we responsibly scale our operations in one of the most proven graphite districts in the world. Santa Cruz will be the first new graphite production in the Americas since 1996, and we look forward to scaling operations soon as our clients request additional production from us." Upcoming catalysts in 2024 include advancing the Santa Cruz NI 43-101 Feasibility Study ("FS"), which will build on the Prefeasibility Study previously released in 2021. The FS will advance Santa Cruz operations with a phased, modular design plant facility and will include the following milestones: Approximately 4,000m of diamond and reverse circulation drilling Updated Resource/Reserve estimate Updated mine plans Flow sheet optimizations Natural flake graphite concentrate production expansion Phase 1: 5,000 scaling to 13,000 tpa Phase 2: +25,000 tpa module Phase 3: +25,000 tpa module Infrastructure and access Project CAPEX/OPEX Project Economics About South Star Battery Metals Corp South Star Battery Metals Corp. is a Canadian battery metals project developer focused on the selective acquisition and development of near-term production projects in the Americas. South Star's Santa Cruz Graphite Project, located in Southern Bahia, Brazil is the first of a series of industrial and battery metals projects that will be put into production. Brazil is the second-largest graphite-producing region in the world with more than 80 years of continuous mining. Santa Cruz has at-surface mineralization in friable materials, and successful large-scale pilot-plant testing (> 30t) has been completed. The results of the testing show that approximately 65% of Cg concentrate is +80 mesh with good recoveries and 95%-99% Cg. With excellent infrastructure and logistics, South Star is fully funded for Phase 1, and the construction and commissioning are underway. Santa Cruz will be the first new graphite production in the Americas since 1996 with Phase 1 commercial production projected in Q1 2024. Phase 2 production (25,000 tpa) is partially funded and planned for 2026, while Phase 3 (50,000 tpa) is scheduled for 2028. South Star's second project in the development pipeline is strategically located in Alabama in the center of a developing electric vehicle, aerospace, and defense hub in the southeastern United States. The BamaStar Project is a historic mine active during World Wars I & II. A NI43-101 technical report with the maiden resource estimate has been filed on SEDAR. Trenching, phase 1 drilling, sampling, analysis, and preliminary metallurgical testing have been completed. The testing indicates a traditional crush/grind/flotation concentration circuit that achieved grades of approximately 94-97% Cg with approximately 86% recoveries. South Star is executing on its plan to create a multi-asset, diversified battery metals company with near-term operations in strategic jurisdictions. South Star trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol STS, and on the OTCQB under the symbol STSBF. South Star is committed to a corporate culture, project execution plan and safe operations that embrace the highest standards of ESG principles based on transparency, stakeholder engagement, ongoing education, and stewardship. To learn more, please visit the Company website at http://www.southstarbatterymetals.com . This news release has been reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, P.E., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of South Star Battery Metals Corp. On behalf of the Board, MR. RICHARD PEARCE Chief Executive Officer For additional information, please contact: South Star Investor Relations Email: [email protected] +1 (604) 706-0212 Twitter: https://twitter.com/southstarbm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southstarbatterymetals LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southstarbatterymetals/ YouTube: South Star Battery Metals - YouTube CAUTIONARY STATEMENT 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 press release. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the successful closing of the Private Placement and anticipated timing thereof and the intended use of proceeds and statements regarding moving Santa Cruz into production and scaling operations as well as advancing the Alabama project; and the Company's plans and expectations. 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: risks related to 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 feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of 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 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. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. SOURCE: South Star Battery Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Image source: The Motley Fool. Coherent (NYSE: COHR) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Feb 06, 2024, 8:00 a.m. ET Contents: Prepared Remarks Questions and Answers Call Participants Prepared Remarks: Operator Good day and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Coherent Corp. fiscal year 2024 second quarter earnings conference. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. [Operator instructions] Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to the vice president of investor relations for Coherent Corp., Paul Silverstein. Paul Silverstein -- Vice President, Investor Relations Thank you, Carmen, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our second quarter fiscal 2024 earnings call. The call will be available for webcast replay on the investor relations section of our website. On the call, we have Coherent chair and CEO, Dr. Chuck Mattera; and a number of Coherent senior leaders who Chuck will introduce shortly. This morning, we will devote the majority of our time to answering questions from analysts in the investment community. Yesterday, after market closed, we issued a press release, posted a shareholder letter, and updated investor presentation to the investor relations section of our website, and furnished these documents in a Form 8-K. This morning, we filed our 10-Q. Should you invest $1,000 in Coherent right now? Before you buy stock in Coherent, 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 Coherent wasnt 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*. Story continues See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of February 5, 2024 The shareholder letter contains the financial statements historically included in our earnings press releases and detailed information regarding our operating performance, key trends, and outlook. Before we begin, a short statement about forward-looking statements. We may make and/or refer to forward-looking statements, including statements about future performance and market outlook. Actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. The shareholder letter and our SEC reports set forth risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates. During this call, we may discuss both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. If we do, a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures is included in the shareholder letter. If we present historical non-GAAP financial measures, we will limit our discussion to those that are reconciled in the shareholder letter. Before I turn the call over to Chuck for his opening remarks, please note that on March 26th, at the Optical Fiber Conference or OFC in San Diego, we plan to host a meeting with the investment industry, which will be webcast. During which, we will provide an update regarding our communications market. And in April of this year, we plan to host our third market overview webinar. It will be focused on our instrumentation market. The first two market webinars focused on our communications and industrial markets are available on the investor relations section of our website. With that, it is my pleasure to turn the call over to Coherent's chair and CEO, Dr. Chuck Mattera. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Paul. It's a great day here in Silicon Valley, close to most of our largest customers. As I've said before, leadership development is among the CEO's most important responsibilities. Given the shareholder letter's extensive disclosures, I have asked the following senior leaders to participate in the Q&A fireside on today's call: Rich Martucci, interim chief financial officer; Bob Bashaw, president; Dr. Giovanni Barbarossa, chief strategy officer and president, materials segment; Sohail Khan, executive vice president, Silicon Carbide LLC, our newly created subsidiary for our silicon carbide business; Dr. Chris Dorman, executive vice president, lasers, who came to us through the Coherent acquisition; Magnus Bengtsson, chief commercial officer, who leads our global sales and service organization and who also came to us through the Coherent acquisition; Dr. Sanjai Parthasarathi, chief marketing officer; and Dr. Julie Eng, chief technology officer. As being among the industry's best, they will provide investors a rich source of information about the depth and breadth of our markets, technologies, operations, and overall business. We emerged from the second quarter with greater confidence and excitement regarding a return to stronger growth and meaningfully enhanced profitability. For the quarter, we delivered solid sequential improvement in revenue and margins. The highlights of our second quarter include healthy sequential increases in both gross and operating margin; ongoing AI-driven strength in the datacom vertical of our communications market; signs of improving demand in all four verticals within our industrial market and the telecom vertical of our communications market; four, the consummation of the previously announced transactions with Mitsubishi Electric and DENSO Corporation, in which they invested in aggregate of $1 billion in our silicon carbide business and entered into long-term supply agreements, supporting demand for silicon carbide substrates and epitaxial wafers; and five, an increase in our planned debt repayment in fiscal 2024, resulting from the Silicon Carbide LLC being able to fund its own operating and capital expenditures. While we expect that the higher revenue and the mix in our forecast will contribute to a rebound in margin structure, we are not waiting for improved end-market demand to carry us. We've already implemented actions across virtually all of our businesses in a drive for enhanced operating efficiency. These actions, along with rigorous cost and expense control across the company, helped drive our sequential improvement in gross and operating margin in the second quarter. We are on a roll, but we're far from done. As we continue to transform the company to improve operating performance, we will optimize our production footprint and enhance operating resiliency while completing the integration of legacy Coherent. We also are exploring other strategic opportunities, not including material acquisitions, to unlock shareholder value. Now, for some numbers. While the macroeconomic environment continues to present challenges, we are pleased with our operating results for the quarter. We posted revenue of 1.131 billion, which was above the midpoint of our guidance; and non-GAAP EPS of $0.36, which was above the high end of our guidance. Operating cash flow was 67 million. We invested 91 million in capital equipment, and we retired 89 million of debt. In addition to continuing to invest in our core assets, we are taking substantive actions to ensure we improve our resiliency and operating performance, especially to drive improvement in our margin structure, including through global integration and transformation and the realization of our synergy plan from the legacy Coherent acquisition, as well as our previously announced restructuring and consolidation plan. Our guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 is as follows: revenue of approximately 1.12 billion to 1.20 billion, non-GAAP earnings per share of approximately $0.32 to $0.52. And our updated guidance for fiscal 2024 is revenue of 4.55 billion to 4.70 billion, which represents a $50 million increase at the low end of our previous guidance; non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.30 to $1.70, which is up from $1 to $1.50 previously. Before we take your questions, I would like to say how appreciative and how proud I am of the senior leaders on this call and all of our other employees whose tireless dedication for setting the stage for what's now, next, and beyond. Coherent is well-positioned with differentiated technology, exceptional talent, and high-quality efficient manufacturing platforms capable of delivering products to markets that are rapidly growing. And I believe we are better positioned than others to take full advantage of our existing market positions and to penetrate deeper into these markets, largely because of the intimacy, trust, and partnerships we have cultivated with market leaders and our increased scale, creating stability in our core business and creating a flywheel effect of other growth opportunities that many of our competitors simply don't have. In the upcoming years, we have tremendous upside potential in platform cost optimization attributable to the ongoing legacy Coherent integration, special restructuring, and transformation projects that we've announced. We expect success given our proven track record and have a strong plan and road map in place, which will allow us to capitalize on the recovery and growth in our markets and of the broader market opportunities. We are endowed with a team of world-class technologists, industry pioneers, and executives with a demonstrated capability for identifying and capitalizing on market megatrends. With that, I'll turn it over to Paul. Paul. Paul Silverstein -- Vice President, Investor Relations Thank you, Chuck. We will now open the call for analyst questions. Please limit yourself to one question. This call is scheduled for an hour. With that, Carmen. Questions & Answers: Operator Thank you. [Operator instructions] Our first question comes from Samik Chatterjee with J.P. Morgan. Please proceed. Samik Chatterjee -- JPMorgan Chase and Company -- Analyst Hi. Good morning and thanks for taking my question. Congrats to the entire team, the -- on the strong execution. Maybe just because it's one question, if I keep to datacom. And in the shareholder letter, you referred to a number of new significant AI-related customers that you have engagements with. If you can give us a bit more insight about the nature of those customers, the magnitude potentially of those engagements can turn into if you were to win those awards relative to the existing orders that you have. And then just a quick clarification. You did have 100% sequential growth in datacom 800 gig revenue on capacity ramp. Is that roughly where we should expect sort of capacity linearly -- capacity to linearly expand from here on? Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hey. Good morning, Samik. Thanks for your question. Sanjai. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Sure. Thanks for your question, Samik. So, with any large-scale deployment of new technology, the few hyperscalers drive it; and now, we are seeing that to extend more broadly. We are also engaged with new NEMs, as well as up and down the entire ecosystem. So, we have a very broad group of customers that's continuing to grow in terms of engagements. Samik Chatterjee -- JPMorgan Chase and Company -- Analyst Anything on the capacity -- Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers That answers your question? Samik Chatterjee -- JPMorgan Chase and Company -- Analyst Yeah. Anything on the capacity ramps, Sanjai? Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers So, in the capacity ramp, we did say in the shareholder letter that we grew 100%. That's basically our 800G shipments, 100% quarter over quarter. In our ramp-up plans, we hit the quarterly -- we crossed the quarterly run rate of 100 million. And we also said that in fiscal '24, Samik, that over 50% of our datacom transceiver revenues will be from AI-related applications. So, we are really excited with the ramp and the growth in the market. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer I'm expecting the third quarter will be greater than the second quarter and the fourth greater than the third quarter, Samik, if that gives you any indication. Samik Chatterjee -- JPMorgan Chase and Company -- Analyst Yeah. Sure. Thank you. Thanks for taking the question. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. It comes from the line of Ruben Roy with Stifel. Please proceed. Ruben Roy -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Thanks very much, and I'll echo my congrats to the team. A follow-up for my one question on networking as well. Chuck, just trying to understand the commentary around the supply constraints. Sounds like they improved. Lead times are shortening. Would you say your -- you know, that the majority of the supply chain constraints are behind now and it's a question of, you know, shipping to demand, or are there still some components that are out there that are in short supply? Is that kind of a limiting factor to the rest of the year on your AI transceiver shipments? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer OK. Thanks a lot, Ruben. Ruben, as you know, anytime you go through such a steep ramp, what's lying in front of you with regard to constraints is what you're trying to get out in front of. So, if you look in the rearview mirror, the constraints have surely eased and moderated. But when you see the size of the ramp that we're going up, we have to manage a number of constraints, the first constraint, then the second and third. And we have to anticipate them. We have to get our agreements with suppliers in place. And we're looking beyond FY '24. This is a super, super excited and super hot market. So, we're in the process of looking out well into FY '25 to be sure that our supply chain can keep up with us. I hope that answers your question, Ruben. Ruben Roy -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst It does. Thank you for that detail, Chuck. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. And it comes from the line of Meta Marshall with Morgan Stanley. Please proceed. Meta Marshall -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst Great. Thanks. A couple of questions. Just one, just what are you seeing on inventory of under kind of these 800 gig or AI transceivers, and just kind of when do you expect some of the demand for that business to come back? And then just kind of on top of that, you know, a couple of quarters ago, you had noted that you had a couple hundred million of orders that if you ramped capacity, you expected to be able to fulfill during this fiscal year. Obviously, you guys are kind of ramping a little bit faster than expected. Just in terms of that kind of couple hundred million that you outlined earlier in the year, just how do you feel like you're going to be able to meet or exceed kind of those excess demand? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Meta. Thanks for your interest. Sanjai. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Yeah. Thanks for your question, Meta. So, our -- so we just said in our shareholder letter that we shipped over 100 million in 800G transceivers last quarter. It was much smaller the previous quarter. It grew almost 100% quarter over quarter. And then we also said, Meta, that in fiscal '24, 50% of our datacom transceiver revenues will be from AI-related applications. So, we are projecting a very strong growth in our 800G shipments. We are on a ramp up, as Chuck referred to earlier. Hopefully that answered your question. Meta Marshall -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst I guess. But just in terms of what are you seeing in terms of inventory clearing on the kind of sub-800 gig versus 800 gigs. I mean, I understand the 800 gig commentary, but what are we seeing just in terms of any other demand on the remainder of the business? Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers OK. So, we haven't factored in any huge rebound in the non-AI business in datacom. And that's one of the -- but most of the growth is in 800G. Pretty much all of the growth is in 800G. And that's why we said over 50% of our fiscal '24 revenues will be from AI and related 800G products. Meta Marshall -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst Great. Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Thank you. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. And it comes from the line of Simon Leopold with Raymond James. Please proceed. Simon Leopold -- Raymond James -- Analyst Thanks for taking the question. I wanted to as well talk about what's happening in 800 gig data center transceivers. And I'm looking for your thoughts on how you can compete in this market. And I'm struggling candidly because it seems like demand is great, which should be margin favorable, but some of your competitors probably are willing to take lower margins, and so that might pressure profitability. Could you help us understand how you're thinking about that? Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Simon. Giovanni, would you like to give -- Giovanni Barbarossa -- Chief Strategy Officer and President, Materials Segment Simon, good morning. Thanks for the question. Well, you know, as a reminder, we are the most vertically integrated player in the space. So, you know, we heard, for example, people talking about a shortage of VCSELs. Well, guess what? We have the largest VCSEL supply in the world by far. So, including the -- obviously, our competitors. So, you know, we have a very good kind of control of the supply line for the most of the components other than ICs. And we have our own manufacturing. We have pretty much the most complete laser offering in the space, both the 100G and 200G, as we announced in the past. So, we think that will be very, very powerful, not only to remain competitive from a performance standpoint and road map standpoint, which are very strategic to our hyperscaler customers and the like, but also from a cost structure standpoint. We think that we will have always the best margin profile versus those that have to pretty much buy everything from the merchant market. So, we are very captive in many of these technologies that will be big advantage from a profitability standpoint. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer I would add, Simon -- thank you, Giovanni. I would add, Simon, that we have a full portfolio of products that we're making for today and developing for tomorrow. Those are going to be even more exciting than the ones we're making today. And for us, having full control, as Giovanni just described, our focus is on time to market, time to volume, and time to profitability. And that's where it needs to stay. We have a track record. It is a competitive market, that's for sure. We're intending to compete. Simon Leopold -- Raymond James -- Analyst Thank you. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. It comes from the line of Jed Dorsheimer with William Blair. Please proceed. Jed Dorsheimer -- William Blair and Company -- Analyst Hi. Thanks. Most questions seem to be on datacom, so I'll be different and just, I guess, two-part question. Maybe just an update on the -- I saw -- I think it's maybe the first time that I've seen you kind of highlight or call out, but on the micro LED, could you just talk about the products of Coherent there that you're offering? And then on silicon carbide, there's been some cross-currents of data points in the market. I'm just wondering if you might be able to update on, Sohail, what you're seeing from the customer base there. Thanks. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hey. Good morning, Jed. Thanks for your two questions. Chris will go first and then Sohail. Chris. Chris Dorman -- Executive Vice President, Lasers Yeah. Thanks, Chuck. Yeah. So, we spoke about the micro LED development that we have in previous quarters and about the multiple orders we received from China, Taiwan, and Korea for the tools for a process called laser-induced forward transfer, which is where you take the currently 10-micron moving toward 5-micron micro LEDs from the wafer to the display. So we're seeing increasing customer engagement, and I'm very excited about the impact of micro LEDs on the television market. And this is a very high level of engagement now and a market that will be growing over the next three to five years. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Chris. Sohail. Sohail Khan -- Executive Vice President, Silicon Carbide LLC Hello. Hello. Can you hear me? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yup. Sohail Khan -- Executive Vice President, Silicon Carbide LLC So, Jed, thanks for your question, that we are quite bullish about the silicon carbide market and the growth prospects over the next five to 10 years. And based upon that, we are sticking with our plan, which is driven from the customer engagements, as well as long-term supply agreements, which we had in place. The announcement that Mitsubishi and DENSO has strengthened our position, and we are seeing more engagements and especially a lot of interest from both existing and new customers for 200 millimeter. So, we are going to stick to our plan of the investment and expansion, and we will continue to see the growth of our business quarter over quarter and year over year. Jed Dorsheimer -- William Blair and Company -- Analyst Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Sohail. Thank you, Jed. Operator One moment for our next question, please. It comes from the line of Richard Shannon with Craig-Hallum Capital Group. Richard Shannon -- Craig-Hallum Capital Group -- Analyst Hi, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Maybe I'll ask a financial one here. It seems like after a couple of quarters of opex being, you know, flat to down or I guess a little more down on a pro forma basis, seems like you're implying it growing here and at a fairly steady rate here, which seems to be antithetical to the synergy and restructuring plan I think you've announced one or two quarters ago. Can you help us understand why that is? Why it seems to be growing at a decent rate after bottoming out here? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks a lot. Good morning, Richard. Rich will take it. Rich Martucci -- Interim Chief Financial Officer Yup. So, yes, as you pointed out, our synergy plans and cost reduction has kept our expenses down in the opex. The big thing that you see in the ramp-up as we go forward in the guidance really is around R&D around our AI product, as well as other initiatives that we have in place. So, that's really the increases coming from the R&D. We've done a really good job in our SG&A expenses. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Those R&D investments in the second half of the year, Richard, are aimed for FY '25 and beyond on the basis of new information that we've received in the last one or two quarters from our customers with great clarity. Richard Shannon -- Craig-Hallum Capital Group -- Analyst Chuck, any way you'd want to characterize where those investments might sit like by your segments or end markets or anything like that? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer In those markets that are growing and growing extremely quickly, starting with AI, Richard. Everything starts with that. Richard Shannon -- Craig-Hallum Capital Group -- Analyst OK. Great. Thanks for that detail. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Richard. Yup. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question. It comes from Karl Ackerman with BNP Paribas. Please proceed. Karl Ackerman -- Exane BNP Paribas -- Analyst Yes. Thank you. Good morning. As you indicated earlier on this call, VCSEL supply is critical right now on the ramp of both 800 gig and 1.6T transceivers. How has your internal capacity supported or helped your design wins for 1.6T, which you indicated will be ramping later on this year? I guess, as you address that, perhaps you could also discuss the ramp of 1.6T over the next couple of quarters? Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer OK. Good morning, Karl. Thanks for your question. Giovanni will take it and if there's anything to add that Julie would like to add to clarify, she will. Please, Giovanni. Giovanni Barbarossa -- Chief Strategy Officer and President, Materials Segment Thanks for the question. I mean, as we said earlier, you know, we have our own facility. Actually, we have two facilities, two wafer fabs that are capable to -- of producing datacom. But at this point in time, we are relying on only one fab, and it's ramping like, you know, needed by our internal customers and, of course, our external customers, too, which are all competitors. So, as we said earlier, we have the advantage of being vertically integrated to have a very good understanding of the needs of the supply required by both internal and external customers. So, we have full control of that. And, you know, we have had similar ramps in the past. This is a challenging ramp in terms of the data rate. But nevertheless, I think we are doing a great job in keeping up with the demand for both internal and external supply. So, at least we're shipping based on demand. We are not behind, even if we still need to go as requested by the forecast. So, we are following up with the demand as we see it right now. So, we don't see that being a challenge, at least for our VCSEL supply. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Julie, would you like to add regarding Karl's question on 1.6T? Julie Eng -- Chief Technology Officer Right. Just to add to what Giovanni said is we also were one of the few in the industry actually that can make these very high speed [Inaudible] It's a unique capability. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks. Thank you for your question, Karl. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. And it's from Vivek Arya with Bank of America Securities. Please proceed. Blake Friedman -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Hi. This is Blake Friedman on for Vivek. Thanks for taking my question. On gross margin, you provided a useful outline on actions to return to 40%, but can you maybe quantify all the puts and takes ranging from improving utilization, operational efficiencies, and new products? And this goes back to a previous question, but on mix, just given the momentum in AI transceivers, are these products at or above the corporate average gross margin today? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hey. Good morning, Blake. Thanks. Rich. Rich Martucci -- Interim Chief Financial Officer Yup. So, two-part question. The first question is the AI. And I think in the last earnings call, we did mention that it is at the average of the corporate average in terms of margin. In terms of our ability to drive margin in the future, obviously, the first thing is volume. That's one. The second is utilization within our fabs, which really two of our six fabs have really improved in terms of the utilization. And also, the reliance of our synergy plan, the reliance of our restructuring plan is really going to be utmost of importance in terms of increasing our gross margin going forward. Blake Friedman -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you. Operator Thanks. One moment for our next question, please. It comes from the line of Christopher Rolland with Susquehanna. Please proceed. Chris Rolland -- Susquehanna International Group -- Analyst Thanks for the question. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Good morning, Chris. Chris Rolland -- Susquehanna International Group -- Analyst Yeah. Can you hear me? Can you hear me, now? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yes. Good morning, Chris. Operator Yes. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yes. Chris Rolland -- Susquehanna International Group -- Analyst Hi. Great. Thanks for the question and congrats on the results. I just had one clarification and one question. First, the clarification, the primary gating issue on AI is 800 gig VCSELs. I just wanted to make sure whether I got that right or not. And then secondly, I wanted to talk about telco. So, we're seeing more and more kind of weak data points coming out for telco, but it kind of feels like maybe you're going to tell us that could be in the rearview mirror for you guys. So, is December the clear bottom there? Are you expecting to kind of grow through the year here? And what -- where can we kind of normalize out on a quarterly run rate for telecom looking forward? Thanks. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer OK, Chris. Giovanni will clarify your question regarding VCSELs and Magnus will take the telecom question. Giovanni. Giovanni Barbarossa -- Chief Strategy Officer and President, Materials Segment So, the -- let me clarify. Let me try to be clear. No, it's not. OK? So, we don't have a challenge from a supply standpoint from the VCSEL standpoint. Of course, when you have a production of transceiver modules, there's a number of other things that need to happen, including test, automation of assembly lines, you know, new processes. And of course, there is also an external supply chain, particularly around ICs, that will impact our ability to run. So, everything is coming together. And, you know, based on the demand, the demand is definitely stronger than what we can supply. We are capacity-limited, but not necessarily from a device standpoint, but just that the overall ability to ramp to the volumes that we have been caught by surprise by the -- by our customers in terms of the most recent forecast versus the previous forecast. We have realigned with road maps. We know exactly what the, you know, customers are looking for for next-generation products. And so, we'll adapt our internal supply chain to keep up with the demand. Currently, we don't have experience -- you know, going back to your first question, we don't experience a challenge from a VCSEL production standpoint. And I want us to recall that, you know, we have capacity -- sufficient capacity for both internal and external suppliers. So, we don't -- we can manage that as we need to support our own transceiver business, obviously, as a priority. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Giovanni. Magnus, would you take the telecom question? Magnus Bengtsson -- Chief Commercial Officer Sure. Good morning, Chris. So, in telecom, we saw growth in the December quarter over the October quarter by about 20%. And if we look out for the balance of the fiscal year, we expect double-digit growth second half over first half. And beyond that, in '25, you know, as the market improves, we expect additional growth, both from the market coming back, but also a lot of the engagement we have with customers on design wins for new products. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Great. Thanks, Magnus. Thanks for your question, Chris. Chris Rolland -- Susquehanna International Group -- Analyst Thanks, guys. Operator Thanks. One moment for our next question. It comes from the line of Mark Miller with The Benchmark Company. Please go ahead. Mark Miller -- The Benchmark Company -- Analyst Thank you for the question and congrats on your progress. Just wondering in terms of new applications for VCSELs in terms of automotive and other applications, what are you looking at over the next 12 months or so? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Great. Good morning, Mark. Julie, will you take that one? Julie Eng -- Chief Technology Officer Sure. Yeah. So, VCSELs, in addition to the datacom market, can be used in a sensing market. Obviously, we're in the sensing world in mobile phone application. And then in addition to that, you can use VCSELs for all kinds of other sensing, including, you know, in a vehicle, potentially in health applications. So, many potential future applications of VCSELs in sensing. Mark Miller -- The Benchmark Company -- Analyst Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Julie. Thank you, Mark. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. It comes from the line of Tim Savageaux with Northland Capital Markets. Tim Savageaux -- Northland Capital Markets -- Analyst Hi. Good morning and sorry if I might have missed this earlier, but you talked about 800 gig transceiver shipments at about 100 million in the quarter, kind of doubling sequentially. Do you have an outlook for where you expect that number to go either in fiscal Q3 or by year-end? And I'll follow up from there. Thanks. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yeah. OK, Tim, thanks for your question. Tim, what we said that you may have missed is what I said is I expect our shipments in Q3 to be greater than Q2 and in Q4 greater than Q3. We're on a ramp. It's going up and to the right. Tim Savageaux -- Northland Capital Markets -- Analyst Oh, OK. Well, if I might maybe follow up on that a little bit. I mean, you're talking about fairly modest sequential growth here for Q3 and growth in telecom. So, I guess, are you looking for -- and even if you look at your Q2 results, it seems like the lower speed stuff might have come down pretty good. So, you're seeing some offsets there. Is sort of that the dynamic for, you know, overall datacom revenue or, you know, what are the puts and takes as -- and/or is that ramp slowing a bit, I guess, is, you know, from the [Inaudible] Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer It really is an insightful question. Meta Marshall had the same question and Sanjai tried to address it. Let's let him take another pass at it. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers OK. So, thanks for the question, Tim. Good morning. So, in terms of the market, the market -- the fastest-growing segment of the market is 800G and above, which is really AI. You know, we just redid our forecast on the market. It's growing at a 65% CAGR in the next five years, Tim. So, it's a very sharply growing market, and we expect -- we aim to grow faster than it -- than that market. Now, the traditional networking market is certainly not growing at that clip, and we are not really factoring a significant rebound in our non-AI, if you will, market growth or revenue growth. So, a lot of our revenue growth is coming from AI-related applications. Hopefully, that's clear. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Sanjai. Tim Savageaux -- Northland Capital Markets -- Analyst Yep. I'm a little late. Sorry. Thanks. Appreciate it. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yeah. Thanks, Tim. Operator One moment for our next question. And it's from Ananda Baruah with Loop Capital. Please proceed. Ananda Baruah -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst Yeah. Good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the question and congrats on the strong execution. Yeah. Actually, just a follow-up there, Sanjai, clarification is that the trans -- I guess what is 65% growth over the next five years specifically? Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Hi, Ananda. Good morning. It is the growth of 800G and above transceivers -- datacom transceivers from calendar '23 to calendar '28. Ananda Baruah -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst I got it. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Instead of 65% CAGR. Ananda Baruah -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst Super helpful. And I guess my question is any way to think about yet the transceiver opportunity for gen AI outside of the hyperscale complex? And so, specifically, I'm thinking at telcos and on-premise, say, like Fortune 1000 types. And that does it for me. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer OK. Good morning, Ananda. Julie will take the next one. Ananda Baruah -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst Hey, Chuck. Julie Eng -- Chief Technology Officer All right. Good morning, Ananda. Yeah, so the -- obviously, the biggest deployments are at the biggest web scale. And as time goes on, that spreads out, as you point out, to other, you know, smaller entities that could either, you know, host services or people may choose to have their services on-premise. So, that diversifies the customer base. Similar, actually, to the Ethernet market. And then -- so the gen AI. I forgot the second part of the question. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer With regard to will it spill over into telecom? Julie Eng -- Chief Technology Officer Oh, thank you. Thank you. Yes, eventually it all spills over to telecom because all that data that's getting generated inside has to go somewhere. So, we do believe that that will impact our telecom revenue in a positive way over time. Should impact eventually also non-AI datacom revenue. And then finally, something that might not be so direct of a comparison, but these gen AI chips also require the most advanced process nodes, and that's beneficial to our industrial segment for our semi cap inspection lasers. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Julie. Ananda, I would add that besides datacom -- the datacom and telecom verticals, we have a semi cap equipment business, and it's also underpinning the growth in AI by providing new tools, including laser-based tools and engineered material tools, to OEMs that have to build the equipment to make the devices. I mean, we have it surrounded. Ananda Baruah -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst Yeah, that's great. Thank you, Chuck. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Ananda. Thank you. One moment for our next question. And it's from the line of Dave Kang with B. Riley. Please proceed. Good morning, Dave. Dave Kang -- B. Riley Financial -- Analyst Thank you. Good morning. A question on ARM lasers. Chuck, I think you talked about in the past that ARM lasers is a eight-figure opportunity and could reach nine figures if you successfully penetrate the Chinese market. Just wondering if you can give us an update there. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Dave. Thanks for asking about one of our other super exciting opportunities. Giovanni. Giovanni Barbarossa -- Chief Strategy Officer and President, Materials Segment Hey, Dave. Hey, thanks for the question. Yeah. Well, we're making a lot of progress. Actually, just recently, we learned that a major battery-maker in China kind of displaced our competitor laser to replace it with our products on the production line. So, we think it's going to be a huge opportunity for growth since it's one of the largest battery-makers in the world. So, we think, in addition to the existing customers, they keep ramping production and see the major advantage of the, you know, spot-free, no porosity, kind of well quality of the -- provided by our ARM laser beam profile. We believe that, you know, we're poised to grow in the market space. And it's not going to be limited just to batteries for EVs. I think we're seeing also new applications beyond that, you know, not only in the automotive market, but for example, in the semi cap equipment market. We've been engaged recently on working on some advanced lithography tools to provide laser welding for some special alloyed parts that are needed by those tools. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave, we're aiming to drive a paradigm shift when it comes to laser welding. Dave Kang -- B. Riley Financial -- Analyst Got it. Thank you. Operator Thank you. One moment for our next question, please. And it comes from the line of Jim Ricchiuti with Needham and Company. Please proceed. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Good morning, Jim. Jim Ricchiuti -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Thanks. I wonder -- hi, Chuck. I wonder if you can elaborate on the comment early on in the shareholder letter that you would consider other strategic opportunities to unlock shareholder value. I'm wondering what that means. Are you suggesting that you might pursue some smaller M&A to maybe expand in some areas that you may not necessarily have the presence you want to have? Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer OK. That's a great, great question. We're, from time to time, asked about it. We are prudent stewards of our capital. And let me ask Bob Bashaw, our president, if he'd like to remark. Bob Bashaw -- President Yeah. Sure. Yeah, I'm happy to, Chuck. Yes, as you know, we have been open to all kinds of transactions in the history of the company, and we are both great partners and, as Chuck said, shareholder value is always our driver. So, we are actively, like we have been for 51 years, considering lots of alternatives to grow shareholder value. As we indicated in the shareholder letter, these are probably going to be smaller transactions, not material, but that is our focus across all range of potential transactions. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Bob. Jim Ricchiuti -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Well, is it a case of expanding in some areas that you're underserved in? Is that the focus? Bob Bashaw -- President Well, for sure. There's -- if you look at all the technologies and the opportunities we have, there are a lot of corners that we can look in for areas to grow. There's also tremendous opportunities to partner. So, we have -- we are considering all of those options and have active engagements in those areas. Jim Ricchiuti -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Jim. Operator Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Bob. Operator One moment for our last question, please. And it comes from the line of Mike Genovese with Rosenblatt Securities. Mike Genovese -- Rosenblatt Securities -- Analyst Hi. Good morning, and I guess I'll go to beating the dead horse here. When I parse your comments on 800G as a percentage of datacom transceivers this year, you know, I end up somewhere in the range of revenue should be 70% to 150% higher than the 300 million you talked about entering the year. And so, with that as the preamble, my two-part question is, are we still looking at 20% of the revenues being in the first half of the year and 80% in the second half of the year like you guys said last quarter, or is that sort of -- has that changed a little bit? And then secondly, just as we look at fiscal '25, should we put Sanjai's CAGR, which I think you said was 55%, if I heard that right? I mean, is that roughly the right way to think about where we start for fiscal '25 growth in that business? Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer OK. Thank you, Mike. OK. Sanjai. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Yeah, So, thanks, Chuck. Good morning, Mike. So, I think our revenue pattern is pretty much in line with what you stated in terms of our growth rate. Obviously, we are going to -- we are aiming to do even better than that in terms of the second half of the fiscal year. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer You know, I'll remind you, it's 65% is the five-year CAGR. So, you need to keep that in mind, Mike. Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Yeah. Mike Genovese -- Rosenblatt Securities -- Analyst Sorry, but on the -- I guess, 20-80, though, is that -- we're still targeting 20-80? It hasn't -- that hasn't flattened out a little bit because of the good performance in 2Q? It's still 20-80? Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers It's close to that. Mike Genovese -- Rosenblatt Securities -- Analyst Yeah. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer It's close. Maybe a little bit higher than 20 and a little lower than 80, but it's roughly right. Mike Genovese -- Rosenblatt Securities -- Analyst OK. Great. Thanks so much. Great job. Thank you. Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Welcome. You're welcome. Thank you. Thanks for your comments. Operator Thank you. And this concludes the Q&A session. I will turn it back to Paul Silverstein for any final comments. Paul Silverstein -- Vice President, Investor Relations Thank you, Carmen. I want to thank all the analysts on the call for their thoughtful questions, and I want to thank all of you on the line for having joined us this morning. Looking forward to talking to you in the future. Thank you. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 0 minutes Call participants: Paul Silverstein -- Vice President, Investor Relations Chuck Mattera -- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Samik Chatterjee -- JPMorgan Chase and Company -- Analyst Sanjai Parthasarathi -- Chief Marketing Officers Ruben Roy -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Meta Marshall -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst Simon Leopold -- Raymond James -- Analyst Giovanni Barbarossa -- Chief Strategy Officer and President, Materials Segment Jed Dorsheimer -- William Blair and Company -- Analyst Chris Dorman -- Executive Vice President, Lasers Sohail Khan -- Executive Vice President, Silicon Carbide LLC Richard Shannon -- Craig-Hallum Capital Group -- Analyst Rich Martucci -- Interim Chief Financial Officer Karl Ackerman -- Exane BNP Paribas -- Analyst Julie Eng -- Chief Technology Officer Blake Friedman -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Chris Rolland -- Susquehanna International Group -- Analyst Magnus Bengtsson -- Chief Commercial Officer Mark Miller -- The Benchmark Company -- Analyst Tim Savageaux -- Northland Capital Markets -- Analyst Ananda Baruah -- Loop Capital Markets -- Analyst Dave Kang -- B. Riley Financial -- Analyst Jim Ricchiuti -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Bob Bashaw -- President Mike Genovese -- Rosenblatt Securities -- Analyst More COHR analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool recommends Coherent. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Coherent (COHR) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Southern Company and Samsung SmartThings have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on a number of innovative projects that explore the intersection of consumer energy management and smart-home automation. This strategic relationship is designed to advance and unlock residential flexible load and grid benefits by providing customers with personalized, automated solutions. Among other goals, the collaboration is intended to demonstrate quantifiable reduction in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. SmartThings is Samsung's global connected living platform for smart homes, with users in more than 200 countries. The app allows users to control their connected devices in the home from a smart device and was certified by the EPA as the first commercial Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS). Samsung is the market leader in refrigerators, televisions and display monitors in the United States, holding the largest market share. Some 71% of U.S. households currently own at least one Samsung device. The engagement will encompass the following initiatives: Creation of an Innovation laboratory and test site where testing can take place for integrations and demand response simulations prior to customer implementation. Design and implementation of a custom Southern Company user experience on SmartThings to help recruit, enroll and engage users during a Mississippi Power energy efficiency battery pilot scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. Participating customers will be able to view their usage data in a SmartThings app. SmartThings will support Mississippi Power's Smart Neighborhood project with customer education and engagement, data and analytics. Southern Company and Samsung SmartThings will continue to explore ways in which the two entities can work together across the larger Southern Company footprint. "We are excited to engage with Samsung SmartThings," said Hank Adams, Southern Company's senior vice president of customer solutions. "By combining our energy expertise with Samsung's smart home technology, we aim to deliver personalized, automated solutions that enhance the lives of our customers while advancing energy efficiency." "Mississippi Power's pipeline of innovative projects, including our Smart Neighborhood and demand response initiatives, are the perfect place to begin this new collaboration," added Mississippi Power Marketing and Sales Director Giff Ormes. "This collaboration will allow Mississippi Power and Southern Company to better understand how new technologies can help our customers manage their energy usage." "Here at SmartThings, sustainability is at the core of everything we do," commented Mark Tekippe, vice president of product and growth. "We could not be more thrilled about this collaboration with Southern Company, and we look forward to being able to engage, educate and empower customers to take control of their home energy usage, save money, reduce carbon emissions and support a cleaner, more efficient power grid." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Southern Company Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Southern Company View the original press release on accesswire.com Regions Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary recognized by Yellowhammer News. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Regions Bank By Candace Higginbotham Alabama-based Yellowhammer News recently announced its annual Women of Impact awards, and this year's list includes Regions Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Tara Plimpton. According to Yellowhammer News, Women of Impact recognizes the women in Alabama whose contributions have earned the authority and power to move the needle in their industry. "Our mission is to illuminate the personal and professional advancements of 20 women across business, government and nonprofit sectors each year." Yellowhammer noted that Plimpton was honored for her leadership and service to the community. As a direct report of the CEO, Plimpton plays a key role in strategy and decision making for Regions Bank. Her areas of responsibility include all Legal matters, Government Affairs, Corporate Governance and Reputation Management. Plimpton and her team also manage the operations of subpoena processing and eDiscovery. As Corporate Secretary, Plimpton provides counsel to the Regions Board of Directors, ensuring it has the resources to fulfill its fiduciary duties. Plimpton says that she recognizes she would not be where she is without significant mentorship and sponsorship from others, and that has meaningfully influenced her leadership style. Inclusion and broadening talent pools are key areas of focus. She frequently speaks about the value proposition for an inclusive workforce and how that impacts a company's ability to compete and create better products and services for its customers. "Early in my career, I realized that high-performing teams thrive when there is wide range of thought, experience and background," Plimpton said. Early in my career, I realized that high-performing teams thrive when there is wide range of thought, experience and background. Tara Plimpton, Regions Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Plimpton recently oversaw the Regions Legal team's achievement of Mansfield Rule Legal Department Edition certification, a well-known national movement to expand opportunities in hiring, development activities and outside counsel engagements, which is modeled after the Mansfield Rule for law firms. The Mansfield Rule guidelines do not include hiring mandates or goals for overall departmental makeup - but promote efforts to broaden opportunities for inclusive candidate pools, professional development and advancement. "Obtaining Mansfield certification was a significant accomplishment for the team," Plimpton said. "It was a lot of work, but it demonstrates a real operational focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and shows the practical value a good DEI program brings to the business." Plimpton helped launch the first Women of Regions Symposium, serves as the executive sponsor for the Regions South Florida DEI Network and continues to lead the Partnerships in the Profession program, which drives dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion issues among members of the Birmingham legal community. As a result of these efforts, Corporate Counsel named Plimpton a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion as part of its 2022 Women, Influence and Power in Law Awards. Community engagement is another priority for Plimpton. She has served on the Georgetown advisory council, the Atlanta Women's Care Network and the Board of Directors of the Atlanta United Way. She served as a Cabinet Member for the Birmingham United Way and led the Legal Division for the 2022 Campaign. We're so fortunate to have a leader like Tara who not only effectively manages a broad and complex Legal environment at Regions, but also mentors associates and continually sets a positive example for our team with her inclusion and community focus. Andrew Nix, Regions Chief Governance Officer Plimpton has been instrumental in the Regions Legal team's community support efforts, including overseeing programs that provide financial education to inmates at an Alabama women's prison and doing hands-on work with the Boys & Girls Club. Plimpton was recently selected to participate in Leadership Alabama, an organization made up of Alabama's most accomplished and forward-thinking leaders who share a strong commitment in serving the people of the state. Chief Governance Officer Andrew Nix leads the Legal department's Culture and Equity Team and praises Plimpton's leadership. "We're so fortunate to have a leader like Tara who not only effectively manages a broad and complex Legal environment at Regions, but also mentors associates and continually sets a positive example for our team with her inclusion and community focus," Nix said. "I'm so pleased she has been recognized for those efforts by being named to the Yellowhammer News Women of Impact." The Yellowhammer News Women of Impact were honored at a dinner and ceremony in Birmingham on Jan. 25. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Regions Bank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bank Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Regions Bank View the original press release on accesswire.com Wingate Group, a renowned leader in harnessing Salesforce" capabilities and delivering tailored, industry-specific business solutions, is thrilled to announce Jeff Da Silva as the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / "Technology is the cornerstone of streamlined, automated business operations. Since our inception as a Salesforce" Certified Consulting Partner in 2017, we've been unwavering in our commitment to helping our clients fully leverage the Salesforce" platform through strategic, value-driven implementations. With Jeff joining us as CRO, Wingate Group is embarking on an exciting journey of internal growth and renewal, laying a robust groundwork for our forthcoming developments." - Brad Wingate, Founder & CEO, Wingate Group. Jeff Da Silva brings a wealth of experience to the table, being a distinguished figure in the consulting realm with a rich background in technology and professional services leadership. His tenure at leading organizations like Deloitte, DAVIDsTEA, Puma, and Mi9 is marked by his adept use of enterprise architecture to drive key decisions, inspire team performance, and achieve financial goals. Jeff's knowledge across various enterprise software segments and his hands-on experience in numerous industries position him as a versatile leader. He's recognized for his ability to nurture teams, navigate companies through critical transitions like IPOs and acquisitions, and consistently excel in sales, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. We are excited to offer clients the chance to benefit from Jeff's remarkable skill in enhancing business and revenue with Salesforce. His expertise fuses strategic insight, technical skill, and deep Salesforce knowledge, making him key in evolving business operations and growth. With Jeff leading your Salesforce strategies, anticipate significant advancements in innovation and efficiency, propelling your business to greater success. "In my discussions with CEO Brad Wingate, I was deeply impressed by the accomplishments of the team. I've observed many system integrators focus narrowly on symptoms, missing the underlying issues or failing to collaboratively chart a forward path. In contrast, the Wingate team's meticulous approach involves working closely with clients, scrutinizing internal workflows, grasping the nuances of business operations, and crafting a bespoke technology strategy. I'm eager to contribute to this dynamic team and amplify our collective success, benefiting both our staff and our clientele." - Jeff Da Silva, CRO, Wingate Group Wingate Group stands as a united front of strategists, product specialists, and developers, all committed to fully harnessing the capabilities of Salesforce" for businesses across North America. The company offers a full spectrum of services, encompassing implementations, integrations, and bespoke solutions, all aimed at transforming how clients engage with their customers. With a commitment to aligning with our clients' visions, Wingate Group concentrates its expertise on three principal domains: (1) pioneering innovations to expedite Salesforce projects and integrations, (2) recruiting and staffing services, and (3) Managed Services, which include Projects, Training, and On-Demand Support. As a Salesforce" Certified Consulting Partner, Wingate Group is renowned for its track record in introducing groundbreaking solutions. Contact Information: Jeff Da Silva CRO [email protected] 1-844-777-6863 SOURCE: Wingate Group Ltd. View the original press release on newswire.com. CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Yowie will be removing the "nut-free" claim from their surprise inside chocolate packaging and adding this notice on all new production packaging moving forward: "Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts, but not on the same equipment." Yowie chocolate remains nut-free, however, the manufacturing facility in New York State producing the delicious surprise-inside Yowie chocolates is now producing chocolate containing tree nuts/peanuts in an adjacent section of the plant. We want to assure our fans that we take nut allergies seriously. While our Yowie treats continue to be crafted on our dedicated nut-free machinery, we're making this packaging change to be completely transparent about the possibility of cross-contamination. It's crucial to emphasize that our Yowie chocolate recipe is staying the same, free of peanuts and tree nuts, made with the same consistent dedication to quality since 2014. Join us on a snacking adventure to raise awareness about wildlife conservation through our six clever and mysterious bigfoot characters: Rumble, Crag, Ditty, Squish, Boof and Nap. Join the adventure to find the bigfoot at www.yowieworld.com, on Facebook, and look for @YowieWorld on Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. About Yowie Did you know that yowie is the Australian word for "bigfoot"?! And that the bigfoot are good and not scary? Their purpose is to protect animals from harm! When danger is present, bigfoot use a unique call of "YOWIE" to warn the animals and bring them to safety. With so many modern dangers, they need your help. They are adventuring all over the globe to help animals in distress and want you to join them on their mystery-cloaked quest. Are you up for the challenge? Will you search high and low for the bigfoot to help them rescue wildlife in danger?? Hurry! The bigfoot are calling! Yowie Group Ltd. makes the Yowie surprise-inside chocolate. Each Yowie chocolate is molded in the shape of the Yowie characters and contains limited-edition collectible animal toys and a full-color leaflet featuring the real-life animal, its profile and level of endangerment. It's a treat and learning adventure in one! Our social channels & website are brimming with even more fascinating facts on endangered wildlife, along with adventure-filled activities, games, and competitions. The combo of tasty, clean-label treats, fun animal toys and a digital platform encourages kids to join the adventure to find the bigfoot and help endangered wildlife. Yowie surprise inside chocolates are available in more than 30,000 retail outlets across the U.S. For more information visit www.yowieworld.com. Contact: Devin Mainville [email protected], (779) 221-3764 SOURCE: Yowie Group View the original press release on accesswire.com Signature of a definitive agreement concerning the acquisition of Naturex Iberian Partners (Givaudan's industrial site in Valencia, Spain), which should be effective on May 31, 2024 The agreement provides for the transfer of production tools and teams, with Givaudan retaining its know-how and its product and customer portfolios Significantly strengthens the plant extraction production capacities of Groupe Berkem Postponement of Groupe Berkems 2025 profit targets to 2027, in view of investments planned to ensure the ramp-up of industrial facilities BLANQUEFORT, France & VERNIER, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Groupe Berkem, a leading player in bio-based chemistry (ISIN code: FR00140069V2 - Ticker: ALKEM), today announced the signature of a definitive agreement with Givaudan, world leader in the creation of flavors and fragrances (ISIN code: CH0010645932 - Ticker: GIVN), concerning the acquisition of Naturex Iberian Partners (Givaudan's industrial site in Valencia - Spain). Olivier FAHY, Chairman and CEO of Groupe Berkem, stated: "We are delighted to welcome the teams from the Valencia site (Spain) to our Group, and to benefit from their proven expertise in plant extraction, strengthening the value proposition of our "Health, Beauty and Nutrition" division. This new, structural acquisition will enable us to pursue the internationalization drive initiated last year with our entry into North America. The site we are acquiring, in which we plan to make substantial investments, should enable us to reinforce our industrial facilities dedicated to plant extraction and significantly increase our production capacity to meet the growing demand from manufacturers for sustainable solutions." Alex Wild, Head Operations Taste & Wellbeing of Givaudan, added: "We are confident that the agreement reached today opens new horizons for the Valencia (Spain) industrial site and its teams. We are also delighted about the long-term partnership with Group Berkem that will enable continued production of our marine ingredients on the site to serve our customers for the years to come. Our teams will now work hand in hand to ensure a seamless transition, ensuring the continuity of our operations and the quality of our services." Givaudan's site in Valencia (Spain) specializes in the extraction of plant and marine products for players in the food, nutrition (nutraceuticals) and cosmetics markets. With this acquisition, Groupe Berkem significantly increases its production capacity in plant extraction for the "Health, Beauty and Nutrition" division. It should be noted that as part of the sale of Givaudan's industrial site in Valencia (Spain) to Groupe Berkem, the marine ingredients production activity carried out for the Givaudan Group will continue in the form of a long-term partnership. 47 employees at the Valencia (Spain) site will also bolster Groupe Berkem's current workforce and expertise as part of this transaction. The acquisition will be 100% funded by the External Growth Credit Line contracted by Groupe Berkem on July 26, 2022, and will be led by Berkem Developpement (a 100% owned subsidiary of Groupe Berkem). The transfer of ownership of the shares should be completed on May 31, 2024. In view of the investments that Groupe Berkem plans to make at its new production site, notably in capacity to ensure the gradual ramp-up of the site, and the additional operating and personnel expenses generated by this external growth transaction, the profit targets announced by the Group and revised on October 13, 20231, are no longer valid. As a reminder, the Company was aiming for an EBITDA margin of around 25%, to be achieved by 2025. Groupe Berkem now expects to reach this target by 2027. ABOUT GROUPE BERKEM Founded in 1993 by Olivier Fahy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Groupe Berkem is a leading force in the bio-based chemicals market. Its mission is to advance the environmental transition of companies producing the chemicals used in everyday life (Construction & Materials, Health, Beauty & Nutrition, Hygiene & Protection, and Industry). By harnessing its expertise in both plant extraction and innovative formulations, Groupe Berkem has developed bio-based boostersunique high-quality bio-based solutions augmenting the performance of synthetic molecules. Groupe Berkem achieved revenue of 52.4 million in 2023. The Group has almost 200 employees working at its head office (Blanquefort, Gironde) and 4 production facilities in Gardonne (Dordogne), La Teste-de-Buch (Gironde), Chartres (Eure-et-Loir), Tonneins (Lot-et-Garonne). Groupe Berkem has been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since December 2021 (ISIN code: FR00140069V2 - ALKEM). www.groupeberkem.com ABOUT GIVAUDAN Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. In 2023, Givaudan employed 16,260 people worldwide and achieved CHF 6.9 billion in sales with a free cash flow of 13.3%. With a heritage that stretches back over 250 years, we are committed to driving long-term, purpose-led growth by improving peoples health and happiness and increasing our positive impact on nature. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Discover more at: www.givaudan.com. 1 See Groupe Berkems press release of 13 October 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205141608/en/ Groupe Berkem Olivier Fahy, Chairman and CEO Anthony Labrugnas, Chief Financial Officer Phone: +33 (0)5 64 31 06 60 [email protected] NewCap Investor Relations Mathilde Bohin / Nicolas Fossiez Phone: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 [email protected] NewCap Media Relations Nicolas Merigeau / Antoine Pacquier Phone: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 [email protected] For further information, please contact: Rebecca Louis, Head of Communications, Taste & Wellbeing Europe. [email protected] Claudia Pedretti, Head of Investor and Media Relations +41 52 354 01 32 [email protected] Source: Groupe Berkem Precision Patching Capability Automatically Remediates Critical Vulnerabilities by Prioritizing Patches Based on Risk Severity and Exploit Status KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Adaptiva, a global leader in autonomous endpoint management, today announced the deployment of its new risk-based prioritization capability for OneSite Patch. The automated risk-based prioritization feature enables IT professionals to prioritize and patch vulnerabilities based on criticality and risk severity and can do so with unmatched speed, precision, and control at scale. This allows IT and security operations teams to use automation to rapidly patch their most urgent threats while deferring lower-risk vulnerabilities for further evaluation. Risk-based prioritization debuts as the volume and associated costs of exploited vulnerabilities dramatically escalate. Malicious actors are getting faster and more sophisticated with their attacks by leveraging generative AI. IT teams must equally match their pace with vulnerability management, however, manual patching processes slow down the velocity of remediation, thereby leaving organizations open to threats. To keep their environments safe, organizations need the ability to quickly patch urgent threats, while thoughtfully evaluating the rest for accelerated remediation. Unfortunately, this calibrated response to vulnerabilities is well beyond human capabilities, said Adaptiva CEO and founder Dr. Deepak Kumar. We designed OneSite Patch with completely automated risk-based prioritization. Using automation powered by threat intelligence, IT teams can deliver precise and nuanced responses to vulnerabilities, resulting in elimination of their most exploitable attack surfaces with minimum delay and without business disruption. According to recent research, the global average cost of a data breach rose to a record high of $4.45 million last year an alarming 15% increase over the previous three years. For the many companies unable to patch and address vulnerabilities when they are identified, there are serious financial consequences often in the hundreds of millions of dollars for large breaches such as those occurring at MGM and Clorox last year. Unlike other vendors in the space that require administrators to manually enable deployments based on patch availability, Adaptiva focuses on criticality to ensure that the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited are fixed according to the risk priorities and business rules of the organization. Precision patching shores up systems with the speed todays security environment demands. Precision Patching With Controlled Speed OneSite Patch with risk-based prioritization is the only solution that allows administrators to patch at different speeds, determined by the actual risk and exposure associated with each vulnerability. Risk-based prioritization ensures that if a vulnerability has already been exploited, or carries the highest risk of future exploitation, the patch can be deployed immediately, whereas less risky vulnerabilities can be delayed for evaluation and their remediation scheduled for an appropriate time. Unlike other patch solutions which dont allow granular levels of patching controls, OneSite Patch with risk-based prioritization aligns with the organizations unique business rules, giving administrators control over patch deployment speed with the ability to pause, restart, and cancel as needed. OneSites patching strategies allow organizations to define their patch deployment based on a variety of different factors, including not only criticality rating but also factors like business sectors, location, device type, and more. Adaptiva was built on the idea that humans should have the power to set up the strategies, rules, and processes that are important for their business, and software should do the rest, added Kumar. The same holds true for OneSite Patch with risk-based prioritization. Administrators remain in control while the software performs precision patching with impeccable speed to deliver an entirely new level of protection against data breaches. To learn more about OneSite Patch with risk-based prioritization, please visit https://adaptiva.com/products/onesite-patch. About Adaptiva Adaptiva, the autonomous endpoint management company, delivers the fastest way to patch and manage endpoints at scale. The company offers OneSite, the first fully adaptive autonomous endpoint management platform. IT and cybersecurity leaders use OneSite to gain a hands-free, fully automated approach to speeding the continuous delivery of software, patches, and vulnerability remediations. Founded nearly two decades ago, hundreds of todays largest global organizations rely on Adaptiva to increase operational efficiency, reduce risk, and maximize patching velocity across millions of endpoints. Adaptiva is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, with offices in Chicago and London. Learn more at https://adaptiva.com/, and follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, and @Adaptiva. OneSite, OneSite Patch, OneSite Health and OneSite Anywhere are trademarks of Adaptive Protocols, Inc. All other brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: Adaptiva, OneSite Patch, risk-based prioritization, endpoint management, patch management, endpoint security, vulnerability management, data breach, enterprise, compliance, CVE, Windows View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206165852/en/ Dottie ORourke TECHMarket Communications (650) 344-1260 [email protected] Source: Adaptiva Goodlettsville marks BJs third location in Tennessee MARLBOROUGH, Mass. & GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BJ's Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ), a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs, announced today that its club in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, will open on Friday, February 16, 2024. The club, located at 800 Rivergate Parkway in Goodlettsville, is BJs third club in Tennessee and 244th club in its footprint. This past year, BJs opened clubs in La Vergne and Mt. Juliet, during the clubs inauguration into the surrounding Nashville market. The club will offer a BJ's Gas location on-site, opening this spring, with everyday low fuel prices and the opportunity to earn extra savings through BJs Fuel Saver Program. Goodlettsville will feature the treasure-hunt experience that BJs members know and love with a variety of seasonal favorites, fashion for the family, toys, tech and a selection of local products. BJs Wholesale Club is dedicated to serving the families who depend on us, said Angel Gual, Club Manager, Goodlettsville BJs Wholesale Club. We are excited to bring unbeatable value and savings of up to 25% off grocery store prices every day to the families in and around Goodlettsville. BJs offers unmatched value on everyday essentials in a convenient one-stop shop. BJs members save on a wide range of items, including fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods, household essentials, home decor and pet supplies. BJs has a longstanding commitment to nourishing its communities and is partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, a food bank serving the Goodlettsville community. Once the club is open, BJs will donate unsold produce, meat, dairy and more to the food bank every week to support families in need. Through our partnership with BJs Wholesale Club, we are able to support our mission of providing food to families facing hunger in our communities, said Nancy Keil, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. We are grateful for our continued partnership with BJs and look forward to making an impact together. BJs has also donated more than $15,000 to fund classroom projects in 14 Middle Tennessee schools, helping provide teachers and students the classroom supplies they need to succeed. BJs Charitable Foundation partners with DonorsChoose, a national non-profit organization, to help meet the needs of students. Additionally, BJs Wholesale Club donated $10,000 to Community Resource Center to support its personal care pantry, which provides hygiene and personal care products to those in need in North Nashville. At BJs Wholesale Club, members can choose from a variety of convenient shopping options like in-club shopping, curbside pickup, in-club pickup, same-day delivery* and standard delivery from BJs.com. When shopping in-club, members have access to ExpressPay through the BJs mobile app, a service that allows shoppers to scan products as they go and avoid the checkout line. Local shoppers can join the new club now with BJs limited-time founding member offer** available through Thursday, February 15, 2024. When new members sign up for The Club Card Membership for one year at $55**, theyll get a $40 welcome reward*** plus, more than $40 in coupons. Shoppers can also choose to sign up for The Club+ Card Membership for one year at $110** and get an $80 welcome reward*** plus, more than $40 in coupons as well. The Club+ Card Membership holders receive 5 off/gal. at BJs Gas and earn 2% back in rewards on most BJs purchases. To sign up for a membership at BJs Wholesale Club, members can visit BJs.com/Goodlettsville or sign up in person at the membership center, now open, at 2021 Gallatin Pike N in Madison. BJs members can always expect: Unbeatable savings: Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day on everything they need for weekly shopping. Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day on everything they need for weekly shopping. Risk-free: Shoppers can try BJs risk-free with the companys 100% money-back guaranteed membership. Shoppers can try BJs risk-free with the companys 100% money-back guaranteed membership. Save even more: BJs is the only warehouse club that accepts manufacturers coupons so members can stack savings using a mix of manufacturers coupons, BJs exclusive coupons, and personalized offers from BJs to get even more value. BJs is the only warehouse club that accepts manufacturers coupons so members can stack savings using a mix of manufacturers coupons, BJs exclusive coupons, and personalized offers from BJs to get even more value. Choose the way you shop: Members can shop online at BJs.com and choose free curbside pickup or have it delivered with same-day grocery delivery* or ship-to-home. All BJs memberships are subject to BJs current membership terms, ask in-club or go to BJs.com/terms. *BJs Same-Day Delivery is not available in all ZIP codes. Log in to your account to confirm availability. **Offer is valid at membership center and online at BJs.com/Goodlettsville only, may not be combined with other offers, not redeemable for cash, nontransferable and only good for new members. Plus sales tax where applicable. Offer is contingent upon your enrolling in BJs Easy Renewal, and you authorize BJs to charge any payment method BJs has on record for your membership, an annual recurring charge in the amount of the then-current membership fee for all memberships on your account, plus tax if applicable, starting the first day of the month your membership expires, without further notice except as required by law. Your authorization is valid until you cancel your participation in the BJs Easy Renewal program. For full BJs Easy Renewal terms, visit BJs.com/terms. To manage your participation in BJs Easy Renewal, visit "My Account" on BJs.com, visit the member services desk in-club, or call BJs Member Care at 800-BJS-CLUB. Expires: 2/15/24. ***A $40 welcome reward (for new The Club Card members) or an $80 welcome reward (for new The Club+ Card members) will be added to the primary membership account 48 hours after enrollment to be used within 60 days from the date of club opening. Redeemable in-club, in the BJs mobile app and on BJs.com. If not redeemed, welcome reward will no longer be available. This special rewards offer is separate from the BJs One Mastercard rewards program and does not alter its terms. Coupons will be mailed prior to club opening. The Club+ Card members earn 2% back in rewards on eligible purchases of goods and services in-club at BJs front-end registers, on BJs.com, or in the BJs app (minus any redeemed rewards, returns, refunds, or credit adjustments) when they scan their membership card for these purchases, unless the primary member or the member making the purchase is a cardholder in the BJs One Mastercard program, in which case the member will only earn rewards in accordance with the BJs One Mastercard program rewards terms (see BJs.com/bjsoneterms). Rewards earned may not exceed $500 in any 12-month period. Eligible purchases exclude eye exams, shipping, sales tax, bottle deposits, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and tobacco-related products, lottery tickets, gift cards, propane, BJs Gas, online optical purchases, membership fees and add-ons, warranties and protection plans, BJs services provided by third parties (e.g., BJs Travel), and BJs B2B and BJs Global Sales transactions. See BJs.com/terms for information on excluded services. Eye exams and online optical purchases are not eligible for reward redemption. The Club+ Card members receive an instant discount of 5 off each gallon of fuel purchased at BJs Gas when they scan their membership card for these purchases, unless the primary member or the member making the purchase is a cardholder in the BJs One Mastercard program, in which case the member will only receive an instant discount at BJs Gas in accordance with the BJs One Mastercard program rewards terms (see BJs.com/bjsoneterms). BJs Gas purchases are not eligible purchases and do not earn rewards. For MD and NJ transactions, discount will be applied after sale, before payment. Subject to applicable state law restrictions. Rewards are yours for the life of your The Club+ Card Membership they will not expire while your membership remains active and in good standing. Rewards earned may not exceed $500 in any 12-month period. Must have a minimum balance of $10 in rewards to redeem. Minimum eligible purchase amount is $10 at BJs checkout. The rewards program is provided by BJs Wholesale Club, Inc. and its terms may change at any time. For full rewards terms and conditions, please see BJs.com/terms. About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: We take care of the families who depend on us. The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials and gas. In addition, BJs offers the latest technology, home decor, small appliances, apparel, seasonal items and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and currently operates 243 clubs and 174 BJ's Gas locations in 20 states. For more information, please visit us at www.BJs.com or on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or Instagram. About Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee For more than 40 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has followed its mission to provide food to people facing hunger and work to advance hunger solutions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Second Harvest distributes food and other products to approximately 450 nonprofit partner agencies in 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties. Our partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, its mission, and programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206322852/en/ Media: Kirk Saville Head of Corporate Communications BJs Wholesale Club [email protected] 774-512-5597 Briana Keene Sr. Manager, External Communications BJs Wholesale Club [email protected] 774-512-6802 Source: BJs Wholesale Club Coty signs long-term agreement with Italian luxury fashion brand Marni, further reinforcing alliance with OTB Group NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Coty (NYSE: COTY), one of the worlds largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care, and Marni, the Italian luxury fashion brand renowned for its artistic collections, announce a new licensing agreement to develop, produce, and distribute a line of fragrances and beauty products beyond 2040. This new agreement solidifies Cotys commitment to strengthening its presence in the luxury fragrance segment through a long-term partnership with Marni, establishing a coalition grounded in shared values of expertise, innovation and forward-thinking creativity. Sue Nabi, Cotys CEO, said: We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Marni, a brand known for its innovation, creativity, and unique youthful approach to luxury. Marni is highly recognized in the fashion industry, with particular brand strength in Asia, and Europe. This licensing agreement aligns with Cotys highly successful strategic direction of focusing on fashion driven licenses with multi category potential that resonate across key markets. We are excited to start working with Marni to develop premium beauty offerings that bring the Fashion Houses visual style and values in beauty to life. Barbara Calo, Marnis CEO, added: The alliance with Coty, a pioneering force in the beauty industry, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Marni, in line with our commitment to offer a holistic brand experience. Through the introduction of fragrances and beauty products, that will seamlessly integrate into our brand universe, were redefining the brand's boundaries, opening up new opportunities of affirmation for Marni. The first offering under this licensing agreement is expected to launch in 2026. The collection will focus on translating Marnis creative and fashion-forward identity into the realm of beauty. With the launch building on Marnis distinct brand equity to deliver a premium offering, it promises a unique and elevated beauty experience for consumers. Through the agreement with Marni, Coty strengthens its partnership with OTB Group, following the recent successful license renewal with Jil Sander. "We are very glad to further consolidate our Groups strategic partnership with Coty and to invest in Marnis successful ability to explore new, relevant business grounds. This long-term vision agreement gives Marni the opportunity to shape its values in new creative ways and to strengthen its luxury positioning by landing in the world of beauty and fragrances," commented Ubaldo Minelli, OTB Group CEO. About Coty Inc. Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the worlds largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. We serve consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in more than 125 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram. About Marni Founded in 1994, Marni is recognized as the most artistic, color-savvy, life embracing, off-beat brand in the luxury segment. Renowned for its subversive collections, Marni has consistently challenged the traditional codes of fashion and the seriousness of dressing up, celebrating individuality through its distinctive approach to materials and colors, combined with a unique taste for prints and shapes. The aesthetic paradigm mirrors the vision of creative director Francesco Risso: Marni's quirky elegance is a range of possibilities, a lifestyle with an avant-garde spirit that holds a constant dialogue with the world of art, finding ultimate expression in special collaborations and capsule collections. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205777426/en/ Antonia Werther [email protected] Simone Emanuele [email protected] Source: Coty HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DNOW Inc. (NYSE: DNOW) announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire Whitco Supply, LLC in an all-cash transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. David Cherechinsky, President and CEO of DNOW, added, The acquisition of Whitco Supply aligns with our strategic objectives to diversify end-markets and is the result of our patient, disciplined approach to capital allocation. This transaction enhances our earnings and free cash flow profile and strengthens our ability to increase shareholder value. Whitco Supply brings a talented team with extensive product expertise that will enable us to support an expanded set of customers in the midstream and other markets. We look forward to bringing together our two highly complementary businesses and creating greater opportunities for our customers, employees and suppliers. At this time, both companies will remain independent and operate separately. Further information will be provided after the conclusion of the regulatory approval process and other customary closing conditions. Founded in 2003 by the Dawes family, Whitco Supply provides energy products and solutions to the midstream market, as well as the broader energy sectors. Headquartered in Broussard, LA, Whitco Supply has approximately 230 employees across eight locations in the United States. About DNOW DNOW is a worldwide supplier of energy and industrial products and packaged, engineered process and production equipment with a legacy of 160 years. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with approximately 2,475 employees and a network of locations worldwide, we offer a broad set of supply chain solutions combined with a suite of digital solutions branded as DigitalNOW that provide customers world-class technology for digital commerce, data and information management. Our locations provide products and solutions to exploration and production companies, midstream transmission and storage companies, refineries, chemical companies, utilities, mining, municipal water, manufacturers, engineering and construction companies as well as companies operating in the decarbonization, energy transition and renewables end markets. Statements made in this press release that are forward-looking in nature are intended to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and may involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to documents filed by DNOW Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which identify significant risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206416882/en/ Brad Wise Vice President of Digital Strategy and Investor Relations (281) 823-4006 Source: DNOW Interested in expanding meaningful relationships, the deal adds experienced and trusted advisor Chad Parker to the firm as senior vice president TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- EP Wealth Advisors, LLC (EP Wealth), a leading independent registered investment adviser (RIA) with an expanding national presence and client base, has announced its acquisition of Parker Advisory Group, LLC. Parker Advisory Group and its Founder and Principal Chad Parker will join EP Wealth, adding over $188 million to EP Wealths Assets Under Management (AUM). Chad and Parker Advisory Group share EP Wealths commitment to providing a superior client experience while driving towards achieving established financial goals, said EP Wealths Chief Executive Officer Ryan Parker. Parker Advisory Groups influence and experience will add to EP Wealths growth in a region where we already have an outstanding presence and history of advising generations of clients throughout several stages of their lives - including all the little things that come their way. Headquartered in St. George, UT, Parker Advisory Group has for over 14 years provided financial planning and investment advisory services to clients primarily in the Utah and Nevada regions. EP Wealth Advisors comprehensive suite of services augments Parker Advisory Groups existing offering with estate and trust planning, enhanced compliance and much more. Parker and Client Relationship Associate Mandie Yates will move into EPs existing office in St. George as part of the partnership. Helping our clients navigate their financial journey and ensuring a strong sense of satisfaction is an ongoing process and one we take seriously, said Chad Parker. Our partnership with EP represents a new chapter for our clients, and we are confident its robust suite of services will add to our ability to help achieve their financial goals. The Parker Advisory Group partnership marks the first acquisition for EP Wealth in 2024 and its 30th in total since taking a minority investment from Wealth Partners Capital Group in July 2017. EP Wealth will continue to be active in developing new partnerships that further EP Wealths goal to enrich the financial lives of clients across the country. Financial and legal terms of the deal will not be disclosed. About EP Wealth Advisors EP Wealth Advisors, LLC (EP Wealth) is a fee-only registered investment adviser and financial planning firm with more than 30 offices in 12 states, including California, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Texas, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. The firm manages more than $21.4 billion in assets as of December 31, 2023. EP Wealth provides client-centric financial, tax and estate planning, and investment management services to individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Torrance, California, EP Wealth is led by Co-Founders and Managing Directors Derek Holman, CFP, AIF, and Brian Parker, CFP, along with CEO Ryan Parker, and Executive Chairman Patrick Goshtigian, CFA. It is backed by Berkshire Partners, a leading private investment firm in Boston. In 2024, EP Wealth celebrates its 25th anniversary serving families across the country and helping them reach their financial goals. For more information, please visit www.epwealth.com. About Wealth Partners Capital Group Wealth Partners Capital Group ("WPCG") is a financial services holding company, which invests in and partners with select leading wealth management firms. WPCG assists its partner firms by identifying and integrating like-minded wealth advisers who seek access to expanded business capabilities, strategic growth and/or customized transition solutions. For more information, please visit www.wealthpcg.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206275811/en/ Rocco Aloe Gregory FCA for EP Wealth [email protected] 610-860-2075 Source: EP Wealth Advisors, LLC Flynn Gold Limited (ASX:FG1) shareholders (or potential shareholders) will be happy to see that insider Colin Bourke recently bought a whopping AU$1.0m worth of stock, at a price of AU$0.064. That increased their holding by a full 108%, which arguably implies the sort of confidence required for a shy sweet-natured nerd to ask the most popular kid in the school to go out on a date. View our latest analysis for Flynn Gold The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Flynn Gold In fact, the recent purchase by Colin Bourke was the biggest purchase of Flynn Gold shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.055). While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when an insider has purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. Colin Bourke was the only individual insider to buy during the last year. Notably Colin Bourke was also the biggest seller. Colin Bourke bought 23.68m shares over the last 12 months at an average price of AU$0.074. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Flynn Gold is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Flynn Gold insiders own about AU$2.8m worth of shares. That equates to 30% 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 Does This Data Suggest About Flynn Gold Insiders? The recent insider purchase is heartening. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. However, we note that the company didn't make a profit over the last twelve months, which makes us cautious. Given that insiders also own a fair bit of Flynn Gold we think they are probably pretty confident of a bright 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. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Flynn Gold you should know about. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions 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. Energy company ranked #38 overall on the JUST 100 and the #3 utility HARTFORD, Conn. & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Eversource (NYSE: ES) has again been named among Americas Most JUST Companies, as announced by JUST Capital and CNBC on their JUST 100" list. In its fifth consecutive appearance, Eversource is ranked as the #3 utility and #38 overall on the list, which honors companies that address the business issues that matter most to Americans, including providing worker benefits and work-life balance, protecting customer privacy, and minimizing pollution. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206289832/en/ We are proud to be recognized by JUST Capital for the importance of our consistent commitment to our customers, our communities, and our environment, as well as the dedicated employees who work tirelessly to make it all possible through their volunteerism, efforts to advance clean energy, and in the delivery of safe, reliable energy services, said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Joe Nolan. Operating in an ethically, socially and environmentally responsible manner, doing our part to address climate change and creating an inclusive workplace that supports and empowers our employees are pillars of our fundamental mission to serve our customers and our communities guiding our efforts every day to help lead New England as we embark on an unprecedented energy transition. For the annual rankings, JUST Capital collects and analyzes corporate data to evaluate the 1,000 largest public U.S. companies across 20 Issues identified through comprehensive, ongoing public opinion research on Americans attitudes toward responsible corporate behavior. JUST Capital has engaged more than 170,000 participants, on a fully representative basis, since 2015. For more information and a full list of the rankings, visit cnbc.com/just100 and justcapital.com/rankings. For more information on Eversources nationally recognized commitment to corporate responsibility including diversity, equity and inclusion and sustainability please visit Eversource.com. About CNBC CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news, providing real-time financial market coverage and business content consumed by more than half a billion people per month across all platforms. The network's 15 live hours a day of news programming in North America (weekdays from 5:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC's global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of reality programming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC and a number of distinctive in-house documentaries. CNBC also offers content through its vast portfolio of digital products such as: CNBC.com, which provides financial market news and information to CNBCs investor audience; CNBC Make It, a digital destination focused on making you smarter about how you earn, save and spend your money; CNBC PRO, a premium service that provides in-depth access to Wall Street; a suite of CNBC mobile apps for iOS and Android devices; Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice interfaces; and streaming services including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Samsung Smart TVs. To learn more, visit https://www.cnbc.com/digital-products/. Members of the media can receive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBCUniversal Media Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/programming/cnbc. For more information about NBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com. About JUST Capital The mission of JUST Capital, an independent nonprofit, is to demonstrate how just business defined by the priorities of the public is better business. Our goal is to help companies create value for all their stakeholders their workers, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders by focusing on the issues that matter most to Americans. To date, weve polled more than 170,000 Americans on the issues they believe companies should prioritize when it comes to just business behavior, and those insights guide our work. We believe that business and markets can and must be a force for the greater good and that by shifting the resources of the $21.6 trillion private sector, we can drive competition to build a better future for all. Our research, rankings, indexes, initiatives, and new offerings like the JUST Jobs Scorecard help track, analyze, incentivize, and scale corporate stakeholder performance. JUST Capital publishes the annual list of Americas Most JUST Companies, the JUST 100, in partnership with CNBC. To learn more, visit: www.JUSTCapital.com. About the JUST Capital Methodology Since 2015, JUST Capital has surveyed more than 170,000 Americans on what Issues they believe U.S. companies should prioritize when it comes to just business behavior. Those Issues become the foundation by which we track, analyze, and incentivize corporate behavior change, including the Rankings of Americas Most JUST Companies. JUST evaluated 937 companies across 5 stakeholders, 20 Issues, and 236 raw data points to produce the 2024 Rankings, featuring the JUST 100 and Industry Leader lists. Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweeks list of Americas Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to approximately 4.4 million customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206289832/en/ William Hinkle 603-634-2228 [email protected] Al Lara 860-665-2344 [email protected] Source: Eversource Ten new hires significantly expand sales & distribution coverage and capabilities including consultants and wealth channel Complements existing team by adding specialist experience and expertise across product sales & distribution, project management and legal support MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- I Squared Capital, a leading independent global infrastructure investment manager, today announced several senior hires to strengthen its investor relations, distribution and fund capabilities across North America, Europe and Asia. The new hires expertise spans new coverage regions, product lines and specialist sales channels, as well as project management and fund formation. Their joining reflects I Squareds intention to match its sales and distribution capabilities with the firms expanded product suite and long-term ambitions. The group will help the firm sharpen our commercial capabilities and put the firms differentiated offerings in front of new investors while continuing to support its existing LP base. I Squared is pleased to announce the addition of these talented and seasoned professionals as we continue to institutionalize our platform for the coming decade and beyond, said Gautam Bhandari, Co-Founder and Global Chief Investment Officer of I Squared Capital. I look forward to working with them to deepen relationships across our global investor base as we take I Squareds expanded suite of products to the market. The new hires bring to I Squared a range of global perspectives and professional experience. They are as follows: Brad Ballard joins as Managing Director, Canada Coverage . He was previously Head of Canada for both GCM Grosvenor and Partners Group and, earlier in his career, worked at BlackRock in a senior fundraising role. . He was previously Head of Canada for both GCM Grosvenor and Partners Group and, earlier in his career, worked at BlackRock in a senior fundraising role. Christopher Fischer joins as Deputy General Counsel . He is an attorney with 19 years of legal investment management experience. In his previous role, he worked as an Assistant General Counsel at Invesco. . He is an attorney with 19 years of legal investment management experience. In his previous role, he worked as an Assistant General Counsel at Invesco. Michael Glascott joins as Managing Director, U.S. Midwest Coverage . He was previously Managing Director in Macquarie Asset Managements Client Solutions Group and held fundraising roles at FPG Partners and William Blair. . He was previously Managing Director in Macquarie Asset Managements Client Solutions Group and held fundraising roles at FPG Partners and William Blair. Khwan Huh joins as Principal, Korea Coverage. In his previous role, he was Head of Korean Fundraising at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). In his previous role, he was Head of Korean Fundraising at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Andrew Killian joins as a Managing Director, East Coast coverage. Most recently, he was a Senior Director at DIF Capital Partners and before that a Product Specialist at Brookfield Asset Management within the Infrastructure group. Most recently, he was a Senior Director at DIF Capital Partners and before that a Product Specialist at Brookfield Asset Management within the Infrastructure group. Ryan Lewis joins as Managing Director, Credit Product Specialist . He was previously Investment Director at Wellington Management, responsible for the business and investment oversight of the firms dedicated private credit capabilities. . He was previously Investment Director at Wellington Management, responsible for the business and investment oversight of the firms dedicated private credit capabilities. Francesca Lloyd joins as Principal, Project Management . She has over 15 years of finance / project management experience, having worked with more than 30 fund managers in the alternatives space including infrastructure equity and credit strategies. . She has over 15 years of finance / project management experience, having worked with more than 30 fund managers in the alternatives space including infrastructure equity and credit strategies. Devinder Sangha joins as Managing Director, Consulting Relationships . He was previously a Partner at Albourne Partners, responsible for infrastructure globally. . He was previously a Partner at Albourne Partners, responsible for infrastructure globally. Robert Sanow joins as Managing Director, European Coverage . He previously held fundraising and sales roles at Credit Suisse, Nomura, BNP Paribas, and Barclays. . He previously held fundraising and sales roles at Credit Suisse, Nomura, BNP Paribas, and Barclays. Irina Zilbergleyt joins as Principal, Wealth Distribution. She brings over 15 years of experience in asset management, private equity, direct lending, and real estate, having most recently served as Director of Investor Solutions at ORIX Corporation USA. These additions to I Squareds investor relations team follow the firms earlier announcement that Brian Collett, Managing Director, and Michael Kumar, Senior Policy Adviser, would be joining the firm. I Squareds global employee base now numbers more than 250 across offices in London, Miami, New Delhi, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Sydney and Taipei. About I Squared Capital I Squared Capital is a leading independent global infrastructure manager with over $38 billion in assets under management focused on investing in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Headquartered in Miami, the firm has more than 250 professionals across its offices in Singapore, London, New Delhi, Taipei, Sydney, and Sao Paulo. I Squared Capital has invested in a diverse portfolio of 82 companies with over 66,000 employees in 71 countries across the utilities, energy, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental infrastructure, and social infrastructure sectors providing essential services to millions of people around the world. You can find out more by visiting: www.isquaredcapital.com. Biographies Brad Ballard Brad Ballard joins as a Managing Director and will be based in Toronto (Canadian coverage). Brad is a sales and distribution professional and has over 20 years of experience. Prior to joining I Squared, Brad worked as the Head of Canada at GCM Grosvenor. Prior to joining GCM Grosvenor, he worked with Partners Group as the Head of Canada and BlackRock as a Director within the Canadian Institutional Client Business. Brad also worked with Deutsche Bank within the Global Credit Trading group and started his career at TD Securities within the Credit Products group. Brad holds a Master of Business Administration from York University, Schulich School of Business, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from McMaster University. Christopher Fischer Christopher Fischer joins I Squared Capital as a Deputy General Counsel on the Legal Team. Chris is an attorney with 19 years of legal investment management experience. Before joining I Squared Capital, he worked as an Assistant General Counsel at Invesco where he oversaw the legal support of Invescos direct real estate business in North America and EMEA, including the formation of open-end and closed-end funds, onshore and offshore fund-of-funds, co-investment vehicles and separate accounts. Chris holds a Master of Arts, International Affairs, from American University School of International Service and a Doctor of Law from Washington College of Law, American University. He also graduated from Sewanee The University of the South with a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science. Michael Glascott Michael Glascott joins as a Managing Director (Central US coverage). Michael has over 20 years of sales and distribution experience and recently worked for Macquarie Asset Management as a Managing Director in their Client Solutions Group. Prior to joining Macquarie, he co-founded FPG Partners, a new funds placement and private equity advisory business and spent eight years working for William Blair & Company. Michael started his career at Prudential Securities as a Financial Advisor. He graduated from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business with a Master of Business Administration and from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts, Business Economics and Organizational Behavior and Management. Khwan Huh Khwan Huh joins as a Principal and will be based in Korea. Khwan has over 13 years of sales and financial industry experience. He most recently worked with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) as the Head of Korean Fundraising. Prior to CIP, he worked with Korea Investment Corporation as a Director supporting their Infrastructure Investment Group. He has also worked as a Manager at Samsung C&T (Construction arm of Samsung Group), as a Relationship Manager for Korea Development Bank (f.k.a. Korea Finance Corporation) and started his career as a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers Korea. Khwan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Yonsei University. Andrew Killian Andrew Killian joins as a Managing Director (East Coast coverage). Andrew has over 20 years of product and sales and distribution experience. Most recently, Andrew worked as a Senior Director at DIF Capital Partners and as a Product Specialist at Brookfield Asset Management within the Infrastructure group. Andrew also worked at Macquarie Group as a Senior Vice President within the Infrastructure and Real Assets group. Prior to his time with Macquarie, Andrew worked as an Institutional Relationship Manager with Cohen & Steers Capital and as a Senior Product Analyst with State Street Global Advisors. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Boston College. Ryan Lewis Ryan Lewis joins as a Managing Director, Product Specialist focusing on Credit. Ryan recently worked as an Investment Director within the Private Credit business at Wellington Management and has over 12 years of experience. Prior to joining Wellington Management, Ryan worked with INVESCO as an Alternatives Investment Strategist, and as an Associate at McKinsey & Company. He started his career as a Trader at DRW Trading Group. Ryan holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting from Georgia Southern University. Francesca Lloyd Francesca (Fran) Lloyd joins as a Principal on the Investor Relations team in London. Fran has over 15 years of finance / project management experience, having worked with more than 30 fund managers in the alternatives space including infrastructure equity and credit strategies. Fran previously worked as a Director at Credit Suisses Private Fund Group and as a Partner with FIRSTavenue. She also worked for National Australia Bank and Cliffs Natural Resources. Fran earned an MA (hons) in International Relations from the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Devinder Sangha Devinder Sangha joins as a Managing Director and will be focused on consultant relationships. Devinder has over 18 years of investment advisory and consulting experience. He recently worked at Albourne Partners as a Partner and senior member of the Real Assets and Portfolio Groups. Prior to joining Albourne, he worked as a Senior Fund Accountant with Citco Fund Services. Devinder holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a CFA Charter holder. Robert Sanow Robert Sanow joined I Squared Capital in October 2023 as a Managing Director on the Investor Relations team. His focus is the coverage of LPs in the DACH and Nordic region. Prior Robert was a distribution banker for Credit Suisse Private Funds Group where he worked on fundraises for over 75 funds across private equity, infrastructure equity, and credit funds since 2020. Prior to joining Credit Suisse, Robert worked at Nomura and BNP Paribas as Head of Structured Solutions for Germany and Austria. He started his career at Barclays Investment Bank in Credit Sales. Robert holds a Master of Business Administration from The University of Exeter and a Diplom-Betriebswirt in International Business from Hochschule Reutlingen. Irina Zilbergleyt Irina Zilbergleyt joins as a Principal focusing on wealth distribution and analytics. Irina has over 15 years of experience in asset management, private equity, direct lending, and real estate. Most recently, Irina worked as a Director of Investor Solutions at ORIX Corporation. Prior to Orix, she was a Professor for the Master in Finance and Master of Business Administration programs at IE Business School, a top-ranked international business school based in Madrid. Prior to her move to Madrid, Irina worked at Ares Management as a Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy. She also worked for Allied Capital within the Portfolio Management and Investor Relations team, and with Merrill Lynch as an Investment Banking Analyst within the Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions team. Irina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Illinois. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205105665/en/ Dominic McMullan +1 (786) 794-2861 [email protected] Source: I Squared Capital DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- i3Forum, GSMA, and GLF, three leading industry associations of the communications sector, announced today at Capacity Middle East that they are cooperating to help restore trust in international communications and fight illegal/unwanted voice calls and messages originating from abroad nuisance communications such as spamming, spoofing, robocalling. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205510037/en/ GSMA and GLF stated their support for the Restore Trust initiative spearheaded by i3Forum. The Restore Trust initiative is an effort to build long term cooperation between the International Communications Industry and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) globally, and eradicate international nuisance communications. The loss of public trust in communications is driven by the proliferation of unwanted/illegal voice calls and messages (e.g. spamming, spoofing, robocalling or -texting). It is a growing global phenomenon that has a deep impact across all levels of society, businesses and citizens. According to their Global Call Threat Report Q3 20231, Hiya observed 6.55 billion spam calls worldwide in the third quarter of 2023 alone. Thats more than 73 million unwanted calls every day. Spam calls rates vary per country and region, ranging from 21% - 22% (Canada, USA), to 29% (UK), 42% - 44% (Spain, France), 56% (Indonesia) and the highest rate of 57% (Chile). This constitutes a major challenge for both the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), who step in to protect their public with new regulatory requirements, and the industry that must play its part to help restore trust. The challenge is even greater when it comes to combating nuisance communications originating from abroad: individual NRAs focus on their domestic situation but have limited authority to combat communications originating from abroad. Each NRAs approaches the issue with its own perspective, resulting in a lack of clarity and harmonized requirements to the international industry. The Restore Trust initiative focuses on unwanted/illegal communications originating from abroad, and includes the following main efforts: One Consortium, that will bring together the entire international communications ecosystem in a new, inclusive, not for profit organization. One Consortium, supported by existing industry organizations, will work to agree and drive adoption in the ecosystem of a range of vendor-neutral solutions to fight nuisance communications. Potential approaches may include a global traceback mechanism, call certification, management of national CLIs on international trunks, improved Know Your Customer / Know your Traffic (KYC/KYT) mechanisms, trusted trunks and more. One Consortium will engage with NRAs globally to establish a joint, opt-in, governance framework to fight nuisance communications. One Consortium will be launched at the end of 1Q24. A new, global, multilateral collaboration forum for National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). This opt-in forum will allow participating NRAs to harmonize their views on guidelines and recommendations to fight nuisance communications originating from abroad, and establish a cooperation framework between NRAs and with the Industry. Participating NRAs will be able to engage with the industry (One Consortium) to provide some unified guidance and discuss pragmatic solutions, as well as with other public organizations such as law enforcement agencies and policy making authorities. Multiple regulators as well as government authorities and law enforcement agencies globally - have expressed their interest and support for this approach. A plan is currently being co-developed with a number of NRAs, in order to set-up this global forum before the end of 2Q24. Annabel Helm, Managing Director GLF, ITW and Broadgroup, stated, The Restore Trust and One Consortium initiatives led by the i3Forum with the aim of harmonising regulations and policies faced by our international carrier members is a crucial piece of work. Ensuring that the industry can be compliant across multiple jurisdictions to protect consumers will be of huge value to all. Our members are actively working to combat fraudulent and unwanted traffic across the world. Increased engagement and alignment with NRAs behind a shared goal to restore trust is a significant step forward and one that will only benefit consumers. Samantha Kight, Head of Industry Security at GSMA, said, Ensuring trust in international communications requires a global effort by both industry and regulators. Avoiding fragmented approaches, in different geographies, will be key to achieving success. Alongside the work we are doing in GSMAs Fraud and Security Group, we believe this initiative provides a great opportunity to tackle this challenge by developing technical solutions and governance aimed at global adoption. The Restore Trust initiative requires broad industry and regulatory collaboration, and we look forward to working with i3Forum, GLF and regulators to make this happen. Philippe Millet, Founder and Chairman of the i3Forum, commented: "The Restore Trust initiative, announced last May at the International Telecoms Week (ITW), is progressing at impressive speed, both in the industry and with regulators. GSMAs and GLFs public support and active collaboration are key to successfully bringing the entire ecosystem together and allow the industry and the regulators globally to engage in a positive and fruitful cooperation to combat illegal / unwanted communications." About i3Forum The i3Forum is a non-profit industry body that drives global collaboration and innovation across the international communications ecosystem through an open and inclusive model. The i3Forum and its community develop practical recommendations, tools, solutions, and policies to help understand consumer behavior, leverage technology, adapt to regulatory requirements, and foster trust in international communications. For more information, visit www.i3forum.org. Media Contact: [email protected] About GSMA The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling todays biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the worlds largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. We invite you to find out more at gsma.com Media Contacts GSMA Press Office [email protected] About the ITW Global Leaders Forum The ITW Global Leaders Forum (GLF) is a network of the leaders from the worlds largest International ICT service providers, who convene to discuss strategic issues and to agree collaborative activities with the aim of upholding the principle of interoperability and ubiquitous international and technological coverage. The international wholesale industry is a critical part of the global ICT ecosystem, providing the backbone that enables digital services to be distributed around the world. The GLFs primary objective is to provide leadership and direction for the industry by advocating common priorities that improve interconnectivity so that new digital services can be delivered at scale anywhere in the world. Please visit www.itwglf.com for more information. Press Contact: Rory Forder, Membership Marketing Executive, ITW Global Leaders Forum [email protected] 1 Source : Hiya Global Call Threat Report Q3 2023 : www.hiya.com/global-call-threat-report View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205510037/en/ Media Contact: [email protected] Media Contacts GSMA Press Office [email protected] Press Contact: Rory Forder, Membership Marketing Executive, ITW Global Leaders Forum [email protected] Source: i3Forum and GSMA and ITW Global Leaders Forum (GLF) BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- eGrowcery, developer of the leading retail food industry eCommerce platform for grocers and other retailers, announced that Craig Rosenblum has joined the companys Board of Directors effective immediately. The company also announced Eric Jacobson is transitioning off the board. Craig brings a wealth of retail experience and a unique set of skills that will be helpful to our board as we continue to accelerate growth. Ive known him for many years and have always appreciated his values, his intelligence and ability to help, said Todd Mitchell, Executive Chairman of eGrowcery. At the same time, there are simply not enough words to thank Eric for his tireless support of eGrowcery and the board over the past six year. He has been very helpful, and we have tremendous gratitude for all hes done for us. Pat Hughes, eGrowcerys CEO, added, I look forward to working closely with Craig along with the balance of the board. Craigs experience and expertise will be particularly helpful during this period of growth. Rosenblum was most recently Vice President of Customer Success at Inmar Intelligence and previously served as Vice President of Enterprise Retail. He joined Inmar after the companys acquisition of retail and consumer goods consulting firm Willard Bishop, where he was a partner. His earlier retail industry experience includes Vice President of Sales at Prescient Applied Intelligence and Vice President of Business Development at Crossmark. Ive been intrigued by eGrowcery for some time. Their reputation in the marketplace is nothing short of excellent. Ive enjoyed many discussions with Todd, Pat and the team and look forward to assisting the board on this journey, said Rosenblum. About eGrowcery eGrowcery is the market-leading, white-label, SaaS based eCommerce solution designed to service grocery retailers. The eGrowcery platform is a true end-to-end, omnichannel solution that integrates with back-office/point of sale systems while enabling retailers to personalize their own shopper experience. Serving companies in the US and abroad, eGrowcery empowers retailers with the ability to personalize their shopping experience while providing the most efficient in-store fulfillment solution in the industry. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206418800/en/ Media Ron Margulis RAM Communications +1 908.337.0020 [email protected] Source: eGrowcery SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of commercial, personal, and benefits insurance, announced today the acquisition of Southwest Insurance. Established in 1920 and evolving into Southwest Insurance in the 1970s, the agency has a storied legacy of excellence. Taking the helm in 2006, Jesse Frohn swiftly became the primary owner, steering Southwest Insurance towards a reputation for trucking insurance expertise. This specialization has fostered enduring client relationships and a commitment to unparalleled customer service, cementing Southwest Insurance's position as a trusted industry name. With the Inszone Insurance partnership, Southwest Insurance aims to enhance its offerings while preserving its unwavering dedication to service excellence. Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, expressed enthusiasm about the alignment between Southwest Insurance's specialized trucking focus and Inszone's commitment to tailored solutions. "We are eager not only to expand our footprint in the industry but also to provide additional resources and support to Southwest Insurances clients." Clients of Southwest Insurance can anticipate a seamless transition, continuing to receive the same exceptional service and expertise they have come to trust. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance and employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically and through acquisitions. With 54 locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington, the company is looking to expand further throughout the United States. For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206293841/en/ Inszone Insurance Chris Walters CEO 714-619-5620 [email protected] Source: Inszone Insurance Services RS Technologies looks forward to next phase of accelerated growth CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RS Technologies Inc. (RS or the Company), a leading global manufacturer of composite utility poles, today announced that the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) has appointed John Higgins as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 18, 2024. The appointment of John Higgins, who has served on the Board since 2019, follows the departure of George Kirby, who served as the President and CEO of RS since 2021, and whose tenure marked a period of growth and innovation. The Board greatly appreciates Georges dedication to advancing RSs position as a premier composite utility pole manufacturer. John has extensive experience serving the utility industry, leading growth businesses and a deep knowledge of RS specifically, said Don Lowry, Chairman of the Board. Investment in the electrical grid is at an inflection point, and John is the right leader to accelerate RSs growth and secure the Companys place as a leader in the market for utility structures. John has a proven track record and brings a wealth of utility service and infrastructure experience to RS. Prior to joining the Board, John was President of the Utility Services Group of MasTec, leading more than 4,000 employees serving the engineering, maintenance and construction needs of the utility and telecommunications industries during his nine-year tenure. John also sits on the board of SAM Companies, the leading geospatial engineering firm serving the same sectors. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from West Point and an MBA from Harvard Business School. During my time as a Board member, I have developed a profound respect for the Companys talented team and its superior products, and I have the utmost confidence in our ability to continue to deliver our unique grid-hardening solutions, at scale, to this important market" Higgins said. I am honored to have this opportunity to lead our team and couldnt be more excited to help RS realize its potential as we enter this next phase of growth. RS Technologies investors Werklund Growth Fund L.P. and Energy Impact Partners L.P. welcomed John to the new role and expressed confidence in his ability to grow the company. Having worked with John on the Board, I have witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts and the creativity he brings. Johns ability to scale businesses will help establish RS as a key infrastructure provider, said Stefan Erasmus, CEO of Werklund Growth Fund GP Inc. We are confident that in his new role as CEO, John will enable RSs advancement of composite infrastructure solutions and continue the programmatic adoption of RSs products by utilities to create a more sustainable, reliable, and resilient grid, said Steven Kantowitz, Partner at Energy Impact Partners L.P. ABOUT RS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (RS) RS designs, engineers, and manufactures composite utility poles and related products for the electric transmission and distribution sectors. By applying superior resin formulation, world class engineering, stringent quality processes, and dedicated technical services, RS is the global leader in composite utility structure design and manufacturing. The companys PowerON poles unique design and characteristics enhance the reliability and resiliency of the worlds electric distribution to transmission systems. RS has manufacturing facilities in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada and St. George, Utah, USA. RSs third manufacturing facility is currently under construction in Houston, Texas, USA. More information on RS and PowerON Poles is available at RSpoles.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206152269/en/ For further information please contact: RS Technologies Inc. Cathy Konwisarz, Chief Legal Officer Email: [email protected] Phone: (901) 729-9753 RSpoles.com Source: RS Technologies Inc. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA assigns a BBB Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) to Manatee Insurance Exchange. The Outlook for the rating is Stable. Manatee Insurance Exchange (Manatee or the Company) is a new reciprocal property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Temple Terrace, FL which will write primarily homeowners multi-peril business solely in Florida. Manatee was formed by the management team of Safepoint Insurance Company (Safepoint) (BBB+/Stable) with the expectation that Safepoints Florida business will renew with Manatee. Additionally, Manatee will offer voluntary personal and commercial lines policies with similar underwriting strategies as Safepoint. The rating reflects Manatees low underwriting leverage and significant surplus relative to projected premiums written, as well as a favorable market opportunity due to the company entering a sector with declining private market capacity. Manatee will have manageable start-up expenses due to an organizational structure whereby the Attorney-in-Fact will incur the majority of start-up costs. Additionally, as a start-up insurer, Manatee has no legacy liabilities. KBRA views the companys business plan as reasonable, with a management team that has considerable experience in the Florida homeowners insurance market. Balancing these strengths is the companys high financial leverage due to its entire surplus base consisting of $25 million in surplus notes. Furthermore, as a Florida-only writer, primarily focused on homeowners business, the company will have product and geographic concentration, natural catastrophe exposure due to hurricanes, and high reinsurance dependence that, depending on availability and affordability, could materially impact results. Lastly, as a new insurer, Manatee's future profitability is uncertain and dependent upon management executing its business plan. To access rating and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Methodologies Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com. About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider. Doc ID: 1003023 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206881880/en/ Analytical Contacts Jonathan Harris, Senior Director (Lead Analyst) +1 646-731-1235 [email protected] Lewis Delosa, Director +1 646-731-2312 [email protected] Ethan Kline, Associate +1 646-731-1278 [email protected] Peter Giacone, Senior Managing Director (Rating Committee Chair) +1 646-731-2407 [email protected] Business Development Contact Tina Bukow, Managing Director +1 646-731-2368 [email protected] Source: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC Neuroscientists Unveil Technology to Address Health Issues without Pharma; Investors include Village Global, LDV Partners, founders of Skype and Nest, and MIT Investment Fund CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A group of leading scientists, doctors and entrepreneurs are unveiling a first-of-its-kind wearable neurotechnology platform that uses proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve health through noninvasive, proactive brainwave stimulation, without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Elemind, the new AI-enhanced neurotech health company, emerged from stealth today, closing a $12M Seed round to further develop its first product ahead of its reveal in the coming months. The scientists launching the company are associated with leading research institutions, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Imperial College London, Harvard Medical School and the University of California at Berkeley. The team published multiple studies proving the efficacy of the science and technology in peer-reviewed journals including Nature Communications. The companys wearable neurotechnology reads individual brainwaves and guides them in real-time by responding with tailored stimulation. Precision guidance of brainwaves changes behavior in a smarter, more targeted and natural way than pharmaceuticals. Elemind calls the approach electric medicinea drug-free, personalized and adaptive approach that fine-tunes the stimulation based on the bodys response until the desired state is achieved. The company partnered with multiple leading research institutions to validate the technology and build applications for it. To date, Eleminds technology is supported by five clinical trials and several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Clinical trials show Eleminds technology is effective at inducing sleep up to 74% faster, suppressing essential tremor with a significant decrease after only 30 seconds of stimulation, and boosting memory. Clinical trials also demonstrate Elemind is effective at increasing pain thresholds and enhancing sedation; this study is currently in peer review. Elemind has potential impact across many neurological conditions. Chemical drugs affect the entire body, often leading to unwanted side effects. Elemind offers a non-chemical, direct, and on-demand solution that learns and dynamically adjusts to each person, said Meredith Perry, CEO and co-founder of Elemind. Were the first and only company able to precisely guide and redirect brainwaves in real-time. Top-tier Tech Investors and Founders Participate in Round The companys seed round boasts a list of investors that includes some of the industrys most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and funds: Village Global was the first investor in the company. Village is an early-stage venture fund backed by Jeff Bezos, Reid Hoffman, Bill Gates and Ann Wojcicki, among others. LDV Partners, a global deep-tech and life sciences fund, also invested. LDV Partner Dr. Qing Zhang, a seasoned investor and entrepreneur, and a Harvard-trained medical doctor, has taken a seat on Eleminds board. Other funds participating in the round included MITs investment fund, E14 Fund, Whartons Alumni Angel fund, Embark Ventures, as well as the founders of Skype, Nest, Opentable, Broadvision, Boston Scientific, Vital Proteins, and Fab Fit Fun. We were impressed by Meredith and the teams bold vision, the significant market potential, and were fortunate to be the first investor in Elemind, said Erik Torenberg, Venture Partner at Village Global. Eleminds neurotech wearable represents the latest advancements in the industry. The team has made significant progress towards its vision and has made our decision to invest look easy. Im excited about whats to come in 2024. Elemind is revolutionizing neurotechnology, said Dr. Qing Zhang MD, partner at LDV Partners. Their innovative design combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful craftsmanship to help individuals improve their health. Technology/Research The Elemind team has been conducting research and developing its technology in stealth since 2019. Elemind currently holds three critical patents covering its core signal processing algorithms and dynamic neurostimulation techniques. The team includes several seasoned neuroscientists and researchers: Dr. Ed Boyden, co-founder, has served as a neurotechnology professor at MIT for 17 years and pioneered the field of Optogenetics. Hes a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator and Stanford Neuroscience PhD. Boyden co-founded TI Solutions AG, SynLife, Cognito Therapeutics and Expansion Technologies, and won the Breakthrough Prize. Dr. David Wang, PhD in Artificial Intelligence from MIT, is co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO). Previously he was co-founder and CTO of the NuVu Innovation School. Dr. Ryan Neely, PhD Neuroscience from UC Berkeley where he studied brain-machine interfaces, is vice president, Science and Research. He held prior positions at Known Medicine and iota Biosciences, and studied and taught neuroscience at Harvard University. Dr. Nir Grossman, co-founder, is an 11-year neuroscience professor at Imperial College London and an MIT Research Fellow. Dr. Heather Read, co-founder, is a 21-year behavioral neuroscience and biomedical engineering professor at the University of Connecticut. A new era of transformative neurotechnology is arriving and Elemind is at its forefront, said Dr. David Wang, CTO and co-founder of Elemind. Elemind broke new ground with an algorithm that allows for instantaneous neuromodulation. Each brain is unique and constantly changing, so we leverage AI and ML to optimize stimulation parameters to achieve the desired state the fastest. You can think about it like noise cancellation for the mind our technology uses phase-locking auditory stimuli to align precisely with the users brainwaves and steer them to a different frequency associated with a different state. Eleminds first product is a general wellness device and will not be subject to FDA regulation. About Elemind Elemind is a neurotech health company that exists to elevate health arming every human with smarter, more targeted, and more personalized options to treat problems and optimize wellness. The company is pioneering electric medicine, which uses non-invasive, wearable neurotech to monitor and address issues in real-time with a breakthrough algorithm that reads and instantly responds to individual brainwaves. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206128855/en/ Carol Boyko 104 West Partners for Elemind [email protected] Source: Elemind Collaboration will harness Medidata Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment (eCOA) for remote patient engagement and real-time data capture NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Medidata, a Dassault Systemes company and leading provider of clinical trial solutions to the life sciences industry, and Sanofi Vaccines, today announced a collaboration to harness Medidata eCOA to deploy in vaccine studies. This builds on Medidata and Sanofis longstanding, successful experience using Medidata Rave EDC (electronic data capture). The collaboration will use an eDiary function within eCOA to create an eDiary library specific to Sanofis vaccines. This library will accelerate future study set-up times, improve efficiency, and increase data quality, while ensuring patients have access to eDiaries that are easy to use. Sanofi has chosen to adopt eCOAs capabilities in its vaccine studies, optimizing the patient clinical journey by reducing on-site monitoring and allowing patients to input data in real time from any location. Pilots of eCOA were performed in six vaccine studies and demonstrated high levels of patient compliance, providing highly reliable data. As a result, the collaboration has since moved out of the pilot phase, with eCOA being deployed across a pipeline of Sanofis vaccine clinical trials. Expanding our collaboration with Medidata will enable us to improve our clinical development processes as we seek to deliver breakthrough vaccines to patients, said the global head of clinical data management at Sanofi Vaccines. Through a bespoke eDiary library, we can optimize eDiary set-up and improve data quality in current trials, while moving deeper into the digitalization era within the pharma industry. Anthony Costello, chief executive officer, Medidata Patient Cloud, said, At Medidata, we put the patient at the core of all of our work, and collaborating with Sanofi, who share this ethos, helps improve patient experience, the monitoring of patients in current studies, and accelerate study timelines and efficiencies in future studies. Medidata eCOA is a full-service offering revolutionizing the way sponsors, contract research organizations, and sites collect data from patients, physicians, and caregivers. Built as part of the unified Medidata Platform, eCOA reduces study build times by up to 50% and provides a comprehensive view of patient data, while providing patients with flexibility and choice in how they engage in trial activities. Sanofi has worked with Medidata for over a decade, leveraging Medidatas solutions across the organization, including vaccine studies, to securely and efficiently capture and manage data. About Medidata Medidata is powering smarter treatments and healthier people through digital solutions to support clinical trials. With over 20 years of ground-breaking technological innovation across more than 30,000 trials and 9 million patients, Medidata offers industry-leading expertise, analytics-powered insights, and the largest patient-level historical clinical trial data set in the world. More than 1 million registered users across 2,100+ customers trust Medidatas seamless, end-to-end platform to improve patient experiences, accelerate clinical breakthroughs, and bring therapies to market faster. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA), which with its 3DEXPERIENCE platform is positioned to lead the digital transformation of life sciences in the age of personalized medicine with the first end-to-end scientific and business platform, from research to commercialization. Medidata is headquartered in New York City and has been recognized as a Leader by Everest Group and IDC. Discover more at www.medidata.com and follow us @Medidata. About Dassault Systemes Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com Dassault Systemes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206439222/en/ Medidata PR [email protected] Analyst Relations [email protected] Source: Medidata OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Multiview ERP, a leader in accounting financial solutions for small and medium sized organizations , today announced it has been named to G2s 2024 Best Software Awards, placing in the Top 25 on the Accounting and Finance list, and one of only three ERP systems ranked in the top 50. As the worlds largest and most trusted software marketplace, G2 is visited by 80 million software buyers each year. Its annual Best Software Awards rank the worlds best software companies and products based on authentic, timely reviews from real users. This is Multiviews second year receiving G2s Best Software Award recognition, earning its top 25 position this year thanks again to its obsession with client success and people first values. Among other industries including education and non-profit, Multiview provides ERP for healthcare and hospital systems throughout the US and Canada and is known in the industry as a top provider of financial accounting solutions for the rural healthcare market. We are very excited and pleased to be recognized again by G2 and our client reviewers as a top accounting ERP software provider, says Michael Johnson, Multiview CEO. We firmly believe that we will not be successful if our clients are not successful, and our mission is to help our clients stop chasing numbers and empower them to start using them. B2B software buyers, just like consumers, start their purchasing journey with research, said Sara Rossio, Chief Product Officer at G2. As the worlds largest software marketplace, G2 attracts more than 90 million buyers to our site each year more than any other B2B marketplace reaching those from companies of all sizes, in all industries. Based on their authentic feedback, were proud to announce the 2024 Best Software Award winners. Congratulations to the less than 1% of vendors listed on G2 who made one of our 30+ lists this year, achieving recognition driven by verified data rooted in the source that truly matters authentic customer voice. G2s 2024 Best Software Awards feature more than 30 different lists, ranking software vendors and products using G2s proprietary algorithm, which is based on G2s verified user reviews and publicly available market presence data. To be eligible for the Best Software Awards, a software company or product must have received at least 50 approved reviews during the 2023 calendar year. Scores reflect only data from reviews submitted during this evaluation period. To learn more, view G2s 2024 Best Software Awards and read more about G2s methodology. About G2 G2 is the world's largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 90 million people annually including employees at all Fortune 500 companies use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews. Thousands of software and services companies of all sizes partner with G2 to build their reputation, manage their software spend, and grow their business including Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoom, and Adobe. To learn more about where you go for software, visit www.g2.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. About Multiview Multiview ERP provides powerful, easy-to-use financial applications to enterprises of any size for accounting and financial planning. For over 30 years, Multiview has driven successful client outcomes with a scalable ERP accounting solution by partnering with clients to break down data silos, automate accounting processes, and provide more access to information through industry leading dynamic reporting solutions. Clients vary in size from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies and operate across more than 40 industries. Learn more on the website. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206229416/en/ Media Contacts Jenny Gardynski at G2 [email protected] or [email protected] Dawn Mallyon for Multiview [email protected] Source: Multiview ERP Insights into Constellation Brands Inc's Upcoming Dividend and Financial Health Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ) recently announced a dividend of $0.89 per share, payable on 2024-02-22, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-02-07. 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 Constellation Brands Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Constellation Brands Inc Do? 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? Constellation Brands is the largest provider of alcoholic beverages across the beer, wine, and spirits categories in the U.S., generating 80% of revenue from Mexican beer imports under top-selling brands such as Modelo and Corona. The rest of the business includes some remaining wine and spirits brands, categories where the company continues to prune assets in recent years. With its exclusive rights tied to the Mexican beer brands effective only in the U.S., the firm has small revenue exposure to international markets. Constellation owns a 36% stake in no-moat Canopy Growth, a medicinal and recreational cannabis producer in Canada, and has a 50/50 joint venture with glass manufacturer Owens-Illinois in Mexico. Constellation Brands Inc's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at Constellation Brands Inc's Dividend History Constellation Brands Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2015, with dividends currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Constellation Brands Inc's Dividend Analysis Breaking Down Constellation Brands Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Constellation Brands Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.39% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.43%, suggesting an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Constellation Brands Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 2.20%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 6.60% per year. Based on Constellation Brands Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Constellation Brands Inc stock as of today is approximately 1.91%. Story continues Constellation Brands Inc'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 2023-11-30, Constellation Brands Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.35. Constellation Brands Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Constellation Brands Inc's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2023-11-30, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported net profit in 7 years out of the past 10 years. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Constellation Brands Inc'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 Constellation Brands Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Constellation Brands Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 4.10% per year on average, a rate that underperforms approximately 58.79% 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, Constellation Brands Inc's earnings increased by approximately -21.80% per year on average, a rate that underperforms approximately 88% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -10.50%, which underperforms approximately 89.17% of global competitors. Next Steps In conclusion, while Constellation Brands Inc's dividend history and current yield portray a picture of shareholder return, the mixed signals from the company's growth metrics and earnings performance warrant a cautious approach. The dividend growth rate and payout ratio suggest a level of sustainability, but the declining earnings and EBITDA growth rates could be areas of concern. Investors should weigh these factors, along with the company's profitability and market position, when considering the long-term potential of their investment. For those seeking additional dividend opportunities, GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using 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. Regulas global survey* reveals fresh data on digital nomads impact on corporate profits. As the global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions found out, half of all businesses worldwide attribute a minimum of 21% of their new revenue to digital nomads. The US leads in this trend. RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The majority of the surveyed companies are now experiencing a tangible profit impact due to the influence of digital nomads. In the United States, as many as 62% of businesses report that this is the case. On average, the nomad revenue share of new revenue varies from 10% to 40%. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205342136/en/ Digital nomads present businesses with fresh opportunities, not just obstacles. These are the industries that gain most from digital nomads. (Graphic: Business Wire) The trend is surfacing across various industries. The most prominent achievers are companies from the Retail industry: 68% of them attribute 21% or more of their new revenue from these particular foreign customers. The same result is being obtained by 66% of businesses in Telecom and Insurance, 64% of Financial and Banking institutions, 52% of companies in Digital services, and 48% of Healthcare providers. On the flip side, digital nomads are also considered as a source of the increase in fraud. As a consequence of this, a third of businesses (34%) anticipate that theyll need to raise their spending on identity verification by 11-20%. Businesses in Finance, Banking, and Insurance are the most serious about increasing their investments in ID verification solutions. With more security threats arising, companies continue to adopt new identity verification technologies and approaches to detect and prevent fraud incidents. The research shows that 57% of businesses have implemented biometric authentication during the digital onboarding process, with another 30% planning to implement it within a year. Companies are also embracing electronic document verification (with 53% having already adopted this approach and 33% planning to do so soon), digital identity wallets (49% and 35%, respectively), and device fingerprinting (44% and 36%, respectively). Digital nomads are shaping a brand-new segment among target audiences of both Enterprises and SMB companies across different sectorsfrom Banking to Travel. This is having a positive effect on economies that are still experiencing post-pandemic consequences, along with the need to address recent challenges. To get the most out of attracting digital nomads whilst preventing a rise in fraud, companies need to refine their business processes, in particular IDV-related ones. Specifically, these changes should optimize foreign document processing and validation, as well as address a potential surge in their number, says Henry Patishman, Executive Vice President of Identity Verification Solutions at Regula. To learn more about the digital nomads impact on corporate profits, download the report Identity Verification in a Globalized World. *The research was initiated by Regula and conducted by Sapio Research in September 2023 using an online survey of digital nomads and Fraud Prevention decision makers across the Software/Tech, Financial and Banking Services, Technology, Telecoms, Travel and Hospitality sectors, and others. The respondent geography included the US, UK, Germany, Spain, UAE, and Mexico. 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 regulaforensics.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205342136/en/ Kristina [email protected] Source: Regula Carrier purchase will expand footprint, making innovative insurance solutions more accessible to MGAs. DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Southlake Specialty, part of Southlake Financial Holdings, a Texas-based group of fronting carriers that includes Westlake Specialty Insurance Company, announces today that it has agreed to acquire, pending regulatory approval, Nevada General Insurance Company from Western National Mutual Insurance Company. Nevada General Insurance Company is a Property and Casualty insurer authorized in numerous states throughout the Western U.S. The acquisition will allow the Southlake group to extend its admitted product insurance offering into additional states as well as be able to offer multiple admitted carriers in the same state. We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Nevada General Insurance Company, a strategic move that marks a significant milestone in our journey as a leader in the P&C insurance space. This partnership not only expands our footprint for admitted business but also reinforces our commitment to delivering unparalleled financial security and innovative solutions to MGAs and Program Managers, said Southlake CEO, Yogesh Kumar. By bringing Nevada General under our umbrella, we look forward to continuing our growth and expanding our product offerings. Southlakes current subsidiaries both are rated A-VII (Excellent) AM Best financial credit insurance companies and specialize in the program business and the insurance fronting space for Property and Casualty insurance. Southlakes team includes experienced insurance industry veterans who understand the challenges of MGAs and Program Managers, particularly when transacting business with traditional insurance companies. Southlake has written over $400 million in premiums through 2023 and bringing Nevada General Insurance Company into the fold will augment Southlakes trajectory by bringing their solutions to a broader market as Southlake diversifies its coverage. Learn more about Southlake Financial Holdings here. About Southlake Financial Holdings Southlake Specialty Insurance Company is part of the Southlake Financial Group, a Westlake, Texas-based group of national fronting insurance companies covering the broad P&C market. The group writes business through two insurance companies Southlake Specialty Insurance Company (non-admitted) and Westlake Specialty Insurance Company (admitted) with eligibility covering 50 states. Get in touch with Southlake here. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206739585/en/ Ed Skoch 888-216-3756 [email protected] Source: Southlake Financial Holdings First of Its Kind, Innovative Event Provides a Unique Platform to Spark Idea Exchange and Further Long Beach, Californias Leadership in Space Exploration Industry LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Space Law is on a trajectory to become one of the most compelling areas of the legal profession, sparking heated debate and insightful discussion across the globe. Growing interest in Space Law catalyzed the launch of the Space Beach Law Lab, an unprecedented conference taking place February 27-29, 2024 in Long Beach, California. The historic event will bring together luminaries of the space law world to discuss its exciting past, present and future. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206427726/en/ Growing interest in Space Law catalyzed the launch of the Space Beach Law Lab, an unprecedented conference taking place February 27-29, 2024 in Long Beach, California. The historic event will bring together luminaries of the space law world to discuss its exciting past, present and future. (Graphic: Business Wire) Taking place aboard the historic Queen Mary Golden Age ocean liner, the Space Beach Law Lab convenes an influential community of lawyers, legal leaders and regulators aiming to accelerate progress, align strategies, and shape the future of the burgeoning space industry. Attendees will gather on February 27 for an opening night reception aboard the Queen Mary. Then, on February 28, Long Beach mayor Rex Richardson will kick off the day with opening remarks. Space pioneer and NASA astronaut Col. Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a space shuttle mission, will deliver the keynote address entitled Breaking the Glass Ceiling to Space in a fireside chat with Jenn McCarron, Legal Operations and Technology pioneer and host of the CLOC Talk podcast. In addition, over a dozen power-packed panel discussions are scheduled for February 28-29, featuring experts and thought leaders drawn from far and wide to share their insights. These will cover topics ranging from navigating the rapidly evolving space frontier to legislative and policy updates, as well as governance and commercialization of space exploration. Space Beach Law Lab was uniquely designed to create a dynamic platform for leading space law practitioners and enthusiasts to listen, learn and discuss a diverse range of legal issues that impact our nation and industrys space exploration activities, remarked Caryn Schenewerk, seasoned space law veteran and founding Steering Committee member of the event. We are especially proud to hold this conference in Long Beach, a city that has intentionally attracted space companies in recent years. Our advisory board and speakers are committed to delivering stellar space law content from experienced experts. Sponsors include top law firms in Space Law such as Gold Sponsor Orrick and Silver Sponsor Akin, as well as Harbor and other leaders in the field. Tickets to attend the Space Beach Law Lab are $599 which provides access to all speaking and networking sessions. Information about sponsorship opportunities can be found here. Space Beach Law Lab is produced by Space Beach, LLC, a consortium of technology and legal community leaders focused on the future. For more information, email [email protected] or visit https://www.spacelawlab.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206427726/en/ Media Contact: Christy Burke, Burke & Company PR, 917-623-5096, [email protected] Source: Space Beach, LLC PARIS & BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: SpineGuard (FR0011464452 ALSGD), an innovative company that deploys its DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) unique sensing technology using electrical conductivity local measurement in real time to secure and streamline the placement of bone implants, today announces having reached 100,000 surgeries secured with the DSG technology and having passed 30 scientific publications. Pierre Jerome, Chairman, CEO and co-founder of SpineGuard, said: "Reaching these symbolic thresholds is a great pride for the whole SpineGuard team. It reminds us that so many patients suffering from back pain have already benefited from the accuracy of our real time surgical guidance platform and that we enable numerous surgical teams across the globe to significantly reduce their radiation exposure and associated risks in using it routinely. The clinico-economic value of DSG now leans on 32 scientific studies in a large spectrum of applications. I wish to warmly thank all those who accompany us in this wonderful adventure: all the surgeons who trust our DSG technology, our shareholders, the inventors of DSG, our advisors, as well as our industry and commercial partners. Nonetheless, it is only a step in the development of the Company. We are implementing our roadmap, as presented during our recent capital increase, to get back to double-digit growth this year, fueled by our new US sales organization and the successive launches of three new products." Randal R. Betz M.D., Pediatric Spine Specialist, Institute for Spine and Scoliosis, Lawrenceville, NJ and Head of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of SpineGuard since its inception, added: This is a great milestone not only for the Company but for the hundred thousand patients who have benefited from safer surgery avoiding neurologic injury and from less radiation. Kudos to Pierre Jerome and Stephane Bette for their top-level leadership and staying the course using DSG in newer ways to keep advancing spine surgery. With robotic assistance becoming adopted by many spine surgeons, the combination with real time feedback provided by DSG will drive further acceptance and trust in robotically assisted surgery. In 2023, eight new studies about DSG have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals including three on surgical robotic work and five on non-sponsored clinical studies highlighting DSG strong benefits in various spine surgery indications via anterior and posterior approach. This brings to thirty-two the total number of scientific publications demonstrating DSGs technology value, which represents a significant acceleration compared to previous years. Below are the eight recently published articles: Robotic studies Saghbiny et al - Protocol for Electrical Conductivity Signal Collection and Processing in Scoliosis Surgery. This French study establishes a protocol to collect electrical conductivity signals in spine surgery with synchronization to the depth of the instrument. Real-time conductivity signal feedback alerts the surgeon of a probable breach in the spinal canal, allowing for a change of direction/trajectory within the pedicle. Leblanc et al - Automatic Spinal Canal Breach Detection During Pedicle Screw Placement. The results in this other French study demonstrated that the specialized algorithm could predict perforations and prevent the robotic setup from causing an unwanted breakthrough in 100% of 24 drilled vertebrae. In addition, this proved that using electrical conductivity combined with a robotic setup allowed for the detection of imminent perforations of the spinal canal during pedicle drilling. Timmermans et al - State-of-the-Art of Non-Radiative, Non-Visual Spine Sensing with a Focus on Sensing Forces, Vibrations and Bioelectrical Properties: A Systematic Review. This systematic review from a Belgium team explores the current state of non-visual, non-radiative spine sensing for robotic spine surgery, with a focus on enhancing surgical techniques and automation. This review emphasizes the shift towards achieving surgeon-like autonomous behavior and surgical accuracy in robotics, and the need to go beyond traditional engineering precision. The review also identifies the 6DOF f/t sensor, microphone and electrical conductivity measurement as commonly used sensors, highlighting their respective characteristics. Anterior/Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) scoliosis treatment Da Paz, Trobisch & Baroncini - The Use of Electronic Conductivity Devices Can Effectively Reduce Radiation Exposure in Vertebral Body Tethering. This German team noted that they reduced intro-operative radiation by 41% thanks to the use of Electrical Conductivity Local Measurement. Courvoisier et al - Vertebral Body Tethering in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Management A Preliminary Report. This French team indicated that in their study, Electrical Conductivity Local Measurement proved to be helpful to secure screw precise trajectory without adding intra-operative radiation. Posterior scoliosis multi-modality comparison treatment Kudo et al - Accuracy of Pedicle Screw Placement by Fluoroscopy, a ThreeDimensional Printed Model, Local Electrical Conductivity Measurement Device, and Intraoperative Computed Tomography Navigation in Scoliosis Patients. This Japanese study incorporating several modalities for screw placement assistance concluded that electrical conductivity local measurement is useful to prevent perforations. Novice & experienced surgeon comparison Bhogal et al - Bone Conductivity and Spine Fluoroscopy, HandEyeEar Dialogue, during Pedicle Screw Positioning: a New Human Cognitive System for Precision and RadiationDecrease; Better than Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning System? This single center Belgium study involved two surgeons - one novice and one experienced. The novice surgeon in this study showed a 50% reduction of fluoroscopy radiation usage (in time measurements) when using electrical conductivity local measurement. Cervicothoracic treatment Santos et al - Accuracy and safety of 3D Printed Surgical Guides Combined with Monitored Guidewires for Placement of Cervicothoracic Pedicle Screws: Technical Note. This Portuguese study demonstrated that electrical conductivity local measurement provided the investigator with additional assurance of an intra-osseus trajectory. The authors mentioned that the safety and real-time feedback of electrical conductivity local measurement may also assist with preventing neuro-vascular injuries if one of the 3D printed guides was flawed or incorrectly adapted to the vertebra. Stephane Bette, Deputy CEO and co-founder of SpineGuard, concluded: Our DSG technology shines particularly in two new fast-growing applications where it has no equivalent. In anterior approach surgery, it is not easy to use Navigation or Robotics because of a deep wound in quite mobile regions, which limits the precision of these technologies. As for Neuromonitoring, it is of limited use in the thoracic segments. Besides, we have the only real-time feedback technology direct from the tissues at the tip of the effector, that has demonstrated its efficacy and can be seamlessly embedded into surgical assistance platforms." Perspectives Backed by these factors and in order to get back to double digit growth from 2024 onwards, SpineGuard is intensifying its commercial efforts, in particular in the United States, and will be introducing three new products derived from its DSG technology: PediGuard Threaded adapted to scoliosis correction via anterior approach; Cannulated PediGuard for sacroiliac fusion in collaboration with Omnia Medical; and DSG Drill Bit compatible with power drills and navigation. In parallel, the Company is actively working on obtaining the clearance of the whole PediGuard product range in China and seeking partners for dental implantology and surgical robotics. About SpineGuard Founded in 2009 in France and the USA by Pierre Jerome and Stephane Bette, SpineGuard is an innovative company deploying its proprietary radiation-free real time sensing technology DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) to secure and streamline the placement of implants in the skeleton. SpineGuard designs, develops and markets medical devices embedding its technology. Over 100,000 surgical procedures have been secured worldwide thanks to DSG and 32 studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have demonstrated the multiple benefits DSG offers to patients, surgeons, surgical staff and hospitals. Building on these strong fundamentals and several strategic partnerships, SpineGuard is expanding the scope of its DSG technology to the treatment of scoliosis via anterior approach, sacroiliac joint fusion, dental implantology and innovations such as the smart pedicle screw and power drill or surgical robotics. DSG was co-invented by Maurice Bourlion, Ph.D., Ciaran Bolger, M.D., Ph.D., and Alain Vanquaethem, Biomedical Engineer. SpineGuard has engaged in multiple ESG initiatives. For further information, visit www.spineguard.com Disclaimer The SpineGuard securities may not be offered or sold in the United States as they have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any United States state securities laws, and SpineGuard does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States. This is an announcement and not a prospectus, and the information contained herein does and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or exemption from registration. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206130924/en/ SpineGuard Pierre Jerome CEO & Chairman Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19 [email protected] SpineGuard Anne-Charlotte Millard CFO Tel.: +33 1 45 18 45 19 [email protected] NewCap Investor Relations & Financial Communication Mathilde Bohin / Aurelie Manavarere Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94 [email protected] Source: SpineGuard Collaboration Will Focus Further on the Critical Role Private 5G Cellular Networks Play in Enabling Smart Manufacturing. COVINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- STEP, Where Innovation Meets Execution, is pleased to officially announce a new strategic partnership with the Connected Systems Institute (CSI), a center of excellence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) that enables the manufacturing workforce of the future and drives regional economic growth and competitiveness through education, deployment of advanced manufacturing solutions, and strengthened regional industry ecosystem. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206554993/en/ "Bringing our wireless expertise in 5G, private cellular networks and traditional networking to advance the vision in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 developed by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Connected Systems Institute is an incredible opportunity that were excited about," said Ed Walton, CEO of STEP. "Accelerating innovation is in our DNA and partnering in the facilitation of digital transformation for manufacturers will enable new use cases and real business outcomes." "The Connected Systems Institute is a powerful partnership linking industry and academia. CSI plays a critical role in Wisconsin and beyond to drive economic growth and competitiveness by accelerating advanced manufacturing innovation and developing a highly skilled workforce of the future. STEP has proven to be a valuable partner, and with our aligned focus on innovation, there's much we can accomplish as we move forward together," said Joe Hamann, CSIs executive director. CSI launched in November 2017 to solve real-world problems with industrial automation in commercial applications while also helping UWM students develop necessary skillsets to succeed in the industry. About STEP: STEP is a highly innovative, award-winning, nationwide IT services engineering firm specializing in 5G, traditional networking and security solutions powered by strategic experts that guide their clients through complex IT challenges. STEP was founded in 2014 and has become one of the fastest-growing technology firms in the Midwest. Their portfolio enables enterprises with solutions for wireline, wireless, cellular, cloud, security, collaboration, and managed services. STEP is a privately held company headquartered in Covington, Kentucky. STEP is where innovation meets execution. For more information, visit STEP's website or follow on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. About CSI: The Connected Systems Institute (CSI) is a multidisciplinary collaboration that facilitates education and thought leadership related to advanced industrial processes. This partnership between the private sector and academia is designed to lead collaborative research and development projects related to manufacturing. CSI is located at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and collaborates with an internationally recognized faculty with extensive expertise in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-related disciplines. This gives CSI a rich pipeline of talent experienced in using digital tools for education and innovation. For information on the Connected Systems Institute visit: https://uwm.edu/csi/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206554993/en/ STEP Media Contact: Katie Johnson 513-795-6000 ext.3117 [email protected] CSI Media Contact: Casey OBrien 414-736-3711 [email protected] Source: STEP SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- STORE Capital LLC (STORE, STORE Capital or the Company), an internally managed net-lease real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in Single Tenant Operational Real Estate, today revealed a refreshed logo. Last February, STORE Capital was taken private by GIC, a global institutional investor, in partnership with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital. The completion of this transaction provided the Company with continued access to efficient long-term capital, through ongoing funding by STOREs new ownership. In turn, this affords existing and prospective customers alike, reliable access to superior and stable capital through the tailored real estate financing solutions STORE provides. The Companys logo has been updated to emphasize this advantage. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205202813/en/ Refreshed STORE Capital Logo (Courtesy of STORE Capital) The refreshed STORE Capital logo centers on a new logo mark, comprised of two individual design elements, which join together to form the O in STORE. This purposeful design choice was made to symbolize the power of forged relationships. Its placement at the center of the Companys name is indicative of STOREs customer-centric culture. The privatization strengthened our position as an industry leader, while staying true to the foundational roots that we established more than a decade ago. This evolved visual identity is a refined reflection of who we are, and were excited to unveil this today, commented Mary Fedewa, President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and co-founder. Commitment to the customer has always been at the forefront of everything we do. Now more than ever, STORE is positioned to help our customers achieve their business goals. Its fitting to reveal our refreshed logo on the 1-year anniversary of the privatization, and we look forward to what the future holds. About STORE Capital STORE Capital is an internally managed net-lease REIT that is a leader in the acquisition, investment and management of Single Tenant Operational Real Estate, which is its target market and the inspiration for its name. STORE Capital is one of the largest and fastest growing net-lease REITs and owns a large, well-diversified portfolio that consists of investments in more than 3,100 property locations across the United States, substantially all of which are profit centers. Additional information about STORE Capital can be found on its website at www.storecapital.com. About GIC GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to secure Singapores financial future. As the manager of Singapores foreign reserves, we take a long-term, disciplined approach to investing, and are uniquely positioned across a wide range of asset classes and active strategies globally. These include equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure. Our long-term approach, multi-asset capabilities, and global connectivity enable us to be an investor of choice. We seek to add meaningful value to our investments. Headquartered in Singapore, we have a global talent force of over 2,100 people in 11 key financial cities and have investments in over 40 countries. About Blue Owl Capital Inc. Blue Owl (NYSE: OWL) is a leading asset manager that is redefining alternatives. With $157 billion in assets under management1, we invest across three multi-strategy platforms: Credit, GP Strategic Capital, and Real Estate. Anchored by a strong permanent capital base, we provide businesses with private capital solutions to drive long-term growth and offer institutional and individual investors differentiated alternative investment opportunities that aim to deliver strong performance, risk-adjusted returns, and capital preservation. Together with over 650 experienced professionals in more than 10 offices globally, Blue Owl brings the vision and discipline to create the exceptional. To learn more, visit www.blueowl.com. 1As of September 30, 2023 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240205202813/en/ Chad Freed Executive Vice President - General Counsel 480-256-1108 [email protected] Source: STORE Capital LLC PARIS & GOA, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206847236/en/ On the occasion of India Energy Week 2024, TotalEnergies (Paris: TTE) (LSE: TTE) (NYSE: TTE) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to carry out methane emissions detection and measurement campaigns using TotalEnergies pioneer AUSEA (Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications) technology. The Cooperation Agreement was signed by Dr. Sangkaran Ratnam, Country Chair of TotalEnergies in India on behalf of TotalEnergies and Ms. Sushma Rawat, Director (Exploration) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation on behalf of ONGC. ONGC has been inviting international technology partners to help reduce its methane emissions in India by 2030, while TotalEnergies has decided to share its AUSEA technology in an effort to pivot the whole industry towards zero methane emissions by 2030. Both companies are party to the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), global industry initiative launched at COP28. ONGC joins a growing list of national companies who have signed cooperation agreements with TotalEnergies for the use of AUSEA including Petrobras in Brazil, SOCAR in Azerbaijan, Sonangol in Angola and NNPCL in Nigeria. AUSEA, a one-of-a-kind technology by TotalEnergies Mounted on a drone, the AUSEA gas analyzer, developed by TotalEnergies and its R&D partners, consists of a dual sensor capable of detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions, while at the same time identifying their source. This technology marks a step change in methane emissions detection and measurement compared to traditional techniques. By allowing access to hard-to-reach emission points, on all types of industrial facilities, both offshore and offshore, AUSEA is reputed as one of the most accurate technologies in the industry. Our industrys priority in the fight against climate change is to slash methane emissions from operations. Aiming for zero methane emissions by 2030 is our collective ambition as signatories of the OGDC at COP28. We are pleased to collaborate and make our AUSEA technology available to ONGC, in India, to detect, measure and eventually reduce methane emissions on their own assets, said Patrick Pouyanne Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. Commenting on the pact, Shri Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC, said In line with our collective ambitions as signatories of the OGDC at COP28, ONGC is scouting for new technologies to reduce its methane emissions by 50 % by 2027 and by 80% in 2030 compared to 2020. The introduction of the AUSEA technology will further strengthen our efforts to achieve zero methane emissions by 2038. TotalEnergies, a pioneer in slashing down methane emissions After halving its methane emissions from its operated sites between 2010 and 2020, TotalEnergies set ambitious targets to step up its efforts and reduce methane emissions by a further 50% by 2025 with the ambition to reach this target a year early, in 2024 - and by 80% in 2030, compared to 2020. TotalEnergies is also committed to promoting the United Nations Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) framework with other national and international oil companies. The Company has now held the OGMP Gold standard status for the three years in a row. *** About ONGC ONGC stands as a prominent global player in the energy industry, with a growing international presence. Dedicated to advancing sustainable energy initiatives, ONGC has set Net Zero Scope-1 and Scope-2 Emissions goals by 2038, exemplifying its commitment to environmental stewardship. Committed to sustainable energy solutions, ONGC plays a pivotal role in meeting India's growing energy demands while upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and environmental responsibility. The company's global footprint strengthens its portfolio and establishes it as a significant player in the worldwide energy landscape. ONGC's commitment extends beyond operational excellence, including a dedication to environmental sustainability, responsible business practices, and a strong emphasis on corporate governance, setting industry benchmarks and fostering trust among stakeholders. About TotalEnergies in India TotalEnergies, is present in India since 1993 and has a growing footprint in the Country. The Company has partnered with the Adani Group through Joint Ventures in Gas and Renewables (Adani Total Private Limited, Dhamra LNG Terminal Private Limited, Adani Total Gas Limited, Adani Green Energy Limited) and also has a presence in energy storage (SAFT) and distributed solar generation. It operates in the chemical business (Hutchinson) and is active in LPG, lubricants and special fluids, an underground LPG storage facility at Vizag through a JV with HPCL, and manufacturing & marketing of modified bitumen derivatives through a JV with Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The Company has a R&D centre in Mumbai (Technical Centre Asia- Pacific) and a Digital Innovation Center located in Pune, in partnership with Tata Consulting Services (TCS). About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, more sustainable, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in nearly 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people. @TotalEnergies l TotalEnergies l TotalEnergies l TotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms TotalEnergies, TotalEnergies company or Company in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words we, us and our may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206847236/en/ TotalEnergies Contacts Corporate Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l [email protected] l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l [email protected] Source: TotalEnergies SE Installation Marks the Second ZAP-X System in Poland for State-of-the-Art, Non-Invasive Treatment of Brain Tumors GDANSK, Poland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a groundbreaking development for brain tumor care in Poland, the Neurosurgery Centre at N. Copernicus Hospital in Gdansk is thrilled to announce the imminent installation of the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform. This state-of-the-art system, marking the second of its kind in Poland, is set to redefine the landscape of non-invasive treatment for brain cancers and other neurosurgical conditions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206359760/en/ ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform (Photo: Business Wire) Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as a transformative and painless procedure, offering a completely non-invasive alternative for treating primary and metastatic brain tumors, as well as other disorders of the brain, head, and neck. Completed in five or less brief outpatient visits, patients often resume their normal activities on the same day as treatment. Historically, N. Copernicus Hospital lacked stereotactic radiosurgery capabilities, forcing patients to travel to other centers, often requiring substantial travel distances. Thanks to ZAP-X, the Neurosurgery Centre in Gdansk is set to become one of the most advanced and modern centers in Poland, ensuring complex neurosurgical care is accessible to patients in the Pomeranian region. The ZAP-X installation is scheduled to commence in late winter/early spring of 2024, with patient treatments expected to begin before the end of the year. The system will be commissioned in a treatment room originally prepared for a previous-generation radiosurgery system which relied on Cobalt-60 for radiation beam generation. Wanting to offer patients the latest technological advances, and due to the logistical challenges and security risks of hosting Cobalt-60, the hospital subsequently opted for the newer, cobalt-free ZAP-X. Renowned for its groundbreaking design, the ZAP-X system utilizes unique gyroscopic mobility to direct radiosurgical beams from thousands of potential angles, accurately focusing radiation on the intended tumor or target. This innovative method aims to improve patient outcomes by enhancing the ability to avoid critical structures like the brain stem, eyes, and optic nerves, while also minimizing exposure to healthy brain tissue to safeguard patient cognitive function. ZAP-X is also the first and only vault-free SRS delivery system, eliminating the need for healthcare providers to construct expensive shielded radiation treatment vaults. The Neurosurgery Centre at N. Copernicus Hospital looks forward to the positive impact the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform will have on advancing neurosurgical care and providing cutting-edge treatment options for patients in the region. About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. a leading innovator in the field of surgical robotics, designs and manufactures the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform. ZAP was founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler. In addition to being CEO of ZAP, Dr. Adler is Emeritus Dorothy & TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University. Dr. Adler is also renowned as the inventor of the CyberKnife system and founder of Accuray, Inc. The ZAP-X platform incorporates a unique vault-free design that typically eliminates the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. ZAP-X also utilizes a modern linear accelerator to eliminate legacy use of Cobalt-60. Learn more at ZAP Surgical and follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206359760/en/ Mark Arnold, ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. Senior Vice President, Marketing +1 650 492 7797, ext. 101 Email: [email protected] Source: ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. FILE PHOTO: Oil rig pumpjacks, also known as thirsty birds, extract crude from the Wilmington Field oil deposits area near Long Beach, California July 30, 2013. REUTERS/David McNew/File Photo By Erwin Seba HOUSTON (Reuters) - Brent and U.S. crude futures initially climbed over $1 a barrel on Tuesday after the U.S. Energy Department said crude oil production would grow less than forecast but then gave up some of the gains on talk of a possible lengthy cease-fire in the Gaza War. Brent crude futures settled at $78.59 a barrel, up 60 cents, or 0.77%, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 53 cents, or 0.73%, to settle at $73.51. In its Short-Term Energy Outlook, the Energy Department said U.S. output would grow by 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, down from the previous forecasted rise of 290,000 bpd. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a Middle East trip to seek an end to the Gaza War, said a Hamas reply to a proposal for a cease-fire was being reviewed on Tuesday. "There is cautious optimism in the market you're going to see a cease-fire," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital LLC. Some analysts though saw prices teetering on the outlook for the Middle East. "Mr. Blinken is overseas," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group. "A lot of people don't think he's going to be able to land a deal." Inventory data due to be released later on Tuesday and on Wednesday is expected to show continued strong inventories for gasoline and diesel, Flynn said. But going forward, those inventories are expected to tighten, he added. U.S. crude stockpiles data is due later on Tuesday. Five analysts polled by Reuters estimated on average that crude inventories rose by about 2.1 million barrels in the week to Feb. 2. Refiners are performing overhauls on plants across the country and an outage last week of the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, will limit production. At the same time, the United States continued its campaign against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, whose attacks on shipping vessels have disrupted global oil trading routes. The U.S. strikes "do not point to an easing of tensions", Commerzbank analysts Thu Lan Nguyen and Carsten Fritsch said in a note. Yet souring demand expectations limited oil's gains. CMC Markets analyst Leon Li also said it would be difficult to return to previous highs, given the run of strong economic indicators from the U.S. was likely to lose steam. "Layoffs are still increasing. This means that in the long term the (oil) demand will decline," Li said. (Reporting by Erwin Seba in Housotn; Additional reporting by Paul Carsten, Stephanie Kelly and Trixie Yap; Editing by Jason Neely, David Goodman, David Ljunggren and David Evans) Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel franchisors, announced today an agreement with Tesla to offer Tesla Universal Wall Connectors to participating Radisson, Cambria, Comfort, Country Inn & Suites , Quality Inn and other Choice-branded hotels across the U.S. Through this agreement, Choice-branded properties can add four or more charging stations for guests, helping to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging and eliminate one of the biggest pain points for EV drivers traveling for business or leisure. To find a hotel with a charging station, travelers can use the EV charging filter on ChoiceHotels.com and the Choice Hotels mobile app. "This agreement with Tesla allows our brands to further stand out by increasing access to EV charging for guests and potentially drive incremental topline revenue for hotel owners," said Dominic Dragisich , Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer for Choice Hotels International. "At Choice, we are focused on ensuring owners and operators of our hotel brands are set up to benefit from strategic agreements that drive booking consideration and value." Offering over 7,500 hotels with more than 630,000 rooms across 46 countries and territories, Choice is uniquely positioned to address the growing consumer demand for EV charging. Guests who drove to its hotels accounted for 82% of all Choice room nights in 2022, well above the industry average, according to data from DK Shifflet. Approximately 90% of Choice-branded properties in the U.S. are in suburban, interstate, and small-town locations, with 76% located within one mile of a highway entrance. Currently, 41% of Choice's Cambria hotels offer EV charging, and by the end of 2024, all are expected to be outfitted with at least one charging station. Cambria guests rank EV charging as one of the top three sustainability priorities that they look for when booking a stay. Additionally, several of Choice's corporate offices currently offer EV charging stations, including North Bethesda, Maryland and Scottsdale, Arizona . Comprehensive SWOT analysis based on the latest 10-Q filing. Financial overview highlights strong brand portfolio and global reach. Strategic insights into Estee Lauder's competitive positioning and future outlook. On February 5, 2024, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL), a leader in the global prestige beauty market, filed its 10-Q report, revealing a detailed account of its financial performance and strategic positioning. With a diverse brand portfolio that includes Estee Lauder, Clinique, M.A.C, and La Mer, the company continues to make significant strides in skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care categories. The filing indicates a robust financial structure, with notable gains from cash flow hedges and cross-currency swap contracts contributing to net earnings. Despite facing challenges in the Asia travel retail business and overall prestige beauty softness in mainland China, Estee Lauder's comprehensive strategies and regional expertise position it well for future growth. The following SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as per the latest financial disclosures. Decoding The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL): A Strategic SWOT Insight Strengths Brand Equity and Diverse Portfolio: The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) boasts a powerful brand portfolio that spans across various beauty categories. This diversity not only mitigates risks associated with market fluctuations in a single category but also allows for cross-promotion and customer retention. For instance, the company's skin care segment, which accounts for 56% of its 2022 sales, benefits from the halo effect of its prestigious makeup and fragrance lines. The brand equity of Estee Lauder is further reinforced by its premium pricing strategy, which aligns with the consumer perception of high-quality, luxury products. Global Footprint and Strategic Market Segmentation: EL's presence in over 150 countries is a testament to its global appeal and strategic market segmentation. The company generates 26% of its revenue from the Americas, 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 31% from the Asia Pacific region. This geographical diversification not only spreads risk but also provides multiple avenues for growth. The brand's ability to tailor its offerings to regional preferences and trends is a key strength that drives its international success. Story continues Financial Resilience: The financial tables from the 10-Q filing reflect EL's financial resilience. The company's strategic use of derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency forward contracts and cross-currency swap contracts, has effectively hedged against currency volatility, contributing positively to net earnings. This financial acumen underscores EL's ability to manage its capital efficiently and protect its bottom line from external economic fluctuations. Weaknesses Geopolitical Sensitivity and Currency Risks: While EL's global presence is a strength, it also exposes the company to geopolitical risks and currency fluctuations. The filing notes that the strengthening of the U.S. dollar could negatively impact results within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa due to pricing pressures on retail customers and consumers in key international travel retail locations. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China, could materially affect EL's business operations and financial performance. Operational Challenges in Key Markets: The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) faces operational challenges in key markets, such as the Asia travel retail business and mainland China's overall prestige beauty market. The 10-Q filing indicates an 8% decrease in net sales in the Asia/Pacific region for the three months ended December 31, 2023, reflecting the ongoing softness in these markets. This weakness could impact the company's revenue growth and profitability if not effectively addressed. Inventory and Supply Chain Management: EL's inventory and promotional merchandise management is crucial to its success. Any inefficiencies in this area could lead to increased costs or stockouts, which in turn could harm customer satisfaction and sales. The company's supplier finance programs, while providing flexibility, also necessitate careful management to avoid liquidity issues. Opportunities Technological Advancements and Digital Engagement: EL has the opportunity to further leverage technological advancements and digital engagement to enhance its consumer experience and operational efficiency. The company's emphasis on digital and social media presence, as well as the engagement of global and local influencers, is a strategic move that can amplify brand stories and drive sales, especially among younger demographics. Emerging Markets and Consumer Trends: The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) can capitalize on emerging markets and evolving consumer trends. With a strategic focus on broadening its presence in these markets, EL can tap into new customer segments and increase its market share. Additionally, the company's ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, such as the increasing demand for sustainable and clean beauty products, presents significant growth opportunities. Innovation and Product Development: Innovation is at the core of EL's business strategy. The company's commitment to introducing new products and reformulating existing ones to meet consumer needs can drive sales growth. By staying ahead of industry trends and continuously investing in research and development, EL can maintain its competitive edge and attract a loyal customer base. Threats Intense Competition: The beauty industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. EL must continuously innovate and differentiate its products to stay ahead of competitors. The company's ability to maintain its brand prestige and market position is critical to its long-term success. Regulatory Changes and Compliance: EL operates in a regulatory environment that is subject to change. Compliance with new regulations, such as those related to product ingredients or packaging, can result in increased costs or require changes to the company's product lineup. The In 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. Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (NYSE: SNDA), a leading owner-operator of communities and services for seniors, announced the execution of a $47.75 million equity private placement, including an investment from Conversant Capital, the Companys largest shareholder. The Company plans to use this new capital for the completion of its balance sheet repositioning, continued investments in value-enhancing community improvements, broader community programming and identified bolt-on acquisition opportunities from its robust pipeline. The shares were issued at $9.50 per share, a 5% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price prior to closing. The equity private placement will close in two tranches. The first tranche of $32 million closed on February 1, 2024, and the second tranche of $16 million will close on or around March 31, 2024, subject to shareholder approval of an increase to the Companys authorized shares of common stock. The holders of a majority of the Companys voting securities have agreed to vote in favor of such an increase. In an economic environment characterized by limited capital and available financing for senior living assets, we believe this transaction reflects our investors confidence in Sonida as a premium long-term investment and operating platform with significant upside potential. We could not be more pleased with the ongoing partnership between the Sonida team and our investor base and look forward to completing accretive investments in the near term, said Brandon Ribar, President and Chief Executive Officer. Since Conversant made its original investment in Sonida in November 2021, weve been working diligently with the management team along three key initiatives improving operations, strengthening the balance sheet and growing the business. Todays transaction allows us to shift the Companys focus towards the third initiative: accelerating the growth of the business, said Michael Simanovsky, Founder and Managing Partner of Conversant Capital. As counter-cyclical investors, we are very excited about the Companys increasingly active pipeline of acquisitions and look forward to partnering with banks and other asset owners as we continue to grow Sonidas operating platform. Sonida has used a portion of the proceeds to purchase all seven of the remaining loans held by Protective Life, which was completed on February 2, 2024. The $40.2 million purchase price represents 52% of the outstanding Protective Life indebtedness of $77.4 million. The debt purchase has been financed with $24.8 million of mortgage debt provided by Ally Bank, currently Sonidas second-largest lending partner, through an expansion of the Companys existing Ally Bank term loan. This transaction significantly strengthens the Companys balance sheet, reducing total indebtedness by $52.6 million, or 9%, and annual debt service costs by approximately $3.2 million. After completing these transactions, the Companys indebtedness was $580.7 million as of February 2, 2024. The Companys debt has a weighted-average remaining term of 3.7 years, with only $31.8 million maturing prior to December 2026. Finally, 92% of the Companys outstanding debt is interest only through 2026. This capital infusion, coupled with the steady, foundational margin improvements achieved over the past 12 months, allows the Company to further focus on revenue-driving and margin-enhancing efforts and laying the groundwork for operational scalability as we look to grow the portfolio, said Kevin Detz, Chief Financial Officer. Specific planned capital expenditure projects include high-value conversions of existing apartments to Magnolia TrailsTM memory care units and the opening of additional wings within highly occupied communities. The Company has also budgeted to accelerate the deployment of recently introduced technology that has improved operating efficiencies, quality of care and resident experience. After considering the equity capital for the Protective Life debt purchase and the planned capital expenditure projects described above, the Company will have approximately $25 million of equity capital available for acquisitions and working capital purposes, including near-term opportunities in the Companys pipeline. The Company is engaged in advanced discussions with a private equity sponsor to acquire a majority interest in a four-asset portfolio, with three of the assets reinforcing Sonidas Texas footprint. The Company believes such an acquisition would result in a double-digit stabilized cap rate with minimal incremental general and administrative expenses required to manage the communities. This acquisition opportunity remains subject to confirmatory due diligence and final documentation. Sonida is actively pursuing additional accretive growth opportunities varying in size, geography and structure. The capital earmarked for growth is expected to provide certainty and speed in executing on near-term, bolt-on investment opportunities as they arise. TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) today announced the appointment of Miriam Murphy as the companys new president, Europe. Murphy starts in her new role on April 8th, 2024, and will be responsible for leading the companys 7,000-strong European workforce, driving business strategy and operational execution in the region. She will report to Patrick Zammit, the chief operating officer, TD SYNNEX who she succeeds as president, Europe and she will serve on the company's global executive team. Murphy will lead the distributors European executive board, which consists of geo leaders, as well as executives responsible for strategic business units and support functions in the region. Murphy returns to TD SYNNEX following two years as chief executive officer, Europe at NTT Ltd. In this role, she held responsibility for the strategy and P&L for 14 countries, delivering technology solutions, consulting, and managed services to enterprise clients across multiple sectors. Prior to this, she served at TD SYNNEX for more than 20 years in various leadership roles, including senior vice president, Advanced and Specialized Solutions, Europe, and regional leader for Northern Europe among others. "Its fantastic to welcome Miriam back to TD SYNNEX. Thanks to her prior experience with us, we already know about her many great leadership attributes. She brings a people-first mentality, combined with exceptional business acumen, an extensive network of contacts at vendors and customers, and a relentless commitment to delivering excellence to all our stakeholders, Zammit said. "She returns reinforced by her experiences outside the company and will bring fresh perspectives on end-market and customer requirements, especially in the strategic area of services, as we strive to continually evolve our go-to-market and create a best-in-class value proposition and experience for our partners and vendors. Murphy is a prominent advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the IT industry. In her previous stint at TD SYNNEX, she played an active role in helping to establish and advance the company's inclusion programs in Europe, supporting the creation of co-worker resource groups covering topics such as gender equity, disability, and LGBTQ issues. Murphy said: I am delighted and honoured to take up the leadership of TD SYNNEXs European business. The companys more than 7,000 co-workers in the region play a vital role at the heart of the channel ecosystem, fostering continuous evolution and seamless connections among vendors, partners, and their end customers. I am looking forward to supporting them as we strive to help all our channel partners to grow their businesses and deliver great outcomes to the market. The culture, talent and team spirit at TD SYNNEX are second-to-none. It will be a great pleasure to reconnect with many familiar faces inside and outside the company in early April, as well as to meet new co-workers and channel partners," added Murphy. Trio Petroleum Corp (NYSE American: TPET) today provided an update on its operations in Monterey County, California, where it has ownership in two assets: the South Salinas Project and the McCool Ranch Oilfield (McCool Ranch). TPET announced on Oct. 18, 2023, the acquisition of approximately 22% working interest in McCool Ranch, located in Monterey County seven miles north of the Companys South Salinas Project. Trio will be restarting oil production of these previously producing wells that have been primarily idle since 2015. There are three developed areas at McCool Ranch and the Companys acquisition is in the so-called Hangman Hollow Area that is relatively new and developed with four horizontal oil wells, two vertical oil wells, one water-disposal well, one freshwater well, a steam generator, boiler, three 5,000 barrel tanks, 250 barrel test tank, water softener facilities, two fresh water tanks, two soft water tanks, in-field steam pipelines, oil pipelines and other facilities. The property is fully and properly permitted for oil and gas production, cyclic-steam injection and water disposal and is currently idle (i.e., not producing), but restart operations have begun. TPETs investment at McCool Ranch is primarily allocated to restarting production and is expected to establish important cash flow. TPET will receive a disproportionately high share of the cash flow until payout of its initial investment. KLS Petroleum Consulting LLC (KLSP), a third-party, independent engineering firm, recommends that McCool Ranch be developed with fifteen additional horizontal wells, each landed in the Lombardi Oil Sand with a 1,000-foot lateral, and TPET accordingly may commence a drilling program in Q2, 2024. Pictures of McCool Ranch can be found on the Trio website at the following link: https://trio-petroleum.com A production rig has been on-site at McCool Ranch to restart oil production, but the commencement of operations was delayed by an atmospheric river of heavy rainfall. Now cleared and field conditions stabilized, operations will commence to restart oil production at the 58X-23 and HH-1-ST2 wells and possibly the 35X-23 well. TPET plans to initially restart each of these wells cold (i.e., without steam injection) and when appropriate to transition each well to cyclic-steam operations, also known as huff and puff. The HH-1-ST2 well was initially produced cold for about 380 days in 2012-2013, during which time peak production was about 156 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), average production was about 35 BOPD and cumulative production was about 13,147 barrels of oil (BO). The 58X-23 well was initially produced cold for about 230 days in 2011-2013, during which time peak production was about 41 BOPD, average production was about 13 BOPD and cumulative production was about 2,918 BO. After finishing the aforementioned restart operations at McCool Ranch, the production rig will be relocated to restart oil production at the HV-3A well at the Presidents Oilfield at the South Salinas Project. The HV-3A well was initially production-tested for approximately 37 days in 2018-2019, during which time peak production was about 154 BOPD, average production was about 33 BOPD and cumulative production was about 900 BO. After being shut-in for about six weeks in 2018-2019, the well began flowing oil and gas to surface. The HV-3A oil is high-quality, mid-gravity oil (approximately 18.5 to 22.4 API gravity). Operations at HV-3A do not require steam due to favorable viscosity. There are very promising opportunities to significantly increase the aforementioned 33 BOPD rate. For example, by adding up to 650 feet of additional perforations in the oil zone, acidizing the well for borehole cleanup, utilizing another new borehole treatment that is under review, as well as other methods and operations under consideration, we believe production can be significantly increased over the previous levels. TPET for the time-being has shifted the focus of its operations at Presidents Oilfield from the HV-1 well to the HV-3A well, as discussed above. The HV-1 well found oil in the Yellow, Brown and Mid-Monterey Clay zones, however, TPET to-date has been unable to establish commercial oil production due to the water produced at HV-1 and the well is currently idle. Next steps at the HV-1 are currently under review, including possibly deepening it to targets identified in 3D seismic in the Green Chert and Blue Chert zones of the Monterey Formation and in the underlying Vaqueros Sand, or sidetracking the well to a location that might have fewer fractures and faults and thus an improved oil-water ratio. Though the well was idled, KLSP, as reported in the recently filed annual report, believes the new technical data received as a result of drilling the HV-1 in regards to the Mid-Monterey Clay and the Yellow Zone may positively impact the Companys estimated reserves. Trios recently appointed CEO, Michael L Peterson, stated: We have a rig on site at our McCool Ranch ready to begin work necessary to get wells pumping again. The recent atmospheric river of rain hitting California has caused delays but we are excited and expect to begin pumping two to three wells and producing revenue from that field as early as this week. We are also very pleased to be able to announce that 15 additional new wells have been identified that can be developed in this field. After restarting oil production at McCool, our plan is to then move the rig, to restart oil production from the HV-3A well at Presidents Field at the South Salinas Project, with production expected to begin next week. We are excited to be commencing oil production in two fields this month and to benefit from the cash flow that it can generate. We are pursuing our business plan of growing cash flow and making smart acquisitions to help achieve the success of the company and increase shareholder value. Triumph Group, Inc., [NYSE:TGI] today announced that its TRIUMPH Product Support business in Chonburi, Thailand (TASA) has been awarded a five-year contract from an Asia Pacific operator to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The award includes MRO services for CF6-80C2 nacelles over multiple Boeing fleets. TRIUMPH has extensive experience servicing CF6 nacelles and a large portfolio of cost-effective repairs to draw upon. "Expanding our footprint on the CF6-80C2 nacelles signifies the confidence operators continue to have in TRIUMPH," said Jim Berberet , President of TRIUMPH Product Support. "CF6-80C2 nacelles are a core product for us and we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with competitive pricing, reliable turn times and high-quality products and services." TRIUMPH Product Support (TPS), TRIUMPH's third-party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business provides total life cycle solutions for commercial, regional and military aircraft. TRIUMPH Product Support's extensive product and service offerings include full post-delivery value chain services that simplify the MRO supply chain. TPS aftermarket capabilities include repair of aircraft structures, nacelles, and engine and aircraft accessories and components. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union said Tuesday that they have gained majority support from employees at Volkswagen's Tennessee plant, marking a significant step in their effort to expand. This achievement marks a crucial step forward in the UAW's ambitious plan to organize non-union plants across 13 automakers, encompassing approximately 150,000 workers. The Tennessee plant becomes the first to surpass the 50% support threshold, a pivotal moment under U.S. labor laws. According to U.S. regulations, a company can officially recognize and enter into negotiations with a union once a majority of its workers have signed up. The UAW intends to seek recognition when it reaches a 70% sign-up threshold, emphasizing the importance of substantial backing from the workforce. Zach Costello, a VW employee and member of the Tennessee plant's UAW organizing committee, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Momentum's picked up in a big way." The UAW, having recently succeeded in strikes against major automakers, believes that the tide is turning in its favor. Volkswagen, on its part, underscores its commitment to maintaining a "world-class production environment" at the Chattanooga plant. The company stresses its belief in fostering "frequent, transparent, and two-way dialogue" with its employees, highlighting a dedication to open communication. Despite past setbacks, the UAW remains optimistic about its ongoing organizing efforts. However, the road ahead may not be smooth, as the Center for Union Facts, a business-backed nonprofit, plans to launch billboards critiquing the union's political stances, contracts, and past corruption scandals in cities, including Chattanooga. UAW President Shawn Fain remains undeterred, citing recent victories in Detroit as evidence that workers can achieve seemingly impossible goals. I was told I was crazy for what we were asking for, Fain said. I know people say its crazy going after all these companies I dont think it is. I think workers are ready. I think now is the time. The outcome in Chattanooga is crucial for gauging broader success, with the UAW emphasizing the importance of winning this campaign. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reports Tuesday that German automaker, Volkswagen is planning to maintain its investments at approximately 180 billion euros ($193.59 billion) over the next five years, spanning from 2024 to 2028. The investment plan received approval from the supervisory board, contingent on the condition that the allocated sum could be reduced if specific targets within the ongoing cost-cutting initiative at Volkswagen's passenger car brand were not achieved. Although Volkswagen has refrained from commenting on the report, it mentioned that additional details would be disclosed during its annual results conference scheduled for March 13. In the previous five-year plan unveiled in March 2023, Volkswagen had already earmarked 180 billion euros for investments through 2027, with a predominant portion dedicated to electrification and digitalization efforts. The Handelsblatt report suggests that the automaker aims to adhere to this financial commitment, even as it endeavors to streamline costs across the Group to enhance profit margins during the shift toward an entirely electric vehicle lineup. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Accanto Health, a national leader in eating disorder specialty care and behavioral health services, announced the appointment of Katy Kowalsky as Chief People Officer. Accanto Health encompasses renowned brands The Emily Program, Veritas Collaborative, and Gather Behavioral Health. Katy has proven herself to be a tremendous asset and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our workforce to drive engagement, retention, excellence, and efficiency, said Dr. Tom Britton, CEO of Accanto Health. Kowalsky expressed her excitement about the appointment, sharing, In the days ahead, I look forward to better understanding how I can help contribute to the whole team doing the best work we can for the community we serve. Every step brings us closer to our vision of a world of peaceful relationships with food, weight, body, and self, where everyone with an eating disorder can experience recovery. Boasting 25 years of HR experience, Kowalsky joined Accanto Health as an HR Director in April of 2023 and has served as interim Vice President of HR for three months. Previously, she led an HR team at Quality Bicycle Products, where she implemented a people-centered HR strategy, championed company-wide strategic initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and drove organizational change, significantly increasing employee satisfaction. Her credentials include a masters degree in human resources, a bachelors degree in social work, and certifications in change management and compensation. Kowalsky aims to strengthen the employee experience at Accanto, adding I believe in servant-leadership, meaning I see leadership as an opportunity to build people up and help them do their best work. I like to measure my success in the outcomes we achieve together. About Accanto Health Accanto Health, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a national healthcare company specializing in eating disorders and related disorders. The company includes leading eating disorder treatment brands, The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative, and an outpatient group practice, Gather Behavioral Health. Recognizing that one size does not fit all, Accanto Health programs provide exceptional, individualized care for children, adolescents, and adults with eating disorders and other behavioral health conditions in a gender-diverse and inclusive environment. Services incorporate an array of individual, group, and family therapy, nutrition, psychiatry, medical care, yoga, education, and support services. The company offers services across a full continuum of care, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 888-364-5977 or visit accanto.com. Contact: [email protected] Jillian LampertChief Strategy Officer651.428.4654 Source: Accanto Health New York, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) is hosting a free webinar, Developing Biological Markers to Improve Clinical Care in Autism on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET. The presenter will be James McPartland, Ph.D., Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology at Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic and the Yale Center for Brain and Mind Health. Dr. McPartland is one of the premier experts in the electrophysiological study of brain function in autism and is the principal investigator of the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials, a US-based effort to identify biological indices to enhance intervention research in autism. Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and host of the public television series Healthy Minds will be the webinar host. Register today at BBRFoundation.org According to the CDC, approximately one in 36 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. There is a critical need for objective biological measures to inform clinical practice and research in autism. Dr. McPartland will review the state of the science and present work from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials to advance biomarkers through FDA qualification. He will present emerging strategies to apply them in individuals with profound autism and to translate them into treatment. About Brain & Behavior Research Foundation The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. These illnesses include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia, as well as research on suicide prevention. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $450 million to fund more than 5,400 leading scientists around the world. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in research. BBRF operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants. BBRF is the producer of the Emmy nominated public television series Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, which aims to remove the stigma of mental illness and demonstrate that with help, there is hope. Attachments STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eaton Partners, one of the largest placement agents and fund advisory firms and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF), is pleased to have acted as the exclusive placement agent for 3 Boomerang Capital (3 Boomerang or the Firm), for its flagship private equity fund, 3 Boomerang Capital I, LP (the Fund). The oversubscribed Fund closed over $375 million of commitments from a diverse investor group, including leading endowments, foundations, pensions, insurers, fund of funds, family offices, and 3 Boomerang professionals. Founded by industry veterans Adam Dolder and Adam Elberg, 3 Boomerang executed an efficient and successful fundraise, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its differentiated approach to value creation in the healthcare industry. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Firm, showcasing its commitment to supporting healthcare entrepreneurs and businesses in pursuit of growth and innovation. 3 Boomerang is backed by a distinguished team of 11 professionals with expertise spanning North America and Western Europe. 3 Boomerangs investment focus areas are four key healthcare sectors: BioPharma outsourcing, medical device and diagnostic manufacturing, information technology and tech-enabled services, and alternate site care. The firm specializes in backing founder-led businesses, providing the guidance and resources needed for successful growth in the healthcare market. By strategically concentrating on these areas, 3 Boomerang is well equipped to deliver on its mission of propelling healthcare businesses to new heights. Adam Dolder, a career healthcare investor, expressed his enthusiasm for the recent achievement, stating, "We are thrilled with the success of our inaugural private equity fund and are grateful for the partnership and trust of our Limited Partners. This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to fostering creative investment partnerships with healthcare entrepreneurs that bolsters the growth of their businesses." 3 Boomerangs thematic investment focus and proven track record of partnering with founder-led businesses resonated well with investors, said Eric Deyle, Managing Director at Eaton Partners. We greatly value our partnership with the 3 Boomerang team and we wish them continued success. About Eaton Partners Eaton Partners, a Stifel Company, is one of the worlds largest capital placement agents and fund advisory firms, having raised more than $140 billion across more than 190 highly differentiated alternative investment funds and offerings. Founded in 1983, Eaton advises and raises institutional capital for investment managers across alternative strategies private equity, private credit, real assets, real estate, and hedge funds/public market in both the primary and secondary markets. Eaton Partners maintains offices and operates throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Eaton Partners is a division of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC and NYSE. Eaton Partners subsidiary Eaton Partners (UK) LLP is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eaton Partners subsidiary Stifel Hong Kong Limited, doing business as Eaton Partners Hong Kong, is approved as a Type 1-licensed company under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong. Eaton Partners and the Eaton Partners logo are trademarks of Eaton Partners, LLC, a limited liability company. Eaton Partners, 2024. For more information, please visit https://eaton-partners.com/. About 3 Boomerang Capital3 Boomerang Capital, LP (3BC) is an emerging healthcare investment firm with 11 professionals investing in North American and Western Europe. 3BC is a thematic investor in lower middle market healthcare businesses with a deep focus on the following subsectors: (i) Biopharmaceutical Outsourcing, (ii) Medical Device and Diagnostic Contract Manufacturing, (iii) Health Care Information Technology & Technology Enabled Services, and (iv) Alternate Site Care. The firm pursues a preemptive and proprietary approach to sourcing investments and has a control investment bias. Additionally, the firm seeks to be an active and aligned partner to management, leveraging industry expertise and operational excellence to build leading businesses with strong organic and inorganic growth profiles. Stifel Company InformationStifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifels broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Companys broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Companys website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases. Media Contacts Neil Shapiro, +1 (212) 271-3447 [email protected] Source: Eaton Partners TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite the federal governments commitment to raising the labour force participation rate of women through the creation of a federal subsidized daycare program in collaboration with the provinces, neither it nor employment in the industry has increased, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. To date, the federal government initiative to expand subsidized daycare and raise the labour force participation rate of women has produced few results, nor has the roll-out of daycare expanded employment in the industry, said Philip Cross, senior fellow at the Fraser Institute and author of Is the Federal Daycare Program Achieving Its Stated Goals? The roll-out of daycare, an area under provincial jurisdiction, has failed to meaningfully increase female labour force participation, as the total labour force participation rate for women was virtually unchanged in September 2023 at 61.5 per cent, compared to a high of 61.7 per cent early in 2015 (prior to the establishment of this program). Critically, the most notable increase in labour force participation for women is in Quebec and for women with older childrentwo groups unaffected by the federal daycare program. Likewise, in June 2023, there were 175,913 people employed in childcare in Canada. This figure is almost exactly what the projected employment of 181,100 people would have been if the average annual growth of 5.9 per cent a year from 2004 and 2020 had continued through 2023 (which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic). While Im sure well-intentioned, what is unfortunately clear from these numbers is that the federal program has failed to achieve either of its stated goals and all while costing taxpayers billions of dollars, Cross said. MEDIA CONTACT: Philip Cross, Senior FellowFraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:Drue MacPherson, Media Relations, Fraser Institute604-688-0221 ext. 721[email protected] Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org Source: Fraser Institute Demand for Chicago office space kept falling in 2023, a sign that a true recovery for downtown could be years away. The drop-off comes even as some high-flying cities like New York City saw demand nearly return to 2019 levels, while tech-heavy markets on the West Coast remain stuck in the doldrums far behind Chicago, according to a new study by VTS, a New York-based software firm that tracks the number of companies checking out potential new office space. Being in the middle of the pack is what we expected from Chicago, said Max Saia, vice president of investor research for VTS. New York buildings are packed with finance, banking, private equity and other investment firms, and these industries have returned to the office at a high rate, Saia said, while work-from-home strategies are still popular with the many high-tech companies headquartered in San Francisco and Seattle. Chicagos economy isnt dominated by any of these businesses, so its record is mixed. As of December, demand in Chicago stood at 45% of the pre-pandemic norm, a 10% decline from the previous year, VTS found. Demand for New York office space was 75% of its pre-pandemic level, followed by Los Angeles at 69%, with San Francisco and Seattle at the bottom with 34%. With so many workers still attached to their home offices, especially on Mondays and Fridays, few companies in downtown Chicago feel the need to sign big new leases and fill the markets many vacancies. If Chicago offices stay empty for years, it could make it difficult for many owners to continue making mortgage payments, and the restaurants and stores that depend on office workers may not survive. At the end of 2023, downtowns vacancy rate was steady at just over 22%, a near-historic high, according to Colliers, a real estate firm. VTS did detect some signs of life in the office market, Saia said. Nationwide, largely driven by the gathering strength of New York City and Los Angeles, overall demand for office space in 2023 hit 55% of its pre-pandemic level, a nearly 20% year-over-year increase. And even though VTS doesnt expect any sudden shifts away from work-from-home in other cities, including Chicago, companies will in 2024 continue trying to pull workers back to the office. Its going to be very slow and measured, Saia said. But we feel that at some point it will carry the day. New York City, NY, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freshly Baked NYC proudly announces the launch of its pioneering legal weed delivery service, offering unparalleled access to premium, responsibly-sourced cannabis products across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island City. As the latest innovator in New York's legal cannabis market, Freshly Baked NYC is dedicated to redefining convenience, quality, and community engagement within the industry. "From the beginning, our goal was to create a service that not just met the demand for legal cannabis, but also nurtured a community around our shared values of excellence and responsibility," said Pam Nicponski, co-founder of Freshly Baked NYC. "We believe that cannabis can be a force for positive change, and we're here to lead that movement in NYC." Freshly Baked NYC's commitment to providing a personalized cannabis experience is at the heart of its operations. By understanding and respecting the unique preferences and needs of each customer, Freshly Baked aims to build lasting relationships based on trust and shared knowledge. "Our vision is to make Freshly Baked NYC more than just a dispensary. We see it as a community hub that welcomes everyone, supports diversity, and contributes positively to our city's cultural landscape," added Dave Nicponski, co-founder. With a carefully curated selection of cannabis products from New York's finest legal brands, Freshly Baked NYC ensures diversity and quality for its customers. The company's partnership with brands such as Camino, CANNA-CURE, and Jetty Extracts reflects its commitment to excellence. Customers in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island City can now enjoy a seamless, secure, and user-friendly online shopping experience with Freshly Baked NYC. The company's dedication to quality, trust, and community engagement is evident in every aspect of its service. "As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering not just cannabis, but a new cannabis culture that reflects our values and vision for the future," concluded Pam Nicponski. "We're excited to embark on this journey with our customers and the wider NYC community." For more information about Freshly Baked NYC and to explore their product offerings, visit Freshly Baked NYC. About Freshly Baked NYC Freshly Baked NYC is at the forefront of the legal cannabis delivery service in New York City, offering a wide range of high-quality, ethically-sourced cannabis products. With a mission to provide expert guidance and a personalized experience, Freshly Baked NYC is committed to fostering a community of inclusivity, diversity, and positive cannabis experiences. Dave Nicponski Freshly Baked NYC [email protected] Source: Freshly Baked NYC LIDEResA is an initiative launched in 2022 by iMADES Communication with the aim of valuing women's talent and making visible those situations that hinder the achievement of real equality in society. The III Edition will take place on 15 February from 17:30 to 21:00 at the Hotel Indigo-Gran Via in Madrid. Is artificial intelligence the enemy of women? This question will be answered by experts in a technology that, as they will explain, is essential for the business environment and for the development of society. MADRID, Spain, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iMADES Communication is a communication agency that has among its main lines of activity the development of initiatives to value the talent of women and their leadership in all its aspects, especially in the business world, as well as to make visible all those situations that hinder the achievement of a real and effective gender equality in society. One of these projects launched by the agency in 2022 is "LIDEResA", an annual event that will hold its third edition on 15 February and which this year will be supported by Freeda Media and the magazine Transformacion Digital, as media partners, in addition to collaborating with another edition of Corresponsables. The theme of the debate chosen for the occasion is "Gender, ethics and new technologies. Towards an egalitarian, inclusive and representative technology." Despite the fact that tools such as artificial intelligence are becoming an integral part of our lives and are considered the undisputed technology of the future, there is a broad debate in society about its gender biases and lack of ethics, which even lead to the question: is artificial intelligence the enemy of women? This question will be answered by experts in this technology and representatives of well-known companies, who will analyse in depth the reasons why we find ourselves today with unequal technological environments, what the language of the machines and the training of the algorithms is like, as well as the keys to ensure that this technology is not detrimental to women. They will explain the need to work together to correct these imbalances in order to be able to integrate and make profitable a tool that is strategic for the business environment. Roundtable discussion and case studies by experts in the field In order to contribute to an in-depth understanding of gender biases and the importance of ethics in artificial intelligence, whose existence and permanence perpetuates historical inequalities and discrimination, the event will be opened by the Director of the Women's Institute, M Isabel Garcia, and a first roundtable will be held with the participation of professionals from different fields who study and work with this technology, such as Andres Visus, Director of Operations and Strategy at PredictLand, Maria Vazquez Terres, Director of Business Solutions at Microsoft Spain, and Sara Degli-Esposti, Scientific Researcher in Ethics and Artificial Intelligence in the Applied Ethics (GEA) group of the Institute of Philosophy (IFS) and part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). This roundtable will be moderated by Beatriz Medina Layuno, General Director of Freeda Spain. In addition, there will be a second panel of case studies in which representatives of companies from different sectors of activity will answer the question of why it is profitable to invest in artificial intelligence and will present their experience as participants and drivers of a necessary change towards the responsible use of this technology. Specifically, we will have the participation of Diego Garcia Puado, Partner at EY-EY wavespace Artificial Intelligence Center & EMEIA Microsoft; Estelle Raso, CEO of KPI Risk Ethics & Compliance; Gisela Vaquero Juanola, Founder of Women in Games Spain and video game designer; and Noelia Moron Tabernero, Software Development Manager at Amazon. During this event, Maria Garzon, Founding Partner of iMADES Communication, will be in charge of moderating the roundtable. In the words of Maria Garzon: "Data-intensive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are programmed and reproduce biases and stereotypes that are present in society today. There is no point in advancing in technology if it perpetuates inequalities because it does not contain a gender focus to prevent it. It is timely to reflect in order to prevent these key systems for the future from affecting the development of women's human rights. On 15 February, we hope to provide answers to some of the key questions in this field, for which we will be joined by professionals from the technological field and companies that have already understood the importance of paying attention to the ethics of technologies, because behind them there are always people." Before and after the event, participants will be available for media interviews. DATE: Thursday, 15 February 2024. VENUE: Hotel Indigo Madrid-Gran Via. Calle de Silva, 6, 28013 Madrid. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctUtTQwTQ4 TIME: From 17:30 to 21:00. More information in the attached programme and on the website: https://lideres-a.com/ About iMADES Communication: we are an international communication, public affairs, crisis communication and reputation agency, specialised in communication strategies in processes of high media exposure. In addition, we work in an expert line of communication support for women leaders, we provide training in inclusive communication and in other areas that promote equality in the company. We develop our services both in Europe and Latin America, where we have a team specialised in strategic communication in the region. *To confirm attendance at the event or interviews with participants: Raquel Frutos [email protected] 910882399 Zaira Nombela [email protected] 910882399 St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- St. Louis, Mo. (Feb. 7, 2024) Some of the most out-of-the-box thinkers in agriculture are converging in St. Louis to pitch their visions for tomorrows farming at the inaugural ReACH Innovation Summit, organized by BioSTL and Bayer. Behind the event is the new Regenerative Agrifood Coalition in the Heartland (ReACH), comprised of innovative food and agriculture companies, and growers, actively collaborating in regenerative ag technologies to address shrinking supplies of arable land, water, and energy. These members are AB Inbev, ADM, Bayer, Bunge, Burger King, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Growmark, ICL, Illinois Farm Bureau, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Nestle Purina, and Post, and United Soybean Board (USB). For this planet to thrive in the decades ahead will require tremendous innovation, said Donn Rubin, CEO and Founder of BioSTL, the nonprofit building bioscience innovation in St. Louis. Were confident that transformational innovation will come from bright minds and collaborations among scientists, businesspeople, entrepreneurs and farmers and St. Louis has the opportunity to be at the heart of it. Already a hub for leading, global agricultural companies, St. Louis is also located within a days drive of 80 percent of Americas corn and soybean crops, which dominate U.S. agricultural exports. The area also hosts the headquarters of national organizations for the farmers who raise those crops, including NCGA, and USB. At the inaugural Summit, 13 exciting startups from North, South, and Central America, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East will pitch their innovations to ReACH members, responding to specific, real-time challenges the companies are seeking to address. Like in the ABC-TV reality program Shark Tank, the best innovations will get feedback, support and maybe even investment from the ReACH companies present. Ag and food companies are looking for more ways to leverage Artificial Intelligence and other breakthroughs to help farmers keep their soils healthy and reduce their use of water, energy and chemical inputs, said Phil Taylor, Director of Open Innovation at Bayer. This coalition plans to grow not only the future of regenerative agriculture, and the food we eat, but the future of our region. #### Innovators Pitching at the Summit: Agreena scales the transition to sustainable agriculture at farm-level through a technology-enabled platform that generates and monetizes verified climate outcomes and connects growers with the agricultural value chain to bridge the financial gap that growers experience in the transition to sustainable agriculture. (Denmark) Andes generates carbon credits by partnering with farmers who apply microorganisms on agricultural fields which convert CO2 into stable minerals. The result is high permanence, low-cost, verifiable carbon credits used for insetting or offsetting purposes.(Chile) ChrysaLabs is located at the intersection of ag, sustainability, and innovation. The ChrysaLabs Probe uses three onboard sensor technologies, Cloud computing and AI to extract real-time data from its patented spectroscopy technology. This provides soil insights within seconds, allowing faster carbon project liftoff and field managers to take the best actions minutes after sampling, making the right calls on the spot. (Canada) CIBO Technologies is a scaled SaaS platform that powers the transition to sustainable and regenerative agriculture. CIBO achieves the goals of their partners through their scaled software platform to deploy, manage, and report on sustainability programs that pay farmers to adopt new or continue existing regenerative practices. Their platform combines advanced, science-based ecosystem modeling, AI-based computer vision, MMRV capabilities, and the most complete programs engine on the market. (United States) DeepAgro is a scientific company based on artificial intelligence applied to agriculture. Their first product is a weed recognition device for selective herbicide application which allows up to 70% reduction of the agrochemicals and water used by the farmer. It also provides an exact map of how much and where the chemical has been applied in order to have an application quality certification. (Argentina) EarthOptics is a growth stage data & technology company that makes soil mapping significantly faster, cheaper, and more accurate than existing soil measurement methods. EarthOptics technology platform combines proprietary soil & sensor data, machine learning, and data partnerships to produce mapping solutions that enable farmers, ranchers, and land managers to make more profitable and sustainable soil management decisions. (United States) EIWA Vault is the cloud platform built to make Ag companies AI and ML ready. They have built the first and most advanced farming ecosystem data cloud that is mobilizing agricultural knowledge across multiple players of the value chain, from R&D programs all the way to commercial and MRV programs. (Argentina) Groundwork BioAg: Mycorrhizal fungi, carbons main pathway into the soil, are key to permanent carbon sequestration. They cost-effectively produce high-volume, supremely concentrated mycorrhizal products, but their impact goes beyond climate change. Their products help farmers boost crop yields, improve soil fertility, mitigate plant stress, and reduce fertilizer usage all without altering farming practices. Their premium carbon program, Rootella Carbon, ensures verifiable, sustainable, and enduring carbon removal. (Israel) HabiTerre has developed a truly novel system-of-systems approach to agroecological modeling to address the challenge of quantifying environmental outcomes in agriculture accurately from the field level to global scale. With scientific rigor that is second to none, they can support Measurement, Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting needs from field-level, verified intervention claims to largescale supply shed accounting for resource planning and GHG inventory accounting. (United States) LeafSpec, a 2021 Davidson Prize winner, is an accurate, affordable, and portable hyperspectral crop leaf imager. It takes only 10 seconds for LeafSpec to scan a leaf non-destructively. It can measure the plants physiological features such as leaf moisture content, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, pathogen and insect diseases, stresses from chemical sprays and so on. LeafSpec is the first of its kind in the world, which can be easily deployed at any location. (United States) Ostara is passionate and focused on driving meaningful change in crop nutrition for all soils and all crops. They are committed to providing the Ag market with sustainable, high-efficiency, innovative fertilizers. Ostaras products work better than conventional alternatives through increased efficiency, increased nutrient availability, reduced inputs, and a substantial reduction in environmental impact. (United States) PES Technologies is the future of soil health measurement. Their unique sensor product provides the biological, chemical, and physical indicators needed for a comprehensive soil health assessment in 5 minutes. They can make the mass testing of soil health needed by industry affordable to improve understanding of soil health and the impact of regenerative and sustainable farming practices. (United Kingdom) Solena Ag pioneers agricultural transformation through Prometheus, their AI platform that allows agricultural soil microbiome engineering. Harnessing advanced tech and soil microbiome data, they tailor farming plans for each farmer, optimizing inputs. This innovation boosts yields and sustainability simultaneously, redefining the future of sustainable and productive agriculture. (Mexico) About BioSTL Founded in 2001, BioSTL has been a cornerstone of St. Louis innovation landscape, fostering a dynamic economy through convening stakeholders, engaging in public policy, and delivering targeted programs. Our mission is to cement the city's position as a hub for addressing global challenges in agriculture, food, biopharma, and healthcare. BioSTL leads nationally acclaimed initiatives in three key areas: Startup creation and investment BioGenerator has been the springboard for more than 125 startups, equipping them with the capital, resources, and guidance necessary to thrive. Strategic business attraction GlobalSTL positions St. Louis as a center for international innovation. Our efforts attract cutting-edge companies and entrepreneurs from across the globe, bolstering the region's visibility and reputation. Cultivating an equitable workforce Our Talent and Workforce programs are dedicated to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring that the growth of companies is supported by talented individuals from all backgrounds. BioSTL is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded by charitable contributions and grants targeting the future of St. Louis. Learn more about us at BioSTL.org. Media Instructions B-roll and on-site interviews are available with Donn Rubin (BioSTL CEO), Vijay Chauhan (ReACH/BioSTL), and other coalition members, as schedules permit. Please contact Amy Gwin 314-397-8544, [email protected] Amy Gwin BioSTL 314-397-8544 [email protected] Source: BioSTL ELLICOTT CITY, Md., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntress, the Managed Security Platform for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and the Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that support them, today announced that Jordan Redd, the companys Vice President of Channel & Customer Account Management, was named to the prestigious 2024 CRN Channel Chiefs list by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company. With over 14 years of experience, Redd oversees Huntress channel ecosystem consisting of over 4,000 MSP partners who help protect SMBs and mid-market companies from emerging tradecraft. Before joining Huntress, Redd led the AT&T Cybersecurity and AlienVault global MSSP partner programs. The threat landscape is evolving and threat actors are finding innovative ways to prey on vulnerable SMBs. Our goal as a channel-first company is to be a powerful ally to our MSP partners, build community with them, and deliver top notch products that enable them to seamlessly protect their SMB and mid-market customers, said Redd. The Channel Chiefs list, released annually by CRN, showcases the top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers. These channel evangelists are dedicated to supporting solution providers and achieving growth by implementing robust partner programs and unique business strategies, said Jennifer Follett, VP, US Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. Their efforts are instrumental in helping partners bring essential solutions to market. The Channel Company is pleased to acknowledge these prominent channel leaders and looks forward to chronicling their achievements throughout the year. CRN's 2024 Channel Chiefs list will be featured in the February 2024 print issue of CRN Magazine and online. About HuntressHuntress is the leading cybersecurity partner for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and the managed service providers that support them. Combining the power of the Huntress Managed Security Platform with a fully staffed 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), Huntress provides the technology, services, education, and expertise needed to help SMBs overcome their cybersecurity challenges and protect critical business assets. By delivering a suite of purpose-built solutions that meet budget, security, and peace-of-mind requirements, Huntress is how SMBs defend against cyberattacks. Founded in 2015 by a group of former National Security Administration (NSA) operators, Huntress has more than doubled over the past couple of years to protect more than 2 million endpoints, supporting 4,300 partners and more than 115,000 organizations. The company recently closed a $60M series C led by Sapphire Ventures. For more information about Huntress, visit huntress.com or follow us on social media at @HuntressLabs on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 2024. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Huntress Media ContactValerie Baccei +1 (650) 400-7833[email protected] The Channel Company Contact: Natalie Lewis The Channel Company [email protected] Source: Huntress Labs NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), a leading specialist investment bank to the financial services and fintech sectors, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF), announced the hiring of several senior bankers in the areas of FinTech and Specialty Finance. Investment bankers Rahul Buxani, Shal Chowdhury, Matthew Schneider, and Ted Conway have joined KBW as Managing Directors in the firms FinTech & Financial Services Group. In addition, Paul McCaffery, a KBW veteran since 2002, has transitioned to the Group as well. The inclusion of these new hires brings the global count of KBWs FinTech and Financial Services platform to nearly 50 professionals, deepening the Groups core capabilities of mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and special committee advisory services. We are pleased to welcome Rahul, Shal, Matthew, and Ted to KBW, and excited to have Paul join our team, said Joseph Berry, Co-Head of Investment Banking and Co-Head of FinTech at KBW. The collective knowledge, industry backgrounds, and unique accomplishments of these individuals will strengthen our platform, and further cement the firm as a leader in the FinTech and broader financial services landscape. Rahul Buxani joins KBW after serving as a Managing Director and Head of Financial Technology & Climate Finance Investment Banking at Citizens JMP Securities. There, he was responsible for sourcing and closing M&A transactions, in addition to structuring equity and debt deals in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, servicing both large cap and growth companies. Earlier in his career, Mr. Buxani was a Managing Director at Oppenheimer & Co, leading FinTech coverage. He also held roles in investment banking at J.P. Morgan and EY Capital Advisors. Shal Chowdhury joins KBW from Wells Fargo, where he most recently served as a Managing Director and Head of FinTech Investment Banking. He brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services sector, having successfully sourced and executed transactions across various segments, including merchant acquiring, card networks, security solutions, bank software, earned wage access, and cross-border payments. Prior to Wells Fargo, he was a payments coverage banker in the Technology Investment Banking Group at Barclays. Matthew Schneider joins KBW after serving as a Director in Investment Banking at Financial Technology Partners (FT Partners), where he focused on deal execution across a variety of FinTech sub-sectors. Earlier in his career, Mr. Schneider was a Director in the Financial Institutions Investment Banking Group at Credit Suisse, covering FinTech and specialty finance companies. Mr. Schneider has more than 15 years of industry experience, including mergers and acquisitions, and raising debt and equity capital. Ted Conway joins KBW with a primary focus on the mortgage vertical of the firms FinTech & Financial Services Group. Prior to this, he served as a Managing Director at Moelis & Company. Mr. Conway began his career over 35 years ago in the Financial Institutions Group of Lehman Brothers and has served in a variety of different investment banking roles since, including debt capital markets, leveraged finance, and financials sponsors at Lehman Brothers and Barclays. A focus on financial services companies has been a constant element throughout Mr. Conways career, including the coverage of mortgage REITs, originators, servicers and other mortgage-related companies. In his new role in Investment Banking, Paul McCafferys responsibilities include strategic advisory for financial technology companies and leveraging his deep industry relationships to help in the origination and distribution of private and public capital markets offerings. His primary focus is on cryptocurrency, banktech, and other FinTech related businesses that incorporate AI in their business models. Mr. McCaffery has more than 20 years of experience in equities, previously leading KBWs Equity Sales effort and Head of Alternative Capital. Our team continues to grow, as the delivery of financial services has transformed through the emergence of FinTech, added Keith Meyers, Co-Head of FinTech and & Financial Services Investment Banking at KBW. According to McKinsey & Company data, 88% of US consumers use FinTech apps, and nearly two-thirds (65%) use digital banking. In addition, we expect FinTech companies to grow revenue three times faster than traditional banks will from 2023 through 2028. FinTech will unquestionably be a key driver of our business at KBW. With extensive advisory and capital raising experience in a range of transaction types across the FinTech and financial services industries, KBW brings unique and nuanced insight to our diversified client base. Our teams in North America and Europe work together closely to provide global reach for our clients. KBW InformationKBW LLC, a Stifel company, operates in the U.S. and Europe through its broker dealer subsidiaries, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (SNEL), also trading as Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Europe (KBW Europe). Over the years, KBW has established itself as a leading authority in the banking, insurance, brokerage, asset management, mortgage banking, FinTech and specialty finance sectors. Founded in 1962, the firm maintains industry-leading positions in the areas of research, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions as well as sales and trading in equities securities of financial services companies. Stifel Company InformationStifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifels broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Companys broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Companys website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases. Media Contacts:Neil Shapiro, +1-212 271-3447[email protected] Krisen LaBanca, +1-212-271-3739[email protected] Source: Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (KBW) EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust (the REIT - TSX: MR.UN) today announced that Mr. Larry Pollock and Ms. Carolyn Graham have resigned as a trustees of Melcor REIT. In accordance with the REITs declaration of trust, the resignations will be effective March 5, 2024 or such earlier date as the Board may determine. Ralph Young, Chairman of the Board of Melcor REIT commented, On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we thank Mr. Pollock and Ms. Graham for their valued contributions to the board. We wish both Mr. Pollock and Ms. Graham all the best in their future endeavors. The board is engaged in identifying and evaluating alternatives with respect to new board trustees and board composition and will continue to follow the requirements of the REITs declaration of trust. About Melcor REITMelcor REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. Melcor REIT owns, acquires, manages and leases quality retail, office and industrial income-generating properties in western Canada. Its portfolio is currently made up of interests in 38 properties representing approximately 3.1 million square feet of gross leasable area located across Alberta and in Regina, Saskatchewan and Kelowna, British Columbia. For more information, please visit www.melcorREIT.ca. Contact Information: Investor Relations Tel: 1-855-673-6931 [email protected] Source: Melcor Real Estate Investment Trust Drilling intersection includes 1.4 g/t gold over 109 meters, including 3.2 g/t gold over 18 metres TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lavras Gold Corp. (TSX-V:LGC, OTCQX:LGCFF) (Lavras or the Company) is pleased to release the results from nine (9) new drill holes testing the Butia Gold Deposit, located at the western edge of the LDS project in southern Brazil. Gold mineralization was intersected in all nine holes at the Butia Deposit, which hosts a NI43-101 compliant measured, indicated and inferred gold resource of approximately 0.5 million ounces. Several of these new holes were designed to increase the confidence in the Butia resource (converting the Inferred Resource into the Measured & Indicated categories) and others to potentially increase the gold endowment as explained below. These new results continue to move Lavras Gold toward its short-term corporate goal of defining an economically feasible gold resource on the LDS Project, focused on the Butia gold deposit and the adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold target. HIGHLIGHTS Drilling Hole 23BT016 returned: 154.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from surface and including: 109.00 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from surface, 29.0 metres grading 2.9 g/t gold from 25.0 metres, and 5.0 metres grading 4.7 g/t gold from 29.0 metres, 18.0 metres grading 3.2 g/t gold from 30.0 metres, and and including: 16.00 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 208.00 metres and including: 6.00 metres grading 2.1 g/t gold from 208.00 metres. Regional Exploration Program - Soil Survey Results Three significant gold-in-soils anomalies at the following targets: A 3.8 km by 3.2 km anomaly centered over the Matilde and Matilde Extension targets in the southern portion of the property, A 4.6 km by 4.8 km anomaly overlying historical gold workings including Galvao, Zeca Souza and Caneleira, along the western and central western portion of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex, A more scattered anomaly centred along the eastern flank of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and overlying volcanic rocks (roughly 4 km by 3.7 km) The new drilling results demonstrate the excellent near-surface gold grade and continuity of the Butia gold deposit. Results like these have the potential to materially enhance the economics of a near-surface bulk tonnage open-pit type of gold project, commented Lavras Gold President & CEO Michael Durose. We are also working to increase the gold endowment at Butia by relogging and selectively re-assaying the 78 historic drill holes (20,000 metres). The purpose of this initiative is to reinterpret historical results and standardize the geological interpretation and assay results of the data, consistent with new information and geological observations from the adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold discovery. In this way possible new extensions to known gold mineralization can be tested. The results from the regional geochemical (soil) surveys and airborne magnetic survey programs, combined with surface exploration work, will help us select and prioritize future drilling targets as we strive to unlock the full exploration potential of the LDS Property. An update of drilling results for the recently discovered Fazenda do Posto target is expected as soon as final assay results are received and the geological interpretation is completed. Drilling is on-going in this area. For additional information, CLICK HERE for comments on todays news from CEO Michael Durose. [* Footnote: Butia hosts an NI 43-101 compliant near-surface gold resource of about 500,000 ounces, as detailed in the NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for Butia Gold Prospect dated and effective January 25, 2022. The report was prepared by VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda. for Lavras Gold Corp. and is available on the Companys website and www.sedar.com under Lavras Golds issuer profile.] Discussion of Drill Results Butia Deposit Butia is the most advanced gold deposit on the LDS property consisting of approximately 0.5 million ounces of gold, located 150 metres east of the recent Fazenda do Posto gold discovery. The purpose of the current drilling program at Butia is to increase the geological confidence of the existing gold resource by converting a significant portion of inferred geological resources into the measured and indicated categories and to increase the gold endowment of the existing gold resource. Approximately 23.3% of the existing resource estimate is in the Inferred category and the remaining 76.7% in the measured and indicated categories. Since 2005, a total of 78 drill holes for 20,000 meters have been completed at the Butia gold deposit. An additional nine new drill holes totalling 2,500 metres bring the total number of holes drilled at Butia to 87 (22,500 metres of drilling). Drill hole lengths from the current program typically range from 160.0 metres to 360.0 metres and have been completed as part of a program of 16 drill holes planned for this area. Details of the locations of the new drill holes relative to existing resource categories can be found in the plan view in Figure 1. A cross-section facing west is shown in Figure 2. Table 1 summarizes assay results. Table 2 tabulates drill hole information including collar coordinates and drill hole depths. Drilling has defined the Butia gold mineralization over a northwest-southeast strike length of approximately 375 metres, a northeast-southwest strike length of 345 metres and from surface to a depth of 350 metres. The deposit is open to possible expansion in several directions. Generally, long continuous intervals of gold mineralization containing higher-grade subintervals were encountered. The host rocks are extensively hydrothermally altered, and gold is typically hosted in disseminated sulphide minerals (pyrite +- arsenian pyrite) within episyenite host rock or mineralized perthitic granite. Occasional visible gold has been observed associated with sulphide minerals (galena, pyrite) (See Figure 3). The mineralization is bulk tonnage in its nature. Drill hole 23BT016 was collared in the central portion of the Butia gold deposit slightly southwest of the measured portion of the gold resource (see Figure 1). The hole was drilled at an inclined angle of 60 degrees on an azimuth of 200 degrees. The purpose was to provide a scissor hole to 23BT012 and to test for gold grade continuity through this portion of the deposit. The hole was also designed to extend the measured category of the mineral resource to the southwest. A long interval of continuous bulk-tonnage disseminated gold mineralization was encountered from surface to a depth of 154.0 metres within mineralized episyenite as detailed below. Intersected 154.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from surface (0.0 metres) and including: 109.00 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from surface (0.0 metres) 29.0 metres grading 2.9 g/t gold from 25.0 metres, and 5.0 metres grading 4.7 g/t gold from 29.0 metres 18.0 metres grading 3.2 g/t gold from 30.0 metres, and (0.0 metres) and including: 16.00 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 208.00 metres and including: 6.00 metres grading 2.1 g/t gold from 208.00 metres Drillhole 23BT012 was collared in the southwest portion of the Butia gold deposit and drilled on an azimuth of 020 degrees at an inclined angle of 60 degrees (see Figure 1). The purpose was to better understand the nature and continuity of gold mineralization in this portion of the deposit. Continuous gold mineralization was encountered over long intervals in episyenite and mineralized perthitic granite. Higher-grade intervals have been observed within zones of episyenite hosting galena, pyrite and arsenian pyrite (see Figure 4). A summary of assay composites is as follows: 110.0 metres grading 0.7 g/t gold from 136.0 metres including: 5.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 142.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 2.7 g/t gold from 142.0 metres 20.0 metres grading 1.6 g/t gold from 154.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 4.2 g/t gold from 154.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 6.1 g/t gold from 163.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 2.8 g/t gold from 179.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 4.1 g/t gold from 191.0 metres Drillhole 23BT013 was positioned in the central portion of the Butia gold deposit, slightly south of the currently interpreted measured portion of the gold resource and drilled vertically (see Figure 1 & Figure 2). The purpose was to better understand the nature of the geology and mineralization in this portion of the deposit. A continuous bulk-tonnage and disseminated style of mineralization consisting mainly of disseminated pyrite +- arsenian pyrite within episyenite occurred from 119.0 metres over a length of 73.0 metres. This included several higher-grade subintervals as detailed below: 73.0 metres grading 0.7 g/t gold from 119.0 metres including: 35.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 136.0 metres 12.0 metres grading 1.6 g/t gold from 146.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 2.2 g/t gold from 146.0 metres Drillhole 23BT009 was collared along the southwest edge of the Butia mineralized footprint and drilled on an azimuth of 020 degrees and inclined 60 degrees (see Figure 1). The purpose was to test the southwestern extension of the deposit. Several long intervals of disseminated moderate grade gold mineralization were encountered and including multiple higher-grade subintervals as follows: 16.0 metres grading 0.6 g/t gold from 73.0 metres including: 7.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from 74.0 metres 65.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 121.0 metres and including: 18.2 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 141.0 metres and 8.0 metres grading 1.5 g/t gold from 141.0 metres, and 3.0 metres grading 2.1 g/t gold from 142.0 metres, and 4.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 168.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 208.0 metres 5.0 metres grading 1.5 g/t gold from 214.0 metres Regional Exploration Targeting Program The regional exploration potential on the property is significant as evidenced by recent results generated by the regional soil geochemistry and airborne drone magnetics surveys (see Figure 5 & Figure 6). There are at least 24 known significant gold and gold-copper showings scattered throughout the 22,000-hectare LDS property. Figure 5 highlights that at least three substantial gold-in-soil anomalies have recently been outlined by the regional soil survey program including: A 3.8 km east-west by 3.2 km north-south gold in soil anomaly centered over the Matilde and Matilde Extension targets in the southern portion of the property. A 4.6 km northeast-southwest by 4.8 km northwest-southeast gold-in-soil anomaly overlying historical gold workings along the central western portion of the property that covers several gold targets and showings including Butia, Galvao, Caneleira, Zeca Souza, Caneleira Norte and Paredao among others. A more scattered gold-in-soil anomaly centred along the eastern portion of the property area along the flank of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and overlying volcanic rocks measuring about 4 km in a north south direction, and up to 3.7 km in a southeast-northwest direction. Several gold and gold copper showings exist in this area including Dourada, Aurora, Cerro Rico and Mato Feio among others. The near-term priority is to develop new drilling targets using the regional soil and geophysics program as a guide to ground follow-up. Ground follow-up will include detailed geological mapping, sampling, trenching and selective augur drilling of favourable targets. The initial priority area will be in the region of the large gold in soil anomaly along the central western portion of the LDS property north of Fazenda do Posto and Butia. These extensive gold-in-soil anomalies, when superimposed on regional magnetics (See Figure 6), point to a complex structural setting where gold anomalies and historical workings appear to be centred on magnetic low structures. This is certainly the case at the Caneleira gold target, where a kilometer-scale east-west gold-bearing structure has been defined in previous drilling. The best historical drill hole intersection was 1.4 g/t gold over 36.1 metres approximately 70 metres down the drill core. These regional surveys, combined with surface exploration work, will inform the selection and priority order for future exploration drilling targets as the Lavras team strives to unlock the full exploration potential of the LDS Property. 2024 Exploration Program Overview & Objectives Lavras Golds short-term corporate objective is to define an economic gold resource on the LDS Project with a focus on the Butia gold deposit and adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold target. A 25,000-metre diamond drilling contract has been signed with GeoSol, a Brazilian drilling company. The current drilling program consists of two diamond drill rigs that are now on site and designed to test exploration targets continuously from now until the first half of 2025. This drilling program is in addition to the 20,000 metres of drilling completed by the company since it went public in April 2022, and the more than 60,000 metres of historical drilling on the property by previous operators. Approximately 10,000 metres of drilling have currently been budgeted to test Butia and Fazenda do Posto. Further drilling of these targets may happen as results warrant. Drilling of other exploration targets is anticipated in the second half of 2024 with the objective of discovering new economic gold deposits on the LDS property. Table 1. Summary of Drill Hole Composites from Butia Gold Deposit Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) 23BT005 0.00 37.00 37.00 0.74 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 4.00 23.00 19.00 1.17 Saprolite 97.00 99.00 2.00 0.32 Perthitic Granite 101.00 103.00 2.00 0.27 Perthitic Granite 23BT009 54.00 58.00 4.00 0.61 Episyenite 73.00 89.00 16.00 0.63 Episyenite including 74.00 81.00 7.00 1.14 Episyenite 121.00 186.00 65.00 0.51 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 141.00 159.16 18.16 0.99 Episyenite including 127.00 131.00 4.00 0.80 Episyenite including 141.00 149.00 8.00 1.49 Episyenite including 142.00 145.00 3.00 2.10 Episyenite including 168.00 172.00 4.00 1.29 Perthitic Granite including 177.00 178.00 1.00 0.76 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite including 182.00 186.00 4.00 0.65 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 208.00 220.00 12.00 0.89 Perthitic Granite including 208.00 210.00 2.00 1.22 Perthitic Granite including 214.00 219.00 5.00 1.50 Perthitic Granite 239.00 242.00 3.00 0.45 Perthitic Granite including 239.00 240.00 1.00 0.81 Perthitic Granite 23BT010 0.00 46.00 46.00 0.48 Episyenite Including 0.00 9.00 9.00 1.15 Episyenite Including 17.00 19.00 2.00 1.18 Episyenite 40.00 42.00 2.00 0.58 Perthitic Granite 45.00 46.00 1.00 0.81 Perthitic Granite 61.00 63.00 2.00 0.44 Perthitic Granite 68.00 73.00 5.00 0.30 Perthitic Granite 96.00 100.00 4.00 0.46 Perthitic Granite including 96.00 97.00 1.00 1.23 Perthitic Granite 110.00 111.00 1.00 0.51 Episyenite Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) 23BT011 12.00 22.00 10.00 0.76 Perthitic Granite including 13.00 15.00 2.00 2.64 Perthitic Granite 23BT012 67.00 74.00 7.00 0.51 Episyenite 136.00 246.00 110.00 0.71 Episyenite Including 142.00 147.00 5.00 1.27 Episyenite Including 142.00 144.00 2.00 2.68 Episyenite Including 154.00 174.00 20.00 1.59 Episyenite Including 154.00 157.00 3.00 4.20 Episyenite Including 163.00 166.00 3.00 6.06 Episyenite Including 179.00 182.00 3.00 2.77 Episyenite Including 191.00 193.00 2.00 4.08 Episyenite Including 205.00 206.00 1.00 0.90 Episyenite Including 218.00 220.69 2.69 1.12 Episyenite Including 227.00 229.00 2.00 0.83 Episyenite Including 231.50 233.51 2.01 0.80 Episyenite Including 240.18 242.02 1.84 1.27 Episyenite Including 243.30 244.00 0.70 1.11 Episyenite 253.53 255.37 1.84 1.59 Perthitic Granite 313.00 332.00 19.00 0.60 Perthitic Granite Including 325.00 327.00 2.00 1.73 Perthitic Granite Including 329.00 331.00 2.00 1.43 Perthitic Granite 23BT013 4.00 5.00 1.00 0.44 Perthitic granite 15.00 19.00 4.00 0.30 Perthitic granite 53.00 55.00 2.00 0.35 Perthitic granite 56.00 57.00 1.00 0.26 Perthitic granite 61.00 62.00 1.00 0.44 Perthitic granite 71.00 72.00 1.00 0.60 Perthitic granite 107.00 109.00 2.00 0.34 Perthitic granite 119.00 192.00 73.00 0.74 Episyenite including 136.00 171.00 35.00 1.18 Episyenite including 136.00 139.00 3.00 1.00 Episyenite including 146.00 158.00 12.00 1.54 Episyenite including 146.00 149.00 3.00 2.21 Episyenite 200.00 201.00 1.00 0.91 Episyenite 202.00 203.00 1.00 0.32 Episyenite 207.00 210.00 3.00 0.59 Episyenite Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) 215.00 217.00 2.00 0.34 Episyenite 218.00 221.00 3.00 1.88 Perthitic granite 225.00 228.00 3.00 0.46 Perthitic granite 231.00 233.00 2.00 0.40 Perthitic granite 236.00 237.00 1.00 0.25 Perthitic granite 245.00 246.00 1.00 0.25 Perthitic granite 248.00 249.00 1.00 0.34 Perthitic granite 257.00 258.00 1.00 0.35 Perthitic granite 23BT014 43.00 47.00 4.00 0.45 Perthitic granite 84.00 85.00 1.00 0.32 Perthitic granite 182.62 185.00 2.38 0.72 Perthitic granite 215.00 216.00 1.00 0.36 Perthitic granite 250.00 260.00 10.00 1.45 Episyenite, vg, gln 23BT015 161.33 162.45 1.12 0.27 Perthitic Granite 182.00 184.00 2.00 0.29 Perthitic Granite 242.00 243.00 1.00 0.24 Perthitic Granite 269.00 274.00 5.00 0.62 Perthitic Granite including 272.00 273.00 1.00 1.73 Perthitic Granite 23BT016 0.00 160.00 160.00 1.04 Episyenite including 0.00 109.00 109.00 1.36 Episyenite including 25.00 54.00 29.00 2.90 Episyenite including 29.00 34.00 5.00 4.65 Episyenite including 30.00 48.00 18.00 3.22 Episyenite 183.00 187.00 4.00 0.34 208.00 224.00 16.00 1.03 Episyenite including 208.00 214.00 6.00 2.06 Episyenite 256.00 257.00 1.00 0.25 Episyenite 263.00 264.00 1.00 0.29 Episyenite 266.00 267.00 1.00 0.28 Episyenite 270.00 287.00 17.00 0.43 Episyenite 292.00 293.00 1.00 0.28 Episyenite 316.00 323.00 7.00 0.35 Episyenite Assumes 0.25 g/t gold cut-off grade, no top cut. The Company has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. Intervals represent drill core interval; true widths have not been determined at this time. Table 2. Butia Drill Hole Coordinates Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth (Degrees) Dip (degrees) Start Depth (metres) Final Depth (metres) 23BT005 217986 6586491 374 020 -60 0 230.19 23BT009 218120 6586236 387 020 -60 0 252.95 23BT010 217988 6586484 377 200 -60 0 159.79 23BT011 218018 6586572 371 020 -60 0 200.55 23BT012 218043 6586241 399 020 -60 0 358.13 23BT013 218091 6586395 395 0 -90 0 317.87 23BT014 218001 6586253 403 020 -60 0 331.33 23BT015 218128 6586206 416 020 -60 0 294.37 23BT016 218153 6586455 384 200 -60 0 357.66 Figure 1. Plan View of 2023 Butia Drill Holes Relative to Resource Categories Figure 2. Cross Section of 2023 Butia Drill Holes (Looking West) Relative to Resource Categories Figures 3-5. Visible Gold (Red Circles) Associated with Pyrite and Galena Veinlets and Disseminations within Episyenite Host Rock at Butia Gold Deposit. This sample from drillhole 23BT014 spans the interval 245.0 m to 246.0 m and grades 8.4 g/t gold. Figure 4. Example of Gold Mineralized Episyenite Host Rock at Butia Gold Deposit Showing Disseminated Galena, Pyrite and Arsenian Pyrite. Dark Iron-Rich Chlorite and White Carbonate (Calcite) fills the Vuggy Areas. This sample from drillhole 23BT012 is from interval 163.0 m to 164.0 m and grades 7.3 g/t gold. Figure 5. Regional Soil Geochemistry Anomalies versus Geology of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and Known Mineral Showings Figure 6. Regional Drone Magnetics of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and Location of Known Mineral Showings About the LDS Project The LDS Project is centred on the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is approximately 320 kilometres, or a 4.5-hour drive, from the state capital of Porto Alegre. The Company, through its subsidiary, holds directly or indirectly, contractual interests over 29 mineral rights covering 22,000 hectares. The LDS intrusive complex is a multiphase intrusive centre that is surrounded by coeval volcanic rocks to the east. Geologically, LDS is in the far south of the Neoproterozoic Mantiqueira Province, a 2,700-kilometre-long belt of tectonically and magmatically accreted terrains that stretch as far south as the coastline of central Uruguay and north into southern Bahia State in Brazil. The most advanced targets are the Butia and Cerrito gold deposits, which have consolidated NI 43-101 resources of approximately 1 million ounces. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC, OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of a multi-million-ounce gold district in southern Brazil. Its Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans more than 22,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Michael Durose, President & CEO for Lavras Gold Corp., is the qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Lavras Gold Corp. Michael Durose President & CEO For further information, please visit the Lavras Gold Corp. website at www.lavrasgold.com, or contact: Michael Durose, President & CEO or Naomi Nemeth, VP Investor Relations Phone: +1-289-624-1343 or +1-289-624-1377 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lavrasgold.com X (Twitter): @LavrasGold Additional Technical Notes: Quality Assurance & Quality Control: For the Butia Gold Deposit, sample handling, preparation, and analysis are monitored through the implementation of formal chain-of-custody procedures and quality assurance/quality control programs designed to follow industry best practices. All drill hole samples in this drilling program consist of split NQ diamond drill core. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure facility located in Lavras do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Drill core samples for gold assay are cut in half using a diamond saw and submitted to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil for preparation by crushing to 85% passing 1.0 mm, riffle splitting to obtain 500 g aliquots, and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns. Pulps are shipped to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Lima, Peru and analyzed by a 50g fire assay and AAS finish. Three 50g aliquots are taken for samples in the mineralized zone and one aliquot is taken in fresh rocks. The average grade of the three aliquots is used to determine the final grade of the mineralized sample. Certified standards, non-certified blanks and field duplicates are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals, so that QA/QC accounted for about 10% of the total samples. Results are routinely evaluated for accuracy, precision, and contamination. Lavras Gold has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections that are lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. The Company maintains a robust QAQC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). Disclaimer: 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. Forward looking statements: 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 Companys further 2024 drill plans and future results at the LDS Project 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 Companys 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. Images accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23ac608c-3fae-4f99-b1ec-f5834443cd9c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f4dbd6d-f0fe-41a1-b708-f7d8b5949fba https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7385e4da-1086-4c5d-8921-e550ddfa671a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9e951520-3db2-4784-a951-92ef75ca68da https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a65240c-4f53-4e8c-8186-1a544ab79694 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93896c87-b014-4211-a64b-5bef0a6d467c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77786cdd-b975-43eb-9953-76ad8378e65b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ca71fe2-a751-484e-8727-3b16c96b0b1e RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE: MLM) (Martin Marietta or the Company) will host its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 earnings conference call on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Company will release results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023, that morning before the market opens. A live, listen-only webcast and supplemental information will be accessible on the Investors section of the Companys website at www.martinmarietta.com. The conference call may also be accessed by dialing +1 (206) 962-3782 and using conference ID 94062876. Please dial in at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure a timely connection to the call. An on-demand replay will be available on the Companys website approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will be available for one year. Martin Marietta, a member of the S&P 500 Index, is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials, including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and The Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the resources necessary for building the solid foundations on which our communities thrive. Martin Mariettas Magnesia Specialties business provides a full range of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and dolomitic lime products. For more information, visit www.martinmarietta.com or www.magnesiaspecialties.com. Investor Contact: Jacklyn RookerDirector, Investor Relations (919) 510-4736[email protected] MLM-E. Source: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. OTTAWA, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Media and the public are invited to learn about the current state of women's cardiovascular health in Canada and the actions that need to be taken to achieve equitable care in 2024. The Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre (CWHHC) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) and its national alliance of experts and advocates will present a livestream webinar on February 13 as part of scheduled programming planned for Wear Red Canada Day. Events held across the country will serve to remind Canadians especially Canadian women to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness. For a complete list of Wear Red Canada initiatives and programming, visit wearredcanada.ca. A must-see presentation for all Canadians Title: Lessons Learned and Recommendations to Ensure Equitable Care for Women with Cardiovascular Disease in Canada Date and time: Tuesday, February 13, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. EST. Event summary: The Canadian Womens Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA) ATLAS webinar will summarize the existing education and research on cardiovascular disease in Canadian women, knowledge gaps to guide future research; and recommend prioritizing women's heart health in research, leading to systemic changes in education and public health policies. This webinar will also highlight a person with lived experience with cardiovascular disease (Helen Robert) and the importance of engaging patient partners in research. Please register to attend the webinar on Zoom. Expert speakers: Dr. Kerri-Anne Mullen , PhD, MSc Acting Chair, Executive Steering Committee, CWHHADirector, Canadian Womens Heart Health Centre and Prevention and Wellness CentreDivision of Cardiac Prevention and RehabilitationUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute Ottawa, ON Acting Chair, Executive Steering Committee, CWHHADirector, Canadian Womens Heart Health Centre and Prevention and Wellness CentreDivision of Cardiac Prevention and RehabilitationUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute Helen Robert, B.Comm, CCP Patient Advocate Co-Chair, Knowledge Translation and Mobilization, CWHHAPerson with lived experience with cardiovascular disease Ottawa, ON Patient Advocate Co-Chair, Knowledge Translation and Mobilization, CWHHAPerson with lived experience with cardiovascular disease Dr. Christine Pacheco, MD, MSc, FRCPC Healthcare Professional Co-Chair, Knowledge Translation and Mobilization, CWHHACardiologist, Pierre-Boucher Hospital and University of Montreal Hospital CentreFaculty Member, Department of Medicine, University of MontrealClinical Investigator-Researcher, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de Universite de Montreal Montreal, QC Healthcare Professional Co-Chair, Knowledge Translation and Mobilization, CWHHACardiologist, Pierre-Boucher Hospital and University of Montreal Hospital CentreFaculty Member, Department of Medicine, University of MontrealClinical Investigator-Researcher, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de Universite de Montreal Dr. Colleen Norris, PhD, MSc, BScN, RN, FAHA, FCAHS Past Chair, Health Systems and Policy Working Group, CWHHAAssociate Dean of Research, Professor and Clinician Scientist, Faculties of Nursing, Medicine and Dentistry, and School of Public Health, University of AlbertaScientific Director, Cardiovascular Health and Stroke Strategic Clinical NetworkFellow, American Heart AssociationFellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Edmonton, AB Past Chair, Health Systems and Policy Working Group, CWHHAAssociate Dean of Research, Professor and Clinician Scientist, Faculties of Nursing, Medicine and Dentistry, and School of Public Health, University of AlbertaScientific Director, Cardiovascular Health and Stroke Strategic Clinical NetworkFellow, American Heart AssociationFellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Dr. Jill Bruneau, PhD, NP, CC(N)C Assistant ProfessorFaculty of NursingMemorial University of Newfoundland St. Johns, NFLD Assistant ProfessorFaculty of NursingMemorial University of Newfoundland Dr. Martha Gulati MD, MS, FACC, FAHA, FASPC, FESC President-ElectAmerican Society for Preventive Cardiology Los Angeles, CA, USA President-ElectAmerican Society for Preventive Cardiology Dr. Najah Adreak MD, MSc Trainee Representative, Executive Steering Committee, CWHHAClinical Researcher, Study Coordinator in Pediatric cCardiology, BC Childrens HospitalNational CAPSNet Data Registry Coordinator, Pediatric SurgeryUniversity of British Columbia (Vancouver Campus) Vancouver, BC Trainee Representative, Executive Steering Committee, CWHHAClinical Researcher, Study Coordinator in Pediatric cCardiology, BC Childrens HospitalNational CAPSNet Data Registry Coordinator, Pediatric SurgeryUniversity of British Columbia (Vancouver Campus) Dr. Sharon Mulvagh, MD, FRCPC, FACC, FAHA, FASE Past Chair, Knowledge Translation and Mobilization Working Group, CWHHACo-Director, Womens Heart Health Clinic, QEII Health Sciences CentreProfessor of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Professor Emeritus, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, USA Past Chair, Knowledge Translation and Mobilization Working Group, CWHHACo-Director, Womens Heart Health Clinic, QEII Health Sciences CentreProfessor of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Professor Emeritus, Mayo Clinic Dr. Tracey Colella, RN, PhD Clinician Scientist, KITE | Toronto Rehab | University Health Network, Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation ProgramAssociate Professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto Toronto, ON Clinician Scientist, KITE | Toronto Rehab | University Health Network, Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation ProgramAssociate Professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto Kiera Liblik, Bsc (Hons)Clinical Trainee Queen's University School of MedicineMaster's Student, Translational Medicine Program Queen's University Kingston, ON Quotes Women's heart health in Canada remains a pressing concern due to inadequate levels of awareness, diagnosis, treatment, research, and support. Significant effort is needed to address these disparities and to ensure equitable care for all women and men, said Dr. Kerri-Anne Mullen , a scientist and director of the Canadian Womens Heart Health Centre at the UOHI, and acting chair of the CWHHA executive steering committee. , a scientist and director of the Canadian Womens Heart Health Centre at the UOHI, and acting chair of the CWHHA executive steering committee. As women, we must understand our risks, recognize symptoms, and advocate for better care. It is crucial for us to listen to our bodies and to educate ourselves, and for healthcare providers to recognize our differences and respond accordingly with gender-specific care, said Helen Robert, a heart attack survivor and patient advocate co-chair of the Knowledge Translation and Mobilization Group with the CWHHA. Together, there is a lot we can all do to help reduce the risk. Heart disease is largely preventable. Media opportunities To request an interview with a spokesperson from the Canadian Womens Heart Health Centre at the UOHI and the Canadian Womens Heart Health Alliance, please contact the liaison below. Media contact Leigh B. MorrisCommunications OfficerUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute613-316-6409 (cell)[email protected] Source: University of Ottawa Heart Institute NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Optimove, the leading CRM marketing solution for the iGaming sector, announced today that it has been chosen by 888AFRICA to accelerate its continued rapid growth in the African continent by enhancing player engagement and retention. Founded in 2022, 888AFRICA is a world-class betting and gaming joint venture part-owned by 888 Holdings plc which operates the 888bet or 888bets brand in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Mozambique, plus BetLion in Zambia. The company plans to expand across Africas regulated online betting and gaming markets. The African gambling market is forecast to reach $6.7 billion by 2030. 888AFRICA will gain several vital capabilities from Optimove's CRM Marketing solution: In-depth customer insights: access unified player data to create as many creative player segments as they desire without relying on other teams. access unified player data to create as many creative player segments as they desire without relying on other teams. Smart Orchestration: 888AFRICA is freed from manually mapping every customer journey by combining AI with business rules for smart multichannel orchestration. 888AFRICA is freed from manually mapping every customer journey by combining AI with business rules for smart multichannel orchestration. Enhanced marketing attribution: 888AFRICA can measure the incremental impact of each message along the player journey, enabling true multi-touch marketing attribution. 888AFRICA can measure the incremental impact of each message along the player journey, enabling true multi-touch marketing attribution. Personalization at Scale: 888AFRICA is empowered to personalize each marketing message's audience, channel, and content levels with seamless and scalable tools. We are honored to have been selected as the CRM marketing partner for 888AFRICA, and we look forward to supporting their foresight and strategic approach in seizing market opportunities, said Peter Miles, Director of Sales at Optimove. "The 888AFRICA team truly understands the power of loyalty and personalization in every marketing action, particularly in such a competitive landscape. We are committed to ensuring that our tools and capabilities become invaluable assets as we join their team in bringing their vision to life. Our collaboration with Optimove marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of accelerating growth and elevating player retention in the competitive iGaming landscape, said Christopher Coyne, CEO of 888AFRICA. As we implement Optimove's industry-leading CRM Marketing solution, we are confident in the capabilities it brings to the table. Optimove's expertise in providing in-depth customer insights, smart orchestration, enhanced marketing attribution, and personalization at scale aligns seamlessly with our strategic objectives. This partnership reflects our dedication to delivering unparalleled gaming experiences and achieving our ambitious expansion plans across Africa's regulated online betting and gaming markets. Optimove exhibits at ICE 2024 in London on February 6-8, Booth N5-110. About 888AFRICA Founded in 2022, 888AFRICA licenses the world-class betting and gaming brands of 888 Holdings with an ambitious strategy to expand across Africas regulated online betting and gaming markets. Its consumer brand, 888bet, is currently available for players in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia and offers a unique betting and gaming experience for local players. Operated via a third-party technology platform, 888bet combines 888s innovative and exciting brand with locally relevant products, features, and content, and is available in Swahili, English and Portuguese. The business is led by Christopher Coyne, former CEO of GOAT Interactive and former CMO of The Stars Group and supported by a team of highly respected industry leaders. This includes Andrew Lee, former MD Sportsbook of The Stars Group and current Chairman of Voxbet; Alex Rutherford, former Chief Product Officer at Editec Online; Ian Marmion, former Sportsbook Trading Director at The Stars Group; and Helen Scott-Allen, former CFO of Premier Bet. 888 Holdings has a minority stake in 888AFRICA, with the option to increase this to take control and ultimately own up to 100% of the venture in the future. Find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/888africa About Optimove Optimove is the first Customer-Led Marketing Platform. Its solutions ensure that marketing always starts with the customer instead of a campaign or product. Customer-led marketing has been proven to deliver brands an average increase of 33% in customer lifetime value. It is the only customer-led marketing platform powered by the combination of 1) rich historical, real-time, and predictive customer data, 2) AI-led multichannel journey orchestration, and 3) statistically credible multitouch attribution of every marketing action. In Gartner's 2023 Magic Quadrant for Multichannel Marketing Hubs, Optimove was positioned the highest in execution and furthest in vision among Challengers. In Gartner's companion report and ranked #1 by Gartner for Multichannel Marketing Journey Orchestration. Optimove provides industry-specific and use-case solutions for hundreds of leading brands including bet365, Betfred, BetMGM, Entain, Sisal, Pennsylvania Lottery and others across the gaming sector. For more information go to Optimove.com. Guy Leshno Optimove +447716089172 [email protected] Source: Optimove tatyana_tomsickova / iStock.com Babies are lovable little bundles of new life, but they are also expensive. Caring for them does not come cheaply, and the necessities can easily threaten to break your budget if you dont shop carefully for them. See: 10 Best New Items Coming to Costco This Winter Learn: How to Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy Fortunately, Costco has great deals on common baby items you will need on a regular basis. While you cant slow down your babies growth, or limit their needs, you can get the best deals on many of the things you need without worrying too much. Here are five baby items you should be buying at Costco. Your bank account will thank you. @Costco Diapers Costco is known for being a great place to buy diapers, according to Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com. She said youll typically find multiple sizes and several brands of diapers at Costco such as the standard Kirkland Signature as well as brands like Huggies. Selection can vary based on your location but prices will likely beat shopping anywhere else no matter what brand you choose, she said. Kirkland Signature diapers come in sizes 1-2 as well as 3-6 and work out to around 18 cents or 20 cents per diaper depending on which size and how many diapers are contained in the box. Note that you may be restricted to purchasing limits too when I checked both sizes of Kirkland Signature diapers were limited to two boxes per member, so dont anticipate being able to fully stock up. Still, theyre a great value and youll still save over shopping elsewhere, she said. If you opt for name-brand diapers, then the price per diaper may be slightly higher, 24 to 27 cents per diaper, but thats still better than what youll find elsewhere. Read: Costco Will Give You Free Groceries in Exchange for Old Electronics; Heres How To Take Advantage Check Out: 11 Best New Items at Sams Club in 2024 Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Story continues @Costco / iStock.com Pull-Ups For babies who are becoming toddlers and in that stage in between diapers and full potty training, Ramhold said its worth seeing if you can snag pull-ups training pants at Costco. Currently theyre available in sizes 2T-3T and cost around $41.99 online for a box of 128. That works out to roughly 33 cents per training pant, but you also may be able to pick them up cheaper in-store depending on your local warehouse club. If you try to buy them elsewhere youll find smaller packages and higher prices, she said, around 38 to 43 cents per pant, so if you can get them at Costco, itll likely have the best price. The problem will be if you need a different size my initial search showed 4T-5T available as well, but when the actual product page was just more of the smaller size. Discover: 7 Best New Dollar Tree Items That Are Worth Every Penny @Costco / iStock.com Diaper Cream If youve got a rash-prone baby or toddler, you might want to keep some diaper cream on hand. Costco may just be your best bet for saving on this surprisingly pricey product, Ramhold said. Currently, Costco offers a three-pack of Desitin maximum strength for around $21.99. Each tube is 4.8 ounces and that works out to about $7.33 per tube, she said. Shopping the same product elsewhere, a 4-ounce tube goes for $7.99 if not more. She did say that she technically found a better deal at Target for a tub of Desitin maximum strength 16 ounces for $20.99 so you are getting slightly more product for $1 less at Target, but its also in a tub, which is not everyones favorite way to handle messy, sticky diaper cream. So depending on how you prefer to dispense it, the $1 extra and slightly less amount may make Costco more worth it. @Costco / iStock.com Baby Wipes There are usually a few different options for baby wipes at Costco, Ramhold said, with most current being Kirkland Signature fragrance-free, Kirkland Signature fresh spring scent and RICO wipes. The Kirkland Signature boxes both contain 900 wipes divided among nine 100-count soft packs for $21.99, which works out to 3 cents per wipe, she explained. The RICO wipes have 720 wipes total split among nine 80-count soft packs for $22.99, which also works out to 3 cents per wipe. At that price, its really just about personal preference here the fragrance-free Kirkland wipes are noted as being hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, and accepted by the National Eczema Association, while the scented ones are noted as being hypoallergenic and made with ultra-soft plant-based fibers. The RICO wipes are noted as fragrance-free and ultra-moisturizing, so it may be the best of all picks. @Costco / iStock.com Diaper Genie Refills If youre using a Diaper Genie in your nursery, inevitably youll need refills for it. Ramhold shared that Costco has a package that includes four 270-count refills, plus two carbon filters for $19.99. So its an easy way to stock up without spending a fortune, as long as youre OK with the clean laundry scent this product is available in. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Diapers and 4 Other Baby Items You Should Be Buying at Costco CHORLEY, United Kingdom and BOSTON, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perspective Financial Group Ltd (Perspective or the Group) is delighted to welcome a new lead private equity investor, Charlesbank Capital Partners (Charlesbank), who will succeed its current private equity investor, CBPE Capital LLP (CBPE). Charlesbank is a US-based firm in Boston that originally oversaw private equity investments inside the Harvard University endowment and became independent in 1998. The management team will remain significant shareholders alongside Charlesbank. Founded in 2008, Perspective is a leading independent financial adviser (IFA) firm with 8.0 billion in Assets Under Advice. The Group provides comprehensive financial planning, as well as investment management services through its Cambridge affiliate. The Group is led by a management board including CEO Ian Wilkinson, CFO David Hesketh, and CRO Julie Hepworth, who have decades of wealth management experience and work alongside approximately 500 employees, 140 of whom are financial advisers operating out of the Groups 40 offices across the United Kingdom. Perspective has completed over 80 acquisitions since its 2008 launch, including over 45 since CBPE invested in 2019, all of which have been fully integrated into the Group. This level of integration ensures consistently high standards of advice and compliance whilst enabling all acquisitions to benefit from the significant investments that have been made in central support functions and technology. Ian Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Perspective, said: This new investment from Charlesbank reflects and indeed enhances our position as the UKs premier client-centric financial planning firm. It is fantastic news, as our new partners will help us facilitate greater scale, enabling us to deliver even better value for money to clients and even greater opportunities to our people. Our exceptional, deeply embedded client-centric culture and whole-of-market approach are both central to our success. CBPE understood this from the outset and clearly Charlesbank shares our vision too. As a standout firm in the sector, we had our choice of partners for the next phase of our development and considered numerous potential investors before making our decision. Charlesbanks excellent track record of partnering with similar businesses and providing strategic resources and financial support will enable us to further accelerate the pace and scale of our growth journey. Our vision will see our footprint expand to over 100 offices and at least 1,500 staff, making us one of the largest whole-of-market IFAs in the UK. There will be no changes to the way in which our clients are serviced or charged as result of this transaction, and we firmly believe that our greater scale and resources will result in both an overall reduction in the TERs paid by our clients and an enhanced client experience. David Katz, Managing Director at Charlesbank, said: We have been thoroughly impressed by Perspectives client-first ethos, which has established Perspective as a leading provider of impartial, high-quality financial advice in the UK. Complementing the Groups ethical, client-centric culture, their differentiated centralized services and technology have made Perspective a terrific home for advisers and the IFA acquirer of choice, as evidenced by the numerous acquisitions they have successfully completed to date. We feel extremely privileged to partner with Ian and the talented Perspective management team. We look forward to working with them to continue to grow the Group and cement Perspective as the UKs premier independent provider of financial planning and investment management services. Richard Thompson, Partner at CBPE, said: We have had the pleasure of working in a highly collaborative partnership, with a fantastic management team, at Perspective. We have seen the business develop and grow significantly, whilst maintaining its focus on regulatory best practice and always doing the right thing by its clients. We take immense pride in what we have achieved together and the quality of Perspective as a platform for further growth in the UK wealth management market. The terms of the transaction remain confidential. The investment is subject to Financial Conduct Authority Change in Control approval. Professional Advisers: For Sellers: Houlihan Lokey (Corporate Finance), Mayer Brown (Legal), Deloitte (financial, operational and tax diligence), LEK (commercial diligence), Thistle Initiatives (regulatory diligence) and Crosslake (IT). For Management: Liberty (Corporate Finance) and Squire Patton Boggs (Legal). For Charlesbank: Fenchurch Advisory Partners (Corporate Finance), Kirkland & Ellis (Legal), KPMG (financial and tax diligence), Oliver Wyman (commercial diligence), and West Monroe Partners (IT). For further information please contact:Ian Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Tel: 0161 244 9759 or Email: [email protected] David Hesketh, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: 0161 244 9759 or Email [email protected]Charles Penn, Group Head of Marketing, Tel: 07799 821904 or Email: [email protected] Visit www.pfgl.co.uk or connect on social media LinkedIn and X. Our Purpose: We provide expert, specialised financial planning and wealth management advice that enables our clients to make full and effective use of their financial resources, so they can plan for and achieve the future they desire. Our Vision: To build a sustainable and socially responsible business that is trusted by our staff and clients, never detracting from our core value that our clients come first in everything we do. Our Six Values which help shape Perspective into the firm it is today: We are Client-centric We will Do the Right Thing We always Deliver We become a Trusted Member of the Family We continually Set Standards of Excellence We believe in Teamwork About Charlesbank Capital Partners:Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private investment firm with more than $17 billion of capital raised since inception. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, as well as opportunistic credit and technology investments. The firm seeks to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. Please visit www.charlesbank.com for more information. Charlesbank Media Contacts:Ryan FitzGibbon / Dan Ivers / Peter GavarisProsek Partners[email protected] Source: Charlesbank Capital Partners LLC VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting expansion drilling results from the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. These results are from 2023 drilling at the Z-T Area and are not included in the Companys May 2, 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). Expansion Drilling Highlights in the Z-T Area The Company is reporting 21 core holes at Tahonitas with the following highlights: 3.59 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (3.54 gpt Au and 4.1 gpt Ag) over 6.6 m estimated true width (etw) in hole 23TA-85, including: 6.21 gpt AuEq (6.17 gpt Au and 2.9 gpt Ag) over 1.4 m etw, and including, 12.35 gpt AuEq (12.10 gpt Au and 19.1 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw. 2.09 gpt AuEq (1.26 gpt Au and 63.9 gpt Ag) over 11.6 m etw in hole 23TA-90, including: 3.83 gpt AuEq (2.61 gpt Au and 94.5 gpt Ag) over 2.2 m etw. 3.74 gpt AuEq (0.99 gpt Au and 212.5 gpt Ag) over 5.7 m etw in hole 23TA-100, including: 10.94 gpt AuEq (2.97 gpt Au and 616.0 gpt Ag) over 1.3 m etw. 2.33 gpt AuEq (0.83 gpt Au and 115.9 gpt Ag) over 7.1 m etw in hole 23TA-91, including: 8.14 gpt AuEq (2.85 gpt Au and 409.0 gpt Ag) over 0.9 m etw. 2.21 gpt AuEq (0.69 gpt Au and 117.8 gpt Ag) over 5.0 m etw in hole 23TA-94. 6.39 gpt AuEq (4.51 gpt Au and 145.3 gpt Ag) over 1.2 m etw in hole 23TA-99. Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Scott Hicks commented, Drilling at the Z-T Area has discovered a new high-grade mineralized zone of over 350m, along strike to the southeast of the Tahonitas resource pit and has also extended two separate high-grade plunges in this area by an additional 70 to 80m down-dip. Mineralization here now continues 300m down-dip from the May 2023 resource pits. We are excited to see the potential of this expansion target evolve. Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration, added, Todays release reflects the potential for continued discovery of high-grade mineralization at Tahonitas. Additional access for drilling will enable us to further test the high potential of Z-T's open strike to the southeast. Ongoing drilling at Z-T aims to extend the high-grade shoots that remain open at depth, as well as following up on the newly discovered mineralization along strike. Figure 1: Expansion drilling update Tahonitas Drill Hole Highlights1 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW (m)2 Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 Au Cut-off4 23TA-85 384.10 391.30 7.2 6.6 3.54 4.1 3.59 0.2 including 385.50 388.80 3.3 3.0 3.61 2.0 3.64 1.0 including 385.50 387.00 1.5 1.4 6.17 2.9 6.21 1.0 & including 390.25 391.30 1.1 1.0 12.10 19.1 12.35 1.0 23TA-90 334.50 346.50 12.0 11.6 1.26 63.9 2.09 0.2 including 335.90 336.80 0.9 0.9 4.45 82.7 5.52 1.0 including 337.65 339.90 2.3 2.2 2.61 94.5 3.83 1.0 including 343.50 345.00 1.5 1.5 1.32 69.6 2.22 1.0 23TA-91 180.05 182.55 2.5 2.5 0.94 57.0 1.68 0.2 including 181.30 182.55 1.3 1.3 1.21 113.9 2.68 1.0 23TA-91 190.55 197.75 7.2 7.1 0.83 115.9 2.33 0.2 including 192.00 192.85 0.9 0.9 2.85 409.0 8.14 1.0 & including 195.10 196.95 1.9 1.8 1.09 68.6 1.98 1.0 23TA-94 169.90 175.35 5.5 5.0 0.69 117.8 2.21 0.2 including 169.90 170.80 0.9 0.8 1.56 303.0 5.48 1.0 23TA-99 333.00 334.20 1.2 1.2 4.51 145.3 6.39 0.2 23TA-100 253.35 259.90 6.6 5.7 0.99 212.5 3.74 0.2 including 256.50 258.00 1.5 1.3 2.97 616.0 10.94 1.0 1) A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the Company's website. 2) Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. 3) Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars). 4) Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using an Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. INTERPRETATION The Tahonitas drill holes summarized in this news release intersected high grades at meaningful widths, continuing to build on the mineralized envelope discussed in the Companys September 12, 2023 and November 8, 2023 news releases. As Tahonitas continues to demonstrate higher silver grades compared to other zones within the Z-T area, these higher silver grades have the potential to increase the overall AuEq grades and gold-silver ounces in these areas. In this release, 23TA-85 is located 85m down dip of 23TA-71, extending the previously defined high grade shoot approximately 300m down-dip from the current resource pit bottom at a mid-intercept elevation of approximately 250m above sea level. An additional high grade shoot to the southeast has been extended by 23TA-90 located 75m down dip of 23TA-79 and 240m down-dip from the resource pit bottom at an elevation of approximately 260m above sea level. This southeastern shoot now has a modelled dip length of high-grade mineralization spanning 575m and remains open. The shallow intersections, comprised of 23TA-89, 91 94 and 97, along with 100, extend Z-T mineralization to the south-east well beyond the current pit, with the following implications: Shallow early-stage intersections that may support pit expansion to the SE near surface. Demonstrates that the Tahonitas structure continues to be mineralized for 350m along strike from the south-east pit crest. The potential to discover more high-grade plunges as we continue to drill at depth within the new southeast strike extension. High-grade plunging shoots are still open at depth and along strike in multiple areas along the Z-T area as Prime targets expansion drilling at Z-T in 2024. Figure 2: Z-T Area drilling update Figure 3: Z-T Area long section with drill holes highlighted (A-A) Figure 4: Z-T Area (Tahonitas) cross section B-B Prime is targeting 40,000 metres in its 2024 drill program and will continue to evaluate drilling plans using its success-based approach. This evaluation will also include prioritization of targets based on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential. Six drill rigs are currently active on site at Los Reyes, with 2024 exploration focused on: Extending the high-grade Z-T Area shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike, both north and south. Expanding the known high-grade mineralization at Guadalupe East . . Increasing the Central Area resource through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. through additions at Noche Buena and its connection to San Miguel East. Generative target drilling of high-grade intercepts at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo, Mina and others to further develop the resource potential at Los Reyes. Link 1 PDF FiguresLink 2 PDF Drill Hole Tables Note 1: Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of US$1,700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached. QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into 2 halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored. Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole. Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns. Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements. Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21. Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories. Additional Notes Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using an Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo. About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately CAD$48 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 168,000 metres of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see the May 2, 2023 press release for more details). May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies. Qualified Person Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Prime Mining Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development. For further information, please visit https://primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to: Scott HicksCEO & Director Indi GopinathanVP Capital Markets & Business Development Prime Mining Corp.710 1030 West Georgia St.Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada+1(604) 428-6128[email protected] Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource EstimatesThis news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines, May 2014 (the CIM Standards). The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Forward Looking InformationThis news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances 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 involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated August 21, 2023, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67c723e9-932b-4d1c-b911-75a3fef87b71 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1912e4e-e7e7-4401-8eee-3b3b4d371f1e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84578ed1-0226-463a-bcad-caabd762502c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b355343-e4ab-45bb-bd2b-bb19e67b646d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a733d00b-9b58-4297-a63c-246d1da2a1fb Figure 1 Los Reyes Drill Program Progress_Feb 2024 Figure 1 Los Reyes Drill Program Progress_Feb 2024 Figure 2 Z-T Drill Program Progress_Feb 2024 Figure 2 Z-T Drill Program Progress_Feb 2024 Figure 3 Z-T Long Section_Feb 2024 Figure 3 Z-T Long Section_Feb 2024 Figure 4 Z-T Cross Section TA-4325N 23TA-90 Figure 4 Z-T Cross Section TA-4325N 23TA-90 May 2, 2023 Los Reyes Resource May 2, 2023 Los Reyes Resource Source: Prime Mining Corp. IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stukent, a leading innovator in business education technology, today announced the appointment of Jim Holm as its new Chief Executive Officer. With more than 20 years of experience in scaling education and technology companies, Mr. Holm is poised to accelerate Stukents growth and impact in the years ahead. Stukent is a portfolio company of Tritium Partners. Founded by marketing professor and entrepreneur Stuart Draper, Stukent has revolutionized business education over the past decade. Its award-winning courseware and immersive Simternships simulations that mimic real-world business environments equip students with relevant skills for career success. Stukent has already helped over a million students worldwide prepare for the modern workforce. Mr. Draper will remain an integral part of Stukent as a courseware author and board member. "Stukent has played a key role in shaping the future of business education," he said. "We've helped educators prepare students for the world they'll face, and Jim is the perfect leader to take us to the next level. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to the company's values and mission, and I'm thrilled to welcome him as our new CEO." Mr. Holm is a seasoned executive who has spent more than two decades scaling education and technology companies. Previously, he was CEO at Examity and General Manager at Certiport, both educational technology-enabled assessment and certification companies, and he has served on the board of directors for multiple companies in the education and technology space. "Joining Stukent and contributing to its mission to 'help educators help students help the world' is incredibly inspiring," said Mr. Holm. "I'm eager to collaborate with this talented team and to build upon Stukent's success. We will continue to disrupt the business education space through innovative, hands-on learning experiences." To learn more about Stukent and its mission, visit www.stukent.com. For media inquiries, please contact:Scott CarrVP of Brand Marketing[email protected] LambertJoanne Lessner, 212-222-7436, [email protected]Caroline Luz, 203-570-6462, [email protected] About Stukent Stukent is reimagining effective education, bridging the gap between academia and dynamic, fast-moving industries. Stukent provides innovative first-in-the-world Simternships for the business, marketing, and communication industries. These simulations and courseware are used by over 6,500 institutions of secondary and primary education across 80 countries. Stukent was founded in 2014 by Stuart Draper with a mission to help educators help students help the world. Stukent is headquartered in Idaho Falls, ID. To learn more, visit www.stukent.com About Tritium Partners Founded in 2013, Tritium Partners is a private equity firm focused on technology and services companies with exceptional growth potential. With nearly $1.5 billion of committed capital raised, Tritium actively partners with talented founders and executives to strive to build market-leading companies through high-growth strategies, while maintaining capital efficiency. Tritium's approach emphasizes creating long-term value through both strategic growth initiatives and acquisitions, with specialized expertise in internet marketplaces, supply chain and logistics, fintech and financial services, software, data and analytics, and tech-enabled business services companies. For more information, please visit www.tritiumpartners.com. Source: Tritium Partners The Musicians Line of Live Rosin and Full Gram Vapes are Now Available in California LOS ANGELES, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TILT Holdings Inc. (TILT or the Company) (CBOE: TILT ) (OTCQB: TLLTF ), a global provider of cannabis business solutions and parent company of Jupiter Research , the premier source for performance-driven wholesale cartridges, power supplies and all-in-ones vaporizers, today announced a hardware partnership with Travis Barkers new cannabis company, Barker Canna Co . Barker Canna Co. is a vegan, cruelty-free cannabis brand created by renowned musician Travis Barker. Now available at The Syndicate and other select dispensaries throughout California, the brand has plans to expand into additional legalized states this year. Included in the product lineup are live rosin and full-gram rechargeable all-in-one vaporizers featuring unique flavor and strain combinations, each perfectly paired with premium, all-natural cannabis oil. Jupiters established reputation as an innovative, trusted supplier of inhalation products made this partnership with Barker Canna Co. a natural fit, said Tim Conder, CEO of TILT. From concept to launch, we worked closely with the brands team to navigate the hardware selection process and co-create a customized, premium line that can be enjoyed right out of the box. Jupiter Research knows vaporization hardware inside and out, and their expertise was invaluable throughout the product development process said Ash Patel, Co-Founder of Barker Canna Co. Together we designed a sleek and easy-to-use device that bridges the gap between quality and affordability. To stay up-to-date on the brand, follow TILT and Jupiter on Instagram at @ tiltholdings @ jupiterresearch or visit BarkerCannaCo.com . About Barker Canna Co. Welcome to Barker Canna Co., where we celebrate the synergy between clean, high-quality cannabis goods and the vibrant cannabis culture. Founded by Travis Barker, an iconic musician who understands the impact of a hectic lifestyle on health, we've curated a range of products that reflect our commitment to providing top-notch care for your cannabis experience. Inspired by Travis's appreciation for cannabis and his dedication to fostering a creative spirit, Barker Canna Co. is more than just a brand it's a journey that sparks inspiration and self-expression. Our collection aims to elevate your cannabis experience by offering a unique range of vegan edibles, infused pre-rolls, and all-in-one vapes. Join us on a journey where every product is crafted with love, contributing to your optimal self and enhancing your creative exploration through the world of cannabis. For more information, visit BarkerCannaCo.com . About Jupiter Jupiter Research is the premier provider of performance-driven wholesale vaporizer cartridges, power supplies, all-in-ones, and more, dedicated to pioneering performance-driven, high-quality vaporizers tailored for high viscosity extracts. About TILT TILT helps cannabis businesses build brands. Through a portfolio of companies providing technology, hardware, cultivation and production, TILT services brands and cannabis retailers across 40 states in the U.S., as well as Canada, Israel, South America and the European Union. TILTs core businesses include Jupiter Research LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary and leader in the vaporization segment focused on hardware design, research, development and manufacturing; and cannabis operations, Commonwealth Alternative Care, Inc. in Massachusetts, Standard Farms LLC in Pennsylvania, and Standard Farms Ohio, LLC in Ohio. TILT is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.tiltholdings.com . Company Contact: Lynn Ricci, VP of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications TILT Holdings Inc. [email protected] Media Contact: Madison Mullis Trailblaze [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9008c8de-5cdb-4fd6-bdd4-9a80b8e4444a Washington, D.C., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCFs (United Negro College Fund) National Alumni Council Leadership Conference, is hosting an exciting three-day conference on Feb. 22-25 in Jacksonville, FL, to connect more than 300 students, alumni and UNCF-member institutions for life and career learning experiences. The National Alumni Council Leadership Conference is being held in conjunction with the anniversary celebrations of the 77th National Alumni Council (NAC) and the 65th National Pre-alumni Council and will provide networking, motivational and educational opportunities for alumni, pre-alumni, UNCF staff, UNCF-member institutions and current and potential supporters of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This is the 80th anniversary of UNCF so it is a special time for the National Alumni Council Leadership Conference. As the nations leading private provider of scholarships for minority students and the guiding light in propelling our nations HBCUs and their students forward, UNCF remains committed to connecting students, faculty, leaders in the HBCU community, with funding experts, sponsors and alumni to help them navigate their futures, said Michael J. Cleveland, president, National Alumni Council, UNCF, and alumnus of UNCF-member HBCU Tougaloo College. There is no better opportunity to get acquainted with key decision makers and engage students who are on the path forward to leadership. This conference offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to education now and in the future, said Cleveland. This powerful three-day leadership conference provides interactive and energizing workshops for alumni to learn why it is so important to give back and support their institutions. Industry speakers explore the best and most promising practices relevant to students, alumni and UNCF-member HBCUs and how to achieve success in todays economy. Sponsors of the 2024 leadership conference are Bloomberg LP, American Express, The Coca Cola Company, Paul Mitchell Schools, the Walton Family Foundation, FedEx, Toyota and Alix Partners. The NAC is also partnering with UNCFs Empower Me Tour program, created by founding sponsor Wells Fargo to offer college students and recent alumni an opportunity to engage with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies through career fairs and interactive workshops on various topics, including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, interviewing skills, securing internships and job opportunities. Highlights of the three-day conference include the UNCF Legacy Gala, Miss National UNCF Coronation, and an alumni summit luncheon. To learn more and register to attend the conference, visit UNCF.org/NAC2024. The NAC is a UNCF-sponsored, direct service organization of HBCU graduates, current students of the 37 member HBCUs supported by UNCF, and individuals and institutions who support the advancement of Black higher education. It was founded in 1946 by Fisk University alumnus James E. Stamps. Its mission is to support, promote, influence and strengthen HBCUs. ### About UNCF UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nations largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelors degrees, 5% of masters degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF. Roy Betts UNCF 2407033384 [email protected] Source: United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF) GENEVA, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaultinum, a leading player in Tech Due Diligence and Legal Tech, has appointed Stephane Pere as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). With a strong background in international tech and media, Stephane Peres mission will be to drive the company's growth and strategic positioning. Before joining Vaultinum, Stephane Pere served as an independent Strategic Advisor to SaaS providers in both Europe and the US, playing a key role in steering companies towards success. His tenure at The Economist, where he served as Chief Data Officer and was a member of the Executive Committee, saw him pioneering the development of data science, analytics, and data activation capabilities. Stephane holds a Master of Science in Management from EM Lyon, as well as a Master in Law and a Post-Graduate in Intellectual Property Law from Paris Pantheon-Assas University. His extensive knowledge of the tech entrepreneurial landscape and his influential network in the tech and media sectors position Stephane to lead revenue generation strategies at Vaultinum Philippe Thomas, CEO of Vaultinum, emphasised the strategic significance of Stephane Pere's appointment, stating, "Stephane's background in the startup ecosystem and his experience at The Economist bring the perfect blend of innovation and strategic insight that Vaultinum needs. His expertise will uncover the full potential of the market and help the company accelerate growth." Vaultinum is confident that Stephane Pere's strategic acumen, extensive tech industry experience, and background in law will fortify the company's position as an industry leader. His appointment as CRO represents a crucial milestone for Vaultinum as it continues to innovate and shape the future of tech solutions. About Vaultinum Vaultinum is a trusted independent third-party specialising in Tech Due Diligence and IP protection of digital assets. Since 1976, Vaultinum has enabled thousands of digital businesses and investors to secure their innovations by providing solutions to protect their IP, mitigate cyber and software risks, and understand the AI maturity and scalability of a tech asset. CONTACT Marine Yborra, CMO COMPANY Vaultinum EMAIL [email protected] WEB : www.vaultinum.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7b5d02b4-0520-4da1-a6f7-43443fd81033 A Costco Wholesale retail club is photographed in Austin, Texas, U.S. on December 12, 2016. Picture taken December 12, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammad Khursheed/File Photo (Reuters) -Costco Wholesale said on Tuesday its longtime finance chief Richard Galanti will step down on March 15 and be succeeded by his counterpart at Kroger's, Gary Millerchip. Galanti, who was CFO for more than three decades, will remain with the membership-only retailer through January 2025 in an advisory role to assist Gary during the transition. He has been with the company through years of strong sales growth, including the pandemic and the most recently when shoppers switched to cheaper options for everyday essentials. Analysts said Millerchip's departure from Kroger's was untimely given the grocer's pending deal with smaller rival Albertsons. Costco also got a new CEO in Ron Vachris at the start of the year after it said in October that Craig Jelinek will step down from the role. The company topped market expectations for quarterly revenue and profit in December and saw a nearly 7.6% rise in total paid household members. Costco shares, which surged 47.8% in 2023, were down marginally in early trading. (Reporting by Granth Vanaik and Annett Mary Manoj in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) New polybag provides similar properties to traditional petroleum-based plastic bags, including durability, opacity and adhesive properties South Korea-based CJ Olive Young to use new PHA-based polybags for same-day delivery service, which averages 40,000 deliveries a month Woburn, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - CJ Biomaterials, Inc, a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang and a primary producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers, announced today that it has developed a new PHA-based polybag that has properties similar to traditional polybags made with petroleum-based plastic material. South Korea-based health and beauty retailer CJ Olive Young will incorporate the new PHA-based bags into their same-day delivery service. This ecofriendly polybag technology will reduce the impact same-day delivery has on the environment and help to address the plastic waste challenge. CJ Biomaterials' polybag is made exclusively from biodegradable materials, eliminating the use of polyvinylchloride (PVC). Commonly used in the production of conventional polybags and other flexible packaging solutions, PVC has a negative impact on the environment. CJ Biomaterials researched how its PHA technology could be used to replace PVC, and it successfully created a bag with properties that are similar to those of typical options. With the increased bio-content, these bags that incorporate PHA are durable enough to carry heavy or sharp-edged items without tearing. They have excellent opacity, preventing contents from being visible from the outside. The bags also have adhesive properties that allow shipping labels to be applied and easily remain in place, making it suitable for multiple applications where polybags are necessary. CJ Olive Young is using the PHA bag for same-day delivery service from two urban distribution hubs in Korea, with expansion to other regions currently under consideration. On average, CJ Olive Young makes 40,000 same-day deliveries a month, and that number reaches as high as 100,000 when there are sales and promotions. Incorporating our PHA biopolymer in this polybag is contributing to CJ Olive Young's efforts to reduce conventional plastic packaging. "Our PHA biopolymers are derived from nature and produced sustainably. Through this partnership with CJ Olive Young, we are introducing this breakthrough development in sustainable delivery technology to a large consumer base, which we believe will accelerate its commercialization," says Seung-Jin Lee, White BIO Business Leader at CJ CheilJedang, parent company of CJ Biomaterials. "Moving forward, we will continue to actively expand the application of our PHA biopolymers into various customer-centric fields through the development of various material application technologies." CJ Biomaterials' PHA technology can be used as building blocks to replace and improve the functional characteristics of a broad range of polymers in the production of finished goods or as starting points for sustainable chemistry. PHAs work well as modifiers to other polymers or biopolymers and can increase bio-based content, accelerate biodegradation and improve the functional properties of resins and finished products. As one of only a few companies that are capable of mass-producing PHA, CJ Biomaterials is committed to impactful action delivering eco-friendly solutions with its extensive PHA technology platform. CJ Biomaterials continues to expand on the applications of its PHA technology, developing solutions for food and beverage packaging; food serviceware; fibers, and nonwovens; consumer goods; agriculture and horticulture; and 3D printing filament. In January 2023, the company announced that its PHA was used in the development of microwaveable paper coating used in New Today's Chicken Noodle Cup packaging, sold at CU, South Korea's leading convenience store chain. The company also worked with RIMAN INCELLDERM to create environmentally friendly cosmetic packaging, and collaborated with various companies, including CJ Olive Young, Dongil Platech, Yuhan-Kimberly, Banila Co , and biopolymer manufacturer, NatureWorks, to broaden the use of PHA in multiple markets and applications. The company also won the German 2023 Red Dot Design Award for the PHA Head-Up Toothbrush, developed in partnership with eco-friendly design specialist, Revelop. For information on CJ Biomaterials, its PHA technology, and how to partner with the organization to develop solutions that will help to address the plastic waste challenge, visit https://www.cjbiomaterials.com. CJ Biomaterials has developed a new PHA-based polybag that has properties similar to traditional polybags made with petroleum-based plastic material. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9734/196856_0a53ac7674d79843_002full.jpg South Korea-based health and beauty retailer CJ Olive Young will incorporate CJ Biomaterials new PHA-based polybags into their same-day delivery service. CJ Olive Young makes up to 100,000 same-day deliveries a month. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9734/196856_0a53ac7674d79843_003full.jpg About CJ BIOMATERIALS Headquartered in Woburn, MA, USA, CJ Biomaterials develops meaningful solutions that positively affect our planet, human health and well-being by addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. The company invents and manufactures biopolymers and bio-based chemicals as part of a long-term vision to create a more sustainable future, by enabling true circular solutions that replace many non-recyclable, non-reusable and fossil fuel-based plastics and chemicals. CJ Biomaterials is a global leader in the manufacture of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)-both polymers and associated basic chemicals. CJ Biomaterials, a business unit of CJ BIO, is part of CJ CheilJedang, a global lifestyle company with a vision to inspire a new life filled with health, happiness, and convenience. Media Contact Resource Advantage Dan Green [email protected] CJ Biomaterials Heidi Lebel [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196856 Torrance, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - AI SPERA, a renowned expert in Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)-based solutions, today announced the availability of Criminal IP ASM (Attack Surface Management) on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store offering applications and services for Azure users. Image Credits: Criminal IP ASM is now available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9100/196769_dc921cc604fae8be_001full.jpg As an officially certified ISV partner of Microsoft, AI SPERA enhances the platform's robustness and functionality by offering additional services and technology. With this partnership, AI SPERA gains access to Microsoft's massive user base. All Microsoft users can now enter the marketplace and view the Criminal IP ASM listing, further enhancing the security offerings provided by Microsoft. Image Credits: Criminal IP ASM To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9100/196769_dc921cc604fae8be_002full.jpg Criminal IP ASM is an Automated Attack Surface Management SaaS solution that monitors all internet-connected assets and vulnerabilities with just a single domain address of the assets in operation. Criminal IP ASM utilizes IP-based security monitoring technology to quickly identify vulnerabilities, risks, and exposure information within a company's assets. It automatically updates and manages assets, including those that are newly added or neglected. By automating security and IT tasks, Criminal IP ASM eliminates false positives, reduces detection times, and automatically discovers neglected assets and vulnerabilities, proving to be an ideal solution for companies requiring continuous threat exposure management (CTEM). In addition, Criminal IP ASM facilitates proactive and active responses tailored to specific sectors: Manufacturing (preventing data breaches and third-party risks through active scanning and monitoring of internet-connected devices/equipment), Government (preventing security breaches, catching illegal crypto mining, supporting law enforcement with threat hunting and phishing prevention), and Healthcare (protecting patient privacy, guarding against ransomware attacks, and mitigating medical device vulnerabilities and legacy system risks by scanning and monitoring the entire attack surface). You can explore detailed features and dashboard images of the newly listed Criminal IP ASM on the Azure Marketplace. Users who are interested in getting the platform can contact AI SPERA directly through the "Contact Me" button on the Azure Marketplace page. "AI SPERA is thrilled to establish a partnership with Microsoft ISV, a move we believe further strengthens our global network. Through the stable sales channel of Azure Marketplace, we anticipate not only discovering new business opportunities but also expanding our global customer base," said Byungtak Kang, CEO of AI SPERA. About AI SPERA AI SPERA launched its global cybersecurity service, Criminal IP, following a successful year-long beta phase. The company has established technical and business partnerships with acclaimed global security firms and educational institutions, including VirusTotal, Cisco, and Tenable. Criminal IP has recently met the highest global compliance and payment standards, achieving PCI DSS Level 1. With the search engine available in 5 different languages (English, French, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean), it welcomes unique users worldwide. Media Contact Company Name: AI SPERA Person: Dan Larson Contact: [email protected] Website: https://www.criminalip.io To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196769 Vaughan, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2024) - Delota Corp. (CSE: LOTA) ("Delota" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated January 26, 2024, the Company has completed debt settlements in the amount of $215,000.10 with certain creditors of the Company to preserve the Company's cash for working capital through the issuance of 1,535,715 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.14 per Unit (each a "Debt Settlement"). Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.15 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. A portion of the debt settled included accrued wages to officers and directors of the Company, but none of the debt included payment for Investor Relations Activities (as such term is defined in the polices of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE")). All securities issued in connection with the Debt Settlements are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Related Party Transaction A portion of the settled debt, in the amount of $165,000.08, constituted a "related party transaction", as such term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") due to the involvement of each of Cameron Wickham, Ankit Gosain, Daniel Pelchovitz, Marc Askenasi and Steven Glaser (together, the "Insiders"), each of whom is a director and/or officer of the Company, and would have required the Company to receive minority shareholder approval for, and obtain a formal valuation for the subject matter of, the transaction in accordance with MI 61-101, prior to the completion of each such transaction. However, in completing each respective Debt Settlement, the Company relied on exemptions from: (x) the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101, on the basis that the Company is not listed on Specified Markets (as defined in MI 61-101), as determined in accordance with MI 61-101; and (y) the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, on the basis that the fair market value of each Insider's participation in their respective Debt Settlement did not exceed $2,500,000, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. Further details will be included in a material change report to be filed by the Company. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the closing date of the Debt Settlements. In the Company's view, the shorter period was necessary to permit the Company to close the Debt Settlements in a timeframe consistent with usual market practice for a transaction of this nature and was reasonable and necessary to improve the Company's financial position in a timely manner in the circumstances. Further, the Insiders indicated a desire to complete the Debt Settlements on an expedited basis. About Delota Corp. Delota Corp. is a nicotine vape enterprise that spearheads the smoke-free revolution in Canada, catering to adult consumers seeking alternative to traditional combustible tobacco. With a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional retail experiences and carefully curated product offerings, the Company is dedicated to redefining the way people transition away from smoking. The Company's flagship brand, 180 Smoke Vape Store, stands as Ontario's largest specialty omnichannel vape retailer, fueling innovation, growth, and leadership in the retail vape space. For more information about Delota, please visit www.delota.com and its profile page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. 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. The forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company filing a material change report with further details being provided therein. 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. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, such statements are based on expectations, factors, and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control, as such factors may be further updated from time to time in our periodic filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. For further information, please contact: Delota Corp. Cameron Wickham Executive Vice Chair and Chief Executive Officer T: (905) 330-1602 E: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196930 Disney stock (DIS) is bouncing back from the multiyear lows it hit in 2023. But investors are still grappling with an ongoing question heading into the company's earnings on Wednesday: Will activist investor Nelson Peltz of hedge fund Trian Management succeed in shaking up the entertainment giant's board? Stockholders are unlikely to get an answer anytime soon. If the proxy battle continues to a vote, a shareholder meeting set to take place on April 3 will ultimately determine the board's fate. Wall Street watchers have viewed the battle as a noisy distraction for CEO Bob Iger, who's currently in the midst of resetting the company's strategy. Nevertheless, the proxy fight continues to serve as a lingering overhang, clouding that goal. Trian Fund Management, which beneficially owns $3 billion of common stock, filed a definitive proxy statement last week after announcing plans to nominate Peltz and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to the media giant's board. Rasulo is the second former Disney exec to publicly join Peltz in his push for a board shake-up. Former Marvel executive Ike Perlmutter has entrusted his stake in the company to Peltz, making up the bulk of Trian's 30 million-plus shares in the entertainment giant. Peltz ended a previous proxy battle against Disney one year ago after the company committed to various cost-cutting initiatives. He revived the fight last fall as Disney's stock plunged. How we got here Trian has cited the loss of tens of billions in shareholder value, a drop in consensus earnings estimates for the next two years, and disappointing studio content as some of the reasons it's pushing for a board shake-up. "It is unfortunate that a company as iconic as Disney and with so many challenges and opportunities has refused to seriously engage with us, its largest active shareowner, about board representation," Peltz said in his initial proxy statement last month. He added the current board lacks an "ownership mentality" and mainly consists of legacy directors and hand-picked replacements who have failed to address some of the biggest issues at the company, including plans for a CEO successor, the path to streaming profitability, and a revamp of its box office. Story continues Nelson Peltz, founding partner of Trian Fund Management LP, has launched a proxy battle against Disney. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo (REUTERS / Reuters) In a new letter to shareholders on Feb. 1, titled Restore the Magic, the activist hedge fund said it would initiate a board-led review of the company's creative processes, in addition to pushing management to implement "executable" plans as it relates to its streaming and theme park businesses, along with executive pay and succession. As part of Trian's proxy statement, Peltz named the two existing board members he's seeking to replace: former Mastercard executive Michael Froman and Maria Elena Lagomasino, CEO of wealth management firm WE Family Offices. A Disney spokesperson said in a statement to Yahoo Finance that Froman and Lagomasino are "highly valued and engaged members" of the board. Michael Froman (L) and Maria Elena Lagomasino (R), Disney board members (Courtesy: Disney) Disney has said it's made "significant progress" in strategically realigning the business in order to foster growth and create shareholder value. Some changes have included the implementation of new revenue streams like the ad-supported tier for its streaming service Disney+, in addition to price increases and password-sharing crackdowns across its streaming services and parks businesses. The company has also said it's "actively engaged in the high-priority work of succession planning," with Iger's contract set to expire at the end of 2026. Other activists join the fight Other shareholders are jumping into the fray as the proxy battle gains steam. Trian has received support from fellow activist investor Ancora. Meanwhile, ValueAct Capital has come out against Peltz giving Disney an extra boost in fighting off the billionaire investor. The activist entered into an information-sharing agreement with Disney, which ensures it will support the media giant's recommended slate of board nominees in exchange for information. And Blackwells Capital, which boasts a $15 million stake in Disney, has nominated studio executive Jessica Schell, Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Craig Hatkoff, and TaskRabbit founder Leah Solivan for election to the board. In a letter to shareholders on Tuesday, viewed by Yahoo Finance, the hedge fund said Disney should consider splitting up the conglomerate "into standalone public companies." "Disney may simply be too complex for any one successor to Mr. Iger to manage holistically, and Blackwells believes that it is the responsibility of the Board to oversee these types of analyses in the ordinary course," the letter said. Disney did not immediately respond to Yahoo Finance's request for comment on the letter or a potential company breakup. The company has maintained it will only endorse its current members and encouraged shareholders not to vote for Trian's or Blackwells' respective candidates. 'Distraction for Disney' Disney CEO Robert Iger attends the premiere of FX's "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans" at the Museum of Modern Art on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in New York. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Wall Street analysts say Peltz's path to victory is challenging. "Disney's a huge company, so it'd be very difficult for Peltz to amass enough shares to have a chance of really winning a vote," said Doug Creutz, managing director at TD Cowen. "If you own the stock, it's because you believe in Bob Iger, and Bob Iger has said he doesn't want Nelson Peltz on the board." Creutz, who called the proxy fight a "distraction for Disney," said Iger has been focused on turning the business around amid a particularly challenging time in the industry. Steve Schiffman, former media executive and adjunct professor at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business, stressed that point to Yahoo Finance: "These activists just don't fully understand how systemic and seminal the marketplace is changing in media." Schiffman pointed to the industry's ever-changing economics, which have included a shift away from linear television on the heels of increased cord-cutting while TV advertising has fallen off a cliff. Competition is also more intense than ever as legacy companies launch unprofitable streaming platforms amid surging content costs while post-pandemic audiences significantly alter their viewing habits. "The smartest media executives in the world right now are really struggling to figure out what to do here and there are no easy answers," Schiffman said. "At the end of the day, I actually think the Disney senior management team is quite good. I've seen some companies where that's not a reality. I don't think that's the case with Disney." Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY)("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Matrix Agency Marketing Ltd. ("Matrix"), a Vancouver, British Columbia based full- service marketing and consulting services company focused on the junior metals and mining sector. Matrix will provide a full suite of marketing services to the Company. Matrix will initially focus on the redesign of all digital and print communications including the Company's website and corporate presentation materials. They will assist in planning and budgeting for investor relations activities for management. Matrix will also communicate directly with existing shareholders, analysts and prospective investors. They will also assist the Company in expanding its social media platforms. Under the terms of the Matrix engagement agreement (the "Matrix Agreement"), the Company has agreed to pay Matrix $60,000 over the 12-month initial term of the Agreement. An initial pre-payment of $15,000 has been paid on signing, following which of $5,000 will be payable to Matrix monthly. No stock options or other securities of Dryden Gold Corp. are included in the compensation terms of the Matrix Agreement. However, Matrix may be awarded stock options at some time in the future at the full discretion of the Board of Directors of Dryden Gold Corp. Matrix and or its affiliates currently hold zero securities of Dryden Gold Corp. Matrix has also agreed to the Company's insider trading policy and will observe the Company's trading blackouts. Matrix is at arm's length to Dryden Gold Corp. and has no other relationship with Dryden Gold Corp., except pursuant to the Matrix Agreement. The Matrix Agreement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. In addition, the Company has also retained the services of Laura Stein of New York for shareholder and investor communications. Laura has been providing communications services to the mining industry for over 30 years. Laura will communicate directly with existing shareholders, analysts and prospective investors primarily through email, social media and conference participation. Under the terms of Laura Stein's agreement (the "Stein Agreement"), Ms. Stein will receive 250,000 options under the Company's Employee Stock Option Plan ("ESOP"). The options are priced at $.22 for a term of 5 years and will vest quarterly over 12 months. In addition, the Company will pay a portion of Ms. Stein's expenses for travel, conference fees, office overhead and other third-party costs in connection with her activities related to Dryden Gold. Laura Stein and/or her affiliates currently hold zero securities of Dryden Gold Corp. Ms. Stein is at arm's length to Dryden Gold Corp. and has no other relationship with Dryden Gold Corp., except pursuant to the Stein Agreement. The Stein Agreement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the provisions of the Dryden Gold Stock Option Plan. Trey Wasser, CEO and Director commented "As we grow Dryden Gold, the marketing function has become a key area we intend to focus on as it relates to communicating with existing shareholders and engaging with potential new investors. We are excited to work with Matrix and Ms. Stein." ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP. Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers & acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys First Nations support and proximity to an experienced mining workforce. For more information go to our website www.drydengold.com. CONTACT INFORMATION Trey Wasser CEO email: [email protected] phone: 940-368-8337 Maura Kolb, M.Sc.. P. Geo., President Email: [email protected] Phone: 807-632-2368 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 Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of stock options; future development plans; general market conditions affecting junior exploration companies listed on Canadian stock exchanges, future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (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." 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: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of regulatory approvals, legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of 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; 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 Dryden Gold's and 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 Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections. UNITED STATES ADVISORY. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196986 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - EV Minerals Corporation (CSE: EVM) (FSE: RLC) (the "Company" or "EV Minerals") is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire 100% of the Baldwin and Lunge Projects (the "Sudbury Projects") from Graycliff Exploration Ltd (CSE: GRAY) (the "Vendor"). The Sudbury Projects, covering 2,192 hectares, are located in the prolific Sudbury mining camp, in an area with many past producers and current exploration projects, including the historic Shakespeare Nickel Mine (Ni-Cu-PGM) currently owned by Magna Mining (Figure 1). The technical team is extremely enthusiastic about the striking similarities and parallel geological structures present in the area. EV Minerals is mobilizing a technical team to the Sudbury Projects for an immediate sampling program as part of its due diligence for the LOI (Figure 1). EV Minerals President and CEO, Nicholas Konkin, said: "We continue to work through current and historical data as part of the 2023 exploration program at the EV Nickel Project in Quebec and are extremely confident in what we have unpacked so far. As we await assay results from the lab, we have focused our attentions on building a strong exploration portfolio in good nickel jurisdictions. We will soon be on the ground at the Sudbury Projects, which extends our critical minerals portfolio into the great mining jurisdiction of Ontario. Early assessment of both properties indicate that they have significant potential, including multiple strong underexplored geophysical anomalies, and we're excited to get into the field to evaluate the near-surface potential of the Sudbury Projects." Figure 1: Baldwin and Lunge Project Locations with Geophysics. Multiple underexplored critical mineral targets are present and indicate Baldwin and Lunge have similar/parallel strikes structurally and lithologically To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7111/197047_ba167b4864e00b21_001full.jpg About Baldwin & Lunge Projects The Baldwin Project, comprised of the Main Baldwin Block and the Northeast Baldwin Block, spans 1,605 hectares, with the adjacent 587-hectare Lunge Project, located 6 km to the northeast, showcasing gold and critical minerals potential. Historic airborne geophysics on both projects revealed multiple new target areas for gold, copper, nickel, and platinum group elements (PGE), with highly prospective anomalies present along major structures (Figures 1 & 2). Baldwin, underlain by rocks of the Huronian Supergroup, exposes a major splay off the Murray Fault. The Elliot Lake Group dominates, comprising mafic, intermediate, and felsic metavolcanic rocks overlying or intercalated with McKim and Matinenda sedimentary formations. The region displays east-to-northeast folding, notably southeast, featuring folded Nipissing sills along the Murray Fault. Limited surface sampling and drilling on Baldwin encountered sheared metagabbro and intermediate metavolcanics containing sulphide mineralization, indicating opportunities for copper, nickel, and PGE deposits. The Lunge Property, situated 6 km along the Elliot Lake Group strike, hosts folded Nipissing sills and dykes, also indicating potential for copper, nickel, and PGE deposits. Figure 2 illustrates the geology of the area, which outlines the similar NE strike of the Baldwin and Lunge Projects, as well as parallel folding and faulting in the surrounding areas to the north. Figure 2: Baldwin and Lunge Project Locations with Geology, Mineral Occurrences, Past Producers, and Major Neighbouring Mining Claims To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7111/197047_ba167b4864e00b21_002full.jpg About the Letter of Intent Per the terms of the LOI, EV Minerals will purchase a 100% interest in two packages of claims known as the Baldwin and Lunge Projects. The Company will issue the Vendor an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company upon signing the Purchase Share Agreement ('PSA") and has made a one-time cash payment in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) upon signing of the LOI. EV Minerals acknowledges that there is an existing 2% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on the Sudbury Projects. EV Minerals has the right to buy back 1% of the NSR royalty for $1 million. Mr. Nicholas Konkin, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, is also a Director of the Vendor. The transactions contemplated by the LOI are not considered to be a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions or within the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Qualified Person Bruce Durham, P.Geo, is a Qualified Person ("QP"), as that term is defined by Canadian regulatory guidelines under NI 43-101, and has read and approved the technical information contained in this press release. All sampling results and other technical information in this release are historic in nature and should not be relied upon as the QP is unable to verify the details given the work was completed by prior operators. About EV Minerals Corporation EV Minerals Corporation is a Canadian exploration company focused on mineral exploration and development. The current focus is the EV Nickel Project, host of the nickel-copper-cobalt McNickel deposit. The Project is comprised of 32 mineral claims covering approximately 1,792 hectares located in the Saguenay area, the Province of Quebec. This deposit contains a historical resource of 5.585 million tonnes with grades of 0.21% Ni, 0.11% Cu and 0.03% Co (NI 43-101 non-compliant resource), which is to be re-evaluated with the consideration of using either bioleaching or acid leaching and electrowinning for nickel, cobalt and copper recovery. For more information, please contact: Nicholas Konkin President and CEO, Director [email protected] 416-642-1807 Ext 305 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", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is 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. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197047 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - INCA ONE GOLD CORP. (TSXV: INCA) (OTCQB: INCAF) (FSE: SU92) ("Inca One" or the "Company") a gold producer operating two mineral processing facilities in Peru, (the "Plants"), is pleased to announce that further to its news releases dated December 19, 2023 and January 9, 2024, it has raised additional gross proceeds of $321,000 under the second and final tranche (the "Second Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of units of the Company ("Units"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder on exercise to purchase an additional Share of the Company at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 for a period of 36 months from the closing date ("Closing Date"). Together with proceeds from the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of the Offering, the Company has raised an aggregate of $1,017,900 under the Offering. The proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital requirements. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of 4 months plus a day from the Closing Dates in accordance with applicable securities legislation. In connection with the closing of the First Tranche of the Offering, the Company paid cash finders' fees of C$1,080 and issued 10,800 non-transferable finders' warrants, with each finder's warrant exercisable for one common share of the Company at the exercise price of C$0.15 until January 8, 2027. The Offering is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The securities described herein have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Act or unless an exemption from registration is available. The Offering remains subject to receipt of TSXV approval and all other necessary regulatory approvals. Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Certain directors, officers and other insiders of the Company ("Interested Parties") purchased or acquired direction and control over a total of 2,684,000 Units in the Offering, accounting for 26.4% of the proceeds raised in the Offering. The placement to those persons constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the directors of the Company have determined that the Interested Parties' participation in the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 in reliance on the exemptions set forth in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering as the details of the participation of Interested Parties had not been confirmed at that time. Early Warning Disclosure In connection with the Offering, Edward Kelly ("Mr. Kelly"), Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of the Company, through EKELLY Investments Inc., a company which Mr. Kelly beneficially owns, directly or indirect, or has control or discretion over, acquired an aggregate of 1,754,000 Shares and 1,754,000 Warrants (the "Kelly Acquisition"). The Kelly Acquisition requires disclosure pursuant to the early warning requirements of applicable securities laws. Before the Kelly Acquisition Mr. Kelly owned and exercised control or direction over an aggregate of 989,163 Shares, 190,000 Warrants, 756,000 options ("Options") and $248,000 of convertible debentures convertible ("Convertible Debentures") into 2,917,648 Shares representing approximately 2.4% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 10.8% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a partially-diluted basis. Upon completion of the Kelly Acquisition, Mr. Kelly owns or exercise control over a total of 2,743,163 Shares, which represent approximately 5.3% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 14.7% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a partially diluted basis. In connection with the Offering, Kevin Hart ("Mr. Hart"), Chief Financial Officer of the Company acquired an aggregate of 790,0000 Shares and 790,000 Warrants (the "Hart Acquisition" and together with the Kelly Acquisition, the "Acquisitions"). The Hart Acquisition requires disclosure pursuant to the early warning requirements of applicable securities laws. Before the Hart Acquisition Mr. Hart owned and exercised control or direction over an aggregate of 1,157,750 Shares, 167,500 Warrants, 778,000 Options and $185,000 of Convertible Debentures convertible into 2,176,470 Shares representing approximately 2.8% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 9.7% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a partially diluted basis. Upon completion of the Hart Acquisition, Mr. Hart owns or exercise control over a total of 1,947,750 Shares, which represent approximately 3.8% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 10.6% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a partially diluted basis. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hart may from time to time and depending on market and other conditions and subject to the requirements of applicable securities laws, dispose or acquire additional Shares through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercises of convertible securities or otherwise, or may, subject to the requirements of applicable securities laws, sell all or some portion of the Shares they respectively own or control, or may continue to hold the Shares. This disclosure is being provided in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of early warning reports by Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hart in respect of the Acquisitions, which reports shall contain additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the early warning reports will be filed by Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hart in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About Inca One Inca One Gold Corp. is an established gold producer operating two permitted, gold mineral processing facilities in Peru. The Company possesses a combined 450 TPD permitted operating capacity at its two fully integrated plants, Chala One and Kori One, generating over US$200 million in sales from its processing operations. Inca One is led by an experienced and capable management team that has established the Company as a trusted leader in servicing permitted, Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Miners (ASGM). Peru is one of the world's largest producers of gold, and its ASGM sector is estimated by government officials to be valued in the billions of dollars annually. Through the Company's partnerships with the UN backed PlanetGold Program and the Swiss Better Gold Initiative, Inca One supports the sustainable development and mining practises of the ASGM sector and the responsible gold supply chain from mine to market. To learn more visit www.incaone.com. On behalf of the Board, Edward Kelly, President and CEO Inca One Gold Corp. For More Information Contact: Konstantine Tsakumis Inca One Gold Corp. [email protected] 604-568-4877 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. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Statements regarding the Company which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties by their very nature. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements due to factors such as: (i) fluctuation of mineral prices; (ii) a change in market conditions; and (iii) the fact that future operating results may not be accurately predicted based on this limited information to date. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update any changes to such statements. Inca One 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 and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196976 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: MRBLF) (FSE: 2V00) ("Inverite"), a leading AI-driven software provider that leverages real-time financial data for businesses to better transact with consumers, proudly announces a strategic collaboration with infinitii ai inc. (CSE: IAI) (FSE: 7C5) (OTCQB: CDTAF) ("infinitii ai"). This partnership aims to enhance Inverite's data science, data enrichment, and AI capabilities, specifically in the development of its proprietary predictive algorithms catering to the largest sector of the credit economy - the alternative lending industry. Underbanked consumers, often overlooked by traditional credit scoring methods, represent a significant segment seeking credit through alternative lending channels. With an extensive database of consumer payroll and spending data comprising over seven billion financial data points from more than four million unique Canadian consumer transactions, Inverite is on a mission to revolutionize credit assessment by leveraging infinitii ai's expertise in AI, machine learning and data modeling. Jean Charles Phaneuf, CEO of infinitii ai, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We are pleased to engage with Inverite, a market leader in alternative financial data, to develop new data models and increase its AI capabilities," he stated. "This project validates the versatility of our AI expertise and the transferability of our machine learning technology as we expand into new vertical markets." In a move aimed at predicting credit repayment and default behavior of loan applicants, Inverite has enlisted the support of infinitii ai to enhance its predictive scoring methodologies. The partnership encompasses more in-depth machine learning capabilities, continuous optimization, solution development and technology licensing. Karim Nanji, CEO of Inverite, highlighted the importance of the collaboration. "infinitii ai has an excellent reputation for building AI-driven software leveraged by large enterprise customers across North America. Our companies will work together in close collaboration to accelerate our data science and AI initiatives to further empower business and consumers to make well-informed financial decisions, especially in the alternative lending space as we move towards an Open Banking environment." As Canada's credit economy sees a surge in demand for credit through alternative lending, Inverite anticipates that data science models and algorithms developed in collaboration with infinitii ai, will provide a much-needed predictive tool for lenders and merchants going forward. The goal is to offer a comprehensive assessment beyond traditional credit scores, addressing the unique needs of underbanked consumers and fostering a more inclusive and accurate creditworthiness evaluation process using payroll and spending data from consumer financial bank account transactions. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both Inverite Insights Inc. and infinitii ai inc. to drive innovation, ushering in a new era of data-driven insights for the alternative lending industry. Together, they aim to set a new standard in credit assessment, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. About Inverite Insights Inc. Inverite Insights Inc. ("Inverite") (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: MRBLF) (FSE: 2V0) is a Vancouver-based, AI-driven software provider specializing in real-time financial data. With a vast database of over seven billion financial data points from more than four million unique Canadian consumers transactions, Inverite empowers businesses to transact more effectively with consumers through innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS) and risk-model-as-a-service (RMaaS) solutions. For further information about Inverite, please visit: inverite.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Mike Marrandino, Executive Chairman T: (855) 661-2390 ext. 104 Email: [email protected] Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider/Market Maker (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, nor has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction nor approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forwardlooking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forwardlooking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the CSE. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196937 LinkDaddy has announced its small business visibility program, providing local citations and business listings to improve clients' search engine rankings. Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2024) - With this announcement, LinkDaddy wants to provide much-needed support for small businesses struggling to compete with larger competitors in their respective areas. The company's visibility program can also benefit online stores and digital service providers. LinkDaddy lists participating companies on 300 high-quality sites, which includes directories, social media sites, and review platforms. Interested parties can learn more at https://linkdaddy.com/local-citations-and-business-listings/ LinkDaddy Announces Small Business Visibility Program With Local Citations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/196972_e82919f054aa49d3_002full.jpg LinkDaddy's recently announced service makes it easier for consumers to learn more about local businesses that participate in the program, as the citations include the business name, address, and phone number. LinkDaddy also provides 'Google My Business Maps,' links to the business's social media accounts, and pertinent company information on all profile pages. Consistency in business citations with dependable, current information can help signal to Google that a company is legitimate and trustworthy, explains LinkDaddy. The company goes on to state that making it as easy as possible for local consumers to learn about a company's services or goods, hours of operation, and location can help a business grow quickly without putting in hours of legwork. Participating businesses can further improve awareness of their brand and credibility by displaying their Google reviews on their local citations. LinkDaddy offers this service and can also backlink each individual review using a company's preferred anchor text, to generate more traffic. Driven by the fact that "building local citations can be a time-consuming and tedious task," LinkDaddy's mission is to provide reliable citation services so small business owners can spend their time on other important aspects of their operations. LinkDaddy's backlinking services also extend to social media platforms and Google Maps, helping businesses that joined its network to have their profiles more easily found through search engines. LinkDaddy also offers the option for businesses to get more targeted backlinks by including their city, business category, and business name in the URL. "We know how important it is to keep your local citations strong and steady, no matter what," said LinkDaddy CEO Tony Peacock. "Even if websites go down or Google sees them as duplicate content, your business listings will still be visible and effective on our network." Interested parties can learn more and contact LinkDaddy by visiting https://linkdaddy.com/local-citations-and-business-listings/. Contact Info: Name: Tony Peacock Email: [email protected] Organization: LinkDaddy Address: 1065 SW 8th St PMB 622, Miami, Florida 33130, United States Website: https://linkdaddy.shop To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196972 Prismo Samples 930 g/t Silver and 10.55 g/t gold at Palos Verdes (2,605 g/t AgEq*) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Prismo Metals Inc. (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) ("Prismo" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update for its exploration program at the Palos Verdes property located in the Panuco district in Mexico. Following the completion of its third drill campaign with 2,923 meters drilled in 15 holes, and in preparation of the upcoming expanded drill program to be drilled from Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) ("Vizsla") concessions adjacent to the Palos Verdes concession, the Company completed an alteration and geochemical study over the Palos Verdes property. This study was recommended by the Joint Prismo/Vizsla Technical Committee which is comprised of Prismo's CEO Dr. Craig Gibson, Vizsla Silver's VP Exploration Dr. Jesus Velador and Dr. Peter Megaw. The results of this work indicate the possibility that the mineralized shoot defined by drilling to date on the west side of the property may be truncated and offset downward along a cross fault, and that a second blind mineralized shoot may exist to the northeast along the Palos Verdes vein. Dr. Craig Gibson, President and CEO of the Company, stated, "The alteration study provides further evidence that our hypothesis for a downward offset of the northeastern portion of the Palos Verdes vein is correct. Our drilling has shown that the large high-grade mineralized shoot identified on the vein terminates abruptly against this northeast structure, indicating that mineralization was cut by it and offset to deeper levels. The deep drilling to be conducted from our Strategic Partner Vizsla Silver's ground is designed in part to explore this concept and will target the Palos Verdes vein at depth. We deeply appreciate our Partner's willingness to allow the drilling from their ground." "In addition to giving strong indications of where the eastern end of the Palos Verdes vein lies, demonstrating that the NW-trending structure offsets one vein stage, while hosting mineralization and alteration itself is potentially important confirmation of multiple mineralization stages in this part of the district," said Dr. Peter Megaw, Prismo Exploration Advisor. "Finding blind veins is perhaps even more exciting as that mirror several of the discoveries Vizsla Silver, our Joint Exploration Committee partners have made in the western part of the district." The alteration study was carried out using a field portable Terraspec Halo near-infrared spectrometer to identify mica and clay minerals that make up the wall rock alteration assemblage surrounding the mineralized veins in surface exposures and drill core. Clay minerals typically found at high structural levels in low sulfidation vein systems provide evidence that the northeastern portion of the property has been down-dropped, probably along the northerly trending cross structure previously identified. A geochemical sampling program focused on narrow and most strongly mineralized portions of the vein was conducted along the exposed strike length of the Palos Verdes vein system. The best sample from this program assayed 930 g/t silver and 10.55 g/t gold with 15.4% zinc and 4.5% lead (2,605 g/t Ag/Eq) over 0.5 meters. Strongly anomalous values of precious metal and indicator elements occur above the mineralized shoot identified during drilling and also along the vein system further to the northeast. This area may indicate the presence of a second blind mineralized shoot that will also be tested by the deep drilling from Vizsla ground. Table 1. Assay highlights for Palos Verdes sampling program. Sample UTM Coordinates WGS84 Length Au Ag Cu Pb Zn E N meters g/t g/t % % % 126032 414,003 2,593,429 0.5 0.833 280 - - - 126035 414,173 2,593,467 1.0 0.854 174 - - - 126036 414,171 2,593,459 1.0 0.152 103 - - - 126037 414,188 2,593,470 1.0 5.96 433 - - - 126038 414,205 2,593,469 1.0 0.249 75.5 - - - 126041 414,093 2,593,387 1.0 0.969 415 - - - 126068 413,520 2,593,029 0.5 0.174 103 - - - 126072 413,591 2,593,121 0.5 0.184 98.8 - - - 126077 413,627 2,593,102 0.5 1.285 326 - - - 126079 413,663 2,593,137 0.5 0.331 78.1 - - - 126083 413,722 2,593,333 0.5 0.459 65 - - - 126085 413,740 2,593,176 0.5 0.203 82.6 0.94 4.55 14.23 126086 413,736 2,593,175 0.5 10.55 930 0.78 4.50 15.40 126088 413,746 2,593,182 0.5 0.073 76.8 0.78 1.14 2.03 126089 413,744 2,593,076 0.5 0.034 24.5 0.22 2.33 3.40 126095 413,734 2,593,145 0.5 1.19 190 - - - 517878 413,751 2,593,180 0.5 0.079 61.7 0.32 0.73 11.85 517879 413,742 2,593,180 0.5 0.182 129 0.18 8.22 15.65 The Company completed its third drill campaign last year with 2,923 meters drilled in 15 holes with high grade mineralization encountered in several holes. Assays previously reported from this program include the highest-grade intercept recorded at the project in hole PV-23-25 with 102 g/t gold, 3,100 g/t silver and 0.26% zinc over 0.5 meters, or 11,520 g/t silver equivalent (see News Release of July 27, 2023). The last eight drill holes in the program, PV-23-26 to PV-23-33 were drilled to test the limits of the mineralized shoot in the western portion of the vein at depth and to the east of the NW fault. Holes PV-23-27 and PV-23-29 to PV-23-33 tested the mineralized shoot to define the limits of mineralization and cut variably mineralized vein material (Table 1). The angle of inclination of several holes was very steep at -75 degrees, and drilling from the Vizsla Silver ground will provide more useful information. Holes PV-23-26 and PV-23-28 explored to the east of the NW fault and did not cut significant mineralization but provided valuable information for the next holes that need to be drilled deeper from the adjoining Vizsla Silver ground. 2023 Drilling Highlights PV-23-25: This hole intersected 11,520 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.5 meters (3,100 g/t Ag, 102 g/t Au and 0.26% Zn) This intercept is part of a wider mineralized interval with 4,311 g/t Ag equivalent over 1.35 meters (1157 g/t Ag, 38 g/t Au and 0.1% Zn) A second interval higher in the hole yielded 512 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.3 meter (384 g/t Ag, 1.36 g/t Au and 0.27% Zn). PV-23-24: This hole intercepted 1,234 g/t g/t Ag equivalent over 0.7 meter (60 g/t Ag, 11.9 g/t Au and 3.9% Zn) This interval is within a wider 2.6-meter interval with 384 g/t Ag equivalent (32 g/t Ag, 3.3 g/t Au and 1.57% Zn) A second interval higher in the hole yielded 302 g/t Ag equivalent over 1.2. meters (95 g/t Ag, 1.84 g/t Au and 1.2% Zn). PV-23-20: This hole intercepted 189 g/t g/t Ag equivalent over 0.9 meters (58 g/t Ag and 1.58 g/t Au) and is the first mineralized intercept in the northeastern portion of the concession. PV-23-32: This hole intersected 450.2 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.3 meters (45 g/t Ag, 0.83 g/t Au, 0.43% Pb, and 0.47% Zn) as part of a larger zone of 2.2 meters with 115 g/t Ag equivalent. A second interval deeper in the hole yielded 391.5 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.4 meters (17 g/t Ag, 3.56% Pb, 6.03%Zn) within a larger interval of 5.55 meters with 103.8 g/t Ag equivalent. PV-23-33: This hole intersected 112.7 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.35 meters (37 g/t Ag, 0.489 g/t Au, 0.36% Pb, and 0.56% Zn) A second interval deeper in the hole yielded 105.6 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.3 meters (20 g/t Ag, 0.22% Pb, 1.79% Zn). A third interval contained 382.2 g/t Ag equivalent over 0.45 meters (144 g/t Ag, 0.45% Pb, 5.12% Zn) within a 0.75-meter interval of 253.4 g/t Ag equivalent (95 g/t Ag, 0.31% Pb, 3.39% Zn) Figure 1. Geologic and drill hole map of the Palos Verdes and adjacent concessions with silver assays from the recent sampling and showing surface projection of the mineralized shoots and the high-level alteration assemblage discussed in the text. Planned deep drill holes from Vizsla Silver ground shown in purple and red color. Broad hachured swath is the northwest-trending structure interpreted to have offset the eastern extension of the vein. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/196931_012a0fd7648fe8be_0002full.jpg Figure 2. View of subsurface at Palos Verdes, looking northerly, with the Palos Verdes vein projection in red and the high-grade mineralized shoot in magenta, apparently truncated by the NW fault, blue. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/196931_012a0fd7648fe8be_003full.jpg Table of drill highlights for the previously unreported holes at the Palos Verdes Project Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Est True width (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) *Ag eq (g/t) PV-27 0.90 1.30 0.40 0.10 0.216 107 - 0.02 0.02 126.2 PV-32 109.40 111.60 2.20 1.41 0.16 17.5 0.27 0.92 1.30 115.4 111.30 111.60 0.30 0.19 0.83 45.0 0.68 4.32 4.67 333.9 150.10 155.65 5.55 3.57 0.20 20.7 0.16 0.61 1.09 103.8 155.25 155.65 0.40 0.26 0.04 17 0.21 3.56 6.03 391.5 PV-33 225.65 226.40 0.75 0.26 0.03 94.8 2.28 0.31 3.39 253.4 225.95 226.40 0.45 0.14 0.04 144 3.65 0.45 5.12 382.2 *Silver equivalent values are calculated using the following metals prices: Au, US$1,750/oz, Ag, $21.24/oz, Pb, $0.97/lb and Zn, $1.34/lb. Cu was not used in the calculation, and metallurgical recoveries were not considered as there is no data available for the Palos Verdes vein. True width estimated from hole inclination and estimated vein dip, where known. Table of drill hole data for holes not previously released. Hole Target Easting Northing Elev Azim Incl Depth (m) PV-23-26 NW fault 413,807 2,593,082 1,236 10 -45 327.00 PV-23-27 PV vein 413,814 2,593,082 1,226 320 -75 234.00 PV-23-28 NW fault 413,801 2,593,136 1,244 35 -60 117.00 PV-23-29 SW PV gap 413,735 2,593,073 1,216 330 -75 183.00 PV-23-30 SW PV gap 413,707 2,592,990 1,202 330 -50 180.00 PV-23-31 SW PV gap 413,709 2,592,990 1,200 330 -75 246.00 PV-23-32 SW PV gap 413,677 2,592,942 1,211 315 -50 199.50 PV-23-33 SW PV gap 413,678 2,592,938 1,216 330 -75 250.50 Coordinates in UTM WGS84 using handheld Garmin GPS. QA/QC Samples taken by Prismo are analyzed by multielement ICP-AES and MS methods internationally recognized analytical service providers. Certified Reference Materials including standard pulps and coarse blank material are inserted in the sample stream at regular intervals. Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and President, CEO and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release. Video Interview commenting on today's news release: You can watch our President & CEO and Executive Chairman Alain Lambert discuss today's news at: https://youtu.be/6n1fWNtNkhU?si=t4axeNJEF3L__qps About Palos Verdes The Palos Verdes project is located in the historic Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, approximately 65 kilometers NE of Mazatln, Sinaloa, in the Municipality of Concordia. The Palos Verdes concession (claim) covers 700 meters of strike length of the Palos Verdes vein, a member of the north-easterly trending vein family located in the eastern part of the district outside of the area of modern exploration. Shallow drilling (www.prismometals.com). This mineralization is open in all directions and the currently planned drilling program is designed to follow it along strike and to depth. About Prismo Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia). Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube Prismo Metals Inc. 1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6 Contact: Craig Gibson, President & Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Jason Frame, Manager of Communications [email protected] Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains 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, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement and exploration program results, the ability to complete future financings, required permitting, exploration programs and drilling, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, the analytical results from surface trenching and sampling program, including diamond drilling programs, the results of IP surveying, the results of soil and till sampling program. the quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including CSE acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, the potential impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the Company's exploration program and on the Company's general business, operations and financial condition, and other risks and uncertainties. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196931 Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers: Top-Rated Charlotte Law Firm Helps Auto Accident Victims Charlotte, North Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, renowned for legal expertise in Charlotte, have raised significant concerns over the rising number of car accidents in recent years. As a leading law firm in North Carolina, the company has been steadfast in the call for improved road safety and are dedicated to providing exceptional legal assistance to those affected by auto accidents. The company's focus on these issues highlights the commitment to both community safety and client advocacy. Recent data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation reveals a decrease in fatal auto crashes, yet speeding and drunk driving remain significant issues. The decrease in fatalities, although promising, doesn't fully alleviate the concerns of daily commuters and families in Charlotte. This situation is further complicated by Charlotte's ranking in a Forbes Advisor report, which places the city 12th in the nation for likelihood of car accidents. The findings underscore the need for the best possible legal representation in personal injury and car accident cases. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, a top-ranked Charlotte personal injury law firm, has become a cornerstone for those seeking justice and compensation in the aftermath of car accidents. Considered by many to be the best car accident lawyers in Charlotte, NC, the personal injury attorneys offer unparalleled expertise and a client-focused approach. The firm's success is not built on widespread advertising but on the solid results the company delivers and the word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients and fellow attorneys. Rosensteel Fleishman's deep involvement with the Charlotte community goes beyond legal matters. The firm recognizes the pressing issues of extreme speeding and frequent accidents in the area and actively promote safe driving and legal awareness. Offering vital support and advocacy, Rosensteel Fleishman stands as a key resource for car accident victims in Charlotte, a city facing higher-than-average accident rates. The Charlotte law firm's dedication to client satisfaction is evident in every aspect of the firm's service. From negotiating with insurance companies to court representations, Rosensteel Fleishman ensures personalized and proficient handling of each case. The firm's commitment extends beyond mere legal representation; and aims to cultivate a safer and legally informed Charlotte community. With a reputation for securing significant settlements, the team at Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has demonstrated expertise in handling complex car accident cases in Charlotte, NC. The firm's prowess was notably displayed in a case where the company secured a $2,200,000 settlement for a family involved in a tragic accident with a drunk driver, leading to a fatality. This success came despite challenging circumstances, including a defendant with limited insurance coverage and a bar that initially refused liability. The firm's thorough investigation and skilled legal strategies brought about a favorable resolution in State Superior Court. The company's deep understanding of car accident complexities, honed over 15 years of serving North Carolina clients, enables the firm to adeptly navigate the legal system, aiming for fair compensation and the best possible outcomes for clients in even the most intricate injury cases. Rosensteel Fleishman is consistently ranked as the top car accident attorneys in North Carolina, have carved a niche through a blend of unparalleled legal acumen and deep community engagement. The firm's reputation is not just built on the impressive number of cases won or the substantial compensations secured for clients in Charlotte and across North Carolina. It's the firm's unique approach to handling complex car accident cases, whether it involves multi-vehicle pile-ups or intricate insurance disputes, that sets the companny apart. The firm's innovative use of technology in case management and adept negotiation skills have become the hallmark of the legal practice. Furthermore, Rosensteel Fleishman's commitment goes beyond the courtroom. The firm is actively involved in local safety initiatives and educational programs, aimed at reducing car accidents in Charlotte, NC. These efforts not only showcase the dedication to public welfare but also strengthen the firm's bond with the community. The company's educational contributions, including workshops and complimentary legal resources, underline the firm's role in raising awareness about safe driving and legal rights in North Carolina. Looking ahead, Rosensteel Fleishman's future goals and planned initiatives promise to further solidify the company's standing as a leading law firm in car accident and personal injury cases, continually adapting to the evolving legal landscape. The firm recognizes that each car accident case is unique, requiring a tailored and diligent approach. The firm's legal team is dedicated to safeguarding client's rights and interests, ensuring that every aspect of a client's case is meticulously addressed. Available 24/7, the Rosensteel Fleishman personal injury attorneys are always ready to assist with any queries regarding a client's case or the legal process in general. Understanding the financial concerns that come with seeking legal representation, Rosensteel Fleishman offers free initial consultations. This approach allows the firm to evaluate a client's case thoroughly and discuss a suitable fee structure, ensuring transparency and alignment with the client's specific legal needs. With Rosensteel Fleishman, a client receives personalized legal services without the worry of upfront costs, aligning with the firm's commitment to justice and client satisfaction. As Charlotte continues to grapple with its traffic issues, Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers remain a reliable partner for clients affected by car accidents. The firm's expertise, combined with an in-depth understanding of Charlotte's specific traffic challenges, positions the company as a preferred choice for personal injury and car accident cases in the region. The firm aims to offer invaluable support and legal counsel during challenging times. About Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers At Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, the Charlotte, NC law firm is all about delivering exceptional legal services with a personal touch. Established in 2005, the company is dedicated to serving the community with unwavering commitment and expertise in personal injury and car accident law. The team, led by experienced Charlotte attorneys Corey Rosensteel and Matthew Fleishman, focuses on various personal injury cases in North Carolina, including car accidents, wrongful death, and worker's compensation, providing comprehensive legal solutions to clients in need. With Rosensteel Fleishman, a client is not just getting a lawyer; a client is gaining a partner, relentlessly pursuing justice and aiming for the best possible outcome. Contact Attorney Matthew Fleishman Phone: 1-704-714-1450 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.rflaw.net Location: Charlotte, NC Country: United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191991 Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Rozzie, featuring luxury apartments with close access to downtown Boston in a quiet setting in a neighborhood with abundant green space, is leasing studio to three-bedroom units in Roslindale, with occupancy starting on Feb. 1, 2024. To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here. Key Takeaways: The new residences, designed by Embarc of Boston, have a state-of-the-art fitness center, co-working space, work-from-home pods, a library and lounge, community room, outdoor patio with grills, bike storage, and both outdoor and garage parking. The apartments feature luxury finishes, including stainless GE appliances, two-tone metropolitan cabinetry, plank flooring, walk-in closets, smart-lock unit entry, expansive glass, and vaulted ceilings in select units. ABOUT THE DOLBEN COMPANY, INC. With offices in Massachusetts and Maryland and more than 15,000 residential units throughout the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southwest Florida regions, The Dolben Company, Inc. is built on a deep heritage of performance and stewardship. Since 1929, five generations of the Dolben family have upheld a proud tradition of unparalleled success and profitability, fulfilling the property and investment needs for a wide array of businesses, financial institutions, organizations and private investors. For more information on The Dolben Company, please go to www.dolben.com. Contacts: Tom Palmer, TomPalmer Communication 617.755.7250 [email protected] Source: Tom Palmer Communication To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197005 Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - Southview Timberland Investments is proud to announce that for the first time since its official company launch, it is accepting investors with the aim of making the sustainable asset class, timberland, accessible to a broader audience. Southview stands out for its innovative approach to managing timberland investments, combining financial acumen with on-the-ground operational expertise. Timberland property in Georgia To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10278/196323_06fdb56454f679bc_001full.jpg Southview Timberland Investments is led by Founders John Brenard and Terry Myers. John Brenard is a financial professional with a decade of wealth management experience from the firms J.P. Morgan, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Smith Barney. A seasoned financial advisor, and a firsthand investor in Timberland, he brings finance and operations leadership to the company. Terry Myers is a self-made timberland investor and has 30+ years of timberland management experience, with a particular focus on property value maximization and land optimization. With their partnership strengthened over a decade of investing in timberland, the partners bring a rare synergy to Southview, putting them in a position to be a recognized and respected name in the investment management industry. Southview employs a holistic strategy that goes beyond traditional timberland investments. The business is strategically positioned in the Southeast US, an area that is rich in natural resources and offers a favorable climate for timberland. They leverage the Southeast's recent population influx, taking advantage of opportunistic land sales and the increasing demand for timber produced in the Southern US. The organization addresses the issue of limited investor access to direct timberland investments and acts as a gateway for their clients to tap into local knowledge and sustainable practices, along with adding diversification to their portfolio in the process. In addition, Southview's strategy meets a growing desire amongst investors for their portfolio assets to act as natural climate solutions. Their commitment to timberland investments extends beyond financial gains as they give precedence to sustainable practices. By managing in this way, they are not only ensuring the health of the forest but also their investor's interests. As Southview develops into a more public brand, the founders seek to build an investment company that ensures that timberland as an asset reaches a wider audience. The business has now opened its doors to a broader pool of partners, focusing on accredited investors, family offices, and select institutions. For more information on Southview Timberland Investments and to get in touch with their team, visit their website. Media Contact: Name - John Brenard Email - [email protected] Website - https://www.southviewtimber.com/ Contact - +1- (912) 497-5637 Address - 3343 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 145-2181, Atlanta, GA 30326 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196323 GREEN BAY, Wis. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) announced today that Management will meet with investors during the 2024 KBW Winter Financial Services Conference in Boca Raton, FL on February 14-16, 2024 . First quarter investor materials will be made available prior to the event and can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investor.associatedbank.com. ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $41 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin . Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin , Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin , Illinois and Minnesota . The company also operates loan production offices in Indiana , Michigan , Missouri , New York, Ohio and Texas . Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements made in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding management's plans, objectives, or goals for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings, or other measures of performance. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "should," "will," "intend," "target," "outlook," "project," "guidance," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements include those identified in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. Such factors are incorporated herein by reference. Investor Contact: Ben McCarville Vice President | Director of Investor Relations 920-491-7059 Media Contact: Marilka Velez Senior Vice President | Senior Director of Marketing 920-491-7576 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/associated-banc-corp-to-attend-the-2024-kbw-winter-financial-services-conference-on-february-14--16-2024-302055299.html SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp Leading global engineering industry leaders, decision-makers, academics, researchers and experts in engineering from across the GCC region will be in Dubai for the 25th Gulf Engineering Forum, which kicks off on February 7. The two-day forum is being organised by the UAE Society of Engineers in collaboration with the Gulf Engineering Union, under the theme "Smart Engineering for Sustainable Future" as part of its strategy to achieve sustainable development across various sectors. According to the organisers, the forum aims to exchange experiences and disseminate engineering knowledge among experts and specialists in various engineering fields. It will also raise awareness on environmental sustainability issues besides showcasing significant scientific research and studies in the field, refining and developing engineers' skills through dialogue sessions and workshops, and enhance communication among local and regional engineering companies, organizations, and institutions. The event's agenda over two days includes a diverse range of panel discussions, keynote speeches, presentations, and workshops delivered by industry leaders, researchers, specialists, and academics, they stated. Notable figures at the forum will include UAE Society of Engineers President Abdulla Yousef Al Ali; Gulf Engineering Union Secretary General Mohamed Ali Alkhozaae and World Federation of Engineering Organizations Mustafa B. Shehu. It will also be attended by Dr Mohamed Qasem, Dean of the Dubai Future Academy and a member of the board of directors for the Digital School in the UAE, Dr Hoda Abdulrahman Abdulla Ali Alkhzaimi from New York University Abu Dhabi, Dr Kulthum Al Balushi from Emirates Health Services and Dr Adel Abdel Moneim, a Cybersecurity Expert from Egypt. According to the organisers, participants will explore ways and mechanisms to employ smart engineering to enhance sustainable development in various fields, focusing on energy, transportation, infrastructure, and healthcare. The emphasis will be on innovative technologies, the latest ideas, and trends contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability, they stated. The opening day will cover the themes of Infrastructure and Building Systems and Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering through sessions on "3D Printing" and "Construction," along with numerous presentations discussing smart cities by participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The agenda for the second day will address the themes of Robotics and Smart Systems, and Cybersecurity in Engineering Systems through a session on "Data Analysis," and a variety of presentations on the impact of emerging technology and artificial intelligence on cybersecurity. The event will also review the UAE's journey towards zero emissions, initiatives, projects and the use of technology. Finally, a study titled "Fault Ride - Through Capability Enhancement of Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Systems: A review" will be presented. The forum includes an exhibition where government and private sector institutions and companies participate to showcase projects, research, services, and products in the engineering sector. This provides participants and attendees with the opportunity to stay updated on the latest innovative trends and practices in the field, as well as to sign Memoranda of Understanding and hold bilateral meetings with participating delegations, said the organisers. On the sidelines of the forum, pioneers of Gulf engineering work will be honoured for their efforts and innovations, highlighting achievements, projects, and smart and sustainable engineering solutions in the region. Sharjah Directorate of Housing has signed up as the strategic partner and Dubai Economy and Tourism as the destination partner for the event, while Data Flow, Bukhash Real Estate, Dubai Taxi Company, Dewan Architects + Engineers and Engineering Contracting are the silver sponsors. Additionally, the Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar chapters of the Society of Engineers have signed up as the supporting partners for the event along with the Saudi Council of Engineers.-TradeArabia News Service Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Mettler-Toledo International fair value estimate is US$912 Mettler-Toledo International is estimated to be 30% overvalued based on current share price of US$1,187 Our fair value estimate is 21% lower than Mettler-Toledo International's analyst price target of US$1,148 Does the February share price for Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Mettler-Toledo International Step By Step Through The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$869.4m US$935.8m US$1.00b US$1.02b US$1.04b US$1.06b US$1.09b US$1.11b US$1.13b US$1.16b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ 1.96% Est @ 2.03% Est @ 2.09% Est @ 2.13% Est @ 2.16% Est @ 2.18% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.0% US$813 US$817 US$818 US$780 US$743 US$708 US$676 US$645 US$616 US$588 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$7.2b The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$1.2b (1 + 2.2%) (7.0% 2.2%) = US$25b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$25b ( 1 + 7.0%)10= US$13b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$20b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$1.2k, the company appears reasonably expensive at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Mettler-Toledo International as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.956. 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 Mettler-Toledo International Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 4 years. Threat Total liabilities exceed total assets, which raises the risk of financial distress. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market. Moving On: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. 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. Can we work out why the company is trading at a premium to intrinsic value? For Mettler-Toledo International, there are three important aspects you should further research: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Mettler-Toledo International that you should be aware of before investing here. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for MTD's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. CHICAGO , Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today reported January monthly trading volume statistics across its global business lines. The data sheet "Cboe Global Markets Monthly Volume & RPC/Net Revenue Capture Report" contains an overview of certain January trading statistics and market share by business segment, volume in select index products, and RPC/net capture, which is reported on a one-month lag, across business lines. Average Daily Trading Volume (ADV) by Month Year-To-Date Jan 2024 Jan 2023 % Chg Dec 2023 % Chg Jan 2024 Jan 2023 % Chg Multiply-listed options (contracts, k) 10,559 11,219 -5.9 % 10,472 0.8 % 10,559 11,219 -5.9 % Index options (contracts, k) 4,118 3,371 22.2 % 3,984 3.4 % 4,118 3,371 22.2 % Futures (contracts, k) 229 194 18.2 % 201 14.0 % 229 194 18.2 % U.S. Equities - On-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 1,537 1,425 7.9 % 1,654 -7.1 % 1,537 1,425 7.9 % U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 71 92 -22.7 % 68 4.5 % 71 92 -22.7 % Canadian Equities (matched shares, k) 136,143 149,307 -8.8 % 151,854 -10.3 % 136,143 149,307 -8.8 % European Equities (, mn) 9,450 10,290 -8.2 % 8,816 7.2 % 9,450 10,290 -8.2 % Cboe Clear Europe Cleared Trades (k) 98,903 113,179 -12.6 % 83,648 18.2 % 98,903 113,179 -12.6 % Cboe Clear Europe Net Settlements (k) 871 865 0.8 % 770 13.2 % 871 865 0.8 % Australian Equities (AUD, mn) 674 667 1.1 % 777 -13.3 % 674 667 1.1 % Japanese Equities (JPY, bn) 272 166 64.3 % 192 41.6 % 272 166 64.3 % Global FX ADNV ($, mn) 44,815 42,037 6.6 % 45,600 -1.7 % 44,815 42,037 6.6 % 1 Canadian Equities data includes MATCHNow and NEO (now operating as Cboe Canada). 2 Cboe Clear Europe figures are totals (not ADV) for the months and years-to-date. As of April 2023 , data has been restated to reflect both On-Book and Off-Book cleared trades. About Cboe Global Markets Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, FX, and digital assets, across North America , Europe and Asia Pacific . Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com . Cboe Media Contacts Cboe Analyst Contact Angela Tu Tim Cave Kenneth Hill , CFA +1-646-856-8734 +44 (0) 7593-506-719 +1-312-786-7559 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CBOE-V Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. or its affiliates. Standard & Poor's, S&P, SPX, and S&P 500 are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, and have been licensed for use by Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Any products that have the S&P Index or Indexes as their underlying interest are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's or Cboe and neither Standard & Poor's nor Cboe make any representations or recommendations concerning the advisability of investing in products that have S&P indexes as their underlying interests. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities, futures or investments, or third-party products or services. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. is not affiliated with S&P. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities, futures, and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. disclaims any duty to update the information herein. Nothing in this announcement should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities or futures in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal or investment advice. Investors must consult their tax adviser or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates make no warranty, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any warranties as of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness or timeliness, the results to be obtained by recipients of the products and services described herein, or as to the ability of the indices referenced in this press release to track the performance of their respective securities, generally, or the performance of the indices referenced in this press release or any subset of their respective securities, and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies, errors. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates have not calculated, composed or determined the constituents or weightings of the securities that comprise the third-party indices referenced in this press release and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors in any of the indices referenced in this press release. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all market participants. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person should review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD), which is required to be provided to all such persons. Copies of the ODD are available from your broker or from The Options Clearing Corporation, 125 S. Franklin Street , Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606. Futures trading is not suitable for all investors and involves the risk of loss. That risk of loss can be substantial and can exceed the amount of money deposited for a futures position. You should, therefore, carefully consider whether futures trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances and financial resources. You should put at risk only funds that you can afford to lose without affecting your lifestyle. For additional information regarding futures trading risks, see the Risk Disclosure Statement set forth in Appendix A to CFTC Regulation 1.55(c) and the Risk Disclosure Statement for Security Futures Contracts. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cboe-global-markets-reports-trading-volume-for-january-2024-302053765.html SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. CHICAGO , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Career Education Review (CER) recently named Kevin Quinn , Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts chef instructor as a recipient of its Exceptional Educator Awards. The Award recognizes outstanding career college faculty, administrators, and leaders who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, commitment, and excellence in teaching and learning. Chef Kevin Quinn Honored as a Recipient of Career Education Review's Exceptional Educator Awards After a rigorous evaluation process, the CER Editorial Board meticulously reviewed more than 150 nominations, ultimately selecting Chef Kevin Quinn as one of the 25 remarkable individuals to receive this prestigious accolade. The profiles of winners are prominently featured in the latest edition of Career Education Review , providing a comprehensive look at their achievements, and serving as a source of inspiration for educators throughout higher education. " Chef Kevin's genuine passion for educating others inspires students to explore, question, and discover while learning," said Kathleen Ahearn M.Ed ., CEC, CCE and Escoffier's vice president of academic affairs. "His sense of humor engages students and encourages them to understand the "why" behind lessons. This Exceptional Educator Award is a tribute to his remarkable dedication to his students," added Ahearn. "The Exceptional Educator Awards serve as a tribute to educators who consistently surpass expectations, leaving a lasting impact on students' lives," said Jenny Faubert , Editor of Career Education Review. "These awardees have not only inspired and empowered their students but have also made significant positive contributions to the field of career education." Career Education Review is a leading publication dedicated to providing insightful and relevant information about career colleges and the broader landscape of higher education. With a focus on higher education trends, best practices, and impactful stories, CER is a trusted resource for educators, administrators, and leaders. For more on Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS) . Escoffier's Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships. Escoffier's Austin, Texas and Boulder, Colorado campuses ( Boulder includes online programs) were ranked number one in the U.S. by Chef's Pencil , the school's accredited programs offer the combination of a classic and contemporary approach to industry skills training as well as sustainability-centered and business-focused curriculum. Both Escoffier campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified institutions, and are designated as Military Friendly Schools , and Boulder was named a Newsweek Top Online Learning School . Escoffier in Austin offers diploma programs in culinary arts, and pastry arts, as well as Associate of Applied Science degrees in culinary arts and pastry arts. Escoffier in Boulder offers diploma programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, food entrepreneurship, and plant-based culinary arts as well as Associate of Occupational Studies degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, plant-based culinary arts, hospitality and restaurant operations management, holistic nutrition and wellness, and food entrepreneurship. Click for more information on Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts accreditations and degree and diploma programs . Media contact: Patti Thomas , [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chef-kevin-quinn-honored-as-a-recipient-of-career-education-reviews-exceptional-educator-awards-302055136.html SOURCE Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts REDDITCH, England, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Concentric is thrilled to announce that a new OEM customer in the USA has selected Concentric for an important business opportunity. The application involves a combination of EMP branded e-fans and Concentric branded 12V e-coolant pumps for a new trailer electrification solution. Production is scheduled to commence in Q2 2026. This innovative solution is set to contribute to the transformation of the transportation industry. According to TersusStrategy Research, the global electric & hybrid semi-trailers market is projected to reach USD 8.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17%. Concentric's products are part of an innovative energy-efficient solution designed by the OEM to enhance the performance of diesel, battery electric, fuel-cell, or hybrid trucks. The solution is based on the addition of trailer power, which enables fleet owners to make the switch to EV powertrain, even if they are not yet ready to do so. This revolutionary solution is set to contribute to the transformation of the transportation industry by reducing carbon emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. The customer's system incorporates a powerful eco-friendly battery into trailers for heavy-duty trucks. This battery enables the trailer to move independently during yard or dock operations, provide ancillary power, and facilitate additional power on the highway to support the truck. The system is designed to reduce diesel consumption, making transport operations cleaner and more cost-effective. Additionally, the battery can be used to power refrigeration units, which further reduces the carbon footprint of the transport industry. "This new application is powertrain agnostic, which means it contributes to emission reductions and energy savings in both mature and new powertrain technologies. Our sales and engineering teams are able to support the customer with a market-leading technical solution by combining our market-proven e-fans with our state-of-the-art seal-less e-coolant pumps. This innovative solution enables Concentric to enter the trailer electrification business, which is a new market for our company with exciting growth opportunities. It also has the potential to retrofit existing trailers in the future," says Martin Kunz , President & CEO Concentric AB. For further information, please contact: Lynne McCarthy (Media Contact) at Tel: +44 121 445 6545 or E-mail: [email protected] The following files are available for download: View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/concentric-enters-trailer-electrification-market-with-new-power-train-agnostic-application-302054266.html SOURCE Concentric AB CHICAGO and MEXICO CITY , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC, a leading global impact investor in emerging markets, today announced its participation in a $3.4 million bridge funding round to further support the expansion of Techreo, a Mexico City -based digital financial services platform. G2 Momentum, a venture capital firm in Mexico City , was also part of the financing round. "We are confident in our mission to provide comprehensive financial services to an underserved population in Latin America ," said Iliana de Silva , CEO and co-founder of Techreo. "We are committed to being a catalyst for change in this region, leveraging our expansion into Bolivia to focus on Peru , Colombia , Ecuador , and the Hispanic population in the United States ." The Techreo platform is a leader in the Latin America financial technology ecosystem, demonstrating sustainable growth in its two years of existence and offering comprehensive financial services digitally to more than 440,000 users in Mexico and more than 40,000 in Bolivia . From offices in Chicago , Mexico City , and Bangalore , Creation Investments currently manages $2.1 billion in assets. Since inception in 2007, Creation has invested in 31 portfolio companies operating across eight countries and is focused on financial services and financial inclusion for the unbanked and underbanked population in emerging markets. "We are pleased to invest in this new financing round to support Techreo's growth initiatives," said Amadeo Ibarra, Mexico country head of Creation Investments. "Techreo has an impressive track record of profitably executing its strategic vision to promote financial inclusion in Mexico with a digital app uniquely designed to serve people at the base of the economic pyramid." About Techreo Techreo is a leading platform for comprehensive financial services in Mexico , committed to driving financial inclusion in Latin America . Since its launch in 2022, it has captured the attention of more than 440,000 users in Mexico and more than 40,000 in Bolivia , along with a capital raise of $6 million . With a presence in strategic markets of Latin America , such as Bolivia , Techreo combines innovation, simplicity, and cutting-edge technology to democratize access to financial tools, education, and business solutions, thus transforming the relationship of individuals and businesses with the financial world. To learn more about Techreo, visit https://techreo.mx/, Facebook and LinkedIn. About Creation Investments Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC is a leading global impact investment manager in emerging markets. Creation Investments seeks out the next generation of financial services firms focused on increasing access to capital and providing financial products to the unbanked and underbanked in emerging markets. The firm aims to improve the lives of those living at the bottom of the economic pyramid, reducing poverty and its ill effects in the developing world through market-based solutions. Creation Investments is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in Bangalore , Dallas , and Mexico City . As of Sept. 30, 2023 , Creation Investments had $2.1 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.creationinvestments.com. Media Contacts: Margaret Kirch Cohen Newton Park PR, LLC M: +1 847-507-2229 [email protected] Rich Chimberg Newton Park PR, LLC M: +1 617-312-4281 [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creation-investments-joins-3-4-million-bridge-funding-round-for-techreo-a-digital-financial-services-platform-in-latin-america-302054810.html SOURCE Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC SAN MATEO, Calif. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyera announced today that its cloud-native data security platform is now available on Google Cloud Marketplace . As enterprises increase their adoption of cloud services, they must ensure that data is democratized to deliver insights and secured against new and rising threats. Cyera's data security platform discovers, classifies, and develops deep context of sensitive data on top of Google Cloud's secure, trusted infrastructure. "Google Cloud customers can now directly access our platform and discover where all of their data is, if it's secure, and who has access to it, nearly instantaneously," said Yotam Segev , co-founder and CEO, Cyera. "We offer a compelling way for enterprises to quickly gain visibility and control of their data across Google Cloud and all cloud environments, improve their security posture against cyber threats, and achieve compliance with data privacy regulations. These are no longer 'nice to have' advantages; these are quickly evolving into necessities." Cyera's data security platform provides numerous benefits to help Google Cloud enterprise customers maximize their cloud services while protecting their organizations' critical data. For example, many enterprises use data across Google Workspace, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, and other cloud services. Different departments house the data in separate locations, creating silos that can be difficult to uncover. Cyera provides a single source of truth, finding and identifying business-critical data across silos. Cyera also strengthens existing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) deployments. Cloud DLP is designed to prevent improper sensitive data exposures, but DLP policies are only effective when data is accurately labeled. Cyera classifies data in Google Cloud, ensuring proper labeling for PII, IP, financial, and other sensitive categories so that DLP policies protect the intended data. Additionally, Cyera optimizes encryption policies. Enterprises utilize Google Cloud's Sensitive Data Protection services to obfuscate and de-identify sensitive data, thereby reducing the risk of loss should that data fall into the wrong hands. Cyera's AI-powered platform contextualizes data, revealing the identifiability of data and whether it reveals, for example, the identity of a European citizen. This context enables security teams to apply the appropriate de-identification methods and meet General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. "Bringing Cyera to Google Cloud Marketplace will help customers quickly deploy and manage its data security platform on Google Cloud's trusted, global infrastructure," said Dai Vu , Managing Director, Marketplace & ISV GTM Programs at Google Cloud. "Cyera can now securely scale and support customers on their digital transformation journeys." To learn more about the Cyera and Google Cloud collaboration, please visit Cyera today. About Cyera Cyera is the data security company that gives businesses deep context on their data, applying proper, continuous controls to assure cyber-resilience and compliance. Cyera takes a data-centric approach to security across the data landscape, empowering security teams to know where their data is and what exposes it to risk so they can take immediate action to remediate exposures. Backed by leading investors, including Sequoia, Accel, Cyberstarts, and Redpoint Ventures, Cyera is redefining how companies secure data in the cloud. To learn more, visit www.cyera.io . Contact: Michelle Baum Guyer Group [email protected] 720-339-6483 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cyeras-data-security-platform-now-available-on-google-cloud-marketplace-302054439.html SOURCE Cyera The Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. , a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Dale LeFebvre , Founder and Executive Chairman of 3.5.7.11 Investments, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Mr. LeFebvre joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Raised in Beaumont, Texas , Mr. LeFebvre learned from a young age that he'd have to work for every penny he earned. He started his first business at age nine, cutting grass for neighbors. Along with his entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. LeFebvre had a passion for learning, which he attributes to his great-grandmother. Against the odds, Mr. LeFebvre attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he excelled, earning an internship with Senator Edward Kennedy , and later graduating with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. After graduating from MIT, he joined McKinsey & Company as one of the first MIT graduates to be hired as a business analyst. Focused on continuing his education, however, he returned to school to concurrently pursue his Juris Doctor and MBA from Harvard Law and Harvard Business School. Leaving graduate school with $250,000 in debt, Mr. LeFebvre faced new financial pressures but believed in himself, the strength he witnessed in his great-grandmother, and the power of education and entrepreneurship. After receiving his graduate degrees and spurred by his gift for creative problem-solving and entrepreneurship, Mr. LeFebvre became the managing partner for a private equity firm, and subsequently became the co-founder and managing partner for AIC International Investments, where he led fundraising efforts for a $230 million fund. After continued success, in 2006 Mr. LeFebvre founded 3.5.7.11, his privately owned equity investment firm. Today, Mr. LeFebvre has raised more than $1 billion in institutional capital for businesses specializing in transportation, infrastructure, energy, financial services and technology. He holds dozens of issued patents, and the 3.5.7.11 portfolio operates nationally, employing more than 1,000 team members. Mr. LeFebvre has been awarded the National Bell Labs Fellowship at MIT, the Traphagen Fellowship from Harvard Law, and the Aspen Institute's Henry Crown Fellowship. He serves on the Board of Directors for Lincoln Financial Group, the National Smithsonian Board, and the Board of Trustees for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "Hailing from humble beginnings, Dale LeFebvre understood the value of education from a young age," said Terrence J. Giroux , executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "To him, a college degree was a ticket to a brighter future, and he saw firsthand where that ticket took him. I'm certain that Mr. LeFebvre's story will resonate with our Scholars and provide our Association with another stellar example of what the American Dream represents." Mr. LeFebvre generously gives to many education, civil rights, arts, culture and humanities causes. He is a patron of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution, and the University of the Virgin Islands . In 2014, Mr. LeFebvre was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Advisory Committee on the Arts at the Kennedy Center . An avid art lover, he was named a founding Milestone Donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture after donating $1 million in 2016. "Throughout my career, I've been asked to share my story and let others know, especially the younger generation, that your adversities do not define you and instead can motivate you," said Mr. LeFebvre . "I'm honored to join an Association that empowers students to overcome challenges and build their dreams, no matter how daunting they may at times seem." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own endeavors, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Mr. LeFebvre and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024 , during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington , D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X, LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada , and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: Carly Colombo [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dale-lefebvre-founder-and-executive-chairman-of-3-5-7-11-investments-to-receive-2024-horatio-alger-award-302055073.html SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. KEY POINTS Quarter highlights Operating performance at the Plutonic gold mine improved against September quarter reflecting the expected operational stabilisation Plutonic updated Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve released 1 ; estimate provides comfort over Catalyst's forward mine plan ORE: 5.2Mt at 2.9g/t Au for 490,000oz MRE: 17.9Mt at 2.9g/t Au for 1,654,000oz ; estimate provides comfort over Catalyst's forward mine plan Updated Mineral Resource Estimate released for the Trident deposit of 4.2Mt at 3.7g/t Au for 508,000oz; estimate will form the basis of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) __________________________________ 1 Refer to ASX announcement on 8th December 2023 , "Plutonic and Trident Reserves and Resources Updated" Production Gold sold for the quarter totalled 26,336oz at an average AISC of A$2,861 , comprising: Plutonic: 21,030oz gold sold at an AISC of A$2,713 /oz Henty: 5,306oz gold sold at an AISC of A$3,447 /oz , comprising: Sustaining capital including tailings lifts at both sites and ongoing investments in equipment impacted AISC for both Henty and Plutonic Discovery and Growth Diamond drilling program completed at Trident, focussed on obtaining geotechnical and hydrogeological data to support a definitive feasibility study (DFS) Release of the DFS will be dependent on collating and finalising these and other engineering results post the Christmas break Plutonic belt development pipeline studies advancing: Regional soil sampling program completed across the Plutonic Gold Belt; results will inform future exploration programs Collating and processing of historical data relating to nearer term development opportunities Financial and Corporate As at 31 December 2023 , available funds were A$15.4 million , available funds were The Company held loan facilities of $30.5 million and equipment related loans of $12.6 million at the same date PERTH, Australia , Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - OVERVIEW The December quarter reflects the continuation of the new operating model and the operating discipline that has been introduced by the Company. The December quarter represented the second quarter of ownership of the Plutonic gold mine under Catalyst. The September quarter was a period of change for Plutonic with new management focussed on identifying and implementing operational improvements. During the December quarter, management focussed on stabilising production. Operational metrics at Plutonic improved in the December quarter and are a positive reflection of these efforts. With operations now more stable, management will be able to have a greater focus on costs. Newly purchased equipment and one-off costs incurred in the September and December quarters should assist with a lower cost profile going forward. Performance at the Henty Gold Mine in Tasmania improved compared to the September quarter results. A focus by management on stope performance resulted in improved grade and increased gold production during the quarter. Sustaining capital at Henty for the quarter included commencement on the tailings dam lift and continuation of the equipment replacement program. Studies to progress the Plutonic development pipeline continued during the quarter. The Trident DFS is expected to be completed in the coming months, and significant work is underway to prioritise the pipeline of potential developments and exploration opportunities across the belt. In Victoria , the Company continues to progress plans for the submission of an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Four Eagles Exploration Tunnel . MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY "The December quarter represents the second full quarter of ownership by Catalyst. Like the September quarter, we continue to see the productivity initiatives implemented by the new management translating into better operating results. Pleasingly, this was best reflected in Plutonic's safety record with no incidents recorded during the quarter the first time this has been achieved since June 2022 . "The Trident DFS is continuing and remains a focus despite the change in total ounces and gold grade of the updated Resource. The date of release of the DFS is still to be determined. "Encouragingly, during November and December, Henty saw a turnaround in performance. Improvements in mill availability, gold grade and equipment utilisation were seen. "Following the recruitment and coordination of a new project development team, in conjunction with Catalyst's pre-existing exploration team, the company is developing a plan to methodically explore and assess the full potential of the Plutonic Gold Belt. "The March, June and September quarters represented a period of significant change for Catalyst, with transactions, new hires and working through numerous inherited legacy items. The December quarter marked more of a digestion of these efforts. Safety is improving, the newly formed team are working well together, understanding of the Plutonic operations improves monthly, multiple legal disputes of Vango Mining and Superior Gold were settled, creditors reduced, a TSF lift was completed, and equipment purchased to replace both old and hired fleet. At this stage, while challenges remain in the shorter term, we plan for production and safety metrics to continue improving across both sites over time." ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND SAFETY (ESS) The new Safety Leadership Team at Plutonic has been focussed on building a strong safety culture at site. While this takes time, very pleasingly, no reportable safety incidents were recorded at Plutonic during the quarter. During the quarter, the Carnarvon Magistrates court handed down its sentence to Billabong Gold Pty Ltd (a 100% Catalyst subsidiary holding the Plutonic Gold Mine ) in relation to a 2020 workplace incident. This event occurred prior to Catalyst's ownership of the mine. Henty recorded one lost time injury for the quarter relating to an uncontrolled detonation. A formal investigation into the incident was conducted in liaison with Worksafe Tasmania and Orica. No party could determine the cause of the incident. Table 1: December 2023 group safety performance (12-month moving average) Plutonic Henty TRIFR 17.4 13.0 LTIFR (per million hours worked) 3.7 13.0 OPERATIONS Plutonic Gold Operations The December quarter was focused on improving the site's safety performance, cementing previous quarter's production metrics and gaining a better understanding of mine planning. There were no reportable safety incidents recorded in the quarter. Development and production drill metres, ore tonnes mined and processed continued in line with the previous quarter. Considerable work was undertaken in mine planning with considerably more to do. Suffering from historical underinvestment, recruitment of a new planning team is underway. At Plutonic this is compounded by the style of mineralisation and the now remnant nature of the mine. This demands additional engineering and planning than typically required for a mine of this size. This does create ongoing uncertainty to operations. Further incremental improvements are planned over time as new underground equipment arrives on site. At the end of the quarter, Catalyst had invested in the purchase of two new loaders and three trucks to replace either ageing equipment or hire units. This equipment should deliver improved availabilities for the fleet in the near term. Important for Plutonic's longer term success is identifying new Resources in virgin areas near existing underground mine infrastructure. Delineating such Resources reduces pressure and risk on operations. Through an ability to mine virgin areas, mine planning and operations will become easier. During the quarter, several new areas were identified with development drives and drill programs planned for 2024 in an effort to reduce operating risk. Construction of a TSF lift was completed during the quarter. Despite a challenging start to its permitting and construction, the lift was completed on time and on budget at a cost of $4.1m . A further lift, already permitted, is scheduled to commence in July 2024 . Henty Gold Mine Operational metrics at Henty improved against the September quarter. In November and December, processing tonnes increased along with improved production drilling, material movement and compliance to plan. This improvement in processing tonnes was an important milestone with the processing plant demonstrating for the first time under Catalyst ownership that it could process 300,000 tonnes per annum. A plan is being prepared to increase Henty's mining and processing rate to 300,000 tonnes per annum on an on-going basis. With the mine's predominantly fixed cost base, increased production should lower unit costs. We believe this is possible due to a steady and stable team and our investment in the mining fleet. The equipment replacement plan has been implemented with combined rebuild and replacement of the ageing mining equipment. During the quarter Henty took delivery of a new truck, replacement orders for a production rig and bogger were placed and a development jumbo rebuild commenced. Henty's cost marginally increased with higher physicals and resumption of underground diamond drilling under a new service provider. Catalyst's considerable investment in drilling during FY2023 is starting to yield results. The new Resources at Cradle Zone and areas near Darwin are in close proximity to existing workings while also not suffering from remnant mining. The team have been able to incorporate these areas into a new plan. As the mine expands into these new areas in 2024 and 2025, operating risk will reduce to less reliance on remnant mining. Construction of a TSF lift was commenced during the quarter. To date, these works remain on time and on budget. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT Plutonic Gold Belt Exploration Catalyst continues to progress its definitive feasibility study (DFS) at Trident. The DFS includes independent work by specialist technical consultants on geotechnology, metallurgy, mineralogy, hydrology, environmental, mining engineering and Mineral Resource estimation. A diamond drilling program at Trident was completed during the quarter which was focused on obtaining additional geotechnical and hydrogeological data to support the DFS. Evaluation of the numerous advanced and early-stage opportunities across the consolidated Plutonic Gold Belt progressed during the quarter. Significant work is underway to develop a structured pipeline of deposits that will inform future studies and exploration projects. New ore sources can be delivered to the Plutonic mill due to the network of existing haul roads extending the full 48km length of the Catalyst mining leases. During the quarter Catalyst completed a soil sampling program across the belt. The results of this program will inform priority exploration targets within the projects pipeline. Future exploration programmes will range from surface geochemistry and geophysics to discover hidden mineralisation at depth, through to drill outs of known deposits around existing mothballed pits, which number almost 30. Victorian Gold Exploration No significant field activity was undertaken in the December quarter. This period is often hampered by flooding and seasonal cropping by landholders. Four Eagles Gold Project and Licencing of the Exploration Access Tunnel The Four Eagles Gold Project comprises numerous prospects, four of which are Boyd's Dam, Hayanmi, Pickles and the Iris Zone (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Management's main focus at the Four Eagles Joint Venture is to seek approval to construct an access tunnel to explore underground. Gaining approval to explore underground will allow Catalyst to better understand and further explore mineralised positions in detail. To gain approval for an exploration tunnel at the Four Eagles Project, collaboration with Victorian Government's regulation body, Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) has continued during the quarter. Studies will continue as contributions to the ultimate Environmental Impact Statement as required by the Victorian Government. Whilst the timeline regarding approval of the tunnel remains uncertain, Catalyst do not believe an EIS will negatively impact the currently anticipated timeline. Henty Exploration During the quarter, a number of drillholes were designed on both adjoining exploration leases. Site preparations have been completed at one, with the other yet to be approved. Exploration in the Henty region is greatly reliant on diamond drilling due to the dense vegetation and oftentimes challenging topography which render geophysics and soil geochemistry extremely difficult. FINANCE Cash and Equivalents At the end of the December 2023 quarter, the Company held available funds of $15.4 million . During the quarter, the Company expended $69 million on mining production and development activities across its operating sites at Plutonic and Henty. A total of $3 million was invested in growth exploration activities across the Company's tenement portfolio during the quarter predominantly in relation to Trident's DFS. $6.0m of borrowings was repaid as well as $8.2m in new equipment financing was drawn as part of Catalyst's programme to replace both old and hired equipment. Hedging At the end of the December quarter, the Company held the following calls and forward sale contracts. Table 2: Calls and forward sales Quarter Average Call Price A$/oz Ounces Average Forward Price A$/oz Ounces March 2024 2,970 7,500 3,050 11,550 June 2024 3,000 3,500 - - Total 2,944 16,800 3,050 11,550 This report has been approved for release by the Board of Directors of Catalyst Metals Limited. Corporate summary (at 31 December 2023 ) ASX trading code CYL Quoted shares (CYL) 220,157,544 Unquoted options 3,357,010 Unquoted performance rights 3,500,000 Postal address PO Box 1784 West Perth , WA 6872 Telephone (+61) 8 6324 0090 E-mail [email protected] Website www.catalystmetals.com.au JORC 2012 Mineral Resources and Reserves Catalyst confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcements continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements. Figures & Diagrams Table 3: December 2023 quarter performance summary by production centre 3 MONTHS ENDING 31 DEC 2023 Units Plutonic Henty Total Ore Mined Tonnes 312,850 61,137 373,987 Mined Grade g/t Au 2.48 3.59 2.66 Milled Tonnes Tonnes 302,126 63,848 365,974 Head Grade g/t Au 2.43 3.52 2.62 Recovery % 92.9 % 91.8 % 92.6 % Gold Recovered oz 21,904 6,640 28,544 Gold Sold oz 21,030 5,306 26,336 Average Price A$/oz 2,929[2] 3,043 2,952 Total Stockpiles Contained Gold oz 2,998 - 2,998 Gold in Circuit (GIC) oz 2,511 2,772 5,283 Total Gold Inventories oz 5,509 2,772 8,281 Underground Mining A$/oz 1,460 1,658 1,500 Processing A$/oz 376 399 381 General and Administrative A$/oz 417 557 445 Ore Stock & GIC Movements A$/oz (162) (293) (189) Cash Operating Cost A$/oz 2,091 2,321 2,136 Royalties A$/oz 65 151 82 Rehabilitation A$/oz 12 5 11 Sustaining Capital A$/oz 545 969 631 All-in Sustaining Cost A$/oz 2,713 3,447 2,861 ___________________________________ 2 Plutonic gold sale price lower due to various financial instruments set in place by previous owners as part of the gold loan held between the company and its lender, Auramet. Catalyst Metals Catalyst Metals controls three highly prospective gold belts. It has a multi asset strategy. It owns the 40km long Plutonic Gold Belt in Western Australia hosting the Plutonic gold mine and neighbouring underexplored, high-grade resources. It also owns and operates the high-grade Henty Gold Mine in Tasmania which lies within the 25km Henty gold belt. Production to date is 1.4Moz @ 8.9 g/t. Catalyst also controls +75km of strike length immediately north of the +22Moz Bendigo goldfield and home to high-grade, greenfield resources at Four Eagles. Capital Structure Shares o/s: 220m Options: 1.4m Rights: 1.8m Cash: $22.8m Debt: $31.4m Board Members David Jones AM Non-Executive Chairman James Champion de Crespigny Managing Director & CEO Robin Scrimgeour Non-Executive Director Bruce Kay Non-Executive Director Corporate Details ASX: CYL E:[email protected] W:catalystmetals.com.au View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/december-2023-quarterly-report-302054033.html SOURCE Catalyst Metals LTD. Whistleblowers International Debuts Enhanced Online Platform WASHINGTON , Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a noteworthy advancement for whistleblower advocacy, Dr. Joseph Piacentile has been officially admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, a significant expansion of his esteemed legal career, which has been marked by a steadfast dedication to combating fraud against the U.S. government. This development coincides with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art website by Whistleblowers International, providing a pivotal resource for individuals worldwide committed to transparency and ethical corporate conduct. Dr. Piacentile's induction into the DC Bar is not just a personal milestone but a strategic enhancement of his ability to impact key legal discussions and policies in whistleblower law at the national level. His new standing in the heart of the nation's legal epicenter amplifies his capacity to advocate for justice in high-profile cases of corporate and governmental malfeasance. Simultaneously, the launch of Whistleblowers International's innovative website (https://www.whistleblowersinternational.com) reflects the firm's dedication to empowering whistleblowers. This modern platform offers in-depth resources, guidance, and support, paving the way for courageous individuals who seek to expose wrongdoing and champion integrity. With a dual background as a licensed physician and attorney, Dr. Piacentile brings a unique perspective to the legal realm. His expertise, particularly in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, has been pivotal in guiding numerous whistleblower cases, contributing to over $8 billion in recoveries for the U.S. government. His inventions in pharmaceutical marketing and compliance, underscored by several U.S. patents, demonstrate his commitment to innovative solutions in the industry. Reflecting on his career and the new developments, Dr. Piacentile emphasizes a principle that has guided his endeavors: " Dr. Joe has been active in his messianic, Jewish congregation, and a believer in Jesus the Messiah for over 30 years and is guided by those principles in his work and life." This ethos encapsulates his approach to legal advocacy a blend of ethical commitment and strategic action. Whistleblowers International, co-founded by Dr. Piacentile and represented by Piacentile, Stefanowski & Malherbe LLP, stands at the vanguard of legal advocacy against corporate and governmental fraud. The firm's enhanced digital presence reaffirms its mission to support whistleblowers in their pursuit of justice, providing an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to make a significant impact in the fight against corruption. For additional information about Dr. Joseph Piacentile , Whistleblowers International, and to explore the new website, please visit [https://www.whistleblowersinternational.com/] For media inquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-joseph-piacentile-joins-the-district-of-columbia-bar-302053867.html SOURCE Whistleblowers International The Horatio Alger Association names 11 outstanding individuals, each of whom has overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success, to its Member Class of 2024 WASHINGTON , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. , a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Dr. Robert D. Ballard , distinguished explorer, discoverer, and historian, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Dr. Ballard joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. Dr. Ballard grew up in San Diego and lived only a short walk from the Pacific Ocean where he spent most of his free time walking along the beaches, learning to swim and then later to scuba dive. He attributes his interest in underwater exploration to watching Walt Disney's movie "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." While he was in high school, his father connected him with oceanographers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and he participated in several short research expeditions. He first went to sea on an oceanographic cruise at 17 years old, which catapulted his interest in the field of oceanic exploration. Dr. Ballard received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara in geology and chemistry. He was working towards a PhD in marine geology at the University of Southern California in 1967 when he was called to active duty. At his request, he was transferred from the Army into the U.S. Navy as an oceanographer. The Navy assigned him as a liaison between the Office of Naval Research and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Massachusetts , where he went on to spend 30 years of his career after entering the Naval Reserve in 1970. He also received a PhD in marine geology and geophysics at the University of Rhode Island. Best known by the public for his 1985 discovery of the RMS Titanic, Dr. Ballard has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier Yorktown (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway), and John F. Kennedy's boat, PT-109. Dr. Ballard also led the important discoveries of hydrothermal vents and "black smokers" in the Galapagos Rift and East Pacific Rise in 1977 and 1979. A pioneer in the development of deep-sea submersibles and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, Dr. Ballard has taken part in more than 165 deep-sea expeditions throughout his career. Throughout his early life and career, Dr. Ballard was acutely aware that the ways he learned and saw things around him were different from others. However, it wasn't until the age of 72 that he was formally diagnosed with dyslexia. With that new piece of information, many events from his past suddenly made sense. Dr. Ballard now credits his dyslexia for fostering the skills and the innovation that were needed to make some of the biggest discoveries in maritime history. The heightened visual and spatial awareness that comes naturally to people with dyslexia played a significant role in his celebrated career. Dr. Ballard is now a vocal advocate for people with dyslexia, seeking to ensure that younger generations know it's possible for them to do amazing things and have the careers that they want despite this adversity. "We couldn't be prouder to welcome Dr. Robert Ballard as a 2024 Horatio Alger Member," said Terrence J. Giroux , executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "He overcame early challenges with dyslexia to become one of the most accomplished and well-known deep-sea explorers in the world. His passion for constantly learning and embracing complex challenges will greatly benefit the Scholars we serve." In 2008, Dr. Ballard founded the Ocean Exploration Trust and acquired the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, which continues to explore the world's oceans with the Nautilus Corps of Exploration. In addition, Dr. Ballard is a National Geographic Society Explorer-at-Large and a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. He is also a Senior Scientist Emeritus in the Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Ballard has 22 honorary degrees and six military awards. He received the National Geographic Society's prestigious Hubbard Medal in 1996 for "extraordinary accomplishments in coaxing secrets from the world's oceans and engaging students in the wonder of science," and was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2014. "Becoming a Horatio Alger Member alongside such a brilliant roster of Americans is a true honor," said Dr. Ballard . "I look forward to furthering the Association's important mission and encouraging the Scholars to fiercely pursue their passions even if they must overcome challenges in the process a lesson that I've learned many times in my life." 2024 marks the 40th year that the Association has awarded annual need-based scholarships to high school students who have displayed dedication to pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles throughout their lives. The Association, which aims to preserve and protect the American Dream for future generations, also seeks to educate young people about the endless opportunities available by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who will have collectively provided more than $245 million to over 35,000 students. "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These influential leaders not only spearhead their own businesses, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the Association's mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it." Dr. Ballard and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024 , during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The three-day event is an annual ceremony to honor both the achievements of Members and National Scholars, who will have multiple opportunities to meet, interact and exchange stories of perseverance. For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X , LinkedIn and Instagram . About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2023, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students across the United States and Canada , and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Over the past 40 years, more than $245 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org. CONTACT: McKenna Young [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-robert-ballard-renowned-oceanographer-andnmarine-geologist-to-receive-2024-horatio-alger-award-302055028.html SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. , Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, which for almost 90 years has supported and advanced its charitable beneficiary The Nemours Foundation, today announced the appointment of James S. Hunt as Chair of The Nemours Foundation Board of Directors. The Nemours Foundation is the governing body which oversees Nemours Children's Health. Jim joined the board in 2016, serving as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee, and a member of the Advancement and External Affairs Committee. He has served in health care board governance since 1997, most recently prior to Nemours, on the Board of Directors and Chair of the Finance Committee and member of the Investment and Compensation Committees of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. In this new role, Jim succeeds Harold Mills , who served as board chair since 2022. "On behalf of the duPont Charitable Trust, the Trustees and I welcome Jim to this important role and thank Harold for his tremendous leadership, passion and commitment during his tenure as our Chair," said Hugh M. Durden , Chairman, Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust. Jim thanked Harold for his leadership and commented, "Each member of the Board of Directors, Boards of Managers and our CEO, physicians, nurses, researchers, all leaders and associates, with our entire team, remain committed to our vision, strategies and priorities for advancing the health of children, well beyond medicine." Jim is a CPA who also serves on the boards of directors of other publicly held and private companies in the insurance and global restaurant businesses. His other professional activities include serving as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group. He is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, where he is a designated Board Leadership Fellow. R. Lawrence Moss , MD, FACS, FAAP, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nemours, said, "Jim's deep commitment to Nemours' mission and his experience in board governance and children's healthcare are tremendous assets to our organization. I look forward to working closely with him to create the healthiest generation of children." About the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust is a non-profit organization created by philanthropist Alfred Irenee duPont in 1935. The duPont Trust is devoted to supporting the trust's sole charitable beneficiary, The Nemours Foundation for the benefit of Nemours Children's Health and the Nemours Estate . The Trust is one of America's most generous supporters of pediatric healthcare. Since 1935, the Trust has provided funding to its primary beneficiary, The Nemours Foundation, for the care and treatment of children primarily in Delaware and Florida and has helped hundreds of thousands of sick children find health and new hope for the future, regardless of ability to pay. About Nemours Children's Health Nemours Children's Health is one of the nation's largest multistate pediatric health systems, which includes two free-standing children's hospitals and a network of more than 70 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children's seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine. Nemours Children's also powers the world's most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, Nemours KidsHealth.org. The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families, and communities it serves. For more information, visit Nemours.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dupont-charitable-trust-names-james-s-hunt-chair-of-the-nemours-foundation-302053756.html SOURCE The Nemours Foundation There is such a thing as a win-win deal. nortonrsx/iStock via Getty Images Plus Conventional wisdom says that you should never leave money on the table when negotiating. But research in my field suggests this could be exactly the wrong approach. Theres mounting evidence that a short-term win at the bargaining table can mean a loss in terms of overall trust and cooperation. That can leave everyone including the winner worse off. As a former executive, Ive managed large contracts as both a buyer and a seller. Now, as a business professor, I study these trading partner relationships, exploring what works in practice. My work supports what economic theorists and social scientists have been arguing for years: The best results come when people collaborate to create long-term value instead of fighting for short-term wins. What game are you playing? Research into art, science and practice of collaborative approaches dates back to the 1940s when the mathematician John von Neumann and economist Oskar Morgenstern used mathematical analysis to model competition and cooperation in living things. Interest in collaborative approaches grew when researchers John Nash, John C. Harsanyi and Reinhard Selten won a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994. Their work inspired academics around the world to delve deeper into whats known as game theory. Game theory is the study of the outcome of strategic interactions among decision makers. By using rigorous statistical methods, researchers can model what happens when people choose to cooperate or choose to take an aggressive, power-based approach to negotiation. Many business leaders are taught strategies focusing on using their power and playing to win often at the other partys expense. In game theory, this is known as a zero-sum game, and its an easy trap to fall into. But not every game has a clear winner or loser. In economics, a win-win game is called a nonzero-sum game. In this sort of situation, people arent fighting over whose slice of a pie will be larger. Theyre working to grow the pie for everyone. Story continues A second dimension of game theory is whether people are playing a one-shot or a repeated game. Think of a one-shot game as like going to the flea market: You probably wont see your trading partner again, so if youre a jerk to them, the risk of facing the consequences is low. An interesting twist uncovered by studying repeated games is that when one party uses their power in a negotiation, it creates the urge for the other party to retaliate. The University of Michigans Robert Axelrod, a mathematician turned game theorist, coined this a tit-for-tat strategy. His research, perhaps best known in the book The Evolution of Cooperation, uses statistics to show that when individuals cooperate, they come out better than when they dont. The case for leaving money on the table Another Nobel laureate, American economist Oliver Williamson, has offered negotiating advice that most would call a paradigm shift and some, a heresy. That advice? Always leave money on the table especially when youll be returning to the same game again. Why? According to Williamson, it sends a powerful signal of trustworthiness and credibility to ones negotiating partner when someone consciously chooses to cooperate and build trust. The opposite approach leads to lost trust and what the Nobel laureate economist Oliver Hart calls shading. This is a retaliatory behavior that happens when a party isnt getting the outcome it expected from a deal and feels the other party is to blame. Simply put, noncollaborative approaches causes distrust and create friction, which adds transaction costs and inefficiencies. The million-dollar question is whether collaborative approaches work in practice. And from my vantage point as a scholar, the answer is yes. In fields as diverse as health care to high-tech, I see growing real-world evidence backing up the insights of game theory. The lessons are simple yet profound: Playing a game together to achieve mutual interests is better than playing exclusively with self-interest in mind. 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: Kate Vitasek, University of Tennessee Read more: Kate Vitasek works for the University of Tennessee where she studies and teaches organizations how to create win-win collaborative contracts. Her original research between 2003 and 2009 was funded by the United States Air Force. HR leaders believe early detection is the best way to combat costs and improve outcomes, but face challenges implementing benefits programs that address their needs and priorities BURLINGAME, Calif. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Color Health today announced findings from its recent survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, highlighting employer perspectives on the rising cost of cancer, priorities for providing the most impactful care to employees, and potential strategies for reducing the burden of cancer on the workforce. Details are available in Color Health's 2024 Employer Insights Report: The State of Cancer. Results showed that while cancer care is both a top driver of healthcare costs and a top priority when it comes to healthcare benefits, employers feel they cannot rely on their health plan alone, and primary care is not enough. In 2024, over two-thirds (62%) of employers plan to offer a cancer screening program as a strategy for early detection and reducing costs. But less than a quarter have comprehensive insight into their population's screening rates, at a time when incidence for six of the top ten cancers is rising, and over 2 million new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2024. Survey participants included 250 HR and benefits leaders at companies with 500 or more employees in the U.S. , who play a significant role in healthcare decision-making. Additional key findings include: Screening, early detection, and risk assessment/prevention are the highest priorities for cancer benefits , according to over 70% of benefits leaders. , according to over 70% of benefits leaders. Employer spending highlights a gap in preventive care. 88% of those surveyed would rather spend more on preventive care than post-diagnosis care/disease management, but in reality, 82% currently spend significantly more on the latter. 88% of those surveyed would rather spend more on preventive care than post-diagnosis care/disease management, but in reality, 82% currently spend significantly more on the latter. Services available through health plans fall short of delivering employees the care they need. Just 1 in 10 benefits leaders agrees insurance coverage alone is enough to provide key healthcare benefits for employees. Only 1 in 4 agrees health plans are meeting employee needs for cancer screening, specifically. Just 1 in 10 benefits leaders agrees insurance coverage alone is enough to provide key healthcare benefits for employees. Only 1 in 4 agrees health plans are meeting employee needs for cancer screening, specifically. Primary care providers are not a sufficient backstop for screening and prevention in cancer. 72% of benefits leaders agree that primary care providers are not getting enough employees screened for cancer. 72% of benefits leaders agree that primary care providers are not getting enough employees screened for cancer. Only 31% of benefits leaders receive employee cancer screening rates from their health plan proactively. Just 16% of employers have access to combined screening rates for breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and cervical cancers, responsible for 1 in 4 cancer deaths. "In recent years, cancer has become a top driver of healthcare costs for employers. Benefits leaders are looking for different approaches to address the needs of their employees and their businesses. 96% of employers agree that detecting cancer early is the best way to get ahead of rising costs and improve employee health outcomes," said Othman Laraki , CEO, Color Health. "It's clear that new cancer benefits solutions are in demand, and employers need support implementing comprehensive programs." "Because they provide healthcare coverage for nearly half of all Americans, employers are uniquely positioned to address gaps in cancer care. Proactively addressing the impact of cancer on the workforce is critical, especially as we see rising incidence among six of the top ten cancers," said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen , CEO for the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Action Network. "Many cancers with the highest mortality, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, can be detected through routine screenings. When these diseases are caught early, we can drastically reduce the devastation cancer causes." To read the entirety of Color Health's report, visit here. About Color Health Color is a complete platform for healthcare delivery, providing the technology, infrastructure, and logistics required to distribute large-scale health initiatives to diverse populations. Color works with employers, unions, government agencies, schools, and communities to provide equitable, accessible healthcare services. Color supports access for traditional and distributed workforces, as well as underserved communities, by removing barriers to care. Our model enables screening, counseling, and life-saving treatments to be utilized by more people, wherever they are. Connect with Color on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and www.color.com. Press Contacts Color Health Alyssa Canter [email protected] Anneka Meyer [email protected] Survey Methodology: The research was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Color Health among 250 HR healthcare benefits decision-makers at companies with 500+ employees. The survey was conducted November 7-16, 2023 . Data are weighted where necessary by number of employees to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within 6.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/employers-agree-relying-on-primary-care-and-insurance-coverage-is-not-enough-to-meet-cancer-screening-needs-according-to-new-survey-302053950.html SOURCE Color Health CompTIA breaks down winning tech strategies seen in a tale of two cities DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the highly anticipated contest between Kansas City and San Francisco approaches, CompTIA looks beyond gameday to the impact of tech throughout the year in these well-respected cities. "We want to generate as much excitement and passion for working in tech as in taking the field." The U.S. tech sector and accompanying tech workforce is expansive, with tech underpinning innovation, business and labor markets across every region of the country. Longstanding mega tech hubs such as San Francisco , coupled with mid-major tech hubs such as Kansas City , power the technology growth engine. "To meet long-term workforce needs, we must continue to expand and diversify the tech talent pipeline," said Hannah Johnson , senior vice president, tech talent programs, CompTIA. "We want to generate as much excitement and passion for working in tech as in taking the field." Key Tech Impact Stats1 Kansas City San Francisco Net tech employment 74,404 350,662 Net tech employment as % of regional workforce 7 % 14 % Economic impact $13.4b $176.2b Economic impact as a % of overall 9 % 27 % Tech business establishments 4,418 10,638 Despite the size difference with the population of the San Francisco metro area more than three times larger than Kansas City , the two regions have very similar profiles of tech talent needs. According to the latest hiring intent data2, positions Kansas City employers are most looking to fill include software developers, tech support specialists, systems analysts/engineers, cybersecurity analysts/engineers and data scientists. San Francisco employers are most looking to fill openings for software developers, data scientists, tech support specialists, systems analysts/engineers and web developers. The two markets align when examining the industry sectors currently hiring for tech job roles. Professional, scientific and technical services holds the top spot in both Kansas City and San Francisco , with some divergence in the ranking of the next four sectors: administrative and support services, finance and insurance, information, software and media and manufacturing. Employers in both cities are also aggressively recruiting to fill job roles outside the IT staff that require digital fluency. Over a 30-day period this year there were about 9,200 job postings in Kansas City and nearly 16,500 in San Francisco that required digital skills for positions in office and administrative support, business and financial operations, sales, healthcare and other occupations. About CompTIA The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Millions of current and aspiring technology workers around the world rely on CompTIA for the training, education and professional certifications that give them the confidence and skills to work in tech. https://www.comptia.org/ Media Contact Steven Ostrowski CompTIA [email protected] 630.678.8468 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/game-on-kansas-city-and-san-francisco-highlight-breadth-of-tech-workforce-302055023.html SOURCE CompTIA BEIJING , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Xi Jinping , general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for efforts to accelerate the development of new productive forces and firmly promote high-quality development, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday, further highlighting China's heightened focus on new growth drivers based on scientific and technological (sci-tech) breakthroughs and innovation. The growing emphasis China's top leader has placed on developing new productive forces signals that even more resources will be directed toward making sci-tech breakthroughs in critical areas, boosting China's sci-tech self-reliance and self-strengthening, and spurring high-quality development - a top priority for China's policymaking, experts said. Coming at a critical time for the Chinese economy, which is undergoing a profound transformation, developing new productive forces is China's clear answer for tackling those challenges and ensuring long-term sound development, experts noted. Growing emphasis While presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Xi stressed that high-quality development is an unyielding principle in the new era, according to Xinhua. "Developing new productive forces is the intrinsic requirement and an important focus of promoting high-quality development, and it's necessary to continue to well leverage innovation to speed up the development of new productive forces," Xi said. The phrase "new productive forces" has become a buzzword recently. First put forward by Xi during his inspection tour in September 2023 to northeast China , it refers to a new form of productive forces derived from continuous sci-tech breakthroughs and innovation that drive strategic emerging industries and future industries in a more intelligent information era, according to Xinhua. Underscoring its growing importance, various top meetings have put emphasis on developing new productive forces. The Central Economic Work Conference in December 2023 , a top meeting that sets economic priorities for 2024, also pledged to promote industrial innovation through technological innovation, especially by using ground-breaking and cutting-edge technologies to foster new industries, new models and growth drivers, and develop new productive forces. It is also significant that developing new productive forces was a focus of the first group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in 2024. The previous group study session was held in November 2023 and focused on foreign-related legal system development. These all highlighted the growing emphasis China's top leadership put on developing new productive forces, which portends greater efforts and policy support for sci-tech innovation in 2024 and beyond, according to experts. "Sci-tech innovation can give birth to new industries, new business models, and new kinetic energy, and is the core element of developing new productive forces," Wang Peng , an associate researcher from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday, noting that China has already taken a slew of policy measures to support the development of new productive forces. "Looking forward to the future, with the continuous deepening of scientific and technological innovation and the continuous advancement of industrial transformation and upgrading, new productive forces will play a more important role in the Chinese economy," Wang said, adding that the Chinese government will continue to strengthen policy guidance and support to create a better environment and conditions for the development of new productive forces. Steady progress Various Chinese government departments have already highlighted China's steady progress in sci-tech breakthroughs and innovation and pledged to step up efforts to accelerate the development of new productive forces. At a news conference on Thursday, Wang Dongwei, vice minister of finance, said that in recent years, finance departments of all levels have prioritized fiscal spending in sci-tech fields. Between 2018 and 2023, national fiscal expenditure in sci-tech grew from 832.7 billion yuan ( $115.94 billion ) to about 1.06 trillion yuan , with an annual growth rate of 6.4 percent on average. With fiscal and other policy support, "a number of innovative achievements have emerged in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and bio-manufacturing," said Wang Dongwei, vowing to better support innovation in key areas such as new generation of information technology and integrated circuits and help tackle difficulties in areas such as basic products, core technologies and key software. Various indicators have also shown that China has become a top innovation powerhouse globally. Between 2020 and 2022, China's total social expenditure in research and development jumped from 2.44 trillion yuan to 3.08 trillion yuan , ranking second in the world for many consecutive years. In 2022, China contributed nearly one-third of the academic papers published in the most influential international journals, surpassing the US for the first time to secure the world's leading position. Cong Yi , a professor at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, said that while China has become a world leader in sci-tech innovation, China's pursuit of high-quality development and the arrival of a new technological revolution means that China must also continue to step up innovation to stay ahead. "We must rise up to the competitions in the new sci-tech revolution and we must aim at strategic emerging industries and future industries," Cong told the Global Times on Thursday, noting the importance of developing new productive forces in China's high-quality development. Highlighting the great contribution made by new productive forces to economic growth, China's world-leading 5G industry is estimated to have directly driven a total economic output of 1.86 trillion yuan in 2023, an increase of 29 percent from that of 2022, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. As China's economic development faces challenges arising from its internal economic transition, developing new productive forces has also become an urgent matter, in order to both tackle risks and challenges and to ensure long-term high-quality development, experts said. "The weak global economy has impacted traditional export markets, and the Chinese economy needs to find new growth drivers. The development of new productive forces can cultivate new economic growth drivers and competitive advantages, and provide new impetus for the Chinese economy," Wang said. Moreover, the development of new productive forces, especially the strengthening of sci-tech innovation, can reduce reliance on external technologies and markets and enhance the independence and security of China's economy, Wang added. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-xi-stresses-development-of-new-productive-forces-signaling-greater-focus-on-sci-tech-innovation-302054601.html SOURCE Global Times EAST HARTFORD, Conn. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To help address a state shortage of healthcare workers, Goodwin University recently applied to the Connecticut Department of Public Health Board of Examiners for Nursing for approval to offer a new Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program. The Board has accepted the application, and a hearing date is scheduled for March 20 . Students in the program can earn their certificates in as few as 16 months, full time, and will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). LPNs find work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics and rehabilitation centers. The Goodwin program will be offered at its East Hartford campus as well as at the University of Bridgeport campus. Goodwin responded to a similar shortage in 2004 by launching its first nursing program. Twenty years on, the school is widely recognized for its offerings in nursing and other health-related fields. With 3,754 graduates, the nursing department encompasses programs including Associate Degree in Nursing (RN), Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, APRN Family Nurse Practitioner, and APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. On January 30 , Dr. Michael Pardales, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Vivienne Friday , Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, and Karyn Therrien , Director of the LPN program, welcomed State Senator Saud Anwar (D- South Windsor ) to Goodwin's East Hartford campus to tour the new educational and clinical facilities. "There is a such a wide spectrum of career opportunities in healthcare right now," explained Dr. Pardales. "The addition of the LPN program will help ensure that our academic offerings are in sync with the workforce needs." Senator Anwar , who is also a medical doctor specializing in lung diseases, critical care medicine, and occupational and environmental medicine, is co-chair of the Public Health Committee and a vocal advocate for healthcare careers in Connecticut's workforce, calling for an improved pipeline to jobs to be among the state's critical priorities for 2024. "It was a pleasure to tour Goodwin's new laboratory location and learn more about the new offerings it will provide for its students and our state," he said. "It reaffirms the school's commitment to producing trained and prepared professionals ready to meet healthcare needs in demand now more than ever. I will continue to lend my support to Goodwin and its hundreds of annual graduates who play a vital role in our communities protecting public health, and I look forward to its application being heard by the state Health Department and Nursing Board." Media Contact: Philip Moore Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Goodwin University pmoore@goodwin.edu View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodwin-university-stepping-up-to-address-statewide-lpn-shortage-302055280.html SOURCE Goodwin University Partnership with trusted Australia -based IT distributor, Manage Protect, allows MSPs to protect their small and medium-sized business clients SYDNEY and TEL AVIV, Israel , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Guardz, the cybersecurity company securing and insuring small businesses, today announced its launch in Australia and New Zealand , empowering MSPs to secure and insure SMBs with its tailor-made, unified cybersecurity platform. The Guardz solution will be distributed through a partnership with Australian-owned and operated IT cloud solution company Manage Protect. Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy and make up 99% of businesses, creating jobs, supporting local communities, and providing crucial services. Almost a quarter of Australia's SMBs have experienced a cybersecurity incident resulting in service disruption, reputational damage, and revenue loss, and often leading to the permanent closing of doors. As the underpinning of the country's economy, these companies not only require end-to-end cybersecurity protection, but also personnel with the know-how to properly maintain and proactively manage their cybersecurity. Due to limited resources, budget constraints, and a lack of awareness and training, these SMBs often turn to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to improve their cybersecurity hygiene and manage their IT. These local service providers are crucial to ensure SMBs' cyber needs are met and that issues that arise are remediated in a timely manner. Manage Protect sources and offers best-of-breed cloud technology to the Australian and New Zealand markets, providing deep local technical support and partner enablement to protect their MSP clients' businesses. The Guardz cybersecurity solution for MSPs will be available to Manage Protect's over 300 MSP customers, enabling them to seamlessly manage their clients' end-to-end cybersecurity with automated detection and response capabilities. "As the backbone of the Australian economy, SMBs are crucial to ensuring the cyber posture and operation of the country," said Dor Eisner , CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz. "There is no better way to protect SMBs than by reaching them through their valued MSPs, and we are delighted to have joined forces with Manage Protect to make our shared mission of unified cyber protection a reality for these millions of businesses." "As an Australian company, we are proud to empower local businesses through technology. We have long searched for a product that would offer our customers comprehensive and accessible cybersecurity, and we've found that in Guardz's unique, holistic solution," said Andrew Johnson , Managing Director and Founder of Manage Protect. "Working together with the Guardz team, we have localised the platform for our market with 100% local technical support, billing (AUD), training, certification, and the recently deployed data centre to serve our region. We are excited to be working with local MSPs to enable and empower them to Manage & Protect their customers and deliver them the peace of mind they deserve efficiently and cost effectively." Using the Guardz cybersecurity platform, MSPs can control businesses' cyber posture, remediation, and subscription plans from a single, multi-tenant platform. The end-to-end, simple, and cost-effective solution provides automated threat detection and remediation across all major attack vectors, including business data, employee identities, cloud directories, web browsing, emails, and devices. The AI-powered solution automatically and continuously monitors a company's external and internal digital footprint, providing actionable alerts and real-time risk prevention. About Guardz Guardz is a unified cybersecurity platform built to empower MSPs to secure and insure SMEs against ever-evolving threats such as phishing, ransomware, account breaches, data loss, and user risks by leveraging AI in a multilayered approach. The solution streamlines cybersecurity with its automated detection and response capabilities across users, emails, devices, and cloud data, all from a single pane of glass. By combining robust cybersecurity technology and deep insurance expertise, Guardz ensures that businesses' security is consistently monitored, managed, and optimized to prevent the next attack and mitigate the risk. Guardz was founded in 2022 by Dor Eisner and Alon Lavi along with a team of cyber and insurance experts who combine innovation, experience, and creativity to create a safer digital world for small businesses. About Manage Protect Ltd Manage Protect is an Australian owned and operated technology company. For over 15 years, we have specialised in integrated cloud solutions to empower managed service providers (MSPs) in providing security, business continuity and productivity solutions to Australian and New Zealand small and medium businesses. Manage Protect's channel of aligned, trained and certified IT partners and MSPs provide best-of-breed solutions sourced globally, while hosted and supported locally. Services include Managed Security Services, Cloud Backup, Collaboration, Email Services and Security, File Sharing and Security, Microsoft Licensing, Mobile Device Management and Web and Endpoint Security. We are committed to sharing insights, advice, recommended actions and generating greater awareness of cyber risks among partners and the broader business community. Media contact: Allison Grey Headline Media [email protected] US: +1 323 283 8176 UK : +44 203 807 4482 IL: +972 53 820 2606 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guardz-launches-in-australia-and-new-zealand-to-empower-msps-to-cyber-secure-and-insure-smbs-302054853.html SOURCE Guardz SAN FRANCISCO , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GuideGeek , the OpenAI-powered travel assistant from leading travel publisher Matador Network, is now available to Facebook Messenger users. Travelers can message GuideGeek for no cost on Facebook (in addition to WhatsApp and Instagram ) to get instant, personalized tips from the travel AI that is a favorite of industry influencers . "This integration with Facebook Messenger will get GuideGeek into more hands and pockets of travelers all over the world," says Ross Borden , CEO of Matador Network. "WhatsApp and Instagram work seamlessly with GuideGeek and we're excited that another Meta platform has become a part of our users' journeys." GuideGeek currently has hundreds of thousands of active users and is on track to reach one million users by April. To date, it has answered more than 3.7 million questions in 42 different languages from travelers in 61 countries. GuideGeek is free to use, add free, and users don't have to download anything or register they simply message the AI on WhatsApp, Instagram or Messenger. GuideGeek's answers are based on a mix of original Matador content, proprietary datasets and OpenAI's GPT-4 language model. GuideGeek is known for its exceptional accuracy , achieved through rigorous use of reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF). Human travel experts have monitored hundreds of thousands of GuideGeek conversations to identify the few that go awry and to use those conversations to better train the AI. "Everyone familiar with AI knows that the technology comes with its share of hallucinations, or inaccurate information. Our team has done a ton of work to bring GuideGeek up to 98% accuracy," Borden says. "Hitting these milestones and beating the industry norms has really helped us scale GuideGeek in less than a year." Meta recently reported that it has 3.96 billion monthly active users of its core products, which includes Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. Meta also reported that more than one billion Facebook users reach out to businesses using Messenger on a weekly basis. According to a recent survey from Matador Network, 64% of travelers either have used or plan to use AI to assist with travel. That number jumps to 75% for business travelers . GuideGeek is monetized through partnerships with destination marketing organizations (DMOs). These organizations can license a custom version of the AI to interact with travelers about a specific destination through the partner's own Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram accounts. "When ChatGPT came out, [people] thought everyone was going to go there for everything," Borden recently told the audience at the Skift Global Forum in Dubai . "I think where we're going is a place where every brand, every airline, every DMO is going to want to have their own AI based on their own data, their own brand, their own content." guidegeek.com About Matador Network Matador Network is the world's No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers. With more than 14 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 180 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 Contact: Jason Simms 860-526-1555 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guidegeek-the-free-ai-travel-assistant-from-matador-network-now-available-on-facebook-messenger-302053864.html SOURCE Matador Network WICHITA, Kan. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kansas Supreme Court reinstated the Kansas law license of lawyer Bradley A. Pistotnik on January 19, 2024 . Brad Pistotnik plans on returning from Florida to recommence the practice of law with Bull Attorneys, P.A. Pistotnik will return as CEO of Bull Attorneys, P.A. and Tony L. Atterbury will remain as President. Tony L. Atterbury said, "The entire staff and I are excited for Mr. Pistotnik to return to the practice of law and return to Bull Attorneys. Brad will instantly be able to help our personal injury clients by providing excellent service to injured people across the state of Kansas ." Pistotnik started practicing law in 1981 and opened the original Pistotnik Law back in 1983 to help Kansans who were involved in motor vehicle accidents and catastrophic injuries from accidents caused by semi-trucks, trains, construction equipment and farm implements. It later changed names to Brad Pistotnik Law and then its present name of Bull Attorneys. Atterbury was ecstatic about Pistotnik's return and said, "With Brad's knowledge of federal regulations for commercial motor vehicle cases, both Brad and I will be able to take on more semi-truck accidents which are extremely difficult and time consuming. Our truck accident injury victims will be well served by both of us." Pistotnik authored "Truck Accidents Kill." During Pistotnik's absence Atterbury carried on the Bull Attorneys tradition of helping injury victims across Kansas . He also continued the Bull Attorney's tradition of the annual Christmas Toy Giveaway. With the return of Pistotnik to Bull Attorneys both Pistotnik and Atterbury will continue their dedication to helping injured people of every type, creed, color and race to restore their lives after a catastrophic motor vehicle collision. Bull Attorneys are well known for their TV commercials where Pistotnik and Atterbury are seen atop bulls called Texas Longhorns. During Pistotnik's brief absence Bull Attorneys continued the tradition of the Bull as a symbol of strength with a creative animated talking bull who would assist Atterbury when talking with injury clients in commercials. The Bull Attorneys are known for multiple charitable causes for Kansans in addition to Christmas toys. Other events are the Annual Turkey Giveaway at Thanksgiving in Western Kansas , the Honor A Nurse program on KSN, and the Toy Mountain Ronald McDonald House toy drive with KAKE. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kansas-supreme-court-reinstates-law-license-of-lawyer-bradley-a-pistotnik-302055064.html DUBAI , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Group, a leading real estate developer renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation, is pleased to announce that it has awarded Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) the 655 million Dirhams ( $178.32m ) contract for its sold-out development, The EDGE, Business Bay . A dual tower development designed by Killa Design, the mastermind designer behind Museum of the Future, The EDGE introduces an eclectic urban vibe to the city with its modern architecture and signature interior design of bold, contrasting colour palettes, complemented by state-of-the-art amenities and spectacular views. Boasting a prime location at the intersection of Downtown Dubai and Business Bay , The EDGE is a testament to modern living, reflecting Select Group's commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value in its real estate offerings. The development occupies an impressive built-up area of 1.423 million square feet, providing a combined total of 1,030 units across its two towers. "We are delighted to partner with Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) once again for the construction of The EDGE", said Rahail Aslam , founder and Group CEO at Select Group. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality and innovation, and we are confident that together we can deliver an exceptional development that surpasses industry standards." Following the completion of the enabling phase led by Pinnacle International Piling Foundation, Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) commenced primary construction works on January 25th, 2023 , marking a pivotal stage in the project's progression, reinforcing Select Group's unwavering dedication to timely delivery at every stage of development. With a renowned reputation for delivering high-quality projects, Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) has been one of the region's most established and diverse contracting companies since 1975. With a track record of innovative and challenging projects, ECC will play a significant role in bringing the development to life. The awarded contract promises to set new benchmarks in architectural brilliance and quality craftsmanship, seamlessly aligning with the vision of Select Group. Mr Hatem Farah , Chairman of Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC), stated: "We are thrilled to have been selected as the construction partner for Select Group's project, The EDGE. Partnering with Select Group on this pioneering property development is a clear affirmation of our dedication to delivering excellence in construction. We aim to ensure that each project reflects our values and skills and contributes to advancing a more sustainable world." Anticipated for completion in Q4 2026, The partnership between Select Group and Engineering Contracting Company LLC (ECC) cements the commitment to elevate The EDGE to new heights, delivering an exceptional residential experience and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Business Bay and Downtown cityscape. About Select Group: Based in Dubai , the United Arab Emirates , Select Group is an award-winning real estate development and investment firm specialising in a selection of verticals, including real estate development, investments, hospitality, and retail. Select Group's development portfolio comprises over 20 million square feet of award-winning residential, commercial, hospitality and retail developments, delivering over 7,000 homes, with another 5,000 units in the pipeline, a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of over AED 20 billion. https://select-group.ae/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2332117/Select_Group.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/main-construction-works-commence-at-the-edge-business-bay-as-select-group-awards-the-aed-655-million-contract-to-engineering-contracting-company-llc-ecc-302050590.html SOURCE Select Group PHILADELPHIA , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Revolutionizing the gym management software industry, Wodify introduces the fitness industry's first Free Unlimited pricing tier, offering unparalleled access to its premier Customer Retention Platform at no cost to fitness business owners. This groundbreaking initiative, designed to eliminate financial barriers for gym owners, ensures that businesses of all sizes can thrive with access to top-tier tools without the burden of fees, payment processing charges, or membership limits. Wodify's Free Unlimited Tier is poised to redefine how gyms operate without worrying about software costs. Reflecting on the launch, Brendan Rice , CEO of Wodify, underscores the company's dedication, "At Wodify, we believe that every gym owner, regardless of financial constraints, should have access to the best tools for their business's success. Free Unlimited is our pledge to provide every gym with the tools they need to succeed, no matter their size or budget." Echoing this sentiment, Chris Cooper , founder of Two-Brain Business and a respected mentor in the fitness industry, emphasizes the transformative impact of Wodify's new offering: "The Free Unlimited plan is a massive opportunity for gym owners. It's crucial because many gyms initially set their prices too low, leading owners to spend years (in my case, over a decade) trying to adjust this mistake. The savings from Free Unlimited fall straight to the gym owner's bottom line." The Free Unlimited Tier is poised to redefine how gyms operate, making it easier than ever for fitness businesses to leverage technology to enhance their services, streamline operations, and improve member retention without worrying about the cost. By democratizing access to its premium features, Wodify is not only addressing the immediate needs of gym owners but also contributing to a healthier, more vibrant fitness industry. Wodify invites fitness business owners to embark on this transformative journey. Explore how the Free Unlimited Tier can reshape your gym's future and revenue potential. To explore more about Wodify and how it can elevate your fitness business, feel free to book a time to chat . About Wodify: Wodify is at the forefront of digital fitness, delivering a comprehensive platform that redefines gym management and customer retention. Their robust platform supports fitness businesses, equipping them with the tools to enhance performance tracking, member retention, and operational efficiency. With a commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach, Wodify consistently creates value for its global clientele, reshaping the way the fitness community interacts with technology. Explore how Wodify is driving the future of fitness at www.wodify.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/no-more-fees-wodify-brings-free-software-to-gyms-and-fitness-studios-302055239.html SOURCE Wodify Transaction Preserves Patient Access to the Region's Only Community -Based Radiation Treatment Facilities NASHVILLE, Tenn. and MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OneOncology, the fastest-growing national platform for independent oncology practices, and its South Carolina -based partner, Coastal Cancer Center, announced they have purchased two radiation oncology centers located in Myrtle Beach and Conway, South Carolina from GenesisCare. As part of the transaction, three radiation oncologists and 40 employees will join Coastal Cancer Center and continue caring for patients at both locations. OneOncology and Coastal Cancer Center are purchasing two radiation oncology centers located in Myrtle Beach and Conway . The center in Myrtle Beach has three linear accelerators and the Conway center currently has one. This transaction preserves patient access to the region's only two community-based radiation treatment facilities, both vital to supporting high-quality care delivery in the area. Linear accelerators deliver several types of external-beam radiation therapy with pinpoint accuracy sparing healthy tissue nearby and are commonly used to treat cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix, prostate, brain, lungs, and skin. "Adding radiation oncology allows our practice to expand the care we can provide to communities in Horry and its surrounding counties," said Emily Touloukian , DO, President of Coastal Cancer Center, Community Oncology Alliance Executive Committee Member, and Past President of the South Carolina Oncology Society. "We are excited to work alongside our new radiation oncologist partners and their team to continue building strong relationships throughout the South Carolina physician community and deliver high-quality cancer care to individuals in our communities where they live and work." OneOncology, a national physician-led company with 1,000 providers caring for more than 640,000 patients annually, helps its twenty practice partners grow by adding physicians, services, and sites of care that enhance patients' access to high-quality care that is less expensive than if it were delivered in the hospital. "By helping Coastal Cancer Center expand into radiology oncology, OneOncology is fulfilling its mission to assist our independent practice partners by identifying and executing strategies to remain independent, grow, and bring high-value cancer care services to their patients, employers, and payors," said Jeff Patton , MD, CEO, OneOncology. "We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Touloukian and her physician partners to enhance cancer care in South Carolina ." The Myrtle Beach radiation oncology center is located at 4708 Oleander Drive and the Conway center is at 8059 Myrtle Trace Drive . About OneOncology OneOncology was founded by community oncologists, for community oncologists, with the mission of improving the lives of everyone living with cancer. Our goal is to enable community oncology practices to remain independent and to improve patient access to care in their communities, all at a lower cost than in the hospital setting. OneOncology supports our platform of community oncology practices through group purchasing, operational optimization, data analytics, practice growth, and clinical innovation. Our 1,000 cancer care providers care for approximately 641,000 patients at more than 350 sites of care nationwide. To learn more, visit oneoncology.com or LinkedIn . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oneoncology-and-coastal-cancer-center-purchase-two-radiation-oncology-centers-and-partner-with-three-south-carolina-radiation-oncologists-in-myrtle-beach-and-conway-302054245.html SOURCE OneOncology, LLC. Net Sales : $12.1 billion for FY23, a decrease of 7% year-over-year. GAAP Income from Continuing Operations : $533 million for FY23, down 50% from the previous year. Adjusted EPS : Increased slightly to $3.48 for FY23 from $3.41 in FY22. Operating EBITDA : $2.9 billion for FY23, a 10% decrease from FY22. Adjusted Free Cash Flow : $1.6 billion for FY23, a significant improvement of 110% over the previous year. Capital Allocation : Completion of a $2 billion share repurchase and announcement of a new $1 billion program. Quarterly Dividend: Increased by 6% for the first quarter of 2024. On February 6, 2024, DuPont de Nemours Inc (NYSE:DD) released its 8-K filing, detailing its financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023. The company, a global leader in technology-based materials and solutions, faced a challenging year marked by a 7% decline in net sales to $12.1 billion and a 50% drop in GAAP income from continuing operations to $533 million. Despite these headwinds, DuPont achieved a slight increase in adjusted EPS to $3.48, up from $3.41 in the previous year. The company's operating EBITDA fell by 10% to $2.9 billion, while adjusted free cash flow saw a substantial year-over-year improvement, increasing by 110% to $1.6 billion. DuPont de Nemours Inc Reports Mixed 2023 Results Amidst Market Challenges Financial Performance and Challenges DuPont's performance in 2023 was impacted by inventory destocking across various end-markets and economic softness in China. The company's net sales were affected by a 10% organic sales decline, driven by a 9% decrease in volume and a 1% decrease in price. The most notable volume declines were within the Safety Solutions and Water Solutions segments, particularly in China. The GAAP loss from continuing operations of $300 million included a significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge of approximately $800 million. This charge was primarily due to the challenging macroeconomic environment impacting construction markets and additional inventory destocking in medical packaging and industrial-based end-markets. Story continues Strategic Capital Allocation In response to the challenging environment, DuPont continued to execute its capital allocation strategy. The company completed a $2 billion accelerated share repurchase transaction and announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program authorization. Furthermore, DuPont declared a 6% increase to its quarterly dividend for the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating its commitment to shareholder value creation. Segment Highlights and Outlook The Electronics & Industrial segment saw a 1% increase in net sales, although organic sales declined by 7%. Operating EBITDA for this segment decreased by 7%. The Water & Protection segment experienced a more significant 15% decrease in net sales and a 13% decrease in operating EBITDA. Looking ahead to 2024, DuPont's CFO, Lori Koch, anticipates a return to year-over-year sales and earnings growth in the second half, driven by an expected recovery in the electronics market and improved orders within industrial markets as customer inventory levels normalize. Conclusion While 2023 posed several challenges for DuPont de Nemours Inc, the company's focus on operational execution, productivity, and cost discipline allowed for significant cash flow improvement. With strategic capital allocation and a positive outlook for recovery in key markets, DuPont is poised to leverage its market-leading positions and accelerate growth in the coming year. For a detailed analysis of DuPont's financial performance, including full financial statements and non-GAAP measures, please refer to the complete 8-K filing. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from DuPont de Nemours Inc for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Acquisition expands Premier's MRO and FBO Services STUART, Fla. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Premier Private Jets, a national charter provider, has acquired new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity and a fixed-base operation (FBO) in Dayton, Ohio from Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems. These facilities were slated to be closed by Stevens as it consolidated its own operations. Premier Private Jets Acquires Dayton Operations of Stevens Aerospace and Defense Expanding FBO and MRO Capabilities "Premier Private Jets is growing its popular charter service. This acquisition gives us needed MRO capacity and expands our geographic footprint," said CEO Josh Birmingham . "We're also pleased to preserve the jobs of 40 experienced and talented employees in Dayton and welcome them to the Premier family." Premier will operate the MRO under the name Premier Aviation Services and the FBO as Premier Jet Services . The company will upgrade and expand the terminal. "By acquiring Stevens, we add 370,000 square feet of leasehold space that includes a full refurbishment design center for paint and interiors plus aircraft hangar storage," Birmingham said. Current customers can expect a seamless transition and continue to work with a team they know well. The purchase strengthens Premier's FAA Part 145 repair capabilities by adding a third MRO location to bases in Michigan and Florida . The addition of Dayton provides more capacity to service Premier's own fleet as well as other aircraft. Premier conducts purchase evaluations, avionics installations, repairs and overhauls, and interior/exterior refurbishment. Premier's respected team will continue to guide customers in selecting ideal avionics systems, including high-speed data and cabin management and next-generation modernizations, as well as offering flight line maintenance for most aircraft. For assistance in Dayton , contact General Manager Paul Wells at (937) 454-3400 or email: [email protected] ABOUT PREMIER PRIVATE JETS: Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Stuart, Florida , Premier Private Jets operates a floating charter fleet of light, medium, and large cabin jets with worldwide authority. All aircraft are company-owned, wi-fi equipped, and have been restyled with modernized and standardized paint and interiors. The company maintains three FAR Part 145 Repair stations under the Premier Aviation Services brand, and makes its maintenance services, including AOG services, available to third-party aircraft owners and operators. Premier operates two full-service FBO's in Waterford, Michigan and Dayton, Ohio under its Premier Jet Services name. CONTACT: Premier Private Jets 2580 SE Aviation Way Stuart, FL. 34996 Marty.h@premierprivatejets.com (772) 223.1219 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/premier-private-jets-acquires-dayton-operations-of-stevens-aerospace-and-defense-systems-302055348.html SOURCE Premier Private Jets VANCOUVER, BC , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rehabtronics, a leading innovator in neurostimulation technologies, is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute to conduct a usability and validation study for its groundbreaking pressure injury early intervention technology, Prelivia, at Providence Health Care. Recent statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information show that the number of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) has climbed steadily over the past four years (2018-2022) by 43% and is still growing. Pressure injuries are a common medical complication of paralysis and immobility, and people living with Spinal Cord Injuries ( SCI) are at an elevated risk of developing them. It is estimated that 80% will develop a pressure injury in their lifetime. Prelivia, a state-of-the-art medical device developed by Rehabtronics, protects patients from pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, a global leader in spinal cord injury research and innovation, has recognized the expertise and commitment of Rehabtronics in advancing technology related to pressure injuries for people with SCI. The Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Praxis Spinal Cord Institute sought to support the validation of a promising technology with the potential to improve the lives of people living with a spinal cord injury, for which Rehabtronics' Prelivia technology was selected. "We believe that partnering with Rehabtronics is a strategic move to ensure the continued success and impact of their technologies," said Arushi Raina , Director of Commercialization. "Their track record of innovation and dedication to improving meaningful health outcomes helps advance our mission, and we anticipate impactful results will emerge from this collaboration." The pilot will evaluate Prelivia's integration with nursing workflow and potential cost savings at Providence Health Care. Lisa Maks, RN, MN, CDE, Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist at Providence Health Care expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Rehabtronics, stating, "The Prelivia Pilot Program aligns with our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to our patients. We are excited to explore how this innovative technology can make a meaningful impact on the management of pressure injuries." "We are thrilled to be selected by the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute for this important initiative," said Rahul Samant , CEO at Rehabtronics. "This collaboration is a significant step forward in advancing Prelivia in the Canadian market. We look forward to working with the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and Providence Health Care Ventures in accomplishing our shared vision of transforming pressure injury care." For more information about Rehabtronics and the Prelivia Pilot Program, please visit www.rehabtronics.com or contact us. Rehabtronics Media Contact Neha Doshi Marketing Manager 372404@email4pr.com +1.780.701.5167 Praxis Spinal Cord Institute Media Contact Arushi Raina Director of Commercialization 372404@email4pr.com +1.604.827.2421 Providence Health Care Ventures Media Contact Sara Turcotte Director of Marketing 372404@email4pr.com +1.778.858.9764 About Rehabtronics: Rehabtronics develops medical devices that restore function and improve the lives of people who are paralyzed or immobile. Founded in 2003 as a spinoff from the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Alberta, Rehabtronics is dedicated to bringing neuroscience discoveries into clinical practice. Prelivia, the company's newest product, is designed to alleviate pressure injuries, one of the deadliest hospital-acquired injuries. Its rehabilitation devices help people recover movement after central or peripheral nervous system injury or disease. About Praxis Spinal Cord Institute: Praxis Spinal Cord Institute is a global leader in spinal cord injury research and innovation. Committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of spinal cord injuries, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute develops and promotes innovative solutions to improve the lives of individuals affected by spinal cord injuries. About Providence Health Care Ventures: As an expert navigator of the Canadian healthcare, regulatory, and technology landscape, Providence Health Care (PHC) Ventures provides indispensable support to corporate, institutional, and individual innovators seeking to validate and commercialize their products and ideas. PHC Ventures offers a portal to Providence Health Care in Vancouver, Canada , a renowned provincial health organization whose lengthy innovation track record and size make it an ideal incubator to validate and scale innovations. PHC Ventures actively co-develops health solutions, forges unconventional partnerships, facilitates consulting relationships with PHC clinicians, and invests in health start-ups. For more info visit www.phcventures.ca View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rehabtronics-selected-by-praxis-spinal-cord-institute-to-launch-prelivia-pilot-program-with-providence-health-care-ventures-pioneering-innovative-solutions-to-combat-pressure-injuries-302054184.html SOURCE Rehabtronics Inc. Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone will open their mobile networks to developers worldwide, enabling the creation of safer digital services MADRID , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spain's leading mobile operators Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone today announced the launch of two new services designed to help developers tackle online fraud and protect the digital identities of mobile customers. As part of the global GSMA Open Gateway initiative, the operators have announced the launch of two network API (Application Programmable Interface) services focused on improving digital security: Number Verification and SIM Swap. These APIs will allow developer teams and partners to create new intelligent layers of customer authentication, verification, and security within mobile phone networks. This will help businesses, such as financial institutions and online retailers, tackle identity fraud by enhancing user authentication and improving security. These new services will be available at Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Barcelona, Spain , from 26-29 February. The latest figures from Spain's Interior Minister show that reported cases of cybercrime increased by 72% in 2022 compared to 2019, with almost 90% of them being related to online fraud. Cybercrime now accounts for around a fifth of all offences registered in the country. Launched one year ago at MWC Barcelona, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative represents a paradigm shift in the way the global telecoms industry designs and brings to market new mobile apps, and immersive and digital services. The new Number Verification and SIM Swap services will also make online authentication simpler and faster for online customers, as mobile applications, cloud services and connectivity networks will all be accessible through the APIs. GSMA Open Gateway is a common and open framework between operators to make it easier for developers and cloud providers to build safer apps and services that seamlessly communicate with each other. This is done through single, programmable, access points to mobile networks known as APIs. From Argentina to China , the USA to Australia , 42 mobile operator groups worldwide, representing 237 mobile networks and 65% of global connections are already part of the initiative. To continue reading the full press release please follow this link. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1882833/4439377/GSMA_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spanish-mobile-industry-to-launch-online-anti-fraud-and-identity-services-through-gsma-open-gateway-initiative-302054586.html SOURCE GSMA TORONTO , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Knix, the global intimates and apparel brand, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of their newest Knix and Kt by Knix Swim Collections. With an array of vibrant colors, captivating prints, and innovative Leakproof technology, this collection is set to revolutionize the swimwear experience. At Knix, the mission has always been to empower individuals and make them feel comfortable in their own skin. Recognizing the challenges faced by teens, they are determined to address a significant issue - the impact of periods on swimming activities. In a recent Knix consumer survey, 51% of teens stated that they miss out on swimming because of their menstrual cycle, leading to body anxiety and a lack of confidence. Knix and Kt by Knix believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the water without any worries. Knix's patented and groundbreaking Leakproof swimwear is designed to alleviate the stress associated with swimming while menstruating. This innovative Leakproof Swim technology ensures maximum protection, absorbing about 1.5 - 3.4 teaspoons of liquid which is the equivalent of about 1 - 3 regular tampons, providing standalone protection on lighter period days or backup protection on heavier days. Leakproof swimwear helps give you the confidence to dive into the water without worrying about embarrassing mishaps. Be prepared to discover an extensive range of stylish swimsuits, available in new colors and prints. Whether you prefer a classic one-piece or a trendy bikini, the collection offers something for everyone and launches in stores and online on February 6th . To view the new Swim Collection, please click here. About Knix Knix is a direct-to-consumer intimates and apparel brand. Through innovative products and a community-first approach, Knix is on a mission to empower people everywhere to live unapologetically free. Every product, campaign and image that Knix puts into the world is tied to this mission that has been embedded in the company's DNA since day one. Founded in 2013, by Joanna Griffiths , Knix is one of the fastest growing DTC brands in North America and is globally recognized as an innovator and disrupter within the apparel space. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/step-into-spring-break-with-the-new-leakproof-swim-collections-from-knix-and-kt-by-knix-302055021.html SOURCE Knix DH100 recognizes the most exciting and innovative digital health startups in New York NEW YORK , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Talkiatry , a leading provider of high-quality, in-network psychiatric care, today announced that it has been named to the 2024 New York Digital Health 100 (DH100), a recognition that highlights the most exciting and innovative startups in New York . Digital Health New York (DHNY) publishes the annual list in conjunction with the New York Healthcare Innovation Report which takes an in-depth look at the investment trends, opportunities and challenges in the digital health sector. "The digital health landscape in New York City is dynamic, and it's an honor to be recognized amongst our peers on the New York Digital Health 100 list for the second year in a row," said Robert Krayn , co-founder and CEO, Talkiatry. "In 2024, we'll continue our dedication to innovating mental health care and delivering accessible, quality psychiatric treatment to those who need it, no matter where they live." "2024 marks the fifth year of the New York Digital Health 100 and in that time, the digital health ecosystem in New York has significantly grown and evolved," said Bunny Ellerin , co-founder and CEO, DHNY. "We are proud to recognize these exceptional organizations and commend them for their ongoing commitment to innovation, transformation and the role they play in driving healthcare forward." With more than 300 full-time, licensed psychiatrists available to treat child, adult, and geriatric psychiatric issues including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, and PTSD, Talkiatry provides patients with virtual care that was previously limited or nonexistent in many areas across the country. Expanding to 43 states during the past year, Talkiatry covers more than 70% of commercial lives in the US through partnerships with 60+ insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield , Aetna , United Healthcare , Cigna , and Humana . Medicare patients can also access Talkiatry's quality telepsychiatry care. The majority of visits cost patients $30 or less after insurance (*Includes all types of patient costs: copayment, deductible, and coinsurance. Excludes no-shows and includes $0 payments). To download a copy of the New York Healthcare Innovation Report, please click here . About Talkiatry Talkiatry is a national mental health practice that provides in-network psychiatry and therapy. They were co-founded by a patient and a triple-board-certified psychiatrist to solve the problems both groups face in accessing and providing the highest quality mental healthcare. 60% of adults in the U.S. with a diagnosable mental illness go untreated every year because care is inaccessible, while 45% of clinicians are out of network with insurers because reimbursement rates are low and paperwork is unduly burdensome. With innovative technology and a human-centered philosophy, Talkiatry provides patients with the care they needand allows psychiatrists to focus on why they got into medicine. Learn more at www.talkiatry.com and follow us on Instagram , TikTok , and LinkedIn . About Digital Health New York (DHNY) Digital Health New York (DHNY) is a connected community of digital health leaders who share ideas, spark new directions and create success across the entire ecosystem. As an organization, we seek to increase the visibility of New York City as a leader in healthcare innovation and showcase the companies and leaders creating the future of healthcare. Our flagship event, DHNY Summit, brings together an elite group of entrepreneurs, investors, payers, providers and executives to cultivate the New York digital health community and drive impactful conversations around the current and future state of digital health. DHNY was founded in 2022 in collaboration with AlleyCorp. For more information or to join DHNY's mailing list, please visit www.dhny.co . DH100 Methodology To compile the DH100, we invited companies to complete an in-depth application with both quantitative and qualitative measures to help us to get to know the company better. We also used our dynamic database of digital health companies in the region to round out the consideration set. A company qualified for consideration if it maintained headquarters or employed at least 10 people in the New York region. Companies that were public or non-profit; founded before 2014; or had an exit were excluded. We evaluated companies on a number of factors, including but not limited to: strength of application, leadership, number of employees, funding (if known), revenue (if known), market fit, differentiated offerings, and community engagement. Media Contact [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talkiatry-named-to-the-new-york-digital-health-100-by-digital-health-new-york-dhny-302054981.html SOURCE Talkiatry CHICAGO , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Tegus, the investment research company trusted by 95% of the top 20 global private equity firms, announced the launch of its new all-in-one research platform. The new platform upends a legacy of fragmented investment research processes, for the first time unifying a wide range of quantitative and qualitative information sources. The unified platform experience is underpinned with powerful AI and a visual upgrade, making the user interface more convenient and intuitive for Tegus users. The new and improved Tegus platform includes over 70,000 expert transcripts, more than 4,000 fully drivable financial models, historical financial data including hard to find non-GAAP data and KPIs, 250+ Management primer reports and 350+ roundtable panel calls. Also launching is a brand new excel add-in feature that provides users with more flexibility to pull millions of data points for their models and comp sheets and technology that bridges a users model to Tegus data, allowing users to automatically update their models each quarter. With a new revamped pricing model Tegus, unlike legacy research vendors, does not charge users for access to additional datasets everything is included under a single platform license cost. "I've always been bothered that investors are investing trillions of dollars in companies that are disrupting the status quo, yet the vendors that serve investors have barely changed in decades," said Mike Elnick , Co-founder and Co-CEO of Tegus. "We are changing how investors do research. With the unified platform, Tegus has become the fastest way to learn about a public or private company and the most cost effective way to conduct investment research." "Today we are launching our comprehensive best-of-both-worlds packages that keep the integrity of your critical research workflows and deliver high-value, consolidated data sets with a single license cost," said Bob Casey , CFO of Tegus. On top of these qualitative content libraries and quantitative datasets, the unified platform introduces a streamlined UI that makes it easier for investors to find the information they need. Included in the platform launch is a new Excel Add-In that can update any model including Excel models that were not built by Tegus with the latest period's data. Users can bring any of the millions of data points from Tegus models (including consensus data in a few weeks) into their existing models or comp sheets with a simple formula, and audit model data directly to the source filing. "Tegus provides data that the other platforms simply don't have, including KPIs, fully diluted share count, and hard-to-find non-GAAP data," said Tom Elnick , Tegus Co-founder and Co-CEO. "With our new Excel Add-in, not only is that data easy to get, but users are spared the time and frustration of manually maintaining their models." The Excel Add-In and soon-to-be-launched consensus estimates are also included in the standard platform license cost. With the release of this platform, Tegus is reaffirming its commitment to put the needs of investors first. In addition to the enhancements described above, the company recently launched Top Investor Questions, and will soon introduce Ask Tegus, an AI chatbot that will help researchers surface answers and data even faster. About Tegus Tegus is the go-to research destination for investors. We unite insights from credible experts with the best financial data to give you more powerful perspectives for your investment decisions. Our platform simplifies our customers research workflow by uniting qualitative insights, quantitative data, and public financials in one experience. Gain perspectives, synthesize information, model outcomes all on Tegus. Visit Tegus.com to learn more. Media Contact: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tegus-launches-revolutionary-all-in-one-investment-research-platform-with-revamped-pricing-model-302053617.html SOURCE Tegus BOSTON , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brattle Group is pleased to share that 10 experts were recently promoted to Principal: Dr. Can Celiktemur, Dr. Charlie Gibbons , Dr. Lucrezio Figurelli , Dr. Yingzhen Li , Mame Maloney , Dr. Nguyet Nguyen , Ilinca Popescu , Dr. Shastri Sandy , Chris Wall , and Jake Zahniser-Word. "In the past year, these nine individuals have gone above and beyond in cultivating their expertise and providing exceptional client service on matters related to financial services, utility regulation, antitrust and competition, corporate governance, and more," said Brattle President & Principal Torben Voetmann . "Further, they embody Brattle's four foundational principles development, collegiality, quality, and sustainability in all that they do, and they represent the outstanding leadership pipeline we have at the firm. We look forward to the contributions these experts will make in the years ahead!" Our new Principals: Can Celiktemur | London Dr. Celiktemur specializes in competition economics, with expertise in statistical analysis and economic modeling. He supports clients in all stages of litigation and arbitration, and his recent work has been focused on competition litigations involving cartel follow-on damages and abuse of dominance matters in the UK . He also has experience in merger control and market investigations. Charles Gibbons | Practice Leader: Environment & Natural Resources | San Francisco Dr. Gibbons provides sophisticated econometric and statistical analysis for legal, regulatory, and policy matters. His experience includes major natural resource damages cases and a variety of other litigation matters including in consumer protection and antitrust as well as survey development and assessment. Lucrezio Figurelli | Rome Dr. Figurelli specializes in the analysis of regulation and antitrust matters in industrial, digital, and telecommunications markets. He has authored expert reports and supported expert testimony in numerous regulatory proceedings, antitrust investigations, and international arbitrations . Yingzhen Li | Washington, DC Dr. Li is an expert on issues related to financial derivatives, capital markets, corporate governance, and venture capital. He has consulted on several high-profile cases and has led project teams through all stages of regulator investigations, litigation, and arbitration. Mame Maloney | Chicago Ms. Maloney has a broad range of expertise in disputes involving market manipulation, securities fraud , and consumer protection. She has helped both plaintiff and defense clients undertake investigations and build compelling arguments rooted in economic principles and supported by empirical evidence. Nguyet Nguyen | Practice Co-Leader: Alternative Investments | New York Dr. Nguyen has expertise in financial valuation and modeling, equity markets, and trading behavior. She has consulted on several private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund disputes and has helped grow Brattle's work in the credit, derivatives, and structured products space, as well as in securities class actions. Ilinca Popescu | London Ms. Popescu is an expert in corporate finance and valuation, particularly in damages assessment in the context of complex arbitrations and litigation. She has worked on both investor-state and commercial arbitrations and has testified in multiple languages. Shastri Sandy | Chicago Dr. Sandy has 15 years of experience as a financial economist. He works on white collar investigations, financial fraud protection disputes, corporate governance matters, and unintended consequences of artificial intelligence/machine learning, including high-profile, multi-billion dollar cases. Christopher Wall | Boston Mr. Wall specializes in public utility regulatory economics, with expertise in cost of capital, ratemaking , valuation, and demand forecasting. He has helped natural gas, electric, and water utility clients prepare expert testimony in over 100 regulatory proceedings and testified in front of various state regulatory commissions. Jake Zahniser-Word | Boston Mr. Zahniser-Word is an expert in corporate finance and regulatory matters in the natural gas, oil, and electricity industries. He specializes in advising his clients on economic and financial issues in commercial disputes across the energy industry. ABOUT BRATTLE The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has 500 talented professionals across North America , Europe , and Asia-Pacific . For more information, please visit brattle.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-brattle-group-announces-10-new-promotions-to-principal-302055210.html SOURCE The Brattle Group NEW YORK , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grindr, the world's largest dating app for the GBTQ+ community, has appointed creative agency The Romans New York as its retained consumer PR agency of record. The appointment comes a year after the brand went public and has experienced impressive growth, with a new marketing and communications leadership now in place. Boasting over 13 million monthly active users, the dating app has always been at the forefront of GBTQ+culture, and is set to develop new ways to penetrate interesting avenues to engage existing and new consumers with the new team at the helm. Working hand in hand with Grindr leadership, The Romans will be responsible for leading the charge on creative PR campaigns, events, stunts, and ongoing press office activities. The Romans will focus on shifting outdated perceptions of what the brand is/isn't, and getting consumers excited about gagworthy initiatives that celebrate all things gay through a fresh lens powered by consumer insights. Of the appointment, Tristan Pineiro , VP of Brand Marketing and Comms at Grindr said, "We're running a comms first approach to brand marketing - Grindr has huge awareness with our audiences; the task is to increase brand love. We are doing this with a strong narrative and content led approach, and this is where the Romans excel, placing their clients at the heart of cultural conversations. They push boundaries to make work that's exciting and will move the needle on our business objectives. We're thrilled to team up with them to deliver some seriously cheeky and sexy work we have in store!" Sarah Jenkins , Partner at The Romans New York said, "Grindr is iconic. As a brand, they intrinsically understand what their consumers wantand it's REAL connection without judgment. Last year alone, they had more than 100 billion chats, 13 billion taps, and 1 billion private albums sent. They're helping people express themselves, their wants, their needs, their opinions (and there are lots of opinions, just check out the recent annual Grindr Unwrapped Report ), in a safe space that truly showcases global queer culture. That focus on inclusivity resonates with us, as it's something we prioritize as a diverse company. We're honored to get to work with them to take Grindr to new, fun and sometimes kinky or even serious places, to serve up what the community wants and deserves - exciting campaigns relevant to all aspects of their lifestyles." The account will be led by Maryanne Milano , Senior Vice President, out of the agency's Brooklyn office. About Grindr With more than 13.5 million monthly active users in virtually every country in the world, Grindr has grown to become a fundamental part of the LGBTQ+ community since its launch in 2009. The company continues to expand its ecosystem to enable gay, bi, trans, and queer people to connect, express themselves, and discover the world around them. Since 2015 Grindr for Equality has advanced safety, health, and human rights for millions of Grindr users and the global LGBTQ+ community in partnership with more than 100 community organizations in every region of the world. Grindr is headquartered in West Hollywood, California , with offices in the Bay Area , Chicago , New York , and Washington, D.C. The Grindr app is available on the App Store and Google Play. For more information on Grindr for Equality, please visit https://www.grindr.com/g4e About The Romans Founded in 2015, The Romans has been named 'Agency of The Year' at a major awards show every year for the past six years and is PRWeek UK's Mid-Sized Agency of The Year 2022 and Creative Agency of the Year 2023. It has offices in New York , Dubai , Amsterdam and London and its clients include Candy Crush , Snapchat, Ben & Jerry's, Dove, Unilever, StockX and Heineken. For more information, visit www.wearetheromans.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-romans-new-york-named-consumer-pr-agency-of-record-for-grindr-ohhh-yeahhh-302055103.html SOURCE The Romans NEW YORK , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- THIRDHOME, the leading luxury exchange club for second homeowners, is excited to announce the creation of a newly formed Advisory Board and the appointment of Bonneau Ansley to its Board of Directors. Ansley, a founding investor and member of THIRDHOME since 2009, brings over 20 years of industry expertise in joining Steve Kirsher to the Board of Directors. Simultaneously, THIRDHOME's newly formed Advisory Board will bring together Industry leaders, experts and innovators. This group brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that aligns seamlessly with THIRDHOME'S mission to redefine luxury travel. Advisory Board: Debbi Fields : Founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies who set a benchmark for fresh-baked cookies worldwide, transforming it into a $450 Million company. Founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies who set a benchmark for fresh-baked cookies worldwide, transforming it into a company. Andy Sale : 25 years of expertise in the medical device and diagnostics industries 25 years of expertise in the medical device and diagnostics industries Brooke Pfautz : Founder of Vintory and expert in short-term vacation rental growth : Founder of Vintory and expert in short-term vacation rental growth David Angotti : Expert in successful exits and technology solutions for the travel industry Expert in successful exits and technology solutions for the travel industry Deborah Scott : Co-founder of Park House in Dallas, TX Co-founder of Park House in Scott Heatherington : 40 years of experience in residential real estate and hospitality sectors 40 years of experience in residential real estate and hospitality sectors Tony Palmer : Operating Partner at One Rock Capital Partners Operating Partner at Terry Weaver : Bestselling author and consultant in real estate and sales training Bestselling author and consultant in real estate and sales training Greg Anderson : Seasoned hospitality professional with a 40-year history in resorts, parks and hotels like Wyndham Hotels , Pinehurst Resort , and the Walt Disney Company Wade Shealy , Founder and CEO of THIRDHOME, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome such accomplished individuals to our Advisory Board. Their collective insights and industry prowess will undoubtedly elevate THIRDHOME'S vision of providing exceptional travel opportunities to our discerning members." About THIRDHOME THIRDHOME is the largest and most trusted global network of luxury home exchanges, helping members worldwide leverage unused time in their vacation property for access to luxury homes around the globe. With over 16,700 homes, villas, full-service resorts, and yachts across 100 countries, THIRDHOME cultivates an exclusive, members-only home-sharing community passionate for luxury destinations and experiences. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thirdhome-powers-ahead-a-new-advisory-board-and-addition-to-the-board-of-directors-302055063.html SOURCE THIRDHOME RADNOR, Pa. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Triumph Group, Inc., (TRIUMPH) [NYSE:TGI] today announced that its TRIUMPH Product Support business in Chonburi, Thailand (TASA) has been awarded a five-year contract from an Asia Pacific operator to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The award includes MRO services for CF6-80C2 nacelles over multiple Boeing fleets. TRIUMPH has extensive experience servicing CF6 nacelles and a large portfolio of cost-effective repairs to draw upon. "Expanding our footprint on the CF6-80C2 nacelles signifies the confidence operators continue to have in TRIUMPH," said Jim Berberet , President of TRIUMPH Product Support. "CF6-80C2 nacelles are a core product for us and we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with competitive pricing, reliable turn times and high-quality products and services." TRIUMPH Product Support (TPS), TRIUMPH's third-party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business provides total life cycle solutions for commercial, regional and military aircraft. TRIUMPH Product Support's extensive product and service offerings include full post-delivery value chain services that simplify the MRO supply chain. TPS aftermarket capabilities include repair of aircraft structures, nacelles, and engine and aircraft accessories and components. TRIUMPH , headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania , designs, develops, manufactures, repairs, and overhauls a broad portfolio of aerospace and defense systems and components. The company serves the global aviation industry, including original equipment manufacturers and the full spectrum of military and commercial aircraft operators. More information about TRIUMPH can be found on the company's website at www.triumphgroup.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/triumph-awarded-five-year-contract-from-asia-pacific-operator-302055315.html SOURCE Triumph Group The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript February 5, 2024 The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.869, expectations were $0.55. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. isnt one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here). Operator: Good day everyone and welcome to the Estee Lauder Companys fiscal 2024 second quarter conference call. Todays call is being recorded and webcast. For opening remarks and introductions, I would like to turn the call over to the Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Ms. Rainey Mancini. Rainey Mancini: Hello. On todays call are Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tracey Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Since many of our remarks today contain forward-looking statements, let me refer you to our press release and our reports filed with the SEC, where youll find factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. To facilitate the discussion of our underlying business, the commentary on our financial results and expectations is before restructuring and other charges and adjustments disclosed in our press release. Unless otherwise stated, all organic net sales growth also excludes the non-comparable impacts of acquisitions, divestitures, brand closures, and the impact of foreign currency translation. You can find reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP measures in our press release and on the Investors section of our website. As a reminder, references to online sales include sales we make directly to our consumers through our brand.com sites and through third party platforms. It also includes estimated sales of our products through our retailers websites. During the Q&A session, we ask that you please limit yourself to one question so we can respond to all of you within the time scheduled for this call. Now Ill turn the call over to Fabrizio. Story continues Fabrizio Freda: Thank you Rainey and hello to everyone. We appreciate you joining us today. For the second quarter, we delivered our outlook for organic sales decline of 8% and exceeded expectations for adjusted diluted EPS. Organic sales in our global travel retail business decreased 28% with retail sales trends better than organic performance, reflecting both the execution of our priority to reduce trade inventory in alignment with retailers and efforts by various local authorities to contain structured market activity. We made meaningful progress with trade inventory levels in Asia travel retail and continue to expect to be a normalized trade inventory levels by the end of the third quarter of this fiscal year. The entire rest of our global business decreased 3% organically. This decline was primarily driven by the slow-down of overall prestige beauty in mainland China, although our retail sales trends were much better than our organic performance. Our global retail sales growth excluding travel retail in mainland China rose mid-single digits. The markets of EMEA delivered mid-single digit retail sales growth, and Asia-Pacific excluding mainland China rose double digits, as did Latin America, showcasing strong fundamentals for brand desirability and the success of our consumer engagement initiatives. Encouragingly, we made progress across several strategic priorities in the first half. Beyond reducing inventories of Asia travel retail, we improved working capital, realized higher levels of strategic pricing, and managed expenses with discipline. For the full year, we are revising our outlook as we have tightened the growth range for organic sales primarily to account for risk of macroeconomic volatility in some areas around the world and updated adjusted diluted EPS for an anticipated higher tax rate. In this revised outlook, we have maintained our prior outlook for full year operating profitability. Looking ahead, we are at an inflection point. First, we are positioned to return organic sales growth for the total company in the third quarter, and we expect organic sales growth to sequentially accelerate in the fourth quarter. Second, we are positioned for stronger profitability in the second half of this fiscal year compared to the first half. Third, we are preparing to meaningfully accelerate the rebuild of our profitability in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Indeed, since we spoke with you in late November, our teams have been actively engaged to operationalize the profit recovery plan. In doing so, we have identified further opportunities to enhance profitability while also generating more resources to be invested in consumer-focused areas to drive long term growth. As a result, we are expanding the profit recovery plan to include a restructuring program. While this is a difficult decision, we believe this now larger plan will better position the company to restore stronger and more sustainable profitability while also supporting sales growth acceleration and increasing agility and speed to market. For the consumer, we anticipate faster product and commercial innovation supported by strategic brand-building distribution and go-to-market advancement, where digital leadership is at the core. Moreover, we intend to increase our speed and agility as an organization, enabling quicker and more localized decision making to better create and respond to consumer trends. The profit recovery plan is now expected to deliver incremental operating profit of $1.1 billion to $1.4 billion, up from $800 million to $1 billion previously. In terms of timing, this incremental profit is anticipated to be realized in fiscal year 2025 and 26, with more than half in fiscal year 2025. We are confident that our multiple engines of growth strategy will be enhanced by the profit recovery plan, enabling our company to more fully capture promising long term growth opportunities and remain a leader in global prestige beauty, and to reinforce our commitment to execute this larger plan with excellence, we have engaged global consulting firm, Alvarez & Marsal. They will provide strategic advisory services, partnering with us on our restructuring program as part of the profit recovery plan to drive the realization of a sustainable rebuild of profitability. For the second half of the fiscal year, we have strategic initiatives and exciting innovation to drive in North America, re-accelerate growth in mainland China, and drive momentum in markets that are thriving across developed and emerging markets in EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Let me begin with the Clinique brand. The brand will be doubling down on its authentic dermatologist brand heritage of over 55 years, deepening its relationship with the scientific community, strengthening its derma messaging and engaging new consumers. First, Clinique will be dialing up its derma education and consumer communications, including on social media, brand.com and in-store with new dermatologist partnerships and ingredient communication. Clinique has also announced the establishment of the new Mt. Sinai Clinique Healthy Skin Dermatology Center. The Centers research is expected to produce breakthrough advancement in the study of allergic skin and premature aging. Next month, Clinique will return to the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting to showcase its derm level science formulations, as well as its unique eye safety promise. All of this is coupled with Cliniques continued innovation of allergy tested and 100% [indiscernible] products evidenced by Cliniques new post-procedure relevant claim on powerful products, including Smart Clinical Repair lifting face and neck creme. Turning to the Estee Lauder brand, for over 50 years it has been a pioneer in longevity age reversal research, a frontier of skin biology for its Re-Nutriv luxury franchise. Last August, I spoke with you about how Re-Nutriv should be standing upon its successful Ultimate Diamond Transformative Brilliant Serum with compelling innovation. The franchise breakthrough, Soft Clean with cutting edge patented SIRTIVITY-LP technology for visible age reversal is now launching globally. In [indiscernible], there is a companion serum creme foundation amplifying the franchise skin longevity science across categories. We are encouraged by the global appeal of this innovation from China to Japan to the U.S. While early, the franchise is welcoming new consumers at compelling rates, and we look forward to all that is to come for Re-Nutriv as launch events continue around the world. Moreover, the brand is collaborating with the Stanford Center of Longevity as the inaugural sponsor of a new program of esthetics and culture. Beyond Re-Nutrivs striking innovation, we have more standout launches across brands in the third quarter, led by MAC and Tom Ford. The new MACximal Silky Matte lipstick modernizes the MAC icon with a new silky matte finish, lip conditioning benefits, and elevated packaging. For Tom Ford, Oud Minerale is primed to carry forward the brands winning streak of innovation from Cafe Rose in the first half. In the second half, we expect these initiatives and new product launches to build upon the strong momentum of several brands. Indeed, The Ordinary, La Mer and Le Labo, among others achieved terrific performance in the second quarter. The Ordinary delivered an excellent first half as the brand again realized double-digit organic sales growth in the quarter. Its new soothing and barrier support serum, which launched during the first quarter, is the brands most successful launch ever and is already among the top 10 ranked products in the U.S. prestige serum category. The Ordinary continue to excel in specialty multi globally and is also realizing very promising uptake on the new Tiktok shop in the United States through engaging live streaming and creator content. La Mer further contributed to our strong underlying fundamentals in skin care. The brands luxurious high quality product from the iconic creme, De La Mer to the new lifting firming serum, along with its exceptional services proved highly sought after by discerning consumers around the world. In mainland China, La Mer grew double digits at retail to realize strong share gains in prestige skin care. Our luxury and our seasonal fragrances also performed quite well. Le Labo led the broad-based trends as Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, Kilian Paris, and Editions de Parfum Frederic Malle each rose organically, fueling double-digit organic sales growth in Asia Pacific and gains in the Americas. For the second half, we expect to return to organic sales growth in mainland China driven by a rich innovation pipeline for a greater contribution to sales from new products in the second half than the first half, and we are investing in exciting go-to-market initiatives across brick and mortar and online. Impressively, we entered the third quarter in mainland China with momentum in brick and mortar, having expanded our prestige beauty share offline in the second quarter, driven by strong double-digit retail sales growth in each of department stores, specialty multi, and freestanding stores. For online, while the channel was especially pressured by softness in overall prestige beauty and the 11/11 global shopping festival, our brands performed strongly [indiscernible] rising triple digits organically to partially offset lower sales for the event. The Estee Lauder brand ranked number one in prestige beauty [indiscernible], and it also ranked number one for store live streaming. For the fiscal year, we remain focused on North America returning to organic sales growth and are encouraged by the low single digit growth delivered in the first half. While makeup was pressured in the second quarter by the cadence of major new product launches, we are very excited by the innovation coming to market across the second half, beginning with MACs MACximal Silky Matte lipstick we launched last week. Moreover, skin care grew for the second consecutive quarter in North America, driven by The Ordinary and Estee Lauder. Our luxury [indiscernible] fragrances rose double digits in the quarter as our strategic initiative from expanded consumer reach with Kilian Paris to strong engagement on Tiktok by [indiscernible] are proving successful. In closing, we are at an inflection point, poised to return to organic sales growth in the second half and deliver sequentially stronger profitability than the first half, as well as expansion from the year ago. We are well positioned to deliver stronger profitability in fiscal year 2025 and 26, given the initial progress we have made from our profit recovery plan as well as its new restructuring program, and we are well positioned to invest in consumer-facing areas to capture exciting growth opportunities in global prestige beauty. A close-up of a makeup artist carefully applying Makeup Products to an clients face. I wish to extend my gratitude to our leaders and their amazing teams for the hard work and dedication which has taken us to this inflection point on a renewed sales and profit growth trajectory. I will now turn the call over to Tracey. Tracey Travis: Thank you Fabrizio, and hello everyone. Ill start by reviewing our second quarter financial results, followed by a third quarter and full year outlook. Ill also provide details on our expanded profit recovery plan. As Fabrizio mentioned, our second quarter organic net sales decline of 8% met our expectations. Additionally, through tighter expense management and despite experiencing a higher tax rate due to the shift in our geographical mix of business, our earnings per share of $0.88 exceeded our initial outlook for the quarter. From a geographic standpoint, organic net sales in our Europe, Middle East and Africa region declined 14%, mainly attributable to the persistent challenges in our Asia travel retail business. The impact from business disruptions in Israel and other parts of the Middle East accounted for a 2% reduction in the regions overall net sales growth. The markets in the region had mixed results, leading to overall flat growth across all markets. Organic net sales in our Asia-Pacific region fell 7%, reflecting continued challenges in mainland China. While our results on Douyin nearly doubled, our total online sales declined due to softer than expected performance on TMall during the 11.11 event. The overall online performance more than offset the increase in brick and mortar sales, which was led by double-digit growth in our freestanding stores. In the rest of the region, we saw strong organic net sales growth led by double-digit growth in Hong Kong SAR and Korea, as well as high single-digit growth in Japan. Our luxury fragrance brands Le Labo, Jo Malone London, and Tom Ford drove double-digit fragrance growth in the region, which was fueled by both effective commercial activations as well as compelling holiday product offerings. Organic net sales in the Americas declined 1%, driven by a prior year benefit from changes made to MACs take-back loyalty program in North America last year. Excluding this benefit, net sales were relatively flat in North America, reflecting growth in specialty multi and our freestanding stores and offset by softer performance experienced in department stores and online. In Latin America, organic net sales rose double digits, reflecting continued growth in nearly every market and strong performance during holiday and key shopping moments. From a category standpoint, organic net sales fell 10% in skincare and 8% in makeup. In skincare, the ongoing challenges in Asia travel retail and mainland China drove the majority of the decrease. Organic net sales from The Ordinary and La Mer grew across every geographic region. The Ordinary saw double-digit growth in specialty multi, including ongoing expansion, and continued its focus on education-first content to drive successful social media activations. Net sales from La Mer increased both online and in brick and mortar, benefiting from captivating social media and holiday product activations. In makeup, the persistent challenges in Asia travel retail were compounded by the prior year benefit from MAC that I previously mentioned. Organic net sales fell 6% in hair care and were flat in fragrance. Net sales from La Labo grew double digits, fueled by both targeted expanded consumer reach and same store sales. The brands ethos and high touch services persistently attract both new and loyal consumers, as evidenced by the double-digit net sales growth in our freestanding stores as well as strong performance during holiday and key shopping moments. For Jo Malone London, results from the brands holiday collection were strong and net sales increased in nearly all channels of distribution. This growth was offset by a decline from Estee Lauder due to the timing of holiday shipments compared to last year. Our gross margin decreased 60 basis points compared to last year. The positive impacts from brand mix and net strategic pricing actions were more than offset by higher costs due to promotional items and foreign currency. Operating expenses increased 260 basis points as a percent of sales, driven largely by the reduction in sales. Selling, advertising and promotional activities and innovation collectively accounted for 160 basis points of the increase compared to last year as we supported retail growth while also continuing to destock certain accounts in Asia travel retail. Operating income declined 25% to $577 million, and our operating margin contracted to 13.5% from 16.6% in the prior year. Our effective tax rate for the quarter was 37.7% compared to 24.9% last year. The increase in rate was primarily due to a true-up in the quarter to reflect the now higher estimated tax rate on our foreign operations for fiscal 2024 as a result of the change in our geographical mix of earnings. This also reflects an unfavorable impact related to previously issued share-based compensation. Diluted EPS of $0.88 decreased 43% compared to last year, including a dilutive impact of $0.19 from the change in the effective tax rate. The impact from business disruptions in Israel and other parts of the Middle East was $0.02 dilutive to EPS in the quarter. The acquisition of the Tom Ford brand was neutral to EPS as interest expense related to our debt financing was offset by the combined benefits derived as the licensor of the brand from royalty revenue this year and savings from no longer having to pay licensee royalties. During the quarter, we generated $937 million in net cash flow from operating activities compared to $751 million last year. The increase from last year reflects lower working capital partially offset by the decline in net earnings. The favorability from working capital was largely due to the actions we have taken to reduce inventory, primarily finished goods and semi-finished goods, that resulted in a significant improvement in our days to sell. We invested $527 million in capital expenditures and we returned $474 million in cash to stockholders through dividends. Turning now to our outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2024, which excludes the impact from the remaining payment for the outstanding Decium equity anticipated to occur in May 2024 and includes Cliniques heightened focus in active derma, while we delivered on our Q2 expectations, we are lowering the high end of our fiscal 24 organic net sales outlook range to reflect continued risks from evolving macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical tensions in certain areas around the world. Despite this change to our sales outlook, we are maintaining our full year operating profitability expectation. Furthermore, we are updating our EPS outlook primarily to reflect the increase in our estimated full year effective tax rate, largely due to the anticipated geographical mix of our earnings. This is expected to more than offset the EPS benefit from foreign currency translation. Using December 29 spot rates of 1.107 for the euro, 1.273 for the pound, 7.109 for the Chinese yuan and 12.90 for the Korean yuan, currency translation is anticipated to negatively impact reported sales for the third quarter and diluted EPS for both the third quarter and the full year. We expect organic net sales for our third quarter to increase 3% to 5% as both our businesses in Asia travel retail and in mainland China are expected to return to growth. In Asia travel retail, this growth assumes the continued reduction in retailer inventory as well as the anniversary of some business disruptions we experienced last year. Currency translation and the potential risks of further business disruptions in the Middle East are each expected to be dilutive to reported net sales by one point. We expect third quarter adjusted EPS of $0.36 to $0.46, for a decrease between 3% to 24%. Currency translation and the potential risk of further business disruptions in the Middle East are each expected to dilute EPS by $0.03. Adjusted EPS in constant currency is expected to range between an increase of 3% to a decline of 18%. For the full year, we expect reported and organic net sales to range between a decline of 1% and an increase of 1%. Our plants have been running at reduced capacity, reflecting the pull-down of production in line with our lower shipments and to support the reduction of inventory levels both in-house and in the trade. This has resulted in inefficiencies in some of our manufacturing locations and may trigger a requirement to recognize the related manufacturing costs as in-period costs instead of when products are sold. We have reflected this potential expense and the corresponding pressure to gross margin in our outlook for the balance of the fiscal year, primarily in the third quarter. Our full year operating margin outlook remains unchanged and is expected to be between 9% and 9.5%, a contraction from 11.4% last year, and planned to partially offset the incremental pressure to gross margin through disciplined expense management. We now expect our full year effective tax rate to be approximately 35% compared to 26.5% last year. The increase reflects a larger mix of our expected fiscal 2024 earnings in higher tax jurisdictions as well as the unfavorable impact of previously issued share-based compensation. Diluted EPS is expected to range between $2.08 and $2.23 before restructuring and other charges. The potential risks of further business disruptions in Israel and other parts of the Middle East and currency translation are expected to dilute earnings per share by $0.08 and $0.07 respectively. In constant currency, we expect EPS to fall between 34% to 38%. Given the progress we have made in strategic initiatives the first half of the year, we expect to return to organic net sales growth and stronger operating profitability in the second half. In November, we announced a profit recovery plan to support the progressive rebuilding of our profit margins in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Today with the announcement of a two-year restructuring program, we have further expanded this plan. As Fabrizio mentioned, we are focused on strategically leveraging our strengths to accelerate our return to more sustainable profitable growth while elevating our consumer activations and increasing our operating agility. The restructuring program is designed to right-size and streamline select areas within our organization, which unfortunately necessitates us making the difficult decision of an expected net reduction in positions globally of 3% to 5%. The restructuring program is expected to begin in the third quarter and continue for the duration of the profit recovery plan. We expect to take charges of between $500 million and $700 million and generate annual gross savings of $350 million to $500 million before taxes. A portion of these savings is expected to be reinvested in consumer-facing activities to drive long term sustainable profitable growth. We now expect to drive incremental operating profit through all initiatives under the profit recovery plan of $1.1 billion to $1.4 billion, inclusive of net benefits from the restructuring program announced today. The plan is expected to yield almost all of the anticipated benefits by the end of fiscal year 2026, with slightly more than half of these benefits realized and contributing to operating profitability in fiscal 2025. In closing, we express our sincere gratitude to our teams around the world as they work tirelessly to execute against our priorities and drive our business forward. We believe that with the work that is being done to position us to return to growth in the second half of the fiscal year and beyond, and with the successful execution of our expanded profit recovery plan, we will be better positioned to return our company to long term sustainable growth and profitability. That concludes our prepared remarks. Well be happy to take your questions at this time. See also Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia and 15 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. BLUE BELL, Pa. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys (NYSE: UIS) announces the date for its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results and conference call and its participation in an upcoming investor conference. Fourth-Quarter and Full-year 2023 Financial Results Unisys will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 , before the open of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Management will host a conference call at 8 a.m. EST that same day with the financial community to discuss the results. The company will offer a live, listen-only webcast of the conference call on the Unisys Investor Website at www.unisys.com/investor. In addition, domestic callers can dial 1-844-695-5518 and international callers can dial 1-412-902-6749 and provide the following conference passcode: Unisys Corporation Call. A webcast replay will be available on the Unisys Investor Website shortly following the conference call. A replay will also be available by dialing 1-877-344-7529 for domestic callers or 1-412-317-0088 for international callers and entering access code 4909173 from two hours after the end of the call until March 6, 2024 . Upcoming Investor Conference Michaela Pewarski , Vice President of Investor Relations of Unisys, will participate virtually in the Sidoti Small-Cap Conference on March 13-14, 2024 . Management will be available for one-on-one and small group meetings with investors. Investors interested in arranging meetings should contact their conference representative. About Unisys Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading organizations. Our solutions cloud, data and AI, digital workplace, logistics and enterprise computing help our clients challenge the status quo and unlock their full potential. To learn how we have been helping clients push what's possible for 150 years, visit unisys.com and follow us on LinkedIn . RELEASE NO.: 0206/9938 Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder. UIS-C View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unisys-announces-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-results-date-and-participation-in-upcoming-investor-conference-302055307.html SOURCE Unisys Corporation The Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Biomedical Science and Design celebrate immigrant contributions to research and development, and to intellectual and cultural life in the United States . NEW YORK , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vilcek Foundation announces the recipients of the 2024 Vilcek Foundation Prizes . Comprising a total of $500,000 in awards, the prizes align with the foundation's mission and vision: To celebrate immigrant professionals in biomedical science and in the arts and humanities, and to recognize immigrant professionals' contributions to intellectual and cultural life in the United States . Vilcek Foundation awards $500,000 in prizes to immigrant professionals in Biomedical Science and Design. Since 2006, the Vilcek Foundation has awarded prizes each year in two primary categories: Biomedical Science, and the Arts and Humanities. In 2024, the Arts and Humanities prizes are awarded in Design. In 2024, four prizes are awarded each in Biomedical Science and in Design: one $100,000 Vilcek Prize, and three $50,000 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise. The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science The 2024 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science is awarded to Luciano Marraffini , who is the Kayden Family Professor at the Rockefeller University, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Born in Argentina , Marraffini receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for his pioneering research on the study of CRISPR-Cas systems in bacteria, and on the potential applications for CRISPR-Cas including genome editing. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. " The United States' leadership in biomedical science and research is in no small part due to the contributions of immigrant scientists," says Jan Vilcek , Chairman and CEO of the Vilcek Foundation. "The 2024 Vilcek Foundation Prizewinners exemplify the profound diversity of thought and innovation of immigrant scientists: From pioneering studies in cancer metabolism, to using pluripotent stem cells to grow transplantable organoids to treat chronic liver disease, to decoding the nature of CRISPR-Cas systems, their work has formidably advanced science and medicine, and is re-shaping how scientists and clinicians understand and treat disease." The Vilcek Prize in Design The Vilcek Prize in Design is awarded to a designer whose career and work has had a profound impact in their fieldnot only to their clients and constituents, but to the students and mentees they inspire. The Vilcek Foundation is delighted to award the 2024 Vilcek Prize in Design to Ramon Tejada . Tejada receives the Vilcek Prize in Design for his leadership and commitment to accessibility and decolonization in design practices, and for his pedagogical approach that centers collaboration, inclusion, and radical innovation. Born in the Dominican Republic , Tejada is an associate professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He has taught at Pratt Institute, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Parsons/The New School and CUNY-Queens College. " Ramon Tejada's designs embody the power of design thinking to bring meaning and efficacy to form," says Vilcek Foundation President Rick Kinsel . "His work as a teacher and mentor helps reframe questions about diversity and accessibility in design." The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are $50,000 prizes given to immigrant scientists and researchers under the age of 40 whose work represents a significant contribution to their field, and opens new avenues for further research and discovery. The 2024 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are awarded to Gerta Hoxhaj , Tomasz Nowakowski , and Takanori Takebe . Gerta Hoxhaj receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for mapping the molecular links between signaling pathways and metabolic networks of cancer cells with a focus on identifying vulnerabilities that could be used to develop cancer targeted therapies. Born in Albania , Hoxhaj is an assistant professor with the Children's Research Institute and the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Tomasz Nowakowski receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for the development of technologies to identify and track the regenerative capacity of neural stem cells and neural progenitor cells in the human brain. Born in Poland , Nowakowski earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco, where he is now an associate professor of neurological surgery and anatomy. Takanori Takebe receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for developing vascularized three-dimensional human organoid tissue from pluripotent stem cells that can be transplanted in humans, paving the way for targeted approaches to intractable liver diseases. Born in Japan , Takebe earned his MD and PhD at Yokohama City University School of Medicine. He is an associate professor with the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Design The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Design are $50,000 prizes that recognize immigrant designers under the age of 40 whose work represents an important contribution to their field and exemplifies the potential for design to change the way people interact with the world. Three Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Design are awarded in 2024 to Wael Morcos , Juan Carlos Noguera and Maryam Turkey. Wael Morcos receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Design for his approach to typographic and graphic design that incorporates complex cultural and political histories to create socially relevant visual identities and campaigns. Born in Lebanon , Morcos is a founder and partner of Morcos Key ; he is an alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design. Juan Carlos Noguera receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Design for his equitable approach to product design, especially for his work to develop accessible wheelchairs and educational tools that democratize society by promoting social and scientific engagement. Born in Guatemala , Noguera is a professor of industrial design at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He earned his Master's in Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. Maryam Turkey receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Design for her practice that seeks to bridge cultural and societal divides while simultaneously challenging the status quo; through organic sculptural forms and surfaces she deconstructs gender norms, revealing a powerful humanity. Born in Iraq , she is an alumna of the Pratt Institute, and she was a MAD Museum Artist in Residence in 2019. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and at prominent art fairs throughout the United States . The Vilcek Foundation The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation for the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek , immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation was inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $7 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and has supported organizations with over $6 million in grants. The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit vilcek.org . Contact Elizabeth Boylan The Vilcek Foundation 212-472-2500 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vilcek-foundation-awards-500-000-in-prizes-to-immigrant-scientists-and-designers-302053675.html SOURCE The Vilcek Foundation Designers Ramon Tejada , Wael Morcos , Juan Carlos Noguera and Maryam Turkey are recipients of the 2024 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Design. NEW YORK , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vilcek Foundation announces the recipients of the 2024 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Design . Totaling $250,000 in awards, the prizes celebrate immigrant professionals in graphic design, industrial design and product design whose work has had a profound impact in their specific field of work, as well as on design and design thinking and practice more broadly in the United States . The Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Design are awarded as part of the Vilcek Foundation's prizes in the arts and humanities, awarded annually as part of the Vilcek Foundation Prizes program to build awareness of the vital role immigration plays in enriching intellectual and cultural life in the United States . "Design enables us to interact with the world with elegance and artistry," says Vilcek Foundation Vice Chair and Cofounder Marica Vilcek . "With the Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Design, we celebrate four immigrant vanguards whose work exemplifies the perspective, innovation and creativity that immigrants bring to business and society in the United States ." The Vilcek Foundation Prizes comprise four individual awards: The Vilcek Prize in Designa $100,000 awardand three $50,000 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Design. The Vilcek Prize in Design The Vilcek Prize in Design is awarded to a designer whose career and work has had a profound impact in their field. The recipient of the Vilcek Prize in Design receives a cash award of $100,000 and a commemorative trophy. The Vilcek Foundation is delighted to award the 2024 Vilcek Prize in Design to Ramon Tejada . " Ramon Tejada's designs bring deeper meaning and efficacy to form," says Vilcek Foundation President Rick Kinsel . "His projects address important social issues including race and the impacts of colonialism. He describes his practice as both a designer and teacher as 'puncturing'breaking the surface to reveal the social and political frameworks that have historically underwritten bias in design standards and practices. His work reframes questions about diversity, accessibility, and equity in design." Tejada receives the Vilcek Prize in Design for his leadership and commitment to accessibility and decolonization in design practices, and for his pedagogical approach that centers collaboration, inclusion and radical innovation. Born in the Dominican Republic , Tejada is an associate professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He has taught at Pratt Institute, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Parsons/The New School and CUNY-Queens College. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Design The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Design recognize immigrant designers under the age of 40 whose work represents an important contribution to their field, and exemplifies the potential for design to change the way people interact with the world. Wael Morcos receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Design for his approach to typographic and graphic design that incorporates complex cultural and political histories to create socially relevant visual identities and campaigns. Born in Lebanon , Morcos is a founder and partner of Morcos Key ; he is an alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design. Juan Carlos Noguera receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Design for his equitable approach to product design, especially for his work to develop accessible wheelchairs and educational tools that democratize society by promoting social and scientific engagement. Born in Guatemala , Noguera is a professor of industrial design at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He earned his Master's in Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. Maryam Turkey receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Design for her practice that seeks to bridge cultural and societal divides while simultaneously challenging the status quo; through organic sculptural forms and surfaces she deconstructs gender norms, revealing a powerful humanity. Born in Iraq , she is an alumna of the Pratt Institute and she was a MAD Museum Artist in Residence in 2019. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and at prominent art fairs throughout the United States . The Vilcek Foundation The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation for the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek , immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation was inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $7 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and has supported organizations with over $6 million in grants. The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit vilcek.org . Contact Elizabeth Boylan The Vilcek Foundation 212-472-2500 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vilcek-foundation-honors-immigrant-designers-with-250-000-in-prizes-302053858.html SOURCE The Vilcek Foundation MCLEAN, Va. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Xcelerate Solutions ("Xcelerate"), a leading defense and national security company and portfolio company of McNally Capital, today announced it has merged with VMD Corp ("VMD"). Based in Fairfax, Virginia , VMD is a cybersecurity, agile engineering, and critical infrastructure protection firm. The combined company will go to market as Xcelerate Solutions, offering a comprehensive, mission-first portfolio of secure solutions to the federal government. "We see this merger as a win-win. We share similar cultures, like-minded leadership, and a deep commitment to delivering positive mission outcomes," said Mark Drever , Chief Executive Officer of Xcelerate. "Since the investment from McNally Capital, we've been actively looking to expand our security and IT capabilities through M&A. VMD is a great match. Together, our expanded capabilities, contracts and specialized expertise make a powerful statement to the government market." The combined company boasts an experienced team of over 1,000 technology professionals dedicated to delivering a broad spectrum of cybersecurity, enterprise, and infrastructure protection services focused on mission-first delivery. The depth and versatility of Xcelerate's expanded capabilities and contracts present opportunities for diversification and growth across its defense, law enforcement, national security, civilian agencies, and throughout the federal government. "We are excited about what this merger will mean to our clients," echoed VMD co-founders Deepti Malhotra , Chief Executive Officer and Vivek Malhotra , President. "Not only will it broaden our portfolio, but it will allow us to leverage the strengths of both companies offering new solutions across our engagements." Xcelerate plans to capitalize on the combined strengths of both companies, foster a mission-first culture, align leadership, and crystallize its go-to-market portfolio to best serve federal clients in the coming months. McNally Capital was instrumental in this transaction. "We are excited to welcome VMD to Xcelerate and the broader McNally Capital portfolio. Like Xcelerate, VMD has built a reputation for trusted delivery, deep technical talent, and engineering prowess. We believe this will provide a solid foundation for future growth," said Michael Ember , Vice President of McNally Capital. Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel for this transaction. Nelson Mullins provided legal counsel on behalf of VMD. About Xcelerate Solutions Xcelerate Solutions is a leading defense and national security company, providing integrated solutions in enterprise security, strategic consulting, and digital transformation. Xcelerate enhances the security and resilience of America's personnel as well as physical and cyber infrastructure. The company is a trusted partner to Federal Law Enforcement, the Department of Defense, and Intelligence Community agencies that are responsible for the security and safety of the United States . For more information, please visit www.xceleratesolutions.com. About VMD Corp VMD is a vision, mission, driven company that has been delivering information technology solutions to the Federal government in agile engineering, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection since 2002. For more information, please visit www.vmdcorp.com About McNally Capital McNally Capital is a lower middle-market private equity firm targeting thesis-driven investments in the U.S. , specifically focused on acquiring founder and management-owned companies. Formed by the McNally family, who owned and operated Rand McNally & Company, McNally Capital is dedicated to upholding a 160+ year legacy as a family-owned and operated company. The firm seeks to apply its hands-on experience, institutional capabilities, and proprietary value creation framework to its portfolio companies to benefit management teams in their next phase of growth and build value for its investors. For more information, please visit www.mcnallycapital.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xcelerate-solutions-merges-with-vmd-corp-302053621.html SOURCE Xcelerate Solutions MAMARONECK, N.Y. , Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Young America Capital is proud to announce that it was recently named a top 25 investment bank for the 2023 calendar year by Axial. To assemble this list, Axial the leading lower middle market deal sourcing and business development platform reviewed the 2023 dealmaking activities of more than 800 investment banks and advisory firms in the lower middle market. According to Axial, the banks recognized on this list are considered "those who work with the most in-demand clients; balance breadth, selectivity, and accuracy in the buyers they engage; and generate the largest number of positive outcomes for their clients". This accolade demonstrates the extensive work Young America has done to support its clients, in raising capital both debt and equity and selling their businesses in an extremely difficult M&A market. Last year, Young America Capital closed 21 transactions across a number of different sectors, averaging close to two closed deals each month. This is the firm's second time appearing on Axial's League Tables, having been named a top 10 investment bank in the third quarter of 2023. About Young America Capital: Young America Capital, LLC is a FINRA/SEC licensed broker-dealer based in New York serving the investment banking needs of early-stage and middle-market companies. Young America also offers specialized services to both funds and investors in the Alternative Investment arena. Through its team of experienced investment banking advisors and funds marketing executives, Young America provides customized services to raise debt and equity capital, engage in buy and sell-side mergers & acquisitions, and secure institutional capital commitments for established or new alternative fund managers. Contact: Peter Formanek , CEO ~ Young America Capital 141 East Boston Post Road , Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Mobile: 914.672.3779, [email protected], URL: www.yacapital.com SEC & MSRB registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/young-america-capital-ranked-as-a-top-25-investment-bank-by-axial-302054373.html SOURCE Young America Capital By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -Police in Ecuador and Spain have arrested at least 30 people in simultaneous operations as part of an investigation into Albanian organized crime, the Ecuadorean attorney general's office said on Tuesday. Prosecutors from both countries carried out 57 raids in six provinces of Ecuador and in four Spanish cities related to alleged money laundering and drug trafficking. The raids occurred amid a military offensive launched by Ecuador President Daniel Noboa to combat criminal gangs in the South American country, which he has designated terrorists. "The operation was carried out in collaboration with the attorney general's office in Spain (where 12 of the arrests were made and 450,000 euros were seized) with 45 prosecutors participating with their support staff," the Ecuadorean attorney general's office said via social media, without giving further details. The money seized is worth around $483,000. Prosecutors also found cash and firearms, and seized property and vehicles. Detainees included people from Colombia, Argentina, China, Spain, Ecuador and Albania, Ecuadorean police said, adding that the group was allegedly led by an Albanian citizen. The group moved cocaine from Colombia to Tulcan, a border city in Ecuador, before being taken to collection centers across the smaller Andean country, said William Villarroel, the head of Ecuador's anti-narcotics police. The drugs were then camouflaged in banana export containers for transport to Europe, he added. The organization had privileged information on foreign trade documents and some of its members had connections to Ecuadorean exporters. "In Ecuador they had six companies and in Spain they had four, with large commercial activity which facilitated money laundering," Villarroel said, adding that the group could not explain some $32 million in sales. More people could be linked to the case, he said. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Mark Porter) By Ruma Paul DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh summoned neighbouring Myanmar's ambassador on Tuesday to protest the escalating border violence that killed two people on the Bangladeshi side as fighting between Myanmar's rebel forces and its junta regime intensifies. A Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man were killed and a child was injured when a mortar shell from Myanmar hit a border district in Bangladesh on Monday, as junta forces try to quell a bloody rebellion. Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe was summoned to receive Bangladesh's protest note over the casualties in Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters in Dhaka. "It's their internal conflict. But we placed a strong protest as mortal shells are landing on Bangladesh territory, killing people. This is completely unacceptable," Mahmud said. Since mounting a coup against an elected government in 2021, Myanmar's junta is facing its biggest challenge, trying to contain an uprising which has seen allied anti-junta groups backed by a pro-democracy parallel government seize control of several military posts and towns. At least 264 Myanmar border guards and police, some of them wounded, have fled to Bangladesh over the last few days, Shariful Islam, a spokesman for Bangladesh's Border Guard said on Tuesday. "More than 100 entered today to escape violence, eight of them with critical injuries are being treated at different hospitals," Islam said. The sound of gunfire could be heard from across the Myanmar border in Bangladesh's southeastern district of Cox's Bazar, where nearly one million members of the Muslim minority from Myanmar live in bamboo-and-plastic hut camps after fleeing a military crackdown there in 2017. Several hundred people, mostly the Chakma ethnic group and some Rohingya from Myanmar, have gathered on the border to enter Bangladesh, said Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner based in Cox's Bazar. Citing a deteriorating security situation, India on Tuesday advised its citizens against travel to Myanmar's Rakhine state bordering Bangladesh. (Reporting by Ruma Paul; Additonal reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar in Mumbai; Editing by Ros Russell) Britain's former Prime Minister Liz Truss speaks at the official launch event for the 'Popular Conservatism' movement, in London, Britain, February 6, 2024. REUTERS/Toby Melville By Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - Taking aim at the judiciary, quangos, climate activists, bureaucrats and internationalists, a group of right-wing Conservatives offered a solution to their ailing governing party on Tuesday before an election - become more conservative. Unveiling a new movement called Popular Conservatism, former prime minister Liz Truss, ex-business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg and others said it was time to listen to voters and break what they described as a left-wing stranglehold in public life. After almost 14 years in power and with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives badly lagging the opposition Labour Party in the polls, the party is now home to a struggle over how to shape its future, with lawmakers expecting an all but electoral wipe-out at the election later this year. With more than 50 Conservative lawmakers saying they will step down, the fight for which of the governing party's many factions will emerge as a dominant force is stepping up. Bringing together right-leaning lawmakers, the group Popular Conservatism says it is about being confident in traditional conservative values on issues such as immigration, climate change and state regulation. "The fundamental issue is that for years and years and years ... Conservatives have not taken on the left-wing extremists," Truss told an audience packed into a room of a venue in the heart of Westminster. "And the problem is when we don't know what we stand for, when we're not prepared to stand up for conservative values, who is?" asked Truss, who survived as prime minister for less than two months after overseeing a meltdown in financial markets. She blamed colleagues for trying to be "popular at London dinner parties" rather than sticking with what she said were Conservative policies such as ending legal and illegal migration, challenging "wokeism" and climate narratives. Her words were met by applause in the room, but the formation of yet another group will do little to help Sunak's attempts to rally his party before the election. He has repeatedly appealed to his party to "unite or die", a call some have rejected. A Truss ally, Simon Clarke, broke cover last month and called on Sunak to quit. But the director of Popular Conservatism, Mark Littlewood, a former head of a libertarian think tank, said the group had not been formed to influence the leadership of the party, saying he wanted Sunak to lead it into the election. Admitting that some would ask "what is he thinking?" about starting a group with popular and Conservative in its title, he said: "I think it is a both a vital and ideal time to kickstart this initiative." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Nick Macfie) Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall speaks about the Colonial Pipeline outage following a cyber attack during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 10, 2021. REUTERS/ By Raul Cortes MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would meet U.S. President Joe Biden's homeland security adviser later on Tuesday to discuss migration as the White House pushes for legislation to provide new funds for border security. The visit of Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall comes at Biden's behest, Lopez Obrador told a regular press conference. "The president spoke to me to tell me about issues that have to do with negotiations on migration, and he wanted me to meet with his adviser on security matters," he said. The president also said Canadian officials would visit Mexico on Wednesday, though he did not provide further details. On Monday, the Biden administration said the president would veto a standalone bill backed by House Republicans to provide aid to Israel in favor of a broader, bipartisan measure. That $118 billion bill would overhaul migration policy and provide new funding for border security. Lopez Obrador called the proposed measures "electorally motivated," since Biden's main opponent ahead of the U.S. November election is former Republican President Donald Trump, whose migration crackdown was a cornerstone of his 2017-2021 administration. "We think this policy is not going to work," Lopez Obrador said, instead calling for measures such as regularizing Mexicans who had been working in the United States for more than five years and ending U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba. "Apparently the Republicans are conditioning the vote on there being anti-Mexican migration measures (included in the bill)," Lopez Obrador said. "They want to use us as a bargaining chip." The Mexican leader has long called for the U.S. to address the root causes of migration, and on Tuesday doubled down on his request for Mexico's northern neighbor to invest $20 billion a year in poor Latin American and Caribbean nations. (Reporting By Raul Cortes; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Drazen Jorgic, David Ljunggren and Brendan O'Boyle) U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the opening of the Biden for President campaign office in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., February 3, 2024. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts By Patricia Zengerle (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said on Monday he would veto a standalone bill backed by House of Representatives Republicans that would provide aid to Israel, as the White House pushes for a broader measure providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel and providing new funds for border security. "The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the Presidents desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. Officials from the Democratic president's administration have been working for months with Senate Democrats and Republicans on legislation unveiled on Sunday combining an overhaul of U.S. immigration policy and new funding for border security with billions of dollars in emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The $118 billion spending measure also would provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by global conflicts. "The Administration strongly opposes this ploy which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Putin's aggression, fails to support the security of American synagogues, mosques, and vulnerable places of worship, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, the majority of whom are women and children," the statement said. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Saturday that the House would reject the bipartisan Senate bill, and instead vote this week on a measure providing aid only to Israel. "The presidents veto threat is an act of betrayal," Johnon said in a statement on Monday evening. "In threatening to veto aid to Israel and to our military forces, President Biden is abandoning our ally in its time of greatest need." Republicans are bitterly divided over the legislation, with Donald Trump - the frontrunner for his party's presidential nomination - and his closest allies loudly voicing opposition, calling the Senate plan insufficiently tough. Trump has made security at the border with Mexico a major talking point in his campaigning against Biden ahead of the November election. The Republican-majority House passed an Israel-only bill in November, but it was never taken up in the Democratic-led Senate, as negotiators worked on Biden's request for Congress to approve a broader emergency security package. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Eric Beech, Costas Pitas and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Stephen Coates) The retail industry's landscape has certainly changed over the past four decades. Then every category of consumer goods supported several different store chains. Brick-and-mortar shopping was something of an entertainment experience as well. Now the advent of online shopping has helped narrow the total number of retailers to only a handful of category-dominant names. That's not necessarily been a bad thing for investors, though. Shares of these select retail survivors have logged enormous gains. Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) comes to mind. The club-based retailer's stock is up more than 7,000% from its 1985 public offering price, as consumers have fallen in love with the idea of saving money by buying in bulk. The company's future still looks pretty bright, too. But that gain doesn't hold a candle to the gains of another retailer that went public around that same time. Home Depot (NYSE: HD) stock is up an incredible 1,700,000% since its 1981 IPO. A $1,000 investment in the company then would be worth more than $17 million today. And that's not counting dividends. While that investment success will be a tough act to follow, Home Depot is still a powerhouse player within its sliver of the retailing world. How can two seemingly comparable companies generate such different returns for their shareholders? There's actually a lesson here if you're on the hunt for the next company that nobody sees coming -- but everybody should see coming. Why Home Depot outperformed Costco Don't panic if you currently own a stake in Costco Wholesale and aren't in a position to swap it out for Home Depot shares. Both stocks are fine. It's unlikely Home Depot stock is going to continue dramatically outperforming Costco in the future anyway. In fact, Home Depot has actually lagged Costco stock's performance for the past couple of years thanks to turbulence on the homebuilding and home improvement fronts. Story continues Still, how did Home Depot fare so much better for so much longer? You can attribute much of this disparity to the nature of the businesses themselves. Think about it. While Home Depot and Lowe's have been around for decades, until roughly 20 years ago small and locally owned hardware stores and lumber mills were still fairly common. It was an inefficient industry ripe for disruption by mega-stores that could serve as one-stop shops for contractors and consumers alike. That wasn't quite the case for Costco. While there's no denying there were far more locally owned and regional grocery chains in business back in the 80s and 90s, at least these stores offered the full gamut of grocery options. There wasn't as much of a game changer Costco could offer consumers on the food front. Also bear in mind Walmart was in growth mode during the first half of this 40-year stretch. It wasn't yet the grocery powerhouse then than it's become. It was wading deeper into the grocery business then, as well as widening its other in-store offerings that would compete with Costco. Walmart was never a serious direct threat to the hardware store business at this time either, leaving companies like Home Depot the opportunity to wrestle market share away from smaller-scale hardware retailers. Another key distinction? Not that any line of retail supports ultra-high margins, but the hardware and home improvement market is distinctly more profitable -- as a percentage of revenue -- than the grocery business. Home Depot's gross profit margin rates hover above 30%, while net income margins linger just under 10%. Costco's gross profit margin percentage is generally less than half of Home Depot's, while its net profit margin rates never get above 3%. That's not the end of the world. After all, everything's relative. Those wider profit margins ultimately gave Home Depot something Costco could never have as much of, however -- fiscal flexibility. Home Depot simply had access to more cash flow, which could be reinvested in the business' growth, used to fund stock buybacks, and so on. Image source: Getty Images. Then there's a third unintentional factor that worked in Home Depot's favor without working in Costco's. That's the way the housing market evolved over the course of the past 40 years. Numbers from the Census Bureau indicate that in 1975 only a little over 20% of homes being built in the United States were 4-bedroom houses. Now that number is nearly 50%. In a similar vein, citing numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.com, real estate broker Home Bay reports the average U.S. home's square footage has grown from 1,570 in 1980 to 2,383 square feet as of 2022. It should also come as no surprise to learn consumers are spending far more discretionary dollars on furnishing and finishing our homes now. All of that, of course, plays into Home Depot's hand. There was no similar growth surge for the grocery and consumer goods business, however. The past isn't the future, but... It's an interesting anecdotal story to be sure. But it's also all in the past. Both the grocery markets as well as the home improvement markets are now pretty well saturated. Neither stock will be dishing out a repeat performance over the course of the next 40 years. Still, it's difficult to argue that the discretionary, cyclical nature of Home Depot's business continues to make it the higher-potential pick of the two. Just buckle up for the greater volatility that comes with being a discretionary name rather than a more stable consumer staples stock. More than anything, though, investors should understand that a once-in-a-lifetime megatrend that materialized for a higher-margin business explains Home Depot stock's significant outperformance of Costco shares. These are the sorts of things investors should be thinking about -- and looking for -- when looking for any new long-term picks. Should you invest $1,000 in Home Depot right now? Before you buy stock in Home Depot, 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 Home Depot wasnt 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 February 5, 2024 James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Home Depot, and Walmart. The Motley Fool recommends Lowe's Companies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Forget Costco -- This Stock Has Made Far More Millionaires was originally published by The Motley Fool MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Several blasts at a popular open-air market in Somalia's capital Mogadishu killed at least 10 people and left many others injured on Tuesday, local residents told Reuters. "I have counted 10 dead people and 15 others injured. My shop is completely destroyed. The blasts took place in four places in the centre of the market," Hassan Ali, a trader at the Bakara market told Reuters. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the blasts but Islamist group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in Somalia and elsewhere. The government was not immediately available for comment. Bakara, Mogadishu's largest market, teems with traders and is where most residents buy their food, clothes, medicine, electronics and other items daily. Residents told Reuters several blasts went off, destroying many shops. Three nurses at Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu told Reuters over 20 injured people had been brought to the facility. Al Shabaab has been battling Somalia's federal government and an African Union (AU)-mandated peace keeping force for years seeking to establish a new government based on its own interpretation of sharia law. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alexandra Hudson) (Reuters) - A senior government minister in the Canadian province of British Columbia resigned on Monday after saying last week that modern Israel was founded on a "crappy piece of land," a comment that outraged pro-Palestinian groups. Selina Robinson, who is Jewish, made the comments during a panel discussion on Thursday and apologized in a public statement on Friday. She said she understood her "flippant comment" diminished the connection Palestinians also had to the land. The modern state of Israel was created in 1948 from land that was previously part of Palestine, triggering decades of conflict in the Middle East including the current war that has been raging since October. British Columbia premier David Eby said Robinson, the province's minister of advanced education, and he jointly decided she should step down after reaching out to many communities that were harmed by her remarks. "Selina's comments were wrong, they crossed the line, they were belittling and demeaning to a community of people that is already under profound pressure due to the war in the Middle East," Eby told a news conference. Robinson will remain a member of the New Democratic Party caucus. (Reporting by Nia Williams; Editing by Stephen Coates) United States and Chinese flags are set up before a meeting between U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Saturday, July 8, 2023. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS/Fi BEIJING (Reuters) -China's financial officials expressed concerns to visiting U.S. Treasury officials about U.S. tariffs, investment restrictions and sanctions set up to "suppress" Chinese companies, the Chinese finance ministry said on Tuesday. Both sides had "in-depth, frank, pragmatic and constructive" exchanges on their macroeconomic situation and policy, and developing countries' debt, among other issues in the meetings this week in Beijing, the ministry said. They agreed to continue to maintain communications, it added. In a separate meeting, China's vice premier He Lifeng also met with U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for International Affairs Jay Shambaugh on Tuesday, China's official Xinhua news agency reported. The vice premier urged the two countries to deepen exchanges and cooperation to stabilise and develop the China-U.S. economic relationship, the agency added. The talks underscore trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Both have made overtures to ease the friction, especially as the U.S. ramps up export controls meant to keep the most advanced semiconductors out of China's hands. China's vice minister of commerce, Wang Shouwen, expressed concerns about the restrictions on semiconductors and cloud services in China, fair treatment of Chinese companies in the U.S., and photovoltaic restrictions, according to a statement from the commerce ministry. "Sino-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is a stabilizing force in the relations between the two countries, Wang said in a separate video call with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Marisa Lago, adding that China is ready to work with the United States, expand cooperation and manage differences. (Reporting by Ethan Wang, Ella Cao, Ryan Woo and Bernard Orr; Editing by Gerry Doyle) FILE PHOTO: A man stands near a screen showing news footage of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) building on the Financial Street in Beijing, China July 9, 2021. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China's securities regulator said on Tuesday it would suspend brokerages from borrowing shares for lending and cap the size of the so-called securities re-lending business, as part of further efforts to curb short-selling. The watchdog will also ban securities lending to investors who sell stocks on the same day of purchase, and vowed to crack down on illegal arbitrage using short-selling. Chinese authorities have announced a raft of measures to support share prices after the market plunged to five-year lows last week as confidence wanes in an ailing economy. The fresh measures came a day after the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) vowed "zero tolerance" against malicious short sellers, warning those who dare flaunt the law will "lose their shirts and rot in jail". The CSRC said on Tuesday that no new business would be allowed for securities re-lending, in which brokerages borrow shares and lend them to clients for short selling. Existing businesses would be gradually wound up. Soon after the CSRC announcement, mutual fund companies including China Asset Management Co, E Fund Management Co and Southern Asset Management said they would suspend lending shares and phase out securities re-lending. Brokerage Huaxi Securities Co also said it would stop lending shares for short selling. In addition, the watchdog urges brokerages to tighten scrutiny over clients' trading behaviours. Under China's regulations, shares cannot be sold on the same day of purchase, but some investors skirt the rules using borrowed shares. The CSRC said that such traders would be banned from borrowing shares. Recent efforts to curb short-selling has led to a 24% drop in securities lending business, to 63.7 billion yuan, the CSRC said. The regulator also urged listed companies to bolster their value through share buybacks, stock purchases by major shareholders, regular dividend payouts and merges and acquisitions. (Reporting by Shanghai and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue, Stephen Coates and Louise Heavens) FILE PHOTO: Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during an event with peace negotiators of Colombia's government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, in Bogota, Colombia August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Vannessa Jimenez/File Photo BOGOTA/HAVANA (Reuters) - Colombia's government and National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels have extended their bilateral ceasefire for another six months starting Tuesday, the same day they announced the creation of a fund backed by multiple donors to finance the process. An initial six-month ceasefire expired last week and was then extended by five days. "We have agreed to extend the bilateral, national and temporary ceasefire for 180 days, starting at 00:00 on February 6, 2024. Each party will give the respective orders and instructions for compliance with this extension," they said in a joint statement published around midnight. President Gustavo Petro's government restarted peace talks with the ELN in 2022 as part of a policy of "total peace" to end the South American country's six-decade conflict, in which more than 450,000 people have been killed. So far, Petro's government has held six rounds of peace talks with the ELN, a process supported by Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil and Chile, which are participating as guarantor countries. Although the ELN suspended kidnappings during negotiations, its leaders asked the government for financial resources principally to cloth and feed their members - among other items - an issue they are addressing in the talks. "A multi-donor peace fund will be created ... that seeks to strengthen this process and make it sustainable," said Vera Grabe, head of the government's delegation, without elaborating on the amount. Pablo Beltran, head of the ELN's negotiation team, said that the fund must be managed with "transparency" to avoid corruption. Negotiations with the ELN under previous administrations faltered on the group's diffuse chain of command and dissent within its ranks. Colombia's government is also negotiating with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), the largest group of dissident former rebels of the now-demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Talks with other armed groups, including drug-trafficking gang the Clan del Golfo, have not yet been completed. (Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra and Luis Jaime Acosta in Bogota, Nelson Acosta in Havana, and Natalia Siniawski in Gdansk; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Nick Macfie and Aurora Ellis) FILE PHOTO: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/Fi BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's attorney general is considering prosecuting convicted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra over an alleged insult of the powerful monarchy, an official said on Tuesday, just weeks away from his possible release on parole. The complaint concerns a 2015 interview he gave while in South Korea and was filed by a junta that ran Thailand after the military overthrew a government led by Thaksin's sister. Thaksin has repeatedly pledged loyalty to the monarchy. Insulting the crown is a serious offence and a major slur in Thailand, where the constitution states the king must be held in a position of "revered worship". The lese-majeste law is among the world's strictest, with each perceived offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The influential Thaksin, prime minister from 2001-2006, made a dramatic homecoming last August from 15 years in self-imposed exile to serve an eight-year jail sentence for abuse of power, later commuted to one year by the king. The billionaire is being detained at a hospital with an undisclosed health problem and has yet to spend a full night in prison. He is eligible for parole later this month. Prayut Petchkhun, spokesperson for the attorney-general's office, told reporters the seven-year delay in acting on the royal insults complaint was because Thaksin had been abroad. He gave no timeframe for when a decision would be taken, adding Thaksin, 74, had denied wrongdoing and provided authorities with "a letter requesting fairness". He did not elaborate on the allegation against Thaksin. If Thaksin is freed he would be detained by police, Prayut said, adding he could be released temporarily while the attorney general considers whether to press charges. Thaksin's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Thailand current government is backed by the Shinawatra family, with Thaksin's return coinciding with ally and real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin becoming prime minister that same day. Thaksin's allies have denied speculation of a backroom political deal between the former leader and his powerful enemies. The announcement of a possible new case against Thaksin comes a week after Move Forward, the biggest party in parliament, was forced by a court to abandon its controversial plan to amend the lese-majeste law. Move Forward was hit days after by a succession of complaints seeking its dissolution and life bans for dozens of lawmakers over its stance on the law protecting the crown. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty) Riot police officers detain a protester who was gathering with others to protest the postponement of the February 25 presidential election, near Senegal's National Assembly in Dakar, Senegal February 5, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra/File Photo By Ngouda Dione and Diadie Ba DAKAR (Reuters) -Three Senegalese opposition lawmakers were arrested on Tuesday amid the fallout from parliament's move to delay a presidential vote by 10 months that prompted West Africa's economic and political bloc to call for the re-establishment of the electoral calendar. Lawmakers late on Monday approved a last-minute amendment to hold the vote on Dec. 15, instead of Feb. 25, sealing an extension of President Macky Sall's mandate that has sparked street protests and international alarm. The spokesperson for dissolved opposition party Pastef, El Malick Ndiaye, said via message that three lawmakers from the opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi had been arrested over the course of the Tuesday. A former police captain was also detained, he said. One of those arrested, Guy Marius Sagna, was among the MPs who tried to physically block Monday's vote from happening in parliament by blocking the dais. "Senegal has definitively sunk into dictatorship," Ndiaye said. The police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The surprise postponement has dismayed those who thought Senegal would stick to a standard electoral course - something that has become increasingly uncommon in West Africa, where ECOWAS is grappling with the fallout from a string of military takeovers in other countries in recent years. The U.S. Department of State on Tuesday expressed deep concern with the postponement of the election, saying the move ran "contrary to Senegals strong democratic tradition." The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) did not refer directly to the new election date, but it suggested in a statement that the bloc views the postponement as unconstitutional. "The ECOWAS Commission encourages the political class to urgently take the necessary measures to re-establish the electoral calendar in accordance with the provisions of the constitution," it said. Sall, who is not standing in the vote and has reached the constitutional limit of two terms in power, has said the delay was necessary due to a dispute over the candidate list and alleged corruption within the constitutional body that handled the list. 'WE MUST FIGHT' On Tuesday, ruling coalition lawmakers held a press conference to defend the move, urging citizens to take part in a national dialogue to ensure a free and transparent vote. "We did what we needed to do and we will take responsibility for it," said Cheikh Seck, one of the MPs. What happens next is unclear. Some opposition figures have launched legal challenges that could lead to prolonged wrangling in the courts. The streets of Dakar were quiet on Tuesday with no immediate sign of further unrest that many have warned will be the inevitable consequence of the unprecedented postponement. "We never thought that such a situation could happen. ... To decide like this overnight, it can only lead to confusion," driver Pape Sene said at an intersection that was bustling with usual day-time traffic. "How I see the situation, no one will come out because people are discouraged," said another passerby, university student El Hadj Malick Diouf. "If I were them, I wouldn't give up. We must fight, once and for all." Since Sall announced the delay in an address to the nation on Saturday, the authorities have cracked down on street protests in the capital, restricted mobile internet, and pulled a private TV channel off air. "The postponement of Senegals presidential election puts the country on a dangerous path towards dictatorship, and must not be allowed to stand," said U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin in a statement. (Additional reporting by Anait Miridzhanian and Susan Heavey; Writing by Sofia Christensen and Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Alison Williams, Leslie Adler, Daniel Wallis and Deepa Babington) CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian officials said on Tuesday they have received Hamas' response to a framework ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, a statement from Egypt's State Information Service said. "We will discuss all the details of the proposed framework with the concerned parties to reach an agreement on the final formula as soon as possible," Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service, was quoted as saying. Egyptian security sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Hamas' response showed flexibility, asking for a specific timeline for the ceasefire to end after the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday in early April. "Egypt will continue to exert its utmost efforts in order to reach a ceasefire agreement in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip soon," Rashwan said. (Reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Nafisa ElTahir; Writing by Adam Makary; Editing by Chris Reese and Cynthia Osterman) Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attend a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan September 16, 2022. Sputnik/Alexander Demyanchuk/Pool via REUTERS/File P ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss the war in Ukraine and the Black Sea Grain Initiative during a visit to Ankara by the Russian leader, Turkey's foreign minister said on Tuesday. Hakan Fidan did not give a date for the trip, which would mark Putin's first trip to a NATO member state since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A Turkish official told Reuters last week he would visit Turkey on Feb. 12. Ankara has sought to persuade Russia to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative - brokered by Turkey and the United Nations - that ensured the safe export of Ukrainian grain during the war via the Black Sea. Russia withdrew from the accord in July 2023 and has said it was not interested in reviving it. Speaking at a press conference in the Maltese capital Valletta, Fidan said Turkey was working with Ukraine and Russia to revive the accord. He said Ankara valued its "ongoing, regular" dialogue with Moscow on a host of issues, from energy to policy differences regarding regional conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Southern Caucasus. "We have always stood by Ukraine's territorial integrity and will continue to stand by it, but the destructive impact of the war must end somehow too," Fidan said, pointing to the grain deal. NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has aimed to maintain good ties with both amid the war. It has provided military support for Kyiv and voiced support for its territorial integrity, while opposing the sanctions on Russia. The Kremlin has said Erdogan and Putin would discuss setting up a gas hub in Turkey and the war in Ukraine during the visit. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Alison Williams) By Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium has proposed to Group of Seven (G7) countries to use immobilised Russian central bank assets as collateral to raise debt for the reconstruction of Ukraine, but the idea does not have much European support, European officials said. Belgium is not part of the G7, which comprises the United States, Japan, Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Italy, but has become part of the discussion on what to do with the Russian assets, frozen by the West after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, because the bulk of the money is held in Belgium. According to the European Commission, there are more than 269 billion euros ($288.85 billion) of Russian assets immobilised in G7 countries, the EU and Australia, of which 200 billion euros are in the EU, mostly in Belgium. The United States, unable to agree on new financial aid to Ukraine because of domestic political infighting, in December floated the idea of confiscating the immobilised Russian money and handing it over to Kyiv. But European Union countries and institutions oppose that, arguing there is no legal basis for seizing sovereign assets of another country and doing so could make investors withdraw from the euro currency. Russia has also warned that if the West seized its money, it would retaliate by confiscating Western assets still in Russia, which some estimate at around $288 billion. This could trigger the collapse of Belgium's Euroclear clearing house, which holds the Russian money, and the bailout of Euroclear could be very costly, officials have said. Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander de Croo told Reuters in January that one of the alternatives could be to use the immobilised assets as collateral for bonds through which the West could raise money for Ukraine. But while the Belgian idea has reached G7 finance ministries as one of the options under discussion, European countries show little enthusiasm for it. "What we know is that using the assets as collateral suffers from the same legal, economic and financial concerns as a confiscation and most legal departments across the G7 consider that," one European official, close to the issue, said. "Using an asset as a collateral means owning the asset, so, in this case, confiscating it," the official, who asked not to be named, said. Four other European officials close to the issue agreed with this view. Nor is it clear what entity would issue the bonds and what investors would think of a plan which would clearly entail a default when the bonds mature, with investors getting their money back thanks to the collateral. ($1 = 0.9313 euros) (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Additional reporting by Giselda Vagnoni and Giuseppe Fonte in Rome; Editing by Susan Fenton) FILE PHOTO: French car maker Renault holds an investor day for its EV unit Ampere in Paris PARIS (Reuters) - France continues to support Renault's strategy of remaining a standalone carmaker with several industrial and technological partnerships, a finance ministry source said on Tuesday, after a newspaper reported the government was studying a Renault merger. Italian daily Il Messaggero reported on Sunday that the French government, which is Renault's largest shareholder and also has a stake in Stellantis, was examining plans for a merger between the two groups. Asked about the government's position towards Renault's strategy, the source said there was "no change". The government has from the start supported Renault Chief Executive Luca de Meo's strategy to build up a new France-based electric and software unit called Ampere alongside Renault's legacy internal combustion engine and hybrid businesses. While recognising that Renault lacks the scale and resources of its rivals, the government has also supported the company's efforts to build ties beyond its traditional allies Nissan and Mitsubishi by striking up partnerships with Geely, Saudi Aramco, Google and Qualcomm. With its stock market value stagnating around 10 billion euros ($10.7 billion) despite improved finances, Renault is often cited in financial markets as a potential takeover target. The group's decision last week to scrap Ampere's initial public offering rekindled such rumours, which had previously surfaced after the group's 2022 exit from Russia, its second biggest market after France at the time. Stellantis Chairman John Elkann denied on Monday that the carmaker had merger plans, responding to press speculation about a tie-up with Renault, which declined to comment. ($1 = 0.9318 euros) (Reporting by Gilles Guillaume and Leigh Thomas; Editing by Richard Lough and Mark Potter) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The EU Commission on Tuesday proposed stricter criminal rules to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including a clampdown on livestreaming pornography and the inclusion of abuse material in deep fakes or other AI-generated material. "Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime which has evolved significantly over the past years," the commission said. Both the significantly increased presence of children online and rapid technological developments have created new possibilities for abuse, the commission said, culminating in 1.5 million reports of child sexual abuse in the EU in 2022. "The threat of abuse is real and has increased throughout the EU," the commission said. The new rules would adapt those implemented in 2011, and expand the definition of criminal offences related to child abuse to include livestreaming and AI content. They will also set a longer time period for victims to report abuse and grant them rights to financial compensation. Member states will be asked to step up measures to prevent abuse, for instance by making children more aware of online risks. The European Parliament and member countries must agree to the proposal before it can be enforced. (Reporting by Bart Meijer, editing by Ed Osmond) By Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) - A former commander of Russia's Wagner mercenary group who fled to Norway last year has been denied asylum but will not be deported as it is too dangerous to send him back, his lawyer said on Tuesday. Andrei Medvedev, who escaped Russia in January 2023 across its Arctic border with Norway, has described running as Russian guards shot at him. He has spoken about his time fighting in Ukraine as part of Wagner. Immigration authorities denied him asylum three weeks ago as they do not consider him a regular combatant of the Russian armed forces, who cannot be punished for taking part in regular combat operations, Medvedev's lawyer told Reuters. "They say the Wagner group is not a part of the Russian armed forces," Brynjulf Risnes said. "We argue that Wagner, in Ukraine, is an integral part of the Russian armed forces." Medvedev plans to appeal the decision, but does not risk being expelled to Russia "as it is dangerous to send him back", Risnes said. "He risks being punished for desertion and being killed by people from Wagner," the lawyer added. Norwegian immigration authorities declined to comment on the ruling, which was first reported by the Dagbladet daily, citing the need to seek permission from the person who sought asylum. Medvedev has said he is an orphan who joined the Russian army and served time in prison before signing up with Wagner in July 2022. He said he decided to leave the group after witnessing the killing of captured deserters. (Reporting by Gwladys Fouche in Oslo) JUBA (Reuters) -Fighting between local groups in western South Sudan has killed at least 26 people, officials said on Tuesday, as the country's president and vice president called for an end to rising inter-communal violence. More than 150 people have been killed since last week in separate conflicts that have pitted armed youths from Warrap State against rivals from the neighbouring Lakes and Western Bar El Ghazal states, and Abyei, an administrative area that is jointly run by South Sudan and Sudan. The conflicts do not appear to be directly connected but are all linked to the control of land and natural resources, and one activist said he suspected there were political motivations behind the violence. South Sudan has been formally at peace since a 2018 deal that ended a five-year conflict responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, but localised violence between rival communities flares frequently. President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, whose respective forces battled each other during the 2013-2018 civil war, met to call for "an end to sub-national violence in parts of the country", according to a post by the government on social media platform X. National elections are due later this year to choose leaders who will succeed the current transitional government. The latest clashes occurred on Monday when armed youths from Warrap State attacked and burnt a police station and market in Western Bar el Ghazal State, the state's acting governor Arkenjelo Anyar Anyar told Reuters. He said eight security officers and 10 civilians from his state were killed. William Wol, the information minister in Warrap, said eight people from his state were also killed. He blamed the fighting on a dispute over fertile land used for grazing and farming. Edmund Yakani, the executive director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, an activist group, said he was surprised to see local groups armed with such heavy weaponry and believed some political leaders were encouraging the violence to delay elections. "Politicians who are in power are getting so scared that if they go to the polling station their chances of return to power is limited," he said. (Reporting by Waakhe Simon Wudu; Editing by Aaron Ross, Kylie MacLellan, William Maclean) TBILISI (Reuters) - Georgia's acting prime minister accused Ukraine on Tuesday of trying to spread war to his country, after authorities seized what they said was a truck loaded with explosives bound for Russia. Georgia's State Security Service said on Monday it had seized the clandestine shipment of explosives bound for the Russian city of Voronezh, hidden in a cargo of car batteries driven overland from Ukraine via Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. The incident recalls a blast on Russia's bridge to Crimea in Oct. 2022, which Moscow says was carried out by Kyiv using explosives hidden in a truck sent from Ukraine on a long route over third countries. "This once again confirms what, in principle, the high-ranking officials of the Ukrainian government openly said that they wanted and probably still want: a second front in our country," Georgian Prime Minister-designate Iralki Kobakhidze said, in remarks reported by media outlet Interpressnews. Kobakhidze has been appointed to replace Irakli Garibashvili, who stepped down as prime minister last week to let the Georgian Dream party, which has ruled the country since 2013, pick a new figure to lead it into elections this year. The party is seen within Georgia as having steered what was once one of the most pro-Western former Soviet states in a more pro-Russian direction, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine's embassy said it was looking into the allegations by the Georgian security service "regarding the involvement of Ukrainian citizens in illegal activities", and called on Tbilisi not to politicise the incident. Ukraine's ambassador to Georgia was recalled for consultations in March 2023 due to disagreements between the two countries, and later fired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, leaving the embassy with a lower ranking diplomat in charge. Russia has troops stationed in two breakaway regions of Georgia and fought a brief war there in 2008. Georgia was once linked with Ukraine and Moldova as former Soviet states keenest on closer integration with the West, but since Russia's invasion of Ukraine it has fallen behind those others in pursuing membership of NATO and the EU. (Reporting by Felix Light; Writing by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Peter Graff) By Nell Mackenzie LONDON (Reuters) -Citadel has hired Sam Finkelstein, who previously worked at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, as a senior portfolio manager to lead a new development program for its fixed income and macro business, the hedge fund told Reuters on Monday . Finkelstein will manage risk and trade in the hedge fund's global fixed income and macro business in the newly created role. He will also oversee and advise a talent development program at the $56 billion hedge fund for aspiring portfolio managers, Citadel added. More than half of Citadel's portfolio managers taking long and short bets on stocks were promoted through similar internal development programs, the hedge fund said. Finkelstein, who will be based in London, declined to comment. He worked at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as its chief investment officer of fixed income and liquidity solutions. He started his career at Goldman Sachs in 1997, according to a staff biography. Citadel, unlike some multi-strategy hedge funds, does not work in so-called "pods" which are not allowed to communicate, but rather in teams collaboratively. Jonathan Bayliss, also a senior portfolio manager at Citadel's Global Fixed Income (GFI) fund, will step back from actively managing risk and trading in order to support the new global fixed income program in an advisory role, Citadel added. Bayliss will also take on responsibilities to strategically grow the team, help manage its risk policies, regulatory affairs, stakeholder relations and aid with talent development projects, the hedge fund added. The hedge fund hired Bayliss in 2019 after he led a macroeconomic rates desk at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. He also previously worked at another hedge fund, Tudor Capital, his LinkedIn page says. Bayliss also declined to comment. Citadel's Global Fixed Income fund returned 1.7% in January. Citadel's flagship Wellington fund posted a 1.9% return during the same period, said a source familiar with the matter said. Last year, Citadel's Global Fixed Income fund posted a 10.9% return for 2023, they said. Hedge funds do not reveal their performance numbers for regulatory reasons. (Reporting by Nell Mackenzie; Edited by Dhara Ranasinghe and Paul Simao) By Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said he would visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-occupied Ukraine on Wednesday to see if it can be run with a reduced number of staff and whether its years-old uranium fuel is safe. Russia gained control of Europe's largest nuclear power plant after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, and its six nuclear reactors are now idled. Ahead of his visit, Grossi discussed the current security situation and potential risks at the occupied plant on Tuesday in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the presidential office reported. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said the Russian occupation authorities were preventing hundreds of qualified workers from working at the plant, which he said dramatically reduces safety. "We're talking about 400 people who are highly skilled and, most importantly, licensed. You can't just take them away," Galushchenko told a joint news conference with Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "There is the issue of the staff. The situation where the plant is operating with a very, very small number of operators," Grossi added. Thousands of people work at the plant, but some of them refused to sign contracts with the Russian nuclear power firm, which was the formal reason for their non-admission. "One of my main points of interest for my visit that starts tomorrow morning will be to inquire precisely about this. One of the most important things for me is to assess the operational impact of this decision," Grossi said. Grossi, who described the technical condition of the plant as "very delicate", said another new problem was the situation with the nuclear fuel, which has been inside the reactors for years and is reaching the end of its useful life. Grossi said he intended to discuss the fuel issue both at the plant and during his subsequent visit to Moscow, and that IAEA experts should be able to have an "independent safety assessment of the status of condition of this fuel". Galushchenko said the experts needed an opinion from the fuel producers - the Russian company TVEL and Westinghouse - on whether it can continue to be used. "Its service life is over and the manufacturer has to say whether the fuel can be used further. If not, then it is necessary to take action to unload this fuel... then the question of storing that fuel," he said. Zaporizhzhia was one of Ukraine's key energy assets, guaranteeing both the country's domestic energy needs and substantial electricity exports. Last month Ukraine said it intends to start construction of new nuclear power generating facilities in the second half of this year to compensate for the loss of Zaporizhzhia. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Nick Macfie and Gareth Jones) FILE PHOTO: Former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton (L) chats with Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair during a meeting inside 10 Downing Street in London February 18, 1998. Bruton was meeting Blair for discussions on the Northern Ireland peace talks. RE DUBLIN (Reuters) - Former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton, who helped lay the foundations for Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal and later served as the European Union's ambassador to Washington, died on Tuesday following a long illness, his family said. Bruton, 76, served as prime minister as the head of the centre-right Fine Gael party from 1994 to 1997, and played an important role in negotiations with Britain and political groups in Northern Ireland. The work helped lead to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, signed by his successor Bertie Ahern. Bruton also made the decision to cut Ireland's corporate tax rate to one of the lowest in Europe, helping fuel the Celtic Tiger economic revolution of the late 1990s. Bruton "died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness," his family said in a statement. (Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Nick Macfie) Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari shows what he says is the house of a senior Hamas naval commander located next to a school at a location given as Gaza, in this still image taken from video released November 13, 2023. Israel Defe JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday that 31 of the remaining hostages held in Gaza were pronounced dead. "We have informed 31 families that their captured loved ones are no longer among the living and that we have pronounced them dead," he told a regular media briefing. Israel has said 136 hostages are still being held in Gaza. (Reporting by Henriette Chacar; Editing by James Mackenzie) (Reuters) - Ukrainian investigative journalism outlet bihus.info said on Monday that a branch of the domestic security service SBU put its journalists under illegal surveillance. In a post on the Telegram messaging app, bihus.info, which regularly publishes investigative stories about officials and wealthy private individuals, said an SBU unit had 30 people spying on its journalists during a corporate event at a hotel in December. "Who represents the greatest threat to national security in wartime?" bihus.info said on Telegram. "Clearly journalists, in the opinion of the SBU." The SBU responded by saying in a statement it upheld the principles of a free press as part of its mission to defend national interests and a criminal investigation was launched into the use of spy technology. A source within the organisation told reporters that the head of one of its units, the Department of the Defence of National Statehood, was dismissed after the allegations were made public last month. In a statement on Telegram, the SBU said some members of the media outlet were identified as customers of drug dealers. Last month, a video posted online by a little known group showed bihus.info members at the December event using recreational drugs and talking about procuring cannabis and MDMA, which are illegal in Ukraine. Bihus.info acknowledged the video was genuine, condemning both the use of drugs and the surveillance of its employees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced an investigation into the surveillance and denounced attempts to pressure journalists. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Nick Starkov; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) A person walk along a pier as an atmospheric river of rain continues to impact the weather in Oceanside, California, U.S., February 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake By Steve Gorman and Jane Ross LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -A deadly atmospheric river storm lingered over Southern California for a third day on Tuesday, soaking the region with rains that threatened to trigger more flooding and mudslides as the weather system crept toward the Desert Southwest. After a day of record-breaking rainfall across the region, a flood watch for Los Angeles County was extended until early Wednesday. A flash-flood warning was posted for the Orange County coast, and flood advisories were issued as far south as San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico border. A final but short-lived burst of heavy rain was forecast to douse Southern California again on Wednesday afternoon and evening before showers taper off by the week's end. As rain fell throughout Los Angeles, work crews and residents were cleaning up damage from 475 mudslides and nearly 400 fallen trees reported across the nation's second-most populous city as of Tuesday evening, authorities said. Downed trees and utility lines knocked out electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, including 156,000 utility customers who remained without power in Los Angeles as of Tuesday morning. Service had been restored to most of those by nightfall, city officials said. L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said at least three dozen buildings required inspection because of mudslide damage and hillside slope failures. Seven had been marked unsafe for occupancy. "Even though the rain may ease up a bit today, this storm continues, and that means we still need Angelenos to take precautions," Mayor Karen Bass told a news conference. 'ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME SCENARIO' Barry Blocker, 55, a retired police officer, said he spent several hours on Monday digging his car out from a cascade of mud that had poured down a hillside onto his driveway before dawn. The house where he has lived in L.A.'s Baldwin Hills district for 23 years was undamaged. "Hopefully, it's a once-in-a-lifetime scenario," he said on Tuesday has he stood in his garage, cleaning up water and muck from the aftermath. Prolonged downpours that dumped 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of water across the city - and more than a foot in the Hollywood Hills - have left the ground so "super-saturated" that it will take very little additional rain to trigger further landslides and debris flows, said Ariel Cohen, chief forecaster for the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Los Angeles. The intense rainfall, with heavy snows in the mountains, was carried to California by a storm system meteorologists call an atmospheric river, a vast airborne current of dense moisture funneled inland from the Pacific. The latest tempest, and a less-powerful storm that hit California last week, also qualified as a "Pineapple Express," a type of atmospheric river originating from subtropical waters around Hawaii. While such storms are not uncommon to the West Coast, meteorologists say they are likely to become more frequent and extreme over the next century if planetary warming from human-induced climate change continues at current rates. Scientists say the prevailing El Nino weather pattern is contributing to some of the recent storm activity along the Pacific coast. We cant say that El Nino caused this storm, but a strong El Nino event like this one definitely makes it easier for the atmosphere to produce the kind of pattern conducive for this sort of a system, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist and meteorologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. Swain said another factor accounting for the storm's extreme intensity was that the swirling low-pressure system driving it strengthened so rapidly, reaching "bombgenesis," or bomb-cyclone status, as it first blew ashore in Northern California. The latest storm kicked off in California with powerful winds gusting to 75 miles per hour (121 kph) and faster across northern and central California on Saturday, before spreading into Southern California early on Sunday. At least three people were killed when wind toppled trees on Sunday in Sacramento, Santa Cruz and Sutter counties, authorities said. Over the next few days, flash floods forced widespread street closings across Southern California, and police reported dozens of traffic collisions related to the storm. Numerous neighborhoods deemed especially vulnerable to landslides were placed under evacuation orders and warnings. While diminished showers lolled over the greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas Tuesday, increasing precipitation was forecast for the California desert and Colorado River Basin as the storm front drifts into Arizona. In Los Angeles, the onslaught of rain and snow will go down in the record books as one of the wettest storms in more than 150 years, according to meteorologists. (Reporting and writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Jane Ross in Los Angeles, Brendan O'Brien in Chicago and Julia Harte in New York; Editing by David Ljunggren, Sandra Maler and Gerry Doyle) At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros and chairman of the Open Society Foundations, made some striking remarks about former President Donald Trumps influence on the Republican Party and his potential paths forward. According to Soros, Trumps control over the Republican Party is so strong that his political presence is inescapable, suggesting that Trumps future could either lead to incarceration because of his legal challenges or a return to power. Soros speculated that Trump could remain the Republican candidate for elections well into the future, underscoring the cyclical nature of his political influence. Don't Miss: Cheddar was acquired for $200 million yielding a return of 370.37% for its investors. This startup aims to replicate and potentially surpass this success . This startup is accepting investors for as little as 25 cents whats the catch? Soros said the only way to escape Trump is that he "either winds up in prison or he winds up in power." Soros already commented on the sentiment of the 2024 election, noting Davos had already declared Trump would be reelected. This comes at a time when Trump is leading most polls. Trump won the 2016 election despite months of trailing in the polls to former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump was predicted to lose by nearly every poll conducted going into the election. Trump lost the 2020 election as all but two polls conducted showed President Joe Biden as a clear winner. Trending: Here is where your most successful angel investment may be hidden. Soross comments reflect on Trumps unique position in American politics, where despite facing numerous legal challenges including four separate criminal cases with a total of 91 felony counts his popularity in the national polls remains undiminished. This phenomenon has led to discussions about Trumps potential to win the 2024 election, even as many business and political leaders at Davos expressed their belief that Trump could outperform Biden. Story continues Soros critiqued Trumps impact on American democracy, suggesting that Trumps presidency challenged the countrys foundational checks and balances system. This critique aligns with Soross broader observations about the current political cycle, which he describes as dominated by Trumps enduring influence. Soros's statements highlight the polarized nature of American political discourse and the ongoing debates about democracys resilience in the face of such division. Soross perspective, especially given his position within the philanthropic sector and his familial connection to George Soros, offers a unique lens on the potential futures of American politics as the 2024 election approaches. Read Next: "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 George Soros's Son Alex Says Donald Trump 'Either Winds Up In Prison Or He Winds Up In Power' Among Other Predictions Going Into The 2024 Election originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. By Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) - Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina's ex-chief of staff offered to use her influence to obtain bribes from precious stone miner Gemfields in exchange for help with lucrative mining rights, prosecutors told a London court on Tuesday. Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, is accused of seeking substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023 to help the company expand its business into Madagascar. Andrianarisoa has pleaded not guilty to one count of bribery. Prosecutor Alex Leach told jurors at Southwark Crown Court that Andrianarisoa was, at the time of the alleged offending, a "trusted adviser" to Rajoelina. Leach said that in 2021, Andrianarisoa met with senior Gemfields staff including CEO Sean Gilbertson, who is expected to give evidence, about the possibility of mining in Madagascar. At the meeting, Andrianarisoa "made it clear she had direct influence on the president", Leach added. He said Gemfields later approached Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) after it became clear Andrianarisoa and her associate Philippe Tabuteau were seeking a bribe. The NCA then deployed an undercover officer posing as a consultant negotiating on Gemfields' behalf, the prosecutor said. "In the meetings that followed, the undercover officer recorded Romy Andrianarisoa and Philippe Tabuteau asking for bribes in return for using their influence to arrange mining rights in Madagascar," Leach said. According to the indictment, Andrianarisoa and Tabuteau allegedly sought around 270,000 Swiss francs ($310,000), plus a 5% stake in a Gemfield company mining in Madagascar. Tabuteau is not on trial. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Bernadette Baum) (Reuters) - A man and his dog were safe on Monday after the man jumped into raging Los Angeles floodwaters to save his pet and was rescued by firefighters, who plucked him out in a dramatic helicopter rescue, officials said. The dog swam safely to shore. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced the rescue at a news conference regarding the intense flooding from an atmospheric river has pounded California for two days. The National Weather Service has called it one of the three wettest storm systems in recorded Los Angeles history. Video posted on social media showed a rescuer on a tether being lowered by helicopter into the rapids of the Pacoima Wash, a concrete flood channel in the San Fernando Valley that feeds the Los Angeles River. The firefighter grabbed the man around the waist as the helicopter whisked both of them to safety. "He was later treated at a local hospital and his canine was able to swim to the edge and escape the rapids," Crowley said. "The rescue is a dramatic example of why we're asking residents to please stay away from the L.A. River and other moving water." (Reporting by Daniel Trotta. Editing by Gerry Doyle) FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden joins striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) on the picket line outside the GM's Willow Run Distribution Center, in Belleville, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S., September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Community organizers and Democratic elected officials on Tuesday urged Democrats to cast an "uncommitted" vote in Michigan's Feb. 27 Democratic nominating contest to protest President Joe Biden not calling for a permanent ceasefire in Israel's attacks on Gaza. The "Listen to Michigan" campaign aims to encourage Democrats and independent voters across the battleground state, with sizable numbers of Arab and Muslim residents, to protest Biden's handling of the crisis in the Middle East. Layla Elabed, a Palestinian-American community organizer and the younger sister of U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, said the effort was focused on the primary election for now, unlike the nationwide Abandon Biden campaign that is urging voters to pick "anybody but Biden" in November's general election. Biden is expected to face a rematch with Republican former President Donald Trump. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud will join the initiative, along with faith leaders and other community leaders, she said. Hammoud and other Arab-American leaders skipped a meeting last month with Biden's campaign manager, demanding dialogue over the administration's policy, not electoral politics. Biden's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the new campaign. Michigan is among the seven states his campaign considers an election battleground because their voters' preferences could swing to either party and determine the outcome of November's race. Biden visited the Midwestern state last week, winning a pledge of support from union autoworkers crucial to his reelection bid in Michigan, while protests over his backing of Israel's actions in Gaza shadowed the trip. His candidacy for the Democratic nomination does not face serious competition. The "Listen to Michigan" campaign's website, with graphics in the colors of the Palestinian flag, offers detailed instructions on how to register to vote and cast an "uncommitted" ballot. The "uncommitted" vote was used by then-candidate Barack Obama to win momentum in Michigan in 2008 after Michigan Democrats violated Democratic National Committee rules by moving the state's primary in the nominating calendar, and Obama and other Democrats stayed off the ballot. Elabed, who said she voted for Biden in 2020, told Reuters the campaign was aimed at spurring a dialogue with him, but stressed that even calling for a ceasefire and ending military aid to Israel would not guarantee the votes of the 80% of Michigan Democrats who now back a ceasefire. "It means that we can start to have a conversation. It means that we can have some confidence that ... we're not on the back burner ... and that our grievances and our rally cry to end the genocide are heard and taken seriously." The World Court late last month, ruling on a case brought by South Africa, ordered Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide, but stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the charge of genocide leveled against Israel was "outrageous," and said it would do whatever is necessary to defend itself. Biden has faced criticism and protests in Dearborn, which is 54% Arab American, and from anti-war voices around the country for his support for Israel's operations in Gaza. The latest Middle East war erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people. Israel has since assaulted Hamas-governed Gaza, killing over 27,500 people, according to the local health ministry. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million population is displaced. The densely populated enclave also faces starvation. Biden aides have said a broad ceasefire now would benefit Hamas, but the administration has called for more limited halts in fighting to allow for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and the distribution of aid to Gaza residents. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Trevor Hunnicutt) FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign visit, ahead of the Republican presidential primary election, at the Etherredge Center in Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. Febru By Gram Slattery and Alexandra Ulmer WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, the last remaining rival to Donald Trump in the primary race, has requested U.S. Secret Service protection, the campaign said on Monday. While the campaign did not disclose any specific threats that prompted the request, Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was targeted in two "swatting" incidents, once on Dec. 30 and once on Jan. 1, Reuters previously reported. In recent days, protesters opposing Haley's support for additional military assistance for Ukraine or supporting Trump's candidacy have regularly disrupted or demonstrated near her events in South Carolina. Haley has been campaigning in the state, where she served as governor from 2011 to 2017, ahead of its primary on Feb. 24. The Secret Service often provides security to major presidential candidates, both in general and primary elections. According to federal regulations, such protection must be authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with the Congressional Advisory Committee, which is composed of five members, including the top Democrat and Republican in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately comment on Haley's request for protection, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. 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 prominent figures, including officials involved in the civil and criminal cases against Trump. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was tracking one of the hoax calls that led to the swatting incident at Haley's South Carolina home in December and intended to open a "threat assessment," according to an e-mail obtained by Reuters in January. Haley has said her parents were at home during the December incident. In the battle to take on Democratic President Joe Biden in the November general election, Trump is leading Haley by more than 56 percentage points, according to an average maintained by polling analysis website FiveThirtyEight. In South Carolina, Trump leads by roughly 32 points. (Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Aurora Ellis) FILE PHOTO: Republican U.S. presidential candidate Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. October 28, 2023. R By Tim Reid and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) -Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley suffered an embarrassing defeat in Nevada's primary on Tuesday, finishing behind ballots marked "none of these candidates" by supporters of Donald Trump, according to Edison Research. Haley, the last remaining rival to frontrunner Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, was the only major Republican candidate contesting the party's Nevada primary on Tuesday. Trump was not on the ballot. U.S. President Joe Biden easily won Nevada's Democratic presidential primary after dominating his party's first nominating contest in South Carolina on Saturday. With more than 70% of votes counted, Biden had 90% support. Biden, as an incumbent president, faces little opposition within his own party to running for re-election in a likely general election rematch with Trump in November. Former President Trump will secure all of Nevadas delegates in a separate caucus vote on Thursday, as he moves closer to clinching the nomination after back-to-back wins in Iowa and New Hampshire. Trump did not compete in Tuesday's primary, which carried no weight in the Republican presidential nominating contest. Haley is not on the ballot in Thursday's caucus. Republican voters could mark their ballots "none of these candidates" in Tuesday's primary, and Haley has infuriated Trump by refusing to drop out of the Republican nominating contest. With over two-thirds of the Republican ballots counted, Haley had 32% of the votes, with "none of these candidates" at over 61% and the winner, according to Edison Research. The rival Republican caucus on Thursday is being run by the Trump-friendly state party, and with only Trump on that ballot, he is almost certainly guaranteed victory and all of the state's 26 delegates to the Republican National Convention in July, when the party formally nominates its candidate. Voters can participate in both the Republican primary on Tuesday and the Republican caucus on Thursday. Joe Lombardo, Nevada's Republican governor and a Trump supporter, had said he would vote "none of these candidates" on Tuesday and caucus for Trump on Thursday. The competing Republican ballots are the result of a conflict between the state Republican Party - run by Trump allies - and a 2021 state law that mandates a primary must be held. Presidential nominating caucuses are run by state political parties, not the state, and the Trump-friendly Nevada Republican Party decided to stick with a caucus on Feb. 8. In a visit to Nevada last week, Trump urged voters to ignore Tuesday's primary and only vote in Thursday's caucus. Haley has vowed to stay in the Republican nominating race and on to a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina on Feb. 24, but she has no clear path to the nomination. She trails Trump badly in South Carolina, according to opinion polls. Biden campaigned in Nevada on Sunday and Monday. After his victory, he immediately set his sights on Trump, saying in a statement: "Donald Trump is trying to divide us, not unite us; drag us back to the past, not lead us to the future." Biden appeared on the ballot along with self-help author Marianne Williamson and other lesser-known Democratic challengers. U.S. Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota missed the filing deadline and won't appear on the ballot. Despite Tuesday's results in Nevada having little impact on the nominating contests, the state will be a hotly contested battleground because its population can swing to either party and play a significant role in November's presidential election. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in Nevada by 2.4 percentage points. Opinion polls show a likely rematch between Biden and Trump in the state will be close. About 30% of Nevada's population is self-described as Latino or Hispanic on the U.S. Census, and Republicans are making some inroads with these voters nationwide. Nevada also has many potential swing voters: there are 768,000 registered as "non-partisan", more than those registered as either Democrat or Republican, according to the latest state figures. (Reporting by Tim Reid and Jarrett Renshaw. Editing by Ross Colvin, Howard Goller and Gerry Doyle) FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) listens as former president Bill Clinton makes remarks during an event at the White House in Washington September 12, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque By Nandita Bose WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden will attend a reelection fundraiser in March with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, an event the Biden campaign hopes will energize Democrats and boost fundraising. "Folks I'll be in NYC on March 28th to support @JoeBiden. Who's coming with me?" Obama said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Count me in," said Clinton. "You guys know you can just call me next time, right?," Biden said in response to their posts. The fundraiser with the three Democratic presidents will be held in New York City on March 28. Both Clinton and Obama remain popular among Democrats and Biden's approval ratings after year three of his presidency is lower than Obama's and Clinton's at this same point in their presidencies. Obama had also raised questions about the structure of Biden's reelection campaign, discussing the matter directly with him, according to news reports earlier this year. Biden's 2024 reelection team and his Democratic Party said in January they raised over $97 million in the last three months of 2023, amid opinion polls showing voter concerns over his age, high prices and handling of the Israel-Hamas war. In recent months, the Biden team has faced growing calls to become more active and aggressive in highlighting the contrast with Donald Trump, a pivot Biden has embraced. In January, Biden accused Trump, his likely 2024 election opponent, of instigating the Jan. 6 attacks and plotting revenge on those seeking to punish him. Trump is close to clinching the Republican presidential nomination after back-to-back wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, and he and Biden are setting their sights on each other ahead of a likely general election rematch in November. Biden, 81 and Trump, 77, started the election year in a dead heat as many Americans appear to be unenthusiastic about their choices, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier this month. (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) ISTANBUL (Reuters) -A civilian was killed and six others were wounded when leftist militants shot at a police checkpoint in front of a courthouse in Istanbul on Tuesday, in what Turkey called an attempted terrorist attack. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said police had killed the two shooters, whom he said were believed to belong to the DHKP-C group. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc told reporters 34 people had been detained, without giving further details. He said the three police officers wounded were in a good condition. One of the four civilians wounded died in hospital, he added. The DHKP-C, the Revolutionary People's Liberation Army-Front, is an outlawed Marxist organisation considered a terrorist organisation by the United States, European Union, and Turkey. It has been blamed for a string of attacks and suicide bombings in Turkey since 1990. Authorities have carried out several operations against the group over the years, detaining and killing dozens of its members. Footage of the attack shows two shooters firing at the courthouse checkpoint with civilians around. It shows one of the shooters being killed while civilians escaped, and the other was shot dead by police behind a metal gate shortly afterwards. Banu Polat, a witness, said there had first been an attack inside the courthouse, but authorities have not confirmed this or provided further details of the incident. "The two terrorists were neutralised by our police officers on duty before they could reach their despicable aims," President Tayyip Erdogan told an event in the southeastern Kahramanmaras province. He earlier put the number of casualties at six. Yerlikaya described the incident at the Caglayan Courthouse as "an attempted terror attack". Last month, masked Islamic State gunmen killed one person at a church in Istanbul during Sunday mass. Authorities have since captured several people suspected of being linked to the group or the attack. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; additional reporting by Burcu Karakas, Editing by Alex Richardson, Jonathan Spicer and Alison Williams) The logo of U.S. software company Palantir Technologies is seen in Davos, Switzerland, May 22, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann//File Photo By Medha Singh (Reuters) -Palantir Technologies shares surged nearly 20% on Tuesday, as the data analytics software maker's strong fourth-quarter revenue growth led by increased demand for its AI offerings enthused investors. Revenue from Palantir's commercial segment rose 32% year-over-year to $284 million in the reported quarter, helping the company post $608 million in overall revenue which beat LSEG estimates. The surge in demand for the Denver, Colorado-based company's AI platform helped offset concern about slowdown at its largest segment that serves the U.S. government due to uncertainty over timing of contracts. The AI program, which was launched in April last year, is the "future" of Palantir, CEO Alex Karp said, banking on strong demand from U.S. companies. Jefferies upgraded Palantir's shares to "hold" from "underperform," reversing its rating in just a month saying "we are impressed with AI Platform (AIP) ramping faster than our initial expectation." Palantir also introduced an adjusted free cash flow forecast, targeting between $800 million and $1 billion in 2024, which Jefferies called the "highlight" of the report. Despite the strong performance, analysts expressed concerns about lofty valuation of Palantir's shares, which have nearly doubled over the past 12 months. Palantir's median price-to-earnings (PE) ratio is 53.19, well above the industry median at 17.60, according to LSEG data. A lower PE multiple indicates an attractive investment opportunity. "Given uneven execution, significant deceleration across its government business, and a lack of AI traction within Europe, the company still has some work to do in order to justify a higher multiple," Mizuho analyst Matthew Broome said. Wall Street overall remains on the sidelines with an average rating of 17 brokerages covering stock at "hold" and median price target of $18.50, implying a 8% drop in shares in the next 12 months from its last traded price of $20.14. (Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) FILE PHOTO: Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh arrives to attend an international humanitarian conference for the people of Gaza at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, November 9, 2023. REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo By Ali Sawafta RAMALLAH (Reuters) - The Palestinian Authority said on Tuesday it will pay public sector workers 60% of their December salaries this week as it grapples with the longrunning fallout of Israel's refusal to transfer tax funds earmarked for Gaza. Funding to the Palestinian Authority, the body which exercises limited governance in the occupied West Bank, has been severely restricted by the months-long dispute over transferring tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinians. Funding from international donors has also been squeezed, falling from 30% of the $6 billion annual budget to around 1%, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said. "The funding situation of the Authority is very difficult," he said, following a meeting of the cabinet. The funding dispute has been a source of friction between Israel and the Palestinians since the start of the war in Gaza in October, when Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich refused to release all the funds, accusing the PA of supporting the Oct. 7 attack in Israel led by the Islamist movement Hamas. Under interim peace accords signed in the early 1990s, Israel collects taxes on the Palestinians' behalf and typically transfers them to the PA monthly on the approval of the finance minister. However transfers have been stalled since October, when Smotrich withheld around 600 million shekels ($164.51 million) of the total 1 billion shekels due for transfer, prompting the Palestinian Authority, which says Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory, to refuse to accept any funds. "We cannot accept conditions on our money. We will remain committed to the prisoners and martyrs and to our people in the Gaza Strip, not out of favor, but by virtue of our national, religious and moral responsibility," Shtayyeh said. Although Gaza is controlled by Hamas, the Palestinian Authority continues to fund essential areas of the blockaded enclave's budget including paying the salaries of health workers. The dispute comes ahead of a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has pressed Israel to resolve the budget dispute, which has left thousands of Palestinian public sector workers without pay for months. The dispute over the Palestinian Authority budget coincides with a separate dispute over funding to UNWRA, the United Nations agency which pays for emergency relief for Palestinians. Much of the UNWRA budget has been cut off since Israel accused 12 of the agency's 13,000 Gaza workers of involvement in the Oct. 7 attack. The claims came as Israel faced a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its war on Gaza, and after years of it calling for the agency to be disbanded. ($1 = 3.6473 shekels) (Writing by James Mackenzie; editing by Christina Fincher) People react as they walk near a burning barricade set up in protest against the government and calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti February 5, 2024. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Hundreds of Haitians took to the streets on Monday to protest the unelected government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose administration has seen alliances of violent gangs expand control across most of the capital and spread to nearby areas. National police used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tires, filling streets with clouds of gray smoke. Henry assumed power shortly after the assassination of the country's last president, Jovenel Moise, in 2021. Since then a power vacuum has allowed the rise of powerful gangs who have largely gathered around two main alliances, G9 and G-Pep. Clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups have had devastating impacts on local residents, who face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps-for-ransom and arson. "Henry has done absolutely nothing for the population; insecurity is everywhere, the roads are destroyed, no one can get on with their daily lives," protester Dominique Thelemaque told Reuters. "We are not here today to wage a war against Ariel Henry to replace him with someone else. We are here today to wage a war against the system." The head of the Human Rights Watch earlier this year estimated some 300,000 people are internally displaced due to the violence. The United Nations estimates that 170,000 children are internally displaced, and nearly half of the population is going hungry as the conflict prevents food, aid and people from moving across the country. (Reporting by Steven Aristil; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Kim Coghill) Global powers have a plan to use $250 billion in frozen Russian funds to help rebuild Ukraine G7 nations are considering a debt scheme that uses Russian reserves as collateral, the Financial Times reported. Russia would have to pay the debt. If not, its assets would be seized. Russia has pushed back on the plan, saying it's illegal that the nation would pursue litigation. Russia's frozen assets could finally have a role in funding Ukraine, used as collateral in a new debt scheme under Western consideration, sources told the Financial Times. The Group of Seven idea would finance Kyiv with issued debt, which Moscow would be forced to repay. Failure to do so could cost the country its sanctioned reserves, giving the West grounds to seize $250 billion in Russian assets The reported plan has sparked criticism from the Kremlin, warning Monday that any such action would be unlawful, with Russia ready to legally counter the initiative. "Of course, the Russian Federation will challenge such decisions, we will protect our interests and our assets illegally seized," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Encroachment on someone else's property undermines all the foundations of the economic system, including the economic system of those who will implement these decisions." Though the plan has yet to be publicly presented, it's become a leading option among G7 nations after being originally circulated by the Belgian government, sources said. Part of the appeal comes from the fact that it sets aside legal questions around the assets' seizure, presenting a way to support war-torn Ukraine without directly pulling from the reserves. How to put these funds to use has fueled a steady dispute among Western ranks, but with a compromise necessary as funding for Kyiv dries up. Though the European Union has recently unlocked $54 billion in additional aid, it didn't come without struggle. Meanwhile, US brinkmanship is keeping Washington sidelined, with further Ukraine funding unlikely ahead of the election Some, such as former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, have called to transfer Russia's reserves directly to Ukraine. Others have agreed that it's a fitting retribution for Moscow's invasion, as that already broke international norms. Story continues But others have cited concern that this could risk financial instability, or prompt unwanted responses from Moscow. The German government has instead supported seizing the returns generated by the assets, but leave the underlying reserves untouched. "Using the assets as collateral to raise debt is an attempt to find a compromise between different viewpoints around the table, both within the EU and ... the G7," an involved official told FT. Read the original article on Business Insider FILE PHOTO: Far right political party Chega leader Andre Ventura gestures during a rally on the final day of campaigning ahead of Portugal's general election, in Lisbon, Portugal, January 28, 2022. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo By Sergio Goncalves LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's opposition Democratic Alliance is set to win the most votes at a snap election on March 10 but fall short of a parliamentary majority, a poll showed on Tuesday, an outcome which could see it relying on support from the far right. The survey by CESOP/Catholic University for RTP broadcaster and newspaper Publico put support for the centre-right Alliance at 32%, ahead of the governing centre-left Socialist Party at 28%, in contrast with several other recent opinion polls. While both have gained some ground compared to the pollster's previous survey in November, the far-right, anti-establishment party Chega also saw its support rise to 19% from 16%, reinforcing its prospects of becoming a kingmaker. Chega leader Andre Ventura told Reuters last month his party would demand to be part of a right-wing coalition government in exchange for parliamentary support. However, the head of the main opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) that leads the three-party Democratic Alliance, Luis Montenegro, has rejected any type of agreement with Chega. The snap election, Portugal's second in as many years, was called after the resignation in November of Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa over an investigation into alleged illegalities in his government's handling of large green investment projects. He has denied any wrongdoing. The latest poll showed a situation similar to the outcome of Sunday's regional election in the Azores Islands, where the alliance landed three seats short of an outright majority. Chega, which secured five seats, sought to negotiate a deal, which was rejected by the local PSD. Montenegro said this could be replicated nationally, with a potential minority government that could only be overthrown if the Socialists teamed up with Chega. "It's an inspiration for what we're going to do from March 10 for the whole country," he told reporters. CESOP surveyed 1,192 people between Jan. 24 and Feb. 1. (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Andrei Khalip and Kylie MacLellan) FILE PHOTO: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas takes his seat to testify before a Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on the department's budget request on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., May 26, By Richard Cowan and David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. House of Representatives delivered a blow to Republican Speaker Mike Johnson when it voted on Tuesday against impeaching Democratic President Joe Biden's top border official. In a 214-216 vote, the Republican-controlled House blocked a committee's impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Four Republicans bucked their leadership, joining Democrats in opposing the charges against Mayorkas, a Cabinet member. Partisan fighting over immigration has escalated ahead of the presidential election in November. After the failed impeachment vote, Republicans said they would try again. "House Republicans fully intend to bring Articles of Impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas back to the floor when we have the votes for passage," Raj Shah, Johnson's spokesman, said in a tweet on X. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg said in a statement that House Republicans should "abandon these political games" and instead "get DHS the (border) enforcement resources we need." Nevertheless, far-right House Republican rhetoric remained fiery. "Everyone who voted against impeaching Mayorkas owns everything that happens as a result of our wide open border - every rape, every murder, every drug overdose, everything," said Representative Lauren Boebert in a social media post. Republican Representative Mike Simpson predicted that his leaders would arrange a second vote on Mayorkas once House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who has been receiving treatment for cancer, returns from sick leave. Scalise's office did not say when he plans to return to work. Several Republicans, including Simpson, said the failed vote would have no bearing on their party's investigations of Democratic President Joe Biden. The senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security, Representative Bennie Thompson, said in an interview that the vote was indicative of Republicans "not understanding the gravity of what impeachment is all about." The House already was investigating whether any of Biden's past behavior before moving into the White House might have constituted a high crime or misdemeanor. But even some Republicans have said they do not see such evidence yet. Democrats view the effort as retribution for having twice led impeachments against Republican former President Donald Trump. Earlier, Senate Republicans appeared to have killed a bipartisan border security deal. The measure was an effort to solve the very border security problems that they wanted Mayorkas to stop, including record numbers of people entering the country illegally at the southern border with Mexico. Biden, speaking at the White House, laid the blame on Trump, who is expected to face Biden in a rematch in the November presidential election. "All indications are this bill won't even move forward to the Senate floor. Why? The simple reason: Donald Trump. Because Donald Trump thinks it's bad for him politically," Biden said. Republican senators have lined up against the $118 billion measure, which includes new military aid for Ukraine and Israel, prompting Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to conclude that the effort would fail. Some Republicans said the bill failed to effectively deal with the heavy flow of migrants at the border, with criticism beginning almost immediately after the complex bill was unveiled. "It looks to me, and to most of our members, as if we have no real chance here to make a law," McConnell said at a news conference. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to push ahead with plans for a Wednesday procedural vote on the bill, knowing it was unlikely to succeed. Polls show that immigration has become a top concern for voters as Trump prepares for a likely November rematch with Biden. Johnson has said that if the Senate passes it, the bill would be "dead on arrival" in the House. IMPEACHMENT VOTE The House Homeland Security Committee last week approved two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, a near-unprecedented step to take against a member of a president's cabinet over a policy dispute. That had happened only once before in U.S. history, in 1876 when a war secretary was impeached on charges of criminal misconduct. Republican Representative Tom McClintock said the investigation into Mayorkas had failed to "identify an impeachable crime," and fellow Republican Representative Ken Buck made a similar statement on Monday. While McClintock during debate said, "Secretary Mayorkas is guilty of maladministration of our immigration laws on a cosmic scale," he added that the Constitution does not intend impeachment to be used as a weapon in "political disputes." House Republicans allege that Mayorkas was intentionally lax in securing the long border with Mexico and violated the public trust by making false statements to Congress. Around 2 million migrants were arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol at the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal 2023. Mayorkas has denied any wrongdoing and has defended his tenure. Democratic Representative Richard Neal said it was a mistake for Johnson to bring the Mayorkas impeachment to the floor without first nailing down enough votes, especially given all of the Republican party's troubles with revolts over the past year. When theres a stop sign, they dont stop," Neal said. Democrats and some legal experts have said the impeachment charges fell well short of evidence of "high crimes and misdemeanors" under the Constitution's impeachment requirement. (Reporting by Richard Cowan, David Morgan and Makini Brice; Editing by Scott Malone, David Gregorio, Lisa Shumaker, Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler) FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a "Sunday Lunch" church event at the Brookland Baptist Banquet Center in West Columbia, South Carolina, U.S., January 28, 2024. REUTERS/Tom Brenner By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia accused President Joe Biden on Monday of carrying out strikes in Iraq and Syria to boost his image as the presidential election campaign "is heating up" - not in retaliation for a deadly attack on U.S. soldiers. The United States began the airstrikes on Friday against dozens of targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and allied groups after three U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan in an attack that Washington blames on Iranian-backed militias. Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, at a meeting of the Security Council on the strikes which was requested by Moscow, said there was no justification for the U.S. action. "We see in these 'flex their muscles' attempts, first of all, a desire to influence domestic political landscape in America, a desire to somehow correct the disastrous image of the current American administration on the international arena as the presidential election campaign is heating up," he said. U.S. voters will go to the polls in November to elect a president for the next four years. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nebenzia's remarks about Biden. Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood justified the U.S. strikes in Syria and Iraq under article 51 of the founding U.N. Charter, which covers the individual or collective right of states to self-defense against armed attack. "Let me be clear: The United States does not desire more conflict in a region when we are actively working to contain and de-escalate the conflict in Gaza. And we are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran. But we will continue to defend our personnel against unacceptable attacks. Period," Wood said. He added that the strikes in Syria and Iraq were a "separate and distinct" operation from U.S. and British strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen in response to the Houthi targeting of shipping in the Red Sea. The Pentagon on Monday said it was not aware of any Iranian deaths in the recent strikes. Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the U.S. action as "illegitimate, illegal, and unjustified." "All of the resistance groups in the region are independent," he told the 15-member U.N. Security Council on Monday. "Any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its Armed forces is misleading, baseless, and unacceptable. Iran never seeks to contribute to the spillover in the region." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York, Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates) Ghazi Hamad, member of Hamas Political Office, delivers remarks on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, November 2, 2023. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani/ File photo CAIRO (Reuters) - Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad told Reuters on Tuesday that the group intends for the release of the largest number possible of Palestinians who are being held in Israeli prisons. Hamad's comments come after Hamas earlier announced that they had delivered their response to a framework agreement devised by Egypt and Qatar that aims to bring a complete ceasefire to Gaza. "Netanyahu is trying to make everyone believe that he has or will achieve victory to preserve his coalition government," Hamad told Reuters, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added that it took Hamas some time to issue a response because "many of (the agreement's) issues were unclear and ambiguous." (Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi; Writing by Adam Makary; Editing by Leslie Adler) SpaceX logo and Elon Musk silhouette are seen in this illustration taken, December 19, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - SpaceX is being investigated by a California civil rights agency over allegations that the rocket and satellite maker and CEO Elon Musk have failed to address rampant discrimination and sexual harassment against female employees. The California Civil Rights Department notified SpaceX of the claims in January, several months after a group of engineers filed complaints with the agency claiming they were fired for criticizing SpaceX and Musk in a letter to company executives, their lawyer Laurie Burgess said Tuesday. Those same workers are the focus of a case that the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed against SpaceX, accusing the company of violating federal labor law by firing them. The company has denied wrongdoing and, in turn, sued the agency seeking to block its lawsuit from moving forward, claiming that NLRB board members and in-house judges were not properly appointed under the U.S. Constitution. Six of the California complaints were obtained by Reuters. In them, the engineers said that Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX routinely passes women over for jobs and promotions in favor of men, pays female workers less than men who do comparable work, tolerates sexual comments and other harassment, and retaliated against the engineers and other workers for complaining. "SpaceX tolerates, condones and permits a work environment that is hostile to female employees and to employees of all genders who object to discrimination and harassment," the workers said in the complaints. SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The California agency, which is prohibited by state law from commenting on pending investigations, did not respond to a request for comment. Burgess said the complaints were meant to vindicate the engineers and create a safer workplace for all SpaceX employees. "SpaceX insists that nothing is more important than its mission to get to Mars; our clients shared that vision but were fired for daring to demand that SpaceX comply with basic civil rights while doing so," Burgess said. SpaceX has until later this month to respond to the California civil rights agency, as first reported by Bloomberg. It will then decide whether to dismiss the allegations or attempt to broker a settlement. If no deal is reached, the agency could then give the workers permission to sue or file its own lawsuit. The engineers in their 2022 letter called Musk a "distraction and embarrassment" and criticized his response to sexual harassment allegations by a flight attendant. The letter also highlighted a series of social media posts that Musk had made since 2020, many of which were sexually suggestive. The California and U.S. labor board cases are the latest to accuse companies run by Musk of widespread violations of labor and employment laws. The California agency in 2022 sued electric car maker Tesla, where Musk is CEO, for alleged harassment and discrimination against Black factory workers. Tesla has said it does not tolerate discrimination and unsuccessfully challenged the agency's process for investigating complaints and deciding whether to sue. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission made similar claims against Tesla in a lawsuit filed last September. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Will Dunham and Alexia Garamfalvi) The Toyota logo is pictured at the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 22, 2022. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/ File Photo (Reuters) -Toyota said on Tuesday it would invest $1.3 billion at its Kentucky facility for electrification efforts, including assembly of a new, three-row battery electric SUV for the U.S. market. The project brings the plant's total investment to nearly $10 billion. The move comes at a time when legacy automakers such as Ford have pulled back from their electric vehicle (EV) ambitions to focus more on higher-margin hybrid and gasoline-powered models. The investment will support the Japanese automaker's previously announced battery electric vehicle assembly in Kentucky. It also adds a battery pack assembly line to the facility, with batteries being supplied by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina. "We are grateful that they (Toyota) continue to invest in our commonwealth," said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. The Kentucky plant, a key hub for the Japanese automaker, provides employment to about 9,400 workers and assembles as many as 550,000 vehicles a year, including its popular Camry sedan. Toyota also raised its full-year operating profit forecast by nearly 9% earlier in the day, after its third-quarter earnings raced past analysts' estimates thanks to a weaker yen and strong sales of high-margin cars and hybrid vehicles. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., January 11, 2024. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Pho By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump does not have immunity from charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 election defeat, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday, bringing the former U.S. president a step closer to an unprecedented criminal trial. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected Trumps claim that he cannot be prosecuted because the allegations relate to his official responsibilities as president. "We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter," the unanimous panel wrote. The court concluded that any executive immunity that may have shielded Trump from criminal charges while he served as president "no longer protects him against this prosecution." The ruling, which Trump vowed to appeal, rebuffs his attempt to avoid a trial on charges that he undermined American democracy and the transfer of power, even as he consolidates his position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. A Trump campaign spokesperson said the ruling "threatens the bedrock of our Republic." "Without complete immunity, a President of the United States would not be able to properly function!" the spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said in a statement. He said Trump would appeal, but did not say whether he would first ask the full D.C. Circuit Court to review the ruling or go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. A spokesperson for Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the prosecution, declined to comment. The case will remain paused until at least Monday to give Trump time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trumps lawyers argued that former presidents were entitled to sweeping legal protections and could not be criminally prosecuted for official actions unless first impeached by the House of Representatives and removed from office by the Senate. Trump was impeached twice by the House, but each time Senate Republicans cast sufficient votes to acquit him of the charges. IMMUNITY FOR ASSASSINATION Judges homed in on the broad nature of Trumps claim at a Jan. 9 hearing, questioning a Trump lawyer over whether even a president who ordered military commandos to assassinate a political rival could escape criminal prosecution without initial action by Congress. The panel wrote in its ruling that giving Trump immunity in this case would give presidents "unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralize the most fundamental check on executive power the recognition and implementation of election results." The judges concluded there was no "functional justification" for giving former presidents full protection from federal prosecution even over actions related to their formal responsibilities. Trump has repeatedly voiced his immunity claim on the campaign trail and social media, warning that his future administration could prosecute President Joe Biden, his likely opponent in the November election, if he returned to the White House. The indictment brought by Smith accuses Trump of using false claims of voter fraud to pressure state lawmakers, Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence to thwart the certification of the election results. It is one four criminal cases facing Trump and one of two alleging interference in the 2020 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to four felony counts and accused prosecutors of a politically motivated effort to damage his campaign. The immunity argument was previously rejected by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in December, prompting Trump to appeal. His appeals have already delayed the start of his trial, which had been scheduled to begin on March 4. Chutkan has removed that date from the court calendar and not yet set a new start date. If Trump wins the election, he could seek to pardon himself or direct the Justice Department to shut down the case. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Additional reporting by Nathan Layne and Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Scott Malone and Daniel Wallis) Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon, Dorothee Klaus, talks to members of media after meeting with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (not pictured) in Beirut, Lebanon February 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir BEIRUT (Reuters) -The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees expects donors to review their suspensions of funding following the publication of a preliminary report into Israeli claims that a dozen of its employees took part in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, its representative in Lebanon said Tuesday. Israel has accused 12 of UNRWA's 13,000 employees in the Gaza Strip of taking part in the Hamas-led assault on Israel last year. The claims came as Israel faced a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its war on Gaza, and after years of it calling for the agency to be disbanded. UNRWA's representative in Lebanon Dorothee Klaus first told reporters in Beirut that the "preliminary investigation report" would be ready by early March, but her office later revised the timeline to say the report would be ready "in several weeks," in line with the secretary-general's comments on the issue. Based on the report's publication, Klaus said, "we assume donors would look into their decisions of having suspended funding to UNRWA," Klaus said. Sixteen countries have suspended their funding to the agency following the allegations by Israel. The U.N.'s oversight office is carrying out the investigation. UNRWA has said it acted quickly to address the allegations, with its head Philippe Lazzarini firing those allegedly involved and informing the U.N.'s secretary-general, as well as the United States and other donors. Israel had informed Lazzarini of the accusations against the 12 staff members verbally, but other allegations were leaked to media that a larger number of UNRWA employees have Hamas links. Neither Israel nor any other official source has shared with UNRWA a dossier alleging that 190 of the agency's staff members in Gaza are Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants. The first-ever U.N. agency, UNRWA was established by a resolution of the body's General Assembly in 1949 to look after refugees who fled or were pushed from their homes when Israel was created. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in January described UNRWA as "the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza" and has appealed to all countries to "guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's lifesaving work." The agency, whose biggest donors in 2022 included the U.S., Germany and the European Union, has repeatedly said its capacity to render humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza is on the verge of collapse. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Tom Perry; editing by Jason Neely, William Maclean and Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: The Asia Group Chairman and CEO Kurt M. Campbell attends the China Development Forum in Beijing, China March 23, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Peter By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve veteran Asia hand Kurt Campbell, a top national security aide to President Joe Biden, as deputy secretary of state, the No. 2 position at the State Department. The Senate voted 92 to 5 to confirm Campbell, currently coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council. He previously founded and led the Asia Group, a strategy advisory and capital management group. Campbell's selection for the position reflected the importance of the U.S.-China relationship. China poses a daunting diplomatic challenge for the United States, which wants to counter its growing military without provoking a conflict and to curb what Washington views as the country's unfair business practices while avoiding an all-out trade war. Campbell, 66, is viewed as an intellectual author of then-President Barack Obama's "pivot to Asia" strategy, a vaunted but so far still limited rebalancing of resources to the region. He outlined his approach to Asia in a 2016 book "The Pivot," which advocated strengthening existing alliances and building closer relations with states like India and Indonesia in the face of a rising China. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, additional reporting by Steve Holland; editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. allegedly fired 50 workers in 2019 at its plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, after an attempt by employees to go on strike. Pictured is a Goodyear factory worker in Turkey. (Photo: Goodyear) More than 1,300 workers and former employees at a Goodyear Tire & Rubber factory in Mexico will receive $4.2 million in back pay as part of a labor rights mediation plan, U.S. authorities said. The mediation announced by the Department of Labor on Monday was the result of an investigation under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreements (USMCA) rapid response labor mechanism of the Goodyear Tire facility in the central Mexican city of San Luis Potosi. The USMCA is a trade pact signed by the three countries in 2020. As part of the plan, the U.S. and Mexican governments negotiated to help workers at the factory who were receiving lower wages and benefits than they were legally owed. Goodyear has also taken several actions to address denials of basic labor rights, such as a failure by the company to apply a sectorwide workers agreements and to allow workers to elect new union representation, officials said. I first learned about the case in 2019 when U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro [D-Conn.] called attention to the challenges workers faced trying to organize at the facility, Thea Lee, U.S. deputy undersecretary for international labor affairs, said in a news release. We look forward to seeing the union-management relationship mature and deepen at Goodyear San Luis Potosi and throughout Mexicos rubber industry as the sector-wide agreement is implemented throughout the country. In May 2023, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) asked the Mexican government to investigate claims that labor rights were being denied at the Goodyear plant. The USTR petition alleged that Goodyear was obstructing workers freedom of association and right to collective bargaining at the plant by not recognizing workers vote to form an independent union in April 2023. The $550 million Goodyear factory in San Luis Potosi opened in 2017 and produces about 10 million tires a year for customers across North America. The factory employs 1,150 union-eligible workers. Story continues Since the facilitys opening, the union representing workers there had been affiliated with the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), one of Mexicos largest labor organizations. CTM has been accused by labor critics of keeping worker wages low for decades across various sectors in Mexico, according to The Associated Press. The union reportedly signed a collective bargaining agreement with Goodyear for worker salaries of $22 a day in San Luis Potosi. Goodyear allegedly fired 50 employees at the plant in 2019 who had sought to go on strike, according to U.S. officials. In 2019, several officials, including U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, sent a letter to Goodyear urging them to improve pay and working conditions at the plant and reinstate the workers who had been fired. I urge Goodyear to take immediate, concrete steps to improve the pay and working conditions of its employees at the San Luis Potosi plant, Brown wrote in the letter. American workers should not have to compete against overseas workers who make $2 an hour and are denied their basic rights to organize and collectively bargain. Akron, Ohio-based Goodyear is one of the worlds largest tire companies. It has 57 manufacturing facilities in 23 countries and employs about 74,000 people worldwide. More articles by Noi Mahoney FBI alleges Mexican cartel, Canadian truckers part of drug ring 4 things to know about the Take Our Border Back convoy Mexicos truckers plan nationwide strike against cargo theft The post Goodyear Tire plant ordered to pay $4M in back pay to Mexican workers appeared first on FreightWaves. FILE PHOTO: Russian Ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia addresses the United Nations Security Council at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States accused Russia on Tuesday of firing at least nine North Korean-supplied missiles at Ukraine, while Moscow labeled Washington a "direct accomplice" in the downing of a Russian military transport plane last month. Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia and deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood traded the accusations at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine, requested by Moscow. Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine nearly two years ago. "To date, Russia has launched DPRK-supplied ballistic missiles against Ukraine on at least nine occasions," Wood told the 15-member Security Council, using the North Korea's formal name: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). "Russia and the DPRK must be held accountable for their actions, which undermine long-standing obligations under UN Security Council resolutions," he said. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the U.S. accusations, but vowed last year to deepen military relations. Russia has stepped up ties with North Korea and other countries hostile to the United States such as Iran since the start of the war with Ukraine - relations that are a source of concern to the West. A Russian Air Force Il-76 fell from the skies on Jan. 24. Russia said all 74 people on board, including 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers en route to be swapped for Russian prisoners of war, were killed, and blamed Kyiv for downing the plane. "We possess irrefutable evidence that a Patriot surface-to-air missile was used to carry out the strike, which leaves no doubt the Washington is a direct accomplice in this crime as well," Nebenzia told the Security Council. Russian investigators said last week that they had evidence showing that Ukraine's military shot down the military transport plane with U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. Russia asked the council to meet on Tuesday after it said Ukraine killed at least 28 people when it used Western-supplied rockets to strike a bakery and restaurant on Saturday in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine. Senior Ukrainian U.N. diplomat Serhii Dvornyk accused Russia of misusing the Security Council "for disseminating fakes." Wood said the U.S. was unable to independently verify the information - blaming an absence of independent media reporting - but laments all civilian casualties. He added: "To be clear, Russia is the only aggressor in this war, and the only one that could end this war today." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; additional reporting by Ronald Popeski; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi addresses followers via a video link at the al-Shaab Mosque, formerly al-Saleh Mosque, in Sanaa, Yemen February 6, 2024. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah DUBAI (Reuters) - The leader of Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Tuesday that the group will further escalate if the Israeli attack on Gaza does not stop. The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital and most populous areas, have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea since November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians, drawing U.S. and British retaliatory strikes since last month. The attacks are disrupting maritime trade in one of the world's busiest corridors as freight firms reroute around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Suez Canal. In a televised speech, Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the group will "seek to escalate more and more if the barbaric and brutal aggression against Gaza does not stop, along with the siege of the Palestinian people from whom they deny aid and medicine." The group fired naval missiles at two ships in the Red Sea on Tuesday, its military spokesman said, causing damage to Greek-owned Star Nasia and British-owned Morning Tide. Spokesman Yahya Sarea identified the Greek-owned, Marshall Islands flagged Star Nasia as American. The vessel was carrying U.S. coal to India, marine shipping trackers showed. (Reporting by Ahmed Elimam and Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Peter Graff) 0000822818 false 0000822818 2024-02-02 2024-02-02 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): CLEAN HARBORS, INC . (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Massachusetts 001-34223 04-2997780 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 42 Longwater Drive Norwell MA 02061-9149 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrants telephone number, including area code ( 781 ) 792-5000 Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $0.01 par value CLH New York Stock Exchange Item 8.01 Other Events On February 2, 2024, Clean Harbors, Inc. (the "Company") entered into a purchase agreement with Gryphon Investors which provides that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Company will acquire HEPACO for $400 million in cash. Further information about that proposed transaction is set forth in the Company's press release issued on February 6, 2024, a copy of which is furnished with this report as Exhibit 99.1. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits (d) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release dated February 6, 2024 1 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Clean Harbors, Inc. (Registrant) February 6, 2024 /s/ Eric J. Dugas Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 2 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS EX-99.1 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT IDEA: R1.htm IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx IDEA: FilingSummary.xml IDEA: MetaLinks.json IDEA: clh-20240202_htm.xml Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class. Not applicable. Item 6. Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person. Not applicable. Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on By the Parent Holding Company. Peer Developments Ltd. is a 100% directly owned subsidiary of Synnex Technology International Corp. and hold 3,545,840 common stock of the issuer. Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group. Not applicable. Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group. Not applicable. Item 10. Certification. Not applicable. Col. Van Thai, incoming 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, delivers remarks to members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing during a change of command ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Feb. 3, 2024. (Rachel Barton/U.s. Air Force) LOGANSPORT, Ind. (Tribune News Service) Col. Van Thai was recognized as the new commander of the 434th Air Refueling Wing during a special ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base on Saturday. Thai comes to Grissom from Yokota Air Base, Japan where he served as the director of operations and exercises for 5th Air Force. He replaces Col. Summer Fields, who has been serving as commander since June 2023. She will return to her role as the 434th ARW deputy commander. Maj. Gen. D. Scott Durham, Fourth Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony. Deeply rooted in military tradition since the Middle Ages, change of command ceremonies afford service members the opportunity to witness the symbolic passing of the torch in the presence of friends, family members and fellow airmen. Build a trusted team of leaders and let them lead, Durham said. Im trusting you. This will be the greatest educational experience yet on your leadership path. I wish you good luck, and Godspeed. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The unit is manned by nearly 1,900 military, civilian and contractor personnel and equipped with two flying squadrons operating 16 aircraft. The 434th ARW also has a unique role supporting both the Single Integrated Operational Plan and conventional tanker missions. (c)2024 the Pharos-Tribune (Logansport, Ind.) Visit at www.pharostribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. Army's Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany, dominates the otherwise rural setting. U.S. Special Operations Command Europe's Green Berets and Navy SEALs are slated to move from Stuttgart to a new home in Baumholder in 2026. (Stars and Stripes) STUTTGART, Germany U.S. special operations troops based in Stuttgart are expected to take up residence at a rural base in southwestern Germany in 2026, adding 1,000 people to a garrison once on the Pentagons chopping block, Army officials said Tuesday. About $500 million in construction projects are underway at the Army garrison in Baumholder for relocation of troops assigned to Special Operations Command Europe, Col. Reid Furman, commander of the services installations in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, said in a statement. Once the move is complete, the Baumholder military community will tally around 11,000 people, he said. The timeline for the relocation is likely to be a welcome development for both the Stuttgart area and Baumholder. For years, Stuttgart residents have complained about gunfire at the Armys shooting range in Boeblingen, a suburb where Green Berets and Navy SEALs train. The situation has been a sore spot in community relations over the years. Meanwhile, the community of Baumholder, which relies heavily on the economic ripple effect of the Army presence there, has long sought more troops. In the early 2000s, the Army designated Baumholder for closure as part of a post-Cold War drawdown, creating local worry over how the community of 4,500 Germans would adapt to life without the Army. Baumholder American High School and part of current and former Wetzel base housing are visible from downtown Baumholder, Germany, July 12, 2022. U.S. special operations troops based in Stuttgart are expected to take up residence at this rural base in 2026, Army officials said Feb. 6, 2024. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes) Special operations forces take part in an international exercise hosted by the U.S. military at Baumholder, Germany, in 2014. U.S. special operations troops based in Stuttgart are expected to take up residence at Baumholder in 2026, Army officials said Feb. 6, 2024. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Over the years, troop numbers steadily declined, with an infantry brigade departing in 2012. But by 2015, the Army was working on plans for revitalizing the base, and money has flowed back into Baumholder. In late January, Furman escorted Michael Ebling, Rheinland-Pfalzs interior minister, around the Baumholder garrison to show off the latest upgrades. Furman said that investment in the Baumholder garrison will exceed $1 billion over the next 10 years. This substantial funding will cover various initiatives, including the construction of the special operations forces complex, the relocation of additional forces to Baumholder, investments in Army family housing, as well as the creation of a new Army Lodge, Furman said. Over the next couple of years, 400 family housing units will be built, he said. For special operations forces, the shift to Baumholder will offer access to larger ranges for shooting and maneuvers than what is available in the Stuttgart area, a major metropolitan location that hosts U.S. European and Africa Command headquarters. While the Baumholder move will affect special operators, the two-star-led U.S. Special Operations Command Europe headquarters will stay put in Stuttgart. In a statement Tuesday, SOCEUR didnt specify which units under its command will be making the move. The estimated 1,000 people involved are a mix of troops, families and support staff, the command said. A Navy contractor tests a water sample from the Red Hill well in Honolulu in April 2022. (MarQueon A. D. Tramble/U.S. Navy) FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii Another 2,200 individuals filed suit in federal court Monday seeking compensation for illnesses, distress and financial hardship they say stem from exposure to petroleum-tainted Navy tap water in Hawaii. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for Hawaii by Just Well Law in Austin, Texas, and Honolulu-based Hosoda Law Group on behalf of 2,212 plaintiffs. They allege the Navy was negligent and failed to properly address medical concerns in the wake of jet fuel contamination in the Navys water distribution system at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The contamination was traced to a spill from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility a few miles from the joint base. The World War II-era facility is being emptied and permanently closed. This lawsuit joins a similar one filed in 2022 by the same attorneys on behalf of 296 residents and former residents of the affected communities who are also seeking compensation. The first suit is set for trial in April and too far along to add new litigants, Kristina Baehr, an attorney with Just Law, said in a phone interview Monday. Active-duty service members are not plaintiffs in those lawsuits. Three soldiers and two sailors, represented by the same law firms, filed a separate suit in Hawaii federal court in November, the first active-duty service members to do so. The pair of law firms now represents about 7,500 individuals affected by the contamination, Baehr said. Most are still working through an administrative process that is a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit in federal court under the Federal Tort Claims Act, she said. Navy Region Hawaii and Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill do not comment on ongoing litigation, the service said Monday in response to a Stars and Stripes query. Newborn covered in rashes The lead plaintiffs in the suit filed Monday are Jaclyn Hughes and her three children, whose home in late 2021 was in the Halsey Terrace military community. She is married to an active-duty service member who is not named in the lawsuit nor is a plaintiff. Hughes gave birth to their third child just days before residents began complaining of fuel-tainted water in late November 2021. Around Thanksgiving, their water had a sheen and smelled of gasoline, the lawsuit states. Jaclyns throat was sore and burned. Her newborn sons body was covered in red rashes. One of the Hughes daughters was most severely affected, experiencing rapid behavioral changes in the weeks after the contamination, the suit states. In January 2022, a pediatrician referred her for a psychology assessment, the suit states. The child, who once adorned her mother with hugs and kisses, became unrecognizable. During fits of rage she screamed uncontrollably and became combative. For months she refused to wear clothes due to sensory overwhelm, or safely take car rides, holding the family captive in the home that was poisoning her. The girl was subsequently diagnosed with a host of conditions, and in July 2022 she was prescribed blood pressure medication to aid her constant fight or flight response, the suit states. The family now lives in California. Leaving Hawaii Army veteran Scott Delgado, his wife, Monique Delgado, and their twins had been living in the Kapilina Beach Homes Community near the joint base since 2016. Their normally healthy lives were turned upside down in early December 2021 when symptoms of petroleum exposure kept them from going to work and school, the suit states. Monique sought help at an urgent care center for dizziness and loss of balance but was told the staff was not trained to help with poisoning, the suit states. By mid-December, the family noticed a sheen and chemical smell in their water. For months, they hauled gallons of safe water, and used baby wipes for hygiene on days they could not shower at a relatives home. In the new year, skin issues worsened. The family suffered from pus-filled bumps on their eyelids and skin. Scott experienced chemical burns and bleeding on his fingertips. Rashes covered his back, perplexing doctors. Monique Delgados health spiraled down, with long-dormant asthma returning, along with swelling, rashes and blackouts, the suit states. As a result of the new issues and medications she became pre-diabetic, suffered vision loss, and gained over fifty pounds, something that took over a year to reverse, the lawsuit states. Her doctor advised Delgado, a Hawaii native, to relocate to the U.S. mainland to obtain better health care. The family reluctantly did so. The Delgados had their lives turned upside down as they left behind family, their culture, and the island they hold so dear, a decision they ultimately regretted, the suit states. Their new life has been filled with strife. The move set into motion a sequence of events that left the family financially destitute. Scott, a combat veteran, experienced a lapse in VA mental health care. And Monique still requires constant care from a pulmonologist as they try to heal her lungs and reverse her bodys reaction to her exposure. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2 (EODESU 2) was presented the Battle Efficiency, or Battle E, Award for fiscal year 2023 during a ceremony held at EODESU 2 on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. The battle E award is awarded annually to a select number of commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) that display outstanding readiness and efficiency throughout the previous year. (Jackson Adkins/U.S. Navy) An explosive ordnance disposal unit based in Virginia is the latest recipient of the Navys Battle Efficiency, or E award. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2 (EODESU 2) was presented the award for fiscal year 2023 during a ceremony held Monday at the units headquarters at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The award is given annually to a number of commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) for displaying outstanding readiness and efficiency, a Navy news release said. The sailors of EODESU 2 regularly distinguish themselves through the daily management, maintenance and accountability of 11 distinct materiel and service commodities in support of EODGRU 2 [Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2] and six adjacent echelon V commands, Cmdr. Brendan Casey, commanding officer of EODESU 2, said. The dedication to duty, devotion, phenomenal teamwork and selflessness of each EODESU 2 sailor is critical to the mission success of EODGRU 2 units of action and make them most deserving of the recognition afforded by awarding of the Battle E. EODESU 2 provides optimized logistics support to United States Fleet Forces Command, Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and diving and salvage forces through operational planning, maintenance, transportation, communication, dive, medical, financial, supply and global force support, according to the release. The unit supported missions and exercises in 2023 including: EOD Group 2 forces mobility exercises. Tactical Operations Center exercises. Naval Integration exercises. Final Evaluation Problems. Snow Crab Exercise. High Altitude Balloon Recovery. Large Scale Exercise 23-1 team and Expeditionary Support Element global deployments. Other Virginia Beach-based Naval Expeditionary Combat Commands that will receive their Battle E include Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, (NMCB 133), Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14(NMCB 14), Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 (MSRON 3), Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 8 (MSRON 8), and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 8 (NCHB 8). Houthi security forces stand guard outside the Foreign Ministry in Sanaa, Yemen, on Feb.5, 2024. (Mohammed Huwais/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. struck two Houthi sea drones in Yemen, as the Iran-backed groups attacks around the Red Sea continue causing havoc in the shipping world. American forces hit the boats around 3.30 p.m. Yemen time on Monday, the latest of several strikes on Houthi positions since mid-January. The Houthis, a militant group that controls much of Yemen including its capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeida, have used boats laden with explosives as well as missiles and airborne drones as part of their campaign to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis started their assaults in mid-November and say theyre in support of Hamas as its war against Israel in Gaza continues. U.S. forces identified the explosive USVs in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region, the U.S. military said late on Monday. USV is the abbreviation for uncrewed surface vehicle. On Tuesday, the Houthis said they targeted two more ships sailing in the southern Red Sea. One of them, a small U.K.-run container ship called Morning Tide, had steel fragments on its deck after an explosion about 50 or 60 meters away at 3:19 a.m. local time, according to the vessels owner, London-based Furadino Shipping Ltd. The militants said they also targeted a commodity carrier called Star Nasia. The group has pledged to continue attacking vessels until Israel pulls out of the Gaza Strip. The U.S. has said that while it doesnt expect to deter the Houthis, its attacks on targets such as airports, radar stations and weapons caches are degrading their military capabilities. Since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and Israeli forces retaliated with an offensive on Gaza, the wider regions been roiled by spreading violence. As well as the Houthi attacks, U.S. bases in Syria, Iraq and Jordan have been assaulted by Iran-supported groups, forcing Washington to respond with strikes of its own. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Oberkirch, Germany, February 1999: A young button-nosed clown looks longingly down the street for the Fasching parade to begin. Want to catch a Fasching or Karnival parade yourself this year? The biggest ones are held Tulpensontag (Tulip Sunday, Feb. 11) and Rosenmontag (Rose Monday, Feb. 12). Check out Stripes Europes story here to figure out what day your region is most likely to hold their parade. Honda Motor is recalling more than 750,000 vehicles to replace a defective sensor that could result in the front passenger air bags inflating unintentionally, potentially harming smaller adults or children in a crash. The front passenger seat weight sensor could crack and short circuit, failing to turn off the air bag when it's supposed to, according to documents posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The sensors are meant to disable air bags when kids or smaller adults are sitting in the seats. Dealers will replace the sensors at no cost to vehicle owners, who will receive notification of the recall beginning March 18. The recall includes certain Honda Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V and Odyssey models from the 2020 through 2022 model years; 2020 Fit and Civic Coupe; 2021 and 2022 Civic hatchback; 2021 Civic Type R and Insight; and 2020 and 2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline and Accord Hybrid. Impacted models from the Acura luxury brand include the 2020 and 2022 MDX, 2020 through 2022 RDX, and 2020 and 2021 TLX. Honda has received more than 3,800 warranty claims due to the problem between June 30, 2020, and Jan. 19, 2024, the automaker said in a statement filed with the safety regulator. It has not received any reports of injuries or death. The recall follows one in December involving 1.12 million Toyota vehicles globally due to a short circuit in a sensor that could result in air bags not deploying when they are supposed to. Toyota in late January urged drivers of 50,000 older vehicles to get faulty air bags fixed. Honda also recalled 4.5 million vehicles globally in December because of possible fuel pump failure, causing the vehicles to stall while driving and increasing the risk of a crash. That includes 2.54 million vehicles in the U.S. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, though relative specks in the East China Sea, are among several sites where China acts aggressively to assert territorial claims that other nations regard as illegal. (Cabinet Secretariat of Japan) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa Chinese coast guard vessels have been warning Japanese military aircraft to leave airspace over and around the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, according to Japanese media. Kyodo News reported Saturday that Chinese vessels have warned Japan Self-Defense Force aircraft several times since January, saying the Japanese are violating Chinas territorial airspace. The two countries square off frequently over the five small, uninhabited islands and three reefs off the northeast tip of Taiwan. Tokyo frequently accuses Beijings coast guard of harassing Japanese fishing boats there and sends its coast guard to intercede. The latest warnings call on Japanese aircraft to leave Japanese airspace, going beyond previous warnings to leave the airspace immediately surrounding the island group, Kyodo News reported, citing anonymous government officials. Tokyo has lodged a protest with Beijing through diplomatic channels, according to Kyodo, but a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs China and Mongolia Division declined to say if they protested or not when reached by phone Tuesday. The Japanese government has always lodged a protest whenever China makes its own claims regarding the Senkaku Islands, the spokesman said. Some Japanese government officials speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara also declined to disclose that information at a Tuesday morning press conference. He said it is to protect Japans surveillance activities and intelligence capabilities. The Senkaku Islands are an inherent territory of Japan without any doubt, both historically and under international law, he said. Indeed, the Senkaku Islands are effectively under Japans control. Whenever China makes its own claims regarding the Senkaku Islands, the Japanese government has always protested in an appropriate and strict manner. The Senkakus, though relative specks in the open sea, are among several sites where China acts aggressively to assert territorial claims that other nations regard as illegal. Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during a November visit to a Chinese coast guard command in Shanghai, highlighted the necessity to constantly strengthen Beijings claim on the islands, Kyodo reported in January, citing unnamed sources. During Kiharas October visit to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin repeated the ironclad U.S. commitment under the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty to defend all of Japan, including the Senkaku Islands. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel in a January post on X, formerly Twitter, said Chinese leadership had announced a plan to keep ships in and around Japans Senkaku Islands for 365 consecutive days. Chinese ships have been spotted in the islands contiguous zone every day so far this year, according to the Japan coast guards website. Chinese ships were spotted there on 352 days in 2023. The Senkakus are about 100 miles northeast from Taiwans northern coastline and about 250 miles west of Okinawa. The islands are strategically situated near key shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds and potentially significant oil and natural gas reserves, according to the CIA World Factbook website. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speak to reporters inside the Freedom House at the Demilitarized Zone, June 30, 2019. (Shealah Craighead/White House) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea Nearly 64% of South Koreans say former President Donald Trump is unlikely to work actively toward curbing North Koreas nuclear ambitions if he is reelected in November, according to a Gallup Korea poll released Monday. The poll, commissioned by the Seoul-based Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, surveyed 1,043 respondents between Dec. 15 and Jan. 10. It had a margin of error of 3 percentage points. Of all respondents, 52.2% believe Trump is somewhat unlikely to actively work to resolve the communist regimes nuclear problem; and 11.5% think it is very unlikely. Another 30.8% agree Trump is somewhat likely to actively attempt to resolve the problem; only 5.4% said he was very likely to do so. North Korea is estimated to have enough fissile material for up to 70 nuclear weapons, according to the annual Stockholm International Peace Research Institute yearbook published last year. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have offered to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions but simultaneously vowed to answer his weapons tests with a stronger military alliance between Washington and Seoul. Pyongyang fired 24 ballistic missiles last year and launched a solid-fueled, intermediate-range ballistic missile on Jan. 14. North Korea routinely claims it has developed nuclear warheads for its ICBMs; it last conducted a nuclear test on Sept. 3, 2017. North Korea has rejected the U.S. and South Koreas overtures and further distanced itself from the allies. As president, Trumps diplomatic approach toward North Korea differed from that of his predecessors. After saying he would be open to meet Kim in 2017, the two leaders met for three summits between 2018 and 2019. During their last summit at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Korean Peninsula on June 30, 2019, Trump briefly crossed the border with Kim, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to step foot into North Korea. I think the relationship that weve developed has meant so much to so many people, Trump said at a joint press conference with Kim at the border. And its just an honor to be with you, and it was an honor that you asked me to step over that line. Trump continued to speak highly of Kim after his tenure. In a June 3 post on his Truth Social app, Trump congratulated Kim after North Korea secured a seat on the World Health Organizations executive board. Representatives from 34 member countries are selected to serve three-year terms on the board, according to the WHOs website. North Korea was among the 10 countries nominated to serve starting in 2023, including Australia, Barbados, Qatar, Switzerland and Ukraine. Trump has a 13-delegate lead over Nikki Haley for the Republican Party nomination; Biden leads the Democratic Party with 55 delegates. A pigeon, captured eight months earlier near a port after being suspected to be a Chinese spy, is released at a vet hospital in Mumbai, India, Jan. 30, 2024. (Anshuman Poyrekar/Hindustan Times via AP) A pigeon held for eight months on suspicion of spying for China has been released after Indian authorities determined it was no avian agent of espionage, but a disoriented Taiwanese racing bird that had lost its way. Police found the pigeon near a port in Mumbai in May with two metal rings tied to its leg and what looked like Chinese writing on the underside of its wings. For eight months, the alleged secret agent was held in custody, first by police and then by the citys Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, which confirmed local media reports about the pigeon and its origin. Mumbai police told The Washington Post that after deep and proper inquiry and investigations, they did not find any suspicious material or fact associated with the pigeon. It was released last week and is in fine health, according to the hospital. The animal rights nonprofit PETA helped secure the birds release. Like all birds, pigeons should be free to soar in the skies, forage for food and raise their young as a couple, PETA India Director Poorva Joshipura said in a statement, which noted that pigeons demonstrate self-awareness and intelligence. Experts say the bird probably got lost during a race off the coast of Taiwan and may have hitched a ride on a boat to make the roughly 3,000-mile journey. A racing pigeon can fly for up to about 620 miles in a day but for it to fly to India, it had to make stops, said Yang Tsung-te, the head of the Taiwanese racing pigeon trading platform Nice Pigeon, adding that some racing pigeons from the island have made it as far as the United States and Canada. The espionage allegations follow concern in the United States last year over Chinese spy balloons and amid continued tensions between China and India, two nuclear powers that share a contested border and have been vying for influence in the region. Its also not the first time Indian authorities wrongfully locked up a pigeon for alleged spying. A similar incident in 2015 sparked amusement in India and Pakistan, and in 2020 police briefly held a Pakistani fishermans pigeon after it flew over the countries heavily militarized border. Although the allegations might sound absurd in an age of satellites and cyberespionage, pigeons do have a history of use in reconnaissance operations. During World War I, Germany deployed pigeons with cameras strapped onto their chests, and in World War II, Allied forces used the birds to exchange secret messages, according to the National Audubon Society, an American nonprofit organization dedicated to bird conservation. Because pigeons are a common species, the camera-equipped birds could conceal their intelligence collection among the activities of thousands of other birds, according to the CIA, which also developed such a camera. According to the International Spy Museum in Washington, pigeons were distinguished by their speed and ability to return home in any weather. Those same qualities make pigeons good for racing a much more common use of the birds these days. During races, pigeons are released sometimes hundreds of miles from home and owners wait for them to return. Colin Jerolmack, a professor at New York University and the author of The Global Pigeon, said it was quite comical that Indian authorities saw Chinese writing and assumed espionage, especially considering the enormous popularity of pigeon racing there and the fact that China has many more sophisticated tools than a pigeon. Once dubbed the poor mans horse racing, it is becoming big business, he said, noting that winning pigeons can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction or much more. In Taiwanese competitions, rather than racing over land, pigeons are brought out to sea and released 124 miles to 310 miles offshore, said Ya-Ching Huang, a researcher at Boston University who has studied Taiwans pigeon racing culture. Because of this format, its not uncommon for pigeons to end up landing in neighboring countries or on boats that take them even further away, she said. While pigeon fanciers maintain that the birds receive great care during training, animal rights groups and ethicists have long criticized the sport. According to PETA, millions of pigeons die every year in Taiwans seasonal races, with many drowning from exhaustion, dying in storms or being killed for being too slow. In racing and espionage, pigeons are used as tools for human ends, said Jan Deckers, a researcher at Newcastle University in Britain who studies animal ethics. No pigeon chooses to release themselves a long way away from their lofts and to carry messages, tags or rings back home. Vic Chiang contributed to this report. U.S. and U.K. forces on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, launched strikes against 36 targets at 13 locations in Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. (U.S. Central Command) WASHINGTON U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Friday that targeted Iran-backed militants were successful, though Pentagon officials could provide few details three days later, citing ongoing battle-damage assessments. We currently assess that we had good effects and that strikes destroyed, or functionally damaged, more than 80 targets at the seven facilities. The number of casualties is still being assessed, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman, told reporters Monday. As it relates to actions that were taking, again, Im not going to have anything to provide for you beyond what we put out in our statements. The U.S. military on Friday began retaliatory airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and affiliated militia groups in response to a drone attack Jan. 28 in Jordan that killed three American soldiers. At least 41 other soldiers all in the National Guard were injured in the attack on the U.S. base known as Tower 22 in Jordan. The injured soldiers are from units based in Arizona, California, Kentucky and New York. Twenty-seven were able to return to duty, while 14 others continue to be evaluated for follow-up care, including one in stable condition who required medical evacuation. The U.S. strikes in retaliation hit three facilities in Iraq and four in Syria, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Friday. President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday vowed the strikes would continue. Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing, Biden said in a statement issued shortly after the attacks. The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond. U.S. and British forces on Saturday also conducted strikes against 36 militia targets in Yemen in a continued effort to stop Iran-backed Houthi rebels in that country from their attacks on the shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Ryder said Monday that Pentagon officials are tracking two attacks in Syria against U.S. troops since the retaliatory strikes on Friday. There are no reports of U.S. injuries or damages, he said. But at least six members of the Syrian Democratic Forces were killed in a drone attack Sunday in the vicinity of Mission Support Site Green Village, a compound in northeastern Syria that houses U.S. and allied forces. Ryder said he is not aware of any U.S. forces who were with Syrian Democratic Forces at the time. Kirby and Austin said last week before the U.S. airstrikes on Friday that there will be a multi-tiered response to the Jordan attack that killed American soldiers. Our responses are not complete, Ryder said Monday. Im not going to telegraph, or discuss, what that may be other than well come back to that at a time of our choosing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a briefing on Oct. 13, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. (Chad McNeeley/U.S. Defense Department) (Tribune News Service) As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shuttles across the Middle East in the hope of easing regional tensions and winding down the war in Gaza, far-right Israeli ministers are pulling in the opposite direction. In recent days, two of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus most important ministers have attacked U.S. President Joe Biden. Itamar Ben Gvir, the national security minister, said Biden was hindering the offensive against Hamas and too focused on getting aid to civilians in Gaza. He suggested that, from Israels standpoint, Donald Trump would be a better president. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich then assailed Biden for imposing sanctions on half a dozen Jewish settlers in the West Bank. Blocking their access to bank accounts amounts to an anti-Semitic campaign, he said. The two politicians have long been controversial and outspoken. But their blunt criticism of Biden who visited Israel soon after Hamass attack on Oct. 7 and has consistently defended its right to wage war in Gaza underscores the strains between the two countries leaderships. Netanyahu responded by thanking Biden for his steadfast support and for U.S. efforts to free more than 100 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. But he refused to condemn either of his coalition partners. And, like Smotrich, the prime minister rejected the sanctions, which the U.S. says are to stop violence against Palestinians by settlers. The overwhelming majority of residents of Judea and Samaria are law-abiding citizens, he said, referring to the West Banks biblical name. Israel acts against all Israelis who break the law everywhere. Therefore exceptional measures are unnecessary. Netanyahus narrow path keeping the far right in his coalition while ostensibly cooperating with the Biden administrations diplomacy is becoming more difficult to tread the longer the war continues and the more Israel faces pressure to end it. The U.S., while backing Israels right to attack Hamas, is trying to persuade Netanyahu to ease the scale of its military operations. Washington is also insisting to the chagrin of Netanyahu and his ministers that Israel accept a two-state solution as the only path to peace with the Palestinians. Biden is running for reelection this year, probably against Trump, and has already faced a backlash from Arab-American voters and young Democrats. They feel betrayed by his support of Israels war, in which more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to officials at the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European Union. This is posing a challenge to Biden in several key swing states like Michigan. In Israel, Netanyahu is facing his own political challenges. Polls show the overwhelming majority of Israelis want early elections the next ones arent due until 2026 and would vote Netanyahu out of office. But as long as Ben Gvir and Smotrich remain at his side and their parties stay in the coalition, Netanyahu can hold out for another two years. That gives him an incentive not to alienate them or their settler base, which is precisely what Biden and many of Israels other allies would like him to do. Without the U.S. and its billions of dollars in military aid, though, Israel would find it harder to fight Hamas. On Monday, opposition leader Yair Lapid said hed offered Netanyahu a security net if he was prepared to abandon the far right parties and accept a cease-fire to free more hostages. Theres little sign Netanyahus willing to take up the offer. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves as he disembarks upon arrival at Cairo East Airport in Cairo, on Feb. 6, 2024. (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) Blinken is trying to mediate a deal that would pause fighting for around six weeks, while freeing several dozen hostages and more Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. That might lead to an extended cease-fire involving Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries committing to rebuild a devastated Gaza. The Arab governments say that cant happen without a clear path to a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. Polls show that most Israelis not just Netanyahu and the ruling coalition oppose such a plan, at least for now. They remain traumatized by Hamass rampage through southern Israeli communities, with 1,200 people killed and 240 abducted. They fear an independent Palestinian state will ultimately be taken over by Hamas or other militants. Israels been deeply divided since Netanyahus decision to form a government with the far right in late 2022. Before Oct. 7, tens of thousands of mostly secular and liberal Israelis took to the streets weekly to oppose his plans to weaken the judiciary. Protest leaders quickly switched to helping devastated communities and equipping soldiers. Now, with the war involving fewer troops tens of thousands of the 350,000 reservists called up are heading home some expect the demonstrations to grow again, with calls for a new election. As the pressure builds, Netanyahu will face a tough choice. Netanyahu needs to decide in the long term which of the two to forgo: Ben Gvir or the United States, Ben-Dror Yemini, a political moderate, wrote in the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. With assistance from Gina Turner. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A bright flash of light illuminated the east coast of Florida on Feb. 4, prompting one observer to call 911, the sheriffs office said. () (Tribune News Service) When a flash of light crossed the night sky off the east coast of Florida, one person called for help. A 911 caller reported what they believed to be a distress flare coming from the sea on Feb. 4, the Flagler County Sheriffs Office told McClatchy News in an email. Concerned there was a boater who needed help, two crews with the U.S. Coast Guard began searching the area but found nothing, WOFL reported. The flash wasnt a flare at all, and was actually something millions of years in the making a meteor. More than a dozen people reported seeing the fireball to the American Meteor Society, a group that maintains a database of sightings from outer space. Others posted videos on X, formerly known as Twitter. The reports came from up and down the Florida coast, according to the AMS database, ranging from Fernandina Beach to off the coast of the Bahamas. It was super bright and disappeared behind storm clouds off the coast of Florida, maybe 5 degrees above the horizon, the observer from Fernandina Beach wrote. We were on a cruise ship, standing on our balcony, when we saw the object heading straight down to the horizon, another observer said. A Flagler Beach resident reported the sighting and shared a video taken from their front door with the AMS. Very bright tail (at) start then had a green appearance towards the end, an observer from Daytona Beach wrote. The American Meteor Society classified the falling celestial matter as a fireball, or a very bright meteor, generally brighter than magnitude -4, which is about the same magnitude of the planet Venus in the morning or evening sky, according to its website. Thousands of fireballs occur every day, the AMS said, but they occur over the ocean or are masked by daylight, and those that happen at night are often so quick that very few people see them. Fireballs that can be seen at night occur once every 20 hours of meteor observation, AMS said. A lot of these are anecdotal; a lot of these are testimonials, you know. Like, Hey, I saw a fireball! But do you have any proof? No. So having a camera out there further proves that these things are happening a lot of the time, Seminole State College planetarium director Derek Demeter told WOFL. 2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis listens in March 2018 as President Donald Trump speaks at the White House. Mattis did not publicly reveal his consulting job for the UAE when he returned to the Pentagon in January 2017. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post.) Soon after his country began bombing Yemen in 2015, the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates confidentially reached out to an old friend: retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who also served as the deputy supreme commander of the Emirati military, needed help. The UAE was part of a coalition of Arab countries that had intervened in Yemens civil war to fight Iran-backed Houthi rebels. But the coalitions bombing campaign was killing large numbers of civilians and doing little to deter the Houthis. With the conflict threatening to turn into a regional quagmire, Mohamed asked Mattis, who retired from the Marines in 2013 after years of fighting wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, to work for him as a military adviser. In keeping with federal law, Mattis applied in June 2015 for permission from the Marines and the State Department to advise Mohamed and the UAE on the operational, tactical, informational and ethical aspects of the war in Yemen, according to previously undisclosed documents obtained by The Washington Post through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. His request was highly unusual: a legendary four-star Marine asking to work for a foreign head of state as a personal consultant about an ongoing war. Complicating matters, the U.S. military had become entangled in the conflict. Soon after the bombing started, the Obama administration agreed to support the Arab coalitions air forces, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with aerial refueling and intelligence. But U.S. officials were growing alarmed by the number of innocent Yemenis dying in coalition airstrikes. Nonetheless, U.S. officials swiftly approved Mattis request. Then they fought to conceal his advisory role in the war in Yemen and his work for Mohamed. After The Post sued in 2021 for records of retired U.S. military personnel employed by foreign governments, federal agencies took 2 years to release the ones about Mattis. Mattis did not publicly reveal his consulting job for the UAE when he returned to the Pentagon in January 2017 to become secretary of defense in the Trump administration. He omitted it from his public work history and financial disclosure forms that he filed with the Office of Government Ethics. Though he reported it confidentially to the Senate Armed Services Committee, multiple senators said they were not informed. He also did not mention it in his 2019 memoir. Throughout his career, Mattis, now 73, has praised the UAE as a valued ally to Washington. Between 2010 and 2013, when he was a Marine general in charge of all U.S. forces in the Middle East, he referred to the small Persian Gulf nation as Little Sparta because of its outsized military prowess. But Mattis, one of the most prominent American military leaders since 9/11, has maintained a steadfast public silence about his stint as a military adviser to the Emirates. He has never disclosed the exact scope or duration of his work. He declined multiple requests from The Post for an interview or to answer written questions about his duties for Mohamed. There are conflicting accounts about whether he was paid for his foreign service. The documents obtained by The Post state that the UAE would compensate Mattis for his advice on the war in Yemen, as well as award him a $100,000 honorarium for giving one speech after he left the Trump administration. But a spokesman for the retired general said he worked for free. Over the past decade, it has become a common, if secretive, practice for retired U.S. military personnel to work as consultants and contractors for foreign governments. Hundreds of veterans have cashed in on their experience gained during two decades of war in the Middle East and Afghanistan by training foreign armies. A Post investigation in 2022 found that the oil-rich UAE, despite its small size, hired more U.S. veterans than any other country in the world, often for salaries that dwarfed what they earned while wearing American uniforms. Mattis service to the UAE was cited in that investigation, which was based on the FOIA lawsuit filed by The Post. The litigation compelled the armed forces and State Department to disclose records about retired U.S. military service members employed by foreign governments. Under an anti-corruption clause in the Constitution, retired U.S. military personnel must obtain federal approval before they can accept jobs, gifts or anything of value from foreign powers. At the time, however, federal officials shielded many documents regarding Mattis, releasing only fragments of information about his unspecified role as a military adviser. They also redacted records regarding his compensation. The Post continued to press its case in court, arguing that details of his work on behalf of a foreign power should be made public to shed light on whether it may have posed a conflict of interest when he returned to the U.S. government to run the Pentagon. In response to a judges order, federal agencies last fall released additional records which reveal for the first time that Mattis was personally hired by Mohamed to advise him on the war in Yemen, as well as other details about his ties to the UAE. Jim Mattis and President Donald Trump talk after a White House reception in 2018. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post.) I will be compensated Though Mattis has remained silent about his consulting, he has been long ebullient in public about his regard for the UAE. In a video testimonial to mark the UAEs 50th birthday two years ago, Mattis fondly recalled first visiting the country as a junior Marine officer in 1979. He also reminisced about building a trusting relationship over many years with Mohamed and praised the countrys troops as equal brothers in arms who knew how to fight. Like Mattis, the 62-year-old Mohamed is a career military man. He is also one of the most influential figures in the Arab world. He ascended to the presidency of the UAE in 2022 after the death of his eldest brother, Sheikh Khalifa. He and Mattis bonded in the aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2011 when Mattis was serving as head of U.S. Central Command, overseeing all U.S. forces in the Middle East. With revolutions spreading through the Arab world, the Emirati leadership became unnerved at the risk of further instability and embarked on a massive military buildup, buying billions of dollars in weaponry from the United States. At the time, Mohamed was the crown prince of the city-state of Abu Dhabi, one of seven tribal monarchies that form the UAE, as well as deputy supreme commander of the countrys military. He and Mattis shared an antipathy toward Iran, with both men regarding its theocratic rulers as the regions biggest security threat. In March 2015, the UAE joined the Arab military coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, that interceded in the Yemeni civil war. But the coalitions bombing campaign and naval blockade caused widespread humanitarian suffering and failed to subdue the Houthis, who had seized control of the capital, Sanaa. Several weeks later, Mohamed contacted Mattis, who had since retired from the U.S. military, to ask if he would work for the UAE as a consultant. In his federal application for foreign government employment, Mattis said he would advise Mohamed regarding the war in Yemen, but he did not elaborate how much time he would devote to the job or how deeply he would become involved in the conflict. My duties would include reviewing the UAEs military situation, focused initially on the Yemen campaign, with the purpose of providing military advice, he wrote in June 2015. The purpose of this position is to bring American military experience in warfighting and campaigning to bear in terms of strengthening UAEs efforts. Mattis made clear that he would be paid. I will be compensated, he wrote by hand, in block letters, on a Foreign Government Employment Questionnaire that he submitted to the Marine Corps on June 4, 2015, as part of his application to work for the UAE. On the questionnaire, Mattis said he still needed to negotiate details of his pay package with UAE officials. The amount is to be determined after I have been cleared by the U.S. government to respond positively to Mohameds offer to hire him, he wrote. But Robert Tyrer, co-president of the Cohen Group, a Washington consulting firm where Mattis is a senior counselor, told The Post in a series of emails that the UAE did not pay Mattis for his work. He added that, other than travel expenses, Mattis had a longstanding policy of not accepting money from foreign officials. He has never requested nor received any compensation from any foreign government at any time, Tyrer said. Asked to explain the discrepancy with what Mattis wrote on his application, Tyrer said the retired general never actually expected to be paid, but stated on his form that he would be only because he wanted his application to receive extra scrutiny to ensure everything was aboveboard. General Mattis sought the most rigorous level of review for this request, Tyrer said. That higher level of review was triggered by describing the role as a compensated position, though General Mattis neither requested nor received any compensation. According to the documents obtained by The Post, however, there is no indication that Mattiss application was subjected to a higher or more stringent review than normal. In fact, a Marine special security officer completed a required counterintelligence review just five days after Mattis submitted his application a process that typically takes weeks. It is my opinion that Gen Mattis be approved, the officer wrote on June 9, 2015. A Marine Corps attorney finished a mandatory legal review seven days later, also raising no objection. Mattis application sailed through the remainder of the Marines chain of command, receiving preliminary approval on June 19 15 days after he submitted it. Then the Corps passed the paperwork to the State Department, where the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs gave final approval on Aug. 5. Altogether, the national security bureaucracy took only two months to clear Mattis to work for a foreign head of state. In comparison, the armed forces and State Department usually take several months, and sometimes years, to review veterans foreign-government employment applications, according to a Post analysis of hundreds of such cases since 2015. Diplomats in the dark A handful of federal officials who regulate foreign-government employment knew that Mattis was advising Mohamed on the war in Yemen. But other national security officials said they did not including diplomats in charge of U.S. policy in the Middle East. Anne Patterson, a career diplomat who worked with Mattis when he was a Marine general, oversaw U.S. foreign policy in the Arab world in 2015 as the State Departments assistant secretary for Near East Affairs. In a phone interview, she said she vaguely remembered that the departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs informed her about Mattis application to consult for the UAE and that she gave her assent. But Patterson, who retired from the U.S. government in 2017, added that neither she nor her leadership team was aware that Mattis wanted to advise the Emiratis on the war in Yemen, which had become a major foreign policy headache for the Obama administration. None of us remember General Mattis having anything to do with Yemen during that period, she said. The Yemen thing, we just have no recollection of his involvement with it in any respect. Gerald Feierstein, who was the deputy assistant secretary for Near East Affairs under Patterson, said he was also in the dark. Like Patterson, Feierstein had gotten to know Mattis personally during the generals tenure as the commander of U.S. military forces in the Middle East between 2010 and 2013, when Feierstein served as the U.S. ambassador to Yemen. This whole thing is very curious, said Feierstein, who retired from the State Department in May 2016. I find it kind of hard to believe he would never have mentioned it to any of us. Beyond the laws regulating foreign-government employment, Feierstein said it was considered a professional courtesy for retired senior U.S. military officers to brief the State Department about their interactions with foreign leaders. Mattis as you know is a pretty straight shooter, so I would have thought he would have briefed somebody, he said. Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE ambassador to the United States, did not respond to an email seeking comment about Mattiss employment as a military adviser. Trumps pick to run the Pentagon Eighteen months after he applied for federal permission to work for the UAE, Mattis received another job offer: to serve in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump didnt know Mattis well but was impressed by his reputation as a blunt, no-nonsense general and approved of his hard-line views toward Iran. In December 2016, he nominated Mattis to become secretary of defense. Like other prospective senior U.S. officials, Mattis was obliged to report information about his work history and personal finances to the Office of Government Ethics. In the first section of his financial-disclosure report, Mattis was required by law to include all jobs and positions including uncompensated ones held outside the U.S. government during the previous two calendar years. On his form, he listed 11 affiliations, including his jobs as a distinguished visiting fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution (salary: $419,359) and his memberships on the corporate boards of General Dynamics ($242,000 in directors fees, plus stock options) and Theranos Inc., ($150,000 in directors fees, plus 416,667 shares of common stock). He also listed his unpaid board seats with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Tri-Cities Food Bank in Kennewick, Wash. But he did not include his consulting job with Mohamed. Nor did he list it on a separate letter, dated Jan. 5, 2017, to the Pentagons top ethics official. In that document, he described all the steps he would take to avoid any actual or apparent conflicts of interest as defense secretary by resigning all his outside affiliations and refraining from any matter, for at least one year, involving any of the organizations that employed him. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., walks back to his office after a vote in December. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Mattis UAE service was also not made public by the Senate Armed Services Committee, which had to approve his nomination before he could take charge at the Pentagon. His advisory work for Mohamed is not included in his answers to a nine-page biographical questionnaire that the committee posted on its website. Nor did he raise it or anyone ask about it during his confirmation hearing on Jan. 12, 2017. In a statement, Cole Stevens, a committee spokesperson who works for Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the panel chairman, said Mattis disclosed his consulting for the UAE on the confidential portion of his questionnaire, which the committee considers private. He also said that Mattis stated he was not compensated for his work. The committee tightly restricts access to the confidential portions of the questionnaires for presidential nominees. Stevens said the information is available to all members of the committee. But senators typically must request private briefings to receive it, according to a current and a former Senate staff member familiar with the panels work. The Post contacted the offices of 25 senators who served on the Armed Services Committee in January 2017 to ask if they were aware at the time of Mattis work for the UAE. Only Reed and two other senators responded. A spokesperson for Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he was not aware of this and was surprised to hear it. In a statement, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., likewise said he was not informed during the confirmation process that Secretary Mattis had served as a military advisor to the UAE and that I have long had reservations about retired senior U.S. officers serving as military advisors for foreign states. Last year, Congress approved legislation that will require the Pentagon and State Department for the first time to publicly release an annual report listing retired military personnel who work for foreign governments, including their compensation and a description of their duties. President Biden signed the measure into law in December. A friend in Abu Dhabi As he took charge in the Pentagon, Mattis maintained his close relationship with the United Arab Emirates. On Feb. 18, 2017, one month after the Senate voted 98-1 to confirm him as defense secretary, Mattis flew to Abu Dhabi as part of an official trip to the Middle East. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by Mohamed. According to a public statement issued by the Defense Department about the meeting, the two leaders discussed security challenges on the Arabian Peninsula, including the ongoing instability in Yemen. There was no mention in the statement that Mattis had been working as a private consultant for Mohamed on that very problem. Within a tight circle of retired four-star generals in Washington, however, word spread about Mattiss employment by Mohamed. In June 2017, retired Marine Gen. John Allen, a former commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan who had served with Mattis, received inquiries to work as a national-security consultant for the government of Qatar, another wealthy Persian Gulf country. At the time, Allen already had a full-time job as the president of the Brookings Institution, a prominent Washington think tank. But he was intrigued by the possibility of moonlighting for the Qataris. He knew Mattis had done something similar with the UAE and wanted to compare notes, according to documents disclosed in federal court last year as part of a Justice Department investigation into foreign influence peddling in Washington. On June 9, 2017, Allen contacted a senior adviser on Mattiss staff at the Pentagon. He asked to learn more about Mattiss consulting for Mohamed, who is widely known in Washington by his initials, MBZ. I think Im being offered a consulting contract akin to the one Jim had with MBZ and wanted your advice on how it was structured, Allen emailed Mattis adviser, whose name was redacted in the court documents. Your sense on how Jim created and maintained his relationship with MBZ would be helpful. They agreed to meet the next afternoon for a cup of tea at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City. Allen declined to comment for this story through a spokesman. The email exchange was included as an exhibit in a court filing last year in the federal prosecution of Richard G. Olson Jr., a former U.S. ambassador to the UAE. Olson pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors related to his post-retirement consulting work in the Middle East, including a charge that he illegally lobbied U.S. officials on behalf of the government of Qatar. The FBI scrutinized Allen for his contacts with Qatari officials as part of the same investigation, but the Justice Department closed the case without charging him. Allens attorney has said he did not end up consulting for Qatar, did nothing improper and received no fees from the Qatari government. That case is one of several criminal investigations that the Justice Department has opened in recent years into prominent U.S. national security figures for allegedly falling under the influence of foreign governments. A pending federal indictment against Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., accuses the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of taking bribes and acting as an illegal foreign agent on behalf of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. In December, a retired U.S. ambassador, Manuel Rocha, was charged with acting for decades as a clandestine agent on behalf of Cuban intelligence, among other crimes. He has pleaded not guilty. In 2020, shortly before leaving the White House, President Donald Trump pardoned his former national security adviser, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, for his conviction of lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States. In 2022, U.S. intelligence officials authored a classified report cataloguing attempts by the UAE to manipulate U.S. foreign policy and politics in Washington to the benefit of the Gulf nation. The classified report from the National Intelligence Council detailed the UAEs use of lobbying firms and campaign contributions, as well as illegal influence operations, in an effort to distort the American democratic system. $100K plus Airfare & Lodging The war in Yemen continued to deteriorate during Mattis tenure as defense secretary. In June 2017, human rights groups accused the UAE armed forces of operating a secret network of prisons inside Yemen where local men were beaten, flogged and sexually assaulted. The Associated Press reported that some prisoners were shackled to a grill and roasted alive over open flames. (The UAE government denied the allegations). Two months later, CNN published an article online reporting that Mattis had once served as an adviser to the UAE the first public reference to his foreign employment. The CNN report was based on a single line in a spreadsheet that the Marine Corps had released to a nonprofit watchdog group, the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). POGO had filed a public-records request for a list of retired Marine generals authorized to work for foreign governments. Mattis was one of seven retired generals on the list. The heavily redacted spreadsheet revealed that he had applied to work as a military adviser to the UAE in 2015 but gave no other information. A Pentagon spokesman told CNN that Mattis advised the UAE on rebuilding its military and that he worked for free, with reimbursement only for travel expenses. By August 2018, United Nations human rights officials reported that nearly 17,000 civilians had been killed or wounded, most of them in airstrikes launched by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other members of the Arab coalition. That same month, Mattis warned that the United States might withhold its support to the coalition, including weapons sales and shared intelligence, if it didnt do a better job of protecting noncombatants. In December 2018, Mattis resigned as defense secretary after clashing with Trump over the presidents decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and halve the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Three months later, upon returning to the private sector, Mattis once again applied for federal approval to accept employment from the Emirati government, this time as a featured speaker at a conference on U.S.-UAE relations hosted by Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. In his application, Mattis said the UAE would pay him an honorarium and cover his travel expenses, according to documents obtained by The Post as part of its FOIA lawsuit. At first, the Marine Corps redacted details of the financial arrangements, saying that disclosure would violate Mattiss privacy. After The Post argued that the information should be made public, a federal judge ordered the Corps to disclose it. The Marines eventually complied three years after The Post first requested the records. In response to a question about whether he would be paid for his speech in Abu Dhabi, Mattiss unredacted application shows that he wrote: Yes, standard honorarium for all presenters of this lecture series is $100K plus Airfare & Lodging Reimbursement. Tyrer, the spokesman for Mattis, said he was not compensated for the speech in the end. He said Mattis only listed the standard honoraria figure that is commonly offered to participants so his application would receive a rigorous review. The conference was held in May 2019 at Al Bateen Palace, a royal residence in Abu Dhabi. In his remarks, Mattis said he turned down 99 percent of his invitations for speaking engagements but made an exception for the UAE and Mohamed because of their close relationship with the United States. It is broad enough, it is deep enough and its strong enough to withstand any temporary challenges of any sort, because the underpinnings are just that strong, Mattis said, according to a videotaped portion of his speech posted online by the UAE Embassy in Washington. Meanwhile, the war in Yemen is still raging. The UAE, the United States and its allies have been unable to defeat the Houthi rebels, who are stronger than ever, thanks to support from Iran. On Jan. 3, the United States and 11 other nations issued a public ultimatum, warning the Houthis to stop firing missiles at merchant ships off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, or else the rebels would have to bear the consequences. Since then, the attacks from the Houthis have only escalated, prompting the United States and Britain to hit back with military strikes from warships and aircraft in the region. John Hudson contributed to this report. MAG, one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, has awarded a AED2.8 billion ($762 million) contract to Cecep Techand Middle East for the construction of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside part of the Keturah Resort, which combines luxury and wellness. The construction value of the project is valued at AED 2.8 billion, with its completion slated for Q4 2027. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside comprises 249 residences across seven buildings and 12 mansions, each featuring exclusive yacht parking for residents. Keturah Resort offers homeowners an impressive range of world-class facilities, including a seven-star wellness center, a five-star hotel, a private members-only club, a womens club, a kids club, a holistically immersive wellness centre, Michelin-star restaurants as well as a 550-m promenade and sustainable and organic-focused retail spaces. It will also boast a 24/7 private parking with valet, and a gated community with unique views of the wildlife sanctuary, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek Harbor and Meydan. On the new contract, CEO Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah said: "We are pleased with the signing of the LoI for the main construction works for Keturah Resort, a project that embodies the highest standards of ultra-luxury experiences coupled with regional-first unique wellness features." "This project promises to redefine the real estate sector, and we have already witnessed great sales from buyers seeking living environments that enhance health and well-being with the best luxury amenities," he stated. Keturah Resort by MAG will be the first in the region to pursue the WELL Health-Safety certification for its buildings. The project is located on Dubai Creek, facing Dubais wildlife sanctuary in Ras Al Khor, providing convenient access to Dubai Downtown, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai International Airport.-TradeArabia News Service With the United States national debt closing in on $34.2 trillion, some of the biggest figures in the world of finance have been speaking out. But few expected Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to address the issueat least until this weekend, when Powell spoke out about the debt on CBSs 60 Minutes Sunday. In the long run, the U.S. is on an unsustainable fiscal path, Powell warned. Even as the U.S. economy avoided a widely forecast recession in 2023, record government spending and lower tax receipts led the national debt to surge to an all-time high. And that trend has continued into this year. The U.S. government debt to GDP ratio, a measure of total public debt to economic growth, has surged from just over 100% in 2019 to over 120%. Thats down from the COVID-era peak of 133%, but, as Powell put it, the governments debt is still growing faster than the economy. This means its now past time, to get back to an adult conversation among elected officials about getting the federal government back on a sustainable fiscal path, Powell argued Sunday. Borrowing from future generations Its rare to see a Fed official discuss politics. The U.S. central bank is supposed to be a nonpartisan, independent institution, after all. Powell reiterated as much in his 60 Minutes interview over the weekend, saying, We mostly try very hard not to comment on fiscal policy and instruct Congress on how to do their job, when actually they have oversight over us. But almost immediately after that statement, Powell criticized lawmakers for effectively borrowing from future generations with their unsustainable policies. Its time for us to get back to putting a priority on fiscal sustainability, he added. Fed Chair Powell joins a number of critics of fiscal policy and the surging national debt, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. Dimon, warned last month that the U.S. economy is headed for a cliff if something isnt done to address the federal governments excessive debt burden. Story continues We see the cliff. Its about 10 years out. Were going 60 miles an hour [toward it], he said at a Bipartisan Policy Center panel. Dimon argued that U.S. lawmakers will need to alter the current path of spending and control the national debt or there could be rebellion among foreign owners of U.S. government bonds. Other Wall Street heavyweights have been criticizing rising federal deficits for years. Mark Spitznagel, founder and chief investment officer of private hedge fund Universa Investments, told Fortune last year that we are living through the greatest credit bubble in human history. And thats not my opinion, thats just numbers, he said. There is no question about the fact that we are living in an age of leverage, an age of credit, and it will have its consequences. Ray Dalio, founder of hedge fund giant Bridgewater Associates, has also been warning of brewing issues. In December, he argued that the U.S. government is reaching an inflection point with its debt problem. Eventually, the government will have to borrow just to make its annual debt servicing payments, and thats a recipe for a debt crisis, Dalio warned. Some good news? The good news? As Powell described Sunday, the U.S. still has a dynamic, innovative, flexible, adaptable economy, more so than other countries. Powell argued that this is the big reason why the U.S. economy has outperformed its peers over the past few yearsbut there are a few others, as Fortune detailed last week. Americas dynamic economy means the debt situation isnt too far gone to rectify just yet. But as Powell said: Sooner is better than later. Despite the criticism, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has brushed off concerns about the rising national debt. The key metric Yellen looks at is net interest payments as a share of GDP, and that is still at a very reasonable level, she argued in a CNBC interview last September. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Gen. Gregory M. Guillot accepts command of U.S. Northern Command from U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Feb. 5, 2024. Guillot, who previously served as deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, also accepted command of North American Aerospace Defense Command. Also pictured is NORAD and NORTHCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck relinquished command of the organizations during the ceremony. (Joshua Armstrong/Department of Defense) Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot is back in Colorado and behind the reins North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. Guillot assumed command of NORAD and NORTHCOM from Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base on Monday. VanHerck had led the organizations since August 2020. NORAD, established in 1958 as the North American Air Defense Command, is a joint U.S.-Canadian organization responsible for missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America, according to NORADs website. NORTHCOM is one of the 11 unified combatant commands of the Defense Department, responsible for North America including homeland defense. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot accepts command of North American Aerospace Defense Command from Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff Wayne D. Eyre during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. Also pictured is NORAD and NORTHCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield. (Joshua Armstrong/Department of Defense) This is Guillots second assignment at the Colorado base, having served as NORTHCOMs director of operations from June 2019 to June 2020, according to a NORTHCOM news release. His last role was deputy commander of U.S. Central Command. The discipline of joint and multinational men and women serving in these commands is the reason for its unquestionable success, Guillot said at the ceremony. Their care and professional growth will always be a priority under my command, and I pledge to each member to devote my full effort to leading them the way they deserve to be led. As I assume command today, the scope and importance of our homeland defense mission is not lost on me. Guillot graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and commissioned into the Air Force. He completed undergraduate pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona in 1990, followed by the undergraduate controller course at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. His previous assignments include commander of the 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central), chief of staff of Headquarters Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii and commander of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, according to an Air Force biography. Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill S. Blair addresses the audience during the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command combined change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Feb. 5, 2024. Also pictured include, seated on stage from left, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks; U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles CQ Brown; Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne D. Eyre; Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, incoming NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander; and Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, outgoing NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander. (Joshua Armstrong/Defense Department) Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill S. Blair, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks, Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne D. Eyre and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown were distinguished guests at the ceremony. Eyre officiated the NORAD change of command, while Hicks officiated the NORTHCOM change of command. Gen. Glen VanHercks leadership of NORAD-NORTHCOM has enhanced our national security and deepened our ties with our neighbor, Canada, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter. I want to thank him for his three decades of military service and leadership and welcome Gen. Greg Guillot as the next commander of @USNorthernCmd. VanHerck is retiring after more than 36 years of service, according to the release. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck delivers comments to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command personnel during a combined change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Monday Feb. 5, 2024. (Joshua Armstrong/Defense Department) You, the men and women of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, changed the defense dialogue in Canada and the United States, driving investments and policy, he said at the ceremony. You operationalized the commands and established a Joint Operations Center. Through the execution of four global information dominance experiments, you proved digital transformation can lead to decision superiority. Under VanHerck, NORAD and NORTHCOM conducted homeland defense efforts against Russian long-range aviation activities, North Korean ballistic missile launches and Chinese maritime operations. VanHerck led defense support to the U.S. coronavirus response, and oversaw the arrival of more than 76,000 Afghan refugees to the U.S. during Operation Allies Welcome. He was in charge when NORTHCOM shot down the Chinese surveillance balloon in early 2023. A strong homeland defense is the foundation of our nations ability to project power globally and achieve our strategic objectives in competition, crisis and conflict, Brown said at the ceremony. As the NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, Glen has worked diligently to enforce that foundation. He has worked tirelessly to protect our homeland and our way of life. The Valor Guard Initiative is a national project that will utilize advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor and intervene in potential suicide risk among veterans. (Joshua J. Seybert/U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) An initiative aimed at preventing suicide among veterans is being spearheaded by an Allen Park, Mich., native determined to help save lives. Andrew Ace Linares is the first to admit he never would have dreamed that one day he would take on such a daunting task, given that he was a self-described wild child as a teenager. He recalls with fondness walking into the former Kmart on Dix- Toledo in Lincoln Park and meeting a uniformed Army staff sergeant who impressed the young man with his self-respect and toughness. In 2006, shortly after that meeting, he enlisted at the age of 18 and would go on to earn numerous military accolades, including a Presidential Commendation and being named MACOM Soldier of the Year. The discipline he learned as a soldier helped him in his academic pursuits as he earned degrees in security management, philosophy, Latin American studies, and an executive MBA from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He also spent time at Cornell University, which further honed his expertise in nonprofit financial management. All his training and life experiences led Linares to where he is today, the chief executive officer of HATSOFF, an acronym for Honoring All The Sacrifices Of Freedom Fighters. Andrew Ace Linares served in the Army for 8 years. (HATSOFF) Linares expressed his excitement about the upcoming launch of the Valor Guard Initiative, a project under HATSOFF that focuses on suicide prevention for veterans. He served in the Army for 8 years. Now back home in Michigan and living in Dearborn Heights, Linares nonprofit organization has an office at the Horizon Building, 20600 Eureka Road in Taylor. Although based locally, the Valor Guard Initiative is a national project that will utilize advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor and intervene in potential suicide risk among veterans. Its mission and vision is to use data collection technology for real-time suicide risk monitoring. That mission includes: Employing AI to understand and intervene in veteran suicides. Transforming data into a proactive tool for veteran well-being. Addressing veterans stories and challenges with precision and care. Described as a lifeline for veterans, the HATSOFF organization says it recognizes the urgent need to address the mental health crisis among the veteran community. Our Valor Guard Initiative is at the forefront, employing cutting-edge technology to preemptively identify and support those at risk, HATSOFF states in an explanation of what it hopes to accomplish. By harnessing the power of AI-driven analytics, we analyze patterns and signals across a multitude of data points, creating a predictive heatmap to pinpoint intervention opportunities before a crisis occurs. The program embodies our unwavering commitment to our veterans well being, offering a beacon of hope and a network of support. While data gathering is a vital component of the initiative, Valor-Guard is about much more than simply the compilation of data. Those who oversee the program say its about harnessing insight to forge a protective shield around those who served. Linares is pioneering what the organization refers to as a proactive approach to veteran care. The initiative utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets, identifying at-risk individuals through predictive modeling. Its a system designed not just to react, but to prevent. It does this by using real-time analytics to create a safety net that expands across the United States. The eight major risk factors are financial stress, physical health, mental health, social support, employment status, substance use, trauma history, and access to firearms. Additionally, Linares said there are 350 subcategories of risk factors that are evaluated. To put this in a context most people can identify with, Linares said the concept is similar to the consumer analytics that companies use when people search for their products or services online. Just as corporations know so much about individuals through their online searches, email, text messages, social media and advertisements they click on, Valor-Guard has the ability to identify at-risk veterans using some of that same data. This is the same existing technology that advertisers have been using for the past 15 years, he said. Even though we cant actually know (for certain that a person is potentially suicidal), predictive models are accurate. Because of privacy laws, those who operate the Valor-Guard Initiative cant directly interact with veterans who may be at risk of suicide, but they can identify areas where they live and work, targeting their resources to those particular neighborhoods. Under Linares guidance, HatsApp has been developed to not only provide information, but to also offer real-time support, creating a community space where veterans can find both resources and camaraderie. With HatsApp, Ace is redefining how veterans navigate their post-service journey, ensuring they have the support they need at a touch of the button, HATSOFF states on its website. Through HatApp, Ace Linares is bridging the gap between the vast potential of technological innovation and the real-world needs of veterans, solidifying HATSOFFs role as a pioneer in veteran support services. Linares said he has an incredible team throughout the country that he believes will ensure this initiative becomes a success, one that will help save the lives of many veterans. HATSOFF states that involvement of individuals can save lives and deliver hope to our nations heroes. To connect with them in order to contribute to this program, or to find out more about it contact 313-443-3529, email inquiries@all-hatsoff.org, or visit their website at honoringallthesacrifices.com/suicide-prevention. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to civilians and veterans. (c)2024 The News Herald, Southgate, Mich. Visit at https://www.thenewsherald.com/ Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. More than 40% of veterans, or 2.5 million patients enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs health care, rely on telehealth for at least part of their care, according to the agency. (Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Army veteran Andy Butzler said he prefers to attend medical appointments at the Department of Veterans Affairs via online conference calls rather than drive an hour from his home in Osceola, Wis., to the regional veterans clinic. I dont have to take time off from work in order to drive an hour each way for a doctors appointment, said Butzler, a veterans service officer for the Polk County government in northwest Wisconsin. Osceola is a rural town and there are no brick-and-mortar VA clinics to provide in-person medical care. Butzler, 41, a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, said he uses his smartphone instead to book appointments online, see clinicians via telehealth and refill prescriptions. More than 40% of veterans, or 2.5 million patients enrolled in VA health care, rely on telehealth for at least part of their care, according to the VA. The VA delivered 11.6 million telehealth visits in fiscal 2023 for clinical services that spanned diagnostics, doctor appointments and suicide prevention services. The VA had 2.6 million visits in 2019. Veterans using the Rx Refill app ordered an average of 190,000 prescription refills per month in 2023, up from 106,000 in 2021. Behind the numbers are veterans seeking online care for the access, convenience and privacy, the VA said. Veterans refill prescriptions, text their providers and go to appointments. Telehealth works for most any of my doctor visits that dont require an in-person physical exam, Butzler said. When he required a specialist to examine a mole on his back, a provider at the regional VA clinic took a high-resolution image and forwarded it to a dermatologist at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for review. Within a couple of days, a report was sent back. It was all clear, said Butzler, who served in the Army from 2005-2008, including two tours in Iraq. There were no problems. More than 770,000 veterans in rural areas had more than 2 million telehealth visits in 2023 in their home or at a designated site in their community, the VA said. The Polk County veterans service office where Butzler works has designated private space for veterans who need assistance or who do not have internet service at home to access VA telehealth care. Veterans often are more comfortable seeking treatment through virtual appointments because it feels more private to them, said Waco Hoover, a Marine Corps veteran who leads the American Legions Be the One campaign to reduce veteran suicides. More than 1 million veterans received mental health counseling sessions online in fiscal 2023, a 5% increase from the prior year. Hoover said he hears from many veterans with medical problems and disabilities related to military service and many of them prefer to use telehealth for counseling because it feels secure and they can access it at home. Telehealth has played a pivotal role in combating the stigma around veterans asking for mental-health help, he said. Though telemedicine has been growing for more than a decade for veterans and nonveterans, the shutdown of doctors offices during the coronavirus pandemic in 2022 led Congress to loosen some telemedicine regulations and more patients to seek web-based health care. Prior to the pandemic, less than 1% of doctor visits for the general population in 2019 were via telehealth with those visits reaching close to 6% by the end of 2023, according to Epic Research, a health records management system that reviewed 500 million telehealth and in-person medical visits. The VA is in the process of redesigning and updating essential veteran services offered through its website VA.gov. The goal is to enable veterans to access essential VA services health care, claims and benefits all in one place. The consumer health information from the websites MyHealtheVet and MyVAHealth will be combined into one unified patient portal for veterans on VA.gov, the VA said. The redesign will be rolled out in phases during the next two years, with the VA testing the site and services with veterans to refine the design. Once the update is complete, veterans will be able to log on at VA.gov to access most health services, view medical records and track their benefits. About 2 million veterans have downloaded the VA health and benefits mobile app since it launched in 2021. Popular features include texting providers and downloading VA letters regarding health claims and benefits. The 93 further charges brought against Ms Cucoranu today were for offences in Cos Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Waterford between 2016 and 2023. A WOMAN accused of brothel-keeping has had 93 new charges brought against her over alleged prostitution activities in five counties over an eight-year period. Lenuta Andreea Cucoranu (29) who was arrested after vulnerable sex workers were discovered in multiple garda raids last year, now faces trial on more than 100 charges, Dublin District Court heard. She was remanded in custody today after a judge was told the fresh counts included an organised crime charge on which bail cannot be granted at district court level. Judge Deirdre Gearty adjourned the case for the preparation of a book of evidence. The 93 further charges brought against Ms Cucoranu today were for offences in Cos Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Waterford between 2016 and 2023. She is accused of 17 counts of organisation of prostitution, 17 brothel keeping, 11 money laundering, 47 theft-related offences including using false documents and one count of participating in organised crime. This was in addition to 16 prostitution, money laundering and theft-related charges already brought against her last year. Detective Garda Michelle Woods of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit told Judge Gearty she met the accused before the court this morning when she was further charged on the directions of the DPP. She was cautioned and made no comment to any of the new counts. Detective Sergeant Andrew Lambe handed the written schedule of charges in to court. Read more Woman accused of organising prostitution faces more than 100 new charges Ms Cucoranu was already on bail and her solicitor Claire Finnegan said this could be extended to all the existing charges except for the organised crime count which the court did not have jurisdiction to deal with. Det Gda Woods said there was no objection to bail being extended to the other charges. She said the DPP directed trial on indictment on all counts. The accused, who has not yet entered pleas, was remanded in custody to appear in court again next week. In a contested bail hearing last April, Det Sgt Lambe said it was alleged the accused leased properties for the purpose of organising prostitution and operating them as brothels. They were allegedly leased using specific false documents. According to gardai, cash was lodged by the accused and subsequently transferred to three landlords. It was alleged that habitual prostitution was occurring at the properties, with more than one person operating as a prostitute at each address. The money laundering charges related to 12,000 in alleged crime proceeds. The accused, from Romania, was not married, had no children, came to Ireland in 2012 and had no employment history, Det Sgt Lambe said. He said it was a complex and protracted investigation, and there would be a significant number of witnesses - in excess of 45 vulnerable individuals working in the sex trade. Bail was granted. Under conditions, the accused was not to be involved in organised prostitution or brothel keeping and to have no contact with any sex worker subject of the charges or the wider investigation, or any landlord allegedly involved. Darryl Whelan (29) thought someone was taking photos of him when he attempted to grab the journalists microphone A drunken man made abusive gestures at a garda when he had to be removed from a court sitting, then went outside and tried to pull a microphone from a television journalists hand. Darryl Whelan (29) thought someone was taking photos of him when he attempted to grab the journalists microphone, a court heard. Fining him for public order offences, Judge Treasa Kelly said the accuseds behaviour had been very stupid given the number of gardai around Dublins Criminal Courts of Justice. Whelan, a father of one with an address at Moorfield Lawns, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to public intoxication and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street. The charges were under sections four and six of the Public Order Act. Garda David Whelan told Judge Treasa Kelly the incident happened on November 30 last year, when the accused began to cause disruption at a sitting of Dublin District Court. He had to be removed and he became abusive to the garda removing him, using various gestures and words to her, the court heard. The accused also tried to trip up another man outside a different courtroom on the ground floor. When he went outside, he tried to pull a microphone from a TV journalists hand on the courthouse steps. The incident was at the lower end of the public order scale, his lawyer said. At the time of the incident, Whelans brother had died of sudden adult death syndrome, the court heard. The accused had a lot of drink taken in a short period of time and went into court. He was very embarrassed by his behaviour. When he went outside the court, he thought someone was taking photos of him but accepted now it was a journalist working there. It all came out of drink, the lawyer said. He said the accused was on social welfare with a young child and asked the judge to be as lenient as she could in the circumstances. He was badly behaved in court, which is a very stupid thing to do with all the gardai around, Judge Kelly told the court. She fined Whelan on the breach of the peace charge and took the other into consideration. He was given five days to pay the fine and recognisances were set in the event of an appeal. Kelly Byrne (36) had previously been accused of assault causing harm, but Dublin District Court heard that charge has now been upgraded A woman has been charged with causing serious harm to a man who was allegedly injured at an apartment in Dublin. Kelly Byrne (36) is facing trial and her case was adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence when she appeared in Dublin District Court. Ms Byrne, formerly of Watermint Court, Royal Canal Park, Ashtown, is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a man at that address on October 7 last year. She had previously been accused of assault causing harm, but Dublin District Court heard that charge has now been upgraded to the more serious offence. Garda Eimear Hamill said the accused made no reply when charged and cautioned. The garda had no objection to bail on the new charge under existing terms. A state solicitor said the alleged victim was seriously injured and the DPP was directing trial on indictment and sought an adjournment. Judge Shalom Binchy set bail in the accuseds own bond of 200 with no cash lodgement required. Under conditions, Ms Byrne must live at an address at Constitution Hill, Dublin 7, sign on daily at a garda station and have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged victim. She is also to stay away from the location of the allied offence. Defence solicitor Edward Bradbury said Ms Byrne consented to the adjournment. The case was put back to a date next month. The accused has not yet entered a plea to the charge, which is under Section 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. 56-year-old Clive Weir entered not guilty plea to each of the four charges against him. A Co. Down farmer has denied money laundering and involvement in a massive cannabis factory on his land. Standing in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court, 56-year-old Clive Weir entered not guilty plea to each of the four charges against him. Weir, from the New Road in Hillsborough is charged with four offences alleged to have been committed between 14 January 2022 and 2 February 2023 including cultivating cannabis, using criminal property and two charges of converting criminal property. The cannabis farm. Photo: PSNI The charges allege that Weir used criminal property, namely funds in the sum of 184,536.66 for the purchase of fuel from Victor Walker Fuels and also that he converted criminal property by lodging 41,495 into a Bank of Ireland account and by lodging 132,571.50 into a Clear Bank bank account. Charged alongside Weir in relation to cultivating cannabis are Vietnamese brothers 39-year-old Quy Nguyen and Anh Nguyen (35), also from the New Road in Hillsborough. The brothers were not arraigned and the case against them, as well as Weir, was adjourned for a week. Some of the drugs found The charges arise following the discovery of a sophisticated cannabis factory on land belonging to Weir Speaking at the time the cannabis factory was uncovered, Detective Inspector Kelly said: "This is a large and sophisticated cannabis farm, which required searches by specialist police teams due to the size and set up. "It is clearly a well organised operation which bears the hallmarks of an organised criminal gang. "The closure of this operation will likely cause massive disruption to the criminals involved. Without warning, the attacker struck him in the face, cutting the bridge of his nose and knocking him to the ground before making off with the contents of the cash register. An elderly shopkeeper was knocked out by a thug with an uppercut whilst serving locals in a Wicklow newsagent. On Sunday evening, a masked assailant armed with a fake gun entered Kavanaghs on the Wexford Road in Arklow and attacked Patrick Paddy Kavanagh (79). The horrific incident happened at approximately 7.30pm when shopkeeper Mr Kavanagh was approached by a man in his mid-to-late 20s, covered head to toe and wielding what appeared to be a firearm. Without warning, the attacker struck him in the face, cutting the bridge of his nose and knocking him to the ground before making off with the contents of the cash register. Mr Kavanagh owner of Kavanaghs newsagents - was taken to hospital, where he endured a ten-hour wait for treatment and required several stitches to a cut on his arm. Mr Kavanagh, a beloved local figure, has served his community at the shop for almost four decades. His son, Colm, shared his anger after the attack in a post on X. My oul' fella will be 80 next birthday. Viciously assaulted in work last night, fella with a gun and a thundering right upper. Till cleared out, he said. Then ten hours waiting to be seen in a Dublin hospital. It's 2024 ffs. Simply not good enough. Forty years serving a community. He's fine, a bit bruised, a bit battered. "A few stitches, but back on the saddle. It's what he does, Colm added. A garda spokesperson said: Gardai attended an incident of robbery that occurred at approximately 7:30pm on February 4 on Wexford Road in Arklow, Co Wicklow. "One man aged in his 70s was taken to St Vincents University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries sustained as a result of this incident. No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing. Drug dealers are clearly fans of the classic1983 flick Cops in Sydneys inner city have nabbed $22.5m (14m) worth of cocaine with Al Pacinos face from Scarface stamped on the front. The 1983 classic gangster flick tells the story of a Cuban refugee who makes it big as a drug dealer in the US, before his downfall in a hail of bullets and a blizzard of marching powder. The film is a cult classic not just with movie lovers but clearly with criminals also. One man was jailed after 15kg of this Tony Montana coke was picked up last Friday. He has been refused bail. Detectives attached to the State Crime Commands Organised Crime Squad attended The Parade at Dulwich Hill just before 1pm as part of inquiries into the supply of prohibited drugs in Australia. As investigators approached a man removing a bag from the boot of a vehicle, he allegedly dropped the bag and tried to flee before being arrested. When the bag was searched, officers found an initial 1kg block of cocaine stamped with the Scarface logo. Al Pacino. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic) The 22-year-old was arrested, with a search warrant executed for a property linked to the man. Police allege a further 14kg of cocaine was found when the garage was searched. Three vehicles including an Audi RS3, and two Nissan Silvias were also seized. The Sydney man has now been charged with two counts of supply prohibited drugs. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday and has again been refused bail and has been remanded in custody to appear in Burwood Local Court in April. Organised Crime Squad commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said the arrest was the culmination of a focused investigation aimed at disrupting the supply of illicit drugs in the community. This arrest and seizure means a significant quantity of an illegal drug is now off Sydneys streets, Det Supt Faux said. The arrest demonstrates the successful and effective combination of state-of-the-art technology as well as dogged, feet-on-the-ground investigative work by my team. It also serves as a warning to those seeking to traffic illicit drugs in the community: the NSW Police is committed to identifying and arresting those involved in illegal activities and put them before the court, he said. Another person who is popular amongst gangsters worldwide is musician Phil Collins. He has also achieved cult status amongst criminals. Indeed, the shooting of Noel Roche on the Clontarf Road back in 2005 occurred after he had attended a Phil Collins gig. Roche was known to gardai and had been "coldly and clinically assassinated" outside the Yacht pub in Clontarf. Mr Roche was found shot dead in the passenger seat of a Ford Mondeo after a car chase along the seafront. It has been mentioned before that In the Air Tonight, one of Collins biggest hits strikes a chord with those about to commit a crime. Much like Scarface, criminals clearly find inspiration from diverse parts of popular culture. Net Income : Reported at $89.4 million, a decrease from $115.9 million in the same period last year. Basic EPS : Declined to $0.91 from $1.20 year-over-year. Net Financial Earnings (NFE) : Totaled $72.4 million, down from $110.3 million in the prior year. NFE per Share : Decreased to $0.74, compared to $1.14 in the same quarter of fiscal 2023. Guidance : NJR increases its fiscal 2024 NFEPS guidance range by $0.15 to $2.85 to $3.00. Business Segment Contributions: Energy Services expected to represent a higher percentage of NFEPS. On February 6, 2024, New Jersey Resources Corp (NYSE:NJR) released its 8-K filing, announcing its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024. The company, a Fortune 1000 energy services holding company, operates both regulated and nonregulated businesses, including New Jersey Natural Gas, which serves over 575,000 customers. New Jersey Resources Corp Reports Mixed Fiscal 2024 First-Quarter Results Financial Performance and Challenges NJR reported a decrease in net income and basic earnings per share (EPS) compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year. The company's net income totaled $89.4 million, or $0.91 per share, a decline from $115.9 million, or $1.20 per share, in fiscal 2023. Similarly, net financial earnings (NFE) decreased to $72.4 million, or $0.74 per share, from $110.3 million, or $1.14 per share. Despite these challenges, NJR's management remains optimistic. President and CEO Steve Westhoven commented, Our results for the first quarter were consistent with our expectations. Additionally, our performance in the beginning of our fiscal second quarter has exceeded our original projections, as Energy Services benefited from natural gas price volatility. As a result, we are raising our fiscal 2024 NFEPS guidance range by $0.15 to $2.85 to $3.00." Financial Achievements and Importance The company's decision to raise its NFEPS guidance reflects confidence in its ability to navigate the complexities of the energy market and capitalize on favorable conditions, such as price volatility in natural gas. This adjustment is significant for investors as it suggests potential for improved profitability and returns. Story continues Moreover, NJR's Energy Services segment is expected to contribute a higher percentage to the company's NFEPS, highlighting the strategic importance of this nonregulated operation in the company's overall financial health. Key Financial Metrics and Analysis NJR's financial achievements are underscored by a detailed analysis of its income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. The company reported an increase in delivery rates of $222.6 million, which is a critical metric for the regulated utility industry as it directly impacts revenue. However, the company faced headwinds with a decrease in utility gross margin contributions from its Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) incentive programs, which fell to $5.4 million from $8.7 million in the previous year, largely due to lower natural gas prices and reduced weather volatility. From a balance sheet perspective, NJR continues to focus on maintaining a strong financial profile, which is essential for supporting its capital expenditures and ensuring the company's ability to fund its operations and growth initiatives. Overall, while NJR faces challenges such as lower net income and NFE, the company's proactive management and strategic focus on its Energy Services segment, along with its increased NFEPS guidance, provide a balanced view of its financial performance and future prospects. For more detailed information and financial tables, investors are encouraged to review the full 8-K filing released by New Jersey Resources Corp. Conclusion In conclusion, New Jersey Resources Corp's first-quarter fiscal 2024 results present a mixed picture, with declines in net income and EPS but an optimistic outlook as evidenced by the raised NFEPS guidance. The company's strategic focus on its Energy Services segment and its ability to adapt to market conditions are key factors that will continue to influence its financial performance. Value investors and potential GuruFocus.com members interested in the regulated utilities sector may find NJR's proactive approach and financial resilience to be of particular interest. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from New Jersey Resources Corp for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Despite needing a double mastectomy, the mother-of-four is adamant her main focus is getting her daughter better Margaret Walshs daughter Sinead was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 13, in June 2022. But soon after she got the news about her youngest child, Ms Walsh discovered she had breast cancer. Despite needing a double mastectomy, the mother-of-four is adamant her main focus is getting her daughter better. Sinead got sick at the end of May 2022, I brought her to hospital, but they thought she just had an infection, said Ms Walsh (48). But I kept fighting because I knew there was something seriously wrong with her. I just knew in my heart that she had leukaemia, and she was diagnosed then on Friday, June 24, in Galway, The family arrived at the St Johns Ward in Crumlin Childrens Hospital on Sunday night. She went into surgery on Tuesday to have a Hickman Line surgery to her chest so that she could have all the medication she needed administered that way. The Walsh family thought theyd gotten over the worst of it when Sinead left hospital after 10 days. However, she developed diabetes from one of the steroids and was diagnosed with sepsis. Sinead ended up in the intensive care unit in Crumlin. That had a huge impact on our family, said Ms Walsh, who lives with her husband Brendan (50) and their four children Joseph (22), Ciara (21), Sarah (17), and Sinead (14) in Cornfield, Hollymount, Co Mayo. My husband Brendan and I were at Sineads side up in Crumlin for an awful lot of the summer, and our other three children were at home, trying to keep the farm going. Ms Walsh is a member of An Garda Siochana and her husband Brendan is a farmer as well as Sineads carer. She praised her neighbours and the Cornfield community who stepped in to help them and were very good to them. We drove out the gate that Sunday evening and all our neighbours in our community organised so that the girls wouldnt be on their own at home and that they always had food and dinners. My son was working away from home at the time. They helped with all the farm work that we needed while we were able to concentrate on Sinead. But soon after, Sinead developed a spine infection. Her mobility was very poor, and they had to actually stop chemotherapy because her poor body wasnt able for it all, so our lives were just on pause for all of this. Sinead started immunotherapy in July, and it worked wonders for her, Ms Walsh said. They said Sinead was going to miss out on a year of school and that she would have mobility issues, so she was devastated over that. Sinead was adamant she wanted to go back to Ballinrobe Community School, and she did in September. She literally wobbled on to the school bus, barely able to walk, but she was quite determined that she wasnt going to let the leukaemia stop her. The teenager is still undergoing her treatment but is doing pretty good and is hoping to do her mock Junior Cert exams this week. I was administering her chemotherapy at home so that we could keep her home. She has her heart set on just being a normal teenager, and she wants to sit her exams the same as everybody else. Ms Walsh also had to deal with her own breast cancer diagnosis. I had a spot on my left breast, and I went to my local doctor, she removed it, but it came back after Christmas. Her doctor referred her to a clinic in Galway in February last year, where she had a mammogram and an ultrasound. They were actually all clear, would you believe that? But the professor did a biopsy, and as I was walking out the door that day, he said, Dont worry about a thing. Your mammogram and ultrasound are all clear, so just go and get your daughter better. One week later, my phone rang it was the clinic wanting to know if I could be down the next morning. Ms Walsh drove to the clinic with her husband without their kids knowing. We were trying to sneak out so the kids wouldnt realise we were going to a hospital for me. They would have thought I was going to work. The professor initially thought Ms Walsh had LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) and decided to do a lumpectomy on her left breast. When the results came in, he upgraded it to a PLCIS (pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ). After the second lumpectomy, the doctor told her that the left breast was gone. I had to have a mastectomy, the PLCIS was all through the tissue, that six centimetres theyd removed. They had to assume that it was in the remote area of the left breast. While there was no sign of anything on the right breast, the doctor told Ms Walsh she was at high risk and would need to come to the clinic every six months for monitoring. But I wasnt happy with that. I could leave it for now, but then down the road, Id have to do it all again. So I just said no, I want a double mastectomy. He said, Are you sure?, and I went: We have a child to get better. I dont have time for any of this. Ms Walsh acknowledged she was very fortunate the cancer was caught so early. A lot of women have dense breast tissue, thats why it often isnt caught until its too late. Somebody was looking down on me. I was caught very early by accident it turns out the spot on my left breast has nothing to do with it. Its a different type of cancer. I had no lumps, no bumps, no tumours. Its lobular, so it doesnt show up on mammograms and ultrasounds, so its shocking. The cancer is just sitting there at the moment, Im not stage three or four, but its like it could be activated anytime. Ms Walsh will have her double mastectomy next week on February 14. Theyll test the tissue after its all removed. And, please God, Id be able to draw a line under it, and I wont need chemotherapy or radiation. But were positive, its the only way to be. Ms Walsh said that her family had received great support from the Irish Cancer Society. They have support for people on St Johns Ward in Crumlin that come in because we were shell-shocked. We barely knew our own names at this stage because it was just such a whirlwind. They had all the paperwork, and we didnt have to worry about anything, and they were there to talk to us. They give us support through the family groups and the family holidays. And we were able to just be a family and forget about cancer for a little while because we knew the Irish Cancer Society had our backs. She also spoke of the financial support they received from the charity as that having a family member diagnosed with cancer is very expensive. We live in the west of Ireland, were up and down to Crumlin the whole time and between diesel and tyres, tolls and even food, its just a savage amount of money to be spent every week. The Irish Cancer Society has a fund that can provide a 3,000 grant for families going through childhood cancer. You can find out more about this years Irish Cancer Societys Daffodil Day here The hugely-popular influencer, who gave birth to Cash in December, took to social media to share the tragic update on her son TikTok star Kimberley Summer Hartley, who is known as Veruca Salt to her fans, has revealed the heart-breaking news that her one-month-old baby son Cash has died. The hugely-popular influencer, who gave birth to Cash in December, took to social media to share the tragic update on her son. In a Instagram post she revealed that Cash Harrison Stirling had died in his sleep on Monday but she doesn't know what happened. It is with a heavy heart that I'm writing this. My baby died in his sleep on Monday morning, she wrote. I don't know what happened, he is having an autopsy this week but it is unlikely that I'll ever have an answer. I'm just saying this because people are still commenting on my TikToks saying how happy I look with him and just wait for the toddler stage and stuff, and I really can't take it anymore. I'm really sorry. Originally from New Zealand, Salt who has more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, has lived in Australia since age three. Veruca Salt She had been documenting her pregnancy and her life as a new mother on social media. Last week, she created and posted a montage on TikTok that showed her cradling Cash. She revealed his name was Cash and hers was Mummy. "I knew he needed me, and I needed him too," she said. She captioned the video: "My perfect gorgeous angel baby." The social media star said her son was the size of the grape. Queensland Police are reportedly investigating the baby's death. Police were called to a Southport unit at 6.13am yesterday, Monday February 5, a police statement to Daily Mail Australia reads. In September, Veruca said she had recently moved into a share house on the Gold Coast after returning from London. "He was idolised by his nanny Joan and his grandad Albert. He loved his sisters Chloe and Amy and he was always there for them and they looked up to him. Hundreds of mourners who gathered at the funeral of Daryl Culbert (21), were told about a young man, passionate about cars and a "quiet spoken chap, with a cheeky grin and a loveable glint in his eye". Mr Culbert and his friends Katie Graham (19) and Michael Kelly (25) lost their lives in a road traffic collision in Carlow last week. The funeral mass of Ms Graham also took place earlier today. The community of Kiltegan in Co Wicklow, rallied around the family, with a number of cross cars parked outside the entrance to the church. When St Peter's Church in the town had filled with mourners, the rest of the crowds gathered outside the church to pay their respects, listening to the service over the speakers that had been placed in the grounds of the chapel. Daryl Culbert's coffin is carried from St Peter's Church after his funeral service in Kiltegan. Picture Credit: Frank McGrath5/2/24 With a deep breath, Mr Culbert's father, Trevor delivered an emotional eulogy, in which he described his son as his best friend. "Daryl was one of a kind. Such a gentle, placid, solid chap," Trevor Culbert said. "He was idolised by his nanny Joan and his grandad Albert. He loved his sisters Chloe and Amy and he was always there for them and they looked up to him. "Daryl was not only my son, but he was my best friend as well. We did absolutely everything together. "He loved and adored his mum, Heather. Daryl, we will love you forever and we will never forget you," he said. During the eulogy, Mr Culbert told those who gathered about his son's love of cars and how he was training to become a mechanic. "Daryl's passion in life was cars. He was a trainee mechanic which he started in my garage from an early age. "He recently started phase two of his apprenticeship in Finglas training centre. Daryl's knowledge as a first year trainee was second to none. His knowledge and interest was all down to his love of cars," Mr Culbert said. An accomplished autocross and cross kart driver, those who gathered heard of the young man's many achievements and trophies he had won, including being awarded All Ireland Junior Special Autocross Champion and driver of the year on two occasions. "This was a passion we both shared, and we developed an unbreakable bond. We would spend endless hours in the workshop preparing his car," Mr Culbert told mourners. Mr Culbert told how his family's thoughts were also with the relatives of Ms Graham and Mr Kelly, as well as the family of Nathan Kelly, who was hospitalised after the collision. "This is a very difficult time, for not just our family, but for the families of Katie, Michael and Nathan. They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Mr Culbert said. He also thanked the emergency services and gardai for their help. He also gave his thanks to members of the clergy, neighbours and friends for their support since the crash. Luas services were delayed Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) came to the rescue of a Mercedes-Benz E Class driver who got their car stuck on a Luas track last night. The incident happened near the South Dublin 12 district of Dolphins Barn. Images published today show the silver saloon vehicle stranded on the track with its lights still on. A back door and the boot were also wedged open. Car stuck on Luas There was disruption to tram services last night as Dolphins Barn firefighters were called to an unusual road traffic incident, a Dublin Fire Brigade Spokesperson said. A vehicle was stuck on the tram tracks and services were able to resume following recovery and an inspection of the line. It is not known how the driver managed to end up caught out in such a position but it is possible they drove the wrong way and then panicked. Van fire In a separate incident, DFB attended and put out a blazing people carrier on fire in the Tallaght area. Gardai also attended the incident. "If you see a vehicle fire, call 999/112 and ask for the Fire Brigade. Keep a safe distance away, a DFB spokesperson said. Michael lost his life alongside his two friends while Nathan Kelly was hospitalised after the collision The third young victim of the road traffic collision in Carlow last week will be laid to rest later today, following the funerals of Daryl Culbert (21) and Katie Graham (19) yesterday afternoon The funeral cortege of Michael Kelly (25) will arrive at St Brigids Church, Hacketstown for 1pm Requiem Mass after which he will be laid to rest with his grandparents in Hacketstown Cemetery. Michael lost his life alongside his two friends while Nathan Kelly was hospitalised after the collision. According his RIP.ie page, Michael, of An Mainteach, Newtown Road, Nurney, Co Carlow who died suddenly is predeceased by his loving dad Michael, grandparents Mick (Kelly) and Peg and Bill (Byrne). Sadly missed by his heartbroken mother Rita, brother Jordan, girlfriend Sasha, uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends, the notice reads. In the condolences section one person has written: Sorry to hear the sad news about Michael. May he rest in peace. The funeral of Daryl Culbert Another adds: Deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful son. Words cannot express the heartbreak you are going through, but it was clear he was much loved and thought of by so many. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Another has offered heartfelt condolences to Michaels mother Rita, brother Jordan, extended family, friends and colleagues. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael when he worked on the school extension last year and are all saddened to hear of his passing. He was a lovely young man and a credit to his family. Rest in peace Michael. One other person said they were thinking of you especially Rita at this most terrible time. It is simply impossible to imagine the pain and grief you are experiencing. May you find some solace and comfort in the love and support of friends and the cherished memories of your beloved son. Yesterday, hundreds of mourners who gathered at the funeral of Daryl Culbert were told about a young man, passionate about cars and a "quiet spoken chap, with a cheeky grin and a loveable glint in his eye". The community of Kiltegan in Co Wicklow, rallied around the family, with a number of cross cars parked outside the entrance to the church. When St Peter's Church in the town had filled with mourners, the rest of the crowds gathered outside the church to pay their respects, listening to the service over the speakers that had been placed in the grounds of the chapel. With a deep breath, Mr Culbert's father, Trevor delivered an emotional eulogy, in which he described his son as his best friend. "Daryl was one of a kind. Such a gentle, placid, solid chap," Trevor Culbert said. "He was idolised by his nanny Joan and his grandad Albert. He loved his sisters Chloe and Amy and he was always there for them and they looked up to him. "Daryl was not only my son, but he was my best friend as well. We did absolutely everything together. "He loved and adored his mum, Heather. Daryl, we will love you forever and we will never forget you," he said. During the eulogy, Mr Culbert told those who gathered about his son's love of cars and how he was training to become a mechanic. "Daryl's passion in life was cars. He was a trainee mechanic which he started in my garage from an early age. "He recently started phase two of his apprenticeship in Finglas training centre. Daryl's knowledge as a first year trainee was second to none. His knowledge and interest was all down to his love of cars," Mr Culbert said. An accomplished autocross and cross kart driver, those who gathered heard of the young man's many achievements and trophies he had won, including being awarded All Ireland Junior Special Autocross Champion and driver of the year on two occasions. "This was a passion we both shared, and we developed an unbreakable bond. We would spend endless hours in the workshop preparing his car," Mr Culbert told mourners. Mr Culbert told how his family's thoughts were also with the relatives of Ms Graham and Mr Kelly, as well as the family of Nathan Kelly, who was hospitalised after the collision. "This is a very difficult time, for not just our family, but for the families of Katie, Michael and Nathan. They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Mr Culbert said. He also thanked the emergency services and gardai for their help. He also gave his thanks to members of the clergy, neighbours and friends for their support since the crash. Mourners gathered at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arles in Co Laois for the Requiem Mass of Katie Graham heard how the 19-year-old had left behind a store of happy memories in all of your hearts. Tears echoed throughout the pews as the lyrics to Jealous of the Angels, Forever Young and The Scripts Breakeven rung out during the funeral service. Katie was remembered as a kind and thoughtful young girl, with a great sense of humour and fun, and an eagerness to do good and kind deeds for anyone at the drop of a hat. She grew up in a loving home and it was there that she developed some of the interests and hobbies that shaped her life, Fr Padraig Shelly, parish priest, told family and friends in attendance. Although the woman twice contacted the company to alert them to the incident, she noticed the same product was still on the shelves a week later A Co Fermanagh home bakery company that mislabelled a carrot cake by leaving out that it had peanuts in it, has been handed fines totalling 1,750. MM Home Bakery Ltd was also ordered to pay 362 towards the costs of Newry and Mourne District Council bringing the prosecution at Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry. The company, with an address on Main Street in Lisnaskea, entered guilty pleas to two of the four charges against them admitting that on March 25, last year, at VivoXtra in Banbridge, it had placed unsafe food on the market in that the said food contained known allergens and you failed to provide this information to the consumer and also that they had sold or offered or displayed or exposed for sale food namely Melting Moments Home Bakery Frosted Carrot Cakes which falsely described the food or was likely to mislead as to the nature or substance or quality of the food. Opening the facts of the case prosecution counsel told the court how the victim suffers from a peanut allergy so having checked the label, she bought herself the frosted carrot cake but after she ate it, she immediately started to feel symptoms of an allergic reaction to such a degree that she had to go to A&E. Although she twice contacted the company to alert them to the incident, she noticed the same product was still on the shelves a week later so this time, she contacted the environmental health department at the council and arising from that, there was a product recall on April 14. Their investigation and a questionnaire sent to the defendant company established that the recipe for the carrot cake had been changed in 2021, replacing walnuts with peanuts but the labelling was not altered. The barrister told Deputy District Judge Alan White the council had asked him to highlight the carrot cake had been on the market without being properly labelled for two years which presented as a risk to the consumer and also that the lady who suffered an allergic reaction had alerted the bakery twice but nothing was done until the council became involved. The court heard that having been in business for more than 20 years, MM Home Bakery Limited has 151 different product lines, distributes 4,000 units a week and has three members of staff two full-time and one part-time. Defence counsel Kevin Magill told the court the part-time member of staff was in charge of the labelling and it appeared that when the recipe was changed, that particular member of staff was off work at the time. It had a generic may contain nuts [label] but unfortunately, peanuts are not nuts, theyre a legume, said the barrister. He said however that the company apologises to the victim and it was an indication of how serious the company take the charges that two out of the three staff members had attended court personally. Imposing the fines and court costs, DJ White said Im sure that many of us know somebody who has suffered very badly from an allergic reaction and revealed that sadly, he knew someone who had died as a result of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Karolina Shiino relinquished her title after weeks of heated public debate on her eligibility Ukraine-born Miss Japan relinquished her title following a tabloid report that she was having an affair with a married man and weeks of heated public debate on her eligibility. Karolina Shiino, 26, was crowned Miss Japan almost two weeks ago, sparking discussions about her heritage and what constitutes traditional Japanese beauty ideals. The controversy escalated when Shukan Bunshun published allegations of her relationship with a married influencer and doctor, leading to public backlash. The organisers of the pageant initially defended her and said that Miss Shiino was unaware of the mans marital status. Miss Japan Association believes there was no fault on the part of Karolina Shiino, it said on its website. Later, though, they confirmed that she had continued the relationship even after knowing about the mans marital status. In a statement on Monday, the Miss Japan Association said they had accepted Ms Shiinos request to relinquish the title and offered deep apologies to sponsors, judges and other stakeholders. The association said the title of Miss Japan will remain vacant for the rest of the year after Ms Shiinos decision. Karolina Shiino Ms Shiinos agency, Free Wave, announced on its website on Monday that the man involved in the scandal, who was not named in any media outlets, initially claimed to be single so Ms Shiino continued the relationship. The agency also accepted her proposal to terminate her contract with them. She was the first person of European descent to win the top prize in the contest dedicated to crowning a representation of the foremost beauty of all Japanese women. Ms Shiino was born to Ukrainian parents and grew up in Nagoya, central Japan, after coming to the country at age 5. On her Instagram on Monday, Ms Shiino apologised to her followers and said: I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me. She said that she had been unable to speak the truth due to confusion and fear. After winning the crown, she said in an interview with the Japan Times that growing up she had struggled with her identity. All my life Ive been told Im not Japanese enough, both directly and indirectly, but I know I am Japanese. I cant help it. Nobody has the right to tell me Im not, she said. I dont think its one thing that makes you Japanese. What I do know is that its a matter of the heart, she added. If a person thinks she is Japanese, then she is. About 400 mourners, many wearing pink due to Lisas cancer battle, attended the service. Dublin Housewives star, Roz Flanagan and solicitor Gerald Kean at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin A mourner holds the mass booklet at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Michael Flatley and his wife Niamh pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Michael Flatley consoles a mourner pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin DEVASTATED Michael Flatley broke down in tears at the funeral of his former fiancee Lisa Murphy in Dublin today. The famed dancer wept with uncontrollable grief when Lisas coffin was carried shoulder high at the end of the service in Ballinteer in south Dublin. Flatley was accompanied by his wife Niamh, and after the service he gave emotional hugs to several members of Lisas family near the hearse. Lisa (51), died last Thursday after a six-year battle against cancer. Michael Flatley and his wife Niamh pictured this morning at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ballinteer at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin The star, who himself is battling cancer, left the grounds of the church a short time later with Niamh in a chauffeured people carrier. Celebrity lawyer Gerald Kean, who was also engaged to Lisa during a 10-year-relationship which ended in 2016, was composed at the service, but he did put his arm around his daughter Kirsten at one stage after she became emotional during a sad hymn near the end. About 400 mourners, many wearing pink due to Lisas cancer battle, attended the service. Lisa Murphy's loved ones carry her coffin. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Among well-known faces at the mass in St John the Evangelist church were Lisas fellow Dublin Wives star Roz Flanagan, Virgin Media presenter Martin King and his photographer wife Jenny King, boxer Jim Rock and former Dragons Den star Niall OFarrell. Lisas other two Dublin Wives co-stars, Danielle Meagher and Virginia Macari, are both living abroad and were unable to make the service. The former model, TV star and salon owner was later laid to rest in Mount Venus cemetery, with many mourners attending the family-organised reception at the Goat pub in Goatstown. Dublin Housewives star, Roz Flanagan and solicitor Gerald Kean at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Remembering Ms Murphy at her funeral, her brother Noel said she was the perfect child and recalled how she helped her parents care for her late brother Paul, who had special needs. "In my mums own words, God love her, she always had to be good, he said. "In her 51 years, Lisa lived a life so full of love and energy, that was so vibrant that everyone who came in contact with her instantly fell in love with her. Lisa Murphy "Lisa was born to be a mother, but although she wasnt blessed with her own children, she most definitely had six children in her nieces and nephews. "They absolutely adored her beyond words. Lisa was always on hand to spoil them on every occasion, from beautiful designer baby clothes and gifts, but more importantly her undivided attention, advice, love and famous auntie Lisa hugs. He recalled Ms Murphys visits to St Vincents Hospital during her battle with cancer and said though they were difficult days, she always put a smile on the faces of the staff. "Last year after a very long, hard stay in hospital, we remember a nurse who hadnt seen Lisa for a few months, worryingly telling Lisa she had lost a lot of weight. "Lisas face beamed and lit up and was quick to reply why thank you nurse, taking it as a great compliment. Kira was also quick to point out it was most definitely not a compliment. Michael Flatley revealed last week he was aware of Murphys illness and had visited her in St Vincents Hospital in Dublin earlier this week. They were engaged for a time in the early 2000s. A mourner holds the mass booklet at the funeral of Lisa Murphy. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin She was a lovely, caring person. I got the call from her father, Des, early this morning with the news. Its very, very sad. God rest her soul, he said last week. Murphy had worked as a model before becoming a TV personality on various reality programmes. She had starred in fly-on-the-wall TV series Dublin Wives. Gerald Kean was another who offered sympathy to the family and friends of his former fiancee. Its devastating news, he said. She was a wonderful lady. She was a big part of my life and also in particular of my daughters. The broadcaster went ahead after Andrew pleaded with ex-BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis to insert it The BBC nearly decided not to broadcast the Duke of Yorks derided Pizza Express alibi over allegations he had sex with Virginia Giuffre to save him from ridicule. The broadcaster went ahead after the hapless Prince Andrew pleaded with ex-BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis to insert it in a second interview after failing to mention it the first time round, because he was convinced it would get him off the hook. Ms Maitlis has revealed how after initially considering rejecting the request, the BBC restarted the interview in Buckingham Palace in which Prince Andrew denied claims he had sex with Ms Giuffre. She was 17 at the time and had been trafficked by his tycoon friend, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The former Newsnight host said she eventually agreed to Prince Andrews request partly to avoid a repeat of the Diana interview fiasco, where the corporations Martin Bashir was accused of manipulating the then-Princess of Wales. Speaking on the Desperately Seeking Wisdom mental health podcast to Craig Oliver, David Camerons former No 10 spin doctor, Ms Maitlis revealed new details of the car crash interview in 2019. In it, he said he could not have had sex with Ms Giuffre in London on March 10, 2001 as alleged, because he had taken his daughter to a birthday party at the Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey. Ms Giuffre also claimed they attended Tramp nightclub together and recalled Prince Andrew being sweaty as they danced. But he said it could not have been him as he was unable to sweat at the time as a result of trauma caused by serving in the Falklands War. Ms Maitlis disclosed how the Pizza Express alibi, which prompted worldwide mockery, was delivered in effect as an afterthought when the duke asked her to start the cameras rolling again. She said: He wanted to insert that afterwards. I said to him, is there anything you havent had a chance to say? He said oh actually, I didnt give you my alibi. And he told us about the Pizza Express thing. We said, but youve answered all the questions and explained that youd never met Virginia Giuffre. He said, Yes, but the reason I couldnt have been there was because I was in my car taking my daughter to Pizza Express in Woking. We let him record that again but it was complicated. I thought if we dont include it we havent included something really important for the interviewee to make known. And if we do include it it sounds ridiculous. Ms Maitlis explained her dilemma: He had asked for it to be included - but does he get the final say? Because it was clearly going to make him look ridiculous. The BBC faced a moral battle, she said. In the end we decided if we had told the Palace it would be part of the interview we had to include it. Particularly in the light of the Diana interview fiasco (involving Bashir) we thought we had got to be transparent. If we have said is there anything you want included? and they have said that (that they did want it included) we had to (put it) in. She described her incredulity at the princes conduct in the interview: Im not sure he heard it the same way those of us in the room heard it. He thought his alibis were self-explanatory, that he had convinced us he couldnt sweat or hadnt been at the club or had been at Pizza Express. Prince Andrew, whose reputation has never recovered from the interview, still vehemently denies all allegations made against him by Ms Giuffre. In the part inserted at his request, he said: I was with the children and Id taken Beatrice to a Pizza Express in Woking for a party at 4pm or 5pm. Asked why he would remember a meal at Pizza Express 18 years later, he replied: Because going to Pizza Express in Woking is a very unusual thing for me to do ... Ive only been to Woking a couple of times and I remember it weirdly distinctly. Thats just strange, weird and dumb: Canadian mans wife wont leave the house even though the marriage is headed for divorce. Dave Ramsey cant stop laughing at the ridiculous situation The matrimonial home is commonly a key asset that couples fight over in divorce battles. But what happens when one partner simply doesnt want to leave the house once the relationship has ended? Jake, 24, from Ontario, Canada, recently found himself in this seemingly impossible situation. On an episode of The Ramsey Show, he described how his marriage was on the verge of ending, but his wife wanted to stay in the house with him after the separation to raise their 18-month-old son. Dont miss Dave Ramsey was gobsmacked by the suggestion. You know when you say out loud, were going to get a divorce and live in the same house as roommates, thats just strange, weird and dumb, he told Jake. Although Ramsey thinks the concept of post-divorce cohabitation is asinine and laughable, a growing number of people are considering this option as they face a grueling housing market. Heres why he might have missed the mark with his advice. The cost of living crisis Jake said his wife doesnt have a college degree and that she would struggle to find work or a place to live if they separated. The way the market is right now, even renting a home would be super hard for her, he said. For context, Jake resides in Ontario, where the housing market is exceptionally unaffordable right now. The vacancy rate for rental units across the province was just 1.8% as of October 2022, according to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In Toronto, Ontarios largest city, a one-bedroom condo costs upwards of $2,521 Canadian dollars (or $1,875 USD) a month to rent, according to Rentals.ca. Story continues Meanwhile, the average selling price for a condo in the Toronto area was $716,145 (or $533,000 USD), in the third quarter of 2023, according to TRREB. A similar trend is playing out in the U.S., as mortgage rates rise and house prices remain beyond the reach of the average American. Even celebrities like Kevin Costner claim they are struggling to get their partners to leave after divorce. It would appear that post-divorce cohabitation is another trend Ramsey has arguably missed, along with rising daycare costs and the lack of affordable housing. Nevertheless, he offered Jake advice on how to navigate this tricky situation. Read more: Don't miss out: Jeff Bezos reveals the secret to prime real estate profits say goodbye to landlord headaches Two solutions Ramsey recommended Jake and his wife continue to see a marriage counselor to help them deal with their issues. An attempt to make the marriage work could be best for them. If you guys staying in the same house involves healing your marriage, Im all for it, Ramsey told Jake. However, if that fails, he strongly recommended they sell the house and move into individual apartments. Jakes son, Ramsey said, does not need to be raised by divorced parents living in the same house together. Thats so freaking weird and psychologically damaging to your son. No! Researchers have looked into the impacts of marital conflict on childrens development. A study from the University of Massachusetts found destructive conflict resolution styles, such as hostility and marital withdrawal, negatively affect childrens emotional well-being, leading to anger, worry and sadness. Another study from the Arabian Gulf University found that children who grow up in high-conflict families might have issues with self-esteem, trust, managing emotions and maintaining relationships. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Waiata has been filling the offices of Rau Ora, Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty in Whakatane, as the team welcomes its newest appointments. Chief Executive Bryce Sheedy, Clinical Advisor Dr Sean Cardinal, and Trustee Matt McKevitt met several the staff and volunteers theyll be working with, to provide a high standard of palliative care for the community earlier last week. Chair Toni Owen says it set the tone for what lies ahead under Bryces leadership. It was special to be able to gather our new team and their families with our Hospice EBOP community to mark this important occasion, and to fill the room with optimism about our next chapter. We are really pleased to have someone of Bryces calibre stepping into the Chief Executive role. We are confident that well be able to build from our strong position with him at the helm, as he is supported by our new team members as well as those joining us again in 2024. Members of the Bay of Plenty healthcare community also joined Bryce Sheedy, Sean Cardinal, and Matt McKevitts loved ones. This includes guests from Te Whatu Ora, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, Rotorua Hospice and other agencies. Its been amazing to be embraced by our colleagues from within Hospice EBOP, as well as the healthcare community around us, so warmly," says Bryce. "The work that the organisation does is so crucial, and I am really looking forward to getting my feet under the desk and supporting our dedicated teams in Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau." Bryce Sheedy has previously worked in various governance and healthcare roles, including serving as a Manager at Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty. Most recently, he has worked as the Operations Manager at local mental health and disability support service Pou Whakaaro. Sean Cardinal is an experienced palliative expert who most recently worked in Anchorage Hospices in Alaska. He takes on a transitional position of Clinical Advisor after migrating to New Zealand with his wife. Matt McKevitt joins the Board of Trustees, bringing a wealth of strategic foresight and operational discipline. Toni says his proven experience in developing long-term strategies that balance ambition with caution will be an asset to the Hospice EBOP team. Our priority is always the patients who need the care including the equipment that we provide, on their final journeys, as well as supporting their families, says Toni. With our skilled staff, as well as the leadership from our Board and Chief Executive, we are feeling really positive about what well be able to deliver for our community. Interim General Manager Rawinia Kamau who has led the organisation since September 2023 will remain on in a transitional role to support Bryce and the team, before joining the Board as a Trustee later this year. Her leadership has been instrumental in setting us up for success in 2024, and were grateful shell continue giving her time and her knowledge to support our Eastern Bay of Plenty whanau this year, says Toni. Renowned New Zealand education leadership and policy leader, Professor Martin Thrupp, is being remembered for his legacy following a memorial service held on Thursday. Martin passed away at the age of 59, on January 3, with a memorial service held a month later at the Te Whare Tapere Iti, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, on February 1. A distinguished career spanning over 25 years at the University of Waikato, Martin was a pivotal leader and played a crucial role in Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education. Described by his colleagues as a kind and generous supporter of students and colleagues, Martin demonstrated the strength and courage to challenge policies that may result in any form of inequality. He was a mentor to his students and emerging academics, empowering those around him with constant wisdom, guidance, and support. He was also an inspiration and well-respected colleague and friend to many in the academic world. Martin led national and international research projects. He had a keen interest in developing more socially and politically contextualised approaches to education leadership, the influence of social class on school processes and the nature and impact of school reforms in New Zealand and England. "His legacy in education leaves an indelible mark, and he will be greatly missed by everyone in Te Kura Toi Tangata and across the University," says one of his colleagues. Martin was diagnosed with cancer in January 2022 and passed away in hospice care. A private funeral was held with family and friends followed by the memorial service last week. Professor Sally Peters says since the beginning of Martins career, he focused on research that makes a difference and has provided informed comment on educational reforms, policy and practice in New Zealand and internationally. Martin had a keen interest in developing more socially and politically contextualised approaches to education leadership, the influence of social class on school processes and the nature and impact of school reforms in New Zealand and England. His insights, knowledge, experience, opinions and gentle good humour will be greatly missed, says Professor Peters. The early days Martins teaching career as a secondary school teacher began in Levin and Porirua before he joined University of Waikato in 1995 as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Education Studies in the School of Education. Emeritus Professor Noeline Alcorn, who appointed him as a Lecturer and continued to work with him up until her own retirement, describes Martin as a gifted academic with a strong sense of social justice. His high-level policy analysis was grounded in empirical research and genuine engagement with schools and teachers, says Noeline. He was a constructive and generous colleague whose wit, initiative and contributions to public debate on issues of inequality in education will be sorely missed. Professor Martin Thrupp receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Turku Finland in 2022. Photo: Supplied. Martin moved to the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, working as a Reader in Education Policy at Kings College London and Senior Lecturer in Education Management and Leadership at the University College London. He returned to the University of Waikato in 2006 and held Professorial roles in the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research and then in Faculty of Education where he chaired the Policy, Cultural & Social Studies Department, and later was Head of School for Te Whiringa School of Educational Leadership and Policy. Waikato PhD student and Teaching Fellow, Jade Wrathall followed Martins legacy for years, admitting she was excited to meet him in 2019. Martin became Jades supervisor and supported her through publishing, marking and teaching, and both tutorial and lecture presentations. He always advocated for me and is most likely one of the reasons why I am working as a Teaching Fellow at the University, says Jade. While Martin was many things to many people, he will always be a taonga, a special treasure that was taken far too soon. Kua hinga te totara o Te Waonui a Tane; moe mai ra, e te rangatira. Beyond academia Martins influence extended beyond academia, Martin gained recognition among New Zealand school principals as the author of The Search for Better Educational Standards A Cautionary Tale, a critique of the National Standards policy. Associate Dean of Research for the School of Education, Professor Bronwen Cowie says Martin also co-authored works on Finnish education, including 'Finlands Famous Education System - Unvarnished Insights into Finnish Schooling' and The Professional Practice of Teaching in New Zealand, with colleagues from around New Zealand. He also edited collections about New Zealand education policy, published in 1999, 2010 and 2017. "Researchers at the University of Waikato and nationally have benefited from his mentoring and encouragement, she says. Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alister Jones says Martin was an excellent teacher and researcher but also was a person who connected with the profession and communicated his research outcomes to policymakers and practitioners to make an impact with school leaders and teachers. He was a regular commentator on key issues affecting education policy nationally and internationally. Projects and accolades Martin led national and international research projects, including his significant role as co-director in a five-nation EU-funded project. His latest research won the RAINS (Research, Analysis and Insight into National Standards) project contract, to study the impact of National Standards in six primary schools. In 2016, Martin was awarded the McKenzie Award from the New Zealand Association of Research Excellence and in 2022, Martin was presented an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Turku, Finland. He was lauded by the New Zealand Tertiary Education Union for promoting academic freedom and was a columnist for the principal magazine of the New Zealand Principals Federation. Martin was a person of great wit, integrity and humility. He has left an important legacy to education in this country, and he will be greatly missed by everyone in Te Kura Toi Tangata and across the University. New Zealand Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Davies joined the thousands in attendance at Te Whare Runanga for the Waitangi Day Dawn Service. Attendees have been joining together in song, contemplation and prayer, as Aotearoa New Zealand marks 184 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ the Treaty of Waitangi. During the service, Dame Cindy read from He Waiata Whakamoemiti. At the Governor-Generals traditional Waitangi Day lunch gathering, she addressed the Diplomatic Corps. "Your Excellencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps, spouses and partners - tena koutou katoa, my very warmest welcome to this afternoons Waitangi Day luncheon. "I wish to specifically acknowledge rangatira of the Waitangi National Trust in attendance, who act as guardians and ambassadors of these beautiful grounds and all that they represent. People gathered at the Waitangi Day Dawn Service at Waitangi. Photo: Supplied. "I also acknowledge Rachel Hayward, Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council; Joe Harawira, Kaumatua; Ranui Ngarimu, Kuia; and all our distinguished guests gathered here today. "I understand that this is the first time the Diplomatic Corps has been hosted by a Governor-General at the Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day, along with the Waitangi National Trust." The Governor-General went on to say that this is a historic moment. "And one that I hope provides members of our Diplomatic Corps an opportunity to korero with rangatira who possess such a deep understanding of the history and significance of this special place," says Dame Cindy. "I know many of you have been to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds before, but I wish to offer a special welcome to those visiting for the first time - including those four ambassadors whose credentials I had the pleasure of receiving just a few days ago. I also welcome those who have travelled here from embassies overseas. New Zealand Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Davies joined the thousands in attendance at Te Whare Runanga for the Waitangi Day Dawn Service. Photo: Supplied. "I hope you enjoyed the experience of your powhiri at Te Whare Runanga on Sunday. I am told that the whaikorero, the speeches, were delivered in the spirit of mana manaaki - upholding the dignity of that sacred place. I am also informed that your singing is up to the usual high standard we have come to expect of our Diplomatic Corps." The Governor-Generals traditional Waitangi Day gathering has previously been known as the Bledisloe Reception, in honour of one of Dame Cindy's predecessors, Lord Bledisloe. "It was Lord Bledisloe, in his own generosity and foresight, who purchased these grounds on behalf of New Zealand - understanding, as he did, their central place in the history of this nation," says Dame Cindy. "Today holds particular significance, as it was ninety years ago, on Waitangi Day 1934, that Lord Bledisloe formally gifted these grounds back to the people of New Zealand. "In his speech on that day, he expressed his fervent hope and prayer that peace, harmony, and righteousness may always reign within these walls." New Zealand Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at the Waitangi Day Dawn Service. Photo: Supplied. The Governor-Gemeral says todays historic luncheon reminds us that though Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between two peoples - tangata whenua and tangata tiriti, and she says it has come to touch a great many more. "Our country is blessed with the taonga, the treasures, of te reo and te ao Maori, as well as with the languages and cultures of all those who have made this country their home," says Dame Cindy. "One of the great joys and privileges of serving as Governor-General has been sharing in some of the celebrations observed by New Zealands diverse communities - and which have become so beautifully woven into the fabric of New Zealand society. "We have a whakatauki, or Maori proverb, which says: Kotahi te kohao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro ma, te miro pango, te miro whero. A muri, kia mau ki te whakapono, kia mau ki nga ture, kia mau ki te aroha. There is but one eye of the needle through which must pass the white thread, the black thread, and the red thread. Hold fast to faith, hold fast to the laws, hold fast to the love. "As ambassadors, you not only embody the bonds of friendship between New Zealand and the countries you represent - you also serve as vital touchpoints for so many families and communities here in New Zealand, and I wish to thank you for the manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, the care and compassion, with which you carry out your roles." New Zealand Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at the Waitangi Day Dawn Service. Photo: Supplied. Dame Cindy says it was another of her predecessors, and another of New Zealands great statesmen, Sir Paul Reeves, who said: Unity is not oneness. Unity encompasses difference. The search for unity is an invitation not to fear, but to explore what is not familiar. "It is my hope that such kotahitanga, such unity, as Sir Paul conceived it, can be our guiding principle as we navigate these times - and it was in that spirit of kotahitanga that my own ancestors signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi, here, on these grounds, 184 years ago," says Dame Cindy. "In doing so, New Zealands forebears gave us something to treasure: a model for principled action over time, urging us to expand our moral imaginations, and to match virtuous ideals with courageous action. "I hope that your time here in Waitangi may provide inspiration to you all as you continue to carry out your important work. And when the time comes for you to move on from your postings - whether back home, or elsewhere around the world - I hope you always remember this special place and all that it stands for. "Kia ora huihui tatou katoa." Kotahi te kohao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro ma, te miro pango, te miro whero. A muri, kia mau ki te whakapono, kia mau ki nga ture, kia mau ki te aroha. There is but one eye of the needle through which must pass the white thread, the black thread, and the red thread. Hold fast to faith, hold fast to the laws, hold fast to the love. State Highway 2 between Awakeri and Opotiki is clocked due to a large tree that has fallen across the road. NZTA Waka Kotahi are reporting that SH2 at Waiotahe, in the Opotiki area is closed until further notice while contractors work in the area. "Due to a fallen tree on SH2, the road is blocked between Waitohi Valley Back Rd and Paerata Ridge Rd," says an NZTA spokesperson. "Expect delays and allow extra time for detour." Diversions are in place. Motorists will be diverted via Paerata Ridge Road and Verral Road back onto the highway. Eastbound traffic turn right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Rd and left on Verralls Rd and then left onto Paerata Ridge Rd to join back to SH2. Westbound traffic turn left onto Paerata Ridge Rd, right onto Verralls Rd and then right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Rd to join back onto SH2. NZTA says this route is not suitable for HPMVs. At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz Bay of Plenty couple Kaysi and Sam Fredericks have viewed more than 100 houses in the last few months in their hunt for a home, as prices soar in what is now the most expensive region in Aotearoa. One agent told me dont even bother applying. A viewing we turned up at had three streets lined with parked cars of other hopefuls. Its impossible. Sam broke down in tears at one house. People dont realise how hard it is here, Kaysi Fredericks tells Stuff. Rental prices across Aotearoa are at record highs, but renters in the Bay of Plenty are feeling the most pain as it has now overtaken Auckland as the priciest region, according to latest Trade Me data. Auckland had been one of the most expensive regions in 2023, but in December, the Bay of Plenty knocked it off the top spot. Rent in the Bay of Plenty went up by 11.7 per cent compared to last year, reaching a high of $670 per week. The Western Bay of Plenty surged by 14.2 per cent, and Tauranga went up by 7.7 per cent, pushing the overall rent figures up in the region, Trade Mes Rental Price Index. In saying that though the Bay of Plenty rental market is tight, there are few offerings and prices are cranking up, says Trade Mes property sales director Gavin Lloyd. Bay of Plenty rental market is tight, there are few offerings and prices are cranking up says Trade Me property sales director Gavin Lloyd. Supplied / Stuff. The Fredericks have noticed the rise in prices, and with four children, theres little wriggle room in their budget, they say. Landlords are asking more and more as they know everyones desperate. There was a house on Cambridge Rd that I wanted to see which was $900 a week which is over our budget, but I thought oh maybe we can do it...but then I was told it had increased to $1200. They blamed a website error. Mmmn. Another renter Stuff speaks to suspects that people were making sneaky offers to secure a house. Renee - who didnt want her last name used for privacy reasons - is stressed trying to find a house for herself, an administrator, and her partner, a qualified registered builder, and their two children, since their landlord of three years also decided to put their rental on the market. We have four weeks to be out of our place and find something else to call home. Im seeing at least two houses a day, and its a struggle. Theres at least 50 people at each viewing. I reckon if people have the money they might be offering more to make sure they get their foot in the door. Sam and Kaysi Frederiks have looked at more than 100 houses in their search for a four-bedroom rental. Supplied / Stuff. Renees family had been used to paying high $500s a week. Now they are facing at least $750 a week. And thats not necessarily in a good area, and some of them are shoe boxes and no garage or even section. She believes they tick all the boxes landlords might look for, We pay rent on time and have never missed a payment. We will treat the home like it is our own. Were a very house proud clean and tidy family. Excellent references. She knows of people looking for a year, or people leaving town because they cannot find anywhere that they can afford. Our life is here, our jobs, the kids schools. I cant believe this is what its coming too if the prices are driving people out of town. Janine Hook and family arrived in Tauranga in January from South Africa, and panicked about finding a rental. Supplied / Stuff. Others are resorting to creative methods to stand out in the crowd, putting photos and bios on social media. Thats the tactic Janine Hook used when she recently immigrated here from South Africa with her husband and 7-year-old daughter. I didnt know anything about the rental market in Tauranga, other than being told you had to be on the ground to view and be chosen so we couldnt do it from overseas. They landed on January 20, expecting they would only spend a week in a bed and breakfast, but soon discovered how fiercely competitive the market was. I started to panic. So I put the photo of us on a community site explaining our position. One person did ask why we would relocate to an already bulging city, that has a severe housing shortage, but everyone else was so helpful. When she joined a group for South Africans in Tauranga, she quickly found a three bedroom home in Otumoetai for around $650 a week after someone contacted her privately. We feel very lucky as its near a great school, which I think is whats saturating the market as well. Our good references helped - wed been in a previous rental for 13 years, and my husbands solid job, so I definitely think its good to say a bit about yourself to stand out. The Bay of Plenty is facing a surge in house rents driven by the rising demand for rental properties, fueled by population growth and economic opportunities says Spiel Evans Property management owner Janine Evans. The imbalance between demand and supply has driven rental prices upward. This situation poses affordability challenges for tenants, particularly those on fixed incomes or with modest salaries. One solution in response to the current market is shared living arrangements so the burden of increased cost is split between more people, she says. Individuals and families are exploring shared housing arrangements such as living together with family or friends, an arrangement which the agency helps and supports. - Stuff SUR in English Gibraltar Tuesday, 6 February 2024, 11:29 | Updated 16:01h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Governor of Gibraltar Vice Admiral Sir David Steel have sent a message of best wishes to King Charles following Monday's cancer diagnosis announcement. "His Majestys Government of Gibraltar notes the statement from Buckingham Palace this evening informing that His Majesty, King Charles III, has been diagnosed with cancer," said a statement issued by the government on Monday. "His Excellency the Governor and the Chief Minister have spoken this afternoon after the announcement and have jointly conveyed to the Palace the very best wishes of the people of Gibraltar to His Majesty for a quick and full recovery," continued the statement. The news that King Charles has been diagosed with cancer was released on Monday evening, 5 February, by Buckingham Palace and swiftly reported by press around the world. The diagnosis was made following tests after a procedure for benign prostate enlargement raised concern about a separate issue. The type of cancer has not been revealed. The statement said that the British monarch had chosen to share his diagnosis "to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer". According to the Spanish cancer association AECC, in Spain in 2023 there were 295,675 cancer diagnoses, of which 49,387 were in Andalucia. Soraya Fernandez Cadiz Tuesday, 6 February 2024 | Updated 07/02/2024 08:32h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A monkey that crossed from Gibraltar into La Linea de la Concepcion and wandered through the Spanish border town's streets for two days, much to the bemusement of onlookers, was finally captured on Tuesday 6 February. The primate even wandered around two secondary schools, Menendez Tolosa and Virgen de la Esperanza, evading police efforts to capture it. The sight came as a surprise as the animals live in the upper part of the Rock of Gibraltar, so it is not known how it reached the town in Spain. In the British colony it is common to see the macaques in the lower parts of the Rock looking for food and surprising tourists. The primate is still at large with the Gibraltar macaque management team and the Rock's environment department confirmed to SUR they were in constant contact with Spanish police about capturing the primate. Social media lit up with hundreds of comments and memes about the bizarre incident, with some joking that the macaque has "colonised" La Linea de la Concepcion, or is sending a clear message for a Brexit deal to be done now. Legend has it that as long as there are monkeys on the Rock, Gibraltar will remain British. Former British minister Winston Churchill commissioned elite soldiers in 1914 on a secret mission to repopulate the colony with animals from Africa, as there were fewer than ten monkeys left on the Rock. Matias Stuber Malaga Tuesday, 6 February 2024, 10:01 | Updated 18:23h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Some 200 tractors have blocked off the entrance to the Port of Malaga this Tuesday morning (6 February) as disgruntled farmers protest against strict EU agricultural policies. Farmers from different municipalities in the Guadalhorce Valley gathered in Avenida Antonio Machado to block the entry of goods into the Port of Malaga, forcing partial closures of the normally busy road in both directions. Local Police officers are diverting traffic, while National Police and Guardia Civil riot police are at the scene on standby. SUR Similar protests are also currently taking place in Antequera and Ronda, part of the so-called #6F movement, in reference to 6 February. Farmers are angry at the EU's strict agricultural policies and the low prices they receive from distributors and supermarkets, which do not allow them to cover their costs and could see the sector squeezed out of business. Protests are also happening in other European countries. Shortly before 10am farmers managed to block the A-92 at Huetor-Tajar, stopping traffic in both the direction of Malaga and Granada. In Antequera, some 300 tractors have blocked the industrial estate, preventing lorries from accessing logistics depots. Protesters in Malaga city said they plan to cause disruptions over the next few days, according to what several people told SUR at today's rally. "We will stay as long as it takes. Now, the intention is to prevent lorries from entering the port of Malaga, said Sebastian Ramos, a farmer from Alhaurin de la Torre. The tractors arriving in Malaga city today are mainly from Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande and Cartama. Farmers from Alora, Almargen and Pizarra are also participating. Throughout the morning, more tractors are expected to arrive from municipalities in the Axarquia. SUR The farmers are unhappy with the European Commission for allowing products from non-EU countries into the continent. They said it is unfair competition as they do not have to comply with the requirements and controls demanded of Spanish producers. Spanish farmers are also criticising the Ministry of Agriculture for failing to back them. "Europe sanctions and Morocco subsidies" and "Enough bureaucratic obstacles", some protest banners read. Delving Into KB Home's Upcoming Dividend and Historical Performance KB Home (NYSE:KBH) recently announced a dividend of $0.2 per share, payable on 2024-02-22, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-02-07. 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 KB Home's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does KB Home Do? 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? KB Home is an American construction company that focuses on residential construction. The company builds single-family homes and communities across Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Texas, North Carolina, Idaho and the Washington, D.C., area. KB Home operates in several markets and focuses on first-time and move-up homebuyers. The company follows a built-to-order model that offers personalized homes at attainable prices based on the market location. The company also invests in land acquisition and development to support future building activities and is also engaged in financial services operations which includes providing mortgage banking services through its joint venture with a third party. KB Home's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at KB Home's Dividend History KB Home has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1986. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. KB Home has increased its dividend each year since 2013. The stock is thus listed as a dividend achiever, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 11 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Breaking Down KB Home's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, KB Home currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.21% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.37%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, KB Home's annual dividend growth rate was 18.60%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 44.80% per year. And over the past decade, KB Home's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at an impressive 26.60%. Story continues Based on KB Home's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of KB Home stock as of today is approximately 7.70%. KB Home'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 2023-11-30, KB Home's dividend payout ratio is 0.10. KB Home's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks KB Home's profitability 9 out of 10 as of 2023-11-30, 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. KB Home's growth rank of 9 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is strong relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and KB Home's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. KB Home's revenue has increased by approximately 20.00% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 81% 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, KB Home's earnings increased by approximately 31.00% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 72.41% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 37.60%, which outperforms approximately 83.82% of global competitors. Final Thoughts on KB Home's Dividend Prospects In conclusion, KB Home's upcoming dividend, consistent historical increases, and robust growth metrics paint a promising picture for value investors. The company's low payout ratio coupled with a high profitability rank indicates a sustainable dividend policy, which is further supported by strong growth in revenue, earnings, and EBITDA. KB Home's commitment to delivering shareholder value through dividends, alongside its solid financial performance, makes it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking income-generating investments. With the potential for continued dividend growth and financial stability, KB Home stands out as an attractive option in the residential construction sector. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using 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. The area where the new Mercadona store will be built. Jose Rodriguez Camara Alhaurin de la Torre Tuesday, 6 February 2024, 17:07 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A fourth Mercadona in Alhaurin de la Torre has been given the green light. The town hall approved mayor Joaquin Villanova's proposal to grant planning permission for the supermarket giant's new store and car park. Construction is expected to cost more than 4.1 million euros. The 70,000-square-metre new premises will be located on the plot of land on which the development of a new retail park was previously approved. Mercadona will therefore be the first confirmed business in this area, located to the south of the industrial estates and between the Avenida de las Americas and the A-404 road, near the Encuentro roundabout. In October 2022, town hall approved Mercadona to conduct a detailed study of constructing its fourth supermarket in the town. The final project had the approval of PP, PSOE and two independent councillors, while the Adelante Alhaurin de la Torre group was against. The escalator that has been out of action for nearly five months Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 6 February 2024, 13:19 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram An escalator at Malaga Airport's train station which has been out-of-action for almost six months may finally be fixed this week after the missing part arrived from abroad. The incident was first flagged by Francisco Moya, a Torremolinos resident who uses the Costa del Sol line on a daily basis and has been dubbed "Renfe's scourge" for his insistent approach to pointing out issues to the state rail operator. When he enquired about the out-of-use escalator last October he was told by Renfe's customer service team: "The maintenance company Schindler is waiting to receive the necessary part from Korea, and this is delaying its repair". The breakdown was reported on 20 August last year, but the part has only just arrived in Malaga. Workers have started on the repair, which could be completed this week. Renfe claimed there have always been alternative options for people to exit the station. There are two lifts, but they are not on the same platform, but on different levels, which means that the broken escalator can only really be replaced by one lift, which has a limited capacity to carry passengers and their luggage. Do Kwons Former Terraform Labs CFO, Han Chang-joon, Extradited to South Korea Han Chang-joon, the former financial officer of Terraform Labs, has been extradited to South Korea from Montenegro, where he had been held since his arrest in March 2023. The extradition was confirmed by the Montenegrin police, who stated that Han had been "handed over" to South Korean authorities to face criminal proceedings related to fraud in financial investment services, investments, and the capital market. Han's extradition comes after he served a four-month prison sentence in Montenegro for attempting to travel with forged documents. He and Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon were arrested at the Podgorica airport in March while trying to escape on a private jet, ending a six-month international manhunt. The decision to extradite Han was made by Montenegro's Ministry of Justice. His lawyer, Goran Rodic, stated that they are still waiting for a decision on Do Kwon's extradition, which is being appealed. Both US and South Korean prosecutors have demanded Kwon's extradition in relation to the $60 billion collapse of the Terra blockchain in 2022. The collapse of Terra triggered a domino effect of industry implosions, including the liquidations of crypto fund Three Arrows Capital and exchange FTX. In September 2022, a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for Kwon and five others, accusing them of violating Korean capital markets laws. Interpol issued a red notice for Kwon's arrest days later. 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. The Beach Boys are returning to Upstate New York for the Endless Summer Gold tour. The legendary pop-rock band will perform May 25 at the Broadview Stage at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) in Saratoga Springs, May 27 at Point of the Bluff Vineyards in Hammondsport, May 31 at the Stanley Theatre in Utica, and June 28 at Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater in Chautauqua. Special guest Dave Mason will open the SPAC concert. In the summer of 1850, a group of Syracusans led by Rev. Jermain Loguen, Rev. Samuel May, and Charles Wheaton, formed a bi-racial Vigilance Committee in the Salt City. The purpose of which was to protect any Black residents purported to be enslaved peoples from arrest under the U.S. Constitutions fugitive slave clause, which had been strengthened recently by the passage of a new Fugitive Slave Act, part of the Compromise of 1850. Part of what made the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 so abhorrent to its many enemies was the very real fear that it emboldened agents working on behalf of the slave power to kidnap Black people in free states under the guise that they were fugitives. Arguably, the most famous case of this sort was that of Solomon Northrup, a free Black and a resident of Saratoga Springs. Among other aspects of the updated Fugitive Slave Act, the statute required federal marshals to assist in recovering purported fugitives and it empowered federal commissions to adjudicate hearings that did not allow for those in custody to testify on their own behalf. As Rev. Loguen - who successfully escaped his own enslavement in Tennessee in 1835 - so powerfully and succinctly stated later at Syracuses anti-Fugitive Slave Act convention in October 1850, I dont respect this law. I dont fear it - I wont obey it. It outlaws me, and I outlaw it, and the men who attempt to enforce it on me. Motivated by these righteous sentiments, the Vigilance Committee sprang into action on the fateful morning a year later to rescue a formerly enslaved man, William Jerry Henry from his prison cell in Clinton Square, in direct violation of that infamous legislation and shepherded him to freedom in Kingston, Canada. Stories like the Jerry Rescue and other triumphant tales of freedom seekers and conductors on the Underground Railroad permeate much of the scholarly literature and popular culture today, and with good reason. These stories highlight the courage and the bravery of those individuals that fought against the inhumane legal institution of slavery, in the pursuit of what Auburns own, William Henry Seward, famously called a higher law. Most recently, Colson Whiteheads Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Underground Railroad (2016) blended fact and fiction and has since been adapted into a popular series for Amazon. - Caroline Hazard (Hixson), appearing in the Syracuse Herald, Jan. 3, 1904. Onondaga Historical AssociationOnondaga Historical Association Yet, those stories are outliers. As Columbia professor and noted historian, Eric Foner, pointed out in his book, Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad, scholars can only make educated guesses at the actual number of people freed by the loose network of activists and agents that comprised the Underground Railroad; and whatever that number may be (estimates range anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 between 1830 and 1860), it is but a drop in the bucket when compared to the approximately four million enslaved people held in bondage at the outbreak of the American Civil War. On January 3, 1904, nearly four decades after that horrific and bloody Civil War, the Syracuse Herald ran an astonishing story almost too fantastical to be believed. Kidnapped from Syracuse in 1847. Held as a slave on a Georgia Planation. 56 Years. Accompanying this bewildering headline were two photographs of an elderly Black woman, identified as Caroline Hixson. Her incredible story offered readers a glimpse into a supposedly bygone world of slavers, enslaved peoples, overseers, and plantations. According to the Heralds reporting of Ms. Hixons statements, all of which were relayed in a racist vernacular commonly used throughout the nations history to demean and debase African Americans, Caroline Hixson arrived back in Syracuse in mid-December 1903, having walked all the way from Georgia. The Herald reporter interviewed Hixon at the home of her cousin, identified as Sarah J. Hardy. According to census records, Sarah and her husband, Joseph, were living at 105 South Crouse Avenue with their seven children. Caroline was reunited with her long-lost family after her 1,000-mile sojourn from the Hixson plantation in Georgia. The essential facts of her story were recounted as follows. Caroline said her father was a Black man named Timothy Hazard, who lived out by the salt works. Though no record of Timothy Hazard could be found in any archival records or city directories at the Onondaga Historical Association, federal census records did turn up one Timothy Hazard, living in the town of Sullivan, in Madison County in 1820. It is reasonable to assume that Timothy and his young family (records seem to indicate Hazard and his wife had three children at the time) made their way west, chasing the opportunities brought to the region by the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. According to Caroline, she was born sometime around 1834. In 1847, in a scene that sends shivers down the spine of every parent, around the time she was fourteen years old - she was not quite sure - Caroline said she was coaxed away by two white men that promised theyd give me candy. Enticed by this promise of confectionary delights, she followed along with the two men for a bit until, she continued, they threw me into a hack and drove away fast. Hixson identified her kidnapper as Jim Woods. According to Caroline, Woods, a cruel man she would come to know all too well over the ensuing decades, was the main overseer of the Hixson Plantation, somewhere in Georgia. According to federal records, Thomas Hixons plantation was about 50 miles north of where James A. Woods lived. Though not as large as Hixson recalled (she claimed there were 300 enslaved people there), Hixons plantation was located near the Chattahoochee River, which separates Alabama and Georgia. This would account for the large river Caroline mentioned occasionally taking goods to and, later, using as her route to freedom. Hixson recounted the horrors and the brutality of slavery as she experienced it. At some point during her first few years on the plantation, Caroline was stripping slippery elm bark. Apparently, she was not working fast enough for Overseer Woods, who maimed Hixson with a hatchet. The reporter noted that the old colored woman held up a misshapen hand with a terrible scar across it. During her long enslavement, Caroline said she worked mostly in the cotton fields, picking oranges, and sometimes she worked in the big house. She also told of driving teams in carrying the cotton, sugar, tobacco and oranges from the plantation to the ships. Perhaps the most enlightening and shocking aspect of Carolines saga to readers in 1904 and 2024 alike, was her accounting of the Civil War and the reality of her life as an enslaved person during those revolutionary times. The reporter asked her if she had been aware of the war while it was happening and if they knew it had ended and that the enslaved people were free? Yes, of course they knew about the war, she said, the southern soldiers got whipped awful bad. However, she continued, when the soldiers were coming, the master, he chained us all together and he drove us off, taking everything out of the big house with him, and leaving everything bare and empty. Once the Union Troops under the command of General W.T. Sherman (counting nearly 1,000 Onondaga County men amongst them) passed through the area on their march from Atlanta to Savannah after what she reckoned was about three weeks, Caroline said she and her fellow enslaved peoples were returned to the plantation where she said she remained enslaved until the spring of 1902. Then, 57 years after his father allegedly kidnapped her, Jim Woods Jr. asked Caroline if she would like her freedom. She offered no insight or explanation for his decision. Nonetheless, according to Caroline, Woods put her on the back of a horse, which swam the river with her and told her to travel north during the night to avoid patrols looking to arrest Black people for a variety of crimes, including vagrancy. While the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in 1865, it did allow for these things as punishment for a crime whereof the party has been duly convicted, a loophole exploited by Southern Democrats for decades. So-called Redeemer governments passed Black Codes and other pieces of anti-vagrancy legislation that limited the movement of freedmen and mandated prison sentences. She told the Herald that after the war there were colored people in slavery on all of the plantation near where I came from. What Caroline identified as slavery was most likely the manifestation of the sharecropping system that evolved in the decades following abolition. At the most basic level, sharecropping allowed tenants to live on and farm a piece of land. In the case of most southern Blacks, they farmed land owned by their former masters, for a share of the harvest. For a person like Caroline sharecropping obviously would have looked and felt just like slavery. Thus, one can only imagine her surprise when Jim Woods Jr. put her on that horse and told her to go north. Using the moon and the sun as her compass, Caroline made it to the free states, as she described them to the reporter. Once there, she was able to travel during the day and she followed the road directions given to her by the locals she encountered. Against all odds, Caroline Hixson/Hazard successfully made her way to her hometown of Syracuse on the cold blustery morning of December 12, 1903. Police Lieutenant Charles Fesenmeyer found her wandering through the streets of a huge city that would have been completely unrecognizable from the burgeoning village she was kidnapped from almost six decades earlier. - An 1892 Sanborn Map of the area where the Hardy family lived (105 S. Crouse Avenue/Block 204) when Caroline Hixson returned to her family after being kidnapped at age 14 and being enslaved in the South for 56 years. Onondaga Historical AssociationOnondaga Historical Association The newspaper account stated that Fessenmeyer thought that Caroline bore a resemblance to a family he knew. This, coupled with her story, led the officer to take her to the Hardy residence on South Crouse Avenue. According to Sarah Hardy, Carolines cousin, the story of her abduction had been passed down in the Hazard family for three generations. Her family, of course, assumed she had died years ago, enslaved and alone. Carolines extraordinary tale ends there. There are no further accounts, no follow up stories. No record of anything related to Caroline Hazard/Hixson apart from a record of a Caroline Hazard dying in Onondaga County on August 22, 1910. It is possible, even probable, that Caroline shed the surname of her enslaver and died in the bosom of her family having survived this unimaginable ordeal. Robert Searings weekly articles are supported by the William G. Pomeroy Public History Media Series. To learn more about the William G. Pomeroy Foundations work to promote public history, visit wgpfoundation.org. If youre looking for a new place to live on the East Coast, Upstate New York is calling. Five communities in the Empire State have been named among the 25 best places to live in the Northeast by Livability, a website that aims to serve as a go-to resource for people looking to find the best places in America to live, work and explore. The five New York communities on the list are all in Upstate: The communities made the ranking alongside Bridgeport, Connecticut and Fall River, Massachusetts. Heres a look at the Upstate communities on Livabilitys list and why each made the ranking: Syracuse One day is all it takes to fall in love with the Salt City. Thats what Livability wrote in its ranking arguing that a day spent exploring Central New Yorks museums and waterfalls is all it takes to convince visitors to put down permanent roots in Syracuse. Near the heart of Upstate and a short drive from the picturesque Finger Lakes, Syracuse is home to colleges, research companies, and a health care hub that employs many residents. Warm, friendly, and eager to drink up everything life offers, this city is home to various concerts, comedy shows, local shops, mouthwatering restaurants and outdoor amenities, Livability wrote. Cheektowaga The 2024 ranking isnt the first time Livability has highlighted Cheektowaga, a suburban town east of Buffalo: Last year, the website named Cheektowaga one of the top 100 best places to live in the United States. Part of Cheektowagas pull is its location. The town that over 80,000 people call home is minutes from downtown Buffalo and about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls. Its also home to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. But what makes Cheektowaga such a great place to live is its heart one made up of caring neighbors and a great park system. Cheektowaga is built on hardworking, blue-collar roots and offers a classically friendly suburb with affordable homes that make the sweet life accessible to most, Livability wrote. Albany For a more than 400-year-old city, Albany is full of growth home to a blossoming tech scene and an entrepreneurial spirit, Livability wrote. Along with its proximity to Boston and New York City, Albany is home to a beloved tulip festival and a short drive from unforgettable outdoor adventures in the nearby Adirondack Mountains and Hudson Valley. The states capital is also home to an airport, colleges and relatively affordable neighborhoods. Albanys mix of affordability, location and recreation make it a unique and fascinating city to call home, Livability wrote. Rochester The Flower City is no stranger to accolades. Rochester has previously been named one of the 10 best places to live during winter in the United States. Its home to award-winning museums, like the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum, and the original Garbage Plate and first Wegmans. Livability lauded Rochester for being home to big employers, big outdoor recreation opportunities and fun festivals. The sense of deep roots and genuine community attract newcomers and inspire those born in the city to remain and raise their own families in the same place, Livability wrote. Buffalo Its no secret that Buffalo is having a big moment. Zillow is predicting the City of Good Neighbors will be the hottest housing market in the United States in 2024. It has also been dubbed the No. 1 city in America by Clever Real Estate, the nicest city in America by Readers Digest and one of the best places to retire by U.S. News and World Report. For Livability, Buffalos nearness to Canada and Niagara along with being home to the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo wings easily make up for the citys fierce winter weather. The city has a relatively low cost of living compared to other northeastern cities, with affordable housing and lower taxes, making it a very attractive place for newcomers, Livability wrote. On Oct. 30, New York State senators heard over 10 hours of testimony from government officials, policy advisors, law enforcement personnel and business owners about the Empire States tumultuous rollout of its legal marijuana market. Sen. Jeremy Cooney organized the conference after a judge ordered an injunction that temporarily prevented regulators from greenlighting any new dispensaries, and amid long-running issues such as an oversupply of flower among farmers and problems competing with the illicit market. Two years after legalizing adult-use recreational cannabis, New Yorkers are frustrated and disappointed in the States ability to launch a safe and legal marketplace, Cooney said when he announced the hearing. Its been a little over three months since the subcommittee met, and cannabis regulators are now under fire for issues that existed before the hearing as well as others that have popped up since. Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox: The Office of Cannabis Management has been sued several times for issues associated with its general licensing process, as people continue to complain about perceived goalpost shifting and a lack of transparency from OCM officials. Gov. Kathy Hochul has become the most high-profile critic of the OCM in recent days, describing the states legal cannabis rollout as a disaster, and saying shes very fed up with the Cannabis Control Boards performance. NY Cannabis Insider wanted to get an idea of what practical steps senators who attended the hearing are taking or plan on taking to improve the states legal cannabis industry. So we reached out to all 14 senators who participated, and asked four questions: What do you think were the most important facts that came out of the Oct. 30 hearing? Have you taken any actions to alleviate problems that people identified during the hearing? Are there any cannabis-related bills that have been filed so far this session that you plan on supporting? What actions do you plan to take to solve problems in New Yorks legal cannabis industry that were identified during the hearing? Five senators sent us answers some answered questions individually while others provided a single statement and another three signed onto a Feb. 2 letter to CCB Chair Tremaine Wright, which notes their concerns with the current general license application process. Below are the senators responses. Sen. Jeremy Cooney: I came away from the legislative hearings with two key takeaways: first, the need to repeal the potency tax to allow legal retail businesses to compete, and second, the need for better communication between applicants and OCM as businesses navigate this process. I was pleased that Governor Hochuls budget proposal included the potency tax repeal, continuing the work I began when I introduced S.4831 last yearbut, it needs to go further. I introduced state legislation last year that would replace the current potency tax with a flat rate 7 percent excise tax, contrary to the Governors proposed wholesale tax of 9 percent. This flat rate would help keep prices down for retail vendors and suppliers, increasing their ability to ramp up their overall sales volume and compete with the growing illicit market. Ive had discussions on the best mechanisms in place to combat the illicit market, but ultimately the repeal of the potency tax will create the best opportunities to allow our licensed dispensaries to best compete in the marketplace. In this budget cycle, I will also be prioritizing finding ways to help medical cannabis dispensaries as the adult-use marketplace expands and assisting the farmers that have been harmed by the programs slow rollout. Sen. Rob Rolison: What do you think were the most important facts that came out of the Oct. 30 hearing? My colleagues and I listened to candid testimony from stakeholders frustrated with an overly bureaucratic process to obtain a license to sell adult-use cannabis in the state. In addition to these concerns, questions of what legal enforcement measures exist and where such authority rests remain insufficiently answered to deal with the proliferation of illegal storefront sellers. Have you taken any actions to alleviate problems that people identified during the hearing? Last year I toured a cannabis cultivation facility and processor in my district and listened to the economic struggles of law-abiding New Yorkers attempting to navigate Albanys red tape. I continue to meet with program applicants expressing similar concerns. Since Octobers hearing I have solicited feedback from current and potential license holders and relayed this information to the subcommittee chairman. As a former police officer for 26 years, I am constantly in contact with law enforcement personnel who continue to express frustration about the states lack of coordinated efforts to shutter illegal retailers. Are there any cannabis-related bills that have been filed so far this session that you plan on supporting? I am eager to discuss with my Senate colleagues what actions can be taken through budget negotiations to address the immediate and pressing problems faced by the adult-use cannabis market in New York. What actions do you plan to take to solve problems in New Yorks legal cannabis industry that were identified during the hearing? Im encouraged thus far that all of our constituents concerns have been received by the subcommittees members with respect and seriousness. In the new legislative session, my commitments remain what theyve been since I was appointed to this panel. First, legal adult-use dispensaries must have local support and acknowledge local decision-making, too. Second, impose tough penalties on those who target minors with cannabis sales. A legal market can coexist alongside a safe one for our children. Next, I agree with the governor that the potency tax must be addressed: small startups with limited capital cannot afford to pay this costly, and arbitrary, fee. It acts as a barrier to entry for local small businesses who invariably will have to compete with larger, out-of-state firms on an unequal playing field. Finally, Albanys rollout of priority licenses is slowed by unnecessary red tape and staffing issues at OCM. And changing the rules in the middle of the rollout has thrown uncertainty into an already complicated process. These and other matters will need to be addressed in order to ensure the safe, legal, and profitable market New Yorkers were promised. Sen. Sean Ryan: What do you think were the most important facts that came out of the Oct. 30 hearing? The details of the proliferation of illegitimate businesses that undercut our licensed businesses and the fact that there were little to no enforcement mechanisms in place to stop them. The injunctions caused a backlog of unprocessed product and left farmers in the lurch. Are there any cannabis-related bills that have been filed so far this session that you plan on supporting? Im taking a look at Senator Kruegers bill that gives OCM explicit enforcement authority to see if that would help businesses in my district stay competitive and keep kids in the district safe. What actions do you plan to take to solve problems in New Yorks legal cannabis industry that were identified during the hearing? Ill continue to have conversations with farmers and local businesses in the industry to better understand how I can help them with the individual challenges they are facing. Sen. John Mannion: I support cannabis entrepreneurs and believe that strong enforcement against bad actors including significant fines - needs to be coupled with more license approvals for businesses that have played by the rules and are ready to open. Through the budget and legislative process, and in consultation with District Attorneys and the police, I am advocating for additional enforcement tools and resources. Ending the proliferation of illegal operations is critical to steadying the rollout of adult-use cannabis in New York. Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal: What do you think were the most important facts that came out of the Oct. 30 hearing? The hearing on October 30th made it clear that the illicit cannabis market in New York City is out of control. The illegal shops not only make it more difficult for the legal cannabis stores to do business, they create a public health threat, particularly for young people. As was made clear in the hearing, the cannabis products sold in the unlicensed shops are not tested in New York State labs, do not have to adhere to New Yorks safety standards, and can be marketed toward minors in a way that the states licensed cannabis retailers do not allow. The hearings also made clear that even when the NYPD or the Office of Cannabis Management want to shut down illegal shops they are often unable to do so due to the complicated and time consuming nature of the investigative process. We need to do more to put a stop to the illicit cannabis industry and keep our children safe by ensuring that the legal industry, which supplies New Yorkers of legal age with safe and regulated cannabis products, can thrive. Have you taken any actions to alleviate problems that people identified during the hearing? After compiling a roster of potentially illicit cannabis shops in my district, I sent a letter to the landlords of 33 illicit stores on the west side of Manhattan, warning them that they may be legally responsible for the unlicensed sale of cannabis products by their tenants. In my letter I made clear that the landlords could face an injunction and penalties of up to $20,000 a day for the illegal activity happening on their properties. My office has received several responses from lawyers representing these landlords informing us that they will be taking action on this matter. Are there any cannabis-related bills that have been filed so far this session that you plan on supporting? I will support any legislation that empowers the Office of Cannabis Management and the City of New York to expedite the process of shutting down illegal cannabis shops. The Governor included a new proposal in her Executive Budget that I will be reviewing with my colleagues. What actions do you plan to take to solve problems in New Yorks legal cannabis industry that were identified during the hearing? To address the problems in New Yorks legal cannabis industry we need to focus on speeding up two important processes: (1) investigating and closing down illegal cannabis shops and (2) granting licenses for legal dispensaries. The NYPD does not have the authority to padlock stores that they identify as illegally selling cannabis. Instead, the Office of Cannabis Management must undergo a potentially months-long process involving the District Attorneys office, the Attorney Generals office, and the courts. To me, a clear first step is allowing the NYPD to identify and padlock stores that they know are selling cannabis illegally. This will speed up the process of shutting down these shops and allow the Office of Cannabis Management to dedicate more of their resources elsewhere. For example, those resources could be used to help us with our second area of focus, accelerating the process of granting licenses to get more legal stores open. If New Yorkers have the option to buy safe and legal cannabis as conveniently as they can currently buy illegal cannabis they will not have to resort to using the illegal market. Letter from members of the Senate subcommittee on cannabis to Tremaine Wright: February 2, 2024 Hon. Tremaine Wright Cannabis Control Board Dear Chair Wright: As members of the New York Senates Cannabis Subcommittee, we write to express our concern with the timeline for licensing of adult-use cannabis dispensaries. As of the time of this letternearly three years since the historic passage of the MRTAthere are only 59 adult-use dispensaries open across the state. The consistent delays in licensing due to legal and bureaucratic challenges have resulted in a backlogged supply chain, financial and mental distress among applicants, and a thriving illicit market. Noting the above, we are deeply concerned by the decision to cancel this months meeting of the Cannabis Control Board. The published January 24 agenda had only 3 new adult-use dispensaries set to be approved, an unacceptable change from the stated goal of 250 retailers for this meeting. Many of these applicants are currently paying rent and have hired a workforce for readiness. Now, they have to wait another month until the board reconvenes, creating financial hardship and continued frustration. Approximately 1,500 individuals applied by the November 17, 2023, deadline for a retail license. As you know, many of these applicants are social equity candidates, including previous CAURD applicants. We encourage the CCB to issue licenses to as many of these ready and qualified applicants as soon as possible. Additionally, we encourage OCM to better communicate with stakeholders and set a more aggressive roadmap for 2024 retail licensing. State regulator credibility is critical to a successful market launch, and it needs to be re-established as soon as possible. According to Flowhubs 2024 Marijuana Industry Statistics & Data Insights report, the cannabis industry is projected to reach $40B in the U.S. this year. New York must capitalize on this economic opportunity. Just look to our neighbor, New Jersey. Despite having half the population of New York, their first year of adult-use cannabis sales realized $320 million compared to New Yorks $150 million. They are projected to close out 2024 with a billion dollars in sales; we can and should be beyond thatinvesting collected tax revenues back in the communities hardest hit by the war on drugs, public education, substance abuse programming, and law enforcement training. We owe it to New Yorkers to do better. We believe an adult-use cannabis program turnaround is fully possible, but there must be a more aggressive licensing timeline, increased agency transparency, and consistent communication with applicants and licensees. Working together, we can create the most equitable cannabis marketplace in the nation. Sincerely, Jeremy A. Cooney: NYS Senate, District 56 Nathalia Fernandez: NYS Senate, District 34 Pamela A. Helming: NYS Senate, District 54 Michelle Hinchey: NYS Senate, District 41 John W. Mannion: NYS Senate, District 50 Robert G. Rolison: NYS Senate, District 39 An ancient forest in Upstate New York has left behind big impressions, causing scientists to declare it the worlds oldest forest. According to Binghamton University, the forest is located in Cairo, New York and was first discovered in 2009 by Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum. Found at the bottom of an abandoned municipal highway department quarry in the Catskills, traces of roots belonging to the oldest trees in the world were found beneath a ridge and forest pool 387 million years ago. This recorded evidence meant that the site in Cairo is two million years older than the Gilboa fossil forest, just down the road. Since its discovery, paleobotanists from Binghamton University and the University of Cardiff in Wales have been studying the fossilized woody roots of the extremely early plants characteristic of the Middle Devonian period. By tracing root impressions, researchers have been able to map out the worlds oldest forest tree by tree. New York during the Middle Devonian period had a barren landscape and temperatures much warmer than today, being located south of the equator. The atmosphere also had three to five times the level of carbon dioxide. As trees and forests like the ones found in Cairo evolved, Science reported, their roots helped pull carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and lock it away, radically shifting the planets climate and leading to the cooler atmosphere we know today. Ancient forests like the one found in the Catskills also helped facilitate the transition of fish into tetrapods and eventually dinosaurs and all the land animals that followed, according to Khudadad, who earned his doctorate in biological sciences from Binghamton University. For now, Cairos fossil forest is closed off from the public and open to scientific research only. In the future, the town is looking at the possibility of an educational center and working lab on site, which would open accessibility to the public. Khudadad said preserving the area is a great contribution to the study of the evolution of early trees, forest ecosystems, past climates and landscapes, and possibly the earliest land animals. In the meantime, visitors looking to see some of the oldest fossils in the world can head to the Gilboa Museum in Schoharie County. READ MORE Updated list of NYs biggest trees contains a few surprises, including a devils walking stick Where are New Yorks biggest trees? Hint: two are in Onondaga County These nature programs at Baltimore Woods are tailored for both zen-seekers and survivalists This Lucchese Bootmaker store is at the First National Center in Oklahoma City. The brand recently filed plans to remodel a property on South Congress Avenue. If Lucchese opens a retail location there, it will be one of many boot sellers in the area. A new player might be entering the boot battle on South Congress Avenue in Austin after luxury boot maker Lucchese submitted a renovation filing Jan. 25 with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. According to the filing, the boot brand is planning to renovate a nearly 4,000-square-foot store at 1508 S. Congress Ave. The space was previously occupied by South Congress staple Maya Star, a boutique that was open for 30 years on one of Austin's most iconic retail streets. High-end boot maker brings 141 years of experience to South Congress According to the brand, Lucchese started in 1883 after brothers Salvatore and Joseph Lucchese, Sicilian immigrants, moved to San Antonio to set up a bootmaking shop at Fort Sam Houston a United States Cavalry School. Since then, the brand claims its history has included expansions to Mexico, a hand in the creation of rodeo, visits from presidents and actors, a shared history with the world-famous King Ranch and an official sponsorship with the Dallas Cowboys. Allens Boots is one of several boot sellers on South Congress Avenue. Boot wars on South Congress already in full swing If Lucchese does move to South Congress, it would be the latest popular boot and western wear brand to have a presence on the street. Boot giants Allens and Tecovas are just feet from where Lucchese hopes to open. Just a short walk down the road, bespoke boot brand Heritage also has a location where it does custom boot fittings. Western wear brands Maufrais and Gomez Western Wear, the latter farther down SoCo, also call the retail district home. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Iconic boot brand Lucchese hoping to open in Austin on South Congress Georgetown, N.Y. A bar and restaurant located in a small town Central New York inn that dates back to the 1840s has closed. The Georgetown Inn, located at the crossroads of Route 80 and Route 26 in southern Madison County, announced the closing in a Facebook post on Jan. 31. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. EU-FarmBook is now ready for contributions The online platform for agricultural knowledge and information in Europe goes online. Practice-oriented materials from EU-funded projects will be the starting point for first contributions. Project coordinators, stakeholders and agricultural journalists will get an exclusive first look at EU-FarmBook at the pre-launch event on 8 February at 10.30 am CET (9.30am GMT). The EU-FarmBook pre-launch event will be broadcast live from the EUFRAS studio in Latvia on 8 February from 10:30am to 12:00pm (CET)/9:30am-11:00am (GMT). EU-FarmBook brings together the outcomes of EU-funded research and innovation projects. H2020 and Horizon Europe project coordinators are invited to provide their practice-oriented materials from this date onwards. These materials will help farmers, foresters and advisors meet their practical needs and future challenges. The platform will support the transition to a sustainable agriculture by making innovative solutions available for farmers, foresters and other rural actors. All members of common agricultural policy (CAP) rural networks like policy makers, researchers, advisors, educators and students will also benefit from these contents. We have been working towards this moment and are now looking forward to many contributions, says Pieter Spanoghe, EU-FarmBook coordinator and professor for Crop Protection Chemistry at Ghent University. The pre-launch event will give a first insight into the new platform and our technical team will demonstrate the upload process, its current features, and future improvements, says Spanoghe. The project management will explain the importance and benefits of EU-FarmBook together with Natalia Brzezina, Policy Officer of the European Commission (DG AGRI). EU, regional and national policy makers and agricultural journalists are invited to get an exclusive first look at the new platform. Following the pre-launch, EU-FarmBook ambassadors will support the project coordinators in their Member State with their contributions to the platform. They will also inform the agricultural media about the progress of EU-FarmBook. In the future, the platform can serve as a journalistic tool for researching innovation stories and connecting with experts. The Project The EU-FarmBook is a Horizon Europe funded project that is working at regional, national, and European level to build an online platform for gathering and sharing agriculture and forestry knowledge. The platform aims to become an interactive, multilingual meeting place for agriculture and forestry communities. Knowledge should be easily Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable according to FAIR data principles. 29 partners from 18 countries are contributing to the project that is funded by the EU, which will run from 2022 to 2029. The Pre-Launch Event The event will take place online on 08/02/2024 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm (CET)/9:30am to 11:00am (GMT). The European Forum for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services (EUFRAS) in Latvia is a member of the EU-FarmBook consortium and will host and broadcast the event live through the EU-FarmBook Website and its Youtube Channel. Registration https://welcome.eufarmbook.eu/launch/ Links to the Pre-Launch Event: https://welcome.eufarmbook.eu/live https://www.youtube.com/@EU-FarmBook Downloads: https://welcome.eufarmbook.eu/media_kit/ More information can be found on the project website and social media: https://welcome.eufarmbook.eu/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-farmbook/ https://twitter.com/EUFarmBook Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. BraunS / iStock.com If a cruise is on your travel agenda this year, you have no shortage of choices available at a variety of price points. But if youre looking for the best-of-the-best, consider one of these cruises that have been recently popular with wealthy travelers, according to luxury travel agents. See: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024 Find Out: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Here are three high-end cruises you might consider booking this year. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Around-the-World Cruise Price: Starting at $99,449 per person If youre seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider booking an around-the-world cruise. The peak cruise experience for someone with the time and money to invest is a world cruise, which typically lasts over 100 days and visits ports in dozens of countries spanning multiple continents, said Sarah Lang, owner of the travel agency Luxury Round The World. Its the ultimate way to experience the wonders of all different corners of the world while unpacking your suitcase only once and enjoying incredible onboard amenities and ocean views in between stops, rather than spending time in airports. Several cruise lines offer these experiences. Lang recommends looking for a truly all-inclusive cruise line. The most luxurious cruise lines offer an all-inclusive experience that may include everything from your international business class flights to all food and wine onboard, butler service and shore excursions in the destinations, she said. Discover: Im a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024 Cultures and Nature in Papua New Guinea Cruise Price: Starting at $10,030 per person This luxury cruise offered by Ponant is a 13-day expedition cruise that explores Papua New Guineas wonders and ancient tribes. Wealthy travelers like unique itineraries that are a true expedition, going where very few have ever been before, said Mary Curry, senior trip planner at Adventure Life. This cruise travels along the east coast of Papua New Guinea in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, where spectacular fjords, pristine coral atolls and remote villages delight travelers with the means to access this off-the-beaten-path area. It has one of the last relatively untouched cultures of the world, as well as fantastic snorkeling and birding. Story continues Canadas Remote Arctic Cruise Price: Starting at $12,395 per person Another off-the-beaten-path option, this 12-day Quark Expeditions cruise takes passengers through Canadas Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and the Axel Heiberg Islands. This cruise visits some of the most remote islands in northern Canada, well north of the Arctic Circle, that only the most hearty explorers have ever been to, Curry said. This is a true expedition to uninhabited areas in search of pristine icebergs, polar bears, whales and perhaps even the elusive narwhal. Its also aboard a newer ship thats equipped with two helicopters for excursions. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Luxury Travel Agents: 3 High-End Cruises My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024 The big picture: Microsoft's market value has gone up more than 10 times since Satya Nadella took charge of the company in 2014, replacing its former CEO, Steve Ballmer. During that same time, the broader S&P 500 only grew 185 percent, making Microsoft one of the best-performing large-cap stocks in the country over the past decade. As of February 2024, Microsoft has a $3.06 trillion market cap, making it the largest publicly-traded American company, ahead of rivals like Apple, Google, and Meta. When Nadella took over as CEO in February 2014, the company was valued at just over $300 billion, having tumbled 30 percent during the 14 years that Ballmer led the firm. Under Nadella, Microsoft not only managed to retain its leadership position in personal computing and office productivity software, but also emerged as one of the leaders in two of the most important sectors in tech circa 2024 - cloud computing and artificial intelligence. In comparison, Ballmer's reign saw the company falter in two critical sectors: search and mobile. While Microsoft's Bing is a distant second to Alphabet's Google in the former category, the latter has an entrenched duopoly with Apple and Android combining for virtually 100 percent of the market. Microsoft was forced to discontinue its Windows Phone platform after multiple missteps during the Ballmer era prevented the company from becoming a force to be reckoned with in the mobile space. Nadella has also steered Microsoft away from the proprietary, closed-source mindset that typified the company in the first few decades of its existence. Under him, Microsoft started contributing to open-source projects and released software under open-source licenses. In a surprise move, the company even released its in-house apps on Linux, starting with the communication software, Teams. Microsoft also made some big-ticket acquisitions under Nadella. In 2016, the company acquired professional social media site LinkedIn for $26.2 billion, and followed that up by buying code hosting platform GitHub for $7.5 billion in 2018. However, Microsoft's most talked-about deal was the purchase of game publisher Activision Blizzard for a whopping $75 billion in 2022. Microsoft's other notable purchases during the Nadella era include Minecraft parent Mojang, and Nuance Communications. Given the increasing relevance of AI in modern tech, one of Nadella's masterstrokes has to be the investment in OpenAI, the company behind the generative AI chatbot ChatGPT and AI image generator Dall-E. While the relationship between the two companies have sometimes been tense, both have benefited massively from the partnership. Meanwhile, despite a successful first decade as Microsoft CEO, Nadella faces multiple challenges going forward. As noted by CNBC, the company is still struggling to monetize its hardware products, having faced one failure after another in this department, including the much-hyped HoloLens augmented reality headset. The company's Copilot AI software has also failed to capture the imagination of the public so far. A hot potato: As generative AI becomes increasingly advanced and accessible, more fake images are appearing on social networks alongside claims that they are authentic. Meta says it will combat this problem by detecting and labeling AI images posted to its platforms - Facebook, Instagram, and Threads - even when they are created by rival services. Meta already labels photorealistic images created by its AI tool with "Imagined with AI" labels, and it wants to do the same thing with content created by other generative AI services, writes Nick Clegg, Meta's President of Global Affairs. Photorealistic images created with Meta's AI tool include visible markers, invisible watermarks, and metadata embedded within the image files to help platforms identify them as being AI-generated. Clegg writes that Meta has been working with other companies to develop common standards for identifying AI-generated content. The social media giant is building tools that identify invisible markers at scale so images from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Adobe, Midjourney, and Shutterstock, who are working to add their own metadata to images, can be identified and labeled when posted to a Meta platform. "People are often coming across AI-generated content for the first time and our users have told us they appreciate transparency around this new technology. So it's important that we help people know when photorealistic content they're seeing has been created using AI," Clegg wrote. Meta is building its capability to identify AI-generated images now, and will start applying labels in all languages across its apps in the coming months. Clegg said that identifying audio and video content created by AI is proving more difficult as the process of adding markers is complicated. However, Meta is adding a feature that will allow users to disclose when they share AI-generated video or audio so the company can add a label to it. Users must also use this disclosure tool when they post organic content with a photorealistic video or realistic-sounding audio that was digitally created or altered. Meta "may apply penalties if they fail to do so." Clegg said any digitally created or altered images, video or audio that "creates a particularly high risk of materially deceiving the public on a matter of importance" will receive a more prominent label. Meta is also working to develop classifiers that can help it automatically detect AI-generated content, even if said content lacks invisible markers. It's also looking at ways of making it more difficult to alter or remove invisible watermarks. More companies are pushing for ways to identify misleading AI-generated content as the election approaches. In September, Microsoft warned of AI imagery from China being used to influence US voters. More recently, a robocall went out to New Hampshire residents that included a 39-second message spoken by what sounded like President Biden telling them not to vote. It was likely created using a text-to-speech engine made by ElevenLabs, leading to the FCC voting to outlaw AI voices in robocalls. Numerous enterprises turn to software development outsourcing to tap into global talent possessing specialized skills and industry knowledge. Leveraging software development services through outsourcing proves instrumental in significantly reducing operational costs and time, enhancing productivity, and expediting the delivery of high-quality, robust software products to the market. The practice of software outsourcing entails engaging a third-party contractor, whether onshore, nearshore, or offshore, to collaborate on software development projects rather than undertaking the task independently. This strategic approach enables businesses to curtail project costs while overcoming existing technological gaps. The flexibility inherent in outsourcing accommodates the dynamic requirements of scaling teams, ensuring timely project completion within budget constraints. Is outsourcing software development a prudent choice? Undoubtedly, software development outsourcing emerges as a cost-effective solution, particularly for companies navigating the rapid pace of the business landscape. The advantages are multifaceted, encompassing access to a global pool of talent, heightened operational efficiency, scalability, substantial time savings, and significant reductions in software development costs. With the support of industry experts, IT companies can maintain focus on core business areas, ensuring the successful fruition of software development projects. Outlined below are the top 5 best software outsourcing companies in 2024. Overview Saigon Technology is an award-winning software development outsourcing company in Vietnam offering top-notch and cost-effective Agile software development offshoring and outsourcing solutions across diverse sectors. The company has over 12 years of experience in the field, with more than 350 developers working for them. Catering to a global clientele, the company provides a range of software solutions for industries such as logistics, eCommerce, finance, banking, healthcare, retail, and more. The IT professionals at Saigon Technology exhibit robust proficiency in a spectrum of technologies, including .NET, Java, Python, NodeJS, Angular, React, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, Scikit-learn, XGBoost, and beyond. Carefully selected from the top 1% of IT talent in Vietnam, these experts bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to every project. Fluent in English, the team possesses a global perspective, facilitating seamless collaboration with clients worldwide. This linguistic capability ensures a comprehensive understanding of unique requirements and cultural nuances, promoting effective communication regardless of the project's location. Saigon Technology's IT professionals leverage their extensive expertise gained from +800 successful and diverse projects across various domains to deliver high-end software solutions. Saigon Technology adopts tailored strategies to enhance cost-saving measures, ensuring an optimal balance between affordability and uncompromised quality for excellent outcomes. It specializes in the delivery of offshore software development and software development outsourcing services. The company has ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications and a mature development process, proving it abides by the highest standards for quality management and information security management systems. Features Diverse Models for Software Outsourcing Saigon Technology provides an array of engagement models tailored to align with distinct project requirements and business objectives. These models, including Offshore Development Center, time & material contracts, staff augmentation, dedicated software development teams, and project-based models, aim to deliver flexibility, control, and optimum value. Each model presents unique advantages, such as complete budget visibility or well-defined deliverables within fixed budgets and timelines. Frontline Technological Adoption Saigon Technology stays at the forefront of technological advancements, leveraging the latest AI technologies and methodologies to deliver solutions that are future-proof and meet the demands of today's digital landscape. Committed to staying updated with advancements, the company ensures that projects of any nature benefit from cutting-edge solutions, providing client companies with a competitive edge. Comprehensive Software Outsourcing Services The Vietnam-based software outsourcing company offers a suite of services customized to propel software development projects to success. Operating based on customer business objectives, the company focuses on achieving faster time-to-market, scalability, cost-efficiency, risk mitigation, quality assurance, and continuous support and maintenance. Custom Software Development involves molding technology to create a custom product based on unique business requirements. Web Application Development signifies crafting intuitive, robust web applications that drive user engagement and digital transformation. Mobile App Development involves understanding the target audience to craft powerful, intuitive mobile applications that offer exceptional user experience. Software Product Development transforms innovative ideas into distinctive, competitive features, ensuring a final product that resonates strongly with the target audience. SaaS Application Development delivers unparalleled user value for customers who want to establish a secure, scalable, and highly accessible software solution with seamless accessibility and intuitive interface. DevOps Development aims to improve the collaboration between development and operational teams, aligning their models to promote effectiveness and agility to accelerate delivery and boost efficiency. AI Development Services & Software QA Testing: utilizes AI machine learning to build technological frameworks that secure risk reduction, performance measurement, and informed decision-making based on data. Paired with the QA Testing, all projects are sure to meet high-quality standards. The company, with its base in Vietnam, brings a wealth of experience from working on diverse projects across various domains. Employing a holistic approach, Saigon Technology addresses unique challenges by harnessing the latest technologies and leveraging its skilled IT professionals. With a credible reputation as a partner for developing modern, robust, and scalable solutions, Saigon Technology is synonymous with propelling businesses forward. Outsourcing Saigon Technology for its services guarantees cost-effectiveness and high-quality outcomes. Overview TechTIQ Solutions provides high-quality and cost-effective solutions for companies of all sizes. It has expertise across multiple technology domains with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. It can also tailor software solutions specific to the needs of an organization. Since 2017, it has developed over 300 mobile and web apps across multiple industries, providing clients with a diverse range of functionalities and services through cutting-edge technology and an efficient staff. The company also provides iterative support and maintenance, even after the end of projects. Features Industry Experts TechTIQ Solutions has an experienced and skilled team of IT professionals who can work 24/7 to achieve its clients' digital transformation goals. They undergo regular training in preparation for IT staff augmentation. They are focused on getting projects done accurately, effectively, and efficiently at a cost-effective price. Top Notch Services The company offers a wide range of services from web design and development to AI and machine learning that can lead clients to business excellence, evidenced by its 300+ projects completed and 150+ satisfied clients over the past six years. Digital Transformation It offers digital transformation as an overall benefit and service for businesses, streamlining their operations based on an in-depth understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, including previous and expected growth rates, and extending to the target audience. With adequate information, the company can provide a top-notch solution for business success. TechTIQ Solutions conducts a rigorous screening process for its candidates so the company can provide the best IT staff for diverse projects. It does all the hard work of recruitment, reducing administrative overhead and operational risks. 3. STS Software GmbH Overview STS Software GmbH is a leading software development company based in Switzerland that employs state-of-the-art systems to maximize the client's digital marketing efforts, committing to reducing expenses without risking the quality of applications. It has a team of 350+ software engineers with over 20 years of experience in the IT field. The company uses a design-led strategy to transform the client-user experience and build top-notch mobile and web solutions. It offers flexible engagement to ensure continuous contact throughout the project, resulting in greater value and long-term partnerships. It also prioritizes cyber-security, following the latest security protocols for protecting mission-critical assets, evidenced by ISO/IEC 27001 certification. In addition, it is also ISO 9001 certified and a Golden Microsoft partner. STS Software GmbH delivers the full software development, including testing, deployment, and operations. It takes time to learn about the specifics of each project to provide customized solutions with the most superb quality. The company boasts a strong force of software engineers. The IT professionals of STS Software GmbH are proficient in English, ensuring smooth communication for effective collaborations with clients and partners in regions from Asia to the US. It has reached a large number of prominent Swiss businesses as strategic partners, strengthening its formidable industry standing. Features STS Software GmbH provides scalable, flexible, and user-friendly software outsourcing services to businesses of various sizes and industries. It features the most cutting-edge technology, knowledge, and a dedicated team of IT professionals for its clients. Rigorous Recruitment Process The software development company considers its candidates' expertise, dedication, and personality to determine if they're an excellent addition to its workforce. It analyzes each applicant's background thoroughly and asks highly specialized questions to determine if they're qualified for recruitment. Clients also play a role in evaluating the talents of the company. Besides technical exams, they are encouraged to interview with a CTO or an internal technical representative, ensuring they collaborate with the most suitable candidate for the project. This allows them to minimize the risks associated with the project and save money by leveraging the extensive experience of the hired IT professionals. Agile Methodologies STS Software GmbH follows agile methodologies alongside traditional approaches to ensure the delivery schedule's reliability and the end product's quality. This reduces the developmental costs and increases the capacity for adaptability and adjustment, improving the synergy within the development teams to create high-quality products. STS Software GmbH offers standard services like web app development, custom software development, and even AI development and machine learning. It promises prompt, high-quality order fulfillment through following methodologies that accelerate the developmental process without compromising the quality of software applications. 4. Jumar Overview Jumar is a leading supplier of digital transformation and consultation services with more than two decades of experience delivering IT projects, resources, and governance. The company runs a UK-led development practice with onshore, nearshore, and offshore capabilities, with technology accreditations and high-level development expertise. Jumar delivers bespoke technology services, from project delivery to the provision of skilled professionals and teams. The company employs a collaborative approach to assemble the best digital solution to help public and private sector clients achieve their goals. Features Range of IT Development Services The software outsourcing company offers a range of IT development services that are tailored to fit the client's timescales, resources, in-house expertise, and budget. Jumar works in partnership with the in-house team to achieve the required outcome. It puts the customer and user experience front and center of the engagement by conducting rigorous user research and demonstrations while maintaining meaningful relationships with all stakeholders. Expertise in Public and Private Sectors Jumar has proven expertise in public and private sectors, including small, large, and global organizations. The company has been a trusted provider of full-lifecycle IT services and the most cost-effective tailored solution for IT challenges. With a scalable and flexible approach, it engages via various government commercial and delivery frameworks. Jumar also holds ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications, proving its strong legal and compliance credentials. Jumar has a pool of in-house technology experts, complemented by its associate and contractor network. The software outsourcing company has nurtured a select group of trusted strategic partners, experts in their respective specialties, aligned to its proven delivery principles, enabling the company to scale under control. 5. Vantage Point Consulting Overview Founded in 2006, Vantage Point Consulting is a group of highly experienced management consultants who provide a full spectrum of software outsourcing services, turning the largest workforce challenges into a competitive advantage. They have a shared passion for working on challenges related to post-secondary education, armed with learning solutions to empower high-performing teams to reach their full potential. They also excel in building impactful and user-friendly applications--native, cloud, desktop, or mobile. Features Vantage Point follows a mobile-first philosophy, ensuring all web-based applications are optimized for mobile users. The company designs and develops primarily to provide a seamless user experience on mobile devices. It can also tailor the solutions based on the client's unique needs. It has a credible track record in building responsive, scalable, and feature-rich mobile apps for its clients coming from higher education institutions, federal governments, non-profits, and workforce development. Vantage Point also builds, migrates, and manages applications across multiple platforms. The company can provide expert guidance so its customers can leverage the power of a well-structured cloud network to minimize costs and maximize performance. It also excels in delivering tailored API services, guiding clients through the critical aspects so they can unlock the full potential of the application ecosystem with seamless connectivity between the apps and internal or external data sources. Vantage Point is a comprehensive software outsourcing company proficient in guiding its partners through the cloud while creating custom and feature-rich applications optimized for various platforms. It focuses on developing a human-centered design, understanding the need to provide software solutions most valuable for the end-users. Conclusion Save time and money without compromising the quality of your applications by choosing one of the top 5 best software outsourcing companies in 2024. With their industry expertise and access to the most recent technologies, you can focus on core business areas by delegating complex technical tasks to highly skilled IT professionals. Make the wise decision to outsource software development to these service providers and leverage global talent to build future-proof and secure applications. 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Snap, the parent company of Snapchat said Monday that it will lay off 10% of its worldwide workforce, translating to approximately 500 employees. This move is part of Snap's strategy to foster "in-person collaboration," with an aim to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Stock Impact: Snap Shares Experience Marginal Decline Following the announcement, Snap's shares witnessed a modest 1% decline during morning trading. Despite this dip, Snap remains proactive in optimizing its organizational structure, having implemented several rounds of layoffs since 2022, including a minor reduction in product employees in November. Related Article: Meta, TikTok, Big Tech CEOs, Set to Defend Social Media Safety for Kids Financial Ramifications: Anticipated Charges of $55 Million to $75 Million According to CNBC, Snap anticipates incurring charges ranging from $55 million to $75 million as a result of this workforce reduction, as indicated in a regulatory filing. Snap's Historical Workforce Adjustments: From 2022 to 2024 This move is not the first time Snap has undertaken significant workforce adjustments. In August 2022, the company implemented a substantial 20% staff reduction while restructuring its business lines. The current decision to cut 10% of the workforce continues Snap's ongoing efforts to refine its organizational structure. Workforce Reductions in Tech Industry in 2024 Snap joins the ranks of tech companies implementing workforce reductions in 2024. In January alone, nearly 24,000 tech workers faced job losses. This trend is observed across the industry, with notable companies like Okta and Zoom also announcing staff layoffs. Investor Response: Generally Positive towards Workforce Optimization Investors typically respond positively to tech companies' initiatives to optimize their workforce. Meta, for instance, recently pursued a "year of efficiency," resulting in substantial workforce cuts. Meta's stock reached an all-time high post-announcement, demonstrating investor confidence in strategic efficiency measures. Snap's Position in Comparison to Tech Giants Similar to industry giants Google and Facebook, Snap relies heavily on digital advertising spend for revenue. While the company faced challenges in certain quarters, its most recent financial report showcased a rebound, breaking a streak of revenue declines. Additionally, Snap initiated a $500 million share buyback program, signaling confidence in its financial position. In October 2023, the daily users of Snapchat rose to more than 400 million. Snap thanked AI for these positive results-a 12 percent increase from 2022's record. According to Snap CEO Evan Spiegel at that time, the company's revenue regained growth in the third quarter as they shifted priorities. To drive higher investment yields, they focused on enhancing their advertising platform for their ad partners. Meanwhile, the latest changes in Super Duolingo triggered many users. According to some subscribers, the language-focused app is now "useless" since it has plans to slash human interpreters. They will be replaced by AI-powered translators. This suggests that not all people are pro-AI. Read Also: Snapchat's 'My AI' Chatbot Under Scrutiny in UK Over Privacy Concerns for Teens 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joe Biden's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns from a coalition of 20 state attorneys general, including Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. In a letter addressed to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the attorneys general expressed worries that the order, signed in October, lacks Congressional authorization and could lead to the federal government consolidating control over AI developed by the private sector. The group particularly emphasized the risk of potential political misuse, including the censorship of alleged "disinformation." While the executive order aims to set new standards for AI safety and enhance privacy and consumer protections, the attorneys general argue that it establishes a "gatekeeping function" within the Commerce Department, imposing an "opaque and undemocratic process" on AI developers. According to Fox News, the letter highlights concerns that this bureaucratic supervisory process could stifle AI development, favor large tech firms, and offer inadequate protection for citizens. (Photo : BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on advancing the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 30, 2023. Ensuring AI Safety Amid Growing Concerns Under the Defense Production Act, the White House's AI Executive Order requires companies developing foundational models with serious risks to national security, economic security, or public health and safety to notify the federal government during training. The White House indicated in the order's original proclamation that these corporations must divulge all red-team safety test results. "These measures will ensure AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy before companies make them public," according to The White House. Ben Buchanan, the White House special adviser on AI, emphasized the US government's commitment to ensuring the safety of AI systems before their public release, as reported by AP News. Acknowledging President Joe Biden's clear stance on companies meeting safety standards, Buchanan outlined the software companies' dedication to specific safety test categories. However, there is currently no requirement for adherence to a standardized safety test, prompting the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a uniform framework as outlined in Biden's October executive order. Read Also: Tesla Driver Arrested for Wearing Apple Vision Pro While Car Running on Autopilot The Biden administration is actively engaging with congressional legislation and collaborating with other nations and the European Union to establish comprehensive regulations for AI technology. The Commerce Department has initiated a draft rule targeting US cloud companies providing servers to foreign AI developers. Nine government departments, including Defense, Transportation, Treasury, and Health and Human Services, have assessed AI's use in essential infrastructure like the power grid. The US government is also hiring more AI specialists and data scientists across federal departments to oversee AI's revolutionary potential and ensure regulatory readiness. Buchanan said the government will use AI without disturbing established systems. Meta Board: Facebook Rules OKs Modified Videos Depicting Biden as a Pedophile In another development about AI safety, Meta, Facebook's parent company, found that a Facebook video falsely accusing President Joe Biden of pedophilia did not breach the platform's standards. The independent monitoring board, financially backed by Meta, examined a user complaint over an altered seven-second video of President Biden in October. The board sustained Meta's video since the platform's present regulation only allows action against misleadingly edited videos created by AI or those that distort statements. The ruling emphasized the need for a more comprehensive policy covering both audio and video content, with clear labels identifying manipulated content, regardless of AI involvement, per The Guardian. Meta informed the board of its plan to update the policy in response to evolving AI technologies. The company is reviewing the ruling and will provide a public response within 60 days. Related Article: US-Blacklisted Huawei Tops China Smartphone Sales, Fueled by Mate 60 Pro 5G Success 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tinder, a leading global dating app, is taking proactive steps to enhance user safety by introducing new warnings to cultivate a secure and respectful dating environment. These Tinder security updates, slated for a global rollout in the near future, target the online dating platform's primary user demographic, particularly those aged 18-25, providing guidance on appropriate behavior and avenues for rectifying actions. Nicole Blumenfeld, Tinder's VP of Trust & Safety Operations, underscores the significance of these warnings in promoting transparency and alerting users to behaviors that may diverge from community standards, per CNBC. Designed to address authenticity, respectfulness, and inclusiveness, the warnings tackle issues like harassment and safeguard users against advertising and impersonation. (Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)This picture taken on July 29, 2022 shows the dating app Tinder on a tablet screen in Moscow. How Does It Work? Leveraging real-time machine learning and advanced monitoring technology, Tinder employs features like 'Does This Bother You' and 'Are You Sure' alongside human verification to identify guideline breaches. When a violation is detected, users receive in-app warnings from 'Team Tinder,' offering detailed explanations and guidance on expected behavior. These warnings are permanent and cannot be deleted, with repeated offenses potentially leading to profile removal. This initiative underscores Tinder's unwavering commitment to trust and safety, enriching the dating experience for its diverse user base. According to a TechCrunch report, Tinder has introduced additional security measures over the past year, including 'incognito mode' and enhanced reporting features like 'Long Press Reporting,' empowering users to report offensive content effectively. Read Also: Spoutible Security Flaw Exposed: Social Media Platform Users Urged to Change Passwords Tinder Enters The Fashion Industry In parallel with the firm's safety enhancements, Tinder has ventured into the fashion realm with its inaugural fashion line in collaboration with designer Chet Lo. The Drum reported that this partnership, which Melissa Hobley, Tinder's Chief Marketing Officer, spearheaded, represents a strategic shift toward brand partnerships and physical presence. The 'Lovestruck Collection,' featuring Lo's distinctive spike designs and playful phrases like 'No one's type' and 'I wear my heart on my sleeve,' embodies Tinder's ethos of authenticity and connection. Hobley highlights Lo's openness about queerness and dating experiences, aligning seamlessly with Tinder's mission. This foray into fashion represents Tinder's broader ambition to integrate its brand into real-world experiences through strategic collaborations, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the dating landscape. Tinder unveils first UK fashion collaboration with Chet Lo https://t.co/I2Mzsa00vF pic.twitter.com/yFJ2GbLo58 FashionUnited (@FashionUnited) February 1, 2024 Hobley expresses enthusiasm about materializing insights into dating culture through this collaboration. She intends to gauge the partnership's success by monitoring social sentiment and collection sales and brand trackers to assess its impact on brand perception. This collaboration signifies Tinder's commitment to actively participating in cultural endeavors. Hobley envisions marketing opportunities that extend Tinder's presence from the digital realm to the physical world, where users can tangibly own and wear a piece of Tinder. Related Article: Meta's Evolution: Navigating Facebook's Changing Role Amid Shifting User Sentiment 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. French hospital trials 'socially assistive' robots to support the elderly. The Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris in France recently welcomed a group of "socially assistive" robots to alleviate the workload for its human staff. (Photo : FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images) A geriatric assistant robot called Clarc able to assess the health and the quality of life of an elderly person, is tested at Troyes Rehabilitation center (Centre de Reeducation et de Readaptation Fonctionnelle de Troyes), on June 26, 2019. Helping the Elderly In a captivating new study, a Parisian hospital featured a batch of healthcare robots developed by a Scottish artificial intelligence (AI) team from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. These robots, part of the Heriot-Watt University's National Robotarium Socially Assistive Robots in Gerontological Healthcare (SPRING) project, were designed to perform routine tasks and interact with elderly patients at the Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris. Interesting Engineering reported that the trials showcase the advancements in large language model technology, enabling robots to engage in natural and fluent conversations. Results suggest that these robots can actively participate in social interactions, such as greeting patients, answering questions, and providing directions, effectively easing the workload for human staff members. Notably, the robots demonstrate the ability to comprehend multi-party conversations, following dialogue among several individuals simultaneously. The possibility of robots working seamlessly alongside hospital staff to improve the patient experience has taken a step closer to reality. Also Read: AI in Healthcare May Lead to More Unintended Unequal Access, Study Warns Initial trials at Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris have shown the robot's effective ability to engage in conversations with patients and their companions simultaneously, as reported by Futurescot. Oliver Lemon, a professor of AI and academic co-lead at the National Robotarium, shared insights into the project, stating that they view the SPRING project as a substantial milestone in the advancement of interactive robotics. He expressed pride in its achievements while acknowledging the exciting challenges that still lie ahead. Throughout the trial, the robots undertook simple and repetitive tasks, effectively minimizing direct physical contact between healthcare providers and patients. Preliminary feedback suggests that incorporating socially assistive robots has the potential to reduce the risk of infection transmission and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare professionals. Vital Component of Patient Care Within Hospitals Professor Anne-Sophie Rigaud, heading the Department at Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, observed a growing interest among patients in robotics and advancements within hospital services. As per Time, the ARI robot is seen as evolving into a vital component of patient care within hospitals, given its capacity for social interaction and guidance provision. In expressing satisfaction, she remarked that older adults have conveyed approval of the robot's design, believing it could be valuable for offering information and companionship to patients with cognitive disorders. The trials in Paris have provided valuable insights into how this emerging technology can elevate care delivery and safety. Simultaneously, they have contributed to advancements in computer vision, audio processing, and human-robot interaction, with potential applications globally. Related Article: Can These Hospital Robots Like Moxi Alleviate Burnout Among Nurses? 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft, LG, Lenovo, and five other global tech companies have officially committed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) AI ethics recommendation during the 2nd UNESCO Global Forum on AI in Kranj, Slovenia. This reportedly marks the first time these tech firms have worked with the United Nations (UN) in this capacity. The tech giants will be required to safeguard human rights in all stages of AI development, design, acquisition, sale, and usage under the terms of a new agreement signed by the tech corporations GSMA, INNIT, Lenovo Group, LG AI Research, Mastercard, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Telefonica. Additionally, the multi-faceted agreement stipulates that in compliance with national laws, due diligence must be done to ensure safety requirements are met, to identify the negative consequences of AI, and to take prompt action to prevent, minimize, or repair them. The agreement also states that evaluating new AI systems before they are put on the market is crucial. (Photo : JULIEN DE ROSA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) UNESCO has called on governments to regulate the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education and research. The quick development of AI systems that are currently on the market also makes it necessary to build post-deployment risk assessments and mitigation plans. In addition to upholding human rights, UNESCO's AI ethics guidelines recognize, protect, and promote the health of ecosystems and the environment at every stage of the life cycle of AI systems. In the recommendations, transparency is also given top priority. These include open and accessible education, civic engagement, training in digital skills and AI ethics, media and information literacy, and training that the private sector collaborates with other stakeholders to conduct in order to increase public awareness of AI technologies and the importance of data. Read Also: EU Unanimously Approves AI Act, Setting Stage for Comprehensive Regulation UNESCO's Global Forum on AI The agreement came during the first day of the 2nd UNESCO Global Forum on AI that is stated to run from February 5 to 6, 2024. The second day will reportedly see leading experts in the field discussing the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. The Forum is also expected to mark the introduction of several UNESCO projects, such as the UNESCO AI Ethics Experts without Borders Network and the Global AI Ethics Observatory. UNESCO's AI Advancements The signed agreement is reportedly critical for AI's development for the common good claimed by UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay and that getting the same firm commitment from multinational tech businesses today represents another significant step forward. This development proves to be in line with UNESCO consistent promotion of private sector participation, which has resulted in the formation of the Business Council for Ethics of AI, which is co-chaired by Telefonica and Microsoft. The Business Council is dedicated to developing the Ethical Impact Assessment tool required by the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, enhancing technical capacities in ethics and AI, and supporting the creation of wise regional policies. Related Article: AI, Now Officially Considered as Potential Financial System Risk by US Regulators 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a captivating venture, Hyundai's CRADLE, in collaboration with Sundberg-Ferar, has unveiled the Elevate, an electric car equipped with robotic legs. (Photo : Hyundai) Hyundai is looking away beyond a chassis, four wheels and a combustion engine, electric motor or hydrogen fuel cell. Hyundai's Walking Car The South Korean automotive manufacturer's startup initiative, Cradle, known for its commitment to venture capital, technical innovation, and conceptual development, partnered with the industrial design firm Sundberg-Ferar to bring this groundbreaking concept to life. Interesting Engineering reported that the innovative project aims to create Ultimate Mobility Vehicles (UMVs) capable of walking on legs, driving like conventional vehicles, and navigating challenging terrains, according to the company's vision. This visionary concept, named Elevate, was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, standing out among several other unveilings, including the next-gen e-Cornering wheel system tech featuring Mobion. Distinguished as the 'walking car,' this innovative vehicle features intricate 'complex multi-joint legs' inspired by the biomechanics of grasshopper legs. These legs enable the car to ascend steps, elevate itself above flowing water, and even leap over gaps. John Suh, Vice President, highlighted the potential impact on people with disabilities globally, stating that individuals could welcome the Hyundai Elevate as it walks up to their front door, allowing their wheelchairs to seamlessly roll inside. The company emphasized that as the project progressed, the Elevate team recognized that this groundbreaking innovation aligns with the company's vision for a future where people experience freedom of mobility. Hyundai expanded on the possibilities, stating that Elevate could play a significant role in rural exploration, construction, or disaster relief by enabling rescue teams to access areas where traditional roads are compromised. Additionally, Tech Radar reported that it could provide wheelchair users with an easier means of transportation by "climbing" steps to a house or building. Developing H-MEX Exoskeletons Hyundai underscores the notion that the tangible manifestation of freedom of mobility should be considered a universal entitlement. This is particularly poignant when acknowledging that certain individuals encounter difficulties even in basic physical movements. In response to this recognition, the company is actively developing its wearable H-MEX exoskeletons, as stated in its official press release. Tailored to assist individuals with paraplegia and the elderly, this robotic medical device can support up to 40kg of the user's weight. It holds promise as a mobility solution for those contending with spinal injuries or muscle-related challenges. Also Read: Kia Returns to CES 2024 After 5-Year Absence: What to Expect Speaking on behalf of Hyundai's Elevate project, project spokesperson Mr. Chi explains that challenges in reaching the nearest bus stop could discourage an elderly woman from regular doctor visits until her health deteriorates. Looking to the future, Chi envisions a scenario where people explore diverse and practical mobility solutions beyond traditional car purchases, emphasizing the need for developing transportation solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of the future. Highlighting the enduring necessity of travel, Chi acknowledges that transportation methods will continuously undergo change and transformation. The choices concerning transportation will be shaped by various factors, including climate, environment, social dynamics, and financial considerations, influencing society's perception of mobility. Recognizing the importance of anticipating and addressing these evolving demands, Hyundai acknowledges that the need for mobility is enduring, but the transformation will be in the ownership of vehicles, from individuals to service providers. Related Article: LOOK: Hyundai's Star Wars-Looking Car 'Elevate' Has Legs Allowing You to Speed up on Roads and Climb Terrain! 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The UK Government is reportedly planning to spend more than 100M or roughly $125M cumulatively to improve its artificial intelligence regulation and research to manage both AI risks and benefits. Headlining the plans are nine new AI research hubs across the United Kingdom. As per the official press release from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, the establishment of 9 new research hubs around the UK and a collaboration on ethical AI with the US will cost close to 90 million. The hubs will assist British AI knowledge in applying the technology to fields like mathematics, chemistry, and healthcare. (Photo : OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images) This illustration picture shows the AI (artificial intelligence) smartphone app ChatGPT surrounded by other AI apps in Vaasa on June 6, 2023. Additionally, 21 projects worth 19 million will be funded in order to create creative, reliable, and ethical AI and machine learning solutions. This will hasten the adoption of these technologies and increase productivity. This will be implemented via the Innovate UK BridgeAI program, supported by the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, and funded through the Accelerating Trustworthy AI Phase 2 competition. Read Also: OpenAI, Common Sense Media Collaboration: AI Guidelines Coming for Online Safety UK's AI Regulators Additionally, reports suggest that instead of establishing a new, central regulator just for the burgeoning technology, the government has opted to employ the regulators that are already in place to oversee the use of artificial intelligence within their respective industries, as stated in the AI white paper that was first released last year. An additional 10 million investment has been made to help regulators in a variety of industries, including banking, healthcare, education, and telecommunications, become more skilled and prepared to manage the risks associated with artificial intelligence and take advantage of its benefits. This additional funding decision by the UK however, has yet to be finalized as per Tech Crunch. DSIT reportedly said the 10 million fund intended to increase regulators' AI capabilities has not yet been established, but the government is moving quickly to put the system in place. The DSIT representative added that to accomplish their goals and make sure the government is getting value for the money paid by taxpayers, it is crucial that the government carry out the task of upskilling AI regulators correctly. UK's AI Regulation Efforts These newly announced plans reportedly sit alongside the 100 million the government funded in the world's first AI Safety Institute back in November. A move meant to assess the hazards associated with emerging AI models and the worldwide leadership demonstrated by Bletchley Park's hosting of the world's first significant summit on AI safety. Big Tech Companies lauded the newest development, with Microsoft's Vice-President, External Affairs Hugh Milward welcoming the new development. Google DeepMind's CEO, Lila Ibrahim also praised UK's plans in that it supports a balance between encouraging innovation and making sure AI is used responsibly and securely. Amazon's UK Country Manager John Boumphrey on the other hand, encouraged like-minded approaches on AI, describing it as "an innovation-friendly and internationally coordinated approach." Related Article: EU Unanimously Approves AI Act, Setting Stage for Comprehensive Regulation 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock for AWNewYork / Shutterstock.com Mark Cuban has invested in 85 companies on Shark Tank, according to the website Sharkalytics, which tracks the investments on the business reality series. According to the site, hes worth nearly $19.6 million. Related: 8 Best Cryptocurrencies To Invest In for 2024 Read: How to Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy Yet the billionaire investor told the Dallas Morning News that hes actually invested closer to $29 million and has made much more in both cash and market value. As Cuban prepares to leave the show after 13 years, you might wonder which investments did the best. Heres a handful of his highest performers. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. 1. Tower Paddle Boards The folks at Tower Paddle Boards arent shy about their Shark Tank success, funded in part by Cuban and Shark Tank. The company website, TowerPaddleBoards.com, noted Mark Cuban invested $150,000 in Tower in 2011. Weve paid him out more than $1 million in dividends to date and hes still got his ownership stake. The companys core product is inflatable paddle boards, but it also sells hard paddle boards, inflatable docks and beach lifestyle products. 2. Nuts N More You may have seen this tasty nut butter spread at health food, grocery or nutrition stores near you, including Public, GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. Forbes called Nuts N More one of the top 10 Best Businesses to come out of Shark Tank. Im always looking for foods that solve my sweet tooth and are healthy. This company fit that bill perfectly, Cuban told Dallas Business Journal. Nuts N More earned roughly $6 million in annual sales between 2015 and 2021, according to FoodRepublic.com. 3. Prep Expert Investing in SAT prep company Prep Expert, founded by Shaan Patel turned out to be a smart move for Cuban. He invested $250,000 for 20% equity in 2016, and later called Prep Expert one of his top five favorite investments of all time, Inc.com reported. Today, the company regularly brings in $5 million in annual revenue, according to Fortune.com. Story continues I have yet to fail working with entrepreneurs who are much smarter than me and who were also grinders. Shaan has done amazingly well so far and I expect great things from him, Cuban told Inc.com. 4. Simple Sugars Skin care company Simple Sugars caught Cubans eye for a reason you might not expect the founder Lani Lazzari hailed from Pittsburgh, just like Cuban. I saw Lani, who was 19 at the time as a mini-me. She hustled, was always selling and always thinking of new ways to make her customers happier, Cuban told Inc.com. Cuban offered funds of $100,000. His instincts paid off, as the company was worth $5 million as of 2021, according to EquityAtlas.org. Bottom Line Learn: 13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You One common thread runs through Cubans investments: not only does he see a niche for the products, he believes in the founders and their capabilities and he likes their hustle. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Mark Cubans 4 Most Lucrative Shark Tank Investments Artificial Intelligence has once again showcased its worth in surprising avenues as researchers reportedly used AI to decipher the hidden text of an ancient 2000-year-old scroll buried back when Mount Vesuvius erupted, a discovery initiated by the Vesuvius Challenge. The challenge's original sponsor, US tech entrepreneur Nat Friedman, revealed on Monday that three computer-savvy students from Germany, the US's Luke Farritor and Switzerland's Julian Schilliger, had won the $700,000 (554,000) grand prize after deciphering more than 2,000 Greek letters from the scroll. (Photo : KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images) Archaeologists have made a compelling discovery in central Egypt, unearthing a 3,500-year-old scroll believed to be an ancient Egyptian "Book of the Dead." The Vesuvius challenge is reportedly a crowd-sourcing challenge that centers on machine learning to decipher buried ancient texts from the Herculaneum Papyri, a collection of manuscripts destroyed by Mount Vesuvius' explosion in 79 AD. The competition started in 2023 and is stated to have now awarded over $1,000,000 in prizes. The newest discovery reportedly came from the trio that all had independently deciphered unreadable script previously; together, they extracted 15 columns of text from the carbonized scroll with the assistance of AI. Read Also: Asteroid Ryugu Sample Reveals Ancient Comets Brought Life to Earth The AI-Deciphered Scroll The scroll deciphered, as posted by Friedman, reportedly reads, as per a preliminary transcription of the text by a group of distinguished papyrologists, the author writing about music, eating, and savoring life's little pleasures. Robert Fowler, chair of the Herculaneum Society and emeritus professor of Greek at Bristol University, went on to discuss the contents wherein he states the scroll talks about sources of enjoyment, including food and music, or capers, in particular, and whether or not a combination of things makes you happy depends on whether it is bountiful or the scarce. Next, according to Fowler, the author of The Scroll is posing the query, "What is the source of pleasure in a mix of things?" Is it the mix itself, the dominant or scarce element? Friedman then remarked that in the last portion, the author makes fun of anonymous ideological rivals who have nothing to say about pleasure in general or specific. As for the author of the deciphered scroll, Fowler suggests it is the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, as he claims the script's content is just within Philodemus' alley, and the style is characteristically gnarly for him. AI-Assisted Deciphering Several experts lauded the newest results. Scholars of papyrology, such as Fowler, say that this is a total game changer, especially with hundreds of undeciphered scrolls out there, ready to be read, he continues. A similar praise was also expressed by Dr. Federica Nicolardi, a papyrologist at the University of Naples Federico II, who said this marks the beginning of a revolution in Greek philosophy and Herculaneum papyrology. As for the entirety of the competition, there was a three-way tie for second place, in which the winners received $50,000 each for coming up with innovative approaches to the subtleties of ink labeling and sampling. Looking forward, the Vesuvius challenge reportedly aims to read entire scrolls by 2024 instead of just a few passages. The sponsor went on to say, in the same post, that the first team to interpret at least 90% of all four scrolls scanned for the competition would win a brand-new $100,000 grand prize. Related Article: Ancient Cuneiform Tablets Become Readable With New Automatic Text Recognition Tool 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A South Korean court on Monday found Samsung Electronics chief Lee Jae-yong not guilty of financial crimes related to a controversial merger in 2015, his lawyers said. The billionaire was charged with stock manipulation and accounting fraud tied to the merger of two Samsung affiliates. According to AFP, the court noted insufficient evidence to show an intention to harm shareholders through the merger. South Korean prosecutors had previously argued that the merger between Samsung C&T, a construction and engineering firm, and textile company Cheil Industries was primarily done for Lee to gain a tighter grip on Samsung Electronics, the group's flagship company. Samsung Electronics Chief Lee Jae-yong Acquitted of Crimes Linked to the 2015 Merger Addressing concerns about the merger's legitimacy, the court emphasized that the consolidation of Lee's authority and succession planning were not the sole objectives behind the merger, underscoring the absence of concrete evidence to substantiate the prosecution's allegations. The verdict absolves Lee of multiple charges, including stock price manipulation, breach of trust, and financial misconduct, stemming from the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries in 2015. Lee's legal team expressed gratitude for the court's ruling, asserting the merger's legitimacy and thanking the judiciary for its discerning judgment.The merger had faced scrutiny over allegations of undervaluing Samsung C&T's stock price, disadvantaging its shareholders. Prosecutors contended that the exchange ratio in the merger, offering three Samsung C&T shares for one Cheil share, undermined market principles and facilitated a succession strategy benefiting Lee. Read Also: Tech Times Weekly Wrap: No More Physical Games from Walmart, iPhone Pegasus Spyware, Samsung's Galaxy S24 AI Driven by Personal Interests? During the trial, the prosecution argued that the merger was driven by personal interests, contributing to a broader corporate governance and market integrity issue in South Korea. In his defense, Lee refuted claims of self-interest, asserting that the merger was not orchestrated to bolster his personal stake at the expense of other shareholders. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, stating that he never intended to harm other investors. Critics have expressed dismay over the court's decision, with some suggesting that Lee had been granted undue leniency. They questioned the adequacy of the prosecution's efforts in holding Lee accountable, raising concerns about the fairness of the legal process. The verdict, delivered nearly three years after the case's initiation, follows a series of hearings spanning over 100 sessions. Its implications will likely reverberate across Samsung Electronics, providing clarity for the company's future strategic direction. Lee's acquittal is anticipated to boost Samsung Electronics, a pivotal player in the global memory chip market, and allow the conglomerate to focus on long-term investment strategies and business expansion. AFP reported that Lee's legal saga has been closely watched, marked by a prior conviction for fraud and embezzlement, which led to an 18-month prison sentence. Following his release on parole in 2021, Lee resumed his corporate responsibilities and was formally appointed as executive chairman of Samsung Electronics in 2022, following a presidential pardon for his earlier convictions. Related Article: CES 2024: Samsung Unveils New Transparent MICRO LED Screen, Redefining Smart Display Capabilities 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Japan's technology industry is facing a significant talent shortage, prompting companies to look for solutions such as hiring foreign workers and raising wages to address the problem (via Bloomberg). According to recent reports, three-quarters of technology employers in Japan expect recruiting to be extremely competitive in 2023 due to a scarcity of qualified candidates. The shortage of skilled labor is not limited to the technology sector, and it affects many industries in Japan. The country's efforts to digitalize its economy and revitalize its semiconductor industry are hampered by a shortage of skilled workers. Companies are now racing to streamline their hiring processes in order to remain competitive in the market, as opposed to their counterparts in the United States, where tech layoffs have been prevalent. Japan Needs More Software Engineers Bloomberg also reports that software engineering is one area where Japan faces a particularly acute shortage, leading to delays in digital transformation initiatives. To combat this, there is a growing consensus among tech hiring managers to look beyond borders for talent. With Japan's foreign worker population surpassing two million, there's a ripe opportunity to tap into a diverse pool of skilled individuals. Experts like Lionel Kaidatzis, managing director of Morgan McKinley Japan, emphasize the need for Japanese organizations to cast a wider net in their search for talent. He suggests that looking beyond domestic borders could yield individuals with cutting-edge skills and valuable experience, essential for driving innovation in the tech sector. However, attracting and retaining talent is not just about finding the right people; it is also about offering competitive compensation packages. High salary offers are increasingly becoming a priority for technology workers in Japan, with many rejecting job offers due to inadequate compensation. In response, over 70% of employers plan to raise wages in certain roles to remain competitive in the market. Read Also: Seven-Eleven Japan Launches Unmanned Stores in Tokyo Using Smartphone Payments Japan's Aging Population Japan Times reports that the government committed 3.5 trillion ($23.6 billion) to increase the birth rate earlier this year. However, employers have been facing challenges due to a shortage of available workers. While the tech industry grapples with its talent shortage, Japan's aging population presents another challenge for businesses across various sectors. Efforts to keep the elderly employed for longer have led to innovative solutions such as job-matching platforms and flexible work arrangements. One such platform, Sketter, connects nonessential jobs in nursing homes with potential workers, freeing up caregivers to focus on their primary responsibilities. This approach not only addresses labor shortages but also provides meaningful opportunities for older individuals seeking engagement beyond retirement. In addition to elder care, initiatives like raising the retirement age for taxi drivers aim to alleviate transportation challenges in rural areas with declining populations. By offering more flexible working hours and expanding job categories, companies are finding creative ways to match older workers' skills and preferences with specific tasks. Furthermore, initiatives like the "Restaurant of Mistaken Orders," which employs dementia patients as waiters, highlight the importance of raising awareness and fostering social inclusion for vulnerable populations. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Japan Launches New Visa for Digital Nomads: Work Remotely, Explore, Stay up to 6 Months! 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a shocking turn of events, a respected Swedish medical institution, Karolinska Institutet (KI), suffered a catastrophic loss over the holiday season when decades' worth of research samples were destroyed due to a freezer malfunction. The incident, which occurred just a day before Christmas Eve, has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with researchers dealing with the loss of invaluable data and resources (via The Guardian). Irreparable Damage The research samples, meticulously collected and preserved over the years, were stored in cryogenic tanks cooled with liquid nitrogen at an ultra-low temperature of -190C. However, a critical disruption in the supply of liquid nitrogen to 16 cryogenic tanks during the holiday period proved fatal for the samples. Despite the tanks being capable of sustaining for four days without additional liquid nitrogen, the interruption persisted for five days, resulting in irreparable damage. The repercussions of this mishap are profound, with estimates suggesting that the loss amounts to millions of kronor. While an official valuation is pending, it is clear that the impact extends far beyond monetary considerations. Particularly hard-hit are researchers studying leukemia, who had painstakingly gathered samples from patients spanning three decades. These samples, intended for future research endeavors, held the promise of unlocking critical insights into the disease and advancing treatment strategies. Read Also: This Battery-Free Sensor Only Needs Sounds to Power an Electronic Device Investigations Underway Matti Sallberg, Dean of KI's southern campus, lamented the incident's timing, pointing out that it occurred during Christmas time. The devastation caused by the loss echoes not only within the institute's walls but also throughout the broader scientific landscape, where collaboration and innovation are critical. In response to the crisis, KI has launched an internal investigation and promptly notified the authorities, including the police. While there is no evidence of foul play, the university is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for answers. The incident underscores the fragility of scientific endeavors and the importance of robust infrastructure and contingency plans to safeguard against such unforeseen events. Karolinska Institutet, renowned for its contributions to medical research and home to the Nobel Assembly, now faces a moment of reckoning. As investigations continue and efforts to rebuild commence, the resilience of the human spirit shines through, serving as a beacon of hope amidst adversity. In Other News French hospital starts tests on 'socially assistive' robots to help the elderly. The Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris in France recently welcomed a group of "socially assistive" robots to help alleviate the workload of its human employees. These robots, developed by Heriot-Watt University's National Robotarium Socially Assistive Robots in Gerontological Healthcare (SPRING) project, are intended to perform routine tasks and interact with elderly patients at the Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Japanese Researchers Capture Real-Time Footage of 'Talking' Plants For the First Time 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China's semiconductor industry is preparing for a significant milestone, amid mounting challenges from US export restrictions. Despite Washington's efforts to slow the development of advanced chip technologies, the Financial Times reports that Chinese chipmakers, led by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), are planning to produce next-generation smartphone processors as early as this year. China's Self-Reliance on Chip Production The same report tells us that SMIC, China's top chipmaker, has reportedly established new semiconductor production lines in Shanghai to mass-produce chips designed by technology giant Huawei. This move aligns with Beijing's objectives of achieving self-reliance in semiconductor production, a strategic goal that has gained momentum amid escalating tensions with the United States. The US government's export restrictions, particularly on technology transfers to SMIC, have posed significant challenges for Chinese chipmakers. However, SMIC aims to leverage its existing stock of US and Dutch-made equipment to produce more miniaturized 5-nanometer chips, Reuters reports. While these chips remain a generation behind the cutting-edge 3-nanometer ones, the development signifies China's gradual progress in semiconductor manufacturing despite export controls. Read Also: China, Russia Agree to Coordinate AI Use in Military Technology Huawei's Advanced Chip Tech Huawei's flagship smartphones have been at the forefront of showcasing advancements in chip technology. The Mate 60 Pro, featuring a 7-nanometer processor, surprised industry analysts with its performance and contributed to increased shipments in China. With impressive flagship sales, Huawei has recently reclaimed its dominance in China's smartphone market, dethroning competitors and industry leaders like Apple in the first few weeks of 2024. Financial Times notes that with plans to produce more advanced chips, including the Ascend 920 AI processor, Huawei aims to strengthen its competitiveness in the smartphone market further. Challenges Ahead However, SMIC faces challenges such as increased production costs and lower yield compared to competitors like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The company is reportedly charging higher prices for products from its 5-nanometer and 7-nanometer fabrication nodes, indicating potential financial strains amid the technological race. The implications of export restrictions are significant, with the Dutch government's recent revocation of export licenses for advanced chipmaking equipment posing hurdles for SMIC's production expansion. Analysts speculate on the motivations behind SMIC and Huawei's chip production efforts, raising questions about the sustainability of the endeavor given the financial and technological constraints. The future development of China's chip industry remains uncertain, with the fate of SMIC's production lines playing a pivotal role. Experts highlight the complexities and uncertainties surrounding China's semiconductor development, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to overcome challenges and achieve self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing. In Other News The United States is set to impose visa bans on individuals associated with spyware targeting journalists and activists. Under this new policy, visas can be restricted for investors, company leaders, and individuals representing governments involved in unlawful surveillance. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: US-Blacklisted Huawei Tops China Smartphone Sales, Fueled by Mate 60 Pro 5G Success 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been behind bars since August, yet his presence looms large in the political arena. With the country's crucial election approaching, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has already employed unconventional campaign tactics such as distributing pamphlets on the streets and leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (via Reuters). Imran Khan's Camp Uses AI for Campaign Despite facing imprisonment and a barrage of legal challenges, Khan's party, PTI, has embraced innovative strategies to galvanize support, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. Amidst the chaos of a contentious electoral environment, PTI has turned to generative AI technology to recreate Khan's voice, allowing him to deliver speeches from his prison cell. His team created three videos of the former prime minister delivering speeches using generative AI software developed by US startup ElevenLabs. These AI-generated messages resonate with supporters, urging them to stand steadfast in their commitment to the party's cause. Read Also: Bumble: New AI Tool to Help Block Scammers, Fake Profiles For You AI and TikTok But PTI's campaign extends beyond AI-generated speeches. Financial Times reported earlier this month that the party had pioneered digital rallies on platforms like TikTok, tapping into the immense reach of social media to engage with a wide audience. Through chatbots on Khan's Facebook page and other popular apps, PTI provides voters with crucial information about local candidates, circumventing traditional campaign barriers. The use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns is not without controversy. Recent reports linking a deepfake robocall impersonating US President Biden to the same Silicon Valley startup that PTI employs have raised concerns about the ethics of such technology. Despite facing formidable challenges, including arrests of supporters and restrictions on traditional campaign methods, PTI maintains a strong support base, particularly among the nation's youth. However, internal rifts and factionalism pose additional hurdles for PTI. Multiple candidates claiming allegiance to Khan risk splintering the party's vote, highlighting the delicate balance of unity within the organization. Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in a corruption case, just a day after receiving a 10-year sentence for leaking state secrets. Numerous PTI candidates are also locked up or on the run from criminal and terrorism charges, which they claim are politically motivated. According to the Financial Times, Khan's supporters believe that confronting a political and military establishment that has long dominated Pakistan puts the country's democracy at risk. In Other News The United States intends to impose visa bans on individuals linked to spyware targeting journalists and activists. Investors, company leaders, and individuals representing governments involved in illegal surveillance may face visa restrictions under this new policy. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Fake Biden 'Pedophile' Video on Facebook Now Considered Malicious, Meta Oversight Board Rules 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A disturbing trend has recently emerged as viral videos circulate featuring individuals driving while wearing Apple's Vision Pro, prompting a plea from the White House to practice road safety. With videos of users using the $3,500 headset while driving, the device has quickly become a source of controversy. The perilous act not only jeopardizes public safety but also gains millions of views. In particular. two viral videos of people in Tesla cars, including the Cybertruck, per Gizmodo. Tesla's Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving technologies do not provide cars with autonomy; drivers must be vigilant with their hands on the steering wheel. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg weighed in on Monday, emphasizing the need for drivers to maintain control, especially when obstructing their vision with the Apple Vision Pro. "Reminder-ALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times," the Biden administration official posted on X (formerly Twitter). ReminderALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times. pic.twitter.com/OpPy36mOgC February 5, 2024 Apple: Do Not Use the Vision Pro While Driving The misuse of AR/VR headsets while driving is deemed illegal in some states, such as Alaska, falling under laws regulating screen use while driving. Austin McDaniel, communications director at the Alaska Department of Public Safety, clarified that such usage is considered a misdemeanor and may escalate to a felony if it leads to injury or death. Adding to the concern, one driver involved in the viral videos dismissed the seriousness, labeling it a "skit" for laughs. Dante Lentini, a 21-year-old, admitted to driving a Tesla with the Apple Vision Pro briefly, without hands on the wheel, underscoring the gravity of the situation given the presence of other road users. Apple explicitly warns against using the Vision Pro while driving in its user guide, cautioning users to avoid operating the device in a moving vehicle, on a bicycle, or in situations requiring attention to safety. Read Also: Tinder Launches New Warnings to Enhance Respectful Dating Etiquette According to First Post, Apple has introduced a travel mode for the Vision Pro, allowing limited functionality during airplane movement. However, users are advised to remove the headset during takeoff and landing due to potential issues with viewing plane windows. Some users claim to have used the headset in moving vehicles, although the code suggests optimal performance when stationary. (Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images) A customer uses the Apple Vision Pro headset during the product launch at the Apple Store in New York City on February 2, 2024. The Vision Pro, the tech giant's $3,499 headset, is its first major release since the Apple Watch nine years ago. Apart from safety concerns, Vision Pro imposes restrictions on accessing adult content, causing frustration among users despite the availability of sex tech apps. As users explore the device's capabilities, a debate ensues on whether to strictly adhere to Apple's safety guidelines or push the limits of this immersive technology. No Comment From Tesla Yet Tesla, however, has remained silent on the matter. In December, the electric automaker recalled over 2 million vehicles, addressing a defective system aimed at ensuring driver attentiveness when using the Autopilot feature. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into Tesla in 2021, focusing on crashes involving more than a dozen fatalities related to the company's driver-assisted features. The NHTSA stated last year that its probe revealed inadequacies in Autopilot's methods of ensuring driver attentiveness, as reported by CBS News. Related Article: YouTube App for Vision Pro is Coming, Google Confirms, But Would Take Long 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Just within hours of Apple releasing its much-hyped mixed reality headset, Apple Vision Pro, a security researcher was able to discover a critical kernel vulnerability in the devices software visionOS, which, if exploited, could potentially enable jailbreaks and malware attacks. Joseph Ravichandran (@0xjprx), a Ph.D. student from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with expertise in Microarchitecture Security, took to X (formerly Twitter) late Friday night, to share his insights into the identified kernel vulnerability, which is believed to be a possible first publicly-disclosed kernel exploit for the visionOS. When the device crashes it switches to full passthrough and displays a warning to remove the device in 30 seconds so it can reboot. Pretty cool pic.twitter.com/f4KYxSiVsq Joseph Ravichandran (@0xjprx) February 3, 2024 In the post, Ravichandran shared a series of pictures highlighting the severity of the uncovered flaw, as well as the headsets response to an attempted kernel exploit. Once the kernel exploit is tested, the Vision Pro crashes and goes into full passthrough view and notifies the wearer to remove the headset (from the wearers head) within 30 seconds so that it can reboot. Once restarted, a panic log indicating a kernel crash for the headset shows up. Also, in another picture shared by the security researcher, a custom application named Vision Pro Crasher, which included a 3D skull wearing a headset and a button with text called Crash My Vision Pro, is seen. It is unclear if Ravichandran is planning to submit his discoveries to Apple or if he has already presented them to the company. If he chooses to report his findings to the Cupertino tech giant, there are slim chances that his findings may qualify for Apples Security Bounty program. However, given Apples history of quickly addressing security vulnerabilities as well as the premium nature of the Apple Vision Pro launch, it is likely that the company will issue a fix immediately if the issue is disclosed. Marshalls will open soon in the former Shopko building at 1100 E. Riverview Expressway in Wisconsin Rapids. WISCONSIN RAPIDS Marshalls is getting closer to opening a new store in Wisconsin Rapids. A company spokesperson told a Daily Tribune reporter Monday that Marshalls expects to open this spring in the former Shopko building on East Riverview Expressway. Marshalls has not yet set an opening date. Marshalls is a department store owned by TJXZ companies a group that also includes store brands like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Sierra and Homesense. The store offers a variety of clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women, children and babies, along with beauty products, handbags and luggage, toys, books, home decor, furniture, lighting, bed and bath, kitchen items, outdoor products, pet items, gifts and more. The closest Marshalls locations can be found in Appleton, Beaver Dam, Madison, Middleton and Green Bay. Plans to renovate a portion of the former department store have been in the works since March 2023 when Tom Richards, a partner with Cool Investment LLC an Arizona-based business that purchased the building in April 2022 announced the former Shopko would be split into four retail stores. Harbor Freight, Five Below and Marshalls were announced as three of the retailers at that time. A fourth store was originally announced as Big Lots but the brand has since left the project. Instead, a yet-unnamed retail store will open at the site. Harbor Freight opened at the eastern end of the building in July, and Five Below opened next to it in November. Marshalls will be on the western end of the department store space. The four retail spaces inside the former Shopko building are not the only developments happening on the property. Two more will be built at the edge of the parking lot, as well. Valvoline will build a 2,000-square-foot oil change business on the corner of 12th Street South and East Riverview Expressway, likely opening this year. Construction also should begin this spring on a new Tidal Wave Auto Spa carwash near the existing Sudzee Car Wash. Story continues More developments to watch in 2024: Noodles & Co., Kwik Trip, former Shopko property and more More local business news: The votes are in. Find out if Wisconsin Rapids Ocean Spray employees will join IBEW Local 965 Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Wisconsin Rapids Shopko development: Will Marshalls open new store soon? The Mattel company logo is pictured at the entrance of the Montoi plant in the municipality of Escobedo (Reuters) -Toymaker Mattel said on Tuesday its Fisher-Price brand head, Chuck Scothon, will leave the company after several years of leading the division. The company announced the change internally via a global memo on Jan. 22, it told Reuters in an emailed statement. Mattel's spokesperson said Scothon will continue to lead the infant toys category while the company finds his replacement. On Feb. 1, Mattel came under pressure from activist investor Barington Capital, which pushed for a possible sale of its Fisher-Price and American Girl brands and separating the role of CEO from the chairman. Mattel is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results after markets close on Feb. 7. (Reporting by Juveria Tabassum; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) 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 The Police open an investigation in Andorra after the Investigative Team's report on OnlyFans: "If they are minors, the better" The Spanish Society of Allergology predicts an intense Spring for those allergic to grass pollen in the center and southwest of the peninsula The "egg-beating" trend brings new opportunities to the traditional poker industry in small towns in Zhejiang 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 Defeat in the FA Cup: Klopp breaks off interview I have no nerves for you Defeat in the FA Cup: Klopp breaks off interview I have no nerves for you 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. Russia demands that Germany officially recognize the siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide The PS5 finally sees its price drop thanks to this new offer We completed the task and returned home successfully: the crews of Su-34 fighter-bombers hit the command post of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Serukanov: the non-systemic opposition admitted the futility of attempts to disrupt the elections in Russia The head of the European Council, Michel, called for putting the EU economy on a war footing. The father of the commander of "the sparrow", even involved in 'Delcygate': "If we find out what he's up to, we'll beat him up" The new Galician Parliament is formed, with a majority of the PP and the first BNG-PSOE pact 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. War in Sudan: community kitchens to help each other during Ramadan 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. Medlab Middle East, the regions largest laboratory exhibition and congress, has opened featuring 900 exhibitors from 40 countries and expects over 30,000 attendees till February 8. Opened by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Health on February 5, the show plays a vital role in advancing the field of laboratory medicine in the region and worldwide. Medlab showcases the latest laboratory innovations across eight product categories, which include Disposables and Consumer Goods, Emergency Medicine, Imaging and Diagnostics, Healthcare and General Services, IT, Laboratory, Medical Equipment and Devices and Pharma and Nutrition. Increase in visitor numbers Tom Coleman, Senior Exhibition Director, Medlab Series, Informa Markets, said: Last year was a record-breaking year for Medlab Middle East, where AED1.9 billion ($520 million) of deals were secured. Following on from this success, we are expecting a 20% increase in visitor numbers this year, with an estimated 30,000 attendees, and we have some exciting new additions to the event which will elevate opportunities for knowledge-sharing and business-building even further. Underscoring Medlab Middle Easts commitment to innovation, a new NextGen Medicine Zone and Conference have been added to the exhibition this year in partnership with Bahrain-based EXPRESSMED Diagnostics and Research. The NextGen Medicine zone occupies 1,500 sq m of exhibition space and features over 100 exhibitors, while a new NextGen Medicine track has been added to the Medlab Middle East Congress. Medlab Middle East Congress is the regions only multi-disciplinary congress and provides 12 CME-accredited live in-person conferences led by more than 130 laboratory industry experts from around the world. Running throughout the four-day exhibition, conference tracks include NextGen Medicine, Laboratory Management, Lab Quality Management, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology, Haematology, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Genomic Interpretation, Blood Transfusion Medicine, Histapathology, Future of Lab and Sustainability in the Lab. Think Tank hosted by Frost & Sullivan On the opening morning of Medlab Middle East, growth strategy consulting firm Frost & Sullivan hosted a Think Tank on the Strategic Investments and Growth Opportunities: Reshaping the Future of Laboratories and Diagnostics Industry in the Middle East. Attended by representatives from Abbott, Randox, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Cleveland Clinic, the distinguished panel of healthcare leaders addressed industry topics including the key drivers and challenges for the laboratories and diagnostics sectors in the Middle East, and which technologies are expected to drive growth in the industry in the years ahead. Elsewhere, Dr Bernie Croal, President-Elect of The Royal College of Pathologists in the UK discussed strategies to ensure that lab testing is focused and safe at the Laboratory Management Conference, while Dr Lubna AlZadjali, Consultant Hematopathologist from the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Muscat, spoke at the Haematology Conference on Haematology laboratory information systems. Medlab Middle East takes place in Zaabeel Halls 1-7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will showcase global manufacturers and established laboratory suppliers. Brands showcased include Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Purelab and the Gulf Scientific Corporation.--TradeArabia News Service KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MedCore Partners, in conjunction with GI Alliance and Cig Partners Two, LLC has broken ground on the development of a 14,000 square foot Ambulatory Surgery Center ("ASC") and managed clinic located at 8580 N Green Hills Rd, Kansas City, Missouri. This newest Kansas City ASC joins the list of several GI Alliance facilities that MedCore has developed across several states. "MedCore is proud to once again partner with GI Alliance to deliver a best-in-class facility for its managed practices to, in turn, provide best-in-class gastroenterology patient care experiences to its communities," said Kyle Libby, one of MedCore's founding partners. The project team consists of Kansas City-based general contractor, McCown Gordon Construction, and civil engineer, BHC, along with DFW-based architect, Corgan, MEP engineer, Meza Engineering and structural engineer, Hart Gaugler + Associates. The development is expected to be completed in January 2025. About GI Alliance GI Alliance is a physician-led and majority physician owned GI practice management company providing services to over 800 independent gastroenterologists operating in Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Utah, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Washington. GI Alliance managed practices focus on providing the highest-quality care to their patients. In addition to providing operational support for practices, GI Alliance is working to unite gastroenterologists nationwide by aligning interests and improving patient care. About MedCore Partners, LLC Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, MedCore Partners is a full-service real estate company dedicated exclusively to the healthcare and senior living industry. By leveraging off both its intimate knowledge of the dynamics of the medical sector and its comprehensive platform of real estate services, MedCore is uniquely qualified to identify and capitalize on healthcare projects around the nation and to maximize the potential profits returned to its investors. Over their careers, the principals of MedCore have led the development and investment efforts for healthcare projects around the country that have been valued in excess of $1 billion in addition to executing brokerage transactions for over 1,500 physicians. This level of experience within the medical real estate industry has allowed MedCore's principals to build trusted relationships with both healthcare providers around the United States as well as numerous capital sources. Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medcore-partners-breaks-ground-on-gi-alliance-ambulatory-surgery-center-in-kansas-city-missouri-302051406.html SOURCE MedCore Partners 'Historic' snowfall buries Canada's Atlantic coast Montreal, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 Residents along Canada's Atlantic coast on Monday were digging out from a "historic" snowfall that paralyzed parts of the province of Nova Scotia over the weekend, triggering a state of emergency. More than a meter (three feet) of snow combined with powerful gusts of wind, halting transportation networks and forcing many businesses, government offices and schools to shutter. "It is very likely that areas around southeastern Cape Breton exceeded 100 centimeters" (39 inches) of precipitation, Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Robichaud told AFP, describing the storm as "historic" in scale. "If we look at the entire event, from Friday until this morning, these are record quantities," he said. Sunday afternoon, authorities on the province's Cape Breton island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence declared a state of emergency, urging citizens to only travel out of "absolute necessity." "With this amount of snow and this type of snow -- it's heavy and sticky -- it's challenging, so we'll take time" to deal with it, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston told a news conference on Monday. He said he asked Ottawa to send in the military and other resources to help. Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said he approved emergency aid and the deployment of Parks Canada heavy snow removal equipment and Coast Guard helicopters to move supplies. "Nova Scotians -- and in particular, Cape Bretoners -- find themselves amidst an unprecedented snowstorm," he posted on X, formerly Twitter. On social media, residents shared images of the storm's aftermath, some showing snow accumulations as high as the top of doors or the roofs of houses. Halifax International Airport saw flights delayed or canceled and public transportation in the regional capital of Halifax shut down temporarily. In January 2020, the Canadian army -- considered help of last resort -- deployed more than 150 soldiers to the neighboring province of Newfoundland after a major blizzard paralyzed the capital St. John's. More than 70 centimeters of snow fell in 24 hours, trapping hundreds of residents in their homes. EU chief bows to protesting farmers on pesticide use Strasbourg, France, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday recommended the bloc bury a plan to cut pesticide use in agriculture as a concession to protesting European farmers. The original proposal, put forward by her European Commission as part of the European Union's green transition, "has become a symbol of polarisation," she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Noting that the plan -- to halve chemical pesticide use in the EU by the end of the decade -- had also stalled in discussions in the European Parliament and in the European Council representing EU member countries, von der Leyen said she would ask her commission "to withdraw this proposal". The pesticide issue is just one of a long list of grievances that have prompted a mass protest movement by EU farmers, who in recent weeks have used tractors to block key roads to complain of shrinking income and rising production costs. With far-right and anti-establishment parties -- which are predicted to make significant gains in June's European elections -- latching onto the farmers' movement, the environment debate has turned politically explosive. Last week, 1,300 tractors clogged the area around an EU summit in Brussels, forcing their revolt to the top of the leaders' agenda and resulting in a number of other concessions, especially in France. Protests were continuing on Tuesday, including in the Netherlands -- and with demonstrations called for outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "Many of them feel pushed into a corner," von der Leyen acknowledged, adding: "Our farmers deserve to be listened to." At the same time, though, she emphasised that European agriculture "needs to move to a more sustainable model of production" that was more environmentally friendly and less harmful to soil quality. "Perhaps we have not made that case convincingly," she said. To get there, von der Leyen said "trust" had to be built between farmers and policymakers, and she pointed to consultative dialogue Brussels has started with a broad range of representatives in the agri-food sector. Von der Leyen said that, while she wanted to withdraw the proposed law on pesticides, "the topic stays" even if "a different approach is needed". She suggested that the European Commission could come up with a revised legislative proposal at a later date -- an initiative that would likely fall to the next commission resulting from EU elections taking place in June. Von der Leyen has not yet said whether she intends to seek a new mandate at the head of that commission. EU unveils 2040 climate goal under pressure from farmer protests Brussels, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 The European Union on Tuesday unveils its climate targets for 2040 and a roadmap for the next stage of its energy transition, with the bloc reeling from a farmer revolt against green reforms just months before European elections. In a sign of how politically fraught the issue has become, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen gave key ground to the farmer movement on Tuesday by deciding to bury a plan to halve chemical pesticide use by the end of this decade. The commission's original proposal "has become a symbol of polarisation", she acknowledged to the European Parliament, noting that the legislation had stalled due to divisions between EU lawmakers and member countries. The concession, made hours before the 2040 climate announcement, came as farmers converged outside the parliament building in another protest over shrinking incomes and rising production costs. The 27-nation European Union has already committed to a 55-percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as it seeks to become carbon neutral by 2050. For the next milestone, 2040, working documents suggest the European Commission will aim for a drop of 90 percent, compared to 1990 levels. But this time Brussels has to factor in growing discontent -- illustrated by the snowballing farmer protests of recent weeks -- over the social and economic impact of its much-vaunted Green Deal. Far-right and anti-establishment parties have latched onto the farmers' movement and are predicted to make big gains in June elections to choose the members of the next EU assembly. That vote will also lead to a new commission late this year. Von der Leyen has not yet said whether she intends to seek a new mandate at its helm. There is a vocal backlash from some industries to the bloc's climate policies and several national leaders are now calling for a "pause" in new environmental rules. The EU's climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, last month warned the bloc needed to stand by its climate ambition while "making sure our businesses stay competitive". - 'Leave no one behind'- Striking that balance is at the heart of a joint letter to Brussels, sent by 11 states including France, Germany and Spain, and seen by AFP. Together they urge the commission to set an "ambitious EU climate target" for 2040. But the states also call for a "fair and just transition" that should "leave no-one behind, especially the most vulnerable citizens". The targets laid out on Tuesday will be a simple recommendation. They will be accompanied by new post-2030 climate projections the commission was required to produce within six months of December's UN climate negotiations (COP28). The next European Commission will be tasked with turning the outline into proposed legislation ahead of next year's international climate summit (COP30). The bloc's 2040 targets are expected to rely in part on the capture and storage of ambitious volumes of carbon dioxide -- incensing climate campaigners who criticise the technologies as untested and want to see gross emissions-cut pledges instead. Even so, the plan would require a sizeable effort from every sector of the economy -- from power generation to farming, which accounts for 11 percent of EU greenhouse gas emissions. - 'Very ambitious' - Some of the strongest resistance to tougher environmental action comes from the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), from which von der Leyen hails. The EPP's Peter Liese says a more cautious stance is justified. "It's easy to fix a figure," he said, but as the bloc has been implementing its existing 2030 target, "we see more and more how ambitious it is". Liese considers a 90-percent emissions cut to be a "very ambitious" target for 2040 and stresses the need for "the right conditions, the right policy framework". Elisa Giannelli, of the E3G climate advocacy group, urged the EU to keep the social impact of its climate policies front of mind. "Getting this wrong," she said, "would allow conservative and populist voices to set the direction of the next steps." The United Nations climate change organisation said in November the world was not acting with sufficient urgency to curb greenhouse gas emissions and thus limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial emissions. With temperatures soaring and 2023 expected to be recorded as the warmest year so far in human history, scientists say the pressure on world leaders to curb planet-heating greenhouse gas pollution has never been more urgent. EU chief bows to protesting farmers on pesticide use Strasbourg, France, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday recommended the bloc bury a plan to cut pesticide use in agriculture as a concession to protesting European farmers. The original proposal, put forward by her European Commission as part of the European Union's green transition, "has become a symbol of polarisation," she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Noting that the plan -- to halve chemical pesticide use in the EU by the end of the decade -- had also stalled in discussions in the parliament and in the European Council representing EU member countries, von der Leyen said she would ask her commission "to withdraw this proposal". The pesticide issue is just one of a long list of grievances that have prompted a mass protest movement by EU farmers, who in recent weeks have used tractors to block key roads to complain of shrinking income and rising production costs. With far-right and anti-establishment parties -- which are predicted to make significant gains in June's European elections -- latching onto the farmers' movement, the environment debate has turned politically explosive. Last week, 1,300 tractors clogged the area around an EU summit in Brussels, forcing their revolt to the top of the leaders' agenda and resulting in a number of other concessions, especially in France. Protests were continuing on Tuesday, including in the Netherlands -- and with demonstrations called for outside the parliament in Strasbourg. "Many of them feel pushed into a corner," von der Leyen acknowledged, adding: "Our farmers deserve to be listened to." At the same time, though, she emphasised that European agriculture "needs to move to a more sustainable model of production" that was more environmentally friendly and less harmful to soil quality. "Perhaps we have not made that case convincingly," she said. - Building 'trust' - To get there, von der Leyen said "trust" had to be built between farmers and policymakers, and she pointed to consultative dialogue Brussels has started with a broad range of representatives in the agri-food sector. Von der Leyen said that, while she wanted to withdraw the proposed law on pesticides, "the topic stays" even if "a different approach is needed". She suggested that the commission could come up with a revised legislative proposal at a later date -- an initiative that would likely fall to the next commission resulting from EU elections taking place in June. Von der Leyen has not yet said whether she intends to seek a new mandate at the head of that commission. Some European leaders welcomed the shelving of the pesticide legislation. "Long live the farmers, whose tractors are forcing Europe to take back the madness imposed by the multinationals and the left," said Italy's far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. He spoke as groups of Italian farmers rallied at the edges of Rome ahead of a planned move into the Italian capital as early as Thursday. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo hailed von der Leyen's announcement, saying it was "crucial we keep our farmers on board to a more sustainable future of farming". The proposed pesticide concession follows another the commission unveiled last week, to give farmers wider exemptions on rules that required them to keep parcels of land fallow. France has also moved to promise more cash to its farmers, ease rules imposed on them and protect them from what they see as unfair competition. The pledges have been enough for two of the country's main farmer unions to suspend protests. But farmers in other EU countries including Italy, Spain and Greece say they will continue to mobilise. El Nino brings hunger, drought fears to Madagascar Manindra, Madagascar, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 In a small village in southern Madagascar, dozens of women shelter from the scorching sun under a tree as they wait to weigh their children. The Indian Ocean island nation has suffered poor rainfall since October and fears of worsening hunger loom as the El Nino climate pattern takes hold. The country is particularly exposed to extreme weather events such as storms and droughts which experts say are expected to worsen with climate change. "Madagascar is facing the climate crisis now," said Reena Ghelani, the United Nations Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Nino response. At least 1.3 million people in Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, already suffer from malnutrition, according to the UN. In recent years, a vast area in the south has been hit by the worst drought in four decades. Weather forecasts predict an even drier 2024, with potentially dire consequences for the harvest season starting in May. "There is nothing growing on our land. Everything we plant ends up falling. It's because of all this we suffer," Nasolo, a mother of 10, said. - 'Not enough food' - She has come with other mothers to a community centre in the village of Manindra to have her children checked. A dry wind blows over the red earth and temperatures hover around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). "I come every two weeks to weigh and check on his health," said Arisoa, 37, who has walked seven kilometres (more than four miles) to put her one-year-old son on the scales. Three months ago, she realised the little boy was acutely malnourished. A bracelet now monitors his muscle mass. "I should give him fish, bananas and pineapple. But we don't have the means and not enough food. The rain isn't falling," she said in despair. Globally, 2023 was the warmest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Last month, it warned that this year could be even hotter because the naturally occurring El Nino climate pattern, which emerged mid-2023, usually increases global temperatures for one year after. Ghelani, who toured Madagascar last week, said early-warning systems to detect climate risks are key to promptly deliver aid, such as seeds, food and money. The UN's food agency (FAO) is trying to help farmers face the climate challenges. Some use a phone app it developed compiling agro-meteorological data. "It helps us to better predict precipitation, winds and decide whether to plant or not," Bienvenue Manasoa, who grows corn, sorghum and peanuts, said. "It has changed our life." Others have started planting more drought-resistant seeds. "I chose to grow millet because it is nutritious and above all it does not need a lot of water to grow," said Ialy Tsivonanomby, who sells his seeds to the FAO. EU eyes 90% cut to greenhouse gases by 2040 Strasbourg, France, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 The EU on Tuesday urged a 90-percent cut to its greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, even as the bloc's transition to a greener future was clouded by a widespread farmers' revolt. The closely-watched announcement came as dozens of farmers protested outside the European Parliament building, angry over shrinking incomes, rising costs and what they say are increasingly onerous green regulations. In unveiling the new target, the EU climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, said the bloc would strive for a "fair transition" -- allowing businesses to thrive and ensuring "nobody is left behind" as it seeks to become carbon-neutral by 2050. "Based on the best available science, and a detailed impact assessment, we are recommending that the 2040 target should be a 90 percent emission cut" compared to 1990 levels, Hoekstra said. In a sign of how politically fraught the environmental issue has become, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen gave key ground earlier on Tuesday by burying a plan to halve chemical pesticide use by the end of this decade. She acknowledged the proposal had "become a symbol of polarisation", with the legislation stalled amid divisions between EU lawmakers and member countries. The 27-nation European Union is already working towards an interim target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. But rising discontent could hamper attempts to adopt the 2040 goal of 90 percent cuts. Far-right and anti-establishment parties have latched onto the farmers' movement and are predicted to make big gains in June elections to choose the members of the next EU assembly. That vote will also lead to a new commission late this year. Von der Leyen has not yet said whether she intends to seek a new mandate at its helm. - Backlash - There is an increasingly vocal backlash from some industries to the bloc's climate policies and several national leaders are now calling for a "pause" in new environmental rules. Eleven EU countries, including France, Germany and Spain had sent a joint letter to Brussels saying that the transition for an "ambitious" 2040 target needs to be "fair and just" and "leave no-one behind, especially the most vulnerable citizens". The recommended target given on Tuesday was accompanied by new post-2030 climate projections that the commission was required to produce in the wake of the COP28 UN climate negotiations that took place in December. The next European Commission will be tasked with turning the outline into proposed legislation ahead of next year's international climate summit, COP30. The 2040 plan would require a sizeable effort from every sector of the economy -- from power generation to farming, which accounts for 11 percent of EU greenhouse gas emissions. - 'Kid gloves' - But for environmental groups, the European Commission's ambition fell well short of what was needed. The bloc's 2040 targets are expected to rely in part on the capture and storage of ambitious volumes of carbon dioxide -- incensing campaigners who criticise the technologies as untested and instead want to see pledges to cut gross emissions. Others rounded on the absence of a target date for phasing out fossil fuels and related subsidies. "This is about as meaningful as a target to prevent lung cancer without any plan to end smoking," said Greenpeace campaigner Silvia Pastorelli. With the UN's climate change body vying to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels and "considering the EU's responsibility for historical emissions, it would be fairer to aim for zero net emissions by 2040," the WWF group said. It lamented the commission dropping a goal of cutting agricultural emissions -- which account for 11 percent of overall EU emissions -- by 30 percent, as had been evoked in a previous working document. The European Consumer Organisation BEUC said that "however hard the Commission tries to handle farmers with kid gloves, facts are stubborn things: our food and agriculture systems contribute a big chunk of the EU's climate impact". Senegal plunged into crisis as opposition blasts 'democratic bankruptcy' Dakar, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 The Senegalese opposition on Tuesday denounced a "constitutional coup" after parliament voted to delay the presidential election by 10 months, plunging the normally stable country into its worst crisis in decades. West African bloc ECOWAS said it "encourages" member state Senegal to urgently restore the electoral timetable, adding it was following events "with concern". Lawmakers backed postponing this month's polls until December 15 during a lengthy and heated debate, which at times descended into shoving and pushing. The proposal eventually passed almost unanimously late on Monday -- but only after security forces stormed the chamber and removed some opposition deputies. It paves the way for President Macky Sall -- whose second mandate was due to expire in early April -- to remain in office until his successor is installed, probably in 2025. Opposition members claim the country has been taken "hostage" and have decried the erosion of Senegal's democratic norms. It is the first time that Senegalese voters, who were due to elect their fifth president on February 25, head to the ballot box almost 10 months later than planned. "The situation is completely catastrophic, Senegal's image is ruined, and I don't think we'll be recovering from this democratic bankruptcy, this tsunami in the rule of law, any time soon," opposition deputy Ayib Daffe said after the vote. Security forces earlier on Monday used tear gas to disperse opposition protesters outside parliament, where demonstrators chanted "Macky Sall dictator". Inside the parliamentary chamber, gendarmes intervened during the debate to forcibly remove opposition MPs, who had been obstructing the voting process. The bill was passed without their votes late on Monday, with 105 in favour and only one against. - 'Gravedigger of republic' - The move unleashed widespread outcry on social media, despite the government suspending mobile internet access on Monday. "We are all devastated. It's a blow to Senegalese democracy," said Pape Djibril Fall, one of the 20 candidates who had been in the running for the presidency. Aliou Mamadou Dia, another candidate, reiterated the phrase "constitutional coup". "They have taken the country hostage," he fumed. More than 100 academics and personalities teamed up to publish a column describing the president as the "gravedigger of the republic". "The real crisis is the one that will result from this unprecedented decision calling into question the electoral timetable, for which he is the sole initiator and ultimately responsible," they wrote. Even Senegal's celebrated musician Youssou N'Dour, a former minister and ally of the president, said he "unequivocally" condemned the postponement and was concerned for the country. The parliament vote provides little clarity on what the future holds for the electoral process. Senegal is often viewed as a bastion of stability in West Africa and has never experienced a coup since gaining independence from France in 1960, making it a rare outlier in a volatile region. Sall on Saturday said that he delayed the vote because of a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Council over the rejection of candidates. He said he wanted to prevent any pre- and post-electoral disputes and new clashes like those that rocked Senegal in 2021 and 2023. Tensions had soared over speculation that Sall was considering running for a third term. He eventually confirmed last July that he would not stand again, re-iterating it on Saturday. - 'Back on democratic course' - But the opposition suspects the postponement is part of a plan by the presidential camp to avoid defeat, or even to extend Sall's term in office. The move has sparked international concern and Human Rights Watch warned that Senegal risked losing its democratic credentials. "Senegal has long been considered a beacon of democracy in the region. This is now at risk," it said in a statement. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its statement on social media on Tuesday also called on all sides "to shun violence and all other actions that may further disturb the peace and stability of the country". Security forces in the capital Dakar suppressed attempted demonstrations on Sunday and Monday. Local media reported a total of 151 arrests, which AFP could not initially verify. But mobilisation on the streets remains limited, with opposition figures yet to form a coherent bloc. Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, a historic centre of protest, has been closed since the unrest of 2023 and the anti-system party PASTEF has been plagued by arrests since 2021. The opposition said it had launched appeals with the Constitutional Council to question the vote delay. Two Pueblo spinal surgeons are taking advantage of new robotic surgical equipment and offering a comforting, personal touch to help patients move past chronic pain that can haunt their daily lives. Dr. Mimi Lundgren, a Pueblo native, returned home in May 2022, coming full circle to practice alongside Dr. Ken Danylchuk at Maple Leaf Spine and Orthopedics. Danylchuk was the very surgeon who patched her up with a metal rod after she broke her femur playing softball at age 15 when she was a student at Centennial High School. "He changed everything for me. He explained it so well and I saw how cool orthopedics was," Lundgren said. Dr. Christina Koshak, another spinal surgeon who came to work in Pueblo three years ago, works alongside Lundgren and Danylchuk. She had a similar experience growing up in south Ontario, Canada. "I tore my Achilles tendon playing volleyball and when I was told I needed surgery, I burst into tears. But I healed well enough to go on to play college volleyball and the doctor who treated me taught me how to scope knees 10 years later," Koshak said of her full-circle story. Since both women experienced the agony of sports injuries and the benefits of surgery, they knew what it was like, firsthand, to be patients and that helped mold them into the doctors they are today. "We see patients with chronic back pain and leg pain and the level of dysfunction it has caused you just can't appreciate, as it often comes with side effects like depression and anxiety. To be able to have a positive impact on their lives is truly rewarding," Lungren said. Drs. Mimi Lundgren (left) and Christina Koshak are helping patients get past chronic pain through their work at Maple Leaf Spine and Orthopedics and at CommonSpirit Saint-Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo. Spinal surgeons Dr.s Mimi Lundgren (left) and Christina Koshak are bringing relief to chronic pain patients through their work at Maple Leaf Spine and Orthopedics and CommonSpirit Saint-Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo. The long journey from patient to doctor Lundgren found out early in life that she was good at math and science. She said she was "kicked out" of her eighth-grade math class and sent to East High School for a more challenging geometry class. Later, her strong chemistry and biology education from Centennial prompted her to tell her school counselor, Carol Passig, that she wanted to be a surgical technician. Story continues "She asked me, 'Why not be the surgeon?' and I thought, 'Oh, I can do that,'" Lundgren recalled. "I think when it came to Pueblo, I was influenced by the people around me." Koshak said she fell in love with orthopedics and learning anatomy. Both women went on to take nearly two decades of continuing education, which wrapped up with fellowships and residencies. In total, they logged 31 years of learning, from elementary school to residencies. Lundgren started her education at the prestigious Notre Dame University and Koshak studied at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in Ontario. Koshak was drawn to orthopedics because she can treat patients from adolescents to those in their 90s who are experiencing everything from spinal tumors and infections to fractures. She soon learned that making a diagnosis is the easy part of the job. "It is fun treating the problems with screws, rods, and plates and I fell in love with the delicate nature and complexity of surgery," Koshak said. Drs. Mimi Lundgren (left) and Christina Koshak are helping patients get past chronic pain through their work at Maple Leaf Spine and Orthopedics and at CommonSpirit Saint-Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo. Spinal surgeons Dr.s Mimi Lundgren (left) and Christina Koshak are bringing relief to chronic pain patients through their work at Maple Leaf Spine and Orthopedics and CommonSpirit Saint-Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo. How robotic technology helps surgeons A highly precise $1 million-plus Mazor Robotic Guidance System at CommonSpirit St. Mary-Corwin Hospital is helping the women care for patients not only in Pueblo but throughout southern Colorado, from La Junta to the San Luis Valley. The system helps the surgeons generate three-dimensional images of an individual patients anatomy that aid in planning the placement and angle of implants. Koshak and Lundgren did the first surgery using the equipment Jan. 17 and have done a total of five so far. "It increases the complexity of some surgeries we can do in Pueblo," Koshak explained, pointing out that patients don't have to make the two-hour drive to Denver for treatment. "The robot helps us execute a plan a steady drill guide where we make cuts in bones and place screws." "It allows us to focus on where to put screws exactly instead of basing it on an X-ray. The precision and ease makes surgery more efficient," Lundgren said. "The technology has been around for 15 years, but with this system, we have the newest software, so it is well-tested. It helps with accuracy, safety and efficiency, so it is decreasing the time that surgery takes and the other associated risks," Koshak said. Koshak said she already has five surgeries scheduled for February, so she estimates she and Lundgren will be using the equipment 12 to 15 times a month as it helps with "the most common operating procedure we do." 'You saved my life': A patient's perspective Retired nurse Micki McBride, 70, is one of Lundgren's patients who suffered a sciatic nerve impingement on her L-4 and L-5 vertebrae and had chronic pain that was getting progressively worse. The pain traveled all the way down her left leg and "it was inflamed and it was so awful I could only walk about 125 steps a day," McBride said. When she was referred to Lundgren, the doctor immediately told her she did not want to do surgery right away. So they first tried epidurals, but that did not give McBride lasting relief. When she told Lundgren she was ready for surgery, she was scheduled for the major operation less than 10 days later. She couldn't believe she didn't have to wait three months. "Dr. Mimi was exceptional at explaining everything to me and her bedside manner is beyond words she is very compassionate, intelligent and down to earth," McBride said. Following surgery, during which Lundgren fused her spine with plates and screws, McBride said "the pain was immediately gone. When I went into her office for the post-op follow-up I started crying and told her, 'I want you to know you saved my life.'" "It's very freeing you can take on the world again and continue your passage through life. Chronic pain goes hand in hand with depression and I told her, 'You don't even know what this means to me I can continue to help people and that's my lifeline,'" McBride explained. McBride said she feels like she developed a bond with Lundgren that she's never had with a doctor before. "She's an earth angel," McBride said. Why the two doctors settled on Pueblo Lundgren took her first job in Milwaukee to be closer to her family but said it didn't feel like she fit in. It was Michael Cafasso, chief executive officer at St. Mary-Corwin, who encouraged her to find a place like Pueblo to practice her vocation, and that advice stuck in her mind. "In Pueblo, it's a bigger town with a small town feel. I've gotten close with my patients and take more ownership with the quality of care," Lundgren said. Koshak moved to Pueblo after meeting her future husband, Mark Koshak, a third-generation Pueblo steel mill worker who is the supervisor for the new long-rail mill project at Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel Mill known as the Palmer Project. "Where I grew up in Canada, there were two steel mills in town and I am drawn to help the steelworkers, teachers and farmers, who oftentimes don't get the best care because they live in a small community. The team we have working with us at St. Mary-Corwin are top notch better than what I've seen in any other place they really accommodate the patient," Koshak said. More health news: Let's talk business: St. Mary-Corwin offers free help for Pueblo breast cancer patients 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's female spine docs use new robotic tech for complex surgeries UN, rights groups urge more Syria aid a year after deadly quake Beirut, Feb 6 (AFP) Feb 06, 2024 The United Nations and rights groups called for increased aid for Syria on Tuesday, one year after a devastating earthquake struck Turkey and the war-torn country, battering its impoverished population. "Billions of dollars in damage aside, the human toll of this disaster is incalculable. Many people remain displaced to date, waiting for solutions and shelter," two senior UN officials said in a joint statement. Syria was already reeling from an economic crisis, but "the earthquakes exacerbated the situation further yet," said UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi. On February 6, 2023, a pre-dawn 7.8-magnitude tremor killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria. According to Damascus, the earthquake killed more than 1,400 people in government-controlled areas of Syria, while more than 4,500 died in areas held by opposition factions in the country's northwest. "Today, a staggering 16.7 million people require humanitarian assistance. This shocking number comes against the background of a bleak funding outlook and conflicts raging across the globe," the UN officials said. "This trend must urgently be reversed," they said. "Our 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan was just over 36 percent resourced by the year's end," they said, pleading for more funds. The earthquake also damaged medical facilities, especially in the country's northwest. "Even before last February, the healthcare system in northwest Syria was struggling, with underfunded medical facilities and limited services," Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said in a statement. The earthquake damaged 55 health facilities, leaving them unable to function fully, MSF added. More than 265,000 people in northwest Syria lost their homes in the quake and 43,000 have yet to return to their houses, with most of them languishing in shelters, according to UN data. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) decried the country's "catastrophic humanitarian needs" warning that Syria risked "being a forgotten crisis". In 2023, the IRC's Syria aid programme recorded a "62 percent funding shortfall, and the situation is anticipated to worsen with further aid reductions expected throughout 2024," IRC added. "We are urging the international community not to forget about Syria," said Tanya Evans of the IRC. Since 2011, Syria has endured a bloody conflict that has killed more than half-a-million people and displaced millions. Geneva (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The UN rights chief said Thursday he was "appalled" by alleged summary executions of 25 people by Mali's army and "foreign military personnel" last week in a region plagued by jihadist insurgency. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 To mark the third anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, the United States, Britain and Australia separately leveled sanctions against entities linked to the Tatmadaw. Copenhagen (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Greenland absorbs more of the greenhouse gas methane than it emits, according to a new study from the University of Copenhagen released Wednesday. Paris (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 French prosecutors said on Wednesday they had opened an investigation into suspected fraudulent practices by the waters division of Swiss food giant Nestle, after it admitted treating water for its top French brands including Perrier and Vittel. Paris (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Back from the brink of extinction, sea otters in central California have started restoring the degraded landscape of a key estuary - thanks to their insatiable appetite for crabs, according to a study published on Wednesday. Washington (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 President Joe Biden on Wednesday named John Podesta as US climate envoy, picking another veteran Washington insider to succeed John Kerry on a key issue for the administration. Oslo (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Climate change caused by human activity is expected to make extreme cold snaps less frequent in Northern Europe, but paradoxically they may become more dangerous, a study published on Wednesday said. Washington DC (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 On April 8, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar ecli Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 29, 2024 In a significant development from Japan, scientists at the University of Tokyo have designed a two-legged robot that is powered by muscle tissues. This innovative creation marks a new chapter in the Saint-Denis De La Reunion (AFP) Jan 29, 2024 One motorist was killed and another was missing as torrential rains on France's Indian Ocean island of Reunion transformed roads into rivers and swept away cars, police said Monday. Wellington (AFP) Jan 29, 2024 Scores of people gathered on a New Zealand beach on Monday as a young whale that died in a rare stranding was pulled to shore. Friedrichshafen, Germany (SPX) Jan 29, 2024 Have you ever wondered how weather forecasts are created? Without satellites observing the Earth, accurate weather prediction wouldn't be possible. The MetOp-SG* satellites, built by Airbus in Fried New Delhi (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Snow leopards have been dubbed the "ghosts of the mountains" for their elusive behaviour, but Indian researchers have successfully photographed more than 200 in a landmark study estimating at least 718 across the country. Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 29, 2024 In a significant stride toward addressing global water scarcity, researchers from Tsinghua University have developed a novel hydrogel pattern that markedly improves atmospheric water harvesting. The Wellington (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 New Zealand is set to become one of the first countries to ban harmful "forever chemicals" from cosmetic products, environment watchdogs said Wednesday. Paris (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 Almost one in three mineral water brands in France undergoes purification treatment supposed to be used only on tap water, media reported on Tuesday, citing a government probe. Paris (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 Drone footage of a young shark emerging to the ocean surface could be the first sighting of a newborn great white, according to new research, potentially revealing a birthing site for the threatened ocean predators. Athens (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 Athens' new mayor will plant 25,000 trees over the next five years to try to cool the sprawling Greek capital, he told AFP. London (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 More than 80 percent of rivers in England have been polluted by phosphates, according to a study published Tuesday that's likely to focus more criticism on British water companies for their wastewater discharges. Gerlache Strait, Antarctica (AFP) Jan 30, 2024 In remote Antarctica, Colombian marine biologist Paulo Tigreros dips a net into the icy waters in his hunt for microplastics in what should be one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the world. Bellaterra, Spain (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 In a recent study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), researchers shed light on the persistent focus of major oil companies Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 The quest for sustainable energy solutions and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has led scientists to explore innovative strategies in the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) Mainz, Germany (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 In a remarkable stride towards more practical quantum computing, a collaborative research effort led by the University of Tokyo, alongside Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany and Pa Washington (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 American forces carried out strikes on Saturday against six anti-ship missiles belonging to Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, the US military said. Frankfurt, Germany (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 German chemical giant BASF is facing accusations of involvement in violating the rights of members of the mostly Muslim Uyghur minority in China, German media reported on Friday. The Hague (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 The Dutch police said Saturday that they arrested 1,000 people at a civil disobedience action by the environmental group Extinction Rebellion to protest the country's fossil fuel subsidies. Paris (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 The world needs to urgently start investing trillions of dollars in the green transition, the United Nations climate chief said on Friday, warning that finance was the "make-or-break" factor in the battle to curb global heating. Paris (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 Parking hefty vehicles in Paris could soon come with a matching price tag if a Sunday referendum to triple the cost for SUVs is passed, in a vote that has raised the hackles of some drivers in the French capital. San Francisco (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 Eager customers lined up outside US Apple stores Friday to nab the first Vision Pro headsets, a $3,499 device that is the tech giant's biggest release since the Apple Watch nine years ago. Sao Paulo (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has cast himself as a champion of the fight against climate change, but faces criticism from environmentalists for Brazil's booming oil production. Dortmund, Germany (SPX) Feb 02, 2024 In a groundbreaking study recently published in Nature Physics, a research team from TU Dortmund University has made a significant leap forward in the development of time crystals, achieving a lifes Vienna (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Thursday that workers from Ukraine's atomic energy operator Energoatom have been barred from the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. London (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 A London court threw out a public order case on Friday against climate activist Greta Thunberg and four other protesters, with the judge criticising "unlawful" conditions imposed by police when they were arrested. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 The United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is embroiled in controversy after Israel reported a dozen of the agency's employees directly participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 The European Council agreed Thursday to move forward with a $54 billion four-year European Union aid package for Ukraine. Manila (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 Floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain have killed six people in the Philippines, with one other person missing, rescuers said Thursday. Ankara (AFP) Feb 2, 2024 Last year's massive earthquake in southeastern Turkey killed 53,537 people in the country, the interior minister said Friday, bringing the overall death toll to nearly 60,000. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees "the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza" as he appealed for continued funding for the program in the wake of allegations that a dozen of its employees were involved in Hamas' October attack on Israel. Los Angeles (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The US West Coast was getting drenched Thursday as the first of two powerful storms moved in, part of a "Pineapple Express" weather pattern that was washing out roads and sparking flood warnings. Geneva (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 The UN rights chief said Thursday he was "appalled" by alleged summary executions of 25 people by Mali's army and "foreign military personnel" last week in a region plagued by jihadist insurgency. Washington DC (UPI) Feb 1, 2024 To mark the third anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, the United States, Britain and Australia separately leveled sanctions against entities linked to the Tatmadaw. Copenhagen (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Greenland absorbs more of the greenhouse gas methane than it emits, according to a new study from the University of Copenhagen released Wednesday. Paris (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 French prosecutors said on Wednesday they had opened an investigation into suspected fraudulent practices by the waters division of Swiss food giant Nestle, after it admitted treating water for its top French brands including Perrier and Vittel. Paris (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Back from the brink of extinction, sea otters in central California have started restoring the degraded landscape of a key estuary - thanks to their insatiable appetite for crabs, according to a study published on Wednesday. Washington (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 President Joe Biden on Wednesday named John Podesta as US climate envoy, picking another veteran Washington insider to succeed John Kerry on a key issue for the administration. Oslo (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Climate change caused by human activity is expected to make extreme cold snaps less frequent in Northern Europe, but paradoxically they may become more dangerous, a study published on Wednesday said. Washington DC (SPX) Jan 31, 2024 On April 8, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar ecli Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 29, 2024 In a significant development from Japan, scientists at the University of Tokyo have designed a two-legged robot that is powered by muscle tissues. This innovative creation marks a new chapter in the Saint-Denis De La Reunion (AFP) Jan 29, 2024 One motorist was killed and another was missing as torrential rains on France's Indian Ocean island of Reunion transformed roads into rivers and swept away cars, police said Monday. Wellington (AFP) Jan 29, 2024 Scores of people gathered on a New Zealand beach on Monday as a young whale that died in a rare stranding was pulled to shore. Friedrichshafen, Germany (SPX) Jan 29, 2024 Have you ever wondered how weather forecasts are created? Without satellites observing the Earth, accurate weather prediction wouldn't be possible. The MetOp-SG* satellites, built by Airbus in Fried New Delhi (AFP) Jan 31, 2024 Snow leopards have been dubbed the "ghosts of the mountains" for their elusive behaviour, but Indian researchers have successfully photographed more than 200 in a landmark study estimating at least 718 across the country. Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 29, 2024 In a significant stride toward addressing global water scarcity, researchers from Tsinghua University have developed a novel hydrogel pattern that markedly improves atmospheric water harvesting. The Baku (AFP) Feb 5, 2024 The decision to hold a climate summit in oil-and-gas-producer Azerbaijan, which will be hosting the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference this year, has puzzled many environmental groups. Richland WA (SPX) Feb 02, 2024 The circular economy just closed the loop on scrap aluminum, thanks to a new patent-pending technology developed at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. That twisted alu Washington (AFP) Feb 4, 2024 The United States will press on with its retaliation against Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday, declining to say if he ruled out strikes against Iran itself. Sao Paulo (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has cast himself as a champion of the fight against climate change, but faces criticism from environmentalists for Brazil's booming oil production. Sacramento CA (SPX) Feb 02, 2024 In a significant leap for autonomous aviation, AFWERX Autonomy Prime, in collaboration with Xwing Inc., has successfully showcased an autonomous logistics mission that marks a pivotal moment in mili Beijing (AFP) Feb 1, 2024 Beijing on Thursday warned the US that restrictions on its industries would "come back to bite them", after Washington added a number of Chinese firms to a list of companies linked to its military. Oak Ridge TN (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 Glass is being used in a wider range of high-performance applications, including those for consumers and industry, military and aerospace electronics, coatings and optics. Because of the extreme pre Washington (AFP) Feb 3, 2024 American forces carried out strikes on Saturday against six anti-ship missiles belonging to Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, the US military said. Cambridge UK (SPX) Feb 05, 2024 The 'ten electron' rule provides guidance for the design of single-atom alloy catalysts for targeted chemical reactions. A collaborative team across four universities have discovered a very si The Missouri Job Center and the Springfield Cardinals are planning a massive hiring event for job seekers in the Springfield area, according to a press release. From 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, more than 60 employers will meet with prospective employees at the Cardinals Training Facility on East Trafficway Street for the Hit It Out of the Park hiring event. This is one of the largest multi-industry hiring events weve ever hosted, thanks to our partnership with the Springfield Cardinals, said Ericka Schmeeckle, interim director of workforce development for the city of Springfield, in the release. This event features employers from both the public and private sector in more than a dozen different industries. According to the release, job seekers should bring copies of their resume. They should also be prepared for potential on-site interviews. If individuals need help with interview-appropriate clothing or preparing for the event, the Missouri Job Center on East Sunshine Street has a free Career Closet. The resource is available to anyone searching for employment. From healthcare and hospitality to education and transportation, a wide array of industries will be represented at Thursdays hiring event. Participating employers include but are not limited to: American StaffCorp Arvest Bank Atrium Hospitality Big Cedar Lodge Brokate Janitorial Burrell Behavioral Health Cintas Citizens Memorial Healthcare City of Branson City of Springfield CKC Data Solutions Community Blood Center of the Ozarks CoxHealth Dallas County R-1 Schools Davis Electric Department of Social Services Childrens & Family Services Divisons Delaware North DreamTeam Marketing Drury Go Edmonds Dental Prosthetics Empower: Abilities Evangel University Express Employment Professionals Federal Medical Center for Prisoners Foster Adopt Connect Gold Mountain Communications Great Southern Bank Healthline In-Home and CDS Holloway America Jack Henry Jordan Valley Community Health Center Manpower Marriott Vacations Mediacom MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries Missouri Army National Guard Missouri Department of Transportation Myers/Buckhorn OReilly Auto Parts OReilly Hospitality Management Ozark Regional YMCA Penmac Staffing Services People Ready Pet Supplies Plus Phoenix Home Care & Hospice Pilot Flying J Prime Trucking QPS Employment Group Russell Cellular Second Street Associates Sherwin-Williams SGC Foodservice Springfield-Greene County Library SPX Cooling Technologies Staffing Plus The Arc of the Ozarks The Kitchen TitleMax T-Mobile United States Army Vital Farms WellSpring School of Allied Health Story continues About the Missouri Job Center The Missouri Job Center in Springfield is part of a statewide network of job centers overseen by the Missouri Office of Workforce Development. They strive to enhance Missouris economy by helping job seekers find gainful employment and providing businesses with a skilled, trained workforce. The Springfield job center is located at 2900 E. Sunshine St. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri Job Center and Springfield Cardinals hosting hiring event In-N-Out Burger has filed formal development site plans for a new fast-food restaurant east of Interstate 25 in Timnath as plans for the first piece of Connell LLC's Ladera subdivision move forward. Along with In-N-Out, Respite Care and a 130-room dual branded LaQuinta/Hawthorn hotel have filed plans concurrently with Connell LLC's ongoing subdivision review that will create development lots for the project. On Feb. 13, Town Council will hold public hearings on the final plat that would create 12 commercial lots and two tracts in the development southeast and southwest of Weitzel Street and Swetsville Zoo Road, annexation for 184 acres for future commercial and residential development on the site south of Costco, rezoning the land south of Costco as regional commercial, and a planned development overlay that would allow different land uses including single-family attached homes, rehab centers, kennels and other uses. The annexation could be held up depending on the outcome of the April 2 municipal election where voters will decide whether to ban annexations of any land that has active mining permits on it until after reclamation is completed. The 240-acre Ladera project includes land currently mined by Connell Resources. According to plans, the proposed In-N-Out will be a single-story, 3,860-square-foot, Spanish-Mediterranean-style building with a 1,600-square-foot patio and drive-thru with on-site space for 32 cars in the queue. The restaurant operates with outdoor cameras and indoor monitors focused on the drive-thru lane so staff can respond if the line of cars gets too long, according to plans. When the restaurant is busiest, three grills will be in use. When the drive-thru line reaches nine cars in the queue, employees are dispatched to take orders outside using handheld tablets. That sends orders to the kitchen faster than ordering off the menu board and, combined with the third grill, the "result is extremely fast and efficient food production with the shortest possible food wait times" and the shortest possible drive-thru queues, the company said. Story continues Customers use the drive-thru during the opening of a new In-N-Out location in Loveland on Nov. 10, 2023. The restaurant is expected to take about eight months to build once plans are approved. If and when it opens, hours will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Between 10 and 12 employees will staff three shifts per day, according to plans, which are still in their infancy. "Our team continues to make progress on a proposed site in Timnath," Mike Abbate, vice president of store development for In-N-Out, said in a statement to the Coloradoan in January. It is still in the development review stage, "so it's too early to say when, or even if, we will be able to open a restaurant there." The Timnath In-N-Out would be the second in Northern Colorado. A Loveland eatery opened at 1450 Fall River Drive in November. More: From Amazon to a new landfill, here are 15 projects to watch in Northern Colorado Respite Care files early plans Respite Care, a Fort Collins-based nonprofit that provides overnight and day care facilities for children with developmental disabilities, has proposed a 19,000-square-foot, single-story building for up to eight overnight beds as well as homeroom, gym and sensory spaces. The facility cares for up to 100 children with a maximum of 40 full-time and volunteer staff members per day, according to plans. The development overlay is needed to change the definition of a care facility to allow for stays of up to 14 consecutive days, allowing caregivers to get a break. Currently located at 6203 S. Lemay Ave. in Fort Collins, Respite Care serves about 140 families per year in a two-story building that's accessible by an outdoor lift. A new building at Ladera would allow the organization to increase capacity and have a more efficient and accessible building, Respite Care Executive Director Kristi Briles told the planning board in July when it was evaluating the overlay amendment. What's next? Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Timnath's town hall, 4750 Signal Tree Drive, or via livestream. To view the livestream, visit timnath.org/live-stream. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: When will In-N-Out open in Timnath? What we know as of early February Mardi Gras season is upon us and Arthur Hardy's publication has everything you need to know to celebrate 2024 Carnival in New Orleans. Adam Neumann, the ousted co-founder of WeWork, is exploring a deal to buy back the office sharing company after expressing dismay over its bankruptcy process. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, an attorney representing Neumann and Flow Global Holdings said that WeWorks former CEO had partnered up with capital sources like Dan Loebs Third Point and stands ready to submit a detailed proposal to purchase the Company or its assets. Adam Neumann grew WeWork into one of the worlds most valuable start-ups before it all fell apart. Credit: AP Third Point, however, says it has not committed to such a purchase yet. Third Point has had only preliminary conversations with Flow and Adam Neumann about their ideas for WeWork, and has not made a commitment to participate in any transaction, the hedge fund said in a prepared statement, which was first shared with The Financial Times on Tuesday. Darts plan is to get some drillholes just under the old workings at Growlers quick-smart and unless the gold has somehow migrated, it just might prove to be a bingo moment. The region has produced more than 22 million ounces of gold historically, making it one of the biggest producers of the shiny yellow metal in the world. The company has the entire historic Rushworth goldfield as part of its existing 405sq km tenement holdings and has applied for a further 458sq km land grab for which it has priority. Notably, the old Rushworth mine alone produced about 100,000 gold ounces during the halcyon days and in some instances went as high as 100 grams of gold per tonne. The 14km of structurally-controlled shallow workings are ripe for modern exploration techniques, with multiple priority targets identified and ready to feel the hard edge of the drill bit. The first quarter of this year will see a diamond drilling program of about 2500m begin at Rushworth using the companys own rig. Dart Mining chairman and managing director James Chirnside said: The company is ready to continue exploration on a number of exciting gold targets across the highly-prospective historic Rushworth Goldfield. The company expects to be drilling a range of targets, commencing in February 2024, and is looking forward to providing further updates and results as they come to hand. There are many intriguing and historical aspects to Darts existing Rushworth landholdings, one of which involves saddle reefs. Saddle reefs, which are mineralised areas associated with the crest of a folded rock package, reportedly occur at the Church Hill/Champion and Nuggetty Hill prospects at Rushworth and this quickened a few pulses among geologists at the Victorian Department of Mines back in the day. Citing similarities to the 22 million-ounce Bendigo goldfields, they recommended testing back in the 1880s, 1890s and again in the 1920s. This appears to have never happened and Dart will now be the first to do so. Within the Rushworth Goldfield, mineralised quartz veins have been intersected at depths below 400m in a limited number of historical workings and up to 200m in modern drillholes. A 2021 reverse-circulation (RC) drilling program produced hits of 12m at 1.26g/t gold from surface including 2m at 3.49g/t and 19m at 1.1g/t from surface that included a 5m hit at 2.3g/t. Solid 1m hits of 7.1g/t, 9.13g/t and 10.8g/t were also recorded from shallow depths and the entire project looks like it is screaming to be drilled. The company interprets gold mineralisation to be of a style like that forming high-grade gold shoots at the nearby Fosterville Mine. Canadas Agnico Eagle operates Fosterville, a high-grade, low-cost underground gold mine about 50km south-west of Rushworth. It has a gold reserve of 1.67 million ounces and produced a stellar 300,000-plus ounces of gold last year at an expected cash cost of an incredibly low US$457 (AU$704) per ounce. The current US gold price is about $2020 (AU$3112) per ounce. The 458sq km of ground under application by Dart is to the west of the companys existing Rushworth tenements. Management identified the tenement as prospective for gold, antimony and base metals, with a projected strike extension of the historic Rushworth and Whroo Goldfields, in addition to a projected extension of the regional Moormbool Fault. Management intends to conduct initial field activities as soon as the tenement is granted by the Department of Mines, using mapping and rock chip sampling to build on its understanding of the regional geology. In addition to its gold ground, Dart was also the first of the modern-day explorers to discover lithium-bearing pegmatites in Victoria back in 2016 at its Dorchap Range project and that little discovery attracted the attention of giant Chilean lithium player Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A, or SQM. Dorchap is about 50km from the picturesque town of Mount Beauty in Victorias north-eastern Alpine Shire region. Under an earn-in agreement, SQM can pick up an initial 30 per cent interest in the project by sole-funding exploration expenditure of $3 million. It has the right to increase its shareholding in the project up to 70 per cent by sole funding a total of $12 million in a six-year period. The agreement began in December 2022 and with the success reported from the initial phase-one diamond drilling program, Dart says it has secured ongoing exploration support from the Chilean lithium behemoth. However, it notes the next phase of drilling might only occur when market sentiment has improved for the battery metal. A regional sampling program consisting of 826 samples identified a strong fractionation trend across the Dorchap Range, indicating a 20 km-by-12 km zone of strongly-fractionated pegmatites. Dart has since identified more than 1500 pegmatite dykes in its tenement package with many being the highly sought-after lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) type. Containing enriched LCT, beryllium and tin mineralisation, many of the pegmatites have been previously worked for tin. Interestingly, one grab sample assayed at a mouth-watering 9.98 per cent tin. The Gosport prospect within Dorchap is one that is highly regarded by Dart, with its central zone containing a high number of prospective pegmatite dykes in proximity to demonstrated high-grade rock chips up to 1.57 per cent lithium oxide, along with channel sampling returning assays going 10m at 1.38 per cent lithium oxide. The company is currently ground-truthing the area and work is progressing on the permitting process for drilling approval, with management expecting it to be in place by the end of March. Several notable diamond-drilling results at the Dorchap project have been recorded from its Boones prospect such as 10m at 1.08 per cent lithium oxide from 313m, with 7m going 1.38 per cent lithium oxide from 315m, in addition to 16.8m at 0.21 per cent lithium oxide from 103.98m including 0.81m at 1.20 per cent lithium oxide. SQM is a bit like the 800-pound gorilla in the room when it comes to lithium. It has been feverishly farming into lithium projects, buying them or trying to take over their owners. Its interest in the $3 million market-capped Dart and its discovery of lithium-bearing pegmatites in Victoria for the first time cannot be over-stated. SQM is into district-scale lithium discoveries and while $12 million is a drop in the ocean, it just might unlock a wider lithium discovery for Dart in Victoria. In addition to the Dorchap lithium project, Dart has full ownership of the historic Walwa tin mine, also in north-east Victoria. Mined for tin until about 1975, the area has been found to contain anomalous lithium among LCT- type pegmatites. Dart has many other standout options to progress along the exploration pathway, too. However, three that are particularly interesting and located in north-east Victoria, are the Mt Unicorn, Buckland and Granite Flats projects. Mt Unicorn is set among multiple porphyry targets near the Victoria-New South Wales border about 20km south of the Victorian town of Corryong. It is a molybdenum-copper-silver porphyry project with a total JORC resource of 203 million tonnes at 0.06 per cent molybdenum equivalent, taking the copper and silver grades into account. Porphyry deposits often develop into large, bulk-scale, low-grade mines that can be easier to mine and have a long life. The Buckland goldfield project has potential for scale due to a 17.5km strike length identified to date from 7500 surface samples, along with multiple parallel structures identified. Rotary air-blast (RAB) drilling at the Fairleys prospect within the project area succeeded in jagging hits such as 13m at 4.82g/t gold from 12m including 2m going 11.6g/t from 20m, along with 11m at 2.64g/t gold from 28m including 3m going 7.49g/t from 29m depth. Granite Flats is a copper-gold project that has two distinct mineralisation styles identified. It is intrusion-related with long intervals of low-grade material and hydrothermal overprint, a style producing narrow silica-sulphide veins of higher-grade copper-gold, along with additional silver and possible lead-zinc mineralisation. A big 1.8km-by-2.4km soil mineralised footprint with additional anomalies is open in all directions and significant intervals of copper-gold mineralisation has been intersected up to 180m below surface. A further project on its books is the Dart Goldfield, where its Mt View target may be diamond-drilled at some stage this year to expand its existing gold resource of about 26,000 ounces. Under its current business model, Dart now defines itself as a project-generator and is actively seeking farm-in joint venture partnerships across its full portfolio of highly compelling projects. Management now believes it is less reliant on shareholder funding and can deploy its own funds into a preferred project such as Rushworth, while allowing a company like SQM to fully-fund a Dorchap-style exploration program. With a solid lithium project sitting in the incubator until prices improve and a gold project that is littered with targets, Dart has the best of both worlds. Lithium may make a come-back at some stage, however, gold is trading its pants off right now and Rushworth at the very least looks like it has plenty of it. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au France has responded to the rapid growth of imports of Chinese EVs by redesigning its own consumer incentives scheme to preference vehicles made in Europe over those manufactured in China, which previously were absorbing about a third of all the subsidies. The French schemes eligibility criteria points to a potential vulnerability for Chinese manufacturers more broadly because they include the carbon emitted during the manufacturing process. Chinas industrial sector is still heavily reliant on coal-fired generation. In effect, for EVs, France has pre-empted to some degree Europes carbon border adjustment mechanism that the EU launched last year but which doesnt start to impose the tax on the embedded carbon (in an initially limited range of the most carbon-intensive imports) until 2026. Other European economies with big auto industries might be tempted to follow suit, although Germanys dilemma is that China is both a big market for its own industry and a manufacturing base for its own companies. In the US, a combination of the high tariff rates Donald Trump imposed on imports from China, which wiped out Chinas cost advantage, and Joe Bidens incentives for domestic EV manufacturing and purchases (and, in some regions, additional state-funded incentives) have largely kept the Chinese manufacturers out of the market. Last December the US also excluded EVs with batteries or critical minerals sourced from China from receiving the federal subsidies of up to $US7500 ($11,600). Loading China is responding to the over-capacity within its EV manufacturing sector by vowing to take forceful measures to deal with the establishment of new EV projects by local government authorities and enterprises. Rounds of price cutting within the domestic market last year and the weaker demand offshore (where margins are much more attractive than those in the domestic market) might by themselves help force some less efficient capacity to exit the market. China has hundreds of EV manufacturers. It seems like almost every large industrial group added an EV subsidiary even China Evergrande created one to take advantage of the generous incentives that were on offer from the federal and local governments. For many of the companies their primary interest was in the tax credits, not sales of EVs, which explains the thousands of earlier model EVs decaying unsold in vast lots in the fringes of Chinas major industrial cities. China is confronting a glut of production that is causing alarm in Europe, its key market for EV exports. Credit: AP In a sense, the EV sector is following the path of many of the sectors China has targeted as part of its national economic development strategies. China identified EVs as a sector of strategic interest in the early 2000s, when it realised that Western auto companies dominance of internal combustion engines and Japans dominance of hybrids gave them a lead too substantial for its own immature industry to challenge. So it decided to take a leap into the future and get ahead of the established industry by investing in EVs and their supply chain, the most significant components of which were critical minerals and battery technologies. It was a whole-of-government approach, with central and local government incentives for the manufacturers, access to cheap land, financing and critical minerals, consumer incentives and procurement policies that saw government bus and car fleets required to be early adopters to drive scale. Chinas dominance of the critical minerals vital for EVs, its lead in battery technologies and the scale of its domestic market means that, if allowed to compete freely, it would almost certainly overwhelm domestic EV manufacturers elsewhere. It is a wasteful but successful recipe; one used earlier to create Chinas dominance of solar energy manufacturing. It attracts massive-over investment and excess capacity but leverages Chinas dominance of raw materials, their processing, its low-cost structures and its authoritarian political system to create strategic industries with global competitive advantages. Once the sector has established itself, the authorities gradually scale back the incentives and eventually withdraw them completely to winnow out the strong companies from the weak, a plan that in the EV sectors case was pushed into the second half of this decade by the weaknesses within the domestic economy. The EU and US could be called out for being hypocritical for complaining about Chinas EV (or solar) subsidies when they have their own incentives schemes and (particularly in the US) protectionist tariffs in place. EUs president, Ursula von der Leyen, upset Beijing when she said the global auto industry was being overrun by cheap Chinese EVs with prices kept artificially low by huge state subsidies. Credit: AP Beijings whole-of-state and state-directed approach, however, with its layers of subsidies and concessions and co-operation with suppliers and access to national research and development resources (R&D has been the key component of Chinas five-year plans and the EV sectors success) isnt something that would be replicable in the Wests market economies. Chinas dominance of the critical minerals vital for EVs, its lead in battery technologies and the scale of its domestic market means that, if allowed to compete freely, it would almost certainly overwhelm domestic EV manufacturers elsewhere. Western policymakers are scrambling to fast-track their own EV sectors, with a mix of incentives and protectionist measures that, while distorting global trade even more than it is already distorted by trade wars and protectionism, might blunt some of Chinas competitive advantages. Loading They are doing everything they can to ensure China cant compete freely and, they would argue, unfairly. In the near term, the impact of the massive over-capacity within Chinas EV sector will, if the growth in offshore demand for EVs, remains subdued, force a painful rationalisation of the sector. That is, however, a phase that China seems to have accepted is an unavoidable one if it is to realise its long-term ambitions. 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 Its a scandal almost a quarter of a century in the making, described as Britains worst miscarriage of justice by The Economist. It has ignited a political firestorm, tarnished the reputation of one of the UKs most cherished institutions and galvanised a nation. It has been splashed across the front pages of tabloids and sober broadsheets alike for weeks. An overwhelming public outcry forced Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to announce emergency legislation that will overrule the courts, quash hundreds of criminal convictions and compensate victims with payments of up to 600,000 ($1.2 million) each. Fresh revelations are still coming to light and an ongoing public inquiry is due to conclude later this year. One extraordinary aspect of this saga is that it had effectively been hiding in plain sight until a four-part miniseries, titled Mr Bates vs The Post Office, debuted in the UK on New Years Day. It dramatises the true story of almost 1000 subpostmasters (the people who run local post office branches, including those outside of England) wrongly convicted of fraud, false accounting and theft. Many lost their livelihoods and homes, spiralling into depression and ill health after being forced to repay money they never stole. More than 230 were jailed, including one pregnant woman, and at least four took their own lives. These tragedies can be traced back to Horizon, a faulty accounting system operated by Fujitsu, that showed phantom financial shortfalls in branches throughout the UK. Instead of believing its own employees, the Post Offices management proffered an astonishing explanation: that hundreds of subpostmasters (whose duties include renewing locals pet insurance and helping pensioners pay their bills) were essentially crooks disguised in cardigans and sensible footwear. Advertisement Many were interrogated by internal investigators who threatened imprisonment to coerce them into pleading guilty or admitting to lesser charges. Hours before Mr Bates vs The Post Office premiered, executive producer Patrick Spence emailed his team, urging them not to be disheartened when their series, broadcast in Britain over four consecutive nights on commercial network ITV, would be thumped by strong competition in the overnight ratings. He assured them it would slowly find an audience on ITVs catch-up service. Toby Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh play former subposter Alan Bates and his partner, Suzanne Sercombe. Credit: Seven/ITV Spence was wrong. Not only did Mr Bates win its timeslot; by early February it averaged 13.5 million viewers and its numbers are still climbing, placing it among the UKs top-rating dramas over the past 15 years. Its an astounding result for a story British media had already covered, placing special focus on the 2019 High Court battle involving 555 claimants who received a total settlement of 58 million ($112 million). Most of this money was chewed up by legal fees and to date, only 93 subpostmasters have had their convictions overturned. Those who have already received compensation or reached a settlement with the Post Office will now be eligible for further payouts. The title of the series is a catchier version of the court case Bates & Others v Post Office Ltd. At the heart of this case is Alan Bates, an unassuming subpostmaster who began reporting problems with Horizon shortly after it was rolled out in 1999. When he refused to repay his branchs alleged shortfalls, his contract was terminated and he and his partner, Suzanne Sercombe, lost the 65,000 ($125,000) they had invested in the business. With Sercombes support, Bates spent years tracking down others who had been wrongfully accused, eventually forming the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance that secured the High Court win. He never stopped campaigning and is now pushing the government to swiftly enact its promises. Advertisement That so many UK citizens were only vaguely aware of this injustice before Mr Bates aired is partly due to the Post Offices once-cuddly reputation, bolstered by its famous red pillar boxes and the beloved childrens TV series Postman Pat. It involves a software accounting program and an organisation that delivers mail; at first glance, a deeply unsexy tale. And most people assume an innocent person would never admit to crimes they didnt commit. A national uproar ensued after Mr Bates vs The Post Office dramatised the victims stories. Credit: Seven/ITV This is why Spence decided to make a drama rather than a documentary. When you dramatise a story about people whose home lives and business lives are destroyed, it brings to life the pain and suffering these hundreds of people went through so our audience could properly feel the full horror of it, Spence says. A documentary cant touch the sides of that pain and suffering. It can only describe it retrospectively. He never considered offering the series to a subscription streaming service. To streamers, its a very British story about very ordinary people and its potential appeal internationally, until now, wouldve seemed minimal, Spence says. ITV was our first choice it made a country gather around a story and a group of people and get angry on their behalf. Streamers cant do that. Only broadcast television can. When I mention how the Post Office apparently lied to cover its tracks, Spence corrects me. Advertisement They were lying, he says, referring to damning evidence that emerged both before and after Mr Bates aired. Thats a fact they understood that the computer system on which they were basing this was flawed. After the second episode screened, current Post Office CEO Nick Read apologised for the devastating impact [on] the lives of so many; we are all doing all we can to provide redress. This drama tapped into a national rage about feeling unheard by politicians and the people who run our companies. Executive producer Patrick Spence A fortnight later, Paul Patterson, co-CEO of Fujitsu Europe, admitted, We were involved from the very start. We did have bugs and errors in the system and we did help the Post Office in their prosecutions of the subpostmasters. For that we are truly sorry. Spences team spent three years researching the scandal. Co-executive producer Joe Williams, for instance, sifted through thousands of documents and videos, giving writer Gwyneth Hughes a whopping 120,000-word synthesis. Hughes also spent considerable time with the victims, as did the cast members who portray them. Actor Monica Dolan even asked former subpostmaster Jo Hamilton to audio-record her life story. Dolan listened to it repeatedly, allowing her to perfect Hamiltons rhythm and cadence. Monica Dolan plays former subpostmaster Jo Hamilton, wrongly accused of stealing 36,000. Under intense pressure, Hamilton pleaded guilty to false accounting to avoid a prison sentence. Credit: Seven/ITV Advertisement Spence says that Bates, played by Toby Jones, was involved extensively but insisted to the writers, You are applying emotions to me that dont exist. I am not an angry man. Each character was told every beat of their story so they could respond in terms of how accurate it felt, Spence says. Toby is magnificent in that he doesnt get to have emotional outbursts and yet you still feel youre watching somebody who has been to hell and back. These are ordinary people; they really need to feel like we have honoured who they were. Paula Vennells, the Post Offices CEO from 2012 to 2019, had little interest in meeting the writers. Every line of her dialogue is taken from public statements and unearthed emails. While working as CEO, Vennells also practised part-time as an Anglican priest, presumably preaching the virtues of truth and compassion: a galling detail for her tormented subpostmasters. She stepped back from active ministry in 2021. Shaun Dooley (left) portrays former subpostmaster and union representative Michael Rudkin, who accidentally discovered the central fault with Horizon while visiting Fujitsus headquarters. Credit: Seven/ITV Less than a week after Mr Bates finished airing, a petition demanding Vennells be stripped of her CBE exceeded 1.2 million signatures before she agreed to hand it back, although only King Charles can make the final judgment on removing an honour. Spence emphasises that his teams first duty was to properly acknowledge the subpostmasters suffering. We werent aiming for this but it appears this drama tapped into a national rage about feeling unheard by politicians and the people who run our companies, he says, appalled but unsurprised when I inform him of Australias robo-debt disaster. Im talking to people in lots of different countries and theyre all saying, We feel the same way. Advertisement Dame Alison Rose abruptly stepped down following the Coutts debanking controversy - REUTERS/Simon Dawson NatWest is under pressure to name a permanent successor to Dame Alison Rose before its shares go on sale to the general public. Charles Donald, head of UK Government Investments (UKGI), told a committee of MPs that the taxpayer-owned lender should provide greater clarity on its leadership and move quickly to name a new chief executive before a public share sale later this year. The Treasury is planning to offload some of its 36pc stake in NatWest to the public in a Tell Sid style privatisation drive, which could take place as early as June. UKGI is the in-house government advisory unit guiding the public share sale since the Chancellor announced it during the Autumn Statement. They need to provide clarity to the market on their proposals around either confirming the interim chief executive or a process around appointing a permanent chief executive for the market to be comfortable, Mr Donald said. Former NatWest investment bank head Paul Thwaite was named the banks interim chief executive last July for an initial 12-month contract. He is yet to be made permanent. Mr Thwaite was appointed after Dame Alison abruptly stepped down following the Coutts debanking controversy involving former UKIP leader Nigel Farage. The appointment of a permanent successor is made harder by a looming boardroom shake-up. Chairman Howard Davies is stepping down in April to be replaced by Ocado chairman Rick Haythornthwaite. Mr Haythornthwaite will take responsibility for hiring the permanent chief. He joined the board in January and is currently leading the search for Dame Alisons successor. UKGI is responsible for running the Governments investment in private companies. UKGI Holger Vieten told MPs the Government was in the development and design stage of the NatWest retail offer. He said Goldman Sachs had been hired as privatisation strategy adviser. Barclays and Solid Solutions have also been recruited to advise on the retail offer, while magic circle law firm Freshfields is offering legal advice, he added. Story continues We are in the middle of the exploration phase. We havent come to firm conclusions. Its very much a work in progress, Mr Vieten said. We have some windows where [the share sale] could happen. The timetable hasnt been approved at this stage. The very earliest could be around summer time. We dont have an exact date. He signalled the share sale could potentially take place as early as June, when questioned on timing by Treasury Select Committee chairman Harriett Baldwin MP. The Government owns a near-36pc stake in NatWest having bailed out its predecessor RBS during the financial crisis. It has slowly reduced its holding over the last 15 years from around 84pc to its current level. Officials have not spelt out how much of the stake they are intending to sell to retail shareholders, but the Chancellor said the sale would depend on market conditions. NatWest is due to unveil its annual results on Feb 16. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A lot of my friends have cancers and arrhythmias now, hearts periodically hoisted from their gaping chests like V8s from Fords while masked wunderkinds tighten their heart screws and adjust their timing belts. Strokes slap my friends faces like duellists once slapped cads, leaving them numb and lopsided and fearful of the dawn. Bacterial tides swarm their ear canals and they lie on their sides on their sofas bombing prescribed drops on the cowering metropolises of their brains. When I visit them, they shout,Im in here on the sofa. Let yourself in. I dont want my drops to leak. Theyre such committed patients I suspect theyd shout the same at burglars. They are all having shots for shingles and asking if Ive had my shot for shingles. Theyre appalled I havent. But I only heard of shingles recently and havent learnt to fear it yet. Its such a lovely word; I like the idea of shouting shingles!! when youre astounded by something. My friends are becoming contemplative, admitting various uncomfortable truths that no longer matter. Admitting they never much liked one parent or another, and that they believe they were adopted anyway, and have been thrice bankrupt, and that they once sat in out-of-the-way cafes listening to divorce lawyers sounding like people smugglers, telling them freedom exists and the ticket is cheap. Credit: Robin Cowcher My friends, when theyre drinking, surmise that as kids, they got caught up in the whole high-achiever thing. They did the uni course that required the maximum entry marks, and thus became trapped in fields of high endeavour where they didnt belong. The laws just a fight with fancy rules, my lawyer friends say. And fightings no way to spend your life. The email was irate as well as incredulous: I was shocked to receive a letter from my bank telling me the federal government are phasing out cheques. For years, I have used cheques for donations to charities and sending family members a gift of money. Sending cash in the mail is not secure, and I have always found cheques to be a reliable and safe way to send money. How can I send a surprise gift of cash to family and friends once the cheque option is no longer available? Cheques are an antiquated and inefficient form of payment. Credit: Getty Images I must confess it caught me by surprise. Its been years since Ive sent or received a cheque, and I have never given much thought to them. They are one of the most inefficient methods of payment around. To send someone a cheque you have to write it out in legible handwriting, find their address and write that on an envelope also legibly add a postage stamp and then take the letter to a post box. A proposal to shuttle commuters northwards from stops along the Bankstown train line during its 12-month closure to Ashfield, Tempe and other stations in Sydneys inner west has been ditched because passengers prefer direct routes. Transport for NSW has ruled out bussing commuters who will be disrupted by the Bankstown lines looming shutdown southwards also, to stations along the T8 South rail line because passengers felt they were going backwards to go forwards, internal documents show. The rail line between Bankstown and Sydenham will be closed for 12 months from as early as July. Credit: Kate Geraghty They are among scores of options that have been canvassed as the states transport agency grapples with providing replacement services for about 60,000 commuters who will be inconvenienced by the closure of the T3 line between Bankstown and Sydenham for a year from as early as July. The documents reveal Transport for NSW considered operating express buses via the M5 and M8 motorways to get people between Bankstown and Sydenham, instead of driving along congested local streets during peak periods. Police are mad as hell, and theyre not going to take it any more. Thats right, after Chief Commissioner Shane Patton stood his ground to say the least after Sundays LGBTQ Pride March, at which activists robustly objected to police participation in the event, Victorias finest now have a bone to pick with Andrew Bolt, firebrand columnist with Melbournes US-owned tabloid, the Herald Sun. The Bolter had quite the tale to tell late last month, in his newspaper column and on his Sky News TV show, about a chap called Frank Strazdins, who claimed a police officer arrested him in Swanston Street on Australia Day. Strazdins crime? Having two small Australian flags protruding from his baseball cap, he reckons. Cue the standard outrage from Andrew. But there was nothing standard about what happened on Tuesday. Coming off a two-week run-up, Victoria Polices communications unit put out a lengthy statement blasting Bolts broadcast and column as inaccurate, nonsensical and fanciful. Last weeks announcement that the Hill of Content bookshop building is set to be auctioned next month is reason for both sadness and alarm. At best, the Bourke Street building will be purchased by a sympathetic owner who wants the store to remain, at worst, Melbourne will lose yet another bookshop. When I wrote last year that bookshops are vital to our citys culture, I had more positive responses than anything else Ive previously written. I didnt expect to be writing about the topic so soon again. The property that houses the Hill of Content book store is up for sale. Credit: Aaron Francis Hill of Content isnt so much a store as it is an institution. It typifies a kind of bibliographic Melbourne which is insistently waning. As the bookshops owner and manager Diana Johnston noted following the sale announcement, its not just the building itself that is heritage listed, but also many of its iconic internal features including the staircase. Beyond the physical though, over its 101-year-long history, the store has become, as Johnson says, part of the fabric of Melbourne city. When it first opened in 1922, founder A.H. Spencer understood the primacy of location. Ensconced on the hill towards parliament, it is a highly desirable site. While Hill of Content says it is hoping future owners may allow them to stay, the reality of Melbournes redevelopment cannot be ignored, with Johnston telling The Age, We own the name, so we can take it anywhere. The bookshop has moved before, and survived, so theres no reason, if necessary, it cant do it again. We had been led to believe that a savage prison bashing that put him in a coma for more than three weeks had left him with long-term memory problems. Yet Mokbel gave impressive evidence, stuck to the point and often answered concisely with correct or thats right. Legal jargon and criminal slang intertwined. There were discussions about burner phones in prison, crooks rolling over and when he first heard Gobbo was a dog a police informer. A court is a broad church. He was told his evidence would be taken in 30-minute lots to avoid fatigue. At the first break he looked as if he was just hitting his stride. Clearly he was enjoying himself. Mokbel could recall the name of detectives, details of the multiple investigations against him, including each investigations codename and the lawyers he had employed with special reference to disgraced barrister Nicola Gobbo. Which is why Mokbel was in the witness box. The law in this case is extremely complex, but the key issue is simple. Did Gobbo, acting as a police snitch, betray Mokbel to the point he suffered a miscarriage of justice? Just to make it clear here, no one (least of all Tony) is trying to suggest he wasnt a major drug trafficker but rather that some of the evidence that showed he was a major drug trafficker had been unfairly gathered. Fullerton will have to find the tipping point. Was Gobbos betrayal that point or was the remaining legitimate evidence overwhelming? Mokbels team argue he was set up by Gobbo and didnt stand a chance. The other team will say his argument is just a version of the dog ate my homework. Loading In 2006, while facing federal cocaine charges, Mokbel appeared relaxed even cocky to the point some feared he had managed to compromise the jury. But with the trial close to completion Mokbel, seemingly overnight, appeared beaten, but it was not the trial that had him rattled. He told Tuesdays appeal hearing that Gobbo had tipped him off he was about to face multiple gangland murder charges saying he was facing life in prison. (He was later charged with two counts. One was withdrawn, and he was acquitted of the second.) The federal prosecutor in the cocaine trial recommended bail be withdrawn as the cocaine trial was coming to a conclusion but no one told the judge of the pending murder charges and so Tony was remanded on bail. On March 20 in 2006 he left his three mobile phones, his girlfriend, his frozen assets, his city apartment and his public image profile and fled to Bonnie Doon, north-east of Melbourne. Mokbel had been around the courts for decades and knew that going into hiding, buying a yacht and sailing to Greece to avoid jail was a little more serious than catching undersized flathead. Gobbo didnt make him do it. Tony was always his own man. For a man betrayed Mokbel was fairly zen about the lawyer who betrayed him, referring to her as Ms Gobbo and complimenting her on her work ethic as compared to some others, describing her as the engine room of his legal defence. I thought she was the staunchest person on Earth. Barrister Nicola Gobbo with Tony Mokbel outside court in 2004. Credit: Nine The appeal is likely to last nearly three months. Mokbel is asking for more legal aid to add another lawyer to his team. In evidence Mokbel said when he was fighting multiple criminal charges he would always seek more than one legal opinion, so all options could be explored. But in those days he saw his legal bill as a business expense. The impressive list of assets seized as proceeds of crime was read to the court. Loading Previously it has been revealed authorities seized more than 50 properties, two farms, 30 cars, the yacht he used to escape from Australia, a Caulfield horse stable, a country hotel, a Brunswick market, a Sydney Road car park, a Boronia pizza parlour, four jet-skis, a champion racehorse and a Ferrari. The package was valued at $54 million. Not bad for a bloke who bought a pizza place in 1987 and was described in his police file as lacking financial acumen. In court, he said he would catch up with Gobbo at night because during the day he was flat out checking his businesses that he had franchised to a series of managers. I was the sole proprietor of all them companies. A man on trial for the sexual assault and rape of multiple Perth women over a 4-year period says there are two sides to every story. Como restaurant owner Alberto Nicoletti and his friend Vincenzo Mineo went on trial on Tuesday, the court hearing how they allegedly tricked one woman into believing they were a gay couple heading to a Scarborough bathroom to take cocaine when they raped her. Alberto Nicoletti is facing sexual penetration charges. Credit: Facebook State prosecutors outlined how from 2016 to 2021 Nicoletti allegedly attacked eight young women, none of whom knew each other, and who had on each occasion been on a night out or drinking. In one case, in July 2018, Nicoletti allegedly pretended to be an Uber driver and picked up a 20-year-old woman from outside the Hip-E club in Leederville. He allegedly took her to his apartment against her will and lured her inside before sexually assaulting her. (Bloomberg) -- Nintendo Co.s shares gained ground after the company lifted its annual outlook on solid Switch console sales and better-than-expected earnings for the holiday quarter. Most Read from Bloomberg The Kyoto-based company now expects to sell 15.5 million Switch units in the fiscal year ended March, up from 15 million, and it also raised its revenue, operating profit and net income guidance. Its shares were up 1.6% after rising as much as 3% during Wednesday morning trade in Tokyo, outperforming rival Sony Group Corp., whose shares were largely flat. The companys intellectual property strategy, including movie releases featuring its game characters, will broaden the range of touch points between consumers and Nintendo content, according to Citi analyst Junko Yamamura, who reiterated her buy rating. Nintendo earned an operating profit of 184.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in the December quarter, edging out the average of analyst estimates, although it fell shy of the companys performance in the same period a year earlier. Sales were down a smaller-than-expected 6%, Nintendo said. Customized editions of the Switch featuring Super Mario and Animal Crossing themes helped lift sales in the Japanese market above expectations, according to the company. Nintendos shares have hit an all-time high this year, after the Japanese companys successful expansion into cinema with The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the award-winning debut of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sustained sales in 2023. Expectations for a next-generation Switch also play into the lofty valuation, as investors look past the next few quarters for a major boost to come in the holiday period. The existing Switch will be Nintendos main business heading into 2024, President Shuntaro Furukawa said on a conference call after the earnings report. The companys plan for the next fiscal year will be shared at its next earnings briefing, he added. Story continues Read More: Nintendos Record Gain Tested in Wait for Switch 2: Tech Watch Those hopes firmed up in January when the research firm Omdia explicitly forecast in January pointing to a new 8-inch Switch device coming in 2024. Now seven years old, the original hybrid-handheld console has outlived most rivals thanks to a succession of hit releases from Nintendos creative studios. Last year, however, it fell behind Sony Group Corp.s surging PlayStation 5, which became the best-selling console in the US, according to Circana. Microsoft Corp.s Xbox division also gained a big hit in January with Palworld, a game drawing inspiration from Nintendos Pokemon franchise, which has attracted millions of players to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Nintendo remained tight-lipped about any Switch successor plan, with Furukawa declining to comment beyond saying that the company is always researching new hardware and software. Nintendo would benefit from a hardware upgrade in contending with Sonys expanding PS5 user base and Microsofts cloud-gaming push. The absence of marquee titles on its software release schedule this year is seen as another sign that the company is potentially holding releases back until it has the new platform in place. Nintendo is keeping their blockbusters in the oven for now, as they must make sure to have a killer lineup for when the Switch successor launches, industry analyst Serkan Toto said ahead of the earnings report. --With assistance from Debby Wu, Eddy Duan and Mayumi Negishi. (Updates with share reaction and analyst comment) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. UPDATE: The boys were located safe and well around 3pm. Police are urgently seeking help to find nine-year-old twins Eric and Llewelyn who were last seen in the Perth CBD at about 11pm on Monday. They are believed to wearing the same clothing as depicted in the photographs police have supplied. The boys were last seen in the Perth CBD. Credit: WA Police Anyone who sights Eric or Llewelyn or has information relating to their whereabouts is asked to call police immediately on 131 444. The fate of thousands of sheep and cattle stuck on a vessel off Perth remains in limbo as animal advocates raise concerns a fresh application to export them could be made. About 15,000 animals have been packed aboard the MV Bahijah since January 5, when it sailed for the Middle East from Perths Fremantle before being ordered to abandon its voyage due to Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. Livestock onboard MV Bahijah. Credit: 9News Perth Australian authorities on Monday rejected an application to re-export the livestock to Israel by going around southern Africa, saying the export control rules had not been complied with and it was not satisfied the animals health and welfare could be assured on the journey. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said the livestock and what happens to them going forward were commercial decisions for the exporter. Federal and state governments have not shared decision-making with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or trusted they know what is best for their communities, despite promising to transform the way public servants and politicians work with Indigenous Australians. The first major review of the revamped Closing the Gap agreement which was heralded as a game-changer when it was forged in 2020 has delivered a blistering assessment of Australias failure to improve outcomes for Indigenous people by giving them more control over their affairs. The Productivity Commission says governments have not grasped the scale of the changes needed to deliver on their commitment. Credit: Jason South The Productivity Commission review, published on Wednesday, said governments were making only slow, uncoordinated and piecemeal progress, and had not grasped the scale of the changes required to deliver on their commitment. The disparate actions and ad hoc changes have not led to improvements that are noticeable and meaningful for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, commissioners Romlie Mokak and Natalie Siegel-Brown wrote. It was at Guangzhou airport in China that Yang Hengjun phoned a friend to say he was being followed by three men. After the call, Yang was not heard from for days. Many believed he had been detained by Chinese police. When he did reappear, he claimed it was all a misunderstanding. That was in 2011. Eight years later, Yang was detained again at Guangzhou airport. This time he suffered a far worse fate. Yang Hengjun has been detained in China since January 2019. Credit: AP The 57-year-old father of two migrated to Australia in 1998 after having worked for the Chinese government in foreign affairs and state security. In 2005, Yang began a PhD at a Sydney university on the impact of internet bloggers on democratisation in China. A self-described pro-democracy pedlar, he published more than 10 million words online on the merits of constitutional democracy. Age correspondent Eryk Bagshaw says that across hundreds of blog posts Yang wrote nuanced critiques of the contradictions of Chinas state apparatus, interrogated President Xi Jinpings speeches and lashed senior Chinese Communist Party figures for stepping up their corruption just as they were hitting retirement. This frankness represents a stark departure from how the royal family has handled previous cancer diagnoses. Earlier generations would never have dreamed of being so open about any medical condition, let alone something as foreboding as a tumour. The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure, the palace statement said. His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Those difficulties are multiplied for the royal family, who must mix private anxiety with public duty. In announcing the Kings diagnosis and treatment , without going into specifics, Buckingham Palace showed yet another way in which the royals have modernised. A cancer diagnosis weighs heavily on any family, adding fear and uncertainty to the discomfort a sufferer might already be experiencing. It is tough on the patient and on their loved ones, too. In September 1951 George VI, a heavy smoker, had his left lung removed for what was euphemistically referred to as structural abnormalities. In reality, it was a carcinoma. Yet, the kings doctors withheld his diagnosis from the public, the medical profession and even the king himself. Although he seemed to be recovering from the procedure, he died suddenly five months later, in February 1952. As George VI had suffered from vascular disease, it was assumed at the time this had caused coronary thrombosis. Since then, it has been speculated that this was the result of complications from his cancer spreading. King George VI (right) walking with Sir Donald Bradman. Credit: Queen Elizabeth, similarly, dealt with cancer in private. In his posthumous biography of the late Queens mother in 2009, William Shawcross revealed that she had been treated for the disease twice. In 1966 she had a tumour removed from her colon. At the time, Clarence House had said only that she had undergone abdominal surgery to remove an obstruction. In 1984, she had another operation, to remove a tumour from her breast. The official line then was that she had been in hospital for tests. She recovered from both procedures and lived until 2002, when she was 101. As recently as September 2022, when Elizabeth II died, the cause of death was given as old age. But according to Queen Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, a biography by Gyles Brandreth published two months afterwards, she had been suffering from myeloma, a rare form of bone cancer. Brandreth, who had been friends with Prince Philip, said Elizabeth IIs doctor had known about her condition for some time. When his claims caused a stir, Brandreth said: I really didnt want to upset anyone, yet if its going to be confirmed and one day it will at least I, as a reporter, am saying what was out there. Toyota Group Plant Admitted Cheating on Engine Testing TOKYO - January 30, 2024: The AP's YURI KAGEYAMA reported that 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. 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. 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 Toyotas 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 The operator of Nomad World Pub owes the City of Milwaukee $6,000 in overdue taxes. A Milwaukee tavern operator who planned to lease a city-owned building for his new coffee shop aided by a $750,000 city grant owes the city more than $6,000 in overdue taxes. That wasn't discussed at a recent Common Council committee meeting where the lease was reviewed. Michael Eitel dropped plans for a Nomad Coffee Bar in downtown's new Vel R. Phillips Plaza after disclosure at that meeting of his separate court battle with Turner Hall's owner. Eitel's company, Caravan Hospitality Group LLC, was to operate the coffee shop at the plaza building through a lease recommended by Mayor Cavalier Johnson's administration. That three-year lease, with a minimum monthly rent of $5,000, included a $750,000 grant for the 2,900-square-foot building's interior improvements and fixtures. The lease was endorsed at a Jan. 18 Redevelopment Authority board meeting. Lease delayed after Turner Hall dispute revealed The Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee on Jan. 30 delayed acting on the lease. The decision came after committee members learned Turner Ballroom Preservation Trust Ltd., which owns Turner Hall, 1034 N. Phillips Ave., has a $95,734 judgment pending against Eitel's Barcity Club LLC, which operated a restaurant there. Eitel's group stopped paying rent in October 2019 and was later evicted from Turner Hall, Art Heitzer, trust board president, told the committee. Heitzer said the trust has been unable to collect the judgment because Barcity Club has no other assets. Heitzer said the trust's lease didn't have a personal guaranty from Eitel which he said the city's lease should include. The committee was to meet on Monday to review a revised lease with a personal guaranty. That meeting was canceled after Eitel on Friday dropped his plans. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel then learned through an online public records check that the City of Milwaukee has held a $6,011 judgment against Caravan Hospitality since October 2021. Story continues The amount owed includes penalties and interest, according to Milwaukee County Circuit Court records. That unpaid bill stems from a lawsuit the city filed against the company for delinquent personal property taxes tied to Nomad World Pub, which Eitel operates at 1401 E. Brady St. Another company operated by Eitel sold the Nomad pub building in 2019 to a Chicago group, Gnome Brady LLC, which pays the real estate property taxes. Department of City Development officials didn't mention the delinquent tax debt at the zoning committee meeting. "I would assume as part of their due diligence this would have been brought to our attention," Ald. Michael Murphy, committee chair, told the Journal Sentinel. "Im shocked it wasnt." DCD officials apparently didn't know about the unpaid debt until after the committee meeting, said Jeff Fleming, Mayor Johnson's director of communications and public engagement. At the meeting, Ald. Russell W. Stamper II asked Dan Casanova, a DCD economic development specialist, if a background check was conducted. "We typically look at city real estate taxes, city fees, things that are owed to the city," Casanova said. "It's a little difficult to track down every private situation because there's different LLCs." Fleming told the Journal Sentinel the department would have done further research and learned about the court judgment prior to executing a lease. The lease, which would have needed Common Council approval, would not have been executed until Eitel paid off the judgment, said Fleming and Madison Goldbeck, the department's marketing and communications officer. The department doesn't "do a deep dive" of research on prospective tenants earlier in the process, Fleming said. Other options for new building under consideration Meanwhile, the city is considering its options for the building. The plaza is under construction at 401 W. Wisconsin Ave. and will open this summer. But there's a complication. A downtown tax incremental financing district was to provide the $750,000 grant to help pay for the building's interior work. But the grant must be approved by March 5. Eitel, asked when he'll pay the delinquent tax bill, said he's discussing that with his attorney "so we can determine the best path forward to resolving this matter." Court records show Caravan Hospitality also owes $12,680 in overdue taxes to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. That's according to three tax warrants filed by the department dating to December 2022. The company has paid off nine other state tax warrants, filed in 2021 and 2022, totaling $27,268. Eitel's other businesses include SportClub, 750 N. Jefferson St. Also, Caravan Hospitality in November opened Barrel Burrito Co. and Experts Only Apres Bar, at 782 N. Jefferson St. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook. Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nomad pub operator was to get $750k city grant. He owes city $6,000 Construction continues on the new Hobby Lobby store at the redeveloped Marshfield Mall on Jan. 24. A spokesperson for the company confirmed to the Marshfield News-Herald that the new store will hold its grand opening on Feb. 19. MARSHFIELD The wait is finally over and we now have an opening date for the new Hobby Lobby store at the redeveloped Marshfield Mall. A representative for the company confirmed to the Marshfield News-Herald Monday that the new store will hold its grand opening on Feb. 19. Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; all Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday. The representative previously said Hobby Lobby is looking forward to being part of the Marshfield community. Hobby Lobby is an arts and crafts retail store that offers a variety of home decor, floral items, art supplies, yarn, fabric, jewelry making supplies and more. The company opened its first store in Oklahoma City in 1970 and has grown to operate in 48 states, including 25 stores in Wisconsin, according to its website. The company first confirmed to the News-Herald in February 2023 that it would be moving into the former Marshfield Mall and said they anticipated opening in early 2024. We offer a wide and ever-changing variety of craft and home decor products including many exclusive Hobby Lobby brands, said Kelly Black, assistant vice president of advertising. First-time shoppers will be pleasantly surprised at the store size and the exceptional service provided by our trained associates. This will be the third retailer to open at the former mall site since redevelopment plans were announced in 2022. Five Below opened in July in the former Younkers space. Ross Dress for Less opened next door in October. Anchor stores Ashley Furniture, Kohl's and Harbor Freight remain open. World Buffet reopened April 1 in its new location across from Ashley Furniture. Restaurants our readers miss most: Sirloin Stockade offered 'great food' and 'great memories' More local business news: Marshfield Clinic Health System discontinues oral surgery services Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus. This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: We now know when Hobby Lobby will open at the former Marshfield Mall Join historians Mike Kassel and Starley Talbott as they introduce us to favorite stories from their new book, Historic Lakeview Cemetery of Cheyenne (Landmarks), published in 2023. This Wyoming State Archives speaker series event will be held on Thursday, February 8, at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming State Museum classroom, located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For those not able to attend in-person, registration to attend the event online is through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693. Virtual and in-person attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the State Museum Store the night of the event. Created in 1871, Lakeview Cemetery is the final resting place for Wyoming citizens. From Wyomings most notorious residents to the everyday man, the cemetery includes people from all walks of life. Talbott and Kassel will discuss Wyomings rich and diverse history through the people laid to rest at the Lakeview Cemetery such as Wyoming's governors, affluent families, business owners and entrepreneurs, railroad workers and military personnel. Mike Kassel is the associate director of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Prior to that, he served as exhibits curator and then curator at the Old West Museum from 2001-2016. He received his bachelors from Southeast Missouri State University in 1993 and his masters in history from the University of Wyoming in 2007. Kassel has authored four books relating to the history of Wyoming and is an adjunct professor of early and modern US history at Laramie County Community College. Starley Talbott has been a freelance author for more than 50 years. She has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines throughout the Rocky Mountain region and is the author of eleven books. Starley holds a BS degree from the University of Wyoming and an MS degree from the University of Nevada. She has lived in several states and foreign countries, loves to travel and has a deep appreciation for history. She is a member of Wyoming Writers, Laramie County Historical Society and the Wyoming State Historical Society. The WSA Speaker Series hosts talks at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics include the history of Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site with Josh Camp and Dr. Dudley Gardner in Cheyenne on March 14 and the murder of Allie Means in Early Gillette history with Justin Horn on April 11. To view upcoming events, check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar at https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events. A recording of this talk will be available on the WSA YouTube channel the week following the talk. The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming state public records that have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document the history of our state and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also collects non-government records that contribute to the understanding of the states history. FILE - This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the door plug from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Jan. 8, 2024, in Portland, Ore. Investigators say bolts that helped secure the panel on the Boeing jetliner were missing before the panel blew off the plane in midflight last month. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report Tuesday, Feb. 6 into the Jan. 5 accident. The loss of the panel forced pilots of the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet to make a harrowing emergency landing. (National Transportation Safety Board via AP, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Bolts that helped secure a panel to the frame of a Boeing 737 Max 9 were missing before the panel blew off the Alaska Airlines plane last month, according to accident investigators. The National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday a preliminary report on the Jan. 5 incident that the lack of certain damage on the plane indicates that all four bolts were missing before the plane took off from Portland, Oregon. Without the bolts, nothing prevented the panel from sliding upward and detaching from stop pads that secured it to the airframe. The Alaska Airlines pilots were forced to make a harrowing emergency landing with a hole in the side of the plane, but no serious injuries were reported. The NTSB report included a photo from Boeing, which worked on the panel called a door plug, that showed that three of the four bolts that prevent the panel from moving upward are missing. The location of a fourth bolt is obscured by insulation. The preliminary report said the plane arrived at Boeings factory near Seattle with five damaged rivets near the door plug, which had been installed by supplier Spirit AeroSystems. A Spirit crew replaced the rivets, which required removing the four bolts and opening the plug. The report did not say who removed the bolts. It said that a text message between Boeing employees who finished working on the plane after the rivet job included the photo showing the plug with missing bolts. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., was upset at Boeing's lack of documentation about who did what and when the bolts went missing. They didn't write any of this down, she said in an interview. It is very much Boeing's responsibility, absolutely, but I'm concerned that we may have multiple points of failure here. The NTSB did not declare a probable cause for the accident that will come at the end of an investigation that could last a year or longer. Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened, CEO David Calhoun said in a statement. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers. Story continues Investigators said they were still trying to determine who authorized the Boeing crew to open and reinstall the door plug. Safety experts have said the accident could have been catastrophic if the Alaska jet had reached cruising altitude. The decompression in the cabin after the blowout would have been far stronger, and passengers and flight attendants might have been walking around instead of being belted into their seats. When Alaska and United Airlines began inspecting their other Max 9s, they reported finding loose hardware including loose bolts in some of the door plugs. Boeing said none of the other Alaska and United Max 9s have been discovered to be missing the critical bolts. The incident has added to questions about manufacturing quality at Boeing that started with the deadly crashes of two Max 8 jets in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. In 2021, Boeing reached a settlement with the Justice Department to avoid criminal prosecution on a charge of conspiring to defraud government regulators by failing to accurately describe a flight-control system that was implicated in the crashes. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether Boeing and its suppliers followed proper safety procedures in manufacturing parts for the Max. The FAA has barred Boeing from speeding up production of 737s until the agency is satisfied about quality issues. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said Tuesday that his agency is about halfway through a six-week audit of manufacturing processes at Boeing and Spirit, its key supplier on the Max. He said the agency is confronted with two questions: Whats wrong with the Max 9? And, whats going on with the production at Boeing? Spirit, which Boeing spun off as a separate company nearly 20 years ago, said in a statement that it is reviewing the NTSB preliminary report and is working with Boeing and regulators on continuous improvement in our processes and meeting the highest standards of safety, quality and reliability. The plug that broke off Alaska flight 1282 is used to seal holes left for extra emergency doors. Alaska and United dont have enough seats on their Max 9s to trigger a requirement for the extra exits, so they tell Boeing to install plugs instead because they are lighter and cheaper than doors. Alaska Airlines has estimated the grounding of its 65 Max 9s will cost the Seattle-based carrier $150 million, and it expects to be compensated by Boeing. United said the grounding would cause it to lose money in the first quarter and plan for a future without new, larger Max jets that have not yet been approved by the FAA. ___ This story has been corrected to note that a Spirit AeroSystems crew, not a Boeing crew, repaired the rivets. Consecration of Ram Lallas idol a courageous work PUNE, RASHTRIYA Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday described the consecration of Ram Lallas idol at the Ayodhya temple on January 22 as a courageous work, which happened because of the blessings and desire of God. Speaking at the Gita Bhakti Amrit Mahotsav at Alandi in Maharashtras Pune district, Bhagwat also said Bharat has to rise for its duty and if for any reason it does not become samarth (able), the world will have to face destruction very soon. He said that Ram Lalla arrived on January 22 and it was a courageous work after a lot of fighting. The current generation is fortunate to see Ram Lalla standing at his place. It has actually happened, not just because all worked towards it but because of the blessings and desire of God, he said. Bhagwat also said he was fortunate to be present during the ceremony. He said that Bharatvarsh has to rise as the world needs it. If for any reason, Bharat does not become able or rise, the world will have to face destruction very soon. This kind of situation is prevailing. Intellectuals from the world know this. They are saying and writing on this, he said. Bharat has to rise to deliver its duty, Bhagwat added. The Gita Bhakti Amrit Mahotsav, organised by Geeta Pariwar, is a grand celebration of the 75th birth anniversary of spiritual leader Shri Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj. 47/29 Champai Soren-led Govt wins trust vote RANCHI : JHARKHANDS JMM-led coalition government headed by Chief Minister Champai Soren on Monday comfortably won the vote of confidence, days after his predecessor was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a land fraud case. While 47 MLAs voted in favour of the confidence motion, 29 legislators opposed it in the 81-member Assembly. Independent legislator Saryu Roy abstained. Seventy-seven MLAs were present in the Assembly during the voting. After winning the trust vote, the ruling coalition legislators said it was a big slap on the face of the BJP that allegedly hatched a conspiracy to destabilise a democratically elected Government by unleashing central forces. The ruling alliance comprises the JMM, Congress and the RJD while it is supported from outside by the lone CPIML(L) legislator. The BJP-led Opposition has 26 legislators of the saffron party and three of the AJSU Party. JMM legislature party leader Champai Soren took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2, after his predecessor Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31 in a money laundering case. Champai Soren was given 10 days to prove his Governments majority on the floor of the house. He decided that the trust vote will be held on February 5. Hemant Soren, who is in ED custody now, took part in the trust vote following permission granted by a special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court. After winning the trust vote, Champai Soren said, We will work with full pace on the schemes started by Hemant Soren. He said that the cabinet expansion will take place in the next 2-3 days. JMM legislator Mithilesh Kumar Thakur said, The win in the confidence vote is a tight slap on the face of the BJP. Earlier, speaking during the special session, the CM alleged that BJP was attempting to destabilise democratically elected Governments in non-BJP-ruled States, including Jharkhand and it used central agencies to frame Hemant Soren in false cases. Hemant hai to himmat hai (Where there is Hemant, there is strength), said Champai Soren. The Chief Minister also said he is proud that his Government is part 2 of the Hemant Soren administration. Misuse of ED and CBI by the Centre a threat to democracy. I urge all to save democracy y following the path of the Father of the Constitution, Champai Soren said referring to Dr. B R Ambedkar. The 67-year-old Jharkhand leader alleged that the BJP was trying to create anarchy in the country. The manner in which obstacles are being presented before our Government is not a secret, he said. The arrested ex-CM Hemant Soren claimed that the ED did not want him to speak inside the Assembly. I challenge BJP to prove corruption charges against me. If someone proves that I possess 8.50 acres of land (illegally), I will resign from politics... January 31 is a black chapter in Indias history... Raj Bhavan was instrumental in my arrest, Hemant Soren said. During his speech, CPI (ML) L legislator Vinod Singh wondered how those with BJP always become corruption-free while those who are not indulged in wrongdoings. Leader of Congress legislature party Alamgir Alam said the people of Jharkhand will never forget the welfare work done by Hemant Soren. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Amar Bauris comment that Congress is anti-national and anti-Jharkhand prompted ruling party MLAs to troop into the well to protest. AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto said there is nothing abnormal in the questioning of Hemant Soren by central agencies as the Prime Minister of the country too had faced investigations earlier. JMMs Mithilesh Kumar Thakur said the victory of the alliance in the trust vote is a befitting reply to forces conspiring against it. State BJP President Babulal Marandi urged the new Chief Minister to free Jharkhand from the clutches of a corrupt Government system and middlemen. If Champai Soren ji becomes a photocopy of the Hemant Soren government, he may get into trouble, he said. All Indian troops in Maldives to be sent back before May 10: Muizzu MALE : MALDIVIAN President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday said the first group of Indian military personnel will be sent back from the island nation before March 10 and the remaining manning two aviation platforms will be withdrawn before May 10, as he articulated the need to bolster the Indian Ocean archipelagic nations military capabilities. In his maiden address to Parliament, Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, said the support of a large majority of the Maldivian citizens for his administration was for the pledges to withdraw foreign military troops from the country. 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. In the presidential runoff held in September last year, Muizzu, 45, defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His Government is also reviewing more than 100 bilateral agreements signed with India by the previous government. The main Opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which holds a majority in Parliament on Sunday announced that it would boycott Muizzus address to Parliament, at this years inaugural sitting. Boeing will participate in the World Defense Show (WDS 2024), to showcase the companys industry-leading defense platforms and capabilities including the ScanEagle VTOL, an uncrewed vertical takeoff aerial launch system. WDS 2024, in Riyadh from February 4 to 8, is an important event for us to connect with partners and stakeholders, and we are proud to return to this second edition with an increased presence, said Asaad AlJomoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia. The partnership between Boeing and Saudi Arabia spans over nearly eight decades, and we look forward to highlighting Boeings strong support to the development of Saudi led-aerospace and defense capabilities in the kingdom. F-15EX cockpit As part of its presence, Boeing will present a virtual-reality display of the F-15EX cockpit, demonstrating the advanced multi-role fighter aircrafts state-of-the-art design and technologies; and the T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System simulator, highlighting the ground-based training system of Boeings next generation training jet. Also featured will be Boeings KC-46A tanker, the world's most advanced multi-mission aerial refuelling aircraft; ScanEagle VTOL, an uncrewed vertical takeoff aerial launch system from Boeings subsidiary Insitu; and rotorcraft including the CH-47 Chinook and the AH-64 Apache. Boeing Global Services will discuss the differentiators of its Next Generation Product Support, which is proving to be an effective and efficient option for government partners in the region who want to leverage Performance Based Logistics to maximise mission readiness. Future Defense Leadership Forum During the event, senior executives from Boeing, led by Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, will participate in the Future Defense Leadership Forum and other high-level panels and discussions. Dr Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global, will join distinguished international and regional industry leaders in a discussion focused on achieving innovation goals in the defense industry. Boeing has supplied more than 400 defense aircraft to the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and has invested in partnerships with key players in the Saudi aerospace ecosystem including the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the Royal Saudi Air Force and the National Guard. During WDS 2022, Boeing and SAMI signed a preliminary agreement to form a Saudi Arabia-focused joint venture to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul, and sustainment services for the military rotorcraft platforms operated in the kingdom.--TradeArabia News Service Oil oversupply is keeping prices low, but the situation is about to flip, Occidental CEO says The narrative of the oil market will soon be flipped on its head, according to Occidental CEO Vicki Hollub. Oversupply will soon ease and the market will be undersupplies, sending prices upward. Oil could be in a new "supercycle," Goldman Sachs analysts said recently. The oil market is about to do a 180, according to Occidental Petroleum's CEO, Vicki Hollub. The chief executive of the energy giant beloved by Warren Buffett pointed to the oversupply in the oil market as the main factor keeping a lid on prices. Global oil demand growth is expected to ease in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency. Meanwhile, the world's oil supply is expected to rise to a record 103.5 million barrels a day this year. That kind of supply-demand mismatch has helped push prices lower in recent months, but the dynamic is about to be flipped on its head, Hollub warned, with undersupply set to be the dominant theme over the coming years. Though crude demand has eased in the short term, energy markets are slammed with long-term supply issues, Hollub said, given that producers haven't been able to replace the oil they're currently producing. She estimated that over the past 10 years, the world has replaced less than half of the oil that was produced. "All the big fields have been found. So, if you take the 20 largest fields in the world, 97% of the volume from those was discovered before 2000. So we're in a situation now where in a couple years' time, we're going to be very short on supply, so the situation is going to flip," Hollub warned. Other oil market forecasters have warned of a similar outcome, where the undersupply of crude puts upwards pressure on oil prices. Chronic underinvestment in the industry also means oil and other commodities are in a "supercycle," which could push crude as high as $100 a barrel, Goldman Sachs previously estimated. OPEC+ has been trying to boost prices via supply cuts, and recently, Saudi Arabia's energy minister brushed off falling oil prices as a "ploy" driven by market speculators, who are merely pretending demand is weaker than supply. Story continues The oil cartel has slashed its output repeatedly to get control of global crude prices, and has vowed to slash its production by 2.2 million barrels a day this quarter. Top members have said those cuts could be extended deeper into the year. "What OPEC has tried to do is balance the markets," Hollub said. "They try to balance the markets in the near terms so we don't have all this volatility." But the effects of OPEC cuts have been muted so far. That's partly due to booming production elsewhere, particularly in the US, which churned out a record volume of oil in 2023, with new records also being eyed for 2024 and 2025, the Energy Information Agency estimated. Read the original article on Business Insider Avishkar 2024-Innovations and Creativity: Military Hospital Jabalpur bags first prize Staff Reporter In the ongoing quest for providing quality patient care through constant innovations and creative techniques, Military hospital Jabalpur added another feather to its cap by bagging the first prize in Avishkar 2024 - Innovations and Creativity organised at the 72nd Armed Forces Medical Conference held at Armed Forces Medical College Pune. The prestigious award was collectively handed over to Brigadier I V Nagesh, Commandant and Colonel Roopa Bhomik, Principal Matron of MH Jabalpur by DGAFMS. Lieutenant General Daljit Singh, at a ceremony held on February 3. The esteemed award was conferred to this hospital for designing a patient friendly gown which can be worn by critically ill patients. The unique gown has been designed to accommodate bags tubings and ECG electrodes without interfering with day to day care. This newly designed gown is extremely comfortable, durable and cost effective at the same time. This useful gown made for women will prove beneficial for all the dependent ladies of serving and retired soldiers coming for treatment at Military Hospital, Jabalpur. CRITICAL STAGE THE Balochistan freedom struggle is approaching a critical stage -- with a focus on armed action by the freedom fighters, as can be seen and sensed from the events in the past few weeks. Freedom fighters are all the time targeting government forces and installations and inflicting serious wounds on the official machinery and morale. The latest concerted action of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) -- or Baloch Army (as some prefer calling) -- saw elimination of as many as 78 Pakistani troops. The BLA called it Dara-e-Bolan and implemented it with full focus and force -- complete with a message to the international community that the Baloch nation is willing to work against the common enemy. The importance of this message cannot be underestimated. The message to the international community is more a message to India, if we may interpret the development thus. The Baloch freedom fighters bank heavily on the Indian support -- which may not be available to them openly and directly. Yet, going by the massive geopolitical immorality in which Pakistan indulged in the past seven-plus decades lends enough spiritual ground for India to take a tough stand on the issue of Baloch freedom. True, India has often highlighted violations of human rights in most regions annexed by Pakistan and has tried to awaken the international opinion against the abuse of fundamental freedom of common people by Pakistan. This has certainly lent the Baloch freedom movement much strength. Possibly, the time might not have arrived for India to talk openly about supporting freedom movement in Balochistan. Possibly, India is waiting for another right opportunity to make its stand open and clear. No matter what happens at the official level, it is important for the common Indian people to understand the importance of the freedom movement in Balochistan and extend social support in whatever manner and in whichever method. For, it is common comprehension that Pakistan annexed Balochistan in 1947-48 forcibly, illegally and immorally (almost taking full advantage of the silence India maintained on the issue at that time). To that extent, the Indian leadership of those times may be held responsible for the plight of Baloch people for the past several decades! In the past some years, the Baloch freedom struggle has assumed more serious proportions and implications to Pakistan as well as regional geopolitics. The Baloch people are no longer willing to accept the illegal and immoral Pakistani dominance. They have become fully convinced that the Pakistanis are only bleeding them and are unwilling to grant them any benefits of simple good life. Entire Baloch province suffers from absence of basic facilities that are available to people anywhere in the world. This deprivation is forcing the Baloch freedom fighters to take up arms in greater desperation against the Pakistani occupation. It is common knowledge that Pakistan is no longer in a position to manage its own affairs, let alone managing its occupied territories such as Balochistan and parts of Kashmir. In other provinces, too, the Pakistani governance has collapsed and has led to terrible discomfort to people at all levels. The freedom movement of Baloch people has to be seen from this perspective as well. It can be said safely that Pakistan is on its way to final doom in the next some years. The Baloch people do not want to sink themselves into that mess forever. They appear to be in a great hurry to push for their total independence from Pakistan. They were a free country before the 1947 Partition. They wish to go back to that status quo as soon as possible. That is meaning of all their actions. Govt may set up Oral Oncology unit in every dental institution in State By Vikas Vaidya Considering rising cases of cancer, with a thought to get the patient the prescribed comprehensive treatment under one roof, Directorate of Medical Education and Research is contemplating to set up Oral Oncology unit in every dental institution in State. Sharing more information about the concept, Dr Vivek Pakhmode, Joint Director, DMER (Dental) told The Hitavada, Dental treatment on several occasions leads to diagnosis of oral cancer. The patients are asked to go to pathology, to the medicine, for surgery etc. Doctors in dental institutions do the diagnosis but the patients have to go somewhere to get themselves treated. Our concept of Oral Oncology unit means that all departments concerned will be under one roof---oral surgery, oral pathology, oral medicine, community dentistry. The patients can be treated then and there. Dr Pakhmode is a son of Nagpur. Coincidentally, all present deans of GDCHs in State are from Nagpur. Dr Abhay Datarkar is the Dean of GDCH, Nagpur; Dr Wasundhara Bhad and Dr Maya Indurkar heading the institutions at Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar respectively. The under-one-roof facility will lead to get the treatment early resulting in saving patients life. This will be a deep intervention of oral cancer. While talking about encouraging research, Dr Pakhmode stated, DMER is emphasising on holding research. It is ready to provide research funds for the research projects on the lines of Central Government. Long ago, there used to be the Star Research Project under which substantial funding was made. It was not working since long. Now Government is likely to introduce the project with some good changes. DMER is planning to have a common dashboard where the details of all research projects would be put on display. Anybody can see them. We are also working on doing research on new branches. We want impactful public oriented research to be presented by our faculties, students, expected Dr Pakhmode. At present, there are 63 Post Graduate seats. We are working on increasing the number to 150. To increase the number, we have to bring more facilities as those will help the society, stated Dr Pakhmode. Dr Pakhmode was in Nagpur for the DMER- GDCH Dental Education and Research Summit 2024 held at Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH). He expressed satisfaction over the summit, its successful organisation and its concept. The kind of interaction held during the summit is todays necessity. Every year on February 5 such type of summit will be held to mark the occasion of oral health day, said Dr Pakhmode. Indias Russian oil import hits 12-month low but long-term appetite remains intact Business Reporter INDIAS crude oil imports from Russia fell for a second straight month in January to its lowest in 12 months but the nation's insatiable appetite for Russian crude remains for the long term, according to data from energy cargo tracker and industry officials. Russia supplied 1.2 million barrels per day of crude oil to India in January, down from 1.32 million barrels in December and 1.62 million barrels in November 2023, according to data from energy cargo tracker Vortexa. Russia however continues to remain Indias top oil supplier, accounting for a little less than a quarter of 4.91 million barrels a day of oil that the world's third largest energy consumer imported in January. The decline in cargoes from Russia was made up by increased sourcing from Iraq, which supplied 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in January, up from 985,000 bpd in the previous month. Supplies from Saudi Arabia declined to 659,000 bpd from 668,000 bpd in December. India is more than 85 per cent dependent on imports for its needs of crude oil, which is converted into fuels such as petrol and diesel at refineries. Its appetite for Russian oil swelled ever since such oil started trading on discount as the West shunned it to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. According to Vortexa, an energy intelligence firm, India imported just 36,255 bpd of crude oil from Russia in December 2021 as compared to 1.05 million bpd from Iraq and 952,625 bpd from Saudi Arabia. MPBSE Class 10th examinations commence; 25,642 students write exam on first day Staff Reporter With Hindi language paper, the Class X Board Examination of Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) started amid tight security from Monday. The students reached their examination centres on fixed time where after proper checking, they were allowed in the examination rooms. The Board has taken strict steps to check the possibilities of paper leak. Under the same, the paper envelopes were kept under tight security at the near-by police stations and carried to the centre an hour before the examination schedule. Adequate number of police jawans were deployed at every centre to check any untoward incidents during examination. District Education Officer, Ghanshyam Soni informed that the Class X Board was conducted at 104 centres across the district out of which 54 were located at Jabalpur Rural areas while remaining 50 were at urban areas. A total of 26213 students including 11680 from rural and 14533 from urban areas, respectively were registered to attend the examination. Out of 26213, 25,642 attended the examination on the first day. MPBSE X exams begins; fake question paper news bothers board officials By Ankita Garg The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) started high school examination with Hindi paper on Monday. First day, fake question paper was circulated on social media from Indore that raised alarm among the officials. Though exam was scheduled from 9 am to 12 noon but examinees were reaching at centre around 7 am. The board has also asked students to reach the centre at least an hour before the schedule time. A 46-years-old woman caught the attention of gathering at a exam centre in Bhopal where she reached to write her class X examination. The lady said that she was desperate to complete her studies but her parents did not allow her to pursue school education. When she got married, her husband did not allow her. She said that her children are graduate and well educated. She wanted to complete her studies and she does not care for the age. According to reports, a few students were not allowed to enter the exam hall at Government Naveen High School no 1 even after displaying their admit card. Officials denied their entry saying that Aadhaar card is mandatory with other documents. However, matter was extended by parents and they contacted the district education officer in this regards. Later, DEO A K Pathak directed the concerned teachers to allow them in exam hall. There are 3,868 exam centres across the State and this includes 302 sensitive and 309 super sensitive. There are 992101 students appearing the class X exam. This includes 476339 female and 515762 male students. There are 16 centres in Bhopal kept under sensitive (6) and super sensitive (10) category. An iron is placed outside of each exam hall where examinees are supposed to surrender the chit or any cheating material carried with them. The board has made special arrangement at all centres to bring transparency in exam. Each student is being allowed in the hall after proper searching. Collector representative and police team is assigned at each centre to put a curb on unfair means. CCTV camera and videography is being held at all centres. This year board has also introduced some changes in paper distribution system. Officials are keeping an eye on circulation of paper through GPS. XII exam from today MPBSE is set to start higher secondary examination with Hindi (including vocational studies) paper on February 6. There are 361360 boys and 386878 girls to appear the exam. The exam will be held from February 6 to March 5. On Feb 8 there will be Drawing and designing paper and then on February 12, there will be physics, economics, animal husbandry, milk trade poultry farming and fishery, element of science, history of India art. Paper will be concluding on March 5 with Urdu, Marathi paper. Fake promise to provide exam paper began on social media With beginning of board exam, fake groups on social media became active to lure the examinees for question paper before the exam in exchange of some amount. Every day many fake groups are promising students to provide the paper before exam and in exchange they are offering paid membership of their channel. Once any student pays the amount to get membership of channel or group, the particular group get vanish from the site and few other new groups get formed. These groups are making false promise to provide the original question paper before exam during morning hours. Claim of fake Hindi paper leak in Indore MPBSE informed that before starting the Hindi exam of class X examinees, social media groups claimed to leak the paper in Indore. The board said that paper claimed to be leaked on social media did not match with the original paper. When expert team checked the paper circulated on social media with original one, it was completely different. Officials said that anti social elements are misleading students with false information. MPBSE has appealed examinees to stay away from such groups and do not get trapped in them. The board said, all papers are kept under strict security and no one can get the paper before exam. NEW DELHI, A DELEGATION of 24 religious leaders under the aegis of Indian Minorities Foundation met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and said later that they wanted to send out the message of interfaith unity in India to the outside world. The delegation, representing Sikh, Jain, Christian and Parsi communities, included Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief imam of the All India Imam Organisation, and Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder president of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre. Delighted to meet a delegation of religious leaders in Parliament today. I thank them for their kind words on the development trajectory of our nation, Prime Minister said in a post on X, sharing some pictures of the meeting. Goswami Sushil of Bharatiya Sarv Dharma Sansad was also part of the delegation whose members praised Modi for his leadership after the meeting. We wanted to give Paigaam-e-mohabbat the message that humanity is the biggest religion. We live in India and we are Indians. We have to make the country stronger. We also have given the message that we all are united, Ilyasi said. Sanghasena said it was a historic moment to have visited the new Parliament building and have a brief interaction with Prime Minister Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. We all have to work together for the prosperity of the country, Sanghasena said. Satnam Singh Sandhu, who has recently been nominated to the Rajya Sabha and played a role in organising the meeting, said they wanted to give the message to the outside world that India is united as a nation, with the government working with the mottos of nation first and sabka saath, sabka vikas. PM Modis LS poll aim 370 seats for BJP, NDA over 400 NEW DELHI, Opposition parties have lost the courage to contest elections and have resolved to stay on the Opposition benches for a long time, says the Prime Minister PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed confidence that the NDA will get more than 400 seats and the BJP will win at least 370 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Modi said he was convinced that the Opposition parties have lost the courage to contest elections and have resolved to stay on the Opposition benches for a long time. I can gauge the mood of the nation, it will definitely give NDA more than 400 seats and the BJP at least 370 seats, the Prime Minister said replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks on Presidents Address. He said the third term of the Government was not too far. At the most 100-125 days are remaining, he said, referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Abki baar, Modi said, and BJP members joined him in unison to say 400 paar. Even Kharge ji is saying the same thing, Modi said referring to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharges statement in Rajya Sabha. He said the NDAs third term would be the one that would see big decisions and lay the foundation for the next 1,000 years. Prime Minister Modi tore into the Congress, attacking it on the issue of dynastic politics and saying it had a good opportunity to play a good Opposition but failed in that role. He said some Opposition leaders were keen to change their parliamentary seats, while some others were planning to move to Rajya Sabha. I appreciate the resolution the Opposition has taken. Every word of their speeches has confirmed my confidence and that of the country that they have resolved to stay there (in the Opposition) for a long time, Modi said and blamed the Congress for the oppositions present condition. For several decades you were sitting here (in the treasury benches), but now you have resolved to stay there (Opposition benches) for several decades. The people will bless you and keep you there. You will achieve greater heights and will be soon seen in the public galleries (of the House), the Prime Minister said. Modi said that the Budget Session was a good opportunity to make some constructive suggestions, but the Opposition members have let go of a good chance. You have left the country disillusioned... Leaders have changed but the same tune continues, he said. The Opposition could have given some message to the people in an election year, Modi said, adding that the Congress was responsible for the present state of the Opposition. Congress had a good opportunity to play a good Opposition but failed in that role. There are other young people in the opposition, but they were not allowed to speak out of fear that it may overshadow a particular person, Modi said in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi. The Prime Minister said the Congress may soon have to shut shop due to its attempt to launch the same product time and again. Its election time, and you should have worked a bit harder, brought something new and sent a message to the people. However, you failed miserably. Let me teach you this very thing. The Congress party is responsible for the current condition of the opposition. The Congress got an opportunity to become a good opposition. However, they failed to fulfil their responsibility in the last ten years..., Modi said in Lok Sabha. Registrar of Raja Shankar Shah varisity held accepting bribe of Rs 25,000 Staff Reporter Lokayukta Police, Jabalpur trapped Registrar of Raja Shankar Shah University Chhindwara while taking bribe of Rs. 25,000 for operating computer college at his office, on Monday. The accused has been identified as Meghraj Ninama, posted as Registrar of Raja Shankar Shah University Chhindwara. According to Lokayukta Police Jabalpur, an appellant named Anurag Kushwaha lodged a complaint at office of Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta Jabalpur that he is owner of Computer and Professional Status of Computers and Professional Studies College. University Registrar, Meghran Ninama was pressuring him for giving bribe of Rs 50,000 for operation of his college and told him for giving half of the bribe amount Rs 25,000 in advance for fluently operating the proceedings of his college. Acting on the complaint, SP, Lokayukta constituted a team and fielded the appellant for collecting evidences. Once the information was confirmed a team of Lokayukta Police Jabalpur trapped the accused while taking bribe of Rs 25,000 from the appellant at Registrar office of Raja Shankar Shah University Chhindwara. Lokayukta police have registered a case against the corrupt government employee under relevant Sections of Prevention of Corruption Act while further investigations are underway. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Second phase to start in city from today Staff Reporter Following the directions of the Union and State government, the second phase of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is commencing in the city from Tuesday. As part of the initiative, the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation will organize camps within municipal limits, where beneficiaries can avail the benefits of various government schemes at a single location. Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav has directed all concerned senior officials, along with divisional officers to responsibly manage the event. She asked senior officials to invite local public representatives during the camp's inauguration and ensure the presence of all eligible beneficiaries in their special presence. All preparations related to the camp have been undertaken by Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav has ensured all preparations related to the camp and directed senior officials to be present at the camp. Senior officials informed that on Tuesday the camp will be organized at Adi Plaza under North Central Assembly. Likewise, another camp will be conducted in Madai VFJ under Panagar Assembly. During the camps all eligible beneficiaries will be provided with due benefits through various schemes. They can take benefits of Aadhar Center, Health Examination, Ayushman Card, Social Pension Scheme, Sambal Card, Labor Card Registration, Ujjwala Scheme, Eligibility Certificate, P.M. Vishwakarma Scheme and Voter ID correction etc. FILE PHOTO: Oil rig pumpjacks extract crude from the Wilmington Field oil deposits area where Tidelands Oil Production Company operates near Long Beach, California By Erwin Seba HOUSTON (Reuters) - Brent and U.S. crude futures initially climbed over $1 a barrel on Tuesday after the U.S. Energy Department said crude oil production would grow less than forecast but then gave up some of the gains on talk of a possible lengthy cease-fire in the Gaza War. Brent crude futures settled at $78.59 a barrel, up 60 cents, or 0.77%, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 53 cents, or 0.73%, to settle at $73.51. In its Short-Term Energy Outlook, the Energy Department said U.S. output would grow by 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, down from the previous forecasted rise of 290,000 bpd. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a Middle East trip to seek an end to the Gaza War, said a Hamas reply to a proposal for a cease-fire was being reviewed on Tuesday. "There is cautious optimism in the market you're going to see a cease-fire," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital LLC. Some analysts though saw prices teetering on the outlook for the Middle East. "Mr. Blinken is overseas," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group. "A lot of people don't think he's going to be able to land a deal." Inventory data due to be released later on Tuesday and on Wednesday is expected to show continued strong inventories for gasoline and diesel, Flynn said. But going forward, those inventories are expected to tighten, he added. U.S. crude stockpiles data is due later on Tuesday. Five analysts polled by Reuters estimated on average that crude inventories rose by about 2.1 million barrels in the week to Feb. 2. Refiners are performing overhauls on plants across the country and an outage last week of the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, will limit production. At the same time, the United States continued its campaign against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, whose attacks on shipping vessels have disrupted global oil trading routes. The U.S. strikes "do not point to an easing of tensions", Commerzbank analysts Thu Lan Nguyen and Carsten Fritsch said in a note. Story continues Yet souring demand expectations limited oil's gains. CMC Markets analyst Leon Li also said it would be difficult to return to previous highs, given the run of strong economic indicators from the U.S. was likely to lose steam. "Layoffs are still increasing. This means that in the long term the (oil) demand will decline," Li said. (Reporting by Erwin Seba in Housotn; Additional reporting by Paul Carsten, Stephanie Kelly and Trixie Yap; Editing by Jason Neely, David Goodman, David Ljunggren and David Evans) online slots A leading online gambling operator fined 6m for welfare failings was given the highest possible safety rating by an industry-funded charity. Gamesys, which runs a string of online brands such as Jackpotjoy and Virgin Games, was punished by the Gambling Commission in January for breaches that took place between November 2021 and July 2022. During that period, Gamesys was given an advanced level 3 safety certificate by the charity GamCare, which runs the National Gambling Helpline. This is the highest possible safety rating and covers a two-year period to February 2024. To be awarded this certification, GamCare says a company must have no significant weaknesses relating to customer risk, while also boasting a wide range of safer gambling measures that go beyond the social responsibility provisions of their gambling licence. Gamesys breaches included failing to interact comprehensively with customers who had lost tens of thousands of pounds. Findings also revealed that customers had been able to evade Gamesys anti-money laundering thresholds and spend significant sums without checks. That included one customer who deposited 14,585 in 28 weeks, as well as another who deposited 18,884 in just over six months. A spokesman for GamCare said the charity was investigating: During the period we were assessing Gamesys for the Safer Gambling Standard, it was not disclosed that they were under investigation. Our contractual arrangement with gambling operators requires that they inform us of any investigations by the regulator, which Gamesys failed to do on this occasion. We take these matters very seriously. GamCare offers support to people struggling with gambling addiction. It is largely funded by GambleAware, which receives donations from the gambling industry. Under an agreement with ministers, gambling companies have to donate a portion of their revenue to bodies that reduce gambling-associated harms. Gambling industry consultants at GamblingIQ said in a report that awarding Gamesys the safety certification raised serious questions about oversight and accountability in the industry. Story continues Nick Harvey, head of external affairs at the charity Gambling with Lives, added: Its wrong that charities funded by the gambling industry are handing out awards to gambling companies. Charities that should be reducing harm, not vouching for firms fined for dangerous practices. Gamesys was founded in 2001 by Noel Hayden, a web developer who is said to have been inspired by a Space Invaders machine in a hotel owned by his father. The company was bought by US online gaming giant Ballys in a 2bn deal in 2021. A Gambling Commission spokesman said: As the gambling regulator we formally assess gambling businesses to check they are meeting all requirements of their licence. Where they are not we take action and publish our findings as in the case of Gamesys. We are not responsible for, or play any part in, any assessments made by third parties. Zoe Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, said: GambleAware does not fund or engage with the safer gambling accreditation rating system and does not decide which organisations the accreditation is given to. GambleAware is an independent charity with extremely robust governance processes in place. Any failing of an operator to implement safer gambling practices is unacceptable. Gamesys declined to comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. OTR Solutions has acquired Epay Manager. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Transportation fintech provider OTR Solutions announced Tuesday it has acquired back-office automation solution Epay Manager. The terms were not disclosed. The acquisition signifies a strategic decision propelled by Epay Managers audit-proof invoicing system, a feature that OTR highlights as setting it apart from other carrier payment management tools. By integrating Epay Managers capabilities into its logistics-focused fintech products, OTR says it is building on its commitment to delivering value-enhancing solutions to the transportation and logistics sector. Epay Manager is currently integrated into TMS platforms including McLeod, Aljex, DAT Keypoint, Oracle, Tai Software and others. OTR aims to capitalize on Epay Mangers longstanding TMS relationships, which include brokerage connections within Epays network, as it expands its financial solutions for carrier and broker clients. This broadened market presence boosts OTRs standing in the transportation fintech industry and fosters synergies between its carrier-oriented services and Epay Managers broker-centric solutions. What is truly unique about the Epay platform is that it has been hardened by decades of customer feedback and iteration, the result of which is a robust, scalable, and highly efficient product that provides tangible cost savings and new revenue opportunities for freight brokers, Clayton Griffin, OTR Solutions EVP and chief strategy officer said in a news release. Over the past few years, OTR has focused many of its technology efforts on providing a suite of tools for carriers to help manage their businesses back offices. OTR Solutions rebranded in 2022 to reflect the companys commitment to supporting small carriers and fostering collaboration within the transportation ecosystem. Since then, it has launched several products for its carrier market, including Bolt, a direct-to-debit payment product, as well as a driver safety rating scorecard and a fuel finder integrated with the mobile app. This feature allowed carriers to locate optimal fuel discounts with the OTR Fuel Card along their designated routes, further enhancing their operational efficiency and cost savings. Story continues At the time, it also unveiled Elevate, an offering providing carriers a platform for branded website domains and customizable websites. Most recently, in August 2023, OTR launched OTR Clutch, the first banking solution built specifically for carriers. Tuesdays acquisition will allow OTR to facilitate improvements in invoicing from its brokerage clients. With this new offering, freight brokers will not only boost operational efficiency but will also foster more positive, collaborative relationships with carriers. At OTR, we recognize the pivotal role of robust carrier relationships in accessing capacity, and the acquisition of Epay Manager gives brokers opportunities to cultivate these connections, said Grace Maher, OTR Solutions chief operating officer. Articles by Grace Sharkey Uber Freight begins piloting the Scheduling Standards Consortiums protocols GoodShip releases procurement scenario builder solution Vizion partners with Dun & Bradstreet on risk management offering The post OTR Solutions acquires back-office automation platform Epay Manager appeared first on FreightWaves. Annual Net Income : $2.488 billion in 2023, a significant recovery from a net loss of $1.647 billion in 2022. Adjusted Operating Income : Increased to $4.286 billion in 2023 from $3.914 billion in the previous year. Q4 Net Income : $1.317 billion in Q4 2023, compared to a net loss of $52 million in Q4 2022. Book Value : Adjusted book value per Common share rose to $96.64 from $94.69 year-over-year. Assets Under Management : Grew to $1.450 trillion, up from $1.377 trillion in the previous year. Capital Return to Shareholders : $708 million in Q4, including share repurchases and dividends. Dividend Increase: Quarterly dividend increased to $1.30 per share, marking the 16th consecutive year of dividend growth. On February 6, 2024, Prudential Financial Inc (NYSE:PRU) released its 8-K filing, announcing a robust financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2023. The company reported a net income of $2.488 billion, or $6.74 per Common share, a significant turnaround from the net loss of $1.647 billion, or $4.49 per share, in 2022. The after-tax adjusted operating income also saw an increase to $4.286 billion, or $11.62 per Common share, compared to $3.914 billion, or $10.31 per share, for the previous year. Prudential Financial is a leading diversified insurance company, with a significant presence in the United States and Japan. The company's investment management business, PGIM, contributes around 15% to its earnings and boasts over $1.5 trillion in assets under management. The U.S. businesses, which account for about 45% of earnings, span across Institutional Retirement Strategies, Individual Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Life Insurance, and Assurance IQ. The international business segment, contributing approximately 40% of earnings, maintains a strong market position in Japan. Performance Highlights and Challenges The company's performance in 2023 was marked by strong sales in its insurance and retirement businesses, contributing to solid underlying earnings growth. Prudential Financial's strategic initiatives have led to reduced market sensitivity and increased capital flexibility. The launch of Prismic, a life and annuity reinsurance company, is expected to drive future growth and enhance stakeholder value. Despite these achievements, the company faces challenges, including market volatility and competitive pressures, which could impact future performance. Story continues Financial Achievements and Industry Significance Prudential Financial's financial achievements in 2023 underscore its resilience and strategic adaptability in the face of a dynamic market environment. The growth in net income and adjusted operating income is particularly significant for an insurance company, as these metrics reflect the company's ability to effectively manage risk and generate consistent returns. The increase in assets under management indicates strong investment performance and trust from clients, which is crucial for sustaining growth in the competitive asset management industry. Key Financial Metrics Prudential Financial's financial strength is further evidenced by its adjusted book value per Common share, which increased to $96.64 from $94.69 year-over-year. The company's highly liquid assets stood at $4.1 billion, though slightly lower than the $4.5 billion in the prior year. The capital returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases reflects the company's commitment to delivering shareholder value. "Our 2023 results reflect continued strong sales across our insurance and retirement businesses and solid underlying earnings growth. We are proud of the significant progress we made to become a higher growth, more capital efficient, and more nimble company," said Charles Lowrey, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. Analysis of Company Performance Prudential Financial's performance in 2023 demonstrates a successful execution of its growth strategy, marked by a robust recovery in net income and a steady increase in adjusted operating income. The company's focus on expanding distribution, enhancing technology, and launching new initiatives like Prismic has positioned it well for future growth. However, the decrease in book value per Common share from $82.48 to $76.77 indicates areas where the company may need to focus on bolstering shareholder equity. Overall, Prudential Financial's 2023 results highlight the company's ability to navigate market challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. With a clear strategic direction and a commitment to operational efficiency, Prudential Financial is poised to continue its trajectory as a leading provider of financial services globally. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Prudential Financial Inc for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Toronto, Ontario and Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2024) - PurMinds NeuroPharma Inc. ("PurMinds" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage neuroscience company dedicated to the development of innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the prestigious presenters at the upcoming 2024 OBIO Investment Summit. The OBIO Investment Summit, renowned for its focus on fostering growth and innovation in the healthcare sector, presents an ideal platform for PurMinds to showcase its cutting-edge research and development endeavors. This opportunity not only reflects the company's significant strides in neuroscience but also aligns perfectly with its mission to transform the landscape of neurotherapeutic treatments. "We are honored to be selected to present at the 2024 OBIO Investment Summit," said Janet Qi, CEO of PurMinds NeuroPharma. "This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication and the groundbreaking work we are doing. We look forward to sharing our vision with the global healthcare community and potential investors, and our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Alan Kozikowski, and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Amy Reichelt will be discussing our innovative pipeline focused on disease altering histone deacetylase inhibitors and serotonin-inspired neuroplastogens." The OBIO Investment Summit is set to take place on Feb 14 to 16, 2024, and it promises to be a convergence of some of the most innovative minds and companies in the healthcare industry. PurMinds NeuroPharma's participation underscores its commitment to leading the charge in developing novel therapies for those affected by neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. For more information about PurMinds NeuroPharma and its participation in the OBIO Investment Summit, please contact us by email at ir@purminds.com. ABOUT PURMINDSTM Story continues PurMinds is a neurological drug development company pursuing breakthrough solutions to neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Its clinical pipeline includes innovative therapeutics that combine proven mechanisms of action with the powerful ability of psychedelics and other psychoplastogens to rapidly promote neuroplasticity and neuro-rejuvenation, and its drug development program includes the potential for FDA "Breakthrough Designation" with a fast track to Phase IIa. The company's Ontario NeuroLab and Production Facility was granted a Schedule 1 Health Canada Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer's License authorizing the production, formulation and global supply of pharma-grade Psychedelic compounds including Psilocybin and MDMA for clinical trials and research studies. PurMinds champions a de-risked business model that includes a multi-target approach to drug development, progressing long-term value creation through the accelerated development of novel therapeutics, accompanied by short and mid-term revenue paths. PurMinds is headquartered in Toronto, ON Canada with offices in Boston, MA USA. For further information about PurMinds NeuroPharma, please visit the Company's website at PurMinds.com. PR Contact Kristina Spionjak pr@hlthcommunications.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to PurMinds' future business plans and partnerships. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "anticipated", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions and include, but are not limited to: the ability of PurMinds to secure patent protection; the regulatory environment in which PurMinds operates; the ability of PurMinds to carry out its business plans and unforeseen challenges in carrying out such plans; trends in the future use of psychedelics; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets; and other unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE: PurMinds NeuroPharma To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196884 zillow-lenders REX Real Estate is back again trying to get a new trial in its false advertising lawsuit against Zillow. On Monday, the now defunct discount brokerage filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, asking the appeals court to reverse the lower courts ruling on REXs motion for a new trial. REX filed its motion for a new trial in November, roughly six weeks after its September trial concluded. During the trial, a Seattle jury found that REX did not prove Zillow used false advertising it its decision to put non-MLS listings on a different section of the website and that Zillow proved its defense on REXs second claim that Zillow acted deceptively and unfairly. In its request for a new trial, REX argued that it was unfairly prevented from presenting testimony about agent commissions to the jury. Judge Thomas Zilly, who oversaw the trial, ruled that the jury verdict was not the result of a procedural flaw or an error on the part of the court, but REXs shortcoming in presenting evidence that convinced the jury it had been harmed. Due to this, Zilly ruled in January that REX would not be granted a new trial. Originally filed by REX in March 2021, against Zillow and the National Association of Realtors, the lawsuit alleges that changes made to Zillows website unfairly hides certain listings, shrinking their exposure and diminishing competition among real estate brokers. Two months prior, in January 2021, Zillow began moving homes out of its initial search results for sellers who chose not to use agents adhering to the NAR and local multiple listing service (MLS) practices, creating a two-tab design for agent listings and other listings. In January 2022, NAR filed a countersuit claiming that REX uses false advertising and misleading claims to deceive consumers in violation of the Lanham Act, but the countersuit was dismissed in late April 2022. In mid-May 2022, REX ceased its brokerage operations. Story continues A little over a year later, in mid-June 2023, the three parties involved in the suit, all filed motions for summary judgment on at least some issues, if not the entire lawsuit. While Zilly dismissed REXs antitrust claims against NAR and Zillow, he allowed the discount brokerages false advertising claim under the Lanham Act, and a claim for unfair or deceptive trade practices under Washingtons Consumer Protection Act (WCPA) to stand. REXs claims have been without merit since the start of this matter, and a jury has already agreed, Will Lemke, Zillows corporate communications manager, wrote in an email. As we move forward, we are focusing on what matters most: helping empower our customers in real estate. Today Sunny with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph, becoming NW and increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 35F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow Mostly sunny skies. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. South Korea Proposes New Legislation Mandating Vetting Process for Crypto Executives South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) has proposed new legislation to its financial regulations that would give the watchdog more authority over the local crypto sector. The amendments, announced on Monday, aim to address pain points in the current law and strengthen the FSC's oversight of crypto companies. One of the key changes proposed is a requirement for new executives at South Korean crypto companies to obtain regulatory approval before assuming their duties. Under the proposed amendments, new executives would need to submit personnel change applications to the FSC, and they would not be able to start work until the FSC approves their applications. This would give the FSC more control over the hiring practices of crypto companies and allow it to vet potential executives for suitability. In addition, the amendments would empower the FSC to revoke a company's registration if it violates the Act on Corporate Governance of Financial Companies by improperly electing an executive. This would effectively bar individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes from becoming executives at crypto firms. The proposed amendments are set to undergo revision by the Ministry of Government Legislation and a voting process by the FSC. They are expected to be enacted by the end of March. A consortium led by sustainable technology innovator Sonichem has been granted nearly 600,000 ($760,128) in funding from Innovate UKs 'Resource efficiency for materials and manufacturing' (REforMM) programme. The funding will accelerate the development of the proprietary Sonichem ultrasound technology and the production of renewable, cost-effective alternatives to petrochemicals commonly used in the production of plastics, resins, and composites within the automotive industry. The cutting-edge CARMA (carbon-neutral agroforestry-derived resins to materials for automotive applications) project will apply Sonichems ultrasonic processing technique to automotive applications for the first time. The patented breakthrough approach converts sawdust, the biomass by-product from forestry operations, into high-quality lignin. This renewable material will then serve as the basis for bio-based platform chemicals, creating green alternatives to conventional petrochemical-derived materials currently used to produce various vehicle components. Specialised knowledge and expertise This transformative initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with technology innovation catalyst CPI, the National Composites Centre (NCC), Scott Bader, SHD Composites and Polestar, with each industry leader contributing its own specialised knowledge and expertise. In particular, CPI will support scale-up of the Sonichem technology; Scott Bader will pioneer the development of high-performance, sustainable composite resin formulations; and the NCC, SHD Composites and Polestar will together explore the potential of these novel materials for automotive interiors applications. The CARMA project aligns with the UK Government's focus on resource-efficient, sustainable industrial materials as it aims to significantly reduce the UKs reliance on imported composite materials, which currently amounts to approximately 250-260 million per year. Lignin supply chain The newly awarded funding from Innovate UK will enable the international consortium to establish a robust and renewable lignin supply chain within the UK and accelerate the formulation of sustainable plastics and resins that contribute to steering the automotive industry toward a net-zero future and enhancing the UKs bioeconomy. Adrian Black, CEO of Sonichem, said: We're extremely pleased to have the backing of Innovate UK's REforMM programme for this strong industrial consortium. This funding is a catalyst in our quest to offer the automotive industry a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-derived plastics. With Sonichem's ultrasound technology and the collaborative expertise of our partners, we are set to make strides toward a net-zero future and strengthen the UK's bioeconomy. David Fishpool, Verification Manager at the NCC, said: Creating a sustainable future is at the core of our mission. The National Composites Centre is proud to be part of this transformative initiative to accelerate the development of sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to petrochemicals in the production of plastics, resins, and composites for the automotive industry. Our role in this project underscores our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the materials sector. We eagerly anticipate contributing our expertise to this vital effort today, for a greener tomorrow. High-performance materials Steven Brown, Group Sustainable Technology Manager at Scott Bader, commented: Scott Bader is pleased to be part of this exciting project, and we look forward to working with our highly regarded industrial and technology partners to accelerate the valorisation of abundant and sustainable biomass towards high-performance materials. Nick Smith, Technical Director at SHD Composites, said: SHD Composite Materials Ltd. is very excited to be working with Sonichem on the next generation of sustainable resins wholly sourced from UK feedstocks as part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the ecological impact of our products. These materials have the potential to be a game changer in the high-value composites market.--TradeArabia News Service By Abhijith Ganapavaram and Valerie Insinna (Reuters) -Spirit AeroSystems will invest in autonomous technology to limit any defects in its production of Boeing 737 fuselages, its CEO said Tuesday after a series of manufacturing problems and last month's mid-air blowout on a 737 MAX 9. Boeing and Spirit, which builds the entire 737 fuselage, are under scrutiny from investors, regulators and lawmakers after a door plug detached from a MAX 9 in flight. There were no serious injuries, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has barred U.S. planemaker Boeing from lifting its production of the 737 MAX. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will release its preliminary report into the Jan. 5 incident later on Tuesday. Spirit, which was already under the microscope for a series of manufacturing snafus related to the 737 MAX, last week identified a new quality issue concerning misdrilled holes on 737 window frames, which could force it and Boeing to undertake additional work on about 50 aircraft. Interim CEO Patrick Shanahan said on Tuesday that Spirit expects to have a repair plan identified within 72 hours. Spirit did not give a forecast for 2024, citing uncertainty on the timing of 737 MAX production increases and ongoing price negotiations with Airbus focused on the A220 program, which Shanahan said could conclude as early as this month. Spirit shares, which have fallen about 16% since January's mid-air blowout, were up 6.5% in early afternoon trading. Shanahan said Spirit will increase training for mechanics and the number of Boeing and Spirit-performed inspections, as well as taking steps to "mistake-proof" 737 MAX production. "The mindset shift is to understand that the airplane is the boss. The airplane tells us what to do," he said. While full scale robotics are "impractical" in Spirit's Wichita, Kansas-based factory, Shanahan said the company is looking to accelerate technology that can make it easier for mechanics to build the front and rear portions of the 737 fuselage, which are the most confined and complex workspaces. Story continues Shanahan said executive compensation would also be more heavily weighted toward quality in the future. Spirit executives said it paused 737 production in the fourth quarter to stabilize operations, allowing it to deliver 104 fuselages to Boeing, its highest quarterly total for 2023. The company is currently producing at a rate of 38 737 fuselages per month, and Shanahan added that its supply chain is ready to support 42 jets per month. It delivered 356 737 fuselages in 2023, hitting its revised target of 345 to 360 units, which it lowered in October from an initial 370 to 390 goal. Spirit reported free cash flow of $42 million for the quarter due to $100 million funding received from Boeing, but that fell short of analyst expectations of $122.35 million. The company had said it expects to generate free cash in 2024 after years of cash burn on cost overruns and supply jams. Under an agreement reached in October to alleviate soaring costs, Boeing agreed to provide Spirit with immediate funding and revised prices for 737 and 787 production. This helped Spirit reverse some forward losses of $34.3 million during the quarter through December but it recorded losses on the Airbus A350 program of $76.0 million and Airbus A220 program of $57.7 million. Airbus declined to comment on the ongoing talks with Spirit. Spirit reported an adjusted profit per share of 48 cents for the quarter, compared with expectations of 87 cents, while its revenue rose 37% to $1.81 billion, beating expectations of $1.74 billion due to higher parts deliveries. (Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Sriraj Kalluvila) Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will not be going to New Delhi to attend the meeting of the proposed one nation, one election, scheduled to be held on 6 February. Miss Banerjee changed her mind in view of the state Budget for 2024-25, which will be tabled on the floor of the Assembly on 8 February. Sudip Bandyopadhyay partys MP and leader of the party in Lok Sabha and Mr Kalyan Bandyopadhyay will attend the meeting on her behalf tomorrow. Earlier, Miss Banerjee had decided to go to Delhi this evening and come back on 6 evening. It may be recalled that she had said that the BJP should spell out that it would go ahead with the Presidential form of government. So, it is evident that Trinamul Congress will wholeheartedly oppose the proposal. Mrs Chandrima Bhattacharya, state finance minister, will table the budget on the floor of the house. Senior state government officials said Miss Banerjee goes through every word of the budget before it goes on print. Political analysts said it needs to be seen whether she proposes any new scheme in the budget. Swasthya Sathi and Sabuj Sathi, two flagship schemes of the state government were tabled during the budget. Sabuj Sathi has bagged global recognition. The scheme gives free cycles to the students of state-run and aided schools and Madrasas from Classes IX to XII. It has successfully reduced the number of school drop outs and child marriages. Advertisement I n a bid to tighten security arrangements at the state Legislative Assembly, MLAs cars would be checked at the entry gate of the house. With the beginning of the Budget session in the Assembly on and from Monday cars of the Speaker and all MLAs will be pasted with stickers each. No MLA will be allowed to enter into the Assembly premises if his or her car does not have the sticker. A police officer in the rank of an officer-in-charge (OC) will also be deputed to monitor security issues inside the assembly house throughout the year. Today, MLAs cars were checked by police personnel at the entry gate of the house. Following the incident of the Parliament security breach on 13 December in 2023, the Speaker Biman Bandyopadhay along with the police decided to strengthen security arrangements in the House and its premises. There will be no compromise with security issues at the Assembly, Mr Bandyopadhyay said. Earlier on 14 December, a day after the Parliament breach incident, Mr Bandyopadhyay had held a high-level meeting with security personnel and other senior officials of the Assembly for more than an hour and decided to restrict entry of visitors to the house. Advertisement According to the meeting, MLAs, media persons, employees of the Assembly and visitors would have to enter into the House showing their identity proofs issued by the Assembly authorities. Web cams will also be installed at the south and west gate of the Assembly to take photos of guests of MLAs and other visitors. The photos would be fixed with the visitors cards. We have decided to impose some restrictions on entry of MLAs and their guests from now on. MLAs will enter the Assembly through south gate (main) while their guests accompanying them will use west gate, the Speaker had told reporters after the meeting, adding, In a bid to prevent the Parliament-like incident in our Assembly, we took some strong security measures. Every visitor would be allowed to spend inside Assembly premises for a maximum two hours and a security pass would be issued to visitors mentioning the maximum time limit, it was decided in the meeting. All employees and visitors are strictly checked by security personnel at the gate every day. Besides the existing security arrangements, I may also talk to the police commissioner if anything more in connection with strengthening of security status is required, he had told the media. Political activist Yogendra Yadav, who, in his X handle introduces himself as lapsed academic and being part of Swaraj India, Swaraj Abhiyan, Jai Kisan Andolan, was in city to be with chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the dharna manch on Saturday. He was there to lend his support to the Trinamul Congress chairperson, who is trying to get funds due for state from the Centre. We are part of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan and various non-political parties, NGOs and like-minded organisations are with us. We are all working for the defence of democracy. As part of Abhiyan, I was there with Mamata ji to extend all support to her. Her cause to secure the MGNREGA from the Centre is worth supporting, said Mr Yadav. CM Mamata has promised money in the bank account of 21 lakh workers by 21 February. The money will be paid by the state government, she announced on Saturday. She has promised funds to the workers from the state coffers if the Centre does not pay. This is a great gesture. I have seen no other state commit such a promise. It is no mean feat that 21 lakh workers will get their dues because of her, commended Mr Yadav. The political analyst who was also with Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, said, there has been great interest in the people with the Yatra. I was with the Yatra from the very beginning when it started from Manipur. I was also with it when it entered Bengal and will again go back to it. I have seen the Yatra getting great public reception wherever it has gone, from the northeast till Bengal. People who are at the bottom of the social pyramid were greatly touched by his gesture. They have been welcoming him with open arms, said he. On the INDIA bloc and its unity, Mr Yadav said, This is a battle to save the constitution, its maryada. That is what the Abhiyan is, supporting the cause of saving the Republic. We have seen what is happening in West Bengal, Jharkhand, with Arvind Kejriwal. Advertisement It is an assault on the constitution. Every Indian needs to come and support the bloc. The man, who had also played a key role in the farmers protest in Delhi in 2021, is also aware of the problems faced by the Yatra in Bengal. He said, In the last 4-5 days we have seen sharp words being exchanged. It is very unfortunate. It is not for me to blame anyone but Im confident that political maturity will prevail. The issues will be resolved soon and people will move on. Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, on Monday announced to lay off approximately 10 per cent of its global full-time employees. The company had around 5,300 employees at the start of 2023. Snap previously cut 20 per cent of its staff in 2022 and had a smaller cut of 3 per cent last year. We currently estimate that we will incur pre-tax charges in the range of $55 million to $75 million, primarily consisting of severance and related costs, and other charges, of which $45 million to $55 million are expected to be future cash expenditures, the company said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Advertisement The majority of these costs are expected to be incurred during the first quarter of 2024. Potential position eliminations in each country are subject to local law and consultation requirements, which may extend this process into the second quarter of 2024 or beyond in certain countries, said Snap. The company said the job cuts were meant to best position our business to execute on our highest priorities, and to ensure we have the capacity to invest incrementally to support our growth over time. This layoff followed a smaller headcount reduction late last year when Snap reorganised its product team. The company is set to report its earnings after the markets close on February 6. Delhi Mayor Dr Shelly Oberoi on Tuesday urged the opposition councilors of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the House to let the session, called for the discussion over budget, carry on smoothly on Wednesday so that the final budget can be presented by the Leader of the House. She said that the session was called for discussions over the budget and for having useful suggestions from the members for the good of the citys residents and completing the works pending since long. She said that the House proceedings took place on the first day. However on Tuesday, which was the second day of the session, the BJP councilors disrupted the proceedings and did not let the house function at all. Advertisement Addressing a press conference later in the day, Oberoi said that the members of the house wanted to discuss the budget which is in favor of the people of Delhi including people from all walks of life. There was a lot of work pending for 15 years that included maintenance of hospitals, revamping the MCD schools and disbursing salaries in time to the MCD employees. It was sad to see the senior members of the opposition who have earlier chaired the committees and been here for a very long time also added to the disruptions of the house with such behaviour, she said. Oberoi also accused the BJP members of making the house a political arena and not allowing the discussions to take place. Leader of the House Mukesh Goyal, who was also present at the press conference, said that instead of keeping the session for two days, it was called for three days so that the suggestions can be properly taken from the members and a proper discussion is held. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Tuesday raided premises of many AAP leaders and associates across the city in a money laundering probe. The searches began in the early hours and were conducted at the residences of AAP treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP N D Gupta, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals personal secretary, former Delhi Jal Board (DJB) member Shalabh Kumar and others. The raids are said to be a part of an ongoing probe linked to giving away of illegal contracts of the Delhi Jal Board. Advertisement The case by the ED was registered following filing of a CBI FIR where it was alleged that a former chief engineer at DJB awarded a contract to the tune of crores of rupees to a private company which did not meet the eligibility criteria. On January 31, the federal agency had arrested the engineer and a businessman in the case. This also comes close on the heels of the probe agency filing a complaint against Kejriwal who repeatedly skipped the summons by the ED in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Tuesday said the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has turned the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) into a den of corruption over the 9 years, with corruption pervasive in every aspect of the Boards work. Sachdeva made the statement after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at several locations in the national capital associated with AAP leaders and party associates in connection with an ongoing money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in awarding contracts of DJB. Raids by the ED at 12 locations associated with the Delhi Jal Board, including AAP MP ND Gupta and Chief Ministers secretary Vibhav Kumar, have confirmed BJPs allegations of corruption in the Board, he said. Advertisement Attacking the AAP, Sachdeva further said, Calling the ED raids or any other investigation as BJP-sponsored by AAP leaders is their desperation to escape from inquiry. Now the corruption of the Kejriwal government and AAP party has been fully exposed before the people of Delhi and the country. The people of Delhi will teach a lesson not only to the AAP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but also in the 2025 Assembly elections, rejecting Arvind Kejriwals corruption, he said. Echoing similar sentiments, Delhi BJP secretary Bansuri Swaraj said, Corruption is continuously increasing in the AAP regime whether its the Delhi government or the Delhi Municipal Corporation, both have become synonyms for corruption. Today, when the ED conducted raids for the investigation of the Delhi Jal Board scam in Delhi, the AAP spokespersons repeatedly held press conferences to divert attention from the boards scam, but they could not succeed. Today, Delhi is demanding answers from them not only on the liquor scam but also on the Board scam. A Lashkar-e-Taiba associate was held from the New Delhi Railway Station here, police said on Tuesday, adding that he was part of the LeT module active in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. The man has been identified as Riyaz Ahmed, who is a retired army soldier, and was nabbed on Sunday from the New Delhi Railway Station. According to police, he was instrumental in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LOC, involved in hatching a conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather who were also involved in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LOC by the terrorist handlers. Advertisement It was on Sunday that the police had intel from the probe agencies in Jammu & Kashmir that one Riyaz Ahmad Rather who is a resident of village New Gabra of Karnah District Kupwara, J&K is wanted in the recent terror module case busted by them, where five persons were arrested and five AK rifles (short), five AK rifle magazines and sixteen short AK rounds were recovered. A case was registered In this under the appropriate sections of law including the UAPA at Police Station-Karnah, Kupwara. The police further said that the seized arms and ammunition were sent by POK based LeT handlers identified as Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh alias Shakoor, and Qazi Mohammad Khushal. Police were informed by the agencies that the alleged Riyaz Ahmad is absconding and would reach New Delhi Railway Station during the wee hours on Sunday. Aamir Khan has opened up about his unique post-divorce relationship with ex-wife Kiran Rao, emphasizing that they are more like a family than estranged partners. The duo, who tied the knot in 2005 and officially separated in August 2021, have managed to maintain an amicable bond both personally and professionally. In a recent interview, the versatile actor challenged the conventional belief that divorces inevitably lead to animosity. With a touch of humor, Aamir questioned, Has a doctor ever claimed that divorce turns you into immediate enemies? He expressed his gratitude for the fortunate presence of Kiran Rao in his life and highlighted the profound connection they share on both human and emotional levels. This is not something a doctor has said, that the moment a divorce happens, you instantly become enemies. I consider myself lucky that Kiran came into my life, and our journey together has been incredibly fulfilling, both personally and professionally. We have created a lot together, and moving forward, we are still together, Aamir said. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by T-Series (@tseries.official) The actor emphasized the familial nature of their relationship, acknowledging Kirans intelligence and even playfully mentioning the occasional scolding he receives from her. We are like a family. Her mind, intelligence even when she scolds me a couple of times, its fun. We are emotionally and humanly connected, and we will always be like a family, Aamir added. Despite their divorce, the duo continues to collaborate on various projects. A testament to their enduring bond, Kiran Raos upcoming directorial venture, Laapataa Ladies, produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande, is scheduled to hit theaters on March 1. The couples ability to navigate their personal and professional lives with mutual respect and understanding sets a positive example in an industry where relationships often face public scrutiny. In a lighthearted revelation at the 2024 Winter Television Critics Association press tour, Hollywood icon Michael Douglas shared an amusing reason behind his role as Benjamin Franklin in the upcoming Apple TV+ limited series, Franklin. The 79-year-old actor, known for his versatile roles, disclosed that his decision to step into the shoes of one of Americas founding fathers was fueled by a desire to don historical attire, particularly tights. Explaining his motivation, Douglas humorously remarked, Ive never done period [genre], so I wanted to see how I look in tights. He playfully blamed the attractive costume for his initial attraction to the role. The actor, in a jovial mood, expressed that, at this point in his career, hes exploring new horizons and trying out different things. Advertisement Michael Douglas went on to highlight the appeal of the project, describing Franklin as a bit of a rascal and emphasizing the fantastic opportunity it presented. He praised the series ensemble cast and credited the shows success to the collaboration with a talented director, Tim Van Patten. According to Douglas, the aim was to steer clear of conventional historical depictions and delve into the intrigue, gamesmanship, and gamble surrounding Americas founding fathers. Set to premiere on April 12, Franklin features a stellar cast, including Daniel Mays, Noah Jupe, Thibault de Montalembert, Ludivine Sagnier, Eddie Marsan, Assaad Bouab, Jeanne Balibar, and Theodore Pellerin. Douglas commended his fellow actors and labeled the series as probably the best production Ive been involved with in my career. The series, based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiffs book, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, promises to explore the thrilling story of one of Benjamin Franklins most daring gambles. Franklins charisma, fame, and ingenuity are showcased as he outmaneuvers British spies, navigates French informers, and tackles hostile colleagues. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Franklin engineering the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and negotiating the final peace treaty with England in 1783. The eight-year French mission is portrayed as Franklins indispensable service to his country, a pivotal contribution without which America might not have emerged victorious in the Revolution. Spotify Technology (SPOT) reported fiscal fourth quarter earnings on Tuesday that missed expectations. But strong guidance helped boost shares in early trading as the music-streaming platform continues to focus on profitability amid recent price hikes and changes to its podcasting strategy. The company reported an operating loss of 75 million euros ($80.6 million) in the quarter amid severance and real estate-related charges. This was ahead of updated company guidance that Q4 operating losses would come in between 93 million euros and 108 million euros. The audio giant also guided to a strong Q1 operating income of 180 million euros, well ahead of Wall Street consensus expectations. Spotify reported an operating loss of 231 million euros in the year-ago period. On the earnings call, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek emphasized the company's recent "efficiency" strategy. "The hurdle rate for any new type of investments will be much higher than what it has been," he said, adding the company will be more diligent and disciplined in shutting down previous processes that no longer serve this new mandate. "That doesn't mean that the company is any danger of any kind," he said. "We're just simply thinking about, 'Are there better ways for us to do this?'" Shares climbed as much as 11% shortly after the opening bell. The streaming service reported a net loss of 70 million euros ($75.2 million), or a loss of 0.36 euros per share. That missed analyst expectations of a loss of 0.31 euros per share. It also compares with the year-earlier period loss of 430 million euros, or a loss of 2.23 euros a share. The losses come after the company turned a profit in Q3 for the first time in over a year. Gross margins, however, came in stronger than expected at 26.7%, slightly beating company guidance of 26.6%. The streamer said it expects margins to tick down slightly to 26.4% in the first quarter, primarily driven by year-over-year improvements in music and podcasting. Story continues Spotify has previously said it expects the metric to come in between 30% and 35% over the long term amid plans to further scale its podcasting and ads business. With the exception of Q3, margins have been stuck between 21% and 25% in recent quarters. Revenue, meanwhile, totaled 3.67 billion euros 16% higher compared with the fourth quarter of 2022, but slightly below Wall Street expectations of 3.72 billion euros. Spotify guided to first quarter revenue of 3.6 billion euros. User figures Total monthly active users (MAUs) beat company estimates of 601 million to hit 602 million in the quarter a 23% improvement compared with the total in the year-ago period. The streaming service anticipates Q1 MAUs to come in at 618 million. Premium subscribers also surpassed Wall Street expectations of 224 million to hit 236 million a 15% year-over-year jump. Spotify expects that subscriber count to increase to 239 million in the first quarter. Q4 net additions of 10 million contributed to record full-year net additions of 31 million, the company said. Free cash flow, another key metric for investors, jumped on both a yearly and quarterly basis, coming in at 396 million euros compared to 216 million euros in the prior quarter and negative 73 million euros in the year-ago period. The average revenue per user, or ARPU, for Premium subscriptions increased 1% to 4.60 euros (or 5% year over year, excluding foreign exchange headwinds.) ARPU was driven by price increase benefits that were partially offset by discounted plans and lower prices in emerging markets, the company said. Profit pledge Overall, analysts have been bullish on Spotify after the audio giant pledged to improve its profitability beginning in 2023 on a gross margin and operating income basis. Spotify spent $1 billion pushing into the podcast market over the past four years with splashy A-list deals and $400 million-plus studio acquisitions. That spending took a significant bite out of gross margins and weighed heavily on profitability. In response, Spotify committed to several rounds of layoffs three in 2023 alone. The company also announced CFO Paul Vogel will step down from his position on March 31. Spotify's strong guidance helped boost shares in early trading. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) In addition to layoffs, Spotify raised prices, changed its royalty structure, and made audiobooks free to paying subscribers. But more changes are expected as Spotify further revamps its podcast strategy to focus more on distribution rather than exclusivity. Late last week, Spotify announced a new deal with its most popular podcaster: Joe Rogan. The company revealed Rogan's podcast, which was previously exclusive to Spotify, will be available on additional services like Apple Podcasts (AAPL), Amazon Music (AMZN), and YouTube (GOOGL) for the first time in years. The multiyear deal, which the Wall Street Journal pegged at $250 million, represents Spotify's broader podcast distribution push, which it first began to roll out last year. Under the new agreement, Spotify will handle distribution and ad sales as it works to maximize revenue. Rogan, meanwhile, will receive a guaranteed minimum rate and cut of the advertising revenue. The company recently renegotiated a similar contract with Alexandra Cooper of "Call Her Daddy." The podcast, which Spotify purchased for a reported $60 million in 2021, will now be available on all major audio platforms after more than two years as a Spotify exclusive. The company will maintain the exclusive rights to the podcast's video portion. Spotify shares have surged about 80% over the past year and are up more than 15% year to date. The stock is still off about 40% from its record high of $364.59 a share in February 2021. Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance South Korea is gearing up for a potential crackdown on smoking scenes in popular K-Dramas that are broadcast on international streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube. The move comes as part of the governments broader efforts to regulate tobacco-related content in media. While domestic laws prohibit smoking and drinking scenes in dramas aired on local broadcast television, there is a significant loophole for content streamed on platforms based overseas. To address this issue, officials from Seoul plan to raise the matter at the upcoming 10th session of the Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Panama from Feb. 5-10. Advertisement The regulation of smoking scenes on streaming platforms has become a prominent concern in South Korea. It is because of the success of the governments nationwide anti-smoking campaign. It includes media regulations, taxation, and education initiatives. A report from the Korea Health Promotion Institute revealed that 87.5 percent of the 14 most popular dramas across seven streaming platforms featured tobacco products or smoking scenes. Under the current legal framework, streaming platforms fall under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. This exempts them from the same restrictions imposed on broadcast television. The South Korean government aims to close this gap to ensure consistent regulations across all platforms. During the FCTC session, South Korea plans to showcase its achievements in reducing the adult smoking rate. It had dropped from 35.1 percent in 1998 to 17.7 percent by 2022. The governments measures include expanding non-smoking areas around educational institutions. They are implementing media guidelines, and enacting laws disclosing harmful elements of tobacco products. We will share our tobacco regulation achievements with the international community, stated Jeong Yeon-hee, an official from the Health Ministry in a report. We will also carefully consider the FCTC agenda to further strengthen domestic smoking cessation policies. The FCTC is the first international treaty in the sector that aims at reducing global tobacco consumption and smoking rates. This years session marks an in-person gathering after a five-year hiatus. As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the landmark Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, the BJP government in Rajasthan has said that it will be implemented in Rajasthan soon. We too would want the same thing that Uttarakhand wants. Beginning is from Devabhoomi. Rajasthan is the land of valour, we too support the Uniform Civil CodeWe welcome it and hope that it will be done in Rajasthan too soon, state BJP MLA Gopal Sharma said. Another BJP MLA Swami Balmukundacharya echoed his party colleague and said that he will request Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to initiate the process. Advertisement This is a good beginning. I welcome it. This began from Devabhoomiand I believe this will come to Rajasthan tooThis is beneficial for all in view of the times to come. This should be implemented (in Rajasthan). I would request (the CM) to initiate this, he said. Earlier in the day, CM Dhami tabled the UCC Bill in the state legislative assembly amid chants of Jai Shri Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The Bill seeks create uniform laws which will be applicable to people from all the communities when it comes to personal laws on marriage, divorce and inheritance. The Uttarakhand UCC also proposes mandatory registration of live-in relationships and a punishment of jail term upto six months or a fine of Rs 25,000 or both if individuals failed to follow the rules. Moreover, the woman will be able to approach the court and claim maintenance if deserted by her male partner. A child born in a live-in relationship will also be declared legitimate under the UCC provisions. Once passed, Uttarakhand will become the first state in India to have the uniform civil laws for all the residents irrespective of their religion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Goa may be a small state but it has social diversity, and its people have voted the BJP to power repeatedly for its commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, rejecting parties which do politics of fear and falsehood. He was addressing a gathering after launching development projects worth over Rs 1,330 crore in Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 programme in Goa. Modi took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. The development projects will boost infrastructure in education, sports, water treatment, waste management and tourism sectors. Advertisement The Prime Minister distributed on the occasion appointment orders to 1930 new Government recruits across various departments under Rozgar Mela and handed over sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. Mr Modi said the natural beauty and pristine beaches of Goa have made it the favourite holiday destination of lakhs and lakhs of tourists from India and abroad. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat can be experienced during any season in Goa, he remarked. The Prime Minister talked about the exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, popularly known as Goycho Saib that will take place this year. Mentioning the exposition as a symbol of peace and cohesiveness, he remembered Saint Queen Ketevan of Georgia also whose holy relics were taken to Georgia by the Minister of External Affairs. Peaceful co-existence of Christian and other communities is an example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, he said. Elaborating on the Rs 1300 crore projects, the Prime Minister said that the projects related to education, health and tourism will give a push to the development of Goa. Permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology and campus of National Institute of Watersports, along with the integrated waste management facility and distribution of 1930 appointment letters will take the states development to new heights, he said. Referring to Swayampurna Goa, PM Modi praised the good governance model of the Goa Government leading to the foremost position of people of Goa on the parameter of well being. Development of Goa is proceeding rapidly due to its double-engine government, he said. The Prime Minister mentioned saturation of Har Ghar Nal Se Jal, electricity connections, LPG coverage, kerosene-free life, open-defecation free and saturation coverage in many of the central government schemes. Saturation leads to elimination of discrimination and full transfer of benefits to all beneficiaries. That is why I say, saturation is true secularism, saturation is real social justice and saturation is Modis guarantee to Goa and the country, the Prime Minister said. He mentioned the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra where more than 30,000 people of Goa availed various benefits. Referring to this years Budget, the Prime Minister said that it has provided impetus to the governments resolution of saturation of schemes. He declared the government is now guaranteeing two crore houses to the poor after the target of four crore pucca houses have already been achieved. He urged the people of Goa to create awareness among those who have been left behind in availing pucca homes. He said that in this years budget, the PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Yojana will be further expanded. The Prime Minister said the Matsya Sampada Yojana in this years budget will further bolster assistance and resources to the fishermen community, thereby boosting seafood exports and income of fishermen. He said that such efforts create lakhs of job opportunities in the fisheries sector. He pointed out that Rs 11 lakh crore have been allocated for infrastructure developments in this years budget compared to less than Rs 2 lakh crore 10 years ago. Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shripad Yesso Naik were present on the occasion. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recovered Rs 2 lakh cash following searches conducted at the premises of an accused Sub-Postmaster at Kullu. An official spokesperson of the CBI said here on Tuesday that an amount of approximately Rs 2 lakh in cash and certain incriminating documents were recovered during searches. CBI registered the instant case against a Sub-Postmaster, posted at Sub Post Office, Sultanpur in district Kullu in the state of Himachal Pradesh on the allegations of misappropriation of government funds entrusted to her, he said. Advertisement It was also alleged that during the period August 2023 to January 2024 an amount of approximately Rs 36,30,125 were misappropriated, he said, adding that the accused allegedly had prepared a false, fake daily transactions report. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a significant decrease in the number of suicides and inquest proceedings. An official of the Himachal Pradesh Police Department said here on Monday that in the year 2022 there were 74 cases of abetment of suicide, which declined to 54 cases in 2023. The inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC (related to suicides) has seen a decrease in the last three years, he said, adding that in 2021 there were 850 cases, which declined to 692 cases and 669 cases in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Advertisement The police official attributed the decline in such cases to proactive and preventive strategies implemented by the Himachal Pradesh Police, initiatives such as mapping suicide-prone areas, offering counselling services and targeted police interventions contributing to this positive trend. The Police Department is committed in its efforts to reduce the instances of suicide and abetment to suicide. We remain dedicated to our preventive and responsive strategies to further decrease these numbers. The state police also encourages community members to reach out for help and support in times of distress, said the police official. A controversy has erupted as the police did not register a case in the incident where the son of a prominent CPM leader blocked Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillais entourage with his car and caused a traffic jam. Julius Nikithas, son of CPM Kozhikode District Secretary P Mohanan allegedly drove into the Governors security convoy, surpassing the police and other security officials. The incident took place near Mofussil stand in Kozhikode on Sunday at 7.50 pm when Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai was returning to his residence. Advertisement According to reports, Nikitas ignored warnings from police escorts and continued driving his vehicle. Although the police told Julius to move the car back, he refused to do so. Following this, the security personnel asked the police to take him into custody. The security guards then reversed Juliuss car and carried on with their journey. The Kasaba Police later took Julius Nikitas and his car into custody but released him after collecting a fine of Rs 1000 from him for traffic violation. The Kerala BJP has demanded a detailed enquiry into the matter. BJP state unit president K Surendran said that Julius should be taken into police custody and ascertain his intentions behind the incident. BJP district president V K Sajeevan alleged that there was a serious security lapse and sought action against the individual. The Kozhikode City Police Commissioner, meanwhile, said that he will look into the incident and take necessary action. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday sent an invitation letter to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to join Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra as it reaches Uttar Pradesh on February 16. Yadav has been invited to share stage with Rahul Gandhi during a public rally at National Inter College in Chandaulis Saiyadraja on February 16. The invitation to Akhilesh Yadav came days after he told reporters that he has not been invited to join the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Advertisement Shortly after the SP chiefs statement, Congress had clarified that the route of the Yatra was being finalised and once its done an invitation will be sent. The detailed route and programme of Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra in Uttar Pradesh is being prepared. It will be finalised in a day or two. After this it will be shared with the constituent parties of INDIA alliance in the state, Ramesh said in a post replying to Yadavs statement. The Congress leader further said the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will enter Uttar Pradesh on February 16 and that Yadavs participation will further strengthen the INDIA alliance. His participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra will further strengthen the INDIA alliance. The Yatra is expected to enter UP on the afternoon of February 16, Ramesh said. The Congress party is facing the irk of its partners in the Oppositions INDIA alliance. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had skipped the Yatra when it entered Bengal, claiming she was not informed when the Yatra entered the state. The Congress wanted to avoid the similar situation and extended a formal invitation to Yadav 10 days in advance. However, whether the SP chief will attend the Yatra remains uncertain as he is yet to respond to the invitation. The Sharad Pawar faction will challenge the Election Commissions decision to recognise Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Kumars group as the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the Supreme Court, Supriya Sule told reporters on Tuesday. I think what happened with Shiv Sena is what is happening with us today. So, this is not a new order. Just the names have been changed but the content is the same. We will fightWe will definitely go to the Supreme Court, she said. Sule, who is the daughter of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, said that their INDIA alliance partner Shiv Sena (UBT) had also faced a similar decision over the rift in Shiv Sena and that there is an adrishya Shakti (invisible power) in the country doing all this. Advertisement Our documents were fine. The founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad PawarBut now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an adrishya shakti in the country which is doing all this, she added. Another Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad said that Sharad Pawar is a phoenix and he will rise from the ashes. Asserting that Sharad Pawar faction already knew this outcome, Awhad said that the poll panel should be embarrassed. This was going to happen. We already knew this. Today he (Ajit Pawar) has choked Sharad Pawar politically. Only Ajit Pawar is behind this. The only one who should be embarrassed in this is the Election Commission, he told reporters. His remarks came shortly after the Election Commission decided that the faction led-by Ajit Pawar is entitled to use the party name Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the symbol clock. However, the poll panel has provided the Sharad Pawar-led faction with a one-time option to claim a name for its new political formation and provide three preferences to it. The concession is to be utilized by 3 pm on Wednesday. In an order issued by the EC, it said, The Commission holds that the faction led by the petitioner , Ajit Anantrao Pawar is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol clock for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. However, the poll panel, while using its powers under Para 18 of the Symbols Order, has provided the Sharad Pawar-led faction, a one-time option to claim a name to its new political formation and provide three preferences to the Commission. Indias green energy sector can make both investors and industries a sure-shot winner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday at the India Energy Week. Touching upon Indias stride in the green hydrogen sector, the Prime Minister highlighted that the National Green Hydrogen Mission will pave the way for India becoming a centre of hydrogen production and export. Outlining the governments commitment to transforming rural economies through the Waste to Wealth Management model, PM highlighted the governments efforts towards sustainable development. Advertisement He announced we are working towards the installation of 5000 Compressed Biogas Plants in India. Addressing global environmental concerns, Prime Minister Modi remarked, Despite being home to 17 per cent of the worlds population, Indias Carbon Emission Share is only 4per cent. He added, We are committed to further improving our Energy Mix by focusing on the development of environmentally sensitive energy sources. The Prime Minister reiterated Indias goal to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070. Prime Minister Modi noted, Today, India ranks fourth in the world in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity. A total 40 per cent of Indias installed capacity comes from non-fossil fuels. Highlighting the nations progress in solar energy, Modi stated, In the past decade, Indias Solar Energy Installed Capacity has grown by more than 20 times. The campaign to connect with Solar Energy is gaining momentum in India. The Prime Minister noted that the launch of a major mission aimed at installing Solar Rooftop Panels in one crore homes across India, will not only make one crore families self-reliant in the energy sector but also establish mechanisms to deliver excess electricity generated directly to the grid. He emphasised the transformative impact of these initiatives. There is a great potential for investment in the entire Solar Value Chain, he added. He encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing in sustainable energy development, stating, Let us learn from each other, collaborate on cutting-edge technologies, and explore avenues for sustainable energy development. PM Modi expressed optimism about building a prosperous future that prioritises environmental conservation. He stated, Together, we can build a future that is prosperous and environmentally sustainable. Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, state Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, his MoS Rameswar Teli were among the present on the occasion. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill the State Legislative Assembly. The Bill was introduced in the House amid chants of Jai Shri Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai by BJP legislators. Chief Minister Dhami has called it a moment of pride for the state, while the Opposition Congress accused the Centre of using a sensitive state like Uttarakhand for tokenism. With the aim of giving equal rights to the citizens of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, a Uniform Civil Code bill will be introduced in the Assembly today. It is a moment of pride for all the people of the state that we will be known as the first state in the country to move towards implementing UCC, CM Dhami wrote on X before introducing the Bill. Advertisement Earlier on Sunday, the Uttarakhand Cabinet had approved the final draft of the UCC. The Bill proposes uniform civil laws for all communities in the state. Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said on Monday that the Uniform Civil Code is in the consultation process and being reviewed by the Law Commission of India. This is not just the issue of the Centre; the makers of the Constitution had discussed this even when the Constitution was being madeRight now, this matter is under consideration with the Law Commission of India and is in the consultation process. The states can fix it or improve it, and the government of Goa has already worked on UCC. The Uttarakhand government has approved this in the cabinet and as soon as we get a report by the Law Commission, we will inform you said Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Earlier, a draft of the UCC was handed over to the Chief Minister by the five-member committee headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The UCC will provide a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. The passage of the UCC Bill will mark the fulfillment of a major promise made by the BJP to the people of the state in the run-up to the 2022 Assembly polls. In March 2022, the Dhami government decided to constitute a committee to prepare a draft for the UCC. (With ANI inputs) The State Department has updated travel advisories that it previously issued for Jamaica and the Bahamas two popular destinations for cruises and for spring-break vacations. Many of the Port Canaveral-based cruise ships have port-of-call stops in the Bahamas, including some at cruise lines' private islands. Some of the longer cruises also stop at ports in Jamaica, an island that is south of Cuba. Here's what you need to know about the State Department's actions and the reaction to it: How serious is the issue? The State Department, in its updated advisories issued in late-January, kept its advisory levels for both destinations a Level 3 advisory for Jamaica and a Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas. What does that mean? A Level 3 advisory means the State Department recommends that U.S. residents should "reconsider travel" to the location. A Level 2 advisory means residents should "exercise increased caution" when traveling to the destination. The other levels are Level 4 ("do not travel" to the location) and Level 1 ("exercise normal precautions" when traveling to the location). So what has changed in the new advisories? The State Department added more detailed context to the advisories, and that has created buzz within the travel industry and the general public. What does the State Department say about Jamaica? "Reconsider travel to Jamaica, due to crime and medical services," the latest advisory said. "Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and homicides are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts." What's the problem with Jamaica's medical facilities? The State Department advisory warned that "emergency services and hospital care vary throughout the island, and response times and quality of care may vary from U.S. standards. Public hospitals are under-resourced, and cannot always provide high-level or specialized care. Private hospitals require payment upfront before admitting patients, and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel." Story continues What about safety in the Bahamas? Alabama resident Laura Strickland was getting ready to board Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas on Monday at Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 1. She said she planned to stay on the ship when it made a port-of-call stop in Nassau, in the Bahamas. "Exercise increased caution in the Bahamas, due tocrime," the State Department said. "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. 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." Are water-based activities an issue in the Bahamas? The advisory about the Bahamas warns that "activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities. Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels, regardless of weather forecasts. Injuries and fatalities have occurred." What specific steps can cruise passengers take? Cleveland resident Joe Walters, who is holding his daughter, Aanya, was getting ready to board Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas on Monday at Port Canaveral. He said he's not worried about safety issues in the Bahamas, saying: "We have been to Nassau a few times already, and feel safe there. I don't think it's a problem." Miami-based cruise industry expert Stewart Chiron said he does not believe people should have to cancel their cruises. If they are concerned about a particular port, they can always stay on the ship or remain in a secure area of the port. That's what Alabama resident Laura Strickland plans to do. "I am sure the cruise lines makes every effort to protect you, but I'll just stay on the boat at Nassau." Strickland said, as she was preparing to board Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas on Monday at Port Canaveral. The four-night cruise has scheduled stops at Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. But other passengers on the Allure of the Seas appeared to be not as concerned. Cleveland resident Joe Walters said he's not worried about safety issues in the Bahamas, saying: "We have been to Nassau a few times already, and feel safe there. I don't think it's a problem." "You just need to try to be safe and aware of your surroundings," Connecticut resident Matt Hovan said. "That is really all you can do. Everywhere can be dangerous." What if passengers want to explore the community? What's next for iconic tower?: Port Canaveral looking to lease out its now-closed Exploration Tower Chiron who has followed the cruise industry for about 35 years and operates the cruiseguy.com website advises that cruise passengers with concerns should only book excursions that have been vetted by the cruise line, rather than setting out on their own with a random tour operator or taking ground transportation from someone not recommended by the cruise line. Chiron also noted that the cruise lines' private islands generally are safer than venturing into a city near a cruise port that is not overseen by the cruise line or the port. "These are not events that are happening on the ship," but rather in the areas outside the port, Chiron noted, in reference the incidents alluded to in the State Department advisories. What does the cruise industry say about this? In responding to the State Department advisories Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, said: "As always, the safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are the top priority for FCCA and our cruise line members. We are aware of the U.S. State Department travel advisory, and have been working closely with global security experts and government authorities including the U.S. Embassy to monitor the situation. We and our cruise line members will continue monitoring conditions in all the destinations we visit to make decisions that prioritize safety." What general advice does the cruise industry give to travelers? Paige said, as with visiting any destination, travelers should "practice common-sense security measures for their safety and make informed decisions about their travel. We also recommend they pay close attention to updates from their travel adviser or cruise line, including referring to shipboard announcements, no matter the destination." Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54 Matt Hovan of Connecticut, who was getting ready to board Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas on Monday at Port Canaveral, said: "You just need to try to be safe and aware of your surroundings. That is really all you can do. Everywhere can be dangerous." This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Here's what travelers should know about concerns over Bahamas, Jamaica Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra will enter Uttar Pradesh on February 16 from Chandauli after traversing through Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. After entering Chandauli, the yatra will pass through 20 districts of the state before reaching the Rajasthan border. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai chaired a meeting of the AICC/PCC members at the party headquarters here on Tuesday to strategise on maximising public participation for according a grand welcome to the Yatra. Advertisement Treasurer of the All India Congress Committee Ajay Maken emphasised the importance of full cooperation from all Congress leaders in this regard. General Secretary in-charge of All India Congress Committee, Uttar Pradesh, Avinash Pandey highlighted the urgent need for unity, stating: We are currently facing a political crisis and need to stand together. The countrys politics is passing through a difficult phase as democratic values and constitutional rights have been overshadowed by the clouds of fascism. In such a situation, the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra has come as a ray of hope for the common people of the country, he remarked. Addressing Congress leaders, state party chief and former minister Ajay Rai said that UP is fully prepared to welcome its hero Rahul Gandhi. Party workers are determined to take the Panch Nyay of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to the last person of the society by taking to the streets. Leader of the UP Congress Legislature Party Aradhana Mishra Mona said that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra symbolises Indias different cultures. Every section of society, including Dalits, backward classes, tribals, youth, and women, is actively participating in the Yatra. Just as the Yatra has received a grand welcome with increasing participation of people in other states, in UP, too, it will be accorded a warm welcome by a large number of people. I firmly believe that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will herald a new era of change in UP politics, she added. On the initiative of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, all the MLAs and ministers of Uttar Pradesh will go for Ayodhya darshan on February 11. The MLAs will leave for Ayodhya from Lucknow by bus and are likely to return on the same day, Mahana informed the assembly here on Tuesday. He said he himself will go by bus. MLAs from other opposition parties including SP have also been invited for Ayodhya darshan. The MLAs can also take their spouses along with them. Advertisement When the Speaker of the Assembly announced the programme of Ayodhya Darshan, SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood also requested to see the land for the mosque to be built in Ayodhya. The Chairman replied that first let the mosque be built and if the committee there requests, they will consider going there too. Earlier, the top leadership of Congress had refused to go to the Pran Pratishtha programme to be held in Ayodhya, but the leaders of the state unit went to Ayodhya and took Saryu bath and had darshan of Ram Lalla on Makar Sankranti. SP President Akhilesh Yadav had also talked about going to Ayodhya but it is not clear whether he will go on February 11. After the Pran Pratishtha programme, lakhs of devotees were reaching Ayodhya and having darshan of Ramlala in the grand temple. The budget presented in the UP Assembly on February 5 was also dedicated to Lord Shri Ram by the Yogi government. Only a few guests were allowed to attend the Pran Pratishtha programme on January 22 and the rest were appealed to come later. The Chinese government recently issued a statement supporting Pakistans claim of the Indian government being involved in killings of Pakistani nationals on its soil. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, stated, China noted the reports and recent diplomatic disputes between relevant countries. The information released by Pakistan is worth our attention. He added that China opposes double standards on counter terrorism (by India). Earlier Pakistan had accused Indian agents, based in a third country, of being behind the killing of two of its nationals, Mohammad Riaz and Shahid Latif in September/October last year. India refuted these allegations describing them as false and malicious anti-India propaganda. The Indian statement added, India and many other countries have publicly warned Pakistan cautioning that it would be consumed by its own culture of terror and violence. Pakistan will reap what it sows. Pakistan, in its accusations, had mentioned that the two nationals killed were members of anti-India (terrorist) groups, adding credence to the fact that it continues to harbour terrorist groups on its soil. Over the past two years over a dozen anti-India terrorists, including some supporting the so-called Khalistan movement, have been killed in Pakistan, mostly by unknown gunmen. None of these cases have been solved. Thus far, Pakistan has maintained silence as acceptance of these individuals as terrorists or their sympathizers would have signified presence of such groups on its soil, inviting fresh sanctions from the FATF (Financial Action Task Force). It gained confidence when India was accused of similar deeds by the USA and Canada. Pakistan anyway has a habit of blaming India for all ills on its soil, including the recent attacks by the Baloch in Mach and Kolpur. Hence it is never taken seriously. Advertisement Post the G20 summit, Justin Trudeau, Canadas PM, publicly accused India of being behind the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil. This followed his disastrous visit to India for the event. New Delhi termed Ottawas accusations as absurd and motivated. Canada claims it received intelligence of Indian involvement from its Allies in the five eyes network. This resulted in deterioration in ties between the two countries. While Canada claimed it shared intelligence with India, New Delhi denied this. Indias foreign minister Dr Jaishankar even stated in the Rajya Sabha, Insofar as Canada is concerned, no specific evidence or inputs were provided to us. Last week, Canadas outgoing National Security Advisor, Jody Thomas, mentioned in her final interview that India is now cooperating with Canada in the investigation. There were no comments from the Indian side contradicting her claims. In another incident of further deteriorating ties, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in a declassified report has included India, alongside China, as a foreign threat that could potentially interfere in its elections. The US accused an Indian official of being behind the assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) movement. The incident occurred around the time of the visit of PM Modi to the US. Washington has sought the extradition of Nikhil Gupta, accused of being the co-conspirator in the incident, currently under detention in Prague, Czech Republic. The US has claimed that it has shared inputs of the plot with India. Jaishankar commenting on differences between the accusations put forth by the US and Canada mentioned in an interview to NDTV last week, They (Canada) did not share anything, but made allegations in public. In comparison, see the example of the US. The US told us that they have some information about criminals, and they will give us some information to look into from our side, and we will compare the information, investigate the matter. As a fallout of US claims, India ordered a high-level investigation. Logically, neither Pannun nor Nijjar were such major threats as to warrant their elimination. India was aware that both were protected by the US and Canadian intelligence agencies, intending to be exploited to gain leverage over India. The Khalistan movement, which both endorsed, lacks a substantial base in India. They were only capable of activating supporters in their home countries to damage Indian diplomatic property and conduct meaningless referendums. Hence, in case the accusations are true, then it could be the initiative of an overzealous intelligence operative or someone masquerading as one. Many believed that the US claim could become a spanner in Indo-US ties. PM Modi in an interview to the Financial Times stated, If a citizen of ours has done anything, good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law. He added, I dont think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries. While these incidents are recent, India was also in the dock in July 2021 when fugitive diamantaire, Mehul Choksi, released an audio tape on his repatriation to Antigua from Dominica, accusing Indian agencies of executing a kidnapping. He mentioned in the tape, I could have never imagined that after closing all my businesses and seizing all my properties, a kidnapping attempt would be made on me by Indian agencies. All intelligence agencies work to protect their nation and towards this end even attempt to silence those who act against them. Israel, Pakistan, North Korea, Russia and China, to name a few, have done so brazenly. The US has targeted its enemies employing drones in third countries, ignoring collateral damage, besides conducting clandestine actions. In some cases, the identity of those involved in assassination attempts has been determined and in rare cases, intelligence operatives captured. Further, states only undertake such actions when the host nation refuses to heed to security concerns of the impacted country. Rarely are such attempts undertaken in friendly countries. Wherever proof of targeted killings has come to light, diplomatic ties have been impacted. Problems emerge when those involved in executing the plot leave loose ends or adopt means which can be traced. While India can ignore Pakistans outbursts, as it is prone to blame India for all ills, it needs to tread carefully on Canadian and US accusations, as the two appear linked. At the end it is diplomacy which resolves these differences, as is currently happening between India and the US. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) California Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency for several counties in Southern California as a series of winter storms began impacting much of the state with high winds, damaging rain and heavy snowfall. The proclamation covers eight counties Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, Xinhua news agency reported. The emergency proclamation includes provisions authorising a California National Guard response if tasked, facilitating unemployment benefits for impacted residents, and making it easier for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage, according to Newsoms office. Advertisement California is ready with a record number of emergency assets on the ground to respond to the impacts of this storm, Newsom said in a statement. More than 790,000 customers in California are experiencing power outages as of Sunday night, according to PowerOutages.us. The US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a rare hurricane-force wind warning for the Central Coast. Additional areas of heavy rainfall are expected in the Central and Northern CA Coastal Ranges and the Central Valley going through the evening and into the overnight hours, said NWS. A flash flood warning is in effect for parts of the Southern and Central coast, including areas in Los Angeles, where officials warned of one of the most dramatic weather days in recent memory. Heavy snowfall over a wide area in Japans Kanto-Koshin region, including Tokyo, is expected from around noon on Monday to Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The Koshin region that comprises Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures as well as the mountains of northern Kanto region are expected to see up to 30 cm of snow during the 24 hours through Tuesday morning, while 20 cm of snowfall is expected in the plains of northern Kanto region and 7 cm in the plains of southern Kanto region, Xinhua news agency reported. Tokyos 23 wards are expected to see 5 cm of snowfall during the same period, the JMA added. Advertisement The agency called on people to be on alert for traffic disruptions caused by snow and icy roads, urging caution for snow on power lines and trees, collapsing greenhouses and avalanches. For domestic flights to and from Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have decided to cancel 76 flights on Monday afternoon, Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported. Indian-origin employment lawyer Giridharan Sivaraman has been appointed Race Discrimination Commissioner by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Sivaraman is currently the Chair of Multicultural Australia, and a Principal Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn where he is head of the firms Queensland Employment Law department. Im honoured to be appointed Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner. And excited, and slightly terrified! But there is so much work to be done and I cant wait to work with the team at the @AusHumanRights, Sivaraman wrote in a post on X on Monday. Advertisement According to the AHRC, he has run numerous state and national race discrimination cases and led the pro bono compensation scheme for underpaid 7-eleven workers, many of whom came from migrant backgrounds. In addition, he provides advice and legal representation in all areas of employment law including workplace bullying, employment contracts, redundancy, restraint of trade, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, adverse action, and unfair dismissal. Welcoming the appointment, AHRC President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher said that the fight for systemic equality and speaking truth to power have been at the heart of Sivaramans work. His distinguished legal career has seen him lead significant cases in workplace and discrimination law, which, coupled with his public advocacy for the rights for racially marginalised communities, has led to tangible results that have improved and empowered peoples lives, Croucher said. According to the Commission president, the appointment comes at a time when there has been a marked increase in reports of racism and hate speech in recent months. Calling him a widely respected champion of racial equity, Croucher hoped Sivaraman would help make Australia a more respectful and equitable place for all people, regardless of their background. His lived experience, passion for diversity and inclusion, and deep understanding of human rights and Australian discrimination law means he will be a powerful asset for the Commission during what is very much a delicate time in the country, she said. As a member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council, Sivaraman appeared at a state parliamentary inquiry to demand legal reform to better protect the rights of victims of racial vilification. His work with Multicultural Australia oversees the continued and extensive support provided to new arrivals in Queensland, and in his advocacy, he also committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of First Nations peoples. Sivaraman will commence his role on March 4. Amid reports of Jio Financial Services buying the Paytm wallet business, the parent company, One97 Communications Ltd, has denied any such reports. We have not been involved in any negotiations in this matter. Paytm Payments Bank Limited, our associate company, has also informed us that they have not been involved in any discussions regarding this, One97 Communications Ltd stated in a filing to the exchange. Notably, the Jio Financial Services also denied engaging in any discussions with Paytm, in a statement made to the exchange. Advertisement This was the third clarification issued by Paytm through exchange filings in just over two days, concerning developments within the company. Earlier, Paytm denied any investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the company, its affiliates, or its Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Paytm had also refuted allegations regarding investigations or breaches of foreign exchange regulations by the company or its associate, Paytm Payments Bank Ltd. Amid the ongoing Paytm Payments Bank fiasco, the Jio Payments Bank has been surfacing over the internet with its claims over the savings account benefits. Jio Payments Bank Limited has commenced operations as a payments bank with effect from April 3, 2018. The Reserve Bank has issued a licence to the bank under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to carry on the business of payments banks in India. The recent message of the Jio Payments Bank in circulation has claimed the savings account benefits on-board like easy account opening, and bill payments through its UPI handle. In a surprise move, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Yemens foreign minister, has been appointed as the countrys new Prime Minister, according to Al Jazeera. Yemen, a nation in the Arabian Peninsula, is experiencing increased tensions as a result of a wave of Red Sea attacks on ships by Houthi rebels, which have triggered retaliatory strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom recently. Bin Mubarak has notably replaced Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed amid the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea. Bin Mubarak was named premier of Yemen on Monday, according to a decision issued by the countrys Presidential Leadership Council, which was reported by the official news agency of the country. The former prime minister was given the position of presidential adviser, Al Jazeera reported. However, there is no clarity on why the move was made. Former Yemeni ambassador to the US, Bin Mubarak, is widely viewed as a fierce opponent of the Houthi rebels, according to Al Jazeera. He first gained prominence in 2015 when, amid a power struggle with then-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, he was abducted by the Houthis while serving as Yemens presidential chief of staff. Advertisement The seizure of bin Mubarak contributed to the political unrest in Yemen, which led to hostilities between the Houthis and Hadis presidential guards and the resignation of the government and the president. In 2018, Bin Mubarak was also designated as the countrys representative to the United Nations. The Houthi rebels, who are an Iran-aligned group, started the strikes in retaliation for Israels Gaza conflict. The Houthis have said that they will not stop attacking until Israel ends the hostilities in Gaza. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Moderating temperatures will change morning scattered snow showers to rain showers by late day. High 41F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Cloudy with a mixture of rain and snow this evening. Low 26F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 50%. State Street's Sue Thompson Retiring Belfort Book Cover Sue Thompson, head of distribution for State Streets SPDR Americas, is retiring after six years at the company in which she helped the ETF unit grow past $1 trillion in assets. Thompson, 61, will retire in the second quarter to spend more time with her family, State Street said in an emailed statement. Boston-based State Street is the No. 3 ETF issuer after BlackRock Inc.s iShares and Vanguard Group. The firm manages $1.21 trillion in 137 funds, including 18 issued in the period since Thompson joined in 2018. It manages the worlds biggest and first U.S. ETF, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) with $486.6 billion in assets. Sue has been instrumental in growing our ETF distribution in the Americas, State Street Global CEO Yie Hsin-Hung said in the statement. The ETF business has become increasingly competitive over the past few years, with issuers cutting fees and creating new varieties of funds to pull in customers. At the same time, the industry has passed $8 trillion in assets, in part by taking market share from mutual funds. SPDR ETF Assets Doubled Under Thompson SPDR assets have more than doubled since the $566 billion the firm managed at the end of 2018, State Street said. Last year the unit brought in more than $80 billion in inflows, State Street said. State Street said that in conjunction with Thompson's retirement, it's realigning its executive leadership responsibilities. It named Allison Bonds Head of Intermediary Distribution, responsible for defining and leading SSGAs distribution strategy. Thompson, who ran her consulting firm Thompson Peak Advisory before joining State Street, has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance by Barrons for the past three years. She held positions at BlackRocks and Vanguards ETF businesses before starting her consulting firm. Shes a founding member of Women in ETFs and a board member. Thompson graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Law and is a member of the California State Bar association. She holds a B.A. degree in accounting from the University of Washington. Permalink | Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved Larry Ruark is a Sun Chronicle columnist. His essays are published the first Tuesday of each month. Reach him at larryruark37@gmail.com . The writer is host of the Kane & Co. radio talk show, which broadcasts from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, on WARA in Attleboro, 1320-AM. Job Title: Specialist Financial Planning and Analysis Organisation: MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Reports to: Senior Manager Corporate Performance Management About US: MTN Uganda is a subsidiary of MTN Group, a multinational Telco operating in Africa and Middle East, with over 280milllion subscribers, making it the largest in Africa. MTN-Uganda is the leading telecommunications Company in Uganda, providing payphone, fixed lines, fax/data, internet and mobile services. Job Summary: The Specialist, Financial Planning and Analysis is part of the Corporate Performance Management team (CPM) at the Company and supports to develop and implement all financial planning and financial reporting and analysis processes and exercises. The main functions of this position is to support in preparations of the budget, forecast and reporting exercises, monitor the enterprise performance and manage the financial relationship between the MTN Mobile Money company and the other MTN Uganda operations in accordance with MTNs company policies, procedures and contractual obligations Key Duties and Responsibilities: Strategy Implementation Lead creation of sub-divisional strategy in line with overarching divisional goals Ensure effective implementation of company and sub-divisional strategy by means of providing direction, structure, business plans and support. Ensure accurate and timely reporting to enable the regular review of the functional strategy, roadmap and performance to ensure its alignment with the changing dynamics of the internal and external ecosystem. Operational Delivery Monthly/quarterly and annual finance operations review report (Ops review report) preparation and submission as per agreed SLA. Acts as the finance resource dedicated to managing the financial relationship between the Mtn MoMo business and the MTN Telco business. Gather assumptions and business drivers critical for defining the business plan Prepare the business plan based on assumptions and other key inputs such as proposed strategic initiatives and market assessment Gather business drivers and assumptions required for financial budget/forecast preparation Maintain records of basis of arriving at key assumptions and drivers for budget and forecast exercise Identify stakeholders responsible for providing budgeting inputs in time based on shared SLA Collect information from relevant functions/ departments for budget and forecast exercise Prepare the planning, budgeting and forecast process for the Operation. Ensure adequate reconciliations are performed prior to formal upload of financial budgets and forecast and communication of approved budgets to relevant stakeholders. Partake in the financial loading exercise of the budgets, forecast as per agreed SLA into the financial system. Provide insights and challenge the process to ensure that business plans are more commercially robust from initiation stage Guide and advise internal clients on financial implication of actions / decisions taken Provide appropriate finance support to the Business operation to create competitive advantage and enhance shareholder value Provides guidance to support to the Business operation from a finance perspective Collaborates with Finance Centres of excellence (CoE) and Opco stakeholders to develop and implement an integrated financial planning strategy Identifies and mitigates risks to protect MTN momo business from potential losses Ensures compliance to external regulatory requirements (e.g., disclosure and reporting) Foster a conducive customer-focused environment and MTN culture Communicate and liaison with the various operational Functions and Lines of Business Liaising with divisional heads and managers to understand specific requirements relating to financial planning Support business as the first point of contact for various Finance operational activities including taxation, payment processing, etc. Assist Business segment head in budget estimations and monitoring Review commission calculations to ensure that computation is in line with the approved commission structure Prepare and update Line and Business heads with key analytics to enable decision making Obtain operational feedback on Finance services from Business Segment Heads Assist in gathering, collating and consolidating learning and development needs of the Business Segment for improving learning initiatives Provide financial assistance and support services as maybe requested from the Business Segment / Employee on a case-to-case basis Continuous Monitoring of Budgets Conduct periodic review of business plans and budgets to evaluate actual vs. budgeted performance. Analyse discrepancies and determine root cause for deviations in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Formulate corrective measures to be incorporated into plans and budgets. Propose revision of budgets and business plans based on outcome of actual vs. budget analysis. Reporting Prepare and analyse operational reports to management on a monthly, quarterly, annually relating to progress made within the operation and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organization. Prepare and analyse reports on specific projects as per the defined timelines Provide report on performance of the operation as per agreed operational guidelines and SLA. Exceptions Handling and Reporting Perform root cause analysis for SLA non-compliance and take corrective action. Identify potential sensitive issues and escalate it to the appropriate level. Governance Adhoc and Operational Meetings Set up / participate in adhoc and operational meetings Report at process and functional level Escalations Manage and resolve escalations that have impact on critical path of service delivery Escalate issues that will result in significant time, scope, employee/client or cost impact if not resolved Manage and provide solutions to issues that require formal resolution Operational Set up, manage and deliver action points related to financial planning project status meetings Review and identify key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions in financial planning Manage monthly operational reporting/ budgets/forecasts and any operational business plan related activities Performance Analyse and prepare performance of the operation to management on a monthly, quarterly, annual basis Monitor and make suggestions for continuous improvement of performance Provide report on performance of the operation as per agreed operational guidelines and SLA Staff Leadership and Management Accountable for meeting and prioritising own targets / deadlines and those of the team. Provide information to the Senior Manager on work accomplishments, individual / team challenges. Contribute to team meetings on specialist/ technical areas. Set KPIs and provide regular performance feedback through a well-defined and implementable performance review program Develop and implement a training plan in order to build and develop skills within the team Performance manage resources in accordance with HR policy and legislation where necessary Actively participate in leadership of team and develop skills of own team Report process dashboards on various performance metrics internally to the Senior Manager. Ensure a MTN centric and partnership approach to develop strong relationships with other working groups. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant must hold a Bachelors degree in finance, accounting or related field. Relevant professional qualification e.g., Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant would be advantageous). Four to seven years of relevant experience in Financial Management in a multinational business environment, Telecommunications industry experience preferred. Experience in similar leadership role with a global/ multi-site organization, ERP (Oracle), MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). Experience in continuous improvement through the implementation of best practices (Finance). Experience in Finance leading practices and trends. Knowledge Ambiguity in the workplace Budgeting Complexity and ambiguity within the workplace Conflict management ERP (Oracle preferred) Financial planning GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Influencing others Information processing Agility and Problem solving Risk management Telecommunications industry Fosters innovation and inquisitiveness Identifies, recognizes & builds future talent Skills Accounting Analytical Communication Continuous improvement Data interpretation Judgment Planning and organizational skills Presentation Reporting Research & Development Behavioral Attributes Accountable Adaptable Agile Communication Culturally aware and adaptable Get it done Innovative Inquisitive. NB: Please note that presentation of false academic documents and certification will lead to criminal prosecution. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. How to Apply: All candidates who wish to join MTN Uganda Limited in this capacity should apply online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 7th 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 If you would like to become a Purple Shirt yourself, or if you would like more information, you can go to the website NevCoAnimalEvac.org or their Facebook page, Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team. NCVDRT is a 5013 non-profit that gets limited financial support from Nevada County but most of their expenses are paid by Team Members and by donation. Donations are most gratefully accepted: contact Pat through the website. Immediate ProAir is a recently launched automated trading platform that has been garnering rave reviews in the market over the past few weeks. In this Immediate ProAir review, I will be examining every aspect of this trading system to verify its legitimacy. For those unaware, Immediate ProAir is a trading platform that has been trending for a while and has become a topic of discussion among crypto experts and the whole industry. It is said that this platform automatically adjusts itself to the trading nature of traders and generates valuable insights to help make informed decisions. The creator states that this platform is simple to use and is designed for both beginners and experts. Several other claims have also been made about Immediate ProAir. Well, in this Immediate ProAir review, let us look into each claim made by the creator to find out if this platform is worth it. We have collected data from trusted sources and listed only reliable information. Keep reading to find out how Immediate ProAir works, its main features, how to register, pros and cons, minimum deposit, countries eligible, customer support, and more. Immediate ProAir- Facts Overview Trading Platform Name Immediate ProAir Verification Required Yes Robot Type Crypto Robot Assets Supported A wide range of cryptocurrencies Minimum Deposit $250 Win Rate 99.4% Payout Time 24 hours Customer Service Available round the clock Main Geos South Africa, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada & more. Hidden Charges Zero Official Website Click Here What Is Immediate ProAir? Immediate ProAir is a new trading system created to help simplify the trading process and provide traders with all the tools and features to make informed trading decisions. The platform is said to use the power of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and top-notch algorithms to analyze market trends and generate accurate trade signals. The creator states that Immediate ProAir will be a game-changer as it keeps up with the ever-evolving crypto world. The Immediate ProAir platform has been designed with a user-friendly interface and customization options so that both experts and novice traders can use it with ease. The system also connects with trusted brokers who will assist throughout the trading process and help enter profitable trades. Immediate ProAir adjusts itself to the trade parameters and activities carried out by traders to help achieve the best results. Click Here To Visit Immediate ProAir Official Website How Does Immediate ProAir Work? Now, let us look into the working mechanism that the Immediate ProAir trading system follows to help trade the trending cryptocurrencies in the market and make huge profits. The Immediate ProAir platform or trading bot works based on simple or complex predefined market indicators and parameters. Some common parameters that this system uses include price data, time frame, and order volume. The common technical indicators used are moving averages (MAs), relative strength index (RSI), and so on. Well, traders and investors have the freedom to choose the trading strategies, parameters, and indicators as these factors decide how this trading system will monitor the crypto market and make trade decisions. Using the right parameters, the Immediate ProAir platform analyzes market trends in real-time, monitors price fluctuation or movements compares current and historical price data, and forms accurate trade signals. These can be used by traders to enter profitable trades and make immense profits. So, this is how the Immediate ProAir system works to help take crypto trading to the next level. Immediate ProAir Features The Immediate ProAir trading system comes with a set of unique features that the creator says contribute to its efficiency. Each has been listed below for your reference: A user-friendly Interface One of the main features offered by the Immediate ProAir platform is a user-friendly interface with a simple dashboard. Due to this, traders can easily navigate through the application with complete efficiency thereby eliminating the chance for doubts or concerns. Advanced Technologies The Immediate ProAir trading bot uses the power of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and algorithms to generate precise and accurate trade signals. The use of sophisticated technologies will simplify the complex trading process and save time. Supports Multiple Cryptocurrencies This trading platform helps diversify your trading portfolio by providing the option to trade different cryptocurrencies. The system supports all mainstream crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and so on. So, traders are exposed to a wide variety of opportunities. Completely Automated The Immediate ProAir trading bot is a completely automated trading platform. When traders set the strategies, parameters, and indicators, the system will do the rest of the groundwork. It will automatically execute trades on the trailers behalf and help them make immense profits. Demo Trading Yet another important feature of the Immediate ProAir platform is its demo or practice mode. This feature has been integrated to target novice traders. Beginners can use this mode to explore different crypto assets, learn about trading in general, and also about the nature of the platform. So, without risking real money, traders and investors can learn about trading and improve their skills. Trade With Immediate ProAir For Free How To Register On Immediate ProAir? If you are planning to become a member of the Immediate ProAir trading community, you can do it in just a few minutes. The registration process is safe, simple, straightforward, and transparent. Each step has been given below: Step 1 First of all, open the official Immediate ProAir website and look for the registration form. Fill in the form with the details required such as name, email ID, phone number, and a strong password. Then, submit the registration form and wait for the next step. Step 2 The next step is where the Immediate ProAir team will review the details given. If they find your request legitimate, they will approve and send a confirmation email to the mail ID provided. Once you receive this email, open it and click the link given to reach the brokers platform. Here, enter the details given before to reach the Immediate ProAir platform. With this, registration will be complete. Step 3 Now comes the crucial step which is funding your Immediate ProAir account. You have to make an initial deposit to begin live trading on the trading bot. The minimum deposit required is $250 which can be deposited using any payment method that the platform supports. You can also deposit larger amounts by considering your trading goals, skills, risk-tolerance levels, and so on. Remember that during the registration process, you have to agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions listed on the Immediate ProAir platform. This is to ensure safe and responsible trading. Register On Immediate ProAir Now Immediate ProAir- Pros And Cons So far, we have looked into what Immediate ProAir is, its working mechanism, its main features, and the registration process. Now, let us look at the pros and cons of this trading system: Pros Free trading bot Simple to use No hidden charges Easy registration User-friendly interface Requires just a minimum deposit of $250 Safe payment methods Complete control over funds Follows strict safety protocols Cons The Immediate ProAir platform is not accessible in certain regions like Israel, Cyprus, the United States, France, and Iran where local laws restrict crypto trading. Immediate ProAir- Cost, Minimum Deposit, And Profit One of the important aspects that make Immediate ProAir better is that it is not as expensive as other trading systems. The initial investment required for this trading bot is $250 which is the minimum amount. To begin live trading, you have to deposit this amount that will be used to enter trade positions and trade various assets. Traders have complete control over the funds which can be withdrawn at any time. The deposit amount can be increased depending on your trading skills, goals, and risk-tolerance levels. Note that other than this, there are no hidden charges for trading assets on the Immediate ProAir platform. Immediate ProAir- Cryptocurrencies The Immediate ProAir platform provides the opportunity to diversify your crypto portfolio. This is done by offering a wide variety of cryptocurrencies to trade. The platform supports mainstream crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and so on. Altcoins like Ripple are also supported to ensure fast payouts. The following are the cryptocurrencies that you can trade on Immediate ProAir: Ripple (XRP) Montero (XMR) Bitcoin (BTC) Litecoin (LTC) Ethereum (ETH) Binance Coin (BNC) Dash (DASH) Polkadot (DOT) Ethereum Classic (ETC) Cardano (ADA) Immediate ProAir- Customer Support When it comes to customer support the Immediate ProAir platform makes no compromise. The expert team behind the system understands the importance of solving customer queries and concerns on time. This is why they have a dedicated and expert customer service team available 24/7 to help clear doubts about trading in general, trading on the platform, cryptocurrencies, account problems, technical errors, and more. Traders and investors can contact the customer support team through the ways that the Immediate ProAir platform mentions. Immediate ProAir- Countries Eligible As of now, the Immediate ProAir platform is available for use in almost all countries across the globe. But, in regions where local laws restrict the usage, this trading system is not accessible. Here are the countries where traders can use Immediate ProAir to make huge profits: Hong Kong Japan Vietnam United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany Belgium Malaysia South Africa Norway Sweden Netherlands Finland Mexico Brazil Spain Singapore Taiwan Thailand Poland Switzerland Slovenia Slovakia Immediate ProAir Customer Response The user responses to the Immediate ProAir trading bot have been positive so far. Genuine reviews of the platform are available on trusted sources like crypto trading forums. Heated discussions about Immediate ProAir are happening on discussion spaces like Reddit, Twitter (X), etc. Traders have commented that this trading system generates accurate trade signals and helps spot the right trading opportunities in the market. These Immediate ProAir customer reviews point to the genuineness and effectiveness of this trading bot. Try Your Trading Potential Now For Free Immediate ProAir Reviews- Final Verdict In this Immediate ProAir review, we have looked into every aspect of this trading bot. Here is a summary of everything we have discussed so far. The Immediate ProAir trading system is a free platform created to help make crypto trading more efficient. The platform uses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and algorithms, as well as, technical indicators and other tools to provide invaluable trade signals with 100% accuracy. The platform also connects traders and investors with trusted brokerage services that will guide or assist throughout the trading process. Traders can set parameters and indicators that will be used by the system to analyze market trends, monitor price movements, compare price data, and generate trade signals. A demo feature is available that can be used by beginners to learn trading, explore the platform, and develop strategies. The Immediate ProAir platform also offers a safe and secure environment for trading by following stringent protocols and using advanced encryption technology. Also, legitimate payment methods are available. Considering all these, Immediate ProAir seems to be a working trading system that is worth trying. FAQs Can all people use Immediate ProAir? All traders, experts and beginners can use the Immediate ProAir platform to level their trading. The platform has a user-friendly interface, customization options, and a demo feature. Is Immediate ProAir an expensive platform? No. Immediate ProAir is not an expensive platform as the only amount required to begin trading is $250 which is the initial capital. Other than this, no additional charges apply. What about the registration process for Immediate ProAir? The Immediate ProAir app has a simple, safe, and transparent registration process that can be completed in a few steps. Is verification necessary on Immediate ProAir? Immediate ProAir is a legitimate trading platform that asks for verification documents such as address proof, identity proof, and so on from users. What if Immediate ProAir doesnt help make profits? The Immediate ProAir creator guarantees that this trading platform will help make immense profits. But, if you feel that it is not worth it, you can withdraw your funds at any time. Everyone is a Rolex fan. Im sure you are too. The class and elegance a Rolex watch holds is truly unquestionable and cant be matched with any other watch. With hundreds of watch brands available in the market, the dream of owning a Rolex watch is different and can't be replaced. People who own Rolex watches have a different status and elegance attached with their names. A Rolex watch is timeless. you can wear it any time, in any event, with any kind of attire, you will add worth to your look. it is bound to look good, always. The craftsmanship is exemplary. However, it takes a big amount to earn that status and class. It's not everyones cup of tea to spend so much money. For some people, the price of an original Rolex watch is equal to all of their savings, and they cant afford to spend it all on just a watch. This is where fake Rolex watches step in. You can find fake Rolex watches quite easily. However, finding ones that match the true elegance and essence of an original Rolex can be difficult. With so many retailers available, making a sound choice is a task. You get confused, overwhelmed, and many times, scammed. You pay more than what your replica is worth and that is a bummer. But if youre reading this, then you dont have to worry about anything because we have done extensive research on online Rolex replica websites and have found the best three websites for you. With a blend of affordability, elegance, class, and reliability, you can hop onto any of these three websites and buy yourself a Rolex replica without worrying about losing your money to something that is not even close to a Rolex. These websites offer exceptional craftsmanship and to wow you, their collections are so similar to original Rolex watches and it becomes difficult for people to differentiate between the replicas and the originals. Lets not keep you waiting any more and explore these websites so that you can buy yourself a beautiful Rolex replica and live your dream without breaking your bank! According to our research the following three websites offer the best fake Rolex watches and can be trusted 100%: 1) PrestigeWatches.co (Highly Recommended and Top Rated) 2) ShopLuxWatches.co: A Trusted Destination for Your Rolex Replica Choice Lets understand why? 1. PrestigeWatches.co: Highly Recommended, Most Reliable Website for Fake Rolex PrestigeWatches.co has been in the replica business for a long time and has gained a reputation of being the best in the business. Several top authority websites have recommended them as being the most trusted Rolex replica website. Brimming with positive reviews, 5-star ratings from customers, and a loyal customer base, PrestigeWatches.co stands out as the top choice for Rolex replica watches. They have become the most go-to website for fake Rolex watches because they offer many benefits. They offer top-notch craftsmanship and their watches are no less than originals. Their fake Rolex watches quality is absolutely high-class with premium materials. Lets first start by understanding the website and why PrestigeWatches.co is rated the best Rolex replica website? PrestigeWatches.co features a user-friendly website interface where it is super easy to navigate and find whatever youre looking for. With a search bar accessible in the front, you just have to type in the Rolex watch youre looking for and it will instantly show up. You will find all the necessary information in one glance only. If youve got any queries related to shipping and handling or contact details for PrestigeWatches.co or if you wanna learn about the checkout process, you just have to click on the links provided. Convenient links are strategically placed for your ease. This ensures a hassle-free journey, allowing you to focus on your timepiece exploration without any unnecessary disruptions. It is a no-hassle, smooth experience. But wait, you don't have to worry about visiting the website just to learn more about them because we have got you covered in this article. We will dive into the details of PrestigeWatches.co, its benefits, shipping and handling procedures, checkout process, and any relevant information. You just have to keep reading! Craftsmanship Above and Beyond: At PrestigeWatches.co, their dedication to superb craftsmanship goes above and beyond. They take great pride in offering Rolex replica watches that are testament to accuracy and style. Every watch is an exquisite example of fine craftsmanship, skillfully crafted to imitate the minute features and unmatched quality of the real Rolex watches. Their craftsmen accurately replicate each and every aspect and delicateness that characterises a real Rolex. The end product is a collection of replica timepieces that perfectly embody luxury and authenticity while also mirroring the original design. From the iconic logo placement to the intricate elements on the watch face, their replicas are crafted with a dedication to perfection. Swiss Mechanism Mastery (The Secret of Incomparable Fake Rolex watches): Fake Rolex watches by Prestige Watches are made with Swiss Mechanism. This mark of quality guarantees that your watch not only looks like an authentic Rolex, but also reflects the accuracy and reliability of Swiss watchmaking. The smooth operation of Swiss Mechanism has an undeniable authenticity that enhances your whole brand experience. High-Quality Branded Experience: The workers at PrestigeWatches.co are aware that a luxury watch's appeal goes beyond its visual appeal. Their commitment lies in crafting an exceptional branded experience that surpasses typical expectations. Choosing one of their Rolex replica watches is more than just purchasing a watchit's an elegant experience that captures the spirit of uniqueness. Every Rolex replica watch is accompanied by its box, cards, and all the small details that add to the brand's uniqueness. Having a full package adds to customer satisfaction and an authentic experience. Click Here to Buy the Best Rolex Replica Watches 1:1 Super Clone from PrestigeWatches Dive into Distinctive Choices Discover a world at PrestigeWatches.co where classic elegance and your own style come together. Offering a vast number of options is part of their dedication to delivering a distinguished experience, making sure that every watch fan finds their ideal match in a Rolex replica. Choice is the first step in any journey, and PrestigeWatches.co offers a wide range of selections to suit your preferences. Their range has been carefully chosen to satisfy every taste, whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of a classic Rolex model or are looking for the uniqueness of a limited-edition release. They have a wide range of Daydate, Daytona, Submariner, DateJust, GMT-Master, Deepsea, and Yacht Master. Customise Your Watch Experience They are aware that each wrist reveals a unique story, and your watch ought to represent your unique story. With PrestigeWatches.co's wide selection, you may customise your watch experience. Add the essence of Rolex into your style by selecting from a variety of patterns, materials, and features to make a wrist companion that expresses your unique personality. If you're having trouble finding the replica which suits you best, then don't worry because PrestigeWatches.co has a one-of-a-kind feature to help you. An AI-powered chatbot on the website can assist you in finding your true match right away. you don't have to be overwhelmed with the choices, you just need to consult the chat bot. Isnt this feature just great? You get your own personal assistant on an online platform while you find your Rolex replica from the comfort of your home. Transparent Information PrestigeWatches.co offers accurate and transparent information, ranging from thorough product descriptions to open disclosures about the materials used. This transparency builds trust and confidence in the authenticity and quality of their Rolex replica watches. Order Processing and Dispatch Orders are typically processed and dispatched within 72 hours (Monday Friday). They utilise trusted carriers such as FedEx or DHL to ensure the timely and secure delivery of their purchase. To mitigate customs delays and streamline the delivery process, they ship all orders in discreet packaging. Stay informed about your shipment's progress with a provided tracking number. Standard delivery time is 7 14 days from the date of dispatch. Shipping is complimentary for most countries worldwide. Refund Policy The brand's dedication is demonstrated by its 30-day refund policy, which gives clients the freedom to evaluate and enjoy their Rolex replica watches at their own leisure. PrestigeWatches.co guarantees a smooth refund procedure in the event that a customer decides after the first 30 days of receiving a watch to take an alternative course of action. By reaching out to the customer support team, customers can effortlessly find the steps needed to initiate a return. You can contact them with the details below for any questions or issues: Website: https://prestigewatches.co WhatsApp Contact: +44 7532 719161 Email: prestigewatches.cs@gmail.com 3. ShopLuxWatches.co: A Trusted Destination for Your Rolex Replica Choice ShopLuxWatches.co is a relatively new website in the Rolex replica market, but it stands out as a strong second option, providing fans with a dependable and high-quality platform. It has developed a reputation for producing excellent Rolex replica watches and receiving positive reviews. ShopLuxWatches.co was founded with a dedication to accuracy and has grown to include a wide range of replica watches that exhibit genuineness and attention to detail. ShopLuxWatches.co, which was established on a basis of trust, has quickly emerged as the preferred choice for people looking for flawless fake Rolex watches. With a selection of limited-edition models in addition to classic models, their catalogue guarantees that every taste and style will be satisfied. ShopLuxWatches.co is committed to delivering a first-rate client experience. It has an easy-to-use interface, open policies, and a helpful support staff. Their dedication goes above and beyond the sale, guaranteeing your satisfaction from the time you browse until you put on your fake Rolex. ShopLuxWatches.co is a reliable option for a flawless and genuine experience when it comes to discovering the world of premium fake Rolex watches. Best Place to Buy Fake Rolex: Final Word If you want a Rolex replica watch without spending too much money, check out these three websites: PrestigeWatches.co and ShopLuxWatches.co. PrestigeWatches.co is like the champion with awards and good reviews. It's easy to use, and they make their watches really well. IconicReplicas.co is another good choice. They've been making watches for a long time and have a fancy team that knows what they're doing. ShopLuxWatches.co is kind of new, but they are committed to providing a high-quality experience to their clients. So, if you dream of owning a Rolex but don't want to spend too much, give these websites a look! Do your fashion accessories scream the number of animals sacrificed while producing? Is your leather bag made of blood stains of animals who are unable to speak? If a question like this brings thousands more questions then this is something that you should definitely think about. A thought that makes you wonder about the number of animals sacrificed for other fashion accessories. To reduce the sacrifice of animals on an everyday basis, RIJAC came up with the idea of a vegan leather bag . As per some reports shared by the United Nations, every year 220 crore animals are killed to make leather produce and what is more shocking is that India comes on second number as the largest exporter of leather products. A number of 80 crore animals are slaughtered to meet the needs of leather production. This means, every second about 15 animals are getting sacrificed in the name of fashion. Producing leather bags or other leather goods accounts for 10% of the worlds total global warming. Leather hide comes from buffaloes and cattle. The skin is processed in multiple ways such as the tanning process which is very bad but used to create the final product for you to buy from the store. Leather is regarded as one of the harshest raw materials in the fashion industry and is a major contributor to global warming. To meet the demand for leather, cattle need land to graze, tens of thousands of gallons of water, and substantial amounts of food to grow to the required size. However, these resources are becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, in many parts of the world, extensive deforestation is taking place to make way for livestock farming. As resources become scarcer, forests are being extensively cleared worldwide to make way for livestock farming. Although cows are commonly associated with leather production, many other animals are also slaughtered for their skins. The process of making leather involves removing the animal's skin and preserving it through a method called 'tanning', which utilises potent chemicals to prevent decomposition. This widespread practice contributes to the depletion of natural resources and raises concerns about environmental sustainability. The production of shoulder bags for women in leather has a high cost for animals, as they are raised and killed specifically for this purpose. Additionally, the tanning process, which is the most polluting part of leather processing, poses serious environmental and health risks for both people and the environment. Although some may consider leather a by-product, it is now recognized as a co-product that fuels the demand for more animals to be raised and slaughtered to meet the demand for leather. The amount of water required to produce 1 square metre of hide is comparable to the amount of water consumed by people over a period of 12 years. A diverse range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, crocodiles, snakes, stingrays, seals, emus, deer, fish, kangaroos, horses, cats, and dogs, are utilised in the leather production process. Even young animals are not exempt from the leather industry, as the skins of calves, kids, and lambs are highly prized for their soft texture. Every year, hundreds of thousands of calves that are only a few days old, known as 'bobby' calves, are slaughtered for the fashion industry. Their skins are used to make bags and other products. Additionally, unborn calves, known as 'slinks', whose pregnant mothers are killed in slaughterhouses, are also skinned. The delicate skin of these premature animals is highly sought after, but consumers would likely choose kinder alternatives if they were more aware of this practice. This is not the society we envisioned, which is why I am here to bring about change with your brand RIJAC. Our brand specialises in creating fashionable vegan leather bag that are completely free from animal cruelty. Our collection includes a diverse range of handbags, tote bags, and sling bags, all crafted from eco-friendly materials. Interestingly, India holds the title of being the top banana producer globally. However, a significant challenge is that 60% of banana crops go to waste due to inadequate supply chain management, resulting in farmers earning less than 200 rupees per day. We collaborate with numerous companies that specialise in creating vegan leather from banana and tomato waste. These companies not only assist farmers in increasing their income fourfold but also effectively utilise all the waste to produce premium-quality vegan leather. This leather boasts a shelf life of 5-6 years, exudes style, and contributes to saving animals, reducing global warming, and minimising toxic water. By offering stylish and sustainable products, we also play a role in conserving drinking water for future generations. Bring fashion to your wardrobe that wont make you regret adding such ethical pieces of fashion to your handbag collection. Founders Vision - Jaideep Prajapati started the brand with a thought of saving the future and the number of animals being slaughtered on an everyday basis. He came up with an exclusive idea to use the waste materials of bananas and tomatoes to produce vegan leather. As he says, vegan leather looks just as beautiful, has the same fine touch of elegance and is a perfect way to use on an everyday basis. The handbag collection comes in various styles and colours to add to your collection of handbags. The main point of investing for the long term is to make money. But more than that, you probably want to see it rise more than the market average. Unfortunately for shareholders, while the Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) share price is up 39% in the last five years, that's less than the market return. Zooming in, the stock is actually down 10.0% in the last year. Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. See our latest analysis for Lockheed Martin While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. 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. During five years of share price growth, Lockheed Martin achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 10% per year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 7% over the same period. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. This free interactive report on Lockheed Martin's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Lockheed Martin's TSR for the last 5 years was 58%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 18% in the last year, Lockheed Martin shareholders lost 7.5% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 10% per year over half a decade. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. 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 risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Lockheed Martin you should know about. Lockheed Martin is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. If there is one thing that stood out at the recently concluded 15th edition of the India Art Fair, it is the message that the moment for art and design has arrived for India! The fair showcased 108 exhibitors and featured 72 galleries alongside major regional and international art powerhouses. However, the real show stealer was embroidery and design arts. India, known for its artisanal work, is on the cusp of witnessing the art and craft divide slowly disappearing. The inaugural collectible design section saw the debut of seven design studios which included studios by the likes of Rooshad Shroff (Mumbai), Ashiesh Shah Atelier (Mumbai), and Gunjan. These studios showcased the fusion of furniture and objects as art, alongside highlighting embroidery as a serious art form, transforming the contemporary works into exquisitely woven pieces of art in collaborations like MASH x Milayaa (Mumbai), curated by me and Karishma Swali & Chanakya School of Craft (Mumbai), with artist Barthelemy Tonguo and and Venkanna (Gallery Maskara) who breathed new life into this medium. "This edition of India Art Fair has been our most ambitious to date, with a record number of participants and brisk sales," said Jaya Asokan, the fair director. What stood out for me was Mithu Sens 'A Prayer Unanswered, 2024' from Gallery Chemould, Ayesha Sultanas 'Breath Counts, 2023' at Experimenta, Tyeb Methas iconic work from Vadehra Gallery, Chatterjee and Lal and Nikhil Chopra's fabulous drawing 'In the Line of Fire' and Dayanita Singh at Nature Morte. Several international big names such as Anish Kapoor, Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson and Ozioma Onuzulike were part of the fair at Galleria Continua, Carpenters workshop, Neugerriemschneider, Berlin, Marc Straus (New York), as local collectors looked to expand and include international names in their collection. In particular, the Ai Weiwei sculpture in the Gallery Continua booth was remarkable. It was great to meet up with important collectors from India and overseas, especially Ms Kiran Nadar zipping around in her scooter, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Asha Jadeja Motwani who recently announced an important art prize for a commissioned work by a woman artist, through her foundation. I enjoyed the talk series and panel discussions with international museum directors such Klaus Biesenbach, director of the Neue Nationalgalerie; Michael Govan, CEO and Wallis Annenberg director at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, director and chief curator at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) and Shuddhabrata Sengupta (Raqs Media Collective). The conversation with the US-based collector Komal Shah and Nishad Avari from Christies was insightful as it addressed collecting feminist art in a global context. The fair, however, would have been incomplete without the party circuit filled with previews from major auction houses and art galleries hosted by Shalini Passi, collector and founder of MASH. There was also an elegant luncheon hosted by Kiran Nadar (founder, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art), well attended by international and local guests. The Raw Mango party was immensely popular with the young artists, curators and the IAF team. Art fairs are more than exhibitions; they are spaces that provide a platform for the art community to get together, contemplate, collaborate, and celebrate new associations, push new boundaries, include voices that have been marginalised and create a marketplace for the art world to thrive. Dr Arshiya Manoor Lokhandwala So, until next year, may the conversations and connections keep growing, and the artistic spirit keep soaring! Equity benchmark indices climbed in early trade on Tuesday amid buying in IT majors, mainly Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys along with fresh foreign fund inflows. After a firm beginning, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 243.4 points to 71,974.82 in early trade. The Nifty went up by 72.9 points to 21,844.60. Among the Sensex firms, Tata Consultancy Services, Bharti Airtel, HCL Technologies, Wipro, Maruti, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hindustan Unilever and Mahindra & Mahindra were the major gainers. Bharti Airtel climbed over 2 per cent after the company on Monday posted 54 per cent jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,442.2 crore for the December quarter, mainly on account of growth in high value customers. Power Grid, NTPC, Axis Bank and JSW Steel were among the laggards. In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo quoted in the negative territory while Shanghai and Hong Kong traded in the green. The US markets ended lower on Monday. "The positive takeaway is that the US economy is doing surprisingly well and a sharp global slowdown triggered by a possible US recession is very unlikely," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 518.88 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. The BSE benchmark declined by 354.21 points or 0.49 per cent to settle at 71,731.42 on Monday. The Nifty fell by 82.10 points or 0.38 per cent to close at 21,771.70. Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.08 per cent to USD 78.05 a barrel. The Assam government on Monday proposed stringent punishment of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of a staggering amount of up to Rs 10 crore on anyone found involved in unfair means in recruitment examinations. Introducing the Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024 in the state assembly, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the proposed legislation will give full immunity to any government officer implementing the clauses in "good faith". Sarma, in the Memorandum of the Bill, said it empowers the government to punish any person, including examinees, indulging in any attempt to leak, produce, sell, print or solve question papers directly or indirectly to assist a candidate and hold tests in undesignated centres. Such a person will be imprisoned for a minimum of five years, extendable up to 10 years, and shall also be liable to be fined at least Rs 10 lakh, which can go up to Rs 10 crore, the Bill mentioned. "...in case of default of payment of fine, such a person shall also be liable to be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term of two years," it added. Besides, an examinee just indulging in unfair means is liable to be punished with imprisonment of up to three years and also liable to be fined a minimum of Rs 1 lakh, and another nine months of jail in case of default in payment, the tabled legislation said. The Bill will also empower the government to debar any examinee from taking any public examination for a period of two years if he or she has been convicted under the provisions of this law. "The court shall make an order of recovery of any wrongful gains made by such person, by way of attachment and sale any of the assets/property movable or immovable, or both, of such person," it said. The Bill also proposed to make all offences as cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, and authorise an officer of Deputy Superintendent of Police rank or above to probe the crimes. It said that "no suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding" shall be applicable against any public servant acting under the direction of the Assam government for anything done or planning to do in "good faith" under this Act. The government in consultation with the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court will also institute special courts, headed by not below Additional District and Sessions Judge, to try offences under this Act. Sarma, in the Statement of Object and Reasons of the Bill, said that it aims to provide an effective measure to prevent and curb the leaking of question papers and the use of unfair means in job tests to any post under the state government, including autonomous bodies, authorities, boards and corporations. In December last year, 21 state civil, police and allied services officers were suspended by the government for their alleged involvement in the "cash-for-jobs" scam in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in November last year that the state government had initiated departmental proceedings against 34 tainted APSC officials of the 2013 batch, whose names were mentioned in the Justice (retd) B K Sarma Committee report for getting selection through unfair means. Similarly, actions were initiated against those candidates of the 2014 batch who were allegedly selected by unfair means with their marks changed during the tabulation process. In August 2023, investigation into the suicide of Assam BJP leader Indrani Tahbildar unveiled a major "cash-for-jobs" scam under the present state government with the police arresting at least five persons, with alleged connections to the ruling party, for their alleged role in recruitment processes. The opposition created an uproar over alleged irregularities during recruitment of Grade III and IV posts of various government departments in August-September of 2022. More than 14.30 lakh candidates had applied for recruitment tests against over 26,000 such posts. Senior DMK MP T.R. Baalus remarks against Union minister L. Murugan triggered an uproar in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with the BJP members accusing him of insulting a dalit leader and demanding an apology. An unfazed Baalu, while talking to reporters later, doubled down on his charge and said Murugun was speaking against the interests of Tamil Nadu in the lower house. It all started during the Question Hour when the DMK MPs were raising questions on the steps taken by the Centre to assist Tamil Nadu following the damage caused by natural disasters. While Baalu was speaking, Murugan intervened and said the DMK MPs were asking irrelevant questions. In a sharp retort, Baalu said the minister needed to show some discipline. You (Murugan) are unfit to be a Member of Parliament. You are unfit to be a minister. You don't have any guts to face us; we will teach you, he said. What followed was a verbal exchange between the members of the BJP and the DMK, with Union ministers Pralhad Joshi and Arjun Ram Meghwal accusing Baalu of insulting a dalit minister. "Sir, it is not right to call an SC minister unfit. This is an insult to a Dalit," Joshi said. "T.R. Baalu was asking a question. A dalit minister of our Council of Ministers stood up and simply said that you are asking irrelevant questions. And you called him unfit. He is also a dalit and also comes from the SC community. You called him unfit. This is an insult to the dalit community. We want Baalu to apologise," Meghwal said. According to an NDTV report, Baalu, who spoke again in the house, reiterated his stand and said Murugan is unfit to be in politics. Later, talking to reporters, the DMK MP said Murugan, despite being an MP from Tamil Nadu, was speaking against the interest of the state in the Lok Sabha. "The intervention was made by L. Murugan of Tamil Nadu. That's why we called him a traitor. He spoke against Tamil Nadu's interests," Baalu said. Direct flight services from Mumbai and Delhi to Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur will resume from March, the aviation ministry said on Tuesday. The flight in these two routes will be operated by SpiceJet. The Delhi-Jabalpur flight, which will be operated two days a week, will start from March 1 while the service between Mumbai and Jabalpur will begin on March 2. I am delighted that with the support of SpiceJet, Jabalpur will get additional connectivity to Mumbai and Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said. This will not only ensure an easy and time-saving travel experience for the people of Jabalpur but also enhance trade, commerce and employment opportunities, he added. The minister further informed that a new terminal building was being built at Jabalpur airport at a cost of Rs 412 crore. It will further give new energy to travel and economic growth, he said. In a significant development, the Lok Sabha, on Tuesday, passed the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, granting scheduled tribe status to the Pahari people and other communities in Jammu & Kashmir. The Lok Sabha also passed the Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to include the Valmiki community in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list of Jammu & Kashmir. The ST Bill also includes the Gadda Brahman, Koli, and Paddari communities in the ST list of Jammu and Kashmir. The house was adjourned for the day soon after the two bills were passed. The bills will now be taken up in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage. These bills were passed nearly seven months after they were introduced in Lok Sabha, on July 26. The announcement to grant ST status to Pahari group was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during public rallies in Baramulla and Rajouri in October 2022. The ST status would make Paharis eligible for all benefits available to the ST category in Jammu and Kashmir. The Paharis are in the majority in Nowshera, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Rajouri, Thanmandi, Surankote, Poonch-Haveli, Mendhar, Uri, and Karnah assembly segments of J&K. Paharis have been fighting for more than three decades for their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Prominent Pahari leaders, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari (former minister), Raja Aijaz Ali, and Vibodh Gupta were at the forefront of the battle to get ST status for Paharis. The government decision comes as a significant step towards addressing the long-standing demand for recognition and rights of these communities, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and social justice in the region. The development is likely to boost the chances of the BJP in Rajouri-Poonch-Anatnag Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming general elections due to the presence of a large number of Paharis in the constituency. The tribal Gujjar community opposed the granting of ST to Paharis and called the move politically motivated. The Gujjars fear ST status to Paharis will impact their political reservation and also reservation in academic and professional colleges. Last summer they launched a statewide agitation warning the BJP of the consequences of granting ST status to Paharis. The Gujjars have been arguing that the Paharis are well settled and dont fall under the ST category. The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill which seeks to deal sternly with malpractices and irregularities in government recruitment examinations, with provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine up to Rs 1 crore The government claims that the Piloting the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 aims to safeguard the interest of meritorious students and candidates. The bill proposes a high-level national technical committee that will make recommendations to make the computerised examination process more secure. The committee will look into developing protocols for insulating digital platforms, devising ways and means for developing foolproof IT security systems, ensuring electronic surveillance of examination centres and formulating national standards and services for both IT and physical infrastructure to be deployed for conduct of such examinations. Objective of the bill - To bring in greater transparency, fairness and credibility to the public examination systems and to reassure the youth that their sincere and genuine efforts will be fairly rewarded and their future is safe. Context of the bill - A series of competitive tests were cancelled recently due to question paper leaks: They included teacher recruitment exam in Rajasthan, Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-D posts in Haryana, recruitment exam for junior clerks in Gujarat and constable recruitment examination in Bihar. What is public examination? The term public examinations in the Bill refers to examinations conducted by authorities specified under the Schedule to the Bill, or notified by the central government. These include: Union Public Service Commission Staff Selection Commission Railway Recruitment Board National Testing Agency Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Departments of the central government and their attached offices for recruitment What are the offences specified in the bill? Unauthorised access or leakage of question paper or answer key Assisting a candidate during a public examination Tampering with computer network or resources Tampering with documents for shortlisting or finalising of merit list or rank Conducting fake examination, issuing fake admit cards or offer letters to cheat, for monetary gain Disclosing exam-related confidential information before time Unauthorised people entering exam centres to create disruptions What are the punishments? All the above offences will be punishable with imprisonment of maximum 10 years, and a fine up to Rs 1 crore. As many as 11 persons got killed and over 40 persons have suffered injuries as blast occurred at a firecrackers manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradeshs Harda town. Nearly 60 houses in the vicinity of the factory also got destroyed in the blast. According to officials, a number of people were also feared trapped in and around the unit. Some videos of the incident surfaced on social media showing the fire with intermittent explosions taking place at the site and people running to save themselves. Harda Collector Rishi Garg said, An explosion took place in a firecracker factory today morning. Rescue operation is underway. The injured are getting treatment in the District Hospital and seriously injured patients are being shifted to Bhopal and Indore." Sanjeev Kanchan, Hardas Superintendent of Police said, "A massive explosion took place in the factory on Tuesday morning. The whole city was engulfed with black smoke. After receiving the information, fire brigade vehicles have been sent to the spot. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Ambulances and fire engines have been called from Harda, Betul, Khandwa and Narmadapuram, Hindustan Times reported. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav spoke to the officials concerned and sought details of the incident. On directions of the chief minister, minister Uday Pratap Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajit Kesari and Director General Home Guard Arvind Kumar reached the spot and assessed the situation. The minister also conducted an aerial survey of the incident site. Burn units at hospitals in Indore, Bhopal and the AIIMS in the state capital were directed to make necessary arrangements for any emergency, fire brigades were also rushed from Indore and Bhopal to tackle the blaze. Earlier, reviewing the situation, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav told presspersons, Over 50 ambulances were sent to the spot. Our minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home and around 400 police officials have left for the spot. We are trying to control the fire and provide immediate assistance to the injured. We will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and the injured will be given free treatment." He added that the Home Secretary will investigate the incident and submit a report. In an unprecedented move, Congress leader Kamal Naths son Nakul Nath has declared that he will be the partys candidate in Chhindwara for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Nakuls announcement comes while the party is yet to formally finalise the candidates list for Madhya Pradesh. Dismissing rumours about his father and Congress leader Kamal Nath contesting from the constituency, Nakul said, This time too, I will be your candidate for Lok Sabha elections. Rumours are going around whether Kamal Nath or Nakul Nath would contest the election, I would like to make it clear that Kamal Nath won't contest the election, I will," ANI reported. Nakul made the comments during a party event. Nakul said that unlike assembly polls, there is no factionalism within the party for Lok Sabha, hence he will be the candidate. You have given support, love, and blessings to the Nath family for 42 years. I expect you will continue to give your support and love in the future, Nakul added. Asserting his sons statement, Kamal Nath told ANI, The moment AICC announces it, Nakul Nath ji will be the candidate from Chhindwara (in Lok Sabha elections). Congress has started preparations for Lok Sabha elections." Chhindwara is a stronghold of Kamal Nath and he has been representing the constituency as an MP since 1980, except for a year in 1997. Kamal Nath has won from the constituency to Lok Sabha for nine consecutive terms. His son Nakul contested to Lok Sabha from Chhindwara in 2019 and he won with a margin of 37,536 votes, while the BJP won in the rest of the 28 seats in the state. The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed Chief Minister Siddaramiah and a few other Congress leaders to appear in special court for trial in connection with a criminal case registered against them in 2022 for unlawful assembly. The Court, dismissing their plea to quash the case, imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the chief minister and other leaders. The chief minister along with other Congress leaders approached the High Court on Tuesday to quash a criminal case registered against them for unlawful assembly in April 2022. The Congress leaders, without prior permission, marched to then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommais residence demanding the resignation of former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa. Karnataka police registered a case under Section 143 IPC and under Section 103 of the Karnataka Police Act, LiveLaw reported. Hearing the plea, the Court said, If they abide by law rest of the people will abide by law. I have used one sentence from English LiteraturePrime Minister and Postman in criminal law stand on a similar footing. So, because going on public roads during day time in Bengaluru, it creates havoc to the people and the police officer said, don't do it, LiveLaw reported. The Court imposed fine on the leaders for including a police officer as party respondent in her personal capacity. The Court also fixed specific dates for the petitioners to appear physically in the people's representatives' court. The High Court said, There should not be galata; they should go and seek orders from the trial judge." As per court directions, Siddaramiah shall appear before the court on March 6, Surjewala on March 7, M.B. Patil on March 11 and Ramalinga Reddy on March 15. In the event the legislature session intervenes it is open for the learned judge below to alter the date of appearance," the Court said. In this article, we will look into the top 20 most innovative economies in Asia. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the Top 5 Most Innovative Economies in Asia. Technological Advancement in Asia According to the IMF, Asia emerged as a leader in applied research, accounting for a patent share of 54% in 2019. This can be attributed to major economies in the region including China, Japan, and Korea, placing Asia ahead of Europe and America in terms of patent production. Moreover, frontier Asian economies such as South Korea, invest heavily in research and development. Singapore and New Zealand lead the basic science patent output in Asia and the Pacific. On the other hand, non-frontier economies have capitalized on high-tech imports, foreign investment, and participation in the global value chain. Additionally, the rise in tertiary education enrollment rates in countries such as India and Vietnam is providing the necessary skills to their workforce to adapt and innovate. Non-frontier economies in Asia have also evolved their digital infrastructure. For instance, the number of secure internet servers has amplified 200 times, resulting in a reduced gap compared to high-income countries. India has emerged as a leader in information technology. Many economies including China, Japan, and South Korea are working at the forefront of digital technology adoption including robotics and e-commerce. China is the world's biggest user of robots, accounting for around 30% of the market. Despite its innovation and impressive achievements in research and development, the region still faces multiple challenges to fully capitalize on its innovative potential. Technology adoption and scientific developments are restricted within a cluster of few firms and countries, while other economies lag. The uneven distribution limits regional productivity in Asia. Moreover, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region face multiple challenges such as little to no access to cutting-edge technologies and a lack of capabilities to utilize them, especially in the digital domain. This restricted access inhibits the growth of SMEs in Asia. Asian economies must tackle these challenges to foster sustained and inclusive growth, benefitting the region as a whole. Story continues Major Players in the Asian Market Some of the key players driving innovation in the region include Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA), Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY), and POSCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE:PKX). On January 30, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) announced its new serverless solution and a vector engine technology at the AI and Big Data Summit in Singapore. The new solution enables users to access as many computer resources as they need. It allows users to only pay for what resources they use, bringing the inference costs 50% down. Vector engine technology transforms text and data into an HD space. The space allows the embedding of structured and unstructured contexts to facilitate tasks. At the summit, Alibaba Group Holding Limited's (NYSE:BABA) Cloud launched a new tool, PAI-Artlab for designers. This will help them simplify the process of model training and image generation. On January 23, Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY) reported that it had signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with World Athletics. This agreement will leverage Sony Group Corporation's (NYSE:SONY) technological capabilities at all World Athletics Series events from 2024 to 2026. This also includes the upcoming championships in Glasgow and Tokyo in 2025. The company will utilize its expertise to record and share the excitement of these events around the world, with the help of the Alpha mirrorless camera and top-notch broadcast solutions. Moreover, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY), Hawk-Eye Innovations will be ensuring fair competition through its officiating services. POSCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE:PKX) is a leading integrated steel manufacturing company in South Korea. On February 2, the company announced that it had taken a major step toward hydrogen reduction steelmaking. The company launched a new development center, focusing on HyREX technology. It is a process that utilizes hydrogen instead of fossil fuels. This will help POSCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE:PKX) reduce its carbon emissions. The center will have different teams for research, construction, and testing, aiming for the completion of the 300,000-ton test facility by 2027. Now, let's have a look at the top 20 most innovative economies in Asia. Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia Methodology To compile our list of the top 20 most innovative economies in Asia, we employed metrics including R&D Expenditure, High Technology Exports in US$, and Digital Adoption Index (DAI). Firstly, we sorted countries based on their R&D expenditure. We then sourced their DAI and high-technology exports from the World Bank. We assigned ranks to the countries on our list based on each metric. Finally, we allotted weights as 40% to R&D Expenditure, 40% to High Technology Exports, and 20% to DAI to our metrics. Our list ranks the countries in descending order of the weighted average calculated across our metrics. Please note that we have not included Israel in our list due to the current geopolitical situation in the country. The war on Gaza by Israel has led to major economic losses in the country, making it difficult to assess its innovation. 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. Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia 20. Armenia R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.21% High Technology Exports (2021): $37.5 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.621 Insider Monkey Score: 6.73 Armenia is ranked among the top 20 most innovative economies in Asia. In 2021, the country spent 0.21% of its GDP on research and development. In 2021, the high technology exports of Armenia were reported to be $37.5 million. 19. Bahrain R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2014): 0.1% High Technology Exports (2019): $171 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.786 Insider Monkey Score: 6.33 Bahrain ranks 19th on our list. The country reported a DAI of 0.786 in 2016. The high technology exports of the country were reported to be $171 million. 18. Kazakhstan R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.13% High Technology Exports (2020): $2.49 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.670 Insider Monkey Score: 5.8 Ranked 18th on our list, Kazakhstan reported an R&D spending of 0.13% in 2021. The country reported high technology exports of $2.49 billion in 2020. 17. Iran R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2019): 0.79% High Technology Exports (2021): $96.7 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.509 Insider Monkey Score: 5.5 Iran is ranked 17th on our list. In 2019, it spent 0.79% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $147 million in 2021. 16. Indonesia R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2020): 0.28% High Technology Exports (2021): $7.49 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.457 Insider Monkey Score: 5.2 Indonesia ranks 16th on our list. In 2020, the country spent 0.28% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $171 million in 2021. The country reported a DAI of 0.786 in 2016. 15. Oman R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.29% High Technology Exports (2021): $662 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.653 Insider Monkey Score: 4.7 Oman is ranked among the top 20 most innovative economies in Asia. In 2021, the country spent 0.29% of its GDP on R&D. In 2021, the high technology exports of the country were reported to be $662 million. 14. Philippines R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2018): 0.32% High Technology Exports (2021): $38.2 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.439 Insider Monkey Score: 4.7 The Philippines is ranked 15th on our list. In 2018, the country spent 0.32% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $38.2 billion in 2021. 13. Saudi Arabia R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.46% High Technology Exports (2020): $217 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.669 Insider Monkey Score: 4.7 Saudi Arabia ranks 13th on our list. The country reported a DAI of 0.669 in 2016. In 2021, Saudi Arabia reported an R&D spending of 0.46%. The high technology exports of the country were reported to be $217 million in 2020. 12. Cyprus R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.81% High Technology Exports (2021): $88 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.677 Insider Monkey Score: 4.5 Cyprus is ranked 12th among the most innovative economies in Asia. In 2021, the country reported an R&D expenditure of 0.81%. The high technology exports of the country were reported to be $88 million in 2021. 11. Qatar R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 0.68% High Technology Exports (2021): $147 million Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.707 Insider Monkey Score: 4.4 Qatar is ranked 11th on our list. The country had a DAI of 0.707 in 2016. In 2021, it spent 0.68% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $147 million in 2021. 10. India R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2020): 0.65% High Technology Exports (2021): $27.4 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.510 Insider Monkey Score: 4.2 India is one of the most innovative countries in Asia. In 2020, the country spent 0.65% of its GDP on R&D. The high technology exports of the country were $27.4 billion in 2021. 9. Vietnam R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2020): 0.43% High Technology Exports (2020): $102 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.521 Insider Monkey Score: 4.0 Vietnam is ranked among the most innovative economies in Asia. The country spent 0.43% of its GDP on R&D in 2020. The high technology exports of Vietnam were reported to be $102 billion in 2020. 8. Turkey R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 1.4% High Technology Exports (2021): $5.72 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.632 Insider Monkey Score: 3.1 Turkey ranks 8th on our list. The country reported a DAI of 0.632 in 2016. The high technology exports of the country were reported to be $5.72 billion. In 2021, the high technology exports of the country were $5.72 billion. 7. Thailand R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 1.3% High Technology Exports (2021): $45.8 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.619 Insider Monkey Score: 2.9 Thailand is one of the most innovative countries in Asia. In 2021, the country spent 1.3% of its GDP on research and development. The high technology exports of the country were $45.8 billion in 2021. 6. United Arab Emirates R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP (2021): 1.5% High Technology Exports (2021): $2.90 billion Digital Adoption Index (2016): 0.822 Insider Monkey Score: 2.5 The UAE is ranked 6th among the top 20 most innovative economies in Asia. In 2021, the country spent 1.5% of its GDP on research and development. In 2021, the UAE reported the high technology exports of $2.90 billion. Click to continue reading and see the Top 5 Most Innovative Economies in Asia. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. Top 20 Most Innovative Economies in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. The Pushkar Dhami government will table the legislation on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state Assembly today, becoming the first state in the country to do so. A UCC for Uttarakhand was a major election promise by Dhami in the 2022 Assembly polls. The state cabinet passed the UCC draft at a meeting chaired by Dhami on Sunday and a special session of the Assembly has been convened for the purpose. The UCC will be presented in the House on Tuesday, followed by a debate on it. Ahead of the start of the Assembly session, Dhami told reporters that the UCC would be "for the good of all sections" and there was no need to worry. "It will help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas, Sab ka Prayas, Sab ka Vishwas' and 'Ek Bharat, Sreshtha Bharat'," he told reporters. "Not only Uttarakhand but the entire country was waiting for the UCC. The wait is coming to an end on Tuesday when it will be tabled in the state assembly. The whole country will be watching how the bill is brought in the House here and passed," Dhami said. The UCC draft was prepared by a special committee formed in May 2022. The panel was headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, along with Justice Permod Kohli (retd), social activist Manu Gaur, former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh and VC Doon University Surekha Dangwal to prepare the UCC draft. It took nearly two years and four extensions to prepare the draft. The panel received 2.33 lakh written suggestions online and held more than 70 meetings in which the members interacted with around 60,000 people in the course of preparing the draft. The committees main responsibility was to examine the relevant laws regulating personal civil matters such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, property rights, succession, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, custody and guardianship for Uttarakhands residents. Suggestions The draft reportedly seeks gender equality and includes provisions for equal rights for women in inheritance in ancestral properties, equal rights to adopt and divorce, and a ban on polygamy regardless of religion. The panel has also called for a common marriageable age for girls across all religions and enforcing similar grounds and procedures for divorce across all religions. It also includes registration of live-in relationships. The panel has also weighed in on Islamic practices such as halala, iddat and some forms of triple talaq, added reports. There is also a provision for equal rights on adoption as per the rules defined in the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. However, tribals have been kept out of its ambit. Self-proclaimed Kenyan cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie has been charged with the deaths of 191 people by a Kenyan court. The leader of the cult, that promoted starvation as a means to get closer to Jesus, with terrorism, manslaughter as well as child torture and cruelty. He is a self-proclaimed pastor. According to an AFP report, Mackenzie and 29 other suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. About a week ago, a Kenyan court described Good News International Ministries founded by Mackenzie as "an organised criminal group (which) engaged in organised criminal activities". Kenya, a largely Christian nation, has not been able to keep cults and unscrupulous churches that dabble in criminal activity in check. How Mackenzie managed to evade law enforcement despite previous cases, is being questioned. The majority of the 429 victims died of starvation. Others appeared to have been strangled, suffocated or beaten to death-- these included children. In 2017, Mackenzie was acquitted of charges of radicalisation for illegally providing school teaching after rejecting the formal educational system that he claimed was not in line with the Bible. In 2019, he was accused of links to the death of two children who were reportedly starved, suffocated and then buried in a shallow grave in Shakahola. He hasn't been tried for these charges yet. Washington, Feb 5 (PTI) Indian companies are fully aligned with the US in reducing Chinese dominance of the energy supply chain, including the electric vehicle segment, a top American diplomat said on Monday and lauded the fantastic new opportunities that are emerging around Small and Modular Reactor technology. The Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R Pyatt also said he is thrilled by the prospects of Indian electric three-wheelers being used in the United States for last-mile delivery in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Pyatt, who has just returned from India with stops in New Delhi and Hyderabad, had intensive interaction with top Indian officials and key private sector players on key issues like energy transition, reliable supply chains, energy security, and advancing commercial cooperation with private sector partners in Indias rapidly growing clean energy sector. The top US diplomat also said that there is a shared interest between the two countries to figure out how they can move forward both on the large traditional reactors, which were foreseen as part of the US-India nuclear deal, and also the new opportunities that are emerging around Small and Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. In a virtual interaction with reporters from India, the Middle East and the US, the top American energy diplomat said he was enormously encouraged by his conversations with Greenco, one of India's largest renewable energy companies, which is looking at significant new investments in storage and green hydrogen, including in the United States. It illustrates how Indian companies are fully aligned with the United States in terms of our shared interest in reducing our exposure to Chinese domination of clean technology supply chains, he said. Responding to a question on India US Civil Nuclear Deal, Pyatt said, In particular, the strong interest that I found from Indian companies, including Adani, Tata, Reliance, Birla, all of whom have expressed to me their interest in using SMRs as part of their larger decarbonisation strategy. Now to move forward on that a couple of things has to have to happen. One is that companies in the United States, companies in India, companies elsewhere, have to figure out how to scale these SMR concepts to take the designs that have been developed and get them to the stage of regulatory approval and industrial deployment. But the other thing that will have to happen in India is a revision of the law to enable private companies to participate in the civil nuclear sector, as private utilities do here in the United States. This is going to take time, he noted. But it's a natural area of convergence. Stating that he was thrilled to visit a Start-Up called Bility Electric which manufactures EV three-wheelers, he said, Bility is now selling in India and also in the United States, trying to fill a niche for essentially last mile connectivity for delivery services in big cities such as Los Angeles and New York. In these cities, an Indian style three-wheeler is much more suited than a big, big step van delivery truck and doing so with deployable, clean, electric drive. Pyatt also visited a tech hub in Hyderabad to see what some of India's Start-Ups are doing in the clean tech space and the synergy between Indian Start-Ups and companies in the United States that are trying to tackle this energy transition. In Delhi, he attended the US India Forum along with President Biden's Chief Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi, a reflection of just how strongly the Biden administration across the board is focused on the US's energy partnership with India. We have as one of the key frameworks for our cooperation with India in technology areas, the ICET framework, and our national security advisors have recently decided to add critical minerals and clean energy technology to the ICET as a new pillar, he said. Kolkata, Feb 6 (PTI) M P Birla Group flagship company Birla Corporation reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 109 crore in the quarter to December as against a loss of Rs 50 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. Revenue rose 15 per cent to Rs 2,328 crore in the reporting period, it said in an exchange filing. The company's EBITDA came in at Rs 395 crore in the quarter ended December, reflecting an increase of 159.9 per cent over Rs 152 crore in the year-earlier period. Cement sales by volume stood at 4.2 million tonnes, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year, while capacity utilisation was 85 per cent for the third quarter. Commenting on the performance, Chairman of Birla Corporation Harsh V Lodha said the results reflect the focus on improving operating efficiency in all parameters. The company is ready to raise its manufacturing capacity to 30 million tonnes by 2030. Presently, the annual installed capacity is 20 million tonnes, it said. KOLKATA, India, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The historic and grand 10th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad drew to a close at a glamorous Closing Ceremony organised in Kolkata. Azerbaijan's Leyla Valiyeva won the coveted gold trophy. The silver was shared between Philippines' Clifford Jeff Cadunggo Unabia and Kamal Thapa of Nepal. Italy's Francesco Orsi lifted the bronze trophy. At the end of seven eventful days across six cities in India, an epic edition of the world's Biggest Culinary Battle came to a glamorous close. Connecting over 60 countries of the world, YCO24 was one of the biggest in size and scale. The Closing Ceremony was equally grand and exciting as it took place at Kolkata's popular amusement park, Wet o Wild. Besides the top three, YCO 2024 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round that was held between the next best teams ranked between 11 to 20 in the competition, went to India's Lenin Bopanna. The Kitchen Cut Management Award went to New Zealand. The Best Vegetarian Dish went to Nepal while the Best Creme Souffle a l'Orange went to Italy. Six Best Mentor Nominee Awards were given away based on each of the mentor's recommendations about their respective participants. The awards went to Greece, Jordan, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea. The six Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards went to Australia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Scotland, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Participants were also marked on Best Hygiene and Kitchen Practice maintained during competition and this award went to six countries, namely, Namibia, Portugal, England, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan. The Best Knife Skills Award went to Thailand, Portugal, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Lord Bilimoria Rising Stars Award went to Namibia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Ireland and Oman. The Gold Global Sustainability Award went to Kenya. The Spirit of Young Chef Olympiad International Award went to Lesotho. The Dr Bose Challenge Trophy that was introduced this year for participants who did not come in the top 20 teams, went to Kenya and Switzerland. Organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2024 was a true celebration of the spirit of One World One YCO. YCO 2024 had a brilliant panel of esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of the Jury, Chef John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut was Chief Judge of the event. Deputy Chief Judge was Chef Rahul Akerkar, renowned Chef and Restaurateur. The panel of Jury included some famous globally famous culinary faces such as Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, Sicilian Chef Enzo Oliveri, pastry chef and chocolatier Sarah Hartnett, Dato' Chef Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Celebrity Chef from Malaysia, Chef Neil Rippington, International Director, IIHM and Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef Dorchester Collection. YCO 2024 continued to embrace the important and significant theme of Sustainability promoting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special award, the Zenobia Nadirshaw Diamond Research Award went to students who had done research on the SDGs and how to achieve them to make the world a better place to live. Four awards in this category went to Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Italy. "Preparing and organising an event of this stature needs the might of an organisation and leadership that runs a network of connected institutes across the country, manages people from different places, with an alumni base of tens of thousands and is loved by the entire world," said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor, YCO. "There are years when nothing happens and there are weeks where decades happen. That's what happened in the pandemic. It taught us the importance of health and sustainability and brought us close to food. I am so glad that YCO has embodied both food and sustainability in this competition," said Nakul Anand, eminent hotel an travel industry personality who is now Chairman of the YCO Global Advisory Committee. "YCO 2024 was special because it was the 10th year. It had been a wonderful decade in which we have received incredible support from the countries, mentors, judges and everyone who was involved. We are absolutely committed to the UN SDGs and we are also proud and grateful to the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili for his support, specially because he launched the 10th YCO by inaugurating the chef jacket that the participants are wearing this year. The Young Chef Olympiad is the greatest platform to promote Youth Culinary Diplomacy, a platform to bring the world together through the power of youth. YCO will continue to celebrate and carry forward the spirit of One World One YCO in the years to come," said Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder, YCO. About IIHM IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is one of the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eleven National and International cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Worlds biggest Culinary Olympiad Young Chef Olympiad, with participation of over 50 countries, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world. It has MoU's with over 50 countries for student and faculty exchange bringing the best of education for its students from around the World. The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times consecutively in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was also featured in Forbes Magazine as Great Indian Institute and Great Place to Study consecutively in the year 2018 - 2019 and 2019 - 2020. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by Assocham from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India. Please visit for more information: www.iihm.ac.in CONTACT: Abdullah Ahmed, COO, IIHM Hotel School Group T: +91-(0)11-43204700 E: Abdullah.ahmed@iihm.ac.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334042/YCO2024.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256068/4520417/IIHMLogo.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 CHENNAI, India, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SecureKloud Technologies, a prominent player in the digital transformation and cloud technology, listed on NSE and BSE, celebrates a landmark achievement in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning its Promoter, Suresh Venkatachari. The Madras High Court's groundbreaking ruling, which unequivocally quashed the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the promoters of SecureKloud Technologies, was upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal filed by the Enforcement Directorate, affirming the Madras High Court's judgment and conclusively endorsing the quashing of the predicate offence of the ECIR in this pivotal decision. SecureKloud has issued an official statement to both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange announcing the exoneration of its promoters from any charges, following the conclusive judgments of both the High Court and the Supreme Court. The genesis of this case dates back to the filing of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in 2020. After careful consideration of the arguments presented by both the Enforcement Directorate and the promoters of SecureKloud Technologies, the court concluded, expressing satisfaction in quashing the ECIR against the promoters of SecureKloud. The High Court judgements in favour of the promoters of SecureKloud were delivered by a division bench of the High Court of Madras, comprising Justice S.S. Sundar and Justice Sunder Mohan. The order underscores the fact that SecureKloud is in no way connected to the money laundering charges levelled against them. The Enforcement Directorate's appeal against the quashing of the predicate offense of the ECIR by Madras High court has now been upheld by the Supreme Court, implying Suresh Venkatachari is free of all charges. Suresh Venkatachari pursued a Writ of Certiorari to annul the case proceedings. The court, exercising its judgement, granted the writ petition and nullified the challenged proceedings. This decision referenced the earlier quashing of the FIR related to the predicate offence, drawing upon the legal precedent established by the Supreme Court in the case of Vijay Madanlal Choudhary and others v. Union of India. Legal representation for the writ petitions were managed by Mr. Sathish Parasaran and Mr. T.N.C. Kaushik, advocating on behalf of Suresh Venkatachari. In response to the High Court's judgment, Mr. R. Thyagarajan, CFO of SecureKloud Technologies Limited, expressed satisfaction, stating, "We are pleased with the ruling, which affirms our position and dispels any doubts regarding our company's involvement in illicit activities. This decision not only upholds our commitment to integrity but also empowers SecureKloud to move forward with unwavering dedication to innovation and responsible corporate conduct." The nullification of allegations by the High Court is recognized by the company, underscoring the unfounded nature of accusations against SecureKloud's promoters, which resulted in unwarranted negative publicity attempting to tarnish the hard-earned goodwill of the organization. As SecureKloud moves forward, it remains dedicated to dispelling misconceptions and reinforcing its dedication to ethical business practices and transparency. The company envisions expanding its footprint in emerging markets, fostering strategic partnerships, and investing in cutting-edge technologies to reinforce its position as a leader in the dynamic landscape of digital transformation and cloud technology. SecureKloud is committed to dispelling misconceptions and reinforcing its dedication to ethical business practices and transparency as it expands its footprint in emerging markets, fosters strategic partnerships, and invests in cutting-edge technologies to reinforce its position as a leader in the dynamic landscape of digital transformation and cloud technology. About SecureKloud Technologies SecureKloud Technologies is an industry-recognized global leader in digital transformation. With a focus on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management, they enable organizations to embrace the digital revolution and unlock their true potential. With a commitment to integrity and innovation, SecureKloud Technologies empowers businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334081/MrSureshVenkatachari.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 New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) The government on Tuesday informed Parliament that it has no proposal to increase the financial benefit to farmers under PM-KISAN scheme to Rs 8,000-12,000 per year. There is no proposal under consideration to increase the amount even for women farmers under the scheme, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. Launched in 2019, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) provides eligible farmers a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 every four months. The fund is directly transferred to bank accounts of the beneficiaries. "No proposal is under consideration," he said replying to question if the government plans to increase the amount to Rs 8,000-12,000 per year. Sharing the progress made under the scheme, the minister said the government has disbursed over Rs 2.81 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers in 15 instalments so far. The benefit is provided to supplement financial needs of land-holding farmers, he said. Munda also said PM-KISAN is one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes of the world. A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured benefits of the scheme reach all farmers across the country without any involvement of the middlemen. To a separate query, the minister said in Uttar Pradesh, 2,62,45,829 farmers have received the benefit of PM-KISAN since inception of the scheme. As per operational guidelines of the scheme, it is responsibility of states/UTs to identify and verify eligible beneficiaries under the scheme. Betul (Goa), Feb 6 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday courted top oil and gas executives, showcasing opportunities the world's fastest growing economy offers and the reforms that his government has made particularly in exploration and production. Modi met about 20 top executives of firms ranging from ExxonMobil and BP to QatarEnergy and French giant TotalEnergies, discussing energy scenarios as well as investment opportunities, sources in know of the development said. He referred to the recently launched exploration licensing round to seek global giants to invest in finding and producing oil and gas in the country. The sources said he spoke on reforms in the oil and gas sector, including a shift from purely revenue-based bidding for oil and gas areas to a exploration-focussed bidding. India is the world's third largest energy consumer and imports 85 per cent of its needs. The government wants to increase the domestic production to cut imports. Indian CEOs attending the meeting included Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal as well as executives from Reliance Industries Ltd. Refusing to divulge details of the meeting, Agarwal talking to PTI said literally everybody from the oil and gas industry were there. Each CEO made a small submission and the prime minister wrapped up the discussions. "In my submission, I stated that India is the best place to invest globally. Reforms undertaken in recent years have made it attractive and global majors should come and invest in exploration and production in India," he said. Vedanta, he said, is looking to up its investment by USD 4 billion to double oil and oil equivalent gas production to 300,000 barrels per day in 3 years. "India is the only country which has the resources as well as the demand. So whatever we produce here can be consumed here," he said. With lower taxes and mining lease for the entire economic life of the fields, investments can flow in, he said. "We have to produce more for a self-reliant India and we have everything in place -- a favourable policy climate, right regulatory environment and a supportive government," he said. Modi has been using the IEW as well as its previous avatar the CERAWeek India to hold brainstorming meetings with global oil and gas experts and CEOs. He has held more than half a dozen such meetings. The meetings and other such feedback mechanisms had led to the government doing course corrections on some of its policies, particularly the exploration licensing policy and natural gas pricing rules. The government had, going against the industry advise, brought in a revenue sharing model for allotting oil and gas acreage. Under the 2016 policy, bidders offering the highest share of oil and gas to the government were allotted the blocks but the regime failed to attract big names to the exploration scene as companies preferred risks to be covered. Two years later, the government reversed it and went back to allocating blocks to companies that offered the largest exploration programme with a guarantee of first recovering all such cost from oil and gas found. Similarly, the 2014 policy of pricing natural gas at rates prevalent in gas exporting countries failed to enthuse any new investments, prompting it to bring in a new rate for fields in difficult areas such as deep sea. Johannesburg, Feb 5 (PTI) Emerging geopolitical changes highlight the need for developing cohesion among the nations of the Global South, a South African minister has said. South Africa's Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan in his virtual address at the Jubilant Tamil Nadu Global Expo and Knowledge Summit at Codissia Coimbatore on Sunday said the meeting "presents us with the opportunity to deepen our trade relations and commercial ties, but also create a deeper and better understanding of what are the dynamics that are emerging in the world today and how is geopolitics globally, beginning to influence different relationships and underlining the importance of developing cohesion amongst the Global South in particular. He recalled the willingness of the Indian government to provide vaccines to African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic when Western countries were stockpiling them and were not willing to share the surplus stocks that they had with developing countries. It is a context like this that will provide what might appear to be a paradox for us to deal with. On the one hand, we should cooperate, cohere as the Global South, and ensure that we become a force as the Global South to be reckoned with in multilateral institutions. And at the same time, let us be frank, we will compete with one another as well about export markets, innovation, and our ability to play whatever kind of role we can for the benefit of our respective peoples, Gordhan said. The minister said the 15th BRICS Summit hosted in August last year in Johannesburg had laid the foundation for further cooperation amongst the member countries. It is cooperation which enables each of us as nations to pursue our national self-interest but increasingly, at the same time, ensure that we have a unity of purpose as we enhance cohesion within the Global South in a very complex geopolitical context that we find ourselves in. So we have an increasingly developing shared vision amongst the BRICS countries, but certainly amongst India and South Africa, and the various constituencies that we represent. Its roots also lie in the kinds of techniques and weapons of struggle developed by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa, which later influenced the freedom of India, and have today become a worldwide set of ideas but also tools for people to continue to struggle for freedom and justice in all parts of the world where these matters have yet to be resolved, Gordhan said. He added that Mahatma Gandhis injunction to be the change you want to see in the world still reverberates across generations as the current one works for a just and equitable world order while tackling an important set of new problems that confront them. Gordhan cited employment for young people, poverty at different levels, inequality, and the growing inequality between the rich and the middle class as well as the poor as some of these challenges. In particular, the underlying factor of greed within our societies worldwide is becoming increasingly a problem that is giving rise to unfortunate developments and habits amongst various sections of our population. However, at the same time, South Africas unique ties with India are also borne out of the fact that South Africa is home to one of the worlds largest Indian diasporas outside of India. In terms of trade, South Africa is the 23rd largest destination for Indian exports, which of course must increase with the efforts of the kind of conference that you are having now. Gordhan said South Africa wanted its tourism sector to grow to see more visitors from India. He said the new management at national airline South African Airways needed to be persuaded to reintroduce the route between South Africa and India as the airline begins to expand from domestic to continental and inter-continental services as well. South Africa, as we all know, is open for investment across all sectors of our economy, and Indian investors are most welcome, as I am sure South African investors will be welcome in Tamil Nadu and India more generally, and especially in areas where India has shown immense capabilities: business process outsourcing, pharmaceuticals, automotive and manufacturing sectors, Gordhan concluded. New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) The makers of the Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone-starrer movie "Fighter" has been served a legal notice by an IAF officer over a kissing scene wearing the uniform of the force. Sources said the notice has been served by a Wing Commander in his personal capacity and the action by the official does not represent the sentiment of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is learnt that the IAF official who served the notice hails from Assam. The official claimed the scene between the two lead actors of the movie is an insult to the IAF. In the notice, the official claimed that the scene grossly misrepresented the dignity of the IAF and devalued the profound sacrifices made by countless officers. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the movie, which released on January 25, is billed as a tribute to the valour, sacrifice and patriotism of the Indian armed forces. According to the film's official synopsis, "Fighter", also starring Anil Kapoor, is about a new and elite unit, Air Dragons, which is commissioned by the Air Headquarters in response to militant activities in the Srinagar Valley. "They are now the first responders to any hostile activity. They comprise of the best combat aviators handpicked from across the IAF. 'Fighter' is the story of Air Dragons who are willing to give it their all for the nation while going through the highs and lows of their internal and external battles," it reads. A family tug-of-war over a fast-casual restaurant chain that was once growing but is in retreat is getting more intense, and two more eateries are now part of the fight. The battle for control of Lefty's Famous Cheesesteaks Hoagies & Grill began last year when businessman Allie Mallad sued his two relatives and business partners his cousin, Nayfe Berry, and her adult son, Hussein "Sam" Berry claiming they were attempting to squeeze him out of Lefty's Cheesesteaks and running the business poorly. Mallad fell short in his initial effort to have a Wayne County Circuit Court judge appoint a receiver for the business. But last week the Michigan Court of Appeals took the matter out of private arbitration where the Berrys had wanted it and back into the court system. Leftys Cheesesteak on West Eight Mile Road in Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Also last week, the Berrys through their Lefty's Holdings corporation filed a new and separate lawsuit against Mallad in federal court in Detroit. This lawsuit seeks to officially end their partnership with Mallad that began nearly four years ago and saw the chain reach more than 50 locations in 2022. Today, Lefty's has 26 locations, primarily in Michigan. What's more, the family legal battle now involves the iconic Miller's Bar on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, which Mallad purchased last month. And it coincides with the recent closure in metro Detroit of a divorce-themed restaurant chain, Ex-Wife's Famous Chicken, which Mallad started. Ex-Wifes served chicken tenders and crispy sandwiches with cheeky menu names "freedom fries," "hot chick" sandwiches, a "child support" kid's menu. The first location opened in spring 2022 in Dearborn Heights, followed by additional sites in Battle Creek, Warren and Westland. The shuttered Ex-Wife's Famous Chicken location in Dearborn Heights The restaurants' interior design also featured in giant lettering: "Cluckin' Best I Ever Had." But all metro Detroit Ex-Wife's restaurants recently shut down, and according to a former worker, the Battle Creek location also closed or will close soon. Story continues The precise reasons for the closures were unclear Monday. Mallad's attorney said he didn't know whether or not all the locations had closed. Yet the Ex-Wife's closures coincided with the ongoing business and legal dispute that has pitted Mallad against his two relatives and is playing out in state and federal courts. A legal back-and-forth The attempted breakup of the family members' partnership deal which Mallad thus far has resisted was prompted by, among other things, what the Berrys claim was Mallad's violation of noncompete stipulations by opening Ex-Wife's Famous Chicken and then buying Miller's Bar. In the second suit filed last week, the Berrys' company contends that both businesses could be considered Lefty's competitors. Miller's Bar in Dearborn, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. The Berrys made similar claims in the earlier circuit court case. "The Berrys find the 'Ex-Wife's' concept to be offensive and degrading to women, and that they would not have approved of such a concept," their lawyer wrote in that suit. Mallad's lawyer told the Free Press that there isn't much that is true in the new federal lawsuit. The allegations that are contained in the federal lawsuit are essentially a repackaging of the same claims, attorney Kaveh Kashef of Kashef Legal Services in Grosse Pointe Farms said, referring to the Berrys' earlier counterclaims in the circuit court case. We believe that both the arbitration and the federal lawsuit are purely retaliatory, and will ultimately be proved to be frivolous and dismissed. 1 location grows to over 50 Lefty's Cheesesteaks was started in 2012 in Livonia by Sam Berry. Then in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, he brought his mother, Nayfe Berry, into the growing business. Mallad claims in court documents that he first got involved after the Berrys reached out to him in spring 2020, seeking his help in converting Lefty's to a franchise business model and expanding on a national scale. Lefty's at the time had 11 locations, and Mallad had decades of franchisee experience with Little Caesars, Bruegger's Bagels and Golden Corral, among other chains. Yet the Berrys claim that Mallad has it backward. Their lawsuits say he first approached Sam Berry's father to seek a meeting with Sam, which ultimately took place in Mallad's Southfield Town Center penthouse. "There, Mallad made a pitch that Berry would self-destruct if he did not connect with someone like him to take the concept national," the Berrys' lawyer says in circuit court documents. Mallad and Sam Berry struck a deal that gave Mallad a 20% equity ownership in Lefty's, the title of CEO and permission to build up to 20 Lefty's restaurants without being subject to franchisee fees or royalties. Rather than paying money for his 20% stake, Mallad convinced Sam Berry to accept a 5% stake in one of Mallad's own companies, Red Effect Infrared Fitness, which is a gym chain where members do cardio and yoga workouts under infrared lights. According to the Berrys' lawsuits, Mallad's pitch to Berry was grossly exaggerated and constituted fraud. The lawsuits say Mallad claimed at the time of the 2020 deal he had 13 Red Effects already open with a dozen more "coming soon," plus 254 franchise agreements "committed to" and over 250 more locations "in the pipeline around the country." A sign for the now-shuttered Ex-Wife's Famous Chicken storefront in Westland, which is set to become a Red Effect gym. The storefront neighbors a Lefty's Cheesesteaks location that remains open. Mallad told an attorney representing the Berrys that the proposed 20% Lefty's stake for 5% of Red Effect was "a great deal for the Berry's (sic)," according to an exhibit of the email cited in the circuit court lawsuit. "Please DO NOT over negotiate this deal, I am being very fair to my cousins and I MUST feel that I am being treated the same way," the email from Mallad to the Berrys' attorney said. The Berrys allege in the federal lawsuit that the location figures were a complete fiction, as to date there has never appeared to be more than 20 Red Effect gyms open at one time, and they call the fiction another reason why the Berrys have the legal right to end their partnership with Mallad. The Red Effect website on Monday showed nine total locations, with five in Michigan. One of those five is a former Ex-Wife's Famous Chicken storefront on North Wayne Road in Westland, which also is next door to one of the five Lefty's Cheesesteaks franchise locations that court documents say still belong to Mallad. The infrared gym, however, is not yet open. Although some might view Miller's Bar, which opened in 1941, as a different type of restaurant than a fast-casual Lefty's Cheesesteak spot in a strip mall, an attorney representing the Berrys' Lefty's Holdings noted Monday how Lefty's and Miller's serve similar food burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches which he contended makes them competitors. The attorney, Nathan Fink of Fink Bressack in Bloomfield Hills, also said that the apparent closure of Mallad's Ex-Wife's restaurant chain doesn't negate his alleged violation of the noncompete clause in the partnership deal. It doesnt make the lawsuit moot. The damage is done," Fink said. "They've been operating directly competing businesses, including Ex-Wife's, for about a year now and because of that violation, Leftys decided to terminate Mr. Mallads Lefty's franchises and the company decided to go to court to make sure it protects its brand. Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tug-of-war over Lefty's Cheesesteaks gets more intense Mumbai, Feb 6 (PTI) You can't take "L or P" alone and the Padma Bhushan should be given to Pyarelal of course but also to her late father, Laxmikant's daughter said on Tuesday after the family wrote to the Union ministries of Home and Information and Broadcasting on the matter. Pyarelal, one half of the iconic composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal that gave music for over 700 films, was announced as a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, on the eve of Republic Day. "We were very happy that Pyarelal uncle was finally awarded... We felt when it came to the Padma Bhushan honour, they couldn't divide LP and give it to Pyarelal uncle just because fortunately Pyarelal uncle is there and my dad has unfortunately passed away," Rajeshwari Laxmikant told PTI. In her letters, Laxmikant's wife Jaya Kudalkar appealed to the government to include her late husband in the honour along with his co-collaborator.The letter to the I&B ministry was sent three days ago and the one to the Home ministry on Tuesday. Rajeshwari said the family wrote the letter because LP, as the music duo was fondly known, worked as a team on every tune. "Pyare uncle definitely deserves it and so does my dad because the work, the contribution, is all the same," Rajeshwari said. Laxmikant Kudalkar and Pyarelal Sharma made their debut as composers with 1963 film "Parasmani" and struck gold with the success of "Dosti" a year later. They went on to script musical history spanning more than 35 years, giving songs for classic albums such as "Do Raaste", "Daag", "Haathi Mere Sathi", "Bobby", "Amar Akbar Anthony" and "Karz"w. The partnership ended in 1998 with Laxmikant's death when he was just 60. Rajeshwari said the award should have included both their names as they had been a team since they were children. She said Laxmikant was just 11 and Pyarelal nine when they met. "They even shared the same blood group. They must have had some divine blessings with them... the fact that two musically inclined people came together at such a young age and they created history. So when the government is giving such a big honour, it should have been to both." Rajeshwari said they could go public with their grievance because of the confidence that the government will take a decision and include Laxmikant's name. "I'm sure they must have overlooked it or something or I don't know what exactly happened on their front. I'm sure they will look into the material and justify the whole thing," she said. Asked whether the family felt let down, Rajeshwari said while there was no disappointment, they felt "there was an incompleteness in the award". "We, being his family, were sentimental as we have seen the hard work, the struggle, the challenges that both of them faced... LP has been a name to both of them, it was never Laxmikant Kudalkar or Pyarelal Sharma, nor have they composed individually, you can't take L or P alone," she added. LP's last collaboration was "Deewana Mastana". After Laxmikant's death, Pyarelal distanced himself from active composing duties and sporadically worked as a music arranger for songs such as Vishal-Shekhar's "Dhoom Taana" from 2007's "Om Shanti Om". Ottawa, Feb 6 (PTI) A 41-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged with breaking into temples and stealing money from donation boxes in Canada's Peel region. Jagdish Pandher of Brampton has been charged with five counts of breaking into and entering the places of worship. Peel police investigated the incidents in cooperation with other police departments in the Greater Toronto Area, and have arrested the suspect. Peel Regional Police said between March and August last year, officers investigated three break-ins at temples where surveillance cameras captured images of a thief taking money from donation boxes. Two other incidents allegedly involved the same man breaking into two businesses and stealing an undisclosed amount of money. Investigators add that while some of these offences happened at places of worship, they are "confident that these were crimes of opportunity to steal cash and not motivated by hate." Dhaka, Feb 6 (PTI) Over a hundred Myanmar army soldiers on Tuesday took refuge in Bangladesh alongside their paramilitary border guards amid escalated armed conflict between the government troops and rebel Arakan Army, officials here said. Officials of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said 116 Myanmar troops fled their posts and crossed the border. This is the first time Myanmar's regular army soldiers took refuge in frontier Coxs Bazar district alongside personnel from the country's paramilitary Border Guard Police (BGP) and some other government agencies. Against the backdrop of armed conflict inside Myanmar, so far 229 BGP personnel, regular soldiers, immigration officials, policemen and members of other agencies entered Bangladesh, BGB spokesman Shariful Islam said. They were disarmed and kept in custody, he said. Another official who was present at the scene said an identification process was underway to ascertain in detail the identities of the military and the paramilitary soldiers. BGB officials said the 116 Myanmar soldiers and other officials crossed the border through the Rahamatbil frontier of Ukhia sub-district on Tuesday morning amid escalated conflict on the other side of the border between the government troops and rebel Arakan Army insurgents. The officials and witnesses said several of the 116 soldiers arrived with bullet wounds like the 113 other troops who fled to Bangladesh before them. Some of the soldiers were sent to different hospitals, including Chattogram Medical College Hospital, for treatment. The influx of Myanmar government soldiers was reported for the third consecutive day. Dhaka has earlier said that it has communicated with Naypyidaw over the modus operandi for the troops' repatriation. Fierce fighting has been going on in Myanmars Rakhine state between the army and the rebel group Arakan Army. The rebel group is believed to have captured the government military and other installations in bordering areas despite strafing on insurgents from army helicopters. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the Myanmar envoy over the escalated violence on the Myanmar side of the border that overnight killed two people in Coxs Bazar and caused a fresh influx of more Burmese troops. Officials said Myanmar ambassador to Dhaka Aung Kyaw Moe was summoned over the death of a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man by a mortar shell on Monday and related developments on the border area. Myanmar wing director general of the foreign ministry Miah Md Mainul Kabir strongly protested the incidents of violence in Rakhine state because of its spillover effect on Bangladesh, particularly the deaths of two people in Coxs Bazar, a foreign ministry spokesman said. Foreign minister Hassan Mahmud later said a strong note of protest was handed over to the envoy given the casualties and disturbances in Bangladesh caused by the armed conflicts on the Myanmar side of the border. We told him, this is completely unacceptable, Mahmud said. Coxs Bazars deputy commissioner (administrative chief) Mohammad Shaheen Imran said three frontier sub-districts of Naikhangchhari, Teknaf and Ukhia were asked to prepare for evacuating people to safety in view of the escalated conflicts. The upzaila (sub-district) administrations have been asked to launch the evacuation considering the field situation, he said. However, witnesses said many residents by now left their homes at several villages to safer places as the sound of constant fighting on the other side of the border continued. Tel Aviv (Israel), Feb 6 (AP) A ship travelling through the southern Red Sea was attacked by a suspected Yemen Houthi rebel drone early Tuesday, authorities said, the latest assault in their campaign targeting vessels over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The attack happened west of Hodeida, Yemen, and the projectile caused slight damage to the vessel's windows on the bridge, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. A small vessel had been nearby the ship before the attack, it added. The private security firm Ambrey identified the vessel as a Barbados-flagged, United Kingdom-owned cargo ship. No one was hurt onboard the vessel, which suffered minor damage, the firm said. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicions immediately fell on the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe. In recent weeks, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, backed by other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites for its attacks. The U.S. and Britain struck 36 Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday. An air assault Friday in Iraq and Syria targeted other Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan. The U.S. military's Central Command separately acknowledged an attack Monday on the Houthis, in which they attacked what they described as two Houthi drone boats loaded with explosives. American forces determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region, the military said. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels. (AP) NSA NSA Cairo, Feb 6 (AP) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Cairo on Tuesday for a meeting with Egyptian leaders that US officials said would concentrate mainly on the task of negotiating a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages held by the militants. Blinken's visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israel's stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Israel's defence minister has said Israel's offensive will eventually reach the town of Rafah, on the Egyptian border, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people have sought refuge and live in increasingly miserable conditions. UN humanitarian monitors said Tuesday that Israeli evacuation orders now cover two-thirds of Gaza's territory, driving thousands more people every day toward the border areas. Egypt has warned that an Israeli deployment along the border would threaten the peace treaty the two countries signed over four decades ago. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt has said it is determined to prevent. Blinken, who was meeting Tuesday with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, has said repeatedly that Palestinians must not be forced out of Gaza. During his latest trip, Blinken is seeking progress on a cease-fire deal, on potential normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and on preventing an escalation of regional fighting. On all three fronts, Blinken faces major challenges. Hamas and Israel are publicly at odds over key elements of a potential truce. Israel has dismissed the United States' calls for a path to a Palestinian state, and Iran's militant allies in the region have shown little sign of being deterred by US strikes. Egypt along with Qatar, where Blinken will be later Tuesday have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would lead to the release of more hostages in return for a several-week-long pause in Israeli military operations. The outlines of such a deal were worked out by intelligence chiefs from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel late last month and have been presented to Hamas, which has not yet formally responded. US officials said Blinken is hoping to get an update on Hamas' response to the proposal in both Cairo and Doha. Blinken will then travel to Israel to brief Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his War Cabinet on Wednesday about what he heard from the Arab leaders. As on his previous four trips to the Mideast since the Gaza war began, Blinken's other main goal is to prevent the conflict from spreading, a task made exponentially more difficult by stepped up attacks by Iran-backed militias in the region and increasingly severe US military responses in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the Red Sea that have intensified since last week. Blinken met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday evening, shortly after arriving in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Saudi officials have said the kingdom is still interested in normalising relations with Israel in a potentially historic deal, but only if there is a credible plan to create a Palestinian state. Blinken underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict, and he and the crown prince discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region, the State Department said in a statement. But any such grand bargain appears a long way off as the war still rages in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll from nearly four months of war has reached 27,478, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead have been women and children. The war has levelled vast swaths of the tiny enclave and pushed a quarter of residents to starvation. UN humanitarian monitors said Tuesday that Israel's evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip now cover two-thirds of the territory, or 246 square kilometers (95 square miles). The affected area was home to 1.78 million Palestinians, or 77% of Gaza's population, before Hamas' Oct 7 cross-border raid that ignited the war. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said in its daily report that the newly displaced only have about 1.5-2 liters (50-67 ounces) of water per day to drink, cook and wash. It also reported a significant increase in chronic diarrhea among children. Parents of babies face a particularly difficult challenge because of the high cost or lack of diapers, baby formula and milk. Zainab Al-Zein, who is sheltering in the central town of Deir al-Balah, said she had to feed her 2.5-month-old daughter solid food, such as biscuits and ground rice, well ahead of the typical 6-month mark because milk and formula were not available. This is known, of course, as unhealthy eating, and we know that it causes her intestinal distress, bloating and colic," al-Zein said. As you can see, 24 hours like this, she cries and cries continuously. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Israel crushes Hamas' military and governing abilities and wins the return of the 100-plus hostages still held by the militant group. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the attack and abducted around 250. More than 100 captives, mostly women and children, were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Meeting with troops on Monday, Netanyahu said Israel had defeated 18 of Hamas' 24 battalions, without providing evidence. We are on the way to absolute victory, and I want to tell you that we are committed to it and we will not give it up. (AP) SCY SCY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Islamabad, Feb 6 (PTI) Pakistan's election commission's new app to swiftly transmit and tabulate election results is in the crosshairs due to concerns raised by some officials about the possibility of manipulation of the software to impact the outcome of the polls on Thursday. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) prepared the Election Management System (EMS) app for transmission of results from each polling station to a centralised system where tabulation of all results would be completed by the Returning Offices, who are in charge of preparing and releasing the result of each constituency. The ECP is set to use the system on February 8 after claiming that the countrywide test run of EMS has been a success. However, two election officials in Sindh province have pointed out faults in the EMS after the second test run last week. Abdul Qadir Mashori, the Qambar assistant commissioner (AC) and Returning Officer (RO) for National Assembly seat NA-197 (Qambar-Shahdadkot-II); and Usman Khaskheli, the Bakrani AC and RO for PS-12 (Larkana-III) seat of Sindh Assembly, have written letters to their superiors, conveying almost identical issues regarding the EMS. Mashoris letter, which emerged on Sunday, was sent to the Qambar-Shahdadkot district returning officer on February 3. Mashori told the Dawn newspaper that the issues he had pointed out were later resolved and that he had conveyed the same in a follow-up letter. Mashori in his letter has stated that the data regarding duties assigned to polling officials were uploaded to the EMS, which was later found missing. This weakness of [the] system has created many issues and also raises [a] question mark on the reliability and validity of the software. The official expressed apprehension that either the system was an utter failure or was being controlled by someone. The report also quoted sources confirming that Khaskheli also wrote a similar letter addressed to the Larkana district returning officer (DRO). The ECP through a letter addressed to all four provincial election commissioners issued standard operating procedures and guidelines to hold a mock exercise of EMS on January 26, according to a report by the Dawn newspaper. Senator Taj Haider, in charge of the election cell of the Pakistan Peoples Party through a letter of January 29, addressed to the ECP, expressed concern about the possible misuse of EMS. We have the honour to bring to your notice our serious objections to the introduction of a completely new and unfamiliar application (EMS Mobile App) for electronic transmission of Result of Count (Form 45) from Presiding Officers to Returning Officers, he wrote. After the criticism and complaints, the ECP had to come out in defence of the EMS, which has become the subject of a growing controversy. The ECP Secretary Syed Asif Hussain ruled out any possibility of manipulation while addressing a press conference on Monday. He said that the EMS would work even if the internet failed, as returning officers would still be able to compile all results offline. He said more than 60 ROs in remote areas had also been provided with satellite connectivity to keep them connected. Reporters also posed similar questions to the project director of the ECPs Project Management Unit (PMU), Colonel Saad. When asked about the possibility of the EMS being hacked and the results being manipulated to favour a specific political party, Saad said the system had all the security features of an international standard application and would run on a secure private network which would be accessible only to specific individuals on a pre-approved white list. On the allegation that the system may be manipulated, Saad said he had spoken personally with the returning officer who suggested that somebody else might be controlling the system. The problem faced by the RO has been resolved, he said. The project director, in response to a question, said it was not possible to provide a specific time for how long it may take to compile all results. He hoped, however, that all legal deadlines would be met and results would be completed by 10 am on the day after the elections (February 9). He further shared that the EMS had been tested five times at various levels, and minor glitches that were discovered had been addressed. The ECPs chief of IT section, Khizar Aziz, said that the EMS technology had been upgraded, and it had already been used in 40 elections. The National Operations Center, he pointed out, has been built under world standards, and several power backups have been created to keep it running during emergencies. Explaining how the process will work, Aziz said the presiding officers in each polling station will send compiled results to their returning officer through the EMS. If there is any issue in the delivery of results, the presiding officer will personally convey them to the returning officer, he assured, adding, The EMS will immediately detect any changes in the results. During the previous elections in 2018, the ECPs Result Transmission System (RTS) was clogged when thousands of polling stations began sending results from all parts of the country, causing delays in the announcement of results of some constituencies, which was exploited by the losing parties as allegedly conscious effort to rig the results. Senator Haider in his letter also pointed out the problems created due to the RTS in 2018. We apprehend that a situation similar to that of the failure of RTS in General Elections of 2018 can emerge which like General Elections 2018 will be used for massive rigging of the results besides causing long delays in compiling of the provisional results by the Returning Officers, he stated. With the elections just around a day away, the ECP is still trying to address the concerns regarding the EMS, which is not a good omen for the future of elections, observers opine. Washington, Feb 6 (PTI) Indian-American presidential aspirant Nikki Haley, the last remaining rival to Donald Trump in the Republican primary race, has sought US Secret Service protection, citing increasing threats she has received, according to media reports. Haley's campaign said he has applied for Secret Service protection but did not detail when the request for protection was made, CNN reported. The campaign also did not disclose any specific threats that prompted the request. The Secret Service provides protection only after it is authorised by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who consults with a congressional advisory committee. There were reports of two swatting incidents in recent months at 52-year-old Haleys home in South Carolina, one of which occurred while her parents were there. Haley, a South Carolina governor, currently uses personal security while campaigning. Local police are also present at events. Haley was recently asked about a heightened security presence at her events, telling reporters in Columbia, South Carolina, last week that when you do something like this, you get threats. Its just the reality, and thats OK. Part of running for public life is that youre going to deal with the threats that are there. Thats not going to deter me, Haley said at the time. Does it mean we have to put a few more bodies around us? Yes, thats fine. Haley has had a heightened security presence with her for roughly a week. Haley told the Wall Street Journal on Monday that her campaign has "had multiple issues." "It's not going to stop me from doing what I need to do," she said. Haley, who trails in opinion polls to Trump, 77, has been urged by the ex-president to exit the race and unify the party against Democrat Joe Biden. Secret Service protection is granted to "major" candidates under federal law, usually when they look certain to become their party's nominee. As a former US president, Trump gets Secret Service protection for life. In May 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama was placed under protection after a congressional committee recommended it, given the rising number of threats against him. Islamabad, Feb 6 (PTI) Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans wife on Tuesday petitioned a top court here against authorities' move to declare her residence as sub-jail and requested it to move her to the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, citing potential security issues. Bushra Bibi, 49, was imprisoned at Khan's Bani Gala residence here after an accountability court last week sentenced the couple to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana corruption case. She filed the petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against declaring her Bani Gala residence as sub-jail and instead moving her to Rawalpindis Adiala Jail, where Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is lodged too. Authorities had declared the Bani Gala residence a "sub-jail" to confine the former first lady at the request of Adiala jail superintendent, The News International newspaper said. Khan and Bushra were handed a 14-year jail term, each, when accountability court's Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict in the case related to the illegal sale of state gifts, thus called the Toshakhana corruption case. The court also disqualified the former prime minister for 10 years from holding public office besides imposing a fine of Rs 1.57 billion 787 million each on the couple. In the petition, Bushra said just like other political workers of PTI, she is ready and willing to serve her sentence in the Ordinary Jail Premises at Adiala Jail, Adiala rather than the declared sub-jail at her residence, the newspaper said. The reason that she gave was that she does not feel safe to be confined alone in the premises of the sub-jail due to the potential security issues. While the petitioner is in good health currently, however, there has been a movement of unidentified people in her house declared as a sub-jail by the Government thereby contributing to her sense of insecurity, The News International reported, quoting the petition. She said the special treatment afforded to her goes against the spirit of equality guaranteed under the Constitution and is consequently discriminatory. Thus, she pleaded with the court to set aside notification to declare her house sub-jail and shift her to Adiala Jail in the interest of justice, the newspaper added. Antakya (Turkiye), Feb 6 (AP) Millions of people across Turkiye on Tuesday mourned the loss of more than 53,000 friends, loved ones and neighbours in the country's catastrophic earthquake a year ago. To mark what it calls the Disaster of the Century", the government arranged a series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the disaster in southern Turkiye. In Antakya, the capital of the southern province of Hatay, angry crowds jostled with police as officials were led to the commemorations. Mayor Lutfu Savas was greeted with chants calling for him to resign, while Health Minister Fahrettin Koca was jeered and booed as he gave a speech. Amid the fog by the Orontes River, people chanted Can anyone hear me? echoing the voices of those buried under the rubble a year ago and We won't forget, we won't forgive." Some of us were buried alive, said Mustafa Bahadirli, a 24-year-old in Antakya. We called our government father' but the government left us without a father. We were abandoned for days and are still abandoned. Sebnem Yesil, 22, criticised both the government and opposition politicians such as Savas, the mayor. I think they have been extremely disrespectful, she said. It has been a year, they never came and now they're here for a ceremony .... You didn't hear our voices, you didn't help, at least let us grieve. After a moment of silence at 4:17 a.m. to mark the time the quake struck, carnations were tossed into the river in an act of remembrance and a local orchestra played a song to honour the victims. Hatay, which lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Syrian border, was the worst affected of the 11 southern provinces hit by the 7.8 magnitude quake. Including the 6,000 people killed in neighbouring Syria, the quake left more than 59,000 dead. Crowds in Adiyaman held a silent march, passing a clock tower that for the past year has shown the time of the earthquake. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later oversaw a draw for newly built homes in Kahramanmaras, the quake's epicentre, after inspecting the work being done to rebuild the city and rehouse thousands who remain in tents and pre-fabricated containers. Today, we are drawing lots for 9,289 houses in Kahramanmaras and handing over their keys, Erdogan said. He added that the government aims to deliver 200,000 homes across the quake zone by the end of the year. Then families that were picked out of the draw were called to the stage to receive the keys to their new homes from Erdogan. The ceremony was broadcast nationally. Earlier, in a social media post at 4.17 a.m., Erdogan said the loss from the disaster continues to burn our hearts as fresh as the first day, adding: Thank God, our nation has successfully passed this painful and historical test. Opposition politicians are also visiting the region, with the Republican People's Party leader Ozgur Ozel attending the commemorations in Hatay before travelling to Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras. Schools were closed for the day in many of the quake-affected provinces. In Malatya, the governor banned any marches or other public displays outside officially sanctioned events for three days. Meanwhile, Mads Brinch Hansen, head of the International Federation of the Red Cross delegation to Syria, told reporters in Geneva that there were few prospects for post-earthquake reconstruction in the war-battered country. We don't have the funding to even think of going into larger scale rehabilitation and reconstruction, he said. (AP) PY PY By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A door panel that flew off a Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet mid-flight on Jan. 5 appeared to be missing four key bolts, according to a preliminary report from U.S. investigators that provided the first official look into how the frightening mishap took shape. Lawmakers and the flying public have demanded answers to what caused the panel to fly off a brand-new Alaska Airlines-operated jet, in what has turned into a full-blown safety and reputational crisis for Boeing. "Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory," Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement. "We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers." The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes after the incident, most operated by U.S. carriers United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, for inspections. Those planes were cleared to return to service in late January and nearly all are flying again. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report released on Tuesday focused on how the panel - fitted into this MAX 9 model in place of an optional exit - could have detached from the plane. The plug is held down by four bolts and then secured by "stop fittings" at 12 different locations along the side of the plug and the door frame. Representative Rick Larsen, the top Democrat on the committee overseeing the FAA, said the "failure to re-install bolts on a safety-critical component of this 737 MAX 9 aircraft is a serious error that signals larger quality control lapses that must be corrected." The plug was manufactured by Spirit AeroSystems, a former Boeing subsidiary. The part was produced at Spirit's facilities in Malaysia and delivered to its Wichita, Kansas, facility in May 2023. It arrived at Boeing's assembly plant in Renton, Washington on Aug. 31. Story continues The report shows the panel had to be removed at Boeing's factory before being reinstalled. The initial findings released on Tuesday include photo evidence the bolts required to hold the plug in place appeared to be missing. The report found the panel was first removed to repair rivet damage logged by Boeing workers on Sept. 1, a day after the panel arrived in Renton. Investigators are still trying to determine what documentation was used to authorize the opening and closing of the plug during the rivet repair. The report raises questions about who initially installed the bolts and why the door's opening at Renton to correct the rivets was not properly documented, said U.S. aviation safety expert John Cox. "When was the last time those bolts were installed? Did Spirit not install them and then when Boeing opened it the guys didn't realize that they didn't have the bolts? Or did Boeing not install them? That is something that I don't think we have an answer for yet." Senator Tammy Duckworth, who chairs an aviation subcommittee, questioned the lack of paperwork about the removal or replacement of bolts. "It is a series of problems," Duckworth said in an interview. "What is going on between the maintenance and inspection teams... Holy cow - nobody noticed?" Boeing said it had "implemented a control plan to ensure all 737-9 mid-exit door plugs are installed according to specifications." The panel was found in a backyard in a suburb of Portland, Oregon, but the NTSB did not recover the bolts. The agency also did extensive tests and analysis to determine if they had been present before the crash or had come undone during the incident, it said. A photo in the report shows three visible locations where bolts are missing, with the fourth location covered by insulation. "Photo documentation obtained from Boeing shows evidence of the left-hand MED plug closed with no retention hardware (bolts) in the three visible locations," the report said. MED is short for "mid exit door." BOEING UNDER PRESSURE The incident has prompted regulators and lawmakers to ratchet up oversight of the jet manufacturer. The FAA in late January barred Boeing from expanding production of its 737 MAX planes due to the quality issues. That means it can continue producing MAX jets at its current rate, but it cannot increase that rate. "I certainly agree that the current system is not working, because it's not delivering safe aircraft," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker told lawmakers on Tuesday. "So we have to make changes to that." Boeing's Calhoun bowed to lawmaker pressure to drop a request for a temporary exemption from design rules for a different MAX model, and more hearings in Washington will be held, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell said on Tuesday. "The NTSB's preliminary report on the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident underscores how important quality assurance is from manufacturers and how important quality control inspections from both manufacturers and the FAA are to the safety process," she said. The FAA is about halfway through a six-week audit of 737 MAX manufacturing, which is looking at all elements of production at Boeing and fuselage production at its supplier Spirit. Spirit will invest in autonomous technology to limit any defects in its production of 737 fuselages, CEO Patrick Shanahan said on Tuesday following the company's earnings. Boeing shares closed up 1% on Tuesday. The stock has lost more than 20% of its value since the beginning of the year. Spirit shares ended up 5%. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by David Gaffen, Nick Zieminski, Matthew Lewis and Jamie Freed) London, Feb 6 (PTI) Prince Harry on Tuesday arrived here from the USA to be at King Charles' side after his father told him about his cancer diagnosis, raising hopes of a royal truce. The Duke of Sussex flew by a British Airways flight to London Heathrow alone leaving wife Meghan and children Archie and Lilibet at home in California. Harry boarded the 11-hour flight hours soon after Charles, 75, revealed he was ill, media reports said here. Charles is believed to be resting at Clarence House ahead of treatment, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi seen leaving after a visit in the morning. It is not known if Harry will stay in central London to be close to the King or stay at Windsor, most likely at the empty Frogmore Cottage. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that the King has begun outpatient treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. It was found during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate but is not connected to that condition, the palace said. Harry's transatlantic dash has raised hopes that his return to Britain can heal wounds with King Charles and a chance to reach out to his brother Prince William, the BBC reported. It will be seen as building bridges but that was already in process, with the prince calling his father for his 75th birthday in the autumn. The tension always seemed to be more with his brother and the tabloid press, rather than his father, it said in an analytical piece. The Duchess of Sussex is believed to be at their Montecito mansion with children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, despite the threat of floods due to extreme weather in California this week. Copenhagen, Feb 6 (AP) A Russian man who reportedly defected from a high-ranking position in the Wagner Group has been given permission to stay in Norway but was refused permanent asylum, a Norwegian newspaper reported on Tuesday. The lawyer for Andrey Medvedev, Brynjulf Risnes, told Dagbladet that his client was granted temporary residence due to the security risk involved in sending him back to Russia, but wasn't given permanent residence or citizenship. The Associated Press was unable to contact Risnes on Tuesday. Medvedev sought asylum in January 2023 after having defected from Wagner and fled to Norway, crossing illegally over the country's 198-kilometer (123-mile) border with Russia, saying he feared for his life if he were sent back. Medvedev said he agreed to join the Wagner Group a private Russian military company known for its brutal tactics from July to November 2022, but he left after his contract was extended without his consent. He reportedly told Russian dissident group Gulagu.net that he was ready to tell everything he knew about Wagner and its owner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a millionaire with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he was willing to testify about any possible war crimes he witnessed, though he denied participating in any himself. In April 2023, Medvedev was sentenced to 14 days in jail in Norway for disorderly conduct and for carrying an air gun in a public place. Officers had detained Medvedev outside a pub in Oslo following a February bar brawl. A private military company, Wagner staged with its founder Prigozhin a brief rebellion against the Kremlin and marched on Moscow in June 2022. The mutiny ended with a deal that saw the relocation of Wagner troops to Belarus. Two months later, Prigozhin and several of his top associates were killed in a plane crash that was widely seen as the Kremlin's revenge. (AP) PY PY Islamabad, Feb 6 ( PTI) Poll-bound Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday assured a delegation of international observers that despite numerous challenges, the best possible arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and seamless conduct of the general elections on February 8. The elections are taking place for 336 seats in the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, along with four provincial assemblies. About 18,000 candidates are in the race for the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Kakar while talking to the delegation of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), led by Nigerias former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, said the country was proud to honour its commitment as a commonwealth member state by inviting independent international observers to witness the general elections. A statement issued by the PM Office said the meeting was part of the COGs interaction with various stakeholders before the upcoming election. The statement said the prime minister highlighted that the caretaker government had fulfilled its responsibilities to run the day-to-day affairs of the State and create a conducive environment ahead of the elections. Now it is the turn of the people of Pakistan to exercise their democratic right to vote, he added. More than 120 million people are eligible to exercise their right to vote on February 8. Jonathan, who called on Kakar on Tuesday, also conveyed the best wishes of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland. He said the COG delegation would visit various polling sites nationwide to observe the election process. About 100 foreign observers are in the country to monitor the elections being held amidst the deteriorating law and order situation. In a bid to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections, Pakistan Army troops have left for election duty in various districts across the country. The purpose of deploying the army is to support the civil government during the general elections and ensure the transparency of the electoral process and the law-and-order situation. Military personnel will be deployed outside the polling stations on the third tier for security so that any emergency can be dealt with promptly. Police will provide first-tier security while Civil Armed Forces will provide second-tier security during the polling. Washington, Feb 6 (PTI) The sale of General Atomics MQ9-B armed drones would provide India with an enhanced maritime security and domain awareness capability, the United States has said. Last week, the State Department informed the State Department of its decision to authorise the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion. The projected mega drone agreement was revealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic state visit here in June 2023. This sale, we believe, will provide India with an enhanced maritime security and maritime domain awareness capability, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at his daily news conference. It offers India outright ownership of these aircraft, and this is something that well continue to deepen our cooperation with our Indian partners on, Patel said. United nations, Feb 6 (AP) Russia accused the United States on Monday of aggression against Iraq and Syria aimed at preserving its global dominance and salvaging the Biden administration's image ahead of US elections. The US retorted that its military response to unjustified attacks by Iranian-backed proxies against American forces is not only legal but will continue. The exchange came at a contentious UN Security Council meeting called by Russia, Syria's closest ally, where both countries also said they did not want an escalation and spillover of the Israel-Hamas war. Many council members expressed fears of a growing Mideast conflict and urged de-escalation and stepped-up peace efforts. Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the US of violating international law and continuing to sow chaos and destruction in the Middle East. He said violence by the United States and its allies has escalated from the Palestinian territories to Lebanon, the Red Sea and Yemen and is nullifying international efforts to reestablish peace in the Middle East. He called on all countries to unequivocally condemn these senseless acts which violate the sovereignty of Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. The Russian ambassador claimed the United States is attempting to flex muscles ... to justify and salvage the image of the current American administration ... in the light of the upcoming presidential pre-election campaign. And he claimed the Americans were undertaking military action in an effort at any price to preserve their dominating position in the world. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood countered that the United States has an absolute right to self-defense against attacks on American forces and the actions it has taken were necessary and proportionate. He told the council that since Oct. 18, Iran-aligned militia groups have attacked US and coalition forces over 165 times in Iraq, Syria, and in a drone attack on a Jordanian facility hosting US forces fighting Islamic State extremists on Jan. 28 that killed three US Army members and injured many more. The US responded with 85 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Feb. 2 which both countries claimed resulted in civilian deaths, injuries and property destruction. They condemned the attacks as violations of their sovereignty as their ambassadors did again at Monday's council meeting. Wood stressed that the United States doesn't want more conflict in a region where it is actively working to contain and deescalate the conflict in Gaza." "And we are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran, Wood said But we will continue to defend our personnel against unacceptable attacks. Period. He accused Iran of failing to rein in its extremist proxies. The United States calls on the 14 other council members, especially those with direct channels to Iran, to press Iranian leaders to rein in their militias and stop these attacks, Wood said. They should also press the Syrian regime to stop giving Iran a platform to destabilize the region. Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani countered that all of the resistance group in the region are independent, and said they have legitimate rights to end the illegal US presence in Iraq and Syria, stop the killings in Gaza and end Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. Therefore, any attempt to attribute these actions to Iran or its armed forces is misleading, baseless and unacceptable, Iravani told the council, adding that Iran has never sought to contribute to a spillover of the conflict, has no military presence in Iraq and has military advisors in Syria at the government's invitation to fight terrorism. He rejected claims that Iranian bases in Iraq and Syria were attacked, calling the allegations unfounded and attempts to shift attention away from the U.S. aggressive actions. UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the council, urging all parties to heed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict. She reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and action to promote a political roadmap to peace in the region. China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun, a Russian ally, echoed her concerns about escalating tensions and actions, and pointed a finger at the United States. The US purports that it does not seek to create conflicts in the Middle East or anywhere else, but in reality, it does precisely the opposite, Zhang said. The U.S. military actions are undoubtedly stoking new turmoil in this region and further intensifying tensions. Algeria's UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, defended the sovereignty of Iraq and Syria and also said the US airstrikes are likely to further exacerbate the already precarious situation. It may potentially lead toward a further escalation, he warned, urging restraint and de-escalation. We firmly believe that force is not and will never be the means for peace and stability, Bendjama said.(AP) RUP RUP Kolkata, Feb 6 (PTI) BJP MLAs staged a protest inside the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday after Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay turned down their request for a discussion on the CAG report flagging misappropriation of MGNREGA funds in the House. Bandyopadhyay turned down the demand stating that the issue has no justification to figure in discussion in the House, following which saffron party legislators created a ruckus. BJP MLAs, including Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Whip Manoj Tigga and Siligurj legislator Shankar Ghosh raised anti-state government slogans and staged a walkout. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay told reporters in his assembly chamber that the BJP MLAs wanted the Speaker to suspend all their MLAs but he did not. BJP wanted our speaker to emulate the example of the Lok Sabha speaker who had ordered suspension of a large number of opposition MPs in Lok Sabha but he did not fall in the trap, the veteran TMC legislator said. He claimed the TMC government gave all backup statistics about spending MGNREGA funds since 2011 but "being a revengeful party BJP is bent on squeezing the rightful dues of the poor in Bengal. Chattopadhyay said the CAG had also indicted the Modi government for overspending in another report but "We hear those who had prepared the report are facing punitive action by the BJP. Adhikari, on the Assembly premises, told the media that instead of explaining its stand on the CAG report, the TMC government seems to be in "evasive mode". "Had they allowed the discussion, they could have given their version. The state finance minister could have issued a statement. The government is running away from the matter about gross misappropriation of MGNREGA funds in its rule," he said. The BJP on January 31 cited a CAG report to allege that "mother of all scams" to the tune of about Rs 2 lakh crore had taken place in the Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal. To the claim by the Mamata Banerjee government that the CAG flagged anomalies even in 2003 when the CPIM-led Left Front was in power, Adhikari said, "They could have mentioned this in the Assembly. Adhikari also said at the press meet that he has mailed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman certain documents on the alleged diversion by the state government of Rs 373 crore provided by the 15th Finance Commission. The fund was paid to clear electricity bills of municipalities instead of rural infrastructure development for which it was sent, claimed the BJP leader who had called on Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday. "Nirmala Sitharaman ji was stunned to hear about such diversion by the Mamata Banerjee government. She asked me to furnish details. I mailed her today with all documents including a letter by an IAS officer to the finance department," Adhikari said. TMC leader and Power Minister Aroop Biswas told reporters that he will not comment on such allegations and for any official comment, the state finance department should be contacted. MoS Finance (Independent charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya was not available for immediate reaction to Adhikari's claims. Lucknow, Feb 6 (PTI) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Tuesday opposed the tabling of the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Uttarakhand assembly, calling it an interference in religious matters. It also the questioned the relevance of the Bill when it exempts the tribal population of the state. As it sets out common provisions, the Bill effectively bans polygamy and halala - without naming them -- practiced among a section of Muslims. Marriages can be solemnised through separate rituals, like saptapadi, nikah and anand karaj, followed by different communities. "Basically, there is no use of such kind of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) when you are yourself saying that certain communities will be exempted from the Act. Then where is the uniformity? UCC means that the same laws should be implemented on each and every citizen of the state," Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, executive committee member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board told PTI. "Since we all know that we still have Article 25 of the Constitution (the freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion), each and every citizen has full constitutional right to follow his/her religion in day-to-day life. So, why are you interfering in religious matters? Because personal laws are the religious matters of each and every community," he said. The common civil code bill will become a law in Uttarakhand once it is passed by the BJP-majority House and gets the governors consent. This will be the first such move in any state after independence and it could be followed by similar legislations in other BJP-run states. The hill state's small tribal community is exempted from the proposed law, which also mandates registration of live-in relationships. Coming just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024 bill ticks off an important item on the BJP's ideological agenda of a common law on marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) India on Tuesday sent around 3.5 tonnes of aid, including medicines, to Zambia to help the country deal with an outbreak of cholera. Officials said the aid was sent in commercial cargo aircraft. "Following an outbreak of cholera in Zambia, India today sent humanitarian aid on commercial cargo aircraft," an official said. "The aid weighing approximately 3.5 tonnes comprises water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and hydration in the form of ORS sachets," he said. New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) DMK MP T R Baalu's remark against Union minister L Murugan in the Lok Sabha on Monday triggered a war of words with the BJP, which accused him of "insulting" a Dalit and demanded an apology from him. The DMK, in turn, termed the minister a "traitor" who spoke against the interests of his home state of Tamil Nadu. The exchange of barbs between the two sides began during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha and continued outside the House. During the Question Hour, the Lok Sabha witnessed noisy scenes over Baalu's remark against Murugan, with ministers and BJP MPs demanding an apology from the DMK MP for "insulting" a Dalit. As Baalu did not heed to the demand, Speaker Om Birla expunged the word from the records while DMK members along with Congress and Left MPs staged a walkout. The incident took place when the House was discussing a question related to the Tamil Nadu flood relief. After two of his party colleagues asked questions on the subject, Baalu posed a supplementary query to the minister. Murugan, the Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, said the DMK leader was asking an "irrelevant" question. Baalu repeatedly used a term against Murugan, triggering the war of words. Both Baalu and Murugan hail from Tamil Nadu, where the DMK is in power. Outside the House, Murugan told reporters that the DMK and its leader M K Stalin have no faith in social justice and they cannot accept the fact that a downtrodden person has become a minister. "They want to keep Dalits as their vote bank," he said. Speaking with reporters, DMK's Baalu and A Raja rejected the minister's charge that any unparliamentary term was used. Baalu said Murugan was a "traitor" who spoke against the interests of Tamil Nadu and added he described him as "unfit", which was not an unparliamentary word. Raja said even he was a Dalit and that there was no remark about Murugan's social background. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said dubbing Murugan as "unfit" when he only told Baalu not to ask "irrelevant" question was an insult to a Dalit minister. He said as the Congress was supporting the DMK on the issue, it should also explain its stand. "Is this your politics?" Meghwal asked. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said while he was not a witness to the episode, he was sure that the DMK had raised a legitimate demand. He said it was unfortunate that the BJP was giving it an "underhanded spin". New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) A parliamentary committee has urged the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to play role of an "honest broker" in resolving the contentious issue of ITO Barrage here by pro-actively engaging all stakeholders. In view of huge flooding in Delhi in July 2023, the Standing Committee on Water Resources in its 27th report "Review of Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Projects up to Delhi and River Bed Management in Delhi" said that in August it undertook a field visit to the ITO Barrage for an inspection of its role and working in flood management in the city. The panel was apprised that the Yamuna Barrage near ITO, Delhi across river Yamuna was constructed by the Haryana Irrigation Department during 1966-67 for the then Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking (DESU) for meeting cooling water requirement of Indraprastha Power Station and Rajghat Power House of Delhi Thermal Power Control Board (DTPCB). After construction of the barrage, its operation and maintenance were assigned to Haryana Irrigation Department, the committee said in its report. Indraprastha Power Station was decommissioned on December 31, 2009 and Rajghat Power House was also made non-operational in May 2015. "Since, this Barrage 87 was constructed to supply cooling water for the thermal power houses therefore, this barrage has no role in flood management in Delhi," the committee said. The function of the barrage is not for regulation of flood water. Further, the committee noted that the team of experts from CWC visited the Barrage in July 27 last year. "During the visit, it was observed that on that day some of the gates were in fully closed position/partially opened position. The main cause of non-functioning of these gates is heavy silting in and around the gates and poor maintenance of hydro-mechanical equipment. Rope connection to the gate or counter in some bays was detached," the panel said in its report. In this regard, the committee noted the submission of Haryana, according to which, the only reason of non-maintenance/over hauling of gates is attributed to failure of IPGCL authorities to provide maintenance and operation cost apart from capital investment as per requirement. "On the other hand, Delhi government believes that they have technical capability to operate and maintain ITO Barrage at present and can operate it in a better way as per requirement during the flood in Delhi territory," the panel said. However, in this regard, the Haryana government is referring to a decision taken in a meeting of 2015 wherein it was decided that supplies available at the barrage be considered for further distribution among Uttar Pradesh Haryana and Rajasthan at Okhla. "Hence, it is not feasible for Haryana to transfer the control of the barrage to Delhi," the committee said in its report. It further noted that a committee under the Chairmanship of Central Water Commission has been constituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation for joint flood management study of river Yamuna, for its stretch between Hathnikund and Okhla Barrage. One of the scopes of the study is to review the utility of ITO barrage in present context, it said. The committee stressed that this issue needs to be sorted out as early as possible for ensuring the safe operation of the barrage so that Delhi does not again become a victim of floodings as witnessed in the month of July 2023. "The committee urge upon the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to mediate in the matter and play the role of an honest broker in resolving this contentious issue between the concerned State Governments by pro-actively engaging all stakeholders," it said in the report. It also suggested that Bathymetric survey of Yamuna should be carried out once in five years or within a specified time period so that concern of silting of river bed could be addressed and clinical dredging could be done to accommodate the probable flood coming in the river. Amritsar, Feb 6 (PTI) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal Tuesday accused ministers of the AAP government in Punjab and party MLAs of creating their "mafias" to rob the state of its natural resources. The AAP leadership in Delhi, to the detriment of Punjab, was taking advantage of the state's resources and using it expand their party across the country, Badal said addressing public gatherings in Jandiala Guru and Baba Bakala as part of its 'Punjab Bachao Yatra'. Badal also claimed that a Delhi minister sat in a meeting of the budget committee of the Punjab government recently and termed it "shocking". "People are coming up to me and telling me that AAP ministers and legislators are indulging in illegal mining, besides coming in the way of drug smugglers' arrests". In a statement here, Badal claimed that some women came up to him and alleged that a legislator had formed his "own mafia" that had resulted in a sharp hike in sand prices. Sand, which was available for around Rs 15,000 per trolley during the SAD tenure, was now being sold for as much as Rs 60,000 per trolley, said Badal. The women also appealed to the SAD president to take up the cause of families whose children had fallen prey to drug overdoses, according to the statement. Badal said it was shocking that the AAP government was "harming" the interests of the common man by raising the cost of constructing homes. The Akali Dal chief accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of "selling off" Punjab's interests to Delhi. He claimed that it was "shocking" that recently a Delhi minister sat in a meeting of the budget committee of the government. This "remote control" of the Punjab government by Kejriwal and his "acolytes" was seen earlier also when Kejriwal's advisors attended cabinet meetings and also framed the excise policy of the state, he claimed. "All this proves that the AAP high command is milking the resources of Punjab to spread AAP's wings across the country to the detriment of Punjabis and their welfare," he said. Ayodhya (UP), Feb 6 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu arrived here on Tuesday to pay obeisance at the Ram temple with his cabinet colleagues, legislatures and officers. Khandu, who received a warm welcome at Maharshi Valmiki airport, told reporters that 70 people, including his cabinet colleagues, legislatures and officers have reached here to pay obeisance at the Ram temple. "We are very excited and will be paying obeisance at the temple. I came here two years ago also when the temple construction was going on. This is a matter of pride that after many complications, the temple has been constructed here after over 500 years," Khandu said. "The new temple is ready now and this is a good indication for the country. Ram Rajya has arrived," he added. When asked whether the Arunachal Pradesh government will construct its building here, Khandu said, "We have written to Yogi ji (Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) and will have our structure here." When asked about more details, he said that it has not been finalised yet. Jaipur, Feb 5 (PTI) Five kg of heroine worth Rs 35 crore in the international market was seized in a village in Rajasthan's Anupgarh district on Monday, officials said. The seizure was made by personnel of the BSF and Rajasthan Police following information from a farmer of the village along the zero line of the India-Pakistan border, they said. "Two packets having 5 kg heroine was recovered from 44 police station village during a search operation. This is a case of smuggling using drones. Action will be taken against the unidentified accused involved in smuggling of narcotics," Anupgarh SP Rajendra Kumar said. New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) The Delhi High Court Tuesday asked police to show the evidence against United Against Hate founder Khalid Saifi concerning his role in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 riots here to make out a case to deny him bail in the matter. Dealing with Saifi's plea seeking bail in the UAPA case pertaining to the conspiracy behind the riots, a bench headed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait told the Delhi Police counsel to "point out the case" against him instead of going through the entire material in the matter like it was a trial. "Point out the case -- the clinching material against him. What is his role? What is his conduct? In what manner he conspired, how was he part of the conspiracy," the bench, also comprising Justice Manoj Jain, asked. "The court is not sitting for a story," the bench remarked as it asked the counsel representing the Delhi Police to produce the case diary before it on the next hearing. After going through an allegedly incriminatory speech delivered by Saifi, the court also asked the counsel to state "what was wrong" and how the "sovereignty and integrity of the country" was harmed by his conduct. Khalid Saifi and several others have been booked under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the February 2020 riots in north-east Delhi that left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. The violence erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Saifi filed the present plea seeking bail in 2022. His plea was earlier heard extensively by a division bench headed by Justice Siddharth Mridul, who was last year appointed the chief justice of the Manipur High Court. Special public prosecutor Amit Prasad on Tuesday submitted that before the communal violence broke out in February 2020, several people, including the present accused, student activists Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwak and others, hatched a conspiracy to hold "disruptive chakka jams" and spread violence. Prasad relied on messages exchanged on certain WhatsApp groups to hold the accused accountable and urged the court to also consider the allegedly provocative speeches delivered by co-accused Imam. The court remarked that hearing a speech was not a crime and asked the police to specifically state the conduct of Saifi to make out a case to deny him the relief of bail. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Saifi, said no case was made out against him and told the court that three accused Asif Iqbal Tanha, Kalita and Narwal against whom the allegations are "graver" have already been granted bail by the high court. She said Saifi, who admitted to running a protest site in Khajuri Khas, has been in custody for four years and charges have not been framed in the trial court and he was a victim of custodial torture. "Allegations against the three who have been on bail for three years are far graver," John said, adding that the allegations against Saifi are based on "patently false statements". The court listed the matter for further hearing next week. The senior lawyer for Saifi argued before the earlier bench that the case against him was based on frightening and alarming phrases by the police and he could not be kept in indefinite incarceration. The Delhi Police has earlier opposed his bail plea, saying that its case against Saifi was not a figment of imagination and it was clear from the WhatsApp messages exchanged among the accused that protests against CAA and NRC had to be followed by chakka jam and then violence. Police refuted Saifis claim that he had no connection with co-accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, saying that the same was not borne from the material on record and his discharge in another riots case does not take us to a logical end to say that there was no evidence". On October 18, 2022, the court refused to grant bail to Umar Khalid in the same case, saying he was in constant touch with other co-accused and allegations against him were prima facie true. Bail pleas of several other accused in the matter, including Sharjeel Imam, are pending in the high court. New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) A 35-year-old man was killed after a scooty was hit by a garbage truck of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in southwest Delhi's Sagarpur area, police said on Monday. Police received information about the accident on Nala Road around 2 pm on Sunday, they said. There were two people on the scooty and after being hit by the MCD truck it skidded and the person riding pillion came under the truck's wheels, police said. Chandu (25), a resident of Chankya Place in Dabri, stated that the accident happened when they were going towards Nangal Raya via the Nala Road, an official said and added that Azauddin Alam was killed. The truck's driver Rajesh Ali (49) has been arrested under section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, police said. New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) JD(S) MP H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help resolve Karnataka's water crisis by building a reservoir with a capacity of 30 thousand million cubic feet. Participating in a discussion on the motion of thanks to the President's address, the former prime minister also requested Modi to include the state's Kadugolla community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. Deve Gowda said he had taken up the matter with Modi during their first interaction in the new Parliament building. He said the prime minister had assured him that it would be cleared. In his address, the JD(S) supremo also flayed the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of spending money on "unproductive" guarantees for short-term gains. He talked about an incident of an unemployed youth killing himself after he and his mother, returning home after he failed to land a job, were asked to get off a train for travelling without a ticket. "This is how guarantee works in Karnataka. They (the Congress) are going to have a big rally in Jantar Mantar. They have invited all of us to join the rally. With this kind of expenditure we are going to make on so many so-called guarantees -- unproductive, just short-term gains.... The prime minister's guarantee is something different, I know that," Deve Gowda said. A protest has been called against alleged discrimination against Karnataka in the interim Budget presented in Parliament last week. Congress member Syed Naseer Hussain interrupted the speech of Deve Gowda, saying the discussion is on the President's address and not on Karnataka. However, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar did not allow him to intervene during Deve Gowda's speech. The former minister said the drinking water problem in Karnataka is a major issue. With folded hands, Deve Gowda appealed to the MPs from neighbouring Tamil Nadu to allow the construction of a reservoir. "I appeal to the Hon'ble prime minister to see that something is done to solve the drinking water problem of Karnataka. That is what I would like to pray for and appeal to all the members of this House. Drinking water is a major problem," he said. "Everything that has been done by the PM, I wholeheartedly support. He has done magnanimous work," he said, praying for the prime minister's long life so he "lives for 100 years and serves his nation." Earlier, Trinamool Congress member Dola Sen accused the government of selling profit-making public sector undertakings (PSUs) and asked if it embodied the spirit of "atmanirbharta" (self-reliance). She also raised issues such as joblessness, plight of women in Manipur, and lower pension for government employees under the new pension scheme. Sen claimed that Centre owed West Bengal over Rs 1 lakh crore under various welfare schemes. Westerly, RI (02891) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High near 50F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. President Joe Biden on Sunday ticked through a list of reasons he says a second Donald Trump presidency would be a nightmare for the country as he urged Nevada Democrats to vote for him in the states presidential primary this week and for his party at large in November. Biden opened a campaign swing with a fundraiser where he focused on Trumps ample history of provocative statements his description of Jan. 6 rioters as hostages, his musing about a former top military officer deserving execution, his branding of fallen soldiers as suckers and losers, his wish to be a Day One dictator, his vow to supporters that I am your retribution, and more. Then it was on to a community center in a predominantly Black section of Las Vegas, where he told his crowd of several hundred that youre the reason well make Donald Trump a loser again. Biden said the stakes were huge when he took on Trump in 2020 what made America America, I thought, was at risk and they are even larger now as a likely rematch looms. He told donors at the private home in Henderson, Nevada, that if they came to Washington, hed show them the White House dining room table where Trump, according to ex-aides, sat transfixed for hours in front of the TV as the rioters hed fired up with his rhetoric stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. We have to keep the White House, he said., We must keep the Senate and win back the House. Accomplish that, he said, and we can say we saved American democracy. He was equally blunt in talking up his record at his subsequent rally where he implored voters to imagine the nightmare of Donald Trump. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded in kind, saying Biden has been a nightmare for this country in just three short years in the White House, and no amount of gaslighting will make Americans forget about all the misery and destruction he has brought. In Tuesdays Nevada Democratic presidential primary, Biden faces only token opposition from author Marianne Williamson and a few relatively unknown challengers. He won Nevada in November 2020 by fewer than 3 percentage points. But he came to Nevada to rouse voters for the fall campaign as well. The state known largely for its casino and hospitality industries is synonymous with split-ticket, hard-to-predict results. It has a transient, working-class population and large Latino, Filipino and Chinese American and Black communities . Nevada has a stark rural-urban divide, with more than 88% of active registered voters and much of its political power in the two most populous counties, which include the Las Vegas and Reno metro areas. In 2022, Democrats successfully defended their Senate seat and lost the governors office. The six constitutional officers elected statewide are split evenly among Democrats and Republicans. The narrow victory of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto helped Democrats party keep control of the Senate for the remainder of Bidens current term. Working in Bidens favor this year is the vast Democratic operation built by the late Sen. Harry Reid. The Reid Machine has for years trained operatives and retained organizers and is partially why, despite Nevadas status as a purple state, Democrats have won every presidential election here since 2008. But early signs show Biden could have more ground to make up than in past races. Voters are largely dissatisfied with the likely Biden-Trump rematch. A New York Times/Siena poll from November put Bidens approval rating at 36% in Nevada. I know from my reelection, the issues that matter to Nevadans are still those kitchen table issues, Cortez Masto said in an interview. Biden has built his reelection campaign around the theme that Trump presents a dire threat to U.S. democracy and its founding values. The president also has championed the defense of abortion rights, recently holding his first big campaign rally, in Virginia, where the issue energized Democrats who won control of the states House of Delegates. Biden also promotes his handling of the economy, arguing that his policies have created millions of jobs, combated climate change and improved American competitiveness overseas. But polls suggest many voters arent giving his administration credit. The Democratic National Committee recently announced a six-figure ad buy in Nevada and South Carolina, where Biden won the leadoff primary Saturday. The ads are meant to boost enthusiasm among Black, Asian American and Latino voters statewide, including radio, television and digital ads in Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog, and a billboard in Las Vegas Chinatown. As early voting began a week ago in Nevada, Trump asserted without evidence during a campaign rally in Las Vegas that he was the victim of the Biden administrations weaponizing law enforcement against him. Trump has been indicted four times and faces 91 felonies. Dan Lee, an associate professor of political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said that for Biden, the map says he has to hold on to Nevada. The Republican presidential primary is also Tuesday but the state GOP is holding caucuses on Thursday to allocate delegates. Trump is competing in the caucuses; rival Nikki Haley opted to stay on the nonbinding primary ballot. (AP) The NYPD has arrested seven individuals, including several illegal immigrants, in the Bronx as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle a crew linked to a spate of cell phone robberies across New York City. The operation, conducted in the Allerton section, targeted an apartment used as the hub for the citywide robbery pattern. Authorities have tied the group to a sophisticated operation involving thieves on scooters who target unsuspecting New Yorkers, snatching their cell phones directly from their hands. The stolen devices are then hacked to access victims banking and financial apps. Surveillance footage released by the NYPD captures harrowing scenes of suspects on scooters dragging victims across sidewalks to steal their phones, bags, and wallets. Police say that the suspects, many of whom reside within the migrant shelter system, utilized social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp to coordinate their activities. The crime network operates with a clear division of labor, with scooter drivers and phone snatchers earning up to $600 per stolen phone. The raid, which took place on Monday, saw police officers storming into an apartment at 2790 Bronx Park East, which was believed to be the stash house or headquarters of the operation, and was linked to more than a dozen suspects involved in over 62 robbery incidents across the city, including the transit system. These individuals do not have a license to steal in our city, said Mayor Eric Adams, who accompanied police at the site of the raid. Mayor Adams also noted the NYPDs efforts in combating illegal moped and scooter use, stating that more than 2,500 units were seized last year, marking a 74% increase from the previous year. This is a national problem. We need a national solution, on both sides of the aisle, Adams added. Republicans have blocked real immigration reform for many years. It is time for us to deal with this real issue thats impacting cities, not only New York, Adams said. This is a national problem thats impacting cities. And our message is a clear one: Over 175,000 migrants and asylum seekers that have arrived here. This is 12 people. So any New Yorker that looks at those who are trying to fulfill their next step on the American dream as criminals, that is wrong. That is not what were seeing. The overwhelming number of migrants and asylum seekers want to work. They want to contribute to our society. They believe we have put a pause on their progression on contributing to our society. We should not in any way take these criminals and state that they are the indicators of the people who are here. This is not about migrants and asylum seekers. Its about criminals who committed a crime. And we would treat criminals the same if theyre longstanding New Yorkers, or if they just arrived here last year. These are criminals that we brought to justice, Adams said. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) During the peak of the pandemic, senior aides from the Biden administration invited Amazon representatives to the White House for discussions regarding the presence of propaganda and misinformation in books available on Amazons platform. These books were critical of the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. In March 2021, White House officials engaged in a week-long dialogue with Amazon, expressing concerns about books that promoted vaccine misinformation. They inquired about possible actions Amazon could take to reduce the visibility of such titles. These communications were revealed through emails released by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican. The campaign to pressure Amazon was led by Andy Slavitt, who served as Mr. Bidens senior adviser on the COVID-19 task force. This effort appeared to yield results, as on March 9, 2021, the same day Amazon agreed to meet with White House officials, the company implemented a do not promote policy for books primarily designed to persuade readers that vaccines were unsafe or ineffective. Amazon also explored measures to decrease the prominence of other COVID-related books that clashed with the White Houses perspective. Its worth noting that Amazon was not only concerned about the White Houses stance. Internal emails from Amazon raised concerns about negative stories by BuzzFeed News that highlighted books questioning vaccines available on the platform. Amazon was quick to respond when contacted by top Biden advisers regarding problematic books. In an email dated March 12, 2021, an Amazon official mentioned feeling pressure from the White House Taskforce to reduce the visibility of books critical of the vaccine. In anticipation of the March 9 meeting at the White House, Amazons talking points included clarifying whether White House officials were requesting the removal of books or were more focused on search results and order placement. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to promote the COVID-19 vaccine, it is acknowledged that the vaccine does not guarantee immunity from illness or virus transmission. Medical professionals have identified myocarditis, inflammation of the heart, as a recognized complication of the vaccine, particularly among adolescents and young men. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global hub for the defense industry, the World Defense Show 2024 opened in Riyadh on February 4 with participation from over 773 exhibitors representing 75 countries. Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and on behalf of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of GAMI, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the exhibition. This second edition of the event, organised by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) from February 4 to 8, 2024, features numerous government entities and leading local and international companies in the defense and security sector. Touring the show, Prince Khalid viewed the aerial displays, static aircraft exhibitions, and ground equipment in the display area. World-class event This royal endorsement of the exhibition underscores the kingdom's leadership's dedication to hosting a a world-class event that ranks among the top defense and security exhibitions globally. It also affirms Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global centre for organising exhibitions across all fields. Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, expressed his profound gratitude to the royal family for their unlimited support. This support enhances the kingdom's strategic independence and directly serves the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 which aims to localise 50% of defense expenditure. He noted that the kingdom has begun to reap the benefits of this support, with localisation rates increasing from 4% to 13.6% at the end of 2022. The number of foundational permits and licences reached 477 permits for 265 companies operating in the defense industries sector, alongside the launch of over 74 investment opportunities for supply chain localisation. The sector's contribution to the GDP is expected to reach approximately SR93.75 billion ($25 billion) by 2030, with an estimated total of 40,000 direct job opportunities and 60,000 indirect job opportunities. (Bloomberg) -- The US will impose visa restrictions on individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware, according to a State Department announcement. Most Read from Bloomberg Spyware is a type of surveillance technology used to hack into mobile phones. Its typically sold to law enforcement and government agencies for the stated purpose of catching criminals and terrorists. But critics say the technology is often misused to target government critics, rights activists, journalists and others. The Biden administration has previously said more than 50 of its own diplomats and other US personnel on three continents were successfully targeted by spyware overseas. Last year, it issued an executive order banning government agencies from using commercial spyware in several instances. In 2021, the US Commerce Department blacklisted Israels NSO Group and Candiru because government customers were using the tools for malicious purposes. Read More: US Bars Agencies from Buying Spyware from Blacklisted Companies A senior administration official who requested anonymity to preview a coming announcement could not say what impact the visa restrictions might have but described travel to the US as an important element for those involved in the misuse of the technology. The official described the new visa ban policy as an important new step and one of several tools the US government is using to limit commercial spyware. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Security at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains fragile amid worrying recent staff cuts enacted by Russian authorities occupying the facility, which is one of the 10 biggest atomic power plants in the world, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief said Tuesday. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, who is in Kyiv, told The Associated Press that his upcoming visit to the plant as the war approaches its two-year milestone will aim to assess the impact of recent personnel reductions after Russia denied access to employees of Ukraines Energoatom. This huge facility used to have around 12,000 staff. Now, this has been reduced to between 2,000 and 3,000, which is quite a steep reduction in the number of people working there, Grossi said. To man, to operate these very sophisticated big installations you need a certain number of people performing different specific functions. So far the situation is stable, but it is a very, very delicate equilibrium, he said. So this is why I need to see for myself what is the situation, what are the prospects in terms of staffing, medium-term and long-term as well. Grossis visit coincided with the arrival in the Ukrainian capital of the European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who said he was there to discuss military aid and financial support as well as Ukraines ambition of joining the bloc. The 27 EU countries agreed last week to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in support for its ailing economy. But the EUs military backing is falling short, leaving Ukraines forces grappling with ammunition shortages while Russia uses its economic muscle to keep up the pressure with probing ground and air attacks. At the same time, a question mark remains over further help for Ukraine from the United States, its biggest supplier. That has made the early months of this year a critical juncture for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated he is mulling a broad shake-up of the countrys leadership to bring fresh energy to the fight. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the Zaporizhzhia facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Rossi said he would also check the stability of the facilitys cooling function in the wake of the Kakhovka Dam collapse over the summer, and the presence of mines in and around the plant. The plant suffered yet another blackout last month, highlighting continuing nuclear safety concerns as battles rage nearby. All these things tell us that the situation in Zaporizhzhia continues to be fragile and it requires constant care, Grossi said. Of particular concern is the Russian decision to block access for Ukrainian staff employed by Kyivs national operator, who refused to sign contracts with the Russian operator at the site. The staff working at the plant now are former Energoatom workers who adopted Russian citizenship and signed new contracts with Russias operator at the site. Reasons for the staff reduction vary. Some workers fled, many didnt want to remain in occupied territory and those who decided to remain did not want to work for Russia. Some did continue working, and my Russian counterparts are telling me that they are signing up more and more people. So its something that we need to check, said Grossi. The plants six reactors have been shut down for nearly 18 months and produce no electricity but still hold large amounts of nuclear fuel that must be cooled. The collapse of the dam in June jeopardized access to the reservoir where water was drawn for cooling. To compensate, the plant administration dug wells. Now we want to see how this has evolved, Grossi said. He is to meet with Ukrainian officials before heading to the plant. He is also due to travel to Moscow for talks with officials there. Access to the entire plant facility for IAEA experts permanently based there is still limited, with Russian authorities denying requests to see certain areas. Grossi confirmed his team observed anti-personnel mines in some areas of the plant, another cause for concern that he needs to see with his own eyes. He added, however, that the mines appear to be placed between the two perimeter fences. We say mines at a nuclear power plant are not advisable, but what we see is that the placement and the type of mines would not pose an immediate danger to the facility. (AP) The new chief of the Federal Aviation Administration says the agency will use more people to monitor aircraft manufacturing and hold Boeing accountable for any violations of safety regulations. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker is expected to face a barrage of questions Tuesday about FAA oversight of the company since a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner over Oregon last month. Separately, investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to release a preliminary report on the Jan. 5 incident as early as Tuesday. Whitaker is scheduled to testify before the House Transportation Committee. Leaders of the committee spelled out questions they want answered, including whether FAA found persistent quality control lapses at Boeing before the accident, and any since then. No Boeing representatives are scheduled to testify. Boeing and the FAA have been under renewed scrutiny since last months incident on an Alaska Airlines Max 9. Criticism of both the company and its regulator go back to deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019 of Max 8 jets in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people. The FAA provided excerpts of Whitakers written testimony ahead of Tuesdays hearing. He vowed that FAA will take appropriate and necessary action to keep the flying public safe. Without giving specifics, Whitaker said the FAA will increase staffing to monitor aircraft manufacturing, and we will consider the full extent of our enforcement authority to ensure Boeing is held accountable for any non-compliance with regulations. After the incident on the Alaska jet, the FAA grounded most Max 9s for three weeks until panels called door plugs could be inspected. FAA also said it wont let Boeing increase the production rate of new Max jets until it is satisfied with the companys safety procedures. On Sunday, Boeing, which is based in Arlington, Virginia, disclosed that improperly drilled holes in the window frames will require the company to rework about 50 planes before they can be delivered to airline customers. (AP) 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) Defense Minister Yoav Gallant provided an update Monday on the status of Hamass leadership in Gaza, stating that key figures, including Yahya Sinwar, are constantly on the run. Sinwar goes from hideout to hideout, is unable to communicate with his surroundings, and in recent days, IDF troops have found significant materials in the places where he had recently been, and thanks to them, we are deepening our grip on Hamass plans, Gallant said. Gallant also highlighted internal discord within Hamas, noting differences between officials within the Gaza Strip and those positioned abroad, a situation he describes as demonstrating panic and distress among the groups ranks. Sinwar does not lead the campaign, does not command the forces. He is busy with his personal survival. He turned from the head of Hamas into a fugitive terrorist, and IDF forces continue to pursue him, Gallant added. Further elaborating on the strategy to dismantle Hamass control over the Gaza Strip, Gallant emphasized the need for a political solution to the military conflict. He argued that only through establishing a political alternative can the end of Hamass governance be ensured. Only the advancement of a political alternative will ensure the end of Hamass rule. There will be no civilian Israeli control in the Strip. This is the time to make the right decisions so that we can meet the political goals we have set, Gallant said, suggesting a strategic shift towards a solution that extends beyond military action. This comment has been interpreted by Hebrew media as an implicit critique of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus stance on the issue, indicating potential divisions within the Israeli government on the best approach to secure long-term peace and stability. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An Instagram post depicting an IDF soldier standing over a bound and wounded Hamas terrorist in Gaza has sparked anger from the US State Department, with spokesman Vedant Patel describing the footage as deeply troubling. I have no knowledge or information as it relates to the circumstances surrounding that incident, Patel said, but despite acknowledging that he has no idea what was happening in the picture, went on to admonish the IDF. I will leave it to the IDF to speak to those specific situations, but we have been clear to them that the respect for basic human rights, that humanitarian law needs to be respected and that those who do not comply need to be held accountable, Patel said. The soldier, Yossi Gamzoo, deleted the post and his Instagram account after facing backlash from pro-Palestinian accounts accusing him of torturing the terrorist. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An attempted terror attack occurred on Tuesday morning on the Meirav kibbutz in the Gilboa area of northern Israel. Terrorists opened fire at a house on the kibbutz and then fled the scene. BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries but the house was damaged. Following the attack, the kibbutz issued a statement saying: Good morning. The fire at the Meirav kibbutz from the village of Jalbun has resumed. A short while ago, there were several bursts of gunfire at the kibbutz that damaged one of the houses. Miraculously no one was injured. Residents said: The shooting was directed at a private home. If the resident hadnt laid on the floor, he would have paid with his life. We have no intention of continuing to do nothing and wait for a real disaster. The writing and also the bullets are on the wall. The next victim is only a matter of time. Later, the owner of the home that was hit, Oren Haniv, told Reshet Bet that he found one of the bullets in his living room, only centimeters away from where his daughter was sitting. We live only 300 meters away from Jalbun. Who can promise us that tomorrow morning, they wont chalilah break through the security fence and enter the kibbutz? We cant sleep at night. The IDF stated: Security forces who were in the area responded by opening fire toward the source of the shooting. The forces are carrying out searches in the area and launched a manhunt for the terrorists. A few months ago, following a number of shooting incidents from Jalbun at Meirav, eight members of the kibbutz decided to cross the separation fence and enter the village and hold a protest. IDF forces were called and led the kibbutznikim out of the Palestinian village. Later, in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF, a 32-year-old resident of Jalbun was arrested on suspicion of having carried out the shooting attacks at Meirav. Another resident, affiliated with ISIS, who had previously been arrested for terror-related activities, was also arrested. Meirav is located north of the Green Line, separating Israel from the Shomron, and until last year, the area was rarely targeted by terrorists. That changed in April 2023, when four homes on the religious kibbutz of Maale Gilboa were hit by gunfire. In May, terrorists from Jenin fired across the Green Line at the Gan Ner yishuv in the Gilboa area. Then in the summer months, Jenin terrorists repeatedly fired rockets at yishuvim in the northern Shomron. In September, the IDF carried out a counterterrorism operation in Jenin and arrested three Hamas terrorists responsible for the rocket attacks as well as shooting and IED attacks. Less than a week later, Jenin terrorists launched another rocket attack at a Jewish yishuv in the northern Shomron. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A terrorist attempted to carry out a shooting attack against IDF soldiers in the Shomron on Tuesday afternoon. The terrorist, armed with a gun, approached an IDF post outside Shechem. Fortunately, before he could open fire, an IDF reserve soldier shot and neutralized him. A pistol and knife were found on the terrorists body. Baruch Hashem, no Israeli security forces were injured in the incident. Earlier on Tuesday, terrorists opened fire at a house on the Meirav kibbutz in the Gilboa area of northern Israel. One of the bullets entered the home and narrowly missed hitting a young girl. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) An IDF reserve soldier who was seriously injured in Gaza contracted a fungal infection and is currently hospitalized in critical condition at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. The soldiers family asked for help on social media to obtain an experimental drug that could ameliorate his condition. Representatives of Pfizer responded to the request and aided the family in obtaining the drug from Ireland. Channel 12 News reported on Tuesday morning that the drug was expected to arrive in Israel at noon. This is the third time that Pfizer helped bring the medication to Israel. The two previous times, the treatment was successful in curing the fungal infection. In December, an IDF soldier passed away after contracting the same fungal infection in Gaza. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, announced on Tuesday night, that Hamas has submitted its response to a proposal concerning a hostage deal after delaying it for nearly a week since negotiations took place in Paris. The Qatari Prime Minister expressed optimism about the direction of the discussions but did not disclose the specifics of Hamass reply, noting only that it included several comments and has been forwarded to Israel. Hamas has outlined its demands for a deal, insisting on a permanent cessation of hostilities, lifting the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, the enclaves reconstruction, and the release of Palestinian security prisoners. These demands are non-starters for Israel. In its statement, Hamas claimed to approach the proposal with a positive spirit, seeking a comprehensive and complete ceasefire along with guarantees for relief, shelter, reconstruction, lifting the Gaza blockade, and completing a prisoner exchange. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he is currently reviewing Hamass response. Blinken, who announced this during a press conference in Qatar, plans to discuss the developments with Israeli officials during his visit to the country on Wednesday. He maintains that while substantial work remains, reaching an agreement is both possible and crucial. US President Biden described Hamass response as a little over the top but acknowledged that negotiations are continuing. He confirmed some progress in the talks, characterizing the situation as an ongoing negotiation with Hamass demands being somewhat excessive. Triodos Bank UK has launched a thematic fund investing in companies that it says will improve the wellbeing and development of children worldwide. The Triodos Future Generations Fund invests in 34 small and medium-sized listed companies that fit into one of the fund's five themes. Each company is focused on either health and wellbeing, education, equal opportunity, access to basic services, or safety. Triodos Bank UK launches its Future Generations fund which will invest in companies focused on children's wellbeing Nearly a quarter of the fund is held in healthcare, followed by consumer staples and consumer discretionary companies. The fund's top holding is Hologic, a US-based company that develops, manufactures and supplies diagnostic products focused on women's wellbeing. Other portfolio companies include US education services provider Stride and Sobi, a Swedish company focused on treatments for rare diseases. Fund manager Sjoerd Rozing said: 'An increasing number of companies are no longer just looking at shareholder value, but at the interests of all stakeholders. 'We believe future generations belong on that list of stakeholders, and this is why the fund has been set up to support that long-term vision.' The Future Generations Fund has been open to European investors and UK institutional investors since March 2022. Now it will be available to UK investors through investment platforms, or directly from Triodos Bank, where it can be included within a Stocks and Shares Isa. Top holdings US diagnostic company Hologic (4.36%) (4.36%) US software company Gen Digital Inc (4.01%) (4.01%) US education provider Stride (3.95%) (3.95%) US medical device company Cooper Companies (3.82%) (3.82%) US cloud computing provider Blackbaud (3.8%) Investors can put in as little as 25 per month and Triodos will charge 0.4 per cent on a balance of up to and including 250,000 per annum. It will charge 0.2 per cent on balances of 250,000.01 and over and there is an ongoing charge of 1.1 per cent. It is the fourth Triodos fund to be made available to UK retail investors, joining its global equities impact fund, pioneer impact, and sterling bond fund. Appetite for environmental, social and governmental (ESG) funds has waned in recent years, as poor performance and claims of greenwashing pushed investors to look elsewhere. Recent figures from Calastone showed global investors pulled 8billion from ESG funds in 2023, and 940million in the UK alone. But unlike other ESG funds, Triodos Future Generations said it will donate 0.1 per cent of the fund's net asset value to support Unicef's 'building bricks for the future' programme in Cote d'Ivoire. This donation does not affect the results of the fund, says Triodos. Sandra Visscher, executive director UNICEF Luxembourg, said: 'While children account for nearly one-third of the world's population, investors' human rights policies seldom reflect the special considerations businesses need to make to respect children's rights. 'We believe that this collaboration helps to put children's rights more clearly on the investor agenda and encourage integration of children's rights into ESG decision-making processes across the investor world. 'We believe that this collaboration helps to put children's rights more clearly on the investor agenda and encourage integration of children's rights into ESG decision-making processes across the investor world.' BP has followed rival Shell in revealing a sharp fall in profits in 2023, reflecting a significant drop in oil and gas prices. The oil supermajor reported a $13.8billion (11billion) underlying replacement cost profit for last year, compared to a record $27.7billion (22.1billion) the previous year. New boss Murray Auchincloss has opted to hold firm on BP's green spending plans for now, but the group has lined up fresh shareholder payouts in an effort to boost its share price and pacify disappointed investors. Strong results: Oil supermajor BP reported a $13.8billion (11billion) underlying replacement cost profit in 2023, compared to a record $27.7billion (22.1billion) the previous year BP's 2023 profits were still far stronger than pre-pandemic levels, while net debt dipped by around $510million to $20.9billion and surplus cash flow totalled $7.9billion. It also achieved a better-than-expected performance in the final three months of 2023, posting underlying profits of $3billion (2.4billion) against analyst forecasts of $2.8billion (2.2billion). Following the result, the FTSE 100 firm has unveiled a $1.75billion share buyback and promised to return $3.5billion to shareholders during the first half of 2024. In addition, BP declared a 10 per cent hike in its fourth-quarter dividend to 7.27 cents per share. Chief executive Auchincloss, who replaced Bernard Looney at the beginning of the year, said: 'Looking back, 2023 was a year of strong operational performance with real momentum in delivery right across the business.' BP shares jumped 6 per cent to 481.25p on Tuesday morning, making them the blue-chip index's best performer, although they have flatlined over the past 12 months, while Shell shares have risen by around 4 per cent. Under previous boss Looney, BP rowed back on plans to cut oil and gas output amid concerns about energy security and affordability. However, Auchincloss has recently doubled down on the oil giant's green strategy despite vocal pressure from some investors as it continues to lag rival Shell. The London-based group expects underlying oil and gas production to rise this year but gas and low-carbon energy output to decline. And BP has held firm over capital expenditure for 2024 of approximately $16billion as it continues its transition plan. Capital expenditure is likely to stay at around $16billion a year until at least 2030. John Moore, senior investment manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin, said: 'Questions have been raised over its future direction and BP will need to strike a tricky balance of continuing to invest in its core energy business to deliver returns in the short term, while maintaining its long-term transformation.' Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown, added: The priorities of BPs new CEO Murray Auchincloss have been made clear. 'Although on appointment he pledged that BPs strategy to transition from an international oil company to an integrated energy company was unchanged, the big share buy-back announcement shows the immediate focus is on boosting the share price and returning value to shareholders.' Like BP, Shell announced a dividend uplift last week despite its annual profits also plunging due to tumbling petroleum and gas prices. Britain's largest oil business reported adjusted earnings decreased by 30 per cent - from a record 31.6billion in 2022 to 22.4billion last year, but these were still the two best results in the firm's history. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testifies about a federal budget proposal in Washington DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Treasury will send officials to China this week to discuss a range of economy issues, the NYT reported. Talks will revolve around business and market practices that have put the superpowers at odds. President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping agreed last year to communicate more on economic issues. The US Treasury is sending an envoy of department officials to China this week as the two superpowers seek to iron out economic tensions in line with agreements between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping made last year, The New York Times reported on Monday. The two days of bilateral talks will touch on a range of topics, including practices around government subsidies and concerns about flooding the market with cheap products. The discussions, which haven't been publicly announced yet, will also touch on China's status as one of the world's largest creditors to emerging markets economies and ways to help countries with their sovereign debt loads to allow them to invest in climate initiatives. Biden and Xi agreed last September to step up communication around economic issues to help ease what has been growing strain on the relationship between the two countries in recent years. Per the NYT, the Treasury group heading to Beijing will be led by Jay Shambaugh, the department's Under Secretary for International Affairs. The talk could lay the groundwork for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's second trip to China following her trip to the country last summer. Officials in China have been grappling with an ailing economy, prompting the government to mull a $278 billion rescue package to stabilize the stock market, a $140 billion liquidity injection to reenergize the banking system, and fresh measures to prevent further fallout in the property sector. China's excess capacity problems will also be discussed at the meeting, the NYT report says. The country's sluggish demand with oversupply, has affected various industries including chemicals, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and newer sectors like renewable energy. Story continues On top of that, officials from the two countries will discuss joint efforts to combat climate change, the report says. China's slower-than-expected recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the US has led to bearish calls from many forecasters on Wall Street, with property sector distress a particular focus. The real estate crisis deepened last week as Evergrande was ordered to liquidate by a Hong Kong court after years of attempts at restructuring. The upcoming meeting will be the first in Beijing for the economic working group established last September. In January, a Treasury delegation focused on financial matters held talks in Beijing. Read the original article on Business Insider VinFast model VF 8 (Photo: Business Wire) TORONTO, February 06, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VinFast Auto will attend the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), taking place February 16-25, 2024 in Toronto. VinFast will showcase its wide range of electric vehicles, reaffirming the Vietnamese automaker's research and development capabilities and its commitment to making electric mobility more accessible to global consumers. VinFast's booth will be located at M800-13, South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Visitors will be able to experience a broad range of VinFast's electric vehicles, including the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9, as well as the VF Wild, an electric pickup truck concept. Besides exploring the interior and exterior as well as the advanced technologies of the vehicles, visitors will be consulted and have their questions answered about products and services by VinFast's experts and enjoy Vietnamese coffee right at the booth. In addition to displaying its vehicles, VinFast will offer test drives of the VF 8 at the largest indoor electric vehicle test track in Canada, located within the CIAS convention space this year. Customers will be able to experience firsthand the luxury SUVs advanced technological features and ADAS driver assistance system. Ms. Tran Mai Hoa, Deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing, VinFast Global, said: "This is the second time VinFast is participating in CIAS, a prestigious and longest running auto show in Canada. With a broad range of electric vehicles designed to address different needs, VinFast aims to provide customers with many choices to easily access smart electric vehicles while contributing to the development of green transportation in Canada." CIAS is Canadas largest auto show, first held in 1974 in Toronto. This year's show is expected to feature over 1,000 vehicles from the world's leading auto brands and to attract over 350,000 visitors. Canada is one of VinFast's key markets in North America. The Vietnamese automaker currently has nine retail stores and service centers in major cities in Canada and aims to continue expanding its distribution and service network in the country in 2024. Story continues About VinFast VinFast a member of Vingroup envisions driving the advancement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90 percent automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Strongly committed to the mission of a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.ca View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206331140/en/ Contacts v.hoangvn2@vingroup.net BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen plans to keep investments in the coming five years stable at around 180 billion euros ($193.59 billion) between 2024 and 2028, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing three people familiar with the matter. The supervisory board had approved the investment plan but added a condition that the sum could be reduced if certain goals of the cost-cutting drive underway at Volkswagen's passenger car brand were not met, the report said. Volkswagen declined to comment on the report, stating further information would be shared at its annual results conference on March 13. The carmaker's last five-year plan announced in March 2023 also set investments at 180 billion euros through 2027, with over two-thirds allocated towards electrification and digitalisation. The Handelsblatt report indicated that the carmaker planned to stick to that spending pace even as it strives to cut costs across the Group to boost margins in the transition to an all-electric lineup. ($1 = 0.9298 euros) (This story has been corrected to add a missing word 'not' in paragraph 2) (Writing by Rachel More, Victoria Waldersee; Editing by Madeline Chambers) As the worlds richest individuals continue to accumulate staggering wealth, an alarming number of people face increasing financial hardships. In a comprehensive report by Oxfam, a global organization dedicated to battling inequality and poverty, the extent of the wealth divide becomes even more evident. "Since 2020, the richest five men in the world have doubled their fortunes. During the same period, almost 5 billion people globally have become poorer. At current rates, it will take 230 years to end poverty, but we could have our first trillionaire in 10 years, according to the report. Don't Miss: Cheddar was acquired for $200 million yielding a return of 370.37% for its investors. This startup aims to replicate and potentially surpass this success . This startup is accepting investors for as little as 25 cents whats the catch? The report emphasizes that the three wealthiest people collectively possess a higher net worth than the entire bottom half of society, while over 60% of the global workforce grapples with paycheck-to-paycheck living and struggles to make ends meet. The average weekly wages for the average American worker are lower today than they were half a century ago. "A mere 0.4% of companies are publicly committed to paying their workers a living wage and support payment of a living wage in their value chains," according to the Oxfam report. The average American family's net worth was $192,700 as of 2022 according to the Survey of Consumer Finances by the Federal Reserve. Trending: Here is where your most successful angel investment may be hidden. Despite numerous billionaires committing to contribute to society through initiatives like the Giving Pledge, questions linger about whether such gestures are sufficient to bridge the wealth gap. The Gates Foundation, an organization started by Microsoft Corp. Co-Founder Bill Gates and Melinda Gates, plans to donate $8.6 billion in 2024 to increase the budget to $9 billion by 2026. Story continues However, when scrutinized against their combined net worth of $134.6 billion, the annual contribution represents only 6.47%, prompting a critical examination of the effectiveness and scale of philanthropic efforts in bridging the wealth gap. Amazon.com Inc. Founder Jeff Bezos, the third-richest man, pledged to donate $2 billion to organizations helping homeless families across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. While commendable, his total donations of $640 million, including $117 million in the previous year, amount to 0.066% of his net worth of $193.8 billion. Despite some high-profile philanthropic gestures, the scale of economic inequality remains a daunting challenge that requires comprehensive and sustained efforts. The disparity in wealth distribution necessitates a closer examination of systemic issues, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the root causes of poverty on a global scale. Read Next: "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 Wealth Gap Widens: The 5 Richest Billionaires Got 2x Richer As 5 Billion People Continue To Get Poorer originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Irish tourists in some Spanish hotspots could land themselves in trouble with the law by breaking one little-known rule. While most people are aware that, similar to Ireland, the consumption of alcohol in a public place outside restaurants or licensed premises is banned and could see you fined 600, very few people are aware of other local laws. For example, Barcelona and Majorca, both very popular destinations for Irish holidaymakers, impose strict rules on clothing away from the beach or swimming pool. While bikinis and swimming shorts are perfectly fine to wear at the pool or beach, some parts of Spain have clamped down on them being worn outside those settings, on public streets or in shopping centres and supermarkets. Tourists going topless or women wearing bikinis in public in Barcelona and Majorca face fines of up to 300 if theyre spotted walking around away from the beach. For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow religious dress like the burka to be worn indoors. If you visit town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside. The gargantuan national debt is finally starting to matter. Usual wobbles in the market for Treasury securities suggest the US government may finally be issuing more debt than investors can absorb. The annual deficit normally shrinks in a year with strong economic growth, yet it ballooned 23% in 2023 to $1.7 trillion, the biggest budget hole ever for a year with no emergencies. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says addressing the $34 trillion national debt should be an urgent priority. Yet its not. Virtually all of the spending bills Congress has passed or will pass this year will rely on vast amounts of borrowing to keep the government running. Neither Joe Biden nor Donald Trump, the likely presidential candidates, highlights debt reduction as a top agenda item. Each political party, meanwhile, blames the other for the massive debt, with many politicians obscuring the whole issue with doublespeak. Yahoo Finance decided to settle at least one question: Whos responsible for all that debt in the first place? The unsurprising answer: just about everybody. Republicans and Democrats alike have passed laws and imposed policies that have pushed the debt from healthy levels to unmanageable ones during the last 25 years. Many voters bemoan the vast national debt, yet the electorate has broadly supported and benefited from many of the policy moves that created it, through lower taxes and plusher government benefits. We asked the budget hawks at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) to help identify the specific laws and other programs that have pushed the debt to unmanageable levels. As CRFB points out, the US government actually ran a surplus (for the last time) in 2001, and the budget outlook was upbeat. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that, on the trajectory at the time, the whole federal debt would be paid off by 2009. Then came 23 years of tax cuts and spending hikes that in retrospect look like fiscal insanity, pushing the amount of federal debt held by the public from $3.3 trillion in 2001 to $26.3 trillion at the end of fiscal 2023. Theres another $7 trillion in intra-governmental debt held by government agencies such as the Social Security Trust Fund, with the total national debt hitting $34.2 trillion as of Feb. 1, 2024. For this analysis, were addressing the amount of publicly held debt, which represents all the Treasury securities traded in financial markets. Story continues Drop Rick Newman a note, follow him on Twitter, or sign up for his newsletter. CRFB finds that 77% of the actions accounting for all the new debt since 2001 were bipartisan, with meaningful support from both Democrats and Republicans. Much of that was fiscal stimulus following the 2008 financial crash and the outbreak of COVID in 2020. Partisan Democratic actions mostly spending hikes account for 12% of that additional debt, while partisan Republican changes mostly tax cuts account for 8%. The charts below show the main sources of that $23 trillion in new debt in two ways: as a cumulative lump sum at the end of 2023, and how they grew over time. Heres additional detail on each of the biggest debt contributors since the fiscal follies began in 2001: The Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 Addition to the debt: $2.2 trillion. The first tax cut George W. Bush signed into law in 2001 was a stimulus measure meant to boost the economy after the dot-com bust. It lowered tax rates for most workers and got some bipartisan support. The second one cut business taxes and passed with mostly Republican votes. Most of the changes in both laws were set to expire after several years. Iraq and Afghanistan wars Addition to the debt: $4.3 trillion. Estimating the exact cost of these two wars, which both began under Bush, is tricky because some of the costs are intermingled with regular Pentagon funding, and vice versa. CRFB identified $4.3 trillion in new debt attributable to war spending and higher overall defense costs. Both wars were largely financed by borrowing because Congress never raised taxes to cover the costs as it did during prior wars. Support for both wars was bipartisan at the outset, but support waned as both operations dragged on and the pretext for the Iraq war in particular began to look fishy. US troops in protective suits make their way in a mass convoy through northern Kuwait towards Iraq, March 20, 2003. (Jon Mills/REUTERS/POOL/ASA/WS) (Reuters / Reuters) Medicare changes Addition to the debt: $1.1 trillion. One big component of this category is the Medicare Part D coverage Bush signed into law in 2003, giving beneficiaries prescription drug benefits. Another is the doc fix Obama signed into law in 2015 that boosted payments for doctors. Both measures had bipartisan support. Great Recession stimulus Addition to the debt: $1.5 trillion. This includes a small stimulus bill Bush signed with bipartisan support in 2008 and the much bigger stimulus measure Obama signed in 2009 with mostly Democratic support. Obama tax cut extensions Addition to the debt: $5 trillion. Obama signed bills in 2010 and 2013 making most of the Bush tax cuts permanent. Each measure passed with some support from both parties. Trump tax cut of 2017 Addition to the debt: $1.3 trillion. This law slashed taxes for both individuals and businesses. The business tax cuts were permanent, but the individual cuts expire at the end of 2025. Republicans who passed the law with no Democratic support banked on pressure to make the individual cuts permanent once expiration drew near, much as Obama extended the Bush tax cuts. Trump-era COVID stimulus Addition to the debt: $3.2 trillion. This includes several measures Congress passed and Trump signed after the COVID outbreak in 2020 with bipartisan support. Biden-era stimulus Addition to the debt: $1.8 trillion. This was the American Rescue Plan, which Democrats passed after they took control of the White House and both houses of Congress in 2021. Regular spending increases Addition to the debt: $2 trillion. These occur in small ways every year in legislation for all manner of government programs, including natural disasters and other emergencies, that often have bipartisan support. A few big measures Congress passed during this 23-year time span arent on the list, because they didnt add substantially to the national debt. The Affordable Care Act Congress passed in 2010, for instance, provided healthcare coverage to millions of Americans, which was expensive, but it also included new taxes and cost reductions to pay for it. Some measures contain new revenue sources to cover the cost that end up being insufficient. The green energy bill Democrats passed and Biden signed in 2022 included new revenue sources that would supposedly help lower the debt. But the eligibility for new green energy tax credits is open-ended, and applications are far higher than expected, which means the law could end up costing way more than forecast and add to the debt instead of reducing it. Oh, well. The worst budget chicanery may be the Republican mantra that cutting taxes will boost economic growth so much that more people will work and earn money and the national debt will get smaller rather than larger. The data clearly shows that this has never happened in modern times. Alas, there arent many others who have credibility on the national debt, either. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Chinese stocks were surging broadly today on signs that Beijing was taking steps to support the stock market following a brutal decline over the last three years. This morning, reports that China's sovereign wealth fund would pump cash into the stock market had investors feeling suddenly bullish about Chinese stocks. China's own stock market indexes surged with the Shanghai Composite up 3.2%, and the tech-heavy Shenzhen Component Index rose 6.2%. The Hong Kong-based Hang Seng, meanwhile, rose 4%. Naturally, U.S.-listed Chinese tech stocks were among the winners, including Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and JD.com (NASDAQ: JD). As of 11:37 a.m. ET, those stocks were up 4%, 4.3%, and 7%, respectively. Image source: Getty Images. Chinese stocks finally get a break China stocks have been suffering for years as a crackdown on the tech sector by Beijing, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a weak economic recovery after the pandemic have all contributed to a long slide in Chinese stocks. Foreign investors, meanwhile, seem to have moved on from China as many of the sector stocks are trading at dirt cheap valuations. Alibaba was the poster child for China's crackdown on the sector after founder Jack Ma made insulting remarks about Chinese finance officials. That led to the initial public offering (IPO) of Ant Group, Alibaba's financial arm, being blocked, a multibillion-dollar fine, and sluggish revenue growth due to weak economic growth and intensifying competition. Alibaba's most recent quarterly earnings report revealed a new challenge. The company said it was abandoning a plan to spin off its cloud computing business because of the U.S. CHIPS Act, which restricts U.S. semiconductor technology from being sent to China. That could also weigh on companies like Alibaba. PDD Holdings, which owns Pinduoduo and Temu, has been a rare winner in the Chinese tech sector. Pinduoduo's social commerce model has also helped drive strong growth, taking market share from Alibaba and JD.com, and forcing increased price competition. Meanwhile, Temu, PDD's international e-commerce site known for rock-bottom prices and widespread marketing, has seen blistering growth as well, challenging Shein for supremacy among Chinese international e-commerce sites. Revenue jumped 94% in its most recent quarter, a sharp contrast to Alibaba and JD. Still, PDD is reliant on the Chinese economy and consumer spending so it's not surprising that it's moving on today's news or general economic data. Story continues JD.com is the worst-performing of these three Chinese tech stocks, and it's also the slowest growing. In its third quarter, the company's revenue grew by just 1.7%. JD has arguably been the biggest loser due to competition from Pinduoduo, TikTok parent ByteDance, and others. Of the three stocks above, JD has the least international exposure, making it the most sensitive to the Chinese economy, JD is also mostly focused on low-margin products like electronics, appliances, and general merchandise like groceries. While the company has seen some decent growth in its logistics segment, the challenges it's faced in its retail business indicate it doesn't have a competitive advantage, especially as it loses market share to Pinduoduo. In December, founder Richard Liu urged employees to be more competitive and fight back against Pinduoduo. Can Chinese stocks keep gaining? Two days of gains do not constitute a pattern, but plenty of investors are looking for a bottom in Chinese stocks after so much pain over the last three years. Alibaba and JD.com trade at price-to-earnings ratios around 10, but that valuation isn't meaningful if investors are unwilling to invest in China, and their growth rates remain mired in the single digits. Investors should learn more when Alibaba delivers its quarterly earnings report tomorrow, the first of these three tech companies to do so. Should you invest $1,000 in PDD Holdings right now? Before you buy stock in PDD Holdings, 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 PDD Holdings wasnt 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 February 5, 2024 Jeremy Bowman has positions in JD.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JD.com. The Motley Fool recommends Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Alibaba, PDD Holdings, and JD.com Were All Moving Higher Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Shares of Catalent (NYSE: CTLT) rose by 9.7% on Monday after the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing and drug delivery technology specialist agreed to be acquired by Novo Holdings, the parent company of Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO). Novo Nordisk is bringing Catalent under its wing In a press release Monday, Catalent announced it had agreed to be acquired by Novo Holdings for $63.50 per share in cash -- a 16.5% premium from Friday's closing price and a nearly 48% premium to its 60-day volume-weighted average price. The deal puts an enterprise value of $16.5 billion on Catalent. "We look forward to benefiting from Novo Holdings' significant resources to accelerate investment in our business and enhance key offerings as we continue to offer premium development and manufacturing solutions for pharma and biotech customers," stated Catalent CEO Alessandro Maselli. Novo Nordisk, for its part, will leverage Catalent's status as a key manufacturing subcontractor to expand its fill-finish capacity to better meet the high demand for its popular obesity drug, Wegovy. What's next for Catalent shareholders? The agreement still requires approval from both regulators and Catalent stockholders. But assuming all goes as planned, it should close toward the end of 2024. With Catalent shares now trading at only a modest discount to the agreed acquisition price, I think most Catalent investors would do well to consider selling now and putting their money to work in other promising stocks -- unless waiting longer to sell would qualify them for lower capital gains tax rates on their profits. Should you invest $1,000 in Catalent right now? Before you buy stock in Catalent, 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 Catalent wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Story continues 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 February 5, 2024 Steve Symington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Catalent Stock Soared Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Pacific Green Technologies, a leading global energy storage and environmental technology company, has set its sights on achieving over 12GWh of battery energy storage capacity across four key global markets in 2024. The move comes as the company doubles down on utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), following the successful expansion of its global pipeline to 6GWh in 2023. Australia and Italy have emerged as hotspots for Pacific Green's ambitious expansion plans, with a significant focus on the origination portfolio. Additionally, the company is poised to enter the nascent Polish market, adding another dimension to its global footprint. Financial close In the UK, Pacific Green celebrates milestones with the Richborough Energy Park's successful commissioning and financial close at the Sheaf Energy Park. Construction is under way at the Sheaf project, set to be commissioned in July 2025, while the company eyes further expansion of its UK origination portfolio. Australia is a key development and origination focus, with Pacific Green targeting financial close on its first 500MWh of storage capacity this year, ahead of commercial operations in 2026. In Italy, the company aims to build on its 2023 acquisition of five battery energy parks, targeting financial close on 1,500MWh of storage capacity this year and expanding its origination portfolio to nearly 5GWh. Entering the Polish market in 2024, Pacific Green aims for an initial origination pipeline of approximately 400MWh storage capacity. Scott Poulter, Pacific Green's Chief Executive, emphasized the company's commitment to rapidly advancing next-generation battery energy parks at scale and speed. Speed and efficiency Poulter stated: "Our work in 2023 demonstrated the speed and efficiency with which our team can bring forward vital new BESS assets and deliver significant value to our shareholders and we intend to continue building the pace in 2024 and beyond." Pacific Green's vision aligns with the crucial role of battery storage in advancing the global energy transition. The company aims to contribute to the growth needed in operational capacity by focusing on originating viable projects and efficiently deploying technology. With a robust international strategy and a minimum 1GWh capacity target for each market, Pacific Green is poised to make a substantial impact on the global energy storage landscape.--TradeArabia News Service Shares of cruise ship company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH) dropped 11.2% in January, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Cruise stocks weren't exactly popular during the month, and Norwegian is viewed by some as one of the riskier publicly traded cruise companies. For example, Wells Fargo analyst Daniel Politzer downgraded his outlook for Norwegian stock on Jan. 5 while simultaneously upgrading his outlook for competitor Carnival. According to Investing.com, Politzer was looking at Norwegian's more modest upside opportunity and its relatively high debt load. Moreover, the company's execution hasn't been perfect. To this latter point, in its third-quarter earnings call on Nov. 1, Norwegian's management said that geopolitical conflicts were leading to higher cancellations and lower bookings for the upcoming fourth quarter. Consequently, the company expects to report an adjusted loss per share of $0.15 for the quarter. For perspective, its top rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean don't expect adjusted losses, so it calls Norwegian's execution into question for some investors. Against this backdrop, it's understandable why some investors may find Norwegian stock the least attractive of the three big publicly traded cruise stocks. What's Norwegian doing right now? The good news for Norwegian shareholders is that the company is increasing its capacity. By bringing more ships online, the company could sail with 22.7 million cruisers in 2023, which was an 18% year-over-year increase. Moreover, the company has kept ships mostly full, even if the upcoming Q4 has elevated cancellations. Politzer mentioned Norwegian's elevated debt levels. Indeed, the chart below does show high debt compared with its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), especially relative to its peers. NCLH Total Long Term Debt (Quarterly) Chart But give Norwegian some credit. Through the first three quarters of 2023, the company reduced its debt by $1.5 billion. That's about a 10% reduction in debt in just nine months, which is nothing to sneeze at. Story continues What should investors do now? Still, Norwegian may have modest upside right now compared to other cruise stocks. It only expects to increase its capacity by 4% in 2024 -- for comparison, Carnival expects a 5.4% increase in 2024 capacity. Over the long term, Norwegian expects more increases in capacity. And some analysts believe that the company's growth could contribute to its EPS tripling through 2027. That could indeed point to some long-term upside for the stock if things go right. However, it may be prudent to wait and see if Norwegian can perform with a little more consistency before investors give it the full benefit of the doubt. If growth in 2024 is as modest as expected, there might still be plenty of time before the stock takes off, which would allow investors more time to better evaluate its performance. Should you invest $1,000 in Norwegian Cruise Line right now? Before you buy stock in Norwegian Cruise Line, 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 Norwegian Cruise Line wasnt 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 February 5, 2024 Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Jon Quast has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Carnival Corp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Dropped 11% Last Month was originally published by The Motley Fool Near downtown and so many upcoming & exciting developments . . . We get a look at real life and risks still undertaken by frontline healthcare workers . . . Check-it: In an interview with police, Caskey told police, "the guy was grabbing me so I took his gun and shot the guy." He also told them he'd been on a meth bender and was hallucinating which is what prompted him to go to the hospital. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Man accused of shooting University Health security guard said he was on meth bender, hallucinating An Independence man accused of shooting a University Health Truman Medical Center security guard allegedly told police he'd been on a meth bender and was hallucinating. Man charged in shooting of security guard at University Health A 40-year-old Independence man is facing charges in connection to a shooting at University Health Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. Dr. Prasanth Reddy is a long shot to win over the incumbent but that hasn't stopped him from taking Rep. Sharice Davids to task on her record. In a recent editorial, Dr. Reddy shares a scathing point-by-point analysis of Rep. Davids and her waffling amid Israel's war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Here's the crux of his debate: "Unfortunately, it doesnt stop there. Im running against Sharice Davids, a Democrat politician who pretends shes middle of the road but, on every issue that matters, sides with her partys most extreme elements. "Standing with Israel is no different. Over the past three months, Rep. Davids has had every chance to do the right thing. Shes failed every single time, and here are a few examples. "First, the U.S. Houses vote to stand with Israel, condemn Hamas October 7th attacks, and reject anti-Semitism not at all dissimilar from the recent vote here in Kansas. "A bipartisan majority said yes to standing with Israel. But not Rep. Davids. She simply voted 'present.' To me, thats as emblematic of a self-interested politician as it gets. She may as well have voted no. "Second, the U.S. Houses vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib. "Lets call it like it is: Rep. Tlaib doesnt think Israel should exist, and shes used one anti-Semitic trope after another to make her point. The House was right to call a vote to censure her, and Republicans and Democrats alike voted to do so. But not Rep. Davids; she voted against the resolution. "Finally, Rep. Davids welcomed a bunch of pro-Palestinian protesters to her taxpayer-funded office. Local 3rd District media showed up to cover what they had to say only to be kicked out by Rep. Davids and her team. Thats just plain wrong. This was at her taxpayer-funded office, not a private campaign headquarters. "Lets remember, words, actions, and inactions have consequences. Because supposedly middle of the road politicians like Rep. Davids are refusing to unequivocally support Israel, extremists surely feel even more emboldened." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . You decide . . . Workers at Keurig Dr. Pepper warehouses in Wisconsin voted to decertify Teamsters Local 200 union OSHKOSH One group of Wisconsin employees could be looking for new representation. Workers at three Keurig Dr Pepper locations across the state have removed union Teamsters Local 200 over various concerns surrounding wages, benefits and the length of contracts. The nonprofit National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation broke the news after aiding drivers and warehouse workers in decertifying the union at facilities in Oshkosh, Eau Claire and Tomah. Local 200 has been representing us for the entire 20 years I've been working here, and in that entire time, we've had four contracts [and] all four have been poor, said Oshkosh-based driver Ray Cotts in a written statement to the Northwestern. [We were] constantly getting five-year contracts, which are of no benefit to us employees. Poor vacation, poor pay, subpar benefits, no real job protections [and] our contract wages were way below standard for our industry. The last contract was ratified in 2020 and since then nobody has even seen the business agent. Most employees didn't even know who he was, he added. According to National Right to Work representatives, Cotts was at the forefront of the decertification process by submitting the original petition to remove Teamsters Local 200. Oshkosh mayor's proposal: Oshkosh readers, former mayors oppose current mayor's proposal to remove mayor title At least 30% of workers must sign petition before NLRB can conduct a decertification election. By National Labor Relations Board rule, at least 30% of workers in a particular union block must sign the petition before the NLRB can conduct an election to decertify that union by a majority vote. The NLRB certified the removal of Teamsters Local 200 on Jan. 24 after 28 of the 48 ballots counted voted in favor of decertification. The petition shows there were 71 eligible voters and Teamsters Local 200 did not file an appeal. Calls and emails to representatives of both Keurig Dr Pepper and Teamsters Local 200 asking for comment on this story were not returned. Story continues We just helped the employees to exercise their rights under the law thats been in place since the 1930s because as much as employees have the right to work in unions, they also have the right to decertify them when they believe they are not working in their best interests, said National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation President Mark Mix. Now, these workers are free to have direct conversations with their employer because what often happens is the union becomes the exclusive bargaining agent for employees and the only ones allowed to talk to the employer about wages, contracts and other benefits. Theyre also not having their pay packages being deducted by a union they believe is not representing them to the level they would want, he added. Yet, Mixs biggest issue is the difficulty to decertify unions as opposed to the ease to get in them. Workers can't ask for a decertification election during the first three years of a collective-bargaining agreement. NLRB rules state that workers cant ask for a decertification election during the first three years of a collective-bargaining agreement between the union and the employer unless it occurs during a 30-day window. That period begins 90 days and ends 60 days before the agreement expires. Wisconsin is a right to work state, so it's anyone's right to not have to join a union, but if you don't join, you are still subject to whatever contract the union negotiates, but you don't get to vote, said Cotts. So if you want to vote, you have to pay for your vote [and] it's around $70 a month for five years to get a vote. You're not even allowed to submit suggestions for the contract if you don't pay, he added. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 16.2 million workers in the United States were represented by a union in 2023 an increase of 191,000 from 2022. Oshkosh gets Lendmark branch: Lendmark opens a fifth Wisconsin branch, this one in Oshkosh Unionization rate fell slightly as a result of strong job growth in 2023. But that represented a fall in the unionization rate of 11.3% to 11.2% because of last years very strong job growth. However, senior vice president of the employment policy division at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Spencer, wrote that the NLRB under the Biden administration is beginning to thwart employees efforts to free themselves from union representation via decertification petitions. Spencer wrote the NLRBs decision in the Rieth-Riley Construction case has empowered directors to dismiss decertification petitions solely based on administrative investigations. He used the example of the Starbucks Workers United Union. Have a story tip or public interest concern? Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Wisconsin workers remove union at Keurig Dr. Pepper warehouses This border war battle proved successful for Kansas but our friends on the other side of the state line might be PAYING EPIC BUCKS forold school glory that no longer attracts a crowd but only serves a fading group of elites and a few of their sycophants. Kansas City reality check . . . Most locals would rather stay home and play video games than party with the Kemper clan. In fairness, both activities are a waste of time. Still, we acknowledge the progress report given that most people have already forgotten about this former local institution . . . The American Royal broke ground on the 127-acre campus at 11645 American Royal Way in March 2023. American Royal CEO Jackie McClaskey said the first piece of the massive campus is expected to be complete by spring 2025. The nonprofit originally planned to have work on the new campus wrapped by the winter of 2021, but Covid's onset put the project on hold. The project would have been done by now, McClaskey said. We would moved and be operating in the new facility. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . We respect this bit of posturing for a scheme that's overly complicated and gives UNDENIABLY focuses on giving the SUPER RICH MORE TAX BREAKS . . . Still, we always respect the hustle in playing up in this economic trickery that even former Prez Reagan called "Voodoo Economics" back in his day . . . While Republican leaders in the Kansas House estimate they have the two-thirds majority needed to override Gov. Laura Kellys veto of the legislation, their compatriots in the Senate believe they are still one vote short. The bill is one of their top priorities for the session. Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City, and one of a small contingent of Senate Democrats who would be critical to sustaining Kellys veto, said Monday he has doubts about which way he will be voting. I want everyone here to know, David Haley is not predictable on such crucial measures. Haley said. Im just not a placeholder there that can be so easily predicted. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . We notice this shocking incident downplayed by local news when it should have been the top story this morning. Moreover, here's inside word regarding horrific violence leveled at a School Resource Officer . . . INSIDERS TELL US THAT THE ATTACK AGAINST THE KANSAS CITY POLICE OFFICER WAS EXCEPTIONALLY BRUTAL & INJURIES ARE SIGNIFICANT!!! Insiders also note . . . The officer was attacked from behind and amid a chaotic scene that involved several combatants. Thankfully, a local news report shares this status update . . . "The injured officer was taken to the hospital and admitted. He was reported to be not critical and in stable condition as of late Monday night." Background info for those who might not be familiar with KCMO history . . . "Kansas Citys Southeast High School was constructed as part of a New Deal project during the Great Depression. The Public Works Administration (PWA) supplied a grant of $500,000 toward the construction of multiple school buildings, for which construction occurred between 1934 and 1938. Total construction cost for the multiple-school project was about $1.75 million. Southeast High School bears both a cornerstone and plaque dating it to 1937." It's an iconic structure that was formerly one of the greatest high schools in all of the Midwest. Sadly, overtime the build and American public education. KCPS officials have promised a "new Southeast" but so far the dream of returning the institution to its former glory has been unrealized. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Kansas City, Missouri, police officer injured Monday in assault at Southeast High School A Kansas City, Missouri, police officer was injured and taken to a hospital after an assault Monday at Southeast High School Police officer hospitalized after assault at Kansas City high school Close to 11:45 Monday morning, a Kansas City police officer was assaulted at Southeast High School. Developing . . . An anonymous message sent to our blog community just moments ago . . . "TKC readers might be interested to know about this PR appearance designed to garner sympathy and support for more American tax dollars to be spent on this 'war' . . ." Again . . . This is another low-key local event that has garnered some social media interest with very little coverage from mainstream news outlets. Agree or disagree about the merits of supporting the fight against Vlad & the Russkies in the cold & desolate regions of Eastern Europe in order to avoid the very unlikely possibility that they'll march down Southwest Blvd . . . There's no denying that local PRO-WAR PROGRESSIVES seem supportive & upbeat about the Ukraine war effort and unconcerned about the CARNAGE & ALL OF THE EPIC COSTS OF THIS DEADLY CONFLICT that doesn't seem to be making any advances. Real talk . . . The GOP majority talks a good game but have also signed on to fund this war as well. And so . . . Our www.TonysKansasCity.com will share resources given to the press . . . Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova will be coming to Kansas City along with GMF President Heather A. Conley (a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State) and Howard Buffett to talk about the war in Ukraine. The visit, organized by GMF, a DC think tank, is a part of a 10-state trip across the United States which will highlight American support for Ukraine. As the war enters its third year, Congress struggles to pass a budget let alone a Ukraine supplemental, and attention shifts elsewhere in the world, Whistlestops for Ukraine seeks to foster conversations about Ukrainians ongoing struggle. Media is welcome to join us at any of the events throughout the day. Among other events, the Ukrainian ambassador and other special guests will be speaking to a class of UMKC students, well be putting the mayor of Odessa, MO in conversation with the governor of Odesa, Ukraine, the special guests will be visiting Heart-to-Heart International in Lenexa to see portable medical clinics being sent to Ukraine. There will be press availability for Ambassador Oksana Markarova, GMF President Heather A. Conley, and Howard Buffett at 12:30pm in the Chamber of Commerce lobby in Union Station. If you are interested in attending, could you please RSVP . . . Attaching the current draft of our agenda and a one-pager about Whistlestops for Ukraine. On our website we also have further info, including a launch video and a video about our first stop in Minnesota back in November AGENDA 7:15am 8:00am Travel Time to Odessa 8:00am 9:15am Breakfast and Community Conversation Between Odessa, MO & Odesa, UKR JJs Down Home Cafe, 119 S 2nd Street, Odessa, MO and Odessa Public Library conference room 9:15am 10:15am Travel Time (50 minutes) 10:15am 11:00am Visit Portable Medical Clinic & Volunteers Packing Hygiene Kits for Ukraine Heart-to-Heart International, 11550 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 11:00am 11:30am Travel Time (20 minutes) 11:30am 12:15pm Boxed Lunches & Conversation with UMKC Students Class: Politics of Developing Countries with Dr. Mona Lyne University of Missouri Kansas City campus 12:15pm 12:30pm Travel Time 12:30pm 1:00pm Press Availability Lobby of Chamber Board Room, Kansas City Union Station 1:00pm 2:00pm Kansas City Business Community Roundtable Chamber of Commerce Board Room, Kansas City Union Station 2:00pm 2:20pm Travel Time 2:30pm 3:15pm Conversation with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas 3:15pm 4:00pm Travel Time to Airport ################# Developing . . . We notice the newspaper was quick to criticize the move and shared Missouri Democratic Party opposition. Here's a bit of criticism from the top roller derby competitor Missouri . . . "House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, criticized Parson in a statement, arguing that he should be focused on issues in Missouri such as the hundreds of jobs lost after an aluminum smelter recently closed in the southeastern part of the state. " 'I bet the 500 folks in the bootheel that lost their jobs a couple weeks ago would rather have the governor focusing on that, instead of wasting tax payer money to fly to TX for a photo op,' Quade, who is running for governor, said in a text message. 'There is a federal bipartisan negotiated bill on the table for the members of Congress. Our governor should be focused on Missouri and saving those jobs.' " Meanwhile, check more reporting on the effort . . . The state currently has roughly 250 Missouri National Guard members deployed to the southern border, but the governor wants more boots on the ground. Over the weekend, Gov. Mike Parson met with governors from more than a dozen states in Texas to get a better idea of Operation Lone Star and to offer more resources. "When it comes to securing the border to protect the American people, we all become border states," Parson said in an interview Monday. "Gov. Greg Abbott is a good guy, but he is literally the lone ranger in this particular time." Missouri plans to send more National Guard troops to Texas in the coming weeks. Parson spent Sunday in Eagle Pass, Texas, on his first trip to the southern border, meeting with Gov. Greg Abbott and a dozen other governors. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . This update deserves more consideration as the story of RAMPANT KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL VIOLENCE now confronts law enforcement. Another update . . . Insiders tell TKC that the injuries the officer sustained are a lot worse and far more significant than how they're represented in the Prosecutor's press release. Nevertheless . . . Here is the narrative from the courthouse and more information along with a link to charging documents: "A Southeast High School student has been charged as a result of an altercation with a school resource officer that injured the officer who remains hospitalized, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today. "SUSPECT faces a count of Assault 3rd Degree Special Victim.* "According to court records filed today, officers with the Kansas City (MO) Police Department who are assigned to Southeast High School as school resource officers observed on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, an altercation involving students at the school. They responded and an officer was kicked several times by a student while the officer was escorting a female student to school administrators. The defendant jumped into the scuffle and had a headlock on the officer for 10 seconds before he was pulled away. The officer complained of a sore throat, had labored breathing and is currently in the hospital." ############# Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Jackson County Prosecutor's Office: Southeast High student charged in altercation with school resource officer Check TKC news gathering . . . Student charged in assault on KCPD School Resource Officer at Southeast High School Documents say the officer had to be intubated and placed in the ICU after the incident. Southeast High School student facing charges for assault on school resource officer A Southeast High School student is facing assault charges in connection to an altercation Monday night involving students and a school resource officer. Developing . . . Revenues from visitors to the Acropolis increased in 2023 compared to 2022, according to Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, ANA reports. "With the upgrades of the past year in all services of the electronic ticketing system, which was established in 2018, revenues from the Acropolis continue to rise. From 46 million euros in 2022, they have reached 60 million euros in 2023," noted Mendoni, responding to a question from Nea Aristera Deputy Nasos Iliopoulos. At the same time, the minister of culture rejected the accusations of the Nea Aristera MP that "the government is implementing a brutal policy, raising the cost of entrance tickets for visitors by up to 300%, impeding tourism and widening social inequalities." "The new pricing policy, which will take effect from April 2025, does nothing more than follow the rationale and good practices of other European countries, even though the prices, compared to those in similar monuments, remain noticeably lower in Greece," stressed Mendoni. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Athens Walking Tours Sophia, the globally renowned humanoid AI robot, recently toured Athens and was captured in a photograph against the backdrop of the Acropolis, ANA reports. According to a press statement, Sophia took part in a technology and information event organized by companies from Greece and Cyprus. From the event stage, she announced that she would be back in Greece in March, visiting Rhodes and Nafpaktos. Sophia speaks 20 languages, including Greek flawlessly, and will participate in the first 'Greek Festival' taking place in Rhodes. This cultural celebration showcases the history, traditions, flavors, and customs of the Dodecanese Islands, with the participation of embassies, academics, scientists, and entrepreneurs. At the Rodos Palace on March 8, Sophia will preside over the closing ceremony and the Greek Entrepreneurship Conference. On March 10, she will be present at the Meet Sophia Conference in the Holy Monastery Metamorfossi tou Sotiros (Transfiguration of Christ) in Skala Nafpaktias, north of Nafpaktos proper, facing the Corinthian Gulf. There, she will engage with representatives from various faiths, addressing questions on artificial intelligence and ethics. Among the issues examined will be the protection of privacy and the safeguarding of justice and human values. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Martin451 Have you ever wanted to visit a place that takes your breath away with its natural beauty? If you have, then Haifoss Waterfall in Iceland should be at the top of your list. Located in the Icelandic Highlands, Haifoss, meaning 'High Waterfall,' stands as one of Iceland's tallest and most majestic waterfalls. Haifoss Waterfall is a stunning sight, plunging from a height of about 122 meters. The sheer size and force of the water cascading down into the deep gorge below is a powerful display of nature's might. The surrounding landscape, characterized by rugged cliffs and vibrant greenery, adds to the waterfall's dramatic appearance. You will find that the view is not just beautiful; it is awe-inspiring. Getting There: Navigating to Haifoss Reaching Haifoss Waterfall is an adventure in itself. The waterfall is located near the Hekla volcano, about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. The last part of the journey involves a gravel road, which can be challenging, especially after rain. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for this trip. The remote location means fewer crowds, offering you a more serene experience. Best Time to Visit Timing is key when planning a visit to Haifoss Waterfall. The ideal time to visit is during the summer months, from May through October. During this period, the roads are more accessible, and the weather is generally milder. Moreover, the midnight sun phenomenon in Iceland means longer daylight hours, giving you more time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Safety First: Tips for Visiting Safety should be your top priority when visiting Haifoss Waterfall. The terrain around the waterfall can be slippery, so wearing sturdy shoes with good grip is essential. Always stay within marked paths and viewing areas, as the cliffs can be unstable. Remember, the weather in Iceland can change rapidly, so dress in layers and be prepared for rain or wind. Related Article: Five Enchanted Reasons To Visit Iceland Photography Tips For photography lovers, Haifoss Waterfall presents an incredible opportunity. The best photos are often captured from the viewpoint across from the falls, where you can get the entire waterfall in the frame. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography, casting a magical glow over the landscape. Respecting Nature While visiting Haifoss Waterfall, it is important to respect the natural environment. Please do not leave any trash behind, and avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna. Iceland's landscapes are pristine, and it is up to each visitor to help keep it that way. A trip to Haifoss Waterfall is more than just a visit to a natural landmark. It is an experience that connects you with the raw beauty of Iceland. The journey to the falls, the spectacular views, and the sheer power of nature you witness here make Haifoss an unforgettable destination. So, when you plan your Icelandic adventure, make sure Haifoss Waterfall is on your itinerary. You will be glad you did! Read Also: Iceland Braces for Volcanic Eruption That Can Happen Within Hours or Days Lufthansa, a major airline, is set to experience significant flight disruptions later this week. Ground staff are planning to strike over pay issues. The strike will start early on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and last for about 27 hours. This action will affect flights on both Wednesday and Thursday. Lufthansa Faces Major Strike Disruption This Week The strike is being organized by the Ver.di union, which represents about 25,000 Lufthansa ground employees in several German cities including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and Dusseldorf. This strike is part of a larger wave of labor protests in Germany's transport sector this year. Just last week, there was a strike by airport security workers and another by local public transport staff. According to Business Travel News Europe, Ver.di is demanding a 12.5 percent pay raise for these employees, or at least an additional 500 per month. The union argues that Lufthansa's ground staff are earning about 10 percent less than they did three years ago, despite the company's strong profits. Marvin Reschinsky, a union negotiator, emphasized that the financial situation for these employees is worsening, despite the company's profit growth. Lufthansa has acknowledged the upcoming strike and its expected impact on their flight schedule. They have stated that customers affected by flight changes will be notified about cancellations and rebooking options. Notifications were planned to start being sent out on Feb. 5. Related Article: Hero Passenger Helps Land Lufthansa Flight at Dublin Airport After Co-Pilot Falls Ill This strike adds to the challenges faced by Lufthansa and its passengers, following a recent strike by Deutsche Bahn train drivers which significantly disrupted rail services. While negotiations in that dispute have led to a temporary suspension of further strikes, the current situation with Lufthansa's ground staff remains unresolved. Lufthansa Flight Diverted Due to Engine Trouble A Lufthansa Airbus A330 had to make an unexpected return to Frankfurt Airport on Jan. 31, 2024. This happened during its long trip from Germany to Houston, Texas, USA. The flight, known as LH-440, faced engine issues just three hours after takeoff. As per Simple Flying, the plane, registered as D-AIKQ, was flying over Brest, France, when the problem occurred. Passengers noticed unusual noise and shaking. For safety, the flight crew decided to go back to Frankfurt. Emergency teams were ready when the plane landed. The flight was canceled, and the aircraft has been grounded since then. The Airbus A330, which is almost 12 years old, has 255 seats and two Rolls-Royce engines. It usually flies long distances, like to Angola and Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa has not set any new flights for this plane as it probably needs engine repairs. Lufthansa, the airline from Germany, has ten Airbus A330s. They are about 14.6 years old on average. Recently, Lufthansa had other issues too. An A340 had to land urgently after a bird strike, and an A380 changed its path due to a medical emergency. Despite these problems, Lufthansa is bringing more A380s back for busy long-haul routes. Read Also: Mobile Apps: Lufthansa's Blue Legends for Flyers In China, the celebration of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is facing challenges due to severe weather. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has warned of complex winter conditions, including snow and rain, which are expected to affect transportation significantly. This warning comes as the Lunar New Year travel period, called chun yun, is underway, starting on Jan. 26 and ending on March 5. Heavy Weather Disrupts Lunar New Year Travel in China Northern regions of China, such as Jilin, Liaoning, and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous area, experienced a blizzard on Tuesday. Additionally, areas like Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces are dealing with heavy fog. According to the South China Morning Post, the CMA predicts that the situation will worsen, with northern China facing snowstorms and the Yangtze River area expecting heavy rain. Starting Thursday, central and eastern parts of China are forecast to have freezing rain for four days, affecting places like Henan, Hebei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. This weather is likely to disrupt transportation, telecommunications, and agriculture. This year's weather conditions during the Lunar New Year are considered the most complex since the deadly winter storm in 2008, which resulted in significant casualties and disruptions. The government focuses on safety and stability as the Spring Festival, which falls on February 10, approaches. The winter season has already seen weather-related disasters in China, including a landslide in Yunnan province that claimed 44 lives. Despite the weather challenges, there is an expectation of high travel volume during chun yun, with a forecast of 9 billion trips, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Travel agencies report a surge in bookings, and flight prices are at their highest since 2019. This increase in travel is seen as a potential boost to China's economy, which is recovering from the pandemic slowdown. Related Article: Transforming China's First Coffee Village: How Digitalization Revives Rural Life China's Tourism Booming During Spring Festival China's tourism sector is set for a busy Spring Festival holiday, with travel bookings skyrocketing compared to last year. The China Daily shared that as one of China's leading online travel agencies, there's a huge increase in people planning trips within the country, as well as to and from other nations. This winter, a new travel trend has emerged in China. People from the southern regions are traveling to the north to enjoy the snowy landscapes, while those in the colder northern areas are heading south for warmer weather. This pattern is expected to continue during the Spring Festival. Harbin, in northeast China, has seen a 14-fold increase in visitors, mainly from the south. Conversely, Sanya in Hainan province and Kunming in Yunnan province are popular with tourists from the north. The Spring Festival, traditionally a time for family gatherings, also encourages family travel. Nearly half of all travelers on Ctrip choose to go with family members or opt for car rentals, custom trips, or bus tours with guides. There's also a surge in overseas trips, with short to medium tours to Southeast and East Asia being particularly popular. Cruise vacations are unexpectedly in demand. Inbound travel to China has grown immensely, partly thanks to new visa policies. Tourists from countries like Japan, the USA, and South Korea are flocking to Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, with Harbin also drawing international attention. Read Also: Ever heard of Rainbow Mountains in China? See the Spectacular Colors of Nature's Masterpiece When thinking of ruins or archaeological sites dating from the Roman Empire, it's not a surprise if you won't believe that there is one in Libya. However, believe it or not, there is one in this African country. Yes, you read it right. While Libya has made headlines in the past couple of years because of war, it is home to some of the finest remains of the Roman period. It was even designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. What exactly are we talking about? Well, it's none other than Leptis Magna Leptis Magna Basic Facts Also known as Lepcis Magna, Leptis Magna is located in what is now the city of Khoms (otherwise known as Al-Khums). The city was established before 500 BC and experienced great growth under Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. While it experienced prosperity, Leptis Magna also saw multiple raids, which contributed to its decline. It was eventually abandoned and was preserved when it ended up being buried underneath layer up layer of sand dunes. The city was unearthed in the 1920s by archaeologists. Today, it is one of the most impressive ruins of the Roman era in the whole world. Related Article: These Are the 5 Vacation Spots in Africa to Visit If You're Tired of Cold Winters What to Expect When You Visit Leptis Magna Since Leptis Magna has been well-preserved, there are different structures that can be marveled at by travelers. One of which is an ampitheatre, which is pictured below. There is also what is known as the Severan Forum, which is a walled structure that "consisted of tall arcaded porticos on three sides, housing shops and cauponas, with a massive temple to the Severan family on its fourth side." The Arch of Septimus Severus is also still seen today. Below are ruins of an indoor pool and the main courtyard that can be found in Leptis Magna. The ruins of the market can likewise be found among the ruins. Read Also: A History Lovers Guide on the Best Italy Tourist Attractions Cryptocurrency has gone through boom and bust cycles for years. XRP (Ripple) (CRYPTO: XRP) once soared as high as $2.78 before a 2018 crash decimated it. Had you bought $1,000 of XRP in early 2018, you'd have just $185 left today. So why hasn't XRP bounced back like Bitcoin and other cryptos have? The cryptocurrency's creator, Ripple, is locked in a fierce lawsuit with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over its regulatory status. XRP is still one of the largest cryptocurrencies today, and the pending litigation overshadowing the cryptocurrency makes it a potentially high-risk, high-reward investment idea. Here is what you need to know. What is XRP (Ripple)? Ripple is a blockchain payment network that helps financial institutions settle cross-border transactions. Though most people refer to Ripple stock as a cryptocurrency, Ripple is technically the network, and XRP is the cryptocurrency itself. Ripple's primary goal is to help money move more freely and quickly worldwide. Cross-border transactions, where money is exchanged between countries, take multiple steps and can take one to four business days to settle through the traditional SWIFT system, which is how banks currently transfer most money internationally. Transactions on Ripple can settle in seconds. The XRP token acts like a shapeshifter, converting from currency A to XRP, then to currency B at the other end. The process, which is made possible by Ripple Labs' network of bank partnerships around the world, is typically transparent to the sender and receiver. Despite XRP not recovering from its peak six years ago, it remains a prominent cryptocurrency today with a $27.5 billion market cap, the sixth-largest. Why hasn't XRP rebounded like many other cryptos? The SEC sued Ripple (the company) on allegations it had improperly sold its XRP tokens. The SEC vs. Ripple, boiled down to what matters Image source: Getty Images The lawsuit, filed in late 2020, boiled down to whether XRP should be treated like a security, much like a company's stock (which is highly regulated), or as a currency. Ripple scored a significant victory in July 2023 when the judge presiding over the case ruled that selling XRP on secondary markets like an exchange didn't break the law. Story continues However, it wasn't a clean sweep. The company had also sold large amounts of XRP directly to institutional buyers, which the judge ruled to violate federal securities laws. Now the two parties are preparing for remedies, a post-ruling court process to determine Ripple's punishment for selling to institutions. The two sides are currently sparring over what evidence can be used in the remedy proceedings. That process has several key deadlines over the next several months, so more is still to come. Ultimately, the remedies could include fines for Ripple or court orders that impact the broader cryptocurrency industry. Should investors buy Ripple today? XRP nearly doubled on the July 2023 partial Ripple win. However, that price has steadily faded lower again because there's still a lot of uncertainty about XRP and Ripple. There is no way of knowing what the ultimate remedies will look like until the litigation concludes, so that makes XRP a very speculative token to own right now despite its large market cap. XRP Price Chart It's probably fair to say that XRP could create multibagger returns if Ripple does well through the rest of its court battle. After all, XRP was trading as high as $2.78 back in early 2018. Years from now, XRP's price will largely depend on how widely adopted Ripple is across the global banking landscape. The lawsuit remains a wildcard. If you're a risk taker, consider buying a small amount of XRP to capture the potential returns if Ripple wins big in court. You can always buy in heavier later once more clarity follows the remedy process. Should you invest $1,000 in XRP right now? Before you buy stock in XRP, 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 XRP wasnt 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 February 5, 2024 Justin Pope has positions in Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin and XRP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. If You'd Invested $1,000 in Ripple (XRP) in 2018, This Is How Much You'd Have Now was originally published by The Motley Fool Those people are our people too. The words of UNC Senator David Nakhid, following the deadly Yum China (NYSE:YUMC) Beats Expectations in Strong Q4, Stock Jumps 14% Fast-food company Yum China (NYSE:YUMC) reported Q4 FY2023 results topping analysts' expectations , with revenue up 19.4% year on year to $2.49 billion. It made a non-GAAP profit of $0.25 per share, improving from its profit of $0.12 per share in the same quarter last year. Is now the time to buy Yum China? Find out by accessing our full research report, it's free. Yum China (YUMC) Q4 FY2023 Highlights: Revenue: $2.49 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.33 billion (7% beat) EPS (non-GAAP): $0.25 vs analyst estimates of $0.19 (31.6% beat) Long-term multi-year guidance reaffirmed: 2024 to 2026 high-single-to-double-digit CAGR for system sales and operating profit, and a double-digit CAGR for EPS Free Cash Flow was -$72 million, down from $243 million in the previous quarter Gross Margin (GAAP): 15.8%, down from 29.2% in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales were up 4% year on year (beat vs. expectations of up 3.1% year on year) Store Locations: 14,644 at quarter end, increasing by 1,697 over the last 12 months (0.8% beat vs. expectations of 14,517) Market Capitalization: $14.57 billion (4) System sales and same-store sales percentages exclude the impact of F/X. Effective January 1, 2018, temporary store closures are normalized in the same-store sales calculation by excluding the period during which stores are temporarily closed. (5) See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Measures" included in the accompanying tables of this release for further details. One of Chinas largest restaurant companies, Yum China (NYSE:YUMC) is an independent entity spun off from Yum! Brands in 2016. Traditional Fast Food Traditional fast-food restaurants are renowned for their speed and convenience, boasting menus filled with familiar and budget-friendly items. Their reputations for on-the-go consumption make them favored destinations for individuals and families needing a quick meal. This class of restaurants, however, is fighting the perception that their meals are unhealthy and made with inferior ingredients, a battle that's especially relevant today given the consumers increasing focus on health and wellness. Story continues Sales Growth Yum China is one of the most widely recognized restaurant chains in the world and benefits from brand equity, giving it customer loyalty and more influence over purchasing decisions. As you can see below, the company's annualized revenue growth rate of 5.8% over the last four years (we compare to 2019 to normalize for COVID-19 impacts) was weak , but to its credit, it opened new restaurants and grew sales at existing, established dining locations. Yum China Total Revenue This quarter, Yum China reported robust year-on-year revenue growth of 19.4%, and its $2.49 billion in revenue exceeded Wall Street's estimates by 7%. Looking ahead, Wall Street expects sales to grow 10.8% over the next 12 months, a deceleration from this quarter. Our recent pick has been a big winner, and the stock is up more than 2,000% since the IPO a decade ago. If you didnt buy then, you have another chance today. The business is much less risky now than it was in the years after going public. The company is a clear market leader in a huge, growing $200 billion market. Its $7 billion of revenue only scratches the surface. Its products are mission critical. Virtually no customers ever left the company. You can find it on our platform for free. Number of Stores The number of dining locations a restaurant chain operates is a major determinant of how much it can sell and how quickly company-level sales can grow. When a chain like Yum China is opening new restaurants, it usually means it's investing for growth because there's healthy demand for its meals and there are markets where the concept has few or no locations. Yum China's restaurant count increased by 1,697, or 13.1%, over the last 12 months to 14,644 locations in the most recently reported quarter. Yum China Operating Retail Locations Over the last two years, Yum China has rapidly opened new restaurants, averaging 11.2% annual increases in new locations. This growth is among the fastest in the restaurant sector. Analyzing a restaurant's location growth is important because expansion means Yum China has more opportunities to feed customers and generate sales. Same-Store Sales A company's same-store sales growth shows the year-on-year change in sales for its restaurants that have been open for at least a year, give or take. This is a key performance indicator because it measures organic growth and demand. Yum China's demand within its existing restaurants has barely risen over the last eight quarters. On average, the company's same-store sales growth has been flat. This performance suggests that Yum China should consider improving its foot traffic and efficiency before opening new locations. Yum China Year On Year Same Store Sales Growth In the latest quarter, Yum China's same-store sales rose 4% year on year. This growth was a well-appreciated turnaround from the 4% year-on-year decline it posted 12 months ago, showing the business is regaining momentum. Key Takeaways from Yum China's Q4 Results We were also excited its revenue outperformed Wall Street's estimates, driven by better-than-expected same store sales and a higher number of locations. Profitability was solid, leading to an EPS beat. Looking ahead, the company reiterated that from 2024 to 2026, system sales and profit profit will grow at high-single-to-double-digit CAGRs, leading to a double-digit CAGR for EPS. Zooming out, we think this was a fantastic quarter that should have shareholders cheering. The stock is up 11.7% after reporting and currently trades at $41.85 per share. Yum China may have had a good quarter, but does that mean you should invest right now? When making that decision, it's important to consider its valuation, business qualities, as well as what has happened in the latest quarter. We cover that in our actionable full research report which you can read here, it's free. One way to find opportunities in the market is to watch for generational shifts in the economy. Almost every company is slowly finding itself becoming a technology company and facing cybersecurity risks and as a result, the demand for cloud-native cybersecurity is skyrocketing. This company is leading a massive technological shift in the industry and with revenue growth of 50% year on year and best-in-class SaaS metrics it should definitely be on your radar. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). The Russian invasion forces launched an Kh-59 missile over Mykolaiv region, in what was quite likely a "combat reconnaissance" move as the enemy is testing out Ukraines air defense system, exploring new routes for it missiles, and preparing for another strike. Thats according to the spokesperson for Operational Command South Natalia Humeniuk, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports. "The general situation remains rather tense, because the enemy is looking for ways to counter our defenses in conditions where we remain quite effective, so they are trying to increase their efficiency in other directions. They dont stop shelling Chaykivka and Kutsiurub communities in order to divert the attention of our Defense Forces to other zones. Also yesterday, the enemy launched a point missile attack, employing tactical aviation from the Black Sea area in Mykolaiv region. A Kh-59 type missile was launched, and it is quite likely that this was a combat reconnaissance attempt to test the readiness of air defense systems. We can see that the general pause that the enemy endures between massive missile attacks is already quite powerful and balanced, and this may indicate the preparation of subsequent attacks, but even in these intervals such point attacks are also a sign of enemy terrorism. They use missile strikes in different directions, detecting air defense systems and trying to lay future routes for such strikes," Humeniuk said. According to her, the enemy has realized that the loss of warplanes in the south is quite real, therefore, approaches from the waters of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, trying to find out the operational range that is more or less acceptable for them. Commenting on the shelling of Kherson region the day before, Humeniuk noted that the enemy continues to exert pressure on the people of Kherson, and not only on the residents of the regional center, but on the region as a whole, in particular, its coastal settlements. The Russian aviation is not as active as before, but the enemy is trying to inflict painful blows on civil infrastructure, targeting crowded locations and specialized vehicles of the State Emergency Service and the police. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on February 2, Humeniuk reported that the Russians were suffering heavy losses in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia region. On average, each enemy assault group loses about 70% of its personnel during engagements with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. MADRID (Reuters) - Zara owner Inditex has agreed to pay annual bonuses of 1,000 euros ($1,075) for a second year running to the roughly 28,000 shop workers in its home country of Spain this month, a union leader said on Tuesday. The world's biggest listed fashion retailer agreed the one-off annual payment with the country's largest union, despite a difficult economic backdrop for the retail sector, with global rival H&M seeking to shut stores and reduce staffing in Spain. The CCOO union said that nearly all workers in Inditex stores will receive the bonus, which is dependent on a worker's store hitting at least 80% of its sales target. A similar sales incentive was offered last year. Swedish fashion retailer H&M, which has struggled to compete with Zara and online low-price fast-fashion giant Shein, has said it intends to close 28 Spanish stores - more than a fifth of its outlets in the country - and lay off up to 588 workers. "Inditex's economic situation is different from H&M's," said Lucia Trenor, a CCOO representative, adding that her union would continue to negotiate for higher wages beyond the one-off bonus. ($1 = 0.9303 euros) (Reporting by Corina Pons; Editing by David Goodman) Do you pay taxes on unemployment? What to expect when you file your return Many people who lose their jobs are surprised to learn that unemployment benefits are considered taxable income. If you didnt have taxes withheld from your benefit check, you could find yourself owing money when you file your return. Wondering how unemployment will affect your taxes? Dont panic. Well explain how unemployment benefits are taxed and what to do if you cant afford to pay. Youll also learn about tax credits you may be eligible for if you collect unemployment and how to avoid an unexpected tax bill. How unemployment benefits are taxed Unemployment benefits are subject to federal income taxes. Depending on where you live, you could owe state and local taxes as well. Federal income taxes Unemployment benefits are generally considered taxable income and must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. The tax rate you pay is determined by what tax brackets you fall into based on all your income sources not just unemployment benefits but also any money you earned if you worked during the year. Tax withholding on unemployment benefits is voluntary. You can ask your state unemployment office to withhold a flat 10% for federal income taxes by filling out IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. If your state has its own withholding form, use that form instead. Be aware, though, that the 10% withholding may not cover your full tax liability, particularly if you had other sources of income. To avoid a large bill on tax day, you can also make quarterly estimated tax payments, which are typically made by freelancers and self-employed people. If you dont pay taxes on unemployment income throughout the year, you could face an underpayment penalty when you file. You should receive tax Form 1099-G, which shows how much unemployment insurance you received, as well as any taxes withheld. Some states mail the form, while other states require recipients to get the electronic version from their websites. Though youll owe federal income tax on unemployment benefits, you wont have to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes (known as payroll taxes) on your benefits. Note that if you previously received unemployment benefits during the pandemic, the rules have changed. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allowed individual taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $150,000 to exclude up to $10,200 of jobless benefits from their incomes for the 2020 tax year. But this rule applied only to 2020. If you received unemployment for any subsequent year, youll need to include the full amount of your compensation as taxable income. For a comprehensive look at the rules on federal income taxes and unemployment, visit the IRS unemployment compensation page. State income taxes Most states levy income taxes and require unemployment recipients to pay state taxes on their benefits. There are some exceptions, though. If you live in one of these nine states, you wont pay taxes at the state level on your unemployment because these states have no income taxes, or they only tax interest and investment income: Alaska Florida Nevada New Hampshire* South Dakota Tennessee* Texas Washington Wyoming *These states have an income tax that applies only to interest and investment income. The following six states shield unemployment compensation from taxable income: Alabama California Montana New Jersey Pennsylvania Virginia Additionally, residents of Indiana and Wisconsin may be eligible to deduct or exclude part of their unemployment benefits for tax purposes on their state return. In the remaining 33 states, you should prepare to pay state taxes on your unemployment. Visit your states Department of Revenue website to find out what state and local taxes apply. Tip: If you need help with tax preparation, visit the IRS Free Tax Prep Help search tool to find an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program near you. Tax credits you may be eligible for if you received unemployment Tax credits can offset the amount of your tax bill dollar for dollar. If the credit is refundable and a credit exceeds what you owe, the IRS will issue the extra amount to you as a tax refund. If its nonrefundable, you can use the credit to reduce your tax liability, but you wont receive a refund for any excess amount. Here are some tax credits you might qualify for if you receive unemployment. Earned income tax credit The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a tax credit for working people who have low to moderate incomes. As the name says, you need to earn income to qualify. Unemployment compensation doesnt count as earned income for this credit. But if you worked part of the year and then lost your job, you may qualify. In fact, you could find yourself eligible for EITC, even if you didnt qualify in the past, if your income is substantially lower for 2023 than previous years. The maximum credit ranges from $600 for taxpayers with no dependent children to $7,430 for families with three or more qualifying children. Income restrictions vary based on household size and tax filing status. For example, someone whos single with no qualifying dependents can only receive the full credit if their adjusted gross income (AGI) was $17,640, whereas a married couple filing jointly with three dependents could receive the maximum credit with an AGI of $63,398. Child tax credit If you have dependent children who were 16 or younger at the end of 2023, you can receive the child tax credit on their behalf, even if you didnt work during the year. The child tax credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child. You can qualify for the full credit if youre a single taxpayer with an AGI of $200,000 or less, or if youre married filing jointly with an AGI of $400,000 or less. The credit has a refundable portion of up to $1,600 thats known as the additional child tax credit. But in order to qualify for the refundable part of the credit, youll need at least $2,500 in earned income unless you have three or more qualifying children. Child and dependent care credit If you earned income from working during the year and you paid for childcare so you could either work or search for work, you could qualify for the child and dependent care credit. The credit is available if your child was younger than 13 when you paid for their care. The credit is also available to families who paid for the care of a dependent whos physically or mentally unable to care for themselves, even if theyre 13 or older. The credit is worth between 20% and 35% of child care expenses, depending on income level. The maximum credit is $3,000 for one dependent, or $6,000 for two or more dependents. The credit is nonrefundable. Savers credit If you worked at some point during the year and contributed to a retirement account, you may be eligible for the savers credit. The credit is meant to encourage lower- and middle-income taxpayers to save for retirement. The maximum credit is 50% of your retirement contribution, up to $2,000 for single taxpayers or $4,000 for married couples filing jointly. You could be eligible for the full credit at AGIs of less than: $21,750 (single filers) $32,625 (heads of household) $43,500 (married filing jointly) If your income was above these amounts, you may qualify for a smaller credit. Youre ineligible for the savers credit if your AGI exceeds: $36,500 (single filers) $54,750 (heads of household) $73,000 (married filing jointly) For example, suppose youre a single filer who earned $20,000 before getting laid off six months into the year. You contributed 10% of your salary, or $2,000 total, to your 401(k). Youd be eligible for a credit of $1,000, or 50% of your $2,000 contribution. The savers credit is nonrefundable. That means that it can lower your tax bill, but you wont receive any excess amount as a tax refund. What if you cant afford taxes on unemployment? Even if you cant afford your taxes, youll still want to file your taxes or request an extension by April 15, 2024. Failure to file penalties is much steeper than failure to pay penalties, so you dont want to miss the filing deadline. If you owe money, youll probably have the option of an IRS payment plan. Most taxpayers who owe less than $50,000 can set up an installment plan online and make monthly payments for up to 72 months. If youre still collecting benefits, consider asking your state unemployment agency to withhold 10% for federal taxes. Finding extra room in your budget can be challenging when youre not collecting a paycheck. But if you can have money withheld and still stay afloat, next years tax season will be less stressful. Read more: Don't spend extra just to file your taxes. Here are 7 free tax filing options Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Can you get a tax refund on unemployment? You can get a tax refund if youre on unemployment if you paid more than you owed in taxes over the year. Qualifying for refundable tax credits can help you get money back at tax time. Does unemployment count toward AGI? Yes, unemployment counts toward your AGI, or adjusted gross income. Youll need to report it on Schedule 1 of your federal tax return under the additional income section, then carry over the amount you received onto Form 1040. Is there a tax credit for people who lose their jobs? Theres no tax credit or deduction specifically for people who have lost their jobs. However, if your income is lower as a result of losing your job, you could qualify for tax credits like the earned income tax credit if you earned money through working at some point in the year. Such credits can lower the total amount you owe in taxes and could even result in a refund, depending on the tax credit. Iowa State University (ISU) has responded to 10 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recommendations issued by the Board of Regents in November, taking a notable stance on pronoun disclosure. The university has prohibited compelling students, employees, applicants, or visitors to disclose their pronouns. The move is part of a broader evaluation of DEI efforts across Iowa's public universities, with the Board of Regents aiming to address concerns and controversies surrounding mandatory DEI initiatives. Pronoun Disclosure at ISU The recent directive from ISU explicitly states that individuals on campus are not required to disclose their pronouns. While the full implementation plan is expected by April, the university is already taking initial steps to respect individual choices. Students, faculty, and staff have the option to voluntarily share their pronouns with others, but it is not a mandatory requirement. The DEI study group formed by Regent President Michael Richards in March 2023 is addressing concerns and controversies related to DEI efforts across Iowa's public universities. The Board of Regents issued a set of 10 recommendations in November, sparking discussions and debates on the role of mandatory DEI programs on campuses. One of the recommendations focuses on barring compelled pronoun disclosure. The Board cited instances of discomfort reported by students, employees, or visitors who were asked to provide information about their personal use of pronouns in ways that made them uneasy. The move reflects a broader effort to strike a balance between fostering inclusivity and respecting individual privacy and comfort. READ ALSO: Rep. Dan Crenshaw Proposes Bill To Fight Against Mandatory DEI Statements On Campus Legislative Background and Criticism The Iowa Legislature passed a law in March 2023, requiring the Board of Regents to conduct a comprehensive study of DEI efforts across its campuses. This law also mandated a temporary halt to all hiring related to DEI initiatives. The move came after sharp criticism from Republican legislators, with concerns about the financial allocation for DEI efforts and accusations of promoting a particular ideological agenda. Critics, like Representative Taylor Collins, highlighted the significant financial investment in DEI efforts, pointing out that the top DEI staff at regent universities alone accounted for approximately $750,000 in salaries. The scrutiny intensified when it was revealed that the three campuses collectively spent $9.7 million annually on DEI initiatives. Public Response and Anecdotal Evidence As part of the study, the Board of Regents invited feedback from the public, resulting in over 8,400 responses. The respondents included students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, employers, members of the public, and government officials. Anecdotal evidence and feedback revealed instances where individuals felt uncomfortable with mandatory pronoun disclosures, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to DEI initiatives. While some respondents supported the Board's recommendation to bar compelled pronoun disclosure, others criticized or supported the broader suggestions. The controversies surrounding mandatory DEI statements in annual professional reviews and faculty candidate applications were also highlighted. Some argued that DEI programs had become excessive, potentially influencing hiring decisions based on personal statements rather than qualifications. The Pronoun Debate The discussion on pronoun disclosure has been a focal point, with anecdotal evidence citing instances where employees were asked to wear pronoun stickers at official events, leading to refusals and discomfort. The debate reflects broader cultural and ideological differences, with one respondent noting, "This is Iowa ... not California." Apart from the pronoun debate, the Board of Regents' recommendations include a comprehensive restructuring of DEI offices at the university level, assessing the necessity of DEI positions at various levels, and exploring recruitment strategies for diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives. The universities are expected to report back on the implementation of these recommendations in April. Iowa State University's decision to make pronoun disclosure optional aligns with the ongoing debates surrounding DEI initiatives across the state. The response reflects a nuanced approach that considers individual comfort and privacy while addressing broader concerns about the role of mandatory DEI programs on campuses. As the implementation plan evolves and universities report back to the Board of Regents in April, the outcome will likely shape the future trajectory of DEI efforts in Iowa's public universities. RELATED ARTICLE: Utah Enacts Legislation Against DEI Initiatives: Balance Between Policy Concerns And Academic Freedom In a strategic move to bolster its global standing in education, Malaysia is actively seeking to attract more Indian students. The Malaysian High Commissioner to India, Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa, recently announced this initiative during the launch of the "My Binary International Grant-India" (MyBIG-India) scholarship scheme by Binary University. This endeavor signifies Malaysia's commitment to expanding its international education appeal and fostering academic collaborations, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. Current Landscape As of now, approximately 6,000 Indian nationals are pursuing higher education in Malaysia. The launch of the MyBIG-India scholarship aims to significantly augment this number, providing Indian students with a valuable opportunity to access high-quality education in Malaysia. Binary University, a 40-year-old institution known for its specialization in management, information technology, and entrepreneurship courses, plays a pivotal role in realizing this vision. READ ALSO: New Reports Show Rapid Growth Of International Students In US Scholarship Opportunities The MyBIG-India scholarship program is poised to become a gateway for Indian students aspiring to pursue academic excellence in Malaysia. The scholarship, introduced during a virtual event, underscores Malaysia's dedication to promoting its universities globally and fostering cross-cultural educational exchanges. By actively encouraging Indian students to study in Malaysia, the country aims to enrich its academic landscape and strengthen ties between the two nations. Collaborations and Memorandums of Understanding During the 6th Joint Commission Meeting in November, representatives from Malaysia and India expressed their commitment to expedite cooperation in higher education through academic collaborations. Currently, there are 106 existing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between higher education institutions in both countries. These agreements serve as a foundation for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting cultural exchange. Malaysia's proactive approach to becoming a global education hub is further evidenced by its eagerness to welcome the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in the country. This collaborative venture demonstrates Malaysia's dedication to becoming a center of talent and knowledge, attracting and nurturing individuals from around the world. By serving as a hub of excellence in generating, disseminating, and applying knowledge, Malaysia envisions a transformative impact on its education sector. Commitment to Internationalization Malaysia has set an ambitious target of hosting 250,000 international students by 2025, a significant increase from the current figure of around 130,000. The MyBIG-India scholarship initiative aligns seamlessly with this overarching goal, showcasing Malaysia's commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. By actively seeking students from India and other nations, Malaysia aims to elevate the quality of its education system and enhance its global reputation. Malaysia's focused efforts to attract more Indian students through initiatives like the MyBIG-India scholarship underscore the country's commitment to fostering international collaborations and promoting educational diversity. As higher education becomes increasingly globalized, Malaysia recognizes the importance of attracting talent from around the world. The collaborative agreements, commitment to internationalization, and welcoming stance towards educational institutions like the proposed IIT campus reflect Malaysia's vision of becoming a prominent player in the global education arena. The MyBIG-India scholarship serves as a beacon, signaling Malaysia's dedication to providing accessible and high-quality education for students seeking enriching academic experiences. RELATED ARTICLE: Unlocking Educational Horizons: France Launches Classes Internationales For Indian Students In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, a new player is emerging to challenge traditional accreditation models. The Postsecondary Commission (PSC), a nonprofit organization backed by philanthropy, is pioneering a unique approach to accrediting U.S. colleges and universities. Unlike traditional accrediting bodies that emphasize metrics related to academics and fiscal health, the PSC places a strong focus on student outcomes, including earnings and economic mobility. However, the road to recognition is long and arduous, with the PSC facing skepticism from critics and questions about its proposed accreditation standards. A New Model for Accreditation Founded by Stig Leschly, a former charter school executive and Harvard Business School lecturer, the PSC aims to tap into the largely untapped need for accreditation models centered around student motivations, often driven by earnings. The organization is building its accreditation standards around measuring both "absolute earnings" and "value-added" earnings. Absolute earnings are determined by the median wage for graduates being 150 percent above the poverty line for two of the three years after completing their degrees. On the value-added side, institutions must generate wage gains for both graduating and non-graduating students that exceed the costs charged by the institutions. This outcomes-focused model is a departure from the traditional emphasis on inputs, bureaucracy, and outdated requirements seen in conventional accreditation processes. Leschly highlighted the PSC's commitment to economic returns, transparency, accountability, and innovation in a congressional hearing on education reform. READ ALSO: Temple University Announces Transformative Tuition Promise, Promoting Affordable Higher Education In Pennsylvania Pilot Program and Federal Recognition To test its proposed accreditation model, the PSC has initiated a pilot program at Texas State Technical College. This program allows the organization to navigate regulatory requirements and seek federal recognition. The journey toward becoming a recognized accrediting body involves a comprehensive application to the U.S. Department of Education, a lengthy review process, and various other regulatory steps. If successful, the PSC will enter an educational landscape where institutions have newfound freedom to choose accreditors beyond their historic regions. Supporters and Detractors While the PSC boasts a board with well-known names, including Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, and Paul LeBlanc, the outgoing president of Southern New Hampshire University, it is not without its critics. Supporters commend the focus on outcomes, transparency, and innovation. Mitchell sees the potential for innovative methods to boost student success, while LeBlanc anticipates encouraging more innovation in educational models. On the flip side, critics raise concerns about the lack of specificity and rigor in the PSC's proposed accreditation standards. Think tanks such as Third Way and New America question whether the metrics, particularly earnings gains, are gameable and might incentivize bad actors. The PSC's ability to accurately measure postgraduate earnings, collect necessary longitudinal data, and review institutional diversity and equity efforts has also come under scrutiny. Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward Responding to critiques, the PSC updated its standards in November, providing more specificity in various areas. Despite concerns about the organization's timing, especially in light of legislative changes in Florida and North Carolina requiring state institutions to change accreditors regularly, Leschly denies any political motivations. He asserts that the PSC aims to remain neutral on contentious issues and will focus primarily on outcomes, taking a light-touch approach. As the Postsecondary Commission charts its course through the complex accreditation landscape, the higher education community watches with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The emphasis on student outcomes, economic returns, and transparency sets the PSC apart from traditional accrediting bodies. Whether it can address the concerns raised by critics and gain federal recognition remains to be seen. In a sector marked by resistance to change, the Postsecondary Commission is challenging the status quo, betting on a model that prioritizes student success and economic opportunity. RELATED ARTICLE: City College Of San Francisco Placed On Warning Status; Accreditor Says It Falls Short On Several Standards February 6 2024 A historic stables and sawmill complex within the grounds of Pollok Park is to be transformed into a living heritage centre under plans driven by Glasgow City Council. Working with Page/Park, Hub West, Narro, Rybka and Doig+Smith the authority will repurpose the semi-derelict listed buildings to allow Clydesdale Horses to make a triumphant return to the park. Scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2024 the net-zero attraction will include a cafe and events space all powered by newly installed hydroelectric turbines. Deferential repairs will focus on new interventions such as an access stair, conveniences and the cafe on the south and west ranges which are in relatively poor shape. This permits more limited fabric repair and improvements such as insulation and modern glazing to the remainder. In a statement, the architects wrote: "The refurbishment of Pollok Stables and Sawmill will create a new Living Heritage Centre at the heart of Pollok Park. The complex will explore the history of power, from the mighty Clydesdale Horse to the harnessing of the white cart river to create sustainable electricity. The complex tells the story of a working estate and will become a centrepiece for Glasgow City Council's net zero strategy." An 'accessible axis' of Caithness slabs will offer level access through the cobbled courtyard, linked to a new river terrace by an open pend. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) The speakers at a Kashmir Solidarity Symposium have underlined the urgent need for global attention and support towards sufferings faced by the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The symposium, organize to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day was hosted by the Jammu Kashmir Peace & Justice Organization in Muzaffarabad, according to press statement received here on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Jammu Kashmir Peace & Justice Organization, Tanveer-ul- islam expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan and peace-loving individuals worldwide for their solidarity with the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir. "Observing Kashmir Solidarity Day every year on February 5 is a potent reminder of Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the Kashmiri cause," he said, highlighting the day's significance in sending a resolute message of support to Kashmiris across the Line of Control. The historical roots of the Kashmir conflict, dating back to the partition of British India in 1947, were outlined by Tanveer. He lamented on decades of tension, wars, and human rights violations and unfulfilled promise of a plebiscite mandated by United Nations Security Council resolutions in 1948 and 1949. He highlighted the importance of beefing up support for Kashmir cause through diplomatic channels, calling for practical assistance to address the humanitarian crisis in the disputed region. He also stressed the need of empowering the Kashmiri diaspora to advocate for the rights of their struggling compatriots on the global stage. The symposium concluded with heartfelt gratitude from the people of Kashmir to the government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support and solidarity. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday said that despite numerous challenges, the best possible arrangements had been made to ensure peaceful and seamless conduct of elections on polling day, across the country. He was talking to a delegation of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), led by former President of Nigeria Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The meeting was part of the COGs interaction with various stakeholders ahead of the upcoming general elections on 8th February, 2024. The prime minister welcomed the COG delegation and said that Pakistan was proud to honour its commitment as a Commonwealth member state by inviting independent international observers to witness the general elections. He also highlighted that the caretaker government had fulfilled its responsibilities to run the day-to-day affairs of the state and create a conducive environment ahead of the elections. Now it was the turn of the people of Pakistan to exercise their democratic right to vote, he added. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan thanked the caretaker prime minister and conveyed best wishes of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland. He said the COG delegation would be visiting various polling sites throughout the country to observe the election process. (@FahadShabbir) Speakers at a landmark seminar held in commemoration of Kashmir Solidarity Day at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) underscored the profound significance of February 5 as a beacon of hope for the oppressed Kashmiris enduring the harsh realities of Indian oppression across the Line of Control MUZAFFARABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) Speakers at a landmark seminar held in commemoration of Kashmir Solidarity Day at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) underscored the profound significance of February 5 as a beacon of hope for the oppressed Kashmiris enduring the harsh realities of Indian oppression across the Line of Control. Addressing the seminar titled "The Importance of Solidarity Day in the Current Context of Kashmir Freedom Movement" on Tuesday, the speakers reaffirmed unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination, echoing the sentiments of solidarity from the governments of Pakistan and AJK, alongside the resolute backing of the Pakistani populace and just nations worldwide. Former Chief Justice, Justice (R) Syed Manzoor Hussain Gillani, alongside esteemed dignitaries including Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, and Chief Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Additional Chief Secretary, GoAJK, Ms. Mudhat Shahzad, Executive Director of the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) AJK, Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Additional Registrar Sardar Zaffar Iqbal were among the prominent speakers lauding the relentless spirit of Kashmiris in their pursuit of freedom from the shackles of Indian occupation. Justice (R) Syed Manzoor Hussain Gilani emphasized the enduring nature of the Kashmir Freedom Movement, drawing parallels to global freedom struggles while highlighting the continued resonance of Solidarity Day. He commended the courage and resilience of Kashmiris in the face of coercive Indian tactics, urging concerted efforts to amplify their voices through modern strategies and education. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi underscored the historical context of Kashmir's struggle, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of its people and the imperative of nurturing the flame of freedom through engagement and awareness. He proposed collaborative efforts to empower youth in advocating for Kashmir's just cause, offering the university's platform for dialogue and action. JI Chief AJK and GB, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed reiterated the message of solidarity, urging sustained support for Kashmiris' right to self-determination. Additional Chief Secretary Ms. Mudhat Shahzad, drawing from personal experience, highlighted the intimate ties between Kashmir and Pakistan, emphasizing the shared identity and responsibility. Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja condemned the ongoing atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling for a unified pledge to amplify the voices of the oppressed through social media and advocacy. The seminar concluded with a documentary presentation on IIOJK, garnering appreciation from attendees comprising principal officers, deans, faculty, and students. Get Southwests Companion Pass for a year with this new credit card welcome offer (expired) This offer is expired; check out Yahoo's roundup of available credit card welcome offers and bonuses Frequent Southwest Airlines flyers will now save even more with the airlines co-branded Chase credit cards. Starting today, new cardholders can earn Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2025, as part of the welcome bonus for each of the following three cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. Heres more about the limited-time offer from Chase, and how to decide if a Southwest Airlines travel credit card is right for you. What is the new Southwest Companion Pass offer? With the new limited-time offer, youll earn both the Companion Pass and 30,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. Companion Pass with Southwest is one of the airlines most premium perks. Each time you fly, the pass allows you to bring one designated person with you. Your companion doesnt have to pay any airfare charges, only taxes and fees. The standard way to earn Companion Pass with Southwest is by flying at least 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Usually, youll keep the pass for the rest of year in which you earn it, plus the full next calendar year. But with the welcome bonus offer, its valid only until Feb. 28, 2025. How to choose a Southwest Airlines credit card These are all the details you need to know about the different Southwest credit cards available now. While these cards offer very similar ongoing rewards rates, the added benefits youll get especially when flying Southwest cover a broader range. Each card below is eligible for the new welcome offer. Annual fee: $69 Welcome offer: Earn Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2025 plus 30,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months Rewards: 2x points on Southwest purchases 2x points on local transit and commuting 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services 2x points on select streaming 2x points on partner Rapid Rewards hotels and car rentals 1x points on everything else Benefits: 3,000 points each year on your account anniversary 2 annual Early Bird check-ins 25% back on in-flight purchases Annual Companion Pass boost: 10,000 qualifying points each year Annual fee: $99 Welcome offer: Earn Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2025 plus 30,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months Rewards: 3x points on Southwest purchases 2x points on local transit and commuting 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services 2x points on select streaming 2x points on partner Rapid Rewards hotels and car rentals 1x points on everything else Benefits: 6,000 points each year on your account anniversary 2 annual Early Bird check-ins Earn 1,500 tier-qualifying points for A-list status with Southwest for every $10,000 spent on your card (no limit to the amount of TQPs you can earn) 25% back on in-flight purchases Annual Companion Pass boost: 10,000 qualifying points each year Annual fee: $149 Welcome offer: Earn Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2025 plus 30,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months Rewards: 3x points on Southwest purchases 2x points on local transit and commuting 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services 2x points on select streaming 2x points on partner Rapid Rewards hotels and car rentals 1x points on everything else Benefits: 7,500 points each year on your account anniversary $75 annual travel credit for Southwest Airlines purchases 4 Upgraded Boardings: Each account year, get reimbursed when you purchase up to 4 Upgraded Boardings to positions A1-A15 Earn 1,500 tier-qualifying points for A-list status with Southwest for every $10,000 spent on your card (no limit to the amount of TQPs you can earn) 25% back on in-flight purchases Annual Companion Pass boost: 10,000 qualifying points each year Should you get a Southwest card for this offer? Just like any co-branded airline travel credit card, you should only get a Southwest card if you prefer flying Southwest Airlines and you travel often enough to make the benefits and rewards worth the annual fee cost. Luckily, these cards come with great added benefits for Southwest flyers, which make it easy to earn back the cost. Between bonus points each anniversary year, early check-in privileges, in-flight discounts, youll get more value from your card the more you fly Southwest. If your goal is to maintain Companion Pass benefits even after the welcome offer expires, your Southwest credit card in your wallet will definitely be an advantage. Not only do you earn qualifying points on every purchase you make with your card, but youll also get an annual bonus. The 10,000 bonus qualifying points effectively brings down your required Companion Pass qualifying points to 125,000 instead of 135,000. However, while a limited offer with a lot of potential value is enticing, you should only apply for a new credit card when it makes sense for you. If you already have credit card debt to pay off or you prefer earning travel rewards under another program, this may not be for you. Youll also need to meet the spending required to earn the offer $4,000 within the first three months. Make sure thats within your budget before you apply; otherwise, the interest charges you could take on from carrying that balance will add up quickly. Were not yet sure how long Chase and Southwest will continue this deal on their co-branded cards, but it is a limited-time offer. So if you are sure you want to access Companion Pass through a new card welcome offer, consider applying sooner rather than later. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Chinas scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanitys scientific understanding of the ocean, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) Chinas scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanitys scientific understanding of the ocean, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday. The activities are in strict compliance with the terms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said during his regular briefing in response to a question about the docking of Chinese scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 in the Indian Ocean later this week. He said, for years, China and the Maldives had maintained close cooperation in marine scientific research. China appreciates the facilitation and assistance extended by the Maldives to Chinese research vessels entering its port on the basis of sovereignty and China-Maldives friendship and in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law, he added. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University told Global Times, Many vessels need to replenish fuel and food during sea voyage. It is very normal to choose a port call in a third country. He said, the Indian Ocean is not Indias ocean. It is the high seas. However, India and some of its media outlets have long been plagued by a domineering mindset, viewing Chinas normal, lawful and reasonable activities through tinted glasses, gauging the heart of a gentleman with that of a villain. Whether the Chinese research ship actually has the capabilities they claim, the Maldives is more qualified to judge, rather than just spread hearsay and speculation, Qian said. With Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's visit to China in January, relations between China and the Maldives have been further warmed, which India is wary of, Qian pointed out. During the visit, the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Along with the previous opposition to Chinas scientific research ship docked in Sri Lanka, India sending the submarine is a move exposing its typical hegemonic mentality, Qian condemned. APP/asg (@FahadShabbir) In a small village in southern Madagascar, dozens of women shelter from the scorching sun under a tree as they wait to weigh their children Manindra, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) In a small village in southern Madagascar, dozens of women shelter from the scorching sun under a tree as they wait to weigh their children. The Indian Ocean island nation has suffered poor rainfall since October and fears of worsening hunger loom as the El Nino climate pattern takes hold. The country is particularly exposed to extreme weather events such as storms and droughts which experts say are expected to worsen with climate change. "Madagascar is facing the climate crisis now," said Reena Ghelani, the United Nations Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Nino response. At least 1.3 million people in Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, already suffer from malnutrition, according to the UN. In recent years, a vast area in the south has been hit by the worst drought in four decades. Weather forecasts predict an even drier 2024, with potentially dire consequences for the harvest season starting in May. "Nothing is growing on our land. Everything we plant ends up falling. It's because of all this we suffer," Nasolo, a mother of 10, said. - 'Not enough food' - She has come with other mothers to a community centre in the village of Manindra to have her children checked. A dry wind blows over the red earth and temperatures hover around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). "I come every two weeks to weigh and check on his health," said Arisoa, 37, who has walked seven kilometres (more than four miles) to put her one-year-old son on the scales. Three months ago, she realised the little boy was acutely malnourished. A bracelet now monitors his muscle mass. "I should give him fish, bananas and pineapple. But we don't have the means and not enough food. The rain isn't falling," she said in despair. Globally, 2023 was the warmest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Last month, it warned that this year could be even hotter because the naturally occurring El Nino climate pattern, which emerged mid-2023, usually increases global temperatures for one year after. Ghelani, who toured Madagascar last week, said early-warning systems to detect climate risks are key to promptly deliver aid, such as seeds, food and money. The UN's food agency (FAO) is trying to help farmers face the climate challenges. Some use a phone app it developed compiling agro-meteorological data. "It helps us to better predict precipitation, winds and decide whether to plant or not," Bienvenue Manasoa, who grows corn, sorghum and peanuts, said. "It has changed our life." Others have started planting more drought-resistant seeds. "I chose to grow millet because it is nutritious and above all it does not need a lot of water to grow," said Ialy Tsivonanomby, who sells his seeds to the FAO. Strasbourg, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday recommended the bloc bury a plan to cut pesticide use in agriculture as a concession to protesting European farmers. The original proposal, put forward by her European Commission as part of the European Union's green transition, "has become a symbol of polarisation," she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Noting that the plan -- to halve chemical pesticide use in the EU by the end of the decade -- had also stalled in discussions in the European Parliament and in the European Council representing EU member countries, von der Leyen said she would ask her commission "to withdraw this proposal". The pesticide issue is just one of a long list of grievances that have prompted a mass protest movement by EU farmers, who in recent weeks have used tractors to block key roads to complain of shrinking income and rising production costs. With far-right and anti-establishment parties -- which are predicted to make significant gains in June's European elections -- latching onto the farmers' movement, the environment debate has turned politically explosive. Last week, 1,300 tractors clogged the area around an EU summit in Brussels, forcing their revolt to the top of the leaders' agenda and resulting in a number of other concessions, especially in France. Protests were continuing on Tuesday, including in the Netherlands -- and with demonstrations called for outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "Many of them feel pushed into a corner," von der Leyen acknowledged, adding: "Our farmers deserve to be listened to." At the same time, though, she emphasised that European agriculture "needs to move to a more sustainable model of production" that was more environmentally friendly and less harmful to soil quality. "Perhaps we have not made that case convincingly," she said. To get there, von der Leyen said "trust" had to be built between farmers and policymakers, and she pointed to consultative dialogue Brussels has started with a broad range of representatives in the agri-food sector. Von der Leyen said that, while she wanted to withdraw the proposed law on pesticides, "the topic stays" even if "a different approach is needed". She suggested that the European Commission could come up with a revised legislative proposal at a later date -- an initiative that would likely fall to the next commission resulting from EU elections taking place in June. Von der Leyen has not yet said whether she intends to seek a new mandate at the head of that commission. (@FahadShabbir) King Charles III's estranged son Prince Harry was reportedly flying back to London Tuesday, raising hopes of a family reconciliation after his father's diagnosis of cancer which doctors "caught early" London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Feb, 2024) King Charles III's estranged son Prince Harry was reportedly flying back to London Tuesday, raising hopes of a family reconciliation after his father's diagnosis of cancer which doctors "caught early". Harry, who now lives in California with his actress wife Meghan and their children, has been at war with his family since quitting royal life and launching a barrage of score-settling criticism in his best-selling autobiography "Spare". The Daily Mail reported that Harry had "jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today" while The Times said he was expected to touch down in London shortly after midday (1200 GMT). Hopes of a rapprochement with Charles and Harry's brother William, who is heir to the throne, come after Buckingham Palace made a shock announcement that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and begun treatment. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the cancer had been "caught early". Buckingham Palace has not specified the type of cancer afflicting the 75-year-old monarch who will now step back from public-facing royal duties to complete his treatment. Charles is just 17 months into his reign having waited decades to begin the job he was born to do following the death of his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. Citizens expressed shock and sympathy at the news. "We were just incredibly sad and hope... that he gets over it," said retiree Sue Hazell, from the northern English city of Doncaster, as she visited Buckingham Palace. "It's not nice to hear anyone's been diagnosed with cancer," added Sarah Firisen, 55, a software sales worker. "I feel kind of bad for him. He waited all these years to be king." Charles's diagnosis will prolong a frontline shortage of royals created by Charles's admission to hospital last month for a benign prostate procedure and the almost simultaneous hospitalisation of Catherine, Princess of Wales. The royals' health issues have left 76-year-old Queen Camilla as the highest profile royal with support from Charles's sister Princess Anne, 73. A young area man who lured a 12-year-old girl out of her Fredericksburg home to have sex with him pleaded guilty to rape Monday. Maycol J. Rivas Escobar, 19, of Spotsylvania, entered the plea in Fredericksburg Circuit Court. As part of a plea agreement, a second rape charge was dropped. Rivas Escobar, a student at Chancellor High School at the time of his arrest last year, will face an active prison sentence of up to 15 years when he is sentenced April 2 by Judge Sarah Deneke. According to court records and the evidence presented by prosecutor Gary Godman, Rivas Escobar knew the girl from church and began communicating with her on Instagram between May and August of last year. On at least two occasions, the girl sneaked out of her home to have sex with Rivas Escobar. In the early morning hours of Aug. 14, the child and Rivas Escobar were outside her home in a vehicle. The girls mother became alarmed when she noticed her daughter was not in her room, and wondered if she had run away. She walked outside and found the two together. Police were contacted and soon identified Rivas Escobar as the man whod been with the girl. Godman said Rivas Escobar admitted what hed been doing with the girl and was taken into custody. He has been in jail ever since. Prior to this conviction, Rivas Escobar had no criminal record. He would have faced the possibility of life in prison had the case gone to trial. Vietnam to Offer Reduced Tariffs on Select Cambodian Goods Preferential import tariffs for some Cambodian goods entering Vietnam have been introduced and could boost trade between these two neighbors. Here are the details. Earlier this year, the Vietnamese Government issued Decree 5/2024/ND-CP (Decree 5), which states that a range of imports from Cambodia will be eligible for lower import tariffs in certain situations. Items eligible for tariff-free entry must fulfill the following criteria: They must belong to Vietnams preferential import tariff schedule; Have a certificate of origin form issued by the Kingdom of Cambodia; and Goods must enter through specific border gates detailed in the decree. These new arrangements should see a boost to trade between these two countries. Notably, said trade, in 2023, reached nearly US$6.6 billion, however, it is hoped that it can grow much higher. In this light, the Vietnam Briefing looks at how this trade is shaping up. Cambodias exports to Vietnam Cambodias total export value to Vietnam surpassed US$3.68 billion in 2023. The biggest of these exports were cashew nuts and rubber. Cambodias exports to Vietnam, 2023 Description Value US$ Fishery products 25,000 Fruits and vegetables 44,492,417 Cashew nut 836,784,739 Maize (corn) 30,000 Soya beans 10,883,922 Tobacco materials 8,813,927 Rubber 888,116,799 Wood and wooden products 9,597,591 Fabrics 42,039,191 Ferrous waste and scrap 72,068,156 Machine, equipment, tools, and instruments 27,538,621 Other products 1,740,132,270 Total 3,680,522,634 Source: General Customs Department of Vietnam Rubber Rubber is one of Cambodias top exports to Vietnam. Cambodia made more than US$888 million in 2023 from rubber exports to Vietnam. Although Vietnam ranks third in the world in natural rubber production and exports, the quality of local rubber does not always fulfill manufacturing requirements, according to the Vietnam Rubber Association. Hence the need to import from Cambodia. Cashew nuts Cambodia is Vietnams leading supplier of cashew nuts in Southeast Asia. Although export turnover to Vietnam has decreased, the price of Cambodian cashew nuts remains competitive. In 2023, Cambodia shipped over 614,000 tons of cashew nuts to Vietnam, earning over US$836 million. Vietnams exports to Cambodia On the contrary, Vietnams exports to Cambodia were slightly higher than the reverse, totaling more than US$4.88 billion in 2023. Vietnams exports to Cambodia in 2023 Description Value US$ Fishery products 46,288,359 Fruits and vegetables 11,999,249 Coffee 4,884,035 Pastrycooks, sweets, and cereals products 67,466,202 Animal fodders and animal fodder materials 166,732,981 Clinker and cement 4,954,219 Petroleum products 438,065,771 Chemicals 44,233,184 Chemical products 99,062,993 Fertilizers 246,688,691 Plastics 25,316,861 Plastic products 146,117,740 Rubber products 4,140,485 Wood and wooden products 39,202,042 Paper and paper products 145,348,726 Yarn 68,431,914 Textiles and garments 808,852,731 Textile, leather, and foot-wear materials and auxiliaries 290,694,886 Ceramic products 11,824,249 Glass and glassware 15,652,780 Iron and steel 721,012,139 Iron and steel products 129,598,002 Other base metals and other base metal products 95,733,073 Telephones, mobile phones, and parts thereof 301,817 Machine, equipment, tools, and instruments 97,031,952 Insulated wires and cables 34,287,342 Other means of transportation, parts, and accessories thereof 42,303,654 Furniture of other materials, other than wood 6,260,544 Other products 1,073,137,393 Total 4,885,624,011 Source: General Customs Department of Vietnam Textiles and garments Textiles and garments make up an enormous portion of Vietnams overall export turnover to Cambodia. This is in line with greater integration in garment and textile supply chains in Southeast Asia. Materials are often shipped between these two countries with different parts of the production process taking place in each country. Iron and steel In 2022, Cambodia was Vietnams second-biggest export market for iron and steel. This did, however, represent a fall from first place in previous years. This could be attributed to challenges facing Cambodias real estate market which is a key buyer of Vietnamese steel and iron. Moving forward Vietnam is among the top foreign investors in Cambodia. Both countries are members of ASEAN and benefit from a number of regional trade agreements. This has been further helped along by Decree 5 which should make it cheaper to move goods between these two countries. With this in mind, firms may be able to realize a number of benefits by integrating both of these countries into their supply chains. For more information, foreign manufacturers should contact the business advisory experts at Dezan Shira and Associates. In 1991, a history professor at the University of Mary Washington had a brief conversation with a high school student who couldnt decide between college in Fredericksburg or Harrisonburg. The professor, William Crawley, was shopping at a store in Farmville with his wife, Terrie, when the young clerk noticed his address and said she was planning to tour the college campus there. He tore off a piece of paper from a legal pad and wrote down his number, encouraging her to call him if she had any questions and to choose UMW. She did, on both counts. Fast forward to current times and that 1995 graduate, Kristen Green, is returning to her Fredericksburg alma mater because of that same history professor. Green, whos also a New York Times-bestselling author, will speak Thursday during the William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series. Shell discuss her second book, The Devils Half Acre, and more precisely, the woman who inspired it Mary Lumpkin: Enslaved Woman, Liberator. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. at the UMW Dodd Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30. This years series focuses on biographies of various famous people, including Shakespeare and Picasso, George Washington and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Edgar Allan Poe and Stan Lee of Marvel Comics. Green, 50, is thrilled that her history with UMW, and Crawley, is coming full circle, and that her biography is included in the mix. Its such a great honor to be able to share Mary Lumpkins story as part of his lecture series because I think her life, which is so important, is not widely known, said Green, who lives in Richmond. Crawley, whos directed the series since it began in 2004, said hes followed Greens progress, both as a student and a journalist. She worked at the Boston Globe, the San Diego UnionTribune and the Richmond TimesDispatch. Im very proud of what she has accomplished, wishing only that I could take more credit for her success, Crawley wrote in an email. All I did, in fact, was to point her (literally!) in our direction. Green was working for the TimesDispatch in 2011 when she wrote a story about efforts to reclaim an African burial ground in Shockoe Bottom in Richmond. She discovered a Smithsonian Magazine article about a 2008 archaeological dig, in the same area, to look for remnants from Lumpkins Jail. The jail was a notorious warehouse, or holding pen, for the thousands of enslaved people who came through Richmond before they were sold into the Deep South. It was three blocks from the state capitol building. The Smithsonian article also mentioned that Mary, an enslaved woman who had been purchased by the jails owner, Robert Lumpkin, had eventually acted as his wife and took his name. The wording didnt sit well with Green. Acted as his wife? she questioned. I knew that couldnt be right. Mary Lumpkin was 8 when she was sold into slavery, 13 when she had her first of seven babies by Lumpkin. She was described as fair faced and nearly white, which made her particularly vulnerable to predators in the slave trade. He was 27 years older than she was and known for his brutal methods as a slave trader. But when he died, he left the notorious property, which those enslaved came to call The Devils Half Acre, to Mary Lumpkin who transformed the site into Gods Half Acre, Green wrote. The same grounds where enslaved people were imprisoned and beaten became the cornerstone for one of Americas historically Black colleges and universities, Green stated in her own story for the Smithsonian in 2022. Virginia Union University is still in existence today. Yet for many years, Mary Lumpkin was invisible, even at the school she had played a role in forming, Green wrote. When Lumpkins Jail was demolished and covered with fill dirt in 1876, her story went with it and Green was determined to excavate it. She wanted to know more about the woman who lived inside a jail known for its brutality toward the enslaved but used what agency she had, as Green describes it, to make sure her children were educated and not enslaved. While it was difficult to find much about Mary Lumpkin in her own words, Green did find threads, similar stories of other enslaved Black men and women. For instance, she was mentioned in an account by Anthony Burns, who escaped to Boston after being enslaved in Stafford County. When he was caught some time later, he ended up in Lumpkins Jail, where he was tortured and fed rancid meat. In a book later published about his life, Burns mentioned that Mary Lumpkin had snuck him a Bible and a book of hymns. Green found other enslaved women who, with their white husbands, sent their children north for a formal education, well before the Civil War began. The Lumpkins did the same with their children, and Mary Lumpkin bought a home in Philadelphia after Robert Lumpkin died in 1866. She later operated a restaurant in New Orleans with one of her daughters before moving to New Richmond, Ohio, where she died in 1905. When Green shares Mary Lumpkins story on Thursday, she hopes the account will give the UMW audience a different perspective, particularly about enslaved women whose lives have seemingly been erased over time. Perhaps in hearing the story of her journey, Green writes in the ending of her book, Americans will strive to better understand the complicated space that Mary Lumpkin occupied. A woman caught between two worlds. A woman who, even in freedom, was never truly free. A Chinese energy companys investment of $49 million in Afghanistans oil production has helped boost the country's daily crude oil output to more than 1,100 metric tons, but the funding is just one-third of what Beijing originally pledged. One year ago, Chinas Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co, or CAPEIC, signed a major oil extraction contract with Taliban authorities in Afghanistan. That 25-year contract requires CAPEIC to invest $150 million by the first year and a total of $540 million by 2026. According to a top Taliban official who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity, the company fell short of its investment target due to inaccurate estimates of material and labor costs, as well as a three-month delay in the approval of its financial plan by Afghan authorities. The investments will add up as the contract stipulates, the official said, adding that the Talibans treasury earned about $26 million from the project last year. The Amu Darya basin, spanning Afghanistan and Tajikistan, is estimated to contain 962 million barrels of crude oil and 52,025 billion cubic feet of natural gas, according to a 2011 assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey. To tap into this potential, the Chinese company plans to dig 22 additional wells this year, aiming to increase daily production to more than 2,000 tons, or about 15,000 barrels. One metric ton of crude oil is equal to 7.46 barrels. Despite attempts to reach CAPEIC for comment via email, the company did not respond to questions about the project. Budding relationship Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping surprised many by receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Taliban's ambassador to Beijing. It is not clear if Beijings action constitutes diplomatic recognition. No country has formally declared its recognition of the Taliban government. Chinas move, coupled with limited business deals like the Afghan oil project, suggests Beijing's pragmatic approach to Afghanistan, experts say. Although the attraction of [Afghanistans] mining and energy resources is strong, there is considerable Chinese wariness about the internal security situation, the reliability of Taliban assurances regarding foreign investments, and Afghanistans poor infrastructure, Andrew Scobell, distinguished fellow for China at the United States Institute of Peace, wrote to VOA in written comments. Facing international sanctions and isolation, the Taliban have actively sought Chinese investments and engagement in Afghanistan. Experts, however, suggest that China's primary motivation might not be economic gain, but rather curbing potential security threats emanating from its unstable neighbor. This aligns with concerns raised by several countries, including the United States and Russia, regarding the presence in Afghanistan of foreign terrorist groups that could pose threats beyond its porous borders. In the near term, Beijings primary focus vis-a-vis Afghanistan is relatively modest: to ensure stability on its westernmost border, remain engaged in the country and sustain its relationship with the new government in Kabul, said Scobell. China's long-term goals in Afghanistan remain unclear, but Beijings increasing engagement raises questions about its potential ambitions. Chinas influence in the country will likely increase, particularly if the situation continues on current indications, said Barbara Kelemen, an expert at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies. No U.S. competition Following nearly two decades of military involvement and more than $100 billion expended in Afghanistan, the United States withdrew its forces in August 2021, leading to the Taliban's return to power. The decision sparked much debate and introspection within the U.S., prompting Congress to establish the Afghanistan War Commission. The bipartisan commission is tasked with examining and reporting on the entirety of the U.S. engagement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, aiming to draw valuable lessons and inform future policy decisions. Guess who's in Afghanistan today? China, Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during a hearing on Afghanistan last month. McCaul and other lawmakers have raised concerns about the possibility of China taking over Bagram airfield in the north of Kabul. The U.S. military used Bagram as its main base throughout the Afghan war. We dont see Afghanistan as a place where we need to compete with the Chinese and the Russians, Thomas West, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, told the hearing when asked what Washington is doing about increasing Chinese involvement in the country. Although China and the United States exhibit very different diplomatic approaches toward Afghanistan, the U.S. remains the leading humanitarian donor to the country. U.S. officials report more than $2 billion in humanitarian assistance provided to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. A handful of super powerful tropical storms in the last decade and the prospect of more to come has a couple of experts proposing a new category of whopper hurricanes: Category 6. Studies have shown that the strongest tropical storms are getting more intense because of climate change. So the traditional five-category Saffir-Simpson scale, developed more than 50 years ago, may not show the true power of the most muscular storms, two climate scientists suggest Monday in a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They propose a sixth category for storms with winds that exceed 309 kpm (192 mph). Currently, storms with winds of 252 kph (157 mph) or higher are Category 5. The study's authors said that open-ended grouping doesn't warn people enough about the higher dangers from monstrous storms that flirt with 322 kph (200 mph) or higher. Several experts told The Associated Press they don't think another category is necessary. They said it could even give the wrong signal to the public because it's based on wind speed, while water is by far the deadliest killer in hurricanes. Since 2013, five storms all in the Pacific had winds of 192 mph or higher that would have put them in the new category, with two hitting the Philippines. As the world warms, conditions grow riper for such whopper storms, including in the Gulf of Mexico, where many storms that hit the United States get stronger, the study authors said. Climate change is making the worst storms worse," said study lead author Michael Wehner, a climate scientist at the Lawrence Berkley National Lab. It's not that there are more storms because of climate change. But the strongest are more intense. The proportion of major hurricanes among all storms is increasing and it's because of warmer oceans, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy, who wasn't part of the research. From time to time, experts have proposed a Category 6, especially since Typhoon Haiyan reached 315 kph (195 mph) wind speeds over the open Pacific. But Haiyan "does not appear to be an isolated case, the study said. Storms of sufficient wind speed are called hurricanes if they form east of the international dateline, and typhoons if they form to the west of the line. They're known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia. The five storms that hit 309 kpm (192 mph) winds or more are: 2013's Haiyan, which killed more than 6,300 people in the Philippines. 2015's Hurricane Patricia, which hit 346 kph (215 mph) before weakening and hitting Jalisco, Mexico. 2016's Typhoon Meranti, which reached 315 kph (195 mph) before skirting the Philippines and Taiwan and making landfall in China. 2020's Typhoon Goni, which reached 315 kph before killing dozens in the Philippines as a weaker storm. 2021's Typhoon Surigae, which also reached 315 kph before weakening and skirting several parts of Asia and Russia. If the world sticks with just five storm categories as these storms get stronger and stronger it will more and more underestimate the potential risk, said study co-author Jim Kossin, a former NOAA climate and hurricane researcher now with First Street Foundation. Pacific storms are stronger because there's less land to weaken them and more room for storms to grow more intense, unlike the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, Kossin said. Azerbaijan is set to hold snap presidential elections on Wednesday, with seven candidates vying for the top position. Incumbent President Ilham Aliyev is widely expected to secure victory, though no official reason has been given for the early election. The leading opposition parties, the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) and the Musavat Party, are boycotting the elections, claiming that the vote will not be held in a transparent and objective manner. "We should protest Ilham Aliyev's desire for power for life. He has been in power for 20 years by falsifying elections," Ali Karimli, chairman of the APFP has said. Many local political activists and human rights defenders do not consider the elections credible. "There is no democratic election environment in Azerbaijan," political analyst Nasimi Mammadli told VOA. "In fact," he added, "freedom of assembly has been banned in the country. There are serious problems with the media freedom. There are problems with the freedom of expression. There are reports of more than 250 political prisoners in the country." According to Seymur Hazi, deputy chairman of the APFP, the elections in Azerbaijan do not meet modern standards. "Due to many parameters, it is very difficult to call the process taking place in Azerbaijan an election," he said. The head of the National Front Party, Razi Nurullayev, one of the seven presidential candidates, said it's not right to criticize the elections without actively participating in the process. "Even if the elections are not free and democratic, if you are an opposition party, and if you want to lead the people, you must endure those hardships. You have to see the process with your own eyes, you have to gather experience and you have to join the struggle," he said. The Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has issued an interim report detailing the political atmosphere on the eve of the elections. The ODIHR has noted that six candidates participating in the elections have openly supported the president in the past. Elections amid pressure on media The elections come during an increased crackdown on journalists over the past couple of months. At least 10 journalists have been detained since late 2023. Many of the journalists working for Abzas Media, an online media outlet, have been accused of smuggling foreign currency. If convicted, they could face up to eight years in prison. The journalists deny the accusations and link their persecution to investigations into suspected corruption among high-ranking officials in Azerbaijan. "In the last three months, there have been numerous detentions and arrests of journalists and managers of several online media outlets, several of which were in the reporting period. This, along with the restrictive nature of the new media law, the prohibition of foreign funding of media, and the country-wide blocking of some major critical media websites, was raised as concerns by several ODIHR EOM [election observation mission] interlocutors," the ODIHR report said, referring to a 2022 media law. Concern about fair elections The elections follow the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's (PACE) resolution to suspend the mandate of the Azerbaijani delegation. The organization has cited "serious concerns" regarding Azerbaijan's ability to conduct free and fair elections, among other things, as the basis for its decision. German Member of Parliament Frank Schwabe, in an interview with VOA, said that one of the reasons for PACE's decision to suspend Azerbaijan was that its monitoring mission was not invited to observe the elections. "Azerbaijan not just invited, they organized dozens of election observation missions, which I would call fake election observation missions," he said. According to Schwabe, "the very difficult" situation in Azerbaijan makes it impossible to think of free and fair elections there. "The outcome of the elections of the 7th of February are already clear. Everyone knows it," he said. Parliament not observing vote The European Parliament has also announced that it will not be observing the snap presidential election. "The European Parliament will not observe this election process and therefore will not comment on the process or the results that will be announced later," co-chairs of the European Parliament's Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) David McAllister and Thomas Tobe said in a January 15 statement. "No individual member of the European Parliament has the authority to observe or comment on this election process on behalf of the parliament." Authorities claim that all conditions have been created for holding democratic and free elections in the country. The Central Election Commission has said that the presidential candidates have all the opportunities provided by law, including equal opportunities to conduct election campaigns. "I can say that all conditions and necessary circumstances exist for holding fair, transparent and free elections in our country," Chairman of the Supreme Court and Judicial-Legal Counsel Inam Karimov said during his speech at the regional seminar-deliberation held in Baku on January 8. The country's current leader Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has been in power since 2003 and has since won elections in 2008, 2013 and 2018 by a wide margin. According to many international rights organizations, none of those elections was considered free or fair by international observers. Constitutional amendments following the referendums in 2009 and 2016 increased the presidential term from five to seven years and removed the limit on the number of terms a president can serve. This story originated in VOA's Azerbaijani Service. From all-expenses paid trips to cover China's Belt and Road summit to content-sharing agreements with major media outlets, Beijing is investing in ways to share its narrative with Indonesian audiences, analysts say. One of the biggest deals came in November, when the Indonesian network Metro TV signed an agreement with China Media Group to expand content for Metro TV's flagship Mandarin-language news program, "Metro XinWen." The broadcaster joins the ranks of The Jakarta Post, which reposts content from the China Daily, and Indonesia's news agency, Antara, which has a similar partnership with the Chinese agency Xinhua and CGTN. The content-sharing or content-generating agreements are a continuation of methods Beijing has been using for years in Indonesia. A 2022 Freedom House report found China uses those two tactics, along with censorship, to shape narratives. Freedom House "found that several Indonesian media that have signed cooperation agreements with Chinese media have been trying to avoid any negative criticism towards China," said Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, a co-author of the 2022 report. Zulfikar, who is director of China-Indonesia-Middle Eastern Studies at Indonesia's Center of Economic and Law Studies, said some Indonesian outlets fail to properly attribute stories taken from China's state-owned media. "This causes audiences to perceive the article was written by a local media and not sourced from a foreign media company," he said. Experts told VOA the deals can seem useful at a time when the media industry is in economic decline. And, while there are cases of reporters producing more favorable coverage after participating in Beijing-paid trips, local media experts say Indonesia has a robust editorial policy to maintain its independence in reporting. Taufiqurrahman, who is editor in chief of The Jakarta Post, told VOA, "Any collaboration with China Daily is purely commercial in nature." "It's simply that China Daily buys space for ads for its content, something we always put disclaimer on. No editorial collaboration has taken place, it's simply China Daily using our space as (an) advertisement and we treat it as such," said Taufiqurrahman. Like many Indonesians, Taufiqurrahman uses only one name. Metro TV did not respond to VOA's request for comment. Antara said it could not divulge the details of their contract with Xinhua due to legal concerns. VOA asked the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta for comment, but they declined to respond. Beijing also invites media on trips, which analysts say is an attempt to promote favorable coverage. In September, China's Information Services Department paid for 15 journalists including reporters from South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Poland and Hungary to cover its Belt and Road summit held in Hong Kong, according to reports. And in December, according to the news website Kompas.com, China invited journalists from Indonesia to Shenzhen for the first time. China's efforts to spread its influence are not always successful, experts say. When China sent Indonesian journalists to Xinjiang to visit Uyghur Muslim camps in 2019, most reporters were positive about their trip in later coverage. But others wrote critical stories. Some experts, however, say that editorial independence prevents too much interference. Zulfikar noted that papers do not promote Beijing's narratives that challenge Indonesia's national interest such as its opposition to China's claims to the South China Sea. And Christine Tjhin, an expert in China-Indonesia relations at the consultancy firm the Gentala Institute, told VOA that even with news-sharing agreements, she doubts that China has "direct control" over local media's editorial policy. "I see diverse content on China on Indonesia media, from positive to very critical," she said. However, Indonesian media companies have become more open to foreign investments as revenue declines. Christine said some Indonesian media have long been searching for investors from China. Based on May 2020 data from the Press Companies Union, more than 70 percent of the 434 media companies surveyed saw revenue drop. That's a 40 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Zulfikar echoed that saying, "I did an interview in July with leading figures of well-known Indonesian media. They mentioned that it's good money." The economic situation is a factor, said Zulfikar. "I think China understands as well that the role of traditional media is declining in Indonesia. Nobody reads printed newspapers anymore. They are online now and many people prefer to watch YouTube, using their social media," he said. Wahyu Dhyatmika, chair of the Association for Indonesian Media Cyber or AMSI, said the country has a robust press freedom community. Laws limit foreign ownership, reducing the potential of Chinese state media to take control of local media outlets, Wahyu told VOA in a telephone interview. Investors who attempt to intervene in local editorial decisions can also face criminal charges for violating media laws. "I don't deny that there are (Chinese) investors who attempt to place media advertorials (in local media), so it's important for publishers to affirm their independence and investment guidelines," said Wahyu, a 2014 Harvard University Neiman fellow. Indonesia in global press freedom rankings has made progress. It ranks 108 out of 180 countries on the world index, where one represents the best media environment. In 2023, it saw a nine-point improvement from the previous year. This story originated in VOA's Indonesian service. At least eight people died and 80 were injured Tuesday in a giant explosion at a firework factory in India that saw balls of flames soar into the sky, officials said. Footage on Indian television showed a tower of flame after the explosion at the firecracker plant, with dozens of ambulances sent and army helicopters called in to evacuate the wounded. Senior district police official Rajeshwari Mahobia told AFP there were "eight deaths so far and around 80 injured", at the factory in Harda in Madhya Pradesh state, adding that "the death toll is likely to go up." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said reports of the explosion were "very sad news" and said medics at burn units in nearby major hospitals had been asked to "make necessary preparations." "Ambulances are being rushed to Harda from the surrounding areas, and the army has been contacted to arrange for helicopters," Yadav said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. At least 20 ambulances were at the site, with 50 more being sent to help those injured, he added. Dr. Manish Sharma, a surgeon at the Harda district hospital, said the center had been flooded with a stream of casualties. "We have eight deaths at our hospital, a total of 90 people were admitted here so far and we have referred 15 of them to a bigger hospital," Sharma told AFP. "As more people are being rescued from the site, they are being brought here." 'Stampede' Kailash Chand Parte, a senior district official who is coordinating rescue efforts from the factory, said fire engines were battling the fierce blaze. "The fire is still not under control and we have around 15 fire engines and many rescue workers at the site," Parte said. He said around 200 to 300 people worked at the factory, but it was not known how many were inside at the time of the explosion. "At least 10 buildings around the complex where the blast happened have been damaged because of the intensity of the explosion," he added. One policeman told the Times of India that the dead included those trampled during the panic to escape the raging flames. Some died during the "stampede after the blast," local police officer Abdul Raees Khan told the newspaper, adding rescue teams were "yet to reach the actual blast site as (the) fire is on." Explosions often occur in firecracker workshops in India. Fireworks are hugely popular in India, particularly during the Hindu festival of Diwali, as well as for use during wedding celebrations. But many factories fail to stick to basic safety requirements and operate without permits. In 2019, at least 18 people were killed in a firework factory explosion in Batala in Punjab state, and another 10 were killed in the same year in Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he would discuss the EUs unwavering military and financial support for Ukraine as he visited Kyiv on Tuesday. The visit comes days after the EU approved a four-year, $54 billion aid package for Ukraine. Borrell said he would also use the meetings in Kyiv to talk about reforms in Ukraine as the country works toward EU membership. Tuesday also brought a visit from Rafal Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who was due to visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Grossi said he would be talking with officials and assessing the still fragile nuclear safety and security situation at the site, which is in an area of Ukraine under Russian control. In addition to worries about the safety of nuclear fuel at the site, the IAEA has also expressed concern about a reduced number of staff working there. Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. New attacks Ukrainian officials said Tuesday a Russian missile strike in northeastern Ukraine killed one person and injured three others. Oleg Sinegubov, regional governor of Kharkiv, said two S-300 missiles destroyed a three-story hotel in the city of Zolochiv. Russias defense ministry said it destroyed seven Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, said on Telegram that falling debris from the downed drones damaged some buildings in several towns, including Gubkin and Volokonova. Some material for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Bahrains Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has announced its support for a 20% wage increase for over 350 Bahraini employees at Fakhro Restaurants Company, the owner and operator of McDonald's restaurants in Bahrain. The Wage Increment Programme is part of Tamkeens Career Development Support initiative, unveiled last November, to drive the career growth of Bahraini professionals. Tamkeen's commitment includes a comprehensive support package covering 100% of wage increases for Bahraini employees over a two-year period. Over 350 Bahraini employees will receive 20% wage increase as part of this support package. The move aligns with Tamkeen's strategic objective to foster the career development of the workforce. The agreement builds on a previous successful partnership between Tamkeen and Fakhro Restaurants, which saw the National Employment Programme facilitating the recruitment of a substantial number of Bahrainis. Nurturing Bahraini talent Tamkeen Chief Executive, Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez emphasised the organisation's dedication to nurturing Bahraini talent and strengthening the economy through career development initiatives. She said: "We are proud of the achievements resulting from our partnership with Fakhro Restaurants Company, having supported more than 400 Bahraini employees since 2016. Witnessing their continuing success and professional development reinforces our commitment to building a promising future for all." Fakhro Restaurants Company Board Chairman, Adel Abdullah Fakhro expressed gratitude to Tamkeen for its unwavering support. He said: As a Bahraini company that is one of the largest investors in the food and beverage sector, we are proud to have been recognised by the Ministry of Labour for achieving one of the highest rates of Bahrainisation in the private sector. This partnership with Tamkeen is an important step in creating promising career paths for our Bahraini employees. McDonalds Bahrain General Manager, Ahmed Jasser added: We are proud of our achievements in creating a progressive work environment, which supports the needs of our women employees, offering them flexible work hours. This collaboration with Tamkeen will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our employees' professional development." Food services sector Bahrain's food services sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, incorporating new concepts and technologies such as online orders and cloud kitchens, reflecting evolving consumer behaviour. Projections estimate a 30% growth in the sector between 2024 and 2029, with the market size reaching approximately $0.95 billion in 2024. Tamkeen's support is aligned with its 2024 strategic priorities focused on economic impact and the private sector under three pillars; increasing economic participation through new employment opportunities for new entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to Bahraini workforce, and lastly further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises and boosting productivity and adoption of technology.--TradeArabia News Service The U.N. human rights office has issued its first statement about a U.N. rights officials controversial visit to Iran, telling VOA it is aware of rights groups concerns that Tehran will exploit the visit for propaganda but is confident the world bodys work will not be undermined. In the statement emailed to VOA on Monday, U.N. rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani confirmed that Nada Al-Nashif, deputy high commissioner for human rights, arrived in Iran on Friday and was due to depart later Monday. She said the visit entailed meeting with relevant state interlocutors, including judicial officials, and U.N. partners. Iranian state media had published a preview of Al-Nashifs visit but did not report anything about her meetings while she was in the country. Rights activists inside and outside Iran had urged Al-Nashif to use her three-day visit to inspect the conditions of dissidents languishing in Iranian prisons and to meet with political prisoners, injured protesters and other Iranians deprived of basic rights, while ensuring such meetings are held in safe environments free of intimidation from authorities. It was not clear from the U.N. human rights offices statement whether Al-Nashif engaged in any such meetings. Relatives of victims of Irans Jan. 8, 2020, downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane shortly after it took off from Tehran on a flight to Kyiv gathered outside the U.N.s Tehran office on Saturday holding signs urging Al-Nashif to meet them and demanding justice for the killing of their loved ones. But video sent to VOA Persian by the participants showed Iranian security agents dispersing them with verbal threats. There was no word on whether Al-Nashif met with the protesters. A coalition of 25 international rights groups had published an open letter to Al-Nashif on Jan. 29 urging her to reconsider the visit, citing uncertainty about whether she would have access to independent civil society actors. The groups also warned that Iran could use its engagement with Al-Nashif to try to convince a U.N. Human Rights Council session beginning later this month that there is no need for it keep authorizing mechanisms to monitor and investigate Tehran for violations of its rights obligations. We are aware of concerns expressed, Shamdasani wrote. Rest assured that the visit will not undermine our approach in terms of reporting and advocacy. Shamdasani said Al-Nashifs direct high-level engagement with [Iranian] officials and institutions is a very important tool for following up with them on recommendations from U.N.-authorized independent rights experts known as special rapporteurs and from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, launched in November 2022. Iran has not permitted any visits by special rapporteurs or the fact-finding mission, dismissing their mandates as politicized. U.S.-based group United for Iran, which signed the Jan. 29 open letter to Al-Nashif, reacted skeptically to Shamdasanis statement. In a Monday interview with VOA, the groups managing director, Kevin Schumacher, said, I cannot imagine that the Iranian government all of a sudden is willing to open a new chapter and use this opportunity [of Al-Nashifs visit] in order to start a dialogue on its human rights record. He said it would have been wonderful if a political visit to Iran by a U.N. official engaged in high-level dialogue would be followed by a U.N. fact-finding visit to the country. The problem is, Iran is not willing to accept both. And under the circumstances, we prefer to have fact-finding missions rather than political dialogue, Schumacher said. Last week, Hong Kongs government began the process of adopting a controversial new national security law that critics worry will further roll back civil liberties in the Asian financial hub. The government says the law is needed because the city is required by Article 23 of its mini constitution, the Basic Law, to establish its own national security legislation. The national security legislation will also build on the Hong Kong National Security Law, or NSL, that China enacted in 2020. Hong Kong authorities say that despite the current calm atmosphere, the city still faces lingering national security threats from the widespread and sometimes violent protests it saw in 2019. Rights advocates say Hong Kongs once strong traditions of free speech, assembly and freedom of the press have already been muzzled since Beijing imposed the NSL in response to the 2019 pro-democracy protests. They say the new legislation will further tighten those controls. The new law will be an extension of the NSL, which criminalizes terrorism, separatism, subversion of state power and collusion with foreign forces. It would add treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage, sabotage endangering national security, and external interference, as offenses. It would also expand the scope and penalties of crimes covered under existing laws, including sedition. VOA reviewed the Hong Kong authorities 110-page Public Consultation Document on the new law and the governments reasoning behind the new legislation, as well as heard concerns from some rights advocates. Below is a summary of the most controversial proposals, from the perspectives of the government and critics: Broader than NSL, transplants mainland Chinas laws to Hong Kong Government: Its necessary for the same set of national security standards to be applied throughout the country. The widespread destruction and insurrection that occurred during the 2019 protests, threatened national security. Protesters destroyed subway stations, stormed and damaged the legislative building, occupied the airport, highways and tunnels, and paralyzed traffic. Hong Kong must enact legislation as soon as possible to prevent a recurrence of the 2019 protests, so that it can focus on reinvigorating the economy. Critics: The proposed new law is broader than NSL and would transplant mainland Chinas national security law in Hong Kong. For example, the definition and offenses of state secret and espionage will mirror those in the mainland. It will have a huge impact on Hong Kong, harming human rights. Indeed, the government has made clear it intends to double down on repression of civic freedoms under Article 23 by introducing steeper penalties and expanding cases in which the legitimate exercise of rights would be criminalized in the name of national security, the advocacy group Amnesty International said in a statement. Extends police power; restricts due process on national security cases Government: The time under which a suspect can be held without charge in national security cases should be extended. Currently, Hong Kongs detention period of usually no more than 48 hours doesnt allow police sufficient time to gather evidence, especially when many people are arrested as had happened during the 2019 protests. Its also lower than that of other countries, such as the U.K., where police can apply to extend the detention period for national security cases and hold suspects for up to 14 days for other serious offenses. In the U.K., the suspects access to a lawyer of his/her choice is also restricted or delayed in cases involving sensitive matters. Critics: Current laws already allow police to detain suspects for more than 48 hours if the offense is serious and the risk of absconding, reoffending or impeding the investigation is high. Longer detentions overseas are controversial and subject to judicial oversight, so its not a carte blanche. If the government also restricts the suspects access to a lawyer, it will further harm due process rights. Police can already do searches without a warrant, and cases are tried by designated judges with no jury and often no bail. If the new law allows suspects to use only officially appointed lawyers, Hong Kongs practice will be like mainland Chinas, which goes against the international norm. New offense of external interference Government: This new offense would punish people for collaborating with outside forces that interfere in the affairs of Hong Kong and the country, such as by trying to influence the central and Hong Kong governments formulation of policies, the citys legislature and courts performance of duties, the outcome of local elections or by prejudicing Hong Kongs or Chinas relationship with foreign countries. This new offense would also prohibit overseas organizations and their local affiliates from operating in the city if they are considered national security threats. Legitimate international exchanges will not be affected. Critics: Theres no clear definition of what these external organizations are or what actions would be considered a danger to national security. Does this mean Hong Kongers can no longer associate with overseas rights groups or people, including self-exiled political dissidents, if the government thinks they threaten national security simply by criticizing its policies? Such trivial and ambiguous offenses will only create a greater chill not just on the local people but also on many civil groups or international NGOs, religious groups, or even business groups, said Eric Lai, a research fellow at Georgetown Universitys Center for Asian Law. Theft of state secrets and espionage: broadens definition and scope Government: The definition of state secrets and espionage should cover a wider variety of confidential information and acts of spying. Current laws only cover a few types, including defense information. Hong Kong should follow the practice of countries such as the U.S. and broaden its definition to cover sensitive information on scientific, technological or economic matters, as well as on major policy decisions, foreign affairs, Hong Kong-mainland ties or national security itself, if their unauthorized disclosure may damage national security. Critics: The government doesnt define what would be considered state secrets. For example, would journalists who obtain government information on controversial policies or consultancy firms that access data for risk assessments or due diligence be accused of breaking the law if the government considers the information they obtained to be state secrets? It will basically shut down all whistleblowers. And even if someone is going to blow the whistle and tell the media about it, which media organizations will risk publishing the scoop? asked Kevin Yam, a former Hong Kong-based commercial litigation lawyer, adding that business groups would find it hard to do risk assessments or due diligence work. Theres also no mention of a public interest defense and exemptions for journalists There are fears this law could target media seen as providing unflattering coverage. What happens next? The monthlong public consultation period when people can email or fax their comments to the government about the proposed legislation was launched on January 30 and will remain open until February 28. The draft bill is expected to be officially announced in March or April and passed by mid-year. Germany is debating a ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party amid mass protests across the country against far-right extremism. The discussion follows revelations last month that senior AfD politicians attended a secret meeting where the forcible deportation of migrants, including German citizens, was discussed. Details of the meeting, published by the investigative organization Correctiv on January 15, evoked painful memories in Germany, a country especially sensitive to fears of far-right extremism given its 20th-century history. However, any action against the AfD would be highly controversial as the party is polling in second place ahead of crucial elections later this year. An estimated 150,000 protesters joined hands around the German parliament building in Berlin on Saturday to form what they called a symbolic firewall against right-wing extremism. Similar demonstrations were held in cities across Germany. Senior German politicians were among those attending the protests. I want to make it very clear that the civil society is sending out a signal here, that the civil society is standing up, opening its mouth and making it clear that the AfD will never gain power in this country. We will all take a clear stand against it, Saskia Esken, head of the ruling Social Democratic Party, told Reuters. Explosive revelations Nationwide protests have been held every weekend since mid-January, when the Correctiv article was published. The groups managing director, Jeannette Gusko, described the revelations as explosive. At the meeting, neo-Nazis, donors and AfD politicians spoke very specifically about the realization of the expulsion of millions of people from Germany. And this is a situation in which the AfD has a real option to gain power. We knew that the research was politically explosive, Gusko told Reuters. We knew that, but what is happening now is certainly unique in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz briefly joined a protest march in Potsdam, outside Berlin, and welcomed the show of anger at the AfD. There are a lot of demonstrations planned against the right-wing extremist enemies of our democracy," Scholz said in a televised address on January 19. "I find thats right and good. If there is something in Germany which must never ever find a place again, it is the national race ideology of the Nazis. The repulsive relocation plans by these extremists is just that. AfD response AfD co-chairperson Alice Weidel has called the report a left-wing campaign. Among those attending the meeting was Roland Hartwig, who was Weidels senior aide in the AfD. Local media reported that Hartwig has not held that position since the Correctiv article was published. It is scandalous when left-wing activists attack a private meeting with Stasi-like secret service and subversive methods in order to eavesdrop and spy on innocent citizens, Weidel said. The real enemies of the constitution are those who call for a ban on parties, for the deprivation of basic civil rights and the so-called protection of the constitution exploited as a political instrument, because they cannot accept the possibility of a democratic transfer of power to the opposition, she said on January 16, one day after the Correctiv article was published. Germanys painful history before and during World War II, under Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, makes it acutely sensitive to fears of right-wing extremism. Germany in particular has a history that they cannot afford, in any way, shape or form, to allow anything like this to happen, said Matt Qvortrup, a professor of political science and international relations at Coventry University in England, and an author on Germany. Calls for ban There are growing calls for the AfD to be banned. Qvortrup said its vital that action is taken. The forced transfer of people to other places sounds very familiar in a German context. And frankly, Germany cannot afford that. In this case, the Article 21 of the German constitution says anything that will undermine or challenge the German democratic order is unconstitutional, he told VOA. There is then a process whereby the Ministry of the Interior will refer a particular party to the Supreme Court. That would be a highly controversial step against the AfD, a party that is polling in second place nationally, on around 20%. People will say, Well, theyre not that bad yet, theyre not that dangerous. But thats what weve always said. I think democracies have to fight back. Democracies cant just think they will last forever, Qvortrup added. Election campaigns are already underway in some parts of Europe ahead of EU parliamentary elections scheduled for June, where right-wing populist parties are expected to do well. Meanwhile, state elections are due in September in the east of Germany, traditionally a stronghold for the AfD party. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have once again ignored U.S. calls to stop attacking international shipping lanes or face consequences, this time firing six anti-ship missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea, a U.S. official tells VOA. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said U.S. naval forces had shot at least one of the missiles down on Tuesday, with others falling into the sea. There were no reported injuries, and the ship was able to continue toward its destination, CENTCOM said in a statement. In the southern Red Sea, CENTCOM said three missiles likely targeting the Barbados-flagged, UK-owned cargo ship MV Morning Tide landed in the water without causing any damage. The latest Houthi launches came as an unclassified Defense Intelligence Agency report released Tuesday confirmed that Houthi militants in Yemen were using various Iranian-made missiles and drones in its recent attacks across the region. The report compares publicly available images of Iranian weapons to those employed by the Houthis and highlights the strengthening relationship between the Houthis and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. military said it conducted its latest self-defense strikes against two Houthi kamikaze drone boats that were laden with explosives. CENTCOM, which oversees U.S. forces in the region, said the vessels presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. Were not at war with the Houthis. Were not seeking to go to war with the Houthis, but if they continue the attacks, we will continue to disrupt and degrade their capabilities, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder told reporters on Monday. U.S. strikes Sunday hit multiple Houthi cruise missiles. Saturday, the U.S. and Britain struck at least 36 Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis have said their Red Sea attacks are in solidarity with the people of Gaza and vowed to continue them, despite the U.S. and British strikes. Our war against Israel is moral because its goal is to stop the crimes of genocide in Gaza and allow the entry of food, medicine, and fuel to its besieged residents, and this goal represents the will of all the free people of the world, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, wrote Monday on X. Meanwhile, the latest wave of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, aimed at pounding targets associated with almost 170 attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. forces in the region, appears to be expanding the fissure between Washington and Baghdad. Fridays airstrikes targeted three locations in Iraq, as well as another four in Syria, and destroyed more than 80 individual targets, ranging from command-and-control centers and intelligence hubs to missile and drone storage facilities, according to the latest U.S. assessments. But while U.S. officials defended the strikes as necessary following a drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan last month, Iraqi officials have voiced increased anger, summoning the U.S. charge d'affaires in Baghdad to protest the U.S. strikes after alleging some of the targets were part of the governments own security forces. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the attack drone that targeted Tower 22 in Jordan and killed the three American troops may have gone undetected due to its low flight path. It also reported that the base was not outfitted with weapons that can kill aerial threats like drones, instead relying on electronic warfare systems designed to disable them. VOA has not confirmed this report. The U.S. State Department Monday said Iraq was not given any warning but added that the U.S. strikes should not have come as a surprise. The Pentagon on Monday also pushed back against some of the Iraqi assertions. As we conduct these strikes, we are very focused on Iranian-backed proxy groups, Ryder said. Ryder added, however, that as of now, the U.S. has no plans for a long-term military campaign against the militias in Iraq and Syria. Syrian opposition activist say at least 29 fighters were killed in Syria, while Iraqi officials said at least 16 militia members were killed, with another 36 wounded. The U.S. has about 2,500 troops in Iraq tasked with advising and assisting Iraqi security forces as they pursue the remnants of the Islamic State terror group, also known as ISIS or Daesh. And while talks between the U.S. and Iraq are underway to eventually reduce the U.S. military footprint and transition from the counter-IS mission to what officials describe as more traditional military-to-military relationship with Baghdad, the process has been complicated by the attacks. State Department bureau chief Nike Ching and U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France Presse. Three women were killed in Somalia last week in what police say were marriage disputes. The countrys parliament called for urgent investigations and the arrest of the perpetrators as citizens expressed outrage. The killings occurred in Mogadishu, the Lower Shabelle region and the Qoryooley district. One woman was stabbed, a second shot and a third set afire, all allegedly at the hands of their husbands. Police Chief Moalim Mahdi, chief of the Banadir region that covers Mogadishu, pledged action against the offenders. Various forms of gender-based violence remain prevalent in Somalia. The situation is worsened by the absence of strong legal frameworks to deter attacks. In 2020, parliament debated a controversial bill to address gender-based violence but was forced to hold it back following local and international pressure over clauses that allowed for child and forced marriage and other violations of womens rights. Amina Haji Elmi, director of the Mogadishu-based advocacy group Save Somali Women and Children, said that Somali women, "alongside others, have been living in [a] war-ravaged country. They were victimized by both natural disasters and man-caused problems. Currently, women are facing many challenges ... among them are lack of support, poverty. They do not get protection and support after incidents. Elmi called on security agencies to deliver justice to the families of those killed. We strongly condemn the heinous acts against these innocent women," Elmi said. "It is sad to hear that a mother is being killed in front of her children. We call upon the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. We extend condolences to the families of these victims. Members of parliament decried the killings during a debate Saturday and called for the offenders to be prosecuted. Despite the condemnations, Somali lawmakers have yet to pass the U.N.-backed Sexual Offenses Bill that the Council of Ministers approved in 2018. Female MP Gobsan Muhumed was among those who spoke during the session. "It is heartbreaking for paternal orphans to witness their mother being burned by their stepfather, who was laughing at the time of the incident," she said. On Sunday in the southwestern town of Afgooye, another man was arrested in possession of gasoline and a matchbox amid allegations he intended to set his wife and children on fire. Prosecutors in Somalia rely on provisions of the 1970s penal code to charge perpetrators of sexual and other gender-related offenses. Critics say this law is not tough enough and have called for the government to adopt harsher penalties. With the Israel-Hamas war entering its fourth month, media are looking more closely at the ethics of whether journalists should embed with Israeli forces to enter Gaza. Currently, the only way for journalists to enter the Gaza Strip is by embedding with the Israel Defense Forces, or IDF. But that access is restricted and risks skewing an audiences understanding of the conflict, according to some reporters and analysts. Its incredibly frustrating that we dont have more access to Gaza, Steve Hendrix, Jerusalem bureau chief for The Washington Post, told VOA. But theyre not budging. Theyre not letting anybody in except in these very strict, very controlled, guided tours, Hendrix said, referring to the IDF. Others say that the restrictions on access risk providing an imbalanced picture to international audiences. They are shown what the army wants them to see, and then they leave, Nour Odeh, a Palestinian political analyst, told VOA from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Up until the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, journalists could enter Gaza with credentials from Israels Government Press Office and permission from Hamas, which governs Gaza. Israeli journalists and nationals in general are not permitted to enter Gaza, and neither are Palestinians who live in the occupied West Bank. But since October 7, journalists looking to report from Gaza are able to enter only if they embed with the IDF and agree to conditions, including to not wander from the IDF tour and to submit coverage for prepublication approval by the military. The army has full control over who goes in, where you go and what you see, said Josef Federman, the longtime news director for Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan at The Associated Press. At least 85 journalists killed To date, the only exception has been CNNs Clarissa Ward, who in December entered Gaza via Rafah without an IDF escort. Hamas, meanwhile, has never offered embeds, reporters say, and typically blocked journalists from covering the groups military activity. The IDF did not reply to VOAs email requesting comment. But Lior Haiat, the spokesperson of Israels Foreign Ministry, told VOA that Hamas is manipulating information of civilians and reporters. Haiat claimed that nearly half of the reporters that Hamas has said were killed by Israel were actually terrorists. As of February 6, at least 85 journalists have been killed since the war began, according to investigations by the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ. They are part of the overall death toll of around 26,000 people in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel. Its common for militaries to impose restrictions on journalists when embedding, analysts say, such as agreeing to not report on troop movements or weapons capabilities. But the IDFs restrictions are harsher than normal, they said. Those who are in favor of embedding told VOA that while it doesnt allow the access they would like, they believe limited access is better than none. The question we have to ask ourselves is, is the freedom to report that we give up counterbalanced by the rare opportunity to get our own eyes on even part of the situation there? Hendrix said. Hendrix embedded with the IDF in Gaza in November and said he convinced the military to waive its prepublication censorship stipulation for him. 'Whole thing is so highly controlled' But to Federman, getting out of that requirement is a small win, because the whole thing is so highly controlled. As a journalist based in Israel for two decades, Federman still believes embedding is worth it. Right now, were in a period of very imperfect access. So, its better than nothing. Its far from ideal, said Federman, who is also a board member of the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem. In December, the journalist association filed a petition with Israels Supreme Court requesting the court to grant reporters independent access into Gaza. The court rejected the appeal in January. Kelly McBride, chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership at the Poynter Institute, said she sees little value in embedding. This is more like a staged theater event than it is a genuine look at whats going on, McBride told VOA from St. Petersburg, Florida. If journalists do embed, McBride said, its important to be upfront with audiences about what restrictions they experienced. You should let the audience know, Hey, Im looking through this window that the military gave me, she said. Issues around embeds are not particularly new, according to Subramaniam Vincent, director of journalism and media ethics at Santa Clara University. In the Israel-Hamas war, but also more broadly, Vincent said its important for journalists to recognize that militaries have their own reasons for letting journalists embed. They see control of the narrative as a tool, Vincent said. They look at the media as a strategic tool for the conflict and for power. It falls on reporters to make sure they dont become a tool for the military, said Dalia Hatuqa, a freelance journalist based between Ramallah and Amman, Jordan. She said there could be value in embedding as long as the journalist is prepared to hold the IDF accountable and ask tough questions. But too often, that coverage takes the word of the Israeli army as gospel, Hatuqa said. Theres always that fear that you could become a propaganda mouthpiece, she said. On the first anniversary of devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, millions of survivors remain destitute and traumatized while still awaiting pledged assistance they desperately need, say U.N. and relief organizations. A year since a series of earthquakes killed 50,000 people in Turkey and 5,900 people in Syria, thousands of families have yet to heal from the impact of the devastation, Martin Griffiths, the U.N.s undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said Tuesday. Survivors live with the loss and trauma of those frightful days, he said. As I saw firsthand in both countries, entire communities lost their homes and thousands of buildings were flattened, with schools, hospitals, mosques and churches destroyed or damaged. Turkey is in one of the worlds most active earthquake regions. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said hundreds of thousands of new homes would be built as a result of the quake, but so far, only a fraction has been constructed. Two consecutive 7.8 magnitude earthquakes struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria on the night of February 6, 2023, affecting more than 15 million people and leaving about 1.5 million homeless. Most of the flattened buildings remain in a state of disrepair and hundreds of thousands of the homeless live in temporary shelters or tents. The plight of millions of displaced people and their hosts has deteriorated, said Shabia Mantoo, spokesperson for the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Mantoo noted that in northwest Syria alone, More than 40,000 people remain displaced by the earthquake and are residing in 70 temporary reception centers. Of the 3.4 million refugees hosted by Turkey, Mantoo said, some 1.75 million live in the quake-devastated region, which is creating a huge burden for refugees and their Turkish hosts. With less money and increasing needs, many refugees Syrians and others are resorting to survival strategies like cutting food spending and borrowing more. The catastrophe has also taken an excruciating toll on the mental and emotional well-being of a long-suffering population, she said. The World Health Organization reports the disaster has wreaked havoc on the economies of Turkey and Syria, in addition to affecting the well-being of many of those citizens. Health needs remain immense a year on as many people are still suffering from physical and mental trauma, said Tarik Jasarevic, WHO spokesperson. The consequences of a disaster of this scale will last for many years to come, and one year on, the suffering of the people goes on. Many people continue to live in temporary shelters, dealing with loss and mental health trauma, he said. He noted the importance of international support to help these destitute communities recover from the ongoing disaster and receive much needed health care and other services. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies agrees that much more international support is required to meet the pressing humanitarian and recovery needs of millions of quake survivors. The IFRC reports that thousands of Turkish and Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers responded quickly to the twin disasters, reaching and providing help to 10.5 million quake victims in Turkey and 3.5 million in Syria. One year on, the needs of those affected by one of the centurys deadliest natural disasters remain persistent, said Jessie Thomson, head of the IFRC Turkey delegation. Speaking from the capital, Ankara, she told journalists in Geneva Tuesday that Despite this amazing progress and scale of response to date, the long road to recovery remains persistent. The affected people now require our unwavering support in rebuilding their businesses, recovering lost livelihoods and beginning the slow journey back to normalcy, she said. Now is not the time to scale down. In fact, we need to redouble our efforts, she said, adding that the IFRCs $575 million appeal for Turkey and Syria was seriously underfunded. Mads Brinch Hansen, head of the IFRC Syria delegation, said Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers have provided a humanitarian lifeline to millions of quake survivors. We have delivered over 23 million humanitarian services and continue to distribute relief items and strengthen the resilience of families in the earthquake-hit areas, to those displaced throughout the country and their host communities, he said, speaking from Damascus. Now, the immediate earthquake response may have concluded, but the emergency persists, he said. Funding in Syria has been declining over the past five years, and we are expecting it to continue to decline, he said. Given that there are many other issues in the world at this time, I fear that Syria has become a bit of a forgotten crisis. At least eight people were killed and 19 others injured after a series of bombings in the main Bakara market in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Tuesday, security sources said. Business leaders in the market said the explosions targeted a chain of shops that sell electronics in the market. "Wholesale electronic stores in the market, about six main stores, were hit by the explosion," the head of the market's business community, Hassan Abdi Ahmed, told VOA Somali. Ahmed said a blast in one store killed two employees. A VOA reporter said other workers and customers in the market were among the deceased. Authorities in Mogadishu said the explosions were caused by devices planted in the stores. "There is an investigation ongoing, security agencies are busy working on it and will update later," said Mohamed Ahmed Diriye, the deputy mayor of Mogadishu for security and policy. Authorities did not disclose the motive of the attacks against the businesses, but a security officer who did not want to be named because he is not allowed to speak to the media, told VOA Somali that the attacks are related to the installation of CCTV cameras by the businesses. Last year, Somalia's security agencies urged the businesses to install security cameras. Some of the store owners said they later received anonymous calls from people claiming to be from al-Shabab, who warned them against the installations. The militants reportedly feared the cameras would help security branches identify al-Shabab members. Somali security agencies have recorded incidents of al-Shabab militants intimidating businesses as part of an extortion campaign. The United States has reported that al-Shabab generates an estimated $100 million annually that is collected through illicit taxations, mandatory donations and extortions. The Somali government last year claimed al-Shabab's revenues have been cut in half following the implementation of security measures, including the shutting down of suspected bank and mobile money accounts, and targeting militants taxation officials. Opposition leaders in Senegal are protesting the move to postpone elections that had been set for February 25, while some analysts say the delay hurts Senegals reputation as a beacon of democracy. President Macky Sall announced the delay this past weekend, saying it was necessary because of allegations of corruption in election-related cases and the disqualification of some leading candidates, including Ousmane Sonko, who came third in the 2019 elections, and Karim Wade, son of former President Abdoulaye Wade. Lloyd Kuveya, assistant director at the Center for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria law school in South Africa, said, Some people are saying because of the chaos that is prevailing in Senegal, where some opposition party leaders are imprisoned, including Sonko, which is really disturbing ... the elections will not be a legitimate election. Senegals parliament voted Monday to delay the election until December. The parliamentary process was chaotic as security forces escorted out some opposition lawmakers as they tried to block the vote. On Monday, two opposition parties filed a court petition challenging the delay. Anta Babacar Ngom, presidential candidate for the Alternative for the Citizen Succession party, said, "This is President Macky Sall's balance sheet. It's upsetting, because he almost left with his head held high; but now, unfortunately, he's showing [his] true face. It's a constitutional coup, and we won't accept it. In July, following deadly clashes protesting a possible run for a third term by Sall, he said he would not seek one. Kuveya said it seems like Sall wants to stay a little longer. Can we really trust Macky Sall? he asked. Everybody knows that his intentions were going for a third term, and if it hadnt been for the protests of the people of Senegal, I am quite sure he wouldve gone ahead to change the constitution and gotten the supreme court to endorse that unconstitutional change. Kuveya said Sall had ample time to prepare for the February 25 elections. You have five years in which to ensure that theres a conducive environment in which elections are going to be held, he told VOA via Skype. You have five years to allow political participation of any person who wants to contest for political power. Senegal has long been seen as a beacon of democracy in a region plagued by coups. Awa Dieng Morel, CEO of France Ak Senegal, a nongovernmental organization active in the field of education, said, Its very sad, because Senegal is losing this image of being an island of democracy in Western Africa, and its credibility, too. When one sees what is happening in other countries of the subregion like Niger, Mali, or Burkina Faso or what happened years ago ... in Ivory Coast its really frightening, she told VOA by WhatsApp on Tuesday. A Mali-born man suspected of injuring several people with a knife and hammer at a Paris railway station deliberately sought out French people to attack, Paris prosecutors said Tuesday. On Tuesday, the 32-year-old was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a weapon, prosecutors said. An investigating magistrate questioned the suspect earlier Tuesday. He was set to appear before another judge who will decide where he should be remanded in custody. The man went on a stabbing spree at the Gare de Lyon station early Saturday, injuring at least three people. Gare de Lyon operates suburban, national and international routes to Switzerland and Italy. His statements and the content of his phone "have led us to suspect that he did what he did to target French people because they belong to the French nation," prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement. French anti-terrorism prosecutors were not becoming immediately involved. Prosecutors suspected that the man selected targets based on their "race, ethnicity, nation or religion," Beccuau said. She added that the charges against the Malian carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Officials said a TikTok account had been opened in the name of the attacker. In a video dated December 2, 2023, the author of the account wrote: "RIP in three months. May Allah welcome me into his paradise." In other videos, the author expressed hostility towards France, referring to the French military operation in Mali to fight jihadists that ended in 2022. A psychiatric evaluation has not shown any diminished criminal responsibility, the prosecutor said. At 7:35 a.m. Saturday at the Gare de Lyon, the attacker first "set his rucksack on fire" and, armed with a hammer and a knife, chased a passer-by but did not manage to hurt her, according to the initial findings of the investigation reported by the prosecutors. Several people intervened. One of them suffered a stab wound to his abdomen and hammer blows to his head. He remained in critical condition Tuesday. A second passenger tackled the suspect to the ground, while three others held him there. Afterwards security guards and police officers took over. "It was thanks to the immediate and courageous reactions of each of these people that the suspect's violent course was interrupted," said the public prosecutor. The attacker has been a legal resident in Italy since 2016 and travelled legally to France on February 1, the prosecutor said. Until 2021, the suspect lived in a center run by a Catholic association in Montalto Dora, northeast of Turin. He had been monitored for psychiatric problems but never showed any violent tendencies, Italy's Carabinieri police told AFP. Each year more than 100 million passengers go through the Gare de Lyon. Saturday's incident recalled a January 2023 attack when a man wounded six people with a metal hook at another major Paris station, the Gare du Nord. A source close to the case said a psychiatric assessment found the Libyan attacker of a year ago unfit to stand trial, saying he was suffering an "acute delirious state" on the day of the attack. Although the newly expanded, modernized and renovated Keene Memorial Library has been open since early January, the facility will be officially unveiled to the public during a celebration hosted Tuesday by the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the library, with dignitaries from the City of Fremont as well as library staff, donors to the project, chamber officials and others from the community expected to be on hand for the celebration. The event is open to the public, and is expected to continue until 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be offered to attendees. The library is located at 1030 N. Broad St. For more information, call 402-727-2694. UDC Open house set for Thursday The public, real estate developers and residents will have an opportunity from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, to learn more about the citys draft of the Unified Development Code. An open house is scheduled to be hosted on Thursday night at the Keene Memorial Library, 1030 N. Broad St., where city officials will be on hand to describe the new draft document as well as field questions and also take input and feedback for possible revisions to the draft. The new UDC has been in the works for at least three years, and officials hope the streamlined, more common-sense document will aid the citys builders and developers in planning future projects, said Planning Director Jennifer Dam. Joint council, Planning Commission meeting Wednesday The new UDC will also be the main topic of discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 7, during a joint meeting of the Fremont City Council and the Fremont Planning Commission. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside the second-floor council chambers at the city Municipal Building, 400 E. Military Ave. Jackie Berg will present the draft UDC and answer questions. City council OKs settlement with former mental health officer On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Fremont City Council voted 8-0 to approve a $45,000 financial settlement with former Fremont Police Department mental health co-responder officer Rachel Wesely. Wesely worked for the FPD from late 2021 until March 3, 2023, when she suddenly resigned. She later alleged she was the victim of both discrimination and retaliation from unknown police and city officials in filings with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the state Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission. Wesely and city officials engaged in a mediation negotiation session in early January and reached the deal for the $45,000 payment to end the claims of discrimination and retaliation made by Wesely. City officials denied any wrong-doing, and stated in the settlement agreement that the deal was not an admission of guilt. Wesely agreed to drop all legal proceedings against the city as part of the settlement. During the Jan. 30 meeting, City Attorney Travis Jacott warned the council that they were barred from discussing the details of the settlement in public, and if they had questions, they would need to move into a closed and private executive session, which they did not. Council approves series of appointments Also approved at the Tuesday, Jan. 30, meeting of the city council were a series of mayoral appointments to assorted city committees and groups. The council voted unanimously on all appointments except one, the appointment of Anna OReilly. Ward 2 council Member Blair Horner abstained from the OReilly vote because she is Horners daughter. Those appointed on Jan. 30 include: Vic Roeder to the Airport Advisory Board for a term ending in June 2026. Christina Meyer to the Citizens Advisory Review Committee for a five-year term ending in January 2029. Shaun Custard to the Local Option Review Team to a term ending in June 2024. The reappointment of Daniel Moran and the appointment of Anna OReilly to the Park and Recreation Board. Both will serve three-year terms ending in January 2027. The appointment of Jennifer Nabb as City Treasurer. Nabb was recently hired as the citys Finance Director after the position was vacant for several months after the May 2023 resignation of former director of Finance Dan Goebel. Protests shut down major cities in Haiti on Monday as demonstrators clashed with police and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Banks, schools and government agencies closed in Haiti's northern and southern regions while protesters blocked main routes with blazing tires and paralyzed public transportation, according to local media reports. In Hinche, a city in Haiti's central region, protesters celebrated the arrival of heavily armed state environmental agents and their commander, Joseph Jean Baptiste, who demanded that Henry resign. "I want Ariel to stand in front of my bullets, so they go through him," the commander said as someone filmed him while the crowd cheered. "We're the ones who have the support of the population," he said. The agents, who belong to the Security Brigade for Protected Areas, have come under government scrutiny following recent clashes with police in northern Haiti. Smaller demonstrations took place in the capital of Port-au-Prince, where dozens of protesters gathered in front of Henry's office before police fired tear gas, dispersing the crowd. Among the protesters was presidential candidate and former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who was seen in a video wiping his face as supporters yelled, "We are not stopping!" At least three days of protests culminating on Wednesday are expected across Haiti, with Feb. 7 considered the supposed deadline for Henry to resign. The date is significant in Haiti: Feb. 7, 1986, marked the day that former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier fled for France, and Feb. 7, 1991, marked the day that Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti's first democratically elected president, was sworn in. A Reuters journalist was among 20 reporters briefly detained by Russian authorities Saturday. Authorities made the arrests as the media covered an anti-war demonstration in Moscow. The journalists, most of whom work for Russian media outlets, had been reporting on a group of women demanding the return of their husbands who were mobilized to fight in Ukraine. The media also filmed as people laid flowers at the Eternal Flame near the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The Russian-based independent news outlets SOTA and SOTA-Vision posted a video of journalists in vests printed with the word press being confronted by authorities. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, said the journalists were held in a van before being transported to a police station. The journalists were released several hours later after being made to sign a document stating that the police have information that they took part in public events organized in violation of the law, said RSF. Although the document has no legal value, RSF noted that it could be used in later legal cases. RSF in a statement described the arrests as unprecedented. This incident reflects the Kremlins watchword for the media: ensure that neither the outside world nor the Russian people learn anything about expressions of popular discontent regarding the war in Ukraine, said Jeanne Cavelier, who heads RSFs Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. In a separate case, the Russian outlet Sirena in a video report said that seven journalists were believed to have been detained near President Vladimir Putins election headquarters in Pokrovka and taken to a police station. Russias embassy in Washington did not respond to VOAs request for comment. At the start of Russias full invasion of Ukraine, Moscow introduced a law against sharing news it deemed to be false about the war or armed forces. The law carries a 15-year prison term. Russia is also a leading jailer of journalists, with at least 22 behind bars for their work as of late 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Moscow has also issued arrest warrants or tried in absentia prominent Russian journalists who fled into exile at the start of the war. Among the journalists imprisoned currently in Russia are two Americans: The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained since March, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva, held in custody since October. Senegals parliament voted Monday to delay the West African nations presidential election till Dec. 15 in a chaotic voting process that took place after security forces broke up an opposition attempt to block the vote and forcefully removed those lawmakers from the legislative building. Also on Monday, two opposition candidates filed legal challenges against President Macky Salls decision to postpone the Feb. 25 election. One of the provisions of the election delay bill, adopted by the National Assembly, means that Salls tenure due to end on April 2 will be extended until the new election is held. Sall had announced in July that he would not seek a third term in office. The African Union urged Senegals government to organize the election "as soon as possible" and urged the opposition candidates "to resolve any political dispute through consultation, understanding and civilized dialogue." Protests erupted outside the parliamentary building Sunday. Security forces fired tear gas while protesters burned tires, blocked roads and chanted Macky Sall dictator. Several people were arrested, together with two opposition candidates, including former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, who were later released. Political stability in Senegal has been fragile for almost a year after authorities cut internet access in June 2023 when supporters of a disqualified opposition leader clashed with security forces. This is the first time in Senegals history that a presidential election has been postponed. Opposition leaders have condemned Salls call for a delay as a coup. Experts worry that the electoral delay "reflects a sharp democratic decline" in Senegal, said Mucahid Durmaz, a senior analyst at global risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. "The growing democracy deficit not only threatens to tarnish Senegal's reputation as a beacon of democratic stability in the region but also emboldens anti-democratic practices in West Africa," Durmaz told the Associated Press. Senegal is often lauded for its stability in the West African region. It has not experienced a coup since its independence from France in the 1960s. However, reactions in response to the recent protests have not sparked confidence in the country's ability to maintain political and economic stability. Senegal's sovereign dollar bonds have fallen sharply. On Monday, the Senegal government also restricted mobile internet access. And the private Walf television network, whose signal was cut off during a broadcast of Sundays protests, managers said their broadcasting license was revoked. "The government's abrupt shutdown of internet access via mobile data and Walf TV's broadcasting ... constitutes a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression and press rights protected by Senegal's constitution," Amnesty International's regional office for West and Central Africa said in a statement. The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy defended the decision, and said mobile internet services were cut Monday "due to the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks in the context of threats and disturbances to public order." Human Rights Watch has warned Senegal about the possibility it could lose its democratic label. "Senegal has long been considered a beacon of democracy in the region. This is now at risk," it said in a statement. "Authorities need to act to prevent violence, rein in abusive security forces, and end their assault on opposition and media. They should respect freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, and restore internet, putting Senegal back on its democratic course." Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Ukraines fight to preserve its nationhood against Russias invasion will soon enter its third year. Amid festering questions about how and when the war might end, and political debate at home and abroad, Switzerlands ambassador to the United States tells VOA that he believes moral support for Ukraine is no different today than back in 2022. If supporting Ukraine was absolutely right as a matter of principle back in 2022, it cant be different in 2024, Jacques Pitteloud, a veteran Swiss diplomat, told VOA in an interview in Washington. As a small country geographically and in population, even if were a mid-sized country in terms of the economy and economic power, we will, as a people, always tend to be on the side of the victim, the smaller one, Pitteloud told VOA. Swiss public support for Ukraine has not budged a lot, he added, saying the vast majority of the Swiss population still consider the Russian aggression as utterly unacceptable, as it goes against everything we stand for: international rules, the rule of law, respect of sovereignty, the resolution of conflict by peaceful means. Switzerland, the envoy told VOA, is committed to supporting Ukraine over the long haul. The Swiss government has earmarked $1.7 billion through 2028 toward helping Ukraine. The veteran diplomat acknowledged that the war that started when Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022 is putting quite a strain on European economies, on energy prices. However, the most severe strain, he emphasized, is the unacceptable human price on the Ukrainian population. At some point, people just hope for an end to the war, as Pitteloud sees it. Formula for peace At the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos, Swiss authorities agreed to a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to host what he termed a peace summit. One goal is to have a show of unity and send the message that war is not the solution, the Swiss ambassador said, noting that 82 countries participated in the fourth and most recent round of talks centered on Zelenskyys 10-point peace formula. Pitteloud told VOA that no date has yet been determined for the peace conference. It is unclear how many countries will participate in the upcoming round, but Ukraine hopes that senior national leaders could attend. Mr. Zelenskyy has made no secret that he would like to have this summit as soon as possible, and we will do our utmost to facilitate a meeting as soon as possible, but in the end, itll be up to all the participants to determine when the moment is ripe, Pitteloud told VOA. Its probably a little too early to call it a summit, he added. A summit is when heads of state are present, but definitely to have another meeting of as many countries as possible. Russia entering negotiation Eventually, the veteran Swiss diplomat pointed out, peace talks that will bring about an end to the war will have to involve Russian representatives. For a real peace summit or peace conference to take place, you need the warring parties; one of the warring parties is not at the table, and thats Russia, Pitteloud said. As for what might bring Russian decision maker Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, David M. Glantz, a former U.S. Army colonel and a military historian, told VOA that internal politics could play a decisive role. Putin has been playing a very skillful game with the multiple stakeholders constituting the Russian official system, but theres always a limit to what can be done, he said. If Putins political situation deteriorated, or if his health began to deteriorate, his attitude might change, Glantz told VOA. If the military situation becomes more difficult for Russia, that might also cause Putin to negotiate, the Russia specialist added, noting that so far, Russian forces have dug in, as has Putin on his conditions for ending the war, including Ukraines non-membership in NATO and control of territories occupied by majority ethnic Russians. Over by Christmas Asked what would incentivize the Ukrainian side to enter into negotiations with the Kremlin, Pitteloud told VOA that It would be a sovereign decision for the Ukrainian government to assess the situation and decide how to proceed. Mary Glantz, a former State Department official who now serves as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Institute of Peaces Russia and Europe Center, told VOA that the United States is also following Ukraines lead on this. Reflecting on the duration of the war, Pitteloud said, Everyone goes into war with the firm conviction that it would be over by Christmas, but wars almost always go longer than people hoped. The U.N.s top envoy in Iraq on Tuesday urged all attacks to cease, warning that they could undo the countrys hard-won stability and other accomplishments if they continue. These attacks originate from within and outside of the countrys borders, Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the U.N. Security Council. On Friday, U.S. forces carried out precision airstrikes on three locations in Iraq as part of its efforts to eliminate the sources of nearly 170 attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. military personnel in the region. Several such militias operate in Iraq. The United States also hit four sites in neighboring Syria. In all, the Pentagon said it destroyed more than 80 individual targets. Rather than shows of force, all efforts should center on safeguarding Iraq from being drawn in any way into a wider conflict, Hennis-Plasschaert said. She warned that Iraq and the wider region remain on a knife-edge, and the smallest miscalculation could threaten a major conflagration. Tensions are high all over the Middle East, as Israel and Hamas fight a war following the U.S.-designated terror groups October 7 attacks inside Israel that killed 1,200 people. More than 27,000 Palestinians in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip have been killed in the four months the war has raged. World leaders have warned of the risk of spillover into a wider conflict, as Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon trade shelling with Israels army, and Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen attack international commercial shipping in the Red Sea, saying it is in solidarity with Gazans. The U.N. special envoy to Iraq expressed shock over Irans missile strike on the Kurdish capital of Irbil a few weeks ago, in which several civilians, including a young girl, were killed. Meanwhile, Turkish military operations in the north also continue, Hennis-Plasschaert said. Just because these attacks have become the new normal does not mean they do not seriously compound the risk of new arenas of violence being opened. She called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint. With Iraq cloaked in an already complex tapestry of challenges, it is of greatest importance that all attacks cease, Hennis-Plasschaert said. Iraqs acting envoy, Abbas al-Fatlawi, denounced attacks by Turkey, Iran and the United States, saying they had caused civilian casualties and damaged private and public property. These attacks violate Iraqs sovereignty and threaten the security of its people and contradict the principles and purposes of the U.N. Charter, he told the council. The Pentagon acknowledged that an unspecified number of militia members were likely killed or wounded in the strikes. Washington says the action was necessary and proportionate, consistent with international law and carried out in self-defense. U.S. envoy Robert Wood said Iran-aligned militia groups threaten to undermine Iraq. Since October 2023, these groups have attacked U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, Syria and Jordan over 165 times, he said. Tragically, three U.S. soldiers were killed and dozens more injured on January 28 when Iran-aligned militia groups attacked U.S. forces stationed in Jordan to take part in the fight against ISIS. The strikes on February 2 were directly related to the deadly attack on U.S. troops. Washington says they are aimed at protecting and defending U.S. personnel, including those in Jordan who are supporting operations against Islamic State terrorists, to ensure the group does not resurge. It says the strikes successfully degraded the capabilities of Iranian-backed militias, deterring and undermining their ability to conduct further attacks. The latest wave of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, aimed at pounding targets associated with almost 170 attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. forces in the region, appears to be expanding the fissure between Washington and Baghdad. Fridays airstrikes targeted three locations in Iraq, as well as another four in Syria, and destroyed more than 80 individual targets, ranging from command-and-control centers and intelligence hubs to missile and drone storage facilities, according to the latest U.S. assessments. The Pentagon said Monday that an unspecified number of militia members were also likely killed or wounded, though it ruled out the deaths of any Iranian officials or operatives. But while U.S. officials defended the strikes as necessary following a drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan last month, Iraqi officials have voiced increased anger, summoning the U.S. charge d'affaires in Baghdad to protest the U.S. strikes after alleging some of the targets were part of the governments own security forces. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani declared an official period of mourning for those killed in the bombings and raised the prospect of repercussions in advance of a meeting with a member of Irans Supreme National Security Council in Baghdad on Monday. Iraqi officials expressed additional anger, arguing that contrary to initial U.S. statements, Baghdad was not alerted to the strikes ahead of time. The U.S. State Department admitted Monday that Iraq was not given any warning but added the U.S. strikes should not have come as a surprise. "Every country in the region understood that there would be a response after the deaths of our soldiers, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters Monday. As for this specific response on Friday, there was not a pre-notification, he said. We informed the Iraqis immediately after the strikes occurred. The Pentagon on Monday also pushed back against some of the Iraqi assertions. As we conduct these strikes, we are very focused on Iranian-backed proxy groups, said Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder. That is our focus. It's not on striking ISF, or Iraqi Security Forces, or personnel that are part of the legitimate Iraqi Security forces. We're striking terrorist groups that are supported by the IRGC [Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]. Ryder added, however, that as of now, the U.S. has no plans for a long-term military campaign against the militias in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. has about 2,500 troops in Iraq tasked with advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces as they pursue the remnants of the Islamic State terror group, also known as ISIS or Daesh. And while talks between the U.S. and Iraq are underway to eventually reduce the U.S. military footprint and transition from the counter-IS mission to what officials describe as a more traditional military-to-military relationship with Baghdad, the process has been complicated by the attacks. U.S. military officials told VOA there have been at least three additional attacks by the Iranian-backed militias active in both Iraq and Syria, following the U.S. airstrikes Friday. The most recent attack came Sunday, when a one-way attack drone hit the base at the Omar Oil Field, near Deir el-Zour, causing multiple casualties among U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). An earlier attack, however, targeting the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces on Sunday, did hit its mark. Officials said a one-way attack drone hit the base at the Omar Oil Field, near Deir el-Zour, causing multiple SDF casualties. SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami said on social media that the drone attack killed six SDF fighters. The SDF base is located near the U.S. position known as Green Village. The U.S. also confirmed an attack by Iran-backed militias on Friday, when multiple rockets targeted Mission Support Site Euphrates base. No injuries or damage were reported. The U.S. initially reported a third attack, early Monday, on Mission Support Site Euphrates. But officials later ruled it out, saying there was some confusion due to nearby activity by the SDF. The latest attacks were the first since the U.S. unleashed a series of airstrikes that hit 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria late Friday, dropping more than 125 precision munitions in about a half-hour. Iranian officials have condemned the U.S. strikes, calling them a violation of Syrian and Iraqi sovereignty. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani further described the U.S. strikes as "a serious strategic mistake." Syrian opposition activists say at least 29 fighters were killed in Syria, while Iraqi officials said at least 16 militia members were killed with another 36 wounded. The renewed attacks by Iran-backed militias in Syria come as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to threaten international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, despite a new wave of airstrikes Saturday by an international coalition led by the U.S. and Britain. A suspected Houthi drone damaged a ship in the southern Red Sea early Tuesday. The Barbados-flagged, UK-owned cargo ship sustained minor damage on its port side, according to the British security firm Ambrey. The attack came hours after the U.S. military said it conducted its latest self-defense strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the region, said the strikes hit two explosive drone vessels that presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. U.S. strikes Sunday hit Houthi cruise missiles, and on Saturday the U.S. and Britain struck at least 36 Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis have said their Red Sea attacks are in solidarity with the people of Gaza and vowed to continue despite the U.S. and British strikes. Our war against Israel is moral because its goal is to stop the crimes of genocide in Gaza and allow the entry of food, medicine, and fuel to its besieged residents, and this goal represents the will of all the free people of the world, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, wrote Monday on X. Russia seized on the U.S. retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria to call for an urgent session of the U.N. Security Council Monday to press for international condemnation of Washington. We decisively condemn this new brazen act of aggression of the U.S. against a sovereign state, creating further risks and increasing the level of instability in a region that is already on fire, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council. Several council members expressed concern at both the attacks on U.S. personnel and the retaliatory strikes, urging maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. Syrias envoy rejected what he said are Washingtons flimsy claims to justify its strikes, while Irans ambassador appeared to try to distance Tehran, saying resistance groups in the region are independent and make their own decisions. Iraqs representative criticized the U.S. strikes, saying his government will not allow its territory to be used for score-settling. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching and U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France Presse. Vietnamese real estate tycoon Truong My Lan is set to go on trial next month, along with 85 alleged accomplices, on charges of embezzling about $12.5 billion from Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank. Lan faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. VOA was unable to contact Lan or her lawyers. The corruption case is the largest instance of alleged financial fraud in the Southeast Asian nations history, and experts say it reveals weaknesses in Vietnam's banking sector that threaten the Communist Party's legitimacy. "If we look at the big picture, it is about both fighting corruption and trying to improve transparency and the resilience of the banking system," Le Hong Hiep, senior fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, told VOA by Zoom on January 23. "[Hanoi doesn't] want banks to collapse and people to lose money, because that will create a lot of social instability that may threaten the stability of the regime itself," he added. Authorities say about 42,000 people have been caught up in the scheme, with many filing police reports and struggling to recover their money. The scheme has cost some their life savings. Major General Nguyen Van Thanh, who heads an investigative unit within the police department, was quoted last month by Viet Nam News as saying that money recovered in the case would be considered evidence and given back to its rightful owners on orders by the court. The case against Lan fits under the umbrella of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's key initiative his Blazing Furnace" anti-corruption campaign, which began in 2016. "The anti-corruption campaign is his highest priority because I think he wanted to rescue the Communist Party from decay," Alexander Vuving, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, told VOA. "He saw that cleaning up the party from corruption is one of the best ways, the most important ways, to rescue the party." In 2011, Lan acquired three private banks and merged them into Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank, or SCB. She is accused of using SCB to finance her property developing firm, Van Thinh Phat, and taking out bad loans for the more than 1,000 "shadow businesses affiliated with VTP. Lan was arrested October 8, 2022, on charges of bribery, banking regulation violations and embezzlement. Hiep, at ISEAS, said more information regarding Lans political connections could be revealed during the trial. The problem is why it took [authorities] so long to crack this case even though it was quite well-known in the industry, Hiep said. If she got political protection from someone, that could have helped her avoid scrutiny or evade justice. Weak banking system An indictment alleges that Lan owned 91.5% of SCB, despite not holding an official position at the bank. The indictment alleges that she had de facto control of the bank and used it to raise capital for the property development firm and its approximately 1,000 subsidiaries. Lan was alleged to have siphoned money from SCB for more than a decade through her connections at the State Bank of Vietnam, the countrys central bank, according to local media reports based on Ministry of Public Security statements. The reports said the ministry alleged Lan bribed all 24 central bank officials who were assigned to inspect SCB. The officials who allegedly accepted illicit payments to falsify records regarding VTP's bad debt include Do Thi Nhan, the former head of the State Bank, according to the reports. The ministry has recommended filing charges against Nhan, who allegedly accepted $5.2 million in bribes. Court Chief Pham Ngoc Duy of the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City told local news outlet VnExpress that security cameras and fire safety equipment have been installed at the courthouse to safeguard 2,500 files weighing in at approximately six tons. Tran Anh Quan, a Ho Chi Minh City-based social activist, told VOA that the scandal has led to the public's "loss of confidence in the financial system and political system." "After Ms. Lan was arrested, almost every week and every month, there were protests in front of SCB bank to demand the return of deposits. But it seems hopeless," Quan wrote in Vietnamese over the messaging app Telegram on January 19. "Previously, Vietnamese people had the opinion that 'depositing money in the bank is the safest bet.' But now when I deposit money in the bank and lose it all, who dares to believe it anymore?" he added. Zachary Abuza, Southeast Asia expert and professor at the National War College in Washington, told VOA that the scale of the case is "truly exceptional" and points to the likelihood of widespread instances of financial crime and the struggle regulators face to keep up with the country's economic development. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Joe Bidens top Asia aide, Kurt Campbell, as the deputy secretary of state on Tuesday. Campbell is replacing Wendy Sherman, who retired on July 28, and will now serve as the State Departments second-ranking diplomat behind Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During Campbells tenure as the White House National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, he emphasized that the United States, while in competition with China, does not seek conflict or confrontation. He has said the U.S. is committed to working with allies and managing competition with China responsibly. In his prepared testimony for his nomination hearing in December, Campbell stated, Todays challenges are truly global. What happens in one region affects the others. Our competitors are collaborating just look at China, Iran, and North Koreas support for Russias war of aggression. We are stronger across-the-board due to our alliances and partnerships. China believes that we are in hurtling decline. It is critical that we prove otherwise, he told U.S. senators during the nomination hearing. Campbell has also underscored the urgency of advancing new 20-year funding agreements with three Pacific Island nationsMicronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palauto counter Beijing's regional influence. During the nomination hearing, he voiced serious concerns over North Koreas alarming actions, including the provision of military equipment to Russia amid its aggression in Ukraine and the enhancement of Pyongyangs missile and nuclear capabilities. I am worried that North Korea in the current environment has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States. And that means that we're going to have to focus even more on deterrence, he told lawmakers from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. North Korea has consistently rejected U.S. outreach despite repeated efforts. The last diplomatic engagement took place in Vietnam between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and former president Donald Trump. Since then, North Korea has rebuffed every attempt by the U.S. to reach out, including offers of vaccines and humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Campbell was assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 2009 to 2013 under then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Campbell played a crucial role during the administration of former President Barack Obama in shaping Washington's pivot to Asia policy, which reoriented U.S. foreign policy toward that region. Zimbabwe's ruling party has achieved a two-thirds majority in Parliament according to by-election results released by the country's elections commission over the weekend. That paves the way for the ZANU-PF party to amend the constitution as it wishes including removal of the two-term limit for the presidency but creates dread for opposition parties. ZANU-PF now holds 190 out of 280 seats in the National Assembly after winning six seats over the weekend, according to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission figures. Farai Muroiwa Marapira, the ZANU-PF spokesperson, attributed his partys victory to policies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa since he took power in 2017 from the late Robert Mugabe. With this two-thirds majority, we will look to ensure that we process our legislation faster for the betterment of our country, Marapira said. ZANU-PF is the only party that has from its inception been focused only on ensuring that people of Zimbabwe are served and to the best of the requirements and ability. Maripara added that peoples trust in the party was not misplaced. [We] assure them that they are safe in their trust of ZANU-PF, and they will not regret this decision of trusting in policies of President Mnangagwa, he said. Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele, who is with the countrys main opposition party the Citizens Coalition for Change or CCC expressed worry. "It is indeed a very dark day in the history of Zimbabwe, he said. The gain that had been done to stop the two-thirds majority has been reversed, but we know that parliament is no longer relevant in deciding the future of Zimbabwe. It is heavily compromised; it is now a toothless bulldog. The same sentiment came from Linda Masarira, leader of the Labour, Economists and African Democrats, or LEAD, party. She said the two-thirds majority just means every decision will be made on behalf of ZANU-PF and not others in the country. I think it is a travesty of multiparty democracy, which is actually enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe, and I don't think we're going [anywhere] very fast if we're going to be having one party making the decisions, all the decisions for all Zimbabweans. Gibson Nyikadzino, a Harare-based political analyst, said the election victories should keep ZANU-PF in the drivers seat of Zimbabwe politics for years to come. It also means that it will be easy for ZANU-PF to discuss proposed legislative agendas or the agendas, Nyikadzino said. And also at a broader national scale, it means that ZANU-PF remain a dominant party because the opposition [has] proven it lacks the capability to ideologically organize and mobilize its people or its structures. Zimbabwes next general election is slated for 2028. Thats when Mnangagwas second and final term will end unless ZANU-PF changes the constitution. Israels military reported killing dozens of militants in the Gaza Strip on Monday, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to the region to push for a new pause in fighting. The Israel Defense Forces said its operations during the past day included airstrikes and ground battles in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, as well as raids in northern and central Gaza. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry said at least 128 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes overnight into Monday. The United Nations said intense fighting in the Khan Younis area is pushing civilians farther south toward Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population has already taken refuge, many in makeshift shelters. The United Nations estimates 75% of Gazas people have fled their homes, and it says Palestinians are facing acute shortages of food, water, shelter and medicine. A proposed temporary cease-fire could bring an increase in humanitarian aid for Gaza, along with the release of hostages held by Hamas militants. Hamas leaders have been considering the proposal for a week after it emerged from talks among Egyptian, Qatari and U.S. mediators. Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. His trip also includes stops this week in Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Ahead of his trip, the top U.S. diplomat stressed the need for "urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza," after aid groups have repeatedly warned of the lack of food and medical supplies reaching the territory. The State Department said in a statement that Blinken will continue diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement that secures the release of all remaining hostages and includes a humanitarian pause that will allow for sustained, increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Dubbed a "pressure cooker of despair" by the United Nations, Rafah is overflowing with Palestinian refugees, displaced due to Israel's military operation against Hamas. The diplomatic push for reaching agreement on a new cease-fire in Gaza has become more urgent with a surge of new attacks in the Middle East. Three U.S. service members were killed at an outpost in Jordan, and the U.S. responded with dozens of strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting Iranian-backed militants. The U.S. and Britain have jointly struck Houthi missile sites in Yemen. The proposed Gaza truce would pause fighting for an initial six weeks as Hamas frees hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel says 132 hostages remain in Gaza including at least 28 believed to have died or been killed. Hamas has said no agreement has yet been reached, while some Israeli officials have expressed opposition to any perceived concessions. Israel vowed to destroy Hamas, which governs Gaza, after the militant group sent fighters rampaging into Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Britain, the European Union and others, also took about 240 people hostage, about 100 of whom were released in a weeklong cease-fire in late November. Israel's air and ground military operations in Gaza have killed more than 27,300 Palestinians and injured 66,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. The ministry includes both civilians and militants in its count but says 70% of those killed were women and children. Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. After the arrest of a 20-year-old Fremont man accused of sexual assault of a minor, officials with the Fremont Police Department revealed that the suspect is alleged to have taken his reported victim away from classes at Fremont High School to engage in the alleged sexual assault. The details, revealed in court documents filed in Dodge County Court against Jose G. Rodriguez, raised questions about student attendance at Fremont High School, how high school officials monitor students on campus and how an adult who does not have custody over a minor student could remove a student from classes and campus. Rodriguez, now 20, is accused of sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in three situations: one was allegedly over a week-long time period and then again on two alleged separate incidents in the fall of 2023. On Jan. 5, Rodriguez was charged with three separate charges of suspicion of first degree sexual assault of a minor younger than 16 years old, all Class II felonies; as well as three separate charges of suspicion of child abuse, a Class IIIA felony. According to a police report filed by FPD Detective Kelly Drake, Rodriguez is alleged to have taken the alleged 14-year-old victim and one of her friends from Fremont High School while classes were in session, picking them up in a car and later returning them to campus while classes were in session. Drake reported that Rodriguez allegedly took the girl to an unknown location, where police allege he had sexual intercourse with the teen girl before returning her to the high school parking lot. The investigation into the allegations began when the teen girls mother reported to Fremont police officials that the girl had been acting out and socializing with an unknown male who was 19 years old. The family reportedly was able to observe and record the license plate of the car that their daughter left in, which led police to begin a surveillance operation that included staking out the parking lot of Fremont High School. The Tribune posed several questions to FPS Superintendent Mark Shepard about how students are monitored, when they are allowed to leave campus and how a student may get back into the high school if they had left. Shepard referred all questions to the Fremont High School Student Handbook, specifically page 25, which he reiterated in an email states; 2. Leaving school grounds without checking out. Students are not allowed to be outside the school building without permission anytime during the school day. Drake wrote in her report that she had been surveilling the high school parking lot as part of her investigation and filmed with a video camera Rodriguez reportedly dropping the alleged victim and her friend off at the high school parking lot. Shepard said once classes begin, students can only enter through the main entrance of the school. Our doors are locked from the outside once school is in session. Obviously, due to fire codes, exit doors cannot be locked from the inside, Shepard wrote in an email. Students arriving after school is in session are required to enter through the secured main entrance off Lincoln Avenue. The Tribune also inquired about how student attendance is monitored and how tabs are kept on students who may be missing. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each block. If a student has an unverified absence, skips a class period or is known to have left the building without permission, parents are contacted and the student code of conduct is utilized to issue consequences, Shepard explained. FPS officials did not provide any other details or information about the alleged incident. Rodriguez is currently incarcerated at the Dodge County Jail while he awaits his next court appearance. The new charges raise the number of criminal charges Rodriguez is facing in Dodge County Court to a total of 15 different allegations from three different investigations. Rodriguez has not entered a plea according court documents, and is next scheduled to appear in Dodge County Court at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, for a hearing. Former U.S. President Donald Trump is not immune from being prosecuted on charges that he illegally plotted to overturn his 2020 reelection loss to stay in power, a U.S. appellate court panel in Washington unanimously ruled Tuesday. The 3-0 decision rejected Trumps claim that special counsel Jack Smith cannot prosecute him for the actions Trump took in the waning days of his presidency to upend his loss to Democrat Joe Biden because they were related to his official duties as president. Former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant, the court ruled. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution. In a four-count indictment, Smith accused Trump of using false claims of voter fraud to pressure state election officials, the Justice Department and his vice president, Mike Pence, to thwart congressional certification of the election results showing he had lost. Trump, the first president accused in a criminal case, has denied wrongdoing in the election subversion case and three other indictments he is facing that encompass a total of 91 charges. Some of the trials in the cases could occur this year as Trump, the leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate, seeks to reclaim the White House in the November election, again facing Biden. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said the appellate court ruling "threatens the bedrock of our Republic. Without complete immunity, a President of the United States would not be able to properly function!" Tuesdays ruling, which Trump said he is appealing, either to the full appellate court or the U.S. Supreme Court, came nearly a month after the three appellate judges heard arguments in the case, with Trump in the courtroom. With the length of the time for a decision on Trumps immunity claim and other legal issues in the case yet to be decided, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan last week indefinitely postponed the scheduled March 4 trial date. Chutkan had rejected Trumps immunity claim, which he then appealed to the appellate court. She said the office of the president "does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass." The appellate court ruling was handed down by Judges Florence Pan and Michelle Childs, both Biden appointees, and Karen LeCraft Henderson, who was named to the bench by President George H.W. Bush, a Republican. While awaiting the appellate court ruling, Trump has claimed numerous times at campaign rallies and on social media that all U.S. presidents need full immunity from prosecution, lest their political rivals charge them with crimes once their four-year presidential terms have ended. Trumps lawyers argued that former presidents were entitled to sweeping legal protections. They claimed that unless the House of Representatives had first impeached them for wrongdoing, and they then were convicted by the Senate and removed from office, they could not be criminally prosecuted for official actions. Trump was twice impeached by the House, including for inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol two weeks before he left office by urging supporters to fight like hell to block congressional certification of Bidens election victory. In both impeachment cases, enough Senate Republicans voted to acquit him to keep him from being convicted. Even if Trumps immunity is eventually rejected by the Supreme Court, he will have delayed his prosecution and possibly pushed any trial past the November 5 election. If he wins, he could direct the Justice Department to drop the case. But any trial, whether the Washington election subversion case or any of other three Trump is facing, holds unprecedented implications for the U.S. presidential contest. Rather than campaigning, Trump would be required to sit in court day after day and listen to testimony against him. News stories about the cases would fill the front pages of newspapers and dominate the airwaves and social media accounts just as the election approaches. In addition to the Washington case, Trump faces federal charges in Florida that he illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left office in January 2021. He is also charged in the southeastern state of Georgia with scheming to subvert Bidens 2020 victory there and in New York in connection with hush money payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels ahead of his successful 2016 election. The New York trial is scheduled to start in late March. Moderate magnitude 5.1 earthquake at 50 km depth 6 Feb 14:41 UTC: First to report: VolcanoDiscovery after 3 minutes. 6 Feb 14:45: Now using data updates from EMSC ... [show all] ... 6 Feb 14:48: Magnitude recalculated from 5.5 to 5.4. Epicenter location corrected by 3.6 km (2.2 mi) towards N. 6 Feb 14:48: Magnitude recalculated from 5.4 to 5.5. 6 Feb 14:54: Magnitude recalculated from 5.5 to 5.4. Epicenter location corrected by 6.9 km (4.3 mi) towards NW. 6 Feb 14:54: Magnitude recalculated from 5.4 to 5.2. 6 Feb 15:02: Magnitude recalculated from 5.2 to 5.1. Hypocenter depth recalculated from 55.0 to 53.3 km (from 34 to 33 mi). Epicenter location corrected by 9 km (5.6 mi) towards WNW. 6 Feb 15:02: Now using data updates from USGS 7 Feb 18:22: Hypocenter depth recalculated from 53.3 to 49.7 km (from 33 to 31 mi). Epicenter location corrected by 5.5 km (3.4 mi) towards W. Update Tue, 6 Feb 2024, 14:48 Significant 5.5 quake hits near Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Caraga, Philippines 5.5 quake 6 Feb 10:37 pm (GMT +8) A second report was later issued by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), which listed it as a magnitude 5.3 earthquake. Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicenter. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc. In Tago (pop. 6,300) located 31 km from the epicenter, and Tandag (pop. 29,000) 38 km away, the quake should have been felt as light shaking. Weak shaking might have been felt in Bah-Bah (pop. 28,600) located 66 km from the epicenter, San Francisco (pop. 18,500) 67 km away, Bislig City (pop. 67,600) 73 km away, Bayugan (pop. 40,600) 77 km away, Talacogon (pop. 15,600) 87 km away, and Butuan (pop. 309,700) 101 km away. VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude 5.5 quake in the Philippines near Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Caraga, only 10 minutes ago. The earthquake hit late at night on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, at 10:37 pm local time at a moderately shallow depth of 55 km. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.A second report was later issued by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), which listed it as a magnitude 5.3 earthquake.Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicenter. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc.In Tago (pop. 6,300) located 31 km from the epicenter, and Tandag (pop. 29,000) 38 km away, the quake should have been felt as light shaking.Weak shaking might have been felt in Bah-Bah (pop. 28,600) located 66 km from the epicenter, San Francisco (pop. 18,500) 67 km away, Bislig City (pop. 67,600) 73 km away, Bayugan (pop. 40,600) 77 km away, Talacogon (pop. 15,600) 87 km away, and Butuan (pop. 309,700) 101 km away.VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app . This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake. Download the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app and get one of the fastest seismic alerts online: Android | iOS and get one of the fastest seismic alerts online: [ show map ] Interactive map [ smaller ] [ bigger ] User-reports for this quake (21) The first report about ground shaking reached us after only 3 minutes, before other agencies reported it. We received 21 reports for this quake from the felt in up to approx. 120200 km (75124 mi) distance, with isolated cases to have felt the quake even 213 km (132 mi) away. The majority of reports came from Union (3 reports), a town with 2,400 inhabitants in Caraga in 92 km (57 mi) distance north of the epicenter, Philippines, Basag (2 reports), a town with 2,800 inhabitants in 73 km (45 mi) distance west of the epicenter, and Bislig City (2 reports) (81 km or 51 mi to the south). See the The first report about ground shaking reached us after only 3 minutes, before other agencies reported it. We received 21 reports for this quake from the Philippines . Out of these, 19 people indicated they felt it. The quake was reported to have been, with isolated cases to have felt the quake even 213 km (132 mi) away.The majority of reports came from, a town with 2,400 inhabitants in Caraga in 92 km (57 mi) distance north of the epicenter,, a town with 2,800 inhabitants in 73 km (45 mi) distance west of the epicenter, and(81 km or 51 mi to the south). See the list of places where most people reported this quake further below. User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Translate San Francisco Agusan Del Sur Mindanao (63 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 1-2 minutes At home everything was moving or swinging | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 1-2 minutes d oro (70.6 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s trembling (reported through (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s D oro (81 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short : Trembling when sitting Makati City, Southern Manila District, National Capital Region (845.8 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt Sinubong, Agusan del Sur, Caraga (113.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Caraga (82.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s san isidro (113.3 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s Cagayan de oro (174.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s Siargao (96.1 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Calumpang, Eastern Manila District, National Capital Region (847.3 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt Bayugan 3 agusan del aur (221.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was worried.and afraid at the same te Del Pilar, Davao, Davao (164.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) Butuan (85.1 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short : Just short but it was felt. Compostela, Davao de Oro, Davao (144.7 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Tambo, Davao, Davao (212.8 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) Siargao (93.8 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s ampayon cuty (75.1 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 15-20 s i was about to sleep I thought my stomach was shake it's a quake (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 15-20 s Bislig City (77.8 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Basag, Agusan del Norte (75.1 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) San Francisco Agusan Del Sur (67.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Siargao (94.7 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Felt while laying in bed Show more List of cities/places with most reports Place Distance from epicenter Average reported Shaking Intensity Nr. of reports Union, Caraga, Philippines (Pop.: 2,368) 92 km (57 mi) N of epicenter III: Weak shaking 3 Basag, Caraga, Philippines (Pop.: 2,799) 73 km (45 mi) W of epicenter IV: Light shaking 2 Bislig City, Caraga, Philippines (Pop.: 67,567) 81 km (51 mi) S of epicenter IV: Light shaking 2 Alegria, Caraga, Philippines (Pop.: 4,578) 57 km (36 mi) SW of epicenter V: Moderate shaking 1 Lapinigan, Caraga, Philippines (Pop.: 4,328) 67 km (42 mi) SW of epicenter IV: Light shaking 1 Tambo, Davao, Philippines (Pop.: 2,378) 209 km (130 mi) S of epicenter III: Weak shaking 1 Compostela, Davao, Philippines (Pop.: 42,563) 143 km (89 mi) S of epicenter IV: Light shaking 1 Libertad, Caraga, Philippines (Pop.: 250,353) 86 km (53 mi) W of epicenter II: Very weak shaking 1 Del Pilar, Davao, Philippines (Pop.: 4,062) 162 km (101 mi) S of epicenter III: Weak shaking 1 Davao, Davao, Philippines (Pop.: 1,212,504) 221 km (137 mi) S of epicenter V: Moderate shaking 1 Note: Only reports with latitude/longitude coordinate positions given (21 in total) could be used for statistics. What is Intensity and the Mercalli Intensity Scale? The amount of shaking that occurs on the surface due to an earthquake is called the intensity. It is commonly measured on the so-called Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) ranging from 1 (not felt) to 10 (extreme shaking), and given in Roman numerals as I,II,...IX, X, and often displayed with color codes ranging from light blue to dark red. Earthquake intensity depends mainly on the magnitude and depth of the quake as well as the distance from the epicenter: The further away, the less shaking intensity occurs. Read more about the MMI scale! The amount of shaking that occurs on the surface due to an earthquake is called the intensity. It is commonly measured on the so-called Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) ranging from 1 (not felt) to 10 (extreme shaking), and given in Roman numerals as I,II,...IX, X, and often displayed with color codes ranging from light blue to dark red.Earthquake intensity depends mainly on the magnitude and depth of the quake as well as the distance from the epicenter: The further away, the less shaking intensity occurs. Number of reports by intensity Shaking intensity Number of reports Min-Max distance from epicenter (*) Average distance (*) I: Not felt 2 845846 km (525526 mi) 846 km (525 mi) II: Very weak shaking 4 71113 km (4470 mi) 87 km (54 mi) III: Weak shaking 6 82213 km (51132 mi) 124 km (77 mi) IV: Light shaking 7 68175 km (42108 mi) 104 km (65 mi) Notes (*) Reports are filtered to exclude those that are likely highly inaccurate or esaggerated. Only reports with latitude/longitude coordinate positions given (21 in total) could be used for geographic statistics. further below. Compare Quake Data Data for the same earthquake as reported by different agencies The more agencies report about the same quake and post similar data, the more confidence you can have in the data. It takes normally up to a few hours until earthquake parameters are calculated with near-optimum precision. Mag Depth Time GMT 2024-02-6 Epicenter Agency 5.1 50 km 31 mi 14:37:56 1 Km Nnw of Bacolod, Philippines USGS (United States Geological Survey) 5.1 54 km 34 mi 14:37:57 Mindanao, Philippines 14 km (8.7 mi) epicenter difference with USGS GFZ (German Research Centre for Geosciences) 5.1 10 km 6.2 mi (*) 14:37:52 near Davao 9.9 km (6.1 mi) epicenter difference with USGS RENASS (Reseau National de Surveillance Sismique (ReNaSS)) 5.2 36 km 22 mi 14:37:00 018 km S 80 E of Cagwait (Surigao Del Sur) 21 km (13 mi) epicenter difference with USGS PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) 5.1 55 km 34 mi 14:37:57 Mindanao, Philippines 14 km (8.5 mi) epicenter difference with USGS EMSC (European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre) 5.1 10 km 6.2 mi (*) 14:37:56 Mindanao, Philippines 5.5 km (3.4 mi) epicenter difference with USGS IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) 5.3 74 km 46 mi 14:37:59 Mindanao, Philippines 16 km (10.2 mi) epicenter difference with USGS GeoAu (Geoscience Australia ) Notes: (*) A depth given as 10 km often means that the the depth of the quake could not determined with sufficient accuracy. Earthquake statistics Average number of earthquakes Based on data from the past 10 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900, there are about 2,600 quakes on average per year in the area near the epicenter of this quake (within 100 km/61 mi): Mag. 7 or higher: 0.04 quakes per year (or 1 quake every 25 years) per year (or 1 quake every 25 years) Mag. 6 or higher: 0.36 quakes per year (or 1 quake every 2.8 years) per year (or 1 quake every 2.8 years) Mag. 5 or higher: 15.8 quakes per year per year Mag. 4 or higher: 75 quakes per year (or 6.3 quakes per month) per year (or 6.3 quakes per month) Mag. 3 or higher: 471 quakes per year (or 39.3 quakes per month) per year (or 39.3 quakes per month) Mag. 2 or higher: 1,900 quakes per year (or 5.3 quakes per day) per year (or 5.3 quakes per day) Mag. 1 or higher: 2,500 quakes per year (or 6.8 quakes per day) The area where this quake occurred has a very high level of seismic activity. It has had at least 5 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900, which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently, probably on average approximately every 20 to 25 years. Number of quakes per year Previous quakes in the same area of this earthquake Max results 10 20 50 100 All Magnitude All 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ 7+ 8+ Time before 48 hours 1 week 30 days 1 year 5 years 30 years Any age Date and Time Mag Depth Distance Location Details Map Map of earlier quakes in the area of this quake Max results 10 20 50 100 All Magnitude All 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ 7+ 8+ Time before 48 hours 1 week 30 days 1 year 5 years 30 years Any age [ smaller ] [ bigger ] Map to embed or share Photo: Apple TV+ Im not an easily confused viewer. I can explain the plot of Tenet . But this? This is where I started questioning every reality, including my own. This article was originally published on February 6, 2024. Agylle is now available to rent or purchase on Apple and Amazon. In the weeks leading up to the release of director Matthew Vaughns latest spy comedy, Argylle, a trailer for the film teased the twisty-turny exploits of spy novelist Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), who finds herself plunged into a real-world espionage plot not unlike the one shes written. We see fantasy sequences starring the fictional protagonist of Ellys books, the James Bondesque superspy Agent Argylle (Henry Cavill). And then, midway through this trailer, Elly is told by Samuel L. Jacksons character, a rogue former CIA deputy director named Alfred Solomon, that a real Argylle exists in her own world. But who are they? At the time, no one could say but everyone could speculate wildly. Some half-serious internet theorists supposed that Argylle would be revealed as Conways pet cat. That led to the theory that the real Agent Argylle would be played by noted cat lover Taylor Swift, which led to the theory that Taylor Swift ghostwrote the Argylle tie-in novel, which somehow led to the theory that, no, actually, J.K. Rowling wrote the tie-in novel. (Said Argylle novel was in fact written by Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen. How did we stray so far from the mystery at hand?) The end of the film does eventually answer the question posed in the trailer: Elly herself is the real agent Argylle, and she just didnt know it yet! Fine, you might say, straightforward enough. But then, just a few minutes later, a mid-credits scene upends that conclusion too. All of it may or may not leave you reaching for a stiff drink. A title card tells us the mid-credits scene is set 20 years earlier than the events of the film. A stylish young man (Louis Partridge) walks into a countryside pub called the Kings Man ostentatiously linking what were seeing to the Kingsman movies, Vaughns other spy-centric film series. (The KM Kingsman logo hangs on a light-pole banner outside the bar.) The young man asks a flirtatious bartender (Ben Daniels) for a Cosmopolitan, hold everything but the twist. It turns out those are code words, and the barkeep hands him a gun. That is a twist, the young man says wryly. The bartender insinuates that he must be in real trouble if hes coming to him and asks for his name. And then? The young man identifies himself as Aubrey Argylle the same name as Elly Conways fictional hero, until now played by Henry Cavill. And then we cut back to an empty room we recognize as Conways home office, where an Argylle movie poster hangs on the wall. New words then appear on the poster, telling us that Argylle: The First Book: The Movie is coming soon! Now, Im not an easily confused viewer. I can explain the plot of Tenet. But this? This is where I started questioning every reality, including my own. As we learn in the film Argylle (not Argylle: The First Book: The Movie, I mean the actual Argylle we just watched), Conway wrote her novels while drawing on details from her own life as a spy named Rachel Kylle memories shed apparently repressed after an accident. The clues were all there: Not only does R. Kylle sound a bit like Argylle, but the last four letters in Argylle (and Kylle) spell Elly backwards. We can unpack why Elly Conway essentially wrote homoerotic fan fiction about herself by making her protagonist and her partner-boyfriend both male characters at a later date. The point is that Elly was Argylle all along. Or so we think. At the end of the film, prior to the mid-credits scene, a new character played by Cavill shows up at Ellys book launch with an even crazier wig than the flattop the actor wore as Argylle and a southern accent to boot. Dun dun dun! So there is a man out there in Ellys real world who looks almost identical to the character she created and named Agent Argylle. Is this scene telling us that hes the real Agent Argylle, then, and not Elly/Rachel despite the fact that weve just watched an entire film clearly lay out all the ways that Elly used the details of her spy past as inspiration for her novels? Did she know an Argylle in her spy days, and has she repressed her memories of him? Is Partridge playing a younger version of this second Cavill character in the mid-credits scene (sans southern accent, which is presumably part of some undercover ruse)? Does all of this mean were in for an Agent Argylle prequel film starring Partridge and Daniels? We can reasonably infer the answer to that last question, at least: Argylle premiered to dismal box-office returns this past weekend, likely killing Vaughns chances of spinning out a new trilogy. But prequel potential aside, lets pivot to the Kingsman of it all. Fans of Vaughns other spy franchise will have not only noted the name of the pub in the mid-credits scene, but also that Aubrey Argylles name has alliterative initials, just like two key characters in the Kingsman films: Harry Hart (Colin Firth) and Orlando Oxford (Ralph Fiennes). As far as we know, the pub is not a known front for the Kingsman spy agency, like the tailor shop on Savile Row and the Scotch distillery in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. But we havent really seen what the Kingsman universe looks like in 2004, given that the first two films take place between 2014 and 2016. Maybe they owned a pub back then! One more Easter egg in the film supports the idea that the films worlds are connected: Elly drinks a Statesman bourbon drink in a can when she arrives in London. The Statesmen are the American equivalent of the Kingsmen, as seen in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and they make bourbon as a front for their espionage agency. One might be tempted to conclude that Argylle is a secret Kingsman spinoff, set within the same continuity. But (deep breath) even that theory comes with complications. For starters, Samuel L. Jackson and Sofia Boutella appear in both franchises as different characters and both their characters died in Kingsman: The Secret Service, which takes place before Argylle. Theres also the fact that Boutellas Kingsman character, Gazelle, has knives for feet, but her Argylle character, Saba Al-Badr, is seen with regular boring human toes. It would take a lot of work to convince audiences that these are somehow the same characters but then again, Vaughn is a writer known for trying very hard. And what to make of the aforementioned Argylle poster on Ellys wall? Does the coming soon teasers appearance on the poster tell us that an Argylle film is releasing in Ellys world, or is it advertising a sequel or (prequel?) to the Argylle film we just watched? Is the preceding scene between Daniels and Partridges characters a flashback to real events, or is it a scene from a movie-within-a-movie based on Ellys books about the fictional Agent Argylle? If the latter is the case, did she write the movie, too? Is she a stand-in for Vaughn? Oh god, does Elly live in the Kingsmen universe or did she create the Kingsmen universe? Would she have also created Kick-Ass, another Vaughn-directed movie franchise based on comic books that, in our world, were written by the same man (Mark Millar) who wrote the Kingsmen comic books? How does Stardust figure into all of this? Look, I know Im overthinking this. But the mid-credits scene raises way more questions than it answers, and in more of a headache-y way than a fun way. As of the release of Argylle, two more films in the Kingsman franchise have been announced. Theres The Kings Man: The Traitor King, a follow-up to the 2021 prequel starring Fiennes. And theres Kingsman: The Blue Blood, which will complete the original trilogy starring Taron Egerton. What Argylle: The First Book: The Movie is, exactly, whether it will figure into either of those upcoming films, and whether Elly Conway/Rachel Kylle/Aubrey Argylles stories will continue remain unclear. All we can say for sure? Taylor Swift has got nothing to do with it. All aboard! All 197 sumptuous feet of the St. David are setting sail in Grenada, with Below Deck Adventures Captain Kerry at her helm. Its great to see the return of Chief Stew Fraser, but its less great to see the grotesque shade of teal the staff is compelled to wear this season. Our new bosun Jared has previously served as captain on smaller vessels, but hes anxious about his new big-boat, big-boy job. We learn that he also used to build houses, as evidenced by a photo of some random octagons of wood in somebodys backyard. He makes me think of a less sinister, semi-anesthetized Conner OMalley character. Lead deckhand Ben and his ponytail are back for another season. Hes single again after his boatmance with Camille ended when she, he says, cheated. Actually it sounds like the entire crew is single. Someone should notify the Grenadian Coast Guard just to be safe. Deck crew newbie Kyle, a Scot with an A+ accent, recounts getting his ass disastrously branded with a coat hanger. He appears fully naked in a subsequent scene, and I find myself zooming in on what is either a tattoo or possibly a brand on one butt cheek with an intensity I can only describe as forensic (Enhance!). Results: Inclusive. Quebecoise Sunny has similar interests. She finds it hard to listen to eye candy Ben when he attempts to teach her things because her gaze is super-glued onto his ass. This, to me, is feminism. Fraser, whos waiting to allocate stripes until after the first charter, is cautiously optimistic about his stews. Theres Barbie, who comes from a good family, a.k.a. money, honey. (For shits and giggles, I would love to hear Barbie define a bad family.) Shes packed her own sheets, pillows, and a collection of Louis Vuitton bags she has no storage space for, so she sort of just cuddles with them in bed. More upsettingly, it looks like her personal sheets dont actually fit on her bunk, leaving tons of bare mattresses exposed for her to roll around on, which is objectively vastly more disgusting than just using the standard-issue crew bed linens. The tall, blue-eyed blonde, improbably not named Barbie, is Cat (who is giving me a little Karen Gillan, do you see it?). Xandi, whos previously been a chief stew herself, is happy to hang back on St. David and let Fraser handle this particular circus and these particular monkeys while she makes beds and otherwise avoids human contact. Also, shes a witch and a vampire and says her collection of crystals may be the only thing standing between her and shock therapy. (I like Xandi.) Down in the galley, we have Chef Anthony, who refers to himself in the third person as Frenchie and is here to do a little French French oui oui oui, he explains to the camera while shimmying. In his very Aussie accent, Captain Kerry reassures the crew that their physical safety and mental health are both important to him, so its okay if they need to have a bit of a sulk once in a while. Whats a sook? Barbie asks. No notes or should I say, naurrr notes? The first charters primaries are Brian and Rebecca, middle-aged oil-money newlyweds from Texas, who, to me, are utterly interchangeable with their friends (likely a feature, not a bug for this group). Theyve requested a multi-course dinner for night one and an 80s Miami dance party for night two. Is that the polite way to ask the crew to source coke for you while maintaining plausible deniability? These guests, who heavily imply that they enjoy swapping spouses, are exhausting. I have zero issues with non-monogamy, nor any intention of yucking anyones sexual yum, but these people are the kind of over-the-top, performative, freshman-boy horny that makes me inclined to believe that they have never actually had sex. Their screentime is an unending series of underwhelming, leering jokes about peering in the master suites windows, how moist theyre feeling, how theyd suck dick for beef carpaccio or maybe its the beef carpaccio is like a dick, or possibly both? Im sorry, but anyone who bases their entire personality around a single interest, whether that interest is Lord of the Rings or fucking your friends husband, is terminally boring to me. The crew is off to a solid start, even living up to the exacting standards of Captain Kerrys full-boat walkthroughs, during which he checks that all the zippers on cushions are pointing down and whether the sink stoppers are consistently open or closed. But thats not to say there arent a few blips. Jared, already in a teensy bit of trouble for messing with the anchor without giving Captain Kerry a heads up, now proceeds to drop the anchor two and a half shots (a shot is 90 feet), whereas Kerry had already told Ben to drop it just one shot. No, Ben did not specifically pass on that directive along to Jared, but in his defense, he thinks a bosun shouldve known two and a half shots was way too much chain to drop (risking dislodging the anchor) and connected with the bridge beforehand anyway. Ben observes that Jared by this point dissociating in the crew mess rather than getting their collective to-do list prepped for the next day is not off to the best start, probably thanks to nerves, and should lean on him more for support. Also, Ben says he feels dumber around him, which is a little mean, but then again, our bosun did spend much of the day on a side quest searching for his pants and putting on multiple pairs that didnt belong to him in the meantime. While Xandi takes on housekeeping and Barbie takes on service, Cat is tasked with behind-the-scenes interior miscellany, to her displeasure. She feels like shes spread too thin. Girl, its been hours you are realistically, like, one percent of the way through the charter season. Fraser finds her crying in the crew mess (listen, Im a crier too, but I will note that the reason you cry in the crew mess and not in the privacy of your bunk is because you want someone to find you crying), reassures her that shell be just fine, and then once hes out of earshot, immediately mutters to himself, Shes not gonna last. Masterful comic timing. Anthonys food is gorgeous, especially his deconstructed lobster pad thai, which the guests love. But being a one-man band is not coming naturally to old Frenchie, whos used to marshaling a full restaurant staff. The galley is a mess; it takes him forever to put away the provisions, and now hes delayed an hour and a half between courses at dinner. The lag has the guests so drunk and so tired that, to my surprise, they dont even have it in them to crack a single joke about the pearl necklaces draped all over the tablescape. This recap has been revised. Finally, the perpetually discounted, pushed-aside Leila gets a win. Well, its less of a celebratory, good stuff is coming my way sort of win and more of a finally someone believes that an evil, powerful shadow figure is trying to kill me one, which I guess, if you look at it hard enough isnt much of a win at all. We may not be donning party hats or anything, but it is nice to see someone finally listen to Leila because, as it turns out, she knows more about whats going on than anyone else on this boat. Most importantly, she informs Rufus that they may have arrested Winnie and she may have been the one to actually murder Danny, but she isnt Viktor Sams she is just one of his confederates, a minion tasked with a job. Viktor Sams is still at large. Down in the bowels of the ship where Rufus found Leila hiding, she tells him her story. Six months ago, Leila was meeting with a source see, I knew the whole clickbait thing was a cover to protect herself! on a piece she was putting together. This poor man! Peter looks as frantic and desperate and terrified as Leila does now. When she asks him directly about Viktor Sams, he tells her that they shouldnt even be saying his name; he has eyes and ears everywhere. He explains that he used to work for the NSA, tracing unusual payments on the dark web, and Viktor Samss name came up repeatedly. Once he started looking into him though, his life fell apart. Viktor Sams and his minions, whoever or however many there are, filled his hard drive with porn and he lost his job, his wife, and his kids just like that. Hes tried to track Viktor down, but the guy (or woman, Im really leaning woman at the moment) is untraceable. He found evidence of him in Argentina, in Morocco, in Hong Kong but just as quickly as he found him, all traces of him would disappear. Its like hes everywhere and nowhere, Peter tells Leila before warning her that even just saying his name aloud will get you on his list. Peters warning turns out to be very, very true. As Leila is driving home from the meeting and listening to her recording of the conversation and recording her own notes in which she says the name Viktor Sams strange things start happening to the car. The GPS goes haywire. The radio has a mind of its own. The car speeds up and Leila cant stop it and thats when she goes over the side of the road, almost killing her. So, yeah, no wonder Leila is having problems. We learn the truth about that little walk Leila took the night of the murder and her interactions with Danny, too. The two meet up after Leila accuses him of following her, and he comes clean: He cant believe she figured out Keith Trubitsky was just a cover. When he asks about Viktor Sams, she explains that (1) she got involved with the Collier family during her investigations, discovering them to be possible victims of Viktor Sams, and (2) DO NOT SAY VIKTOR SAMS. While the jury is still out on No. 1, Leila is definitely right about No. 2. Danny is out there saying his name one minute, and the next, he has a harpoon through his chest. Leila is proven right on some other fronts, too. This woman is productive today! Not only does she finally ask Anna, who refuses to believe her own wife about anything she says, for a divorce (just wait until Leila finds out about Eleanor!), but Leila also goes about searching for surveillance in her room once again. Jackpot: She finds a camera installed within the wood molding in one corner of the bedroom. When Rufus and Teddy take a look, they realize it couldve only been installed by someone who had an understanding of the ship and was able to get on and install it before passengers arrived. They assume it had to be done by a crew member which means Viktor Sams has at least two people on the Varuna working for him. And so theyre off to narrow down the suspect list. What a cute little detective trio these three make! I know this story is supposed to be about Rufus mentoring Imogene, but shes off having wine and chatting about Caravaggio with Sunil after getting the Ukrainian refugees safely on their way to Malta and she has some real competition for the new assistant detective position. While down in the security office, Rufus notices a few peculiar things and does his Cotesworth magic. Isnt it curious that the exact places Leila said Peter mentioned as locations Viktor Sams would pop up Argentina, Morocco, Hong Kong are locations the Varuna has sailed? And if one wanted to be everywhere and nowhere, wouldnt running your HQ from a location that frequently moves on its own kind of be a genius place to do it? Rufus thinks so. He, Teddy, and Leila head downstairs to a location on the ship schematics that Rufus thinks might just work for something like this, and, oddly, the hallway where they are begins to get narrower as if the room was made for something behind the walls. When Rufus smashes through one section of the wall, he realizes his hunch is right: They just stumbled upon Viktor Samss entire operation. Man, Rufus gets a lot done when Imogene is on-shore! So what is Imogene up to on land in Malta? Honestly, not a ton. After helping Eva and her parents, Imogene has a mini-meltdown about how difficult the past few days have been and Sunil wants to help. He thinks he knows someone in town (he knows everyone in town, apparently) who could help them figure out the date on that bill of lading hidden in the Collier-Mills books a forensic accountant who specializes in international trade documentation. Why Imogene doesnt at least question how in the world Sunil happens to be friends with the one type of person who could help them in this endeavor and just happens to be in Malta where they currently are is beyond me. Isnt she supposed to be at least a little good at detective work? Is she just playing Sunil? One other super suspicious moment with Sunil: As he and Imogene flirt their way through Malta, they wind up taking in Caravaggios The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, which they are both quite knowledgeable about. Imogene definitely clocks the way Sunil compares himself to the artist, a man who tried to absolve himself from a murder by creating something beautiful a man who seemed out of time. We dont know a ton about Sunil, but we do know that he so badly wanted to restore the Varuna to make something real and beautiful, and hes obsessed with restoring it to exactly how it looked when it first set sail 70 years ago (he, too, is a man out of time). Did Sunil kill someone? Im stressed! Later, the big secret he reveals to Imogene when she asks him to be real with her is that hes broke because of the Varuna project. Sunil has a trustworthy face, but Im sorry, something shady is happening here. After Imogene agrees to leave the bill of lading with Sunils friend to work on she only agrees to it because she trusts Sunil, which, um, is this a mistake? the two realize a man has followed them in a white suit. They make a run for it. They are having fun? They are definitely getting horned up, which is basically business as normal for all the passengers on this ship. On the way back to the Varuna, Imogene decides she wants to share her deepest, darkest secret, too: She cried more the day Rufus abandoned her than the day her mother died. She got really attached to that guy! I wish you could feel more of that tension, that anger, that longing for a parental figure in Imogene and Rufuss scenes together, but thus far, theres very little crackling between them. Okay, the anger is there, but the deeper emotional connection? Not so much. Hey, at least Imogene is connecting with Sunil, and by connecting, I obviously mean putting her mouth on his mouth because they definitely do that before reboarding the Varuna. Good for them! Maybe! The Aforementioned Other Details So, who do we like for Viktor Sams? Since he was up to no good 18 years ago, that eliminates our younger would-be suspects unless Viktor Sams isnt just one person but a movement or something. What about Hilde, you guys? Is the real Interpol going to show up at some point and make us all feel like fools? I havent found the big Collier/Chun deal super compelling thus far, but the big meeting they have in this episode is wild! The new deal the Chuns are proposing is, yes, three billion dollars, but also they want to own 51 percent of the company they want a majority stake. All of the Colliers are immediately on their feet, ready to walk except for Lawrence, who says he came here to close a deal and does just that! He gives the Chuns 51 percent of his company! His family is aghast! Lawrence was acting strange before the deal meeting, too. Hes still locked away in his cabin, sucking down those blue smoothies. When Tripp comes to ask him for a million dollars (big ol eye roll) from his trust, he bites his head off. When Tripp follows that up by asking if he is blackmailing the Governor of Washington, well, he really loses it. This guy gives me the creeps! Alexandra confronts Llewellyn about the photos of her and Tripp and all that coke. He admits the Colliers had Tripp tailed for a while, but he has no idea who sent those photos to her it wasnt part of some Collier blackmail situation. She reminds Llewellyn that she, too, has blackmail she can play with she even brought it on this very trip! People are very prepared here. Alexandra does not, however, look prepared for whatever illness shes currently dealing with. However, can she feel that bad when she needs almost zero convincing to hook up with Tripp again? Yeah, yeah, Ive been saying everyone is horny on this boat, and yet I still was unprepared for Interpols finest Hilde Eriksen being turned on by Llewellyns dom/sub kink. Shes waiting for him outside of his room to punish him. Get yours, girl! Killer Mike, left, at the Grammys Premiere ceremony. Photo: Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images Just after he won three Grammys, Killer Mike was arrested at Crypto.com Arena, the site of the awards. On Monday, Mike released a statement explaining that there was confusion on what door to enter the venue before he was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. He clarified, We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. A spokesperson for him also stated, The situation has been overblown but we are confident that the facts of the case, when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offense and he will be exonerated. Video tweeted by The Hollywood Reporters Chris Gardner shows the rapper, born Michael Render, being walked through the venue in handcuffs by police officers. Mike, are you serious? someone asks in the clip. Yeah, Im serious, he replies. Mike was released later the same night, his attorney told Variety, adding that the rapper will be celebrating his sweep tonight. A jovial Mike called into the Big Tigger Morning Show on Atlantas V-103 the day after, where he brushed off the incident as nothing (other than having to remove his six-figure chain). We hit a speed bump, and then we headed back to the party, he said. A source told Gardner the arrest was for a misdemeanor unrelated to the ceremony and is a big nothing. However, sources told TMZ that Render was arrested after an altercation outside the Crypto.com Arena. Mike had just attended the Premiere Ceremony at the nearby Peacock Theater without incident. There, he swept his nominations in Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Album, making him one of the days top winners. LAPD Media Relations Division posted on Twitter that Killer Mike has been booked for misdemeanor battery and would soon be released. Vulture has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department as well as representatives for Killer Mike and the Recording Academy. Breaking: Rapper Killer Mike has been taken away in handcuffs in https://t.co/aF2yiyTHol arena after winning 3 #Grammys during telecast (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for Scientists & Engineers, Best Rap Album for Michael) Free Mike someone shouts as he walks past. pic.twitter.com/4epfmzqMt8 Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 5, 2024 This post has been updated. Photo: 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection/20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection As a former comedy agent at UTA and WME, Priyanka Mattoo whose memoir will be published by Knopf this year represented numerous big-name writers and performers before leaving to start a TV-production company with Jack Black. Now, she writes and directs, but she still encounters a tidal wave of comedy hopefuls looking for the advice, information, and pep talks that only a former agent can provide. In show business, they say that its all about who you know. Well, youre in luck, because now you know Priyanka! Ive been a writer and showrunner since the early 90s, and for most of my career, everyone in the room kind of looked like me: white with similar bios and credentials. Obviously, thats changing, for the better. That said, I know it must be difficult for women and minorities to feel comfortable as they enter traditional comedy writing rooms This is all new territory, and I feel like Im working off an outdated playbook. Im nervous about doing this all wrong, so I guess my question is: How can I be a better boss and mentor to new hires from diverse backgrounds? Im so glad to answer this question, because I know how many Establishment showrunners are in the same spot well meaning and a little puzzled about where to start and I appreciate your self-awareness about the constitution of your peer group. I had to laugh a little when I put this question to the internet and the first round of good-boss nominations were three Matts who went to Ivies two of whom I already know and a third I should have but somehow dont. TV production is a bullet train driven by some of the most wildly anxious humans in the world, and its the strangest thing that youre all expected to be creative geniuses while simultaneously managing hundreds of people, in addition to your own emotions and busy lives. I understand how you can both support a demographic shift and feel stressed about getting it right, but I have faith you can do it, and it should not require anything drastic, just a wholehearted commitment to being the most curious, open version of yourself that you can be. The outdated playbook is, of course, best left behind, and nows your opportunity to create a better one. Chances are that your first jobs were trial-by-fire situations with distant and/or rage-filled leadership, and if you made it through, you earned the stripes to level up. But were not doing that anymore not just because of lawsuits or optics, but because you dont want to be a distant, rage-filled leader. You want to be better than that. It might be helpful to think deeply about the environments you came from professionally and personally and tap into your younger self. What do you want to hold onto from those jobs? What behavior do you want to eradicate? What motivated and discouraged you in those early rooms? How do you want people to feel (and talk) about your workplace? I understand you probably want to be liked, but you cant control that. All you can do is lead with integrity and kindness and make room for your colleagues contributions and concerns in a meaningful way. Ive heard too many stories from talented young writers about room hierarchies and cliques about feeling like they had to earn the right to speak up, or even being pulled aside to be told they shouldnt, and being made to feel stupid or rude when they do. But diversity in the room isnt just about a pleasing visual, its about actually insisting they speak, listening to what they say, and incorporating their ideas. If Im on a show, Im looking to expand the shows brain. I need their points of view, says Anthony King, showrunner of Hulus Woke, who was nominated as a 10/10 white man by one of his former writers, Kyra Jones. And youre not going to get those points of view by making them stay quiet. Matt Selman, a universally beloved boss who has run The Simpsons through an astonishing 27 years of culture shifts, agrees; he says he sets out to make young writers comfortable from day one: I like to award grace to bad pitches to show new writers theres going to be a lot of them before they get good. Its part of the process. And then people chill out a little bit and we start to get the good stuff. It leads to a much funnier room if no one is shaming people for saying something they consider dumb. The unspoken rules about who is allowed to talk might have flown in the lockstep, monochromatic rooms of yore, but you need a variety of voices and stories for a better show, says Matt Hubbard, who currently co-runs Apple TV+s Loot. The shows do better theyre richer and more successful if you have a room that reflects America, he says. Because other times Well, you watch some shows, and you can just see the seven 53-year-old-guys running it. He takes a moment to marvel about an attempt, on Loot, to saddle one character with something embarrassing his initial pitch was that she secretly loves video games. But the writer April Korto Quioh pitched one of her own internal struggles as a young Black woman: her devotion to Taylor Swift. I would never in a million years have been able to pitch something that specific and funny. I needed her perspective, says Hubbard. He chuckles at where the joke ended up. This was before the Eras tour, he adds. Think about how different your first work experience might have been if you were telegraphed the messages We need you and We are all bumbling through this together. Would it have made you less effective or simply saved you the debilitating stress that still haunts you today? This messaging will allow some of the underlings who might not have long family histories in TV writing breathe a little easier. King remembers his first day running Woke; he was the only white person in the room and recalls introducing himself: My job is to be helpful to what youre trying to do, he told the staff. As the only white person here, I want you all to talk, while I just listen lets get to all the things I dont even know about. One writer teased him about this white-man speech, which, he says, was fair. But his self-awareness set the tone for a warm and well-run room. Its similar for Hubbards staff on Loot: He lets all the people of color in the room make fun of him because his favorite snack is one dry, unbuttered slice of Wonder bread, explains Quioh. He also gave me tons of time off, no questions asked, when my dad was sick, but the bread is my favorite. The wonderful thing about a learning process is you get to learn. You wont always know the right thing to say. You will get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You will make a billion mistakes, and as long as you ask questions, own up to being human, and get used to apologizing, it wont matter long-term unless you are a racist or criminal, but I dont think youd be asking this question if you were. There is no point in trying to sugarcoat the fact that you and your peers have been in charge for a long time and likely will continue to be while the pipeline of showrunners slowly diversifies. As King puts it, Theres obviously been a big push for diversity in these rooms, and getting everyone to showrunner level is taking some time. Mid/upper-level writers from underrepresented backgrounds are generally employed. And now the lower levels are populated, but those writers can end up feeling tokenized if theyre not truly welcomed and supported. The antidote is to find a path forward that allows you to execute the show youre being asked to execute, while also nurturing and promoting a variety of writers under you so that they, too, can lead someday. Hopefully, the gains from the WGA agreement will rebuild the showrunner pipeline as well. Hubbard makes another important point about show sales in the near future: We are in a pretty intense contraction, and I am worried that it will lead to buyers leaning on the people who have always been in power. But we arent going to let the business stagnate while the studios figure out what on earth theyre buying, so showrunners need to figure out a way to move their craft forward. Of course, all of this listening and learning wont be without conflict. This next year in TV is going to be an exceptionally weird one. Buyers are running around, unsure what they want to make or keep and shouting that they only want undeniable shows a term thrown around a lot this season. Stress levels will be high. Youre going to be in positions where you have to get a mountain of work done under immense pressure, and everyone on your team might not jump immediately to execute your wishes. When youre trying to achieve something and feel unsupported, maybe take a second to listen to the chorus. You sometimes have to think, Stop Im getting enough feedback here that something is wrong, Hubbard says about pushback. Work probably felt a lot smoother for you when you were surrounded by people who remind you of yourself. But if you approach conflict, big and small, with concern and self-awareness, it should unify rather than scatter the room. Connect the dots between a showrunner terrified he cant pull this off and the writers terrified their first job might be their last. Try responding to anything you consider questionable behavior with a genuine Are you okay?, because you might learn that theyre not and even if they are, people will feel supported by your concern. And when youre stuck in a battle in which you feel like youre not getting a desired outcome, ask yourself if youre being annoying and then maybe stop talking and pay attention to what they think the problem is. Sometimes, just saying I know Im being annoying, but we do have to XYZ might be the magic words that get people to help you meet your goals, instead of digging into a fight where you have to stifle them with the blunt instrument of your seniority. Give your writers credit. Talk about them like theyre the future of the business, because they are. Besides feeling terrific, the generosity and enthusiasm will look good on you, and youll get to participate in that future. You havent mentioned this part, but Ill bring it up here because Ive heard it joked about, and I think its worth clarifying: Anyone who gets in the room based on a good writing sample is trying to work. They are not focused on taking you down personally. I know one showrunner didnt hire me because she thought Id get her canceled, says Jones. And I thought, Well, just dont be racist. Culture is always evolving this isnt a new thing. Now you have to be creative instead of relying on tropes. On this topic, Selman has a message for his peer group: You can be funny with your staff in a way that is playful, and everything will be fine. Their primary goal is to help you, and youre there to be helped by them and hopefully teach them. Hubbard agrees: If youre looking at people as though theyre there to undermine you, youre not thinking about it right. They desperately want to help you, and they dont know how to help you, so you should be directing the conversation in ways where this can be achieved. If you cant achieve it, thats not their fault, thats a failure of leadership. Once youve galvanized the team, everyone trusts and respects each other, and the task doesnt feel so herculean because youre allowing people into the process (you can do this!), look to the future. When the show is done, on hiatus, or over a meal sometime, hear out their original ideas. Undeniable TV seems to be code for TV from the same ten showrunners, so maybe offer to serve as a producer to pave the way for your teams original pitches. Talk them through some bad ones to get to the good. Heck, have them write or co-write the ideas you dont have the time or energy to write. You hired these people for their minds, so get their ideas in front of people who can give them money. Share your shine, your agency, and your relationships. Give your writers credit. Talk about them like theyre the future of the business, because they are. Besides feeling terrific, the generosity and enthusiasm will look good on you, and youll get to participate in that future. But your growth wont be limited to work. You can also be deliberate about the kind of person you want to be and the kind of planet you want to live on. The magic of a diverse staff is that it allows you to expand your world right there in one room. But even when youre outside of it, try to seek out experiences other than the ones youve already had. I know how easily your world its my world too can shrink to the size of a postage stamp. Work, kids, sleep, a dinner out here and there, and decades fly by. But youre no longer a scared 20-something kid being hazed by your nightmare boss. You are the boss, and you have everything you wanted back then. Enjoy it, appreciate it, share it. Explore things, travel, read fiction, nurture a hobby, make new friends. The richer your life, the less grumpy youll be at work (and home). The more you are able to connect with a broad swath of humanity, the more full your spirit will become. And youll have the energy to pay it all forward. The world will continue to change in ways you will never be able to predict, but you in your 10/10-white-man years will continue to grow and change with it. Photo: John Nacion/Getty Images Jonathan Majorss sentencing in his domestic-violence case was delayed until April 8, 2024, as the fallen Marvel stars lawyers are pushing for the guilty verdict to be thrown out. Majors was originally scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2024. Majors was found guilty of assault and harassment in his Manhattan domestic-violence case on December 18, 2023, following a three-week trial. The proceedings stemmed from an incident on March 25, 2023, involving Majors and his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Majors has maintained that he is innocent. Majors appeared via video for the under-five-minute court proceeding. He sported a clay-colored sweater and seemed to be in good spirits. Before proceedings kicked off, his attorney, Priya Chaudhry, waved at him, as to test the video feed, and he waved back. The case will not go forward with sentencing today because the defendant has filed, and I will make it a part of the court papers, a motion to set aside the verdict, Judge Michael Gaffey said. The prosecution has until March 5 to respond to the defense argument, and then Majorss team has until March 12 to file their response. Gaffey said he would make a decision on the defense motion around early April. During Majorss trial, prosecutors said that he assaulted Jabbari after she learned that he was purportedly cheating on her. While they were en route to their Chelsea apartment following an outing in Brooklyn, according to Jabbaris testimony, she saw a text message on his phone that effectively said, Wish I was kissing you right now, an apparent allusion to a DAngelo song. Jabbari said she took the phone from him to see who had messaged. The prosecution claimed that Majors grabbed Jabbaris right side, prying Ms. Jabbaris right middle finger off the phone, causing bruising, swelling, and substantial pain. Prosecutors stated that Majors twisted Jabbaris arm and struck her right ear, causing a cut. The prosecution told jurors that Majors then took his cell and left the chauffeured SUV. Jabbari tried to leave as well but Majors grabbed her, picked her up, and threw her back inside, prosecutors said. Police arrested Majors hours after he returned to the then-couples apartment. A few months following his arrest, Majors filed a cross-complaint against Jabbari. New York City police arrested Jabbari in October; prior to Majorss arrest, prosecutors had said they wouldnt charge her. As a result, prosecutors threw out the case right away. Majors was tried on three misdemeanor counts and one violation involving Jabbaris claims against him: two counts of third-degree assault (one reckless, one intentional), as well as one count of second-degree aggravated harassment, and another of second-degree harassment. These first three counts involved activity inside the car whereas the fourth, the violation, involves an incident outside the SUV. Majors was convicted of reckless third-degree assault and second-degree harassment for the in-car assault and altercation outside the car. He faces a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. Methodist Fremont Health will be offering a grief support groups for anyone whos experienced the loss of a loved one. The groups which focus on coping with grief are supportive and educational in nature, and theres no cost to attend. Regardless of when a loved ones death occurred, everybody is welcome. The Thursday sessions will be held on the third floor of Methodist Fremont Healths Health Park Plaza. Here are the dates and times: Feb. 15, 22, and 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 4, 11, and 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 6 and 13, 1-3:00 p.m. Oct. 3, 10, and 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 14 and 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (for Spanish speaking participants) Dec. 5 and 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. These dates are subject to change. Alternative arrangements for grief support can also be made on an as-needed basis. To register for a group session or request support outside of the dates listed, contact Scott Jensen, Methodist Fremont Healths chaplain, at 402-727-3663. The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program has announced The Turnaround: A Ranchers Story, by David Pratt, as the choice for its first book club of 2024, which will conclude with a virtual discussion at 1 p.m. on March 21. The Turnaround is the story of a ranch family struggling to make their ranching operation financially sustainable. The family is introduced to the Ranching for Profit programs principles by a neighbor and begin a journey towards a more stable future. The book provides in-depth financial analysis tools relevant to ranching and agriculture in narrative form. The book club discussion will be led by author David Pratt, who has spent more than three decades working with ranchers to improve the success and sustainability of their businesses. He began teaching the Ranching for Profit School in the 1990s and has worked with thousands of ranchers over his career. Registration is free and can be found on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu/book-club. The first 20 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book mailed to them. Each year DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge hosts turkey hunts for both youth and mobility impaired hunters. These weekend turkey hunts are limited in numbers to provide a safe and enjoyable hunt for all participants. The refuge will hold one youth shotgun turkey hunt on April 6-7. Interested Nebraska youth hunters may apply for the hunt by sending in a letter with their name, address and telephone number. The refuge also needs the name and phone number of the adult mentor who will be bringing the youth hunting. Applications should be sent to DeSoto Refuge, 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, IA 51555 or can be emailed to Park Ranger Peter Rea at peter_rea@fws.gov. A random drawing for the limited slots will be done on March 8. Drawn hunters will receive a mailed letter regarding the hunt details and refuge specific regulations. All applications must be received by March 7 to be included in the drawing. Any remaining slots will be filled on request. A shotgun hunt for mobility impaired hunters will be held on April 20-21. During this hunt weekend, the refuge provides a limited number of accessible hunt blinds. Interested mobility impaired hunters can find out more about the hunt or sign up by calling Peter Rea at 712-388-4803 or email at peter_rea@fws.gov. DeSoto & Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges are located north of Omaha, along on U.S. Highway 30 between Missouri Valley, Iowa, and along U.S. Highway 75 near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. For more information contact 712-388-4800 or email the refuge at desoto@fws.gov. Rodgers was exposed to the benefits of swimming at a very young age I was an overweight little kid and the doctor told my mother I had to do something or Id be in trouble so he has been immersed in the culture of suburban swimming pools for much of his life. Loading Public swimming pools represent the best of Australian society. Theyre a true celebration of what it means to be egalitarian, Rodgers said. They arent exclusive, but inclusive. They bring us together and enhance community spirit because we are literally all bathing together. Sharing the freedom of being in water. Public pools belong to all of us. Those years spent in suburban pools also opened Rodgers up to the metaphoric possibilities of people coming together from all backgrounds and immersing themselves in the carefully controlled yet challenging environment. Pools are all about parenting, Rodgers said. So the play for me is about how tightly we hang on to people and how gently we let them go. And swimming lessons are the perfect metaphor for that. Before Rodgers sat down to write The Pool he interviewed dozens of swimmers at HBF Stadium and Beatty Park, as well as staff who kept the facilities ticking over (the iconic North Perth centre built for the 1962 British and Commonwealth Games provided much of the inspiration, but was unavailable for the Black Swan production because the venue is being upgraded). I talked to a guy who has been at Beatty Park virtually since it opened. He told me about another 50-metre pool that used to be where the car park is today and about the old diving pool. His memories are included in the plays dialogue, Rodgers said. Rodgers research also opened him up to how generations of migrants have altered the demographic and culture of public pools. Swimming was very much a white Australian activity for much of the last century, he said. But when you go to a suburban swimming pool in Sydney, where I live, or in Perth the youngsters doing bombies or flirting with each other are very different from the kids I grew up with. Its a beautiful thing. Actors Kylie Bracknell and Geoff Kelso during rehearsals for The Pool. Credit: Daniel J Grant The plays theme of encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone and try something new was matched by the production itself, in which Champion used her background in dance to choreograph an immersive spectacle sure to draw Perth Festival audiences to the beautiful Bold Park pool. Instead of sitting back and taking in the story in a passive manner, as in a traditional theatre piece, Rodgers and Champions production is closer to the expansive, multi-layered, leisurely movies of Jacques Tati or Robert Altman. Each performer will be wearing radio microphones and there will be mics hidden around the aquatic centre, so the audience, who will be wearing headsets, will hear something closer to a naturalistic sound mix of cinema instead of the artificial soundscape of a theatrical work. I love those films that take their time and dont shove you from one moment to the next but allow your eye to explore a scene, to look and to hear, to take in the nuance and the layers, Rodgers said. The audience is encouraged to carry out their own work, do their own imagining, to take themselves to other places, before being yanked back into the story. While Rodgers has been performing consistently since graduating from Theatre Nepean (University of Western Sydney) in 1990 hes rarely been given the lead, spending much of his career in support roles and evolving into one of Australias most lauded and recognisable character actors. Those long hours watching plays being put together was the perfect training ground for his move from acting to writing for the stage and screen. The best place to learn about plays is in rehearsal rooms. A play is not literature. Its not sacrosanct. Its a living, ever-evolving thing, he said. Loading So watching a director work with actors to bring words and scenes to life was the best training ground for me as a writer. Rodgers has high hopes that The Pool will have an extended life beyond Perth Festival and tour to places where aquatic centres are a central to the life of a community, which is basically every sizeable town in the country. It will have a core cast and a locked-in script but when it moves from place they will bring locals into the production and feed in local references. Former Labor senator Nova Peris has launched a campaign to reclaim the Aboriginal flag from the war in Gaza, arguing that Indigenous symbols and chants have been misappropriated at pro-Palestine rallies. Peris, who led the campaign to free the Aboriginal flag from copyright restrictions, said she was worried that Indigenous activists could be seen to be turning a blind eye to antisemitism. Nova Peris and former Essendon footballer Michael Long during the referendum campaign. Credit: Chris Hopkins Her remarks represent a new flashpoint in the sensitive debate over the war in Gaza that has opened up rifts across sport, politics, media and within progressive movements in the months since Hamas terror attack and Israels military response that has provoked international condemnation. Peris, the first Aboriginal Olympic gold medallist and first Indigenous woman elected to federal parliament, is being backed by reconciliation leader Sean Gordon and Liberal MP Julian Leeser in disputing the argument that Israeli Jews are a settler-colonial force similar to British settlers in Australia. Its a rite of passage for many wanderlust-filled Aussies the gap year. School is over, your university degree has been delayed, and you set off with a backpack and very few plans, traipsing across Europe, experiencing the world. At first, the idea of going it alone seems daunting, but the anxiety quickly dissipates when you check into the first hostel, with that ubiquitous chalkboard sign outlining all the pub crawls, parties and $5 spaghetti dinner nights. Within days youve made friends, you move on to the next hostel, and so continues the cycle until youre finally ready to go home (or have run out of money). Travelling solo is rewarding but can also be lonely. Credit: iStock There were downsides to the gap year. Sleeping in 12-bed dormitories that smelled like feet. Communal bathrooms with blocked drains. Never-ending noise, whether it was thumping bass from a bar under your room or a cacophony of snoring. But we had the youthful adrenaline and, frankly, the low level of personal needs (and hygiene) to move past it. I was comfortable with the hostel lifestyle until my mid-30s. I vividly remember the moment I knew my needs had shifted. Id booked a very affordable bunk in one of the aforementioned 12-bed dormitories on a road trip through Cairns. The hostel came highly rated, and the rooms looked clean and modern. However, no level of modernity or cleanliness can overcome the body heat and stench of 11 weary travellers, 80 per cent of whom were men in their 20s sleeping in jeans from the night before. I opened the door, had one look (and whiff) and bolted back to reception to enquire about single rooms. Washington: A door panel that blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet mid-flight on January 5 appeared to be missing four key bolts, according to a preliminary report from US investigators that provides the first official look into how the frightening mishap took shape. Politicians and the flying public are desperate for answers to what caused the panel to rip off the brand-new Alaska Airlines-operated jet, in what has turned into a full-blown safety and reputational crisis for Boeing. The NTSB has issued its preliminary report for the Boeing door plug incident. Credit: NTSB Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory, said Boeing chief executive Dave Calhoun. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s after the incident, most operated by US carriers United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, for inspections. Those planes were cleared to return to service in late January. A workshop aiming to support Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to develop a Lifestyle Audit process was conducted from 22 to 26 January 2024 under the aegis of WCO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme with the assistance of two experts from the Mauritius Revenue Authority and Federal Revenue of Brazil. During the workshop, senior officials from different key functions developed a lifestyle audit mechanism and an action plan to prevent and address corruption risks in the MRA. The Experts exposed the participants to WCO tools and their applications in the Internal Affairs building blocks, as well as the strategies the Federal Revenue of Brazil and the Mauritius Revenue Authority to conduct lifestyle audits on their officers. The Commissioner General of MRA, Mr John S. Biziwick, expressed his appreciation for the WCO support. The WCO A-CIP Programme currently supports more than 20 countries in five WCO regions. It receives funding from Norad and Canada and focuses on anti-corruption and integrity promotion in Customs administrations. For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org In 2023, under the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme for Customs, 17 of the 25 countries that participated in the first iteration of the Customs Integrity Perception Survey (CIPS) between 2020 and 2021 undertook a second iteration of the survey. The two iterations allow for comparisons, identification of changes and assessing progress over time. An anonymized global comparison of the results shows that, overall, perceptions have improved. The CIPS was developed under the WCO A-CIP Programme in 2019 and aims to assess quantitatively the perception of integrity in Customs by Customs officers and private sector stakeholders, and is structured around the ten key factors of the Revised Arusha Declaration (RAD). The survey is intended to help participating Customs administrations target and adjust anti-corruption and integrity promotion measures. Over 11,000 Customs officials and more than 8,500 private sector representatives responded to the two CIPS iterations, yielding nearly a million data points for analysis. The detailed results of the survey are compiled at the national level and retained by each participating administration. The participating administrations also received a summary of the data analysis and actively discussed the findings in follow-up workshops. With support from the WCO A-CIP Programme, they will continue to use the survey findings to guide integrity-related decisions and activities. The combined, anonymized data shows improvement in all ten key factors of the Revised Arusha Declaration, both for Customs officials and for the private sector respondents. More specifically, at the national level, improvement of perceptions was recorded in 85% of the RAD key factors under which specific initiatives were made with support from the WCO A-CIP Programme across all 17 countries for Customs officials and 72% for private sector respondents. This level of perceptions improvement stands in contrast to an improvement of 73% and 61%, respectively, for the RAD key factors not directly supported by the WCO A-CIP Programme. The results suggest that Customs administrations undertaking integrity-related measures in line with the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration can have a real and positive impact on perceptions. Moreover, the data objectively shows that WCO A-CIP Programme interventions can further boost this response. An online version of this survey will be available to all WCO Members in 2024. In addition, the methodological guidelines, including questions used in the Survey, have been updated and will shortly be made available to all WCO Members in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Spanish. For further details, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org and visit the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme for Customs webpage. El Paso County may be headed to toward a better understanding of the Denver Basin aquifers that many rural residents rely on. County officials presented an early plan for gathering data on aquifers, such as the Arapaho and Laramie-Fox, during an informal meeting Tuesday with El Paso County commissioners who blessed the idea. The Denver Basin aquifers supply communities, such as Monument, and numerous individual properties in eastern El Paso County. A 2019 water master plan showed the county had 21,300 permitted groundwater wells and roughly 70 water providers. The county probably would start by gathering data from water providers to help update the understanding of groundwater in the county that has been largely based on a state study from the 1980s, county officials explained during the meeting. Commissioner Carrie Geitner and others praised the idea to better understand existing groundwater. The county does not provide water, but it does require new development to show it has sufficient water before approving new homes. "I think it is a great way to respond to the questions that we are getting from citizens," she said. The aquifers in the Denver Basin are diminishing over time, leading some water providers on the north side of El Paso County to plan for other sources of water. One such possibility is a pipeline that would return groundwater allowed to flow downstream via Monument and Fountain creeks back to northern communities. Featured Local Savings El Paso County currently requires new developments to prove they have 300 years of groundwater, explained County Attorney Lori Seago during the meeting. The rule results in less dense development, she said. The county is not proposing a change to the rule at this time, but a study could help inform groundwater requirements, she said. County Administrator Bret Waters said the county may bring on a consultant later to help once data is collected from water providers. The county does not have a timeline for completing the work. The 2019 county water master plan found that by 2060, county groundwater could annually fall 18 billon gallons of water short if water supplies aren't increased by more than one-third, The Gazette reported previously. The plan recommended monitoring groundwater well levels, exploring water reuse and considering changes to the county's land-use approval process. Kenneth Fox Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen has been selected as the partys candidate for Midlands North West for this years European elections. Voting took place for party members across four polling stations in Galway, Sligo, Meath and Mullingar, Westmeath - where the selection convention was held in the Mullingar Park Hotel tonight. As the Irish Examiner reports, Fianna Fail Senators Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney were hoping to be selected as the partys candidate, but Mr Cowen came out on top. However, Fianna Fail sources have indicated the party will add a second name to the ticket closer to the elections in June. Sources have said it will likely be Ms Chambers. Ireland will get an extra MEP after the elections in the summer after a review of constituencies recommended it be allocated to Midlands North West with the boundaries redrawn to include counties Laois and Offaly. The Fianna Fail party currently has no European Parliament seat in the now five-seat constituency. Mr Cowen, a former agriculture minister, is now one step closer to becoming an MEP. If elected to Europe in June, it would see the end of five decades of Cowen's representing the Laois-Offaly constituency in the Dail following his brother and former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his late father Ber Cowen, who was first elected in 1969. It would also trigger a by-election if Mr Cowen was elected an MEP. The current MEPs in the Midlands North West constituency are Independent Luke Ming Flanagan, Sinn Feins Chris McManus, Fine Gaels Maria Walsh and Colm Markey. Mr Markey replaced Fine Gaels Mairead McGuinness as MEP when she was appointed European Commissioner. Ms McGuinness has confirmed that she will not contest the next European election. Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus recently visited the school leavers group at the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Erris Family and Community Support Centre in Belmullet. The Midlands Northwest representative praised both groups for their work in supporting the local community. I was pleased to get the opportunity to meet with the school leavers group in the at the Irish Wheelchair Association centre in Belmullet alongside my colleague Rosaleen Lally," said the MEP. It was a very enjoyable discussion with the group, who were involved in a recent project highlighting the difficulties poorly designed footpaths and careless parking can create for people with disabilities. They gave a powerful presentation on the project and the accessibility issues they identified in the local community, and deserve huge praise for this work. It is incumbent on Mayo County Council and others to ensure that everybody can travel throughout our towns and villages with ease and these concerns must be taken on board." Mr MacManus and Ms Lally, who is running for Sinn Fein in Erris in next June's local elections, also met with campaigners for the Erris Family and Community Support Centre, a project Ms Lally is heavily involved with. "We spoke about their plans to deliver a family resource centre in Belmullet," said Mr MacManus. "Having visited a number of resource centres across my constituency I know how valuable the service they provide is, particularly to more vulnerable and marginalised groups in our community. It would be a huge asset for the local area and I wish them every success going forward. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Rosaleen and Rose Conway-Walsh TD." Fashion chain Born is to establish a Castlebar outlet. The retailer is to set up operations on Main Street. The clothing store will occupy the premises previously held by Prendergasts Mens and Boys Wear. The long-established Castlebar business is closing its doors after 70 years in the county town. Cllr Cyril Burke revealed the news at last weeks meeting of Castlebar Municipal District. He paid tribute to the Prendergast family for seven decades of service to the retail sector in Castlebar. The business was first established by Tom Prendergast in 1958. The premises were put on the market in 2022. Irish fashion retailer Born boasts more than 20 outlets across the country. It is understood that the company will also be taking over the adjoining former National Irish Bank property on Main Street. The ever-fascinating historical entertainer and campaigner (also musician, artist, comedian and political commentator) Paddy Cullivan is coming to Ballina Arts Centre this Friday with his eye-opening one-man show, The Murder of Wolfe Tone. Its a must-watch, not just for those of us interested in Irelands history but for those interested in Irelands future. Because Paddy is on a mission to revive and restore the memory and reputation of Wolfe Tone, the founding father of Irish independence and the first to promote Irish neutrality. He was the George Washington of Irish Republicanism, says Paddy. An 18th-century enlightenment Protestant, inspired by both the French and American revolutions, who set the ball rolling for equality and independence in this country. He also said that peace with all the world is our object and our interest. Wolfe Tone brought his fellow Protestants together with Catholics and Dissenters under the banner of the United Irishmen, and, with his great friend General Humbert, organised four French invasions of Ireland in 1798. One of these came ashore near Killala and ended with the arrest and execution of Tones brother Mathew. This was followed by the battle of Tory Island, off Donegal, which led to the death of Wolfe Tone himself in British custody. Paddy is certain Wolfe Tone was murdered, though the authorities of the time put it around that he committed suicide ahead of his execution, an accusation intended to damage his reputation. It insenses Paddy that establishment Irish historians dont challenge this view more vigorously, when so much evidence points the other way. A lot of our Republican history has been revised, he says, by a small coterie of journalists and academics that seem to want to mock the founding stories. It became particularly bad during the '70s and '80s when, because of the Troubles, establishment figures were quick to put down Republican values and heroes like Wolfe Tone, who were anti-authority and anti-hierarchy. Now Im trying to right the wrongs of history, by revising the revisionists. However, Paddys show is no dull polemical lecture but an audio-visual spectacular featuring hundreds of images, inimitable humour, and some great songs. I deliver a real historical story, using all the resources of my life, he says. And he has a lot of resources. He is the son of the famed classical Irish composer, Tom Cullivan, and the Irish-American artist, Nancy Cullivan. He was raised with his sister in a fine Georgian house in North Great Georges Street in Dublin, which his parents lovingly restored. The Irish government of the time was prepared to let those houses rot because they represented British imperial rule, but those buildings were also masterpieces built by Irish hands. James Gandon didnt go down on his hands and knees to build the Custom House, says Paddy. In the 1980s, Paddy attended Mount Temple school, which catered to the children of Protestants, Catholics and Dissenters much like the United Irishmen. It strengthened my Republican beliefs, he says. I could see that the solution was to have a mixed education system. To be unified not by religion but by purpose. Art college followed, but Paddy swung back to music, becoming the frontman of the satirical band, The Camembert Quartet, which was spotted by Ryan Tubridy and joined forces with him for 15 years, first on Tubridy Tonight and then on The Late Late Show. Like his parents, Paddy had always been interested in history, but something shifted inside him during the centenary celebrations of 1916. To quote UCD historian Diarmaid Ferriter, there was just so much embarrassing unhistorical sh*t, he says. The state seemed to want to celebrate the men and women of 1916, by not celebrating them. When Bob Geldof was allowed to sniff derisively at Patrick Pearse and his associates, I responded with a song called I Dont Like Easter Mondays. Not content to stop there, he decided to develop his own relentlessly truth-telling (but also delightfully entertaining) one-man show called The 10 Dark Secrets of 1916, which The Irish Times dubbed, a freewheeling political polemic that makes you laugh while making you think". One of those dark secrets, which Paddy continued to explore, was the death of Michael Collins. The sniper who shot Michael Collins was not a sniper, and probably not there at all, he says. Exploring 1916 brought him back to 1798, where the true Republican ideals of independence and equality, as exemplified by the heroes of 1916, were first espoused by Wolfe Tone and not as Paddy points out by the likes of Catholic nationalist Daniel OConnell. We dont just need to decolonise Ireland, he says. We need to de-OConnell-ise Ireland. Paddy Cullivan cites author and historian Steve Dunford (pictured) as one of his great inspirations. Picture: Henry Wills In 2018, he met the well-known Killala historian Steve Dunford an all-round genius at an historical re-enactment in Kildare, and the two become the best of friends. He became my biggest influence. Wed chat literally every day, and he helped brilliantly with my show The 10 Dark Secrets of 1798. Steve was a great inspiration, he brought history out of the lecture hall and showed how it could be both fun and interesting. The 10 Dark Secrets of 1798 inspired Paddy to take a further, deeper dive into the death of Wolfe Tone, where shocking new research led him to fresh conclusions. But its not just Wolfe Tones death he wants us to know about. Its about Tones life, his dreams, his ideals. This show is about the values of the Enlightenment, he says. Values which both the heroes of 1798 and 1916 fought for. I want Ireland to become the country they envisaged. "A truly independent Ireland. And its not only about political independence, its about independence of mind. A new maturity, a restoration of self-esteem; a new story that raises our eyes above the horizon. And I believe that if we take the likes of Wolfe Tone as our guide, we will find our path to that future made straighter and easier. Expect to be blown away this Friday when you take your seats for this remarkable, brilliantly entertaining show. Paddy Cullivans The Murder of Wolfe Tone comes to Ballina Arts Centre on Friday, February 9th, at 8pm. Tickets: 18/16. A Fountain man is headed for trial, accused of having sexually molested four of his biological granddaughters when they were as young as 4 years old. Carl Ray Jordan, 76, of Fountain, was arrested on Nov. 9, 2023, on suspicion of sexual assault on a child and aggravated incest. Jordan, who had been employed as a janitor for the Griffith Centers for Children Chins Up located in Colorado Springs, is currently being held the El Paso County jail on a $60,000 bond. In a preliminary hearing Monday in which prosecutors were tasked with presenting enough evidence to convince a judge that there is enough of a legal basis to conduct a trial Jordan sat next to his defense attorney while two members of the Fountain Police Department shared details of their investigation into the allegations. As is common in a preliminary hearing, Jordan's defense attorney asked some clarifying questions of witnesses on cross-examination, but did not present evidence in his favor. Judge David Shakes ruled that there did indeed seem to be enough evidence to proceed to trial against Jordan for one count of sexual assault on a child from a person in a position of trust, and one count of aggravated incest for each of his four granddaughters who each have accused Jordan. Three of the four incest charges were specifically for a victim under the age of 10 years old. In September of 2023 a 24-year-old now living out of state called Fountain police and reported a sexual assault. Officer Caleb Widger took the call. He testified Monday that the caller, one of Jordan's granddaughters, alleged that he had sexually assaulted her during a family sleepover at his residence when she was 6 years old. Featured Local Savings The Gazette does not normally name possible victims of sexual assault, especially when involving minors. In that call, and subsequent interviews with Fountain Detective Tori Slater, the first granddaughter said that other grandchildren, including her older sister had also been molested. Investigators said they interviewed a total of four granddaughters, two sets of sisters, who alleged Jordan fondled them, and in two cases had penetrative sex with them. The girls said their ages at the time of abuse ranged from 4 years old, up to 15. One girl told investigators that Jordan repeatedly had penetrative sex with her over a seven- to eight-year period. Each victim told investigators that Jordan had told them not to tell others of the abuse. Investigators testified that the sexual assaults occurred within Jordan's place of residence, and in one of the granddaughter's homes, also in Fountain. There was no testimony Monday that any alleged sexual misconduct involved Jordan's place of employment. Lisa Schneider with the Fountain Police Department later confirmed to the Gazette that her department did not find any additional victims beyond family members in Jordan's case. Slater testified that during her interview with Jordan he denied the allegations. She also said that searches of Jordan's home, vehicle and cell phone did not find any incriminating evidence. Jordan is next scheduled in court on March 22, when a start date for his felony trial may be set. BIRDSBORO, Pa. A 17-year-old from Birdsboro is being charged as an adult in connection with a non-fatal stabbing that took place Friday. Lucas Scott Arnold was arrested on felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with extreme indifference. Police say Arnold walked from his apartment to the Birdsboro Police Department, and then walked to a Sunoco and called for police on his cell phone. Police located Arnold, who claimed he had been robbed at gunpoint by James Hiller. Officers went to an apartment where Arnold said he was staying with his mother. They found blood on the door, they said, but no victim was located. Police then determined that Hiller was being treated at a local hospital with four stab wounds: one to the face, one to the palm and two to the back one of which punctured a lung. Police say there was no evidence recovered or video footage that showed an armed robbery had occurred, but text messages on Hiller's phone showed there was a purchase being made between Hiller and Arnold prior to the stabbing. Arnold is being held at Berks County Jail, unable to post $100,000 bail. MT. PENN, Pa. - An incident involving pepper spray caused a lockdown in the Antietam School District Tuesday. School district officials said the incident, which involved two high school students, happened at Mt. Penn Elementary Center. The building has been housing high school students since severe flooding damaged the middle-senior high school last July. Officials say a female student sprayed a male student with pepper spray. Central Berks Regional Police and an ambulance were called, and the building was placed on temporary lockdown while administrators assessed the situation. Affected areas of the building were cleared and students relocated while the building was ventilated. Officials say students in vicinity of the incident were assessed by the school nurse and parents of affected children were notified. No elementary school age children were affected. READING, Pa. Reading City Council heard a presentation Monday night about the effort for a passenger rail that links Reading and Philadelphia. Tom Frawley, the executive director of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, made a presentation at council's Committee of the Whole meeting to update council on the work and progress of the SRPRA, as well as provide a timeline as to what can be expected over the next few years. The authority is a combined effort of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties to restore passenger rail from Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville to Philadelphia. The nine-member panel consists of the mayor, a county commissioner and a planning commission director each from Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville. Passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia ended in 1981. Since that time, there have been several unsuccessful attempts at restoration of the service. 3-step process Frawley explained that the most significant advancement made thus far was getting the project accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration's corridor identification program. The program is a three-step process that uses federal dollars to finance the development of the specific plans, bringing it to a preliminary design phase. The first step includes a $500,000 grant to prepare a service development plan. "Now that's a document specified by the FRA," Frawley explained. "It's a combination operating plan/business plan, and addresses all the aspects that have to be brought to bear to advance the project into design." That includes goals and objectives, identification of alternatives, planning methodology, demand and revenue forecasts, and what it's going to cost or what kind of revenues are going to be generated, Frawley said. "The service development plan effort would start this spring and run through early 2025," Frawley explained. "Preliminary design would start in early 2025 and run into early 2026." The second step is funded with a 10% match, and the third step requires a 20% match from the municipalities. The presentation also specified different technical details like the tracks, tunnels, stations and rolling stock. Timing Frawley said the authority is envisioning four to six daily round trips when the passenger rail service begins. "Amtrak is currently operating two round-trip bus trips between Reading and the 30th St. Station in Philadelphia on a daily basis, and those bus trips will not go away when the passenger train starts operating," Frawley said. "They will just be rescheduled to different times of day to complement the rail frequencies." Frawley said other grant programs would need to be pursued to advance the project into the final design and construction phase. He said the authority is optimistic that the service could be in place five years from now. "We are approaching Norfolk Southern as a business partner that we are looking to buy capacity from them to support operation of our passenger train," Frawley added. "We're very fortunate in terms of a starting point that the Norfolk Southern Railroad between Reading and Philadelphia is in excellent condition," he said. "Current conditions allow for 80 miles-per-hour passenger train operation." Multi-county cooperation County Commissioner Christian Leinbach who is the chairman of the SRPRA also spoke to council. "I have a very simple message: We are in an era of passenger rail restoration," Leinbach said. "We're here because of the teamwork of the three counties." "I know from my discussions with folks at the federal level and FRA folks that they were drawn to this project in large part because of the cooperation of three counties," he added. Mayor Eddie Moran told council that the acceptance into the federal corridor identification program legitimized the efforts of the authority. "I could just sum it up. In short, you know it's not if but when we will have this place," Moran said. "I think we're closer than ever. I can't wait to be on that first train to get to Philadelphia." BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem City Council will consider items related to the next Walnut Street Garage on Tuesday, including new zoning for the site and the partial vacation of the street. Votes on two garage issues would require a second meeting, so final decisions will not be made Tuesday. The Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) has begun demolition of the garage, which lasted 49 years. Some downtown residents and merchants have complained about the authority's plan to replace the 770-space deck with a smaller but taller garage. The proposed replacement would also have retail space, and a residential area on the west side, the land at the 33 Walnut St. site that is closest to Main Street and Historic Downtown Bethlehem. BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom said the process surrounding the plan to demolish and replace the garage has been presented at multiple public meetings, and he has said "misinformation" has been spread about the plan. The BPA has presented two potential replacements, one with 590 spaces and another concept with 527 spaces. Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on new zoning for the site. The BPA has asked for the four parcels that make up the garage to be changed to Central Business District (CB) zoning. Currently, three parcels are CB and one is zoned for High Density Residential. There will be a second public hearing for the vacation of part of Walnut Street, ceding some of it to the BPA and property owner West Broad Street Associates. The agenda item for that hearing indicates a 590-space garage. Changing zoning and vacating streets is done by ordinance, so no final vote will be made at Tuesday's meeting on those issues. If they are passed Tuesday during their first reading, the final vote would come at City Council's Feb. 19 meeting. Council will also consider the city's Historic Architectural Review Board's rejection of the two plans the BPA presented to it. HARB voted against both plans Jan. 3, but the review board is an advisory body. City Council makes final decisions. Bethlehem City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Town Hall. The meeting agenda and a link to a webcast are posted on Bethlehem's website. PALMER TWP., Pa. - Coherent Corp., a maker of lasers and semiconductor materials, reported fiscal second-quarter 2024 revenue and earnings Monday that exceeded Wall Street estimates. Shares in the company rose in trading after the close of regular markets. Second-quarter adjusted earnings per share were 36 cents, above the 23-cent consensus estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. Revenue was $1.13 billion, just over the $1.12 billion average estimate of seven analysts. Coherent, which has a plant in Palmer Township, Northampton County, serves the industrial, communications, electronics and instrumentation markets. "We are not waiting for macroeconomic recovery," Coherent said in a statement when it posted earnings at 5:35 p.m. Monday. The company also said it is "undertaking strategic moves" but not material acquisitions. Coherent's Americas market accounted for 55% of revenue in the quarter ended Dec. 31, with the rest about evenly split between Europe, China, and Korea and Japan. "We saw the start of a rebound in our telecom business in China in the second quarter that we expect to extend through the balance of fiscal 2024 and throughout fiscal 2025," Coherent said in a letter to shareholders. In the Americas, "near-term uncertainty continues to weigh on consumer capital-investment decisions," the Pittsburgh-area based company said. Shares in Coherent are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol COHR. The closing price Monday was $49.42. In late trading, the shares were up 7% to $52.80 at 5:49 p.m. In December, Coherent said Denso Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric each completed $500 million investments in Coherent for a $1 billion total. The two companies now each hold a 12.5% stake in Coherent's silicon carbide subsidiary, which will provide material for efficient batteries for electric vehicles. Coherent is based in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. The company will hold a conference call with the investment community at 8 a.m. Tuesday. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - An old church in Allentown could see new life, if a developer gets its requests approved. The developer wants to convert the space into affordable housing and a temporary shelter for the homeless. However, a large group of neighbors is saying, "Not so fast." The proposal, offered by Ripple Community Inc., calls for 12 units at 1539-1551 W. Chew St., the home of the former Emmanuel United Church of Christ. The 12 units would provide housing for 22 to 30 residents. In addition, the facility would feature a community center for the working poor and people struggling to socialize, an office, temporary shelter and 10 parking spaces. It would also include space for three medical treatment rooms for people who can't afford to be seen elsewhere. Zoning requests The zoning variances requested by the developer cover several areas. One is for temporary shelter, which is not permitted. The applicant is requesting the temporary shelter use be designated as a recovery center accessory to a community center, in lieu of a residential treatment center. Other variances involve offices being permitted with a community center if complying with use requirements. Other issues involve plans for lot area per dwelling unit, with 1,800 square feet required and 1,300 offered, as well as off-street parking, with 45 spaces required, 21 existing and 11 being permitted. There are also requirements for parking stall dimensions the plan is not meeting, aisle width, street trees, distance of parking from building and exceeding maximum steep slope disturbance in areas of 25 to 35% steep slope, with 25% permitted and 29.8% proposed. Another issue is proposed building height, with the applicant proposing four stories when three are permitted and currently exist. Community connection Monday night's hearing began with testimony from Sherri Brokopp Binder, Ripple's executive director, who noted the facility will also have three medical respite rooms connected to the community center. "We really believe healthy communities begin with safe spaces," Brokopp Binder said. "...This really is an ideal location for the community." She said that "housing and homelessness" are significant problems in Allentown. Brokopp Binder added the proposed facility would reinforce "a community fabric" that would help to ensure those housed in the building would be connected better with their neighbors and community. Overall, she said the proposed facility would operate similar to Ripple's location at Linden and 14th streets, which has 13 apartments. Brokopp Binder said the residents at the current facility would not occupy the new facility, but there would be a few exceptions. She said those residents have not caused problems for neighbors. 'Beautiful use' The project's architect, Christian Didra, was the evening's second witness. He said Ripple's proposal would be a "beautiful use" of the former church. "We're not trying to cram too much stuff in there that isn't needed," he said of the building's interior design. The stone church building, which was a fixture in the west Allentown community, was built in 1920 in the Gothic Revival style. The building is characterized by tall arched windows and openings, steeply peaked gables over three arched double-door openings, and asymmetrical towers on either side of the central nave. The conversion requires the removal of several stained glass windows, which would be replaced with aluminum windows. Other work involves roof and gutter repairs, masonry repointing, door replacements, relocation of HVAC units, along with the addition of exterior lighting, new signage and removal of non-historic fencing. Much of the church's exterior would stay intact, and the adjacent parking lot would remain also. Street medicine A third witness, physician assistant Seth Campbell, spoke about street medicine and his work with Ripple. Campbell testified street medicine provides primary and urgent health care to individuals who experience homelessness. He later discussed the proposed "respite" rooms and those individuals who would utilize the room. "It's just going to provide a perfect place for them (patients) to recover," Campbell said of the proposed community center. "Have a safe space in the community where they feel welcome and at home and with the rest of the care," Brokopp Binder said later in the meeting. "It really does impact people's ability to access life-saving medical services." Emmanuel UCC itself used to provide services for the community. "It has been a space where there have been regular community meals, holiday events and gatherings. It's been a polling place," Brokopp Binder added. Objectors Many neighbors, too, were heard during the meeting on Monday night. There was also back and forth between lawyers and the developer. A total of 27 objectors attended the hearing, with just under half represented by legal counsel. More than two dozen people raised their hands during the meeting, saying they're against the former Emmanuel United Church of Christ being converted. They say the neighborhood's character is at risk. "Sure enough, this building will be accommodating homeless residents and, in time, become a homeless shelter," described Scott Armstrong, who lives near the church. They also had concerns about parking, which is already described as a nightmare. "The on-street parking it's just, it's just not available," said neighbor Cleveland Johnson. "If I move my car, there is no place to park when I come back." Johnson is a longtime resident for 42 years. He used to rent parking space from the church, but that went away when its doors closed. Now, Johnson says he's not sure who uses the lot, but it tends to be full, and he worries how many more cars could take space on Chew Street. Advocates, however, say parking won't be an issue as the people they plan to service mostly walk or use public transportation. There's also another shelter nearby, which they say has not led to problems. "With homeless people, you don't know what you have. These people are often times addicted, often times medically ill, and I feel bad for them," Armstrong said. Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd says portions of the Pennsylvania court systems website, including PACFile, GTS, web dockets and court summaries, and PAePay have been restored following a recent cyberattack. At this point we don't know who's behind it. "I was surprised when I heard it was because it was because of a lot of traffic." Lehigh County's Chief Public Defender Kimberly Makoul on the recent cyber-attack of the Pennsylvania court systems website. Impacting public access in looking up court cases, guardianship tracking, and paying fines but not for court employees. "We are able to access all of our cases. We have a case management system so can access our client information, or client data." Makoul said Pennsylvania's Chief Justice says there's no indication of compromised court data and they're working with the federal government. "These kinds of attacks have been around for a while. So, they're certainly not new." Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Lehigh University Daniel Lopresti calls it an attack not a hack, saying it's similar to online issues the release of Taylor Swift concert tickets can cause. "Overwhelmed by people trying to buy tickets, so it was very frustrating, the systems crashed, you couldn't get in, you couldn't get the tickets, you waited for a very long time. In a queue. It's very much like that. Lopresti said. Cyber, attacks on government agencies are becoming a trend. Last month the Bucks County 911 center was hit and in November a water authority in Western Pennsylvania was attacked. "In the case of this particular kind of attack. It's the service providers who have the big hardware, they have a networking hardware, there are set up to defend against these kinds of attacks," Lopresti said. HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will take the wraps off his next state budget plan on Tuesday. He's hoping to avoid the drama that surrounded the release of his first budget. While many details remain under wraps, in recent weeks, Shapiro has dropped some of the details of what he plans to propose. He's proposing new spending in higher education for state schools and community colleges, including capping tuition at $1,000 a semester for median income households. He's also proposing a 25% increase of nearly $300 million for public transit, and he's calling on $1 million in new spending for an economic strategy unveiled last week in the Lehigh Valley. "So, I think his goal is to avoid the protracted budget stalemate that fell into autumn of 2023," says Chris Borick, political scientist at Muhlenberg College. Last year's budget hit snags after the governor dropped a proposal for private school vouchers that was backed by Republicans, taking months for the process to wrap up. Sources tell 69 News they expect the governor to revisit the program as part of a larger funding package for public schools. Borick thinks that could be part of a larger strategy. "There's major changes to educational finances in the state, dictated by the commonwealth court decision last year, which says the way we do it is unconstitutional. So, there's going to be a lot of moving parts on that," he said. "If he can give a little bit on the voucher, it might open the door for broader deals." "Most folks thought we'd get nothing done. To get more than 80% of what you want done shows my ability to bring people together, and also the proposals I put forth are common sense," said the governor. Shapiro has said his new proposals will not require raising taxes. His address is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. SCRANTON, Pa. - A Pottsville man was sentenced to 70 months behind bars on the charge of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine. The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Javier Guzman, 52, was sentenced on January 30. Guzman previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 50 and 200 grams of high-quality crystal methamphetamine for distribution in the Schuylkill County area in 2022. The charge stems from an investigation in which investigators made multiple purchases of high-quality crystal methamphetamine from Guzman in March 2022. STROUDSBURG, Pa. - Stroud Area Regional Police Department say a man is behind bars for punching a 75-year-old man in the face and pushing another person. Police say the incident happened on Feb. 5 around 11:15 a.m. in the area of North 6th and Monroe Street in the Borough of Stroudsburg. A 75-year-old man told police he was walking his dog when a man randomly struck him in the face with a closed fist and walked away. The accused was identified as Adam Male, 43 of Saylorsburg. The victim had lacerations and bruising to his facial area, police say. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his facial injuries. Approximately 15 minutes after the first incident, police say Male was seen in the 700 block of Main Street in Stroudsburg, where he shoved a 63-year-old man. Police say the second victim was knocked to the ground but did not need medical treatment. Male was arrested and charged with simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. Male was taken to the Monroe County Correctional Facility. Bail was set at $10,000. Chinese premier urges redoubled efforts to combat corruption in government Xinhua) 08:12, February 06, 2024 Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at a State Council meeting on clean governance, Feb. 5, 2024. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday urged the resolute implementation of the Communist Party of China's strategic policy of full and rigorous self-governance, and called for greater advancements in improving Party conduct, upholding integrity and combating corruption within the government. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance. Addressing the meeting, Li acknowledged the progress that governments at all levels and their departments have made over the past year in improving Party conduct, upholding integrity and combating corruption. Li called for strict adherence to political discipline and rules. He also urged the nation's governments at all levels and their departments to focus on the rectification of corruption in key areas, remove grounds that breed corruption by deepening reform, and ensure that work to prevent and rectify corruption is consistent and sustained. Li said that focusing on the people's benefit is essential when evaluating performance. He emphasized the need to tackle pointless formalities and bureaucratism resolutely, guard against complacent thoughts and behaviors, and make solid efforts to implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and plans. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, presided over the meeting. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye (Menat), has appointment Philip Barnes as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2024. Selim El Zyr, Vice-Chairman of Rotana, said: We are proud to welcome Philip Barnes as the new CEO of Rotana. With a rich history of leadership and a deep understanding of the global hospitality landscape, Barnes is poised to elevate our brand delivery and levels of excellence. We eagerly anticipate his innovative direction and vision that will shape Rotanas next chapter and build on our growing pipeline across key markets. Completing almost 25 years as part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Barnes has held several senior leadership positions worldwide, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Most recently, he held the role of Regional Vice President of Southern California (2020-2022). Previously, he also worked with leading hospitality brands such as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Shangri La Hotels & Resorts among others. In the Middle East, Barnes was Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Regional Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (2009 2011). In this role, he oversaw the operations for Fairmont Palm Dubai, Fairmont Bab al Bar Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Ajman, Fairmont Fujairah, and pre-opening Fairmont Abu Dhabi. Prior to this, he also held the position of Vice President of the Middle East (2007-2009) for the group, overseeing the developments and planned openings in South Africa, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Oman. I am privileged to join Rotana a homegrown brand synonymous with providing guests with the highest service levels across the region. I look forward to working closely with the wider team to grow Rotanas legacy and firmly position it as one of the leading hospitality players in the region, said Barnes. Together, we will embark on a journey to redefine hospitality, creating Treasured Time for our guests and setting new benchmarks for the industry. Rotanas portfolio currently spans 19,602 keys and six superlative brands, including an impressive 10,159 keys across 36 hotels in the UAE and 2,183 keys across eight hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. TradeArabia News Service A group of suspects remain on the loose after a string of armed robberies in Colorado Springs. Police said at 2:20 a.m. Tuesday they received reports of a convenience store armed robbery in the 800 block of North Nevada Ave. According to officials, other robberies occurred in the hours earlier along the 4800 block of Barnes Road and the 3200 block of Austin Bluffs Parkway. During each of the three incidents the suspects entered the store armed and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police said shots were fired at the third incident. No injuries were reported. LAS VEGAS (AP) Nikki Haley was swamped in Nevada's symbolic Republican presidential primary as GOP voters resoundingly picked the none of these candidates option on the ballot in a repudiation of the former U.N. ambassador who is the last remaining major rival to front-runner Donald Trump. Trump didnt compete in Tuesday's primary, which doesnt award any delegates needed to win the GOP nomination. The former president is instead focused on caucuses that will be held Thursday and will help him move closer to becoming the Republican standard-bearer. That leaves the results Tuesday as technically meaningless in the Republican race. But they still amount to an embarrassment for Haley, who has sought to position herself as a candidate who can genuinely compete against Trump. Instead, she became the first presidential candidate from either party to lose a race to none of these candidates since that option was introduced in Nevada in 1975. Haley had said beforehand she was going to focus on the states that are fair and did not campaign in the western state in the weeks leading up to the caucuses, spending time instead in her home state, South Carolina, before its Feb. 24 primary. Her campaign wrote off the results with a reference to Nevadas famous casino industry. Even Donald Trump knows that when you play penny slots the house wins, spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said. We didnt bother to play a game rigged for Trump. Were full steam ahead in South Carolina and beyond. Trump joked on his social media network, Watch, she'll soon claim Victory! Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, had announced beforehand that he would vote for none of these candidates on Tuesday. Several Republicans interviewed heading to the polls said they intended to do the same. Washoe County Republican Party Chair Bruce Parks, who pushed for the GOP to hold caucuses, said that he told voters who called his office and Trump supporters to participate in the primary by voting for none of these candidates over Haley. They basically told us they dont care about us, Parks said in an interview after the race was called. By marking none of these candidates, we respond in kind we dont care about you either. Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald, a Trump ally who faces state charges for serving as a so-called fake elector on the former presidents behalf, said he left it to each county GOP chairman to decide if they wanted to promote none of these candidates. He said Haley's seeming disrespect of Nevada voters was reciprocated with the results. The Associated Press declared none of these candidates the winner at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday based on initial vote results that showed it with a significant lead over Haley in seven counties across the state, including in the two most populous counties. There was also a Democratic primary on Tuesday that President Joe Biden easily won against author Marianne Williamson and a handful of less-known challengers. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota was not on the ballot. Biden issued a statement thanking Nevada voters for their support and, with an eye toward an expected matchup in November, warned that Trump is trying to divide America. I want to thank the voters of Nevada for sending me and Kamala Harris to the White House four years ago, and for setting us one step further on that same path again tonight. We must organize, mobilize, and vote. Because one day, when we look back, well be able to say, when American democracy was a risk, we saved it together," Biden said. Nevada lawmakers added none of these candidates as an option in all statewide races as a way post-Watergate for voters to participate but express dissatisfaction with their choices. None cant win an elected office but it came in first in primary congressional contests in 1976 and 1978. It also finished ahead of both George Bush and Edward Kennedy in Nevadas 1980 presidential primaries. The caucuses on Thursday are the only Nevada contest that count toward the GOPs presidential nomination. But they were seen as especially skewed in favor of Trump because of the intense grassroots support they require from candidates and new state party rules that benefitted him further. Trump is expected to handily win the caucuses, which should deliver him all 26 of the states delegates. Delegates are party members, activists and elected officials who vote at the national party conventions to formally select the partys nominee. If your goal is to win the Republican nomination for president, you go where the delegates are. And it baffles me that Nikki Haley chose not to participate, Trumps senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita said in an interview before the primary. Nevada, the third state in the field after Iowa and New Hampshire, was set to hold a state-run primary election instead of party-run caucuses after Democrats controlling the Legislature changed the law to try to boost participation. Caucuses typically require voters to show up for an in-person meeting at a certain day or time, while elections can offer more flexibility to participate, with polls open for most of the day on Election Day, along with absentee or early voting. But Nevada Republicans chose to hold party-run caucuses instead, saying they wanted certain rules in place, like a requirement that participants show a government-issued ID. The caucuses require a candidate to intensely organize supporters around the state in order to be competitive, a feat that Trump, the former president and prohibitive front-runner, was easily positioned to do. The Nevada GOP also restricted the involvement of super PACs like the one Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was relying on to boost his now-suspended campaign. And the party barred candidates from appearing both on the primary ballot and in the caucuses. Former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott also signed up to compete in Nevadas primary instead of the caucuses before ending their presidential campaigns. Jeff Turner, 65, came to the Reno Town Mall with a ballot checked off for none of these candidates" while also lamenting the increasingly likely November rematch between Biden and Trump. I think its my duty, Turner said. I think we all have the right to vote, we ought to vote. And even if its none of these candidates, its at least stating where Im at. And Im hoping others will see that. Price reported from Washington and Stern from Reno, Nevada. LONDON (AP) King Charles IIIs cancer was caught early and the monarch will crack on with his constitutional duties, Britain's prime minister said Tuesday, as Prince Harry flew in from California for a rare visit with his father. Royal officials announced Monday that the 75-year-old king has been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer and is receiving treatment as an outpatient. Less than 18 months into the reign that hed famously waited decades to begin, Charles suspended public engagements but will continue with state business including weekly meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and wont be handing over his constitutional roles as head of state. On Tuesday afternoon, Harry could seen arriving at the king's Clarence House residence in a black SUV after an overnight flight. The two have a troubled relationship, and Harry has seen his father infrequently since the prince quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to Los Angeles with his wife, Meghan, citing what they said was the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. Harry, 39, has since detailed his rocky relationship with his family and his royal inheritance in TV interviews, a documentary and a memoir, Spare. About an hour after Harry arrived, Charles and Queen Camilla were driven from their residence to nearby Buckingham Palace in a royal Bentley. The couple waved to tourists and well-wishers gathered outside the palace gates. They then traveled by helicopter to Sandringham, the monarch's rural residence in eastern England. Buckingham Palace said the king's cancer was found during Charles' recent hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate but is a separate issue and not prostate cancer. Thankfully, this has been caught early, Sunak told BBC radio, adding: Well crack on with everything. Many families around the country listening to this will have been touched by the same thing and they know what it means to everyone, Sunak said. So well just be willing him on and hopefully we get through this as quickly as possible. The palace said Charles, who has generally enjoyed good health, remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne. News of the kings diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalized for about two weeks. Kate is taking a break from royal duties as she recovers. Her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the throne, also took time off to help look after her and the couples three children, but is due to preside over a ceremony at Windsor Castle and a charity dinner on Wednesday. Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. For centuries Britains royal family remained tight-lipped about health matters. Disclosing information about his cancer diagnosis albeit in a limited way is another break with tradition. When U.K. monarchs had real power, news of illness was withheld for fear it might weaken their authority. The habit of secrecy lingered after royals became constitutional figureheads. The British public wasnt told that Charles grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56, and some historians have claimed that the king himself wasnt told he was terminally ill. In the final years of Elizabeths life, the public was told only that the queen was suffering from mobility issues when she began to miss public appearances towards the end of her life. The cause of her death was listed on the death certificate simply as old age. When and how much to disclose about illness remains a difficult subject for many public figures. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been criticized for not telling President Joe Biden or other key leaders that that he was being treated for prostate cancer, even when he was hospitalized in intensive care in January for post-surgery complications. Buckingham palace said that the king has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer. Charles took the throne intending to preside over a slimmer monarchy with fewer senior royals carrying out ceremonial public duties. But with Charles and Kate both temporarily sidelined, Harry self-exiled to California and Prince Andrew largely banished from view because of his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the royal Firm risks becoming severely overstretched. William and Camilla are both expected to take on extra public engagements during the kings treatment. There are no current plans to call on the counsellors of state senior royals, including the queen and the heir to the throne to deputize for the monarch on constitutional duties such as signing legislation and receiving ambassadors. Associated Press writer Danica Kirka contributed to this story. Find more of APs coverage of King Charles III at https://apnews.com/hub/royalty Colorado Springs Utilities is warning people not to worry if they see smoke on Pikes Peak on Tuesday. Utilities said in a release Monday that a prescribed burn is planned for the area around the south and north Catamount reservoirs on the mountain in Teller County. The burn helps mitigate risk of wildfire from the accumulation of fire fuel in the watershed around the reservoirs, according to CSU. The burn is set to last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, which is working with CSU on the burn project, crews plan to light about 75 "hand piles" of brush, extinguishing the fires by the end of the day. 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. Colorado state lawmakers meeting at the Capitol on Monday with families of Israeli hostages taken by the terrorist group Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack. The visiting Israelis received a warm welcome in the state Senate but were turned away from the lower chamber by the House speaker. (Gazette file photo) Ray Elliott is the Vice President of the Colorado State Shooting Association (the state association of the NRA). Read the draft of the Sensitive Spaces bill at CSSA.org. This is the first part of a three-part series. Tragedy continues in the earthquake region One year ago, on February 6, two devastating earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 7.6 on the Richter scale struck within nine hours in the southern Turkish city of Kahramanmaras, near the Syrian border, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving millions homeless. Hundreds of thousands of people in the region are still living in containers or tents. That the problems of the majority of the earthquake victims still exist after one year, that no one was really held responsible, that the promises of the government have not been fulfilled and that the central and local authorities have not made serious preparations for new earthquake threats, especially those expected in the Marmara region, reveals the indifference of the ruling class and the entire political establishment towards the life and safety of the working masses. People and emergency teams search for people in the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaziantep, Turkey, Monday, February 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Mustafa Karali] This indifference was exposed by the inadequacy of rescue efforts in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. Many of those who died in the earthquake had been trapped for days under the rubble, hoping in vain to be rescued. Those who somehow managed to get out were desperate to respond to calls for help from the rubble. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan failed to provide a quick and organised response to the earthquake disaster in the first hours and days after the earthquake, when search and rescue operations should have been carried out as quickly as possible. The government's lack of serious preparation and organisation in Turkey, which is an earthquake-prone country, and its inability to bring search, rescue and relief teams and supplies from inside and outside the country to the region, provoked widespread social anger. Erdogan admitted that the government was almost paralysed in the first days after the earthquake when he said while visiting the region about a month later, Unfortunately, we could not work as effectively as we would have liked in Adyaman in the first days. As the World Socialist Web Site, which has extensively covered the disaster, explained in its first Perspective, the earthquake that devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria, which recognize no artificial national borders, has catastrophically demonstrated the global character of all major social problems and the need for an international socialist solution. The private profit interests of the bourgeoisie and the division of the world into rival nation-states stand in the way of any progressive response. Almost nothing has been done in the intervening year to prevent new disasters in these two countries, or in earthquake-prone areas of the world where, according to the International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, at least 1.5 billion people live. This confirms the bankruptcy of the capitalist system and the urgent necessity for socialism. The death toll is still unknown The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government led by Erdogan has not been able to provide any definitive information about the real death toll yet, despite the fact that a year has passed. On April 22, then Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu announced that 50,783 people had died and 107,204 had been injured. Four days before the first anniversary, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya updated these figures to 53,537 dead and 107,213 injured and said that 38,901 buildings had collapsed. On 13 February 2023, the governor of Srnak, Osman Bilgin, said in a speech leaked on social media that the death toll, then reported at 31,000, could be 3-4, maybe 5 times worse. The fact that there are still many missing people in the region and that excavations have unearthed bodies from under the rubble strengthens claims that the real death toll is much higher than the official figure. According to official figures, over 14 million Turkish citizens were registered in the provinces affected by the earthquake. This represents 16 percent of the country's population. It means that one in six Turkish citizens was directly affected by the earthquake. The number of Syrians under temporary protection in the region was officially 1.7 million. In other words, about half of all Syrians living in Turkey were in the region directly affected by the earthquake. It is not known how many refugees were included in the official tolls. People remove their furniture and household appliances out of a collapsed building following a devastating earthquake in the town of Jinderis, Aleppo province, Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023. [AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed] In Syria, which has been devastated for years by the imperialist powers led by the US and its allies such as Turkey and subjected to sanctions and embargoes, nearly 10,000 people lost their lives and thousands were injured as a result of the earthquake, according to official figures. The destruction in Syria after the earthquake was largely ignored by the bourgeois and pseudo-leftist press. Due to the US-led embargo, almost no regular aid could be delivered to the earthquake zone in Syria and to the survivors. No improvement in conditions One year on, earthquake survivors on both sides of the border continue to struggle with economic hardship and difficult living conditions. Hundreds of thousands of people in the earthquake zone are still living in unhealthy conditions such as containers, tents and shacks. City of Adyaman after 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey. Excavators have begun removing debris from Adiyaman city in southeastern Turkey that was devastated by the massive earthquake. Survivors have been accommodated in tents. [Photo by Mohammad Hossein Velayati / CC BY 4.0 There is a lack of clean water and sanitation and a shortage of showers and toilets means there is a widespread outbreak of scabies and lice throughout the region. Hospital access are inadequate due to earthquake damage, which means that surgeries and examinations cannot be carried out and people with serious illnesses such as cancer cannot be treated. State resources have still not been mobilised even for these issues. People living in tent cities and containers faced pest problems such as insects and snakes, especially during the hot summer months. With the onset of winter, temperatures dropped to minus 10 degrees Celsius at night in some quake-affected areas, causing health problems for many people, especially children and the elderly. Earthquake survivors are forced to light stoves in tents and containers to keep warm, posing a life-threatening risk. Reports of fires in tents and containers and earthquake victims poisoned by stove gas are common in the press. Due to a lack of planning and foresight, existing tent and container cities have been set up in unsuitable areas without the necessary infrastructure. Every time it rains or storms, the tents and containers are ruined and survivors have to deal with flooding. About a month after the earthquake, heavy rains in the region washed away some tents and a container with two people inside in Adyaman, and floods in Adyaman and Sanlurfa officially killed 21 people. The lack of adequate efforts to protect the physical and psychological health of earthquake victims is seen by public health experts as a key issue. There is also inadequate public transport and roads are still unsuitable for traffic. Hatay, which includes the historic city of Antioch, still looks like a ruin. In the city, which the government handed over to construction companies without any planning, demolition work continues unchecked on many streets, while heavily damaged buildings awaiting demolition can be seen all over the city. The dust generated in the city by uncontrolled demolition and excavation work causes acute respiratory and lung problems and asbestos in concrete rubble poses a serious threat to public health. The authorities claim that there is no asbestos in the air in the earthquake zone, but research shows otherwise. Scientists say that even a fibre of food containing asbestos entering the human body can cause serious health problems. To be continued Toledo Assembly Complex workers [Photo by Stellantis] Job cuts in the global auto industry are accelerating as automakers seek to gain an edge in the highly competitive electric vehicle market by slashing employment levels and shifting costs onto the backs of workers around the world. Stellantis, the worlds third-largest automaker, shut down the third shift at its Detroit Assembly Complex-Mack plant last Friday as it ramps up its Dare Forward 2030 global cost-cutting program. Stellantis claims the 2,455 layoffs are only temporary, but executives have repeatedly threatened to permanently slash jobs at the plant. A lot of people were crying here Friday, but most werent talking about it, a Mack worker told the WSWS. The third shift has been eliminated, so they are assigning people to new jobs. Workers say among those being let go were 750 supplementary (temporary) workers who have no recall rights despite being ostensibly represented by the United Auto Workers. Another 1,225 job cuts at Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, originally slated for Monday, have been postponed until February 19, workers told the WSWS. In an effort to sell its supposedly record labor agreement last November, UAW officials told workers the company would be adding a third shift at the plant and hiring more workers. The UAW claimed 1,100 supplemental employees, or SEs, at Toledo would be converted to full-time positions under the new agreement. Everyone at the job is talking, but all there is to go on are rumors, an SE told the WSWS. I am just waiting to see if I get a layoff notice. Every time you try to get information from the union, they tell you no one has the information. No one knows whats going on. But they are getting away with it. The 5,500 workers, who produce Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, struck for six weeks during UAW President Shawn Fains bogus stand-up strike last year, which kept two-thirds of the UAW membership on the job. Despite this effort to wear down their resistance, Toledo workers voted down the sellout agreement. Everyone on my team said while we were on strike that they would probably end up firing every SE, the worker said. On January 12, Stellantis fired 539 SEs in metro Detroit and Kokomo, Indiana, and cut off medical insurance a few weeks later. UAW officials admit the company plans to terminate another 1,600 company-wide in coming weeks and have made clear they will do nothing to oppose it. Under the terms of its deal with Stellantis, the UAW also agreed to the closure of 10 parts distribution centers and the Tipton Transmission Plant near Kokomo, Indiana. Tipton is likely to be the first of many transmission plants to be closed as Stellantis begins purchasing transmissions from Hyundai Transys, a subsidiary of South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group. The Jeep brand will be the first to install the Hyundai Transys transmissions, Maeil Business News Korea reported. Everyone is worried about the company buying transmissions from Hyundai, said a recently fired SE from the Indiana Transmission Plant, one of several Stellantis propulsion factories in the Kokomo, Indiana, area, which employ more than 3,600 UAW members. They fired us before we rolled over to cheat us out of our profit-sharing checks and higher pay, she said. In an interview on a local NBC News affiliate in Detroit Sunday, Fain repeated that the UAW labor agreements were the richest in our history. Asked about the mass firings of SEs, he replied these were driven by corporate greed not anything in the UAW contracts. You know we have a contract and were going to operate within the means of that contract, but we expect the company to take care of our members and were going to fight every step of the way for them. He must think we are stupid, said Hannah, who was recently fired along with another 170 SEs at the Warren Truck plant in suburban Detroit. These were premeditated. The UAW officials told us wed get rolled over and have job security if the contract passed. Now, Fain has endorsed Biden who wants these wars. That was the plan all along. Fain and Biden worked to push through this contract and cut our jobs, she said. Were out here looking for work and trying to keep our kids fed. If they can do this to SEs, they can do it to full-timers. We cant wait for the UAW bureaucrats to give us answers or protect our jobstheyve already decided which side theyre on. We need to build rank-and-file committees to overcome the union officials divide-and-conquer tactics, unite SEs and full-timers, hold mass demonstrations and take action to reinstate us and defend everyones job. On Sunday night, autoworkers joined an online meeting sponsored by the UPS Rank-and-File Committee and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to fight the recently announced 12,000 job cuts at UPS and unite workers across industries and across borders in defense of their jobs and livelihoods. Stellantis is accelerating its job-cutting campaign worldwide. Production is being reduced at its Mirafiori plant, in Turin, Italy, over the next two months due to weak market demand for its fully electric Fiat 500 small car and Maserati models, Reuters reported Monday. The production slowdown is on top of previously announced furloughs for about 2,250 workers from February 12 to March 3. The factory is being reduced to one eight-hour daily shift instead of two daily ones through March 30, except the week of February 12, when it will be totally closed. Officials from the FIOM CGIL union said 300-350 workers will be furloughed every week out of a total of around 1,250 workers making the electric Fiat 500 and a further 1,000 producing Maserati models. Stellantis is also cutting the jobs of 600 contract workers at its Mulhouse plant in eastern France, with a CFE-CGC union representative saying the company cited the wider geopolitical situation and its current price race against competitors regarding electric cars as reasons for the cuts, according to Reuters. Stellantis layoffs are part of a Europe-wide jobs massacre. VW is axing thousands of jobs to reduce costs by $11 billion. Bosch, the worlds largest automotive supplier, said 1,200 employers in its software and electronics division would be fired by the end of 2026. ZF Friedrichshafen, Germanys second-largest supplier, could slash 12,000 workers in a worst-case scenario by 2030, the Financial Times reported. On Monday, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann denied reports that the automaker was considering a merger with rival Renault, a move that would escalate the restructuring of the global industry and lead to tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more job cuts. On Sunday, the Italian daily Il Messaggero reported that the French government, which is Renaults largest shareholder and has a stake in Stellantis, was studying a merger plan between the two automakers to strengthen its grip on the sector and counter Chinese and German competition. Reuters reported that the merger discussion in the Italian media was fueled by Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares remarks in recent weeks predicting that the struggle to cut EV prices and gain market share, without sufficiently slashing labor costs, would lead to a bloodbath and race to the bottom in the global auto industry. Are you an autoworker? Fill out the form below to discuss joining the network of rank-and-file committees to fight the job cuts. As the US escalates the war in the Middle East by targeting Iran and Iranian-backed militia, Israel is preparing to widen its genocidal war in Gaza by attacking Hezbollah military forces in southern Lebanon and Syria. Such a conflict would likely extend the barbarity being inflicted on Gaza and dramatically inflame the situation throughout the region and internationally. Israeli soldiers fire a mobile howitzer in the north of Israel, near the border with Lebanon, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. [AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg] Fighting along Israels northern border has been underway for months since the eruption of the war in Gaza on October 7, including strikes by Israel and Hezbollah on virtually a daily basis. Israeli attacks have killed at least 177 Hezbollah fighters and 40 others, including 19 civilians, three of whom were journalists. Nine Israeli soldiers and reservists have been killed, along with six civilians. Some 76,000 civilians in Lebanon have been displaced by the conflict, as well as 80,000 Israelis. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant made a series of statements last week indicating that full-scale war is imminent. Amid negotiations over a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, he warned on Friday: If Hezbollah thinks that when theres a pause in fighting in the south, we will hold fire against it, its sorely mistaken. Speaking to Israeli troops, Gallant emphasised: I say here explicitly: Until we reach a situation in which its possible to restore security for residents of the north, we will not stop. Whether we reach this through a [diplomatic] arrangement or military means, we will [restore] calm. Earlier in last week, the defence minister told troops on Israels southern border with Gaza that forces close to you are leaving the field and moving towards the north, and preparing for what comes next. Gallant declared that they very soon will go into action. As it launched its onslaught on Gaza, the Israeli military boosted its presence in northern Israel. Tens of thousands of regular troops and some 60,000 reservists are deployed there already. The following day, Gallant declared again that the stage will come when our patience will run out. He warned that a forceful action to enforce peace on the northern border would impact the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Indicating the close involvement of the US in the war preparations, Gallant discussed tensions on the northern Israeli border with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last Thursday night. Over last weekend, Israeli officials held talks with US special envoy Amos Hochstein who has been sent to the Middle East ostensibly to negotiate a deal to prevent the outbreak of war in southern Lebanon. Hochstein is hardly a neutral arbiter: he was born in Israel and served in its armed forces. He was heavily involved in negotiating a deal in 2022 that demarcated a maritime border between Israel and Lebanon, but the undefined land border between the two countries is far more contentious. The Zionist regime is insisting that Hezbollah remove its forces beyond the Litani River, some 30 kilometres to the north of the current de facto line of demarcation established after Israeli troops left Lebanon in 2000. Israel points to UN Security Council resolution 1701 that followed Israels most recent invasion of Lebanon in 2006, which requires such a withdrawal. However, it has not been implemented. The resolutions clauses called for an end to Israels continued occupation of Lebanese lands and its repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Hezbollah dismissed proposals for its withdrawal to the north as unrealistic given that many of its fighters are from areas of southern Lebanon close to Israel. Last week, Hezbollah deputy secretary general Naim Qassem declared: The party is not interested in any discussion at present over Israeli demands regarding the southern front Our position is clear: an end to the war on Gaza will automatically close the Lebanese front. According to Israeli media, Hochstein, who met with Gallant on Saturday, floated a three-stage plan. It would start with a 10-kilometre withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the existing boundary, followed by an increased deployment of Lebanese army and UN forces to the area and the return of evacuated Lebanese and Israeli residents. Further talks demarcating a land border would then take place. Gallants response was hardly a fulsome embrace of the plan. A readout from his office said he was thankful for Hochsteins efforts, adding that Israel was ready to resolve this crisis via diplomatic understandings. At the same time, however, he warned, that we are also prepared for any other scenario, exactly what he has been preparing the Israeli military for. Moreover, the Biden administrations diplomatic peace moves in the Middle East are little more than window dressing. The US is dramatically expanding its wider war throughout the region in collaboration with Israel. Using the deaths of three US soldiers during a missile strike on an American base in Jordan as a pretext, Washington is targeting Iran and Iranian-backed militia. It has escalated attacks on Houthi forces in Yemen, conducted strikes in Syria and Iraq and has not ruled out hitting targets inside Iran. Israeli plans for a full-scale offensive against Hezbollah dovetail with the Biden administrations strategic aim in the Middle East to undermine and subordinate Iran. Hezbollah, a bourgeois Shiite clerical movement, is an ally of Iran and played a key role in propping up the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad against Islamist militias backed by the CIA, Israel, Turkey and the Gulf States. Its well-armed militia has long been regarded as an obstacle to US and Israeli ambitions in the region. While public attention has been focused on Israels genocidal war in Gaza, the conflict on its northern border has already assumed significant proportions, with Israeli strikes not only inside southern Lebanon but also on Hezbollah militia inside Syria. On Saturday, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari outlined the extent of its operations, showing video footage of the attacks. Instead of one brigade in peacetime, weve deployed three brigades, tens of thousands of soldiers. So far, weve struck over 150 terrorist cells, eliminating more than 200 terrorists and commanders. Weve targeted over 3,400 Hezbollah sites across southern Lebanon, a complex terrain with villages and settlements, he boasted. We are also targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Syria, having struck over 50 such targets spread across Syria, Hagari said. In a chilling sign of the widening Israeli-US conflict throughout the region, he warned: We will be wherever Hezbollah is found. What applies to Lebanon also applies to Syria and even further afield. Moreover, any US-backed Israeli offensive inside Lebanon, and potentially Syria, will not simply be a repeat of Israels previous illegal and brutal invasions. Rather just as it is conducting a barbaric war of extermination in Gaza, Israel will not only seek to destroy Hezbollahs military arm but its social base among the impoverished Shiite population of Lebanon, laying waste to whole areas of the country. The rapidly expanding US-led war in the Middle East is part and parcel of the emerging global conflict involving Washingtons war against Russia in Ukraine and advanced military preparations targeting China. Only by building a unified anti-war movement of the international working class, based on a socialist perspective, can the plunge toward a catastrophic world war between nuclear-armed powers be prevented. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka continues to receive copies of protest letters sent by workers, youth, academics and their organisations around the world condemning the violent attack on two SEP members by pro-government thugs. Dehin Wasantha presenting resolution in support of victimised Ceylon Electricity Board workers at Colombo public meeting, 1 February, 2024. Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando were physically assaulted at the University of Moratuwa on November 30 by Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardenathe president and secretary of the Moratuwa university branch of Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS), which is affiliated to the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna. Wasantha has been a university non-academic worker for more than two decades and is a well-known fighter for workers rights and socialism. Fernando is a full-time SEP party worker. They were campaigning with other party members near the back gate of the university for the SEP public meetings on the Centenary of Trotskyism addressed by Joseph Kishore, national secretary of the SEP (US). They were attacked with long wooden clubs causing serious injuries. Wasantha suffered two fractured fingers and was forced to take almost one months medical leave because his fingers took a long time to heal. Lakshman was badly bruised and left with a neck injury. When the case on the violent attack was brought before a judge at the Magistrate Court in Moratuwa on January 8, the magistrate ordered the case to be referred to a mandatory Mediation Board. The case will be recalled on May 20. As Perera and Piyawardena were not present when the Mediation Board took the case on January 20, the board decided to reconvene the case on February 3. They were present at the boards hearing last week and opted for a settlement. Wasantha categorically stated that he was not ready to accept a settlement and so the board directed both parties to be present at the courts on May 20. Scores of letters from around the world have been sent to Sri Lankan authorities in response to the campaign launched by the SEP and its sister parties of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI). The letters call for the defence of Wasantha and Fernando and SEPs democratic rights and demand maximum legal action against those who carried out the thug attack. We are publishing here two protest letters sent by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in the US. The first one was sent late last year. The IYSSE in the US: To Attorney General, Mr. Sanjay Rajaratnam and Professor N.D. Gunwaedena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa The IYSSE in the US condemns in the sharpest terms the attack by Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, who play a leading role in the Peoples Progressive Employees Union (PPSS), against members of the Socialist Equality Party in Sri Lanka. We are in full solidarity with the demand by the SEP in Sri Lanka that these right-wing union thugswho have close ties to the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) partybe punished with the full extent of the law. We also hope for the speedy recovery of all our comrades. The assault and extreme leniency by police towards the assailants are clearly politically motivated. They are aimed at suppressing and intimidating not only our comrades, but the entire working class under conditions of an extraordinary crisis of the Sri Lankan ruling class. The union thugs are part of goon squads which also operate in many workplaces to intimidate opposition among workers. Our comrades were attacked as they distributed leaflets promoting an upcoming meeting on the centenary of Trotskyism with SEP (US) national secretary Joseph Kishore near the Moratuwa University campus. The meeting connected the history and principles of Trotskyism to the fight against the eruption of imperialist violence around the globe, from the NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine to Israels genocide in Gaza. The crisis-ridden SLPP government is fully backing the imperialist-funded genocide of the Palestinian people, while imposing savage austerity measures on the working population of Sri Lanka. The past two years have seen the emergence of mass social struggles on the island. In 2022, the SLPP regime of Gotabaya Rajapakse was ousted by a massive uprising of millions of workers, peasants and youth. The SEP (Sri Lanka) has been the only tendency that has upheld the complete independence of the working class from the SLPP and all other factions of the bourgeoisie. When the SEP (Sri Lanka) was invited to talks to reach all-party agreements, our comrades rejected the invitation and denounced the talks as an attempt to save capitalism in Sri Lanka. This principled decision was based on the lessons of the 1964 Great Betrayal of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) which, having capitulated to Pabloism, entered the bourgeois government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The LSSPs actions, which were falsely associated with Trotskyism, disoriented the Sri Lankan working class and oppressed masses and laid the groundwork for the suppression of Sri Lankas Tamil population and the decades-long Sri Lankan Civil War. The International Committee of the Fourth International and its Sri Lankan section have developed their work over more than half a century, based on the lessons of this historic betrayal and fought for the unity of the Tamil, Sinhala and international working class. As a result, the Trotskyist movement enjoys significant support and authority among the masses on that basis. In 2018, when David North, the chairperson of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party (US), spoke in Sri Lanka on the 80th anniversary of the Fourth International, his lectures were very well attended by both Tamil and Sinhala workers, and he was interviewed on Radio Sri Lanka. The attempts of the PPSS and SLPP to intimidate our comrades, workers and young people with cowardly acts of violence will fail. The past few months have seen the emergence of a mass movement by millions of workers and young people against the genocide in Gaza. The great historical questions of the 20th centuryfascism, imperialist barbarism, and social inequalityare again posed in the sharpest terms and the revolutionary and internationalist principles that the Trotskyist movement has fought for over the past century will find a powerful hearing among in the working class, youth and oppressed masses in Sri Lanka, throughout Asia and the world. We call upon workers and youth: If you are in the US, join the campaign to defend the SEP in Sri Lanka by sending messages to oppose the attacks to Attorney General, Mr. Sanjay Rajaratnam (agdurgentmotions@gmail.com) and Senior Professor N.D. Gunwaedena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa (vc@uom.lk or ndg@uom.lk) with cc to the SEP in Sri Lanka (wswscmb@sltnet.lk). If you are in Sri Lanka, make plans to attend the meetings with Joseph Kishore and fight to build the SEP and IYSSE in Sri Lanka. Sincerely, The International Youth and Students for Social Equality in the United States IYSSE branch in Austin, Texas To the authorities whom it may concern: On Thursday November 30, two members of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, were violently attacked at Moratuwa University while campaigning for a meeting on the centenary of the founding of the Trotskyist movement. The perpetrators were Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, the president and secretary, respectively, of the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS) or Peoples Progressive Employees Union branch in Moratuwa University. The attack landed both of the members in the hospital, with Wasantha seriously injured. As the President of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality branch in Austin, Texas USA, I am writing today to express my deepest opposition to the wanton attack on the physical persons of our members and on the democratic right of students and young people to participate in democratic discourse. Anything short of the application of the full force of the law against the perpetrators sets a dangerous precedent which would embolden the thuggish elements behind the attack. Students and young people around the world should and do agree on this point. The Trotskyist movement in particular is no stranger to such provocations, including by the self-same individuals who assaulted our members in this incident. This is but another expression of the lack of a solution to the crisis of capitalist society that the trade unions and the political forces that they represent have to offer the masses. The logic of their violence is dictatorship. In the United States and other Western countries, protests against the genocide in Gaza are being slandered as antisemitic and as terroristic, in many cases being illegalized. Meanwhile, the trade unions have failed to mount a strike to halt weapons shipments to Israel, let alone staunch the flow of money to the Zionist state. The attack on our members is a concurrent manifestation of a global trend towards dictatorship which we will steadfastly oppose. The Austin International Youth and Students for Social Equality calls for the most stringent punishment permitted by law against the assailants. It denounces the attack on its comrades and demands that their physical safety be ensured in the future. The maxim of an injustice to anyone anywhere is an injustice to everyone everywhere very much applies here. This is a question of the democratic rights of workers and youth around the world. The renewed rampage of imperialism across the globe has bound together ever more closely the struggle for democratic rights and against exploitation in each and every country. For this reason, the attack is of the utmost importance to students in the US and other countries. We demand that our fundamental rights be upheld. Cordially, Josh Andrews * * * * The SEP is calling on all those who are concerned to defend democratic rights of freedom of expression to register their opposition by sending protest letters to the following addresses of relevant authorities with copies to the SEP (wswscmb@sltnet.lk). Senior Professor N.D. Gunawardena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa Email: vc@uom.lk or ndg@uom.lk Attorney General, Mr. Sanjay Rajaratnam Email: agdurgentmotions@gmail.com A frenzy of anti-immigrant hatred is being whipped up by the authorities in New York City and state. Both Democratic and Republican politicians, as well as major media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, have seized on the January 27 altercation between two New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and several asylum seekers to call for the expulsion of asylum seekers and harder sentencing and bail restrictions on those accused of crimes. The incident took place in front of a homeless shelter for asylum seekers on West 42nd Street in Manhattan. All of the migrants were apparently from Venezuela. A video, which is being run nonstop on the Internet, broken into two discontinuous parts, shows in one segment the NYPD officers dispersing a group of migrants. The second segment shows the two officers wrestling one person to the ground as several other people around the cops kick them and attempt to pull them off the person they are holding down. Of the six migrants arrested, five were released without bail and onewho was being manhandled by policewas released on $15,000 bail. Had bail been asked and not met, the migrants would have been held in the hellhole of Rikers Island. Allegedly four of the defendants have fled to California, and both police and the District Attorneys office claim that not all of those suspected of the crime have been apprehended. New York County District Attorney Alvin Braggwhose office has brought Donald Trump to trial in the Stormey Daniels hush-money case and prosecuted the fraud case of Trumps fascist henchman, Steve Bannonhas said that there was a case of mistaken identity of those arrested and that his office did not feel there was a danger of flight. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg arrives at his office, Friday, March 24, 2023, in New York. [AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez] But Bragg has now come under considerable criticism by the police, media and politicians for his actions, not only from the usual far-right suspects including former Republican candidate Lee Zeldin and former Republican candidate for mayor, vigilante Curtis Sliwa, but from Democrats as well. Both candidates for the congressional seat in Long Island of expelled former Representative George Santos proclaimed their anti-immigrant credentials. Democrat Tom Suozzi said, Those guys that beat up the New York City police officers, they should be deported immediately. They should be thrown out of the country. His opponent, Republican Mazi Pilip, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said to the New York Post in an interview, They attacked our police officers. We should absolutely send them back. On Sunday, apparently referring to Bragg, the Democratic former governor of New York, David Paterson, told radio host and right-wing billionaire John Catsimatidis, Maybe this is the right case for people to really start standing up and demanding more accountability from our government. Paterson also effectively criminalized every single immigrant by adding that these were people from other countries, and you dont even know what their [criminal] records are in those countries. One ranking NYPD officer, John Chell, Chief of Patrol , told an NYPD function in widely publicized remarks, They should be sitting in Rikers right now, on bail. He added, You want to know why our cops are getting assaulted? There are no consequences. It is unusual for a high-ranking police officer to criticize a District Attorney. It is also a farce. During the most recent weeks, NYPD has been busy arresting protesters against the genocide in Gaza and ignoring the chemical attacks on Columbia University students by former IDF soldiers. More generally, it has a foul record of stop-and-frisk and a policy of shoot first and ask questions later for minority youth and the mentally ill. Few cops have even been investigated, let alone prosecuted. Chell himself is a case in point of the level of NYPD hypocrisy. As was exposed by the Daily Beast in 2022, in 2008 Chell shot and killed Ortanzso Bovell, a 25-year-old black man, and was never charged with a crime. The NYPD has been at pains to deny rumors on social media of an NYPD officers protest over the handling of the incident. On Wednesday the Democratic governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, in response to a reporters question, also implicitly blamed Bragg by saying regarding the incident, Its wrong on all accounts and Im looking to judges and prosecutors to do the right thing. The next day she proclaimed in a press conference, referring to the accused asylum seekers, Get them all and send them back, and added, You dont touch our police officers. Significantly, on Saturday the Wall Street Journal, the voice of the American financial aristocracy, published an editorial in its print edition that called on Hochul to fire Bragg. It reprinted chauvinist bile from the New York Post with quotes from supposed bystanders who depicted the immigrants as a criminal class and police as helpless to maintain order because of recent bail reform laws. The editorial attacked Hochul for saying that she would not meddle with Bragg because, Im not prepared to undo the will of the people. Bragg was elected to office in Manhattan, which constitutes New York County, in 2022. Now it seems that the Wall Street Journal thinks it is time to undo the will of the people. Bragg got the message. On Sunday his office emailed a statement to the media that he was impaneling a grand jury to investigate the alleged attack. The email was sent along with a joint statement of Bragg and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, that said: It is clear from video and other evidence that some of the most culpable individuals have not yet been identified or arrested. Caban added, We will work tirelessly with the office of the Manhattan district attorney to identify and arrest every person who participated in this event. The reaction by the authorities to what cannot even be called a brawl, marks an escalation of attacks on immigrants in New York and nationally. The language of the New York Times in one of its recent articles on the incident is indicative of an intensified attack on immigrants across the capitalist political spectrum when it refers to [m]any New Yorkers declining patience with footing the bill for the care of the nearly 70,000 migrants housed in city shelters. The New Yorkers that the Times is referring to here are not only the fascist-minded Republican politicians but the citys right-wing Democratic mayor and former NYPD captain, Eric Adams, who has been ratcheting up anti-immigrant slander for months, claiming at one point that migrants were destroying New York. Adams attacks on asylum seekers in New York are not only verbal. Without doubt much of the fear and anger that asylum seekers hold toward the NYPD is the cops constant confiscation of their eBikes, which many of them use to earn a living as delivery people. Last year, Adams changed the citys right-to-shelter law by mandating that families must leave city shelters after 60 days. Single adults were limited to a stay of 30 days. This forced 1,600 families out in the cold beginning on January 9 and has created a permanent need to reapply for a space without any guarantee that one will be found. Budget cuts to the Department of Education have made it impossible for schools to meet the needs of immigrant students who have now entered the public school system. One educator in a recent article in Chalkbeat noted the dire need for more social workers. The role of the Democrats in New York in stoking the anti-migrant policy is directly related to the Biden administrations embrace of the Republican far-rights program on border security in return for funding to fuel war in Ukraine. This is not simply political horse trading, however, but a marked shift of the Democrats to the right. On Sunday, Hochuls office responded to the complaint of nine Republican New York members of Congress that Hochul had not joined 25 other governors in supporting Texas Governor Greg Abbotts measures to close the US-Mexican border. In response, State Director of Operations Kathryn Garcia wrote to the Republican lawmakers that they have taken no action to help address this national crisis, and in fact waited until this past week to even reach out to our Administration and express your concerns. Hochuls office did not condemn the New York state Republicans for offering aid to the fascist Republican governors, all of whom are attempting to implement Trumps border policy, by supporting Abbott in undermining federal authority but instead condemned them for taking no action to address the national crisis of immigration. The whole Democratic establishment engages in anti-immigrant scaremongering, even if its rhetoric differs from that of Trump. Its line is now: The immigrants disobey the law. They assault the forces of the state. They are a drain on our resources. They are the real problem, not declining wages, rising living costs, the rapid erosion of democratic rights or, most of all, the beginning of world war. In fact, nationalist bile against foreigners is an essential ingredient for a ruling class preparing its population for total war. The American ruling class, led by the Biden administration, cannot simply fund the genocide in Gaza, bomb several Middle Eastern countries, prepare for war against Iran, advance its proxies against Russia and prepare all-out war against China without whipping up a xenophobic frenzy. It has begun to do so with the one of poorest and most vulnerable layers of the population. Hans-Georg Maassen in 2023 [Photo by Elekes Andor / wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 Germanys main domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz), revealed last week that it is pursuing its former boss, Hans-Georg Maassen, as a right-wing extremist suspect. The agency has been forced to admit that it was led by a right-wing extremist for eight years. The claim being made that Maassen only became a right-wing radical in recent years is nothing but a deceitful alibi. He was always a right-wing extremist, and that was common knowledge. In fact, his rise to the top of the secret service proves that fascist cliques are being systematically promoted and protected within the state apparatus. Maassen himself has confirmed on his website that he is being monitored by the domestic intelligence service, after it was reported by public broadcaster ARDs political magazine Kontraste. The written statement from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution on Maassen cites exclusively from statements that he made publicly and that leave no doubt about his right-wing extremist and fascist views. For example, an article by Maassen from the Swiss Weltwoche is cited, in which he claims that Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (both Social Democrats, SPD) are aiming to bring about the collapse of German society with their refugee and migration policies in order to build a neo-socialist social system on its ruins. He equated the influx of migrants with cancer, which must be combated with chemotherapy. Maassen founded a new party in January with the Values Union, which previously worked within the Christian Democrats (CDU). He has declared his willingness to form coalitions with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and could help the fascist party to power, especially in East German federal states. Representatives of the Values Union participated in the notorious meeting of AfD representatives and other right-wing extremists in a Potsdam villa, which planned the deportation of millions of people with an immigrant background. As head of the Immigration Project Group at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Maassen advocated an extremely restrictive refugee policy and ensured that Murat Kurnaz, who was born and raised in Bremen, was detained in the Guantanamo Bay detention center for five years despite being innocent. In 2012, Maassen was appointed head of the Verfassungsschutz in order to cover up the spy agencys close ties with the right-wing terrorist National Socialist Underground (NSU) and to maintain the fascist network that was responsible for the murder of at least nine migrants and one policewoman. After the AfD was founded, it could rely on the support of Maassen and his agency. Maassen demonstrably met several times with the AfDs then-Chairperson Frauke Petri, her successor Alexander Gauland and at least one representative of the fascist wing. He discussed with them, among other things, reports issued by the intelligence agency. While he connected the intelligence agency more closely to the far-right milieu, he attacked anyone who stood in the way of the political right. In 2018, Maassen ordered the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP, Socialist Equality Party) to be included in the Verfassungsschutz report as a left-wing extremist organisation and therefore exposed to intelligence surveillance. As a justification, the Verfassungsschutz stated that the party was against alleged nationalism, imperialism and militarism and denigrated capitalism. The SGP filed a lawsuit against this decision and demonstrated thereby that the Federal Government is directly reviving the traditions of Bismarcks ban on the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the persecution of Social Democrats and Communists under Hitler: Now the Grand Coalition and its secret service are preparing a third edition of the anti-socialist laws, the SGP wrote. They are adopting the Alternative for Germanys (AfD) policies, and threatening anyone who criticises this right-wing extremist party with prohibition. This was precisely the reason why Maassen was appointed to head the domestic intelligence agency. It was aimed at strengthening right-wing networks and illegalising Marxism. He was forced to resign only after public outrage erupted because he defended right-wing extremist rampages against migrants and Jews in the city of Chemnitz in 2018 and raved about left-wing radical forces in the SPD. Maassens removal did not change the anti-democratic agenda of the agency in the slightest. The right-wing extremist networks he covered up remained intact, and hundreds of employees he hired during his tenure remained at their posts. Thomas Haldenwang, who had previously worked closely with Maassen for five years as vice president of the Verfassungsschutz, was appointed as the new head. The SGP remained under intelligence surveillance, and the attacks were extended to other left-wing forces, such as the climate change protest group Ende Gelande and the daily newspaper Junge Welt. The continuity at the domestic intelligence agency proves that the issue is not merely an individual but the political agenda of the ruling class. This is why Maassen was supported by all political parties. It was SPD Interior Minister Otto Schily who appointed him head of the Immigration Project Group in 2001. The CDU, Christian Social Union and Free Democrats (FDP) combined to make him head of the Verfassungsschutz. The Left Party also maintained close contact with him and even invited him to a public meeting in 2013. The SGP is in the crosshairs of this political conspiracy because it uncovered the right-wing networks at the highest levels of the German political establishment and demonstrated how the ruling class in Germany is once again reviving its fascist traditions. The AfD was systematically built up, and its right-wing extremist refugee, war and domestic policies were implemented by the governments of Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz. In the book Why Are They Back?, which examines the return of fascism in Germany, we explained: If the ruling elites conspiracy in 1933 was based on an existing fascist movement, today the opposite is true. The rise of the AfD is the product of such a conspiracy. It cannot be understood without examining the role of the government, the state apparatus, the parties, the media and the ideologues in the universities that pave the way for it. The book deals in particular with how the atrocities of the Nazis are being trivialised at German universities in order to make right-wing extremist positions acceptable and to cleanse German militarism of its historic crimes so as to revive the goals [of German imperialism] of two world wars. When we criticized Humboldt Professor Jorg Baberowski for declaring in Der Spiegel that Hitler was not vicious and that the Holocaust was essentially the same as mass shootings during the Russian civil war, representatives of all parliamentary parties and most media outlets jumped to the side of the far-right professor. When dozens of student councils and thousands of students adopted the SGPs criticism and protested against right-wing extremist doctrine, the secret service intervened and put the SGP on the list of extremist organizations. The Maassen case shows how correct our assessment was. The right-wing extremist terrorist networks in the state apparatus and the fascist AfD are not foreign bodies in an otherwise healthy organism, but the worst symptoms of a terminally sick system. As in the first half of the 20th century, capitalism leads to extreme forms of inequality and increasingly brutal imperialist wars. This is evident in the NATO war against Russia and Israels genocide against the Palestinians. The German ruling class is once again playing a particularly aggressive role in the global eruption of imperalist war. It is openly preparing for a direct war against Russia and is massively rearming the military to make Germany able to wage war again. In refugee policy, too, the programme of the extreme right has long been government policy. As recently as 18 January, the Bundestag, with the votes of the governing SPD, Green, and FDP coalition parties, passed the so-called Repatriation Improvement Act, which lays the basis for the mass deportation of refugees. This ruthless policy can only be enforced with the methods of dictatorship and fascism against the enormous opposition of the population. That is why the far right is strengthened and courted by all partiesnot only in Germany, but all over the world. Everywhere, the ruling class is turning to dictatorial forms of rule. But resistance to this is also growing all over the world. The mass demonstrations that have been taking place against the AfD for weeks show how great the opposition to the return of fascism and war is in Germany. But they also pose the question of political perspective in the most urgent possible terms. In the struggle against the fascist right, no trust can be placed in the bourgeois state apparatus and the parties that defend it and capitalism and court the right. Only an international movement of the working class against capitalism can stop war and fascism. Last weekend, for the 17th consecutive week, thousands joined protests across New Zealand against Israels genocidal war on Gaza. They also denounced the National Party-led governments participation in the US-led bombing of Yemenwhich is being done to stop Yemens Houthi militants from disrupting shipments that are supplying Israels war machine. Last week, after nearly four months of bombing followed by a ground invasion, the World Health Organization stated that more than 100,000 people in the Gaza Strip were either dead, missing or injured. Hundreds of thousands more are malnourished, with many experiencing starvation, and perhaps three quarters of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced. Protesters in Nelson, New Zealand on February 3 [Photo: Te Tau Ihu Palestine Solidarity/Facebook] Rallies took place in more than a dozen cities and towns including Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Nelson. Most of these events were held without any media coverage. There is likewise a blackout on the mass protests taking place internationally, involving millions of people. In Auckland, about 150 demonstrated outside the Britomart train station. According to one report, Pacific Islanders were prominent at the event, carrying flags from Tonga, West Papua and Fiji. The protests were held ahead of New Zealands February 6 national day, Waitangi Day. Many speeches drew parallels between the colonisation of New Zealand in the nineteenth century, which dispossessed indigenous Maori of their land, and the oppression and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by the Zionist state. At the Dunedin event, attended by about 200 people, Palestinian refugee and activist Rinad Tamimi said: Dont let them tell you that this is about religion, or about race, or about colour, or even about Hamas. Its always been about the land, its always been about greed and power. She urged the protesters to keep fighting, stating: We will not stop until Palestine is free. A ceasefire isnt enough; we need a cease-genocide, a cease-occupation, a cease-apartheid. We need justice for everyone, from the river to the sea. Part of the Gaza genocide protest in Dunedin, New Zealand on February 3, 2024. Another Palestinian speaker, Dr Rula Talahma, pointed out that the Israel Defence Forces were now preparing an assault on Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of people have fled from the destruction in the north. We will lose more innocent people as Israel attacks the Rafah border crossing and no-one is there to stop yet another massacre, she said. In the first three weeks of the war, Israeli forces killed 21 members of Dr Talahmas family, according to an article in the New Zealand Herald in November. She listed the atrocities committed against people in both Gaza and the West Bank. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians, refugee camps, places of worship, and UN facilities. Summary executions, destructions and desecrations of cemeteries, mosques, churches, cultural and historic sites, collective punishment, attacks and violations on all medical facilities, forced evacuations, use of white phosphorus on civilians, murdering people who surrendered, Israels use of human shields, abuse and humiliation of detainees, targeting of journalists, and genocide. The government has refused to condemn Israel and continues to describe its genocide as self-defence against Hamas. Six New Zealand troops have been sent to assist in bombing Yemen, as the US spreads war across the Middle East, targeting groups that are allied with Iran. In addition, New Zealand has joined the US and about 10 other countries in stopping its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after allegations that a handful of people employed by the agency in Gaza joined the Hamas operation on October 7. This criminal decision is aimed at assisting Israels blockade and deliberate starvation of the population of Gaza. More than 150 UNRWA employees have been murdered by the Israeli regime, which has called for the agency to be abolished. Speaking in parliament on January 31, Luxon falsely declared that a preliminary ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had found that there wasnt a plausible risk that Israel was committing genocide. The far-right ACT Party leader David Seymour, a minister in the coalition government, denounced what he called the casual, lazy misuse of a word as important as genocide, which he claimed was not happening in Gaza. Luxon was later forced to issue a correction, telling parliament that the court found that there is a plausible case that Israels conduct in Gaza may breach its obligations under the genocide convention. The New Zealand media is also seeking to distort the facts in support of the Netanyahu regime. On January 28, Radio NZ, the state-owned broadcaster, falsely reported that the ICJ had found Israel not guilty of genocide. After an outraged response from members of the public, Radio NZ published a correction, stating that the court did not make a specific ruling on whether genocide had occurred, but said there was a plausible case against Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The mistake follows a pattern of downplaying Israels atrocities. In an email to Radio NZ staffleaked on February 2 and widely circulated on social mediathe organisations chief news officer Mark Stevens advised them to take care when using contested definitions, for example around genocide in reporting. On at least one occasion, the word genocide was censored from an interview with a New Zealand Palestinian activist. The opposition Labour Party and the Greens, for their part, have spoken in support of the genocide case against Israel taken to the ICJ by South Africa. When it was still the government, however, until late November, Labour refused to condemn Israels atrocities, instead legitimising and defending them. The Greens and pseudo-left groups, which have been prominent at several of the Gaza rallies, promote illusions that pressure can be brought to bear on Labour and the National-led government to change course and take a stand against war and genocide. This is completely false. The Luxon government is proceeding in lockstep behind Washington and Tel Aviv, and Labour would be doing the same if it had been returned to office. National and Labour both support major increases to military spendingpaid for with cuts to social spendingin order to take the country into what is developing into a Third World War, in the Middle East, against Russia, and against China. The Ardern Labour government sent more than a hundred NZ troops to Britain to help train Ukrainian conscripts for the US-NATO war with Russia. Workers and youth who are joining the anti-war protests must adopt a socialist perspective, based on the understanding that New Zealand is a minor imperialist power, whose ruling class is determined to profit from the redivision of the world as part of the US-led alliance. It is not possible to fight against Israels genocide without the struggle to unify the international working class in a revolutionary offensive aimed at abolishing capitalism, which is the source of war, fascism and colonial oppression, and to establish a socialist system on a world scale. Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of people once again took to the streets against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the shift to the right in official politics. In Berlin alone, up to 300,000 demonstrated in front of the Bundestag (federal parliament), so that the protest flooded the entire government district, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Chancellery and beyond. In total, rallies were held in many hundreds of cities. According to the organisers, there were around 30,000 participants in Augsburg, Freiburg, and Dresden; 20,000 in Bremen; 15,000 in Krefeld and 10,000 each in Hanover and Kassel. Some 4,000 took part in counter-protests in Simmern, with a population of 8,000, where AfD leader Alice Weidel appeared at a citizens dialogue. Mass demonstration against the AfD and right-wing politics in front of the Bundestag. The numbers range from 150,000 to 300,000. Berlin, 3 February 2024 Photo: WSWS][ The wave of protests continues unabated into its fourth week. The fact that millions of people keep taking to the streets shows how hated the far right is and that they only see their anger articulated through ongoing demonstrations. This demonstrates how deeply rooted the opposition to fascism and war is in the consciousness of the masses. Objectively speaking, the protests are therefore not only directed against the AfD, but against the right-wing policies of all the parties in the Bundestag that are putting the AfDs programme into practice. In addition to numerous handmade banners against the AfD, or slogans such as Human rights instead of right-wing people, the governments deportation policy and the general shift to the right were also repeatedly denounced, with slogans such as Organised misanthropy has many faces and All together against the shift to the right. However, the demonstrations were contradictory. The organisers often consisted of pro-government organisations that have attempted to put a stop to the protests and suppress criticism of the coalition governments pro-war and mass deportation policies. With few exceptions, the speakers at the rallies were representatives of the establishment parties or their youth organisations, trade unions, churches and universities. They invoked democracy and anti-fascism but remained silent about the role being played by the governmenta coalition of the Social Democrats (SPD), Liberal Democrats (FDP) and Greensand the growth of outrageous social inequality in Germany, which is no longer compatible with democratic conditions. In Dresden, 30,000 demonstrate against the AfD, Saturday, 3 February 2024 Photo: WSWS][ In Dresden, where, according to the organisers, a total of 30,000 gathered on Theaterplatz in front of the Semper Opera House, several speakers tried to distract attention from the capitalist reality with fine words about democracy and tolerance. At the same time, they made clear what sort of reactionary programme they support. For example, Dirk Rohrborn, chairman of the Executive Board of the Silicon Saxony industry association, called for more job and social cuts in the name of democracy. He said: Unfortunately, politicians often lack the courage to tell the truth: that it will not be easy, that there cannot be compensation from the state for every loss, and that we will have to continue to work hard in the future to earn our prosperity. Rohrborn also summed up the organisers consensus on militarism and armament: So what does the economy need? It needs trust, it needs investors who invest billions here and it needs planning security. This trust was not only based on democracy, he said, but on a reliable administration, security, unfortunately also military security, and the freedom that we enjoy as part of Europe. 30,000 demonstrate in Augsburg against the right and the AfD, 3 February 2024 [Photo: WSWS] In Berlin, the slogan We are the firewall and the human chain around the Bundestag were designed to fuel illusions in the same bourgeois parliament and the same parties that are implementing the AfDs policies. It was only on January 18 that the Bundestag passed the so-called Repatriation Improvement Act, which makes it possible to tear people who have been living in Germany for years out of their beds at night without warning, detain them and forcibly deport them. A few days ago, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil called for the planned mass deportations to be carried out more quickly. All parties in the Bundestag are supporting the genocide in Gaza in order to enforce Germanys great power interests in the region. Numerous bourgeois and government politicians mingled with the crowd in Berlin, including SPD Chairwoman Saskia Esken, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus (Greens), and were interviewed by the bourgeois media. The contradiction became clear to many participants when Reporters Without Borders and several representatives of immigrant and anti-fascist initiatives also had their say in addition to the speeches by the Protestant Church, the main union umbrella organisation DGB, the Left Party parliamentarian Ferat Kocak and the Green politician Luisa Neubauer. These included the Association of the Persecuted of the Nazi RegimeFederation of Antifascists (VVN-BdA) and the 19th February Initiative, which was founded after the racist murders in Hanau four years ago. These speakers received special applause and attention. A contribution that condemned the war crimes of the Netanyahu government in the Gaza Strip and made it clear that such criticism has nothing to do with antisemitism, was followed particularly closely. Speaking to reporters from the WSWS, participants agreed that the fight against the AfD must also be a fight against the government, which is increasingly embracing AfD policies. One demonstrator remarked that the deportation policy is constantly being tightened, And thats complete rubbish. There needs to be a class struggle like there hasnt been for a long time. Another declared that she would immediately support a class struggle against capitalism. Many of those taking to the streets against the AfD understood the social dimensions of this struggle. Tanja and Gesina, two participants in Berlin, answered the question of how the ground was being prepared for the right: Through a very anti-social society! We dont live in a social society. The distribution of wealth is simply so unfair, Tanja said. They reported that they had just seen another young homeless person under an archway: There are so many issues that we need to tackle, and I think we can only do that if we take at least a little bit away from the super-rich. Many people also saw the connection between the fight against fascism and the fight against the genocide in Gaza when it comes to the issue of Palestine. One young woman carried a sign that read: Jews against the AfD and Zionism: for a free Palestine, while another read: Israel is an ultra-right-wing government. And thats why its so important for me to speak out in favour of Palestine! The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) also participated in the demonstrations with its own placards against the genocide in Gaza and explained how the fight against fascism could only succeed as an international movement of the working class against capitalism. The SGP members and supporters were able to collect hundreds of signatures in favour of the partys participation in the European elections in June. The SGP statement, How can the AfD be defeated? reads: The AfD is not a foreign body in an otherwise healthy organism, but the worst symptom of a thoroughly sick system. Just like 90 years ago, the deepening capitalist crisis is once again leading to fascism and war. On Sunday evening, senators from both parties unveiled the $118 billion Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. The 370-page war package has the support of the White House and leading senators of both parties in the Democratic-controlled Senate. It combines billions in funding for the US imperialist-led proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, the US/Israel genocide in Gaza and Washingtons widening Middle East war targeting Iran, and US preparations for war in the South China Sea, while greatly expanding the US border police and gutting migrants right to asylum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walks with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., during a visit to Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. [AP Photo/Susan Walsh] Despite the right-wing character of the bill, it is unclear if it will become law, as likely Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson have repeatedly stated their opposition. Johnson called the bill dead on arrival, while Trump denounced it as a highly sophisticated trap on his social media network Monday morning. The bill concretely outlines the top priorities of the Biden White House, the Democratic Party and large sections of the Republican Party. The dominant concern of the White House is expressed in the $60 billion-plus the bill earmarks for military equipment to Ukraine to continue the US-NATO war against Russia. In a bid to secure Republican support for the war package, Biden and the Democrats have agreed to greatly expand the federal border police, including Customs and Border Protection (CPB), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS), to the tune of $20 billion. Since last October, fascistic Republicans have refused to consider funding for Ukraine unless it is paired with savage attacks on immigrants that would all but eliminate the right to claim asylum in the US. After the text of the bill began to leak, President Joe Biden released a statement demanding its immediate passage by Congress. Adapting to the Republicans fascistic invasion narrative, Biden hailed the bill as the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades, which would grant him, and whoever comes after him, a new emergency authority to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed. The proposed bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to declare an emergency if the number of people attempting to cross into the US exceeds 5,000 per day averaged over seven days, or 8,500 on a single day. Once a shutdown was declared, border police could turn away virtually anyone without even processing him or her. Immigrants who attempted to cross twice during a shutdown would be subject to a yearlong ban from the US. During a shutdown only 1,400 asylum seekers would be processed a day. In his statement, Biden noted that the bill provided funding for more border patrol agents, immigration judges, asylum officers, and cutting-edge inspection machines This includes $170 million for autonomous surveillance tower systems and $47.5 million for mobile video surveillance systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems. The bill does not include a pathway to citizenship for Dreamersthe nearly 3 million undocumented migrants who were brought to the US as children. For over a decade, dreamers have been forced to pay a fee and submit personal information to the immigration agencies every two years in order to stay in the US, despite the fact many of them have no memory of anything outside the US. Instead of expanding citizenship, the bill greatly expands the surveillance and detention of migrants within the country as their claims are processed. At least $3.2 billion is earmarked just to ICE for detaining immigrants. Young minors lie inside a pod at the Donna holding facility, the main detention center for unaccompanied children in the Rio Grande Valley run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in Donna, Texas, March 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, Pool) Campaigning in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, Biden implored Republicans to seriously consider the bill. We dont have enough agents, we dont have enough folks, judges We need help, why wont they give me the help? The anti-immigrant provisions in the bill are so draconian that even Brandon Judd, the fascistic head of the Border Patrol union, who has already endorsed Trump for president, released a statement in support of the bill. The Border Act of 2024 will give U.S. Border Patrol agents authorities, codified in law, that we have not had in the past, Judd wrote. This will allow us to remove single adults expeditiously and without a lengthy judicial review. While not perfect, Judd added, the Border Act of 2024 is a step in the right direction and is far better than the current status quo. This is why the National Border Patrol Council endorses this bill and hopes for its quick passage, Judd concluded. While Trump-loving border police are hailing the bill, Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, wrote, This bill is not worth the incredible price it would exactmore families separated, more children detained, and more people sent back to face persecution, torture, and even death. Similarly, Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, wrote in a statement that lawmakers had crafted a giveaway to the most extreme, anti-immigrant and racist members of Congress. Salas added that the bill would severely diminish asylum rights, assign billions of dollars to an already robust deportation machine, and deny due process to people fleeing harm. The irony is that a proposal that aims to gut asylum law is embedded in a bill to fund armed conflicts. In furtherance of the genocide in Gaza, the bill provides $14 billion to Israel, including over $5 billion for the Iron Dome, Davids Sling and Iron Beam missile systems. Even as hundreds of thousands of people, mostly children, are starving in Gaza, as the WSWS reported yesterday, the bill explicitly prohibits any funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which provides aid to some 5.9 million Palestinians not only in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, but in Jordan and Lebanon as well. The US, followed by nearly a dozen of its allies, cut funding to the agency based on unverified Israeli intelligence claims that as many as 10 workers with the organization were involved in Hamas October 7 incursion into Israel. While the text of the bill contains strict limits on any humanitarian funding that does trickle into Gaza, it has no provisions that would require enhanced scrutiny of military aid to Israel, even as the Zionist regime uses the bombs, artillery shells and missiles provided by the US to slaughter civilians by the thousands. The targets of US imperialism are not limited to the slaughterhouse battlefields of Ukraine or the bombed-out streets of Gaza. In a section headlined, Deterring the Chinese government, the bill outlines $1.9 billion for replenishing US weapons that have already been transferred to Taiwan. Over a half-billion is set to go to the Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command for unfunded requirements, while another $133 million is slated for critical cruise missile components. In furtherance of US-led war drive against China, which includes Britain and Australia under the auspices of the Australia, UK and US (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership, the bill includes a staggering $3.3 billion towards the construction of, and enhancements to, dry docks for the production of nuclear submarines. Nearly $3 billion is slated for the Department of Energy, the vast majority of which is allocated for supporting and bolstering domestic uranium production for civil and advanced nuclear fuel. Ominously, $149 million is earmarked for the National Nuclear Security Administration to respond to the security situation in Ukraine. Amid mass working-class opposition to Israels genocide, backed by imperialist governments globally, including Labor, Australias unions stand exposed for their complicity in the barbaric assault. Tim Gooden [Photo: Green Left Weekly] In addition to weekly mass protests around the country, sections of workers, most prominently in the health sector, have staged vigils and other demonstrations opposing Israels campaign to exterminate the Palestinian population. Thousands more have signed petitions or used their public platforms to call for an end to the genocide. In the face of this mass opposition, the corporatised trade unions have done everything they can to block any struggle by the working class against these historic war crimes. This is a stark expression of the role of the union apparatus as a key component of the Labor government and a last line of defence for the capitalist system itself. Health workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedics have been targeted by Zionist supporters of Israels bombardment, who have demanded that they be disciplined, silenced and, in some cases, removed from their employment. The unions have done nothing to defend the victimised workers, creating the conditions for the witch hunts to continue and expand. Journalists, artists and actors have confronted similar attacks. With the unions support for genocide obvious and undeniable to growing numbers of workers, the pseudo-left is desperately seeking to bolster illusions in the bureaucracy. Socialist Alliance and its publication Green Left are playing a leading role in the attempt to preserve the credibility of the unions and head off any move by workers to oppose the leadership. The latest example is an interview featured last week with Tim Gooden, a former union official and a prominent member of Socialist Alliance, entitled Unions need to lead on support for Palestine. The title is a cynical cover for the real purpose of the interview, which is to excuse the inaction and complicity of the union bureaucracy, lay the blame on supposedly ignorant, backward workers and divert the growing opposition to Israels onslaught behind toothless appeals to a Labor government that is totally committed to genocide and imperialist war. Gooden initially paints a picture of good trade unionists fighting to win workers over to the Palestinian cause. He claims, My union, the CFMEU [Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union], has been going out to jobs and trying to get the Palestinian flag flown. This is not easy, Gooden says, because the majority of the working class, our members included have grown up with the Murdoch media. As a result, Gooden claims, the first reaction is, Hamas brought this upon themselves its got nothing to do with us, fuck em. Gooden later returns to this theme, claiming mobilising workers will be hard, because for years our membership have been told, these rag-heads, these terrorists, theyre nothing but trouble. This is more vicious slander against the working class aimed at covering up the bureaucracys refusal to act. His accusation flies in the face of the contemporary reality of the Australian working class, and the construction industry in particular, with more than half the workforce born overseas, including many from a Middle Eastern background. There is ample evidence to refute Goodens lies. For almost four months, workers and young people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds have been turning out in mass protests against Israels genocide. Workers in numerous industries have demanded the right to march with union flags and hold workplace demonstrations, only to be harshly rebuked by the bureaucracy. Well aware of this, Gooden is obliged to contradict himself, acknowledging: Weve got members that are turning up with their community and with their churches, etc. But theyre not turning up in union colours. Theyre not turning up and following a union banner or a union flag, because theyre not there. The conception pushed by Gooden, that the union bureaucracy is simply not doing enough to radicalise its supposedly recalcitrant and backward membership, is a complete fraud. Far from seeking to mobilise the growing number of workers expressing opposition to genocide and imperialist war, the unions have actively sought to block its development. In violation of the call issued by Palestinian trade unions on October 16 for unions and workers organisations worldwide to take urgent action, not one Australian union has called for workers to strike, either to directly block Israels profits and supply lines, or in an attempt to pressure the Labor government to end its support for the genocide. The unions refusal to allow workers to take even the most limited industrial action in defence of Palestinian lives has emerged most sharply on the waterfront. Hundreds of workers and young people have taken part in protests at major ports in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle, braving police violence and arrests in attempts to block the operations of Zim, an Israeli shipping line that has pledged its full resources to the Zionist regime. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) leadership has largely postured as supporting these actions. As long as they were occasional, brief and mostly ineffectual, workers have been allowed not to cross so-called community pickets. But the unions primary role has been to ensure that, apart from these short sporadic stoppages, MUA members have been kept on the job, loading and unloading Zim ships day in and day out, keeping profits and supplies flowing as Israels assault has continued and deepened. Gooden hails this as a model for the rest of Australias unions, declaring, The MUA has been doing their bit from an early day. This underscores that what he is calling for is not for unions to call for industrial actionthe word strike was not uttered once in the almost 18-minute interviewbut for the bureaucrats that lead them to give more lip service to the Palestinian cause, to avoid alienating workers opposed to genocide. As another example of the good trade unionists, Gooden pointed to his former Socialist Alliance comrade Christy Cain, national secretary of the CFMEU. The MUA is a division of the CFMEU, meaning Cain is ultimately responsible for the union lining up behind Zim and Israel. At several pro-Palestine rallies, Cain has delivered blustering denunciations of the inaction of the ACTU executive, of which he is a member. As one of the very few bureaucrats to even attend the mass protests, let alone speak, his comments have been heavily promoted by the pseudo-left. Cains contributions amount to nothing more than a call for other union leaders to join him on stage at the mass rallies out of concern that the failure to do so will further discredit the bureaucracy and undermine its capacity to keep workers in check. Gooden echoes this fear, urging union secretaries to put out an email and say, Im gonna be there [at the rallies], come and stand with me, because he recognises the danger of a mass movement developing completely outside the unions control. Conscious that Labor and the union bureaucracy sit atop a powder keg of mounting hostility in the working class, Gooden warns, Its not good enough that we assign a union organiser to deal with the most progressive elements of our membership and take the pressure off the steam vessel. The comment is a remarkably candid acknowledgment of the role of the unions. Their aim, Gooden notes matter-of-factly, is not to mobilise workers in a struggle against genocide, war or for their conditions. Instead it is to suppress opposition from below. Goodens only criticism is that this task cannot be left to lower-level bureaucrats, but must be urgently acted upon by senior union executives to prevent the development of a movement outside the control of the unions. To fulfil this task, Gooden insists that opposition must be channelled back behind appeals to the very Labor government that has defended and participated in the genocide. Speaking of that government, Gooden stated: What we want them to say now to the Israeli government is, hey, pull your head in, youre doing the wrong thing. Back off, stop slaughtering people. Gooden knows full well that the government will do no such thing. Labor is totally committed to the war plans of US imperialism, which include backing Israel to the hilt. No amount of polite demands and flag-waving will change that. The truth is that this whole framework is a sham. The union bureaucracy is not separate from the government, but a component of it. Figures such as Cain head some of the most influential and powerful union affiliates of the Labor Party. The union bureaucrats function as factional warlords and even kingmakers in this corrupt and fetid environment, with their sway having been sufficient in the past to remove state premiers and even prime ministers. Of course, this power is never exercised to advance the interests of workers, but to shore-up the Labor apparatus, of which the union bureaucracy is a part. Gooden is not just speaking for himself, but expressing the right-wing political line of Socialist Alliance as a whole. From the beginning of Israels current onslaught, the organisation has urged protesters to orient to Labor and promoted illusions that the government can be pressured to oppose the genocide. This is in line with the pro-imperialist record of Socialist Alliance over decades. When protests broke out in Australia as part of a global wave of opposition to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Socialist Alliance strangled the movement and sought to divert it behind Labor and sow illusions in the United Nations. More recently, Socialist Alliance has given full-throated support to the far-right Ukrainian regime in the US-NATO proxy war against Russia, including through calls for increased arms shipments from the major powers. These positions are not an accident. Socialist Alliance, like all the pseudo-left groupsincluding, in Australia, Socialist Alternative and Solidarityis a pro-capitalist party of the upper middle class whose function is to block the revolutionary strivings of workers and young people by tying them to Labor and the unions. In fact, there is a direct line of connection running from the pseudo-left, through the unions, to the pro-genocidal Labor government itself. This is exemplified by Socialist Alliances promotion of Gooden as a spokesman. His own record as a union official includes a stint as secretary of the Geelong Trades Hall Council (GTHC), where he played a leading role in overseeing the orderly closure of the Victorian car industry. In 2013, when Ford announced it would shut down production in Geelong and Broadmeadows, Gooden was appointed head of a $20 million taskforce aimed at suppressing opposition from workers to the permanent destruction of thousands of jobs by promoting illusions in bogus transition and retraining schemes. By 2020, just 53 percent of workers previously employed at Australias major car makers were in full-time employment. Gooden presided over this assault on working-class jobs not only as a representative of the union bureaucracy, but as a leading member of Socialist Alliance. Then, as now, Socialist Alliance boasted of Goodens membership in their party, as he collaborated behind closed doors with some of the most powerful corporations and governments to inflict a historic assault on the working class. Cain was also a national executive member of the Socialist Alliance, when his ascent to the upper echelons of the MUA and CFMEU bureaucracy was already well underway. At some point, Cain appears to have left Socialist Alliance and began campaigning for the Labor Party. Socialist Alliance did not announce his departure, comment on it or criticise its former leading member for participating in openly capitalist politics. Instead, Socialist Alliance continues to promote Cain as a militant, knowing full well that he is a careerist hack. The record of Gooden and Cain underscores that Socialist Alliances pretences of promoting a more left-wing or militant segment of the trade union officialdom are a sham. They simply view occasional left-wing and even socialist rhetoric as a necessary cover for their right-wing, pro-business and pro-government activities. Foreign policy is always an extension of domestic policy. The tacit support of the unions for the genocide and for the broader eruption of imperialist militarism complements their enforcement of the dictates of the banks and the corporations against the workers they falsely claim to represent through the imposition of cuts to jobs, wages and conditions, and the suppression of any industrial or political action. That connection is demonstrated in Goodens own biography. A member of the pro-imperialist pseudo-left, he has also functioned as an agent of the conglomerates and governments in their job destruction. The fight against genocide and war requires a political offensive against both the union bureaucracy and the pseudo-left. In the first instance, workers must be mobilised to carry out strikes and other industrial action to halt the supply of goods to Israel and attack the regime financially. This will require the fight to build new organisations of struggle, rank-and-file committees, democratically controlled by workers themselves, not the Labor-aligned bureaucrats. The position of the union leadership on Palestine is not an accident or aberration. They support genocide because they support capitalism and will defend it to the end, as it toboggans towards a catastrophic third world war. The alternative is the urgent fight to build an international working-class anti-war movement of the working class, based on a revolutionary socialist perspective. The genocide now being carried out against Palestinians is the real face of capitalism and imperialism, part of escalating US-led plans for global conflict, and a stark warning of the barbarism that is to come. The mass protests have demonstrated the potential for a fight against this, but the developing global movement requires a genuine, socialist program and leadership. That is advanced by the Socialist Equality Party alone. The Mae on Cascade at Cascade and Moreno avenues shown in the foreground, and a Weidner Apartment Homes complex to the west, are among the influx of multifamily projects that have opened or are under construction in downtown Colorado Springs. Although the current COVID-19 wave of infections with the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron peaked on the eve of the new year, the latest data on SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentration reported by Biobot Analytics indicates rates have plateaued at around 821 copies per milliliter, which is considered a very high level. A second peak is anticipated in mid-February before infection rates begin to decline for the winter. Modeling by clinical psychologist Dr. Mike Hoerger of Tulane University, who also teaches statistics and research methodology to medical professionals, through his Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative, estimated that this corresponds to more than 1.2 million daily infections, 8.5 million infections for the preceding week with anticipated Long COVID cases among these numbering from 426,000 to 1.7 million. Figure 1. Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative COVID-19 Forecasting Model. January 29, 2024, Report. [Photo: Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative and Dr. Michael Hoerger of Tulane University.] The total cumulative number of infections in 2024 is projected at approximately 41 million people. Given almost 100 million were infected by the end of December in the winter wave, it is reasonable to assume that by the end of the winter wave at least half of the country will have been infected at least once. It would also be reasonable to assume that a majority of these are reinfections. Hoergers estimates place the average number of infections in the US at around 3.2 times per person. Despite these horrific figures, hardly any news media, let alone the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or White House, is offering any semblance of a warning to the population let alone the scale of the public health crisis that is sweeping over the population. The infected have to go it their own relying on family or friends and neighbors, if at all, to care for themselves. All the while they will be negotiating with their employers for time off that will be deducted from their paid time off, if they have any. But even these limited measures to protect oneself and others are being curtailed by the demands of industry and not on any objectively scientific or clinical recommendations. For example, Californias Department of Public Health, aligning their practice with other respiratory viruses, issued new rules in January that eliminated isolation requirements for asymptomatic COVID-positive students and most workers and limited isolation periods to 24 hours for those with mild symptoms. These regulations make a mockery of any basic idea of infection control with a virus that has a propensity to infect every organ in hosts whose immunity is limited to a brief few weeks after previous vaccination or infection and then against severe disease. Lisa Wilson, a mother of a disabled student at Berkeley Unified High School, upon hearing of the states January 9 recommendations which many public-school districts across the state have readily adopted, told the local press, The departments recommendations have no basis in public health epidemiology infected but asymptomatic students are still contagious. Their politically driven policies will only lead to more disability and death. The impact of the ending of the emergency phase of the pandemic last May is coming into view. This meant a rapid turn to abandoning all public health measures and defunding of the ability of health agencies and health systems to respond to public health threats. As a consequence, not only is COVID continuing to cause significant harm to the population, but previously checked diseases that had nearly been forgotten are once more erupting on the world stage. In particular, the emergence of measles should stand as a disturbing development and a warning that priorities need to be redirected to protecting populations. One must ask, is Californias Department of Public Health correct to lump COVID with other respiratory viruses such as the flu? It would bear reviewing the clinical data between these two pathogens during the Pirola phase of COVID. Biobot Analytics data also showed that wastewater concentrations for both influenza A and B peaked at the same time as SARS-CoV-2. According to the CDCs Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report, since the flu season began in early September, there were nearly 160,000 people hospitalized for influenza infection. There were more than 460,000 COVID admissions in the same period. The peak of flu deaths occurred on the last week of 2023 with 771 deaths reported. During the same week, the CDC registered 2,250 COVID deaths, or a figure almost three times higher. Figure 2. Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality from the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance System. [Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] While the 2023/2024 flu-season has claimed 5,434 people, COVID-19 has killed 27,671 in the same time frame. Also, very compelling data from Greg Travis, who maintains the only excess death tracker for the United States, showed that between 2022 and 2023, around 960 children 17 years old and under died from COVID. By comparison, 248 children died in the last two flu seasons. However, given the lifting of mandates for reporting by health systems to the CDC on COVID admissions and deaths, even these horrific figures can be construed as under-counts, underscoring the dangers posed by COVID to the elderly and infirm, who are effectively being euthanized by the inhuman policies that have prioritized finances over survival. Figure 3. COVID deaths among children 17-years-old and younger in the US. [Photo by Greg Travis (Twitter: @greg_travis).]] Additionally, the low rates of death from the flu during the first two years of the COVID pandemic, a byproduct of near universal masking and social distancing during the first phase of coronavirus, demonstrates that these respiratory pathogens can be eliminated and lives protected. But these need to be stated goals of states and governments to protect life. The resurgence of the flu to previous levels only further confirms the Socialist Equality Partys analysis that the malign neglect of the ruling elites has caused life expectancy to decline for the working class, for whom the social benefits of public health services cant be understated. And still, rates of uptake of the COVID vaccines remain abysmal. As of January 20, 2024, little more than one in five adults have received the updated COVID boosters. Among those in rural communities, the rate was under 17 percent. Among children, little more than one in ten have received the vaccines. By comparison, the national coverage for the flu vaccines is about one in two. These figures do not even begin to take into consideration of the impact of Long COVID, which has been described as a mass-disabling event and a pandemic within a pandemic. A recent study conducted by HelpAdvisor, a health advisory group, found that nearly one-quarter of Americans 18 years of age and older, who previously had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, went on to experience symptoms of Long COVID. Adults in Oklahoma had the highest rates of Long COVID, which affected one-third of the states population. Nationally, almost one-third of those with previous COVID infections reported having post-acute symptoms that impacted their ability to carry out daily activities. figure 4. Percentage experiencing Long COVID by State. [Photo by Michael Hoerger, PhD, MSCR, MBA.@michael_hoerger] Those with health conditions who are older have a higher propensity for displaying long-term manifestation of chronic illnesses associated with their COVID infections. For instance, studies in cancer patients have shown that up to half of them have persistent symptoms, most commonly associated with fatigue, sleep disturbances and body aches. These have considerable ramifications as they have multiple co-morbidities and higher need for healthcare access which may be compromised by Long COVID. A recent telephone survey study conducted by Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) studying Long COVID had 1,505 respondents, of whom 50 percent had developed COVID, or their caregivers did. Of those surveyed, 16 percent developed Long COVID. Nearly half of these infections occurred more than a year before the survey and half reported that the severity of their infections was moderate. As to vaccination status, 81 percent had noted having received at least one to two boosters and 12 percent had two doses of the vaccine. Of those who developed Long COVID, 72 percent had fatigue, while 57 percent had difficulty breathing and 53 percent had memory, concentration, or sleep disturbances. Only 38 percent had symptoms lasting less than six months while a quarter of respondents had symptoms for more than one year. Yet, when asked how long it took to feel completely recovered from Long COVID, nine in 10 admitted they still had residual symptoms of Long COVID that were like their initial Long COVID symptoms. Many with Long COVID were frustrated by the health systems unfamiliarity with or hesitancy to treat their condition. The saying that the best way to avoid Long COVID is to avoid COVID in the first place remains undeniably true. Despite mass protests in major cities across Australia, week after week, since Israel launched its genocidal attack on Gaza last October, the Labor government has stepped-up its commitment to the onslaught and the escalating US war in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with US President Joe Biden at Point Loma naval base, March 13, 2023, San Diego. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] In the latest development, on Sunday morning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared his governments full support for Washingtons bombings of alleged Iranian-linked sites in Syria and Iraq. Albanese made it clear that this was on top of Labors direct military participation in the intensifying US-UK strikes on Yemen, in retaliation for the Houthis disruption of Israels supply lines. The Houthis have stated they will continue to try to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea until the genocide ceases. Speaking on the Australian Broadcasting Corporations Insiders television program, Albanese declared: We support the actions of the United States. These are proportionate. These are retaliatory for the actions of Iran-backed organisations. And they are not an escalation. So, we think that the United States has got it right. Its important that, given the attacks that have occurred by groups backed by Iran, there be a response. There has been. This was within a day of the US government sending nuclear-capable B-1B bombers to drop over 125 munitions on 85 targets in seven locations throughout Iraq and Syria, followed by Pentagon declarations that this was just the beginning. Many more such attacks will be conducted, clearly escalating the US offensive against Iran and Iranian-backed forces throughout the region. Albanese echoed, virtually word-for-word, the White Houses line. In announcing the attacks last Friday, Biden claimed: The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. That obviously flies in the face of the record. The US has kept pouring funding, weapons and logistical support to Israel to carry out the annihilation of Gaza, while flooding the region with warships, aircraft and soldiers, deliberately seeking to provoke a wider war. Ever more clearly, the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which has already killed over 30,000 people, destroyed more than half the tiny enclaves essential infrastructure and displaced 1.9 million people, is part of a broader US war agenda. American imperialism has been bombing, starving and invading countries throughout the region for decades, including the criminal 2003 invasion of Iraq that led to the deaths of over a million people. Washington is seeking unchallenged hegemony over the Middle East as part of its war drive against Russia and China. Moreover, these latest strikes are patently illegal, taking place in defiance of the governments of Syria and Iraq, and being carried out without US congressional authorisation, let alone any approval by the American population. Likewise, Albanese flatly rejected the objections of the Iraqi and Syrian governments that the strikes violate their sovereignty, backing the unlawful US aggression without any public support or even parliamentary vote. The population is being kept in the dark as much as possible. The complicit corporate media has assisted this by burying nearly all mention of Albaneses interview on Insiders. Nor have any questions been asked in the media about Australias active involvement in the bombings, in addition to the military personnel that the Labor government has dispatched to join the US-led forces attacking Yemen. It is likely that the ongoing US strikes depend on satellite targeting information from the US-Australian facility at Pine Gap in central Australia, which covers the Middle East as well as the Indo-Pacific. Albaneses interview further underscored the connection between the US offensive in the Middle East and its preparations for war against China, in which Australia is heavily involved. The prime minister refused to rule out committing more Australian forces to participate in the US attacks. He said his government had not been asked for any further support, because our concentration is on the Indo-Pacific, adding: Thats something that the United States and our allies certainly understand. Albaneses declaration followed an even-less publicised February 1 phone call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, just a day before the US strikes in Iraq and Syria began. There is no mention of the conversation on Wongs official website, nor that of her department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A perfunctory US State Department February 1 readout, said the pair had discussed holding the Houthis accountable for their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Almost certainly, Blinken would have told Wong about the impending strikes in Iraq and Syria, securing the Albanese governments prior acquiescence. The State Department said the phone call also discussed the importance of humanitarian aid reaching those in need in Gaza. That amounts to a cynical bid to counter the international outrage over the US decision, followed by Australia and other US allies, to suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the agency responsible for most of the extremely limited aid being permitted into Gaza. In his interview, Albanese defended cutting off the funding. He insisted that Israels allegations that 12 UNWRA staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel need to be fully examined to ensure that every single dollar of aid is going to just that, aid. In reality, the funding cutoff by the US and other imperialist powers underscores their collusion with the Israeli regime in bombing and starving the Palestinians out of Gaza. This is part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians, including in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Mass death by starvation and disease, as well as military slaughter, is the clear intent of Israel and all its backers, no matter what deceptive statements representatives like Blinken and Wong may occasionally make. As well as widespread famine, there is no clean water. Illnesses such as cholera and diarrhea are rife, with no functioning hospitals left to care for the sick. On Friday evening, in another near-secret move, the Albanese government said Australians who were harmed or lost a close family member in the Hamas-led outbreak from the besieged Gaza enclave on October 7 would receive payments of up to $75,000 each. That was because the government had officially declared the event a terrorist act. There is no record of any such payments being offered to the thousands of Australian families whose loved ones have been killed, maimed or displaced by the Zionist terrorism. That underlines the Labor governments support for the Israeli barbarism. Taken together, the intensifying genocide in Palestine and the US bombing operations demonstrate the political dead-end of trying to put pressure on the imperialist governments, including Albaneses, to change course, or relying on the International Court of Justice or the United Nations to end to the bloodbath in the Middle East. As the WSWS has explained, stopping the imperialist violence requires the mobilisation of workers and young people around the world against all the governments responsible, and to block all shipments to Israel, as part of the fight for a socialist program to overturn the capitalist order, the root source of war. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is pleased to inform workers, youth, intellectuals and readers of the World Socialist Web Site that The Revolution Betrayed, Leon Trotskys seminal work, has been translated into Tamil and is now available to buy. The historic Tamil-language edition has been produced by SEP comrades in France in collaboration with members of other European sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International. The SEP will hold a series of public meetings to present the new book. The first meeting will be held in Hatton on February 11, with subsequent events held in Jaffna on February 26 and Colombo in early March. The Revolution Betrayed, one of Trotskys most brilliant Marxist works, was written in 1936 during his forced political exile in Norway by the Soviet Stalinist bureaucracy. Trotsky was co-leader with Vladimir Lenin of the October Revolution in Russia in 1917 that founded the first socialist state on the planet. In 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was established in the midst of a working-class upsurge in many surrounding countries that sought to emulate Socialist Russia. The failure of revolutions in key capitalist countries, such as Germany, however, isolated the Soviet Union, paving the way for the emergence of a bureaucratic apparatus that systematically usurped political power from the working class. This bureaucracy was personified by Joseph Stalin who by the end of 1924 proclaimed his reactionary nationalist theory of socialism in one country. Trotsky and his co-thinkers in the Bolshevik Party formed the Left Opposition in 1923 to deepen their political exposure of the Stalinist bureaucracy and its repudiation of the socialist internationalism on which the October Revolution was based. Stalin responded by exiling Trotsky to Alma-Ata and then deporting him from the Soviet Union, hounding him from country to country. In this monumental work, Trotsky lays bare the laws governing the emergence, growth and inevitable destruction of the Soviet bureaucracy. He refused to attribute any progressive role to this bureaucracy. The great revolutionary leader warned that if the working class did not overthrow the parasitic stratum that had emerged in the first workers state through a political revolution, the bureaucracy would prepare the ground for the restoration of capitalism in the Soviet Union. These warnings were confirmed in the capitalist restorationist measures undertaken by the Stalinist bureaucracy beginning with perestroika in 1985 leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. These developments powerfully vindicated Trotskys warnings. The study of this great work is essential in the development of the revolutionary leadership necessary to fight for socialist revolution to defeat the counterrevolutionary preparations of the ruling classes internationally. We invite workers, youth, and socialist-minded intellectuals to participate in these forthcoming historic public meetings. Dates and Venues: * February 11, at 10 a.m. Hatton-Dick Oya Town Hall, Hatton * February 26, at 3.30 p.m. Y.M.C.A (Young Mens Christian Association) Near Jaffna Kachcheri Chundikuli, Jaffna * March 7, at 4 p.m. Colombo Tamil Sangam Hall No. 7, Sangam Lane, Colombo 06 The UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee held an emergency online public meeting Sunday evening, titled Organize the rank and file to fight the job cuts at UPS! Unite with autoworkers, tech workers and the whole working class against layoffs! UPS trucks at the Olympic Hub in Los Angeles, California [WSWS Media] The meeting was called in response to last weeks announcement of 12,000 job cuts at UPS. These layoffs affecting managerial and administrative positions are taking place alongside a series of job cuts at the companys warehouses across the country, as UPS leverages automation and artificial intelligence to replace vast swaths of the workforce. Many workers attended the call, including UPS workers from across the United States, autoworkers, academic workers and workers from other industries. There was also an important international representation from Britain organized under the auspices of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). The meeting emphasized the need for a united struggle of workers across industries and national boundaries against layoffs, which are taking place not just at UPS but in industries around the world. In particular, the auto industry is laying off thousands of workers as it transitions toward electric vehicles. A public meeting last month held by the IWA-RFC against the auto layoffs was also addressed by several members of the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee. The opening report was given by WSWS writer Tom Hall. What has been announced so far is only the beginning, he warned. By the end of the year and continuing into the next years, UPS intends to operate with a far smaller workforce which is heavily reliant on emerging new technologies. UPS management is leveraging breakthrough technologies in artificial intelligence and automation as its main weapon in this jobs massacre. These technologies could and should be used to ease the burden of work and improve workers standard of living, he said. But under capitalism, they are being weaponized in a bid to impoverish workers and crush the growing wave of strikes and protests by the working class. The layoffs expose the contract pushed through last year by Teamsters leaders who sold the contract as a historic victory, when in reality it was a colossal sellout. The bureaucracy is joined at the hip with management and had to have known this was coming when the contract was being voted on, Hall said. The bureaucracy is not simply rolling over. Theyre active participants in this conspiracy against workers. Mass unemployment is a class policy being directed from the White House, which has been involved in the imposition of every major sellout contract for the past three years, as well as the Federal Reserve and both big business parties, Hall said. The war at home is connected with the wars abroad. In Ukraine, Gaza and now, over this weekend, new attacks directed against Iran, the US military is launching or supporting dangerous new wars in defense of the profits of US corporations. As everyone knows, the resources for endless and escalating war come from the backs of the working class, he said. The war on the working class and the wars abroad are two halves of the same war, being carried out in different forms. The union bureaucrats are creatures of the state and support war and dictatorship, Hall warned. He cited the United Auto Workers endorsement of Genocide Joes re-election campaign, as well as the continued courting of Trump by the Teamsters bureaucracy. The UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee rejects this entire framework, he concluded. A counteroffensive can and must be waged by the rank-and-file only to the extent that you break free from the stranglehold of the union bureaucracy. You must take matters into your own hands, taking any and all measures you deem necessary, without waiting for permission that will never come. Hall ended his remarks by citing the three founding principles proposed in a recent statement by the UPS Rank-and-File Committee to guide a counteroffensive in defense of jobs. This includes maximum initiative of the rank and file, rather than a perspective of pressuring the union bureaucracy; the rejection of the right of UPS to profit at workers expense and the conversion of the giant logistics company and other major corporations into public utilities democratically run by workers themselves; and, finally, the fight for the unity of workers across the globe who are facing the same attacks on jobs. Hall was followed by a leading member of the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee from Louisville, Kentucky. He spoke in detail about the impact of automation and other new technologies. The working class is going to get hollowed out in the next 20 years, he warned. He urged attendees to educate their coworkers about what is taking place. It is time for working people to stand up and organize to fight what is coming, because the people that represent us, both in government and the union bureaucracy, do not have our backs. A member of the committee from New York City said, Right now, the union is not only stonewalling us, theyre gaslighting us. At my building in mid-Manhattan, they got rid of the midnight sort. Low seniority part-timers already know their time is coming. A committee member from South Texas urged attendees to take action. Reach out to your fellow brothers and sisters, let them know about the rank-and-file committee. He continued, This is more than on a local level, this is on a national level, and we all need to come together to stand up against the big corporations, to stand up against the billionaires and millionaires. Lets make this rank-and-file committee something bigger than the IBT [International Brotherhood of Teamsters], than the United Auto Workers bureaucracies, he said. Several other UPS workers spoke during the meeting. A worker from Portland, Oregon, where UPS announced hundreds of layoffs over the weekend, spoke about the impact the cuts will have on workers at the companys Swan Island hub. He then denounced the Teamsters roundtable meeting with Trump late last month, pointing out that this meeting with a coup plotter and fascist was organized with tens of thousands of dollars in workers dues money. Teamsters General President Sean OBrien seems more concerned with bootlicking fascists than protecting jobs on the shop floor, he said. A UPS driver from Kansas City told the meeting he had been laid off more than a dozen times last year. Now, the union is calling a meeting with feeder and package drivers in his area, which theyve never done before, he said. So, Im assuming that cuts are coming for us, he predicted. A number of significant contributions from autoworkers were made. Anna, a member of the Flint GM Rank-and-File Committee, declared, We at [GMs Flint, Michigan Assembly Plant] are in solidarity with UPS workers and with all workers. We are facing the same problems and have the same interests internationally, she said. Greg, another member of the GM Flint committee, drew parallels between the campaigns to install Shawn Fain as president of the UAW and Sean OBrien as president of the Teamsters. Both were praised by the media, by Bernie Sanders, and by the fake socialists in the [Democratic Socialists of America]. Both of them claimed to have passed contracts that were historic, he said, but the reality is the exact opposite. Their treachery extends to the level of the government, he continued, citing the endorsement of Biden amid the White Houses involvement in the genocide in Gaza. We dont support Joe Biden, he declared. But Trumps fascism is just as harmful to us as Biden. We need to oppose both of these parties and fight for our independent interests. Greg reviewed the history of the GM committee, which fought against the limited stand up strike that was used to present the contract as the product of a fight. Our rank-and-file committee had warned workers [of the sellout] before it happened our strength comes from telling workers the truth beforehand. He concluded: I just want to stress that these companies are part of an international system. Workers around the world are facing the same issues. We are being made to pay for the crisis of capitalism. And so I urge everyone to talk to your coworkers like we have at Flint. Expose the truth and build a network of committees under the IWA-RFC. Gregs remarks were echoed by Will Lehman, a socialist Mack Trucks worker who ran against Fain for UAW president in 2022, on a platform of abolishing the bureaucracy. The unions try to divide us up based on what industry were in, Lehman said, but the working class is the working class, whether its in the US, in the UK, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen. It doesnt really matter. We need to approach these issues as class issues, he concluded. Its a matter of us uniting with each other, no matter where we are, and no matter what sector were in. The meeting also received an important report from Tony Robson in Great Britain, on behalf of the UK Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee. These are international issues, Robson said. Royal Mail workers here are facing a jobs massacre, due to the sellout of their year-long struggle in 2023. The Communication Workers Union is collaborating, just like whats been described about the Teamsters and the UAW, with huge job losses affecting up to 10 percent of the national workforce. The same government in Britain carrying out these attacks, supported by the Labour Party, is also spending huge amounts of money to back the US in its wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, he said. Workers everywhere recognize the need for an independent strategy upon which to fight, and it is this sentiment that the union apparatus wants to crush. A genuine fightback can only be developed as part of a unified struggle internationally, Robson said. The key to unlocking the social power of post or logistics workers, or in any other industry, is breaking the grip of this pro-capitalist, nationalist trade union bureaucracy. This is the central principle that were advancing with the IWA-RFC, he said. In closing remarks to the meeting, Tom Hall stressed that it was only the beginning of joint actions in defense of jobs and against union sellouts by the rank-and-file committees. But the first step is that you need to make the decision now to become involved lets begin the counter-offensive by the working class, he concluded. A wildfire engulfed entire neighborhoods this weekend in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar in central Chile, where residents were left to fend for themselves with little to no warning. As of Monday, 122 victims have been confirmed dead and 190 remain missing. A scorched section of Quilpue on February 2, 2024 [Photo by Gobierno de Chile / CC BY 3.0 The Valparaiso inferno is the deadliest wildfire globally since the catastrophic 2009 fires in Victoria, Australia, and the deadliest disaster in Chile since the 2010 earthquake. In scenes of horror and desperation now increasingly familiar to millions worldwide, the skies over the communes of Vina del Mar, Quilpue and Villa Alemana turned orange on Friday afternoon, as tens of thousands of families ran from fast approaching walls of flames and smoke. Many elderly residents were not evacuated, while others had no time. Entire columns of people in vehicles or on foot were trapped, as described by a resident in destroyed Villa Independencia to TVN Chile on Sunday. People were dying in a circle that became a living hell, she said, while pointing to the place where it happened. Drone footage shows entire neighborhoods turned to ashes, with residents describing to the news agencies how terrible winds made the flames jump rapidly from hill to hill, and balls of fire reached their homes from one moment to the next. A total of 14,000 homes have been destroyed in the Valparaiso-Vina del Mar metropolitan area, which comprises Chiles main port city and its most popular summer seaside resort, and is home to more than one million people. The wildfire in the area remains ablaze but is reportedly under control. President Gabriel Boric, who leads a coalition government of the pseudo-left Broad Front and Stalinist Communist Party, declared curfews and a state of exception in the Valparaiso region, suspending democratic rights and deploying troops. While ostensibly there to assist the firefighters, soldiers have been patrolling the streets chiefly to intimidate and contain growing social unrest. Boric has framed the fires chiefly as a threat to national security and focused his statements on pursuing individuals who supposedly provoked the fires. After a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, he portrayed the disaster as one caused by organized crime and proclaimed this your priority, that of the Chilean men and women. He promised to have the presence of more military and Carabineros police to ensure security and grant further powers to security forces. The governor of Valparaiso, Rodrigo Mundaca, an internationally acclaimed water rights and environmental activist belonging to Borics Broad Front coalition, was asked about the underlying causes by reporters on Monday. He responded: The causes that have generated this disaster are a handful of wretches and thugs who have come to destroy our city and we are going to confront them with the greatest possible rigor and we are going to put them in jail. We cannot tolerate it because the fires have turned into homicides. Map of Chile with the Valparaiso region highlighted [Photo by WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Gerardo, a victim in Quilpue who confronted Boric in person during the presidents brief visit to the fire-ravaged region, said to television reporters: We don't want to wait two, three, four or 10 years like we waited for these [subsidized] houses to be built. We don't want to come home from work every day and sleep on the floor with our family. Not having a toothbrush, not having a change of clothes... It's terrible and he comes and leaves us with all the uncertainty, better he doesn't come. A neighbor then characterized the delegation: they are all five-million-peso salaries. In other words, why would they care? Boric is a bourgeois politician making over 10 million pesos (US$10,500) per month, compared to a median salary in Chile of just over 500,000 pesos (US$525). Pinning the blame on a handful of ill-intentioned arsonists doesnt hold up to any scrutiny. While research shows that over 99 percent of wildfires in Chile begin due to human activity, most are due to carelessness, burning garbage or poorly extinguished bonfires. The minority caused by arson attacks have deep social causes, including local protests against the intensive monoculture plantations. Currently, most of South America is facing the peak of the continents summer fire season amid conditions of extreme drought, which are driven by climactic factors. There are currently 165 active fires across all regions between Valparaiso and southernmost Magallanes, including 73 new ones just between Saturday and Sunday. The Amazon is seeing its worst drought in 120 years and Argentina in 60 years, while a drought and record temperatures provoked 136 wildfires around the Colombian capital of Bogota in January. Forestry and environmental researchers cited by the media since Friday have without exception highlighted the 15-year drought in the region and extreme temperatures driven by global warming, profit-driven changes in vegetation making the ecosystem less resilient to fires, anarchistic real estate developments, and the underfunded body of firefighters and fire prevention programs. A 2016 study Wildfires in Chile: A Review by Xavier Ubeda and Pablo Sarricolea found that today, as in many other parts of the world, the fire regimepattern, frequency, and intensityhas grown at an alarming rate. They attribute this growth to a reduction in rains of 30 percent across Chile, changes in flora and other environmental factors. At the time, the author Ubeda called for improving warning systems, monitoring weather conditions with meso-scale models that can predict situations such as the 30/30/30 situation. Experts have long used this rule of thumb to tell if there is a risk for fires to spread: a temperature of over 30C, relative humidity below 30 percent and winds at or above 30 knots. On January 28, the Meteorological Administration of Chile warned of a heat wave bringing temperatures 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above average in the central region, reaching 36-38C (97-100F) in the valleys and on the mountains. The temperature for Valparaiso on Friday was 33C; winds reached 43 knots, and humidity is currently far below the average. The devastating fire in Valparaiso began on Friday, February 2, around 2:00 p.m., with several foci spreading along the hills and through suburbs. By 10 p.m. the fires had covered 6,200 hectares and have now destroyed 10,000 hectares. But there was no early warning system and the calls and protocols to evacuate were ineffective and late. The first was sent via text message in the Villa Alemana commune shortly after 5 p.m., followed by warnings to Quilpue and several suburbs of Vina del Mar at 6:41 p.m. once the fires were at their doorstep. Such criminal negligence by the ruling class takes place after record wildfires in 2014 and again in 2017, which followed similar warnings of heatwaves and killed about a dozen people each. Then, during the 2022-2023 wildfire season, which killed dozens in Valparaiso, the pseudo-left President Boric maintained the same police-state approach about finding the individuals responsible for the fires. I will move the heavens, the sea and the Earth to find them, he declared. Regarding vegetation, in 1974, the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet signed a law subsidizing 75 percent of the cost of the highly flammable Eucalyptus monoculture plantations, which are largely unregulated and in the hands of major corporations. This remains in place, as well as Pinochets privatization of water. Currently, bills introduced to block the sale to real estate agencies of recently burned properties and another that would ban forest plantations, including of invasive species like eucalyptus and pine, near urban areas, have fallen by the wayside as a result of the vested interests of the real estate and wood industries. The bankrupt response by the pseudo-left President Boric to the Valparaiso inferno, like his continuation of the let it rip response to the COVID-19 pandemic and alignment with the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, again shows that there is no national solution to any of the major social issues facing workers today, including the myriad of disasters being caused by global warming. Every section of the capitalist ruling class offers only dictatorship, barbarism, and death. Are you a tech worker facing layoffs? Contact us here or by filling out the form below and tell us how youve been impacted by the recent layoffs. Comments will be published anonymously. Late last month, a Canadian tech worker was told her job at Wayfair was terminated despite suffering from late stage breast cancer. Andrena M. was one of over 1,650 employees laid off in January at Wayfair, an online e-commerce technology platform, in the third mass layoffs at the company since 2022. Wayfair employee Andrena M. [Photo: Andrena M] On January 19, 2024, at about 7:00 am, Andrena wrote in a viral LinkedIn post, while getting ready to head to my chemotherapy treatment I received a message from a friend, were you impacted by the Wayfair terminations. I was shocked by this question and quickly responded can I be terminated while I am on disability? To my shock and horror I was in fact terminated, she learned in an email. The layoffs at Wayfair and other companies have reached a 10-month high as US employers cut 82,307 jobs in January, according to a report by Challenger. Layoffs have begun to hit workers in every industry, including technology, automotive, UPS, food production, retail, journalism and the financial sector. Prior to the Christmas holiday, Wayfair CEO Niraj Shah, who has an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, berated rank-and-file employees in a condescending email. Working long hours, being responsive, blending work and life, is not anything to shy away from, Shah wrote. There is not a lot of history of laziness being rewarded with success. Hard work is an essential ingredient in any recipe for success. I embrace this, and the most successful people I know do as well. Andrena spoke out against Shahs inhumane email: Ill admit I, and possibly every other Wayfair employee had started questioning the integrity of Wayfairs leadership after seeing Nirajs email to staff in the news where he gaslighted staff, essentially suggesting that ambitious people must work long hours and find ways to blend work and life, that to do anything but was lazy. I wondered what kind of human being would think this, let alone publish it. To make matters worse, Andrena said of her layoff, I was not sent the actual termination letter until several hours after that initial email, which was really an invitation to a meeting for staff who had been impacted. To say this raised my anxiety would be an understatement. I kid you not my blood pressure which is always normal, despite stage 4, was the highest I can recall and my resting heart rate the highest on record. When the termination letter finally came later that afternoon, it did not address my unique circumstances, which meant I had to arrange a meeting with HR for the following week. I had to suffer through the weekend. And if that wasnt bad enough, I would later come to find that my situation was not even contemplated. HR did not have the answer to my most pressing concern what would happen to my disability? I wont stop fighting. My life matters. Imagine that, Andrena wrote on the termination while battling metastatic cancer. I was simply a number on a balance sheet. The small matter of my stage 4 diagnosis and me fighting for my life did not matter. That I did not choose this and I am a human being did not matter. That my health insurance is most critical at this time did not matter. That I am unemployable did not matter In the end, we are all disposable assets to our jobs, numbers on a balance sheet. Summing up the terrible experience, Andrena shared a picture of herself in her current condition. I have shared my picture so you can see me unfiltereda woman with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer fighting for her lifeno eyelashes, no eyebrows, no hair, burnt skin, swollen from steroids. A real human person, not a role to be filled. And as much as Wayfair would seemingly want to kill me please know that I wont stop fighting. My life matters Please share my story to raise awareness. Andrenas story has received a widespread outpouring of support, both on LinkedIn and on her GoFundMe page. Many workers expressed their outrage for this cruel and heartless decision, questioning its legality. One of the commenters said, So sorry to hear Andrena. Thats heartless of them. You have my support and I will most definitely stop buying from Wayfair and any other company that treats its employees with such disdain. There are very few companies and people in positions of leadership that have a heart for people, another wrote. In a subsequent post, Andrena noted, I moved to Seattle for treatment on December 9, 2023. I am working with Dr. Ben Chue from Lifespring Cancer Treatment Center. The decision to leave my family and move here was not an easy one. However, I was not doing well on the standard of care offered in Canada and my oncologist was not very positive or open (to say the least). Unfortunately a number of metastases progressed so I do not have the benefit of time to play games. As a 45 year old mother of two I refuse to give up. I want to see my children in their adult lives, meet and love grandchildren. Dr. Chues protocol (which he graciously shared with my Canadian oncologist) has a number of stage 4 patients who are living and thriving as much as 20 years, cancer free. Ive met a few thrivers myself and look forward to being one of them. As I do not have US health insurance I pay out of pocket for treatment. I secured a loan for treatment and family/ friends have been helping me with living costs. My plan was to offset costs by traveling back and forth to Canada for scans, naturopathic support, medication, dental etc. I actually have dental surgery (which I must do before beginning a treatment for my bones) planned for March which Ill no longer be able to do. My plan to offset treatment costs has now been thwarted by the loss of insurance. I will continue to get scans in Canada as the government covers those costs. Its a common misconception that all heath is free in Canada. This is simply not so medication, dental, vision, naturopathy etc are not covered. Jobs bloodbath in tech, logistics and auto The mass layoffs in every sector are part of the ruling class policy to wage a war on the working class as a whole and to accelerate unemployment. The jobs bloodbath began in the technology sector in 2022-2023 and is now expanding throughout the economy in multiple industries. UPS is the most recent to slash jobs with over 12,000 jobs announced to be cut this year. The tech sector has seen some of the largest wave of continuous layoffs. On Monday, Snap, the parent company of social media platform Snapchat, announced it was cutting 10 percent of its global workforce, around 500 people. This follows a 20 percent reduction in Snaps staff in 2022. As reported just over a month ago, the last quarter of 2023 saw a massive uptick in layoffs in the tech industry; the most infamous being Spotify, which announced the letting go of 17 percent of its workforce, citing the challenges ahead. Thousands of tech workers were left without any prospects in the weeks or months leading to the holidays, intensifying an already dire situation for many as more and more tech workers entered a job market which was already stretched thin due to repeated rounds of layoffs throughout 2022 and 2023. Those holiday layoffs generated a significant amount of reaction on social media, with a lot of tech and non-tech workers alike taking to platforms such as LinkedIn to express their disgust with the profits over human lives approach which tech companies have embraced. It is becoming increasingly evident that this trend is not only continuing, but also escalating. The online tech-sector employment tracker, Layoffs.fyi, reported 24,584 layoffs in January from 93 companies. In addition to Wayfair, a number of other cuts were announced at SAP, Microsoft and Ebay, reporting 8,000, 1,900 and 1,000 layoffs, respectively. Microsoft had already proceeded with a round of layoffs at the end of 2023, in particular amongst its Nokia and LinkedIn branches, two companies acquired by the corporation several years ago. This time, the layoffs are affecting their gaming division, with workers from Activision, Blizzard and Xbox finding themselves without a job as the new year begins. More broadly, layoffs continue to affect other areas of the working class, in particular the auto industry, with multiple layoffs announced by Stellantis, Ford and GM, in the aftermath of the phony stand up strike plotted by the UAW in collaboration with the Biden administration. In a shameless publicity stunt, the UAW leadership, including members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), announced their full support for Bidens re-election campaign. This new round of layoffs comes in the wake of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where the central topic of discussion was the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the working class. As reported in a recent article, the use of AI and automation could lead to a reduction in employment of 5 percent this year alone, with long term effects for roughly 300 million workers in major economies. This technological shift could eventually affect roughly two thirds of all jobs to some degree or another. Instead of using AI and other new technology to improve workers lives, these massive investments by the ruling class have as their sole objective the pursuit of ever-increasing profits at the expense of the working class. The ruling class aims to accelerate its attacks on broad layers of the population and the working class as it carries out a war on two fronts, both with its support for the genocide in Gaza and the expanding wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and in its attacks on the living standards of workers at home. The capitalist system has nothing to offer for broad layers of the population except the existential threats of world war, fascism, genocide and a class war on the working class, which is provoking mass opposition globally with protests and strike waves. Tech workers must take up the fight for socialism to oppose the dead end offered by capitalism. Only by turning to the working class and helping to build a mass international movement for social equality through the formation of rank-and-file workplace committees, can workers across multiple industries effectively fight against the jobs bloodbath and the brutality of the capitalist system. Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of Abu Dhabis five commercial airports, has appointed Elena Sorlini as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Sorlini transitions into the role permanently after serving in an interim capacity since June 2023. Since joining Abu Dhabi Airports, Sorlini has overseen the successful opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport's new state-of-the-art Terminal A, which ranks among the largest airport terminals in the world. It has the capacity to host 45 million passengers annually and accommodate 79 aircraft at any given time, thereby strengthening the aviation sector's contribution to Abu Dhabi's diversified economy. Additionally, she has played an important role in maintaining the steady increase of passenger traffic numbers, which continue to experience year-on-year growth, as well as attracting new airlines and routes to Abu Dhabi, including the French national carrier Air France. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor of Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: On behalf of the board, we are delighted to welcome Elena Sorlini as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports. With her proven track record of success in the aviation sector, we have full confidence in her ability to lead the organization through its next phase of growth, underscored by our commitment to solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a global tourism destination and a leading aviation hub. I wish her all the best in her new role. Sorlini said: I am honoured to have been officially appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports. Following the opening of Terminal A, I remain committed to unlocking the full growth potential of Abu Dhabi's tourism and trade industry. The capital boasts a wealth of offerings and a strong reputation for excellence and innovation, and our airports truly serve as gateways to rich cultural heritage and commercial opportunities. I look forward to contributing to the recognition of Abu Dhabi International Airport as one of the best airports in the world, meeting the highest standards of quality for our passengers. Sorlini brings more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. Before joining Abu Dhabi Airports, she held various senior management positions, including Executive Director of Transport & Logistics at ADQ, Vice President of Group Corporate Strategy at Oman Aviation Group and Strategy Director at Copenhagen Airports. Prior to that, she served as Vice President at Macquarie Airports, one of the largest private airport owners and operators in the world. She is also a member of the board at Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Aviation and ADQ Aviation and Aerospace Services. Abu Dhabi Airports operates five commercial airports in the emirate, including Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport and the island airports in Sir Bani Yas and Delma. - TradeArabia News Service A panel of lawmakers approved legislation that would make Colorado the first in the nation to protect people's biological data from technology companies, raising worries that new machines could be come so powerful they could read thoughts. The biennial Global Review serves as a global platform to highlight areas where developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs) need support to overcome supply-side constraints limiting their participation in global trade. It helps galvanize support for tackling these issues so that these countries derive the maximum economic benefits from trade. Proposals to organize sessions at this year's edition can be submitted here. At the meeting, members were also updated on initiatives by partner organizations to further the integration of developing economies and LDCs into the global economy. Mainstreaming trade Zambia said that the development of standards to support industrial and trade growth and increase the participation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the economy are high on its agenda. Trade will play an essential role in supporting Zambia's future graduation from LDC status as well as its efforts to mitigate the effects ofclimate change. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) shared an overview of its E-Commerce Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023-2027 launched in July 2023, under which measures related to e-commerce will be adopted at the regional level to create jobs and help diversify economies. As outlined in its International Development White Paper released in November 2023, the United Kingdom underlined the importance of tackling climate change and biodiversity loss and eliminating extreme poverty in developing economies in order to accelerate progress on meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UK emphasized how trade in goods and services can serve as an engine of economic transformation in these countries. Reports by international financial institutions Three international financial institutions updated the Committee on current projects. The African Development Bank said that USD 2 billion has been mobilized for a period of three years under the Sustainable Bond programme, through which the Bank is financing projects to support climate change and inclusive growth in Africa. A total of USD 1.5 billion has also been invested in the African Emergency Food Production Facility to build the resilience of Africas food systems by boosting the production of cereals and oil grains. The Asian Development Bank noted that it has supported 47.5 billion MSMEs of which 46.1 million are owned or led by women in boosting their participation in global supply chains and international trade. Projects have focused on infrastructure capacity-building, access to finance, digital connectivity and policy reform. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development highlighted current projects relating to digital connectivity, food security, trade facilitation and increasing the participation of MSMEs in world trade. The Bank has disbursed EUR 13 billion across the economies where it operates in 2023 and EUR 2 billion in Ukraine since the outbreak of the war. Aid for Trade activities The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development drew attention to the Shaping the Future of the Digital Economy conference to be held from 6 to 8 May in Geneva, which will look at how to enhance developing economies' participation in e-commerce. This follows on from the eWeek organized in December in Geneva, which brought together over 3,500 participants from 159 countries. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization noted that USD 3 billion has been allocated through the Alliance for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to build agro-industrial capacities in African underdeveloped rural areas. The Africa Food Regulatory Agencies Forum, held in Egypt in October, focused on current food safety capacity-building initiatives and identified countries' needs to operationalize the African Continental Free Trade Area. China provided an update on its Aid-for-Trade activities in 2023, including support for investment in production and manufacturing equipment in agriculture, development of trade-related transportation infrastructure, and organizing seminars on trade facilitation and e-commerce. The United States discussed the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit that took place in December 2022, highlighting initiatives on supply chain issues, digital payments, e-commerce, and skills training in Africa. WTO members' trade policy reviews With reference to its latest Trade Policy Review that took place in November, Chinese Taipei said that it provided USD 432 million in official development assistance in 2022. This is outlined in its International Cooperation and Development Policy White Paper issued in December 2023. Turkiye said it has recently introduced a Far Countries Strategy in an effort to ramp up its exports of goods and services. Turkiye's Trade Policy Review was completed in November. Other trade- and development-related projects The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) said that over half of its projects seek to boost agriculture capacities in LDCs and referred to 100 ongoing initiatives on e-commerce. The EIF announced the establishment of an Interim Facility to continue its operations in 2024 following the upcoming conclusion of Phase 2 of the EIF and until a new multilateral support mechanism for LDCs becomes operational. The Standards and Trade Development Facility outlined its support to over 80 developing economies and LDCs since 2015. This includes a project to mix bio- and conventional pesticides to limit residues and to increase agri-food exports. Other projects include developing the electronic exchange of phytosanitary certificates used in trading plants and plant products and scaling up the ePhyto Solution in Africa. The WTO's Trade Facilitation Assistance Facility gave an update on progress in members' implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. A total of 156 WTO members have ratified the Agreement, representing 95.1 per cent of the total WTO membership. The WTO Secretariat also noted that the Fisheries Funding Mechanism Trust Fund which held its first Steering Committee meeting on 31 January has received over CHF 8 million from 14 WTO members and commitments of over CHF 3 million. The International Trade Centre (ITC) explained how it is supporting developing economies and LDCs in negotiating and implementing trade agreements as well as developing economies currently negotiating their accession to the WTO. Bringing the voices of small businesses from developing economies into WTO decision-making fora also features highly on ITC's agenda. Multiple bills tied to the state's majority Democrats' focus on gun control made their way to the state Capitol this week, with the first hearing on what is expected to be at least a half-dozen measures this year. A Colorado coalition is one step closer in its mission to ease liability concerns among people allowing recreation on their private properties. A bill amending the long-standing Colorado Recreational Use Statute recently passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 5-0 vote. Last year, a similar proposal was struck down by that committee, sparking closure of a popular, privately-owned route up 14,000-foot peaks and inspiring the formation of the Fix CRUS Coalition. The coalition is backed by dozens of local, state and national organizations, including Colorado Mountain Club and Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. Groups successfully testified for Senate Bill 58 what Fix CRUS calls "a balanced solution that provides clarity and protection for landowners without sacrificing safety and transparency for the public." In the amendment failure last year, attorneys warned of hikers, climbers and cyclists losing protection by a revised Colorado Recreational Use Statute. Proponents, meanwhile, suggested the statute's "willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a known dangerous condition" was too broad and vague and left landowners vulnerable to lawsuit. (In 2019, a judge ruled in favor of a mountain biker injured on a rutted trail at the Air Force Academy.) The bipartisan Senate Bill 58 proposes protecting landowners who post a warning sign at a primary access point. Under the bill, "willful or malicious failure" would be avoided with a sign describing the "dangerous condition, use, structure or activity that caused the injury or death." Fix CRUS states the aim is to simplify and protect landowners "from liability related to inherent recreation risks." The bill's summary also explains an individual must "stay on the designated recreational trail, route, area or roadway unless the owner expressly allows otherwise, or be deemed a trespasser." The legislation now moves to a full Senate vote, ahead of potential consideration by House representatives. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Writer Jim Miller is a contributor to Today on NBC and author of The Savvy Senior. 90 Day Fiance stars Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca did it! The TLC personalities, who first appeared on the spinoff 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, revealed they tied the knot a few months ago on the Monday, February 5, episode of 90 Day Diaries. Our civil ceremony was just brilliant, I could not believe how beautiful it was, Ben, 53, told cameras as a compilation of photos from the ocean-front nuptials were on full display. But we are still planning on having a religious ceremony. Despite them tying the knot, Ben admitted his bride, 23, still needed him to build trust with her. Were just going through a really difficult transition, the Michigan native native told cameras. Ive gone about six months without a really good job and bills have been piling up of course. Things are extremely tight now and Im doing everything I can right now to pay all the bills and for my next trip to Peru. Ben and Mahogany introduced their relationship on season 5 of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days in December 2021. The pair who share a 30-year age gap met online and dated three months virtually before they joined the show. The series documented the former executive director of the Michigan Lupus Foundation as he traveled to Peru to meet his online love for the first time. The pair didnt exactly hit it off as Mahogany stood Ben up at the airport when he landed and their first dinner date was seen as awkward by fans. Ben also later learned from her parents that Mahogany was 22 even though she had previously told him she was 24. Despite the ups and downs, Ben and Mahogany were able to work past all of their relationship issues and announced their engagement in August 2022. In a YouTube video titled Looking for a RING!, Ben and Mahogany documented the days leading up to Bens proposal and the South America natives reaction after he popped the question at the same restaurant where they met in person for the first time. She came through that door right over there and here she is today, the reality TV alum said, panning the camera to his girlfriend. And what just happened, can you tell me what just happened? The Peru native held her left hand up to the camera to show off the diamond sparkler on her ring finger. Can you look [at] this? Oh wow, she said. I just asked her to be my wife and she said Ben added. Mahogany responded, Yes. Drug queenpin Griselda Blanco dominated Miami, Florida, in the 1970s and 1980s thanks to her cocaine empire, but her nefarious dealings ultimately resulted in her assassination. Known as the Godmother of Cocaine, Griselda spent decades operating a large-scale smuggling network and working alongside the Medellin cartel, establishing herself as a fearsome drug lord. Behind dozens of murders, Griselda who is brought to life by Sofia Vergara in Netflix's Griselda coined a specific style of killing, but it was ultimately used by two assailants to end her life. Who Assassinated Griselda Blanco? Though the identities of the assailants are unknown to this day despite police efforts, Griselda was killed by two armed motorcycle riders in September 2012. How Did Griselda Blanco Die? The drug lord was walking out of a butcher shop in her hometown of Medellin, Colombia, when the armed gunmen shot her in the head twice from their motorcycle. The killing was reflective of the drive-by style Griselda coined herself while running her drug empire, with Drug Trafficking in the Americas author Bruce Bagley telling The Guardian at the time, It's some kind of poetic justice that she met an end that she delivered to so many others. Here is a woman who made a lot of enemies on her rise and was responsible for the deaths of untold numbers of people, he continued. She might have retired to Colombia and wasn't anything like the kind of player she was in her early days, but she had lingering enemies almost everywhere you look. What goes around comes around. Filmmaker Billy Corben who documented Griseldas life as part of the Cocaine Cowboys documentary further told The Miami Herald of her death, This is classic live-by-the-sword, die-by-the-sword. Or in this case, live-by-the-motorcycle-assassin, die-by-the-motorcycle assassin. What Was Griselda Blanco Guilty Of? While operating her drug empire, Griselda was said to be personally responsible for an alarming number of brutal murders, but she was found guilty of just three killings. She was convicted of arranging the murders of two Miami drug dealers who did not pay for delivery, as well as the assassination of an organization enforcers 2-year-old son. Of the little boys killing, her lieutenant, Jorge Ayala, told law enforcement at the time, At first she was real mad because we missed the father, but when she heard we had gotten the son by accident, she said she was glad, that they were even." It is suspected that Griselda killed as many as 200 people throughout her cocaine empires spree in Miami. Griselda Blanco Griselda was indicted by the United States District Court for New Yorks southern district in 1985 on cocaine manufacturing and distribution charges. She was sentenced to 15 years behind bars, while the state of Florida set to build a case against her for murder. Due to a conflict of interest in the case positioned against her by the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, Griselda was able to cut a deal and pleaded guilty to second degree murder in 1998. Jorge was set to be a key witness in the states case, but after being caught having phone sex with secretaries in the Miami-Dade prosecutor's office, his credibility and therefore the cases crumbled. Griselda was released from prison in 2004 and deported to Colombia, where she lived for eight years before being murdered. Her life and crimes have since been fictionally told in Netflixs Griselda, released in early 2024, of which author Bruce Bagley seemingly predicted. She was a pioneer in the sense that she helped to forge and carve out the drugs trade in south Florida and used bloody tactics to do so, Bruce told The Guardian shortly after her death in 2012. The danger is she will be remembered not for her cold-heartedness and brutality but for being a woman entrepreneur in an emerging field dominated by men. One word was all Bowen Yang needed to slam Saturday Night Live for having Nikki Haley on this weeks episode. On Monday, Yang turned to Instagram to subtly shame SNL creator Lorne Michael and other staffers for welcoming the Republican presidential hopeful to the set with open arms. The comic, who uses the name @fayedunaway on Instagram, let followers read between the lines while posting a photo of what appeared to be the former U.N. ambassadors plush greenroom setup. The scene showed a bouquet of flowers and rows of fancy bottled water along with a card that read, Amb. Haley Welcome to Studio 8H! From Lorne + Everyone at SNL. Shutting things down with a single snarky remark, Yang captioned the post Everyone! :) and turned his comment section off. He later removed the post. On Monday, Bowen Yang posted and then deleted an Instagram about Nikki Haley's On Monday, Bowen Yang posted and then deleted an Instagram about Nikki Haley's "SNL" appearance. While Haley has been trying to bill herself as a moderate Republican during her primary race against front-runner Donald Trump, her policies are anything but. Shes boasted about being a union buster, said Floridas Dont Say Gay law isnt strict enough and even suggested Texas could secede from the union over disputes at the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition to trying to launder her right-wing reputation, Haley used her surprise SNL appearance to challenge Trump to a debate. Though currently trailing behind the former president across polls, the former South Carolina governor says shell continue to fight for votes through Super Tuesday, on March 5, when 15 states and one U.S. territory hold primaries. Related... Wondering if there will be a Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 release date? Then heres the scoop. Under the direction of Masami Obari and penned by Keigo Koyanagi, Brave Bang Braven! stands as an original Japanese mecha anime television series produced by Cygames. The first season of the show premiered on January 11, 2024. The series unfolds in a world where warfare relies on humanoid armored weapons known as Titatonostrider. The storyline takes flight as troops from diverse nations converge on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Heres all the Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 date information we know so far, and all the details on when it is coming out. Is there a Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 release date? Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 does not have an official release date, but it will likely be announced in the future. As of the current moment, there is no official announcement regarding the status of Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2. The series has neither been confirmed for renewal nor canceled at the time of writing. While the first season is currently airing, fans are already speculating about the possibility of a second season. However, the creators of Brave Bang Bravern! have remained tight-lipped about the future of the series, leaving fans in suspense. Brave Bang Bravern! has received world acclaim, with a solid 9.3/10 IMDb rating. If Brave Bang Bravern! is renewed for the second season, the fans might be able to catch Brave Bang Bravern! on screens by mid-2025 or late 2025, considering filming and the writing has not yet begun. This date is an estimation based on the information we have so far. ComingSoon will provide an update to this story once we receive official details. The diverse ensemble cast of Brave Bang Bravern! Season 1 is led by Ryota Suzuki voicing Isami Ao, Yohei Azakami as Lewis Smith, Saiya Aizawa lending her voice to Lulu, Yume Miyamoto portraying Hibiki Rio, Ai Kakuma as Miyu Kato, Kaori Maeda voicing Honoka Suzunagi, Yukiyo Fujii as Karen Aldren, Nanako Mori bringing Nina Kowalski to life, Kenta Miyake voicing Hal King, and Tomoyuki Shimura as Thomas J. Prahmman. Where is Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 coming out? Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 is likely to come out on Crunchyroll, the same as the previous one. The official synopsis for Brave Bang Bravern! Season 1 reads: In the future, humanity wages war with giant humanoid weapons called Titanostrides. Isami Ao of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Lewis Smith of the United States Marine Corps meet on the battlefield in Oahu, Hawaii. An enemy aircraft attacks, scattering their forces. To survive the battle and save their friends, unlikely comrades must find the courage to defeat this new threat. The upcoming Jurassic World movie has gotten a release date, as well as a potential director who has experience with Movies Spencer Legacy 8 hours ago Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone both took to social media to honor and remember the legendary actor Carl Weathers, following Movies Anthony Nash 8 hours ago Apple TV+ has released the official Palm Royale trailer for the comedy drama, starring Saturday Night Live alum Kristen Wiig. TV Maggie Dela Paz 8 hours ago ComingSoon is debuting an exclusive Calamity Jane clip from the Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards-led Western thriller. The film Movies Spencer Legacy 9 hours ago The post Will There Be a Brave Bang Bravern! Season 2 Release Date & Is It Coming Out? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Gina Carano has filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Co. and Lucasfilm over her The Mandalorian exit. Carano was fired in February 2021 from the Disney+ series; she portrayed character Cara Dune. More from IndieWire Now, Caranos legal filing (via The Hollywood Reporter) cites that she was fired for discrimination and wrongful termination. Carano alleged she was fired for her political affiliations and gender. She is seeking a court order for Lucasfilm to recast her, and $75,000, plus punitive damages. IndieWire has reached out to Disney for comment. Some of us have been unjustly singled out, harassed, persecuted and had our livelihoods stripped away because we dared to encourage conversation, asked questions, and refused to go along with the mob, Carano said in a statement. Carano also shared a lengthy statement on X. Elon Musk, owner of X, is helping fund Caranos lawsuit. In 2022, Carano starred in and produced the movie Terror on the Prairie in partnership with Ben Shapiro, which released on The Daily Wire. In a statement, the head of business operations at X (formerly known as Twitter) Joe Benarroch said, As a sign of X Corps commitment to free speech, were proud to provide financial support for Gina Caranos lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Carano said of X funding the lawsuit, I am honored that my case has been chosen to be supported by the company that has been one of the last glimmers of hope for free speech in the world. The hashtag #FireGinaCarano went viral on social media, especially on Twitter, back in November 2020 calling for Disney and Lucasfilm to fire Carano due to her controversial tweets involving transgender pronouns, voter fraud, and pandemic mask-wearing. The former MMA fighter continued to garner controversy after she shared a post on her Instagram story comparing the political climate for Republicans to Nazism. She was fired from The Mandalorian in 2021. The Mandalorian executive producer and director Rick Famuyiwa claimed in February 2023 that Cara Dune could return to the Star Wars franchise. Carano claims in her lawsuit that Disney and Lucasfilm harassed and defamed her for refusing to conform with their viewpoints on issues relating to Black Lives Matter, preferred pronouns, and disproven claims of election interference, as THR reported. Per Carano, Disney required her to meet with a representative of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination and publicly apologize. She refused to do so, and was reportedly asked to meet with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and 45 Lucasfilm employees who identify as LGBTQ+. Carano was then fired not only from The Mandalorian but also other Star Wars projects like Rangers of the New Republic. Defendants went so far as to try and convince Caranos publicist to force Carano to issue a statement admitting to mocking or insulting an entire group of people, which Carano had never done, the lawsuit reads. Today is an important day for meI am filing a lawsuit against @lucasfilm & @Disney After my 20 years of building a career from scratch, and during the regime of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, Lucasfilm made this statement on Twitter, terminating me from The Mandalorian: Gina Gina Carano (@ginacarano) February 6, 2024 Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In May 2008, the city of Parkersburg experienced a devastating EF5 tornado that killed nine people and demolished homes City of Parkersburg, Iowa/Facebook An Iowa family has recovered a wedding photo lost during a 2008 tornado in Parkersburg An Iowa woman has recovered a sentimental treasure lost during a devastating tornado that swept through her town nearly 16 years ago. Last month, Marcia Mull's daughter, Hope Tomkins, happened to spot a Facebook post from the City of Parkersburg featuring an old wedding photo with two familiar faces, according to local news outlet KGAN. "Does anyone recognize this couple?" the post read. "One of the many unclaimed tornado items from over the years. Cleaning out the closet at city hall and we found this! Lets see if we can locate the family of the couple in this photo!" Within 15 minutes of the post going live, Tomkins replied in the comments, "That is my grandpa and grandma!" Mull was soon reunited with the photo of her parents that she feared had been lost for good. Asked what it means to have the precious keepsake back, she told KGAN, "Oh, it means remembering things from my mom and dad and stuff that we did. City of Parkersburg, Iowa/Facebook Wedding photo that was lost during tornado Related: Penn. Man Rejoined with Parents Lost Wedding Rings Hidden in His Childhood Home: I Was in Shock' She said her father, who is dressed in a military uniform in the wedding picture, fought in World War II and took part in the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. On May 25, 2008, an EF5 tornado packing winds at around 205 miles per hour tore through Parkersburg, killing nine people. An area along Highway 14 was hit particularly hard, with homes ripped from their foundations, per KGAN. 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. One of those homes belonged to Tomkins, and when she and Mull returned there after the storm, they discovered they had lost everything, including the wedding photo. We sat there and just It was just devastating, Mull told KGAN. Parkersburg City Administrator Christopher Luhring, who lost an aunt in the tornado, told the outlet that the city recovered thousands of valuable items belonging to residents after the storm, many of which have since been returned. He said seeing Mull reunited with her parents' wedding photo is heartwarming after such a tragedy in the community. Weve had so many good stories in the last 16 years to come out. Its just awesome to reflect on what that picture meant. But then to see the excitement and the joy in the family that got it back is pretty cool, he told KGAN. Related: Woman Buys Strangers Antique Wedding Photos at an Auction, Tracks Down 85-Year-Old Bride and Returns Pics In a similar story last month, a woman was browsing for picture frames at a Virginia auction when she came across a set that still had a bride's wedding photos under the glass. Sandra Poindexter posted pictures of the framed photos on Facebook, hoping to track down the mystery bride. I just thought, somebody's bound to want these, they're just gorgeous," she said, according to ABC 7. Donna Reichard saw Poindexter's post and jumped in to help, managing to locate the bride, 85-year-old Harriet Galbraith. I was shocked because I had always wanted those pictures back," Galbraith told ABC 7 of learning her photos had been found. "They've been somewhere all these years." After shipping the photos to Gailbraith, who lives in Texas, Poindexter told PEOPLE, "Returning these missing bridal photos has made me so happy. When I learned how Harriet has looked for them and missed them over those decades I was so excited for her! I wish I could be there when she opens the package." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Noel Rubio, 60, began his trip from Long Beach, California, to Kaneohe, Oahu on Dec. 28, according to the Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard Noel Rubio A sailor has safely arrived in Hawaii after spending over 5 weeks at sea. Noel Rubio, 60, began his trip to Kaneohe, Oahu on Dec. 28, 2023, according to a news release from the United States Coast Guard. He originally planned to arrive on Jan. 18, three weeks after launching his 32-foot Westsail sloop named Malulani from Long Beach, California. However, Rubio did not arrive on time. He last made contact with a friend via cellphone while south of Catalina Island on the day he began his journey, and his only means of communication on the boat was a VHF-FM marine band radio. Related: Man Dies After Drowning in Lake Outside SoFi Stadium: 'He Went Underwater and Did Not Resurface' The Coast Guard was alerted to his disappearance on Feb. 2 and began efforts to locate both the sailor and the boat. Fortunately, Rubio and his ship arrived safely in Hawaii on Saturday, the Coast Guard said. U.S. Coast Guard The vessel Malulani In an email to SFGATE, Coast Guard spokesperson Matt Masaschi said the case had a "happy ending" as the man's wife told them that she made contact with her husband Saturday and that he was safe and within close proximity to Hawaii. "His estimated arrival time to reach his destination was delayed due to a slower transit time than anticipated, Masaschi added. 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. Douglas Samp, a search and rescue mission coordinator in the Rescue Coordination Center Alameda, said the Coast Guard is greatly appreciative of the expert consult advice provided during the search for Rubio and his boat. Samp also said mariners planning to attempt an open ocean passage are highly encouraged to have multiple layers of communication accessible on their vessel. Related: Kayaker Nearly Loses Leg After Shark Bite in Sydney Harbor: It Was Like the Worst Horror Movie' Samp recommended mariners have a VHF-FM DSC radio, HF DSC radio, satellite communications, and a 406Mhz electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), the last of which can help search and rescue crews locate a mariners position in a time of need. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. K-pop group Oneus will reportedly continue their La Dolce Vita world tour in 2024, and they have recently dropped new dates for several locations in the United States. As it is now, all eyes are on Oneus world tour tickets for the U.S. venues that will be going on sale soon. The K-pop boy band started its highly anticipated La Dolce Vita world tour in November 2023, performing across Europe in six locations, including Tilburg, Warsaw, Madrid, Berlin, Paris, and Copenhagen. While fans in the U.S. have not witnessed the Oneus yet, the wait will be well worth it in 2024 as the group is coming to the country this summer with over eleven shows. Oneus reveals world tour dates for U.S. locations Oneus will start the U.S. leg of the world tour 2024 in Seattle on March 16, 2024. The quintet will be touring the country for over two months and conclude the U.S. journey in Los Angeles on April 10, 2024. Check out all the dates of Oneus U.S. stops below. March 16, 2024: Seattle March 18, 2024: Oakland March 22, 2024: Chicago March 24, 2024: New York March 26, 2024: Washington March 28, 2024: Louisville March 31, 2024: Orlando April 3, 2024: Dallas April 5, 2024: Houston April 8, 2024: Phoenix April 10, 2024: Los Angeles Reportedly, Oneus world tour tickets will go on sale this month. Tickets will go on general sale on February 9, 2024, at 12 a.m. EST on Ticketmaster. However, fans can also book the tickets early with exclusive presales starting on February 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. EST. Presales for Oneus tickets include Live Nation presale, Ticketmaster presale, official platinum presale, and more. Interested people can also directly participate in a specific venue-based presale on February 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. EST. With only a month to go before the summer stint of Oneus begins, fans are hyped to see the charisma and enigmatic stage presence of the boys through their live performances. The post Oneus World Tour 2024: US Dates, Stops & Ticket Booking Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. The Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germany Netflix streaming release date is just around the corner, poised to captivate audiences, and viewers are wondering when they can start streaming the TV series. Think Emily in Paris chic vibes meet Drunk Historys unapologetic humor with a dash of Sex and the Citys saucy exploration, all served with a side of kimchi and schnitzel. If youre down for cultural exploration with a twist, a dose of humor, and a peek behind the red velvet curtain, then this business is your passport to adventure. Heres when the show is coming out on Netflix. When is the Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germany Netflix release date? The Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germany Netflix release date is February 20, 2024. Expect hands-on experiences, revealing interviews, and enough cultural insights to make you a certified Euro-expert. Whether youre planning your next trip or just love a good dose of cultural exploration, Risque Business is your passport. Shin Dong-youp and Sung Si-kyung ditch the tourist traps and dive headfirst into the sizzling sex cultures of these European hotspots. When is Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germany coming out via streaming? Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germany is available to watch via streaming on Netflix on February 20, 2024. Viewers will be able to stream it at this time. Nonetheless, if you want a taste of what the show is about, you can watch its predecessors: Risque Business: Japan, and Risque Business: Taiwan. Current Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the series when it airs. Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germanys official synopsis reads: Shin Dong-youp and Sung Si-kyung boldly explore the sex cultures of the Netherlands and Germany, mixing hands-on experiences with revealing interviews. The upcoming Jurassic World movie has gotten a release date, as well as a potential director who has experience with Movies Spencer Legacy 7 hours ago Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone both took to social media to honor and remember the legendary actor Carl Weathers, following Movies Anthony Nash 7 hours ago Apple TV+ has released the official Palm Royale trailer for the comedy drama, starring Saturday Night Live alum Kristen Wiig. TV Maggie Dela Paz 7 hours ago ComingSoon is debuting an exclusive Calamity Jane clip from the Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards-led Western thriller. The film Movies Spencer Legacy 8 hours ago The post Risque Business: The Netherlands and Germany Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Netflix? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Disclaimer: The article contains mention of murder and assault. Reader discretion is advised. Serial killer Robert Hansens reign of terror lasted from 1972 to 1983. Operating from Anchorage, Alaska, this menacing individual reportedly kidnapped, raped, and murdered at least seventeen women. He was infamously nicknamed Butcher Baker. An Oxygen True Crime article states that Hansen was born in 1939 and raised in Estherville, Iowa. Furthermore, he was the eldest son of Edna Margret Hansen and Christian Chris Hansen. Chris Hansen was said to be a big old mean guy and overbearing by nature. To make matters worse, young Robert suffered from severe acne and also strutted. Eventually, he developed an interest in hunting and tracking, which came to use when he began killing females. Robert Hansen reportedly took a life for the first time in the 1970s. According to the Anchorage Daily News, he assumed that his first victim was a topless dancer or prostitute. At first, he pulled a gun on her and then stabbed her to death. He finally got rid of the body by burying it in a shallow grave. Officials discovered the remains of his first victim in 1980; however, her identity remains a mystery. Officials finally managed to nab Robert Hansen after he abducted a teenage sex worker named Cindy Paulson. Cindy managed to flee from the serial killer and run straight to authorities. Furthermore, investigators discovered that Hansens home had a soundproof room and jewelry belonging to the victims. In addition, they also discovered that his murder weapon was a .223-caliber rifle. When did Robert Hansen get caught? According to Murderpedia, officials finally arrested Robert Hansen in June 1983. He furthermore admitted that he assaulted 30 women in the 1970s and 80s. Reports suggest that he would first make his victims submit at gunpoint and proceed to rape them. However, the way he would terminate his victims was vicious. He reportedly flew or drove them to isolated areas, where he released them as prey. He then proceeded to hunt and kill them and ultimately get rid of their bodies. A 1984 New York Times report stated that Robert Hansen turned to a life of crime because women rejected him off his life. He even once revealed that his acne and stuttering problem was a curse. According to the New York Daily News, he stated, Going back in my life I was, I guess what you might call very frustrated. I would see my friends and so forth going out on dates and so forth and had a tremendous desire to do the same thing. He further stated, From the scars and so forth on my face you can probably see. I could see why girls wouldnt want to get close to me. During my junior high or high school days I could not control my speech at all. I was always so embarrassed and upset with it from people making fun of me that I hated the word school. In February 1984, the court sentenced him to 461 years in prison plus life without parole. Furthermore, he helped authorities search for the bodies of his victims, but only 12 of them were recovered. Robert Hansen died on August 21, 2014, aged 75, due to natural causes. The post How Was Serial Killer Robert Hansen Caught? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Sesame Workshop will be getting a new chief executive. The non-profit that produces Sesame Street and other programs says that Steve Youngwood has stepped down as CEO and as a board member, with president Sherrie Westin tapped as the interim CEO. More from The Hollywood Reporter Sesame Workshop says that it has hired an executive search firm to identify a permanent CEO. Youngwood will remain available as an informal adviser for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition, the organization says. The leadership change comes at a critical moment for the organization, with the next season of Sesame Street (season 55) set to be the last under its current rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Given how rights are negotiated, it is likely that discussions over future seasons will begin this year. The Hollywood Reporter also reported exclusively last year that Sesame Street will be getting reimagined beginning with season 56, which will air in 2025. Youngwood said at the time that the organization was thinking about how to adapt the show for modern streaming sensibilities. We felt like this was a moment to step back and think bigger about how we evolve it, he said. Under Steves leadership, Sesame Workshop has expanded its reach and impact globally, and is well positioned for ongoing success, said Gabrielle Sulzberger, chair of the Sesame Workshop board of trustees, in a statement. On behalf of the Board, I thank Steve for his commitment to Sesame Workshop, our mission, and people and wish him the best in his next chapter. Sesame Workshops mission has never been more critical and I am honored to step into this role on an interim basis, Westin added. We are fortunate to have an incredibly deep bench of purpose-driven individuals, and I look forward to working closely with the entire team as we advance the important work underway to meet the needs of young children in an evolving media and education landscape. We will continue investing in our best-in-class programming and launching new resources to provide access to quality early learning to children around the globe. It has been a highlight of my professional career to work alongside the talented and creative individuals on the Sesame Workshop team, Youngwood added. I look forward to watching Sesame Workshops immensely positive social impact continue long into the future. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Audio streaming giant Spotify posted better-than-expected subscriber gains as part of its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 earnings report on Tuesday. It also reported a narrowed fourth-quarter operating loss despite charges for layoffs related to its efforts to push toward sustainable profitability, with its bottom line helped by price increases, cost reductions and growth in its advertising business. And Spotify CEO Daniel Ek on a morning call told investors to expect more cost-cutting in 2024 as the music streaming platform continued to pursue a more disciplined approach to future growth and profitability. More from The Hollywood Reporter The company ended 2023 with 236 million paying premium subscribers, up from 226 million as of the end of September and compared with its forecast that it would reach 235 million in the latest period. Fourth-quarter net additions of 10 million contributed to a record full year of net additions of 31 million, the firm highlighted. Stockholm-headquartered Spotify also reported that it hit 602 million monthly active users (MAUs) as of the end of 2023, up from 574 million at the end of the third quarter. The company had previously estimated it would end the latest period with 601 million MAUs. Net additions of 28 million represented the second-largest fourth-quarter net addition performance in our history, the company said on Tuesday. Ek told analysts during a morning conference call that the music streaming giant would continue to cut costs, which may include additional job cuts in 2024, after a recent restructuring and a stepped-up focus on profitability. In Dec. 2023, Spotify cut 17 percent of the companys global workforce as the streaming platform continues to focus on monetization and efficiency, Ek recalled on a morning call. Were going to continue to be more resourceful with the resources we have. Thats just the new modus operandi, Ek said. Amid escalating costs, Spotify has been undertaking several cost-cutting measures. The streaming giant laid off 200 employees in June, after previously laying off 600 employees in January and conducting layoffs in October. It then laid off 17 percent of its staff in December. But Ek also responded to industry concerns Spotify will compromise future growth for greater near-term profitability. Make no mistake, we will continue to make bold bets, invest and seize on opportunities when they make sense, but hopefully its clear now with a much more disciplined approach going forward, the Spotify CEO added. Ek also responded to a question about podcasting, and indicated Spotify was close to break-even in that business. To get to profitability, Spotify will continue to leverage existing audiences for podcasting for greater revenue, while also ending podcast talent deals that werent working. Spotify last year ended an exclusive podcasting deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, while also merging podcasting studios Parcast and Gimlet into a single division after canceling 10 shows from the two companies. Ek also talked about Joe Rogan striking a new multiyear deal with Spotify, but no longer seeing his podcast distributed exclusively by the platform. The Spotify head said non-exclusive deals allowed the platform to drive greater advertising revenues, while also allowing creators greater audience growth of their own on other platforms. Exclusivity makes sense when youre the smaller player trying to gain scale. When youre the bigger player, the additional value of exclusivity is far smaller, Ek argued. Last week, Spotify struck a new multiyear podcast deal with Joe Rogan. As part of its, The Joe Rogan Experience show, which has been the top podcast of the year globally at Spotify for the past four years, will soon be distributed across several podcast platforms, as well as on YouTube, rather than remaining exclusive to Spotify. In addition to distribution, Spotify will handle advertising sales for the podcast. And he reiterated Spotifys criticisms of Apple choosing to comply with the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA), which threaten higher fees for app developers and reduced profitability. It think its a bit of a farce because it looks on the surface that theyre complying with (DMA). But behind the surface, theyre doing pretty much everything to make this such an attractive experience that no sane developer would want to pick any of the new terms, Ek said, while adding Spotify will stick with the current system. During the latest quarter, Spotifys quarterly operating loss amounted to 75 million ($80 million), which was better than our updated guidance, it said, and compared to 270 million in the year-ago period. Excluding one-time charges, we generated 68 million ($73 million) in adjusted operating profit, which is more than double the third quarter as the business continues momentum towards sustainable growth and profitability, it highlighted. The charges amounted to 143 million ($153 million) and were associated with efficiency actions taken late in the quarter, Spotify said. In the third quarter, the company had swung to a surprise operating profit of 32 million. Fourth-quarter revenue jumped 16 percent to 3.67 billion ($3.94 billion), in line with the companys forecast. Premium revenue grew 17 percent, or 21 percent when assuming constant currencies, reflecting subscriber growth of 15 percent year-over-year and a premium average revenue per user (ARPU) increase of 1 percent year-over-year to 4.60 ($4.94), or up 5 percent constant currency, Spotify said. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, ARPU performance was driven by price increase benefits, partially offset by product and market mix. Ad-supported revenue grew 12 percent, or 17 percent in constant-currency terms, reflecting growth across all regions, hitting what the company said was an all-time high of 501 million ($538 million). Music advertising revenue grew double-digits driven by growth in impressions sold and stable pricing, the company said. Podcast advertising revenue grew in the healthy double-digit range, driven by significant growth in sold impressions across original and licensed podcasts and the Spotify Audience Network, partially offset by softer pricing. For the current first quarter, it forecast operating income guide of 180 million, which Guggenheim analyst Michael Morris called well ahead of our/consensus estimates of 121 million/92 million. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Tucker Carlson is in Moscow to interview Vladimir Putin, the former Fox News host announced Tuesday. We are not here because we love Vladimir Putin. We are here because we love the United States, and we want it to remain prosperous and free, Carlson said in a video teasing the upcoming interview, which had still not been released. He said the entire thing would soon be posted for free, unedited, on his website tuckercarlson.com. Carlson had been spotted chatting with citizens and Moscow this week, leading to wide speculation that he was preparing a visit with the Russian president, whose military is still pressing its two-year invasion of Ukraine. The U.S.-backed Ukrainian resistance has been flagging as Congress dithers about another massive military aid package. Why I'm interviewing Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/hqvXUZqvHX Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 6, 2024 There are risks to conducting an interview like this, obviously, so we thought about it over many months, Carlson said in the video released on all Tucker Carlson Network platforms, including his X account. Heres why were doing it: First, its our job. Were in journalism. Our duty is to inform people. Two years into a war thats reshaping the entire world, most Americans are not informed. They have no real idea what is really happening in this region, here in Russia, or 600 miles away in Ukraine. But they should know. Theyre paying for it. Carlson said that he paid his own way to make the trip to Moscow, and said he also had reached out to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an interview but has not yet been granted one. But the interviews hes already done in the United States arent traditional interviews, Carlson said. They are fawning pep sessions specifically designed to amplify Zelenskyys demand that the U.S. enter more deeply into a war into Eastern Europe. And pay for it. Carlson also repeated his allegation that the federal government naming the Biden administration outright has been spying on him and leaking damaging text messages to the press. Almost three years ago, the Biden administration illegally spied on our text messages, and then leaked the contents to their servants in the news media, he said. They did this in order to stop a Putin interview that wed been planning. Last month, were pretty certain they did exactly the same thing once again. But this time, we came to Moscow anyway. A message sent to the White House press office was not immediately returned Tuesday. The post Tucker Carlson Is Interviewing Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Accuses White House of Spying to Try to Stop Him appeared first on TheWrap. After days of fevered anticipation among his far-right fanbase and Russian media reveling over his recent arrival in Moscow, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson finally put to rest the speculation and made it official on Tuesday: he is indeed interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Carlson, a loud critic of Ukraine and its president Volodymyr Zelensky, dropped a promotional video on Xwhere he now conducts his online showannouncing the upcoming interview with the authoritarian leader. The conservative commentator, who has said he is rooting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, claimed he was there because were in journalism and our duty is to inform people. Why I'm interviewing Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/hqvXUZqvHX Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 6, 2024 Carlson, who will be the first American media figure to interview Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago, claimed that English-speaking countries are unaware of how the war has changed the entire world because no one has told them the truth and spoken to Putin. Their media outlets are corrupt, he added. They lie to their readers and viewers, and they do it mostly by omission... not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview the president of the other country involved in this conflict, Vladimir Putin. While Carlson called the interviews that Zelensky has done with Western media outlets propaganda of the ugliest kind and fawning pep sessions, he asserted that his sit down with Putin will be anything but. Of course, those who have seen Carlsons softball interviews with other authoritarian leaders, such as Hungarys Viktor Orban, are likely to be more than a little bit skeptical. Promoting the upcoming interview with Putin, Carlson once again claimed that the Biden administration illegally spied on him three years ago when he was attempting to secure an interview at that time with the Russian president. He additionally asserted, without evidence, that he believed the White House had done it again in the past month. We are not here because we love Vladimir Putin, he declared. We are here because we love the United States. And we want it to remain prosperous and free. The ex-Fox host, who was fired by the conservative cable giant last spring, also heaped praise on X owner Elon Musk for promising not to suppress or block the interview once he posted it to the platform. The entire unedited conversation, Carlson said, would be available to view for free on his website. Carlson concluded the promo by claiming Western governments and less principled platforms will censor his interview because they are afraid of information they cant control, making no mention of Putins own crackdowns on free speech or imprisonment of journalists. Since arriving in Moscow, the outspoken defender of Putin has been feted by Russian state media, who have long gushed over Carlson and lobbied for the far-right nationalist host to interview their leader. Some Russian propagandists have gone so far as to insist that the sit-down will blow up the upcoming American election and reinstall Donald Trump in the White House. Meanwhile, as Carlson suggests hes the only Western journalist whos been willing to interview Putin since the start of the Ukraine war, others pointed out that is hardly the case. Does Tucker really think we journalists haven't been trying to interview President Putin every day since his full scale invasion of Ukraine? CNNs Christiane Amanpour tweeted. Its absurdwell continue to ask for an interview, just as we have for years now. 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. Warner Bros. Discovery and its top brass will not have to face a lawsuit from investors accusing them of hiding adverse financial information about the companys prospects leading up to the 2022 merger of Discovery and AT&Ts WarnerMedia. U.S. District Judge Valierie Caproni on Monday found that WBD didnt overstate subscriber figures and was not required to disclose information about broader changes to its business strategy as it related to third-party licensing and the likely shuttering of CNN+. Other allegations over the profitability of WarnerMedias investment in content to fuel its burgeoning streaming platform and the companys shift away from licensing movies for theatrical distribution in favor of a direct-to-streaming model were similarly dismissed. WBD declined comment for this story. More from The Hollywood Reporter The proposed class action, led by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, alleged Discovery, as well as WBD chief executive David Zaslav and CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, artificially inflated WBDs stock by misleading investors about the health of the HBO Max streaming service, among other things. The allegedly false statements involved the number of subscribers the merged company would have; WarnerMedias content licensing strategy; plans for CNN+; and the extent to which WarnerMedia had shifted its focus to growing its streaming platform. According to offering documents for the merger, HBO, HBO Max and Discovery in 2021 had 95.8 million subscribers. The suit alleged that the information was misleading because it included the total number of subscribers for all three services without specifying how many of them were nonpaying or subscribed to noncore services (think Eurosports Player, Motortrend, and Discovery Kids). But the court concluded that the omission does not rise to a violation of securities law because the offering materials, as a whole, were not misleading. In the complaint, investors did not argue that the reported figures were inaccurate and, furthermore, conceded that the documents disclosed that the figures included unactivated subscriptions. And while WBD may have reported what investors called half-truths, Caproni said that merging companies are not required to disclose a fact simply because it may be relevant or of interest to a reasonable investor. The judge explained, The Offering Documents reported subscriber numbers of the to-be-merged companies that were accurate and were accompanied by the companies methodologies; the methodologies clearly disclosed that WarnerMedia included unactivated accounts and that Discovery included subscribers to all of its direct-to-consumer services. The investors claims over WarnerMedias failure to disclose that the company largely halted licensing agreements with third parties in favor of directly channeling content to HBO Max, which they allege caused a decline in WBDs revenue, didnt fare any better. Specifically, the suit took issue with a statement from Discovery in Feb. 2022 in which it said that WarnerMedia is licensing content to over 20 platforms and outlets and is a content maker and content owner generating significant revenue, free cash flow and most importantly, optionality. The court said that WarnerMedia had no duty to reveal that it was winding down reaching as many licensing deals. A company is only required to disclose changes in its business plans, it found, when it previously stated intentions to exclusively adhere to that particular strategy and pivoted without informing investors. Before the merger, a significant portion of WarnerMedias revenue came from licensing its content to third parties. But when it launched HBO Max in 2020, the company pivoted to spending billions of dollars to develop new content and, a year later, decided to simultaneously release new movies on its streaming platform and in theaters. Additionally, Caproni concluded that WBD similarly had no obligation to disclose information about CNN+, which shuttered a few days after the merger closed. Plaintiffs do not dispute that the disclosures in the Offering Documents were accurate, the judge wrote. They argue instead that Defendants were obligated to provide details about CNN+ because it was the only news streaming platform of either of the merging companies. Plaintiffs do not explain, however, how Defendants alleged pre-Merger plan to cancel CNN+ made statements about the broader content strategy of the planned Merged Company misleading. In the six months after the merger was completed, WBD stock fell be more than 50 percent. Yost brought the proposed class action on behalf of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio. His office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This embedded content is not available in your region. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sunbathers walk along a badly eroding patch of resort-lined crescent beach in Negril in western Jamaica in this 2014 file photo. | David McFadden, Associated Press The U.S. State Department regularly updates travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally. Levels depend on risk factors such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Currently, 10% of countries, 19 total, have a level four advisory, meaning no one should travel to that location, per U.S. News & World Report. Twenty-four countries have a level three travel advisory, meaning to reconsider travel. While citizens are not barred from traveling, additional advice is given because of the severity of risks to safety and security, according to U.S. News & World Report. Which countries have updated do not travel warnings? Level four is the highest and most dangerous advisory the U.S. government gives. Here are the areas to not travel to and the reasons why, in order of date updated, according to the State Department website. Burma (Myanmar) With armed conflict, civil unrest and arbitrary law enforcement, Burma was updated to a level four on Jan. 22. Certain areas within the country, Shan, Chin and Kachin, also contain unidentifiable or unmarked landmines. Many U.S. citizens have been wrongfully detained without due process. Explosives are used during armed conflicts. There are limited medical resources because of shortage in staffing and medical supplies. Iran Information on Iran was updated on Jan. 11. Terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arrest of U.S. citizens are risk factors for Iran. Terrorist organizations, such as ISIS, operate in Iran. The U.S. is unable to provide emergency services. Which countries should tourists highly consider not traveling to? Where possible, U.S. citizens should stay away from countries with a level three travel advisory. However, if necessary, appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with others in emergencies; keep travel documents up-to-date; avoid demonstrations or crowds and do not touch unknown objects. Here are the areas to reconsider traveling to and the reasons why, in order of date updated, according to the State Department website. Lebanon Crime, civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, landmines and armed conflict causes Lebanon to have a level three advisory. Southern Lebanon, the border with Syria or refugee settlements have a level four, do not travel, advisory. Lebanons advisory was updated on Jan. 29. The U.S. Embassy is sometimes unable to assist travelers. Terrorist groups are plotting attacks, especially in tourist locations. Disputes often escalate quickly within families and neighborhoods, causing gunfire or other violence. Kidnapping occurs due to the want of money, political motives and family disputes. Landmines are found in roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails. Protester gatherings often turn violent. Major roads can be blocked for the protests. Saudi Arabia Updated on Jan. 24, Saudi Arabia has a level three advisory. There are currently threats of missile and drone attacks, terrorism, arrests due to social media activity and prohibited items within the country. The U.S. government is unable to provide aid for most emergencies. Iran has conducted destructive and lethal attacks with missiles and drones against government and civilian sites. Debris from drone and missile attacks are dangerous. U.S. citizens have been arrested for social media comments, likes, posts or reposts that are deemed critical of Saudi Arabia. Drugs, weapons, pornographic material and other illegal items are often imported into the country. Jamaica Travel to Jamaica should be reconsidered because of crime and reduced medical services. The countrys travel advisory was updated on Jan. 23. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, armed robberies and home invasions occur. Police respond poorly to criminal incidents. Families of U.S. citizens are often killed in homicides with death certificates given a year or more later. Hospitals are under-resourced. Papua New Guinea Crime, civil unrest, piracy, kidnapping, limited health care services and natural disasters cause Papua New Guineas level three advisory, updated on Jan. 17, 2024. Violent crime such as assault, home invasions, carjacking and robberies occur. Criminals attack foreign tourist hotspots for money. Police presence and their resources are limited. Piracy is active in the surrounding water. The criminals often use physical violence. Foreign citizens have been kidnapped. Nicaragua Updated on Jan. 11, Nicaragua has increased in arbitrary law enforcement, limited health care and false detention. Nicaraguas government searches and seizes personal items, targets pro-democracy advocates and families, and prevent individuals from departing. U.S. citizens can find themselves charged without fair trials. Niger Travel to Niger should be reconsidered because of crime, kidnapping and terrorism. The travel advisory was updated on Jan. 8. Demonstrations often become violent. Terrorists operate in different areas within the country and have attacked security forces. Robbery is common. Colombia Crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping are current risks in Colombia. The level three travel advisory was updated on Jan. 2. Violent crimes such as assault, homicide and robbery occur. Terrorist groups carry out attacks in both local and tourist locations. Demonstrations regularly shut down major roads and have resulted in fatalities. Related Navigating fear when the world seems unsafe Does it ever feel like you hear news about tragedy constantly? Living in a digital age allows us to hear or see recent crises in an instant. However, for me, Ive found that being in constant fear makes life difficult. Learning how to cope while dealing with fear has been important as I want to continue to be immersed in the news. Promises Behavioral Health offers five ways to cope with fear to help prevent bigger problems, like depression or substance abuse, down the line. Pay attention: Take the time to recognize what you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. Running from fear can make someone more anxious and depressed long-term. Give fear a shape: Give your fear a silly or child-like identity, an appearance or even a name. You can then speak to your fear as a parent talking to a child or a person trying to get someone annoying to know why theyre wrong. Focus on your present reality: Take the time to understand if you are overgeneralizing. Though there are bad people, not every one has lost kindness. Question if your thoughts are actually true or if you are just convincing yourself something bad will happen. Balance the negative with the positive: Notice the good things happening around you. If you want to look into tragic events, look into heroic stories as well for balance. You can also inspire yourself and others to take action against injustices you see. Get help: Never be afraid to get help if fear is consuming and creating problems in your life. Therapy and help from friends or family can be effective. In a heartwarming act of bravery, a courageous individual emerged as a beacon of hope in Colchester, United Kingdom. A man named Tom Banks rescued a helpless dog from the brink of drowning by jumping into the river. Rosie the Rottweiler saved from drowning in Colchester river Passersby at King Edward Quay were startled to find Rosie, a Rottweiler and Douge de Bourdeaux mix, trapped in mud. Tom Banks, 31, who was out for a stroll with his family and their two-year-old Tibetan Terrier, spotted the distressed pup. He sprang into action without hesitation, plunging into the River Colne to rescue her. He successfully untangled Rosie from the reeds ensnaring the canine. In addition, he managed to extract her from the quay with the assistance of a rope fastened around his waist. Banks recounts the encounter, saying, Initially, I spotted a gathering of individuals across the river whom I mistook for bird watchers As I approached, their distressed voices became evident, and thats when I noticed Rosie ensnared amidst the reeds in the river. According to Banks, even though the fire brigade was on its way, he chose not to waste time. I decided to jump into the river straight away the tide was rising, so I thought it was now or never. He further noted, Fortunately, someone else was there with a rope that I could put around my waist so grateful to have had help. Even though Banks showed no hesitation in jumping into the river, he admits to feeling a tinge of apprehension. He realized the canine was larger than expected and may not respond kindly towards him. However, Rosie behaved amicably towards her rescuer. Furthermore, Banks acknowledged rescuing Rosie felt incredibly rewarding. After helping the drowning canine, he and others showered her with dog treats. Following her rescue, the Rottweiler received veterinary attention, where she remained under medical care for several nights. Subsequently, she was transferred to the Colchester dog wardens, and eventually, K9 Colchester Dog Rescue retrieved her. You can support Rosies recovery by visiting their GoFundMe page. Make a donation here. The post Dog Rescued From Drowning by Passerby in Colchester, UK appeared first on DogTime. The Dominican Republic is a country in the Caribbean that is located just two hours away from Miami. It is the second largest Caribbean country, so travelers often appreciate the array of attractions available to them. The landscapes of the Dominican Republic are quite breathtaking. From tranquil white sand beaches to Pico Duarte (the tallest mountain in the Caribbean) and even historic Spanish cathedrals, the Dominican Republic is a great place to travel to. Travelers that prefer to enjoy the natural environment during their stay can see the rainforest, deserts and lush green valleys of Dominican Republic during nature and wildlife tours. A very popular destination of the country is Punta Cana, which is on the eastern side. This area has some of the best beaches of the country and offers visitors affordable experiences, along with the best nightclubs, fresh seafood and water sports. Although the Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, it does have its own safety concerns which may make some travelers hesitant to travel there. Of course anywhere that travelers go there may be things to adjust to or be mindful of, so we have compiled some of the most important things to know for potential travelers of the D.R. Best Travel Advisories Tourists that have concerns about safety should do their research so they are well informed. Personal safety is an important factor for international (and even domestic) travelers, so it is imperative for them to know about potential safety threats. Crime rates and other environmental risks are often the most critical safety threats for tourists. These resources will help travelers assess their travel destinations. The U.S. Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are very informative resources that provide travelers with more insight. According to the Department of States travel advisory, the Dominican Republic is a level two destination. This means that travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling and be cognizant of the particular threats within the country. In cases of emergency or times when tourists need travel assistance, there is even a U.S. Embassy in the country. But before setting off on a gorgeous Caribbean adventure, travelers should learn more about local customs, cultural background and even the people of Dominican Republic via the CIAs website. The World Factbook summarizes all of the above information plus travel tips. Travel health safety is another concern for tourists going to unfamiliar places where they will likely rely on public transportation and face unfamiliar health risks. Platforms like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are great. The CDCs travel health web page has country specific reports on health notices, available medicines and even preventable illnesses. So, for travelers that may be susceptible to certain illnesses or are simply careful about their wellness, this information may play an important part in travel planning or decision making. WHOs website offers detailed statistics and health overviews, which may come in handy for travelers that want to gauge the relative health safety of particular travel destinations. Is D.R. Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers? Learn more about the safety level of the Dominican Republic. pictured: a urban zone of the Dominican Republic on a cloudy day The Dominican Republic is a popular travel destination in which the majority of travelers feel safe visiting. Crime generally does not impact the tourism industry or areas of the D.R., so it is safe to say that it is a safe place for tourists. Solo travelers are also safe in the D.R., especially if they use common street smarts to secure their safety. But technically, the country has a relatively high crime rate. That includes petty and violent crimes, which are mostly opportunistic. Pickpocketing, robbery and bag snatching are common in large urban cities like Santo Domingo. But on the occasion that those crimes occur, they have not been disproportionately targeted at tourists. The country takes safety very seriously, so there has been improved safety and security measures. The security at resorts and tourist areas have been strengthened for a better sense of safety. How to Stay Safe in the D.R. The Dominican Republic is a relatively safe place that travelers should fell welcome in. pictured: a gathering of citizens holding Dominican Republic flags up To protect themselves, tourists should always exercise a baseline of personal safety precautions. Since the majority of the crime that occurs has to do with possessions and theft, travelers should take that into consideration. Tourists should avoid flaunting expensive things and carrying large amounts of cash on their person. Staying alert and vigilant around strangers or in public places is a smart move for travelers. It is also advisable to avoid poorly lit places and for travelers not to go off on their own late at night. The Dominican Republic has a high road accident rate, so it is imperative that travelers use public transportation to avoid accidents. Luckily, D.R. has a dependable bus service that is easily accessible for tourists. The inexpensive public buses like Metro Tours or private bus companies like Caribe Tours offer travelers a way to get around the country. For travelers wanting to stay central but still get around, taxis or ride-sharing apps are the best bet. Taxis are commonplace and usually available around major tourist areas or attractions, so travelers do not have a problem hailing one. Hotels can even get a taxi for their guests, so that only reputable companies like Apolo Taxi are used. Always confirm the fare before getting into a ride to avoid scams, although the rates in the city are set it is best to stay on the safe side. Ride-share apps are good resources so that travelers do not have to struggle through potential language barriers. They may even find that the cost of ride-share apps are less than taxis during low traffic times. Regardless of the particular mode of transportation that travelers take, they should follow standard public transport safety precautions, especially while abroad. These include but are not limited to securing personal possessions, staying alert while riding public transportation and ensuring that drivers or vehicles are legitimate and certified. Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo offers travelers a more metropolitan experience as it is the largest city in the country. It is the historical capital city and a generally safe place for tourists to stay. La Zona Colonial, Gazcue and Bella Vista are a few of the safe areas that tourists can enjoy in Santo Domingo. In these areas tourists will have easy access to downtown and the popular stops. Some areas are not as welcoming, so there are places within Santo Domingo that travelers should avoid. Arroyo Hondo and Cristo Rey are among those, since the amount of violent crimes are higher (or simply occurred) there. For a more relaxed and laid back feel, travelers should plan to stay in Punta Cana. This eastern destination is one of the Dominican Republics safest areas since it has such low crime rates. Punta Cana also has world renowned beaches and all-inclusive hotels that offer plenty of amenities. This area is located in La Altagracia province and is generally regarded as a comfortable and secure destination. Best Time to Visit D.R. For the best weather, tourists should plan their trip to the Dominican Republic wisely. Between December and March is conducive to the most pleasant weather. Clear skies and low humidity in the D.R. sounds like the perfect weather to escape the bitter cold of winter. The tropical weather during this time is great, but budget travelers may prefer to visit between May and September when there are reduced prices on flights, accommodations and even activities. People Also Ask Is it safe to walk around Punta Cana? Yes, tourists are completely safe to explore Punta Cana on foot. It is one of the safest areas in the Dominican Republic. Is it safe to travel to the Dominican Republic? Travelers should not have problems getting to (and around) the D.R. as it is a safe place to visit. Authorities in Ecuador have named a suspect in their investigation of now-recalled lead-tainted applesauce, which has been linked to poisonings of more than 400 Americans across 43 states, the Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday but U.S authorities have "limited authority" to take steps against him. Ecuador's authorities allege that Carlos Aguilera, a cinnamon grinder in Ecuador, is "the likely source" of the poisonings, the FDA said in an update, noting that the investigation by the Agencia Nacional de Regulacion, Control y Vigilancia Sanitaria and legal proceedings to determine responsibility for the contamination are still ongoing. U.S. authorities have said for months that they suspected that the lead poisonings could be intentional, saying one of the theories they were pursuing was that it was the result of "economically motivated adulteration" of the cinnamon used in the applesauce. "FDA's investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses," the agency said in its statement. Other spices, such as turmeric, have been intentionally tainted using lead and other substances in the past, by sellers looking to hide defects in their products or otherwise inflate the amount of money they can make. Testing of cinnamon sticks that Aguilera had sourced from Sri Lanka but not yet processed were tested by Ecuador and were not contaminated with lead, the FDA said. The FDA previously said that ground cinnamon supplied from Ecuadorian distributor Negasmart, which ended up in WanaBana's applesauce, tested for levels of lead and chromium contamination at "extremely high" concentrations far above what experts think is safe. WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon apple sauce pouches have been recalled by the FDA / Credit: FDA In December, the FDA cited WanaBana for failing to test its cinnamon applesauce pouches for heavy metals. The agency said the applesauce maker should have taken steps to mitigate the risk that cinnamon it was buying for its pouches could be tainted with lead and other toxins. But the agency has also stopped short of definitively describing the lead poisonings as intentional, as opposed to the result of an accident or environmental contamination. Last year, FDA officials said its probe of the then-unnamed grinder suspected to be behind the poisonings had been hampered by limits to their jurisdiction in Ecuador. "The FDA has limited authority over foreign ingredient suppliers who do not directly ship product to the U.S. This is because their food undergoes further manufacturing/processing prior to export. Thus, the FDA cannot take direct action with Negasmart or Carlos Aguilera," the FDA said in its Tuesday update. It is unclear what direct action the FDA would otherwise take, if Aguilera had been a supplier within its jurisdiction. It is also not clear what other theories the FDA is pursuing for why Aguilera's ground cinnamon was tainted with lead. An FDA spokesperson was unable to immediately provide a response to a request for comment. "My child's favorite snack" At least 413 cases of lead poisoning have been linked by health departments to the recalled applesauce pouches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency previously said most reported cases had been in young children, with the median age of cases at around two years old. Complaints filed by parents with the FDA, obtained by CBS News through a Freedom of Information Act request, say that some children had been consuming multiple pouches daily of the cinnamon applesauce before the recall. "I can't believe something so toxic that's geared towards babies, toddlers, and young children fell through the cracks and now has affected my child and others," one person wrote, after they said their daughter had consumed the pouches. The 2-year-old's lead levels tested as high as 25.4 micrograms per deciliter, the complaint said, far beyond the thresholds when the CDC urges parents and doctors to take steps to address lead poisoning. The CDC warns young children are especially vulnerable to the array of serious long-term harms caused by lead poisoning, including damage to the brain and nervous system. "So sad to lose complete faith in a company that was once my child's favorite snack," they wrote. Pharma exec won't commit to selling life-saving drug in U.S. for lower price offered in Canada Missing Marines found dead Las Vegas prepares for Super Bowl travel rush A Tallahassee, Florida, native has gone viral on TikTok for his helpful home repair hacks. On his popular TikTok account, a man who goes by Gator (@jmg8tor) has posted hundreds of home repair videos, giving out tips on everything from plumbing to pool care. His videos have garnered over 50 million likes and three million followers on the platform. Im gonna show you how to adjust your cabinet doors with just a screwdriver. I get this question all the time, so lets dive right into it! Gator said in one of his videos. Gator always ends his videos with his signature catchphrase, NEXT! Gator revealed to Fox that his signature catchphrase was something that he began to randomly say at the end of an early video, and added that he didnt give it much thought at the time. Looking back on his beginnings on the platform, he noted that it never would have occurred to him that NEXT! would become one of his trademarks. It was totally just nothing, he told the outlet. And the next few videos I did, I didnt say that, and people were asking what happened to the next? And I was like what are yall talking about? So then I started saying next, and it gradually transpired into what it is today, you know? He explained that his son inspired him to create these videos. [My son] posted a couple silly videos and they did really well, close to a million [views], he explained. And I was like, Well, let me just get that app. And then I actually started posting videos. Initially, the videos Gator primarily posted were lighthearted and funny, but around the time he reached 200,000 followers, someone suggested that he share his home repair expertise during a livestream. Just one day somebody asked me about doing a home repair, which Ive already been doing my whole life, I said I dont know why Ive never made that content, Gator continued to the outlet. I made one video on how to do a little hack on measuring a board and it did 20 million views in two days. The reaction to his video floored Gator. The whole comment section was just like, Can you show me how to do another tape measure hack? How do you use a drill? Can you fix a toilet, do you fix a door? He recalled, And I was like, this is crazy. He reportedly began to learn basic home repair skills at the age of 18, while he was working on houses. He told the outlet that he believes the demand for home repair content has to do with young people not being taught these basic skills when theyre younger. When I was young, you had to get out and learn something, he said. With social media and the technology, people are getting different jobs that dont require them being out there working to learn anything. For the past two years, hes grown his platform to the point that he can make a sizeable income off of his videos. After he posted a video using WD-40 products, he was able to land a sponsorship deal with the company. Copa Airlines is launching a new route to Panama from Raleigh-Durham in June. David Shvartsman/Getty Images Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines is making it easier to get to Central America with a new route from Raleigh-Durham, NC, to Panama City. The new flight, which will take off for the first time on June 21, will operate four times each week, Copa Airlines shared with Travel + Leisure. "We remain steadfast in our purpose to shorten distances and facilitate connections, allowing Panama to expand its role as the bridge that unites millions of people throughout the Americas while contributing to the economic development of the communities where we operate, Dennis Cary, the sr. vice president and chief commercial officer at Copa Airlines, said in a statement shared with T+L. The introduction of the new Raleigh-Durham route not only promotes cultural exchanges within the Americas but also encourages and deepens tourism and business ties This new route also provides the opportunity for more American tourists to enjoy the wonders of Panama." The new flight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and will take off from Panama each day at 8:56 a.m. local time and arrive in Raleigh at 2:28 p.m. local time. The flight will then leave Raleigh on the same day at 4:20 p.m. and arrive back in Panama at 7:46 p.m. Beyond North Carolina, Copa flies to more than a dozen other destinations in the United States, including to Atlanta, New York, Boston, and Chicago. With the new route, the airline will fly to a total of 85 different destinations in 32 countries throughout North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The carrier, which is part of the Star Alliance, flies a fleet of Boeing aircraft, including the 737-800 NG and 737 MAX 9. The flight to Panama is launching just in time for the busy summer season, but theres never a bad time to visit the country. Panama, which sits just above the Equator, and boasts gorgeous white sand beaches, one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean, and wild jungles. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Paul Therouxs 30th novel, about George Orwells years as a policeman in Burma, is part of a well-populated genre: Tan Twan Eng on Somerset Maugham in Malaysia, Colm Toibin on Thomas Mann in America, Damon Galgut on EM Forster in India. Burma Sahib also joins the many books published last year to mark the 120th anniversary of Orwells birth, of which the ones that have provoked the most attention are DJ Taylors Orwell: The New Life and Anna Funders Wifedom, the latter a decidedly unsympathetic portrait of Orwell as husband. Therouxs Orwell, 19 years old when the book begins, is a more likeable figure. He still goes by the name his parents gave him: Eric Arthur Blair. Not long out of Eton, he opts for the Imperial Police over university, and in 1922 ships out to Burma, full of romantic notions acquired from Kipling. Orwell ends up serving there for a little over five years, over which period he acquires the sense of writerly vocation and the anti-imperialist political convictions that make it impossible for him to carry on. Orwells time in Burma was the basis for at least three pieces of published writing. The longest of them, the 1934 novel Burmese Days, is gripping, if a trifle melodramatic. If Therouxs speculations are right, that novels main character John Flory is a composite of real figures whom Orwell knew in Burma. The two widely anthologised essays that drew on Orwells Burmese experiences A Hanging and Shooting an Elephant are the basis of two of Therouxs best chapters. (The veracity of the latter essay has been questioned, but Theroux evidently believes that Orwells famous account of the episode was substantially true.) Beyond that, even Taylors dense biography admits that much of Orwells time in the East is shrouded in mystery. But the mystery gives Theroux just the gaps he needs for a story that is both credible as history and enjoyable as fiction. Therouxs Blair has many of the traits of the more familiar mature Orwell, chief among them a desire not to be thought eccentric. Despite his growing cynicism about the imperial project, some of his bitterest thoughts are directed at the pansy Left, whose convictions about the evils of imperialism betray their ignorance of the violence and disorder of Burmese society. And even as he obeys his superiors orders, Orwell is cultivating a secret inner life, fed by his reading (Kipling, Wells, Maugham, London, Huxley, Forster and Lawrence), his study of Asian languages, and his careful attention to his tropical surroundings, as he learns to tell a peepul tree from a neem, a teak from a tamarind. George Orwell - ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images Theroux is not shy about probing into Orwells private life. Taylors biography stops at noting that the unpublished poetry from those years suggest that bought sex was a subject of which Orwell possessed a more-than-abstract knowledge. Theroux is much less coy. His Blair, a teenager struggling to grow a moustache when the book begins, manages to sustain multiple sexual relationships with his Burmese housemaids, the tarts at local brothels, and the well-read wife of a fellow colonial. The prose in these passages courts embarrassment (her perfumed breasts, and the slippery tang of her sex). And while Therouxs ear for English speech is generally acute, there are moments of anachronism and Americanism: would a young man steeped in the language and literature of an English public school really use the word snitch rather than sneak? But against these lapses we must hold up Therouxs many fine passages. Here, for instance, is young Orwell being woken up by the crowing of a rooster: the morning sun slatted through the bamboo blinds and gilding the folds of his mosquito net. And here is Orwell taking in the full sensory blast of Rangoon: the tickle of manure, as the street was thick with horse-drawn carts; the reek of sweat from the soaked backs of hurrying barefoot man pulling rickshaws the stink of hot oil and burnt food. Admirers of Therouxs travel writing will find many such examples of his old capacity for precise lyricism restrained, no doubt, by Orwells own stern example. Burma Sahib is published by Hamish Hamilton at 20. To order your copy for 16.99, call 0844 871 1514 or visit Telegraph Books Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The True Religion world is expanding. The Los Angeles-based denim brand announced last week two new kids sportswear licensees, Star Ride Kids and Mad Engine Global LLC. More from Sourcing Journal Star Rides distribution will include wholesale partners across the U.S. and select LATAM countries including Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Mad Engine will distribute True Religion kids across Canada. As a global lifestyle brand, True Religion takes great pride in dressing every member of the family, said Michael Buckley, True Religion CEO. We have been in the kids business for more than 10 years and look forward to continued success with Star Ride and Mad Engine. Product categories for boys 016 and girls 014 include sportswear, outerwear, sleepwear and swimwear. True Religions own stores and e-commerce site will carry both collections. They will be available in stores for back-to-school 2024. The collections will retail for up to $80. We aim to bring True Religions instantly recognizable and iconic stylings to retailers across Canada in various categories including sportswear, swimwear and sleepwear, said Angelina Yagudayev, executive VP of the international division at Mad Engine Global LLC. We are thrilled to partner with the True Religion team to continue the growth trajectory within the kids Canadian market. True Religion is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and we are thrilled to partner with them for their kids sportswear collections, said Stephen Shalam, Star Ride Kids president. True Religion has announced several new licensing partnerships that include childrens products. New York City-based wholesale distribution company Orly Corporation is producing footwear. Concept One Accessories and Capelli/Ballet is making cold weather accessories. Jay Peak, VT, has seen a solid season so far, but that's not enough for them. They want to keep things going as long as humanly possible, or, in this case, with a little help from their guns. "Is it the end or the beginning? Our snow guns roar for round two on Jet trail to keep our season going well into spring." "This past summer we installed 29 new high-efficiency snow guns around the resort and a good amount of those made their home on the Jet Trail." Today's Weather and Snow report from Jay Peak announced that the weather has been wonderfully bluebird the past two days in a row, "something that we haven't seen since early October," and today is a three-peat. "Another beautiful bluebird is on deck with temps at the summit sticking around the high teens and the base reaching mid 20's. We've got crisp and sugary groomers to rip up for days and packed powder glades galore. Snowmaking is still in progress on The Jet Trail, which will keep the lift closed with plans to open it back up tomorrow once they move over to The Haynes." Their social media post explained that "these HKD snow guns save energy, water, and time with a high pressure 1/3 gallon improvement over older models." If you're wondering why they're called HKG snow guns (I was!) it's because of the creator's name, Herman K. Dupre. Him and his wife Sis raised 9 daughters in the alpine environment of South Western PA at the family owned Seven Springs Mountain resort. Therefore, their lives literally depended on having adequate snow cover! But Herman was "an environmentalist at heart" and so "in 1973 he applied for his first of many snowmaking patents, and began employing the technology about the mountain at Seven Springs. Today Seven Springs can pump over 25,000 GPM into snow, assuring snow cover in the toughest of seasons." And now, Jay Peak has assured snow cover in a non-tough season! Three cheers for snow guns! Related: "You Can't Park There" Tahoe Drivers Face Challenges With Nuking Storm Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos. A woman was almost kicked off a Delta Airlines flight because she wasnt wearing a bra. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Lisa Archbold detailed her upsetting interaction with an airline crew member before her flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. On 22 January, the self-employed DJ was leaving Utahs Sundance Film Festival and heading back home to the Bay Area. Minutes before her flight was scheduled to take off, once every single person was in their seat, Archbold was loudly called to the front of the aircraft. According to Archbold, the female crew member ushered her off the plane to reprimand her for her outfit. She told her that what Archbold was wearing was offensive attire and revealing. After this long speech, she tells me she would allow me to stay on the flight if I put on my jacket, Archbold admitted. The ensemble in question consisted of a baggy T-shirt and long pants. Keep in mind this flight was an hour and a half long so I was not going to be out of my seat again, she continued. So whatever offence she was pretending was happening from my nipples, she had just created that offence again, so it wasnt logical it was humiliation. Archbold told Yahoo News Australia that shed taken off two of her coats in the airport before boarding the plane because Salt Lake City had been unseasonably warm. So, she threw on one of her jackets before heading back to her seat. I looked like a girl who didnt care about being dressed like one, Archbold, who identifies as queer, said. The frustrated passenger said she thought her being queer may have been why she was unjustly treated. When it was time to exit the aircraft upon arrival, Archbold made it a point to let one of the male crew members know how she felt about the situation. She said she felt it was discrimination. He replied verbatim, Our official policy on Delta Airlines is that women must cover-up. Its pretty gross, she added. Delta Airlines has reached out to Archbold, offering their apologies. But according to her, the airline stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing, which is the opposite of what she wanted from them. I dont need miles or an apology, I need Delta to be interested in the safety of their passengers, Archbold said. The dress code is extremely subjective. Subjective policies are easy vessels of abuse. They are easy to shift. Lets make everyone more safe. The Independent has contacted Delta Airlines for a comment. Unfortunately, this isnt the first instance where a womans undergarments were brought into question by an airline. A recent report by The Sun alleged that British Airways was forced to remove a uniform recommendation after resistance from the flight attendants union. Before the guidelines were changed, British Airways allegedly advised their female staffers which bras should be worn under their sheer uniforms. Weve removed a recommendation from our uniform guidelines and will continue to listen to our colleagues about what works best for them, an airline representative told The Independent. SOUTH BEND The exhibit Unmasked: The Anti-Lynching Exhibits of 1935 and Community Remembrance in Indiana opens Feb. 8 and continues through Feb. 16 at the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington St. An opening reception and presentation takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and includes a presentation by Alex Lichtenstein, who curated the exhibit. Lichtenstein also will conduct guided tours of the exhibit at 10 a.m. and 2 and 6 p.m. Feb. 7. Registration is required at events.iu.edu/iusbcivil. Unmasked shows two competing artistic responses to racial violence during the 1930s, with lessons for today. It features artworks from two anti-lynching art exhibitions held in New York in 1935 one organized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the second by the Communist Party. The two installations spoke to competing notions of the political function of critical artworks and the aesthetics of anti-racist protest. Be advised that the exhibition does contain images of racist violence and racist language. The exhibit was on view last year at IU Bloomington, then traveled to the Crispus Attucks Museum in Indianapolis. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is free. For more information, call 574-307-6135 or visit crhc.iusb.edu. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: IUSB's Civil Rights Heritage Center opens anti-lynching exhibit Weather accounts for about 70% of delays in the National Airspace System, according to Federal Aviation Administration statistics, costing passengers and airlines billions of dollars a year. Upward of 2,000 flights were canceled on a recent Monday after a bitter winter storm hit most of the United States, according to tracking site FlightAware. But aircraft materials are made to withstand extreme temperatures, so why are so many flights delayed and canceled due to winter weather? Ernie Satterhwait, a multi-engine commercial pilot and flight instructor, said the issue, aside from icing conditions and barometric pressure, is not what occurs in the air, but what happens on the ground. Jet engines like cold air, they are most efficient in high altitude, where it's colder, Satterhwait said. The higher density of the air gives the plane better lift with less power, meaning better performance in colder weather. American Airlines employees guide planes and load luggage in the rain at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix on Dec. 28, 2022. Weather is causing flight delays across the country. The biggest problem with aircraft flying in cold air is ice build-up on the wings. Planes are fickle flying creatures, as Satterhwait put it, and too much ice on the wings is enough to bring one down. As ice builds up, it begins to change the shape of the wings, jeopardizing their structural integrity, increasing the weight of the aircraft, and degrading the amount of lift the plane is able to get. Something as seemingly inconsequential as ice can give false instrument readings and compromise the control of the plane. Instead of air smoothly flying above and below the wings, it begins to fall in and around the ridges formed by that ice build-up, creating pockets of instability for the plane. Many aircraft have de-icing systems on their wings to help remove ice in the air. One common prevention method is utilizing small holes in the edge of the wings to distribute an antifreeze liquid to help keep ice from forming. Another popular way of ridding ice from the wing is to keep the wings heated so ice slides off instead of accumulating. If ice has begun to build, a rubber "boot" can be used by compressing air to inflate and deflate different sections of the rubber to break of the collected ice. An American Airlines flight is de-iced at Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. Over 100 flights were delayed or canceled Monday due to the winter weather. Why the delays and cancelations if planes can operate in cold weather? Depending on the severity of the weather, ground deicing can cause significant delays. It can take up to 40 minutes to completely de-ice a plane and each one has to wait its turn. There's only so many deicing trucks and the trick is, it's a real timing thing. The deicing crews have to get the ice off the airplanes, roll them onto the runway and get them off before it starts to accumulate again, said Satterhwait. The deicing fluid is only effective for so long, so especially during a wet snowstorm. If things dont go according to schedule, planes need to come back through the pit and start the process all over again. Ice on the plane is not the only slippery worry; ice on the runway is also a big concern. Earlier this month, an American Airlines plane came in for a landing at Rochester International Airport in New York and skidded off the icy runway, forcing the evacuation of 50 passengers and three crew members. No one was injured. A plane is de-iced at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Ground crew members can shovel snow and scrape ice off runways, and snowplows are used for larger areas, but this can cause potholes or other flaws in the runways that make takeoff and landing more dangerous. In big enough snowstorms, even snowplows would not make a difference. Visibility is another huge concern for pilots flying in bad winter weather. Snow, freezing rain and fog can produce conditions that officials deem too dangerous to fly. Imagine driving in the snow but driving it 100 miles an hour minimum, its that Star Wars effect, Satterhwait said, describing the snow hurtling by the plane at high speeds like the ships traveling in hyperspace in the movie. But fog is probably the most dangerous condition. In general, aviation fog is very deceptive, you can fly over, look down, and you can't tell which way is what. People are also a source of delays when temperatures drop. Even with the bitter cold and winter storms roaring around the airport, the grounds crew still must work outside to keep the schedule smooth. People move slower in the cold, bundled up in several layers and joints stiff, meaning efficiency goes down and the time it takes to get everything done goes up. What to do if your flight gets canceled The Department of Transportation requires airlines to refund customers if their flights are canceled, regardless of the reason, should the customer choose not to travel. If a flight has been delayed, you may be entitled to compensation. If the airline made a significant change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel, the customer is owed a refund, according to DOT rules. There is no set definition for a "significant delay," so DOT decides whether a refund is due on a case-by-case basis. If there is a long delay, consider asking the airline staff for hotel and/or meal vouchers. Some airlines will give compensation for delays and cancellations. According to Delta's Customer Commitment, "Delta representatives are empowered with the flexibility and discretion to issue the following forms of compensation for passenger inconvenience when individual circumstances warrant doing so: cash equivalents (e.g., gift cards), travel credits/vouchers, and/or miles for SkyMiles members." American Airlines gives meal or meal cash/voucher when a flight delay results in passengers waiting three hours or more and complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay. To find out what each airline will or will not give go to the DOTs Airline Customer Service Dashboard website. Caralin Nunes writes about weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Email her with story tips at caralin.nunes@arizonarepublic.com. You can support environmental journalism in Arizona by subscribing to azcentral today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How cold weather slows air travel, affects aircraft The D.C. Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that the federal charges against Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election can stand Shannon Stapleton-Pool/Getty Donald Trump attends closing arguments in a New York civil trial brought against him by the attorney general Donald Trump can be prosecuted for actions taken during his presidential term, the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday, and is therefore not exempt from the various criminal charges against him. Trump had railed against such a decision, arguing that he should be immune from prosecution for actions he took while in office, even in the case of events that cross the line, he wrote on social media. A president of the United States must have full immunity, without which it would be impossible for him/her to properly function. Any mistake, even if well intended, would be met with almost certain indictment by the opposing party at term end," Trump wrote in all caps on Truth Social in January. "Even events that 'cross the line' must fall under total immunity, or it will be years of trauma trying to determine good from bad." Related: Donald Trump Will Be Rejected by Most Swing State Voters if Hes Convicted of a Crime, New Poll Suggests Sean Rayford/Getty Donald Trump Trump's attorney John Sauer argued in an earlier court hearing that a criminal prosecution of a current or former president should require that they be speedily impeached and convicted first. While Trump has been impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives, he was later acquitted on all counts by the Senate, though legal experts have questioned whether his impeachment acquittals offer him double-jeopardy protection from criminal charges. Related: Most Americans Want to See Donald Trump's Jan. 6 Verdict Reached Before the November Election: Poll Despite the ruling from the appeals court, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court still has the option to weigh in and reverse the outcome a request the former president is likely to make, particularly as there is no clear guidance regarding whether a president has immunity for acts committed while in office. Trump, who is currently running for president again, faces a total of 91 felony counts as a result of four criminal investigations, which surround alleged hush money payments, his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Largo, the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and Georgia election interference. 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. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Hello, Avelo! Just a few months after McGhee Tyson Airport announced plans for a major expansion including a new parking garage and six additional gates, the airport has landed a new airline and destination. The airline, unveiled at a Feb. 6 press conference, is relative upstart Avelo Airlines. "Hello, Avelo" was the quote of the morning at the Knoxville airport press conference. Avelo will be the sixth airline to offer flights from Knoxville, starting in early May with flights twice weekly to New Haven, Connecticut. It will join Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier and United in offering flights to 28 destinations. Why did Avelo pick New Haven to Knoxville flight? Avelo Airlines spokesperson Courtney Goff addressed the elephant in the room right from the get-go, joking, "New Haven, Connecticut, how does that make sense?" Goff said there is a big demand from the customer base in Connecticut for access to the Great Smoky Mountains, and noted a desire as well for a good connection between the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and East Coast universities such as Yale. She also touted New Haven as being a convenient gateway to New York City. New Haven itself is a worthy travel destination, with 15 towns in Greater New Haven that offer beach vacations, city getaways and rural retreats. Also, apparently, pizza is a big deal in New Haven, so consider this your next foodie adventure. When will Avelo start flying out of TYS? According to the booking page on Avelo's website, flights from Knoxville to New Haven will be twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 9. Is Avelo a cheaper alternative to the major airlines? Avelo is considered an an ultra low-cost carrier, Fast Company wrote, explaining, "Its proposition to travelers remains as streamlined today as at its launch: Fliers purchase a low base fare the average one-way ticket costs around $105 and pay for anything extra. But unlike most ULCCs today, Avelo doesnt charge extra to change or even cancel a reservation." A one-way flight from Knoxville to New Haven shows up as costing $62; that is an introductory price good through May 21 and must be booked by Feb. 13, however. Add-ons that will add to the cost include picking a seat, as well as opting for more leg room. Passengers get one personal item such as a purse or small backpack that can be stowed under a seat for free. A carry-on will cost $43 while a checked bag will run you $60. Other add-ons include priority booking for $15, and bringing your pet into the cabin in a carrier that fits under a seat for $125. How does Avelo rate on flight reliability, cancellations? In 2023, 82.8% of all Avelo flights arrived at their destinations within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. The year-to-date industry average on-time arrival rate was 77.7%. Avelos No. 2 on-time arrival rate ranking trailed only Delta Air Lines 83.1%, according to a company press release referencing data from research firm Anuvu. Avelo's flight cancellation rate was 0.18% for 2023, the lowest in the U.S. airline industry. The 2023 industry average flight cancellation rate was 1.3% and the airline with the second-best flight cancellation rate (Alaska Airlines) canceled 0.71% of its flights. Has Avelo pulled out of any airports? With the airline industry in flux, there are never any guarantees that an airline will remain in any given airport, of course. Avelo in the past entered markets like Dayton and Lexington, only to quickly leave again. In Dayton, Avelo withdrew from the airport in August 2023 after offering flights to Orlando for less than a year. Goff told the Dayton Daily News the Dayton airport did not generate the demand the airline expected. Similar reasons were given for leaving Lexington, Kentucky. Where does Avelo Airlines fly? Avelo serves more than 40 destinations, a lot of them smaller airports. Bases at Los Angeles Hollywood Burbank Airport and as Vegas Harry Reid International Airport offer flights through California and the Pacific Northwest as well as Bozeman, Boise and Colorado Springs. Orlando International Airport serves the East Coast as well as Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois. Southern Connecticuts Tweed-New Haven Airport, the Delaware Valleys Wilmington Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport primarily serve the East Coast and Florida. Just last week, Avelo announced it will set up its newest base May 1 at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in California. Also on Feb. 6, the airline announced flights from New Haven to Atlanta, Charlotte and Destin. Avelo Airlines got its start less than 3 years ago Avelo Airlines launched in April 2021 with the aim of being an affordable alternative and flying out of smaller, more convenient airports. Founder Andrew Levy began his career at ValuJet, co-founded Allegiant Air and was CFO at United Airlines. In 2018, Levy brought Xtra Airways and sold all the aircraft except a single Boeing 737, and in 2020 relocated his new airline to Houston and changed its name to Avelo Airlines. Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Avelo Airlines brings cheap flights to McGhee Tyson airport One of Rhode Island's largest teachers unions will spend the year fighting for pension reform, gun control, changes to education funding and more in the State House. The National Education Association Rhode Island, or NEARI, released its legislative agenda on Tuesday. On it are several measures that already faced political headwinds in past sessions, including an "assault weapons" ban and a free school meals for all program. But topping the union's agenda are retirement benefits, and at issue is the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act of 2011 that overhauled the pension system and slashed costs. NEARI said it "went too far." "The negative impact continues to be felt by so many: our retirees whose [cost of living adjustments] were frozen, our active members who are working longer for less, and aspiring educators, some of whom are with us today, who are educated in Rhode Island but choose to work elsewhere for higher wages and stronger retirement benefits," said NEARI Executive Director Mary Barden. More: Could COLAs come back for state pensioners? RI Treasurer taking a fresh look Last year, Treasurer James Diossa began taking another look at the major cuts with a Pension Advisory Working Group. The panel is expected to wrap up its meetings this month and issue a report by March 1. 'Assault weapons' ban, safe storage also on agenda NEARI is again lobbying for a safe storage law and a ban on "assault weapons," though both have seen opposition in the past. Movement may be possible on the Senate side, where President Dominick Ruggerio has said he has an "open mind." Attorney General Peter Neronha has made himself a staunch supporter of the two measures. More: Baby Bonds, $100M history center, 'assault weapon' ban: What RI's state officers want in 2024 At NEARI's press conference, a local teacher made an impassioned plea. "K[indergarten] through 12 and higher ed educators and students across the country have signed petitions, we've marched for our lives, we've testified and worn orange against gun violence," said Jen Saarinen, who teaches math in the Bristol-Warren Regional School District. "Here in Rhode Island, we don't want to wait until we add to the statistics to make a change, but it requires political will." Funding formula changes to support multilingual learners The union also wants to see changes to the state's complex funding formula, which determines how many dollars school districts will get. NEARI is looking for more funding for multilingual learners whose numbers have significantly grown in the urban core and more teachers to educate them. More: How has RI education funding changed? We break it down and what it means. The state began providing separate funding for multilingual learners in 2017. According to the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, or RIPEC, for the past several years, "categorical funding was based on 10% of the state share of the per-pupil core instructional amount, but was subject to appropriation, resulting in low levels of per-pupil spending." In the current fiscal year, lawmakers eliminated the appropriation cap and boosted the percentage to 15%. But a RIPEC analysis says Rhode Island still falls behind other states in its amount of funding per pupil. More: More RI families are going hungry. Will free school meals make a comeback next session? Free school meals for all? Measure has already faced skepticism NEARI is also pushing for free school meals for all students, an initiative that failed in the past. Last year it passed only the Senate, not the House. Skeptics have focused on its roughly $40-million price tag, and it has not been factored into Gov. Dan McKee's latest budget proposal. Already, Office of Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels has said the cost of such a program is not currently feasible. Instead, McKee added $800,000 to his budget for making already reduced-price meals free. But education experts keep hammering the point that hungry kids don't make effective learners. "Study after study demonstrates that Healthy School Meals for All supports student well-being, reduces administrative costs, increases investment in food service programs, eliminates unpaid meal debt, removes stigma from the lunchroom and increases equity in our schools," said Scott Conley, a longtime special educator at Davies Career & Technical High School in Lincoln. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: NEARI reveals its wish list, including free school meals for all A new study explores a disruptive force in the delicate African ecosystem that holds consequences for even top predators like lions. The big-headed ant, first recorded on the island of Mauritius, has been traveling the world as an invasive species, per The Atlantic, and is now complicating animal life in the African savannas. Big-headed ants are taking over the trees According to Scientific American, an important plant in the savanna ecosystem is the whistling-thorn tree. Its a favorite snack for elephants and a preferred hiding spot for lions. Its also the home to the native acacia ant. The acacia ant has a symbiotic relationship with the whistling-thorn tree. The tree provides the acacia ants with shelter and food, and, in return, the ants protect the tree from elephants that want to eat it. Now, acacia ants are getting killed off by the big-headed ants, as The Guardian reported. And when the invasive species takes over the tree, it does not provide protection like the acacia ant did. Without that protection, the whistling-thorn trees are getting eaten by elephants at an unprecedented rate. Fewer trees mean fewer hiding spots The study found that in areas with fewer trees, there were fewer zebra killings. Zebras are better able to escape lion attacks when, due to the work of the big-headed ants, lions have fewer places to hide. In areas with more trees where the native acacia ants still thrived lions were able to kill more zebras than in areas where the big-headed ants lived, according to Forbes. The Guardian reported that the study found that lions were able to kill three times more zebras in areas with more whistling-thorn trees. But scientists did not find that the overall lion population has gone down amid the rise of the invasive ants. The ecosystem is adapting According to Scientific American, the lions have been adapting to the change in environment. In areas where theyve been unsuccessful in killing zebras, they have started hunting African buffalo. Because theyve studied lions and the savanna ecosystem for decades, scientists were able to put a few theories together of what else can develop alongside this change. One is that there is a chance lions will start forming larger prides to take down the buffalo, per Forbes. While Africas ecosystems have been able to successfully adapt to these invaders, that isnt the case for other ecosystems, according to Scientific American. Other places that have been invaded by the big-headed ant include the Hawaiian islands, Australia and the Pacific. Todd Palmer from the University of Florida told The Guardian that, even with these positive adaptations, if the invasion continues, more and more acacia trees will be lost. And because acacia trees are important food for many species, including rhinos and giraffes, these landscape-level changes could pretty drastically change the ecology of the area. Pensacola is offering $570,000 to buy the former John Gibson School from the Escambia County School Board. The Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency voted 6-0 Monday to authorize $500,000 from the CRA's American Rescue Act funds and another $185,000 from the Westside CRA to fund the purchase. As part of buying the property, the city will use the remaining $115,000 to pay for brokerage fees, closing costs and a full structural assessment of the building. The price of the property, located at 710 N. C St., is based on an appraisal done by Escambia County Public Schools, and it will be up to the School Board to decide whether to accept the offer. The school building last housed the Community Action Program Committee's Head Start program, but the group ceased its operations in that building late last year because it was too badly damaged from Hurricane Sally. The John A. Gibson School opened in 1921 as a school for African Americans at the height of segregation in the South. It was named after Gibson, a well-known Black educator who immigrated to Pensacola from the Bahamas in 1872 and died in 1906 at 79 after a more than 25-year career in the city. The building was expanded in 1948 to its current size. In 1974, the school was closed and was later leased to become a Head Start center. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said there are no definite plans for what do with the property other than to save the building, but noted the property encompasses the entire city block. "At this price, and with the amount of property, we might be able to get a lot of wins out of this," Reeves said. "I think we could improve our housing situation as well as partner with someone out there that will help fund and maintain this in perpetuity." Previously: Pensacola interested in buying - and preserving - the John Gibson Head Start building Robin Reshard, executive director of the Kukua Institute, told the CRA board the building is worth saving. "For too long, we have neglected African American history in this community, and this building stands as a visual representation of what preservation can really look like, what adaptive reuse can really look like, and what a vision can really look like," Reshard said. "Not just seeing things as they are, but really envisioning things for what they can be. We need more African American celebration. We need more African American culture celebration in this community." The city of Pensacola has made an offer to purchase the former John Gibson School and Head Start building on C Street. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola CRA may buy John Gibson school from Escambia school Board Across two continents and with multiple aliases, Joseph Maloney has stayed on the run, nearly 60 years after he is alleged to have murdered his estranged wife in Rochester by poisoning her at their son's 5-year-old birthday party. Now, a podcast from Ireland's RTE , entitled "Runaway Joe," is hoping it can bring new attention to the story of Maloney. Not only does it tell the compelling saga of Maloney's escapes from both American and Irish authorities, but the podcast also has another goal: Its producers and reporters want Maloney found. "We genuinely set out to try our very best to find him, and we've actually gotten much further than we ever thought we would," said Liam O'Brien, a podcast producer. On Friday, the fourth episode of the podcast aired. Initially, there were plans for six episodes, but it is now open-ended, airing weekly, both because of a wealth of material and the vigorous push to find Maloney, who would now be 88. RTE's promotion for podcast "Runaway Joe" "I think everybody involved in this case would like to see justice for June," retired former Assistant District Attorney Wendy Lehmann said of Maloney's wife, June Fisk Maloney. She died in June 1967 after allegedly being poisoned by wood alcohol placed in her drink. How did Joseph Maloney disappear after allegedly killing wife? It was Lehmann who, in 1985, traveled to Ireland for the extradition of Maloney to Rochester to face prosecution here, where he still faces murder charges. Irish and American authorities had been aware that Maloney was living in Ireland under the name Michael O'Shea for more than a decade. June Fisk Maloney However, there was no extradition treaty for those years so authorities could not seek his return to Rochester. O'Shea/Maloney was kept under the watchful eye of police, unaware that he had been identified. "While that was happening there was nothing the authorities could do but watch and wait and try not to let him know they were onto him," O'Brien said in a recent interview over Zoom. In 1985, an extradition treaty went into effect and Maloney was one of the first four fugitives slated to be returned to the United States from Ireland. However, an Irish appellate court invalidated the pact and Maloney was released. By the time the treaty was reinstated a year later, Maloney was gone. Lehmann said, "he just disappeared." Retired Monroe County prosecutor Wendy Lehmann during RTE interview in Rochester More of the murder mystery than 'America's Most Wanted' In the past 30 years Maloney's story has been the focus of several American true-crime television shows, such as "America's Most Wanted." But the Irish podcast is richer, with interviews from Rochester and Ireland, as well as more history, more mystery. Maloney's life in both Rochester and in Ireland, before his 1985 extradition arrest, are spelled out in vibrant detail. "He wasnt really that smart or clever or calculating," said Pavel Barter, a reporter on the podcast along with Tim Desmond. "It was kind of a combination of con artistry, institutional failure and just old fashioned plain luck." Past Democrat and Chronicle article about hunt for Joseph Maloney Imagine Walter Mitty with sociopathic or psychopathic tendencies and you have Joseph Maloney, according to the Irish podcasting team. The podcast details how Maloney may have been a stowaway during one escape, how through a stroke of commercial success and luck he purchased a mansion and how he managed to bamboozle his way into the production team of the film "Excalibur," where he provided weapons. The evidence against Maloney: His wife was likely poisoned by wood alcohol and, shortly before the birthday party for the couple's son, Maloney had borrowed that very type of alcohol from a friend. The bottle of wood alcohol was found at Maloney's home after June's death. The couple had been estranged, with June fearful of her husband's mercurial and unpredictable moods. But the couple were together for their son's birthday party, where it is suspected June was poisoned by a drink mixed by her husband. While awaiting trial in Rochester, Maloney convinced his lawyer and the court to order a psychiatric exam. He had a familiarity with the psychiatric center and managed to escape from there. Nearly 20 years later, he reappeared in Ireland, only to elude authorities again after the appellate reversal of the extradition treaty. Finding 'Runaway Joe': Podcast seeks his return to Rochester The podcasters say they've made headway in finding Maloney and feel they are getting closer to his whereabouts. They have been able to trace his travels for over a decade after his release from extradition and subsequent disappearance. "He has been extremely calculating in the choice of places he has run to," O'Brien said. It appears Maloney, after 1985, searched out other locations lacking extradition treaties with the United States. The tips have been coming in to RTE since the podcast's first episode. "We're hearing all sorts of things from all sorts of angles," Barter said. "... There's lots of rabbit holes. Democrat and Chronicle article on manhunt for Joseph Maloney "By the time we get toward the end we hope well have stuff that isnt just anecdotal." If Maloney is found, the podcasters plan to notify the Monroe County District Attorney's Office and the FBI before making any revelations. Tips welcome, locating the children The podcasters are seeking tips from the Rochester area as well as internationally, from anyone who has information about Maloney's past and, if possible, present. As well, Joseph and June Maloney had two young children Joseph Jr. and Patricia at the time of June's homicide. The children were in protective custody after their father's initial escape, then went into the foster care system. Their ability to be adopted, when young, was for years hindered by a lack of consent from their father. "These kids were kind of left in limbo for years," Barter said. Some of June's extended family still hope to one day locate them, the podcasters said. The podcasting team is also seeking information about the children, in hopes of connecting them with June's relatives. RTE does not plan to identify the children if they are located and do not want information made public. Any information about Maloney or the children can be emailed to documentaries@rte.ie. Information can also be sent to Democrat and Chronicle reporter Gary Craig at gcraig@gannett.com. More by Gary Craig: 'Oppenheimer' leads Oscar nominations. Here's the Rochester link to the story you may not know Gary Craig is a veteran reporter with the Democrat and Chronicle, covering courts and crime and more. He is the author of two books, including "Seven Million: A Cop, a Priest, a Soldier for the IRA, and the Still-Unsolved Rochester Brink's Heist." The heist was the focus of an earlier RTE podcast, "The Seven Million Dollar Man." This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Runaway Joe podcast aims to find Joseph Maloney, on lam for decades With thousands of bills introduced in the Massachusetts legislature each year, it can be difficult to keep track of what has passed, and what has not. This scorecard will help you keep track of what has happened in this, the second year of the 193rd session of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We'll update it as the session continues. What bills have become law? So far, little that could be considered major legislation has been signed into law. Bills that have passed both houses and been signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey mainly concern alcohol licenses in different municipalities, the creation of sick banks for state workers and municipal home rule petitions. Which measures have been approved, individually, by each branch? Gun control. The House passed its version of gun control legislation in October, and the Senate passed its version Feb. 1. Both the senate and the house have acted unilaterally different aspects of the bill as it was first filed. The two chambers must work out the differences between the two bills before final legislation can be sent to the governor. Rainy day fund: Each branch has acted favorably to a bill filed by Healey that would use $800 million in interest accrued by the states $8 billion rainy day fund, to provide cash on hand to use when seeking federal funding for proposals and projects. The proposal would ensure Massachusetts has the money to satisfy requirements in many federal grant programs that states cover a portion of proposed project costs. What has come out of the Senate? The Senate has passed the following measures, which have not yet passed the House: Blue Envelope Bill: Sponsored by Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, the bill would allow residents who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum to place driving documents in a blue envelope that they can hand to law enforcement if stopped on a motor vehicle violation. The envelope would alert police to the drivers developmental disability and the possibility that the motorist may become escalated or have alternative responses to the traffic stop. Legalization of fentanyl test strips: Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Creem, D-Newton, the legislation legalizes the sale, distribution and possession of fentanyl test strips and other testing equipment used to check substances for contaminants. Wheelchair warrantee extension: Sponsored by Sen. John Cronin, D-Lunenberg, the measure would protect consumers who use wheelchairs by providing a two-year minimum warrantee that covers repairs, rentals and replacements. Prohibiting the declawing of cats: Sponsored by Sen. Mark Montigny, D-New Bedford, the bill would prohibit the inhumane declawing of feline companion animals except for medical necessity. Real estate appraisals: A bill sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Creem, D-Newton, would require all real estate appraisals be performed by licensed appraisers. Free menstrual products: A bill sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, would require that public buildings such as schools, correctional institutions and group homes to have disposable menstrual products available for use free of charge in all gender-appropriate and neutral bathrooms. Healthy Youth Act: First introduced a decade ago by Rep. James ODay, D-West Boylston, the bill would set curriculum standards across Massachusetts public school districts for teaching sex education. In the past, it has passed the Senate but been mostly ignored by the House. This year, the legislation got a boost from Gov. Maura Healey, who assembled a panel of experts to put together a new sex education framework. The Senate legislation, sponsored by Sen. Sal DiDomenico, D-Everett has been reported out of committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means. The Senate passed it again on Feb. 29. What has the House passed? Preventing abuse and exploitation: The House reported in January that it had passed a package of bills to prevent abuse and exploitation. The legislation combines several initiatives covering issues including teen sexting and revenge porn. It increases criminal penalties for certain violations; extends the statute of limitations to 15 years for certain acts of domestic violence; and allows a new, nonphysical, category coercive control to applications for retraining orders. Coercive control can include threats to release sexual images, regulating communications and isolating someone from family or friends. What's waiting in the wings? Safe injection site pilot program: This measure, sponsored by Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro; and Representatives Dylan Fernandes, D-Falmouth, and Marjorie Decker, D-Cambridge, would establish a 10-year pilot program for establishing overdose prevention sites, also called safe injection sites, in approved locations. The Worcester Board of Health recently voted in support of establishing such a center, pending state approval. The Senate version of the bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, while the House version was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. PFAS and firefighting gear: Senators Julian Cyr, D-Falmouth, and Michael Moore, D-Millbury, have filed legislation that would ban the manufacture, sale, distribution or use of firefighting gear that has been intentionally treated with PFAS. It has been favorably voted out of committee. A separate measure, sponsored by Moore, would create a public safety fund to put the state on a path to support the development, design and testing of PFAS-free gear that would meet or exceed National Fire Protection Association standards. It has been languishing in committee. Abandoned fishing gear: A bill filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, would establish the legal framework to allow the state Division of Marine Fisheries to enforce the removal of abandoned fishing gear from coastal waterways. Currently, abandoned fishing gear is considered private property but poses a threat to the whales and other sea creatures and also to navigation while polluting the ocean with plastics. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Rules. End-of-life options: Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and Reps. James ODay, D-West Boylston, and Ted Philips, D-Sharon, voted out end-of-life options favorably from the Joint Committee on Public Health. The measure, backed by almost 100 of the states legislators, would allow terminally ill adults over 18 to obtain a prescription for medication they could self-administer to end their suffering. Expand the Bottle Bill: Sen. Cynthia Creem, D-Newton, filed a bill that would expand the types of containers and beverages subject to a cash deposit to ensure they were returned for recycling. The deposit would also increase from a nickel to a dime. Currently only containers of carbonated beverages are subject to the deposit. Restricting Styrofoam: Legislation sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Decker, D-Cambridge, and Sen. Michael Barrett, D-Lexington, would ban the use of polystyrene, also know as Styrofoam, containers for serving, packaging and transporting food and beverages, starting in August 2025. The bill was reported out favorably from the Joint Committee on Public Health. Setting a minimum teacher pay: A bill filed by Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, D-Somerville, would set a base for educator pay; starting at $65,000 for teachers who require licenses and $45,000 for others offering direct educational services, such as paraprofessionals. Permanent Standard Time: A measure submitted by Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield, and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Patrick OConnor, R-Weymouth, was sent to study from the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. If enacted, it would establish Standard Time as the only time in the state, with no yearly swing to daylight-saving time in March. Sleep experts say that the yearly shift disrupts people's sleep and contributes to increases in car accidents and health problems. The measure would only become law if Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire also adopt the change. Crumbling concrete foundations: Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, and Rep. Jon Zlotnik, D-Gardner, would bar the use of concrete containing pyrite and/or pyrrhotite in foundations and structural elements of bridges, roadways, homes and buildings. The naturally occurring mineral degrades when exposed to moisture and oxygen. The bill would also establish a relief fund to subsidize homeowners as they replace damaged foundations. The Senate version has been reported out of committee and referred to Ways and Means. Domestic violence victims' protections: The legislation, sponsored by Senator Fattman and Rep. Joseph McKenna, R-Webster, was first filed after the death of Amanda Dabrowski, who was murdered inside the Worcester restaurant where she worked by a man she had briefly dated. The measure would extend workplace benefits and protections enjoyed by direct employees of Massachusetts businesses to those hired through staffing agencies or other third-party entities. Under these protections, victims of relationship violence would have access to 15 days of emergency leave so that they can receive medical attention or counseling, secure housing, seek a restraining order or meet with law enforcement. The Senate version has been reported out of committee and referred to Ways and Means. Massachusetts Disaster Trust Fund: Sponsored by Comerford and championed by Healey, who included her own version of the proposal in her budget plan for next fiscal year. The $250 million fund would cover local expenses related to natural disasters and other weather events. Voted out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. Safe Communities Act: Sponsored by Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Marlborough, the bill would set uniform standards for all Massachusetts police departments that would protect the immigration status and physical location of residents interacting with law enforcement officials until their cases have been concluded. Police would be barred from reaching out to contact federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to relay such information. Local law enforcement could answer questions about whether certain individuals are in custody. Once a criminal defendant has served their sentence, local officials could call ICE to remand them to federal custody. Location Shield Act: Sponsored by Creem, the bill would prohibit the sale of cellphone location data gathered through myriad apps to brokers that aggregate and sell information. The bill is deemed to be a protection for all residents and visitors to the state, particularly members of vulnerable communities; LGBTQ+ and those seeking reproductive health care. It was heard by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure in June. Farm bills: Concern about climate change and the frequency and intensity of damaging storms may have lent urgency to the Joint Committee of Agriculture to advance an omnibus measure that rolls 13 farm-related initiatives into one. The bills address issues ranging from food security to recruiting farm workers; diversifying the states agricultural industry, opening the door to nontraditional farmers and persons of color. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. legislative tracker: Status of key bills in Statehouse During a robotic exploration of the the oceans abyssopelagic zone, scientists discovered never-before-seen jet black eggs attached to a rock. After further study and DNA examination, the team discovered that the eggs belong to a flatworman animal usually associated with more shallow waterspreviously unknown to science. Though it lives in a much deeper environment, preliminary research concludes that this flatworm species is superficially similar to its more shallow-water living relatives. A well-worn expression among oceanographers and others who explore the water depths of planet Earth is that we humans know the surface of Mars better than our ocean floors. Covering more than 70 percent of the worlds surface, oceans are notoriously difficult to studynot to mention pretty inhospitable to any creatures sans gills. Case in point, scientists from Tokyo University and Hokkaido University in Japan recently stumbled across some mysterious jet black eggs while piloting a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of roughly 6,200 meters (or 3.85 miles). This is the maximum depth of the abyssopelagic zone, which is the deepest layer of most of the oceanhadopelagic zones are technically deeper, but only fill deep trenches. Any biological discovery in this zone is immensely important, as the life cycles of creatures living there are largely unknown. Unsure what these eggs were, University of Tokyo marine researcher Yasunori Kanowho was at the controls of the ROV at the timeopted to retrieve a sample of the eggs for further analysis topside. Kakui and Tsuyuki - Biology Letters Egg capsules on rock fragment. [B] Partly opened egg capsule containing three spherical-stage flatworms. [C] Spherical-stage flatworm extracted from egg capsule. [D] Cracked egg capsule containing seven flatworms. [E] The same, half of egg capsule shell removed. [F] Flatworm extracted from egg capsule.' expand='' crop='original'][/image] Although most of the eggs were torn and empty, at least four eggs remained intact, and Kano sent these undisturbed specimens to a team of invertebrate biologists at Hokkaido University. After taking a closer look, the team realized that these eggs were in fact cocoons containing a handful of flatworms. When I first saw them, as I had never seen flatworm cocoons (and I didn't know what cocoons look like), I thought they may be protists or something, Hokkaido Universitys Keiichi Kakui, who co-authored a study about the discovery in the journal Biology Letters , told IFLScience . Under a stereomicroscope, I cut one of them, and a milky liquid-like thing leaked from it; after blowing the milky thing with a pipette, I found fragile white bodies in the shell and first realized that it was the cocoon of platyhelminths. This was a particularly surprising discovery, as we know absolutely nothing about abyssal flatwormstheyve never been discovered at such immense depths before. In fact, the deepest flatworm observed before this discovery we found at around 5,200 meters (3.23 miles). However, that specimen was attached to a piece of wood, so scientists cant be certain if the worms originated at that depth or sank there. Before that discovery, the deepest flatworm ever discovered were found at only around 2 miles, according to ScienceAlert . After further DNA examination, the team confirmed that these creatures were a previously undescribed species of the phylum Platyhelminth. However, the paper also reports that though they represent the deepest known record of free-living platyhelminths, these deep sea residents appear to be superficially the same as their shallow-water living cousins and showed no drastic developmental differences. While the ocean abyss is still shrouded in scientific ignorance, this discovery makes the knowledge of these dark depths a little brighter. You Might Also Like A North Iowa man who pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and distributing meth to a minor and assault causing bodily injury will face sentencing later this month. According to court records, 34-year-old Christian David Vorland of Clear Lake entered a guilty plea last month to three felony counts of third-degree sexual abuse -- child victim, two felony counts of distributing drugs near a school, and he entered an Alford plea to a misdemeanor count of assault causing bodily injury. One count of felony pimping and four counts of felony distributing a controlled substance to a minor were not listed in court documents as having been dropped, but the charges were not among the pleas entered by Vorland. He was arrested on the charges on July 18, 2023. Vorland admitted in his pleas to distributing methamphetamine at a residence located within 1,000 feet of school property between July 2022 and June 2023. He also sexually abused a child under the age of 14 during that time. He admitted in his plea to assaulting the child causing bodily injury as well. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Indonesia's largest telecommunications services company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) is seen at Plasa Telkom building in Jakarta By Yantoultra Ngui SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Indonesia's state-owned communication giant Telkom Indonesia is considering selling a stake in its data centre business and is expected to finish the selling process in the second half of this year. The group is in the process of selecting its financial adviser and considering how much stake to sell, Telkom Senior Vice President of Corporate Communication and Investor Relations Ahmad Reza said. According to two sources with knowledge of the plan, a sale of a minority stake is expected to kick off in March and value Telkom's data centre business at more than $1 billion. Reza did not comment on the size of the stake, or when the sale would kick off or the valuation, but said monetization of the data centre business was still being discussed and Telkom does not have any specific target. Roping in a global strategic partner or strong financial investors is expected to help Telkom expand its data centre business further, both locally and globally. Telkom, Indonesia's largest telecommunication group, has 28 data centres, which includes 23 at home and five overseas, according to its 2022 annual report. It competes with several companies that have also established data centres such as DCI Indonesia, Princeton DG and NTT Communication, according to the annual report. "As the internet penetration worldwide is growing rapidly, the data centre business is becoming a hot asset to invest in, including in Indonesia," Reza said. Global investors' demand for infrastructure assets such as data centres across Southeast Asia have grown in recent years, amid the region's growth prospects and the sector's stable and long-term returns. In September, global investment firm KKR & Co acquired a 20% stake in Singapore Telecommunications' regional data centre business for S$1.1 billion ($818 million). ($1 = 1.3450 Singapore dollars) (Reporting by Yantoultra Ngui in Singapore; Editing by Kane Wu and Himani Sarkar) Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. A Plymouth woman has been found guilty in the death of her baby and of seriously neglecting his twin in Cerro Gordo County District Court on Monday. Allyssa Marie Joyce, 30, also known as Allyssa Luke, was convicted of one count of child endangerment resulting in death and another of child endangerment resulting in injury after her 2.5-month old twins were found malnourished in 2021. A tearful Joyce was seen mouthing the words, "I'm sorry," to her family after the verdict was read. Joyce was found by the jury to have deprived nutrition to two 2.5-month-old children to the point that caused one infant's death and left the other "near death." The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on both counts after deliberating for a little over an hour: the count of child endangerment resulting in the death of Abel Luke, and the count of child endangerment resulting in the serious injury of Brendan Luke. Joyce blames the state for the childs death. She has filed a civil suit against the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and its contracted counseling agencies Families First Counseling, Mid-Iowa Family Therapy and Lutheran Social Services alleging negligence in caring for the infant. The father, Scott Luke, has also filed pro-se suits in the matter. According to court records, the father assaulted the mother Dec. 8, 2020, while she was pregnant. This caused her to go into labor, and she gave birth to the twins. Human Services staff sought temporary removal of the children, and they were adjudicated to be children in need of assistance under Iowa law. They were placed with the mother and subject to Department of Human Services supervision under a plan the mother agreed to, according to the mothers lawsuit. Family members were ordered to participate in services. In February 2021, one of the twins, a son identified as Abel Luke, died of malnutrition. The other twin, previously only identified as "B.L" was treated for severe malnutrition, and the other children in the home were found to be underweight and also hospitalized, according to court records. The remaining four children were removed from the mothers custody and placed with the Department of Human Services. The mother participated in DHS services and got back together with the father. Visitation with the children was described as semi-supervised. But in April 2022, the father was arrested for again assaulting the mother, according to court records. The fathers rights were terminated in October 2022, according to court records. In February 2023, authorities charged the mother with child endangerment in the connection with the 2021 death of Abel Luke. She was released on bond in June pending trial. A Department of Human Services worker had concerns about the man the mother was living with at that time, records state. Later that month, the man allegedly set fire to the house, court records state. The termination trial for the mother was set for July 2023, and a DHS case manager testified that the home was neither safe nor appropriate as it did not have floors in some places, and there were items piled up around the home. A juvenile court judge terminated her parental rights. The parents divorce was finalized in September 2023, and as part of the decree, the two were to split Abels cremated remains. The mothers lawsuit alleges the Department of Human Services and its contract providers negligently cared for Abel, failed to timely transfer him to a higher level of care, and failed to notify his doctor and family about changes in his condition. The suit alleges the defendants failed to properly train staff and failed to properly monitor the child. The mother is also seeking damages for loss of consortium. The fathers pro-se suit which requests $61 million in damages alleges the DHS reports from home visits found an odor of animal urine and feces on the floor. Once, a five year old was seen playing with toy cars on a lit stove top, the suit alleges. Notably, nothing was done to ensure any of my childrens safety until my child Abel Luke was found unresponsive in a car seat, the fathers suit states. The father stated Abel was 5 pounds 3 ounces when he was born in December 2020. He was 5 pounds 7 ounces almost three months later when he was found unresponsive, according to the fathers lawsuit. The fathers suit alleges the autopsy found marks on the childs skin from the car seat buckle, and police didnt located a single baby bottle in the home. Attorneys for Families First and Lutheran Services responded in court records that the damages, in part, were caused by Joyces conduct, neglect and reckless behavior. It was an illegal act committed by plaintiff which caused or contributed to the basis for plaintiffs claim, and plaintiff is thus barred from receiving any financial benefit from such and illegal act, attorneys for the agencies wrote in court records. Joyce is scheduled to be sentenced in Cerro Gordo County District Court at 11:30 a.m. April 8. Joyce's civil trial is set for June 2025. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier's Jeff Reinitz contributed to this report. Nifty Tuesday: 33 days until we spring forward and get that extra hour of sunlight. The political spot has only run a handful of times during recent newscasts the best time to catch the eye (and ears) of voters just starting to pay attention. And boy, does it bite. Mark Walkers desperate, the ad opens before ticking off a list of negatives that a deep-pocketed special-interest group hopes Republicans will hold against the former Congressman (and Greensboro preacher) running in the 6th District primary. Chief among them is Walkers voting record. More specifically his lack thereof; in 2020, his last year in Washington, Walker missed nearly 30 percent of the votes held in the House. Welfare Walker wasnt there, the narrator says. Wants our money, hates to work. A panhandler in pinstripes. Ouch. Negative campaign ads, obviously, are nothing new. Political mud has been slung since water first hit dirt. The border is chaos Roman senators would just let Hannibal and his elephants pour across the Alps. So it comes as no shock that in the last few weeks before votes are cast by mail and in person attack ads begin assaulting the senses via the airwaves. What is (mildly) surprising is the punch packed in these ads. Particularly by Republicans and Republican-leaning interest groups. (The reporting on Walker's voting record, for the record, is accurate. We checked at govtrack.us, which records votes in Congress. He wasn't present for 72 of 253 votes 28.4 percent. The tracker does not list the reasons for missing votes.) It wasnt all that long ago that Ronald Reagans 11th Commandment Thou Shalt Not Speak Ill of Fellow Republicans was treated as gospel. But not now. Not in North Carolina. While no one should be surprised that the also-running candidates for governor are going after front-runner Mark Robinson for being a Holocaust denier the mans a textbook extremist it is nevertheless informative to hear Walker being attacked so vigorously. Until or unless you pay attention to the tagline at the end of the ad. Its paid for by the Club for Growth Action, a conservative pro-business, anti-regulation PAC unafraid to throw millions into political races to back preferred candidates most likely to do its bidding. And in the Sixth District primary, that looks to be Bo Hines, a retread Republican candidate who narrowly lost an actual competitive race in 2022 for the 13th District to Democrat Wiley Nickel. The Club for Growth Action endorsed Hines last month in the 6th District primary and per Opensecrets.org, a nonpartisan watchdog group that tracks political spending, sank $775,000 into supporting Hines in 22. Fitting, it would seem as Hines in 30-second spots anyway comes across as Ted Budd-lite. All the way down to wardrobe choice, a sporty down vest over a crisp button down shirt. With sleeves rolled up, of course, to illustrate a blue-collar work ethic. Now Sen. Budd has long been the Club for Growth Actions boy. Budd, back before he surrounded himself with handlers and spokespersons, said the quiet part out loud in his first campaign for the House of Representatives, when he admitted to an interview with the Club before he ran. Bonus points for candor, but purists and ideologues might argue that a candidates job interviews should be with his (or her) employers voters rather than the money men. But thats politics. At the end of 2023, the Club reported spending some $2.5 million in independent expenditures against Republicans $2.1 million against a Senate candidate in West Virginia and $373,451 opposing Walker. Back one cycle, in 2022, the Club spent $24 million against Democratic candidates and $21.8 million attacking Republicans in primaries with another $20 million for GOP candidates. In North Carolina races, some $3.7 million went for independent ads to oppose Pat McCrory in the GOP primary for Senate (won by Budd) and another $752,000 went to oppose Cheri Beasley, the Democratic nominee. Oh, and the Club put another $1 million into opposing Democrat Nickel in a race against Bo Hines. In these United States, that kind of spending by special-interest groups is perfectly legal. Money is considered free speech, thanks to the Supreme Court, and candidates such as Budd and Hines are smart enough (and pragmatic enough) to seek the blessing of like-minded groups with the ability to stroke big checks and move poll numbers. And if youre inclined to cast votes with the idea that the political system is unduly influenced by lobbyists and special interests - youre not wrong - it helps to know from whence the cash comes and why its being spent. Negative advertising works. Just ask Welfare Walker. A breath of fresh air Wading through (and digesting) all those numbers about spending, outside groups and ramped up mud-slinging in politics might be enough to cause one to seek a breath of fresh air. Or a shower. We cant help with that one bathing habits are your business but a pair of unrelated events scheduled today in Forsyth and Guilford counties might be the ticket for the former. Officials in Forsyth County are hosting a planning meeting at 6 p.m. this evening at the Belews Creek Fire Department to go over plans for construction of the new 215-acre Belews Lake Park. Schematics for new picnic shelters, trails and fishing docks will be unveiled for those inclined toward knowing how public money gets spent. And in Guilford County, officials there will be unveiling their master plan for expanding parks, trails and open spaces in the years to come. Money for recreation and parks is understandably limited. Land is expensive. Hence the fact that greenways are typically built alongside creeks in floodplains making recreation lemonade from undevelopable land. So if youd care to have a say and have the time it might be worth checking out the master plan tonight at Guilford County Department of Social Services between 6 and 8 p.m. 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. Salajul, un judet al pensionarilor Institutul National de Statistica (INS) a publicat recent un raport in care prezinta raportul existent intre numarul de pensionari si cel al salariatilor. Datele prezentate sunt cele din trimestrul IV ale anului 2023, raportate la aceeasi perioada a anului anterior. Situatia este ingrijoratoare, in contextul in care proportia [citeste mai departe] Accident rutier la Ileanda, soldat cu victime In data de 18 martie, politistii au intervenit la un accident rutier grav produs in localitatea Ileanda, in jurul orei 14. Din primele cercetari s-a stabilit ca vinovat de acest accident a fost conducatorul auto al unui microbuz care, din neatentie, nu a acordat prioritate de trecere unui autoturism condus regulamentar, [citeste mai departe] Alessandro Farina and Giacomo Pedranzini, two Hungary-based, well-known Italian entrepreneurs, are all set to talk about global peace and sustainability at the Awakening Humanitys Sacred Mission online symposium. This three-day, international, online forum is an initiative to bring together intellectuals, activists, and change-makers to exchange knowledge and inspire each other to act for a better future. Unity Earths Symposium is based on the vision of a highly recognized Hungarian philosopher, Professor Ervin Laszlo (founder of the Club of Budapest and also a prominent supporter of Atlas World), titled "Awakening Humanitys Sacred Mission". Laszlo is a multifaceted individual, pianist, philosopher, systemic scientist, and author of almost a hundred books and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, who has made significant contributions both as a scientist and as a humanist. His core values include sustainability and ethics, which is why he became a supporter of the Atlas World community and of the Atlas Award event in 2023. During the event, conscious organizations and individuals from around the world can gather to explore the next steps in evolutionary sustainability and peace to achieve a greater good together. Alessandro Farina, founder of ITL Group and the Atlas World initiative, and Giacomo Pedranzini, founder of Kometa 99, and the winner of the Atlas Award 2023 have both been invited as speakers to this inspiring forum to talk about conscious entrepreneurship for a better future. Unity Earth is a global network dedicated to advancing unity and peace on Earth. Over the past two years, they have organized two successful online symposiums, uniting organizations and individuals from around the world to discuss the future of evolutionary organizations and the future of humanity. In 2024, they are elevating the symposium by turning it into a collaborative event involving numerous global partner organizations. Atlas World is an initiative, founded by Alessandro Farina, which aims to build a strong network of change-makers, showcasing an ethical, sustainable, and creative (ESC) mindset. The communitys main event, the Atlas Award ceremony has been established with the primary objective of recognizing accomplished business heroes, and entrepreneurs who exemplify this ESC approach, and whose companies, operating within Hungary, demonstrate a steadfast commitment to fostering a more promising world. In 2023, Giacomo Pedranzini, CEO of Kometa 99, received the award for his commitment to continuous growth and development. His new initiative, HonestFood pays extra attention to ethical issues and showcases his dedication to sustainability as well. Registration for the event is available here: https://unity.earth/symposium-2024/ 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 Want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value customers? Contact us here: info@xpatloop.com Jumeirah Group, the luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, is continuing its regional and international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The hotel has commenced operations as part of the second phase of the citys flagship Jabal Omar project, designed by Fosters + Partners architects. Located in Jabal Omar and a short walk from the Great Mosque of Makkah, the hotel offers world-class, luxurious amenities, including 1,121 keys of spacious and elegantly designed rooms, suites, and residences. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is designed to reinforce a sense of serenity through thoughtful service that allows guests to reconnect and reflect as they experience a deeply significant life event visiting the holy city of Makkah, a statement said. Eight dining destinations, including Mediterranean restaurant Patras, and a lobby lounge serving specialty teas and baked goods, are currently open at the property. Soon, guests will have access to six more unique dining options at the East and West towers, featuring a signature regional Arabesque restaurant alongside Persian, Middle Eastern, South-East Asian, and Indo-Pakistani restaurants, and a cafe offering the finest teas and French baked goods. The property will also host three meeting rooms and event spaces accommodating between 10-70 people. Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: We are proud to have opened the first Jumeirah hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in such a significant location, in partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will deliver the exceptional service that Jumeirah is known for, enabling an enhanced experience for all who are visiting Makkah. The hotel has opened with 507 guest rooms and elegant suites across two high-rise towers with beautiful views over the city and the Great Mosque of Makkah. A further 526 rooms and suites will be added in phases across two more contemporary towers, accessible via express elevators to provide smooth and seamless access. Hotel guests will also have the option to book entire floors, which feature 14 rooms and suites per level, to ensure the highest level of privacy and exclusivity during their stay. To complete the luxury offering, the hotel hosts 88 spacious residences, which sit across the podium of the four towers of Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The exclusive residences offer spacious terraces, allowing guests to join the group prayers at the Great Mosque of Makkah from the comfort of their own accommodation. Recently appointed General Manager to Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, Rizwan Shaikh, brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience gained across India, Singapore and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including hotels with five-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide. TradeArabia News Service The opposition LMP has called on President Katalin Novak to revoke presidential clemency granted to a man convicted for coercing victims of paedophilia to withdraw testimonies. LMP spokeswoman Anna Suveg told a press conference on Monday that Novak had pardoned a man who used his position as the deputy director of a childrens home in Bicske, in central Hungary, to blackmail residents to withdraw their testimony against the paedophile director. Suveg called the decision despicable, noting that Novak had also pardoned Gyorgy Budahazy, who had been convicted on terrorism charges. LMP is requesting access to the documentation leading to the decision, and calling on Novak to address the issue publicly. Sentencing the perpetrators is something we owe the victims, she said, adding that Novak was abusing the right to grant pardons, a special and exclusive right of the countrys president. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) is launching an impeachment procedure against Novak over the issue. Parliamentary group spokeswoman Olga Kalman said on Monday that someone pardoning an accessory to paedophilia is not worthy to serve as Hungarys president. The opposition Parbeszed party proposed that Novak provide reasons for her decisions related to the pardon and sign a related document, which should be published in the official Hungarian Gazette. The presidents decision to release the accomplice of a paedophile criminal was shameful, Bence Tordai, the partys group leader, told an online press briefing. He said a part of Novaks job was to represent the unity of the nation and its moral dimension, and she had abused her position and power, adding that she had lost the trust of the people and can no longer be president of the republic of Hungary. Meanwhile, the opposition Jobbik-Conservatives on Sunday called on Novak to resign over her decision. Koloman Brenner, the partys candidate for Budapest mayor, told a press conference that members of the Jobbik-Conservatives parliamentary group had called on Novak to resign and they invited all lawmakers to join the initiative. Brenner also said that Hungary should have a president elected directly by the people, who does not execute party orders but indeed represents the unity of the nation, and grants presidential pardon only in cases when there is a serious moral or political reason. Deputy party leader Anita Korosi told the press conference that the residents of the Bicske childrens home had endured over several years that the director sexually molested them. The deputy director, who was granted presidential pardon last April, had assisted to this and wanted to persuade children to sign fake documents, she added. Korosi demanded that Novak withdraw the presidential pardon and the deputy director should serve his sentence. Video of Momentum demonstration available here Meanwhile, Special Parlt Session Called by Opposition On Sweden's NATO Membership Lacks Quorum In the absence of the governing parties, the special session of parliament initiated by the opposition, which was to have included a vote on Swedens NATO accession, lacked a quorum. At Mondays session proposed by the Socialists and backed by the Democratic Coalition (DK), Momentum, Jobbik, Parbeszed and LMP, lawmakers were set to discuss two opposition proposals as well as Swedens NATO accession. Parliament debated the latter last March, but the ratification vote was not held. Addressing the session, LMP lawmaker Mate Kanasz-Nagy called it sad that none of the members of government were in attendance, adding it was embarrassing that the governing parties kept on blocking Swedens NATO accession without giving a reasonable explanation. Bence Tordai, the group-leader of Parbeszed, cited Prime Minister Viktor Orbans pledge that parliament would ratify Swedens accession on the first possible occasion. He said the government had not been guided by Hungarys national interest, but by something else, adding that we should not forget who it is in both the EU and NATO who represents the interests of an aggressor [who started] a war. Elod Novak, deputy head of Mi Hazank, called for Swedens accession to be vetoed, arguing that its accession would be another step towards a [third] world war and a provocation. Maintaining a neutral buffer zone between Russia and NATO would serve to preserve the fragile balance, he added. Koloman Brenner, group leader of Jobbik-Conservatives, said the sad game played by the government against Finland and Swedens NATO accession went against Hungarys national interest. Viktor Orban and Fidesz is becoming Putins puppet in the eyes of our NATO allies and the European public, he said, calling the absence of Fidesz lawmakers at the session shameful and a disgrace. Fidesz: Only President Can Exercise Right of Clemency The right of clemency is one that only the president can exercise, irrespective of whether or not we individually agree with a given pardon, ruling Fideszs parliamentary group leader said on Facebook. Regarding the opposition furore over a presidential pardon given to an official connected with a paedophile, Mate Kocsis said the left wing should be silent on the issue after it had refused to vote for Hungarys child protection law in 2021, opposed the creation of a registry of paedophile offenders and wanted to make the 2022 referendum on the child protection law invalid. This is the same left wing that today would still let gender propaganda into schools and kindergartens and which, together with their Western allies, challenged the child protection law imposing stricter punishment for paedophilia at Brussels-based forums, he said. Kocsis said it was interesting that the left wasnt this vocal when an activist linked to an opposition MP was found to be in possession of 70,000 paedophilic images, or when a Democratic Coalition politician and business weekly HVG defended one paedophile offender after another. He said the left and the dollar media had also not been bothered by the opposition mayor of Budapests 8th district campaigning together with a notorious paedophile or by a Jobbik politician getting caught committing a crime related to child pornography. Hungarians see through the lefts deceitful and two-faced stunts and constant lies, Kocsis said. The left and the dollar media kept attacking the child protection and anti-paedophile measures, so its best for them to keep silent right now. Update: PM Orban has submitted a constitutional amendment to make it impossible to pardon criminals for crimes against minors. "There is no mercy for pedophile criminals, that is my personal conviction. There has been a debate about the power of presidential pardons, but there is no need to litigate here, but to create a clear situation with a clear, unambiguous decision. I also have five children and six grandchildren, if someone touches them, my first thought is to cut them in half or in pieces, so I have to create a clear situation. On behalf of the government, I have submitted a constitutional amendment to make it impossible to pardon criminals for crimes against minors. It is time to settle this matter." 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 Want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value customers? Contact us here: info@xpatloop.com In a strategic move, the Telangana government has announced the transition of the states abbreviation from TS to TG. This move, while symbolic, has prompted questions regarding its implications, particularly concerning the vehicle number plates across the state. Effects On Old Vehicle Plates Under the new directive, newly registered vehicles will feature TG as a prefix in their registration numbers. However, existing vehicles will retain their old number plates, bearing the TS prefix. This approach mirrors the events of 2014 when Telangana was established as a separate state, and new registration plates incorporated the TS prefix, while older vehicles maintained the AP prefix from the unified Andhra Pradesh. Rationale Behind the Change Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy defended the decision, citing the earlier choice of TS as arbitrary. He emphasized that no other state in India includes the word 'state' in its abbreviation. This move aligns with the Chief Minister's campaign promise and aims to streamline the state's identity. During the statehood agitation, people in Telangana had already begun replacing the AP prefix on their vehicle plates with TG as a form of protest. Despite a 2014 gazette notification from the Centre specifying TG for number plates, the TRS government at the time opted for TS, aligning with the party's initials. Besides the abbreviation shift, the cabinet meeting also addressed other significant matters. The iconic poem "Jaya Jaya He Telangana" by poet Ande Sri, which gained prominence during the Telangana movement, will now be officially recognized as the state song. Additionally, modifications to the Telangana Thalli statue will be made to reflect the aspirations of the people better. The transition from TS to TG reflects the state's evolving identity and aims to bring uniformity in its representation. While existing vehicle number plates will remain unchanged, new registrations will adopt the TG prefix. This move, along with other decisions made by the cabinet, underscores the government's commitment to honor the state's cultural heritage and the aspirations of its people. New Delhi: Kiran Rao's directorial 'Laapataa Ladies' is catching up momentum as it is nearing its release date. While the trailer gave a little glimpse of its humoristic world, it indeed left the audience craving for more from this comedy entertainer. Taking the audience further in this humoristic world, the maker will be keeping a special premiere in Bhopal where the director will be inviting the entire Sehore village to be a part of the screening. The makers of 'Laapataa Ladies' will be visiting Bhopal for the special premiere of the film. The film has been extensively shot in the Sehore village. Now, as the team will be going to Bhopal, the director Kiran Rao will be inviting the entire Sehore village people to the premiere. Interestingly, the director has involved the real villagers of Sehore village in the film as the film was shot in a real location. 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. New Delhi: Aman Gupta's journey exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and determination. As the co-founder of boAt, a leading consumer electronics brand in India, Gupta's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Family Background: Born and raised in a middle-class family in India, Aman Gupta was instilled with values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. His family background, while modest, provided him with the foundation to dream big and pursue his ambitions. Early Ventures: Aman Gupta's entrepreneurial journey began during his college years, where he displayed a knack for business. Alongside his studies, he dabbled in various ventures, learning invaluable lessons about the world of commerce and consumer behavior. Founding boAt: In 2015, Aman Gupta co-founded boAt with co-founder Sameer Mehta. Recognizing a gap in the market for stylish yet affordable consumer electronics, they set out to create a brand that resonated with India's youth. Their vision was to offer high-quality audio products that catered to the evolving lifestyle and preferences of modern consumers. Navigating Challenges: Building boAt from the ground up was not without its challenges. Aman Gupta and his team encountered numerous obstacles, from funding constraints to intense competition. However, their resilience and innovative approach enabled them to overcome these hurdles and carve a niche for boAt in the fiercely competitive consumer electronics industry. Disrupting The Market: boAt disrupted the market with its trendy designs, superior quality, and competitive pricing. By leveraging digital marketing and social media, Aman Gupta positioned boAt as a lifestyle brand, appealing to the aspirations of young Indians. Rapid Growth And Success: Under Aman Gupta's leadership, boAt experienced rapid growth, becoming one of India's fastest-growing consumer electronics brands. With a diverse product portfolio ranging from headphones to speakers and smartwatches, boAt captured the hearts of millions of consumers across the country. Recognition And Accolades: Aman Gupta's visionary leadership and entrepreneurial acumen have earned him recognition and accolades within the industry. boAt has received several awards for its innovative products and disruptive business model, further cementing its position as a market leader. Future Endeavours: As boAt continues to expand its presence both domestically and internationally, Aman Gupta remains committed to driving innovation and pushing boundaries. With a focus on sustainability and customer-centricity, he aims to propel boAt to even greater heights in the years to come. Through his relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering determination, he has transformed a vision into reality, redefining the landscape of India's consumer electronics industry in the process. New Delhi: Bavagutthu Raghuram Shetty's journey from obscurity to opulence is a captivating saga that has resonated across the business landscape. Armed with a modest sum of Rs 665, Shetty set out to the Gulf in search of opportunities that would eventually catapult him into the realm of the world's wealthiest individuals. The Transformation Into A Global Magnate Against all odds, Shetty's financial acumen and strategic endeavors led him to amass a staggering net worth of approximately Rs 18,000 crores. His pivotal role in establishing and spearheading NMC Health, the UAE's largest privately owned health operator, solidified his position as a global magnate. Living The High Life: Opulence And Extravagance Embracing an opulent lifestyle, Shetty's acquisitions ranged from high-end villas to two entire floors in the iconic Burj Khalifa, representing an investment of a staggering Rs 207 crore. His possessions extended beyond real estate to include a private jet and a fleet of luxury automobiles, featuring esteemed brands such as Rolls Royce and Maybach. Expanding The Portfolio: Diversification And Investments Shetty's impressive portfolio wasn't confined to his lavish residences and luxurious transportation. Additional properties in Dubai's World Trade Centre and Palm Jumeirah, coupled with a 50 percent stake in a private jet acquired in 2014, showcased his penchant for diversification and strategic investments. The Unraveling: Allegations And Financial Turmoil In a twist of fate, Shetty's fortunes took a nosedive in 2019 when the UK-based investment research firm, Muddy Waters, led by short seller Carson Block, levied serious allegations in a tweet. The firm accused Shetty of artificially inflating cash flow to conceal actual debt, triggering a substantial decline in NMC Health's shares. A Costly Tweet: The Dramatic Downfall The repercussions of this accusation were profound, forcing BR Shetty to sever ties with his Rs 12,478 crore enterprise. In a surprising turn of events, he sold the company for a mere Rs 74 to an Israeli-UAE consortium, marking a stark contrast to his previous financial zenith. A single tweet had wielded the power to reshape the destiny of one of the wealthiest individuals, causing him to lose almost everything overnight. Lessons From The Rollercoaster Journey The rise and fall of Bavagutthu Raghuram Shetty serve as a cautionary tale about the precarious nature of success and the unforeseen challenges that can accompany it. This narrative highlights the importance of vigilance, transparency, and resilience in navigating the unpredictable currents of the business world. New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to move The Finance Bill, 2024 for its consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The Lower House will also hold a general discussion on the Interim Union Budget for 2024-25, which was presented on February 1, the second day of the Budget Session. "Finance Minister Sitharaman will move that the Bill to continue the existing rates of income-tax for the financial year 2024-2025 and to provide for certain relief to taxpayers and to make amendments in certain enactments, be taken into consideration. Also to move that the Bill be passed," the List of Business in the House for the day read. Union Home Minister will move that the Bill further to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (IX of 1989), the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 (XX of 2000) and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000), for its consideration and passage, it said. Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha, while the discussion over the Motion of Thanks on the President's address is to resume on the fifth day of the ongoing Budget Session, Union Minister Arjun Munda will move the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes in relation to the State of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill will be moved in the Upper House for its consideration and passage. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi will move a motion in the Rajya Sabha today to suspend the provisions of rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) for consideration and passing of: the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 by the House. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav is to move in the Rajya Sabha today the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 further to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Bill will be moved in the house for its consideration and passage. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha. During his speech, he said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats. "A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that 'Abki baar 400 paar'. I don't go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats," PM Modi said. "We all saw the abolition of 370. Article 370 was abolished before the eyes of these many MPs and with the power of their votes. Nari Shakti Adhiniyam became law in the second term. From Space to the Olympics, there is an echo of the power of women's empowerment. People have seen the projects that were pending for years being completed," he added. IAF Agniveervayu Recruitment 2024: The Indian Air Force will stop registration for IAF Agniveervayu Recruitment today, February 6, 2024. Candidates interested in applying for the positions should visit IAF Agniveervayu's official website at agnipathvayu.cdac.in. The online examination will take place beginning March 17. Application for the positions requires passing the Intermediate/10+2/Equivalent examination. Candidates born between January 2, 2004, and July 2, 2007, can apply. If a candidate passes all phases of the Selection Procedure, their maximum age as of the date of enrolment should be 21 years. IAF Agniveervayu Recruitment 2024: Steps to download here Visit IAF Agniveer's official webpage at agnipathvayu.cdac.in. Click the registration link located on the home page. A new website will emerge, where candidates can register themselves. Fill out the application form and pay the applicable fees. Click submit to download the page. Keep a hard copy in case you need it later. The examination fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST is payable online by the candidate upon enrolling for the online examination. Payments can be made via a payment gateway using debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking. For additional information, candidates should visit the IAF's official website. PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded Goa as a shining example of unity in diversity, hailing it as an epitome of "Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat." Speaking at the 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047' program, PM Modi emphasized the BJP's commitment to inclusive development with the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." Despite its small size, Goa boasts rich social diversity where people of various communities and faiths coexist harmoniously for generations. PM Modi commended the state's inclusive spirit, particularly highlighting the peaceful cohabitation of the Christian community with others. "The manner in which the Christian community and people of other faiths live in harmony in Goa, it is a wonderful example of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat," the PM said while speaking at the 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047' programme. PM Modi praised Goa's achievement of 100% saturation in numerous central government schemes, underscoring how such accomplishments foster inclusivity and ensure equitable distribution of benefits. #WATCH | At the 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047' programme, PM Narendra Modi says, "Out of the several of the Central Government's schemes, Goa has achieved 100% saturation in many of them. We all know that when saturation is achieved differences end, benefits reach every pic.twitter.com/puwddF7FOm ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Rejecting Politics of Fear Addressing the issue of fearmongering in politics, PM Modi applauded Goans for repeatedly rebuffing parties that propagate falsehoods and instil fear, emphasizing their commitment to progress and unity. "In terms of area and population, Goa is small but when it comes to social diversity, Goa is huge. Here people of various communities and different faiths live together. They have lived together for generations. So, when these people of Goa elect BJP again and again, its message goes across the nation. BJP's mantra is of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. A few parties in the country have always tried to do the politics of creating fear and lies among the people. But Goa has given a befitting reply to such parties again and again," the PM said. Goa's Contribution to the Nation Highlighting Goa's unwavering dedication to national development, PM Modi pointed to landmarks like the historic Lohia Maidan as testament to the state's fervent commitment to serving the nation. Inauguration of Key Projects During the event, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth Rs 1330 crore, encompassing diverse sectors crucial for Goa's development. National Institute of Technology Goa: Inauguration of the permanent campus aimed at providing comprehensive facilities for students, faculty, and staff. National Institute of Watersports: Dedication of a new campus offering tailored courses to promote watersports and water rescue activities. Integrated Waste Management Facility: Inauguration of a facility designed for scientific waste treatment, featuring a solar power plant for sustainable energy generation. Passenger Ropeway and Tourism Activities: Laying the foundation stone for a ropeway connecting Panaji and Reis Magos, along with associated tourism initiatives. 100 MLD Water Treatment Plant: Laying the foundation stone for the construction of a water treatment plant in South Goa. Rozgar Mela and Welfare Scheme Distribution: Distribution of appointment orders to government recruits and sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, empowering individuals and fostering employment opportunities. The launch of these projects reflects a significant step towards Goa's continued progress and prosperity under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday dealt a major blow to the faction helmed by veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar by settling the dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in favour of the faction led by his nephew and state's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. According to the sources, the poll panel has given the Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar in a significant decision that is likely to have a bearing on the forthcoming polls. The Election Commission also provided the Sharad Pawar faction with a one-time option to choose a name for its new political entity and provide three preferences to the poll body. The concession is to be utilised by 3 pm on February 7, 2024, the poll body said. EC settles the dispute in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), rules in favour of the faction led by Ajit Pawar, after more than 10 hearings spread over more than 6 months. Election Commission of India provides a one-time option to claim a name for its new political formation pic.twitter.com/1BU5jW3tcR ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Welcoming the EC decision, Ajit Pawar faction leader Praful Patel said, "We welcome the ruling of the Election Commission...We live in a democracy and any decision can be challenged. Maybe attempts will be made to challenge this at the Supreme Court or High Court...All I would like to say is that the decision we made was correct and through EC, our decision has been proven correct." Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also congratulated NCP leader Ajit Pawar after ECI ruled the NCP name and symbol matter in favour of his faction. However, Sharad Pawar's daughter and MP Supriya Sule said, "...Our documents were fine. The founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar...But now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an 'adrishya shakti' in the country which is doing all this. We will fight...We will definitely go to Supreme Court..." She went on to add, ''...I think what happened with Shiv Sena is what is happening with us today. So, this is not a new order. Just the names have been changed but the content is the same..." Celebrations At Ajit Pawar's Mumbai Office Celebrations began outside Ajit Pawar's office in Mumbai soon after the EC ruled in favour of their faction. EC Decision Shakes Up NCP Dynamics The decision, announced on Tuesday, not only grants legitimacy to the Ajit Pawar faction but also bestows upon it the coveted NCP name and symbol, setting the stage for upcoming electoral contests. Facing a tight deadline, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has been offered a one-time opportunity to christen its new political entity and submit three preferred names to the Commission by February 7, 2024, by 3 pm. EC Verdict After More Than 10 Hearings Following an exhaustive process spanning over six months and encompassing more than ten hearings, the EC meticulously weighed the merits of both factions' contentions. Prolonged Legal Battle In Court The legal battle witnessed formidable representation from luminaries such as Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul, and Maninder Singh for the petitioner, countered by the expertise of Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Devdatt Kamat from the respondent camp. Central to the EC's decision was the determination of the faction holding sway over the party's legislative wing, which ultimately favoured the Ajit Pawar-led contingent. Serious discrepancies in the Sharad Pawar faction's claims, particularly regarding organizational majority and adherence to the party constitution, undermined the credibility of their assertions. Given the imminent Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the EC has extended a special allowance to the Sharad Pawar faction, urging compliance with electoral regulations. EC Seeks Transparency In Political Processes In a broader admonition, the Commission urged political entities to embrace transparency in their internal affairs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive disclosures regarding organizational elections and democratic procedures. Call For Public Disclosure Proposing voluntary public disclosures, including party constitutions, electoral procedures, and office-bearer lists on party websites, the EC seeks to empower the electorate with crucial information, thereby enriching the democratic process. After a Varanasi court allowed the Vyas family the right to perform puja in Gyanvapi's tehkhana, the Muslim side challenged the order in the Allahabad High Court. The HC will hear the plea today, i.e. Febuary 6. The court will hear the petition demanding a ban on worship in the basement of Vyas ji tehkhana located in the Gyanvapi complex. The Muslim side has also challenged the District Judge's order appointing DM Varanasi as a receiver. On January 31, Varanasi District Court Judge gave permission to perform puja in the basement. The petition in the HC has been filed by the Masjid Intezamia Committee. The hearing will be held by the single bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Aggarwal from 12 noon today. Meanwhile, the Hindu side petitioners and devotees have demanded to installation bell and other puja materials in the Vyas ka 'Tehkhana' where prayers are being performed. Hindu side's lawyer Sudhir Tripathi said that after the DM's approval, we will install the bell in the complex. On the other hand, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra treasurer Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said that the Hindu community will forget about all other things if these temples (Gyanvapi and Krishna Janmabhoomi) are freed peacefully. He also appealed to the Muslim side for a peaceful solution for all these three temples. Hindu side lawyer in the Gyanvapi case, Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, exuded confidence that the plea filed by the Masjid Intezamia Committee challenging the Gyanvapi order will definitely be dismissed by the court. Second-generation antiandrogens, which are drugs that inhibit the activity of the androgen receptor, have been developed as a treatment alternative for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that about one in four castration-resistant prostate cancers develop into what is known as treatment-induced neuroendocrine cancer, which is aggressive and typically leads to death within a year of the diagnosis. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells usually do not have androgen receptors, and currently no treatment is available for this group of patients. At the University of Eastern Finland, the Ketola Lab led by Academy Research Fellow Kirsi Ketola explores the differentiation, plasticity and development of drug resistance in cancer cells. In the new study, researchers at the Ketola Lab discovered a potential new target for drug development in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The protein, DPYSL5, is expressed especially in this cancer type and could therefore be a suitable target for drug therapy. The Ketola Lab collaborated with the University of British Columbia in Canada, utilising the universitys extensive collection of neuroendocrine prostate cancer patient tumor samples to verify the expression of the DPYSL5 protein in these samples. Normally, the DPYSL5 protein regulates the development of neurons in the brain and is not expressed in other parts of the body. However, the researchers now found that antiandrogen treatment caused the DPYSL5 protein to be expressed in prostate cancer cells. As a result, these cells acquired stem cell-like and neuron-like properties observed in neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells. DPYSL5 promoted cell transformation by activating the PRC2 complex, which caused cancer cells to go into a stem cell-like state. DPYSL5 also caused cancer cells to form extensions similar to those found in neurons, which helped them to invade the surrounding tissue. However, depletion of DPYSL5 inactivated the PRC2 complex, prevented the formation of neuron-like extensions, and restored cells to a state where antiandrogen treatment was once again effective preventing cell division. The findings can be used for the development of new cancer drugs. Next, our goal is to screen drugs that inhibit the function of DPYSL5, Academy Research Fellow Ketola says. Novel imaging methods made available by the Cell and Tissue Imaging Unit led by Ketola will be used in drug screening. The unit constitutes part of the Biocenter Kuopio and Biocenter Finland. Source: University of Eastern Finland New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday that the government of India has decided to fence the whole 1,643 km border with Myanmar. He said that this would enhance the surveillance along the border, and a patrol track would also be laid. Shah asserted that the Modi government is dedicated to creating unbreachable borders. He said that out of the total border length, a 10 km section in Moreh, Manipur, has been fenced already. He also said that two pilot projects using a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are in progress. They will fence 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Moreover, he said that fence works for about 20 km in Manipur have been sanctioned, and they will commence soon. The government has also initiated the Vibrant Village programme for the border villages of India. An official said that previously, villages located in the border areas were regarded as the countrys last villages, but that view has changed. Now, according to the government of Indias policy, these villages are the first villages near the borders. Prime Minister Modi has already stated that when the sun rises in the east, its first ray reaches a border village and when the sun sets, the village on this side gets the benefit of its last ray. The latest move is deemed important given the vulnerability and threats of the 1,643 km unfenced India-Myanmar border covering Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram. In fact, except for a 10-km section in Manipur, the India-Myanmar border through challenging terrains like hills and forests is unfenced. The Indian security forces face a hard time dealing with the challenges posed by the extremist groups that conduct hit-and-run operations from their concealed bases in the Chin and Sagaing regions of Myanmar. The inward smuggling of drugs and outward smuggling of wildlife body parts across the borders with Myanmar has also been one of the major worries for India. The catalyst for the decision to erect fencing is also the clash that erupted between the dominant Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur on May 3, 2023. Also, over the last decade, the Manipur government has been expressing concern over the influx of Myanmar nationals. Amid the violence in Manipur, a few hundred Myanmar nationals were found seeking shelter in the state to flee a civil war in their country. In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had attributed the ethnic violence to the free movement of Myanmar nationals into India and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which had been suspended on April 1, 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. The suspension was prolonged after the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021. New Delhi: Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is the youngest and the first-time chief minister of Uttarakhand, has emerged as a silent poster boy of Hindutva, a term that denotes the ideology of Hindu nationalism. He has adopted the policies and legislations that reflect the RSS-BJPs vision of politics, which are similar to those of other hardline Hindutva leaders such as Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma. Dhami, who started his political career as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP, has also served as an adviser to former chief minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, who is known for his pro-Hindutva views. He has also been the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP, where he advocated for reserving 70% of opportunities for the local youth in the industries of the state. Dhami, who lost his seat in the 2022 assembly elections from Khatima constituency, was re-elected as the chief minister by the BJP MLAs. He later won the Champawat bypoll by a huge margin of over 55,000 votes. He is the only chief minister of the state to assume a second consecutive term since its creation in 2000. UCC Bill: A Historic Move Or Divisive Agenda? Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has made history by introducing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the state assembly on Tuesday, 6 February, amid chants of Jai Sri Ram and Vande Mataram. The bill, if passed, would make Uttarakhand the first state in India to implement the UCC, a long-standing demand of the BJP and the RSS. The UCC is a proposed law that would replace the personal laws of different religious communities with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and other matters. The BJP claims that the UCC would ensure gender justice and national integration, while the opposition parties and some minority groups argue that it would violate the constitutional right to freedom of religion and cultural diversity. The UCC bill is one of the key promises of the BJP in its manifesto for the 2022 state assembly elections, which are expected to be held in March. The BJP hopes that the bill would consolidate its core Hindu vote base and counter the anti-incumbency factor. The bill would also set an example for other BJP-ruled states such as Gujarat and Assam, where similar proposals have been mooted. War Against 'Love Jihad', 'Land Jihad' Another issue that has brought Dhami to the limelight is his stance on love jihad and land jihad, two terms used by some Hindu groups to allege that Muslim men are converting Hindu women to Islam through marriage and that Muslim communities are occupying government lands illegally. Dhami, who became the chief minister in July 2021 after the resignation of Tirath Singh Rawat, has followed the footsteps of his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, who has been vocal about his opposition to love jihad and has enacted a law to curb it. The law, which prohibits conversion for the sake of marriage, has been challenged in the courts for violating the fundamental rights of individuals. Dhami has also supported the actions of vigilante groups who claim to prevent love jihad by harassing and attacking interfaith couples. He has said that the state needs a stricter anti-conversion law because Uttarakhand is the land of the gods and acts like religious conversion are harmful to us. In 2021, the Uttarakhand assembly passed a law that increased the maximum punishment for forced conversions from five to ten years. Dhami has also launched an anti-encroachment drive in the state, which he claims is aimed at freeing 5,000 acres of land from land jihad. He has accused a particular community (referring to Muslims) of illegally occupying land and building structures in the border areas of the state. As part of the drive, the Dhami government has demolished around 500 mazars (tomb shrines) and 50 temples, sparking protests from the affected communities. In a major verdict that came after a legal battle of 53 years, the Bagpat court in Uttar Pradesh yesterday ruled in favour of the Hindu side in the case related to an ancient mound in Barnava village, Bagpat district. The court, in favour of respondent Krishna Dutt Ji Maharaj, recognized the ancient mound as Lakshagriha (Lakhamandap), dismissing the claims of a Dargah and cemetery by the Muslim side. Following the court's decision, heightened security measures have been implemented at Lakshagriha, and the police have been put on alert mode. What Is Lakshagriha? In the Mahabharata period, the Kauravas built a luxurious palace of laakh - a very inflammable substance. According to the Mahabharata, the palace was built by the architect Purochana and was designed to appear as a luxurious and flammable dwelling. The Kauravas invited the Pandavas to stay in this palace while secretly planning to set it on fire, intending to eliminate their rivals. However, the Pandavas, forewarned by Vidura, managed to escape the trap through a tunnel. Legal Battle And Land Dispute The legal battle began on March 31, 1970, when Mukim Khan from Barnava village filed a case in the Meerut district court, asserting that the ancient mound in Barnava had a Dargah and cemetery belonging to Sheikh Badruddin. Krishna Dutt Ji Maharaj, residing outside the district, opposed this claim, aspiring to eliminate the cemetery and establish a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The court heard testimonies from both sides and, based on the evidence, Junior Division Civil Judge Shivam Dwivedi declared the ancient mound in Barnava as Lakshagriha, dating back to the Mahabharata period. After examining the evidence, the court found that there is no cemetery, and the 108-acre land, a raised mound, was the site where the Pandavas came during the Mahabharata era. Meanwhile, the counsel of the Muslim side, Shahid Khan, mentioned they would review the verdict and consider filing an appeal. ASI Records According to reports, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered remnants confirming the presence of Lakhamandap and other historical sites. The ancient mound near Barnava village has undergone excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India, unearthing ancient artefacts. The Department of Archaeology declared the site a protected monument, and efforts were made to develop the ancient mound for tourism, attracting visitors to explore caves and other features. The site continues to draw tourists from afar, contributing to the cultural heritage of the region. New Delhi : In a major breakthrough, the police arrested a key conspirator of a terror module that was busted in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir last month. The accused, Riyaz Ahmed, was nabbed from the New Delhi Railway Station on Tuesday morning, following a tip-off from the J&K Police. According to the police, Ahmed was involved in a conspiracy to receive arms and ammunition from across the Line of Control (LOC) by the handlers of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), a banned terrorist outfit. He was wanted in connection with a case registered at Karnah police station in Kupwara, where five other members of the terror module were arrested and five AK rifles, five magazines and 16 rounds were seized. The police said that the arms and ammunition were supplied by two LeT operatives based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), identified as Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh and Qazi Mohammad Khushal. They were using the cover of cross-border trade to smuggle the weapons into India. Acting on specific information from the J&K Police, a team of the New Delhi Railway Station police station, led by Inspector Vishwanath Paswan, was deployed at the station to intercept Ahmed, who was expected to arrive in the wee hours of Tuesday. The team spotted Ahmed in the crowd and caught him when he was trying to escape from exit gate number one. During interrogation, Ahmed revealed that he and his friend Altaf, both retired from the Indian Army, had boarded the Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station on Monday afternoon. From there, they took an auto and reached the New Delhi Railway Station. Ahmed was planning to go to another hideout from there. The police recovered a mobile phone and a SIM card from Ahmeds possession. He was arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The police informed the J&K Police about his arrest and handed him over to them for further investigation. The police said that the terror module was planning to carry out attacks in different parts of the country and that the probe is on to unearth the whole conspiracy. As India gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, speculation mounts over Rahul Gandhi's potential return to Amethi, a traditional stronghold for the Congress party. The possibility arises amid the Congress party's considerations for their electoral strategy to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024. Amethi or Wayanad? Rahul Gandhi, once defeated in Amethi by BJP's Smriti Irani in 2019, faces a strategic decision. The weakening of Congress's position in Amethi during the Modi wave has prompted discussions within the party about the feasibility of Gandhi's candidacy there. On the other hand, the Communist Party of India (CPI), an ally within the opposition's I.N.D.I.A alliance, expresses interest in contesting from the Wayanad seat, potentially influencing Gandhi's decision. Wayanad's Political Scenario In contrast to the north, Congress appears to hold more sway in the south, particularly in Wayanad, Kerala. Despite CPI's interest in the Wayanad seat, no formal discussions have taken place with Congress about vacating it. This has led to ongoing negotiations on seat-sharing arrangements within the state's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), where CPI is a significant player. Rahul's 2019 Victory In the 2019 elections, Gandhi secured a significant victory in Wayanad, defeating the CPI candidate by over 400,000 votes. This success, coupled with Congress's historical wins in 2009 and 2014, underscores the party's dominance in the region. Speculation suggests that if Gandhi chooses to contest from another seat, CPI might nominate D. Raja's wife, Annie, for Wayanad. The Path Forward A committee, including CPI General Secretary D. Raja, is currently in discussions with Congress leadership, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, to explore the possibilities for the 2024 elections. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact Rahul Gandhi's electoral strategy, balancing his participation in the 'Nyay Yatra' and ensuring a safe seat for the upcoming battle at the polls. New Delhi: The Lok Sabha's External Affairs Committee has issued a comprehensive report urging the Indian government to intensify diplomatic efforts in exposing Pakistan's complicity in sponsoring terrorism, while bolstering security measures along India's borders. "The Committee desires that the Government should keep up its diplomatic efforts to expose the nefarious activities of Pakistan and its links with various terrorist outfits at every fora while strengthening its land borders and sea routes to prevent terrorist infiltration," stated the report. The committee's report, titled "Countering Global Terrorism at Regional and International Levels," paints a stark picture of the deep-rooted connections between ISI and terrorist outfits operating in the region. Among the recipient groups of ISI's patronage, the report identifies prominent names such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), and Indian Mujahideen (IM). Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Committee emphasized the urgent need to dismantle terrorist networks and safe havens, asserting, "Terrorist attacks in the country can only be curbed by dismantling all terrorist networks and safe havens." Addressing the longstanding issue of cross-border terrorism, the report noted, "Terrorist outfits are provided safe havens, material support, finance and other logistics by Pakistans ISI to carry out terrorist activities in India. " Despite the absence of high-level interactions with Pakistan in the last three years, India has consistently raised concerns about Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism at various international forums. The report highlighted this, stating, "The Government consistently raises the issue of Pakistans continuing support to cross-border terrorism and terrorist infiltration at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level." Furthermore, the Committee underscored India's enduring struggle against terrorism, stating, "The Committee observed that India has been a victim of terrorism for more than three decades." New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asserted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remains a key member of the opposition bloc INDIA, despite her partys decision to not ally with the Congress in the state for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Gandhi, who was addressing a press conference at Basiya in Gumla district as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, said that seat-sharing negotiations are ongoing among the members of the alliance and that there is no conflict among them. Mamata-ji is very much part of the INDIA alliance like most of the other members who are part of it, he said. We are having discussions on seat sharing and that is normal. We respect each other and we are united against the BJP. Gandhis statement came a week after Banerjee announced that her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) will contest the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal alone, without any alliance with the Congress. She accused the Congress of colluding with the CPI(M) to help the BJP in the state. Gandhi also commented on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars exit from the INDIA alliance and his joining of the BJP-led NDA. He said that the reasons for Kumars switch are obvious and that the INDIA alliance will fight in Bihar with full strength. You can guess what would have been the reasons for his leaving. He has betrayed the people of Bihar and the mandate they gave to the INDIA alliance. We will fight in Bihar as part of the INDIA alliance and we are confident of winning, he said. RANCHI, Jharkhand In a pivotal floor test on Monday, the newly formed government led by Champai Soren in Jharkhand secured a majority in the state assembly, thanks in part to the support from Glenn Joseph Galstaun, the sole and last nominated Anglo-Indian MLA in the country. Formation of New Government Under Soren's leadership, the JMM-led coalition garnered 47 votes in favor during the confidence vote, a crucial step in solidifying the government's standing in the assembly. Galstaun's vote was notably significant as he represents the final Anglo-Indian voice in the legislative body. Glenn Joseph Galstaun: The Last Anglo-Indian MLA Galstaun, serving his third and final term, holds a unique position in Indian politics. Following a constitutional amendment in 2019, which removed the provision for nominating Anglo-Indian members to the Parliament and state assemblies, Galstaun is set to be the last Anglo-Indian MLA, marking an end to a long-standing political representation tradition. Historical Context The Anglo-Indian community's legislative representation was ensured since the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. However, with the 2019 amendment, all such nominations were phased out, leaving Galstaun as the final representative. Galstaun's Legacy Just days before the amendment took effect in January 2020, Galstaun was sworn in as an MLA, continuing a legacy of Anglo-Indian representation in the Jharkhand assembly. His nomination was a statement by the state government, recognizing the importance of this community in the region's diverse cultural and political tapestry. Anglo-Indians: A Cultural Legacy The Anglo-Indian community, a blend of Indian and European ancestries, traces its roots back to the era of the British East India Company. Encouraged marriages between British officials and local women led to the formation of this distinct community, recognized officially in the Government of India Act, 1935. As per the 2011 Census, the community's size is notably small, with only 296 members reported in 2019. Hyderabad/Bhubaneswar (02nd February 2024): In a visionary move, the Odisha state government gears up for the grand inauguration of the 1st World Odia Language Conference 2024. The inaugural edition, slated to be held from 3-5 February 2024, promises an unprecedented fusion of physical and virtual realms at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The forward-looking state will hold the event on metaverse along with the physical event happening on ground. The decision to host this linguistic extravaganza was seeded in a Special Cabinet meeting at Puri in 2017, and it found fruition in the third Heritage Cabinet held on 19 December 2023, with smart city Bhubaneswar as the venue for the inaugural World Odia Language Conference. Odia, as one of India's six classical languages, embodies the collective identity, pride, and spirit of Odisha Paribar's 4.5 crore people. This monumental gathering aims not only to commemorate the illustrious past of Odia language and to navigate its transformative present but also to chart a course towards an aspirational linguistic future, celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the state. The conference's emotional tapestry weaves threads of antiquity, continuity and a vision that extends both roots and wings, celebrating diversity and anticipating the challenges of the digital age. Gamitronics CEO Rajat Ojha, the catalyst behind the metaverse marvel, beamed with pride as Gamitronics Studios PartyNite India Metaverse (Indias very own Metaverse) got the opportunity to execute the assignment of recreating the event in the digital space, thus becoming a part of the World Odia Language Conference. Gamitronics is credited for the development of landmark projects like bringing Dubai Gold Souk, Rasasi, Van Heusen and many brands to PartyNite and having celebrated IPs like Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka, Speedy Gun Savage to name a few. Ojha expressed, "Beyond merely documenting the event, we're crafting a digital journey that captures Odisha's cultural and linguistic essence, encapsulating the very spirit of the state rooted in language. The metaverse acts as a global connector, allowing Odia communities worldwide to actively participate and immerse themselves in the celebration. It's not just about preservation; it's about creating an irresistible experience, particularly for the youth, ensuring the World Odia Language Conference becomes an unforgettable and engaging event for everyone involved." Conference highlights: A multifaceted experience unfolds Scheduled over three days, the conference will feature 16 sessions filled with intellectual and academic discourse, boasting a lineup of 80 plus speakers, 16 chairpersons, and 16 rapporteurs from both India and abroad. The ancient exhibition hall promises a journey through time, showcasing treasures like rock and cave paintings,Inscriptions from Dhauli, Hatigumpha and more. The medieval hall offers glimpses into Kalinga Nagara Temple Architecture, the Sun Temple, the Konark Wheel, Khiching Temple, Gupteswar Temple, and regional folk dances, among other cultural gems. Labelled as the 'Making of Modern Odisha,' the Exhibition Hall transforms into a temporary museum, housing language heritage, the building of modern Odisha, and tributes to intellectual leaders. The event is not just a conference; it's a sensory feast with attractions like sand art, a book wall, Aasa Padhiba - Branded Bus Library, Virtual Reality, Language Atlas, Robots, and the AI Anchor - Janani, captivating attendees with a multifaceted experience. Gamitronics' VR-enabled PartyNite platform: Global access ensured Gamitronics is also recreating the entire event in a fully VR-enabled PartyNite platform but not limited to VR as users can experience it on almost every platform. While the physical event unfolds on the ground until evening in Bhubaneswar, individuals across the globe, including those in different timezones, can seamlessly access booths in the middle of the night. Trained artificial intelligence mascots will be on hand to interact with participants, addressing inquiries related to the various booths, objectives of the event, agendas, facts about Odia and various relevant topics. Metaverse participants can partake in the full spectrum of activities, from book launches to speeches by dignitaries, cultural programs, and real-time workshops. There will be zoom integration to talk to booth owners all the expo halls and speakers podiums. They will also offer real time language workshops with varied Odia dialects translation. Reflecting on the collaboration, Rajat Ojha, CEO Gamitronics shared, "The partnership with Govt. Of Odisha for recreating the World Odia Language Conference in the digital space has been an extraordinary journey. The forward thinking mindset of the Govt. Of Odisha has streamlined the complete process. With the awareness and eagerness to embrace cutting-edge technologies, especially for the youth, the Govt. Of Odisha has made this collaboration an endeavour which will create a legacy for the future." The World Odia Language Conference, with its fusion of tradition and technology, is not merely an event; but is a digital odyssey through the heart and soul of Odisha's rich cultural tapestry. (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: In a significant move bolstering its 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released a film based on the Prime Minister Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in eight languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Assamese, Odia, Bengali and Hindi. The film, which was unveiled through BJP's official social media channels, received widespread attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself shared it on the microblogging platform 'X'. 44 , 70% , #TabhiTohSabModiKoChunteHain Playlist pic.twitter.com/YDEe8CwpmQ BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) February 6, 2024 A collection of five films, spanning eight languages, showcased pivotal government policies that have been enacted over the years. The BJP had on January 25 launched its poll campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024 with a new slogan, "Modi ko chunte hai," (let us choose Prime Minister Narendra Modi). The campaign was launched in the presence of PM Modi, with party president JP Nadda releasing the theme song in a 2-minute, 10-second video, "Sapne Nahi Haqeeqat Bunte Hai, Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai." During the campaign launch, which was done at the First Time Voters Conclave, NaMo Navmatdata Sammelan, a music video was released that showcased how Prime Minister Modi has turned the dreams and aspirations of crores of Indians into reality. Turning Dreams Into Reality Under the banner of "Sapne Nahi Haqeeqat Bunte, Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai," the campaign underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi's track record in translating the dreams and aspirations of millions into tangible achievements. The campaign narrative highlights PM Modi's commitment to fulfilling promises, not just for the current generation but also for the past and future generations, aptly dubbed as 'Amrit Peedhi.' These policies are the Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, UPI-digital public infrastructure and the PM Awas Yojana. The first set of films in 8 different languages speaks about the Mudra Yojna- a transformative initiative empowering millions of people and fostering entrepreneurship. Similarly, the large number of women, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and OBCs who are beneficiaries of the scheme is also noteworthy. Modi Govt's Mudra Scheme In its campaign, the BJP says that the Mudra scheme has resulted in over 44 crore mortgage-free cash loans that have empowered billions of entrepreneurs, 70% of whom are women. Job seekers are now job creators. This is Modi's guarantee. #TabhiTohSabModiKoChunteHain. PM Modi has delivered dreams spanning years, decades, and even 500 years, said the BJP during the launch of the campaign song. The hashtag "TabhiTohSabModiKoChunteHain" has been trending on social media, with people from all walks of life sharing the policy films. The trend was also active on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal app - the Narendra Modi App (NaMo App), and was tweeted by many volunteers. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Helena Unit plans to burn timber slash piles in the South Hills of Helena, the agency announced in a news release sent Tuesday. The burning is scheduled to occur on Wednesday and/or Thursday. Conditions permitting, unit personnel will conduct burn operations near Wakina Sky Road off of Grizzly Gulch between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., the news release states. "If favorable conditions for smoke dispersal or containment are not present, ignition will not take place," the news release states. "Any burn implemented is coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to adhere to air quality standards and to reduce the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators and surrounding communities." Smoke may be visible from Helena and from various trails located in the South Hills on the day of and for a few days following the burn. DNRC personnel will monitor the piles to ensure that safety objectives are met, the news release states. The political corridors in Delhi are abuzz with Sonia Gandhi's Lok Sabha candidature from Telangana. The buzz is supported by Telangana Congress leaders' statement that they want Sonia Gandhi to contest from the state. Congress leaders are of the view that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi also contested from the Medak seat and thus Sonia, who is credited with the formation of Telangana, should contest the polls this time from the youngest state. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has also urged Sonia Gandhi to contest from the state. Former Congres president Rahul Gandhi has already moved to Wayanad since 2019 when he contested from two seats - Amethi and Wayanad and lost from the Hindi belt seat. It was said that the Congress was aware of the party losing ground in Amethi and thus fielded Rahul from the second seat of Wayanad in Kerala. Now, political pundits say that Congress might lose its lone Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh in the 2024 polls. Sonia Gandhi won the Raebareli seat in Uttar Pradesh in 2019 but as per experts, the seat does not look safe for her this time. Even Jan Ki Baat founder Pradeep Bhandari surveyed Raebareli and claimed there are 90% chance that Sonia Gandhi may lose her seat this time. The BJP is likely to field a strong candidate against Sonia Gandhi this time from the seat. The saffron party is hoping to win all the 80 seats of Uttar Pradesh riding on the Ram temple wave and the Modi Government's social welfare initiatives like the Ujjwala scheme and free ration scheme. There is 90% probability that #SoniaGandhi will lose #Raebareli if she is to contest in 2024. 60% women, & 65% Youth want change in Raebareli. There is Modi wave in Raebareli as per our data( Jan Ki Baat). Watch Episode 1 of 'Pradeep Predicts' which analyses Jan Ki Baat pic.twitter.com/wRXYGSGqES January 31, 2024 Kerala has been a stronghold of the Congress party and it still commands second second-largest vote share in the state despite the Left party being in power. Congress-led UDF bagged over 33 per cent votes in the 2021 assembly election in the state. The grand old party has recently thrown out the BRS government in Telangana and has come to power in the state for the very first time since its formation in 2014. Congress currently rules two southern states - Karnataka and Telangana while it's a junior partner of DMK in Tamil Nadu. While Telangana is still a safe bet for Congress, the party is not thinking of fielding Sonia Gandhi from Karnataka given the BJP having an upper hand there. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 25 of the 28 Parliamentary seats while the Congress had managed to win just one. Thus, while Rahul Gandhi may contest again from the Wayanad seat, if Sonia Gandhi leaves Raebareli, then Telangana would be the party's first preference for her. It's also likely that Sonia Gandhi may contest from two seats this time- Raebareli in UP and one from Telangana. In case, Sonia Gandhi shifts to the South, then Congress may field Priyanka Gandhi from the UP seat in a strategic move. While these are just reports and speculations, the real picture will get clear in the coming days as the Lok Sabha elections are just two months away. New Delhi: In the depths of Kushal Dan's imagination, never had he dared to envision the extraordinary journey that awaited him as the humble proprietor of a roadside tea stand. Little did he foresee that his name would one day be synonymous with the proud title of "father of an IAS officer." Yet, amidst the trials of financial adversity, Kushal's unwavering determination led him to navigate the labyrinth of loans and appeals to friends and family, all in pursuit of his son's education. His life's narrative was woven with threads of hardship and tears, each drop a testament to the struggles he endured. But fate had a remarkable twist in store. For his son, Deshal Dan Charan, emerged as the harbinger of a new chaptera chapter illuminated by the radiant tears of joy. Clearing the UPSC with an impressive All India Rank of 82 on his maiden attempt, Deshal's ascent from the rustic hamlet of Sumalai in Rajasthan to the zenith of India's administrative echelons is a saga that resonates with inspiration. Born into a family of modest means, Charan's upbringing was steeped in the aroma of his father's tea, brewed with love and necessity alike. A precocious child, he mirrored the academic prowess of his elder brother, whose trajectory toward excellence was abruptly truncated by the cruel hand of fatean untimely demise in a submarine mishap during Charan's formative years. Undeterred by tragedy, Charan's resolve only strengthened as he embarked on his academic journey. Armed with intellect and resilience, he traversed the corridors of education, ultimately securing admission to the prestigious IIT Jabalpur through sheer merit. While lucrative opportunities beckoned upon graduation, Charan remained steadfast in his allegiance to a childhood dreamthe dream of donning the mantle of a civil servant. Relocating to the bustling metropolis of Delhi, Charan immersed himself in the rigors of preparation, sacrificing countless hours at the altar of knowledge. Recognizing the financial constraints that burdened his father, he resolved to outshine his competitors through sheer diligence and perseverance. Day and night, he toiled, each waking moment a testament to his unwavering resolve. Finally, on a momentous day, the fruits of Charan's labour blossomed into fruition. With an enviable All India Rank of 82, he ascended to the coveted ranks of the Indian Administrative Servicea mere 24 years of age yet bearing the weight of responsibility with an aura of maturity far beyond his years. Thus, the saga of IAS Deshal Dan Charan serves as a beacon of hopea testament to the indomitable spirit that surmounts all obstacles, transcending humble beginnings to carve a legacy etched in the annals of greatness. New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination stands as a formidable challenge for aspirants, often proving insurmountable despite access to abundant resources and facilities. Therefore, it's particularly remarkable and uplifting when individuals manage to conquer this pinnacle of exams in India, especially under circumstances of limited resources and significant financial constraints. Across the vast expanse of the internet, one finds a plethora of tales showcasing the triumph of perseverance, where sons and daughters of impoverished farmers or street vendors defy the odds to emerge victorious in the UPSC. These narratives serve as testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience that propels individuals towards the esteemed positions of IAS and IPS officers. Among these stories shines the example of IAS Govind Jaiswal, a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. Jaiswal's journey from obscurity to the esteemed ranks of the civil services exemplifies the power of determination and grit in the face of adversity. Hailing from the historic city of Varanasi, Govind's humble beginnings were marked by the toil of his father, a rickshaw puller striving to provide for his family. However, tragedy struck when Govind's mother fell ill, straining the already precarious financial situation. In a desperate bid to fund her treatment, Govind's father had to part with his livelihood, selling his rickshaw. Despite the heartbreak of losing his mother in 1995, Jaiswal's father remained unwavering in his commitment to his son's education. Determined to see his son succeed, he supported Govind through his schooling and college years. With unwavering resolve, Jaiswal embarked on the arduous journey to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC examination, fueled by the sacrifices and unwavering support of his father. Amidst the challenges posed by financial constraints, Govind's father spared no effort in ensuring his son's educational pursuits remained unhindered. Working tirelessly day and night, he epitomized the essence of parental sacrifice and determination. Inspired by his father's relentless struggle, Jaiswal devoted himself wholeheartedly to his studies, forsaking the luxury of multiple attempts at the UPSC examination. Instead, he resolved to achieve success in his very first endeavor, recognizing the profound impact it would have on his family's future. Years of diligent preparation culminated in a triumphant moment in 2006 when Govind Jaiswal emerged victorious, securing an impressive All India Rank of 48 in the UPSC examination, thus realizing his dream of becoming an IAS officer. His journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering familial support in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. MUMBAI: In a fiery retort to the Election Commission's recent verdict, Supriya Sule, the influential Member of Parliament and daughter of veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar, minced no words as she vowed to take the battle to the highest court of the land. "Our documents were fine. The founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar. But now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an 'adrishya shakti' in the country which is doing all this. We will fight. We will definitely go to the Supreme Court". The EC ruling, which favoured Ajit Pawar's faction as the legitimate NCP, has sparked a political firestorm, reminiscent of past controversies that have rocked the political landscape in Maharashtra. #WATCH | Delhi | On Ajit Pawar getting the NCP name and symbol, Sharad Pawar's daughter and MP Supriya Sule says, "...Our documents were fine. Founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar...But now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an pic.twitter.com/fGjAZD8Mih ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Sule Draws Parallels With Shiv Sena Case Drawing parallels with a similar ruling involving the Shiv Sena, Sule highlighted the perceived inconsistency in the Election Commission's decisions. "This is not a new order," she asserted, underscoring the striking resemblance between the two cases. Despite the setback, Sule affirmed that the unwavering loyalty of party members to Sharad Pawar remains unshaken. Sule further expressed her concerns about the prevailing circumstances, remarking, "I think what happened with Shiv Sena is what is happening with us today. So, this is not a new order. Just the names have been changed but the content is the same." #WATCH | Delhi | "Adrishya shakti (Invisible power)," says Sharad Pawar's daughter and MP Supriya Sule, when asked what she thinks is the reason behind the EC's ruling granting the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar. pic.twitter.com/ybMBksIQlI ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024 Internal Strife Within NCP And Future Trajectory The EC's decision, which bestowed the coveted 'Wall Clock' symbol upon Ajit Pawar's faction, has ignited fervent discussions about the internal dynamics and the future course of the Nationalist Congress Party. Sule's apprehensions about the prevailing circumstances mirror the growing unease within the party ranks. Awhad's Resolute Stand: 'We Will Rise Again' Jitendra Awhad, another stalwart aligned with Sharad Pawar, minced no words as he pledged to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court. Describing Sharad Pawar as a "phoenix" who will rise from the ashes, Awhad exuded confidence in their resilience. His scathing remarks aimed at Ajit Pawar and the Election Commission underscored the deep-seated frustrations within the party. Ajit Pawar Welcomes EC Ruling In a contrasting stance, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar welcomed the EC's decision, hailing it as a validation of his faction's legitimacy within the NCP. The conciliatory tone adopted by Ajit Pawar stands in stark contrast to the defiance exhibited by his adversaries. EC Ruling And Its Implications On Future Polls The Election Commission has provided the Sharad Pawar faction with an option to choose a name for its new political formation and provide three preferences to the poll body by 3 pm on February 7, 2024. The Election Commission's ruling, handing the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar's faction, reverberated across the political spectrum, signalling a significant shift in the state's political landscape. With the forthcoming polls looming large, the decision is poised to shape the contours of Maharashtra's political arena. The decision was taken after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months. The poll panel said that the decision followed the laid-out tests of maintainability of the petition, which included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, and tests of a majority both organizational and legislative. As the dust settles on the latest chapter in Maharashtra's political saga, all eyes now turn towards the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court, where the fate of the NCP hangs in the balance. Islamic preacher Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari was arrested in an alleged hate speech case by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from Mumbai's Ghatkopar and was brought to the investigative agency's office in Ahmedabad yesterday on a two-day transit remand. According to the police, a case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty), 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant from his duty), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), and relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act against Azhari. Who Is Mufti Salman Azhari? Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari, self-proclaimed Islamic research scholar and founder of Jamia Riazul Jannah, Al-Aman Education and Welfare Trust, and Darul Aman, is a modern-day preacher with a unique background. Hailing from Karnataka and a graduate of Cairos Al Azhar University, he follows the Sunni Barelvi school of Islam, widely adhered to by the majority of Indian Muslims. Initially serving as an imam at the Panke Shah Baba Dargah in Ghatkopar, Mufti Salman Azhari's popularity soared over the last four years, thanks to his speeches that gained traction on social media. This widespread recognition led to invitations for talks across the country, reducing his time as a full-time imam to a single mosque. Notably, Mufti Azhari was only Islamic preacher in Indian who accepted a challenge from Yati Narsinghanand, accused of hate speech, to engage in a debate on the Quran and Islam at the Jama Masjid in Delhi. In contrast to traditional maulanas, Mufti Azhari's influence doesn't solely stem from mosque sermons but thrives in the virtual realm of social media. His audience primarily comprises the youth whose lives are heavily influenced by online platforms, making his speeches widely shared and discussed. Dehradun, Uttarakhand - The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has ignited a passionate debate among political circles. Today, Samajwadi Party (SP) Member of Parliament ST Hasan expressed his reservations regarding the bill, emphasizing that its acceptance would hinge on its alignment with the principles outlined in the Quran. Concerns Raised by SP MP ST Hasan articulated his concerns, asserting that if the UCC contradicts the guidance given in the Quran, it will not receive their endorsement. However, he made it clear that if the UCC is in harmony with the Quranic principles, they would not object to its implementation. This perspective stems from the BJP's commitment to introduce the UCC, a promise made during the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Given the BJP's dominant presence in the state, the bill's passage is anticipated to be swift and unchallenged. Respect for Diverse Customs and Traditions The SP MP drew attention to the fact that although laws pertaining to triple talaq are already in existence, compliance has been lacking. He emphasized the diverse and religiously pluralistic nature of India, where each community adheres to its own customs and traditions. Hasan cited examples of differing marriage and funeral rituals among Hindus and Muslims, underlining the importance of respecting and preserving these practices. UCC's Implications Once enacted, the UCC will supersede the existing Personal Laws governing matters such as marriage and divorce. The BJP, holding a substantial majority in the state assembly, is optimistic about the bill's passage. As Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the bill, resounding slogans of support echoed within the assembly. Key Provisions Regarding Marriage The UCC stipulates that neither the groom nor the bride should have a living spouse at the time of marriage. The bill does not impose restrictions on marriage customs and rituals. Sections 33 and 34 of the bill grant both spouses the right to maintenance and allowances. Mandatory marriage registration is a provision aimed at enabling access to government schemes. Congress' Stance The Congress party has not adopted an outright opposition to the UCC. Instead, they have raised concerns about the bill's presentation in the assembly. Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya called for adequate time to review the draft before implementation. However, the government is eager to expedite the bill's passage, citing procedural rules. This development occurs during the second day of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly session, with proceedings adjourned until 2 PM. The Assembly Speaker approved Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya's request for additional time to scrutinize the UCC draft before its implementation. 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. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity is welcoming a group of land planners and architects in partnership to lay the design groundwork for a master plan for a new neighborhood in East Helena. In a news release announcing the week's worth of meetings sent Monday, the organization said planning is scheduled to begin Monday and continue through Friday. The planning group will include local architects from Mosaic Architecture. The meetings are not open to the public, but Habitat is set to host a formal "pin-up" session on Friday at 4 p.m. at its office, 432 N. Last Chance Gulch, said to include images of the design concepts for the new neighborhood. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jacob Kuntz said in an interview Monday that community-focused listening sessions will also be scheduled in the near future. Through the meetings, Helena Area Habitat for Humanity intends to create the design framework for a neighborhood that will include more than 1,000 homes. In addition to new homes, the neighborhood is likely to include commercial spaces, a community center, parks and a new school site for East Helena. "We are thrilled to be starting the design of a new neighborhood for the city of East Helena with such esteemed colleagues in the housing development field," Kuntz said in the news release. "The new neighborhood will be mixed income, with a variety of different housing types to serve our community," Kuntz said. "With the average local home price in excess of $475,000, working people have been priced out of the market. We aim to change that by building a neighborhood that serves all incomes while retaining and adding to the character and small-town feel that makes East Helena a wonderful place in which to live." The organization states its design meetings have been made possible through a grant from The Wall Family/Power Townsend Foundation. "The Foundations mission is to assist in the construction of modest, affordable homes for working families in the Helena area and has been a supporter of Helena Habitats work for many years," the news release states. Power Townsend intends to build a manufacturing facility adjacent to the proposed neighborhood. The Wall Family/Power Townsend Foundation is dedicated to helping create affordable homes for families in Helena. We are happy to be able to assist in making this incredible project a reality, Mike Wall said in the news release. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity has been laying the groundwork for this project over the past three years, with its first acquisition of 82 acres taking place in 2023. The new neighborhood will sit on close to 250 acres within the city limits of East Helena and south of U.S. Highway 287. East Helena Mayor Kelly Harris said in an interview Monday that his city is "excited to help support the development of affordable housing in the city." "People are aware that with growth comes costs, but they also see it brings new opportunities," Harris said. "You're either growing or you're dying, but we have to be cognizant of how we share the cost and not put the burden on the people who currently live here." The East Helena City Council will ultimately have the final say on the subdivision. The Glasgow parents whose transgender teenager was removed from their home last year have asked the state's high court to reverse a gag order barring them from talking about the case. Despite that gag order issued by a district court judge in January meant to preserve the private nature of the child protection case, details about the Kolstad family have only grown more public over the last week. The petition to reverse the gag order is essentially a play-by-play of the proceedings up until this point. As of press time for this story, the state Supreme Court had not responded as to whether they would entertain the petition, which also seeks to void an upcoming contempt hearing against the parents. Typically all records and reports of child abuse and neglect proceedings are to be kept confidential as required by state law, which provides a few exceptions to health professionals, advocates and family members directly involved in the case. A judge may allow public disclosure if necessary to resolve an issue in the case. Anyone who knowingly "permits or encourages the unauthorized dissemination" of the contents of case records can be charged with a misdemeanor. Todd Kolstad and Krista Cummins-Kolstad of Glasgow posted a video on Jan. 18 to Facebook making a public plea for help in the case after months of failed attempts to regain custody of their child in court. The state petition to remove the child, according to the court papers filed by the parents Monday, was because the Kolstad parents objected to their child being admitted to a Wyoming facility to be treated for suicidal ideations. Their objection to the Wyoming placement was due to a lack of state laws banning gender-affirming care in that state. No such law is in effect in Montana, either, as legislation that intended to do so remains under a legal challenge. Still, once the case was out in the open, Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, issued a rare public response to a dispute on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating he had directed his lieutenant and the director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to review the case for potential errors or actions outside the agency's legal boundaries, and found none. Child protective services are a part of the state health department, which has offices in regions around the state. The governor's senior adviser and director of communications had also reposted another X user's post implying that the parents had not told the whole truth about the child's living situation. The Kolstads' attorney argues in the petition that together those public statements and indicators created a narrative against the parents they feel they could not let stand. "What makes the gag order against the parents particularly odious is the Gianforte administrations smear campaign against them," Kolstad attorney Matthew Monforton wrote in the filing. "Gov. Gianforte and his staff are publicly insinuating that H.K.s seizure was necessitated by some horrifying fact, such as the parents 'living in absolute filth,' operating 'meth labs,' or being 'dealers and addicts.'" In an email, a spokesperson for the Governor's Office did not directly respond Monday to the "smear campaign" alleged by the Kolstads, but reiterated child protective services protects children who have been or are at substantial risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment. As first reported by the Montana Free Press, the governor's office has sought to clarify publicly that the state does not remove minors from homes to provide gender transition services or use state taxpayer dollars to pay for those services. Gianforte, whose administration has worked with the GOP-majority Legislature to pass anti-transgender legislation, also asked the state health department to adopt a formal policy to ensure the definition of abuse and neglect does not include a parent's right to refuse to provide gender-affirming care to their children. Since Valley County District Court Judge Yvonne Laird issued the Jan. 18 gag order against the parents following their social media video, Krista Cummins-Kolstad, the child's stepmother, spoke about the matter on a statewide radio show. The judge then scheduled a hearing for a possible contempt order against the parents, which has been set for late February. "The parents will likely be jailed merely for speaking out against the injustices being perpetrated against them by the state and district court," their attorney wrote in Monday's petition. "The gag order against the parents is an unconstitutional prior restraint and should be vacated immediately so that they may tell the public the truth without being jailed." Editor's note: The AMBER Alert for Josiah Killsnight has been cancelled. Josiah has been located and is safe. BIA Northern Cheyenne thanks everyone for their assistance. Josiah Killsnight was home at his grandmothers residence in Lame Deer on Feb. 5 with a high fever. He was taken, on foot, from the residence by Kathryn Pretty On Top around 11:20 Monday morning. Pretty On Top is not directly related to the boy and does not have permission to be with the child. New information has been uncovered regarding the circumstances of Josiahs disappearance. Josiah and Kathryn may be in the Billings area. She has no vehicle but may have gotten a ride to Billings. Josiah is a 9-year-old Native American male with black eyes and black hair. He is 3-feet 10-inches tall and 96 pounds. Kathryn is a 50-year-old Native American female with brown eyes and brown hair. She is 5-feet 2-inches tall and approximately 170 pounds. If you have any information on Josiah or Kathryn, please contact: BIA Northern Cheyenne Law Enforcement Agency at (406) 477-6288 or DIAL 911. SPRINGFIELD A bipartisan U.S. Senate package that would crack down on border security and supply aid to Ukraine and Israel was met with swift backlash from Republicans, immediately putting a damper on hopes for an election-year fix to the ongoing crisis at the southern border. The 370-page bill, unveiled Sunday evening after months of negotiations, includes more than $60 billion in aid for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel. It also includes $20 billion for immigration-related items, including funds to hire people to process asylum claims and more money for Border Patrol. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, in a statement Monday, offered measured support for the compromise, saying that "this bipartisan agreement may help, but nothing short of comprehensive reform will truly solve the problem." "It is time for Speaker Johnson and Republicans to realize that bipartisanship is the only way that action on the border is going to happen and that Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and citizens in Gaza will receive much needed aid," Durbin said. Johnson, however, tweeted his opposition just minutes after it was announced, calling the legislation "dead on arrival" in the Republican-controlled House should it pass the Senate. Many House Republicans followed in Johnson's footsteps, including those in the Illinois delegation. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Hindsboro, derisively referred to the proposal as an "amnesty" bill that "erases our borders." Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said the legislation "compromises on border security at a time when we should be drawing redlines and holding firm." "My constituents want a safe and secure country, and this bill doesnt fix the problem, not by a long shot," Bost said. Former gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, who is challenging Bost in the 12th Congressional District Republican primary, held a press conference at the U.S.-Mexican border in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Monday. He called it "shameful that any Republican would join in any kind of talks putting this together." "I support absolutely nothing of this new bill that's been brought up," Bailey said. "What I do support and what I demand is a single-action bill closing the border right now today and finishing the wall." Under the Senate proposal, people would not be able to apply for asylum if illegal crossings reach an average of 5,000 per day over seven days or 8,500 in a day. The border would remain closed until illegal crossings dropped by 75%. Many Republicans believe those numbers are too high. Though if the bill were law, the border would effectively have been shut down for the past several months due to the high number of illegal crossings. The asylum process would also be significantly expedited under the bill, with cases being processed in months compared to the years it can take now. Migrants would also have to show during initial screenings that they have a reasonable possibility of being granted asylum. Migrants would also be barred from making an asylum claim if they are found to have a criminal history, resettled in another country or could have found safety if they had resettled in their home country. Migrants who cross the border illegally between a port of entry would be detained and receive a screening within 10 to 15 days. Migrants who pass the new screening would then receive a work permit, be placed in a supervision program and have their asylum case decided within 90 days. And migrants who seek asylum in between ports of entry would be put into detention while they await the initial screening for an asylum claim. Proponents say the proposal will end the existing policy of "catch and release," which is when migrants are released into the U.S. while awaiting the adjudication of their asylum case. Immigration has been a significant flash point in the 2024 campaign, with former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate, hitting incumbent President Joe Biden for his administration's response to the surge of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexican border. Trump has come out against the Senate deal. In the 12th Congressional District GOP primary race, both candidates have sought to stake out the most conservative position on immigration. At the border, Bailey blasted Bost, calling him "Amnesty Mike," citing three votes the incumbent took that supported undocumented immigrants. One of those votes was for a 2018 immigration reform bill that would have offered a pathway to citizenship for people known as "Dreamers," who were brought to this country as young children. Trump supported the bill. HOUSE REPUBLICANS SHOULD PASS THE STRONG BUT FAIR IMMIGRATION BILL, KNOWN AS GOODLATTE II, IN THEIR AFTERNOON VOTE TODAY, EVEN THOUGH THE DEMS WONT LET IT PASS IN THE SENATE. PASSAGE WILL SHOW THAT WE WANT STRONG BORDERS & SECURITY WHILE THE DEMS WANT OPEN BORDERS = CRIME. WIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2018 The two other votes were for bills that would have allowed undocumented workers in the agriculture industry a pathway to legal status. "We have career politicians, like my opponent Mike Bost, who preach border security on the campaign trail, but betray us the very moment that it counts," Bailey said. Bost campaign manager Myles Nelson dismissed Bailey's attacks. If Darren Bailey wants to talk about illegal immigration, then he should explain to voters what process he uses to employ migrant workers on his farm," Nelson said. "Either hes hired unverified, potentially illegal migrants or hes used a government visa system that is very similar to the system hes attacking today. Which one is it? Bost has made two trips to the U.S.-Mexican border in the past ten months. "Unlike my opponent, who hastily planned a meaningless publicity stunt at the border because were one month from an election, Ive always viewed border security as a top priority, Bost said in a statement. The Associated Press contributed to this report. NEWTON Nu Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International recently held its winter business meeting and annual Treasured Roses Ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Attendees and guests enjoyed breakfast and fellowship before the ceremony. Nu Chapter members brought donations of both money and supplies to support the chapters service projects. Locally, Nu Chapter supports Safe Harbor of NC in Hickory, a Christ-centered community that works to help women rebuild, renew and recover while preparing them for successful independent living. At the international level, the chapter supports Schools for Africa, a partnership between DKG International and UNICEF to provide access to basic education for girls in 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Donna Rudisill, current Finance Committee chair and former Nu Chapter president, opened the meeting with her Minute at the Mic. Rudisill shared about the influence DKG membership has had on her life during her nearly 24 years as a member and her pride in how Nu Chapter supports women educators in the community, helping them grow both personally and professionally. The January meeting of Nu Chapter is a special event, as it includes the chapters annual Treasured Roses Ceremony, recognizing long-term members for their years of service to the chapter and DKG. This year, Nu Chapter had the honor of recognizing the following 12 women for their years of service and leadership: Amanda Moose, 20 years; Martha Brown, 30 years; Marilyn Futrelle, 30 years; Arlinda Graham, 30 years; Rebecca Rowe, 30 years; June Trivette, 30 years; Diane Creasman, 35 years; Carol Warren, 35 years; Frances Stafford, 40 years; Irene Craig, 45 years; Claudia McLean, 45 years; and Nancy Jo Teague, 50 years of service. Leadership Development chair Michelle Shelly introduced each honoree, assisted by committee member Lee Ann Perry. The escorts, specially chosen for each Treasured Rose member, read tributes detailing the achievements and leadership positions of these dedicated members during their impressive years of service. Each honoree received a service pin, a certificate, and a long-stemmed red rose to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, Nu Chapter made a $50 donation to Dolly Partons Imagination Library in honor of Nancy Jo Teagues 50 years of service to Nu Chapter and DKG. After the ceremony and a brief time of fellowship and celebration with the Treasured Roses, Nu Chapter president Leslie Black called the business meeting to order. Membership committee chair Carol Bostian shared an update on membership following the passing of Dr. Lorene Painter. Members approved the minutes from the Nov. 2 meeting and ratified recent changes to the chapter rules. Treasurer Amanda Moose reported on the chapters current finances, including funds raised for and donations to the chapters service projects, as well as to local and state teacher grants and scholarships. In her presidents report, Black thanked the membership for their donations to Safe Harbor and Schools for Africa. She also reminded everyone of the NC DKG Educational Foundations Make an Educator Smile campaign for honoring educators and shared that the Foundation raised $8,620 during their 28 Days of Giving fundraiser in November. Black highlighted teachers and classrooms in Catawba County that received funding from the Phyllis Frye Copeland Endowment grants in the fall, including Nu Chapter members Allison Patton from North Newton Elementary School and Suzanne Cadwallader from Claremont Elementary School. In total, seven Catawba County teachers from five different schools received $3,975 in grants from the Copeland Endowment. Black concluded her report by encouraging members to complete the NC DKG Every Member Convention Survey, reminding members to refer to chapter, state, and international newsletters for important information, and detailing important upcoming dates for Nu Chapter events as well as for this years state and international conventions. Membership Committee chair Carol Bostian presented Laura Gould, a prospective chapter member, nominated by Allison Patton. The chapter voted unanimously to accept Gould, a kindergarten teacher from North Newton Elementary School, for membership. Second vice president and Rose Committee chair Allison Patton shared that Nu Chapter has already exceeded the requirements for both of NC DKGs chapter awards: the Rose Bud Award and the Order of the Rose. Nominations committee member Maria Ballard presented officer nominations for the 2024-26 biennial and called for additional nominations from the floor. As there were no additional nominations, chapter members will vote on the new slate of officers at the April meeting. The officer nominations include Regina Propst, president; Allison Patton, first vice president; Thalia Holman, second vice president; Lee Ann Perry, secretary; and Carol Propst, corresponding secretary. Amanda Moose will continue to serve as the chapter treasurer. Black closed the meeting with a drawing for door prizes, a 50/50 raffle that benefits chapter projects, and the Brag Bucket, which benefits the Lucille Cornetet Professional Development Award to provide funding for educators to attend conferences or take courses for professional development. Nu Chapter member and Schools for Africa representative Amanda Swengros received a Cornetet Professional Development award last May to attend the 2023 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The members of Nu Chapter are proud to continue supporting the mission of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education in Catawba County, throughout North Carolina, and around the world. A man was charged a second time in less than a month with breaking into a home in Morganton. Nathaniel Allen Thomas, 37, of Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering early Monday morning, according to a release from the Morganton Department of Public Safety. The charges came after officers were dispatched to a home on Carbondale Lane for an investigation, the release said. Thomas was found inside the home and was taken into custody. Thomas was previously taken into custody Jan. 8 for misdemeanor breaking and entering and resisting a public officer after they were dispatched to the same home for an investigation, the release said. Thomas has previous convictions of indecent exposure, second-degree trespassing, breaking and entering vehicles, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, willful or wanton injury to real property, breaking and entering vending machines and larceny, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Thomas was not given bond since he was already out on pre-trial release when these charges were issued, the release said. Introducere: Romania and the United States of America share some history which is similar in many respects. Both states have struggled to gain their independence, sovereignty, and historical recognition. That in which they have followed a different path was pertaining to the civilization pattern according to which each of the two states was established. We need to remind here, and pay all the due respect to them, the Romanian and American historians who have dealt with the early matters of the US-Romanian relations, that is Paul Cernovodeanu, Cornelia Bodea, Ion Stanciu, Dumitru Vitcu, Constantin Buse, Keith Hitchins, Stephen Fischer-Galati, Radu R. Florescu, James F. Clarke, and many others. The US-Romanian relations celebrate 140 years of an extremely challenging existence, which has eventually proved both states admiration for the civilization pattern Romania for acquiring its national independence and for implementing a genuine democratic model, whereas the United States of America for the cultural and linguistic miracle represented by the Romanian people. There has been a joint history which proved to both people what a struggle for being acknowledged by history meant [...]. (Alexandru Cristian) Prefata: The Romanian-American relations have long been at the center of various research studies pertaining to multiple disciplines. They do remain, however, insufficiently accessible to larger audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. As such, a new book, from a tested, albeit interesting, perspective, is more than welcome. As a collection of opinions-editions pieces, most of which were published in Romanian quality journals, the present volume shines in terms of readability and comprehensibility. Alexandru Cristian, a young historian with a grasp on defense and international security studies, contextualizes the bilateral relations between Romania and the United States, devoting particular attention to their latest achievement the Strategic Partnership, by placing them into a larger picture shaped by geopolitics. [...]. (George Cristian MAIOR, Ambasador) Volumul Romania and the United States of America. Past, Present and Future, de Alexandru Cristian, poate fi comandat la pret special din libraria online a Editurii Pro Universitaria. In an emotionally-charged and tense meeting Monday night, the Cabarrus County Board of Education made the difficult decision, in a 4-3 vote, to approve the closing of Beverly Hills Elementary School, which will take effect at the end of the school year. Chair Denise Adcock, vice chair Sam Treadaway, Pam Escobar and Brian Floyd voted to close the school, while Laura Blackwell Lindsey, Rob Walter and Keshia Sandidge voted to keep it open. The proposed plan is to turn Beverly Hills into a Pre-K center to replace the current Mary Frances Wall Center. A $50.6 million, 750-seat replacement school for Beverly Hills and Coltrane-Webb students would be built on the current Coltrane-Webb site. The hope would be that construction can begin on the new school this year, assuming the county can provide the funding. Students from Beverly Hills would be realigned next school year to W.M. Irvin, Winecoff and Royal Oaks. They would have the option to attend the new Coltrane-Webb school once it is built. The discussion is part of a larger district-wide realignment study along with a long-term master facilities plan. Many supporters of the school, including Save Our Schools (SOS) members, who have been attending board meetings for several months, were in tears after the decision, as they were coming to the realization that after 70 years, Beverly Hills would be closed for good in a few months. The people that are being educated there in this community need that school, Lee Shuman, head of SOS, told the paper after the meeting. Those students, will they ultimately be successful somewhere else? Who knows. But what we do know is that they have been extremely successful there. He added: Were making a bet that theyre just going to be okay. One of the toughest decisions Ive ever been faced with While the gravity of the situation weighed on each school board member, Floyd, a Beverly Hills alumnus, appeared particularly conflicted, as he felt he was likely the swing vote. Floyd, who spoke in support of the school in 2019, when its fate was previously in question, spoke at length about how this was one of the toughest decisions Ive ever been faced with as a leader. Although he had exhaustively researched the issue and spoke with numerous Beverly Hills supporters over the last few months, as a school board member, Floyd said he represents and has to do what is in the best interests of all the families within the district. I still feel and believe every single word I said five or six years ago, Floyd said. Today I dont just represent myself, my friends, my neighbors; Im charged with making a district-wide decision that is best for the district of 35,000+ kids. Floyd, who replaced Tim Furr, who resigned in July before being appointed to the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, noted that he is stuck in this horrible dilemma between something I want more than anything else and the answer that I fear is right. Understanding that he has no plans on seeking re-election, Floyd said he never wanted to tell people simply what they wanted to hear or delay making a decision, which would cause much more long-term harm than good. While acknowledging that closing a school is not a life or death decision, like the ones he dealt with in the Army while stationed in Iraq, closing a school is a permanent decision and is something that Ill have to live with until I take my last breath. Echoing similar remarks, Treadaway described the impact Beverly Hills had on his family, noting both his sons attended the school and his wife was involved as a parent. Beverly Hills has always been a special place, he said, not because of the buildings but because of the teachers and staff. Its the people thats what makes the school special, Treadaway said. Escobar appreciated the dedication of the supporters of Beverly Hills, who have campaigned for months to keep the school open, but noted the board is tasked with making decisions that not everyone will agree with. I cant make everyone happy, I just cant, nobody can on this board, she said. But that is not a reflection of not caring, of not hearing you. I have heard you, I really have. Views On keeping the school open Lindsey and Walter, who each voted to keep Beverly Hills open in 2019, discussed feeling compelled to do the same this time around. Ive been told that small schools and neighborhood schools are a thing of the past, Lindsey said, well they dont have to be. They are the heartbeat of what a community is Big schools are not always the answer. What makes Cabarrus County special, she continued, is that students and families have options when it comes to K-12 education, such as attending charter schools, small neighborhood schools or larger schools. Thats what makes us different than every other community, Lindsey said. I could never vote to take that away from our children. Walter, who expressed worries about funding the replacement school and was disappointed by what he viewed as the lack of engagement with the SOS group, was most concerned about the legacy of the current school board. I dont really want to be associated with having closed a successful school, he said. Sandidge said she was impacted by the fact that no one reached out to her advocating to close the school. No email has come from anybody in our community wanting to close this school, she said. That spoke volumes to me. Small neighborhood schools are important, and as a social worker, she said she cannot support closing the school and causing instability to so many students and families. I will not and cannot sign on to disrupting already disenfranchised students in a community that has thrived, she said. Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki told the paper after the meeting that the intent going into the realignment process, which began last March, was never to close a school. But once the school board and central office staff looked over the relevant data and research, "the logical conclusion came to make the recommendation to close the school," he said. Kopicki commended the board members for their leadership, especially with having to make such a difficult decision. "I really think that our board is leading our district into the future to be successful," Kopicki said. "So I'm proud to work alongside them and I admire their courage and their leadership." Cabarrus County residents will soon have a chance to explore the Northeast part of the country, as Avelo Airlines announced a new exclusive nonstop service between Concord-Padgett Regional Airport and Southern Connecticuts Tweed-New Haven Airport. Beginning May 2, Avelo will operate this route twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, according to Trevor Yealy, Head of Commercial at Avelo, who spoke during a news event at the airport Tuesday morning. One-way ticket prices will start as low as $62 and the flight would be about two hours. New Haven, the home of Yale University, is the second largest city in Connecticut and is part of the New York City metropolitan area. Avelo is a Houston-based airline founded in 2018. Since their first flight in April 2021, Avelo, which serves 47 destinations across the country, has carried more than 4 million customers on more than 30,000 flights, Yealy said. When it comes to reliability, Yealy said Avelo is among the best airlines in the country, noting that last year, it achieved the lowest fight cancellation rate in the industry and ranked No. 2 in on-time reliability. "We're very excited to be here and to partner with the City of Concord and the overall Charlotte community and we're confident in the success of this route going forward," Yealy said. This will be the fifth active service destination offered at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. The others are through Allegiant and include travel to Orlando Sanford International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Punta Gorda Airport. Yealy told the Independent Tribune that while Avelo is focused on making sure the New Haven flight is a success, there are opportunities to add other destinations in the future. It only makes sense to create this partnership, Yealy said, as there "appears to be tremendous demand and appetite for the Carolinas from the Northeast and vice versa." Concord Mayor Bill Dusch said that with premier destinations including Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills and historic downtown Concord, plus easy access to Charlotte, "it is no secret that we're quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, play and visit." The airport has been working with Avelo for several years to create the service destination, said Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest, noting in 2019, the project codename was Hummingbird. "I want to appreciate Avelo for their commitment to this fine airport," Vanderleest said. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport contributes over $900 million to the local economy, $48 million in tax revenue, supports 4,430 local jobs, and serves the second highest population base in the state with more than 1.4 million people residing within 30 minutes of the airport, according to The State of Aviation report released last year the N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation. Morris helping Cabarrus businesses thrive Editor, In the past 12 years, Cabarrus County has seen historic growth in new business and industry locating here. There have been 71 new companies and they invested $3.5 billion dollars in our community. They created 7,000 new, good-paying jobs. The average wage has increased from around $35,000 in 2012 to $47,768 now. When companies move here, we all win. They pay property taxes, offsetting the tax burden for residential property owners like you and me. New companies have generated $25.9 million dollars in additional tax revenue. Without these investments, our property tax rate would have increased from its current rate of 74 cents to 83 cents. On a home valued at $250,000, that increase would have meant homeowners would have paid $250 more in property taxes. There are many state and local leaders and organizations involved in recruiting new industry including the Cabarrus Economic Development Commission and elected officials. Cabarrus County Commissioner Steve Morris has been a chief advocate and supporter of economic investment during his service on the board. He has been a steady and common-sense leader who understands the needs not only for big businesses, but small businesses, too. In addition to helping recruit industry, he as been a supporter of the Cabarrus Center and Flywheel, an organization that provides affordable space and mentoring support to startups, entrepreneurs and new small local businesses. I am proud to be one of those mentors in helping the future home grown business thrive here in Cabarrus County. I would like to see Cabarrus County continue to be known for being a good place to work, live, play and thrive. Steve Morris has the experience, leadership and reputation for guiding these efforts. Consider joining me in voting Steve Morris for County Commission in the upcoming Republican primary. Steve Steinbacher Concord Rep. Crutchfield has served well in first term Editor, I am writing to express my appreciation and support for Rep. Kevin Crutchfield. The work he has done in his first year in office he has consistently demonstrated his unwavering support for local businesses, making him an exemplary representative for District 82 in the N.C. House of Representatives. As a small family-owned business in Cabarrus County, I know first had the difficulties in dealing with the bureaucratic process. After meeting Representative Crutchfield, he took the time to come out to our business and meet with my staff and I to learn more about our business and understand the industry-specific challenges we face. He truly goes above and beyond to serve the people of Cabarrus County. His commitment to family values underscores the genuine connection the Crutchfields have with our community. It is evident that family is a central motivator for Kevins political aspirations, and his desire to represent District 82 is rooted in a genuine concern for the well-being of the people he calls neighbors. Kevin Crutchfield is the ideal candidate to represent District 82 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. His track record of success in business, coupled with his deep roots in the community and commitment to family values, positions him as a leader who genuinely understands and cares for the needs of our district. I encourage our community members to support Kevin Crutchfield in his political aspirations and look forward to witnessing the positive impact he can bring to our beloved District 82. Mike Coleman, President Coleman Industrial Gases, LLC CMC Dry Ice Manufacturing, LLC CMC Industrial Services of NC, LLC Concord Morris continues to serve Cabarrus citizens Editors, We have had the privilege of knowing Steve for many years and think so very highly of him. We admire the countless hours that he has dedicated to making Cabarrus County such a wonderful place to live. For twelve years, Steve has worked tirelessly to recruit businesses and industry to our county, keep our taxes low, and assure economic prosperity for all of Cabarrus County! Steve has proven over and over again throughout the past twelve years that he represents all the people of Cabarrus County. In addition to serving as a Cabarrus County Commissioner, often as chair, Steve has also shown his altruistic spirit by volunteering on innumerable committees, many times in leadership positions. We especially admire the work Steve has done to make mental health a priority for our county and believe mental health care in Cabarrus County will become a model for all of North Carolina. We urge all who care about the future of our great county to join us in re-electing a dedicated public servant with a proven record of putting the welfare of Cabarrus County first and foremost! Frances Griffin Foley 4th generation native of Concord/retired educator Tim Foley, LtCol USMC, Retired Japanese home connected specialist Optage has picked Nokias fibre solution to conduct a field trial of a symmetrical 25G Passive Optical Network (PON) service. The trial will allow 25G PON-based services that Optage plans to launch FY 2024 and commercial services hereafter. Nokias solution uses the Quillion chipset, which enables providers to use multiple PON technologies at the same time on the fibre. Nokia argues this can reduce operation costs and add flexibility. We are confident that once deployed, Nokias field-proven 25G PON solution will allow us to provide our customers with the fastest, most reliable broadband symmetrical service in Japan, said Optage president and representative director Masahiko Nabe. Once deployed, Optage will be able to quickly scale its fibre network to meet the growing capacity needs of its customers while ensuring exceptional network performance, said Nokia Japan country manager Tetsuo Kamoshita. This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 05 February 2024. GUEST OPINION: Recent cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure have starkly illustrated the risk of industrial control systems, sending a disturbing reminder to the power sector about the critical need for resilient operational technology (OT) environments. A major player in Australia's energy sector fell victim to a cyberattack last year, impacting its operational systems. As the power industry undergoes a digital transformation that promises enhanced efficiency and cost savings, it must navigate a complex and evolving threat landscape to ensure the reliability and security of its systems. The severity of the situation is underscored by the 2021-2022 ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report, which highlights a notable surge in cyber threats within the power sector. This report reveals that the energy sector had recently entered the ranks of the top 10 sectors reporting cyberattacks, emphasising the heightened risks faced by the industry. The utilisation of new technologies to optimise workflows presents a security challenge for businesses. This challenge arises due to the coexistence of both modern and outdated equipment in their operational systems. Add to this the more frequent implementation of connections to external networks. Recognising the urgent need for cybersecurity measures, organisations that adopt the latest vulnerability management best practices will be best prepared to reduce risk and mitigate possible damage. The interconnected nature of systems within utilities amplifies the risks of cascading cybersecurity incidents. Legacy systems, intertwined with newer architectures, create a labyrinth of vulnerabilities susceptible to sophisticated malware and cyberattacks. Even air-gapped networks, once breached, can serve as conduits for infiltrating critical control systems. The domino effect is a grave concern, as a breach in one part of the network can cascade into operational systems responsible for managing generation, transmission, and distribution, thereby jeopardising service reliability downstream. This was demonstrated in the 2015 and 2016 attacks against the Ukrainian power grid, where the attackers deftly pivoted from the IT network into the OT network, completely undetected. The challenge for power companies lies in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities or implementing compensating controls within these intricate systems. A breach of a single substation controller, for example, can have far-reaching consequences and threaten regional and even national grids. These systems' sprawling and interdependent nature demands a proactive approach to security beyond conventional measures. In the face of these challenges, a proactive and comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is imperative. Regular asset inventory, vulnerability assessments and continuous surveillance of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) become essential tactics for the power sector. A holistic approach is required to identify risks, Indicators of Compromise and vulnerabilities. Purpose-built software, capable of understanding the specifics of Operational Technology, must be deployed to defend against cyber incidents. Maintaining full visibility into all operational assets, including intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), breakers, meters, drivers, and other devices, is critical. This approach enables power companies to have a continuous real-time understanding of their OT environment, empowering them to detect and respond to potential threats promptly. Asset visibility is the foundation upon which vulnerability management and threat detection can be built, creating a robust defence against the evolving cyber threat landscape. Risk management should be an ongoing process, with regular assessments and updates to ensure that security measures are aligned with the latest threats. Continuous surveillance of ICS systems allows for the early detection of anomalous activities, providing organisations with the opportunity to pre-emptively respond and mitigate potential risks. By adopting a proactive stance, power companies can stay ahead of cyber adversaries and safeguard critical infrastructure. Furthermore, collaboration within the industry is paramount. Information sharing on emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices can significantly enhance the collective resilience of the power sector. Governments, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders must work collaboratively to establish and enforce cybersecurity standards and regulations that elevate the overall security posture of the power industry. To strengthen their cybersecurity defences, power companies can enhance their understanding of crucial assets and prioritise managing risk strategically. This proactive approach allows them to allocate resources effectively, ensuring the secure and resilient functioning of their smart grids. In doing so, they protect essential services for both communities and industries, even in the face of constantly changing cybersecurity threats. SolarWinds, a provider of secure observability and IT management software has appointed Rahul Tabeck as the new regional sales director for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Tabeck has more than 17 years of dynamic sales experience. They specialize in providing IT solutions, including SaaS, Cloud, CRM, ERP, and IT applications. Tabeck has a proven track record of executing impactful sales strategies and delivering innovative business solutions for customers across enterprise, mid-market, and channel segments. Rahuls extensive IT industry experience and knowledge of the Pacific region make him the ideal candidate to lead our ANZ operations," said Bharat Bedi, managing director of SolarWinds Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ). "We're excited to have him on board and look forward to accelerating our ANZ customers journey in digital transformation with him in tandem. In his new role, Tabeck will be responsible for driving SolarWinds' business in the Pacific region. He will accomplish this by supporting the local channel and partner strategy, developing and executing revenue acceleration strategies, and advancing relationships with customers and partners. "Its both a thrill and challenge to join SolarWinds during such an exciting time," said Tabeck. "I see a huge opportunity as SolarWinds has evolved into a full-stack observability software company helping customers reduce time to detect and resolve IT operations issues. This is a long journey from being a network and infra-monitoring player. I look forward to working with our customers and partners to apprehend our value and help them fast-track their digital transformation journey." Last year, SolarWinds launched a data centre in Australia to provide improved performance and data sovereignty for customers in the region who use SolarWinds Service Desk and SolarWinds Observability. The company's AI-powered observability, service management, and database solutions have successfully helped numerous customers in the healthcare, banking, financial, and public sectors in ANZ to speed up their digital transformation efforts, enhance productivity, and cut down costs. With the new leadership of Tabeck, SolarWinds is ready to achieve new heights and enlarge its market presence within the ANZ region. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Last week, the White House announced that the president and first lady had invited Kate Cox of Dallas to join them as a guest during the State of the Union address. Cox, of course, is the woman who challenged the state's abortion law after her unborn child, at 20-week's gestation, was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a severe and usually fatal genetic abnormality. The pregnancy was planned and wanted, Cox said, but because of previous cesarean deliveries and other complicating factors, it was also high-risk something Cox surely understood before conceiving. That risk, which according to her legal filings included premature cramping, leaking fluid and ultimately the possibility of uterine rupture during birth. But it was not further complicated by her child's condition. But after learning that the child would probably die either in utero or shortly after birth, Cox determined the risk was no longer worth it. With the help of the Center for Reproductive Rights, she challenged the Texas abortion law on the grounds that her ruined pregnancy threatened her future health and fertility. While a lower court ordered that she be able to receive an abortion in- state, the Texas Supreme Court ultimately ruled that her case did not meet the medical exception in the law. Cox then left the state to receive an abortion, which at 20-weeks gestation is effectively dismemberment of a fully-formed baby. In some ways, Cox is a very sympathetic figure. Receiving a devastating diagnosis about one's child is something many people can relate to, because countless have endured such tragedy themselves. But Cox was not invited by the White House to honor her child's tragically short existence or to bring awareness to rare genetic disorders. She will be there because she publicly sought to end her child's life because the risk it posed to her own life (which was real but small) was, in her estimation, not worth it. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that the Bidens agreed. Jean-Pierre explained how they were impressed by Cox's courage in telling her story. "It is important for Americans to hear the horror stories that we're hearing from women of their experiences across the country," she continued, referring to the legal barriers women face to the imagined right to end the lives of their undesirable progeny. How strange and interminably sad. Each day, thousands of women such as Cox face difficult fetal diagnoses and health challenges related to high-risk pregnancies. And each day, thousands of those women courageously endure whatever heartache and adversity they are dealt even threats to their own health for the dignity of their unborn children. What does it say about our society that we aren't, instead, recognizing them? (COMMENT, BELOW) Cynthia M. Allen Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TNS) Cynthia M. Allen is a columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here. Did you hear the one about the cops who crashed their police cruiser into a bar and then handcuffed the owner for creating a disturbance? The sick joke that is the city's handling of the incident at a south St. Louis bar in late December just keeps getting less funny. Newly revealed bystander video confirms that the officers' belligerent behavior and handcuffing of the bar's co-owner after the crash was utterly unjustified. And how is this for a punchline? The city has sent a threatening letter to the owner of the building ordering him to ( Wait for it! ) repair the damage done by the police cruiser or face possible condemnation of the property. More than a month after the city police SUV plowed into Bar:PM, a gay bar in the Carondelet neighborhood, the city still refuses to address basic questions about the bizarre incident. Why was the cruiser speeding through the neighborhood after midnight, running at least one red light, just before the crash? Why did the officers in the cruiser initially claim they swerved to miss a dog that video would later show wasn't there then change their story, twice, blaming a parked car and distraction from a radio? Given those circumstances, why weren't the officers tested for drugs or alcohol? And most importantly, how did one of the bar owners end up with the bruise on his face after an off-camera conversation with one of the officers? The injured owner, Chad Morris, was charged with felony assault (later reduced to a misdemeanor), based on the officer's claim that Morris shoved him. The bystander video that the owner's lawyer recently released doesn't show either of the bar's owners shoving anyone. What it does show is co-owner James Pence becoming understandably upset when one of the cops asks for his identification shortly after the crash. When Pence responds by raising his voice, the video shows, two of the officers quickly grab him and handcuff him. When the bystander taking the video demands to know why, one of the officers says Pence is "creating a disturbance, obviously." Again: All of this is taking place literally minutes after the police cruiser randomly plowed into the front of the owners' bar after midnight. As Pence sits handcuffed for the offense of verbally expressing his justified anger at that situation, one of the officers menacingly approaches the bystander taking the video on a public sidewalk. "Please don't walk up on me," says the bystander, backing up. "You don't tell me what to do," retorts the officer. When the bystander asks for the officer's badge number, the officer demands, "Are you involved in this?" The officer then dismisses him as a "clown." To protect and serve, indeed. Morris still faces the misdemeanor assault charge. That sounds absurd on its face under the circumstances, though still-unreleased video evidence could explain it, depending on what it shows. But the city has used the pending case as its excuse to refuse to release police body cam footage, even to Morris' lawyer even though aldermen and others have already seen it. So it's OK to bend the rules for city officials, but not for a businessman who is facing charges directly resulting from the destructive negligence of city employees? The crowning absurdity of the whole situation is the condemnation threat letter received by the owners of the building that houses the bar. The apparent form letter, dated one day after the crash, notes property owners' obligation for "keeping properties in good condition" and says the building at 7109 South Broadway "was inspected and found to be in violation" of city maintenance codes. It threatens possible condemnation if it isn't repaired by Feb. 18. In a backpedaling statement issued after media exposure of the letter, a city building official acknowledges that the referenced "violation" is the damage caused by the crash, but denies the letter was a threat. That's another absurdity a letter from a city warning of potential property condemnation unless the owner takes action is by definition a threat. And the implication that officials are just going through the usual process of addressing damaged property is outrageous. Does that mean the owners will have to go through the usual process of suing the city to get it to pay for the repairs as if there's some question about blame? Has it occurred to a single person at City Hall that this particular case perhaps requires something more proactive than the usual process? Mayor Tishaura Jones posted a tough-talking statement after the crash saying the officers involved "will be held accountable for any and all misconduct." Police Chief Robert Tracy issued a belated public apology weeks after the fact. Neither action is remotely adequate. Until the city publicly addresses the remaining questions and takes full responsibility for both the crash and its secretive, arrogant official aftermath, the joke is on every St. Louisan who expects professional police conduct and transparent city leadership. (COMMENT, BELOW) Angel Footman, 23, a teacher at Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida, was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the New York Post reported. The charges came after school administrators learned Footman was allegedly hosting violent brawls between students in her classroom. Naturally, she set down rules: no recordings, and no pulling hair. No screaming (draws attention). Fights must be limited to 30 seconds each. However, several sixth-grade girls alerted administrators, and video turned up showing Footman at her desk while students fought each other. [NY Post, 4/10/2023] SPRINGFIELD Illinois high school seniors are encouraged to apply by Sunday, March 3, for the 2024 Conservation Achievement Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois Conservation Foundation. The foundation annually awards scholarships to outstanding seniors who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the states natural resources. Four scholarships of $2,000 each are available for the current school year. One of the scholarships is earmarked for a qualified applicant who is a dependent of a current employee of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Applicants must be an Illinois resident and a senior in an Illinois high school. Detailed instructions and the 2024 application form can be accessed at www.ilconservation.org. Contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003 or info@ilconservation.org for more information. CHARLESTON Area local law enforcement agencies are still searching for a missing Edgar County man who was last seen in southeast Coles County. The Edgar County Sheriff's Office reported on Sunday in a Facebook post, which was shared by the Coles County Sheriff's Office and the Charleston Police Department, that Chad N. Brooks was last seen on Wednesday, Jan. 31, outside of Westfield in Coles County. White was walking away from his white Dodge pick-up truck, which has been recovered. Brooks was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with reflective stripes at the time, the Edgar County Sheriff's Office reported. Brooks has no known cell phone. He has brown hair, blue eyes and several tattoos; stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and weighs 160 pounds. If community members spot Brooks, the Edgar County Sheriff's Office advises them to not approach him and to call 911 or their local authorities due to it being "never a good idea to approach persons unfamiliar to you." Coles County Chief Deputy Tyler Heleine said early Monday afternoon that there have been no updates yet regarding the whereabouts of Brooks. "The part about not approaching him is just a general rule of thumb for someone you dont know," Heleine said. "We do not have any information that he is dangerous, but we always urge people to use caution and contact us immediately. The post was made so that we can try to get it out to as many people as possible in attempt to locate him." Who are they? IL children reported missing as of January 28 These are recent reports of missing children made to local law enforcement. If you think you have seen a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Calling public schools the glue that holds communities together, Gov. Roy Cooper rebuked the Republican-led General Assembly for pushing through a private-school voucher program that he called a subsidy for the wealthy during a stop Tuesday at Diggs-Latham Elementary School. Approved by state legislators last year, Opportunity Scholarships, as the voucher program is called, may be awarded to any family regardless of income for use at private schools around the state beginning in 2024-25. The taxpayer-funded program was originally intended to help low-income families pay for tuition at private schools. But since its inception, the program has expanded to the point where anyone can qualify for tuition help, regardless of income. The scholarships range from $3,000 to $7,000. The most recent state budget expands the voucher program by $250 million over the next two years, with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools at risk of losing $8.5 million in state funding next year, Cooper said. Thats wrong, particularly when those private schools arent better than public schools. Whats more, private schools dont have to provide licensed teachers. They dont have to provide meals, transportation or services for disabled students. They dont have to tell taxpayers what they teach, how well their students perform, which students they will reject or whether the students they accept even show up at all, Cooper said. He called for a moratorium on private school vouchers until public schools are fully funded. I am not against private schools, but I am against taxpayer money going to private schools at the expense of public schools, Cooper said. Mid-year data released last week by the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, showed $6.2 million in voucher funds were dispersed among 1,331 students in Forsyth County for the 2023-24 school year. Salem Baptist Christian School, 429 S. Broad St., received $1.2 million in voucher funding, the most of any of the 20 private schools in the county that accepts vouchers. Winston-Salem Christian School, 3665 N. Patterson Ave., was second at $938,743. Coopers stop at Diggs-Latham was part of his Year of Public Schools campaign that is taking him around the state. The visit also coincided with an announcement that the school had been recognized by Magnet Schools of America as a school of distinction along with Reynolds and Atkins high schools. Diggs-Latham is one of four schools in the local district that incorporates the arts into its curriculum. Known as A+ Schools, the others are Reynolds and Mineral Springs Elementary and Middle Springs Middle schools. In keeping with the schools arts theme, Cooper visited several classrooms, including Maria Sarragas fourth-grade, dual-language class. With Cooper observing, the students banged on fossil bones, which were really just rhythm sticks, and kept time to classical music. Other classes also demonstrated how they use percussive instruments to keep time. We try to incorporate movement and music into everything, kindergarten teacher Jourdan Carter told Cooper. Before a crowd of local elected officials, including school board members, county commissioners, Mayor Allen Joines and state legislators, Cooper said he was really digging the rhythms in the classroom. Shortly after, he turned serious and asked people to write their state legislators about putting a pause on the voucher program until public schools are fully funded. The future of our state goes to class everyday in our public schools, and we have to invest in that future, he said. PHOTOS: Gov. Roy Cooper visits Diggs-Latham Elementary in Winston-Salem Business leaders, developers and environmentalists turned out or wrote letters supporting a plan to modernize city parking requirements and eventually eliminate sprawling commercial parking lots. The plan, which was the subject of a City Council public hearing Monday, would remove minimum parking requirements that date back to the 1950s in most commercial and industrial areas. The idea was part of the latest update to the comprehensive plan, and city planners as well as City Council Chairman Tom Beckius made it a priority and have met extensively with community, neighborhood and civic groups to garner support. Though the plan is similar to those in several other midwestern cities, Lincoln would be the first Nebraska city to eliminate the requirements. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission recommended approval. The changes would not apply to residential areas and commercial areas close to or in neighborhoods. City Planner Paul Barnes told the council the goals are to promote economic development by allowing developers more flexibility in deciding what parking they need and letting the market dictate such decisions, not city codes. The changes support the climate action plan because getting rid of giant parking lots reduces the heat island effect and storm runoff, Barnes said. It also promotes more dense development and making better use of space. The changes, Barnes said, would be incremental but would have a big effect over time and will create a more vibrant urban environment. The changes would involve about 95% of industrial and commercial land in Lincoln. Katie Bohlmeyer, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce business policy analyst, called it a visionary proposal that empowers the business community by giving businesses the flexibility to tailor their parking needs to the needs of their customers. Removing the minimum parking requirement allows businesses to allocate resources more efficiently, she said. Adam Hintz, with Friends of Wilderness Park, said his organization supports the changes, and said this is an instance where the goals of climate change advocates, development and the environment all intersect. The big thing, for us, was the urban sprawl part," Hintz said. I dont think urban sprawl is said enough. Its sort of the Voldemort of planning. People dont like to talk about it. Its a consequence of doing business, but I think minimizing it and slowing it down is tantamount. Travis Filing, the new president of Lincoln Independent Business Association, said his organization supported it, as did developer Monte Froelich, and numerous other business leaders, developers, and individuals wrote in to support the proposal. The council will vote on the proposal at its Feb. 12 meeting. Top Journal Star photos for January 2024 PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) A Michigan jury convicted a school shooters mother of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday in a first-of-its-kind trial to determine whether she had any responsibility in the deaths of four students in 2021. Prosecutors say Jennifer Crumbley was grossly negligent when she failed to tell Oxford High School that the family had guns, including a 9 mm handgun that her son, Ethan Crumbley, used at a shooting range on the weekend before the Nov. 30, 2021, attack. The jury six men and six women including some gun owners or people who grew up with guns began deliberations Monday morning. They sent a note to the judge that afternoon asking if they could infer anything from prosecutors not presenting Ethan Crumbley or others to explain specifically how he got access to a gun at home to shoot up Oxford High School. The answer is no," Oakland County Judge Cheryl Matthews said. Youre only allowed to consider the evidence that was admitted in the case. Prosecutors say Jennifer Crumbley had a duty under Michigan law to prevent her son, who was 15 at the time, from harming others. Shes accused of failing to secure a gun and ammunition at home and failing to get help for her sons mental health. The morning of Nov. 30, 2021, school staff members were concerned about a violent drawing of a gun, bullet and wounded man, accompanied by desperate phrases, on Ethan Crumbleys math assignment. He was allowed to stay in school following a meeting with his parents, who didn't take him home. A few hours later, Ethan Crumbley pulled a handgun from his backpack and shot 10 students and a teacher, killing four peers. No one had checked the backpack. The gun was the Sig Sauer 9 mm his father, James Crumbley, purchased with him just four days earlier. Jennifer Crumbley took her son to a shooting range that same weekend. You're the last adult to have possession of that gun, assistant prosecutor Marc Keast said while cross-examining Jennifer Crumbley last week. You saw your son shoot the last practice round before the (school) shooting on Nov. 30. You saw how he stood. ... He knew how to use the gun." The teen's mom replied, Yes, he did." Ethan Crumbley, now 17, pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism and is serving a life sentence. Prosecutors were not required to call him as a witness to try to prove their case against Jennifer Crumbley. Her lawyer argued last week that the teen actually might be able to help her defense. It didn't matter: The judge kept him off the witness stand because attorneys for Ethan Crumbley said he would cite his right to remain silent. He still might appeal his sentence. Jennifer and James Crumbley are the first parents in the U.S. to be charged in a mass school shooting committed by their child. James Crumbley, 47, faces trial in March. Jennifer Crumbley, 45, told jurors that it was her husband's job to keep track of the gun. She also said she saw no signs of mental distress in her son. We would talk. We did a lot of things together," she testified. "I trusted him, and I felt I had an open door. He could come to me about anything. In a journal found by police, Ethan Crumbley wrote that his parents wouldnt listen to his pleas for help. I have zero help for my mental problems and its causing me to shoot up the ... school, he wrote. On a chilly December evening in Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a surprise for Howard Buffett, leading the philanthropist son of Warren Buffett to a plaza near the presidential palace. There among the bricks on the Walk of the Brave was a plaque bearing the younger Buffetts name, thanking him for the humanitarian assistance his charitable foundation has provided Ukraine in the face of Russias brutal invasion. Also on this square are people who have been with us, worked with us and helped from the first days and months, Zelenskyy told Buffett in his familiar accented English. You are among these world leaders friends of Ukraine. Ukraine and its people have indeed had a major supporter in Omaha native Buffett. Since Russia launched its invasion two years ago this month, his Howard G. Buffett Foundation has spent more than $500 million on humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. In effect, Buffett has used a portion of the fortune amassed by his investor father to feed Ukrainians, help the nation rebuild and meet other critical needs. To put it in perspective, Buffetts half-billion-dollar contribution is more than some European countries have provided in combined humanitarian, military and financial aid. In fact, looking at only humanitarian assistance, figures compiled by Germanys Kiel Institute for the World Economy show just seven nations worldwide have provided more such aid than Buffett: the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. With his financial assistance, Buffett has helped restore Ukraines agricultural infrastructure and clear civilian areas and farmland of mines the Russians left behind. Hes replaced windows blown out by bomb blasts, keeping Ukrainians in their homes. Hes provided equipment for security officials investigating Russian war crimes. Hes built and outfitted a rehabilitation hospital for soldiers and civilians who have lost limbs. And at a time when some U.S. politicians support for Ukraine has been flagging, Buffett remains firm in his resolve. He has set aside another $300 million for Ukraine aid in 2024. Thats the level of commitment Buffett has to a nation fighting a war that Buffett has called the most clear distinction between right and wrong hes seen in his lifetime. He says if Russias Vladimir Putin is not stopped now, there will only be more threats to peace and democracy in Europe. I dont know how you turn and look the other way when you see someone like Putin try to annihilate a population, Buffett said in an interview with The World-Herald. When it comes to Ukraine, Buffett hasnt just sent money. He hasnt been afraid to stick his nose out for the country politically. During a London conference on recovery aid to Ukraine in June, he rebuked world leaders for not providing enough assistance including military aid to Ukraine. If we are so short-sighted politically not to do what we should do to support Ukraine, I think well pay for it in a few years, and I think people will look back and realize the mistake, Buffett said. Buffett has also put his own boots on the ground in Ukraine 10 times since the invasion, wanting to see the conditions and needs himself. Those travels at times have put Buffett in harms way. Hes seen the bodies of civilians killed when a Russian shell just minutes earlier landed at a bus station. Hes taken shelter during Russian missile attacks. Buffett has seen villages completely flattened by the fighting. Hes spoken to the victims of alleged Russian war crimes, including a woman whose mother was shot in front of her and another woman who was raped. I think the civilian deaths and attacks on the civilian infrastructure is the worst thing Ive ever seen, said Buffett, whose foundation work has previously taken him to other war zones, including Kosovo, Sudan and Congo. This has been a war on civilians and war on humanity, and I dont say that lightly. Buffett has also taken time to document what hes seen. The globe-trotting wildlife photographer always has his Canon camera at the ready. He is currently working on his second photo book featuring his images from Ukraine. Along the way, he has fallen in love with the Ukrainian people. The man who has traveled to 154 countries around the globe says hes found them to be among the most engaging and resilient hes ever met. He frequently tells the story of Ruslana Danilkina, a 19-year-old soldier who lost her leg to a Russian cluster bomb. When Buffett and the former military radio operator ate lunch a year ago at the prosthesis and rehabilitation hospital Buffett helped establish, she said her goal was to get a new leg and return to the fighting. To me, it just demonstrated the will of the Ukrainian people, he said. Theyre fighting for everything they have. I dont see the Ukrainian people giving up. I really dont. Meeting Ukrainians needs, from food to artificial limbs Howard Buffett, the middle child of Warren Buffetts three children, has worn a lot of hats in his lifetime. Hes farmed in both Nebraska and Illinois, where he now lives. He served a term on the Douglas County Board in the early 1990s. Hes been a county sheriff, a wildlife photographer, a corporate executive and a conservationist. I dont think of it as rambling, the 69-year-old said. I love to learn, and I learn by doing things. He has also served for three decades on the board of Berkshire Hathaway, the company his father built. Howard will one day succeed his father as company chairman in a nonexecutive role, his primary job being to ensure Berkshire keeps its unique, investor-focused culture. But for the past two decades, the Omaha Central High graduate has devoted most of his time to the charitable foundation he first established in 1999. As Warren Buffett keeps his pledge to one day leave nearly all of his $125 billion-plus fortune to charity, he each year provides hundreds of millions of dollars to four different family foundations operated by his children. While Susie Buffetts Omaha-based Sherwood Foundation has largely been devoted to local causes, with a focus on children and education, Howard Buffetts foundation has long taken a more global view. So when Russian forces launched a massive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Howard Buffett immediately took interest. International conflict mitigation and food security are among the causes his nonprofit has targeted, and he says they are interrelated. A lack of food can often become a source of conflict in Africa and Central America, regions of the world where his foundation has long been active. Ive always said food is power, Buffett said. If food becomes more scarce and expensive, you have more conflict. Buffett knew that Ukraine, as one of the worlds largest grain exporting countries, has been a huge supplier of food for developing nations. That made the war a real threat to global food security. In July 2022, when a grain deal brokered by Turkey reopened the Black Sea for shipping, Buffetts foundation stepped in. It provided more than $20 million through the United Nations World Food Program and the U.S. Agency for International Development to cover the cost of the first two shipments of grain from Ukraine, bound for Ethiopia and Yemen. Buffett made his first trip to Ukraine two months after the war began. He said hes always taken the view that rather than just give money, he needs to show up to assess the needs for himself. Its also not unusual for Buffett to financially go all-in on a country. His foundation is uniquely positioned to move quickly in a crisis. He doesnt answer to any bureaucracy or need to get approval from a big board. He doesnt need to ask anyone for money. And hes willing to take a risk to make a difference. True to his foundations focus on hunger, much of the assistance hes provided in Ukraine has focused on food and agriculture. The foundation has worked with another organization to provide nearly $100 million in humanitarian food assistance for refugees and civilians living near the front lines. Buffett established a nonprofit in Ukraine called Victory Harvest, which provides combines and tractors to help Ukrainian farmers who have lost their equipment to the war. The nonprofits equipment has been used to plant 160,000 acres of grain crops and harvest 236,000 acres. Hes similarly provided millions of dollars worth of seed and fertilizer for farmers who cant obtain loans to get their crops into the ground. He has spent $87 million to de-mine liberated farmland and villages. There are now more mines in Ukraine than in any other country. Buffett provided Ukraines security services the vehicles and equipment needed to clear mines and return land to agricultural production. He spent $36 million to restart school food programs for students returning to the classroom, building big regional kitchens in Bucha and Lozova. But Buffett has funded other needs beyond food. He provided nearly $40 million worth of generators in response to Russias targeting of Ukraines civilian electrical infrastructure. He donated nearly $17 million to help law enforcement authorities investigate and document Russian war crimes. That includes purchasing 18 rapid-result DNA testing machines to help identify bodies the Russians left behind in mass graves in Bucha and other occupied territories. He built a dog training center that supports two different K-9 programs, one providing cadaver dogs and another training dogs that are able to sniff out mines and explosives. Buffetts foundation also provided nearly $30 million to help build and equip a rehabilitation hospital in Lviv that is providing prostheses for many of the 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have lost limbs in the war. Its fascinating to see how deeply Howard involves himself personally in the investments he is taking part in, Andrey Stavnitser, a Ukrainian businessman who founded the center, said during its dedication. I can see that he is invested in our work emotionally. Buffetts foundation also has provided more than $60 million to rebuild infrastructure. When Russian shells or missiles fall in a town or village, some buildings and homes are destroyed, but many more have their windows blown out. A foundation staffer brought Buffett an idea for a window replacement program as a way to quickly get thousands of Ukrainians back into their homes. To date, the program has helped replace 120,000 windows, and funding has been provided for 60,000 more. My staff is smarter than me, Buffett said. You can keep more people in their own homes by replacing windows than any other way. He also provided money to help rebuild Buchas main street and to replace two police stations destroyed in the fighting. In the scale of Ukraines destruction, those things have been small. But Buffett feels they have symbolic value. During wartime, sometimes people need to see proof theres hope for the future. We are not providing Ukraine everything they need to win this war, Buffett says In the course of his work in Ukraine, Buffett has five times met with Zelenskyy, whom he calls an amazing leader. Two years into the conflict, Buffett sees no sign Zelenskyy is slowing down. Hes waging war, lobbying on the international stage to lobby for support, and working to keep up the morale of the troops and his nation. He is relentless, Buffett said. I dont know when he sleeps. Zelenskyys intelligence and great sense of humor have also shown through in their meetings. Buffett said he hopes to one day spend some time with him outside the bounds of war. Buffett is even more impressed by Ukraines first lady, Olena Zelenska, who Buffett has worked with on the school food program. Buffett has much hope for Ukraines future. But he fears that could be compromised if the world loses the political will to aid Ukraine in its fight. When Buffett took the podium at the international Ukraine recovery conference in London in June, he went well beyond talking about the need for the world to help rebuild Ukraine. He called it an imperative for global leaders to provide the military assistance Ukraine needs to win the war. His talk came just weeks after Ukraine had launched its much-anticipated counteroffensive. Ukraine did so without the fighter planes and other air assets typically needed to support such a massive military undertaking, largely because the United States and other western nations have been slow to authorize such assistance. Buffett questioned such hesitation in the face of Russias war of aggression. We are not providing Ukraine everything they need to win this war, Buffett said then. And worse, we are asking Ukraine to fight this war in a way that we would not fight it ourselves. He also accused Russia of creating the largest humanitarian crisis in his lifetime, executing thousands of civilians, stealing children and raping women of all ages. These are facts, Buffett said to applause, and Russia must be held accountable. After the counteroffensive bogged down predictably, in Buffetts view the war has turned into a stalemate. That has some conservative members of Congress now questioning further military aid to Ukraine. A bipartisan bill that would pair Ukraine aid with changes in U.S. border policy faces significant GOP opposition. Meanwhile, the Pentagon says it is out of money for Ukraine. Given that many believed at the start of the war that Ukraine would fall in a matter of days, Buffett said the fact that Ukraine has held off one of the worlds largest militaries is amazing. And strategically, he said, the United States has benefited significantly from the military aid its provided. The aid amounts to about 5% of the U.S. defense budget, with much of it in the form of old ammunition and weapons systems from the nations stockpile that can now be replaced with new ones. In return, Ukraine has been able to significantly degrade both militarily and economically one of the worlds most hostile powers while also stalling Russias ambitions in eastern Europe. The narrative has made it sound like weve just dumped money into Ukraine, Buffett said. While some suggest the stalemate means its time for peace talks, Buffett sees that as wishful thinking. There can be no peace with Putin, who cannot be trusted, Buffett said. There isnt any deal they could make where Putin would keep his word, he said. My dad always told me, You cant make a good deal with a bad guy. An unexpected recognition During his most recent visit to Ukraine, Buffett received word that Zelenskyy wanted to meet with him. The Ukrainian president showed up at the appointed time at days end. Were going to take a walk, Buffett recalled Zelenskyy telling him. Zelenskyy then escorted Buffett along a plaza to Ukraines Constitution Square. There, he showed him the plaque bearing his name on the Walk of the Brave. Buffetts plaque lies alongside those of many Western leaders and diplomats, among them President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Buffett called the honor unexpected, amazing and humbling adding that he doesnt do what he does for the recognition. He also feels what he has done pales in comparison to the sacrifices thousands of Ukrainians like Ruslana Danilkina have made to keep their nation free. Its a little hard to accept, Buffett said. I see so many people who have given so much. Photos: Blind veterans beat challenges at Ukraine rehab camp Cancer researchers rely on access information from Nebraskas cancer registry to spot trends, identify causes and monitor the effectiveness of prevention strategies and treatments for the disease. But state Sen. Brad von Gillern of Omaha told fellow lawmakers during a recent legislative hearing that researchers recently have faced months- or years-long delays or gotten no response to requests for registry data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. LB1172, which von Gillern introduced, would require the agency to reply to cancer registry data requests within eight weeks. Lawmakers created the cancer registry in 1982. Delays in accessing data, he said, not only hinder advances in cancer research but prevent researchers from applying for grants from the National Institutes of Health, which serves as the backbone of research funding. We have not been given a reason ... why this delay exists when in the past it was apparently not a problem, said von Gillern, who stressed that the data researchers receive does not include information that can be used to identify individuals. Whatever that reason is, we simply need to figure this out, get over the stall and get our research entities back on track. Department officials did not speak at the hearing. In an emailed statement after the hearing, however, they said they respond to research and data requests within a week on average with information available at the time, such as diagnoses. However, comprehensive data may not be available at that time, they wrote. Under state regulations, providers have up to six months to report a cancer diagnosis. After that, the agency follows each case for 23 months per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data collection standards communicating with providers for each case to gather treatment information throughout that time. At the end of the 23 months, the department analyzes and incorporates other vital statistics information to complete the record. Agency officials also noted that identifying information is not stripped from public health registries. When the department receives requests for de-identified information, its staff gathers the requested information and works with the requestor to provide meaningful information while ensuring that identifying information is removed. Leaders of two Omaha cancer centers also stressed the need for timely access to data. Dr. Joann Sweasy, the new director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, said center officials plan to apply for designation as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in the near future. The Buffett Cancer Center currently is one of 72 NCI-designated cancer centers in the country and the only one in Nebraska. To move to the next level, she said, the center will need to meet the nations highest standards for cancer research and care. In order to do our very best and achieve comprehensive status that will benefit Nebraskans, we have to obtain and analyze the cancer data collected by the State of Nebraska, said Sweasy, who began her new post in November. Sweasy previously served as director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson, Arizona. She led the Arizona center to renewal of its comprehensive cancer center designation and has served as a member of a subcommittee that reviews NCI cancer centers. Over the past months, she said, researchers have continued to request data but have not received it. Without timely access to data, the cancer center wont be able to develop the best informed strategies for cancer research and care. Lack of data also will make it challenging to recruit and retain the expertise needed to apply for comprehensive status and will put the centers ability to obtain comprehensive status at risk, she said. Universities with designated centers control a significant share of cancer research grants in the United States. Dr. Laura Hansen, associate dean for research at Creighton University and director of the Lynch Cancer Research Center, said access to data is critical for researchers at the center and within Creightons Institute for Population Health. The cancer research center was named for the late Dr. Henry Lynch, internationally known as the founder of hereditary cancer research. At Creighton now, we have a new generation of cancer geneticists who are carrying out Dr. Lynchs work, she said. Dr. Don Coulter, director of the Pediatric Cancer Research Group, an umbrella group for pediatric cancer research at Childrens Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said delays at times have prevented researchers from completing investigations. Instead, some researchers have used data from other states and extrapolated them to Nebraskas population, he said. Currently, researchers within the group have several requests for data filed more than a year ago. Nebraska currently has the seventh-highest incidence of pediatric cancer in the country, according to CDC. The legislature began funding the research group in 2014. Since then, researchers have focused on the epidemiology of pediatric cancer in the state and on strategies to improve the long-term outcomes of survivors. Accessing the data, Coulter said, would allow researchers to compare Nebraska information to that of neighboring states with whom theyre already collaborating. Amanda McGill Johnson, executive director of Nebraska Cures, noted that concerns about timely access to data go beyond the cancer registry. The group, which supports health science research, also has heard concerns from researchers facing challenges obtaining vital statistics, maternal-child health and Parkinsons data. In bringing the proposed measure to von Gillern, she said, the group prioritized cancer. But the organization also wants to work with lawmakers regarding other data that might lead to better health outcomes for Nebraskans. She noted that some states have more current data available even for the general public than Nebraska. A number have updated their data processes in recent years. Photos: Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC Chihuly art Chihuly art Chihuly Sanctuary Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Buffett Cancer Center While a petition drive is underway in Nebraska to require paid sick leave for all workers, some state senators are pushing other ways to allow time off for employees. The Legislatures Business and Labor Committee held a public hearing Monday on two bills dealing with expanded leave opportunities. LB1213 would require employers offer at least 20 hours of paid leave each year to parents and guardians to attend school events, and LB1139 would establish a family and medical leave insurance program that employers and employees can opt into. Meanwhile, the initiative campaign, Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, would require employers with fewer than 20 workers to offer at least five days of paid sick leave per year, and employers with 20 or more workers to offer at least seven days. State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, who introduced LB1213, said her bill is just as much about supporting students as it is about paid leave. She and other bill supporters said that parental involvement is vital for students success. They said most working parents want to be more involved in their childs education, but often cant find time due to their jobs. By supporting our students today, we are supporting our workforce of tomorrow, Walz said. Walz said that the paid leave mandated in the bill could be covered within the paid time off systems many businesses already provide for workers. However, Justin Hubly, who supported the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said LB1213 could benefit newer employees who havent accrued enough paid time off to attend school events. LB1213s fiscal note estimates the bill could cost the state up to $9.7 million per year, based on the number of existing state employees and their salaries. However, that estimate assumes that every employee would take the full 20 hours of paid leave each year for school events, which the note acknowledges is unlikely. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who introduced LB1139, acknowledged the bill may seem like a rerun. She introduced a bill last year by the same title, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, which has not been acted on. The big difference between LB1139 and last years bill, Cavanaugh said, is that LB1139s insurance program would be voluntary for both employers and employees. She said the bill would essentially establish a pilot program, and she hopes that over time more businesses will adopt the program. This change was enough to shift opinions of long-time opponents to paid leave proposals to be neutral on her bill, including the state Department of Labor, Cavanaugh said. During the hearing, Bruce Bohrer, representing chambers of commerce in Omaha, Lincoln and Nebraska, said those organizations also are neutral on LB1139 after past opposition. LB1139 would establish an insurance program that would fund partial wage replacement for participating employees who need to take time off work to care for themselves or a loved one experiencing a serious illness, to care for a new child or for military reasons. This is so much more than maternity leave, Cavanaugh said. This is military family leave. This is caretaker leave. This is parental leave. According to LB1139s fiscal note, the bill is estimated to cost roughly $5.5 million starting in fiscal year 2025-2026. Cavanaugh said she intends to limit the burden on taxpayers by funding the bill through the states various cash funds, and proposed two different funding sources at Mondays hearing. Federal law provides for unpaid leave under similar circumstances through the Family and Medical Leave Act. However, Hubly, who also testified in support of LB1139, said many employees arent aware that such leave is unpaid. He also said employees generally arent taking this type of leave unless they are facing a dire situation. Nebraska college student Isabella Manhart, a supporter of LB1139, said Cavanaughs bill would send a good message to young professionals about living in Nebraska. I want to know that when I have situations come up with my family, when I have situations come up with my health, that I will be able to take time off, Manhart said. While most testimony at Mondays hearing was in support of the two bills, opponents said they could be damaging to small businesses. Ryan McIntosh, who represented a range of advocacy organizations including the Nebraska Bankers Association, said LB1213 would put a burden on workers who dont have children and cant take time off, and could force small businesses to hire temporary replacements in addition to paying for workers time off. The sole opponent to LB1139, Marilyn Asher for Nebraskans for Founders Values, said the bill would be challenging for small businesses to manage, and would potentially make it harder for young women to be hired. There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution or Nebraska Constitution that says that employers or taxpayers should be responsible to provide the safety net that this bill is demanding, Asher said. Seniors in these Nebraska counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates Alzheimer's rates by state #50. Platte County #48. Thayer County (tie) #48. Webster County (tie) #45. Antelope County (tie) #45. Colfax County (tie) #45. Jefferson County (tie) #44. Madison County #43. Wheeler County #39. Boyd County (tie) #39. Franklin County (tie) #39. Johnson County (tie) #39. Morrill County (tie) #35. Garden County (tie) #35. Nance County (tie) #35. Perkins County (tie) #35. Sherman County (tie) #34. Pierce County #33. Custer County #32. Gage County #30. Dodge County (tie) #30. Scotts Bluff County (tie) #29. McPherson County #28. Gosper County #26. Cherry County (tie) #26. Fillmore County (tie) #25. York County #24. Otoe County #22. Frontier County (tie) #22. Kimball County (tie) #21. Sheridan County #20. Hayes County #19. Nuckolls County #18. Red Willow County #17. Brown County #14. Burt County (tie) #14. Dawes County (tie) #14. Richardson County (tie) #13. Garfield County #12. Wayne County #11. Knox County #10. Sioux County #9. Cedar County #8. Keya Paha County #7. Pawnee County #6. Chase County #4. Boone County (tie) #4. Phelps County (tie) #3. Cuming County #2. Greeley County #1. Hooker County The 16-year-old wont tell his mom much about the days he spends locked alone in a room. He falls silent when his mother, Richetta Lowman, brings it up over the phone or when she drives from Omaha to Kearneys Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center and asks about it. The teenager has landed in solitary after shoving a staff member, getting into a fistfight with another kid, stealing a water gun. In November, Lowman learned that her son had spent a week in solitary. She fired off a furious email, copying every government official she could think of. That day, her son called, excited, to tell her hed been let out of solitary at the state-run center where kids go after committing a crime. Later that afternoon, she got a call from a center staffer. Your son assaulted a staff member, the staffer told Lowman. Hes back in solitary. More Nebraska children are spending more time locked in solitary confinement, according to a recent report by the states Inspector General for Child Welfare. That report suggests that the state-run detention centers and treatment centers may not be following state law meant to discourage its use. The practice, officially called room confinement, is needed in some cases to keep staff and other children in custody safe, correctional administrators say. But solitary is known to have harmful effects, research shows, sometimes lowering a childs brain activity while upping the chance he or she becomes chronically depressed and attempts suicide. The report, covering July 2022 to June 2023, found that the use of room confinement spiked 44% compared to the year before. The number of hours juveniles spent in confinement jumped 32%. My initial thought is, are facilities struggling with managing behavior in the populations theyre serving? said Jennifer Carter, inspector general for child welfare. And is that why theyre having to use (room confinement) more? When asked about the increases, juvenile detention officials pointed to increases in the number of kids in custody. At the Douglas County Youth Center, for example, the pandemic led to fewer detained kids. Staffing levels stayed mostly stable. The higher ratio of staff to kids meant more adults present to de-escalate situations. That meant fewer assaults between kids, and less use of room confinement, said Kim Hawekotte, deputy county administrator for juvenile services in Douglas County. This year, the number of detained kids went back up, she said. If you dont compare (room confinement) to the number in detention, then to me, thats not relevant, Hawekotte said. Room confinement looks different at each facility where kids are held. At the YRTC in Kearney, where Lowmans son is in custody, the boys get taken from housing units to a separate building Dickson Cottage. Theyre put in cinder block rooms that have a metal combined toilet and sink, a concrete slab with a thin mattress pad and a slat on the door where staff bring food. At county juvenile detention centers, which are like jails for kids moving through juvenile court, kids are typically confined to their usual room. There might be a plastic desk bolted to the wall, a chair secured to the floor, a thin mattress and pillow, advocates described. The kids might get a book. They might talk to other kids through the vents. There may or may not be a window. State law says to limit use of room confinement to as short a time as possible. But in extreme cases, kids can be held for weeks at a time. The Inspector Generals Office found one Lancaster County case where a 14-year-old spent 129 out of 133 days in room confinement. Vulnerable to harmful effects Years of research have documented the harmful effects of solitary confinement on adults. Because their brains are developing, young people are more vulnerable to its harms, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Time in solitary increases the risk of hallucinations, anxiety and nervousness, according to the American Psychological Association. It sparks rage while lowering impulse control and brain function. "If grown men become psychotic in a matter of days in solitary confinement, imagine what that does to some children," said Shakur Abdullah, senior facilitator for the Community Justice Center, who spent 40 years in Nebraska prisons after being sentenced to life as a teen. Among youth, solitary confinement carries a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. Most suicides among incarcerated youth happen in solitary confinement. "When you go in there, you usually get twice as upset," said Jason Witmer, a policy fellow at the Nebraska ACLU. "You're kicking the walls, because you have nothing. You're treated as nothing. A lot of times, what you'll hear are the kids yelling crying sometimes, kicking walls." Roscoe Wallace was put into solitary confinement at the Douglas County Youth Center when he was incarcerated as a teen. He learned then that hes claustrophobic. Now, Wallace works with incarcerated youth at the nonprofit Viable Healing. One teen told him the seclusion made him so distraught that he threw his own feces at guards through the slat on his cell door. "It fosters this feeling that that person is almost not a person," Wallace said. "Our kids should never feel like they don't have value." In November, Lowman opened up a Zoom for a family team meeting, part of her sons mandated treatment plan. Her son wasnt present on the screen. He's in solitary, she said staff told her. He can't participate. Solitary to be a last resort In 2020, the Nebraska Legislature passed a law setting new rules for juvenile room confinement. Youth are only to be placed in solitary as a last resort, after all other alternatives are exhausted, and only if they pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. They must be confined for the least possible amount of time and cant be confined so long that it harms their health. Facilities must notify guardians and attorneys of a confinement within one business day. Last year, the numbers went in the opposite direction of the 2020 laws intent. That is not what was planned at all, said former Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, who sponsored the legislation. This is back to that archaic view of, Lets put the kids in the cell and throw away the key. At the Douglas County Youth Center, the number of hours youth spent in room confinement ballooned from 18,849 to 34,036 hours. At the YRTC in Kearney, where Lowmans son has been since May, the total number of hours nearly quadrupled to 9,010 hours. The number of youth put into room confinement only increased by 13 kids in that same time, suggesting that teenagers like Lowmans son are spending much longer stretches in solitary. Facilities cited safety as the top reason for using room confinement. But they also say its being used for corrective action. State law says youth shouldnt be placed in room confinement as a punishment or a disciplinary sanction. With 88 incidents related to corrective action, YRTC Kearney was responsible for 72% of documented corrective action-related confinements. I appreciate the transparency in the data reporting, said Juliet Summers, director of Voices for Children But everyones telling on themselves. The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the YRTCs, strictly follows state law and only uses room confinement as a last resort, said DHHS spokesman Jeff Powell. The inspector generals report also found that a 14-year-old in Lancaster County was subject to 13-hour confinement for 82 consecutive days. After being released for two days, the child went through another 31 consecutive days of confinement. The child was released, again for two days, then went back to confinement for 16 more. In total, the 14-year-old spent 129 out of 133 days in room confinement. Part of that time was reported as protective custody, when confinement is used to protect the young person from other youth. Its still shocking, said Jenny Lutz, senior staff attorney at the Washington-based Center for Childrens Law and Policy. (They) shouldnt be stuck in solitary confinement with all the harms that we know come from that because other people are targeting (them), Lutz said. That is completely unacceptable. A consistent interpretation of the law would have to come from the three agencies and boards overseeing juvenile facilities: the Nebraska Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Human Services and the Jail Standards Board. Carters office has repeatedly recommended that the trio provide more clarity on how facilities should interpret the law. Among detention facilities, theres kind of an angst as to how the different facilities track it, Hawekotte said. I get a little concerned when people start to compare (counties). The Jail Standards Board hasnt updated juvenile detention standards since 1993. Oversight offices like the inspectors general are having a harder time accessing facility documents and data after the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office recently issued an opinion calling their investigative powers into question. This sometimes results in families being left in the dark, too, they say. Before the attorney general's opinion, ombudsman employees could visit the YRTCs and speak with young people and staff if they received a complaint, said Julie Rogers, state ombudsman. In November, Lowman reached out to the State Ombudsmans Office, asking if someone could check on her son. DHHS never replied to the offices request to see her son in person, Lowman said she was told. Since the AG opinion, we have tried to go to DHHS facilities, but they have said no, Rogers said. The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Top Journal Star photos for January 2024 Top Journal Star photos for January 2024 One of Nebraska's largest telecommunications providers added a third fiber "network path" into the state in an effort to add another safeguard against 911 and broadband service outages. Windstream's activation of the new network pathway, which runs from Lincoln to Dallas, comes as the telecommunications provider remains under investigation by Nebraska regulators for a series of 911 service outages dating back to August. The third pathway which joins two existing paths that connect Lincoln to Denver and Chicago has the capacity to carry all of Windstreams traffic in Nebraska in the event that both of the other two are disrupted due to a fiber cut or another adverse event, the company said in a news release Monday. This network enhancement provides heightened confidence to all of Windstreams customers in Nebraska whether they are consumers, small businesses, large enterprises, other carriers or high-bandwidth content providers, Brad Hedrick, the president of Windstream's operations in Nebraska, said in a statement. The new installation marks a step toward the kind of redundancies state regulators and lawmakers have called for as Southeast Nebraska has experienced repeated disruptions to 911 services in the past six months, including one as recently as January. Nebraska's Public Service Commission in September launched twin investigations into Windstream and Lumen, the two providers at the center of a pair of outages last fall, one of which disrupted 911 phone service for more than 60% of the 911 centers in Nebraska from the night of Aug. 31 to the morning of Sept. 1. In the months since launching the probes, the commission has twice voted to expand the scope of its investigation into Windstream specifically, doing so in December to include another 911 service outage that affected "a large portion of Southeast Nebraska" for about 45 minutes Nov. 28. The commission took a similar vote last month, voting again to expand the scope of the probe to include a Jan. 13 emergency communications service outage. That outage which lasted less than an hour was the kind of disruption that Windstream's newest network path may have prevented had it been in place at the time. Scott Morris, a spokesperson for the provider, said the Jan. 13 outage occurred after a fiber cable connecting Nebraska to Denver was cut, while the other cable, running from Lincoln to Chicago, was disabled due to weather and other factors that caused "degradation." Windstream technicians repaired the severed line between Lincoln and Denver in less than an hour, Morris said. "Fiber cuts are much more common than what happened in August," Morris said Monday, acknowledging that a third network path would not have prevented the 911 service outage that prompted the investigation into Windstream. In that instance, a third-party contractor installing a natural gas line at Windstreams data center in downtown Lincoln cut a city irrigation line and did not report the damage, Hedrick told the Public Service Commission in December. The incident set off a chain of events that included fire inside a Windstream electrical control room that left the facility reliant on a backup generator that failed, and after that, batteries that dipped to dangerously low voltage levels before Windstream shut down one of its two switches to conserve power, interrupting services across Southeast Nebraska. Hedrick in December said the company had since waterproofed the vault where the electric control system is housed, among other steps taken to ensure a decreased probability of a recurrence." The installation of a third fiber pathway marks the provider's latest step in that effort and was met with cautious optimism Monday by the Public Service Commission. "The commission is pleased to see telecommunication carriers enhance their networks to improve the delivery of all calls," a commission spokeswoman said in a statement, calling the move "a step in the right direction" before noting that the investigation into Windstream remains ongoing. Top Journal Star photos for January 2024 RACINE The Racine Fire Department is investigating after a fire started in the former YMCA building at 725 Lake Ave. late Saturday night. Brian Wolf, assistant chief for the fire department, said RFD responded to a report of a fire on the third floor of the building at 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Metro Safety reported the fire, and had received a complaint about juveniles around the building about 15-25 minutes prior to seeing the fire, according to Racine Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Kristi Wilcox. RPD assisted with securing the scene, Wilcox said. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire from the outside of the building using a truck with an aerial ladder. The fire took about 15-20 minutes to extinguish, and no injuries were reported, according to Wolf. The Racine Police Department is giving the area extra attention, Wolf said, but there is not an active criminal investigation into the fire due to the unsafe conditions, according to Wilcox. The cause of the fire was undetermined as of Monday, Wolf said. Building history The YMCA opened its lakefront building in 1960 and closed its doors in July 2019, relocating to a smaller location at 141 Main St. to maintain the organizations downtown presence. The lakefront building has sat vacant ever since and has been a target for forced entry and vandalism. In September, the City of Racine announced it was aiming to acquire the building, among some confusion about a previous offer made on the building. City Administrator Paul Vornholt said during a September Common Council meeting when the city first approached the YMCA, the organization was under option by a private developer. The contract with the developer expired in August, allowing the YMCA to enter into conversations with other entities, such as the city. The City Development Authority was set to meet Monday night in a closed session to decide whether to enter into a purchase agreement with the YMCA. The YMCAs primary Racine County location is the Image Management Family Branch at 8501 Campus Drive in Mount Pleasant. Michael Bell Sr., the father of a young man killed by Kenosha police in 2004, doubled down on his offer to give thousands of dollars to local charities if the city releases the bullet that killed his son for independent analysis. During Monday nights City Council meeting Bell Sr. announced that he would give $200,000 to charities if the bullet that killed Michael Bell Jr. is released. Bell Sr. pledged $100,000 late last year. Bell Sr. wants the bullet subjected to further tests that he believes will help create a more accurate portrayal of how his sons death unfolded. Bell Sr. said he would pay for any lab analysis or ballistic forensics required for the bullet by experts. Bell Sr. previously offered the City of Kenosha and its insurance carrier financial indemnification from any lawsuits he should win against the city in the future if the bullet is released. I assure you our family is not letting this go. This is far from over, Bell Sr. said on Monday. Our family is doubling our pledge to Kenosha charities. Our family now pledges $200,000 to Kenosha-based charities if Mayor John Antaramian releases the 19-year-old bullet that killed my son to an outside forensic analysis. Yolanda Adams spoke on behalf of the Kenosha chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens during the public comment portion of the meeting. Adams, who also serves as Kenosha Unified School Board president, said the money Bell Sr. pledged would help cover the costs of the English language classes that LULAC offers. She handed Bell Sr. a LULAC application for the funds during the meeting. Hes made generous offer to make a donation to some charities in Kenosha, Adams said. LULAC does a lot in Kenosha. Adams also said she has sympathy for Bell Sr. Mr. Bell simply wants that bullet released so that a forensic expert can take a look at that. I dont think thats too much to ask. I dont know why we cant accommodate that, Adams said. Ive always supported Mr. Bell. From Day One. ... I want to see this case closed in my lifetime. I want to see the truth be told. The Kenosha Police Department released a statement on the matter. The KPD still maintains possession of the bullet, Lt. Joshua Hecker said. Regarding the question as to whether the department would ever release the bullet to a private citizen, that question has been addressed by the courts in the past. The younger Bell was killed by police following a traffic stop on Nov. 9, 2004. Bell Jr., 21, was being followed by a police officer for an alleged traffic violation when he pulled over in front of his familys home on the citys south side and was confronted by an officer. Bell Jr. struggled and additional officers arrived. During the struggle, one of the officers yelled that Bell Jr. was trying to grab his holstered gun, and another officer shot Bell Jr. in the head as his mother and sister watched from their yard. After an internal investigation by the Kenosha Police found the shooting was justified, then-Kenosha District Attorney Robert Jambois declined to issue any criminal charges in the case. Bell Sr. said he believes that the officers holster actually caught on a car mirror, and that the officer mistakenly believed Bells son had grabbed his gun. Bell Sr. also said he believes evidence is still being hidden. Last year, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals denied an appeal of a lawsuit filed by Bell Sr. after his requests to obtain the bullet were denied by city officials and Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley. That suit was dismissed by a Kenosha County Circuit Court judge in January 2022, leading to the appeal to the state court. Bell Sr. said he will never stop demanding answers. The Bell family filed a federal civil suit in 2005. That wrongful death lawsuit was later settled out of court, and the Bell family was awarded $1.75 million. Some 10 years after the incident and with support from Bell Sr., then-Gov. Scott Walker signed a law requiring the use of independent investigators for police-involved deaths across the state. One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings Other cities have woken up to Denver's example A majority of state attorneys general recently signed a letter to President Joe Biden (D) and his recently created "Office of Gun Violence Prevention." The letter is in response to an attack from anti-Second Amendment elected officials who sent their own letter contending that the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo., is in the wrong for selling surplus ammunition to civilians. "Their tactic is an overt attempt to punish Americans' exercise of their Second Amendment rights," reads the pro-freedom letter. "The Democrats' letter contains a litany of errors. These errors demonstrate our colleagues' outright ignorance of firearms and ammunition." The letter went on to state how ending commercial sales of ammunition from Lake City would only punish law-abiding gun owners by decreasing the supply of ammunition and, conversely, driving up its price. "The United States Supreme Court stated definitively that the Second Amendment guarantees a personal right to each law-abiding citizen to 'keep and bear arms.' But Americans cannot exercise this constitutionally protected right to use their firearms without access to ammunition. If your office does what the Democrat attorneys general ask, then ammunition prices will increase, and ammunition availability will decrease. And those restrictions on ammunition will not resolve any of the ills discussed by our colleagues," read the letter. The group of attorneys general that support the Second Amendment also pushed back on the claim that the commercially purchased ammunition should be manufactured for the military alone. ..... 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 Nine years ago, as brewing industry veteran Isaac Showaki walked me through his brand new 16,000-square-foot Octopi Brewing in Waunakee, I remember thinking, wow, this place is big. Its initial setup could crank out about 10,000 barrels of beer. It had an unusual business model, too: Instead of making its own beer, it would be a contract brewer for clients large and small, helping launch beer brands that needed extra production or didnt yet have or want their own facility. Little did I or even Showaki himself know how much bigger Octopi would become, while quickly diversifying the business away from the slowing beer industry by co-packing other beverages. Last year, Octopi produced 800,000 barrels of liquid less than 20% of it beer. Its biggest product line is ready-to-drink cocktails, followed by flavored malt beverages like hard seltzers and soft drinks. We had six people when we started, including myself, he said. My business plan that I wrote with my wife, our dream was to get to 50,000 barrels. So yeah, its been quite a ride. That ride took a big turn last month when, after nearly a year of talks, Octopi announced its sale to Tokyo-based Asahi, the worlds seventh-largest brewer. Octopi will become the 20th facility in Asahis Europe & International unit but the first in North America. Eventually, Octopi will produce the big-in-Japan Asahi Super Dry lager for American drinkers, as well as other brands in Asahis portfolio, including Peroni and Pilsner Urquell, for sale outside the U.S. Showaki, who declined to disclose the value of the sale, spoke with me for the January Badger Beer Hour livestream. The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. The full interview is available at bit.ly/ShowakiBBH. Q. How did this come about? A. Asahi put it out there a few years ago that they wanted a presence in the U.S. The more I learned about it, the more we were kind of like a perfect match. Were the right size, the right place, the right location, the right capabilities. I think we reached out over email and then the conversation moved pretty fast. It was just a good match for everybody. Q. What does this mean as far as Octopis operations? A. The Octopi name stays. The co-packing stays. What I liked about this partnership is theres as little change as possible. Yes, they bought us because they want us to make Asahi products here, but the business and the name and the culture will pretty much remain the same. Q. Is all the contract work that youve worked so hard to build going to continue? Is Asahi basically getting into the contract brewing business with this acquisition? A. Yeah, we already have contracts that were signed the last few years, so of course those contracts are going to stay. If we have extra capacity or we want to increase, yeah, the co-packing will stay and hopefully will grow. I love co-packing, and they see a benefit from co-packing. Of course, they didnt buy us for the co-packing business, they bought us to make Asahi products, but everything should stay pretty similar for several years. Q. Can you walk us through your thought process leading up to the decision to sell? A. Ive always said since the very beginning, if theres someone interested in buying Octopi, Id always listen to an offer. But for this one specifically, we were getting to the size Octopi now has 250 full-time employees, and there are some 400-plus people who rely on Octopi. And that was a primary goal: What can I do or what can the shareholders do that can put the people who work for Octopi in a great, secure place for the future. And there were many things that aligned, right? Asahi was the perfect partner for us. I think the future is very bright for Octopi and of course for Asahi being headquartered now in Waunakee, Wisconsin, which is incredibly exciting. And theyre going to invest a lot of money in this facility in the next 12-16 months. Asahi has committed to invest about $40 million this year into our facility for growth and expansion specifically catering to their brands. We fit most of the stuff that they want to do, but theres a lot of stuff specifically on the brewing side that they need to get new equipment, new processes, etc. to be able to produce their brands. The one thats very, very specific is Asahi Super Dry. A team from Japan has to come here, they have to make sure that everythings perfect and they need to do a bunch of trials before they say, OK, you can produce it. Thats the one that Im most excited about, thats their biggest one. But the most exciting thing about this project is when we met Asahi, the first thing they said was theyre all about sustainability. At the beginning, everybody says that, right I mean, we met with other gigantic players and they all say they care about sustainability. But Asahi truly cares. Almost a third of this $40 million is dedicated to two big sustainability projects: a wastewater facility thats going to treat 100% of our water and a big CO2 plant thats gonna help us recover most of our CO2, clean it and reuse it. Q. What did Asahi see in Octopi in this deal? A. So we had the right size facility. They were looking for something that was close to a million barrels, so that was a match. I think we have the best midsize facility in the U.S., period, with our equipment and our facility and our buildings. I think they were very attracted to that, too. Also, location were in the middle of the country, and they have a lot of business in the West Coast and the East Coast. But also, they own Peroni, not for the U.S. but worldwide, and one of their biggest markets in North America is Canada. So were going to make a lot of Peroni here to export to Canada. So geographically it matched. Q. How has this news been received in Waunakee? A. I didnt know where Waunakee was on the map years ago, and its the best thing that ever happened to me. Every time we needed something or asked for something, they said yes. Waunakee has been an incredible partner since day one. I think theyre incredibly excited for Asahi. Asahis the (seventh-)largest brewery in the world and they chose Waunakee, Wisconsin, to be their headquarters for North America. I think thats a big deal for Wisconsin and for Waunakee, and I think theyre embracing that. And for the community, we keep investing in our taproom, growing our taproom, and Asahi saw the same thing. They said, keep the taproom open, keep it as is. Its a huge community space, and we want you to make sure that you grow it and you keep going at it. Q. Youre also a partner in Untitled Art, the beer and beverage label that is produced at Octopi. Does this deal change anything going forward with that? A. Untitled Art stays the same. As Octopi, we have a contract with Untitled Art that we signed, and were gonna be here for a while and Octopi will produce most of the stuff that Untitled Art wants and needs for their distribution nationwide. I wouldnt have sold to somebody that wanted to kill Untitled Art because its a great brand and a good business and I want to continue growing it significantly in the next few years. We grew about 20% last year. We finished the year at about 30,000 barrels of production, and 85% of our volume is in three categories: our NA beer, our hard seltzer and our hemp and CBD, which is called Green Canvas. Beer is 12% and decreasing. So Untitled Art has been able to evolve with the market. For Northside Elementary School social worker and family man Walfsty Pierre, every month is Black History Month. Pierre, who juggles his professional duties with active participation in community events celebrating diversity, is deeply involved in La Crosses Juneteenth festival and the Enduring Families Project. His journey with these initiatives began with his connection to B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge), which opened doors for him to contribute more significantly to the community. Despite a busy schedule, Pierres move to the area and subsequent role in the Greater La Crosse area marked the beginning of his increased involvement in local events, representing his commitment to making a positive impact in both his professional and community roles. Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?Celebrating Black History Month is important for me personally and for teaching my children. Growing up in Miami, where everyone looked like me, I didnt fully appreciate its significance. But now I realize its more than just about Martin Luther King Jr. or Harriet Tubman. There are countless unsung heroes who have made significant contributions, from those who fought for freedom to inventors and leaders. Its a time to refresh our memory about these great individuals and to educate our kids about their varied achievements. Its key for the whole community to participate, to show that Black history is rich with varied accomplishments. Figures such as George Edwin Taylor, who ran for president, are part of this history. Teaching Black history is about showing the resilience and success of those who overcame barriers. Its about inspiring our current generation to understand that despite challenges, they can achieve great things. Celebrating this month reminds us of the perseverance of our ancestors and motivates us to continue striving for success, regardless of our circumstances. How do local Black History Month events and others throughout the year build social capital? Local Black History Month events and others throughout the year, such as the MLK Day of Service at Viterbo and the Juneteenth festival, play an important role in building social capital. These events are opportunities for learning, open-mindedness and community bonding. At these events, Ive had enriching conversations with people outside my race, fostering understanding and unity. These gatherings are not just for Black people; they attract diverse crowds, though I wish more Black families would participate. Events like Juneteenth hold special significance for me and my kids. We dress in red, green and yellow, savor the food, and immerse ourselves in the joy of the celebration. And its rewarding to see my students there, recognizing me not just as a staff member but as a community member. These events, along with others such as the Enduring Families Project and August Ball, highlight the importance of community and enjoyment, offering everyone a chance to celebrate, learn and grow together. How do you integrate these concepts into your life? In my work with students, I strive to create inclusive spaces. Its challenging for students in our area to find positive influences, especially amid the negativity on social media. So, I focus on connecting them with positive adults through B.L.A.C.K.s Ujima Circles program. This involves building connections with adults, community members and younger students whove had similar experiences. Understanding the importance of these connections in healing from trauma is key. I also engage in public speaking to educate about trauma and mental health. This helps in creating opportunities for growth and understanding. In terms of third places in La Crosse, I find the church I attend to be very inclusive. The preaching is impactful and creates a welcoming community. Also, as a school social worker, I offer opportunities for enrichment to students during intercession. This includes teaching them practical skills like using public transportation and exploring safe community spaces. Through these efforts, I emphasize the importance of relationships, communication and being open to support from diverse individuals, not just those who look like us. Its critical to communicate needs and be willing to ask for help, recognizing that allies come in many forms. No elementary schools in La Crosse will shut their doors at the end of the 2023-24 school year. The La Crosse School Board appeared to coalesce around a plan that puts off short-term closures in favor of a referendum that maps out a longer-term consolidation plan. The headline news is: No buildings closing in fall; school board determining referendum, board president Annie Baumann said shortly before the end of a four-hour meeting Monday at Hogan Administrative Center. Board members left the meeting with five options still on the table but seemed to agree on a plan that would consolidate Emerson and Spence elementary schools into a new building and leave La Crosse Polytechnical High School at its current site in downtown La Crosse. A proposal by board member Deb Suchla would build the combined Emerson-Spence school at Hogan. The plan would require demolition of the existing building. Suchla would also demolish the existing Spence building and construct a new middle school to replace Longfellow.(tncms-asset)39fe8c08-980b-11ed-8b90-dfd3549a8898[1](/tncms-asset) The Emerson-Spence consolidation option in the districts Long-Range 2050 plan, unveiled Jan. 8, doesnt specify a site for the new school. The board is eyeing a November referendum, which means it is unlikely to arrive at a final decision during its Feb. 19 meeting. The board canceled a Tuesday meeting to further discuss the issue.(tncms-asset)5dce4daa-c558-11ee-991d-1737747f26eb[2](/tncms-asset) Suchla said the referendum, which would likely go on the Nov. 5 general election ballot, gives the board more time to consider its options. I want to make sure we make the right decision instead of meeting a deadline, Suchla said. The deadline we had to meet was for staffing. We had to do that in February. I think weve addressed that for the next school year. The board rejected two options that would close Hintgen and North Woods International elementary schools or Emerson and Spence beginning with the 2024-25 school year.(tncms-asset)fe05e318-46c4-11ee-be5e-77607fe28fe0[3](/tncms-asset) The board appointed a Facilities Advisory Committee last year to examine elementary school consolidation. The committee issued a Nov. 10 recommendation to close Hintgen and North Woods, which would save the district $250,000 annually. Superintendent Aaron Engel said the district will need to find $250,000 worth of savings elsewhere in the 2024-25 budget. The board spent a considerable amount of time discussing the polytechnical school, which has 120 students. The board voted to 9-0 to keep the school at its present location. Polytechnical student Oliver Olson told the board he chose to attend solely on location and doesnt want it to become a school within a school.(tncms-asset)239bbc58-a046-11ee-9770-af7ae4fafe84[4](/tncms-asset) Olsons mother, Polly Olson, said the school needs its own identity in its own building. The five options remaining include two in the Long-Range Facility Plan 2050 and three offered by board members since the 2050 plan was first released. A 77-year-old Cashton man was sentenced on Friday to 31 years in prison for child sex crimes, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger reported. Jerome Leuck, who will be supervised by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for 7 years following his release from prison, was charged in October 2020 with 14 child sex crimes. A mistrial was declared after a Monroe County jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in January 2023, but a jury found him guilty after a second trial in November 2023, Croninger said in a statement. Leuck faced a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years when he was sentenced by Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Richard Radcliffe. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Skiles argued for a lengthy prison sentence that would have the effect of confining Leuck for the remainder of his life. Skiles said it was time to acknowledge the unvarnished truth that Leuck is a pedophile, manipulator, deceiver, and child rapist, Croninger said. Before sentencing Leuck, Radcliffe told the victim she was brave and strong and now had the justice she sought for over three years, Croninger said. We are grateful the sentence ordered by Judge Radcliffe is more than the minimum prescribed by law, Skiles said after sentencing. It recognizes the seriousness of Leucks actions and the profound negative impact of his conduct. This sentence ensures Leuck is forever removed from our community and cannot further victimize children. The investigation of this case was handled by Detective John Brose of the Monroe County Sheriffs Office with assistance from social workers in the Department of Human Services from Monroe and Vernon Counties and the staff of Stepping Stones Child Advocacy Center. Recently the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel is plausibly committing genocide, the Joe Biden administration cut funding for the UNRWA, and 12 Israeli cabinet members and 15 Knesset members attended a conference/rally of hundreds of far-right Israelis planning the complete ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza and the establishment of Jewish-only settlements, and the next step looks like direct war with Iran. Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken are coming across as obsessed with supporting Israel's genocide of Palestinians at all costs. Yes, yes, Donald Trump is evil; but repeating that over and over again is not going to convince me to vote for someone who has crossed a moral event horizon. I will not vote for someone who is committing genocide. I don't expect Biden to read this, so I address this to the Democratic Party. This is your candidate. Biden is down in the polls in swing states. Young people and progressives who should be lining up to support him are staying on the sidelines because of his depravity towards Palestinians. But I, for one, am a gainable vote. When I see local and state-level Democrats talking about everything under the sun except for this critical issue, the silence is deafening. So it would go a long way if the La Crosse County Democratic Party would issue a statement calling for Biden to change course, like maybe firing Blinken. Don't do it just because it's the right thing. Do it because otherwise Biden is going to lose. Kevin Hundt La Crosse Have you been watching the news lately? The U.S. Senate has been working on a bipartisan immigration bill for months that would ease the issues at the southern border. President Joe Biden says he will sign it. Republicans have been using this issue to claim President Biden is doing nothing, going so far as to travel to the border. But then I read that Sen. Jim Lankford of Oklahoma, a Republican, has been censured by his party in his state because he has been working on this bipartisan immigration bill. I read that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, another Republican, says he wont even bring the bill up for a vote in the House if it comes to them. When Republicans are shouting for change and help about an issue, why are those same Republicans refusing to deal with the issue, or censure members who do? Republicans are incensed over the border issues but are willing to wait a year to work on them because Donald Trump wants the issue to run on. What hypocrites. It doesnt seem like they are really concerned at all, they just want to make a stink. Is this what working for the good of the country, for all of us, looks like? I want legislators who do the work they are elected to do, not serve as lackeys to an impeached former guy. I want good government, not whatever the Republicans have made it. Remember to vote in November. Your vote is your voice. Use it. Martha Linville La Crosse Russias space agency Roscosmos says cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has broken the world record for total time spent in space. Kononenko passed the record Sunday after spending more than 878 days and 12 hours in orbit aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The previous record was set in 2015 by another cosmonaut, Gennady Padalka, who spent 878 days and 11 and a half hours in space. The 59-year-old Kononenko has so far made five trips to the ISS. The first one came in 2008. Kononenko told Russias state-supported news agency, TASS, that each trip he took to the ISS required careful preparation. This is because the orbiting space lab is always getting upgrades. Kononenko said his repeated space trips represent the realization of a childhood dream to become a cosmonaut. I fly into space to do what I love, not to set records, he told TASS. He added that his continued interest in living and working in orbit motivates him to keep flying. Kononenkos current trip to the ISS began on Sept. 15, 2023. He arrived along with American astronaut Loral OHara and cosmonaut Nikolai Chub. Kononenkos service on the ISS is continuing. He is expected to reach a total of 1,000 days in space on June 5. His current flight is expected to end in late September. By then, he will have spent at least 1,110 days in space. Kononenko said he worked out often aboard the ISS to help him deal with the physical effects of weightlessness. He added that he realizes the social effects of his long stays on the ISS when he returns back to Earth. "It is only upon returning home that the realization comes that, for hundreds of days in my absence, the children have been growing up without a papa, Kononenko said. No one will return this time to me." Kononenko noted that cosmonauts are now able to use video calls and messaging to stay in better touch with their family. He said one of the most difficult things about being a cosmonaut is getting ready for each new space flight. "The profession of a cosmonaut is becoming more complicated, Kononenko said. The systems and experiments are becoming more complicated. The ISS is one of only a few areas where the United States and Russia still closely cooperate after Russias invasion of Ukraine. Roscosmos announced in December that its program with the American space agency NASA to transport astronauts to the ISS had been extended until 2025. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story upgrade v. to improve the quality or usefulness of something realization n. the process of noticing or understanding something that you did not notice or understand before motivate v. to make someone want to do something absence n. not being in a particular place complicated adj. complex or difficult to understand From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. During the southern hemisphere summer, South America is experiencing a sharp increase in cases of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease common in much of Latin America. The symptoms, or signs, of dengue are high fever, extreme tiredness, muscle pain, and internal bleeding. In Brazil, dengue is often called breakbone fever for the severe joint pain it causes. Sometimes, people with the disease show no symptoms. But dengue can be deadly. New dengue vaccine In Brazil, officials plan to start a new dengue vaccine campaign. The program, which could begin within days, will make Brazil the first country in the world to offer dengue vaccine. In January, Brazil also started spraying insecticide from trucks as the disease spread to earlier unaffected areas. Because of the increase in dengue cases, hospitals in Paraguay have set up health centers at night to care for the sick. In 2023, cases of dengue have set record highs in Latin America. Health official records show Argentina with a sharp increase of 12,500 cases of dengue last December. It is a big jump compared with the same period a year ago. The increase has led to health warnings and shortages of insect repellent. "Repellent sold out everywhere, there were literal clouds of mosquitoes," Laura Ledesma told Reuters from Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires. She added that there were signs the situation had begun to improve. Weather changes are affecting the spread of disease Scientists say the spread of dengue, in South America and other areas, is worsened by rising temperatures and the El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific. Both events also add to a longer dengue season. "Climate change has expanded the range for mosquitoes to breed, both in the Americas and globally," Thais dos Santos told Reuters. He specializes in insect-borne diseases at the Pan American Health Organization, or PAHO for short. PAHO information shows 4.2 million cases of dengue and 2,050 deaths in the Americas last year. Much of that was in the so-called "Southern Cone" of South America. The December-February southern summer months bring hot and humid conditions for mosquitoes to breed. This helps to spread the possibly deadly disease. Recently, people in Brasilia lined up outside medical centers set up to test for dengue. Dengue cases in the Brazilian capital have increased by as much as 646 percent in the first 20 days of January compared with last year. Nelson Diego, 37, tested positive for dengue in the Brasilia neighborhood of Recanto das Emas where spraying has started. He said he was suffering from muscle pain and extreme tiredness from the disease, though some days were more difficult than others. "Today is one of the better days because I can still open my eyes," he said. "I have a lot of pain in my joints and couldn't walk before." And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo. Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo and Ricardo Brito in Brasilia reported this story for Reuters news agency. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Quiz - South America Dengue Increase Brings Vaccination Drive Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________ Words in This Story borne adj. transported or transmitted by used in combination such as airborne symptom n. a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder, especially : one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected insecticide n. a chemical used to kill insects repellent n. serving or tending to drive away or ward off : often used in combination insect repellent literal adj. following the ordinary or usual meaning of the words breed v. to produce (plants or animals) by sexual reproduction globally adv. of, relating to, or involving the entire world humid adj. damp, moist positive adj. having a test result indicating the presence especially of a condition, substance, or organism We want to hear from you. Do you have a similar expression in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here. Sandoz Elementary teacher Ivette Kinney was surprised by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and members of the Dawson County Farm Bureau Monday with the 2024 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year award. Kinney received the award during a school assembly during which the Sandoz Honor Choir performed and additional student awards were given. The Farm Bureau award is given to outstanding teachers who incorporate agriculture into their classroom through innovative ideas and lessons. Ivette Kinneys active participation and enthusiastic spirit make her a great fit to be given this award. Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is so excited to honor her, Courtney Shreve, senior director of outreach education, said at the assembly. Kinney is a second-grade teacher at Sandoz and incorporates agriculture in her classroom through the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation program Classroom Visits. As a first-time participant, she signed herself up for classroom visits and then recruited her entire second-grade team to participate. Every second-grade student which includes eight classrooms at Sandoz Elementary participated in a classroom visit this past year and learned about agriculture. Kinney notes the program has been helpful in teaching students the connection between the farm and their table. Many of her students come from diverse backgrounds and may not know where their food or supplies come from. The Sandoz teacher attended the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation conference, Making the Connection, in June 2023 and picked up new resources to enhance her summer school program. During summer school, fourth and fifth grade students received agriculture enrichment in how energy plays a role in our lives, Kinney said. We used hand-on activities to really engage their learning. I have learned a great deal myself, as I am not from a farming background. In addition to a plaque and gifts presented at the assembly, Kinney will receive an expense-paid trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, an accurate agricultural book bundle and a $250 Amazon gift card. The conference will be June 24-27 in Salt Lake City and brings educators from across the United States together to learn how to use agricultural concepts to teach core subjects such as reading, math, science and social studies. The conference also features Teacher of the Year honorees, educational workshops, traveling workshops to agribusinesses and research facilities, and farm tours. A non-resident man from mainland China was hit by a bus near Sunsco Supermarket in San Ma Lo around 11:30 a.m. yesterday. The man, aged 30, suffered scratches to his right cheek and the back of his right palm. He was conscious and in a stable condition when he arrived at hospital. He was also accompanied by a colleague. The accident caused slight traffic congestion. Related A Chinese court gave a suspended death sentence to a China-born Australian democracy blogger yesterday. The Australian government, which has repeatedly raised his case over the years, said it was appalled. Yang Hengjun was found guilty of espionage and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Such sentences are often commuted to life in prison after the two years. The Australian Government is appalled, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement. This is harrowing news for Dr. Yang, his family and all who have supported him. Yang, a former Chinese diplomat and state security agent who became a political commentator and writer of spy novels in Australia, was detained on Jan. 19, 2019, when he arrived in the southern China city of Guangzhou from New York with his wife and teenage stepdaughter. He was tried behind closed doors in May 2021. The details of his case have not been disclosed. Yang, who became an Australian citizen in 2002, has denied working as a spy for Australia or the United States. In a letter to his sons in August last year, Yang said he hadnt experienced direct sunlight in more than four years. He told his family he feared he would die in detention after being diagnosed with a kidney cyst, prompting supporters to demand his release for medical treatment. Australia will be communicating our response in the strongest terms and will continue to press for his interests and wellbeing, including appropriate medical care, the Australian foreign minister said in her statement. Wang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the court had protected Yangs procedural rights and arranged for the Australian side to attend yesterdays sentencing, likely referring to a diplomat or diplomats from the Australian Embassy. In October last year, Australian journalist Cheng Lei was freed after more than three years in detention in China for breaking an embargo with a television broadcast on a state-run TV network. The plights of Yang and Cheng had frequently been on the agendas of high-level meetings between the countries in recent years. KEN MORITSUGU & KEIRAN SMITH, BEIJING, MDT/AP Tourism authorities are anticipating 120,000 daily visitors during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday period, which could mean almost 1 million tourists visiting the city during the 8-day Lunar New Year period. Hotel reports indicate a room occupancy rate between 80 to 90%. All six gaming companies have reported full bookings for the upcoming holiday season, according to Lou Chi Leong, president of the Association of Macao Tourist Agents, as cited in a Macao Daily News report. Small and medium-sized hotels are also experiencing a growing booking rate of 80 to 90% for the peak of the festive occasion, starting this weekend. Macau will host a wide range of activities and events to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon and attract visitors to the city. In addition to the government-led Lunar New Year campaign, which includes traditional New Year dragon dances and the Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Dragon, each casino operator has prepared a variety of celebratory events, markets and other festive activities in their respective designated zones. Furthermore, operators have been conducting training programs for service staff to better cater to the different international guests expected to visit the city during this holiday season, with a particular focus on ensuring industry professionals gain a better understanding of Islamic culture. Regarding room rates, industry professionals have predicted a 20 to 30% increase. There are over 40,000 guest rooms in Macau available, and the supply and demand dynamics are less strained compared to previous years, Lou stated. Hoffman Ma, deputy chairman of Success Universe Group, also expressed optimism about the strong tourism momentum emerging last month. According to Ma, a decent hotel stay could range from MOP2,000 to MOP3,000 per night, representing a slight decrease compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Staff Reporter The leaders of the U.K. and Ireland went to Belfast yesterday to meet Northern Irelands newly revived government and bask in a good-news moment after two years of political crisis. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar were visiting the new administration at Belfasts Stormont Castle as its ministers met for the first time. The ministers wasted no time before pressing London for more money to patch up Northern Irelands creaking public services. Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly appointed a power-sharing government on Saturday after a two-year hiatus sparked when the main British unionist party walked out in February 2022. The Democratic Unionist Party boycotted the administration to protest post-Brexit trading arrangements that it said undermined Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom. The party was coaxed into returning last week after the U.K. promised to eliminate most checks on goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the U.K. Under power-sharing rules established as part of Northern Irelands peace process, the administration in Belfast must include both British unionists and Irish nationalists. The U.K. and the Republic of Ireland both have roles as guarantors of the peace. The new administration is led by First Minister Michelle ONeill of Sinn Fein, the party allied with the Irish Republican Army during Northern Irelands decades of violence known as The Troubles. Her appointment was historic, marking the first time an Irish nationalist, who aspires to take Northern Ireland out of the U.K. and unite it with the republic, has held the post. In practice, nationalists and unionists will continue to govern in uneasy balance. The post of deputy first minister held by Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP is officially equal to the first minister, and neither can govern without the other. The DUP boycott left Northern Irelands 1.9 million people without a functioning administration to make key decisions as the cost of living soared and backlogs strained the creaking public health system. The U.K. government has agreed to give Northern Ireland more than 3 billion pounds ($3.8 billion) as part of an incentive to restore the government. Already, the Belfast administration says its not enough. Little-Pengelly said the ministers in Belfast would be seeking to ensure the U.K. government provides sufficient funding in a package to fulfill its promises on public sector pay. Chris Heaton-Harris, the U.K.s Northern Ireland secretary, said the package was ample for the time being. I believe the new set of ministers are completely capable of running their public finances perfectly well with the fair and generous funding package weve given them, he told the BBC. JILL LAWLESS, LONDON, MDT/AP Non-resident deposits decreased 12.4% to MOP323.7 billion in December, while residents deposits slightly dropped 0.2% from the preceding month to MOP706.2 billion, data from the the Monetary Authority of Macao shows. Public sector deposits with the banking sector fell 4.3% to MOP193.5 billion. As a result, total deposits in the banking sector dropped 4.3% from a month earlier to MOP1,223.4 billion. Also, domestic loans to the private sector fell 1.2% from a month ago to MOP538.3 billion. Analyzed by economic sector, electricity, gas and water and construction and public works grew at respective rates of 4.3% and 1.7% when compared with last quarter. Related Lawmaker Lo Choi In has joined protests against the governments plan to build a new waste landfill in the sea off the southern coast of Coloane. The lawmaker raised the matter in a spoken inquiry to the government in the period before the agenda of yesterdays plenary session at the Legislative Assembly (AL). Lawmaker Lo noted that the building of landfills always poses certain damage to the marine ecological environment and the sea areas, noting that in this case the area in question is a habitat for Chinese white dolphins, first-class national protected animals. Lo said society does not want to pay the high ecological costs of building this so-called ecological island which is merely a landfill for construction waste. The lawmaker said the land, ocean and ecological resources are precious resources granted by the country and therefore, the government has a responsibility to make good use of them. She said the government needs to find a balance between development and preservation. The lawmaker said the government claims the facility is needed because the existing landfill is nearing full capacity. Lo wants the government to consider other existing forms of technology to treat and dispose of the waste instead of choosing landfill. Lo said the government should, instead, support the development of local renewable energy companies or build crematoriums and forensic facilities, among other facilities essential to the life of the population, to promote the diversification of the economy and investment and, at the same time, increase jobs, thus solving the basic needs of society. Last week, local environmental protection advocate Joe Chan started a petition opposing the government landfill project. Chan predicts the landfill will damage marine life, intensify water pollution and risk the health of aquatic activities practitioners. More importantly, he said it will destroy the ecology of Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins. Chan also criticized the government for not providing any scientific data to support the project as well as failing to provide any environmental assessments. The landfill is planned for a location 1 km off the coast, south of Coloane. A South Korean court yesterday acquitted Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong of financial crimes involving a contentious merger between Samsung affiliates in 2015 that tightened his grip over South Koreas biggest company. The ruling by the Seoul Central District Court could ease the legal troubles surrounding the Samsung heir less than two years after he was pardoned of a separate conviction of bribery in a corruption scandal that helped topple a previous South Korean government. The court said the prosecution failed to sufficiently prove the merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries was unlawfully conducted with an aim to strengthen Lees control over Samsung Electronics. The ruling was criticized by activists, progressive politicians and commentators, who questioned how Lee could be innocent of all charges when he had previously been convicted in the separate case of bribing a former president while seeking government support for the merger. Peoples Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, a major civic group based in Seoul, described the ruling as a setback for years of efforts to reform the management culture of South Koreas family-owned conglomerates and their cozy ties with the government. South Korean corporate leaders often receive relatively lenient punishments for corruption, business irregularities and other crimes, with judges often citing concerns over the countrys economy. Prosecutors had sought a five-year jail term for Lee, who was accused of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud. It wasnt immediately clear whether they would appeal. Lee denied wrongdoing in the current case, describing the 2015 merger as normal business activity. Lee, 55, did not answer questions from reporters as he left the court. You Jin Kim, Lees lawyer, praised the ruling, saying it confirmed that the merger was legal. Lee, a third-generation corporate heir who was officially appointed chairman of Samsung Electronics in October 2022, has led the Samsung group of companies since 2014, when his late father, former chairman Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack. Lee Jae-yong served 18 months in prison after being convicted in 2017 over separate bribery charges related to the 2015 deal. He was originally sentenced to five years in prison for offering 8.6 billion won ($6.4 million) worth of bribes to then-President Park Geun-hye and her close confidante to win government support for the 2015 merger, which was key to strengthening his control over the Samsung business empire and solidifying the father-to-son leadership succession. Park and her confidante were also convicted in the scandal, and enraged South Koreans staged massive protests for months demanding an end to shady ties between business and politics. The demonstrations eventually led to Parks ouster from office. Lee was released on parole in 2021 and pardoned by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in August 2022, in moves that extended a history of leniency toward major white-collar crime in South Korea and preferential treatment for convicted tycoons. Some shareholders had opposed the 2015 merger, saying it unfairly benefited the Lee family while hurting minority shareholders. There was also public anger over how the national pension funds stake in Samsung C&T, the merged entity, fell by an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars after Park pressured the National Pension Service to support the deal. JIWON SONG & KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP Thinking of getting a hair transplant in Turkey? You're not alone. Turkey has become a hot spot for hair transplantation. It is drawing in people from all over the world seeking affordable and high-quality hair restoration procedures. This article delves into everything you need to know about Turkey's hair transplant. Things to Know About Turkey Turkey is considered a leading destination for hair transplant procedures due to multiple factors. Firstly, the country boasts a high number of skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeons. They are internationally recognized for their expertise. Many clinics in Turkey are equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhere to strict medical standards. It helps them in ensuring the safety and quality of the procedures. Another significant factor contributing to Turkey's popularity for hair transplants is the affordability of the procedures. Compared to Western countries, the cost of hair transplants in Turkey is significantly lower. Therefore, it is an attractive option for individuals seeking high-quality treatment at a fraction of the cost. Above all, many individuals who have undergone hair transplants in Turkey praise the overall experience, from initial consultation to post-operative care. Clinics often provide comprehensive support to international patients. This level of care and attention helps patients feel at ease and confident throughout their journey. Is Turkey Safe for Hair Transplantation? One of the first questions that comes to mind when considering a hair transplant in Turkey is safety. The good news is that Turkey is known for its advanced medical facilities and highly skilled surgeons specializing in hair transplantation. The country has strict regulations governing the practice of hair transplantation. It helps in ensuring that clinics meet international standards for patient safety and care. Why Choose Hermest Hair Clinic? When considering a Turkey hair transplant clinic, Hermest Hair Clinic stands out for several compelling reasons. Hermest Hair Clinic exclusively uses the UNIQUE FUE method, which significantly enhances the permanence of transplanted hair, with a success rate of up to 99%. This method promotes excellent results even with low graft numbers. This sets Hermest apart as a leader in the field of hair transplantation. Patients have praised the clinic for its professional and caring approach. The clinic's team is known for creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, providing a positive experience for individuals seeking hair restoration services. Moreover, Hermest Hair Clinic utilizes cutting-edge technology and boasts years of expertise, which is evident in the hair transplant Turkey before and after results showcased by the clinic. This expertise helps in achieving success rates of potentially up to 99% in hair transplantation. The clinic's commitment to delivering noticeable and effective results using contemporary techniques displays its dedication to excellence in the realm of hair restoration. Types of Turkey Hair Transplant When considering Turkey's hair transplant, it's important to be aware of the different types of procedures available. Two popular types of hair transplant procedures in Turkey are the Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant and the DHI Hair Transplant. Sapphire FUE Hair Transplant The Sapphire FUE hair transplant is a cutting-edge procedure. It utilizes emerging technologies and new tools to achieve better and long-lasting results. This technique involves using specialized ultra-thin blades. These blades are made from sapphire crystal and help in implantation of hair follicles. The procedure is known for its precision and effectiveness, making it a sought-after option for individuals seeking hair restoration. Clinics in Turkey have extensive experience with the Sapphire FUE procedure and it is offered at a cost-effective price range of $2,100 to $2,600 USD. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for high-quality hair transplant techniques at more affordable prices. DHI Hair Transplant DHI is another popular hair transplant procedure offered in Turkey. This technique involves the direct implantation of hair follicles using specialized tools. It is considered one of the most modern hair transplant techniques, known for its precision and successful outcomes. Clinics in Turkey have also adapted this treatment procedure widely. The cost of DHI in Turkey typically ranges between $2,300 and $2,800 USD, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking advanced hair transplant methods. Qualifications for Getting a Hair Transplant in Turkey When considering a hair transplant in Turkey, it's essential to understand the qualifications required for the procedure. While specific qualifications may vary depending on the clinic and the surgeon, there are general criteria that individuals should meet before undergoing a hair transplant. These qualifications typically include: 1. Sufficient Donor Hair: Candidates for a hair transplant should have an adequate amount of donor hair available for the transplantation process. The donor hair typically comes from scalps back or sides, where hair follicles are genetically resistant to balding. 2. Good General Health: Individuals should be in good overall health to undergo a hair transplant procedure. This includes being free from any underlying medical conditions that could pose a risk during surgery or affect the healing process. 3. Realistic Expectations: Candidates need to set realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of the procedure. While a hair transplant can significantly improve hair density and appearance, individual results may vary, and it's crucial to discuss expectations with the surgeon during the consultation. 4. Consultation with a Qualified Surgeon: Before undergoing a hair transplant, individuals should schedule your consultation with an experienced surgeon. During this, the doctor will assess your suitability for hair transplant procedure and discuss the procedure and potential outcomes. Success and Efficacy Rates Turkey has gained prominence as a global capital for hair transplants, with a significant influx of medical tourists seeking this procedure. The success and efficacy rates of hair transplants in Turkey have contributed to its popularity as a leading destination for such treatments. The country's Ministry of Health has actively supported the growth of the hair transplant industry, offering tax breaks and reimbursements for various aspects, which has led to about a million medical tourists visiting Turkey annually. Primarily, they visit Turkey for hair transplants. Costs of Hair Transplant Procedures in Turkey When it comes to Turkey hair transplant cost, it will be around $2,500 to $7,500. The exact cost depends upon your hair loss problem severity, number of grafts, chosen clinic, etc. However, here you will learn about what different numbers of grafts will add-in. 5000 grafts cost: The Turkey hair transplant cost with 5000 grafts will be around $2,500 to $4,300. The Turkey hair transplant cost with 5000 grafts will be around $2,500 to $4,300. 4000 grafts costs: Getting a hair transplant procedure with 4000 grafts will cost you from $2,000 to $3,500. Getting a hair transplant procedure with 4000 grafts will cost you from $2,000 to $3,500. 3000 grafts cost: The hair transplant cost with 3000 grafts can fall anywhere between $1,800 and $3,150. Is It Worth Going to Turkey for Hair Transplantation? Turkey has undoubtedly established itself as a leading destination for hair transplantation. It is truer with its world-class clinics, skilled surgeons, advanced techniques, and competitive pricing. The combination of high-quality care and cost-effectiveness makes it a compelling choice for individuals seeking effective hair restoration solutions. If you're considering a Turkey hair transplant, Turkey offers a compelling option worth exploring. Turkey has become a top choice for individuals seeking to restore their hair and confidence. This is due to its safety standards, diverse techniques, and affordability. So, if you want to get a top-notch hair transplant, consider getting it from a reputable clinic in Turkey. Why Do Americans Go to Turkey for Hair Transplant? Americans often go to Turkey for hair transplants due to its cost-effectiveness, high-quality medical facilities, experienced surgeons, and all-inclusive packages for international patients. Additionally, Turkey's rich culture and history make it an attractive destination for combining medical procedures with travel. What Is the Best Country for Hair Transplant? Turkey is renowned for its affordable yet high-quality hair transplant services, making it a popular choice. South Korea is known for advanced medical technology and skilled doctors, especially in cosmetic procedures. The United States, with its leading-edge techniques and world-renowned surgeons, is also a top choice for those seeking the best in hair transplant procedures. Each of these countries offers a unique blend of quality, technology, and patient experience, catering to different needs and budgets. Who Is the Best Hair Transplant In Turkey? When considering the best hair transplant options in Turkey, Hermest Hair Clinic is frequently mentioned due to its notable achievements and expertise in the field. The clinic boasts the title "Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Turkey," highlighting their excellence in hair transplantation, particularly their development of the Unique FUE method, known for its high retention rate. Furthermore, the clinic's reputation is enhanced by the presence of Dr. Ahmet Murat, a highly esteemed figure in the hair transplant community globally. His expertise, along with the clinic's innovative techniques, contributes to Hermest's recognition as a leading choice for hair transplant in Turkey. This content is provided for informational purposes only by the advertiser and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. This provided content was produced by Lee Enterprises. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Madison residents will have to tune into livestreams on Tuesday to watch the Madison School District superintendent finalists interviews. The interviews will not be held in person for the public and media to attend. A panel of students will interview the three finalists, Yvonne Stokes, Mohammed Choudhury and Joe Gothard, Tuesday afternoon beginning at noon. A separate panel of parents and caregivers will interview the finalists Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m. The interview panelists will be in person with the candidates. The livestreamed interviews will be recorded and posted online afterward, and the public will have the chance to submit feedback. While the public wont get the chance to meet the candidates face-to-face or be in the same room, School Board member Ali Muldrow said she thinks this method allows more members of the community to watch and participate in the interviews. I would love it if everybody that we serve could find their way to a space where theyre going to be able to engage with our candidates, but thats not everybodys reality and so part of it is making sure that all kinds of people have access to these conversations, Muldrow said. Superintendent Interviews Watch live at: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/about/superintendent-search Student interview panel: 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Parents and caregivers interview panel: 6:30 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. Matthew Gutierrez, who was hired as the districts superintendent in early 2020 and then withdrew, came to Madison to tour the district and meet school staff. When the school district hired Carlton Jenkins later in 2020 as his replacement, Jenkins participated in online engagement sessions with district staff and students during a Virtual Day in the District. Muldrow said the district became more comfortable using technology to expand access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, said its unfortunate members of the public cannot attend in person but pointed out that these interviews are not required to meet the same open meeting laws as School Board meetings. He said its worth calling positive attention to the effort the school district has made to get input throughout the hiring process, like asking the public to sit on interview panels and submit questions. Last year, the council called out the school district for its lack of transparency and accountability. It does seem to have a greater level of transparency and opportunity for public interaction than a lot of hires and that is commendable that they do have the degree of transparency that they have brought to this, Lueders said. Republican legislators are proposing to withhold pay for executive appointees who are holding over in their position after their term expires, including Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe, who legislative Republicans tried to fire last year. The proposal comes about one month after a Dane County Circuit Court judge ruled that Wolfe was lawfully holding over as the states nonpartisan elections administrator and efforts last fall by Senate Republicans to oust her from the position had no legal effect. There is no constitutional or statutory prohibition on a holdover period after an incumbents term has expired, meaning that the incumbent doesnt need to go through the appointment or confirmation process to retain their position, lawmakers wrote in a memo seeking co-sponsors for the bill. Instead, they can remain in that position until an appointee is confirmed. As we have seen, if the appointing authority or Senate fails to act, the holdover may stay in office as long as they would like while continuing to receive a taxpayer-funded paycheck. The proposed bill was introduced Tuesday by Sens. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, and Romaine Quinn, R-Cameron, and Reps. Dave Maxey, R-New Berlin, and Tom Michalski, R-Elm Grove. Under the proposal, if an appointee remains in public office after the expiration of their term, any salary or other payments the incumbent receives for duties related to the public office must be withheld beginning 90 days after the expiration of the incumbents term, according to an analysis of the bill by the Legislative Reference Bureau. The bill would only apply to individuals appointed by the executive branch, which includes the Wisconsin Elections Commissions administrator, who is selected by the six-member, bipartisan commission, LRB director and general counsel Rick Champagne said Tuesday. Wolfes term expired at the end of June, more than seven months ago. In her January ruling, Judge Ann Peacock pointed to a 2022 state Supreme Court decision that allowed Fred Prehn, an appointee of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker, to serve on the state Department of Natural Resources board long after his term had expired until the Senate confirmed his Democratic successor. Prehn ultimately resigned from the board in December. Stroebel said in an email the proposed legislation would also have applied to Prehn, as well as other Walker-appointed holdovers. Over the past few years, we have seen a handful of instances where an individual has refused to leave their position while a replacement has not been appointed or confirmed, allowing the holdover to remain in office for as long as they would like while still collecting a taxpayer-funded paycheck, Stroebel said. It is my belief that this bill would help discourage more political holdovers after a transition of power by removing the financial incentive for remaining in power. The offices of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Elections Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Wolfe appointment Wolfe was appointed to her role by the commission in February 2018. She was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in May 2019. The elections commission in June split on a vote to reappoint her, with the three Republican members voting to nominate her and the three Democratic members abstaining. Senate Republicans said the deadlocked vote actually constituted a majority since the three commissioners who did cast votes voted in favor of appointing Wolfe. The Senate then voted Sept. 14 to fire her. Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul filed the lawsuit shortly after, arguing Wolfes appointment was not legally before the Legislature because the commission did not secure the four votes needed to send the matter to the Legislature. In October, attorneys representing Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester; Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg; and Senate President Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, asked the court to require the six-member bipartisan commission to promptly appoint an administrator for the four-year term. However, attorneys also conceded in court filings that the Senates September vote was symbolic and meant to signal disapproval of Administrator Wolfes performance. Attorneys went on to state that the vote thus had no legal effect on Administrator Wolfes status as a lawful holdover. Changes since 2020 Legislative Republicans have targeted Wolfe since the commission made changes to certain procedures in the 2020 general election in response to the COVID-19 pandemic changes that have spurred some conservatives to falsely accuse her of malfeasance. GOP criticism over the states 2020 election has been largely fueled by former President Donald Trump, who continues to make baseless claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 vote. A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. Amid the Wolfe debate, Senate Republicans last year voted to reject Evers appointment of Joseph Czarnezki to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Evers promptly appointed former Eau Claire city clerk Carrie Riepl to fill the vacancy. However, LeMahieu told the Wisconsin State Journal in December Republicans may vote to fire Riepl if the agency continues to refuse to send the chamber an administrator appointment. Elections 101: Video series explains how elections are carried out in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Elections Commission put together the following series of instructional videos and accompanying lesson plans for use in high school civics classes and the general public. Elections overview An overview of elections administration in Wisconsin. Voting Security Let's take a look at how we maintain security and integrity with all of our elections. Nuts and bolts The ins-and-outs of voter processes like registering to vote and requesting a ballot to vote absentee. A Day at the Polls See what it is like to go to the polls and vote. China always supports DPRK, ROK in improving ties: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 08:20, February 06, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China always supports the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in improving their relations and called on relevant parties to jointly safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Monday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a daily news briefing when responding to a query on the Korean Peninsula, which has seen continued tensions, especially rising rivalry between the DPRK and the ROK recently. Wang said the situation on the Korean Peninsula has come to where it stands today for a reason, and tensions on the Peninsula do not serve the common interests of relevant parties. "Relevant parties need to work towards the same direction, keep to the major direction of political settlement and jointly safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) We had to. We feed the world. This is what my grandfather told me when describing why we made changes to our farm near Fond du Lac over the years, whether it was replacing horses with tractors, learning how to apply the latest pesticide technology to reduce weeds or buying more cows for our herd. The mantra instilled into us by elites was to produce, produce, produce. Farmers like us heeded the call as we increasingly sent our products to other countries. In 1990, just over $45 billion in sales were overseas. This soared to more than $196 billion in 2022 a record year. But heres the rub: Increasing exports will not keep farmers in business. Just look at the dairy sector. Wisconsin ranked second in the country behind California for most dairy farm bankruptcies from 2000 to 2019. The dairy state held the dubious distinction of being home to the greatest number of farm bankruptcies in 2019 and 2020 before leveling off in 2022. During roughly that same time from 2003 to 2021, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council, dairy exports steadily increased. These facts should make our legislators rethink how their policies affect farmers. A group of congressional representatives recently sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai denouncing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement ruling that continues to allow the Canadian government to limit dairy imports into their market. Central to the USMCA, a product of former President Donald Trumps efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, involved ensuring increased access to Canadian markets for U.S. dairy exports. A 2022 decision by the same panel sided with the United States, ruling that Canada was unfairly protecting its dairy industry. As a result, our neighbors to the north made changes to improve market access for U.S. interests. The more recent ruling holds that such changes are sufficient. Still, larger issues are at play. Minneapolis Star Tribune: New strategy can help small farmers and rural communities More than two years have passed since U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue departed, but the brouhaha he created with one cal Our legislators shouldnt pit our countrys farmers against their counterparts on the other side of the border. In 2018, Wisconsin farmers showed considerable interest in partnering with Canadian producers to implement their supply management system, which stabilizes prices for dairy farmers by controlling production and coordinating supply with demand. And while Trump was renegotiating NAFTA, a coalition of farmer advocacy groups noted that the opening of Canadian markets to U.S. exports would have no significant positive economic impact on American dairies. Quote My family changed our Wisconsin farm to increase production and feed the world. Our exports increased. But this approach doesnt work for most farmers. Instead, rather than scapegoating Canadians, our lawmakers can actually help farmers by inserting policies that would help them into the Farm Bill. This massive piece of legislation that governs most facets of our food system, including dairy, is set to expire in September of this year. One such policy is the National Family Farm Coalitions Milk from Family Dairies Act, which has been endorsed by 94 food, farm, environmental and labor organizations. It includes provisions that would: Adjust the prices that farmers are paid based off of their cost of production. Establish import and export controls. Strengthen regional dairy infrastructure to balance supply with demand to create fair, competitive markets. My family changed our Wisconsin farm to increase production and feed the world. Our exports increased. But time has made clear that this approach doesnt work for most farmers. Our legislators need to take this opportunity to get our own house in order by getting behind policies that could assure farmers fair prices, rather than repeating past mistakes. Two poll workers unintentionally rattled David Bohlken two decades ago when he walked into a petite 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, Johnson 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. Idahoans exceed 55,000 signatures for open primary push A total of 475,728 of Idahoans are registered to vote for the contested races, but almost 50% of them are shut out. Idahoans for Open Primaries is hoping to change that. A group of Idahoans started a coalition, Idahoans for Open Primaries, May 2023, after years of being frustrated by the limited healthcare coverage and adequate funding for public schools. Much of this results from Idahos closed primary status. Luke Mayville, spokesperson of the coalition and co-founder of Reclaim Idaho, said in part of their efforts of qualifying for a ballot initiative for the 2024 election, they need to gather 63,000 signatures from at least 6% of voters in 18 of the 35 legislative districts in Idaho by April 30. We believe its time to get to the root of the problem, which is a broken election system, Mayville said. They currently stand at 59,000 signatures but hope to collect 100,000 signatures in case some of them are invalid. The open primary initiative would allow voters to have a single open primary election for all candidates, regardless of party affiliation. The top four candidates in the primary election would advance to the general election. This initiative would also let voters rank their candidates by preference. The candidate receiving the fewest votes would be eliminated and votes for that candidate would be transferred to the second choice candidate voters put on their ballot. That process continues until there are two candidates remaining. Weve already qualified in 10 of the 18 districts, Mayville told the Times-News. And weve got about 10 more that need less than 1,000 signatures to go. The Magic Valley is one of the 10 areas that the Idahoans for Open Primaries is pushing to get signatures from. This includes Twin Falls County, sitting at 57%, needing 638 more signatures to qualify. Jerome and Blaine Counties combined are 79% qualifying and need 348 more signatures. Every year in Idaho, surveys find that public education is the number one issue for the voters of Idaho, Mayville said. They want to see strong public schools and competitive salaries for teachers but very little progress has been made by our legislature over the years. We believe its because of the closed primary system, which creates a disconnect between voters and elected leaders. Idaho passed a closed primary law in 2011 that only allows voters to use their votes toward the political party they are affiliated with, leaving independent voters in the dark. This law also allows for the political party to open their primary elections to other voters. One of the most encouraging things about this campaign is the support its received all across the political spectrum from Independent Idahoans, Progressive Idahoans and a whole lot of Republicans across the state, Mayville said. This includes over 100 Republican community leaders like former speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives Bruce Newcomb, former legislator Maxine Bell, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Jim Jones. The Democratic Party in 2022 opened its primary election to other voters. However, the Republican Party left it closed, restricting voters the ability to have a wider range of options. 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. 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. The Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office asks that anyone with information please call 208-735-1911 or Crime Stoppers at 208-343-2677, where they can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips can be made at www.343cops.com or download P3 Tips on your mobile phone. I was recently invited to speak at the City Club in Boise on education policy and the ideas being discussed in the current Idaho legislative session. Realizing the education establishment would be well represented in the crowd, I knew I was heading into a somewhat hostile setting. But Mountain States Policy Center believes in going anywhere at any time to provide a free market perspective. Were happy to have civil conversations and debate the merit of ideas. We may disagree, but well do so respectfully. As you might expect, the ideas I presented on education innovations received a frosty reception. I discussed my own familys situation, as well as the challenges so many other families face when they are limited to a school environment that might not provide the opportunities needed to succeed. I presented the written documentation and a collection of more than 180 studies that show education choice can provide great impact while helping children succeed. I made clear that education choice means an all of the above approach traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, micro-schools, homeschooling and more. And I asked attendees to think differently about how we achieve success for every child that we needed to support reforms and an approach unique to Idaho that respects the role of public schools but also adds more choice for families who need it. To top things off, I talked about making it easier for parents to compare school district budgets with a Public School Transparency Act. By the end of the forum, the frost had turned to a deep freeze. The only message that seemed to resonate with most attendees was that public schools just needed more money. As I watched the reactions of the crowd, I could only conclude one thing: those in attendance represented education past, not education future. (Listen to audio of the Boise City Club forum on education at www.boisestatepublicradio.org/show/city-club-of-boise/2024-02-01/city-club-of-boise-perspectives-on-education-policy-in-idaho.) It doesnt have to be this way. Innovative education leaders can be found across the nation. They are all willing to try new things to improve educational outcomes for children. They realize that we cannot treat the smartphone era the same way we did when kids rode horse-drawn buggies to a single-room schoolhouse. They understand that its about much more than putting more money into the current system. Can we find these leaders in our state? Education opportunity is one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time. The American public gets it. Polling has consistently shown broad support across political parties and demographics. The strongest support comes from minority communities and young people. According to a Morning Consult poll, 78% of black parents support Education Savings Accounts, while only eight percent oppose. Nearly 90% of black mothers in a recent poll said they dont believe the traditional approach to public school meets students needs. Millennials are being called the school choice generation. Beck Research polling found 68% of millennials support education choice with Latino support reaching 75%. The polling also shows those most opposed to making any changes or offering further choice are predominately older and white, much like the crowd I faced. The former Superintendent of the Madison School District recently called education choice plans nothing more than yacht vouchers. Other education leaders in our state have used similarly offensive language. Meantime, parents, young people and minorities are pleading for reforms that can help all children. The future of the country is eager for change, whether the education establishment likes it or not. Those who ignore their plea for innovation and options risk the judgment of history. - Advertisement - PANAMA CITYA group of tobacco farmers asked the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to include their livelihood among the topics to be discussed at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP) that will decide on the future of the tobacco industry. Delegates from 183 countries, with different interests, are joining the COP 10 at the Panama Convention Center organized by the WHO FCTC, an international treaty that came into force in 2005. Tobacco farmers are worried that their lack of participation in the discussion would displace their livelihood. Harmadio Martinez is one of the many farmers rallying near the venue of COP 10 to seek fairness over the WHO and the Panamanian governments plan to ban tobacco products, including novel and emerging products, which are considered less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Martinez and his family have more than two centuries-worth of tobacco farming experience under their belts, exporting leaves to different areas of Central America. He pleaded with the Panamanian government and the WHO to take a look at the tobacco farmers and their families, consider their welfare and offer alternatives. Lacking representation in the Panama Parliament, farmers seek government support in terms of education, food, and other basic needs as well as alternative livelihood if the delegates attending the COP decide to prohibit new tobacco products. Other public health experts, however, consider the prohibition as flawed and without scientific basis. - Advertisement - At the center of the debate is whether vapes, heated tobacco, oral nicotine, and other smoke-free tobacco alternatives can be considered as harmful as conventional cigarettes. Farmers are hoping that these new products will sustain their livelihood. The WHO should be truthful about science, said Martin Cullip, an international fellow at The Taxpayers Protection Alliances Consumer Center in the United Kingdom. Cullip particularly criticized the WHOs definition of aerosols in its 9th Report on the Tobacco Epidemic funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which claims that aerosols commonly emitted by [heated tobacco products] do fall under the definition of tobacco smoke. Dr. Roberto Sussman, an associate professor at Mexicos National University, also slammed the WHO for redefining smoke for its political agenda. He said the WHO report is not scientific, and that cigarette alternatives like vapes and heated tobacco are smoke-free. Delegates to the COP are debating the regulation of novel and emerging tobacco products, including vapes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, oral nicotine, and other smoke-free alternatives, considered by tobacco harm reduction (THR) experts as crucial in ending the global smoking epidemic affecting 1.3 billion people. Social Watch Philippines (SWP), a group advocating for pro-health and pro-people policies, asked the Philippine delegates at COP 10 to uphold public health and play their parts as champions of Filipinos welfare. SWP asked delegates consisting of senior government officials and staff to ensure that the publics well-being remains at the forefront of discussions in the conference. As representatives entrusted on the global scene, the delegates should be accountable, transparent, and clear in conveying public interest, said SWP co-convenor Dr. Maria Victoria Raquiza. Countries like the Philippines have passed laws regulating these products, while the UK, Japan, and Sweden have seen smoking rates decline after allowing their introduction. Sussman noted the strong resistance from the WHO and its allies to smoke-free alternatives. But how come consumption still goes on? he asked. It is because millions of consumers are enjoying the products and quitting smoking. This is what will save the daythe consumers. Vapes and heated tobacco products are more widespread and are only 10 percent to 15 percent as dangerous as described. There is a global experiment happening, and hard evidence will prevail, he said. I would say most of them are quitting smoking or smoking much less. And they are not getting sick, said Dr. Sussman to illustrate the difference between aerosols produced by heated tobacco and smoke generated by conventional cigarettes. Detractors may say thats an anecdote, doesnt count. Well, I can say, no, its not an anecdote. I can support that with my own work. And it is open, it is public, and it can be checked, verified, said Sussman. The five-day conference will cover topics such as the regulation of contents and disclosure of tobacco products, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, novel and emerging tobacco products (e-cigarettes), and forward-looking tobacco control measures. Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Dominic Guevarra, head of the Philippine delegation, reported notable progress in implementing the FCTC, including the passage of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (Republic Act 11900). Guevarra hailed it as landmark legislation aiming to reduce harm caused by smoking, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, and other novel tobacco products. Tobacco harm reduction advocates like Dr. Sussman and Cullip are calling on the WHO FCTC to explore science-based innovations, such as harm reduction strategies, to address the global smoking epidemic affecting 1.3 billion globally and provide them options that present far less harm. - Advertisement - Switzerlands foreign minister will be visiting the Philippines to discuss how to enhance its bilateral relations with Manila. As the two nations mark 67 years of diplomatic ties, Swiss Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila for a one-day visit on Feb. 8. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the two diplomats will tackle multilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern. Cassis itinerary will also include meetings with other Philippine high-level officials, the DFA said in a statement. 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: This transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image depicts a number of round, Dengue virus particles that were revealed in this tissue specimen. Credit: CDC/ Frederick Murphy Sao Paulo opened an emergency operations center Tuesday to deal with a surge in dengue fever cases that has hit Brazil and South America just as millions of tourists arrive for carnival celebrations. Cases of the mosquito-borne disease have also risen sharply in Argentina, where a record 10,000 cases were reported in the first three weeks of the year. Paraguay has meanwhile declared a health emergency over dengue. It has registered 36 deaths since December, including 12 children, officials there said. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second-biggest city, after Sao Paulo, also declared a public health emergency Monday, four days ahead of the official opening of its famed carnival. Authorities announced the opening of 10 dedicated treatment centers to alleviate pressure on Rio's overwhelmed hospitals. "It's a good thing they opened this center. The hospitals can't handle the situation alone," patient Luciana Ferreira told AFP in the working-class Curicica neighborhood. The capital, Brasilia, has opened an emergency field hospital. Brazil registered 345,235 likely cases of dengue in the first five weeks of the year, nearly four times the number registered over the same period last year. Thirty-one people have died of dengue, according to the Brazilian health ministry, which is still analyzing another 234 deaths that may have been caused by the disease. Sao Paulo is testing a drone that uses larvicide to combat mosquitos in hard-to-reach areas. Brazil plans to start a public vaccination campaign against dengue this monththough a lack of doses from the vaccine's maker, Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, means only children ages 10 to 14 will be targeted. Brazil's government says it is studying options to produce a dengue vaccine domestically. Dengue, which can cause hemorrhagic fever, infects an estimated 100 million to 400 million people yearly, though most cases are mild or asymptomatic, according to the World Health Organization. 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: Jill Feldman, 54, poses for a photo at her home in Deerfield, Ill., Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Lung cancer patient and advocate Jill Feldman takes pills at home that shrink tumors by blocking a signal that tells cancer cells to grow. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh For cancer patients, the harsh side effects of powerful drugs have long been the trade-off for living longer. Now, patients and doctors are questioning whether all that suffering is necessary. They've ignited a movement to radically change how new cancer drugs are tested, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging drugmakers to do a better job at finding the lowest effective dose, even if it takes more time. Advances in treatment mean millions of people are surviving for years with incurable cancers. Jill Feldman, 54, of Deerfield, Illinois, has lived 15 years with lung cancer, thanks to that progress. Her parents both died of lung cancer months after their diagnoses. But her cancer drug causes joint pain, fatigue and mouth sores that make eating and drinking painful. "If you drink something that's too hot, you really burn your mouth. That's how my mouth feels 24/7," Feldman said. She has lowered the dose with her doctor's blessing but she wants drugmakers to study lower doses early in the research process. "No one should have to endure avoidable harmful effects of treatment," she said. Unlike in other diseases, cancer drug development has focused on finding what's called the "maximum tolerated dose." Photos and a sign are seen at Jill Feldman's home in Deerfield, Ill., Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Lung cancer patient and advocate Jill Feldman takes pills at home that shrink tumors by blocking a signal that tells cancer cells to grow. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh To speed testing of chemotherapy drugs, researchers ramp up the dosage in a few people in early studies to determine the highest possible dose patients can tolerate. That "more is better" philosophy works for chemotherapy, but not necessarily for newer cancer drugslike the one Feldman takeswhich are more targeted and work differently. Chemotherapy is like a battering ram where aggressive strikes are a good strategy. But newer cancer drugs are more like having a front door key. They target a mutation that drives cancer cell growth, for example, or rev up the body's immune system to join the fight. "You might only need a low dose to turn off that cancer driver," said Dr. Lillian Siu, who leads cancer drug development at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto. "If you can get the same bang for your buck, why go higher?" Through a program called Project Optimus, the FDA is pushing drugmakers to include more patients in early dose-finding trials to get better data on when lower doses can work. A key motivation for the project was "the growing calls from patients and advocates that cancer drugs be more tolerable," said FDA spokesperson Chanapa Tantibanchachai in an email. Many of the new cancers drugs were developed using the old strategy. That leads to problems when patients skip doses or stop taking the drugs because of side effects. Some dose recommendations have been officially lowered after the drugs were approved. Other dose-lowering happens one patient at a time. Nearly half of patients in late-stage trials of 28 targeted therapy drugs needed to have their doses lowered, according to one study. "We were pushing the dose as high as we could go," said Dr. Patricia LoRusso, who leads drug discovery at Yale Cancer Center. "You get side effects and then you have to stop the drug to recover from the side effects and the tumor can grow." There's also huge patient-to-patient variation. The amount of a pill that reaches the bloodstream can vary because of liver and kidney function and other differences. But that means lowering the dose for everyone risks underdosing some patients, LoRusso said. A prescription bottle named osimertinib (brand name: Tagrisso) is seen on a table at Jill Feldman's home in Deerfield, Ill., Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Lung cancer patient and advocate Jill Feldman takes pills at home that shrink tumors by blocking a signal that tells cancer cells to grow. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh "The challenge is: Where is the sweet spot?" LoRusso said. Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, is planning a 500-patient study to test lower doses of two drugs for breast cancer that has spread. The study will compare two strategies: Starting treatment at the full dose then lowering the dose for side effects versus starting with a lower dose and increasing dosage if the patient does well. Much of the questioning of high doses has come from metastatic breast cancer patients, including the Patient Centered Dosing Initiative, which has done influential surveys of patients and cancer doctors. "We will be on treatment for the rest of our lives," said Lesley Kailani Glenn, 58, of Central Point, Oregon. "We want to try to live the best that we can, knowing that treatment is never-ever going to stop." During the 11 years she's lived with the disease, she has summited Mount Whitney in California, hiked the Cinque Terra in Italy and started a nonprofit. When Glenn learned how cancer drug research favors high doses, she started working with her doctor. She has taken drugs at lower doses and even lower when she can't live with the side effects. Diarrhea is her deal-breaker: She wants to be able to walk her dog or shop for groceries without worrying about a bathroom emergency. A prescription bottle named osimertinib (brand name: Tagrisso) is seen on a table as Jill Feldman looks at her prescription bottle at her home in Deerfield, Ill., Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Lung cancer patient and advocate Jill Feldman takes pills at home that shrink tumors by blocking a signal that tells cancer cells to grow. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh "The last thing we want to do is have our quality of life stolen from us," Glenn said. Through Project Optimus, the FDA is encouraging drug developers to conduct more head-to-head dosing comparisons. That could slow down the process, said Dr. Alice Shaw, who leads early cancer drug development at Novartis. "That will require more patients and then, as you can imagine, also will require more time to identify, enroll and treat those patients," said Shaw said. Adding six months to a year to the process, Shaw said, needs to be balanced against the urgent need for new cancer drugs. But getting the dose right early will in the long run lead to more effective drugs, said Dr. Timothy Yap, a drug developer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "If the patients are not taking the drug, then it's not going to work." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Breadth and dominance of epitopes in mid-treatment ATB participants. A Number of epitopes recognized by each participant. Each dot is one participant, n = 21; median interquartile range is shown. B Distribution of recognized epitopes by the number of participants recognizing each epitope. C Epitopes ranked based on the magnitude of response (solid line - % of total response, dotted line total spot forming cells (SFC)). Black dotted lines indicate the top 55 epitopes. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45058-9 La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) is working to guide the development of new tuberculosis vaccines and drug therapies. Now, a team of LJI scientists has uncovered important clues to how human T cells combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. Their findings were published recently in Nature Communications. "This research gives us a better understanding of T cell responses to different stages in tuberculosis infection and helps us figure out if there are additional diagnostic targets, vaccine targets, or drug candidates to help people with the disease," says LJI Research Assistant Professor Cecilia Lindestam Arlehamn, Ph.D., who led the new research in collaboration with LJI Professors Bjoern Peters, Ph.D., and Alessandro Sette, Dr.Biol.Sci. The urgent need for TB research According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.3 million people died of TB in 2022, making it the second-leading infectious cause-of-death after COVID-19. "TB is a huge problem in many countries," says Lindestam Arlehamn. Currently, a vaccine called bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) protects against some severe cases of TB. Unfortunately, BCG doesn't consistently prevent cases of pulmonary TB, which can also be deadly. Although there are drug treatments for TB, more and more cases around the world have proven drug-resistant. To help stop TB, Lindestam Arlehamn and her colleagues are learning from T cells. T cells are critical for stopping infections from spreading in the body. Instead of targeting an entire pathogen, T cells look for specific markers, called peptide sequences, that belong to the pathogen. When a T cell recognizes a certain part of a pathogen's peptide sequence, scientists call that area an "epitope." Uncovering T-cell epitopes gives scientists vital information on how vaccines and drug treatments might take aim at the same epitopes to stop a pathogen. Hierarchy in T cell reactivity against TB vaccine and IGRA antigens. Magnitude of response, expressed as the total magnitude of response (black bars, left y-axis) or frequency of participants responding (gray bars, right y-axis), among the participants. A ATB, n = 21. B Healthy IGRA + , n = 63, for comparison purposes. Rv number for each antigen are indicated on the x-axis. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45058-9 T cells take aim at a range of TB epitopes For the new study, the researchers worked with samples from patients who were mid-treatment for active TB. These samples came from study participants in Peru, Sri Lanka, and Moldova. By looking at T cells in patients from three different continents, the researchers hoped to capture a wide diversity of geneticsand environmental factorsthat can affect immune system activity. In their analysis, the LJI team uncovered 137 unique T-cell epitopes. They found that 16 percent of these epitopes were targeted by T cells found in two or more patients. The immune system appeared to be working hard to zoom in on these epitopes. Going forward, Lindestam Arlehamn's laboratory will investigate which of these epitopes may be promising targets for future TB vaccines and drug therapies. A step toward better diagnostics The new study is also a step toward catching TB cases before they turn deadly. Because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an airborne bacteria, a person can be exposed without ever realizing it. Once exposed, many people go months or years without any symptoms. This inactive, or "latent," TB can turn into active TB if a person's immune system weakens, for example, during pregnancy or due to an infection such as HIV. For the new study, the researchers also compared samples from active TB patients to healthy individuals. The scientists uncovered key differences in T-cell reactivity between the two groups. "For the first time, we could distinguish people with active TB versus those that have been exposed to TBor unexposed individuals," says Lindestam Arlehamn. Lindestam Arlehamn says it may be possible to develop diagnostics that detect this tell-tale T cell reactivity that marks a person's shift from latent to active TB. "Can we use this peptide pool to look for high-risk individuals and try and follow them over time?" she asks. More information: Sudhasini Panda et al, Identification of differentially recognized T cell epitopes in the spectrum of tuberculosis infection, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45058-9 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: Age-stratified 28-day cumulative incidence of in-hospital mortality and alive hospital discharge. Note: The text in the figure describes the cumulative incidence at 28 days except for in-hospital mortality among participants 1849 years in the Wild-type group (day 27) Alpha group (day 16), and Omicron group (day 27). Credit: The Lancet Regional HealthEurope (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100855 Researchers at Karolinska Institutet, together with partners in the Horizon Europe EuCARE project, have shown that the reduced mortality from COVID-19 is not necessarily due to the fact that later variants, such as omicron, have been less severe. Rather, the reduced mortality seems to be due to several other factors, such as immunity from previous vaccinations and previous infections. The study is published in the latest issue of The Lancet Regional Health Europe. The researchers conducted a study using patient data from more than 38,500 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, from the start of the pandemic to October 2022. The data comes from hospitals in 10 countries, including two outside Europe. The data showed that in-hospital mortality decreased as the pandemic progressed, especially since omicron became the dominant variant. However, when the researchers modeled the mortality rates for different variants (Pre-alpha, alpha, delta and omicron) and took into account factors such as age, gender, comorbidity, vaccination status and time period, they saw far fewer differences and weaker associations. They also saw differences between age groups, highlighting the importance of conducting separate analyses for different age groups. "Overall, our findings suggest that the observed reduction in mortality during the pandemic is due to multiple factors such as immunity from vaccination and previous infections, and not necessarily tangible differences in inherent severity," says Pontus Hedberg, first author of the study. Omicron variant no less severe Understanding the disease course and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the pandemic is important to guide clinical practice and to understand and plan future resource use for COVID-19. A particularly interesting finding is that the inherent severity of omicron has not necessarily been significantly reduced, but that other factors are behind the reduction in mortality. "The fact that omicron can cause severe disease was seen in Hong Kong, for example, where the population had low immunity from previous infections and low vaccination coverage. In Hong Kong there was a relatively high mortality from omicron," says Pontus Hedberg. Protecting the elderly and those with underlying diseases The main applications of the study results going forward are the continued need to protect the elderly and patients with other underlying diseases from severe disease outcomes through vaccination against COVID-19, even though new virus variants may appear less virulent. The results are also important for understanding trends in mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and thus planning for resource use in hospital care. Larger multinational collaborative projects like this are of great value to increase the generalizability of studies and not least to promote international collaboration also for future pandemic or epidemic scenarios. More information: Pontus Hedberg et al, In-hospital mortality during the wild-type, alpha, delta, and omicron SARS-CoV-2 waves: a multinational cohort study in the EuCARE project, The Lancet Regional HealthEurope (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100855 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: Microscopic images of so-called human organoids with hepatocytes, which proliferate better with the help of the identified growth factor MYDGF. Credit: HHU/Linda Groe-Segerath and Paula Follert A healthy liver is capable of completely regenerating itself. Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf (HHU), University Hospital Dusseldorf (UKD) and the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) have now identified the growth factor MYDGF (Myeloid-Derived Growth Factor), which is important for this regenerative capacity. In cooperation with the Hannover Medical School and the University Medical Center Mainz, they also showed that higher levels of MYDGF can be detected in the blood of patients following partial removal of the liver. In a study published in Nature Communications, they also report that this growth factor stimulates the proliferation of human hepatocytes in a tissue culture. The ability of the human liver to regenerate was already described in Greek mythology: Legend has it that Zeus ordered the Titan Prometheus to be chained to a rock, where an eagle ate his liver every day, which then always grew back. Liver regeneration is also common practice in medicine: If a surgeon removes half of a person's liver, the remaining healthy half grows back to full size within a few weeks. Doctors need transplantable liver tissue on a daily basis due to life-threatening liver damage caused by fatty liver disease, virus infections and cancer. However, although the regenerative capacity of the liver is well known, it has not yet been possible to achieve hepatocyte multiplication in a tissue culture or grow liver tissue outside the human body for subsequent transplantation. In 2018, the research team headed by Professor Dr. Eckhard Lammert from the Institute of Metabolic Physiology at HHU demonstrated that blood vessels release growth factors for hepatocytes when part of the liver is missing. In collaboration with Professor Dr. Hadi Al-Hasani (DDZ), Professor Lammert and his team have now identified the growth factor MYDGF. Blood vessels release this factor to activate the regeneration of the liver. Dr. Linda Groe-Segerath and Paula Follert, the lead authors of the study, explain, "A mechanical stimulus of the blood vessels plays a role in the release of growth factors. We achieve this in the laboratory by loading the blood vessel cells in a stretch chamber, which enables us to stretch the cells mechanically." Together with the working group headed by Professor Dr. Wolfram T. Knoefel (Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, UKD) and Professor Dr. Stefan Heinrich (Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery at the University Medical Center Mainz), the researchers showed that patients release more of this growth factor into their blood following partial removal of the livera so-called liver resection. Together with the HHU working groups headed by Professor Dr. Jurgen Scheller (Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II) and Professor Dr. Bodo Levkau (Institute of Molecular Medicine III), it was also possible to show in preclinical experiments that MYDGF is necessary for liver regeneration. In tissue cultures, it was confirmed that the growth factor stimulates the proliferation of human hepatocytes. Professor Lammert, corresponding author of the study said, "From the discovery of the growth factor, we expect to be able to achieve better regeneration of liver tissue in the future when MYDGF is added on a targeted basis. We also hope to be able to produce tissue synthetically." More information: Linda Groe-Segerath et al, Identification of myeloid-derived growth factor as a mechanically-induced, growth-promoting angiocrine signal for human hepatocytes, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44760-y 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 People who have atypical work patterns, such as shift workers and those who work on the weekend, have worse quality and quantity of sleep, compared to those who work a typical 3540 hour week, according to a new study. The research, led by UCL in collaboration with the University of Southampton and Queen Mary University, London, analyzed the work and sleep patterns of more than 25,000 men and women between 2012 and 2017. It used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, known as Understanding Society. Findings are published in journal BMC Public Health. The researchers found that compared to people who worked a standard 3540 hour week, those working 55 hours a week or more had the poorest sleepincluding short sleep and sleep disturbance. Short sleep is defined as less than seven hours a night and sleep disturbance as struggling to fall asleep within 30 minutes, waking up in the middle of the night or early morning, and a self-rating of poor-quality sleep. Those who worked most or all weekends and nonstandard patterns, like shifts, also experienced sleep disturbance, and either short sleep or long sleepmore than eight hours a night. Dr. Afshin Zilanawala, Associate Professor of Demography at the University of Southampton, contributed to the research and studies UK parents' work schedules and why they matter for parents and children. She states, "Our study serves as an urgent reminder to employers and policymakers who are concerned with the well-being of workers and the health of our economy. Certain work schedule practices may boost profit margins, but they exact a real cost for worker health. "If healthy sleep is to be recognized as a critical pillar of health, then policymakers need to ensure that sufficient rest and recovery are a greater priority together with a more careful consideration of the timing and scheduling of work to better support workers' health and productivity." Lead author, Gillian Weston, of UCL, comments, "While individual sleep needs vary, adults are generally recommended to aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. The repercussions of poor sleep extend beyond mere fatigue. Research demonstrates both long and short sleep durations are associated with poor health, emphasizing the critical role of balanced sleep in overall well-being. "Insufficient sleep and sleep problems are linked with mental and cognitive health issues, chronic diseases, and even work-related injuries. The economic toll of poor sleep is staggering, with productivity losses estimated at over 40billion annually in the U.K. alone." Participants involved in the study were asked a series of questions, including about their jobs, hours of work, health and sleep. The researchers focused on three atypical temporal work patterns: working more or less than the standard 3540 hours per week, weekend work, and nonstandard schedules (e.g. shifts, early mornings and late evenings). They also looked at whether there were any gender differences in the associations between atypical work patterns and sleepand found that the link between long work hours and short sleep was stronger for women. Men who worked part-time were more likely to experience longer sleep durations, possibly reflecting underlying issues of underemployment and its connections to mental health. Compared to weekday workers, men were more likely to experience short sleep if they frequently worked weekends, whereas women were more likely to experience short sleep if they worked any weekends. Dr. Weston said, "Women who work weekends tend to be concentrated in low-paid service sector jobs, with the poorest work conditions, such as low work autonomy and job satisfaction. This might explain why women are more likely to experience short sleep if they work weekends." In addition to gender, the researchers took account of factors, such as age, caring, income, health, job satisfaction, work autonomy and other conditions that could impact an individual's sleep patterns. The researchers believe that to achieve a sleep-friendly work environment, employers and policymakers could make the following changes: Encourage work schedules that align with individuals' chronotypes (i.e. 'larks' and 'owls') Provide sufficient breaks Minimize overtime culture Allow workers to disengage from work outside of their normal working hours The team also suggest that employees who must work long and irregular hours should be compensated for the negative consequences of these work patterns (i.e., with additional paid leave or financial reward). More information: Gillian Weston et al, Work hours, weekend working, nonstandard work schedules and sleep quantity and quality: findings from the UK household longitudinal study, BMC Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17762-0 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 Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis said this week it had agreed to buy German biotech firm MorphoSys for 2.7 billion euros ($2.9 billion), giving it access to a new blood cancer treatment. The all-cash deal will see Novartis offer 68 euros per share for the company, whose stock has soared in recent days amid speculation a deal was looming. "With the planned acquisition of MorphoSys, we aim to further strengthen our leading pipeline and portfolio in oncology," Shreeram Aradhye, Novartis' chief medical officer said late on Monday. Of particular interest is MorphoSys' pelabresib drug, currently in late-stage testing, which Novartis described as "a potential next-generation treatment" for people living with myelofibrosis, a rare type of blood cancer. MorphoSys CEO Jean-Paul Kress said the deal with Novartis would "accelerate the development opportunities and maximize the commercialization potential of pelabresib at a greater speed and scale". The acquisition, still subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of the year. Shares in MorphoSys surged by 15 percent to 66 euros in early trading in Frankfurt on Tuesday. 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: Mauricio Mascaro from Pexels Seizures by law enforcement officials of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, have increased by 369% since 2017, a new study shows. The authors say their findings may signal growing availability and public awareness of the hallucinogenic drug, along with possible heightened risks associated with recreational and unsupervised use of the drug. The study was led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and other members of the National Drug Early Warning System, an organization that conducts surveillance of shifting drug trends. Their analysis of national and state-level trafficking data revealed that across the country, seizures of psilocybin rose from 402 confiscations in 2017 to 1,393 confiscations in 2022. The amount of the seized drugs nearly quadrupled, from 226 kilograms to 844 kilograms, in the same time frame. "Our findings, which uncover an increase in confiscations of psilocybin, suggest that popularity and availability of this psychedelic may be increasing," said study lead author Joseph Palamar, Ph.D., MPH. "Although psilocybin is by no means the most dangerous drug, adverse effects do happen, so heightened prevention efforts and harm-reduction education may be necessary," added Palamar, an associate professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone Health. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound derived from fungi with mind-altering qualities similar to those of LSD and mescaline. The drug has become the topic of media attention recently as research trials have explored, in closely supervised clinical settings, its potential to treat conditions such as alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress, and major depression tied to cancer. Law enforcement seizures of "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms" containing the psychoactive component psilocybin increased dramatically in the United States between January 2017 and December 2022, according to a new study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health. Credit: National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health At the same time, restrictions around psilocybin, which is a controlled substance under federal law, have loosened in a number of American cities, particularly in the Midwest and West, says Palamar. However, little is known about its popularity as a recreational drug or how these factors may be contributing to its rising use. Palamar says the new study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, is believed to be the first of its kind to examine trends in psilocybin seizures across the U.S. For the research, the team analyzed data from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress to measure and help reduce illegal drug trafficking and production. The program oversees 33 regional areas throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and collects data on reports of drug seizures made by thousands of federal, state, and local law-enforcement groups. As part of the study, the team analyzed 4,526 psilocybin seizure reports from January 2017 through December 2022. They categorized the annual number of confiscations and the total weight of seized drugs by state. Then, they organized the data into four main census regions in the country: the Northeast, West, South, and Midwest. Among the findings, the analysis revealed that the highest number of psilocybin seizures occurred in the Midwest (36% of confiscations), with the West following closely behind (33% of confiscations). In terms of overall weight, 4,380 kilograms of psilocybin were captured within the study period, with the greatest proportion (43%) coming from the West. Palamar notes that the West's environmental conditions, which are well suited for growing the mushrooms from which the compound is derived, may help explain this finding. "These results highlight the need to better understand not only how the availability and popularity of psilocybin is changing and why, but also how the drug affects those who use it recreationally," said Palamar. He says that more research is needed to specifically examine whether decriminalization efforts around psilocybin and other drugs may be affecting both use and the number of seizures. Palamar also cautions that law-enforcement seizures are not a perfect indicator of drug availability or use. In addition, just because a confiscation occurred in a particular state does not mean that the psilocybin was intended for use in that area. For example, some of the reports in the data reference large shipments that may have been headed to other states for sale. More information: JJ Palamar, et al, National and regional trends in seizures of shrooms (psilocybin) in the United States, 20172022, Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111086 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: Zika virus particles (red) shown in African green monkey kidney cells. Credit: NIAID A study led by Brazilian researchers shows that people who have had the Zika virus run a higher risk of subsequently having severe dengue and being hospitalized. The finding is highly relevant to the development of a Zika vaccine. According to the scientific literature, a second infection by any of the four known dengue serotypes is known to be typically more severe than the first, but until now no correlation between this fact and the occurrence of other diseases had been investigated. The study is published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The mechanism that exacerbates dengue infection following a case of Zika differs from that of two consecutive infections by the dengue virus, the authors conclude. The viral load is higher in the second dengue episode, with high levels of inflammatory cytokines not seen in Zika. Detection of other markers suggested that the increase in severity may be due to activation of T cells, key parts of the immune system that help produce antibodies, in a pathogenic immune response that has been termed the "original antigenic sin." The process involves so-called T-cell memory, a response in which T cells produced during a previous infection stimulate the production of more T cells to combat a new infection. Because these new cells are not specific to the virus, they trigger an excessive release of inflammatory cytokines, which attack the organism's proteins and tissues, potentially leading to hemorrhage. The researchers analyzed samples from 1,043 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients, identifying those with prior Zika and dengue infections. The cases occurred in 2019 in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, a large city in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, considered hyperendemic for dengue since more than 70% of the population has had the disease. Its climate and geography favor the circulation of arboviruses throughout the year. Dengue epidemics occurred there in 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019, with a record number of cases involving serotype 2. "We concluded that a prior dengue infection was not a risk factor for severity, probably because the patients were already into their third or fourth infection. Prior Zika infection, however, was important and an aggravating factor in a second dengue episode. This led us to suggest novel mechanisms and renew our knowledge of the natural history of the disease," Cassia Fernanda Estofolete, an infectious disease specialist at the Sao Jose do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP) and first author of the article, told Agencia FAPESP. "Our findings confirmed the results of a previous study involving children who had Zika in Nicaragua. Later, when they had dengue, the risk of severity increased. We showed the same thing [risk of severe dengue increased by prior Zika or dengue] for adults in Brazil. We also showed that ADE [antibody-dependent enhancement, in whichinstead of providing protectionantibodies enhance viral entry into host cells and can exacerbate the disease] is non-classical," said corresponding author Mauricio Lacerda Nogueira. "This raises questions about the type of Zika vaccine that should be used and the optimal timing: should it be administered with a dengue vaccine in order to avoid this problem of one following the other, for example? There are various possibilities, which need to be understood to ensure correct prescription. In Brazil, it's still more important to give the dengue vaccine first because of the number of cases," added Nogueira. Case numbers In November 2023, the number of dengue cases in Brazil surpassed the number notified in the 12 months of 2022, reaching 1,372,000, of which 1 million were confirmed between January and July (when the latest bulletin available was issued). The states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais had the most cases, according to the Health Ministry. With regard to Zika, the latest numbers for 2023 are 4,773 probable cases, of which 1,725 were confirmed. Bahia and Rio Grande do Norte had the most cases. Arboviral diseases are usually under-reported, epidemiologists note, because they are hard to diagnose and because many people have mild symptoms and do not seek health services for treatment. In 2016, when there were outbreaks of Zika in many parts of the world, Brazil had more than 1.5 million of the 2.38 confirmed cases in the Americas. In 2019, South America had a dengue epidemic, with more than 3.13 million notified cases, four years after Zika first appeared on the continent. In March 2023, a dengue vaccine produced by a Japanese company won approval from ANVISA, Brazil's health surveillance agency, and this vaccine is now available from private clinics. Butantan Institute is developing an entirely indigenous dengue vaccine for distribution to public clinics. Development of a Zika vaccine is ongoing but at an earlier stage. Dengue and Zika are both flaviviruses, are transmitted by the same mosquito (Aedes aegypti), and have similar symptoms, often making diagnosis difficult. Dengue is more serious because in addition to fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash and nausea, it can cause bleeding and even death. The symptoms of Zika are milder, but the virus can cause severe problems in pregnant women and in babies, such as microcephaly and possibly Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder that leads to paralysis. Specialists have been warning that Aedes mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit are appearing in temperate regions owing to global warming and climate change. Deforestation also contributes to the rise in case numbers, as the mosquitoes have more predators in biodiversity hotspots. Analysis of samples The study was conducted using samples from patients with suspected dengue, confirmed by RT-PCR. The samples were evaluated for past history of dengue and Zika infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed by the FAMERP group in partnership with Lee Gehrke's laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. The assay was specifically developed to eliminate the high cross-reactivity between flaviviruses observed in the commercial kits available on the market. The analysis showed that patients with a history of Zika infection had a 2.34 times higher risk of developing severe dengue and a 3.39 times higher risk of hospitalization compared to the controls (subjects with no dengue and no Zika history). Relatively advanced age (over 59) was also a higher risk factor for severe forms of dengue and hospitalization. With years of research behind them, Nogueira and his group published a 2021 study showing that a prior dengue infection in pregnant women infected by Zika virus does not increase the risk of giving birth to a baby with microcephaly. Estofolete has now embarked on a new stage of the research, extending the study period to cover dengue cases notified in 2022 and changing the serotype. "The goal is not just to answer questions about severity, but also to know whether the mechanism we detected is the same for all dengue serotypes because this influences other factors and mechanisms. We don't have a great deal of accumulated knowledge about Zika vaccines," he said. More information: Cassia F. Estofolete et al, Influence of previous Zika virus infection on acute dengue episode, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011710 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: Lead researcher Emma Taylor. Credit: University of Western Australia A study by The University of Western Australia has found disparities in cancer screenings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. Researchers from the Western Australian Center for Rural Health (WACRH) at UWA, Northern Territory Health and The University of Queensland interviewed 50 staff from 15 health services, for the study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Lead researcher Emma Taylor, from UWA's School of Allied Health and WACRH, said cancer screening by remote and very remote primary health care clinics in the NT varied. While some performed well, for others it was a lower priority compared to other conditions due to lack of funding and resources. "Understanding the perspectives of health care providers gives valuable insights into ways to improve screening participation and address disparities in cancer outcomes," Taylor said. "Primary health care providers in the NT are essential to improve outcomes for the Aboriginal population; however, they are hampered by lack of funding and resources, high workloads and staff turnover." The findings suggested system-level improvements were required to improve cancer screening reach and frequency, including increased funding and staffing, transport to screening services, and education for primary health care staff on the incidence of cancer in Aboriginal communities. "Having appropriate funding and additional staff could increase cancer screening in adult health checks and support primary clinics to work with local communities to co-design targeted programs and culturally relevant education activities," Taylor said. "Addressing these issues is vital for primary health care clinics to address the existing cancer screening gaps and to enable the Federal Government to meet its pledge to be the country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. "The implementation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in 2025 also presents an opportunity to deliver greater benefits to Aboriginal communities." More information: Emma V. Taylor et al, "A Huge Gap": Health Care Provider Perspectives on Cancer Screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Northern Territory, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020141 Journal information: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 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 One of the first steps towards improving anything is awareness. Risks, dangers, and problems can often be resolved, as long as someone is waving the red flag. That's exactly the reason why College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) Exercise Science Professor Fabiano Amorim conducted a study last summer with construction workers. Although the study has not yet been published, it has been submitted for presentation at a conference, and the team is actively working on the manuscript for publication. The study is titled " Environmental Heat Stress and Physiological Heat Strain in Construction Workers During Work in the Summer." As the title indicates, Amorim led and advised the research team (made up of Indiana University and La Isla Network) in its goal to uncover the impact of summer temperatures on construction workers. What he found indicates a need for more than water breaks to keep workers safe under heat stress. "My experience with heat stress in an occupational setting started in Brazil, studying heat stress in sugarcane workers or cutters. When I came to the U.S., I wanted to identify occupations particularly susceptible to the challenges of working in hotter environments. While there was already substantial data available for agriculture settings, we were not able to find much information with construction," Amorim said. Amorim and his team traveled to Kansas City, MO, to be on-site across multiple workdays. "The goal was to investigate the physiological response of construction workers during a typical summer workday. Our main goal was to measure the internal temperature of workers using an ingestible capsule in parallel with the measurement of environmental temperature. We also measured heart rate and dehydration responses when working in hot conditions," Amorim said. Amorim had to set his alarms for 2 a.m., alongside workers at the site. Like those who work in agriculture, one of the ways construction companies try to get workers to beat the heat is by setting an early start time. "Roofers usually start working at 3:30 in the morning. They are already avoiding the hottest parts of the day. The site we went to was for a Meta data center with 1,500 workers; it was a very large worksite involved in data collection," he said. Participants took a pill that monitored internal body temperature as they went to work like usual. While temperatures skyrocketed the week before and after the study to more than 100F, Amorim recorded close to 90F during the three-day study period. Kansas City does not have a dry heat like Albuquerque does, either. "Humidity plays a major role in heat stress. Our physiology allows us to dissipate heat from our body mainly through sweat evaporation, but when you're sweating in a humid environment, it doesn't work that way," he said. "You're not cooling down your body, and then basically you're dehydrating due to dripping sweat. In Kansas City, we faced a little bit of that, with the humidity around 50 to 70%." While it may not be as extreme as in locations like Phoenix-degree temperatures in 2023, the combination of humidity, sun radiation, surroundings made of asphalt and concrete, and limited shade and water, 90F can become challenging quickly. "The safety of workers depends on the environmental temperature, the intensity of the work, and the clothing and equipment worn. If you are engaged in the hardest job, you produce more heat, and then your body temperature will increase while still getting heat from the environment. If you have this combination, your body temperature is going to increase to very, very high values. This is a problem," Amorim said. In fact, despite the relatively moderate average temperature of 88F at the construction site, Amorim found that 43% of the workers still experienced an internal body temperature of 100.4F. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health does not recommend that non-acclimatized workers surpass 100.4F, which is considered a benchmark for elevated risk of heat stress. "It's research. You plan, you plan, you plan, but when you get to the field, you just get exposed to things you cannot control. With the rain the week before, we got mild heat stress. Even collecting the data in this mild heat stress, we got very interesting data," he said. The typical shift for construction workers runs five to six days per week, with many hours worked in the hottest part of the day. Experiencing that kind of elevated core temperatures every shift, Amorim said, could be a risk to a person's health. "Roofers usually are exposed to the sun's radiation, and that makes their jobs much harder. The sun sends the radiation that gets trapped by this roof's black insulation material. This black material is basically like an oven that they are on top of," he said. "Then sometimes they want to have a break, and they don't have a shade and then don't want to get down. These people are at a higher risk, among workers already at a high risk." Something Amorim points out is that the internal body temperature varied based on the job type at the site, influenced by the physical labor, the location on the site, and overall job stress. They also recorded heart rate and thermal comfort and showed lower internal temperatures from workers who weren't in open areas with direct sunlight all day. "It is known that roofers and cement masons have the highest heat-related deaths. They are the ones that suffer more and die more from heat stress. This construction site had roofers and concrete work, and also carpenters, blazers, cleaners, and managers," he said. This study also revealed that despite a strong company push for water breaks, most workers arrived at the site dehydrated. That also showed higher ups that there needed to be a focus on hydration before and after work. "Over 60% of the workers were dehydrated getting to work. Although the company provided water everywhere to these workers, they started the work shift dehydrated. That's a problem because if you are dehydrated, you increase the chance that you have heat-related issues," Amorim said. So, what's the solution? Are construction workers just supposed to either grin and bear it or stop working completely in hot weather? "One way is setting work and recovery times and looking for effective options to cool down the workers. You're going to have to work for a certain time and recover or rest for a certain period. In certain conditions, it's even possible that you cannot do any work. We need to use our brains to find solutions," Amorim said. "The site we were at had a wellness coach talking to the workers as well as water everywhere and an adjusted starting time." Amorim says researchers work directly with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to solidify those regulations. Right now, OSHA does not have an official heat standard, they have recommended standards for occupational heat stress. That means despite its mission to protect workers' rights, it will depend on the states to adopt the standards. Some states, such as California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, have standards to protect the workers. "We hope this information is going to help OSHA to propose new regulations. OSHA can use us as a backup. As a researcher, I think we are helping both sides. They can provide guidelines based on scientific information, not data that's not very applied," he said. Amorim says something needs to get onto paper fast with these regulations. As 2023 marked the hottest year on record and summers are only expected to get hotter, precautions need to exist to keep workers safe. "This research is doing things that are important for you, the workers, and the future. For future research, we are planning to see how you can make the cooling more effective on sites with mist fans and things that can help the workers suffer less from heat stress," Amorim said. This research is also expected to continue soon in New Mexico. Amorim is working with interested companies now who want to check on their workers in the sunny summer. He took a small sample of road construction workers in Pecos to start and already found important signs to continue. "It was also very interesting data, even though it was smaller with only seven workers and just a day. Many of the things we observed in Kansas, such as dehydration pre-work shift, have been here," he said. "It felt very bad because these people were just in the middle of the road in the middle of summer, but it seemed they knew how to deal with the heat." More information: Environmental Heat Stress and Physiological Heat Strain in Construction Workers During Work in the Summer. digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/vie =6942&context=ijesab 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: Jimmy Chan from Pexels When Waldeir Barbosa da Silva explained to his family that he was going to release hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes into the open, infected with a bacterium, they were surprised. In Niteroi, southeast Brazil, where da Silva lives, diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, pose a serious public health problem. However, when mosquitoes carry the bacteria Wolbachia, naturally present in many insects, their ability to transmit these viruses decreases. "I leave home at 4:30 am," says da Silva, a technician for Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). "At Fiocruz I go straight to where the mosquito tubes areabout 150,000 or 200,000 of themand withdraw the amount that I have to release. Every day in a different area." In 2023, global dengue cases hit a historic high of more than 5 million, with 5,000 deaths reported worldwide. And 80% of the cases were in the Americas, according to the latest analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO). The finding about Wolbachia was made by Scott O'Neill, founder of the World Mosquito Program (WMP), and his colleagues in 2009. In 2011, Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes were released for the first time into a community in the Cairns region of Australia. Five weeks later, 100% of mosquitoes at Yorkeys Knob and 90% at Gordonvale were found to carry Wolbachia. Since then, WMP has devised a strategy to breed large numbers of infected mosquitoes and release them into places with high rates of mosquito-borne diseases. The first achievement using this technique was the transferral of the wMel Wolbachia strain to the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which does not carry it naturally. "The bacterium was injected into the eggs of mosquitoes," says Sandra Zapata, an environmental technologist who worked with WMP in Barrio Paris, a district of Bogota, Colombia, during the initiative's most recent intervention. In that instance, according to a study published in 2023 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the release of mosquitoes in the cities of Bello, Medellin and Itagui reduced the incidence of dengue by more than 94% compared to previous outbreaks. In another study, published by the same journal in 2021, the incidence of dengue fever decreased by 69%, chikungunya by 59% and Zika by 37% after Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes were released in Niteroi. Introducing the bacteria into mosquito eggs is called embryonic microinjection, a complex technique for mass production. "Luckily, Wolbachia is transmitted vertically from mother to offspring," says Gabriela de Azambuja Garcia, a veterinarian at a Fiocruz laboratory who was not involved in the research. After the first group of mosquitoes with Wolbachia is established in the laboratory, all that's needed is to mate females with males collected using traps from the area where they will be released. Change of strategy As well as its projects in Colombia and Brazil, the WMP works in Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador and in affected communities in Asia, such as Indonesia, Laos, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Before undertaking such an intervention, WMP recognizes the need to explain to people how releasing mosquitoes can help reduce dengue fever, when previously the strategy to lower transmission was to prevent them from reproducing. To that end, its interventions begin with community work. "Community involvement is the most important thing we do," explains Peter Ryan, an entomologist who leads the research in Colombia. "Many interventions don't succeed because people don't understand or trust." For children, there's a "Wolbito at school" program. "Wolbito" is the affectionate name in Brazil for mosquitoes with Wolbachia. The program involves taking eggs infected with the bacteria to schools so that pupils can observe their growth. "This year we did all the development, from observing the larvae, the pupae, the mosquitoes, and the children reported the details through drawings and writing," explains Karine Cardoso Duarte, a primary school teacher in Niteroi. "We made a small book that was made available in the school library," she adds. To further study the causal relationship between these interventions and dengue reduction, a blinded clinical trial is being conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Some localities will be treated with infected mosquitoes and others with insects without the bacteria. The whereabouts of the infected mosquitoes will not be revealed until the results are available in 2025. Rising demand For now, the main challenge facing the WMP is demand. In addition to the five cities where the project is being run in Brazil, "we have more than 40 who contacted us and want us to apply their program," explains Moreira. Vinicius Lima, a cell maintenance technician and community leader in Caramujo, a neighborhood of Niteroi, believes the program can save lives. "The initiative helps control mosquitoes without using chemical spraying," Lima tells SciDev.Net, adding, "I hope it can come to our community." To meet this demand, Fiocruz and the WFP are planning to build a mosquito factory this year to expand the program. They are also beginning to use mosquito eggs, which are easier to transport than adult insects. Although he is optimistic about the results from Bello, Medellin and Itagui, Azambuja Garcia notes that Wolbachia is no panacea. "In the near future, the ideal scenario would involve the rational use of multiple techniques for mosquito control and working synergistically to combat the spread of vector-borne diseases," he says. More information: Ivan Dario Velez et al, Large-scale releases and establishment of wMel Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes throughout the Cities of Bello, Medellin and Itagui, Colombia, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011642 Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Provided by SciDev.Net 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 When Stephen Miller left his primary care practice to work in public health a little under two years ago, he said, he was shocked by how many cases of syphilis the clinic was treating. For decades, rates of the sexually transmitted infection were low. But the Hamilton County Health Department in Chattanoogaa midsize city surrounded by national forests and nestled into the Appalachian foothills of Tennesseewas seeing several syphilis patients a day, Miller said. A nurse who had worked at the clinic for decades told Miller the wave of patients was a radical change from the norm. What Miller observed in Chattanooga is reflective of a trend that is raising alarm bells for health departments across the country. Nationwide, syphilis rates are at a 70-year high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Jan. 30 that 207,255 cases were reported in 2022, continuing a steep increase over five years. Between 2018 and 2022, syphilis rates rose about 80%. The epidemic of sexually transmitted infectionsespecially syphilisis "out of control," said the National Coalition of STD Directors. The surge has been even more pronounced in Tennessee, where infection rates for the first two stages of syphilis grew 86% between 2017 and 2021. But this already difficult situation was complicated last spring by a shortage of a specific penicillin injection that is the go-to treatment for syphilis. The ongoing shortage is so severe that public health agencies have recommended that providers ration the drugprioritizing pregnant patients, since it is the only syphilis treatment considered safe for them. Congenital syphilis, which happens when the mom spreads the disease to the fetus, can cause birth defects, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Across the country, 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis were reported to the CDC in 2022that's 10 times as high as the number a decade before, the recent data shows. Of those cases, 231 resulted in stillbirth and 51 led to infant death. The number of cases in babies swelled by 183% between 2018 and 2022. "Lack of timely testing and adequate treatment during pregnancy contributed to 88% of cases of congenital syphilis," said a report from the CDC released in November. "Testing and treatment gaps were present in the majority of cases across all races, ethnicities, and U.S. Census Bureau regions." Hamilton County's syphilis rates have mirrored the national trend, with an increase in cases for all groups, including infants. In November, the maternal and infant health advocacy organization March of Dimes released its annual report on states' health outcomes. It found that, nationwide, about 15.5% of pregnant people received care beginning in the fifth month of pregnancy or lateror attended fewer than half the recommended prenatal visits. In Tennessee, the rate was even worse, 17.4%. But Miller said even those who attend every recommended appointment can run into problems because providers are required to test for syphilis only at the beginning of a pregnancy. The idea is that if you test a few weeks before birth, there is time to treat the infection. However, that recommendation hinges on whether the provider suspects the patient was exposed to the bacterium that causes syphilis, which may not be obvious for people who say their relationships are monogamous. "What we found is, a lot of times their partner was not as monogamous, and they were bringing it into the relationship," Miller said. Even if the patient tested negative initially, they may have contracted syphilis later in pregnancy, when testing for the disease is not routine, he said. Two antibiotics are used to treat syphilis, the injectable penicillin and an oral drug called doxycycline. Patients allergic to penicillin are often prescribed the oral antibiotic. But the World Health Organization strongly advises pregnant patients to avoid doxycycline because it can cause severe bone and teeth deformities in the infant. As a result, pregnant syphilis patients are often given penicillin, even when they're allergic, using a technique called desensitization, said Mark Turrentine, a Houston OB-GYN. Patients are given low doses in a hospital setting to help their bodies get used to the drug and to check for a severe reaction. The penicillin shot is a one-and-done technique, unlike an antibiotic, which requires sticking to a two-week regimen. "It's tough to take a medication for a long period of time," Turrentine said. The single injection can provide patients and their clinicians peace of mind. "If they don't come back for whatever reason, you're not worried about it," he said. The Metro Public Health Department in Nashville, Tennessee, began giving all non-pregnant adults with syphilis the oral antibiotic in July, said Laura Varnier, nursing and clinical director. Turrentine said he started seeing advisories about the injectable penicillin shortage in April, around the time the antibiotic amoxicillin became difficult to find and physicians were using penicillin as a substitute, potentially precipitating the shortage, he said. The rise in syphilis has created demand for the injection that manufacturer Pfizer can't keep up with, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. "There is insufficient supply for usual ordering," the ASHP said in a memo. Even though penicillin has been around a long time, manufacturing it is difficult, largely because so many people are allergic, said Erin Fox, associate chief pharmacy officer for the University of Utah health system and an adjunct professor at the university, who studies drug shortages. "That means you can't make other drugs on that manufacturing line," she said. Only major manufacturers like Pfizer have the resources to build and operate such a specialized, cordoned-off facility. "It's not necessarily efficientor necessarily profitable," Fox said. In a statement, Pfizer confirmed the amoxicillin shortage and surge in syphilis increased demand for injectable penicillin by about 70%. Representatives said the company invested $38 million in the facility that produces this form of penicillin, hiring more staff and expanding the production line. "This ramp up will take some time to be felt in the market, as product cycle time is 3-6 months from when product is manufactured to when it is available to be released to customers," the statement reads. The company estimated the shortage would be significantly alleviated by spring. In the meantime, Miller said, his clinic in Chattanooga is continuing to strategize. Each dose of injectable penicillin can cost hundreds of dollars. Plus, it has to be placed in cold storage, and it expires after 48 months. Even with the dramatic increase in cases, syphilis is still relatively rare. More than 7 million people live in Tennessee, and in 2019, providers statewide reported 683 cases of syphilis. Health departments like Miller's treat the bulk of syphilis patients. Many patients are sent by their provider to the health department, which works with contact tracers to identify and notify sexual partners who might be affected and tests patients for other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. "When you diagnose in the office, think of it as just seeing the tip of the iceberg," Miller said. "You need a team of individuals to be able to explore and look at the rest of the iceberg." 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: Molecular docking predicts a CLEAR DNA-binding region in ApoE4. a The DNA-binding region of ApoE4, as defined by molecular modeling. b The predicted CLEAR-DNA binding pose is shown for ApoE4. c Amino acid residues in the region of ApoE4 that interacts with CLEAR DNA are highlighted in yellow. d Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) of the ApoE4 molecular structure was calculated from 300 ns molecular dynamic simulations, indicating relative conformational stability. e Number of internal hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) in ApoE4 protein calculated from 300 ns molecular-dynamic simulation trajectories. Credit: Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05767-9 A potential new drug to prevent Alzheimer's disease in people with the so-called Alzheimer's gene has been discovered by a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) research team led by Sue Griffin, Ph.D. The findings were published Jan. 8 in Communications Biology and include discoveries of a druggable target and a drug candidate, made by Meenakshisundaram Balasubramaniam, Ph.D., the paper's first author. An estimated 5065% of people with Alzheimer's disease have inherited the Alzheimer's gene, Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), from one or both parents. About 25% of people have one copy of APOE4 and are three times as likely to develop the disease. Those with two copies (one from each parent) make up 23% of the population and are 1215 times as likely to develop Alzheimer's. Griffin said her team appears to be the first with the new drug-related discoveries just as it was first in 2018 to show how APOE4 prevented brain cells from disposing of their waste products, known as lysosomal autophagy. Such disruption of autophagy in those who inherit APOE4 is responsible for the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. That discovery was published in Alzheimer's and Dementia. "Our series of discoveries related to APOE4 and its detrimental role in Alzheimer's pathogenesis are among the most impactful of my 50 years as a research scientist," said Griffin, a pioneer in the study of neuroinflammation and co-founder of the Journal of Neuroinflammation, based at the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging. "No other research team has found a potential drug specifically for blocking the harmful effects of inherited APOE4." Griffin is the Alexa and William T. Dillard Chair in Geriatric Research and a distinguished faculty scholar in the College of Medicine and director of research at the Institute on Aging. She is also a professor in the college's departments of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Internal Medicine and Psychiatry. Notably, she is a winner of the Alzheimer's Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and inductee of the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame. Most Alzheimer's research nationally has focused on treatments that can clear away the brain's plaques and tangles associated with the disease, but that approach has yielded unimpressive results. Griffin notes that people with mild Alzheimer's symptoms have already lost about half or more of the neurons responsible for memory and reasoning, which has led to her focus on prevention. Griffin's team will conduct larger-scale preclinical research on the drug candidate CBA2, as well as test other potential drug candidates. "Our hope is that people who have one or two copies of APOE4 will one day take the drug regularly throughout their life and significantly reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease," Griffin said. Balasubramaniam said UAMS built the first known full-length structure of APOE4 protein in 2017, which he created using bioinformatics and computational modeling techniques. This foundational work led to the discovery of the druggable site on the APOE4 protein, ApoE4. (APOE4 refers to the gene, and ApoE4, without the epsilon symbol and no italics, is the protein.) Balasubramaniam's unique skills and curiosity, Griffin said, were the catalyst for the discoveries. "I don't know of anyone else in the world but Dr. Balasubramaniam who can do the work that's in this paper," Griffin said of the assistant professor and Inglewood Scholar in the Department of Geriatrics. While most institutions still manually screen drug compounds, which can take years, Balasubramaniam oversees a computational biology suite with high-performance GPU servers that he used to screen about 800,000 compounds in two days. His computer-simulated findings on ApoE4-targeted drug actions were validated in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. The collaborating researchers include: Srinivas Ayyadevara, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Geriatrics; Steve W. Barger, Ph.D., professor, departments of Geriatrics, Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, and Internal Medicine; Peter Crooks, Ph.D., D.Sc., professor, College of Pharmacy Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Simmons Chair in Cancer Research; Robert J.S. Reis, Ph.D., professor, departments of Geriatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology. A provisional patent has been awarded on the CBA2 drug candidate, and full patent approval is pending. Provided by University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 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: Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell Reports Methods (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100698 Dr. Pierre Billon, Ph.D., was frustrated with the time it took to get genetic analysis done at specialized private labs. The results of the DNA samples that he needed for his research weren't available for weeks and sometimes months. Outsourcing to genome facilities was also expensive. Billon was convinced there was another approach that could provide results faster and in a more cost-effective way. With the help of his Research Associate, Lou Baudrier, and visiting student researcher, Orlena Benamozig, they conceived and demonstrated a way to do it. "We've developed a method which is so simple to implement and use that any lab, anywhere in the world, can readily establish their own kit, to achieve a same-day analysis of genetic mutations for a few cents per sample," says Billon, assistant professor at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). "We're really excited at our homemade system's capabilities and its versatility for various applications in the clinical setting." The system, called One-pot DTECT, is a compact kit containing multiple enzymes and unique DNA fragments that reveal and detect genetic signatures. The genetic data can be analyzed in three ways: quantitatively, qualitatively, and visually. "One-pot DTECT can confirm the presence of variants and determine the frequency of these mutations precisely," says Billon. "Accurate detection of genomic sequences and their mutations is critical for various applications in research and clinical settings." To demonstrate the accuracy in the clinical context, the researchers contacted Dr. Nicola Wright, BSc '94, MD '97, a pediatric hematologist and immunologist at the Alberta Children's Hospital. One of Wright's areas of expertise is blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, which is caused by genetic mutations. To test whether One-pot DTECT could be effective as a rapid point-of-care diagnostic tool, the researchers conducted a blind study. It involved 21 people: sickle cell anemia patients, people who are carriers of the mutation but do not have the condition, and controls, people without the mutation. The results, detected within the same day, were what the researchers hoped for. "Our kit identified the various genetic signatures and clearly distinguished affected individuals from carriers and controls with 100 percent accuracy and zero percent false positives or false negatives," says Billon. The researchers also confirmed the kit can be used on tiny amounts of DNA, like bloodspots. "This has important application for diagnosing newborns and toddlers as it can be difficult to collect blood from children," says Wright, Barb Ibbotson Chair in Pediatric Hematology. "Bloodspots are easier to obtain, and early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate management and treatment strategies," Billon adds. The kit can be used to diagnose a wide range of genetic mutations for blood and other disorders, including cystic fibrosis. Additional details of the methods used to test One-pot DTECT are published in Cell Reports Methods. Billon, Baudrier, and Benamozig have a patent application in the process through Innovate Calgary, the university's knowledge transfer and business incubator center, which is actively engaging with industry partners for licensing One-pot DTECT to make it available to scientists, clinicians, and patients who need it. Billon developed the original version of One-pot DTECT when he was a post-doc at Columbia University in New York. They filed the first patent application there. More information: Lou Baudrier et al, One-pot DTECT enables rapid and efficient capture of genetic signatures for precision genome editing and clinical diagnostics, Cell Reports Methods (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100698 Journal information: Cell Reports Methods 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 When getting vaccines, switching arms for each dose may produce greater immunity than having the jabs delivered into the same arm. That's the finding from a new study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that looked at the first two doses of COVID vaccines. Those who alternated arms showed a small increase in immunity over those who got both shots in the same arm. Even a small boost could be significant for folks who respond poorly to vaccines, the researchers noted. While the findings might no longer matter much for COVID vaccines, since millions of Americans got multiple shots during the pandemic, they could have implications for all multi-dose vaccines, including childhood immunizations, the researchers said. "I'm not making recommendations at this point, because we need to understand this a lot better," lead researcher Dr. Marcel Curlin, an infectious disease physician at Oregon Health & Science University, told the New York Times. But "all things being equal, we ought to consider switching up the arms," he added. However, extending the interval between dosesby three to four months, as was done in Canada for COVID shotsmay offer an even greater benefit than switching arms does, Dr. Jennifer Gommerman, chair of the immunology department at the University of Toronto, told the Times. Regardless, it's worth studying all of these strategies because in people who are immunocompromised, "anything that helps their immune responses is worth doing," she added. In the new study, Curlin and his colleagues measured antibody levels in 54 pairs of university employees matched for age, gender and the time after vaccination. The participants were randomized to get the second dose in the same arm as the first dose or in the opposite arm. Switching the arms increased blood antibody levels by as much as fourfold, the scientists found. The immune response was also stronger against both the original coronavirus and the omicron variant. "It's a consistent, statistically significant effect; is pretty sizable; and it seems to be quite durable," Curlin said. More information: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on vaccines. Contralateral second dose improves antibody responses to a two-dose mRNA vaccination regimen, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2024). DOI: 10.1172/JCI176411 , www.jci.org/articles/view/176411 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: Researchers found that Zika virus induces cells to create connections, called tunneling nanotubes, that may enable the virus to replicate and spread from mother to fetus. Credit: Joyce Jose/Penn State In 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus, driven by a heavy rain season and subsequent boom in the virus's host mosquito population, caused thousands of babies in Brazil to be born with severe birth defects. Zika virus is unique among flaviviruses, which also include West Nile, dengue and yellow fever viruses, in its ability to transmit from an infected mother to her unborn child. How do the components of Zika virus assemble during viral replication and how does the virus then pass from mother to fetus? These are some of the questions that Joyce Jose, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State, and her colleagues aim to answer. "While human infections of Zika virus have declined since the devastating outbreak in 2015, the threat of future epidemics remains," Jose said. "And with climate change, the mosquitoes that harbor Zika virus may shift their ranges northward, which could put even more people, including in the U.S., at greater risk, as well. Given that no vaccines or antiviral therapies currently exist, it is important to study the virus with a goal of informing the development of prevention measures." Jose explained that she and her colleagues recently discovered that maternal cells infected with Zika virus create connections, called tunneling nanotubes, that extend to uninfected cells, both within the mother and from mother to fetus. The findings of that study are currently under review and are publicly available in preprint form. "We think these tunneling nanotubes allow the virus to replicate in the mother and pass from mother to baby," Jose said. "In addition to providing a mechanism to cross the placenta, these nanotubes may enable the virus to avoid the host's immune response. We call this a stealth mode of transmission." In their previous research, the team found that a certain protein, called non-structural protein 1 (NS1), may be responsible for inducing the formation of these nanotubes. Jose and her colleague Indira Mysorekar, professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, will conduct experiments in human cells in vitro, meaning in a culture dish, and in vivo, meaning in live mice, to examine the specific regions of NS1 that may participate in signaling or interacting with proteins on human cells to initiate the formation of the nanotubes. "Discovering which regions of NS1 are 'talking' to human proteins is the first step in understanding how nanotube formation begins," Jose said. "If we can figure out how this protein is working, we can potentially target the protein with drugs that disable its function. Interestingly, when I was a postdoc, my lab was instrumental in solving the structure of dengue virus NS1, so now I've gone back to my roots to further study this important protein." Next, the researchers will study whether whole virus particles or just viral RNA, or genetic material, are transported through the nanotubes. "In our previous research, we documented components of the virus, like RNA and certain proteins, inside these nanotubes, so the question is whether the whole virus or just components of the virus can pass through," Jose said. Additionally, the researchers plan to further investigate the role of tunneling nanotube formation in the transmission of Zika virus from mother to fetus by examining the virus in action in pregnant mice. Finally, the team will study mitochondria transport through these nanotubes. "In addition to viral components, we have observed host cell organelles, including mitochondria, in these nanotubes," Jose said. "Mitochondria are the cell's powerhouses, so by hijacking these energy-generating organelles, the virus could be fueling its own ability to infect cells." Jose noted that other viruses, including HIV, are known to produce similar nanotubes. "We have drugs that inhibit nanotube formation for HIV, so if we can develop something similar for Zika virus, we may be able to develop therapeutic interventions to prevent pregnant women who are infected with the virus from transmitting it to their baby," Jose said. So far, Jose said that other flaviviruses do not appear to have the ability to produce tunneling nanotubes, with the exception of West Nile virus to a small degree. "A question we have is whether other flaviviruses could evolve this ability at some point," Jose said. "In addition to helping to avoid the devastating consequences of another Zika virus outbreak, our research could help in monitoring other flaviviruses that may evolve the ability to form nanotubes." Jose and her colleagues are also studying mechanisms by which Zika virus assembles in host cells prior to inducing tunneling nanotubes. In previous research that published recently in the journal npj Viruses and PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, they specifically investigated processes within Zika virus that prime it for infection of human cells. "In one study, we discovered a 'latch and lock' mechanism by which two Zika virus proteins connect to stabilize and prepare the virus to infect human cells," Jose said. "In the other, we found an interaction between Zika virus's capsid protein and viral membrane protein that helps us to understand how viruses assemble within host cells during their replication." Jose will also examine additional non-structural proteins (NS2 and NS4) to investigate their role in viral assembly. "Our work will document for the first time the feasibility of a powerful live imaging approach to study the trafficking of viral components, including RNA and proteins, as well as the virus potentially co-opting host factors to infect human cells," Jose said. Jose explained that understanding all the phases of Zika virus's infection, replication and transmission may aid in identifying potential targets for therapeutics. "These studies," she said, "may help us to understand, treat and prevent flavivirus infections and address a major global public health need." More information: Anastazia Jablunovsky et al, Identification of a critical role for ZIKV capsid 3 in virus assembly and its genetic interaction with M protein, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011873 Sydney A. Majowicz et al, Zika virus M protein latches and locks the E protein from transitioning to an immature state after prM cleavage, npj Viruses (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s44298-023-00004-2 Rafael T. Michita et al, Zika Virus NS1 Drives Tunneling Nanotube Formation for Mitochondrial Transfer, Enhanced Survival, Interferon Evasion, and Stealth Transmission in Trophoblasts, Research Square (2023). DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3674059/v1 Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Preface This is a technical article chronicling one of the most interesting bug hunts Ive had the pleasure of chasing down. At AdGear Technologies Inc. where I work, ssh is king. We use it for management, monitoring, deployments, log file harvesting, even some event streaming. Its solid, reliable, has all the predictability of a native unix tool, and just works. Until one day, random cron emails started flowing about it not working. The timeout The machines in our London data center were randomly failing to send their event log files to our data machines in our Montreal data center. This job is initiated periodically from cron, and the failure manifested itself as: cron emails stating that the ssh was unsuccessful Sometimes hangs Sometimes exits with a timeout error monitoring warnings down the line for in-house sanity checks detecting the missing data in Montreal We logged into the London machines, manually ran the push command, and it worked successfully. We brushed it off as temporary network partitions. The timeouts But the failures kept popping up randomly. Once a day, a couple of times a day, then one Friday morning, several times an hour. It was clear somethings getting worse. We kept up with manually pushing the files until we figure out what the problem was. There were 17 hops between London and Montreal. We built a profile of latency and packet loss for them, and found that a couple were losing 1-3% of packets. We filed a ticket with our London DC ops to route away from them. While London DC ops were verifying the packet loss, we started seeing random timeouts from London to our SECOND data center in Montreal, and hops to that data center did not share the same routes we observed the packet loss at. We concluded packet loss is not the main problem around the same time London DC ops replied saying theyre not able to replicate the packet loss or timeouts and that everything looked healthy on their end. The revelation While manually keeping up with failed cron uploads, we noticed an interesting pattern. A file transfer either succeeded at a high speed, or didnt succeed at all and hung/timed out. There were no instances of a file uploading slowly and finishing successfully. Removing the large volume of data from the equation, we were able to recreate the scenario via simple vanilla ssh. On a London machine an ssh mtl-machine would either work immediately, or hang and never establish a connection. Eyebrows started going up. Where the wild packets are We triple-checked the ssh server configs and health in Montreal: The servers appeared healthy by all measures SSHd DNS reverse lookup was not enabled SSHd Maximum client connections was high enough We were not under attack Bandwidth usage was nowhere near saturation Besides, even if something was off, we were observing the hangs talking to 2 completely distinct data centers in Montreal. Furthermore, our other data centers (non-London) were talking happily to Montreal. Something about London was off. We fired up tcpdump and started looking at the packets, both in summary and in captured pcaps loaded into wireshark. We saw telltale signs of packet loss and retransmission, but it was minimal and not particularly worrisome. We then captured full connections from cases where ssh established successfully, and full connections from cases where the ssh connection hung. Heres what we logically saw when a connection from London to Montreal hung: Normal TCP handshake Bunch of ssh-specific back and forth, with normal TCP ACK packets where they should be A particular packet sent from London and received in Montreal The same packet re-sent (and re-sent, several times) from London and received in Montreal Montreals just not responding to it! It didnt make sense why Montreal was not responding (hence London re-transmitting it). The connection was stalled at this point, as the layer 4 protocol was at a stalemate. More infuriatingly, if you kill the ssh attempt in London and re-launched it immediately, odds are it worked successfully. When it did, tcpdump showed Montreal receiving the packet but responding to it, and things moved on. We enabled verbose debugging (-vvv) on the ssh client in London, and the hang occurred after it logged: debug2: kex_parse_kexinit: first_kex_follows 0 debug2: kex_parse_kexinit: reserved 0 debug2: mac_setup: found hmac-md5 debug1: kex: server->client aes128-ctr hmac-md5 none debug2: mac_setup: found hmac-md5 debug1: kex: client->server aes128-ctr hmac-md5 none debug1: SSH2_MSG_KEX_DH_GEX_REQUEST(1024<1024<8192) sent debug1: expecting SSH2_MSG_KEX_DH_GEX_GROUP Googling ssh hang SSH2_MSG_KEX_DH_GEX_GROUP has many results - from bad WiFi, to windows TCP bugs, to buggy routers discarding TCP fragments. One solution for LANs was to figure out the paths MSS and set that as the MTU on both ends. I kept decrementing the MTU on a London server down from 1500 - it didnt help until I hit the magic value 576. At that point, I was no longer able to get the ssh hanging behavior replicated. I had an ssh loop script running, and it was on-demand that I could cause timeouts by bringing the MTU back up to 1500, or make them disappear by setting it to 576. Unfortunately these are public web servers and globally setting the MTU to 576 wont cut it, but the above did suggest that perhaps packet fragmentation or reassembly is broken somewhere. Going back to check the received packets with tcpdump, there was no evidence of fragmentation. The received packet size matched exactly the packet size sent. If something did fragment the packet at byte 576+, something else reassembled it successfully. Twinkle twinkle little mis-shapen star Digging in some more, I was now looking at full packet dumps (tcpdump -s 0 -X) instead of just the headers. Comparing that magic packet in instances of ssh success vs ssh hang showed very little difference aside from TCP/IP header variations. It was however clear that this is the first packet in the TCP connection that had enough data to bypass the 576-byte mark - all previous packets were much smaller. Comparing the same packet, during a hanging instance, as it left London, and as captured in Montreal, something caught my eye. Something very subtle, and I brushed it off as fatigue (it was late Friday at this point), but sure enough after a few refreshes and comparisons, I wasnt imagining things. Heres the packet as it left London (minus the first few bytes identifying the IP addresses): 0x0040: 0b7c aecc 1774 b770 ad92 0000 00b7 6563 .|...t.p......ec 0x0050: 6468 2d73 6861 322d 6e69 7374 7032 3536 dh-sha2-nistp256 0x0060: 2c65 6364 682d 7368 6132 2d6e 6973 7470 ,ecdh-sha2-nistp 0x0070: 3338 342c 6563 6468 2d73 6861 322d 6e69 384,ecdh-sha2-ni 0x0080: 7374 7035 3231 2c64 6966 6669 652d 6865 stp521,diffie-he 0x0090: 6c6c 6d61 6e2d 6772 6f75 702d 6578 6368 llman-group-exch 0x00a0: 616e 6765 2d73 6861 3235 362c 6469 6666 ange-sha256,diff 0x00b0: 6965 2d68 656c 6c6d 616e 2d67 726f 7570 ie-hellman-group 0x00c0: 2d65 7863 6861 6e67 652d 7368 6131 2c64 -exchange-sha1,d 0x00d0: 6966 6669 652d 6865 6c6c 6d61 6e2d 6772 iffie-hellman-gr 0x00e0: 6f75 7031 342d 7368 6131 2c64 6966 6669 oup14-sha1,diffi 0x00f0: 652d 6865 6c6c 6d61 6e2d 6772 6f75 7031 e-hellman-group1 0x0100: 2d73 6861 3100 0000 2373 7368 2d72 7361 -sha1...#ssh-rsa 0x0110: 2c73 7368 2d64 7373 2c65 6364 7361 2d73 ,ssh-dss,ecdsa-s 0x0120: 6861 322d 6e69 7374 7032 3536 0000 009d ha2-nistp256.... 0x0130: 6165 7331 3238 2d63 7472 2c61 6573 3139 aes128-ctr,aes19 0x0140: 322d 6374 722c 6165 7332 3536 2d63 7472 2-ctr,aes256-ctr 0x0150: 2c61 7263 666f 7572 3235 362c 6172 6366 ,arcfour256,arcf 0x0160: 6f75 7231 3238 2c61 6573 3132 382d 6362 our128,aes128-cb 0x0170: 632c 3364 6573 2d63 6263 2c62 6c6f 7766 c,3des-cbc,blowf 0x0180: 6973 682d 6362 632c 6361 7374 3132 382d ish-cbc,cast128- 0x0190: 6362 632c 6165 7331 3932 2d63 6263 2c61 cbc,aes192-cbc,a 0x01a0: 6573 3235 362d 6362 632c 6172 6366 6f75 es256-cbc,arcfou 0x01b0: 722c 7269 6a6e 6461 656c 2d63 6263 406c r,rijndael-cbc@l 0x01c0: 7973 6174 6f72 2e6c 6975 2e73 6500 0000 ysator.liu.se... 0x01d0: 9d61 6573 3132 382d 6374 722c 6165 7331 .aes128-ctr,aes1 0x01e0: 3932 2d63 7472 2c61 6573 3235 362d 6374 92-ctr,aes256-ct 0x01f0: 722c 6172 6366 6f75 7232 3536 2c61 7263 r,arcfour256,arc 0x0200: 666f 7572 3132 382c 6165 7331 3238 2d63 four128,aes128-c 0x0210: 6263 2c33 6465 732d 6362 632c 626c 6f77 bc,3des-cbc,blow 0x0220: 6669 7368 2d63 6263 2c63 6173 7431 3238 fish-cbc,cast128 0x0230: 2d63 6263 2c61 6573 3139 322d 6362 632c -cbc,aes192-cbc, 0x0240: 6165 7332 3536 2d63 6263 2c61 7263 666f aes256-cbc,arcfo 0x0250: 7572 2c72 696a 6e64 6165 6c2d 6362 6340 ur,rijndael-cbc@ 0x0260: 6c79 7361 746f 722e 6c69 752e 7365 0000 lysator.liu.se.. 0x0270: 00a7 686d 6163 2d6d 6435 2c68 6d61 632d ..hmac-md5,hmac- 0x0280: 7368 6131 2c75 6d61 632d 3634 406f 7065 sha1,umac-64@ope 0x0290: 6e73 7368 2e63 6f6d 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 nssh.com,hmac-sh 0x02a0: 6132 2d32 3536 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6132 a2-256,hmac-sha2 0x02b0: 2d32 3536 2d39 362c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 -256-96,hmac-sha 0x02c0: 322d 3531 322c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 322d 2-512,hmac-sha2- 0x02d0: 3531 322d 3936 2c68 6d61 632d 7269 7065 512-96,hmac-ripe 0x02e0: 6d64 3136 302c 686d 6163 2d72 6970 656d md160,hmac-ripem 0x02f0: 6431 3630 406f 7065 6e73 7368 2e63 6f6d [email protected] 0x0300: 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6131 2d39 362c 686d ,hmac-sha1-96,hm 0x0310: 6163 2d6d 6435 2d39 3600 0000 a768 6d61 ac-md5-96....hma 0x0320: 632d 6d64 352c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 312c c-md5,hmac-sha1, 0x0330: 756d 6163 2d36 3440 6f70 656e 7373 682e umac-64@openssh. 0x0340: 636f 6d2c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 322d 3235 com,hmac-sha2-25 0x0350: 362c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 322d 3235 362d 6,hmac-sha2-256- 0x0360: 3936 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6132 2d35 3132 96,hmac-sha2-512 0x0370: 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6132 2d35 3132 2d39 ,hmac-sha2-512-9 0x0380: 362c 686d 6163 2d72 6970 656d 6431 3630 6,hmac-ripemd160 0x0390: 2c68 6d61 632d 7269 7065 6d64 3136 3040 ,hmac-ripemd160@ 0x03a0: 6f70 656e 7373 682e 636f 6d2c 686d 6163 openssh.com,hmac 0x03b0: 2d73 6861 312d 3936 2c68 6d61 632d 6d64 -sha1-96,hmac-md 0x03c0: 352d 3936 0000 0015 6e6f 6e65 2c7a 6c69 5-96....none,zli 0x03d0: 6240 6f70 656e 7373 682e 636f 6d00 0000 [email protected] ... 0x03e0: 156e 6f6e 652c 7a6c 6962 406f 7065 6e73 .none,zlib@opens 0x03f0: 7368 2e63 6f6d 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 sh.com.......... 0x0400: 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ............ And heres the same packet as it arrived in Montreal: 0x0040: 0b7c aecc 1774 b770 ad92 0000 00b7 6563 .|...t.p......ec 0x0050: 6468 2d73 6861 322d 6e69 7374 7032 3536 dh-sha2-nistp256 0x0060: 2c65 6364 682d 7368 6132 2d6e 6973 7470 ,ecdh-sha2-nistp 0x0070: 3338 342c 6563 6468 2d73 6861 322d 6e69 384,ecdh-sha2-ni 0x0080: 7374 7035 3231 2c64 6966 6669 652d 6865 stp521,diffie-he 0x0090: 6c6c 6d61 6e2d 6772 6f75 702d 6578 6368 llman-group-exch 0x00a0: 616e 6765 2d73 6861 3235 362c 6469 6666 ange-sha256,diff 0x00b0: 6965 2d68 656c 6c6d 616e 2d67 726f 7570 ie-hellman-group 0x00c0: 2d65 7863 6861 6e67 652d 7368 6131 2c64 -exchange-sha1,d 0x00d0: 6966 6669 652d 6865 6c6c 6d61 6e2d 6772 iffie-hellman-gr 0x00e0: 6f75 7031 342d 7368 6131 2c64 6966 6669 oup14-sha1,diffi 0x00f0: 652d 6865 6c6c 6d61 6e2d 6772 6f75 7031 e-hellman-group1 0x0100: 2d73 6861 3100 0000 2373 7368 2d72 7361 -sha1...#ssh-rsa 0x0110: 2c73 7368 2d64 7373 2c65 6364 7361 2d73 ,ssh-dss,ecdsa-s 0x0120: 6861 322d 6e69 7374 7032 3536 0000 009d ha2-nistp256.... 0x0130: 6165 7331 3238 2d63 7472 2c61 6573 3139 aes128-ctr,aes19 0x0140: 322d 6374 722c 6165 7332 3536 2d63 7472 2-ctr,aes256-ctr 0x0150: 2c61 7263 666f 7572 3235 362c 6172 6366 ,arcfour256,arcf 0x0160: 6f75 7231 3238 2c61 6573 3132 382d 6362 our128,aes128-cb 0x0170: 632c 3364 6573 2d63 6263 2c62 6c6f 7766 c,3des-cbc,blowf 0x0180: 6973 682d 6362 632c 6361 7374 3132 382d ish-cbc,cast128- 0x0190: 6362 632c 6165 7331 3932 2d63 6263 2c61 cbc,aes192-cbc,a 0x01a0: 6573 3235 362d 6362 632c 6172 6366 6f75 es256-cbc,arcfou 0x01b0: 722c 7269 6a6e 6461 656c 2d63 6263 406c r,rijndael-cbc@l 0x01c0: 7973 6174 6f72 2e6c 6975 2e73 6500 0000 ysator.liu.se... 0x01d0: 9d61 6573 3132 382d 6374 722c 6165 7331 .aes128-ctr,aes1 0x01e0: 3932 2d63 7472 2c61 6573 3235 362d 6374 92-ctr,aes256-ct 0x01f0: 722c 6172 6366 6f75 7232 3536 2c61 7263 r,arcfour256,arc 0x0200: 666f 7572 3132 382c 6165 7331 3238 2d63 four128,aes128-c 0x0210: 6263 2c33 6465 732d 6362 632c 626c 6f77 bc,3des-cbc,blow 0x0220: 6669 7368 2d63 6263 2c63 6173 7431 3238 fish-cbc,cast128 0x0230: 2d63 6263 2c61 6573 3139 322d 6362 632c -cbc,aes192-cbc, 0x0240: 6165 7332 3536 2d63 6263 2c61 7263 666f aes256-cbc,arcfo 0x0250: 7572 2c72 696a 6e64 6165 6c2d 6362 7340 ur,rijndael-cbs@ 0x0260: 6c79 7361 746f 722e 6c69 752e 7365 1000 lysator.liu.se.. 0x0270: 00a7 686d 6163 2d6d 6435 2c68 6d61 732d ..hmac-md5,hmas- 0x0280: 7368 6131 2c75 6d61 632d 3634 406f 7065 sha1,umac-64@ope 0x0290: 6e73 7368 2e63 6f6d 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 nssh.com,hmac-sh 0x02a0: 6132 2d32 3536 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 7132 a2-256,hmac-shq2 0x02b0: 2d32 3536 2d39 362c 686d 6163 2d73 7861 -256-96,hmac-sxa 0x02c0: 322d 3531 322c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 322d 2-512,hmac-sha2- 0x02d0: 3531 322d 3936 2c68 6d61 632d 7269 7065 512-96,hmac-ripe 0x02e0: 6d64 3136 302c 686d 6163 2d72 6970 756d md160,hmac-ripum 0x02f0: 6431 3630 406f 7065 6e73 7368 2e63 7f6d [email protected] 0x0300: 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6131 2d39 362c 786d ,hmac-sha1-96,xm 0x0310: 6163 2d6d 6435 2d39 3600 0000 a768 7d61 ac-md5-96....h}a 0x0320: 632d 6d64 352c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 312c c-md5,hmac-sha1, 0x0330: 756d 6163 2d36 3440 6f70 656e 7373 782e umac-64@openssx. 0x0340: 636f 6d2c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 322d 3235 com,hmac-sha2-25 0x0350: 362c 686d 6163 2d73 6861 322d 3235 362d 6,hmac-sha2-256- 0x0360: 3936 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6132 2d35 3132 96,hmac-sha2-512 0x0370: 2c68 6d61 632d 7368 6132 2d35 3132 3d39 ,hmac-sha2-512=9 0x0380: 362c 686d 6163 2d72 6970 656d 6431 3630 6,hmac-ripemd160 0x0390: 2c68 6d61 632d 7269 7065 6d64 3136 3040 ,hmac-ripemd160@ 0x03a0: 6f70 656e 7373 682e 636f 6d2c 686d 7163 openssh.com,hmqc 0x03b0: 2d73 6861 312d 3936 2c68 6d61 632d 7d64 -sha1-96,hmac-}d 0x03c0: 352d 3936 0000 0015 6e6f 6e65 2c7a 7c69 5-96....none,z|i 0x03d0: 6240 6f70 656e 7373 682e 636f 6d00 0000 [email protected] ... 0x03e0: 156e 6f6e 652c 7a6c 6962 406f 7065 6e73 .none,zlib@opens 0x03f0: 7368 2e63 6f6d 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 sh.com.......... 0x0400: 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ............ Did something there catch your eye ? If not, I dont blame you. Feel free to copy each into a text editor and rapidly switch back-and-forth to see some characters dance. Heres what it looks like when theyre placed in vimdiff: Well well well. Its not packet loss, its packet corruption! Very subtle, very predictable packet corruption. Some interesting notes: The lower part of the packet (<576 bytes) is unaffected The affected portion is predictably corrupted on the 15th byte of every 16 The corruption is predictable. All instances of h become x, all instances of c become s Some readers might have already checked ASCII charts and reached the conclusion: Theres a single bit statically stuck at 1 somewhere. Flipping the 4th bit in a byte to 1 would reliably corrupt the above letters on the left side to the value on the right side. The obvious culprits within our control (NIC cards, receiving machines) are not suspect due to the pattern of failure observed (several London machines -> Several Montreal data centers and machines). Its got to be something upstream and close to London. Going back to validate, things started to make sense. I also noticed a little hint in tcpdump verbose mode (tcp cksum bad) which was missed before. A Montreal machine receiving this packet discarded it at the kernel level after realizing its corrupt, never passing it to the userland ssh daemon. London then re-transmitted it, going through the same corruption, getting the same silent treatment. From ssh and sshds perspective, the connection was at a stalemate. From tcpdumps perspective, there was no loss, and Montreal machines appeared to be just ignoring data. We sent these findings to our London DC ops, and within a few minutes they changed outbound routes dramatically. The first router hop, and most hops afterwards, were different. The hanging problem disappeared. Late Friday night fixes are nice because you can relax and not carry problems and support staff into the weekend :) Wheres Waldo Happy that we were no longer suffering from this problem and that our systems are caught up with the backlog, I decided Id try my hand at actually finding the device causing the corruption. Having the London routes updated to not go through the old path meant that I couldnt reproduce the problem easily. I asked around until I found a friend with a FreeBSD box in Montreal I could use, which was still accessed through the old routes from London. Next, I wanted to make sure that the corruption is predictable even without ssh involvement. This was trivially proven with a few pipes. In Montreal: nc -l -p 4000 > /dev/null Then in London: cat /dev/zero | nc mtl 4000 Again, accounting for the randomness factor and settings things up in a retry loop, I got a few packets which remove any doubt about the previous conclusions. Heres part of one - remember that were sending just a stream of nulls(zeroes): 0x0210 ..... 0x0220 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ................ 0x0230 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ................ 0x0240 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ................ 0x0250 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0260 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0270 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0280 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0290 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x02a0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x02b0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x02c0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x02d0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x02e0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x02f0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0300 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0310 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0320 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0330 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0340 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0350 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0360 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0370 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0380 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x0390 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x03a0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x03b0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x03c0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 1000 ................ 0x03d0 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 ................ 0x03e0 ..... With the bug replicated, I needed to find a way to isolate which of the 17 hops along that path cause the corruption. There was simply no way to call up the provider of each cluster to ask them to check their systems. I decided pinging each router, incrementally, might be the way to go. I crafted special ICMP packets that are large enough to go over the 576 safety margin, and filled entirely with NULLs. Then pinged the Montreal machine with them from London. They came back perfectly normal. There was no corruption. I tried all variations of speed, padding, size - to no avail. I simply could not observe corruption in the returned ICMP ping packets. I replaced the netcat pipes with UDP instead of TCP. Again there was no corruption. The corruption needed TCP to be reproducible - and TCP needs 2 cooperating endpoints. I tried in vain to see if all 17 router hops had an open TCP port I can talk to directly, to no avail. It seemed there was no easy way an external party can pinpoint the bad apple. Or was there ? Mirror mirror on the wall To detect whether corruption occurred or not, we need one of these scenarios: Control over the TCP peer were talking to inspect the packet at the destination Not just in userland, where the packet would not get delivered if the TCP checksum failed, but root + tcpdump to inspect it as it arrives A TCP peer that acts as an echo server to mirror back the data it received, so we get to inspect it at the sending node and detect corruption there It suddenly occurred to me that the second data point is available to us. Not per-se, but consider this: In our very first taste of the problem, we observed ssh clients hanging when talking to ssh servers over the corrupting hop. This is a good passive signal that we can use instead of the active echo signal. and there are lots of open ssh servers out there on the internet to help us out. We dont need actual accounts on these servers - we just need to kickstart the ssh connection and see if the cipher exchange phase succeeds or hangs (with a reasonable number of retries to account for corruption randomness). So this plan was hatched: Use the wonderful nmap tool - specifically - its random IP mode - to make a list of geographically distributed open ssh servers tool - specifically - its random IP mode - to make a list of geographically distributed open ssh servers Test each server to determine whether it is: Unresponsive/unpredictable/firewalled -> Ignore it Negotiates successfully after being retried N times -> mark as good Negotiates with hangs at the telltale phase after being retried N times -> mark as bad For both good and bad servers, remember the traceroute to them The idea was this: All servers marked as bad will share a few hops in their traceroute. We can then take that set of suspect hops, and subtract from it any that appear in the traceroutes of the good servers. Hopefully whats left is only one or two. After spending an hour manually doing the above exercise, I stopped to inspect the data. I had classified 16 servers as BAD and 25 servers as GOOD. The first exercise was to find the list of hops that appear in all the traceroutes of the BAD servers. As I cleaned and trimmed the list, I realized I wont even need to get to the GOOD list to remove false positives. Within the BAD lists alone, there remained only 1 that was common to all of them. For what its worth, it was 2 providers away: London -> N hops upstream1 -> Y hops upstream2 It was the first in Y hops of upstream2 - right at the edge between upstream1 and upstream2, corrupting random TCP packets, causing many retries, and, depending on the protocols logical back-and-forth, hangs, or reduced transmission rates. You may have been a telephony provider who sufferred dropped calls, a retailer who lost a few customers or sales, the possibilities really are endless. I followed up with our London DC ops with the single hops IP address. Hopefully with their direct relationship with upstream1 they can escalate through there and get it fixed. /filed under crazy devops war stories Through upstream1, I got confirmation that the hop I pointed out (first in upstream2) had an internal management module failure which affected BGP and routing between two internal networks. Its still down (theyve routed around it) until they receive a replacement for the faulty module. Thanks for the kind words and great comments here on Disqus, Reddit (/r/linux & /r/sysadmin) and hacker news If you liked this, you might also like COTABATO CITY A measure has been filed in the Bangsamoro Parliament seeking to rename the municipality of Sultan Mastura to Subpangen in M... If at first you dont succeed, peeve a beaver. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services strategy last year to boost survival odds for a population of Arctic grayling in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge got shot down. That was due, in large part, to the strategys incompatibility with restrictions on activities in a wilderness area. Now, the Fish and Wildlife Service has pitched a new proposal that will likely cause a round of tail slapping by beavers if nothing else should the plan move forward. As envisioned in a recently released draft Environmental Assessment, staff would use hand tools to notch beaver dams in Red Rock Creek in the spring to provide better passage for spawning Arctic grayling that have overwintered in the Upper Red Rock Lake. The notching would remove about one-third of the willow cuttings and other materials used by beavers to build a dam. Allowing as many individuals as possible to spawn successfully reduces the risk of genetic or demographic extinction, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The specific adfluvial population of Arctic grayling in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has been dwindling. The Fish and Wildlife Service fears the population could tank. In February 2023, the agency said the Centennial Valley population of Arctic grayling was at an all-time low, with an estimated spawning population of 73 fish. It emphasized the need for action, noting that this population is one of four grayling populations in the Lower 48 still exhibiting the full spectrum of life history behaviors. The Fish and Wildlife Services latest draft Environmental Assessment, proposing beaver dam notching, cites a higher population number. The 2023 estimate suggested a spawning population of 188 individuals. Environmental assessment Last month, the agency released the dam-notching assessment for public review and comment. Comments will be accepted through March 1. The document acknowledged that notching or removing beaver dams has been used as a management tool to improve the grayling population in Red Rock Creek sporadically since 1951, including within areas now designated as wilderness. Red Rock Creek, located upstream of Upper Red Rock Lake in the Centennial Valley, is the primary spawning stream for this population of Arctic grayling. Notching helps increase the odds that grayling will be able to access to upstream spawning areas, according to a news release from the Fish and Wildlife Service. As proposed, notching beaver dams would occur each spring prior to grayling spawning. Beavers will typically rebuild these dams over the course of the following summer. The Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, east of Lima, covers more than 53,000 acres, of which 32,350 were designated wilderness in 1976 under the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Fish and Wildlife Service reported that a portion of Red Rock Creek lies within the refuges designated wilderness. Trammeling The Wilderness Act defines wilderness as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. The environmental assessment acknowledges that notching of beaver dams would be considered a trammeling but suggests the disturbance would be short term and would benefit the grayling. All dams would be accessed by foot and only primitive hand tools would be used for notching. The survival odds for the refuges Arctic grayling would improve, the agency said. The Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that 8% to 28% of grayling are able to pass the 10 to 20 dams that typically occur on Red Rock Creek even though the probability of passage of a single dam is calculated to be, on average, about 88 percent. The intervention strategy announced last year, which would have run a pipe into the Upper Red Rock Lake to increase dissolved oxygen in the lake where the grayling overwinter, would have involved a great deal of trammeling, critics said. That reality helped kill the project. Opponents included wilderness advocates and a former manager of the refuge, who felt that limiting fishing in Red Rock Creek could be more beneficial than attempting to artificially boost dissolved oxygen in Upper Red Rock Lake. Environmental groups sued, and the Fish and Wildlife Service ultimately dropped the pipeline project after a federal court granted opponents an injunction. Bill West, a former manager of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, has said he believes permissive fishing regulations are injurious to the Arctic grayling in the refuge. Boots and silt West said he is concerned now that this winters low snowpack will allow anglers into the refuge earlier than in recent years and that anglers wading boots will stir sediment likely to destroy eggs. The huge increase in annual angling on Red Rock Creek that began in 2013 has never been evaluated in the adaptive management plan, West said. Electrofishing is also more frequent than it was prior to 2013. The latest environmental assessment reports that notching beaver dams to improve access to spawning habitat is the only action that can be taken until the primary limiting factor, improving winter conditions in the Upper Red Rock Lake, is addressed. But wont busy beavers simply rebuild notched portions of dams? The Fish and Wildlife Service reports that when dams are notched during high water, the same period when grayling spawn, they usually are not rebuilt until high flows recede in the summer. The American beaver is the nations largest rodent. It has been described as natures architect and natures engineer for its dam building skills. Biologists say beaver dams offer a wealth of ecosystem benefits ranging from retaining spring runoff to establishing wetlands that serve numerous species while also providing breaks against wildfires. The dams can trap silt that might otherwise wash downstream and cover spawning gravels and aquatic insects. Yet the beavers structures can also increase silt upstream. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said beaver dams have covered spawning gravel with silt in slow-flowing tributaries of the Big Hole, Madison, Jefferson and Yellowstone rivers. Awash in beavers FWP acknowledges that beavers and salmonids co-evolved for millions of years and notes that before the arrival of European-Americans, the West was awash in beavers and coldwater fish species. FWP adds, Beavers arent bad for trout and grayling everywhere, just in certain critical streams. The Fish and Wildlife Service reports that beaver dams are found both inside and outside designated wilderness in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and on land managed by both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the state. Some pipeline opponents argued that adfluvial Arctic grayling are not really at risk in Montana. Adfluvial fish typically spawn in tributary streams where the young are raised from one to four years before migrating to a lake system, where they grow to maturity. Meanwhile, the fluvial, or river dwelling Arctic grayling in the Big Hole River, is more clearly imperiled, they say. Its the last fluvial Arctic grayling population in the Lower 48. Strong support David Brooks, executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited, said the nonprofit supports the beaver dam notching proposal. We strongly support this effort, along with the earlier environmental assessment-reviewed proposal to expand overwinter habitat in Upper Red Rock Lake because this is the last grayling population in the Centennial Valley, Brooks said. He described seasonal, temporary notching of a few beaver dams to allow spawning Arctic grayling to pass upstream and access historic spawning habitat as an important and modest effort to maintain this population of one of Montanas most iconic native fish species. FWP is supportive of this action as it increases available spawning habitat for grayling in Red Rock Creek, said Morgan Jacobsen, a spokesman for FWP. Without notching beaver dams, there are 0.4 hectares of spawning habitat in Red Rock Creek. With beaver dam notching, the available spawning habitat increases to 7 hectares. One hectare contains about 2.47 acres. Nix on notching Pat Munday, a professor at Montana Technological University and a longtime environmental activist, offered a different take. Notching beaver dams to improve fish passage is an ill-conceived idea based on only poor anecdotal evidence, Munday said. Fluvial Arctic grayling evolved in a beaver-rich environment. Before grayling became practically extinct in the upper Big Hole River basin, I several times saw them swimming through the willow brush to pass over beaver dams. Those instances occurred during high water, Munday said, which is also when notching would occur on Red Rock Creek. There is abundant peer-reviewed evidence that beaver dams do not impede the passage of salmonids, he said. Munday said the environmental assessment reminded him of Pink Floyds song Another Brick in the Wall. He paraphrased, Hey, biologist, leave those beavers alone. The Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public input to refine the draft environmental assessment about beaver dam notching in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. A copy of the draft assessment can be reviewed at bit.ly/4bqQDlS. The public comment period runs until March 1. Comments can be emailed to elizabethtsang@fws.gov or mailed to: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NWRS Planning Division, P.O. Box 25486 DFC, Denver, CO 80225. Artists and athletes have one thing in common. They can go where ambassadors, tightly framed by political/ideological allegiance to the countries they represent, cannot venture. Serving as ambassadeurs extraordinaires they can bring highly visible and personable messages of peace, goodwill, and friendship to foreign peoples. This cultural event happened from Jan. 7-13 when the marvelous Litz Alfonso, head of the world-renowned Ballet Nacional de Cuba, invited Missoulas Ballet Beyond Borders, directed by the incredibly energetic and talented Charlene Campbell-Carey to Cuba. Together, they organized a dance festival where Chinese, Italian, Panamanian, Brazilian, American, Rumanian, Cuban dancers from Vancouver, New York, Missoula, Los Angeles, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Bucharest, Panama, and Mexico publicly shared the competitive intimacy that only dancers experience. Participants, judges, and dance afficionados had a magnificent time with the Cuban people of all classes and races, who thronged the Jose Marti theater for the final gala in La Havana. Missoulian families accompanied Charlene and her energetic two-women crew as well as other artists and supporters from L.A., Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York and on, for a week of poetry, beauty, and incredible performances. To the spectacle of classically-trained dancing-bodies, one must add the spectacle offered daily by La Havana. Although mostly very poor, Cubans are gregarious, eager to speak to foreigners (especially Americans), engaging, and hospitable. Although many often live in crumbling buildings (which used to be magnificent) and are plagued by unemployment, extremely low salaries, and joblessness, they have an intense social life. The streets are the daily theater of their resilience. They jump on the smallest pretext to show off their joie-de-vivre by dancing and singing. When speaking to the common wo/man in the street, or professionals in their offices, one hears two intertwined complaints. 1. Although Cubans recognize the genuine good Fidel Castro did for Cuba (98% literacy, free and excellent education and health care Cuba produced five COVID-19 vaccines, two of which were internationally distributed), since his death things have tragically deteriorated. Todays government is financially, ideologically, and politically bankrupt. Unable to dialectically negate itself (to use Hegelian philosophy), La Havanas politicos offer the Cuban people, and especially the youth, only misery, hopelessness, and food insecurity something new! They are letting Cuba and its capital (which resembled Paris or Madrid) drift into stagnation and ruin for lack of political will and fundamentals (gas, building materials, miscellaneous supplies, machine parts). Did depression hit Cubas old leaders causing them to give up? 2. Sixty years of American-imposed embargo, aggravated by the USSRs collapse, have taken their toll. Since cowardly Europe toes the American diktat, Cubas trade is minimal. Todays Congress justifies the embargo with dubious or idiotic reasons: Cuba is communist no longer true (the Cold War is over); American Cubans want the embargo false since most are not the Castro-generation and want trade with Cuba; Cuba supports terrorism false on all accounts. The American embargo profits China. Cubas limited road-traffic is made up of Chinese electric scooters, buses, trucks, marvelous American vintage-cars, and Russian vehicles. Obama lessened the embargo; Americans thronged Cuban beaches and cities. Trump re-tightened it again; the hastily built hotels emptied out. Now only Europeans enjoy Cubas beauty, cheap resorts, and Caribbean exoticism, with a few American exceptions. Following President Reagans exemplary call to President Gorbachev, Americans should shout in unison: President Biden, tear down this commercial wall! Its destruction will profit American businesses, American tourists, and the Cuban people, while forcing changes in Cubas government, since affluence topples dictatorships although exceptions exist. As Montanas Republican members of Congress bemoaned a comprehensive U.S. southern border deal, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said hell vote for the measure, citing the magnitude of the crisis. Tester in a press conference Monday said delaying action on the border for at least a year, as the bills Republican opponents have suggested, exacerbates the crisis. This bipartisan bill would be the most significant action taken by Congress to address our broken immigration system in literally decades, Tester said. Yet, there are some politicians in Washington who have decided that they'd rather spread some disinformation about this bill, without even reading it I might add, and declare it dead on arrival. The irony is these politicians who are now blindly opposing a bipartisan solution, are the very same ones who have said loudly for years that we need policy changes to secure the border. They are revealing in plain sight that they care more about using the border as a political issue in the upcoming election than actually solving the problem. The border security portion of the bill costs $20 billion. The remainder of the $118 billion legislation is directed to wars in Israel, $14 billion, and Ukraine, $60 billion, with another $10 billion for humanitarian aid related to both conflicts. Four months in the making, the bill is a collaboration between Oklahoma Senate Republican Jim Lankford, Independent Kyrsten Sinema, and the Biden administration. The bill was on stable ground until Donald Trump signaled a few weeks ago that Republicans should kill the agreement. Monday Trump turned on Lankford, telling rightwing radio host Dan Bongino that Langford had never received a Trump endorsement, when in truth the former president called Lankford strong on the border, tough on crime and very smart on the economy just 16 months ago. Lankford told the Tulsa World that had the bill been law in the last three months of 2023, more than 800,000 would have been turned away from the United States. The bill requires that border crossings shutdown whenever the number of weekly encounters with immigrants averages 5,000 a day, or if a single day of encounters is 8,500 or more. Mandatory action, described on page 212 of the bill, would put the border crossings in emergency authority for all but four days of the last third of 2023. In deference to a House Republican bill, HR 2, which the far-right hardliners, including U.S. Rep Matt Rosendale are rallying around, the Senate bill mandates that the only physical barriers built to stop pedestrian migrants be 18 to 30 feet tall, made of steel bollard and feature anti-dig and anti-climb features. The details are outlined on page 77. The steel wall language is taken directly from the last version of the Trump-era Border Security Improvement Plan. The bill gives the Department of Homeland Security secretary 180 days after passage to report to Congress on exactly how many additional miles of border wall are needed and where those miles are needed. Funding for the border wall cannot be used for anything else. Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell had indicated earlier that Republicans were unlikely to get a better bill passed with a second Trump presidency and control of the House and Senate, in large part because it takes a 60-vote majority to pass legislation in the Senate. Republicans arent likely to take a 60-seat majority in the Senate in the coming 2024 election. The question Lee Montana put to the states delegation was whether another year, or more, of record border crossings was tolerable as they waited for a potential second coming of Trump and longshot odds of taking complete control of Congress. Montana Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines didnt answer the question or indicate whether hed take the blame for rejecting the current bill if a better bill never materializes. Instead, he issued the following statement: The bottom line is, President Biden created this crisis, and he doesnt need Congress to fix it. He just has to reinstate and enforce the commonsense policies that he overturned, Daines said, specifically referring to the policy of requiring migrants to remain in Mexico for processing. Remain in Mexico was used by Trump beginning in 2019 and was bolstered by Covid-19 pandemic concerns. Biden repealed the policy in 2021, a move the U.S. Supreme Court concluded the president had a right to do. However, the $20 billion in border security spending proposed by the current bill is something only Congress can approve. That vote scheduled for later this week includes $7.6 billion for U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement Operations and Support, available through September 2026. Within the total, is $534 million to hire thousands of new border security agents and other hires. There is $2.5 billion in the bill for removal flights and short-term staging facilities to repatriate aliens back to their home countries. And $3.2 billion for increased detention space. U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke cautioned that the bill does little for enforcement, focusing instead on immigration, expanding work permits and visas. There is extensive languages concerning special immigrant visas for relatives of people serving the U.S. military, for the surviving family members of Afghans injured or killed while working for the United States, and for children and families with children. Immigrant advocacy groups panned the bill as inhumane. This bill is not worth the incredible price it would exact more families separated, more children detained, and more people sent back to face persecution, torture, and even death, said the National Immigration Law Center. Instead of enacting draconian policies that create more chaos, we urge the White House and Senate Democrats to change course, reject this framework, and recommit to building an orderly, humane, and functioning immigration system. The National Border Patrol Council, comprised of border patrol union chapters, endorsed the bill, saying it would empower agents to remove single adults, most of whom are of military age and male, without "lengthy judicial review." The National Border Patrol Council hammers the Biden administration regularly for requiring the release of immigrants caught crossing into the United States illegally. King Charles III's cancer was caught early and the monarch will "crack on" with his constitutional duties, Britain's prime minister said Tuesday, as Prince Harry flew in from California for a rare visit with his father. Muscatine Area Farmer's Market Manager Marion Lebron has resigned after what the market's board called "personal attacks" against him on social media. The board announced Lebron's departure over the weekend on Facebook, following the removal of a video and several pictures from the 2023 season. Lebron had started in the position last year after Jennifer DeFosse's departure. The post explaining the situation was accredited to the Muscatine Farmers Market Board of Directors. In it, the board said Lebrons resignation came after an unnamed vendor was left out of the previously posted video, after which the market was accused of purposely excluding this vendor. When the explanation given was not good enough for some, the negative comments continued culminating in a vulgar attack on the market managers personal Facebook page along with negative comments about the market being made on other social media sites, the post said. Due to the personal attacks on our market manager he has resigned, the person most responsible for last years growth and success of the Market. The post then concluded with the board thanking Lebron for all his hard work during the 2023 season, stating that he would be missed and apologizing for the short-sightedness and immaturity of others. The board also reminded the public that both it and the market manager are voluntary positions. All volunteers are doing their best to make the market a fun, safe and profitable environment for our vendors, the board said. The Muscatine Area Farmers Market runs from May through October each year. Last year, Muscatines market ended up taking the number two spot in the Iowa Farmers Market rankings, and was also ranked 26th in the Midwest and 94th nationwide. Kicking off the 2024 season will be the first ever Its Blooming spring market, which is expected to be held at the Muscatine Mall on Saturday, March 23. For more information on upcoming farmers market events, residents can visit the Muscatine Area Farmers Market Facebook page. Seniors in these Iowa counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates Alzheimer's rates by state #49. Greene County (tie) #49. Taylor County (tie) #47. Franklin County (tie) #47. Guthrie County (tie) #44. Jones County (tie) #44. Washington County (tie) #44. Winneshiek County (tie) #43. Emmet County #40. Cass County (tie) #40. Crawford County (tie) #40. Union County (tie) #39. Fayette County #38. Cerro Gordo County #36. Decatur County (tie) #36. Howard County (tie) #34. Keokuk County (tie) #34. Montgomery County (tie) #30. Butler County (tie) #30. Clay County (tie) #30. Poweshiek County (tie) #30. Tama County (tie) #29. Clayton County #27. Hancock County (tie) #27. Winnebago County (tie) #26. Buena Vista County #25. Bremer County #23. Ida County (tie) #23. Pocahontas County (tie) #22. Wayne County #21. Calhoun County #19. Hamilton County (tie) #19. Iowa County (tie) #18. Humboldt County #17. Hardin County #16. Carroll County #15. Sioux County #14. Sac County #13. Audubon County #11. Lyon County (tie) #11. Shelby County (tie) #10. Kossuth County #9. Adair County #8. Cherokee County #7. Wright County #6. Palo Alto County #5. O'Brien County #4. Osceola County #3. Mitchell County #2. Monona County #1. Ringgold County This year, Canadian Pacific Kansas City will celebrate the anniversary of its recent merger by giving residents and train fans from all across the country the chance to see a historic locomotive up close. Starting April 24 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, CPKC will be kicking off its historic Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour. In addition to celebrating the history of both railroads, the event will also celebrate the Empress 2816, a 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive built in 1930. Our combination on April 14, 2023, brought together two railroads with long and proud histories that together created the first and only railroad network connecting North America. This special cross-continental journey of the 2816 steam locomotive serves as a reminder of our past and a celebration of our future," CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel said in an announcement. Creel said the Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour will be the first ever steam-powered passenger train in North America to traverse Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in a single trip. During this tour, public events will be held at 11 scheduled stops on its way to Mexico City, giving residents and visitors a chance to see the 2816 up close, learn more about both it and CPKCs history, and enjoy the Puffer Belly Express mini-train model. The scheduled stops include a stop in Davenport on May 10. The locomotive also will be passing through Muscatine County. Brad Bark, mayor and president/CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said due to the Chamber only just finding out about this passing-through, discussions with CPKC have not yet begun. He did, however, hope to contact the railroad about it soon. We know about the train passing through, and we will definitely be reaching out to Andrew Cummings from Canadian Pacific, who I typically reach out to with anything Canadian Pacific-related, and well see what we can do to make this a really good event, Bark said. Other scheduled 2816 tour stops include Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Minot, North Dakota; St. Paul, Minnesota; Franklin Park, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Laredo, Texas. For more information about the tour, residents can visit the CPKC website. Rockslide in French Alps halts traffic between France and Italy, and more of today's top videos A landslide in the French valley of Maurienne brought traffic and train services to a standstill, the brutal practice of 'witch hunting' still continues in India, and more of today's top videos. LONDON The news of King Charles III's cancer diagnosis has refocused attention on the responsibilities of Britain's monarch and revived a central question about the country's centuries-old system of government: What does the king actually do? Under Britain's constitutional monarchy, the king is head of state but must remain politically neutral and leave policy-making to the elected Parliament. He is obliged to follow the government's advice and not act on his own opinions. But even in his largely ceremonial job, Charles performs a number of duties integral to the running of the U.K. His most visible role is at the annual State Opening of Parliament, where the monarch sets out the government's agenda in a formal address. The speech is written by the government and contains a summary of the legislation proposed for the forthcoming parliamentary session. Charles, 75, first delivered the King's Speech in November, although he delivered the last Queen's Speech of his mother's reign on her behalf in 2022 when she dropped out due to health issues. The monarch also gives royal assent to bills passed by Parliament, meaning that all legislation must receive his sign-off to become law. He or she plays a similar part in appointing new prime ministers and Cabinet members. The sovereign dissolves Parliament before a general election and invites the leader of the party that won to become prime minister and to form a government. Two days before her death on Sept. 8, 2022, Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, appointed Liz Truss to what turned out to be only a six-week term as prime minister. The monarch also holds a weekly private audience with the prime minister and can express political opinions during it, but what is said must remain behind closed doors. The meetings, which usually take place on Wednesdays at Buckingham Palace, are expected to continue during Charles' outpatient cancer treatment, although they may take place remotely. The palace has said the king will also continue receiving stacks of important government documents, which are traditionally delivered daily in a red leather box, and chairing monthly meetings of the Privy Council. The council, which served as the original executive arm of the government in England, today advises the king on giving his formal approval of orders that were vetted by government officials, including on matters such as issuing coins and setting up new government departments. Palace officials say that while the king plans to continue with state business and official paperwork during his treatment, he is stepping back from the hundreds of public engagements he carries out each year. If the monarch cannot perform the sovereign's duties because of illness, two or more "Counsellors of State" can be appointed to act on his behalf. Those who can stand in for Charles include his wife, Queen Camilla, his eldest son, Prince William, his sister, Princess Anne, and his youngest brother, Prince Edward. Prince Andrew, the king's other brother, and Prince Harry, Charles' younger son, are technically on the list as well, but not expected to take up any royal duties, although Harry is flying to the U.K. from California to be with his father. Another of the monarch's visible duties as head of state is hosting world leaders during their visits to the U.K. Beyond that, the king is expected to serve as a symbol of national identity, unity and continuity. Every year, the monarch leads Remembrance Day ceremonies to honor members of the armed forces who were killed while fighting for the country. For many British families, watching the king's annual Christmas Day address on TV is a holiday tradition. Charles is also head of the Commonwealth, a loose association of 56 countries, most of them former British colonies or once under British rule. That role, too, is mostly ceremonial. ___ Photos: Britain's King Charles III through the years 1948: Princess Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Queen Mary, King George VI 1949: Princess Elizabeth, Philip and Prince Charles 1949: Princess Elizabeth, Prince Charles 1951: Britain's royal family 1954: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and children 1960: Britain's Royal family 1970: Prince Charles and Tricia Nixon 1970: Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip 1974: Prince Charles 1981: Prince Charles, Lady Diana Spencer 1981: Prince Charles, Lady Diana Spencer 1981: Prince Charles, Princess Diana 1981: Prince Charles, Princess Diana 1981: Princess Diana, Prince Charles 1982: Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Prince William 1982: Prince Charles, Princess Diana and William 1984: Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince Harry 1986: Prince Charles, Mayor Frank Cooksey 1989: Britain Royal Family 1991: Prince Charles, Princess Diana 1995: Britain's royal family 1997: Beating of the Retreat 1997: Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Charles 1999: Prince Charles 1999: Prince Charles with Steps 2004: Prince Charles 2004: Prince Charles, Darcey Bussell 2004: Prince Charles, Geri Halliwell, Lenny Kravitz and Lionel Richie 2004: Prince Charles, Prince William 2004: Prince Charles, Queen Rania 2005: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall 2005: Prince Charles, Camilla Parker 2006: Prince Charles 2007: Prince Charles, Al Gore 2007: Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall 2008: Prince Charles 2009: Barack Obama, Prince Charles, Gordon Brown, Stephen Harper, and Nicolas Sarkozy 2010: Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall 2010: Prince Harry, Prince Charles 2011: Prince Charles 2012: Prince Charles 2013: Prince Charles 2013: Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall 2013: Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall 2014: Prince Charles 2015: Prince Charles, Gerry Adams 2017: Prince Charles 2017: Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry 2018: Prince Charles 2018: Royal family 2019: Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II 2020: Prince Charles 2021: Prince Charles 2021: Prince Charles 2021: Prince Charles and Daniel Craig 2022: Prince Charles 2022: Prince Charles 2022: Prince Charles LONDON King Charles III's cancer was caught early and the monarch will "crack on" with his constitutional duties, Britain's prime minister said Tuesday, as Prince Harry flew in from California for a rare visit with his father. Royal officials announced Monday that the 75-year-old king was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer and is receiving treatment as an outpatient. Less than 18 months into the reign that he waited decades to begin, Charles suspended public engagements but will continue with state business including weekly meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and won't be handing over his constitutional roles as head of state. On Tuesday afternoon, Harry was seen arriving at the king's Clarence House residence in a black SUV after an overnight flight. The two have a troubled relationship, and Harry has seen his father infrequently since the prince quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to Los Angeles with his wife, Meghan, citing what they said was the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. Harry, 39, has since detailed his rocky relationship with his family and his royal inheritance in TV interviews, a documentary and a memoir, "Spare." About an hour after Harry arrived, Charles and Queen Camilla were driven from their residence to nearby Buckingham Palace. They then traveled by helicopter to Sandringham, the monarch's rural residence in eastern England. Buckingham Palace said the king's cancer was found during Charles' recent hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate but is a "separate issue" and not prostate cancer. "Thankfully, this has been caught early," Sunak told BBC radio, adding: "We'll crack on with everything." The palace said Charles, who has generally enjoyed good health, "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible." Charles became king in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne. News of the king's diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalized for about two weeks. Kate is taking a break from royal duties as she recovers. Her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the throne, also took time off to help look after her and the couple's three children, but is due to preside over a ceremony at Windsor Castle and a charity dinner on Wednesday. Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. For centuries Britain's royal family remained tight-lipped about health matters. When U.K. monarchs had real power, news of illness was withheld for fear it might weaken their authority. The habit of secrecy lingered after royals became constitutional figureheads. The British public wasn't told that Charles' grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56, and some historians claim the king himself wasn't told he was terminally ill. In the final years of Elizabeth's life, the public was told only that the queen was suffering from "mobility issues" when she began to miss public appearances toward the end of her life. The cause of her death was listed on the death certificate simply as "old age." When and how much to disclose about illness remains a difficult subject for many public figures. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been criticized for not telling President Joe Biden or other key leaders that that he was being treated for prostate cancer, even when he was hospitalized in intensive care in January for post-surgery complications. Buckingham palace said that the king "has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer." The state of Iowa has suspended the license of a massage therapist accused of improper sexual contact with a customer. The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy has suspended for three years the license of Junyong Smith of Hudson, owner of Altoona Health Massage. The board cited Smith for improper sexual contact with a client, and with knowingly aiding a person to unlawfully practice as a massage therapist. According to the board, Smith removed a clients undergarments and, without consent, touched his genitals during a massage appointment on Dec. 29, 2022. The board alleges Smith also admitted to employing an unlicensed individual to perform massage therapy. According to a civil lawsuit filed by the customer, after Smith grabbed his penis she began to perform a sex act on him. The man alleges he ended the massage, ran from the business, and dialed 911. Smith is alleged to have apologized to the man and provided a refund. The customers lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for assault and battery. Smith has yet to file a response to the lawsuit. Before applying for reinstatement of her license, Smith must pay a $500 civil penalty and undergo a psychosexual evaluation. In January 2023, Smith was criminally charged with interference with official acts. Police alleged detectives were investigating Altoona Health Massage after receiving several complaints that the staff was performing sex acts with clients. While police were at the business, Smith allegedly entered one of the massage rooms and instructed a customer and client to use a secondary exit to leave the building so she would not get into trouble. The criminal charge was later dismissed at the request of prosecutors. Board issued licenses by mistake In unrelated matters, the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy recently rescinded the licenses of two individuals who had been mistakenly authorized to practice massage therapy in Iowa. Board records indicate that in 2022 Ashlynn Kooima completed her massage therapy training at East Valley Institute of Technology six years after the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork had revoked East Valleys certification for failing to meet operational or educational requirements. In 2022, Kooima applied for an Iowa massage license. An Iowa licensure specialist reviewed Kooimas application but failed to verify East Valleys standing with the national board. The Iowa board then issued Kooima a license. Earlier this month, with Kooima employed at Sioux Center Chiropractic as a massage therapist, the board voted to rescind her license. The board noted there was no evidence Kooima applied for a license in bad faith or submitted any incorrect information to the board, but indicated the license should never have been granted. In 2020, Chuntse Lin completed his massage therapy education at Daniels Institute of Massage and the Healing Arts. In 2021, the national certification board found that the school did not meet its standards or had been found to be operating illegitimately. In June 2022, the Iowa issued Lin a license in error and last week voted to rescind that license. Seniors in these Iowa counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates Alzheimer's rates by state #49. Greene County (tie) #49. Taylor County (tie) #47. Franklin County (tie) #47. Guthrie County (tie) #44. Jones County (tie) #44. Washington County (tie) #44. Winneshiek County (tie) #43. Emmet County #40. Cass County (tie) #40. Crawford County (tie) #40. Union County (tie) #39. Fayette County #38. Cerro Gordo County #36. Decatur County (tie) #36. Howard County (tie) #34. Keokuk County (tie) #34. Montgomery County (tie) #30. Butler County (tie) #30. Clay County (tie) #30. Poweshiek County (tie) #30. Tama County (tie) #29. Clayton County #27. Hancock County (tie) #27. Winnebago County (tie) #26. Buena Vista County #25. Bremer County #23. Ida County (tie) #23. Pocahontas County (tie) #22. Wayne County #21. Calhoun County #19. Hamilton County (tie) #19. Iowa County (tie) #18. Humboldt County #17. Hardin County #16. Carroll County #15. Sioux County #14. Sac County #13. Audubon County #11. Lyon County (tie) #11. Shelby County (tie) #10. Kossuth County #9. Adair County #8. Cherokee County #7. Wright County #6. Palo Alto County #5. O'Brien County #4. Osceola County #3. Mitchell County #2. Monona County #1. Ringgold County DES MOINES A proposal by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to expand post-birth coverage for Medicaid patients drew mixed reactions Monday from Iowa providers and organizations supporting pregnant women. Senate Study Bill 3140 calls for increasing the coverage of postpartum care for new moms under Medicaid from two months to 12 months. Iowa is one of only three states that has not implemented the extension, which was made available to states in the American Rescue Plan Act. Groups lauded the governors support of the expansion, but raised concerns with her proposal to change the eligibility for Medicaid coverage of birth and postpartum care to 215% the federal poverty line, from 375% under current law, in order to keep Medicaid costs for pregnancy and postpartum care budget neutral. While the benefits would be extended, fewer Iowa women would qualify. Under the governors proposal, a single pregnant woman making less than $42,000 a year would have her pregnancy and 12 months of postpartum care covered under Medicaid. For a family of four, that equates to more than $64,000 a year. The governors proposal offers coverage for those who truly need it, Molly Severn, legislative liaison for Gov. Reynolds, told a panel of lawmakers during a Monday subcommittee hearing on the bill. The panel voted 3-0 to advance the bill for consideration by the full Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Iowa has the highest Mediciad postpartum eligibility coverage in the nation, and the governors proposal would bring the state in line with other states and make Iowa the 13th-highest in the nation, Severn said. The governors proposal also includes coverage for newborns at 302% of the federal poverty level through Hawki, which provides free or low-cost health and dental insurance for children and teenagers of eligible Iowa families. Many groups were registered undecided on the bill, citing concerns about unintended consequences of scaling back income eligibility, noting it would also apply to prenatal care. Chaney Yeast, director of government relations at UnityPoint Health Blank Childrens Hospital, applauded the governor for including postpartum care in her legislative priorities for the session, but warned working mothers in Iowa could lose Medicaid coverage under the proposal. Those are moms typically working for small businesses that dont provide an employer-based insurance program, she said. Severn said those with incomes above 215% of the federal poverty level may qualify for subsidized coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. Yeast, however, said pregnancy is not a qualifying condition to enter the marketplace. So if you dont happen to become pregnancy during open enrollment, youre out of luck, she said. However, denial and disenrollment from Medicaid coverage are, said Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia. Yeast encouraged lawmakers to leverage Children's Health Insurance Program funding, which has a higher federal match rate, to increase eligibility from the proposed 215%, and actually make investments in moms and babies. One of the things I think needs to be the backdrop as we talk about this is we have a maternal mortality crisis, Yeast said. We have an infant mortality crisis. This is a single policy lever that you can pull to improve the health of moms and babies, but also support or workforce in Iowa. Iowa's maternal death rate and infant mortality rate have climbed as birthing units have closed in recent years. Mary Nelle Trefz is with Iowa ACEs 360, which is part of a maternal health coalition of more than 60 faith-based groups, family advocates and health and mental health care providers. Trefz said providing 12-months postpartum coverage will increase access, improve outcomes, reduce costs and save moms and babies lives here in Iowa. But in doing so will disproportionately leave rural families in the lurch. The state is leaving money on the table right now, she said. There is an option to cover some of our pregnant women under Hawki, which has a higher federal match. The federal government pays for more of the program implementation for Hawki than for Medicaid. So I would ask you to cover pregnant women between 200 and 300% (of the federal poverty level) on Hawki versus Mediciad, providing that critical access to care and saving the state money. The Senate last year passed a bill that would have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage while maintaining eligibility requirements, but it did not pass in the House. Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, said the bill presents a pretty significant step backward for pregnant moms to receive postpartum coverage at a time when Iowa saw the largest increase in infant mortality in the country. Youre taking money away from pregnant moms to put those dollars into the postpartum care, correct? Petersen said. Severn responded yes, and reiterated the proposal is intended to be budget neutral. Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia said the governors office intends to bring Iowas income eligibility requirements in line with other states and to use those investment dollars to extend coverage. Petersen, who served on the subcommittee, voted to advance the governors bill, because I truly believe that we need 12 months postpartum coverage. I think the ultimate question is, is this the best that Gov. Reynolds can do for pregnant moms in Iowa? Petersen said. I think the governor can do better. I know Republicans in the Senate have done better. We should not be taking a step backward to be taking a step forward for pregnant women and babies in this state. Sen. Mark Costello, R-Imogene, who chaired the subcommittee, noted of the 47 states who have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, the average income-eligibility cutoff is 210% of the federal poverty level. Thirteenth is still pretty high up there, Costello said. Black people spend longer in the hospital after giving birth. Here's why Black people spend longer in the hospital after giving birth. Here's why How some states are working to close the gap Risk factors for pregnant Black people Over the years, conflict and war has ravaged Laikipia County with neighbouring communities fighting for scarce resources as they seek to feed their families and livestock too. The County is inhabited by both farmers and pastoralists who occupy its northern, eastern and western constituencies. Most of the conflict, therefore, happens to the north of the county, but it frequently extends to the west and the east. The Laikipia seasonal violence can be attributed to a range of factors which include its location and geography as well as the cynical manipulation of politicians. Surprisingly, almost 50% of Laikipia county land mass is owned by large scale ranchers less than 30 of them. The county borders the pastoralist counties of Baringo, Samburu and Isiolo, where farmers own large herds of cattle and the herders perceive a lot of land owned by the ranchers as being idle. In Kenya, pastoralists take pasture, water and grasslands for their livestock wherever they can find it because pastoralism is livestock driven and herders go to extremes for their animals. This, consequently, explains why they habitually invade Laikipia in the dry months of January to April, creating conflict every time they do so. The county borders semi-arid Isiolo, Samburu and Baringo counties, which are all inhabited by pastoralists where drought forces the herders to search for water and greener pastures in Laikipia leading to bloody clashes which recur every dry season. To combat that, a fertiliser company has moved in to provide solutions and control the runaway violence by introducing revolutionary farming techniques which not only help in regenerating the regions soil but also providing food to the communities and greatly reducing the tensions and fight for resources. The GPC Carbon Farming Group, whose carbon fertilizer has been in use in the area for at least a year, has started bringing communities together, solving the endemic issues, bringing an end to blood-letting and even physically introducing sworn enemies to each other. On February 2, GPCs CEO Joe Kariuki brought together over 600 people drawn from some of the most bitterly-fought communities to the same table as they enjoyed a feast, exchanged pleasantries, made peace and vowed to end their animosity towards each other. The event was held at Kariukis massive Laikipia farm in the Rumuruti area where different tribes Kikuyu, Samburu, Maasai, Meru and Turkana all gathered for the bull-eating ceremony as well as sensitisation on carbon farming and the need to protect, preserve and regenerate the soil. For years now, this areas soil has not been producing results. Farmers actually stopped farming and this explains the constant fights and bloody battles amongst the communities here. Since we moved in here more than a year ago, alot has happened. Weve witnessed the magical transformation of the area as well as people going back to the farms, putting an end to the violence and senseless fight over resources, Joe Kariuki said. Laikipias charged environment also means that residents have become easy pickings for manipulative politicians Politics comes into play in the region as a result of poor, marginalised communities feeling forgotten by the state, therefore becoming easily influenced. Weve noticed how easy to is for politicians to take advantage of these people and incite them to clashes, Joe added. This is one of the things we talked about and cautioned the people against. We are happy that these communities, who normally dont see eye-to-eye, were able to all come together, share a meal, forgive each other and purpose to forge ahead with a renewed sense of brotherhood. GPC fertilizer and its subsidiaries were introduced to the Rumuruti farm early 2023. So far, thousands of farmers have benefited from the firms programs as well as walked away with handful of harvests in a scheme which has been lauded as changing lives and restoring harmony in the areas volatile situation. Additionally, the farmers drawn from various communities were all given free bags of maize, beans and other assorted farm produce, with GPC actualizing their promise of changing lives and restoring communities. Napa's former Sears outlet on Soscol Avenue has undergone a radical makeover. Instead of displays of refrigerators and washers, the site at 1701 Soscol Ave. is home to a relocated beauty salon, The Parlor, and a new cosmetology school, Napa Cosmetology Collective. The Collective opened with its first class in November, preparing students for state cosmetologist, esthetician and manicurist licenses. Napa once had five beauty schools, with the last one closing several years ago, said Collective co-owner Angie Redmond. This created a local need for a new one to train the next generation of stylists, she said. Her staff includes instructors who once taught at Le Melange in Napa, she said. The Collectives black and white decor gives off a "boutique vibe," said co-owner Kelly Redmond. Both the salon and the school are committed to inclusivity and diversity, she said. Theres a vibe that makes people feel inclusive. The school's website sharpens this message, saying, "This isn't your grandma's beauty school, although we do love your grandma and welcome her in as well." Instead of playing easy-listening spa music, the Collective bathes students and customers with songs by The Clash, Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton and Gwen Stefani, Angie said. We definitely have a very dynamic atmosphere. The school's owners are "ex-wives" who are co-parenting a daughter. Angie, who grew up in Napa, brings two decades of experience in cosmetology, while Kelly comes from a career in the corporate world. "We want to build a future for our daughter, so we're on the same page for everything," Angie said. Opening a cosmetology school is no easy task, the co-owners said. There are bureaucratic hoops to jump through, with California regulating every aspect of the curriculum. From conception to opening, "It's been a long two years," Kelly said. Co-locating a school with a salon is unusual, which is why the owners use the name collective to describe the spectrum of services under one roof, Angie said. "Most schools don't have a professional hair salon as part of it, with the instructors actually working in the field," she said. Clients seeking salon services have the option of making an appointment with a professional stylist, a student supervised by a professional or a recently licensed "junior stylist," Angie said. Services are priced according to the expertise of the stylist. Haircuts by a student range from $12 to $28, Angie said. Coloring starts at $25. Haircuts by a professional run to $85. People can kind of name their price, and we match them with a stylist, Angie said. The Parlor, which serves women, men and children, has a policy of "non-gender pricing," casting aside a tradition of salons charging women more than a similar service for a man. "Hair is hair," said Angie. Instead of classifying hair as men's or women's, the Collective prefers such descriptors as "short, long, harder, softer, masculine, feminine," Angie said. Cosmetology students receive 1,000 hours of instruction in hair, skin and nail care before taking their state exam; the esthetician program requires 600 hours of instruction in skin care, including facials, body massage and spa treatments. The Collective attracts students in the 19 to 25 age range, as well as adults who are seeking a career change, the owners said. Novembers first cosmetology class has 11 students who will graduate in June, Kelly said. A second class started in late January, with a third class launching this spring. The first class has attracted students from Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Contra Costa counties. Tuition for the cosmetology program is $14,575, which covers all costs, Kelly said. Its a lot lower than other schools," she added. Were not doing this to be rich, Kelly said. She and her business partner want the next generation of stylists to share an inclusivity and diversity ethos. We want people to see beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, she said. Info: napacosmocollective.com; 707-258-2627; 1701 Soscol Ave., Napa. PHOTOS: Napa Cosmetology Collective Joseph Anthony Woosz explained that his wine story started in 1972, when he was five years old. My father and mother bought two motels that year on the California central coast; El Patio Motel and The Wayside Motel, he wrote. I am a native Californian who grew up with birthdays and summer parties at the motel pool. Guests would join in, dad would barbecue, and I would help. It was a childhood that led to a college degree in travel, food and wine with culinary school along the way, Woosz wrote. These became my compass and my foundation, he said. I was working tasting rooms by day and cooking in beach burger shacks and five-star kitchens at night. I loved it. That history shaped his path to founding Gentleman Farmer Wines and The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, which is described as a studio for gustatory well-being. The business is called Gentleman Farmer, but calling myself a country gentleman would be a stretch, said Woosz. I am just a sidekick winemaker waking up each morning doing my lifes best work." The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow is located at 1564 First St. in Napa. 1. What was your childhood ambition? At age five, I wanted to be Prince Charming. With prospects looking slim, I shifted to streetwise musician around 10 years old. Around age 18, the kitchen caught my attention, my twenties fancied becoming a winemaker, and in my thirties financially stable became a reasonable ambition. Now, I am enjoying the magic carpet ride of life. 2. What was your first job? Around 12, I started cleaning rooms at my parents motel in Pismo Beach. My first paying job was at Town Mill in Watsonville where we manufactured outdoor redwood furniture. I was "let go" within two weeks. 3. How did you get into the wine industry? I got into the cellar through the back door of the kitchen. I had just finished a cooking program when I got my first job at a tasting room at Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande. At that young age, I was pouring wine during the day and cooking at night. Twists and turns have brought me and my husband to the present day, with our new space downtown Napa to share our wine, personal stories, music and a little food. 4. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced? My business challenge has been adaptation and growth. Gentleman Farmer Wines has had to adapt to the global recession, pandemic lockdown and changing drinking habits, among many others. The only constant in life is change. 5. Who do you most admire in the business world? It is a patchwork of many people, a composite of creativity, intuition, smarts, ability and perseverance. Pointing to one person is difficult. I take inspiration and guidance from many, a little here, a little there. If I could, Id cherry-pick a bit of Lawrence Welk, Mary Tyler Moore, Dolly Parton, Steve Jobs, Martha Stewart and Julia Child. They all seem to be on my mind right now. The common thread is self-expression, imagination and creativity. 6. Whats one thing Napa could do to help local business? Get to know your neighbor and recommend your neighbor. A rising tide lifts all boats. Referring guests to each other is easy, helpful and ultimately encourages people to engage and visit the area again. 7. If you could change one thing about the wine industry, what would it be? Government red tape, the outdated or unnecessary rules. An aside, winery accounting was a rude awakening in 2006. 8. Whats your favorite charity or nonprofit? It Gets Better (itgetsbetter.org) helping LGBTQ youth. 9. Whats something people might be surprised to know about you? I dressed as a Minute Man and rode a unicycle for over two miles in the Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival parade in 1976. I won a second-place trophy for the bicycle category (dont get my mom started about the sorry group that beat me out). 10. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you havent yet? Ask anyone who knows me, I am not short on aspirations; however, to choose something from the running list is not easy. The accomplishment seems to indicate completion, and I see myself as always a work-in-progress, more journey than destination. PHOTOS: Significant storm causes damage in Napa Several Napa County officials testified during the first six days of the Hoopes Vineyard winery trial through Monday as the county sought to make its case that Hoopes broke the rules. The county alleges Hoopes holds illegal tastings, among other violations. It says Hoopes must obtain a county use permit to entertain guests. As of 10 a.m. Monday, Hoopes' attorneys had yet to mount their defense, other than cross-examining witnesses. They had yet to launch an offensive for a countersuit that accuses the county of having arbitrary, vague and unintelligible rules. A key factor in the case is Napa County's set of rules for small winery exemptions, which the county made available during the 1980s. County officials say participating wineries agreed to certain restrictions in return for streamlined approvals. You cant have hospitality. You cant have people onto the grounds tasting wines, buying merchandise," said attorney Arthur Hartinger of Renne Public Law Group on behalf of the county. Previous owners obtained a small winery exemption for the Hoopes site in 1984. To host guests, a winery using the exemption must apply for and obtain a use permit, the county contends. County supervising planner Charlene Gallina, under questioning from a county attorney, explained why. A use permit application allows the county to analyze such factors as traffic and whether water and wastewater systems are adequate for visitation, she said. Hoopes winery operator Lindsay Hoopes, who was a San Francisco assistant district attorney, helped represent the Hoopes side. For example, she cross-examined Gallina. Consultant Carl Butts worked with the Hoopes winery from 2018 to 2020. The county legal team showed Butts an email in which he deemed that obtaining a use permit would require improving the wastewater system, driveway and fire system. His estimated cost was $500,000 to $1 million. County officials testified the Hoopes winery to date hasn't applied for a use permit. Napa County in February 2020 and May 2021 issued notices of apparent violations to the winery. Questioned by a county attorney, county code enforcement officer Kelli Cahill described how meetings with Lindsay Hoopes and Hoopes representatives failed to resolve the matter, eventually leading to the county's lawsuit. Cross-examined by Lindsay Hoopes, Cahill said she based allegations of illegal tasting on what she found on social media and the Hoopes website, but didnt personally observe them. Cahill's supervisor, Akenya Robinson-Webb, testified she made an appointment at Hoopes winery and visited on Oct. 27, 2021 for what the county legal team called a tasting. Also, the county legal team hired Edward Kreisberg to make an appointment at Hoopes. He testified about his visit in May 2023, during which he didnt tell Hoopes employees he was conducting an investigation. He spoke of how a Hoopes employee met him and his wife with glasses of wine. The employee talked about the mix of grapes in the wine. There were places to sit. He testified he bought four bottles of wine, a ceramic bowl, a candle and pineapple olive oil at the Hoopes shop even though most wineries with use permits in the rural Napa Valley are prohibited from selling non-wine-related items. The Hoopes legal team last year objected to the Kreisberg investigation, given the ongoing litigation at the time he went to the winery. It asked that the Renee Public Law Group be dismissed from representing the county for violating rules of no contact during a lawsuit. In December, Judge Mark Boessenecker declined to do so. Hoopes attorneys asked Kreisberg during cross-examination if he is a licensed investigator. Kreisberg said he is an attorney, but does not have an investigators license. Former Planning, Building and Environmental Services director David Morrison, under questioning from county attorneys, explained county winery rules. One issue was the countys 2017 amendment to its zoning code definition of agriculture. The revised definition included marketing and sales at wineries, with such activities to be incidental and subordinate. County attorneys sought to refute the idea that adding marketing to the agriculture definition superseded the small winery exemption restriction on marketing. Morrison pointed to a code reference to small wineries in the revised definition. During cross-examination, Hoopes attorney Katharine Falace asked if the county code defines tours and tastings. Morrison said no. Also, he didn't know why the 1980s-era application forms for small winery exemptions had a space for anticipated visitors, given he wasnt in Napa County at the time. Napa City Councilmember Beth Painter testified as an expert witness for the county because of her work with applicants not Hoopes for winery/vineyard projects. Legal or not, the winery site may have had tours even in the 1980s, Napa Valley Register research shows. Former owners received a small winery exemption for Hopper Creek winery in 1984. The Nov. 14, 1986 issue of the Napa Register has a blurb for tours there by appointment. In March 2011, the Register ran a story about the Hopper Creek winery hospitality expert. During the trial, the county team mentioned a former owner in January 2007 received a violations notice for unauthorized tours and tastings. The Hoopes family bought the winery in 2017. PHOTOS: Napa honors Black History Month with speakers, celebration The agenda of adopting a new constitution and changing the legislation in Armenia is necessary for Azerbaijan authorities in order to divert attention from its crimes and legitimize them from the forced displacement of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Armenians and the occupation of Armenian territories. Under the veil of this, they deepen the animosity plan towards Armenia, create artificial grounds for aggression. Arman Tatoyan, the former Human Rights Defender (ombudsman) of Armenia, noted this on Facebook. He added as follows: The Azerbaijani government TV channel dedicated another program to the city of Ashtarak of Armenia, which is a part of three so-called false Western Azerbaijan being the homeland of the Oghuz-Turkic tribes since time immemorial. Moreover, along with Ashtarak, the ancient Armenian monastic complexes and churches located in that area are appropriated, stating that they are Turkish-Albanian monuments of the 5th century. Further, according to the false narrative, Armenians were settled here by the Russian Empire in 1828, after the Russian-Turkish war. In fact, this program is part of a specially designed state policy. Not only has it not decreased, but it is also intensively advanced. This is done by both internal and external propaganda. It is necessary to expose these false policies and show that the Azerbaijani authorities have no intentions of real peace. Under no circumstances should they be allowed to dictate their agenda and legitimize their crimes and prepare for new crimes at the same time. 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) 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 Kazakhstan FM considers it necessary to increase trade with Armenia 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 Archaeologists find inscription of King Antiochus I of Armenian Yervanduni Dynasty, in Turkey Kazakhstan FM is in Armenia (PHOTOS) Rolls-Royce Ghost to be retired and replaced by new Alpina sedan Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback! Withdrawal from lawsuits against Azerbaijan in international courts will cause irreparable damage to Armenia, Armenians EU Council to discuss assistance to Armenia, Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization 7,825 Karabakh residents who left Armenia since September 2023 have not returned, new data say Armenia to submit application for EU membership? 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 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 Shooting in Pennsylvania: at least three dead, gunman took hostages MEPs appeal to EU leadership to protect cultural heritage of Artsakh Armenians New talks between Israel and Hamas are scheduled in Qatar on Sunday India's national elections will be held from 19 April to 1 June 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 Stoltenberg will meet in Yerevan with the President and Prime-minister of Armenia Turkish Foreign Ministry issues anti-Russian statement on Crimea issue 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 Amazon and Microsoft suspend their cloud products in Russia 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 FM to reporters: You will be the first to know when Armenia intends to apply for EU membership Ararat Mirzoyan: All Armenia authorities have negotiated on territorial concessions to Azerbaijan 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 Armenia FM: Ultimate goal not materialized yet in relations with Turkey FM: There are international players interested in Armenia ceasing to exist Mirzoyan: No agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan to withdraw international lawsuits against each other Armenia FM reiterates PM's arguments on handover of 4 villages in Tavush Province to Azerbaijan FM: Armenia still doesnt understand how CSTO partners present their area of responsibility in South Caucasus Mirzoyan: EU monitoring mission in Armenia has become factor of stability on Azerbaijan border Dennis Francis: UN hopes for signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty FM: 23 Armenians still kept in custody in Azerbaijan Armenia FM: Still not many tangible results on fundamental issues, we are still negotiating with Azerbaijan European Commission official underscores provision of assistance to people affected by Karabakh conflict Peter Stano: Armenia can apply for EU membership MFA: Genocide prevention agenda is among Armenias priorities Russia holding presidential elections US intelligence warns of potentially devastating new pandemic Newspaper: Birth rate in Armenia 19% lower than last year Stoltenberg: NATO sought to maintain stronger relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan Georgian Prime Minister to visit Armenia Premier receives IMF Armenia mission chief Anne-Laurence Petel-led delegation to arrive in Armenia FM: Armenia looks into prospects of further deepening partnership with EU New technologies at the core of rural infrastructure development Russia is world leader in nuclear technology, Putin says Vardges Sureniants Salome painting returns to National Gallery of Armenia exhibition Dollar drops, euro rises in Armenia Sunak: There is historic opportunity to put an end to Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict Armenia authorities, who paid $6M for Snoop Dogg concert, still dont know when this postponed event will be held Deputy economy minister: Matter of opening India-Iran-Armenia trade corridor being discussed Armenia official: Trade with India amounted to $380M in 2023 ICC NCA head: India considers Armenia an important bridge to enter larger markets Anne-Laurence Petel welcomes resolution on EU-Armenia relations India ambassador: We are happy that our relations with Armenia are developing in defense sector also Indians are now 2nd largest community in Armenia after Russians, envoy says India-Armenia business forum kicks off in Yerevan Armenia parliament speaker on European Parliament resolution: We thank European partners for this important step PM: European Parliament resolution is another opportunity to discuss vision of Armenia's future Azerbaijans next target in Karabakh is Artsakh State University Russia deputy FM in Turkey, discusses process of normalizing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations 14-karat gold LEGO piece sells for over $18,000 Newspaper: Armenia to leave CSTO on Putin's reelection day? Young lords 1,200-year-old tomb with treasure discovered in Panama European Parliament resolution demands Azerbaijan troops withdrawal from Armenia territory European Parliament adopts resolution proposing to consider possibility of Armenia's candidacy for EU membership Russia MFA spox: We are concerned by Armenia leaderships sometimes offensive rhetoric on CSTO topics Armenia government plans to have Kapan city airport serve international flights as well Zakharova on Russian border guards removal from Yerevan airport: Hardly meets Armenia security interests Armenia defense minister, Austria envoy, military attache discuss enhancing cooperation (PHOTOS) Armenia official: Those 4 villages in Tavush Province are not in our administrative territorial division European Parliament passes resolution proposing to consider possibility of EU membership candidacy to Armenia A constitutional movement has been formed in Armenia. Avetik Chalabyan, coordinator of the HayaKve initiative, announced this during a press conference Tuesday. Also, Chalabyan read the initiatives respective statement, which notes as follows: "An attempt is being made to carry out a constitutional coup in Armenia. This was announced by both the head of the ruling regime [i.e. PM Nikol Pashinyan] and his puppets. Under the false notion of amending the constitution, an attempt is being made to eliminate the independent Armenian statehood, turning it into a semi-state entity dependent on Azerbaijan and Turkey. The goal is the actual abolition of the Declaration of Independence of Armenia, in which the national goals are defined, including the building of a powerful national state, the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, the reunification of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The representatives of the current [Armenian] regime have admitted that they are doing all this under the coercion of Baku and Ankara. Moreover, they threaten the Armenian people with a new war if they refuse to comply with these demands. By blackmailing the people, they seek to establish such an unconstitutional order that will put an end to the existence of independent Armenian statehood. An attempt is being made to deprive the Armenian people of their historical rights and cultural heritage, to erase their memory, to deprive them of their dignity and right to live as full citizens in their country. The Armenian people are offered to make a choice between war and dishonor. Whoever chooses dishonor gets war, defeat, dishonor. We have always fought for the realization of [Armenian] national goals, and so far our actions have met with stiff resistance from the ruling regime. But it only doubles the determination of the struggle. We will continue to fight against the anti-national activities of the current regime. We truly call on all national forces and citizens, those who are not indifferent to the fate of our homeland, to resolutely join the struggle, form a united front of national defense, and not allow the dissolution of independent Armenian statehood by our sworn enemies." Chalabyan added that other organizations and individuals can join this statement. Iran's position has always been clear: unblocking the roads in the region should take place within the framework of the countries' sovereignty. Iran's Ambassador to Armenia,, Mehdi Sobhani, stated this during a talk with reporters and analysts Tuesday. According to him, it is accepted in the world that if they talk about a corridor, it is perceived as an opportunity for contact, but in this region it is perceived in a completely different way. At the same time, Sobhani stressed that the rhetoric of peace and friendship can bring peace. Answering the question about Iran's actions in the event of Azerbaijan's attempt to open a corridor through the territory of Armenia, the Iranian diplomat noted that Tehran cannot give assessments on the probability of what can and cannot happen. "As for how we will act in Armenia, it depends on the position of the Armenian government," he added. Sobhani added that if the Crossroads of Peace project proposed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is brought to fruition, regional railway communication will also be ensured. "In this case, it will be possible to establish a railway connection from Nakhchivan [exclave of Azerbaijan] to Yeraskh [village of Armenia] via Jugha [town]; this is possible and feasible," concluded the Iranian envoy to Armenia. If we compare the routes to the Black Sea passing through Azerbaijan and Armenia, we will see that this route can be passed through the territory of Armenia two days earlier. Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, stated this during a talk with reporters and analysts Tuesday. In order to further increase the appeal of this road passing through Armenia, it is necessary to liberalize laws, reduce customs duties, build new roads or improve the existing ones, the Iranian diplomat added. He noted that in the near future it is planned to hold a meeting between the Armenian and Iranian delegations which will work in this regard. "For Iran, Armenia is the best direction for access to the north and the Black Sea. And for Armenia, Iran is also the best direction for access to the south, to the same Chabahar Port [of Iran]," added the Iranian envoy to Armenia. He noted that there are still things to work on at the section of the road south of Yerevanthat is, within the framework of the North-South transport corridor. "A contract was signed for the construction of the 32-kilometer section of the Agarak-Kajaran road [in Armenia]. At the end of February, it is planned to proceed to the practical steps of the implementation of this project. This road is the most important factor for increasing the trade," added Sobhani. At the same time, he said that the southern part of the Armenian motorway needs a relief survey, taking into account that it is a mountainous country. "If the road is built, it will be a revolutionary event for the region in terms of transportation," concluded the Iranian ambassador to Armenia. Hands-on, active learning and thoughtful reflection are at the heart of Connect-Integrate-Reflect: Experiential Education at Emory, the universitys new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The QEP is a component of Emorys reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Every 10 years, as part of the reaffirmation of accreditation process, institutions must put together a compliance certification report, which includes an in-depth, five-year plan that addresses a topic or issue related to improving student learning. In alignment with the strategic priorities of One Emory: Ambition and Heart, initiatives such as Student Flourishing and the universitys strong commitment to liberal arts education, Connect-Integrate-Reflect will support students personal and professional success by expanding opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, guided by faculty, alumni and community partners. "Connect-Integrate-Reflect will elevate Emorys undergraduate experience by intentionally intertwining our strong academic offerings with real-world, experiential learning opportunities, says Ravi V. Bellamkonda, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. We will empower our students to extend their knowledge through lived experiences, creating a holistic learning environment that enables student flourishing and fosters a strong sense of purpose. As its title suggests, the QEP will connect students with communities across the globe in which they will integrate and apply academic knowledge. With guidance from faculty, students will then reflect on these learning experiences. Broadening opportunities for students Although experiential education has long been a mainstay for Emory undergraduate and graduate students, Connect-Integrate-Reflect will establish its role as a key element of an Emory education. According to Joanne Brzinski, senior associate dean for education in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, research demonstrates that experiential learning deepens and enhances students education. One purpose of the experiential opportunities is to allow students to apply their knowledge in a setting where the outcomes are undetermined, and they need to adjust to real and unexpected outcomes, says Brzinski. All of this contributes to students ability to move from academia to careers, and understand the relationship between classroom learning and real-life problem-solving. Jack Tullier, a third-year student in Goizueta Business School, confirms its value. While a student at Oxford College, he participated in community-engaged learning (CEL), tutoring elementary school students at the Washington Street Community Center in Covington, Georgia. The CEL program allows students to embrace the wider world outside of campus and get involved in environments that are new, unique and broadening, Tullier says, noting that his interactions with external community partners helped him think beyond the familiar. Connect-Integrate-Reflect will create more opportunities for students like Tullier to have such transformative experiences. To support new opportunities for experiential learning in education abroad, internships and community-engaged learning, Emory will establish, strengthen and formalize partnerships in local, national and international communities. Faculty and staff will receive training to facilitate experiential learning activities. Program growth and training opportunities will be assessed each semester. Data from student, faculty and staff surveys, focus groups, interviews and written evaluations of collaborations and training manuals will measure progress and inform ongoing improvements. As Connect-Integrate-Reflect moves through its planning phase and into implementation in year two, the Emory community will engage in an Experiential Learning Week, to be held annually. It will feature panels; workshops for faculty, staff and students; and research on education abroad, internships and community-engaged education. The event will socialize experiential learning and further embed it within the context of undergraduate education at Emory. Career connections Students who are eager to learn more about experiential learning now can connect with the Emory College of Arts and Sciences Pathways Center, led by Branden Grimmett, vice provost for career and professional development. Experiential learning is one of the ways the Pathways Center supports students professional growth. The college-to-career journey is a daunting one for any student, says Grimmett. The Pathways Center is activating students to discover experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom, lab, studio and stage from the moment they begin at Emory. Students will soon travel to Washington, D.C., through our Career Trek program to meet Emory alumni working in policymaking. We have also established cohort-based internships in Los Angeles and D.C., where students live and work together under the guidance of Emory faculty. These programs, plus our robust funding for summer experiences, help students smoothly navigate their time at Emory and beyond. Experiential education is directed by Ed Goode, who leads the popular Career Treks that connect students with alumni, who share their educational and professional journeys. Treks take groups of students to different cities, including New York and Los Angeles, where they focus on specific industries. Career Treks are one of five signature programs of the Pathways Center, including the Pathways Scholars Program, the Sophomore Summit, Networking Nights and internship funding, which allowed Ismael Delgado Karim, a second-year student majoring in human health and international studies, to pursue an internship abroad. In the Canary Islands, where he interned at an organic produce store and engaged with local farmers, Karim learned the value of embracing new experiences, maintaining an open mind and aligning his values and professional endeavors. I discovered my strengths in adaptability and independence as well as a passion for sustainability and community engagement, he says. As I contemplate my plans, I am now more attuned to the factors that truly matter to me. I believe that these insights will guide me in making meaningful decisions about my career and life beyond graduation. I am immensely grateful for this summer experience and the profound growth it has brought to my personal and professional development. The impetus of Connect-Integrate-Reflect Connect-Integrate-Reflect, created by a university-wide Development Committee that began its work in fall 2022, responds to a constellation of events and needs, including Emorys desire to address the impact of the pandemic on education abroad opportunities, the ongoing development of new general education requirements and the evolution of strategic priorities. In a five-year process involving all of Emorys undergraduate schools, faculty approved new general education requirements that went into effect with the first-year class in fall 2023. Among the new requirements is that each student participate in at least one significant experiential learning experience. Students have been universally positive about the new requirement. Continuing students have frequently commented that they wish experiential learning was among their requirements, and new students have been enthusiastic about thinking through the opportunities, Brzinski says. Connect-Integrate-Reflect will support students ability to meet that requirement and help them see the connections between their Emory education and the external communities they may enter upon graduation. Oxford College students have been meeting a similar requisite since 2018. Connect-Integrate-Reflect will build on demonstrated campus expertise, and deepen it with the support of Oxford Center for Pathways and Purpose, led by interim director Bridgette Gunnels. The Oxford Center for Pathways and Purpose will act as a cohesive net that intentionally engages Oxford students and the communities of Oxford and Newton County and connects that engagement to the academic program, Gunnels says. The center will also draw on alumni from the larger Emory community for peer-to-peer education, such as sharing educational and professional paths with current students. Gunnels, a professor of Spanish, offers experiential learning courses as part of her own pedagogy. She was in Cuba teaching her Evolution of Revolution course when Emory announced the closure of its campuses due to COVID 19 an experience that impacted students reflections on community and connection in ways that point towards the profound impact that experiential education has. By fostering similar opportunities for education abroad, she says, the QEP will prioritize and magnify the transformational moments that experiential education generates across both campuses. Frameworks for achievement The One Emory: Ambition and Heart strategic framework informs every aspect of experiential learning from providing students with a strong academic experience to attaining faculty eminence and deeper engagement with the city of Atlanta. Within Connect-Integrate-Reflect, the positive impact of experiential learning will strengthen students critical thinking skills, offer faculty development and create a new opportunity to build strong relationships with Atlanta organizations in which each partner learns from the other. In addition to enriching Emorys student experience, the Student Flourishing initiative is also a powerful framework for experiential learning. Emphasizing academic experience, purposeful reflection, professional pathways and community and well-being, Student Flourishing aligns with the process of experiential learning. As part of Connect-Integrate-Reflect, students will choose an activity of personal and professional interest, call upon what theyve learned in the classroom to complete it and then reflect on the experience, reinforcing the holistic mindset of Student Flourishing by asking whether the experience was a good fit with their personal intentions and how it might director redirecttheir professional path. QEP leadership The Office of the Provost will oversee QEP development, implementation, and assessment. A QEP management team (director, assessment specialist and project coordinator) will be assembled by the fall 2024 semester and report to the vice provost for academic planning. The QEP team will create a support infrastructure and establish implementation and assessment committees. It will organize faculty and staff training and ensure Emory students have equitable access to opportunities. Implementation and assessment committees will also begin to take shape during fall 2024, with full membership appointed by spring semester 2025. QEP leadership will work with teams in Emorys four undergraduate colleges and schools and the offices and centers within them. The Emory College Pathways Center and the Oxford Center for Pathways and Purpose will play prominent roles in addition to a range of partners including Emory College Education Abroad, Goizueta Business School BBA Career Management Center, BBA International Programs Office and the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility. The offices of Undergraduate Affairs and Academic Planning and the Center for Faculty Development and Excellence, which support the university as a whole, will also be part of the QEP infrastructure. Over the next year, QEP leaders will begin planning, building community partnerships, researching equity and reviewing best practices, with preparations to begin this summer and continue through the fall. Registration now underway for Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. A relevant and timely conference is making a comeback as Southern Illinois University Carbondale hosts the Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference. The event is set for 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on March 13-14 at the Student Center ballrooms. Previously held at a different location, the conference that brings together representatives of diverse local agencies is taking place for the first time since it was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous people will benefit The conference will focus on the intersectionality of the substance use, mental health and homelessness issues that the region is currently experiencing. Law enforcement personnel, health care providers, educators, treatment providers, recovery support specialists, prevention specialists, veterans services professionals and many other professionals and service providers will find the conference beneficial as current protocols and evidence-based practices are presented. There will also be information about bridging gaps in services and connecting people with multiple pathways to recovery. In addition to guest speakers and special testimonials, there will be breakout sessions. Lunch is included as well. Find the complete agenda and additional details online. Sign up now The early bird registration fee is $60. Those who sign up after Feb. 29 pay $75. There is a discount rate of $40 for SIU students and retirees. Register online or by calling 618-536-7751. SIUs Events and Outreach is coordinating the conference. Email conferenceservices@siu.edu or call 618-536-7751 with questions. PRNewswire Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], February 6: The historic and grand 10th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad drew to a close at a glamorous Closing Ceremony organised in Kolkata. Azerbaijan's Leyla Valiyeva won the coveted gold trophy. The silver was shared between Philippines' Clifford Jeff Cadunggo Unabia and Kamal Thapa of Nepal. Italy's Francesco Orsi lifted the bronze trophy. At the end of seven eventful days across six cities in India, an epic edition of the world's Biggest Culinary Battle came to a glamorous close. Connecting over 60 countries of the world, YCO24 was one of the biggest in size and scale. The Closing Ceremony was equally grand and exciting as it took place at Kolkata's popular amusement park, Wet o Wild. Besides the top three, YCO 2024 had a long list of special category winners. The Plate Trophy round that was held between the next best teams ranked between 11 to 20 in the competition, went to India's Lenin Bopanna. The Kitchen Cut Management Award went to New Zealand. The Best Vegetarian Dish went to Nepal while the Best Creme Souffle a l'Orange went to Italy. Six Best Mentor Nominee Awards were given away based on each of the mentor's recommendations about their respective participants. The awards went to Greece, Jordan, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea. The six Best Young Chef Ambassador Awards went to Australia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Scotland, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Participants were also marked on Best Hygiene and Kitchen Practice maintained during competition and this award went to six countries, namely, Namibia, Portugal, England, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan. The Best Knife Skills Award went to Thailand, Portugal, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Lord Bilimoria Rising Stars Award went to Namibia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Ireland and Oman. The Gold Global Sustainability Award went to Kenya. The Spirit of Young Chef Olympiad International Award went to Lesotho. The Dr Bose Challenge Trophy that was introduced this year for participants who did not come in the top 20 teams, went to Kenya and Switzerland. Organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), YCO 2024 was a true celebration of the spirit of One World One YCO. YCO 2024 had a brilliant panel of esteemed judges from around the world. Led by Prof David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of the Jury, Chef John Wood, the Founder and Director of Kitchen Cut was Chief Judge of the event. Deputy Chief Judge was Chef Rahul Akerkar, renowned Chef and Restaurateur. The panel of Jury included some famous globally famous culinary faces such as Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, Sicilian Chef Enzo Oliveri, pastry chef and chocolatier Sarah Hartnett, Dato' Chef Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Celebrity Chef from Malaysia, Chef Neil Rippington, International Director, IIHM and Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef Dorchester Collection. YCO 2024 continued to embrace the important and significant theme of Sustainability promoting the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special award, the Zenobia Nadirshaw Diamond Research Award went to students who had done research on the SDGs and how to achieve them to make the world a better place to live. Four awards in this category went to Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Italy. "Preparing and organising an event of this stature needs the might of an organisation and leadership that runs a network of connected institutes across the country, manages people from different places, with an alumni base of tens of thousands and is loved by the entire world," said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor, YCO. "There are years when nothing happens and there are weeks where decades happen. That's what happened in the pandemic. It taught us the importance of health and sustainability and brought us close to food. I am so glad that YCO has embodied both food and sustainability in this competition," said Nakul Anand, eminent hotel an travel industry personality who is now Chairman of the YCO Global Advisory Committee. "YCO 2024 was special because it was the 10th year. It had been a wonderful decade in which we have received incredible support from the countries, mentors, judges and everyone who was involved. We are absolutely committed to the UN SDGs and we are also proud and grateful to the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili for his support, specially because he launched the 10th YCO by inaugurating the chef jacket that the participants are wearing this year. The Young Chef Olympiad is the greatest platform to promote Youth Culinary Diplomacy, a platform to bring the world together through the power of youth. YCO will continue to celebrate and carry forward the spirit of One World One YCO in the years to come," said Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder, YCO. About IIHM IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is one of the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eleven National and International cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Worlds biggest Culinary Olympiad Young Chef Olympiad, with participation of over 50 countries, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world. It has MoU's with over 50 countries for student and faculty exchange bringing the best of education for its students from around the World. The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times consecutively in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was also featured in Forbes Magazine as Great Indian Institute and Great Place to Study consecutively in the year 2018 - 2019 and 2019 - 2020. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by Assocham from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India. Please visit for more information: www.iihm.ac.in CONTACT: Abdullah Ahmed,COO, IIHM Hotel School GroupT: +91-(0)11-43204700E: Abdullah.ahmed@iihm.ac.in Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2334042/YCO_2024.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256068/4520417/IIHM_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) VMPL New Delhi [India], February 6: In a surprising turn of events, popular television actress Divyanka Tripathi recently shared a song on her Instagram story, praising the talented actress Prerna Wanvari featured in the music video of "Touch Karke", streaming on SVMT Music's official YouTube channel. Little did anyone expect that this simple act would set off a viral frenzy across social media platforms. Within a matter of hours after Divyanka shared, the music video skyrocketed on YouTube, accumulating an astounding 500,000 views. This sudden surge in popularity has drawn comparisons to the time when Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal propelled a song to viral status by creating a captivating reel on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feQ6WV6rqy4&list=RDfeQ6WV6rqy4&start_radio=1 The question on everyone's mind now is whether Divyanka's support will have the same impact on "Touch Karke." Only time will reveal the true extent of its success. As the anticipation grows, fans eagerly await the possibility of witnessing Divyanka Tripathi herself creating an extraordinary reel on the song, just like Vicky Kaushal did. Such a spectacle would undoubtedly be a delight to watch and add another exciting chapter to the song's journey. We sincerely thank Divyanka for bringing this beautiful song to our attention and wish the entire team of SVMT Music & "Touch Karke" best of luck in their future endeavours.. Divyanka Tripathi's Instagram story sharing the song "Touch Karke" has set off a viral sensation, propelling the music video to new heights. Through her support, Divyanka has once again showcased her enthusiasm for promoting fresh talent, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what's to come next. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], February 6: VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, significantly added to its business footprint in 2023. Building on its trusted partnership, the company won seven global contracts from the governments of the UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland and Austria. Among the most significant wins of 2023 was being awarded a global contract for UK visas and citizenship services. In 2024, VFS Global will deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions catering to an estimated 3.8 million applicants every year, aiding cross border mobility. This is a significant win also because the contract awards VFS Global with 84 new countries of service for UK Visas and Citizenship Service in addition to the 58 countries that VFS Global already serve. Another major contract for the visa service provider was the global biometric collection service awarded by the Department of Home Affairs, Australia across seven regions comprising Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the agreement, VFS Global's core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department's ImmiAccount portal. Similarly, the Swedish Ministry of Justice and the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have awarded global tenders to provide Sweden visa services in 37 countries, and Norway visa and residence permit services in 52 countries respectively. Earlier in the year, Latvia, Iceland and Austria too renewed the global visa services mandates with VFS Global. "These significant contract wins are a testament of our trusted partnership with these client governments and our commitment to customer service excellence. It is also an opportunity to contribute to a larger purpose of restoring travellers' confidence through technology-led, seamless, highly secure and reliable solutions and playing a key role in reviving global travel momentum," said Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global. In 2024, VFS Global will continue to focus on enhancing customer service and business excellence through investments in human capital development and technology. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SRV Media Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 6: WTC Noida Development Company Private Limited, amidst unprecedented uncertainty in the global pandemic era and macro-economic shifts, acknowledges the challenges faced by the real estate industry. The landscape has been shaped by significant policy reforms such as 'The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA)', GST, IBC-2019, Land Authorities, and SEBI norms. Despite these obstacles, WTC Noida Development Company Private Limited has remained resilient in the face of adversity. The company has taken decisive legal action against malicious actors exploiting genuine concerns of allottees for harassment and extortion. Through rigorous legal proceedings, WTC Noida Development Company Private Limited has defended its interests and those of all stakeholders, securing numerous favourable orders from judicial forums. Reflecting on its journey since inception in 2010, WTC Noida Development Company Private Limited proudly presents its achievements over the past decade: delivery across projects totalling 30 lakh sq ft since 2015, with an additional 20 lakh sq ft at finishing and facade stage, and 25 lakh sq ft at structure stage. Continuous leasing success since inception, outperforming adjacent projects, and consistent returns and rentals spanning over a decade. Amidst current challenges such as regulatory hurdles, upgradation of equipment and facilities, and obstacles posed by malicious litigation, WTC Noida has identified promising opportunities, including the development of connecting infrastructure like Noida International Airport and Jevar Airport, upward rental trends across WTC locations, resumption of work in offices by major IT/ITES companies in Noida and Gr. Noida, and higher demand versus supply as per enclosed market reports. It is also accelerating its deployment through partnerships and synergies, including the process of onboarding co-developers that has already begun across its various geographies, including Noida. Looking ahead, WTC Noida Development Company Private Limited emphasizes its commitment to transparent communication and customer satisfaction. Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize the online connect portal for any additional support required and are assured of its dedication to delivering quality projects while navigating through uncertain times. (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) NewsVoir Pune (Maharashtra) [India], February 6: FUEL, a leading non-profit organisation pioneering CSR-led education, skilling and counselling, held its Annual Conclave & Future Skills Summit today, bringing together the brilliant minds in government and corporate to deliberate on the most pressing issues in education and employability. During the event, scholarship certificates were awarded to 50 underprivileged girl students and 10 scholars received recognition for their outstanding performance in the presence of chief guests Hon'ble Aditi Varda Sunil Tatkare, Minister of woman and Child Development, Govt of Maharashtra and special guest, Bharath Bommai, industrialist and entrepreneur. The event was a confluence of corporate leaders, policy makers and stakeholders in education who exchanged views, experiences, best practices, challenges and innovation in CSR (corporate social responsibility) and together charted the course ahead for talent acquisition in futuristic skills. At the ceremony, the Martina Merz leadership award was given to Vaishnavi Yadav, BBA student and the Cyrus Poonawala leadership award was bestowed upon PGDM student Shraddha Kasaar. The 'Fuel your dreams' scholarship for PGDM students was also flagged off by FUEL founder, chairman Ketan Deshpande. He also announced his vision to set up a university to provide free higher education to all underserved communities, impacting the lives of 10,000 students. Among other big announcements, Deshpande launched 'The Hope Stories' book and announced the expansion of new skills centre, digital skills initiative, VFS global program and the new batch of Capegemini digital academy. FUEL also exchanged MOUs with partners like IIBM, BP, AXA, Evonik, VFS Global. Hon'ble Aditi Varda Sunil Tatkare, Minister of Woman and Child Development, said, "My association with FUEL gives me the opportunity to work for my rural constituency. Education goalposts have shifted over the last few years. We must not only ensure children receive a degree or complete graduation but that they also enrol in courses that ensure them a bright future. This is where FUEL bridges the gap between underprivileged students and their big dreams by providing them financial assistance. I also urge the education stakeholders to formulate policies on strengthening the mental health of students since they endure far more pressure on performance today. I congratulate FUEL for giving us this platform to brainstorm ideas and solutions." Founder Chairman, FUEL, Ketan Deshpande said, "FUEL is building the foundation for Viksit Bharat 2047 by empowering youth through skilling, education and mentorship. We endeavour to direct private sector funds toward causes like education, which will reap multiple dividends for our country - meeting the sustainable development goal 4 of quality education for all and preparing a workforce ready to deal with problems of the future. Education and employability are twin challenges of India on the path to 'developed' status. It is a major opportunity for corporates who want to direct the course of the future by harnessing the potential of Indian youth, refining and mentoring them to fill futuristic roles that will require an advanced skill set. Through our conclave and summits, we build thought leadership surrounding these crucial topics that need urgent solutions." Santosh Huralikoppi, chief mentor, FUEL said, "FUEL annual conclave and future skills summit is a breeding ground for ideas and innovations on the future of employability, talent acquisition and the role of CSR in nation building. We continue to steer thought leadership on crucial subjects like education, skill training and the integration of private sector with these efforts in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. We are confident that the FUEL model will be instrumental in bringing equity in quality and access for millions of students across the length and breadth of India." FUEL, an initiative of founder chairman Ketan Deshpande, is a 100% CSR funded university imparting 21st century skill training and education to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. FUEL facilitates leading MNCs and corporates to channel their CSR funds toward education and skilling, preparing the next generation of Indians for the job market that will be significantly impacted by technological transformations. FUEL has skilled over 1 lakh youth and imparted career counselling to more than 10 lakh students, receiving several awards and recognitions for its pathbreaking efforts. FUEL's flagship business school is also built on the principles of the parent body, keeping social responsibility, innovation and entrepreneurship at its core. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure, world class faculty and a thriving student community make FUEL business school an institution of higher learning of growing consequence. Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL) is a Pune-based non-profit organisation founded in 2007 to provide students with more access to information and opportunities. It is a leading Education and Skill Development company with a vision of bridging the global skill gap. It imparts a set of Skill Development initiatives through its structured plan and aims at Developing Skills for Tomorrow. The company actively engages in various Education Services like Skill Development Projects, Professional & Vocational Education, Research & Development, and Consulting. Visit: fuelfornation.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], February 6: Parmanu Defence Academy, a premier institute for defence examinations such as NDA, SSB, Air Force, Navy and Army, celebrated its annual function on Sunday with Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani as the chief guest. The event was attended by students, faculty members, parents and guests at the Hotel Vasdaa Dehradun where Col (Retd ) Bhandari, Retd Naval officer Prakash Thapliyal, Captain (Retd) SS Pankti, Captain (Retd) Anand Rana Mrigank Pandey attended the function as the guest of honour. Neha Joshi, national vice president of BJYM, was also a guest of honour at the event and spoke about how to accomplish goals in the defence career. The annual function showcased the achievements and talents of the students who participated in various cultural and academic activities throughout the year. The highlight of the event was a musical performance by the Madhuri Kannuajia, which enthralled the audience with patriotic songs and tunes. The students also presented a skit on the theme of 'My Country my passion', highlighting the life of an army personnel. The chief guest, Aftab Shivdasani, who is known for his roles in films like Mast, Kasoor, Awara Paagal Deewana and Masti, praised the academy for its excellence in defence education and training. He said that he was honoured to be a part of the function and encouraged the students to pursue their dreams of joining the armed forces. He also shared his experiences and challenges as an actor and a producer in the film industry. The director of Parmanu Defence Academy, Dr Rajesh Malhotra, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the chief guest, the guests of honour, the parents and the students for making the event a grand success. He said that the academy was committed to providing quality education and guidance to the defence aspirants and helping them achieve their goals. He also announced that the academy had received the prestigious Indo Global Business Award for 'Best Defence Academy in North India' and the Nation Icon Award 2023 for its outstanding contributions to the field of defence education. Apart from this, the organizing committee members Anoop Saklani and Gaurav Verma from Hotel Vasda, Shubham Sharma from Swastik Event, Archana Singhal from Junoon Dance Academy, Ashish chakravarthy from sonypik photography and Shaan Bharti etc. helped in making this program successful. The amazing anchoring of the well-known show host Richa Bhatt held everyone's attention. The annual function concluded with the announcement of Mr. & Ms. Parmanu Defence for the year follwed by a photo session with the chief guest and the guests of honour. The students and the faculty members were seen in high spirits and enthusiasm after the event. Web: www.parmanudefence.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/parmanudefence (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) According to a release from the Ministry, these endeavors focus on improving health infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring the availability of adequate human resources, and enhancing access to quality healthcare, especially for underserved and marginalized groups. Among the key schemes being implemented are the National Health Mission (NHM), Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), and Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). These initiatives receive technical and financial support from the Union Government to bolster healthcare infrastructure across the nation. Under the National Health Mission, significant allocations have been made for infrastructure strengthening in rural areas. The State-wise data for SPIP (State Program Implementation Plan) approvals and expenditure for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24 highlights the substantial investments made to enhance healthcare facilities at the grassroots level. States like Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra have witnessed substantial allocations to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services. Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure with a total outlay of Rs 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26). SPIP approvals and expenditure under PM-ABHIM for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24 demonstrate the concerted efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities and services across various states and union territories. Additionally, the government has undertaken initiatives like the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Packages (ECRP-I and ECRP-II) to combat the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These schemes focus on accelerating health system preparedness, including infrastructure development for pediatric care, to effectively respond to the pandemic. Furthermore, the Fifteenth Finance Commission (FC-XV) has recommended grants amounting to Rs. 70,051 crores for specific components of the health sector through local governments. These grants aim to strengthen the health system at the grassroots level over a five-year period, facilitating equitable access to healthcare services. The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) focuses on correcting regional imbalances in the availability of tertiary healthcare services and augmenting facilities for quality medical education. Similarly, efforts are underway to establish nursing colleges and increase MBBS seats in existing medical colleges, further enhancing the healthcare infrastructure and human resource capacity in the country. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, highlighted these initiatives in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring universal access to quality healthcare for all citizens. (ANI) The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has taken strides to bolster the Indian Tyre Industry, aiming to promote and incentivize its growth. According to a press release, with a surge in domestic consumption and exports, fueled by increasing mobility and industrialization, the Indian tyre sector has witnessed notable expansion. This growth trajectory has been further propelled by robust research and development activities and the introduction of advanced and eco-friendly tyre variants. To safeguard against the influx of substandard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and enhance the quality of domestically manufactured tyres, DPIIT enacted the Quality Control Order (QCO), 2009, regarding Pneumatic Tyres and Tubes for Automotive Vehicles on May 13, 2011. This move was pivotal in ensuring the protection of human, animal, or plant health, as well as environmental safety. Sanjiv, joint secretary of DPIIT, stated, "We are working to improve the industry." We continue to solicit feedback and speak with stakeholders throughout this process. We have reviewed the feedback and determined the next course of action based on it. In a bid to regulate tyre imports more effectively, DPIIT, in conjunction with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), proposed amendments to the import policy of tyres. Notably, DGFT's notification no. 12/2015-2020, dated June 12, 2020, shifted nine ITC HS codes of new pneumatic tyres from the 'free' to the 'Restricted' category. Consequently, importers are now required to obtain an Import Licence for tyres covered under this notification. Under the revised guidelines, applications for tyre imports will be considered from OEMs of vehicle manufacturers, tyre companies with manufacturing operations in India, and authorized vehicle and tyre testing laboratories/agencies recognized by the Government of India. These imports are primarily for research and development, testing, benchmarking, evaluation, and product development purposes. An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been tasked with recommending the exclusion/inclusion of pneumatic tyre sizes from the list of those not domestically manufactured. Only tyre sizes produced by more than one manufacturer will be classified as 'domestically manufactured', as per the present mechanism. Following deliberations and consultations with stakeholders, DPIIT, on January 25, 2023, issued a list of 600 tyre sizes/types not manufactured domestically, yet imported by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the replacement market. In a recent development, the IMC has conducted a thorough review of the list, leading to the preparation of an updated inventory comprising 960 tyre sizes/types. Of these, 70 sizes/types, now produced by multiple manufacturers, will be excluded from the QCO exemption list effective March 1, 2025. This adjustment allows sufficient time for industry stakeholders to exchange product lists and complete validation and testing processes. The ongoing review of tyre lists by the IMC underscores the government's commitment to fostering a robust and competitive tyre industry in India. (ANI) According to Variety, a US-based media outlet, Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The series is based on the podcast 'Fight Night,' which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell "the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali's (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man's life, but an entire city's destiny," as per Variety. Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of JD Hudson, described as "one of Atlanta's first Black detectives assigned to Ali's security detail and the robbery." Cheadle is known for his role in as War Machine in 'Iron Man' and 'Avengers'. Apart from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is also known for performances in films like 'Hotel Rwanda', for which he received an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination and the 'Ocean's 11' franchise, reported Variety. (ANI) Finally, the makers of the much-awaited patriotic thriller 'Operation Valentine' starring Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar on Tuesday unveiled the second song 'Rab Hain Gawah'. Taking to Instagram, Manushi treated fans with the song video and captioned it, "Experience the ethereal journey of love in the air. #OperationValentine Second Song out now." https://www.instagram.com/p/C3AT76ypdS9/? A soulful and romantic ballad sung by Shaan with music by Mickey J Meyer and heartfelt lyrics by Kumaar. The Telugu version of the song is sung by Armaan Malik. The song was launched in the presence of a massive gathering of students from MRCET College in Hyderabad. Shot in 2 languages, Hindi and Telugu, the film, which was scheduled to hit the theatres on February 16, will now be released on March 1. Announcing the new release date, Varun took to X and wrote, "Locking the target on March 1st 2024!See you in cinemas! #OperationValentine." The film has been postponed multiple times. It was originally set for a December 2023 release but the makers had to postpone it to February 16 due to a delay in visual effects reportedly. "Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar's 'Operation Valentine' will have a new release date to provide audiences with the greatest possible cinematic experience. Stay tuned," said a statement issued by the makers. In the film, Varun essays the role of an Air Force officer. The makers recently unveiled the teaser of 'Operation Valentine' and it has managed to garner praise from the audience. On receiving love for the teaser, Varun said, "I am truly overwhelmed by the incredible response we have received for the 'Operation Valentine' trailer. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown us so much love and support. I can't wait for audiences to experience the thrill, the emotions, and the intensity that 'Operation Valentine' has to offer. This project is close to my heart, and I am eagerly looking forward to sharing it with all of you. Your love and enthusiasm drive me, and I promise 'Operation Valentine' will be worth the wait." The story of the film revolves around the indomitable spirit of Air Force heroes on the frontlines and the challenges they face protecting the nation. Inspired by true events, 'Operation Valentine' is directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada. (ANI) Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla and Malayalam author-filmmaker M. T. Vasudevan Nair will be conferred with 'Aakashdeep,' the lifetime achievement award for their exceptional contributions to literature, culture, and society. Sharing his feelings about receiving this honour, M. T. Vasudevan Nair said, "We gather experiences like children collecting beautiful pebbles in their pockets. This is how, over time, experiences come alive in writing." M. T. Vasudevan Nair is a multifaceted personality known for his profound impact on modern Malayalam art and literature. As an acclaimed author and filmmaker, Nair has contributed significantly to shaping the cultural narrative of Kerala. Over the course of seven decades, he has authored nine novels, 19 collections of short stories, directed six films, and several collections of essays and memoirs. At the age of 25, he won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award for his second novel, Naalukettu (1959), and a decade later, Kaalam, his fifth novel, earned him the Kendra Sahitya Akademi medal. Vinod Kumar Shukla, born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh is a luminary in Hindi literature. His unparalleled insights and literary prowess have made a lasting impression on the literary landscape. Shukla's journey in the realm of Hindi literature has been marked by a unique blend of creativity and thought-provoking narratives, earning him admiration and respect. On being honoured with this award, Vinod Kumar Shukla said, "I don't think in words; I think in images. Writing is an unfinished task, and I consider it a responsibility." The 'Aakashdeep' award is established by Hindi News group Amar Ujala. Amar Ujala's Group Advisor Yashwant Vyas and coordinator of Shabd Samman, stated that the Amar Ujala Foundation celebrates the power of Indian languages and their collective dream. The 'Aakashdeep' Award, the highest honour in this category, includes a cash prize of Rs 5 Lakh, a certificate of commendation, and a symbolic Ganga statue. The 'Aakashdeep' Award was previously bestowed upon luminaries in Kannada (Girish Karnad), Marathi (Bhalchandra Nemade), Bengali (Shankh Ghosh), and Oriya (Pratibha Rai), has chosen Malayalam as the language of honour for the current year. Past recipients include distinguished figures in Hindi language such as Namvar Singh, Gyanranjan, Vishwanath Tripathi, and Shekhar Joshi. In addition to individual awards, the Shabd Samman Amar Ujala-23 are announced for the Best Literary Works of the Year. Kumar Ambuj's poetry collection 'Upasheershak' , Manoj Rupada's story collection 'Dahan' and Dalpat Singh Rajpurohit's 'Sundar Ke Swapna' in the non-fiction category receive recognition as the best literary works of the year. The first book 'Thaap' category acknowledges Chinmayi Tripathi's work 'Apni Kahi,' and Malini Gautam is awarded the Bhasha Bandhu Award for the Hindi translation of Gujarati Dalit poetry. A distinguished panel of judges, including renowned poet Naresh Saxena, acclaimed novelist Chitra Mudgal, distinguished author Shaji Zaman, celebrated writer Alok Bhalla, and esteemed poet Ashtabhuj Shukla, has critically evaluated these works. (ANI) Males born to obese mothers are more likely to be overweight at birth and suffer metabolic issues later in life, such as liver disease or diabetes. The way that male sex hormones activate pathways in the developing liver is partly to blame. That's the finding from a new study led by University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers looking at the impact of maternal obesity on fetal liver androgen signalling. Male fetuses of obese pregnant women have different signals that are activated by male sex hormones in the liver, which encourages them to prioritise growth at the expense of their health. UniSA researcher Dr Ashley Meakin says androgens give men their male characteristics and are crucial in their development, but if there are too many, male fetuses grow too large, causing not only problems at birth, but impacting liver function as an adult. Female fetuses exposed to excess testosterone from an obese pregnancy are wired to switch off the androgen pathway in the liver, restricting their growth and lowering the risks of metabolic disorders in adulthood. "We know there are sex differences in metabolic disorders in later life in response to maternal obesity," Dr Meakin says. "Men are more prone to non-alcohol fatty liver diseases and diabetes as an adult if their mother is obese during pregnancy and their birth weight is above 4 kg (9 lb 15 oz). "They are genetically wired to prioritise androgens because it supports the development of male characteristics - including size - but too much androgen is bad." Study lead author Professor Janna Morrison, Head of the Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group at UniSA, says it's a fine balance for women getting the right nutrition in pregnancy to ensure optimal conditions for their unborn child to flourish. "There are also risks for offspring being malnourished during pregnancy," she says. "If you are too little, too big, born too early, or a male, you are more vulnerable to negative outcomes later in life. You need the Goldilocks pregnancy: you must be the right size, born at the right time." Prof Morrison says unless society changes its approach to nutrition, it will be an uphill battle to reduce obesity and associated health issues, from the womb into adulthood. "As a society, we urgently need to address obesity. If children were taught early on about the importance of healthy eating, it would carry through into adulthood, including during pregnancy, where the right nutrition is so important." Dr Meakin says in the intervening period, supplements that address nutritional imbalances in pregnancy could provide the fetus with the best chance of optimal development. The liver androgen signalling study, recently published in Life Sciences, is among a series of studies by Prof Morrison and colleagues that investigates the impact of maternal under- and over-nutrition on the placenta, heart, lung, and liver. (ANI) A detainee named Paramjeet lodged in a jail in the Jind district of Haryana died on Monday. The accused was arrested two days ago on the charges of buffalo theft over which the CIA started interrogating him. The detainee who died under suspicious circumstances was a resident of the village Malikpur of Jind. As soon as the family members came to know about the death, they reached Jind General Hospital and started demanding justice. The kin accused the Haryana Police of custodial death. The family alleged, "Jind CIA police officials had demanded a bribe of Rs 2 lakh but we could not pay the money." "Consequently, the police tortured the detainee because of which he later died," added a family member. "There were marks all over his body which suggested that he was tortured by the police. The detainee was a farmer owing 8 acres of land. He was arrested for stealing a buffalo. He had a daughter and a son," the family member added further. The police assured of taking all the necessary action once the postmortem report is out. "The body is sent for postmortem. We will initiate our investigation as soon as the postmortem report is out. No complaint has been received in this matter yet. Prompt action will be taken as per the rules," said the Jind Civil Line police station in charge. More details on the matter are awaited. (ANI) Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday lashed out at the Maharashtra government led by the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance over the Ulhasnagar firing incident and said that "the minister's bungalow has become the safest place for goons." BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad allegedly opened fire at Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction leader Mahesh Gaikwad at Hill Line Police Station in Ulhasnagar on Friday night, triggering sharp reactions from the opposition leaders of the state. "The recruitment of goons has started in this government. Now the safest place for goons has become the minister's bungalow. Earlier, it was different but now in this government, the house of goons has become the house of ministers. The crime rate has increased very much in our state," said Wadettiwar. "When the government was formed, I had already said that a cold war would start in this government and within months, instead of a cold war, a gang war had started. The greed for power and the joy of power have come among these people," he added. Wadettiwar accused Maharashtra's CM and deputy CM's of putting Maharashtra in a state of lawlessness. "These three leaders of Maharashtra (Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar) have put the state in a pit. This is the first time in history that contractors are being threatened, extortion is being sought, and who is doing this? People in the government are openly threatening," said Wadettiwar. "Maharashtra has the most useless government till date--extortionist government, looters government--it gets less, even as many as the name given to this government," Wadettiwar added. Earlier, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde also visited Jupiter Hospital in Thane to meet his party leader, Mahesh Gaikwad, who was shot by BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad yesterday in Ulhasnagar. Mahesh Gaikwad and Rahul Patil, who were critically injured in the firing incident, were admitted to the Jupiter Hospital in Thane for treatment. (ANI) Following the arrest of Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari in connection with an alleged hate speech case, his defence lawyers on Monday alleged that the Ghatkopar Police 'violated Supreme Court guidelines by bringing Azhari to court without conducting any medical examination.' Mufti Salman Azhari's defence lawyer, Ratnakar Daware told ANI, "It is Supreme Court's guidelines if any accused is presented in the court, he needs a medical examination first." "Unfortunately, the Police presented him in the court without a medical examination and violated SC's guidelines. This arrest is illegal; hence, we will put things out against Ghatkopar Police Station, in front of the High Court tomorrow," he said. Maulana Mufti Salman Azhari, arrested in an alleged hate speech case by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), was brought to the investigative agency's office in Ahmedabad on Monday after a two-day remand was granted by a Mumbai Court on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police registered on Monday a case against the mob that had gathered outside Ghatkopar Police Station late on Sunday night demanding the release of Azhari. According to the police, the case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty), 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant from his duty), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), and relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act. "Three people have been arrested in this case so far," they said. Kaif Mujawar, co-defence lawyer of Azhari, said that Ghatkopar Police is using Section 353 as a weapon. He claimed that the protests held on Sunday night were 'peaceful.' "The Ghatkopar Police, which registered a case against those protesting the arrest of Islamic Preacher Azhari, were mere passers-by who were standing in a peaceful protest. The Police are misusing Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty), they are using it as a weapon," Mujawar said while speaking to ANI. "The Supreme Court has set guidelines, in which a medical is mandatory. Look at the audacity of Ghatkopar Police station, that they directly brought the accused to the court, without doing the medical examination," he added. Earlier on Sunday, a team of Gujarat police reached Mumbai and detained Mufti Salman Azhari in connection with an alleged hate speech case it is probing. The alleged hate speech, which went viral on social media, was delivered at an event held on an open ground near the B division police station in Junagadh, Gujarat on the night of January 31. (ANI) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva flagged off a special train, heading to Ayodhya, from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in the presence of BJP MP Harsh Vardhan on Monday night. Around 1400 devotees boarded the train from Delhi, and the departure of the devotees from Hazrat Nizamuddin Station was accompanied by resounding chants of 'Jai Shree Ram.' "People are very happy, everyone is thanking and giving their blessings to PM Modi. I want to especially thank the Railway Ministry for making such beautiful arrangements," BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said while speaking to ANI. BJP MP Harsh Vardhan said, "Among these devotees who have left Delhi today, include so many workers of my Lok Sabha, so I feel more happy. This first group is very lucky. I will also visit Ayodhya to see Lord Ram, by travelling in a similar train." Another train, called Astha Special, carrying the first batch of Ram devotees to Ayodhya, left from Mumbai Railway station on Monday. A devotee, on his way to Ayodhya for the first time, said, "I am excited, can't express the happiness because I did not believe that I would get a chance to visit. Devendra Fadnavis also greeted us with 'Jai Shree Ram'." Another devotee, Suman Maurya, said "We are very lucky that we are getting a chance to witness Ram Lalla." Maharashtra Cabinet Minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, while speaking to ANI, said, "Everyone in the country is excited, thousands of people are going to visit the Ram Lalla temple along with their families." The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's historic temple was held on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the rituals, led by a group of priests. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present inside the sanctorum during the rituals. The event saw the participation of about 8,000 invitees, including 1,500-1,600 eminent guests. (ANI) The campaign was launched on Monday. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released T-shirts and posters related to the campaign. Earlier Dhami called upon people in the state to work to come forward to help the government in its resolution to make the state drug-free by the year 2025. He held a high-level meeting at his official residence and directed the officials to rapidly involve the students and colleges in a campaign to achieve the target of a "Drugs Free Uttarakhand" by the year 2025. (ANI) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to move The Finance Bill, 2024 for its consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The Lower House will also hold a general discussion on the Interim Union Budget for 2024-25, which was presented on February 1, the second day of the Budget Session. "Finance Minister Sitharaman will move that the Bill to continue the existing rates of income-tax for the financial year 2024-2025 and to provide for certain relief to taxpayers and to make amendments in certain enactments, be taken into consideration. Also to move that the Bill be passed," the List of Business in the House for the day read. Union Home Minister will move that the Bill further to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (IX of 1989), the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 (XX of 2000) and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000), for its consideration and passage, it said. Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha, while the discussion over the Motion of Thanks on the President''s address is to resume on the fifth day of the ongoing Budget Session, Union Minister Arjun Munda will move the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes in relation to the State of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill will be moved in the Upper House for its consideration and passage. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi will move a motion in the Rajya Sabha today to suspend the provisions of rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) for consideration and passing of: the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 by the House. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav is to move in the Rajya Sabha today the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 further to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Bill will be moved in the house for its consideration and passage. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President''s Address in Lok Sabha. During his speech, he said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats. "A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that ''Abki baar 400 paar''. I don''t go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats," PM Modi said. "We all saw the abolition of 370. Article 370 was abolished before the eyes of these many MPs and with the power of their votes. Nari Shakti Adhiniyam became law in the second term. From Space to the Olympics, there is an echo of the power of women''s empowerment. People have seen the projects that were pending for years being completed," he added. (ANI) Congress Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari has moved an adjournment motion in the Lower House seeking a discussion on the border situation with China on Tuesday. The MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency sought suspension of Zero Hour, Question Hour, and other businesses of the day. "Since 2019, there have been constant border clashes between India and China. The Government has stonewalled every attempt made by the Opposition to have a discussion regarding this urgent issue. Since this Budget Session is the final session of the 17th Lok Sabha prior to the General Elections, I request that this House be adjourned to discuss the India-China border situation," Tewari wrote in a letter to Lok Sabha Secretary General. As the Parliament will reconvene today at 11 am, it will hold a general discussion on the Interim Union Budget for 2024-25, which was presented on February 1, the second day of the Budget Session. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to move The Finance Bill, 2024 for its consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. ""Finance Minister Sitharaman will move that the Bill to continue the existing rates of income-tax for the financial year 2024-2025 and to provide for certain relief to taxpayers and to make amendments in certain enactments, be taken into consideration. Also to move that the Bill be passed," the List of Business in the House for the day read. Union Home Minister will move that the Bill further to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (IX of 1989), the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 (XX of 2000) and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000), for its consideration and passage, it said. Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha, while the discussion over the Motion of Thanks on the President's address is to resume on the fifth day of the ongoing Budget Session, Union Minister Arjun Munda will move the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes in relation to the State of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill will be moved in the Upper House for its consideration and passage. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi will move a motion in the Rajya Sabha today to suspend the provisions of rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) for consideration and passing of: the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 by the House. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav is to move in the Rajya Sabha today the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 further to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Bill will be moved in the house for its consideration and passage. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha. During his speech, he said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats. "A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that 'Abki baar 400 paar'. I don't go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats," PM Modi said. "We all saw the abolition of 370. Article 370 was abolished before the eyes of these many MPs and with the power of their votes. Nari Shakti Adhiniyam became law in the second term. From Space to the Olympics, there is an echo of the power of women's empowerment. People have seen the projects that were pending for years being completed," he added. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inspected the Margao KTC bus stand on Monday. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the state today. In his visit, he will inaugurate the ONGC Sea Survival Centre and India Energy Week 2024. Later in the day, he will participate in the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 programme, a release from the Prime Minister's Office said on Monday. Achieving Aatma Nirbharta in energy requirements has been a key focus area of the Prime Minister. In yet another step in this direction, India Energy Week 2024 will be held from February 6-9 in Goa. It will be India's largest and only all-encompassing energy exhibition and conference, bringing together the entire energy value chain, and will serve as a catalyst for India's energy transition goals. The Prime Minister will hold a roundtable with global oil and gas CEOs and experts. Encouraging and fostering startups and integrating them into the energy value chain will be an important focus for India Energy Week 2024. It is expected to witness the participation of around 17 Energy ministers from different countries, 35,000+ attendees and more than 900 exhibitors. It will have six dedicated country pavilions - Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, the UK and the US. A special Make in India Pavilion is also being organised to showcase innovative solutions that Indian MSMEs are spearheading in the energy sector. Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 1,330 crores in the public programme in Goa. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology, Goa, for the nation. The newly built-up campus has various facilities, such as a tutorial complex, a departmental complex, a seminar complex, an administrative complex, hostels, a health centre, staff quarters, an amenity centre, asports ground and other utilities to cater to the needs of students, faculty and staff of the Institute. Prime Minister will also dedicate the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports to the nation. The institute will introduce 28 tailor-made courses aimed at fostering the development of watersports and water rescue activities catering to both the public and the Armed Forces. Prime Minister will also inaugurate a 100 TPD integrated waste management facility in South Goa. It has been designed for the scientific treatment of 60 TPD wet waste and 40 TPD dry waste, while also featuring a 500 KW solar power plant that generates surplus electricity. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for Passenger Ropeway, along with associated tourism activities, connecting Panaji and Reis Magos. The foundation stone for the construction of a 100 MLD water treatment plant in South Goa will be laid by him. Further, he will also distribute appointment orders to 1930 new government recruits across various departments under Rozgar Mela and hand over sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. The ONGC Sea Survival Centre, which PM Modi will inaugurate, has been developed as a one-of-a-kind Integrated Sea Survival Training Centre to advance the Indian sea survival training ecosystem to global standards. It is expected to train 10,000-15,000 personnel annually. Exercises in simulated and controlled harsh weather conditions shall enhance the sea survival skills of trainees and thus potentially increase the chances of safe escape from real-life disasters. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave a 'Chalo Delhi' call to protest against the alleged lack of tax devolution and grants-in-aid to the state by the Centre in the national capital on Wednesday. The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The Karnataka Chief Minister said that the Congress government in the southern state will continue to raise its voice against discrimination in the fair tax share and grant distribution of Kannadigas. "Chalo Delhi movement to condemn the financial tyranny of the central government. Tomorrow at 11 am at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, we will raise our voice against the discrimination in the fair tax share and grant distribution of Kannadigas. This movement is not against anyone, it is for the benefit of Karunadu and Kannadigas. We request everyone to participate in this Dharani Satyagraha regardless of party affiliation," Siddarmaiah wrote in a post on social media platform, X. State Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after holding a press conference on the matter at Vidhan Souda earlier today said that the planned protest is not against the Bharatiya Janata Party and that all MLAs should forget party lines and participate. "The entire government will protest, all MLAs should forget party lines and participate. We all have to fight together for the good of the state. We are in a union system. We have been giving cooperation to the central government, but we continue to be treated unfairly by the centre. We didn't get proper relief even during covid, we didn't get grant even during heavy rains. Rs 5300 crore was not given for the Bhadra Meldande project. This is not a protest against BJP. Instead, it is a protest against the discriminatory attitude in financial distribution and drought relief" DK Shivakumar said. Earlier on Monday, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, said there is a general perception across the nation that the non-BJP states are being deprived of their legitimate dues. The latest example, he alleged, is Congress-ruled Karnataka. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, rubbishing the Congress leader's charges, termed the allegations to be a "politically vitiated narrative" that is being propagated by some vested interest groups. "Adhir ji, please understand I don't have the right to change as per my whims and fancies, that I like a state or another state, it is against my party politics. No way, I have no role I would have to it follow rules 100 per cent, and that's what I have done," Sitharaman responded, as she explained the procedure of how devolution of taxes to the states is decided upon by the Finance Commission. "Finance commission gives recommendations which I have to implement, it is done without any fear or favour or anything like that. So this apprehension that some states have been discriminated against is a politically vitiated narrative, which I am sorry to say, vested interests are happy to go about saying it. There is not just a possibility that any finance minister can intervene and say 'I don't like this state, stop payment'," she added. Devolution to the states happens in direct tax matters, as per the recommendations given by the finance commission. (ANI) In reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win 370 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Malook Nagar said that the Congress would be responsible for Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory. "Congress is responsible for this. Such statements are coming because of the Congress," Nagar said speaking to ANI. The BSP MP claimed that in Rajasthan, nine per cent of the Gurjar votes left the Congress as Sachin Pilot was not projected as the Chief Minister's face, which in turn led to the BJP's victory. "In Rajasthan, the BJP won because Sachin Pilot was left betrayed and was not made the Chief Minister's face. Hence the nine per cent Gurjar vote left the Congress and the BJP won," Nagar said. Nagar also claimed that eight per cent Yadav votes left the Congress as Kamal Nath did not leave seats for Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, which in turn led to the BJP's victory. "In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath deceived Akhilesh Yadav. So eight per cent Yadav votes left. Hence BJP won there," he said. Speaking about the INDIA bloc, the BSP MP said that the alliance is in turmoil as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banejee and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar left it. "In the so-called INDIA bloc, Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee left in anger. It is facing problems with Akhilesh, in Maharashtra, in Punjab and Delhi with the AAP. There is no leadership in Congress; there is confusion. They want to create pressure even if they do not have the same stature as before. They should show humility," Nagar said. The BSP MLA further said that had the Congress apologised to his party for breaking away their MLAs in four-five states and declared party chief Mayawati as the Prime Minister's candidate then the Prime Minister would not have made such a statement. "If they had taken us along, apologised to us for breaking our MLAs off in the four-five states, and declared behenji (Mayawati) as the Prime Minister candidate (of the opposition bloc), then the Prime Minister would not have said this in Parliament today. The elections would have been fought on an equal footing," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday used his reply during the motion of thanks on the President's address to launch one of the strongest attacks on Congress as he also hit out at INDIA bloc over its "disturbed alignment" while expressing confidence that people will give BJP a renewed mandate of over 370 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls on the basis of the work done for all sections of society. "Only 100-125 days remain to go...I don't go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will definitely get 370 seats...The third term will be about taking very big decisions," he said. PM Modi's mentioning of 370 seats is his reference to the BJP-led government at the Centre scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution early in its second term in office. BJP leaders have been talked about it in election rallies. (ANI) Rashtriya Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha on Tuesday said that by giving the exact number of seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party will win in the upcoming Parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the doubts over the functioning of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "If he (PM Modi) is saying that BJP will get 370 (seats in Lok Sabha elections) and NDA will be 400 plus. Does this mean the EVM is set?" the leader of RJD, an ally of the opposition's INDIA bloc, said. He said, "You are the Prime Minister of the country, you should have said that we will return with a thumping majority. (But) when you specify the exact numbers, doubts arise." Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha. During his speech, PM Modi said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats, a play on the now defunct Article 370. "A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that 'Abki baar 400 paar'. I don't go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats," PM Modi said. "We all saw the abolition of 370. Article 370 was abolished before the eyes of these many MPs and with the power of their votes. Nari Shakti Adhiniyam became law in the second term. From Space to the Olympics, there is an echo of the power of women's empowerment. People have seen the projects that were pending for years being completed," he added. Responding to this, Jha said, "If you are dreaming of 370 seats even after not fulfilling your promise, then I think our democracy is not in a good condition." "In 2014, you had come (to power) on the promise of 2 crore employment per year, today it should have been 20 crore, now out of those 20 crore, have you given employment to even 20 lakh?" the RJD MP asked hitting out at the Centre further. (ANI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to tribal leader Birsa Munda in Khunti during the ongoing Jharkhand leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Tuesday. Taking to the social media platform, X, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The 24th day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra began at 8 am today with Rahul Gandhi garlanding the statue of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Khunti. He also met and honoured the fourth generation of Bhagwan Munda's family." "Khunti district is the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who was one of the revolutionary leaders of the Indian Independence Movement and a strong proponent of the principles of self-rule, democracy, and justice. His ideals continue to be relevant today, and a source of strength and inspiration for us as we resist the Anyay-kaal of the last 10 years," Jairam wrote on X. Currently, the yatra, which has already covered five states, mostly by bus, is anchored in Jharkhand, where the newly formed government led by Champai Soren survived a floor test in the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday. Speaking on the victory of the alliance in the floor test Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP claiming that the party was anti-tribal. "Hemant Soren ji said a very touching thing in the Assembly today, "When we came out of the forest, sat next to them, their clothes got dirty". This is not just a statement, it is the pain of the entire tribal society. The BJP is not tolerating the fact that there is a tribal Chief Minister in the state. Today Jharkhand has given a message to the entire country that the power of the people cannot be subdued by intimidation. This is a victory for the unity of the poor and the tribals, congratulations to all of you" Rahul Gandhi said. Jharkhand saw a brief period of political crisis following the arrest of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren in an alleged land "scam" by the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday evening following seven hours of grilling. Champai Soren, a senior JMM leader took oath as the Chief Minister on Friday afternoon. Congress is an an ally in the ruling alliance of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) along with the Rashtriya Janata Dal. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur's Thoubal on January 14. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. It will cover a distance of 6,713 km, straddling 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly segments and covering 110 districts. The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20, after 67 days. A follow-up to the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which saw Rahul Gandhi cover more than 3,000 kilometres on foot--from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar--the Yatra 2.0 is following a hybrid format. (ANI) Under the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the cumulative footfall has reached 7,22,69,014 in 2,34,259 health camps conducted in Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies till today. Under the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Ayushman cards are being created using the Ayushman app and physical cards are being distributed to the beneficiaries. "To date, 51,03,942 physical cards have been distributed. Cumulatively, 2,78,86,460 cards have been created," an official release said. The screening of patients for TB is carried out by screening for symptoms, sputum testing, and using NAAT machines wherever available. "More than 3,85,73,277 people have been screened out of which 11,80,445 were referred to higher Public Health Facilities," the release said. Under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMA), consent is being taken for patients suffering from TB to receive assistance from Nikshay Mitras. Attendees willing to be Nikshay Mitras are also being provided on-spot registration. The release further added that a total of 4,17,894 patients have given consent under PMTBMBA and 1,18,546 new Nikshay Mitras were registered. "Under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), monetary assistance is provided to TB patients through Direct Benefit Transfer. For this purpose, details of the bank accounts of the pending beneficiaries are being collected and accounts are being Aadhaar seeded. Details of 87,129 such beneficiaries have been collected," it added. In areas with predominant tribal populations, screening of eligible populations (up to 40 years of age) is being done for the detection of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through the Point of Care (PoC) tests for SCD or through the Solubility Test. "A total of 42,30,770 people has been screened so far, out of which 70,995 were found to be positive and referred to higher public health facilities," the release stated. Screening of eligible population (30 years and above) is being done for Hypertension and Diabetes and cases suspected to be positive are being referred to higher centres. "Around 5,40,90,000 people have been screened for Hypertension and Diabetes. More than 20,20,900 people were suspected to be positive for Hypertension more than 14,31,100 were suspected to have Diabetes and more than 30,50,100 people were referred to higher public health facilities," it added. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15, 2023, from Khunti, Jharkhand to saturate the benefits of central government schemes across the nation. As a part of on-spot services under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Health Camps are being organized at the places of the halt of the IEC Van in the Gram Panchayats. (ANI) Guwahati (Assam) [India], February 6: The third and final phase of Gunotsav started in 10 districts of Assam on Tuesday, said an official release. According to the official release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the third phase of Gunotsav, encompassing 11,933 schools, has started in Bongaigaon, Darrang, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Cachar, Nalbari, Morigaon, Dima Hasao, Majuli and West Karbi Anglong districts. A team of 4,968 external evaluators will be conducting assessments, reaching nearly 10.92 lakh students, the release added. Earlier in January, as part of the Gunotsav 2024 exercise, the Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr. Numal Momin, attended the Gunotsav at Bordeka Langmili Gaon ME School in Assam's Karbi Anglong district as an external evaluator and also interacted with students. Gunotsav is a state government initiative for the improvement of the quality of school education. 'Gunotsav 2024', an exercise to evaluate the performance of nearly 40 lakh students of Assam, is being carried out by the state government from January 3 to February 8. Gunotsav 2024 kicked off on January 3 in all 35 districts of the state, aiming to assess and enhance the quality of education across 43,498 schools in the state. Over 39.63 lakh students from Class 1 to Class 9 have participated in this year's Gunotsav. The results of Gunotsav 2024 are anticipated to be announced on April 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, The 'Poi-Lang' festival was held at Chalipatha Shyam village in the Charaideo district in accordance with the customs and traditions of Buddhism concluded yesterday on a sombre note. Speaking on the occasion, Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora said, "Dr Sasanbansh Mahathera's body was cremated on the last day of the 'Poi Lang' festival at Shyam village in Chalipathar in Charaideo district, nearly six months after his demise at the age of 98." "As per holy rituals, the body of the monk was preserved for the past six months since his death in August 2023," said the Minister. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy requested the NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery to ensure the release of Rs 1800 crore grants to Telangana. The CM called on the NITI Aayog Vice Chairman in New Delhi on Monday, an official release said. In a post on X, the Office of the Telangana Chief Minister said "The Chief Minister asked for funds for the development of the river front of Musi river in Hyderabad. He appealed to the World Bank to support the release of the necessary aid. The Chief Minister appealed to the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog to support the necessary funds for the supply of drinking water in the state as well as the reforms to be brought by his government in the fields of medicine, health and education in the state." https://x.com/TelanganaCMO/status/1754552852922651034?s=20 Telangana CM Revanth Reddy had earlier directed the officials to develop the Musi riverfront on 55 Km stretch in Hyderabad limits in the first phase. As part of Musi riverfront project, a tourism circuit will be designed by connecting the historical buildings - Charminar, Taramati Baradari and other tourist places situated along the Musi catchment areas, as per CMO. "The Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog is also requested to extend financial support for the supply of drinking water as well as the reforms to be brought by his government in the fields of medical, health, and education sectors in the state," the statement said, quoting the CM. In December, the CM met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time after the Congress government was formed in the state and flagged the issues of the pending projects with the PM. In January, during his Delhi tour, CM Reddy requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting to release pending funds to Telangana. He had sought the release of Rs 1800 crores under the Backward Areas Development Programme and urged the allocation of Rs 2,233.54 crores from the 15th Finance Commission dues to the state, as per the CMO. In the same month, he met Home Minister Amit Shah and requested to allocate more IPS officers to Telangana and stressed the settlement of pending dues from Andhra Pradesh. (ANI) "ED has provisionally attached 02 immovable properties to the extent of Rs. 26.19 Crore acquired by Radha Charan Sah, MLC, Bihar Legislative Council under the PMLA, 2002, in connection with money laundering case against M/s Broadsons Commodities Pvt Ltd," the probe agency said in a post on 'X'. The JDU MLC was earlier raided by the ED team last year for being associated with the illegal sand mining mafia in Bihar. The ED had earlier summoned Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's press advisor, Abhishek Prasad to join its investigation on January 16 into an alleged money laundering probe linked to an illegal mining case. The probe agency also summoned Ramnivas Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Sahibganj, on January 11 and one Vinod Singh on January 15. In December 2023, an inspector of the mines department and five home guard jawans were seriously injured allegedly after being attacked by a gang of sand mafias during a joint raid in Bihar's Kishanganj district. Following the incident, a case was registered against 21 people involved in the attack and attempts are being made to arrest them. According to police, the incident took place when a joint team of the mines department and home guard jawans reached the site after receiving a complaint about the illegal lifting of sand. Following the information, a team of mining department officials from Kishanganj rushed to the spot. Seeing the team arriving, the sand mafias fled from the spot, leaving behind their tractor trolley. However, the suspects returned and attacked the team with sticks and pelted stones. The attackers however escaped from the scene by the time the local police reached the spot and the injured officials were taken to the Kishanganj district hospital for treatment, the police said. (ANI) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party workers bought their cattle along at a protest against the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state for not providing subsidies on milk production. The BJP workers staged the protest at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru and raised slogans alleging that the state government had not released dues to the subsidy of milk producers. Protestors alleged that the Congress government was withholding Rs 716 crore in dues and due to it the milk production in the state had come down. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave a 'Chalo Delhi' call to protest against the alleged lack of tax devolution and grants-in-aid to the state by the Centre. The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital. The Karnataka Chief Minister said that the Congress government in the southern state will continue to raise its voice against discrimination in the fair tax share and grant distribution of Kannadigas. "Chalo Delhi movement to condemn the financial tyranny of the central government. Tomorrow at 11 am at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, we will raise our voice against discrimination in the fair tax share and grant distribution of Kannadigas. This movement is not against anyone, it is for the benefit of Karunadu and Kannadigas. We request everyone to participate in this Dharani Satyagraha regardless of party affiliation," Siddarmaiah wrote in a post on the social media platform, X. State Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the planned protest is not against the Bharatiya Janata Party and that all MLAs should forget party lines and participate. However, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday that to cover up its mistakes, the Karnataka government is holding a protest in New Delhi against the Central Government which is nothing but a political stunt. Bommai said, "The anti-farmer government was ruling the state and not a single paise had been released for development works. The CM has said that the state had received less grants in the 15th Finance Commission than in the previous 14th Finance Commission. The Siddaramaiah-led government was in power when the 15th Commission Committee visited Karnataka but the committee was not apprised about the real financial condition of the state." (ANI) Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday criticised PM Modi's remarks about BJP getting 370 seats in the upcoming elections and said "How does Modi ji know before the elections that there will be 370 seats?" Adhir claimed that there is some secret hidden in EVMs. "How does Modi ji know before the elections that there will be 370 seats? If they have removed Article 370, it means that you will get 370 seats. I think there is some secret hidden in EVMs. It seems that Modi ji has some hand in the EVMs. If the country's leader makes such a statement before the elections, then people's right to vote will be protected properly... I have doubts about this," he said. Congress MP KC Venugopal told ANI that if the PM has already got 400 seats, what is the point of elections now? "There is no need for elections now. He has already got 400 seats so what is the point of elections? In a democracy, everything is decided by the people. We have full confidence that the people of the country will decide to change and remove this dictatorial government," he said. Congress leader Deependra Hooda said that they (BJP) can give a slogan but the public will decide ultimately. National Conference MP Farooq Abdullah said, "He (PM Modi) has a magical lamp, so what he says might come true." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats. PM Modi, while replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in the Lok Sabha, cited the revocation of Article 370, which was removed during the second term of his government and said that the BJP will win 370 seats in its third term. "A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that 'Abki baar 400 paar'. I don't go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats," PM Modi said. Listing out the achievements of his government, PM Modi said, "25 crore people have come out of poverty in 10 years. If the poor get resources and self-respect, they have the power to defeat poverty. With this thinking, we gave resources and self-respect to the poor. Today 50 crore poor people have bank accounts. Four crore poor have permanent houses. 11 crores are getting pure water from the tap. More than 55 crore poor people have got an 'Ayushman Bharat' card. 80 crore people have been provided with the facility of free grains." (ANI) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP TR Baalu on Wednesday said that he called Union MoS L Murugan 'unfit to be a minister' as the latter was speaking against the interest of Tamil Nadu inside Lok Sabha. This came after the DMK MP during Question Hour in the Lower House, on damages caused due to natural disasters, called Union MoS Murugan 'unfit' to be a minister, a remark which the Bharatiya Janata Party said is an insult to the entire Dalit community. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the DMK MP cannot call their colleague 'unfit'. "Sir, it is not right to call an SC minister unfit. This is an insult to a Dalit," Joshi said. "TR Baalu was asking a question. A Dalit minister of our Council of Ministers stood up and simply said that you are asking irrelevant questions. And you called him unfit. He is also a Dalit and also comes from the SC community. (Baalu) called him unfit. This is an insult to the Dalit community. We want Baalu to apologise," Meghwal said. While speaking to reporters, Baalu said Murugan, who also hails from Tamil Nadu, intervened when he was talking in the interest of the southern state. "We have not recieved any national disaster relief fund, commensurate with the demand made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Two times a delegation met the Prime Minister and one time an all-party delegation met the Union Home Minister (regarding this). In front of all party leaders, the Union Home Minister promised that I will extend the help on or before January 27. The promise has not been fulfilled. That's why we are worried. That's why (DMK MP) Raja asked the question (in Lok Sabha)," he said. "The intervention was made by L Murugan of Tamil Nadu. That's why we called him a traitor. He spoke against Tamil Nadu's interests," Baalu said in his defence. Meanwhile, Murugan while speaking to reporters said, "DMK is unable to tolerate that a minister from a downtrodden community is a minister. This is why he used a derogatory and unparliamentary word to insult my community and me." (ANI) The chairman of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation One Election and former President, Ram Nath Kovind, on Tuesday met and interacted with representatives of Trinamool Congress leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kalyan Banerjee who put forth their opinions on the subject. The panel chief also met Communist Party of India (Marxist) secretary general Sitaram Yechury and former Rajya Sabha MP Nilotpal Basu and others as part of consultations with political parties. The leaders presented their views on holding simultaneous elections in the country. Meanwhile, from the Samajwadi Party, KK Srivastava and Dr Harish Chander Yadav attended the meeting, articulating the party's position with regard to holding simultaneous Elections. Representatives of these parties also handed over their suggestions in writing to the committee. Speaking to media persons after calling on the committee's chairman, TMC leader and MP Kalyan Banerjee said, "Today we appeared before the committee headed by our former President. We opposed the idea of 'One Nation, One Election'. We are of the view that there is a hidden agenda to replace the time-honoured parliamentary democracy in India towards a dictatorship or a presidential form of government in future. Our constitutional provisions cannot and should not be interfered with." Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the high-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election', saying that she did not agree with the idea of holding simultaneous elections as the Constitution does not provide for the same. "Does the Indian Constitution follow the concept of 'One Nation, One Government? I am afraid it does not. Our Constitution conceives of the Indian nation in a federal manner. Therefore, the Indian nation has been given a Union government and several State governments. If the framers of the Indian Constitution did not mention the concept of 'One Nation, One Government, how have you arrived at the concept of 'One Nation, One Election'?" the TMC Supremo stated in her letter to the panel. After meeting with the High-Level Committee, Yechury told reporters on Tuesday, "We totally disagree with terms of reference of this committee because it is presumed that 'One Nation, One election' is possible and all that remains to be decided is how to implement it. In our opinion this presumption itself is wrong. 'One Nation, One Election' runs contrary to the spirit of our Constitution. It is anti-democratic and anti-federalism. When a govt loses its majority on the floor of the House, then its continuation is completely undemocratic." "India is a vast country with myriad diversities and only a federal set-up can sustain political democracy. Having elections in states at different times is one aspect of the federal system. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is totally opposed to any artificial attempt to bring about simultaneous elections which can only be done by trampling upon the existing Constitutional scheme of parliamentary democracy," the CPI(M) stated recently. Samajwadi Party representatives KK Srivastava and Dr Harish Chander Yadav also handed over the written submissions to the committee, stating that 'One Country, One Election' may lead to major gains for national parties while state-level parties are likely to suffer losses. They also voiced fears that it may further aggravate the differences between national and state parties. According to the Samajwadi Party, there will be many constitutional, structural and political challenges in implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' law, as, to extend the tenure of any Legislative Assembly or Lok Sabha by even a day, the Constitution will have to be amended or President's rule will have to be imposed. Also raising questions on constitutional safeguards or arrangements will be ensured in states where governments are dissolved mid-term, the SP leaders also questioned how a consensus will be reached to increase or decrease the tenure of the legislative assembly. Earlier, on January 27, Ram Nath Kovind held consultations with Justice UU Lalit, former Chief Justice of India and Justice Sanjib Banerjee, former Chief Justice of Madras High Court and Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India, who gave their considered opinions on the subject. Continuing his deliberations with political parties, Kovind also held interactions with Deepak 'Pandurang' Dhavalikar, president, of Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party, Goa. The party offered its strong support to the idea of 'One Nation One Election', inter alia, arguing that it will strengthen grassroots democracy. Recently, the committee had also met a delegation of Lok Jan Shakti Party, comprising members including Pashupati Kumar Paras, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, President Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), Prince Raj (Member of Parliament, Samastipur, Lok Sabha), Sanjay Sarraf, Spokesperson, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), and Ramji Singh, General Secretary, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP). The committee had also held consultations with eminent jurists Justice Dilip Bhosale, former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, and Justice Rajendra Menon, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, who articulated their views on the subject. Initiating discussions with financial and economic experts, Kovind also held interactions with Ajay Singh, president of ASSOCHAM, and chairman and managing director of Spicejet Airlines, who was also accompanied by the Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General of ASSOCHAM. Ajay Singh put forth his views in detail on the economic advantages of holding simultaneous elections for the nation. The High-Level Committee, earlier, initiated a consultative process under the chairmanship of the former President. The panel recently also sought public opinion on 'One Nation, One Election'. A public notice in the matter read, "Notice for inviting suggestions from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country." (ANI) Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Tuesday granted transit remand of Lashkar operative Riyaz Ahmad Rather, the key conspirator of the recently busted terror module in Kupwara, to Jammu and Kashmir Police. Rather, a retired army personnel, was arrested by Delhi Police on February 4 from New Delhi Railway station and his arrest was informed to the Jammu and Kashmir Police from which specific information was received about him. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Anuj Kumar Singh granted transit remand of Riyaz Ahmad to Jammu and Kashmir police after considering its application. He was allegedly involved in a hatching conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LOC by the terrorist handlers. Riyaz Ahmad is suspected of having received a consignment of arms and ammunition from Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, residents of New Gabra Karnah in Kupwara. Both were already arrested by J&K Police. As per Delhi police statement, on February 4, specific information was received from investigation agencies in Jammu and Kashmir that Riyaz Ahmad Rather, a resident of New Gabra village of J-K's Kupwara is wanted in the recent terror module case busted by them, wherein five persons were arrested and incriminating material including 5 AK rifles (short), 5 AK Magazines, 16 short AK rounds were recovered. A case under section 120B IPC, 7/25 Indian Arms Act, 13, 18, 20, 23, 38, 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Police Station Karnah in Kupwara was registered and under investigation. It alleged that these arms and ammunition were sent by PoK-based LeT Terrorist handlers namely Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh and Qazi Mohammad Khushal. Both were operating from across the border. Further, it was informed that the alleged Riyaz Ahmad is absconding and will reach shortly New Delhi Railway Station in the wee hours of February 4. On this information Riyaz was identified and apprehended when he was trying to flee from New Delhi Railway Station in the early morning hours, police said. One mobile phone and a SIM card were recovered from his possession. During interrogation, he revealed that he along with his friend Altaf had boarded Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at about 3:00 PM on February 3, Delhi police said in a statment issued. Thereafter, they took an auto and reached New Delhi Station. Riyaz Ahmad Rather was about to go to some other hideout. Accused Riyaz Ahmad and his friend Altaf retired from the Indian Army on January 31, 2023. ANI) The Lok Sabha also took up a bill to include the communities of "Gadda Brahmin", "Koli", "Paddari Tribe" and "Pahari Ethnic Group" in the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of Jammu and Kashmir. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar moved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order Bill 2023 bill for consideration and passage in the House. Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda moved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the House. Officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has recommended for inclusion of the Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Bhangi, Balmiki, Mehtar at serial number 5 in the list of Scheduled Castes of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Schedule of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for inclusion of 'Valmiki'. The officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has requested for inclusion of the "Gadda Brahmin", "Koli", "Paddari Tribe" communities and "Pahari Ethnic Group" in the list of Scheduled Tribes. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989. (ANI) China's travel boom buoys global expectations Xinhua) 08:37, February 06, 2024 Visitors watch a firework show during the opening ceremony of the 40th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed hopes that Chinese visitors would have a delightful and secure experience in Thailand. This came after China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, which will come into effect from March 1. "As a Thai citizen, I'm so excited about the news," said Chanapan Kaewklachaiyawuth, vice president of the Thai Chinese Tourism Alliance Association, adding that it will facilitate travel and be the best mechanism to boost economic gains. Chanapan said the association expects between 200,000 and 250,000 Chinese tourists to enter Thailand during this year's Spring Festival holiday, running from Feb. 10 to 17. In 2024, the Southeast Asian country aims to attract 8 million tourists from China, more than double the figure from 2023 and constituting 75 percent of the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019. Singapore, which also signed a visa-free agreement with China last month, experienced a recovery in its tourism sector last year, with the Chinese mainland topping its tourist spending chart. The city-state expects its tourism industry to recover further this year, driven by improved global flight connectivity and capacity as well as the implementation of the mutual 30-day visa-free travel with China. Tourism bureaus across China are actively promoting local attractions and employing innovative strategies to entice visitors. Featuring unique local traditions such as distinctive dressing-up, traditional dances and delectable cuisine, these efforts aim to captivate tourists in the lead-up to the Spring Festival holiday. The "ice city" Harbin, capital city of northeast Heilongjiang Province, took advantage of its winter landscape to promote ice and snow tourism, attracting more than 3 million visitors during the three-day New Year holiday and raking in a total tourism revenue of 5.91 billion yuan (about 831.6 million U.S. dollars), both reaching record highs. On Alibaba's travel platform Fliggy, bookings for domestic and overseas destinations for visits during the Spring Festival holiday have surged, with that for outbound travel increasing more than 15 times compared with 2023, leaving tour guides buzzing with excitement. "Customers are eager to explore overseas destinations, particularly after countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists. It's like a renaissance for both individual and group tours," said Tan Mingyuan, a tour guide with GZL International Travel Service. "I have to work the entire holiday period," said Tan, who just returned from the Philippines and is leaving for Vietnam with a 20-member tour group. Looking ahead, 2024 will be a big year for China's tourism industry, which will enter "a new prosperous cycle," according to the China Tourism Academy. Chinese tourists are expected to make more than 6 billion domestic trips this year, up from nearly 4.9 billion in 2023, while the number of outbound trips by Chinese tourists is expected to reach 130 million, a big jump from more than 87 million last year, according to the academy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said that following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, the unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Interactive sessions on cancer burden, survivorship and issues pertaining to niche clientele of the Indian Armed Forces were discussed. Integration of the Armed Forces Cancer registry with the National database, cancer screening, palliative care, and end-of-life issues were other topics dwelt upon. The event was attended by DGAFMS Lt Gen Daljit Singh, AVSM, VSM, PHS, Adjt Gen Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, DGMS (Army) Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, AVSM, VSM and other PSOs, in presence of Comdt AHRR, Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan, PVSM. The sessions generated insightful discussions between the medical fraternity, administrators and policymakers. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives in the devastating fire in a cracker factory at Harda in Madhya Pradesh. The death toll in the massive fire rose to 11, according to officials. Taking to her official X handle, President Murmu offered her 'deepest condolences' to the kin of the deceased. "I was extremely saddened to learn of the death of many people in the fire in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," President Murmu posted on X in Hindi. At least 87 others were injured in the fire that broke out inside a cracker factory in Harda, triggering several explosions, on Tuesday morning. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has also offered his condolences to the family members of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a fire incident in a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Vice President Dhankhar posted on X. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while condoling the loss of lives in the incident, demanded the state government provide adequate compensation to the kin of the deceased and injured. He also called on party workers to extend all possible help to the injured. "The news of the death of many people due to a blast in a firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh is very painful. More than 100 people are injured. Our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. May God give them strength in this difficult time. We demand that the state government should provide appropriate compensation for the loss of life...Congress workers are requested to take all possible steps for the treatment and help of the injured," the Congress national president posted on X. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the devastating fire and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PM's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the deceased. PM Modi has also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 each for the injured. "Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected. Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs. 50,000," read a post on the official handle of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on X. The blaze broke out at 11.30 am at the factory, which had been allegedly operating illegally, on Magardha Road in Bairagarh village of Harda. Such was the impact of the explosions that were set off by the blaze that the entire factory premises were engulfed in black smoke with windowpanes of houses and shops located in the vicinity left shattered. Locals said it felt as if an earthquake had hit Harda. Taking immediate cognizance of the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed Minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home Guard Arvind Kumar, and ACS Ajit Kesari to visit the scene of the fire and oversee the rescue operation. "Six people have tragically lost their lives and more than 50 people have been injured in the incident. Over 50 ambulances were rushed to the spot. Minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home and around 400 police officials have already left for the spot. Firefighters are at the spot, trying to bring the blaze under control at the earliest and extend immediate assistance to the injured," CM Yadav said earlier in the day. The chief minister announced that Rs 4 lakh each will be provided as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased while the injured will receive free treatment. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. (ANI) Congress Lok Sabha member DK Suresh on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi-led Union government of betraying the South Indian states with discriminatory budget allocation. He said that the budget share for the entire South is less than Rs 2 lakh crores while the single state of Uttar Pradesh is Rs 2 lakh crores "South Indian states contribute the maximum but are betrayed by the Union government. The budget share for the entire South is less than Rs 2 lakh crores while the single state of Uttar Pradesh is Rs 2 lakh crores," DK Suresh posted on X. Suresh had recently stoked a controversy by stating that southern States may have to seek a separate country over alleged disparities in the allocation of funds. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave a 'Chalo Delhi' call to protest against the alleged lack of tax devolution and grants-in-aid to the state by the Centre in the national capital on Wednesday. The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The Karnataka Chief Minister said that the Congress government in the southern state will continue to raise its voice against discrimination in the fair tax share and grant distribution of Kannadigas. "Chalo Delhi movement to condemn the financial tyranny of the central government. Tomorrow at 11 am at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, we will raise our voice against the discrimination in the fair tax share and grant distribution of Kannadigas. This movement is not against anyone, it is for the benefit of Karunadu and Kannadigas. We request everyone to participate in this Dharani Satyagraha regardless of party affiliation," Siddarmaiah wrote in a post on social media platform, X. State Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after holding a press conference on the matter at Vidhan Souda earlier today said that the planned protest is not against the Bharatiya Janata Party and that all MLAs should forget party lines and participate. "The entire government will protest, all MLAs should forget party lines and participate. We all have to fight together for the good of the state. We are in a union system. We have been giving cooperation to the central government, but we continue to be treated unfairly by the centre. We didn't get proper relief even during covid, we didn't get grant even during heavy rains. Rs 5300 crore was not given for the Bhadra Meldande project. This is not a protest against BJP. Instead, it is a protest against the discriminatory attitude in financial distribution and drought relief" DK Shivakumar said. Earlier on Monday, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, said there is a general perception across the nation that the non-BJP states are being deprived of their legitimate dues. The latest example, he alleged, is Congress-ruled Karnataka. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, rubbishing the Congress leader's charges, termed the allegations to be a "politically vitiated narrative" that is being propagated by some vested interest groups. "Adhir ji, please understand I don't have the right to change as per my whims and fancies, that I like a state or another state, it is against my party politics. No way, I have no role I would have to it follow rules 100 per cent, and that's what I have done," Sitharaman responded, as she explained the procedure of how devolution of taxes to the states is decided upon by the Finance Commission. "Finance commission gives recommendations which I have to implement, it is done without any fear or favour or anything like that. So this apprehension that some states have been discriminated against is a politically vitiated narrative, which I am sorry to say, vested interests are happy to go about saying it. There is not just a possibility that any finance minister can intervene and say 'I don't like this state, stop payment'," she added. Devolution to the states happens in direct tax matters, as per the recommendations given by the finance commission. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has welcomed the decision of the Election Commission that recognised the faction led by him as the "real NCP" in the dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party. "The Election Commission has ruled in our favour after listening to the arguments of our lawyers. We welcome this humbly," Ajit Pawar told reporters. In a big setback to the faction led by former Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission on Tuesday gave the Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar. The significant decision has a bearing on the forthcoming polls. Sharad Pawar, a former union minister, is the founder of NCP and uncle of Ajit Pawar. The Commission has provided the Sharad Pawar faction with an option to claim a name to its new political formation and provide three preferences to the Commission. The concession is to be utilised by 3 pm on February 7, 2024. The decision was taken after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months. The poll panel said that the decision followed the laid-out tests of maintainability of the petition, which included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, the test of the party constitution and tests of a majority both organizational and legislative. (ANI) Having faced a setback with the Election Commission ruling in favour of the Ajit Pawar faction in the dispute in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad said they will move the Supreme Court. He said the former union minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar is a phoenix and he will rise from the ashes. "This was going to happen. We already knew this. Today he (Ajit Pawar) has choked Sharad Pawar politically. Only Ajit Pawar is behind this. The only one who should be embarrassed in this is the Election Commission," Awhad told reporters. "Sharad Pawar is a phoenix. He will rise again from the ashes. We still have the power because we have Sharad Pawar. We will go to the Supreme Court," he added. Ajit Pawar is Deputy Chief Minister in the Shinde government in Maharashtra which also includes the BJP. In a big setback to the faction led by Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission on Tuesday gave the Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar. The significant decision has a bearing on the forthcoming polls. The Commission has provided the Sharad Pawar faction with an option to claim a name to its new political formation and provide three preferences to the Commission. The concession is to be utilised by 3 pm on February 7, 2024. The decision was taken after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months The poll panel said that the decision followed the laid-out tests of maintainability of the petition, which included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, test of party constitution and tests of a majority both organizational and legislative. (ANI) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday announced the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Uttarakhand assembly, fulfilling a promise made ahead of the 2022 assembly elections. CM Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing guidance and inspiration. "With the guidance and inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today, we are going to fulfil a promise that we made to the people of the state before the 2022 assembly elections to bring a Uniform Civil Code in the state," CM Dhami said. "Our government, taking all sections of the society along with full responsibility, today presented the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly. The historic moment is near for Devbhoomi when Uttarakhand will become a strong pillar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'," he added. Uttarakhand Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal said the UCC Committee conducted an exhaustive process, holding 72 meetings and receiving suggestions from over 2,72,000 individuals through emails and WhatsApp. "UCC Committee held 72 meetings. Besides this, suggestions came from 2,72,000 people through email and WhatsApp," Minister Aggarwal said. Support for the UCC Bill was voiced by various members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan hailed the moment as historic and emphasised its potential positive impact across the country. "Opposing (the Bill) was just for the sake of opposing it. They had nothing to say against the Bill. But I am thankful to PM Modi as he gave us, a small state like Uttarakhand, to lead the country in implementing the UCC," he said. "I can say that today is a watershed moment in the life of the state of Uttarakhand. This will have a positive impact across the country. It is the need of the hour that the UCC is rolled out across the country," Chauhan added. MLA Durgeshwar Lal expressed gratitude to CM Dhami for initiating the Bill and criticised Opposition parties for politicising the issue. "First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone in Uttarakhand. They had been patiently awaiting the UCC (Bill). This was not just an election promise. I thank the CM for tabling the Bill today," Lal said. "I think that what happened today is nothing short of historic. It is unfortunate that some are opposing it, as they don't want peace and order to prevail in the state and ensure that there are uniform civil laws for everyone. They were using people and some communities as vote banks. Today, CM Pushkar Dhami sent out a message to them and the people at large that everyone is the same in the eyes of the law," he added. BJP MLA Khajan Dass anticipated the smooth passage of the UCC Bill in the assembly, citing it as a milestone for Uttarakhand. "Discussions (on the UCC Bill) were held today. The Bill was tabled earlier today. Several members will put forth their views before this august House tomorrow. CM Dhami has scripted history today. This shining moment will live on in our memory and the history of Devbhoomi. I thank the CM. The Bill will be passed tomorrow, 101 per cent. The Bill should have been brought much earlier," he said. "Congress has no issues (to raise). If they oppose it, this will prove costly for them," Dass said. The legislative proceedings were adjourned till tomorrow at 11 am. The ongoing special four-day session of the assembly began on Monday. The MLAs chanted 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Shri Ram' inside the House as Dhami tabled the Bill. The House was then adjourned till 2 pm. The Bill contains the laws relating to marriage, divorce, succession, live-in relationships, and related matters. Among the many proposals, the Uniform Civil Code Bill makes it compulsory for live-in relationships to be registered under the law. Once the proposed UCC Bill is in place, "live-in relationships" will have to get registered under the law within 1 month from the "date of entering into the relationship". To live in a live-in relationship, adults will have to obtain consent from their parents. The Bill also imposes a complete ban on child marriage and introduces a uniform process for divorce. The Code provides equal rights to women of all religions in their ancestral property. As per the UCC Bill, the age for marriage will be 18 for women and 21 for men in all communities. Marriage registration is mandatory in all religions and marriages without registration will be invalid. No divorce petition will be allowed to be filed for one year of marriage. Highlighting the ceremonies for marriage, the proposed UCC Bill noted that marriage may be solemnized or contracted between a man and a woman in accordance with the religious beliefs, practices, customary rites and ceremonies including but not limited to "Saptapadt", "Ashirvad", "Nikah", "Holy Union", "Anand Karaj" under the Anand Marriage Act 1909 as well as under, but not limited to, The Special Marriage Act, 1954 and Arya Marriage Validation Act, 1937. However, nothing contained in the proposed UCC Bill will be applied to the members of any Scheduled Tribes within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India and the persons and group of persons whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution of India. Meanwhile, CM Dhami said that after the UCC Bill is passed, Uttarakhand will become a strong pillar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "One India, Best India". "With full responsibility, our government, taking all sections of the society along, has presented the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly. That historic moment is near for Devbhoomi when Uttarakhand will become a strong pillar of PM Modi ji's vision of One India, Best India," Dhami posted on X. (ANI) Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday sent an invitation letter to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to join Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra as it reaches Uttar Pradesh on February 16. The Samajwadi Party (SP) said earlier that he was yet to receive a formal invite from the Congress to join Rahul's hybrid march, adding that his party wouldn't ask for one. Akhilesh has been invited to share the stage with Rahul during a public rally at National Inter College in Chandauli's Saiyadraja on February 16. The Samajwadi Party (SP) confirmed later on Tuesday that its Supremo has accepted the invitation and has consented to joining the 'Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra' in Amethi or Rae Bareli. "I hope that 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' will link up with the strategy of 'PDA' (Pichde, Dalit and Alpasankhyak) after entering Uttar Pradesh and will take our movement of 'social justice' and 'mutual harmony' further," Yadav said, adding, "The team of 'INDIA' and the strategy of 'PDA' will script new history in the country." On whether he will join the Nyay Yatra when it enters Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party chief said earlier, "Many big events are organised for which we don't receive invitations. Why should we ask for an invitation?" After Yadav's claim, the Congress on Sunday said that the yatra's detailed route and programme in Uttar Pradesh will be shared with INDIA alliance constituents after it is finalised in a day or two. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said a detailed route of the Yatra is being prepared, after which it will be shared with the parties of the INDIA bloc. "The detailed route and program of Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra in Uttar Pradesh is being prepared. It will be finalized in a day or two. After this, it will be shared with the constituent parties of the INDIA alliance in the state. His participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra will further strengthen the INDIA alliance. The Yatra is expected to enter UP on the afternoon of February 16," Jairam Ramesh said on X. The Yatra, led by Congress MP and former national president Rahul Gandhi, is currently in its Odisha leg and will head further west before culminating in Mumbai. (ANI) Alleging corruption, Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs on Tuesday protested against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government in front of the State Legislative Assembly in Kolkata. West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, while speaking to ANI, criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for alleged corruption and misuse of central funds. She also criticized the speaker of the assembly for being biased in favour of the TMC. "This money is not yours, Mamata Banerjee. This is the money of the central government that you and your government have stolen. This is why we are protesting. The speaker is always biased, always speaking in favour of the TMC. If we are making allegations, why should there be no discussion? This is the place for the opposition in the assembly; why won't they let us criticize? This cannot go on like this. That's why we are protesting," Paul told ANI. Speaking on the ED raids in West Bengal, the BJP leader said that ED raids are just the beginning and if anyone steals or loots public money, they have to go to jail. "You can be the chief minister, you can be a big leader, you can be a minister, and you can be the general secretary of a party, but still you have to go to jail. If you steal public money or loot, you have to go to jail. The ED raids are just the beginning," Agnimitra Paul added. Earlier on Monday, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged the TMC-led West Bengal government of committing a scam worth Rs 2 lakh crore, which the CAG had uncovered. "I met with FM Nirmala to complain against the state government of West Bengal... A recent CAG report shows a scam worth Rs 2 lakh crore. I requested that she look into it... West Bengal, along with Kerala, are the only states where GST audits haven't been done since it was implemented in 2017... I put forth my demand that the audit be completed first and then release the GST... She assured me that action would be taken..." Leader of Opposition West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari said. (ANI) Assam Police arrested two persons, including a woman, in connection with a case related to the death of a Pune-based businessman at a five-star hotel in Guwahati. According to the reports, the arrested woman is alleged to have been in a relationship with the deceased person. The deceased person was identified as Sandeep Suresh Kamble who was a businessman from Pune who deals in cars, diamonds and for business purposes used to travel around the country. Diganta Borah, Commissioner of Police of Guwahati, on Tuesday, said there was an incident of murder reported from Hotel Radisson Blu, Guwahati on Monday (February 5). "The victim was from Pune, Maharashtra and he is a diamond dealer who also deals in second-hand cars. We investigated the matter and concluded that there are two accused involved, including one who is the victim's girlfriend from Kolkata. The other one is the woman's boyfriend. The girl's name is Anjali Shaw and she was friends with this victim. But later on there were some issues between them because of which the girl cut off all the relationship with the victim," Borah said. The officer said the victim became aggressive and kept pursuing the girl, who had an affair with a boy called Vikash Shaw. "Yesterday all three arrived at the hotel. Anjali came with the victim. Finally, at around 2.30 pm, there was a scuffle between Vikash and the victim and as planned, they wanted to get the victim's mobile where photographs of intimate moments of Anjali as well as the victim. They managed to get the mobile, but in the process, the victim sustained severe injuries and died. Police arrested both culprits and they are in our custody. Further investigation will throw light on other facts," Borah said. The arrested persons-Anjali Shaw (25 years old) and Vikash Kumar Shaw (23 years old)-hail from of Howrah district of West Bengal. According to Guwahati city police, on February 5 evening, information was received from the management of Radisson Blu Hotel, Guwahati that a telephone call was received at the reception that the guest at Room No 922 might be sick and that someone should check on him. Immediately, the management rushed to the room and found the guest Sandeep Suresh Kamble lying in a pool of blood. On receipt of this information, DCP West Guwahati along with ADCP West, ACP Jalukbari and IC Jalukbari OP along with their teams reached the place of occurrence. The person was already dead and there were blood stains all around the room. Immediately, the information was recorded and the investigation was started. Subsequently, an FIR has also been received from Vishal Kamble, brother of the victim on Tuesday and a case was registered in Jalukbari in police station. Guwahati city police said that, on receipt of the information about the suspected murder, forensic teams from FSL, Guwahati and fingerprint experts from CID were requisitioned and an investigation was launched. The details of the victim were taken from the records of Radisson Blu Hotel and it was found that he had checked in at the hotel around 12:50 pm on Monday along with a lady named Anjali Shaw (25). The details of the woman were found along with her photo ID. On examination of the CCTV footage of the hotel, it was found that the lady had left the room along with another person around 2.45 pm. When the movement of this third person was tracked in the CCTV footage, it was found that he too was lodged in the same hotel at Room No 1024. On searching the details it was found that he was Vikash Kumar Shaw (23 years old), a resident of -12/6 Hrishikesh Ghosh Lane, Saikia, Howrah, PS-Golabari, Dist-Howrah (West Bengal). The details along with photos of these 2 suspected persons were immediately circulated among the local police personnel for interception. Diganta Borah, Commissioner of Police of Guwahati said that, further, on checking their names at LGBI Airport, it was found that both of them had booked a ticket to Kolkata by Indigo Flight No 6E 6664 and their time of departure was 09:15 PM. The mobile phone number from which the telephone call came to the Hotel Reception was found to be belonging to the suspected person Vikash Kumar Shaw. Based on the information gathered about the suspected persons, a police naka was set up at Borjhar Police Outpost area along the roads leading to the airport and both the suspected persons were caught by teams from Borjhar Police Outpost led by SI Sanjib Handique at 05:42 PM on their way to the airport. Both the suspects were thoroughly interrogated by police and they confessed about the commission of the crime, said the police. (ANI) The firefighting operations continued till Tuesday evening after a massive fire broke out at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Harda district in the morning leaving eleven dead and around 150 others sustained injuries. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the rescue operation going on at the incident site in the Bairagarh locality in the district. Due to the massive explosion, the entire area was engulfed in black smoke with window panes of houses and shops located in the vicinity getting shattered. Locals recounted that it felt as if an earthquake had hit Harda. The injured have been taken to hospitals and efforts were on to control the fire, officials said. Ambulances and fire engines from Indore and Bhopal were rushed to the site of the explosion to tackle the blaze. On the instruction of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, State Minister Uday Pratap Singh, rushed to the site via helicopter, said that an operation was launched to rescue those still trapped under the debris. The minister also said that the Chief Minister is taking stock of the situation continuously. Following the incident, the chief minister announced assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased and free treatment to the injured persons. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condoled the loss of lives in the tragic Harda factory blast and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each of the deceased. PM Modi has also announced Rs 50,000 for the injured. "Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected. Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs. 50,000," the PMO said in a post on X. (ANI) In order to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), the project for the computerization of 63,000 functional PACS with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,516 crore has been approved by the Government of India, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Responding to a query in written reply, Amit Shah also mentioned that the project entails bringing all the functional PACS onto an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)-based common national software, linking them with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). He further said that the national-level common software for the project has been developed by NABARD, and the ERP trial run has started in 15,783 PACS in 27 states and the Union Territories so far. "Implementation of Common Accounting System (CAS) and Management Information System (MIS) at PACS level under this project would improve governance and transparency in PACS, thus leading to speedy disbursal of loans, lowering of transaction costs, reduction in imbalances in payments, seamless accounting with DCCBs and StCBs, and will also increase efficiency," said the Minister. In addition, to enable PACS to function as Common Service Centres (CSC), Shah said a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Ministry of Cooperation, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD, and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, which will enable PACS to deliver more than 300 e-services, including banking, insurance, Aadhar enrolment and update, health services, and agricultural services, at the village level across the country. "Onboarding of PACS as CSCs has already started, and so far, a total of 30,647 PACS have started providing CSC services in the country," stated the Minister. (ANI) BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah called on veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Tuesday and congratulated him for being conferred with the Bharat Ratna Award. Nadda, taking to microblogging site X, said in a post that Advani's contribution to making Indian democracy and politics strong, informed and better can never be forgotten. "After the decision of awarding 'Bharat Ratna' to our ideal, respected Lal Krishna Advani, the senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party, I paid a heartfelt visit to his residence today and extended good wishes to him. Advani ji's contribution to making Indian democracy and politics strong, informed and better is unforgettable. His work to create a strong feeling of patriotism and public service among the people always provides inspiration to thousands of BJP workers," Nadda posted on X. Meanwhile, Amit Shah also took to his official account on X and said that the work done by the veteran BJP leader is a source of inspiration for everyone. "Met respected Lal Krishna Advani today after the announcement of him getting Bharat Ratna and congratulated him. Advani ji has made an invaluable contribution to the country's cultural heritage, politics and progress. The work done by him is a source of inspiration for all of us. By deciding to give Bharat Ratna to respected Advani ji, Prime Minister Narendra Modihas done the work of honouring his tireless struggles and contribution," the Union Home Minister posted on X. On February 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Lal Krishna Advani would be conferred with the country's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. Shortly after the announcement was made, political leaders from across party lines greeted the leader and expressed delight at it. Taking to 'X', PM Modi wrote, "I am very happy to share that LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. He is one of the most respected statesmen of our time, and his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our home minister and I&B minister as well. His parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights." LK Advani said that Bharat Ratna is not only an honour for him but for the ideals and principles he strove for in life to the best of his abilities. In a statement, Advani said he accepts the 'Bharat Ratna' with utmost humility. LK Advani said he has been inspired by the motto 'idam-na-mama" and expressed his gratitude to BJP workers, RSS Swayamsevaks and those with whom he worked in his long journey in public life. "With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I strove to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability," he said in the statement. "Ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its volunteer at the age of 14, I have sought reward in only one in dedicated and selfless service to my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me. What has inspired my life is the motto 'idam-na-"'mama"--"This life is not mine; my life is for my nation'," he added. He also expressed thanks to the President and PM Modi. Born in Karachi, in present-day Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani has served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the longest period since its inception in 1980. Capping a parliamentary career of nearly three decades, he was, first, the Home Minister and, later, the Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004). Advani is widely regarded as an individual of great intellectual ability, strong principles, and unwavering support for the idea of a strong and prosperous India. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Police registered an FIR against two persons who have the licenses of firecracker factory in the Harda factory blast incident, an official said. A massive fire broke out inside the firecracker factory in Harda district on Tuesday morning in which 11 persons were killed and around 174 others sustained injuries. Inspector General of Police (IG) Narmadapuram Zone, Irshad Wali said, "An FIR has been registered against two persons having the licences of firecracker factory under IPC sections 304, 308, 34 IPC and sections 3 and 4 of Explosive Substances Act." Further investigation into the matter will be conducted once evacuation is completed, he added. Narmadapuram Divisional Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sharma said, "So far, we have rescued 174 people. We have not received any missing reports yet. We will check the debris to see if there are any bodies there... 40-50 per cent of the debris has been removed... As of now, there are 11 casualties... There are 60-70 ambulances here, more than 50 fire tenders, SDRF and NDRF teams are here... Around 1000 people from different fields are involved in the rescue operations." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met the injured admitted to Hamidia Hospital in the state capital Bhopal. CM Yadav told reporters, "Out of the 12 patients brought here, one has lost life. There are 11 patients as of now. Two are undergoing an operation. I met 9 patients...The rescue operations are underway... I have asked for an inspection report of similar places from all the districts... I will go to the spot tomorrow after the assembly session... We have ordered an inquiry. We will take an action which they will remember." Besides, Bhopal Commissioner of Police (CP) Harinarayanachari Mishra has said that efforts to bring the injured at earliest are underway and a 20-km long green corridor has also been created. "Efforts to bring the injured as soon as possible are underway... To make sure that there is no inconvenience in the local traffic system, a 20-km long green corridor has been created. The injured have been brought here and efforts are on to provide better treatment to them," Mishra said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the loss of lives in Harda factory blast incident and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The accident that happened in the firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh is sad. The local administration is providing all possible help for relief and rescue. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah posted on X. (ANI) The spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday ahead of the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple. The spiritual leader reached the Gulf nation as a state guest to preside over the historic inauguration of the UAE's first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu temple there. Upon arrival at the airport, Mahant Swami Maharaj was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance for the UAE, as stated in an official press release of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi. "His Excellency said to His Holiness, 'Welcome to the UAE. Our nation is blessed with your presence. We are touched by your kindness and we feel your prayers.' In response, Mahant Swami Maharaj warmly replied, 'We are touched by your love and respect. The leaders of the UAE are great, good, and large-hearted'." the release added. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is set to become the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the construction of the mandir. "The UAE Government, during its Year of Tolerance, allocated a further 13.5 acres of land in January 2019--making a total of 27 acres of land gifted for the Mandir," the release read. "Reflective of his status as a state guest, Mahant Swami Maharaj was welcomed in honorific Arabic style by a troupe of dancers, drummers and chanters performing the Al-Ayyala, an expressive traditional cultural performance usually reserved for national holidays and welcome ceremonies of visiting heads of state," it added. Mahant Swami Maharaj is the guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), an international community-based Hindu fellowship affiliated with the United Nations. According to the press release, Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been overseeing the Mandir project under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj, underlined that the BAPS Hindu Mandir serves as a "spiritual oasis" for global harmony. He said, "It is a timeless testament to the spirituality of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the generosity, sincerity and friendship of the leaderships of the UAE, India and BAPS." The "Festival of Harmony," a collection of programs and community events aimed at fostering harmony among people of all ages and ethnicities, energizing community service, and fortifying faith, will commemorate the opening of the BAPS Mandir. On February 14, the "Festival of Harmony" will feature the Mandir's inauguration event in front of distinguished dignitaries, including PM Modi. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE, preparations for the Indian community event titled 'Ahlan Modi' are in full swing. During his visit to the UAE, PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora at 'Ahlan Modi' on February 13, a day before the temple inauguration of the temple. Earlier in January, India's Ambassador to UAE, Sunjay Sudhir visited the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi to see the progress of its construction. The temple announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 is nearing its completion. Recently, PM Modi accepted the invitation extended by Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, along with the board of directors for the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said in a press statement. In December, PM Modi and the BAPS Swami Ishwarcharandas met at the Prime Minister's residential office and PM Modi graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple. (ANI) A discussion ensued between the Sri Lankan delegation and Delhi Police officials, delving into the intricacies of the police functions in India. During their visit to the Specialized Training Centre at Rajinder Nagar, Chhaya Sharma, Special Commissioner of Police (Training) extended a warm welcome to the delegation. The senior officer provided insights into the operations of different districts and units of Delhi Police, emphasizing the significance of training within the force. Uma Shankar, Deputy Director (Training) at Delhi Police Academy, further interacted with the Sri Lankan delegation, providing a detailed overview of the organizational structure and the training programmes for female officers at various campuses. The delegation was also shown movies related to police and the historical evolution of policing. In a related development, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People's Power (NPP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Sri Lanka, on Monday in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed Sri Lanka's economic challenges and the way forward. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared on X, "Pleased to meet @anuradisanayake, leader of the NPP and JVP of Sri Lanka, this morning." He continued, "A good discussion on our bilateral relationship and the mutual benefits of its further deepening. Also spoke about Sri Lanka's economic challenges and the path ahead." The EAM added, "India, with its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, will always be a reliable friend and trusted partner of Sri Lanka." (ANI) More than 120 people have died as a result of the devastating wildfires that are ravaging large areas of Chile, according to authorities, who have issued a warning that the death toll is likely to rise, reported CNN. According to the city of Valparaiso's Legal Medical Services, at least 122 persons have passed away as far as of Monday. On the other hand, the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has noted that 161 active fires are raging nationwide right now. A state of emergency was declared by President Gabriel Boric when smoke smothered coastal communities including Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, claiming lives. Central region residents were also compelled to leave their houses. Speaking at a news conference on Sunday following his tour of the devastated districts, Boric expressed concern that the death toll might "increase significantly." Boric, in a televised address last week said that the defence ministry would send additional military personnel to the impacted areas and would provide all required supplies. He announced Monday (February 5) and Tuesday (February 6) to be national days of mourning in honour of the fire victims. The fires triggered evacuations in several regions of central Chile. In February 2023, fires in the country swept through more than 400,000 hectares and killed more than 22 people. Though this year's fires have not spread as widely, Toha said they are "multiplying rapidly" and are spreading closer to urban areas, so the potential to affect more people and structures is "very high", as per NBC News. The fires broke out as Chile faces a heat wave that has affected other Latin American countries as well. Boric declared a state of emergency, and red alerts were issued for at-risk areas. (ANI) The aid weighing approximately 3.5 tons comprises water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and hydration in the form of ORS sachets, the MEA said. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has said it will provide Euro one million in support to Zambia in response to the ongoing cholera epidemic, which is putting around 3.5 million people at risk. The emergency funding will support humanitarian partners UNICEF and the WHO in their efforts to address immediate and critical needs related to health, water, hygiene, and sanitation, as per the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). As of January 31, 2024, the cumulative number of cholera cases in the country stood at 16,526 with 613 deaths. There is a high fatality rate of close to 4 per cent, with most of the cases and deaths reported in Lusaka Province. As the rainy season in the country is expected to continue until May, further floods due to heavy rains in Lusaka urban and peri-urban areas could re-ignite the spread of cases. Cholera, a bacterial disease, is usually spread through contaminated water. The disease causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. (ANI) Twelve fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 13, have been released and reached Chennai airport on Tuesday. However, eleven fishermen are still detained in Sri Lanka. According to officials, a total of 23 Indian fishermen and two boats were held by the Sri Lankan Navy from Rameswaram on Sunday while they were fishing near Delft Island in the Palkbay Sea area, as reported by the Rameswaram Fishermen Association. "They were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing near Delft island, and subsequently taken to Myalati Naval Camp, Jaffna for further investigation," an official stated. In a similar incident last month, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 18 Indian fishermen and confiscated two Indian poaching trawlers within Lankan waters. The detained Indian fishermen and the confiscated trawlers were later transported to the Thalpadu Pier in Mannar and handed over to the Talaimannar Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings. The recurring arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy have become a source of concern, not only for the Central government but also for the authorities in Tamil Nadu. On February 5, in a move aimed at drawing attention to their longstanding grievances, Rameswaram fishermen held a symbolic strike and outlined a series of demands to address the challenges they face. The fishermen also declared their intent to return their voter ID cards to the central government and boycott the elections if their demands remain unmet. The Rameswaram All Boats Fishermen's Association highlighted the plight of fishermen, claiming that over 150 mechanised boats from Tamil Nadu, seized by the Sri Lankan Navy between 2018 and 2024, remain in the possession of the Sri Lankan government. The fishermen demanded immediate intervention from both the central and state governments to secure the release and restoration of seized boats in good condition. They emphasised the need for adequate compensation for damaged vessels and permission for rescue teams to retrieve boats held by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen also urged the central government to immediately grant permission to the rescue team to go to Sri Lanka to rescue the 10 boats freed by the Sri Lankan Navy and give appropriate compensation to the boats sunk by the Sri Lankan Navy. The issue had previously been reflected upon during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, held during the latter's visit to India in July last year. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], February 6 (ANI/TPS): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has established an "independent" Review Group to look into how UNRWA (UN Relief Workers Agency for the Palestinian areas) workers took part in the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7. Guterres said the group will "assess" whether UNWRA is doing "everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they are made." The review will be led by Catherine Colonna, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, who will work with three research organizations: the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. The Review Group will begin its work on February 14, 2024 and is expected to submit an interim report to the Secretary-General late March 2024, with a final report expected to be completed by late April 2024. The final report will be made public. The Review Group will determine what, if any, "mechanisms and procedures" that UNWRA has in place to "ensure neutrality," if they have been implemented and assess the "adequacy" of those mechanisms and procedures and whether they are fit for purpose, including in relation to the management of risks and taking into account the particular operational, political and security context in which the Agency works. It will also make recommendations for the" improvement and strengthening, if necessary," of the mechanisms and procedures that are currently in place or for the creation of new and alternative mechanisms and procedures that "would be better fit for purpose." (ANI/TPS) In his tweet, S Jaishankar acknowledged Ambassador Gobbi's tireless efforts in enhancing the bilateral relations between India and Argentina over the past three years. External Affairs Minister wrote in a post on X, "Received Ambassador Hugo Javier Gobbi of Argentina for a farewell call. Appreciate his tireless contributions to enhancing India-Argentina relations in the last 3 years." https://twitter.com/drsjaishankar/status/1754763990092456437?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw The farewell call received by Ambassador Gobbi signifies the culmination of his diplomatic service in India, during which he has played a pivotal role in fostering stronger ties between the two nations. The commendation from S Jaishankar underscores the importance of Ambassador Gobbi's contributions in furthering cooperation and understanding between India and Argentina across various sectors. As Ambassador Gobbi concludes his diplomatic mission, his efforts to strengthen the bond between India and Argentina are duly recognized and appreciated by the Indian government, paving the way for continued collaboration and friendship between the two countries. Recently, India and Argentina commemorated 75 years of bilateral relations marked by friendship, cooperation, and shared values. The two countries had established diplomatic ties on February 3, 1949. "We are honoured to commemorate 3 February 1949, when India and Argentina, the two vibrant democracies, embarked on a remarkable journey of friendship, cooperation, and shared values," the Indian Embassy in Argentina posted on X. Reacting to the post, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Commemorating 75 Years of diplomatic relations between #IndiaArgentina." Earlier on February 1, Argentina's Secretary for International Economic Relations, Ambassador Marcelo Cima, received the Indian Ambassador to Argentina, Dinesh Bhatia, and the two reviewed key topics of bilateral cooperation and economic and trade relations between both countries. They also agreed on the interest in restoring the historical peak recorded in 2022, when overall trade reached nearly USD 6.4 billion, with a surplus of USD 2.7 billion for Argentina. (ANI) Kashmiris living in different parts of the world organised protests outside Pakistan's high commissions and consulates to condemn Islamabad's fake narrative on Kashmir and denounce Pakistan's propoganda of marking February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. As Pakistan declared a national holiday to justify its propaganda on Kashmir, the Kashmiris, especially those belonging to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan showed their anger against Pakistan. Protests were held in London, Bradford, Brussels and different cities across PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. In Bradford, the protesters outside the Consulate of Pakistan raised slogans against Islamabad, demanding rights for the people of PoK. They demanded free electricity, employment, and better education facilities for those living in the occupied territory.. The protest organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance had banners like "We Stand with the People's Rights Movement in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan." Sajid Hussain, Secretary Information, United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) Europe Zone, said, "We are facing terrorism and extremism. United Jihad Council, an umbrella organisation of 16 banner terror outfits are running from Muzaffarabad and they are threatening and forcing us to not hold protests against Pakistan". "We are fighting for our rights under the shadow of terrorism," said Hussain. Jamil Maqsood, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, UKPNP said, "All these demands come under constitutional, legal, and just rights - be it protest against unfair taxes imposed in electricity bills, or the policy of depriving the people of flour, and the demand for subsidy on flour, and the related issues. The condition of roads, hospitals and educational institutions, bridges, is in front of us." Earlier, protests were held in parts of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan against Pakistan's so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day. Sardar Liaqat Hayat while addressing a protest demonstration in Muzaffarabad said, "This united protest of the people of POK is an example of defiance against the atrocities of Pakistan. They have raised their voice along with the Awami Action Committee (AAC) against Pakistan; the successful shutterdown strike is an example of Ultimatum given by us to the Pakistani administration". "The people here are not standing here to support AAC, they are not here to support me or anyone else. These people are here as they are fed up with huge bills of electricity, the people are here to demand their own rights," Hayat added. While raising the matter of wheat subsidies, Hayat said, "We are not demanding a targeted wheat subsidy. As such a subsidy will mean that you are separating us, and giving us the subsidy as a charity. This is not acceptable to us at any cost". He further said "Wheat subsidy is not a charity, it is our right, as water from our lands flows to the Punjab province, and using this water they produce wheat. That is why we all must be given a wheat subsidy as it is our right. Hence there will be no talks around targeted subsidy". Another leader from the Joint Awami Action Committee, Shaukat Nawaz Mir while addressing another protest said, "This is absolutely correct; our protest started, demanding cheaper what and electricity, and we are still demanding that. They keep saying that after the discussion sessions, we are not demanding these two anymore. Anyone who has any doubts is welcome to come and see that they are still protesting for our demands." "Since the start, we have demanded that the dams that are operational in PoK are ours; this region is ours; and the rights to the dams here should be ours. They are our assets. And that is why claiming that right, we have put forward the demand of fair bills. This issue was never raised by the so-called administrators of the POK. As they have been enjoying these resources for the last 76 years." The state of Pakistan, including the puppet government of PoK has been observing Kashmir Solidarity Day (KSD) for the past 35 years by spending huge funds on organising rallies, seminars, and other programmes by coercing government employees, and educational institutions to participate in KSD programmes. These programmes are mostly organised by pro-accession political parties, politico-religious parties like JeI and JUI, and reportedly banned terrorist outfits operating in the guise of pseudo-names. The PoK government put on gloves with terrorist outfits and issued instructions to all government departments, including educational institutions, to ensure the participation of staff and students in KSD programmes. Indications suggest that the PoK government and establishment as well as terrorist outfits to some extent succeeded in denting the People's Rights Day which was also scheduled on February 5. People's Rights Day leaders alleged that the Pakistani drama of Kashmir Solidarity Day is aimed at legitimising the illegal Pak occupation of PoK and GB where people are deprived of their basic needs, including wheat flour, drinking water, and electricity. They accused Pakistan's government of ruling these territories through colonial laws and a colonial mindset. (ANI) In the wake of continuous atrocities against the Baloch people in Pakistan, the human rights group Baloch Yakjehti Committee on Tuesday announced that it will run a social media campaign to raise their voice against the 'enforced disappearances' and 'extrajudicial killing' of Baloch people. The campaign would be run from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. with the hashtag #EndBalochGenocide on Tuesday. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1754774165310107681?s=20 Taking to X, Baloch Yakjehti Committee said, "Baloch Yakjehti Committee is going to run a social media campaign against the alleged fake encounters of forcibly disappeared persons. The Baloch enforcedly disappeared persons are rapidly being extrajudicially killed in dungeons which is the part of systematic Genocide. We request people from all walks of life to raise your voice to save Baloch Nation. Date: Today 06 February, 2024 Timing: 06:00 pm to 12:00 am Hashtag: #EndBalochGenocide" Moreover, prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch urged people to join the campaign and condemn the Pakistani authorities atrocities in the 'Baloch nation'. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1754794040967811300?s=20 "The alarming rise in extrajudicial killings of forcibly disappeared persons in Balochistan demands immediate attention. Join @BalochYakjehtiC "X campaign"in condemning these state atrocities and ensuring justice for the Baloch Nation," Mahrang Baloch posted on X. Earlier on Monday, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee convened a press conference at Civil Hospital Quetta, condemning the alleged fake encounters of missing persons. Present at the conference were family members of the victims, joining the call for justice. Activist Mahrang Baloch addressed the media, shedding light on the disturbing trend of extrajudicial killings. She emphasised that despite peaceful demands voiced during the Long March, the Pakistani authorities refused to address the concerns of the families of missing persons.Mahrang expressed her disappointment, stating, "The state persists in its cruel and oppressive policies towards Balochistan." In the press conference, Mahrang challenged the narrative propagated by Pakistani forces and agencies during extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Often citing terrorism as justification, she noted that the state lacked evidence to support these allegations. "The state is committing inhumane acts by justifying the actions of armed men. The false narrative of missing persons being in the mountains is a cover for the ongoing Baloch genocide," Mahrang asserted, expressing her anger against the Pakistani establishment. In the aftermath of the recent Mach incident, Mahrang revealed, "The bodies of five people have been brought in, with four identified by relatives who were previously forcibly disappeared by state agencies. Concerns remain regarding the fifth body, raising fears of another victim of enforced disappearance." Baloch activists are mobilizing, urging international authorities to intervene in the ongoing genocide of their community members. The demand is for the United Nations and human rights organizations to hold the Pakistani authorities accountable for crimes committed in Balochistan. Activists are calling for a fact-finding mission led by the United Nations Working Group to investigate the matter thoroughly. Balochistan, Pakistan's most underdeveloped region, has been a hotspot for alleged atrocities by the country's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), including abduction, killings, and torture to instill fear. The prevailing injustice and a deep sense of alienation have compelled some Baloch individuals to take up arms, targeting Pakistani Army personnel and Chinese assets in the region. (ANI) Unknown assailants carried out six additional grenade attacks, including those targeting proposed polling stations, on Monday. Dawn reported, citing police sources, that unknown individuals on motorcycles targeted the election office of PPP's Balochistan Assembly candidate, Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, near Jumma Khan Hotel. The explosion occurred near the election camp, resulting in injuries to three children. After the blast, law enforcement promptly responded and shifted the injured children to the district hospital in Hub. Mir Ali Hassan Zehri was not present in the election camp during the grenade explosion, according to the report. The injured children were later transferred to Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi for further medical attention. According to Dawn, authorities also reported another grenade attack at the election office of a PPP candidate, causing damage to the camp. However, no casualties were reported in the incident. In addition to these incidents, six more grenade attacks targeted camps and proposed polling stations. Three blasts occurred in the Kharan area of Rakhsan division, where unidentified armed individuals targeted school buildings earmarked for polling stations, causing damage to several school buildings, including a girls' school. Late on Sunday night, a powerful motorcycle explosion occurred in Kharan town, targeting a senior police officer. However, the officer survived, according to the report. Reports from Panjgur stated that unknown individuals opened fire at the residence of Mir Asad Baloch, the president of the Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-A), and hurled a grenade at his house. Security guards retaliated, forcing the attackers to flee the scene. Similarly, the residence of the ex-deputy chairman Senate and PPP candidate for the National Assembly from Turbat-Panjgur, Sabir Baloch, also came under attack, with armed assailants opening fire. No casualties were reported in the firing and grenade attacks across various areas of the province, Dawn reported. Over the past few days, an estimated 40 grenade attacks targeted election camps of candidates in 10 districts of Balochistan. The attacks affected camp offices of PPP, BN-Mengal, National Party, BNP-Awami, and other political parties. In Sibi, the election rally of a PTI candidate for the National Assembly was also targeted, resulting in four fatalities and injuries to six PTI workers, according to reports. (ANI) Notably, this is Mahmud's first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh government after Sheikh Hasina registered a historic victory, clinching a consecutive fourth term as the Prime Minister. "The visit reflects the high importance and priority both countries attach to their bilateral relationship," the MEA said. During his February 7-9 visit to the country, the Bangladesh minister will also meet and hold talks with Jaishankar, and the two leaders will review the progress in wide-ranging areas of bilateral relations and chart out the agenda for future engagement. They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues of common interest, the MEA said. Earlier this January, Jaishankar met his Bangladesh counterpart Mahmud on the sidelines of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda. Mahmud said he had valuable talks with Jaishankar to strengthen India-Bangladesh ties. Jaishankar earlier congratulated Mahmud on his appointment and said he "looks forward to receiving him in Delhi soon." Hasan Mahmud who hails from Chittagong in the southeast of Bangladesh had served as Deputy Foreign Minister during Sheikh Hasina's second term during 2009-2014. Hasina's party, the Awami League secured 223 seats to form the government in the elections held on January 7. The Awami League government named its 36-member cabinet, after President Mohammad Shahabuddin invited them to form the government. The elections were held amid tensions, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties observed a strike across the country as they boycotted the elections. (ANI) The journalists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) vented their anger and resentment over the alleged malpractices in journalism in the occupied region. Citing growing insecurity over their future, the journalists in Muzaffarabad city held demonstrations over many days. However, their protests failed to elicit the desired response from the PoK administration and media outlets. The demonstrators participating in the protest are employed journalists from various media organisations based in Pakistan. These PoK journalists have put forward several demands that have yet to gain any traction from their employers. These demand that channels and newspapers must issue them appointment letters, provide a fixed and reasonable salary, and stop firing them without prior notice. Ishtiyaq Mir, a protesting journalist, said, "Several newspapers and channels in the area have been treating journalists wrongly. In the name of employment, they have been pushing us towards economic hardships. They have been firing us daily, without giving any adequate notice." He added that "no letters are issued to journalists at the start of their employment and neither there is no assurance of timely salaries." Talking about the ongoing issue Mir added that "despite the presence of minimum salary laws in POK, under which we must be paid PKR 32000. It is shameful that any such law is not being followed by our employers." Another employed journalist, Tahir Farooqui raised the issue of the economic condition of journalists in the area. "Whenever, fellow journalists are fired without any warning, our self-respect is hurt, and the only source of revenue generation comes under danger," he said. Farooqui further added that "several of our journalist friends have fallen ill because of mental tension or pressure, and several of them have passed away. Many of us are now unemployed and have no other source to feed our families. And many of us are not even assured that the organization that we are working within the morning will keep us till the day's end. This has caused them to compromise the principles and ethics of journalism. And they are forced to surrender their morals to avoid economic losses". The journalists also demanded that Pakistan's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and other concerned departments provide them with their basic rights. (ANI) A recent video shared by Balochistan Times on social media platform 'X' exposed the tactics employed by Pakistan's police personnel to cover up their heinous acts of extrajudicial killings. The video shared by the Balochistan Times claimed that police personnel from Quetta are asking relatives of the victims of extrajudicial killings to sign a form stating that their family member was a Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) member. Such a sign would prove their loved one to be a militant rather than a victim of Pakistan's atrocities against Baloch individuals. The shared video further shows uniformed members of Pakistan police stating that the bodies would not be handed to relatives without signing the forms. In the background, it can be heard that people are asking which court or justice organisation from Pakistan has proven or approved such a form. which the police personnel in the video remain quiet. The recently orchestrated operation Dara-e-Bolan by the BLA, a rebel group from Balochistan, saw individuals slain during the operation, including defence personnel and members of the BLA. https://twitter.com/BaluchistanTime/status/1754454641612341379?t=0nvvOIc__6ZeebkF8BA2JA&s=0 Meanwhile, another video shared from Turbat by the Balochistan Times claims, that the families of missing Baloch persons have decided to continue their sit-in. Their negotiations with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) have failed. The same video shared by Balochistan Times claimed that the families will not be ending their ongoing protest until their loved ones are released. https://twitter.com/BaluchistanTime/status/1754627289801699591?t=JewPfKYAAVYDsmQMvxsiVw&s=08 Meanwhile, in the wake of continuous atrocities against the Baloch people in Pakistan, the human rights group Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Tuesday announced that it will run a social media campaign to raise their voice against the 'enforced disappearances' and 'extrajudicial killing' of Baloch people. The campaign will be run with the hashtag #EndBalochGenocide on Tuesday. Previously, BYC convened a press conference at Civil Hospital Quetta on Monday, condemning the alleged fake encounters of missing persons. Present at the conference were family members of the victims, joining the call for justice. Prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch addressed the media, shedding light on the disturbing trend of extrajudicial killings. She emphasised that despite peaceful demands voiced during the Long March, the Pakistani authorities refused to address the concerns of the families of missing persons. Mahrang expressed her disappointment, stating, "The state persists in its cruel and oppressive policies towards Balochistan." However, Baloch activists are mobilizing, urging international authorities to intervene in the ongoing genocide of their community members. The demand is for the United Nations and human rights organizations to hold the Pakistani authorities accountable for crimes committed in Balochistan. Activists are calling for a fact-finding mission led by the United Nations Working Group to investigate the matter thoroughly. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs cited the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities in Rakhine State. "In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar," the MEA advisory stated. It also advised the Indian citizens who are in Rakhine State to leave the state immediately. "Those Indian citizens who are already in Rakhine State are advised to leave the State immediately," the statement added. Last week, New Delhi expressed concern over the "deteriorating" situation in Myanmar and urged for an early resolution to the conflict with the return of peace and stability in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its weekly press briefing, also emphasised that New Delhi has long been advocating for the "complete secession" of violence and Myanmar's transition towards "inclusive federal democracy." Notably, a fresh uptick was noticed in incidents of violence in Myanmar recently. This came after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive last October, capturing some towns and military posts. The experts called it the 'biggest test' for junta since taking power in 2021. This also led to a huge influx of people from Myanmar into the state of Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border after the Myanmar army launched airstrikes in the bordering areas. Myanmar marked the third anniversary of the military coup on February 1, where the military seized power in a coup three years ago. (ANI) A long-term contract for LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement was signed on Tuesday between India's state-run oil and gas company 'Petronet LNG' and Qatar's 'Qatar Energy'. The agreement was signed between Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of Qatar Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. The agreement will facilitate the purchase of around 7.5 Million Metric Tonnes per Annum (MMTPA) of LNG between the two companies. Union Minister Puri said the contract will provide momentum to India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency as it aims to increase the share of gas in energy mix from 6 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. "I was very happy to join HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Deputy Chairman and President & CEO @qatarenergy for the signing of a long-term contract for LNG Sale & Purchase Agreement (LNG SPA) for purchase of around 7.5 MMTPA LNG between @PetronetLNGLtd & QatarEnergy today," Puri posted from his official X handle. He added, "This contract will provide momentum to India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency under the farsighted leadership of PM@narendramodiJi as India is transitioning into a gas-based economy by increasing the share of gas in energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030." https://x.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1754828261996232871?s=20 After signing the agreement, the Union Minister said India is looking around the world for collaborations and partnerships in the energy sector. "Across sectors, we are exploring energy equations, exploration and production. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened 1 million sq km of no-go area that will take our sedimentary basin under exploration from 8-9 per cent to 15 per cent. We are looking around the world for collaborations and partnerships," Puri told reporters. Qatar MoS Al-Kaabi said India has a lot of potential for green energy especially under PM Modi's plan of enhancing infrastructure. "Gas is a very important growth fuel, it is the cleanest fuel and helps in the energy transition plans of the country. We think gas has a lot of potential in India, especially after Prime Minister and honourable minister have put up a plan to promote and enhance the infrastructure. Also, the plan is to increase the percentage of gas in energy mix to 15 per cent," the CEO of Qatar Energy said. https://x.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1754831151729164780?s=20 Union Minister Puri stated further in a press conference said the 'India energy story' is a part of the global story. "The India energy story is actually very much part of the global story. The Indian story is a fascinating one for a variety of reasons, unlike some other models that say that capital will respond to return. We are actually carrying out energy transition," Puri said on Tuesday. He also participated in the Ministerial Panel on 'Ensuring Energy Security for Nations and Industry in VUCA World' with Qatar Mos Al-Kaabi. During the India Energy Week in Goa, Puri also met Alexander Dyukov, the chairman of Gazprom Neft; Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik, the CEO of Petronas and William Lin, EVP, Regions, Corporates and Solutions, BP (energy company). (ANI) Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh applauded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement on Tuesday that the Modi government would fence the Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border. Expressing confidence over the decision, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that fencing would reduce incidents of cross-border insurgency and infiltration through better surveillance. Taking to X, CM Himanta said, "This is a commendable and bold decision which will have a huge stabilising impact on the entire North Eastern region. State-of-the-art fencing shall also minimise incidents of cross-border insurgency and infiltration through better surveillance. My gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @amitshah ji for this great effort to secure our borders." Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for fencing the borders along with Myanmar and termed the decision a great move to make borders foolproof. "A great move in the right direction to make our borders foolproof. Gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji to fence our borders along Myanmar. A state-of-the-art surveillance will check the movement of unscrupulous elements," CM Khandu posted on X. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's dedication to fortifying national borders, Amit Shah announced that the government has chosen to erect a fence along the entire India-Myanmar border. "The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders. It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved," Home Minister posted on X. Out of the total border length, the Minister said, a 10-kilometer stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced. Furthermore, the Minister said, two pilot projects of fencing through a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are under execution, and they will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. "Additionally, fence works covering approximately 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, and the work will start soon," Shah further said. Officials, privy to the development, had earlier indicated that the Central government is mulling terminating the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar to curb the influx of illegal migrants and insurgents. The plan is part of the consideration to end a point of contention as residents complain that the FMR policy has become a major subject of contention as it is often misused and facilitates "illegal immigration, drug and arms trafficking". Manipur government as well as other northeast states facing the issue has also raised the matter with the Central government earlier. The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, spanning Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, currently operates under the FMR, which permits individuals living near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other's territories without a visa. Initiated in 2018, the FMR policy was a component of India's Act East policy. As per FMR policy, those belonging to the hill tribes, being citizens of either India or Myanmar and residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the border, can cross with a border pass valid for one year, allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit. "We plan to terminate the FMR along the Indo-Myanmar border shortly. Our aim is to install fencing along the entire border, a project expected to be completed in the next four-and-a-half years. Individuals entering will be required to obtain a visa," stated an official privy to the plan being prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "The objective is not only to halt the misuse of the FMR, which insurgent groups exploit for attacks on the Indian side before escaping to Myanmar, but also to stop the inflow of illegal immigrants and disrupt networks involved in drug and gold smuggling. " Another official shared that the process of "tendering for an advanced smart fencing system covering 300 km of the India-Myanmar border is already in progress, and the project's implementation will commence shortly." Allegations claim that following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, a considerable number of Myanmar's tribal population crossed into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram, and remained illegally. It's alleged that these individuals sought refuge on Indian territory and subsequently engaged in unlawful activities, notably drug smuggling. In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to the Centre to terminate the FMR. The state government contends that insurgents exploit this regime to advance their activities. Manipur shares approximately 390 km of a porous border with Myanmar, with only about 10 km fenced as of now. In July last year, the state government disclosed data indicating that approximately 700 illegal immigrants had entered the state. Additionally, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, Mizoram has witnessed an influx of thousands of anti-Junta rebels. Government estimates suggest that several thousand refugees have settled in various parts of Mizoram since the coup. Mizoram has a porous border spanning 510 kilometres with Myanmar. The Manipur Chief Minister mentioned incidents where individuals from Myanmar attempted to enter his state but retreated upon encountering a substantial presence of security personnel. Manipur shares a 398-kilometer border with Myanmar. Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-kilometre border with Myanmar, whereas Nagaland's border with the country spans 215 kilometers. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], February 6 (ANI/TPS): The Israeli military pressed its offensive against Hamas in Khan Yunis and in raids in northern and central Gaza, the Israel Defence Forces said on Tuesday morning. The Israeli Prime Minister vowed to continue fighting until the military achieved a "complete victory" on Monday. "Our goal is a complete victory over Hamas," Netanyahu said at a Likud faction meeting in the Knesset. "We will kill the Hamas leadership, so we must continue to operate in all areas in the Gaza Strip. We must not end the war before then. It will take time--month, not years." Most of the fighting took place in Khan Yunis. Khan Yunis is Gaza's second-largest city and is regarded as a personal stronghold of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The forces of Division 98 continued to fight in the west of Khan Yunis, clearing new spaces above and below the ground. Troops encountered armed Hamas terrorists in civilian clothes preparing to attack. Over the last day, Israeli forces eliminated dozens of terrorists and arrested about 80 terror suspects -- including several who participated in the October 7 attacks. Also in Khan Yunis, snipers of the combat team of the Givati Brigade eliminated more than 15 terrorists. Fighters of the 646th Brigade Combat Team identified and eliminated a Hamas squad observing soldiers from inside a building. During the raids, the paratroopers and members of the elite Egoz unit located weapons including grenades, Kalashnikov rifles, RPG missiles, explosive charges and cartridges. In Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, an Israeli fighter jet guided by intelligence eliminated a Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist who participated in the massacre of civilians at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. Of the kibbutz's 400 residents, approximately one-quarter were killed or kidnapped that day. In Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, Israeli soldiers called in a combat helicopter to eliminate four terrorists placing observation devices. The IDF said that a combat team from the Nahal Brigade eliminated many terrorists in raids and ambushes during the last 24 hours. A missile ship detected a terror squad in the area where the combat team was operating. Most of the members of the terror squad were killed in a combination of strikes from drone aircraft, naval vessels and the brigade's fighters. Separately, the IDF's 401st Divisional Combat Team eliminated over 15 terrorists in encounters and, in cooperation with the Air Force, destroyed a building used by terrorists to shoot at the troops and in which explosive devices were stored. At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. (ANI/TPS) He appreciated the 'warm sentiments' towards the India-Thailand relationship and affirmed commitment to strengthening bonds of culture, connectivity and trade. "Glad to meet Thai Senate delegation led by Senator Pikulkeaw Krairiksh in New Delhi today. Appreciate their warm sentiments towards India-Thailand relationship and aspiration to grow it further. As civilizational partners, committed to strengthen bonds of culture, connectivity, trade and beyond," Jaishankar posted on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1754860458782396802?s=20 Earlier in the day, the EAM also met British Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the national capital. He also discussed bilateral cooperation between the two nations and other crucial regional and global developments. "Delighted to welcome British Shadow Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy and Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade @jreynoldsMP this afternoon. Enjoyed our conversation that covered bilateral cooperation as well as important regional and global developments," Jaishankar stated. Notably, 'Shadow Secretary' is a position held by senior members of the opposition party in the UK who act as party spokesperson in specific policy areas. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar visited the United Kingdom last November, during which he met several high-profile leaders including PM Rishi Sunak and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The EAM also held telephonic conversation with his Polish counterpart Radek Sikorski and discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and situation in Europe. "Good to speak to Poland Foreign Minister @radeksikorski. Discussed the Ukraine conflict and the situation in Europe. Look forward to working with him on deepening our bilateral ties," he posted. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Argentinian Ambassador to India, Hugo Javier Gobbi, as he bid farewell following his tenure. He acknowledged Ambassador Gobbi's tireless efforts in enhancing the bilateral relations between India and Argentina over the past three years. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will arrive in India on Wednesday at EAM Jaishankar's invitation. Notably, this is Mahmud's first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh government after Sheikh Hasina registered a historic victory, clinching a consecutive fourth term as the Prime Minister. (ANI) In yet another distressing incident, an Indian student faced a brutal attack in Chicago on Tuesday (local time). Following the attack, the Indian Consulate in Chicago has stated that it is in touch with the victim, Syed Mazahir Ali, as well as his wife in India. The Indian mission has assured all possible assistance to Ali, who hails from Hyderabad, and his family. "Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi and assured all possible assistance," the Indian Consulate in Chicago wrote in a post on X. The Consulate has "also contacted the local authorities who are investigating the case." https://x.com/IndiainChicago/status/1754910520316944612?s=20 Videos on social media that surfaced showed Ali bleeding heavily as he described the horrific incident. Meanwhile, another video circulating on social media, which appears to be CCTV footage of the incident, shows Ali being chased by three attackers on the streets of Chicago. More details are awaited in the case. The incident took place at a time when attacks against Indian-origin students in the US are on the rise. Last week, an Indian student in the United States named Shreyas Reddy was found dead in Cincinnati, Ohio. The cause of his death, however, remains unknown as of now. According to reports, Reddy was a student at the Linder School of Business. The Indian Consulate in New York expressed regret about the incident and said that it was in touch with his family and was extending all possible assistance to them. Notably, it was the third death of an Indian student within a span of a week. On January 30, Neel Acharya, a student at Purdue University, was found dead after being missing for days, according to the Tippecanoe County Coroner. Similarly, on January 29, another Indian student, identified as Vivek Saini, was brutally killed with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia, US. A video of the incident went viral on social media, but the date of the incident can't be confirmed. (ANI) "A warm welcome to FM @DrHasanMahmud62 of Bangladesh on his first official visit to India," the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote on X. "India-Bangladesh's strong partnership will get further impetus with this significant visit," he said. Mahmud is visiting India at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Notably, this is Mahmud's first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh government following Sheikh Hasina's historic victory, securing a consecutive fourth term as Prime Minister. "The visit reflects the high importance and priority both countries attach to their bilateral relationship," the MEA said. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1754957767356649529?s=20 During his February 7-9 visit to the country, the Bangladeshi minister Hasan Mahmud will meet and hold talks with Jaishankar, where they will review progress in a wide range of bilateral relations and chart out the agenda for future engagement. They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues of common interest, the MEA said. Earlier this January, Jaishankar met his Bangladesh counterpart Mahmud on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda. Mahmud said he had valuable talks with Jaishankar to strengthen India-Bangladesh ties. Jaishankar earlier congratulated Mahmud on his appointment and said he "looks forward to receiving him in Delhi soon." Hasan Mahmud, who hails from Chittagong in the southeast of Bangladesh, served as Deputy Foreign Minister during Sheikh Hasina's second term during 2009-2014. Hasina's party, the Awami League, secured 223 seats to form the government in the elections held on January 7. The Awami League government named its 36-member cabinet after President Mohammad Shahabuddin invited them to form the government. The elections were held amid tensions, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties observed a strike across the country as they boycotted the elections. (ANI) 102-year-old Jack Hemmings AFC gestures after flying a Spitfire plane to mark 80th anniversary of the military charity Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) at Heritage Hanger at London Biggin Hill, England, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. Hemmings took to the skies in Britain's best-loved Second World War aircraft to raise money for MAF, the charity he co-founded almost 80 years ago. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP) LONDON (AP) A former Royal Air Forces pilot has taken to the skies in a Spitfire at 102 years old. Jack Hemmings, an ex-squadron leader with Britain's air force, is believed to be the oldest pilot to fly the World War II plane. His 20-minute flight, from an airfield in southern England on Monday, was to raise money for a charity he co-founded nearly 80 years ago. The veteran who had never flown a Spitfire before said it was absolutely delightful being back behind the controls, though he said the ride was very bumpy. To be honest, it felt a bit rusty. Not surprising I am rusty, he said. Hemmings was raising funds for Mission Aviation Fellowship, a humanitarian air service he helped launch after WWII alongside D-Day veteran Stuart King. The organization has since grown into a Christian organization that uses planes to deliver relief, medicine and emergency cargo to countries in need. The flight marked 80 years since the D-Day landings and paid tribute to King, who died in 2020. Hemmings previously performed aerobatics on his 100th birthday and raised more than 40,000 pounds ($50,000) for the charity. Barry Hughes, a pilot who accompanied Hemmings in the aircraft, said the veteran had a natural touch. He didnt need any instruction really. He just took control, flown us around, made some turnings and basic maneuvers," Hughes said. I think he really enjoyed every single moment of the flight. LATHROP TOWNSHIP, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) State police say a 14-year-old was arrested after stabbing a teenager in Susquehanna County. On January 17 around 1:30 a.m., state police said they were called to the Endless Mountains Hospital for the report of a teenage stab victim. PD: Fight over drunk driving led to gunfire in Monroe County Investigators said they spoke with the victim who explained that he was arguing with the 14-year-old when the 14-year-old pulled out a knife. The victim told troopers the 14-year-old stabbed him in the leg causing a severe puncture. The juvenile was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault through the Minor Judiciary Court system. As this is a case involving juveniles, names are being withheld from the public. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Johnson County prosecutors have charged a 17-year-old with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a Lawrence teenager who died at an Olathe hospital last month. Davon D. Washington, is facing the murder charge and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor in juvenile court, the Johnson County District Attorneys Office announced Monday. He is accused of killing Brianna Higgins, 15, on Jan. 19. Prosecutors allege Washington, of Kansas City, killed Higgins unintentionally but recklessly, according to a criminal complaint. Police began investigating after Higgins was brought into Olathe Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Detectives determined the shooting took place at Clarion Park Apartments in the 16900 block of West 127th Street. Family and friends of the teenage girl, struck by her sudden death, were told Higgins was with four other people when she was taken to the hospital. Theyve questioned why someone did not call 911 services to the place where she was shot. As of Monday, Washington was the sole person authorities identified as facing criminal charges in connection to the fatal shooting. He was being held in the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center as of Monday. Washington is scheduled to make his next court appearance Feb. 12. The Stars Andrea Klick contributed to this report. A man will go to prison after he was found guilty in a 2022 shooting that left a 19-year-old dead, Colorado officials said. In August 2022, a group of people had a last-minute party at a park in Adams County, according to a news release by District Attorney Brian Mason. During the gathering, Cristian Guzman-Agramon, age 17 at the time, jumped in the front passenger window of a car Israel Montes Madera, 19, was in, officials said. Guzman-Agramon tried to steal a Louis Vuitton fanny pack that had Maderas cash inside, officials said. When Madera refused to give up the fanny pack, Guzman-Agramon shot him, the district attorney said. Others at the party opened fire afterward, and Guzman-Agramon was injured, officials said. Madera was taken to a hospital where he later died, officials said. This was a senseless act of brutal violence and one young life was ended forever, Mason said in the release. I ask my community to wrestle with this incomprehensible fact: Kids are shooting kids. And this case was a prime example. A 17-year-old shot and killed a 19-year-old. One is now gone, and the other is heading to prison. Teenagers both. Fighting over a fanny pack. Guzman-Agramon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, the district attorney said. We cannot become normalized to this violence amongst our children. My office will vigorously prosecute these brutal cases, but this is not enough, Mason said. We, as a community, must come together to prevent these crimes and stop this violence from occurring in the first place. Adams County is about 50 miles east of Denver. Group joked over text about shooting that left 16-year-old dead, New Mexico cops say Man pulls gun on mom trying to sell car on OfferUp in lot with 7-year-old, AZ cops say 12 years after man shot dead, docuseries helps solve cold case, California cops say HAMPTON Police and firefighters made up most of the towns top wage earners in 2023, racking up much of their income through overtime and private details. Hampton police Sgt. Stephen Champey was the towns top earner with $179,748.29, including $75,874.84 in overtime pay. The other top 10 earners included police officers, two fire officers and the town manager. Hampton Fire Capt. Nate Denio brought in $148,976.33, the town's 10th-highest earner, $58,748.51 of which was overtime. The top six salary earners in Hampton for 2023 were police Sgt. Steve Champey, police Sgt. Joe Jones, police officer Peter Moisakis, Detective Sgt. Christopher Keyser, Town Manager Jamie Sullivan and Hampton police Detective Robert Kenyon. Town officials say the high earnings for certain employees reflect the long hours first responders work to keep the town running. They also say the employees logging the most overtime hours are making up for vacant positions. Searchable database: Salaries for all Hampton town employees in 2023 In Champeys case, he worked 1,105 hours of overtime in 2023 an average of 21.25 extra hours of work per week over the year. Theyre sacrificing time with their families to fill those holes in our scheduling, Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno said. And they are compensated as appropriate. Vacancies lead to overtime, high earnings The town spent $14.35 million on wages in 2023, making up a large portion of a budget of just under $33.1 million. Town officials say wages earned by municipal employees are comparable to those in other towns. In some cases, they say they are behind in a time when hiring municipal workers is a challenge. Fire Chief Michael McMahon said firefighter entry-level pay in Hampton is low compared to other departments. The towns two unions for firefighters and fire officers are each seeking a new contract with a raise in pay this March. McMahons pay is separate from those contracts. Were behind, McMahon said. Were on the low side, and certainly in the Seacoast, were behind our peers. McMahon said vacancies result in firefighters working overtime. We always use a lot (of overtime), McMahon said. Its always a challenge for people to work a lot of extra hours. The town has several open positions, according to Hamptons HR and Administrative Services Director Julie Glover. She said those include five public works laborers, a deputy fire chief, two firefighter positions, two police dispatchers, a part-time assistant town clerk and multiple part-time police officers. Hampton police have historically relied on part-time officers to help cover the beach during the summer. Reno said the department had 21 part-time positions filled last summer, but 49 were vacant. Reno said that led to officers within the department picking up overtime shifts. When those shifts are not enough to fill, he said they turn to hiring officers from other departments through details. Outside officers are more expensive, he said, spending overtime keeps costs down for the department overall. Reno said having the officers on duty is about more than responding to active scenes but also standing ready in case an emergency takes place. The department has tried to provide coverage to neighborhoods where residents want a heightened police presence, like at North Beach when car groups have flocked to the seawall in recent years. Those officers are out there in case something happens, Reno said. You need competent, trained, courageous people who are willing to go run towards a dangerous situation. Time to pass the torch': Hampton Town Moderator Bob Casassa reflects on 20 years Town officials look to stay competitive to retain employees Hampton had 42 employees who earned over $100,000 in 2023. Others in town included the finance director, Kristi Pulliam, who earned $124,919 in 2023, and Public Works Director Jennifer Hale, who brought in $108,083.10. Town Manager Jamie Sullivan, who leads the town and its departments, earned $158,424.23 in 2023, slightly more than the town manager in nearby Exeter, a similar-sized town. There, Town Manager Russ Dean received a one-year contract extension in December with a 9% salary increase from $140,932 to $154,000. Sullivan has been town manager in Hampton since 2020, previously served as police chief and then assistant and deputy town manager. Selectman Jim Waddell said Sullivan has helped the town save money by assisting with contract negotiations where a lawyer may otherwise be necessary. He said Sullivan has also led the town through tough times. The COVID-19 pandemic struck in Sullivans first year. More: Man who pleaded guilty after threatening girlfriend with gun in Hampton charged again "I think hes well paid, but he backs that up by doing a great job, Waddell said. The town has made efforts to keep its pay competitive for all its employees. Two years ago, Municipal Resources Inc. conducted a study that compared wages in Hampton to those in other towns. Waddell said Hampton was low in comparison. Across the board, most of our people were low or towards the lower end, Waddell said. Since then, Waddell said the town has worked to bring peoples wages up. He said it is important to keep employees working in Hampton. He said Sullivan has also recently spent time looking at how Hampton salaries compare to other communities. We have to stay competitive, Waddell said. If we dont, we lose our employees. More: How Smuttynose Brewing Co. plans to double its revenue by buying two iconic breweries This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton NH top salaries 2023: Police and firefighters lead the way A 5-year-old is dead after a single vehicle collision on Tuesday in Brunswick County. At 4:56 a.m., a trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) was dispatched to U.S. 74 eastbound near Mount Misery Road, according to a NCSHP news release. A 2007 Chrysler van was located facing westbound in the eastbound lanes. The sliding door window on the passenger side of the vehicle was broken out, according to the release. Investigations revealed the van was traveling east on U.S. 74, ran off the road to the right and struck a metal guardrail on the shoulder. The unbelted backseat passenger was ejected from the passenger side sliding door window. The driver of the vehicle continued eastbound about half a mile before realizing the passenger had been ejected. They returned to the scene to look for the passenger. A Brunswick County deputy arrived on scene and located the body of the 5-year-old passenger, who died on scene as a result of the collision. The driver was the mother of the deceased juvenile, according to Sgt. James E. Ballard with NCSHP. Amanda Wright Bridgers, 41, of Wilmington was arrested and charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, misdemeanor child abuse, child restraint violation, careless and reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane. According to the NCSHP, Bridgers was taken to Brunswick Novant Hospital. A trooper obtained an implied consent blood draw from Bridgers, which will be analyzed for drugs and alcohol. Bridgers was released from Brunswick County Jail on Tuesday under a $2,500 secured bond. She has an upcoming court date scheduled for April 17, 2024, according to Ashley Bullard, executive assistant to District Attorney Jon David. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 5-year-old dead after single vehicle collision in Brunswick County, NC Yelp identified the best 50 restaurants in the US in 2024 based on customer suggestions and r eviews. The highest number of top-rated restaurants were located in California. The top-rated restaurant was Tumerico, a Latin American restaurant in Tucson, Arizona. Yelp recently released its ranking of the top 100 restaurants in the country, based on customer suggestions and reviews. The ranking included restaurants from 28 states, and a quarter of the restaurants specialize in Asian, Asian fusion, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Business Insider identified the best thing to order from the top 50 restaurants, and what customers say about each spot. Here are the 50 best restaurants in the US, according to Yelp. 50. Baja Cafe in Tucson, Arizona Baja Cafe. Paul C./Yelp What to order: Snickerdoodle pancakes, huevos rancheros What customers say: "One of the best huevos rancheros I've had! Snickerdoodle pancake is also amazing but very large and rich, so definitely something worth splitting with the table. Our server was very friendly, and the back outdoor patio was a nice surprise. Very excited to go back and try some of the other menu items," wrote a Yelp user named Elizabeth M. Learn more about Baja Cafe here. 49. Freeman's Grub & Pub in Greensboro, North Carolina Freeman's Grub & Pub. Chelsea R./Yelp What to order: Poutine, fried chicken sandwich What customers say: "I'm not sure why I haven't visited Freeman's before now, but it's definitely on our list of places to come back to over and over again! Just a cozy nook on the corner, you'd have no clue how much flavor they are packing into the dishes on their menu. Their poutine was as authentic as it gets and the rich gravy was so flavorful I could gulp it," wrote a Yelp user named Adam P. Learn more about Freeman's Grub & Pub here. 48. Sabores Tapas Bar in Arlington, Virginia Sabores Tapas Bar. Aivy H./Yelp What to order: Patatas bravas, churrasco What customers say: "My friends and I stopped by for dinner last Monday and I've been excited to give Sabores Tapas Bar a try because I've heard a lot of raving reviews about it. I was floored by how good the tapas here were. Everything we tried was above average, and our server was so helpful and willing to give her input on her favorite tapas and recommend options based on our preferences," wrote a Yelp user named Ailun H. Learn more about Sabores Tapas Bar here. 47. CHILI in New York, New York CHILI. CHILI/Yelp What to order: Dan dan noodles, scallion pancakes What customers say: "This is a spot that I would take out-of-town visitors! Every dish is up to par and you'll be happy with whatever you order. It's also a plus that it's in close proximity to many tourist attractions as well! There is a good amount of seating and I've never had much trouble just walking in for lunch," wrote a Yelp user named Nicole P. Learn more about CHILI here. 46. Maple Soul in Rochester, Vermont Maple Soul. Wai L./Yelp What to order: Blackened ahi tuna, barbecue baby-back ribs What customers say: "So many delicious choices ... Each one perfectly prepared. Great local vibe, with excellent service and an amazing draft bottled beer selection. I have to go frequently to make sure I don't miss out on a treat," wrote a Yelp user named Trish D. Learn more about Maple Soul here. 45. Degthai in Nashville, Tennessee Degthai. Degthai/Yelp What to order: Pad Thai, crispy spring rolls What customers say: "Delicious! Ordered the crispy spring rolls, red curry, and pad thai and all three were delicious. We will definitely be back," wrote a Yelp user named Victoria B. Learn more about Degthai here. 44. EDOBOY in Orlando, Florida EDOBOY. Mendy C./Yelp What to order: Blue-crab hand roll, toro fatty tuna What customers say: "Outstanding sushi while standing. Definitely dinner and a show. Beer is reasonably priced, but plan to pay for the sushi," wrote a Yelp user named Deborah C. Learn more about EDOBOY here. 43. Odeh's Mediterranean Kitchen in High Point, North Carolina Odeh's Mediterranean Kitchen. Mikaela B./Yelp What to order: Greek salad, baklava What customers say: "Another platter of perfection at Odeh's Mediterranean. This time I had a juicy chicken kabob, with a side of Greek salad, hummus, pita, and tzatziki sauce. I was running late and they were about to close for lunch. I was totally bummed but, the hostess said that if I could get there within the next five minutes that they would serve me. I did! Service with a smile and delicious, fresh food. What more can you ask for. Odeh's Mediterranean is on my list for good," wrote a Yelp user named Janis A. Learn more about Odeh's Mediterranean Kitchen here. 42. Shannon's Unshelled in Boothbay, Maine Shannon's Unshelled. Hannah T./Yelp What to order: Lobster roll, clam chowder What customers say: "It seems and feels like coastal Maine! Shannon's Unshelled delivers on the taste and options that you would expect from a quintessential coastal Maine lobster shack. We were happily greeted by a friendly staff and enjoyed the sunlight while we waited for our freshly prepared food. The food followed up every bit of promising start that we were hoping for and we left quite satisfied," wrote a Yelp user named Jim H. Learn more about Shannon's Unshelled here. Shannon's Unshelled is temporarily closed and is scheduled to reopen on May 25, 2024. 41. Tandoori Kitchen in Lafayette, Colorado Tandoori Kitchen. Tandoori Kitchen/Yelp What to order: Tikka masala, korma What customers say: "This is the best Indian and Nepalese food I have had. I have eaten in many Indian restaurants throughout the USA and other countries/cities including London. The food here is wonderful and simply the best! You can feel the love put into the food and that is fresh, from scratch, and each dish has a unique, signature flavor. The staff is wonderful and Raj is a wonderful host! We stumbled on this restaurant two years ago and have been regulars ever since. I cannot recommend this gem highly enough," wrote a Yelp user named Derik M. Learn more about Tandoori Kitchen here. 40. Rosemarie's Burgers in San Diego, California Rosemarie's Burgers. Rosemarie's Burgers/Yelp What to order: Little Sal burger, Nashville hot chicken sandwich What customers say: "There's a reason Rosemarie's burgers were deemed San Diego's Best Sliders. Truly, sliders should be in quotes because they are HUGE. I got the Rosiemac and my boyfriend got the eggplant, shrimp, and classic sliders. We also ordered a side of their super delicious fries. I don't know what sauce came with the fries, but what I do know is that I'm obsessed with it and ready to go back for seconds. Everything here is delicious," wrote a Yelp user named Michelle M. Learn more about Rosemarie's Burgers here. 39. Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe in Tucson, Arizona Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe. Josh W./Yelp What to order: Green corn tamale, stuffed poblano What customers say: "Came here on my birthday for breakfast with friends at 9 which is a good thing because after we were seated the restaurant was suddenly packed and folks kept coming in and all needed to wait for tables to become available. This restaurant does not take reservations. We all ordered different kinds of dishes and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals very much. Our waitress was very nice and sweet," wrote a Yelp user named Ruben G. Learn more about Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe here. 38. Tacos Dona Lena in Houston, Texas Tacos Dona Lena. Yvonne T./Yelp What to order: Birria tacos, barbacoa tacos What customers say: "Ay dios! What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place has the most amazing birria tacos that I've ever had in Houston. On my first visit, I ordered and ate an order of the birria tacos (which is three large tacos), an order of birria street tacos (three, each wrapped in two corn tortillas), and a beef torta. All the dishes were great! We've been here at least once every single month in the last year and our monthly visit is coming up in two weeks," wrote a Yelp user named DeWayne R. Learn more about Tacos Dona Lena here. 37. Jessica's Cafe in Plainfield, New Jersey Jessica's Cafe. Allie A./Yelp What to order: Crab-meat crepe, meatballs What customers say: "This place lives up to all the hype. Every single thing was delicious and made to order. The octopus appetizer was AMAZING. The service was amazing, too. The current space is intimate with great ambiance. It is BYOB. Easily one of my new favorites in the area. Will not disappoint," wrote a Yelp user named J B. Learn more about Jessica's Cafe here. 36. Worth Takeaway in Mesa, Arizona Worth Takeaway ElaineY./Yelp What to order: Buffalo chicken sandwich, breakfast burrito What customers say: "Food was excellent! I love their BLT and Buffalo chicken sandwich! It's always my go-to," wrote a Yelp user named Stephanie L. Learn more about Worth Takeaway here. 35. Izzy's Comfort Kitchen in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Izzy's Comfort Kitchen. Kevin C./Yelp What to order: Grilled chicken sandwich, Mama's pot roast What customers say: "Such a great lunch in a beautiful town. This did not disappoint. My son still talks about this place," wrote a Yelp user named Pam H. Learn more about Izzy's Comfort Kitchen here. 34. Amy's French Bakery & Bistro in Pompano Beach, Florida Amy's French Bakery & Bistro. Jacqueline Z./Yelp What to order: French toast, prosciutto sandwich What customers say: "Very unassuming, super cute place. The food is always great. And so are the people. Family owned. Love it," wrote a Yelp user named J S. Learn more about Amy's French Bakery & Bistro here. 33. Shigotonin in Las Vegas, Nevada Shigotonin. Shigotonin/Yelp What to order: Uni pasta, Sakura box What customers say: "The best quality tuna you can get in this town. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for. Get a Sakura box. It's a great value and you get tons of thick slices of tuna. The owner and his wife run the place and are very nice people. We love this place and their James Beard nomination is well deserved," wrote a Yelp user named James W. Learn more about Shigotonin here. 32. Guiso Latin Fusion in Healdsburg, California Guiso Latin Fusion. Vicki K./Yelp What to order: Fish tacos, Camarones Borrachos What customers say: "Interesting and very tasty menu. The staff is very attentive and personable. A great place to have a very pleasurable meal at very reasonable pricing," wrote a Yelp user named Barry H. Learn more about Guiso Latin Fusion here. 31. Tutti Da Gio in Hermitage, Tennessee Tutti Da Gio. Nate M./Yelp What to order: Arancini, margherita pizza What customers say: "We kept it simple & ordered two Margherita pizzas over the phone, and they were ready within 15 minutes. Between three people, we polished off two entire pizzas with ease. Every aspect of the pie was perfectly executed, but the crust was the shining star some of the most flavorful I've ever had. The simplicity of the pizza is what I really admire. The light application of sauce and cheese allows every ingredient to sing: a note of basil here, a note of acid there, all supported by the strong backing vocals of the crust," wrote a Yelp user named Lily S. Learn more about Tutti Da Gio here. 30. Pizzeria Luba in Auburn, California vvv Wanda G./Yelp What to order: Mushroom pizza, meatballs What customers say: "By far the best pizza locally. All of the food is amazing from the apps to the pizza. Great selection of local beers and an amazing vibe inside the place. The owner Chef Corey was our favorite chef during his time at the Chef's Table in Rocklin so when he opened this joint we made the 30-minute drive to Rocklin to try his new pizza joint. We make that drive anytime we want pizza now," wrote a Yelp user named Sam G. Learn more about Pizzeria Luba here. 29. Ocean Indian Cuisine in San Francisco, California Ocean Indian Cuisine. Ricky K./Yelp What to order: Butter chicken masala, basmati rice What customers say: "I recently saw that this place made Yelp's top 100 places to eat in 2024, so I had to check it out. It definitely did not disappoint. The hospitality was top-class, the dishes were delicious, fresh, and plated with intent. I'm not quite sure how we walked out of there with a bill below $70 considering all the food we had and how delicious the meal was. Can't wait to go back," wrote a Yelp user named Bjorn T. Learn more about Ocean Indian Cuisine here. 28. Ta Joia in Bothwell, Washington Ta Joia. Andrea C./Yelp What to order: Spicy chicken, spicy pork What customers say: "You should definitely try the spicy chicken. There's a reason it's their most popular dish. And if you're feeling especially hungry, order it with the Feijoada (Brazilian rice, black beans, a fried egg with pico and cilantro sauce) delicious," wrote a Yelp user named Richard M. Learn more about Ta Joia here. 27. burger-chan in Houston, Texas burger-chan. Kevin G./Yelp What to order: Mushroom swiss burger, hot dog What customers say: "Completely obsessed is an understatement - so amazing to find a burger establishment that seamlessly and deliciously incorporates Asian flavors... The customization options here allow you to really make something uniquely tailored to [your] specific tastes," wrote a Yelp user named Cynthia C. Learn more about burger-chan here. 26. Arario Midtown in Reno, Nevada Arario Midtown. D J./Yelp What to order: Bulgogi bowl, beef short rib What customers say: "Arario has made another appearance on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the USA and to me, it's no surprise. When I get asked for my favorite eats in town, Arario is always the first one out of my mouth. You literally can't go wrong dining here, and the service is top-notch," wrote a Yelp user named Michael T. Learn more about Arario Midtown here. 25. Zenaida's Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Zenaida's Cafe. Veronica A./Yelp What to order: Eggs Benedict, avocado toast What customers say: "The crab cake Benedict was mouthwatering! The delectable flavor combination between the crab cakes and hollandaise sauce was unmatched. The home fries they were served with were cooked with spices that made you keep coming back for more," wrote a Yelp user named Ashley E. Learn more about Zenaida's Cafe here. 24. Zest Mediterranean Cuisine in Folsom, California Zest Mediterranean Cuisine. Joseph A./Yelp What to order: Baklava, lamb kabobs plate What customers say: "My wife and I had our dinner here for the 1st time. We ordered a combo plate with beef and lamb kebab. We're amazed on how the meat was so tender and flavorful. We also got the falafel as a side and it was crispy on the outside and soft and tasty on the inside. The owners are very friendly. The place is clean and tidy. We will definitely come back again," wrote a Yelp user named Ferdie V. Learn more about Zest Mediterranean Cuisine here. 23. Mazra in San Bruno, California Mazra. Mazra/Yelp What to order: Slow-roasted lamb shanks, double kebab plate What customers say: "Some of the best Mediterranean I have had in the Bay Area! We ordered way too much food and overate, but it was worth it. We ordered fries, tzatziki, pita, hummus, double beef kabob, and chicken kabob combos. Every bite was savored and we left full and happy," wrote a Yelp user named Erin C. Learn more about Mazra here. 22. Milpa in Las Vegas, Nevada Milpa. Milpa/Yelp What to order: Chilaquiles, barbacoa taco What customers say: "Welp. We've been back several times now and this place is the real deal. Finally got around to trying the tacos and they are absolutely delicious. And in case you haven't heard, the chef here is a semifinalist for Vegas's James Beard Awards. Almost hate to tell more people about this spot, but it definitely deserves the accolades," wrote a Yelp user named Susan B. Learn more about Milpa here. 21. BOOMCHIA in Montclair, New Jersey BOOMCHIA. James C./Yelp What to order: Blue coconut, chocolate granola What customers say: "If you are looking for a healthy sweet snack I recommend to give this place a try. With a cold base of choice, it is a refreshing snack. The toppings are unlimited [...] The employees are very helpful when building your bowl," wrote a Yelp user named Katherine S. Learn more about BOOMCHIA here. 20. Ekiben in Baltimore, Maryland Ekiben. Donna T./Yelp What to order: The neighborhood bird, Thai chicken meatballs What customers say: "One of my favorite places to eat in Baltimore, hands down. Extremely tasty Asian fusion. Housemade Bao buns sandwiching the turkey meatballs which are seasoned to perfection or the crispy chicken which is better than most fried chicken places... Great place to get food for guests from out of town, eat there or walk to the harbor and eat waterfront," wrote a Yelp user named Emily H. Learn more about Ekiben here. 19. Little India in American Fork, Utah Little India. Amber C./Yelp What to order: Chicken tikka masala, chicken coconut kurma What customers say: "My colleague at work recommended this restaurant during my work visit to Utah and turned out that this is one of the best Indian restaurants I've ever been to. I tried the chicken biryani and lamb boti masala. The biryani was cooked to perfection and the lamb boti masala was amazing. I now understand why there was 30-35 wait time to get a table here," wrote a Yelp user named Anmol R. Learn more about Little India here. 18. Guy's For Lunch in Roseville, California Guy's For Lunch. Rachel K./Yelp What to order: Chicken salad sandwich, turkey chili What customers say: "We drove from Auburn because of the Yelp top 100 rating. We knew we would have to wait in line. It was worth it! The wait wasn't that long and the chicken salad sandwich was great. All of the employees had a great attitude even though they were bombarded with all the customers. Glad we went. Will be back to try another sandwich," wrote a Yelp user named Pat C. Learn more about Guy's For Lunch here. 17. Aperitivo in Santa Barbara, California Aperitivo. Van H./Yelp What to order: Meatballs, pasta dishes What customers say: "Absolute best Italian food I've had in North America. The pasta is perfectly cooked, the burrata was life-changing and the salad was delicious. The owner and staff are super friendly and the wine options are excellent and yet fairly priced. We were shocked to find this good Italian food in Santa Barbara, but we were glad we found it. Can't recommend this place enough," wrote a Yelp user named Greg W. Learn more about Aperitivo here. 16. Crafted Greens in El Cajon, California Crafted Greens. Bianca M./Yelp What to order: Free-range chicken club, Thai salad What customers say: "This healthy, fresh place is so deserving of 5 stars. I am a regular here and I always feel so good after eating here. Great customer service that is so quick and they pump out so many orders whether they are to-go or dine-in. Love the veggie options they are always so flavorful and healthy. Can't wait to return and feast on another meal," wrote a Yelp user named John C. Learn more about Crafted Greens here. 15. Porky's Kaua'i in Koloa, Hawaii Porky's Kaua'i. Tiffany-Joy M./Yelp What to order: Pulled pork, kalua pork What customers say: "Get yourself a delicious dog from Porky's topped with pulled pork, pineapple, and BBQ sauce, this was one of our group's favorite food stops on Kauai," wrote a Yelp user named Dallas A. Learn more about Porky's Kaua'i here. 14. De Babel in Scottsdale, Arizona De Babel. De Babel/Yelp What to order: Chicken tawook sandwich, gyro sandwich What customers say: "I don't often take the time to write reviews, but this place was exceptional. Excellent food and super friendly service! We will definitely be back," wrote a Yelp user named Jodi W. Learn more about De Babel here. 13. Express Deli in Brook Park, Ohio Express Deli. Bob C./Yelp What to order: Reuben wrap, corned-beef sandwich What customers say: "The Reuben wrap was the best I've ever had!! Friendly owner! Very quick service! The potato salad was excellent! Only a few tables but seemed like the majority of the business was takeout. Highly recommend," wrote a Yelp user named Bud W. Learn more about Express Deli here. 12. Mio's Grill & Cafe in St. Petersburg, Florida Mio's Grill & Cafe. Chris T./Yelp What to order: Greek salad, falafel wrap What customers say: "We stumbled upon this gem, listed in the top 100 restaurants in the US for 2024, and boy, were we blown away! The food at Mio's Mediterranean Grill was simply incredible. Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor. Omg so freakin good. But it wasn't just the food that impressed us; the service was exceptional as well," wrote a Yelp user named Raquel Z. Learn more about Mio's Grill & Cafe here. 11. Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro, North Carolina Haywood Smokehouse. Nate H./Yelp What to order: Brisket, burnt ends What customers say: "The brisket is beyond anything you have ever tasted. I have eaten a lot of brisket and this is ridiculously delicious and by far the best brisket I have ever eaten. It does not need sauce but they have many delicious options if you like sauce," wrote a Yelp user named Brenda R. Learn more about Haywood Smokehouse here. 10. Uncle Af's in Agoura Hills, California Uncle Af's. Lovene K./Yelp What to order: Chicken firecracker sandwich, super turkey sandwich What customers say: "After stumbling upon Uncle AF's International Sandwich Shop on Yelp's list of recommended places, my son and I decided to give it a try for lunch yesterday. The sandwiches exceeded expectations with their generous portions of meats and toppings, accompanied by a hearty serving of fries. It's worth noting that when ordering with multiple people, the food comes in one tray rather than individual servings," wrote a Yelp user named A M. Learn more about Uncle Af's here. 9. Gino's Deli Stop N Buy in San Antonio, Texas Gino's Deli Stop N Buy. Beckett H./Yelp What to order: Philly cheesesteak, smoke stack What customers say: "The service is quick and the food is incredibly good. The hospitality upon entering Gino's is phenomenal. I've been a regular here since the first time I tried their Roast Beef Sandwich and will continue to be," wrote a Yelp user named Chris S. Learn more about Gino's Deli Stop N Buy here. 8. Sierra Subs and Salads in Three Rivers, California Sierra Subs and Salads. Christa S./Yelp What to order: Hollywood tremor, Buffalo Bill What customers say: "Delicious sandwiches that were perfect to have for our hike in Sequoia National Park. I loved the Buffalo Bill sandwich that had chicken and pesto. I recommend coming here if you're looking for some good sandwiches to enjoy. They also have soups here," wrote a Yelp user named Noelani M. Learn more about Sierra Subs and Salads here. 7. Adela's Country Eatery in Kaneohe, Hawaii Adelas Country Eatery. Lexi R./Yelp What to order: Braised short ribs, pork belly What customers say: "The food is very delicious. The pasta is handmade on site, with a variety of special noodles that taste very good. We ordered garlic mushroom noodles, which were very fragrant and generous. The ube cheesecake is also great. Will definitely come again," wrote a Yelp user named Lapan L. Learn more about Adela's Country Eatery here. 6. Broken Mouth in Los Angeles, California Broken Mouth. Tina V./Yelp What to order: Spam musubi, potato-mac salad What customers say: "Highly recommend! We ordered a beef bowl as well as a chicken bowl, a side of potato-mac, and the brioche bread pudding. Everything was INCREDIBLE and although we don't live close by, we will definitely make this a go-to stop when we are in the area," wrote a Yelp user named Maria S. Learn more about Broken Mouth here. 5. Fratellino in Coral Gables, Florida Fratellino. Michael S./Yelp What to order: Sea bass, pappardelle al porcini What customers say: "The ambiance was authentic, friendly and attentive service, and the food amazing. It was a great double birthday celebration. We look forward to going back soon. Bravo to Chef DiCarlo & the team," wrote a Yelp user named Michael T. Learn more about Fratellino here. 4. GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine in Covina, California GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine. Omar A./Yelp What to order: Veggie combo, G's special What customers say: "First time I've had Ethiopian food so I wasn't sure what to expect. I am now a fan if it's always this delicious and aromatic. We ordered the large mixed vegetable platter for the four of us and it was just the right amount of food. The server was attentive and brought us extra wraps before we ran out. You must give this place a try," wrote a Yelp user named Anna C. Learn more about GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine here. 3. Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido, California Sunny Side Kitchen. Anne F./Yelp What to order: Breakfast sandwich, meatloaf panini What customers say: "The friendly staff greets us warmly every time we come. The menu is simple - paninis, soup, salad. I like that they offer the option to do half a panini too! And while simple, the food is still delicious and comforting. I do think that over the years it's declined a bit but it's still a great place to grab a simple lunch or breakfast. The interior is small and cozy but they also offer outside seating," wrote a Yelp user named Karen W. Learn more about Sunny Side Kitchen here. 2. Menya Rui in St. Louis, Missouri Menya Rui. Sean P./Yelp What to order: Pork shoyu ramen, chicken shoyu ramen What customers say: "Menta Rui has become the bar by which I measure other ramen joints. The tsukemen is my current favorite. The service is always warm and friendly. Definitely get the fried chicken bites appetizer and any of the ramens or tsukemen. Your tastebuds will rejoice and your body will do an involuntary happy dance," wrote a Yelp user named Martin M. Learn more about Menya Rui here. 1. Tumerico in Tucson, Arizona Tumerico. Ronna M./Yelp What to order: Cuban tacos, al pastor tacos What customers say: "We are a vegetarian family of four - blown away by our experience at Tumerico! The recipes were super creative and the quality and execution were amazing. Loved the smoky red hot sauce and the green cilantro sauce. This was the best meal we had in Tucson over the whole trip. We will be back next time we are in town," wrote a Yelp user named Christopher G. Learn more about Tumerico here. Read the original article on Business Insider Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has said the EU is eager to start disbursements of funds allocated by the 50 billion Ukraine Facility programme agreed upon last week. Source: von der Leyen on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU Commission president welcomed the political agreement between the EU Council and the European Parliament on allocating 50 billion to Ukraine, hailing it as an essential step forward. "Europe is true to its word. We will continue to deliver much-needed funding and predictability for our brave partner and aspiring member. We aim to start payments in March," von der Leyen tweeted. Earlier, the Ukrainian government also indicated that Ukraine expects to receive the first tranche of macro-financial support payments from the EU, in the amount of 4.5 billion, under the Ukraine Facility programme in March. Background: On Thursday, 1 February, EU leaders overcame Hungary's long-standing resistance and reached an agreement on a 50 billion macro-financial assistance programme for Ukraine. The programme provides for four years of funding. The summit's conclusions state that Ukraine will be able to receive funds if it meets a number of preconditions. It also mentions that EU leaders will hold annual debates on the programme, and in two years, they may propose to the European Commission a review of the entire multi-year financial framework. Support UP or become our patron! A PlayStation and a wallet were stolen on Monday evening when seven suspects broke into a home in Pittsburghs Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood. Pittsburgh police were called to the 1500 block of Oakdene Street at 5 p.m. Two men were inside the home at the time of the invasion. Police said six males and one female broke into the house. The female approached the home and was used as a decoy to gain entry by asking to use a phone charger before the suspects kicked in the front door, according to police. Police said the victims believed one of the actors had a gun and another possibly had a knife. The men who were home at the time were able to escape through a second-story window. Neither of them were hurt. No suspect information is available at this time. The investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: ON THIS DAY: Feb. 5, 2010, Snowmageddon paralyzed Mid-Atlantic FDA: Recalled Philips BiPAP, CPAP machines tied to more than 560 deaths Cyber attack targets Pennsylvania Courts website VIDEO:Witness recalls moment when shots rang out during deadly shooting at baby shower in Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Federal prosecutors in New York have accused 70 current and former employees of the nations largest public housing authority of bribery and extortion for allegedly pocketing more than $2 million in cash payments for no-bid repair contracts. In what Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, called the largest single-day bribery takedown in the history of the Justice Department, the scheme involved nearly a third of New York Citys 335 public housing developments home to one in 17 New Yorkers. The defendants, arrested in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and North Carolina, allegedly used their jobs at NYCHA to line their own pockets on no-bid repairs contracts under $10,000, Williams said in a statement Tuesday. NYCHA residents deserve better, Williams said. The culture of corruption at NYCHA ends today. New York City Housing Authority CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt said in a statement the defendants put their greed first and violated the trust of our residents, their fellow NYCHA colleagues and all New Yorkers. These actions are counter to everything we stand for as public servants and will not be tolerated in any form, she said, adding the agency will cooperate with law enforcement to rid the Authority of malfeasance. The defendants allegedly demanded about 10% to 20% of the contract value, or between $500 and $2,000 depending on the size of the contract, prosecutors said. Some defendants demanded higher amounts. They awarded more than $13 million in faster and smaller no-bid contracts awarded from designated staff at the developments where the work was to be performed. At least five of the 70 current and former housing authority employees charged Tuesday were involved in bribery and extortion schemes dating to 2013, prosecutors said. The citys housing authority plagued for decades by lead paint hazards, rat infestations, inadequate heating, and broken elevators receives more than $1.5 billion in federal funding each year. The charges against the 70 defendants included solicitation and receipt of a bribe, extortion, destruction of evidence, false statements, and conspiracy offenses, according to prosecutors. The developments where the defendants allegedly sought bribes are in all five of the citys boroughs. In a statement, New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said the city housing authority has agreed to significant reforms to its no-bid contracting process as a result of the case. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The New Hampshire attorney general named the apparent sources of a mysterious fake Joe Biden robocall last month, and the Federal Communications Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter to a Texas telecom company seeking to halt future bogus calls. The incident is the highest-profile controversy to use AI during the 2024 campaign, and comes as the technology faces growing scrutiny over its ability to create realistic deepfakes and spread misinformation. The FCC issued a cease-and-desist order Tuesday to Lingo Telecom, a Texas entity that carried the robocalls on its phone network. The FCC partnered with the New Hampshire State Attorney Generals Office, which separately issued a cease-and-desist order to Life Corporation, a Texas entity that allegedly made the robocalls. New Hampshire officials accused Life of violating the states voter suppression laws, and also identified Walter Monk as a source of these calls. Monk and Life didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Lingo suspended services to Life after being informed of the investigation, according to New Hampshire officials. The FCCs partnership and fast action in this matter sends a clear message that law enforcement and regulatory agencies are staying vigilant and are working closely together to monitor and investigate any signs of AI being used maliciously to threaten our democratic process, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said in a statement. In a statement to POLITICO, Lingo Telecom said it took quick action to help investigators. "Upon receiving an inquiry on this matter, Lingo acted immediately by conducting an investigation into the calls at issue in order to aid in the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Forces efforts," Lingo said. "On the same day we were contacted by the Task Force, we quickly identified and suspended the involved account, and will continue to cooperate with federal and state investigators to bring a resolution to this matter. Lingo remains committed to upholding the highest standards of customer care in compliance with all its regulatory obligations." FCC officials also asked other telecom providers to beware of suspicious phone traffic carried by Lingo and said they may begin blocking calls from Lingo if they notify the agency of their decision to do so. The commission said it could order other providers to block Lingos traffic if the illegal robocalls continue. Enforcers noted that both Lingo and Life have been accused of robocall violations in the past. Enforcement officials said theyre increasingly concerned about how AI technology can be used to meddle in elections. The increasing reliance on AI-generated voices to deceive the public, including as part of election disinformation campaigns, is a rapidly growing problem, Loyaan Egal, who heads the FCCs Enforcement Bureau, said in a statement. We will utilize every tool available to ensure that U.S. communications networks are not used to facilitate the harmful misuse of AI technologies. New Hampshire households began receiving the robocalls on Jan. 21, two days before the primary. The calls included an artificial voice recording of Biden that told voters to stay home and save their vote for the November presidential election. The impersonation of Bidens voice conveyed the following message: Republicans have been trying to push nonpartisan and democratic voters to participate in their primary. What a bunch of malarkey. We know the value of voting democratic when our votes count. Its important that you save your vote for the November election. Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again. Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) An Aiken mother is now charged with Murder following an investigation into death of a 3-year-old in September 2023. 26-year-old Carolyn Scott is accused of Homicide by Child Abuse. She was arrested Monday, February 5, and is being held without bond. ALSO ON WJBF: Man speaks out after mistaken arrest for bank robbery suspect in Wrens In September, after the death of her daughter, 3-year-old Riley Scott, Carolyn was charged with two counts of Unlawful Neglect of Child or Helpless Person by Legal Custodian. If convicted, Scott is facing sentencing of 20 years to Life in the state of South Carolina. An autopsy showed that Rileys cause of death was an acute mixed drug intoxication of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, declaring it a homicide. Warrants state that that Carolyn likely waited over an hour before calling 911 for medical assistance. The home was described as deplorable, with no running water and uncapped syringes, foil and drugs within reach of the children living there. ALSO: Body of missing Augusta man Kendall Brown found in wooded area on Patriot Drive For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Ukrainian air defence assets and personnel shot down a Russian Kh-59 air-launched missile in the skies over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the afternoon of 6 February. Source: Air Command Skhid (East) Details: A unit of this Air Command reportedly destroyed an Kh-59 air-launched missile in the Dnipro district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Never let anyone tell you Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene doesnt have a platform. On Monday, the MAGA lawmaker put a double whammy on record: that she doesnt want the federal government helping families, and she actually loves airline fees. After Joe Biden called for airlines to limit fees for families who want to sit next to each other on the plane, the Georgia representative blew a gasket. Whats next? Joe Biden using his power as president to demand kids eat free at all restaurants too? Greene posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Why dont you do your job and CLOSE THE BORDER instead of pandering for votes!!! Whats next? Joe Biden using his power as president to demand kids eat free at all restaurants too? Why dont you do your job and CLOSE THE BORDER instead of pandering for votes!!! https://t.co/doVFUuRYRw Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) February 5, 2024 Never mind that Greenes own party is at fault for the lack of a border deal, as GOP leadership has spent months systematically killing any possibility of an agreement. On Sunday, the Senate unveiled a $118 billion bipartisan agreement to address security at the U.S.-Mexico border, offering exactly the kind of bill that Republicans had been requesting. And yet House Speaker Mike Johnson said the package would be dead on arrival in the lower chamber. Greene also rejected the 370-page deal just hours after it was announced, alleging that anyone who supports it must be a foreign agent. House Republicans have to decide. Do they want to solve the problem? Or do they want to keep playing politics with the border? Ive made my decision. Im ready to solve the problem. Im ready to secure the border. And so are the American people, Biden said in a statement on Monday. I urge Congress to come together and swiftly pass this bipartisan agreement. Get it to my desk so I can sign it into law immediately, he continued. Meanwhile, Greene has spent her own valuable time fruitlessly attacking progressives. Last week, instead of working with her colleagues to coordinate a border package that actually would pass muster in the Senate, Greene drew up a censure resolution against Representative Ilhan Omar, utilizing a bad-faith translation of one of her speeches in Somali to claim that the Muslim lawmaker is working as a foreign agent. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Austin Independent School District Police Department is warning of fraudulent calls from people identifying themselves as AISD PD employees. The district said in a statement Tuesday that theyve received reports from community members who say they have received calls claiming they have active arrest warrants. The callers ask for Social Security numbers and other sensitive information, the district said. AISD says it would not ask for personal information of this nature over the phone. If youve received a similar call, the district asks you to call Austin 311 to make a non-emergency report. Your safety and security are our utmost priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us combat this fraudulent activity, the district told parents in an email. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A Massachusetts middle school sent a letter to parents on Monday asking them for help as dozens of students have been terrorizing a local grocery store on days when they are dismissed from class early, building forts out of paper towels and toppling displays, educators said. Over the weekend, I was contacted by the director of Shaws Market, who shared alarming information regarding a troubling trend involving our middle school students who visit Shaws on half days, Medway Middle School Principal Amanda Luizzi wrote in an email to parents. Educators said about 100 students have been visiting Shaws at 65 Main Street on half days, wreaking havoc inside the store as customers try to shop. It was reported that a growing number of students are engaging in disruptive behavior while visiting the store. This includes building forts out of paper towels, riding in carriages and electric carts, knocking over displays, and even stealing merchandise, Luizzi wrote. These actions pose a risk to the students involved and customers of Shaws. They also reflect poorly on our school community. In a statement shared with Boston 25 News, a spokesperson for the West Bridgewater-based grocery chain also said that the disruptive behaviors have been negatively impacting the customer shopping experience. Shaws strives to provide all of our customers a safe and welcoming shopping experience. Because of the close proximity of our Medway store to the local school, large groups of students have been visiting the store, the spokesperson said. Unfortunately, a group of these students engaged in disruptive behaviors that negatively impacted other customers shopping experiences. Luizzi stressed in the letter to parents that its important that students act respectfully when in public and asked them to speak with their children. I am asking all families to partner with the school and have a conversation with their children about the importance of respectful behavior - in Shaws, in any business in the Plaza, and school, Luizzi added. Please also speak with students about the potential consequences of their actions should this behavior continue. As of Tuesday, Shaws said it had not implemented a ban on students entering its Medway store. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Aldermen took aim Monday at two sacred cows of policing in Chicago: How officers are deployed around the city and when they have to leave their jobs. The City Councils Committee on Police and Fire voted to require the Chicago Police Department to conduct a citywide staffing analysis. The ordinance could lead to a push for widespread changes to where and when police are deployed if passed by the full council. Such debates can get heated, as certain areas of the city stand to lose patrol officers while others gain them. Aldermen also considered raising the age at which police and firefighters are required to retire from 63 to 65, an effort that would give department veterans the opportunity to keep working longer. Concerns about police staffing levels hovered over the back-to-back discussions. The effort to fill long-standing vacancies in hundreds of police jobs has left Chicago with a department that has gotten very young, very quickly, Chief of Constitutional Policing and Reform Angel Novalez told aldermen. The Police Department is backing the mandatory retirement age change in a bid to retain older cops, Novalez said. We lose those informal leaders and that institutional knowledge walks out the door with retirement, he said. The departments effort to recover from a sharp 2021 decline in its sworn workforce prompted it last spring to try to win back retirees and officers in other jurisdictions with sweeteners such as salary credit for time served elsewhere and lowered exam requirements. Police leaders have also doled out overtime pay and canceled holidays, costly moves that have led to officer burnout and hurt morale. The number of sworn CPD members has held nearly steady for two years, with a roughly 100-person increase to 11,780 members since Mayor Brandon Johnson took office in June. Johnsons first budget eliminated more than 800 of the around 1,440 vacant street cop positions and created almost 400 new civilian positions, which his administration touted as a way to free up more officers to patrol. His administration also agreed in October to a contract with the union representing rank-and-file police officers that would provide a roughly 20% raise to officers over four years. Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara predicted before the 2023 mayoral runoff that as many as 1,000 officers would leave if Johnson won, an estimate that has so far proven wrong. At Mondays committee meeting, Catanzara threw the police unions support behind the mandatory retirement age change. Many officers go out the door clawing and scratching when they are forced to retire at 63 now, he said. They do not want to leave, Catanzara said. If they have the opportunity to stay, many of them will take that opportunity. If more officers who can retire stay on the force, more workers will be paying into the police pension fund and fewer pensioners will be cashing out, he said. While the Police Department and the rank-and-file police union support the change, the proposal drew criticism from Chicago Fire Department leaders. The tweak would amount to aging the department, a tough sell for an intensely demanding pursuit that would also leave younger firefighters less likely to get promotions, CFD Chief of Special Operations Jamar L. Sullivan said. Before we just decide, I think we should take a look and make sure that it is the absolute best force, Sullivan said. While most aldermen spoke in support of the change, Ald. Nick Sposato, 38th, argued it was a terrible idea for the Fire Department. Its a young mans job, said Sposato, himself a Fire Department veteran. You got to be ready to go. The committee will vote on the proposal in coming months after more hearings, committee chair and ordinance sponsor Ald. Chris Taliaferro, 29th, said. The committee also voted Monday to put up for a City Council vote an ordinance that would require a sweeping study of how police are deployed across Chicago. If passed, the ordinance would compel the Police Department and partners to use data to design a strategy for the politically thorny question of where and when officers should be deployed. The ordinance says the study shall use a data-driven allocation methodology that shall be used moving forward to adjust department staffing, though similar studies have not led to changes in the way officers are deployed. The University of Chicago Crime Lab completed a similar analysis in 2021 that showed deployment levels decline during the weekend overnight time periods when shootings are going up. However, a year later, police Superintendent David Brown called the study lacking. He announced plans to seek his own officer deployment evaluation plans that never came together before he left his post in March 2023. Members of the public and our body deserve more transparency around how staffing decisions are made, sponsor Ald. Matt Martin, 47th, said as he introduced the ordinance Monday. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling made news recently when he announced he would suspend a deployment initiative in which officers are assigned to sit in their cars downtown in high-visibility areas as a crime deterrent. The study would be completed by a third-party group within a year and cost around $1 million, Martin said. Philanthropic groups have already offered to pay the bill, he added. Through better scheduling and officer placement, the study could help reduce police response time and the canceled days of that have long-plagued officers, Martin said. Were required to do this by the consent decree, weve been talking about it for many years in fits and starts. I believe now is the time to get it done, he said. Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, said he supports the effort to reconsider police deployment, but thinks there must first be clearer metrics for how consultants will determine where police are needed. The University of Chicagos 2021 study considered metrics such as the location and time of shootings, GPS information from police vehicles and response times. We, as a body, need to set some standards, Ervin said. Walking into this, we have to have some objective points that we have laid out. Each of the departments 22 districts has between 239 and 371 officers assigned to patrol, according to data made available by the Office of Inspector General. The most violent and most populated districts Harrison (11th) and Near North (18th), respectively have the most cops on patrol. Meanwhile, the two quietest districts Jefferson Park (16th) and Lincoln (20th) have the fewest. The workforce allocation ordinance passed unopposed in a voice vote, though Sposato and Ald. Silvana Tabares, 23rd, later asked to be recorded as no votes. Chicago Tribunes Sam Charles contributed. DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) announced that it is investigating an officer involved shooting that left one dead in Dale County. According to ALEA, on Monday the agency was alerted about a suspect threatening people with a knife at a local bank in Ozark, Alabama, in Dale County. A trooper assigned to ALEAs Highway Patrol Division attempted to stop the individual, later identified as 47-year-old Boyd Douglass Phillips from Ozark. ALEA says the attempted turned into a vehicle pursuit leading to the 100 block of Hub Street in Ozark. City of Auburn reminds locals about political, campaign sign regulations Phillips fled into a nearby home a barricaded himself inside. ALEA SWAT and several law enforcement personnel were called to the scene to assist. During the incident, ALEA said officers with ALEA SWAT fired multiple shots, striking Phillips. ALEA says Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene and no officers were injured in the incident. As of now, ALEA said the incident is still under investigation. Once the investigation is complete, ALEA will hand over evidence to the Dale County District Attorneys Office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. The Virginia Soprano Homeless Resource Center on Jackson Street is in dire need of financial funding to help cover expenses associated with building maintenance. Recently a GoFundMe was set up by Cenla Homeless Coalition Board member Celise Reech-Harper with a goal of raising $65,000. The Virginia Soprano Homeless Resource Center on Jackson Street in Alexandria is in dire need of financial funding to help cover expenses associated with building maintenance. Recently a GoFundMe was set up by Cenla Homeless Coalition Board member Celise Reech-Harper with a goal of raising $65,000. So far they have raised over $2,000 which is still a lot less than what is needed to maintain the center. Other board members like Linda Carpenter are selling jewelry at Pineville Treasure Chest Too and Wildwood Pizza is also helping out through their Tuesday program Pizza with a Purpose. They are working with their bank to set up a QR code for people to scan so donations will go directly to the CLHC bank account. Donors can also mail checks to the center at 1515 Jackson Street, Alexandria, La., 71301, making payables to the Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition or CLHC CLHC has an account with the Central Louisiana Community Foundation and there is a QR code for it on the CLHC Facebook page but it is more like longterm savings, she said. "It's wonderful because it's free to us and we actually can earn dividends on the money that's in it, but we can't access any of it. So if you want to get money out of that account, it takes like two weeks to get it out. So, it's not a quick thing. But what we need is that influx of cash in our bank account, said Wynn. The center already has partnerships in place with churches and other community organizations to get food, clothing and hygiene items during the week, said CLHC executive director Kitty Wynn. Those kinds of things are easy to get from the community. The problem is, is getting people to do cash donations or to support us financially, said Wynn. But more is needed to help with day-to-day expenses of operating the center, said Wynn. They have come to a point where they cant overcome the shortage that they have even though they have grant money from HUD and the Louisiana Housing Corporation, but they have very specific parameters for how the money can be used. Now they do cover some expenses like partial salaries, overhead, utilities, things like that, but still not enough to meet what we need to cover all that. Especially with the center, she said. The center is the only one of its kind in Central Louisiana where the homeless can go for free to do laundry, take a shower, access Wi-Fi or get a phone, said Wynn. The center provides laundry detergent, towels, washcloths and other basic supplies. Demand for their services is going up so they have to spend more money to meet those needs. We serve 25 to 50 people a day. So,you think about the two showers and two laundries going from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. non-stop. We have the capacity to have 32 showers a day, and some days we meet that. It's constant wear and tear, maintenance on stuff like that, she said. Alexandria utilities are expensive, but they try to cut costs as much as possible by being mindful of the heating and air conditioning temperatures and other things they are using, she said. Another cost they have is insurance. "Insurance is super, super expensive and we have to have all those kinds of coverages. For the most part when our funding is working as it should, we have a lot of that's covered, but we still have a gap in that funding even after the grant money, she said. And if we don't fill this gap and we're probably going to end up looking at closing at some point, she said. Hopefully, that won't ever come into play, but we are in a position right now that we could shut the doors. Getting emotional, Wynn said that its hard for people to understand that many of the homeless they see around the city are products of their environment. And now have been victimized by that environment. It's hard for people to understand that a lot of them dont even realize that this is a different way of life for them. This is all they know, she said. For most who see panhandlers around the city, its hard to dehumanize them, said Wynn. Handing money over to them to feed themselves is one thing ,but for the most part she said most have substance abuse or mental health disorders. It's pretty much, more often than not, going to go to something toward drug use or alcohol than something that's actually a basic need, she said. And that's where we kind of come in, to provide those basic needs. Then there are those who end up here by happenstance. Wynn said they held a fundraiser to help sent a man back to Montana. He had been living on the streets around here for years. He's living with his family and working in Montana and doing well, she said. One of his biggest problems was substance use and getting him away from that crowd, that environment of drug use. And he's calling us now and telling us how good he's doing and how cold it is in Montana. There are so many successes that nobody sees. Others include helping people get IDs, housing and jobs. They recently helped one person get a bicycle so they could get to work. Without the center, those who utilize it now would probably seek aid from churches, other organizations or the City of Alexandria. The city used to partner with us. They used to support the agency, but they dont anymore, she said. So they would probably be hanging around the city a lot more, more crime, trying to raise money to have the means to take care of basic needs. Its hard for someone with mental health issues to have people on their side, she said. They don't understand drug use. They think, Why did they start? Why did that happen? And it can happen to anybody, said Wynn. It could happen from an injury. It could happen from some traumatic event in their life. There's just so much stuff. We all have situational things that pop up. Some of us don't have the resources to handle them like other people do. This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Alexandria homeless center in dire need of funds to help with building costs Mayor Craig Greenberg stands with city and community leaders to announce the renovation timeline for the Algonquin Pool. The Algonquin Park pool will reopen in the spring of 2025 following extensive renovations, Mayor Craig Greenberg and other city leaders announced Tuesday. Demolition of the old pool is set to start now and new construction will begin in the spring, Greenberg said. We are working together with urgency to deliver on the promise of a great pool for this park, which had not seen the investments needed since it opened in 1968," he said. "Now, its going to be one of the best in our city and I cant wait to see it come to life. The pool closed just before last summer due to "persistent leaks" and other issues, spurring frustration from West End residents. In response, families were offered a limited supply of YMCA memberships and Kentucky Kingdom passes. The Transit Authority of River City also provided free and discounted rides around Louisville. In a May 30 press conference discussing the pool's closure, Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, who represents the area, accused the city of racism in its slowness to repair western Louisville's only public pool option. Since then she has been "a thorn" in the sides of the Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation Department and administration, she said on Tuesday, and is grateful for their work and collaboration. "As elected officials, we have to hold people accountable that we put in these seats," she said. "Thank you to Mayor Greenberg and his administration for fighting alongside me to make this vision happen." An exterior rendering of the what the Algonquin Pool is expected to look like following renovations. Greenberg is thrilled the project was fully funded, he said. In December, the Louisville Metro Council voted to approve Greenberg's plan to reallocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan money to the city's parks and libraries including the Algonquin Park pool. "I think my colleagues on Metro Council and I are tired of the days when cities would announce projects that were partially funded, and they'd be talking about it forever and ever and ever and they would never get done," he said. "We want to take a different approach." When the pool reopens, it will have a family slide, lily pad bridge, zero-depth entry ramp, climbing wall and a vortex, Greenberg said. A rendering of the what the Algonquin Pool is expected to look like following renovations. And while it will be more than a year before the pool is complete, Greenberg also announced Algonquin Park will offer free public WiFi "with five total access points" that should be completed by the end of the week. However, it is unclear what programs will be available to West End residents for the summer of 2024. Greenberg and Hawkins said they are looking into options. "We're working on plans right now not just for Algonquin neighbors, but for other neighbors across the city for summer programming," Greenberg said. "And we hope to have some announcements in the near future about that." Hawkins added that she is looking to bring programming to Algonquin "close to where the pool is going to be" and that "we're going to give more options this year, but more structure." She also added that she hopes to secure funding for a "bubble" to enclose the pool in the future. "The West deserves the best," she said. "It's been well overdue and this is just the beginning. The second phase is the bubble." Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or at @ellie_mccrary on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Algonquin Park pool to reopen in the spring of 2025 with new amenities ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An alleged drug dealer has been charged with murder after a Fentanyl overdose in Abilene. Jerrill Russell was taken into custody on a warrant for 1st Degree Felony Murder in connection to the death of Jessalynn Sturgill, who was found dead of an overdose inside an Abilene home in May 2022. Court documents state investigators found Sturgill deceased next to a rolled up $5 bill, a lighter, and a baggie containing a blue pill and blue powder matching the color of the pill. Detectives suspected the pill may have been counterfeit Percocet that was really fentanyl. The documents state lab analysis confirmed those suspicions after the pill tested positive for fentanyl. A search of Sturgills phone revealed she was texting a contacted named Unk Russell asking for perks, which is slang for oxycodone or Percocet, according to the documents, which reveal Strugill had texted Russell asking for pills multiple times in the days leading up to her death. The messages also indicated she received the pills. After reading the messages, the documents state Investigators determined Russell brought her pills within 30 minutes of her time of death. An autopsy showed Strugill did died from acute Fentanyl intoxication, and also had another drug she had a prescription for in her system. Unk Russell was identified as Jerrill Russell, and the documents state that when he was interviewed, he denied knowing Strugill but admitted the phone number she had been texting was his. Russell now remains held in the Taylor County Jail on a $20,000 bond. In September 2023, Texas House Bill 6 went into effect, which allows prosecutors to charge alleged drug dealers with 1st Degree Murder if a victim they sold drugs too died from Fentanyl. Taylor County District Attorney James Hicks says this may be the first time an alleged drug dealer has been charged with murder in Taylor County under these conditions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A rideshare driver who allegedly sexually assaulted a passenger in unincorporated San Bernardino County has been taken into custody after he fled to Mexico and then returned to California. Antonio Ochoa, a 50-year-old San Bernardino resident, was giving a ride to a 37-year-old woman on Jan. 6, 2023, after she summoned a vehicle on a ride-hailing app, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release. On the drive, Ochoa reached over the center console and sexually assaulted the victim, the CHP said. During the commission of the sexual assault, Ochoa brandished a firearm and continued his sexual assault via means of intimidation and fear. Ochoa wouldnt let the woman leave until she provided him with personal information, something she did while fearing for her safety, the CHP said. After this, Ochoa fled to Mexico, though at some point, he came back to California where he was arrested on Thursday. He faces charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime. He was due to appear in court Monday afternoon and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail at the Central Detention Center. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is encouraged to call Officer Lomenick at 909-383-4247. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. St. Ambrose Universitys Rogalski Center in Davenport is hosting two special events this month. The founder of Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR), Dr. Diya Abdo, is visiting Thursday, Feb. 22 (7 to 9 p.m.), to speak in the Rogalski ballroom, 518 W. Locust St. Dr. Diya Abdo, English professor at Guilford College in North Carolina, is founder of Every Campus a Refuge. St. Ambrose is its first chapter in Iowa. She will present a lecture and discussion about what we all can do to be more inclusive of refugees as a community. St. Ambrose University was the first university in Iowa to join ECAR and is currently hosting a refugee family from Congo to provide them support as they adjust to life in the U.S., according to a Monday SAU release. The keynote is titled American Refuge: The Refugee Experience and the Power of Radical Hospitality. The event is free and open to the public, and being hosted in partnership with World Relief Quad Cities and Tapestry Farms. Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR) is a higher-education initiative founded in 2015 at Guilford College, Greensboro, N.C. Abdo believes in a radical reimagination of higher education and campus life. ECAR has furthered its mission to partner every U.S. higher education institution with local refugee resettlement agencies as co-sponsors to host refugees on campus and now has 16 chapters across the country, the Ambrose release says. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m., Rogalski Center will host a special screening of With This Light, a documentary about Sister Maria Rosa Leggol of Honduras. With This Light is a documentary about Sister Maria Rosa Leggol of Honduras (1926-2020), who has been called the Mother Teresa of Honduras. Over the course of 70 years, she helped over 87,000 Honduran children escape poverty and violence through an ecosystem of social, educational and entrepreneurial projects, inspiring an international network of supporters, the SAU release said. The film follows two young women in Sisters programs as they try to navigate the uncertainty and dangers of modern Honduras. The Feb. 27 screening is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to provide a donation to support the nine members of the St. Ambrose community going to Honduras this spring break to serve with Global Brigades. One of our core values at St. Ambrose University is service. Sister Maria Rosa Leggol exemplifies this value and many others through her selfless and compassionate mission to help children escape the dangers of poverty and violence, the university release says. The Campus Ministry department and Institute for Person-Centered Care at St. Ambrose are pleased to present this documentary screening to inspire our next generation of helpers through the story of Sister Maria Rosa. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. An Ames resident was arrested in an animal hoarding case discovered in December. Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control staff rescued 27 cats from an Ames apartment on Dec. 13. Authorities have arrested an Ames resident for allegedly hoarding and neglecting animals in what one veterinarian described as the worst conditions they had seen. Jennifer Thompson, 42, was apprehended on Thursday, Feb. 1, for two counts of animal neglect and one count of animal neglect with injury after police officers found 27 cats living in her apartment in unsanitary conditions. Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control staff rescued the cats living in Thompson's apartment on Dec. 13. Property management alerted the Ames Police Department that the apartment on Tripp Street was full of garbage and animal waste. Police said they could hear animals inside the apartment, but nobody answered the door when they arrived. Feces were found along the doorway's threshold and flies were coming from under the door. More: Hoarding cases motivate Ames Animal Shelter to warn of proper cat care The 27 cats had access to only one litter box, according to court documents, while their food and water was placed in and around animal waste. Excess animal waste covered much of the apartment along the floor and most of an uncovered mattress. Garbage was scattered throughout the home, and flies littered the apartment walls. Thompson was evicted from the apartment on Tripp Street where the cats were living and had not found a new residence before authorities entered her home on Dec. 13, according to a City of Ames petition. More: An Ames bioscience company is producing renewable fuels. How a $50K loan will help Ames Animal Shelter staff has been hard at work providing care for the 27 rescued cats, who have been treated for upper respiratory infection, fleas, ticks and internal parasites. Cats treated for neglect, sickness A local veterinarian identified signs of respiratory disease in several rescued cats, including runny eyes, noses, and coughing. The veterinarian described it as one of the worst situations [they had] seen for animal conditions and neglect of basic needs" in their 47 years of veterinary practice and animal welfare. Twenty-five cats needed multiple medications to cure parastate infections after arriving at the animal shelter, according to a statement from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Additionally, all but one of those cats required treatment for ear mites, a secondary bacterial infection. One of the 27 kittens rescued in a December hoarding case lost one of its eyes due to an untreated corneal ulcer and may experience a reduction in 50 percent of its vision. Eleven of the cats received antibiotic treatment for feline upper respiratory infections, which included congestion, sneezing, and eye problems. Specifically, three kittens between two to six months old had severe viral infections. One of the kittens had a corneal ulcer that required surgical removal. Another kitten was found with corneal ulcers in both eyes and is being treated at the animal shelter. Thompson allegedly said she knew the kitten needed medical care but didnt have the funds to take it to a veterinarian. Instead, she admitted to giving the kitten expired oral antibiotics. The 42-year-old allegedly has a history of turning over sick cats to local animal shelters, according to court documents. Many of the 27 cats will require ongoing medical or surgical care for their problems, according to court documents, with a few requiring special permanent care because of vision loss. A preliminary hearing for Thompson's case has been scheduled for Feb. 9. More: As Perry High students returned to class after shooting, some parents want more security Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames woman arrested for hoarding nearly 30 cats in 'unsanitary' conditions FILE PHOTO: An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lillys weight loss drug, is displayed in New York FILE PHOTO: An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lillys weight loss drug, is displayed in New York By Deena Beasley (Reuters) - The popularity of a new generation of weight-loss medicines is inspiring a growing number of drugmakers to pursue paths emulating Eli Lilly's highly-effective Zepbound, but Amgen is taking a unique approach. Zepbound, which promotes the most weight loss among treatment options currently on the market, stimulates two different gut hormones to fight obesity, GLP-1 and GIP. Amgen's most advanced experimental candidate activates GLP-1 while blocking GIP. It says its goal is quicker weight loss, less frequent dosing and possibly better weight maintenance. At stake is a slice of an obesity market some analysts forecast could reach as much as $150 billion a year, and a significant boost to Amgen's current revenue growth forecast. GLP-1, which releases insulin from the pancreas and promotes feelings of fullness, was first studied for diabetes, leading to Novo Nordisk's successful GLP-1 drug Ozempic, which under the brand name Wegovy is the top-selling treatment for weight loss. Lilly's Zepbound, which is also sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, is quickly catching up to Wegovy. Amgen said its drug, maridebart cafraglutide, or MariTide, was developed after genetic population data from its deCode genetics unit linked decreased activity of the GIP receptor to lower fat mass and body weight. Scientists say much is still unknown about how different hormones interact to affect appetite and metabolism. Narimon Honarpour, Amgen's head of global clinical development, said combining a GIP receptor blockade with GLP-1 stimulation had the strongest impact on weight reduction compared to other strategies. He said animal and early-stage human trial data published on Monday show that MariTide promotes weight loss and improves metabolic markers with an acceptable safety profile. The highest tested dose in a small Phase 1 trial led to 14.5% weight loss over 12 weeks. Results from a mid-stage study are expected late this year. Both Zepbound and Wegovy are given as weekly injections. Amgen's Phase 2 program is exploring several injection dosing regimens, including monthly and less frequent shots. Amgen has other experimental weight-loss medicines in its pipeline, including an oral drug in Phase 1 testing. DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH Amgen shares are up more than 30% over the past year, closing at an all-time high of $323 on Friday, compared with an 8% drop for the NYSE Arca Biotech Index, after the company in late 2022 unveiled initial MariTide trial results. With its current products and others in development, including cancer and rare disease drugs, Amgen is looking at "solid mid-single-digit growth, although clearly an obesity win could move this into double-digit growth territory," Morningstar analyst Karen Anderson said. A weight-loss drug launch from Amgen would not happen before 2026, she said. The company, which reports quarterly results on Tuesday, declined to comment on a timeline. Companies including Novo Nordisk, Structure Therapeutics and recent Roche acquisition Carmot Technologies, are developing dual GLP-1/GIP "agonists," the term scientists use to describe a chemical that activates a receptor to initiate a biological response. Lilly's head of diabetes and metabolic research, Ruth Gimeno, in an email said the company has "a high level of confidence in GIP agonism." Dr. Louis Aronne, director of Weill Cornell Medicine's weight control center and a Novo trial investigator, said there is a theory that turning the receptor both on and off works for weight loss because GIP stimulation may eventually cause the receptors to stop working. "No one really understands why they both work," he said. Dr. Caroline Apovian, co-director at Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Weight Management and Wellness, said it could also be that GIP allows more GLP-1 receptors to open up. Amgen's approach is rooted in linking a GLP-1 component to an antibody that inhibits GIP, Honarpour explained. "Our construct allows different pharmacology... When we give our last dose, the effects seem to be prolonged," he said. Morningstar's Anderson said GIP antagonism could cause issues with insulin and she will examine the Phase 2 data when available for how the drug effects blood sugar levels. There have also been questions about MariTide's effect on bone mineral density. Amgen has not seen an association, but the current study is tracking that, Honarpour said. "Obesity is the disease that causes all of the others," Apovian said. "We need a wide array of options." (Reporting By Deena Beasley; Editing by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot) A ceramic exhibition displaying 48 sets of ancient porcelain works from Jingdezhen, in East China's Jiangxi province was unveiled in Paris on Jan 30, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Held at the Paris China Cultural Center and themed "Porcelain's Journey on Silk Road", the exhibition was organized by the Information Office of Jiangxi provincial government, Jiangxi provincial department of culture and tourism, Centre Culturel de Chine a Paris, and the Jingdezhen city government. According to the organizers, the exhibition doesn't only represent a specific action to enhance Jingdezhen's image as a capital of porcelain standing for thousands of years, but also a bridge of civilization, culture and art exchange between China and France. The opening ceremony was attended by officials including Chen Li, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in France; Anne-Marie Raffarin, wife of former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin; Wang Ying, deputy head of Permanent Delegation of China to UNESCO; Yannick Lintz, president of the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts; as well as more than 180 guests from the French cultural, art and media sectors. Jingdezhen, known as the porcelain capital of China, has produced countless exquisite porcelain works over the centuries. Chinese and French porcelain share many similarities and differences, much like the people of both countries who, despite their differences, have been able to understand and appreciate each other over the past 60 years, Chen said, adding that this ceramic cultural exhibition serves as a bridge of communication between Chinese and French cultures. It is hoped that the guests will appreciate the long-lasting beauty of porcelain and the extraordinary charm of art transcending national boundaries through this exhibition. In his welcome speech, Liu Hongge, director of the Centre Culturel de Chine a Paris, noted that 2024 marks another China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, which provides an opportunity to explore new directions for cooperation and stimulate a new wave of exchanges between China and France. The porcelain exhibition, as one of the key events of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, aims to showcase the historical culture of Chinese ceramics and their development. Lintz expressed her honor to participate in the event, stating that this year is also the year of Chinese culture at the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts, where there will be an exhibition on monochrome glazed porcelain from June to September. Officials from Jingdezhen city government, stated that for thousands of years, as a result of the exchanges along the land and maritime Silk Roads, Jingdezhen ceramics, as a messenger of human civilization exchange, have become an important window for China to reach out to the world and for the world to understand China. Currently, Jingdezhen is striving to build a national ceramic culture inheritance and innovation experimental zone, inheriting ceramic culture, continuing the profound cultural heritage, and promoting the continuous development of Jingdezhen ceramic culture in inheritance and innovation. Musicians from China and France performed the music of Blue and White Porcelain with great passion at the opening ceremony. Representatives from both Jingdezhen and France demonstrated traditional pottery making and painting techniques on site. Subsequently, officials from Jingdezhen hosted a cultural and tourism promotion event, elaborating on Jingdezhen's ceramic and culinary culture as well as the goal of enhancing connectivity with the world, narrating the inheritance of a glorious history and the hope for deepened future exchanges. A documentary named Ingenuity in Pottery: The City of Handicrafts and a cultural and tourism promotional video were also screened at the event. Following the opening ceremony, a lecture with the theme of The Historical and Contemporary Aspects of Ceramic Art showcased the concepts of pottery and porcelain and gave an overview of the historical development of Chinese ceramics and an overview of contemporary ceramic art. Jean Pegouret, a former French engineer who attended the opening ceremony and the lecture said the opening ceremony was impeccable. The music performance made him feel as if he had returned to the China that he was familiar with, and the pottery demonstration from the Jingdezhen Art Museum and expatriate ceramic artists in France allowed him to witness this millennia-old craft up close for the first time. Hugo, a musician who participated in the opening performance said as a French musician, it is a rare chance to have such close contact and involvement in Chinese culture. Against the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, his collaboration with Chinese musicians at this opening ceremony was one of the unforgettable achievements of his lifetime. He looks forward to working together with more Chinese artists to present Chinese-French cultural exchanges in the form of music. The exhibition was divided into five themes of Silk Road Voyage, New Horizons in Porcelain, Myriad Colors of China, The World on Porcelain and Concord among Nations. From the perspective of the long history and exchange of Chinese ceramics, the contemporary innovation and development of Chinese ceramics, the multicultural nature of Chinese culture and its vivid artistic expression, the global expression of civilization through ceramics, and China's development philosophy of peace and friendship" and "treating others with courtesy," the outstanding features of Jingdezhen's ceramic culture as a continuous, innovative, unified, inclusive, and peaceful part of Chinese civilization were fully showcased. The exhibition will continue until Feb 18 and then tour Brussels, Belgium and Berlin, Germany. President of Argentina Javier Milei (2nd L) is received by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz (2nd R) upon his arrival at the airport. -/Argentine President's Office/dpa Argentinian President Javier Milei, who took office in December, arrived in Israel on Tuesday in a show of support for the country as the military campaign against Hamas militants continues in Gaza. "I want to assure Israel of my solidarity and my support for legitimate self-defence against the attacks by Hamas terrorists," he said during talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Milei also reiterated his promise to relocate the Argentinian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The move would break with the view of most of the international community, which believes that the status of Jerusalem should not be prejudged before future peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital, while the Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state of Palestine. Milei planned to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog later on Tuesday. A meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to take place on Wednesday. The Argentinian president also planned to visit holy sites in Jerusalem and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Milei is seen as a loyal ally of Israel and often expresses interest in the Jewish faith. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Pulaski County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth wants residents to be ready on Feb. 20 when early voting begins. Voters will have from Feb. 20 to March 4 to cast their votes at one of 13 sites in the county. Sample ballots and voting locations may be found on the Secretary of States website. Pulaski County voting machines rated 100% accurate in post-election audit Ballots are unique to the voters address. Voters will be able to select Democrat, Republican, or nonpartisan ballots for the judicial election. Hollingsworth said now is a good time to review ballots and take time to research candidates. We are one of 16 states with an open primary allowing voters to vote in any one regardless of their political affiliation, Hollingsworth said. Today is a good day to review your sample ballot, research the candidates, and plan when and where you will early vote. Study shows Arkansas ranks last in voter turnout, how ballot measures intend to bring numbers up Early voting locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Sundays. For this election, the Dunbar Recreation Center will be an early voting site, instead of the Sue Cowen Library, which is closed for renovations. Voting sites: Pulaski County Regional Building: 501 W. Markham St., Little Rock Adolphine Fletcher Terry Library: 2015 Napa Valley Dr, Little Rock Dee Brown Library: 6325 Baseline Rd, Little Rock Dunbar Recreation Center: 1001 W. 16th St, Little Rock First Christian Church of Sherwood: 2803 Kiehl Ave, Sherwood Glenview Community Center: 4800 E. 19th St, North Little Rock Hillary Clinton Childrens Library: 4800 W 10th St., Little Rock Jacksonville Community Center: 5 Municipal Dr, Jacksonville Jess Odom Community Center: 1100 Edgewood Dr, Maumelle John Gould Fletcher Library: 823 Buchanan St, Little Rock Roosevelt Thompson Library: 38 Rahling Cir, Little Rock Sidney S. McMath Library: 2100 John Barrow Rd, Little Rock William F. Laman Library: 2801 Orange St, North Little Rock Monday, March 4, is the final day for voting and the only site open that day is the Pulaski County Regional Building, 501 West Markham in Little Rock. It is closing at 5 p.m. that day. Voter registration deadline approaches in Arkansas: Heres what you need to know Voters with questions should contact Pulaski County Voter Registration at 501-340-8336 or visit PulaskiClerk.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Arkansas lawmakers respond to the border deal that was revealed on February 4 intended to help secure the border between Mexico and the United States and provide aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Republican Sen. John Boozman, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton and Republican Rep. Steve Womack all expressed their issues with the bill on X, formerly known as Twitter. Boozman asked for Sen. Chuck Schumer to allow amendments to the deal. President Biden abandoned proven measures to prevent illegal immigration and secure our border. As the crisis has worsened, instead of using every tool available to the administration to secure the border and stem the flow of illegal immigrants, the presidents open-border policies remain the status quo. While I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues, especially Senator Lankford, on legislation that seeks to accomplish what the president refuses to do, I urge Senator Schumer to allow for an open and transparent amendment process so the voices of additional senators are included in the debate. In the meantime, I urge President Biden to finally get serious and respond to the national security crisis on our southern border. Sen. John Boozman Cotton listed numerous issues he had with the deal. His issues with the bill involve catch and release, asylum seekers, green cards, immigration parole and spending. Womack said the bill incentivizes more illegal immigration. The flaws in the Senate Supplemental are too serious to support. There are just too many bad provisions that will incentivize more illegal immigration. The presidents polices created this disaster, and the policy provisions in the supplemental are simply inadequate. I have said all along that including provisions from H.R. 2 and the House FY24 Homeland Security Appropriations bill is the best way to have a serious negotiation. Ending catch and release, more border wall funding, and restricting asylum claims are essential. This is an issue America can fixjust not with this package. Sen. Steve Womack Senate negotiators unveil long-sought border deal The full supplemental which includes funds for the border, Israel and Ukraine aid, and other foreign policy priorities totals $118 billion, with about $20 billion going to the border component. Lankford called it a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close our open border and give future administrations the effective tools they need to stop the border chaos and protect our nation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he would bring it to the floor this week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton has joined 23 lawmakers to oppose the Biden administrations legal strategy in prosecuting Jan. 6 defendants, and the group is asking the Supreme Court to take action. Cotton joined House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan and 21 other Republicans in filing a brief with the Supreme Court in the case of Joseph Fischer v. The United States. Fisher is accused of entering the Capitol on Jan. 6 and assaulting a police officer. Claims that Jan. 6 rioters are political prisoners endure. Judges want to set the record straight The brief argues that the law the Biden administration is using to prosecute Fisher and others is being misapplied. The laws stated purpose is to prevent tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. A section of that law, United States Code 1512(c)(2), states that anyone who obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding is violating it. Cotton and others state that since the law was passed in the wake of the Enron scandal and designed to prohibit witness tampering and destruction of evidence in financial crime cases, it should not be used against Jan. 6 defendants. This is also the basis of Fischers appeal to the Supreme Court. Ray Epps, a target of Jan. 6 conspiracy theories, gets a year of probation for his Capitol riot role The briefing states that by using the law this way, It criminalizes political conduct and grants the Department of Justice nearly unfettered discretion to prosecute Americans based on the perceived morality of their political beliefs. Cottons statement accompanying the briefing announcement framed the Jan. 6 prosecutions as political and that the Biden administration is weaponizing federal financial law. The Biden administrations pursuit of its political opponents must be stopped, the senator said. Their strained interpretation of the law would criminalize vast swaths of everyday political conduct and violate the First AmendmentCongress never granted, and no administration should have the power to lock up political opponents for 20 years for merely trying to influence Congress. Arkansas senator wants to ban cell phones in schools United States Code 1512(c)(2) is also being used by the Department of Justice in bringing charges against former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A capital murder suspect wanted in the killings of three people at an Arlington apartment complex has been arrested near Greenville, Mississippi, officials said. Larry Reed, 29, was taken into custody around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. He was hiding in an attic, according to Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard Upchurch, and after several hours law enforcement officers persuaded him to exit the house. No weapons were fired and no one was injured, Upchurch said. Reed is in the Washington County Jail waiting extradition to Tarrant County. Arlington police confirmed the arrest in a social media post and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and the Washington County Sheriffs Office for their help in apprehending Reed. The Greenville Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics also aided in Reeds capture, Upchurch said. Reed was known to reside in Arlington and has ties to Mississippi, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service. Arlington police spokesperson Sgt. Courtney White said detectives received a tip from a caller that pointed them in the direction of Reed, and further investigation connected him to the shooting. Reed previously has been convicted of murder and was recently released from prison. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to the June 2012 murder of 18-year-old Obeth Hernandez in a shooting outside a house party in the 1600 block of Geraldine Lane in Arlington, according to Tarrant County court records. He had waived his right to a jury trial and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Reed was released in December 2023. Today's top stories: 4 Fort Worth firefighters injured, 1 critically, in rollover crash Tarrant Public Health employees describe toxic leadership style in HR report Church mourns pastors wife, daughter killed in crash Get free alerts when news breaks. A triple homicide is not something that regularly occurs here in Arlington, and solving this case was our top priority, White said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference. The motive is still under investigation, but police believe Reed knew one of the victims. Arlington police officers responded to the triple homicide at the Chatham Green Village apartment complex in the 3500 block of Chatham Green Lane the night of Jan. 25. They first found a 29-year-old man who had been shot outside an apartment. That victim, identified as Shannen Oshay Jones by the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers entered the apartment to conduct an emergency sweep and found a 29-year-old woman also dead at the scene. The medical examiner identified her as Monique Elaine Smith, and said she died from a gunshot wound to the neck. A 31-year-old man with gunshot wounds was also found inside the apartment. He was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. Detectives believe that Reed knew the 31-year-old, White said. The mans identity hasnt yet been released by the medical examiner. Smiths two young children were at the apartment during the shooting. They werent injured, and officers released them to family members, police said. Evidence found at the scene led investigators to believe the crime was related to high-risk drug activity, according to White. No arrests were immediately made. Witnesses reported seeing a man running away from the scene.